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omniscientwreck · 3 years

Note

Hi🖤 Omni! If you're looking for a fic request I've got one.

Okay so Essek is Feeblminded by remaining Volstrucker at his tower. Verin came to visit later that day and has been taling care of Essek, as they both would be scared of the Umavi's wrath should someone find out.

Well Caleb comes to visit a few day's later and Certainly gets a surprise.

Fluff ensues.

I'm talking the Unicorn from Despicable Me level Fluffy😁😁😁

Hi Umbra! Sorry I'm incredibly late answering this, life is weird but I hope the length makes up for it! I know I said drabble but like this just turned into a whole fic so I hope you enjoy!

Verin had worried when Essek’s door hadn’t opened of its own accord, usually he knows when he’s arrived. Deciding something was certainly wrong he barges his way into his brother’s tower. He finds it silent which is normal but unnerving and the unnatural stillness as he calls for Essek has his hackles up.

His knuckles pale as he grips the hilt of his sword and searches methodically throughout the tower. Finding the main floor empty he heads up the stairs to the library. There’s a shuffle, a falling book, a whimper. He draws his sword, adrenaline coursing through his veins. The door is ajar and he can hear shuffling. He thrusts it open is momentarily relieved to see his brother. His hair is tousled and white is stained with flecks of red, his robes are torn and his mantle is askew.

He’s never seen him like this before and his heart lurches. Surprise and fear are plastered across his features, far more freely than Verin’s ever seen him feel. He doesn’t talk and he seems to not even recognize him. Checking the rest of the room, the sword is returned to its sheath and Verin crouches, reaching a hand to Essek.

“Brother, what happened?” Silence, a whimper. “Essek? What’s wrong? It’s Verin, your brother.” His brows unknot, and the tension in his jaw slackens. There’s a looseness to his demeanor and as he stands he waves his hand as if to float, but nothing happens. He tries again and again. The first try was decisive, after watching him for so long Verin knows what it looks like when he casts it. The second time it’s not quite right, the third time it gets looser still. By the time Verin has stopped counting and Verin has grabbed Essek’s hands to calm him it seemed like Essek didn’t know what he was attempting to do.

“Is this some kind of spell? What happened?” His brother looks up with the face of a stranger. His eyes are open and sad, his ears fall just a touch and Essek leans in to hug Verin. He’s never wanted to do that before.

Verin hugs him back. “Oh Essie, what are we going to do?”

Caleb approaches Essek’s tower and is struck by immediate concern when the door doesn’t open for him. Essek always lets him in when he arrives, and with everything that’s happened he immediately panics. Caleb tries to tell himself Essek must be busy and has missed him tripping the wards. So, he lifts the knocker and gives the door a few raps.

He’d asked Caleb to meet him here to assist in the transport of his most important items after their trip to Aeor. He needs to run, he knows it and Caleb knows that turning himself in to the Dynasty would mean certain death so he’s agreed to help. No amount of good will from the Bright Queen would let them bargain for his favour. Selfishly, Caleb won’t allow him to get caught, so he will harbor Essek for some time, helping him stay out of the eyes of the Dynasty.

Eventually he knocks again, beginning to hold a firebolt just in case. “Uh, just a minute,” calls a stranger’s voice from behind the wood. “I’ll be right there.”

The door opens just a crack, “Who is it?”

“I am Caleb Widogast of the Mighty Nein, who is this?” His hand is up and encircled in flame.

“Oh thank the Light, one moment.” Whoever he is, he’s clearly relieved. Caleb’s firebolt stays held.

As the door opens Caleb is greeted by a tall drow, muscular with long braided back hair. He looks familiar but Caleb cannot place him. His features are slowly fading into relief from what must have been a deep concern. “Hello Caleb Widogast, I am Verin Thelyss and I am so glad you’re here. Your the wizard yes?”

Nodding, bewildered as he’s being dragged into Essek’s home by his brother, Caleb can hardly remember to respond, “Uh ja, that’s me. Where is Essek?”

“Well so I came by a few days ago and he didn’t let me into the tower which was weird. There have been some rumors going around and when our mother said he was back I had to ask. I don’t know if you know but… well it’s bad.”

He’s leading him upstairs as he explains and the back of Caleb’s neck is on fire. Verin doesn’t know, but there are rumors that are most likely true. Is he too late?

“So, I’m hoping since you also practice the arcane you might know what’s happened here and how to solve it.”

He leads Caleb into the library and Essek is seated on a chair idly flipping through a book far too quickly. It doesn’t even look like he’s reading, Caleb knows what he looks like when he’s reading. The quiet concentration and the tension it brings his jaw is completely missing. When Essek looks up at him there’s recognition but no words and when he rises to make his way to Caleb, he walks.

He’s wide-eyed and has a sweet smile across his face, it’s difficult to look away but if he doesn’t the heat rising in his cheeks will show. “Essek, what is it mein Freunde?”

No words. Why can’t he talk and why isn’t he floating?

“Essek?” A gentle hand reaches up to rest on his cheek and the heat takes over at the abrupt contact. Especially with Verin standing over his shoulder observing them. “Verin how long has he been like this?”

“About 2 days. I didn’t really know what had happened and if the Umavi found out well… I’m unsure what she would do.” Verin is a little more easier to map out than Essek had been initially and he’s been told enough stories about Dierta to understand the undercurrent of Verin’s words.

“Ja, I understand.” Verin starts at that and Caleb just continues past it, “I believe he has been affected by the spell Feeblemind. I - ah - have experience with this kind of thing. We have friends that can cure him but I will have to contact them, which I will not be able to do until tomorrow.”

Essek’s hand has wound its way into Caleb’s and he tries and fails miserably to contain the blush that he knows is spreading to his ears. Memories of little touches in Aeor flood back and Caleb pushes away thoughts of conversations he’d promised they’d have later, after Essek was safe. To call to attention this thing between them and get it out in the open before it drives him mad. Even if Essek’s feelings do not align with his it will be better to have it in the open.

“So this isn’t hurting him?”

Caleb turns to Essek, “Are you okay? Are you hurt?” He remembers a blur of time, when his mind had failed him. He remembers terror, looking down at his hands and not knowing whose they were. He didn’t have an anchor, nothing but his own thoughts, with someone there it might be different. Essek can’t understand him but the tone of voice seems to elicit some positive emotions and Essek squeezes his hand, a contented smile across his face, “He seems alright to me. It is unpleasant to be cut off from your casting, but he isn’t in pain and he isn’t alone.” It’s difficult to mitigate the emotion bleeding into his voice.

He pushes down memories of the years he’d been locked away and squeezes Essek’s hand back, reassuringly. “Have you gotten him to eat?”

Verin nods, “Occasionally. Probably not as much as he needs. I’m not exactly an excellent cook and nobody can see him like this so I’ve sent his staff away.”

“Alright, well I’ll just do this then.” he begins casting the tower, “I understand if you want to stay but if you need to go I can care for him.” he wants Verin to leave, he wants him gone so badly, to just take care of Essek properly without the shadow of somebody who doesn’t know hanging over them.

“I should be back to Bazzoxan soon. They’ll begin asking after me.” Caleb finishes casting the tower and leads Essek in. Just before he enters, Verin stops him, “You mean something to each other. I’ve never seen him act this way before, granted there’s an arcane influence but genuinely he has never smiled like he did when he saw you. I trust you with this because I think he would. Do not betray that.”

Caleb nods, “Of course not. We’ve faced the most difficult challenges of my life together and with our friends. I will care for him.” Verin seems satisfied with that and makes to leave, and Caleb enters the tower to find Essek waiting in the centre of the tower. He has an idea of where he wants to go. As the tower door closes behind Verin, he and Essek begin to drift upwards. Essek opens his mouth as if to reflexively murmur ‘up’ as had become their custom in their long travels together and his brows knot in distress, as if he’s realized again that his voice will not come. Caleb reaches for his hand, to comfort him and says it for them both, to which Essek smiles.

The drow releases Caleb’s hand and begins to swirl around, never leaving the central column and Caleb is forced to mirror his motions lest they collide. He flashes back to a moment of levity when they’d first come to Aeor. They had showboated then, dancing around each other as their works often did. This Essek is less restrained and his eyes and nose crinkle into a genuine smile when Caleb joins his frivolity.

They stop at the ninth floor which Caleb had known to be Esseks’ destination and immediately Essek lays on the pillows he always places in the corner. Usually, on their research expedition, he tranced in his room but on particularly emotional days they both preferred an expanse of stars above them as they rested. It became tradition and over time they’d drifted closer and closer together, until they would sometimes come to consciousness to find that through the night Essek had curled into Caleb’s side or that their hands had wound together unknowingly.

Now, Essek’s eyes are wide and his mouth hangs open in wonder as though it’s his first time seeing it all over again. Caleb stands over him, following his gaze up to the idly shifting starscape above. Caleb is quickly distracted by the versions of them that traverse different paths. Sometimes in each other’s company, other times in solitude. In a few they hold hands or make contact at the shoulders. Those are the ones he likes the most.

