#but fuck getting swept FUCK the rangers

[lonewolflink]

ok chucky aside, the mvps of the season, oh my god i can't believe we got stromer for NOTHING i love him so much !!!

[deodatasslawson]

It's gonna be Carolina in 5 isn't it?

[stormsplurge]

nobody's fool

warnings: none!

pairing(s): seth jarvis x fem! reader

1239 words

a/n: its not directly inspired by the song but i've been listening to shes always a woman by billy joel on repeat for the last 2 days which is where the title comes from. it's also not proofread at all so please ignore any typos or spelling errors. i hope you guys enjoy this one!

“oh my GOD!” you squealed as the last couple of seconds of the game ticked by on the jumbotron and the “canes win” rang out through the arena. 

the hurricanes had won their first game of their series against the rangers, and the entire building was buzzing.

you could feel nykki next to you screaming her lungs out as the two of you jumped up and down in your seats.

a couple of days ago, after returning from new york and losing to the rangers again, you saw a fire get lit under your boyfriend (and the entire teams) ass. they had come back to playoffs with something to prove, trying not to get swept for the second year in a row, and they’d pulled it off. 

as you walked with the other wags towards the locker room you felt a sudden jolt of energy run through your body. after the last game everyone had been down, seth especially. his tendency to place all the blame on himself was in full force, but this win was exactly what he needed to pull himself out of his head.

you were in the middle of making small talk with gracia when the boys began trailing out of the locker room. brady was one of the first ones out, wrapping his arms around his wife as soon as he was within arms reach of her.

“we’re all heading to the bar.” he said. “you and ton of fun should come.”

“thanks for the invite skjeisy.” you replied, before your boyfriend entered your eyeline. 

you shot out a quick “see you there!” before bouncing towards the entrance to the locker room, practically jumping into seths arms. 

“congratulations!” you giggled as he hooked his arm around your waist and began walking the two of you towards the parking lot. 

if you were enthusiastic about the win, seth was practically bursting at the seams with excitement. his trademark giddiness shining around him like a halo.

“oh my god!” he exclaimed as the two of you made it outside. “i have no idea how we pulled that off.”

“i know how.” you replied. “you guys are fucking awesome thats how.”

“you’re my good luck charm you know, we wouldnt have done it without you.”

“whatever you say jarvy.” you said as your cheeks begin to heat up. 

seth was always selfless, insisting that every win was because of anyone but him. doing everything to shine the spotlight on someone else. 

——

as the two of you drove towards the bar you reminisced on your first christmas in winnipeg together. 

it was a white christmas, something you weren’t used to seeing as you had never lived as far north as seth had, and kayden was telling you about how eager seth was to get on the ice with his brother and his friends. he was smaller than all the other guys but still itching to play with them, begging their mom to let him play for a couple more minutes everytime she insisted he get off the ice and take a break.

seth was too busy helping his mom with something to notice that his brother was telling you every embarrassing story he could possibly think of. blowing through the kitchen like a tornado helping as fast as possible so he could get back to his spot right next to you in front of the fireplace. 

kayden was in the middle of telling you about the first year seth was with the winterhawks, how he’d call their parents every night complaining about how much he missed home, when your boyfriend returned to his spot amidst the piles of wrapping paper littered around the living room. 

“kayden!” he exclaims as he sits down. “stop telling embarrassing stories about me you asshole.”

“i’m just telling her what she deserves to know.” kayden responds, throwing his hands up in mock surrender before a throw pillow lands in his face.

seth lets out a long groan before getting up and pulling you with him, slowly dragging you towards his room. the walls littered with duke memorabilia and hockey stuff. 

“he’s such a dick” he whines as he shuffles towards his desk. 

“i think its hilarious.” you reply, making yourself comfortable on your boyfriends bed, craning you neck to try and figure out what he’s trying to find as he rattles through the drawers. 

it isn’t long before he whirls around, a small turquoise box in his hands, and sits in front of you. 

“seth…” you question, “what is this.”

“okay.” he rambles, opening the box and revealing a small necklace within. “i got my mom a car the first year i played, and my dad a car last year, so this year i wanted to get you something nice.”

tears began welling up in the corners of you eyes as he continued his speech.

“… i wasn’t really sure what to get cause you already have a bunch of really nice stuff back home in raleigh, so i asked nykki for help cause she knows that type of stuff and we picked this out.”

the necklace was a simple circle attached to a chain, with one end of the circle wider than the other end. minimalistic, but beautiful.

“oh my god…” you responded. “i don’t even know what to say.”

the gesture alone was enough to bring you to tears. the drops of salty water streaming down your face and pooling at your chin. 

you were at a loss for words, so you opted for closing the gap between you and seth and pulling him into a deep kiss. 

“do you like it?” he asked after you broke the kiss, finally coming up for air.

“i love it seth it’s beautiful.” you replied and you turned and exposed the back of your neck. “do you want to help me put it on?”

“oh yeah yes totally yes please.” seth jumbled out, words falling out of his mouth like loose teeth.

“don’t act like you’ve never seen the back of my neck before.” you joked, turning to face him after he closed the clapse.

“it’s just, like, different this time i guess.”

“youre adorable when you’re flustered.” you remarked, placing your hands on the sides of his jaw and running your thumb over his cheek. “i guess that means i’ll have to get you to help me put on all my necklaces if i want to keep seeing you like this.”

“i would gladly help you put on every piece of jewelry, you don’t even have to say please.”

“careful mr jarvis, someone might hear you and think you’re in love.”

“i’ll shout it from the rooftops i dont care.” he exclaims, throwing his arms in the air and puffing up his chest. “i’m in love!”

“this is the best christmas gift ever” you giggle, falling back onto the bed in your fit of laughter. seth quickly flopping down next to you. 

as you finished reminiscing and found yourself back in the present, sitting in the passenger seat of seth’s beat up old volkswagon, playing with the tiffany necklace around your neck. 

“i love you.” you said as you brought your free hand over top of where seth’s right hand was positioned on top of your leg, tracing circles over the top of his hand. “i know i say it all the time but i’m so proud of you.”

“i love you too.”

[holy-puckslibrary]

sid to a furry friend's rescue!

florist!reader gets flustered during sid's calendar shoot

parents mentors for the day

chief crosby's got a date... and its not with florist!reader

... was in a bit of a silly goofy mood, forgive me (and be sure to read the endnotes!)

gif from @littlemessyjessi

This is the last thing Sidney Crosby imagined he'd come home to: another man settled in his chair.

His cat is curled in the intruder's lap, and said intruder's hand is curled over your knee. And Sidney's soup—homemade and hand-delivered—split in bowls between you.

