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vilebird · 9 days

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BOTH TOO MUCH AND NOT ENOUGH

1) "I have been found wanting, Natalie thought; I have made myself unacceptable and am not worthy." - hangsaman, by shirley jackson

2) text: "meat must be beaten brutal into tenderness, that any body softens with violence, she grinds salt into the carcass, like a wound, a memory". image: a carcass of beef, cleaned, with the ribs on prominent display, painted in oils and rendered in thick strokes of red, orange, tan and white, on a plain dark red background. the text is cutouts on top, dark red text on light tan. - Family Portrait as Unfinished Meal, by Torrin A. Greathouse and Le Bœuf by Chaim Soutine. collage put together by @invisiblemonstrosity

3) a pale hand crushing ripe red strawberries, green leaves still attached, on a plain white background. - apparently by ouiloved on flickr, but they seem to have deleted.

4) bust photo of a tan person with a spotlight on them outside in the dark, head turned down, shoulder length messy wet black hair obscuring their face. their hand is raised to their chest and they are wearing a white tank top. fake blood is splattered and wiped around their chest and mouth. - i can't actually find this one all my attempts lead back to unsourced tumblr posts if you know where its from. help me

5: "You have no one who has any sort of consideration for you. You have had patience and endurance, and what have they done for you? Half-killed you." - carlyle’s house and other sketches, by virginia woolf

6: "try your whole life to be righteous and be good, wind up on your own floor, choking on blood" - sept 15th 1983, by the mountain goats

7: "such a waste of a girl, such rumination. i am obsessive. i contain nothing but the replay. i am blood and blood and replay. i am please don't go." - i put the coffin out to sea, by lisa marie basile

8: an image of a partially bald baby bird begging for food, drawn in the desaturated greens and black of a trailcam, on top, the text reads "i am asking you for something i need", on bottom, the text reads "why is it so hard to give it to me?" - trailcam baby, by @quezify

9: "was i raised without love? / or was i born unloveable?" - @psychwarded

10: "I, in my corner, with my monstrous needs." - As Consciousness Is Harnessed to Flesh, susan sontag

11: "oh, i know that i'm not whole, and sometimes feel the flies swarming, like much of me is rotten." - roadkill ode, chad abushanab

12: a photo of a cut tree where much of the centre is rotted from fungus, accompanied by the text: "heart rot in pine. heart rot is the softening of a pine trees resinous heartwood, caused by an in-dwelling fungus. not all pines have it, but those that do make the excavation of a tree-hole next cavity easier for the red-cockaded woodpecker."

13: "rot made a home inside my body." - i know it's from "bloat" but cant find the authors name again. i think it starts with a c?

14: photo of an abandoned house in shades of brown and beige and orange, the walls are wet and scuffed and the drywall has been torn open in places, exposing the old lath. - abandoned, by @jaggedplains

15: photo of a mouldy strawberry, fading from bright red to grey-green fluff - Strawberry Gray Mold disease stock photo, by MediaProduction on gettyimages

16: "you ever feel like you were born with something rotten inside you and if people get close enough they're gonna find out" - tumblr post by @twoheadedfawnn

17: "we are meat, we are potential carcasses,' he once said. 'if i go into a butcher's shop i always think it is surprising that i wasn't there instead of the animal." - francis bacon

18: "you dangle on the leash of your own longing; your need grows teeth." - speeches for dr frankenstein, by margaret atwood

19: photo of a python hanging off a roof coiled around a black and white bird, poised to eat it - i heard some noise on the roof this morning, by candycane7 on reddit

20: "all that matters is that you want to hurt me. all that matters is that you want me." - when rome falls, by yves olade

21: "god told me i was forgiven and then he split me open" - god is made of hunger and i am made of dreams, by katie maria

22: "but this is not about love. once a pig is hung and cut straight, cut from rectum to neck, step inside her death like it is a room: that is how to touch her now. the lord said, you must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses. then came the end of the rib." - oh let's just be hogs, by gregory emilio

23: photo of a strawberry cut in half with its leaves attached. it is bright red, steel knife wet. the background is bright white and plain. - cut strawberry by liz west on flickr

24: photo of a handmade cloth sculpture of a dead autopsied pigeon, red zipper like an incision opening to its empty red interior, small cloth and thread organs arranged around it. - pandora: city pigeon, by jessica bartram

25: '"u need a therapist" actually i need to be euthanized' - tumblr post by deactivated user @122mg

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redgoldsparks · 6 months

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I recently had the opportunity to attend a screening of the documentary No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics (in which I have a 30 second cameo appearance) hosted by my friend and fellow cartoonist Shay Mirk. They made this wonderful interactive zine for the attendees to fill out as we watched the film. Because I've seen the film twice before, I spent a lot of the time really going all out in my zine-doodling. I'm really happy with the result! Transcript below the cut. The all-caps writing is Shay and the mixed lower case writing is mine.

instagram / patreon / portfolio / etsy / my book / redbubble

Page 1 (cover): I watched the movie No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics and all I got was this silly zine!

Page 2: If I started a queer comix magazine, it would be called: GENDER QUEER: PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE

Page 3: Portrait of me as an underground comix artist in the 1970s (portrait of Maia looking like an Oscar Wilde flower child)

Page 4: Quotes I loved from the movie:

"I didn't know who would read this weird book." -Alison Bechdel

"I felt so embraced by the queer comics community." -Rupert Kinnard

"A lesser man would need a hammer." -Scott (Rupert's partner)

"Queer comics have created space for complexity." -Ajuan Mance

Page 5: One thing I learned:

"The movie is just as good the 3rd time!" -Maia

Page 6: My gender identity is (check all that apply):

_ Blob

_ Frog

_ Unknowable cloud of darkness

_ (fill in your own): Glam, gay, space, wizard, elf! (Drawing of Maia in a rainbow wizard hat, starry vest, knee length pants, striped socks, pointed purple shoes and waist length cape)

Page 7: Here is a gift I would like to give Alison Bechdel: The ability to teleport (this is also the gift I want so I can live rurally but visit my friends!) (Drawing of the planet earth with teleportation lines crisscrossing it)

Page 8: No one knows what LGBTQIA actually stands for... (fill in your own):

Let's

Back

Queer Utopia Land

In our

Amazing spaceship!

(Drawing of a cute spaceship in a sky full of stars)

#zine #no straight lines #queer comics #maia kobabe #queer comics history

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minticecodes · 2 months

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A (late) piece for dmcweek2024 day 4! I was buzzing to put forward something for the week. Prompt was alt universe.

