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oliversrarebooks · 1 month

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The Rare Bookseller Part 43: Katherine's Advice

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September 1925

TW: conditioning, discussion of abuse, panic attacks

Oliver put the finishing touches on a set of egg-salad sandwiches, neat triangles with the crust removed, and set them on a platter along with an assortment of tea cookies from a local bakery. Truthfully, he didn't know the first thing about entertaining -- with no friends or family and a tiny bookshop apartment, it wasn't anything he'd ever had to do. Alexander had some helpful suggestions for things he'd seen other thralls do, and had procured the supplies Oliver would need for a light midnight lunch (or whatever one might call it.)

In fact, Alexander had been hovering around Oliver a great deal since their fraught conversation a couple of nights before. He'd bought a bounty of foods he supposed Oliver might like, and seemed to be popping up around every corner of the library to show Oliver interesting books. It was as though his master thought he needed to win his favor all over again -- despite the fact that Oliver was still very much enthralled, his thoughts often going hazy and filling with imagined echoes of siren song.

Oliver didn't really need the attention, but he did appreciate the advice on entertaining. Embarrassing as it was, Oliver really did want to impress his guests. So much had happened over the past few weeks, his entire life and conception of the world turned on its end. The only people who might really understand were vampires' thralls. Miriam hadn't seemed quite lucid enough for a true conversation, but Alexander had told him that Miss Ruth's thrall, Charlie, was quite intelligent and together.

It'd be nice to talk to someone else who had gone through... this. That was all.

He had just finished up in the kitchen when the doorbell rang and his master rushed to greet the guests. "Hello hello!" sang a voice that Oliver would never forget: Miss Lily. She brought both of her hands to her face in a dramatic mock gasp. "Lex? No, it can't be. You don't look like you just clawed your way out of a grave. Who are you, and what have you done with Lex?"

"Mm. Nice to see you too."

"And look at you!" Miss Lily ruffled Oliver's hair. "You look like you're adjusting quite well! Are you the one responsible for Lex's shocking good health?"

Oliver blushed, not certain how to respond to the praise. She seemed different from how she had been in the auction house, more relaxed, but something about her voice and mannerisms still made Oliver feel a bit dazed and eager to please. "I'm just glad I was able to help him, sir."

"Of course you did. I just knew a thrall like you could do him a world of good. Speaking of which..." She pulled her thrall Miriam through the front door, and she looked at Oliver with her usual clouded expression. "Miriam, you remember Oliver, don't you? Lord Alexander's new thrall?"

She looked confused for a moment before her face lit up a bit in recognition. "Oh, yes! From when we were staying at the auction house. It's good to see you again."

"It's good to see you, too." Miriam's uncertain mental state made him a bit uneasy. If Lily and Alexander were anything alike, would he end up similarly entranced? Would he even realize if it happened? Was it happening already?

"But Miriam's not the only person I've brought along. I took the liberty of inviting one of our old friends that Lex has been avoiding."

Alexander looked confused. "Ruth? I haven't been avoiding her."

"Ruth's on the way, too, but no, not her."

"Oh -- you don't mean --"

A sophisticated-looking older woman, gray hair tucked in neat curls, stepped out from the porch. She was wearing an old-fashioned, dark blue flannel dress with a high collar. Behind her was another older woman, also wearing an old-fashioned flannel dress, hers covered with a ruffled white pinafore.

"Edith! It's been ages!" said Alexander.

"And whose fault is that?" she said, in the tone of a worried mother. "You kept turning me away when I called on you, and I'd hear all about it from Lily -- how you refused to take a thrall, and were drinking bottled blood --"

Alexander looked uncharacteristically cowed by the scolding. "And I'm sure she's told you that I have a suitable thrall, now, so you needn't worry about my health."

"I'll stop being worried about your health when you start taking proper care of yourself," she said. "But I'd like to meet this thrall of yours. Is this him?"

Even with his master and Miss Lily around him, Oliver could still feel the pull of this new vampire's aura on his mind. It was soothing, almost numbing, and he had the odd thought that she must be a good master. "My name is Oliver Pines, sir, and I am indeed Lord Alexander's thrall. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Oh, what a polite and charming thrall," Miss Edith said with a smile. She shamelessly took Oliver's chin in her hand to examine his face, and Oliver was surprised that his master didn't seem to mind. "Healthy, and his blood smells very nourishing."

"As you can see, I'm taking care of myself just fine," said Alexander defensively.

"I suppose this is a better state of affairs than your usual. But where are my manners? I haven't introduced myself properly." she said, and then turned back to Oliver. "You may address me as Dr. Edith. I'm a doctor who has served the vampire community for over a century. If you're ever sick or injured, no doubt your master will call on me to help."

"You're a vampire... doctor, sir?"

"There are very few health ailments that can afflict vampires, so I primarily take care of their precious thralls. After all, healthy thralls are necessary for a healthy vampire," she said, with a pointed look at Alexander.

He rolled his eyes with a smile on his face. "Yes, yes, your point has been made."

"And this is Katherine, my faithful nurse," said Dr. Edith, gesturing to the woman who had accompanied her.

Katherine delicately shook Oliver's hand. "Good to meet you." She looked bright-eyed compared to Miriam, but her hand was warm, and she clearly was not a vampire.

"Are you a..."

"Dr. Edith's thrall, yes, and her nurse and assistant and whatever else is required of me."

"I see," he said with relief. He was looking forward to having a chat with a thrall who seemed to still have her wits about her.

While the group was still exchanging pleasantries, hanging up coats and hats, when the doorbell rang once again. It was Miss Ruth, the vampire lawyer who had sized up Oliver's suitability for a clerk at the auction house. She was followed by a tall, broad-shouldered man.

"Do you remember me, Oliver?" she asked.

"Yes, sir, I remember you very well. You asked me to recite state capitals. I'm glad to see you well."

Miss Ruth looked at him with longing. "Oh, I do wish I could have afforded to buy you," she said. "But no matter how hard I work, I just can't compete with Lex's fortune."

The broad-shouldered man was named Charlie, and he was one of Miss Ruth's thralls and law clerks. He favorited Oliver with a stoic nod, and between him and Katherine, he couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious. Now that he was fully enthralled and owned by a vampire, it was strange to be around other humans, even those in a similar boat. It made him more keenly aware of his situation, and he wondered how he seemed to other people, all too aware that he was under a hypnotic spell.

"Now that all of our guests have arrived, Oliver, why don't you get your tea and refreshments and show the thralls into the second-floor sitting room?" said Alexander. "We'll be meeting in the parlor, and I would prefer not to be disturbed."

"Yes, sir," said Oliver, feeling more than a bit like a child being shooed off so the adults could talk. But even though he'd love to hear what the vampires were discussing -- especially since he seemed to be of particular interest to them -- he was also eager to have a chat with the other thralls.

A few moments later, and he'd enlisted Katherine and Charlie's help in carrying trays to the sitting room. The curtains were open wide, offering a pleasant view of the gaslit city streets and the waning moon. Miriam settled into a plush chair and pulled a knitting project out of a small bag as Oliver poured tea for the four of them.

"Please, help yourself to sandwiches and cookies," he said.

"You're a lovely host, Oliver," Katherine commented. "And so lucid, as well."

"Um --"

Charlie glared. "An awkward thing to say to a new thrall, don't you think?"

"At my age, I don't see any point dancing around the bush. I've seen hundreds of thralls, after all, and I'm well aware that we're some of the more fortunate ones."

"How long have you two been thralls?" asked Oliver.

"Six years for me," said Charlie.

"I've been with the doctor for nearly thirty years now."

"Thirty years!" said Oliver. "I didn't know... well..."

"Didn't realize that a thrall could last so long in the service of a vampire?" said Katherine, amused. "It's understandable, but it's more common than you might expect. I'm particularly lucky in that my master is a doctor, and so I'm kept very healthy."

"Do you like your master?"

"I do," said Katherine. "I'm under her spell, of course, but after all these years, that's practically background noise. But after having met so many vampires, I'm glad it was the doctor who enthralled me. I meet lots of interesting people and vampires, and I get to help them. I'm never bored. And she's always treated me well."

"I'm also happy to serve my master," said Charlie in a tone that sounded a bit strange. "I mean, I do miss my old life sometimes, and it's hard work to be a clerk, but my living conditions are so much better than when I was working at the factory, that's for sure. My math and reading have improved, too."

"And how about you, Oliver? What's your first impression of serving Lord Alexander?" said Katherine.

Oliver's mind swirled with thoughts, of his master's siren song and his feeding and his need, of the library and the comfortable bed and generous food, of his tiny apartment above the bookshop that used to be modest but his, of the threat of his master's sire.

"It's been good so far. Lord Alexander will be a good master to me, I hope," said Oliver carefully. "But... did you two know his previous thralls?"

Katherine exchanged a look with Charlie. "Ah, yes, Henry. I remember him. He was more... subdued. Like Miriam."

"Like Miriam," Oliver repeated, his fear of having his mind fade away from him renewed.

Miriam looked up from her knitting. "Hm?"

"Nothing, dear," said Katherine. "I believe that Lord Alexander has, for the most part, always treated his thralls very well. He's a gentle vampire, and he's always treated me with more respect than is due a thrall. But..."

"But?"

"Well... I have had to treat a number of mysterious injuries on Alexander's previous thralls. Miss Lily's as well. I assume you know what those two have in common."

Charlie looked impatient. "There's no need to beat around the bush. Our vampires won't mind us talking about this. They're probably talking about the same thing," he said. "Oliver, what has Lord Alexander told you about the Maestro?"

"The Maestro?" said Oliver, his eyes widening. "Is that... his sire?"

"Oh dear. Yes, he is," said Katherine. "So he's told you very little. It's the way of vampires, unfortunately. Even my master barely tells me anything."

Oliver gripped his chair. "I need to know. Please, tell me."

"I'm afraid I don't know that much myself. He's notoriously reclusive. But I have had to visit his manor to attend to thralls on a number of occasions. Even my master would prefer not to go there, but she says it's too dangerous to defy him."

"What was he like?"

Katherine leaned in close, as though the subject of their conversation might somehow overhear. "His power lets him control people's bodies utterly. His thralls are like toy soldiers, moving to a drum only they can hear. I'm used to all kinds of thralls, but his were uncanny." Katherine shuddered. "Even though he didn't lay a hand on me, he was glaring at me the entire time, and I could feel his influence pulling at my mind. A feeling as though I had to fall in line immediately, or something terrible would happen. Like I could barely think without him hearing it. I've rarely wanted to flee a manor so quickly as that one."

"That does sound... unpleasant," he said, trying to keep his hands from shaking as he sipped his tea, unable to stop his imagination from conjuring visions of himself being used as little more than a puppet. "And his thralls were injured?"

"My master complained that he hadn't called until they were practically bleeding out -- afterwards, of course, not while we were there. Malnourished, too, with a haunted look about them." She put a hand on his knee with a sympathetic look. "But these were the Maestro's own thralls, not Alexander's. You have far less to worry about here. As I've said, I've always found him to be a very gentle vampire."

"Convenient," huffed Charlie. "A vampire with a reputation for being gentle and honest, who gets to blame all his thralls' injuries on his notoriously cruel sire."

Katherine looked alarmed. "Charlie --"

"I'm just saying that I find it hard to believe the apple falls that far from the tree."

Before Katherine could interject again, Miriam unexpectedly looked up from her knitting, fear written on her normally placid face. "But it is true," she insisted. "Lord Alexander has never hurt me. Neither has Miss Lily, except when she has to leave me there, and --" Tears began to roll down her face. "I can hear it. I can still hear it. Miss Lily told me I could forget, but I can't, I can't forget or he'll punish me --"

"Miriam, oh dear, Miriam, it's okay," said Katherine, pulling the sobbing thrall into an embrace. "It's all right, Miriam. No one's going to hurt you here. You're safe with us, dear."

"I can dance. I can do the dance perfectly, I promise, just let me try, I can do it." Miriam's anxious mumble was barely intelligible between her crying and the way she was pressed against Katherine.

"Miriam, you aren't there. You aren't anywhere frightening. You're having tea at Lord Alexander's house, remember?"

"I'm at...?"

"Lord Alexander's house. His thrall Oliver is being such a gracious host. It's perfectly safe. See?"

Miriam seemed to wake from her terror almost as quickly as she'd fallen into it. "Oh, of course, I don't know what I was thinking!" she said, glassy-eyed as she lifted her head from Katherine's shoulder. "Oh, I always enjoy when my madam visits Lord Alexander. He's very kind to me."

"Of course he is, dear," said Katherine, patting her back. "We really shouldn't bring up such awful topics around Miriam. She's a sensitive soul. Charlie, how's your baseball team doing?"

Oliver wanted to hear more, even though it terrified him, but he also felt awful that his questioning had thrown Miriam into a panic, so he eagerly went along with the topic change. "You like baseball, Charlie?"

"Love baseball, always have," he said, also looking relieved at the conversation switch. "My master gave me a great radio set, so I can listen to all the games. But my team's doing awful this year -- bottom of the league. They never shoulda traded their star pitcher..."

As Oliver listened to Charlie rant about blown games and poor referee calls, as Katherine discussed birdwatching and a new bread recipe she'd tried, he could almost forget the fear of his situation and feel a little bit normal.

It was only later, after Charlie and his madam left and Miriam was engrossed in her knitting, that Oliver was able to pull Katherine aside. "Katherine, will you please hear me out?"

"Certainly," she said in a motherly tone. "I know how hard it is, the first few weeks of being a vampire's thrall."

"What you said before..." He glanced around as if he were afraid his master would pop out of the shadows at any moment. "Am I safe here? Will I be all right? I've been conditioned to be unable escape..."

"That's normal, yes. I assume Miss Lily was the one who handled your conditioning?"

"She was."

"Then no, I don't expect you'll be able to escape," she said. She put a hand on Oliver's shoulder. "I can't promise that you will be safe. What I said about the Maestro was all true, and while I do believe Alexander means well on the whole, you're among vampires now. We live in their world, and they do what they will with us."

Oliver felt his gut twist. "So then..."

"I've met so many thralls in my life. Hundreds, probably. Most in worse situations than you, and some in better," she said. "Would you like to hear my honest advice about surviving this?"

"Yes, by all means."

"Find happiness wherever you can. Find joy outside of your master's enthralling and feeding. Hobbies, food, art, education, anything that brings you pleasure -- indulge in it." She smiled warmly. "You'll need these pleasures to keep your mind sharp and keep your soul from despair. When you're permanently a prisoner, you need something tangible to look forward to, even if it's simply a warm drink or a beam of sunshine. You seem like the sort of man who can appreciate the mundane."

"...I like to believe so, yes."

"That's a skill that will serve you well, Oliver," she said. "Even if Alexander and his sire are cruel to you, you'll still have something to hold on to during your darkest moments."

"Something to hold on to..."

"I think you will figure it out. With how much Lord Alexander seems to prize you, it wouldn't surprise me to meet you here twenty years from now, looking back on our lives with our vampires."

She seemed to mean it, and that gave Oliver hope.

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I really enjoy Edith as a character and hope to write at least one side story with her.

