#firework remains throned as the best in my books

[kutiee]

Samidare is now my 2nd favorite title track by the teamies 🌸☔

[hellreads]

Hello, I just stumble on your blog. Seeing a comment from Wrienne which I also read on AO3, I wanted to ask if you also have AO3 recs..?

hi there darling, of course, I have some recs for you! since you didn’t ask for anything specific let me just share a few faves that you could only read/access on ao3 (I would also recommend you check my ficshelfs and use the ao3 filter to find stories exclusively posted there + i’ll still include wrienne’s works for other readers :3 ) | 🍒

OT7/MULTIPLE MEMBERS

❥ Right of Way by fringesofsanity ➴ Infidelity!AU | Jungkook x Reader x Jimin | Series ➴ In theory, things were simple: your best friend was Jungkook’s girlfriend while your boyfriend, Jimin, was Jungkook’s best friend. In reality, things weren’t always that simple. And mutually exclusive.

❥ The Hills by minlouvre ➴ Vacation/Exes!AU | Yoongi x Reader x Hoseok | Series ➴ A ski trip with old friends sounds like a fun time, right?

when your ex-boyfriend (who you hate but somehow always end up in bed with) and your stepbrother (who you are harboring not-so-secret feelings for) tag along at the last minute, you have a feeling it won’t be an uneventful weekend.

but fun? debatable. that remains to be seen. ❥ A Hundred Percent Human by Wrienne ➴ Hybrid!AU | OT7 x Reader | Series ➴ In which you (reader) are forced to take care of seven hybrids in a twist of fate.

After your estranged mother passes away, you're left with an unwanted will and the heavy burden of responsibility. Although you're desperate not to stray from the familiar path you thought was laid out in front of you with a fully human boyfriend who loves you more than anything, your life is thrown upside down once more after another unfortunate incident (that may or may not have to do with said boyfriend) occurs.

Drunk and down on life, you finally decide to deal with the house and the unsavory business your mother left behind. However, to your shock, you find that seven very different hybrids are included with both the house - and the business. Seven hybrids you never even met before - even less agreed to take care of.

❥ Dead Leaves by Wrienne ➴ Detective/Exes!AU | Yoongi x Reader x Jimin | Series ➴ In which you (reader) are a homicide detective about to face the biggest hurdle both of your career and life.

Married to probably the kindest but most boring man you’ve ever met and living in a town where nothing ever seems to happen means life for you is dull. Dull enough to drive you crazy with boredom and dissatisfaction. However, life changes abruptly when your old boss retires and a new man takes his place - a man you used to love (and sleep very regularly with) more than a decade ago. Especially when your husband comes home smelling of perfume, you’re unable to resist your more carnal urges and dead women start showing up across the city with unnerving frequency. ❥ See Both Sides Like Chanel by minlouvre ➴ FWB/Rich Kids!AU | Namjoon x Reader x Hoseok | One-Shot ➴ You, Namjoon, and Hoseok are inseparable. 

Three best friends that grew up together since you were all in diapers.But lately, Namjoon has been drifting away…

So on his birthday, you and Hoseok remind him just how inseparable the three of you really are.

⤷ or alternatively: a little less twenty-one candles, a little more “touch me”

❥ Love Is A Dog From Hell by yourlocalhoney ➴ FWB/Lovers!AU | Yoongi x Reader x Jungkook | Series ➴ You and Yoongi agreed on being good friends, co-workers, and friends who help each other out under the sheets. What you never agreed on was to catch feelings for each other.

Enter, accidental feelings.

Enter, Jeon Jungkook.

❥ The Uncanny by Sinsirella ➴ Arranged Marriage!AU | Jungkook x Reader x Seokjin x Jimin | Series ➴ (Y/N) is a young girl whose Life turns upside down. One day her mother surprises her with news of her arranged husband, forcing her into her new chaotic lifestyle. Join her journey and experience her new life through her eyes. Will she get along with her husband? Or someone else? What are they hiding? ❥ Seven Deadly Sins by mintedmango ➴ Hell!AU | OT7 x Reader | Series ➴ You stood suddenly, chair being pushed away by the backs of your legs, the rest of the sins standing with you as you looked around in panic. All except Sloth who was out cold in the corner.

“Oh, little pet, indeed, I am still hungry.”

❥ Walk Through The Fire by shellflower ➴ Supernatural!AU | Taehyung x Reader x Jungkook | Series ➴ In a world of supernatural beings, a normal human like yourself always found attraction and wonder towards these creatures. It was your kind heart that led you to become a doctor to treat such people. And it was your kind heart that led you into the arms of a young Alpha wolf who will accidentally force you down a path you were never meant to follow... ❥ Into Temptation by coconutty  ➴ Demon!AU | Taehyung x Reader x Jungkook | Two-Shot ➴ It was just a dare...

❥ Won’t Be Nice by coconutty ➴ Lovers/Poly!AU | Taehyung x Reader x Hoseok | One-Shot ➴ A night by the pool just got interesting...

KIM NAMJOON

❥ Covenant by fringesofsanity ➴ Arranged Marriage!AU | Namjoon x Reader | Series ➴ You are betrothed to Kim Namjoon, the heir of a real estate mogul. To say that it was a fairytale romance would be erroneous. You’re instead loped in the sad tale of the rich and melancholy.

❥ Read You Like A Book by coconutty ➴ University!AU | Namjoon x Reader | One-Shot ➴ Come get an attitude adjustment in the library, courtesy of Namjoon.

KIM SEOKJIN

❥ Éffleurer by @sugaurora / sugalights ➴ Office!AU | Seokjin x Reader | Series ➴ There were always whispers in your office about what secrets Seokjin hid behind his clean image. Now, you knew at least one of them. ❥ The City Comes Alive by minlouvre ➴ Musician/S2L!AU | Seokjin x Reader | Series ➴ Seokjin is a street performer who falls for a girl who is always passing him by. ❥ Seaside Sabbatical by dark_muse_iris ➴ Working Man!AU | Seokjin x Reader | One-Shot ➴ After an accountant in your firm is sent to prison, you are assigned to clean up the mess he left behind. Sorting out your clients’ disastrous business records proves beneficial when you meet the fisherman who teaches you the value of taking a break. ❥ Cake by yeyeniejjung ➴ Yandere/Killer!AU | Seokjin x Reader | Series ➴ "I was always hungry for your love. Just once, I wanted to know what is was like to get my fill of it. I wanted to be fed so much love that I couldn't take it anymore, just once." ❥ The Lord Taketh Away by dark_muse_iris ➴ Medieval/Werewolf!AU | Seokjin x Reader | One-Shot ➴ Every autumn, the dwindling harvest summons fears for the impending winter and its promise of scarcity. For Seokjin and his wife, faith lies in God and their local lord’s generosity to provide what their ailing son needs to survive another year. With each season, however, the lord grows cold-hearted and greedy, squeezing the young family to the brink of despair.

MIN YOONGI

❥ Zelus by SugaAconcept ➴ Lovers/Sugar Daddy!AU | Yoongi x Reader | One-Shot ➴ Yoongi becomes jealous when your close friend Jungkook puts his hands all over you right infront of his face. So, Yoongi decides to make sure you know who you really belong to. ❥ Carpe Diem by fringesofsanity ➴ Idol/Lovers!AU | Yoongi x Reader | Series ➴ Working for the UN, you are tasked to handle the poverty reduction campaign of a certain boy band. A certain rapper from the group however decides to mix business with pleasure.

JUNG HOSEOK

❥ Feel You From The Inside by coconutty  ➴ Idol/Staff!AU | Hoseok x Reader | One-Shot ➴ You've been watching him for months, little did you know, he's been watching you.

❥ As You Are by fringesofsanity ➴ Lovers!AU | Hoseok x Reader | One-Shot ➴ You're not the girl for Jung Hoseok. Him - who was sunshine and daisies and fireworks. You - who were back-alley darkness and used needles and burnt cigarettes. But he doesn't care. And you fucking hate yourself for it.

❥ The Thin Blue Line by bluesxde ➴ Pregnancy/E2L!AU | Hoseok x Reader | Series ➴ One badly-judged fling with Jung Hoseok, the son of a company-rival, leaves you with a little surprise.

PARK JIMIN

❥ His Throne by hseoks ➴ Royalty!AU | Jimin x Reader | Series ➴ You, a maid for the royal family, have sex with the irresistible Prince Park Jimin on his throne.

❥ Ineffable by fringesofsanity ➴ FWB!AU | Jimin x Reader | One-Shot ➴ You’ve only shared your body to Jimin, mostly silent after the act. The one time you decide to bare so much more, you find yourself baring your soul to him, far more than you bargained for.

❥ Blue Side by hoseokiehopie ➴ Ghost/Lovers!AU | Jimin x Reader | One-Shot ➴ You’re all too familiar with the legend that says the dead can walk freely on Halloween. It’s a secret you hold deeply within yourself. When a classmate starts to break down the walls you built so strongly after your boyfriend’s passing, you have to decide if you’re going to remain in the past with the dead, or live among the living.

KIM TAEHYUNG

❥ Effervescence by fringesofsanity ➴ Idol/Fling!AU | Taehyung x Reader | Series ➴ Just like the fizz of a cola on a hot summer’s day, your encounter with Taehyung is short but sparkly sweet.

OR Getting married in three months, you and your girls attend Ultra Miami to cap your single life, a final hurrah of some sort. What you didn’t expect is meeting a beguiling boy with a boxy smile who gives you a festival you’ll forever reminisce.

❥ Minutiae by coconutty ➴ Stalker!AU | Taehyung x Reader | Series ➴ Y/N meets a mysterious and alluring photographer and wants to interview him. Along the way things start getting a bit strange. What happens when you draw the attention of someone who always gets what they want?

❥ Flower Arrangements by iq_biased ➴ Pregnancy/Lovers!AU | Taehyung x Reader | One-Shot ➴ From the moment you met Taehyung, his flourish for life drew you in completely. It wasn’t long before you fell head over heals for the tattoo artist who was so wrong for you, it felt right. But your story hasn’t always been an easy one, and just recently it’s become a whole lot more complicated…

❥ Freaks Forever by yeyeniejjung ➴ Criminal/Psych!AU | Taehyung x Reader | Series ➴ "So tell me, Mister Kim, what's your ideal evening?"

"Ah..full moon, sex and drugs all night."

You are the psychologist to the world's most dangerous criminal, Kim Taehyung. Kim Taehyung is the man solely responsible for some of the most horrific crimes that the world has ever seen, from burglary, drug possession, sexual assaults, to brutal homicides of a total of 37 victims, though there are suspicions that there are more, that range from children to the elderly; both male and female. The two of you form an odd bond between your weekly sessions, causing you to somehow completely miss his blatant manipulation that soon controlled you in every aspect; resulting in his escape from prison and his bloodthirsty ways and eyes to be immediately turned onto you..but will he spare you in the end of the torturous time he keeps you or will your fate be the same as any other past victim of his?

❥ Slow Burn by fringesofsanity ➴ Idol/F2L!AU | Taehyung x Reader | Series  ➴ He was just supposed to be one of those clients. But then he gives you a night you’ll never forget. ❥ Noona by yuu14045 ➴ Neighbors/Lovers!AU | Taehyung x Reader | Series ➴ Taehyung, Jungkook, and Jimin lives in same apartment building. One day Taehyung received a mail for another Kim. She turned out to be Jimin's new neighbor.

❥ Snapped by Kpopyandere ➴ Yandere!AU | Taehyung x Reader | Series ➴ Your relationship with your boyfriend hasn't been going well lately. His twin, Kim Taehyung, decides to take advantage of this.

JEON JUNGKOOK

❥ If You’re Struggling Like I Am by @btssavedmylifeblr / bts_ruined_my_life ➴ Idol/Lovers!AU | Jungkook x Reader | Series ➴ You are hired as a makeup artist for BigHit working with BTS. You are older than all of them, yet, despite your best efforts, you find yourself slowing falling in love with the youngest member.

❥ My Cheating Amnesic Fiancé by Wrienne ➴ Idol/Arranged Marriage!AU | Jungkook x Reader | Series ➴ A series set in our world featuring Reader, the sole heiress of a multibillion-dollar company, and the Bangtan Boys' Golden Maknae - Jeon Jungkook. Mainly a romance, though doused with angst, drama and the twisted ways of fate. ❥ Return by Kpopyandere ➴ Yandere!AU | Jungkook x Reader | Series ➴ As Seokjin's girlfriend, you're off-limits, but Jungkook doesn't see it that way

[writing-appreciation]

Peter Parker Prince AU ‘headcannons’

Okay, to start I’m drawing inspiration from CW’s Reign. Because I just started rewashing it and I’m obsessed all over again. 

Peter Benjamin Parker. Son of King Richard and Queen Mary of Yorka.

He, being the eldest son, is next in line for the throne. 

Naturally this meant he was engaged to be married at a young age.

You gotta ensure those political alliances young lads. 

Which is where Queen (Y/n) (M/n) of Stark was brought into the picture. 

Being the only legitimate daughter of her Father, King Stark and Queen Pepper, she took over the throne when her father died, days after her birth. 

The two and their countries had a common enemy: England. 

Due to (Y/n)’s claim to the English throne, many assassination attempts were done on her life. 

So she was offered safety in King Richard’s realm. 

As a result, the two children grew up together in court. 

They studied together, played together, and often slept together. 

At age six, King Richard and Queen Pepper agreed to an engagement between his son and her daughter. 

The two child royals knew this would mean one day they would wed.

Prince Peter didn’t take kindly to this idea. 

Though, would any six year old? 

But soon another attempt on Queen (Y/n)’s life lead her to flee to a convent. 

And there she remained for years. 

Peter saw these years of her absence liberating. He, as any young, male royal does, took a lover. He felt free from the stress of the political alliance. 

Meanwhile Queen (Y/n) maintained a plain life at the convent. She learned many “commoner” skills. 

But one day, yet another attempt on her life, lead her back to King Richard’s kingdom. 

Now at a ripe age to marry, that’s exactly what she intended to do. To Prince Peter. 

Once she arrived back at the country that raised her, she was reunited with ladies her mother in-trusted to care for her at court.

