#//Celebrating with their Winery family; like the good old days | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

the-daiz · 2 years

Text

Where I stand | Kaeya

Genre: hurt/comfort, angst

Pairing: Kaeya x sibling!reader

Younger sibling reader

Warning(s): Diluc backstory spoilers, um, running away?

Side note: inspired by: In a house, Not a home. I rushed this ☹️ hope y'all enjoy

Posted on: 2/ August/ 2022 (oh my god its already August????)

Day 3. Today marks the third day of your escape. Your escape from the shackles of the warm abode you once called 'home'. Dawn winery, the house you lived in with your family, your caring father, and your two much older brothers, who both adored you more than anything else. That house is the chamber of your childhood memories, holding the most sacred and secular reminisces of the joyful past with your dear spouses.

Now that place was no longer home, it didn't feel like home anymore, only a lavish prison where all you did was cry in your lonesome bed. There was no loving father there to console you anymore. Oh, how you wished he'd suddenly appear out of thin air and offer solace. Pull you into his chest and hug you tightly while his gentle hand combed through your hair. Hushing you and whispering words of reassurance in your ear, not letting you out of his embrace until you've finally calmed down. Like he always did, like he always used to do.

It wasn't only your father who had disappeared. But your brothers as well. As you wept and wailed in his bed after witnessing his death, Diluc and Kaeya were out in the rain, surrounded by the gloomy forest and a suffocating atmosphere. The menacing glares they exchanged radiated a call for battle, urging them to draw their blades and end this fateful night with a signature occasion of despair and sheer regret.

It was only Diluc who returned back home that night. You hadn't the slightest clue where Kaeya went, however, you knew he was gone, you knew he had left, and you knew that you weren't going to see him for a good, long while.

Then it was Diluc's turn to walk out the door, to seemingly vanish from your home. From your life. You didn't even get the chance to exchange a brief glance with each other, and he had already bid his farewells to Mondstate. Leaving you. Alone.

You had practically lost your whole family that dreading night, a night where you all were supposed to be celebrating Diluc's coming of age together.

Elzer, Adeline, and the staff were much too busy taking care of the work Crepus had left behind and had little to no time to comfort you. Though, they did feel immense pity for you, having your life fall to shambles at such a young age... They couldn't even hope to imagine how you felt. So they tried to shower you with gifts instead, but it did nothing, all the gifts were left untouched at the foot of your bed, long forgotten.

You had spent most of your time in your father's room, sleeping on his bed and sobbing into his pillows, trying to convince yourself that he wasn't dead, that it was all but a long night terror. Alas, no matter how hard you tried to fool yourself, the fact still stood that he was gone.

You wanted to leave your house, it felt suffocating, it reminded you of the old days, when everything was fine. When you all lived happily together. It felt agonizing. But you weren't allowed to, Adeline had made it painfully clear. She was scared you might get hurt all on your own, and there was no one to accompany you. You tried to stifle your desire to leave by walking around the city of Mondstate, but it only made the ache in your heart worsen, with the way everyone glanced at you with sorrow flashing in their gaze, murmuring and Whispering words of pity amongst themselves. What made you shutter, however, was Kaeya's obvious and desperate attempts to avoid you. You really had lost everything.

That was the day you decided to put an end to your drowning. The day you decided to run away.

Now you sat down on the moist grass, your back against a sturdy tree as you examined the forest beyond the cliff. Capturing virtual images of every detail you eyed. The pigeon huddled with its children on a branch. How one of the branches on a tree was twisted unusually, resembling a heart. A group of three knights with oil lamps clutched in their probably cold hands, using the illuminating light as a guide to look for something someone.

You leaned your head back against the tree and smiled to yourself, relishing in the soft breeze brushing against your face. Those three tranquil days you spent venturing around the layouts of your home region, running around freely, and sleeping under the watchful gaze of the moon, were the best three days you've ever experienced in your life.

You couldn't feel the invisible hands squeezing your throat anymore. You felt like you could breathe again. You finally felt free.

"Excuse me?" A bright light shined from behind you, inching closer, in sync with the loud footsteps. You knew who it was, and you didn't mind. It was time for you to return anyway, you'll get another chance like this soon, you were certain.

"Yes?" You murmured, peering up at the tall Knight who now stood beside you, raising his lamp high, hence to get a clear look at your features.

"Are you (Y/n) Ragnvindr, by any chance?" He asked. After a few moments of wordless staring, you spoke, tearing your eyes away from the Knight's curious stare to look across the luscious green field one last time.

"Yes."

It was quiet. Eerily quiet. You're not sure what you had expected from the residence of the knights of Favonius, but you hadn't thought it would be so void of sound, especially these troublesome days where monsters were at every corner of the land.

You let out a soft exhale as you waited for something to happen. The same tall knight that found you earlier was now sitting before you, glancing at you from time to time.

"Um... when do I get to leave?" You muttered, wrapping the blanket tighter around you.

"A carriage is coming to escort you back home, soon." He replied, sending you a curt nod. You hesitantly nodded back, peering over at the office's window.

You both snapped your head in the direction of the door when you heard the sound of the main doors slam open, followed by frantic footsteps approaching master Jean's office, the one you currently sat in. The knight stood up with his hand clutching the heft of his sword.

The door slammed open, revealing a panic-looked Kaeya, panting heavily with lines of sweat tainting his face. Once he locked eyes with you, he leaped forward and wrapped his arms around you, securing you in a captivating hug. Your eyes dilated as he squeezed you tight.

"Oh my god. You're ok. You're ok. Thank Barbatos you're ok." He whispered, cradling your head with one of his hands. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

Your arms slowly raised to reciprocate the gesture, your eyes now brimming with tears.

"I'm sorry I worried you." Your voice wavered.

"Don't apologize, please don't apologize." He inhaled sharply. "Just... don't scare me like that again."

#daisy loves platonic love #i love sibling dynamics #daisy loves kaeya #genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #kaeya x reader #platonic kaeya x reader #kaeya x reader platonic #kaeya x sibling reader #kaeya and reader #ITS ONLY YOUUUU AND MEEEEEE ALWAYSSSS AND FOR-EV-ER #hurt/comfort #kaeya fanfic #kaeya genshin impact #ragnvindr reader #L-H/C #diluc #Crepus #diluc ragnvindr

641 notes · View notes

dandelion-wings · 3 years

Text

This is a scene from the vague nebulous future of the marriage AU that I’ve kind of had in my head for a while, and today when I sat down to work on something else a couple lines popped into my head and I ended up writing it down, instead! I have no idea if it’s ‘canon’ to the timeline or anything, I’m still working on the Lisa-Jean sequel, but it was fun to think about, and tbh Fredrica’s POV is fun to write from.

---

The knock on the door comes while Fredrica is in the middle of chopping chabbage and mushrooms for dinner. She pauses to wipe the knife with a cloth and slide it back into a leather sheath--the counter should be out of her granddaughter's reach, but two-year-olds are adventurous and she doesn't care to take any risks--and then starts down the hall to the foyer.

By the time she reaches the door, whoever's on the other side of it has knocked again, more loudly, as if they think they haven't been heard. Fredrica's mouth tightens at this impoliteness. Anyone knocking on her door should know she moves slowly, and be able to respect that. She glances over at the 'decorative' swords Kaeya had helped her mount on the wall next to the doorframe, placed and angled so she can draw quickly if necessary, and then opens the door, stepping into the gap as it swings wide so as to block anyone who might try to burst through the opening.

Her frown only deepens when she sees who was knocking. She's been expecting Diluc Ragnvindr to show up on her doorstep at some point or another since she first heard of his return to the Winery, but that doesn't mean she's pleased about it. He meets her gaze with a calm reserve, straight-backed and proud, as if he has some good reason to be at her door.

Just like his father, is her first thought, bitter still after all these years. Fredrica dismisses it immediately, shoving it down with the practiced self-restraint she had made herself develop when he became an apprentice knight. There's no justice in holding Crepus' offenses against his unwitting son. She doubts that Diluc even knows about his interference in her divorce, and at eleven he certainly couldn't have participated in it.

"Can I help you?" she says, once she's sure her voice won't come out any harsher than people are used to hearing. If it has some of the iron of her command voice in it, well, he was a knight long enough to be accustomed to that tone.

Indeed, he doesn't even blink. "Good afternoon, Lady Gunnhildr. I was hoping to speak to Jean, if she's available. The knights at the Ordo told me this was her day off."

"She's out," Fredrica says shortly, choosing not to mention that it's with Lisa. The last thing Jean needs is Diluc crashing her date.

"Ah." He hesitates for just a moment, then says, "I would be willing to wait."

Fredrica draws in a slow, even breath to suppress the response she wants to give him. The gall of the boy, expecting that she'd simply invite him into her home at his request. He looks at her expectantly, so certain of his welcome that it doesn't even seem to occur to him that it might be an impertinent request. Though of course he wouldn't have reason to. As quiet as he'd tried to be about it, the half of the city that knows he's here is already celebrating his return. If he knocked on the door of any other great family of Mondstadt, they'd be falling all over themselves to invite him inside.

No matter how it irks her, though, Fredrica is too well-practiced in facing him down to let her dislike flare enough to show. She'd been his commanding officer for five years, after all. She has the dignity of the Master of Knights to preserve, and the impartiality that role requires--except that she doesn't any more, does she? Through both his resignation and retirement, she's no longer his superior, no longer has any obligations or responsibilities to him except those that one private citizen owes another.

Which would include politeness, if no offense had been given. But she can remember Jean, red-eyed and trying to hide her tears until she couldn't on the night he'd left, and Kaeya, struggling to stand straight on his burnt leg in her office as they discussed marriage, and Seamus--despite everything, she can't help but flinch when he flinches, still--go white in the face when they'd brought Crepus' body in. Yes, Diluc has assembled enough offenses of his own.

Though there is one possibility she's obligated, contractually, to address. "Did Sir Kaeya invite you here?"

He starts at that, eyes widening, and then shutters away the confusion and surprise. "No. As I said, I was hoping to speak to Jean."

"Then I do not care to entertain you in my home," she says, calmly, evenly, with even more iron in her voice. "I would request that you refrain from further visits, unless you are invited by another member of my household. Good day, Master Diluc."

She steps back while he's still gaping at her--he truly *hadn't* expected to be refused--and closes the door in his face. Then waits there, hand on the doorknob, in case he tries to knock again. If he does, Fredrica has no intention of being so polite a second time. She can list his offenses for him if he pushes her; she almost hopes that he will, knowing as she does that no one else, not Varka nor Jean nor Kaeya nor Seamus, are willing to make the accusations that he deserves to hear. *Someone* ought to hold him to account for his father, and his brother, and his betrayal of his knighthood, and for leading Jean on for two long years, though she knows that the last one only matters to her.

But the knock doesn't come, and when Fredrica has waited long enough not to fear him looking back at her and goes to the sitting room to check that window, her doorstep is empty again. She takes a deep breath, not sure if she's relieved or disappointed, triumph warring with a vague sense of guilt.

"Grandma? Who's there?"

At the little voice behind her, Fredrica turns. She can feel the smile spread across her face, unbidden, as it always does when she looks at her granddaughter, who looks back at her with hopeful eyes. Sometimes a knock on the door means Barbara, Varka, or, most often, Lisa, all of whom adore her, and who are usually happy to stop and play. Fredrica has had to put some effort into training her not to rush to the door herself, against the off-chance it's a visitor that she'll need the swords for. It's impressive that she's been willing to wait this long to investigate.

"No one important," Fredrica says. She doubts that her parents will see it that way, but she also doubts that they'd like anything else Fredrica would tell her. "We should get dinner ready before your mother gets home."

As she ushers her granddaughter off to the kitchen to knead pizza dough and cover herself in flour, Fredrica deliberately pushes all thoughts of Diluc Ragnvindr out of her mind. She can worry about how his presence is going to change things in the city, and in her household, later. For now, she has more important things to focus on.

#fic bits #bells and spires

20 notes · View notes

klarolinelibrary · 3 years

Photo

Hi KC Readers,

We have reached the end of the week which means we have new weekly releases for you! The stories below were updated during the week of April 24th - April 30th.

Happy Reading!

FFN

A View to Stop a Murder

Author: Marcia rogerts

Rating: K+

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Bonnie realizes killing Kol would be a huge mistake, Caroline has enough of Elena's selfishness and Klaus makes it in time to save his brother. 4x12 AU.

Date of update: April 24 2021

Collateral Damage

Author: stardancer10

Rating: M

Length: Drabble

Summary: Caroline Forbes had finally reached her breaking point. She was done being the expendable casualty in their plots and schemes and decides to do something for herself, something selfish. Warning: Not for fans of Elena or Damon.

Date of update: April 24 2021

Klaus POV - The Trouble with Spells (Chapter 22)

Author: ilovetf

Rating: M

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: I think the title is self explanatory. The Trouble with Spells as seen through Klaus's eyes and his POV. Over the years, people kept liking this story and some even asked for Klaus POV, so I decided to give it a try.

Date of update: April 25 2021

The Wolf II (Chapter 10)

Author: yokan87

Rating: T

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: The Guerreras' threat still looms over the Mikaelson house as Caroline tries to adapt to life as a vampire, away from her daughter. But an unexpected family reunion makes everything worse, taking away the little peace Klaus, Caroline and Elijah managed to find after the war that nearly broke them. [It's TO S2, but Caroline was a witch, had Klaus' baby and now she's a vampire]

Date of update: April 27 2021

Nothing Suspicious Here At All

Author: Writingnerd291

Rating: T

Length: Drabble

Summary: There's something just not right about the French Quarter, and Caroline as a rule avoids it. But Caroline has never been good about following her instincts, especially when said instincts might actually keep her out of trouble.

Date of update: April 28 2021

A Failed Sacrifice (Chapter 6)

Author: CookieDuo

Rating: M

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: She ruined the sacrifice to save her own life, and in order to survive she turned to the only other vampire who'd been able to survive the wrath of Klaus Mikaelson. She gets away, and learns from the master, but when Klaus eventually catches up to her, her life will never be the same again.

Date of update: April 29 2021

AO3

Our Time Now

Author: perfectpro

Rating: M

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Returning to campus for the start of her senior year, Caroline is determined to lead the cheerleading squad to victory, get into the law school of her choice, and to stop sleeping with Klaus. All the while ensuring that her sorority is left in good hands after she graduates, keeping her perfect 4.0, and enjoying her remaining time in undergrad. Senior year is going to be different. Caroline is going to make it different, okay? She isn’t going to sleep with Klaus.

Date of update: April 24 2021

Echoes of Sorrow (Chapter 6)

Author: BelleMorte180

Rating: E

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: It was meant to the the vacation of her dreams. Something new and the beginning of a fresh start for her, but when an unthinkable tragedy strikes, Caroline is left with the aching pit of grief that she finds impossible to let go of. However, sometimes the greatest love stories are born out of the greatest tragedies.