@d-cs @latenightcupsofcoffee @thecyrulik @dismemberment-on-a-tuesday-night @wanderinggoblin @whumpyourdamnpears @only-shadows-dwell-where-we-are @pressedpenn @pigeonwhumps @amusedmuralist @xx-adam-xx @ivycloak @irregular-book @whumpsoda @mj-or-say10 @pokemaniacgemini @sowhumpshaped @whumpsday @morning-star-whump @shinyotachi @silly-scroimblo-skrunkl @steh-lar-uh-nuhs @pirefyrelight @theauthorintraining @whump-me-all-night-long @anonfromcanada @typewrittenfangs @tessellated-sunl1ght @cleverinsidejoke @abirbable @ichorousambrosia @a-formless-entity @gobbo-king @writinggremlin @the-agency-archives @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi @enigmawriteswhump @foresttheblep @bottlecapreader @whump-on-a-string @whumpinthepot @cinnamoncandycanes @avvail-whumps @tauntedoctopuses @secret-vampkissers-soiree

#whump #whump writing #vampires #vampire whump #mind control #vampire whumpee #rare bookseller #oliver #alexander #lily #miriam #edith #katherine #ruth #charlie

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floydmtalbert · 6 months

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Hello!! 👋

Could I please request 🌪️ TORNADO, 😨 FEARFUL, ☕️ HOT BEVERAGE, and/or 💗 GROWING HEART for Louise, 📦 PACKAGE for Ruth, 📎 PAPERCLIP for Ferraby, and 👖 JEANS for Emily? Thank youu 💕

Thanks so much Sho!! These are great questions 💕

🌪️ TORNADO: what is the biggest change you've ever made to them? how have they changed from their original version?

Such an interesting question! Lou has definitely gone through a lot of changes since I started writing her in [redacted]. I think the main thing is that she used to be a lot more reserved and stoic, with a big dash of war-weariness, which... just isn't her. She's gone through a lot but it hasn't dulled her spark or spirit--if anything, she's more determined to enjoy her life, for all the people she knew who now can't.

😨 FEARFUL: when scared, do they go into "flight" or "fight"?

On the whole, Lou goes into fight mode. She's calm under pressure, quick to make a plan, and I think enjoys, to an extent, the adrenaline rush of bad situations. Having said that, there have been a few occasions in her life when she's felt that kind of dizzying, paralysing fear, and it definitely takes a lot of effort to get her head working and her body to keep moving.

☕️ HOT BEVERAGE: do they prefer hot or cold drinks? what is their favourite drink?

Well, she's English, so her daily routine is punctuated by cups of tea and coffee. But her favourite drink is a glass of cool lemonade on a hot day, the perfect mix of sweet and sharp.

💗 GROWING HEART: if they have a crush, is it noticeable? what changes when they're in love?

Most of the time, Lou has a pretty good hold on her emotions, and she's also very conscious of the precariousness of her job: she wouldn't want any of her personal feelings to be used against her. So she's careful, but to anyone looking closely, there'll be some gazes that linger just a bit too long, and a certain softness and lightness about her.

📦 PACKAGE: what are some "most likely to…" that can apply to them?

Ooh! Ruth is most likely to offer sensible advice or emotional support to her friends (and boy, do they need it). Most likely to be the first one to be told gossip. Most likely to cry at a film, definitely. And most likely to get tipsy first (look, she's got a baby, she doesn't get out much, her tolerance to alcohol is very low).

📎 PAPERCLIP: a random fact

Ferraby! I love him. A random fact about him is that he's left-handed.

👖 JEANS: what is their go-to outfit?

During the war? Her FANY uniform. (Emily's an Ensign and is very proud of her red pips.) Off duty, she favours simple dresses or knit sets in darker colours: she looks best in navy, fir green, or burgundy.

[OC emoji asks]

#These were sooooo fun; thanks Sho!!#pomprincesse #OC emoji asks #OC: Louise Johnson #OC: Ruth Lawrence #OC: John Ferraby #OC: Emily Johnson

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moonlightsmasquerade · 5 months

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Nora's chapter on Ruth is here! :D

Although it hurts to be dead Like the labour in the holy hour She is like the twelve who gave out bread For within her is great power

Ruth Weaver 3 Butterflies Of Power

Aureole sign: Warnicorn Height: 5'7

Attributes

Strength: 18 Dexterity: 15 Intelligence: 19 Common Sense: 18 Wisdom: 19 Charisma: 20+

Friendship Tips :

The most important piece of advice I could ever give is : do not stare at her zombie form. It is very impolite to most monsters, and Ruth ain't different! Secondly, if you're afraid of her when she's not in hunting season, talk to her! She's the one you can go to for information of how zombies work, not me.

Third of all, just because she works at an hospital doesn't mean you can get away with no paying your medical bills. Fourth of all, don't insult her friends right in front of her. She does not like jerks.

And finally, if you're in the mood to give out hugs, she likes hugs!

Personality :

She's a very open and talkative person, and she's very respectful of limits too, so even if you're shy I think she would make a great friend. She has some problems trusting people, but usually you'll know she trusts you enough if she does the trick where her hand comes off on purpose. As long as you can keep your promise to never tell anyone else without her knowing, then you'll have a very trustworthy and funny friend!

[Thought note: The hand trick was cool, but it was kinda yucky and spooked me out a bit]

Natural Research Section :

Even though she has been a zombie for nearly two decades now, sometimes her body still hurts. It's a struggle you'll find out most other monsters suffer from as well. And thus, thanks to extensive research from my family library, I have come up with two recipes for ways to help a zombie like Ruth through the occasional pains, which you can use too if you can not mess it up.

Drinkable recipe - Tea :

-Get a cup of natural salty water and mix in three tea spoons of grinded calendula petals and one normal spoon of grinded turmerics -Use natural fire (which means no gas) to boil the tea until you're sure there's only liquid now -Let it cool for a little while, and taa-daa! You have a pain-killer tea for zombies now!

Smell and visual recipe - Candle :

-Get a blue candle of natural wax and at least one flask of lavender perfume -Add the following ingredients in this order around the candle in a circle : eucalyptus leaves, amethyst crystals and small quartz stones, and if not possible/available then use some really shiny small rocks and some salt (preferably natural) -Sprinkle the lavender perfume on top of the candle and the circle -Light the candle and the leaves on flame and let the scent spread and the crystals/salt shine

And boom! You have a pain-killer candle for zombies now too!

History Notes :

From my research with both records and some old monsters, the Weavers have been in Mandela since 1780 (that's a lot of years!) and they were a family of, well, weavers and embroiderers who sold clothes and such for a living before the Victorian Era and the industry something.

[Gabe says: Industrial Revolution. That is what you were trying to say, was is it not?] [Nora says: Oh yeah, it was! Thanks! But you're still in my book!]

My five times great-grandma on my dad's side Diara wrote about meeting them actually! Her wings grew faster than the rest of her body, so she needed to be constantly buying new dresses. I am very lucky to not have the same condition she did!

I really hope I was able to do our favourite zombie girl some justice! Nora admires Ruth a lot , but I'm not sure if I was able to convey that or not Please let me know if there's anything that needs to be changed Ooof I need a serious meal , it's almost dinner time for me and I'm starving

-Wand Anon

OHHHHH this is so cool! i love this!

#i like these fun lil lore things youve got! what a neat idea!#ooooo ruth #i love it

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holisticsoulhealer · 9 months

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Responsible Actions - A Spiritual Story

It’s a pleasure to lay myself out with great vulnerability in this newsletter. I don’t think there is one of you who hasn’t lived through those times when you feel emotionally, physically, mentally in a wobbly space, where you are completely unsure.

There have been some really on the edge parts of my life, and those were where I had to take the advice of an honest tough love girlfriend, and pull up my big girl panties, to simply get on with it.

I had recently opened a fair size healing center. It had the potential for an open classroom, in the center of it all, with 5 healing rooms off that open space. I had met a young, gifted British healer, who was willing to step in with me, to share that space. I was smart enough to create the whole foundation as a corporation, protecting whatever was going to be generated.

Four months into that commitment, my mother became really, very ill. She was diagnosed with an unusual, aggressive cancerous tumor behind her nasal cavity. They operated within days, removing half of her face. It was a horrendous thing to “face” for her and a complete shock for me. I was managing my time between her healing, doctor visits, small repair surgeries, prosthetic appointments to provide parts to make her face more acceptable publicly. I went to the center, then rushed home, feeding her soup and liquids only, because she had such a challenge to sustain life, then returning to the center to work with clients, to keep the new business moving along.

My British partner wasn’t happy to take on so much, and turned all my part-time staff against me, then her and all of them all quit the same day. I was fully responsible for a large center, all the costs and potential work that could come into it, all by myself. I was also responsible for helping my beloved, brave mum to return to full health. It was a lot!

I took as much action as I could, and was openly promoting my business, pulling in people to rent space and fill the rooms with healers. I was also rushing home every meal time, to feed and comfort my mum as she grew stronger.

I was in full action mode, on the treadmill of business, and being busy in all areas of life. I still had a child at home who needed dropping off, picking up and help with homework.

I didn’t realize how raw and truly vulnerable I was until I received a letter from an attorney, representing the British woman, who was attempting to sue me for the full return of her portion of any and all investment into my new business. I completely lost it, burst into tears and was not consolable. This was my breaking point. My husband, who had been leading his life the same as he always had, suddenly awoke, stepped up and had a good friend of his respond to the legal demands. Thank goodness I had set up the business as a corporation, allowing no room for such frivolous demands to be met.

The British woman went away. My husband was quite the hero at that time for me. My mum got strong and returned to the healing center, and I lived to fight for another beautiful day in the light of a healer.

This for me, was an example of responsible action at a time in life when it was needed the most.

As always, please share this post with anyone that you feel can benefit from it! Please like us on your social media channels and subscribe to our mailing list if you haven't already done so! We are mailing out a monthly newsletter and a recap each week of our blog posts and interesting tidbits! This is how you can stay informed with what is new in the world of The Holistic Soul Healer!!

Love & Blessings,

Ruth

Get personal with your Angels!! Connect with me and see what they have to say!!

BOOK NOW!

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fandomficsnstuff · 2 years

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A Chance Encounter - 5

(Warnings: some angst, fluff, jokes, I’m pleased with this chapter actually:3)

For the words in bold, if you want to know 100% what they mean, here’s the website I use: https://www.thuum.org/translator.php

Amazing moodboard goes to @quantumlocked310

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Ruth’s eyes were closed as she enjoyed the cold air, her cheeks pink from the cold as she took a deep breath. The celebrations had long since died down but she didn’t feel like going inside yet. She heard footsteps, light, softly approaching and she couldn’t help but smile softly, already having an idea of who it was and the voice only confirmed it. “Are you not cold?” Ruth hummed quietly at the question, gently shaking her head as she opened her eyes, looking up at Aragorn with a soft expression “my kind never truly grows cold… never sleep peacefully either” Ruth added in a quiet voice, looking over the sleeping Edoras as Aragorn sat down beside her. “Tell me, your kind… how many others have you met?” Aragorn asked and Ruth couldn't help but pale a little bit when she heard it, a second pair of footsteps, much lighter, reaching her ears long before they reached Aragorn’s. “Legolas, sit” Ruth awkwardly invited, smiling over her shoulder at him before turning back to Aragorn. “Not many. I have met others but I have not known them… I’m sad to say that the ones I didn’t know that I met, have been ones who were lost, lost within the desire to hunt, overtaken with the blood they have, attacking everyone and everything in sight. Most don’t want this blood by choice, most get infected from another species, they don’t realize it until it’s too late. Those are the ones I have killed… the ones I have known are different. There was Skjor, Aela, Farkas, Vilkas… Kodlak… Kodlak was different… he was what is known as a Harbinger, a sort of mentor, guiding a faction called The Companions, giving advice, but they don’t actually lead. He was a great man, though he grew tired of the beast blood, as we call it. We have a saying; eyes on the prey, not the horizon. It’s to remind us what’s in front of us, and not what’s to come, but Kodlak was beginning to look to the horizon… he wanted to be rid of it… cured… he looked for ways to do this, one day he sent me out to find this cure, but when I got back he-... he was dead, attacked, killed in battle. I attended his funeral after avenging him, after that, I managed to cure him even in death, allowing him to enter Sovngarde, as he deserves” Ruth explained in a soft voice, daring to cast a glance at Legolas and it seemed like Araogorn caught onto this, clearing his throat as he sighed and stood up, stretching a bit “goodnight, Ruth, Legolas” Aragorn bowed his head before entering the hall once more, though he didn’t stray far, peeking around the corner to see Ruth and Legolas sit beside each other, Legolas looking at her, Ruth avoiding his gaze all together, as though the stone steps they were sitting on was the most interesting thing she had seen in all of her unnaturally long life.

“A-About earlier, I overstepped, forgive me, Legolas” Ruth blurted out, continuing to avoid his gaze until Legolas finally had enough, his hand gently cupping her cheek, turning her head to face him and the second she did, his lips pressed against hers, and this time, it was her who was unprepared. It took a few seconds before she registered what was happening, but when she did, her eyes closed as she leaned into his touch, kissing him softly and gently. Aragorn smirked before turning away, about to continue when he heard Ruth’s worried voice. “Legolas?...” her voice was wavering a little as Legolas frowned before looking at her with terror. “It’s here!” he whispered and Ruth frowned as she got up, Legolas soon following as she ran to the room everyone else was sleeping in, bursting into the door with Aragorn following soon after, watching him take the glowing orb from Pippin only to faint soon after. Without thinking Ruth ran forward as the orb rolled, picking it up, expecting to faint as Aragorn had done but instead she just held the cold orb in her hands, a frown on her pale, freckled face as she stared into the fiery eye portrayed in the orb, her frown growing into a look of horror, her breathing picking up as though she was horrified, a look of utter terror forming on her face as Gandalf quickly used a blanket to cover the orb and take it from her. Gandalf cast one look at her as she looked at him, her green eyes moving to an unmoving Pippin and before Gandalf could react, she was by his side, cupping his face in her hands as she studied him before closing her eyes, holding both hands out over Pippin’s body, over his head. A glowing light began to form, warm, like a lit candle, a small chiming noise filling the quiet room as the glow began to stretch into lines, like silk ribbons flowing through a river, wrapping around Pippin’s entire body as it was as though a glowing light outlined his still body, the light almost blinding to anyone being too close, the chiming, although unrelenting, was comforting, as though the sound itself was enough to soothe someone, everyone’s panic slowly vanishing as they watched the glowing light slowly fade, the chiming sound fading into nothing as Ruth opened her green eyes again, the flecks of gold seemingly alive, breathing even, as though excited that she was using some part of herself she kept hidden. Pippin’s eyes shot open and he gasped, Gandalf quickly kneeling down beside him as Ruth stood up and stepped back, almost stumbling. She cast a glance around the room but didn’t seem as though she was actually looking at anything. Her feet carried her past everyone as she rushed outside, her feet carrying her towards the gate as Legolas followed after her once he made sure Aragorn was alright.

“Ruth… Ruth! Ruth!!” Legolas shouted as he tried to catch up to her, eventually reaching her, gently touching her elbow before grasping it to stop her, which worked. “What did it say?” Legolas’ soft spoken question was enough for Ruth to break down, tears in her eyes as she finally looked up at him, the green pools he adored, swimming amongst unshed tears. “Hin Daan Ag Enook Sivaas Hi Haalvut, Sahlo Mal Lucia” Ruth’s voice was barely above a whisper, a lump in her throat as she looked back towards the hall “he knew my daughters name…” she muttered, looking down with a heavy sigh before shaking her head, her free hand gently removing his hand from her elbow, her eyes meeting his once more as a few tears spilled over, running down her pale cheeks, staining those beautiful freckles. In a split second she leaned up and softly kissed him before standing back down, whistling a low tune and stepping back from him, saddling up on Shadowmere as the horse stopped in front of her. “Don’t wait for me” was her last words before she rode the rest of the way towards the gate, slipping through them with Shadowmere, Legolas’ feet carrying him to one of the watchtowers, a shadow darker than the night surrounding them was seen moving across the field, out of sight and it wasn’t long after that Legolas heard a deep, long howl that sounded much more different to the other times he had heard that howl, this was one of pain.