Lady Michelle of Jones, Lady Gwendolyne of Stacy, and Lady Mary Jane of Watson. 

The four ladies rejoiced as they saw one another. 

 Yet, something was off.

Prince Peter was nowhere to be seen. 

Instead the ladies were met by King Richard and Queen Mary. 

Peter heard the news of his fiancee’s arrival, but had no desire to reunite with (Y/n) yet. He craved a few more hours of freedom and solitude. 

A royal wedding was preoccupying the castle. 

One of Peter’s sisters was wed. 

At the ceremony after the wedding, (Y/n) looked for her future Husband.

After not seeing him for years, she was curious as to what face he had taken. 

The same couldn’t be said for Peter. He showed up to the party with his lover. 

Once (Y/n) caught sight of Peter with a pretty, blonde woman at his side, her confidence was shot down. 

But once Peter saw (Y/n) had taken a glance at (Y/n), he felt his heart rate pick up. 

She had grown up to be a beauty. Her long and gawky limbs from her childhood no longer looked awkward. They looked natural. Her height had also changed. Growing up, Peter was always shorter than the Queen, but he had now grown to be taller than her. To him, this was very attractive. She seemed radiant. The picture of respectability. 

But he noticed her crushed facial features. He followed her gaze to the woman standing next to him. 

He immediately recoiled from the woman. He began to make his way to his future wife. 

But before Peter could reach (Y/n) in the crowd, she, along with her ladies, were gone. 

(Y/n) decided enough was enough and went to her chambers for the night. 

But she did not sleep. She and her ladies stayed up, talked about their futures. 

After she was dressed for bed, (Y/n) dismissed her ladies for their own chambers. 

Not soon after a timid knock at her chamber door rose her from her sofa and place her book on her bed. 

She shyly opened the door and was pleasantly surprised at her late night guest. 

It was Prince Peter. 

“Your grace.”

“Your majesty.” 

“What brings you here at this hour?” 

“Could I not greet my future wife?” 

“It’s late.” 

“You’ve gotten colder over these years.” 

“Maybe I have reason to be colder.” 

“Let me give you a tour of the castle tomorrow.” 

“Why?”

“The castle has changed greatly since the last time you’ve been here.” 

“I’m tired. I’ll give you an answer tomorrow.” 

“Tired? You were just reading.” 

“I’m tired of this conversation. Goodnight, your grace.” 

“Always quick with your wit. Goodnight, your majesty.” 

He over exaggeratedly bowed and left.

Given, it wasn’t the best meeting after years spent apart. Yet it is what it is. 

Over time though, (Y/n) began to re-open her heart to the prince. 

He began to show more of a princely side of himself to her. 

He actively tried to win her affections in many ways. 

From dedicating a fireworks show to her to sending her little gifts daily. 

She also showed her affections to him with gifts. 

Such as portraits, and her handkerchiefs would be left in his chambers with letters written by the Queen. 

The two fell in love. 

But their love was not with out complications. 

Yet Peter was always patient with the stubborn and quick-witted Queen. 

And The Queen was patient with the Prince’s passions. 

And when Peter’s father passed away, 

Peter became King Peter. 

The pair reigned sensibly and justly. 

While Peter’s kingdom was not (Y/n)’s by birth, she cared for it as if it were her own. 

And the same for Peter about (Y/n)’s kingdom. 

Soon enough Queen (Y/n) and King Peter welcomed a child, an heir to their throne

Anthony Benjamin Parker, Prince of Stark and Yorka. Named after their fathers. 

Both countries were thrown into celebrations of epic proportions.

Many years of happiness and faire ruling followed. They were labeled as loved and respected monarchs. 

And that’s that. Not particularly a “head cannon,” but there we are. 

[sterling-starlight]

Setleth Week Day 1; First Kiss

The aftermath of a war that nearly lasted six years wasn’t joyous, per se. It was more like the entire continent breathed a collective sigh of relief.  But with that relief came a great sorrow. One half mourned the loss of their Emperor, who had promised equality and reformation. The other half mourned their Archbishop, a guiding light in the chaos and uncertainty. In the middle of it all was Byleth, who cried for hours over the death of Edelgard, and felt a deep ache in her chest –no, in her very bones- as Rhea peacefully passed away in her arms.

To admit that she mourned one would cause her to loose favor with the opposing side, and as the newly crowned Queen Byleth had to work to make sure she stayed firmly in the realm of neutrality. On the outside, all she cared for was the restoration and the continuing peace of Fodlan. It seemed somewhat hypocritical, lying to the masses in order to avoid negative pushback. It also seemed hopelessly pointless, since Edelgard’sstaunchest supporters seemed like they would never accept Byleth as their Queen. Ferdinand despaired over his inability to use any status to try and sway the public opinion. The words of the son of a disgraced and deposed Prime Minister meant little to the Imperial supporters who still had lands and titles to their name.

Only a small amount of Imperial-supporting nobles attended Byleth’s coronation, to the surprise of no one.

“They are all disingenuous,” Ferdinand whispered disgustedly into Byleth’s ear. “Do not be fooled; they are only acting cordial so they can keep their status.  I can almost guarantee you they are slandering you behind your back.” His face twisted into a scowl, and he spat upon the ground.

Byleth pat his arm soothingly. “I know, and I don’t care. They can slander all they want, but I’m going to do my best for them, too.” She gave Ferdinand a coy smirk, “It is best to kill them with kindness, so the saying goes.”

Ferdinand balked, and then hid a laugh politely behind his hand. “I see my lessons finally sunk in. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were born into Imperial nobility; passive aggressiveness is like a second language in the court.”

“Oh? Is that why you were sometimes so impossible to teach?”

“Why must you wound me so, Your Majesty?” Ferdinand placed a hand on his chest and sighed melodramatically. Byleth laughed and waved him off.

“Bernadetta has been glancing your way for the past half an hour, trying to gather up the nerve to ask you for a dance. It isn’t very noble-like to keep your lovely fiancée waiting so anxiously. Off you go.”

Ferdinand floundered, but quickly regained his composure. He bowed before rushing over to Bernadetta and, after a brief exchange of words (and her chugging an entire flute of sparkling wine for courage), swept her into a graceful waltz.

The next hours were a haze of tense conversations and formality. Byleth eventually had to excuse herself, claiming that the ballroom was becoming frightfully stuffy and that she needed some air. She fanned herself delicately, curtseyed, and swiftly took her leave.  Finally away from judgmental eyes, she took off her high heels and sighed heavily in relief. In a perfect world, she would have ripped the lilies from her hair and undone the fishtail braid, but she knew that sooner or later she would have to rejoin the crowd. And as much as diving into the pond and sitting at the bottom until she smelled like herself again sounded like paradise, she would have to abstain.

Byleth padded across the cobblestone and wiggled her toes on the cool, damp grass as she walked into the courtyard. When she got to one of the benches, she fell down onto it in a way that was entirely inappropriate for a new Queen. Just for added defiance she spread her knees, thankful that she had chosen to wear a dress that didn’t restrain her legs.  Briefly she humored the idea of throwing her shoes into a bush and returning to the ballroom barefoot. With the length of her dress no one would notice, and she would probably be a much better dancer without her feet in constant agony.  Alas, she decided to be a responsible adult and just set the shoes next to her.

Byleth leaned back, draping her arms over the bench, and sighed up at the sky. Now that she no longer had to put on the act of a composed and regal Queen, she was suddenly hit with the weight of everything. It was like someone had cut the rope holding a large sandbag that had been precariously hanging over Byleth’s head since it was decided she would take the throne after the war.  She knew how to bark orders through pain, devise strategies, negotiate with merchants, and ration supplies because Jeralt had taught her all those skills. She knew how to be a warrior and a solider; not the Queen of an entire continent.   She felt horrible for thinking it, but she missed the wartime. She knew how to navigate a battlefield, but she didn’t know how to heal the hurt of such a long and bloody war.  Her expertise was in commanding troops, not leading an entire country.

Not for the first time, Byleth wished Jeralt was still alive to impart some wisdom onto her. He would be just as clueless about governance as she was, but he had always found a way to make things click that no one else had.

“Your Majesty,” Seteth’s voice was as clear as it ever was. Byleth yelped in surprise and quickly composed herself, closing her legs and smoothing out her skirt as she looked towards him.  Seeing him in blue and white regalia made of cotton and silk, rather than blood-stained silver plate, was almost foreign.  He crossed the courtyard in long stride before coming to stand before her. His expression softened, “you came out here for some peace, I take it? I cannot say I blame you. The ballroom has become,” he paused to inhale through his nose, “suffocating, for lack of a better word.”

“You caught me,” Byleth admitted with a small smile. She looked around Seteth, blinking in surprise at the noticeable lack of Flayn, and looked up at him. “You’re leaving Flaynunguarded?” She teased lightly.

“Fighting alongside the students has shown me that most of them can be trusted. For a night, at the very least.  Likewise, she has proven time and again that she doesn’t constantly need me in her shadow,” His expression turned somber for a moment, but he shook his head lightly.

“My, my, I never thought I’d see the day.” Byleth laughed. She scooted over and patted the empty spot next to her. “Come and sit. You’ve been on your feet all night, I know you need it.”

Seteth looked torn because what he wanted and what was proper, his shoulders tense. Byleth clicked her tongue and reached out to pull him down. He gasped in surprise, and actually needed a moment to right himself.  “There, see? Don’t you feel better?”

“You didn’t even give me time to respond.”

“The only way you would have sat down is if I ordered you to.”

Seteth scoffed, “Being so presumptuous doesn’t flatter you at all.”

“It isn’t presumptuous if I know it as fact.”

“If you insist.”

Byleth pouted and nudged him with her elbow, but said nothing else to continue the argument.  Seteth lightly smirked triumphantly.

They sat in a comfortable, familiar silence for a long time. It wasn’t unlike the rare and cherished times when it was just them, a pot of tea, and a book of myths between them, or  times spent at the fishing pond (although Byleth burst out laughing when Seteth admitted he didn’t even know how to bait a hook). It was peaceful and grounding, almost liberating in the wake of having to put on the façade of a composed and regal Queen. But even still, Byleth’s uncertainty gnawed at the back of her mind, and the words tumbled out of her mouth before she could stop them.

“Do you think I’ll be a good Queen?” She could have slapped herself. But why stop there? “I don’t want to hear ‘You’ve been chosen by Rhea and the Goddess; of course you will’. I’ve heard that all night. I want to know your honest opinion.”

Seteth looked at her in the eye, expression contemplative. After a long pause he replied, “As a man of faith that poses some difficulty.” He began evenly, “I’ve made it no secret that I believe the Goddess always intended this to be your fate. You are a brilliant tactician and a charismatic military commander. In an ideal world, that would translate to being an unparalleled monarch. But this world is anything but idealistic, and you are brash, reckless, and quick to jump to conclusions. Your first reaction is to strike first, and ask questions later.  Do I think that makes you unfit to rule? No.  But I do think those hot-headed tendencies of yours need to be tempered by time and experience. There is no such thing as a ruler who is perfect immediately after taking the throne.”

Byleth mulled over Seteth’s response, chewing on her bottom lip. “That’s… reassuring. Thank you.” She said quietly. Boldly, she reached up to cup Seteth’s cheek. “So, can I trust you to be there if I need help?”

“Always,” Seteth breathed, slowly placing a hand atop hers. “I will remain by your side until the day I die.”

“I’m so glad.”

Byleth’s heart didn’t beat. It never did, and it probably never would. But as if to compensate for that, warmth blossomed from her chest and radiated all throughout her body as her and Seteth’s lips met. The first kiss was awkward, because she had never been kissed in her life. The second was less so, and the third… Goddess the third was everything she’d ever hoped for. Poets described kisses like fireworks. Brilliant, shocking, spectacular things that sparkled and sizzled. Kissing Seteth was soft and tender and warm, like being wrapped in a thick blanket in front of the fire on a freezing winter night.  

The love ballads Dorothea sang Petra suddenly made all the sense in the world, and Byleth felt like her head had been stuffed with feathers when she and Seteth finally pulled away. She felt warm and dizzy and weightless like she had too much mulled wine. “That was-” She began dazedly.

“Inappropriate.” Seteth cut in. He stood up abruptly. “Forgive me; I shouldn’t have let my emotions cloud my judgement.”

“I was going to say amazing.” Byleth said sternly, catching his hand. “If what I feel for you right now -what I’ve been feeling for the longest time- is inappropriate, then so be it. I don’t want to stop feeling this way. Ever.” She gazed in the direction of the ballroom, where the orchestra had just begun playing another suite. “I know I have to go back soon, but let’s enjoy this moment just a little longer.” Byleth laced her fingers through Seteth’s ,  keeping them loose enough so he could pull away if he wanted to. “If you feel the same, that is.” She finished lamely.

Seteth’s fingers tightened around hers, and he sat back down without a word.

[exalok]

Prince!Daud AU, part 8 (repost)

The departure of the Prince's mother – Reda, by her given name – garnered no great fanfare; only Daud and his four bodyguards went to see her off at the dock (accompanied, admittedly, by the senior maid carrying a packed lunch, and Corvo himself closely following the Prince). Reda pressed a kiss to the forehead of each bodyguard before holding her son's face between both hands, looking him straight in the eye, then sweeping up the heavy folds of her wraparound dress to step onto the deck of the boat that would take her wherever she wished. Not a word was exchanged.

Daud turned to Thomas, the tall bodyguard bending slightly to listen.

“Are Akila and Carlo still in Cullero?” asked the Prince. Thomas shot Corvo a furtive glance. Cullero? That was where the Prince had said Rulfio was taking his “vacation”.

“They're in the area. Checking out the local market.”

“Testing fruit, tasting wines?” Daud drawled as though bringing up an old joke, and Thomas's face twisted into an offended grimace. The Prince's grin was dark and gleaming with teeth, but quirked, like somewhere in there lurked a genuine smile. “You can speak plainly.”

Thomas's gaze strayed to Corvo again. He wasn't being terribly discreet. Corvo finally gave in to the impulse to roll his eyes, and Lee snorted next to him, snickering silently when Corvo glanced in his direction.

