#and while night has it's own beauty that can be just as breathtaking as daytime

[digitalwithmayank]

Complete information about Chardham Yatra

Chardham Yatra is a pilgrimage tour that takes devotees on a spiritual journey to four holy shrines located in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India. The four shrines are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Each of these shrines has its own significance in Hindu mythology, and it is believed that visiting all four of them in a single journey will bring immense blessings and spiritual enlightenment to the devotee.

The Chardham Yatra is not just a religious journey, but also an opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of the Himalayas and immerse oneself in the rich culture and traditions of the people residing in this region. The Yatra is usually undertaken between the months of April to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and the roads are open for the public.

The journey typically starts from the city of Haridwar, which is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. From Haridwar, the devotees travel to Yamunotri, which is the source of the Yamuna River. The shrine is situated at an altitude of 3,293 meters above sea level and can be reached by a trek of 6 kilometers from the town of Hanuman Chatti.

The next stop on the Yatra is Gangotri, which is the source of the Ganges River. The shrine is located at an altitude of 3,048 meters above sea level and can be reached by a trek of 18 kilometers from the town of Harsil.

The third stop on the Yatra is Kedarnath, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The shrine is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level and can be reached by a trek of 14 kilometers from the town of Gaurikund. The trek is challenging, but the breathtaking views of the Himalayas make it a rewarding experience.

The final stop on the Yatra is Badrinath, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The shrine is situated at an altitude of 3,133 meters above sea level and can be reached by road from the town of Joshimath. The temple is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it a picturesque location.

While embarking on the Chardham Yatra, it is essential to follow certain dos and don'ts to ensure a safe and fulfilling journey. Some of the dos include carrying warm clothes, comfortable shoes, and necessary medicines, while some of the

don'ts include smoking, drinking alcohol, and littering the surroundings. It is also advisable to carry a first-aid kit and avoid traveling at night.

In conclusion, the Chardham Yatra is a spiritual journey that takes devotees on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. The journey is challenging, but the rewards are immense, both spiritually and culturally. The Yatra is an opportunity to explore the rich traditions and culture of the Himalayan region and witness the natural beauty of the majestic mountains.

FAQs

What is Chardham Yatra?

Chardham Yatra is a pilgrimage tour that takes devotees on a spiritual journey to four holy shrines located in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India. The four shrines are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

When is the best time to undertake the Chardham Yatra?

The best time to undertake the Chardham Yatra is between the months of April to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and the roads are open for the public.

How long does the Chardham Yatra take?

The duration of the Chardham Yatra varies depending on the mode of transportation and the itinerary. It can take anywhere between 10 to 14 days to complete the Yatra.

Is it safe to undertake the Chardham Yatra?

The Chardham Yatra can be challenging due to the high altitude and treacherous roads, but it is generally safe if the necessary precautions are taken. It is important to carry warm clothes, comfortable shoes, and necessary medicines, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, and travel during the daytime.

What is the significance of the four shrines in the Chardham Yatra?

Each of the four shrines in the Chardham Yatra has its own significance in Hindu mythology. Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River and is associated with the goddess Yamuna. Gangotri is the source of the Ganges River and is associated

with the goddess Ganga. Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

What is the mode of transportation for the Chardham Yatra?

The mode of transportation for the Chardham Yatra can vary, but it typically includes a combination of road and trekking. Private and shared taxis are available for hire, and helicopter services are also available for those who want to avoid the treks.

What should one carry during the Chardham Yatra?

It is advisable to carry warm clothes, comfortable shoes, necessary medicines, a first-aid kit, and personal hygiene items. It is also important to carry sufficient cash as ATM facilities may not be available in some areas.

Is prior booking necessary for the Chardham Yatra?

It is advisable to make prior bookings for accommodation and transportation during the Chardham Yatra, especially during peak season. Many tour operators offer packaged tours that include accommodation, transportation, and meals.

What is the level of physical fitness required for the Chardham Yatra?

The Chardham Yatra involves trekking at high altitudes, and therefore, a certain level of physical fitness is required. It is advisable to consult a doctor before embarking on the Yatra, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions.

What are some of the dos and don'ts during the Chardham Yatra?

Some of the dos during the Chardham Yatra include carrying warm clothes, comfortable shoes, and necessary medicines, while some of the don'ts include smoking, drinking alcohol, and littering the surroundings. It is also advisable to carry a first-aid kit and avoid traveling at night.

[softgonv]

The crew wild run vs need for speed

Players can enjoy not only major driving events but also touring the countryside, discovering side roads and byways, and finding hidden treasures and oddities-all from behind the wheel of their dream car. Super Wheelspins can also be purchased in the Forzathon Shop.įorza Horizon 4 is one of the best racing games Xbox One offers for gamers who are not just racing fans but also driving fans. Collect cars by earning credits and wheelspin prizes. Players can create their own races with a unique route-creating feature within a shared world. Seasons change weekly with the help of a countdown clock. Cruise past castles and landmarks in a variety of seasons and weather conditions from glorious summer days, brilliant fall foliage, or crystalline ice and snow-and enjoy the glorious soundtrack throughout. Enjoy driving hairpin turns on the edge of lakes, or speeding along cliff edges and down into lush valleys. But besides the spine-tingling, stomach-dropping, curve-hugging driving experiences, players can also enjoy some of the best scenery ever created in a video game in an immense, shared open-world.įorza Horizon 4 lets you master driving in every season and every kind of weather with breathtaking scenery with stunning realism. There are endless opportunities for racing and high-speed thrill rides with over 400 available cars as players drive their way through historic Britain to become a Horizon Superstar Champion. This game is a pleasure to play in multiple ways. One of the best racing games Xbox One has offered for incredible, detailed, open-world exploration is Forza Horizon 4. It’s also one of the best racing games Xbox One includes in their lineup for endless options for customizable cars and thrilling rides. The NFS series ramps up the gameplay in Need for Speed Heat with better races, more challenging roads, and high-risk rides through the hot and humid streets of Palm City. But is there more to this police task force than meets the eye? The player must first earn a place in The League, and then form the ultimate crew, all while evading a ruthless task force aimed at eliminating all street races. The player buys the first car from a local retired street racer and mechanic and learns about the elusive league of street racers from the mechanic’s sister. In Need for Speed Heat, players can customize themselves as well as their cars, and with 127 cars from over 30 manufacturers, including the return of the Ferrari, the possibilities are endless. With the added ability to switch from day to night play at will, the player chooses when to earn cash for parts and upgrades, or earn REP at night when the rogue task force comes after the street racers and their hard-earned customized wheels. It takes everything we love in the best racing games and adds plot and characters, a fun, Miami-like setting, and a two-tiered play method with sanctioned, cash-winning, Speed Showdown races in the daytime and illegal street races and aggressive police pursuits at night. The Need for Speed series has long been known as one of the best racing games Xbox One produces and Need for Speed Heat is no exception. Review the pros & cons of each game decide for yourself which is perfect for you!

Browse this list of the best racing games for Xbox One that you can find as of 2021.

No matter what you are looking for in a thrill ride, you'll find it in one of our top ten choices in racing games for Xbox One. Whether you are a fan of the iconic tracks and long to race your way to a championship in the Daytona 500, at Indianapolis, or at the Grand Prix, or you want to enjoy the thrill of a high-speed chase with rogue police officers gaining on you with lights flashing, or you simply want to cruise along the highways and byways of a beautiful landscape in a classic car-some of the best racing games Xbox One has in their lineup are your ticket to ride. Fortunately, some of the best racing games Xbox One offers can deliver the thrilling driving experiences that we dream about-in the cars we can only dream of owning-without the risk, danger, and expense we’d face out here in the real world. Unfortunately, few of us get the chance to actually live out our dreams or would dare to try even if the opportunity arose. Many of us dream of racing at high speeds along vast straightaways, taking hairpin turns with the top down and the wind in our hair, performing skillful maneuvers along mountainous roads, or leaving opponents in the dust behind us on a world-famous speedway on the way to a championship.

[not-a-mongoose]

:D

[peace-coast-island]

Diary of a Junebug

Fields of rainbow cecelias

They say that rainbow cecelias represent change, transformation, and new beginnings. To see a field of them in full bloom is no coincidence, a sign that it's time to move forward.

When the rainbow cecelias bloom, pay attention and take things as they come. Change can be overwhelming and scary, but also necessary. After all, we all aren't meant to stagnate, to become fixed in a position that may no longer serve us. It's hard, but we all have to move on, to grow and adapt, to let go and open yourself up to the unknown.

The newly reunited land of Mystic Heart has got me thinking about change, especially with what's going on over there right now. Basically, in short, the land used to rule as one before war tore it apart. For centuries the separate factions kept their distance while trying to gain the upper hand in an attempt to take over. In an attempt to bring the nation together, disaster happened and for years the land became barren as previously sealed off demons were reawakened and wreaked havoc. If it weren't for Mali and her comrades, the wonderbeasts wouldn't have been revived and the land be reunited as one.

It's been five years since then and now it's time to take the next step to bring forth this new era. The transition has been gradual and something that everyone knew was coming but it's one of those things where you can't really prepare for. After generations of ruling their own factions, the Five Families of Mystic Heart are stepping down for good, leaving the land to be ruled by the people and the wonderbeasts.

For people like Mali and her father, they knew that this day was coming, mainly because that's what they wanted. The older members will be retiring while for the others, it just means they no longer have a title. Mali and Alya will continue to be diplomats while their parents are still gonna guard captains, the main difference is that they no longer have to bear the responsibilities of ruling the land. As for those who are succeeding them, the Five have placed a lot of trust in these capable citizens so the future of Mystic Heart are in good hands.

This year's Dragon Flight Festival is special as it marks the start of this new era. A lot has changed since I last visited and since then, the land has been thriving. I remember before when things were still new and uncertain, everyone was getting along but there's still a lot of hurdles to go through. Now, a few years later, it's almost different, and that's when Mali and the others knew it was time to take the next step.

There's an abundance of rainbow cecelias this year. Colorful petals in all the shades of the rainbow, open and reaching out towards the sky. It's a marvelous sight to see, something that has never occurred before so everyone's taking the time to enjoy it for we'll never know when we'll ever see them again. From what I've heard, it seems like rainbow cecelias have a mind of their own, the kind of flowers that only bloom when they want to convey a message.

Mali and Alya have been super busy with the festival. In fact, Mali's been so busy that she hasn't had too much free time to rest in the past few months. Being a diplomat and ambassador's hard work so Mali's been out and about a lot. Alya's considering taking on some of Mali's workload, which I think will be super helpful. The others speculate that part of the reason why Alya wants to help out is to keep tabs on Mali. As Mali's schedule becomes busier, her friends and family rarely see her so with Alya around, at least she can have a better work life balance as well as give her father some peace of mind.

At least with the festival preparations out of the way, Mali can finally relax a bit. Though not for long as she and Kun have a business trip coming up. Kun is Mali's adoptive brother, a kid she took in after he lost his family in the disaster years ago. I was surprised not to see too much of him with setting up the festivities. He's a bit of a mischief maker, the kind of guy who easily ropes others into his schemes. Turns out he got into some sort of trouble - as in Mali's father, who's usually fair and forgiving, had to put his foot down and enforce strict rules - so he's trying to get back on his - and everyone else's - good side. Mali admits to spoiling him a bit, which is understandable given what he's been through, but at the same time it makes him get away with certain things a bit too easily.

During the daytime we got competitive through various games. I'll admit, I'm not the best at them, but it was a lot of fun! Mali knocked it out of the park with her archery skills when it comes to shooting balloons. Working with a bow and arrow is hard, especially if you're bad at aiming. She's a good teacher though, so while my archery skills still leave much to be desired, at least there's a chance I can improve.

Then there's the gliding challenge where it's basically like skydiving while collecting floating petal orbs. The more you get, the more points you score. Thank you Amber for teaching me the basics of wind gliding as using that knowledge helped a bit in terms of controlling where I fall. It's a bit scary since you do have to look down, but rest assured that you don't have to worry about falling to your death - seriously, they pretty much planned for everything from mishaps to weather. Just floating about is kinda relaxing once you get over the initial fear of falling and collecting orbs is satisfying. Also, it's cool to see the festivities from high above.

