#i used to knit little pouches for all my decks. most of the decks that are like this are still in those pouches

[themadlostgirl]

Abandoned (4)

*This one was a week late thanks to finals. Hope this makes up for it!*

~~~

It is strange how normal things can be after having a revelation. Nothing really changes. The sun still rises, waves crash on the sand, and birds sing in the trees. It is all so painstakingly normal.

After I accepted that papa had really left me here, accepted that he had traded me for freedom, I don’t know what I expected. It felt as if the sky should at least be dark and bleak. Rain should be pouring down and the sea should rage like the storm inside me. It was almost comical how I expected such chaos and was greeted with warm days full of sun and sparkling waters.

I stopped looking for the Jolly Roger over the horizon. I stopped counting the days I had been trapped. I stopped trying to recall everything about my life before Neverland in some vain attempt to keep my memories intact. There simply was no reason.

Pan came by to see what I was doing after our nighttime encounter out on the sea. He never revealed himself but I could always tell when he was there. Watching unseen from the trees. Not interfering but not ignoring either.

One day some of the Lost Boys came by me when I was resting at my camp. Upon seeing me they stammered out apologies and ran off back to where they came. My heart panged because I wanted them to stay. I wanted someone to talk to. I thought of going to Tinkerbell but I knew if I did we’d end up talking about papa and I couldn’t put myself through reminders of him right now.

Most nights I heard music coming from the jungle but it didn’t have the hypnotic spell over me as it once had. It as no challenge to ignore it and I wasn’t sure if that was worse or better.

I only ventured towards the camp of the Lost Boys once. The sounds of joy and fun pulled me forward but the reality of what I was choosing kept me from going in. I watched from the sidelines as the boys whooped and jumped and danced around a raging bonfire. It reminded me of the nights where the crew would break out their instruments and dance on the deck. It was nothing pretty but it was fun. I could remember papa teaching me how to dance properly. Standing on his toes...

I reached for my pocketwatch and breathed out remembering how I had hurled it into the sea. I need to stop reminiscing. It’s only causing me more grief. I looked back up at the camp and saw Pan emerge from the shadows. It was as if he had sensed me for he looked right at me. There was a peculiar smile on his face. Almost inviting. He held out a hand towards me, his fingers curling to tempt me to his side.

My feet were rooted in their spot. It wasn’t until Pan took the first step towards me that I was able to move again and took off back into the jungle. I got back to my camp and huddled down in my hut. Why couldn’t I do it? Why couldn’t I just enter the camp? Why couldn’t I move on?

I was just getting my breathing under control when I felt the familiar gaze of someone watching me.

“What do you want, Pan?” I asked, my voice quiet.

“So you have known that I was watching. I couldn’t tell for sure before.” Pan was closer, standing just outside of my hut. He bent down to peer inside at me. “Feel like talking now?”

I scooted out to the entrance. “Why did you follow me?”

“Because this is the first time since you kidnapped me that you’ve sought anyone out. Considering it’s been over a week since then I figured I’d meet you half way.”

“Why?”

“Because you can’t live on your own forever. It’ll drive you mad. I imagine it already has some. That’s why you came to the camp.”

“How come you never said anything? You’ve been watching me for days without a word. Why say something now?”

“Like I said, you sought me out. You wanted space so I figured that I’d wait for you to come to me when you were ready. You can still come back to camp. It’ll be alright.”

My eyes snapped to his. “I don’t want to be a part of your crew.”

He gave a sigh and sat down next to me. “Still don’t trust me?” He asked.

“I’ve accepted the situation I have been forced into. My father traded me for passage out of this hellhole and since crossing realms is no easy feat I do not expect him to be able to come back for me. But…”

“There’s still a part that wants to believe he’s trying to return for you.” Pan’s voice was uncommonly gentle. Almost as if he was talking to a spooked animal. Perhaps that was what I was. A scared little creature that wanted to scuttle back into her hidey hole.

“You must think me a fool,” I scoffed.

“I think you’ve been spurned by someone you trusted and don’t know how to handle it.” He laid a hand on my back. It was surprisingly comforting. “In the years that I have lived I’ve learned a few things. One of them is that loyalty, once lost, is never earned again. Not true loyalty. Even if your father came back for you there is a part of you that would never trust him like you once did.”

“I don’t know what to believe anymore.”

Pan studied me for a moment longer before standing up and holding his hand out for me, “Come along,”

“Where are we going?” I ignored his hand and stood up on my own.

“I’m showing you that you can trust me.”

He withdrew something from the pouch on his belt. It glittered like a jewel but had an odd shape. “This is a magic bean,” He said, “It can take you anywhere you want to go.”

“You’re not giving me that, are you?”

“No. We’re gonna go on a trip.” He grabbed hold of my arm, “Brace yourself, this can get a little rough.”

He dropped the bean on the ground and immediately the ground opened up into a swirling vortex pulling us both in. I clung onto Pan tighter. The journey was disorienting and my head was spinning when we finally were deposited somewhere else.

As the dizziness subsided I was able to note a few things. One, we definitely weren’t on Neverland anymore. We had been dropped on some dock where the cold air reeked of fish. In the distance there was a town. Most of the houses were dark but there looked to be an inn or a tavern that exuded warmth and energy.

Wait, I know this town! We would dock here all the time. This was where I lost--

My blood went cold. “Pan,” I turned to him, “Why are we here?”

“You’ll see,” He motioned for me to follow him. I pulled my coat tighter against me and followed after him into the town. The closer we got to the tavern the louder the cheer inside became. My legs felt like they were being weighted down by cannonballs the closer we got. Without even looking I could remember where everything was. Down that road was the blacksmith. Around that corner was a bakery. To the right of that well was the apothecary.

Pan noticed me lagging behind and grabbed me to keep up with him. “Really Pan,” I tried to pry his hand off my arm as we entered the tavern. “Why are we here?”

“Because he’s here,” Pan pointed to a spot near the back of the tavern.

Sitting at a table surrounded by pirates and wenches was my father playing a card game and drinking.

“Papa…” A part of me wanted to run up to him and hug him and never let him go. Another part of me kept me rooted in my spot. I turned to Pan. “What is this? Why’d you bring me here? To show me what I’ve lost?”

“Not at all,” he released my arm, “This is your chance. Return to him.”

“What?”

“You heard what I said. If you want to you can be reunited with your father and I give you my word I will never bother you again.”

“It’s a trick. A trap of some kind!”

“No tricks here, swordfish. I am being completely serious.”

“You’re releasing me?”

“If that is what you wish.”

I took a tentative step away from Pan. I took another waiting to see if he would stop me but he made no move. I stepped closer and closer to where papa was sitting. This was real. I can go home! After so long I can finally be with my family again!

“Is that the Lady Jones I see?” The sound of a familiar voice silenced any joy I held.

I turned to see who had addressed me. A familiar pirate with overgrown red hair and a stubbly chin walked towards me. He was all muscles and devil-may-care charm wrapped in worn brown leather.  “Karver,” I crossed my arms. “Shouldn’t be surprised you’re here.”

“Are you still sore about the last time we met that you won’t call me Quentin?” he shook his head, “If you’d allow me I’d like to make up for it.”

“I don’t want anything from you. After months of being trapped I have finally gotten away from the hellscape that was Neverland and want to get back to my father and crew.”

“Ah yes,” Karver threw an arm over my shoulders. I tried not to shudder. “Captain Jones was regaling the tavern with the tale earlier. Nasty stuff you all encountered. I was wondering why you weren’t with the crew celebrating.”

“That’s because I only got off the island recently. I haven’t had months to become numb to everything we went through while trapped in Neverland like they have.”

“Months?” Karver’s eyebrows knit together, “Kitten, the crew of the Jolly Roger shot up from the sea like a ghost ship a week ago. They’ve been drinking the town dry ever since.”

“A week? It’s only been a week since they left Neverland? A week!” I fumed. No...no this couldn’t be happening. I was on Neverland by myself for months and it hadn’t even been a week here? I knew time moved differently in Neverland but I never expected this!

“Problem?” Karver asked.

I looked across the tavern at my father. My father who was laughing and drinking with some floozy on his lap without a care in the world. This was the same man who had gone silent for months after mama died. It took him years to be comfortable enough to act like the wolfish pirate I saw before me when mama died. To him I had been bargained away a week ago. A week ago he gave me up to escape and what was it I found? He wasn’t mourning. He wasn’t trying to find a way back to me. He was in a tavern getting drunk and having fun. He was here having the time of his life knowing full well that I was stuck on Neverland at the mercy of Pan and the Lost Boys.