Date of update: April 24 2021

No Goodbyes (Chapter 10)

Author: deadofwrite (dead_of_write)

Rating: E

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: “Last night shouldn’t have happened,” Caroline whispered. Guilt. Shame. Regret. It was all the emotions he feared. And it was written all over her face. aka. a college/cheating au

Date of update: April 24 2021

You Should See Me In A Crown

Author: misssophiachase

Rating: T

Length: Drabble

Summary: Two famous strangers, both trying to avoid paparazzi for different reasons, find themselves in a bar one night during the Summer Olympics.

Date of update: April 25 2021

A Million Reasons to Stay (Chapter 18)

Author: Books4eva180

Rating: T

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Caroline Forbes is an ordinary 21 year old girl. She lives in NYC in a crappy apartment with her 3 best friends while trying to get her degree in journalism at Columbia with a virtually non existent love life. Well that is until she is diagnosed with Stage 2 Stomach Cancer. Caroline is devastated and till the cancer is for sure gone she swears off romance. Those plans go out the window when she falls for Klaus. Literally he runs into her and she falls onto the sidewalk. So she goes on a date with him. At first Caroline resolves to go on a few dates with him just wanting to spend time with someone who doesn't know she has cancer and treats her like she is going to drop dead any second. Though the more time she spends with him the harder it gets for Caroline to leave. How long will it be till Klaus figures out about her big secret and when he does will it tear them apart forever or bring them closer than ever?

Date of update: April 25 2021

I Don’t Want You To Die (Chapter 2)

Author: klarolinexluv

Rating: E

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: This is set after Season 5 Episode 12 (The Originals) when Klaus comes to Mystic Falls and takes the dark magic out of Hope, then he returns home to die. Caroline has a guilty conscience and she travels to New Orleans after him. Will she finally tell him what she wants? Will she stop him from dying? Read to find out!

Date of update: April 25 2021

Darkness Becomes Thee (Chapter 2)

Author: BelleMorte180

Rating: E

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Austria 1300s. When Klaus met a young girl on a riverbank, he knew that he would one day come back for her. When he looked into her bright blue eyes, he could see a reflection of his own soul, a darkness that lingered inside both of them. When the young girl turned into a beautiful woman with a thirst for blood, his fascination with her turns into obsession. He wants not only her loyalty but her eternity, a possessiveness that is equally returned. Or my "Caroline is the serial killer Elizabeth Bathory" au.

Date of update: April 25 2021

Speak Now

Author: klarrolines

Rating: T

Length: Drabble

Summary: Caroline scoffed loudly, fists clenched to her sides and her face contorting angrily. "What would you know of what I want?" "Love, if getting married to Stefan is truly what you want why are you here listening to me instead of telling me off? If this is truly what you want why do you look like you're going to be sick on your own bloody wedding?"

Date of update: April 25 2021

A Smutty Anniversary (Chapter 7)

Author: kcatdino

Rating: E

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Caroline and Klaus celebrate 3 months together with a day full of smut.

Date of update: April 25 2021

Our Rebirth (Chapter 7)

Author: MissMackasaurus

Rating: M

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Caroline is tired of being unappreciated, forgotten and mistreated. Klaus is frustrated with watching her be disappointed by her friends. When she decides to run from Mystic Falls he drops everything to keep her safe. friendship isnt forbidden when no one knows you are together. What will happen when Caroline takes Klaus up on his offer to show her the world?

Date of update: April 25 2021

Roulette

Author: malignance

Rating: G

Length: Drabble

Summary: Apparently with Mikaelsons, one meant all.

Date of update: April 25 2021

Kill Them With Kindness

Author: sekretny

Rating: T

Length: Drabble

Summary: “Caroline, pray tell… what is this little-,” Klaus directs his steps towards the sink where his girlfriend is doing the dishes, “project that you have undertaken.” Upon closer inspection of the state of the kitchen, he decides to tread carefully to avoid setting his feet on any of the small specks of some kind of treacly substance scattered all around the floor. “I was making cookies,” she answers with a voice full of fake cheer and a shrugs of her shoulders. He recognized her answer as being oddly evasive, while she continued to scrub a spatula. Klaus finds it adorable how she tried and failed at feigning innocence.

Date of update: April 26 2021

Destination Wedding (Chapter 4)

Author: PumpkinDoodles

Rating: M

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: The first rule of going to your ex's wedding is 'make sure you look good,' but Caroline's seriously worried that this British Guy is going to make her late. And she cannot be late to Rebekah Mikaelson and Matt Donovan's wedding at a Virginia winery.

Date of update: April 26 2021

Just Another Fairytale (Chapter 15)

Author: BelleMorte180

Rating: E

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Once upon a time, there was a young prince who roamed the Forrest of Abattoir and a young maiden who lived by the Mystic Sea. The maiden felt the alone and useless while the prince longed for a connection to his mother. Just like any fairytale, the story of the prince and the maiden is one of true love, adventure and magic.

Date of update: April 26 2021

We are Young (Chapter 13)

Author: kcatdino

Rating: T

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Basically, Klaroline flirt in front of their kids who they are barely older than, and Landon is appropriately confused.

Date of update: April 26 2021

Magics Miracle (Chapter 6)

Author: 1Jemmagirl22

Rating: T

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Caroline is in Paris with out her humanity after the death of her mother. It seems her friends aren't happy with her new state so they inform the one person capable of turning her emotions back on. Klaus. When a prophecy about a second Tribrid comes about in New Orleans, shock to sweeps through the city. It seems nature doesn't consider Hope such an abomination after all as an even greater one is about to be created. The hands of power are changing and when they're done even the worlds most powerful witches won't be able to stop it.

Date of update: April 26 2021

Sibling Rivalry (Chapter 10)

Author: kcatdino

Rating: M

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: In which Klaus and Rebekah are both bi, their taste in men and women overlaps infuriatingly often, and they argue over their newest shared interest.

Date of update: April 27 2021

Kiss Me Quick (Spin Me Slow)

Author: malignance

Rating: T

Length: Drabble

Summary: It was infuriating, the effect they all had on her.

Date of update: April 27 2021

Secret Spells (Chapter 2)

Author: 1Jemmagirl22

Rating: T

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Alexandria Le Fay brings old magic back to the Salvatore school just as things start to calm down. But magic isn’t all she brings. Darkness follows her everywhere she goes. As does her family’s secrets. Takes place after Legacies 3x04.

Date of update: April 27 2021

LITTLE TENSE (Chapter 2)

Author: wincefish16

Rating: T

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: PROMPT- HUMAN MARRIED KLAROLINE. THINGS ARE NOT LOOKING GOOD IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP. DAMON IS CAROLINE'S BROTHER AND KLAUS'S BEST FRIEND. HE TRIES TO FIX THINGS BETWEEN THEM.

Date of update: April 28 2021

Soulmate visions (Chapter 5)

Author: kcatdino

Rating: T

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: On your soulmate's eighteenth birthday, you see through their eyes for an hour, but they don’t know. And if your soulmate turns eighteen before you are even born, you never get a vision. Klaus gets his soulmate vision right after he orders Tyler to bite Caroline on her birthday.

Date of update: April 28 2021

Caroline in Wonderland

Author: BelleMorte180

Rating: E

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: London, 1903. On the day of her wedding, a young boy collides into Caroline's legs, all but knocking her to the ground. Seeing that she is dreading walking down the aisle, any moment stalling her from heading to the church is welcome. However, when she follows the young boy down a London street, something impossible happens and Caroline finds herself in a magical world that she had been told about as a young child- Wonderland. She embarks on a journey through Wonderland to find out who she really is, where she belongs and towards a man who she had thought was nothing more than an imaginary friend.

Date of update: April 28 2021

The Big Bad Wolf (Chapter 7)

Author: MorningStarGirl666

Rating: T

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: He was the Big, Bad Wolf of this story, there was no doubt about that. But Caroline? She was the light to his darkness, the moon that shone brighter than even the stars in a sky of endless void. Like every wolf, he fell in love with the moon, and every month, he was destined to cry for a love he would never touch.

Date of update: April 28 2021

Resilience (Chapter 26)

Author: BMINA

Rating: M

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Set from 7x12 of TVD and somewhere between 3x13-3x14 of TO. When the gang of Mystic Falls try to get rid of Julian using a dangerous spell, they employ the help of Freya Mikaelson. But things go awfully wrong, resulting in a huge loss and lots of heartbreak. Julian vows to kill them all, making the group leave Mystic Falls and start running in different directions of the world. Five years later, Caroline and Alaric have a life in Chicago - free from the supernatural drama and all the grievances that come with it. But when Damon and Enzo show up to tell them that Bonnie has been taken, they pack their bags and head to the only place they can go to find help in getting her back; New Orleans. However, that brings about a new magnitude of problems instead, with a war looming ahead as old enemies of the Mikaelson's resurface and new dangerous weapons are discovered, threatening the sirelines once more. Forcing Caroline to make a decision between her new life and one where she must leave her human notions behind.

Date of update: April 28 2021

Battle Plans Gone Wrong

Author: Helpfulfairy92

Rating: Not rated

Length: Drabble

Summary: While Klaus knew he wasn't the smartest man on the planet, he liked to think that he had at least learnt to pay attention to his wife's many moods over the years. And this mood? This was one he had learnt to pay attention to. This was not a good mood. Or Caroline finds out about Klaus' plan and says No.

Date of update: April 29 2021

KC Drabbles 2021

Author: CandyCane1287

Rating: T

Length: Drabbles

Summary: C1: Hybrid Klaus meets human Caroline earlier and they fall in love. But there’s more. Ps, Katherine didn’t turn Caroline and she’s still human. He used Elena for the sacrifice but Elijah revived her. He got Tyler to bite Caroline but Klaus healed her. Tyler and Caroline broke up cause he cheated on her and they weren’t that in love.Matt and Caroline never happened. A bit of talk of Damon, but doesn’t go into too much detail.

Date of update: April 29 2021

The Long Ride Home (Chapter 4)

Author: BelleMorte180

Rating: E

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Seventy-three years is a long time to love someone; but sometimes, a lifetime is just not long enough when it is time to say goodbye.

Date of update: April 29 2021

Mikaelson Family Values

Author: perfectpro

Rating: G

Length: One Shot

Summary: Klaus and Caroline Mikaelson moved to Mystic Falls to put down roots for their family, but the town doesn't prove to be as perfect of a fit as they might have thought.

Date of update: April 29 2021

Louder Than Thunder (Chapter 16)

Author: khaleesiofthewolves

Rating: M

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: All Hell was about to break loose. After dying while protecting a grieving Klaus, Caroline finds herself sent back in time, and she's not who she once was. She's more. Back in Mystic Falls, something else is stirring. After the arrival of a mysterious figure from Klaus' past, it all comes to a head. It really is louder than thunder.

Date of update: April 30 2021

Reasons Not to Date a Mikaelson (Chapter 4)

Author: kcatdino

Rating: T

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Bonnie and Caroline gain a new roommate for their freshman dorm when a vision leads them to tracking down a pregnant Hayley in the Rockies. Also, Bonnie may or may not have raised a certain dead Original instead of Jeremy and Klaus takes a job at Whitmore teaching, to be annoying. He’s very good at it. This is a season 5 rewrite where the Originals never leave for New Orleans. But you know, with comedy.

Date of update: April 30 2021

Rewrite Of American Dream Prom Queen

Author: alyssa_chloe25

Rating: T

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: This is my version of american dream prom queen by trashcanbarbie. The beginning is the same as the original but with a twist in the end. More violence and hybrid klaus comes out to play.

Date of update: April 30 2021

AO3: Last Love (Chapter 2)

FFN: Last Love (Chapter 2)

Author: kirti_01

Rating: M

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Klaus had promised to be her last love, was sure that Caroline, will come to him. Maybe in a year, or a 100, perhaps. But Caroline decides not to wait for that long. After graduation, Caroline moves in with Klaus to give her feelings for him a chance. And Elijah finally lets go of his obsession with Katherine and finds himself attracted to a university student, his student, a human named Samara.

Date of update: April 24 2021

AO3: She Deserves Better (Chapter 43)

FFN: She Deserves Better (Chapter 43)

Author: CrazyGirl92

Rating: E

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Everyone Caroline has ever known is gone, her life has not gone the way she expected at all. What happens when she is attacked on the full moon? What happens if she finds herself back into her past. What will she do with this unexpected chance? How did it happen? Will she make the same choices? Were those even the right ones? Will Caroline wake up and realize just how much better she deserved. And just what will happen when she does?

Date of update: April 24 2021

AO3: The Domino Effect (Chapter 3)

FFN: The Domino Effect (Chapter 3)

Author: CrazyGirl92

Rating: M

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: Would the death of three of the five original vampires really not affect the entire world? What happens when the witches at peace decide something must be done about it. How is the story changed if Caroline meets Klaus Mikaelson earlier?

Date of update: April 24 2021

AO3: Corks and Claws (Chapter 21)

FFN: Corks and Claws (Chapter 21)

Author: UppityBitch

Rating: M

Length: Multi Chapter

Summary: As alpha pack leader of the Crescent Clan, Caroline has enough to deal with in keeping her wolves in line, but then a familiar sexy hybrid returns with his own set of problems and she can’t help but get involved...

Date of update: April 25 2021

AO3: Judgment Call (Chapter 9)

FFN: Judgment Call (Chapter 9)

Author: Eliliyah

Rating: G

Length: Drabble

Summary: As a Federal Agent, Caroline Forbes has always lived by a strict moral code. But when new evidence comes to light that Klaus Mikaelson, the first man she helped send to death row, may not be guilty hours before his execution, she begins to question everything she’s ever known. As the investigation leads to the heartbreaking truth, she’s forced to choose between what is right and what is just.

Date of update: April 27 2021

#klaroline library #KCL weekly releases #klaroline fanfiction #klaroline

20 notes · View notes

penwieldingdreamer · 4 years

Text

Grow old with me

So this is a short one shot for the ‘My best Friend’ series. Let me know what you think, hope you’ll like it. And thank you to all 304 followers, so it might be a kind of celebration now.

Warnings: fluff, one or two curse words

Words: 1.7k

You tried to take deep breaths, feeling your hands shaking with anxiety. Keeping with tradition and as a joke, Keanu and you had decided to stay in different rooms. Your mother, his sisters and mother were flitting about the room, while you still stood there in your white wedding lingerie, the nerves making your stomach churn. Was it really what you wanted? Was it what he wanted?

“Darling.” your mother pulled you from your thoughts, taking your hand in hers. “What is going on in that head of yours?”

You swallowed the lump in your throat, trying to suppress the tears in your eyes. “Are we really doing the right thing?”

Patricia watched you, a smile on her lips as your mother sat you down onto the plush chair in the room. She walked over to you, putting her hand on your shoulder. “If my son didn’t want to marry you, he wouldn’t have asked you. You’re both nervous because it’s going to be a new part in the journey of your life together, it’s an adventure.”