Along with the beautiful display of flowers, another highlight of the festival is the music. The rhythm games were a lot of fun, especially with instruments I've never played before. Kun joined us for some matches and he absolutely killed it on the sitar! He even went on stage for a bit and put on an impromptu performance with his friends.

The challenges that involve memorization were tricky - a bit frustrating, but still fun nonetheless. One of them involved falling platforms - you have to memorize the path when the room gets dark and get to the other side before the timer runs out. Step on the correct tile and it'll light up, step on the wrong one, the floor opens up and you fall in the water. Compared to the other one, this wasn't as hard - the trick is to count your steps carefully.

As for the other one, where the tiles turn invisible, I can't seem to get through that one without falling at least five times. Still, it's fun, especially with friends, and the water's refreshing on a hot day like today. Of course, Mali and Alya were able to avoid falling and reach the other side well before the time limit. Those tiles are really tricky!

Out of all the challenges we did, I have to say, my least favorite was the bubble one. Those things are super fast and once you're trapped, it's hard to get out. To make matters worse, the bubbles keep coming so if you're in a bad spot, you're pretty much continuously trapped in a bubble. Even Mali and Alya struggled while I think Kun had the least trouble, mainly because he's able to jump over some. I mean, it's still sorta fun, but more on the frustrating side, especially when you're trapped in a bubble for pretty much the whole time.

Around late afternoon/early evening we took a break from the festivities to look around the shoreline. Near the mountains stood the ballista mechanicus, a device built by Mali's mother that is still used to defend the land. It will send a signal to warn of imminent danger - which thankfully hasn't happened since the reunification. So now it's more of a surveillance device, something to look through if you want to find something or just take a glance of the land around us. In other words, it's basically a super cool telescope.

Seeing the festivities through the ballista mechanica was pretty cool! The device as a whole is an interesting piece of machinery. There's a few more ballista mechanicas scattered around the area, though most are no longer in use. Mali says there's plans of either reusing the old ones or building brand new ones to put in other locations. That'll widely depend on the conditions of the other devices - she's kinda hoping for the former because  it'll probably be easier than building one from scratch. At least they have her mom's blueprints but from what she's seen, it looks complicated.

We also walked around some of the ruins, some from not too long ago. Seeing them up close like that, it really drives home how much things can change in a short time. To think that years ago this place almost laid in waste and now it's prospering in a new era of peace - it's amazing.

There, we ran into the dragons and hung out with them. Sisi, as usual, was the life of the party. She's kinda like the cool aunt to Mali and Kun, a bit eccentric and silly, but occasionally drops some wisdom here and there. Sisi was a sought after creature, believed to be the last living wonderbeast before the others were revived, and she laid dormant for centuries before being awakened by Mali. And as they say, the rest is history.

Now, Sisi and the wonderbeasts are just living out their days. While dragons are still very much a part of the culture, they're not as revered as they once were - kinda like the Five. They're still guardians of the land, watching from afar. Sisi says it's like a weight has been taken off their shoulders, that watching over Mystic Heart is no longer the sole responsibility of the dragons. Instead, it is now a pact with the people to maintain peace and build a better future together. I think that's a nice way of putting it and I agree.

Sisi took us on a tour - first class flight, she calls it. Seeing Mystic Heart from above is breathtaking - the landscape looks like a dragon! It was so cool seeing the other areas and how they're doing! A lot I couldn't recognize as so much has changed. Seeing everything flourishing is beautiful. More than that, it gives me hope.

By the time we got back, it was night so we headed straight back to the festivities, just in time for the dragons to show up. We enjoyed the local cuisine while watching the performances. Then we did some challenges - I did a bit better on most other than the bubble one. Sisi later joined us and even she struggled with the bubbles - and she can fly!

At night, the blooms of the rainbow cecelia seem more vibrant. I swear, I think there's more of them now than earlier today.

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 128

SYNOPSIS:  Jamie has whisked Claire away to a romantic getaway where she can recover from her incarceration at the hands of Jonathon Randall and the Rising Dragons.

Chapter 127  and all other chapters can be found at  … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations

THANK YOU all for taking the time to read my story and the last chapter where Murtagh took no prisoners at his interrogation.  Operations and Madeline should have known better. This man was loyal to Section and even insinuating that he may have been the mole was offensive.  Murtagh protects those he loves and his idea will protect his buddy Fergus when he too faces an inquisition in the next chapter that I will post on TUESDAY.  I hope you enjoy this chapter that is setting the mood for forthcoming Jamie and Claire chapters.  

CHAPTER 128

 From the moment Claire walked into the villa she was astounded. Sleek and stylish with laid-back luxury, the white interior gave the dwelling an elegant vibe with touches of rustic wood, ocean-inspired art and sleek, sculptural furnishings. The room was bright and modern, with a free-flowing layout that meandered from living room to dining room to fully equipped kitchen. Claire could just imagine her and Jamie waking up early to watch the swimmers catch their morning waves, have a quick breakfast on the terrace then take a few steps off the decking to the warm sand of the private beach below. It would be heaven, and she couldn’t wait to settle in to this beautiful accommodation … Jamie’s home. From the amazing view to the beautiful soothing music playing in the background, the smell of freshly baked bread and the aroma of coffee to tempt the taste buds which the Heughan’s had kindly organised after their long trip, this house was perfect and a place where she and Jamie could recuperate and recharge their batteries.   They both needed such a place of beauty to erase the memories of the past mission and what they both had experienced at the monastery.  

Claire also noticed the floor to ceiling windows that framed the magnificent view every which way she looked. However, she noted that the windows were actually fold-away glass walls that enclosed the vista of the water.  When opened they would create one seamless indoor-outdoor living space, where the terrace flowed into the open-concept living room.  Her initial reaction to the setting of the house was one of wonder but the view from the windows was even more beautiful.  As far as the eye could see they had a picture-perfect uninterrupted view of the hinterland and ocean.  It took her breath away. It was so scenic and very picturesque and every area of the property appeared to take advantage of the view. Whether it was through the big glass panels of the room she was standing in, or out on the relaxing terrace where they could watch the world go by … this place was their very own utopia for the surroundings looked so peaceful and welcoming.

A sweeping wrap around private deck hugged the outside area and framed a panoramic view of the emerald clear water.  In the distance she could see mountains of the various islands that dotted the Whitsundays and marvelled at how different the view was here to her apartment in Hong Kong and the landscape of Victoria Harbour.  There was an openness to the vista here that was missing there.  All she could see as far as the eye could see was beautiful tranquil water for there were no high-rise buildings hugging the water’s shore. It was remote and had an openness that made her feel one with nature and the surroundings.

The view in the daytime was already incredible, but under the stars in the night sky it would be absolutely brilliant, a truly spectacular and relaxing million-dollar view and one of pure tranquillity as they watched the setting sun sparkling on the water.  Just the thought of opening the curtains every morning would be a blessing waking up to the breathtaking wonders.  They would have their own private lookout of several islands dotted in between the emerald waters of this hypnotic panorama. This was truly a breathtaking vista; it had the solitude they needed, but it was also everything they required and more.  This place was the welcome balm they needed before they would need to return to Section One and the mission to finally capture Sun Yee Lok.  They would relish every moment spent in this paradise so far away from Section that they could forget everything and live, laugh, love and heal.

Claire was sure she would absolutely adore this perfect little escape from reality and would never want to leave the house. She could picture her and Jamie becoming domesticated in his home and the thought of making love under the stars or on the private beach certainly conjured up memories of their time spent on Lamma Island.  But being here was totally different. The colours of the water, and the vivid greenery coupled with the fresh air and openness was already making her feel at home. This place made her feel safe and Claire was lost for words about the beauty.  She just knew this was the place, for it had a serenity and calming space conducive to lull them into relaxation, while the spectacular beauty of the Whitsundays made her feel a million miles away from the reality of Section One.

This setting had a wonderful ambience to it that made her feel as if she really belonged here with Jamie and Claire could picture her time in this location as being memorable.  Together they could watch the world go by in their very own Shangri-La. The absolute privacy with a special brand of quiet and serenity was just the medicine they both needed.  This setting was as far away from the memories of their incarceration and life at Section as they could get and Claire was overcome with emotion at the thought that Jamie had brought her to Australia but more importantly that he owned this property and had brought them both here to convalescence.  Her heart burst with the love she felt for this wonderful man who had pulled out all stops to bring her to this magical paradise.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The main living room was bright and cheery with a modern design that was fresh and indicative of a dwelling that was low maintenance. The room was open plan and the floor to ceiling windows that covered one wall accentuated the open spaciousness of the room by providing all the natural light the filtered into the room.  Modern furniture was spaced around the room to take advantage of the view and there were large rugs on the floor under the coffee table and in front of a stylish, contemporary wood fireplace.  Claire loved everything about it and could certainly visualize herself staying here for the next fourteen days and shutting out the world they inhabited at Section One.

The free-standing fireplace situated in the corner of the room would provide a powerful, efficient heating solution for those nights when it turned chilly because even in the sub tropics the weather could turn cold. Claire could picture the two of them making love before the hearth as the heat of the fire burned while their bodies burned for each other with the heat of seduction.  It would certainly be very cozy in here when the wood was ablaze.   She wondered if they would cuddle up on the couch sipping whisky by the fire as the twinkling stars sparkled in the night sky.  That thought brought a smile to her face as she knew that they would indeed experience that scenario.

Claire couldn’t hide her excitement and glancing over at Jamie she noticed the broad smile that bowed his mouth. He gave her a piercing look realising that he had made the right decision coming here.  He was glad that he had brought his Sassenach here to this sanctuary as far away from Section as possible. However, the smouldering look in his eyes as they caressed her face sent chills of anticipation racing through Claire’s body.  She felt a rush of blood to her cheeks and she couldn’t look away as James Fraser’s stare seemed to burn through her very flesh.  Biting her lip, butterflies suddenly fluttered in the pit of her stomach at the thought of the two of making love in every room of this house. Piercing blue eyes were caressing and undressing her at the same time as if he too had imagined the scenarios that had danced through her mind.  Jamie had that look that said … Be patient Sassenach … It will happen … and she couldn’t stop the thumping of her heart pounding in her chest

His thoughts too were of a similar vein.  

And now, here they were in this house he had purchased from the Heughans. They would live a normal life as a couple if only for two weeks but in that time, he knew that his Claire would recover her strength and with his help be able to eradicate her memories of what had happened to her.  He knew too that he would heal as well and together they would gain back the lightness in each other’s psyche that had been damaged at the monastery. They would make memories here to last them forever; they’d unwind, relax and recover in body, mind and soul and … they would make love where and whenever they wanted.

Suddenly feeling a little shy, Claire averted her gaze hoping that Jamie hadn’t seen her reaction for she was having thumping palpitations all of a sudden and was feeling decidedly nervous but excited at the same time.  Apprehensive feelings of actually being alone with this sexy man suddenly surfaced. It was silly to feel this way but this would be their first opportunity of freedom from the world of Section One where every move was monitored and every glance between them was interpreted by their superiors.  In this place they could be free to express their emotions without the fear of forever looking over their shoulder.

Trying to calm her nerves and runaway feelings Claire moved over to the panoramic wall of glass windows and peered outside but was suddenly overwhelmed with what she was seeing.  The living space had been perfectly designed but as she approached the windows, she noticed the Jacuzzi and infinity pool that seemed to merge in to the horizon.  A breath suddenly wedged in her throat as Jamie’s arms unexpectedly wrapped around her waist and drew Claire back against his body.  Resting his chin on her head they stood there together admiring the view.

“Are ye happy Sassenach?” he asked as his warm breath caressed her cheek and the warmth of his body seeped into her skin.

“More that I can say … Oh Jamie, thank you my love,” Claire replied as she leaned her head back into the crook of his neck.

Jamie kissed the top of her head as his arms tightened across her stomach. “I’m glad.”