I shoved Karver away and stormed back out of the tavern. Pan was waiting outside.

My voice trembled with anger and betrayal. “He was never going to come back for me. It wasn’t even a thought in his head. Was it?”

“I thought it best if you saw for yourself.” Pan said.

“Why though? I’m his daughter! Don’t I mean anything?”

“Sounds like something to ask him.” Pan nodded towards the tavern.

I shook my head. Bitter tears pouring down my face. “No. I want out of here. I want to leave. Now!”

Pan held out a hand for me. “Do you trust me now, Lost Girl?”

I took one last look inside at the man who raised me. The man who sold me. I took Pan’s hand. “I want to go home.”

Pan smiled and withdrew another bean. The next moment we were falling through a portal on our way back to Neverland. The air was warm once again, the sand was pliant and soft beneath my boots. I took in a deep breath, salty ocean air with just a hint of flowers from the jungle on the tail end of it.

I remembered what I told Pan before we returned. I didn’t say I wanted to go back to Neverland. I said I wanted to go home. When did Neverland become home?

“Feel like coming to camp now?” Pan asked, giving a little tug on our interlaced hands.

“Can we stay here tonight? I don’t think I have the energy to go to your camp right now.”

“We?” Pan asked, “Am I to take it that you want me to stay?”

Heat started to creep up my neck and I gripped his hand tighter. “I don’t want to be alone again.” I admitted. I felt like a child. I was practically begging him to stay here with me.

Pan’s features softened and we sat down. His hand still held mine and he used his other to light a small fire for us. “You won’t be alone ever again, Lost Girl.” he murmured, “I promise.”

---

(Previous) (Next)

[searchingwardrobes]

This Girl Ain’t Going Anywhere: 1/2

Here it is – the fic I’ve been working on for @katie-dub's birthday! Darling, I hope you had a fantastic day! I know this is even later than I had promised because it’s past midnight now where you are, but this one just kind of got away from me. I realized when I hit 6,000 words that it was going to have to be a two-parter. But I still refuse to have another WIP – I won’t be working on anything else until I finish part two. I cannot handle one more WIP – you hear me muse?!?

Anyways, for those of you who don’t know @katie-dub, she is an incredibly talented writer who achieves one of the hardest things in my opinion – humor. I laugh so much when I read her fics! Yet she also tugs at my heart strings. She also was sweet enough to chat with me during my mini-crisis while writing my csbb when my beta @distant-rose introduced us. We just talked about our kids, which always puts things in perspective! Thank you for taking the time to reach out to me, sweetie, it meant so much! Anyways, I hope you like this Enchanted Forest AU in which Liam Jones is very much alive and a pirate along with his brother. Part Two will be coming soon, I promise!

Summary: The Brothers Jones have built a reputation as the most feared pirates in all the realms. When they hear of the bounty on the heads of two princesses - The Princess of Fire and the Princess of Ice – they don’t hesitate to set sail on the Jolly Roger to hunt them down. But have the Brothers Jones finally met their match?

Rating: T

Also on Ao3 and part of my Fandom Birthday Playlist

Tagging the usuals: @snowbellewells @kmomof4 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @snowbellewells @winterbaby89 @jennjenn615 @teamhook @bethacaciakay @snidgetsafan @kday426 @delirious-latenight-laughs @let-it-raines @xhookswenchx @optomisticgirl  @welllpthisishappening @wellhellotragic

I've been a winding road, oh, I know you know. Sometimes a stranger in my home. Keep going back and forth through the open door. I'm still learning to be still. This girl ain’t going anywhere. I can promise you this, now I know for sure. This girl ain’t going anywhere.

 Captain Liam Jones stood at the bow of the Jolly Roger, his hands clasped behind his back. His first mate, Killian Jones, approached him with a confident stride. He took his place beside his brother, his own shoulders back, his own hands clasped behind his back. The younger Jones fit the look of a pirate with his long leather coat, his crimson vest, the kohl around his eyes, the charms resting against his chest, and the piercings in his earlobes. Liam Jones, on the other hand, was dressed more simply. Still all in black, but his pants weren’t the tight leather of his brother’s and his shirt was of a simple muslin. A rapier left over from his naval days hung at his hip rather than the cutlass his brother carried.

“The crew have their orders, Captain,” Killian told his brother formally, still gazing out at sea, “we should arrive at the Misthaven port in a fortnight.”

“We aren’t navy anymore, little brother, there’s no need to be so formal.”

“Younger brother,” Killian corrected automatically, turning to study his brother’s profile, “but this particular venture brings those days back to the forefront, do they not?”

The piercing look Liam gave him communicated more than words that he didn’t wish to discuss it further. The two brothers‘ conversation was cut short anyway as a nervous, portly man rushed towards them, twisting his red knit cap in his hands.

“Beg your pardon, Cap’n,” Mr. Smee stuttered, “but the rest of the crew asked me to ask you . . . “

Liam sighed and rolled his eyes, “Spit it out, bos’un.”

“Doesn’t this job seem a little . . . dangerous?”

“Dangerous?” Killian snapped, striding into the man’s personal space. “Are we or are we not pirates, Smee? Danger is what we live for.”

“Um . . . yes, sir, it’s just . . . witch’s? One that can wield fire? I mean, a ship is made of wood -”

“The Jolly Roger is made of enchanted wood,” Liam snapped in defense of his ship.

“But is she fireproof, C-Cap'n?” Smee asked hesitantly. His cap was now damp in his sweaty palms.

“The Princess of Fire and the Princess of Ice is what they call them,” Liam replied, striding away from Smee as if dismissing his concerns completely, “not witches.”

Smee looked nervously at the younger Jones, not sure how this was supposed to ease the crew’s fears.

“Remind the crew of the bounty being offered on these two women by half the kingdoms in the realm,” Killian told him, “and if they question their captain’s orders again, walking the bloody plank will be their lot.”

Smee swallowed and replaced his cap on his head with shaking hands. “Y-yes sir.” He hurried away from the Brothers Jones.

Killian watched as Liam’s shoulders sagged and his chin dropped to his chest. Princess Emma of Misthaven had fled her kingdom after supposedly injuring her younger brother, Prince Leopold. Princess Elsa of Arendelle had likewise been supposedly banished after her ice magic erupted dangerously at her sister’s engagement ball. While Misthaven and Arendelle wanted their crown princesses unharmed, naturally, the rest of the realm was in a panic at what magic-wielding royals could do. In short, they were on the brink of war.

“Do you really think they’re together?” Killian asked softly.

“Aye, I do,” Liam said, his jaw clenching and his eyes flashing, “they were together often in their youth. Like sisters, everyone said.”

“Yes,” Killian said softly, leaving the obvious unsaid, “like sisters.”

********************************************************

The port of Misthaven was normally a difficult one for pirates. Queen Snow and King David were passionate about the safety of their people and brought swift judgment on anyone who threatened it. Yet with Camelot, Agrabah, Glowerhaven, and several other kingdoms mounting possible military might against them, Misthaven was too busy to think about pirates. Liam and Killian were free to scour the taverns and markets for any gossip that might lead them to Princess Emma’s hiding place while their crew restocked the ship. Yet their search for information led them to one dead end after another, and they ended the day back on the Jolly Roger unsure of what their next move should be. Blessedly, the answers they sought came to them.

“Permission to board!” a hooded figure called out. It was clearly a woman, and a young one at that, judging by her high, sweet voice.

“Maybe you should let me talk,” said a taller, broader figure at her side, also cloaked.

“I was taught to negotiate in the palace,” the first one hissed, “so let me do this.”

Killian and Liam exchanged knowing smiles.

“Permission granted,” Liam told her, then waited until she had stepped off the gangplank to add, “Princess Anna.”

The young woman gasped at first, then backpedaled. “What do you mean? I’m no princess, my name is . . . Joan.”

“Mhm,” Liam chuckled, then nodded at his brother with an unspoken order.

Killian sauntered to the young woman, ignoring the way her male companion stepped slightly in front of her protectively. He reached over the man’s shoulder and pushed the hood off Anna’s head.

