#wooden wedding card box

[weyland-rutter-1995]

[milky-aeons]

— BY A COMMANDER’S SIDE

౨ৎ  . . . even though you may not always be by his side, there are multiple ways you and ARMIN ARLERT express your love for each other.

warnings: sexual content, memories of war, ptsd, marriage, pregnancy, mdni, w.c 845

♪ . . . ˗ˏˋ ꒰ tenerife sea — ed sheeran ꒱ ˎˊ-

: ̗̀➛ 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍, who was, at first, not very forthcoming about his feelings towards you. Who allowed them to balloon into something monstrous, something that wouldn't let his eyes leave you no matter where you came or when you went.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍, who mustered up the courage to ask you on a date after weeks of deliberation. That mind of his really was a double-edged sword, having the ability to lead squadrons to victory but crumbled when he looked into your eyes and became so adorably tongue-tied.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐘𝐎𝐔, who, on the day of your wedding, wore a crown of flowers in her hair and jewellery made from emerald sea-glass. Who kept the jewellery on that night you spent together, the smooth stone sliding over your bouncing breasts as you rode him into ecstasy.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐘𝐎𝐔, who held him tight on those nights he couldn't sleep. When the haunting echoes of war visited him instead of dreams. Who cradled him against your chest and carded through his golden hair, humming to him a song from your childhood, until his tense shoulder muscles smoothened down and he took more even, slumbering breaths.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍, who was always phenomenal when it came to choosing gifts. Whether they be for special occasions like your one year anniversary — when he surprised you with that delicate little music box specially crafted to play that tune, the one you always sung to him — or little delicates he brought home after a long day's work. Chocolates, flowers, books from the Capital where he conducted the duties of Commander.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐘𝐎𝐔, who would know immediately when your husband has had a taxing day. When he'd come through the door of the little town house you shared — his eyes shadowed, his hair mused from where he ruffled at it. You would go to him and place longer, sweeter kisses against his lips. You would instruct him to sit in the kitchen so you could brew him some tea, so you could take your fingers to his temples and draw soothing little circles.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍, who brought you to the beach on late summer's nights. Who would be mysterious and playful with his little secret, ushering you out of the house when you least expected it. Of course, he had the charade planned right down to the finer details; the standing wax candles in the sand, the blanket, the bottle of fine Mitras wine and two polished glasses waiting to be drunk.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍, who was reserved with his desires, and yet eager to please you at the same time. Who would murmur hot and heady into your ear; where do you need it, love? Does it feel good when I do this? Tell me what you need, let me please you. Who had years of power in his honed abdomen muscles and thighs as he would use them to thrust into you without conviction. Who would relish in the way you called out his name as your walls clenched around him, undoing him by the very seams.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐘𝐎𝐔, who gave him a small clothed package unannounced one day. Watchful as he undid the layers with those gorgeous blue eyes wide and curious. Who did not take long to understand what the gift meant — a little wooden horse and a hat that would be much too small for him. He had stood, unbelieving, his eyes shining with tears, and picked you up in a hug that stole the air from your lungs and spun you round, round, round.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍, who lay beside your curved belly swollen with life and read to them. About fields of fire, endless seas of ice, vast rivers of colour in the night sky. Who would place kisses to your unborn child, who would place kisses on the back of your hand and tell you how much he loved you.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍, who cooked with you on the days he had been spared from his military duties. Who would lift your beautiful child up into the air and make them giggle as you stirred the pot. Who would come up behind you and encircle you in his strong arms, placing a quick, chaste kiss on your temple.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐘𝐎𝐔, who was cunning with him, adoring the blush that still coloured your husbands cheeks when you did something daring. You would seek him out on late nights in the study as he poured over reports by lamplight. Quietly, you would slip your nightdress down from your shoulders and let it fall to a pool at your feet. It always made your pulse flutter, the way he looked at you, like a man strangled. Like a man so madly and irrevocably in love.

: ̗̀➛ 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍, who, before he left every morning and before he closed his eyes at night, would mutter the same exact words;

"I love you, my moon and stars."

: ̗̀➛ 𝐘𝐎𝐔, who would murmur right back;

"And I love you too, my entire night sky."

[animalcrossingshowdown]

Furniture items and sets round 1 results:

Items:

Froggy chair 90.6% / Leo sculpture 9.4%

Mush lamp 83.9% / Cancer table 16.1%

Mom's homemade cake 77.9% / Skull rug 22.1%

Afternoon-tea set 76.4% / My Melody clock 23.6%

Star clock 75.2% / Anatomical model 24.8%

Lily record player 74.7% / Scattered papers 25.3%

Dried-flower garland 72.6% / Rose bed 27.4%

Virgo harp 70.2% / Rescue mannequin 29.8%

Wooden music box 70.1% / Bathtub with yuzu 29.9%

Snail clock 69.1% / Imperial dining table 30.9%

Spooky cookies 67.8% / ACNH Nintendo Switch 32.2%

Plain party-lights arch 67% / Cinnamoroll sofa 33%

Moon 67% / Hyacinth lamp 33%

Greenhouse box 66.4% / Soft-serve lamp 33.6%

Dreamy rabbit toy 66% / Elephant slide 34%

Crescent-moon chair 65.2% / Retro stereo 34.8%

Toy duck 65% / Lovely phone 35%

Dreamy wall rack 61.7% / Throwback skull radio 38.3%

Lucky cat 59.2% / Decayed tree 40.8%

Tiny library 59.2% / Kerokerokeroppi bridge 40.8%

Fortune-telling set 59.2% / Cucumber horse 40.8%

Resetti model 58.5% / Titan arum 41.5%

Wheat field 55.1% / Zodiac dragon figurine

Paper tiger 54.5% / Colorful juice 45.5%

Cherry-blossom pond stone 54.4% / Rocket lamp 45.6%

Hamster cage 53.5% / Monster statue 46.5%

Starry garland 53.3% / Bonsai shelf 46.7%

Balloon-dog lamp 52.2% / Eggplant cow 47.8%

Creepy skeleton 52.2% / Elaborate kimono stand 47.8%

Mom's plushie 52% / Pergola 48%

Peach chair 51.1% / Dessert case 48.9%

Rattan towel basket 50.9% / Cherry-blossom branches 49.1%

1 ) I can't believe you guys voted out lovely phone, the entire reason I'm adding functions to these posts, in round 1

2 ) I can't believe you guys voted out cherry-blossom branches, the item that was positioned as second most likely to win based on number of submissions, in round 1

Sets:

Spooky 89.1% / Throwback 10.9%

Motherly 84.9% / Kiddie 15.1%

Shell 83.1% / Chess 16.9%

Sloppy (classic) 83.1% / Sloppy (ACNH) 16.9%

Rococo 81.6% / Elegant 18.4%

Insect 81.4% / Mario 18.6%

Glowing moss 78.2% / Ruined 21.8%

Mermaid 77.6% / Harvest 22.4%

Cute 76.3% / Lovely 23.7%

Modern 71.9% / Construction 28.1%

Ironwood 71.5% / Hello Kitty 28.5%

Fish 71.5% / Plaza 28.5%

Sweets 70.6% / My Melody 29.4%

Alpine 70.2% / Nordic 29.8%

Stars 69.6% / Gorgeous 30.4%

Cherry blossoms 68.5% / Blue 31.5%

Rattan 67.1% / Astro 32.9%

Flower 66.7% / Diner 33.3%

Fruit (ACNH) 66.7% / Fruit (classic) 33.3%

Antique 65.6% / Classic 34.4%

Modern wood 62.7% / Green 37.3%

Log 62.6% / Cabin 37.4%

Princess 62.6% / Card 37.4%

House plants 61.5% / Kerokerokeroppi 38.5%

Ranch (ACNH) 60.7% / Ranch (classic) 39.3%

Dreamy 58.3% / Wedding 41.7%

Mush (classic) 55.1% / Mush (ACNH) 44.9%

Patchwork (classic) 54.6% / Patchwork (ACNH) 45.4%

Kiki & Lala 53.9% / Moroccan 46.1%

Regal 51.2% / Cinnamoroll 48.8%

Robo 51% / Cardboard 49%

Gracie 50.6% / Imperial 49.4%

As you can see I've colour coded the sets by game. NL is pink, NH is blue, and sets that didn't really change between games are purple.