AU where Eva survived the fire and had to figure out a way forward, believing the twins dead. She becomes an RPG shopkeeper selling wares ranging from antique books to magical goods (Devil May Scry). She's also out for Mundus' blood.

Image descriptions are the same as in alt.

[ID: 7 Digital illustrations and sketches. 1: Coloured illustration of a bookshop at sunset. Eva, a pale blonde middle aged woman mans the bright patterned counter. She wears a turtleneck and red shawl, has shoulder length hair, and diagonal facial burn scar and scarring on her left hand. Light rays illuminate her gently smiling face. Besides packed books, on the shelves are potion bottles, statuettes, succulents, and a displayed katana. Roses and plants decorate the shop. On the counter are a thick hardback, bookscanner, and crystal ball. Cards are displayed inside the counter. On the wall hangs a price sign, featuring doodled vital stars (large star drawn with sunglasses), holy water and fortunes. Beneath it is a rose wreathed divinity statue display, with 2 red orb offerings in a dish. 2: Eva from behind, sitting hunched alone at a table where a birthday cake sits untouched. It's a two flavour cake. By her clenched hand are crumpled tissues. Caption: 'Vergil...Dante...happy birthday...' 3: Eva bracing the Devil Sword Sparda across her shoulders, aimed at the ground. She wears a bell sleeved, ruffled funeral/wedding dress with a slit for leg movement. A veil trails behind her like a ribbon. Close ups of her show the headpiece design; a pacifier made of a long bird skill, feather, rose, and four skeletal 'legs'. 4 & 5: Trish taking on teen Dante's image: a tan teen in black, with chin length white hair, a halter neck tank top, leather pants, kneelength boots and black polish. Her leather jacket collar resembles lightning bolts. She leans against an invisible wall, one leg bent to brace her foot against it. She looks askance with arched brows, lifting shades from her face. The 2nd image is a 3/4 profile with shades perched on her forehead and popped collar. 6: Helmetless portraits of Dante and Vergil in armour, expressionless. Dante's hair is shoulder length and falls across his face. 7: Full body of 2 somewhat lanky demonic knights. One (Nelo Angelo) in black and blue with droopy horns rests his palms atop his blue broadsword's pommel, the sword upright against the ground. He stands straight, staring ahead. The other in white and red and curled horns has a palm clapped on Nelo Angelo's shoulder, other hand at his hips. Somehow the eyes on his helmet express playfulness. At his back is the hilt to a flail, the spiked ball resting on the ground by his armoured heels. They're labelled '~16' . End ID.]

Read more for some wordy backstory and sketches. TW for mentions of torture, abuse and solitary confinement surrounding the twins.

I had...so many more ideas that I'm leaving out to keep this short. It's fun to think how she'd mesh with the cast.

Like! her and Lady. Mother that lost her kid and kid that lost her mother. It writes itself how much unwitting projection can go wrong. And pretty much everything about her, the twins, and Trish :)

In terms of backstory:

After the fire she's alone. Her birth family disowned her long ago. She thinks about revamping the mansion but the idea of staying in that empty space with only memories for company is too much. So she eventually opens a small store.

Starts off paranoid and distant. Still is distant but gets entangled with the local community overtime. Greets people by name and they'll chat about how life has been going. This includes demon hunters and demons and supernatural beings living peacefully; her shop becomes a small safe haven to exchange information to stay safe.

Gets very good at forging protective charms. Haunted by the memory of the enchanted closet, smashed in and empty.

A regular is a schoolgirl who originally came to pick up reserved books for her father but stuck around because hey, this place is quiet and interesting, and the owner serves stellar teacakes. Great place to study. To Mary, Eva's kind, though odd, secretive and a little lonely.

I got inspired by Eva's association with the bangle/bracelet of time and the amulets for her fighting style. It's based around item crafting, like an RPG character slapping on every stat boosting item.

She stitches together different outfits for different needs Cardcaptor style. They're all exceedingly dramatic. It's not clear here but I wanted a bird motif to eventually come through. Phoenix motif, really.

[ID: Rough sketches: A magician esque outfit with vest, feathered tophat and cape. A longcoat with long skirt and long scarf at her back like a cape. The cape is tagged with 'spells stitched into fabric'. Close ups on the coat lapel show two pins (strawberry and wing), labelled 'charm lapel pins.' Close up of the shoes show sharp heals and ankle bracelets. Eva leaping in a black bodysuit and leotard, with feathery collar, quill behind her ear, and ballet shoes with a claw at the heel. Eva making a triangular 2 hand sign in a hooded cloak and longskirt. Around her shoulders are claws. At her hips is an hourglass. Above her heeded head is a clocklike halo. Beside her is a sketch of a woman with a lionhead mask. A funeral and wedding dress inspired outfit. Eva crouches, wielding the Devil Sword Sparda in scythe form. Her face is covered by a tattered veil. She wears a knee length ruffled dress, black gloves, and a long, ruffled cape. Close up of her left hand shows a ring and finger claws Rough comic. Chibi lady talks to chibi Eva. Lady holds up a black body suit with billowing sleeves and a cleavage window. Lady: "Eva what is this" Eva (smiling cheerfully): "Oh - that old thing!" Eva: "My old hunting outfit. Gosh I'd almost forgotten about it. Not the most comfortable thing - so skin tight..." However Lady fixates on 'my old hunting outfit'. The words go in one ear and come out as a younger Eva in a catsuit, pointing a gun with a serious expression, wind blowing through her hair. Lady stares into the distance, bewildered, and slightly blushing. End ID]

Meanwhile the twins are having a terrible time but they have each other, even if they don't remember they're brothers. I think it'd be sweet if they have a bond anyway. Everyone else thinks they're rivals at best.

(Nelo is Mundus' favourite to toy with as the proud, eldest son. But when he gets rough, Bianco butts in and acts up for Mundus' attention. This gets him sent to solitary confinement; Mundus figured out Bianco hates small spaces and designed an iron maiden for him. Others think Bianco is a brute who acts out for a fight. But that's ok. It means Bianco can keep buying Nelo time.) (When lucid, Nelo despises his own weakness when this happens.)

