#Mountain Peaks Around the Valley of the Ten Peaks

[janeyseymour]

Landslide

Summary: Melissa's doing a lot of self-reflection while she ponders about what the future might hold for the two of you.

Feel free to listen to my cover of the song too!

WC: 1.95k

Melissa Schemmenti has been through a lot- there’s no two ways about that statement. She’s had plenty of rough seasons, and they’ve shaped who she is today. And then you came crashing into her life the day that you quite literally tripped and fell walking into her during the first day of development at Abbott your first year. Your mere existence threw her into an existential crisis, and that was before the two of you started dating. And now? She’s contemplating asking you to marry her (how you managed to get her to rethink her entire outlook on life, love, and marriage without your realizing it is beyond her). With this revelation of hers that she might want to get married again, she’s doing a lot of reflection of the course of her life.

I took my love, I took it down. I climbed a mountain and I turned around. And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills, til the landslide brought me down.

She used to wear her heart on her sleeve. That’s actually how she fell in love with Joe. It was a typical school girl crush in the eighties when she met him in an entry level writing course during college that everybody was required to take in order to graduate. They fell in what she thought was love and got married far quicker than she had ever expected herself to do. She had climbed that mountain, and she almost made it to the top. But then, their marriage had turned into the situation that she had promised herself she would never be in. She turned around, and as she began her trek down, she saw her reflection in what was now a snow covered hill. She saw the way that this experience changed her, and she knew that she would never be the same again- not after what Joe had done. And then the landslide brought her down, and she had fallen from what felt like the highest peak, and she found herself in one of the lowest valleys.

Oh, mirror in the sky: what is love? Can the child within my heart rise above? Can I sail through the changing ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life?

Building herself back up to be as much of the Melissa Schemmenti that she knew and missed was a process, and the redhead knew that it was always going to a little different than it once was.

Melissa found herself looking up at the sky quite often, feeling a sense of serenity when the sun in the sky shone on her face or when the droplets of water that fell from the clouds trailed down her face and she couldn’t quite tell what was rain and what was tears. It was freeing and made her feel as though everything might just be okay.

The redheaded woman was looking up at the sky on a rather cloudy and dismal day as she wandered through the city aimlessly when she finally decided to ask herself what love really is.

Melissa came to the realization that day that she had no idea what love was. Her mother and father certainly didn’t have the love story everyone yearned for- no, they ended up divorced by the time the redhead was ten. She remembers hearing their fights, the cursing and tears, while she lay in bed trying to fall asleep. A part of her had died in those years, and she truly wondered in that moment if the inner child within her heart could ever rise above and find love- true, real, and natural love that wasn’t forced or expected of her.

The woman walked through the city without a destination, wondering if she could handle the changing ocean tide of being in a marriage to being single again. Could she handle the different seasons of her life that were yet to come? She supposed she made it this far, so she can’t give up now- if anything to spite whatever God was trying to make her life a living hell.

Well I’ve been afraid of changing, cause I built my life around you. But time makes you bolder, even children get older. And I’m getting older too.

That night, Melissa went back to the small apartment in the middle of Center City Philadelphia that she couldn’t quite yet call a home. She stood out on her balcony, eyes focused down on the streets below her. Somewhere, Joe was roaming those streets looking for his next booty call. And in that moment, she realizes that she needs to change her ways- it’s been two months that she’s been moping around since the divorce was filed.

But she was terrified of change. She had built this whole life around Joe and his friends and family,  and she lost it all in an instance when she caught him in their bed with another woman.

With time, Melissa’s heart healed and mended itself- the only true remedy for heartache and heartbreak. And in that time, she grew to love where she worked at Abbott Elementary. She grew bigger and bolder, back into the woman that didn’t put up with shit and marched to the beat of her own drum.

Years passed, and the redhead found herself watching her first class graduate from Abbott. Only then did she realize that even children grow and get older- onto their new chapter, and then in a few short years she would find herself at their high school graduations cheering and clapping for them among their families.

But Melissa Schemmenti was like family to some of those kids- like a second mother, or even a first mother in certain cases. And she would continue to be there for them.

Only after she enters the door to her townhouse that at least somewhat feels like a home to her now does the second grade teacher realize that she too is getting older. 

And then you came around. You started working at Abbott when Melissa was finally settled into her own being and she was happy with where she was in life. And you came and shook that all up in your flowery sundresses and bright smile. You turned her world upside down with your infectious positivity and sunny disposition. The redhead who wore mostly muted colors with her pleather pants and leather jacket started to wear brighter colors again, because you unintentionally made her see the world like she was living in technicolor.

And after a few months of you working there, the two of you began to see each other romantically. You brought out parts of the hardheaded second grade teacher that she thought she would never see again, yet she was still Melissa. She was still the woman who knew a guy and wasn’t afraid to back down from a bare knuckle fist fight or to bring out her bat to destroy someone’s car who wronged her. You found yourself loving that. You also found yourself loving the way that Melissa would turn soft for you in an instant if you needed it. You knew she was the woman of your dreams, and the redhead felt that too oddly enough.

And so, here she is in her classroom as she waits for you to finish up a meeting with Malik’s parents and doing some self-reflection again as she wonders if maybe you are the miracle that she’s been waiting for her entire life- if you are the one true, real, natural love that she’s been looking for. If you’re the one that she’s going to throw caution to the wind for and get married to.

Well I’ve been afraid of changing, cause I built my life around you. But time makes you bolder, even children get older. And I’m getting older too.

She’s been afraid of change her entire life. Melissa Schemmenti thrives off of routine and the things that she knows to be true in the world. But you came and shook everything up, and she’s built her new life around you now. Is she willing to change everything if a second marriage of hers goes south again?

But… time has made her bolder. Time has shown the redhead that no matter what happens, she’s resilient- she’ll make it through. And genuinely, she isn’t so sure that she would hate the change of being married again, as long as it was to you. 

Time passes around her slowly as she looks around her classroom and realizes just how much has truly changed since she started teaching you and even just in the past few years that you’ve been in her life.

The kids that she started out with are onto the real world, they’ve grown up. They’re off creating their lives, creating families and raising beautiful children that are now wandering through the halls of Abbott themselves.

The practice of teaching has changed and evolved as Melissa’s been here, and while she’s always been afraid of change, the redhead realizes that she’s always been changing and growing to fit the standards of the time in order to give her students the best education she can.

And you? You’ve brought a new sense of life and passion into her world… she’s getting older, she’s aware of this. Maybe you’re worth the potential landslide that could take her out again. She doubts you will- you’re nothing like her ex-husband in the slightest. And that gives her hope. The lingering fears though stay with her, because much like you’ve shaped her, so have her past experiences. 

Oh, take my love, take it down. Oh, climb a mountain and you turn around. And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills, well the landslide brought me down. And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills, well the landslide bring it down.

Melissa’s worn her heart on her sleeve when it comes to you. And so far, she hasn’t had to take it down. You’ve both climbed the mountain, but neither of you have turned around. She saw her reflection as she climbed up, and she’ll be quite frank: she still glances down at the snow-covered hills occasionally when a moment of self-doubt and self-worth takes over. But she doesn’t think that the landslide will ever bring the two of you down.

And so, she opens her phone and pulls up the number of one of her guys.

“Jack? I think I need a ring,” she says into the phone lowly, praying to God you aren’t coming around the corner. 

“For?”

“I think I found the future Mrs. Schemmenti,” Melissa reveals with a soft smile on her face. “I’m done letting the landslide bring me down.”

“Meet me tomorrow after work, and I’ll have a few things picked out for you.”

She hangs up the phone with a smile.

You walk into her classroom a few moments later, bags slung over your shoulder.

“Hey, babe,” you sigh. “You ready to go home? I’m beat, and I need some relaxation and Desperate Housewives.”

Melissa chuckles softly as she stands from her desk chair and grabs her own bag. She stretches to peck your cheek before taking your left hand in her own. Subconsciously, she rubs her thumb on your ring finger as she thinks about the meeting that she has tomorrow with her guy. 

Melissa Schemmenti has always been afraid of change… always wanted to heal that inner child of hers that used to look up into the night sky and wonder what love was. And here she was, changing for you and knowing what love truly felt like.

TAGS: @schemmentis @thesapphictimelady @marvel210 @itisdoctortoyousir @morgana-larkin @thesamesweetie @doesthatsuggestanythingtoyou @marvels--slut @gwennybriggs @megamultifandomtrashposts @lemz378 @http-sam @melissaschemmentisbranzino @imaginesmultifandoms @sexysapphicshopowner @lilfartbox1 @maybe-a-humanbean @imlike-so-gaydude @sapphicxrat @a-queen-and-her-throne @sunsol-22 @notinmyvocab @melanielaufeyson

#melissa schemmenti fanfiction #melissa schemmenti fanfic #melissa schemmenti x you #melissa schemmenti x reader #melissa schemmenti #abbott elementary fanfic #abbott elementary #abbott elementary fanfiction #singing #guitar #landslide cover

[animusicnerd]

Briar Valley Lore Dump!

Notes: This is in honor of Diasomnia chapter coming out. Most of the information my lore is from is from twst, disney, or general faery lore. This is for my Lilia story that I'm currently planning and this is honestly just for shits and giggles. This will change when I actually post the story but for now, it is an intro guide to all the world building that I did before Diasomnia chapter came out. I don’t mind getting questions since it will help flesh out this world a little more so don’t hesitate to message me about this!(This is also long btw so click at your own risk.)

The Draconia family is the second family to rule Briar Valley. It was once ran by a different fae family but the Draconias staged a successful coup d'état and gained the throne.

The Valley has been in two wars against the neighboring human kingdom due to humans wanting to expand their land for resource purposes. Both times Briar Valley has won and although the kingdoms used to have a friendly relationship with each other that is no longer the case.

The first war was caused by human greed for land and resources while the second also included revenge for what the faeries had done to them.

Many humans have immigrated into Briar Valley due to discrimination from their fellow humans. The Fair Folk of the Valley tend to stay away from them but most look down on them, but it was better than being hunted and being burned at the stakes. Little human towns are spread throughout the kingdom's lands.

Malleus's grandmother stepped down from the throne a little before the Second Human-Fae War started and his father was crowned king. After ten short years, he passed away and his mother came back to rule as queen regent in Malleus's place, who is technically the current King of Briar Valley.

The kingdom is most active at night as most of its residents are known to be nocturnal. The Briar Markets are busiest around this time and buyers often have to be careful when bargaining. The Fair Folk do not lie but their words can have double meanings so you might end up losing your first born child or buying a cursed item. Gold coins are accepted as well.

The kingdom is surrounded by forests and mountains so they are very rich in natural resources. Magic is also used in everyday life.

Not all villages are under Briar Valley but all pay a tithe for protection purposes, especially after humans arrived and desecrated their lands.

Maleficient was the one to overthrow the first ruling family and made peace with the first humans who hailed from the Queendom of Roses. Her daughter, Malleus's grandmother, was the one who went to war with them for disrespect to the lands and its residents after King Stefan went mad for more power.

Briar Castle as located at the highest peak of Briar Valley. With mountains acting as a natural barrier, leaving and entering the castle is near impossible without the use of some sort of flight magic. The Northern and Southern gates are the main ways to leave the castle but there are also hidden tunnels that lead down to the base of the mountain for the royal family, nobility, and any other residents in the castle. Secret passageways are also in the castle but are known to very few people.

While the Draconias may rule Briar Valley, there are seven noble families in Briar Valley in total that includes the Vanrouges, the Aldens, the Amaris, the Rannulfs, the Lavinias, and the Altairs. Each family specializes in something and all have pledged their loyalty to the Draconias when they first started to rule.

Courting rituals in the Valley often start with giving away a precious or sentimental item to each other and exchanging letters. Times are varied but most couples seem to exchange letters until the twenty-fifth moon where they meet in person (often times, it's not the first time they meet each other) and discuss their futures. Once again, timing and how these rituals go vary because of different cultures among the fae but most seem to start with exchanging an item of some sort.

Faeries tend to age at a slower rate than humans but most are fully-grown by the time they are a hundred years old. Unlike humans, faeries get stronger with age and they are also immortal. However, they are not un-killable and iron is one of the only things that can truly hurt them. Humans have used iron weapons against their wars with them. Knowing their true names will also have them in your control but that is usually the case with weaker faeries. Big names like the Draconias or the other noble families would not be affected by that as their magical prowess goes far beyond than just their names.

Fairy circles also tend to act as a teleportation tool. Although most faeries don't use it themselves, many humans or other beings that have stepped into one have reported having been teleported to the nearest fairy in the area. It's more of an annoyance to faeries and non-faeries alike but some of the Fair Folk do use it as a trap to make deals that are often in favor of them alone.

Faeries love music! Most often know how to play at least two instruments on top of knowing how to sing. Humans must be careful as the allure of their songs are very strong and they could end up dancing until someone either pulls them out or they die.

It is also good to note that you should be careful of what food you are being given as most of their food can put you in a deep trance and make you their servants or it can just kill you.

Fairies also tend to dislike humans as most of them do not like magic and tend to think of it as unnatural when it is very much natural in Twisted Wonderland. If a human has magic, they often offer teaching them how to wield their powers in exchange for something which could be your child or just some fresh honey.

If you noticed that a lot of deals involve children, it is because it is very hard for faeries to have their own. It is not impossible but it could take hundreds of years to produce one child to continue a family line and siblings are usually a hundred years apart. However, they often dislike being with someone that is not a faery as some considerate it a disgrace to their bloodlines or their lovers could die of old age, sickness, etc, while they continue to live on. They do make deals not involving children though.

Faeries do not lie because they can't. Most of their words and actions are carefully thought out to avoid being tricked by others and it is always best to think before you speak to any of them. You also have to be respectful and offending them could have grave consequences for you and your entire bloodline.

#disney twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #diasomnia #lilia vanrouge #malleus draconia #he's a little baby #this is all I could do for now #Im tired and have exams lmao

[ask-the-becile-boys]

Epilogue, Part 2 of 2 -- Letters from -H

Previous

-

Rabbit receives the first postcard a week and a half after Becile Manor burned to the ground. It has an illustration of a jackalope on the front, posed sitting with its head up, and the writing on the back is made up of sharp, straight lines.

I saw one of these while we were stopped headed east. No one else believes me. But I remember your stupid cowboy song, and I know you know I’m not lying this time.

-H

The second postcard is from Sun Valley, Idaho, but is not postmarked from there.

Goddamn, there’s a lot of stars.

-H

More postcards trickle in, their return addresses tracing a path east, then north, then east again, then sharp south. Soon, there are envelopes mixed in with the postcards. They contain one or two photographs, written on the back in the same hand. The first photo is of the Becile’s grumpy engineer, squinting in the flash of the camera, and reads:

I found this camera in a real nowhere’s-ville shop. Szarka had some real funny things to say about how old it was, forgetting I was around when these things were on 35mm. Joke’s on him. More to follow.

-H

Later:

Skully’s learning to drive. Here’s the ditch he drove the van into on his first day.

-H

Then an old garage appears, all dusty glass and cracked blue paint on concrete. Instead of writing on the back of the photo, a short letter is included:

We finally made it to Szarka’s old place. His mother locked the door on the rest of us while she grilled him, but it was easy to pick. We weren’t about to let him get torn to shreds all alone. Guess she found something respectable in that. She doesn’t like us, but she’s letting us stay a little while. I already hate this small town business.

-H

A few days later, there’s a news clipping:

BAD NEWS ‘BOTS: COAL FUELED AUTOMATONS CAUSE RUCKUS AT LOCAL FARMER’S MARKET

And a note:

Hey, no such thing as bad publicity.

-H

Three weeks later, the postcards are coming from Chicago.

We had to split from Smallville after we ran into trouble with the locals. We’ll be back, sorry to say. Szarka’s ma said she’d kill us if we kept him away another ten years. That’s trouble for later. Right now, we’re taking the Windy City for all it’s worth.