For the redesign matches, it was an even split between NH and NL. out of 10 redesign matches, they each won 5.

It's easier for me if all the new polls post in a row with no gaps between, so round 2 will start in a few days to give the hourly tournament a chance to catch up! This should be the only round where I have to do that.

[scarrfaze]

Birthday delivery! Along with a bouquet of various blues and whites sits a wooden box wrapped a bit plainly, though with a ribbon matching the flowers. Inside sits a sampling box of specialty whiskeys from different breweries nestled around the island. The card is signed with big, looping cursive, and a few recommendations!

another package steven isn't expecting. although, really, he probably should have, given the earlier surprise from one half of the happy couple.

"They do realize they didn't have to go to so much trouble after their own wedding, right?"

the flowers will be going in a vase as soon as he can manage to find one -- he's sure klaus has one to spare somewhere, given the man's proclivity for gardening. they'll make a lovely centerpiece.

but it's what's inside the package that really holds his interest. those he'll definitely be trying soon, if not tonight. he's not sure how either vash nor the man's husband had managed to nail down gifts for him so perfectly, but he isn't about to complain. maybe he's easier to read now than he used to be. he will be taking the recommendations under serious advisement.

yet another person he's going to have to find a way to thank. he isn't complaining about that, either.

[twohundredpower]

"Let's see.. maybe I can leave these here?" approaching the gift table for the newlyweds, Lloyd placed down a neatly wrapped box; cool black wrapping paper paired with a red bow. He couldn't take credit for how nicely it looked, though-- that would have been Zelos' doing.

Under the paper was a handmade wooden box; the names of the couple, as well as the date of their wedding, carved into the smooth surface. And even if they probably could have used them sooner, inside of that were two pairs of cufflinks; black feathers and red roses etched onto the silver of the metal. There was a small card attached, as well, which had a simple message of "Congratulations you two! We wish you all the happiness in the world. - Lloyd Irving and Zelos Wilder" written inside.

He would have been happy to give them to Vash personally, but looking at the two on the dance floor was enough to tell Lloyd to leave them alone. He smiled gently, overjoyed to see so much love in front of him; and honoured he could be apart of it in some small way.

"I hope you two have the happiest life you could have together," he mumbled to himself, running a finger over his own ring as he left the gift behind.

[pbandjesse]

We are just now leaving Paul and Sam's wedding part two! I did not expect dinner to go so late. I am glad I dressed up nice and was able to feel very pretty.

The rest of today could have been a little better. It just didn't go as planned. Things I thought would be readily available just were both and I felt pretty frustrated with the whole situation. But it wasn't a terrible day.

I slept alright. I woke up naturally at 8. But let myself sleep until 930. I had fallen asleep with damp hair but it had been in a braid so it wasn't to crazy but there was just something about it that made me laugh because it was sticking up funny. But it was quickly delt with and I got cleaned up and dressed and felt alright.

Mostly I was starving. I would skip breakfast food completely and just have a frozen pizza. It is the quickest thing I can make. 2 minutes. And while I was waiting for that I would move Ruby the Roomba upstairs to vacuum. And open the back door for Sweetp to enjoy the sunshine.

It was a beautiful day but outside the safety and shade of the house it was very very hot in the sun. I would find myself very miserable in it later. But while I was home I was fine.

I hung out on the couch and worked on cutting all of the yarn for May's temperature blanket square. I had not done any for this month. Which is so bad. I haven't finished sewing down last months either but I knew I would be able to catch up. I hope to do some of it at the market and it's easier if I precut the yarn and then dont have to bring all of it with me. Saves time.

It would take a while to do 24 days of rows though. 48 pieces plus the two begining rows. It's a lot to measure. So I was on the couch for a while. And once it was made I balled it all up and felt pretty accomplished.

I decided it was time to go out then though. I would packed myself up and headed out into the hot hot world with a plan. I would go to the restore. Then Home Depot. I wanted to get another storage shelf and then two raised wooden planter boxes. This was the goal.

I would have to go back in the house first though because James needed a number from a flyer we got yesterday. We are trying to get estimates from contractors for a few things. New doors and a fence mainly. But hoping it will give us connections for the larger projects in the future. But once I relayed that I was on the road.

My plan did not workout as well as I had hoped. Restore was fine but didn't have anything I was looking for. Home Depot was more promising but no wooden garden beds. Only plastic. So I was feeling a little annoyed but I thought I would go to Glen Burnie to the Lowe's and then I could also hit up the value village and then go to second chance. This seemed super promising.

But no luck.

The people at Lowe's acted like they had no idea what I was asking for. I even showed it to them on their website. Only one woman knew what I meant but her directions for where they were was not correct. And they also only had plastic. They said I might have to order them online for pick up. I was not totally defeated yet though. Walmart was coming up when I was googling and one was just down the street.

So I went there. Even though I had no gift cards for there (the whole reason I was going to the other stores was because I have gift cards!!) but even then no luck. And I have not even shopped in a Walmart in a decade so I felt a bit uncomfortable. And sad I still wasn't finding what I was looking for.

I tried to make myself feel better getting a pretzel from Auntie Anne's but then their credit card reader wasn't working and it was a whole thing but she did reset it and I was able to get my pretzel so it wasn't as bad as it could have been. But I was a little frazzled. The heat did not help.

I sat in the car in the parking lot and had my pretzel and tried to not be completely upset. I was frustrated. I felt stupid. I really thought this was going to be an easy project and I could feel accomplished at the end. But no. And that wasn't a nice feeling.

I decided to go to value village still. And I did have some luck there. A new jumpsuit. A shirt sleeve black cardigan (which was already on my list), the green striped button down I'm wearing in my one picture. I got two pairs of shoes for working events. I would wear one of them tonight and I love them very much. I don't normally go for a square toe but apparently I should because I really liked it on myself.

I also got a cool camera bag I think would be useful for travel. And a yellow cat plushie that made me think it's the love child of two of my other plushies (Daniel and Paul), couldn't pass him up.

I would still try second chance. But nothing there was what I was hoping for. I walked all over the store but I just wasn't feeling anything. So I went home.

I was super happy to be home. It was so hot out in the world. I would change and try on my new things and put things away. And then I was just chilling. I had the backdoor open. I was knitting. I was having a good time. Even if I felt a little sad that I wasn't successful, I was still doing okay.

James would call and offered to get me shake shack, which was the only thing I wanted to eat. And I appreciated them so much for doing that.

They would come home a little later then normal because of that. And we would sit together but I was feeling a little overwhelmed and overstimulated. So they gave me some space. But soon it was time to get ready to go over to fells point for Paul and Sam's American wedding day dinner.

James would iron their shirt while I went and got dressed and did my makeup. I had trimmed my bangs last night and I was afraid I made them to short but I actually felt really cute. And pretty soon we were heading out.

We left super early to get parking. And that ended up perfect because it did take a few loops. But once we were parked we were able to find the wedding party near the water. And it was so nice to see everyone.

We would walk to a bar first to wait for Paul and Sam to finish their pictures. I loved seeing Stephanie and Gabe. And we were also joined by Paul's friends Kieth and his wife Amber. And they were lots of fun. We talked about our jobs and I got to talk about my arts background for a while. Amber is pregnant and it was fun hearing about her cravings and how she only had shortness of breath as her first pregnancy symptoms! No throwing up at all! Very interesting.

Paul and Sam would find us soon though and we headed to the very fancy dinner. Rec Pier Chop House. This place is like. Very very fancy. I did not expect the inside to have a whole green space with trees. And I was not prepared for a 5 course dinner.

I couldn't eat all of it, for vegetarian reasons, but they were really accommodating and made a special vegan pasta for me and Amber who had some allergies and couldn't have the crab pasta. My favorite thing was the sheep's milk ricotta toast with hot honey. And the vanilla gelato at the end. But literally everything was beautiful.

The conversion was loud and funny and the energy was great. Paul and Sam looked great. Sam's dress was so cute. So simple and elegant. Honestly everyone looked lovely tonight and it was fun getting to be in this fancy space and eat fancy food. I had a really nice evening.