[ID: 2 Images. Nelo and Bianco Angelo in fisticuffs in a cartoony dustcloud, glaring at each other as they fight. They're captioned 'Mundus' most competent generals'. Additional text: 'silent, obedient, crushing force when apart. Perfect soldiers. ... until they're put together. Complement each other's battle style OR clash terribly. Nelo Angelo staring off, arms crossed and furrowed eyes somehow expressing being completely fed up. Behind him, Bianco and Griffin talk at each other. Griffin's glaring. Bianco has a hand up to gesture. End ID]

#dmc #dmcweek2024 #devil may cry #dmc eva #eva sparda #dante sparda #dmc dante #vergil #nelo angelo #dmc vergil

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infinitestarsdev · 3 months

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Devlog 2024-02-09 (Episode 4 - Part 1 is out NOW!)

It's Friday! And this is a special Friday because it's a RELEASE Friday!

That's right! Episode 4 - Part 1 is now live!

Update Edit: It's also a sad day for my family. I lost someone dear to me this morning, someone even dearer to my loved ones, and my heart is aching with them for our loss. I wish things weren't the way they are. I wish I could do more to ease their suffering.

Project Details:

167,666 words in total. (That's roughly the same length as the first two Harry Potter novels combined)

825 possible choices.

Patrons can get their version over here (win|mac|lin) or here (android), and everyone else can get the full game on Steam or Itchio!

Episode 4 - Part 1 continues the story after the dramatic conclusion from Episode 3.

It introduces several new characters, several new and redrawn backgrounds, several new portraits, several new music tracks, an overhauled story controller, a new free-roam mechanic, a new star system navigation interface, a lore gallery with unlockable entries, a system for players to load custom-made stories written by other players into the game, a seasonal event (Spooktober Heist), and nearly 40K additional words of content (some being intimate content for Kiaria, Lochem and Khalil).

It also includes two very special player portraits! Thanks to the amazing ladies from Wanderlust Games, you can now play your Mah'Abeu as a younger version of Damon or Ayame from Andromeda Six! (Seriously, if you're hearing about Andromeda Six for the first time– You're about to fall in love. Go check them out and support them if your wallet allows!)

We've been working extremely hard to bring this release to you, and while we've added a ton of new things, we would have loved to add more. Sadly, we had to draw a line in the sand and release what was available.

Some of the things that we could add before the deadline that were requested by our beta testers:

MC is more knowledgeable about the Cephilusk.

Added a location hint during free-roam sequences.

Made Kiaria more Kiaria when dealing with current events.

Your Mah'Abue now crafts the notice being sent to the crew.

Several more personality options (with more on their way)

Most free-roam scenes now have the crew members touching on or hinting at the current situation.

Fixed some logic bugs with Sonia's scene.

Adjusted Andreas' scene with an additional choice if he becomes too much.

Added some additional logic and checks to the response you can give when the crew/your LI asks about how you are coping. (Might still expand on this.)

Your Mah'Abue now has more control over how they handle Nikau.

Added Lindi's music track.

An additional intimate scene for Khalil

Some of the things that we couldn't add before the deadline that will be added very soon. (over the next week or three):

Implementing some more of the Beta Tester feedback requests.

The start of Tabitha's character arc.

A free-roam scene for Lebeny, along with an additional intimate scene.

Adding a semi-intimate, more risque scene with Matthias.

Adding additional character expressions to some of the free-roam content.

Additional music tracks where there is only silence.

Missing Lore Descriptions, replacing the WiP notice with actual content.

The new trailer for Episode 4.

Some of the things that we couldn't add before the deadline that will be added down the line. (more than a month from now)

Additional backgrounds and characters.

Continuing Episode 4, including the much-anticipated Matthias Elevator scene.

Additional Lore items to unlock.

More free-roam content, more character content (Reyna and more), more intimate scenes.

Character relationship arcs (and intimate scenes) for Raymond, Matthias, Veera and Tabitha as a prioity.

Character relationship arcs (and intimate scenes) for Cephilusk, Andreas and TBD a little further down the road.

As always, despite the hours and hours and heaps of financial resources poured into the project, Infinite Stars is still entirely free! If you like what we are doing and can afford to show your support, please consider joining one of our paid Patreon tiers!

Infinite Stars wouldn't be nearly as cool as it is without the support of our amazing Patrons who believe in us!

If you can't afford to support us, that's cool. We still love you, and having you enjoy our game fills our hearts with joy! If you like the game, share it with your friends or give us a positive review to help with the visibility algorithms.

Have a peaceful weekend, enjoy the release, and go hug one of your loved ones!

#visual novel #scifi #infinitestars #art #amwriting #space #vn #sciencefiction #choicesgame #gamedev #a6 #andromeda 6

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taylorsv3rsion13 · 10 months

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we never go out of style || c.f.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

tw: skinny dipping- being naked in an unsafe situation

words: 2.8k

synopsis : things were always rocky for conrad and you. after the whole break up, will everything be the same the year later? or will it all turn to shit.

Ever since that stupid kiss everything has been complicated.

I wore the puffy dress for Susannah. The gorgeous but heavy puffy white dress.

It wasn't super hot out, but it felt like it was with this thing weighing me down. I did try my hardest to sit still for Susannah though.

"Everything okay?" Susannah asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, just warm right now." I smiled.

"Just a little longer." Susannah said before looking back at the portrait and then sighing to look at me, "Don't you just love that dress."

I sighed, "Yep, I love it."

I didn't hate it, no, I just didn't love it either.

"You excited for the volleyball tournament?"

"Yeah, I can't wait! I had a lot of time during the school year with volleyball, so I think I'll do pretty good. My only worry is Belly and Steven."

"And which charity are you representing?" Susannah asked, smiling.

"Oh um, the same one you support." I said nodding, "The homeless women's shelter."

She chuckled softly, "That's sweet of you, Y/N/N. Thank you."

I nodded before messing with my dress again.

"Now sit still, I just need to add some more of those frills." Susannah said.

I began making my water, adding in electrolytes and everything.

My shirt had a "Team Y/N" name on the back and it had purple 3/4 length sleeves. I roughly put my hair in a ponytail.

"Hey, Y/N" Conrad said as he walked into the kitchen.

"Oh hey." I said, giving him a quick smile.

"What's that?" He asked.

I looked up to him. "Drugs." I said jokingly.

"Mm delicious." He responded, laughing a little. "Feeling good about the tournament?"

"Yeah, I'm ready." I said, nodding.

"You know, if you stay ready, you won't have to get ready later."

I laughed softly because of how dumb that had sounded from him. "That was, an interesting statement."

"Yeah." He said, laughing a little as well.

I continued with my water in front of me.

"Y/N" Conrad said, yet his voice dropped to seriousness.

"Mhm?" I hummed.

"I'm sorry."