“Yes,” Daud added, guessing the question in his bodyguard's searching look. “And send word to Akila they need to head for Bastillian. My mother's going to make a stop at the North point before moving on to the eastern islands.”

“Done,” Thomas answered.

He had tails on his own mother. Corvo almost wanted to laugh as he finally understood what had sounded so ominous when shrouded in secrecy: Rulfio must be one of them, too. Reda even knew about the people her son had following her, and allowed it. She was still standing at the rail as the boat drew away, strikingly visible in her bright-colored clothes. Corvo gave her a parting nod. She seemed to tilt her head; then turned, and disappeared below deck.

They – Daud and the bodyguards, as the senior maid had left even before the Prince's mother had stepped onto the boat – headed off, towards the palace; Corvo remained at the dock a little longer, watching the distant shape of the boat shrink across the water.

The last few days had brought back a tide of memory, one faded image after another, details jumping out at him like they'd been etched in gold. Reda cast on her son the kind of look that spoke of a deep and abiding love, and like a fish on a line, Corvo had remembered his mother: bent over another line of stitching, turning to him with kind, petting hands, that same look in her eyes. Lee digging an elbow into Dodge's ribs: hook, line, the warmth of a half-dozen affectionate bruises from his wrestling with Beatrici on the cobbles of Kavala Passage. Like all of it was tied into the ocean smell of this place – salt, and heat in the middle of autumn, and silver, carrying all the way from the mountain to the sheltered coast of the Prince's island. Sometimes his mind was like a knot, a tangle of thread, pulsing; the past like a clot in his heart. There were days he felt heavy with remembering.

There were the stories, too, resurfacing: tales meant to awe and frighten, like the Knocker at the Window and the Butterfly-Piper, but also the ones whispered by adult mouths – neighbors, Grand Guard, and his own mother once or twice. The ones about the Pandyssian witch, and the old Prince enthralled, hushed voices as fervent as they were venomous.

The Prince's wife and son had been kidnapped before Corvo was even born, but he had been seven years old when his mother had picked up the day's newspaper and brought her hand to her mouth, a gasp caught in her throat, her only words – “They found her –” a mystery until the return of Reda and Infante Daud was the only thing on everyone's lips hours later. There had been a parade a week or so later, he was sure. It hadn't passed anywhere near Batista District, of course, but he had heard the cheering carried on the wind all the way from Cyria Gardens, lasting well into the evening; the fireworks had lasted even longer, and he and Beatrici had watched them from the rooftop of their tenement building until their mother brought them shivering back inside.

Then nothing, and the old Prince died two years later, leaving the ruling of his country to his wife and twelve-year-old son. Corvo didn't remember much from that point, aside from the snide remarks about the Lady Regent's alleged practice of black magic: he was already busy stealing from well-dressed streetgoers and escaping the Grand Guard's notice to help his mother pay rent – his father dead at the lumber plant, Beatrici gone off across the ocean – and soon enough his thieving hands found that sword and all his remaining energy went into making it a part of himself. He would be wood and leather and singing steel; he would get a commission, and make sure his mother ate, and that she'd never have to wait until he went to bed so she could weep, softly, softly, into her sewing work.

Corvo shook off the thought and turned to follow Daud and his bodyguards, by now nearly to the palace. They irked him, though, those unknown hollows in time, the gaps where he knew nothing of the Prince's life – the vanished decade before he was found, the two empty years following. They hadn't, before; he had moved forward without caring about them while he'd been in Saggunto, and then in the eleven years spent in Dunwall. Now it was a relentless itch. Worse, even, than the one in his hands and arms from a month without squaring off against an opponent.

(There were other things, too. Things Reda had said in her few days here. Names. Daud, where have Rapha and Geoff gone? I still haven't seen them around. Daud, don't tell me you sent Quinn off Void knows where, he's too young for the work. Daud – They lingered at the back of his mind like a bloodfly brood.)

But first, the library. He had already asked Lydia, the senior maid, about the royal family – that had been a bust: she had arrived after Daud took the throne, and what servants were left of that time had been very close-mouthed about everything that came before. Surely, though, there'd be something about the old Prince in the rows of tomes gathering dust through the palace.

The bigger second floor sitting room had been only that – a sitting room – originally, but somewhere along the line most of the books in the palace had migrated to its grand, empty shelves, and when space came to run out more shelves had arrived to occupy the walls or stand in a row down the middle of the floor. The only chair was something high-backed and well-used, set at an angle to the bay window overlooking the eastern side of the palatial island. In the privacy of his mind, Corvo decided this looked very much the organized, organic kind of room Daud would have set up.

The books had been arranged by subject, luckily, for ease of searching, yet it still took him half an hour of scrutiny to find what he wanted tucked in a shadowy corner on the highest shelf: a handful of biographies focused on the Prince's family and line. With that and A Complete History of the City of Karnaca, Corvo rejoined the Prince in his chambers.

Daud was... exercising. He had wedged his feet under the linen trunk at the foot of the bed and begun a series of sit-ups, and though he wasn't counting out loud the sheen of sweat on his bare shoulders made it clear he'd been at it for some time, perhaps as long as it had taken Corvo to comb the library's contents. Even with the window wide open, the air smelled of warmth and salt – of a human body in use.

Corvo hesitated, then took the chair at the Prince's desk, which had the clearest view of both the double doors and the open window. He carefully angled the book in his hand to hide the Prince's shape and staunchly ignored the heat prickling up across his face.

“Bit of – light reading – ?” Daud puffed, not stopping, though his head turned just enough for him to glance at the cover of the book in Corvo's hands.

“Taking an interest,” Corvo answered, half of his attention focused on his research.

It was slow going. He didn't particularly enjoy reading at the best of times: it had been a chore to do so for his childhood teachers, up until he stopped attending entirely, and though Jessamine had tried to encourage him to try again he hardly did more than skim what novels managed to interest him. Slogging through inch-thick texts that droned on about bloodlines and the passing of laws and pacts and alliances went far beyond what he was used to.

All the more because they told him nothing new – or at least nothing he wanted to know. Entire chapters were dedicated to the shifting of legislation regarding commerce and the arming of the Grand Guard, or to the strength of the family's reign, the righteousness of the old Prince's father, his own bold and conquering spirit, all of it useless. They did bring him some confirmation of Reda's origins, since the old Prince's official biography went on a great deal about the years he spent at sea, raiding the Pandyssian islands, and the day he returned with a princess of the wilds on the deck of his ship.

The only other detail was that, after those ten years gone who knew where, Reda's son had been an unexpected surprise. No one had known the old Prince's wife was pregnant when she was taken. The biography didn't say it in so many words, but Corvo imagined there must have been an ongoing and intense discussion among the nobility about whether Daud was a legitimate heir at all.

On the periphery of his awareness, Daud stood, toweled off, and ambled aimlessly behind him.

“A fascinating read,” the Prince rumbled over his shoulder. Corvo, half expecting it, hummed instead of startling. Then the heat and weight of the Prince's arm settled on top of the chair's back, pressed up against the base of Corvo's nape. Corvo frowned.

A few minutes later the Prince leaned down, his other arm reaching to point out a passage on the page Corvo had just inattentively flipped to.

“Did you know my father wasn't the prime heir?” His finger slipped down the page with the silken sound of skin on paper. “My aunt held the palace for a year first. Died in a hunting accident. Her brother didn't even want to be Prince – it was just... bad luck.”

This time the noise Corvo made was short and irritable. He didn't even have to see the Prince's face to know how his mouth had curled, transparently pleased, at that loss of self-control.

“Am I distracting you?”

“Yes –” Corvo said, and barely stopped himself from continuing with something regrettably over-familiar. Daud's mocking smirk when Corvo glanced at him changed his mind. “You stink. Go and wash.”

The Prince huffed, his breath hot on Corvo's jaw, but pushed away and headed for the adjoining baths.

As soon as the door had closed behind him, Corvo leaned his head back and released a long, heartfelt sigh while his heartbeat made a valiant attempt at escaping his ribcage. What was the Prince doing? What was Corvo doing. He was still a little dizzy from the overwhelming sensory input of a sweating, half-naked body invading his personal space.

Though, what the Prince had said... Corvo read through the page again, the passing mention of Daud's aunt and her short-lived rule over Serkonos. Daud had called it bad luck. Was that because he hadn't wanted to become Prince any more than his father had? His contempt for the aristocrats of his country was clear – it was a wonder, really, that he was certain of an upcoming attempt on his life only now – but from what Corvo had seen Daud accommodated himself of a Prince's responsibilities rather well.

He tossed the book onto the pile he had left on the edge of the desk. He hated intrigue.

[tancong]

Gency Week: Day 7

And the fic is finally finished along with gency week. I forgot how good it feels to finish a multi-chapter fic. It’s been a really fun week, thank you to all those involved for hosting this wonderful week with all its wonderful prompts. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did~

And now, I return to hell in college with my 5 classes ;u; Perhaps one day, I’ll return to work on my next fic series.

Title: Four Halves Make A Whole Theme: Family Word Count: 1873 Rating: G (for God there’s fluff everywhere)

It would not be for another half-decade or so that they would finally consider starting their own family. Angela was all too busy with the ascension ceremony and her studies about magic, along with learning about everything else that was needed for ruling a kingdom. Her husband was fortunately gifted with the knowledge of the inner workings of the streets, allowing him to appeal to the people rather easily. He had that going for him at least.

She felt bad for making him sit in on so many conferences that he hardly had a clue about, with the council people very purposefully using big words and archaic terms to mess with him. However, Genji was not one to surrender easily, or at all. He studied books after books through the nights with his wife snuggled up to him, knowing that he shouldn’t be a useless burden to her forever.

The day that he very offhandedly dissed a counselor’s use of resources and casually suggested a solution that would eventually come to reform the entire system for the better, he was showered with a lot of kisses after the meeting and rewarded for his cleverness with yet another sleepless night, only without the books.

Eventually, there came a day when they found themselves with a king declaring war on them. Or more specifically, Genji for stealing his wife. It was probably one of the potential suitors she had met who got his head so far up his ass that it actually came back out of his neck again.

That being said, the issue of having a significant kingdom declaring war with them, no matter how opposed their people may be, was still rather serious. There would undoubtedly be a battle or two and might end up ruining both their reputations, not to mention their trade routes and any casualties during the battle.

As such, Genji offered to go there in person and talk the man down. While many of the counselors opposed, having finally gained a respect for their king, he left anyway without regardless of what they had to say. Angela was also left behind, left to pout and mope at being left behind and all alone for the first time in a whole year.

It only really took her three days to recall what exactly her husband was and what he could do. But by then, it was much too late to stop him. However, it was not as if she needed to. In the single day he spent in the capital under disguise, he had found out that the previous king had a much more capable heir who was unfortunate enough to be female and younger than the prince. All that remained was for him to cause the prince to look out the window one night and accidentally fall off. His fault for living in such a high castle.

He was very promptly chastised and met with very angry yelling in their room, before Angela hugged him tightly and told him to never leave her without telling her again. Realizing that the problem was not in his plan for the fact that he abandoned his wife, Genji took all the necessary measures to reassure her that he did love her and that he would do it again. A candlelit dinner, a long bath, and even a new set of undergarments which she very generously modeled for him that night.

They had various problems in the following years, some of which they dealt with peacefully and some which were strangely dealt with by some unfortunate accident or another. He had to do some freelancing assassination for other friendly kingdoms as well, to ensure that everyone didn’t connect the dots between the relation of conflict towards his kingdom and a random death of his adversary.

Eventually, things settled down enough that they began to think more about themselves. They had many advisors and trustworthy men and women helping with every aspect of running the country. While their opinion still greatly mattered as the rulers, having others to contribute different ideas and views was very useful. It was an idea that Genji proposed to the council in an attempt to get people more specialized in different fields as to have a better system of balancing power around the throne. Just one of the many things that he used from his time of being an assassin.

Actually, Reinhardt found himself with a new partner, the retired knight turned assassin. They ended up working together as instructors and advisors of the army. With them and Genji, Angela had never felt the need to fear for her life. There was only one occasion when an assassin tried to hurt her. In the time it took for her magic to detect the hostile presence, her two veteran bodyguards had already drawn their swords and her husband was already busy pinning the culprit against a wall to interrogate him about his employer.

And so, they decided to have a child. Actually, they ended up having two. After their first child had been around for a year, they realized how wonderful it was and wasted no time in having another one. The elder one was female, who had a talent for finding her dad despite him utilizing various assassin skills to hide during hide-and-seek. Eventually, he resorted to climbing on top of the roof, much to the amusement of his wife, only for them both to realize that their daughter had inherited flight. Even if only temporarily.

After a near accident that gave them a nostalgic reminder of their past, they began to teach her how to use her skills in earnest. Much to her mother’s disappointment, she took more to her father, opting to learn various combat skills after seeing him practice.

As such, the castle staff soon found out about Genji’s past, something that he had kept hidden from them all that time. It was inevitable that they would question how the eldest child of the Shimada bloodline managed to evade etiquette lesson and got access to the kitchen 24/7.

As for their second child, he was the opposite. Somewhat reserved and opting to be more studious, he stayed by his mother’s side and watched as she used various magic to restrain her rampant daughter and heal up wounds. They soon found that he had a large potential for magic, being able to use the same magic as his mother despite still being quite young.

The two children got along as well as any siblings would, with bickering and bullying aplenty. However, they looked out for each other. Before the younger would gain his confidence as a magician as a young man, his older sister did not hold back a punch to defend him. They were allowed to go to a public academy under the watch of Reinhardt’s friend, though he was hardly needed for their protection. It turned out that the kingdom loved the two children to death, so much so that talking badly about them in the slightest at a bar would be enough to start a brawl. No one wanted to harm them and they got to enjoy the academy as anyone would.

Angela was glad that they got to experience life as kids, not as royalties. She had always been sheltered and felt that life was always so empty before Genji came along. Their children got to experience it all. Crushes, bullying, terrible education rectified by superb tutoring at home, shitty food, and most importantly of all, friendships. It only took their parents a talk with the academy administrator, a close friend of Angela’s father, and the kids proving their own worth for others to see them not as the children of the throne but as children.

Eventually, they grew up and became close to being adults. They began to learn more about their parents' jobs, though it was obviously the younger one who was more studious and diligent in learning about everything.

