#camp staghorn

[vintagecamping]

Family camping on Staghorn Beach.

Lake Okanagan

1959

#vintage camping #campfire light #lake okanagan #peachland #staghorn beach #57 Edsel #road trips #history #canada

[alice-bad-thoughts]

Day 1: Wolf of the North/Sword of Orynth

Warning: English is not my native language and sometimes I had to use a translator, so there will probably be some mistakes. This is also my first time posting something on Tumblr and participating in an event like this. I'm sorry. 2,589 words @throneofterrasen

Aedion ran a gloved hand over his breastplate. The metal was faded and slightly bent. Aedion could tell when he got every scratch on it, sometimes it was the only thing that saved him from falling, but right now there was no sound in his mind. It was noisy all around - his fey ears allowed him to hear far more than he needed to - but all sounds came to him like through water.

Aedion gripped his horse's reins tighter in his hand and raised his eyes to the approaching bulk of the glass castle. Somewhere to his right, Kyllian rode his gelding, rows of soldiers marched behind him, and just ahead the cavalry carried Adarlan flags. The combination of gold and red made Aedion feel his nausea intensify. Kyllian cast an oblique glance at his pale face, but said nothing. Aedion was grateful for his silence.

He focused on the honour guard approaching them. The soldiers stood at the gate to Rifthold and watched the military detachment just as closely. Aedion inwardly braced himself in preparation for a thorough inspection and furtively tried to comb the tangles in his hair with his fingers.

More than a month ago, high in the Staghorns Mountain, the Bane Legion had been overtaken by a royal messenger and informed that His Majesty wanted to see Aedion in the glass castle. Aedion twisted as soon as he left. And then several more times throughout the night. He still didn't know why he was here, and the further he travelled down the dirty and dangerously quiet streets of Rifthold the thoughts began to pound against his skull more and more violently.

Had the king learnt of his treason? Had he learnt that he had an admixture of Ashryver' fae blood in his blood? Had he learnt that Aedion had been draining almost all of his wages to help the rebels? They've finally decided to execute him? Now? After five years of Adarlan rule?

Aedion's blood boiled at the thought that he was about to see the man who had turned his life into a fucking ruin. Who had turned his home into ashes. Who had carved up his family. Orlon, Rhoe, Evalin and.... No. Not now.

He tried to stifle his anxiety by looking at the uneven cobblestones beneath his horse's hooves, the frightened faces in the dirty windows of the dilapidated houses, the peeling paint, the lead grey skies. Aedion was reminded of Orinth. That's roughly what it looked like now. Dilapidated, faded, with greyed white marble, once great. The difference was that even the royal castle looked like this, and in Rifthold only the outskirts looked like this. The houses and mansions in the centre were palaces in themselves. The faces of the people there were much happier and fuller.

Aedion knew at first sight that he would hate this city more than any other. And not just because it was the stronghold of the suffering of his people and many other innocent people. They were met by rows of royal guards in armour and shields.

Aedion's horse, white with long, warm hair, snorted and shook his head as the stable boy grabbed the reins. Aedion stroked his neck and jumped to the ground, Kyllian close behind. His silent confident presence calmed Aedion.

He thought that if they made it back to camp he would thank Kyllian in every way possible and be sure to get him a few days off from command.

Just so they could get back. Just to get back...

The Glass Castle was a strange and creepy place. From the outside, it looked empty and lifeless, like a long abandoned house. Impractically tall and grotesque. Also completely tasteless in Aedion's opinion.

As he stepped onto the red and gold carpets of the castle his stomach did a somersault and his guts knotted. He wasn't sure if it was just the feeling that the floor beneath him was about to collapse.

Aedion inwardly braced himself for the local monsters. He was already familiar with them. He wouldn't break.

A red marble floor, hundreds of candelabras with candles, half a dozen crystal chandeliers, a huge roaster and a glass wall above which the heavens rose.And there were four thrones on a platform. For the royal couple and two princes, one of whom was too young to attend the reception. The other was barely fifteen. Aedion felt some pleasure at the thought of being as much as four years older.

The hall was full of people in smart dresses and uniforms.

Jewels glittered in the ears and around the necks of the women. The armour of Aedion and his men did the same. He felt like a dirty yard dog that his masters had let into the house for warmth.

The dust of the road covered his face thickly, and he would have sold anything to wash his face and look less pathetic. There was a ringing silence as they entered, armour rattling in the hall. The music fell silent. Aedion's heart jumped first to his throat, then dropped to his heels and then lower, but outwardly he remained unperturbed. Kyllian bowed low and Aedion followed suit, feeling his whole body resist it. What would Rhoe think of him? And Aelin? She would probably disown him. How good it was that she couldn't see his shame.

"Stand up."

A wave of goosebumps ran down Aedion's back as he straightened up and raised his eyes to the man who had ruined his life and the lives of millions of others. Aedion experienced a painful attack of anger and vindictiveness. Stocky, broad, with dark eyes and a scar across his brow. At the king's belt gleamed the head of a wyvern, the hilt of sword Notung, and on his finger was a black ring. To his right sat a young boy with blue eyes and a crown tangled in his resinous curls. Dorian Havillird so unlike his father. Crown Prince of the bloody Adarlan Empire. On the king's left hand sat a beautiful woman of age with brown hair and a slightly arrogant expression, the current queen of this evil empire.

Aedion experienced another bout of nausea. Gods, he himself would die here right now, he wouldn't even need the gallows. He stared straight in front of him, trying to calm his heart, ready to burst out of his chest.

"We are all gathered here today to celebrate a great event,"

Aedion could hear his commanders' hearts beating frequently. He was almost choking on the stench of terror that surrounded their squad. All of these brave men were rebels too. They too would be sent to the scaffold following him. It was his fault. He was the one who had incited them through manipulation and blackmail to join the conspirators. Some of them had families. They're coming for them, too. Gods, he felt so guilty in front of them, but he didn't mean any harm, did he? He just wanted freedom. Just freedom...

"Six months ago, there was a brutal battle with rebel rats near Illium, which was suppressed with the help of the forces of the Bane Legion, albeit with heavy losses." The King continued evenly. He was clearly savouring this news.

Aedion shuddered inwardly. That battle they had failed to play out. They had indeed killed a great many rebels. He still felt like he had their scarlet blood on his hands for weeks afterwards. He had almost torn his nails out when the dark fringe of dirt beneath them hadn't completely peeled away. He hadn't sobbed like that in a very long time. Kyllian helped him ease that pain. Gods preserve this marvellous man. He was the only reason Aedion hadn't lost his mind.

For his and Terrasen's sake alone, Aedion was still as unperturbed as ever and even allowed himself a slight smug smile, though deep inside he wanted to scream.

"Until a couple of months ago, under the command of tribune Ashryver, the dangerous unrest of the savage peoples in the Whiteface Mountains was quelled."

The court ladies began to fan themselves with greater care and glared at Aedion. He tried to ignore them and stare straight ahead. He wanted to cower in the deepest, darkest corner of the room if only they would stop staring at him. He'd been stared at his whole life. How tired he was of it. He was tired of it.

They didn't really have to fight. The unrest of the locals in the mountains was also just part of the rebellion, allowing some of the armoury to be smuggled from The Western Weasts to Allsbrook unnoticed. Aedion wasn't sorry if it served as a reason for his execution. They had managed to get a lot of armour and swords, as well as leaving a few squads of recruits in the mountains to be trained there and then slowly join the Bane afterwards.

If they all died today, their cause would live on. It was the last consolation for him, though he knew he could not forgive himself for it.

He would not forgive himself for the deaths of Reeve, Mengr, Gastro, and Briane. He would not forgive himself for Kyllian's death. He would live to lead their rebellion if Aedion died. Aedion's fingers twitched faintly at the hilt of his sword and dagger. He was ready to snatch them up at any second.

"And that's only a fraction of what this nineteen-year old young man has done, gentlemen. Worthy of praise, is it not? " The king looked round at the hushed courtiers. The prince seemed to look slightly ashamed.

The world around Aedion shook. He felt the ground go from under his feet. What?

"Our valiant The Bane General - Aigie Bayer has expressed his wish to resign," Aedion's heart skipped a beat. A lie. Aige was only forty-seven, and they had only recently talked about Bayer going to make some reforms in the Legion.

Aedion knew that Aige was no longer alive. It was probably the last time he'd seen him in the mountains, and it wouldn't be long before he was killed. His heart was torn to shreds and he wanted to collapse on the floor and howl with grief right there. Kyllian swayed slightly towards Aedion to remind him that he was near.

"So he needs to find a replacement," The King smiled thinly and Aedion's blood ran cold in his veins. "And I thought it would be perfectly reasonable to offer the post of general to such a promising young man."

The whole world froze, then came to a standstill. The courtiers murmured unhappily, and a few indignant uproarings were heard from the military generals. Prince Dorian turned his head sharply towards his father, the queen flinched almost imperceptibly. Aedion knew what they all thought of him.

He was an illegitimate bastard. A man with a dash of Ashryver fae blood. An unrecognised prince of Wendlin. A stranger not only to Terrasen, but to all of Erilea. An Adarlan whore in every sense of the title. A bloodthirsty murderer. He was a traitor to his family in the eyes of almost the whole world.

He didn't blame them because he thought so himself.

"What do you think, boy? " The King asked, hearing his thoughts. His dark eyes dug into Aedion and almost skinned him alive along with all the lies he told. "Do you accept the title of general-king of the Legion of Bane, Aedion Ashryver? " His name the King said almost syllabically.

Aedion felt both bad and good at the same time. Relief almost drowned him. Grief threatened to crush him. General. The king was going to make him general of almost the entire army of Therassen and thus further unleash him. To think he hadn't realised what a gift he was giving Aedion.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I accept the title." He forced himself to his knees and bowed his head to the accompaniment of clanking armour. His commanders knelt down after him.

"Well then, stand up General Ashryver. Today we celebrate your appointment."

Gastro on Aedion's left let out a convulsive breath. Kyllian on his right slumped his shoulders in slight relief. The music started up again. A forced applause was heard. And overly broad smiles from the ladies of the court. Aedion was disgusted not only by their glances, but also by those of the generals who had been summoned to the court. Some of them Aedion knew far more intimately than he would have liked. He suppressed an internal shudder and grinned cheekily at Kyllian, as if he knew in advance why they had been summoned.

"And in honour of your appointment, my boy, I have a question," The courtiers fell silent again and the orchestra played quieter. "What do you wish as a gift for your services? An estate, perhaps? Or a new gelding? "

Brien beside him stirred. The councillors muttered indignantly, and the queen turned sharply to her consort. This was too much.

It took Aedion a few seconds to collect his thoughts and say something intelligible.

