#Fortune Park Lake City

[neptuneiris]

cardigan (epilogue) (1/2)

i knew you'd miss me once the thrill expired, and you'd be standin' in my front porch light.

pairing: modern!aemond × best friend reader!

summary: being in love with your best friend since high school becomes a strong and unavoidable feeling. until it starts to become more difficult when you get to college and the two of you, especially him, meet new people.

word count: 9.9K

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obviously i didn't expect this to be too long hahaha, even i was surprised, i didn't realize it was too much. so i decided to make the epilogue in two parts. thank u all so much por reading❤

Life in Highgarden could not have exceeded your expectations more.

At first you felt like you were supposed to when you came to live in a new city: terrified, anxious and nervous. You didn't want to feel lonely, but it was inevitable considering you know nothing and no one.

And when you arrive at your new dorm, you immediately loved it. Your room is bigger than the one at King's Landing and you have a beautiful view with lots of trees around and green grass.

Highgarden is well known for the fantastic flora and fauna. Everything is green, there are big trees and beautiful plants, there are even lakes and the weather ¡is perfect.

Yet you didn't have much time to get to know the city, because a week after you arrived, your classes started. And a week after you started your classes, you started your internship.

You met Arthur Winslow, the psychologist responsible of your internship, owner of a mental clinic for children, teenagers and adults.

He explained to you from the beginning that, once you were prepared, you would be present in cases of children and teenagers as well as adults to start your experience.

In addition, you would also support him in administrative things, such as his schedule, phone calls and so on. The pay is at a fair price, so it's perfect.

And as a result of Aileen and Sara not making it into the exchange program, you made new friends in your classes.

Although even if your friends had gotten in, Aileen would have chosen to go to Dorne and Sara to Winterfell, so you started talking to the people in your class.

They all came from different parts of the country, only a very few came from King's Landing and you didn't really talk to them much.

And after the first month passed, you just couldn't get any better.

You adjusted perfectly to your internship, to your classes which are wonderful and you also made good friends very quickly with whom you finally had that security to go around Highgarden almost in its entirety.

You went to many places, whether it was squares, parks, museums, lakes and even aquariums. Everything was so beautiful.

You took pictures, videos, made compilations with all your visits to upload to your Instagram, and even went out for fun on weekends to parties and bars with your friends.

You kept in touch with your friends at King's Landing and also let your parents know what you were doing by sending them pictures, videos and also talking to them on the phone.

Even Helaena messaged you by replying to one of your Instagram stories asking how you were doing and how you were doing at Highgarden.

Also her older brother messaged you, Aegon. He asked you how you were doing and also told you that he hasn't seen you in a while.

In truth with Aegon you did not speak much and fortunately neither of the two Targaryen brothers mentioned Aemond and for that you were grateful.

You were not thinking about him, not since you came to Highgarden and that is why you felt so at peace with yourself.

Despite being completely focused on your classes and internships more than anything else, you didn't lie to your friends that you had met and talked to a few guys.

You mostly met them at college parties, but nothing formal, it was all just hanging out.

You didn't have the mindset to really date, you didn't feel like you needed to and really a Highgarden guy didn't suit you if you were six months from now coming back to King's Landing.

You just had fun, experienced new things and officially started your psychology training.

And with the date getting closer and closer to return to King's Landing, you realized you didn't want to leave. Neither did Vhagar. At least not yet.

You grew attached very quickly to everything at Highgarden, even Vhagar with her walks in the parks and the view of the sunset when you took her for a stroll around the lake as well.

Everything was quiet and you felt at peace. However, you admit that you miss your friends and your life at King's Landing.

It's kind of a bittersweet taste to have to leave to go home. You definitely plan to come back because you've even grown quite fond of Dr. Winslow.

Until finally the date arrives and it's time to go back.

It was six months and yet it felt like it all happened in a matter of weeks. Yet you know you enjoyed every second at Highgarden and you don't feel like you wasted any time.

You immediately text your mom that you have landed at King's Landing and you also send a picture of your arrival to the group chat with Aileen, Sara and Ryan.

You call for an Uber and soon you find yourself arriving at the dorm with Vhagar in your arms.

The man driver helps you carry your bags up to your room, which you couldn't feel more grateful for, and as you enter that small space where you started your dependency, you feel nostalgic because you had missed it and happy because you are back.

And not long after you arrived, of course your friends would pay you an unannounced visit to welcome you back.

"You have to tell us everything.”

"And you have to show us the pictures you didn't upload to your Instagram."

"Did you meet cute guys?"

"How was your dorm?"

"How is the food?"

"We have to go to a party to celebrate."

You laugh as you notice the excitement in Aileen and Sara who are the ones asking all the questions while you and Ryan watch them with a small, amused smile.

And even though you didn't answer their questions, they still say they should get something to eat and drag you along with them to tell them everything.

Ryan takes them to a fast food restaurant in the middle of the university and soon the table is filled with fries, sodas, burgers, pizza and so on.

"You have to go one day, the program for the psychology internships are the best. The school is not that big, but the teachers are amazing, they even organize tours to many mental clinics of all kinds for all the students themselves. The only bad thing | could tell you about Highgarden is the food, it's not that good."

"Ugh no, dont tell me that,” says Aileen with a long-suffering face, "Don't make me change my mind about choosing Highgarden over Dorne if | get to go on exchange next year."

"But why would you want to go to a desert?” Ryan asks her confused, "Do you like to get your ass all sweaty?"

"Dorne is a place with incredible wonders and a lot of history, in case you didn't know,” she says seriously, "l've always wanted to see Sunspear."

"Just like any other place, genius. Besides, don't you know the temperatures reported in Dorne? It's like living in hell,” Ryan tells her incredulously. "l'm more supportive of Sara's idea to go to Winterfell where, if she's lucky, she'Il be able to go beyond the North and see the Wall. l'd rather do that than be dying of heat."

"So you'd rather be freezing to death?"

"Yes. A million times yes."

"And what about the parties?"

Sara asks you, picking up the subject and leaving aside for a moment Aileen and Ryan who continue arguing about Dorne and any other place in Westeros where according to Ryan it's better.

“They're not as noisy as here, but you still have a good time," you confess.

"Of course you have a good time,” Sara tells you mischievously, "All those guys you met seemed like they would really show you a good time."

You lower your gaze with a small embarrassed smile.

"It was just for the moment, that's all."

"And you didn't have any luck with any of them?"

You deny, looking at her again.

"I didn't want to. It wasn't...” You let out a sigh, "lt wasn't ideal."

"Oh come on, why not?” she asks incredulously, offended, "Didn't you get a good look at them? They were very handsome, Y/N. And they were just videos you sent us, I'm sure they were really hot in person."

You let out a small laugh, denying again.

"I didn't want to get attached to one of them, let alone start dating because | knew |'d be back here,” you confess, "And the whole long-distance relationships thing... it's not really my thing."

Sara grimaces and gives you a look of understanding at the same time.

"Well," she sighs, "At least you had fun with them."

"Not with all of them,” you clarify amused.

"But you did, so that counts."

After talking some more with Sara, since Aileen and Ryan are still busy debating... or rather fighting, you leave your part of the money for them to pay the bill while you go to the bathroom.

When you return, as you walk towards the table with your friends, a voice you know very well despite not having heard it in a while makes you stop as you hear your name called out.

"Y/N?"

And when you turn your head, a surprised Aegon Targaryen looks at you with a huge smile, standing with him is Helaena, apparently both of them having just arrived at the restaurant.

For an instant you panic at the thought that he's probably here too, but you're relieved to see that it's just the two of them.

"Is that you? Really?"

Aegon asks you amused, wasting no time in approaching you with Helaena following him and you also smile in his direction and shorten the distance between the two of you.

"It's been a long time since l've seen you too, Egg."

"Oh you little devil, you haven't forgotten how much | hate it when you call me that."

You both laugh and he wraps you in a tight hug that you reciprocate with the same affection, because even though Aemond was your best friend, you are still fond of all his brothers and nephews who have always been very good to you.

"Where have you been hiding? I haven't seen you for years."

He tells you incredulously, separating from you and you shrug your shoulders, already anticipating that you will talk about him. And even if you don't want to, you'll still have to.

"You know... here and there,” you say without much detail, shrugging your shoulders.

"Here and there where?" he asks you amused.

"Well... at school, with my friends and also at my exchange."

“But I dont see you around our house anymore, not even on birthdays, you didn't go to the ball either," he says almost in a sad tone, "You don't talk to my brother anymore, do you?" he asks a little more seriously, "Since the ball happened and he didn't take you, I knew something had happened. It seemed strange to me since you always went together every year."

You let out a long breath, lick your lips and nod, not wanting to give more importance to that matter that already happened many months ago.

"Yeah," you smile a little, affirming, "Yeah, since then."

"Forgive him,” Helaena stands between the two of you, with a smile and a sorry look, "l told him clearly that he won't ask you about him if he sees you when you come back, but his mental capacity is so low that the idiot doesn't understand."

You can't help but laugh at this, while Aegon at her side looks at her offended.

"l only wanted to corroborate what you told me,” he says innocently.

"Corroborate?" Helaena asks him.

"Yes," he says at once, still offendead, "I didn't believe you. At least not much. The two of them were inseparable and to suddenly not be friends anymore... it was like when | found out that Jack and Rose never existed and it was just a fictional story for the Titanic movie, I couldn't believe it and i felt cheated."

"Shut the fuck up."

Helaena says to him with a bad face and then turns to you with the smile and the softest and most pleasant look so characteristic of her.

"l'm so happy you're back. I didn't even know you were back, if i had known i would have texted you and we would have gone for a coffee."

"Thank you, Hel,” you smile softly at her, "And no, i didn't say anything about coming back and i honestly don't know why. I was so sad to leave but at the same time i was desperate to be back home."

"And what about Highgarden?" she asks you excitedly, "l've always been looking forward to going there. The nature there is just wonderful. There are lots of aquariums, isn't there?"

"Yes, yes, everything is amazing," you assure her, "Except the food. That's my only complaint. Everything is too... healthy"

"Oh yes, i knew that already," she says to you in understanding.

"And where do you live now that you don't live with my brother anymore?" Aegon asks interested, "Did you rent an apartment for yourself?"

"No, no, i live in a dorm now,” you clarify, "Because of the scholarship i got a big discount, and with the money i got paid for my internship at Highgarden, i have a chance to look for another job around here for a month."

"Oh, great,” he nods, listening to you attentively.

"A friend of mine who works at a boutique nearby recently told me they're looking for female employees. She works part time, maybe you have the same schedule if i pass you her number and she gives you more information."

Helaena tells you with such confidence that you're thankful that the first day you've been back to King's Landing, she's already saved you from looking for a job.

The flower shop where you worked before is already full of employees since your quitting, Sara told you since she went to ask to let you know before returning to King's Landing.

And now Helaena has helped you with that.

"That would help me a lot, Hel. Thank you so much."

"Oh, it's nothing,” she says nonchalantly taking her phone, "I'II tell my friend and then I'll pass you her number, don't worry."

After talking and keeping up with both of you for a few more minutes, your friends call you to leave and that's when the three of you say goodbye.

They both tell you if you want to keep them company, but since you've already eaten and you also have a mess in your room that needs to be cleaned up for your return, you agree to go out to dinner next week.

And just as you say, that's what happens once you're back in your dorm.

Vhagar greets you and keeps you company as you start to get all your clothes, shoes, make-up and all your stuff out of the suitcases. You also get something in and start arranging your few pieces of furniture in different ways in your space, wanting to try something new.

You put all your clothes in your closet, not wanting to leave anything for later, that takes some time, also to sweep and rearrange everything as you had it in your small bathroom.

You even fill a basket with clothes that need to be washed and go down to the laundry room, really not wanting to leave anything for later knowing that you have busy weeks ahead of you because of college and you want to get everything ready.

You wait for the clothes to be washed and also to dry, then go back to your room and continue organizing everything.

Until the sunset starts to show through your window and realizing that you are not missing anything anymore, you can finally lay down on your bed with Vhagar and rest.

You pick up your phone and begin to entertain yourself with Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, letting the time pass.

Vhagar settles in next to you and you get more comfortable to start watching Tiktoks, entertaining yourself for another good time.

You think to yourself that maybe later you'll go downstairs to buy something from the vending machine and watch a movie or maybe a series until you fall asleep, sounding like an awesome plan for you.

Then you finally get up, grab your most comfortable clothes and take a bath. It doesn't take you long and you dry your hair, then you feed Vhagar and take money to go buy food and watch the movie or series.

When suddenly there is a knock on your door.

You watch it in silence, thinking confused that you are not expecting anyone. And you have no idea who it could be. You didn't agree with your friends that they would come here later if you've already seen each other in the morning.

You check your messages to see if any of your friends told you they were coming to visit you unexpectedly, but nothing.

So you go to open the door thinking that it must be one of your friends and they decided not to tell you about coming over, but when you open your door you didn't expect it to be your ex-best friend, Aemond.

You freeze the moment you see him, definitely not expecting it.

As his gaze lights up when he sees you and the two of you are face to face after what felt like an eternity of the two of you not seeing each other.