"For what? Being cheesy?" I asked, raising an eyebrow as I looked up at him.

He sighed, "For being a jerk the other day, and pretending like I didn't remember, when I remember everything. I've been just replaying it over and over again in my head for the last couple of days."

I shook my head, "Conrad, I just don't know what you want me to say"

"I know, Y/N. It's to late, I get it. Um..."

I looked down awkwardly, not really understanding where Conrad was trying to go with this.

"Can I take you to the ball?"

I looked up at him strangely, "What?"

"I mean, I already know all the dances. It's no problem."

The doorbell rang, "Uh, I'll-I'll think about it."

As I opened the door, Taylor stood there.

"Taylor?!" I asked in surprise.

"Y/N?!"

We both hugged each other as Belly came down.

"You guys have some catching up to do." I said as I smiled.

"Y/N, don't think I didn't hear everything!" Belly called out as I walked up the stairs.

"Wait up!" Taylor called as her and Belly followed after me into my room.

Taylor put on her shirt as she asked my multiple questions and Belly answered them how she saw it.

"He was begging." Belly said.

"He was not begging" I said.

"He should be begging." Taylor said. "And this makes things so much more exciting because you get to tell him no."

I didn't answer as I looked through my phone.

Belly turned to me. "You're going to tell him no?"

"Well, I don't know. I don't have a date for the ball-"

"Okay ask Jere. It's not like you guys didn't kiss yesterday.

"You guys kissed?!" Taylor asked.

"No! It's not like that."

"Yes, it's totally like that!" Belly laughed.

Taylor was on my team, and Cameron was on Belly's team. I was pretty happy. But Cameron and Belly were a good duo, it made me more nervous.

The games started and Taylor and I went through the process.

Also with a random hand shake we had somehow made up on the spot.

"Play sharp, play smart." We both stated as we stood in our spots.

The whistle blew and the ball was thrown. The first round we had won, luck?

The second round against this team began again as I dived to get the ball with one hand.

"Nice!" I shouted as Taylor hit it over the net neatly.

Taylor fell hard on the ground as she attempted to get the ball. I ran quickly over to her.

"Oh my god, are you okay?" I asked.

"No, it's just... ugh, my ankle."

"Here, let me help you." I said as I grabbed her arms.

"You okay, Taylor?" Jeremiah called out from the stands.

"Yeah, I just like twisted it."

Taylor turned over to Jeremiah, "Can you sub, please?" She asked, taking off her shirt and throwing it over to him.

And here, the games began again, as I stood playing next to Jeremiah.

I practiced the handshake with him and he immediately got it.

I wouldn't say he was the best at volleyball, but he wasn't the worst. Yet he was better the first couple of rounds that he did play. The more we played, the worst his game got.

I ran into his arms as he gave a good throw. "Yeah!" I shouted.

Because of that, we were able to make it to the second game.

The second game was harder. The girls took it much more seriously than the guys we played against before.

Jeremiah had missed the ball as it went under his arms.

One round, the ball didn't even go over the net and he was flung into it.

I grew a little more frustrated as each round happened. I had to win.

"Okay, don't look at me, watch the ball." I stated.

"You got it." He said as he looked at me and the ball passed right by his face.

"Jere focus!" I yelled.

The score was now 10 to 2. And I wish I could say that we were 10.

I sighed as I looked at the score board. Now 17 to 7. "Ref can we get a time out." I said as the whistle blew.

I looked over, seeing Conrad staring straight at me from the side lines.

"I'm so sorry, Jeremiah, but I have to win this, okay?"

"Yeah, I get it." he said.

"Conrad, can you sub in." I asked.

Jeremiah took off the shirt, tossing it over to Conrad.

"Where do you want me?" Conrad asked.

"The start up." I said.

"All right, let's do this." He patted a hand on my back.

I definitely made the right move. Conrad knew how important this was for me and he definitely helped. I should've picked him as my volleyball partner all along, I justt forgot how could he was.

I smiled and laughed with Conrad as the ball was just inches away from being out when he threw it over. He ran to me and hugged me, lifting me off the ground a little.

The semi finals were hard. We were going up against Cam and Belly. I did a quick handshake with Conrad before getting in the zone. It was a close match. Closer than all the rest that happened today, but Conrad and I still beat them.

It was now left to us versus Shayla and Steven.

The game went back and forth as our scores were always almost tied.

"That was it. You got it." Conrad said as we stood in the middle of the court, doing our small handshake.

I hit the ball and watched as Shayla and Steven were too far, not being able to run after it. It fell to the ground on their side.

"Oh!" Conrad exclaimed as we both started jumping up and down in excitement.

He hugged me and now fully lifted me off the floor as we celebrated our win.

Susannah had made it to the mic quicker than I anticipated as she shouted, "And the winners are Y/N L/N and Conrad Fisher!"

"Nice game." I said to Shayla and Steven as they congratulated us.

Susannah came running at us with the large trophy, giving me a hug.

"You guys were amazing." She said, "Oh, you two make such a great team. Did you ask her yet?"

"Ask me what?" I asked.

"To be your escort." Susannah said, smiling. "I told him he had to ask you, since, you know, you haven't decided yet."

"Congratulations!" Laurel said as she hugged Conrad and I.

I avoided making eye contact with Conrad. He was forced into asking me to be my escort. He didn't want to.

"Nice ankle." I said laughing as I pushed Taylor lightly into Belly.

"Hey, Y/N." I heard Nicole say from behind me.

"Oh, hi Nicole." I said.

"Um, so my dad's boat just came up from Anguilla and I was wondering if you'd like to come and have some pizza and a rosé in a few hours? It's just something fun to end the day. And you all are welcome to come." Nicole said as she motioned to Belly and Taylor besides me.

"Will Kayla be there?" Taylor asked.

"You mean Shayla, and no, she has plans with Liam and everyone." Nicole said.

"Oh yeah, we'll be there." Taylor said, giving her a smile.

"See you later, Nicole!" I said as Belly dragged me with her and Taylor.

We walked n the dock. Taylor wearing a blue cropped tank top with jean shorts and two fishtail braids, Belly wearing her hair curled, with a bright pink top and blue jean shorts, and I was wearing a black and white tube top with a pair of low waisted jean shorts.

The girls were talking about boy drama and school stuff as I walked besides them. On a large boat stood 4 girls and one in a red crew neck.

"Girls."

"What?" They both asked before their eyes lay on the large boat.

"Y/N!" Nicole yelled as she waved from on top of the boat.