"Don't misunderstand, Your Majesty," Aedion coughed and put a hand to his heart. "But I have everything one could wish for. My new appointment is already a great gift, for which I thank you." Aedion bowed once more and drew air into his chest. This request would be an impertinence even for him.

The king was silent. Kyllian tensed and slowly turned his head towards Aedion. His face instantly lost all colour. Reeve tried to discreetly kick Aedion's shin, but he looked directly into the King's eyes and finished "The only thing I dare ask of you is..."

"Aedion, no! " Kyllian hissed at him in horror.

"Give me back the Sword of Orynth. " The hall exploded with shouts of indignation. Several glasses shattered. One of the councillors rushed to the platform with the thrones. The prince's eyes widened and the queen clutched at her heart.

The king only smirked and y. He waved his hand, ordering everyone to shut up. Aedion thought he was going to faint.

"Well then, my boy. You want this toy, then you shall have it."

Aedion's legs nearly buckled in relief. He bowed hastily and couldn't contain his first real smile of the day. Kyllian beside him groaned.

The king could not have imagined the importance the sword of Orinth had to any Terrasenian. He had no idea the power he had just given to Aedion.

***

Aedion closed the door of his chambers and leaned his back against it. The smile he had been wearing all evening slipped from his face. He slowly moved to the floor, clutching the sword of Orinth in his right hand painfully. The sword of his uncle who had replaced his father. The sword Aelin was to inherit.

Aedion covered his mouth with his hand, feeling the burning hot tears rolling down his cheeks. He pulled his knees up to his chest and buried his face in them. He felt like he was defiling that sword with his touch alone.

"I'm so sorry." He whispered into the darkness, not knowing who he was addressing exactly.

Aedion was falling apart, and nothing could keep him from collapsing.

So he became the youngest general in the history of Erilea.

#aedion ashryver #aedion ashryver week #Aedion week #throne of glass

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Deadly Blooms in the Gulf of Mannar For the past four years, water in the Gulf of Mannar has turned bright green in September and October as the population of a single-celled phytoplankton called Noctiluca scintillans soared. These large blooms of the marine dinoflagellates glow a spectacular shade of blue at night, but their presence can have deadly consequences for marine life by soaking up all the oxygen in the water and causing hypoxia and dead zones. That’s what was happening on September 23, 2022, when the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI) on Landsat 9 captured the top image of whorls of N. scintillans discoloring waters in northern Sri Lanka and southern India near the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve. The shallow water in this area normally teems with coral, reef fish, sea turtles, dolphins, dugong, and other marine life. But during N. scintillans outbreaks, fish carcasses line beaches and dead coral skeletons transform reefs. “We saw particularly severe coral mortality and fish kill in 2019, but it happened in 2021 and 2022 as well,” explained Diraviya Raj, a researcher at the Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute in Tamil Nadu, India, and the lead author of a 2020 study about N. scintillans blooms in the Gulf of Mannar. “The 2020 bloom was short and did not harm corals, but the 2021 and 2022 events each lasted for two months, covered large areas, and caused severe damage.” The earliest reports of N. scintillans blooms causing fish kills in the Gulf of Mannar date back to 1935, with occasional reports of the phenomenon in subsequent decades. However, the regularity and intensity of the blooms since 2019 seem to be something new. “We suspect that climate change has made the N. scintillans bloom an annual occurrence,” Raj said. “The water temperature level has been more than 30°Celsius (86°Fahrenheit) during the blooms, which is unusually high for the Gulf of Mannar in September-October.” Living staghorn corals are brightly colored, while the dead corals in the photograph above—taken on November 17, 2021, near Manauli Island—had turned white and were covered with algal debris about a month after the bloom started to affect them. Fast-growing corals species such as Acropora, Montipora, and Pocillopora are the most vulnerable to N. scintillans blooms because they require the most oxygen to thrive. Lines of dead fish, like those shown below, covered beaches on the islands of the Gulf of Mannar and the mainland near Mandapams and Keelakarai when the photo was taken on October 13, 2021. By analyzing water samples, Raj and colleagues confirmed that oxygen-depleted water triggered by the N. scintillans bloom was the cause of the fish kills and coral deaths. Another team of researchers from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Mandapam Camp and the Indian Space Research Organization tracking the blooms found that 38 genera of fish were affected by the 2019 bloom and 43 genera by the 2021 bloom. Among them were parrotfish, rabbitfish, pufferfish, lesser sardines, needlefish, and tarpons, they noted in a study published in March 2023. The 2021 bloom also killed large numbers of animals being raised in finfish farms, explained Ramesh Kumar, the lead author of the study. However, the team thinks it may soon be possible to warn fish farmers of N. scintillans blooms in advance, using improved satellite mapping abilities and new modeling techniques. That may allow farmers to harvest fish before blooms spread to coastal areas and cause widespread damage. NASA Earth Observatory image by Allison Nussbaum, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Photographs courtesy of the Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute. Story by Adam Voiland.

#space #science #earth observatory #nasa #news #sri lanka

[iroyal786]

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#damasus #handforged #etsy #etsyseller #etsyshop #hunting #huntingknife #huntinggear #camping #campingknife #campinggear #campinglife #campingseason #survival #survivalknife #survivalgear #outdoor #handmadegifts #forsale #shop #fastshipping #damascusknife #damascussteel #damascusblade #bowieknife #staghorn #horn #buynow #christmasgifts #newyeargift

[cloudywriter]

camp staghorn - 1

Okay here is the official first chapter of Camp Staghorn! I know it’s long and maybe not the most entertaining but gotta have that building up first. Now things will start to pick up just you wait. Thank you for all the love on the snippet too! Let me know if you would like to be tagged!