When his gaze is pulled back downwards, Essek stares up at him with a tenderness that quickly turns to expectation. He’s arranged burgundy cushions across the floor beside him for Caleb and so he obliges. As he stretches out across the crude bed slender, cool fingers interlock his own and he lays back and tells Essek of the constellations he’s hidden among the stars.

When Caleb himself was in this state he remembered lacking familiarity. Nothing around him made sense and the upheaval of his life only moments prior had only amplified the disorientation of the magic that kept him prisoner for 11 years.

Essek has someone to watch over him, he’s in a place that evidently brings him much joy and in recent months he’s found himself halfway to peace. Caleb finds his heart swell at the idea of making this experience bearable.

The silence was always the worst so he points to guide the elf’s eyes as he tells them the stories behind each constellation. He tells him of Nila, gentle and fierce. Of Twiggy, ever optimistic and wholly delightful. He tells him about Reani who Essek has spent some time with. Brief recognition flashes across his face, though it’s quickly replaced with frustration. Caleb remembers. He remembers knowing that someone was there who he should recognize but not having the words to know he had forgotten their name. He was in terror and treated everyone as a threat. Essek treats everything with wonder and discovery. The innocence is sweet and a syrupy feeling pools in Caleb’s throat as he’s again confronted with the way his heart swells when Essek looks at Caleb with that same contented smile.

He scoots closer and this is entirely too much. The idea that this version of Essek may curl into his side willingly, while they were fully conscious where the other version cannot unsettles him. Instead he stands, offering his hand, “Why don’t we get you something to eat ja?” There’s a momentary droop of his ears, much more pronounced than any movement he’d seen before before he lifts Essek and they go down to the dining room.

If there is to be anything significant between them it cannot be spurred under these circumstances. Caleb has to know he means it. As they wait while he cats prepare what had become their usual fare while traversing Aeor, he defaults to telling stories. First he tells him of the tunnels they traversed to reach the Dynasty, crafting an illusion as well as he can of the crystalline caves they made camp in. Food arrives and he continues weaving story and image as Essek picks at the well spiced soup comprised mainly of squash and potato. As he crafts an illusion of the dragon turtle they’d fought just after the peace talks out of amber and morphs its shape to a smaller turtle and then a sea slug, laughing to himself at the absurdity, he notices the clink of Essek’s spoon has long subsided.

Glancing over electric eyes focus on him instead of the illusion, so he drops it. “Ah, Es tut mir Leid, I know I tend to get carried away.” A little contented noise bubbles from Essek’s throat and his heart squeezes. In a desperate attempt to try and get Essek to eat more he turns back to his own soup and looks expectantly over to his friend.

Giving him a look of exasperation, he mirrors Caleb and eats most of the soup. Caleb rips up bread and encourages him to dip it in what’s left of the soup and finally, the bowl is empty. They leave the cats to clean up and Essek’s hand grasps Caleb’s again and squeezes. He knows he shouldn’t draw conclusions or let himself be taken by these gestures that the man wouldn’t make if he’d had the presence of mind, but it’s turning into a losing game.

With the time spent on the ninth floor and the prolonged battle of coaxing Essek to eat they only have a few hours until sleep. Essek takes his customary seat on the couch in the study and Caleb withdraws some of the lighter fiction that now populates the shelves. Lying back on the sofa, feet resting on the armrest, head by Essek he holds up the copy of Der Katzenprinz to show the illustrations. “You seem to like hearing me talk so why don’t I share this with you? Either way you won’t understand what I say so I will read it to you as it was originally intended.”

He begins, in Zemnian to tell him the fairy story that had brought him so much joy as a child, and the cats bring them hot chocolate as instructed. Warm mug in hand, Essek sits patiently through the story and as it turns to a close, picks up another of the books Caleb has gathered and thrusts it upon his chest. A real laugh bubbles up at that and he obliges.

As the night winds on and the mugs are emptied, Essek’s hand winds its way through Caleb’s hair, gently combing. When he looks up at Essek he’s met with soft, drooping eyes and a plain smile laced with nothing but care. He tries to stop Essek over the course of the book but finds that the drow always goes back to his hair so eventually, he leaves it. When Essek’s breaths even and elongate and he’s having trouble keeping his eyes open, Caleb sends him to trance.

He’s met with a slightly mournful look as Essek settles into the cushions he’s provided for trancing, but Caleb squeezes his shoulder, “If something goes wrong the cats will know to come get me. This is for the best.” Looking not at all reassured, but staying in place, Essek lets him leave without protest.

In the middle of sleep, dreamless and warm, there’s pressure. Then a caterwaul cuts through his subconscious followed by several more. He awakes with a start and immediately the cats gather around his feet as he pulls on slippers. They lead him to Essek’s room, where through the closed doors he can hear the sounds of furniture being disturbed.

Barging in, heart pounding, he finds Essek with tears streaming down his face. “Essek Schatz what’s wrong?” He kneels, abandoning any sense of propriety or boundaries and as he collapses into Caleb’s arms with nearly silent sobs he’s struck by how small the other man is.

“It’s alright Essek, whatever it was it cannot hurt you. I will keep you safe as you have done me.” They’ve never talked about the nights when the cats would do the same to Essek as they’d done to Caleb. When he’d been awoken from nightmares with angry red scratches down his forearms and a friend to bandage them. They’ve never quite discussed the comfort in Essek trancing just beside Caleb’s bed on difficult nights and he’s tried to stifle contemplation about the safety the man brings to his subconscious. The timing wasn’t right and despite his own longing he couldn’t make that step towards Essek. Not then.

Now, however, the elf shudders in his arms and he brings him into his lap, lighting soft amber globules of light to examine Essek. When he finds no physical harm he puts them out again and draws him in tighter as Essek clutches at the sides of his nightshirt and curls into his chest. He sings gentle lullabies his mother had once used to soothe him, voice cracking slightly as he flexes it in a long forgotten way. Eventually the shaking stops and breath becomes more solid, but hands stay grasped into his shirt so, with assistance from the cats, he maneuvers them into an easier sleeping position. Ever determined, Essek stays in his arms the whole time and when he tries to encourage him to trance beside him, arms wind around his waist.

“Okay, okay. If this will help.” Caleb resigns himself to creaky joints the next morning and sleeps with Essek in his arms, pushing away any indulgent thoughts of future nights spent with him in the same orientation.

When he awakes Essek is gone from his lap, though their fingers are laced and his head rests atop the drow’s on his shoulder. “Guten Morgen Essek.” He startles and smiles over at Caleb. Open, honest, vulnerable. They need to fix this. “I just need to prepare and then we will see Jester ja?” He receives a blank stare in return and nods to himself. “I will be back in a few moments and then we will go to Nicodranas. Just wait here.” He leaves and dresses quickly, returning to find Essek essentially where he’d been left. He takes a moment to glance over his spellbook and concentrates as he casts Sending, “Hallo Jester, I need your assistance with a pretty big restoration. Can you help today?”

She sounds half-asleep as she responds, “Caleb? Oh hi! Yeah I can help, just come to mama’s, we’re in Nicodranas. Oh my gosh I have to tell you, the dragon turtle-” her word economy same as ever.

“Okay Essek, Jester can help. I don’t know where you kept your parasol but I’m sure she can make you another.” With that they head out the door and Caleb transports them safely to the Lavish Chateau. Essek’s hand never leaves his.

Upon arrival they’re beset by a shouted greeting and Jester crushes Caleb in a hug before even realizing the other man is there. “Ohmigod Essek hi! I missed you!” Instead of awkwardly patting her back as he usually does, he wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her in. “Hey Caleb, what’s going on with Essek?”

She pulls back and sees his broad smile and dancing eyes and looks at Caleb distinctly concerned. “Ah- I’m afraid he is a victim of the Feeblemind spell. It’s what they used against me in… well.” Her face clouds with understanding. “He’s okay physically though, whoever attacked him clearly just needed him out of the way. If you can use Greater Restoration that will undo the effects. He’s been ah - rather clingy.”

She waggles her eyebrows at him, making suggestive noise, and gets out the required diamond dust, sprinkling it delicately over Essek who watches in wonder. She puts both hands on her shoulders and green radiant energy emanates from her and passes to him. Before long he’s shaking his head and stepping back, voice hoarse from disuse, “Where- Jester? Thank you oh my gods thank you.”

She grins back at him, “I’m glad you’re back Essek! It’s a good thing Caleb brought you here you were acting so weird-”

She’s cut off as he chokes out, “Caleb.” and looks over with a deep violet flush and wide, apologetic eyes. “I ah- I am sorry for putting you through that. I-”

“Nein, do not apologize. Maybe we should get back to your tower to try and piece together who did this to you and what they were after ja?’

Essek nods and casts his levitation cantrip, shoulders sagging with relief when it works. “Yes, of course. Thank you Jester, I’m sorry we can’t stay but-”

She hugs the both of them again, “It’s okay, you have lots to talk about probably I don’t know bye!” she gives Caleb a wink as he begins casting the spell again and to his surprise Essek’s hand winds itself in his as they vanish.