You unconsciously take a step back, surprised and confused, your lips parted, as he watches you intently, almost with a hopeful look, maybe because he's afraid you'll slam the door in his face.

But you don't move from shock because you didn't expect it to be him and you didn't expect to see him so suddenly after so many months.

And he… hasn't changed.

You know it's only been months, there's not much difference, but it's the same appearance since the last time you saw him. His hair is still short to your surprise and his clothing style is the same.

What you do notice are the muscles on his arms are more pronounced and you also get the impression that he is a little taller.

While you… what can you say about yourself? Really nothing.

The only new thing you've done is to start trotting in the mornings, also your hair is short below your shoulders when before you had it down to your waist and you've put more earrings in both ears.

And neither of you say anything.

The two of you are simply inspecting each other after a long time without seeing each other, you mostly feeling just as confused to see him here.

You really don't understand how he is here. Or rather how he knew you were already back.

He certainly couldn't have known, you still have him blocked from all your social media networks.

Then….?

You ask yourself but the answer comes to you in a second.

Aegon.

You think in affirmative mode. And also probably Helaena because the three of you met at the restaurant. But you know it was Aegon who must have told him everything.

You don't doubt that maybe Hel wanted to kill him.

When after a few more seconds, the two of them not speaking and just watching each other, you finally react, instantly feeling nervous, without really knowing why.

Also that little remorse comes to your chest for everything that happened between you and what happened the last time you saw each other, remembering everything you told him crying.

You hug yourself and bite the inside of your cheek, also as he is looking at you, remembering his girlfriend, the ball and also your birthday.

When he speaks first.

"Hi."

He says to you letting out a sigh afterwards, stirring in front of you, keeping his hands in his jacket pockets, which are movements you know he does when he's nervous.

Also his look tells you he's a bit worried and anxious, but he still stands tall in front of you, his lilac eye watching you intently and having a slight gleam in it.

And his sapphire in your direction… it looks just as beautiful and stunning as ever.

"Hi."

You answer him with your tone of voice a little lower and feeling a little uncomfortable, puzzled, but you also stand firm in front of him, feeling nervous.

You certainly weren't prepared for when this moment happened and you know he wasn't either, yet here he is.

"W-what are you doing here?"

You ask trying not to let your voice sound shaky, holding back.

He swallows hard and looks away from you for a moment while he presses his lips together, to look at you again with those nerves and that certain hope.

"Actually… I wasn't too sure about coming here," he confesses with a soft look in his eyes, just like his voice, "Aegon told me you had returned to King's Landing and I wanted to see it myself."

At this, you lower your gaze for a moment and bite your lips. Yet… strangely… you don't feel upset.

"He told me by accident and got a good punch from Helaena," he adds and you look at him again.

You don't say anything for a few seconds, just look away from him, swallow hard and let out a long breath.

"Well, it's true, I'm back. If that's all, you can go now…

"Y/N..."

He calls out to you this time hopefully, interrupting you in a quick tone, not wanting to waste the opportunity and clearly not wanting this to be over any faster than he wants it to be.

It's the first time you've seen each other in months and in all these months a lot has happened and he just… wants to try.

It doesn't matter that you in the end don't want to, that you're still upset and don't want to see him, because he will understand and he will finally respect your decision, but he wants to try first.

He doesn't want to leave without trying.

"I know you probably don't want to, because I know you didn't expect to see me and maybe you even want to kick me out…"

He says lowering his gaze for a second, sighing, and then he looks at you again.

"But I want to risk myself," he tells you honestly, "and I'll understand if you say no, truly," he assures you, "I just want to talk to you and after this, if you still don't want me to bother you anymore, then I won't go near you again, I assure you."

He tells you and you remain paralyzed again for a few seconds, listening to him and watching him with your lips parted.

"And if you want me to leave now, I will. But I just want to try…" he lets out a long breath, gathering his courage, "So…. may I come in, please?"

He asks you softly, watching you just the same and almost expectantly, stirring continuously where he stands, knowing full well that he is as nervous as you are, while you have no idea what to do.

Your mind starts thinking fast, considering what you should and shouldn't do.

But the truth is that nothing comes to your mind. You just have a quick, unexpected debate on whether to let him into your room or not.

Vhagar behind you barks twice, watching Aemond very intently, while repeatedly wagging her tail back and forth excitedly and looking very playful.

While Aemond in front of you watches her with excitement and some hope, to again focus on you, ready to face the decision you will make, either yes or no.

And finally after what feels like an eternity, you know that rejecting him is probably the best option, but for some reason… you can't find the courage to do it.

And not because seeing him now in front of you and having heard his words has softened your heart, but because you realize that your heart doesn't hurt like it used to.

Maybe it was all the time you stayed apart and you healed in Highgarden, helped by the change of air, your lifestyle and the new people around you, unconsciously overcoming everything that happened between you, that you don't feel that pain anymore.

However… you do feel a weight. A weight on your shoulders and in your heart.

And it is because of that weight that after considering it in depth, with your soft gaze, you step aside and open the door wider, allowing him the entrance to your room.

Aemond would be lying if at that moment he didn't feel as if he had just received the news that he won the lottery, because surprise overcomes him and also relief.

And not wanting you to take it back, he enters your room, thanking you with his gaze in silence, while you control your nerves and close the door, facing this.

He in an instant is already in Vhagar who eagerly and seemingly happily enjoys being in his arms and licks his hands and cheeks, making him laugh and give her kisses, caressing her.

You can't help but smile a little at the scene, but you are just the same neutral and firm.

When he watches you over Vhagar, he leaves another kiss on her head and sets her back down on your bed, now looking as if he has no idea what to do.

He honestly didn't think it would go this far. He thought you'd slam the door in his face.

But you're both here. Face to face with each other. And certainly with a lot of things to say that you couldn't say to each other before.

"Hmm…" he says, stirring and glancing briefly at your room, "Did I interrupt you with something important?"

He asks and watches you intently, to which you deny, crossing your arms.

"No," you answer softly, "I was just planning to go buy something from the vending machine downstairs and watch something, a movie or a series."

"Oh," he nods, understanding, "well, if you want, I'll go," he offers, "you haven't eaten anything?"

"No. You?"

"I haven't either. But I can go and buy some dinner for both of us, only if you want. There are many restaurants near here."

"Well…

You stir uncomfortably.

"Only if you want."

"Yeah, no problem," he assures you.

And again he leaves you alone in your room saying he will be back soon, making you sigh and sit on your bed with an almost terrified expression… not expecting or understanding any of this.

The fact that he's gone to buy food helps you mentally prepare yourself for when he comes back, having no idea how they'll start talking about everything that happened.

You don't even know what he will tell you first, but you calm down and use the time he has given you to not feel nervous and terrified.

You take a deep breath, you say that everything will be fine, that this shouldn't be awkward… or at least not too awkward and that if both you and he start to feel like it's too much, you can both say so.

And of course you don't want any of this to lead to a fight. It wouldn't be wise and it's totally unnecessary.

When after a few minutes, Aemond returns with Chinese food, soda and fries from the vending machine.

He actually buys you some of your favorite chips and has also ordered you the Chinese food exactly the way you like it. At this you just thank him and both of you settle into your bed.

You put Vhagar down, give him some of her food and the two of you begin to eat.

At first it did feel a little awkward, but then, as you talk about the food being delicious and ask both of you to pass such things around, the mood begins to lighten and it's like going back to when you both lived together.

The two of them are comfortable, eating, talking about anything and watching a movie, although this time there is no movie.

And he is the first to start a conversation.

"How was Highgarden?" he observes you attentively, his gaze soft, interested.

"Incredible," you answer without hesitation.

He nods, as the two of you put more pieces of food in your mouths and then you take a sip from your bottle of soda.

"You told me that's where the best psychology internship programs are, right?"

"Yes," you affirm, "When I found out I got into the exchange program, it was the first place I applied."

"And you didn't have any problems?"

"No," you observe him softly, "Because of my good grades they didn't deny me anything, they gave me one of the first places in internships for Highgarden and everything was a very fast process. And when I got there and met the psychologist in charge of me and his clinic… it was just amazing."

"Yeah," he murmurs, "yeah, I can imagine. And I'm happy for you."

He tells you honestly, with a small smile that you return. A genuine smile from both of us.

"Thank you."

"And how did it all go? What was that you were doing? Did you get to know all of Highgarden too?"

And you tell him everything.

You tell him how your first weeks were, how was your dorm, the university, the new people you met, your internship, Dr. Arthur, what you had to do and you even told him about some very interesting cases.

You also told him about the places you met, showed him pictures and videos. You tell him that you went out partying on a few weekends, all the while he listens to you and watches you with great attention, looking genuinely interested, and asking you more questions.

Until you have nothing more to tell him about your six months at Highgarden.

"What about you? Haven't you started your internship yet?"

You ask him interestedly.

"Yes, since April," he says, "Obviously it wasn't difficult. I'm going to my father's company and I got some of my friends to do their internships there as well.

"Oh," you nod, understanding, "and what do you say?"

"What do I say?" he repeats, letting out a sigh, "well, it's not as interesting as what you told me," he says with a small smile, "It's all finance, paperwork, computer programs and so on. But that's what I like and I've been doing very well."

"Yes," you murmur, looking at a spot in your room, "But it's interesting," you tell him, "I've always thought you'd end up like one of the characters in Succession, someday running your father's important company as a rich and powerful man.

He smiles softly and then looks at you, to which you also smile in his direction.

"Am I right?" you ask him amused.

"In fact yes, you are absolutely right," he assures you in the same way.

There's no more food except for chips and soda, so he then starts talking to you more about his life and everything he's been doing lately besides college and his internship.

All while you both stare at an unimportant spot in your room, side by side, eating junk food.

And you listen to him with close attention, really interested in wanting to know what his life has been like now that you are no longer a part of it.

He tells you about how he has spent more time with his family, he tells you about Daeron, Rhaenyra, Daemon and even his cousins and nephews, Jace, Luke, Joffrey, Baela and Rhaena.

He tells you how they all spent a small part of the summer on Driftmark, an island near Dragonstone where his whole family also has a property right there, but which belongs to his aunt and uncle Rhaenys and Corlys.

You knew about Driftmark, but never in your years of friendship with Aemond did he invite you there because all his family always organized anything in his huge mansion here in King's Landing or in Dragonstone.

He also tells you about upcoming birthdays and everything his mother has planned.

And in everything he talks about, he doesn't mention Alys at all, maybe for fear that you might get upset or uncomfortable and want him to leave, because you don't dare ask him about her either.

You just let him talk to you about the first thing that comes to his mind, both of you comfortable in your bed and still eating junk food.

When Aemond seems to have told you everything and you both stay in a comfortable silence, almost shoulder to shoulder, both of you watching your little room and just letting time pass by.

And that's when Aemond watches you with his soft gaze, while you continue to eat fried food, staring into nothing. He swallows hard and lets out a long breath.

"I owe you an apology."

You freeze for a moment, still looking at everything around you but him, surprised by his words and beginning to understand where this is going.

Unable to help yourself, you look at him and he looks at you with a look that is both serious and gentle, looking honest, only to look away, maybe because of nerves, and continue talking.

"I was a very bad friend to you," he says in a murmur, "what I did to you is something unforgivable, I know, something you didn't deserve," he admits, "I don't expect you to forgive me Y/N, I'm not asking for that, I just want to talk to you and that you listen to me, that….

"I don't want to listen to your apologies only if you say them out of pity, Aemond," you interrupt him, serious.

"What? No, no, this is not for pity, Y/N," he assures you, honest and desperate to clarify, "I never felt pity for you and you know it."

"I don't know," you mutter, "After what happened, you made me doubt if our friendship was genuine or because you wanted and were my friend for pity," you confess.

"Y/N…" he tells you in a sigh, sad, denying, "since you left… since we stopped seeing and talking to each other… you don't know everything I wanted to tell you, everything I wanted to apologize for even if you didn't forgive me."

"Aemond…" you call him cautiously, "you can't apologize to me just to make me forgive you and your girlfriend too, you….

"I broke up with Alys."

He interrupts you with the most honest and quickest sentence he's ever said in all the time you've been together, making you freeze once more and stare at him with your lips parted.

And he watches you with the most honest look, wanting to clarify that point as much as possible and that there is no doubt, even feeling proud to say it.

"I broke up with her days after you left the apartment, and that was the last time we saw each other," he explains, in a low, honest tone.

But even after telling you that, you don't feel entirely confident. That's why you lower your gaze and swallow hard as you consider how strong his relationship was.

"But if you go back with her, I don't….

"No, Y/N," he says to you in denial, "I'm done with her for good," he assures you, "I didn't want to and I don't want to have anything to do with her anymore. I don't care anymore, she's nothing to me and never really was in all the time we were together."

You listen to him surprised, attentive, breathing a little faster than usual, not understanding, while he then starts to tell you everything.

Everything he wanted to tell you since your friendship started to fall apart and the moment it broke.

"Alys managed to get my attention a lot when we first met. She led me to believe on our first few dates that a relationship could be good, healthy and loving. But when we finally formalized everything, she started to show herself as the real person she is when she already had me," he explains, "And I naively gave her everything she asked for, even money, because I was obsessed with her and the way she made me feel. She made me feel so unique, so wanted and so special that I-I just…" he lets out a sigh, "I let her hold me in the palm of her hand."