my masterlist

~~~

Aelin sighed as she finally got off the bright yellow bus, her three bags weighing heavily on her arms and shoulder. The sun was already high in the sky and beating down despite Terrasen’s usually mild temperatures. Lysandra hopped down on the gravel path the bus had stopped in front of with a huff, Dorian and Elide followed. 

They were all about to spend the next week as camp counselors for a huge group of kids all in 1st-6th grade. She was just glad they had 6th graders. While Aelin loved kids but she wasn’t particularly looking forward to what she knew would be a long and tiring week. But, being a camp counselor would look great for her college applications. It was the summer right before their senior year, school had ended only a week prior. 

A number of other people who looked around her age shuffled about the area already convening into their respective friend groups. A few sat around old wooden picnic tables that were set up outside of the camp’s entrance. A huge sign was erected overhead with the words Camp Staghorn painted in white block letters. 

Chaol finally exited the bus and came to stand by Aelin.

“Really, Aelin? Three bags?” Chaol commented, shifting his singular black, duffel bag on his shoulder. 

Aelin shrugged, “I didn’t know what all I would need.”

Chaol only half-heartedly shook his head. Although Aelin and Chaol had broken up in the middle of junior year their relationship was still relatively amicable. 

Lys quickly shoved between Aelin and Chaol. “Aelin, look!” She whispered loudly into Aelin’s ear, pointing towards a group of boys occupying the grass near the entrance. 

At that, Aelin perked up, especially when she laid eyes on the group. Seriously, four of some of the best-looking high school boys she had ever seen were huddled there. 

A boy with tan, golden skin and blonde curly hair piled on his head seemed to be the focal point of the group, Aelin could hear his voice all the way where she was but couldn’t discern what he was saying. The boy immediately next to him looked to be his brother but with a brown mop of hair instead. Two other boys were there too, one with long, straight brown hair and a grumpy demeanor radiating off of him. The other boy was who Aelin really noticed though, his hair was a unique blonde, it appeared almost silver and was cut shorter, his skin had a healthy glow. He was in the circle with the other boys but she could tell his mind wasn’t. He was looking out at the expansive, blue lake that could be seen just through the trees with a thoughtful, pensive stare on his features. 

Dorian stepped up behind Aelin, following Lys’s finger to the gathering of boys. 

“Oh, they go to Mistward High. Chaol and I have had a few lacrosse games against them,” Dorian offered nonchalantly. 

“They’re gorgeous,” Lys giggled. 

Aelin shoved Lysandra’s shoulder playfully, “You’re dating my cousin!”

“I know, I know, but maybe you could have a summer camp fling. Oh, my gods! Like Camp Rock, you hear him singing your song, or whatever happened, and boom it’s love at first sight.” Aelin laughed and rolled her eyes. 

At her laugh, the silver-haired boy turned his eyes in her direction and they made brief eye contact, Aelin gave him a small smile and the boy looked away immediately. Well, that was rude. 

A man suddenly stepped up onto one of the empty picnic tables, a clipboard in hand. His hat was embroidered with Camp Staghorn and he wore a matching t-shirt in a deep green hue. 

“Alright, everyone listen up please!” He clapped his hands a few times to grab everyone’s attention. 

“My name is Gavriel, I’m the director of Camp Staghorn so if you have any questions, comments, or concerns I’m the guy to come to. Now, you all have signed off on behaving and being camp counselors who will set a good example but let’s just go over a few ground rules. First, no funny business between boys and girls camps especially at night, stay in your cabins after lights out. Second, remember to clean up after yourselves and your campers. Third, stay on top of your respective schedules. And really, just use common sense please, you’re all seniors you know the difference between right and wrong I don’t want to have to stand up here and list out a bunch of rules for a bunch of hypothetical scenarios, understood?”

A few head nods and murmurs of yes rippled through the crowd. 

“Great, then I’ll skip over that, you all know what’s expected of you. I’m going to call up names and give you a packet and a t-shirt. In that packet will be a list of your campers, your camp number, your cabin number, a map, and your camp’s schedule for the next week. The schedules are very packed so remember to stay on top of things, okay?”

More nods and murmurs of acknowledgment. 

Gavriel began to call names and people milled up to him to grab their new belongings. 

“Fenrys Moonbeam.” A few snickers went through the group and the blonde boy from earlier proudly made his way up to Gavriel. 

A few more names were called, Aelin remembered hearing the other two boys were named Lorcan and Connall but she was focused on learning the silver-haired boy’s name. 

“Rowan Whitethorn.” At that, the boy - Rowan - approached the table. Aelin thought the name fit him. 

“Elide Lochan.” Elide quickly made her way to Gavriel as Dorian, Chaol, and Lysandra got called too. 

“Aelin Galathynius.” Aelin made her way up, her heavy bags hitting her legs as she walked. She acquired the packet and shirt from Gavriel. 

A list of around twelfth names of girls looked back at Aelin. She skimmed them and saw written across the top was her camp number and cabin number with her schedule and map attached. Camp number 6 and cabin 3B. Lys peeked over Aelin’s shoulder.

“Oh, good you have 3B, Elide has 2B and I have 4B.” 

Aelin smiled but the three girls were a little put out when they noticed their schedules didn’t really align besides the designated meal times. “What are Dorian and Chaol’s cabins?”

“I don’t know they were in the E ones, they put the boys and girls on opposite sides,” Elide answered. Aelin nodded her head. 

“Okay, everyone should have everything now. The kids should arrive in about an hour, so make your way to your cabins and get dressed in your camp shirts. Then we will have a get-to-know-you activity and a little kick-off game when everyone arrives,” Gavriel spoke again.

Once they were dismissed everyone headed towards the cabins and mentally prepared themselves for an incoming army of children. 

+++

The introductions had gone fairly well, Aelin could probably name at least seven of the girls’ names off the top of her head. They all appeared friendly and like they would be a solid group, Aelin found herself looking forward to the week surprisingly. 

The girls and Aelin had all gotten settled in their cabin and were dressed in matching deep green shirts with the number 6 printed largely in white on the back. They made their way to the center of the camp which accommodated a large wooden stage and matching benches lined up around it in a semi-circle. It was clear at some point the stage and benches had been painted with bright colors and patterns but the paint had begun to peel off with time. 

Aelin directed the girls to all sit on the middle bench in the third row as she surveyed the area, looking for any sign of Elide and Lysandra. Most groups were finishing up their introduction games and convening in the main area now as instructed. 

Elide appeared from around a group of trees, her girls trailing closely behind. Aelin smiled when she saw her and waved her over. They all quickly settled in and waited for the second part of the day to start. 

“I’m already sweating through this shirt,” Elide sighed, fanning herself with the packet given to them earlier. 

“Do you know what the kick-off game is?” Aelin asked Elide curiously. 

Elide only shook her head.

A few minutes passed and the benches started to get pretty packed with people all chatting noisily. 

A cough into a mic alerted everyone, a dozen heads shifted towards the stage. 

“Alright, I believe we have all the 6th-grade groups here so why don’t we get started,” Gavriel spoke with enthusiasm. 

“So, get ready boys and girls for the great Staghorn mud race! Groups will be pinned against groups, boys vs. girls until there’s only one undefeated girl’s team and one undefeated boy’s team remaining and then we will have the final throw down!”

A few whoops went through the crowd. Fenrys was close to the stage pumping his arm in the air, hyping up his collection of young boys. 

“Follow me to the track and we will announce the beginning brackets!” Gavriel hopped off of the stage, he and a few other officials of the camp led the way down a dirt path steering away from the stage. 

They all stopped after a short trek, huddled around a middle strip of field complete with obstacles. 

“Here you can see what you’ll have to face. First, you have to high knee through the tires, then climb up the wooden wall using the rope and slide down the net on the other side, next crawl through one of the tunnels, and hop from log stump to log stump and book it to the finish line! Of course, you have to do all of that in slippery mud, it will be messy. The first team to get their counselor and all their campers through wins and moves on to the next round,” Gavriel explained. 

Aelin could feel the anticipation and eagerness radiating off of counselors and kids alike. Even Aelin was feeling excited, her overly competitive nature boiling to the surface. 

Aelin swiftly turned to her small army of 12-year-olds. “Okay, girls, I want every single one of you to be booking it the whole way through, we will come out the winners at all costs, I don’t do losing.”

The girls looked up at Aelin with wide eyes, many nodding their agreement.

“Oh, I forgot to mention the overall winning camp gets ice cream after dinner tonight!” Gavriel interjected.

The stakes were high, not only was Aelin competitive to a fault but she also loved sweets. “Yup, that only confirms it, no losing!” 

“We’ll give it our all, promise,” spoke one of her campers. A girl with long brown hair contained in two long braids named Borte, if Aelin remembered correctly. 

Aelin smiled, “That’s the spirit,” and offered Borte a high-five. 

Gavriel called out the first two camp numbers, both boy groups, that would be competing. 

Aelin watched the match closely, noting areas she thought seemed best to avoid and strategizing in her mind. After the race concluded two other camps occupied the starting line, those being made up of girls. 

A few more matches came to a close when Dorian and Chaol’s respective groups were called up. Aelin, Lys, and Elide all gave a little whoop, Aelin patted Dorian on the back as he passed her, he flashed back a dazzling smile. 

Unfortunately, one of the boys on Dorian’s team fell in the mud and tripped a good number of his fellow campmates, wrecking Dorian’s chances of winning as Chaol and his boys slipped by. 

“C’mon Dorian!” Aelin screamed, cupping her hands around her mouth. A few of her girls did the same, encouraging them to get a move on despite them not knowing Dorian; it made Aelin smile. Chaol’s team took the victory and Dorian trudged past Aelin in defeat, his body covered in mud. 

At one point Fenrys’ camp and Rowan’s camp went against each other. Aelin subconsciously watched that match like a hawk. Rowan was fast despite the mud and the t-shirt he had changed into seemed to be a bit small, it clung to his upper body, highlighting his muscles. Not to mention, the green complimented his hair and skin tone beautifully. 

Rowan was effective in herding his campers through the course, offering a helping hand and encouragement the whole way through unlike Fenrys who completed the obstacles first and resolved to yell at his campers to hurry. Unsurprisingly, Rowan and his camp crossed the finish line as a unit, Fenrys did not look happy but Aelin saw Rowan crack a smile, it was small but it was there.

As time went on both Lys and Elide had gone. Elide’s group had lost against a random camp while Lys had won. 

“Alright, last up for the beginning bracket we have camp 6 and camp 9!”

Aelin cracked her knuckles, she had been waiting for camp 6 to be called impatiently. 

“Okay, girls, now is our time to shine. Get out there and make me proud, remember stick to the sides, the middle seems to be the most slippery. If you slip it's okay just get right back up, don’t leave anyone behind.” All of them nodded in response. 

“Hands in,” Aelin said, sticking her hand in the middle of the huddle, “On 3, 1, 2, 3!”

As Aelin yelled three she and all her campers screamed camp 6 and raised their hands in the air and then took their spot on the starting block. 

The counselor of the opposing team seemed snooty, her nose was upturned as if she couldn’t believe she would have to get dirty in a few seconds. Her bright, almost white, blonde hair was braided down her back and she had her arms crossed. 

Aelin didn’t have a chance to say anything before Gavriel blew his whistle signaling the start of the race. 

Aelin exploded forward, focusing on her footing as she went. Luckily, she was athletic and had played a multitude of sports, including track, throughout the years. Aelin easily made her way through the rows of tires, turning back to check her girls’ progress. They all were keeping up and moving as a unit. Aelin didn’t waste the time to check the other group’s position. 

Aelin made it to the wall and grabbed the thick, coarse rope now caked with mud. Her hands slipped but she gritted her teeth and made it to the top of the platform. Borte was right behind her climbing, Aelin reached and grabbed Borte’s hand pulling her up the rest of the way. 

Aelin continued that cycle with the rest, offering support when the girls struggled with their grip on the rope then she slid down the net once they were all over the top. 

“You got it, girls, keep going!” Aelin encouraged. 

Aelin crawled through one of the large, black, plastic tunnels, getting covered with mud in the process. Then she jumped from log to log though they too were coated with mud. Aelin finished off strong, leading the last of her girls across the finish line. Aelin turned her attention back to the course and saw the other camp’s counselor still on the track. 

She was truly taking the time to scrap some of the mud off her shoe on the edge of one of the log stumps. 

“Remelle! It’s a race, you have to run!” Fenrys screamed from the side. Remelle, apparently, didn’t deign to respond, she only wrinkled her nose. 

“Well, camp 6 will be moving on!” Gavriel declared. 

Aelin and her girls cheered, jumping at each other forming one big mud hug. 

The cycle continued, camps faced off until the brackets grew smaller and smaller. By the time Aelin and her girls went for a second time, the mud on her body was drying uncomfortably. 

They succeeded in beating the other group once more using the same strategy. 

Before Aelin knew it Gavriel was announcing the final match-up. 

“Let’s get a drumroll please for our final throw down,” Gavriel stated, drumming his hands on his knees along with the crowd. 

“Representing the boys we have camp 12 and representing the girls we have camp 6!”

The crowd yelled and clapped wildly, Aelin knew she was smiling uncontrollably and was ready to claim her sweet, cold prize. 

“Aelin! Aelin! Aelin!” She heard Lys, Elide, and other girls screaming rhythmically. 

The boys started up their own chant, which Dorian and Chaol joined, Aelin would punish them later. It was then Aelin fully realized who she was facing: Rowan. The adrenaline had blinded her the last few rounds and she had barely processed who was winning and losing. Now, Rowan Whitethorn was staring back at her from the opposite side of the start. 

Even with mud covering much of his body and splattered across his face he was still insanely hot. Aelin hoped the same could be said about her. 

Too soon Gavriel announced the beginning of the final race, a loud whistle filled the air and they were off. 

Once again, Aelin and her girls stuck to the less muddy sides, navigating the course expertly but it seems Rowan and his boys were doing the same. Aelin didn’t spare much time analyzing their positions but she could tell it was much closer than the previous races. Once again, Aelin fought her way up the rope and dangled off the platform to pull up strugglers. She spared a glance at Rowan, he was doing the same. She huffed, “C’mon girls, it's the last time you have to climb this, you’ve got it!”

Aelin finally got the last one over and flopped down the net which was saturated with mud at this point. Aelin was really looking forward to washing this all off later while she ate her ice cream. She then dove into the tunnel, slithering through at a record speed. Next came the home stretch, all she had to do was jump across the logs. She hopped from one stump to another until she was almost at the end. But on the second to last log, the mud that gathered atop it faltered and she stumbled. Cursing, Aelin regained her footing and prayed it was still enough.

Little did she know Rowan had had his own little tumble. Now, they were neck and neck making a final dash to the finish line. Rowan was probably a bit faster than Aelin and she panicked, her instincts to win at all costs taking over. It just so happened that Rowan was just close enough for her to give him a little nudge, to maybe upset his balance just enough that she could pull ahead. Aelin did just that and Rowan went down, his foot slipped into a small ditch of mud water. In hindsight, Aelin felt dirty but not enough to feel particularly remorseful when she heard the roar of victory from the crowd and her camp. 

Aelin turned back and saw Rowan was glaring at her, his foot still submerged in mud. She halted her victory dance and made her way over to him, offering him a hand.

Rowan took it, his large hand dwarfing hers but the feeling of mud squishing between them did ruin the moment for her a bit. Instead of using her hand as leverage, Rowan pulled Aelin towards him and she stumbled, slipping back until she was next to him in his mud pit. 

Aelin saw red, although she realized she probably deserved it and was already covered in mud anyway her temper rose. Aelin was just naturally wired to explode at any moment like a nuclear bomb. 

Rowan, however, kept his grip firm on Aelin’s hand and he drew her forward until his mouth aligned with Aelin’s ear. 

“You’ll pay for that one, Aelin.” Rowan’s breath caressed her ear and a shiver traveled down her spine. Despite the fact he was literally threatening her, Aelin’s heart skipped a beat and her breath hitched.

She kept her bravado about her though and only smirked in response, “It’s on.”