I didn't realize it was going to go on and on and on though. Not in a negative way at all. I was having a great time. I truly enjoyed everyone's company. But by 1030, after the second dessert and James getting two entire to-go boxes of tiramisu, it was time to go home.

Hugs all around. Congrats and see you at wedding part three. And me and James were off into the night.

We stopped to take some pictures. A nice couple offered to take them for us but I told them it's funnier if I'm running from the timer, but thank you for offering!! We were in a silly mood. People were everywhere. Fells is always so busy. A girl told me she loved my dress. It was such a nice way to end the night.

We got back here in short order and I have been sitting in the floor writing this. I want to go get a quick shower and get to sleep. Because tomorrow is the farmers market! My first of the year. I missed the opening market last week but I am still hoping for a very good day.

So wish me luck everyone. I love you all. Good night!

[highladyann]

A Court of Sorrow & Love (Modern AU)

Chapter 1.

Warnings: Angst, Language

Words: 2,3k.

Soooo this is my very first attempt of writing a fic. I have some ideas for this but not entirely sure how long this is gonna be. I'm also absolutely new to posting on tumblr, so be warned.

_____________________________________________________________

Feyre sighed. She leaned her head back against the wooden door behind her. This had probably been one of the worst days of her life. She looked around the hallway in front of her. Boxes on boxes filled with all sorts of clothes, personal belongings and memories were covering the cream colored walls. It still felt empty to Feyre. 

What was she supposed to do now?

The last couple of days she had kept her mind occupied with the funeral. Meetings with the mortician to plan everything. Coffin or urn burial? Which gravestone? Color, font, text? Death notice, yes or no? Personalized speech during the funeral? Specific songs? Flower arrangements? At some point Feyre had to remind herself that she was planning a funeral and not a wedding. This wasn’t a happy occasion. I shouldn’t worry about flowers so much. Who pays attention to those anyways?

The mortician was a friendly, kind and comforting elderly man. He had been very patient with Feyre. Explained everything over and over again when he realized that she had zoned out. Her mind wandering to some other place. He helped her with most decisions since she had absolutely no idea what to do. At some point she just nodded to most of his suggestions, hoping this would somehow get over with quickly. 

Organizing everything had been quite the task, she wasn't going to lie. Thanks to the mortician here. But it had kept her mind busy. Kept her mind from thinking about the inevitable: her life wasn't the same anymore. What even was her life now? She had absolutely no idea.

Feyre took a few steps away from the front door and into the hallway. Now that the funeral was over, what was she supposed to do? She was lost. There was no obvious task that she could throw herself into. Nothing to plan, nothing to organize, no one that needed to be called, no condolence cards that needed to be read anymore, no paperwork anymore, nothing. Simply nothing. 

She took some hesitant steps through the hallway past the boxes that contained her life inside and went into the kitchen on the left side of the hallway. She noticed her stomach grumbling. Maybe she could eat a little. She couldn’t remember having eaten anything today. So maybe yeah, food was a good idea. One step after the other, right?

The kitchen was clean. As if no one had used in a while. Feyre walked past the kitchen island. The tulips in a vase in the middle of it were looking absolutely dead. No one had taken care of them. Not the only dead thing in this house. 

She opened the big side-by-side fridge and sighed once more. She saw milk and some already brown bananas. One glance at the milk and she figured it had already been expired. She opened it anyways, smelled it and almost choked. Yeah, definitely expired.

The emptiness of the fridge was kind of mirroring Feyre’s inside. She felt absolutely hollow as well. Through all the planning and stress of the last couple of days she had completely forgotten to go grocery shopping. How could she forget that?

She started laughing out loud. How stupid. She had barely felt anything today. Throughout the whole funeral she had kept on her stoic expression. She couldn’t even shed a tear. There was nothing left inside of her to feel. And now an empty fridge caused her to feel something close to despair? Something is wrong with me. 

Feyre laughed even louder. Nothing was funny, she realized that. She was laughing out of absolute despair. At some point her laughing turned into coughing. She was suddenly having trouble breathing. She tried to calm herself and take deep breaths, but the air didn't seem to reach her lungs. Her right hand flew to her chest, she could feel her heartbeat increasing. Strange noises were coming out of her. Her whole body was suddenly in pain. 

Is it my time now?

Feyre looked around herself frantically. She couldn’t see anyone. Mom? Dad? Nesta? Elain? Anyone? Somebody needed to help her. In the far distance of her mind she imagined hearing the doorbell ring.

Feyre turned around, heading towards the front door. She felt her vision swimming. Her knees felt weak. Her body hurt. She still couldn’t breathe. She just couldn’t. She reached the hallway somehow. Stumbling against a pair of boxes. Her legs gave away under her and she fell onto the hard floor. The marble underneath her was cold and hard. The coldness rushed over her body in an instant. She couldn’t move anymore. She heard the person outside the front door asking for her. She couldn’t answer. Someone please help me. What is going on?

And then everything went black.  

......

It wasn’t black anymore. There was light. She could see it even through her closed eyelids. She remembered the pain she had felt. There wasn’t much left of it anymore. It was fading. She was coming back to herself, wasn’t she? She tried to take in her surroundings without moving or opening her eyes. She lay on a soft surface, couldn't quite decipher what it was. Maybe she took a box down with her when she fell? The temperature around her was warm. It was warmer than the hallway had been. She took a deep breath. Good. Air filled her lungs without any effort. She could breathe. 

„Still no change?“, she heard a deep, calming, male voice ask somewhere around her. She couldn’t quite make out the direction. Perhaps in front of her? 

„Cardiogram shows some more activity, Doctor Night. I think she might gain consciousness soon.“, answered a female voice. Her voice was quiet yet strong. Feyre figured it came from her left side. The voice of the woman was closer than the man’s voice. 

Feyre heard steps in front of her. They were coming closer. Reaching her right side. She still couldn’t bring herself to move. She kind of wanted to. But something inside of her told her to lay there for a little while longer. It seemed peaceful. 

„I have the results of the tests. Everything seems fine. No apparent physical reason. Must’ve been a panic attack that turned into a shock.“, the man next to her said. His voice was so rich, so soothing. Feyre could listen to it all day. 

„I can’t even image what she must’ve gone through“, said the female voice on her other side. 

Feyre’s little bubble of peace burst at those words. Oh yeah right. She had been through a lot. Her eyes fluttered. She tried to open them and inhaled deeply. 

„Miss Archeron? Can you hear me? My name is Doctor Night.“, she heard the man next to her say. There was a bright light in front of her eyes, moving around. 

Feyre managed to open her eyes completely. Her gaze following the little bulb of light in front of her. 

„Pupillary reflex seems good.“, the Doc said. Feyre turned towards the man on her right. Doctor Night. Wow. He was the most handsome man she ever laid eyes on. His face was gorgeous. Sharp contours, straight nose, black hair with a tint of blue in it. What mesmerized Feyre the most though were his eyes. They were such a deep shade of blue that they almost seemed violet. Contact lenses?

„Heart frequency is steady and looks good“, said the female voice. Feyre tore her eyes away from the handsome doctor and towards the woman on her left. She was equally gorgeous. Blonde, almost golden hair, full lips. Feyre eyed her up and down, taking in her full appearance. Wow again. She smiled when she noticed Feyre looking at her. 

„I’m Morrigan, your nurse. How are you feeling?“.

Feyre was lost. She didn’t know what to feel. The events of the day were a whole lot to take in. Fuck it, the events of the whole damn week had been a lot to take in.  And Feyre knew for sure, she hadn’t processed it. 

„I’ve been better.“, Feyre admitted. Her voice sounded hoarse. She cleared her throat. Her eyes staring at her hands. She was fidgeting her fingers. She was nervous. Why?

Doctor Night and Morrigan let out a light chuckle. Probably not sure if the situation allowed a laugh. Feyre watched Doctor Night. He was standing tall and firm next to her bed. He seemed so confident. Feyre was in awe. 