He brings one of his hands to the nape of his neck, ruffling his short hair with his fingers, feeling strange telling you all this, but also feeling it as a necessity for you to listen and understand him.

And you really don't have any problem, you listen to him carefully and let him tell you everything he wants to tell you, still feeling a little sharp pain in your chest.

"She would even tell me things she didn't agree with or like, either about me or my family, making me feel bad and upset sometimes, but then she would turn them into just a point of view and convince me that I had misunderstood her, when I hadn't," he explains to you, "She told me that my mother was very controlling after she met her, that my siblings, even Helaena, seemed very weird to her, and that Daemon didn't seem like a good person."

You are surprised to hear that and pay more attention, while Aemond feels ashamed of himself for telling you this, but it is the truth.

"In that instant I should have put a stop to her, I know. But like the fucking idiot I am, I kept letting myself be easily manipulated by her, because she kept telling me it was just her first impression and her views," he says in a low, sorrowful whisper, "She just had a long conversation with my father without looking bored. I even noticed she changed her attitude and looked more… kind. But only with him."

He says in a bitter tone, while you understand what he's going on about.

"And of course, how could she not be nicer to him," he says with a smile and a bitter look, "With her about to graduate, she told him about that and also about her internship with the man who owns the most important company in the country. She talked about everything she knows and her skills, almost telling him her entire resume so he would hire her."

Now you let out a long breath, must have imagined it.

You thought Alys had really fallen in love with him. That's what you always thought until today when he gave you the news that he broke up with her months ago and that there was no love in the relationship.

You always thought that no girl could reject Aemond for his personality and his looks, that no one could reject him for being him, for knowing him and in an instant wanting to know more about him.

Because that's how you fell in love with him, you didn't fall in love because of what he had and what he could offer you professionally and economically.

But that was just what caught Alys' attention, not his personality and his heart.

"It also happened that when I would talk to her about my classes or an important project that I had worked hard on and got an excellent grade, she would say that it wasn't enough and that I needed to work harder to earn my father's company. She discredited everything I did, telling me that I had to do more so that someday I could be the boss and both of us could run the company, talking about those kinds of plans and almost assuring me that it would be like that," he says seriously and bitterly, "She insulted my friends, saying that they only cared about parties, that they were alcoholics and did not care about their studies, that they were useless and did not contribute anything to me now and would not do so in the future. She also said that I should have more serious and professional friends around me."

He lets out a long breath, really at that moment with you by your side realizing more how really bad his relationship was, the kind of very nasty girl he had by his side and how very blinded he was.

"The same thing happened with you," he says to you, saddened, "Clearly you know because you heard that conversation."

You bite your lips, remembering how bad she made you feel with her words. And so does he, corroborating with her.

"I owe you more than an apology for that, Y/N," he tells you honestly, "You were right, a best friend doesn't leave her best friend aside and that time I didn't even defend you. I should have stopped her, I should have put myself firm with her… but I didn't." he says apologetic, sad and disappointed, "and I'm very sorry for that."

Then you realize that you can't accept those apologies, because it really hurt you a lot to hear that conversation and that he didn't stand up for you because of the way you are and what you like to do.

If things had been the other way around, you would have defended Aemond with all your might, because he was your best friend.

"She was the reason why I started to leave you aside on weekends, why I gradually left you living alone and also why I didn't take care of Vhagar anymore, because she doesn't like dogs," he says seriously and sighs, "She was also the one who convinced me to take her to the ball and planned everything so I would forget your birthday," he confesses to you, saddened. "She deleted messages from you that morning, she confessed it to me when I confronted her when I realized that your birthday had already passed and that even weeks later she made me stay with her so I wouldn't see you. She also planned that stupid two hour dinner with her parents to delay me so I wouldn't notice and let the whole one night go by."

You bite your lips again, not watching him, feeling the urge to cry remembering that day, your birthday, because he also made you feel so bad during and still after by not getting any explanation from him.

And all because of her. But also for him, because he wouldn't put a stop to it.

"And yet I was still with her…" he says in a sigh, incredulous and disappointed in himself, "Like I said, she had me exactly the way she wanted me to be, and she would convince me otherwise when she didn't like something or made me behave differently than she wanted me to."

He shakes his head, feeling annoyed with himself for allowing it, for having fallen so low, letting himself be moved by her as she wanted, making him start to think that his friends were less important than her, his girlfriend.

That she was more important than Y/N, his best friend, who had always been there for him in very good and very difficult times, leaving her and throwing away their friendship of years for a relationship of months.

"She knew exactly what to do and what to say to make me stay," he murmurs, "But Alys never loved me and never really cared for me. She only cared about me out of interest and wanted to be with me out of the same interest, which was all she cared about."

"Did you love her?"

You dare to ask him without observing him, with a thread of voice, while Aemond at your side watches you for a few moments in silence and with his eye wide open in surprise.

I didn't expect you to ask him that, in fact I didn't expect any questions at all, but despite that, he knows the answer.

He knows it since the last time they both saw each other.

"No."

He respond in a low tone but completely serious and honest, while you dare to observe him surprised, but with an almost expressionless gaze and your lips parted.

"At first I came to have a certain affection for her … but only at first," he confesses, "Then it became that obsession with how she made me feel, but nothing else. I never came to love her and I am very relieved by that."

You take your eyes off him, closing your eyes for a moment, letting go of a long breath.

"And after I didn't see you again and I found out that you had gone on exchange… you don't know how that made me feel, Y/N," he swallows hard, "I had lost one of the most important people in my life. life for a fucking relationship and my own behavior. I wasn't thinking, I was an idiot. And I just wanted to scream and break everything for losing you… for not fixing it sooner."

An ugly and huge lump forms in your throat, observing an unimportant point in your room, your gaze lost and your eyes beginning to fill with tears.

You really didn't want to feel that way, you didn't want his words to soften you up, yet…they did.

But you hold back as much as you can, while Aemond next to you feels the same thing that you are feeling, but he doesn't dare to do anything about it, realizing your state, wanting to give you your space.

When you finally take a deep breath and talk to him even without looking at him.

“I missed you a lot too, Aemond. I missed you throughout your relationship with Alys and after I left to Highgarden. I missed you even when you didn't even deserve it."

You confess in a low and honest murmur, completely drawing his attention, you saying nothing else for a few seconds, swallowing the lump in your throat and completely holding back your tears.

While he listens to you and watches surprised, not expecting that, since he thought that all this time you had been hating him. He even thinks you hate him now.

And yes, if it was something like that, there was hatred, resentment, anger and courage for everything that happened, but even so, you also missed it very much.

You missed him, but you didn't forgive him.

"You also don't know how much I hate myself for ending our friendship, Y/N," he tells you in a sad and regretful whisper.

When you look back at him.

“I cannot forgive you, Aemond. Not yet."

And your words are like a dagger in the heart, a wound that, despite the fact that it hurts, accepts and respects it. He certainly didn't expect you to forgive him, but telling him that you had missed him, too, lit a small spark of hope in him. But it was not like that.

And he really respects it.

He doesn't want to make the same mistakes again, and so he does, feeling less weight on his shoulders, relieved that there aren't all those negative feelings between you anymore.

Nor does he expect that after this, everything will be back to the way it was before, because it won't.. He knows it's impossible. And if everything really ends between you both, then he will respect that too.

That's why he nods in your direction, both of you looking into each other's eyes, a understanding look and a small, soft, closed-mouthed smile on his lips, letting you know he's perfectly fine with that.

"Yes, i know," he assures you softly. “It's alright, I understand."

You nod gently in his direction, also placing a small gentle smile and both of you take your gazes away from each other and immersing in a comfortable silence.

Comfortable because finally neither of you feels that weight anymore and everything seems to be… fine.

Both of you have already said everything you wanted to say.

Or almost.

Because in the middle of that silence, Aemond starts thinking fast, having an indecisive debate in his mind, telling himself that enough has been enough, that everything is fine between you now and he doesn't want to ruin it.

But his heart tells him to do it, that there is still more.

While you by his side take your bottle of soda and take a sip, comfortable, this feeling good, but also knowing that this does not mean that the two will resume their friendship.

But for the moment… you enjoy it. You enjoy the moment.

And that's when he speaks again.

"After you left King's Landing…

He starts and you watch him, getting your attention.

"Helaena told me something," let out a long breath, "Something that made me finally realize my feelings and that made me have a little hope, even though you were already gone."

You are still watching him with attention, not having the slightest idea that it could be that what his sister told him, when Aemond looks up at you and looks into your eyes with his soft and honest gaze.

"She told me that you're in love with me."

Your hands become paralyzed first, you stop drinking soda and then your whole body is the one that is motionless, while you observe it with your lips between open, with your confused, attentive and nervous look at the same time.

You don't understand anything.

It's not like you told Helaena about it, in fact no one knows.

And it only makes you feel more nervous that Aemond is there, right next to you, acting completely normal about it, now that he already knows, continuing to observe you in the same way.

But you can't speak, you're still in shock, starting to feel like your pulse is racing too fast.

"She told me that you didn't tell her anything, that she just… knows," he says to you later, still in a soft tone, still making you panic.

You turn your gaze away from him, blink several times, starting to react from panic and nerves and hold your drink tightly.

"You should go."

It's all you say in a thread of voice, not daring to look him in the eye any more and you quickly get up from your bed, wanting to put as much distance as possible between the two of you.

You take Aemond by surprise, who stands up slightly, watching you worried, desperate and a little confused as you go to your door.

When his next words cause you to become paralyzed again, tensing up completely.

"I'm in love with you, too."

He says to you almost desperately, wanting to clarify as soon as possible, watching you attentively and cautiously, slowly getting out of bed to address you very carefully, not wanting to upset you more.

And he begins to explain to you with his soft tone, waiting for the moment so that he turns to you and can talk to you in the eyes, wanting you to see how very honest he is being with you.

"I don't know since when exactly, Y/N. It was probably before we graduated from high school," he lets you know, "That's why I asked you to live with me, because I certainly wouldn't have asked just anyone, and I-I… wanted to be close to you, almost all the time."

Your pulse continues to race, listening to his words carefully, feeling again the urge to cry, even without daring to look at him face to face.

"And all those dates, all those girls I went out with or flirted with at parties…" he sighs, "I told myself that I didn't get any further with them because it just hadn't worked out, when the truth is that I was fooling myself and it was me who didn't take them any further… because they weren't you."

He confesses to you and that's when you can't take it anymore and the first tears fall, starting to shake and with the realization starting to become clear to you as you hear it.

"And I wanted to repress my feelings for you with them, I wanted to fall in love with someone because I didn't want to ruin our friendship, Y/N," he tells you honestly, "And I know it sounds stupid and it's probably tired of hearing it already… but it's the truth. You don't know how much I was terrified of losing you, of losing our friendship because of feelings that weren't reciprocated… or that I thought weren't reciprocated."

Then slowly, Aemond, dares to raise his hand and gently touch your arm, turning you towards him very carefully and tactfully, needing to see you and needing you to see him.

And you let him.

Shaking, but you let him.

And his heart breaks the moment he sees you, with your sad, surprised face, your teary eyes and red cheeks, watching him as if he can't believe it.

"I wish I had known, Y/N," he says softly, watching you with all the love and gentleness in the world, "Because then Alys came, a girl with a personality I hadn't met before, pretending to be a good person and she made me distract myself from you by falling into her games."

You bite your lips, holding back the tears as much as you can, while he continues talking to you and explaining with all the sincerity in the world.

"And I know I was very selfish with all those girls and also with you when I saw you with that guy at that party, having a good time and having fun without me," he confesses with regret, "You don't know how upset I was and how terribly jealous I felt, Y/N. That was when I thought I had lost you for good and I hated myself not only for having ended our friendship, but also for never having confessed my feelings to you and realizing too late… what I lost for a person who wasn't worth it."

He lets out a long breath, biting the inside of his cheek and watching you with all the sincerity, love and affection as he says his next words.

"I love you, Y/N. I have always loved you. Just in the same way you love me…. or loved me," he corrects with a soft sad tone, "I was just too much of a coward to tell you and I didn't give you a chance to tell me either by going out and pretending with all those girls," he lowers his gaze, "I'm sorry."

Then, it's like you're living in a dream.

You don't know if it's real or not.

But you know it's real because of his touch on your arm and the closeness between the two of you, with him looking at you like that, being so terribly honest that it scares you.

It scares you because this is just what you wanted to hear.

This is everything you wanted to hear from him towards you, being just another one of your most pathetic and impossible dreams. But here you are. He has told you.

And that's exactly why you can't control it anymore and right there, in front of him, you lose it completely and the first sob escapes your lips, just as your tears are rushing down your cheeks.

You cover your face completely ashamed, crying, only you don't know if it's from happiness or sadness… or probably both.

But you know you cry because this is what you have been longing to hear for a very long time and you cry wondering why now, why now that things between you are no longer bad but not quite right either.

But mostly you cry because you feel confused.

Since you left King's Landing, one of your purposes was to leave him behind and forget, to undo those feelings for him. But you couldn't.

You still love him.