I feel right at home.

-H

=

At some point, Hare sits down with The Jack and The Skull.

“I’m remembering things,” Hare says to them, rolling a half dollar between his knuckles. He still won’t have his jaw looked at, but a new metal patch adorns his right eye socket. “I don’t know if I still would if Locksmith’s last little present hadn’t knocked something loose. But it wasn’t just seeing things.”

“The city is so different,” The Jack says quietly. “But there’s small things, like-- like the way certain streets curve, or the color of the sunset. I remember, too. I remember being here with you.”

“I don’t,” The Skull says. “But maybe that’s not surprising.”

“What do you mean?” Hare asks.

“It may have only been for a second, but we all saw who we were. And I wasn’t related to you two.”

“So maybe you grew up somewhere else,” The Jack says.

“Maybe,” The Skull mutters, and then is silent.

Hare flips the half-dollar and snatches it out of the air. He walks over to The Skull, jabs a finger in his chest.

“Skully, you listen here. I’ve been me a lot longer than I was him. And I’m gonna keep on being me, and you’re gonna keep on being you, and we’s brothers, through and through. You don’t ever doubt that, OK?”

The Skull looks back at him, then he grunts and knocks Hare’s hand away. “As if you’d ever let me forget. But The Jack’s got a point. I don’t think I was ever here, before.”

“What do you remember?” The Jack asks. “If anything?”

The Skull’s eye-lights flicker off. “Trees,” he says. “Trees and mountains.”

Two months later, they’re out of Chicago, heading toward the East Coast. The Skull drives part of the way, the heartbeat of his Green Core pulsing faster when the rolling peaks start to show in the distance. Within a few days, he stands alone at the peak of a Blue Ridge mountain and fills his bellows, and he imagines he can smell the pines and mist. His tears are silent, and he wipes them away before he returns to his waiting family.

“We can go,” The Skull says to them.

“So soon?” The Jack asks in concern. “Are you sure--”

“Everything that was here for me is long gone,” The Skull says. He puts a hand on The Jack’s shoulder. “I need to take care of what I have now.”

=

Rabbit’s got quite the collection of postcards and letters from -H, now. She flips through them sometimes, shuffling them and reading them at random.

Dee scared the crap outta us when we got to the Everglades, practically threw herself in the water. We’ll be dry cleaning her for weeks! First time I think I’ve heard her laugh like that, though.

A photo of The Skull, sitting in elaborate face paint and marigolds, flanked by a trio of celebrating ‘bots in embroidered dresses. He made some friends! It’s a Day of the Dead miracle.

A photo of Dee, her arms around Hare and The Skull’s shoulders as they hold her up, steadying her on aluminum legs.

Szarka asked us if we’d ever consider taking in another ‘bot. Turns out the man’s always wanted to build one of his own. I told him, I’m not sure we’re cut out to be godparents, and he’s got a ways to go before he’s ready to raise his own ‘bot. But we’ll see. World’s full of surprises. Hell, he might even get good at that guitar one of these days.

A photo of The Jack, grinning and giving two thumbs up, wearing a shirt that reads, “I walked through Hell, MI, and all I got was this DAMN t-shirt!”

Szarka’s got himself a Blue-Cored boyfriend, some kind of dancing ‘bot, a real goody-two-shoes type. Don’t worry, we’ll make a scoundrel out of him yet.

(I told twinkle-toes about Szarka saving my life. He can thank me later.)

A photo of The Jack braiding Dee’s hair, Tatters in her lap, sitting by the van. Szarka and The Skull sit on folding chairs beyond them, talking, watching the fireflies. Hare writes on the back: I don’t want anybody to worry about us.

There are days I don’t think about Pops at all.

It’s funny.

I don’t envy you anymore.

=

And one day, years later, Rabbit hears a sharp whistle behind her. And she turns to smile, because all the postcards in the world couldn’t replace the troublemakers come home.

=

They’ll die someday.

Of course they will. Some, sooner than others.

But not today.

Not yet.

Because with a bit of luck, they got out. They got another chance. Not because they deserved one-- chances aren’t deserved. Not because they needed it-- so many who need them don’t make it. Not because they loved enough or hated stronger or by anything they could have planned.

It was just luck. Just a good hand of cards on a stacked table.

And when all your life is a game of chance

well

it’d be a shame not to play.

#becile bots #steam powered giraffe #fanbots #fanfiction #story update #epilogue #hare becile #the jack becile #the skull becile #dee becile #riker szarka

[dreamerinthemoonlight]

The Masks Wounded Hearts Wear

Character: Kaeya (ft. Zhongli, Diluc) Constellation: Chamaeleon Season: Winter Genre: Angst with a Happy ending @yunthebishoujo  here is your request CW: Angst with a Happy ending, Injuries,  A/N: This was long and sometimes emotional, but damn was it worth the effort. Slightly edited, but not beta read, since my beta reader requested this and wanted it to be a surprise. 

Summary: Kaeya tracks fatui in Dragonspine as a favor to Diluc. When things go south, he receives some wise advice.

CW: Angst with a Happy ending, Injuries, Ragbros being shitty at feelings

Word Count: Between 1500 and 2600 depending on whether you ask google docs or Ao3

AN: It's been freaking ages since I wrote this and it's still high on my list of favorites. Like, I am a total sucker a) for ragbros reconciliation, and b) for Zhongli being super wise and giving advice. Also for platonic cuddling, if this counts. I dunno if it counts in context.

Kaeya crouches in the shadows cast by one of Dragonspine’s massive hills, watching a fatui squad feat on a boar.

The knight’s stomach growls. The hundred or so feet between him and the fatui is not enough to dissipate the smell of cooking meat. After two weeks of tailing the group, eating nothing but standard Knight’s of Favonius trail rations, a growing part of him is suggesting joining them for dinner.

Unfortunately for his stomach and frozen fingers, he and the redhead vigilante that sent him are equals in the art of espionage, where discipline rules over all.

Kaeya brings his fingers to his face, trying to use what little breath escapes around his borrowed fatui mask to warm his fingers, but only succeeds in making them wet and cold, not just cold.

He shuffles forward a few steps, training his ears on the camp below him. 

As he does, a soft snow begins to fall, leaving a light layer of misery on the fatui agent outfit that Diluc loaned him. Where Diluc got it, Kaeya isn’t sure he wants to know.

With the uniform on, he tracked this squad from a spot just south of the Dawn Winery, up Wyrmrest Valley (where the number of fatui alone nearly got him bought) and down the road that clings to the western side of the mountain’s main peak, to where they are now. 

All Diluc said on the matter was “You still owe me a favor from when we trained as knights. I’m calling it in. There’s a squad of fatui not too far from here. Track them and figure out why they’re so close to the winery. And leave your vision behind. You won’t be able to hide it wearing that.”

When Kaeya asked why, Diluc responded with “You should know why.”

Kaeya sighs, watching his breath mix with heavy snowflakes. If he had to guess, the sour look on the redhead’s face was because he knows full well that Kaeya is the only one he can trust with this. Kaeya is the liar, the one with the masks, the one who could pass for a fatui if need be. And, Kaeya thinks with a smirk, Diluc’s shoulders would never fit in the pyro agent’s uniform

Kaeya waits for what seems like hours, listening to the fatui’s conversation while he acquires a layer of snow.

Eventually he hears a pyrosligner ask the others “we should be far enough from the wine maker’s mansion. We should open that wine now.”

Oh. Oh. Awareness dawns on the knight. You’re showing your hand little brother. This has nothing to do with the Dark Knight Hero, just a theft you apparently only trust me with.

Kaeya shuffles forward, trying to remain within sight of the fatui camp.

Two steps from his original position, however, the worst happens. With his eyes trained on the fire that serves as his only guide in the rising storm, he slips on a patch of ice.

His legs go out from under him and he lands on his back with a sharp crack before sliding into a snowbank. 

Kaeya lays there for several minutes, gasping for air that only burns.

Suddenly the mask on his face weighs a thousand pounds, mirroring the one that he’s worn since he was a mere ten years old.

His next breath is half sob. A stern face, framed in scarlet hair, filled with grief and bitter rage fills his vision.

So like a Knight of Favonius, inefficient, incompetent. A liar. You’re not my brother.

“Diluc. Brother.” Kaeya whispers.

As the snow falls on his mask, lingering as if they were frozen tears, Kaeya finds himself wanting to flee Dragonspine, to return to the Dawn Winery, his proper home. And embrace Diluc like a brother again. To see Diluc smile.

Kaeya stirs, pushing himself up, wrapping that desire around him like a cloak, then stumbles off into the storm. He doesn’t know what direction he’s going, but promises himself, no matter what, he’s going home.

While Kaeya fights a blizzard, Zhongli wanders around the Liyue edge of Dragonspine.

All around him, the few birch trees found in Liyue have lost the last of their leaves. But Zhongli finds that their winter state has an austere beauty. The ending of one year leaves room for the beginning of the next.

Not unlike the Geo Archon, Zhongli thinks with a wry chuckle.

Before he can move north, however, a flash of red and black amidst the blizzard raging on Dragonspine catches his attention.

A fatui pyro agent stumbles out of the wall of white. What few parts of the fatuus that aren’t covered in snow are frozen solid.

The ex-archon summons a stone spear, still his weapon of choice when it’s needed, but approaches the fatuus calmly. Although he seems to bear no threat, any fatuus warrants a certain level of caution.

The pyro agent tilts his head at Zhongli, as if confused  or disoriented, before collapsing.

After a moment’s thought, Zhongli releases the spear, letting it return to the earth, before lifting the fatuus and bringing him to one of the abandoned houses in Mingyun Village.

Once settled, Zhongli lays the motionless man on a bedroll, then curls up around him, chest to chest, using his own body heat to warm him. Then he removes the agent’s mask, curious as to the face of his new charge.

The sight of the supposed fatuus--or rather the battered young man wearing a fatuus uniform-- has Zhongli leaning back an inch and raising an eyebrow.

“This is… unexpected. Let's see what I can do for you, youngling.”

Zhongli examines the young man carefully, finding a sprained ankle, a couple broken ribs, and a number of scratches and bruises covering him from head to toe. 

Given the area the man came from, it all points to a bad fall--and likely a head injury.

At the thought, Zhongli lays a hand on his charge’s shoulder, gently shaking him awake.

As if a non-fatuus in pyro agent clothing wasn’t shocking enough, when the young man opens his eyes, Zhongli is met with something he hasn’t seen in 500 years, something he swore never to speak of. The violet irises looking back at him--or in his general direction, as the young man don't seem to be capable of focusing on anything in particular--surround the star-like pupils of the Khaenri’ah people. Khaenri’ah, which should be gone, something of the past and painful memories. But with eyes like his, there is no doubt, the young man is from Khaenri’ah.

Zhongli shoves the thought aside. Khaenri’ah fell half a millennium ago. No matter where the boy came from or what people he owes his allegiance to, Zhongli isn’t going to let him die from hypothermia and the worst of his injuries. So, he wraps himself around the young Khaenri'an and waits.

The Khaenri’an man slowly warms, regaining color in his lips and cheeks. As he does, his eyes clear and he reaches out for something, accidentally hitting Zhongli in the process.

“What are you looking for?” Zhongli says, mindful that his lip are inches away from the other man’s ear.

“Eye-patch,” the young man rasps, putting space between them.

Zhongli doesn’t follow, taking the opportunity to get a better look at his face while he takes a seat next to the bed-roll. Over his right eye the not-fatuus bears a prominent scar. 

“You didn’t have one with you. What’s your name?”

The more Zhongli speaks the greater the confusion present in the not-fatuus’ face. “Kaeya? Wait where am I? Where’s Diluc? I need to---”

Kaeya shoots up, but Zhongli pushes his shoulders down. “You’re in Liyue. You came out of Dragonspine. I trust you remember that much.”

“Dragonspine? Oh. Oh. How bad is it?”

“Broken ribs, sprained ankle, some bruises and scrapes. I wouldn’t be surprised if you started showing signs of a concussion. You shouldn’t be moving for a bit.”

Kaeya sinks into the blankets and stares up at the ceiling. “I guess.”

“Where are you from? Khaenri’ah has been gone for 500 hundred years.”

A spasm of pain crosses Kaeya’s face, before the emotion is shoved aside in favor of a well-practiced mask. “It’s a long story.”

“I have a fondness for long stories.”

Kaeya regards his savior with a guarded look. “You haven’t introduced yourself.”

“Ah. Pardon me. I’m Zhongli.”

The blatant suspension tells Zhongli that his charge is adept at reading others-- seeing things that aren’t spoken of--and that the current answer is not one he’d accept. 

“I’ll tell you my story if you tell me the truth.”

A contract: A secret for a secret; a truth for a truth; a fair trade of deep secrets. 

“It’s no lie. But trading one truth for another is fair. I will agree.”

“Thank you.”

Zhongli takes a moment to read Kaeya, the hesitancy, the exhaustion--certainly physical and likely emotional--, as well as a weight ill-suited for a man still in his early twenties.

“I think I’ll start, if that is acceptable to you.”

Kaeya nods. “Please.”

“Where to begin… Ah. Once, many, many years ago, the gods fought for dominance, seeking to claim the chairs of the seven archons. It was a brutal time and there was no peace in Teyvat. To protect one’s people, one would have to fight for the throne. Those who didn’t, died.

“One of those seekers was Morax. As history tells it, Morax won the Geo Throne, and spent nearly three thousand years watching over the Nation of Geo as Rex Lapis.”

“Rex Lapis is dead.”

“The only way for a nation to live without their archon is for that archon to put himself beyond the reach of his followers. The Geo Archon knew this well.”

“You’re Rex Lapis.”

“Morax is dead. I am simply an old fashioned Liyue citizen. I’ve simply seen more years than most and held power very few can comprehend. Now, I think it’s your turn, young Kaeya.”

Kaeya takes a deep breath and starts from the beginning, of how he was raised and the task he was given. He tells of how he was abandoned by one father and raised by the next and of his adopted brother. 

When he speaks of Crepus’s death, his fight with Diluc, and the vision that saved him, his voice weakens and he curls in hon himself.

“I don’t know how to make it better,” Kaeya confesses. “I don’t know how to make him not hate me. I did lie to him, to Father, and everyone at home, but I can’t tell them the truth. I just want to go home.”

Zhongli is silent for a long moment. “Perhaps it is best to stop lying to your brother.”

“What do you mean? I told him the truth. He nearly killed me for it.”

“About the past, perhaps, but have you told him what you just told me?”

“He wouldn’t accept it. I was surprised when he asked for my help tracking some fatui wine thieves. Really, all he had to do was tell me someone stole the wine. How, I don’t know, but they did.”

“Even for an archon, it’s impossible to truly know the hearts of others. You cannot know how he’ll react because you are not him. He went to you for help, didn’t he?”

“He did.”

“I’ve seen six thousand years and watched humans for more than half of it.” Zhongli smiles softly as he speaks. “Trust me, Kaeya. Be honest.”

“I’ll try.”

“Good. As soon as you can move around easily, I’ll take you back to Mondstadt.”

It takes two weeks for Kaeya’s ankle to heal and for his ribs to not twinge every time he moves.

With each moment that passes the ache in his heart grows. The longer he’s away from home, the more he wishes that he had never given it up. 

Once his sprained ankle heals, however, he wraps himself back up in the pyro agent’s clothing--a large part of those two weeks was spent mending the holes his fell had made-- and replaces the mask.

Zhongli frowns when he sees Kaeya back in the guise of a fatuus, but doesn’t comment. 

“Let go,” Zhongli says before leading Kaeya back home.

The night Kaeya returns to the Dawn Winery is a frigid one. Zhongli had left him at the edge of the two nations, wishing him luck and reminding him of the advice he gave.

Well after the sun has set, Kaeya checks his mask. It’s dirty and scratched, but it covers the scar over his eye. 

