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desertdollranch · 1 month

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With Courtney joining the doll family, I had to make a place for her in the doll room, which is always a fun challenge to tackle. But I promised Caroline that the next AG doll to move in will take her place on the wall shelves. If that sounds like a punishment, I promise it isn't, because it's definitely an upgrade!

Caroline is one of four dolls who have their own little corner in my living room, furnished with their accessories and furniture. Josefina, Kaya, and Kirsten are the other three.

Longtime readers might remember when I built Caroline's parlor back in March of 2020. Newer readers will not, and maybe this is your first time seeing the parlor. It's modeled after the one in Caroline's original collection, only mine is bigger and more proportional, not to mention cheaper. I spent only about $10 on the supplies. Buying the real deal would cost at least $250.

I've furnished it with little bits and pieces I've either made or found secondhand. Nothing here is from her or any American Girl doll's actual collection.

This weekend I installed some new lace curtains on the window seat, seen at the right of the second picture. I previously had a single curtain with some pretty embroidery on it, but I love the romantic look of the lace and the tassels.

Because I have a bit of space left for it, I also brought in the clothes press!

This is also not AG brand, but a piece my grandpa built for me when I was 8 or 9. It's modeled after Felicity's clothes press from her retired collection. My mom always called it the tea cabinet because that's what she thought Felicity had in her collection, but I only ever used it to store the few doll clothes and accessories I had.

The top part is removable, and until now has been in Kirsten's room to hold her clothes. The bottom half with the drawers has held some of my Calico Critters extras. But with Caroline moving in, I really wanted her to have this gorgeous piece of furniture. Kirsten moved all her clothes into a new wooden trunk, which I'll show once I'm done painting it.

There's plenty of room for Caroline's dresses, even with the additional outfits I've sewn for her.

The top drawer holds her clothing accessories, like her shoes and bonnets. I made two pairs of her stockings and a pair of gloves. Her ice skates are also here. And the bottom drawer has her non-clothing accessories, all of which I've made, including her carpet bag, lantern, slate, lunch bag, and her father's ledger.

#caroline abbott #caroline's collection #caroline's parlor

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nicki-flemings-curls · 7 months

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Doll house photos under the read more

Alright so I haven’t had time to buy contact paper for the flooring, or figure out wallpaper, or even finish decorating some of these rooms but here’s the current progress!

First up, Kits room! Kit, Ruthie and Sterling (played by Eli) are plotting their next adventure!

Below that we have Samantha’s room, where Rebecca is also hanging out! I got Samantha’s bed, nightstand and Clara (plus the dress that Nellie is in) from a really great Facebook marketplace find! Also I wanted Rebecca’s menorah to be on display until I have the space for a room specifically for Rebecca!

Next up we have the parlor! At the moment it’s Elizabeth and Felicity taking tea in there (with Lydia serving tea) but I plan to switch between it being for Elizabeth and Felicity, Caroline and Lydia, & Cecile and Marie-Grace! So my goal is to try and get the back walls looking similar to Caroline’s parlor! Also I don’t know if I’ve properly introduced Lydia because I got her in the same week as Lindsey and Emily (I didn’t intend to buy 3 dolls that week lol), but this is my gorgeous truly me #21 that I found for pretty cheap on Mercari about a month or 2 ago.

Then on the other bookcase we have Courtney’s bedroom! I plan to move the shelf above this up to give it a higher ceiling and set out more of Courtney’s sleepover stuff but for now her and Abby are enjoying just hanging out!

Above that we have the game room, which currently only has my GOTY’s on display. Joss and Corrine are in a heated game of air hockey, while Kailey and Lindsey are on the computer. I was shocked to see the twin’s computer at the benefit sale this past year and I’m soooo glad I picked it up!

Here’s a better look at Kailey and Lindsey on the computer.

Then finally we have the room that I plan to change out for different scenes. Right now it’s a camping scene. Originally it just had Nicki, Mia and Sprocket, but my mom was like “you should add Luciana and her telescope!” So now Luci is third wheeling Mia and Nicki’s camping date 😂 (did I mention my Nicki and Mia are dating? Bc they’re dating)

I can’t wait to figure out wallpaper and flooring but that’ll probably take a few weeks since I know I’m traveling next weekend, and then pride is the weekend after that. (Yes I know it’s October but they wait til it’s cooler out where I live bc it’s unsafe to hold pride in the middle of summer bc of the heat). But hopefully I’ll have some wallpaper and flooring done by Halloween!

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omgthatdress · 1 year

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While I love Caroline and her story, her overall collection just feels very lacking. She didn’t get the fun, inexpensive little accessories that the previous dolls got. What she did get, however, was these:

Caroline’s Parlor, $300

Caroline’s Skiff, $175

Now, don’t get me wrong, both of those look absolutely fun as hell and 8-year-old me would have definitely wanted them. But they’re way beyond what my parents could afford. Now, in an ideal world, Mattel could manufacture Caroline’s parlor and skiff alongside Caroline’s school supplies, doll, and other accessories, but in the real world, there’s only so much middle-class parents can afford to buy. I really wish they’d have stayed with the less-expensive play accessories instead of the huge, expensive playsets because it’s more reasonable to afford, and it does a much better job of bringing you into Caroline’s world and showing you what her life was like.

#American Girl #Caroline

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kindred-sims · 1 year

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Part 1/2

TW: Emotional abuse, verbal abuse

"Josephine dear, so good to see you again!"

It was Cora who spoke first, plastering on that same fake, saccharine smile that Jo had become so accustomed to seeing in the little amount of time she'd spent in her father's home. As for her father himself, he wore that typical disapproving look, looking at his daughter with feigned interest.

"My goodness, it certainly has been a while," Cora chirped on, as Jo continued to stand there in shock. "And just look at you, all flushed with motherly glow! How have you been, dear?"

"I--I'm fine?" Jo tried not to stumble over her words, but it wasn't exactly easy, especially with Papa standing right there. As expected, he scoffed at her and her few words, placing both hands on his hips.

"Fine? Is that all you have to say for yourself, young lady?" he scolded. "After your step-mother and I came all this way too, I must say I expected better from you."

"Oh--no, no I'm sorry--" Jo felt herself shrink, as if she were five years old again and being reprimanded for accidentally spilling her milk at the dinner table.

"I just--I wasn't expecting you, either of you--please, won't you come inside?"

It wasn't what she wanted to say nor offer, but it was what was expected of her. Much as she was unprepared for this sudden visit, it wasn't in her nature to turn away guests, no matter who they were. Grandmother had always said to be charitable to everyone, even if you didn't think they deserved it.

Fortunately, Jo found a brief escape in excusing herself to make dinner, leaving Cora and Papa to settle in the parlor. Caleb had come in a few minutes later and while just as surprised, had been his natural, welcoming self, trying to make small talk and the like.

He'd tried to carry it over to the dinner table, but Jo made no such efforts. She remained mostly quiet as she picked at her food, content to let Caleb do all the talking.