"Thought you didn't need a babysitter?"

Sidney watches the gleeful expression wilt on your pretty face—color drained like his bank account succeeding the egregious bid he matched to make bail—with equal measures of self-satisfaction and self-contempt.

"I-I didn't, I just—"

"Settle down, Chief," the ranger laughs. "I knew our little lady here was feeling under the weather, so I thought I'd stop by after my patrol shift and keep her company while you were indisposed."

Sidney glares into the bright cerulean eyes of one Anthony Beauvillier, a park ranger in the Atlantic Coast Uplands region.

If memory serves, he was recently transferred from Waverley to Blue Mountain but resides in Peggy's Cove. This is a 50-minute detour.

In the opposite direction.

The Fire Chief's jaw is painfully tight, his blood scalding. If it were't for his, albeit dwindling, sense of self preservation, Sidney would've marched up those two steps—recently refurbished at his hand, might he add—to forcefully remove the park narc's grubby paw from your body.

Mercifully—for all involved parties, you do so shortly and of your own volition before joining Sid in your driveway.

Guilt smeared over your sickly features, your mouth parts, an explanation hot on your tongue, but all that comes is a grizzly cough that stings Sid's chest just hearing it. Despite his vexation, he's patient with you; he owes it to you both to wait it out. He hopes this is just one big misunderstanding somehow.

But, before you're able, the absolute last person Sidney wants to hear from pipes up.

"Resting, ma biche. You're meant to be resting," Tito attempts to coax you back onto the porch—back to his side—with an outstretched, up-turned hand.

(my doe / my darling — reminder: see end for important notes!)

Not as quick with his French as he'd like to be, he growls at the perceived insult. However, rather than running his fist through the opposition's teeth in your honor, Sidney defiles it.

The park ranger, and everyone else who happens to be out and about tonight, are treated to an unexpected eyeful of their Fire Chief's innermost feelings rushing to the surface. They pour into your mouth with reckless abandon, unconcerned with his public image or the utter lack of privacy; this kiss could be broadcast on the Nightly News for all he cares.

All that matters to Sidney Crosby is making his intentions known, and crystal fucking clear. Staking his claim is just a bonus.

"Well, it looks like my work here is done."

At your dazed expression and Sid's bewilderment, Tito stands from the rocking chair with a genuine smile fixed on his face. As he deposits evergreen Stetson atop his wind-swept hair, he pauses.

"Y'all have a nice night," he winks with a tip of the brim, bidding you farewell before slipping into his government-issued Ram.

As gravel crunches under the vehicle's wheels, gears click into place behind Sidney's burnt umber eyes, now gleaming with clarity.

"Nate and Emmy." — Statement, not a question.

"Please, don't be angry. They just wanted to help because... because I didn't believe that... y'know." You gesture to the sliver of space that still separates you, a bashful little smile pushing up your feverish cheeks.

He couldn't find it in himself to be ticked off about your best friends' not-so-harebrained scheme—which, honestly, deserved more credit than he would ever be willing to give it—if he wanted to. Not while standing so close he can smell the PEI tulips you've been elbow-deep in all month, and definitely not having tasted the whisper of herbal tea lingering on your tongue.

Smirking, he closes the gap with a gentle tug.

"Oh, I know." Voice dropping to a thick hush, his lips hovering a lick above your skin, "D'you believe it now?"

The pinkish skin crinkles around his warm eyes as you pretend to think.

"I could do with a little more... convincing," you ultimately quip. "But, only if you're up for the t—"

The remainder of your cajoling is overtaken by a fit of giggles as he corrals you up and across the porch. The front door slams shut with a satisfying air of finality. Though, not before little Ember slips in with you.

Chief Crosby was thorough by nature, and he'd be damned if he didn't dedicate the evening to dispelling any and all doubts threatening to take root. Feigned, or not.

—

gotcha! teehee 😋 sid really said sick germs?? no match for my LOVE!!! ALSO! tito anon, this ones for you bbyyyyy 💓💓💓💓

***** 'ma biche' was chosen because its typically humorous and rarely intended seriously, + can be considered majorly outdated (even by 60s sitcom standards)—and its not always romantic! ... it also sounds a lot like an english insult, hence sid's reaction lol (at least, according to my french-canadian grandmother who remains very confused by my random call for a french lesson on infrequently used terms of endearment lol) *****

as always, i would really appreciate if you reblogged my work, left a comment or dropped by my inbox w some feedback :) fandom runs on engagement, and so do writers!! thx a mil in advance!

[direwombat]

another wip wednesday another dollar. tagged by the beloved @socially-awkward-skeleton

got a couple things cookin' on the stove, so to start, here's a bit towards the end of katc ch 7 wherein shaw is helping syb escape st francis after her emergency appendectomy. still very rough/unedited (as evident by an instance of brackets) and subject to change but here's something

“Because I made a mistake and now I’m trying to fix it.” He grips her by the shoulders and squeezes them tight. Firmly, he says, “Listen to me: Augustine is alive. You need to find him.”  

In a flash, she grabs him by the collar and drags him towards her. “Where is he?” she snarls -- teeth bared, eyes narrow. She shakes him for good measure. “Where the fuck is he?” 

He lifts his hands in a placating gesture. “I don’t know,” he says. “Most likely somewhere in the Valley or Henbane.” 

“So help me, if you lyin’…” She has no idea how she's going to finish that threat -- just that it involves excessive and horrific violence.  

“I’m not! I’m just --” he cuts himself off at the sounds of low chatter and approaching footsteps. “Someone’s coming. Get on the truck. You need to hide. Now!” 

With a harsh shove, her back falls onto the bed of the truck, and her legs are quickly swept into the air as the man lifts the tailgate. She rolls onto her belly and crawls between white boxes bearing the symbol of Eden’s Gate. The motions press and pull at the tender skin of her abdomen, held together by a series of sutures. She bites her tongue to prevent herself from hissing through her teeth. Once she’s nestled herself between two that have been securely strapped down, her rescuer throws a tarp over cargo, further obscuring her from view. 

As he finishes securing the covering, the approaching footsteps come to a halt near the truck. “Brother Shaw,” drawls a feminine voice. The name tickles her brain with a sense of familiarity, but she brushes it aside. She’s had so many fleeting interactions with people in her time as a deputy sheriff. It isn’t out of the realm of possibility this Shaw was one of them. 

“We missed you at the service this evening,” the woman continues. “Is everything alright?” Her light and airy tone is belied by a cruel sneer; spoken like a high school hall monitor with an inflated sense of authority. The unspoken observation and threat are plain as day: You weren’t where you were supposed to be. Do I need to tell the higher ups about this?