“I see you’re still wearing your hair in braids,” Killian smirked, “just like when you were twelve and peeking around the columns while your sister danced with the naval officers.”

Anna’s eyes grew wide as she glanced between the two pirates. “So the rumors are true! You used to be in King George’s navy, and this ship used to be The Jewel of the Realm!”

“Aye,” Liam told her, “so what can we do for you, princess?”

Anna squared her shoulders. “We heard you asking around about Princess Emma’s whereabouts, and like you, I believe she and my sister are together. I also think I know where to look first. We know the bounty the other kingdoms are offering for their capture. We offer double to bring them home safely instead.” She pulled out a purple velvet pouch and tossed it to the ships’s deck. Gold coins spilled out. “That’s an advance – it's only ten percent of what you’ll get if you complete the mission.”

Killian knew what his brother would say, even as Liam pretended to think, weighing the coins in his hand. “I suppose twice the gold would be worth it,” the elder Jones finally answered, “but let me be clear, princess, this is a pirate ship. We take orders from no crown.”

“I understand,” Anna said with a tilt of her chin, “but I must demand that we go with you. In order to ensure my sister’s safety. Otherwise, we won’t share the information we have.”

“Demand?” Liam bit out, striding into Anna’s personal space.

Killian was impressed that the girl didn’t back down. Her companion – Killian wondered if it was her fiancé - lifted a placating hand.

“We will submit to your authority on this ship, Captain Jones,” the young man said with surprising diplomacy, “but we might need to set sail sooner rather than later?”

“Why is that?” Liam snapped.

“Because of the Camelot knights who recognized us in the market.” The man pushed his own hood back, and sure enough, it was the commoner Kristoff who had won the young princess’s heart.

Liam’s eyes widened, and he quickly turned to bark commands at his crew. Killian strode forward and jabbed a finger in the faces of their new passengers. “Get below deck and out of sight until we say otherwise,” he bit out. Damn royalty.

***********************************************

Killian was at the helm, and they were heading for Avra – one of the lonely islands. Anna had told them that her sister had written of the place in her journal. A sorcerer was rumored to live there who could “cure” those cursed with magic.

The stars twinkled overhead, and the rest of the crew as well as their guests had already turned in for the night. Killian was in no rush to lay on the floor of the captain’s quarters. It wasn’t that he minded giving up his own quarters for Princess Anna. He had endured worse sleeping arrangements duiring his days of servitude. It was the memories he knew would plague him as he waited for sleep to come. He wondered how long Liam would pore over the charts and maps littering his desk to avoid the exact same thing.

The quiet of the night was shattered by shouts. Killian’s eyes widened as members of the crew dragged a boy up to the top deck. The lad kicked and twisted in attempts to get free before being thrust at Killian’s feet.

“We found a stowaway,” Smee explained.

Killian frowned down at the boy. “I can see that. Why did you not take him to my brother?”

“We tried, he . . . uh . . wasn’t in the mood to be disturbed.”

Killian sighed and ran a hand down his face. “What’s your name, boy?”

“Murderer,” the child screamed, lunging for the pirate.

Killian just smiled in amusement as the crew held the boy back. “You have spunk, lad.” He leaned closer. “You’re right that I’m a murderer. I am a pirate, after all.”

“I won’t let you kill my mother!”

Killian’s jaw dropped. He scrutinized the boy’s face. “Why do you think I’m plotting to kill your mother?”

“Like you said, you’re a pirate. You’re hunting my mother for the bounty on her head.”

“And your mother would be . . . “

“Princess Emma.”

Killian blinked and shook his head. “The princess is unwed, she has no son.”

“A woman can have a child without a husband. Even I know that, and I’m only eight.”

Killian would have chuckled if the news hadn’t thrown him. He regarded the child quizzically as he rubbed his chin. He waved off the rest of the crew, and they headed silently below deck.

“When did you sneak aboard the Jolly?”

“As soon as you and the captain left. I’m small, so no one noticed.”

“Well then,” Killian told him with a smile and a slap to the shoulder, “you missed the big news. Princess Anna of Arendelle offered us twice the reward to help bring her sister and your mother home safely.”

Killian had to bite his cheek to hold back another chuckle as the boy regarded him suspiciously.

“Seriously?”

Killian arched a brow and pointed over the child’s shoulder. “Princess Anna is in my quarters. Do you wish to wake her and question her?”

“Um . . . no. I guess you wouldn’t make that up.

“What’s your name?”

“Henry.”

“And what exactly was your plan when you stowed away on a pirate ship, Henry? Fight us all for your mother?”

“If I had to,” Henry declared, sticking out his chest. Then he quickly deflated. “It’s my fault she ran away. She was afraid she’d hurt me.”

“Like she hurt Prince Leopold?”

Henry shook his head. “She didn’t hurt Prince Leo . . . she hurt me – but it was an accident!” He hurriedly defended his mother, his love for her clear in his tone.

Killian paced the deck, trying to reconcile things in his mind. “But I don’t understand. Prince Leo is still a boy himself, and yet you -”

“I’ve been hidden away,” the young prince explained. “and the math shouldn’t be that hard. You’re a sailor, aren’t you?”

Killian couldn’t hold back the chuckle this time. “Sarcastic like your mother, I see.”

Henry tilted his head. “You knew her?”

Killian waved a hand in front of him. “Only in the way I knew any royalty. From balls when I was a naval officer, diplomatic functions, that sort of thing. Your mother’s sharp wit was legendary.”

“Well, if you were in the navy, do the math. My Uncle Leo is 13, mom was 12 when he was born. Five years later, she had me.”

“At 17 . . . “ Killian’s voice trailed off. He shook his head to clear it. “And your father?”

“His name was Baelfire. That’s all I know. And that he’s gone.”

“Gone?”

“Died.” Henry shrugged as if it were just a fact. Clearly he never knew the man.

“And why have they hidden you away?”

“Like you said, Mother isn’t married. She never was.” The boy arched a brow at Killian’s

surprised expression. “What? Adults always assume that kids aren’t listening.”

Killian laughed and dropped a hand to the boy’s shoulder and squeezed affectionately. “I like

you already Henry. I believe a pirate’s life will suit you just fine.”

************************************************

Prince Henry was not at all like Killian would imagine a sheltered royal to be. He was full of awe and excitement about being at sea, not even frightened when the waves got rough. He also wasn’t afraid of hard work or learning things outside of his comfort zone, eagerly throwing himself amongst the crew and asking how he could help. He seemed drawn to Killian especially, asking him to teach him sailor’s knots and how to handle a sword like a pirate. He had obviously received training already on the latter, but his style of fighting was too refined and fair in Killian’s opinion.

“Your enemy will not follow the rules of engagement,” Killian told the boy, “so you must be willing to fight dirty in return.”

“How do you think his mother will feel about that?” Anna asked, arms crossed.

“She’ll thank me if it saves his life,” Killian snapped.

Figuring out where the boy would bunk was a problem. He and Liam were hesitant to let him sleep with the rest of the men in the crew’s quarters, even with Kristoff there, and it certainly wasn’t appropriate for him to stay with Killian and Liam. They finally decided it was best for Henry to bunk with Anna in the first mate’s cabin, cramped though it was. She was like an aunt to the boy, after all. Though if Killian had known how inquisitive the young prince was, he might have been a bit more careful about the belongings in his quarters.

“What is this?” Henry screamed one bright morning as he come above deck.

Killian turned from where he was checking the ship’s heading to find the boy trembling all over, red in the face and waving a piece of parchment. When Henry got close enough, he shoved it at Killian’s chest. The charcoal drawing had the air rushing from Killian’s lungs.

“That’s my mother!” Henry shouted, fisting both hands.

“I - I can explain -”

“Explain how you lied to me? I asked if you knew her!”

Killian sighed as he rubbed his forehead wearily. He was caught in a half truth, and there was no sense digging himself deeper with more lies. He looked down at the drawing, his thumb rubbing over the note sketched there in Emma’s handwriting.

“My dear lieutenant, when you sail away tomorrow, know that you take my heart with you. Love, Your Emma.”

He couldn’t help smiling remembering the sweet innocence of their love. How naïve they had been to think that fate would smile on them! Although, maybe it would have, if Killian had remained an honorable lieutenant and not turned pirate.