“This is the most wonderful surprise and I just know that we are going to never want to leave this magical place.”

“They have a saying about here Sassenach. Beautiful one day … perfect the next.”

“How true.  It must be so lovely here in the summer with the sunshine glistening on the water and the sunset’s magical colours in the night sky,” she replied voicing her opinions.

“Well I’m sure ‘tis like that all year-round mo ghràidh.  We have fourteen days to see if that is so.”

“Have you ever been here before on your downtime Jamie?”  She asked a little apprehensively in two minds as to what his reply might be despite his previous answer.

There were so many questions and feelings that ran through her mind.  She wanted to know, but wasn’t sure if she would want to hear the answers just in case, she didn’t like Jamie’s replies. How long had he owned this property? Had he purchased it before she had been recruited to Section One? Had he ever taken others to this place of tranquillity? Why had he decided to come here of all places?  And why bring her?    

The likelihood of getting downtime away from Section was rare, but even their top operative James Fraser needed somewhere to ease the burden of their lifestyle. The outside world couldn’t hazard a guess as to the life they led and they wouldn’t want to know about the danger he and other operatives constantly faced on missions. Perhaps this place was his refuge … his safe haven but one that he’d never utilised … until now. Perhaps he’d never had a reason to come here before and now he did. Oh, dear god, she hoped that was the answer!

“No Sassenach … this is the first time.”

Claire gave him a shy glance over her shoulder as her secret thoughts had just materialised. “Oh … I’m glad,” was her spontaneous reply that held a multitude of meaning behind those few words.

Ever so gently Jamie turned Claire into his arms until she was facing him. Placing his finger under her chin he lovingly lifted it up so that he could see her face but more importantly her eyes. Claire Beauchamp had a glass face so much so that he could read her every countenance.   He watched his love’s facial expressions crisscross her face as she looked up at him and he knew exactly what his love was thinking.  A little satisfied smirk rose in the corner of his mouth as he observed his Sassenach and the answer she had elicited.  

“I’m glad ye’re glad.” His smile was enigmatic but it warmed her heart so very much.

At Jamie’s reply, Claire shyly lowered her head as a blush deepened the colour on her cheeks for his gaze seemed to bore holes into her eyes.

He smiled seeing the rosy blush rise and gave her some respite from his intense scrutiny.  “How would ye like to help with something to eat? Ye must be starving mo nighean donn because I am ye ken. The Heughans said in their note that the pantry and the refrigerator have been well stocked, so there is no need for us to get any other supplies for a while.”

However, Jamie’s words had the opposite effect.  He had just exacerbated her wayward thoughts with his reply.  Claire knew she was in trouble being around this virile man.  

Big trouble.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 

Jamie noticed her reticence at his proposal to help in the kitchen so suggested that Claire take a look around the home instead.  “Why don’t ye go and unpack mo ghràidh and I’ll get us a bite to eat. Oh, and Sassenach, ye should find some suitable warm weather items that ye may like in the wardrobe too.”  

His words conjured up what they had said on the Lear jet not knowing of their destination and Claire felt her rosy cheeks turn decidedly redder at his inference to their conversation.  However, it was more the clothing optional option that registered in her mind that set her thoughts to picturing that very scenario happening here.  However, she gathered her composure and replied to his first statement.

“Yes, I think that would be a good plan Jamie.  There is no need for both of us to be in the kitchen and besides I’m not the best of cooks and I might cramp your style.”

Claire gave a little gasp. The only explanation was that she was flustered because of her own wayward thoughts about being naked with Jamie. She suddenly regretted those last couple of words that had left her mouth before she had completed her sentence knowing that he would jump on the inuendo of what she had said.  

And he did.  

Never taking his eyes from her flushed face and with a gleam in his eye Jamie replied, “Never Sassenach.  Ye could never cramp my style.”

His Claire was adorable.  He loved teasing her and tipping her off kilter because she had a glass face and he couldn’t resist mocking her as he did.  Claire could never disappoint him.  She was brave and fearless and this was proven tenfold with her incarceration at the monastery.  Claire Beauchamp had a steel rod backbone and she had endurance to withstand the torture she was subjected to by Jonathon Randall.  Seeing what she had gone through just broke his heart and made him more determined than ever to find those responsible and atone for what they had done to his Sassenach.    

However, at times she did baffle and frustrate him but Claire could always emote the reasons for why she did what she did.  It had taken him a while to completely understand her mindset and the sympathy and kindness that filled her heart for those who were persecuted and downtrodden. Claire was fierce in the way she loved and even to this day, he could not fully comprehend why she loved the man he was. He was so grateful that she had seen beyond the veneer and had looked into his soul until she held his heart in the palm of her hand.

Claire allowed him to be whole and encouraged him to express those feelings he had suppressed for so long. He’d thought he was incapable of love until she had shown him how to love and that he was worthy of her love.  This remarkable woman gave him permission to surrender to the feelings he had for her, to let go and lose himself in her arms.  She had made him a better man despite the life they lived in Section One. She had made him more human but at the same time vulnerable.  Although Claire Beauchamp was his weakness, she was also his strength and he would help her to heal in this place of tranquillity.  He planned to bring his Sassenach back from the brink of despair and he vowed to see that sparkle in her eyes once more.  

On the contrary, his Claire could never cramp his style because she was innate good and he was under her spell and happy to be there.  

While these thoughts crossed his mind, Jamie replied, “I’ll let ye off the hook this time Beauchamp.  Go unpack and freshen up. I’ll let ye know when dinner is ready.”

“Okay, that sounds like a good plan.  I just might do that.”

James Fraser smiled at her retreating back as his love made a hasty retreat from the kitchen.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It seemed hard to fathom that they had been discharged from Med Lab and now they were here in Australia of all places and as far away from the memories that Hong Kong held. Here in this place they would be able to let the world go by, enjoy each other’s company, relish the privacy of their environment and forget everything and everyone that had hurt them.  These two weeks in paradise would be the place where they would live, laugh and love without fear or worry for what had happened to them. They would never forget but they would find themselves again and emerge stronger for going through this together. She felt relaxed and safe here and was so thankful that Jamie had brought her here. This dwelling really was the perfect place for the two of them to be to recover from their past ordeals and to escape the watchful eye of Section One. It was as if Section didn’t exist.

It had been a long day of travelling and both of them were exhausted. Claire was glad that Jamie was preparing a meal because she didn’t think she would have the strength to do so.  She was dead on her feet and all she really wanted to do was to curl up and go to sleep on the inviting giant king size bed in the master bedroom. Having placed all of their belongings away and examined the items of summer clothing in the wardrobe including an array of miniscule bikinis, Claire propped up the pillows and lay on the bed.  She couldn’t take her eyes off the setting sun that was disappearing behind the mountains. The sight was even more spectacular than she thought it would be and she suddenly felt as one with nature.  The warm red and golden rays kissed the water as she watched the sun disappear completely over the horizon until all that was left was the beautiful colours of the sunset that would herald another beautiful day on the morrow.  How wonderful it would be to wake up each morning to a new day knowing that it would be the start of a day of healing for both her and Jamie.  Claire closed her eyes and soon succumbed to exhaustion.

And that is how James Fraser found his Sleeping Beauty.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Claire looked so peaceful and free of worries as she lay on the bed curled up like a little butterfly in a chrysalis.  Jamie stood by the bed and looked his fill at the woman who had been to hell and back over the past few weeks.  His piercing blue gaze swept his Claire from head to toe in the space of a heartbeat.  She really was a Sleeping Beauty and all he needed to do was waken her with a lover’s kiss. Resting his hands over her body he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss to her forehead then trailed another down her nose until his tender lips caressed her mouth.  Claire stirred at the touch of Jamie’s kiss and slowly opened her eyes to see her love peering down at her with such devotion in his eyes that her heart did a little somersault.  

“Wake up my sleepy head … dinner is ready.”

Jamie’s gaze sent delicious shudders down her spine. Claire had to look away and gain some composure for his look always sent her heart a fluttering and this one was particularly poignant. Stretching her hands above her head as well as elongating her legs, she wriggled her toes before replying to Jamie’s wake up call.   Still avoiding his eyes, she closed them for a moment then swallowing quickly she softly answered.

“Okay … I’ll … get … up.”

She stumbled over her words and couldn’t really make a coherent sentence for fear that her voice would give her away and allude to the emotions that had fluttered through her brain at Jamie having found her asleep in the master bedroom. She tried to get up but he had her trapped between his arms. Claire managed to cast a look his way only to see that Jamie was quite enjoying seeing her lying on the bed. Passion filled eyes avoided his as she spoke again.

“Have I been asleep long?”

He noticed the darkening pupils in Claire’s eyes but he didn’t tease her although he was sorely tempted to do so just to see his love on the back foot.  “Not long Sassenach, but when ye didn’t appear when I called out, I came in search of ye only to find a Sleeping Beauty on the bed.”

Sparkling blue eyes watched her like a hawk waiting for Claire’s reaction and more importantly her answer.

“So, Prince Charming … What’s for dinner?”  

Jamie’s voice softened and his words cut to the quick. He held her gaze with a look that curled her toes. “That’s for me to ken and ye to find out. I hope yer hungry Sassenach because I’m feeling quite ravenous.”

“Oh?”  Claire replied not quite sure if it was for sustenance or something altogether completely different for his euphemism was telling.

James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser merely smiled enigmatically.

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ to be continued on TUESDAY 23rd June with one last Section chapter for a bit, then continuing where we left off here with Jamie and Claire on FRIDAY 26th June

[thatscalledtoughlove]

Didn’t Want to Fall in Love - 5: Obscure Painting and String Duets

         Zack somehow managed to recover from a night of drinking with ease. When I walked into The Wandering Traveler at one in the afternoon, he looked completely sober. If you hadn’t been there the night before, you’d never know he had the ability to put most alcoholics to shame.

         “How did you manage it?” I asked, a grin starting to spread across my face when he walked over to me. “You look like you’ve never had a drink in your life.”

         He shrugged, hurrying away to take care of some customers before returning less than a minute later. “The alcohol goes right through me. I went to bed nearly sober.”

         I shook my head, not believing my eyes. Most people I knew would’ve called in sick to work after a night like ours. But that wasn’t the reason I was here.

         “Hey, so I left my backpack here last night. Did you—”

        “See it? I sure did. Very responsible of you, by the way.” Heat rushed to my cheeks and he laughed. “It’s fine. I brought the bag home with me, where it still is. Don’t worry, I didn’t snoop,” he added when I raised an eyebrow.

         This was the first time I’d observed Zack in the daytime. Our two previous encounters took place after the sun had already set, when the city really roared to life with a younger crowd. Now, looking at him under the artificial lighting of the ancient pub, I had to admit he looked even better fully awake.

         My eyes flickered to the clock hanging on the wall behind the bar counter and I involuntarily flinched. Justin and I were supposed to meet at the school in less than fifteen minutes. He hadn’t told me what we were supposed to do, only that he wanted to show me something. I tried my best not to interpret that in an inappropriate way.

         “Do you think I could stop by your place to pick it up after your shift? Or you could even drop it off at my apartment. My roommate should be home all day.” I knew Tony wouldn’t confront Zack about letting me get that drunk, though he’d rant about it to me the second I returned home. Tony was irritating that way.

         Zack’s lips started to turn down in a frown, but he caught himself and stopped the full frown from forming. “Yeah, sure. I could stop by later this afternoon and leave it there. Wouldn’t want to ruin any plans you might have. Uh, could I, uh—do you think I could get your number? You know, so you can give me the address and everything.”

         I bit my lip to supress a teasing smile, nodding instead. He interrupted me when I started to reach for my phone, turning to look around the room for someone. It occurred to me he was still on duty.

         “Write it down on a piece of paper and I’ll put it in my phone later. I’ll write mine down for you too.” He withdrew a notepad from his apron and flipped it open. I stood in silence as he wrote his number down, ripping it from the pad before handing it to me.