"I do apologize for us dropping in unannounced like this," Papa's harsh demeanor had dropped since they'd all sat down, and he sounded quite casual as he spoke. All a ruse, Jo knew him better than that.

"We meant to pen a response to your letter, but as soon as we found out about the baby, I'm afraid we couldn't quite help ourselves. Certainly you can't fault a man for wanting to meet his first grandchild, can you?"

"Oh, of course not, sir. That's perfectly understandable," Poor Caleb, he was trying so hard to remain polite.

"Yes indeed, such an exciting time in any man's life," Sterling continued on, as if he hadn't heard Caleb at all. "Tell me, where is my grandson now? You've not mentioned him once since we all sat down and I'm not sure I can stand to wait much longer."

Jo felt dismay come over her as she looked up at her father, and beside her, Caleb had gone quiet.

"...your granddaughter is upstairs, asleep." She was the one to respond, despite her hand shaking as she lifted her fork. "I'll fetch her whenever she wakes up."

Sterling raised an eyebrow at Jo, a flash of something unreadable in his eyes.

"...I see."

The rest of the dinner was spent in silence, Sterling and Cora shortly returned to the parlor with Caleb afterward. Soon after, Jo arrived with Carrie, who lay half-awake in her arms, blinking sleepily.

"Papa...Cora," Jo spoke cautiously, entering the room with great reluctance. "This is Caroline...Caroline Harriet. Your granddaughter."

"We call her Carrie," Caleb added, trying his best to smile despite the growing tension in the room.

Sterling said nothing, barely paying the baby any mind. Meanwhile Cora seemed thrilled and was practically gushing from her seat.

"Oh my, well isn't she a precious little thing!" she exclaimed. "Isn't she precious, Sterling?"

But Papa didn't share the same sentiment, remaining unimpressed from where he sat. The sight made Jo's heart sink.

"I didn't come here for a granddaughter. I came here for a grandson," he said bluntly, his words causing further pain in her heart. "Why weren't we informed it was a girl?"

"That would be my fault sir," Caleb was quick to step in. "Jo was still recovering and was unable to write the letter, so she had me do it. I...well, I'm afraid my vocabulary is very limited compared to hers. I really thought I'd said the baby was a girl, I'm sorry."

"Sorry doesn't give me a grandson!" Papa snapped. Beside him, Cora tensed, looking visibly uncomfortable all of a sudden.

"Dearest, please, this is nothing to be upset over, can't you just--"

"No, Cora, I cannot!" He shot a glare to Jo, who'd gone entirely still. "And you! Must you continue to be a disappointment? It wasn't enough that you had to be born a girl, must you continue to mock me further by not giving me a grandson? God, you can't do anything right, can you!"

Jo felt her throat swell, unable to respond as she held Carrie close, trying to shield her from her grandfather's terrible, loud words. This wasn't fair, this was just awful! Everything had been so perfect, she should've known it would all come to an end sooner or later. Maybe he was right to say she was a failure, maybe he was right to--

"Mr. Blythe! How dare you!"

To Jo's surprise, Caleb had shouted. He'd shouted.

And he was angry.

No, not just angry. He was furious.

Jo didn't think she'd ever seen him this way before, nor had she ever thought him capable. He was always so gentle, not even the most uncooperative animal could make him upset.

This, it seemed, had been the thing to finally set him over the edge.

#sims 4 #ts4 #ts4 history #ts4 historical #decades challenge #wakefield legacy #1890s #tw: emotional abuse #tw: verbal abuse

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frodothefair · 4 months

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A Yuletide Visitation.

Author's note: I had hoped to have the next installment of Flowers of Mordor ready by Christmas, but sometime within the last week it became unfortunately apparent that that was not going to happen, considering my levels of energy, the fact that the holiday season had proved somewhat busy after all, and the unexpected complexity of Chapters 18 and 19. So, here is a fun, Yuletide-themed sneak peak of what's to come!

Tags: @konartiste @hippodameia @brigwife @bumblingbriars @meluiloth-of-rivendell @luna--nyx @invisiblewashboard

It was well past eight o’clock, and the two cups of spiced cranberry tea had been drunk, and the pie eaten – along with a spot of roast chicken and mashed potatoes that Frodo had extracted from the larder – and by all accounts, it had proven a pleasant evening. [...]

In fact, it was not until the miserly Man of Bree had finished interfacing with the ghost of his late partner, setting the stage for the rest of the book (1) – when Marigold suddenly felt her ear twitch, and felt the pie, acutely, in her stomach.

For it was all well and good, up until that point, to have been sitting next to Frodo in the warm and comfortable parlor, and to have thought that there little else of consequence as long as she was with him – but then, beyond the frozen-over glass, she heard the sound of voices.

Familiar voices.

Gamgee voices.

And they were singing.

Singing, or if it could be called that, to the accompaniment of a ghastly cacophony of sounds that could only have been produced by the most out of tune set of instruments in all the four farthings.

She did not need to see them to know what they were: a lute she had many times sworn she would break in half and throw into the mill-pond, a fiddle made of wood so warped that it was nearly all whorls, and a pair of metal sticks that had replaced the tambourine that was lost some days ago, and had apparently never been recovered.

Here we come a-carolin’ Amon’ the leaves so green Here we come a wanderin’ So fair to be seen (2)

If it had not been clear before, Marigold was now irrevocably convinced. Her family existed for no other reason than to torture her.

(1) A reference to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Middle-earth, apparently, has its own version of the tale. (2) The traditional carol Here We Come A-Caroling.

#lotr #lotr fanfic #flowers of mordor au #lord of the rings #lord of the rings fanfiction

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eretzyisrael · 8 months

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Preparing for the High Holy Days in Algiers

As the first fruits of they year appeared in the street markets, Jewish housewives busied themselves preparing festive dishes, jams and jelly for the High Holy Days. The chidren enjoyed waffles, biscuits and ice cream. Caroline Elisheva Rebouh shares her memories of childhood in Algiers in the Morial newsletter (With thanks: Leon):

Algerian street market

In the last days of the summer holidays, mothers were busying themselves with the household chores in readiness for the Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Succot.

The families gathered around festive meals. They needed to prepare traditional dishes in advance for guests to sample, and especially pre-prepared confectionery and pastries. At the time, few of us had a refrigerator.

The markets overflowed with fruit of all kinds: housewives selected quinces, white-flesh sweet potatoes, figs, and pinkish grapes.

The quinces were chosen carefully to be almost sure that they were not “visited” by unwanted worms. They were rinsed, peeled and cut into quarters – hard to do as the fruit was hard. The seeds were removed and reserved separately for jam and quince jelly. People loved it at the end of the Yom Kippur fast!

The fruits were boiled to soften the flesh so that the sugar syrup seeped into the flesh of the fruit and the sugar remained clear. It was during this operation that the seeds (quince cores) were added so that the pectin let the syrup gel. Some of the boiled quinces were cooked over low heat. During the prolonged simmering, sugar was added in small quantities, while the mix was stirred to make a fruit paste.

The figs were also quickly turned into a light-coloured and appetizing jam.