They’re back in the tower and Caleb looks down, Essek’s hand still in his. Essek drops it and there’s a flush set deep into his cheeks and it spreads to his cheeks as their eyes meet. “Caleb I-” he swallows “I remember most of what happened, though not very clearly. I um-” his eyes are downcast and Caleb braces for what he believes to be coming, “Thank you for your patience. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable it is very difficult to explain but I think you’re aware of the feeling. I didn’t exactly have my full faculties and I fear I broke boundaries that may have encroached too far on your hospitality and our friendship.”

It’s difficult to see him so apologetic for the affection displayed. This thing between them has gone unspoken quite too long and before he realizes it he’s speaking, “Don’t apologize for that Schatz, I ah- I didn’t mind. There’s something I think we ought to discuss fairly plainly because I do not want to mince words about the way I feel anymore, it’s tiring.”

Essek looks up to meet him, steeling himself and as Caleb is about to speak he cuts him off, “I am aware enough of how I acted to realize I cannot properly hide my feelings further.” He takes a deep breath, the back of Caleb’s neck is burning and time has all but frozen, “I care deeply for you Caleb. It is difficult to bring myself to those words for I know this is the last thing I deserve but here I am, a fool for you. I know that there were moments in Aeor, I hold them close to my heart as precious things in a life of solitude. If you do not do the same, if you do not feel the same I will remain your friend if you’ll allow it, your research partner, anything. But-” he looks down almost sheepishly, “I owe it to you to be forthright and so I will tell you that if you’ll have me, I would very much like to see where this takes us.”

A smile breaks across Caleb’s face as their eyes meet, “May I kiss you?”

Essek draws in a sharp breath, eyes wide, and nods. It takes Caleb only a moment to close the gap, hands sliding around Essek’s waist and over the back of his neck as he leads them together. Essek’s hands hold his shoulders and his eyes flutter closed as their lips meet, electricity and heat mixing. When they finally pull back they’re both flushed. Essek lets out a huff of a laugh and Caleb wraps him tightly as he brings him in again, smiling into another kiss.

#shadowgast #critical role #essek thelyss #caleb widogast #the mighty nein #cr fanfic #cr #critrole #fan fiction #archive of our own #omniwrites

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0risha · 3 years

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ʚ @brushwood-souls requested ; hie!! for ur 500 followers request thingy!! 505 by arctic monkeys with gojo! (gender neutral reader ^^) thank ue and congrats!

ʚ pairing ; gojo x gn!reader

ʚ content/warning ; fluff, angst, it might be a little confusing if you haven't read about Gojo's past arc??

ʚ find xetou's here!

It’s eerie. The silence that is. Spots of darkness and color swim in vision when your eyes flutter shut. You expect to hear a shuffle or a familiar voice from the room next to yours— like always, but it never comes.

In distress, you breathe out a puff of air and turn on your side, your covers rippling as you move. This should be a good thing— right?

For once Gojo wasn’t running his mouth to some random fling on the phone. With being his dorm neighbor, you always wondered how he juggled his never-ending love life with the addition of being the strongest shaman. But it’d remain a mystery, just like the rest of him.

You didn’t consider yourself close with Gojo, if anything you barely knew him. You had your own set of moments with him, sure. Like that one time, he had saved you from being a curse’s next meal, though before you could thank him he called you a nuisance.

The funniest thing about it all was that you had saved him before, but you blamed it on Gojo just not being on his best game. It did add a slight pump to your ego, but you didn’t think it would add to his if you bragged about 'saving the strongest shaman.'

Even if it already seemed like he hated you.

When you decide that Gojo's silence is for the best, you close your eyes once again and lull your muscles to rest. Your efforts are proven to be successful as sleep starts to encase your senses.

That is until you hear a crash, it's barely audible when the sound meets your ear but you perk up, nonetheless. Then comes another and another, each louder than the one before. Begrudgingly, you roll over and hop out of the comfort of your bed. Your feet pad against the cool tiles when you reach your room door, you don't bother to put on shoes, his room was only two steps away from yours.

Hesitantly you knock at his door, it's a soft rap but you think he hears because the crashing comes to a stop.

"Gojo?" The silence is deafening but a random croak intercepts it.

"Gojo?" You can hear him shuffle about. With that, a stone of realization sits in your gut, he was ignoring you.

"I just wanted to make sure if you were ok—" Your voice catches in your throat when the door is cracked open. You wait for a second to pass to make sure that you were actually welcomed.

When the door doesn't close, you walk into Gojo's room. His room is Gojo-like. Messy in some areas, neat in others. Your chest deflates once you see how big his bed is. Not fair. Your brow furrows once you see multiple items strewn haphazardly around the room— probably the source of all those noises, you decide.

Your gaze sweeps across his room once more, the curtains are closed tight and his lit-up phone sits on a nightstand. Gojo getting a call so late at night…was to be expected.

The room was barely lit and even smelled like him but there was no Gojo in sight.

“Gojo?”

A sniffle permeates the room.

“Where are you?” The sound of your footsteps is silenced by the blue carpet as you move closer to where you think you heard the noise.

When you see a ray of light, you shuffle towards it. With shallow breaths, you place your hand on what you believed to be the bathroom's door knob.

When you do open the door, your eyes go wide when arctic eyes meet yours.

This was truly not what you expected. Words of surprise bubble within the expanse of your throat but you push it down. Not for your sake but for his.

“Oh–” You gnaw at your bottom lip. “I– I– can come back.” You internally wince at your own words when your eyes again flit across his face. The strongest shaman or... the man across from you sat with wet-streaked cheeks.

Unsure of what to do and after a few seconds of internal debate, you slowly squat down to his eye level. If he noticed your actions, he doesn’t show it. His eyes are still downcast as now muted sobs escape from the confines of his lips.

“G–gojo, do you need any–” You stop once his head falls on your shoulder. Your breath hitches as his bubble of warmth intertwines with your own.

With wide eyes, your hands hesitantly come around to rest on his clothed back. You still for a moment, hands unmoving as you contemplate every second that’s transpired.

Maybe he’d mistaken you for someone else— Ieiri? Ieiri had known him ever since his high school days, it would make a sliver of sense.

But as you mull over their love and hate relationship you rule it out of your book of contemplation. You flirt with the idea of having a connection strong enough for Gojo to fall into such a vulnerable state around you but... it didn’t seem likely.

You pull yourself out of your thoughts to side-eye the man on your shoulder. His white hair clouds most of your vision but you can see the way his shoulders sag, almost... defeatedly. Slowly, you rub his back in soothing circles and try to match his breathing.

Gojo simply had two worlds on his shoulders, his own and the one against him. Each weighing absurd amounts of weight, both set to point to him as their savior. It made sense, it really did.

But with this realization, came another. A certain conversation with Ieiri.

It’d been your first day and Shoko had personally came to talk to you. Almost instantly, you put her on a pedestal of interest.

You couldn’t help it, she was a healer, she was pretty and she smoked cigarettes. But to your dismay, her topic of conversation had been about Gojo Satoru.

You’d heard about his personality. Immature, childish, and cynical. Yet, she talked about him in high regard, which in some way contrasted with prior actions you’d seen. But there was one piece of information that you’d locked away in a forgotten chamber of mind.

Gojo seemed to always shrink in himself when the weather grew warmer, the result of the anniversary of a certain memory. The memory, you didn’t know, Ieiri skated around the question whenever you asked. You remember her staring at you intently, eyes sparkling with a flash of grief as she exhaled a pull of smoke from the encasement of her lungs.

“He always gets weird when that time comes… just comfort him for me, yeah?” Dumbly, you had nodded, not exactly sure what she’d been conveying.

But it’d been so long ago and with no signs of you and Gojo creating a bond anytime soon, you’d forgotten all about it.

“It’s okay,” you whisper. When his movements still, you curse internally, figuring that you’d made the wrong choice of words. But when his body curls more into your side, you breathe out a sigh in relief and repeat your prior words.

“It’s okay.” And you say it over and over until his body slumps over with exhaustion. He doesn’t snore, is your first thought but your second thought is pride.

Not in an arrogance but in fulfillment.

Just a simple pull of pride for being able to soothe the strongest man in the world.

— if your name is in bold I could not tag you :(

tagging ; @uniquabackyardigans @crapimahuman @dukinaxael @princess-in-flowers @astraea-essie @italyhrry

— to join my taglist go here!