“Sister,” Shaw greets curtly. “I may not have been at the chapel, but I had my radio tuned to the same frequency as everyone else. Someone had to make sure the trucks were loaded with supplies to aid in the siege against the sinners held up at the jail.” 

“And was this a direct order from the Herald?” 

“The Deputy butchered my whole squad tonight, Emily,” Shaw says tersely. “Forgive me if I wasn’t in the mood to sing and rejoice in preemptively celebrating the Project's victory.” Sybille’s eyes go wide. Could it be? The same man who’s helped drag her to freedom is the same one who found her at the ranger’s station and brought her here in the first place? “Unless Brother Jacob specifically asked after my absence, then I have nothing more to discuss with you.”

“And if he did?” The woman’s voice pitches higher; her arrogant posturing rapidly crumbles at the slightest challenge.

“Then I will explain myself to him.” 

[A beat]

“You should’ve died with your squad,” Emily sneers. “Only a weakling and a coward would abandon their brothers in arms like that. I don’t even know why the Herald keeps you around. You should have been culled with the rest of ‘em.” 

bonus snippet 1: from a scene that possessed me the other day wherein jacob and syb are stuck in a bunker and they're talking about their daddy issues (and what they want to leave behind/how they want to be remembered). which is to say. this is the closest to therapy they'll ever get <3

"Told myself I'd never end up like my old man. Sooner put a bullet in my head than wind up old and miserable like he was. But shit happens and then suddenly…" [Jacob] trails off, his thumb idly playing with the tab.

"Suddenly you seein' 'im every time you look in the mirror," Sybille supplies. She proceeds to down the rest of her beer. She crushes the can under her palm and lets out a loud belch.

"Yeah," Jacob says lamely, and he does the exact same thing.

She reaches back into the 24-pack of lukewarm bunker beer. "Wanna'nother one?"

"Please."

bonus snippet 2: from the jakesyb bliss-induced-sex fic :)c

“What the fuck is this?”

“Oh! I’m so glad you asked!” [Faith] grins. “I’m doing some…hm, what’s the term for it? R&D?”

“R&D?” Jacob parrots. 

“Yup!” She lifts the leash and waves it in her hand, the motion making the tags on Sybille’s collar jingle. “Doing some testing on a new strain of Bliss. One to store for when we emerge in New Eden. That'll…” she bites her lip, contemplating her words, “...help us repopulate.” 

He comes to an abrupt halt, just out of reach. Faith’s words knock the bluster from him. “What?” 

“I don’t know how to put it more simply, Jacob. It’s a strain of Bliss meant to help encourage procreation.” 

“You’re making an aphrodisiac?” he states dumbly. 

She clicks her tongue and scoffs. “A vulgar way to put it, but yes.”

“And you’ve used the Deputy as a guinea pig.”

“Mm-hm,” she nods, “as one, yes.” 

“And this is a gift to me, how?” 

Faith cocks her head to the side. “Do you not like it?” She frowns. “I dressed her up all nice for you and everything.” 

taglist (opt in/opt out)

@buggknife, @cloudofbutterflies92, @josephseedismyfather, @la-grosse-patate, @tommyarishikages,

@florbelles, @statichvm, @fourlittleseedlings, @wrathfulrook, @harmonyowl,

@ivymarquis, @carlosoliveiraa, @cassietrn, @confidentandgood, @strafethesesinners,

@trench-rot, @miyabilicious, @simplegenius042, @g0dspeeed, @inafieldofdaisies,

@josephslittledeputy, @aceghosts, @adelaidedrubman, @finding-comfort-in-rain, @voidika,

@strangefable and anyone else who wants to share a wip today <3

[stephstars08]

Still Proud

Adley Rutschman x Reader

Warnings: Minor Cussing, Angst, Fluff, Cheesy Ending, Adley looking at negative comments on social media, and Possible grammar errors.

Summary: After the Baltimore Orioles season ends in heartbreak against the Texas Rangers, Y/N knows how upset Adley is, so she does all she can to let her boyfriend know that no matter what happens she will always be proud of him.

Word Count: 1,678

Author’s Note: Hello Everyone!! So happy I am releasing my first Adley imagine on here!! Thank you to the ones who have requested me to write him because I’m not going to lie I am completely head over heels for him! I hope you all enjoy my first imagine of Adley and I hope I get to write more for him in the near future!

Y/N is a photographer for the Baltimore Orioles. She takes the pictures and videos of the players and posts them on the official Orioles Instagram account. She’s also the girlfriend of the team’s star catcher Adley Rutschman. They first met in May of 2022 when Adley got called up from the minor leagues. When Y/N heard that Adley was moving up to majors she was beyond excited since she had developed a crush on the star catcher. The only time they came across each other was spring training, but they never stopped to talk to one another. When they met, they officially immediately hit it off and started to date. They just celebrated their one-year anniversary in June.

It was playoff season for the MLB, so the Orioles were so excited since it’s been years since the Orioles made the postseason, but sadly it didn’t go the way they thought it would’ve. Y/N and the team are in Texas playing the Texas Rangers. After losing the first the first two games in Baltimore they had to go to Arlington, Texas to play the third game of the five-game series. The Orioles had to win to keep their season alive, but they sadly came up short.

When the Rangers ran onto the field to celebrate their victory Y/N went down into the clubhouse since it broke her heart to see the Orioles histrionic season come to an end like this. Her heart ached for this team because she knows they worked their asses off all season to get where they are and to just get swept like this was so disappointing. Y/N felt more bad for Adley since she knows how excited he was and now she knew that all that excitement he had was now drained out of his body with disappointment. Y/N wanted to go into the dugout and comfort him, but she knew that he needed to be with his team, so she waited outside the locker room for him.

As minuets passed players and coaches started to make their way into the locker room, but no sign of Adley. Y/N hadn’t seen Gunnar yet either, so she knows Adley is probably with him, but when she saw Gunnar coming her way by himself that theory disappeared. “Gunnar!” Y/N said walking up to him. She met him halfway. “Where’s Adley?” She asked him. “He’s still sitting in the dugout.” Gunnar answered with a heavy sigh. “You should go talk to him.” He told her. “Okay.” Y/N said in a soft tone and walked past Gunnar to the dugout.

Y/N walked up the steps into the dugout to see Adley sitting by himself watching the Rangers celebrate. It crushed her to see the disappointment in Adley’s eyes, but she also saw frustration and sadness in his eyes as well. It was breaking her heart to see the guy she loves going through this. Y/N walked over to him and stood next to him. “This fucking sucks.” Adley hissed before Y/N could say anything. “I know.” Y/N said taking one of his hands and gave it a comfort squeeze. “Come on, you should be with your team.” Y/N told him. She was worried that he was going to fight with her, but he didn’t. Y/N led him to the locker room where his teammates were most likely waiting for him, so their manager can talk with them.