“Sis, I thought I would find you here. I didn’t even have to use magic this time. Now, will you come to the lesson?”

She simply pouted, flipping backward off the rafters to hang upside down to look at her younger brother. “But it’s so terribly boring. It’s the weekend and I want to go out to see my old friends. I bet they’re out doing something fun, like uhm .. preparing for the festival!”

At the excitement of recalling the upcoming festival, she found herself falling off, only to be caught inches from hitting the ground with a sigh from the brother. “Isn’t it the elder one’s job to watch out for their sibling, not vice versa?” he thought to himself.

“In any case, I’m aware that you have some poor innocent soul that you somehow convinced to go with you but you should ask mom and dad first, should you not?”

“They said it would be fin- Wait what do you mean poor innocent soul? What’s wrong with me asking my best friend to come to the festival with me?”

“Because I know for sure that even if the fireworks went off a million times, you’d never confess your feelings to her.”

There was a silence before the older sister’s cheeks would heat up, punching her sibling’s chest repeatedly (albeit gently, at least by her standards). “H-How do you know about that?? You better not tell mom and dad.”

The younger brother simply smirked, “I took a wild guess. Oh boy, she is really going to suffer isn’t she? The poor girl has been hopelessly in love with you for what … a year now?”

She simply sat there brooding for a bit over that thought before her eyes regained their fire. “Oh, as if you’d be making a move on that girl you like. What was her name again … Elenia?”

His eyes widened, looking around in panic before grabbing his sister by the collar, “Where did you get that name? I was sure we never even talked anywhere near you.”

“Your diary could use a slightly better magical lock and a better hiding place than under the false bottom of your desk drawer.”

Genji would later relay all this information to his wife, who would laugh and hug him tightly, talking with each other through the night about their memories. About all their secret meetings and endeavors, their strange meeting, and that wonderful festival that they could never forget.

Theirs was a strange life led by a strange fate. A princess whose life felt dictated by a single path by her heritage, all but resigned to her fate as being a pretty face for some unworthy prince to claim. An assassin whose life existed in only absolutes, kill or be killed, and the cold, merciless solitude of his path. In a single failed assassination, they found themselves in a brand new life that they could have never imagined. A life of happiness and fulfillment. One where they would never have to spend another night alone or afraid. A life where they could live with their children, watching them grow and become the next chapter of their family’s story.

The love story of a princess and her assassin.

[lumiereswig]

thy crackest crack of all - batb but adam/belle and lumiere/plumette swap places

ohhhhh buddy

Once upon a time, in the hidden heart of France, a handsome young maître d’ lived in a beautiful castle. Although he had everything his heart desired—including three inch high heeled shoes, an accordion, and a never-ending supply of cheese croissants—the maître d’ was E x t r a.

He taxed the village’s patience no end, and filled his parties with the most beautiful puddings; until one night, when an unexpected intruder arrived at the castle, seeking shelter from the bitter storm.

“Come in, come in! Do not let the Prince see you—stay down here, in the kitchen—oh, oui, oui, the Prince is fine, but not friendly to visitors. Come! Sit down! Get warm!”

“Thank you.” The old hag’s voice is cankered and worn, but she seems delighted by the invitation. “All I need is a little bread, a little hot tea—”

“Madame! Or is it Mademoiselle? Do not offend us so! We can offer you far, far more than that—”

“No. Really.” The hag’s voice is firm. “Just a little bread and tea. I brought my own jam.”

Lumiere practically shoves her into a seat. “Madame! Of course, of course, just a little supper, with your countryside jam—but would you have your supper without a few fireworks?!”

“Actually, I would,” says the hag, but it is too late. Lumiere has already brought out the showgirls, the disco ball, and the dancing elephant he imported from India; all around her the servants whip and turn and can-can, and the hag only sees in glimpses the food itself: delicious cakes, extraordinary marzipan masterpieces, a swan made of ice that is too high for the ceiling—far more than she would ever ask for, or ever want to eat.

“Enough! Enough,” she cries, and the whole show number comes grinding to a halt. Somehow, the candles go out. A bitter wind blows through the kitchen.

“Madame?” The maître d’ raises his eyebrows. “We haven’t gotten to the best part, yet. If you could wait one more minute, when we bring out the acrobats—”

“This is insane,” hisses Agathe, and she glows with a golden light. Lumiere watches in shock as she rises off the floor, growing fifteen feet at least as her face cracks open to reveal exquisite beauty. The jar of jam in her hands, so long neglected, glows with an unearthly light.

As punishment for his inability to give her bread and tea like a normal-ass person, the Enchantress transformed Lumiere into a hideous beast—and placed a powerful spell on the castle, and all who lived there.​

“Well, this is annoying,” hisses Adam. He had been having a very normal night. There had been girls, dancing, the usual party—Lumiere had slipped off when the doorbell rang, but that was nothing to be concerned about—and then the next thing Adam knew, he had been turned into a lampshade, and now he couldn’t reach his throne. He also couldn’t enact his princely duties, either, but he hadn’t been doing those for years anyway, so that wasn’t as much of a bother.

“You think you’re annoyed?!” says the bookstand next to him. “I was just here to pick up some books for my father! I’m not even a part of this palace! This is bullshit.”

“Yes!” cries Adam. “Thank you. Seriously some high-level bullshit. And I don’t think we can even get out of this library, either—once that door closes, it won’t open again. Particularly since we’re both short, now, and neither of us has hands.”

“Unbelievable,” agrees the bookstand, rolling its eyes. “I’m Belle, by the way.”

As days bled into years, the servant and his friends were forgotten by the world, for the Enchantress had erased all memory of them from the minds of the people they loved.

“That’s….odd,” says Maurice, down in the village. “I thought I had someone to hand me things.”

“Like a servant?” says Plumette. She has only recently arrived from Paris, to study painting from the hand of a master artist; she enjoys spending time with Maurice and…..and, she can’t remember who the other person was. But she likes Maurice.

“Yes, or….no, I can’t quite remember.” He turns to Plumette, though, and smiles. “But while you are in town, you can be the one to hand me things, if you’d like. We have a spare bedroom. For some reason, I bought this house to have two.”

“Monsieur! I would be delighted.” Plumette grins as she hands him a paintbrush. It feels right for Maurice to have a young woman around the house. Though why she thinks so, she can’t quite remember.

But the jam she had offered was truly an enchanted jar of jam: if Lumiere could learn to love someone more than The Drama, and earn that person’s love in return, by the time the expiration date on the jam rolled around—the spell would be broken. If not, he would be doomed to remain a beast for all time.​

“All time, did you hear that? All. Time.” Cogsworth is intensely aware of time, these days. It must have something to do with the hands of a clock replacing one’s mustache.

“I heard, I heard, I was there too.” Lumiere groans and turns back to staring at the jar of jam.

“You know, it doesn’t go far to proving you can be normal when you’ve enshrined a jam-jar in a glass case on a carved table in the middle of a room with nothing else in it,” says Cogsworth.  “You’ve even planned it so the light hits it at a dramatic angle. Good lord.”

“If we have to be miserable, at least we can be miserable in good lighting,” says Lumiere. He carefully shifts his new bulk so as not to tip over his friend. He isn’t entirely sure why the Enchantress saw fit to turn him into a seven foot tall, gleaming-gold, heavily scaled dragon, but the inconvenience alone makes it a suitable curse.

“We can’t get out of the castle, nobody will remember to get in to the castle, you’ve set fire to the rose garden at least three times in two days, and your coping technique is baking chocolate eclairs none of us can eat—how exactly do you expect this curse to end, you fool?”

“L’amour,” says Lumiere, simply, readjusting his tail. “I believe in love. It just hasn’t happened yet.”

“Because you’ve been too busy planning parties, that’s why.”

“Because I’ve been too busy wanting to do this,” says Lumiere, and sets Cogsworth up on the mantel piece, where he can’t get down.

“You—you rascal! Get me down! You know I’m too tiny now—”

Lumiere doesn’t hear, as he retreats to his hoard of candelabras. He likes sitting on gold things, now; he can’t help it. It’s a dragon thing.

As the years passed, he fell into despair and lost all hope……for who could ever learn to love a beast?

“Get home safe,” says Plumette. She’s been living with Maurice for many years, now; she likes to treat him as his daughter would, if he had one. It is good to take care of the old artist.

“What can I bring you?” Maurice likes to bring her things. It feels like an old tradition, somehow.

Plumette’s eyes scan Villeneuve. It’s a far cry from her beloved Paris. The men here are boisterous and rude; the only activity comes from the autumn harvest, or the rustic celebrations around May Day. In Paris, there was a show every night, courtly etiquette, a graceful dance for every day. She misses glamor, spark, the higher life—

“A rose,” she says. Maurice cannot afford the things she wants.

“Ah! A rose! Right then,” says Maurice, and gallops off toward the woods. Plumette sighs, and turns back to her painting.

It is the next day when the horse comes back, riderless. Plumette has little use for horses—she prefers birds, really; she loves doves and larks, things that fly through the air—but she grimly saddles herself up and takes off for the woods.

There is snow there. In June. Plumette shivers, and pulls her cloak closer to her ears. It is lined in goose-down, and warms her for a moment as she rides into…the gardens of a palace.

A palace! Like the ones in Paris! In the middle of the woods!

She almost flies off Philippe, running up the steps with feather-light steps—never mind that they are covered in ice; never mind that the palace echoes empty to her shouts. A palace! Underneath all this dust, as rich and beautiful as the life she has dreamed of.

She wanders the halls slowly, admiring the grand mirrors and the elegant ballrooms. Eventually, she reaches a library. She cracks open the door and peeks in.

“Oh! Hello! Wait, don’t go—finally, somebody to settle the debate.” She can’t see who is talking. The room looks empty to her.

“Miss!” It’s a girl’s voice, now, though the room still stands empty. “Miss, please, what’s your opinion on Romeo and Juliet?”

“I’ve…I’ve never read it.”

“Dammit.” This time, Plumette catches the movement. A lampshade, perched up by an old bookstand, sways as if it can shake its head.

“Are you—non, c’est impossible—are you alive?!” 

“I’m dead inside, at this point,” says the lampshade. “We’ve been here for years, just the two of us, because no one else comes in this room—and Belle keeps insisting romance literature is a valid category, and I keep saying she needs to get her head on straight and read some Richard III—”

“Oh right, like I haven’t,” retorts the bookstand. “Together we’ve read almost every book in this library.”

“Except the Greek ones.”

“Right. Except the Greek.”

Plumette tries to find her balance. “You’re alive? You can talk?! A bookstand and a lampshade—”

“How dare you! I was your Prince, once.”

“Oh, let her off easy, Adam.”

“Fine.” The lampshade growls, but settles back next to the bookstand. It is evident that in their years stuck in this room together, the two objects have grown extraordinary close.

“Could you—I mean—” Plumette doesn’t know where to begin. “How are you stuck here? And why?”

“I don’t know, but that’s what my father asked too,” says the bookstand. She sounds sad. “Not that he remembers he’s my father. We didn’t get to talk long enough before the Beast came—”

“The what—”

“And whisked him away for a fabulous dinner.”

“Did somebody say fabulous dinner,” roars a voice, and the two objects cower at the sound.

Plumette turns just as the door is blasted down by flames. She sees one glittering, golden claw—then another, and another—then a great, gold, scaly mass, half man and half dragon, peering through the door.

“It’s a girl! A beautiful girl!”

“Yes, I know it’s a girl,” says a small clock, perched between the dragon’s horns.

“Mademoiselle!” The dragon-beast is stuck halfway into the doorway, but he is trying to play it off with aplomb. “Pardon my intrusion—I only just saw you had arrived! You are welcome here, of course—”

With a great effort, the dragon got himself through, drawing to his full height as he did so. Plumette gasped—he was a massive, stunning creature of myth, and yet he had still managed to tie on a frilly cravat.

“I am Lumiere.” The creature bowed low, and singe marks appeared on the carpet. “But come! To the dining room! We have already made the artist welcome there—”

“The artist? Maurice?” Plumette is trying to hold on to the situation, but she can’t help being a little dazzled by the dragon in front of her. She notes the layer of glitter he has painstakingly sprinkled on his scales.

“Oui, oui, come now, ahh! La belle chérie—” He follows her out, with only a few embarrassing scrapes against the doorway. Adam and Belle look at each other.

“It’s going to be a love story,” says Belle.

“Blech,” says Adam, though he doesn’t truly disagree.

Plumette and Maurice are not imprisoned in the castle, though it may feel that way sometimes. Every time they arrange to leave, Lumiere arranges some new entertainment—there is a theatrical production in the drawing room! We are playing charades in the salon! S'il vous plaît, mademoiselle, accompany a dragon on his rounds of the rose gardens. Without your gentle company, he may set the blooms alight.

Plumette feels herself falling. Fast.

“He is a dragon,” she says to the housekeeper, Mrs. Potts, one day. Plumette has noticed how grimy they’ve all gotten, and has volunteered to dust them off. The servants cluster around her, now, as she takes a featherduster to her friends with gusto.

“Well, not always. Once he was a……” But the lady falls silent. Everytime they try to speak of the curse, the servants stop.

“What?! What was he?! How do I break this curse?!”

“You know we can’t say,” says Cogsworth. He butts Mrs. Potts out of the way, and smiles with pleasure as Plumette works away the dust on his gilding.

“Is it true love? Tell me it is true love,” she implores. She is already halfway there. It wasn’t hard to fall for Lumiere—he was so kind, so inviting, so endlessly beautiful. Even as a dragon who insisted on wearing a wig.

“Ha! No, that would be easy,” laughs Mrs. Potts. “But something like….a correction of his flaws, if you will.”

“Hmm,” says Plumette, and tries to think of how Lumiere could be flawed.

They dance the night away. It is difficult, with a ten-foot long tail, but Lumiere manages it; and he only sets fire to Cadenza once, and they manage to put it out quickly before Plumette notices. She is beautiful, arrayed in fine, white feathers like an angel; and Lumiere loves her, passionately, with the love he always knew existed burning bright in his veins.

At the end of the evening, they walk out onto the balcony. Far above them, through an open window, they can hear the bookstand reciting romantic poetry to the lampshade.