When he’s sure that all is in place he creeps up to the mansion and scales the walls. Diluc’s window is lit like it always is this time of night and rather than trying to get past Adelinde and the servants who are blissfully unaware of their master’s pastime, it’s easier to just pick the lock of the window.

The window creaks as it opens, startling Diluc out of his work, but Kaeya is in the room before he can move.

Diluc reaches for his claymore. “Who do---”

Kaeya hurries to remove the mask, certain that if it came to blows now, Diluc would wipe the floor with him. Frustrating, but true.

“Kaeya? What the---”

Diluc punches Kaeya, sending the latter’s head snapping backwards.

“Dammit, Diluc, what was that for?”

“We thought you were dead, you asshole,” Diluc hisses. “I thought I had sent you out to die. You should have at least sent a letter or something.”

“I didn’t know you still cared, D.”

Diluc opens his mouth to retort but closes it. “Where were you?”

“Recovering in Liyue. Getting some advice. It seems like Zhongli is as wise as he’s rumored to be.”

“Oh?”

“He told me to tell you the truth.”

Diluc raises an eyebrow. “The truth? The one you lied about until Father died.”

Kaeya backs up and sits on Diluc’s bed, rubbing at his aching ribs. Climbing the winery wall might not have been his brightest idea.

“I had bad timing on that. Father’s death messed me up too, D. He was larger than life and losing him was---”

“Hard.”

“Yea, it was. But there’s something else I haven’t said.”

Diluc glares at Kaeya. “Then say it.”

“I miss being here. I just about died after I slipped and fell during a storm--heroic, I know-- but all I could think about was how much I missed the way things were. I heard you calling me incompetent and a liar and all I wanted was for you to smile and call me brother again. I wanted to come home, to the Winery, to fight side by side. But I didn’t think you’d ever want to.”

Diluc takes a seat on the bed next to Kaeya. Kaeya's honesty twists something in his gut, reminding him of the many times Crepus helped the two make up after their typical sibling squabbles. The guilt and mistrust that has constantly warred within him is quelled by those memories.

The redhead sighs and stares at his toes, not quite willing to look his brother in the eyes. “I think Father would be ashamed of us right now. We were brothers and brothers are supposed to stick together. Or that’s what he’d say.”

“He’d be lecturing us until our ears burned.”

Diluc looks over at Kaeya. “Can we try again?”

“What?”

"Can we try again? To be brothers. And maybe make Father proud."

"You really want to?"

“I was pissed, but I overreacted.”

Kaeya smiles. "Yeah. We can try again. It'll be nice to hang around you when I'm not working on drinking."

"Which you could stand to cut back on."

"Says the person who supplies my vice."

Yet, as they go back and forth, all Kaeya can hear is the unspoken “I still love you.”

#A little editing goes a long way #granted it makes trying to get shit queued a pain in the ass #Diluc #Kaeya #Zhongli #ragbro reconciliation agenda #ragbros #angst #angst with a happy ending #tw: injury #genshin impact #genshin fic #genshin writing #teyvat talk

[sunshines-bee-farm]

You're On Your Own Kid [Agere Minecraft Fic] [APTR AU]

Trigger warnings: disownment, agere hating, there will be a happy ending and more parts

____

PUDDLES WASN’T USED TO BEING ON HIS OWN. He was raised as part of a large family, with six sibling pups who were all bigger, more confident, and apparently nicer than Puddles was. Puddles had an attitude, apparently, and wasn’t always in touch with reality. Apparently. 

Sprinkles, his sister, barged into his room one day when he had forgotten to lock the door. It was the biggest mistake of his life, because the moment she saw the adult paci in his mouth and the toys on the ground, she turned on her heels and was gone in an instant. It felt like moments later he was packed and on his way out of Silvermount. 

He had only managed to save one of his little items, one he begged and cried for until his ex-mother acquiesced, shoving it in his hands and then slamming the door in his face. It was a raggedy stuffed rabbit, one that used to be cream but was now a light brown. It had a faded, soft-from-time yellow ribbon around its neck. Puddles hid his tears in her fur. 

He wasn’t going to lie and say he loved his family. At least, he wouldn’t say it was cut and dry. As the runt of the litter, Puddles had to fend for himself his entire life, and while Sprinkles grew up on a fluffy pillow, he had to fight for scraps of food. He was used to being on his own. 

But he wasn’t, too. Because at least they pretended. At least they tried. One adult pacifier later, and they weren’t. One wooden train later, and he was alone. 

It didn’t feel much different. 

Silvermount was a tiny village built along the peaks of a tall mountain, with a rough path winding down to the valley. The valley in which Star and oliver disappeared into three years ago, after they were found out by the others for their lifestyle. No one understood the age regression, and they didn’t care to try. Puddles didn’t know what happened to the two. 

He wandered for days, until he was too tired to hold back the sobs anymore. He curled up on the forest floor for so long a pig laid next to him, plump and serene, not at all spooked by the pup’s unnatural blue fur or loud cries. He named her Bailey. 

“Puddles?” 

He jumped ten feet in the air. Bailey ran, squealing, to hide behind a tree. He sat up with his pack of useless adult stuff weighing on his shoulders, only to find Oliver, Star’s caregiver, standing there. He held a basket of apples, a diamond axe at his side. It sheened with enchantment. 

“Oliver?” His voice cracked. 

“What are you doing all the way out here?” Something in his voice told Puddles he knew Puddles would be lying if he said camping. “They didn’t…”

It was all it took. Oliver sat next to him and held him while he cried, which was more than Puddles ever had or ever would deserve. Oliver had always been nice to him. He was a natural caregiver, in any capacity. Puddles would never be like him. 

“Hey,” Oliver said softly after a while. “Hey.” 

Puddles looked up. Oliver wiped the mud from under Puddles’ eye. 

“Come stay with us.” 

Puddles’ eyes widened. “Wh-what? No, I can’t— why would you even offer that? After…” 

“Because it’s my house and I make my own decisions.” He smiled. “And I forgave you a long time ago.” 

“But what about Star?”

“She’s mad at you, she’s not evil.” He laughed. “She won’t let you suffer just because you made a mistake.” 

Puddles’ heart was pounding. How was he meant to accept this? He couldn’t. But Oliver was stubborn, and after arguing for half an hour, Puddles was too tired. He just wanted to sleep. Maybe in a bed. 

Oliver led him through the Muted Valley, birch trees towering and bees buzzing over tulips and sunflowers. Bailey followed. They came across a decently sized house, clearly handbuilt but done very well, made of baby blue terracotta with a dark oak roof. Mossy cobble lined the dirt path. A few mushroom trees had grown, whether intentionally or unintentionally Puddles didn’t know. Oliver would truly go to the ends of the Earth for Star. What was it like to have someone who loved you that much? 

“Little star,” Oliver called when they entered. “Puddles is here.” Something crashed to the ground. Oliver laughed. “You okay?” 

“Did you say Puddles?” She poked her head through a doorway. “Is that a pig?” 

The living room was covered in toys. Drawings by Star lined the walls, both from when she was big and little, it looked like. Puddles was astounded that they lost everything for littlespace… and kept it. They didn’t seem ashamed or embarrassed. This was just how they were. 

Puddles stared at the ground, refusing to meet anyone’s eyes and hugging his bag. Oliver placed a hand on his shoulder as he explained. 

“Yeah, I mean,” Star shrugged, looking uncomfortable and definitely not little anymore, “you can stay as long as you need. But… you better be telling the truth.” 

His eyes watered. “I am. I promise.” 

“I believe you.” She sounded genuine, but he couldn’t fathom why. “You need some little time. Come on, we’ll set up your room later, let’s have a tea party.” 

She turned and walked briskly over to her toybox, pulling out a handmade wooden tea kettle and some cups. Puddles hesitated so long she stopped to turn and ask, “You coming? Your pig can join.” 

He felt silly sitting at the tea party dressed in trousers and a leather tunic. He missed his onesies, his flare skirts. Star noticed, because after a moment of pouring fake tea she stood and demanded he follow her. 

“Play nice, baby,” Oliver called as they left. 

Puddles swallowed. They entered the bedroom and Star started going through her little closet. 

“You’re a femboy, aren’t you?” She asked. Puddles hesitantly agreed. “So skirts don’t bother you, even though you’re trans?” 

“I like skirts,” he said quietly. 

“Okay, then I have something you can borrow.” 

She pulled out a skirt made of light wool, pastel blue with little fluffy white clouds. She tossed it to him with a white long sleeved blouse. He changed in the bathroom, and when he came out, he felt strange because he felt like himself again. 

Star grinned. “You look great! Perfect for a tea party. What about your little guy—what’s his name?” She pointed to his rabbit. 

He gripped her tighter. “Delilah.” 

“Oh, a girl bunny?” 

“Mhm.” 

“And did you name your pig?” 

“Bailey.” 

She crouches down and pets Bailey’s head. “Who’s a good girl? Who’ll probably eat some of my clothes if I’m not careful? You are!” 

They went back to the living room and Oliver read a book while he watched them play. Puddles had trouble regressing—a lot of trouble—but found himself slowly sinking into the headspace as Star made conversation and offered him toys. They raced wooden cars along the floor. His favorite was a pink one, made of cherry wood. She gave it to him. Like, for good. He almost cried. 

It wasn’t happy tears, though. 

Because he was used to being on his own. He was used to fending for himself and keeping his shield raised and his head high, but now? He was crumbling under any small gesture of kindness. He dropped his walls and showed them everything, made himself completely vulnerable. 

And they accepted him. They didn’t seem to want to take advantage of him. 

And that… he was not used to. 

#sfw age regression #a place to rest au #did system #age regression #agere #sfwagere #sfw agere #minecraft #minecraft agere #fandom agere #age regressor #agere writing #agere fic #my writing

[thorsenmark]

Mountain Peaks Around the Valley of the Ten Peaks (Black & White, Banff National Park) by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: A view to the southwest at Morant's Curve. Based on the azimuth/direction from this location, I was able to determine that off in the distance were Ten Peaks around the Moraine Lake area. With information from peakbagger.com, I was able to determine the most visible peaks of Mount Bell, Mount Babel, and Mount Fay.

#Alberta Provincial Highway No. 1A #At Morant's Curve #Banff National Park #Banff-Lake Louise Core Area #Black & White #Blue Skies with Clouds #Bow Range #Bow Valley Parkway #Canadian Rockies #Capture NX2 Edited #Color Efex Pro #Day 2 #Evergreens #Hillside #Hillside of Trees #Hillsides #Looking SW #Looking to Continental Divide #Looking to Mountains of the Continental Divide #Meadow #Mount Babel #Mount Bell #Mount Fay #Mountain Peaks Around the Valley of the Ten Peaks #Mountains #Mountains in Distance #Mountains off in Distance #Nature #Nikon D800E #Portfolio

[feverinfeveroutfic]

”pebble beach”

The escarpment of the Sierra Nevada Mountains hung within my sidelong view as we made our way along the watershed towards Mono Lake. It had been forever and a day since I had come up this way, especially whenever I came up to Yosemite with my parents and my brother, it was on the other side of the valley coming in from the Central Valley. I leaned back in the faded leather backseat with one arm up on the top, and I let my curls dangle down over my shoulder like one of the waterfalls over in the other valley. Eric and Lou were huddled down in the front seats as if they were a couple of bobsleigh pilots, even though it was a beautiful day there in the eastern Sierras.

“Have you even been on this road before?” Lou asked him at one point.

“What, Tioga Road?” Eric replied. “Yeah, a couple of times before. It’s a a rare occurrence, though, because it’s closed ten months out of the year.”

I hadn’t been on there since I was a kid, and back then, from what I recalled, things were pushing it. The middle of June and there were still pockets of snow around the cliffs, and Sonora was still closed to top it off as well.

All I told Lou was to not look down once we neared the peak of the pass. And it made better sense to me to be behind Eric all the way up. I was so relieved to be in that car with them, although I knew I would have to go back with Chuck as well as Joey

It was the middle of the day, with the sun beating down on my head and shoulders, and yet I could feel the cold of the mountains right before us like this gigantic wall of iron.

The highway wound down to a tight bend and we found ourselves in the small town of Lee Vining, complete with a view of Mono Lake: all I recalled of that lake was Mark Twain had written about it and I had no desire to head on down to the shoreline after that.

Eric took to the next left turn and we were headed up Tioga Road. Those cold mountains stared down at us as if we were facing some kind of gods who were about to judge us; the brick lodge right after the turn-off felt like the last bit of comfort for a while.

The trees were thick and lush, and the hills guided us up along that road as if we were ascending into the sky above. I swore that I was the one climbing and not Eric, and it was times like that I wished that I was better at photography. We were passing by the Ansel Adams Wilderness in all its rugged glory: how I wished to look beyond the high spires of peaks and down into the glassy lake and that vast valley as well. Everything about that initial stint of the road only made me want to explore more.

Explore more, and of myself as well.

We made our way upwards, and all I could think about was what we could do once we got into Yosemite. All I knew was those three boys who called themselves Green Day were supposed to meet us there at the campground for the next week. I hoped that I wouldn’t have to sleep in the same tent with Chuck because I was enjoying the sun on my face and the views before me. Everything was so rugged and rough as if it had been left untouched this whole entire time.

I gazed out to the drop below the other side of the railing and I spotted the glassy lake at the very bottom. Even with the royalty in place and with the ring on my finger, I vowed to always be as soft as that water. As soft and tender as that glassy water.

My ears popped and Chuck from Florida burst into my mind. I wished he was there in the backseat with me and we could relish in the view together. Indeed, I peered over to the seat next to me and I pictured him there, those thick lush curls sprawled around his shoulders as if he had dunked his head into those lake waters down below and let the cool mountain air dry him off. Those eyes, as blue as the granite walls that surrounded us as we continued to ascend into the heavens.

I really believed that we were headed straight for another world, one that chilled down with each passing mile. Lou peered out the window to the cliffs on the other side of the road: I saw him visually swallow, and I knew that we must have been high up.

I shivered at the sight of everything outside of the car; Lou breathed on the window and made a peace sign in the condensation.

“Jesus,” Eric muttered as he switched on the heater. Our sweatshirts were packed in the trunk given it was warm down in the valley before we left, and yet something told me that I was going to be cuddled down in the safety of my own for the entire trip. I hunkered down in the seat: how I wished to be held close in a warm blanket right then.

The road kept going up into the mountains, and something ran through my mind that told me we were about to drive off the edge of the road at any given moment.

Now I understood as to why the pass was closed out of most of the year.

I peered out the window to the view down below us, the final glimpse out to the valley before we ducked away into the mountains themselves, the last glimpse back to that glassy oasis down below and the final moment of paradise before we persisted into the craggy mountains before us.

I rubbed my upper arms with my hands. If nothing else, I hoped that Eric would have a horse blanket there in the backseat, not just for myself but for him and Lou, too, and the three of us could huddle down together.

Eric himself glimpsed into the rear-view mirror for a look at me.

“You warm enough back there, Alex?” he called back to me.

“I have got this persistent chill up my spine right now,” I told him.

“Yeah, we do, too. I hope we level out here soon—”

We rounded a bend and beheld the view of the vast canyon, still capped with snow from the blizzards of the winter before. The trees decorated the landscape as if they were made of chocolate and powdered sugar; on my side of the road was a steep drop into the abyss. My head spun and my ears popped; I turned my attention to Eric right as he rubbed his temple with one hand.

We passed a sign that read eleven thousand feet, and I could feel my fingers and toes tingling. Lou ran his fingers through his hair and breathed a bit harder than usual. I peered out the window to the towering peak on the right side of the road.

The road peaked at a crest and then dipped down a bit: I spotted what appeared to be a toll booth for the entrance fee into Yosemite up ahead, complete with three other cars in line there. I was just eager to be on the other side of the pass down in the valley again. We must have reached the top at some point if we hadn’t already. The mountain peaks surrounded us like a series of meringue peaks: for a moment, I believed that we had entered the land of all things sweet and decadent.

