#my countryside tonic

[lilywastaken]

now hear me out: witch hunter!ghost x witch!reader...

he's visiting a town with the rest of his team to investigate a claim that there might be witches running rampant around the small countryside village, only to fall victim to a resident's charm while they conduct interviews.

she's a sweet woman who insists on curing the scratches that he's gathered across their travels, using tonics and herbs from her cute little garden and letting him pet her pet cat, who seems to have taken liking to the dark and imposing man, rubbing it's little black body against his boots and purring when he leans down to scratch under its chin.

it doesn't even clock in his mind how every single detail about you and your life correlates exactly with the obvious signs of a witch, but he's too spellbound with you to even realise.

he informs the others that none of the people he's talked to seem to have made the infamous deal with the devil, but due to the panicked way the leader of the community had written to them, they decide to stay to investigate further, staying in the small inn near the outskirts of town and luckily for simon, near your cottage.

despite the clear liking he's taken to you, he's still as emotionless and snarky as he would be with anyone else, and his chest tightens every time you laugh or giggle out loud at one of his dark jokes, most unladylike for any other woman, but you don't seem to care to hide your snorts or amusement around him, something he completely adores.

he insists on helping you with your garden, claiming you have no need to get your hands dirty when he's used to doing dirty work (both taking lives and tending to his own garden back home), sitting at your kitchen and watching you make the tonics and medicine you help treating anyone who has fallen ill in the village, standing close by whenever someone comes in with an injury, absolutely in awe at how they're cured almost immediately, thanking you gratefully before leaving. although, he does not miss the dirty glares some of your neighbours send you when they think you're not watching, making him grow confused, not understanding why they would harbour such feelings towards someone as kind and helpful as you.

it's not until he's taking a break at the pub, listening to gaz drawl on about some thing or another, when he catches wind of two women's conversation, frowning beneath the leather mask he wears in distaste has he takes in their poisioned words.

"-making moves on my poor husband. i swear, she's put some type of spell on him, that vile witch."

"oh, i know! my brother told her off last monday and guess what!? the next day, he fell off the roof and broke his leg! bloody bitch probably cursed him!"

"gosh, i cannot wait until those hunters finally get her! i have no idea how she's managed to evade their suspicions, she's done nothing to hide herself!"

"well, by the way that masked man has been loitering around her home, we'll be lucky to have a burning at the end of the week!"

they both laugh, the high pitch shrieks that they let out enough to make the glass in simon's hand shatter, shoving his seat back and leaving a dumfounded gaz in the pub alone as he walked away.

the splintering wooden door slams open as he shoves himself into your cottage, dark eyes landing on your crouched figure and then the second one, body freezing as he makes eye contact with his captain.

"simon." the man grunts, alerting you of your favourite visitor's presence as you pull back from the wound on his leg you were treating, a sweet smile on your lips.

"simon!" you repeat, cleaning your hands with the bucket of water next to you, wiping away the dried blood in the rags as price sends a warning look to his subordinate, the blond furrowing his brows in confusion, before the conversation he'd overheard before came to mind.

no.

no, price didn't know.

and, god, no, you weren't one of them.

you... no. no.

"let's get going. thank you for the help, miss." his whole body went into autopilot as price pushes him out of the cottage, the short wave and caring smile you sent his way the last thing he saw before the door was slammed shut.

neither of the men spoke on their trek back to the inn, and simon did not sleep a wink that night, terrified of what would happen in the coming days.

surprisingly, there was nothing. no finding of stakes, no gathering of firewood, no detainment of you.

so maybe, price hadn't picked up on you. even though simon was still convinced you were not one of those.

until after a few days of pouring rain, simon wakes up to a cold room and the absence of johnny, who he knows for a fact that never woke up before him unless forced to, something he'd learned after years of sharing the same room with the scot.

and as he walks out into the muddy roads, that oh-so familiar smell hits his nose.

the burning of wood, of grass, of cloth, of human.

his heart dropped into his stomach, following the trail of ashes that had blown across the roads until he arrives at the town square, the burning piece of wood in Gaz's hand along with the flames consuming the hay and grass that lay across the ground of the plaza, the fire slowly consuming your beautiful white dress he'd seen you sew barely days ago.

simon barely takes notice of price coming towards him, attempting to hold him back from rushing into the crowd simply staring up at you, your eyes falling down upon his struggling body, your face going from the calm expression it had been in to shock, pulling at your tied up wrists instinctively in a frail attempt to rush towards him.

"simon...!" you breathe out, soot entering your lungs as you inhale, tears filling your eyes from the burn as you watch him wrestle out of his captain's grip, his boots stomping against the rocky ground as he shoved past the gawkers, leather slamming against the kindle, ignoring his team's shouts and the fire burning his clothes and skin, reaching the stake you were tied to, his face out in the open due to the way he'd rushed out of his room, dark eyes reflecting the flames that were taking you both.

his shaky hands come behind you to untie the ropes around your arms, caging you with his body and allowing you to rest your head against his shoulder, tears streaming down your cheeks as you look down at the burns forming across his legs.

"stop." you pleade, trying to push him away with your chest. "stop, simon, stop...!"

"shut up!" he snaps, throwing the ropes into the fire as they came undone, letting you collapse into his arms as you were let free, your hands gripping his dress shirt. "you're going to be okay, we need to-"

his voice broke as he looks down at your sunken eyes, your lips dry and cracked as if you'd just ran a marathon, but looking down at your intact legs and burning dress, he realises where all your energy had gone.

"simon.."

no.

"please, stop-"

no. you....

"you're going to die, simon, please!"

you couldn't be...

"i won't be able to save you, simon, listen to me!"

you were wailing at this point, trying to push his body down the small burning hill, but his body doesn't budge.

"simon!" his captain's grating voice pulls him out of his stupor, his hands growing tighter around your waist as he locks gazes with the furious looking man, your wails becoming static in his ears as he doesn't think twice as his now blistering hands pulled your legs up, letting you grasp onto his neck instinctively as he holds you bridal style, ignoring the searing pain rushing through his body.

"simon, don't, don't you dare!" you scream, the first time he's heard you raise your voice at him. "please, i'm not worth saving, you know what i am! i don't deserve to live!"

liar. you... you were worth everything.

you were worth the burns on his body, the destruction of his ideals and the pain the mere sight of you in tears gave him.

he doesn't care what you are.

you're... a witch. what he swore to destroy and what he has been hunting for over a decade.

but you're not... you're... not evil.

maybe none of them were, maybe if he'd taken the time to get to know the women they'd burnt before he'd have realised sooner, that you were just people.

and he wasn't going to let you get hurt. maybe it was a bit selfish or ironic, but he didn't care. he'd take you away from this town, from his colleagues, from the pain, let you live in peace somewhere were no one would bother you.

and if you let him, he'd come with you too.

he ignores price's shouts about the so called spell you'd put on him and as he looks down at your shivering body in his arms, the way you're curling into him, the way you were wailing for him to save himself moments ago, he couldn't...

even if you had put some type of spell on him, he didn't care. never had he felt like this. and yes, he'd deal with the consequences of this later, but for now, as he runs through the forest with your trembling body in his arms, he couldn't care less.

he isn't going to let anyone hurt you any more than they have.

(brainrot for this idea is open please 🗣️)

#ghost #ghost x fem!reader #ghost x reader #simon ghost riley #simon ghost riley x reader #simon ghost riley x fem reader #simon ghost riley angst #ghost angst #simon riley #simon riley x reader #cod mwii #witchhunter!ghost #— lily's brainrot ! ☆

[bountydroid]

Oblivious

Professor Aesop Sharp x reader

Description: Y/n is the designated Hosgmeade delivery girl. Desperate to stay in the area after graduating from Hogwarts, she traveled the countryside to make things easier for the shop owners. She has harbored a crush on Aesop Sharp for years, but has never been able to tell him. Not on purpose anyway.

Notes: This will be the last part.  Part 1

Part 2

(h/c) = hair color

“He is all I can think about, Sirona,” Y/n says, sighing into her butterbeer.

Sirona couldn’t help but let out a little giggle. She has never seen her best friend so lovesick. “Is it worse than when you had that crush on Diggory?” 

Y/n frowned at her friend. “That was in second year!”

“Maybe so, but you were convinced you would marry him someday.” Sirona smiled, having a good time poking fun at her friend.

“This is serious, Sirona.” Y/n groaned.

“Okay, so tell him. You guys had a good time when you were in here before. He seemed to enjoy your company. I caught him staring a few times.” She said with a wink. 

Y/n felt her face warm up. “Did she really?” She wondered, unsure whether her friend was saying things to make her feel better. “What would mum and dad think?” 

“I don’t know.” Sirona said as she poured butterbeers for other patrons. “-But you need to do what makes you happy. Trust me on that.” She finished before walking away.

Y/n sighed into her mug again. Staring at the swirling drink before her. “What should I do? What if he rejects me? At least this way, we can be friends.” She grimaced. Considering him a friend sounded wrong. She was in far too deep for that. 