         Once I had his number, I took the notepad and wrote my own down as quick as I could while still making it legible. He gave me a close-lipped smile when I handed both the pad and pen back, telling me he’d see me around before disappearing to help some more customers. I just felt thankful my wallet had somehow managed to come home with me.

         A new text snapped me out of my daydream and I hurried out of the pub, switching between walking and jogging the eight minutes it took to reach the college from the nearby train station. Justin told me to meet him in the Fine Arts building that was at the far end of campus. I didn’t dare question it, texting back I would be there in less than five minutes.

         By the time I reached the front doors, Justin had texted me again. I didn’t bother to check what he said. We would be face to face in a few more seconds.

        The beauty of the building caught me off guard when I entered through the main entrance. A wide spiral staircase wound its way up in the middle of the main floor. In my three years of being a student, not once had I visited the Fine Arts building. Now, looking around, I wondered why.

         “Izzy!” Justin’s voice echoed in the building, the acoustics breathtaking.

        I looked up and saw him standing on the third floor, looking down at me. The building had been built in a way that all the floors were exposed, making it like one giant room with dozens of classrooms off to the sides.

         Somewhere far above, a lone piano played a sad melody. I could hear a choir practicing on the second level, the different voices mixing to create a beautiful sound.

         But none of those could ever compare to what lay on the main floor, directly across from me.

        Before I knew what I was doing, my legs had carried me across the lobby, to the art gallery on the opposite side of the floor. I tried to swallow the lump in my throat when I peered in.

          Footsteps pounded on the smooth floor, and Justin ran to my side, panting when he reached me. “I should’ve know this would be the thing to immediately draw your attention,” he said, a strained laugh following.

        I opened my mouth to make a witty response, but the words died on my lips when I noticed the case hanging from his left hand. My excitement grew, the art gallery temporarily forgotten. “Is that—”

          Justin grinned, nodding. “It sure is. You told me you wanted to hear me play, and Saturday’s are when I usually practice, so I thought you might like to hear what I’ve spent the past seven months working on.”

        “Are you kidding me? Let’s go!” I headed for the spiral staircase, promising to take a longer look at the artwork in the gallery after I’d heard Justin play.

         We climbed the stairs to the third floor, and my steps faltered when I noticed a girl sitting in the corner of the room Justin entered. Her hair was dyed lavender, her denim dress a light blue, making her olive skin glow. She smiled and waved when she looked up from her phone.

         “Hello,” she said, the smile growing into a grin when I looked at the instrument resting against her leg. “It’s a cello. I’m Melodie, by the way.” She held out a hand.

        I shook it, sparing a questioning glance back at Justin, who turned even redder. “Nice to meet you, Melodie, I’m Izzy. Justin never told me he played with someone. Well, I guess we haven’t been friends that long, though.”

         Melodie laughed, the sound amplified in the room. “We’ve been practicing a duet for the past seven months. I’ve told him countless times that we’re beyond pros at it by now, but he refuses to let anyone else hear. Which sucks, because I have connections that could get us a slot in the college talent show.”

          “There’s no way people will want to hear my parts.” Justin eased the door shut, ignoring the glare Melodie shot his way. “You may be ready, but I’m not.”

        There was some of the side of him I’d seen at the banquet mixed with the shy young man from the sociology club meeting.

         After a few more minutes of arguing, the two finally stopped bickering and told me to take a seat on the other side of the room. I obliged, bouncing my right leg as Justin hooked his phone up to a cord that I assumed connected to the room’s speakers. He took a deep breath and stood beside Melodie, who winked at me when we made eye contact.

        She raised her bow and began to play at the exact moment Justin hit play for something on his phone. The room didn’t have the same acoustics the hall outside did, but the music still sounded beautiful. I recognized the song after about ten seconds and grinned even wider. It was “Rewrite the Stars” from The Greatest Showman. My favorite song for an entire year when it first came out years earlier.

        I clapped when they finished, words to describe what I thought escaping me. Instead, I just nodded when they asked if I liked it. I looked at Justin and tilted my head to the side.

         “If you’d told me more about this side of you at the banquet, I have a feeling I never would’ve escaped through the bathroom window.”

         Melodie laughed at this, packing away her cello. “I heard about that. It’s nice that you two made up and decided to become friends. Anyway, I should get going. Wendy’s waiting for me and she hates it when I’m late. It was nice to meet you, Izzy! I hope we meet again!” And with that, she ran from the room and around the corner.

         “Wendy’s her girlfriend,” Justin said after a few seconds of silence. “They’ve been together since freshman year of high school and are disgustingly adorable together.”

         “I thought you said violin was your darkest secret.”

        He laughed, placing his violin in its case. “For the most part, it is. But Melodie and I were in band together in high school. She’s one of the few people that I know from before who goes here. We’ve been talking about performing in front of a live audience for years, but it hasn’t happened yet.”

         “Well, what are you waiting for? You two play amazing together!” I walked over to the piano resting against the back wall and started to absentmindedly hit keys.

         “The idea of playing in front of so many people terrifies me. You sound just like Melodie, do you know that? She always gets mad at me.” He finished packing up his violin and headed for the door, checking behind to make sure I followed.

         I stopped at the stairs and turned to him. “I think you should do it.”

        Justin shook his head, waiting for me to start descending the stairs before answering. “That sounds like a pretty bad idea. I just don’t think I’m ready for other people to hear me yet. Besides, the talent show is in two months. Any available places must be long gone by now.”

        “But Melodie said that she has a slot reserved for you guys!” We reached the main floor and I whirled around to face him, crossing my arms over my chest. “Come on, Justin, you’ll never know what might happen if you don’t try.”

         “Can we please change the subject? I don’t want to talk about this right now. I think we should use this time to get to know each other. Also, want to take a look inside the art gallery? I noticed you checking it out earlier.”

        I felt tempted to call him out of changing the subject but decided against it. We could address the issue again within the next week. “I’d love to check it out. You don’t have anywhere to be today, do you?” It would be nice to spend the afternoon with someone other than Tony for once. As much as I loved him, he could get on my nerves at times. Not to mention he was still pissed at me for getting drunk the previous night.

        “Nope, I’m free the entire afternoon. We could even find somewhere to sit and talk after this. If you’d like to, of course.” His face turned bright red like it always did.

         “I know this little café near my place that we can visit,” I said, pushing the glass door to the art gallery open and heading inside. “The drinks can get a little pricey, but unlike most places, they’re actually worth the extra few bucks.”

         “Perfect.” He followed me into the room.

        And so, we spent the next hour browsing through the student artwork at the gallery. Most of the paintings puzzled me, with their obscure images and color schemes. I stopped in front of a particularly interesting portrait, staring at it for a long time trying to figure out what it might be.

         A myriad of vague shapes filled the canvas top to bottom, pastel purples, greens, and pinks seemingly splashed on top of a drawing. Justin noticed my fascination and stood off to the side while I continued to examine it. After fifteen minutes, I figured it wouldn’t make any more sense and moved on. Another ten minutes later, we both agreed it might be time to leave.

         In the café, we each ordered a latte with a fancy name and took a seat at a table beside the shop window. I didn’t see the girl who had a crush on Tony anywhere. That surprised me, considering I couldn’t remember the last time I’d visited where she wasn’t present.

         “I think we should volunteer for something,” Justin said, wincing after he took the first sip of his latte. “The club said they need some people to donate blood, what do ya say?”

         The last time I’d donated blood, I’d been sixteen. “Sure. We’re approaching graduation anyway, it might be a good idea to get in as much volunteer opportunities as possible.”

        He nodded, taking another sip of his drink. “I can get the forms for us tomorrow. Just tell me a meeting place and I’ll wait for you there to give you yours.”

         “Okay, that sounds good.”

        Before I knew it, the day was coming to an end and Justin was walking me to my apartment door. He hesitated once we reached the end of the hall, still carrying the violin around with him.

         “I had a great time today, Izzy. So great that I’ve completely forgiven you for running away from me during our first meeting.”

         I rolled my eyes, another grin spreading across my face while I shook my head. “Once again, I apologize.”

         “It’s all good. See you on Monday?”

         “Definitely.”

        With that, we parted ways. I was just reaching out to knock on the door for Tony to let me in, when I received another message. I glanced down and chuckled under my breath when I saw who it was from.

        It was Zack, and he was on his way to my apartment. He said he would be outside the building in less than five minutes. I backed away from the door and ran down the hall to the elevator, surprised a small part of me was excited to see him again.

[thepetulantpen]

Flowers/Sun&Moon

(I said I’d get these done and I did...a few days late. Here’s day 8 of @widomauk-week , it was so fun to participate!)

Under the sun, Molly and Caleb lay on their backs in the grass, soaking in the sunshine.

Molly has taken off his coat and his boots, letting the blades of grass tickle in between his toes. Caleb has taken off his coat and bandages, even carefully setting aside his book holsters in an effort to keep himself from overheating.

They lay there for a while, hands intertwined, talking about nothing and laughing about everything.

Molly’s eyes blaze with warmth, radiating happiness just as the sun exudes heat. Caleb’s hair fans out around his head on the grass, fire running through the color like rays off of the sun.

Caleb brings a hand up to shade his eyes, trying not to show how much the glaring sunlight is bothering him, not wanting to ruin this afternoon with Molly.

“Are Zemnians allergic to sunlight?” Molly giggles and sits up, leaning over Caleb to block out the sun with his head, “Is that why you’re so pale?”

Caleb smiles like the sun peeking out from the clouds, a bright patch that seems inordinately small compared to Molly’s full strength smile, sunny in a way that’s just shy of too much.

“Mm, yes. It’s why we rely on... other sources for vitamin D.”

Molly freezes above him and for a silent moment Caleb wonders if he somehow didn’t get the joke.

“...did you just make a dick joke? Are you possessed?” Molly puts his hand against Caleb’s forehead, “Are you sick?”

“A little lovesick, perhaps.”

Then Molly laughs and doesn’t stop laughing, falling backwards and cackling as if Caleb had done something much funnier than make a mediocre pun. He laughs and he looks at Caleb like he’s made of gold, like every joke he makes could change the world and every smile could save lives.

It’s flattering, it’s ill-advised, it’s Molly.

Caleb can’t say he feels the same about himself, can’t even say he’s completely comfortable with how highly Molly thinks of him, but right now they’re sitting in the sun and laughing and it all just feels too good to question.

Still, there are darker, colder thoughts lurking at the edges of his mind and interrupting logistics at the forefront.

“The others are probably wondering where we are,” Caleb props himself up on his elbows, “We should probably head back.”

“They can wait a little longer,” Molly grins mischievously and, before Caleb can protest further, stands up, “Stay here for a second.”

He’s tempted to look behind him and spy on what Molly’s doing but the sun is making him warm and lazy, he realizes he doesn’t want to leave or follow his own suggestion at all. He’d rather just sit here and wait for Molly to get back with whatever shenanigans he’s come up with this time.

Caleb doesn’t hear or see Molly sit back down behind him, but he does feel Molly’s fingers combing through his hair without warning or explanation.

“Molly, what-“

“Shh, it’s a surprise.”

It can’t be much of a surprise since he can feel the tugging on his hair that tells him Molly is braiding it, but Caleb appreciates the sentiment anyway. He closes his eyes and just feels for a while, the repetitive motion of Molly’s fingers against his scalp soothing him and erasing any more thoughts of leaving or being responsible. It takes longer than he would’ve thought, Molly must do something especially complicated to make the most of Caleb’s fairly short hair.

It’s nearly nightfall when Molly leads Caleb back to the inn, turning him around in front of a mirror to show off his handiwork: a complicated web of braids interspersed with tiny wildflowers. The sight of it takes Caleb’s breath away- he has no idea how Molly managed to weave such little, fragile things into his hair and make them stay there.

“Where did you learn how to do this?”

Molly sits cross legged on the bed behind him, tail waving excitedly as he grins at Caleb.

“I used to braid Yasha’s hair, when we were in the circus together. It’s pretty good, right?”

Caleb smiles at himself in the mirror for the first time in years, letting himself see what Molly sees for a moment: a man with a brilliant, soft smile and little flowers in his hair.