~~~

Hope you’re as excited as I am! All comments, likes, and reblogs are greatly appreciated, thank you. 

taglist: @live-the-fangirl-life

#rowan x aelin #rowaelin #rowan whitethorn #rowaelin fanfiction #rowaelin au #rowaelin fanfic #aelin #throne of glass #throne of glass fanfiction #aelin x rowan #lysandra #elide lochan #dorian havilliard #chaol westfall #fenrys moonbeam #camp staghorn #aelin ashryver galathynius

[snelbz]

ELORCAN: “Dont be an ass.”

WC: 627. Ooooops.

Lorcan was leaning on the lifeguard stand, a smirk on his face as he tapped his foot on the wooden boards. “I’m waiting.”

A vulgar gesture was the only response he received from the small girl at the end of the dock.

He chuckled, glancing behind him to make sure there was no one around, before he said, “It’s now or never, Elide. I won fair and square.”

“I know you did,” she snapped, glaring at him over her shoulder. She also took a second to make sure the coast was clear before she toed her Vans off and kicked them to the side.

It was the last night before the counselors of the Staghorn summer camp returned home for the year. The kids had left a few hours before and that left the owners and counselors on the small property. Mr. and Mrs. Galathynius left after one last family dinner, a nightly occurrence everyone had grown to love, instructing their daughter to ensure all was taken care of the next morning, and then they’d left the twelve teenagers to have one last night to say goodbye.

Aelin had done well to hide her budding relationship with the head male counselor from her parents, otherwise, the group of friends knew they would never have been allowed to stay. She found the stash of cheap liquor her parents kept in the kitchen and three hours later, the group had split into smaller groups, everyone wanting a little privacy of their own.

Lorcan had spent the last three months pining after Elide, and had Aelin not commandeered Rowan, taking him to the master bedroom in the house overlooking the camp, he would have kept pining after her. But when she came and found him on the dock, a pile of rocks in front of him, throwing them into the water one by one, she sat next to him. He could see the haze in her eyes and she could smell the booze on his breath, but she smiled and offered him the half-full bottle in her hands. He took it, pressing it to his lips and drinking deeply.

He made a face and said, “Why did you grab the gin?”

She giggled and said, “It was all that was left.”

He stood, picking a rock up and skipping it across the water. She did the same, and said, “Bet you I can skip a rock farther than you.”

He snorted. “Bet your wrong.”

Elide turned and looked up at him, moonlight shimmering in her sable hair. “Loser has to jump into the lake.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Naked?”

She blushed. “What? No, of course-.”

“Scared you’ll lose?” He asked, smirking at her.

“Don’t be an ass.” She narrowed her eyes at him and said, “Fine.”

She had lost.

Elide had made Lorcan step back far enough that he couldn’t see everything as she undressed, but gods, he could see her.

He watched as she stepped out of her shorts and pulled her shirt over her head, leaving her in just her bra and underwear. Lorcan bit his lip as he watched her take one more quick glance around, before she unhooked her bra, dropping it on the growling pile of clothes and dropped her panties to the dock.

Without another second’s hesitation, she jumped into the water, but not before Lorcan got to appreciate her pale skin in the moonlight. He made his way to the end of the dock as her head resurfaced in the water and she said, “Your turn.”

He shook his head, laughing. “I won the bet.”

“I know, but that’s not what I meant,” she said, letting her breasts bob out of the water. “Your turn.”

Lorcan had never undressed so fast in his life.

500 Words or Less Propmt Submission or Ask Me ANYTHING!

[thegrandimago]

This is the 48th installment of 'Since I've Been Gone'. Taken on the same day as the previous post while on my Iowa hitch with @americanconservationexperience, I found an 'Acanthocephala terminalis' obviously trying to get some rest. It's apparently the northern most member of its genus. Despite finding this one slumbering on a tree branch, it's main diet is actually a variety of other plants like staghorn sumac and river grape. #animal #animals #wildlife #iowawildlife #nature #iowanature #invertebrate #invertebrates #fauna #imago #iowainsects #insect #insects #insectagram #leaffootedbug #leaffootedbugs #bugs #bug #truebug #iowabugs #animalia #arthropod #arthropods #arthropoda #insecta #hemiptera #coreidae #acanthocephala #acanthocephalaterminalis #aceinspires (at YMCA Camp Wapsie) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVX1pZmqKhw/?utm_medium=tumblr

#animal #animals #wildlife #iowawildlife #nature #iowanature #invertebrate #invertebrates #fauna #imago #iowainsects #insect #insects #insectagram #leaffootedbug #leaffootedbugs #bugs #bug #truebug #iowabugs #animalia #arthropod #arthropods #arthropoda #insecta #hemiptera #coreidae #acanthocephala #acanthocephalaterminalis #aceinspires

[booknerdproblems]

Immortals Chapter 7

Hello lovely people! I am sorry for the later-than-usual update, my week has been seriously hectic. It’s involved medical collapses, panic attacks and sleepovers. Due to this, this chapter is 100% my least favourite, and it’s unedited. I do, however, have the chapter after this written, so I will not be late with the next update!

TW: minor swearing

Here is a link to my main masterlist, where the all chapters for this fic can be found.

“Good,” said Asterin, “we’re immortals. Things should change, and often, or they’ll get boring” The next time Rowan saw Aelin Galathynius was two days later, in the throne room of Maeve’s stone palace. He was giving his report alongside Lorcan when she swept into the room and walked right up to Maeve. Without even a hint of a bow, she announced she was to visit Mistward, one Doranelle’s demi-fae outposts the other side of the Cambrian Mountains. Rowan liked Mistward, the people were down-to-earth and friendly, if a little intimidated by him. At least they weren’t snivelling nobility. 

Apparently, her mother had spent some time there in her youth, fighting for demi-fae rights, and Aelin wished to visit the fortress she had heard much about. It seemed Evalin Ashryver had never had the chance to go back before her untimely death last year.

The Lord of Allsbrook and Lady Lysandra were to remain in Doranelle, and Aelin had set up meetings with Maeve’s foreign trade advisor for her entourage, and they were going to meet whilst she attended to her personal business.  

Maeve had then promptly ordered Rowan to go with her to Mistward, to which Aelin had waved off, not needing an escort. 

“I must insist. I can’t let my favourite niece wander the forest alone now, can I?” Maeve had replied with a snake’s smile. Rowan had no idea what Maeve’s ulterior motives were, but wasn’t about to ask any time soon.

Fenrys was on his way to Varese, so would accompany them for the first part of the journey. Rowan was deeply looking forward to this journey, it would be the best fucking highlight of his life. Two equally arrogant, swaggering fae who were currently in the business of bedding each other at every turn. Truly, Rowan couldn’t wait. 

Rowan hadn’t been able to look Fenrys in the eye for two days after The Incident, until he finally got over himself and confronted the male about it. Fenrys had chuckled, clapped him on the shoulder, winked, and walked off without a word. So, Rowan thought it went well enough. It had been a sharp slap in the face, a reminder that he was a broken, centuries-old warrior, blood sworn to another queen. It had reminded him of what the tattoo covering his left side stood for. The shame he’d carry until his last breath. And Aelin, she was a young queen, a dreamer who was good for her people and the world. She was a gift to the world, even if she was arrogant and swaggering and slightly disrespectful. Gods, he couldn’t stand her contradictions. One moment she was kind and compassionate, helping a Doranelle youngling, and making his head spin, the next she was arrogant and rude addressing his queen and still making his head spin. 

-x-

Waiting on one of Doranelle’s many bridges, Rowan traced the route in his head. He went through the comforting, familiar motions of securing his weapons and checking his food and water rations whilst he waited for Fenrys and the queen. Unsurprisingly, they were late.

A quarter of an hour later, Rowan spotted them in the distance. The queen was carrying a pack with a bedroll, for the two day trek to Mistward. He wondered how she would react to sleeping exposed to the elements, she was royalty afterall. 

Fenrys’ blonde hair was up in a bun, a dark green tunic clinging to his body, complementing his bronze skin.

Once they’d reached him, he simply nodded in approval and turned toward the mountains, leading the way.

-x-

Two and a half hours later, Fenrys at last broke the silence that enveloped the three. 

“So, are you going to be okay with sleeping out in the wild like this?” He addressed Aelin.

“Aw, are you worried about me?” Aelin’s tone was teasing.

Fenrys scowled, “Well, have you ever slept outdoors before?”

“Of course I’ve slept outdoors, who do you think I am?”

“Uh, the- Queen of Terrasen?”

“Fair point.” Aelin conceded, “But yes, I’ve slept on a bedroll before. Every summer, as the winter’s in Terrasen are too cold, me and my cousin Aedion do a three day hiking trip in the Staghorns, hunting and drinking ourselves half to death.”

Fenrys laughed, the sound light and carefree. “Reminds me of Connall and myself.”

“Yes well, Aedion is practically my brother anyways.”

“He’s bloodsworn to you, is he not?” Rowan cut in, curiosity getting the better of him.

“He is, swore it at my coronation last year.” Aelin looked surprised at his question.

“And he was okay with you both out in the wild without a guard?” Rowan’s tone was slightly judgemental, and Aelin frowned.

“Aedion knows better than to try and keep me locked up, I’d just break out and kill him myself.” Her voice was filled with fondness as she spoke of her bloodsworn.

“Couldn’t you just order him too through the blood oath?” Fenrys asked.

“Why the fuck would I do that? It’d take the fun out of everything.”

“He is your bloodsworn, though, so surely he has to do as you say?”

Aelin stumbled, looking toward Fenrys.

“Aedion is not some slave I order to do my bidding,” her voice was razor-sharp, “swearing the blood oath is a promise of respect and loyalty, not blind devotion. The orders I give him are his to do as he pleases, and should he wish to be free of his oath, he may do so at his earliest convenience. I neither can, nor do I even want to have people forced to serve me, and anyone who chooses to indeed follow me is valued and respected as their own individual within my court.”

Fenrys was looking at Aelin with a new sort of respect, and perhaps a hint of longing behind his eyes. Not longing for her, but for what position she could offer him in life. Indeed, Rowan’s own image of the young queen was constantly evolving, and her declaration had him smiling a little. He could imagine her court in the future, a band of nobility and commoners, standing strong against any threat to their immortal queen. Happy to serve, free to do as they please. A court to change the world. Dreamers, the lot of them.

 She truly was the opposite of Maeve.

Nobody had spoken, but Aelin gave them a little smirk, and said,

“Anyway, nobody in their right mind could get past them.” She gestured to the surrounding forest, and Rowan sucked in a sharp breath at what he now noticed.

“The Little Folk,” Fenrys breathed from behind him.