After far too many butterbeers Y/n started to wander home, stumbling ever so often. “Were there always so many bumps in the road?” she wondered as she found herself at her front door. She wandered into her house quietly so as not to wake her parents. She found herself at her desk. She wanted to tell him how she felt but didn’t know what to say. So she started to write. 

Aesop,

I can’t pretend anymore

I care for you deeply

I know you don’t feel the same

It hurts when I am not with you

Yours,

Y/n L/n

She continued to write and cross out each line. Drunkenly signing it at the end. She sighed heavily as she folded it up so her parents couldn’t read it and left it on the desk to head to bed.

-

“Wake up, Y/n!” Her dad called from downstairs.

She stumbled down the stairs to the smell of fresh pastries. “Do we have any headache tonic?” Y/n groaned.

“Another late night with Sirona?” Her father smiled. “I am glad you have such a good friend.”

“Me too, dad, but seriously do we have a tonic?” She groaned.

“I think that’s one of the things your mum was going to get after stopping at the post office. Apparently you had a letter to mail?” Her dad continued as he fussed with the fruit salad.

“Oh Merlin!” Y/n panicked as she ran to the other room. 

“Where on earth are you going?” Her dad called.

“It’s gone!” Y/n nearly yelled. 

“What is gone?” Her dad followed her into the study, concerned.

“The letter. It wasn’t ready to be mailed.” She fumbled over her words as she ran out the door in her pajamas and bare feet, chasing her way to the post office. They did not live in Hogsmeade but in one of the small villages about 30 minutes away. That didn’t stop Y/n from running full speed the entire way there, her headache long forgotten. 

“Mum!” She yelled as she saw her mother exiting the post office.

“Y/n? What are you doing here looking like that?” Her mum replied, eyes wide.

“Tell me you didn’t send that letter on my desk. Please.” Y/n begged.

“Oh, I am sorry dear. I thought it was ready to go since it was all folded and addressed already.” Her mother responded sympathetic and confused.

Y/n stood in silence, her (h/c) hair falling into her face as the wind blew.

“Surely it’s not that bad?” her mother questioned. “It was only to Professor Sharp after all-”

“It’s bad, mum. Really bad. I have to stop him from reading it.” She said, cutting her mother off. “I have to stop him from reading it.”

“Well, you can’t go to the castle looking like that, Y/n. Let’s go home and take a deep breath.” Her mother said, noticing how her daughter was shaking. 

-

After a much-needed outfit change, Y/n hurried back out her door, hoping that Aesop hadn’t had a chance to read his mail yet. Her mother yelled something as she ran down the street, but Y/n was too focused to hear anything. “He will think me insane.” She thought to herself as she broke out in a run again.

By the time she reached Hogwarts, she was out of breath. She could feel the sweat causing her clothes to stick to her skin. “Hello, Miss L/n!” Professor Ronen yelled from across the lawn. Y/n didn’t have much in her other than to give him a lazy wave and smile. 

Finally making her way to the potions classroom, she slowed to a stop as she peeked in the door. “He’s in the middle of class. Hopefully that means he didn’t read it yet.” She thought to herself as she slipped in the door.

“Y/n! I am surprised to see you here.” Aesop greeted, pink covering his cheeks.

Y/n looked down from his eyes to see what he was reading. “Oh, Merlin... It’s my letter.” She said, not realizing it was out loud.

“Yes... maybe we should talk about this in my office.” He said, pushing himself up off his desk.

At the realization, Y/n was white as a ghost. “We don’t need to talk about anything. Forget you read it, please.” Y/n rambled on, panicking. 

“Please? Just come to my office.” He whispers, trying and failing not to catch the students’ attention.

She followed him reluctantly. Ready to be turned down by the man she has grown to love.

“Y/n.” Aesop said as he shut the door quietly. “I need you to know -”

“Please forget you read it. I had too many butterbeers, and it was not supposed to be sent. I am so sorry you found out this way.” She begged, cutting him off.

“Are you really so oblivious?” He whispered, raising his hand to her face.

“Wha- What?” Y/n stuttered out, eyes wide. 

“I feel the same way, Y/n.” He said as he brushed her cheek with her thumb. 

She was crying, “When did I start crying?” She wondered as she stared into his eyes, looking for any signs he was lying. There was none.

In a sudden burst of bravery, Y/n bridged the gap between them, gripping his jacket as she kissed him passionately.

Little did they know that right outside the office door, students were listening in hoping this would make their professor a little less strict.

Tag list: @mothgirl-is-tired​

#professor sharp #professor Aesop sharp #professor sharp x reader #professor aesop sharp x reader #aesop sharp #aesop sharp x reader #hogwarts legacy

[iu-jjang]

[FANCAFE] 23.09.18 IU replies to uaena’s comments on her fancafe (Part 3)

Uaena: Unnie, what is your favorite ice-cream flavour??!! 🍦🍦🍦

IU: Chocolate-coated flavour!!

Uaena: What’s the keyword that occupies your mind the most these days!? 🍀💪

IU: Results…. 🔥😈

Uaena: What fruit(s) do you eat often nowadays?! 🍎🍑🍈🍌🥝🍍🍉🫐🥭

IU: I eat a lot of bananas and blueberries. And the apples taste so delicious these days, please have a lot!! 🍎🍎

Uaena: Unnie, do you prefer a sunny side up vs over hard fried egg on top of your kimchi fried rice?!! 🐥🍳

IU: Come on~ of course it’s sunny side up~~ 😌😌

Uaena: Unnie, do you like your new haircut???🥹🥹🥹 You look totally cool and pretty 🐥🐥🐥

IU: It’s da best when it’s thoroughly dried!!! B E S T B E S T!!! Even without styling, I’m able to naturally achieve that ‘effortlessly cool’ look (for my hair)!!

Uaena: Unnie, but do you always get mosquito bites on your face only and not elsewhere??!! 🦟

IU: Ah I know right!!!!!! 😡😡😡

Uaena: How’s the condition of your ears? Everyone was worried seeing you touch/adjust your in-ear monitor during Woori Momo Concert ㅠㅠ How I wish I could give my eardrums to you, sighs 🥲

IU: Huh during Momo Concert?!? My ears were totally fine!! I removed the in-ear monitors cause there was a serious audio latency when I was on the thrust stage! I really wanted to go on the thrust stage~~ there would be serious latency issues if I go~~ 🥹🥹 but (in the end) I decided to just go up and enjoy myself!! 💃💃🕺🏻

Uaena: Unnie, instead of LMR (lunch menu recommendation), please recommend a hangover menu (good for sobering up),,

IU: Beef Bone Soup!! Clear beef bone soup go go!!

IU: Sliced radish kimchi!! Go go!!

Uaena: How can unnie be such a nice person.. What’s the secret to your kindness?🫧🐥

IU: I’m actually not that kind.. (My kindness / cordiality) is only reserved for people I like.

Uaena: What’s your favorite food these days? (Apart from the tasty Domino’s Pizza) Is it still ramen? Is there a specific menu that comes to your mind when you’re craving for yummy food while busy filming in the countryside?

IU: Ah.. I want to have a whole bowl of hot cup noodles (now)….🥲

Uaena: Unnie, what are you having for lunch?

IU: Kimchi fried rice 😍 (inserts lunch photo)

Uaena: Mom.. I (UAENA) became a donor of 300 million won………

IU: Did you get permission from your mum???! 🫢

*TL note: Op was referring to the ₩300M donation that IU made under the name of IUAENA on her 15th debut anniversary.

Uaena: Thank you for making me a dignified and confident fan for 15 years, my baby 💓

IU: (Inserts) shrugging shoulders (feeling proud of myself) + wiggling butt emoticons 🩵

Uaena: Unnie, how’s the spot on your face that was kissed by the mosquito? Is it less swollen now after waking up from sleep? 🥹

IU: This lil bas.. Are you really a mosquito..? (Inserts reddish swollen cheek side profile pic)

Uaena: This was uploaded on EDAM’s IG, did Unnie really write this??!? Today’s From. IU and now this, I’m getting emotional again because of the amazing person you are 🥹 (inserts caption from Edam’s post:

“‘You can do it’

‘You’re the best’

‘Thank you’

‘You’ll be alright’

‘I miss you’

‘I love you’

and, ‘Yes’.

UAENA’s words that have saved me for the past 15 years.

Thanks to UAENA, I’ve become an adult who believes in miracles.

I believe in UAENA.

That’s why I believe in the power of love that people create ❤️

Let’s meet until we’re sick of each other for another 15 years!

-Y’all’s Jieun”)

IU: Yes, I wrote the message from the bottom of my heart! 🫶

Uaena: Honestly I wish you can give us just one spoiler related to your new album.. 😏

IU: It’s warm yet kew (cold)…🥶

Uaena: Is your filming schedule fully packed today too? Stay healthy always~ Do we need to prepare some tonic for IU~~~?