When we reached the booth, I took off my sunglasses and rubbed my eyes.

“Ninety-nine hundred feet, just shy of the century-century mark,” Lou remarked. “And I swore we were there just a few minutes ago.”

“I feel it,” Eric told him as he continuously massaged his temple.

“Yeah, I do, too,” I added; my head would not stop spinning. “Helps that we’re basically coming up from sea level.” All I wanted to do was lay down and cuddle, and it didn’t help matters that the line seemed to inch along the pavement. I leaned forward and rested my elbows on either top of the seat before me; Eric leaned over the rim of the steering wheel and kept his fingers on his temple. He peered over his sunglasses at me.

“I can’t remember the last time I had vertigo like this,” I confessed.

“My head is just pounding,” he told me.

“You know, I’ve heard Viagra helps with altitude sickness,” Lou informed us, who looked to be the only one not affected by it, but his skin had washed out to the same color as a sheet. He let out a low whistle, and he turned his attention back to the road before us.

“I’ve heard that, too,” I said with a few quick breaths. “Let’s ask the ranger about it.”

We inched ahead and Eric rolled down the window: the cold swept over us, and all I wanted was my sweater and a blanket. I held still as I tried to not think about my head spinning. The first thing I would do, once we reached the valley floor, was find something to eat and then feel the spray from the waterfall on my face.

We inched ahead to the toll booth where we were greeted by the ranger, an older gentleman with these big black leather gloves much like the ones Lou wore sometimes for his drumming.

“Do you have anything for altitude sickness?” Eric asked him as he paid the fee; it was right then I noticed he sounded more out of breath than usual. “All three of us aren’t doing too well.”

“Uh, yeah! I’ve got some pain pills in here with me, and things to help with blood pressure. I’ll suggest drinking more water and eating more, too, especially if you’re going to come back this way or hang around the mountain peaks here for a while.”

“Can do,” I said with a shake of my head, and my head spun even more.

“Keep the window rolled up until you reach the valley floor, too,” he advised us. “Staying warm will keep your blood flowing. But if you boys are desperate—” And he turned back into the booth for something.

“Yeah, I worry especially because I’m driving,” Eric told him, and the man handed him a small bottle of aspirin and a little white box, and I could already see those little blue pills inside.

“You fellas be safe up here for us all, okay?”

“Always,” Lou assured him.

“Yeah, thank you,” I called out to him.

“Thank you so much,” Eric added as he held the bottle and the box in his lap: he darted ahead to the first bend in the road just so we could take our medicine.

“Alex, you got any water?” he asked me as he rolled up the window; almost immediately, it warmed up again in there.

“Plenty.”

Eric opened the box for us, although I had a feeling that the pain pills would help us just as easy. But the next thing I knew, I was taking a blue pill. Eric and Lou did as well.

We drank our water down, and then Eric ran his fingers through his jet-black hair.

“Okay, where’s our campground at?” he asked us.

“It’s coming up here, isn’t it?” Lou recalled, still out of breath.

“I wrote it down…” Eric reached over to the glove box for something, and I peered back into the very back of the car for anything to keep myself warm.

“Yeah, Tuolomne Meadows,” he informed us. “I think it’s coming up here in a few minutes.” He closed the door, and I caught the sound of hesitation up there in the front seat. “What’re you looking for, brother?”

“Me?” I asked him as I turned back around, and my head spun some more. “Do you have a blanket in here or something?”

“In the trunk, yeah. Would you like it?”

“Please. I am just freezing back here.”

Eric kindly picked out the big heavy horse blanket for me, to which I wrapped it around my body once we got moving again. The spinning in my head persisted a bit as we made our way along the road more towards the meadow in question. The trees were so thick and lush, and most of them still blanketed with snow. I spotted the hulking silhouette of Half Dome off in the distance, and I knew that once we got down into the valley floor, our heads wouldn’t be hammering so much.

I thought about what the ranger had told us in that we had to eat more to keep the feeling of the altitude in check. Indeed, I was feeling hungry as the road dipped down and gently meandered with the coldest-looking river I had ever seen in my life. In fact, something told me that I could eat enough for three people right then.

I wanted to eat once we reached our campsite, and I hoped that those three boys had beat us to the punchline there because it was all I could think about. I had no idea if it was the altitude or not but for a moment, I believed I was seeing things. The fact the mountains resembled to meringue, the chocolate look of the trees, the fact that I was hungry… this was a far more potent high than any joint that I had ever touched in seventh grade.

The trees thinned out and we were met with the vast meadow in question, with the thick, lush grass interspersed with such cold, glassy waters. The sun shone down on us without a cloud to obscure anything: even with it being cold, the sunshine made everything so bright and crystal clear.

Billie Joe, Mike, and Tré had already checked into their reservation and pitched a tent for themselves at a spot, one nestled between the trees and near a small waterfall. I peered behind us to the towering mountain which bestowed the waterfall: my head proceeded to spin once again, but at least I had something to balance me.

The spray from the waterfall touched me on the side of the face: it made me think of all the heat waves over the Bay Area as a kid, and I would stand in front of a swamp cooler; this was the damp feeling of that on steroids.

The smell of pine surrounded the three of us like a veil, and I tilted my head back to feel the afternoon sun and the spray of the falls on my face. All I knew was we had to return to camp soon enough to put up our tents and then eat a bunch of food to keep the sickness away, that is if we saw those three boys up at the top of the waterfall.

And then I realized we had taken Viagra once we had entered the park.

“Alex?” Eric breathed right into my ear over the noise of the waterfall. I turned to face him and the hooded look to his eyes. I really believed that I was hallucinating right then, hallucinating from the hunger, the altitude, and the rush of blood straight to my head.

“You wanna take a walk with me?” he offered me. “Take a walk and look for something to eat?”

“Isn’t there a pie stand or two right on the other side of the trees here?” I asked him.

“There’s a pie stand and a market,” he added as he nudged a lock of hair behind my ear. “We’ll come back and surprise those three dudes with all the goods we’ve picked up.”

“Let’s get two blackberry, two pecan, two apple, three cherry, three blueberry, a chocolate, a lemon, and a peach,” I suggested. “I dunno about you but I could literally eat a pie and a cake right now.”

“A pie and a cake, and you wouldn’t be able to fit into the sleeping bag,” he quipped as he ran his hand down my belly. I peered up to the scraggly dogwood trees and pearly white birches that surrounded us: I had no memory of how we got there to that particular spot in the trees, right by the river and the waterfall, but he was touching me, and he was coming close to me, and I was leaning my back to the birch behind me.

“Eric… are you feeling what I’m feeling right now?” I asked him with a rubbing of my forehead with my temples. It reminded me of the times I would get high and I had the strangest euphoria every time the paper hit my tongue.

“Headache and vertigo from being so high up and intense hunger from that and the fact we haven’t eaten since we left this morning? You bet your booty that’s what it is.”

“No, I mean… the fact the ranger gave us Viagra for the altitude.”

He showed me his tongue before he crammed it into my mouth.

We were hallucinating and horny, and I had no idea about him but I had no restraint whatsoever. I put my arms up over my head as he reached down my pants to feel me. I could feel that I was already hard, harder than I had ever been, as hard as the cold stony mountains all around us.

“Eric—” I gasped from the feeling. “Eric—what if they hear us?”

“They won’t hear us,” he assured me with a breath of a whisper right into my ear. “They won’t hear us here down by the waterfall.”

“What if they see us?” I choked out again.

“We’re way down here, and they’re way up there,” he assured me again, that time with a grasp onto my fat one. He held onto me for a brief moment before he rubbed up against me. He was as big as I had ever felt before, and I had nothing to hold me back, either.

We were doing it outside, and I had not a care in the world about it. We were doing it outside, and I could feel everything. I could feel everything even with my head lost in the realm of the altitude. We were going to have a bunch of pie and curl up under the blanket and the sleeping bag afterwards, but we had the blue pills to take care of at first. Blue pills like little pebbles that led us to that nook in the trees.

I ran my fingers through his black hair, and I treated him to a tongue lashing and a groan right into his ear. His lips on my neck. His tongue in my ear. Our flesh against itself. One of us was going to come first.

The spray from the waterfall and the veil of the birches protected us from any onlookers. I leaned my head back against the tree trunk again as he sank in deep, as deep as he could go with me. I realized he was getting me right in the prostate as well as grinding up against me.

I parted my lips and let out a low moan, one that buried itself under the roar of the waterfall. Those three boys were going to be in for a treat of sorts should they descend from the towers behind us. But Eric twirled his fingers around the locks of hair at the back of my head and slithered his tongue into my mouth to finish the job.

“Let’s get down to it again when we get the tent set up,” I whispered into his ear right then.

“You got it, big boy,” Eric whispered to me; he reached down and touched me again, and he showed me a little smirk. “You wanna get down with Lou, too?”

“May as well,” I said in a broken voice. “You’re still hard as stone, too.”

#kinktober #kink tumblr #kink tag #kinktober list #kinktober prompts #kinktober 2024 #kinktober all year #fanfic #fanfiction #testament #testament fanfic #testament band #like blood from a stone fanfic #like blood from a stone #alex skolnick #eric peterson #louie clemente #smut #smut writing #smut warning #writing #text #also on ao3

[jorvikpov]

The moon, bright and full, shines over Jorvik. Even this darkest hour of night is lit up by forceful, blue-white light that casts strange shadows in the forests and beneath the mountains. The island is asleep, but unease lies over its peaks and valleys; many toss and turn in their sleep, plagued by dreams and restlessness. Even in the stables, some have half an eye open, turning their big heads around over and over again just to be sure that something hasn’t made its way into the corner.

You are awakened by the ending of a dream, eyelids slowly opening and eyes—still thick and blurry with sleep—flickering around your room as you try to find your footing back in reality. Your bedsheets feel all too rough and all too soft against your skin, and cold, cold air is flowing over your chest and right arm. Your curtains hang heavy and perfectly still over your windows, moonlight seeping through the cracks between fabric and wall and lighting up your bedroom in a faint glow. Where the moonlight shines, dust dances through the air, and your sheets are tousled and bunched up, one or two blankets lying abandoned on the floor. Your clock, ticking loud as ever on your desk and echoing through the silent room, shows—almost illegibly—twenty minutes past two, or perhaps ten minutes past four. The dark knots in your wooden ceiling stare at you, empty eyes in the darkness, and you stare back. You have seen worse.

(The oil rig, empty and dark, rises tall above the ocean. Something juts out off to the side; it glows, moves, spirals, sucking life into it and spitting out something else. You move closer. Atop a platform, you see now, is a blindingly bright gate-like structure. Despite its glow, it seems to cast a deep shadow over everything around it. In that deep shadow stand five dark silhouettes, a stark contrast against the white glow, perfectly still and coordinated as if gathered by the gate. You lean back, shoulders hitting the cold metal wall behind you, and for a second your vision is not with you, but somewhere else, and there is a horse, dark yet glowing, by the gate. You pull yourself back together, metal cold through your coat again, and the horse is gone, and then it is there again. You blink. The gate has gone dark.)

Cold night air breezes again over your bare arm, curtains dancing in the light draft. In the wake of your still-vivid dream, you are wide awake, and for lack of other things to do, you stare again at your ceiling. It stares back. You pull your blankets back over yourself as best you can, shuddering as your body begins to slowly but surely warm up, and let the occasional dance of your curtains lull you to sleep as your clock sings you a gentle, rhythmic good night song.

Once you fall back into a deep sleep, you will dream of shadows and of something far too pink and far too bright, but until then, you will be perfectly at peace.

#sso #ssoblr #star stable #star stable online #jorvikpov #it's completely coincidental but I'm actually sleeping in a room with a wooden ceiling that has a lot of knots in it tonight #the full moon is far from coincidental though. I actually looked up the moon phases #also happy late first year of existence to Jorvikpov! #made first post on the 4th of January 2022

[linasofia]

Starflowers

Relationship: Obi-Wan Kenobi x OC Eliise

Fandom: Star Wars

Summary: Obi-Wan travels to Alderaan for a diplomatic meeting but on the way he meets someone he could not have foreseen.

Words: 4,1K

Warnings: 18+

A/N: My first attempt to write for this fandom. This fic is vaguely inspired by the new Obi-Wan Kenobi series and takes place approximately ten years after the massacre that followed Order 66.

Thanks @legolasbadass & @lathalea for your support! 💙💙

The old cargo ship slowly made its way down to the landing dock and Obi-Wan grasped the handle on his seat harder. It had been a very long time since he last set foot on Alderaan, or anywhere except the endless sandy landscape of Tatooine. Hiding from the never-resting evil, in the harsh world of the Outer Rim, had made him a suspicious man. Over time he lost contact with the Force and struggled to accept that the life of the Jedi was no longer his. He was lonely, trusted nobody, and very rarely visited one of the few friends from the past who knew he was still alive. Drawing attention to himself was not something he wanted and he knew he took a risk every time he left the relatively safe hiding place out in the desert. But when Bail Organa unexpectedly pleaded for his help in a complicated and highly sensitive matter, Obi-Wan found it impossible to reject him. Deep down, he knew that he could not hide from his destiny. Dressed in worn clothes, and with the only weapon he owned hidden underneath, he boarded the cargo ship, which would take him to his destination.

Alderaan was just as beautiful as he remembered. Its snowy peaks and green forests, together with the great Cloudshape Falls, could all be seen clearly from the sky. When Obi-Wan finally stood on the ground and breathed the fresh and almost crispy air, so very different from the warm desert air his lungs had grown used to, he felt a small tingle in the skin on his face. He did not remove his large hood—it provided him shelter from curious eyes—before he started the long walk from the dock to the Royal Palace. He didn’t want to be seen more than necessary so he avoided the usual and more formal way of arriving at the Mountain Palace.

The path Obi-Wan chose led him along the outline of the forest and over open fields. Alderaan's sun moved gracefully over the sky as he walked and when the shadows grew longer and the light became more golden, he finally saw the city of Aldera and the Royal Palace. An unwelcome wave of insecurity washed over him. He was not the strong Jedi he used to be. When Bail reached out to him, Obi-Wan had tried to explain that, but his old friend wanted him to come nevertheless. With the sun hanging low over the palace, its towers and spires sparkled like rare stones coming from deep within the snow-capped mountains towering behind the palace.

Obi-Wan looked at the vast expanse of the lake in front of him. The Palace and part of the city overlooked its blue waters and he would have to walk around the lake since no transport could be seen. What he would give for a bath or shower right now. The water was glittering and appeared almost turquoise when it reflected the sky. A memory stirred in him, something about the lake being very deep and not as warm as it was easy to believe. He smiled to himself; Queen Breha had told him that many years ago, when he first came to visit Alderaan. It felt like a lifetime ago. Back then, time had not yet created small valleys around his eyes, and his hairline had not begun to move higher on his forehead. Obi-Wan was not vain, he was still too much of a Jedi for that; it was just an impartial reflection on the passage of time. Lost in old memories, his feet carried him almost to the shore of the lake before he noticed that another person was kneeling by the water. A woman, dark-haired, with her hair braided and wrapped around her head into a crown, was washing her hands in the clear water. Next to her lay a large bouquet of starflowers. She had not seen him yet and for a second he thought about leaving unseen, but as he took another step, a branch broke under his weight. The sound made the woman turn to him. At first, he could read fear in her eyes and she had every right to think the worst of him. He knew he was not very presentable-looking in his worn clothes, with an unkempt beard and dirty hands. He held up his hands in a gesture he hoped signaled that he had no foul intentions, showing the traces of his long journey.

”I’m sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. I just need to wash my hands and face.”

She gave him a careful smile, held her guard up, but nodded. It made sense.

”It’s ok. I was lost in my own thoughts; it’s not your fault I didn’t hear you coming this way.”