Small figures, dryads and imps and pixies, all dancing through the trees silently. 

Come to greet the Heir of Brannon. Perhaps they wondered after their kin in Terrasen, maybe had come to honour her Ashryver lineage or greet her as a descendant of Mab. Rowan had only caught glimpses of them in the past, they rarely ever revealed themselves. But here they were, murmuring to the Queen of Terrasen. And she… Aelin was whispering back. 

Rowan had never heard of people talking to the Little Folk, but here was Aelin Galathynius, murmuring to them as if they were old friends. 

She was speaking so softly, even Rowan’s sharp Fae ears had trouble hearing them. A winding ribbon of flame was dancing among them and the Little Folk suddenly receded, chattering amongst themselves. Looking back, Rowan started as he saw the Queen of Terrasen. A purple and blue flower crown sat upon her golden hair, and a delicate bracelet of acorns, daisies and thistles was upon her wrist. She was smiling softly, and Rowan’s breath was momentarily knocked from him.

Her eyes held a warm, content glow and embers seemed to light up her irises. Her golden hair was floating in the wind, and a truly happy smile sat upon her lips. Her cheeks held a light blush and in that moment, she looked truly beautiful. 

Shaking it off, he looked at Fenrys and immediately glowered. The male’s eyes were on his and his eyebrows were raised as if to say ‘really?’ and his eyes had an amused, knowing gleam. 

Turning back to the route, Rowan’s scowl remained for the rest of the afternoon, glaring at all the trees as if they’d personally offended him.

-x-

As they’d stopped for the night, Rowan had appreciated the queen’s quick, efficient way of setting up camp. 

He did, however, hear her grumbling to Fenrys as she laid down on her bedroll for the night, set up next to but an appropriate distance away from the other male’s.

“Just because I’m used to these conditions, doesn’t mean I have to like them.” She was whining as Rowan rolled his eyes.

A pause then, “Rowan Whitethorn I can hear your eyes rolling right now.” 

“Sure you can, Princess.” Rowan replied.

“I can!” Aelin protested, “and I’m serious. I would kill for a hot bath and one of my silk nightgowns right now.” 

Fenrys whispered something in her pointed ear that made the temperature spike and earned him a punch to the arm. 

Rowan rolled his eyes again so hard it hurt his brain, before rolling over and closing his eyes.

-x-

Waking with a jolt the next morning, Rowan found Aelin already awake, in her human form, whilst Fenrys was still snoring on the other side of mossy clearing. 

“Morning,” he grunted.

Aelin just grumbled, raking her hands through her hair, wincing as her fingers caught on the tangles. 

“Not a morning person?” Rowan chuckled as she levelled a glare at him.

Rowan just walked over to wake Fenrys up, telling Aelin to start packing up.

-x-

An hour later, Fenrys had pulled Aelin into a quick hug, murmuring goodbye as he separated for the way to Varese. 

He saluted Rowan, receiving a roll of pine-green eyes in his response, before vanishing into nothing, leaving Rowan and Aelin in the middle of Wendlyn’s forests, staring at each other. 

Rowan broke first, raking his hand through ruffled silver hair and sighing. 

“Mistward is twenty miles away. I’m not in the mood to spend the next eight hours walking. Shift, and let's go. We’re running.” He gave her a feral grin, canines exposed.

Aelin narrowed her eyes at the commanding tone, but started to braid her waist-length hair at the base of her head. Rowan secured his pack as a flash of light indicated her shifting. Gods, she really was gorgeous. And her beauty was heightened in her Fae form, her ears delicately pointed and canines lengthened. She moved with ethereal grace, and everything seemed to revolve around her. Too bad he could barely stand her, even if he’d felt a… shift, in their relationship since they sparred. Since he’d felt their magic dancing around each other. Since he’d begun to see her as more of an… equal.

He didn’t exactly know where he stood with the young Queen of Terrasen, sometimes she acted like his mortal enemy, sometimes she just seemed like an overly-excitable acquaintance with mild pestering tendencies.

Aelin finished tying her braid, bracing her hands on her hips and smirking at him, arrogance back in full swing. Rowan nodded once at her, and took off.

He raced through the trees, dodging boulders and leaping fallen logs as the world blurred around him. The forest was so alive, all the plants and animals coming together to create its own kind of magic, a circle of life and death and rebirth. The wind whipped through his hair, and his arms pumped harder as he sprinted, a thin sheen of sweat starting to break out upon his skin.

Rowan looked sideways, and spotted a blur of gold through the trees a little way away from him. Aelin met his gaze, and grinned at him in the pure, unbridled joy that came with pushing your Fae body to the limits. The scents and tastes of the world around him were so exhilarating, and he felt nothing could compare to the feeling. He smiled back at the young demi-fae, and felt, almost, less alone. Maybe, just maybe, a friendship could be possible between the two. For the first time in a long, long while, Rowan felt… hopeful. Like he could look forward to tomorrow.

Tags: @bookworm232020​ @brandyovereager​ @kendallambrosio​ @alyx801​ 

I hope those are the right tags! Let me know if you would like to be tagged.

#aelin galathynius #rowan whitethorn #rowaelin #fanfic #fanfiction #throne of glass #sarah j maas #sjm #aelin and rowan #rowan x aelin #aelin ashryver galathynius #aelin of the wildfire #aelin fireheart #immortals #chapter 7

[sohannabarberaesque]

“Underwater America with Peter Potamus” (episode 20: the Florida Keys)

[In opening this episode, we can imagine the van which transports our merry band of divers continuing down US Hwy. 1 past Miami--essentially having left Miami after the diving experience in the springs country last week, and heading towards no less than the Florida Keys, diver’s paradiso and then some. Over such footage, we can imagine the narration:]

PETER POTAMUS, and none other than: For some reason, the waters off the Florida Keys have become something of a diving Mecca of late ... and in this particular episode, our motley crew of divers--OK, not that motley--is going to learn just why....

[We can find the van travelling by way of the Card Sound drive into Key Largo, the northern gateway to the Keys, and crossing the Jewfish Key Drawbridge as a decent little shortcut into--]

None other than the legendary Key Largo (and so much for the movie treatment) ... because after all, our first diving stop is no less than the world’s first underwater preserve! [Witness the signs welcoming visitors to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and our finding the intrepid crew getting camp set up in the park’s camping area for a couple nights] ... as in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, established to preserve what’s essentially a living community underwater that had long been regarded as a boater’s nuisance, especially the closer to shore that you got ... none other than the coral reef.

SQUIDDLY DIDDLY, trying not to get overly giddy at the prospect: Which, certainly, is probably closer to what my ancestral home looked like--but no, I’m not talking about Bubbleland! At least the very idea of diving over an actual coral reef is certainly bound to be interesting!

MAGILLA GORILLA, likewise: I can certainly tell you, Squiddly, that I couldn’t concur with you more! You remember my famous surfing attempt?

MILDEW WOLF, adding the inevitable snark: Who wouldn’t?!

LIPPY THE LION: Now, honestly--diving into a coral reef isn’t as difficult as walking into a forest for a hike now, wouldn’t it?

PETER POTAMUS, getting back into narrator mode as supper is out of the way: Which, I can certainly acknowledge, is something of an interesting prospect ... which was made even more interesting when one of the park rangers explained where snorkelling may be the best way to discover most of the reef within the park’s waters, what with much of the reef area being less than 15 feet deep below the surface!

[The scene shifts to the following morning, and one of the park’s dive boats guiding our divers out to an interesting section of the reef, and an easily-divable such]

And what could be a wonderful prelude to some wonderful diving ahead than taking a guide boat out to the reef, with one of the park rangers explaining how best to make the experience worthwhile?

[Thence going into a conversation between the park ranger/dive guide and members of the dive party, with as much interesting conversation about themselves as some practical diving pointers, particularly such against touching coral--essentially a living organism--and particularly so the more lethal examples like fire coral and staghorn coral. What’s especially impressive is where the dive guide is impressed about Peter’s diving prowess and his learning such at a young age.

[Soon, without much formality, the action shifts to mask-and-snorkel such over this magnificent specimen of living coral reef--initially on the ocean surface, then some dives down to the bottom. Even with cheesy industrial-film background music, snorkelling among our crew couldn’t get to be more fascinating, especially as Peter “himself” points out an example of brain coral and the rather whimsical patterns so made. Even the guide is rather impressed.]

(artist: @fini-mun​)

And who wouldn’t be impressed by such a sight ... especially when things start getting more interesting heading into Key West ...

[Hence, the drive southward along the Overseas Highway, as US 1 is known over the Keys, towards Key West continues with some brief stops for snorkelling hijinks in the likes of Islamorada, Marathon, crossing the Seven-Mile Bridge towards Cudjoe Key and then--]

None other than Key West ... which is as far as it gets in the United States!

[Melange of scenes in and around Key West calling to mind some Banana Splits “romp” sequence, only with cheesy music in the background, wherein we find our party at the Southernmost Point Monument, President Truman’s “Little White House,” Hemingway’s house and the resident cats, the Duval Street bar and shopping district--and then at the legendary Sloppy Joe’s, where, over their conch stew--]

I have to admit that Key West is about as interesting as it can get ... and it was over some conch stew at the legendary Sloppy Joe’s Tavern that I had an idea: Fixing up our own conch stew over a campfire, and using fresh-caught conch from the waters off the Keys! [Followed by a hilarious wild-goose chase all over Key West trying to find the ideal conch stew receipt, not to mention the makings for as much said stew--aside from the conch--as key lime pie that would be the dessert therefor]

HARDY HAR-HAR, myopic as ever: And you thought finding decent conch was going to be rather easy, especially in waters such as these....

HOKEY WOLF, with a likely glint of the old Sgt. Bilko in his eye: So was it ever going to be easy finding decent conch, to begin with?

[And so, doubling back towards Miami on US 1, encamping themselves just past the Seven-Mile Bridge on a somewhat desolate beach facing the Atlantic side ...]

PETER POTAMUS, narrating: Such would be where we would have our conch-stew feast ... with Mildew Wolf, Loopy DeLoop and Breezly Bruin getting the initial preparations set up ... Wally Gator fixing up the key lime pie--

WALLY GATOR, going into that Proud Floridian spiel: Ain’t there anything typically Floridian as key lime pie for dessert ... [let’s just hope he doesn’t make a serious mess mixing up the key lime juice, egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk there ... and with the action shifting to the waters offshore--]

PETER POTAMUS: --and Breezly Bruin, Loopy De Loop, Magilla Gorilla, Lippy and Hardy, led by yours truly, seeking out some conch with the mask and snorkel ... you just have to make sure you don’t pick up any queen conch, which is protected....

[Back to shore, and, even with the roux being made ready and the conch meat being extracted, rinsed out and diced....]

