#Line Ancel

[milliondollarbaby87]

Gladiator II (2024) Review

Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome, he must look to his past to find the strength to make a difference. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Continue reading Gladiator II (2024) Review

[metalandmagi]

I did the Captive Prince version 😆

do you all see my vision here

[wolfpants]

wolf's reading list: july favourites 📚

<- June's rec list here

I've read some really amazing fics this month, across multiple pairings and a couple of fandoms (mostly Drarry this time, though!)! It's been a bit of a bumpy month - work is busy, life's a bit hectic, so I'm very grateful to all of these authors for offering a bit of respite 😇🖤

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Claim and Satisfaction 🐉

E, HP, Drarry+Charlie, 6.7k | @jtimu

“Did he?” Draco’s thumb pressed harder, rolling a knot deep by Harry’s shoulder blade. “He is very good at it. Looks lovely down there, doesn’t he?”

Charlie leaned back slightly, resting his weight on one elbow. “Does he kneel for you too?”

He wondered if this was what it had been like between them, desire bound together with ferocity. He’d never asked. Now he wanted to know, ached to find out.

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'But if he wins?' 🔥

E, Captive Prince, Berenger/Ancel, 910 | @magpiefngrl

The sex scene immediately after the end of Pet.

‘You don’t have to do this,’ Berenger said, his voice hoarse, even as his arms tightened around Ancel’s waist. ‘I want you to want it, not to—’ ‘Trust me,’ Ancel said, his lips against Berenger’s, ‘I want it. I want you.’

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Effervescence 🧪

E, HP, Drarry, 4.3k | @thecouchsofa

Harry has trouble asking for what he wants in bed. Draco uses Veritaserum to help him along.

Running a hand across Harry’s shoulder, down his chest, Draco stepped closer. “Do you trust me?” Harry barely spared a moment to nod, knocking back the vial before Draco could so much as blink. He tugged at Draco’s hand, leading him upstairs and into their bedroom, his pace quick. “So,” Draco said, leaning against the bedpost and smirking. “What would you like me to start with?”

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[art] Heated 🪢

E, HP, Drarry | @littlewinnow

Draco's Rut is here and Harry is so ready to help out.

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Like Falling Water 🌲

E, HP, Neville/Charlie, 3.9k | spookywoods

Neville finds out what love is.

“I feel...I feel something for you,” Neville manages to say. He looks down between them at their flagging erections. He thinks about Charlie’s throat, his smile, the hairs that catch the foam from his drinks. “How do you separate the fleeting desire from the real stuff?” Charlie shifts the weight of his body forward and embraces Neville. “I don’t know exactly. One day you just feel something a bit deeper, and the spark hits your spine and warms your heart instead of your prick.”

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The Real Thing ❤️

M, HP, Drarry, 5.1k | @skeptiquewrites

Harry only means to cheer Draco up after a terrible breakup. He doesn't mean to fall in love.

Harry wanted to ask Draco what he wanted, the exact contours of what might please him and how. He cut off that line of thinking in a hurry. There was such a thing as taking advantage. They might have lived together for two years, but Harry wasn’t accustomed to hearing this much about how Draco thought, and that underlined the vulnerability of the moment.

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The Tall Kingdom I Surround 💦

E, Captive Prince, Lamen, 3.7k | @yekoc

The first time it happened, in the midst of battle preparations at Karthas, Damen had dismissed it as a momentary lapse. Laurent’s voice, issuing curt orders, and his own involuntary reaction: nothing more than force of habit, the instincts he had trained into himself, deliberately, in order to survive.

Nikandros had noticed then, and had let it go with the circumspect silence of a kyroi to his king. That was as it should be, Damen thought. It was not worth discussing. It was not even worth thinking about.

“Who we are together has nothing to do with Akielos, or Vere,” said Laurent, quietly. “Let our countries have our days, and our fealty, and even our blood--but this is for us, and we decide what it will be.”

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Way to go, Tiger 🐅

G, HP, Gen/pre-slash Drarry, 2.1k | houndsinheaven

Scorpius Malfoy's seventh birthday.

His dad had made a mistake when he was in school, the sort of big mistake that meant people didn’t want to be near him. It was why Scorpius couldn’t get ice cream from Florean Fortescue’s. It was why they had to get permission before going to see Grandma, or to the beach, or to the zoo today.   He had never spoken to the dark haired man before. He couldn’t hear what he said in their home anyway - Dad always whispered the charm that made things go nice and quiet when Potter knocked on their white front door.

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Let me know what I should read next! Recs always welcome! See you in August!

[ask-nicaise-anything]

Pet

Starting off strong. Fun fact this is the only short story ive read before.

Personally this line in particular makes me think Ancel got into this young - not as young as nicaise; maybe 15 at the youngest. He does lie and says he’s sixteen later so I wouldn’t be shocked if that was hiw old he was when he started. It’s also why I think he has a soft spot for nicaise. He knows how shitty it can be.

Mu brain started playing pink pony club when it read ‘strawberry roan’. Also I like that Berenger gave his redhead pet a red horse

I think Berenger might be neurodivergent. He also owns six of the same jacket according to Ancel and keeps missing cues. (I say this as someone who is neurodivergent and is about 95% sure that he himself is somewhere on the spectrum.)

Hands down one of the funniest things ever

I’m also not shocked that the regent’s yucky-ness jsnt something most commoners know about! Obviously he’d hide it!

Was Ancel in a circus type thing before he was a pet? That wouldn’t shock me.

Ew why is he here. Get out of here you weird pervert man. Nobody likes you to die in a pit

General thoughts: I’m glad for Nicaise’s cameo. Mr shithead pedo? No. *personally* I like to think Ancel and Berenger eloped in secret at someone point in the future, while Ancel continued to be a pet to others before he eventually got too old to be a pet around his mid thirties and ‘retired’

[barbitone]

Ridiculous Berencel AU of the Day

Therapy AU

Hear me out-

To set the scene, Ancel and Laurent are roommates. They met in school at some point, and now they live together because Laurent covers rent and Ancel cooks and cleans, and reminds Laurent to eat and drink because he's in graduate school and terrible at taking care of himself.

Ancel is working some appropriately low-paying job. Stripping, maybe, but I always have him stripping so maybe this time he's... a dog groomer or something. Maybe he's had to do a lot of different jobs, because he has terrible taste in men and keeps hooking up with coworkers, and when things go south he bails.

And then there's another dramatic break up, another string of shady hookups, and Laurent has to pick up a drunk and crying Ancel at a bar and he's had ENOUGH.

He tells Ancel he has to go to therapy or he has to start paying rent. But it's ok, he knows A Guy. And he will pay for it too, and Ancel better get in line.

Enter Berenger. He is boring and stuffy and lame and wears ugly reading glasses. His receptionist (Parsins) is old and clearly Dissaproves of Ancel's outfits.

But free rent is on the line, so Ancel goes.

He absolutely does NOT engage in therapy (which is important because I know nothing about therapy and do NOT want to try to write it) he just uses it as an excuse to bitch and describe his sexual escapades in great detail to try to get Berenger to blush. Berenger tries to get him to open up for real, to no avail.

Featuring scenes such as:

Ancel runs into Berenger outside of therapy constantly. He runs into him in the grocery store. He runs into him at a bar, where he realizes that Berenger is hot, actually, when he's not wearing his ugly brown suit. He pretends he's Berenger's boyfriend in front of Berenger's friends (Vaskian ladies, for this one) and Berenger can't deny it because... therapy means he can't out Ancel as his client in front of people and he has to play along instead

Ancel doubles down on talking about sex, because now he wants to seduce Berenger for The Challenge

Berenger resists stoically, because this isn't how it's done!