“You both love each other or you wouldn’t feel like this now.” your mother added, nodding over at Keanu’s mother. “She is right you know, it’s a wonderful adventure you’re both going to take now. The public already knows and you’ll just take the next step to be a cute little family, Keanu, Ava and you.”

Kim and Karina grinned at you as they stood behind you and leaned down to kiss you on your cheeks. “You’re such an amazing woman, Y/N, there’s not going to be a day where he’ll regret being with you.” Kim smiled and looked at her sister, who put her arms around your shoulders. “And just think about it, Ava might not be the only child you guys have with the way he’s already devouring you whenever you’re in the same room.”

“Oh, you.” you laughed, lightly hitting Karina’s arm as your mother stood you up again.

She put her hands on your cheeks, brushing lightly under your eyes. “Let’s get dressed darling, he’s probably just as nervous as you.” Nodding your head, you looked over at the dress hung onto the door, smiling as you imagined the look on his face when Keanu would see you.

***

“Shit.” he cursed, brushing his hands through his dark strands as he failed yet again to work on his tie. Never in his life would he have thought that he’d finally stand in front of a official and be married to the one woman that brought back everything good in his life.

A knock sounded at the door and he walked over, feeling his legs jitter with nerves. Keanu was surprised when he saw Y/N father standing on the other side.

“Hello son.” he greeted him, a smile on his weathered face as the actor moved to the side and let him pass. “Don’t you think you should put that tie on?”

Chuckling Keanu took the piece of fabric and laid it around his neck. “I can’t get the knot right, my fingers just won’t move.”

“It’s the nerves, but it’s good.” the older man said, walking over to the actor and held onto the ends of the tie. “You know she’s just as nervous as you, if not more.”

Smiling Keanu let his soon-to-be father-in-law work on the knot and turned back to the small mirror in his hotel room once he was finished. “I can’t wait to see her walking down the aisle.”

“All I’ll say is she is the most beautiful woman I’ve seen, besides my wife.” the older man added, winking at him before the stern look returned to his face. “But there is one thing I’m asking of you son.”

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Keanu nodded his head, already having a feeling what he meant. “Of course.”

“Don’t hurt my babygirl, she’s the only one I have and Tommy already fucked up, so please don’t do the same.”

Nodding his head, the actor put his hand on her father’s shoulder. “I can only promise that I will do my best to never hurt her like he did. We’ll probably have our fights and disagreements but I could never sink as low as him.”

“That’s all I want, Keanu. Just love her.”

The smile that lifted his lips was as wide as the depths of his love for Y/N and Ava.”

***

His friends Chad, Alex Winter and Gard together with their wives were sitting on the right side with his mother and his sisters and their families. Alexandra was standing next to the flower arch taking pictures of the guests and the venue. Your family sat on the left, your mother’s hands tightly clasped around your father’s as they all waited for you to walk down the aisle.

Both, Keanu and you had decided to have a small intimate wedding just with your friends and family at a winery near LA. The location was so beautiful surrounded by mountains and vineyards and just when you had looked at the pictures you were instantly taken with the location.

The actor smiled at Laura, Cindy and Helen and a few workers at ARCH who had all been so excited they could join the festivities. Taking a deep breath he looked back to the entrance when finally the music started to play. You had opted to walk down toward your soon-to-be husband by yourself, the train of your chiffon gown trailing after you. The lace top littered with little gemstones catching the light and glittering like diamonds. You couldn’t help the smile as Keanu watched you from head to toe, taking everything in, from the wavy updo specked with small white roses and peonies, just like your bouquet, and down towards your small feet adorned with the strappy sandals peeking out from under the gown. It was the right decision judging by his approved smile. Everyone ohed and awed as they saw you, your mother wiping at her eyes as she bounced Ava on her lap and your father smiling gently at you. Holding out your bouquet as you passed your parents, they took it, holding onto the flowers until you’d need them again.

When you finally reached him, you couldn’t help the watery smile as Keanu held onto your hands, softly stroking the back of each with his thumbs. I love you he mouthed at you before you both turned to the official starting the ceremony.

“Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to wed these two people and bring them forth into the bond of holy matrimony.” he said smiling at you. “There is nothing more beautiful, more wonderful than a love so deep that it will take to people on an adventure of their lifetime. Now I ask you: Have you both come here of your own free will?”

“I did.” Keanu and you spoke at the same time, a broad smile on your faces.

“Is someone here against this union between these lovers?”

A chorused No sounded throughout the venue and the official nodded his head turning back to you both. “Y/N and Keanu have decided to speak their own vows, making a promise before god and all that are gathered here. Y/N, please start with your vow.”

Taking a deep breath, you smiled at Keanu, watching his eyes shine with love as he gazed down at you. “Keanu, I love you because you are happy and adventurous and strong. I love you because you love your family and friends just as fiercely as I love mine. Also I love that your family has become mine and my family has become yours. You are my best friend and I am happy that we are on this journey together.” Your eyes watered again as you felt your voice tremble with each word. “You are the love of my life and make me happier than I could have ever imagined, you are the best father Ava could ever have. Y-You make me unbelievably proud and I will make you proud as your wife. I-I vow t-to listen to you and learn from you. I vow to laugh with you and cry with you, to value our differences just as much as our common ground. I vow to put all my e-effort into strengthening our marriage and giving you the best version of me. Keanu,” you gave his hands a tight squeeze, brushing your thumbs over the back of his own. “on good days or bad days, rain or shine, I’ll love you forever and I’m so lucky you’re mine.”

On impulse he leaned down and kissed your lips, pouring all his love for you in that short kiss as the official behind you chuckled and the guests all laughed.

“Keanu, your vow please.”

He grinned down at you, brushing his hand over your cheek. “I don’t have such a long one, but I’ve got this: I don’t know what’s going to happen to us. I cannot read the stars or converse with The Fates but I do know this: I’m all in, for Ava and you, Here and Now, until I’m dead in the dirt. No matter how difficult it gets, or how desperately the world tries to tear us apart, I’ll be yours to grow old with you.”

You reached up and pulled his face down to yours, kissing his lips as if you had been starving for love. Pulling away you exchanged your rings, putting the silver band on his left ring finger and Keanu delicately put the smaller twin together with the princess cut engagement ring on yours. Another short kiss and you were ready to finish the ceremony.

“Well, now that the vows have been spoken there’s only one thing to say.” the official laughed, as you both ended the kiss. “I pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride.”

Keanu grinned, pulling you into his body as his lips brushed yours again in a tender kiss. You could hear the clicking of Alexandra’s camera and the delighted shouts of your friends and family. Ending the kiss, you walked over to your mother taking Ava into your arms as she happily carried your bouquet. Your husband put his hand on your back and walked you down the aisle towards the reception hall where you would party the rest of your day.

“I love you, Mrs Reeves.” he whispered into your ear, tickling your skin with his soft beard.

Smiling up at him, you brushed one hand along his cheek. “I love you, too, Mr Reeves.”

Taglist

@meetmeinthematinee @ladyreapermc @axshadows @a-really-bi-girl @fanficsrusz @ficsnroses @toomanystoriessolittletime @fortheloveoffanfic @pinkzsugar @lunaeminxxx @momorix3 @sallyp-53 @keanureeefs @baphometwolf666 @mrspeacem1nusone @random806 @fuck-yeah-hope @wholelottatiffy @cap-just-said-language @theolsdalova @omg-imagine @rabbitpajamas @hnryycvll @iworshipkeanureeves @maggiemoo1892 @bohemianrhapsody86 @spookypeachx @omgkatinka @voidnarnia

#keanu reeves x reader #keanu reeves imagine #keanu reeves fanfic #keanu reeves #reader #fanfiction #story

85 notes · View notes

lia-jones · 4 years

Text

Growing Pains - Chapter Twenty Two - The Jones Family

First and foremost, thank you to my friend @muart0113 for the amazing art to illustrate my work. This girl is incredibly talented and makes my heart sing with joy with her every work. I love you, girl! Now, scroll down for the chapter...

It was a fantastic day. I had Victor by my side, and we were on our way to my parents’ house. I had received the highest praise from the University. Professor Williamson, that was so crude when I was defending my thesis, showered me with compliments right after, complimenting my hard work but, most of all, my vision. I had completed a milestone towards my healing, and with flying colors. It did feel as if I had healed, like the darkness in me had faded away, maybe for good, and I had found myself again. Better, I had found an improved version of myself.

I had managed to get my life back on track. I had found love and success. And to top it all off, Victor was in a very good mood as we drove in the sun, the Atlantic Ocean as our background.

“I may have to give you a raise.” He said, touching my leg. “When the other companies find out about you, I’ll have to fight for you tooth and nail.”

“Please.” I made a flat voice, but couldn’t avoid the grin. “If I’m here, it’s because of your help. Can you imagine what would have happened if you let me quit like I intended to? I might not be here now, celebrating with you.”

“I didn’t stop you from quitting, I teased you to stay.” He corrected. “You could have quit anytime, give it all up, but you didn’t. You faced the challenge.”

“Don’t think I don’t know you cherry-picked the clients I would work with.” I looked at him from the corner of my eye.

“Of course I did. But it wasn’t all for your benefit.” Victor looked at me with earnest eyes. “I merely saw a good opportunity, and yes, cherry-picked the people I enjoy and trust the most to profit from it. It wasn’t all because of you, it was also because of them. Mr. Mills’ business, for example, benefited immensely collaborating with both Guy and Xavier, increasing his sales. Xavier got excellent quality grapes at a very competitive price, and Guy now has superior fresh ingredients for his restaurant. Everything your study promises. A win-win-win situation.”

I couldn’t help but smile, not because of the praise, but because my “utopic reasoning”, as some teachers put it, made some sense after all. And the practical applications of it, that allowed these companies to grow, was the final proof.

“And I got you.” My hand leaving the wheel and reaching for his. “And you were my greatest support, Victor. If it wasn’t for you-“

“Just take the praise.” Victor sounded annoyed, but I could see the soft smile on his face. “I will not repeat myself. Just say Thank you, handsome.”

“You enjoy your new nickname, is it?”

“I don’t hate it.” Victor feigned aloofness.

“Thank you, handsome.” I offered, just letting the happiness wash over me.

A comfortable silence filled the car, and all we could hear was the hum of the motor running, and the seagulls outside, jumping on the warm sand of the beach beside us. It suddenly dawned on me where we were driving to. It was Victor’s first real interaction with my family. I started feeling nervous again, my happiness thrown to the background, as an uneasy feeling settled in my stomach again.

“Are you nervous?” Victor asked, reading into me.

“Why should I be?” I answered nonchalantly.

“I can tell you are worried.” He said, matter-of-factly. “Are you afraid they won’t like me?”

“I’m afraid you won’t like them.” I confessed. “I mean, you’ve seen them. They are caring and supportive and I love them to death, but they’re also overly expressive, and noisy… Nothing you are used to.”

“How judgmental do you think I am?” Victor frowned at me.

I didn’t answer, afraid to start an argument. Victor could be judgmental sometimes. Not that he did it on purpose, or with a mean intention, but he was quick to draw conclusions about people. It was how he navigated through the world. He categorized.

“Perhaps I’m a little nervous as well.” He offered, almost in a whisper.

“Don’t be. You made time in your very busy schedule and took a twelve-hour flight to come and see my presentation. When asked, you spoke highly of me. They already like you.” I chuckled, relieved to see the tone of the conversation shifting to a more amicable one.

“After what you’ve been through…” He hesitated for a moment. “I want them to see I’m not like that.” He confessed.

I turned the car to the side of the road, pulling the brake. Unfastening my seatbelt, I turned to Victor.

“You’re nothing like him.” I said, stroking his cheek. “Nothing at all. They will see that too, I’m sure.”

Victor ran his fingers through my curls, taking the back of my head and pulling me towards him for a kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck, trying to get as close as I could, despite the parking brake and gear shift between us.

“I’ve been wanting to kiss you since you left Loveland.” Victor whispered, his forehead touching mine.

I parked the car in front of my mother’s villa. My family had just arrived, and everyone was working to get lunch started.

“Welcome, Victor.” My mom greeted him. “Andrea will show you around while we set the table.”

“Do you need help?” Victor offered.

“No, not necessary. We have plenty of people to help. But it’s very nice of you to offer.” My mom smiled.

As we stepped inside, we were greeted by Lady, my black and white Border Collie. Well, I was greeted. Seeing Victor, a stranger in her pack’s territory, Lady positioned herself in front of him, taking a defensive stance, growling at him. Victor instinctively took a step back.

“Lady!” I called, trying to break her attack focus. “Sit! Calm down.”

Lady immediately sat, waiting for orders. I hugged Victor, and patted him on the chest. Lady was watching my behavior closely.

“He’s a friend, see?” I told her, and then turned to Victor. “You need to show her you are friendly.”

Victor gave me a confused frown but obliged, hugging me back and pecking me on the forehead. Lady was apparently pleased with the gesture, going to Victor and nudging his hand. He hesitated, but after a moment he started petting her. Her tailed wagged happily.

“Good job defending your family.” He offered, kneeling to let her come closer. “Good girl.”

I took Victor to the back of the house, where the greenhouse was located, connected to a small bright study and the kitchen. My mother’s house wasn’t as luxurious as Victor’s, but was well located near the beach, and with good access to the city, and it was incredibly spacious. We arrived at the study, where my piano was, by the door of the greenhouse, which was open at that time.

“What’s this smell?” He asked, breathing deeply the aroma.

“Lavender and lemon. From the greenhouse.”

Victor nodded in approval and then walked to my piano, looking at one of the pictures on top of the varnished wood, me playing that same piano when I was 7 years old.

“Is this you?” He asked, observing it carefully. “You were cute.”

“I still am.” I pretended to be offended.

“Debatable.” He gave me a mischievous smile, and I could tell he was relaxing a little bit.

“There you are.” I heard my mother, coming from the kitchen. “Lunch is on the table, come eat. Victor, there’s a bathroom near the kitchen, if you want to use it. Come, I’ll show you.”

Victor thanked my mother and followed her inside. I was about to go inside, when Cristina stopped me.

“Is he your boyfriend?” She whispered in Portuguese, so my father and Victor wouldn’t understand us. “He’s hot!”

“Shhhhh!” I urged her to keep quiet. “I haven’t told anyone yet. Did my mother say anything in the car?”

“No, she just commented on how nice he is. Josh is very suspicious though, he acted moody all the way here.”

“Oh God…” I whined, hiding my face with my hands.

“Hey! Snap out of it!” Cristina slapped my arm playfully. “Are you happy?” She asked, giving me a warm smile.

“Yes.” I smiled back. “Very happy.”

“Good. I got your back if things get chaotic. Don’t worry.”

“Are you ladies going to have lunch with us or are you watching your figure?” My father teased from inside.

As I entered, Victor was already sitting at the table, engaged in conversation with my brother, trying hard to blend in. There was a place next to him saved for me. My mother cooked a feast, from the usual codfish to the typical fava beans with pork. When everyone was happily eating, I tried to break the news.