“Your mother loved me once,” he told Henry softly. “We were still children, really. She was but sixteen, and I was eighteen. We met at a ball. Your mother was irritated with her boring suitors, and basically threatened me to ask her to dance. To put her out of her misery, she said.’

Killian chuckled at the memory, settling on a crate, his eyes still fixed on the picture. Henry’s fists loosened, and his shoulders lowered. Killian kept talking, hoping the boy could hear the admiration in his voice.

“That one dance turned into many more. It was scandalous really for a mere naval lieutenant to monopolize the princess’s dance card. We shared our first kiss on a balcony hidden away from the rest of the crowd as fireworks burst in the air. It was your mother’s sixteenth birthday, you see.”

Henry deflated more, and sat on the crate next to Killian. “When did she give you the picture?”

“I drew it,” Killian told him. “King George was there for several weeks in negotiations to prevent war with Misthaven. Liam and I were part of his naval escort. Your mother and I spent much of that time together. We were having a picnic on the beach when I drew that. She gave it back to me before I left with that note scrawled on it.”

“But I don’t understand,” Henry muttered, “she had me a year later. You’re not -”

“No, Henry,” Killian told him with a clap to his shoulder, “though I would be honored to be your father. You are a bright lad. But my relationship with your mother was completely innocent.”

“But if she loved you so much, why was she ever with my father?”

Killian rubbed at his jaw, knowing he had to tread lightly. “That is a question for your mother, I’m afraid. I wrote to her after I left, but then the war started, and -”

“You turned pirate,” a trembling voice behind them finished.

Killian turned around, shocked to see Princess Anna standing there, her face pale. Her gaze cut from Killian and up to Liam, who had come down from the upper deck at some point as Killian had told his tale.

“Picnics on the beach, dancing at Emma’s ball with navy men,” Anna said in a trembling voice, “I may have only been twelve, but I remember it all now. You were the brothers who wooed my sister and her best friend. The ones who left them heartbroken.”

Liam’s head hung in shame. “I can’t speak for my brother, but I tried very hard not to fall in love with Elsa. I simply couldn’t help myself. It was so easy to get swept away and pretend that there could be a future for us. I was puffed up with pride, having just been made captain. The youngest to receive that honor at just twenty-two. But I should have known better, my brother and I both. They were crown princesses, destined for the throne.”

“But Grandpa was just a shepherd!” Henry argued.

Killian chuckled. “That’s what your mother said.”

“But he wasn’t a pirate,” Anna bit out, “do you know the nights my sister cried herself to sleep when word came that you had mutinied? Even then she clung to hope that you weren’t a cad, that you had your reasons, but then she never heard from you again!”

“How could I?” Liam shouted back. “If a naval captain had little chance, a pirate captain had none at all!”

“She gave you everything!” Anna shouted, shoving him in the chest.

Killian’s jaw dropped. Every member of the crew had frozen in place, the princess’s words like a thunderclap. Liam’s jaw clenched as he gazed down at Anna in silence.

“Do not speak to the captain of this ship in such a tone,” he seethed, “I told you, we bow to no crown.”

Anna lifted her hand, but before she could slap him, Liam grabbed her by the wrist. Kristoff shouted in anger, and Killian grabbed him by the shoulders before he could lunge at Liam and make things worse.

“I would think long and hard before you try and strike me again,” Liam warned. Then he barked at the crew to get back to work and marched below deck.

Anna crumpled to her knees, and Kristoff was immediately at her side. Killian went to follow his brother, but Anna reached up and grasped his arm to stop him.

“I didn’t mean to lose it like that,” she apologized. “I was so young. I didn’t understand why Elsa fell apart the way she did. It was only reading her journal after she was banished by my parents that I fully understood.” Anna released a slow breath. “She loved him. So much.”

All Killian could do was nod before going below deck. He felt his own anger well up as he shoved the door to his brother’s quarters open.

“And to think the entire time I was with Emma, I used your virtue as a plumb line,” Killian snapped. “Is what Anna said true?”

Liam collapsed onto his bunk, his head dropping to his hands. “God help me, it is. We had one night together before I left, and I like a fool promised her the world.”

Killian was at a loss as to what to say. There was a knock at the door, and Liam surged to his feet.

“Come in.”

The door swung open, and Anna and Henry stood there, faces hesitant.

“We were talking,” Anna said, her fingers twisting, “and we realized something.”

Henry jumped in. “You were never going after the bounty, were you? You were trying to protect them all along.”

The lines creasing Liam’s forehead relaxed. “Aye, lad, we were hoping to find them before anyone else did. We just couldn’t let our crew know that.”

Anna and Henry exchanged glances.

“Okay, then,” Anna said with a nod. “Good to know we’re all on the same page.”

The concerned sister and the worried son turned to go. Liam called out after them.

“We are still getting that reward, right?” he asked with a roguish grin. “I mean if a pirate can’t hope to marry a crown princess, he’s gotta make a living somehow.”

Anna quirked a smile in return. “We’ll wait and see how it all pans out. After all, I’m marrying an ice harvester.”

Henry walked over and gently placed the parchment he had found in Killian’s hand. “You dropped this.”

Killian looked down into the smiling face of Emma at sixteen, eyes bright and without a care in the world. Had she changed as much as he had? Had her innocence taken as severe a beating? He feared it was so, especially considering the strange circumstances of Henry’s birth.

“Thank you, lad. I’ll take better care of it from now on.”

“Good,” Henry told him simply, and he looked and sounded so much like his mother in that moment, that Killian’s heart ached.

************************************************

A thick mist surrounded the Jolly as they approached Avra, and the eerie quiet had the entire crew on edge.

They kept their heading, hoping there were no rocks or reefs. Killian looked through his spy glass, but the mist had turned to a thick fog.

“We may need to lay anchor until this fog lifts,” he told his brother as he pocketed the tool.

“I don’t think it’s the weather,” Liam told him quietly, “there’s something unnatural going on here.”

The words were barely out of Liam’s mouth when a haunting melody split the air. The brothers exchanged alarmed glances.

“Mermaids,” they both muttered.

“Bloody hell,” Killian bit out.

Liam began shouting orders to the crew to arm themselves and get to the railing. The melody ceased abruptly, and every person on board held their breath in the sudden silence.

It didn’t last long. Suddenly the ship was being hit from all sides, causing the Jolly to pitch from one side to the other. The mermaids let out piercing cries that split the air and frayed the nerves. The men shot their pistols, threw harpoons, or attempted to capture mermaids in weighted nets, but the aquatic army eluded all of them.

Anna rushed to the railing, squinting her eyes to try and see into the gloom. Kristoff shouted for her to get back as he pulled up yet another empty net. Anna ignored him and leaned forward, shouting her sister’s name. Henry joined her, shouting, “Mom! Mom, are you out there?”

“What the bloody hell do you think you’re doing?” Killian shouted at them, tossing aside his pistol and reaching for the boy. The ship rocked, and Killian grasped at empty air as Henry was flung overboard.

“Henry!” he screamed, hurriedly shedding his leather duster.

Before Killian could jump in after him, a head of bright red hair broke the surface of the water, and in the mermaid’s arms was Henry. Just as quickly as it had begun, the mermaids’ assault ended. The mist cleared, the sun shone, and an army of glittering tails swam away from the pirate ship.

The red-headed mermaid took the rope that had been tossed to her and tied it around Henry’s waist. Killian hoisted him up, and thankfully the boy only had to cough a few times in order to fully recover. Thanks to his rescuer, he had only been under for a moment or two. Killian grasped him by both shoulders, his heart still pounding.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes,” Henry gasped, “thanks to her.”

The boy pointed, and Killian turned to see the mermaid with red hair standing on the deck of the Jolly Roger. At least he had thought she was a mermaid -

“Queen Ariel!” Anna cried, rushing to embrace her.

Realizing who she was, the crew of the Jolly sank immediately to one knee, head bowed and caps off except for he and Liam. So much for bowing to no crown. He knew his crew were still shaken by the mermaid attack, but did they have no self-respect? Liam seemed to agree, walking amongst his crew and smacking them on the head to get the bloody hell off their knees.

“My men,” Liam explained, striding with confidence to the mermaid queen, “will not bow to a creature who sends many a sailor to a watery grave.”

When the mermaid spoke, it was with a surprisingly sweet and innocent voice. “I don’t send anyone to a watery grave.” She used air quotes around the later. “Pirates are so melodramatic. The attack on your ship was merely for defense. When I realized who was on board, I immediately called it off.”