“Plumette?”

“Oui, mon amour?” No point in hiding it. Now or never. She can tell he is about to propose.

“Do you think we should add a revolving dance floor to the ballroom?”

Plumette blinks.

“With tiles that light up,” Lumiere continues. “The flashy, dance floor kind. Oui?”

Plumette draws her soft hand away, and Lumiere blinks. Looks, in concern, at her delicate face.

“Lumiere…..you know, we could think of other things, besides the dance floor.”

“Well, yes. Flamethrowers. I’m two steps ahead of you, mon coeur.”

“Lumiere!” She tears her hand away. “I cannot do this. You can keep Maurice here—you should, actually, I don’t like him down in the village with all those hunters and fishmongers—but I cannot stay here, if this is how you are. We just! Danced! In romantic candlelight! And you’re thinking of fluorescent lighting?! Unbelievable,” she mutters, and before Lumiere can string together two words, she has galloped off into the night.

Cogsworth comes to find him, up on the highest tower.

“You know,” says the major domo, “it doesn’t go far to proving you can be normal when you’re singing a Broadway-style ballad after your departing love.”

“Shut it, mon ami,” says Lumiere, and hits the “evermore” exactly on pitch.

When Plumette arrives back at the village, she is surprised to meet Gaston.

“Plumette! Where have you been?” Oh, boy. The village hero has his crazy-eyes on. Around him, the villagers wave torches and pitchforks.

“I’ve been living in a forgotten palace in the middle of the woods with a dragon and a talking IKEA,” says Plumette. “What have you been doing?”

“Looking for Maurice,” says Gaston. “We need a scapegoat, and he’s generally convenient.”

“Oh, he was in the palace too,” says Plumette casually, then— “No! Wait! Stop! Come back!”

It’s too late. The mob descends into the woods, their torches held high.

Plumette sighs, and turns Philippe around. She knows Lumiere would be helpless against an attack. He would be thinking too much about the lighting.

“Sacre-bleau! Intruders!” Lumiere can tell these aren’t the friendly kind. A mob won’t be won over by pudding and balls.

“Man the battlements!” shouts Cogsworth, but nobody hears him. Lumiere is screaming too loudly.

“Plumette! Plumette! She is right in their way—she is holding the entire mob back, sacre bleau—”

Cogsworth looks out the window. Lumiere is right: Plumette, shining like a star on her white horse, has ridden to the front of the crowd, standing between them and the castle. She is brave, and fearless, and beautiful.

And all Lumiere can think of.

Before Cogsworth can say anything—or Belle and Adam can launch the Greek books from their window at the attackers below—Lumiere has let loose his great, mighty dragon wings, and descended on the mob that threatens his Plumette.

There are no injuries, but the mob—dazed and baffled—return to Villeneuve looking incredibly sunburnt.

“Plumette! Oh, Plumette.” Lumiere runs to her arms.

“Mon amour! You saved me! It wasn’t even dramatic. You just landed on top of Gaston! What a letdown!”

“Was that it? I didn’t even notice.” Lumiere takes her in his arms, beaming. “You’re safe! Oh, Plumette, je t’aime—”

Plumette kisses him, without a second thought. It is only on the fourth or fifth thought that it occurs to her that Lumiere smells like sunlight more than singed carpets. And his lips aren’t as scaly as she would have thought.

He is human again; they are all human again. The sun bursts, ripe and full, across the palace. Somewhere, Agathe breathes a sigh of relief: this was all too silly for her. Up in the library, the bookstand and the lampshade get a good look at each other.

“So that’s what you look like. I wondered.”

“You’re not a bad human yourself.” Adam rubs his face, shakes out an arm. “Speaking of, how do you fancy getting married?”

“To you? The man who doesn’t even like Romeo and Juliet?”

“That man exactly.”

“I would love it more than anything.”

And in the summer sun, two couples kiss.

[alaskanna]

Corsets: Laced

Heels: French

Love: True

‘Anne of Avonlea’, 1987

Mumbly Nonsense

More scenery p*rn!

This whole opening sequence is quite lovely

Put your actress in a corset and petticoats and make her bicycle.

Anne is such a drama queen!

Some nice Edwardian summer fashions for ladies, gentleman, boys and girls and even the nanny.

You can see all the hairspray in Anne’s hair!

Poor Minnie May! She’s isn’t wearing bloomers though...

Those Pyes!

A goat!

It’s always wise to keep an object between you and geese at all time

I adore this little sequence between G&A!

The look on Gilbert’s face after she hits him with her story. Goes all googoo eyes for a second.

She wasn’t. Poor Gilbert.

Gilbert sure dried quickly!

Dolly the cow is so pretty! Such big dopey moo cow eyes. That’s what you look like every time you look at Gilbert, Anne. Everyone else can see it.

‘Almost pays for the thud’

Picard girls!

Oh, Gilbert could be wicked if he wanted to be. 😏

Nitpick time: Anne’s hair really should be up, not braided to go into town.

Josie’s shirtwaist is pretty

‘Sweetheart, the beautiful coming years will bring us the fulfillment of our house of dreams, in which we will never use any baking power except Rollings Reliable!’ 🤣

So does Anne just not go to college in this?

Diana’s such a screamer! Fred will be pleased.

‘The elegant and illustrious Miss Shirley’

Oh goodness this scene is so so funny!

‘I’m not your horse, Mr Blythe!’

Ah, this part with Marilla and John Blythe is sweet.

Bit of a blast from the past though! Anne storming through the door of Green Gables and slamming it.

The first 35 minutes of this movie are hilarious!

Poor Anne! This is much different from the books.

Marilla gets Phil’s lines from ‘Anne of the Island.’

Geese are evil. Trust me, I have two.

Poor Thomas! “I don’t want any tea!”

I like the clock ticking in the background while Anne confesses to Rachel about the cow.

Poor Thomas!!!

French heels! They’re so comfortable to wear!

Anne’s ‘wash waist’ or ‘lingerie waist’is very pretty! Were all the clothes on her bed what she decided she wasn’t going to wear? 😉

Mrs Lynde’s mother hen ways!

Shirbert Shipper on deck!!!

I like the jig at the party

Ruby’s still alive! I guess there wasn’t enough time to kill her off!

The dancing scene is just so funny. In the books, Anne and Gilbert dance together quite often at all those Redmond parties.

Bridges seem to be a theme in this film. (And the last one too.)

Anne’s first line in the bridge scene is quite poetical.

And here is the crux of the problem; Anne wants to hang on to her schooldays, and dosn’t want anything to change.

‘You’ve been avoiding me all spring, ever since we graduated’ What did they graduate from?

When did Gilbert go to college??!!!

I don’t think Gilbert wants someone to hang on his arm and keep house for him, Anne.

Ouch! Poor Gilbert!

What is that bird in the background? We have them up here too.

At least in this version, they remain friends. Sort of.

Auto dude is an incouragable flirt.

Diana’s wedding hat/veil has a tag that looks very modern.

‘After two years of flirting, this is scandalous!’ Anne is #oblivioustolove

Oh my goodness, the lady is singing the cheesy song!

Is it bad that I’m starting to ship Minnie May and Anthony? #toyship

The wedding dresses a very pretty! I wonder if any extent gowns were used in these films?

Anne’s staring and Gilbert; the runs into Moody!

‘The only thing you’ve ever had to wear twice is a sour expression’

What, Christine?! At the wedding?!

Isn’t Diana too young to be getting married? In the book, her mother refused to let her marry before she was 21.

Anne is jealous of Christine and in denial of it, just like the books.

‘Some fool who’ll read Tennyson by firelight’ Doesn’t Gilbert do this in one of the books?

Ouch!

Diana’s going away dress is so beautiful!

Did Anne walk home? Didn’t she have a buggy?

When did Anne go to college?!!!!

‘Bye bye girls, don’t do anything LM Montgomery wouldn’t do’ 😉

The goodbye scene is very sweet.

‘It’s us that changed, Rachel.’

So instead of the Pringles of Summerside, they’re the Pringle’s of Kingsport.

I don’t mind the injection of Miss Stacy in this at all!

A TEA GOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

‘Creepy girl, oh creepy girl! Won’t you be mine!!’ (I know it’s Jen)

Anne’s blue walking suit looks pilled.

That lady in the fur stole in the background after Anne and Miss Stacy leave the boardinghouse has the best costume! The silhouette is perfect!

Katherine Brook.

I must admit to the fact that I’ve never actually really read any of ‘Anne of Windy Poplars’. I do know a few things though, thanks to a quick perusal and TvTropes.com.

These girls are complete pills.

There’s a photo of King Edward on Anne’s classroom wall and all icons think is ‘King Edward’s on the throne, it’s the age of men!’

Jen Pringle really is eerie.

Essie and Emmaline are so sweet!

Girls really can be brutal.

How does Essie’s family afford to send her to the fancy school when her brother has a delivery job?

Emmaline’s crooked glasses!

Wow! Talk about a rotten roof!

Ooh, old books!

So why did they replace Roy Gardener with Mr Harris? I do think I like Mr Harris more; the point of Roy was to look like Anne’s romantic ideal, but he was boring on purpose. Me Harris seems to be quite spirited, if melancholy. Just like Anne (supposedly) wants.

The fireworks happend at Avonlea school, but this is so funny! Poor Essie fainted again.

And we’ve reached intermission. Whew, this is nearly four hours long!

The creepy girl song!

[snemballmma]

UFC 238 & What’s Next for the Winners

UFC 238 took place this past Saturday (June 9) in Chicago, IL and man did it ever deliver. From the prelims to the PPV bouts on ESPN+, the highly anticipated card gave fight fans the thrill they were looking for on Saturday night. In my opinion, it was the best card this year, thus far. We witnessed the latest fighter to join the decorated “Champ-Champ” club, the Flyweight Queen showcase her greatness with a devastating KO, “El Cucuy” cement himself as the greatest fighter to never hold an official belt (yet) in what was one of the most thrilling 10 minutes of action in recent memory, as well as several top prospects making their case as why their next fights should be title fights.

To end this historic card, Olympic Gold medalist and Flyweight Champion, Henry Cejudo (15-2), conquered his second belt in a Bantamweight title fight in which “The Messenger’s” championship spirit was shown as he made a spectacular comeback in route to stopping Marlon Moraes (22-6-1) in the 3rd round via TKO. It was an action packed bout fought at a frantic pace that remined fight fans why the lower weight divisions are loads of fun to watch. The third man in the Octagon, veteran referee, Marc Goddard, even proclaimed the first round exchanges between these two world class martial artists as “the fastest that I’ve ever encountered in 15 years as a ref”. After an early onslaught from Moraes in round 1, Cejudo came out in round 2 a different fighter and made the appropriate adjustments that swung the fight in his favor by closing the distance to avoid kicks and implement his clinch game. The adjustments proved to be quite effective as “Triple C” got the job done in round 3 with just 9 seconds remaining to win his second belt.

The UFC now has a new rising star on their hands with strong marketability to make Cejudo a star a top draw for the UFC. With that being said, matchmaking for Cejudo’s next title defense is key to keep him on track to stardom. I think the fight that should be next is a Flyweight Title defense against the winner of Joseph Benevidez (27-5) vs Jussier Formiga (23-5) which takes place June 29. I’m in favor of Cejudo defending the Flyweight Title for a couple reasons: 1. To save the Flyweight division (for now) and defend against deserving contenders. Cejudo has said he’s the flyweight savior before, so now it is time to prove it. 2. If Benavidez were to win, this is one of the most marketable and fun fights out there right now for Cejudo. Remember, his last loss was to Benavidez in a hard-fought split decision in 2016 and I would think that is one he would like to get back.

In the Co-Main Event of the evening the Women’s Flyweight Champion, Valentina Schevchenko (17-3) made a huge statement knockout in the 2nd round to defend her belt against Jessica Eye. Leading into the matchup, Schevchenko was a massive -1400 favorite and it’s safe to say the fight played out as expected. “Bullet” masterfully landed a series of body kicks throughout the 1st round to ultimately have Eye thinking low, where she then switched it up in the 2nd round and threw a left head kick that would viciously end the championship bout. The Women’s Flyweight division has their queen and it looks as if she’ll be upon the throne for some time.

What’s next for Valentina? Perhaps a Flyweight defense against Katlyn Chookagian (12-2) whom had a strong showing unanimous decision victory in the curtain jerker bout of the night against a very game Joanne Calderwood (13-4). Valentina is truly one of the best martial artists on the planet so it’ll be tough to find the right opponents to challenge her when there is such a gap of talent, but Chookagian is a worthy opponent and as we’ve seen with this sport many times, anything can happen.

Now to Tony Ferguson vs Donald Cerrone, or the “People’s Main Event”- and it sure got the main event treatment in the lead up to it. It is hard to think of another non-title fight that has ever had this much hype and promotion built into it prior to the bout and I couldn’t think of a matchup or two fighters that deserved such limelight. It gave you the goosebumps of a highly anticipated main event title fight and then it gave you 10 minutes of absolute fireworks. In the first, we witnessed Cowboy (36-12) have an unusual strong start where he got the better part of “El Cucuy” (25-3) in some crazy exchanges of a close round. Round 2 was a different story where Ferguson found his rhythm and began to heat up and land almost at will. As with every other Ferguson fight, he left his opponent battered and bloody due to his trademark slicing elbows, brick hands, and relentless pace. With it very well being 1-1 headed into the last round, the damage done to Cerrone became too much, with a possible broken nose and beat up orbital, he tried to clear his nose to prepare for the daunting pressure the cardio freak “El Cucuy” was going to bring but that resulted in his eye swelling up like a balloon and lead to a doctor’s stoppage. Ferguson’s second doctor’s stoppage TKO in a row to extend his win streak to an astonishing 12 fights.

Next up for the fighter with the longest active winning streak? It MUST be a shot at the highly coveted 155 pound Lightweight Title against the winner of Khabib Nurmagomedov (27-0) and Dustin Poirier (25-5). Ferguson’s tremendous run is only surpassed by consecutive wins from Anderson Silva (16), Jon Jones (15), George St. Pierre (13), Max Holloway (13), and Demetrious Johnson (13) in the history of the UFC. What do those all-time greats have in common? They’re all champions and several of their victories that contribute to their win streak have come from them defending their belt. It’s hard to fathom how Ferguson has yet to challenge for the undisputed title or think of someone more deserving of a title shot in the history of the UFC. Not to mention Ferguson has made this historic run in the promotions most stacked division. The time is now, UFC.