“So…”

“Victor, have you tried Portuguese food before?” My father asked, making conversation.

“Yes, on one occasion.” He kept it vague, not wanting to tell them I had been cooking for him. “I tried the codfish, but not this recipe. It had cream, I think. I never had the fava beans before. They’re delicious.”

“And the wine, do you like it?” My father asked again. “It’s from a winery I sometimes visit, in Alentejo. They make the finest wines.”

“Yes, Andrea told me you are an oenologist. Actually, one of our clients seems to know you. Xavier Breton, do you know him? He’s a big fan of your work.” Victor was a far cry from the moody CEO everybody was used to. If any of his employees could see him relaxed and making conversation like this, they wouldn’t believe it.

“I heard of him. He owns a winery near Paris.” My father turned to me. “How come you never told me you were working with Xavier Breton? I could’ve given you some pointers.”

“Clearly she didn’t need them, given her results. And on that subject, we should make a toast.” My mother said, raising her glass. “To our Andy and a job well done!”

We all raised our glasses and drank. I still had the glass on my lips when I heard my mom again. She spoke in a deviously calm fashion, with a smile on her lips.

“Now Victor, do tell me, what are your intentions with my daughter?”

I somehow managed to keep myself from spraying the wine I had in mouth all over the table, but I still choked a little. Victor patted me on the back, his cheeks pink, as I tried to catch my breath. Nice going, Mom.

“You had to wait for her to drink to ask, didn’t you? Couldn’t avoid the scene.” My brother spoke quietly, his head low, as he focused on his food.

“Well, I may not be the typical meddling Portuguese mother, but I do feel entitled to some drama.” My mother joked. “So, Victor, you were saying?”

“The very best.” Victor’s voice came out a little higher than usual, so he cleared his throat. “I care very much for Andrea.”

“And how long have you been dating?” Cristina asked with dreamy eyes. You’re supposed to make them stop, not ask any more questions, Cristina.

“For about three months.” Victor said, reaching for his wine. He seemed cool and casual, but his jugular pulsing fast and hard told otherwise.

“Oh, so it’s recent. That’s why Andrea kept quiet all this time.” My mother smiled at me.

My father looked at us like we were speaking Klingon, surprised at the turn of events. He was a very bright man, but was also a bit naïve sometimes, completely oblivious to subtleties. An innocent soul, as my mother called him. Suddenly, he became somber.

“Son, I do hope you know what you are doing. Our Andy has been through enough.” He declared. I could just dig a whole and die there. My father just called Victor Lee, Loveland’s mogul and CEO of LFG, son.

“I do.” Victor nodded, looking at me. “I plan on making your daughter very happy.”

“Do you know what I did to the last guy that hurt my sister?” Joshua suddenly asked, throwing Victor a threatening look.

“Josh!” Me and Cristina reprimanded in unison. Victor sipped his wine like nothing had happened.

“I do. I would’ve done the same thing. Except, I wouldn’t get caught.” He answered, matter-of-factly.

“So you know.” My mother concluded, a surprised smile on her face. Victor nodded. “Don’t worry, Josh. I don’t think he’s like Daniel at all.” She eyed Victor, like she was analyzing him. “Victor seems to be from a different breed altogether. He seems to be a man of honor.”

“He is.” I said, smiling at Victor, giggling internally when I saw him blush again.

“Well, my mother is the best judge of character at this table, perhaps of the entire city. If she approves, I do too.” Josh extended his hand for Victor to shake. Victor took it, torn between shyness and satisfaction.

“Thank you.” He answered, looking more relaxed.

“You can stop blushing now, Andrea. The awkward part is over.” My mother teased, and that made my cheeks burn even more. “Tell me, Victor, for how long do we have you in Portugal?”

“I’ll have to leave tomorrow. I have a rather busy schedule, I can’t take any more personal days.”

“Lovely. Since Victor took these days to come and support you, it’s only fair that you make the best of his time and take him to visit Lisbon, don’t you think?” My mother turned to me, smiling suggestively.

“Actually, if you don’t mind, I would like to steal your daughter for the evening. I have something planned for us.”

My mother and Cristina exchanged glances, smiling.

“I don’t see why not.” My father chimed in. “You surely have better things to do than to entertain us old farts.”

“What do you think?” Victor turned to me.

“Wait, I do actually have a say in the matter?” I joked. “I would love to.” I smiled at Victor, caressing his knee under the table. Victor’s hand left his knife, holding my hand instead.

“Next time you two come here, we have to schedule a night out.” My brother chimed in, as Cristina nodded enthusiastically. “We can go to our old pub, you could watch my band perform, we could even convince Andrea to go on stage and sing and play the piano. She used to sing in our band, you know.”

“Now, that would be something to look forward to.” Victor’s eyes widened, as his interest peaked.

“Well, we can watch your band, but I will certainly not sing. Those days are over.” I warned.

“I’ll convince her to sing, don’t worry.” My brother whispered, winking at Victor.

“No you won’t!” I argued, as everybody started presenting reasons as to why I should sing.

Lisbon was incredibly sunny and warm that afternoon, despite being February. I took Victor to visit Belém and see our famous Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Belém’s Tower, and the outstanding Padrão dos Descobrimentos. We enjoyed the sun sitting at a table near the riverbank, the Tejo River keeping us company, as we drank coffee and had some pastéis de nata, a delicacy made of puff pastry and a silky custard-like cream.

Victor hummed as he ate his last piece of the confection, taking a sip of his coffee right after.

“You were right, Portugal is a lot warmer than Loveland.” He spoke as he turned towards the river to feel the breeze. He’d already taken off his jacket and tie, keeping only his white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the first two buttons of the collar undone. “Lisbon is a beautiful city.”

“I did ask you if you wanted to stop by your hotel to change.” I raised my eyebrows at Victor. “Are you too hot?”

“I’m fine.” He assured me. “Besides, if we went to my hotel room, we wouldn’t leave at all.” Victor smiled suggestively and got up, taking his cellphone from the table. “Come, let’s take a walk. I need some help digesting all the food that I ate.”

We watched the sunset touch the river as we sat on a park bench, holding hands. Victor was relaxed, happy, soft and I loved this side of him. He leaned on me, his nose brushing mine.

“Now it’s time for your surprise. Come, let’s go to the hotel.”

Victor was staying at the famous Palácio Belmonte, located in Alfama, one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in Lisbon. It was already dark when we arrived, so I spotted the large quantity of fairy lights illuminating the suite’s terrace right away.

“Dinner will be served in 15 minutes, Sir.” A butler came to us. “Would you like to have a drink while you wait?”

“A brandy, please.” Victor answered, fully in CEO mode. “What would you like to drink?” He turned to me, his voice softening.

“Same.” The butler left and we sat at the exquisitely decorated table. The light of the candles gave Victor a dreamy look, and I started imagining myself being held in his strong arms, his mouth tasting my skin. Something inside me, down south, clenched a little.

“I love my surprise, thank you.” I said, trying to take my mind off it.

“This is not your surprise. This is just us having dinner. The surprise is after dinner.”

I spent the entire meal hanging onto the edge of my seat, although playing it extremely cool. We talked about the city, the things he loved the most, my memories of the place. As the waiters were clearing the table, Victor led me to his bedroom.

“Wait here,” He said, as he sat me on the bed.

He returned with a velvet box. Slightly larger than the ones for rings. I opened it. It was a white gold charm bracelet, which already included some charms: a small silver Eiffel Tower, a tiny bottle with sand in it, a snowflake adorned with small crystals and the letter V.

“Victor…” I whispered. It was too much.

“Give me your hand.” He gently took my wrist and secured the bracelet around it, softly touching the charms one by one. “The Eiffel Tower represents our trip to Paris and our first kiss, the sand in the bottle is actually from Dubai…”

“The snowflake represents our first Christmas together, and the V stands for… you?” I finished.

“The V stands for victory, you achieving what you have worked so hard for. The fact that it also stands for Victor is a happy coincidence. But maybe it will remind you of me when you look at it.” He smiled at me.

I wrapped my arms around Victor, and he immediately placed his hands on my waist, bringing his face closer to mine.

“I don’t need a bracelet or a charm to think of you. You’re always on my mind as it is.” I said, brushing my nose against his. “Now… Does the surprise have a part two?” I whispered seductively in his ear, which made Victor take a deep breath.

“What do you have in mind?” His low voice rumbled in his chest.

“I don’t know…” I smiled mischievously at him, my fingers running down his chest. “I have been wanting to get rid of this for a while now.” I said, tugging at his shirt.

To the point as usual, Victor kissed me passionately, as he slowly laid me on his bed.

#Growing Pains - Series #growingpains #mlqc victor #victor x oc #mlqc li zeyan #mlqc fanfic #mister love queens choice #love and producer

7 notes · View notes

juniorformulamotorsport · 5 years

Text

Thursday, 19th September 2019 – Voegtlinshoffen, Colmar

Voegtlinshoffen is a tiny village which is not one of the half-timbered confections that so many Alsace villages are, because most of those were destroyed in the course of the Thirty Years’ War and rebuilt afterwards in a more simple style. What is does have is a site that provides stunning views across the Rhine and beyond to the Black Forest and, on clear days, the Alps. What is does have are some excellent wines, including the Hatchbourg grand cru, and it was that which brought us to the village on another gloriously sunny day.

We’d begun with a delicious breakfast (including a glass of crémant) at the Hostellerie le Marechal, and then checked the car to see if anything had fallen off after our encounter with the ironwork the day before (nothing seemed to have done, but there was a rattle that suggested the exhaust system might have been compromised) so we undertook the 15 minute drive to Voegtlinshoffen and the cellar visit organised by the hotel for us.

We were going to see a specialist in the crémant on offer at breakfast, Joseph Cattin, where the family have been making wine since 1720. It all started with François Cattin, who was Swiss, and who settled in the village where he was also a builder. They are 11 generations in now and still going strong as one of the largest family owned vineyards in Alsace.

In 1850 they shifted to wine making exclusively, with Joseph taking over the family-owned Estate just as phylloxera hit at the end of the 19th century. Joseph dedicated his time to finding was to fight this plague, becoming a pioneer of Alsacien viticulture. Meanwhile his brother headed off to Paris and set up a restaurant called La Cigogne (the Stork) which served Alsacien gastronomy to well heeled Parisians and foreign guests, acting as a shop front for the wines his brother was making.

Almost a century later the 10th generation modernised the estate and started worldwide exports of their products. It’s now being run by Jacques Cattin Junior, who has been in charge of winemaking since 2007, and his wife Anaïs, who runs the international sales department. What they now have is a fantastic range of wines, and a modern winery that includes a rooftop bar where you can try the wines alongside plates of charcuterie and cheeses. We were taken round by the charming Marianne, who showed us around the original winery, where we could see both the old wooden barrels and the hyper-modern temperature controlled stainless steel tanks.

They even have pipes running under the road to enables the grapes to be crushed on one side of the road in what looks like the original building, and then run straight into the stainless steel tanks in the building on the other side of the road! It’s a most impressive set-up and the wines they produce reflect that.

After our visit, and an explanation of many of the processes, we sat down with Marianne to try a number of wines. Even using the spittoon, after we got through it seemed like a good idea to get something to eat, and where better than the rooftop bar, the Belvedere, with its phenomenal views over the surrounding landscape. It would also give us the opportunity to discuss which of the wines we’d tried we actually wanted to buy.

A plate of charcuterie and cheese later (and a free glass of wine with lunch) and we were ready to shop. 6 boxes of wine later we were helped to load the car (after a swift unload to make sure everything went in in the right order) and presented with a bottle of wine that Marianne said was her favourite crémant to add to the haul we’d paid for. We were liking this free wine thing! We were ready to pick our way carefully back to Colmar for the rest of the day.

Having dropped the car back in the car park, we headed into town to hunt down the Tourist Information office to see what information we could pick up. We kept on getting sidetracked though because Colmar is jaw-droppingly lovely and there were oddities round every corner, like the giant soft toy gingerbread man! At least we understood that gingerbread is very much an Alsace thing. There are those who claim that the crusaders brought it back to Europe, but how true that is I have no idea. Also that the Chinese started it, with Mi-Kong (“honey bread), a delicacy made from wheat flour and honey, fragranced with aromatic plants and baked in the oven. Whatever the case, Alsaciens like it, and it’s everywhere, even made into liquers and spirits that can be added to crémant to make a kir!

There was an artisans’ market going on in the former Customs House (the Koifhus) which detained us for a while, both looking at what was on offer and getting a look inside the building. It was planned in 1433, and the current building dates to 1480 and two more buildings were added in the 16th century. The condition of the building in the 19th century was so poor that it came close to being demoloshed, but instead it was restored in the late 1890s, when a turret and glazed tiles were added. It was renovated again in 2002 to replace the Renaissance style sandstone balustrade which was removed in 1976. It was used as a warehouse and as a place of taxation for imported and exported goods as well as for meetings of the representatives of the Décapole, the federation of the 10 imperial cities of Alsace. Today it was being used to display a range of attractive good including some glassware that really caught my eye.

We stopped off to look at the collegiate church of Saint Martin. It dominates the square on which it sits and is as impressive inside as outside. The building itself was constructed between 1235 and 1365 and is a brilliant example of Gothic architecture in Alsace. Needless to say with a city as closely packed as Colmar is, there have been frequent fires, and in 1572 the framework of the south tower and all the roofs were destroyed, so what you can see now is much more modern. It has also undergone several restorations, the most recent in 1982 which gave the archaeologists a chance to have root around. They found foundations of a 1000 year old church as well as traces of extensions from the 11th and 12th centuries.

It’s an interesting church and there are a number of features that are quite surprising to the modern visitor, including the anti-semitic and downright offensive so-called “Judensäue, a testament to the troubled history of the Jews in Alsace, that came to a ghastly climax in 1349, when they were accused of causing plague by poisoning the wells. On February 14 several hundred Jews were massacred during the Strasbourg pogrom and any remaining Jews were forbidden to settle in the town, being reminded every evening at 10 o’clock by a bell and a municipal herald blowing the “Grüselhorn” that they had to leave. I’m guessing the only reason they stayed in the surrounding towns was the lack of anywhere else they could go, if the prevailing attitude was so vile.

The interior is quite plain, having lost a lot of its furniture during the French Revolution, but it does still have one of the many Baroque organs built by Johann Andreas Silbermann that are everywhere in the region. There are also a nubmer of medieval altars and statues, and a rare Gothic stained glass window of a beardless Christ. The Isenmann altarpiece, of which more in another post, was originally here as well. In 1462 the municipal painter Caspar Isenmann was commissioned to paint a set of panels dedicated to the life of Christ and he completed the word in three years. In 1720 the altar was removed and the paintings were dispersed. The seven surviving panels have been in the Unterlinden Museum since 1853.