Anna gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. “Defense? Are you defending my sister and Emma? Do you know where they are?” She bounced up and down on her heels, shaking Ariel by the arm a little.

Whether it was because she was another royal or because it was Ariel’s personality, the queen merely smiled at the other woman. “Yes.”

Anna threw her arms around the mermaid, but Liam and Killian exchanged wary looks. Kristoff evidently shared their concerns.

“Um, I don’t mean to put a damper on things,” Anna’s fiancé spoke up, “but didn’t your husband King Eric put a bounty out on the two princesses just like every other kingdom?”

Ariel frowned. “My husband felt he had no choice. King George and King Arthur are always eager for war. Siding against them was dangerous, but my husband sent me out to try and get to Emma and Elsa before anyone could collect the bounty. As many people know, Queen Snow is a good friend of mine.”

“And the attack on our ship?” Killian demanded. “You almost killed Prince Henry!”

“You’re flying a pirate flag!” Ariel snapped. “I thought you were here to capture the pincesses for the bounty on their heads.”

“I think we can all agree we’re on the same team,” Anna spoke up diplomatically.

“Yeah,” Henry cried out, scrambling to his feet, “can you take me to my mom now?”

Ariel gently cupped Henry’s face. “Just land on Avra and follow the middlemist roses. It will take you straight to Merlin’s abode. As for me, I must search the seas for other bounty hunters.”

She kissed Henry gently on the forehead, and before anyone could even thank her, she dived back into the waves.

************************************************

Anna, Henry, and Killian picked their way through a barely noticeable path. When Ariel had said “follow the middlemist roses,” she had failed to mention how they would be almost hidden amongst braken and thorns. It was clear that only those who knew where to look could find the path to this sorcerer's domicile.

Liam and Kristoff had stayed behind on the Jolly Roger. For one, they didn’t want to overwhelm the princesses or give them cause for suspicion. For another, they didn’t completely trust the crew not to turn tail and run. No honor among thieves and all of that.

Killian could have stayed behind just as easily, of course, but he knew why his brother had given him the order to take the royals ashore. His brother could face a naval fleet, a rival pirate crew, or even a kraken. But the woman he had jilted? Liam Jones was terrified, and Killian couldn’t say that he blamed him.

On the other hand, Emma had been the one to cut ties with Killian. Going so far as to have a child with someone else. Killian whacked at a vine with more force than necessary. The thought hurt. Yet the alternative, that Emma had come to be with child against her will, made him physically ill and blind with rage.

“There it is,” Anna whispered, falling to her knees and grasping both Killian and Henry by the elbow. Killian cursed at his distracted mind. To be out-tracked by a naïve princess! He looked where she pointed and saw a simple yet homey cabin built into a cave. Its earthen walls were covered in moss and more middlemist roses.

“What are we waiting for?” Henry asked impatiently. “I want to see my mom.”

Killian laid a hand on Henry’s shoulder. “But remember, my boy, the last time she saw you she accidentally hurt you with her magic. You don’t want to startle her.”

“He’s right, Henry,” Anna agreed, “Elsa hurt me too. I don’t blame her, and I’m not afraid of her, but I think . . . I think she’s afraid of herself, and that fear may rise up again when she sees me.”

“I understand,” Henry mumbled sadly.

“Who’s there?” a voice called out to their right just as the branches of a tree above their heads burst into flames. “That was a warning.”

“Mom!” Henry shouted, and nothing Anna and Killian did or said could keep him from jumping up from the bushes and running towards his mother’s voice.

“Henry?” Emma’s voice at first was full of love, tenderness, and a touch of pleasant surprise.

Killian eased forward so he could see more clearly between the branches. He felt the blood rush from his head when he saw her, golden hair tumbling loose down her back and clad in a filmy white dress. It made her look ethereal, but for the haunted look in her eyes.

As Henry ran towards her, the expression on her face changed to one of panic. “Stay back!” she warned him.

The boy slowed down, but he didn’t stop moving towards her. “I’m not afraid of you.”

“You should be,” she told him brokenly, tears beginning to roll down her face. “I love you so much, Henry, that’s why I had to go. To keep you safe.”

Henry took a few more steps forward, and the panic on her face increased. “Elsa!” she screamed.

“You’re afraid of hurting me, that’s the problem,” Henry continued, “just let the fear go.”

“It’s not that simple,” she told him, then once again yelled, “Elsa! Come quick! Henry, please stop and wait for Elsa.”

“Emma!” another voice shouted, and next to Killian, Anna gasped. He put a hand on the red-head's arm, and gave a slight shake of his head. Another blonde stepped out of the door of the cabin. “Emma, what’s going on -”

Emma didn’t look at her friend, but simply extended her arm. “Take my hand before I hurt him,” she practically begged.

Killian peered at Emma closely through the brush and noticed something for the first time. Emma’s hands were glowing and tiny flames danced along her fingertips. Elsa reached out towards her friend, her own hand blue and frosted over. When fire met ice, both women’s hands became mere flesh once again, and they both let out sighs of relief.

“Henry,” Emma said to her son, with a genuine smile on her face, her free arm outstretched.

Henry beamed and rushed forward, colliding with his mother and wrapping his arms around her waist. Emma embraced him with one arm, bending to kiss the top of his head, but her other hand remained firmly clasped in Elsa’s.

Anna practically trembled beside him before bursting from her hiding place and racing towards her sister. Elsa gasped her name, and when Anna reached her, she let go of Emma’s hand so the two sisters could hold each other in a tight embrace. Killian worried that their magic would flare again, but Emma seemed completely relaxed as she wrapped her other arm tighter around her son. Then she stepped back, tears marring her cheeks, cupping Henry’s face in her hands.

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too, Mom.”

“What just happened?” Anna asked. “When you held hands -”

“It’s something the sorcerer Merlin taught us,” Elsa explained. “When our powers mingle, they cancel one another out.”

“But It’s only temporary,” Emma added, “our quest is far from over.”

“Although I don’t know how we’ll reach our next destination. It’s in a distant land, far from the Lonely Islands,” Elsa said.

“We can help! We can finish your quest with you!” Henry shouted excitedly.

Killian closed his eyes. Please don’t say it, please don’t . . .

“Liam and Killian have a ship!”

Killian winced. So much for easing Emma and Elsa into things. He rose from his hiding place, and for some reason he couldn’t even explain, he slipped into his pirate persona. He swaggered towards the princesses, cocky smirk in place. He even winked as Emma’s jaw dropped and her face went pale.

“Killian?” she gasped.

He tilted his head teasingly and quirked a brow. “Did you miss me?”

[outfittrends]

Newborn Girl Outfits-27 Cutest Clothes For New Born Baby Girl Outfit Trends - Ideas How to Wear & What to Wear

New Post has been published on https://www.outfittrends.com/newborn-girl-outfits/

Newborn Girl Outfits-27 Cutest Clothes For New Born Baby Girl

Newborn girl outfits. The birth of a female baby is such a momentous and joyous occasion.  Expectant mothers often dream about what their offspring will look like and how they want them to dress. It’s often difficult to stop yourself from buying clothing and baby products well before the baby arrives.

A new baby is about new life, fresh starts, dreams, happiness and the future.  It puts everyone in a good mood.  People especially go crazy buying clothes for newborn princesses. Once you give birth to your daughter, you will rarely be buying anything for yourself anymore. Everything looks so much more irresistible and swoon-worthy in miniature sizes.

What Outfits To Buy For Newborn Baby Girls?

Here are 27 of my absolutely all-time favourite items that I couldn’t live without for my own daughter from birth through her first birthday:

↓ 28 – Newborn Girl Coming Home Outfits

Your new addition will never make a fashion faux pa wearing anything pink from Ralph Lauren home from the hospital as you start your new life as a family of three (or more) Ralph Lauren is classic, timeless and looks good on everyone, infants included. It’s also always a great idea to go for matching outfits, so here are 100 Cutest Matching Mother Daughter Outfits on Internet So Far.