While Adley was with his team Y/N got all of her stuff and all of his equipment that was in the dugout. She made her way out of the stadium and to the rental car she rented from the airport. After unlocking the vehicle, she put her stuff in the backseat and then put all of Adley’s stuff into the trunk since there was more room in the trunk and his stuff takes up more room. Once she settled herself into the driver's seat, she took out her phone to send Adley a text message saying she’s sitting in the rental car with his equipment and wondered if he wanted to go back to the hotel with her instead of riding the bus back with the team. Not too long after she sent the text, he sent her back saying he’s okay riding the bus back with his team. She smiled at that since she’s happy he wants to be with the guys. She knew Gunnar is probably helping him out since they are the closest with each other. She sent him a quick text back letting him know that she’s going to grab the both of them something to eat and then she’ll be back at the hotel. She knows that they only have a couple hours till they have to get back on a plane to Baltimore, so she went quickly.

After getting the food she was worried that she wasn’t going to find a parking spot, but lucky for her there was a car backing out of a spot right in front of the hotels entrance. She parked the rental car and turned it off. She grabbed the bag of food from the passenger seat and got out of the car. She made sure the car was locked and made her way into the lobby where she ran in Gunnar.

“Hey, how was Adley on the bus?” Y/N asked him in a curious tone. “He didn’t even say a word to anyone.” Gunnar answered with a heavy sigh. “Damn, he’s really crushed.” Y/N said with sadness written all over her face. Everyone always knows when there's something going on with Adley. When he’s upset, he’s the quietest person in the room. Y/N has seen Adley get upset over a lost, but she’s never seen him this sad. But she does know that this lost is bigger than all the others.

“He really thought we were going to make it to the championship.” Gunnar told her. Y/N saw the same sadness and disappointment in Gunnar’s eyes that she saw in Adley’s. “You all did.” Y/N told him as she rubbed his shoulder in comfort. “Their’s always next year. This is just the start.” Y/N told him in a reassuring tone with a reassuring smile on her face. “Thanks Y/N. You always know how to cheer us up.” Gunnar told her with a small smile forming on his lips. Y/N isn’t just the photographer for the team, she’s also the pep talker as well. “It’s what I love to do.” Y/N told him taking her hand off his shoulder. “I’ll see you later, Y/N.” Gunnar told her with a small laugh. “See you later, Gunnar.” Y/N said with a giggle and walked over to the elevator.

She pressed the up-arrow button and patiently waited for the doors to open. She was happy that she was able to make Gunnar smile and laugh a little, but she knew it was going to be a mission to cheer Adley up. When the elevator doors opened, she waited for the people that were already inside the elevator to walk out. She walked into the elevator and pressed the button that had the number five on it. As she waited for the elevator to take her up to the fifth floor, she thought about what she’s going to say to Adley.

When the doors opened to the fifth floor she walked out and made her way down the hallway to the hotel room she’s staying in with him. She grabbed the room key out of her back pocket and unlocked the door. When she walked into the hotel room, she saw her boyfriend sitting on the end of the bed scrolling on his phone. Y/N knew whatever he was looking at on his phone wasn’t good because of the look he had in his eyes. “Hey.” Y/N said closing the door and walking over to the small table to put the bag of food down and the hotel key next to the bag. Adley just stayed silent as he continued to look down at his phone. Y/N let out a heavy sigh as she sat down next to him onto the bed.

“I’m still proud of you.” Y/N told him which earned a scoff from him. “For what?” Adley said in a harsh tone as he continued to look down at his phone. “Adley, you don’t need a World Series trophy for me to be proud of you!” Y/N told him in a stern tone. “Really?” Adley said finally looking over at her. Y/N took his phone out of his hand and put it down behind them. “I know you really thought you guys were going to make it, but you guys played one hell of a season.” Y/N told him taking one of his hands like she did when they were in the dugout. “This is the best Orioles team people have seen in a long time and this is just the beginning.” She told him as she used her other hand to move some of his hair away from his forehead. “Don’t worry about what those assholes on social media. They are just trying to put you guys down. In my eyes, you will always be the best. You will always be my number one.” Y/N told him which made his lips curve into a small smile. His smile always makes her heart flutter.

“You always know what to say to cheer me up.” Adley said to her. “Just part of my job as being the best girlfriend in the world.” Y/N told him which earned her a laugh from him as she had a smile on her face as well. “And that’s why I’m the luckiest guy.” Adley said and leaned in to connect his lips with hers. Y/N smiled into the kiss as she returned it. When they released from the kiss, they rested their foreheads against each others.”I love you.” Adley said which made her heart flutter again. “I love you more.” Y/N told him. “Not possible.” Adley said and reconnected their lips for another passionate kiss.

[garnetblackwater]

The Rustle of Leaves

Human female x forest guardian

Chapter 4-What Is There To Say

The drive was quiet, Vanessa lost in her thoughts. No music playing, not even the radio buzzing away. She could only push herself to get home. Simple questions mumbled to herself. 

But why?

What does he want?

What even is he?

What did he mean by it is up to me?

Have I made a drastic mistake?

Why me?

What have I done? 

Just circular thoughts. Before she realized it, her keys were in hand standing before her door. Deep breaths. Deep breaths. The moment she reached for the door it swung open. Sandra Baker stood at 5 foot 6 inches,  her skin a warm tawny brown, a dark violet bob with a side part, several piercings on her ears and tattoo on the forearm holding the door, matching the one on Vanessa.

Sandy goes to yell, but once she sees the state of Vanessa she can only cry again. “Come on Cheeks, please don’t say I look that bad?” Vanessa walks into her apartment, moving Sandy out the way to look in the mirror. Blood had dried across her forehead and eyebrow, with small trails down her chin and neck. “Oh fuck me that looks bad,” vanessa turned back to sandy, the girls desperately trying to wipe tears away. “I am sorry, Sandy,” Vanessa swept the girl into a hug, “I promise to be more careful. I never meant to worry you.” Vanessa also began to cry, the stress of her encounter, the unknown consequences, and seeing her best friend worried to tears. It was all too much to hold in. 

“What happened Van? Do we need to take you to the hospital?”

“No, apparently I’m fine. I slipped and fell but it's mostly scrapes, and everything looks worse than it actually is.” Vanessa sighed, “At least that's what the rangers said.” 