Maybe Berenger accidentally brings his ridiculously anxious horse dog to the grooming place Ancel works without realizing it, and sees Ancel being sweet on her (Ruby?) and her being sweet on him, the way she NEVER is with strangers, and starts to fall a little in love

Ancel complains, petulantly and at length, that some ASSHOLE parked a motorcycle in his favorite spot and he accidentally backed into it and scratched his bumper, and he didn't leave a note and he hopes birds shit all over the bike now that it's lying on the grass under a tree. Berenger gets a pinched look and says "...you knocked over my bike?" It is awkward. They go look at the damage. Ancel offers to pay awkwardly but Berenger refuses. I cannot emphasize enough how AWKWARD it is. Modern AU Berenger is always motorcycle Berenger now, sorry not sorry

Laurent invites his brother and his brother's best friend to dinner. Auguste shows up with Berenger. Berenger is incredibly uncomfortable. Ancel is also uncomfortable. Laurent is a smug asshole. This is what he's wanted all along.

Laurent never thought Ancel needed therapy, he thought Ancel just needed a decent boyfriend, and he's tired of all of Auguste's stories about trying and failing to set Berenger up. Auguste has been trying to get him with someone Appropriate but clearly Berenger is a freak and needs someone wildly Inappropriate, like Ancel

Laurent has been pulling the strings all along, using Ancel and Berenger like action figures trying to get them to Kiss

At their next session, Berenger fires Ancel as a client because clearly this is just Not Appropriate

He asks him out for dinner afterwards

Happily Ever After

[palomahasenteredthechat]

There has been almost next to no publicity for the women who appear in Gladiator II. So let's take a moment to focus on them:

May I present Connie Nielsen, May Calamawy, Yuval Gonen, Riana Duce, and Line Ancel.

[blottyink]

Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat (book 1 spoilers)

Right away, so many terrible things are happening. One after the other, the horrors are persisting, and I’m thinking…. Didn’t Pacat say whatever happened between Sarcean and Anaharion was worse than Damen and Laurent?  💀

Because how? How does a situation get worse than this?

It took me a while to read because there were so many parts where I had to put the book down and take a break. The story is great, but there were some super heavy themes.

Damen is so precious for not being able to understand how evil the people around him can be. Even when his brother betrayed him, he wanted to understand why because it was hard for him to accept. He’s so precious he’s not catching on to the very obvious hints of what The Regent has done to Laurent (his own nephew). Because Damen would have trouble understanding such a horrifying concept—it hasn’t even crossed his mind yet. Damen, who wanted to make sure the Akielos slaves were treated well would never understand the actions of The Regent. It’s crazy too, The Regent going around on his campaign to smear Laurent and promote his own flavor of moral superiority and virtue signaling. I hate The Regent so much.  

Speaking of which, it’s amazing how Pacat has used Nicaise’s character to develop Laurent’s character. Because Nicaise is living through the horrors Laurent did as a child, and it makes sense that despite everything Laurent has a soft spot for Nicaise. The amount of empathy for Nicaise outweighs any of his behavior, because someone as vulnerable as Nicaise would want to hold on to any amount of power he can get. Especially while navigating life through this pit full of monsters.

I can’t even imagine how healing it was for Laurent when Damen refused Nicaise. There must have been a shift in his entire world view to take in the concept everyone isn’t a monster. And Damen’s constant chipping away at Laurent’s defenses by showing him not everyone is trash. When Damen consistently shows up for Laurent and defends him out of just Damen’s inherit goodness. It makes me want to sob. And I know Damen’s not a saint, but that’s the point. Damen is generally decent and even decency isn’t available to Laurent in his current situation.

It’s going to be rough watching Damen have to learn how to navigate these types of horrors, but at least it will be heartwarming to hopefully see Laurent change for the better because Damen helped show him a slightly improved world view. Hopefully.

Overall, I like the writing itself (the line work) in the Dark Rise series better, but I am more invested in the characters for this series. I also feel like every time a side character is explored in Captive Prince, it’s more interesting than it is in the Dark Rise series.  And I like the narrative in Captive Prince better too; I’m not a fan of how many POVs the Dark Rise series has going.

But yeah. Quick mentions, Ancel sucks (pun intended), but Erasmus is adorable.

Time for Prince's Gambit! :D

[goldencuffs]

Okay, first of all, I hope you’re getting some rest!!! Please take care of yourself 🩵

Noooow about the last chapter of yngt… wow there was so much and it was all SO good 😮‍💨

AUGUSTE’S BACKSTORY, however, takes the cake cause, wow that hurt. I realised that somewhere along the line I had throughly assumed and so it was explicit that Auguste had died, and yet this makes so much sense. I had had so many theories about him — without going into details they all revolved around some version of CSA and suicide/murder/car accident — and yet never did it occur to me he had just disappeared like that.

How brilliant and unexpected that was. How much sense it makes, when you see Coach’s behaviour through that lens. How heartbreaking for those left behind. How devastating that not only was Laurent left mourning the traitorous abandonment of his brother but also the gossip and social alienation. How ironic that the suffocating control Coach now exerts over Laurent is what’s most likely to lose him a second son — not that I think Laurent would truly ‘abandon’ his dad.

I absolutely love the abrupt way in which he left with no explanation, no clues, no looking back (for now) and how ambiguous the one note he left was. Because we know Auguste was apparently Coach’s it does make me wonder what his version of the supposedly relaxed (but destroyed by the death of his wife) version of their dad, Auguste got. Juste how bad was it that not only he craved an escape from his current life, but felt the need to completely cut them off like that.

As a sibling, I can’t imagine how horribly difficult it must have been for both of them. As a younger sibling, I can totally relate to wanting him to come back because even if he must have hated him, Laurent also loves and misses his brother ):

Seeing Coach’s controlling behaviour worsen and Laurent realise and resign himself to a life of never been trusted or free is so painful because trauma really messes with a person, and loosing a child like that has to have been terrifying.

Laurent deserves so much better tho, from every. single. man. in his life (except Ancel, Aimeric and Nicaise) cause even uncle Mak could pay more attention to his ballet and try to get his Aleron to be more reasonable 😤

Damen, of course, is clearly one of those men. Now, I don’t believe it’s possible he could’ve gotten back with Jokaste so quickly after their trip, because between coming back home, and then driving back to Ios there doesn’t seem to be enough time. I also think that while Damen is clearly emotionally constipated and has an outstanding track record as THE asshole, things have changed.

He’s spending every minute he possibly can with Laurent — even when he thinks L didn’t want him there

Has befriended Laurent’s friends

Is now taking him out instead of just fucking him whenever they can sneak around

Told him he’s really done with Jokaste now — a while ago

Has hesitated to say something to Laurent at very suspicious times (like he wants to do feelings but he’s a weak man and chickens out each time lol)

Actually accepted to date and asked him officially to be boyfriends (in the most cutely obnoxious way)

Has had so many lovely details that go beyond his usual defending L against Coach (like the fucking ballet stream ;_;)

Not only that, he had always been very clear and dismissive with Laurent’s feeling before and constantly showing him Jokaste was the priority. So he strikes me as a “well I said what I wanted and what I didn’t, not my fault they got hurt” kind of asshole, NOT the “lied to you and build your hopes up only to immediately betray your trust and break your heart” asshole. They’re both bad, but they’re different brands… I could be wrong, ofc, but that’s just my perspective.