Obi-Wan kneeled beside her, keeping a respectful distance. The water was indeed colder than it looked, but it felt heavenly as he patted his face with his wet palms. He could feel the woman watching him.

”It would be easier to clean your face if you removed your hood,” she said with a small laugh in her voice. Apparently, she had decided that he was no threat to her. He considered her words. She was right of course and he really needed to freshen up a little before he met his hosts. With two hands he grabbed the hood and pulled it back. Then he lowered his hands to the water, formed them into a bowl and splashed the cold water over his face. He gave a pleased sigh. Another splash of water on his neck and it ran in a chilling stream down under his tunic. He continued to clean himself up as much as he could and when done, he stretched his back and stood up. So did she.

The woman met his gaze and when she looked back at him he could swear he felt the ground move under him. Her beautiful almond-shaped eyes were of a rare blue color, the same color as the starflowers she held in her hand. She looked at him with interest, like she was mapping his face in her memory, and for a second she glanced at his lips, before she averted her eyes with a shy smile. For the first time in ages, Obi-Wan struggled to find words. He wanted to compliment her, but had no words for it. So instead he asked for the only thing he could think of: her name.

”Eliise.” When she spoke, she met his gaze again and Obi-Wan felt the overwhelming feeling of helplessness, for the gravity in her eyes was beyond anything he had experienced before. As a Master Jedi, he had never allowed himself to indulge in any activity that could make him lose focus on the path he had taken, but now, as he stared into the depth of Eliise’s starflower-colored eyes, he felt something.

”Eliise,” he repeated and her name felt strangely right when it rolled off his tongue. She smiled innocently at him but Obi-Wan did not miss the way her eyes shifted slightly when he said her name.

”You are not from here, if I'm not mistaken?”

”No, I’m not. I’m only here for a short visit at… a friend’s place.” Obi-Wan stopped himself before he said too much. He just met the woman, there was no need to tell her that he was a personal guest of Bail Organa, highly respected senator of Alderaan and his wife, Queen Breha.

”I see,” she said with a badly hidden disappointed look in her expressive eyes. Then, as though a thought just appeared in her mind, she gave him a faint smile again. ”Aldera is my home, it’s all I have ever known. I have never traveled beyond our borders. I am a free woman, but the right opportunity has never appeared.”

Obi-Wan thought he saw a hint of sadness in her eyes. Maybe it was the thought of missed opportunities, lost moments of adventures or the feeling of being stuck in the same place that clouded her eyes for a second. ”I’m sorry, I talk too much,” she then added and Obi-Wan wondered what she really wanted to say. He thought of walking away, to ignore the unfamiliar feeling that spread in his chest and the increasing drumming of his heart, but he found himself unable to turn his back on her.

”Perhaps you want some company on the way back, may I escort you?” he offered with what he hoped was a comforting smile. ”It is my humble opinion that you don’t talk too much. In fact, I would like to hear more, if the thought doesn’t make you uncomfortable.”

She smiled warmly back at him. ”I will gladly accept your company.”

The road gradually changed the closer they came to the palace and nature gave room to the city of Aldera. Eliise talked about her life in the city, about places she liked, where one could find the best meals, for a reasonable payment, and where art and music could be enjoyed. It did not take long before her hand brushed repeatedly against his as they walked closer to each other. It was an innocent touch but he sensed there was something else in the air, something unspoken happened as they continued their unhurried walk. Obi-Wan spoke very little about himself, skillfully steered her away from any personal subjects and answered only questions regarding his thoughts and taste in different things. He liked her soft feminine voice, its melody was charming and he wanted the conversation to last longer when she suddenly stopped outside a small two-floored house. She nodded at the house. ”This is where I live, on the second floor. The old man I rent from is a kind man and for a few extra credits, he asks no questions about my personal life.” She lowered her voice to a whisper as she leaned closer to him. ”You have not even told me your name, but here I am, ready to invite you to my home. I have never done this before, please tell me that I’m crazy, but something about you makes me feel so relaxed and yet so… curious.”

Her eyes, this time filled with a longing he was not sure he could live up to, made him hesitate. Speechless, he looked back at her, her directness came as a surprise and once again he was unable to find the right words. She shifted and waited while the inner struggle tore Obi-Wan between wanting to follow her inside and the fear of doing something he, or both of them, would regret later. There was no doubt in her eyes, no room for misunderstanding. He briefly thought about the meeting he was supposed to attend the following day, as an adviser in a very sensitive situation. He knew that Bail would not be at his disposal on this particular evening, for the senator told him so during their last contact. It mattered little if he arrived later that night, as long as he was in place for breakfast. An embarrassed look fell over Eliise’s face. ”I’m sorry, I assumed too much.” She took a step to the side and Obi-Wan could see how she inhaled deeply. ”Thank you for your company. I wish you a pleasant stay in Aldera.” Her voice sounded weirdly neutral and the change in her body language finally caused him to react.

“You can call me Ben,” he said softly, but without making a move to stop her.

She watched him for a moment, like she was weighing his words and the meaning of them on a scale. He could tell that his own insecurity made her hesitate. She probably thought he was only mildly interested in her, but Obi-Wan's problem lay not in his level of interest. The lost connection with the Force had made him doubt himself in all the ways a man possibly can. Intimcity was never something he thought about, but now, as Eliise looked at him with a new hope in her beautiful eyes, he felt both tempted and frightened.

”Ben,” she tried his name. ”Would you like to come inside? I have refreshments, and fruit if you want.” Obi-Wan swallowed hard. What she offered sounded innocent but the afternoon sun made her skin glow and he caught himself thinking of how it would feel to run his fingertips over her cheek. He nodded slowly.

Eliise’s home was small but pretty, just like the woman living there. The feminine touch in tiny details made the place very personal. She liked the color blue, Obi-Wan noticed as he looked around the main room. A tray with cold drinks stood on a small table and she lifted a glass and offered him one. He was thirsty and drank greedily. Before he could put the glass back on the tray, she took the glass from him, her fingers gently caressing his as they met. ”Thank you,” he mumbled, unable to think of anything but her sensual lips as she put her own glass to her mouth and drank. As she swallowed the cold drink in a series of small sips, he watched her throat’s movements. Heat spread in the lower parts of his body at the sight of her drinking and he briefly questioned if what he felt was normal. He was, of course, well aware of the strong attraction two people could build, and he was not inexperienced in the matter. His doubts were only directed to his own abilities, it had been a long time since he touched a woman. Too long, he thought as she took a step closer to him.

Her lips were soft against his, she tasted sweet, like newly collected berries, and when she finally ran her small hands through the hair on his neck, he wrapped his arms around her. It made her moan softly against his lips and she deepened the kiss. Her tongue met his and when her body asked him to dance, he followed her blindly. Lost in his lust for her, he didn’t protest when she unclasped his cloak. It fell to the floor and revealed his tunic, and the belt where his only protection was attached. Too late he realized that she instantly recognized the item. Eliise stared at him in disbelief. ”Have I invited a Jedi, or maybe a Bounty Hunter with a taste for robbing his objects, to my bed?”

Obi-Wan looked back at her, she demanded the truth but there was no judgement in her eyes. He sighed. ”I’m no Bounty Hunter.”

Her eyes widened. ”I can’t believe it. We are always told that the Jedis are almost extinct.”

”Almost,” Obi-Wan echoed.

Eliise pressed herself tightly against him again. ”It makes no difference for me. I still want you to be here.” Her smile was genuine and inviting and Obi-Wan covered her lips with his. It didn’t matter that she knew, he could not turn back now. Her dress joined his cloak on the floor and the sight of her naked body made him groan quietly. Her skin had been kissed by the sun on many occasions and her body looked stronger than he had expected. With trembling hands he started to remove his belt and the tunic. When he came to his trousers, he hesitated. As though Eliise could sense it, she placed her hand over his and squeezed it. The heat from her body transferred to him and with gentle hands she helped him out of his last piece of clothes. Then she took his hand and led him to her bed. When she pulled him down with her on the soft pillows, he marveled at how comfortable she made him feel, but the feeling of self-doubt simultaneously spread rapidly in his body.

”Eliise.” Obi-Wan whispered, like he was afraid to scare her away. He felt so strong and weak at the same time and he needed to speak his mind. ”I…I’m not the man I once was. I’m not sure I can give you what you desire.”

She gave him a reassuring smile. ”Are you trying to tell me it’s been a while?”

”A very long time,” he answered honestly. ”Please, don’t expect too much from me. I am nothing but a simple man.” He avoided her gaze in a sudden feeling of embarrassment.

”Ben,” she said softly and with a hand on his bearded cheek she turned his face so she could look him in the eyes again. ”I wanted you here before I knew you were a Jedi, that has not changed,” she purred. ”I don’t expect more, in any way, because of who you are. Please believe me.” She sealed her words with a series of tender kisses. Then her kisses became more heated and soon she pulled herself on top of him. She straddled him, captured him between her slender thighs and leaned forward to continue kissing him. Obi-Wan ran his hands along her back, caressed the softness of her hips and groaned when she arched her back, causing her to push her lower body closer to his growing hardness. At least that part of his body was not completely broken.

Eliise moved slowly over him and he could feel the feminine heat from the peak between her thighs as she softly grinded against his smooth skin. Obi-Wan moaned at the contact and held her tighter. But she didn’t want to be held still, she was eager in his embrace and knew what she wanted. While her starflower-colored eyes looked like the sun itself shone in them, she adjusted her hips so the top of his shaft pressed against her slick opening. He could feel her need as she moved and for a second Obi-Wan was afraid he would not be able to control the wave of heat welling up in his body. Pure lust sang in his veins and he saw the same need in her eyes, when the burning desire for her exploded under his skin. He trembled, unprepared for the storm of emotions her naked body evoked. Eliise seemed unafraid of the feelings she set free and without a word she opened up to him like one of her starflowers opened its petals to the sun. With a soft moan, she sank down over him and his fingers gripped harshly at the softness of her hips. She hissed his name and a surprised smile graced her beautiful face as he could feel her body’s desperate attempt to adjust to him. Buried deep inside her, he was allowed to feel it all and the sensation made him expectantly caress her thighs. Her slickness coated him and when she tentatively rocked her hips against him, he saw stars.

Her hair fell down from its braided creation and dark locks danced around her face in sync with her body’s movements. Obi-Wan looked up at her and the sight of her visual pleasure together with the steady rocking of her body was almost too much for him. Eliise seemed to know her body well, for she easily found the right angle and rhythm, and then used them to chase what she wanted. Soon her breathing became ragged and she increased the friction between them. Obi-Wan felt her clench hard around his length but fought his first instinct to follow her. He was not done with her yet. When she shattered over him, he pulled her close and held her trembling body to his chest. As her breathing finally slowed down, she looked at him and met his lips in a sweet kiss. Obi-Wan ran his hand through her now loose hair and it felt like exclusive threads of silk against his palm.

With little effort he rolled her over and covered her body with his. His shaft was throbbing and hard as the finest beskar, but he took his time with her and savored the moment. Obi-Wan rested his hands on either side of Eliise’s head and watched her intensively as he slowly entered her again. A lovely whimper fell from her lips when she once again was stretched around his girth. Her starflower-colored eyes appeared to be rounder when he drove himself deep into her tightness and she grabbed his upper arms as he began to thrust against her. Obi-Wan’s initial self-doubt was lost somewhere between her pleading moans and the steady pace he set. His nature’s instinct was stronger than his mind and his body remembered exactly what it was required to do. As he watched Eliise’s fascinating reactions to the movement of his hips, he became aware of all the small details that exposed her pleasure and he wanted to remember them. The noises she made, the way her fingernails scratched his shoulders when he hit her most sensitive spot and how her eyes burned with need as he lowered himself to place heated kisses on her neck.

Eliise was close, he could feel her body tense in anticipation and this time he wanted to follow her all the way. With his blood boiling in his vein, Obi-Wan focused all his efforts on the movement he quickly learned gave her the greatest pleasure. When her moans eventually turned to a cry, and the sound of his name filled the room, he let go. Long years of tension lifted from his chest as he gave her all he had. The feeling of relief was more intense than he remembered. He collapsed over her, heavily panting, and when she finally released him from her tight hug, he rolled down on his back beside her. He pulled her closer to him and came to rest with her head on his arm. With his free hand he caressed her soft skin and she placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. She was warm and smelled of flowers, even now after their lusty moment.

They rested in silence. Eliise absently played with the hair on his chest and he liked the feeling of her fingers slowly moving over his skin. No words were needed between them and when the room finally grew darker, Obi-Wan reluctantly broke the silence. ”I really should get going. I was expected to arrive much earlier, but now it’s time for me to continue my walk, alone.”

Eliise looked at him with sadness in her eyes. ”I understand,” she then said. ”You can’t let the senator wait?”

”How did you..?” Obi-Wan went silent, he had said too much.

”I did not. But when a Jedi suddenly shows up on Alderaan, he is not here to visit some old friend. Maybe, if that friend also happens to be of great importance. And you just confirmed it.”

Obi-Wan sighed. He was a fool, like so many other men trapped under the spell of a beautiful woman.

”Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.” She smiled at him again and patted his arm. ”Perhaps you should get yourself ready.”

They rose from the bed and got their clothes on faster than Obi-Wan preferred. He wouldn’t have minded staying longer but it was getting late and he was on a mission. And he needed to sleep after the long trip if he was going to be the best he could the following day. Bail deserved nothing but the best. He believed in Obi-Wan, he always had, even now, when not even Obi-Wan believed in himself. But as he looked into Eliise’s eyes for what he assumed was the final time, he realized that he was a changed man. His back was a little straighter, he held his head a little higher. Somehow she managed to give him something he could not have found on his own. Gratitude filled his heart and he leaned in to give her a final kiss. He had nothing else to offer her. No promises nor words of comfort. When he reached for the handle to her door, she suddenly placed one of her small delicate hands on his arm. ”Wait!”

She was gone for only a short moment and when she returned she held a blue flower in her hand. Most of its long stalk was removed, only the flower remained. She placed it in his hand. ”Take this, maybe it will keep you safe. Maybe you will look at it and think of me.” He placed the little starflower in his hidden pocket and it made her smile at him one final time. Then Eliise hugged him and Obi-Wan briefly closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He would forever remember her scent.

When he stepped out on the street, Obi-Wan pulled his hood up and made sure his cloak covered the only evidence of who he really was. To his surprise the lightsaber felt less heavy now. He looked up at the dark sky where thousands of stars created beautiful patterns. For the first time ever, they made him think of flowers on a meadow. He smiled to himself. Eliise smelled like starflowers.

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#obi-wan #obi-wan kenobi #kenobi #obi-wan x oc #obi wan x oc #obi-wan fic #obi wan fic #obi wan fanfic #obi-wan fanfic #star wars #alderaan #star wars fic #obi wan x reader #obi-wan x reader #obi wan #kenobi series

[samuraiko]

For the vignette, you should write about orym leaving Zephra for the first time after wills death

This one's a bit tough, Anon, but let's see how this goes. And this one has music.

"Solace"

Orym and Keyleth stood side by side upon the cliffs of Zephrah, looking out at the surrounding Summit Peaks.

"Your heart can't heal like this, Orym," Keyleth said gently. "You need to get away for a little while, away from daily reminders of all that's happened."

"With all due respect, Tempest, you need me. We lost many Tempest Blades, and your safety-"

Keyleth held up one hand. "I know. Believe me, I know. But I see you every day, and every day your grief consumes you that much more." Sorrow darkened her eyes before she briefly closed them and let out a long, sad sigh, then she opened them once more and looked down at Orym.

"It's not forever. It doesn't even need to be all that long. But it's something you must do." She gently rested one hand atop Orym's head. "So I will set this task for you."

Keyleth lifted her staff and pointed at one of the nearby peaks. "Near the top of that mountain is a glade. It's said to be a place of healing and respite. A small lake, fields of wildflowers... and a very rare tree. I want you to travel there. Sleep beneath the tree... then return home."