#gojo x reader #gojo x you #jujutsu kaisen x gender neutral reader #jujutsu kaisen x reader #jujutsu kaisen x you #jujutsu kaisen fluff #jujutsu kaisen angst #gojo x gender neutral reader #gojo fluff #gojo angst #xetou hits 500—🌬️

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lemonymay · 5 years

Text

The Galleons

Because I am reading Frank O’Hara

while sitting on a bench at the Brooklyn Promenade

I am aware it is 10:30 in New York

on a Tuesday morning

the way O’Hara was always aware

of what day and hour and season were in front of him

It is 12:20 in New York a Friday

he wrote almost sixty years ago on a July moment

that must have been like the one I am having now

the summer hour blossoming

at the promenades by the rivers and in the parks

and in the quiet aisles of the city

when everyone who should be at work

is at work and the trees are meditating

on how muggy it will be today

and the fleets of strollers are out in the sunshine

expanse of the morning

the strollers that are like galleons

carrying their beautiful gold cargo

being pushed by women whose names once graced

the actual galleons Rosario

Margarita Magdalena along with other names

Essie Maja from places that history has patronized

like O’Hara going into the bank

for money or the bookstore to buy

an ugly NEW WORLD WRITING to see what

the poets / in Ghana are doing these days

or the liquor store for liquor

or the tobacconist for tobacco

and sitting at the Brooklyn Promenade I haven’t looked

at the news to see who now has died

though my fingers keep touching the phone’s face

to find out that when it is 10:30 in the morning

in New York it is 11:30 in the night

in Manila and it is 4:30 in the afternoon in Lagos

and in Warsaw and it is 9:30

in the morning in Guatemala City

where it is also Tuesday and where it is also summer

- Rick Barot, 2017.

#poetry #literature #rick barot

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rhywhitefang · 5 years

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It’s the end of the year (Well, not quite, but I’m not gonna get any reading done tomorrow) - and we all know what that means... Looking back at what you read and evaluating your favorites. And no, I did not contain myself to just 10 - but that’s also because I did read a lot this year. Why are they eleven books for the first two categories? Any excuse to include one more book It looks better on the graphic. Although, before someone asks why the Broken Earth Trilogy isn’t on here - Rereads don’t count and I read those in 2017. For a more detailed look at each of my lists, links to the books, and more of my thoughts, look under the cut. For a list of all of my favorite books look here.

Now, on to these...

The best new releases of the year

Now, obviously, I did not read every single book that was released this year - duh. This is just a list of the best 2018 releases that I read this year. Ranked, they look like this:

Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake. Why I loved this one: It’s a really honest, well-written, gentle, well-done, nuanced, and detailed examination of what rape does not only to a person but also to a community from a perspective I’ve never seen considered before.

Darius The Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram Why I loved this one: Because I love well-done coming of age narratives and this one was excellent. It’s a very quiet, introspective, slow moving book with a softer main male character. I also really appreciated the setting of Teheran.

The Book of Essie by Meghan Maclean Weir Why I loved this one: Look, it’s one of my very specific favorite tropes of all time (I’m not going to spoil it) that I almost never see, the main character is interesting and strong in a mental way I really enjoy, and it’s a deconstruction of conservative family culture. Yay.

The Adventure Zone - Here there be Gerblins by Griffin McElroy Why I loved this one: I jumped on the hype train and listened to the podcast - and like, this is a comic adaptation of the first arc? Which is so much fun?

The Air You Breathe by Frances de Pontes Peebles Why I loved this one: I loved the main character who was bitter, and passionate, and jealous and lovin, and complicated and determined and stern and regretful. It was great. If you loved Evelyn Hugo, this one should be your next read.

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay Why I loved this one: This thriller was very unique in the way that it put its focus on just one family, and the whole rest of the world was not really present. Instead we get a very closed, and isolated narrative where everything but the characters we follow and the relationships they have with each other is called into question.

How Long Til’ Black Future Month? by N. K. Jemisin Why I loved this one: I refuse to comment on claims that I light a candle of my very own N. K. Jemisin shrine every night before I fall asleep. If you haven’t read The Fifth Season - go read them right now. My favorites from this collection include: Valedictorian, The Storyteller’s Replacement, Walking Awake, and Henosis.

Circe by Madeline Miller Why I loved this one: I’m a huge slut for greek myth retellings, if you’re a semi-competent author retelling any greek myth, I’ll eat it up. And Miller is more than just semi-competent.

The Poppy War by R.F Kuang Why I loved this one: Listen, listen, listen - you know how to get me as a reader? Training sequences and school settings. This has 250 pages of training sequences in a school setting. It made me very happy.

Hurricane Child by Kheryn Callender Why I loved this one: Everyone’s excited for this author’s other book, which is like, a YA romance and to be fair, I haven’t read that one yet, but still - why is this one so underrated? It’s a magical realism coming of age story of a young girl and it’s stellar.

Inkmistress by Audrey Coulhourst Why I loved this one: I wasn’t the biggest fan of the author’s debut, but this has a lot of things I love - “be careful what you wish for” style blood magic, dark self-fulfilling prophecies, and a female characters journey from hero to villain. Also dragons.

The best backlist books of the year

Meaning, the best books I read this year that were released in 2017 or before that. Pretty simple, really.

In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan Why I loved this one: It has been a long time since I was this attached to a group of book characters that quickly. They’re instantly relatable, even if they’re not instantly likeable. And beyond that, the whole book is a wonderfully satirical take on the portal fantasy genre. But seriously, guys, there’s not enough of fanfiction for this book - I’d know it, I read them all.. C’mon, where’s my soulmate AU?

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman Why I loved this one: One of the best YA novels out there and not only one of my favorite’s of this year, but also one of my favorite books of all time. Alice Oseman understands the teen coming of age story on a spiritual level, and manages to be so wonderfully affirming in this one.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Why I loved this one: Listen to the hype, everyone, listen to the hype. Evelyn Hugo is an amazing character and I’d 100% believe you if you told me she was a real person. PLUS, this one also has the trope. The one I talked about with the Book of Essie.

Strong Female Protagonist by Molly Ostertag Why I loved this one: Well-done, deconstructionalist superhero narrative are my jam. This webcomic is not that action driven, instead it focuses on the main character identity crisis, and her reconsidering what it means to be a hero and what her responsibility as a human is.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M Danforth Why I loved this one: Do you think the owner of this blog might like coming of age narratives? I’m not super sure, like, maybe if she had “I love coming of age narratives” tattooed on her forehead, it would be a little clearer... but like this? It’s a mystery.

Whichwood by Tahereh Mafi Why I loved this one: No, I did not read the first book in this series, and I don’t think you need to in order to enjoy this. Here, I just really appreciated the friendship aspect of the book and the healing power of reaching out to others and letting them into your heart. Also death magic. That too.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds Why I loved this one: I think the slam poetry style this was written in, often novels written in verse don’t work for me because it feels like more distance being put between you and the narrative, but in this case it really elevated the story. And of course, this was a very introspective read with a focus on character development.

One Hundred Nights of Hero by Isabelle Greenberg Why I loved this one: The artwork here is just gorgeous, just like in the first one The Encyclopedia of Early Earth. Its beautiful and has a lovely fairytale vibe.

An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon Why I loved this one: This has a very sharp, very unique voice to it and a protagonist unlike anyone I ever read. And the spaceship setting was really cool as well.

Under the Pendulum Sun by Jeannette Ng Why I loved this one: This is a fae book that gets fucking dark, and truly fucked up as any proper fae book should do. Some parts of it read almost like a trippy nightmare which is just delightful. And the premise itself? Just wild, man

Girl Mans Up by M-E Girard Why I loved this one: Say it with me everyone 📣: Coming 👏 of 👏 Age 👏 Narrative

Honorable Mentions

Yes, I have a whole entire seperate list of honorable mentions. What’s it to you?

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi Why I loved this one: The writing is beautiful and engaging. The protagonist is refreshing, lively, realistic, and I loved her perspective. Her internal journey was wonderfully rendered. The issues she dealt with were important, timely, and needed to be put into the forefront. It had a lyrical, atmospheric quality to it and I thoroughly enjoyed my experienced reading it. Why it didn’t quite make the list: It almost, almost made the list because it was really good. There was just one thing that bothered me. I get that the point of this book was that the protagonist was really isolated in the beginning, but even so... she had a romance with a guy, she had her brother and his friends whom she hung out with. But she didn’t seem to know any other girls... at all. The only other real female character I remember is her mother. And then there’s one interaction with another girl and that girl is a racist bitch. So I didn’t like that portrayal.

Geography Club by Brent Hartinger Why I loved this one: Teenagers finding themselves.... friendship..... clubs.... gay people.... I mean, come on. Why it didn’t quite make the list: The writing style isn’t the best.

And I Darken by Kiersten White Why I loved this one: This was a great first book in a trilogy with a historical setting I haven’t read about before. It has court intrigue, sultans, assassins and political imprisonments. The main character’s brother, Radu, is one of my favorite characters I read about this year and I liked the way this tackled religion. Why it didn’t quite make the list: Being the first one in a series, this feels more like...a prologue, than anything that could stand on its own.

When I Hit You - A Portrait of the Author as a Young Wife by Meena Kandasamy Why I loved this one: It’s an unflinching look at an abusive marriage, power dynamic, and coping with the more patriarchal aspects of your own culture. It’s also really well written and extremely believable. Why it didn’t quite make the list: It had an odd framing device, and because the protagonist was a writer, this caused it to be kind of pretentious at times.

Here to Stay by Sara Farizan Why I loved this one: This is a very realistic depiction of high school, and the social dynamics most teenagers for. Teenagers aren’t wise or mature, most of them have a lot of growing to do. And I liked how flawed everyone there was. They just wanted to keep their head down, or they overcompensated for their insecurities, and they dealt with their own issues. I liked how the topics in here were handled. Why it didn’t quite make the list: The plot was a bit too simplistic for me.

Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant Why I loved this one: Killer mermaids! Need I say more? I’ll say it again - killer mermaids! Why it didn’t quite make the list: Despite the title, this isn’t really that deep. Just a fun monster horror.

The Emperor’s Soul by Brandon Sanderson Why I loved this one: The one thing that Sanderson does consistently well is develop magic systems, and I really liked this one. And because this one was so short, there wasn’t some epic (or even cosmic) overarching plot, but a rather clear and relatively small narrative of a specific task that needed to be completed, which I found absolutely fascinating. I think I like this story even more than the Mistborn trilogy. It’s my favorite from him. Why it didn’t quite make the list: Everytime Sanderson writes a female character, you can tell he feels so proud of himself for being such a feminist.

I Was Born for This by Alice Oseman Why I loved this one: This surprised me. Even though I loved Radio Silence by Oseman and had read that one before, the subject matter of this book didn’t really seem appealing to me, but it was still really fun. I loved the friendship dynamics and the discussions of fame. Why it didn’t quite make the list: I just very much wanted this one to go more in depth and really dive into that character development, and these relationship dynamics. I just wanted a little more of that.

A History of Glitter and Blood by Hannah Moskowitz Why I loved this one: I loved most things to do with the fae - the dark fae of folklore, mind you, not whatever SJM is doing. Now, these fairies aren’t really traditional, but the setting is definitely dark. Also, there’s an unreliable narrator which I love. Why it didn’t quite make the list: I was kind of iffy about some of the racial implications with the goblins.

The Monster Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson Why I loved this one: We stan a ruthless, traitorous accountant. Love that dark character development, bitch. Why it didn’t quite make the list: While I loved the first one, this one really lacked a clear sense of structure or direction. The pacing was kind of off.

Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan Why I loved this one: I loved the worldbuilding here, and the setting of concubines in a castle, quiety rebelling in themselves. Yay. Why it didn’t quite make the list: It felt a bit juvenile at some points, some things were rushed, and I would have liked a bit more depth to the characters, especially the love interest.

#favorites 2018 #books #best books of 2018 #best books of the year #bookblr

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royal-writer · 5 years

Text

... but now let’s make it more than two.

This is part 2 to this piece :’)

Bolting to the guest room revealed none of the aid he’d hoped to find. The two hired midwives who spent round the clock hours in the house were not within the room. They had left the door ajar enough however when they’d last been in give enough room to easily look inside. Belongings were spread out over dressers and tables, in evidence to how long they’d been staying in house to make their lengthy stay as homey as possibly.

Caesar lifted his head as Amon ran past him in the library, and flew down the stairs in a haste. He couldn’t hear the scrambled way the massive dog’s toenails slid against wood as he charged after him. His heart was energetic as a stallion. It galloped in his chest, and seemed to be directly in his eardrums as he hurried down to the first level to take off for the service quarters. Everything else compared to the beating in his chest seemed like the buzz of an insect with each gasping breath he took.

Dashing through the house, he nearly crashed into one of the house maiden’s as he rushed along. Barging through the lounging room, the woman only barely managed to dodge out of his way as he hurtled past her.

“Milord!”

Frantic, he turned back to the woman, dragging in air. “Are Regina and Chantalle in house?”

“I- I last saw them sitting on the bench, in the back of the manor,” the woman squeaked with alarm. “They took some pre-dinner snacks with them.”

“How long ago?” he demanded; panting as he strode for the next door.

“Less than five minutes ago, I’d say.”

The mastiff came barreling into the room, panting just as heavily. His tail whipped back and forth as he boofed softly and deeply in his throat. Amon ignored the bouncing canine as it danced around his feet. He made his way through the kitchen, with the servicewoman following at a distance. Drifting more than trying to keep pace.

“Have Essätha’s doctor and their assistant sent for immediately,” the nobleman pressed, throwing open the nearest door that lead outside.

He didn’t catch the excited hitch in the woman’s breath, or the way her face lit up with eagerness. She clutched her hands before herself, bowing even as he took off down the trail. The woman called something after him in affirmation to his request. Words he didn’t catch. The great hound at his heels bounded ahead of him, bee-lining for the two laughing women eating dainty bites bench nearest on the property in proximity to the house.

“Miss Regina! Miss Chantalle!”

The authority of his voice seemed to startle them more than the dog that came dancing with an eager rump before them. One of the women dropped their treat, which Caesar stared at with puddled drool hanging from his maw.

“Oh, Lord Amon!” one of the women gasped, clutching their chest. “You startled me-”

“My apologies, missus,” Amon huffed, dragging in air deeply. “However, your assistance is required.”

The pair of older women locked eyes.

Chantalle; the blonde, grabbed the basket they’d placed their morsels in as they both stood to move past the hound. Unnoticed by either, Caesar slowly picked up the remains of the sandwich one of them dropped and began to gobble it down as fast as he could.

Amon followed the pair as they rushed down the lane, and inside the house. His faithful companion was not far behind, but was stopped by one of the maidens’s of the house before he got too far. A pitiful whine hung in the excited pooch’s throat; his tail still swishing through the air as he watched his master disappear from room to room. From the kitchen to the lounge, back to the steps and up again the trio scrambled along.

“I’ll fetch the supplies.”

“I’ll go see to Lady Illiad.”

The two split in the hallway; one headed to the guest room and the other, the master chambers. Amon followed closely at the heels of the red-head Regina as she stepped into their private lounge, where agonized groans echoed through the room. The Lord of the Emerald Expanse’s boots scuffled against the floor, slowing his progression as he breathed heavily. Quiet in his approach, as the midwife moved to the other side of the sofa quickly.

“Hello there dear,” the older woman crooned gently. She moved to her knees, reaching out to brush sweat-clinging hair away from his wife’s face. “How are we feeling?”

Essätha’s mouth moved. Instead of words, however, she threw her head back and howled with agony, bending and twisting in a form that looked painful.

“Oooh I know it’s hard, dear. Just try to keep your breathing steady; everything’s going to be fine.”

“She’s not too early, is she?” Amon whispered, his hands twisting in front of his chest.

Regina’s face snapped up suddenly. Her eyes were hauntingly dark; almost matching the color of her hair. She began to grimace the longer as she stared at him, but never made a remark as more footsteps began to barge through the room.

“I’ve got the tray, scissors, linen wrappings, towels, swaddle, and basket,” Chantalle stated loudly, balancing the various items in her arms.

“Good; we’re going to need a bucket of warm water, and to get washed up,” Regina reported with a look of clear authority. “Then we’ll have to move her over to the birthing chair.”

“I can fetch the water-”

Her eyes snapped up sharply to him as he spoke up. There was a suspicious glint in her eye, but above that, a dark sort of amusement. Her lips curled, and she revealed a toothy, almost feral smile while rising to her feet.

“Forgive me, Lord Amon, but are you a doctor?” she countered. “No? I thought not. Forgive me, but this is woman’s work, my Lord. You would only get in the way.”

A cold, burning anger filled his belly. She looked to him as though speaking to an ill-mannered child. Chantalle, on the other hand, seemed too anxious or frightened to speak her mind for or against the superior looking, strong-willed woman.

“I am not leaving this room,” Amon stated with ominous clam. “I read the damn books. I am her husband; she needs me.”

“Men are weak, in my experience, Lord Amon,” Regina stated. “They faint at the sight of blood, or get sick in the middle of the child breaching. I haven’t the time or patience to nurture a woman, her child, and a grown man all in one sitting. Leave the room. Trust me: this is not something you want to see or deal with, anyway.”

Sneering, he curled a fist to his side as he quietly spoke: “I do not require your babysitting, or permission.”

Almost a ghost in the room, the blonde kept her head down as she laid out the supplies, and slipped around in a wide berth for the door. Her footsteps echoed down the hall, not that it was audible to hear. It was far from noiseless upstairs by now, as Essie thrashed and twitched helplessly on the couch. The sound of her breathing was loud and heavy, and between the whining and sobbing, she would let out a cry of pain that tortured his heart.

Sighing heavy, the red-head turned her glare away, muttering aloud: “I would not advise you stay. It is not proper of a man, least of all a Lord.”

“I am not other Lords,” he rasped with quiet defiance. “I love my wife; and I am going to be there for her, whether or not you approve. I will not get in your way, and I expect you not to stand between me, and my family.”

If it wasn’t his voice; calm as an incoming storm, it had to be his expression that silence Regina. The challenge in her stance began to disintegrate rapidly. She bowed her head deeply; mouthing words of an apology he couldn’t even hear against the wails of his wife as she clutched to the cushions, trying to brace for the pain.

He ignored the heavy tension in the room left as a residue for the woman to shoulder, and stepped around the sofa. The material had damp patches of sweat. It beaded up on Essie’s face, and clung the dress she wore to her body. Her mouth gaped for air; sucking it in like a dying fish as her bright eyes squeezed and opened in variant expressions of twisted and morphed agony.

“My beautiful wife,” he said in a soft voice of affection. “Would it be okay, if I helped you to the birthing chair?”

“The one I’ve been practice sitting on?” she sputtered, her eyes darting to and away from him as her head rolled.