My theory is that Laurent found out through some gossip magazine/site/whatever and that’s either an old thing resurfacing or someone seeing Damen with a blond beauty and assuming it’d be her.

That said, I still kinda hope Ancel and Aimeric (my faves 🥰) do their demon-on-the-shoulder job well and get Laurent to show Damen how it feels to be the one to lose and be left behind. Even if it’s a misunderstanding, I think Damen needs to truly realise he can’t just count on Laurent to hang on his every word forever and endlessly wait for him to accept and honour their feelings.

This was such a delight of a chapter with lamen romance, so it feels a lil mean to wish for this now if it was a misunderstanding, but I’ve been wanting Laurent to give Damen real reasons to be jealous and scare for so long xD FUCK HIM (in all ways possible 😌)

Okay this is now kilometric and I truly apologise. I didn’t even say it all but I just LOVE YNGT SO MUCH ❤️‍🔥

OKAY so i truly, truly don't have favourites but i honestly think this might be my most favourite ask EVER???? 😭😭🥹❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

i can't believe you took the time to write such an in-depth review omg!!!! like you literally went through EVERY single that happened i can't thank you enough!!!!

i'm so touched, seriously. thank you so much for loving this chapter!!!

now, with auguste and coach. i purposely kind of left auguste's life vague. i think what he did was completely nonsensical, so that even now, laurent and coach still don't understand it. what really matters is what happened after--which is what we're seeing now, with coach slowly becoming more controlling and possessive and unhealthily obsessed with keeping laurent under his thumb.

and YES damen is definitely changing. and you've 100% nailed the kind of asshole he is.... and that's as much as i want to say about him eheheheheh

ALSO LOOK i know my answer isn't as wonderful as your ask but just know i re read it approximately 1000 times. i'm so appreciative you left this comment. i just.... seriously, thank you SO MUCH. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[theuniversitychallengereview]

Cold Water Swimming

Last week���s blog was about dopamine and the other feel-good brain hormones.

This week’s attempt to increase production of said hormones has involved cold water swimming, which I can confirm is really, really cold.

Exposure to cold water can double dopamine production, in the same way as alcohol and other drugs. But without the crash which comes soon after the consumption of drugs.

Meaning the dopamine high can last for hours after diving in rather than about 15 minutes as is the case for alcohol, with diminishing returns for every drink thereafter.

Living right next to a loch, I have easy access to cold water (and lots of it), so I walked down to a rocky beach and jumped in. Or rather, waded in and forced myself to submerge, then quickly sprint-waded out because it was absolutely freezing.

The University Challenge Review

www.quizposting.com

It’s hard to self-assess changes in doapmine level, but it definitely feels good. We had another go in a river yesteday, and I’ve been taking cold showers too (but only because our hot water has been broken).

I wonder if higher dopamine levels would help with quizzing. A quick dip to clear the brain and then off to the pub quiz (you’d have to forego the booze, though, or you’d lose the benefits).

Oriel and Durham faced off in the Grand Final of 2000, with Durham running out victors to the tune of 325 to 125 (quite the demolition).

Durham also won Paxman’s final series, in 2023, while Oriel’s sole triumph came in 1966. Durham first won in 1977, meaning that their next title will be 2046, if the trend is to continue.

Here’s your first starter for ten.

Nash loses five points for Durham with an incorrect buzz of Lisbon — Taseen picks up the pieces for Oriel with Toledo and they take two bonuses on colour. Wittgenstein is the answer to the one they miss (I’m aware that this is not a colour), and they are quite ridiculously denied the points due to a minor mispronunciation of the name.

In what proved to be a very tight game, I was worried this might come back to be important.

Brookfield-Pertusini brought Durham back into positive figures with Annie Ernaux. Ancell, who I think looks like the comedian Simon Amstell, took another starter for them next time out, answering very confidently.

Sharkey hits back for Oriel with Cavendish, and they retook the lead thanks to Armstrong’s buzz of Spike Lee.

They took a hat-trick on the British Indian Ocean Territory, which has been in the news recently as the UK has returned sovereignty of the island cluster to Mauritius.

Back and Forth

Roberts tied the game with bones, and the lead changed hands once again thanks to Brookfield-Pertusini’s knowledge of the Iliad. It is now Durham’s turn to lose points thanks to mispronunciation, but in this case it is more understandable, as they gave St Bride instead of St Brice.

Ancell takes the music starter, and Brookfield-Pertusini recognises one of the bonses as being from the opening to The Royal Tenenbaums, which helps her teammates to find the correct answer, Ravel, though she didn’t know it herself. Excellent conferring.

Durham are now 60 points clear, but Armstrong reduces this with Oriel’s first points in about 5 minutes. Refractive Index gives Armstrong a second consecutive starter, and he takes a third with Thomas Jefferson.

Rajan allows them the points despite the fact one or more of his teammates had actually given the answer at the same time.

I think this was fair enough, as Armstrong, who had buzzed, did give the answer too, but it was definitely on the line.

Even More Back and Forth

Taseen, who had joined in on Thomas Jefferson, takes the next starter, snatching the lead back for Oriel, who are on a 75–0 run.

This is ended by Ancell with Hokusai, and Durham are now winning.

Not for long — Armstrong steals it for Oriel.

Not for long — Roberts ties the game for Durham.

Not for long (in this case it couldn’t be anything other than ‘not for long’, as whatever happened next the tie would be broken, but I’m ramping up the tension with the whole ‘not for long’ thing. Tension which has now been dissipated by this explanation, drat!) — Sharkey nudges Oriel in front.

They take two bonuses, giving them 20 points of breathing space, which Roberts looks to exploit with a brave, early buzz of alto on the next starter.

Unfortunately for Durham the answer is tenor, and Armstrong sweeps this up, winning the match for Oriel.

Oriel 200–165 Durham

The final gap of 35 points belies how tight this match was, as Oriel exacted some manner of revenge for the 2000 final. Durham will probably return as high-scoring losers though, which is no more than they deserve.

I’m glad that the Wittgenstein mispronunciation didn’t come back to bite anyone because that would have been brutal.

Next week we have another Oxbridge derby as Exeter, Oxford, take on Christ’s, Cambridge — see you then.