"Fuck me." Taylor said as Belly said, "Oh my god."

We did many things before the sunset, but once it got dark, we started saying truths and putting a finger down each time we had done something.

Belly had most of her fingers still up, and I had most of mine as well, not budging for most of them.

"Put a finger down if you've ever made out with Jeremiah Fisher." Taylor said, smirking at me.

I rolled my eyes as I put down one of my fingers.

The girls gasped as Gigi acted as if her heart was just shot.

"Wow, I'm sorry Gigi." I laughed.

"No it's fine, take my man." She said as she laughed as well.

"It wasn't anything. I didn't even mean for it to happen, nor did I really want it."

"I always thought there was something going on with you and Conrad, I guess I had the wrong brother though." Nicole said.

I hummed a 'mhm' to her, not really knowing what to say.

"Put a finger down if you've ever gone skinny-dipping at Hopper's Cove." Nicole said.

"Is that a dare?" Taylor asked.

"Oh absolutely." Nicole responded.

Taylor, Belly, and I were the first to hop in as we all splashed each other with the cold water. Yeah, it was kind of awkward just being naked, but it also felt freeing.

"Hey! Watch out for Jellyfish, I don't want to have to pee on any of you guys." Gigi exclaimed as she ran down the dock.

"The other two girls are missing out." Taylor said as she laughed.

Nicole agreed, "Yeah I was expecting them to come as well.

"Nicole." Gigi called out.

"Yeah?" Nicole asked.

"Conrad's texting you."

"Okay, coming." Nicole said as she swam over.

"I actually like them." Taylor said from beside us, which made us laugh.

The lights of the cars shown brightly before us.

"I knew they were bitches." Taylor spat.

"What's happening." Belly asked.

"Fuck." I mumbled as I swam closer to the dock.

Taylor got to the dock before I could.

"They took everything." She said. "Except for Y/N's phone, which has a really incriminating text from Connie..."

"Wait what? What does it say?" I asked as I swam right beside Taylor.

"My mom did ask me to ask you to the ball, but that's not why I did it. I did it because I wanted to." Taylor read out.

"Oh my god." Belly and I both said in unison.

Belly and Taylor both began questioning what to do, trying to make the best out of the situation which only made me laugh.

"We can not walk home naked." Belly said.

"What about that?" I asked, pointing to a boat cover.

I could see Taylor tense up from beside me.

"No." She whined.

We began our walk home, draped in a boat covering. It was cold, and we smelled like a boat, which didn't make anything any better.

"I don't know what I'm going to do." I said. Taylor seemed to understand.

"Pick Jeremiah duh." She said from beside me.

"But, Susannah told me to give people second chances. We didn't know anything when we first dated. It's different now." I said.

"Y/N, I'll support you, I just don't want you to get hurt." Belly said from beside me.

"I still think about when Conrad and I were still dating. How safe he made me feel." I said.

"But Jeremiah is head over heels for you." Taylor said from beside me.

"Okay? What If I don't know if I like him." I stated, puffing out a sigh.

I don't know when, or how, but we had somehow gave up on walking home as we just prayed and sat on the curb.

Two bright car lights came and all of us sighed.

"God, they're going to lecture us." I mumbled.

"Oh my god, Y/N, are you okay?" Jeremiah asked.

"What are you doing here." Taylor said, venom lacing her voice as she looked at Conrad.

"Nicole... she had told me um..." He motioned to the covering on us.

"I hope you told her to watch her back." Taylor said.

Conrad nodded as we took the plastic bag of our clothes.

We walked to the lights of the cars as we told them to hold the covering up as we began to redress ourselves.

"Are you going with Jeremiah or Conrad?" Belly asked me.

"I don't know. I guess, Conrad." Was all I could say.

"Crazy night." Conrad said as I hopped into the passenger seat of his car.

"Yeah, it didn't have to be though." I said, staring at him, "Quit playing these stupid games with me. I don't know if you want me or not, but I want a clear answer."

He didn't say anything has he drove.

"I'm sorry, but I've made my decision, and I'm asking Jeremiah to be my escort." I said.

Conrad's emotion didn't change much, but I could see the way his hand grew tenser on the wheel and how his other hand was stiff around the gear shift.

I didn't want the drama. And if I brought Conrad as my escort, there would be more drama than I needed.

That night, I slept in Belly's room, having a sleepover with Taylor and her.

I scrolled endlessly on my phone, not being able to fall asleep.

And of course, Conrad just had to text me.

"U up?" was all he asked.

I sighed as I got up quietly from the bed, walking out of the room without waking any of the girls up.

I walked out onto the dock, seeing Conrad's figure.

"Hey." was all he said, his voice deep and raspy.

"What the hell do you want from me? You're so fucking confusing Conrad! I can't figure out what you want or what you don't want. I don't want to deal with your stupid goddamn texts either. Everything bad happens when you text me." I yelled at him.

"I know, I know. I'm sorry, I really am. I feel like I keep doing the wrong things when it's about you." He stumbled over a few of his words before digging into his pocket.

"This is yours. Uh, you don't have to keep it or anything. I just..."

I took out the moon necklace. Which wasn't even mine. It fit him. It was him. I was the sun, he was the moon. I was a hot headed girl and he knew how to calm me down.

"What?" I asked.

"I just..." He moved closer to me. "I just don't want to lose you."

Conrad's hand was touching my arm, and we were inches apart again.

"I've given you chances. I just don't know what to do anymore, Connie." I said.

He nodded.

I didn't have much to say anymore. I left him on the dock. I didn't want to deal with him.

I was the sun, and Conrad was the moon. We were two very different people.

#conrad fisher x reader #jeremiah fisher #the summer i turned pretty #conrad x y/n #tsitp #belly conklin #conrad fisher #steven conklin #taylor jewel #susannah beck #susannah fisher #laurel conklin #summer #tsitp season 1 #tsitp season 2

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rawritzrobin · 5 months

Text

The Waynes: Chapter 7

Title: The Waynes

Pairing: Mobster!Jason Todd x Reader

Warnings: None!

Summary: You get to know a little bit about the place where Jason calls home.

A/N: Hello! I am back. Life has been one thing after another, but the holiday season is here and things are finally slowing down. Some short domestic fluff for ya here. Don't worry, things pick up after this. (:

Taglist (Please let me know if you want to be added!): @msghostface @khaylin27 @thequeenofbigmacs @escapism-r-us @orighami @neobreakmyback @bubbles-incorrect-yb @hypnobanditprofessorhorse-blog @attllas @comic-cat83 @mommyneytiri @aerangi @thegreawizards @baebeepeach @slitheringss @xoxoyourdoll @portrait-ninja @sunflowertardis @anime-lover-forever-1127 @wrldwidemind @dopedreamobject @jayroytodd @vanessa-boo @ih4temy5elfs0b4d @solivagantlife @killerwendigo

Chapter 7: Penthouse

Charles nodded, and started to drive.