“It’s beautiful.”

...

Under the moon, Molly and Caleb sit on a rock ledge a little apart from the party, shivering in the cool night air.

Molly has draped his tapestry over his coat, though the thin material and sequins do little to warm him. Caleb is bundled up in his coat and a few layers beneath it, appropriately dressed for the cold now that he can afford it.

“Are you sure you don’t want my coat?”

Molly smiles and shakes his head, trying for nonchalance even when Caleb can see his teeth chattering. “I suffer for my art, darling. No offense, but I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing something so dull and brown.”

“I’ll have you know this is high Zemnian fashion.”

“Mm, I’m sure Dirty-Chic is all the rage there.”

Caleb huffs and pulls on a mock offended scowl but moves closer to Molly, sharing his body heat in a cuddle. Usually, Molly is the warm one but this weather has taken a toll on him and Caleb can feel him shaking against him, shivers and laughter moving through his chest.

They sit like that for a while until Molly stops shaking so much and regains some of that hot-blooded warmth Caleb is used to.

In the meantime, they’re on lookout, or supposed to be on lookout. Caleb would be watching carefully, making sure there aren’t any threats on the horizon, but this road leads to the middle of nowhere and has had no monsters of any sort for days so he feels comfortable becoming entirely transfixed by the flowers growing all around them.

They’re glowing, casting dim light over the road and meadow in an array of fluorescent greens and blues. In the daytime, they were just patches of wildflowers, basically weeds, but at night they’ve come to life, dotting the landscape with brilliant light shows,

It’s breathtaking and it gives Caleb an idea.

“Here, hold this,” Caleb pulls off his coat and drapes it over Molly’s shoulders, ignoring the noise of protest, “I’ll be right back.”

Molly is tempted to bring the coat back, or at least yell after Caleb, but he stays put instead, curious to see what Caleb’s planning. He pulls on the coat because it’s freezing tonight and looks firmly at the ground, determined not to peek and spoil the surprise.

Caleb returns a minute later, settling on the grass behind Molly. There’s more rustling noises and a few huffs of frustration as Caleb struggles to work with whatever he’s collected. At the noise, and because the suspense is killing him, Molly turns his head a little and Caleb immediately stiffens, curling around whatever he’s working on.

“Turn around! It’s a surprise.”

Molly complies, only barely reigning in his energy for the next few minutes before Caleb speaks again.

“Ok, now close your eyes.”

Caleb’s fingers ruffle Molly’s hair, moving it as he puts something in it. He’s pretty sure he can guess what it is, based on the combination of sharp points and soft spots, but he keeps his eyes closed, preserving this idea of surprise that Caleb seems intent on.

“Scheisse.”

Caleb’s fingers fumble around his horns and Molly finally opens his eyes, looking up at Caleb’s face. He’s concentrating on adjusting his gift around the obstacle of Molly’s horns, face screwed up and tongue poking out one side of his mouth in a determined pout.

He notices Molly looking and fidgets with more fervor. “I can fix it, just wait.”

He ends up having to disconnect and retie the flower crown at multiple points, shuffling around Molly to perfect parts all around his head so it fits perfectly at the base of his horns.

Caleb sits back and smiles at Molly, looking more proud of himself than Molly has ever seen him. The smile is a gift in itself, Molly would give anything to see Caleb that happy with himself every day.

“Can I look now?”

“Of course.”

Caleb fumbles with his bag, presumably trying to find something reflective, but Molly unsheathes Summer’s Dance, adjusting it to get the best of his narrow reflection on the gold surface.

The flowers, with their wonderful glow, are truly stunning, lighting his face with an ethereal shine. The crown itself is meticulously crafted, the twisted bonds of twigs between the flowers seem sturdy, like Molly could dance or fight with them in his hair and not lose a single flower.

Caleb stifles a yawn next to him. The moon seems to sag in the sky, as tired as they are. Molly will have to test his theories later, when he’s not dead on his feet.

“Do you like it?”

It’s hard to read Caleb’s face in these moments, where darkness and perpetual uncertainty obscure most of his real intentions, but Molly doesn’t think it particularly matters, he knows his answer.

“I love it, Caleb. I’m never taking it off.”

Molly’s smile shines like a crescent moon breaking out of a twilight sky and Caleb’s eyes twinkle like bright stars in an endless void.

They spend the rest of their watch curled in each other’s arms, bathed in the light of flowers and their own glowing, powerful love.

[filmstruck]

A Cinephile’s Guide to Telluride by Pablo Kjolseth

This Labor Day Weekend the Telluride Film Festival turns 45. With over 3,000 film festivals to choose from worldwide, why choose a trip to Telluride? Here’s why:

It's a beautiful place. Telluride is a former silver mining camp located almost 9,000 feet up in elevation alongside the San Miguel River in the Western San Juan Mountains. You’ll be in a box canyon with breathtaking views. If you stand downtown on Colorado Avenue at dusk, you'll see amazing sunsets to the west and steep canyon walls with the postcard-perfect Bridal Veil Falls to the east. Of course, most of the time you’ll be inside a movie theater being transported who-knows-where. But in-between shows and while waiting in line, you can drink in the views.

It's a challenge. In a good way. Attending Sundance is easy as there are plenty of cheap flights into Salt Lake City and then Park City is only a half-hour drive away. Maybe that's why it gets mobbed by 40,000 people. Telluride? It has a tiny airport with tiny planes and what has to be one of the tiniest runways in the U.S. The bulk of people attending, therefore, drive seven or so hours to get there and this helps to separate the wheat from the chaff, with attendance being about a tenth of what Sundance supports.

It's selective. A Sundance or Toronto catalog looks and weighs as much as a phone book and you know what you’re getting into in advance. Which can be a good thing, in terms of giving you many options and choices. But a Telluride catalog is a slim booklet that fits in your back pocket, and people attending won't know what will be in that booklet until they are there, usually the night before the big communal feast on Friday where pass holders and filmmakers commingle and jockey for paper plates in the same buffet line. It's a blind date, one in which you are being asked to trust the movie curators. It’s like a restaurant with no online menu and a great chef who wants to surprise you with all manner of unusual food items that you’ve never tasted.

It celebrates the legacy of film. They show archive prints, silent films with live musical accompaniment and they screen 35mm prints too (although sometimes they don't print this information in their programs, a strange oversight). And, of course, they have the ever-popular world and U.S. premieres by well-known directors or new talented filmmakers about to make a big splash.

It has free events. In the daytime, panel discussions in the park. At night, open air screenings under the stars.

It has a great campground with showers and bathrooms that are only a ten-minute walk from downtown. Warning: show up early if you want a shot at a spot. Otherwise you’ll find yourself driving out of town along Last Dollar Road looking for a place to squat.

It usually has Werner Herzog in attendance. Unless Herzog is on location elsewhere shooting a movie, he'll probably be there to celebrate his birthday alongside screenings that take place in the huge theater named after him or in one of the half-dozen or so other theaters that are within walking distance of each other (the exception to this being the Chuck Jones Cinema in Mountain Village, accessible via a free but half-hour long gondola ride from downtown). Speaking of which:

It has incredible staff, tech crew and theaters. Each theater has a theme, be it the Chuck Jones Cinema or The Galaxy. These theaters are built by volunteers, staff and top-notch technical crewmembers, who all put their heart-and-soul into transforming what is normally a climbing gym or some other public use space into temporary, state-of-the-art dedicated film auditoriums with its own vibe and magic.

IIt has no paparazzi. No press screenings. No rubber-neckers or throngs of people crowding out the celebrities for selfies (okay, some of those). As a result, in Telluride you might find yourself buying a bagel behind Willem Dafoe or bumping shoulders with Danny Elfman. It has a casual vibe. It's not a zoo. It's not a circus. It's not a market. It's a film festival devoted to cinephiles and serious filmmakers, one that just happens to be taking place in a gorgeous mountain setting where you half expect Julie Andrews to break out into song.

It always has a Guest Director. Sometimes a well-known director (John Boorman), or musician (Laurie Anderson), or philosopher (Slavoj Zizek) or, as is the case this year, a novelist: Jonathan Lethem. This is one of my favorite sections because Telluride staff will bend over backwards to find six titles that have had a profound influence on the Guest Director’s life. The choices usually go back in time, swerve among genres and always include new discoveries. They also serve to showcase the power of cinema. This year that program is sponsored by FilmStruck, because we cinephiles have to stick together.

[home-halone]

Long Post on Screenshots

Coincidentally, I had glimpsed the twitter thread in question (or something similar) before I saw a post about it and had some thoughts™ as well

I was going to straight up reply but it got out of hand and I ended up blabbing a lot about taking screenshots, mods and ReShade.

Mods. Literally just an aesthetic client-side change. I can't believe people are up in arms about this. Let people have their fun and ignore it if it's not to your taste. There's absolutely no need to shit on someone else's definition of fun. Your values for what comprises a good screenshot made with effort should not be imposed as the standard. (Unless you're holding a screenshot contest, it literally doesn't matter.)

I don't use mods personally, out of laziness and I cannot be bothered messing with my files. Partly because I don't have characters that have a particular appearance that I really want. But that's my reason, and if other people are happy with their mods, so be it. I'm happy with my own thing. Even a walk home next to a world-famous monument just gets dull when you see it so often. It's not a crime to appreciate it through a different lens.

I'm going to preface this by saying no one has to defend what they want to do for fun. And even if your reasons for using mods/ReShade etc doesn't fall in line with any of the ones offered below, it literally doesn't matter and you should have your fun.

Contrary to what some negative folks think, people are still fully capable of doing some really good glamour without mods. Although it makes sense when you play around with FFXIV's glams/character creator enough, you'll quickly realize that there are particular limitations (certain gloves don't show up with certain tops, some bottoms lose the pants/skirt when you wear certain things over them, etc) and some people simply want to portray the details of their characters accurately to their vision. I have seen a lot of really good designs that don't exactly match their in-game sprites. Some people might want to do an easy cosplay. Some people might just want to look pretty and sometimes it doesn't get deeper than that. 

Nevermind that there are ordinary people behind modding, creating these for use. They didn’t spawn out of nowhere. They’re a product of someone’s hard work and skill too. Shout out to @keeperofthelilacs​ for the posts & a glimpse into the grueling, painstaking process just to make a deceptively simple mod and apply changes to each model. I cannot fathom people creating things that are not even in-game.

But obviously, with modding being the new shiny thing, there would be an influx of pretty pictures with people using them. The majority out there still does some creative things without the use of these programs. But their use isn’t indicative of a lack of creativity in taking screenshots.

Yes, the game is intrinsically beautiful and the sights are breathtaking, and there's no shortage of unmodded, unretouched, unReShaded screenshots littered about. I know there are more than a handful of reddit threads with such screenshots up. But, even with the built-in /gpose, the options can be limited and the vivid colors don't always show up the way people intend them to. This is why ‘different’ draws attention. Since we all have the same washed out color palette (suitable for actually playing the game. try raiding with an Aesthetic ReShade setting with Depth of Field on, it is agony.) it’s easier to pick out brighter looking, unusual colored screenshots. Moreso if they’re beautifully composed.

The improvement of colors from ReShade are only one aspect of it, as a lot of people who use them could tell you.

This screenshot has ReShade on and some /gpose settings, and it’s whatever. It’s meh.

It’s poorly lit, tilted to one side for some reason, the background lantern is grabbing all the attention, but the scenery is somehow cut off, my character is awkwardly posed, the colors, while MORE vivid, aren’t really inspiring the ‘hey this outfit is awesome and unique’ feeling. You have no idea what you’re meant to pay attention to.

Now, before you say I took a bad one on purpose, this was actually from the time I first got the diamond coat so I was ACTUALLY trying to show it off. This was one of many screenshots I’d taken, trying to nail down what I wanted to do.

It just goes to show even if you have the tools, you can still produce some pretty underwhelming stuff. And you could easily take a better one if you know what you’re doing.

It may be beyond the provisions of the game, but it’s not an easy task taking good screens with ReShade. Like said, it takes time and skill. 