↓ 27 – SwaddleMe

I am a huge fan of Mexican food, but as much as I enjoy burritos, I have never gotten good at wrapping them up. Swaddleme swaddles are seriously the BEST swaddles ever! The secure design creates a cosy, womb-like feeling for baby and prevents startle reflex that can wake your infant. The soft fabric wings fasten and readjust securely with hook and loop attachments to create a perfect fit. Swaddleme makes swaddling foul-proof, even for those with three thumbs. You can literally pass off the baby as being wrapped as snuggly, smoothly and competently as when the expert nurses did it for you in the hospital.

↓ 26 – Miracle Blanket

Beloved by hundreds of thousands of families, Miracle Blanket is “one of the most beloved, time-tested and effective swaddling blankets on the market today.” There is no Velcro, which makes annoying sounds and won’t get disgusting in the laundry.  In addition, one size fits all (up to 14 weeks so you can continue to swaddle, along with the Moses basket for 3 months or the “fourth trimester”)  so there’s no need to keep having to buy new ones as your baby grows.  If baby’s feet do not reach the bottom of the foot pouch, simply fold the bottom up so the feet touch the bottom of the blanket.  The other feature which sets Miracle Blanket apart from its competitors is that there are arm flaps. Getting a good night sleep with a baby is truly a miracle.  Thanks, Miracle Blanket for “the gift of sleep.” Night, night and sweet dreams.  Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

↓ 25 – Monthly Stickers

Monthly onesie stickers are such a fun way to record your newborn’s growth throughout the year. The choices, colors and patterns are endless. They are lots of fun and make it easy to identify just how old your child was in years to come when you look at an old photo which is dated.

↓ 24 – Baby’s First Designer Clothes

A total splurge, but every female, regardless of age, knows the importance of a killer pair of of designer jeans!  Baby can even match Mommy, Daddy and any big brothers and/or sisters. And no, we promise that your diaper does not make your butt look fat. Pair with a onesie or pretty shirt.

↓ 23 – Ten Fingers….

Baby mitts are for keeping those sweet little hands from scratching their innocent and delicate face and to keep those sweet little hands warm in the cooler weather. In addition, many moms have reported, “It helped protect my babies hands from the well-intentioned women and small children that wanted to “ooh” and “aww” over my newest treasure.” We all know how little babies’ hands are and how tempting they are to touch.

↓ 22 – & Ten Toes: Sweetest Socks

Baby feet are so precious and perfect. When you have to cover them up, put them in Trumpette socks. There is nothing as adorable on the market, plus they provide an extra bonus of staying on better than most other baby socks.

↓ 21 – Ruffles

Little girls are obsessed with pink, glitter and ruffles. The sooner you get used to it the better. (If you look closely, you’ll notice she’s also got her Trumpette ballet flat socks on. No shoes necessary.)

↓ 20 – Anything Personalized

Adding the baby’s name, date of birth, measurements and/or other important stats, makes the ordinary baby item extraordinary.  My daughter, Greenlee, has a unique name and therefore will never be able to buy items off-the-rack at the store with her name on it.  (I experienced the same thing growing up).  Our family was so excited to receive this feminine gingham hooded towel from Pottery Barn Baby with Greenlee’s name embroidered on it in pastel pink.  Bath time is such a special bonding time between baby and parents. So many memories are made during this intimate chore and so many bathtub photos are taken to document for prosperity. In addition to the bath towel, you are going to want crib blankets and blankets for the stroller with your child’s name or initials.

↓ 19 – Personalized Leggings

What little girl doesn’t want their name written all over in a fun font (plenty of colours and styles to choose from) in a super comfy pair of leggings! I Know My Alphabet (an Etsy vendor) has become my new favourite go-to gift to get when a baby girl is born. It’s especially wonderful for a child who has older siblings because it becomes extremely obvious then that she is not stuck wearing her big brother or sister’s hand-me-downs. There is no denying these clothes were purchased especially for her and no one else.

↓ 18 – Cute & Funny Outfits

When you have kids close in age, it’s lots labelling the little/baby sister. Other kids in the family can wearing matching “Big Brother” or “Middle Sister” shirts.

↓ 17 – NewBorn Winter Clothing

An adorable snowsuit is a necessity for winter babies. When you bundle your bundle of joy up, make sure she’s comfy, cozy and wearing something warm enough to protect her from the cold, windy or wet climate.

↓ 16 – Ski Bunny Vest

For those less cold days, vests make wonderful layering pieces. They make strong statements and are versatile for all seasons except for the heat of the summer. Neutrals, pops of colour or patterned are all different options. Don’t necessarily buy a pricey vest as its more a novel accessory than a garment that your child will wear on a daily basis.

↓ 15 – Lounge Around in Sweats

Just as you’re most comfortable lounging around in sweats, babies want to look and feel like they’re most comfortable at all times. The littlest thing can set them off. Sweat suits aren’t fussy even when your baby is.

↓ 14 – Hats Off to the Baby

As soon as you announce your pregnancy, identify someone close to your family who knits or crochets and put in your request for baby hats and blankets.  There is nothing like a custom made clothing and accessories to make your precious little one stand out in the crowd.

↓ 13 – Bands

And if you’re not too fond of hats, you can always opt for baby headbands because they look too adorable.

↓ 12 – Bathing Beauty

Every girl needs a flattering swimsuit or two for pool and beach days. Seek swimwear with high UV protection to protect delicate skin. Light colours are preferred as they will keep your child cooler in the hot sun while darker shades tend to attract and hold the heat. Lather on infant sunscreen to protect baby’s delicate and fragile skin. A floppy hat should also be worn.

↓ 11 – Where To Shop

What has grown into the “It” shoe for tiny feet was first created out of leather scraps on a kitchen table in 2009, after Freshly Picked founder Susan Petersen gave up on finding a baby shoe that was cute and stayed put. Known for thoughtful attention to detail, the brand’s moccasins and shoes have become big favourites in Hollywood and around the world. They also offer high-quality leather crib moccasins, soft sole shoes and diaper bags.

↓ 10 – Baby Shoes

Completely impractical, but oh so irresistible. While baby Uggs will never hit the floor, all eyes will remain glued on them (especially Mommy who will have to monitor that one hasn’t been lost).

↓ 9 – Halloween Costume for Non-Walkers

My daughter received lots of attention, tons of compliments and the best reactions to being a mermaid for Halloween.  Everyone comments on her fin and is curious to know if I had made the costume.  I must give credit to Laura Trot of Laura’s Inspiration who has an adorable array of hand-made crocheted baby photo props, along with booties and hats. It’s a great outfit for newborn photos. The mermaid costume was so unique and original that it scored first place in a Halloween costume contest! Here are Top 17 Halloween Costumes for Kids.

↓ 8 – Thanksgiving Outfit

The turkey is going to take second fiddle to your baby’ first Thanksgiving. Dress your ham up in something Thanksgiving worthy. Consider sticky to browns and oranges.

↓ 7 – Some Fancy Outfits

When your baby isn’t wearing a onesie or stretchies, and you’re taking her out and about, you’re going to want her to look like her most beautiful and feminine self. When she’s wearing a dress, no one will confuse her for being a boy. (She can be decked out in pink with a bow headband and still people will comment on what a cute boy he is).  Dresses that come with matching bloomers/panties to cover the diaper are an added treat.

↓ 6 – A Classic Wrap Dress

Every lady needs a classic wrap dress. One season, Diane Von Furstenberg teamed up with Gap for a special line. If only the DVF dress could have grown with my daughter.

↓ 5 – Night Suits

Be prepared for your daughter to have more outfit changes than Beyoncé. You can never have enough stretchies on hand. Your baby will spend the majority of her time in stretchies, especially when she’s home. Pick prints and colours that make you happy and designs that are easy (and quick) to get on your ever-moving child.

↓ 4 – Bibs

No matter how many bibs you stock up on, you will always need at least a dozen more. Bibs are necessary for spit-up, protecting clothes when eating solids, wiping drool, the list goes on and on…..Pick some up whenever you see one that catches your eye and is a reflection of your style.  Velcro fastening bibs are quick to put on/take off are the best design.

↓ 3 – A First Birthday Outfit

Remember your daughter will definitely need a beautiful little frock to celebrate her first birthday in style, because she can’t go out in her birthday suit! This will be the first of a lifetime of birthday celebrations blowing out candles and eating cake. You can also get some awesome ideas from these 17 Cute 1st Birthday Outfits for Baby Girl All Seasons.