You love your best friend just the same way he loves you too, being something that was going on for a long time, simultaneously, but without both of you knowing it.

And you feel confused because you don't know if you should finally take this thing you've always wanted, you don't know because of everything that happened, even though he has already explained and apologized to you.

But you don't feel totally confident because he really hurt you so much.

And you don't know if what happened, will happen again and that's just what you don't want. You don't want him to hurt you again.

And Aemond, surprised by your behavior, yet he understands you and doesn't judge you.

That's why he wastes no time and pulls you into a gentle, firm and comforting embrace, letting himself be carried away by his feelings as well.

And you don't push him away. You let him hold you and lock you in his arms, just like you loved him to do when you lived together or saw each other during the day because his hugs have always comforted you and made you feel safe.

And that's also where you can let out your feelings.

He starts to comfort you too with soft words in your ear, stroking your hair with his hand, telling you that it's okay, that everything is fine, that this shouldn't change anything either, that you are the one who has the last word about the two of you.

As he continues to apologize for everything in soft murmurs, holding you tightly against him, not letting you go until you are well.

Until little by little, your sobs begin to decrease and you begin to calm down, sniffling your nose and still hugging him, taking all the time you need until your whole roller coaster of emotions stops.

Aemond doesn't let go, but does so slowly as you begin to stir, watching you intently and worriedly.

You bring your hands to your cheeks, wiping away your tears and sniffling your nose, to which he quickly runs his thumbs over your cheeks as well, still watching you with all that tenderness, that understanding and that affection.

"Are you all right, my pretty one? Do you need anything?"

You deny, again embarrassed, but at least feeling better and less emotional.

"N-no. I'm just… sorry, it wasn't m-my inte…

"Shh, no, it's okay," he interrupts you softly, "it's okay. This was my fault, I never meant to make you react like this. I should have been more careful with you."

"It wasn't that, Aemond," you confess, sniffling once more, "You took me by surprise, that's all. And I-I c-couldn't control myself, i-it was too much."

"Yes, I know, I know, pretty one. It's all right, everything's all right."

And again he pulls you into a soft, comforting embrace that you allow, now no longer feeling like those earlier hugs where before between the two of you there was the word friendship.

Now it's something more… something more intimate and more… honest.

And that's because both of you finally know each other's true feelings.

But still… after this, what you need is time. And that's exactly what you're asking for.

i couldn't tag many of you and I apologize if you asked me to tag you and I didn't, I could have missed your user but thank u so much for reading 😢❤

tag list:

@winxschester @namoreno @fan-goddess @lauftivy @bellameshipper @iloveallmyboys @barnes70stark @amazingnerd @yentroucnagol @helaenaluvr @almostpurplelady @lilitheal @targaryenmoony @dangerousstateofmind @summerposie

[pudding-parade]

Fancy Asprise by dbnecz

And now for something completely different! Y'all, I love alien worlds. I love the terrain painting they usually have and the bizarre landscapes of them. I horde them. So, I will definitely be featuring some of them in world overviews.

This one is one of my favorite alien worlds. It's what I think Lunar Lakes should have been. Its backstory is that it's a human-inhabited ex-mining/prospecting colony on an alien planet, not an alien world inhabited by aliens. So, it's basically familiar sorts of architecture with an exotic backdrop, with a mix of futuristic and grungy. Many of the houses really do give me a vibe of houses that originally were prospector shacks that were haphazardly added on to over time because their layouts are pretty bizarre but yet functional and interesting to look at.

But before we get to that, the relevant info: It's a large, unpopulated world, 2048x2048, but it's built in a pretty compact way, basically in concentric circles on different levels, so it doesn't take forever to get around in it. I'm pretty sure it needs all EPs, and it needs at least a few of the stuff packs, namely Town Life for its grocery rabbithole, and the Katy Perry and Fast Lane packs for deco stuff on various lots. It may need more than that; I suck at identifying this stuff, I'm afraid. Hopefully I'll get better at that as I do these overviews. According to the world's download page the only Store content required is the Lucky Simoleon Casino lot, and so far as I can tell, that's accurate. I think it could have done with some of the Lunar Lakes stuff, but I'm guessing the creator was trying to limit the required Store content. You could always add that stuff yourself.

According to its Exchange page, the world has 41 residential lots and 36 community ones, and I'm assuming that's accurate. I didn't count them. Most of the residential lots are on the small side, many with only one bedroom, but there are also some larger ones with more bedrooms. So while this isn't a world where you'd be able to play lots of large families, if you want to play singles, childless couples, and smaller families, it will work very well.

The world has all spawners except for the Island Paradise and Into the Future ones, but it doesn't have a lot of spawners. Just a few of each of them. (Frankly, I'd add nanite spawners and bot-building facilities, but maybe that's just me.)

The world doesn't have a few things you may or may not want/need it to have:

Military, science, and school rabbitholes.

A fortune teller wagon and a Vault of Antiquity

A library

A festival lot

Consignment shops

A dedicated public pool, though the gym lot has a big pool on it and one of the lots designated as a beach is actually more like a pool.

It does have all the other rabbitholes, including the Into the Future observatory, two fairy arboretums, and multiple diners. The city hall is the ItF one, so if you want the military career available, an easy way to get it would be to use the Transmogrifier mod to turn that into a multifunction city hall/police/military rabbithole. Then, on the lot that currently has a police rabbithole, plunk down a school rabbithole instead. And to fix the lack of SCIENCE!, the world has this big, odd 64x64 park that's mostly concrete (kind of like Hidden Springs's big park) and that only has a little building with restrooms and a small room with a coffeemaker on it. I'm thinking I'd put the ship-shaped science rabbithole from Lunar Lakes there to add science careers to the world.

As usual, the title of this post is a link to the world's Exchange page or I have uploaded a .world file here. The latter goes in your game install files under GameData - Shared - NonPackaged - Worlds.

Oh, and just a note: I took these pictures with this lighting mod in the game (edited so that the moon is super-huge) which I think goes very well with this world's landscaping and overall "feel."

More pics and info behind the cut!

Here are Edit Town and map view of the two main areas in the world. There are a couple other smaller areas, too, but I don't want to do too many pics of this type.

This is the area with most of the rabbitholes. There are also a few parks, a fire station, some residential lots, and the casino lot.

This area has mostly residential lots, but also a fishing spot and a Showtime venue.

Now for some community lots!

This is a fishing spot. It has lots of alien sparklies on it, and it makes the alien sound, too. It's pretty cool. I love the rainbow rocks.

This is supposed to be a mining site, I think. I expected it to have rock/gem spawners, but it doesn't. It does, however, have lots of mushrooms. So if you need a mushroom for, you know, whatever reason.... ;) I'd add rock/gem spawners, though.

This is a dance club, with an Egyptian theme, only in hot pink. Trippy! The world also has a dive bar, an exclusive lounge, and the casino. So, along with the Showtime venues, there's quite a bit of entertainment. Speaking of Showtime venues...

This is a Showtime performance park. There is also the Flying V lot (there's a pic above the cut) and a private venue. So, you can do the Showtime careers in this world, if you like to play them.

This is the back of the junkyard.

This is a cafe lot with a barista and a professional bar, bubble-blowers, and lots of deco from the Katy Perry pack. And that's my Sim blowing bubbles. Just 'cuz.

This is the fire station. And there are lots of other interesting, original (aside from the Store casino lot) community lots, too.

Now here are pics of some of the residential lots in various sizes:

I just love how random they are. All of them are different, all built by the creator of the world and, like I said, they are mostly on the smaller side. Even the larger ones will sometimes have only two bedrooms, so as-is, they aren't really suitable for large families. You could possibly re-partition some of them to make more bedrooms, though. The first pic in this batch is the largest house in this world. It has five bedrooms, while the others have fewer. Overall, there are some very interesting builds in this world.

And we'll finish out with a couple extra scenery pics mostly because I'm in love with the big damn moon.

[scotianostra]

September 6th 1826 saw the birth of Alison “Eilley” Oram Bowers at a farm near Forfar.

I learned about this extraordinary lady a few years ago, what a life she had, after marrying the first of her three husbands at aged just 15, she emigrated to America at 17 and during the next 60 years she became one of the richest, and most talked about women in the US, outlived three husbands and her children and reinvent herself, after becoming bankrupt as a fortune teller they called The “Seeress of Washoe”.

It is said Alison joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints as means to get across the Atlantic, and so it was after marrying the first of her three husbands, Stephen Hunter at aged just 15, she emigrated to America at 17. Other sources say she never became an actual follower of the Mormons, as they are generally known nowadays, but her Husband was baptised into the faith. I admit a lot of her life story is conjecture and on every occasion I have researched her new information arises.

Following the Mormon custom of her day, her husband, Stephen Hunter, took several wives after they had settled in Utah. Eilley, however, did not enjoy the polygamous lifestyle and soon divorced Hunter. In 1853, she married Alexander Cowan.

The two moved to the Carson Valley where they purchased 300 acres in Washoe Valley. In 1857, Cowan, who was also Mormon, returned to Salt Lake City during troubles between the church and the U.S. government.

Eilley chose to divorce Cowan rather than return to Utah and moved to Johntown, a mining camp below Virginia City, where she opened a boardinghouse.

During this time, she acquired a handful of mining claims from boarders unable to pay their debts and met a Comstock miner, Lemuel “Sandy” Bowers, who would become her third husband.

The two combined their mining holdings and, as luck would have it, ended up owning one of the Comstock’s earliest major silver strikes. Within a short time, the Bowers were among Nevada’s first mining millionaires.

Deciding to spend their seemingly limitless wealth, in 1864, the Bowers’ began building the huge stone mansion on Eilley’s acreage in Washoe Valley. While the home was under construction, they traveled to Europe to purchase furnishings. When it was completed, the mansion was one of the most magnificent homes in the state and the Bowers were willing party hosts. During the next four years, they indulged themselves on the finest clothing, furniture, and collectables.

In 1868, however, Sandy Bowers suddenly died of silicosis at the age of 35. By then, the original mine had become tapped out and he had invested much of their money in several unprofitable mining ventures.

After the estate was finally settled, Eilley found herself penniless. Despite her best efforts to hold on to the mansion, she was unable to keep it. Her misfortune continued when, in 1874, her adopted daughter, Persia, died at the age of 12. Since her days in Salt Lake City, Eilley had been intrigued by the occult.

Apparently during that time she acquired a crystal ball for fortune telling and had prognosticated for friends, although other sources say she brought the “Seer Stone” from her home in Scotland.

In 1875, following her many financial and personal setbacks, Eilley set up shop in Virginia City as the “Washoe Seeress.” Despite skeptics, she practiced her arcane arts for nearly a decade, until the decline of the Comstock.

In the 1880s, she moved to San Francisco, where she worked in various jobs, including–as she had so many years before operating a small boardinghouse. In 1898, she was placed in a rest home in Oakland, where she died in 1903 at the age of 77.

The Bowers Mansion survives and in 1946, it was purchased by Washoe County with the assistance of the Reno Women’s Civic Club and public donations; 20 years later, the property was updated and renovated. Today, it’s Bowers Mansion Regional Park. The home has been restored and refurbished with historic pieces donated by Nevada residents. The grounds contain hiking trails, picnic areas, spring-fed swimming pools, a playground, an amphitheater, and more.

Read more about this Eilley’s story here https://www.nevadawomen.org/research-center/biographies-alphabetical/alison-eilley-oram-bowers/

[power-chords]

Souvenirs from the City of Angels. I had never been to Disneyland — only Disney World in Orlando — and it was easier on Dad’s hips and back to sit on trams and theme park rides than to spend a day walking around various DTLA art museums, so we opted for the East-meets-West trip down Childhood Nostalgia Lane.

Much of the magic is sadly gone, and not for any newfound fault on the Golden Age and Renaissance IP that mesmerized me as a kid. My adult perception remains amazingly resilient to the untainted experience of wonder. It’s that, for me, wonder and wander are cognate verbs. A visitor to the park can no longer roll up to Anaheim on a whim. You need a reservation, a plan, a fucking smartphone to navigate everything from crowds to timetables to sitting down for a bite to eat. (Fortunately they do still offer beautifully illustrated paper maps at the information kiosks, and my father was probably a converso cartographer in a former life, so we relied on a good old-fashioned glossy brochure to find our way around. As a talking clock once wisely joked, “If it ain’t baroque, don’t fix it.”) The Disneyland app is where spontaneity goes to die, and with it, enchantment. So much for my dial-up teenage dreams of a virtual Wonderland. “Augmented reality” is a poor substitute for the dying art of brick and mortar spell casting. The rides are world class — better than ever! — but then you disembark to squint down at a screen again, and there goes the neighborhood. Immersion is broken. These days Lake Compounce and Rye Playland are the true elder statesmen of American middle class wizardry. And you won’t need to take out a second mortgage for the privilege!

[mads-nixon]

Hiiii!!!!!!! So I saw your requests are open and I have a Pacific one: headcanons for Chuckler dating an artist (I like to draw so I came up with this), perhaps? Thanks!