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Legolas fiddled nervously with the necklace Ruth had let him keep, his brows drawn together in a frown as he was deep in his own head, only present enough to steer the horse every now and then, humming at whatever Gimli was saying. “She will be alright, Legolas” the elf looked up at Aragorn with a frown, a sigh leaving his lips as he looked away from Aragorn, back down at the necklace before looking ahead again, not saying a single word, Gimli looking at Aragorn with a concerned look. “You saw her, she can fight thousands of orcs for hours without getting a scratch on her, and now she has her ring” Aragorn once again tried to persuade his friend but all he got was Legolas turning his gaze further away from him, a sigh leaving his lips as he nearly gave up. “Five days” Legolas finally spoke up, looking back at Aragorn “she has been gone for five days” Legolas added, Aragorn nodding softly “and she will be back. She has someone to come back to” Aragorn reminded the elf, a small smile tugging at his lips when he saw Legolas blush. “Besides, I don’t truly think she’s that far away” Aragorn stated with a smirk, gesturing in the direction of a mountain ridge they were near, Legolas’ blue eyes following up the stone structure until he was met with a pair of glowing yellow eyes that were gone as soon as he had seen them, his entire body relaxing more as he occasionally glanced back on the ridge, hoping he’d see those glowing eyes again, and even though he was met with stone each time he tried, he still looked occasionally.

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It was dark when the guards at the new camp saw two red, glowing eyes approach them, the sound of hooves treading the grass calmly as they approached was about the only sound that gave it away that someone was approaching, despite the eyes. They were about to ask the person to halt when they spotted her, someone who had been talking with the king himself, so they let her ride through, three dead deer on the back of her horse, two rabbits hanging from the side and a fox hanging on the other side of the saddle, all gutted expertly. Legolas raised his head as he heard the hooves of a horse he had heard a few times now, his eyes lifting from his bow to the red eyes that approached him, the horse stopping barely an inch from him as it’s rider saddled off. For the first time her hood was up, a sort of mask covering half of her face from her eyes under, her red hair hidden behind the hood as she began to unload the deers, rabbits and the fox before making a small clicking noise, Shadowmere turning around and calmly walking out of the camp, out of sight and into the darkness. “You’re back” Legolas noted with a soft smile, and it was as though just hearing his voice was enough to make Ruth snap out of her quiet state, her green eyes meeting his, peeking over the edge of the mask that covered the rest of her face, her freckles and birthmark and scars hidden from his eyes as she held eye contact with him for a few seconds longs. “I overheard something about a lack of food” she finally mumbled, about to pick up one of the deer on her shoulder when Legolas stood up to help, picking up a deer himself and taking one of the rabbits, Ruth following his motions and picking up the fox, the two of them walking towards Théoden and Éomer.

Ruth dropped the deer and fox near Éomer, causing him to turn around at the noise as Legolas dropped the rest, smiling softly at Ruth before putting a hand on her shoulder, silently telling her he was fetching the rest. “I heard something about a lack of food” Ruth stated once more, pulling down the mask covering half her face, revealing a new scar on her cheek, near the old one that stretched through her birthmark, it was small and looked like it fitted in with the others, only it was fresher. “How did you hunt all this?” Éomer asked with shock as he kneeled down and inspected the expertly gutted animals as Legolas returned with the remaining animals, gently placing them on the ground by the others. “I’ve gutted them, do the rest” Ruth muttered in a tired voice before turning around and leaving, walking away from him and Legolas, pulling down her hood and sighing heavily, a hand running down her face in frustration. She was about to head towards the exit of the camp when Legolas caught up with her, gently grabbing her hand which stopped her, turning her to face him. “Back in Edoras… your words… what did they mean, Ruth?” Legolas asked softly and she closed her eyes in regret, gently shaking her head as she looked away, but she didn’t leave. “‘Your doom burns every creature you touch, poor little Lucia’... that’s what it said. Dragonborns have often been called ‘doomstriken’ or ‘doom fated’. Because of the dragon blood in our veins we lust for power and domination, and unfortunately, far too many give in to it…” Ruth muttered as she gently pulled her hand out of his, looking back up at him with a forced smile “I don’t want another death on my hands, Legolas…” Ruth trailed off as though her words were explanation enough, hoping and praying that Legolas would get the message but he just grabbed her hand again, gently guiding her to a nearby fire, sitting down with her on a log and the second she sat down, she leaned against his shoulder, eyes locked on the flames as they licked at the air, trying to climb higher and higher. “You’re not doomstriken, Ruth” Legolas’ soft words were enough for her to relax against him, her eyes closing out of their own accord before she forced them back open again, only for them to fall shut once more, this time she didn’t force them open though, she let herself drift off on Legolas’ shoulder, the fire warming her bones that had been strained for days now, hunting, running, never taking a moment to rest, until now. After a while Legolas gently picked her up and carried her to his tent, laying her down on his cot before laying down on the grass below, his own eyes closing as he began to drift off.

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When Legolas woke up, he expected to find Ruth, it was barely dawn, still dark outside but she was nowhere to be seen, the camp still mostly asleep but yet there were sounds of life outside the small tent. When Legolas looked towards the the cot he saw some stew carefully placed on it so it wouldn’t spill, a wooden spoon lying next to it and before Legolas could think anything else, the flap opened, revealing Ruth as she walked in, gaze downcast until she realized Legolas was awake, her cheeks burning bright red as she cleared her throat and approached, some bread in her hands, wrapped in some fabric as she walked closer and put it down beside the stew, gesturing to it “I uh… brought you food” she mumbled, giving him a soft smile before leaving the tent once more. Legolas happily took the food that she had brought him, it somehow tasted better with the knowledge that it was her who brought it to him in preparation for him to wake up, not Aragorn, certainly not Gimli, her.

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Legolas couldn’t help but glare as he watched her ride next to Éomer, the occasional smile thrown his way when he made her laugh, it annoyed him and he had no idea why. “The dragon at Helm’s Deep, it was real?!” Éomer asked and she nodded with a chuckle “yes, his name is Durnehviir, I bested him in combat once” she explained, Éomer blinking at her with shock “you-... bested a dragon?? Alone?” he asked with shock and her cheeks burned as she shrugged, clearing her throat awkwardly as she shifted uncomfortably in the saddle. “Yes, though I had help from three others… but he’s far from the first or last dragon I’ve bested, I just didn’t kill him, or well, I did but he can never really die so he just reappeared again” Ruth said as though that made it less of a big deal, Éomer’s eyes wide as he simply watched her, clearly making her uncomfortable without realizing it. “Bormahu Ofan Zu’u Mulaag…” Ruth muttered quietly as he continued to stare at her, her shy look slowly turning into one of annoyance. “Drem, Ruth, Drem. Krif Dovah Ahst Daar Lein Los Nunon Zoor…” she added quietly, glancing at Éomer before clearing her throat, raising her head as if she heard something, a frown forming on her face “yes, Legolas? Excuse me, Lord Éomer, I believe I heard Legolas calling for me” she said politely, turning Shadowmere around and practically galloping over to Legolas, opting to ride alongside him instead, letting out a heavy breath. “Please pretend to be talking to me” she whispered in a quiet voice, Legolas smirking as he chuckled, Aragorn shaking his head in amusement as Gimli looked at her confused. “Daar Wahl Zu’u Lingrah Fah Dii Sul Ahst Fin Monahven Voth Paarthurnax…” Ruth mumbled, looking at Legolas to find him already looking at her, a blush forming on her cheeks as she cleared her throat and looked away. “Sorry, I often speak in Dovah tongue when I’m annoyed… or anxious, or nervous. Or angry” Ruth muttered, forcing herself to smile up at Legolas, her smile becoming less forced when Legolas smiled back at her. “So, what were you saying?” Legolas asked and Ruth couldn’t help but chuckle a bit, “oh, I was merely complaining, muttering to myself of how I longed to be back at the Monahven with my teacher. It was quiet times such as those that made things bearable after the Civil War” she admitted with a casual shrug, looking ahead with that same, soft smile on her lips. “Monahven is the dragon word for The Throat of the World, a highly significant place. It’s the tallest mountain in all of Skyrim, and the world in fact, I think, and the Nords believe they originated from there, that a goddess of nature and wind blew them into creation atop that mountain peak, though some just believe they hailed from Atmora. Either way, it’s the birthing place of man and dragons alike, it is said that the spirit of Kyne rests upon that mountain. There’s also a sort of rift, a shard of some sort. Time was shattered on top of that mountain, creating a rift where if you have a specific Elder Scroll, you can see through it, see what caused the rift itself, live through it as though you were really there” Ruth explained in a smirk, turning her head when she was met with silence, clearing her throat awkwardly as she looked away “forgive me for rambling” she muttered, about to steer Shadowmere away when a voice stopped her, “Elder Scroll? What are those?” Ruth looked at Legolas as he posed the question, one of her red eyebrows arching as she smirked at him “how much time do you have, Legolas of Mirkwood?” she asked in a teasing voice, Legolas smirking right back at her “as long as it takes, Ruth of Solstheim…”

Ruth blushed at his words and Gimli rolled his eyes, waving Aragorn over and when he was close enough, Gimli dared to pull himself over to Aragorn to sit behind him instead, a chuckle leaving Ruth’s lips at his action. “I don’t blame you, Master Gimli, it is a difficult subject to understand and not for those of simple minds, I do not blame you for fleeing” she stated teasingly, Gimli’s look turning into one of pure and utter shock and he couldn’t have looked more offended if he tried. “Aragorn, put me back! I said; put me back! I’ll show that-... what are you doing?! Aragorn! You’re riding the other way!” Gimli complained, a smirk on Aragorn’s lips as he gave you and Legolas some privacy.

“So, an Elder Scroll” Legolas started and Ruth smirked up at him before chuckling “Elder ScrollS. There’s three in total I believe, safely contained in my home until they decide to leave. You see, Elder Scrolls are something entirely different, nothing can destroy them, fire, ice, lightning, not even my Thu’um can touch it! Elder Scrolls are exactly where they want to be, they can be resting on the table in your house one second and be gone the next with no trace as to how or why. They appear at different times on Nirn, shifting in between time as though it was a gentle stream of water and not an all commanding force of nature. They can tell you of the past, the present and the future, they are so powerful that you can go blind if you are too hasty in trying to read one, and even if you manage a glimpse at it, it’s rare that you’ll be able to intrepid what you’ll see anyway. They pop up at different times but always where they’re needed, during a dragon crisis where a specific person needs to peek through the window of time to the past to learn a crucial tool to help save the world, kept safely in another pocket realm, awaiting someone to pick it up and join it with it’s fellow scrolls to avert a vampire crisis and save the mortality and freedom of everyone. They always have a reason for existing, sometimes they stay decades in the same spot, knowing that one day someone will come get them, someone will have the purpose or the knowledge to find them. They can choose to disappear at any time, often at random but I believe there’s a sort of sentience to them. They always appear when needed, or when something concerning them is meant to happen or could happen. Four hundred years ago in my world, it is said that the Imperial Library had one of these scrolls, I’m not sure how they managed to get one but it is said to have been stolen by a legendary thief! The Gray Fox, legendary… I believe the scroll was there for that exact purpose. I believe the scroll I found in the dwemer ruins had waited decades for me to find it for the purpose of helping me see through that rift of time without going blind. Perhaps it is one of the Divines who control them, or the Daedra, perhaps they have their own sentience… I believe the latter. That they can think for themselves, they’re not alive but they are too methodical to be random acts of magic we don’t understand. I believe they act on the probability of things that can happen, there was a chance that the heist at the Imperial Library would be successful and so it planted itself into the hands of those it would be stolen from. There was a chance I’d make it to the Soul Cairn and free Valerica so she could lead me to the Scroll she kept hidden and locked away. There was a chance that I’d hear the rumors of the Dawnguard rising, that I’d join up to protect Skyrim once more and go to that cave where a woman was locked away with an Elder Scroll, which she would later entrust me with. They are all too methodical, too thought out to be simple acts of powerful magic… I don’t believe Magnus himself would have the power to do this so there has to be something more to it… it’s what I believe anyway, but the fact remains that not a lot is known about the Elder Scrolls, how they appear and disappear seemingly at will, how they can show the past, present and future all at once…” Ruth ended her rambling, about to apologize for rambling on and on when Legolas stopped her before she could, he enjoyed hearing her voice, even though he didn’t understand half of what she said. “The Dwemer had an Elder Scroll?” he asked with curiosity and Ruth seemed to light up at his question, bringing warmth to his heart as he watched her grin, watching her lips move as she began to explain and ramble, telling him her theories and beliefs as to how and why.

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Legolas hesitantly approached Ruth as she stood near the edge of the cliff, eyes locked on the moon, arms crossed over her chest as she had a small frown on her face, as though she was deep in thought, it was partially why Legolas was so careful when approaching her. “Ruth?” The short, red haired woman with almost glowing green eyes turned at the mention of her name, her eyes falling on Legolas and it was as though the sight of him alone was enough to make her less worried about something, her eyes returning to the moon up high above her. “There’ll be full moons on Nirn tonight… I’m amazed… I still feel the pull, the tug… even though I’m so far away… Hircine pulls me towards his hunting grounds…” Ruth whispered the last bit under her breath, as though it was a foreshadowing that she dreaded. “How did you arrive here, on Middle Earth?” Legolas finally asked the question that had plagued him since Lothlorien, a soft sigh leaving Ruth’s lips as she looked down. “I was roaming Apocrypha… collecting a unique book I had been looking for… a hobby of mine, but this book I wasn’t capable of finding on Nirn… so I traveled to Apocrypha, where all books and knowledge, free and forbidden, is stored. It’s the realm of a daedric prince who goes by the name Hermaeus Mora, or Herma Mora. I couldn’t find the book in that particular section of Apocrypha so I decided to exit and enter another section, hoping to find it there but when I exited-... I was here… I remember falling from the sky, hurling towards the ground… I managed to shift at the last moment, leaving me unscathed, sore but unscathed… I lost the clothes I was wearing but I wasn’t wearing anything significant, merely a comfortable dress. I ended up in Rivendell, I landed right outside a fountain of sorts, Lord Elrond happened to pass by, seeing me change back into human form… he cared for me, clothed me and fed me, nursed me back to my strength. Then a group of Dwarves showed up. When I first heard the news I was so confused,” Ruth stated with a light chuckle, gently shaking her head as she looked down at the ground, “the idea that Dwarves existed here, even though they were nothing like the ones from my world was quite a shock… I met them, got along well with them, learned about their culture and lives, they’re a festive bunch, small but cheery. They reminded me of the Companions, strong spirited and headstrong, full of fighting spirit. You should have seen Thorin’s face when I asked to join them on their quest, they all began to warn me about dragons and orcs and giant wolf like creatures the orcs used as mounts, it all sounded rather pleasant to me” Ruth admitted with a smirk, looking back up at Legolas “you know the rest” she ended, shrugging lightly before looking back out over the edge of the cliff. “Perhaps I can summon Durnehviir once more, to help in defending Gondor… he owes me quite a lot of favors and I know he enjoys the fresh air and sun, being cooped up in the Soul Cairn could have a vampire longing for the sun on their skin” Ruth added with an amused look on her face.