We eventually made it to the Tourist Information Office were we realised that for what we wanted to do, the Colmar City Card was actually a good deal. It was €32 each for seven days and gave you access to all the museums (six of them, and you could visit as often as you wanted) as well a trip on one of the tourist trains and a boat trip. We went for it, and then decided we’d have a gentle ride round town on the tourist train straight away. I know some people think they’re a waste of effort but I find them a useful way of getting my bearings, as well as a good excuse to have a sit down…

Afterwards we decided that we had time for one of the museums. We opted for the Musée Bartholdi.

It’s a museum dedicated to the French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, the man who designed the Statue of Liberty, among other colossal works. The house was his birthplace and is full of works by him. These include a lot of preparatory models for monuments that are actually in Colmar, many of which we would find during our stay. I hadn’t realised he also put forward a design for the fountain on the Quinconces in Bordeaux, and the museum had a model for one of the horses to prove it. What’s there is insane enough. Lord knows what he would have built given half a chance.

Bartholdi served in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 as a squadron leader of the National Guard, and possibly as a liaison officer to Italian General Giuseppe Garibaldi. As an officer, he took part in the defense of Colmar from Germany, and after the Alsace’s defeat he constructed a number of monuments celebrating French heroism in the defence against Germany. One of those projects was the Lion of Belfort, which is huge. He didn’t do anything by halves, it seems.

Then in 1871 he he went to the United States where he suggested the idea of a massive statue to be given by the French to the Americans in honor of the centennial of American independence. The result was “Liberty, Illuminating the World” as she’s more correctly known. There were lots of items telling the story of the design and construction, though sadly most of it is in French with no translation into any other languages. This seemed a bit of a shame, really, as it was fine for people like me, but I’m pretty sure a lot of visitors won’t be able to read French and could probably do with some help to understand exactly what was going on.

We stepped back out later having learned something new, which is never a bad thing. It was time though to quit for the day and go back to the hotel for dinner. The area round the hotel was looking especially lovely so we decided we’d step out from the hotel to look for an aperitif later on.

Travel 2019 – Alsace and Baden, Day 7, Voegtlinshoffen, Colmar Thursday, 19th September 2019 - Voegtlinshoffen, Colmar Voegtlinshoffen is a tiny village which is not one of the half-timbered confections that so many Alsace villages are, because most of those were destroyed in the course of the Thirty Years’ War and rebuilt afterwards in a more simple style.

6 notes · View notes

lenniethefarmer · 5 years

Text

#005 - Memories of The Daydream (TBC)

She enters the crowded room and grabs my attention instantly. With her catlike walk, long hair with green ends, warm staring eyes lined by thick blackness, an over-sized shirt with her arms hidden in the long sleeves, and the shyest and most beautiful smile... I had seen in a while... she is captivating.

Our group of friends goes to the comedy club together. We laugh as the comedian talks to me and I get to be a part of the joke. As we smoke a cigarette in the intermission, she tells me I look beautiful.

We’re drunk on beer and high on drugs, our friends are dancing on the street light poles as we’re laughing and strangers are joining us. We get tired, sit on the sidewalk and listen to the tunes, happy just because we’re there together.

I go up the lift with my friend next to me, all dressed up and nervous to meet the rest of the party. We reach the top and exit the building, landing on the rooftop, where it’s already started. The music is blaring, my friends are approaching and she’s running towards me with her open arms and... that smile.

It’s 27th of July. She looks beautiful. She hands me a bowl that contains her own homemade chocolate mousse. “I made this for you. Happy birthday”, she says as she hands it to me and her shy smile makes me forget my words again. We dance the night away, flirting aggressively and ending it shyly cuddling on our friends’ floor.

Earphones on, time is ticking, legs are rushing. I leave the Northern line train and approach the escalators, when I do my usual glimpse at the people and see her coming down. A massive smile on her otherwise thoughtful face emerges as we notice each other, take off our earphones and marvel at the universe’s success in bringing people together.

We visit her house while it’s empty. She takes us in her car and drives us for a couple of minutes to the massive forest nearby. We take Polaroid pictures to keep as memories as we breathe the misty air and the shadows start growing in the emerging darkness. She is unbothered, telling us stories of how she grew up amongst the trees and showing us the handmade swings she likes. I think of her childhood and am thankful to the woods for raising her the way she is.

I see her leaving my workplace. She’d just had an interview. I anxiously ask my manager if I could leave for my break and quickly go grab my jacket, a pack of cigarettes and a bottle of cold water with a glass. I exit and go to the smoking place, where she sits with a lit cigarette and an excited look on her face. I pour her a glass of cold water as I wait to hear how it went.

We exit our workplace together with beers in hand. I’m madly infuriated because I’ve learned my colleagues in the kitchen made her cry on her first day. We sit next to each other on the tube, sharing our deepest struggles and feeling heard for the first time in a while.

We sit in her car at the McDonalds parking, munching on chicken nuggets and telling stories as Tyler, The Creator blares in the background and sleep deprivation opens up our souls. Later, we fall asleep in silence with our bodies nervously screaming for each other.

It’s our friend’s birthday. We celebrate adulthood and drink some fancy white from our friend’s winery - lovely, special Chardonnay and Ferrari. We all smoke cigarettes in the back garden as MDMA is driving through our veins and we reassure each other of the everlasting friendship and deep love we all share, when I tell them I’ll be leaving soon. Not forever, but I need this time for myself. I need to heal and grow and find the pieces of myself that are worth of my love. It goes silent for a while, before they tell me they’ll be waiting for me and that they’ll come and visit. Later, we lay on the mattress in the Boof Room and we smoke a joint. She’s oddly quiet. She holds my leg and squeezes it, as if she’s trying to keep me there.

I visit her house, catching her parents at the front. Her lovely mother screams her name and she walks down - no makeup and a homey T-shirt, she had never looked more beautiful. Her family has two beautiful big cats and are all lovely, welcoming and curious. We sit with her parents and brothers in their living room, drinking tea and sharing childhood stories. Her magnificent cats let me pet them and her mother remarks that she hasn’t ever seen them that comfortable with a new person. I smile... I’m accepted. We finish our teas and go up to her room. I look around and marvel at her full The Sims 3 collection. She tells me she has a gift for me and shyly hands me a handmade book full of pictures of us and our friends - a goodbye present until the next time we see each other after my trip. I’m not sure what to say. She’s too good to me.

On the way to the Boof Mansion, she plays some “classic Rihanna” and I tell her about my past and my trauma. She listens. We go grocery shopping and feel like an old couple as we are checking out. We get to our friends’ house, realizing we forgot the mozzarella and we race to the closest shop. It’s closed, so I buy us snacks for the road and we walk to the nearest Tesco. When she’s finally ready to cook, I stare at her cutting the onions and think how I wouldn’t mind to have this view every night for the rest of my life.

I land in London for the last time in a while and she’s the only one that comes and visits my AirBnB. We sit and talk, smoking cigarettes on the tiny balcony. I can sit with her and talk like this forever... But it gets late. I have a train the next day and she has to wake up for work at 6.

I’m far away now. She calls me more often than my other friends ever did. We talk and make sure to let each other know how much we miss our presence. We make plans for when she comes to visit and how we’ll be each other’s dates on New Year’s Eve.

I think about her lips smiling on mine as the clock strikes midnight.

#thoughts #me #susanna

1 note · View note

jayjay879 · 5 years

Text

What’s up with the way The Royal Heir portrays Texas?

I’ve been on hiatus for work and just caught up through Chapter 10. I grew up in a small town here and have lived all over the state — in some of the biggest cities and in rural areas. @playchoices has gotten most of it wrong... (This little calf though is so damn cute!)

Keep in mind that Texas has over 65 cities with at least 50,000 people in them. There are plenty of rural towns, but they’re usually in between those cities and/or around one of the big 4 metro areas (DFW, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin.) Texans do work hard and have jobs in almost every industry — yes, there’s ranching and agriculture, but also oil, tech, healthcare, retail, etc.

We also like to kick back and relax at festivals, breweries, wineries, biergartens, the coast, one of the rivers or lakes, football / basketball / baseball / soccer / hockey games, races, amusement parks, water parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, city parks and state parks, the hill country, etc. We like all types of food and celebrations from all different cultures because we’re people from all different types of backgrounds. (Did you know there’s more Asians in Texas than there are people in Delaware?) Don’t let a select few public figures fool you on what it’s like here. And even in smaller areas, we use more modern tech than people give us credit for.

Don’t get me wrong: our state has plenty of things wrong with it. The bad things that make headlines are generally not something we’re proud of or really agree with (especially the younger generations.) But a majority of the 29ish million people here are good-hearted and treat each other like neighbors.

But going back to the story, if we’re talking about strictly rural areas, here’s the big misconceptions I’ve seen:

- There really aren’t that many fairs in small towns or big cities. They don't serve a purpose for cattle. Small towns have stockyards that have bidding every few weeks. Texas has way more festivals and what we call picnics (they’re more like carnivals) — even in towns with less than 1,000 people. At these events, you see more BBQ cook offs, car shows, dancing, and games.

- We have the State Fair in Dallas (https://bigtex.com/) and some rodeos throughout the year. They have some events like a stockyard, bull riding, and mutton busting (where kids ride sheep.) But many people watch those events as a precursor to the concerts (https://www.sarodeo.com/.)

- The biggest ranches in Texas — that can drive a substantial profit from ranching — are hundreds of thousands of acres and are run like (or managed by) corporations. Many of the ranches the size of the Walker Ranch are run as side jobs because cattle are expensive to raise and can’t be relied on for consistent income. Our family had seven one hundred-acre plots of land when I was growing up that was shared with my extended family. The work was few and far between — mostly helping build or mend fences which was a pain in the Texas heat. Many of the people who made a living in ranching took care of other people’s cattle because there wasn’t much to do on their own land, or people just loaned out their land to others who needed a place to put their cattle in order to keep their agriculture or livestock exemption for their land until they need to use it again. Otherwise, it takes years to get the ag exemption back.

- The reason the Walkers aren’t doing well financially is probably because of their outdated ranching practices (think several decades outdated.) We use ranch trucks or 4-wheelers when dealing with cattle in the pasture. The trucks are even registered differently with the state (you’ll usually see “Farm Truck” on the license plate.) It makes it easier to bring tools out with you and to keep the cattle rounded up if we need for them to be. When it’s time to sell cattle, we use trailers.

- Horses are even more expensive to maintain and need a lot of care, so they’re used more for recreational horseback riding. And most people that use them for that pay to have them held at a stable or equestrian center, cared for by the people that run those facilities, and end up riding or training their horses there. The ones that keep them and care for them on their own land really don’t use them for cattle — much less to herd cattle to a stockyard. It would exhaust the horses, block off entire roads, and take way too much time compared to driving.

- The people who were helping the Walkers who then bailed usually wouldn’t be seen often in small towns here. Reputation is everything, so if word gets out that you can’t be relied on, you probably won’t be hired elsewhere. Plus, many that help on the land are part of the family or good family friends that have known you for years. If a ranch can’t competitively pay the people, the ranch owners usually talk to them in advance as a way to say “We know you have to provide for your family,” and “We understand / no hard feelings if you can’t.” It’s also usually also temporary. The reputation thing goes both ways, so ideally those owners do (at least from what I’ve seen) treat their people well.

- People don’t really camp on their land in Texas. They go to state parks because we don’t have many forests (outside of said state parks.) Most rural areas have pastures and most people who own land like that have camp houses (which are like bigger cabins for hunting season.)

- Bears aren’t what cause issues here. We do have some black bears, but they’re rarely seen — they don’t really approach people. Hogs are more dangerous. They can be up to three feet tall and 400 pounds (https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/nuisance/feral_hogs/). They’re what parents warn their kids about if they’re in the country at night. They can mess you up if they charge at you and can total a car. A toll road put in from Austin to San Antonio — which was built without true knowledge of the area — didn’t account for barriers to keep hogs off the road. It’s led to crazy accidents in the area like this one: https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/update-hogs-on-sh-130-cause-18-wheeler-rollover-crash-thursday/. Other things that people have to watch out for when they’re in the country on foot are wild cats — like mountain lions or bobcats (http://texasnativecats.org/cats-of-texas/) and snakes. I may be missing some of the wildlife though...

- Did they mention a salmon from their fishing trip? I may have misread that, but I thought it said Liam threw one for the bear to chase. We don’t have salmon here: https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/water/aquaticspecies/inland.phtml. Liam must have picked one up from H-E-B. We also fish more at the coast or lakes than rivers. We use rivers for tubing: https://www.wideopencountry.com/tubing-in-texas/

- It was thoughtful for Maxwell to give his brother a motorbike, but the tires would likely not survive offroad terrain in Texas between soft ground due (like clay and expansive soil) in the Eastern part of the state, rocks in the Western part of the state, and thorns in underbrush (like huisache) that will mess up tires. That’s why we use 4-wheelers and trucks for offroading — their tires can handle more. We still use motorbikes and dirt bikes, but usually on roads or dirt courses.

- Cowboy hats really aren’t always great for working outside. It’s too damn hot here. We always did baseball caps because they breathe better and the sweat doesn’t get trapped. Most people where cowboy hats to special events — whether they’re from smaller towns or from the city and don’t really work outside. Smaller town people use them for things like weddings and town festivals, wearing a nicer button down and slacks or nice jeans. Both small town people and city people use them for festivals with a sleeveless top or loose button down and shorts. Both usually wear boots too for those occasions.

- Maxwell is going to die if he wears that that puffy jacket — the heat index can get high during the day here. Liam’s outfit looks more like what accordion players wear to festivals. Drake’s looks more on par, but he could use some color. Blue and red plaid — like our state flag — are much more common. Bertrand looks like an old time oil tycoon. Riley’s hat looks like it’s going to slip off the back of her head because it’s so big. Hana’s looks the most on point, but most people don’t bear their mid drift unless they’re at a festival. It’ll leave you with some major sun burns and weird tan lines. Plus loose shirts stay cooler in the heat, keep mosquitoes at bay, and block direct sun.

I really want to finish this game out, but I think I was expecting more of a royal take on the royal heir storyline. Plus these weird takes on what they think life is like in Texas...

#the royal heir #the royal romance #choices: stories you play #choices trr #king liam #hana lee #drake walker #maxwell beaumont #bertrand beaumont #savannah walker #the royal heir texas

4 notes · View notes

dandelionwineshop · 5 years

Photo

THURSDAY NIGHT TONIGHT 6-8PM: BLACK LAMB POURING KABAJ!!!

The Lions Club Lays Down with the Lamb: Killer Kabaj!!!

Our old friend Tara of Black Lamb joins us tonight to pour wines from what is undoubtedly the most exciting winery in Slovenia. Kabaj almost needs no introduction and Tara will run through some of the deets tonight, but you might already know that Dandelion Wine has worked with the wines of French winemaker Jean Michel Morel for years. He himself has been behind the tasting bar many times. We pretty much love all his wines all the time, but we couldn’t be more excited about his Pinot Noir Pet-Nat! Come join us tonight to taste through some serious Slovenian!