Admittedly, prepared over a campfire such as ours, conch stew takes awhile to simmer, to develop such nuances of flavour, to tenderise the conch meat ...

[Segue into dinner, with the finished stew being taken with relish and gusto]

... yet for some reason, I just had to wonder how it was that our conch stew proved so irresistable, there were hardly any leftovers ...

SQUIDDLY DIDDLY, taken from an underwater cinematographer’s perspective: The very idea of from-scratch conch stew, and using fresh-caught conch meat at that, couldn’t have been more interesting, come to think of it.

MAGILLA GORILLA: Especially with so much to talk about ...

LOOPY De LOOP: And I wonder if it was something in the conch stew itself that let loose such conversation as much as appetites!

MILDEW WOLF: You can say that again ...

[Out of the final break, and then--]

PETER POTAMUS: I have to acknowledge this may have been a high point in our diving expedition ... but there’s more where we came from ... so make it a point to consider discovering the diving experience for yourself ... and until next we meet ... enjoy the dive!

[Over and out ... and over the Keys, at that]

@warnerarchive​ @joey-gatorman​ @warnerbrosentertainment​ @hanna-barbera-land​

#fanfic friday #hanna barbera #documentary #snorkelling #diving #dive party #florida keys #dive the keys #peter potamus #wally gator #magilla gorilla #squiddly diddly #lippy the lion and hardy har har #breezly bruin #loopy de loop #hokey wolf #mildew wolf #john pennekamp coral reef state park #key west #islamorada #seven mile bridge #overseas highway #key lime pie #conch stew #diving for conch #hannabarberaforever

[spellucci]

Saguaro National Park

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

We started the day with a trip to the local La Mesa RV Center to get our oil changed. Well, we really started the day with Jeanne up wicked early(TM) to be on a conference call and Tim reminiscing about old radio shows with his dad on the phone, but that doesn't make for very interesting blogging, does it now?

La Mesa had kindly fit us in on short notice. They also were able to more permanently affix our door screens so that we can camp relatively bug free in warmer climes. This is timely, as the weather report is for the mid 70s today. Here is the unconstrained excitement in the La Mesa service lounge while the vehicle was being attended to.

After the maintenance, we set off for Saguaro National Park East, which we had not been to before. The visitors center is closed, but the Rangers had thoughtfully put out tables in front of the doors with maps and brochures on them. The ranger station at the park entrance is likewise unmanned. A sign says how to pay the entrance fee online. We have Golden Age passes, so we mosey on in.

First stop is the picnic area where we nosh a bit and give Amber a chance to stretch her legs. Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails.

Then we head over to the Homestead trailhead for a hike in the warm sun. The cacti are wonderful.

Barrel cactus in bloom.

Prickly Pear cactus

New growth on a staghorn cactus

Ocotillo Cactus with red flowers?

Iconic Saguaros

A Gila Monster ambled away from us as we made our way back to the camper.

There is a big snowstorm expected north of us, but all we see of it are cirrus clouds. It will likely rain here tomorrow.

An alert says our engine is low on Diesel Exhaust Fluid. Emissions control laws prohibit our vehicle from running without it, so we finish up the afternoon driving around from store to store to find some.

We decide to tank up on diesel before we stop for the night, which means it is dark when we try to find the roadside pullout in the mountains outside Tucson where we had hoped to camp. We find a flat, level wash to park in, open the windows, and enjoy the night air.

[ellesaurz]

Grey Nomads, Coal & Jam Circles

On Tuesday I returned from the Stop Adani convoy as hosted by the Bob Brown Foundation. In case you’re unaware, the Adani coal mine is a proposed project in North Queensland that would tip our world over the edge in terms of our CO2 budget. It was a trip fueled by curiosity as much as my feelings of urgency around the climate emergency. I had huge hesitations about the idea of city folk going to the bush with a nuanced message about just transitions that potentially translated to “we hate jobs and miners”. Another fear of mine was that the convoy would create attitude polarisation and even force Adani supporters further towards their own opinions.

Yet, I also believed that this was a global issue playing out in my home state, and that raising the issue via mobilisation of people was critical to actually stopping the mine. Behind the calls of hypocrisy, criticism of the Bob Brown Foundation and logistical challenges, there was a solid group of 300 kind, generous and concerned citizens.

Having spent time with activist groups full of people under 30 over the past few years, the Stop Adani convoy was my first interaction with environmentalists where 80% were over the age of 50. I’d tailgated the convoy in a van with one of my best friends on the way up, eating cheap vegie pies and listening to downtempo Ecuadorian electronic music. At Mackay, I joined up with Margaret and from then on it was homemade sushi and classical. Margaret was an art and maths teacher from a farm near Port Macquarie with rainbow hair and  a big heart who had collected some friends on the way up the coast.

While at first I felt a bit out of place as the token 26-year-old, I soon became part of the gang. We talked history and politics and social change and at night in Clermont an impressive jam circle was established. I marvelled at the fact they afforded house deposits while on Austudy and they sympathised with the state of my generation’s housing options. I listened to tales of the Springbok protests and was taught camping tips and recipes. I had so much to learn from these people that seeing them off on their onward journey to Canberra felt premature.

We’d experienced so much together -  we’d had tea in the face of aggressive pro-Adani protestors, had camped to sounds of explosives meant to scare us and even had a close friend almost trampled by a pro-Adani horseman at a peaceful Aboriginal-hosted event. We’d danced with the Wangan & Jagalingou people as emus, eagles and kangaroos and chatted with owners of tiny rest-stops somewhere between Biloela and Yarraman. We saw beautiful eucalyptus speckled country out of windows for hours and climbed in staghorn-filled ancient rock crevices and caves.

I don’t know where the climate movement will take us next, but I know it will be filled with guitars, bush walks and hopefully some inter-generational comradery.

#stopadani

[holdfastharrumph]

Ducks Steal Mail

STAGHORN WEALD, dead of night — A mail courier was savaged by mallards in the forest this past weekend.

“It was just after the rain,” courier Efipp Treadfast recalled, struggling to gesticulate with her stubby fingers wrapped in thick bandaging from duck bites.

“My pony, Wildstride, just about had it with the muddy night roads. I knew I shouldn’t, but I settled for camp early: hurt my heart to see him carry on so haggard.”

Treadfast laid timber for a campfire; but no later than she’d struck flint to steel, a vicious swarm of ducks buffeted her.

“They came out from the dark of the trees and the sky,” Treadfast trembled at the horrifying thought, “they ripped through the mail satchel. I tried to grab fistfuls of envelopes back. Big mistake.”

Wildstride was able to scare the ducks away, to Treadfast’s relief, by being thrown at them by Treadfast.

“She is lucky to be alive,” noted Doctor Lendmin Rogov, tightening the restraints on a thrashing, frothing patient in a dark room.

“Before the case of Miss Trespass, there was a one-hundred percent chance of death in duck-related incident.”

Treadfast responded very well to treatment, constables noted, by immediately shouting for them when she saw Doctor Rogov step in to see her.

“Very lucky,” Rogov went on as he was loaded into the constable coach, “you meet anyone that beats the one-hundred? No one! But thanks to her, we now see we only have half of the cases being fatal. A credit to patients!”

Unfortunately, Treadfast was unable to retrieve most of the mail due for Oakburn and Brookhurst.

“We had to return what I recovered to the office for the next courier to pick up,” Treadfast explained, while clumsily scribbling on papers and folding them into envelopes, “so now my job is to make new mail to send out! We write them to-and-from residents we pick out of a hat.”

Treadfast stuck a half-copper Crest-of-the-Commonwealth stamp on a pink-dyed envelope. “This one’s a love letter. I can’t wait to see what romance blossoms: I put a date and place for them to meet!”

Chief Dardier Constable John O. Hardwick-Nantun and his constables are seeking a drake with a stamp on his foot for questioning and subsequent inspection.

Editor’s update: Citing recent postage gossip, we discovered that Chief Hardwick-Nantun is reportedly seeking to pursue a steady relationship with Mister Sylvester Broadshawl of Brookhurst. Mister Broadshawl will report to the Dardier office tomorrow, 3:15 in the afternoon, sharpish, for romantic questioning and subsequent inspection.

Apprentice-Editor’s update: Doctor Lendmin Rogov has escaped during routine bribe negotiations, reportedly having tendered “pocket sand” to unsuspecting constables’ faces. Constables are currently seeking means to redeem “pocket sand” for minted currency.

[cloudywriter]

camp staghorn - 5

babes, i’m sorry i lied to you. but you know better late than never? anyway, idk if i’ll be writing much this week because i am going on vacation with my family but maybe the airport will inspire me.

anyway enjoy this semi-okay part 5. 