The rangers being Ten. Fuck what can I even tell her? Can I tell her anything at all?

Sandy could see the cogs spinning away in Vanessa’s head, a deep sense of worry filling her chest. “Vanessa what happened?” Sandy asked sternly, her hand reaching out to touch the other woman.

The hair on the back of Vanessa’s neck stood on end. “How dare you use my government name? Who am I to you?” Sandy crossed her arms, Vanessa’s jest utterly disregarded.

”Ugh I don’t know what to say.”

“Say anything at this point, Vanessa?”

“Stop saying my name like that! Gosh its just,” Vanessa looked for any excuse she could use. She wasn’t sure she could say anything, let alone if she should. She doubted Sandy would believe her. Probably think she definitely had a concussion and rush her to the hospital. “It's just that I feel bad for everything. For worrying you so much. Also for rushing out of there so soon. I didn't properly thank them for saving my life. I feel like I should go back.” Not a lie exactly, Vanessa did feel bad for rushing away, but also she needed to go back. She had so many questions to ask, particularly in relation to this stupid deal she made.

“Well you are not going back alone.”

“Sandy, it's fine.”

“Nope. Not a negotiation. I will go with you. I’m not working next weekend, we can go together. We can even bring a thank you gift. Baked goods or some shit.” Sandy pushed behind her, “No go get cleaned up while I order food. You look like shit and I’m hungry.” Vanessa hugged Sandy and gave her a peck on the cheek before heading to the bathroom. Now that she could finally see herself in full, she really did look awful. Covered in muck and mud, scratched all over her legs, face and arms.The wound on her head had soaked her jacket,and blood had also dripped down the arm of her jacket, a bit splashed on her shorts. Well the magic tree man said I should be fine, if that fucking mens anything. 

Vanessa picked up her phone and snapped a picture. A day to remember I guess. Oh I should warn the others. Showing up to school tomorrow will be easier if some people know. 

She went to the “x-men” group chat skimming past all the new messages. Storm- Just a warning for tomorrow, I look like hell. I’ve been through hell. So don't freak out tomorrow.

Cyclops- Yeah yeah. Dramatic as always. Your bad day is still a good day compared to others.

Wolverine- Drink more water. Your hangover shouldn't be that bad.

Permafrost- I hate to agree but they are right.

More messages came through giving the same sentiment. Levels of disbelief and down play. “Well if they don't want to believe me.”

Storm- picture sent

Vanessa set her phone down as her notifications went wild. “Time for a shower.” She was indeed dramatic. Her body stung and ached all over. The heat of the shower acting as both a blessing and a curse. She hoped that she could wash away the grime on her body and the memories from her mind, even if just for a moment.

Ten left the rangers office and went back into the forest, his mind abuzz as he traversed the boughs. The day had been significant for him. He hadn’t planned for that deal to be made, truly. He really only intended to lead her to safety. But he couldn’t help but applaud her bravery, not just another lamb led by fear. She was definitely afraid he could smell it on her at the time, but she used her head. He enjoyed the look on her face in those moments. The defiance in her stance, the anger on her face, she was ready to fight for her life. Ten admired her in that moment, he couldn’t help but talk to her and see how far it would go.

It was worth it in the end. 

Ten angled himself in the branches and looked to the stars before he closed his eyes. “Vanessa Mae Carthwright,” her name like a prayer on his lips. He imagined her face again. Back to the moment she was in his arms, the softness of it when she finally let her guard down, brow no longer furrowed. Even as she wagged her feet to be set free, it brought a smile to his face. His heart raced as he remembered the feel of her skin, her hands gripping his arms, the closeness of her. She was so soft and plush against him, but she was also warm. Warmth was not something he often got out in the forest. Sure there were animals, bears that roamed, packs of wolves, but it wasn't the same. With Vanessa it didn't feel like a necessity. He would see her again, whether she came back to him or he had to hunt her down, he would see her again. He would experience the magic that was her again.

[vacantgodling]

The Chronicles of Lathsbury -> CRASH COURSE

Part 6: So now that I know all of that… What’s this shit about?

CONGRATS you made it to the end. I know that was a lot of fucking information and tbh I wasn’t expecting it o get this long LMAO but it’s actually really good for me to have all this written down somewhere, and hopefully good for y’all to understand how this world works.

This summary should make more sense now:

The Aegean Guild of Explorers, led by the mysterious newcomer to Lathsbury Madja Fandel welcomes its newest contingent after the guild bid: PIPER FAIRWIND a MBW with a fighting spirit and desire for money and glory, DEUX UNDERSHIELD a naive protector seeking answers for her brother’s spurn, SANDRA “SAN” DEARBORN a vicious hunter with a chip on their shoulder, CLEAR BRIGHTENDALE a medic with a host of dark secrets, and FORTE SYMPHONIA a ranger seeking his own destiny, are as ready as they’ll ever be to enter the fray, to conquer the mysterious and dangerous LABYRINTH. Forces that have been in motion since before their lives even began are finally reaching their peak, and the five of them will have to use everything they’ve learned and then some to stay alive.

Or, in layman’s terms—

Piper Fairwind (she/her), Deux Undershield (she/her), Sandra “San” Dearborn (they/she), Clear Brightendale (he/him), and Forte Symphonia (he/him) are the newest contingent in The Aegean Guild of Explorers. They all are chosen for various reasons, and begin their hopefully promising career at literally the same time that The Labyrinth is beginning to grow more restless than it ever has been before. Why? The Demon King, Lord Evondra — unbeknownst to anyone yet, is beginning to awaken from her 300 year long slumber and she’s out for blood. Her very presence amplifies the power of monsters and beasts within as her hatred of all Terraneans seeps into The Labyrinth’s very core. The five of them get swept up in the mix, because destiny’s knocking and they have no choice but to answer the call.

So that’s it! I hope you all enjoyed reading this if you made it to the end 💛

[hawkepockets]

BG3 CHARACTER PAGE

Jove they/any 🌩️ blue dragonborn 🌩️ paladin 🌩️ guild artisan

🌩️ multiclass: bard

Jove’s Oath of Ancients is a sacred commitment to affirm life, foster joy, be excellent to each other, and PARTY ON, DUDES!! A literally sworn optimist, they can come across as risk-happy, blasé, even callous in their dismissal of danger and negativity, but it’s also easy to get swept up in their huge dragonborn muscles and +9 rizz modifier and believe them when they say it’ll all be okay.

They used to be a gifted artisan, but don’t talk about their career or how it ended. Now they’re a paladin errant, wielding their giant glaive and ferocious positivity against the agents of despair. After losing an eye, breaking their wrist and their oath, Jove’s optimism has grown back harder and more gnarled than before, and they tend to defer to their companions for major decisions, not trusting their own judgment anymore.