The grapes: we chose a variety called “bou amar” : the grapes were round, relatively large and pink. Mothers armed their children with fresh feathers to deseed the grapes. The jam was also pinkish and pleasant, and some mothers would wrap the seeds of the grapes in fresh compresses to make jelly.

A little later there would appear small apples of a very pale green and with light pink spots on the side which were used for the Rosh Hashanah seder and which were called Kabyle apples. Small white and pink peaches with firm, tender and fragrant flesh were also called Kabyle (Berber) – no doubt coming from Kabylia.

In Algiers, we children ignored the entire selihoth period. We only experienced the season through the pleasure of tasting small amounts of candy floss, fine biscuits and other delights.

During and at the end of summer, small stalls “flowered” on street corners: the yaouled (children or young teenagers) offered us freshly-picked prickly pears which they peeled with dexterity and presented them on fig tree leaves so that our little fingers did not touch the thorns. Other yaouled offered grilled corn on the cob: we savoured them on the benches in the public gardens where we played with our cousins, neighbors and classmates.

From time to time, we gathered around small confectioners who tempted us with sugar of different colours which they sold in small quantities. We sucked them by holding them between our fingers and then crunched our teeth on them.

The waffle merchants announced their passage by waving wooden boards with handles on both sides. festooned with mini-shutters which tinkled with a dry and dull sound.

At that time we liked our waffles a little thicker than ice cream cones. They were rolled up in cones and stacked in a sort of cylinder about one meter high. The merchant placed it at ground level to serve his young customers.

But fine biscuits weren’t the only popular waffles: at Grosoli, a popular ice cream parlor in Algiers, the ice cream cups were decorated with a fan or a fine rolled biscuit.The Bitone company also marketed what were called “funny wafers” : they carried short slogans like “You won” or “I love you”.

When many years later we found ourselves in Marseille, we could no longer find ice creams like those of Algiers.

Read article in full

#Berbers #Jews of Algeria #Judeo-Arab culture

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onevolon · 9 months

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my love for you is infinite - part9

Santiago Garcia x afab!reader(Darcy)

note: pride and prejudice (2005) but with triple frontier boys because why not lol

word count: 1859

warnings: things are getting a lttle heated

you can also read it on ao3.

part8 - part10 - masterlist

Santiago's carriage arrives at a smallish but charming rectory in Kent. This is Hunsford, Charlotte's new home. She rushes out and greets Santiago, kissing his cheek nervously.

Mr. Collins bows and ushers him in.

“Welcome to our humble abode.” He starts and continues to talk but Charlotte cuts him.

“My dear, I think our guest is tired after his journey.”

“Ah, yes… My wife encourages me to spend as much time in the garden as possible, for the sake of my health.”

A beat. Santiago glances at Charlotte, who remains impassive.

“I plan many improvements, of course. I intend to throw out a bow and plant a lime walk. Oh yes, I flatter myself that any young lady would be happy to be the mistress of such a house.”

A tiny nod from Santiago. Charlotte takes his arm and starts to walk to another room.

They are at last alone. They sit down in a charming little parlor that faces the front of the house. Charlotte pours out tea.

“We shall not be disturbed here, this parlour is for my own particular use. Oh Santiago, it's such a pleasure, to run my own home!”

Santiago nods uncomfortably.

“Charlotte! Come here!” Mr. Collins yells.

Charlotte jumps up and rushes to the window.

“What's happened?” says Santiago, alarmed.

“Charlotte!”

“Has the pig escaped again?”

Outside in the lane, Mr. Collins stands, bowing: at a carriage.

“Oh! It's Lady Catherine. Come and see, Santiago!”

Santiago goes to the window, unnerved by his friend’s enthusiasm. Mr. Collins rushes back towards the house and talks to them through an open window.

“Great news! Great news! We have an invitation to visit Rosings this evening from Lady Catherine de Bourg.”

“How wonderful!”

Santiago tries to feign pleasure.

“Do not make yourself uneasy, my dear cousin, about your apparel.”

“Just put on whatever you've brought that's best.”

“Lady Catherine has never been averse to the truly humble.”

Santiago stares at them both in disbelief.

***

Santiago, Charlotte and Mr. Collins walk hurriedly across a bridge towards the great house. The grey building looms ominously above them. It is grand without being elegant.

“One of the most extraordinary sights in all Europe, is it not. The glazing alone cost upwards of twenty thousand pounds.” Mr. Collins bragged.

The salon at Rosings is spectacularly grand; hideously so. Heavy furniture, rows of servants. The three guests are shown in by the footman. Again, Mr. Collins scrapes the floor with his bow.

“Your Ladyship. Miss de Bourg.”

Lady Catherine ignores him.

“So, you are Santiago Garcia Bennet.

“I am, your ladyship.”

“Hmm. This is my daughter.”

“It' s very kind of you to ask us to dine, Lady Catherine.” Charlotte interferes.

Lady Catherine ignores her, too.

“The chimneypiece alone cost 400 pounds.” Mr. Collins whispers to Santiago.

But Santiago doesn't hear. Miss Darcy walks into the room. freezes. Another man is with him.

“Miss Darcy! What are you doing here?”

“Oh, Miss Darcy. I had no idea we would have the honour...”

A stiff bow from Darcy, who looks at Mr Collins as if he's something brought in by the dog. She turns to Santiago, trying to collect herself.

“Mr. Santiago... I'm a guest here.”

“You know my niece?” Lady Catherine says, not pleased.

“Yes, madam, I had the pleasure of meeting your niece in Hertfordshire.”

Fitzwilliam, a much more easy-going chap, introduces himself.

“Colonel Fitzwilliam. How do you do?”

He bows. Santiago returns his smile gratefully. They move towards the dining room. Mr. Collins leans towards Santiago.

“You know Miss Darcy is as good as engaged to Miss de Bourg?”

“Really? Caroline will be disappointed to hear that.” He looks at the girl, and whispers to Charlotte “What a miserable little thing! They should suit each other perfectly.”

But Charlotte's uneasy smile confirms to Santiago that she has lost his friend in more ways than one.

***

The dining room is laid for a very grand dinner - footmen waiting, thousands of candles. Lady Catherine seats herself at the he and of the table.

“Mr. Collins! You can't sit next to your wife, get up. Move over there.”

After an awkward shuffle, Santiago finds himself sitting next to Darcy. Only his own discomfort prevents him from noticing Darcy is by no means master of her responses.

“I trust your family is in good health, Mr. Santiago?”

“They are, thank you. My eldest brother is currently in London, perhaps you happened to see him there?”

“I haven't been fortunate enough, no.”

Santiago looks at her. She colors slightly. Lady Catherine addresses Santiago in a loud voice, from the head of the table.

“Do you play the pianoforte, Mr. Bennet?”

“A little, ma'am, and very poorly.”

“Oh. Do you draw?”

“No, not at all.”

“Your siblings, do they draw?”

“Not one.”

“Has your governess left you?”

“We never had a governess.”

Mr. Collins squirms in embarrassment. Darcy watches Santiago, keenly.