Chuckler Dating an Artist Headcannons

Lew "Chuckler" Juergens x Artist!Reader

Masterlist

A/N: Hiiii!! i loooooove this concept so much!! thanks for requesting! please request more if you have any ideas!! this is about the fictional portrayal of H company on the show. nothing but love and respect for veterans on this blog!

Okay, I'm thinking post-war for these...

After Lew comes home and gets settled in Chicago, he's walking down a street in the Chicago suburb when he sees you for the first time...

You're sitting by the side of the road on a stool, overlooking Columbus Park as you sketched a beautiful work of the sun setting over the lake and skyscrapers in the distance.

Your tongue was poking through your lips in concentration, and Lew found himself completely captivated by you. You looked so at peace...something he was still looking for after the war.

He went up and started talking to you, and the rest is history!

Months later, Chuckler's favorite thing is to watch you draw. Seeing you in your element is something that he never gets tired of.

One day, he comes over to your house with a wrapped box and a wide smile on his face. When you open it, you can't believe what he fought you: a hundred-piece drawing set. You know it must have cost him a fortune, and you throw yourself in his arms, thanking him over and over.

On the days that bring back more memories than usual, he'll come over and you can tell by the look on his face that it's not a good day.

Times like that, you'd spend the day peacefully relaxing (a lot of times on the couch or in bed) snuggled up. You pull him into your arms and hold him tightly, letting him be the little spoon for once.

I'd like to think that you live outside the city a little bit and that you have a pretty backyard with a porch with rocking chairs. On the porch, you snuggle into Lew's lap as he rocks the two of you back and forth.

He seems to enjoy the silence of the night and your gentle conversations that remind him that he survived the war, and that he's safe with you in his arms.

Since you started dating Lew, you'd gone through sooooo many more sketchbooks than before, and he starts to get curious.

One day, you're drawing a scene of the skyline when he asks you if he can look through your sketches.

(sure, you'd shown him many before, but he'd never looked through your book)

You nod and get really nervous as you hand it over.

His smiling face falls slightly as he flips through it slowly. Page after page were different sketches and drawings of him. Some were his signature smile, while others were of him fast asleep, his face serene.

You worried it was 'too much' or that he wouldn't like them, but all your fears dissipated when you saw his reaction.

Tears pricked at his eyes as he looked through the book. How did he ever deserve you?

"These," he whispered, voice cracking as he looked up at you, "Are amazing. I love them."

A smile graces your lips and you blush at the compliment, ducking your head bashfully.

Chuckler just lifts your chin softly, the warm gaze from his glossy blue eyes making your heart skip a beat.

"You're perfect..."

You took a deep breath and smiled, leaning your forehead against his. "I love you."

DUDE ASKS YOU TO MARRY HIM RIGHT THERE

You say yes, ofc!!

Y'all have the sweetest life together, and Lew hangs your artwork all around the house, even if you think it's not the best.

THIS MAN...he will never let you talk bad about yourself or your art, and he does whatever it takes to attend all of your art shows, even if he is the only one there (think Pam's art show from the Office and how Michael is the only one to show up type vibes.)

He continues to get you supplies the second something of yours runs low (if one single pencil or paint runs out, he uses it as an excuse to buy you a whole other kit.)

"What? Your green color pencil broke?" He'd ask after you sent him a playful glare (you loved it when he got you stuff, but you'd never admit it.)

"So you had to give me a whole 24-pack?" you tease.

"Yeah. I gotta make sure you're stocked up, doll."

You hug him tightly. "Thank you, honey. I love them."

You eventually become an art teacher in the Chicago Public School System, where you get to share your passion with your students! (you end up having your kids and grandkids in your classes)

Lew never forgets the moment he saw you and took the chance, and he knows it was the best decision he ever made.

tag list: @flowers-and-fichte @footprintsinthesxnd

message or comment if you want to be added to the tag list!

[mrsaguapapi]

Millaenyia Parker

The Vibe:

Sia-Soon We'll Be Found (Slowed By Beasty Music)

Something has been calling me for days. First, it came as an echo in a dream, an afterthought really.

I was walking along a beach of white sand and clear blue water. The lush vegetation around me had such a vibrant green, that if I unfocused my eyes ever so slightly, I'd see nothing but emeralds and jades through the haze. I could feel the grains of sand move between my toes with each step. The sea spray hits me with the ever-passing gust of wind, cooling off my dark skin from the abrasive sun.

The smell in the air was fresh from the ocean, with sweet undertones woven in between. As I keep walking along the beach I hone in on the sounds of the waves and the water hitting the shore, not realizing I was approaching what seems to be an entrance. I take my final steps and stand in front of this opening in the earth.

Looking closer I see that this was an entrance to a cave submerged underwater; one more step and I could sink. Crouching down to my hands and knees, I hold my head closer to the pool of water in front of me trying to see what I can of the cave. I mostly see nothing but water and rock; I notice a shine of light coming from straight ahead in the water but I can't see much from outside.

Maybe...

"Girl you are not Jacques Gusteau don't even think about getting your ass in that water."

You right.

I get up, brush myself off and turn around to continue my walk. As I walk away I swear the wind started to pick up; it was making long breathy noises. It wasn't the wind. It was whispers of my name echoing from the cave:

"Millaenya.." (Mee-lane-ya)

Before I could fully comprehend the hushed sounds, a loud pound jolts me awake. Within a blink, I quickly sat up in my bed. I was covered in a layer of cold sweat, gasping for air as if I held my breath for hours. My body was vibrating with anxiety, and I started to feel myself unravel again. The last time this happened, Is when I felt Tony Die.

Recenter yourself

Trying to relax my breathing, I close my eyes and chant, "I am real, I am in control. I am real, I am in Control. I am REAL, I am in CONTROL!"

The items in my room began to shake and move, my bed starts to rise upward. I feel myself slipping further away. It would have gotten way worse but fortunately, the two knocks at the door stole back my focus and if that didn't fully bring me back then my bed slamming to the floor sure did.

"Saved by the bell. I'm coming!!"

I unravel myself from the mountains of blankets on my bed and throw on a robe on the way to my door. I open the door and see my roommate peter holding a cup of coffee and ibuprofen.

"Good morning Mills. Figured you'd need this"

I grab the items from his hands, "Ya know," I take 4 pills and take a sip of the cheap coffee, "I'll never get used to that"

"Used to what?"

"Your fancy schmancy spidey senses. Can't even wig out in a separate room without your 'peter tingle' giving me up."

"Why does everyone call it that?!"

"Because our sweet Aunt May, may she rest in peace, was a comedian and I refuse to let that joke die"

----------

Aunt May and Peter took me in when peter was 14 and I was 20. We say 20 but I have no idea how old I was or am. Peter was training late at Kissena Park; he had just gotten his powers a few months prior and was still getting used to his strength and heightened senses. That night he was beta-testing his web solution and swinging back and forth between trees. I, on the other hand, was buried deep within Kissena Lake.

In the middle of swinging to the next tree, Peter got a sudden rush of anxiety and fell to the ground; a vague but strong sense of something being wrong, something dangerous. He wanted to throw up, run, and fight all at the same time. There was a heat storm brewing up that night, nothing the news warned the city about. Peter stood up quickly and tried to collect himself; The city was quiet and with everything standing still, it was almost peaceful.

As quickly as that peace came, it was interrupted by a cluster of lightning bolts that hit the ground and trees surrounding the lake. The unexpected storm ended with one particularly large bolt of lightning hitting the center of the lake. It reached the bottom where I happened to be buried. It must have stirred the dirt up just enough, that I started to float up to the surface, along with a leather book bound to my wrist.

Peter so graciously pulled me to shore and checked if I was breathing. I had a fresh scar (that was quite literally steaming by the way) that began at my shoulder and traveled down my torso through my leg and ended at my left ankle. The scar itself looked like branches of lighting. If Peter wasn't freaked out already, he sure was when he saw my hair turn from black to white in a matter of minutes. When he was sure I was alive he brought me home to Aunt May. He explained what happened from start to finish; the whole situation kind of forced him to explain his powers to May for the first time.

Sorry Pete

When I awoke, I remembered nothing but my name. I had no recollection of who I was, where I was from, or who my family was. Nothing. The book that was bound to my wrist was full of handwritten notes about my gifts; the earliest entry was dated back to 1692. Each account was so meticulously written and described it was like my own personal how-to guide. Outside of that, the only other personal information written in the book is that my mother gave birth to me in the woods, alone. She protected me from the outside as best as she could but eventually died of exposure. A group of traveling women picked me up. Their leader Agatha said she could hear my cries calling her from miles away. Sadly the rest of that journal entry was ripped from the book.

Fast forward a bit; the authorities couldn't find where I came from. My DNA was nowhere to be found and no one recognized my picture. The only key identifiers I had was my stark white twists (which was a new look) and a strange tattoo on the inner part of my lip. I was eventually ruled as a Jane Doe and given all new information and IDs; I kept my name and became a parker. Aunt May accepted me as her own; she took me as I was. My mysterious past didn't matter to her, my skin tone didn't matter to her. When people questioned about me and silently judged she would only say, "I've always wanted a daughter" and her daughter I was. Peter was already calling me his sister so it worked out great.

Millaenya Parker. It has absolutely no ring to it, but it means everything to me. In the early days, I spent my time in the library reading everything I could. I learned every language I could, dead and new. I got my GED and studied at MIT for my bachelor's in Cultural History and Anthropology. Around this time I went with Peter and Tony to Germany for the Avenger's little "family feud". After this, I worked with Stark Industries as an intern while getting my Masters's in Historic Preservation and getting a Ph.D. in Sociolinguistics.

While Peter spent his time as the friendly neighborhood Spiderman I traveled, and finally experienced life; I took the time to study myself and explore my powers. I damn near perfected elemental & weather manipulation; being so in tune with our planet and its history, I swear I can now hear the Earth's breath. I tested my blood for months. I looked like I was in my early 20s but I was very old. I found that my blood shared the same properties as vibranium. Still don't know what to do with that information.

Before I could further my studies, the blip happened; I physically felt the life leave this world, and It made me empty. I was so off the grid that I didn't see my friend's calls for help until it was too late. I should have been there with Peter, I lost him and May that day. For those 5 years, I trained with Natasha and occasionally Okoye (got some fun scars from that) and searched for answers to reverse the mass disappearance. During my research, I studied under Wong at the Kamar Taj and became quite proficient with my sling ring and basic sorcery. In between travels I mostly stayed with Tony & Pepper and their new baby girl Morgan.

When the Battle of Earth came and Tony made that fatal snap, I broke. The pain was too much, I couldn't control my emotions, and when I let out my cries of anguish, everyone around me began to writhe in pain. Wanda had to use her powers to forcefully put me to sleep. Fast forward even further we lost Aunt May and everyone forgot about Peter, except for me. Peter almost didn't come back from that; we have no idea why I remember, nor do I dare to question it. I am just thankful that I can be here for him. But I digress.

----------

I take another drink from the styrofoam cup, I notice the fancy Greek-style lettering

'We Are Happy To Serve You'

"Peter, have you talked to her yet, or are you just going to forever borderline stalk the poor girl at her work?"

"Hey! It's not stalking, I just wanted to check on her."

I begin to walk towards the kitchen to grab some breakfast, Peter takes a seat on the couch, "I promise you, if you talk to her and stop being creepy, she will fall in love with your dopey ass all over again. It was meant to be Pete. I'm so sure about it, I feel it in my bones."

"She could get hurt, I'm dangerous to be around, and everyone I love dies. My Parents are dead. Uncle Ben is dead. Tony, is dead. Aunt May is dead. I'm cursed Millie" he says as he dramatically falls face-first on the couch

"I resent that! I'm still alive, you don't love me?" I say throwing an apple at him.

He swiftly catches it behind his back without looking, "What's a man got to do around here to wallow in self-pity in peace? "

"Peter Parker, Friendly Neighborhood Emo." we laugh together in mutual pain.

As you can tell trauma-dy is our way of coping

"What's your plan for today?"

"Eh, Just work"

"Your freelance work or your freelance work?"

"The answer is yes. You should join me sometime, it'll be fun"

"I did enough crime-fighting during the blip thank you very much. I'm currently in my peaceful academic phase; being a curator has done me some good. I just want to study dead nations and their languages; that's the kind of wholesome fun I want"

"You're a nerd even for me you know that? Anyways, thanks for the apple, ima head out" He opens the window and begins to crawl out. "LOVE YOU!"

"Peter we have doors for a reason; You are getting dirt all over my window!" I yell to him. "LOVE YOU TOO, BUG BOY"

Finally alone with my thoughts, I check my phone and look at my calendar. I remember I'm off for the next few days with exactly zero plans. Lost in my thoughts I was interrupted by a sudden shout of my name.

"Millaenyia!"

Startled I drop my phone. I have no idea where that came from. It was in my apartment but no one is here, I would have felt them. It happened again but this time the voice was beckoning me to follow it.

"Milllllaaaeennyyyiaa"

It was coming from my bookshelf in the living room. I start to walk toward the shelf and the books on it begin to shake. As I move closer, one book falls to the ground and the books stop shaking. I kneel to pick it up and see that it's a world atlas. Before I could inspect the book any further the pages began to rapidly flip. Eventually, the book lands on a map of Mexico and begins to burn up spontaneously. I don't freak out as fire doesn't affect me, but I just watch the map slowly burn until it gets to the Yucatán peninsula.