„You came here with the ambulance a couple of hours ago. Your neighbor found you unconscious in your house. You had a severe case of a panic attack that shut your body down completely and turned in to a shock. You’ve been unconscious for a little while. Don’t worry though, we ran a couple of tests and you seem physically fine.“, Doctor Night said and squeezed her right hand. A shiver ran through Feyre at the sudden sensation. It felt like sparks igniting between them. His hand was almost twice as big as hers. His fingers calloused yet soft. The back of his hand was veiny, his fingers long and slender. It was just a very brief touch, yet it felt like an eternity to Feyre. Get your shit together this isn’t a fairytale. 

As he moved his hand away Feyre almost let out a whimper. It had felt so good somehow. She couldn’t describe it. Their eyes met. He looked concerned and there was also something else. Something she couldn’t quite decipher. Understanding? He seemed to look straight into her soul. It was making her feel a little uncomfortable given the fact they were strangers and not alone in the room. 

Feyre tore her attention away from him. She thought about his words. Her neighbor had found her. Mr. Miller? He had been at the funeral with his wife, sitting in the last row. She remembered that Mrs. Miller had shed a few tears. Why had he come over?

„Your neighbor explained to us that you’ve been through quite a lot of stress the last couple of days. It has probably been too much for your body.“, Morrigan said and caught Feyre’s attention.   

Feyre didn’t know what to say. She remembered the beginning of a panic attack in the kitchen when she had found out that the fridge was empty. It had caused her to laugh and then to break down. She warily remembered the doorbell and that she stumbled into the hallway. After that everything had turned black. It must have been Mr. Miller at the door. 

„We would like to keep you here overnight just to make sure you’re fine and your body gets its much needed rest.“, Doctor Night said with his deep, addicting voice. She could only stare down at her hands. Everything suddenly felt too much. She wanted to be alone. Needed to be alone. 

Feyre nodded, not being able to look up and meet either of the eyes watching her. 

„Doctor Night to the ER, Doctor Night to the ER!“, said a distant voice. Feyre realized it was coming from the speakers. She could hear him swear under his breath and head towards the door of her room. 

„If you need anything just call for Nurse Morrigan or me or just press the button to your right, okay?“, he asked her on his way out. Feyre only managed to nod. From the corner of her eye she saw him hesitating before heading out of her room. 

Morrigan was handling some of the machines next to Feyre’s bed. „Do you want us to call anyone?“, she asked Feyre and gave her a reassuring smile when Feyre looked up to meet her eyes.  

„No, thank you.“, Feyre answered. Her eyes closing. She sighed. Who would you want to call anyway?

„Alright, I’ll check on you in a bit okay? Like Doctor Night said, feel free to call for us, if you need anything. I’ll ask someone to bring you a pair of fresh and comfier clothes for the night.“, Morrigan said and turned around, heading towards the door. 

Feyre nodded and just then realized that she was wearing one of those extremely unlikeable hospital gowns. She spotted her own clothes neatly folded on one of the chairs at the back of the room. Straight from black funeral clothes to white hospital ones. Way to go, girl. 

The door closed behind the nurse and Feyre was alone. She hid her face in her hands and took a deep breath. She sobbed, allowing herself to feel her emotions. She started to cry silently, her body shaking. It felt like the pressure of the last days fell off her. Her breakdown from earlier had been inevitable. She had been on the edge over the last days. She had barely eaten and had barely slept. At some point her body had to shut down. The stay in the hospital would do her good. She needed the rest for the moment. The world outside the hospital and reality would come at her soon enough.

The reality that she had just buried her whole family.

[merrybrides]

DIY Barn Wedding Ideas

If your venue has more of an outdoor, rustic vibe instead of a formal, posh affair, you’ll want to fill the space with decor that makes sense. And with these DIY barn wedding ideas, you’ll get just that; variety of country-flavored projects that will transform the celebration into something you’ll always remember.

Ladder Display

Simple Bunting

Lantern Centerpieces

Floating Candle Ceremony Decor

Suitcase Card Box

Burlap Bows

Wooden Ceremony Sign

Glitter Bottle Centerpieces

Hay Bale Welcome

Apple-Pie Pops

Chocolate Chip Cookie Favors

Flavored Water Station

Sweet Treat Table

Vintage-Inspired Photo Backdrop

Chalkboard Romance Timeline

Cupcake Tower

Wood Chip Place Card Holders

Naked Wedding Cake

Farm Wedding Invites

Chalkboard Menu Sign

Mismatched Bridesmaids

Sunflowers

[quiestestwords]

things that are mine

i.

an evening drive, a passenger in my own car

holding hands, music turned down low

she's falling asleep in the back

houses with flowers, or wrap around porches, or big bay windows, or string lights outside, or a colored door and shutters

ii.

both of us floating around the kitchen

you're at the stove and i'm at the sink

brushing past each other, hand glancing across your back

it's like a dance

iii.

"how's work so far?"

"what's for dinner?"

lunch break calls from my car

counting days apart

worms making food for the flowers

iv.

a wooden box holding photos

a locket

my keys

flowers we picked

business cards and memories to scrapbook

nevermind

things that are not mine

i.

walls full of history

family pictures

wedding pictures

baby pictures

ii.

a shared car

a joint bank account

an apartment for three

a bed for three

a mother a father a child

rings

promises

things i'm afraid of

overstepping

being an outsider in someone else's family

feeling that way in your house

feeling that way in your bed

loving your daughter

loving you

losing you

wanting you

wanting anything

myself

things you might regret

things i might regret

everything

saying it out loud

things i want

to say it out loud

to be loved

to be cared for

to be kept

you

everything

things i won't even ask for

things you can't give me

everything you can give me

a promise

a future

to be kept

everything

[astercontrol]

Week by week plan, for the rest of this year.

Including things I need to do in my attempt to make a living off my various creative efforts. I have been very chaotic, sometimes overwhelmed, in my attempts to keep track of my many creative projects. I am hoping that breaking them down to one or two things a week may help me gain control of it all, by year's end.

I have been very fortunate to have financial support from family, thus far. But that won't last forever, and I will be trying to get a part-time job-- enough to support my basic needs while I figure out the rest of this. Job schedule may throw off some of these plans, depending.

This is all more for my own reference and motivation than anything else. But it does include some fandom things that I promised people on here, and I'm trying to maintain a timeline for keeping all my promises.

-------------------

JUL 7-13:

CONSIGN CRAFTS AT LOCAL MARKET

--------------------

JUL 14-20:

TRON FANART/CRAFTS:

HAND-PAINT WOODEN NESTING DOLL OF TRON/RINZLER/ALAN. POST PROTOTYPES ON TUMBLR (INTEREST CHECK)

--------------------

JUL 21-27:

PERSONAL SEWING PROJECTS, CLOTHING

PERSONAL SEWING PROJECTS, COSTUME

MAKE COSTUME VIDEO

--------------------

JUL 28 - AUG 3:

TRON FANFIC:

OC STORY FOR MAYERTIS

--------------------

AUG 4-10:

TRON FANFIC:

OC STORY FOR AZURE

--------------------

AUG 11-17:

TRON FANART/CRAFTS:

MAKE KEYCHAINS FROM DRAWINGS. POST PROTOTYPES ON TUMBLR (INTEREST CHECK)

TRON FANART/CRAFTS:

UPDATE DRAWING COMMISSION INFO, POST ON TUMBLR

--------------------

AUG 18-24:

BUILD ASTERCONTROL.COM WEBSITE:

FANWORKS SECTION:

FANFIC

MEMES

DRAWINGS

WORK SOME MORE ON MISSION DAY ARG PAGES

--------------------

AUG 25-31:

PERSONAL SEWING PROJECTS, COSTUME

MAKE COSTUME VIDEO

--------------------

SEP 1-7:

ORGANIZE PASSWORDS

ORGANIZE BOOKMARKS

ORGANIZE AND BACK UP DATA ON DESKTOP COMPUTER

--------------------

SEP 8-14:

TRON FANFIC:

"AN ORGY SPRING" RAM/FLYNN AND TRON/RAM IN THE CAVERN

WORK SOME MORE ON MISSION DAY ARG PAGES

--------------------

SEP 15-21:

GET PO BOX

SAVINGS ACCT ADDRESS CHANGE

BANK ACCT & CARD FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT

GO TO COUSIN'S WEDDING

--------------------

SEP 22-28:

BUILD ASTERCONTROL.COM WEBSITE:

FANWORKS SECTION:

ESSAYS/HEADCANONS

COSPLAY

CONTACT

WORK SOME MORE ON MISSION DAY ARG PAGES

--------------------

SEP 29 - OCT 5:

BUILD ASTERCONTROL.COM WEBSITE:

VIDEOS SECTION:

SFW

NSFW

--------------------

OCT 6-12:

TRON FANFIC:

"IN RAM JURISDICTION" TRON/RAM AND RAM/ROY POST-1982

WORK SOME MORE ON MISSION DAY ARG PAGES

--------------------

OCT 13-19:

BUILD ASTERCONTROL.COM WEBSITE:

CRAFTS SECTION:

DRAWING

JEWELRY

PAINTING

SEWING

OTHER

CONTACT

--------------------

OCT 20-26:

MAKE DOCTOR APPTS (GENERAL PRACTITIONER, DERMATOLOGY, PSYCH)

--------------------

OCT 27 - NOV 2:

PERSONAL SEWING PROJECTS, COSTUME

MAKE COSTUME VIDEO

--------------------

NOV 3-9:

BUILD ASTERCONTROL.COM WEBSITE:

ORIGINAL WRITING SECTION:

NOVELS

SHORT STORIES

POETRY

MEMOIR

BLOG

CONTACT

--------------------

NOV 10-16:

TRON FANFIC:

"ALL OVER AGAIN" TRON/YORI AT I/O TOWER

WORK SOME MORE ON MISSION DAY ARG PAGES

--------------------

NOV 24-30:

TRON FANFIC:

"ALL TOGETHER AT LAST" TRON/ALAN AT I/O TOWER

--------------------

DEC 1-7:

TRON FANFIC:

"KERNEL PANIC" ALAN/ROY POST-1982

--------------------

DEC 8-14:

BUILD ASTERCONTROL.COM WEBSITE:

FURRY SECTION:

TISHEN

AVERY

DRAWINGS

COMMISSIONS

COSPLAY

CONTACT

--------------------

DEC 15-21:

TRON FANART/CRAFTS:

COMIC PAGES FOR OVERCHARGED BY KESOMON

--------------------

DEC 22-28:

TRON FANFIC:

"NO IDEA AT ALL" TRON/ALAN IN-SYSTEM

--------------------

[athulyaaindia]

Memorable Return Gift Ideas for Baraatis: Celebrate Their Presence with Tokens of Appreciation

Introduction: Baraatis, the esteemed guests who accompany the groom's wedding procession, play a significant role in Indian weddings. Expressing gratitude to these guests with thoughtful return gifts is a tradition that adds warmth and appreciation to the festivities. In this article, we present a collection of return gift ideas tailored for baraatis, ensuring they depart with cherished mementos that reflect the joy of the occasion.

Miniature Traditional Instruments (Rs 150 - Rs 200):

return gift ideas for barati of traditional Indian musical instruments such as tabla, sitar, or flute.

These decorative pieces are a nod to the festive music and culture of Indian weddings.

Guests can display them at home or on their desks as reminders of the joyful celebration.

Personalized Keychains with Groom's and Bride's Initials (Rs 100 - Rs 150):

Customized keychains featuring the initials of the couple, adding a personal touch.

Guests can use these keychains to accessorize their keys or bags, keeping the wedding memories close.

Opt for elegant designs and quality materials for a lasting impression.

Decorative Pocket Watches (Rs 200 - Rs 250):

Vintage-style pocket watches with intricate designs and engravings.

These timeless pieces are both functional and stylish, making them memorable gifts.

Guests can wear them as accessories or keep them as collector's items.

Embroidered Silk Pouches with Sweets (Rs 150 - Rs 200 per set):

Silk pouches embroidered with traditional motifs and filled with delectable sweets.

These elegant pouches double as gift packaging and can be reused for storing small items.

Guests will appreciate the blend of aesthetics and sweetness in this thoughtful gift.

Aromatic Potpourri Sets (Rs 100 - Rs 150 per set):

Potpourri sets featuring a blend of dried flowers, herbs, and spices in decorative jars.

Guests can place these fragrant mixes in their homes for a pleasant and calming ambiance.

Choose scents like lavender, rose, or jasmine for a soothing effect.

Handcrafted Wooden Coasters (Rs 80 - Rs 120 per set):

Set of wooden coasters with intricate carvings or designs.

These practical gifts protect surfaces from drink stains while adding a touch of elegance.

Guests can use them during daily routines or special occasions.

Artisanal Soap and Hand Towel Sets (Rs 120 - Rs 180 per set):

Sets featuring handmade soaps with natural ingredients and soft hand towels.

These spa-inspired gifts promote relaxation and pampering.

Guests can enjoy a luxurious bath experience with these thoughtfully curated sets.

Decorative Wall Hangings or Hangable Ornaments (Rs 100 - Rs 150):

Intricately designed wall hangings or ornaments in metal or wood.

Guests can adorn their homes with these decorative pieces, adding a festive touch.

Opt for auspicious symbols or motifs related to weddings for a meaningful gift.

Herbal Tea Gift Boxes (Rs 150 - Rs 200 per set):

Assorted herbal tea blends in attractive gift boxes.

Guests can enjoy a variety of flavors like green tea, chamomile, or peppermint.

Perfect for relaxation and wellness after the celebratory events.

Customized Thank You Cards or Photo Frames (Rs 50 - Rs 100 per piece):

Personalized thank you cards with a heartfelt message from the couple.

Photo frames featuring a group photo from the wedding or a picture with the baraatis.

These personalized tokens of appreciation will remind guests of the special bond shared during the wedding.

Conclusion: Selecting return gifts for baraatis is an opportunity to express gratitude and leave a lasting impression on these esteemed guests. The gift ideas presented, all within the Rs 200 budget range, are thoughtful and meaningful, reflecting the joy and spirit of the wedding celebration. Whether it's a miniature instrument, personalized keychain, or aromatic potpourri set, each gift is designed to convey appreciation for the guests' presence and participation in the festivities. By choosing these memorable tokens, couples can create lasting memories and strengthen the bond with their baraatis.

For more info. visit us:

Wholesale Gift Hampers

return gifts

return gifts for marriage

[tea-and-waffles-errday]

Bright Ideas for Crafting: Utilizing Mini LED Lights Effectively

Certainly! Mini LED lights can add a beautiful and whimsical touch to your crafting projects. Here are some bright ideas for utilizing them effectively. Place mini LED lights inside glass jars to create enchanting fairy light jars. You can decorate the outside of the jars with paint, ribbons, or glitter for added charm. These make lovely centerpieces or nightlights. Similar to fairy light jars, you can turn mason jars into lanterns by placing mini LED lights inside. Add some decorative elements like fake flowers or beads to the bottom of the jar for an extra decorative touch. Use mini LED lights to enhance string art projects. Hammer nails or use adhesive hooks to create your string art design on a wooden board or canvas, then weave the mini LED lights through the nails/hooks to illuminate your creation. Create shadow boxes with mini LED lights to highlight keepsakes or small objects. Arrange your items inside the box and strategically place the lights to add depth and visual interest. Craft your own marquee letters using cardboard, wood, or foam board and insert mini LED lights inside to make them glow. These personalized marquee letters can be used as home decor or for special events like weddings and parties. Upcycle old glass bottles by turning them into lamps with mini LED lights. Drill a hole in the back of the bottle to insert the lights, and then seal it with a rubber grommet. Decorate the outside of the bottle as desired.

Exploring the Variety of Mini LED Lights for Crafting

From tiny fairy lights to miniature string lights, the variety of mini LED lights for crafting available for crafts is vast. Crafters can choose from an array of shapes, colors, and sizes to suit their specific project needs. This section will showcase the diverse range of mini LED lights on the market, providing insight into the options available for crafting endeavors.

Enhancing Crafts with Mini LED Lights for Crafting

Mini LED lights can add a touch of magic to any craft project, whether it's illuminating a handmade greeting card, embellishing a DIY wreath, or accentuating a miniature diorama. This section will explore the creative ways in which crafters can enhance their projects using mini LED lights, offering inspiration and ideas for incorporating illumination into various crafts.