You have to know when to use angles and tilts and how to frame photos. Composition does SO much. The word gets used a lot but there’s a lot involved, whether you do it consciously or not. Do I zoom in up close or far out? How far?  Do I want to put my subject in the center or a little to the right? How much of the background should I show? Do I blur? Do I use dutch angles? Do I take a high angle shot? Daytime? Nighttime? /gpose which filter? How much can I crop? Do I need the feet in the frame? Do I add special effects? Lighting setting 3 2 or 1? More green or more red? Those are basic questions people think about, but these are settings you use to tell a story. Then there’s questions like, how do I frame the photo to draw more attention to the feeling of being trapped? How do I use lighting to create a feeling of dread? How do I use the environment to help me tell the story and not just take a dull photo of my character?

And that’s just taking the photo. It’s easy to be tempted by all the shiny stuff you can pile onto a photo, but if it doesn’t serve a purpose other than “ooh”, then the intense sparkles floating around a photo can distract more than contribute.

So you have everything set. You switch ReShade on. You picked out a good preset. But when it comes to stuff like this one size does not fit all, in order to make it work beyond what a preset provides (as night can be pitch black, and daytime is a complete bloom-filled eyesore) you have to get your hands dirty. Presets can be pretty for sightseeing, and for most it’s enough and they work well enough to use consistently in screenshots. And that’s perfectly fine. The settings are very technical and have numerical values. I don’t understand all the values and effects myself, and finding the sweet spot to produce is an arduous process.

The same goes for Photoshop. There’s no magic button to make your art look good. You need a good eye for adjusting saturation, color balance, lighting, cropping, framing etc. to improve ANY photo. More than that, you need to be good at making believable visual effects for fancier edits. If you drag a brush randomly, no one’s going to be immersed in the way those hair extensions were made. Nope, people study the native look of a photo to make changes. Otherwise you just end up with spaghetti hair.

[it’s the same ugly photo but with spaghetti hair]

I literally used the color dropper. It’s not enough to do that!! Like GIRL I’m a fuckin digital painter and I don’t know how all those people paint/edit hair, it’s a SKILL they learned and not one I have LOL. You have to care about lighting and getting the right width and all that. It’s not that simple.

Photoshop’s got a magic wand but it’s not that easy!

People who edit photos are familiar with these... and each one has its own settings and values :,^) that can change the mood of a photo by making only certain colors be more muted or even making everything look a little lighter and brighter.

It’s not that easyyyy look at one of these windows if I didn’t do this for a living I’d be so confused

So going back to showing off my coat. After I saw the lineup of photos I’d taken, I was pretty dissatisfied, especially because I knew I could take better photos. 

I identified the problems I saw:

1.Even though I wanted to showcase my outfit, I didn’t have to take a photo straight on. The photo earlier had her facing completely straight into the camera. And it felt very flat.   

2. It’s zoomed too far out, you can’t really see the details on the coat.

3. I tweaked my ReShade settings. I worked on the lighting. When I realized my settings and the lighting in game (and on gpose) were not cooperating, I decided to wait for daytime. Kugane at night was distracting as hell with all the lanterns in the background. My clothes were the star.

Here’s another screenshot I took wearing the Far Eastern stuff.

I wasn’t showing off the details of the glamour here. Kugane at night has a lot of personality, lights and colors. When I looked at this old screenshot, I realized that it wasn’t a good setting for a simple photo that said “hey check my glam”. This photo told a story. My clothes weren’t the focus, it was the fact that Proxi was in Far Eastern clothes in Kugane. All of those facts were of equal importance, so she was a figure immersed in her surroundings.I didn’t need to capture the details of her dress, just show enough for it to be recognized. That’s why this photo worked. And only one of the many reasons why the badly lit one didn’t work. Contrary to the urge to do so, I didn’t need to tilt the camera angle to make it look interesting. I used her body language, paused an emote at the right second to get something more relaxed, her over-the-shoulder look gives an inviting feeling. I let the color contrast separate her from the background as a figure, but I kept her a part of that warm Kugane vibe with bits of red lighting. There’s a lot of thought that goes into this. How color and mood tie together. Knowing what is essential and what isn’t helps a lot, and sometimes it’s trial and error and you don’t really actually know what you want.

Here’s the final image of the Coat screenshot that I posted  a couple months ago

The problem with the Diamond Coat is that I dyed it a dark blue color and I wanted to keep that sense of dark blue without shining a bright light on it, or lightening the color. I used stronger contrasts to bring out the blues, fiddled with settings I didn’t understand but it made details shaper lol. I used angles and some blur to add a little more dynamicity (being a more static photo) and focus on Proxi. While she is still mostly facing forward, I played with her pose more, to get more of a ~random well-dressed elezen on a stroll~ feel. And!! look at all the details on her coat, you can see them!! 

But wait, you ask, aren’t you just proving that ReShade is a crutch wELL IT’S NOT. It’s a TOOL. You use. If it makes your life easier and more efficient and it makes you happier, like, honestly it doesn’t matter.

But here’s a non g-pose, non-ReShade screenshot I took during a Zurvan EX run early last year. My PC froze for a second lol. I was going to have a heart attack doing this but as a SMN I’m obligated to RELISH Teraflare. This is ONE lucky screenshot I got and you know what, even if the colors aren’t super vivid, this screenshot feels SO right. The explosions aren’t overwhelmingly bright, the arena is surprisingly a fitting background, and she’s got her leggy up but she didn’t give me a panty flash and I am fortunate this turned out to be a great photo I could put in a church mural.

Another non-gpose one. See! framing, contrast and all that. This was from my old blog circa 2016 and it got one note! LOL gpose didn’t even exist yet as we know it, and I don’t think ReShade was widespread or even a thing yet and I was super proud of this one. The trees gave her a soft background without making it too blindingly bright so she stands out and I love it.

So there’s’ your normal screenshot look, without excessive flash and eyesore while still being pretty.

But yeah anyway

TL;DR 

1. Don’t be bitter about other people using tools and adding steps to enhance their aesthetic experiences or to create screenshots that are more faithful to their vision. If it’s not harming you, live and let live. 

2. There’s more thought that goes into pretty screenshots than you think. Just because they don’t pick up a brush and draw, does not disqualify these screenshot posters as skilled artists in their own right.

(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ'✿ That’s all!

[destinationstravelguide]

10 Best National Parks to Visit with Family It can be tough to find a good family vacation spot in today’s world of Disney movies, TV shows, and video games. Who wants their children constantly glued to screens? Luckily there are many natural wonders that offer amazing memories with your loved ones without relying on technology! Whether you’re looking at a mountain range or watching the sun set over an ocean horizon, these 10 best national parks to visit with families will allow for plenty of bonding time together while having fun outdoors. If you’re traveling with kids we also have a list of the best national parks to visit with kids in 2021 here. 1. Death Valley National Park Death Valley National Park is a national park in the American West, amidst an ancient landscape where vast icescapes once covered all but desert. It’s most famous for its solitary tree and sand dunes that stretch more than 275 miles (about 500 kilometers) across this unique environment. Visitors to Death Valley National Park can experience wildlife on their own or with ranger-guided hikes, see rare wildflowers blooming during springtime, and enjoy colorful sunsets over mountains from one of many scenic overlooks. The best time to visit Death Valley National Park is between November and March when daytime temperatures are milder and there’s less chance of rainstorms; nighttime temps drop below freezing so prepare accordingly if you plan to be outside at night! 2.  Great Smoky Mountains National Park This beautiful national park is the number one visited national park in America! You’ll quickly see why after just a short drive through the park. This is also one of the best national parks to visit with family because it offers so many different things you can do. You may want to take in some history and spend time at Cades Cove where humans have been living for more than 12,000 years, or enjoy hiking along trails on top of mountains that rise over 6000 feet into the sky! Great Smoky Mountains National Park is ranked as America’s most popular destination by both domestic and international travelers alike. It boasts four million acres full of wildlife, 3000 miles worth of scenic drives and 125-mile networked system trails that allow visitors to explore wildflowers, elk herds, mountain goats–and even black bears! Families of all ages will find they love this national park for many different reasons! 3. Mount Rainier National Park Mount Rainier National Park is a beautiful place to visit in the summer and fall. You can go hiking, fishing in the lakes, or just enjoy nature from a scenic drive along Paradise Road. It has over 100 miles of trails for you to explore as well that lead all the way up to Mount Rainier’s summit! Mount Rainer is also home to more than 25 glaciers–including Carbon Glacier, which reaches depths of 750 feet! It also is home to one of Americas only active volcanoes! National Geographic has ranked it the fifth best national park in America! This is a beautiful destination for any family to explore and would be a great place for a family vacation. 4. Olympic National Park Olympic National Park is located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State and is home to a variety of landscapes. Head here for some beautiful hikes, camping opportunities, stunning seascapes and more! The park was designated as a national monument in 1909 before being designated by Congress as a national park on June 29th, 1938. It has since grown into one of the most popular natural areas within our country’s National Park System! The rainforest at Queets offers an excellent opportunity for families to explore nature together–you can hike along its trails or go horseback riding through it! There are also many different types of wildlife that call this forest their home too including bears, elk, deer and cougars (just don’t let your kids out alone)! This would be a fun place for families of all ages to explore. 5. Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone National Park is a popular destination in America and it’s one of the best national parks for families. With its wide range of wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, lakes, geothermal features to explore and more-you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience! If you get tired of exploring Yellowstone on foot or by car–there are also aerial tours that let you see views from above too. Plus, there’s plenty of camping opportunities available as well if your family wants to stay overnight (just be aware that some campsites can only accommodate up to eight people). This park also has Wi-Fi access so everyone could enjoy their time while still staying connected back home with loved ones. Make sure to stop by the visitor’s center to learn more about the park, and sign your kids up for the Junior Ranger Program to provide a fun and interesting way for them to learn all there is to know! 6. Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park is another great destination for families because of the many different types of habitats you’ll find here like forests, shrub lands and grasslands–it’s also home to thousands of animal species including bears, elk, mountain lions and moose! There are over 700 miles worth of trails available too so there will never be a shortage of things to do with your family members. If time permits while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park make sure to stop by Estes Park which has tons more attractions waiting just outside the gates! You can see some amazing wildlife at Stanley Hotel or explore beautiful gardens that have been around since 1903. If you’re looking for a fun scenic car ride the “Highway to the Sky” is a must! This drive will take you through some of the most picturesque parts of Colorado and is filled with amazing waterfalls, lakeside views, mountains peaks–it’s a sight to see for sure. 7. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park On the Big Island, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit! This national park has been named one of the best national parks in America for families with children. The hike to Kilauea Iki Crater takes you on an easy walk that will only take about 15 minutes round trip–making it perfect for even younger kids. The view from this vantage point is simply incredible, and there are plenty of benches if your family members want to stop and catch their breath along the way. If you think visiting just once isn’t enough, keep in mind that this trailhead also provides access to other trails throughout the park as well. On top of all these great hiking options, some areas at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have breathtaking views unlike anything you’ve ever seen! Make sure to watch the sunset over the Halemaumau Crater from Jaggar Museum–a must-see for any family looking to take in some of mother nature’s grandeur. 8. Yosemite National Park A little closer to home, Yosemite National Park is a great place to visit on your family vacation. You’ll find plenty of views you will never forget, one of the most famous is found on the hike up to Half Dome where you will see El Capitan and Bridal Veil Falls as well as other smaller waterfalls along the way down. This trail can get quite strenuous at times and is best for families with older kids. Also, make sure your family members are comfortable hiking and rock climbing before tackling it together! There are also more family friendly hikes available throughout the park including Mirror Lake that will be a better option for those hiking with children. The Tunnel View will also allow you to see El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridal Veil Falls from a different vantage point that doesn’t require as much rock climbing. If you’re looking for an even easier trail for small kids, try the heavily shaded Tenaya Lake Loop Trail where your kids can enjoy picking up sticks in the forest or skipping stones on one of Yosemite’s largest lakes. Overall, Yosemite National Park is a very versatile park with options for all family vacation needs. 9. Glacier National Park Glacier National Park is a national park in the United States that features glacier-carved landscapes. The park has one of the largest remaining native wildlife populations on earth, and offers an unparalleled array of outdoor recreational opportunities for people who like to hike, canoe, boat or camp. It’s also home to North America’s most voluminous ice sheet outside Greenland and Antarctica, it averages about 760 inches (about 19 feet) per year and is the source of most of Seattle’s drinking water. Hikers can explore high peaks at Goat Mountain or Red Eagle Lake then enjoy a dip in any number of creeks along their way. Those looking for more relaxing ways to spend time with family might go fishing from Crane’s Beach before taking some time out to observe the abundant aquatic life in Stanley Lake.  10. Grand Teton National Park Grand Teton National Park is a United States National Park in northwestern Wyoming with the Teton Range as its most prominent feature. The park is named for Grand Teton, the tallest mountain in the range and one of the Seven Summits or fourteeners. The majority of visitors to this national park are not looking for an intense backcountry experience but rather recreation opportunities such as camping, hiking, fishing or boating at lakes like String or Jackson Lake. Tourists can also take advantage of activities that require less physical exertion by visiting Jenny Lake Lodge’s Canyon Trail Rides which provide guided horseback rides through some areas otherwise inaccessible by vehicle (allowing riders to view wildlife up close). The famous Snake River winds its way from Idaho down into Wyoming, and specifically Grand Teton National Park, and is a great place for river rafting, fishing and other recreation. The park has a number of scenic roads that visitors can explore by car or bike with the most popular routes being Teton Park Road, Moose-Wilson Rd., Signal Mountain Rd., Big Springs Loop Trailhead and Oxbow Bend Overlook. Visitors to this national park should bring their hiking shoes as there are many trails perfect for family hikes such as the Cascade Canyon Viewing Area Hike where one can experience an incredible view of some waterfalls as well as mountain peaks in close proximity. Looking for other family get aways? Destinations Travel Guide can help.  [/et_pb_blurb