Amon snickered quietly, nodding his head. “Yes. It’s the same chair.”

“Okay. Good. Yes. I don’t want the backless one they brought,” she mumbled in a rush, offering her hands out.

Ignoring her gesture for assistance, Amon knelt lower to slide his hands beneath her. He murmured a soft word of encouragement close to her ear to brace herself, and lifted.

She let out a choked whimper, and clutched for the front of his shirt.

Definitely heavier than the last time he picked her up. Careful of how he adjusted her weight against him, Amon pivoted slow from the hip before shuffling around, making his slowly to the other side of the room where they’d set up chair some months ago. Regina had already moved ahead of him, and laid out a large cloth as precaution upon the floor.

Puffing quietly for air, Amon gradually slid her upon the seat. It was an average distance from the floor; enough for her feet to touch the ground as a brace. Not that it appeared she wanted it, almost instantly slumping over as he held her up.

“I’ve got the water!”

“Would you mind helping her, Lord Amon?” Regina stated flatly; her tone lacking any affliction as she began to urge Essätha to lean back in the seat. “I can manage to get her into position. Then if you’ve got the stomach for it, you may stay and try to keep the Lady comfortable and in place while we freshen up.”

He could scoff at the damn woman. She talked as if he hadn’t slayed men and monsters of his own accord, with his own sword. Even before leaving Briarton with the traveling group of heroes, he’d stuck enough game and slaughtered enough bears to know foul scents and see vile things. Childbirthing couldn’t be any worse than that; aside from the way he had to listen to his wife cry, with no wait to comfort her.

Getting to his feet, he placed a kiss on top of Essie’s dark, wet hair and made himself briskly across the room. He accepted the large tub from the woman; the water sloshing and sitting just a hair above lukewarm. He moved slowly across the room, inching along with Chantalle at his side, until she indicated a good spot for him to leave it on the floor.

Regina ushered him over, before moving out of his line of sight. He was grateful for the sour woman’s presence leaving the room as he dropped to his knees on the left side of the chair. The back end was angled just slightly for Essätha to sag her weight into, trembling all over.

Amon reached for her hand, and hers grabbed his in a surprising vice grip.

“You’re going to stay with me, right, m’lord?”

“Of course I am, Ess’. I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”

She nodded numbly. Her throat moved as she swallowed, the size of her pupils dilated a few fractions larger as she squeezed his hand.

“I’m scared.”

“I know, darling, I know. You don’t need to be scared though, I’m right here for you. You have a good team around you. Everything will be fine.”

She gave an uneasy lopsided smile in response. The mingle of tear stains and perspiration dotting her pale face with each ragged gasp for air she tried to take in. Fingers flexed against his, and her vivid eyes danced over his face in rapid little movements, studying him.

He inhaled deeply, and exhaled slowly. Again, and once more, until she caught on and began to mimic the gestures between little grunts of pain.

Reaching out with his other hand, Amon placed it gingerly over her abdomen. It made her weak smile grow a bit larger, as she placed her other hand on top of his.

“Do you think they’re going to know I’m their mother?”

“I think so. They’ve heard your voice for months now, telling them how much you love them. They’re going to hear your tone, and know exactly who you are.”

“You always know just the right thing to say,” Essätha laughed; the sound airy in her lungs.

Softness mellowed out his complexion further. He pushed himself up further on his knees, pressing a kiss against her brow. Footsteps moved from the hallway back into the sitting room then, giving him pause to glance to the doorframe.

The two midwives, followed by the doctor, their assistant, and a final woman he didn’t recognize moved into the room. His entire body posture stiffened for a moment, despite the non-threatening flowing golden robes the last lady wore.

“Who is this?”

Bowing, the woman spoke quietly: “Kersti Miyles, my Lord. I am a cleric of the temple of Pelor. I was with the fine doctor when she was summoned here at the time. I thought I might offer my assistance.”

He narrowed his gaze at the stranger distrustfully. There was enough shadows in the past, and this seemed like just the right moment for an ill-fated accident to occur. His body shifted; a barrier between his wife, and the foreign soul.

The hand gripping his squeezed tightly.

“I’ve met Kersti before,” Essätha vouched in a tone of understanding comfort. “She was the one who helped the Derains with their sick daughter.”

Brightening, the cleric gave a nod of her head. “That I was! I’m so glad to hear you remember me my Lady; I don’t think we spoke but for a few minutes. I didn’t know I left that kind of impression.”

Essie smiled forcefully and turned her face away. Her jaw worked, trying to restrain herself before she snapped. Her head went to fly back, and her back bowed in the seat as she released a hoarse scream. Fingers clamped into Amon’s hand and he refrained himself from wincing as nails carved into his flesh; embedding in his skin like tiny jagged knives.

“Musta been in labor all day, poor thing,” the doctor’s assistant cooed with pity, giving a shake of her head.

Squeezing by her assistant, with everyone huddling not far behind, the brunette-haired medic silently knelt beside her patient. She appeared unfazed by the screeching and twisting of Essie’s frame, and reached for the hand digging into the arm of the seat to check her pulse.

“How long has she been like this?”

“Roughly two hours?” Amon surmised. “I came upstairs, and she confessed she’s been deeply uncomfortable much of the day. We weren’t talking long, when she got up to move around and nearly collapsed from the spasms.”

“Mmhm,” the woman hummed, releasing her hand. “Lady Illiad, how do you feel? Can you indicate how close together your contractions are?”

“Close,” Essie wheezed pitifully.

“Have you been feeling them all day?”

A nod; quick and jerky. The rapid, desperate grabs she made for air began to increase dramatically, much to Amon’s alarm.

Moving the bottom of the dress further up, the doctor indicated to the closest individual. It was the assistant who hurried over, remaining on standby with a small case lined with neat and shining clean instruments.

“You’re dilating nicely, and it looks like your water broke already. It’s your first newborn though, so we’re going to have to play it by ear a bit. Can you tell me how you’re feeling?”

Another howl pitched itself to the air wildly. She wept loudly, shaking from head to toe.

Amon pressed his lips to temple, flexing his fingers against hers.

“You’re doing well, darling. I’m proud of you. You’re so brave, and so very strong,” he whispered gently, listening to the ragged way she dragged in air.

The murmured words of the women were lost on his ears. He listened to the hitch in her breath, and the strangled way her chest moved. She sheen of sweat seemed to wash over her like she’d taken a dip in bathwater. All the while he held to her hand as her fingernails gouged into him. He smoothed her matted hair away from her face and placed tender kisses to the side of her face the more she churned uncomfortably in the seat.

“Gods Amon it hurts,” Essätha whimpered. “I think being stabbed is easier than this.”

A ghostly smile of concern flashed over his features, and he pressed another kiss against her cheek.

“You’re doing a marvelous job, dear,” Amon hushed close to her ear. “I’m right here; I’ll be here with you the whole time. You can do this. You are the strongest woman I’ve ever met. Just keep breathing, and thinking of our sweet precious baby you’re about to bring into the world. You carried our beautiful child for months; and soon you’ll be able to hold them in your arms.”

“I know you hurt, darling. I don’t know what it’s like, but I know you can get through this. The pain is temporary. Our little one will be ours; finally ours to hold and love once this is all over.”

A chest-wrecking wail; exhausted and agonized, fell from her lips. Her fingers held to his hand with more unshakable strength he’d ever witnessed from her in all his life.

“Alright, we’re pushing now,” the doctor spoke up loudly, taking the basket as it was offered to her.

“Just keep following the flow, Lady Essätha. Your body will tell you when it’s ready.”

Tears burned the corners of his the nobleman’s eyes. He kissed her face frantically; his hand nearly numb now beneath her grip.

“My darling Essätha, you’ve never been more beautiful,” he choked, smoothing back her hair. “I love you. You’re doing great, sweetheart. I know you’re tired but keep going, push.”

An agonizing howl tore through the house.

Pressing his forehead to her temple, Amon’s eyes moved swiftly over the other women in the room. They were all gathered together; watchful of the event unfolding. Many of their faces expressed a serious and analytic work, except for the quieter midwife Chantalle and the cleric, who were both sharing equal expressions of anticipation.

“Oh gods,” Essie sobbed; her voice splintering into fractures as she shuddered all over. “Please.”

“You’re doing well, my Lady. Another push, when you’re ready.”

One hand latched to the chair’s arm handles once more, and the other relaxed in Amon’s hand. He squeezed her digits, and the force of her grip reignited as she howled; her voice disappearing as it cracked and fizzled out. She shook desperately all over, unable to unhinge the tension that left her sitting stiffly in the chair.

“Come on darling, you can do this. Look how far you’ve come. You amaze me so much. Push.”

“I can’t, I can’t, please-”

“I know you can, Essie. Think of those chubby rosy cheeks, and the dark hair they’re going to have,” Amon encouraged, stroking her own. “What do you think, curls, perhaps? Difficult to tame as yours?”

For a moment, she tried for a smile. It warped back into the same expression of torture as she yelled at the top pitch of her lungs once more, panting heavily.

“We have crowning,” the doctor reported; a note of eagerness finally in her voice.