“No governess? Five siblings brought up at home without a governess, I never heard such a thing! Your mother must have been quite a slave to your education.”

“Not at all, Lady Catherine.”

“Mmmm. Are any of your younger brothers out in society?”

“Yes, ma'am. All.”

“All! What, five out at once? Very odd! And you only the second the younger ones out before the elders are married! Your youngest must be very young.”

“Yes, my youngest is not sixteen. But I think it would be very hard on younger brothers, not to have their share of amusement because the elder is still unmarried. And to be kept back on such a motive! It would hardly encourage brotherly affection.”

“Upon my word, you give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person. Pray, what is your age?”

“With three younger brothers grown up, your Ladyship can hardly expect me to own to it.”

Lady Catherine looks astonished. Mr. Collins shifts in his seat, Santiago's enjoying himself and Darcy's having great difficulty concealing her admiration.

***

Dinner is over and they are drinking coffee. Darcy moves towards Santiago but Lady Catherine interrupts, by shouting from her seat.

“Come, Miss Bennet, and play for us!”

“No, I beg you-”

“Music is my delight. In fact, there are few people in England who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or better natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a prodigy. So would Anne, if her health would have allowed her.”

“Lady Catherine, I am not afflicted with false modesty and when I say I play poorly ...”

“Come come, Santiago, her ladyship demands it!” Mr. Collins insists.

Santiago reluctantly sits down at the piano and starts to play. Lady Catherine takes no notice and talks loudly over the music.

“How does Georgiana get along, Darcy?”

“She plays very well.”

“I hope she practices. No excellence can be acquired without constant practice. I have told Mrs. Collins this. (Turns to Charlotte) Though you have no instrument of your own you are very welcome to come to Rosings and play on the piano in the housekeeper's room.”

“Thank you, your ladyship.”

“You would be in nobody's way, you know, in that part of the house.”

Darcy flinches at her bad manners. He moves away to the piano where Santiago is playing - not that terribly well, it must be said. He's nervous, plays a wrong chord and then gets angry with himself and focusses.

“You mean to frighten me, Miss Darcy, by coming in all your state to hear me, but I won't be alarmed even though your sister does play so well.”

“I am well enough acquainted with you, Mr. Santiago, to know I cannot alarm you even should I wish it.”

A beat. They eye each other warily. Colonel Fitzwilliam joins them.

“What was my friend like, in Hertfordshire?”

“You really care to know?”

The colonel nods.

“Prepare yourself for something very dreadful. The first time I saw her, at the Assembly, she danced with nobody at all “

“I knew nobody beyond my own party.”

“True, and nobody can be introduced in a ballroom.”

“Fitzwilliam! I need you!” Lady Catherine calls.

He moves away. Darcy and Santiago are alone. Darcy's struggling with her pride which suddenly gives way.

“I do not have the talent of conversing easily with people I have never met before.”

“Perhaps you should take your aunt's advice and practice.”

Darcy flinches. Santiago turns away from her and carries on playing. Darcy gazes at the curve of his neck.

***

Santiago is writing a letter in the drawing room. He starts "Dear Francisco..." The doorbell rings in the background, he thinks nothing of it and continues. The maid opens the door to the drawing room and Miss Darcy enters.

“Miss Darcy!”

An awkward pause.

“Please, do be seated. I'm afraid Mr. and Mrs. Collins are gone on business to the village.”

A pause. What on earth does Miss Darcy want? She paces up and down.

“This is a charming house. I believe my aunt did a great deal to it when Mr. Collins first arrived.”

“I believe so - and she could not have bestowed her kindness on a more grateful subject.”

Another pause.

“Mr. Collins seems very fortunate in his choice of wife.”

“He is indeed lucky to have found one of the few sensible women who would have accepted him.”

Darcy sits down.

“Shall I call for some tea?”

“No. Thank you.”

The sound of the front door, and voices. Darcy jumps up.

“Good day, Mr. Santiago. It's been a pleasure.”

He bows to her and leaves. Santiago sits there, bemused and intrigued.

Charlotte, in the hallway, taking off her bonnet. Darcy hurries past her, with a swift bow, and leaves abruptly. Charlotte gazes after her in surprise. She heads to the drawing room where she finds Santiago still sitting thinking.

“What on earth have you done to poor Miss Darcy?”

“I have no idea.”

Truly, she doesn't.

***

Mr. Collins, in his vestments, stands in the pulpit delivering his sermon. Lady Catherine sits in the front row with her daughter.

Santiago sits a little way behind with Colonel Fitzwilliam. They talk in whispers.

“How long do you plan to stay in Kent, Colonel?”

“As long as Darcy chooses. I am at her disposal.”

“Everyone appears to be at her disposal. I wonder she does not marry and secure a lasting convenience of that kind.”

Fitzwilliam looks at Santiago, curious about his brittle tone.

“They would be lucky.”

“Really?”

“Darcy is a most loyal companion. From what I heard, on our journey here, she recently came to the rescue of one of her friends just in time.”

Darcy glances across from the adjacent pew.

“What happened?”

“She saved the man from an imprudent marriage.”

“Who was the man?”

“Her closest friend. Charles Bingley.”

A silence.

“Did Miss Darcy give you her reasons for this interference?”

“There were apparently strong objections to the lady.”

“What kind of objections? His lack of fortune?”

“I think it was his family that was considered unsuitable.

“So she separated them?”

“I believe so. I know nothing else.”

Santiago grows pale. He turns to look at Darcy.

#santiago garcia #santiago garcia x reader #santiago garcia x you #frankie morales #ben miller #tom davis #will miller #triple frontier #triple frontier fanfic #oscar isaac characters #oscar isaac fic #onevolon fic #oscar isaac #oscar isaac hernandez estrada #oscar isaac fanfiction

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americangirlstar · 2 years

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The American Girl Club (Historical Edition) – Sims 4

Inspired by the American Girls Virtual Museum, we have a mansion hangout for all the Historical American Girl Dolls! Each doll (except the best friends, who hang out with their besties ofc) has their own little hangout area, based on the Virtual Museum if possible. The house is fully functional with four bathrooms, a kitchen, and a bed for each doll (incl. best friends) in the attic slumber party room!

Notes:

There is a lot of CC from @historicalfictionsims‘s AG Drive– all used are listed under the cut.

Meant for a 50x40 lot. Pictures are from Del Sol Valley.

Lot Traits include Child’s Play, Convival and Good Schools.

Map Description under the cut.