Tips and Techniques for Using Mini LED Lights in Crafts

While mini LED lights are versatile and easy to use, there are some tips and techniques that can help crafters achieve the best results. From securing lights in place to creating dynamic lighting effects, this section will provide practical advice for harnessing the full potential of mini LED lights in crafting endeavors.

Safety Considerations When Using Mini LED Lights

While mini LED lights are generally safe to use, it's important for crafters to be aware of potential safety considerations. This section will highlight key safety tips for using mini LED lights in crafts, including proper handling, storage, and disposal practices to ensure a safe crafting experience.

Incorporating Mini LED Lights into Seasonal Crafts

Mini LED lights are perfect for adding festive flair to seasonal crafts throughout the year. Whether it's decorating for Christmas, Halloween, or any other holiday or celebration, this section will explore creative ways to incorporate mini LED lights into seasonal crafts, making each occasion sparkle with luminous charm.

Future Trends and Innovations in Mini LED Lights for Crafts

As technology continues to evolve, so too do the possibilities for mini LED lights in crafting. This section will speculate on future trends and innovations in mini LED lights for crafts, exploring potential advancements in design, functionality, and sustainability that could shape the future of crafting with illumination.

Comprehensive Understanding of Mini Led Lights for Crafts

Mini LED lights for crafts are small, energy-efficient light-emitting diodes that are commonly used in various crafting projects. These lights offer versatility, durability, and low power consumption, making them ideal for adding illumination to crafts of all kinds. Here's a comprehensive understanding of mini LED lights for crafts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the utilization of mini LED lights in crafting offers an array of creative possibilities limited only by one's imagination. From enhancing decorative pieces to adding functionality and ambiance, these tiny yet powerful lights can transform ordinary crafts into extraordinary works of art. Through the exploration of various techniques and applications, crafters can unlock the full potential of mini LED lights, infusing their projects with a mesmerizing glow and captivating allure.

[melonwithjamon]

Tips on Making Wonderful Champagne Gifts

If your budget is too low, you can always choose personalized gifts. Think of a bottle of champagne with words written on the anniversary bottle. On the other hand, imagine two champagne glasses engraved with the design of your personal or phrases. That will surely impress someone when you make a fantastic gift. Some visit site here gifts are expensive champagne custom games. You can get a custom roasted whole, with a classy wooden box with a bottle of champagne and a flute quality glass on the inside. Or, you can get a fixed white toast for the bride and groom with custom engraving.

Tips on Making Wonderful Champagne Gifts Champagne Gifts is the supreme symbol of refinement and celebration and is one of the greatest gifts you can make. In the following paragraphs we will talk about the gifts of Champagne Gifts. First, let's talk about Champagne Gifts brands suitable as a gift. So let's write about personalized gifts. In the end, we will discuss ways to make their gifts of Champagne Gifts. Perhaps you are thinking of Champagne Gifts brand does not matter, right? If you compare several different brands of Champagne Gifts bottles, you'll see that some of them are perfect as gifts. Some of the finest bottles of Champagne Gifts and beautiful are made by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy. The best gift for your boss might be a bottle of Krug Champagne Gifts from any of the other brands of Champagne Gifts. It is also recommended Dom Perignon and Cristal. If you want a bottle of champagne, well trained, try the famous Perrier-Jouet, legendary flower patterns make it one of the best gifts. If your budget is too low, you can always choose personalized gifts. Think of a bottle of champagne with words written on the anniversary bottle. On the other hand, imagine two champagne glasses engraved with the design of your personal or phrases. That will surely impress someone when you make a fantastic gift. Some gifts are expensive champagne custom games. You can get a custom roasted whole, with a classy wooden box with a bottle of champagne and a flute quality glass on the inside. Or, you can get a fixed white toast for the bride and groom with custom engraving. If you do not have the budget to buy a personalized Champagne Gifts expensive set you can still make your own gift package. You can find a brand of Champagne Gifts for under $ 100. Choose a Bollinger or Moet & Chandon, but look for a non-vintage champagne is not too expensive. You can make a beautiful box covering a box of old wine in a new form. Add a little decoration tied in a bun. Finally, add two glasses of champagne or a bouquet of flowers, a chocolate bar or even some some shellfish.Champagne brands makes a wonderful gift indeed. A bottle of champagne can only come to be the best Christmas or wedding and is perfect for: Easter, Thanksgiving, birthdays, gift cards, gifts and more goodbye. I invite you to start preparing some gifts champagne again.

[creativebox09]

Professional Profile Creative Box is a total service provider based in Indore. Experts in graphic design, branding, printing services, and digital marketing. I am a versatile and innovative graphic designer with 15+ years of experience working in the commercial design industry. Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW branding, and identity design packages, with demonstrated expertise in driving social media engagement. I am experienced in managing design projects from start to finish, including client communication, and have a keen eye for detail. will provide you with sure high-quality and fast service. What we specialise in: Logo, Infographic Design, UI Design, Thumbnails Design, Brochure, Flyers, Leaflets, Pamphlet, Paper Ad, Magazine Ad, Business Cards, Bill Book, Letterhead, Envelope, Product Packaging, Sweet Box, Cake Box, Docter File, Line Art Design, Photo Editing, Photo Retouching, Background Remove, Background Change, Crop/Resize, Image to text Convert, JPG to PDF Convert, Animated GIF Maker, Template Design, Icon Design, Paper Bag, D-Cut Bag, Tag Cards, Label Print, Booklets, Sticker Print, Menu Cards, Catalogue Design, Book Cover, Annual Report, Book Cover Design, Poster Design, Certificate, Invitation, Customised Wedding Cards, Wedding Branding, Biodata, Social Media Post, Facebook Banner, Instagram Post Design, PPT Presentation, Dangler Design, Calendar Design, Customised Diary, Planner, T-Shirt Printing, Cap and Pan Printing, ID Cards, Canopy Design, Standee Design, Glow Sign Board, LED Board, Flex, Vinyal, One-way Vision, Sunpack Sheet, Iron or Wooden Frame, Forex Sheet, Outdoor Branding, Event Branding, Shop Branding, Backdrop Design, Offset Printing, Screen Printing, Lamination, Foil, Digital Marketing, Photo & Videography, Cinematography, Pre & Post Wedding, Wedding Photography, Candid & Traditional, Portfolio, WhatsApp Video, Promotional Video, Invitation Video, Product Photography, Documentary Films, Commercial & Corporate Films, Maternity Shoot, Album Songs, Youtube Video Making, Image & Film Editing, All Solutions for Video & Photography, Web Design, Social Media Marketing and much more.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitin-pathak-746927267/

[fragileoracle]

Ⅰ - Somebody For Everybody

August 1890 - Saint Denis

Fireweed. Pink petals that are spicy on the tongue, stirred into a thick nectar of deep gold in a jar labeled "butterfly food". Violet snowdrops with unfurling purple petals reaching into the cold dawn of spring. A sprig of wild oregano, its scent rich and floral as its released from dark green leaves. Crushed between two callused fingertips.

The smell of coffee; rich, dark, and inviting brewed before the mountain sun has risen. The caffeinated lifeblood of the honest worker. Fresh hay, earthy and dry for the horses rising with the morning dew, earnest hooves breaking soil in anticipation.

Memories of a life before this one filtered through Mercy's mind more vividly than any magic lantern show. With enough focus she knew she could trick her mind into retrieving those scents. A talent that on mornings like this one, was a balm to sore nerves.

If she knew one thing about the city, it was that the scent was inescapable. A heady mix of horse dung, piss, and the inescapable presence of ever-drunken low lives that clung to Saint Denis like flies to shit. A smell that would only worsen the higher the sun climbed. She was grateful that come noon she would be safe behind the glass doors of the Bastille, more than likely soaked from wrist to elbow in water and lye if luck was any indicator.

Yet in the moment, Mercy tried desperately to think pleasanter thoughts as the Saint Denis smell slowly crept in through the open window of her modest room. The bayou's looming presence was barely masked by the threadbare, faded blue curtain she'd hung all those months ago. It was still too dark to make out the faded details of the room she kept, yet even with her eyes closed she'd still be able to place every nook and cranny exactly.