IU: It’s totally full today! But I’m in a really good mood~~~ I can’t control it💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺🕺

Uaena: Jingjjang, do you like snacks with roasted nuts in them? Is there a fruit that you don’t like? I’ll take note 🤭 Cheering you on today as well! I love you 😘

IU: I don’t think I go for snacks with nuts in them!! I like all fruits, but my throat gets dry recently when I eat melon, to the extent that my skin breaks out the next day? 🫢🫣

Uaena: Our (relationship) is still mutual for the 15th year right??

IU: It’s mutual. There’s no room for negotiation.

Uaena: How’s your preparation for the fan concert going??

IU: The atmosphere is crazy!!!

Uaena: Unnie unnie, shall we scatter pretty petals between us today too? (inserts cute picture of a rabbit scattering petals, made using symbols)

IU: Ah adorable ㅜㅜ Your words are even cuter than the emoticon ㅠㅠ🩵

Uaena: Unnie, can you feel my love? 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 (inserts pic of stick man jumping off a ladder out of a helicopter while declaring ‘Unnie I love you!!!!!!💜’)

IU: kekekeke No!!! Why would you jump off like that?!!!!

Uaena: 💜💜 It’s my birthday next week! Can you wish me a happy birthday🥹?

IU: Happy birthday ❤️❤️ Have a joyful birthday ❤️❤️

Uaena: Honestly, I have no idea why tang hu lu is trending. To me, there’s IU who is fresher than fruits, sweeter than sugar coating and also splatters/bounces and is more lovely than fruit juice.

IU: But because you can’t chew and eat IU…🥲

Uaena: Did you see that the box office for Golden Hour crossed the 45000 mark?? The power of uaenas is daebak (amazing) 😆

IU: Oh my gosh?!?!?! Daebak……

Uaena: Unnie, what’s the reason that the Sunday fan concert is one hour earlier??🤭 ((Don’t tell me it’s so you can have more en-encore..?🥺

IU: Because people need to go to work the next day….🤫

Uaena: Jieun unnie, the fan concert is 360 degrees, so during LILAC fanchant, how do we know which is left and which is right? 🪻🩷

IU: So I’m boldly not. going. to. sing. LILAC!

Uaena: I should have cup noodles in place of unnie then

IU: So this is how it is.. Whenever I have cup noodles, my mum and dad would go, ‘Aigoo why are you having cup noodles?’ and I would reply ‘lulu(lala) this tastes the most delicious to me thoughhh~~’ and just eat it anyway. Now uaena are having cup noodles at this hour and I feel like saying, ‘aii why are you having cup noodles?’ keke

Uaena: Unnie, is chestnut bread also a serious bread??? I have it at home.

IU: Chestnut? = That’s cute, isn’t it?

Bread? = That’s cute, isn’t it?

Chestnut + bread? = Definitely cute…

Uaena: Your small face in the (mosquito bite) picture is really pretty 🩷 Ahh so pretty. Have a good lunch!! I’ll be back after I have my school lunch.

IU: School lunch ㅠㅠ so cute..ㅠㅠ

Uaena: How about doing the SWF Smoke challenge during your fan concert??😃😃

IU: kekeke Don’t make fun of me

Uaena: Unnie, the mosquito that landed on your cheek is actually me. I gave you a kiss and left 💜

IU: Caught you. You s…

IU: You s..sweet.. hehe..

Uaena: Whose idea was it to put the heart sticker 💙 on your cheek yesterday~?! It was totally lovely and cute!!!🧚✨

IU: It was Seo-wook, my makeup artist’s idea 😝😝❤️

Uaena: Have you received the 15th anniversary books???????? Did you? How were they? 💗🎂(Inserts photo of books that fans gave IU)

IU: I haven’t received them yet.. because I haven’t gone home yet…ㅠㅠ

Uaena: Did you see the song that China fans wrote in commemoration of your 15th anniversary? We put all our love for unnie into the song! 🥰 Once again! Happy 15th anniversary!🎉🥳

IU: I heard the quality is amazing

I’m so touched wuwu ㅠㅠ (written in Chinese)

Uaena: I heard you changed direction drastically during the preparation process of your album. Have you gone from ‘drifting’ to ‘desire’?? Ah~~~~ I’m so curious

IU: I’m going with both.. at the same time!!! 😈😈😈🔥🔥

Uaena:

🫳🏻🫳🏻🫳🏻🫳🏻🫳🏻

🐥🐥🐰🐥🐥

Pat pat pat IU is doing a good job

Pat pat pat IU is the best

IU: Bob bob wiggle butt IU is the B E S T

Bounce bounce shrug shrug shoulders IU is the B E S T the B E S T

Uaena: Noona, have you seen the books that uaena wrote for your 15th anniversary…? (inserts photo of the books again)

IU: I just checked and my agency has received them and are strictly guarding them so no one can take them away!

Uaena: Noona, I’m working part-time at a tang hu lu shop. It’s really tiring ㅜ This is not easy.. 😣😰😱

IU: Oh my.. It must be really tiring… Be careful not to prick yourself with the sticks.. Eat a couple when you have time for a break and be careful not to cut the roof of your mouth..

Uaena: Noona, 6th gen is dayookie and now that 7th gen is approaching, I’m getting more curious about what it will be. Lee Jidong assistant manager will make an appearance then too, right?😏

IU: What about a chilpan to77 | ? (TL note: Chilpan means blackboard and has ‘chil’ in it which means 7, whereas ‘tokki’ means rabbit and IU used ‘77 |’ for the ‘kki’ part.)

Uaena: Unnie, have you changed the deciding factor between serious bread and playful bread from the taste to the name now…? kekekekeke what about croquette then..? Doesn’t the name ‘croquette’ sound cute?

IU: Croquette is no cute….🙅🏻‍♀️

Uaena: Unnie do you like nighttime?

IU: I’m done filming~~~ I’m done filming~~~~~💃🏻💃🏻🕺

Translated by IUteamstarcandy with love

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 4

#IU #fancafe #replies

[sabo-has-my-heart]

TPRG: Ch.8 Feeling of Love

Word Count: 1290

     Walking back into your room, you sighed, allowing the maids to start cleaning the dirt from under your nails. The small patch had required more work than you’d expected, having to pull out a number of dying or ‘wrong’ flowers. The brothers had asked what was wrong about them, but you just shook your head and pulled them out. It was already too easy to talk to them, too easy to tell them everything, you had to stop yourself from saying anything further. If you were being honest, what was wrong with the flowers wasn’t necessarily ‘wrong’ per say. It’s that the plant had grown too strong, it’s magic grown too far, they were dangerous if left unattended. Another of your mother’s observations. They’d grow stronger and stronger, their petals would turn from white to any one of a number of colors depending on the particular type, powers that could kill a man with just a touch or cause blessings to surge and destroy entire countrysides. Flowers that were too dangerous to leave be. Part of you wished you could truly continue your mother’s research, access all of her journals, continue her experiments and observations, attempt to recreate the strange and wondrous tonics. But you weren’t the scientist she was, her studies weren’t your passion like they had been with her. Picking up and twirling one of the flowers in your hand, you couldn’t help but smile lightly before bringing it close to your face and inhaling. Obsession. That’s what your mother had named this one. So named for what it could do if allowed to grow too far. A simple warm feeling in your heart, like a feeling of love, of being loved. It was one you enjoyed when you missed your mother, imagining her holding you in her arms and singing you a lullaby or drinking tea together and talking about anything and everything. 

     “You okay, Princess? You seem… I don’t know… off, I guess.” Ace said. Slowly you opened your eyes, smiling and the brothers.

     “Yeah, just… enjoying the beauty of my mother’s flowers, I suppose.” you said, unable to help the loving gaze you sent their way. Standing up, you straightened Luffy’s guard outfit before dusting him off, smiling once you’d finished before moving on to Ace, removing a large number of leaves from his hair and clothing. He’d chosen to lean against a wall covered in foliage, the greenery sticking to him with ease, leaves that now littered your bedroom floor, the eldest brother blushing as you dusted him off.

     “What was that for? I mean, I know I had some leaves in my hair, but it wasn’t too bad.” he said defensively as he looked away. You smiled as you faced Sabo, the blond looking the cleanest of the three.

     “Just… taking care of the people who do such a good job of guarding me.” you said softly, gently removing some soot from Sabo’s fingertips where the flower had burst into flames before inspecting him to make sure there was nothing else that needed to be done. 

     “What flower was that that has you so… affectionate?” Sabo asked with a chuckle, picking up the flower you’d placed on the coffee table.

     “Obsession. That’s my mother’s name for it. Though don’t worry, it’s harmless in its… it’s harmless.” you said, gently taking the flower from him before holding it up to your lips and blowing. Sabo’s cheeks flushed bright red as he stared at you, swallowing hard.

     “W-wow. I uh… that’s something.” he said, turning away from you.

     “I wanna try! Let me see!” Luffy shouted. You gently blew against the flower again, watching as Luffy’s face lit up.