Gallery ID: blackwoodsis. You WILL need to check “Includes CC”; I may remove the flag to spread it around, though that is unlikely as. There is indeed CC in here. CC list under the cut.

build is also tagged under #americangirl, #americangirls, #americangirldolls, and #americangirldoll

List of CC:

From @historicalfictionsims :

Josefina’s Birthday Objects – Chairs, Table

Kirsten’s Functional Bee Skep

Kirsten’s Summer Set – Honey, Fishing Basket

Kirsten’s Trestle Table and Chairs – Decal Versions

Sweet Dreams, Kirsten! – Single Bed, Trunk (both versions), Washstand

Addy’s “Ida Bean” Doll

From @linzlu Samantha’s Collection: Antique Basin, Commode, Doll Pram

Melody’s Meet Set – Motown Record Albums

From other modders:

@Esmeralda Vintage Typewriter [used for Kit’s treehouse]

@illogicalsims Upright Piano [used for Melody’s music room]

@linzlu Rocking Horse TS3 Conversion [used for Felicity’s parlor]

@necrodogmtsands4s Mexican Kitchen Set [used for Josefina’s kitchen]

@rhiannonar-sims Mexican Rugs [used for Josefina’s kitchen]

@serenebluesims Swedish Rocking Chair [used for Kirsten’s dining room]

@simsnowtato Clay Oven Grill [used for Josefina’s kitchen]

@streneesims Art from the 1890s-1910s, Art from the 1920s-1940s, Art from the 1950s-1970s

Map Description:

Backyard:

Kaya’s Campfire: based on Kaya’s room of the Virtual Museum. Includes campfire and dog toys/training area.

Kirsten’s Beehive

Nanea’s Luau (not pictured): based on Nanea’s room of the Virtual Museum. Includes outdoor dining area and two Island Living food stalls.

First Floor:

Parlor: based on the Virtual Museum.

Felicity’s Parlor: based on Felicity’s room of the Virtual Museum.

Josefina’s Kitchen: based on Josefina’s room of the Virtual Museum.

Kirsten’s Dining/Living Room: based on Kirsten’s room of the Virtual Museum.

Addy’s Study: based on Addy’s room of the Virtual Museum.

Samantha’s Art Room: based on Samantha’s room of the Virtual Museum.

Caroline’s Fish Tank: Holds two fish tanks and aquatic decor.

Molly’s Dance Studio: based on Molly’s room of the Virtual Museum.

Marie-Grace and Cécile’s Music Study: includes piano, drafting desk, and medical equipment.

One Bathroom

Second Floor:

Parlor/Hallway: based on the Virtual Museum.

Rebecca’s Studio: based on Rebecca’s room of the Virtual Museum.

Courtney’s Arcade: based on Courtney’s room of the Virtual Museum.

Claudie’s Studio: inspired by Meet Claudie. Includes an Easel, Puppet Theatre, and Desk.

Julie’s Gym and Bathroom: based on Julie’s room of the Virtual Museum. Does include fully-functional bathroom.

Melody’s Music Room: based on Melody’s room of the Virtual Museum.

Maryellen’s Living Room: based on Maryellen’s room of the Virtual Museum

Small Library

Two bathrooms (not including Julie’s bathroom)

Third Floor:

Kit’s Treehouse Study: based on Kit’s room of the Virtual Museum

Library: based on the Bookstore of the Virtual Museum.

Slumber Party Room: based on this image. Includes a bed for each doll (with bunk beds for best friends), a play tent, two dollhouses, a game of “Don’t Wake the Llama”, a Karaoke machine, Jukebox, chess set, DJ booth, several shelves, and Movie Night TV.

#american girl #american girl dolls #american girls #beforever #ts4 #ts4 build #sims #sims 4 #sims 4 cc #sims4cc #mine #blackwoodsis #beforever squad

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kirstens-spoon · 1 year

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My Favourite Outfits From Each Historical Collection (Part 1)

This is by no means an original post idea, but I thought I might as well share my opinions.

Kaya: Jingle Dress of Today I

Kaya looks great in blue and I love the decision to fill out her collection by giving her modern outfits because it showcases modern Nimíipuu culture and helps to combat the narrative that Indigenous peoples and their cultures are a thing of the past.

Felicity: Summer Outfit

I love the pink roses with the blue ribbon accents, and I’m a sucker for a chemise a la reine.

Caroline: Birthday Dress

Every time I talk about Caroline, I am compelled to start by saying that I hate her hairstyle. Women and girls wore their hair up in this time period, not to mention, it would be incredibly impractical to be running around with all of that hair all loose. Rant aside, I like this dress, I’m a big fan of the fichu (the white bit at the neckline) and the embroidery.

Josefina: Christmas Dress and Mantilla

It was actually pretty hard to pick one outfit for Josefina because I love her collection as a whole, but no single outfit really jumps out at me. It’s kind of like all of her outfits work together to form such a nice set. I ended up picking this one because it’s really an iconic look and I was so intrigued by the Mantilla as a kid (and I still am).

Cécile: Parlor Outfit

Not much to say here other than I like it. Cécile looks good in purple, it compliments her eyes.

Marie-Grace: Party Outfit

Is it kind of tacky? Yes, but it’s that special brand of mid 19th-century tacky that I think a lot of people forget about because they are so wrapped up in the idea that everybody in the past was dignified and boring.

Stay Tuned for Part 2!

#American Girl dolls #kaya'aton'my #felicity merriman #caroline abbott #josefina montoya #cécile rey #marie-grace gardner #original post

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lis-likes-fics · 2 years

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The Crowned Jewel | Epilogue

Y/N's eyes opened as she let out a groan, moving to stretch after being too still for too long to avoid getting up as long as possible. She sighed and turned around in bed, cuddling up to Elijah with a small smile before whispering, "Morning."

He hummed, his eyes remaining closed as he mumbled back an unintelligible response. She raised a hand to his face, her fingers chasing his brow as she watched him try to fight off a smile and fail.

It was a few moments later when they heard rattling at the door and turned to see the doorknob jiggling. Elijah let out a sigh as Y/N stood from the bed to grab the door. It finally opened to reveal the little girl standing there with her fingers in her mouth. "Hey, sweetheart," Y/N greeted the child with a smile. She held her arms out, "C'mere, Jocelyn."

The toddler raised her arms as her mother bent down to pick her up, holding her on her hip before moving back to the bed where they were pulled in by Elijah. Y/N set the child on the bed, who giggled as she crawled over to him.

"Hi, Daddy," her squeaky voice greeted him with a less-than-toothy grin, her tiny hands grabbing at his big ones. He smiled down at the little girl and took her in his arms, hugging her dramatically as she laughed.

"Hello, my little jewel," he said as he sat her down in his lap. "How did you sleep?"

Jocelyn mumbled a tiny "good", her eyes focused on the ring Elijah's finger adorned. Y/N checked the time and sighed as she stood stretching out her arms and leaving the two on the bed to play with each other.

"So today we have auditions for the play," Y/N said, turning to look over her shoulder as she walked toward the closet. She smiled, "That means you get to see Aria and Oliver today."

She turned to see her, playing with her thumb, "That means we go see Vincent and Deli today?"

Y/N nodded as she chuckled, "Yeah, we get to see Vincent and Deli today. But first, we gotta get ready. C'mon." She held her hands out and picked Jocelyn up, carrying her to the bathroom to get her ready. Elijah went downstairs to make breakfast for his girls, a smile permanently etched into his face.