“What is a vampire?” Ruth’s head snapped in Legolas’ direction at his question, a look of shock on her face “you don’t-... you don’t have vampires?... I-I suppose it makes sense, since you don’t have Daedric Princes. Vampires are immortal beings from my world, created by a Daedric Prince of domination and enslavement, and of course vampires. Immortality is… tricky, in my world. Vampires will never get sick, grow old. They gain formidable power, but they can be killed, they can die from a wound if the wound is specific, like poisoned or inflicted by something specific. There’s different kinds of vampires too, there’s the daughters of Coldharbour and the men, they gain their vampirism directly from Molag Bal, the creator of vampirism, then there are the lesser streins, the ones infected by the Coldharbour vampires, then there are those infected by them, and so on and so on, each chain is weaker and less powerful than the ones directly from Molag Bal, or the ones that are direct from him. The further away from the source, the weaker” Ruth stated with a shrug, looking up at Legolas with a soft smile, as though studying him before looking back up at the moon “I rejected the offer to become one of the most powerful ones… I must admit that I somewhat regret it…” Ruth muttered the last bit with a bittersweet smile. “You… regret it?” Legolas asked slowly, seeing Ruth nod her head softly “yes… I had the option, to be infected by one who was transformed by Molag Bal himself, but I refused… I was too caught up in my beast blood back then, thinking that it was more superior than their power. It would have helped in the upcoming battles, giving me more control, more power… my kind, the Dovahkiin, I’ve told you of how we lust for power… that we can’t help it, it’s in a dragon’s nature to dominate and that nature lies within us, because of the dragon souls. It’s also very difficult to resist, I kept that in mind when I refused, believing I would be denying myself too much power in an attempt to control myself but-...” Ruth trailed off with an almost sad look to her, eyes moving to the ground under her feet, the edge itself barely more than a few inches away from where she was standing. “The beast blood haunts me, Legolas… I begin to grow tired of it… of the hunger, the restless nights… I haven’t slept soundly since I acquired the blood… I would do mostly anything for one night’s rest… without nightmares, without a restless need to hunt… I want hunting to be a sport again, not something that I felt compelled to do… If I could go back in time… I might’ve joined Lord Harkon… at least for a brief while…” Ruth admitted in an almost whispering voice, as though saying it out loud would damn her to the darkest pits of a place of her horrors, eyes glazed over as if she was in some sort of daze. “Is there a way to cure yourself? You said you cured a man once after he was dead?” Legolas asked after a while, seeing her nod gently, as though doing any movement too big would make the world come crashing down over her head “there is… an item one must burn to free themselves… I’ve freed Kodlak… Vilkas, Farkas… only Aela and I are left and I grow tired of it, of never sleeping peacefully. I know Aela holds onto the blood so she can see Skjor, her lover, in the afterlife of Hircine, but I’m not so certain as to why I’m holding onto it… I have no one waiting for me in the Hunting Grounds. I suppose if I couldn’t go to Sovngarde I’d want to go to the Evergloam, if Nocturnal allows it. It’s said to be so beautiful that mortals go blind upon entering the realm” Ruth muttered with a blissful look before seemingly snapping out of it, blinking away a few tears before smiling up at Leolas “we best rest our bones before we’ll have to join Aragorn” she said casually, turning around to walk away when Legolas gently grabbed her by her elbow, stopping her “how-”

“There’s a rider approaching, Legolas. I remember the sound of the hooves, it’s Lord Elrond, also,” she took a step closer to him with a smirk “I can smell it’s him” she stated with a smirk before moving so his hand slipped into hers, a grin on her lips as she nodded towards the nearby fire where, amongst others, Gimli sat and laughed, enjoying himself. Legolas found himself easily pulled along with her, the smile she cast over her shoulder at him, the way the fire glowed behind her, making her red hair almost shine in the darkness, it was enough to convince him. She dragged him over by the fire, sitting down on the ground next to an open space on a log, Legolas sitting down on the log and without hesitating she leaned her head on his legs, grinning and laughing at one of Gimli’s comments. Legolas couldn’t help but admire her, the top of her fiery red hair, glowing, the small braids here and there as her hair was pulled from the front to the back of her neck, tied with a thick band of something, along with a clasp he knew to be dwarvish in origin, the symbols faint in the darkness, the moving light of the fire was enough to light up some of the carvings. Her skin almost burned through to his legs, she was almost burning as hot at the fire yet didn’t appear to be ill, her cheeks, although pale, had a healthy color to them, the freckled seemingly moving about on her cheeks, dancing across them, running over the bridge of her nose, he knew it was just the flames and the way the light was cast and moved, but it brought a smile to his face, the idea of her freckles coming alive, dancing to a tune no one but she knew.

#Skyrim fic #LOTR fic #Skyrim x LOTR Crossover #A Chance Encounter #Legolas x OC #Legolas x Ruth Telvanni #Elder Scrolls: V

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dollycas · 5 months

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Special Guest - Rebecca Olmstead - Author of - Love and Death in Madison, Georgia included in Malice, Matrimony, and Murder: A Limited-Edition Collection of 25 Wedding Cozy Mystery and Crime Fiction Stories #AuthorInterview / #Giveaway

Malice, Matrimony, and Murder: A Limited-Edition Collection of 25 Wedding Cozy Mystery and Crime Fiction Stories by Joslyn Chase, Charlotte Morganti, P.M. Raymond, Paige Sleuth, Teresa Inge, Sally Milliken, Rebecca Olmstead, Nikki Knight, Shari Held, Barbara Howard, Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier, KD Sherrinford, Stephen D. Rogers, Elaine Togneri, Lynn Hesse, Margaret S. Hamilton, Stella Oni, Robert Petyo, Pamela Kyel, Karen McCullough, Wil A. Emerson, Jack Bates, J. Aquino, Sharyn Kolberg, Becky Clark

I am happy to welcome Rebecca Olmstead to Escape With Dollycas today!

Hi Rebecca, Please tell us a little bit about yourself. I was born and raised in a small farming town in the Pacific Northwest. My greatest frustration as a child was not being able to read because no one had the time to read to me. But, once that magic door was opened, I was a happy camper. I’ve always loved the art of storytelling. I devoured all genres, but it was mystery that made me want to be a writer. What are three things most people don’t know about you? I am a 14-year cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with a sarcoma in my sacral nerve root in 2009, and was told if I survived, I would be paralyzed on my left side. I am a walking miracle. I spent a year in California when I was 21 pursuing my first dream of being an actress and have performed in many way-off Broadway productions. My fans know I crochet, but what they don’t know is that keeping my hands busy helps me focus, think, and plot. The afghans, hats, and sweaters are an added bonus. What books/authors have most inspired you? My biggest inspirations came in high school literature. Hawthorne, Falkner, O. Henry... But the author who impacted me the most was Ambrose Bierce, with his ability leave the reader wondering what had just happened. That’s what I aspire to in my short stories. My inspiration for mysteries began with Alfred Hitchcock’s Three Investigators and continues to be Agatha Christie and Patricia Wentworth.

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? Of course, my favorite research is traveling. I’m not as fond of interviewing people, but I do. For Dreams and Illusions, I traveled to Seattle, toured King County Jail and Police headquarters, and interviewed many law enforcement officers. I was so scared, but most people are very nice and are happy to share what they do. I also looked at apartments, and my personal favorite, trying out restaurants. A lot of my research is done on the good old internet or in books. And I research as I write. That way, I don’t lose my muse. I take as long as I need to make a setting or scene come alive in my mind and not just a cold description. I know if I feel it, my reader will. Do you ever suffer from Writer’s Block? I don’t. I have a very curious mind. My imagination helped me to survive a very hard childhood, and now it just makes life a little more interesting. I do, however, suffer from laziness. Getting the words on the page is a lot of work, but having fans asking when your next book is coming out is a great motivation. What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer? At the end of the day, writers write. I started Dreams and Illusions thirty years before it was published. One reason for the long journey was that I was a busy mom. Too many times I put everything else before my desire to be published. Sometimes this was just watching TV. You have to make time for your dreams. No one will do that for you. Another word of advice is, don’t edit while you’re writing. I don’t know how many years I spent trying to make that first chapter perfect. Newsflash, it’s called a “rough draft” for a reason. Keep moving forward and don’t look back until you type those lovely words, “The End.” I also have to add, don’t overthink the process. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Take one step at a time. Write (and finish) the manuscript, revise, revise, revise, find a great editor, revise, revise, revise … if you look at the journey as a whole, you’ll start to think it’s too much and give up. One step at a time. When you are not writing what do you like to do? I’ve already mentioned crochet. I also love to sew, garden, craft, read, go camping, hiking, and fishing with my family, watch mysteries, do puzzles, and go antiquing (mostly for books). And of course, having coffee with my husband. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why? I’ve just recently discovered my ancestry on my father’s side comes from a long line of Scottish royalty. I’d love to go to Scotland and visit some of my ancestral castles—and maybe get into writing some historical sagas. Do you have any special plans for the holidays? I’ve had quite a few surgeries this year, so the holidays will be low-key for us. Cooking, baking, eating too much, doing puzzles and watching cheesy holiday movies in front of the fire with my favorite people. What is next on the horizon for you? I’m currently working on two books. A nonfiction book giving young adults tools to defeat suicide, with plans for a 2024 summer release date. And the second book in my Gabrielle Dorian Mystery Series, Dreams and Deceptions, looking at a release in November 2024. Thank you, Rebecca, for visiting today! It was great to meet you and learn we have some things in common. Keep reading for information about Malice, Matrimony, and Murder!

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lovereconthings · 10 months

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How To Deal With My In-Laws

IN-LAWS & MARITAL LONGEVITY Is it normal to have a meddling mother-in-law or a grumpy older man as a father-in-law? Movies and television indeed portray in-laws- in a

dysfunctional and harmful light. But is that the way that it has to be? A recent study reveals that men on good terms with their wives' parents are more likely to enjoy a long-lasting marriage than those who don't get along with their in-laws. However, the wife's relationship with her in-laws is more complex and is less indicative of marital bliss. Why the difference? The study's author, Terri Orbuch, explains that when a man bonds with his in-laws, his wife gets the message that "your family is important to me because you are important to me. I want to feel closer to them because I want to be closer to you." Wives love that, and marriages get a longevity bump. But when a wife feels close to her in-laws, Orbuch sees two possible reasons that things go the other way. First, In-law ties are more stressful to women because it "interferes with and takes time away from bonding with her husband and her own family. Women like to analyze, work on and improve relationships. They think of in-law ties in the same way, Orbuch says. Investing time with her in-laws takes time away from other things that strengthen bonds with the husband. Discussion and Application Points - How would you describe your relationship with your in-laws? = Close, Friendly, Distant, or Conflicted? - What do you think about Orbuch’s study and his conclusions? IN-LAWS AND CONFLICT Conflict is inevitable in any close human relationship, including relationships with parents and in-laws. It may begin early in the relationship with the in-laws not approving of the marriage and carry into the relationship with conflict over the use of finances, parenting styles, holiday observances, religious beliefs, and other lifestyle choices. Every attempt should be made by you, your spouse, and your in-laws for the sake of harmony in the family. Discord and bitterness will influence everyone and have a detrimental effect on children. To Consider and Apply - In what areas do you experience the most conflict with your in-laws? - What have you said or done that has not worked or made things worse? - What could you do, if anything, to improve your relationship with them? INLAWS AND COMPANIONSHIP & COUNSEL Healthy in-law relationships can also be experienced with the right attitudes and a willingness to cooperate, negotiate and sacrifice. Ruth and Naomi had such a relationship in the Old Testament of the Bible. Ruth and her mother-in-law were both widowed. When Naomi attempted to send Ruth back to her people where she could remarry and go on with her life, this was Ruth's response (paraphrased): "Please don't make me leave you or force me to go home. Where you go, I will go. Where you live, I will live. I will die where you die and be buried there as well." To Consider and Apply - What builds such a close relationship between a person and their in-law? - What would it take for you to make the first move in growing closer to your in-laws? Moses and Jethro Another positive example of an in-law relationship is that of Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro. Moses was burning out physically and emotionally from the heavy burden of leadership. Jethro arrived on the scene and gave wise counsel to Moses. He devised a plan that Moses could implement that would divide the leadership responsibilities between Moses and others and free Moses to do what only he could do. It was a great strategy and worked well. We can learn from Moses and his interaction with Jethro. Moses listened to Jethro and heeded his counsel. Discussion and Application Points: - What would have been your attitude if you had been Moses and your father-in-law or mother-in-law gave you advice? - Why do you think that Moses listened to Jethro? - What does it take to be willing to listen to and consider your parent’s/in-law’s advice? BRAWL WITH YOUR IN-LAWS! Fawn Weaver, the author of, The Happy Wives Club, asked the readers of her blog who were getting along with their in-laws to share the key factors that created that good relationship. Over 500 responded in a day. Fawn says their answers could be summarized in the acronym B.R.A.W.L. – Boundaries, Respect, Acceptance, Willingness, and Love. To Consider and Apply - B- What boundaries need to be drawn with each of your parents or in-laws? - R- How can you respect or honor each one? - A- What is it that you need to accept about each one - that character trait or personality trait that is not going to change? - W - Check your own attitude. Are you willing to make an effort, to be flexible in your relationship with them? - L- What are some ways that you can express love and care for each parent or in-law? If you would like to discuss how we can help you with your marriage and relationships, don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or call 866-218-1716. For testimonials and more information, you may also visit our website, www.LoveRecon.org. Read the full article

#holidaystress #improveyourrelationship #marriagehelp

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tajamahals · 2 years

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I think today is the day I finally talk about how angry I am at Lady Danbury and Violet for letting the Edwina/Anthony engagement get as far as it did.

In my first couple watches of the season, I absolutely loved Lady D and Violet, and I still do love them as characters. I also particularly loved Ruth Gemmel in the flashback scenes and in the scenes with Anthony in episode 5, 7, and 8.

However, in my last rewatch I was annoyed and confused by them. As great they are as characters are, it does not excuse the writing that made them encourage Anthony to propose to edwina knowing he did not love her and knowing edwina wanted love in her marriage.

Episodes 2,3, and 4 particularly are where I get most confused by their writing this season. In season 1, they were champions of true love. Particularly Lady D when she told Simon that leading Daphne on if he did not plan to propose was cruel. That was such a good moment for her! Ignoring the weird part in season 1 episode 4 where she says true love solves racism (I’m not even going to touch that), you can see that Lady Danbury believes in the true love and it’s power. And we all know Violet just wants each of her children to experience true love.

Where was this attitude in episode 3 when Lady tried to force Anthony’s hand to propose at the dinner?! Where was this when they were eavesdropping outside rooms and looking pleased with themselves knowing that Anthony did not feel anything but duty for edwina?? Or in episode 4 when edwina is clearly deluding herself about Anthony and no one says anything?!

Kate was the only person to tell edwina the truth from the start about Anthony not looking for love in marriage and she was vilified for it (we’re not going into that in this post I have too many thoughts). Violet and Lady D knew the entire time that Anthony simply saw Edwina as a duty and allowed this to happen despite them both being champions of true love in season 1, and Violet telling Anthony that he deserves the same love her and his father shared in episode 5.

Lady D knew that Anthony and Kate had feelings for each other, but her advice to Kate was convoluted and odd throughout, telling her to hide her feelings one day and the next telling her to share.

I will also die on the hill of saying Violet also knew, and the writers made her intentionally obtuse this season for reasons. It’s absurd to me that Violet had to wait for Daphne to confirm things when we had several shots of her from episode 2 on noticing Anthony staring at Kate. We all know daphne knew, but I don’t think she had the power that Violet and Lady D have in the situation and she tried her best (I think it would’ve been amazing and hilarious if she challenged Kate to a duel to get back at Anthony for last season but that��s me being petty).