     “That feels really good!” Luffy said, giving you a tight hug, “it makes me want to hug you and take care of you! Kind of like how Gramps took care of us but with less hitting.” Luffy said, making you laugh. Before Ace could even take a step back, you were already hitting him with the effects of the flower, the young man immediately turning away from you, his cheeks bright red and his heart pounding.

     “W-what was that for?! I never said I wanted to be a part of this! This is… it’s distracting!” he said nervously, trying to ignore how happy and giddy he felt. Part of him wanted to pull you into a large hug before spinning you around, another part of him wanted to hug Luffy so tightly, even the boy’s rubber abilities wouldn’t save him, and yet a third part wanted him to ask if there was anything you, Luffy, or Sabo needed in an attempt to care for you. 

     “You can’t deny that it feels good, Ace.” Sabo said with a chuckle, taking a few deep breaths as he tried to gather himself together and stay focused. Luffy was rarely focused and Ace was distracted, one of them needed to be keeping an eye on you. It felt really good, too good. He almost wanted the sensation to last forever, but he had his duties, meaning he had to do his best to ignore his desires to shower both you and his brothers in all the love in the world. 

     “So uh, not all of the flowers are the same then?” he asked as you smiled down at the flower in your hand before letting it tumble from your fingertips into the nearby trash.

     “No, I… don’t know much about them, but I know there’s a few different kinds in the garden. This one is my favorite. Don’t worry, the effects will only last an hour at most.” you reassured, sitting down on a chair and letting yourself enjoy the feelings that it brought you. The brothers hesitantly did the same, though with Sabo still on alert, or as on alert as he could be with the feelings that kept flooding his system. It was a while later that the 4 of you finally shook off the effects, though none of you moved to get up.

     “So do we have anything else on the agenda, Princess?” Sabo asked once he was no longer having a hard time concentrating. You hummed in thought, looking up at the ceiling, you no longer had lessons with Madam Serena, your lessons to rule the kingdom weren’t until tomorrow, though you suspected those would soon become a daily thing, and you didn’t have any meetings today.

     “Just one thing. I’m craving some sweets.” you said with a mischievous grin, the brothers mimicking the look as you all jumped up and started grabbing things for a little ‘excursion’. You were free from prying eyes, you were free from the duties and harassment of Madam Serena, and you were craving more than just a few treats. It couldn’t have been more than half an hour before you were outside the castle walls once more, grinning like a madwoman. 

     “So, after we get something to snack on, is there anywhere else you’d like to go? We know of a few great shops, we could get lunch, we should have some time before anyone needs us.” Ace asked, his hands behind his head as you walked down the streets.

     “We shouldn’t take any longer than necessary though, people might get suspicious if we’re not careful.” Sabo reminded, making Ace sigh.

     “I say we get lunch! There’s a place in midtown! They have the best meat!” Luffy suggested, already salivating at the thought.

     “Sweets, lunch, and one shop, then we’ll head back, is that alright?” you asked, glancing at Sabo, the blond nodding and smiling. 

     “Just don’t get me executed and I’m happy.” he said as the four of you headed towards your favorite pastry shop. 

#The Princess's Royal Guard series #one piece #one piece ace #one piece luffy #one piece sabo #op ace #op Luffy #op sabo #Portgas D. Ace #portgas d ace #fire fist ace #hiken no ace #straw hat luffy #monkey d luffy #monkey d. luffy #mugiwara no luffy #chief of staff sabo #flame emperor sabo #sabo the revolutionary #Knight!Ace #Knight!Sabo #Knight!Luffy #princess!reader

[mindfulcuppa]

Passed Impressions; Threads Sewn with Word and Image

2 >Tokyo >Helsinki >Lisbon >Waking Life

Tokyo

Japan air flew me like a special guest to Tokyo, a delightful transportation in the air. When I arrived, I had no real idea of how to get around, nor had I any Japanese in the lexicon (if only) - so anything like beer and soba noodles would grasp towards comfort.

Call me cringe, but there was something magical about eating Japanese food in Japan. Though I did only had a brief gesture, a taste or morsel if you will, it encouraged a more detailed dive into food there. Hiromi had told me about a miniature car racetrack that they had inside of the airport, but unfortunately it wasn’t open late, so instead I sat on the Haneda observation deck in the rain and watched the planes takeoff. In the gate there were a deluge of people waiting to board to Singapore too, I sat with a family while their kids made up games to play with their temporary terminal friends. “I like to learn but I don’t like school, I like to read but I don’t like books,” one of them riddled. I sipped on a Japanese electrolyte drink and smiled at them as they laughed. 

Helsinki

Helsinki is a strange aura, in the airport at least… people at customs are very nice and all have healthy silver blonde hair. I am looking around a while, finally settling at a bar on the observation deck; I talk with the man at the bar, estimating an expensive cocktail about to be billed. Aspiring for a Finnish Vodka martini, and settling for a gin & tonic with Juniper berries, the bartender and I exchange some broken English pleasantries before I sit down and draw.

Lisbon

After about one and a half days of transit, the eventual arrival to destino Lisboa was a relief. I would walk to the bustling metro station conveniently placed 100 metres or so from the airport and try to find myself a ticket. There was a palpable stickiness to the air underground, and feeling the atmosphere inside the train grew a distant unknown. Embarrassingly I had forgotten the PIN number on the debit card I have had for half a decade, which only left me with about €50 until further notice. I would buy anything I could online, guessing items from the images with the websites all in Portuguese… Before I reached the hostel, four men on the street offered to sell me weed and cocaine (sure it was…). Oversharing, I explained that even if I wanted to, I only had €20 in cash to last me for some days and I had no access to other money. Also a heavy bag on my shoulders and way finding eyes. 

Having passed metrics of time and space now, eaten a yummy tomato and cheese baguette and 2 pastel de nata, and snapped images of old fountains - I was tired. I think I stepped over 20,000 this day and finally made it to the ‘Good Night’ hostel (phew). I listened to the sounds of the accordion on the cobblestone street from the balcony, it felt like a shift in time. 

Waking Life

In the morning, I would arrange to meet two people from the meta verse to share a car out to a 6 day festival in the Portuguese countryside (Crato). Miguel from Porto, Harry from Glasgow, and myself found each other at the aeroporto before getting picked up in an Uber, and taken for a loooong drive in context. I think it was about 200km, with 20km of that being unsealed and dust-cloud birthing abaft our bumper. 

The festival was lush (to put it lightly), and impressed with the natural mounded structures, bamboo assemblage, stage designs, and the lake (c/o mother nature, not WL of course…). There were bridges built, pontoon ferries across the lake (and if you’re lucky, with little chaperone children helpers), nests, treehouses, safe spaces, shade structures, a cinema, and regenerative forests. If one was to dream, i’m sure they would find some common ground with this festival. 

Personally, I spent lots of time reading, swimming, dancing, and listening. Some musical highlights were Donna Leake, ADAB, Cosmo Sofi, Greg Foat, Baba Sissoko & Jean-Philippe Rykiel, Daphni, ALABASTER DEPLUME, Mark Ernestus Ndagga Rhythm Force, Zozo, Palms Trax, Aleksi Perälä, and Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra. The music didn’t stop the whole time, so there was lots that missed too.

Flying a kite really high next to the music at the Praia stage provided a moment of bliss, watching others get lost in the hypnotic floating in the sky, the wavering dance, it made others smile which made me happy. There was a lot of gentle motion throughout the week; beauty in stillness, and comparative liberation through movement. Learning from each other was another noticeable effort, space being allocated to apuoro - where generous a exchange of lessons culminated around topics of dream and sensation. Specifically I enjoyed learning about reversing and remembering dreams, which has sent me on a path since. 

Another special moment was in approach of the Má Estrela set (contemporary Portuguese experimental jazz{?}). The curiosity was well and truly high in the soundcheck, in fact, only few could distinguish what was going on. I sat next to this man as he rolled some sort of smoke, he was British and we had polite conversation. On my other shoulder was a mademoiselle whom seemed to know about the band upcoming. “I’m not sure if you’ll like it…” she said throwing caution, I said “We’ll see” and we sat alone but together in observation and listening. Experiencing waves of synthesis, saxophone, drone, and erratic drums in very different ways I predict, we tilted our heads with different signatures. The British man could not handle the jazz, and left before the first song would conclude. Following the set, it seemed like there was the world to talk about with my neighbour, so we stayed in each others space together for some moments to unfold our introspections.

Enjoy the images, and a couple field recordings I snapped along the way of some of the music. I appreciate you reading these memories. 

#travel writing #dipped in foreign lands #visual storytelling #lisbon #waking life #tokyo

[dasozelotvonnebenan]

2, 6, 9, 12 for Valoop!