[cleverhottubmiracle]

Links with a * are affiliate links. It’s that time of year again when I share my lingerie trend predictions for the coming two seasons, but this time we’re doing things a little differently! For the past six years, I’ve compiled these trend forecasts from behind my desk, based purely on what I’ve been seeing online (and occasionally in stores… but mostly online). I usually start spotting potential trends and making notes from around summertime, finally writing them up the following January – it’s a long process! This year however, for the first time since I began covering the lingerie industry back in 2012, I finally went to one of the industry’s major trade shows: the Salon International de la Lingerie, which takes place in Paris every January and where both key industry players and much smaller brands all join together for a three day whirlwind of meetings, fashion shows and conferences while presenting their upcoming collections. I also got to visit the nearby showrooms of Passionata and Ralph Lauren lingerie/sleepwear thanks to a client who works with those brands (and who was the reason I attended the Salon show in the first place). Seeing that much lingerie, by that many brands, in such a short space of time is a lot to take in. But I came back from my trip armed with hundreds of photos to sort through and a much different perspective on the trends we’ll be seeing next. I’ll be writing more about my thoughts on the show for LingerieBriefs.com soon, but here, I wanted to share a look at some of the top lingerie trends I noticed at the show, as well as a couple I didn’t. One last note: usually, my lingerie trend reports start by reviewing the previous year’s predictions and whether they materialised as I’d expected or not. However, because this trend report is going to be so much longer and more image-heavy than in years past, that will be coming in a separate post. Nine lingerie trend predictions for 2025 1. Metallics, shimmer & shine From metallic laces and embroideries to foiled fabrics that added a pearlescent shine to non-standard colourways, shimmer was everywhere at the trade show – the below are just some of the many examples I saw, so I certainly think we’ll be seeing a lot of this in 2025. Scarlett Gasque Dot76 Skarlett Blue Cambaj Paloma Casile Empreinte Sans Complexe Odette Ancel 2. Fun colour blocking Whether it was at larger brands such as Sarda and Mey, or smaller indies such as Mon Tiroir from China and Vannina VESPERINI from France, the show was awash with examples of playful, clashing colour. Sometimes across the entire design, and other times in the form of bra straps in an unexpected colourway, or a vibrant, contrasting trim elastic in place of the typical black or tone-on-tone choices. In 2025, lingerie won’t just be bright and colourful, it will be multi-colourful. Mon Tiroir Mey Vannina VESPERINI Nette Rose 3. Lingerie made to be seen The lingerie-as-outerwear trend shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. It’s still all over the catwalks, and the Salon shared some trend data that noted the term “visible underwear” is becoming increasingly significant. Speaking to some of the brands at the show, it became clear that many of them are designing with outerwear styling possibilities specifically in mind. Think interesting backs you’ll want to show off with a backless outfit, bodysuits you can wear with jeans or a skirt, and options that just generally have a little more coverage so it’s easier to wear them out. I also heard from multiple brands that they’re working on hybrid pieces that blur the lines between lingerie, loungewear and regular clothing. (They weren’t at the show, but this brings to mind Entos’ Knott top which coordinates with – and shows off – their satin bralettes). Or, as in the case of Happy Undies, ‘swimtimates’ so that you don’t even need to change out of your underwear for a day at the beach! 2024 also saw solutionwear brand NOOD launch tops with incorporated bra-style support*, and I’ve seen a number of brands lately that offer clothing with built-in shapewear so that again, you can wear a single piece that serves two needs. It feels like lingerie is becoming ever-more multi-functional. Paloma Casile Lumey Noblesse Privée Valnue Happy Undies 4. Natural materials It can sometimes feel like, despite the increasing demand for sustainable fashion and the huge uptick in new lingerie brands that make sustainability a core part of their brand, lingerie in general lags behind because of its widespread reliance on synthetic fibres such as nylon and elastane. So it was lovely to see so many examples of natural fibres, particularly cotton, at the show. It’s absolutely smaller brands that are leading the way here. Carvaro, Cambaj and Odette Ancel were all showcasing styles made with cotton-based lace, which is something I’d love to see more of – and think we will. Cambaj’s bralette below also uses natural tree rubber (latex) elastic in the straps, which is something I included in my 2022 lingerie trend predictions. It was premature, perhaps – it’s still uncommon even now, but I continue to believe we’ll see more and more of this in the years to come. That, and the new biodegradable synthetics. Romrom Carvaro Cambaj Odette Ancel Short Stories 5. Raised textures & embellishments One of the biggest advantages of attending the Salon International de la Lingerie was getting to see the lingerie up close and actually touch it. Naturally, you get a much better appreciation for the texture of the garment. Is it soft or scratchy? How thick or lightweight is the moulded cup? Textural details can be somewhat difficult to capture in a product photo (such as the flocked velvet on the Lumey pieces below!). What looks flat online can actually have a lot of depth to it, and I saw plenty of designers making use of interesting raised textures – and at the higher-end brands, 3D embellishments – in their 2025 collections. Carvaro Karma on the Rocks La Sirene Scarlett Gasque Paloma Casile Lumey Odette Ancel 6. Colour trends: green & purple I’ve already spoken about the colour-blocking trend, but in terms of the most predominant colours I saw throughout the entire show, green and purple definitely reigned supreme. Especially green! There was just so much of it, and in all different shades from lime to emerald to deeper, more bluish hues. Front to back: Oh La La Cheri, Bott Lingerie, Understatement (x 2 sets), Mon Tiroir, Organic Basics Nette Rose Understatement Mon Tiroir Scarlett Gasque Scarlett Gasque Front to back: Mon Tiroir, Modibodi, Lise Charmel, Antigel, Fleur of England (x 2 sets) 7. Floating underwire bandeau bras I only have one photo to illustrate this trend, though I did see it from Passionata too. I’m talking about the ‘sheer underwired bandeau’ silhouette that I wrote about as a new trend in 2022, where the wires float behind a layer of unstructured or minimally-structured sheer fabric. It’s a design that makes the functional yet rarely-admired underwire the star of the show. Since that 2022 article I’ve continued to spot this shape online frequently, and seeing it again in Paris confirmed it for me – this is a bra style we’ll be seeing more of in 2025 for sure! Mon Tiroir 8. Chain & jewellery details And now for a trend I didn’t see at the Salon International de la Lingerie, but which I still feel is going to make a mark in 2025: jewellery details. Particularly chains. I included a couple more examples of this from Marks & Spencer and Ann Summers in last month’s holiday gift guide while Edge o’ Beyond, a brand long known for its detachable chain options, recently revamped its jewellery collection with increased quality and extended sizing. Although I didn’t spot this trend ‘live’ at the show – though I would note there were many, many brands I didn’t have time to visit – it did make an appearance on the very first page of a Sans Complexe catalogue I received at their booth, who’ve just introduced chains that can be attached to many of their bras. There was also a talk titled Embellishing the intimate: when jewellery meets lingerie which I unfortunately couldn’t go to (it took place just before I arrived on day one), but clearly, it’s something the industry is talking about right now. 9. Shapewear with lace Finally, another trend I was already noticing before attending was increasingly-stylish shapewear, something I wrote about a couple of months back. I did see lace-trimmed shapewear at the show from MAGIC Bodyfashion, while another major shapewear brand I spoke to also mentioned that they were working on their first lacy collection. Very sleek and plain pieces still dominate, understandably since they’re the smoothest and most invisible, but it certainly seems like the shapewear industry is getting prettier and more varied! So there you have it, my top nine lingerie trends for 2025. It’s my longest list yet; attending the Salon International de la Lingerie definitely helped me to pick out a few additional trends, while also reaffirming my thoughts on some I’d already planned to highlight. Perhaps I will go back next January! What do you think of these lingerie trend predictions? Which are you most excited about, and is there anything else you think I should have included in my list? The product recommendations directly above are affiliate links Source link

[norajworld]