I think the writers simply wanted drama for the sake of drama this season which is why they wrote several characters inconsistently, including Violet and Lady D (don’t get me started on edwina and Mary and the lack of support for Anthony from many of the bridgerton siblings - looking at you benedict and Colin). Drama is not a bad thing, but if you have to change characters, not to mention several characters to get a situation you want re: failed edwina/Anthony wedding, pre&post- wedding angst and longing, and resulting scandal, that is not good writing or good televison. It is frustrating for viewers to watch because the resulting conflict and resolution does not feel earned, it can be difficult to follow, and the resulting resolution is not satisfying,

Anyways tldr; for the sake of creating more drama, the Bridgerton writers changed the characterization of Lady Danbury and Violet against championing true love for parts of the season. They made Lady D encourage a proposal she knew was out of duty and made Violet intentionally blind to Anthony’s feelings for Kate so we could get the drama of a failed Edwina/Anthony wedding.

#bridgerton #bridgerton season two #i love Violet and Lady d like CVD did you have to do them so dirty like it’s just not them #CVD has committed many sins and this is the one I choose to be mad about today #lady danbury #violet bridgerton #anthony bridgerton #kate sharma

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fanfics-for-the-hockey-fan · 3 years

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A Lie to Love - Nathan MacKinnon

This is for @antoineroussel Summer Fic Exchange. I had the wonderful @broadstbroskis!

I had so much fun writing this fic and reading everyone else's work, I love getting to see so many great writers sharing their work on this site. This is also one of the longest pieces I have written in a very long time, as I was writing this I had a million other fic ideas pop in my head so many those will get written some time soon.

***

I just sat down on my couch, just getting home from work when someone started knocking on my apartment door. I was hoping to ignore it and it would go away, unfortunately they kept knocking. I groaned as I got up, decided how much I was going to curse this person out. “What-” Right behind the door was Nate, giving me a nervous smile.

I had met Nate through his teammate Gabe, I babysat for Gabe and Melissa on a regular basis. Nate showed up one night that I was watching their daughter looking for advice from Melissa. I was able to help him then he hung out with me until Gabe and Melissa came home. Since then I could expect him to show up at my apartment at least once a week for dinner, and we were close friends after I had to save him from a laundry emergency that first night I met him.

“I’m so glad you’re home. I need a huge favor.” Leaving the door open I headed back towards my couch, I knew Nate would follow me and close the door behind him. Once I was sitting on the couch again Nate pulled my legs onto his lap.

“Last time you asked for a favor I ended up with the flu.” Which was true, he had asked me to help out at a learn to skate event that was outside in December. It had been a cold and foggy day, and two days later I was down for the count.

“I brought you soup! And tissues for we left for that road trip.”

“You brought me one box of tissues and two cans of tomato soup.” Nate raised an eyebrow like I had proven his point. I threw a pillow at his head before speaking again. “I’m allergic to tomatoes!”

“Oh, I’m an idiot. Sorry. But I still need a favor.” I really wanted to just say no, ask Nate to leave and go to sleep until I had to go into the office tomorrow. But I knew I was going to say yes before I even found out what he needed. “Please Ruth.”

“What is this favor?”

“I need you to be my fake girlfriend.”

“That was not what I was expecting you to say.” That got a small chuckle out of Nate but he also looked nervous. “Why do you need a fake girlfriend?” Nate was in a ‘single and loving it’ stage of life, he just wanted to play hockey and hang out with his teammates.

“An executive on the team has been talking up his daughter for like the last two years. I’ve been able to brush off the hints he has been throwing at me, luckily she doesn’t live here. Today he came up to me when I was heading out for the day, talking about how his daughter is coming into town and how we should get dinner together so I can get to know her. I thought I could brush it off as a one off dinner, say we there was no connection and then she would be gone. Easy, ya know?”

“Not really. But continue.”

“Apparently this isn’t just a visit for her, she is moving here. And going to work for the team on the social media team.”

“That must have ruined your plan.” Nate nodded and I knew I was going to agree to his crazy plan. “So how did all this lead to me needing to be your fake girlfriend?”

“I panicked and said I had a girlfriend.”

“And I’m the only girl you hang out with that isn’t related to you or in a relationship with a teammate.”

“You are also one of my best friends and the one person I trust every part of my life with. I know this is a lot to ask, I know this is bigger than asking you to help with a skating event. This is a change to every part of your life, and lying to a lot of people.”

“I’ll do it.” Nate’s jaw actually dropped like he couldn’t believe I was agreeing to do it. “Just tell me what you need me to do.”

“Thank you, thank you so much. I know this is a huge ask, I really do.”

“Before we talk about details, I need food and wine. Not necessarily in that order.” I ordered food and pulled out the biggest wine glass I had. As we waited for the food, we came up with a plan and story to tell everyone. We decided to stick with the cliche story of best friends who decided to fall for each other.

“Um, what about kissing? And other PDA?” Nate’s cheeks flushed as he asked the question and I knew it wasn’t from the wine. “I don’t want to do anything you are uncomfortable with.”

“Let’s just start with hand holding and that kind of stuff.”

“Yeah, okay. That sounds good.” Our food was delivered then, Nate going to the door and coming back with the bags of food.

“How much do I owe you?”

“Don’t worry about it, you can think about it like this is our first date.” I nod and start eating once we decided on something to watch. This felt normal for us, eating take out and watching whatever hockey game Nate was able to find. After we finished eating Nate helped me clean everything up before he got ready to leave. I walked him to the door, hugging him tightly as he let out a sigh of relief. “I don’t think I will ever be able to repay you for doing this. Thank you so much.”

“Don’t worry about it Nate, I’ll always be there when you need me.” I closed the door behind him, hoping that I wouldn’t regret agreeing to fake date my best friend.

Nate’s pov

I had been ignoring my phone since I pulled into the parking lot at Ruth’s apartment building, knowing that asking Ruth to do this would make or break our friendship. When I left her apartment I was hopeful that this wouldn’t be the end of our friendship. But I also knew it was only going to make my feelings for her grow. I realized within a month of knowing Ruth that I had feelings for her, and I had almost told her a dozen times a year since then.

I checked my phone when I got home, I had four missed phone calls from my captain and nearly a dozen texts. I skipped over looking at all the messages and just called him. “Nate, why did I hear you say that you are dating someone? Mel has been questioning me since this afternoon because she heard you say to someone that you are in a relationship. She is pissed that I didn’t tell her about it. Which is hard to do considering I had no clue.”

Before I could answer I heard Mel’s voice. “MacKinnon, you better tell me who you are dating.”

“Uh, Ruth-” There was a loud squeal on the other end of the call and then I heard Landy trying to shush his wife.

“When were you going to tell us this?” Gabe asked after it got quiet. I wanted to tell them the truth, we had talked about it. We eventually decided that we wouldn’t tell them the truth because Gabe was the worst gossiper on the team.

“It’s only been about a month, we wanted to make sure this was going to work before we shared it with anyone. We wanted to wait even longer but one of the executives was trying to set me up with his daughter.”

“Alright. I guess that is enough information from now. We can always ask more questions at that fundraiser on Friday night.”

“Oh shit.” That caused Gabe to laugh at me.

“You didn’t tell her about that yet?”

“No, we weren’t going public yet so I figured that I would just go by myself. But I guess I need to tell her about that now and see if she is willing to come with me.”

“That is a big first outing, good luck with that buddy.” Gabe hung up and I knew that I needed to tell Ruth about Friday but when I left she had mentioned she was going to crash as soon as I left. I figured I should go to bed now and deal with everything tomorrow.

***

I was getting ready to knock on Ruth’s door when it flew open and Ruth was standing there looking shocked. “Nate! What are you doing here?” Her eyes then looked at the coffee cup I was holding, one that I had brought for her. “Oh, what’s wrong?”

“What do you mean?”

“You only ever bring me my favorite coffee order when you have bad news.”

“I-Landy reminded me last night that we have a black tie fundraiser on Friday night.”

“And now that our supposed relationship is public, you are expected to bring your girlfriend with you.”

“Yeah. I am sorry, I never meant to make your life this complicated.” Ruth took the coffee from me, taking a sip before locking her door.

“I know what I signed up for Nate. I need to get to work, walk with me to my car.” I followed her through the hall of her apartment, waiting for her to yell at me. “What is this fundraiser for? And what kind of dress do I need?”

“It’s for the children’s hospital. We do it every year, they book a huge ballroom and it’s a lot of rich people. The Avs don’t run this fundraiser but all the sports teams in town donate a bunch of stuff to them to auction off and the team likes us to go so the people are more willing to open their wallets.”

“And yet that doesn’t tell me what kind of dress I need, or what time this thing is. Or any of the other million things I need to know to get ready for this thing.”

“I’m not sure about any of this, every year I go by myself. I can have Mel call you?”

“That sounds good. I have to go now, I have a project that was assigned to me yesterday that is way behind schedule. So thank you for the coffee and I’ll see you later.” I watched as she got into her car and drove away.

Ruth’s pov

By the time lunch came around I was buried under a pile of work, I hoped that if I could work through lunch and stay a little late every day this week that I would be caught up by the end of the week so I could focus on the lie at this fundraiser. So when I saw that Melissa was calling me I knew my plan was about to be derailed. “Hey Melissa.”

“I am going to ignore the fact that you didn’t tell me about you and Nate. And I am also going to save all of my questions for later, Nate told me that you need a dress for Friday. I can be at your office in 10 minutes, we can go shopping during your lunch hour.”

“I am so behind on a project that was just given to me this morning and it was already so far behind because the guy who was incharge of it before me was an idiot. I don’t have time to take a lunch break this week.”

“But Nate gave me his card to buy your dress with.” I knew I would regret what I was about to say but I didn’t have another option.

“If I tell you what size I wear, can you just get me something?”

“Absolutely!”

“Thank you. As much fun as I think shopping with you would be, I just can’t leave right now.”

“I get it. Send me a text with your sizes and I’ll find you the perfect dress.”

“Because my brain is a mess right now, I wasn’t supposed to babysit on Friday right?”

“No, my parents are in town this week. They are watching the kids. There is no way you are getting out of this event.” A part of me was hoping that I would have that as an excuse to not go but with that option gone I started to mentally prepare myself for Friday night.

***

“Thank you for letting me get ready here.” I said to Nate as he let me into his house. “And thank you for letting me crash here tonight.”

“Of course, it makes more sense this way. I also have your dress, Mel wouldn’t let me look at it when she dropped it off on Tuesday. I figured you can use my room to get ready, it has more counter space for whatever you need.”

“I’m not kicking you out of your bedroom and bathroom.”

“It’s not kicking me out when I volunteer to use the guest room. C’mon, let me carry your bag.”

“How long until we need to leave?”

“I have an Uber scheduled for 75 minutes from now.” I nod, knowing that I could make that work without having to rush too much. Once Nate headed into the guest room I started to unpack what I would need for now. Grabbing a towel before going to figure out the shower, which was far more high tech than anything I had ever seen in a shower before. I wrapped the towel around myself and went to find Nate. “Nate?! How do I work your futuristic shower?” I only stuck my head out in the hall to yell and luckily he heard me from the guest room he was in. A few seconds later he came out in only a loose pair of shorts, laughing at me. “Don’t laugh at me, your shower has a computer screen!” I opened the bedroom door so he could come in, watching his eyes widen when I saw I was only wearing a towel. As he came in to turn the shower on for me I took the time to look over him. When he turned to show me how to change the temperature and turn it off I knew he caught me checking him out. Nate was such a beautiful person, inside and out. I knew that fake dating Nate had the potential for my true feelings to come out and I was trying to convince myself that this wouldn’t end with the death of our friendship.

“Need anything else?”

“Nope.”

Nate’s pov

It took every ounce of willpower to not kiss Ruth when I saw her standing in my bedroom in just a towel, and then when I caught her checking me out I was really tempted to tell her the truth. I knew that this fake dating would just cause more pain for me but there was nothing I could do about that now. I took a colder shower than I had originally been planning to take but after that was done I got my suit on, just a dark grey suit so that hopefully I wouldn’t clash with whatever Ruth was wearing.

Just as I finished getting my shoes on there was a knock on my door. I opened it and was immediately speechless. The deep green dress looked amazing on her and I am pretty sure that my jaw was on the floor. As she moved in the dress I saw the large slit on the one side that showed a lot of her leg. “Can you zip my dress?”

“Y-yeah.” Ruth turned so her back was to me, pulling her hair to the side so I could tug up the zipper before whispering. “Perfect.”

“I should be ready in just a few minutes.”

“Yeah, I just need to come grab a tie. I wanted to wait until I saw what color your dress was.” Ruth nodded as we both heard into my bedroom, I headed straight for my closet and by the time I came out with my tie on Ruth was standing at the end of my bed smiling. “You look amazing.”

“You do too.” I walked over to Ruth, both of us looking at our reflection in the mirror. “We make a good looking couple.”

“I don’t think I can do this.” I froze after those words came out of my mouth, Ruth looking at me with wide eyes.

“O-okay, um, I’ll go grab my stuff and get out of your hair.” Ruth went to turn and walk away from me, but I gently turned her around so I could tell her the truth.

“No, that’s not what I meant.” I cupped Ruth’s cheek, locking eyes with her. “I have had feelings for you for so long. Probably since a month after I met you but I was scared to tell you. And then we became friends and I didn’t want to make things weird, so I kept it a secret. But I also fell for you more as we became closer friends. So I think a part of me decided to say I was dating someone because I want to be dating you. For real.” Ruth didn’t say anything, just took a step closer and pressed her lips to mine. “I, what just happened?”

“Everything you just told me, I feel the same way.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Now kiss me for real.” That I could do, I kissed Ruth like I had wanted to do for years. We only stopped kissing when a car horn sounded in my driveway. “I think I need to fix my lipstick.”

“I would say sorry but I’m not. I’ll go to the car if you want to fix your lipstick.” Ruth nodded, stepping back while smiling at me. “Just so you know, this isn’t our first date. I will be planning that for next week and it is going to knock your socks off.”

“As long as you are there, I can’t wait.” I kissed Ruth one more time before healing downstairs to tell the driver we were almost ready. I also couldn’t keep the smile off of my face, I couldn’t believe what started out as a panicked lie turned into a chance to date my best friend for real.

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foodreceipe · 3 years

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The 1990s Moments That Changed the Way We Think About Food

By: Anna Hezel Illustrations: Ellie Skrzat

The ’90s were a decade of information, SnackWell’s, and sun-dried tomatoes on everything. Here are eight events that shaped our opinions about cooking and eating.

1. The Launch of the TV Food Network In April of 1993, a young and scrappy Food Network launched with a debut lineup of French chef Jacques Pepin, writer David Rosengarten, Mrs. Fields founder Debbi Fields, and Emeril Lagasse, a little-known Louisiana restaurateur in his mid-30s with only a handful of prior television appearances under his belt.

Dorie Greenspan, who worked at the network during its launch as a consultant and producer, remembers it as a pioneering time in the unexplored realm of food television. On the TASTE Podcast, Greenspan recalled the head of programming at the time saying, “We’re going to make somebody a star, but we don’t know who that person will be.” It swiftly became clear that Emeril was that star.

In addition to the runaway hits, like Essence of Emeril, there were misgivings during the launch. “This was really a startup in every sense of the word,” she told me. “We made some terrible mistakes. We couldn’t figure out a bunch of things. We tried doing a call-in show, which seemed revolutionary. We were learning.”