In a battle of some top bantamweights, Petr Yan ousted Jimmie Rivera in a unanimous decision by scoring several knockdowns over 3 entertaining rounds of action. Yan (13-1), displayed his top tier boxing skills to pick a part Rivera (22-4) to score his 5th UFC win (5-0 in UFC) in just UNDER a year. The “Syberian Gangster” is the real deal and a serious contender for the bantamweight strap.

What’s next for “No Mercy”? I like Yan against recent title challenger Marlon Moraes in what would make for a fantastic bout. I do think Yan is ready and worthy of a title shot, but I think based on who’s beat who, that the “Funk Master” Aljamain Sterling (18-3), who had a big performance earlier Saturday night, has the better case for the next title shot. So in the mean time, let’s have some fun and book Yan vs Moraes for a fall-time headliner in Russia!

 To open up the PPV we got a heavyweight slugfest between Blagoy Ivanov (18-2) and Tai Tuivasa (8-2) that somehow made it to the judges scorecards, whom favored Blagoy for the unanimous decision win. Blagoy dropped Tuivasa with a shot just behind the ear in the 1st round which would go on to be the most significant blow of a haymaker filled bout. The granite chins and toughness of these two were on full display for what would go on to set the tone for the most exciting card of the year, so far.

Up next for Blagoy? How about “The Demolition Man” Allistar Overeem who’s coming off an impressive win against Aleksei Oleinik in April. Looking at the rankings and what other heavyweights are not booked, this one makes a whole lot of sense for the former WSOF Heavyweight Champion who’s shown world class talent and could prove to be a serious contender for the heavyweight strap

[sxypigeon]

The Wedding (chapter 14)

Book 5 Absolution

A/N:  A reappearance of the plot after an adorable chapter of fluff!  Mako gets a new assignment, a new character makes an a debut, someone gets assassinated, and the girls begin their vacation.  Get your canon korrasami while it’s hot!

Chapter 1,  13

Tahno’s trombone bellowed enthusiastically as the dance floor began to attract a new wave of party-goers with a lively tune.  Shouts of excitement were lost in the music as the rest of the band joined in.  Across the room, Korra could be seen practically dragging her laughing girlfriend into the mass of happy people.

“How are you holding up?”

Mako tore his eyes from his exes playfully fighting for the lead on the dance floor to his boss.  “Better everyday,” he said before sipping his drink - Asami seemed to have won the fight as she twirled the younger woman before pulling her back into her arms.

“Good enough to get back on the beat?”

Hell, yes.  “As long as you don’t expect me to take out another twenty-five story mech singlehandedly.  Why?”

Lin snagged another drink from one of the passing twins.  “I’ve gotten word there’s trouble brewing in the refugee camps.  The various gangs are trying to make inroads with the displaced citizens, particularly the youth.”

Opportunistic bastards.  “Sounds like we need to remind them why the police are around.”  

“More than that,” she said, eyes scouring the scene for anything out of the ordinary - aside from Meelo’s and Wu’s impromptu dance-off.  “We need to beat them at their own game.  If we can give them an alternative to the Triads and the Agni Kais, we might be able to stop the next generation of gang bangers and thugs.”

“And you need me for that?” Mako asked in confusion.

“You and your brother.”

“Bolin?  He’s not a cop,” he laughed, momentarily wondering if his boss had had too much to drink already.

“I’ve been at this for a lot longer than you,” she said with a glare.  “I’ve watched this cycle happen more than a few times.  Future Industries’ outreach programs have helped, but if we want to keep up with this problem we need to be among the people and continue to build bridges in the community.”

“Okay, but what do you need me - and Bolin apparently - to do?”

Lin took a long drink.  “I need you two to spend as much time in the camps as possible and get a feel for what their problems and concerns are and let them know that we’re listening and trying to meet their needs.”

“And Bolin?”

“People love Bolin.  I don’t know why - he was a pain in my ass the whole time Opal brought him with to rescue my sister and her family.  If he can’t win over the people, no one can.  I need you to be the level-headed voice of reason.  I expect you to the voice of the department since I’ll be stuck here for the foreseeable future protecting the president.”

A bubble of pride began to swell in Mako’s chest.  Lin obviously loathed delegating a task so important, but she did and to him.  I won’t screw this up.  You can count on me.  “When do we head out?”

She was about to reply when she jumped forward in alarm.

“Talking about work at a wedding?  Why am I not surprised?” Kya said with an arched eyebrow as she stepped from behind the chief.  “Don’t you ever take a break, Lin?”

“Not when the people I’m tasked to protect are in danger,” she stated tightly.

“That’s a shame,” the waterbender cooed as she sauntered away toward the drink table.  

Lin frowned after her for a moment before she remembered what she was saying.  “The day after tomorrow.  I was going to brief Bolin tonight, but he’s disappeared with my niece and I don’t care to know where they are at the moment.  I trust you’ll inform him if you see him?”

“Of course.”  

“Good.”  She continued to watch Kya from across the courtyard.  “I also trust that you’ll forget what you may or may not have just seen.”

“I have no idea what you’re talk about,” he said somewhat honestly.  Wait, was Kya flirting with-

“Enjoy the rest of your evening, detective,” Lin said before slamming back the rest of her drink and following Kya’s path to the drink table.

“You too, chief,” he muttered in surprise before spotting Wu strutting up to him.  Go get her.

“Are you sure you have enough supplies packed?” Tenzin asked the girls as Korra explained what they wanted to do.

“Yes, I had Asami double check,” she said with an eyeroll.

“Be careful,” he said as he hugged her.  “And have a good time.”

As long as it goes smoother than my first trip into the spirit world, Korra thought as she pulled away.  “I’m always careful.  It’s the rest of the world that isn’t.”

“Of course,” he said with a smile as they watched Pema and Asami embrace.  “I’ll send Jinora if anything of importance happens while you’re gone - though if you’ll only be gone a week-”

“With all that’s happened this week, I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw her before the night was over,” Korra laughed tiredly.

“We’ll do our best to handle things on our own until you return,” Tenzin promised with a smile.  He and his wife watched them depart hand-in-hand as Tonraq and Senna joined them.

“Off on another adventure,” Pema mused happily.

“I suppose we’ll have to stay a bit longer if we want to see them when they get back,” Senna said somewhat sadly.  

“You’re both welcome to stay as long as you want,” Tenzin said.  “If anyone needs a break, it’s those two.  I just hope it will be enough.”

“If how they look at each other is any indication, I’m sure they’ll have a very good time,” Tonraq chuckled.

Senna smacked his arm.  “Behave.”

“I’m just saying they seem like they’re good for each other . . . and very obviously want to have some time alone,” he said with a grin.  “Korra has never been good at hiding her feelings.”

“Something she gets from you, no doubt,” Pema laughed.

“At least someone is having a good time,” a young woman muttered to herself as she spied fireworks erupting over Yue Bay.  She sighed tiredly as she hosted a large container of water onto her shoulder.  “Probably UR soldiers celebrating the end of the war.  I don’t suppose they could send any of that good cheer our way.”

The walk back to her tent was mostly uneventful with the exception of a few kids darting into her path and an elderly man attempting to flirt with her.  Life in the refugee camp wasn’t perfect, but it beat being blown up by a pinkish-purple super weapon, she supposed.  They say there isn’t much left since the battle - I wonder if the shop is still standing.

“I’m back,” she called tiredly as she entered the small living space.  

“Jeong, did you have any trouble?” her mother asked as she set aside the pair of trousers she was repairing by lantern light.

She set down her load and rolled her neck tiredly.  “No, the Triple Threats weren’t out, but Old man Hoon did say I looked particularly radiant tonight.”

“Of course he did,” the older woman muttered with a relieved smile.  “Are you hungry?”

“Depends on what there is,” she said as she collapsed onto her cot.  Around her, her younger brother and sister slept while her father hemmed a coat, trying to maintain the family business even without having the shop.  

“Hotteok?”

Jeong perked up immediately.  “That’s not what they were offering at the ration station.”

“Of course not.  Jin and I decided to pool our rations together and make a treat to keep the neighborhood in good spirits.  It’s cold, but you could heat it up over the lantern,” her mother said as she presented her daughter with a small bundle of the honey and nut-filled pancakes.

“I missed your cooking so much,” she admitted as she hurried across the tent to sit next to the lantern and her father.  “Flameo Noodles seven days straight is six days too many.”

“I think you mean seven,” her father chuckled.

“How did your meeting with the kids go today?” her mother asked anxiously as she joined them.

“About as well as I could have hoped.”  She took a bite and sighed happily.  “Some of the younger ones seemed to be open to forming a neighborhood watch, but a lot of the older ones have already been talking to the Triad.  I’m not sure how much good any of this will do,” she finished quietly.

“Trying is better than doing nothing,” he said softly.  “And who knows how long we’ll be stuck here.  Better to be over prepared than under.”

“I guess.  I just wish they’d leave us alone.  It’s hard to convince them to voluntarily do anything when the Triad is flashing wads of cash around.”  She finished her treat and wrapped up the remaining for her younger siblings.  “I’m going to do one more walk around before bed.”

“Be careful, you’ve had a long day already,” the older woman said.

“I always am.”  The fall night air was just a bit too warm to be considered crisp, but was still refreshing.  Jeong followed her usual path along the rows of tents, watching for any sign of trouble.  Not that I could do a thing about it if I found any,  she thought as her hand settled on the short dagger she kept hidden under the clothes - a dagger she didn’t know how to use.  

A flash of pink caught the corner of her eye as she stared out toward the bay.  What the hell was that?

Former Grand Secretariat Gun exhaled heavily as he stared out across the vast ocean.  Varrik’s wedding had been a pleasant enough affair, but it did nothing to quell the anxiety in his chest.  Two attacks on Republic City in seven days was terribly troubling and did not bode well for peace or Wu’s possible ascension to the throne (especially since the prince seemed to be completely uninterested in the prospect).  

Who will lead the the Earth Kingdom if not the prince?  He is the last blood relative of King Kuei.  Surely he doesn’t honestly think the states can rule themselves?  He leaned heavily on the railing of the ship and tried to clear his mind.  Now was not the time to worry of such things - tonight was to be a celebration, a break from the non-stop diplomacy.  Perhaps I didn’t have enough wine, he thought tiredly.

The death of the Earth Queen had been a sort of blessing in disguise for the aged politician.  Though he was barred from returning to the capital, life had become exponentially easier without the unyielding woman’s constant demands.  Long forgotten things like pride and self worth began to slowly re-emerge from the depths of his soul.  He was a person, he realized after a month of exile, and he wasn’t about let the next king trample over him like the queen had - or that’s what he told himself at least.  

Another glass of wine and sleep seem to be in order.  He turned slowly and caught sight of a strange pink light in the sky.  What is-

Former Grand Secretariat Gun’s body jerked backwards over the railing and fell into the calm sea.

“Are you absolutely sure you want to go straight to the spirit world?” Korra asked as Asami navigated through the mess of vines toward the portal.

The engineer sent her a smirk before focusing on the road again.  “Yes,” she said simply.  She brought the car to stop as the road ahead became unpassable.  “Why?”

The avatar shrugged and fiddled with a clasp on her bag.  “It’s just that we finally have time to ourselves and . . . um, I guess I sort of thought maybe . . .”

Asami felt her grin grow as Korra trailed off in embarrassment.  “You thought what?” she muttered as she moved to straddle her waist.  

“That - that . . . spirits,” she muttered quietly.  “That you’d want to go back to your apartment.”

“Oh, I do,” she whispered against her lips before tasting them.  They enjoyed several minutes wrapped in each other’s arms before Asami pulled away.  “There’s a problem with going back to my apartment though.”

“What?” Korra asked dreamily.

“I’m not sure I’d be able to let you leave my bed long enough to make it to the portal, let alone actually do any exploring.”

A moment passed as the younger woman processed what was said before she began to laugh quietly.  “Really?”

“Really.”  Asami smirked as she moved back to her side of the car and let out a long breath.  “I do really want to see the spirit world.”

“And I really do want to show it to you,” Korra said with a sappy smile.  “So we spend a few days exploring and then we head to your apartment?”

“Something like that.”  After a moment to let their hearts slow, they exited the car and shouldered their packs, walking silently toward the yellow glow ahead.

A/N:  I apologize profusely for the delay and place most of the blame on OW Year of the Rooster - that’s not entirely fair, but it seems like a good excuse.  Still brainstorming Overwatch crap, but no actual progress sadly (Who’s this Genji fool allegedly buying the doctor sub par chocolates?).

Super excited about the LoK comic - the preview gave me the kick in the pants I needed to finally finish this chapter and reminded me that I set a deadline to finish this fic by the comic’s release date.  I’m not sure if I’m going to, but that’s the plan for now.

Thanks for reading, reviewing, following, and liking!

Chapter 15 Protect and Serve

[dfroza]

Today’s reading in the ancient book of Psalms and Proverbs

for Saturday, february 29 of 2020 with Psalm 29 and Proverbs 29, accompanied by Psalm 71 for the 71st day of Winter and Psalm 60 for day 60 of the year

[Psalm 29]

A David Psalm

Bravo, God, bravo!

Gods and all angels shout, “Encore!”

In awe before the glory,

in awe before God’s visible power.

Stand at attention!

Dress your best to honor him!

God thunders across the waters,

Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness—

God, across the flood waters.

God’s thunder tympanic,

God’s thunder symphonic.

God’s thunder smashes cedars,

God topples the northern cedars.

The mountain ranges skip like spring colts,

The high ridges jump like wild kid goats.

God’s thunder spits fire.

God thunders, the wilderness quakes;

He makes the desert of Kadesh shake.

God’s thunder sets the oak trees dancing

A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches.

We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!”

Above the floodwaters is God’s throne

from which his power flows,

from which he rules the world.

God makes his people strong.

God gives his people peace.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 29 (The Message)

[Psalm 71]

I run for dear life to God,

I’ll never live to regret it.