Romancing Shadowheart Lae’zel. Best friends with Gale. Healer tank.

My first solo playthrough PC, abandoned at Moonrise Towers (for now).

TAG: #oc: jove

Estis she/her 🌞 gold dwarf 🌞 dream guardian

Ritika Estis was the master metallurgist who taught Jove to work with molten materials, despite their misgivings about being a blue dragonborn without fire breath or resistance. She passed away some years ago in Baldur’s Gate, but Jove’s dream guardian takes her form—whether as a cheap ploy to gain Jove’s trust, or as a genuine echo of their old mentor, they can’t be sure.

Auntie she/her ◾️ githyanki ▪️wild magic barbarian◾️ The Dark Urge

▪️ multiclass: storm sorcerer

This gith knows nothing about her life before the nautiloid, but since Lae’zel addressed her (and mocked her) like an elder relative she answers to “Auntie.” Lonely, curious, reactive. Center of a Venn diagram between “cigarette mom” and “Frankenstein’s monster.” Looks and fights like a gith, but lacks any cultural context or instincts that would make her feel like one.

Romancing Gale & Minthara.

Second playthrough, the only one I’ve completed.

TAGS: #oc: auntie, #ellie’s fucked up playthrough

Deadeye & Singer she/her 🏹 human 🏹 rogue/ranger she/her 🪕 halfling 🪕 bard

Auntie’s 2 hirelings. Deadeye was a young hunter, blinded in an accident and then given her sight back by a True Soul… just so she could watch her entire village burn, then have—her killers thought—her eyes put out and closed forever. Singer was a halfling traveling apothecary, killed for refusing to tend to Absolutists and sing for them after the massacre.

Though both women’s presences are cold and diminished and they can only speak with Withers’s vocabulary, traces of their personality remain. Deadeye was playful once, and still has the light step, deft hand, and trace of a wicked smile to prove it. Astarion swears he’s heard her coo and giggle faintly while playing with Scratch at night, long after the party’s living members are asleep. Singer was stern, matronly, and humorless with others, her face only relaxing when she was absorbed in her herbcraft or music making. Auntie gifted her Lihala’s lute, though it hurts to see a bard outlined against the campfire again, quietly picking out the notes of “The Power,” just feet away from the shadow of Alfira’s bloodstain.

Auntie doesn’t know she is a Bhaalspawn, but she feels instinctively that it’s her duty to care for murdered bodies and souls. She knows the names these revanants bore in life (Maddala and Brenna), but doesn’t use them, out of respect for these women’s vengeful echoes being different from the women themselves, and she’s as protective of them as she is of her “real” companions.

Terpsichore 🐏 she/her 🐏 satyr 🐏 rogue

She sings! She dances! She rams you with her horns!

Like Shadowheart, Terpsichore is on a holy mission for her patron goddess, armed only with her wits, blades, and the memories that her enclave—her Selûnite enclave—considered necessary for her to complete the task she’s been set: a pilgrimage to Moonrise Towers to assassinate an agent of Shar.

One second, she was crossing the Tower’s threshold (or windowsill, in the adept rogue’s case)—the next that she knew, she was being sealed in a pod aboard the nautiloid for processing. Failed. Abandoned. Godless. For now. If she doesn’t salvage this.

Terpsichore was told she’d know her target on sight, but she can’t be sure it isn’t Shadowheart—after all, while wrestling for the chance to kill each other they saw flashes of their own memories in each other’s minds, and Terpsichore feels… a lot… when she lays eyes on this particular enemy. ;-)

Romance: 3 guesses

TAG: #oc: terpsichore

[nosferalto]

playing a Tav who's just some guy is so fucking funny when half of the companions are insatiably hungry for power. Lae'zel and Shadowheart both want to ascend in the ranks of their respective goddesses. Gale and Astarion both want to become GODS. Minthara wants to dominate the Absolute. even Wyll has his moment of "I should claim the title of archduke of Baldur's Gate for myself"

and then there's the troupe leader and everyone's best friend: some friendly ranger who just happened to get swept up in all of this. he just wants to go home

[allthelittlecreepycrawlies]

Time for stupidly indulgent ideas because this is the stupidly indulgent idea blog.

Meet a-Yao (mesmer -> chronomancer, because i said so) and Sang-er (ranger -> soulbeast, because ditto) as they show up in GW2

Meng Yao grew up in the Risen-infested lower wards of New Kaineng City. His mother was once a singer of some prominence until it got out that her boyfriend was in fact a married man, and a high-ranking Minister at that! It barely made a blip on his career, but completely ruined hers, getting her banned from most of the clubs and teahouses frequented by the elite.

As a child, Meng Yao was forced to develop his talent as a mesmer almost entirely on his own by dodging undead and scaring off city guards who would have taken advantage of his mother.

When the Aetherblade fleet crashes down on Shing Jea Island, re-awakening Cantha to the rest of the outside world, Meng Yao finds an opportunity for lucrative work when he comes across a group of extremely strange-looking (Cat people? Plant people? Giants?) outsiders putting down Risen. They're following someone they call Commander into the Echovald Forest to continue getting rid of Aetherblades, but had to pause to fight. They may or may not actually need a translator (their accents are atrocious, but they can somewhat speak Canthan, and it's been hundreds of years, so he can't really fault any language changes) but if he wants the job, he can have it.

For the money they're offering, he jumps at the chance.

Meanwhile, Nie Huaisang grew up in the Echovald, dodging gangs and cultists and big hungry beasts his whole life. The Nies were once a prominent family, but had supposedly died out even before the Ministry of Purity began its purges, and the few members left are perfectly fine with that reputation because it gives them more freedom to move about if people think they don't exist.

His magic as a ranger makes it easier for him than most, since he can charm most things that would try to eat him with no problems. Unfortunately it also makes him a desireable asset to the Speakers and an annoyance to the Jade Brotherhood, who both target him with frequency.

And then the fucking sky pirates and their undead and those creepy shadow monster things showed up and so did the weirdos chasing them all.

Nie Huaisang and Meng Yao end up almost literally crashing into each other when things start getting truly chaotic, and Huaisang winds up more or less accidentally swept into the group of explorers Meng Yao was traveling with.

Which winds up with both of them caught in the middle of what could be the end of the world.

They're ordered to help get miners and civilians away from the battlefield, but as the battlefield keeps growing and reality falls apart around it, they quickly realize that if the strange outsiders don't win, there's not gonna be anywhere to run to.