Nearest the door was a wooden stool that rocked precariously if you sat in the very center of the seat, its old legs creaking in protest as if it had something better to do than the very job it was created to do. A nightstand sat closest to the bed that some time ago may have been respectable, but now was nothing more than a method to get an infection if reached for it too carelessly in the dark.

A simple candlestick sitting in an even simpler holder along with her father's silver pocket watch sat on the old table, along with a pack of cigarettes that Mercy had hidden in its only drawer a few weeks ago. The pack wrapped tightly in a spare piece of cotton she nicked from the saloon, along with a few sprigs of thyme to cover the smell. That aunt of hers had a nose like a bloodhound and would smoke through her meager savings if Mercy let her.

Then there was the simple chest of drawers at the foot of her bed. The finest piece of furniture in the room, and of course off limits to Mercy. Its body and drawers were made of sturdy, lacquered mahogany. Supposedly Myra had received it as a wedding gift from the family of her first husband, but couldn't bear to look at it or part with so it was left unused. Filled with the late Mr. Willis' belongings and a small cyanotype of the mustachioed man sitting on top.

Admittedly, Mercy had quietly rifled through the drawers once or twice, careful not to noticeably disturb the meticulously stored articles of clothing. In the top drawer were shirts that smelled of soap and dust, a comforting scent, especially on long summer nights. The second drawer with faded slacks, most with mended holes and the many stains of a working man. The last drawer was far more exciting, as in the very back of the drawer were a stack of Penny Dreadfuls, a collection of cigarette cards, and a box of jewelry all hidden beneath two folded jackets that had been pressed stiff with starch years ago. It was an odd presence, the chest of drawers, as if her aunt was still expecting Mr. Willis to return from the grave itself making the room feel more occupied than it truly was.

 "Well, this is it." Myra had said when Mercy first arrived in Saint-Denis two years ago.

"Since no one else'll have you, this is where you'll be staying for the time being. Now you remember, I am welcoming you into my home outta the goodness of my heart. You're lucky your mother was my sister otherwise you'd be on your lonesome as I expect you are already aware."

There had been a cruel, greedy glint in her pale green eyes when she said those words. Almost as if she enjoyed belittling her niece by marriage, reminding her of the cruel hand she'd been dealt.

"There's you a clean bed and a chest underneath it you can use for your belongings, you only get one set of bedding and I expect you to launder it yourself. You're a full grown woman and I expect you to keep this room as tidy as you found it as well as help around the rest of the house you understand me? I won't board a layabout, no sir. If I so much as see you rummaging through a drawer I will have you on the street before you can so much as blink. I expect your monthly payments on time at the first of the month, every month. No exceptions."

And with that, two years had passed in the blink of an eye. Not once had young Miss Graves missed her rent, or incurred the wrath of the stern Mrs. Sutton or her mild-mannered husband. Since she'd moved from West Elizabeth, Mercy had grown to appreciate her circumstances somewhat. At least one hot meal a day, a dry bed to sleep in, and the comfort of the late Mr. Willis' cotton shirts. It wasn't all too bad for a woman with no prospects. Life in Saint-Denis was peaceful, unassuming, and routine.

Yet Mercy was restless, with each passing season she could feel something in her chest stirring. Memories of the mountains haunted her as often as she invoked them during the hot Lemoyne afternoons, an ebb and flow of both misery and nostalgia that kept her on edge. As much as she tried to dismiss the sense of longing that seemed to take root in her, it only acted as fuel to this unknown fire that unsettled her.

Mercy knew she should be grateful.

Grateful for her life. Grateful that she had been spared when her family had not. Grateful for the routine when it could have just as easily been a life of needless turmoil. Her's had become a simple life by the grace of what she felt could only be sheer luck. Surely there was no higher being smiling down on her, and for that, she was grateful as she seemed to slip by unnoticed. Unfavored and blessedly normal.

Still, in the moments before the sun warmed the sky Mercy was left to the disquiet of her mind. That gnawing ache had become a yearning so sharp that she could feel it pulling at invisible strings within her. A pull so strong that there were times as of late she seemed to move without noticing. Straying from routine. Rebelling against her good sense in small ways just to sate these unnameable desires within herself. It manifested imperceptibly; wandering down an alleyway she'd never noticed before, leaving the Bastille before her shift was over, giving into Remedy when he offered a shot of rum before she made her way home. The most minute of variations to the monotony her life had become. The pattern she had been all too eager to settle into was now the bane of her very existence.

Silvery rays of sunlight began to stretch across the dusty wooden floor of her room as she lay in her bed, mind traveling beyond the bayou back to Little Creek. The familiar sounds of a baying herd of cows dragged her back to the present as she sat up, fidgeting with the strings of her thin, white chemise. She couldn't remember the last time she had risen earlier than the damn cows. Yet another small rebellion of her wandering mind.

Pushing herself to her feet, Mercy turned to quietly pull out one of the two trunks that she kept neatly tucked under the bed. Even after two years in Saint-Denis, she still had very few personal effects aside from a couple blouses, skirts, undergarments, and a few other necessities she'd accumulated. As she rifled through her garments, her eyes wandered to the still-unworn pair of tan riding boots that had been gifted to her by a man she hadn't seen since.

According to the stranger, she'd left quite an impression on him. Though in hindsight, he had probably been expecting quite a bit more than she was willing to offer. Yet there they sat, the nicest thing she owned aside from her father's pocket watch, a trinket that she battled about on the regular with herself.

I'd be better off selling that old thing.

Mercy thought to herself bitterly, glancing at the boots again. Just looking at the boots evoked such an overwhelming lust in her, a feeling so intense she could almost smell the clean mountain air. The expanding ribcage of a fine horse breathing beneath her, the playful fingers of the wind against her skin, in her hair.

"Come on Graves, get moving." Mercy grumbled to herself, blindly pulling a few garments from the trunk before it was returned to its place under her bed astride those lonely, lovely boots of hers and the impossible visions they dazzled her with. Instead, she yanked her faded leather button-up shoes from the foot post of her bed as she set herself to stay to her routine today. Perhaps if she tried hard enough, those feelings would simply fade with time and enough distraction.

At the very least, Mercy had to believe they would as the alternative was a spiral of insanity or as her aunt often called it, "female hysterics".

Adequately dressed, Mercy watched as the sun rose over the Lanahechee and now bathed Saint-Denis in a rich gold that could blind if looked dead-on. In the summer, however, the sunlight could only glow from behind a dense veil of mist. The larger windows of the Sutton house looked into the backroad of Saint-Denis from the fringes. Glimpses of the bayou to the North flickered in parts through the sugarcane stalks and in between the other modest homes that dotted the perimeter of the city. At daybreak, the den and kitchen were swathed in a cool darkness with spare rays of sunlight, a characteristic that made for cold, wet winters.

Judging by the faint sounds of snoring, a trait of Mrs. Sutton's, Mercy knew her guardians were still sound asleep and would be for yet another hour at best. The makings of a peaceful morning made her dreaded routine far more palatable. With shoes in one hand, as to make her way through the house quietly, Mercy approached the kitchen washing bowl. The chipped porcelain basin filled with clean, cool water. A small, rusted mirror sat on the wooden counter near the bowl along with Mr. Sutton's pomade. Enough light filtered from the small window for Mercy to catch a glimpse of her reflection.

Two round brown eyes blinked at her framed by long, straight black lashes along with thick, well-shaped brows that arched over them with a resting, disdainful expression. Her father's nose, round and straight suited her facial features giving her a rather pleasant look considering the severity of her expression. Healthy, full cheeks and rosebud lips that seemed to pout in perpetuity gave Mercy a softness that always irritated her. In many ways, she felt as though her appearance made others underestimate her as simply "precious" or "darling". Nothing more than a pretty woman. Perhaps they were right in some sense. After all, if she could only keep her mouth shut and her expressiveness in check, she could more than likely get away with a hell of a lot more.

Oh to be a woman humbled.