Links with a * are affiliate links. It’s that time of year again when I share my lingerie trend predictions for the coming two seasons, but this time we’re doing things a little differently! For the past six years, I’ve compiled these trend forecasts from behind my desk, based purely on what I’ve been seeing online (and occasionally in stores… but mostly online). I usually start spotting potential trends and making notes from around summertime, finally writing them up the following January – it’s a long process! This year however, for the first time since I began covering the lingerie industry back in 2012, I finally went to one of the industry’s major trade shows: the Salon International de la Lingerie, which takes place in Paris every January and where both key industry players and much smaller brands all join together for a three day whirlwind of meetings, fashion shows and conferences while presenting their upcoming collections. I also got to visit the nearby showrooms of Passionata and Ralph Lauren lingerie/sleepwear thanks to a client who works with those brands (and who was the reason I attended the Salon show in the first place). Seeing that much lingerie, by that many brands, in such a short space of time is a lot to take in. But I came back from my trip armed with hundreds of photos to sort through and a much different perspective on the trends we’ll be seeing next. I’ll be writing more about my thoughts on the show for LingerieBriefs.com soon, but here, I wanted to share a look at some of the top lingerie trends I noticed at the show, as well as a couple I didn’t. One last note: usually, my lingerie trend reports start by reviewing the previous year’s predictions and whether they materialised as I’d expected or not. However, because this trend report is going to be so much longer and more image-heavy than in years past, that will be coming in a separate post. Nine lingerie trend predictions for 2025 1. Metallics, shimmer & shine From metallic laces and embroideries to foiled fabrics that added a pearlescent shine to non-standard colourways, shimmer was everywhere at the trade show – the below are just some of the many examples I saw, so I certainly think we’ll be seeing a lot of this in 2025. Scarlett Gasque Dot76 Skarlett Blue Cambaj Paloma Casile Empreinte Sans Complexe Odette Ancel 2. Fun colour blocking Whether it was at larger brands such as Sarda and Mey, or smaller indies such as Mon Tiroir from China and Vannina VESPERINI from France, the show was awash with examples of playful, clashing colour. Sometimes across the entire design, and other times in the form of bra straps in an unexpected colourway, or a vibrant, contrasting trim elastic in place of the typical black or tone-on-tone choices. In 2025, lingerie won’t just be bright and colourful, it will be multi-colourful. Mon Tiroir Mey Vannina VESPERINI Nette Rose 3. Lingerie made to be seen The lingerie-as-outerwear trend shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. It’s still all over the catwalks, and the Salon shared some trend data that noted the term “visible underwear” is becoming increasingly significant. Speaking to some of the brands at the show, it became clear that many of them are designing with outerwear styling possibilities specifically in mind. Think interesting backs you’ll want to show off with a backless outfit, bodysuits you can wear with jeans or a skirt, and options that just generally have a little more coverage so it’s easier to wear them out. I also heard from multiple brands that they’re working on hybrid pieces that blur the lines between lingerie, loungewear and regular clothing. (They weren’t at the show, but this brings to mind Entos’ Knott top which coordinates with – and shows off – their satin bralettes). Or, as in the case of Happy Undies, ‘swimtimates’ so that you don’t even need to change out of your underwear for a day at the beach! 2024 also saw solutionwear brand NOOD launch tops with incorporated bra-style support*, and I’ve seen a number of brands lately that offer clothing with built-in shapewear so that again, you can wear a single piece that serves two needs. It feels like lingerie is becoming ever-more multi-functional. Paloma Casile Lumey Noblesse Privée Valnue Happy Undies 4. Natural materials It can sometimes feel like, despite the increasing demand for sustainable fashion and the huge uptick in new lingerie brands that make sustainability a core part of their brand, lingerie in general lags behind because of its widespread reliance on synthetic fibres such as nylon and elastane. So it was lovely to see so many examples of natural fibres, particularly cotton, at the show. It’s absolutely smaller brands that are leading the way here. Carvaro, Cambaj and Odette Ancel were all showcasing styles made with cotton-based lace, which is something I’d love to see more of – and think we will. Cambaj’s bralette below also uses natural tree rubber (latex) elastic in the straps, which is something I included in my 2022 lingerie trend predictions. It was premature, perhaps – it’s still uncommon even now, but I continue to believe we’ll see more and more of this in the years to come. That, and the new biodegradable synthetics. Romrom Carvaro Cambaj Odette Ancel Short Stories 5. Raised textures & embellishments One of the biggest advantages of attending the Salon International de la Lingerie was getting to see the lingerie up close and actually touch it. Naturally, you get a much better appreciation for the texture of the garment. Is it soft or scratchy? How thick or lightweight is the moulded cup? Textural details can be somewhat difficult to capture in a product photo (such as the flocked velvet on the Lumey pieces below!). What looks flat online can actually have a lot of depth to it, and I saw plenty of designers making use of interesting raised textures – and at the higher-end brands, 3D embellishments – in their 2025 collections. Carvaro Karma on the Rocks La Sirene Scarlett Gasque Paloma Casile Lumey Odette Ancel 6. Colour trends: green & purple I’ve already spoken about the colour-blocking trend, but in terms of the most predominant colours I saw throughout the entire show, green and purple definitely reigned supreme. Especially green! There was just so much of it, and in all different shades from lime to emerald to deeper, more bluish hues. Front to back: Oh La La Cheri, Bott Lingerie, Understatement (x 2 sets), Mon Tiroir, Organic Basics Nette Rose Understatement Mon Tiroir Scarlett Gasque Scarlett Gasque Front to back: Mon Tiroir, Modibodi, Lise Charmel, Antigel, Fleur of England (x 2 sets) 7. Floating underwire bandeau bras I only have one photo to illustrate this trend, though I did see it from Passionata too. I’m talking about the ‘sheer underwired bandeau’ silhouette that I wrote about as a new trend in 2022, where the wires float behind a layer of unstructured or minimally-structured sheer fabric. It’s a design that makes the functional yet rarely-admired underwire the star of the show. Since that 2022 article I’ve continued to spot this shape online frequently, and seeing it again in Paris confirmed it for me – this is a bra style we’ll be seeing more of in 2025 for sure! Mon Tiroir 8. Chain & jewellery details And now for a trend I didn’t see at the Salon International de la Lingerie, but which I still feel is going to make a mark in 2025: jewellery details. Particularly chains. I included a couple more examples of this from Marks & Spencer and Ann Summers in last month’s holiday gift guide while Edge o’ Beyond, a brand long known for its detachable chain options, recently revamped its jewellery collection with increased quality and extended sizing. Although I didn’t spot this trend ‘live’ at the show – though I would note there were many, many brands I didn’t have time to visit – it did make an appearance on the very first page of a Sans Complexe catalogue I received at their booth, who’ve just introduced chains that can be attached to many of their bras. There was also a talk titled Embellishing the intimate: when jewellery meets lingerie which I unfortunately couldn’t go to (it took place just before I arrived on day one), but clearly, it’s something the industry is talking about right now. 9. Shapewear with lace Finally, another trend I was already noticing before attending was increasingly-stylish shapewear, something I wrote about a couple of months back. I did see lace-trimmed shapewear at the show from MAGIC Bodyfashion, while another major shapewear brand I spoke to also mentioned that they were working on their first lacy collection. Very sleek and plain pieces still dominate, understandably since they’re the smoothest and most invisible, but it certainly seems like the shapewear industry is getting prettier and more varied! So there you have it, my top nine lingerie trends for 2025. It’s my longest list yet; attending the Salon International de la Lingerie definitely helped me to pick out a few additional trends, while also reaffirming my thoughts on some I’d already planned to highlight. Perhaps I will go back next January! What do you think of these lingerie trend predictions? Which are you most excited about, and is there anything else you think I should have included in my list? The product recommendations directly above are affiliate links Source link

[chilimili212]