And then the end of the world stops.

And the last of the original elder dragons dies.

And... damn, what do they do now?

"Want to go get dinner?" Huaisang asks, which is as good an option as any, really, since they were only side characters in this whole story.

[galactic-pirates]

Picard Episode Six

You have got to be kidding me.

(Derogatory)

That is all.

Ok no that’s not all but for fucks sake and yes I swore and yes I don’t do that often but UGH!!

Picture this.

Why?!? *bangs head against the wall* (repeat, repeat, repeat). Bang, bang, bang.

I have a great deal of affection for fanfic so I am not going to give this show the compliment of saying it’s a shitty fanfic. It is just shitty.

Ok I will stop ranting and make a point I promise.

First off the end because that is what pushed me over the edge. DEANNA TROI IS WORTH MORE THAN BEING SOME KIND OF SUBORDINATE BARGAINING CHIP TO CONTROL RIKER. SHE IS BRILLIANT AND BRAVE AND AMAZING AS AN INDIVIDUAL.

Ahem.

Seriously. Not once. Not ONCE! In this whole goddamn show has Deanna been allowed her own contribution. She is wife. She is mother. Well dammit she is more. She isn’t just an extension of Riker to soothe his ego or give him pain. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it so much. I want it to die in the fire of a thousand suns.

You know what would have been cool? Riker is heading out to do his Lone Ranger hero thing. Picard is late. Suddenly they are swept up in a transport beam. It’s a ship. It’s Troi. “I knew you’d get in trouble without me” and so she came to save him. No trouble with changelings on her ship. Being an empath she can sense when people aren’t who they say they are - boom. Yes it is still far more Riker centric than I would prefer but it gives Troi a hero moment, it positions her to have an essential and proactive role in the story. Instead she’s just a damsel in distress and she is better than that.

Geordi looking out for his family was nice. As was the fact that he didn’t defer to Picard. Felt like he had grown and made a life for himself in the intervening decades which after my post earlier today was much needed.

Why the hell now Klingons are in StarFleet do they not have their cloaking tech? Like I am confused. How could a ship from Kirk’s era which is what well over a hundred years? Have superior tech. I mean that whole “ship museum” was nothing but fan service with the Defiant, Kirk’s Enterprise etc. it was very clunky and so I didn’t get the feels from it they probably hoped for.

Which brings me to Seven. *sighs forever* I got to be honest it was a gifset of the “Voyager was my family and now…” that tipped me over the edge into that ramble earlier. 20 years and that’s what they go with. They basically couldn’t have put it any clearer than if it was in neon lights that they have no idea. I’m sure some of it is that they don’t want to commit themselves to anything that they might want to change later. Like Prodigy has picked up some of Voyager’s future/present with Chakotay and Admiral Janeway. Maybe they aren’t allowed to say anything. But seriously that was the best they could do?

I mean sure you can rationalise it away that Seven was talking to a veritable stranger and she’s not someone to pour her heart out anyway. She could be very honest and over share about some things on Voyager but not about anything that made her vulnerable and feelings are definitely that. But all that makes me think is if they wanted Seven to have a moment referencing Voyager then why pair her with Jack? Why not run the scene differently?

Raffi. It would seem the throwaway ‘breakup’ line isn’t a lie. You know what I think the problem is? Out of universe for a second. It’s a known fact I think? That season 2 and 3 were developed concurrently as they were filmed back to back. Now if I had been the head writer/person in charge I would have written a series arc. All the huge plot points (like Seven and Raffi affirming their relationship in the season 2 finale) would have been written down. That way season 3 could have still built on it. Instead I think they wrote them completely bloody separately, and did it linearly so nothing that happened later in season 2 will count because season 3 knew nothing about it. That’s why Saffi is so marginalised and a dropped line here and there only, as details can be added, but the general plot can’t shift.

I am pissed about this to be honest. Trek is a huge franchise. I know I shouldn’t be surprised with Star Wars “maybe we should have had a plan” sequel trilogy but for fucks sake. I take better care with my fanfic than that. How come professionals don’t?

Anyway in universe I suspect that Seven and Raffi are suffering from the in universe Grissom and Sarra problem. I didn’t care to ship them but I watched CSI and so I know the score. The characters got together, the actors left the show - happy days. One actor (Sarra) wanted to return but Grissom’s actor didn’t. They wrote the characters being long distance but then after a while, rather than just saying Grissom was there and referring to him like “bbq last weekend” etc. and him just not being on screen (which would have been fine), they split them up. Sorry I was talking in universe reason wasn’t I? Well it was fairly dumb because the characters only split up due to out of universe writers-fuckery (the same as Saffi) and it basically boiled down to them not talking to each other. Grissom thought he should give Sarra her freedom, Sarra didn’t argue as she thought Grissom wanted his freedom. The two idiots still loved one another and never said a damn word. This is very on brand for Saffi to be honest. Although I would have hoped that they had evolved from season 2 but I guess life can be two steps forward, one step back.

I will die on this hill that Seven and Raffi love each other deeply. Raffi was clearly looking at Seven in their two brief interactions, hoping to see something, and Seven was even more locked down and minimalist than normal. It was like Voyager levels of communication. Clear sign of retreat.

You know what I have more to say about Seven for a second. What the fuck writers??? Seven is brilliant, badass, probably the most competent character in the room almost all the time and yet she has been reduced to standing/sitting in the corner most episodes saying things like “get us out of here” or looking at other characters. Hunting the changeling was like the only thing she has done this season and she had to go to Shaw for help because somehow the “species number” all known Borg encyclopaedia didn’t have a clue.

Ok actually I see the pattern. Women just need saving don’t they? Excuse me while I puke. Even Raffi who feels like she’s had the most agency/the most to do of any female character this season had to be rescued by Worf and has pretty much been the background “what do we do now?” character since, as Worf took the lead.

I am seriously trying to find the nuggets of gold. So many characters I love but look at what they are doing to them! I wanted to see more Seven and Raffi but seriously I am asking the “at what cost?” question because this is not really worth it.

It would seem that Jack Crushers weird violent dreams are about Picard’s brain issue that killed him at the end of season 1. So so weird. To have made such a thing of it and then that. I am hoping that they think it’s that but it’s actually important but I’m not holding my breath.

Daystrom appears to have Kirk’s body. Why? They brought back Data AGAIN. Why? Like I thought a big point of season 1 was Picard saying goodbye. Honestly the writers are just repeating themselves. Let him go already.