Jocelyn Vincette Mikaelson, named after her mother and her dear father-like friend, was three years old and the biological daughter of Y/N and Elijah Mikaelson. She had Elijah's eyes, Y/N's hair, and both their love for music. She had two cousins; Rebekah and Marcel's daughter, Aria, and Klaus and Caroline's son, Oliver. They were a happy trio with Oliver as the youngest and Jocelyn (to most people Vincette) at the oldest.

Damon was not a common face anymore. He moved away with Elena after the club was sold, signing his name out of the Salvatore Parlor to start a new life with his now wife. Y/N was just happy he had moved past his old habits and settled down with someone he actually cared for.

After Richard had been arrested and Y/N had finally been free of him, her first course of action was to make plans for what she wanted to do with her newfound property. After discussing a lot and spit-balling ideas with Elijah, she sold the house and moved in with him before selling the Fox Dynasty to be rid of the reminders of Richard and his legacy. Mikael and Richard were sent away, although Mikael's sentence was not as harsh, he would still be away long enough to rot. Richard, on the other hand, would not have much hope of making it out before his death.

Y/N used the money to buy new property, where she built a bigger building with Elijah's name in the deed that would be a fine arts performance center for children and teens. He and his siblings also sold the Avenue to siblings named Aurora and Tristan de Martel, who remolded the building into a new club they named The Strix.

Most of the money went toward building and funding the new performing arts center, and when it was finished, it was named The Crowned Jewel. Jocelyn was born a month before its opening.

Families started flooding in to see the new center built to give children in the arts a place to build on and show off their talents. Some of the employees who worked at the clubs before, like Bonnie and Caroline, were staff members or mentors. There were also more professional teachers, those who had more experience teaching or had a higher trained profession in some areas.

Y/N herself worked as a vocal coach, one of the dance instructors, and sometimes even directed the play that took place at the Jewel. The kids loved her and everyone who worked there, children and teens of all ages sometimes indulged in the arts just to have something for themselves when they needed a solitude.

She was more than happy to provide a safe place for them, to offer a retreat from the lives some did not classify as kind. She gave to them and her own child what she lacked in her own life before Elijah's kindness found her. She was happy to be that for whoever she could.

Vincent also worked at the Jewel now, which meant Delphine, now eleven, hung out there all the time when she was not at school. Since she wanted to pursue ballet, the place was perfect for her as she got to hang out with other girls her age.

Life was good-Life was great. Y/N and Elijah had been married after Jocelyn's birth, and they devoted all of their time and energy to her and each other. They worked hard to give her the life she deserve so she never knew a sample of life with an abusive or distant parent and misfortune. She was a bright and happy little girl who adored her parents-her father especially.

As Y/N came down walked with her freshly showered daughter who lead her down the steps, Elijah's eyes looked up to see them descend the stairs. His smile was ever-growing, his heart fluttering in his chest as he watched his two favorite people walk over to him.

Jocelyn sat at the table as she waited for breakfast, and Y/N came up behind Elijah with her arms wrapping around his waist. She tucked her face in the crook of his neck and sighed. "I'm so tired," she whispered to him.

He chuckled, setting a hand over hers before turning to pull her into his chest. He kissed her forehead, speaking quietly, "Well, after we handle these auditions, we can drop Jocelyn off with Vincent and come back here to...play."

She smiled, her lips pressing to his momentarily before she shook her head. She bit her bottom lip, looking at him with a lovesick grin, "Sounds like a plan, Mr. Mikaelson."

"I'm glad," she muttered before kissing her again. She moved to sit next to her daughter, who was coloring at the table and remaining completely oblivious to her parents' lovey-dovey antics.

Elijah finished up breakfast and set it on the table. He got a chirpy "thank you" from Jocelyn as she dug in. Elijah pulled his wife into his side, pressing his lips to her forehead before resting his against her.

He let in a slow breath before blowing it out. "I love you," he whispered.

She smiled, licking her lips, "I love you, too, my Stag." His lips curled. She looked up at his face, her fingers tracing his cheek. She pulled back and turned to Jocelyn next to her when she poked her side.

"You love me, too?" she questioned, tilting her head up at her mother.

Y/N smiled and took her little face in her hands, kissing her forehead and each of her cheeks, "Yes. I love you, too, Vincette."

She giggled and rounded the table to climb onto Elijah's lap. Y/N moved the plate back in front of her so she would eat again, and Elijah set his head on hers. She would occasionally look back at him with a playful glare, which he returned, and kept eating.

Elijah's eyes found Y/N again as she sat next to him and he couldn't help but sigh. Pressing a kiss to the back of his little girl's head, a smile he knew he would never shed found its way to his lips again.

He had his little princess and his vixen, and they were his crowned jewels above all else. He loved them with all his heart, and he loved in happiness knowing they loved him too.

#elijah mikaelson #elijah mikaelson x reader #elijah mikaelson x y/n #elijah mikaelson x you #the vampire diaries fanfic #the vampire diaries fanfiction #the vampire diaries #the originals #the originals fanfic #the originals fanfiction #reader insert #female reader #fanfic #human au #fanfiction #tvd fanfic #tvd fanfiction #tvd fandom

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livingforthewhump · 2 years

Note

claire hii

you're working in a haunted ice cream parlor?? that is so cool??? (and kinda scary but still cool lol) please if you ever want to tell your stories about it I'd love to hear them!!

anyway, I was cleaning up my desk this week and I found something I'd completely forgotten about and thought I should show you

listen I almost never draw anything so I'm not good at it but I did try to draw you a little caroline with her mouth stitched shut when I first read that chapter because oof. that was so good. so here it is!!

KFJSKJGKAHFKNGJAJNG

a moodboard for how i look rn ^

I CANT STOP STARING AT IT H E L P

DONT YOU SAY YOURE NOT GOOD AT ART THAT IS A F A R BETTER SIDE PROFILE THAN I CAN DO. ITS PERFECT AND AMAZING SHE LOOKS SO DESOLATE AND THE BRUISING ON HER THROAT????? IS SO GOOD??? NOT TO MENTION HER HAIR

*deep breath* this is the best day of my life THANK YOU SO MUCH I LOVE YOUU <333

#i can for sure tell you stories of the ice cream ghost!#they are not super interesting as the ghost is pretty chill but he does target me more than the others #just likes to get my attention y’know?#never feel threatened just occasionally a little unsettled #bea <3 #paladin series: caroline #oc fanart #???? how crazy is it that i am using that tag

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desertdollranch · 28 days

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Kirsten's bedroom renovation

It's a sunny spring day in Minnesota Territory, and Kirsten is stuck indoors, helping with the spring cleaning. Her first task is to sweep the upstairs bedrooms--she shares one with her three siblings, and so it gets messy very quickly. But Kirsten doesn't complain--she remembers her previous home, a one-room log cabin on her aunt and uncle's farm. That was easier to clean, but it was hard sharing such a small place with six people. After a fire burned that cabin down, the Larsons bought a much larger house, the beautiful home they dreamed they'd have when they left Sweden two years ago.

As for my part in this, I created a bedroom for my Kirsten doll a few years ago, but I recently renovated it to make it look more like the illustrations in Kirsten's sixth book, Changes for Kirsten.