You looked at Jason confused. In your time together, Jason had never once mentioned his place. He talked about growing up in the manor, so you assumed he just lived there seeing how it had about 30 bedrooms.

“You might want to avoid going home for a while. We don’t know if those men are still watching it.” Jason pulled you closer into him. You instinctively leaned your head into his chest.

You hadn’t thought about that. For just a second you forgot about what almost happened a few hours ago.

“Charles can go grab some of your stuff tonight.” Jason said to you, and Charles at the same time. He then spoke directly to Charles. “C, do you know if my fridge is stocked at home?”

“Yes sir. Alfred paid a visit just a few days ago. You should have the standard items.”

“Thanks.” Jason said as he pulled out his phone. He typed a few things into his phone as you watched the city fly past you two outside the car.

The drive took longer than you thought it would. It was starting to make sense why Jason usually stayed over at your place. It was much closer to The Cave than his place. You started to nod off a bit; the adrenaline finally wearing off. You closed your eyes for a few minutes.

“Baby? Jason said in a whisper.

You opened your eyes and blinked a couple of times. “Are we here?” You asked, your voice a little croaky.

“Sorry to wake you. C is going to head to your place to pick up some stuff for you. Do you need anything specific?” Jason said as he opened the door to step out of the car. You could see you were in an underground parking of sorts.

“Just some clothes would be nice. And my laptop. Maybe the new book you got me last week? I haven’t finished it. It’s the blue book on my coffee table” You said as you got out. Jason closed the door behind you as Charles rolled down his window. You handed him the keys and he took them with a reassuring smile.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He said, before waving goodbye and pulling out of the structure.

“I also gave C our usual order at Adam’s. The doorman downstairs will bring it up when he's back.” He said, leading you towards an elevator. The door opened as soon as Jason scanned a key card. You stepped in, and noticed there was only one button on the door. “Private elevator. No one can use it without my authorization.” He said as he noticed your demeanor.

You would never get used to Jason’s lifestyle.

The elevator moved quickly up, and in a few seconds the doors opened to reveal a large entryway. From the length of the ride, you two were pretty high up. The entryway was wall to wall black marble. The stairs leading to the second floor were also the same material. There were a bunch of hidden lights that ran through the walls, dimly lighting up the room. Jason bent over to take off his shoes, and slipped on a pair of loafers that were by the door. He gestures to another pair next to them.

“Sorry if it feels cold here. I haven’t been here in a long time. I’ll make sure Charles drops by the store tomorrow to get you a pair of slippers too. The marble can be cold.” Jason waited for you to put on the shoes before stepping further into the penthouse. You looked in awe around the room. You two made your way down a long hallway to reveal the living room. The first thing you noticed was the view. You were definitely very high up. You instantly gravitated towards the large corner window. You looked outside at Gotham. It was beautiful from this height, where you weren't able to see all the crime going on.

Your eyes twinkled like a kid in a candy shop. “I can’t believe you have this place and chose to hang out in my tiny box of an apartment.”

Jason chuckled as he watched you enjoy the view. He didn’t really like coming here by himself. It was a constant reminder of how alone he was up here.

After a few seconds, you turned around to see Jason was already sprawled on his couch. He had his arms up, and feet onto the table. The carpet in the middle of the modern black couch was crimson red. They matched the socks Jason was currently wearing.

“The food might take a bit. Do you want to shower while we wait?”

You nodded, excited to see what the shower was like.

You followed Jason up the set of stairs in the living room. You were quick to notice, Jason didn’t seem to have many personal photos or decorations up around. They were mainly abstract art pieces that were purchased for the sake of needing something to fill the space. “When we are done with dinner, I can show you the library.”

Your eyes widened in excitement. Of course he had his own library.

You walked down another hallway that led to a pair of double black doors. Jason pushed it open to reveal a beautiful corner bedroom. The large king sized bed filled up most of the space. The high ceilings made the room seem even bigger than it was. You laughed internally at the length of the curtains. You wondered where you would even buy curtains that long. The bedroom looked as unused as the rest of the place.

There were two doors on the left side of the room. You could guess one of them was the closet, and one was the bathroom. Jason opened the door on the right to reveal a needlessly large bathroom. He was right, it was definitely larger than your entire apartment. There was only one sink, but it stretched along the wall. A single black toilet sat next to the sink. To the side near the windows, was a large bathtub. It was certainly large enough to fit more than 2 people comfortably. In the back of the room was a large walk in shower with a giant rain shower on the ceiling.

“Be right back.” Jason said.

You were too busy admiring the bathroom to even realize how long he was gone for.

So this is what money can buy? You asked yourself.

Jason came back with a large black t-shirt and a pair of silk PJ bottoms. “These will be too big, but Charles should be back soon with a pair of your pajamas.” Jason said, handing you the clothes.

“What about you?” You asked, a glint of mischief in your eyes.

Jason tilted his head in confusion. You giggled. He was adorable.

“You’re not going to let me shower alone are you? The tub is big enough for both of us.”

Jason smirked, closed the door behind him, and started to remove his top. You licked your lips at the sight of his body. You yelped as he threw you over his shoulder and carried you into the large shower.

***********

After spending longer than you should have in the shower, you both came out clean and relaxed. You felt like the entire day of stress was washed away. Jason went to grab the food from the front, while you made yourself comfortable on the large couch in the living room. The clothes that Jason lent you were super comfortable. The towels were so fluffy you just wanted to sleep in them.

“You want to watch some TV?” Jason said, walking into the room with a huge bag of food. It smelled so good you were practically drooling.

“I can’t eat anymore.” You said rubbing your stomach. You powered down an entire bowl of ravioli and three breadsticks. Jason watched you lovingly as you laid back and sank into the couch. “Can I sleep here tonight? So comfy.” You said pulling one of the cushions into your face.

“If you want. Do you still want to see the library?” Jason teased.

At that mention, you jumped up. “Show me!” You said with glee.

Jason laughed at your excitement, and leaned forward towards you. He slid his arms under your body and easily lifted you up bridal style. You laughed out loud as he carried you down a large hallway. You were vibrating from excitement. It felt very much like a beauty and the beast moment, without the stockholm syndrome.