And if you’re looking for something other than clothes to gift to anewbornn princess, then here are two of our highly recommended suggestions:

↓ 2 – Baby Rockers

The Tiny Love 3-in-1 Rocker Napper, an innovative rocker and napper that features a one hand switch from sit to sleep.  At approximately two months old, she’ll be at the stage of being bored lying flat on her back day and night.  She’ll begin to take notice of objects dangling within her reach. Once the batteries are inserted, it will massage baby, plays 3 different songs, give the baby a light show and offers volume control.  The mobile does not move.

The design is extremely pleasing to parents that don’t want baby products that are huge eyesores to their home’s design.  Unlike baby swing and many products out on the market, there’s no babyish animal pattern.  The middle reclining position post-bottle is an ideal position to help her digest more easily.

↓ 1 – Books

It’s never too early to encourage your baby’s love of books and learning. Your little fashionista-in-training’s new library picks should include:                                                                                                                                                                   The Birdie Series by Sujean Rim

(The author was the illustrator of the popular Daily Candy website. Jessica Simpson needs to get these books for her baby who will be named Birdie.)

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요즘 또희의 최애책📚 혼자 책장도 넘겨서 볼줄알고🤭 다컸어😭❤️ . . #생후241일 #소희스타그램 #7개월아기 #황금개띠 #딸스타그램 #책육아 #육아 #육아스타그램 #육아소통 #인스타베이비 #baby #babygirl #babybook

A post shared by ye jin (@xoxo_yejin) on Jan 29, 2019 at 8:58pm PST

This Little Piggy Went to Prada: Nursery Rhymes for the Blahnik Brigade by Amy Allen

When Royals Wore Ruffles: A Funny and Fashionable Alphabet! by Chesley McLaren

Beach Babies Wear Shades (An Urban Babies Wear Black Book) by Michelle Sinclair Colma…

June Valentine & the Magic Shoes by Eva Chen (former Editor-in-Chief of Lucky Magazine)

Claris: the Chicest Mouse in Paris by Megan Hess

A huge thanks to my own daughter (now five years old) who modelled for the majority of these photos.

What are your favourite must-haves for your daughter? Please share your finds!

[jacobsonofalltrades]

Day 10 - Yoga and Monkeys

We were loving our time in Ubud, and wanted to get the most out of our last full day here.  

In addition to spas, Ubud is famous for its multitude of yoga options.  While there seemed to be an unlimited number of classes in town, we took advantage of our hotel’s “Sunrise Yoga” class on the riverside deck.  The teacher was great, and I really enjoyed getting a good stretch after so much walking in the heat.

The class participants were mostly women, though three brave men (including Matt) joined their significant others.  One of the guys gave up halfway, but Matt held his own (look at that form!).

We returned to our room to find the best little towel sculpture I’ve seen yet.  When people in Bali say “thank you,” it is polite to press your palms together in front of your face (like prayer pose in yoga).  Not only was the little towel guy saying thank you, but they managed to capture the shape of the hat that was part of the hotel staff uniform. A+

Our big adventure of the day was a visit to Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (officially named Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana).  This swathe of jungle is home to three holy temples, but is most famous for its furry residents.

Over seven hundred long-tailed Balinese macaques call this jungle home, and comprise six different community groups which each reside in their own discrete territories within the sanctuary.  

Matt immediately found a monkey who shared his fondness for a good meal, and he took a video of the monkey opening up a coconut.

While there are holy temples in this sanctuary, the throng of tourists in this place led to a vibe not dissimilar from the Bronx Zoo.  Unlike the Bronx Zoo however, the main attractions were not behind a wall of glass.  These monkeys were incredibly smart, and they worked the never-ending stream of visitors to their advantage.

The influx of tourists mean that the sanctuary is a real money maker for the local community, and Matt was shocked by how much had changed in the four short years since he had been here last.  There was a sleek new visitor entrance complete with tour bus parking lot, and construction was happening all over the place (more on that later). 

While the monkeys all look adorable and demure in the brochures, they are a pack of hustlers.  While one girl was sitting on a bench looking at her phone, the handsome guy in the picture below casually strolled up to her, plucked the ice-cold water bottle from the pouch on her backpack, unscrewed the cap with his teeth like it was nothing, and sat down to enjoy his drink.

I thought they were awesome, and had a ball snapping pictures (like everyone else visiting).

...except maybe Matt.

As we walked deeper into the forest, it started to become clear that some of the community groups of monkeys were friendlier than others.  One particular path started to get more and more crowded with monkeys, who clearly (and not unreasonably) felt that this part of the sanctuary was theirs, and not for pesky backpack-wielding interlopers like myself.

Right after I snapped this picture, I looked down to see a monkey chewing on the bottom of my skirt.  While trying to casually back away, another monkey jumped onto my shoulder, deftly unzipped my backpack, snatched my toiletry bag, and jumped onto the pathway railing with it.  I was thanking my lucky stars at this point because of all the things in my backpack he could have taken (designer sunglasses, camera equipment, wallets), he went for my travel-sized regulation liquid container filled with sunblock and bug spray.

These items were easily replaceable, but I was very concerned that the monkey would eat them and get sick.  I half-hardheartedly tried to take it back, but it took about 0.5 seconds to realize that was a terrible idea.  The monkey with my bag bared his teeth, his monkey friend on the other side of the pathway railing bared their teeth, and I looked up to see a third monkey dangling a paint can from the nearby construction site over my head!  Rather than see his wife go down in a back alley (jungle?) monkey brawl, Matt smartly walked down the path to find one of the incredibly helpful employees at the park, who calmly convinced the monkey to drop my bag.  I collected the completely ruined case (he had ripped the plastic open with his teeth), and the monkey followed up by throwing my bug spray at me.  I don’t blame him.

After all the excitement, Matt and I were relieved when we found the sanctuary exit.  It’s always exciting to see wild animals up close, but maybe not the best idea (for the animals or the people).

We decided to stick with what we do best - eat!

As promised, we made our way back to Melting Wok Warung for more of that amazing coconut curry.

I decided to try something new today and ordered noodles with chicken and mushrooms. While not quite as enjoyable for me as the coconut curry, I still managed to happily clean my plate!

Matt decided to have the coconut curry with noodles that I enjoyed two days earlier, but he had it with marlin and extra spice. The spice made him sweat a little, but he still managed to wolf down this delicious bowl of noodles in no time flat.

For dessert, we treated ourselves to a brown sugar crepe with coconut cream - a perfect palate cleanser for our fiery lunch!

After lunch, we made our way back to the hotel for some much-appreciated R&R by the pool, followed by sunset-drinks on the rooftop.

You may be asking yourself what my secret was to blindingly-pale legs after ten full days in the tropics.  SPF 55, baby.

For our last dinner in Ubud, Matt chose Putu’s Wild Ginger Warung. This quaint little family-run restaurant is about a 10-minute walk from the main square in the northern part of Ubud. 

We immediately felt the warmth of this tight-knit family and enjoyed seeing their newest member (a one-year old toddler) help mom behind the counter.  Putu, the founder of the restaurant and the family’s matriarch, decided to open this restaurant on her family property after working in other restaurants around Ubud.  This required the monumental step of knocking down their family temple and rebuilding it on top of the Warung to make room.  She, along with her husband and extended family, made us feel welcome and at home as we settled in for a meal cooked with love.

For dinner, Matt decided to have Ayam Goreng Kecap - Chicken cooked in Putu’s Special Sauce with White Rice. The chicken was braised on the bone with a delicious tangy sauce.

I decided to have the Ayam Mei Goreng - Fried Noodles with Chicken, Mixed Vegetables and a side of Egg and Crackers. These fried noodles were delicious with Putu’s special sauce.

All in all, well worth the stroll off the beaten path.