The only model the network had at the time for programming about cooking was public television—shows like James Beard’s I Love to Eat and Julia Child’s The French Chef. But the move to cable meant a move toward the mainstream. “I don’t think you can underestimate the impact of that,” says Ruth Reichl. “That’s the moment that food really stopped being the provenance of the elites and became part of popular culture. Children watched it and were interested in chefs, and chefs became cool in a way that they hadn’t before.”

2. Fat Is Bad, But Everything Else Is Good At the tail end of the ’80s, a few influential government reports were published, recommending that Americans consume less fat. Americans internalized this as a directive that it was OK to consume as many calories as they wanted, as long as those calories weren’t coming from fat. A zany infomercial nutritionist named Susan Powter encouraged Americans to fill their shopping carts with cereal and low-fat chips, and SnackWell’s were born, promising unlimited amounts of dessert with no health repercussions.

Lay’s launched one of the most famous product missteps in the history of American consumerism. WOW chips, introduced in 1998, promised the same potato chip flavor with only one gram of fat per serving—a feat made possible by frying in a synthetic fat substitute called Olestra. Almost as soon as the chips hit the market, accounts started to pour in of horrible stomach woes caused by the chips. The FDA famously used the phrase “anal leakage” to describe the side effects, leading to one of the grossest and most memorable PR disasters in the history of packaged foods.

3. Sushi Goes Mainstream By the ’90s, sushi had existed in the United States for more than three decades, but this was the moment when it really caught on, especially as Japanese companies opened offices in U.S. cities. “It all started when Sony bought Columbia Pictures in 1989 and the entire West Coast went mad for sushi,” speculates Alan Richman, who was the restaurant critic at GQ at the time.

Everyone started opening sushi restaurants, including Robert DeNiro with a then little-known chef named Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, and in turn, sushi evolved from a rarefied luxury that one could only find in coastal cities to a casual, affordable treat that happened to fit perfectly into the era’s philosophy about nutrition. And then grocery stores started to catch on, stocking their refrigerator cases with plastic trays of California and spicy tuna rolls.

4. The Dawn of Online Recipes When we talk about the kind of rapid globalization that happened in the ’90s, it’s hard to avoid talking about the Internet, which shattered our spatial relationships to one another by making it as easy to talk to someone in Australia as it was to talk to the kid in your social studies class who lived down the street.

As the Internet became woven into our daily lives through services like Prodigy and America Online, it was only a matter of time before this rapidly growing technology became a way to disseminate the recipes and cooking advice that you could previously find only in magazines and cookbooks.

In 1995, Condé Nast launched Epicurious, a forward-thinking database of recipes compiled from some of the company’s food and travel magazines, including Bon Appétit and Gourmet. By the end of the decade, blogging platforms like Blogger and Xanga had emerged, paving the way for a generation of self-publishing food bloggers, like David Lebovitz in 1999, and Heidi Swanson, Pim Techamuanvivit, and Clotilde Dusoulier in the early 2000s.

5. A New Era for Restaurant Critics “I think the ’90s were the great era of restaurants in America,” says Alan Richman. The economy was strong, people had money to spend, and newspapers and magazines had budgets to send their critics to eat out and report on the latest trends in food. Fine-dining stalwarts in New York, like Le Bernardin, Daniel, and Jean-Georges, were thriving. But it was also a time when critics like Robert Sietsema at the Village Voice and Ruth Reichl at The New York Times started to clue diners in to the fact that “eating out” didn’t always have to mean French restaurants with white tablecloths.

“I was interested in talking about the way real people ate,” says Reichl. “I felt like restaurant reviews in The New York Times had been geared to a very small group of wealthy white people. And I thought everybody should go to restaurants.”

When Reichl reviewed her first Korean restaurant, Kang Suh, in 1993, three separate local Korean newspapers from New York reached out to her for interviews. When she wrote about a soba restaurant called Honmura An that same year, it caused a flap among readers who weren’t used to seeing “a little Japanese noodle shop” receive three stars.

6. NAFTA Reshapes California’s Food Landscape In 1994, NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement) was signed, formalizing a trade agreement among Canada, Mexico, and the United States. As Tina Vasquez writes, the agreement was greeted with lots of anti-immigrant pushback among Americans. Carlos Salinas de Gortari, the Mexican president at the time, promised Americans that the agreement would reduce migration by stabilizing Mexico’s economy.

Instead, the agreement caused vast unemployment in Mexican industries that struggled with their new competition, leading to one of the largest historic spikes in immigration to the United States from Mexico. This brought a boom of Mexican grocery stores, butchers, restaurants, and other businesses to the U.S., especially in Californian communities like the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Grocery store chains like Chavez Supermarkets, Vallarta Market, and Northgate González are still thriving in these parts of the state.

7. Italian Food Goes Regional In my house, in a suburb of Buffalo, New York, the ’90s was the era when the green Kraft canister of Parmesan cheese in the refrigerator was replaced with a little plastic-wrapped triangle of hard cheese and a hand-crank cheese grater. Starbucks and Olive Garden (which were founded in the ’70s and ’80s, respectively) were starting to make their way into every suburb, and Americans were warming up to the idea of saying “venti” out loud.

Marcella Hazan, Italy’s Julia Child, published The Essentials of Italian Cooking in 1992, and Molto Mario (starring Mario Batali before he had been accused of sexual assault) first aired in 1996. Americans were coming to terms with the fact that Italian food was more than a plate of spaghetti and meatballs—it was a cuisine with discrete regions, like Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna. And of course, every chef and home cook in America started putting sun-dried tomatoes on everything.

8. The Collapse of the Soviet Union Rewrites the World Map When the Soviet Union ended in 1991, the entire world map changed. Countries that hadn’t had a spot on the spinning globe in decades reemerged, and a few altogether new ones were formed. Suddenly, trade opened up between these countries and the rest of the world, spurring a period of wild, unregulated capitalism. Soviet-government-owned food-manufacturing companies started going out of business.

“Everyone wanted pizza, and later in the ’90s sushi, and there was this huge flood of new, very shoddy quality global foods, to which most people didn’t have access because the prices weren’t regulated,” says Anya Von Bremzen, the author of Please to the Table and Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking. “It’s a decade that’s remembered really negatively in that former Soviet bloc.”

The dissolution of the USSR also increased immigration to the U.S. from former Soviet countries. Cuba, which had been a close ally of the Soviet Union, was plunged into an economic depression, during which lack of ingredients lead to a loss of traditional Cuban cuisine.

On a broader level, as Von Bremzen points out, this large-scale globalization was the start of another very ’90s concept: nostalgia for all things regional.

https://www.tastecooking.com/1990s-moments-changed-way-think-food/?utm_source=pocket-newtab

Recipes: https://www.tastecooking.com/recipes/

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#Food #1990s #cooking and eating

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strange-destinations · 3 years

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Hey Kitty, due to your stories I've started to seek out Benny & Brax stories. So far, I've simply picked a few boxsets (Legion and New Frontiers) where I spotted the fabulous Miles Richardson on the cover. I was wondering, is there a better way to go about this? Do you have any recommendations and/or a listening order you would suggest? Thanks in advance and I hope your wrist is getting better :)

Legion is... a bit of a tricky place to start in, all things considered. It’s kind of like throwing yourself in at the deep end, because it somewhat relies on knowledge of the previous few box sets (Epoch and Road Trip) and the characters that were introduced in those. Those, in turn, follow off the end of the Collection stories, but to be honest if you just want to jump in at the box sets that’s perfectly fine - Epoch’s made to kind of be the ‘jumping-on’ point. All you have to know is that at the beginning of Epoch, the universe has been sort of ‘reset’ and Benny’s looking for her son, Peter, who was lost in the resulting chaos. The rest kind of explains itself.

Brax isn’t in Epoch or Road Trip, but Ruth is and Ruth’s a darling, and there’s some pretty good stories in both of them all things considered, so!

EDIT: OH OH GOSH PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THIS BIT IT’S SO IMPORTANT all of the Benny stories from Epoch to Missing Persons are available for free on Spotify!!! like, completely free, no strings attached and in fact there’s a lot of Big Finish stories legally free to stream via Spotify, here’s a full list

Two alternate points to jump into the Benny stories, since you’re looking for benny-brax dynamics:

1) The Virgin books. There’s plenty of places to find these online (since the original publishers don’t get revenue from it, it’s generally considered Okay to download them, although I’m sure you can find physical copies if you searched for a while).

Benny and Brax first meet in Theatre of War, which is part of the VNA Doctor Who books (Benny’s still Seven’s companion, Ace is also there) and also is honestly a really really great book. There’s also a Big Finish adaptation of this story if you prefer that!! it’s a bit different to the book but still a really good spin on it. This one’s pretty much standalone.

Brax’s next cameo is in Happy Endings, and it’s very very brief although rather sweet. Happy Endings is the Benny Gets Married To Jason book and it’s honestly genuinely just a lot of pointless fluff.

...and then he comes back in the Benny solo books! These are a mixed bag but Dellah!Era Benny is a lot of fun and a particular favorite of mine. All you need to know (if you skipped the rest of the VNAs) is that Benny has retired as the Doctor’s companion, got a depressing divorce with Jason (f in the chat) and is now working as a Professor of Archaeology at St Oscar’s University.

Dragon’s Wrath is where they meet for the first time - good good book! Their dynamic is peak here.

Brax does show up in a few other books but I can’t for the life of me recall a lot of them. I’ve still got to sit down and read through all of them in order some day, there’s a coherent overarching plot and everything. Where Angels Fear is definitely one where Brax shows up, uh. someone else help. it’s so late

anyway anyway Tears of the Oracle - best book. i first read it way WAY out of context and i still loved it. they’re best friends and it makes me sob every time. ‘she’s like family’

anyway yeah, Bernice Summerfield New Adventures - find a zip file of them somewhere and read them, they’re p good! and this is the era that Sepelio is set in, in case you didn’t realize this (i know at least one person didn’t)

2) The Collection-era audios (and tie-in books). Okay, I’ll be honest, I haven’t listened to this particular era in... nearly five years. And it’s a headache to get your head around, because some of the audios are closely interlinked with the books, and the books are hell to find, and there’s some Very Iffy Content for some of the stories and. I know y’all come to me for Benny Advice a lot but my memory’s so dreadful. half the time when writing i just operate on gut instinct for canon events and rely on the fact that this fandom’s so small nobody’s going to call me out on being ridiculous. Or I can also blame it on timeline shenanigans.

can... can someone jump in and give a guide to the collection-era stories and which ones to listen to/read for Plot Purposes? I know someone with knowledge is out there. it’s honestly an amazing story arc, I just wish I had the time to lay everything out properly.

The following, however, are pretty standalone and feature Brax heavily.

The Extinction Event - first audio ft. Brax. nothing especially special but it does establish some of the basework for some of his later Questionable Stuff.

The Mirror Effect - delightfully creepy, beautifully effective characterization, benny & brax & adrien & jason trapped in a creepy haunted mirror location and trying to get out.

The Crystal of Cantus - maybe not entirely standalone BUT how can i not put this one down. very funny and very horrifying. benny and jason and brax go on a fun field trip and find out the True Meaning Of Cybermen. benny gains a fuckton of trauma.

...and then after Crystal everything gets plotty and complicated. not that it wasn’t before, but... oh well.

There’s also some books/short story anthologies in this era that are standalone/don’t require much context. Their names all escape me. Once again, help?

BONUS: Many Happy Returns - the Benny anniversary story which is more like a framing device for a fuckton of other stories set within pretty much every era. Cameos from everyone. Delightful and heartwrenching. Really really good, but maybe get some basis in various parts of canon before you check it out. Or maybe check it out and then start jumping around to find bits that interest you? I don’t know. I went through everything in painstaking chronological order from the tender age of 14 and now here I am, writing gory cannibal fanfiction about an emotionally repressed theatre professor and his disaster archaeology best friend.

...anyway, hopefully this helps at least somewhat! It’s past midnight and i’m wracking my brains as I try to remember what bits of an extremely extensive canon I enjoyed the most. let me know if there’s anything you need clarification on, I’m aware this is a bit of a disaster post.

#bernice summerfield #kitty rambles #long post #jeanniebird

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holisticsoulhealer · 5 months

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Grateful Winner - A Spiritual Story

There are so many illustrations of being a grateful winner in this game of life we are all participating in.

Gratitude is mentioned in several spiritually enriching texts, signaling to each of us, the importance of staying in the vibration of gratitude.

Seeing ourselves as winners in this dice rolling game of living on this good earth, is a valuable piece to the puzzle we continually complete while here.

Bringing both of these single words and sentiments together, packs a pretty powerful punch.

It’s easy in life to be labeled a “loser” when we fail a driving test, or an educational system of remembrance for an exam. It’s easy to feel like a loser when a job doesn’t work out, or a legal system works against us. It’s too easy to fail in intimate relationship, or have parents, children, family or friends not choose to love us in the way we would deeply desire. These can all feel like such great big losses.

We choose how we accept, feel and move forward with any of our realities.

We also get to choose how we see ourselves, and in the way that we decide how we are going to show up.

Being a grateful winner doesn’t actually come with what we own, what status we climbed to in society, or how others feel about us.

Being a grateful winner is a “soul” journey we are all on.

Simply being chosen to enter this World, express and learn who we are at the depth of our essence, defines us, and allows us to view this life and our human form as the grateful recipient of the advantage to win our run at the races of the game of this life.

I met a man when I was providing comfort, counsel and care with hospice, many years ago, while in California. He had helped create a multi-million dollar company brand that every athlete knew, and most of them wore, publicly placing him and his team on the map. He lived in a beautiful home on a really blue lake, in a prestigious neighborhood.

From a society vantage point, he was a massive success. Of course, I met him while he was preparing for his last days on earth. This has a very humbling impact on someone.

His wife of many years, ran around for him, pushing her tears of sorrow away, every time I saw her. He tried to be light, jovial and mindful of her impending loss, while preparing for his own journey.

One day she had gone shopping and it was just him and I. He wanted to speak from his heart, sharing the life he’d lived and how precious this had been for him. He was sorry to leave it behind, sorry to let her stay while he traveled forward, and asked my advice about how to manage that.

I completely choked, as this was the toughest question I’d ever been asked.

Instead of answering him about how he would die, I asked him how much he had lived.

He reflected on all areas of his life, including the decision to not have children. He spoke freely, openly, sharing treasured moments. We laughed and cried together at his sharing. When I left, I hugged him, feeling as though I’d just had the honor to walk through a book, a movie, a true story of someone’s amazing life.

The next day he passed. He was ready. His story was told and someone new heard it. He felt complete in the circle of a grateful winner.

Love & Blessings,

Ruth

Get personal with your Angels!! Connect with me and see what they have to say!!

BOOK NOW!

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crowdrice89 · 3 years

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Youngster Inclusive Arbitration.

Moderating Over Children & Finances.

Content

Family Members Mediation Functions Stroller A4 Poster.

See These Two Videos That Clarify Household Arbitration In A Lot More Information

Sustaining Your Youngsters

Divorce And Christmas: Exactly How To Make Contact Setups

Do I Have To Go To Arbitration To Resolve Parenting Concerns?