"Yes, Tempest. As you command."

And so Orym had set out from Zephrah, after bidding a short farewell to Nel, Maeve, Lita, and Berenie. Like all inhabitants of Zephrah, he knew the easiest paths up and down from the village, but once he began his climb of the mountain Keyleth had indicated, his path became more difficult.

And every step of the way, he felt the aching absence of Will.

Up, up, up he climbed, and even as fit as he was, it was arduous going, until finally, he reached the glade.

And stopped in wonder.

Surrounded by soaring white cliffs, the glade seemed absolutely covered in wildflowers of all colours, and the breeze that gently stirred the blossoms was the sweetest he'd ever known. Sunlight sparkled on a small lake ringed with ferns and small boulders. And at the far end of the glade was a tree unlike Orym had ever seen before. No more than ten feet tall, its branches spread at least as wide, and brief flashes of colour appeared and disappeared like foxfire.

Very slowly, Orym approached the tree and gazed up at it in amazement. Then he turned and looked around at the glade.

"Well... a night here doesn't seem so bad."

He spent the rest of the sunlit hours exploring the glade. There were various berry bushes at the base of the white cliffs, and fresh water to be had from the small stream that fed into the lake.

What struck him most of all was the near total silence. No birds, no insects, no animals... only the faintest whisper of the wind through the flowers and the branches of the tree.

After the sun set, Orym lay on his back amidst the flowers beneath the tree, and gazed up at the stars that slowly twinkled into view, and eventually, the luminous moon of Catha arose from behind the cliffs.

Tears slowly slid down Orym's temples, and his heart ached as he whispered, "Hello, love. I still miss you."

He watched as Catha made its slow way across the night sky, and eventually, he drifted off to sleep.

At some point during the night, however, a faint sparkle just at the corner of his eye pulled him to wakefulness, and he sat up and turned to look.

And saw the tree glimmering in the moonlight, and peeping out from the emerald leaves were fruits that the halfling would have sworn were jewels.

Slowly, Orym rose, then he abruptly stepped back when the tree trunk seemed to move.

Welcome, small one...

A whisper, as clear as a bell tolling across a valley, seemed to come from all around him.

"Hello," Orym said softly, afraid that if he spoke too loudly, it would shatter whatever spell had fallen upon the glade.

Approach...

He moved closer, and as he took a better look, he would have sworn that where the tree stood, he saw the misty, ephemeral shape of a woman, but when he blinked, he once again saw the tree. A sudden breeze swirled gently around him, ruffling his hair.

Such love... such pain... your heart bleeds, and your soul weeps...

"Yes." Grief welled up in him anew as tears filled his eyes and a lump formed in his throat. And once again, he thought he saw the feminine figure standing there, beckoning to him.

Without thinking, he stumbled forward, sank to his knees at the foot of the tree, wrapped his arms as far as they could go around the tree, and began to sob. Tears flowed unchecked down his face, watering the grass before the tree. The only sound in the night were his racking sobs as he cried out for Will, and all sense of time faded away.

Eventually, he calmed, and then he felt the faintest touch against his hair.

It's all right, love... I'm here. I'm always here.

He looked up to see that where the tree had stood, there now stood Will, tall and shimmering silver in the light of Catha.

Orym was spellbound, staring up at his husband, and Will gently smiled down at him.

I love you, Orym...

It echoed all around Orym, all around the glade, and deep within Orym's soul.

I love you... I love you... I love you...

Fresh tears spilled down the halfling's cheeks as he smiled up at his husband.

"I love you, too."

Then he blinked away the tears, and Will was gone, and in his place was the woman he had glimpsed

I know your sorrow, Orym of the Air Ashari... alas, I cannot take it away. The only way to do that would be to forget your love entirely, and I do not think that is what you would wish. But I can ease it for a little while... time enough for your heart to begin to heal. Do not fear... I will guard your rest.

Almost immediately, his eyes closed and he sagged to the ground.

She gestured, and in her hand appeared a beautiful, shimmering, silvery-grey flower. With infinite tenderness, she tucked it behind his ear.

---

Orym slowly came awake as the first rays of sunlight's warmth touched his face. For the first time since the attack on Zephrah, he felt at peace. The aching loss was still there, but its clutch around his heart had lessened.

Then he heard a soft thump, and he glanced down to see that one of the jeweled fruits now lay beside him on the grass. He slowly and carefully ate the fruit, its sweetness sending a gentle warmth throughout his body.

He looked up at the tree, its emerald leaves lazily stirring in the morning breeze. He got to his feet, then he gently hugged the tree.

"Thank you."

As he straightened, he reached up to brush his hair from his face, and found the flower that had been placed there. Orym brushed one finger lightly over the soft petals and smiled.

"Goodbye."

Farewell...

Her voice drifted to him on the breeze, and he gathered up his things, tucked the flower into his sash, and prepared to leave. But just as he reached the edge of the glade, he once again felt a familiar touch on his hair.

Love you....

Orym looked back over his shoulder, but there was no one there.

"Love you, too," he whispered, and set off for home.

#critical role #campaign 3 #orym of the air ashari #will of the air ashari #fanfiction #writing #solace

[jezabatlovesbats]

All About Aviaria and Its People

Time to infodump about my fanmade Mario kingdom!

This is a sketch I did that sort of shows you how I imagine Princess Harpy’s kingdom would look. I’m gonna tell you what each numbered location is in the fake Mario Wiki page for it.

Ruler: Princess Harpy Inhabitants: Aviarians, Aquatic Aviarians, Sprixies, Psychic Humans First Appearance: Mario & Luigi: Birds of Prey*

Aviaria is a kingdom that is an ally of the Mushroom Kingdom and the main setting of Mario & Luigi: Birds of Prey. Like the Beanbean Kingdom and Pi’illo Island, its locations are named based on the theme of the kingdom, its theme being flight. The kingdom features many mountains, hills, slopes and valleys. The name itself is based on the words “avian” and “aviary.”

Government Aviaria is a monarchy ruled by Princess Harpy. Harpy is assisted by her advisor, Crowena.

Locations 1. Hoverside- A large hill town where many Aviarians live that is not a far distance away from Eagle’s Nest Castle. 2. Mall Landing- A popular shopping mall in Hoverside. 3. Hover Hills- The green, rolling hills outside of Hoverside. 4. Eagle’s Nest Castle- Situated on a very tall hill, this is the home of Harpy, Crowena and others. The way the castle is structured and designed makes it resemble a large birdhouse. 5. Swoop Valley- A deep valley between Hover Hills, Aero Heights and Cicada Creek. 6. Hunter Hideout- A cavern in the valley. Cassie and her gang live together here. 7. Glide River- A winding river that flows through the valley. 8. Cicada Creek- A dense forest where Glide River splits out, populated by the type of Aviarians that are humanoid insects. It is home to Peony. 9. Flutter Rock- A large rock on a stony beach that is an entrance to a large cave. It is part of a long connecting network of caves that run all across the kingdom. 10. Aero Heights- A large, craggy mountain range with peaks that reach the highest altitudes in the kingdom. There is a large waterfall here that is part of Glide River. 11. Port Windborne- A harbor town located in the western part of the kingdom. Aquatic Aviarians live here. 12. Sweeping Shore- The shoreline all around Port Windborne. 13. Soaring Sea- The malevolent sea that must be sailed through in order to get to Ryukyu Island. 14. Ryukyu Island- A mysterious island just a few miles away from the Aviarian mainland. 15. Sprixie Village- A Sprixie immigrant community in the west of the kingdom.

Currency Aviaria uses quetzal coins as its form of currency. Ten quetzal coins is equivalent to one Mushroom Kingdom coin. Princess Harpy has a little trouble keeping up with the current exchange rate.

Names In Other Languages Japanese: エヴィエリア (Ehviehria) (Aviaria) Korean: 비행 왕국 (bihaeng wangguk) (Flying Kingdom) French: Volante (Derived from volant, the French word for “flying.”) German: Flügelland (Wing Land) Italian: Volaria (Derived from volare, the Italian word for “fly.”) Spanish: Reino de Vuelo (Kingdom of Flight)

Trivia - As there is a community of Sprixies living in Aviaria, the Sprixie Kingdom from Super Mario 3D World exists in the Mario & Luigi canon. - Ryukyu Island is named after the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, which have interesting species of birds living there. - Soaring Sea is actually an inlet, and Ryukyu Island is near the middle of said inlet. 

Thanks to @ra1nb0w-ph0en1x for the Japanese translation! If anybody wants to create the full picture for me (I can’t digitally draw), I would be honored! Make sure you add more hills and slopes, though, ‘cause I only sketched out the main locations.

*If there actually was an installment in the series in which Aviaria appeared, this is what I think it would be called. Something like this.

———

Princess Harpy is an eagle Aviarian. She is a very courageous and bold ruler. She has made it her top priority to protect everyone from anything that may threaten them. She always has her eyes out for danger, and she encourages her people to keep their homes heavily fortified. She is defensive of herself; if she ever were captured, she'd try to look for a way to get herself out. The best thing about Harpy is that she will never, ever give up on anyone. While Harpy is very brave, she is a bit too aggressive and assertive. She is also quite stubborn about some things, and she can be too tenacious. Harpy has powerful senses of sight and hearing, and she's nimble. She is very good at focusing on a task, and she is also an excellent flyer. When it comes to her physical weaknesses, she is sensitive to pollen, and she can lose control of her senses if there is too much happening.

Crowena is a crow Aviarian, and in addition to being Harpy's royal advisor, she also acts as a spy. She is smart, clever, crafty and a little playful. She has been known to never run away from any kind of challenge, and she's also very sneaky. She enjoys being fashionable; she often stops by Mall Landing to see what they've got on their catalog since it changes often. Crowena is good at adapting to new conditions and uses her surroundings to her advantage. She has a bit of a thirst for drama, so she can sometimes say something that causes an argument. Crowena is good at flying, but she considers herself to be better at using her trusty knife. She uses it to cut through rope, leaves and other things. She has great expertise in stealth and espionage, and she's good at covering her tracks. She has sensitive skin, and she's intolerant to gluten. She also has some seasonal allergies.

Peony is a mayfly Aviarian who lives in Cicada Creek. He is a curious and feisty mayfly who is fairly level-headed and good at noticing things. He seems to know his way around Cicada Creek very well, so if you ever decide to stop by, he'll be more than happy to show you around. He is very easily bored and loves it whenever something interesting is happening, but he doesn't like to get dirty. He likes to walk around instead of fly because even though his wings could use that exercise, he views walking as an "everyday hiking trip." Though Peony knows right from wrong pretty well, he is a little naive. He is sort of high-strung, tending to argue with people over little problems. He likes to eat, and he emotionally eats to cope with boredom. While Peony has good navigation skills, his body is very delicate; he can be reckless and unaware of this fact. Peony has actually heard of the Mario bros. and can't get enough of hearing about their adventures. They partially inspire Peony to be adventurous himself. Peony would love to meet the Mario bros. and would be honored to help them get around Cicada Creek.

———

Cassie is a cassowary Aviarian and the leader of a delinquent gang. She is a brash and rowdy bird who is best known for her very mischievous nature. While she is confident and snarky, Cassie is also reclusive, preferring to do things on her own or with just her team. Cassie is defensive of herself, which is why she always carries her spear around with her. Her defensiveness may have something to do with the easily unnoticeable scars on her neck. Cassie's biggest weakness is her terrible judgement; she does not follow any sort of moral code. Her prankish nature becomes troublesome to her and other people, especially to Princess Harpy. Cassie can't fly, but she has good spearmanship and is an excellent jumper. She also moves around very fast.

Lambert is a lammergeier, or bearded vulture. He is a huge carnivore, and he even eats the bones. He is the most stylish and fancy, and he will typically announce when someone has been pranked by the gang. He is an artist who will experiment with design and color, and he is a bit of a trickster. He will trick you into giving him the last pizza slice. Instead of sarcasm, Lambert will usually act dramatic. He is a little pretentious, but he does have a pretty good memory.

Barrel is a barred owl who is the best at sneaking, but he's not as good as Crowena. When going out, he likes to come prepared; he always keeps his stake on him just in case he needs to poke a hole in the ground. Barrel's fingernails and toenails work like talons, but he does not like his toenails being claws, so he trims them. He has a good sense of touch; touching soft or fluffy things make him happy. Because of that, he has a bunch of plush toys. He has a powerful voice and is great at singing.

Gilbert is a seagull, specifically a European herring gull. Gilbert is pretty loud, and he is the best at stealing things. He will go out of his way to catch anything he sees. Gilbert is quite greedy and aggressive, but he cares about his friends. While Lambert tries to swindle you into giving him the last pizza slice, Gilbert will outright steal it. Gilbert is toilet-trained, but if he needs to go badly enough, he'll go wherever is the most convenient for him. If something goes wrong, Gilbert will alert the group by blowing his airhorn. He often daydreams of going sailing.

The delinquents camp out together in Hunter Hideout, a cavern in Swoop Valley that's close to Aero Heights. To the other delinquents, it's like a clubhouse, but to Cassie, it's a permanent home. The gang comes from different places and different age groups. Lambert is in his 30s, Cassie is in her 20s, Barrel is about 18 or 19, and Gilbert is around 13 or 14. They are all united under one thing: mischief. They like to mess with people simply because they think it's fun. Princess Harpy knows them all well, and they especially like to play with her. She and Crowena chase after them whenever they spot them causing trouble. No one knows for sure why this group loves making mischief so much. Something could be up with Cassie or the entire group, but they’ve never revealed their pasts to anyone.

———

Here are some other notable Aviarians:

Georgette is a cockatoo who sticks her hair up like a cockatoo's feathers do. Blush is a flamingo who wears a boa around her neck. They’re super, super chatty and outgoing, and they run a fashion store in Mall Landing. You can go to their store to buy gear.

Siobhan is a swan who also works at the mall. She is prideful, graceful, and loves to show off her catalog to her customers. You can go to her store to buy items.

Shiver is a snowy owl who lives in Aero Heights. They are mostly up during the day, but they are a huge night owl. They love to hop around the mountains searching for treasure, if they didn't stay up so late that they're all sleepy the next day. She is actually quite a genius, as she has built her own treasure detector. Shiver is non-binary and gender questioning, and she uses she/they.

Selene is a sleek luna moth who works as the Black Witch’s apprentice. Peony seems to be very interested in her job, but she thinks he’s being nosy.

The Black Witch is, as her name suggests, a black witch moth. She lives very close to Flutter Rock. She can conjure up items that will help you in battle. She can also predict events that happen around Aviaria.

Luna lives in Port Windborne. She is a calm loon who is skilled in making and using hammers. So, if you visit her house, she can upgrade your hammers to make them stronger, like the Hammerhead Bros. do in Superstar Saga.

The Muffin Puffin also lives in Port Windborne. He bakes muffins that will fully restore your HP and BP. He is often seen walking around the town, going out of his way to sell his muffins. So, if you want to buy some healing muffins from him, you’ll have to stop him while he’s walking around.

And here is the fake wiki page I’ve made for these people!

First Appearance: Mario & Luigi: Birds of Prey Variants: Aquatic Aviarians Notable Members: Princess Harpy, Crowena, Cassie, Barrel, Lambert, Gilbert, Peony, Siobhan, Georgette, Blush, Shiver, Selene, The Black Witch, Luna, The Muffin Puffin

Aviarians are a species native to the kingdom of Aviaria, an ally to the Mushroom Kingdom. They appear to be humanoid representations of different birds, different insects and flying fish. They vary in height, shape, type of wings and hair color. They seem to be a very energetic people, and they value security of their areas.