Let there be WINE, BREAD, CHEESE, and VINYL

Kabaj, San Lurinz Corvus Pet-Nat 2018

Motherfucking delicious. Also very refrehsing. This 100% Pinot Noir Pet-Nat (!) was just what everyone wanted after a marathon Manhattan bar-crawl recently - the cheers literally shook the rafters of a certain West Village basement bar when we first tasted this as many fans of this house celebrated the arrival of this fantastic wine. Savory strawberry, orange peel and most of all rhubarb! Bubbs just right. Clean, pretty finish. Try with pretty much “anything humans can consume.” $30

Kabaj, Sivi Pinot 2015

“Some trees are not the forest,” the poet wrote. But what did she mean? That some people flash through our lives in an instant while others entwined be their souls with our very own? Or that some trees were of such a singular nature that we remember them apart from their vast leafy society? If you were lucky enough to get some of the last vintage of Sivi Pinot you’ll be thinking on the latter interpretation. If you love orange wine, don’t miss this one. If you don’t love orange wine, we recommend trying this one. If you love savory rosé or really good carnitas, the wind in your hair or the light of the golden hour... $25

KABAJ GORISKA BRDA REBULA 2015

This is one of Kabaj’s core wines, showcasing their local terroir, just across the border from Italy’s Collio, most well-known for its richly textured, expressive whites. Goriška Brda is a hilly land of vineyards, orchards and olive groves is uniquely positioned between the Alps and the Adriatic, and the Kabaj family has grown grapes here for generations. Up until the late 80’s, like most families in the region, their harvest went to the local State cooperative. In the late 80’s Katja Kabaj married a French enologist Jean Michel Morel who she met while he was working at various wineries in neighboring Collio, Italy. The first vintage of Kabaj was in 93’. They are justly famous for making exceptional orange wine, and this Rebula, 30 days on the skins. Elegant and textured rather than oxidative and overly extracted, it’s depths are evident even as it dances across the palate with brassy notes of orchard fruit and river rock. $27

#kabaj #jeanmichelmorel #petnat #orangewine #slovenia #pinotnoir #pinotgris #rebula #brda #greenpoint #drinkwine #winetasting

2 notes · View notes

yourweddingingreece · 2 years

Text

New Post has been published on Santorini wedding

New Post has been published on https://santorini-wedding.co/vow-renewal-celebrating-50-years-of-marriage-in-santorini/

Vow renewal - Celebrating 50 years of marriage in Santorini

Golden Anniversary – Celebrating 50 years of marriage in Santorini.

Zoe was 25 years old and had just graduated from university. She had long shiny hair and a gorgeous smile that no one could resist. Alex had just finished his master’s degree and started working for a big company. He was tall, dark and promising. Their paths fatally crossed as they met in a downtown cafe and continued meeting there in the mornings, almost daily. Their age gap was small, but their longing for acquaintance was conversely immense. They quickly exchanged vows and rings. Marriage brought children and obligations. The difficulties of everyday life increased exponentially as the work became more demanding. And thus, with joys, dreams, fears and worries, but always with a lot of love and respect, they raised their family. Their children grew up, finished their studies, married, and started their own families.

Celebrating 50 years of marriage

Zoe and Alex recently celebrated 50 years of marriage, and some days ago, they returned home from Santorini, where they went to praise their “Golden Anniversary” and renew their vows. They left behind their everyday life and travelled together with good friends and relatives to the beautiful Greek island.

To cherish his wife for all these years of marriage, Alex gave his beloved a golden jewel for her neck. He even chose it from the jewellery store where they had made their wedding rings.

During their stay, they enjoyed excellent wines from local wineries as the volcano of Santorini has created a unique ecosystem that works beneficially for the vineyards. They enjoyed themselves like children, hugged and photographed in front of the mysterious and charming Caldera. They let their gaze wander to the unrivalled view of the volcanic islands and took delight in the enchanting sunset in Imerovigli. It is admittedly a sight that borns strong emotions. They rented a jeep and drove around the island’s streets, wandering among the characteristic windmills. They read their book on the terrace of their hotel overlooking the endless blue sky and strolled through the picturesque alleys of the island. They shopped, laughed, swam, danced and shared their ice cream like 50 years ago.

On the day of the ceremony, they gathered in a beautiful venue on a hilltop overlooking the infinity of the Aegean Sea. For the decoration, they chose white and pink peonies. They renewed their vows in a tenderly way in front of a giant flowery wreath while pastel pink ribbons fluttered in the summer breeze. A harp was playing beside them. The moment was so magical that no one remained unmoved. And the sequel of the night was just as beautiful. The incredible food, the excellent music selections, the professionalism of the waitpersons, the discretion of the photographer and dozens of other small details created the ideal conditions for their celebration.

It was a wonderful celebration that reminded them why they fell in love.

Plan your 50th Wedding Anniversary in Greece.

A couple’s 50th Wedding Anniversary is lovingly known as the Golden Anniversary. The term reflects the preciousness of having spent so many valuable years together.

Organising a 50th wedding anniversary celebration differs significantly from a typical wedding reception as it requires delicate handling and services. Greece is a suitable destination for such events as it offers hospitality, incredible natural landscapes, romance, history, and many couples from all over the world choose it to celebrate their Golden Anniversary. One of the most popular destinations to celebrate the Golden Anniversary is the Island of Santorini which has associated its name with the charm and the unique view.

Get a free quotation for your dreamy wedding in Greece. Fill in the form.

Check out our partner sites: www.weddingingreece.com and www.indianweddingingreece.com.

0 notes

jennygoeseastbay · 6 years

Text

2018 in Review

So I used to do one of these every year on my Livejournal, and I completely blew it off in 2017 because I kind of abandoned that medium, and because the last month of that year was complete consumed with packing and moving. I’m not entirely certain I want to get more active on here, but for now this is a good place for me to post this, simply to have the written record of my existence that I need in order to process all that has happened and reflect on how it has helped me to grow and improve as a person. If I’m feeling really ambitious, I might even backtrack and do one for 2017 next week, because I like to be complete in my self-documentation. ;)

01. What did you do in 2018 that you'd never done before? Visited Washington DC for the first time.

Visited the Los Cabos region of Mexico for the first time.

Closed a major gift from someone who had not already had decades of cultivation from their University.

Visited even more areas of California that were new to me, including Anaheim, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Pismo Beach, Paso Robles, and Lake Tahoe (I guess that also includes Nevada since we stayed in Carson City)

Visited Ashland Oregon for the first time.

Sold a piece of real estate. Phew!

Practiced Yin Yoga. (And walking meditation!)

Engaged in a yoga hike!

Also tried yoga with goats!

Attended WonderCon

Attended a county fair.

Road a bicycle somewhere other than a residential street

Tried kayaking

Ran a trail run race

02. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I never really make concrete resolutions, just some general proclamations about eating better, and putting more time into fitness and writing. Of these three things, the one I was most successful at this year, surprisingly enough, was eating better. In September I realized that it was time for a physical tune-up, and so I rejoined WW after a long time away, and though I still have a few pounds to go, I’ve been happy to have gotten a bit sleeker after dialing back the bread and cheese. I also attended a writing group called Shut Up and Write a couple times, and I’d like to become more of a regular at their cafe sessions in 2019, because I’ve found that their method (literally a concentrated hour of shutting up and writing) has been helpful the two times I’ve gone.

03. Did anyone close to you give birth? My dear friends Drew and Kelly had their first child in September. And my friend Lynn had her second child, a little girl, just a couple weeks ago. 04. Did anyone close to you die? Not super close, but a professor at UC Davis who I had worked with closely, passed very unexpectedly right before Halloween. 05. What countries did you visit? Mexico! Finally broke in my current passport with a new stamp! 06. What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018? Good novel progress. Or more discipline on some other fiction and an essay that I just started tinkering with. A legit boyfriend. 07. What date(s) from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

January 2 was my first day on the job at UC Davis.

January 7 was a super fun evening at the Museum of Ice Cream in SF

January 13-15 was a wonderful weekend in Seattle where I got to meet my nephew Apollo for the first time and photograph his first swimming lesson for his parents.

January 20 was my second Women’s March outing in Sac with my friend Jade and her little ones.

January 27 was a day when I got to play tour guide for my friend Gricel and her husband when they were in SF visiting for the first time.

Feb. 10 and 11 was a fun weekend in Berkeley and SF, being silly and singing loudly with my former Cal colleagues who had become dear friends.

March 23-25 Was my whirlwind Anaheim weekend at Wondercon, and I got to catch up with my friend Mike, whom I’d not seen in a couple years.

March 30-April 1 was an epic road trip weekend, the first of what my friend Maya and I now call our Girls Gone Sensibly Wild excursions. We drove to Santa Barbara and visited the deserted UC campus there (it was closed for spring break) and also enjoyed an amazing live show featuring Dave Hause, Dan Andriano, and Cory Branan, among others at the Cold Spring Tavern. And then got a joint membership at Peachy Canyon Winery on our way back, because it was one of the few establishments open on Easter Sunday.

April 22 was Earth Day, and prompted me to venture out to Marin for an impromptu yoga hike at Rodeo Beach.

May 14 was my first appointment with a new hair stylist who would also unexpectedly become a trusted friend.

May 24 was my first time seeing Depeche Mode live, and it was incredible.

June 8-10 was my second of two hit it and quit it Chicago trips (although really, the first one wasn’t so much Chicago as it was Joliet) this year, and allowed me to reconnect with my dear friends Drew and Kelly (Drew finished his PhD at UChicago and I attended his commencement and hooding), have a day at the zoo with my friend Dawn, and also road trip to WI with my friend Mary for a beautiful and moving Lights Festival experience together.

June 30 was the day I attended my first ever CalShakes performance with Maya and our mutual friend Paola (Girls Gone Sensibly Wild continued!), and Maya also got me on a bike for the first time in ages, thanks to LimeBikes being available at the Pleasant Hill BART station. We took a short, wobbly, but fun ride down the Iron Horse Trail.

July 1 was the day I learned to kayak and surprisingly got myself through 5 miles of the Russian River without tipping over or running out of steam.

July 26 saw me reuniting with my dear pals Shannon and Glenn, when they were visiting the Sac area for a wedding.

July 27-29 was the weekend I drove up to Ashland to enjoy some time with my friend Debbie and to experience the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for the first time.

August 3-6 was when I somewhat unexpectedly had the delight of hosting my friend Clarise for a weekend visit. We drove down to Pacifica for the International Dog Surfing competition and I schooled her in the ways of California wine as much as I could with my limited knowledge.

The following weekend, August 9-13, I had a lovely time hosting and touring around with my 16 year old niece, and got to introduce her to the joy that is Santa Cruz. And yoga with goats!

August 30-Sept. 4 was when I hosted (this is a recurring theme in August, isn’t it?) my Aunt Sherrie for local sightseeing and a road trip up to Lake Tahoe.

Sept. 22-24 saw me heading down to L.A. for my cousin Katie’s wedding and some work meetings. It was the first time in ages that I got to connect with that specific branch of my family, and get to know them a bit better.

Sept. 29 was my first AFSP walk in Sac. And i was joined by Jade, her visiting mom, and her three little ones.

Sept. 30 was the really long hair session with Mason that helped solidify that we were legit friends (and included a shared sunset from the window of his hair studio!) and a quick follow up appointment on Oct. 3 allowed us to enjoy a rainbow and storm together.

Oct. 19-21 saw Maya and I doing another Girls Gone Sensibly Wild road trip. Back to Peachy Canyon to pick up some wine, and also Pismo Beach and Santa Maria for our first visit to a really lovely winery called Foxen.

Oct. 26 was quite possibly my all-time favorite Brian Fallon performance. It was just him alternating between his acoustic guitar and an electric piano, and he was joined by Craig Finn from The Hold Steady, who also did his own acoustic set.

Oct. 27 I got to introduce my new friend Torrey to the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg, and we did a fun wine and Halloween candy pairing and some epic day drinking.

Nov. 3 saw me reuniting with my Cal crew and a sprinkling of East Bay friends at Fillmore Karaoke, for an epic night of loud singing as an early celebration of my 40th bday. So much wine. Actually too much, but for a birthday, that’s acceptable!

Nov. 4-6 I was in Indianapolis for work, and though the work part wasn’t particularly memorable, I was super honored and thrilled that my BFF Dawn drove all the way down from Joliet IL with her two boys to have dinner with me on my first night there.

Nov. 9 was an epic Local H show in Sac. Also a welcome break in the midst of a period of forced solitude, after the Camp Fire residual smoke prompted my whole office to work from home for about a week to protect us from the terrible air quality.

Nov. 18 was the day we had the beautiful service honoring the life of a beloved professor who passed.

Nov. 24-29 was my trip to Cabo with my Aunt Sherrie, and was also my official bday celebration.

Dec. 9-12 was my DC trip, which also allowed me to catch up with my friend Max, who lives in Baltimore, and my friend Stacey, who also happened to be there for her own work purposes.

Dec. 15 was my full day of yoga retreating at Green Gulch Ranch in Marin, and then I drove to the East Bay to catch up with Maya at Calicraft, which is one of our favorite craft distilleries in the area.

Dec. 16 was a white elephant celebration in Pleasant Hill that allowed me to unexpectedly meet a new, interesting friend.

08. What was your biggest achievement of the year? So far, meeting all expectations at my new job and closing a major gift earlier than is required. Also not losing my shit during the condo selling process, even though there were a lot of reasons to do so.

09. What was your biggest failure? I wrote VERY little fiction. But I did dip my toe back into writing in general, so I guess there’s that. 10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I took a tumble at home that left my tailbone a bit tender about a month ago. But otherwise, no, pretty healthy, even after getting rear-ended in my car! 11. What was the best thing you bought? Various travel tickets, both air and rail. A beautiful new necklace that I found at the holiday market in D.C. All the concert tickets that provided soul-fueling live music.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Mine! I adjusted to a new job and an unfamiliar setting and managed to acquire a few new friends while also maintaining the East Bay friendships that meant the most to me. 13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Who else but certain immediate family members? 14. Where did most of your money go? Rent. Travel. Wine, and to a lesser extent, craft beer, now that I’ve picked up a taste for stouts and sours. 15. What song will always remind you of 2018?

Anything off of Sleepwalkers by Brian Fallon

Anything off of Be More Kind by Frank Turner

Chariot by Gavin DeGraw

Tall Green Grass by Cory Branan

16. Compared to this time last year, you are: Thinner and sleeker, weight-wise

More willing to make room for others and open my life and space to them (friend and lover both) Still as sleep-deprived as ever 17. What do you wish you'd done more of? Novel writing, as always. Flirting. And kissing. 18. What do you wish you'd done less of? Angsting over adulting-related things that were either beyond my control or that ended up working out just as they should.

19. How will you be spending/did you spend Christmas?

I’m driving to Santa Cruz on Xmas Eve and treating myself to an overnight stay so that I can indulge in my happy place and a sunset hike. Also get to celebrate Boxing Day for the first time with my friend Jade and her brood back in Sac.