[praestigii-a]

outside in the night to paint the stars

Once more, happy birthday @arpeggxo !! Here’s a little drabble for you; I hope you like it!

It's never dark at night in Radiant Garden.

The town is always bathed in warm light coming from street lamps and people's windows, which reflects off their many fountains. Even the sky is lit, bright with stars once more. The ambience is quite different from daytime’s, golden and glistening and quiet; it's softer and more gentle when their world is asleep instead of bustling with life. With the restoration efforts well underway, the Keyhole sealed, and the claymores working day and night, everything's truly peaceful after a long, long time.

This dim atmosphere agrees with the pair making their way across the sleeping town much better than the Garden's usual brightness; having spent so many years in the darkness, the shine can be a bit too much for Ienzo and Myde as well. It's easier to breathe somehow, Ienzo had told Myde once, quietly as though he wasn't sure he was allowed to voice such thoughts. If it wasn't for the flowers, I wouldn't go outside during the day at all.

They're sneaking out of the Castle, hands intertwined and a basket hanging off Myde's arm. Ienzo's taken the lead, tugging the other towards the Bailey.

"Hey, isn't it a bit late for a picnic? You've been working all day too—oh! Is that why we're doing this now? You could've taken a break during the day, y'know."

"Hush, that is not why we are doing this now. Come on."

Without further explanation Ienzo tugs Myde up the stairs, only letting go once they have to climb up the Castle Wall. There's enough large footholds that it's more like an unconventional set of stairs to the top of the wall than an actual climb, which is a good thing considering the basket Myde's carrying as well as Ienzo's general distaste for exercise. Once they're at the top Ienzo takes the basket from Myde and begins to set out their picnic.

"So, why are we—woah."

Ienzo glances up from where he's setting down food containers—filled with pieces of fruit and other simple things that don't require any kind of cooking or baking—to see Myde gazing at the town and the sky with his jaw slack and eyes sparkling with wonder. He smiles down at the box of strawberries he's holding. "That's why," he says softly to himself. Ienzo hasn't been on top of the wall since he was a child, but he discovered this place a couple of weeks ago by accident and has been wanting to show it to Myde ever since. The sight is breathtaking: the illuminated town against the starry sky is completely different when seen from above. Even the Villain's Vale behind them has a quality of beauty to it during the night when it's covered in starlight.

"So, do you like it?"

"Wha—?"

"Do you like it?"

Myde finally manages to snap himself out of it and looks down at Ienzo who's now tugging at his hair and not quite looking at Myde. He kind of wants to laugh—it's so like Ienzo, but how can he worry that Myde might not like this?—but he knows better. "Oh, yeah! It's great! It's beautiful," he says, and is rewarded when Ienzo looks at him and the nervousness on his face is replaced by a soft, pleased smile. He grins back. He sits when Ienzo pats the place beside him on the blanket and peers at the food laid out before them. His grin gains a teasing edge to it.

"Did you make all this by yourself? I'm impressed."

He doesn't get a response, but the pout and the way Ienzo's cheeks redden that he catches before the ex-Schemer turns his head are more than enough. Now Myde allows himself to chuckle. He grabs a strawberry and pokes the embarrassed Ienzo's shoulder to appease him.

"Seriously though, thanks. This is the best picnic ever."

"...I'm glad." Though still disgruntled from being teased, Ienzo grabs a snack of his own and turns to look at the town. At his side, Myde does the same. For a while they're both quiet, simply enjoying the peace and the gentle glow of light surrounding them. The silence between them is comfortable, both content to just be in the other's presence; they've come a long way. Eventually (inevitably), however, the closeness begins to feel more like a distance between the two of them.

Surprisingly, it's Ienzo who moves first.

He moves closer and rests his head against Myde's shoulder, gazing stubbornly ahead. Myde can feel his cheeks turning pink. It's a simple gesture, but coming from Ienzo it feels big, and impossibly endearing. He bites his lip to keep the stupid grin off his face, but in vain; it stretches across his face without permission. Feeling emboldened, he reaches for Ienzo's hand and twines their fingers together. It feels different from earlier when Ienzo was leading him through the town, more and less purposeful at the same time; holding the other's hand just for the sake of holding hands. His heart is beating ridiculously loud and he half-worries Ienzo might hear it. (Unbeknownst to him, Ienzo is having the same problem.)

After a moment, he feels a light squeeze.

[filosofablogger]

Hello friends, and welcome to the WEEKEND!!!  People tell me that since I am retired, every day is the weekend for me, but let me tell you … it ain’t so!  I have a fairly rigid weekday schedule that helps me stay on track with housework, cooking, laundry, then I write two daily posts for this blog, each requiring a minimum of about 3 hours, usually closer to 6.  Add to that time to pay attention to the Significant Seven, answer email, pay bills, roll smokes, chat with friends … 24 hours are simply not enough!  On the weekend, however, the girls take over cooking & cleaning duties (I refuse to let them touch the laundry), so it gives me a bit of a break.  Today, I felt like taking a bit of a journey to try to find new and unique things around the world.  Are you with me?  Good!  Strap on your imaginary seat belts, and let’s head to … Thailand!

Specifically we are going to the Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  Yes, you read it right, and yes, it means exactly what it says.  It is where they make paper from elephant poop!  According to Atlas Obscura …

“Making paper from elephant poop is a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional tree-based products. By not using trees, it helps reduce deforestation and makes sure the abundance of animal waste isn’t wasted. The paper is entirely sanitary and stink-free.The process of transforming elephant poop into everyday paper is actually pretty straightforward. Once workers have scooped the poop and gathered it, they then wash the waste so that only the plant fibers remain. The fibers are then boiled and sanitized, then mixed with other non-wood pulp fibers. Finally, the intriguing mixture is screened and dried, just like typical wood-based paper has been for thousands of years.

Visiting the Elephant Poo Poo Park gives people an up-close encounter with the whole process. You’re even invited to get involved, so be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. The park also has information about traditional paper making, which began in China nearly 2,000 years ago. In addition to the tour, people can check out the cafe and “poo-tique” to pick up souvenirs.”

Who knew?  I don’t think I would much enjoy working there, though.

I was planning for us to hop just a few miles north to visit the Chiang Mai Tiger Kingdom, where visitors can actually snuggle with the tigers, but I learned some disturbing news and decided I would pass that one up for today.  And so … on to … Wales!

Now, I have a few great friends who live in Wales, and one of them I know loves his beans, but I had no idea that beans was such a … national treasure?  Here we are, then, in Port Talbott, where we find the Baked Bean Museum of Excellence.  A museum … baked beans … really?  The museum is owned and operated by a bean-obsessed superhero called Captain Beany, formerly known as Barry Kirk.  Now way back when, Barry was working for British Petroleum as a computer geek at one of their chemical plants. Then, in September 1986, Kirk decided to try for a new world’s record, and life has never been the same since.  What record, you ask?  Sitting in a bathtub filled with beans … for 100 straight hours.  And it was then that he first got his idea for a complete transformation into Captain Beany.  It took some time, but in 1991 he quit his job, legally changed his name, and then he began the physical transformation, painting his head and bald pate orange, and donning a golden cape, pants, gloves and boots.  Since then, he has run marathons, pushed a can of beans along a beach with his nose, bathed in a bath of tomato soup, climbed a mountain, and had 60 baked beans tattooed on his head.

The museum is in the living room of his 2-bedroom apartment and is crammed full of baked bean memorabilia and orange furniture.  Since his apartment is a ‘council flat’, which I believe is similar to subsidized housing in the U.S., he is not allowed to charge admission, but he does accept donations from the 100 or so visitors he gets each year.  And Cap’n Beany is a generous man, donating all proceeds to charities such as Sport Relief, Cancer Research and the British Heart Foundation.

And now, I really hope you brought your jackets,  for we are headed someplace quite cold … Norway!

You know what it’s like, traveling on the interstate highway system and after a few hundred miles, you really need to stop for a potty break and perhaps a cup of coffee to help keep your eyes open.  Those rest stops, though … you never know what condition you will find them in.  But this rest area, named Uredd Rest Area, is situated along a section of the Norwegian Scenic Route. It overlooks stunning views of the fjords and the open sea, and is a popular spot for visitors and locals to watch the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer. And, it is quickly gaining fame for being home to what may be the most beautiful public toilet in the world.As part of a project to enhance Norway’s scenic highways with innovative architecture, a sleek viewing area with marble benches and amphitheater steps leading down to the water were built along the roadside. And next to them, a striking, wave-shaped public restroom.

Made of frosted glass and concrete in a minimalist design, the structure seems to glow in the dark as the glass is lit at night. In the daytime, the facility offers just about the most breathtaking view you could hope to enjoy while taking care of business.  Just look at that scenery … makes you want to sit here forever … except that I’m getting c-c-c-old.

Let’s grab a quick bite to eat … and warm us up … before we head back, shall we?  As I realize that a number of my readers are vegan, I picked a place we could all find something to love.  So let’s head over to Madrid, Spain, for some barquillos.  You guys all like barquillos, right?  What … oh, don’t worry … it’s Spanish for waffles. These particular ones are very thin, rolled into shapes like cones, and ever-so delicious.  Now here in Madrid, we will get our waffles from a street vendor, but there’s a little something you have to do first.  First, you have to play a game of roulette with the vendor!  No, not the Russian sort … just the plain ol’ sort.There’s one now!  See that red tin canister?  That’s the roulette game, and the wheel to spin is on the top of the canister.  You can pay once to spin for either one or two barquillos or pay more and spin as many times as you want, racking up waffles until you stop or the ticker lands on one of the four golden markers, at which point you lose everything. You are so going to love these … you can get them dusted with cinnamon or vanilla and covered or stuffed with chocolate and other flavors.  I love them with fresh strawberries, but it’s probably a little too early in the season for those.  Enjoy your barquillo!

Well, folks, I hope you enjoyed our travel today, and I hope you all have a terrific weekend!  Love ‘n hugs from Filosofa!!!

Saturday Surprise — Let’s Explore! Hello friends, and welcome to the WEEKEND!!!  People tell me that since I am retired, every day is the weekend for me, but let me tell you … it ain’t so! 