Locations like Hoverside are populated by smaller bird and flying animal humanoids like pigeons, sparrows, finches, and flying squirrels. Colorful and elegant birds like cockatoos, swans and flamingoes are employees at Mall Landing. The areas outside of it, like Swoop Valley and Aero Heights, are home to larger birds and birds of prey, like hawks, falcons, condors and vultures. Bat humanoids dwell within in the network of caverns. The woods of Cicada Creek are where the insect humanoids live, such as moths, dragonflies, cicadas, ladybugs and mayflies.

Aquatic Aviarians are Aviarians that are more partial to swimming than flying. Their ears are a little bit rounder. Most of them live in Port Windborne and Sweeping Shore. Some are flightless birds and waterfowl like penguins, puffins, loons and ducks. Others are flying fish. Luna and the Muffin Puffin are notable Aquatic Aviarians with their bird counterparts being a loon and a puffin respectively.

Names In Other Languages Japanese: エヴィエリエヌス (Ehviehrienusu) (Aviarians) Korean: 날개 사람들 (nalgae salamdeul) (Wing people) French: Gens de L'aile (Wing people) German: Geflügelte Menschen (Winged people) Italian: Popolo aviario (Avian people) Spanish: Gente voladora (Flying people)

———

Opal von Mongoletto and her pet snow leopard Dalmatian are two of the only inhabitants of Ryukyu Island. Not much is known about the island and no one has visited it. The swirls on Opal’s cheeks indicate that she is a psychic human, able to see into people’s memories and make herself spiritually present in other locations. Opal has a nervous, reclusive nature. She has tried to socialize with the creatures on the island, but it didn't work out that much. Opal still has an adventurous and wild personality. Athletics are her main passion; if you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up, she'll tell you she wants to be a gymnast. She, her grandmother (Sapphire) and her mother (Mindy) were on the run from hunters, but they couldn’t make it through a terrible tsunami. Similar to Peach in “Super Princess Peach,” Opal uses her parasol like a weapon, and also a parachute.

Mindy is a little overprotective, but she is generally kind and caring, and she just wants to keep her family safe. Sapphire is just as caring, but she is very funny and upbeat. Jasper is cautious, patient, and a little bit adventurous; he is doing whatever it takes to find his family, going wherever they might be.

One day when Opal was young, Jasper accidentally revealed his swirls to the public, causing everybody to freak out and want to track down psychic humans like him. Because this caused their mountain home, the Facet Alps, to not be safe anymore, Opal and her family were forced to leave, but Jasper ran away with unknown whereabouts now.

Sapphire’s hair is green because that’s a thing that happens with this psychic human species. If they have a child, a certain gemstone is bestowed upon the child, and they are named after this gemstone. When the people get old, their hair turns the color of the gemstone their child was given. Because Moldavite is forest green, Sapphire’s hair is now that color. Her parents’ hair are now blue. Mindy and Jasper’s hair will turn pretty rainbow colors when they get older since Opal’s gemstone has those colors. Psychic people who decide not to have children will have their hair turn gray like our hair does.

#Mario franchise #Mario & Luigi #oc #ocs #my ocs #Princess Harpy #Crowena #Peony #Cassie #Lambert #Barrel #Gilbert #Georgette #Blush #Siobhan #Shiver #Selene #The Black Witch #Luna #The Muffin Puffin #Opal von Mongoletto #Mindy von Mongoletto #Jasper von Mongoletto #Sapphire Edelstein #fake wiki pages

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

The Munro he’s climbed, is the ridge route on Beinn a'Ghlo is the hills range passing Blair Atholl, he’s walking in late September, after the midges had disappeared and before the really short days come around.

This is what Beinn a' Ghlò is all about.

The view from Carn Liath towards Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain in the centre and Carn nan Gabhar, the whole of the walk onwards can be seen from this point.

Beinn a' Ghlò

(Hill of the Veil or Mist)

Beinn a' Ghlò is a Scottish mountain situated roughly 6 mi (10 km) northeast of Blair Atholl in the Forest of Atholl in between Glen Tilt and Glen Loch, in Cairngorms National Park. Along its crests are three Munro summits, Carn Liath, Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Carn nan Gabhar, giving a strenuous day.

It’s more a range of hills than a single peak, Beinn a' Ghlò summits may be rounded, but the steep flanks and sculpted form of this great massif make for a good outing.

The climb continues less steeply, round the edge of a scooped corrie to reach the summit cairn of Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain, the central one of Beinn a'Ghlò's three peaks.

Always the wilderness scenery of rocky hills is covered by thick mist in Scotland.

Behind him Loch Moraig a tranquil loch in the hills above Blair Atholl, at Beinn a' Ghlo Massif.

He’s on route to Beinn a' Ghlo Massif rises up out of the moorland and is made up of four distinct summits, which together form one of the biggest mountains in Perthshire.

His whole walk could taken around ten hours (including breaks for meals) for the 19 mile walk and approximately 4700 feet of ascent .

At the top of Beinn a' Chreachain

This is the summit: the cairn at the Beinn a'Ghlo ridge.

Beinn Dòrain is one of the most instantly recognisable Munros in the southern Highlands, a huge conical peak that dominates the A82 when driving north from Tyndrum. Its ascent can easily be combined with neighbouring Beinn an Dòthaidh which has a fine outlook over Rannoch Moor.

Looking back towards Carn Liath and a possible escape route down into the valley of the Allt Bealach an Fhiodha.

These mountains are steep in parts and difficult to navigate in the most, eroded paths, with some wet sections. Paths may be indistinct, and navigation skills required. Some people must Understand that skills are not transferable.

Besides reading the description of each walking route, you must have experience in this walk. There are experts in Scotland on how to handle a camera and shoot 🎥 video a distancing in the highlands, it's not just about having skills in making a TikTok.

But, You can Add this walk to your wishlist.

Beinn Dorain from the summit of Beinn an Dothaidh

[whoneedsapublisher]

Snow on Skye

Another Wake Up Challenger fic, for "Challenge 3: Write a fic that involves a real life place" and "Challenge 4: Write a fic that involves weather (rain, snow, etc)" . NozoNico.

Words: ~900

Summary: Despite how far north it is, Skye is, like much of Scotland, fairly temperate. It's rarely hot, but doesn't drop below freezing as often as you might expect, and other than at the peaks of the mountains, snow is something a rare sight. Sometimes, though, the unliklely happens at the best moment.

Also on Ao3

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

Snow fell quietly in the cold morning. Flakes drifted down lazily from the sky, coming to rest on nothing but more snow, the land below already coated in white. The landscape was not so buried as to be featureless, with the sagging boughs of tall pines still jutting up from the frozen earth, and the peaks and valleys of the mountains standing firm beneath the winter blanket, but no surface was free from the top layer. Of course, the sea would be immune to such treatment, but tucked away as they were, even on an island as narrow as Skye the sea was out of sight.

It was the kind of day that it was nice to feel warm on. A day to sit by the window wrapped in a blanket and staring outside with a mug of hot chocolate in a warm room, snug and comfortable as you held winter at bay.

Of course, normally Nozomi would be doing that with the comfortable consistency and ease of internal heating. Today, though, she found herself relying on the much more old fashioned warmth of a roaring fire. Which meant that before she could huddle up inside and enjoy the snow the way it was meant to be appreciated, she was forced to bundle up in layers upon layers of clothing and shuffle her way through the frigid air to retrieve the logs.

She had briefly considered bullying Nico into doing it, she had to admit. But she if she did that, Nico might punish her by not making breakfast, and Nozomi ultimately decided that she was willing to suffer the ice and snow if it meant having some perfectly done bacon to accompany her hot chocolate.

And besides, she told herself, as she closed her eyes against a sudden flurry blowing into her face, she’d appreciate the warmth more for the contrast.

Still, she didn’t need that much contrast, and getting to the logs was proving to be distressingly slow work. She thanked her lucky stars that at least the cabin had come with a nice stockpile of already cut wood, so that she wouldn’t have to try to dig out the axe and cut her own wood in this weather. Although at least that would warm her up.

It was at least ten minutes later when she finally pushed the front door open again, staggering inside with the basket of wood and closing the door behind her.

The inside of the house was already a relief from the outside, but it was not the toasty revival that she craved. Nozomi quickly set about the business of stripping off enough of her snow clothing to free her hands and avoid tracking snow inside, and then started on the fire.

By the time Nico groggily wandered into the living room in her bathrobe, the fire had finally started to warm up the room, and Nozomi was curled up on the couch beneath a pile of blankets.

“G’morning…” Nico mumbled.

“Good morning, Niccochi,” Nozomi said, poking her head out to smile at her wife. Wife. Oh, what a wonderful word.

Nico, though, didn’t seem all together too moved, shambling into the kitchen as if Nozomi had raised her fresh from the grave and sent her off to menace the living. Oh well. She’d wake up properly soon enough.

It didn’t take very long. Soon, the sizzling of grease and the smell of breakfast started to waft from the kitchen. Nozomi sat up and wrapped the blanket around her as the warmth from the fire began to fill the room.

“Isn’t snow supposed to be rare in Skye?” Nico asked, walking into the living room with two plates of bacon and eggs. She sat one down next to Nozomi’s hot chocolate, and then took a seat beside her with the other.

“That’s what the guide said,” Nozomi said. “But we’re relatively far inland, I suppose, so it’s not impossible. Maybe we’re just lucky.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m lucky, yeah,” Nico mumbled.

Nozomi smiled and reached out to hold Nico’s hand, revelling in the novel feeling of the ring on her finger. They’d already had the ceremony back in Japan, of course- a destination wedding was a bit too pricy- but Nico had resolutely refused to wear the ring until they were officially married. A quick stop off at an Edinburgh courthouse had taken care of that, though, and after that it had been time for their honeymoon on the Isle of Skye, tucked away in a quiet little cabin.

The scenery was just as beautiful as it had been in the photos. And her and Nico had taken plenty of their own photos on the drive up. But for now, for this morning, neither of them were eager to go out and explore the sights. The snow was a perfect excuse to stay inside and enjoy their time alone.

Being married didn’t change all that much. They were only here for a few days, and then it was back to work and back to the same co-habitation they’d shared for years. They weren’t combining marriage with starting a life together, or adopting, or any other huge change. At this point, it was more just something they were finally getting around to doing.

But Nozomi liked having a wife. And she was sure that Nico felt the same way.

#love live #nozonico

[2hatranslation]

Chapter Two: This Venerable One Lives

“My heart feels like stagnant water though despite the cold nights which felt as if they’ve lasted thirty-nine years, the light of spring still manages to shine through. Could it be that the Heavens are finally pitying this stalk of valley grass, and yet how fearful I am still, of the frost and rain.”¹

He heard a woman yelling in a crisp voice, her voice jingled like jade unpleasantly scratching, giving Mo Ran a splintering headache. 

“What is that noise? Who is screaming like a ghost? Come, send me someone to beat this bitch away from the mountain!” 

After listening to the angry yelling, Mo Ran was shocked.

…Wasn’t he dead?

Hatred and coldness ached in his chest and Mo Ran opened his eyes quickly. 

Just like that, his death and past life scattered as if the wind had blown it away.²  He found that he was lying in a bed, not in a coffin. The bed was carved with dragons and painted phoenixes. The fragrant wood was heavily perfumed, and the bedding was a pink so red that it resembled purple, embroidered with mandarin ducks playing in the water. This was the sort of bed that a prostitute would sleep on!

“...”

Mo Ran stiffened for a second.

He knew where this was. 

This was an entertainment hall³ near Sisheng Peak! 

This sort of hole-in-the-wall place was a brothel. A type of fly-by-night operation that allowed its inhabitants and their guests to gather quickly and disperse just as quickly. 

When Mo Ran was younger, he was very much a slut and slept at a brothel ten out of every fifteen days. However, this brothel went bankrupt when he was in his twenties and later became a wine shop. After his death, he ended up appearing at this brothel that hadn’t existed for quite some time. What was going on?

Could it be that he was so evil in his past life, ruining countless boys and girls, that he was punished by the god of the underworld to stay in hell, picking up customers? 

Mo Ran's thoughts were wild, turning and twisting around until unconsciously he rolled over.

Surprisingly, there was a figure beside him that was fast asleep. 

“...”

What was this situation?! Why was there a man lying beside him??

And a naked man too!

The man had young but exquisite features. His complexion was a lovely snow-pale, with androgynonous features. 

While Mo Ran was expressionless, his heart was turbulent, staring at the pretty little pale face who was still fast asleep and suddenly remembered.

Wasn’t this his childhood paramour named Rong San?

Or was it Rong Jiu? 

It didn’t matter whether it’s “San” or “Jiu,” what was important was that this boy died of a venereal disease and his bones should have all rotted away. However, in this moment, he was alive, carefully nestled in his bed, his shoulders and neck exposed by his rich brocade quilt, skin covered in blue and purple bruises, the evidence of prior love making! 

Mo Ran’s face colored, lifting the quilt as his eyes roamed down.

“...”

It didn’t matter if it’s “Jiu” or “San,” let’s just call him “Rong Jiu.” The little beauty Rong Jiu was covered with whip marks, his pale, jade-like thigh was bound with several red ropes. 

Mo Ran touched his cheek, secretly sighing. Oh, this was fun. 

He looked at the exquisite rope art, similar to his own skillful techniques, this sight familiar. 

…Wasn't this done by his own actions?!!

He was a cultivator who had some knowledge towards rebirth. At this moment, he couldn’t help but start to doubt that he was actually back.

In order to confirm his thoughts, Mo Ran looked for a nearby mirror. While the bronze mirror was in bad shape, he could still make out his own appearance in its dim yellow haze. 

When Mo Ran had died, he could stand on his own already at the age of thirty two.⁴ But at this moment, his reflection’s face was actually quite childish, with his handsome eyebrows, he had the look of a cocksure fifteen or sixteen year old.

There was no one else in this bedroom. And so, the tyrant of the cultivation world, the bully of Shu, the Emperor of the human realm, the young master of Sisheng Peak, the one called Taxian-Jun or the “One Who Stepped Upon Immortals,'' after a long period of silence, honestly expressed his genuine feelings.

“Fuck…” 

The statement startled⁵ the sleeping Rong Jiu awake. 

The beauty sat up lazily, the thin brocade cloth that had been draped over his body slid down his shoulders, revealing a dazzlingly white expanse of skin. His long, soft curls covered his body as he blinked a pair of sleepy peach-blossom shaped eyes. His eyes, tinged with residual redness, were heavy and unfocused as he yawned. 

“Um...Young Master Mo, you woke up so early today.” 

Mo Ran could not utter a sound. It was as if he was transported back to ten years ago. He had really liked Rong Jiu, this slight and coquettish, pinnacle of beauty,⁶ but now, the thirty-two year old Taxian-Jun wondered what he was even thinking to have found him attractive. 

“Did you not sleep well last night? Did you have a nightmare?” 

This Venerable One is dead and you call it a nightmare! 

Rong Jiu saw that he hadn't spoken for quite some time, and noticed that he was in a bad mood, so he got up and got out of bed, coming to the carved wooden window before pulling Mo Ran into his embrace. 

"Young Master Mo, you pay attention to me; why are you so dazed, ignoring me?" 

As he held Mo Ran, Mo Ran's face turned blue and he wanted to tear the flesh from this little seductor’s back immediately, to scratch seventeen or eighteen lines down his cheek, but he held it back.

He felt dizzy, still not understanding the situation.

After all, if he really was born again, if yesterday he had fucked Rong Jiu⁷ but then beat his face swollen, he was the same as before. That kind of behavior would be no different from being mentally fucked up. It was not appropriate, it was very wrong. 

Mo Ran sorted out his emotions and asked casually, “What month and day is it?” 

Rong Jiu was surprised, but then he smiled and said, “It’s the fourth day of May.”

“The thirty-third year?”

“That was last year, this year is the thirty-fourth year. Young Master Mo really is a forgetful nobleman; the more powerful he becomes, the more he forgets.”⁸

Thirty-fourth year...

Mo Ran’s eyes grew dark as his thoughts raced.