masterlist, main masterlist, AO3

~~~

The day started out rather peacefully. They all awoke to the sun streaming in through the windows and the morning birds singing an early song, the smell of the lake and woods heavy in the air. Aelin roused the girls who became much more awake as soon as she reminded them today they were scheduled to go out onto the lake with the canoes. From then on the girls readied themselves for the day quickly, an excited buzz filling the atmosphere. 

Though, it did take a bit for Aelin to wrangle them all into their suits and then lather them up with sunscreen in preparation for a long day in the sun. The campers were much too excited to wait for sunscreen application. Nonetheless, they finally headed to the dining hall and even the sun mercilessly beating down on them couldn’t seem to dampen their moods. 

“Alright girls, eat a quick breakfast and then we can get the canoes out,” Aelin ordered as her campers marched through the door she held open. Aelin entered after, noting the lack of people in the dining hall; it was still pretty early after all. 

The only other camp there was Rowan’s and Aelin couldn’t help but be suspicious. She had been on high alert since her prank on Rowan, waiting for his retaliation but the night came and went without incident. This only heightens Aelin’s suspicions. 

Aelin passed Rowan as she followed her campers, narrowing her eyes at him in what she hoped to be a warning look. On a good day Aelin wasn’t one to mess with but even more so in the mornings. Rowan only gave her a smirk, taking a sip of water from his glass. 

“Did you get up early to poison the food?” Aelin asked, stopping a few feet in front of him.

“I suppose you’ll have to find out.” Rowan offered, setting his cup back down on the table. Aelin grimaced, unsatisfied with his response. However, she highly doubted he could get away with tampering with the food so she opted to take her chances with a couple of waffles. She wasn’t about to go hungry. 

She took a cautious first bite after lathering them up with syrup and butter. Luckily, they seemed to be unharmed so Aelin sat down to eat with the rest of her campers who were excitedly chattering about racing each other on the lake. 

Breakfast passed peacefully, not a peep or mocking comment out of Rowan or his campers. This left Aelin’s mind reeling, pondering over what could possibly be in store for her later. 

Aelin and her campers finished up breakfast and headed out to the large wooden dock that spanned some ways into the lake. A storage shed was located nearby full of kayaks, canoes, paddles, life jackets, and other lake day necessities. 

“Okay, first, everybody needs to grab a life jacket and put it on!” Aelin yelled to her kids as they ran ahead darting for the lake’s shore. The girls cooperated without complaint, throwing on the nearest life jacket Aelin brought out and buckling it up. Aelin only had to help a few girls tighten the straps after making sure everyone was secure. 

They got out onto the water fairly easily, all of the girls separated into 4 different canoes, paddling around the lake aimlessly. They continued that way for a while laughing, talking, and splashing each other back and forth with the paddles while racing each other around the lake. 

Aelin sighed, realizing it was about time for them to head back to the dock. “We should probably begin paddling back to shore for lunch,” Aelin commented. 

“Just a little longer please?” Borte pleaded attempting to win Aelin over with her pout. 

“We can probably come back out on the lake later. We need some lunch though and to reapply sunscreen,” Aelin reassured them. The girls seemed okay with the compromise and they started to row glumly back towards the dock. 

Aelin paddled mindlessly, watching the sun as it beamed down through the tops of the tall trees surrounding the lake and seeing all the birds fly overhead loudly chirping away. She wasn’t paying much attention, her mind on autopilot. That was until the canoe jerked, swaying in the water, dangerously close to flipping. 

“Intruders!” Ansel yelled from behind the canoe Aelin was situated in. 

Aelin didn’t have time to ask Ansel what she was talking about or even look around before the canoe toppled over, sending her and the other girls in the canoe into the cool waters of the lake. Aelin emerged a second later, wiping the hair out of her eyes and gasping for air. She was met with a pair of bright green eyes and a proud smile. 

Rowan’s silvery hair was plastered to his forehead, his eyes shimmering with mirth. “Took a little topple huh, Princess?”

“Oh, haha,” Aelin replied sarcastically, treading water towards the overturned canoe still clutching her paddle. All of the other canoes had been flipped as well by Rowan’s campers who were very proud of themselves. Despite the ambush, Aelin’s campers seemed unbothered, no doubt grateful for the reprieve the water offered from the hot sun. 

Aelin tried to turn the canoe back up but struggled a bit as her hand was still gripping her paddle. 

“Need a little help?” Rowan offered, treading up to her side.

“Oh, get outta here,” Aelin insisted, shoving the water with her hand to splash Rowan in the face. 

“Hey!” Rowan protested, wiping the wet hair back from his forehead before he splashed Aelin right back.

Aelin was having none of it and gave as good as she got. She let her paddle free, allowing it to float beside her so she could maximize her splashing abilities. 

They continued shoving handfuls of water at each other one splash after another, neither able to even open their eyes from the onslaught of lake water. Aelin only managed to crack her eyes for a second, just enough to discern Rowan’s location before she hopped on him, pushing him down into the water as much as his life jacket would allow. 

“Stop trying to drown me, Aelin!” Rowan struggled, wrapping his arms around Aelin in an attempt to disarm her. 

“You tried to drown me first!” Aelin countered as she tried to swim away from Rowan though he held on to her life jacket firmly. 

“When?” Rowan inquired, still holding onto the loose strap of her life jacket like a leash. 

At that Aelin spun around to face Rowan and he was once again struck by her. Her blonde hair was a deep gold now that it was wet and her eyes were bright and blazing. Between the sun’s rays reflecting off her irises and the beginnings of a sunburn across her nose and cheeks, her eyes captured him, their tawny rings reeling him in. 

“Don’t try to act like you didn’t just flip over my canoe!” Aelin declared, putting on a look as though she was scandalized and fighting the smile threatening to unleash itself on her face. 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, I think you just lack the finesse necessary to operate a canoe.”

“Is that so?” Aelin purred, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. 

“Is this when you ask me for a race, Princess?” Rowan challenged. 

Aelin looked delighted by the prospect of a challenge, Rowan wasn’t sure if he should be alarmed by that or not. Aelin pushed closer, staring Rowan down in a way that might’ve disturbed some. Rowan had barely registered how closely Aelin had drifted to him either; they were practicality nose to nose now. As if acting on their own accord, Rowan’s eyes darted down to her lips. He tried to recover and avert his gaze back to her but judging by Aelin’s knowing smirk she was aware of exactly where his mind had wandered.

Truthfully, if they weren’t surrounded by nearly 20 young kids still swimming about, his teenage boy brain might have considered the possibility of just leaning forward a bit and capturing her lips with his own. 

“You’re truly a menace, you know,” Rowan commented, his voice a little rough. Whether it was because of this new desire to kiss her or the amount of lake water he had swallowed; he didn’t know. 

“Funny, my cousin uses the same endearment,” Aelin responded. 

Rowan rolled his eyes, of course, she would consider the word menace to be an endearment. 

“Rowan, Aelin! Gavriel says y’all have to come in for lunch!” Fenrys shouted from the shore. 

“We’re coming!” Rowan shouted back, effortlessly flipping the canoe back up. 

“Hop in, Princess, lunch awaits.” 

~~~

taglist:  @live-the-fangirl-life // @rowaelinismyotp // @gosuckadickghostman // @camilamartinezdunne // @story-scribbler // @charlizeed // @allthebooksunderthemoon​

**if you asked to be on the taglist & i didn’t add you send me a message i’m really bad at keeping up with it 😭

#aelin ashryver galathynius #aelin x rowan #rowan whitethorn #rowaelin #rowaelin au #rowaelin fanfiction #rowan x aelin #fenrys moonbeam #camp staghorn #throne of glass #throne of glass fanfiction #camp counselors au #rowaelin fluff #rowaelin fanfic

[goforwardgreenwriter-blog]

The Worm Reads: Empire of Storms, Ch 1 - 2

 Book: Empire of Storms

Author: Sarah J. Mass

Ah, my dear readers, what can one say about SJM? While I do admit there is some value in a few of her books (I quite enjoyed the early t0g novels) to say her writing has stirred controversy is a bit of an understatement. There are arguments for and against why her series are problematic and toxic, why her world building is atrocious and her characters overpowered and unlikable, but I believe every author deserves a chance. Let’s see if we can give EoS a good fair shake to see whether it holds up or not, shall we?

The prologue of this book starts right off with Princess Elena Galathynius and her broad shouldered boy toy Gavin (we all know SJM does enjoy herself a broad shouldered man or two) angsting over the inevitable doom and deaths of their friends while planning to flee the battle to buy themselves more time. I won’t bore you with details; it’s separate from the main plot, short, and doesn’t offend me that much. Moving on!

Chapter One

The real story kicks off with Elide Lochan, a character from the previous novel, running through the woods. Elide was one of the few characters I found myself endeared towards, for her sweet yet strong personality and her relationship with Manon.

Weeks. It had been weeks since Manon Blackbeak and the Thirteen had left her in this forest, the Wing Leader ordering her to head north. To find her lost queen, now grown and mighty—and to also find Celaena Sardothien, whoever she was, so that Elide might repay the life debt she owed to Kaltain Rompier.

For those not aware, SJM is extremely found of em dashes. Like, she uses them a lot. I’m guilty of this too, but at least I have the sense to edit them out before publishing works! Also oof, I can smell Celaena gushing coming up.

Unfortunately, Elide had learned the hard way about what water to drink. Three days, she’d been near death with vomiting and fever after gulping down that stagnant pond water. Three days, she’d shivered so badly she thought her bones would crack apart.

While I like the imagery used here, since you get the full picture of how cold she was..... Shouldn’t the sentence be “For three days”? Just stating three days and what she was doing has no connection.

She’d run out of food a week ago and had taken to scavenging for berries. They were all foreign, but a whisper of a memory from her years with her nursemaid, Finnula, had warned her to rub them on her wrist first— to see if they raised any reaction.

I actually really like this, It shows Elide is smart, has a good memory, and is resourceful. SJM, please don’t mess her up.

Maybe she’d made a wrong turn. How would she know when she’d crossed Terrasen’s border, anyway? And how would she ever find her queen—her court?

Unghhhhh she doesn’t mean Aelin does she? If Elide is used only to gush and fangirl over what an amazing queen Aelin is I’m gonna be ill.

Elide hears wyverns flying by and hides, before realizing....

Not witches or wyverns or beasts. But someone—someone was watching her. Someone was following her.

Manon has come to sweep her girlfriend off her feet! Right...?

Lorcan Salvaterre had been running from those gods-damned beasts for two days now.

Oh god no.

Here’s the thing; I like Lorcan as a villain. He was a threat that at least made the main characters sweat a little in the previous novel, to my memory. Surely he will continue to be a villain, perhaps Elide’s main rival in this novel? After all we have a paragraph describing how he tortured and killed some witches, so surely-

He’d been hiding here first, listening to the clamor of [Elide’s] clumsy approach, and had watched her stumble and limp when she finally heard what swept toward them. She was delicately built, small enough that he might have thought her barely past her first bleed were it not for the full breasts beneath her close-fitting leathers.

I’M... SPEECHLESS. Why is that what Lorcan notices about her?? Not her mature vibe, perhaps the determination on her face, but her breasts? He doesn’t even know this girl!! Also, just because a girl has big breasts doesn’t mean she’s older. I know girls as young as 14 with huge breasts. And while I like that SJM does acknowledge periods, which so many YA authors act like they don’t exist, the focus of it here makes me... uncomfortable.

The demon-possessed girl limped up the streambed, that useless knife still out, her grip on its hilt wholly ineffective. Good. And so Lorcan began his hunt.

Oh, so maybe he is going to be an enemy during this novel? I’d read a showdown between them. Preferably with Elide outwitting and kicking his ass.

Chapter 2

Crouched beside the brook, empty skins forgotten on the mossy bank, Aelin Ashryver Galathynius extended a scarred hand over the rushing water and let the song of the early-morning storm wash over her.

*inhales* Oh Aelin. A character most hate, and one I just honestly don’t know. There’s times where I like how arrogant and show off she can be, but other times she aggravates me, mostly due to the whole lost queen thing. 

She breathed in the chill mists and fresh rain, dragging them deep into her lungs. Her magic guttered in answer, as if yawning good morning and tumbling back to sleep.

I actually like the way SJM describes magic, as if its its own sentient being that lives within its owner. Too bad there’s no magic system or anything actually done with this imagery. 

Across the brook, atop a mossy boulder tucked into the arms of a gnarled oak, a pair of tiny bone-white fingers flexed and cracked, a mirror to her own movements. Aelin smiled and said so quietly it was barely audible over the stream and rain, “If you have any pointers, friend, I’d love to hear them.”

The Little Folk illustrate my biggest issue with SJM; she comes up with cool fantasy concepts and characters, and never does anything with them. The Little Folk serve little purpose (ha), but I love them!! I love this scene with the Little Folk mirroring her movements. But I’m willing to wager SJM is never gonna bring them up again.