If you come to be a freelance mediator, you can pick how many situations to take monthly, or even annually, and set a proper charge according to the situation and also quantity of work included. Salaries/fees charged differ depending upon a range of factors such as your training, experience, the sort of mediation you give, the field you work in and also your location. accomplish any suitable follow-up interaction after mediation has actually been finished for cases you work on. We're a friendly bunch right here at UK Mediation and we're constantly satisfied to discuss your scenario and offer neutral advice. Find out even more about a variety of subjects within arbitration and register for our following complimentary webinar for your chance to ask any questions you might have. Discover extra about UK Mediation, our strategy to problem resolution, certifications, background as well as what we have to supply.

" I always consider them as having a Rolls-Royce service but they are especially good when there's a European element to the case." Anthony Fairweather is a companion in Clarke Willmott lawyers' private client group specialising in Court of Security and also senior care guidance. If you want to find out even more concerning how we can aid you to resolve your dispute, please call complimentary on or get in touch online. Forward looking-- Interacting in mediation can benefit professional connections and construct a strong structure for any type of future negotiations. Remain in touch with the most recent mediation as well as ADR news and believing using social networks, plus our regular post and also podcasts.

Family Members Arbitration Works Pram A4 Poster.

To operate in civil mediation, you can take a course certified by the Civil Arbitration Council in order to get authorized standing. See http://countrywidemediation.co.uk/married-couples/ for a checklist of organisations using CMC Registered training programs that can lead to CMC Registered status. Training is normally executed in a block of training days, integrating theory and also functional analysis. See the CMC internet site for information of all the enrollment demands. If you're independent, anticipate to function outside normal workplace hrs as well as travel to various locations for sessions, which can be all throughout the UK.

The celebrations should try to concur the web content of a package of core records assisted by the general concept that "much less is more". So the package might consist of Situation Management Conference Case Memoranda, Statements of Case in the lawsuits or mediation, protocol or various other letters prior to action and also the most vital contemporaneous papers. If there have been Part 36 or comparable deals, the Arbitrator should see these.

Enjoy These Two Videos That Describe Family Arbitration In Much More Detail

Belinda runs our head office and guarantees you get an expert as well as compassionate service. Our team are dedicated to attempting to aid clients at what can be a very challenging time in their lives. Our numbers have expanded from just one person in 2011 to fifteen people-- all working towards the goal of helping you discover your future. Instruct an independent barrister to inform you what would be a likely end result at court on your instance. Our lawyers prepare your arrangement into a splitting up contract which you authorize and witness.

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Mediation is a negotiated settlement, conducted as well as concluded with the assistance of a neutral third-party. The process is volunteer as well as does not lead to a binding choice, enforceable in its very own right. Review how squabbling neighbours acquired ₤ 300,000 in lawful charges suggesting regarding ₤ 4,000. Focus Arbitration as well as it's owner, Mary Banham-Hall, are often invited to offer professional recommendations in the nationwide media.

Sustaining Your Youngsters

We can settle your financial, residential or commercial property or parenting problems agreeably, expense successfully and also rather. Coram Children's Lawful Centre can not be called to account if modifications to the legislation outdate this magazine. Individuals might publish or copy information in CCLC publications for their personal use. http://countrywidemediation.co.uk/business/ , organisations and also organizations should obtain approval from the CCLC to print or photocopy our publications completely or in part. How-To Guides are a paid service.Click here for full information of the pricing framework.

I am committed to aiding you see the large picture-- that your family properties are greater than cash as well as include future relationships. Even courts are likely to function from another location and court schedules for hearings are most likely to expand greatly. Additionally emergency situation applications will certainly take concern over regular youngster arrangements and dealing with monetary applications on separation. We have the ability to moderate on-line from another location and also your mediator will certainly clarify how at your MIAMs.

Separation And Also Christmas: Just How To Make Call Arrangements

Arbitration can not be used if an insurance claim has been made, or might be made, to a work tribunal concerning a conflict. The contracts you make can be transformed if your circumstances transform. If you require to formally end a marriage or civil partnership, you will need to put on the court to do this, however you will not generally have to attend a hearing. A licensed arbitrator can assist, as well as you can discover your nearby right here.

What happens in a mediation?

Mediation is when a neutral third party called a mediator works with each party in a lawsuit to reach a compromise before going to trial. The mediator helps the parties to reach a compromise. The mediator points out issues in the case or areas of weakness and benefits of settling.

How-To Guides offer added information not discovered on our regular web pages. You need to use these if you require a lot more comprehensive recommendations, having first review our information web pages. The expense for arbitration is usually spent for by the employer yet the cost can likewise be shared or paid for by the employee. It's a great suggestion to attempt and also settle the issue informally initially, before considering utilizing arbitration. In 2018 as well as 2019, 80% of Acas-led mediations were fully or partially resolved.

You'll be anticipated to arrange ideal places on your own to hold arbitration sessions. Giving mediation might be your only work, component of an existing job of component of a profile career.

Lebanon: Attention Turns to Maronite Patriarch's Mediation to Resolve Govt Deadlock - Asharq Al-awsat - English

Lebanon: Attention Turns to Maronite Patriarch's Mediation to Resolve Govt Deadlock.

Posted: Fri, 08 Jan 2021 09:30:09 GMT [source]

If you determine your lasting objective is to become freelance, you'll have the possibility to pick the situations you want to service and also develop your service in professional locations of mediation. You can likewise create arbitration skills from operating in neighborhood intermediary roles, young people angering job, social welfare jobs, profession union functions and also HR. These understanding locations will certainly assist you apply the principles of mediation to relevant subjects as well as themes that occur in mediation. Specialist qualifications such as a recognized counsellor are additionally valuable. You need to reveal examples of pertinent understanding as well as experience through degree-level study, offering or work to be approved onto a lot of UK accredited mediation training.

Do I Have To Go To Mediation To Deal With Parenting Issues?

Our totally free monthly webinars are the easiest method to see what we have to use. Each month, we take a various topic from the globe of arbitration as well as provide a 45-minute talk, complied with by your chance to ask concerns.

If you've simply split-up, you're getting a divorce, or dissolving a civil partnership, or you have actually been separated for a while, you might need to iron out arrangements with your ex lover or other member of the family. When the court accepts your decree absolute, they'll send you both a copy of it and also your separation will be total. You require to obtain a 'mandate nisi' and provide the court a lot more details regarding why your marriage has damaged down.

After that, you can either schedule a conference on your customer's behalf or we'll contact them and keep you in the loop. Jess works in our head office and is in charge of our lawful packages as well as client relations.

The service is totally free, private as well as offered by certified moderators.

Mediators do not give you lawful advice and can't prepare official records, so it is generally wise to see a solicitor also - the moderator can inform you when that is required.

It is vital that a person celebration not have the ability to dominate an additional or unilaterally dictate the outcome of mediation.

It permits individuals to inform each other how they really feel concerning the conflict, to share the effect it is carrying them as well as to make pointers as well as compromises which lead to a service.

The presence of lawful advise or use independent legal experts is one method to establish negotiating equal rights.

At the exact same time, keep in mind that moderators are educated to assess power inequalities and also can often interfere to stabilize inequities.

Dominic and also Ruth have a therapeutic, instead of a lawful, history.

Allow us reveal you how to remove the stress and anxiety, expense, and interruption of needing to handle unsolved dispute. This is where UK Arbitration can be found in as the leading service provider of mediation training. We'll contact you to discuss your client's needs as well as determine whether an on the internet MIAM is best for them.

If specialists are engaged, an early decision requires to be made regarding whether they should be present or available on completion of a telephone on the day. If there is any kind of material a celebration requires to see before the Mediation particular request must be made asap and the Arbitrator notified during that time. The Arbitrator has no power to purchase disclosure however may have the ability to assist in obtaining disclosure by agreement. It is also to bear in mind that too much requests for information can be as destructive to a settlement as unusual hesitation to offer information. The Core Bundle is typically prepared by one event after the index has actually been agreed with the others and also ought to preferably be forwarded to the Arbitrator even prior to the arbitration placement papers are traded. The Moderator would typically expect to have this package at least a week prior to the day of the mediation, much longer in a much more complicated situation.

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queerchoicesblog · 4 years

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Any good books with wlw you can recommend to brighten the day?

Hey Nonny!

It took me a while to gather my thoughts around a sort of Top 10 Good Wlw Books!

This post will be quite long, I apologise in advance, and the books listed reflects my taste so take them as personal advices from E.

So, let’s start!

- Can I tempt you with a selection of books about Anne Lister? Her Secret Diaries and Biography seem like a wonderful reading to binge during quarantine!

- Speaking of historical lesbian author, if haven’t done it already, check Radclyffe Hall, poet and writer of The Well of Loneliness (1928). The title might offer a little hint not to expect sunshine and happy endings so I am not sure if this one will fit the brighten the day thing but it’s a world renewed masterpiece of lesbian literature and for decades it was the best-known lesbian novel in English, and often the first source of information about lesbianism that young people could find. You can find it FREE here

- Let’s skip to the Fifties: fancy some eerie vibes and gay subtext? Beware, a little morbid but The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson and Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier are pretty great to me

- Maybe you’re in the mood for an anthology of feminist, mostly wlw retellings of fairy tales? Make sure to check Kissing The Witch by Emma Donoghue then!

- I personally like Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe (1987) by Fannie Flagg: the story of Idgie and Ruth starting a business and rasing a child together never fails to melt my heart

- How can I forget The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith??

- Speaking of classic, we can’t really talk about lesbian literature withouth mention an institution like Jeanette Winterson. Seriously, we just can’t! Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? is a memoir about her own experience…

- I also happen to like another openly lesbian author, the Scottish writer Ali Smith which I had the chance to see on stage at literary festival and is an adorable person aside being a lovely writer. How To Be Both explores the theme of androgyny and is split between an historical Italian Renaissance setting and contemporary world: also it deals with art…I highly recommend it if you loved The Portrait of a Lady on Fire, just saying!

- Another Scottish author in my list: Jackie Kay! Please do yourself a favor and check her works too, starting from Trumpet, a love story starring a crossdresser jazz musician. She offers very intersting perspectives and deal with themes like what means being black, lesbian, adopted, all taken from her own life experience.

- I’ll add one last book that is not striclty wlw so if it’s out of topic forget about it. I just like the style and the depth Sally Rooney brings to her novels: it resonates with me, maybe because we are the same age Idk. Despite the main romantic plots are heterosexuals,queer characters and romances find their way through the pages and I have a soft spot for the messy lesbian disaster afraid of her own softness and feelings of Conversations With Friends

Hope these tips will be useful or meet your taste!

Anyone out there feel free to add more if they want!

#asked #nonny asks #good wlw books #book tips #lgbtqa books #long post

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roseskiesandbutterflies · 4 years

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Killer Queen - Chapter 9: Coming Soon

Summary: Arabella Ruth White is the fifth member of the Marauders. And life at Hogwarts certainly isn’t easy. Especially when you have alcohol, relationships, unhealthy music obsessions, a fake stage persona, weird ass friends with weird ass problems and actual school all thrown into the equation. (This story is also on Wattpad and AO3 of the same name. I will always update on Wattpad first.)

Warning(s): none that I can see

Taglist: @bhmay @briarrose26 @bijoukitty ask to be on my taglist!

Inspired by: A Night At The Opera, various Marauders headcanons I’ve seen on Pinterest, this quarantine business, The Boy Who Killed God by @sirius-black-killed-god on AO3, All The Young Dudes by MsKingBean89 on AO3

Word count: 4.3k+ (holy shit)

A/N: I beg of you follow Ruth's advice on how to handle a record because some people do it Wrong. Don't be one of those people, please. Somehow, she's 16 now which is weird, but not that weird seen as she is literally a figment of my own imagination. This chapter is over 4000 words long which makes it the longest thing I've ever written.

I’m thinking about changing the point of view again. I’m currently in first but I might change it to third. First is good for funny scenes like in this chapter, but it’s not ideal for the deeper stuff I have planned later. Yes, I have a plot. Shock horror. But we shall wait and see on that one. If I do change it, I won’t edit the previous chapters to fit it because I really can’t be bothered.

Everyone, please stay safe because of what's going on and stay optimistic and occupied. For example, I'll have more time to write! It's a scary time but it will pass, like everything does at some point. OK I've gotten too philosophical. I shall stop now. This chapter is sponsored by me calling Dr Brian Harold May 'Clog Man'. This chapter title comes from Queen's 1980 album, 'The Game'.

“Good morning, peasants!” I declared as I quite literally swept into Transfiguration that morning, a crown perched precariously atop of my head, my robe billowing behind me. My dearest courtiers trailed along in my wake, begrudgingly carrying my belongings. How generous of them, I thought to myself, as if they had had any say in the matter in the first place. My loyal subjects celebrated my entrance and I gracefully sat down in my assigned seat, feet on the table, chair tipped back at precisely the right angle. I didn’t want to fall and get a concussion, now did I? Especially not on that day of all days.

Now you may wonder what on Gaia’s green earth I am on about, you may begin to question my sanity, you may finally start to piece the clues together and realise I am in fact, a total nutter. About time you did, if I’m completely honest with you, darling. However, like most of my shenanigans, the reason for all this was a well-founded one, if I did say so myself. For Twas my birthday, my sixteenth birthday to be precise, and that meant I got to be queen for a day. Not as long as I would like but hey ho, it was better than nothing. I had all the time in the world to take over the world so being queen could wait for now. Even better than this temporary monarchy, becoming sixteen came with plenty of hobbies I could now I enjoy legally, such as having sex, smoking and drinking wine in a restaurant. As if the law had stopped me before. Following the law is for the weak and my mother did not raise me to be anything of the sort.

Now as a queen such as myself, it is my regal responsibility to keep up appearances, which, to put it simply, meant to look pretty damn fabulous at all times. Hence why I was sporting a magnificent golden crown enchanted to stay on my head for the whole day and matching robe-cloak-thing. You know what I’m on about. Personally, I was rather pleased with my attire. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for one Minerva McGonagall.

An exasperated sigh from the front of the classroom was reluctantly followed by, “White, dare I ask why you are not in proper uniform?” she gestured vaguely at my majestic outfit.

“It would certainly be rather daring of you, professor,” I replied, without missing a beat. A classic raised eyebrow went my way, so I let out a sigh of my own before saying, “Tis my sixteenth birthday, dearest Minnie. If I have to attend lessons on such an occasion, then I must be allowed to dress appropriately.”

“And you consider a crown half as big as yourself to be appropriate for school?” her wonderfully Scottish voice quipped back.

“Why of course ma’am, you see it’s what I like to call my thinking cap,” I grinned broadly at her before joining a giggling Sirius who had gone to great lengths to keep it all in.

But nothing in this godforsaken world, and I do not say that lightly, could have prepared me for Minnie’s response: “Then perhaps it will do you some good.” She turned to the blackboard behind her to begin the lesson I had partly succeeded in delaying.

I, on the other hand, wasn’t doing so well. I clutched at my chest as if I’d been shot, and believe me it felt like I had been, and dramatically fell into the arms of James, as he was the unfortunate soul who sat next to me. I weakly reached up to touch his face as they do in the muggle movies, made a mental note to remind him to fucking shave and heaved out, “Jamie, I won’t last much longer but there’s something I need to tell you.”

“What, my darling? What is it?” he asked, faithfully going along with my foolish antics as always, the poor sod.

“I…love…” I whispered before going limp in his arms as if I was dead.

“Ruth, my love, no!” he hugged my ‘corpse’ while sobbing rather profoundly.

Sirius leapt to his feet (I had to open my eyes slightly for this bit) and declared, “What do you mean ‘my love’? Ruth has been the love of my life since I first laid eyes on her!”

“You foul fiend! Ruth was the second reason for my very existence after Evans, thank you very much!” James too jumped up, leaving me to flop onto the stone floor with an ungraceful ‘ugh’. I could sense Lily’s annoyance from the other side of the classroom.