Do what you do so well:

get me out of this mess and up on my feet.

Put your ear to the ground and listen,

give me space for salvation.

Be a guest room where I can retreat;

you said your door was always open!

You’re my salvation—my vast, granite fortress.

My God, free me from the grip of Wicked,

from the clutch of Bad and Bully.

You keep me going when times are tough—

my bedrock, God, since my childhood.

I’ve hung on you from the day of my birth,

the day you took me from the cradle;

I’ll never run out of praise.

Many gasp in alarm when they see me,

but you take me in stride.

Just as each day brims with your beauty,

my mouth brims with praise.

But don’t turn me out to pasture when I’m old

or put me on the shelf when I can’t pull my weight.

My enemies are talking behind my back,

watching for their chance to knife me.

The gossip is: “God has abandoned him.

Pounce on him now; no one will help him.”

God, don’t just watch from the sidelines.

Come on! Run to my side!

My accusers—make them lose face.

Those out to get me—make them look

Like idiots, while I stretch out, reaching for you,

and daily add praise to praise.

I’ll write the book on your righteousness,

talk up your salvation the livelong day,

never run out of good things to write or say.

I come in the power of the Lord God,

I post signs marking his right-of-way.

You got me when I was an unformed youth,

God, and taught me everything I know.

Now I’m telling the world your wonders;

I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray.

God, don’t walk off and leave me

until I get out the news

Of your strong right arm to this world,

news of your power to the world yet to come,

Your famous and righteous

ways, O God.

God, you’ve done it all!

Who is quite like you?

You, who made me stare trouble in the face,

Turn me around;

Now let me look life in the face.

I’ve been to the bottom;

Bring me up, streaming with honors;

turn to me, be tender to me,

And I’ll take up the lute and thank you

to the tune of your faithfulness, God.

I’ll make music for you on a harp,

Holy One of Israel.

When I open up in song to you,

I let out lungsful of praise,

my rescued life a song.

All day long I’m chanting

about you and your righteous ways,

While those who tried to do me in

slink off looking ashamed.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 71 (The Message)

[Psalm 60]

A David Psalm, When He Fought Against Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah and Joab Killed Twelve Thousand Edomites at the Valley of Salt

God! you walked off and left us,

kicked our defenses to bits

And stalked off angry.

Come back. Oh please, come back!

You shook earth to the foundations,

ripped open huge crevasses.

Heal the breaks! Everything’s

coming apart at the seams.

You made your people look doom in the face,

then gave us cheap wine to drown our troubles.

Then you planted a flag to rally your people,

an unfurled flag to look to for courage.

Now do something quickly, answer right now,

so the one you love best is saved.

That’s when God spoke in holy splendor,

“Bursting with joy,

I make a present of Shechem,

I hand out Succoth Valley as a gift.

Gilead’s in my pocket,

to say nothing of Manasseh.

Ephraim’s my hard hat,

Judah my hammer;

Moab’s a scrub bucket,

I mop the floor with Moab,

Spit on Edom,

rain fireworks all over Philistia.”

Who will take me to the thick of the fight?

Who’ll show me the road to Edom?

You aren’t giving up on us, are you, God?

refusing to go out with our troops?

Give us help for the hard task;

human help is worthless.

In God we’ll do our very best;

he’ll flatten the opposition for good.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 60 (The Message)

[Proverbs 29]

The one who remains defiant after repeated reprimands

will suddenly be shattered, and there will be no remedy for him.

When just leaders are in power, the citizens celebrate;

but when evil people gain control, their joys become moans.

An adult who loves wisdom and follows its ways gives his parents joy,

but one who hangs out with women of the street will lose everything.

A king brings stability to a land with his justice,

but one who makes unjust demands brings it to ruin.

The one who flatters his friend

is laying a trap that will catch his friend’s feet.

An evil person is sure to be trapped by his sin,

but a man who lives right is free to sing and be glad.

The just get involved with the poor and know their issues,

but the wicked cannot comprehend such concerns.

Mockers stir up a city and inflame passions,

but the wise know how to put out the fire and ease tensions.

When the wise go to court against a fool,

there will be ranting and raving but no resolution.

Bloodthirsty men despise those who are honest,

but the just find a way to help them.

A fool does not think before he unleashes his temper,

but a wise man holds back and remains quiet.

When it is known that a ruler listens to the words of liars,

soon he will have only scoundrels for advisors.

A poor man and his oppressor have this in common:

the Eternal created them and provides both with light and life.

The king who is fair in his treatment of the poor

will see his dynasty continue forever.

Corporal punishment and correction produce wisdom,

but a child left to follow his own willful way shames his mother.

When evil people are free to flourish, sin is on the rise,

but the just will surely see their destruction.

If you discipline your children, they will make your life easier

and refresh your soul.

Where there is no vision from God, the people run wild,

but those who adhere to God’s instruction know genuine happiness.

Words are not enough to correct a servant;

even if he understands, he will not respond.

Have you ever met someone who is overly eager to talk?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

If you indulge your servant from early in life,

in the end it won’t go well for either of you.

A hot-head provokes quarrels,

and one mastered by anger commits all kinds of sins.

A person’s pride brings him down,

but one of humble spirit has a firm hold on honor and respect.

Anyone who teams up with a thief must despise his own life,

for he is bound by an oath to tell the truth and yet refuses.

If you fear other people, you are walking into a dangerous trap;

but if you trust in the Eternal, you will be safe.

Many people vie for special treatment from a ruler,

yet genuine justice proceeds from the Eternal.

The right-living are disgusted by the actions of the unjust;

likewise, the wicked are disgusted by the ways of the righteous.

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 29 (The Voice)

[tamboradventure]

The 10 Best Day Trips from Paris

Posted: 6/3/2019 | June 3rd, 2019

Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world for many reasons. Heck, I love it so much that I’m currently living here!

This city has it all – and it would take a lifetime to reall see. Even after a decade of visiting and months living here, I’m still finding new things to see and do!

And, while the city itself has a million and one sights to visit, there are also some fantastic day trips from Paris that can help you escape the city – and see what else this incredible country has to offer.

From historic vineyards to medieval castles to cheesy tourist sites, thre’s a lot within a short distance from the city.

Here are some of the best day trips from Paris (at least in my opinion):

Table of Contents

The Palace of Versailles

Château de Fontainebleau

Château de Chantilly

Reims

The D-Day Beaches

Giverny

Champagne

Rouen

Orléans

Disneyland

1. The Palace of Versailles

From its exquisite gardens to its lavish interiors, the Palace of Versailles is truly a sight to be seen.

Located just 20km from Paris, it was the primary residence of the kings of France for over 100 years, until the French Revolution. Once just a tiny hunting lodge, it was initially transformed into a proper château by Louis XIII, who bought up the surrounding land to extend his park and gardens. Eventually, Louis XIV (aka the Sun King) turned this into lavish country estate as a way to escape Paris and diminish the grip of the French nobility. A massive and decadent symbol of royal power, Versailles offers an incredible insight into French history, highlighting the ostentatious lives of the former monarchs.

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most-visited attractions in the vicinity of Paris, with over 10 million people swarming the grounds each year. To avoid the worst crowds, try to visit during the week.

Place d’Armes, Versailles, +33 1 30 83 78 00, en.châteauversailles.fr. Open Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5:30pm, with the last entry at 5pm (closed Mondays). “The Passport” ticket will give you admission to all the palace tours (grounds, Trianon Palaces, and Marie Antoinette’s estate), the Musical Fountain Show, the Musical Gardens, and the exhibitions; it costs 27 EUR (for one day) or 30 EUR (for two days). To get there, take the RER Line C to Versailles Chateau or the SNCF train from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers.

2. Château de Fontainebleau

Located about 75km from Paris, this is one of the largest royal estates in the country. Built in the 12th century, it was inhabited continuously for over seven centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as a national museum. The origins of the palace also date back to a hunting lodge used by the kings of France, with additions being built throughout the years, the most elaborate of which are from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Much like Versailles, there are lavish rooms and apartments here, including a grandiose and ornate ballroom, as well as the throne of Napoleon. The château was also used as a NATO base of operations after World War II until 1966, when it was restored, gaining UNESCO status in 1981.

77300 Fontainebleau, +33 1 60 71 50 70, châteaudefontainebleau.fr. The château itself is open 9:30am-5:30pm (to 6pm in the summer). The parks are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Admission is 12 EUR per person, with discounts available. EU residents under 25, as well as any visitors under 18, can take the Grand Apartments tour free of charge.

3. Château de Chantilly

This historic château is located just 60 minutes from Paris by car. It was built in 1560 by the Montmorency family, one of France’s noble families. It is surrounded by some 8,000 hectares of forest and has seen numerous additions over the years, including a major restoration after part of it was destroyed in the French Revolution. When the last owner of the château died with no sons, it became a public historic site.

There are waterfalls and canals around the property, as well as some fountains, flower gardens, and Chinese-style gardens. You’ll also find lots of sculptures outside, making it a great place to relax and go for a stroll.

The château is also home to the Musée Condé, which opened in 1898. It boasts over 1,000 paintings, 1,500 manuscripts, 2,500 drawings, and 30,000 books in the library!

60500 Chantilly, +33 3 44 27 31 80, domainedechantilly.com/fr. Open daily 10am-6pm in the summer and 10:30am-5pm in the winter. Admission is 8 EUR for just the park, 17 EUR for the park and château, and 30 EUR for the park, the château, and an equestrian show. By car, the journey is just over an hour via the A1 or A3.

4. Reims

This small city is located just 140 kilometers from Paris and has played a significant role in French history. Reims grew to prominence during the Roman Empire, and when the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims (Reims Cathedral) was completed in the 15th century, it became the place where every king of France was crowned (with a few exceptions). Much like Notre-Dame in Paris, this Gothic cathedral boasts two large towers. It was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. While in town, don’t miss seeing the city’s fortifications; a number of them, including Fort de la Pompelle, saw combat in World War I.

You can reach Reims by car via the A4. The journey will take around 95 minutes. There is also a train from Gare de l’Est run by SNCF that takes 50-90 minutes; tickets cost around 30 EUR per person.

5. The D-Day Beaches

On June 6, 1944, the Allied forces invaded Normandy, in what is known as Operation Overlord. Almost 160,000 troops crossed the English Channel that day. Today, you can visit some of the remaining fortifications and bunkers, as well as several cemeteries and museums.

The beaches are located just under three hours from Paris by car, which is the best way to explore the region, as you’ll have more freedom and flexibility with your schedule. If you’d rather not drive, you can book an organized tour from Paris that will take you to the main sites over the course of the day; expect to pay around 150 EUR per person.

6. Giverny

This picturesque village is 80km from Paris and is famous for being the home of renowned painter Claude Monet, the founder of the impressionist movement. On a stroll through the famous gardens, you’ll recognize scenes from some of his most famous works. It’s like walking through art history itself. Be sure to visit Monet’s home as well as the art museum!

Many other impressionist artists also moved to Giverny, making it a great day trip for anyone interested in art or art history.

The journey to Giverny will take around 80 minutes by car via the A14 and A13. If you don’t have a vehicle, you can take a train to Poissy and then take the bus, but the journey will take almost three hours and cost around 35 EUR per person.

7. Champagne

The Champagne region is known for — you guessed it — producing champagne. Only wines that come from this region are technically allowed to be called “Champagne,” which makes this the epicenter of all things champagne. Though a long day trip from Paris, it’s possible to tour vineyards and sample the region’s wines in a day. If you don’t have a car, you can take a tour with Walks of Paris, which runs trips to the area.

The Champagne region is located east of Paris. You can get there in just over two hours with a car via the A11. The trip can take around where between 1 hour 45 minutes and 4 hours via train; expect to pay 25-50 EUR for a train ticket.

8. Rouen

Like Reims, Rouen has its own gorgeous cathedral. Built in the 11th century, it towers over most of the city (much like Notre-Dame in Paris). Rouen itself is most noteworthy as the place where Joan of Arc was martyred, and you can visit her memorial, not to mention other historic sites (such as Château Bouvreuil).

Rouen can be reached by car in just under two hours via the A13. Direct trains will take around 90 minutes and cost around 30 EUR per person.

9. Orléans

This gorgeous city is located on the Loire River about 2 hours from Paris. You’ll find gorgeous medieval half-timber houses that really give Orléans a traditional European feel. There are tons of medieval buildings still in use, many dating back to the 14th and 15th century. There are some incredible museums here too, including the sobering Musée Mémorial des enfants du Vel d’Hiv, which highlights the deportation of Jews and Roma to concentration camps during World War II and the Joan of Arc museum.

Orléans can be reached by car in around 1 hour 30 minutes via the A10 or N20. A direct train will take around the same amount of time and cost around 20 EUR per person.

10. Disneyland

Sure, this isn’t the most adventurous of travel experiences, but it’s definitely a fun one! Disneyland Paris (45km east of the city) gives you a look at an American experience from a French perspective. Lose yourself in a world that’s not quite American and not quite French — but all parts that over-the-top Disney goodness that you love.

Whether you’re traveling with kids or you just want to just relax and have a touristy good time, Disney offers a great escape from day-to-day Parisian life. Don’t miss the nightly fireworks show over the Sleeping Beauty Castle too — it’s pretty epic!

Boulevard de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, +33 825 30 05 00, disneylandparis.com. Open Monday-Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, and Sunday 10am-9pm. A single-day adult pass for one park will cost around 100 EUR per person, while a three-day adult pass for both parks will cost 215 EUR.

***

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape, a lesson in history, or a touristy getaway, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for on a day trip from Paris. With so many scenic towns, historic cathedrals, and stunning landscapes to choose from, you’ll be able to have an amazing experience that will round out your time in one of my favorite cities.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like yourself! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started!  

Book Your Trip to Paris: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. Some of my favorite places to stay in Paris are:

St. Christopher’s Canal – Comfy spot on the canal. During the summer months, the terrace is hopping!

3 Ducks Hostel – This hostel has one of the cheapest bars in the city, and it’s just a 10-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower.