During the thirty-fourth year, and himself still at fifteen years old, he had just been recognized by the Lord of Sisheng Peak as a long-lost nephew, rising from a mangy dog who was easily bulliable to a phoenix of a noble house.⁹

So, he was truly reborn then?

Or was this just an empty dream after his death?

Rong Jiu smiled and said, “Young Master Mo, I see that your hunger has made you dizzy to the point that you can’t even remember what day it is. You sit for a while, I’ll go to the kitchen and bring you some food. How does that sound?”

Mo Ran, newly reborn and still unable to really deal with the implications of everything, remembered what he used to do. He was always charming and romantic, and so enduring his nausea, he grinned and pinched Rong Jiu’s leg. 

“Very well. I want a bowl of porridge, and I want you to feed me when you return.”

Rong Jiu put on his clothes and left. After a while, he came back with a wooden tray with a bowl of pumpkin porridge, two youtiao,¹⁰ and a plate of side dishes.

Mo Ran was just a little hungry, so he grabbed at one of the pieces of bread to enjoy, however, Rong Jiu suddenly pulled his hand away and said, “I’ll feed you so just enjoy.”

“...”

Rong Jiu picked up a piece of the fried cake and sat on Mo Ran’s leg. He wore a thin robe and wasn’t wearing anything underneath. His pale, slender thighs straddled Mo Ran and brushed against Mo Ran’s skin, grinding temptingly in a way that left no room for ambiguity about the purpose of his actions. 

Mo Ran stared at Rong Jiu’s face for a little while.

Rong Jiu probably assumed that he was horny again. “Why are you staring at me? The food is going to get cold.”

Mo Ran remained silent. Thinking of the pleasurable things that they had done together during his past life, he slowly rubbed the corners of his mouth with a sweetly charming smile. 

He had done a lot of disgusting things in his life. If he really wanted to, he could do anything, no matter how disgusting. At this moment, he was merely putting on an act, a child’s trick like this comparatively was nothing. 

Mo Ran carelessly leaned back against the chair, smiling. “Sit.”

“I...I am sitting here.” 

“You know where I’m telling you to sit.”

Rong Jiu’s face flushed. “So anxious! How about when the Young Master finishes ea— ah!”

But before he could finish speaking, he was dragged up by Mo Ran who slammed him forward and pressed him down. Rong Jiu’s hands were shaking as the porridge bowl fell to the ground. He stuttered, “Young Master Mo, the bowl…”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“But you should eat...nn...ah!”

“Am I not eating right now?” Mo Ran’s grip tightened upon his waist, the sight of Rong Jiu’s lovely neck and pretty appearance reflected in his pitch black eyes. 

During his last lifetime, he had loved kissing those captivating red lips during intimacy. After all, Rong Jiu was lovely and could say all the right things to turn him on. It wouldn’t have been a lie to say that Mo Ran cared for him. 

But now, knowing what dirty things that Rong Jiu’s lips had done to him behind his back, Mo Ran felt that instead, his mouth was foul and disgusting and he definitely didn’t want to kiss him. 

The thirty-two year old Mo Ran was different from the sixteen year old Mo Ran.

For example, the sixteen year old knew how to be gentle, how to love and be intimate. However, the thirty-two year old only had desolation in his heart. 

Afterwards, gazing at Rong Jiu who had passed out after having the life fucked out of him, the turmoil lifted from Mo Ran’s half-closed eyes, now even shining with some hidden joy. He was very attractive when he smiled, his eyes were a deep, rich black rimmed with a ring of arrogant violet that shined at certain angles. Pulling Rong Jiu onto the bed by his hair, he casually picked up a shard of broken pottery from the ground, brushing it against Rong Jiu’s sleeping face. 

He was someone who always paid back his grievances;¹¹ today was no different. 

Thinking about how he had financially provided for Rong Jiu, how he had even thought about purchasing his freedom, and then how Rong Jiu had schemed against him to pay back his kindness, his eyes squinted as his lips curled into a smirk, pressing the shard of broken pottery against Rong Jiu’s cheek. 

In the flesh trade, if he didn’t have a pretty face, he would have nothing. 

This vulgar man would have to live on the streets like a dog, crawling on the ground only to be kicked by boots and abused... just thinking about it made him so happy that the nausea from fucking him dispersed.¹²

Mo Ran’s smirk grew even lovelier.  

With just some applied pressure, a thread of blood, gloriously red in color, trickled out. 

Though he was unconscious, Rong Jiu must have felt the pain and whimpered softly with a hoarse voice, looking pitiful with tears clinging to his lashes. 

Mo Ran stopped. 

He remembered a friend of his. 

“....”

He realized what he was doing. It took him a few seconds to come back to himself as he slowly, carefully lowered his hand.

He was such an evil person that it had become his personality. He only just remembered that he was reborn. 

Right now, nothing had happened yet, that incident hadn’t even happened yet, that person… hadn’t even died yet. Why did he need to walk the same cruel path when he could simply do it over?

He sat down with his feet dangling by the side of the bed and casually played with the shard of pottery in his hand. Seeing the greasy pastries still on the table, he took them over, peeled away the greasy paper and took a large mouthful and then another mouthful, face almost shiny with grease. 

This pastry was the main dish of this entertainment house. It was really not so delicious and, compared with the delicacies upon delicacies that he had tasted later, it felt like he was chewing wax, but after this entertainment house closed, he had never tasted it again. At this moment, the familiar taste of the pancakes brought him back to reality, the taste of reality on his tongue. 

Every time he swallowed, he became more convinced that he was truly reborn.

After the entire pastry was finished, he finally recovered from his confusion.

He really was born again.

All the evil things that he had done in his life, all the irrevocable things haven’t even happened yet.

He did not kill his martial family, did not massacre the seventy-two fortresses of Rufeng, did not trick his teachers and destroy his ancestors, he did not get married, he did not…

No one was dead yet. 

He smacked his mouth, licking around his white teeth. He felt a tiny ray of joy in his chest, expanding rapidly with the same enthusiasm as an ocean torrent.¹³ He had been a man known all over the world during his lifetime¹⁴ due to his knowledge of the three forbidden arts. He had been proficient in the first two; they were all cultivation techniques. Only the last one, “reincarnation,” was something that he couldn’t manage, despite his intelligence. 

Unexpectedly, what he couldn’t have achieved in his last lifetime had come true after death.

After all the pain, his hatred, the desolation and loneliness, his ambivalence from his previous life rumbled in his chest, the sight of the army marching upon Sisheng Peak, their overwhelming force. 

He didn’t want to live like that anymore. Everyone said that he was born under a vicious star,¹⁵ that he was fated to die alone. Everyone had eventually turned their backs on him. In the end, even he had felt like he was already dead, unable to communicate and so, so lonely.

He didn’t know what went wrong for a heinous person like him to deserve a second chance. 

Why did he want to destroy Rong Jiu’s face from such a small grudge that happened so long ago?

Rong Jiu’s favorite thing was money. This time, he wouldn’t pay him for his services, and would also skim a little money from the top just to teach him a lesson. He didn’t want to be responsible for the other’s life, at least not now. 

“This is me going easy on you, Rong Jiu,”¹⁶ Mo Ran said with a smile, tossing the piece of porcelain out the window. 

Then, he ransacked Rong Jiu’s jewels and valuables before stuffing it all into his own bag. He took his time dressing before jauntily strolling out of the entertainment house. 

Uncle, Aunt, Cousin Xue Meng, Shizun, and…

Mo Ran’s eyes softened at the thought of that person.

Shige, I’m coming…

——

Footnotes:

1. Okay so this line has some what similarities to Hong Yingming’s “Cai Gen Tan” with some lines directly and poetically taken from there. There are definitely some Heaven's Light vibes from the Hunchback of Notre Dame so I’m translating this a little bit more literally so that readers can appreciate Meatbun’s prose. The direct Mandarin is “我本已心如死水万念灰，却不料三九寒夜透春光，莫不是天意偏怜幽谷草，怕只怕世态炎凉多风霜” and according to Weibo, this line is considered one of Meatbun’s best lines. 

2. 风吹雪散 directly translates to “the wind blows at the snow and scatters the clouds” 

3. The phrase is “瓦子” which conveys something small and shoddy, very much a “fly by night” sort of operation. According to my research on Beidu, these operations were quite common during the Northern Song Dynasty, and referenced in Wu Zimu's "Menglianglu" with the line “来时瓦合，去时瓦解'' translated to “to build with you come, to collapse when you go,” a very shaky enterprise. 

4. 立之年 or “the year of standing.” A Confucian statement which means “at the age of [30] a man can fully stand on his own, is self sufficient.” 飞扬跋扈 means “the arrogance of youths” so given that it’s Mo Ran, I wanted to translate as “cocksureness” but you can also go with “youthful arrogance.” 

5. So here’s a really funny play on words because 操 in 操醒了 is the same 操 as “fuck.” 

6. 千娇百媚 is an idiom meaning “the height of beauty,” It originates from Chen Xuling’s “Miscellaneous” poem from the line “绿黛红颜两相发，千娇百态情无歇,” as well as Tang Zhang Wencheng’s “Youth in the Caves of Immortals” line “千娇百媚，造次无可比方；弱体轻身，谈之不能备尽.”

7. 颠鸳倒凤 is a colloquialism for having sex in more classic novels from Yuan Wang’s “West Chamber.” It means for the young luan (a mythical beast) to turn the phoenix.  

8. 贵人多忘事 is translated to "noblemen really have short memories;" it's an idiom that was used to criticize how high-ranking officials were arrogant and didn't 'remember' to take care of their old friends, used as an insult. Here, Rong Jiu is saying as Mo Ran gets stronger, the less he values Rong Jiu.

9. 枝头的凤凰 is an idiom that means “your value is determined by your family.”

10. Fried pieces of dough. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youtiao 

11. 睚眦必报 — This chengyu originates from Sima Qian’s “Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of Fan Ju and Cai Ze” in the Western Han Dynasty. It’s used to mean “even the smallest resentment must be revenged” and is a derogatory idiom.

12. 消云散了 is a chengyu meaning “vanished like smoke” and originates from Xu Fanting’s “Three Years of Unspoken Words.” Mo Ran’s nausea over fucking Rong Jiu “disappears like smoke.”

13. 惊涛骇浪 or “ocean current” is particularly a great current full of terrifying turbulence. It comes from Tang Tian Ying’s “The Collected Works of Yushan Hall: The Story of Haiyunlou.” In this instance, this ocean current is a metaphor to express Mo Ran’s exuberant happiness at his realization that no one has died yet, he's so adorable! He's excited like a puppy!

14. In the next sentence, 叱咤风云 “globally renown” is from “Liang Shu Yuandi Ji,” describing a sensational, prestigious general. Essentially meaning omnipotent.

15. 命主孤煞 is a chengyu meaning “born under a vicious star.” (https://www.yamab2b.com/zhouyi/MzNiZjg=.html here’s a source you can translate to read more)

16. 便宜你了 — I’ve translated it here as “I’ve let you off easy.” Essentially, it means to take advantage of or profit from someone else’s expense.

#2ha #2ha spoilers #husky and his white cat shizun #dumb husky and his white cat shizun #meatbun doesn't eat meat #erha #erha spoilers #ranwan #mo ran #chu wanning #danmei

[beyond-the-limits-trek]

Everest Three Passes Trek | Everest Region Trekking

The breathtaking journey of Three Passes Trek includes famous passes like Renjo La, Cho La, and Khongmala Pass giving you a lifetime experience of an incredible journey. These passes are known as High Pass Trekking in the Everest Region. Three-pass Trekking in the Everest region is very popular among adventure lovers.  Physical fitness and an adventurous attitude are necessary. We start our trek with a direct flight to Lukla's Tenzing Hilary Airport, one of the world's top ten most thrilling airports. There is now a Jeep that travels from Kathmandu to Salleri. From there, take a different local Jeep to Bupsa to begin the hike to the High Pass. If you choose to fly into Lukla from Kathmandu or Ramchechhap, it will take you around three hours to walk from the airport to our first destination, Phakding. From there, we proceed northward to the Dudh Kosi Valley and the affluent mountain village of Namche Bazaar.

Trip Details

Destination: Everest Three Passes Peak

Trip Difficulty: Strenuous

Trip Style: Trekking and Tour

Transport: Private Vehicle / Aeroplane

Food: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel + Teahouses + Lodges

Group Size: 1-16

Max Elevation: 5545m Kala Patthar

Best Months: Feb, Mar, April, May, June, Sept, Oct, Nov & Dec

Activity Per Day: Approximately 4-7 hrs walking

Trek Highlights

Scenic flight to Lukla

Namche Bazaar (Gateway to Mt Everest)

Thame Valley and Monastery 

The stunning view of Mt everest

Tengboche Monastery

Amazing view of famous peak Ama Dablam

Cross three 5000 meters passes: Kongma La(5,535m), Cho La(5,380m) and Renjo La(5,388m)

For additional information or trip customization, contact us at:

[phone] - Saroj (WhatsApp, Viber)

[phone]

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.beyondthelimitstreks.com/everest-three-pass-trek

#Everest Three Passes Trek #ebc trek

[bestentours11]

9 Most Adventurous Things to Do in Our France Tour Packages

France, with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, offers endless opportunities for adventure seekers. If you're craving excitement and adrenaline on your vacation, our France tour packages have got you covered. From soaring above the French Alps to exploring hidden caves, here are the 9 most adventurous things to do on your French getaway. 1. Paragliding in the French Alps: Experience the thrill of flying like a bird as you paraglide over the stunning landscapes of the French Alps. Take in panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and pristine lakes, all while feeling the rush of the wind beneath your wings. It's an adventure you'll never forget. 2. Rock Climbing in Fontainebleau: Test your skills and challenge your limits with a rock climbing adventure in Fontainebleau. Known for its world-class bouldering, this forested area offers countless routes for climbers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Fontainebleau promises an exhilarating experience. 3. White Water Rafting in the Ardeche Gorges: Hold on tight as you navigate the rapids of the Ardeche Gorges on a white water rafting excursion. Feel the adrenaline pump through your veins as you paddle through swirling waters, maneuver around boulders, and conquer thrilling drops. It's an adventure that will leave you breathless and exhilarated. 4. Hiking in the Pyrenees Mountains: Embark on a hiking adventure in the Pyrenees Mountains, where rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and cascading waterfalls await. Choose from a variety of trails ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging treks, and immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of this pristine wilderness in our France tour packages. 5. Caving in the Vercors: Explore the hidden underground world of the Vercors region on a caving expedition. Descend into labyrinthine caves, squeeze through narrow passages, and marvel at stalactites and stalagmites millions of years in the making. It's a thrilling journey into the depths of the earth in our France tour packages. 6. Canyoning in the French Riviera: Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with a canyoning adventure in the French Riviera. Descend into rugged gorges, slide down natural water slides, and leap into crystal-clear pools. With expert guides leading the way, it's an adventure you'll never forget. 7. Hot Air Ballooning over the Loire Valley: Soar high above the picturesque landscapes of the Loire Valley on a hot air ballooning excursion. Drift serenely over lush vineyards, majestic chateaux, and winding rivers, taking in breathtaking views as the sun rises or sets. It's a magical experience that will leave you awe-inspired. 8. Surfing in Biarritz: Hang ten and catch some waves in Biarritz, the surfing capital of France. With its world-class breaks and stunning beaches, Biarritz offers the perfect conditions for surfers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, you'll find plenty of thrills in the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean in our France tour packages. 9. Zip Lining in the French Alps: Soar through the treetops of the French Alps on a zip lining adventure. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you zip from platform to platform, taking in panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and alpine forests below. It's an adventure that will take your breath away. In conclusion, our France tour packages offer a wealth of adventurous experiences for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies alike. Whether you're soaring above the French Alps, exploring hidden caves, or conquering white water rapids, you're sure to find plenty of excitement and adventure on your French getaway book France tour packages.

#France Tour Packages