Leaning over the wash basin, Mercy splashed the cool water against her pale face as she relished in the sharp, refreshing feeling of a washed face. The heat of the morning chased away as the air gelled the water on her neck, sending a chill down her spine. Returning her gaze back to the small mirror, she gently pinched her cheeks, rubbing the faintest bit of rosiness into them as she pondered what to do with her unruly mess of brown hair. Locks of cedar curled and krimped from having slept with it loose.

"A braid'll have to do," Mercy whispered, her fingers weaving her tresses into a semi-neat plait before tying it off with a leather cord. There was no use in fussing over her appearance so early in the day when Loretta would just undo it all in favor of something more "French" and "appealing" come evening. No, Mercy would leave her a clean canvas to work with.

"Good mornin' Miss Graves." A sleepy, thin voice whispered from the other side of the room, "You up early."

Turning to face Mr. Sutton, Mercy smiled plaintively at her aunt's husband. A clod of a man, his face tanned and lined by the sun with kind dark eyes and silvering black hair sticking up in all manner of directions. He was thin and wiry, with a faded tattoo of an anchor he received from his time in the Navy. Normally, she would have been spooked by the man's sudden presence during a quiet moment, but she had long learnt that between him and his wife, she much preferred Mr. Sutton. All he knew how to do was work and drink. Mercy wasn't entirely sure the man could even read but she knew him to be harmless.

"Good morning Mr. Sutton," Mercy whispered back "Should I put on some coffee?"

"Naw, you go 'head. Myra'll be waking soon." He urged her through a yawn, scratching the side of his chin before he padded across the floor to the kitchen cupboard. He reached in and grabbed one of two fresh peaches.

"Here, you should eat something." He whispered conspiratorially, placing the fruit in Mercy's hand.

Before she could protest, he meandered back into the room he shared with his wife, closing the door behind him. In that moment it struck her as odd, what a pairing her aunt and the man made. Where he was slow and meandering like an old bull, Myra was mean as a rattlesnake. She wondered what that engagement must've looked like.

Had it been Mr. Sutton's idea to wed? Perhaps with a none-too-subtle nudge from dear old Aunt Myra. As her mother used to say, there truly was somebody for everybody, and for a moment Mercy felt a twinge in her chest when remembering her mother's words even after a decade of being apart.

The full weight of the August heat washed over Mercy as she opened the door to Saint-Denis. The ever-present scent that she couldn't get used to no matter how hard she tried followed. It was an assault on the senses. Holding her breath, she made her way down the steps and onto the main road into town, she gave a friendly wave to a pair of boys on their way to their shift at the docks. Dressed in their overalls and caps with their ruddy faces and glassy eyes still waking from the land of nod.

"Mornin' Miss Graves, why I don't think I've ever seen you up this early!" The cheeky younger boy, called out to her while the older boy, gave her a stern nod. Still acting tough that one. The tallest of the lanky pair was Clyde Shannon, while his ginger younger brother was Ian Shannon. First time she met them they'd nearly ran her down after stealing a couple oranges from the market. Ever since then, they'd been sweet on her and if Mercy was honest, she found the two of them endearing.

"Good morning, boys." Mercy flashed that smile of hers that could melt even the coldest of steel, as much was clear from the blush that spread over Clyde's cheeks. "Don't forget to come by the Bastille tonight, I'll get you those scraps I promised your Pa."

"Yes ma'am. We better head on, the foreman'll have our hides if we're late again." Clyde tipped his hat to her before pushing Ian ahead of him, the duo ran on leaving Mercy once again to her thoughts and a short morning walk to work. Her thoughts haunted by the faces of her past as she watched the brothers tease each other.

The Shannons had always been kind to her. Their mother especially who had put in a good word to Mrs. Tremblay when she first arrived looking for work. Clyde was becoming a rather handsome young man, and Mercy knew the boy was enamored. Ian on the other hand was innocent as a lamb but braver than many a man Mercy had the displeasure of knowing. Since Mercy had started working at the Bastille she'd sent the boys home with scraps for their pigs and in return every so often Ian and Clyde would come by with enough pork to feed the Sutton household for a month. Something Mr. Sutton had grown especially accustomed to.

Mercy walked on after watching the brothers disappear in the morning fog.

Aside from the city stench, Saint-Denis was picturesque the closer you got to the city center. As the road turned from muck to cobbled stone, and the houses went from shanties to sprawling manors you were reminded of the hold of civilization. Though in a way the growth of the city didn't sit quite right with Mercy. Just a few weeks ago, some of the neighbors were uprooted from the only home they'd ever known. Apparently bought out by some well-to-do folk from up north who found ole Saint Denis charming enough to settle in, and in less than a week a new two-story beast sprung up like daisies after death. A kind old black woman and her son had relocated to Lagras deeper in the bayou according to the backstreet gossip.

A shameful thing, the price of so-called "civilized" living.

Pausing for a moment in her stride, Mercy glared at the new house in question. Full planters spilling over with fragrant gardenias swung idly in the breeze. Stained glass French windows obscured the view of passersby, and large white pillars held the upper balcony. Wrought iron fencing kept "them" separated from "the others" with hedges taller than her spilling out between the bars.

Pretty as a picture indeed, and from what she'd seen as a neighbor, empty half the year. What had her aunt called it? A vacation home? She imagined that come another year, there wouldn't be many regular homes left in Saint-Denis considering how the rich folk tended to speak about the working class and less fortunate.

Before long, would she be displaced too? Spit back out into the wild? Being rejected by those more "civil" couldn't be the worst way to go, Mercy figured to herself. For a brief moment, she hoped the house would catch fire and burn to ash, only then would the violence of displacement be paid in kind.

With a beleaguered sigh, she continued on her way at a leisurely pace, taking with it her thoughts of arson. Mercy passed the new manors and the old cemetery as the road became cobble and the pleasant scent of Tremblay's Laundry gave her reprieve from the smell of civilization.

Mrs. Tremblay herself stood in the open doors of her establishment as she held a basket of freshly cleaned linens. Two little ones bickered at her feet. The look on the older woman's lined, bronze face made it clear that she wasn't welcoming any idle conversation the woman rushed into the store after one of her children. Not long after a flurry of linens spilled onto the floor followed by very loud, very Creole shouting.

As quiet as the city had been just moments ago, it was now wide awake and bustling. The doors of Café Marchand and LeHavre Bakery revolved as folks went about their daily routines, many of which involved breaking fast with bread or coffee. For once Mercy was reminded of the small joys of her routine. The smells that came from the bakery were hard to ignore as her stomach growled angrily. She could have killed a man for just one of the LeHavre croissants to pair with her peach, but her coin purse wasn't exactly overflowing.

Fighting the hunger pangs for the richness of French delicacies, Mercy soldiered on as she rounded the corner. The conveniently located Bastille saloon came into sight. The usually grand building looked rather sullen in the morning light without the lanterns casting their welcoming glow on the windows. Though it seemed as though the Bastille wasn't the only sullen-looking thing this morning as a couple stood just outside the entrance in a full argument.

"I've done had enough of this foolishness, I quit! Yeah, I said it! I QUIT."

The careening screech of the woman's voice bounced between brick buildings, amplified by the alleyway. Mercy hesitated on the corner and seriously considered giving into that phantom tug that pulled her away from the scene unfolding.

Oh yes, Mama, there sure is somebody for everybody yet in this particular case, it seemed as though there was somebody not anybody could tolerate at all.

[weddingbusiness]

Rating

As Wedding Packing started in the year 1990, it is a creativity work which help people to get a new ideas with latest platform in customizes decorative themes, marriage purpose occasion, special events. It is one of the on and off season business which moves through the world. 

The Overall Rating of the 4.5 according to the Type of packing platters, wooden and bamboo baskets, trays, boxes of sweet and chocolate as well as cash/envelope, bags like potali, saree bags, suit bags, ginny trays, ring ceremonial platters. It varies according to the size and cost of packing as it runs all over all seasons.

The smallest gift packing starts from Rs. 700( including taxes).

It increase according to the type of material used( such as artificial flowers, Baby shower ribbons and stickers and type of tray,platter,basket used. They also used mirrors( round, square)shape for making of ring platters and first card marriage including small bottles which assorted with dry fruits, sweets as well as photo frames for couples.