“Did you hear that?” the Briarton Lord breathed into her ear. “Look at you go. Look at what you’ve done oh Pelor, Essie, you are doing phenomenally. They’re almost here.”

She jerked in the seat, sobbing weakly as another convulsion swept down her spine.

“Gods woman, you are so strong. My gorgeous wife; mighty and powerful. You carried a life inside you. You created life. I love you, Lady Essätha Meduza Illiad. I love you so very very much, you are incredible.”

Short, shallow breathes quickly raced out of her lungs. She braced her weight into her arms; holding herself up in the sitting position to keep from folding into the seat.

“Okay, Lady Essätha, I’m going to ask you to stop pushing now. I’m going to try helping the baby out a bit now, and if you push, you’re going to risk lacerations and tears.”

Loud, terrible sobs shook her shoulders. Watching helpless as tears flooded down her face, and dripped from her chin, Amon squeezed her hand for reassurance.

By the gods, no book could prepare anyone for this. It didn’t matter how many times he read it front to back; the experience right in front of you was enormously more intense. And by all the gods, he had thought he’d respected and admired this enchanting woman with all that he had, before. He believed it impossible to think any higher of her; or love her any more than he already did. She had all of him by now; a constant and deep ocean.

Yet as he watched her struggle and endure; howling and sobbing, panting for breath and struggling by the gods. The most natural, magical part a life could offer to another, and she was taking it on in stride. The miracle of life. She may not have understood the severity to the exact terms prior to this, but she had accepted the dangers and agony, and gave life to a child. Their child.

He loved this woman. He loved her more than anything else in the world.

Then he heard the high-pitched cry of something very small, and very new to the world, and his heart swelled and split right down the middle.

Tears spilled down his face, and collected into the fuzz of his beard. The desperate breathes of his wife; trying to find relief as she sank back into the seat with utter exhaustion. He took her beautiful, damp face in his hands and smothered every inch of it in kisses, murmuring his affections into her flawless face. Over her eyes, where tears clung to her lashes and across scales. To the bridge of her nose, over her lips and to her forehead he peppered her with love as she lay there, limp and dazed.

“The baby,” she crooned weakly, eyelids fluttering.

Tiny, little wails lifted in the air. Resting his head against the top of hers, Amon craned his face from side to side, trying to study what the mass of women were doing. The only one not crowding the scene was Kersti, who stepped around the gaggle to place a hand against Essie’s other arm.

“That was incredible to witness, my Lady. I’m sure you are going to make an excellent mother.”

As she spoke, a white light glowed from the cleric’s touch. It briefly caused Essätha to stir, before she sank deeper into the seat with a relieved sigh.

“Our baby?”

The doctor lifted their head, grinning as they raised the wrapped bundle up for her to see.

A fresh rise of tears rose in Amon’s eyes, and he blinked them back. Swallowing thickly, he brought the hand that had pierced lines into his flesh to his lips, and kissed upon his fondest love’s scales.

Essie moved to sit forward, and both the cleric, Amon, and the assistant jumped to gently press her back.

“You still have to deliver the placenta, which can take a while, dear. Remain seated; allow your contractions to finish pushing it out.”

“But I want to see my child.”

“I had to clip the umbilical cord and clean them up,” the doctor defended with amusement in their voice, shimmying closer on her knees. They offered up the swaddled bundle, still feebly crying with tiny fists held close to their fragile little chest.

They were one of the beautiful sights he’d ever seen; even still with streaks of goo in their thin hair.

“Congratulations my Lord and Lady Illiad, on your baby girl.”

“A girl,” Essätha wept, taking the tiny swaddled figure as she trembled all over. “Oh m’lord you were right.”

“She’s as gorgeous as her mother,” he whispered in a voice brewed with emotion. His hand shook; fearful he might hurt such a small, tender newborn. The edge of his finger stroked along the chubby little cheek as the small babe cried and cried.

Smiling tenderly, he took the edge of the cloth, and wiped some of the residue still sticking to their face.

“Our little Hepsiba Amelia Illiad,” Essie murmured, drawing the innocent baby closer. They moved to seek refuge against her chest, burrowing themselves against the swell of her breast with pitiful little wails of distress.

As his darling wife shifted to encouragingly feed their baby for the first time, Amon leaned heavily into the birthing chair. He stroked a hand against the baby’s back gently, just as the book had instructed. It seemed to encourage their feeding. She was the perfect little inspiration. Fighting her way into the world; stunning in every way. Pure and lovely as her mother. She rested so quickly and effortlessly in Essätha’s arms, just as he’d known she would.

She was a beacon of light, as well as this adorable babe’s mother. It was hard not to be drawn to her.

Tears still strolled down his cheeks as he gruffly cleared his throat, placing a kiss from one beautiful forehead to the other.

“My girls,” he cooed; husky and faltering with emotion. “My beautiful, beautiful girls.”

His heart was so full, he thought for sure it would explode. There was so much to cherish; so much to love and protect all in his arms. His wife, their daughter. His family. A family he would fight for, always.

“I love you, my sweet Hepsiba. I love you, with all my heart.”

The teeny babe hiccuped, gurgled, and let out a tiny cry.

“Oooh, sweetheart,” Essie cooed, slowly rubbing the babe’s back alongside his hand. “Shhh. You have mommy’s love, too.”

“You have a lot of love, all around you,” Amon vowed, leaning his head against his wife’s as they looked upon the new life they’d brought into the world. Skin only a few hues paler than Essie’s, with a darker tone of hair like his own. Perfect in every way.

“Don’t worry, little one. Daddy’s here. I’ll be here for you, always. No matter what.”

A tear trickled out of the corner of eye. Sorrow tinged with the world’s greatest joy.

“I promise.”

#eci artz #essamon ship #Essie rw #amon illiad #now including my tears along with every other piece i seem to write lately

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thebookobserver · 5 years

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Book Recs!!!

So I started to compile a list of the books I’ve enjoyed the most reading in 2018. I was planning on posting it on January 1st 2019 (as the year isn't over yet).

BUT the holidays are coming up and I thought it might be a good idea to post an early version of it in case you need ideas for presents (for your loved ones, or for yourself ;)); and/or if you are building yourself a neat little “to read” pile specially for the holidays to relax. Because some people do that. Ahem. I heard.

I think there is a bit of everything for everyone.

FICTION

Tangerine by Christine Mangan

Girls by Emma Cline

The Remains of the Days by Kazuo Ishiguro

Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay

The Complete Patrick Melrose Novels by Edward St. Aubyn

The Shining by Stephen King

NON FICTION

The Battle for Paradise by Naomi Klein

Beautiful Boy by David Sheff

Brave by Rose McGowan

Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham

Not That Bad edited by Roxane Gay

Boy Erased by Garrad Conley

Dear Ljeawele by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi

The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir

The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno

The Handsome Girl and the Beautiful Boy by B. T. Gottfred

Almost Midnight by Rainbow Rowell

Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller

Rabbit & Robot by Andrew Smith

POETRY

The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur

GRAPHIC NOVEL

Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

My Brother’s Husband by Gengoroh Tagame

I will still post the final list on January 1st, with books I’ve either forgotten to add, or read in late December.

(feel free to ask questions about the titles or books in general if you want!)

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blogwiseguy123world · 3 years

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Global Nail Care Market Analysis, Historic Data and forecast 2020

Summary – A new market study, titled "Global Nail Care Market Insights, Forecast to 2025" has been featured on WiseGuyReports.

This report studies the global market size of Nail Care in key regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America and Middle East & Africa, focuses on the consumption of Nail Care in these regions.

This research report categorizes the global Nail Care market by players/brands, region, type and application. This report also studies the global market status, competition landscape, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, sales channels, distributors and Porter's Five Forces Analysis.

Also read – https://wiseguyreports.wordpress.com/2020/08/03/nail-care-market-analysis-size-share-growth-industry-demand-trends-forecast-to-2025/

Nail polish called "nail lacquer." It is mainly composed of 70% -80% of a volatile solvent, about 15% of nitrocellulose, small amounts of solvent oil, camphor, titanium dioxide and oil-soluble pigments. After the nail polish applied to the film formed, with moderate coloration fastness and gloss, to protect the nails, but also gives the nails a beauty.

In the current Europe market, Ordinary Nail Polish products on the market perform stable; Industrial Nail Polish’s price is lower than past years. While the signal of market price change indicates the adverse trend in the Nail Polish industry, low-end product has excess capacity, and high-end product is in short supply.

Nail Polish product demand market there is also a certain blank, but basically showing the scarcity of high-end products, low-end products, and excess capacity. There is a large market demand for high-end products to seize market share.

Despite the presence of competition problems, due that the global recovery trend is clear, investors are still optimistic about this area; the future will still have more new investment enter the field.

In 2017, the global Nail Care market size was xx million US$ and is forecast to xx million US in 2025, growing at a CAGR of xx% from 2018. The objectives of this study are to define, segment, and project the size of the Nail Care market based on company, product type, application and key regions.