2. What class would your character just absolutely blow at?

My first instinct was to say that she wouldn't be good with any magic, since she isn't the most creative mind and has no great aptitude to make up for that, but I think she has seen so much of the world and memorised so many stories that the volume and breadth of experience would help her out enough with that. So instead it is Thief. Valoop is the opposite of sneaky. She would never want to be sneaky. I think a quaggan could sneak if they tried, but Valoop could not. It is simply antithetical to her. Valoop screams at you and then bites your face of.

6. They're now a heart NPC/part of a string of quests. What does that involve?

"Help Commander Valoop to rebuild Moshpoipoi"

Light Lanterns, repair damaged houses, deliver rations and exterminate any remaining icebrood.

9. What's an au for them you think could be fun to explore?

Okay, I could say "what if Forgal and Trahearne don't die and she doesn't end up permanently sad and angry", but that would unfortunately be boring to explore. Valoop needs to have something wrong with her. The obvious opposite direction is Icebrood Valoop, which is honestly terrifying and I feel sorry for every tyrian in that timeline, though I guess it depends when she gets corrupted. Early on she would just end up being one more icebrood quaggan. It would need to be after she is already commander, so Crack in the Ice at the earliest, or obviously Icebrood Saga Era, which honestly I could see happen. "Canon" Valoop is too angry at dragons to let Jormag take advantage of her sadness, but it could easily happen otherwise.

The secret third thing is Valoop goes rogue after HoT and goes down the balthasar route of taking out the dragons herself. Beats up the Inquest into building her another Omadd's machine. Walks into the desert to retrieve the dragonblood spear. Hell maybe she cracks the bloodstone. Now there's some potential!

12. Have they "completed" the map? What does that look like in your canon?

Well, Valoop has been represented by characters in tonics which have 100%. The character named Commander Valoop has completed Wanderer Foothills, Metrica Province and the entire Tyriapride route :D

As for canon, well she is the commander, she has been everywhere her story branch takes her (so vigil lvl 40 story onwards, with the respective branches in later chapters). She doesn't travel much on her own outside of that, except for the one time she travelled on foot from Claw island to Hoelbrak on her Forgal commemoration trip. Then there's the diplomatic/representative stuff that is alluded in the game but shown. So to sum up, she has seen a lot of Tyria, but little of the countryside that is neither a) a warzone or b) on a road between the big cities.

#Oh no #Au question got me thinking #Valoop #Commander Valoop

[elimaryholmes]

Getting to know you meme

.Thank you for tagging me @jamlavender! :) If the sloe gin recipe is not a secret of state, please tell me what amount of sugar you put in yours, I’ve meant to do some on my own in ages to the point of picking the sloes but not making the actual sloe gin in the end. Thanks by advance! E. x

Favourite time of the year: It depends but I quite love May and June, when it is getting warmer but not enough to end up half-baked like it was the case last Summer. However I’m quite partial to stargazing on Summer nights so Summer it will be.

Comfort foods: Homemade scones, roasted veggies lasagna, mashed sweet potatoes, butternut soup, gratin dauphinois, mostly food you can make with heavy cream and nutmeg. But when I don’t have time for that, I will go for a cup of strong black tea with milk and some milk chocolate digestives. 

Do you collect anything:  I collect stamps but I am yet to make albums of these, fossils and stones found during my walks and travels and yes, books, way too many books, old, new and everything in between, bought, offered, found, shared, I love books. Ultimately, I love sending and receiving postcards to enlarge my collection of these, so if anyone reading this message feels like they could use a little card for the end of year, I will be glad to send one, just message me. (EDIT: Thank you Lena for reminding me of my piles of washi tapes)

Favourite drinks: Earl Grey tea with milk, chai tea, but without sugar, but truth to be told I’m quite partial to a good gin & tonic, a shame it is difficult to get some decent tonic in the French countryside while I have a pretty decent bottle of Hendrick’s I got presented a few birthdays ago. However in winter you will see me nursing a cup of herbal tea (mostly thyme, Moroccan mint or verbena) in the evenings.

Favorite music artists: I don’t have an absolute favourite but I do quite like Poets of the Fall.

Current favourite songs:  Nights in white satin, by the Moody Blues, Ma solitude, Georges Moustaki, King, Florence + the Machine and I Lost Something in the Hills by Sibylle Baier.

Favourite fics: I adore the twisted beauty of @jamlavender ‘s fics, but admamu’s are my doudou, the fics I will read and read again, I cherish them. Both writers have a way with words that is beyond reason and the characters have a life of their own. You must read these two. I have a real fondness for Shorts84′s Far from the Tree and I might actually read it again.

Favourite video games: I’m sorry, friends, but I’m not a gamer. However, say board games, and we shall play Scrabble.

I tag: @lena221bee , @insertmeaningfulusername, @sherlock-is-no-sociopath (and whoever feels like replying but as usual, no pressure on those tagged)

#asks #tagging game #ask meme

[ournewhome1926]

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[asgh646464]

im sick of myself and i am also in dalmacia which is so funny because this is my happy place my best space my safe space my love life. but i feel like i shouldnt be here because i dont deserve it or i am not meant to be here but where else am i mesnt to be you know? isolating but not really having anyone to isokate myself from. so am i isolating from myself? thats not possible. i need some serotonine i need to figure out where to sleep today i need to get my shit together but i have it all in my backpack. so am i missing something? someone. not even hiking helped i thought im gonna die in the croatian woods for s second snd even being that miserable and 'supertramp' didnt help. now i have five more days of camping outside and im actually rhinking about camping in a carcamp. with my gear which consists only of a mat and a sleeping bag. my head hurts. i want love. i dont know how to love or who to love. every croatian countryside girl is straight. thats of topic. i got on the bus with the intention of driving only to the next village so i can explore the coast and enjoy a different space. because thats going out of my comfort zone right? thats what i NEEDED. but then the bus driver used a mean voice to say TiCKETs in The bUs! and i sat there on the verge of tears in a bus full of tourists. and i said to him so you going slso to ploče? yes ploče but who said the little village name which i already forgot? yeah that was me sir i changed my mind sorry. impulsuvely. again like i cant change my mind in a calm nice way it has to be in an omg i hate myself i need to go home what am i doing here?way. two days in croatia and not even a tow in the sea. not even a smile not even a laugh not even a dip in olive oil. i want to leave my backpack on the side of the road. i want a hug. i want friends to talk to. chris mccandless wouldnt be happy i hope hes not watching me. im trying my guy. i am trying to find happiness. wilderness. i dont know. last year i was sure happiness isnt other people. now im desperate. now im drinking espresso and tonic alone

[donttalkaboutmemes]

Fun and Fancy Free (1947) Lyric Meme

Under the cut you will find 70+ lyrics from the movie Fun and Fancy Free to use for your enjoyment!

Fun and Fancy Free

1.      “Full of fun and fancy-free, that’s the way I wanna be.”

2.      “I don’t let my troubles trouble me.”

3.      “Got no time to worry none, too busy singing in the sun.”

4.      “If you should have a chronic ache, pills won’t make you strong.”

5.      “The only tonic you should take is a teaspoon full of song.”

6.      “Drown your frowns, my friend, and you will see.”

7.      “Come along, lend an ear.”

8.      “Meet a guy who’s got a song.”

9.      “Troubles are on the shelf.”

10.   “He’s so happy all the livelong day, living life the simple way.”

  Happy Go Lucky Fellow

11.   “Everyone keeps asking me my recipe for living.”

12.   “It’s simple as the ABC’s.”

13.   “I’ve tried it out in every way.”

14.   “It always sees me through.”

15.   “It made me what I am today. That’s why I’m telling you.”

16.   “I’m a happy-go-lucky fellow, full of fun and fancy-free.”

17.   “You can make the whole world seem mellow if you take it in your stride like me.”

18.   “Don’t cross a bridge or peek around a corner until you’re there.”

19.   “Just learn to smile and in a while you’ll find troubles a bubble of air.”

20.   “Get a happy-go-lucky feeling.”

21.   “Now some folks like the heavy stuff, with titles five feet wide.”

22.   “I’m always out for fun.”

23.   “I like the lighter side.”

 The Lazy Countryside

24.   “I love to hang around the lazy countryside.”

25.   “The lazy countryside, where life is twice as easy.”

26.   “Where the crickets you don’t hear in the city keep a-hummin’ in your ear.”

27.   “It’s just too much for words.”

28.   “I like to stay around the lazy countryside and while away the hours.”

29.   “There’s more fun in takin’ the sun in and to roam the spaces wide.”

30.   “Gee, but it’s great to lie round the lazy countryside.”

Too Good To Be True

31.   “This is too good to be true. I can’t believe it’s real.”

32.   “Can it be you I really see?”

33.   “I never knew I’d find an angel, and out of the blue you came to me.”

34.   “You’re all the heavenly things that I’ve been dreaming of.”

35.   “Don’t spread your wings and fly away.”

36.   “If you’re only passing through, then take me to heaven with you.”

37.   “Or is this a dream too good to be true?”

 Too Good To Be True (Reprise)

38.   “It was too good to be true.”

 Say It With A Slap

39.   “When a bird loves a bird, he can twitter.”