Links with a * are affiliate links. It’s that time of year again when I share my lingerie trend predictions for the coming two seasons, but this time we’re doing things a little differently! For the past six years, I’ve compiled these trend forecasts from behind my desk, based purely on what I’ve been seeing online (and occasionally in stores… but mostly online). I usually start spotting potential trends and making notes from around summertime, finally writing them up the following January – it’s a long process! This year however, for the first time since I began covering the lingerie industry back in 2012, I finally went to one of the industry’s major trade shows: the Salon International de la Lingerie, which takes place in Paris every January and where both key industry players and much smaller brands all join together for a three day whirlwind of meetings, fashion shows and conferences while presenting their upcoming collections. I also got to visit the nearby showrooms of Passionata and Ralph Lauren lingerie/sleepwear thanks to a client who works with those brands (and who was the reason I attended the Salon show in the first place). Seeing that much lingerie, by that many brands, in such a short space of time is a lot to take in. But I came back from my trip armed with hundreds of photos to sort through and a much different perspective on the trends we’ll be seeing next. I’ll be writing more about my thoughts on the show for LingerieBriefs.com soon, but here, I wanted to share a look at some of the top lingerie trends I noticed at the show, as well as a couple I didn’t. One last note: usually, my lingerie trend reports start by reviewing the previous year’s predictions and whether they materialised as I’d expected or not. However, because this trend report is going to be so much longer and more image-heavy than in years past, that will be coming in a separate post. Nine lingerie trend predictions for 2025 1. Metallics, shimmer & shine From metallic laces and embroideries to foiled fabrics that added a pearlescent shine to non-standard colourways, shimmer was everywhere at the trade show – the below are just some of the many examples I saw, so I certainly think we’ll be seeing a lot of this in 2025. Scarlett Gasque Dot76 Skarlett Blue Cambaj Paloma Casile Empreinte Sans Complexe Odette Ancel 2. Fun colour blocking Whether it was at larger brands such as Sarda and Mey, or smaller indies such as Mon Tiroir from China and Vannina VESPERINI from France, the show was awash with examples of playful, clashing colour. Sometimes across the entire design, and other times in the form of bra straps in an unexpected colourway, or a vibrant, contrasting trim elastic in place of the typical black or tone-on-tone choices. In 2025, lingerie won’t just be bright and colourful, it will be multi-colourful. Mon Tiroir Mey Vannina VESPERINI Nette Rose 3. Lingerie made to be seen The lingerie-as-outerwear trend shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. It’s still all over the catwalks, and the Salon shared some trend data that noted the term “visible underwear” is becoming increasingly significant. Speaking to some of the brands at the show, it became clear that many of them are designing with outerwear styling possibilities specifically in mind. Think interesting backs you’ll want to show off with a backless outfit, bodysuits you can wear with jeans or a skirt, and options that just generally have a little more coverage so it’s easier to wear them out. I also heard from multiple brands that they’re working on hybrid pieces that blur the lines between lingerie, loungewear and regular clothing. (They weren’t at the show, but this brings to mind Entos’ Knott top which coordinates with – and shows off – their satin bralettes). Or, as in the case of Happy Undies, ‘swimtimates’ so that you don’t even need to change out of your underwear for a day at the beach! 2024 also saw solutionwear brand NOOD launch tops with incorporated bra-style support*, and I’ve seen a number of brands lately that offer clothing with built-in shapewear so that again, you can wear a single piece that serves two needs. It feels like lingerie is becoming ever-more multi-functional. Paloma Casile Lumey Noblesse Privée Valnue Happy Undies 4. Natural materials It can sometimes feel like, despite the increasing demand for sustainable fashion and the huge uptick in new lingerie brands that make sustainability a core part of their brand, lingerie in general lags behind because of its widespread reliance on synthetic fibres such as nylon and elastane. So it was lovely to see so many examples of natural fibres, particularly cotton, at the show. It’s absolutely smaller brands that are leading the way here. Carvaro, Cambaj and Odette Ancel were all showcasing styles made with cotton-based lace, which is something I’d love to see more of – and think we will. Cambaj’s bralette below also uses natural tree rubber (latex) elastic in the straps, which is something I included in my 2022 lingerie trend predictions. It was premature, perhaps – it’s still uncommon even now, but I continue to believe we’ll see more and more of this in the years to come. That, and the new biodegradable synthetics. Romrom Carvaro Cambaj Odette Ancel Short Stories 5. Raised textures & embellishments One of the biggest advantages of attending the Salon International de la Lingerie was getting to see the lingerie up close and actually touch it. Naturally, you get a much better appreciation for the texture of the garment. Is it soft or scratchy? How thick or lightweight is the moulded cup? Textural details can be somewhat difficult to capture in a product photo (such as the flocked velvet on the Lumey pieces below!). What looks flat online can actually have a lot of depth to it, and I saw plenty of designers making use of interesting raised textures – and at the higher-end brands, 3D embellishments – in their 2025 collections. Carvaro Karma on the Rocks La Sirene Scarlett Gasque Paloma Casile Lumey Odette Ancel 6. Colour trends: green & purple I’ve already spoken about the colour-blocking trend, but in terms of the most predominant colours I saw throughout the entire show, green and purple definitely reigned supreme. Especially green! There was just so much of it, and in all different shades from lime to emerald to deeper, more bluish hues. Front to back: Oh La La Cheri, Bott Lingerie, Understatement (x 2 sets), Mon Tiroir, Organic Basics Nette Rose Understatement Mon Tiroir Scarlett Gasque Scarlett Gasque Front to back: Mon Tiroir, Modibodi, Lise Charmel, Antigel, Fleur of England (x 2 sets) 7. Floating underwire bandeau bras I only have one photo to illustrate this trend, though I did see it from Passionata too. I’m talking about the ‘sheer underwired bandeau’ silhouette that I wrote about as a new trend in 2022, where the wires float behind a layer of unstructured or minimally-structured sheer fabric. It’s a design that makes the functional yet rarely-admired underwire the star of the show. Since that 2022 article I’ve continued to spot this shape online frequently, and seeing it again in Paris confirmed it for me – this is a bra style we’ll be seeing more of in 2025 for sure! Mon Tiroir 8. Chain & jewellery details And now for a trend I didn’t see at the Salon International de la Lingerie, but which I still feel is going to make a mark in 2025: jewellery details. Particularly chains. I included a couple more examples of this from Marks & Spencer and Ann Summers in last month’s holiday gift guide while Edge o’ Beyond, a brand long known for its detachable chain options, recently revamped its jewellery collection with increased quality and extended sizing. Although I didn’t spot this trend ‘live’ at the show – though I would note there were many, many brands I didn’t have time to visit – it did make an appearance on the very first page of a Sans Complexe catalogue I received at their booth, who’ve just introduced chains that can be attached to many of their bras. There was also a talk titled Embellishing the intimate: when jewellery meets lingerie which I unfortunately couldn’t go to (it took place just before I arrived on day one), but clearly, it’s something the industry is talking about right now. 9. Shapewear with lace Finally, another trend I was already noticing before attending was increasingly-stylish shapewear, something I wrote about a couple of months back. I did see lace-trimmed shapewear at the show from MAGIC Bodyfashion, while another major shapewear brand I spoke to also mentioned that they were working on their first lacy collection. Very sleek and plain pieces still dominate, understandably since they’re the smoothest and most invisible, but it certainly seems like the shapewear industry is getting prettier and more varied! So there you have it, my top nine lingerie trends for 2025. It’s my longest list yet; attending the Salon International de la Lingerie definitely helped me to pick out a few additional trends, while also reaffirming my thoughts on some I’d already planned to highlight. Perhaps I will go back next January! What do you think of these lingerie trend predictions? Which are you most excited about, and is there anything else you think I should have included in my list? The product recommendations directly above are affiliate links Source link

[nudesnoises]

Line Ancel in "L'Art du Crime"

[secretsbetweenfriends]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: A.L.C. Ansel Ruched Dress.