The walls in this illustration look like they've been finished with plaster, which was common in houses at the time. The light color would have come from local sources of limestone.

So most of the changes I made were to the walls and windows. I used printed photographs for the windows, and added the twelve-pane window frames over the images before printing. For the walls, I took down the boring white wood paneling. I imitated that plastered look using tissue paper stuck to the first layer of pale yellow paint, and then I painted another layer over the tissue paper.

The furnishings are basically the same, except for the trunk on the right side of this photo. She used to store her clothes in the top half of Felicity's clothes press, which I mentioned in my recent post about moving the clothes press into the parlor for Caroline to use. After I did that, I knew Kirsten would need a place to store her clothes, and what better piece than a smaller version of her trunk?

Most of the things in the above picture are not from Kirsten's collection. The bed was made by my grandpa when I was eight and first got my Kirsten doll. My mom made the quilt on the bed and the one on the rocking chair, the pillow and mattress on the bed, and the two darker gray cats. The foot stove next to the bed is Pleasant Company, and so are the shoes (including snow shoes) lined up next to the trunk. The rocking chair came from an antique store. I made everything else: both rugs, the cradle, the nightstand, the candle and book and stuffed cat on the nightstand, the cross stitch hanging on the wall, the shelves and everything on them, the painted round boxes at the foot of the bed, baby Britta's dress, and Kirsten's quilt square in the embroidery hoop.

This is a little wooden trunk I found at a craft store. I painted it blue and then painted on the decorative designs using stencils.

That's Kirsten's straw hat hanging on the wall, from her collection. My mom made the two sunbonnets.

I gave it a weathered look by lightly brushing on white and red paint.

The trunk can hold all of Kirsten's clothes. It has room for a few more dresses too. I have almost all of Kirsten's clothes; I'm only missing her baking outfit, skating coat, and promise dress.

I also made the gingham curtains for the windows. There's a lot of blue and white going on in here, so I wanted them to match the color themes.

Next to Britta's cradle are the round boxes I made to hold Kirsten's socks and ribbons, which are all Pleasant Company things. Her lunch box and bucket are from craft stores.

I remade her honey crate and the jars of honey. They now contain clear glue dyed with food coloring. I made her little gnomes too.

The rocking chair was an antique store find. It's perfect for her to sit with her baby sister Britta.

I also painted a little flourish on the end of her bed.

This definitely isn't all of Kirsten's collection--I have a few pieces hidden away underneath her room that won't fit here. That includes her actual big trunk that my grandpa made, her Saint Lucia wreath and tray that I made, her dishes set from her official collection, and some other small things that she doesn't need in her room.

#kirsten larson #changes for kirsten #kirsten's room #kirsten's bedroom #kirsten's cabin

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seeing-you-differently · 2 years

Text

In Another Universe

Read on A03

. . .

Chapter 1: Prologue

"I think about her head on my chest and the scent of her hair, and it almost for a moment seemed real. Almost."

— Kirk Diedrich

WHEN HE AWOKE THAT MORNING, he was greeted by the familiar but still wonderful sight of Caroline Forbes curled into his side asleep, her head resting on his chest and her breath tickling his bare skin at every exhale. This domestic scene brought a smile to his face as he leaned closer, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before shifting slightly away, trying to get up from underneath her, being careful not to wake her. She softly grumbled in protest at the movement, her hands weakly gripping his sides tighter in her sleep, trying to pull him closer. Klaus smiled fondly at the girl, amused at her action, before trying to maneuver away again, successfully this time.

Klaus was always an early riser out of habit, waking up before the sun rose. On the other hand, Caroline rose hours later, almost always sleeping in. He usually sketched during the extra time he had, enjoying the short period of silence and tranquility to marvel at the city or Caroline for inspiration. However, he forewent his usual routine, heading out to the balcony instead.

The view was wonderous, no surprise – since he had been the one to design it that way. The bedroom windows faced the river, leaving him a clear view of any newcomers or ships that docked, and while that was certainly good, what he enjoyed most was the view it gave him in the morning.

The sun had begun to peek over the horizon, painting the river in various hues of crimson and gold. The reflection made it look as though the area was set alight with flames blazing across the dark dawn sky. New Orleans was certainly a beautiful city, but it felt more enjoyable ever since Caroline’s arrival.

While he can barely remember the first time he came to New Orleans, having been more than a century, he can clearly recall the day Caroline came to it, and he always will. The day was almost a year ago though it felt as if only yesterday with the memory so pellucid in his mind.

- . . . -

As Klaus sat in the parlor, dejected with a drink in hand, he knew it would be another one of those days. When he awoke that morning, he decided to take up sketching again, nothing fully in mind when he started, but he realized his mistake when the drawing was finished.

It was of Caroline.

Her crystalline, guileless eyes gazed at him from the paper, seeming to taunt him yet a mere illusion when compared to the real beauty – one of the most important people in his life, whom he would not see for many years, and maybe even centuries to come.

Klaus didn’t know how it all started, how he had fallen in love with this remarkable woman, how he came to care for her, love her so much that she consumed his every thought and action. He would give up anything and everything for her, and he did, but it seemed fortune was not in his favor. It was as if everything he had done over the years, all the evil deeds and crimes, came back, and the punishment for it was losing the one thing, the one person he had come to care for more than anything.

After all the evil things he had done, the people he had killed and tortured over the years, he would not deny that he didn’t deserve her, but he would protect her, love her. He would give up everything if only he were given a chance to be with her, but he was never given one.

The world always seemed to be against him in every way since birth, through no fault of his own. His ‘father’ hated him, despised him even, ever since he was a child, for no reason he knew or deserved, punishing him for things out of his control. Most of his childhood was spent striving hard to please his father, to earn his respect, until he finally realized he could never reach it. Mikael hated him long before he learned the truth of his true parentage and Esther’s infidelity, but once he found out, it seemed his hatred toward him only grew.

With everything he went through when he was human, the betrayal, the abuse, the hatred, he desperately wanted someone loyal to him, someone who would stay with him not out of necessity but out of genuine care and love for him. He knew his siblings cared for him, but they merely stayed with him out of necessity, either knowing he held one of their other siblings daggered or a sense of childish loyalty, which was so fleeting he could barely call it such.

Klaus did not even realize what he wanted, no, what he needed, until he had met Caroline. Her fiery spirit and fierce loyalty to her friends was a devotion he rarely saw in the world; the way she carried herself: strong, confidant, with a light that seemed to radiate about her wherever she went. Even when he promised her the world – anything she desired, she still didn’t want him, and maybe she never would.

A sudden knock on the front door brought him out of his musing. The sound wasn’t loud, but it still echoed throughout the house, filling the previously quiet room and alerting him of the stranger’s presence.

At first, he assumed it to be his sister Rebekah coming back from one of her many shopping sprees or maybe even his older brother Elijah coming back for forgiveness from their earlier spat. However, when he opened the door, the sight that greeted him was nothing of the sort, leaving him speechless as his eyes roamed his guest’s appearance.