James and Sirius both grabbed their wands, pointed them at one another, but instead of cursing each other, they used them like fencing swords. Just before Sirius could ‘stab’ James, I myself jumped up and cried, “Wait!” at the same time Minnie yelled, “Enough!”

Naturally, we took no notice of this.

Both boys turned to look at me, only for me to say, “I don’t love either of you. I love Remus!” I pointed at the boy in question who in turn smirked his classic smirk.

He opened his mouth to speak only to be interrupted by an infuriated Minnie, “I said enough! Sit down, all three of you or it’s detention for a week!” Now I was pretty sure she was only letting us off because she was well aware that if I was given detention on my birthday, I would certainly not go. I’d like to think it was because she loved us dearly, but my mother didn’t raise me to be a liar either. Considering the circumstances, a.k.a. my huge fucking party I had planned for later on, I did what I almost never did.

I sat down.

Not without a snarky “ooooooooh” of course.

Naturally, Minnie wasn’t all that impressed with my reply, “Evans, swap seats with White, please.”

Naturally, I wasn’t all that impressed with her reply either, “Professor, are you seriously going to move me on my birthday?”

“That is correct.”

“Miss, that’s not fair, I haven’t even done anything that bad, we’re all in one piece, aren’t we? Besides, why is it only me that’s getting moved, what’s up with that?”

“You’re not the only one I’m moving, I’m also moving Evans, am I not?” she snapped, not at all pleased with my outburst, “Now please move seats, you are disrupting my lesson.”

I pouted like a little child on the naughty step, grabbed my stuff together and plonked myself where Lily had been sitting, next to a girl who had only started in September, from Greece or Italy or somewhere. I suddenly realised Lily was now sitting next to James, so I felt the need to apologise, “Sorry, Lily!”, I said in a similar manner to a kid who was forced to say sorry to their sibling after hitting them. She just shot me a reproachful look which had me fearing for my life for a second, before turning to the lesson that could finally begin.

Obviously, I wasn’t exactly keen to take part in the lesson, so I opted for attempting to get to know my new desk partner, “You’re the new girl, right?”

I was met with a blank stare and confusion from both parties until something clicked for me: if she had just moved here from another country then she probably didn’t speak much English.

Well shit.

I tried again, simplifying my language but hopefully not sounding too patronising, “Are you new?”

The poor girl still strongly resembled a deer in headlights but nodded, “Yes?”

“What’s your name, darling?” I was determined to get to know this girl, she seemed nice enough and, knowing from experience what it felt like to be the new kid, I felt a strange urge to help her.

She cocked her head to the side in confusion, now looking like an owl of some sort. It was at this point where I gave up and just waved her off, “Don’t worry.” If Minnie was as adamant about me staying in this seat as I suspected, I’d have plenty of time later to try and talk to this girl. Maybe when she knew a bit more English. Or maybe I could teach her some? Well saying that I’m not sure how good of a teacher I would actually be. I’d probably be more of a nuisance than a help.

The rest of the school day carried on in a similar fashion, with the usual jokes played out in a more dramatic manner than usual. Fine by me. The end of lessons couldn’t come soon enough but at last, they were over. Meaning I could finally, finally, open my damn presents.

Well, I say presents, but me being the impatient bastard that I am, I actually opened most of them that morning at breakfast. Which involved about a year’s supply of chocolate, a 10-pack of condoms and no less than three boxes of tea from various posh shops in London. And a hell of a lot of magical alcohol, which was far better than the muggle stuff, but we don’t talk about that. There was only one present left and that was the one from the woman who birthed me. I realise that I have led you under false pretences of sentiment towards my dear mother, and while I do in fact over her greatly, this is not the case. It was actually because our family owl, Bob (don’t ask me why he’s called fucking Bob, Rhea named him), is quite possibly slower than a bloody snail and took the whole day to fly from Cromer to Scotland.

I ran up the stairs to the boys’ dormitory, which is saying something considering I don’t run for anything, and there it was, laying on what was basically my bed when Kingsley wasn’t around, wrapped in shining gold paper, my birthday present. Instantly I got a huge sense of déjà vu, as I knew exactly what it was.

A vinyl record.

Because what else do I do with my spare time these days?

I carefully picked it up, observing it in the stream of November sunlight coming from the window. Judging from the size and weight of it, it was definitely an album, my excitement increasing tenfold. I opened it as carefully as possible to discover that it was indeed Queen’s new album. Their iconic crest was printed on the front in a loud colour scheme of orange and pink. The title was written in black cursive: ‘A Night At The Opera’. The whole thing, though relatively simple in its design, screamed regalness.

I was so mesmerised by it that I didn’t even see the envelope on the bed until I very nearly sat on it. My mum’s familiar handwriting addressed me on the front of it and inside was a card with the most gorgeous watercolour print of the Cromer Pier which had me missing it terribly. I opened it to read what she had written and I couldn’t wipe the grin off of my face.

To Ruth,

Happy birthday, darling! It’s hard to believe you’re 16 now, I still see you as my gorgeous baby girl! I know I can’t see you on your special day, but half term is less than a month away – you’ll be home before we know it!

I’m so proud of you and everything you’ve done, and we all love you very much. Have a wonderful day with your friends!

Lots of love,

Mum, Rhea and Luke xxx

P.S. Don’t tell Mum but I got you a sort of magical cactus from Diagon Alley but I’ll give it to you when you come back – Rhea

P.P.S What Rhea forgot to tell you is that the cactus was my idea, I just didn’t have any pocket money left after going to the sweet shop - Luke

I smiled at the message and at my siblings’ additions at the bottom and found myself missing them more than I anticipated. I put on my bedside table, next to the magical photo us the boys and me which never failed to make me laugh. It was of us knee-deep in the Great Lake, around the July of our third year. James had his back to the camera but still showed his face and his lopsided grin; he was carrying Sirius over his shoulder like a fireman, the latter of which was showing his middle finger to the camera as best he could. Peter was mid-fall in front of them, just seconds before face-planting the water. Remus was to the right of them, trying his best to avoid getting wet from Peter’s inevitable splash, his face all screwed up in an attempt to protect his eyes. I was trying to hoist myself up onto Remus’s shoulders, which wouldn’t have been so difficult if he wasn’t so fucking tall, even at 14 he was a giant. The photo was magical, so we were all moving around as we had been at the time. I was lucky enough to have caught the exact moment I pulled my wand out and cast the aguamenti charm, aiming at everyone’s head but more importantly, James and Sirius’s hair. The photo was an endless cycle of me jumping up, casting the spell and being chased around by everyone before going back to our original positions.

I reluctantly turned away from the treasured photo, picked up the album and turned to run to the Room Of Requirement so I could listen to the artistry I held in my undeserving hands. Somehow, my close good friends beat me to it; there they stood in the doorway, carrying my dear record player between them with wide grins on their faces, not altogether dissimilar from the one James sported in the photograph.

I wondered for a second how the vinyl got itself onto my bed, and how the boys knew they had to get my record player, but then I realised my mother must have told them in advance. She may have been a Hufflepuff, but I do sometimes think she would have made a fine Slytherin. Surprise kids, I don’t have a prejudice against the entirety of Slytherin house, just the ones who are, quite frankly, dickheads. Not my fault if that’s the majority of them.

They popped my dear baby on the floor and sat down various surfaces: the floor, their beds, Remus’s lap (*cough cough* Sirius *cough cough*). I ever-so-carefully removed the vinyl from its sleeve and placed it onto the turntable, only touching the outermost edges so as to not get grease into the grooves of the record. Now, I can’t be ruining it already.

“I hope you know we love you enough to carry that thing all the way here,” Sirius whined, mopping non-existent sweat from his forehead using’s Remus’s poor jumper. The audacity he had to refer to my precious record player as ‘that thing’. I didn’t hit him, which is very unlike me, but I refused to sink to his level. Twat.

“Thank you darling but I think, in the midst of wanting to show off your varying levels of strength, you all forgot you could simply levitate my baby here,” I flopped onto Remus’s bed (by far the cleanest one) as Peter repeatedly smacked James with a pillow, “What did I say, James? What did I fucking say?”

Poor James just groaned at him to stop, arms up in a quite frankly pathetic bid to protect himself. He looked at me helplessly, but I just shook my head with a cheeky smirk on my face, “Nope, you got yourself into this mess, I’m not getting involved.”

Sirius, on the other hand, was laughing so much that Remus had to move him from lying against his chest to having his head in his lap to prevent him from hurting himself. I was half-convinced that Sirius was in fact having a heart attack but at this point, I was not nearly drunk enough to put up with his bullshit. Oh yeah, forgot to mention we each took a shot after breakfast seen as it’s my birthday, only increasing our chances of getting alcohol poisoning within the next weekend or so. But let’s be honest, I’m only using my birthday as an excuse to drink more alcohol at eight o’clock in the morning.

A few more smacks and one case of concussion later, we had all calmed down enough for me to play my goddamn record. Suspense hung in the air as the tiny crackles of an unused record sounded, followed by a crescendo of lightning-fast piano. Definitely not what I expected from a song entitled ‘Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To…)’, until Brian’s slightly menacing guitar burst through the speakers. The rest of the carried on in a similar fashion, fancy piano and angry guitar combined with lyrics I could only describe as savage. I made a mental note to look at the enclosed lyrics later on to see what exactly Freddie was singing, as even for my standards it was rather mean. I also couldn’t help but wonder who this was dedicated to and what they had done for Freddie to sing about them in such a manner. Must be quite the dickhead. Maybe someone like Snivellus. You can’t get much worse than Snivellus.

The next song was called ‘Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon’ and I couldn’t help but giggle throughout it. It felt very vintage, the singing was distorted somewhat, but it seemed more as if they were taking the mick out of the genre. It was a little thing, hardly a couple of minutes long, and soon transitioned to ‘I’m In Love With My Car’, which I distinctly remembered from the B-side of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. That song will never fail to make me laugh. How a man can be so attached to his car, I’ll never know.

Those comedic masterpieces were followed by ‘You’re My Best Friend’, which I fell in love with within the first five seconds. The adorable little piano, the adorable little lyrics, the adorable little bass, okay I could go on like this for hours, but the point is that I loved this song and would gladly be its friend, were it a person. Yeah, I may have been a tad tipsy, might have had something to do with the shots we took between lessons on top of the one at breakfast. I had wanted to maintain a state of slight tipsiness throughout the day. Moving swiftly on.

‘39’ was next, and it was safe to say that I wasn’t expecting any of it. At first, the guitar made me chuckle, then the realisation that it was just vocals, guitar and fucking tambourine, and then the fact that it was almost certainly a county song about space. Brian was singing, of course it was Brian, and I seemed to have forgotten how talented a singer he actually is. And a songwriter because let’s be real, there is no way in hell that anyone in the band apart from Clog Man wrote this.

‘Sweet Lady’ came after that, which contrasted ‘39’ so much that it basically gave me whiplash. To be honest, I should have seen that coming seeing as that was how Queen seemed to work, a heavy rock song followed by something completely different and so on and so on. You’d think you’d grow tired of constantly changing styles but somehow Queen pulled it off magnificently, as they did with pretty much anything they set their minds to. I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it, don’t get me wrong it was a cool song, just not quite my cup of tea. I felt a little bit guilty about not liking it, but I forced myself to remember that I didn’t have to like every song on the album in order to be a fan.

‘Seaside Rendezvous’ was the next song and the last one on side A. I found it very quirky and much more to my liking. I could easily imagine myself going for a stroll down the beach back at home while humming this. And potentially dancing to it down the pier. Although I would look quite the crackhead as no one else would be able to hear it; but since when did I care about looking like a twat? I was already friends with plenty of twats, I stopped caring years ago. Somewhere in the middle of the song, there was a part that sounded like an orchestra of some kind, but I could tell Roger had something to do with the woodwind section, which led to some rather interesting images in my mind. Make of that what you will. The tap-dancing part made me laugh because I highly doubted that any of them could actually tap dance, leading to me wondering how to the fuck they did that. My brain also thought it was necessary to conjure up some cursed images of Brian tap-dancing in his clogs. Fucking hell, what was wrong with me?

As quickly and carefully as I could, I flipped the record onto the B-side, which started off with ‘The Prophet’s Song’. I was so naïve to think that ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ was long; this bad boy was all of eight minutes and basically a musical on its own, worthy of the likes of the West End or Broadway. The absolute artistry of the lyrics and the music quickly made it one of my favourites so far, which was saying something as I loved the whole damn album anyway. There was a good couple of minutes of straight acapella, mainly just countless overdubs of Freddie singing ‘no I know’ at various different pitches; then Roger and Brian joining in for a chorus of ‘la la la la la’. It was strangely creepy, and I had yet to figure out if that was their intention.

That then flowed almost seamlessly into ‘Love Of My Life’, a melancholic ballad that was as beautiful as it was sad. It didn’t take me long to work out that it was a harp rather than an acoustic guitar, I grinned at the mental images of Brian learning the harp for the sake of this one song. Surely if he’d known how to play it all along, he would have shown off his musical prowess much earlier.

Naturally, the next song flipped this whole vibe that had just been created on its head. ‘Good Company’ was its name and it involved a whole band created solely by Brian’s guitar. It seemed funny to me, but I didn’t know why. A bit like with ‘Sweet Lady’, I wasn’t all too sure if I like it or not. I did notice Brian singing again; it was nice to hear his voice on the record more, not to diss Freddie or Roger in any way, shape or form. Now I wanted to hear John sing and we would be good to go.

The last proper song on the album was, of course, the absolute masterpiece (or as Sirius liked to call it, ‘an utter fucking bop’) that was ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. Considering the sheer amount of times we’ve listened to the record since it came out, it wasn’t all that surprising that we knew all the words off by heart. This was including playing all five minutes and fifty-five seconds of it while James was in the shower, so he didn’t spend hours in there and use up all the hot water. The rule was that he had to be out by the time the song had ended, or we would send Lily the picture we had of him with his hair all wet. And he would die before he consented to such a thing. Trust me, it’s not a particularly flattering look on him. I had to remind them to resist the urge to jump around when the rock bit came on, you know what I’m on about, so as to not damage the vinyl already.

The last track was a guitar rendition of ‘God Save The Queen’, which was outrageous as it was excessive. Just layers upon layers of guitar, I would forever be impressed by Brian’s skills. Sirius, however, was still moaning over his restricted movement.

“But why can’t we jump? It’s so much more fun that headbanging alone,” Sirius whined like the petulant child that he was. I had to give him at least some credit, he may have an impressive amount of muggle knowledge, but he was still a pureblood and a Black at that. He could be so naïve sometimes.

“Darling you have to understand that it’s a sensitive little thing. If you jump, so will the vinyl, which will scratch it and it will jump at awkward times,” I explained, to which I was met with blank stares as if I was speaking in bloody Welsh. I sighed, perhaps a little more dramatically than necessary but if that doesn’t some up my whole life then I don’t know what does, and tried again, “Like with my Sheer Heart Attack record? Where it jumps during Brighton Rock and Killer Queen?”

“Ohhhh,” understanding washed over his and James’s faces because let’s be honest, if you think Sirius is oblivious then clearly, you’ve never met James.

“Yes, ohhhh,” I repeated, taking the mick out of the stupid buggers. Hey, it’s my birthday, I’m allowed to do whatever I want.

Which reminded me of the party I had planned for later. Well, I say party, it was going to be more of a ball than anything. A birthday ball, if you will. What can I say, I have a flair for the dramatics, sue me.

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