Picard’s body at Daystrom makes some sense given he was Borg and then stripped of that but presumably something remained. I am guessing that’s why the changelings wanted him, although to what end I don’t know. Having not seen the Dominion War yet as I’m not that far into DS9 I don’t know about this bio-weapon that Starfleet apparently used. Maybe the changelings are looking for something related to that? I really don’t care to be honest.

Usually with these nostalgia trips I get sucked in. I have to work hard to stay objective and analyse properly. In the end I usually say there was more style than substance but I am swept along for the ride, so the style was good at least. With this it’s like there is neither style nor substance. I am just watching with this disbelief that it’s this bad. I wish I had the spoons to pound out some fix-it fic. I haven’t seen a show that needed it so badly since the defying logic of Once Upon a Time.

More than anything I am disappointed. I love Trek. I love the world. I love the characters. I am primed to love this and the fact that I am more watching at this point to see how bad it gets is… impressive really. I mean is it me, or is the writing really that bad? I doubt myself a little bit. I don’t like judging stuff. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, I shouldn’t claim I can do better. But it is bad right? It feels bad.

Oh let next week be better. Please.

[stereax]

Bestie are you watching all the nhl games?????? I’m worried about you that’s too much stress to bear😭

yes I am :D!!! had win/vgk on left side and sea/col on right side. my secret? I don't care about any of the results except for nyr/njd.

well, I technically do have favorites for each matchup (panthers, leafs, isles, devils, kraken, wild, knights, oilers), but I'm just categorically not going to give a fuck about anyone except the devils. and honestly, as long as we don't get swept by the rangers I'm happy. do I want to win? of fucking course. can we win? proba-fucking-bly. will I be surprised if we don't? honestly no, god has it out for me anyway <3

[optimistredsox]

11 Aug, HOU @ BOS, 10-2, loss

What's worse than getting the shit kicked out of you? Getting swept, the shit kicked out of you, and losing the starting pitcher you just acquired to a stupid injury. Oh... and our All-Star MVP outfielder and bright spot of the season used a shitty fucking outrageous homophobic slur against a fan. I've been a big fan of Jarren Duran and know he's gone through a lot of shit and whatever so the crushing disappointment in him is, well crushing. I'm not angry, just sad and deflated. And the Paxton injury is giving me flashbacks to the beginning of the season, when everyone got hurt in an avalanche of dreadful misfortune. And it basically made it necessary to have a second bullpen game in a row. Which we lost really badly. Which sucks. One must be the most blinkered sort of optimist to see any bright sides after such a mess of a Sunday... so here I am with some bright sides.

There's an alternate universe where we won this series 2-1 rather than lose it 3-0. We led in the first game until the end and we managed the comeback on Saturday. It was a fine line. Sadly in that alternate universe Trump wins in November and whilst I love the Red Sox dearly, I don't want to live in that alternate universe for the sake of a series win against the Astros.

Ceddanne Rafaela made another spectacular catch and went 2-for-3 with a run scored and didn't strike out.

Dom Smith once again pitched a scoreless ninth. Saved someone's arm. They needed saving.

Ugh... the series is over. That is definitely a bright side. Let's beat up the Rangers.

[ohhhhmercy]

Some might find this negative,which isn't my intention, so i'm putting this under a read more

You gotta wonder how we can change things up to put the Rangers on their heels.

There's been some desperation saves by Shesterkin, and we've had a lot of O-zone time, but even our dominant game isn't enough to throw off the Rangers.

If Rod's best attempt is mixing up the lines, there's no way we're not getting swept. And I don't buy Rod's statement about scratching Kuznetsov because he wanted Comtois to get time in "because he looked good in practice." That doesn't sound like something he normally does.

It'd be cool if a players-only meeting a la 2006 could fix things, but it seems like NYR might be the better team, which fucking sucks considering how drastically our roster will change during the off season.

Anyways, like comment and subscribe to my channel and join the discussion in my replies bc i'm desperate for reassurance and/or commiseration

[asheorsomething]

If you never have been out in the country/rural areas/woods in the eastern part of the USA I have a list of things you should know about. We have lost and NEVER found hundreds of people in the forest around here.

Mountain lions are ambush predators if you see one don’t turn your back to it, back away slowly, no sudden movements, don’t take your eyes off it until it leaves, and book it the fuck out of there. When I say keep your eyes on it I do not mean look it directly in the eyes, I’m saying make sure it knows you see it at all times. Black bears are skittish, but do not think they aren’t dangerous. They are protective of their cubs and can become aggressive if they feel cornered or get desperate. Keep that in mind when you’re out there and follow the local bear safety protocols. Male deer during mating season are aggressive and can and will charge you, those antlers are sharp, they can reach 68 kg sometimes more, and can run 56 to 64 km an hour, you can get seriously hurt or killed if they charge you. There are a lot of venomous and non venomous snakes in this country and they can be hard to tell apart, and while most are more scared of you than you are of them there are some outliers. Do not touch, harass, or chase ANY snakes you might encounter, it’s not a risk worth taking especially when some species have venom that can kill you in 30 minutes to an hour. Just put around a meter of space between you and the snake and walk around it. A good thing to remember is that when predators are around things tend to get quite, be aware of the noise and or lack there of and know that you should not stay if there’s predators in the area.

Stay on the trails and make sure to tell someone where you’re going, when you should be back, and if possible have them take a picture of you before you get on the trail. The forest here are MASSIVE, can hard to navigate, are filled with rugged terrain, fast moving water, sheer drops of cliffs with no rails or warning signs, and dangerous wildlife. If you wonder off, fall, get lost, or need help you have a high chance of not being found alive especially if no one knows where you are or where to start looking. It is important if people know to start looking for you sooner rather then later as it can increase the chance you’ll be found alive. If a trail is closed it’s because it’s not safe, talk to the park rangers about what trails are open and what to beware of while out.

The weather is not to be underestimated. Flash floods, heavy snow, extreme heat, and strong wind are all very common and very dangerous. We can get OVER a metre of snow in some places and if you get stuck in it you can and will freeze to death. A good rule of thumb is if you can’t get out of it quickly help can’t get to you quickly. The heat is no joke, bring lots of water dehydration is one of the top 5 ways people die in these woods, heat stroke is dangerous for a lot of reasons but the disorientation it causes has led many people to wonder of never to be seen alive again. Strong wind has caused many people, children especially, to fall off cliff faces, brought down trees/large branches right on top of people and die. Flash floods can happen with little warning so if it’s raining keep a close watch on how much water is coming down and try to stick to high ground, do not attempt to cross and or enter any creeks rivers or streams, not only can they rise fast you can and will be swept away by the water. Mud slides are most common after/during heavy rains, avoiding being on any slopes, near ledges, cliff faces, or unstable ground.