It was Caroline.

Caroline Forbes was here, in New Orleans, and she was standing on his front steps. She was here.

No matter how often he tried repeating the thought, he was still stunned, frozen in the doorway, watching her with wide eyes. Caroline, though, was unaware of his lack of a response, standing proudly with a broad smile stretched across her face. When the door opened, and she saw him, she began to speak, her arms gesturing at her every imaginary point, but unfortunately for her, he couldn’t hear a word.

Klaus blinked his eyes rapidly in disbelief, unsure if he had imagined it, but she was still standing there when his eyes opened. When she hadn’t disappeared, his eyes scanned her form, taking in every detail, almost hesitantly, as if unsure if it was indeed her. Her hair was curled in that familiar style that he recognized, flowing loosely down her shoulders. His eyes drifted down, taking notice of the yellow sundress she was wearing, flowing just above her knees in soft waves, but hanging tightly around her waist.

Everything about her, every detail, seemed to radiate Caroline, but he still stood hesitant, unsure of how to react. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t imagined this before; he had, many times if he was being honest. How she would arrive at his doorsteps or call him, telling him that she wanted him to show her the world, that she wanted him, but he always woke up. It was never real.

“Are you going to invite me in, Klaus?” Caroline asked, her eyes darting away nervously as she spoke and her smile dropping slightly when he didn’t respond to her arrival.

“Ah,” he cleared his throat nervously, finally breaking out of his stupor to respond. “Yes, of course, love,” he answered, a smile growing as he opened the door wider, allowing her entry.

Ever since then, ever since that fateful day, he had been showing her parts of the world she had never seen before, and he would continue to do so for as long as allowed him to.

His reminiscing was cut short by the sound of Caroline padding towards him, her hands wrapping around his as she gave him a quick peck on his cheek before resting her head on his shoulders.

“Good morning,” she greeted, holding back a tired yawn.

He looked down at the tired but smiling blonde, before giving her a soft but loving kiss. “Morning, love.”

It was moments like these that he cherished. The moments when he woke up every morning with Caroline in his arms. When she kisses him, telling him that she loves him. These were precious to him, unlike any other, because he shared them with her. She held a special place in his heart and would continue to have one as long as he lived.

#klaroline #caroline and klaus #caroline x klaus #klaus x caroline #klaroline fanfiction

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darklingichor · 2 years

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The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, by Agatha Christie

This is another one of those that I have never read, but knew the outcome of, thanks to reading Odd Thomas, my guess is that a lit of people know the outcome as obviously Dean Knootz thought it was a safe enough reference to get the point he was trying to make, across.

But, I couldn't figure out the full shape of things until I actually listened to it. I think it was last year when I listened to all of the Audible recordings available narrated by Richard Armitage. I really liked his readings and was really excited when I saw this one released earlier this month. I was not disappointed .

The bare bones of the plot is that the intertwining lives of those in a village in England, particularly, in the household of Roger Aykroyd, a well off widower, all must be picked apart by our favorite detective and his little grey cells, when Mr. Aykroyd is murdered.

I have to say that I love that the whole "let me gather all of you into the parlor to announce the murderer" is something that Christie seems to be very adept at both using and subverting.

I did miss Capitan Hastings, but Dr. Sheppard was a pretty good detective straight man for Poirot.

All of the characters were really cool, except for the obligatory hysterical old lady, she was irritating.

Caroline Sheppard, the doctor's gossiping sister was my favorite. I like the nosy neighbor that pretends not to be nosy, but I much prefer one that embraces it.

The sweet romances were also very nice, I like it when they aren't full of drama coming from the people in the relationship.

I think that, even if I would have know the story in full before reading it, I would have enjoyed the journey.

#books #book blogging 2022 #book #agatha christie #the murder of roger ackroyd

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kindred-sims · 1 year

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"I don't think I feel like going on a stroll today, Caleb, I'm sorry..."

Caleb had come into the parlor following the long work day to find his wife seated in the rocking chair he had built for her. He usually wouldn't think much of it, except she hadn't really moved from it from the entire day.

Which made him extremely worried.

"Are you feeling alright, Jo? Should I go get someone--"

"No. No, I'll be fine, I just--I think I just need to sit here for a while..."

Despite her assurances, it didn't ease Caleb's mind in the slightest. He ended up hitching the buggy and driving over to the O'Sullivan's home to fetch Maeve, in spite of Jo's continued protests that she was fine.

They both returned a few minutes later, Maeve looking appalled to find Jo still seated upright in the parlor.

"My goodness, you shouldn't be up right now!" she exclaimed. "Come along, love, we need to get you into bed."

"Why must everyone keep overreacting? I said I was perfectly fine--"

Jo was shortly proven wrong as she stood from the rocking chair, as a terrible wave of pain shortly overtook her. She cried out, nearly crumpling to the ground. Caleb was quick to assist his wife, holding her close and leading her into the bedroom, just as Maeve had instructed.

It was clear now, that the baby was coming, whether anyone was ready or not.

Jo had mostly been in denial of it all evening, trying to brush aside her pain as more typical pregnancy discomforts. It didn't fully sink in that she might be having the baby until she'd settled into bed, and the pain she'd experienced in the parlor only increased as the hours went on.

Unbearable torture was the only way she could describe it, as all she could do was writhe and scream with each contraction that shot through her body. It didn't feel as if it would ever end, and she was beginning to feel diminished, weakened. As if she would pass out at any given second.

"I don't think I can do this, Maeve," she tearfully confessed to her friend. "It hurts so much, I just want it to end."

"I know, dear, believe me, I know," Maeve grasped Jo's hand, squeezing it gently. "But I promise, it will all be worth it. You just wait and see, you'll forget about the pain soon enough..."

Meanwhile, outside of their room, Caleb was a wreck. He hadn't been very thrilled when Maeve had shooed him out, it was absolutely tearing him apart to have to stand out here and listen to his wife's anguished screams and be powerless to do anything about them.

He couldn't help but let his mind wander back to all the stories his mother told him, of the siblings he had lost before he himself had been born. He thought of Jo, terrified and in agony, and it was enough to make him start anxiously pacing the halls.

By the time he'd finally settled himself in the parlor, the screaming had subsided. He held his breath, tense, and nearly broke down in relief at the sound of a newborn letting out its first cry.

Maeve had come to meet him with a wide smile on her face, and led him back to the room. Jo was resting in bed, and beside her, lay a tiny, wriggling bundle.

"Its a beautiful, healthy girl," Maeve told him, as she picked the bundle up, carefully placing the infant in his arms. "And your wife did amazing, bless her soul. Congratulations, Caleb, you should be very proud."

"A girl..."

Caleb couldn't tear his eyes away from his daughter as she cooed in his arms, all his doubts, all his worries, slowly but surely fading away. He held the child close, his heart so full of love, so full of adoration he'd never felt until this exact moment.

"Hi...hello there, Caroline. Its so nice to finally meet you..."

#sims 4 #ts4 #ts4 history #ts4 historical #decades challenge #wakefield legacy #1890s

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