20. How will you be spending/did you spend New Year’s Eve? Original plan was to hang at my friend Jade’s place with her kids, movies and snacks. But just learned the wee ones are ill, so now I’m not sure what I’m doing. That was how I spent last year (the original plan, that is), with the main difference being that last year I also went to a two-hour yin workshop beforehand, which was how I discovered my current yoga studio, and discovered how much I enjoy yin practice in general. 21. Did you fall in love in 2018?

No. But I made more effort to pursue it, and had more options than I think I’ve ever had in a single year. Which was kind of encouraging even if each one was relatively short-lived.

22. How many one-night stands? I always laugh when I read this question. How about I just wink knowingly and say a lady never tells? 23. What was your favorite TV program? Supernatural. iZombie. To a lesser extent, Riverdale, even though I’m still pretty behind on that one. Sons of Anarchy (which I know is old but I’m playing catchup via Netflix and Hulu) And as a guilty pleasure, Total Divas. And of course, I'm still casually following WWE on the WWE network, though the only thing I’m finding compelling aside from the women’s matches are the Brits featured on the UK specific programming. 24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? No, I don't think so. 25. What was the best book you read? I finally got into the Harry Potter series and I’m really enjoying it. I just finished the Order of the Phoenix, and have the next installment requested from the library. 26. What was your greatest musical discovery? Not entirely new, but my appreciation for Cory Branan was reinforced and amplified after seeing him in Santa Barbara. And I’m also on a rediscovery tear with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Cold War Kids.

27. What did you want and get? Reassurance that this move to Sac was the right next step, after I settled in to my new role relatively easily. 28. What did you want and not get? Romantic love for an extended period. More down time. 29. What was your favorite film(s) of this year? Bohemian Rhapsody, even though I know it had some historical inaccuracies.

A Quiet Place was hard because of the ending, but decent as well.

And the latest Halloween was hella satisfying, especially since I caught it after needing an escape after learning about the passing of the professor I mentioned earlier.

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I prepped for my Cabo departure, went exploring at the Cosumnes River Trail, which is also a bird sanctuary, and caught the movie Widows with my work friend Christine. Then she took me to Panera for dinner. Couldnt’ do much more than that since I had a 5 am flight the following morning. I turned 40.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Love, as always. 32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2018? Activewear as much as possible. But never enough. 33. What kept you sane? My friends. The various trips I took and rock shows I attended. Junk food. Wandering in nature.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Jensen Ackles. Tom Hiddleston. Charlie Hunnan. Idris Elba. My taste doesn't change much. 35. Who did you miss? Dawn. Becca. Kelly and Drew. Stephanie and Scott. Rob. Elspeth. Mike K. Jason. 36. Who was the best new person you met?

Ellen

Mason

Torrey

Anthony

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018 Never underestimate my own ability to adapt to new situations, and to handle my own shit like a boss. I had a few challenging things thrown at me, namely the condo selling process, and the logistical gymnastics that followed after having to bring my car in for a bumper repair following a recent rear-ending, and though I felt tested by both of those situations, I ultimately succeeded at navigating both of them to a positive end.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

I’m always starting over....

I don’t wanna waste the nights in my life

But I never fit in, or felt home in my skin.

I’m waiting on a big love, baby.

--Brian Fallon, “Her Majesty’s Service”

1 note · View note

jargonbyjulia · 2 years

Text

Straight to Tokar Estate

It was a freezing winter’s day in Melbourne and what better way to warm up than with a visit to Tokar Estate in the Yarra Valley. I had heard little about this family owned and operated winery, but i’ll be sure that’s not the case for anyone wanting a weekend lunch in the countryside of Victoria’s premier wine region. Just a short trip from the city, the Yarra Valley in the Dandenong Ranges offers much, from delicious food and wine, to scenic winding roads and gardens that nicely transport you out of the rat race and into the wilderness.

Today’s visit to Tokar Estate was the perfect Sunday lunch venture for our family. With a one year old who was meant to sleep in the car for the journey there, and a four year old with an unwavering prerequisite of fish and chips, how the day would pan out was anyone’s guess, as it usually is with kids. As it turns out, the one year old most definitely did not sleep in the car, but luckily for me and everyone else there, was so exhausted by the time we arrived at the Estate she slept through the entire lunch in her pram. In another win, a kids’ menu offered our much-needed fish and chips followed by ice cream, so both girls were content and quiet, which is something I rarely get to say about them.

The food was absolutely delicious. Accompanied by a local sparkling, we started with mushroom and truffle croquettes; a big warm snuggle of a dish to take the edge off the 11 degree day outdoors. For entrée we shared the special mussel and prawn escabeche and the king fish carpaccio, both completely moreish, beautifully-presented and full of flavour. For my main, I had a duck and pinot pithivier, which, second to a delicious bottle of red, was the best winter antidote I never knew I needed. It was perfect, and I would quite happily bathe in the sauce I poured into the pie, if no one was looking and I was made of puff pastry.

Eddy had the special pasta which was house-made pappardelle with rabbit ragu, which he tells me was equally as heart/tummy-warming, accompanied by the Tokar pinot noir (because when your wife and children aren’t yelling either in general, at you or at each other, there is much to celebrate).

The service was so good. It was warm and welcoming and attentive and friendly and not too much, but not too little, which is what I like to think I was when my husband and I started dating. Which is humorous in hindsight, as is so much, because I was most likely none of those things balanced so nicely, and I was mostly/definitely too much for most of the time, and sadly for him, I have stayed at that level ever since. But here we are after 6 years of marriage! Whatdyaknow!

The meal was chaperoned by delicious sourdough which we unsubtly bathed in house-made olive oil like a bath bomb in a hotel spa, as well as a rich potato gratin and the most yummy, balanced slaw. It was a neatly-paired addition to our feast, but enough to ensure we didn’t need dessert, which is standard for us as we’re just so bloody sweet as it is and we fill all remaining stomach space with wine.

The rain set in as we made our way to the car, which wasn’t enough to deter us from a quick run, roll and spin on the lawn before heading home. An ideal Sunday, made by a superb Sunday lunch and the special kind of hospitality that’s worth reporting back on.

Tokar Estate

6 Maddens Ln Coldstream VIC 3770

https://tokarestate.com.au/

#tokarestate #winery #yarravalley #lunch #food #wine

0 notes

wineanddinosaur · 3 years

Text

VinePair Podcast: Why Did the Entire Beer World Sleep on Modelo Especial?

This week on the “VinePair Podcast,” hosts Adam Teeter, Joanna Sciarrino, and Zach Geballe discuss the meteoric rise of Modelo Especial. After listing what they have been drinking recently — including some unusual skin-contact wines and Spanish-inspired rosé blends — our hosts dive into a discussion about the second-most popular beer in America, in light of an article written by VinePair senior staff writer Tim McKirdy.

Teeter points to the work of Constellation, the parent company behind the lucrative marketing campaigns that have propelled the beer to new heights. Sciarrino explains how Modelo Especial bucks the growing trend of low-calorie, “better-for-you” beer. Also, Teeter and Geballe discuss the role Latinx communities have played in its sensational rise. Finally, our hosts wrap up their discussion by pondering how media influences trends across the beverage alcohol industry.

If you have any thoughts on the rise of Modelo Especial or any other trends, please send your ideas to [email protected].

Listen Online

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

Or Check out the Conversation Here

Adam Teeter: From VinePair’s New York City headquarters, I’m Adam Teeter.

Joanna Sciarrino: And I’m Joanna Sciarrino.

Zach Geballe: And in Seattle, Washington, I’m Zach Geballe.

A: And this is the VinePair Podcast.

Joanna and Zach, how are we doing?

J: Great.

Z: Doing good.

A: Come on, don’t answer at once. It is still so weird to be doing these remotely where we can’t really see each other but we never could see you, Zach.

Z: That’s true, lucky you.

A: It is just so funny.

Zach, what have you been up to recently? I see you got some press for your wine club. Congratulations.

Z: I did, thank you.

A: And it wasn’t from VinePair.

Z: No, from the good ol’ Seattle Times.

I think I mentioned this before, but one of the coolest and yet strangest things for me has been to see how much I really enjoy and missed pouring wine for people because it was a big part of my life before the pandemic. I knew I missed that but I don’t think I realized how much I had missed it until I started doing it again. As much as I love doing the podcast, writing about wine, and even teaching wine classes, there is nothing that’s quite as enjoyable as being able to say, “Here is something that I find delicious and interesting, but now you can try it.”

I don’t have to talk at you about it or write about it. Again, I like doing those things, too, but there’s something about the immediate feedback of someone trying and saying, “Yeah, this is really good,” or “Well, the next one may be better.” In that vein, one of the things that I had recently and that I really enjoyed was a rosé, or as it’s labeled here, a Rosado from a Washington winery that was founded by a guy who’s from the Rioja region and has two wineries.

One focuses on more conventional varieties here in Washington and then his other label, which I think is his passion project, focuses on Spanish varieties here in the state. The Rosato is a blend of Graciano, Garnacha, and Monastrell, so a classic-ish blend, but not something you would see all that often in Spain with a dominant Graciano wine. Yet, it’s really good. It shows a different side of what most people expect from rosé. It’s very savory and has an earthy, terracotta quality that I really enjoyed.

It’s fun to pour that for people and get to show off things in that setting where you can do that thing where you say, “Here, try a taste. You don’t have to buy the bottle, you don’t have to buy a glass, you can just taste it and hopefully you like it.” That piece of experiencing beverage is something that I really miss dearly and it’s very nice to get back to it.

A: Very cool.

Z: With someone besides my immediate family.

A: Yeah.

J: And how is the wine club going?

Z: It’s going.

I mean, it’s such a weird venture for me. I was actually just talking to someone else about this today, with one of my wine reps. One of the hardest things for me, though, in transitioning into focusing my buying on a wine club as opposed to really buying for a restaurant, is with a restaurant, I know exactly the setting in which people will be drinking the wine. They’ll be drinking it in the restaurant with food, so that drives a lot of the thought process behind what I would buy and considering how it works with the menu.

With a wine club, you can offer people suggestions but the wine is out of your hands once someone picks up their wine or you deliver it. They may drink it later that day or they might throw it in their freezer for an hour and then drink it. For me, it is hard to let go of some of that control but also be thoughtful on selections when it comes to wines that have a lot of different applications because I do think it’s important for this to pick wines that might not need food, because some people don’t want to drink wine only with food.

There’s a big culture of that here in the U.S. of wine after dinner or wine in the middle of the afternoon with nothing. I respect that and don’t want to create a club and select wines that only work if you’re having a full meal because I think that won’t be doing people the service that I hope to provide. It’s required additional mental gymnastics on my part but that’s good, it keeps me somewhat sharp.

A: Very cool.

J: Nice.

A: Hopefully, it’s continuing to grow, which is awesome and it’s a fun project to be working on for sure.

Z: Yeah, it’s nice to have that tangible piece of my work life.

A: Totally. Joanna, what about you?

J: I feel like I’ve been drinking quite a bit in the past week. Anyways, last week Evan and I celebrated our anniversary.

A: Congratulations.

J: Thank you.

It also happened to be the last week of service at one of our favorite restaurants, Racines. We went there for dinner and it was lovely, as it always is. They were absolutely slammed with a skeleton staff and I felt terrible but it was really exciting to be there. We had some wonderful wines. We had a few glasses: skin contact Muscat, and a lovely Aligoté. But we also had this really special bottle of wine that they recommended. It was a 2012 Hegoxuri from Maison Arretxea in the Irouleguy appellation, which is a very small appellation in southwest France, in the French Basque country. It was a white blend of Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, and Petit Courbu. It was wonderful. It was really potent, floral, and aromatic but also really savory, as you were saying before, Zach. I really enjoyed that.

Z: Very cool.

A: That’s really cool.

They’re only closing because the chef is leaving, is that the deal?

J: Racines as the restaurant won’t exist anymore, but they’re reinventing themselves as something else in the fall of this year because the chef is leaving. As I understand it, Pascaline will be there and the rest of the wine program along with the drinks program will be there as well.

A: OK, cool. That would have been a bummer if everything else was gone.

J: What about you, Adam? What are you drinking?

A: I got to go out last week and have a pretty fun dinner with Josh, VinePair’s co-founder.

J: We’re familiar with Josh.

A: Josh and I used to like Lure Fishbar and we went on Thursday. We had a meeting there as well. We got this 2006 Chablis from Daniel-Etienne Defaix.

Z: OK.

A: It was really awesome and I never had a Chablis that old. It’s 100 percent stainless steel. Then, he ages it in the bottle forever, so this is the current vintage on the market, the 2006.

Z: Wow.

A: It was really cool. Josh, as it has been documented before, is very much a Chablis lover or just like white Burgundies in general. We said, “Oh, let’s get a bottle.” This bottle was on the list. I asked Josh, “Have you ever had a Chablis this old?” He hadn’t and I don’t really think I ever had either so we tried it and it was super cool. It was still really beautiful and refreshing but then there were these characteristics that you get with aged white wine. Those almonds and stuff were starting to come out and it was very crazy.

I was talking to the sommelier and I said, “Why is this the current vintage?” They said, “This winemaker’s crazy but this is what he likes to do and that is how he likes his Chablis.”

J: I love that.

A: That also shows you what you can do if there’s a wine that has been in your family for generations. You can afford to hold the 2006 vintage until 2021 and make it the current vintage.

Z: Yeah, and we’ve talked about this before, Adam, about how it’s one of those things that you see in some places in Europe. It’s almost impossible to imagine happening here in the States or in a lot of other New World regions where someone holds a vintage to release in 15 years when they think it’s ready. Unless you’re making bourbon, no one is doing that.

A: Yeah, not at all, but that was a pretty fun night.

Then, over the weekend, I went to a beer garden which was great. We went to this beer garden on Sunday afternoon after we went and saw some exhibits at the Brooklyn Museum.

J: Nice.

A: It was fun and I hadn’t done that before. I just had a pint of pilsner and I thought, “Oh, this has been a while. Also, I have one other thing.

I went to my favorite restaurant in New York City, which is Miss Ada. It’s amazing and it’s just the best. Tomer, the chef, was there and we got to catch up, which was nice. They also always have just really cool wines. I had a really amazing orange wine that I did not take a picture of or write down so I cannot tell you what it was. I also had a really cool cocktail that was a riff on a Gin Fizz, but it had arak in it.

Z: Oh, nice.

A: It was really interesting and when I ordered it, the server asked, “Do you know what arak is?” I said I did and she said, “OK, this is a very polarizing cocktail because it has such a strong anise note. I’m like, “Whoa, whoa, what is this?” Yet, it was really fun and really delicious so that’s what I’ve been up to.

So, what we want to talk about today, which I think is really interesting, is if you polled the majority of American drinkers and you asked them what the No. 2 most popular beer is in America, they probably wouldn’t be able to tell you. Most if you asked them what is No. 1, I assume would guess Bud Light and they would be right. If you ask them, No. 2, I think you’d hear a range of beers. You would hear Budweiser, Coors Light, Miller Light, maybe even Corona.