You two passed many doors on the way there. You swore this place was bigger than it actually looked. You were sure Jason owned a majority of the building with his place alone. After what felt like a couple minutes, you finally reached a pair of double doors. Jason gently put you down, and you gravitated towards the door. With a light push, the doors opened, to reveal a library that was bigger than Jason’s bedroom. It was no beauty and the beast library, but it was still larger than most library’s you had been to.

Instead of the black marble that lined the rest of the penthouse, the library was oak brown. There were intricate patterns etched into the top of the book shelves. Gold trim lined each shelf. The shelves were all filled to the brim. There were several long couches in the middle of the room, with a coffee table stationed in the middle. Towards the back was a large fireplace. With the click of a switch, the fireplace roared to life. A classic spiral staircase led to the top floor, which had even more books lined up against the walls. You stepped forward to admire all the books in the room.

Jason leaned against the doorway, admiring your wonder. “The ones on the top are my favorites that I have already read. The ones on the bottom I still haven’t gotten to. Once I finish one, and it doesn’t make it to my favorites, I donate them to a library in the city.”

You looked up at the books on the top shelf. There were hundreds if not thousands of books on the shelves. You turn around to look at him. “Wow.” You said nearly breathless.

You were interrupted by the sound of Jason’s phone. He pulled it out of his pocket and picked it up, while you stepped forward to pull a random book off the shelf.

“Charles is here with your stuff. I’ll be right back.”

*******

After Charles dropped off your stuff, you and Jason stayed in the library for a while. You quickly went upstairs to see which books Jason called his favorite. You were delighted that you two seemed to have similar taste.

After looking through about 30 books, a yawn escaped your lips.

Jason chuckled. “Common. It’s been a long day. Let’s get you to bed.” He said, gently taking your hand and leading you out of the library. You turn off the switch to the fireplace, and leave the room.

You didn’t bother to change into your pajamas. Jason’s were plenty comfortable. You jumped into the soft and plush bed and quickly snuggled under the covers. Jason sent through a couple of text messages, before placing his phone face down on his dresser, and climbed in after you. You cuddled up against him, and laid your head on his chest. The bed was gigantic compared to yours. You often felt bad as you knew it was barely big enough for Jason’s long legs. But here, Jason felt right at home. You leaned up to place a soft kiss onto his lips. You looked down to meet his turquoise eyes.

“Night Jay.”

“Night doll.”

You laid back down onto his chest, and listened to his heart beat. After a few minutes, you let sleep take over.

#jason todd x reader #gangster waynes #jason todd imagines #jason todd #mobster jason todd #gangster jason todd #red hood x reader #red hood #AU #Batfamily #batman #Jason Todd x y/n #Jason Todd Fanfiction #red hood x you #Jason Todd x You #Jason x reader #the waynes #mob AU

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grottylittlefox · 9 months

Text

How could I ever forget you? Chapter 14

Sebastian Sallow/Professor Sallow × f!MC / reader

Slow burn/fluff/angst, aged up characters 18-mid 20s

Somehow it had taken until your final day at Hogwarts to finally show Sebastian how you felt, and by then it was too late. Years pass and your distance grows stronger, despite your many efforts for him. A surprise encounter at a new job could change things forever. Finding each other once again at the very place you first met, Hogwarts.

Chapter 1: "I guess this is it"

Chapter 2: "Oh how I missed you"

Chapter 3: "Goodbye, Sebastian"

Chapter 4: " think it's time you move on"

Chapter 5: "Professor Sallow?"

Chapter 6: "Welcome Home"

Chapter 7: "You're my good luck charm"

Chapter 8: "I'm more of a butterfly person"

Chapter 9: “What have you become?”

Chapter 10: “I have something for you”

Chapter 11: “Curious”

Chapter 12: “I can never stay away from you”

Chapter 13: “Meet me in the undercroft”

Chapter 14: “Shall we dance?”

Today was the day, dinner with Professor Weasley.

That morning you awoke to a blanket of snow upon the rolling hills outside of your bedroom window. The cold glass pressed against your head as you rested in thought, your gaze following the dancing snowflakes swirling down onto the rooftops below.

Your imagination wandered for a while, preparing you for the night ahead, how you would approach the situation that Professor Fig had been so ominous about. You had visited his portrait multiple times since, eager for some kind of explanation, but alas, it remained empty.

And of course, that string of thought always pulled you back to Sebastian, as much as you resisted. The memory of him leaving, barging past you in a hurry, after witnessing Garreth’s lips upon yours.

Him getting Ostara back.

He had been gone for some time now, with no letters and nowhere to send an owl too. Of course you had left him notes on your parchment, multiple in fact. But still the paper remained free of his touch.

Your eyes wandered to the edge of the horizon, tucked behind silvery mountains and the haze of gentle snowfall. He was out there, somewhere, slipping away.

~~~

You simply couldn’t resist going out and enjoying the weather, it rarely snowed in London, and oh how you had missed Hogwarts in the wintertime.

You set out onto the castle grounds, making your way out for a chilly walk around the Hogwarts Valley, giving you some more time to contemplate your plan for the evening. Your favourite green scarf wrapped around your neck, matched with a cosy hat and gloves.

Your breath clouded in front of you as you peered out over the wooden beams of the bridge at the edge of the castle. The views were simply glorious, and for that small moment, you had at last cleared your head. Nothing but the whooshing sound of the wind, and the burning nip at the tip of your nose.

Suddenly a pair of hands gripped onto your waist, pulling you backwards as a chin rested gently on your shoulder, snapping you back into reality.

“Guess who?” A friendly voice whispered.

“Garreth,” you grinned, turning to him.

How was it that he was everywhere?

He looked down at you, curls of auburn hair falling beside his mossy green eyes. The edge of his lip twitching up into a smile.

“Excited for tonight?” He asked, before planting a little kiss onto your icy lips, quickly heating up your face.

That guilty lump returned to your throat. You had continued to pursue Garreth in Sebastian’s absence, you had no choice. This dinner was the only chance you had to get the information that could save Sebastian, and you would go to any length to do so.

“Can’t wait,” you smiled, performing.

“I too can’t wait, to show you off that is,” Garreth teased.

That guilty lump dissolved in an instant, the warmth travelling up to your cheeks, pulling that forced smile into something more real.

To show you off?

A little tingle flipped in your stomach.

Somebody wanted to show you off.

It made practically no sense that you felt this way. The last time Garreth had ‘shown you off’ you felt humiliated, being under Sebastian’s prying eyes.

But, Sebastian was gone. Sebastian, he would never show you off.

Perhaps it was his absence, perhaps it was that you finally felt seen. But Garreth…. made you feel something.

“I’m just heading into the castle, to get everything ready for dinner,” he smiled, stepping back. “I’ll see you tonight, MC.”

You watched as he set off across the bridge, turning back to flash you one last smile, which once again sent tiny little tingles rushing through you.

Were you starting to like Garreth after all?