[fadingfartconnoisseur]

Things To Do in Tasmania: A Traveller’s Guide

With literally hundreds of things to do in Tasmania, it can be extremely difficult to narrow down the best things to do on this large island. Sitting just 240 km of the coast of Australia, you could easily spend 1 – 2 weeks or more exploring Tasmania. Prepare yourself for jaw-dropping scenery, beautiful drives, luxurious and affordable accommodation and some excellent trekking.

Here’s our list of the best things to do in Tasmania!

1. Hobart’s Waterfront

This beautiful harbour runs alongside Tasmania’s vibrant capital under the shadow of the enormous Mt.Wellington. The mountain provides a stunning backdrop to this bustling waterfront that’s packed with shops, restaurants, cafes, museums and hotels.

Here you’ll find cool floating fish shops, many moored boats and vessels and fishing vessels bobbing near the docks. This is one of the best places in Australia to find fresh seafood.

Looking for more things to do in Tasmania? Consider Working as a Grape Harvester

2. Climb up Mt.Wellington

While you’re in Hobart, you’ll be looking up at Mt.Wellington constantly, so why not conquer it? We recommend heading up to the top of the mountain in the daytime and the evening. In the daytime, you can hire a climbing guide or climb it by bike. But the best views from this rocky peak are actually well after dark. Check out the Mount Wellington observatory in the late evening for spectacular cosmic views.

See Also: How To Get a Working Holiday Visa in Australia

3. Museums & Malbec in Mona

After making it this far down the list, you’ve already visited many of the things to see and do in Tasmania. It’s time to reward yourself with a nice glass of red wine. Australia is known for having some of the best vineyards in the world. Head to Mona, just 12 kilometers north of Hobart, for some delicious red and white vintages.

While you’re here, check out the enormous (and expensive) Mona Museum, the Mona Market and Moo Brew for some tasty craft beers. Yes, 2 of the things to do in Mona involve drinking. This is the place to relax!

Liking this list of Things to Do in Tasmania? Check out Things to do on a Road Trip in Australia

4. Go Fishing

The Central Highlands of Tasmania are famous for their excellent angling opportunities. Rent a fly kit (or bring your own) and head out to the countless lakes and rivers to try your hand at fishing. This is one of Tasmania’s most beautiful areas and well worth a large portion of your stay.

Bonus Things To Do in Tasmania:

Try cycling and eating your way around the Central Highlands. If you stay at Thousand Lakes Lodge on Lake Augusta Road just outside of the Liawenee Conservation Area, you can do both. Right now Luxury Escapes is offering an incredible half off deal on a 2 night escape for two at Thousand Lakes Lodge.

Image By: Luxury Escapes

Enjoy daily breakfasts, handmade Tasmanian chocolates on arrival, a gourmet cheese platter showcasing local produce and complimentary off-road bicycle hire for two. This package would normally cost up to $1,074, but for a limited time, it’s just $499 at Luxury Escapes. They have tons of excellent deals like this, all around the world, but this one is a particularly good deal.

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5. See The Southern Aurora Australis

This is a pretty easy thing to do in Tasmania actually because it doesn’t require much advanced planning. The Southern Aurora Australis is breathtaking. More famously known is it’s northern counterpart, but the lights here can be just as bright. The Aurora are visible year round and they depend more on solar activity than they do Earthly activity, but if you’re lucky, you’ll spot them in Tasmania.

6. Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs

If you’re a lover of stalactites and stalagmites, than you’ll want to add the Hastings Caves to your list of things to do in Tasmania. These dolomite caves were formed millions of years ago and have spectacular formations inside. For the geo-formation nerds out there, you’ll find stalactites, stalagmites, columns, straws, and shawls.

Image By: Wikimedia Commons

If you’re claustrophobic, don’t worry, the spaces in these caves are generally quite open and you shouldn’t feel to contained at any time. There are also thermal springs nearby, so if the caves did stress you out at all, you can go soak and relax in hot mineral water.

7. See a Tasmanian Devil

Don’t deny it. Before you planned to visit the island and started figuring out what to see and do in Tasmania, you’re only understanding of it was that it’s home to the devil. We all watched the Bugs Bunny & Tweety show growing up and since we were children, we assumed that Taz lived in Tasmania.

Well, he does, and he’s pretty easy to spot. Although they’re quite endangered, you can see them in Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary near Hobart. You can also find them at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo or Zoodoo 6 kilometers from Richmond. As non-zoo lovers, we prefer these options over actual zoos.

Finding enough things to do in Tasmania? Also Check Out: Best Hotels & Hostels in Australia

8. Stroll in Lavender

Visiting Tasmania near the beginning of the year? You’re in luck! One of the most unique things to do in Tasmania is taking a stroll (or having a picnic) in the brilliant violet-colored fields of Lavender that blanket the land in Bridestowe Estate in the far North.

The fields typically blossom in February, but sometimes you can see them as early as January.

9. The Hazards

No I’m not listing things to be careful about while on the island, this is still a list of things to do in Tasmania. The Hazards are actually a mountain range inside the Freycinet National Park and they are named after local whaler captain, Richard Hazard.

The Hazards one of the things to do in Tasmania that are best seen in the Golden Hour (along with Hobart’s Waterfront and Mt.Wellington). The rock formations come to life in the late afternoon (or early morning) sunlight.

10. Cradle Mountain National Park

This has long been one of the best things to do in Tasmania and most visitors to the island will want to make a trip here. Cradle Mountain National park is absolutely breathtaking and there are numerous trekking trails and hiking routes here. There are plenty of day hikes available, but the more intrepid will definitely want to embark on the incredible 6 day trek between Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park.

This epic, but very doable trek could have easily been listed as it’s own thing to do in Tasmania. It’s not too challenging and can be done independently or as part of a group tour (prices start at around $3,000).

If you can only do one thing on this list of things to do in Tasmania, make it a visit to Cradle Mountain National Park and try to conquer the 6 day trek if you have time.

More Things To Do in Tasmania?

There are literally too many things to do in Tasmania to list them all here. You may find lists of 15, 20, or 50 things to do in Tasmania elsewhere, and they’re great, but we’ve spent a long time narrowing this list to just 10. The perfect amount to fit into a 2 – 3 week trip in Tasmania.

What did we miss? If you know some things to do in Tasmania that you’d swap on this list, please tell us in the comments below!

The post Things To Do in Tasmania: A Traveller’s Guide appeared first on Goats On The Road.

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Your Guide to Visiting the Grand Canyon for Spring Break

Spring break is right around the corner! Whether you’re planning a college getaway or a family vacation with your kids, the Southwest is the perfect place to escape from the blustery winds and frigid temperatures many face every winter.

Las Vegas is a common starting point for the well-travelled Grand Canyon-Bryce Canyon-Zion Park loop. This loop is a popular route for Southwest roadtrippers, but if a single week isn’t enough time for you hit all three locations, Las Vegas is a perfect home base for exploring a number of iconic Southwest landmarks, like the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, the Hoover Dam, and Red Rock Canyon.

If you only have a day to visit the Grand Canyon, there are a number of guided tour options from Las Vegas that will easily fit into your busy schedule. Day trips to the South and West Rims by helicopter, airplane, and bus (or all three!) are the perfect choice for busy travellers hoping to check out other Southwest hotspots.

Why Should You Visit the Grand Canyon over Spring Break?

School may be out, but the learning never stops at the Grand Canyon – even over spring break! The Grand Canyon offers many educational opportunities, with ranger demonstrations and visitor centers chock full of interesting facts about the history, geology, and wildlife of the region.

Here are a two more reasons why you should consider visiting the Grand Canyon over spring break:

The temperatures are cooler. Summertime temperatures can be quite warm, so if you’re not a big fan of sun and heat, spring break may offer some welcome relief. Average daytime temperatures range between 55 and 65 degrees. Spring break brings an influx of visitors, but overall, the Grand Canyon is significantly less crowded in February and March than in the summertime.

There are also tons of fun activities to do with your friends or family, such as:

Exploring the Rim and the Grand Canyon Village. Hiking the Rim trail or venturing below the Rim. Fly to the Canyon floor in a helicopter. Check out our helicopter tours. Cruise down the Colorado River. It’s usually cool on the river at this time of year, so make sure to bring warm clothes. Take a look at our boat tours. Become a Junior Ranger. Learn more about the Junior Ranger program. Walk 70 feet out from the edge of the West Rim on the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Check out the Hualapai Ranch on the West Rim.

What to Expect at the Grand Canyon on Spring Break

Knowing what to expect when you visit a new location can help you plan what to pack and how to schedule your time.

Crowds

While the Grand Canyon won’t be as busy over spring break as it is during the peak summer season, you should still expect some crowds. Long lines at entrance stations and shuttle bus stops are common. Parking may also be limited, so you may prefer to take a guided tour. Viewpoints may also be crowded, especially at sunset.

Weather

The weather on the Rim can be unpredictable in the early spring. Be prepared for sudden weather changes by wearing sturdy shoes with good tread, and by packing a jacket and a few pieces of warmer clothing, especially if you’re planning to stay till the sun sets.

5 Tips for Visiting the Grand Canyon on Spring Break

Keep these tips in mind to make sure your Grand Canyon adventure goes off without a hitch:

Be prepared for snow! Because of the season and the Grand Canyon’s higher elevation, there’s a chance it might be snowy. Don’t worry about the snow ruining your #CanyonSelfie – a snow-covered Canyon is just as beautiful!

Pack a hat, sunscreen, and lots of water. It’ll still be sunny during the day, but it gets cool at night, and because the climate is drier, you’ll dehydrate quicker than you might expect. Bring binoculars, sunscreen, spare batteries for your camera. Consider carrying a backpack instead of purse – it’ll hold more, it’s more comfortable, and your hands will be free to snap as many photos as you like. Make sure you come home with beautiful shots with our photography tips. Don’t feed the wildlife! Squirrel bites are one of the most common injuries sustained at the Grand Canyon. Discover 6 cool creatures to look for when you visit. Restaurants will be packed and lines will be long. Save some time and money by bringing your own snacks. Make sure you don’t forget anything with our free printable packing list!

It’s a little late to book accommodation (hotels can book up to a year in advance), but many guided tours can be booked as soon as the day before you wish to visit. However, if you’re driving yourself to the Grand Canyon, follow these tips:

Stop at the Hoover Dam along the way. It’s a great way to break up the long drive from Las Vegas. Discover 7 more reasons why you should visit the Hoover Dam. Plan to arrive at the Grand Canyon early so you can take full advantage of your time on the Rim. If you plan on visiting other National Parks, considering purchasing a Parks Pass so you can access every park for a single fee. The Cameron Trading Post, which is just a few miles outside the Grand Canyon National park, has a fantastic restaurant where you can try local specialties such as Navajo tacos and deep-fried sopapillas with honey or powdered sugar.

Not sure whether to drive yourself to the Grand Canyon or take a guided tour? We can help you decide – read our post on driving yourself versus taking a guided tour.

Bring On Spring

Whether you’re just starting to plan your spring break vacation or if you’re seeking advice for how to make sure your Southwest adventure goes smoothly, we’ve got you covered!

Take a look at our most popular guided Grand Canyon day tours:

Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour

Marvel at the South Rim’s breathtaking views on our most popular guided and narrated luxury bus tour to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim National Park! Your journey begins with pick up from the hotel before traveling through Las Vegas & Boulder City, Nevada. RESERVE NOW

Grand Canyon West Rim Deluxe Bus Tour with Hoover Dam Stop and Optional Skywalk

Enjoy your trip to the Grand Canyon on a large luxury motorcoach, complete with a drive over the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge before arriving at the stunning West Rim! Skywalk available for an additional fee. RESERVE NOW

Grand Canyon Helicopter Floor Landing with Limousine Upgrade

Travel to and from your helicopter in a luxury limousine before you land on the Canyon floor and at an exclusive private ramada overlooking the Colorado River. Your return flight includes a cruise over the Las Vegas strip. RESERVE NOW

Featured image source: Grand Canyon National Park via Flickr. 

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