The various contributors involved in the value chain of Nail Care include manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, intermediaries, and customers. The key manufacturers in the Nail Care include

OPI

NAILS INC

Maybelline

Sally Hansen

CHANEL

L’ORÉAL

REVLON

Revlon

Sally Hansen

MISSHA

CND

Butter London

Kiko

COSMAY

Nails Inc

Essie

L’OREAL

Bobbi Brown

Nars

Rimmel

China Glaze

Market Size Split by Type

Organic solvent based nail polish

Water based nail polish

Market Size Split by Application

Nail art institutions

Individuals

Market size split by Region

North America

United States

Canada

Mexico

Asia-Pacific

China

India

Japan

South Korea

Australia

Indonesia

Singapore

Malaysia

Philippines

Thailand

Vietnam

Europe

Germany

France

Italy

Spain

Russia

Central & South America

Brazil

Rest of Central & South America

Middle East & Africa

GCC Countries

Turkey

Egypt

South Africa

The study objectives of this report are:

To study and analyze the global Nail Care market size (value & volume) by company, key regions/countries, products and application, history data from 2013 to 2017, and forecast to 2025.

To understand the structure of Nail Care market by identifying its various subsegments.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

Focuses on the key global Nail Care manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years.

To analyze the Nail Care with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To project the value and volume of Nail Care submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Nail Care are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2018

Forecast Year 2018 to 2025

This report includes the estimation of market size for value (million US$) and volume (K Units). Both top-down and bottom-up approaches have been used to estimate and validate the market size of Nail Care market, to estimate the size of various other dependent submarkets in the overall market. Key players in the market have been identified through secondary research, and their market shares have been determined through primary and secondary research. All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns have been determined using secondary sources and verified primary sources.

For the data information by region, company, type and application, 2017 is considered as the base year. Whenever data information was unavailable for the base year, the prior year has been considered.

For more details - https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3475499-global-nail-care-market-insights-forecast-to-2025

About Us:

Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.

NORAH TRENT

[email protected]

Ph: +162-825-80070 (US)

Ph: +44 2035002763 (UK)

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shradhaattumb · 3 years

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Global Premium Nail Polish Market Statistics, CAGR, Outlook, and Covid-19 Impact 2025

Summary

A new market study, titled “Global Premium Nail Polish Market Insights, Forecast to 2025” has been featured on WiseGuyReports.

The global Premium Nail Polish market is valued at million US$ in 2018 and will reach million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of during 2019-2025. The objectives of this study are to define, segment, and project the size of the Premium Nail Polish market based on company, product type, end user and key regions.

This report studies the global market size of Premium Nail Polish in key regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America and Middle East & Africa, focuses on the consumption of Premium Nail Polish in these regions. This research report categorizes the global Premium Nail Polish market by top players/brands, region, type and end user. This report also studies the global Premium Nail Polish market status, competition landscape, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, sales channels and distributors.

ALSO READ: https://icrowdnewswire.com/2020/09/25/premium-nail-polish-market-global-industry-analysis-by-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2020-2026/

The following manufacturers are covered in this report, with sales, revenue, market share for each company: OPI ZOTOS ACCENT Maybelline Dior Chanel ORLY ANNASUI Revlon Sally Hansen MISSHA CND Butter London Kiko COSMAY Nails Inc Essie L’OREAL Bobbi Brown Nars Rimmel

Market size by Product Organic Solvent Based Nail Polish Water Based Nail Polish Market size by End User Nail Art Institutions Individuals Clinic

Market size by Region North America United States Canada Mexico Asia-Pacific China India Japan South Korea Australia Indonesia Singapore Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Europe Germany France UK Italy Spain Russia Central & South America Brazil Rest of Central & South America Middle East & Africa GCC Countries Turkey Egypt South Africa

The study objectives of this report are: To study and analyze the global Premium Nail Polish market size (value & volume) by company, key regions, products and end user, breakdown data from 2014 to 2018, and forecast to 2025. To understand the structure of Premium Nail Polish market by identifying its various subsegments. To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks). Focuses on the key global Premium Nail Polish companies, to define, describe and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape and recent development. To project the value and sales volume of Premium Nail Polish submarkets, with respect to key regions. To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Premium Nail Polish are as follows: History Year: 2014-2018 Base Year: 2018 Estimated Year: 2019 Forecast Year 2019 to 2025

This report includes the estimation of market size for value (million US$) and volume (MT). Both top-down and bottom-up approaches have been used to estimate and validate the market size of Premium Nail Polish market, to estimate the size of various other dependent submarkets in the overall market. Key players in the market have been identified through secondary research, and their market shares have been determined through primary and secondary research. All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns have been determined using secondary sources and verified primary sources.

For the data information by region, company, type and application, 2018 is considered as the base year. Whenever data information was unavailable for the base year, the prior year has been considered.

FOR MORE DETAILS – https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3356042-global-premium-nail-polish-market-insights-forecast-to-2025

About Us:

NORAH TRENT

[email protected]

Ph: +162-825-80070 (US)

Ph: +44 203 500 2763 (UK)

#Global Premium Nail Polish Market

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wiseguyreports33 · 3 years

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Global Nail Polishes Industry Market Growth Drivers, Opportunities and Challenges 2025

Summary - A new market study, titled “Global Nail Polishes Industry Depth Research Report and Forecast to 2025” has been featured on WiseGuyReports.

Overview

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Nail Polish industry market by types, applications, players and regions. This report also displays the 2014-2025 production, Consumption, revenue, Gross margin, Cost, Gross, market share, CAGR, and Market influencing factors of the Nail Polish industry in USA, EU, China, India, Japan and other regions

The report includes a complete study of the competitive scenario of the Nail Polishes market and the current trends that are projected to impact the market. It recognizes vital players of the Nail Polishes market, counting both key and emerging players. The report includes the companies in the market share study to give a wider overview of the key market players. Moreover, the report also comprises important strategic advances of the market along with a new product launch, partnerships, acquisitions & mergers, agreements, research & development collaborations & joint ventures, and regional expansion of major market players on a global and regional basis.

The report covers a detailed analysis of significant factors that impact the Nail Polishes market considerably. The report accurately describes the factors that are driving, challenging, and restraining the market growth over the valuation period. It also includes the characteristics that are expected to create possible opportunities for market players to achieve an inclusive understanding of the market.

Also Read: https://www.newsmaker.com.au/news/377863/nail-polishes-market-2020-global-key-players-trends-share-industry-size-segmentation-opportunities-forecast-to-2025#.XyGL6VUzbIU

Market Analysis By Players

This report includes following top vendors in terms of company basic information, product category, sales (volume), revenue (Million USD), price and gross margin (%).

OPI

Maybelline

Dior

CHANEL

ORLY

Butter London

Kiko

Nails Inc

Revlon

Sally Hansen

Rimmel

CND

COSMAY

Essie

Market Dynamics

The recent report found on WGR, on the global Nail Polish market has provided insights on several factors that are posing as drivers for the Nail Polish market over the assessment period. The report also includes different volume trends, value aspects of the product/service, and the pricing history of the same. Some primary factors driving substantial growth in the global Nail Polish market include mounting global population, technological developments, different relevant government regulations introduced and their impact, and the demand and supply mechanism functioning in the Nail Polish market.

Segmental Analysis

The global Nail Polish market is studied for different segments for getting a detailed picture of the market dynamics during the review period. This segmentation has been carried out on the basis of region, type, components, end-user industries, and applications. Segmentation, on the basis of region, includes Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa.

Research Methodology

The global Nail Polish market has been studied for the forecast period by employing Porter’s Five Force Model for the review period of 2019 to 2025. In addition, a detailed SWOT analysis has been conducted for an accurate understanding of the various factors influencing the market.

Key Players

The latest report found on WGR, on the global Nail Polish market has mentioned several noteworthy players ruling the Nail Polish market. This list includes various prevalent vendors as well as new entrants.

FOR MORE DETAILS: https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/4268494-global-nail-polishes-industry-depth-research-report-and-forecast-to-2025

About Us:

NORAH TRENT

[email protected]

Ph: +162-825-80070 (US)

Ph: +44 2035002763 (UK)

#Nail Polishes Industry Market

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essie-essex · 3 years

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I went into reading The Expanse series thinking that it was finished, but apparently I was wrong, and now I have to WAIT UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR FOR THE LAST BOOK

#essie reads the expanse #the last book is going to break me isn't it #it's gonna be the witcher all over again #this is a really good series #i love how it's written #it's been difficult for me to get into new authors because of their writing style sometimes #like if it doesnt flow in the right way it's hard to get into it #because im just concentrating on how it's written #i like that i basically forget im reading with this series #plus all the characters are great #i love how jim especially matures #holden i mean #i didn't like him at first #like he was so oddly naive #but then he matured over time #they all did but holden especially #but then he's still classic holden at times

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freesuitwhispers · 3 years

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Global Nail Care Market Research Report 2025

Summary- A new market study, titled “Global Nail Care Market Insights, Forecast to 2025” has been featured on Wiseguy Reports

Also Read: https://wiseguyreports.wordpress.com/2020/08/03/nail-care-market-analysis-size-share-growth-industry-demand-trends-forecast-to-2025/