"Hmm. If that's not a sign then I don't know what is"

------

I packed up a light bag and filled Peter in on the whole spooky situation. He's worried, understandably so; but I have to go. Something is calling me there, that beach in my dream looks like the beaches of Yucatán. In the back of my mind, I hear that voice calling my name. I'm afraid I'd lose my mind if I don't go. Peter wishes me luck and makes me promise to check in with him periodically. I put on a 2 piece swimsuit and layer on some white linens over it; I lace up an old pair of Adidas sneakers and grab a pair of sunglasses. Quickly I twist back my hair to the side and loosely braid it. I grab my bag and sling ring and began to open a portal to Mérida, Yucatán.

"Alrighty Creepy Voice, you've piqued my interest"

[roomchailimited]

Scandinavian Wildlife Expedition: Exploring Sweden and Finland's Natural Wonders

Our journey from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to the breathtaking wilderness of Sweden and Finland was a dream come true for nature enthusiasts like us. The thrill of encountering Nordic wildlife in their natural habitats, coupled with the serene beauty of Scandinavian landscapes, made this expedition truly unforgettable. Planning such an adventure required careful preparation, and Bangladeshi travel agencies like Roomchai Limited, Gozayaan, ShareTrip, and Obokash played a crucial role in making it seamless.

Starting in Stockholm: Gateway to the Wilderness

Our adventure began in Stockholm, a city that beautifully blends modernity with nature. After a few days of exploring its historic sites and vibrant culture, we set our sights on the wilderness of Swedish Lapland. The transition from the urban charm of Stockholm to the untouched beauty of Lapland was nothing short of magical.

The Wild Heart of Swedish Lapland

Swedish Lapland is a realm of endless forests, clear lakes, and majestic mountains. We embarked on guided tours that led us deep into this wilderness, where we had the privilege of observing reindeer herds and tracking moose. One of the most exhilarating moments was catching sight of a lynx, a rare and elusive predator that epitomizes the untamed spirit of Lapland.

Our stay included an unforgettable visit to a Sami village. The Sami people, with their rich cultural heritage and deep connection to the land, welcomed us warmly. We participated in reindeer sledding, listened to traditional joik songs, and shared stories around a fire beneath the aurora borealis, which painted the night sky with its ethereal glow.

Finnish Lapland: A Continuation of Wilderness and Wonder

Our expedition continued as we crossed into Finnish Lapland. Here, the landscapes were equally stunning, and the opportunities for wildlife observation were abundant. Finnish Lapland is known for its bear watching tours, and we were fortunate to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.

A highlight of our Finnish adventure was exploring Oulanka National Park. This park is a paradise for nature lovers, with its diverse flora and fauna, picturesque rapids, and tranquil forests. We hiked through its scenic trails, encountering bird species like the Siberian jay and marveling at the park’s natural beauty.

Choosing the Right Travel Partner

Organizing such an extensive and detailed safari required the expertise of reliable travel agencies. We found Roomchai Limited to be exceptionally well-suited for our needs. Their personalized approach, from handling visa applications to crafting a detailed itinerary, made our journey smooth and stress-free. Gozayaan, ShareTrip, and Obokash also offered valuable services and packages, but Roomchai’s attention to detail and customer service stood out.

Reflections on Our Journey

Looking back, our Scandinavian wildlife expedition was more than just a travel experience—it was a journey of discovery and connection. The landscapes of Sweden and Finland, with their pristine beauty and rich biodiversity, provided us with countless moments of awe and inspiration.

For travelers from Bangladesh considering a similar adventure, we wholeheartedly recommend exploring the wilds of Sweden and Finland. The support of Roomchai Limited, Gozayaan, ShareTrip, and Obokash will ensure that your journey is as seamless and enjoyable as ours was.

This expedition has reinforced our passion for travel and nature, and we eagerly anticipate our next adventure, wherever it may lead. Until then, we cherish the memories and lessons from our time in the Scandinavian wilderness.

[flagwars]

People’s Flag Wars 2: Round 3, Bracket 4

See the symbolism below.

The unnamed flag was made by eth317.

City flag of Syracuse, NY titled The First Light flag is the official flag of Syracuse by Eric Hart.

Symbolism: “Through the use of simple color and shape the First Light flag shares a complex story of our people and personality, our geography and weather, our past and future, and our relationship to our surrounding area.

Six-Pointed Star: Symbolizes the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee, of which the Onondaga Nation plays a central role. It symbolizes the six historical names by which Syracuse has been known: Salt Point, Webster's Landing, Bogardus Corners, Milan, South Salina, and Cossits' Corners (not incl. Corinth). It is the sun, a guiding light. Its central placement on the flag marks Syracuse's central location in New York State.

Mirrored triangles: Symbolizes the hills of Onondaga. The word onoñda'gega' means, "people of the hills" in the Onondaga language. The left triangle is the hill westward toward Hiawatha Lake. The right triangle is the hill eastward toward Thornden Park. The space between the triangles is the Onondaga Valley.

Star set between triangles: Symbolizes the sunrise over the Onondaga Valley.

This is described in a line from Syracuse University's Alma Mater, ". where the vale of Onondaga meets the Eastern sky." Represents a new day, a bright future, and good fortunes ahead.

Orange Star on White: Symbolizes our history of using the sun to pull white salt from our salt springs. It also represents the sun warming us during our cold, white winters.

The Chevron: Symbolizes the Roman numeral "V" indicating the five Syracuse Common Council Districts. It also represents "The V-Sign," international symbol for peace and friendship.

Three Distinct Triangles: Symbolic of the city's past, present and future. The left triangle points to the past. The central triangle points to the present. The right triangle points toward the future. It represents Syracuse across the ages. Syracuse: for now and forever.

Orange Symbolic of: The Sun, Regeneration, Restoration, Courage, Passion, Creativity

Azure Blue Symbolic of: Onondaga Lake, the Erie Canal, Perseverance, Intelligence

Navy Blue Symbolic of: The hills of Onondaga, Trust, Loyalty, Industriousness

White Symbolic of: Salt, Snow, Peace, Purity”

Kairouan, Tunisia is a flag proposal by Gargari.

Symbolism: “It shows a camel with the city's name calligraphically written on it. I made this choice because the name literally translates to caravan, or military column. The colours green and yellow are taken from the current coat of arms of the city. Also taken from there is the dome of Kairouan's great mosque, which also represents the camel's hump here. The additional colour purple is used for lines not part of the calligraphy but vital for making it look like a dromedary. The colour represents the wealth of the history of this noble and old city.”

[constance-mcentee]

A Grand Day Out at Quarry Lakes

Sunday, 21 July 2024

Originally I was planning on doing this ride yesterday. But as I ran some errands first thing I felt the day was getting too warm for me to go for a fun ride. It has been a VERY long time since I went for a fun ride and I didn't want to overdo it. So, I left home at about 7:30 in the morning to get an early train.

Image Description: A light blue Retrospec Beaumont Rev-2 ebike on a commuter train platform.

But since this was a Sunday, trains don't run as often. While I was on time for the first train, I had a half-hour wait at my transfer station. Fortunately, I had brought a library book with me for just such a situation. The book in question was Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): The Natural Wold of Animal Sexuality by Eliot Schrefer.

After arriving at the Union City BART station, it was a short ride to a grocery store to get some supplies. Since I was so burdened with other things I needed to get yesterday, I didn't get food for the ride. So, I stopped at the store for some Gatorade, Clif Bars, and sunblock. From there, it was a short ride to Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area.

Image Description: A beige concrete sign with green letters reads, "Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area, East Bay Regional Park District." There are low plants around the sign and some trees behind it.

I have to admit, I stopped quite often early in the ride just to marvel at the scenery.

Image Description: The ebike from earlier on the path around one of the lakes.

Image Description: Another view of the lake from above, with some crows on the lakeshore in the middle distance. Trees can be seen to the right and along the far shore.

Image Description: Another view of the lake, with a single tree and some shrubs in the foreground and the tree-lined far shore.

As I kept going long the path, I eventually came to a small stand which had a map and brochure about this place. That's when I learned class-2 ebikes, like the one I was riding, are restricted to paved trails. Oops. There isn't a paved trail around the lakes. It's a gravel trail.

But the brochure's map showed where a paved trail was nearby. So I left the recreation area and headed for that trail.

Image Description: A concrete and stone cairn with a sign for the Niles Community Park.

The search for the paved trail led me past Niles Community Park, a place I visited some time ago with my motorscooter before it was stolen. I had to keep following the gravel path out to the street and over a bridge to get to the paved path. So for next time, I'll stay on that street, skip entering Quarry Lakes, and continue on to this paved path.

Image Description: A heard of goats lounging on the south shore of Alameda Creek.

And as I rode on that paved path, I past a heard of goats which seemed have been brought in to keep the vegetation in check along Alameda Creek. There was a temporary fence around a large area and there were just so many goats.

From there, it was ride back to BART, take BART toward home, and stop at another grocery store to finish getting the things I couldn't haul home yesterday.

By the time all the riding was done, my legs felt rubbery. I don't have the speedometer / odometer installed on my bike yet, so I don't know the overall distance I rode. I could probably try to work it out, but I'm not going to stress over it.

This was my first fun ride in a long time. I just haven't been strong enough to use my regular bike, so getting this ebike made things a lot easier. But as it's a class 2, I'll have to be more mindful of which East Bay Park Districts I visit with it.

I'm looking forward to more rides, and am already planning how to visit Quarry Lakes next time. I won't be able to ride around the lakes themselves, but there are parts of that park I can visit.

[astriiformes]

minnesota gang <3 id love to hear your thoughts on living here as someone from out of state, if u wanna share!

Of course -- I always enjoy when other people get excited about my Minnesota blogging, haha.

For context I grew up in Arizona and then Colorado, and spent a fair bit of time in both Oregon and California visiting family, so I am very much from the west. Minnesota's been an interesting place to end up because of the ways it does/doesn't overlap with it. Like, I deeply, deeply miss the mountains, which are the part of the country that truly has my heart, but I've come to love a lot of the nature here as well, particularly the fact that the Twin Cities have a much healthier relationship with natural spaces than a lot of other urban areas. Just today a friend and I were walking on a bridge across the Mississippi and stopped midway to look out over it for a while. I love that there are city parks with waterfalls here, and that it's not uncommon to see eagles in and around the lakes, and that I've found fossils and geocaches clambering down steep gorges along the river. It's nice.

(And I especially love the nature up north, even though I've only been a few times -- Lake Superior is awe-inspiring, the glacial geology here is fascinating to me as someone who loves the natural sciences, hopping across the stepping stones at the mouth of the Mississippi up at Itasca is kind of mind-boggling, the trees up there feel a lot more like home, and as a certified Wolf Guy, learning that Minnesota is home to more wolves than anywhere in the contiguous "west" has genuinely delighted me.)

But I've also just loved the community I've found here. A large part of the reason I left Colorado was because Denver was just too expensive for me to consider (I was living with my family, in a suburb outside the city that was really stifling and lonely), and I really thought a lot of the places I could find real belonging would have too high a price tag, which I think is a common fear for queer folks who have mostly heard about big eastern and western cities as safe havens. The Twin Cities have given me everything I wanted in that regard. I have so many queer friends here, some of whom are more like family at this point, have regularly had coworkers like me and even had one job where I was encouraged to be fairly loudly out (and got to do some neat outreach as a result), and these days in particular am counstantly counting myself lucky to live in a state fighting for the rights of its transgender population.

And I've found community in other ways, too! There's a really vibrant, creative geek scene here, that's hung onto more of its old-school fandom roots -- probably my favorite convention anywhere is right here in Minneapolis (CONvergence), and there's a wonderful filk community in the area. I love, love, love my very queer, very social justice-oriented synagogue and that there are interesting Jewish community events going on with some frequency (and that I've even found a great deli to buy hamantaschen at every Purim!). And man. 2020 was a hard year here, but I'm going to remember the ways my neighbors and I stepped up for each other for the rest of my life. When the rest of the country was acting like our cities had burned to the ground, I felt like I was seeing the best of humanity from so many of the people around me. There were a couple days my qpp and I drove around just... taking pictures of all the art that had sprung up around the Cities, and on the boarded windows we knew would be taken down, because people had made them blossom with color and rebellion and love while they were up.

All told, there's a lot of neat things here. There's a lot of problems, too, but it's not hard to look around and see people fighting to solve them -- and in the meantime, there's plenty of joy and community to cling to. I've been fortunate enough to live in a few different parts of the country and have fallen in love with each of them in their own way, but Minnesota took me by surprise. I always thought of it as one of the quieter, more boring Midwestern states and I'm glad to have learned otherwise.

(I am also a cold weather guy through and through, despite my desert roots, so the winters treat me just fine, ha. The camaraderie through the blizzards and below-zero temperatures is another very real part of the state's charm.)

[eastcoastboyos]

Undertones

Charleston is a beautiful place, objectively one of the most scenic places we’ve been on this trip, but as has already been noted, the history of slavery still casts its subtle shadow over its natural beauty and architectural extravagance. It’s hard not to think about how much this place has changed — and not changed — over the past 160 years.