[ancelscanner]

ANCEL Scanners: Pioneering Precision in Automotive Diagnostics

In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive technology, ANCEL stands as a beacon of innovation, particularly with its cutting-edge line of scanners. In this comprehensive exploration, we unveil the remarkable features and advantages that position ANCEL scanners at the forefront of the automotive diagnostic industry.

Decoding Excellence: ANCEL Scanner Technology

Precision in Performance

At the heart of ANCEL scanners lies a commitment to precision in automotive diagnostics. Leveraging advanced technology, ANCEL scanners decode the intricate language of a vehicle's onboard computer, providing users with real-time and accurate diagnostic information. This level of precision empowers users to swiftly identify and address potential issues, ensuring optimal vehicle performance.

Universal Compatibility

One of ANCEL's standout features is its commitment to universal compatibility. Whether you own a compact car, a robust SUV, or a high-performance vehicle, ANCEL scanners are designed to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of makes and models. This versatility sets ANCEL apart, offering a one-stop solution for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.

Unveiling ANCEL Scanner Features

User-Friendly Interface

ANCHEL scanners prioritize user experience with an intuitive and user-friendly interface. The clear display and logically organized menu structure cater to users of all skill levels. Navigating through diagnostic data becomes an effortless task, allowing users to access critical information without unnecessary complexity.

Extensive Code Database

Troubleshooting vehicle issues should be straightforward, and ANCEL scanners deliver on this front with an extensive code database. Each detected code comes with detailed explanations, empowering users to understand the underlying causes of issues. This comprehensive information enables informed decision-making regarding necessary repairs and maintenance.

Real-Time Data Streaming

For enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of their vehicle's performance, ANCEL scanner offer real-time data streaming capabilities. Monitor essential parameters such as engine temperature, RPM, and oxygen levels on-the-go, allowing proactive measures to maintain peak vehicle health.

ANCEL vs. Competitors

Reliability in Design

ANCHEL scanners distinguish themselves not only through their technical capabilities but also through their robust and durable design. Built to endure regular use, ANCEL scanners prioritize longevity and reliability. This durability, combined with precise diagnostics, solidifies ANCEL's position as a leader in the OBD2 scanner market.

Continuous Innovation with Updates

In a fast-paced technological landscape, ANCEL stays ahead of the curve with regular firmware and software updates. This commitment to continuous innovation ensures that ANCEL scanners remain at the forefront of diagnostic technology, delivering relevance and effectiveness throughout their lifespan.

User Testimonials: A Symphony of Satisfaction

Success Stories Unleashed

The satisfaction of ANCEL scanner users reverberates through success stories shared within the community. Swift issue identification, leading to cost-effective and timely repairs, consistently emerges as a recurring theme in user testimonials. These firsthand experiences underscore ANCEL's commitment to delivering exceptional value.

Joining the ANCEL Community

Beyond the tool itself, ANCEL offers users a chance to join a community of like-minded automotive enthusiasts. Share experiences, seek advice, and stay updated on the latest trends in automotive diagnostics. The sense of camaraderie within the ANCEL community enhances the overall ownership experience.

Elevate Your Diagnostic Experience with ANCEL

In conclusion, ANCEL scanners redefine the automotive diagnostics landscape. From precision in performance to universal compatibility and a user-friendly interface, ANCEL scanners embody excellence. Invest in the innovation of ANCEL OBD2 scanners, unlock the full potential of your vehicle, and drive with the confidence that comes from cutting-edge diagnostic technology.

[majkemaniiia]

SwynTask: How I Met Your [Parent]

Title: From the Memories of Lenore de Spell. Summary: What the title suggests. But specifically, Lenore and her relationship to marriage, love, and her kids. Content Warnings: None, really? (Majke has a brief discussion about sexuality, if you could even call it that?) Word Count: 2,139 Read: Doc. Or read below.

ONE.

You’re going to go cross eyed, he says, catching her attention. His stray dark hair is falling in his eyes, and it’s clear to her that he’s tired, too.

Lenore Ancel takes her glasses off to look at him. She’s far sighted. Medium-sighted, she supposes, considering she can’t see too close or too far away. But him – Edgar de Spell, with all strong lines and stronger ambitions – she can see just fine. 

In any light, she can see the shape of him and know it’s him. Like a calling. Like drawing her in. 

That ambition might get you in trouble some day, she once told him.

He responded by using his magic to put on a grand display of power, then proposing to her before graduation.

TWO.

“I can’t believe he’s gotten married,” Majke complains over the phone. Physically, she’s in Ireland. Spiritually, Lenore figures she’s cursing her brother over and over again.

“Yes, to a charming young lady named Minerva,” Lenore relays, pleasantly.

“Minerva?” 

The reaction is understandable, Lenore supposes. Poe probably could have given the entire family more of a heads up, but… to say so would be hypocritical of her.

“That’s entirely too close to Aunt Athena,” Majke says, a distaste in her voice.

Lenore laughs. “Yes, well, I thought the same thing, I assure you. Are you coming home for Pesach?”

There’s quiet over the phone, then. Lenore holds her breath, her smile, her composure.

“You don’t have to, Majk–”

“No, I will. I’ll book a ticket tonight. I’ll see you then, Mama. And Minerva, I guess?”

“What about your brother?”

“Oh, yea. Him, too, I guess.”

THREE. 

Edgar and Lenore marry when they’re twenty-three, having eloped against nearly all parents’ wishes.

Lenore’s certain that Edgar’s parents wanted him to marry someone more… upper class. Someone wealthier and prettier. With a tip-tilted nose and soft hair and a magic that was blinding and brilliant. Someone who could get along with his sister, Chiara. Someone who could bake classic Italian pastries with his mother.

Meanwhile, Lenore knows her parents wanted her to marry someone a little more…. Jewish? Though, in fairness, probably someone with better grades, too. All the wealth in the world wouldn’t have mattered to Margalit (Margaret, according to legal documents) Ancel if Edgar couldn’t prove he would be a good husband.

They returned from Paris, rings on display, so happy that no one, not even Edgar’s step-mother Moira, could fight them.

FOUR.

How did you even meet this boy? Lenore’s younger sister asks, irritated by one thing or another. 

Lenore knew her mother was probably grating on Athena, but there was no need to take it out on her. Lenore was only visiting the summer after her and Edgar’s wedding, which was, admittedly, a chaotic time to be a guest. 

While her younger sister was flirting with her childhood friend instead of studying for her final term and her just eighteen brother was gallivanting in Spain looking for rare spells and someone to take him on as a sorcerer apprentice, Lenore had settled in a small Italian cottage with Edgar, making a steady go of it.

She almost felt like the sane one of her siblings.

Does it matter? Lenore had replied.

It was a snappy retort, unkind and unwise. But, as well, Lenore had smiled at herself – not for having said what she said – but for the memory of their meeting.

FIVE.

“It’s romantic!” Poe had insisted, twelve-years-old and thinking he knew best. “Mama knew he was a good guy!”

“Sounds like dad was showing off,” Majke says, off-handedly, already preparing for war. “I wouldn’t have fallen for it.”