But they’d left small gifts just outside the border of Rowan’s nightly shields, somehow deposited without alerting whichever of them was on watch.

I’m stanning the Little Folk. They’re magic and skilled enough to outwit even Rowan and they bring them cute handmade gifts? Give me a Little Folk spin off.

Soggy leaves crunched behind her, and Aelin knew it was only because Rowan wanted her to hear his approach. “Careful, or they’ll leave something wet and cold in your bedroll next time.”

*inhales* Hoo boy, Aelin/Rowan time. This should be... interesting.

Strong hands slid over her waist, tugging her into his warmth, as Rowan’s lips grazed her neck, right under her ear. Aelin arched back into him while his mouth roved across her throat, heating mist-chilled skin. “Good morning to you,” she breathed.

And already they’re acting hornier than teenagers right now. Great. I mean, I’m not opposed to characters being in sexual relationships or expressing this, but God, these two take it waaaay too far. They think about sex 24/7 and it gets exhausting after a while. 

“If you want to take a bath so badly,” Rowan murmured against her neck, “I spotted a pool about a quarter mile back. You could heat it—for both of us.” She ran her nails down the back of his hands, up his forearms. “I’d boil all the fish and frogs inside it. I doubt it’d be very pleasant then.”

(...)

A dark laugh against her now-burning skin. It was an effort to keep from taking one of his hands and guiding it up to her breasts, to beg him to touch, take, taste.

Like, can we get them having a nice romantic moment without them being so sex hungry for once? I barely have any feel of a connection between them aside from the fact that they are DTF. I wouldn’t have an issue if this was an erotica novel, but this is supposed to be epic fantasy.

Aelin expositions about how they’re planning to meet some lords from Terrasen, and how Lorcan is under the impression that he has the real Wyrdkey. Hopefully this means we’ll be getting some awesome fantasy content soon.

He gave her a wry smile and aimed a pointed look at Goldryn, sheathed across her back, and the various knives strapped to her. “And besides: I thought ‘cloak-and-dagger’ was your middle name.” She offered him a vulgar gesture in return.

Wait, why is SJM censoring the middle finger? I’d understand if this was an actual YA novel, but this book has graphic sex scenes. Why can’t she write Aelin flipping someone off? Unless Aelin is doing some other hand gesture?

No matter that Aelin was the bearer of a weapon capable of wiping out this entire valley, along with the gray Staghorn Mountains watching over it. And that was just her magic.

*sigh* We get it SJM, Aelin is the most special powerful sorcerer to ever exist. 

“You trust nothing.” She met his eyes. “I trust you.”

If this was for a ship I liked, I’d be squealing with delight. But then the two of them proceed to make out yet again, and immediately the smile on my face dies as I am forced to yet again read paragraphs of Rowan forcing his tongue down Aelin’s throat.

So Aelin kissed Rowan gently, his hands again locking around her hips. “Fireheart,” he said onto her mouth. “Buzzard,” she murmured onto his.

Okay, I will admit. Couples having special nicknames for each other is one of my favorite tropes. I’ll admit, Aelin calling Rowan buzzard is kinda sweet if you ignored how shitty their relationship is.

Evangeline howled, “Fooooood!” Fleetfoot’s answering howl followed a heartbeat later. Then Lysandra’s snarl rippled toward them, silencing girl and hound.

Lysandra!!! Another character I loved. She is so strong and overcomes her abuser and her trauma to become a badass warrior, and plus she has girl friendship with Aelin! I’d read a series about Elide and Lysandra traveling around the world together.

When she looked back, Rowan was halfway to the camp, Evangeline’s red-gold hair flashing as she bounded through the dripping trees, begging the prince for toast and eggs.

....... eggs and toast? In the middle of the forest? Not what I’d expect, but alright.

And Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen, knew the time would soon come to prove just how much she’d bleed for Erilea.

Sure, sweetheart. Also, you’re not a queen yet. You haven’t been crowned or declared ruler officially.

We switch to Aedion’s POV. I suspect if SJM let him have a motive and personality outside of worshiping Aelin, he;d be a good character.

[Lysandra] had used these weeks of travel to try out new forms: birds, beasts, insects that had a tendency to buzz in his ear or bite him. Rarely —so rarely—had Lysandra taken the human form he’d met her in.

I love Lysandra. That is all.

[Aelin]��d grown quieter the farther north they’d traveled. Perhaps weeks on the road had sapped her. After tonight, depending on what the lords reported, he’d try to find her a quiet place to rest for a day or two before they made the last leg of the trek to Orynth.

Again, had this been any other characters, it’d be sweet of him to know his cousin so well that he knows when she’s tired and want her to rest. But like, Aedion’s entire character revolves around Aelin it’s tiresome.

“Darrow was your uncle’s lover,” he added, stretching his legs out before him. “For decades. He’s never spoken once to me about your uncle, but... they were very close, Aelin. Darrow didn’t publicly mourn Orlon beyond what was required after the passing of a king, but he became a different man afterward. He’s a hard bastard now, but still a fair one. Much of what he’s done has been out of his unfading love for Orlon—and for Terrasen. His own maneuvering kept us from becoming completely starved and destitute. Remember that.” Indeed, Darrow had long straddled a line between serving the King of Adarlan and undermining him.

Oooo, a LGBT character! Very nice! However, from that description of Darrow being a supposed bastard, I’m worried he might be the villain. Which wouldn’t be a problem if there were other LGBT characters, but since Darrow is the only confirmed one that comes to mind at current, this might turn out bad.

The flames pulled apart like drawn curtains to allow [Evangeline] and Fleetfoot, sensing the child’s fear and pressing close, passage to an inner ring that would not burn her. But would melt the bones of their enemies.

Um, why is that a fragment? Shouldn’t the phrase read, “(...) passage to an inner ring that would not burn her, but would melt the bones of their enemies”?

So they are startled by the arrival of a messenger and Rowan puts a knife to his throat. I’d understand if he did this until the messenger tells them who he is, but seriously? Keeping a blade at the guy’s throat? He’s the messenger of the people you want to be allies with!

Even as Rowan nudged him forward, that cruel knife still angled at his throat. Aedion jerked his chin at Rowan. “He can’t very well deliver the message with a blade at his windpipe.”

Lmfao it literally takes Aedion pointing this out for Rowan to chill out.

Her magic simmered in response. And that [amulet]—that hideous power hanging between her breasts—seemed to open an ancient eye at all the commotion.

Again, a nit pick, but why is SJM so fascinated with the amulet being between Aelin’s breasts? It seriously takes away from the impact of the sentence, which is trying to make the amulet sound dangerous but all I can think about is the amulet squished between her boobs. It would’ve been better to simply say the amulet around her neck or something.

So the messenger tells them the lords won’t be coming out to the forest, which is honestly understandable. They’re old and can’t travel as well as the younger characters, and it’s raining outside. 

So those were the first two chapters. Well, it isn’t too bad so far, but not great either. Honestly, I’m just weirded out by SJM’s focus on the women’s breasts. If this was an erotica novel, I’d have zero problems with it, but considering this book is supposed to be epic fantasy, it just pulls me out of the story every time it is focused on. But we’ll see if SJM can do better with the next chapters.

#the worm talks #the worm reads: eos #anti sjm #anti tog #anti eos #im not completely an anti blog but this is a critical take on her series so #into the anti tags it goes

[rootedincuteness]

Meet The Gang: Graer

FULL NAME: Graer MEANING BEHIND NAME: Graer is a Gaelic name meaning wise or intelligent person. TYPE OF BEAST: A beige, double-leafed, staghorn fern rootling. GENDER: Male PERSONALITY: Graer is quiet and shy, but he loves nature and his friends, and of course his girlfriend Fernadette. Once you get to know him, he warms up to you considerably.  OCCUPATION: Fernlock, the male version of a Fernwitch, which is his religion and calling to help and educate others about nature and the world around them. Like Fernadette, he is also an environmentalist. BEST FRIEND: Fernadette RELATIONSHIP STATUS: In a committed relationship with Fernadette. FAVORITE COLOR: Blue, like the sky... and Fernadette’s frond. FAVORITE FOOD: Blueberry pie. Cherry is also awesome. FAVORITE SEASON: Summer FAVORITE HOLIDAY: Summer Solstice LIKES: Hiking, camping, gardening, flowers, trees, honey bees, and butterflies. DISLIKES: Skunks, plants with stickers, spikes, or thorns, and humans with no consideration for the environment. PET PEEVE: Falling into a bush and getting sticky seeds stuck to him all over. CURRENT OBSESSION: Clouds... and the pictures and objects they sometimes look like.

#graer the staghorn fern #friends of mudpie #meet the gang

[sciencespies]

Heat-Tolerant Endangered Corals Could Help Revive Declining Reefs

https://sciencespies.com/news/heat-tolerant-endangered-corals-could-help-revive-declining-reefs/

Heat-Tolerant Endangered Corals Could Help Revive Declining Reefs

Increases in ocean temperatures have resulted in the loss of 14 percent of corals over the past decade. This has had cascading effects, as the disappearance of coral reefs also impacts the animals that rely on them. Thus, strategies to help corals tolerate a warming ocean are of critical importance.

One potential solution comes from a new study by scientists at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium who explored the heat tolerance of endangered staghorn corals in a Florida nursery, which belong to the world’s largest restoration program. To determine which corals were better able to tolerate extreme heat, the researchers developed a device (made from camping coolers!) deemed the “Coral Bleaching Automated Stress Systems” to simulate warming conditions and measure coral responses.

“Coral reef decline due to climate change is accelerating worldwide, but so are active reef restoration efforts, which offer the best chance to boost the resilience of reefs through challenging future environments,” says Dr. Ross Cunning, lead author of this study.

The scientists tested over 200 genetically different staghorn corals to test the temperature at which they began to bleach, a stress response that strips corals of their symbiotic algae and, eventually, coloration. They saw that certain corals did bleach at higher temperatures, suggesting they might be better candidates for cultivating coral reefs in an ocean besieged with heatwaves. The team also took tissue samples to explore the genetic basis for improved heat tolerance in these corals and will next be testing the heat tolerance of corals in the Bahamas.

“Our study provides a template for other efforts to identify heat-tolerant corals and comes at a time when such knowledge can help transform approaches to coral conservation under climate change,” says co-author Dr. Andrew Baker, a professor in the Department of Marine Biology and Ecology at University of Miami Rosenstiel School.

Another complementary approach to supporting coral reef systems is to seed the corals themselves. And, a recent approach, where fragments of many coral species were deployed, ultimately improved coral survival and growth.

According to Dr. Cunning, “Restoration and other conservation interventions must be optimized with heat tolerance in mind, in order to favor the survival of future reefs in warmer oceans.”

#News

#News