-

This morning, the recovering Dylan took the welcomed opportunity to sleep in while the rest of took a National Park Service tour to Fort Sumter, the place where the first salvos of the American Civil War occurred. The four us that went very much appreciated the storytelling of Ranger Walt Young, a young ranger whose knowledgeable enthusiasm for the history of the fort was infectious. On the island fort itself, the humongous cannons and mortars quickly captured our attention, but the history was rich and the time flew by as we explored the small island together. We all agreed it was a worthy expense, especially as it would be our main deep dive into the history surrounding Charleston during our brief visit.

Once back in Charleston proper, we took a brief wander through the historical market (and former canal) before splitting up. I (Joel) couldn’t resist the urge to eat and made my way to a local hip cafe for a breakfast bagel and cold brew. Once I rejoined the others, inspired by my rave reviews, the others set off to the cafe to fill their bellies as well. In the meantime, I chilled (literally) at the hotel, while Dylan – still full from his morning meal and eager to make the best of his time in Charleston, despite still feeling under the weather – set off on his own for a short wander to the nearby battery and mansion row.

Once we’d reconvened, Allen and Derek decided to chill once again (did we mention it’s been stupid hot this entire trip?), while Dylan, Blake, and I set off for some shopping and exploration. (Derek also had important work matters to attend to.)

After wandering together for a while, Dylan and I separated from Blake, who set his mind to finishing his shopping for the trip before the evening. Dylan and I wandered towards the nearby Colonial Lake, where we briefly debated its function and aesthetics before sauntering our way back to the hotel to meet up with the others.

It was almost dinner time, but Blake and I, feeling the lightness of our pockets, decided to set a course for the nearby supermarket to acquire some affordable beers. We would also check on the wait time at our target restaurant for the evening – Hyman’s seafood (4.9 ⭐️, ~40k reviews). However, the journey quickly turned into a wet one. Despite leaving the hotel in presence of light rain, by the time we’d acquired beers and started making our way back, the rain had turned torrential. The streets had turned into rivers (little exaggeration.) Drenched and in good spirits, we made our way back to the hotel with beers and chips in tow.

Fortunately, the rain let up, and just in time too. Appetites were growing ravenous, and we clearly ended up at the perfect place to eat. It lived up to expectations. At Hyman’s we sat at the same table where Michael Phelps, Mel Gibson, and John McCain had eaten. (It was one of their “things” to add small plaques to each table where famous people had eaten.) Amidst our delectable meal of seafood and southern comfort foods, we were also greeted by the owner who was clearly proud of his restaurant’s long family history and attention to customer service. Blake especially was in heaven.

Returning to the hotel with stuffed bellies, we settled in to chill once again. Some us watched Canada take on Argentina in the first half of the Copa America semifinal. Others showered and sprawled out to aid in their digestion. Derek and I went for one final night walk. We explored the water’s edge, stopping to admire the electrical storm in the distance and mansions that echoed the controversial history of the city. It felt like the perfect end to what a short but very sweet stay in Charleston.

Tomorrow we head to Orlando, Florida, our final state and second last stop on what has so far been a varied and unforgettable road trip.

[gemsofgreece]

Hello,

Is it reasonable to visit Greece and plan to rely on public transportation and taxis? Would we still be able to reach hiking destinations easily? I have a free place to stay in Athens but would really love to be able to explore more of the country and would be very grateful to hear suggestions. Thanks in advance for your help!

Hello! The short answer is that you can rely on them to some decent degree, however I would suggest that you remained a little cautious or alert for whatever situation could need preparation or adjustments. Obviously most places have a large public transportation system and taxis are available in most of them, however Greece culturally relies far less to public transportation compared to privately owned vehicles than states in western and northern Europe, so don't go entirely concern-free thinking it will all definitely run 100% smoothly even in remote places, because there is a chance it might not. Of course I don't want to scare you, I only want to ensure that you go about your plan well prepared for potential adjustments and not with the mentality "surely everything will be perfectly taken care off without a single hiccup" because then you could be caught off guard.

I can suggest a few plans based on the information you gave me:

Attica Love

You told me you will have a free base in Athens, so this can be a great and affordable way to explore a lot of of Attica. Attica is the prefecture / region of which Athens is the metropolis of. Even though Athens is huge, Attica is a quite big region and has more to offer. It has an extended coastline, two lakes (Marathon and Vouliagmeni) and other less known ones, three mountains over 1,000 m - 3,280ft (Parnitha, Penteli and Hymettus) and many more hills that are close to the city and offer nice views, such as Lycabettus and Philopappos hill. The mountains and the hills are great for hiking and have several trails. Needless to say, in this way you combine hiking, nature and city vibes at the lowest possible cost and with the exclusive use of public transportation or taxis or the subway, which is great. Within Athens, there's nothing to worry about. This screenshot gives some info about some basic trails in Attica.

These are just some examples. According to this page, greeka.com, Parnitha has more than 50 trails. Parnitha also is a national park and has wildlife, if you are fortunate enough to spot it. Again, Lycabettus is a hill, not a mountain, that's why the trail is shorter, but it's still great to accompany it with a city break within the same day.

Hiking view of Parnitha from the website xtremegreece. Check the link for more info and also remember you can get in touch with hiking / trekking / mountaineering clubs in Athens to go there in an organized group.

Travel & tour offices

Perhaps you want bigger mountains or the feel of exploring rural Greece far from Athens. I hear that. Based on your mail, I get the impression you don't have a fixed itinerary yet. In Greece this can be a problem because you can very easily get "lost" and don't know what to choose and what the smartest plan to make would be. That is because Greece has many things to see, its landscape is diverse and irregular, navigating it is harder and a little chaotic due to all this, so it has a real-life feel of being complicated and big in ways tourists never imagine by looking the map. Nothing tragic of course, but tourists definitely oversimplify and underprepare when it comes to Greece. So here's an idea. If indeed you have not a fixed plan and you are unsure where to go, you can make a search on the internet with all the travel offices or hiking clubs in Athens and pick up the ones that seem to go to places that interest you. So as soon as you land in Athens, you call or go to those offices and say this: "Hello, I am gonna be in Greece for the so and so amount of time, I want to see such & such landscapes, are you making any such trips during the time of my stay and if so are there available seats for me / my group?". And then you choose the best trip based on the info they give you. Of course the cost rises a bit, but if you get to go in farther places, you would have to pay a lot a taxi or spend more for overnight stays either way so basically sometimes these tour offices offer good packages, that might even end up being cheaper. And if not, they still curate your experience so you have nothing to worry about. They get you where you have to go, they schedule the stays, the drives, the hours, all that stuff, so... I think it's great if you want to go somewhere but don't know where, because they know better. Tip: if you find a trip you are interested in, always make sure to ask how many people are already in, because sometimes if not many people gather, the tour might get cancelled and you don't want to be left hanging. If they have more than 25 people, they make the trips. Of course this is about regular travel groups, we are not talking about super curated, exclusive services only for you or your group, because that's obviously a totally different cost.

2-day tour group in Meteora from Meteora.com

Tips if you are going on your own

The truth is that most travellers navigating Greece on their own prefer to do it with a rented vehicle. It is the optimal way. If that's not an option, I am gonna give you some tips in order to avoid problems. Within cities and towns, you will not have a problem with either taxis or buses (you might get suffocated in a crowded bus in Thessaloniki but other than that you'll go where you want). The city buses also get you to the immediate suburbs. Outside that, you will be needing the intercity buses where you have to figure out their routes well. You start from Athens, you get an intercity bus to the largest city closest to your destination. And then you get a regional bus towards the closest town or village to your destination. Times must be figured out. After that you're on your own. If your destination is a trail or a national park or some other remote landscape or an uninhabited mountain and all that, you will have to either go on foot or fix an arrangement with a local driver and also agree very clearly on the terms of the time and location for the meeting for the return. Find a taxi driver who can communicate well in English and listen to them. If they say "no you shouldn't go from this side, you won't make it till sunset, that trail is too hard for your equipment / outfit, I can't bring the car from that road etc" listen to them. They know the place. Greek rescuing teams have to save annually at least like a dozen tourists being lost or injured in gorges and mountains so keep that in mind, if you are going alone. Listen to the locals. Now such a taxi driver can be found if your last stop is a town but it is not at all certain you'll find one if your last stop is a remote or small village. In such cases, the plan must be changed unless it's safe and doable to go on on foot. Several trails start from the villages, such as the ones in Zagorohoria which are stunning, so there's that. Furthermore, you have to always keep in mind that a taxi driver can't be stand-by for whenever you need to go to the hike place or whatever, so there's always the chance that you'll need to wait a few hours or something.

You can try and find taxi drivers from Athens to get you wherever you want. However, you might need two drivers for going and returning but in any case the cost is going to be A LOT and the communication and arrangement between you must be perfect and crystal clear.

Now, knock wood, something goes wrong and you find yourself in a place you don't know and even the maps can't help you navigate it. Here are some tips for safety:

Stay calm. Greece is a generally safe place. Even if you are inside a national woodland or something, big animals avoid the contact with humans. Poisonous animals are too few and you will 99% not stumble onto one. In the province you are also very safe regarding people. You're gonna be good.

As soon as you are convinced you can't find your way, call 112. It's the free EU emergency number. It will bring you to contact with police, hospitals, firefighters, rescuers etc

If the region seems pretty safe, the ground is steady, you are well equipped, the sun is still up, you are calm but just have trouble finding your way, and you know you are close to the sea, here's the trick: always head to the sea. It will certainly lead you to coastal towns or villages that are usually more cosmopolitan.

About the steady ground thing: if you can't find your way and you are on rocky ground, do not take risks. Stay put and call 112. Greek mountains may not be the Himalayas but they are usually very rocky, with sudden drops and steep paths that cause landslides all the time. Be very careful, don't make experiments. Call 112 and wait calmly.

Obviously have water, hat, glasses, sunscreen, healthy snacks and full battery on the phone. Also a warm jacket and an umbrella if you intend to be on a high altitude.

Avoid hitch-hiking. We do not have a hitch-hiking culture, people will likely not pick you up. A lonely truck driver might XD

ALWAYS have cash on you. Provincial areas still operate largely on cash. If you are gonna be out of town for more than a night, have a minimum of 100 euros cash for whatever may occur.

If you want your excursion to be one day and not stay overnight, I think that's the range you can travel to, starting early in the morning:

Anything beyond that range would be too exhausting or impossible within one day or you would't have the time to get a decent experience of what is available there before you'd have to go back to Athens.

Anyway that's all I guess. I am sure if you get an organized tour or do it on your own and take some basic precautions and are prepared, everything is gonna run smoothly and you're gonna have a great time! I had to scare you a little so that you won't underprepare, because A LOT of tourists do that and it is often what causes mishaps in their experience. They kinda have in mind that Greece is one city with a couple of islands next door and everything is connected with a wide clear super comprehensible straight highway and none of this applies in truth lol.

Hope that helped! Cheers!

Vikos-Aoos gorge. This one needs good planning and at least two days out of Athens.

[crusherthedoctor]

💫 favorite Sonic game(s) in terms of aesthetic <3

I guess The Aesthetic Guy has become one of my calling cards next to The Green Horsie Guy and The Eggman Guy That Hates Eggdad, huh? Well, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Unfortunately and/or fortunately, there's a lot of Sonic games with top tier aesthetics, which makes it very hard for me to narrow them down. Most games in the series have at least a winner or two: SA2 has the pyramid and A.R.K. levels. Unleashed has Eggmanland and Jungle Joyride. '06 has Kingdom Valley. Black Knight has Misty Lake. Secret Rings has Sand Oasis and Night Palace. Rush has Water Palace and Mirage Road. Rush Adventure has Coral Cave, Sky Babylon, and Pirates' Island. 3D Blast has Rusty Ruin and Volcano Valley. ShtH has more than you'd expect for a game like it, such as Digital Circuit and Circus Park. Even the Rivals duology has a couple of good ones. But if I must decide on a personal top ten for which games I consider to have the most consistently strong aesthetics, then in chronological order...

The Genesis games. They started things off, so they had to establish Sonic's world as a fascinating one. Well it worked for me when I played them on Mega Collection back in '03. Despite playing Advance 2 first, I never thought these ones were uncool by comparison. I loved Marble Zone's juxtaposition of the grassy outdoors with the lava temple. I loved how opulent Casino Night's lights were to offset the night. I loved how funky and quasi-Arabic in architecture Launch Base was. I loved how the already ominous background in Death Egg Act 1 doesn't even move, subtly emphasizing just how massive the spaceship truly is. Even when they had to reuse assets to cobble together a zone, it still looked great!

Sonic CD. I already love the visual storytelling in the game as is, and its aesthetics make me love it even more. My favourites tend to be the Pasts for how they get away with being no less pleasing in spite of their intentionally murkier palettes (I too adore the sunset canyon of Wacky Workbench), and the Good Futures for how unashamedly loud and proud they are, including the way they show nature and technology working together. They're all so good. (Also, shout out to Chaotix for having a similar vibe, even if it can sometimes be hard to tell what you're looking at cause of how trippy it is lol. It's like the physical manifestation of the 90's.)