40.   “When a puppy falls in love, he can yap.”

41.   “Every pigeon likes to coo when he says I love you.”

42.   “A bear likes to say it with a slap.”

43.   “When a whippoorwills in love, he can whipper.”

44.   “Every deer and every dove has a way of makin’ love.”

45.   “There’s nothin’ to compare to a love tap, strong or weak.”

46.   “If you’re ready for romance and you have half a chance, grab your girl. Give her your cheek.”

47.   “When love comes along, don’t be silly.”

48.   “Never ever waste your time like a sap.”

49.   “Let the others hug and kiss, but the bare facts are this.”

 Happy-Go-Lucky Fellow (Reprise)

50.   “Join the party. Come along.”

51.   “It’s a cinch, can’t go wrong.”

52.   “Now’s the time to see what you can see.”

53.   “The house is just across the way.”

54.   “Better hurry. Don’t delay.”

 My, What A Happy Day

55.   “My, what a happy day!”

56.   “What a sunny sky!”

57.   “Kind of makes you sigh in a happy way.”

58.   “What a very merry day!”

59.   “All the world is gay when your cares are light and your heart takes flight and you’re swept away.”

60.   “The air is sweet with clover.”

61.   “The clouds are turning over. They’re turning over just to show their silver lining.”

62.   “Never knew such bliss.”

63.   “Never read of this in a book or play.”

 Eat Until I Die

64.   “Pancakes piled up til they reach the sky!”

65.   “I wanna eat and eat and eat and eat and eat until I die!”

 Fee Fi Fo Fum

66.   “I’m a most amazing guy.”

67.   “A must amazing guy am I!”

68.   “I can change myself into an elf.”

69.   “I can disappear into atmosphere.”

70.   “I know the magic wordies.”

 My Favorite Dream

71.   “In my favorite dream, everyone is so delightful.”

72.   “No ones mean or spiteful in my favorite dream.”

73.   “In my favorite dream, there my heart can go romancing, dancing to a heavenly tune.”

74.   “There’s something else I look forward to. It’s a secret, but here’s a clue.”

75.   “He’s my favorite. You know who.”

76.   “You’re the hero of my favorite dream.”

 Fun and Fancy Free (Reprise)

77.   “Some folks don’t believe in giants, castles up above.”

78.   “Others say that bears don’t talk and never fall in love.”

79.   “If you really wanna find happiness, peace of mind, believe in all your dreams.”

#ask meme #askbox meme #rp meme #roleplaying meme #lyric meme #disney meme #fun and fancy free

[fregolicotard]

10.05.2019

Today we went to the first communion of Andrzej’s niece. The after-party took place where my friends and family from Romania spent a night over when they were here for our wedding. We said goodbye around the lake.

#130of365

#130/365 #130 of 365 #chodiez #lazieki chodzieskie #on the lake #by the water #fregoli style #fregoli feeling #my countryside tonic #by the lake #long hair #long curls #long hair don't care #pink dress #summer outfit #outfit of the day #wilderness #quiet in the wild #missing

[ikeromantic]

Do you think you could do one about ieyasu + spicy? I would love that terribly so =D Ty in advance :)

This didn't come out as spicy as I meant it too. So, a little spicy, a lot sweet. Approx. 1100 words.

Ieyasu woke early to collect herbs for the tonics, creams, and poultices Azuchi needed. He could pay someone to gather them for him, but he found his trips to the countryside refreshing. Today would be the first time someone came with him on one of these excursions.

The chatelaine yawned as she met him by the gate and rubbed her eyes. “Morning.”

“If you’re still tired, you should go back to bed. I don’t need you to come with me.” Ieyasu adjusted his bag and refused to look at her adorably sleepy face.

“No! I’m - I’m awake. Just not used to being up before the sun. I’m sure I’ll be fine once we get going.” She smiled and picked her bag up from the ground.

They left just as the first hint of dawn touched the eastern sky. The road was a pale, silver line twisting through grassy fields and clustered homes. Neither of them said much. The chatelaine’s gaze was distant and dreamy.

Ieyasu knew he should be focusing more on their surroundings, but his eyes were drawn to her like iron filings to a lodestone. Her hair hung down her back, tied with a loose ribbon, like flowing silk. He itched to touch it. To run his fingers through the strands and hold them against his cheek.

He wished that was all he wanted but it wasn’t. Her lips looked soft and sweet, turned up in that little smile she nearly always wore. He wanted to taste them. To nip and kiss and run his tongue along the edge and inside. If he was honest with himself, he wanted to taste and touch all of her. His imagination ran away with him. Picturing her, in the dawn light, lying back in pale green grass. Her skin dimpled with cold and dew as he ran his hands and lips over every bit.

“Ieyasu?”

“What?” He managed to keep his tone flat and annoyed, despite the blush that crept into his cheeks.

“You were staring at me. Is my hair sticking up?” She patted at her head, trying to smooth the imperfections that didn’t exist.

“I wasn’t staring at you.” He nodded his head toward the line of brush and trees ahead. “I was looking there. That’s Akamegashiwa. We need the bark and the fruit.”

She squinted into the distance. “Oh! How can you tell?”

“Because that’s where I found them last time.” He sighed. “Why did you want to come with me, again? I don’t need you here. You’re no help at all.” Which wasn’t what he wanted to say. He wanted to tell her she was beautiful. That he was glad she asked.

For a moment, she looked hurt by his words, but the expression was hidden behind a smile too quickly. “I know I’m no help to you now but if I learn this stuff, I can go out and get herbs too. Then you can focus on more important things.” She tugged the strap of her bag nervously. “Besides, I - I really like spending time with you. You’re so smart and . . . so cu- ah, learned! It’s like studying with my favorite professor.”

Ieyasu felt his heart thud painfully in his chest. Why did she have to be so precious? “Come on. You’re slowing us down.” He walked past her quickly, hoping she didn't get a look at his face.

She hurried after him.

The sky over the grove blazed with the morning sun as it finally crested the horizon. Around them, birds sang and there was a hum of bees and the rustling of other small creatures. It was peaceful. Perfect. Except the burr of her presence, like an itch Ieyasu could not reach to scratch.

“Is this the plant we need?” She gestured to one of the wide-leafed bushes.

“Yes. Let me show you how to gather the bark without harming it.” Ieyasu knelt to push the leaves back from the branch. “The trick is not to cut too deeply.” He showed her once and then gestured for her to try.

She knelt beside him, leaning her hip into his. “Like this?”

Ieyasu could only nod. The feel of her against him completely scattered his thoughts. Like a flock of birds in a high wind.

Her hands looked so delicate as they brushed aside the leaves. She bit her lip, eyes narrowed. With a careful, measured motion, she cut away a bit of bark. Then she looked at him, expectant.

Somehow, Ieyasu realized, they’d moved even closer. Perhaps she had leaned in, or he. He could feel her breath on his cheek and see every eyelash. “Perfect,” he said in a voice that was lower and rougher than his usual tone. It felt as if his throat was tight and hot.

“Perfect,” she repeated, now so close that her lips almost brushed his.

The moment held, stretching like honey poured from a jar, sweet and still. Neither of them moved, afraid to break it by moving away or moving closer.

Ieyasu’s heart was hammering in his chest, as rapid as a bird in flight. He felt as if he might burst. His body was hot and his skin prickled with fever and a need to - to -

Thought left as the last space between them disappeared. Their lips met with a sudden desperation. A hungry kiss two shy souls had denied themselves for too long. A frantic press of lips, tangled tongues, teeth nipping and tugging. A pleasure so sharp and intoxicating that it almost hurt.

He pressed her back into the soft grass, hands caressing her breasts, her sides, pushing aside her clothing to feel her skin. And she was no less eager, fingers tangling in his hair to pull him closer, digging into the muscle of his back, sliding under his clothes to paint a blaze across his flesh.

Her teeth and lips found his neck, biting and kissing along his shoulder.

He ran the rough pad of his thumb over her nipples, enjoying the way she gasped and arched against him. Ieyasu abandoned himself to the sound of her pleased sighs, the taste of her skin, the warmth of shared kisses and soft touch.

The sun rose above their languorous embrace. The trees sang with a light breeze, swaying lightly. Ieyasu knew this time between them had to end. Because he had responsibilities. Because if he didn’t stop, he knew he would take her completely. He couldn’t allow himself that.

Ieyasu disentangled himself from her embrace. It was like tearing his own flesh to pull away, though she released him easily enough. “We need to finish what we came here for.”

She sat up. “Ieyasu -”

“Let’s not talk about it.” He brushed the hair back from her face. Kissed her forehead.

She smiled and met his gaze, her eyes saying the words her lips did not. And Ieyasu knew he loved her too, even if he couldn’t admit it to her yet.

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen ieyasu #ieyasu tokugawa #fanfiction #fanfic #otome #otome guys #fluff #a little spicy

[bebr-sobe]

Something Tells Me He Knew All Along... (Benedict and Sophie Bridgerton)

-o-o-o- 

‘Sit.’