[readbookywooks]

“- if you like. I don't mind about the pike.” “I can't do that,” said Amschat. “Was that a lie?” “No! There is wild country around us, robbers and - things.” Esk nodded brightly. “That's settled, then,” she said. “I don't mind sleeping in the fleeces. And I can pay my way. I can do -” She hesitated; her unfinished sentence hung like a little curl of crystal in the air while discretion made a successful bid for control of her tongue. “- helpful things,” she finished lamely. She was aware that Amschat was looking slightly sideways at his senior wife, who was sewing by the stove. By Zoon tradition she wore nothing but black. Granny would have thoroughly approved. “What sort of helpful things?” he asked. “Washing and sweeping, yesno?” “If you like,” said Esk, “or distillation using the bifold or triple alembic, the making of varnishes, glazes, creams, zuumchats and punes, the rendering of waxes, the manufacture of candles, the proper selection of seeds, roots and cuttings, and most preparations from the Eighty Marvellous Herbs; I can spin, card, rett, Hallow and weave on the hand, frame, harp and Noble looms and I can knit if people start the wool on for me, I can read soil and rock, do carpentry up to the three-way mortise and tenon, predict weather by means of beastsign and skyreck, make increase in bees, brew five types of mead, make dyes and mordants and pigments, including a fast blue, I can do most types of whitesmithing, mend boots, cure and fashion most leathers, and if you have any goats I can look after them. I like goats.” Amschat looked at her thoughtfully. She felt she was expected to continue. “Granny never likes to see people sitting around doing nothing,” she offered. “She always says a girl who is good with her hands will never want for a living,” she added, by way of further explanation. “Or a husband, I expect,” nodded Amschat, weakly. “Actually, Granny had a lot to say about that -” “I bet she did,” said Amschat. He looked at the senior wife, who nodded almost imperceptibly. “Very well,” he said. “If you can make yourself useful you can stay. And can you play a musical instrument?” Esk returned his steady gaze, not batting an eyelid. “Probably.” And so Esk, with the minimum of difficulty and only a little regret, left the Ramtops and their weather and joined the Zoons on their great trading journey down the Ankh. There were at least thirty barges with at least one sprawling Zoon family on each, and no two vessels appeared to be carrying the same cargo; most of them were strung together, and the Zoons simply hauled on the cable and stepped on to the next deck if they fancied a bit of socialising. Esk set up home in the fleeces. It was warm, smelled slightly of Granny's cottage and, much more important, meant that she was undisturbed. She was getting a bit worried about magic. It was definitely getting out of control. She wasn't doing magic, it was just happening around her. And she sensed that people probably wouldn't be too happy if they knew. It meant that if she washed up she had to clatter and splash at length to conceal the fact that the dishes were cleaning themselves. If she did some darning she had to do it on some private part of the deck to conceal the fact that the edges of the hole ravelled themselves together as if . . . as if by magic. Then she woke up on the second day of her voyage to find that several of the fleeces around the spot where she had hidden the staff had combed, carded and spun themselves into neat skeins during the night. She put all thoughts of lighting fires out of her head. There were compensations, though. Every sluggish turn of the great brown river brought new scenes. There were dark stretches hemmed in with deep forest, through which the barges traveled in the dead centre of the river with the men armed and the women below - except for Esk, who sat listening with interest to the snortings and sneezings that followed them through the bushes on the banks. There were stretches of farmland. There were several towns much larger than Ohulan. There were even some mountains, although they were old and flat and not young and frisky like her mountains. Not that she was homesick, exactly, but sometimes she felt like a boat herself, drifting on the edge of an infinite rope but always attached to an anchor. The barges stopped at some of the towns. By tradition only the men went ashore, and only Amschat, wearing his ceremonial Lying hat, spoke to non-Zoons. Esk usually went with him. He tried hinting that she should obey the unwritten rules of Zoon life and stay afloat, but a hint was to Esk what a mosquito bite was to the average rhino because she was already learning that if you ignore the rules people will, half the time, quietly rewrite them so that they don't apply to you. Anyway, it seemed to Amschat that when Esk was with him he always got a very good price. There was something about a small child squinting determinedly at them from behind his legs that made even market-hardened merchants hastily conclude their business. In fact, it began to worry him. When a market broker in the walled town of Zemphis offered him a bag of ultramarines in exchange for a hundred fleeces a voice from the level of his pockets said: “They're not ultramarines.” “Listen to the child!” said the broker, grinning. Amschat solemnly held one of the stones to his eye. “I am listening,” he said, “and they do indeed look like ultramarines. They have the glit and shimmy.” Esk shook her head. “They're just spircles,” she said. She said it without thinking, and regretted it immediately as both men turned to stare at her. Amschat turned the stone over in his palm. Putting the chameleon spircle stones into a box with some real gems so that they appeared to change their hue was a traditional trick, but these had the true inner blue fire. He looked up sharply at the broker. Amschat had been finely trained in the art of the Lie. He recognised the subtle signs, now that he came to think about it. “There seems to be a doubt,” he said, “but 'tis easily resolved, we need only take them to the assayer in Pine Street because the world knows that spircles will dissolve in hypactic fluid, yesno?” The broker hesitated. Amschat had changed position slightly, and the set of his muscles suggested that any sudden movement on the broker's part would see him flat in the dust. And that damn child was squinting at him as though she could see through to the back of his mind. His nerve broke. “I regret this unfortunate dispute,” he said. “I had accepted the stones as ultramarines in good faith but rather than cause disharmony between us I will ask you to accept them as - as a gift, and for the fleeces may I offer this roseatte of the first sorting?” He took a small red stone from a tiny velvet pouch. Amschat hardly looked at it but, without taking his eyes off the man, passed it down to Esk. She nodded. When the merchant had hurried off Amschat took Esk's hand and half-dragged her to the assayer's stall, which was little more than a niche in the wall. The old man took the smallest of the blue stones, listened to Amschat's hurried explanation, poured out a saucerful of hypactic fluid and dropped the stone in. It frothed into nothingness. “Very interesting,” he said. He took another stone in a tweezer and examined it under a glass. “They are indeed spircles, but remarkably fine specimens in their own right,” he concluded. “They are by no means worthless, and I for example would be prepared to offer you - is there something wrong with the little girl's eyes?” Amschat nudged Esk, who stopped trying out another Look. “- I would offer you, shall we say, two zats of silver?” “Shall we say five?” said Amschat pleasantly. “And I would like to keep one of the stones,” said Esk. The old man threw up his hands. “But they are mere curios!” he said. “Of value only to a collector!” “A collector may yet sell them to an unsuspecting purchaser as finest roseattes or ultramarines,” said Amschat, “especially if he was the only assayer in town.” The assayer grumbled a bit at this, but at last they settled on three zats and one of the spircles on a thin silver chain for Esk. When they were out of earshot Amschat handed her the tiny silver coins and said: “These are yours. You have earned them. But -” he hunkered down so that his eyes were on a level with hers, “- you must tell me how you knew the stones were false.” He looked worried, but Esk sensed that he wouldn't really like the truth. Magic made people uncomfortable. He wouldn't like it if she said simply: spircles are spircles and ultramarines are ultramarines, and though you may think they look the same that is because most people don't use their eyes in the right way. Nothing can entirely disguise its true nature. Instead she said: “The dwarves mine spircles near the village where I was born, and you soon learn to see how they bend light in a funny way.” Amschat looked into her eyes for some time. Then he shrugged. “Okay,” he said. “Fine. Well, I have some further business here. Why don't you buy yourself some new clothes, or something? I'd warn you against unscrupulous traders but, somehow, I don't know, I don't think you will have any trouble.” Esk nodded. Amschat strode off through the market place. At the first corner he turned, looked at her thoughtfully, and then disappeared among the crowds. Well, that's the end of sailing, Esk told herself. He's not quite sure but he's going to be watching me now and before I know what's happening the staff will be taken away and there'll be all sorts of trouble. Why does everyone get so upset about magic? She gave a philosophical sigh and set about exploring the possibilities of the town. There was the question of the staff, though. Esk had rammed it deep among the fleeces, which were not going to be unloaded yet. If she went back for it people would start asking questions, and she didn't know the answers. She found a convenient alleyway and scuttled down it until a deep doorway gave her the privacy she required. If going back was out of the question then only one thing remained. She held out a hand and closed her eyes. She knew exactly what she wanted to do-it lay in front of her eyes. The staff mustn't come flying through the air, wrecking the barge and drawing attention to itself. All she wanted, she told herself, was for there to be a slight change in the way the world was organised. It shouldn't be a world where the staff was in the fleeces, it should be a world where it was in her hand. A tiny change, an infinitesimal alteration to the Way Things Were. If Esk had been properly trained in wizardry she would have known that this was impossible. All wizards knew how to move things about, starting with protons and working upwards, but the important thing about moving something from A to Z, according to basic physics, was that at some point it should pass through the rest of the alphabet. The only way one could cause something to vanish at A and appear at Z would be to shuffle the whole of Reality sideways. The problems this would cause didn't bear thinking about. Esk, of course, had not been trained, and it is well known that a vital ingredient of success is not knowing that what you're attempting can't be done. A person ignorant of the possibility of failure can be a halfbrick in the path of the bicycle of history.