Les Piaules – Fantastic chimney lounge, a cool bar, and a rooftop space. It’s a great place to meet people!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Paris? Check out my in-depth destination guide to Paris with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

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[whereintheworldisclairerans-blog]

Happy 2018!!

It was recently brought to my attention (thanks mom) that the blog has been a bit quiet. At first I thought, well naturally, I haven’t been up to very much. WRONG. Oh so wrong. December was actually quite an eventful month and I have so much to catch you all up on. I’ll be brief so as not to bore you all too much. And I promise to try do better with checking in, maybe once a month or so? Who knows. Anyways, December started with a “Puente” or a time off of school for almost a week. For the first half, Hanna came down from Gothenburg to visit! We spent three days touristing around (quite literally, we rode the tourist bus and everything) and generally enjoying the sunshine. As always, the time went way too quickly and before I knew it we were off to the airport again! It wasn’t as depressing as usual though because we would see each other again in just three short weeks! Have I mentioned how much I love Europe? That I used to get to see her every year and a half and now it’s twice in a month? Amazing.

For the second half of the Puente, my friend Carmi and I decided to take a road trip to Northern Spain. We left from the airport in the cutest little car you’ve ever seen (that was not quite a Fiat but pretty damn close) and headed toward our first stop: San Sebastian <3. Getting out of the airport area was the hardest part- as I hadn’t driven in months, let alone having never in my life driven on tiny cobblestone alleys the size of sidewalks in the US. It was a process getting to know the car and Spanish driving customs, but soon we were on the highway and only a few hours away from one of my favorite places in the world. We drove through some pretty gorgeous landscapes on the way – including snow! Can you believe that?? 5 hours later we were at our adorable AirBnb, dropping off the car and all of our stuff, and then we were headed directly for the beach. We wandered through the old town, strolled past the gorgeous cathedrals and gaped at all the gorgeous men. But the very best part was the food. Alllll the food. My first time there I was alone and staying in an Airbnb so I didn’t meet anyone to eat with. I don’t mind eating alone but it’s not nearly as enjoyable as having a good friend with you who brings recommendations from other people. We ate the most INCREDIBLE TAPAS of my entire life. My stomach is growling just thinking about them. The next day we were off to Bilbao, the capital of the Basque Country. On the way, we stopped to visit one of the places where Game of Thrones is filmed, this cool little church on it’s own little island along the coast. It was a wet and muddy trek to get out to it but it was so so pretty. Once we got to Bilbao we decided that it would be wrong to not at least see inside of the famous Guggenheim museum, and then we wandered through the markets, admired the Christmas lights, and of course, ate. And ate. And ate some more. The next morning, we hit the road again to our final destination- Santander. It was pretty, but not nearly as cool as the other two cities and it was pouring. We went to the beach but didn’t stay for very long before we were forced indoors for the remainder of the day. Neither of us were ready to head back to Madrid and to work  the following morning, but we were ready for the sun and to be in our own beds.

The following two weeks of work were filled with Christmas parties, class celebrations, dances and very little learning. Needless to say, it went by very quickly and before I knew it, it was Christmas eve! My coordinator invited me to have dinner with her family, and I had an absolute blast with them. They made me feel so welcome, the food was delicious and it was ALMOST as good as being home. I spent Christmas day with Carmi, cooking food, watching Christmas movies and opening our presents. We had wanted to go on a bus tour of all the lights in the city but didn’t buy our tickets soon enough, so we ended up getting a nice sushi dinner and calling it a night.

A few days later, I was at the airport again and headed to London to meet Hanna for New Years! We stayed in the apartment of a friend of hers who was at home in Paris and spent five days having the most relaxed trip ever. Hanna finished her degree in London and I had been there twice already, so neither of us were interested in doing any of the touristy things. She showed me all of her favorite neighborhoods, we watched movies, and enjoyed the time we had to just hang out and enjoy each others company. On New Years Eve we went to see the fireworks in front of the London Eye, which was SUPER COOL. On our last night in the city we went to see Book of Mormon, which was hands down the funniest musical I have ever seen. I don’t think I have laughed that hard ever in my life. I realized that I’ve only ever been to London in the winter, which I definitely need to remedy soon. We got pretty lucky with the weather in that it wasn’t too cold but it was still London, so it was still grey and rainy :P Before I knew it I was back on the plane to what I was hoping would be sunny Madrid, but was actually also grey and rainy Madrid. BOO. Can you tell that I’m ready for summer?? It’s theoretically supposed to snow here in a few days, which should be interesting.

Tomorrow is three kings day, so Carmi and I are going to watch the parade and then just enjoy our remaining few days without work. I start again Tuesday and have a whopping month and half without a Puente. At the end of the month we’re headed to Valencia for a quick weekend trip and then to Morocco and potentially Paris in February! Whoop whoop! More soon. Xx

[dfroza]

Today’s reading in the ancient book of Psalms and Proverbs

for Wednesday, february 19 of 2020 with Psalm 19 and Proverbs 19, accompanied by Psalm 61 for the 61st day of Winter and Psalm 50 for day 50 of the year

beginning with the lines of Psalm 19 that reflects upon the silence of Creation such as that of the night sky:

[Psalm 19]

For the worship leader. A song of David.

The celestial realms announce God’s glory;

the skies testify of His hands’ great work.

Each day pours out more of their sayings;

each night, more to hear and more to learn.

Inaudible words are their manner of speech,

and silence, their means to convey.

Yet from here to the ends of the earth, their voices have gone out;

the whole world can hear what they say.

God stretched out in these heavens a tent for the sun,

And the sun is like a groom

who, after leaving his room, arrives at the wedding in splendor;

He is the strong runner

who, favored to win in his race, is eager to face his challenge.

He rises at one end of the skies

and runs in an arc overhead;

nothing can hide from his heat, from the swelter of his daily tread.

The Eternal’s law is perfect,

turning lives around.

His words are reliable and true,

instilling wisdom to open minds.

The Eternal’s directions are correct,

giving satisfaction to the heart.

God’s commandments are clear,

lending clarity to the eyes.

The awe of the Eternal is clean,

sustaining for all of eternity.

The Eternal’s decisions are sound;

they are right through and through.

They are worth more than gold—

even more than abundant, pure gold.

They are sweeter to the tongue than honey

or the drippings of the honeycomb.

In addition to all that has been said,

Your servant will find, hidden in Your commandments, both a strong warning

and a great reward for keeping them.

Who could possibly know all that he has done wrong?

Forgive my hidden and unknown faults.

As I am Your servant, protect me from my bent toward pride,

and keep sin from ruling my life.

If You do this, I will be without blame,

innocent of the great breach.

May the words that come out of my mouth and the musings of my heart

meet with Your gracious approval,

O Eternal, my Rock,

O Eternal, my Redeemer.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 19 (The Voice)

and the same mirrored in The Passion Translation:

[Psalm 19]

God’s Witnesses

For the Pure and Shining One

A poem of praise by King David, his loving servant

[God’s Story in the Skies]

God’s splendor is a tale that is told;

his testament is written in the stars.

Space itself speaks his story every day

through the marvels of the heavens.

His truth is on tour in the starry vault of the sky,

showing his skill in creation’s craftsmanship.

Each day gushes out its message to the next,

night with night whispering its knowledge to all.

Without a sound, without a word, without a voice being heard,

Yet all the world can see its story.

Everywhere its gospel is clearly read so all may know.

What a heavenly home God has set for the sun,

shining in the superdome of the sky!

See how he leaves his celestial chamber each morning,

radiant as a bridegroom ready for his wedding,

like a day-breaking champion eager to run his course.

He rises on one horizon, completing his circuit on the other,

warming lives and lands with his heat.

[God’s Story in the Scriptures]

God’s Word is perfect in every way;

how it revives our souls!

His laws lead us to truth,

and his ways change the simple into wise.

His teachings make us joyful and radiate his light;

his precepts are so pure!

His commands, how they challenge us to keep close to his heart!

The revelation-light of his word makes my spirit shine radiant.

Every one of the Lord’s commands is right;

following them brings cheer.

Nothing he says ever needs to be changed.

The rarest treasures of life are found in his truth.

That’s why I prize God’s word like others prize the finest gold.

Nothing brings the soul such sweetness

as seeking his living words.

For they warn us, his servants,

and keep us from following the wicked way,

giving a lifetime guarantee:

great success to every obedient soul!

Without this revelation-light,

how would I ever detect the waywardness of my heart?

Lord, forgive my hidden flaws whenever you find them.

Keep cleansing me, God,

and keep me from my secret, selfish sins;

may they never rule over me!

For only then will I be free from fault

and remain innocent of rebellion.

So may the words of my mouth, my meditation-thoughts,

and every movement of my heart be always pure and pleasing,

acceptable before your eyes,

my only Redeemer, my Protector-God.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 19 (The Passion Translation)

and some Scripture takes on the nature of prayer, of which the deepest heart of prayer is the presence of the Spirit within our own, gently and silently guiding us in our thought-lives to follow the path of Love. and it is all about True friendship.

continuing with the ancient writing of the Psalms:

[Psalm 61]

A David Psalm

God, listen to me shout,

bend an ear to my prayer.

When I’m far from anywhere,

down to my last gasp,

I call out, “Guide me

up High Rock Mountain!”

You’ve always given me breathing room,

a place to get away from it all,

A lifetime pass to your safe-house,

an open invitation as your guest.

You’ve always taken me seriously, God,

made me welcome among those who know and love you.

Let the days of the king add up

to years and years of good rule.

Set his throne in the full light of God;

post Steady Love and Good Faith as lookouts,

And I’ll be the poet who sings your glory—

and live what I sing every day.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 61 (The Message)

[Psalm 50]

An Asaph Psalm

The God of gods—it’s God!—speaks out, shouts, “Earth!”

welcomes the sun in the east,

farewells the disappearing sun in the west.

From the dazzle of Zion,

God blazes into view.

Our God makes his entrance,

he’s not shy in his coming.

Starbursts of fireworks precede him.

He summons heaven and earth as a jury,

he’s taking his people to court:

“Round up my saints who swore

on the Bible their loyalty to me.”

The whole cosmos attests to the fairness of this court,

that here God is judge.

“Are you listening, dear people? I’m getting ready to speak;

Israel, I’m about ready to bring you to trial.

This is God, your God,

speaking to you.

I don’t find fault with your acts of worship,

the frequent burnt sacrifices you offer.

But why should I want your blue-ribbon bull,

or more and more goats from your herds?

Every creature in the forest is mine,

the wild animals on all the mountains.

I know every mountain bird by name;

the scampering field mice are my friends.

If I get hungry, do you think I’d tell you?

All creation and its bounty are mine.

Do you think I feast on venison?

or drink draughts of goats’ blood?

Spread for me a banquet of praise,

serve High God a feast of kept promises,

And call for help when you’re in trouble—

I’ll help you, and you’ll honor me.”

Next, God calls up the wicked:

“What are you up to, quoting my laws,

talking like we are good friends?

You never answer the door when I call;

you treat my words like garbage.

If you find a thief, you make him your buddy;

adulterers are your friends of choice.

Your mouth drools filth;

lying is a serious art form with you.

You stab your own brother in the back,

rip off your little sister.

I kept a quiet patience while you did these things;

you thought I went along with your game.

I’m calling you on the carpet, now,

laying your wickedness out in plain sight.

“Time’s up for playing fast and

loose with me.

I’m ready to pass sentence,

and there’s no help in sight!

It’s the praising life that honors me.

As soon as you set your foot on the Way,

I’ll show you my salvation.”

The Book of Psalms, Poem 50 (The Message)

[Proverbs 19]

It’s better to be honest, even if it leads to poverty, than to live as a dishonest fool.

The best way to live is with revelation-knowledge, for without it, you’ll grow impatient and run right into error.

There are some people who ruin their own lives and then blame it all on God.

Being wealthy means having lots of “friends,” but the poor can’t keep the ones they have.

Perjury won’t go unpunished, and liars will get all that they deserve.

Everyone wants to be close to the rich and famous, but a generous person has all the friends he wants!

When a man is poor, even his family has no use for him.

How much more will his “friends” avoid him—for though he begs for help, they won’t respond.

Do yourself a favor and love wisdom. Learn all you can, then watch your life flourish and prosper!

Tell lies and you’re going to get caught, and the habitual liar is doomed.

It doesn’t seem right when you see a fool living in the lap of luxury or a prideful servant ruling over princes.

A wise person demonstrates patience, for mercy means holding your tongue.

When you are insulted, be quick to forgive and forget it, for you are virtuous when you overlook an offense.

The rage of a king is like the roar of a lion, but his sweet favor is like a gentle, refreshing rain.

A rebellious son breaks a father’s heart, and a nagging wife can drive you crazy!

You can inherit houses and land from your parents, but a good wife only comes as a gracious gift from God!

Go ahead—be lazy and passive. But you’ll go hungry if you live that way.

Honor God’s holy instructions and life will go well for you. But if you despise his ways and choose your own plans, you will die.

Every time you give to the poor you make a loan to the Lord. Don’t worry—you’ll be repaid in full for all the good you’ve done.

Don’t be afraid to discipline your children while they’re still young enough to learn. Don’t indulge your children or be swayed by their protests.

A hot-tempered man has to pay the price for his anger. If you bail him out once, you’ll do it a dozen times.

Listen well to wise counsel and be willing to learn from correction so that by the end of your life you’ll be known for your wisdom.

A person may have many ideas concerning God’s plan for his life, but only the designs of his purpose will succeed in the end.

A man is charming when he displays tender mercies to others.

And a lover of God who is poor and promises nothing is better than a rich liar who never keeps his promises.

When you live a life of abandoned love, surrendered before the awe of God, here’s what you’ll experience:

Abundant life. Continual protection. And complete satisfaction!

There are some people who pretend they’re hurt—deadbeats who won’t even work to feed themselves.

If you punish the insolent who don’t know any better, they will learn not to mock. But if you correct a wise man, he will grow even wiser.

Children who mistreat their parents are an embarrassment to their family and a public disgrace. So listen, my child.

Don’t reject correction or you will certainly wander from the ways of truth.

A corrupt witness makes a mockery of justice, for the wicked never play by the rules.

Judgment is waiting for those who mock the truth, and foolish living invites a beating.

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 19 (The Passion Translation)