…

‘Sit.’

…..

‘Sit!’

All the caller received in return was another head-cock riddled with confusion.

‘Owhh, come now Prince, you were doing it so lovely before.’ Sophie pleaded, seeing her whole afternoon’s work crumble before her very eyes. Bending slightly, she tapped her hands to her knees repeatedly and cheered, ‘Come on, sweet boy, siiit…’

The enchanting chestnut eyes of the pup lit up as he trotted over to his masters, looking decidedly pleased with himself.

‘No-no-not come! Sit! I did not mean-’

The corners of Benedict’s mouth began to twitch with the delicious temptation of a grin – but he hid it well; choosing instead to raise his hand to his mouth with faux understanding.

It certainly did little for Sophie’s ego that her husband had been the one to successfully teach Prince to “come” in the first place. Obnoxiously quickly, too.

Petting his dark fur in defeat, she upheld. ‘He did do it before. I swear it.’

‘I do not doubt you.’

And truly, Benedict was being sincere with his comments - despite his clear amusement at the situation. For Prince had to have done it. There was no other reason Sophie would have disturbed him in the middle of the day, when she knew full well that he was working, to show off her latest accomplishment.

Gazing down at the slump in her shoulders, he knew that her pressured posture stemmed from the fact that, naturally, at the behest of one’s wife, he had dropped everything for the occasion.

Not that he minded, of course…

The time of day nor the very circumstance needn’t have mattered for him to do so. There were so few things for Sophie to do in the countryside that Benedict supported anything his wife showed even the slightest grain of enthusiasm towards.

Be it the most minute of matters at the most inopportune moment - he was always willing to set aside any task in favour of encouraging her interests.

They kept to themselves for the most part and Sophie was forbidden from so much as laying a finger on a cleaning utensil (that feat was a constant effort from both him and Mrs Crabtree). She had also managed to devour the cottage’s entire book collection within a month or so and thus, he was mindful of how difficult it must be for her at times.

Ergo, it was the very reason he had gifted the pup to Sophie in the first place; a companion for the long days and nights he spent otherwise occupied in his makeshift studio.

Their lifestyle was not straightforward by any means. He doubted anyone else could do it - not even his siblings.

But it was theirs. And against all odds, it worked for the two of them. For they’d shaped and moulded it that way from the very beginning.

In the past, Benedict had always thought of the abode as a retreat - somewhere he could escape from the suffocation of London and the watchful gazes of the Mama’s there eyeing him for the marriage slaughter (his own included). But ever since he and his wife took up residence full-time, it was no longer a casual place of residence for him.

Suddenly it was home. And yet, he knew it was not the four walls that made it home.

Sophie’s presence was as warming as the noon sun and she soothed him by simply being there. Even when he could not see her, he knew he did not have far to go to remedy the fact.

He knew that he could easily catch her nose deep re-reading a book, sat upon the windowsill of the study in a most unladylike manner – and all the more attractive for it.

He knew that if the lines in Mrs Crabtree’s brow seemed deeper on occasion, it was because Sophie had pestered her to, one way or another, contribute to the household duties and thus, had grinded the housekeeper’s patience down to its very core.

He knew that if Sophie was fussing over Mr Crabtree, it was because Prince’s blatant enamour with the man and his tantalizingly diggable flowerbeds had crossed over once again. (After the act, the pup naturally felt it made them great friends indeed. Not surprisingly, Mr Crabtree did not return his affections.)

He knew that if she shuffled into his studio at all hours of the night, a blanket wrapped around her so that she may lie on one of the couches simply to be close to him whilst he worked, that she was feeling lonely - an action that always stung Benedict. 

In response, he always made sure that the next day was paint-free and reserved for quality Sophie time.

Yes, he knew their routine quite well.

And he would not change a single thing.

‘Oh please, Princey, sit!’

And just like that, the dog’s backside parked itself down onto the grass and Benedict swore he’d never seen his wife so happy. 

He daresay not even on their wedding day…

‘Ah! See! He’s doing it! I told you he would!’ She hollered, leaping to her feet and into his arms.

‘A triumph.’ He conceded. ‘Truly a triumph.’

And it was made all the more triumphant when her lips hit his in utter joy. A deep and rewarding kiss that made his toes curl in his boots.

He must remember to slide Prince a sliver of his pork at dinner in gratitude…

-o-o-o-

It had taken only a few short days with the newlywed Bridgerton’s for Prince to decide that Benedict was his alpha and that he must shadow his every move. 

Exactly the opposite of what Benedict had hoped for – he was supposed to accompany Sophie!

Not that it bothered her in the slightest. She and the pup spent enough quality time together for Sophie to know that he “cared” for her. But the way his bottom half would shake around wildly whenever Benedict so much as entered the same room as them, she swore that his tail would likely break the furniture it swatted against.

Without fail, the sight warmed her deeply every time and the couple had to admit that it was love – pure and simple.

And so, just like that, it soon became routine to them as the trio lived in acceptance of the dog’s allegiance.

That was, until a month or so later…

-o-o-o-

Laying down his brush, Benedict took his thumb and index finger and rubbed his eyes soothingly. He was truly spent and could not bear to look at the landscape before him any longer for fear he might fling it out the window.

He blinked a few times to try and restore his natural vision before turning his attention to his left.

Sophie was sat lazily in her nightgown and robe on one of the couches, embroidering his initials into the new set of handkerchiefs she had gifted him as Prince lay with his head in her lap.

Knowing full well it was not fair to keep either of them up any longer, Benedict lifted from his seat and declared that it was “bedtime, I rather think”. 

Sophie ceased her work and smiled up to him gratefully, more than ready for bed.

With a quick whistle, he made for the door to conduct the nightly practice of taking Prince out to the gardens for one final “relief session” before the morning.

He was all but out into the hallway before he realised the usual patter of paws on the wood floor were not following him. Ducking his head back into the room, he noted Sophie staring down at the dog and the dog staring back up at Sophie.

Benedict creased his forehead before calling. ‘Come along then, Prince!’

And still, nothing.

‘Well?’ Sophie smiled down at Prince, a mixture of confusion and encouragement. ‘Off you go...’

But the pup stayed put.

After a most baffling back and forth, the lady of the house ended up having to be the one to take the pup out that night.

And the next night, as it played out...

… and the night after that.

-o-o-o-

‘You’ve stolen my dog from me.’ Benedict proclaimed one early morning as the trio lay in bed. Sophie was curled up against Benedict as Prince rested at the bottom of the blankets warming her feet.

‘Oh hush! I have done no such of the thing.’ She chuckled hoarsely.

‘Perhaps he is in want of a mate…’ He began, his voice unable to hide the humour behind it. ‘And seeing as you and Mrs Crabtree are his only viable options, he has picked a most treasured prize indeed?’

‘Benedict!’

God, he loved it when she used that tone with him. Especially... when it meant she called out his name in such a manner.

‘Well, if that is not the case…’ Benedict mused, unhooking his arm from around his wife and reaching down to pet Prince’s scruffy chest, much to the pup’s delight, he wondered. ‘Then whatever has gotten into you?’

-o-o-o-

‘Perhaps one of my tonics might cure the matt-‘

‘No!’ Benedict proclaimed, before catching himself. ‘Ahem- no, that won’t be necessary Mrs Crabtree. I’m sure it is only a passing illness.’

Expecting a scolding about how “effective” her concoctions were, he was surprised to find Mrs Crabtree lean into him – subtly requiring his ear. ‘Poor Mrs Bridgerton has not so much as touched a scrap for nigh on two days, Sir…’

Indeed, Sophie had laid holed up in their bedchamber barely able to glance at a soul with a mystery illness. All the while, Prince lay dutifully at her feet.

Benedict sighed miserably. ‘I am aware.’

‘Perhaps we might call for the Doctor, lest we be sure it isn’t something more serious…’

As he opened his mouth to protest, he caught the housekeeper’s eye and saw that she was inflexible. Mrs Crabtree had experience beyond his comprehension and so, with one look, he knew not to argue.

‘Mr Crabtree!’ He beckoned, never taking his eyes off of the man’s wife. As soon as the middle-aged groundskeeper appeared into the hallway, he decreed. ‘Fetch the doctor at once, will you?’

-o-o-o-

‘Plenty of bed rest, Mrs Bridgerton.’ Doctor Mayweather decreed, pulling the corners of his leather bag shut. ‘A lap of the grounds here and there for now, but no more.’

Benedict had immediately promised that whenever she wished, he would take her arm so that she may walk as long as she felt comfortable. Sophie nodded; her eyes swelling with tears.

‘Well, I wish you luck Madam. I expect these visits will be much more frequent from now on.’ Doctor Mayweather beamed, nodding his head towards Benedict, who was perched on the side of the bed, and then his wife, tucked under the covers, before taking his leave.

Once alone, Sophie whipped her head up to her husband. 