However, the beer that is actually the No. 2 most popular beer in America and the No. 1 import, which is surprising to a lot of people, is Modelo Especial. We published an article last week about this written by Tim McKirdy, who is on our editorial team. What is so interesting about this is it allows us to look at how everyone missed this, right? This is a beer that’s been growing in popularity for the last decade but most Americans are still unaware that it’s so huge.

Now, there are a few reasons for that. Part of what makes it huge is that it’s just massive in certain regions. Its massive popularity allows it to be No. 2 because it’s No. 1 in so many places. I think it’s also that we just don’t look at certain beers seriously enough. I’m curious, how did you both react when you heard that Modelo was No. 2? And do both of you drink Modelo?

J: Well, I certainly drink Modelo. I don’t buy it often but I’ve had it before. I edited Tim’s piece that went up last week and I was pretty surprised. Somebody could have mentioned that it was popular and I would have said it’s popular in dive bars or dive specials. Yet, the data backing this up was very surprising to me.

Z: Yeah, totally.

For me, without the data, I would have lumped Modelo Especial in with Pacifica or some of the other widely available and recognizable Mexican lagers that are imported into the U.S. I would have bet an alarming sum of money that Corona would be by far the No. 1 imported Mexican beer in the country and I would have been totally wrong. What’s interesting to me about this, in addition to that fact and also something that Tim highlighted in his piece, is that it’s not necessarily a new phenomenon. Modelo has been on this upward trajectory for a really long time. Maybe it is because I don’t see it advertised as much. Part of my perception of Corona is driven by the fact that they advertise it very aggressively. Much more aggressively, at least in English, than they had advertised Modelo Especial.

Part of it is also that Modelo Especial is advertised on UFC, which is not something I watch personally, but obviously there’s a huge audience for it. A thing I want to get to at some point in this conversation is, what does this tell us about other things we might be missing?

On the specific topic of Modelo Especial, it’s funny to me when I think about this because it’s also true that when I have been to places to eat where your selection of beers tends to be that slate of imported Mexican lagers, Modelo Especial is what I would pick. It’s my favorite of those beers. I think it’s significantly better tasting than the others so it’s cool that, actually, everyone seems to agree with me.

A: I think what’s really interesting about Modelo Especial is that there has definitely been a marketing campaign. In the article, Tim talks about how the ground game was really good. Constellation, who basically has built the brand in the U.S., made it as huge as it is.

For those of you who aren’t familiar, when AB InBev bought Grupo Modelo and they basically took control across the world, our Justice Department said you can’t do that in America. You need to sell those brands to someone else in America, so Constellation bought Modelo, Corona, etc.

Constellation has done an incredible job of building this brand in these stores. I actually think what they’ve done, which is really interesting and that they were able to do because Modelo didn’t have a broad market awareness, is they were able to build it separate from Mexican restaurants. Corona has really become synonymous with the beach. If you’re out having Mexican food, you have a Corona with lime. Honestly, to some extent, Negro Modelo has become that as well. Modelo Especial has this position where it’s a really well-made imported Mexican lager, and it can be drunk everywhere. Basically, at any dive bar you go to, at this point in time, Modelo is one of the tap handles. It’s the new PBR.

Z: Yeah.

A: I think that is what has been brilliant about its growth, is that it’s not tied to specific occasions where you think, “Oh, I am going to the beach, I should pick up some Modelos.” Yes, you should and if you like Modelo, people probably do but it’s not the thing. Whereas, some people would say “Oh, we’re going to the beach, I guess we have to have Corona.” That has really allowed it to explode.

Z: Some of it is even things like the packaging —the foil has a little bit of an upscale vibe to it. I think the PBR comparison is a really fascinating one and I would be curious for both of your thoughts. PBR’s popularity, I think, was born out of this notion that it had both a combination of it being affordable, widely available, but it wasn’t as well known. It had the cachet of history behind it. It was this idea that here’s a beer that has been made for over a century. That’s not entirely the case with Modelo Especial but it’s been around for a long time. It’s not overexposed, so even if you’re drinking the No. 2 beer in the country, you don’t feel that way when you order it.

J: Yeah, I agree. I think it’s cheap, but not the cheapest. It’s not one of the biggest macro beers or light beers out there. I also find its success really interesting because it’s not one of the light beers and it bucks this bigger trend of low-calorie light beers and health and wellness in the space that I find just really interesting about this beer.

A: Yeah, I think it’s also interesting because it’s well regarded by lots of people and lots of people think it’s their beer. A lot of those who think it is their beer don’t think anyone else drinks it.

J: Right.

A: If you talk to a lot of people in the Latin community, they think it’s their beer. They think it’s not really consumed by many other people besides people who are Latinx. That is not true. I think there are lots of people, from brewers, winemakers, somms, who say it’s an industry drink. It is what you drink at the end of the shift for lots of cooks.

It’s funny that all these different communities feel like they own it and that it’s theirs, which I think is really special. Whereas the problem with PBR that I think hurt it a little bit was that it really did become labeled as the hipster beer. During the time of 2005 to 2013, it was really on fire. Brooklyn. The Strokes. It was that group of people that drank PBR. It’s a much more diverse group of people that drink Modelo Especial, which is also so incredible and just absolutely bonkers. Everyone drinks it in so many different formats. I’ve seen it in the bottles that you’re talking about, Zach. I do think the foil is a nice touch. I’ve also seen it in the cans, I’ve seen it in the tiny 7 ounces, I’ve seen it in the massive tallboys. It’s just across the board. Everyone drinks it and everyone loves it.

Z: Yeah, and of course on draft in a lot of places, too. That, I think, is another area where we mentioned before, another area that I think sets it apart a little bit. Corona is maybe its nearest competitor, even though they’re both owned by Constellation. It exists in other formats, but when people think of Corona, they think of the bottle of Corona with lime. If you are not drinking it that way, then how are you drinking it? Modelo, despite having all these other formats, which work, isn’t as tied to one specific packaging format so we can dominate on-premise, on tap, but also these various off-premise formats as well.

A: Totally, and I think it dominates because you don’t have to be at a bar that has fresh limes on hand to serve Modelo. Again, if I’m going to a tailgate and I’m picking up Modelo, I don’t want to also say, “Oh, I better pick up five limes to slice up.”

Z: Right, let me bring my cutting board and paring knife.

A: Exactly.

That is very different whereas you’re going to the beach and you bring Coronas, you better have limes. Joanna, why do you think this has been missed so badly by so many people? Much of the press, and just industry in general. How do you think we all miss this?

J: That’s a really good question. There is the data to back it up and it’s theoretically existed for years at this point. Possibly, it wasn’t trendy or it wasn’t in craft beer communities. There was just so much else going on that it was easy to miss. Then of course, there are the big macro brands that people are always talking about and what’s happening with them.

I also think it managed to fly under the radar. To your point, Adam, everyone thinks that it’s theirs without really acknowledging that other communities really love it. And then, as a result, it created this extreme growth for the brand. Also, I’ve been thinking about this during our conversation, and it’s something we’ve touched on in editorial meetings before, is the younger generation’s attraction to international brands and not American brands that I think also potentially could play a role in this conversation.

A: Interesting.

I think it’s interesting how imported brands, in general, become different things in our market. I actually don’t know, to be fair, where Modelo sits in its home market but I’ve always found it really interesting with a brand like Stella. In the U.S., we think of it as a fancy imported Belgian beer but especially in Great Britain and Tim loves to share this fact, it’s the cheap beer. It’s the cheap beer that everyone drinks when they’re out watching soccer because it has a little bit higher alcohol. It’s the party beer and it’s just funny that it came here as an import from Belgium and we think it must be fancy and we treat it very differently.

That is also interesting to me. I don’t believe there’s a treatment of Modelo by a lot of consumers that this is especially Mexican if that makes sense? I mean that in a more stereotypical way Americans tend to do things. The way we treat Corona, right? “You have your nachos, you better have Corona.”

Z: It’s not siloed off into that.

A: It really isn’t, right? And that is so fascinating to me.

Z: It’s one of the anecdotes that Tim shares in the story or data points, which is that it’s a huge beer at Buffalo Wild Wings. It’s one of their absolute best sellers and that makes sense pairing-wise. Of course, you want a light lager or a lager with your wings. It’s that exact point where you don’t see it dominating because it’s huge. In Mexican restaurants and things like that, it’s big in lots of places.

I also want to advance another thought on this and maybe talk about this question of why it’s been missed, especially because the data is so clear and so readily available? We are not the only people who get the sales data. I think that it’s a combination of two trends. One of them is what you hinted at the beginning, Adam, the success is driven by sales in the Southwest, in the Midwest, places that certainly have lots of people and lots of media of their own. Let’s be honest. Drinks media and drinks ad agencies are mostly in New York. It’s not a huge beer in New York. Obviously, it is readily available and it sells quite well, but its dominance is driven by other markets.

A: It’s definitely not massive in New York, for sure. You see it, but you don’t see it. It’s not everywhere, even in the way that PBR was everywhere. It definitely isn’t in the same way.

Z: The other part is a reminder that those of us who are in this industry are professionals. I think our coverage is sometimes driven by these weird two competing polls. One is a desire to look for something new and trendy, which is totally understandable. Part of our job is to be aware of what is happening and inform people of it before it hits their market or before it’s everywhere, so that people can try something out if they’re interested and or be apprised of the situation.

On the flip side, I think it’s because of the way that the sale of the brands to Constellation was covered at the time. Everyone in the media said, “Oh, yeah. They got six brands… Corona, etc.” That’s understandable but it’s a good reminder to us to revisit and say, “Hey, this thing that we assumed eight years ago may not still hold true.”.

The data pointed that out to us and I think it’s great that we really looked at it and found the story here. I want to throw out a suggestion to both of you or a question to both of you: Do we sometimes think that trends are over before they are?

The one that occurred to me when I was planning for this is that I have seen a lot and heard a lot, both written and talked about, is the trend of pumpkin beer is over. I’m curious, and maybe we can dig into this for another episode because I don’t have the numbers in front of me, but I wonder if that is, in fact, true — that lots of people are making it now even though it’s early August. That’s the trend I wonder if we have already written off, but in fact is still really, really popular?

A: You know what my answer is.

Z: I’m not asking what you think about pumpkin spice beer. We’ve already been there.

J: I do not like it.

A: I hate it and I wish it was over.

Seriously, I think the trend is definitely not over. People wouldn’t keep making it if it wasn’t exactly popular. I think we have a tendency to do that in general and try to write things off, say things are over. I think one of the biggest lessons that this teaches us is there’s a lot of lifestyle coverage out there that really fails to look deeply at data. We’ve talked about this a bunch on this podcast, but I think data doesn’t lie. That’s what you learn in journalism school.

We’re talking about the coronavirus and we’re talking about vaccination rates. Those journalists are looking at data. They’re not just saying that vaccinations are low because they walked by a few vaccination sites and aren’t seeing lines. They’re saying it’s low because they’re literally looking at the data and they’re saying it’s slowing or increasing. I think that’s the same for drinks. It really is important to have a gut check where you say, “OK, what do sales numbers look like? Have they been declining year over year over year?”.

For example, wine under $10 has been declining in its popularity and in its sales for the last few years. It’s a shrinking category. While there are still some brands that are pretty decently sized in that category, the category is shrinking. It’s basically disappearing, which is great for American wine culture, in all honesty. We’d rather that everyone is drinking nicer wines, a little bit more expensive wines, and taking it a little bit more seriously. That’s good for wine culture but that’s supported by data. Twenty years ago, we could have said that and that would have been true.

Z: Exactly.

A: I think that’s how we miss a lot of this stuff. We declare trends or declare things dead without trying to look into what the numbers say?

Z: Do we, alternatively, declare things alive without the information? I am going to bring up something that was on Twitter the other day. I hate to do this but Bill Shufelt is the founder of Athletic Brewing, who I interviewed.

A: Oh, this is crazy.

Z: I love the brewery but his claim that, in five years, 20 percent of the beer industry will be nonalcoholic is incorrect. I get it, he has a very high stake in that coming to be true but we should not and do not obviously just take that at face value because someone said it. There’s data that you can look at that shows what the market share for a nonalcoholic beer or anything is. It is, frankly, a lot smaller than certain people would have you believe because it’s their beat or their passion or whatever. That’s fine. The person who makes it needs to believe in its potential. We, as journalists, do not need to take their words as gospel.

A: No, although a lot of people often do because everyone needs to file a story. Of course, 100 percent look at the nonalcoholic sales and separate it out. Truly separate out, as we talked about a bunch, from low-alcohol and it’s really small. When I interviewed the founder of Lyre’s, he was saying that they are a $50 million revenue company and they’re the biggest non-alcoholic spirits company in the world. That’s not a big market.

Z: No.

A: If $50 million makes you the biggest nonalcoholic company in the world, again, as you said, that’s within people’s interests. He’s a salesman. He has to say that. I think what is really amazing is we could have noticed Modelo, we just didn’t. I also think that maybe we just lumped it in, sadly. We failed to truly examine and say it is actually this one standing out above all others and when you do, it is like, holy s**t, it is.

J: I also think why this piece is pretty special is because if you do try to search for another piece on it, it doesn’t really exist. Even after all this time, we’re still the first one’s publishing this piece.

Z: It was hiding in plain sight and I think that point is very good. There was a fascinating story to tell here, that everyone either completely ignored or if they saw those numbers, assumed there was nothing to say, which is silly but hey, good for us.

A: Totally. Well, this is fascinating and I think I am going to go have a Modelo right now actually.

Z: Yeah, good call.

A: I’m really craving one.

Z: I want to say that if you guys are out there, and if there’s something that’s obvious in the beer category or other categories, let us know if there are things that we’re overlooking, specific drinks in particular, whether it’s a beer or wine.

J: Cosmopolitan.

Z: We’ve certainly covered that one, but yeah, those things are super fascinating to us. Sometimes we find out about them because of you guys. You tell us what we’re missing. It’s super helpful.

A: Totally. Well, that was a great conversation as always. See you next week.

J: Thanks.

Z: Sounds great.

Thanks so much for listening to the “VinePair Podcast.” If you love this show as much as we love making it, then please give us a rating or review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever it is you get your podcasts. It really helps everyone else discover the show.

Now for the credits. VinePair is produced and recorded in New York City and in Seattle, Wash., by myself and Zach Geballe. He does all the editing and loves to get the credit. Also, I would love to give a special shout-out to my VinePair co-founder, Josh Malin, for helping make all this possible and also to Keith Beavers, VinePair’s tastings director, who is additionally a producer on the show. I also want to, of course, thank every other member of the VinePair team who is instrumental in all of the ideas that go into making the show every week. Thanks so much for listening, and we’ll see you again.

Ed. note: This episode has been edited for length and clarity.

The article VinePair Podcast: Why Did the Entire Beer World Sleep on Modelo Especial? appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/vinepair-podcast-modelo-especial-trend/

0 notes