Sonic R. The neanderthal "I wish Sonic R had more than five courses so the game was longer" VS the intellectual "I wish Sonic R had more than five courses so there were more for me to stop and gawk at".

SA1. Lost World is so pretty. Twinkle Park is so pretty. The At Dawn section of Speed Highway is so pretty. The cave in Ice Cap is so pretty. Beta Windy Valley is so pretty. Red Mountain is pretty from a certain point of view. SA1 may have started the focus on "realism", but it never felt anywhere near as in-your-face as some of the later games that indulged in it. Not just because there were plenty of more whimsical environments to balance it out, but also because even the grounded ones still had an equal amount of colours and fancy Dreamcast lighting trickery. Hell, Final Egg is meant to be a gritty, grungy kind of Eggman base, and it is, yet it still manages to be as visually interesting to look at as the other stages. I can't really say that about Crisis City, or the islands in Frontiers.

The Advance trilogy. C'mon, you know I love me some good pixel art, so I'm never going to stop gushing over how gorgeous Ice Mountain and Twinkle Snow are, or how cool Techno Base is, or how upbeat Music Plant is, or how striking Chaos Angel is, or how-

Heroes. People always say this game had some of the most Genesis-style environments in a 3D installment, and I definitely don't disagree with that. Because of this, it has a very similar appeal to SA1, with levels like Grand Metropolis, Frog Forest, and Hang Castle most likely managing to fit in with the SA1 group without sticking out like a sore thumb. And it's a small detail, but I love how in Egg Fleet, the upper part of the skybox is completely clear. All the clouds are down below. It's a subtle thing, but it really goes a long way to emphasizing just how high up in the atmosphere you really are.

The Riders trilogy. Metal City has one of my favourite city aesthetics in the series. Gigan Rocks is like a more vibrant Dragon Road, and Gigan Device has a beautiful nighttime palette. Dark Desert's eclipse-induced darkness contrasts with the colorful circuitry during the indoor sections. Aquatic Capital is like a high-tech water park, with Tempest Waterway being the sort-of-Bad-Future equivalent that's still pretty in its own way. Digital Dimension is Digital Dimension. Even Crimson Crater, despite mostly consisting of greys and silvers, remains compelling due to how alien the landscape is. There were even some visual highlights in Free Riders despite being Free Riders, like the very first course, Dolphin Resort.

Colours. After Heroes, this game's environments are among the most Genesis, which you know at this point is always a plus in my book. Each of them have their own thing to say about Eggman's theme park and the man himself by extension, with the public announcements giving them even more personality. Aquarium Park is undisputedly my favourite of the lot, doubled by the catching red and blue contrast (and also because underwater tubes is one of those video game tropes that always captivates me; thank Roo's Tubes from CTR for starting that fascination).

Generations. This one's sort of cheating since it's just Old Levels DX: Director's Cut, but it deserves to be mentioned for its version of Sky Sanctuary alone. I really like Generations Sky Sanctuary...

Mania. The older levels have been remixed so heavily that they feel new regardless, and the twists it spins on the actual environment side of things is no exception, like the cavern in Green Hill, or the machinery in Lava Reef. But of course, the new levels are S-tier eye candy as well. I particularly love how Titanic Monarch manages to be dark and spooky while also having every colour under the rainbow at the same time, and the snowy forest backdrop of Press Garden is just... wonderful. <3

And although the game isn't out yet, Superstars looks like it'll be another consistent winner for me. While another Mania-esque pixel art game would have been really nice, I can accept the Sonic 4 But Better approach if it's like what we've seen so far.

You'll notice some running themes with my favourites. The obvious one is a generous amount of vibrancy and character, because no matter how bright or dark, good or evil, hopeful or hopeless the environment is meant to convey, it should never be boring. I also apparently get excited by technicolor stuff, because I never stopped being six years old. And if realism is a thing, I prefer it to be something that compliments an otherwise whimsical land, rather than be at the forefront and eclipsing all other attributes.

But I also like it when they get a bit ethereal, especially if it can provide a contrast with Eggman's handiwork. That's why I marvel at levels like Radiant Emerald, Night Palace, and basically everything in CD. As such, when writing for Stellar, I wanted to emphasize this aspect as a way to help Viridonia stand out as a setting compared to the likes of Station Square. (This was true for the original Beyond the Stars as well, but naturally I wanted to go even further with it after the transition.)

[wise-journey]

Journey into Hovd

Embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Mongolia. Nestled amidst the vast landscapes, Hovd, a city brimming with rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural beauty, offers an immersive experience that will ignite your wanderlust and leave an indelible mark on your soul.

When to Go

Featuring a continental climate, Hovd welcomes visitors with long, warm summers and cold winters. The ideal time to pack your bags for Hovd is between June and August, when the weather is agreeable, and the days last longer, giving way to abundant sunshine.

How to Get to Hovd

Reaching Hovd is convenient via air with direct flights from Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. For a more scenic journey, one can opt for a road trip from neighboring cities such as Ulaangom or Khovd. The picturesque routes offer a glimpse into the mesmerizing landscapes of Mongolia.

Where to Stay

In Hovd, you can choose from a variety of accommodation options to suit your needs. Experience authentic Mongolian hospitality by staying in a traditional ger camp. Here you can experience the nomadic lifestyle, engage with the local community, and enjoy warm hospitality. For those who prefer modern amenities, hotels and guesthouses are also available in the city center.

What to Do

Immerse in the Enchanting Culture Hovd is a cultural melting pot where Kazakh, Mongolian, and Tuvan influences blend together. Visit local museums, art galleries, and art-inspired locals to delve into the city's history and heritage. Engage in traditional festivals such as Naadam, where horse races, archery competitions, and wrestling matches showcase the locals' unparalleled skill. Indulge in Local Cuisine Taste the tantalizing gastronomy of Hovd, which features a mix of Mongolian, Kazakh, and Tuvan flavors. Visit local markets to sample fresh produce, traditional snacks, and dairy products. Don't forget to try airag, a traditional Mongolian drink made from fermented mare's milk. Adventure Activities Adventure lovers will find themselves spoilt for choice in Hovd. Ride across the vast steppes, hike through the stunning valleys of the nearby Altai Mountains, or participate in the pulse-racing excitement of eagle hunting, a traditional practice among Kazakh locals.

Sights and Tours

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is a spectacular site, offering views of majestic mountains, the iconic Potanin Glacier, and shimmering lakes. A guided tour and camping under the starlit sky is a must-do experience. Khar Us Lake Discover the tranquility and beauty of Khar Us Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes stretching across the Mongolian-Chinese border. Engage in birdwatching, explore its serene shores, or take a boat trip to truly appreciate this natural wonder.

Useful Tips

- Embrace the nomadic lifestyle. Interact with the locals to learn more about their traditions. - Carry warm clothing. Even in summer, temperatures can drop significantly at night. - Respect local customs. Always seek permission before taking photographs of the locals or their livestock.

Money

The local currency in Hovd is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). Though credit cards are accepted in some places, carrying cash is advisable for smaller shops and markets. Fortunately, ATMs are available in the city center for any withdrawal needs.

Nightlife

Explore Hovd's vibrant nightlife by visiting local bars and restaurants, offering live music, traditional performances, and an opportunity to socialize. Try local beers and the traditional Mongolian vodka, arhi.

Transport and Shopping

Get around Hovd using taxis or public buses. Visit the bustling local markets to purchase traditional handicrafts and locally made textiles. These unique souvenirs are perfect for taking back a piece of Hovd's rich culture with you.

Conclusion

With its untamed wilderness, captivating culture, and warm-hearted locals, Hovd is a hidden gem of Mongolia that is waiting to be discovered. Unleash your inner explorer, pack your bags, and begin your unforgettable journey to the remarkable city of Hovd. Read the full article

[sgenvs3000w24]

My Ever-Evolving Relationship with Nature

Contrary to the opinions of many of my hometown friends, I feel extremely lucky to have grown up in Hamilton, Ontario. With the city being located at the head of Lake Ontario, and having the Niagara Escarpment running directly through it, I was fortunate enough to be introduced and have unlimited access to various types of terrains. The meadows, creek valleys, swamps, forests, beaches and rocky profile of the escarpment offered my young, restless self countless opportunities for adventure where I could observe and become familiar with various forms of biotic life. I was able to explore the many ecological features that are unique to Hamilton, such as the Devils punch bowl - which offers one of the largest vertical displays of stratified rock along the Niagara escarpment. Fun little sidenote: my dad actually proposed to my mom at the lookout point on this trail back in 1999, and so we’ve hiked it together as a family for years! Hiking the many trails Hamilton has to offer was one of my favourite pastimes growing up, and continues to be one of the many things I look forward to when visiting home.

Being among nature has always brought me a significant sense of both comfort and adventure. Hiking a trail can be incredibly exhilarating at times as biotic life is often unpredictable, and yet there is nothing more grounding or peaceful (to me) than walking through a lush forest. As a child nature always excited me as I was never sure what I would come across; some of my favourite memories outdoors include flipping stones over to potentially unveil a salamander, or unexpectedly seeing a whitetail deer shake off their last antler.

My appreciation and admiration for nature has evolved significantly since pursuing my post-secondary education in biology as the knowledge I’ve acquired in ecology, environmental science, botany, plant biology and horticulture has allowed me to gain a much deeper understanding of how ecosystems operate. When I walk through a forest now, it is just as beautiful to me as it was when I was younger, however it is so much more compelling, fascinating and captivating to me knowing and understanding the complexity behind such. My walks through the woods are much longer now, as I am eager to observe the species in which inhabit the different areas I visit. I find myself recognizing invasive species that I’ve done research on in the past, such as garlic mustard; or identifying tar spot fungal disease on maple tree leaves that I’m passing. Furthermore, I find myself considering and thinking about the countless biological processes and mechanisms in which are constantly occurring naturally within each ecosystem I visit, and I am astounded every single time.

My grandfather was the first person to truly allow me to develop my sense of place in nature, he encouraged me to explore the outdoors fearlessly yet respectfully. He shared his admiration for nature with me as he’d take my sister and I out on bike rides and walks down by the local conservation areas and parks while he watched us during the summer days. He would share any knowledge he could with us about the tree species in the area, the different bugs and birds we would see as we went about our adventure – making him one of the first people to introduce me to biology and ecology. Furthermore, he taught me the importance of respecting nature; to always be mindful and leave nothing behind but footprints.

[joy-of-life88]

Inked Temptation [a Damian Priest story] 17 Options

Ellie POV

I was typing away as I tried to finish my work for the day as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the internet connection kept screwing me up as I tried to get the latest photos and articles online.

It was frustrating, but I didn't let it dampen my good mood. I was so happy to finally get back to work. But to be honest, it was more because I was finally able to spend a lot of time with Damian again than with my work.

Besides, there was the planning for the wedding. Somehow I never expected how many tiny decisions had to be made. And that's not easy when there were so many wonderful options. I just had such a hard time deciding.

But these thoughts left me very quickly as I felt warm lips that nestled against my neck. I smiled and turned my head to the side to look into the beautiful eyes of my future husband.

Damian had been an absolute sweetheart. With everything. With my stay in the hospital, with setting up and redecorating the house, and even with planning the wedding. Well, with the small part we had already done.

"Hello, you gorgeous man." I breathed.

"Hello to you too, Ellie-Bell. How's it going? I thought I'd stop by before getting ready for the show." he replied after giving me a loving kiss and then sitting down next to me.

"I'm finally done for the day. It took a really long time. But that's nothing new. I look forward to seeing you in action later. Oh and I've been looking for options for the wedding in New York. I'm afraid the Empire State Building is not an option for us." I said as I took his hand in mine so I could play with his long fingers.

"Oh no... Why not?" he wanted to know.

"Well... it's only possible for selected couples to get married there. You have to have a really good story in store to be chosen. Also, they only have weddings there on Valentine's Day. I think there are only 3.

And as sorry as I am, a February wedding in New York doesn't sound very appealing. I would freeze to death in a beautiful dress. Then I looked at a few rooftop options with a view of the Empire State, but they don't allow decorations, flowers. Nothing at all. Not even chairs for the guests. And that would also mean we would need another location for the reception," I explained to him.

"Too bad... Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to celebrate in New York. I'm sure we'll find another alternative," Damian said.

He sounded so disappointed. I knew he wanted to celebrate our wedding in his city. Fortunately, I already had an alternative.

"I think I found something that might be even nicer...what do you think of the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park? It has a great view of the lake and in the spring when the trees are green and everything is blooming it sure will be beautiful. They have a big room that adjoins the restaurant, a big deck, and you can even rent gondolas," I replied, barely able to contain my excitement.

"Someone is very passionate about this, huh? I think I could be convinced to like it." said Damian, his voice low as he brought his face close to mine and rubbed my nose with his.

"I think you already love the idea and just want to take advantage of my weakness for you, love." I replied softly as I began to slowly stroke his thigh with my hand.

"Hmm.... no... I think I definitely need convincing." He murmured, his face still close to mine.

"Oh? I think I can be very persuasive. Too bad you have to get to work now. Otherwise, it would be very easy... to give in to... temptation here and now. But don't worry... There'll be plenty of time for that later," I whispered against his lips.