Mercy - was there such a thing as being so happy one could simply… burst?

Benedict instantly returned her sentiments, clasping his wife’s hand and pressing a hard kiss to the back of it; words all but failing him momentarily.

They were to be blessed with a child… far sooner than either of them expected!

A black ball of fur, happy that the stranger had left the premises, jumped back up onto the bed and settled himself over Sophie’s blanket-covered midriff contently.

Immediately, his owners grinned.

With a twinkling eye, Benedict figured. ‘Something tells me he knew all along...’

-o-o-o-

I have absolutely no idea where the inspiration for this came from other than a sweet thought that just popped into my head and I immediately ran with it. It’s waffley and not good, so I greatly appreciate your time if you made it to the end. 

Once again, the support shown on my previous two posts have meant more than I can say and are probably what made me want to do another upload. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. 

Wishing you all good health and happiness!

(Photo credit)

#benedict bridgerton #benedict x sophie #Bridgerton #benedict bridgerton imagine #sophie beckett #Sophie Bridgerton #An Offer From A Gentleman #benophie #benedict bridgerton x sophie beckett #bridgerton imagine

[askwhatsforlunch]

Elderflower Cordial (A Step-by-Step Adventure)

A couple of weeks ago, I was foraging Cowslip in the nearby woods, when I spotted a few elders! It made me very happy and I could not wait for them to bloom, because I do love elderflower cordial and its fresh, subtle scent of sunny Spring days! I wanted to finally try my hand at making it myself.

So this weekend, a gorgeous weekend of cloudless blue skies and sunshine (you want to pick elder flowers on a sunny, dry day!), I picked my basket, a pair of secateurs and my Mum’s trusted, old Wild Flowers and Berries book. I am, after all, rather new to foraging and if my Grandpa (Mum’s dad) made the most delicious elderberry jam, foraging for the little black berries in the Summer, he, like my Mum, was a keen botanist. Any stroll we’d take in the countryside, he’d lean and tells us children about all the flowers we’d encounter, latin name and all. And I remember him insisting about the elderberries being toxic if eaten raw. As for the flowers, one should be careful and pick the flowers from black elders (sambucus nigra) as the roots, stems and leaves of the red elder (sambucus racemosa) are poisonous.

Black Elder (sambucus nigra)

Thus, I spent a lot of time studying the botanical drawings and pictures in my Mum’s book, both before going foraging and once there. There is little chance to mistake the red elder flowers with those of the black (and blue) ones, though. The former are cone-shaped, whereas the sambucus nigra flowers are flat-topped and resembles little parasols or umbrellas. (That said, when it comes to foraging, the golden rule is, I guess, if you’re not sure, abstain.)

Here is a closer look at black elder flowers. In the Summer, the green stems becomes a bright red colour, and the berries are black. I picked about 30 flowerheads, on different trees. You don’t want to take all the flowers on the same tree; you should always leave plenty for the bees!

Once you’ve foraged and come home, don’t let the flowers sit for hours on end. Start making the cordial when they are fresh. Here is what you will need.

Ingredients (makes about 2 litres/2 quarts):

25 freshly picked ederflower heads

2 large (unwaxed) lemons

1.5 litre/1.5 quart boiling water

705 grams/1.55 pounds caster sugar

Proceeding with one elderflower head at a time, shake it to make sure there are no insects on it. (Do not rinse them, as it will weaken their fragrance). Then pick the flowers off the stem and place into a large bowl. Do that with all the elderflower heads. Then, thoroughly grate in the zest of both lemons.

Finally, pour the boiling water over the flowers and lemon zest. Give a good stir, to mix.

Cover with cling film, and let it steep and infuse overnight (24 hours).

The next day, line a fine mesh sieve with cheesecloth (or coffee filters) and strain elderflower water into a large pot. Add caster sugar. Thoroughly squeeze the juice of both lemons, and stir into the pot.

Heat over medium-high heat, stirring often until sugar dissolves completely. Once the sugar is dissolved, bring to a simmer, and allow to boil, a couple of minutes.

Using a funnel, strain Elderflower Cordial into sterelised glass bottles and close tightly. Allow to cool completely, then store in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it keeps up to a month (and even a bit longer) in the refrigerator; but it certainly won’t last that long!

You can use Elderflower Cordial in lots of recipes, from a refreshing Elderflower Gin and Tonic to a stunning Lemon and Elderflower Cake. It also lifts up a Blueberry and Elderflower Pavlova or a Summer Fruit Salad!

#Recipe #Drink #Drink recipe #Elderflower Cordial #Elderflower Cordial recipe #Homemade Elderflower Cordial #Elder Flowers #Fresh Elder Flowers #Lemons #Lemon Zest #Lemon Juice #Fresh Lemon Juice #Water #Boiling Water #Sugar #Caster Sugar #Cordial #Cordial recipe #Syrup #Syrup recipe #Coulis Sauce and Syrup #Cold Drink and Cocktail #Cold Drink and Beverage #Spring #Springtime #Spring recipe #Foraging #Foraging recipe

[path-of-my-childhood]

Taylor Swift, “The Lakes”

Is “The Lakes” worth a deep dive all by itself, as the 17th track at the end of an already long tail? Yes, if you’re looking for additional madly-in-love content, additional hating-your-ex-(label) content, lusher orchestration than heard in any of the album’s previous 16 songs, or if you’re just looking for a vicarious change of British-countryside scenery.

If you are a Swiftie (and with the positive vibes for “Folklore” giving her the closest thing to consensus acclaim in her career so far, this term may cover a plurality of pop fans at the moment), one of the things you may enjoy batting around with your fellow Swiftarians in the weeks and months to come is which is the album’s “real” ending. The standard edition climaxes with “Hoax,” the first time she’s ever ended on a despondent note. If you don’t feel like following her over the cliffs described in that number, though, you may prefer the more characteristically hopeful capper she provides in the deluxe edition’s “The Lakes.” Even though it’s mid-tempo, heavy-laden with strings and makes frequent reference to depression, it’s actually one of the more ebullient “Folklore” songs, as Swift describes getting away to the Lakes District in England as a tonic for Twitter, bad-blooded feuders and other urban blights, muse in tow.

The region came up in another new song that also seems to reference a healing current relationship, “Invisible String” (in which a third anniversary lunch “down by the Lakes” is referenced). Here in the most bucolic spot in Great Britain, she says she wants to “watch wisteria grow right over my bare feet / ‘Cause I haven’t moved in years” - an odd aspiration toward laziness for someone who did just start and complete the year’s most celebrated pop album in three months. But can we help it if we’re drawn into the song most when it recalls past hysteria, not current wisteria? Because has there ever been a more perfect distillation of the ethos driving her more dramatic side than in a second verse that begins: “What should be over burrowed under my skin / In heart-stopping waves of hurt”? There’s such a light-hearted side to the song that she’s clearly being a bit tongue-in-cheek when she self-consciously invokes her “calamitous love and insurmountable grief.”

It’s also fair to say she’s as serious as a heart attack when she says she’s “come too far to watch some namedropping sleaze tell me what are my words worth,” obviously meaning to pin the tail on one of the business titans who put a dollar value on her Big Machine catalog. Even there, though, she’s at play, bringing up a famous denizen of the Lakes, William Wordsworth, in her wordplay..

With a mind that’s always racing as furiously as the one in this song, the wisteria don’t stand a chance.

#Chris Willman #variety #article #the lakes #folklore album #folklore era #about taylor #songwriter #review

[saintmachina]

ARC REVIEW: Mexican Gothic

MEXICAN GOTHIC has my heart racing and my mind reeling, and I was absolutely spoiled to get an arc for review from author Silvia Moreno-Garcia at Boskone this year. It was one of my most anticipated books of 2020, and it did not disappoint.

Think Crimson Peak meets Get Out in the 1950’s Mexican countryside and you’re coming close to what makes this book so special. This book both loves and subverts classical Gothic tropes, infusing the familiar crumbling English manor home and looming handsome predator and whispers of family curses with a strong tonic of post-colonialist sensibilities. The writing is heady and lyrical, but the taut plot doesn’t get lost in the lovely, gloomy atmosphere.

This book will weave mystery and malice around you before you even know you’re in dancer, and the dark enchantment of manor High Place will get in your blood and never let you go. I loved heroine Noemi terribly, from her will to survive to her couture gowns to her double-edged wit. There’s a romance in here to root for as well, and women wrenching agency away from horrible men with bloody hands. The book won’t be widely available until June 30th, but you can pre-order right this second. So what are you waiting for?

CW: There’s a pervasive threat of sexual violence and attempted sexual assaults in this book, but they’re handled with an appropriate amount of both rage and grace, and I found the heroine and the ending to be a really satisfying kick in the teeth of patriarchy and sexual violence. But if it’s a delicate topic for you, proceed with discretion!

#mexican gothic #silvia moreno-garcia #gothic literature #bookstagram #bookblr #book review #arc review #specualitive fiction #mexican literature