The problem with having Magickal kids, Lenore thought, was that your house can become a battleground. And, in a way, both children were right. Should Lenore have fallen for Edgar? Did it matter the what if of the matter? She did and it was done with. They were happy.

SIX.

You’re going to go cross eyed, he says, catching her attention. Lenore looks up through thick framed glasses to see a boy – one in her year? – standing on the library steps, arms crossed.

She hadn’t realized classes were changing and she was right in the way.

Sorry! She’d said hurriedly, getting up hastily, spilling her books and papers in the process. The wind began to pick up, taking them skyward, and Lenore thought for sure that this was how she’d die. Of pure embarrassment in front of a handsome boy who would mock her for the rest of her time at university.

Instead, he jumped, propelled by wind, and caught her stray notes and papers, descending again and handing them to her in a neat stack.

He’d captured her heart that day.

And then again when they met on the second floor of the library the next day. And the next. And the next week, when they’d moved to the third.

SEVEN.

“You can love whoever you want to love,” Lenore says, cradling her fourteen-year-old daughter. “Don’t let Poe tell you otherwise.”

Majke had stopped crying by this point, her hair frizzy from all the brushing her mother had done to it. It was soothing, in a way. Lenore knew this about Majke. While she pretended to have a tough exterior, she really could be quite delicate.

There’s a deep inhale, and Lenore isn’t ready for what Majke asks next.

“Even if it’s a girl, mama?”

Majke’s tone is so soft it would be inaudible if not for Lenore’s awareness.

Lenore pauses. That’s new. Had she known Majke liked girls? Was it because of her Aunt Chiara?

Was that why Majke was crying? When Poe, eighteen now, had gone and told her and Edgar  that Majke had skipped classes for a “date” (as he called it), no details were given about the who. In earnest, Lenore wondered if it was that boy that her grandmother had tried to set her up with. Rosolio? Lenore takes a mental note to tell Caraldina to mind her own business.

The pause had apparently  weighed on Majke and she began to turn away. Began to. Because Lenore had quickly wrapped her arms around her daughter again and kissed her temple lovingly.

“Yes, even if it’s a girl. I want you to pursue whoever makes you happy, my Majke,” Lenore says, grinning. “It doesn’t matter to me as long as they make you happy.”

EIGHT.

Chiara would love to meet you, he says, casually, walking alongside her.

They’re surveying the ground for reagents, looking for fresh dew and birdsong.

Not your parents? Lenore replies, using her wand to collect a dash of sunlight flashing between the trees.

His silence, though, tells her everything, and for once in their two year relationship, she has her doubts.

It’s not like they’d ever gone home together for holiday, both of them cited that their family gatherings were much too big. Edgar had his two older sisters, on top of step family to consider. Lenore had her younger sister and brother, both actively working to drive their mother up the wall.

She’ll like you just fine, Edgar had assured her. She’s just a very stressed person who needs her time. Chiara’s got a new girlfriend, and I don’t think it’s working out. My mother can only handle one significant other at a time.

Which was fair, Lenore supposed. And Lenore was decently shy, besides. She wasn’t going to push the issue.

NINE.

“Where you get your damnable stubbornness is beyond me, Majke,” Poe says, angrily over the phone. “Just come home and visit, it’s not like America is working out that well for you.”

“Poe,” Lenore says, trying to calm her son. 

Her children fight, it’s what they do. But, in a way, Lenore has to wonder where it was that Majke got her temper. Maybe from her own mother, but it wasn’t like Majke had much time with Lenore’s side of the family.

“No, I’m sick of this!” Poe shoots back, and Lenore is unsure if it’s to her or Majke on the other end of the line.

Some mumbles from the rotary phone, some yelling.

Ah, it was to sweet Majke.

“You should give your sister a break,” Lenore says, calmly, reaching for the phone. When she looks at Poe’s eyes, he looks almost betrayed. And for what reason? All he and Majke did was fight. 

“And why should I!?” Poe fires back, aggrieved.

The look on Lenore’s face, though, sets him right. And he hands the phone back to her.

Ever since Majke graduated university, she’d been traveling. Edgar didn’t mind, he thought it was good for her. Spell collecting is how she put it. Studying for the sake of it.

Edgar’s family were spell collectors. They could be agnostic about Sorcery Specialties, simply opting to learn everything and not fully committing to one specialty or another. Sure, it used a lot of reagents, but knowledge was knowledge. 

Majke framed her travels as learning more, but Lenore was always doubtful. To some degree, she wondered if her daughter was even happy at home. While Poe raced back every chance he got, Majke was different. Her polite disdain was more and more evident by the time she even went to university.

“Darling? I’m sorry for what Poe said, you know how he gets,” Lenore says, softly. But even when she picked up the phone, she knew the line was practically dead. 

Majke didn’t slam phones down, she politely set the phone next to the cradle and waited. If she slammed down the phone, Edgar would yell and yell. It was one of the few things that could set him off. For the most part, he was just about as calm as Lenore was about nearly everything… though perhaps he was a bit more enthusiastic about showing off new magic.

He’d mellowed over the years.

“Darling, we love you, alright,” Lenore says, trying her best to engage with the ghost on the other end of the line. “Your father and I hope you’re doing alright in America, okay? I hope you do come home, though. For your brother’s baby?”

She pauses. Perhaps it was hopeless.

Poe hadn’t even told Majke when he found out. He waited a full four months to drop it on her while she was at a train station in Germany. Maybe France? Majke had been irritated and immediately called for their dad to rat him out. Nothing of the sort, he got mad at her for being ungrateful for the news.

Lenore didn’t know how she felt about that.

He’d apologized the next day, of course. Heartfelt, actually. And then again, with a gift that arrived at her inn the next week. Pens and paper for the journaling she’d given up.

They’d had their rough spots, but Lenore knew they loved each other deeply.

Anger, though, had found a home in this house.

It’s quiet on the line for a bit longer, and Lenore shakes her head, not sure what to say.

“Well, I’ll say goodnight then, Majke. I hope you’ll —– ”

“What did Poe decide to name him?”

The static that comes through brings a smile to Lenore’s face and she clutches the phone tighter. “They decided to name her Lena,” Lenore says, and Poe gives a grunt of irritation from the other side of the room. Lenore silences him with a look.

There’s more quiet, and for a moment, Lenore thinks the line may have even been cut. But it hasn’t been. There’s a light laugh, almost a scoff on the other end of the line. Like a familiar annoyance.

“I can’t believe this. And how did Poe even meet this girl?”

TEN.

Lenore smiles brightly as Edgar presents her with his mother’s diamond ring. While some may say it would be bad luck to accept the ring – Edgar’s parents having separated by this point – Lenore thinks of it as a small kind of blessing.

Of all of his parents – he had three, his mother, father, and stepmother – Caraldina really was the one pulling for them.

Lenore supposes that she and Edgar really hadn’t blindsided all of them with the news. Arriving back from Paris with their smiles and laughter, Caraldina really was the one to put talks of their impulsiveness to rest. Her genuine joy for them was masked beneath an imposing smile.

When asked how they met and, further, how could she let this happen, Lenore had only looked at them all cheerfully.

She could tell them that he was a powerful sorcerer, or that he was wealthy, or that he sacrificed his grades in protest of the institution. All of these things were true about Edgar, but none of them mattered.

Lenore had shrugged, shook her head, and smiled.

“He makes me happy,” is all she would say. And, in the end, that was enough.