~~~

A familiar reflection stared back at you, hair pulled into an ornate bun accompanied by the most luscious dress in deep hues of green. Perfectly matching the palette of Garreths charming, gentle eyes. You watched yourself smile as you fiddled at the necklace holding Sebastian’s precious ring, trying to ignore the lingering doubts about your feelings that tormented you more with every passing second.

It was time. You took a final deep breath, analysing the way your body moved with the fabric, before heading to the door of your cosy Hogwarts bedroom. Hesitating, you turned back, glancing across the moonlit desk in the corner. The enchanted parchment lie there, waiting patiently for a response. You had been hung up on it every day, constantly checking, carrying it with you wherever you went. And this was to be no different. The parchment was soon stuffed in your purse, accompanying you to dinner.

As you made your way down the grand staircase, you felt the array of heads turning, watching as you strolled by. These were not students heads however, they were portraits, eyeing you up in your new look.

“You look lovely!” A voice called out from above.

You looked up, to find a portrait of a young girl staring back at you. A portrait you must have passed hundreds, if not thousands of times, yet somehow never even noticed.

“Thank you,” you said as a gentle smile slipped your lips, carefully holding up your skirt in order not to trip.

You finally arrived at the great hall, completely unprepared for what to expect. You did however find it rather amusing that the students were so blissfully unaware of such events happening, as they all resided in their dorms. You wondered what sorts of things the staff got up too when you were a student. And what it might be like to see them tonight, without the restrictions of their office and classroom walls.

Standing outside of the large door, you adjusted your dress, listening in to the hustle and bustle of commotion on the other side.

The door slowly began to open, letting the boom of chatter and music slip out with the light.

A mop of ginger hair peered around the door, followed by a smile and a rather elaborate coat and tie.

“Look at you!”

“It’s nothing,” you gushed. “Just something I had laying around-“

“You look devine,” he muttered, reaching out a hand and guiding you inside, revealing the most exquisite display of feast you had ever laid eyes on.

The smell of warm food was enchanting, and the food itself a sight to behold. Instead of four long tables, the hall was centred by one large round table, topped with delicious treats accompanied by absurd amounts of alcohol.

Almost the entire faculty of Hogwarts was already digging in, laughing and chatting away. Only four empty seats remained. Two beside each other for you and Garreth, one for Professor Black, who would likely not show up, and one at the other side of the table, reserved for Sebastian.

You were thrilled to find you were also sat beside Professor Garlick, or Mirabel as you now called her. However you were utterly distressed that Professor Weasley had been sat at the other side of Garreth, making it practically impossible to converse with her. The entire purpose of this plan was to find out what she knew, and now that task had become just a little bit more tedious.

And so you began to dig in, watching as the enchanted wine bottles poured endless amounts of glasses around the table.

You had spent most of the evening chatting to Professors Garlick than actually communicating with Garreth at all. He was far too deep in debate with Professor Sharp, who was beginning to slur his words about potions. And now no longer being a student it seemed Garreth could finally speak his mind, which was certainly taking priority over talking to you. This was all much to the dismay of Professor Weasley, who was visibly uncomfortable to be sat between the two of them.

You stood up from your chair and approached the Professor from behind, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Care to join me for a stroll?” You smiled.

“I could use some air,” she replied giving Garreth a scolding look.

The two of you headed out of the door leading to the gardens, that sat above your old common room. The warm light from inside illuminated the darkness from below, matching the twinkling stars up above that left a sparkle on the snowy ground.

“I can only apologise for my nephews behaviour in there, it seems the drinks have gotten to his head-“

“It’s alright, he’s very passionate about Potions,” you chuckled.

“That he is. I’m thrilled to hear he is opening up shop in Hogsmeade… and I see the two of you have been getting close.”

“We,” you paused, trying to muster the right thing to say. “We have. Perhaps we could collaborate on some kind of healing potion, in the future.”

There it was, the perfect diversion.

“Certainly, you have made strides for healing in the wizarding world, who knew that muggle methods could be so effective?”

“They are, however, there are

certain types of magic that I think could be just as powerful, it’s just a matter of finding them.”

Something occurred to you in that moment, hearing yourself speak of this.

Isidora, using ancient magic to take away pain.

It was awfully similar to what you had been doing all this time, without the magic of course.

How had everything you’d been through somehow lead to this? Was it more than a coincidence?

The Professor raised an eyebrow, seeming eager to hear more about the magic you spoke of.

“In my research,” you continued. “I heard about some sort of item belonging to Salazar Slytherin that was hidden in the castle, having some kind of healing abilities. It certainly sounded interesting, perhaps it’s worth investigating some day.” You spoke ever so casually, in order to be cautious.

“My dear,” the Professor chucked. “Do not waste your time. I don’t think such an item exists.”

She seemed awfully certain of that, perhaps a little too certain.

“- and even if it did,” she continued. “It would have since been moved.”

“Moved? What do you mean?” You queried, desperate for even a crumb of information.

“Professor Black is a keen collector of such items. I had to essentially run the school myself while he spent months finding every last trace of Salazar Slytherin that remained in these walls, to keep in his personal collection.”

She turned away from you, glancing out at the black lake.

“His findings are very well secured.” She muttered, as her eyes fixated on the little island surrounded by the dark murky water.

Suddenly the blaring sound of trumpets swept the air from behind you, causing you to jump in surprise.

“Let us head back inside, Garreth will be looking for you. You certainly don’t want to miss the dancing,” the Professor smiled, linking your arms together as she took you back into the party.

Oh how it pained you that your conversation had to be cut short, and all for dancing. However this did confirm what Professor Fig had said, but what else? That the collection is secure? But where?

Your thoughts raced, analysing every detail of your conversion.

She looked at the lake.

Could it be in the lake?

~~~

A band of floating instruments had appeared in the corner of the hall, playing an upbeat tune. You watched as Professor Ronen was jigging around in his best robes, clearly having an incredible time. You couldn’t help but smile to yourself watching him rhythmically dart around, you could only imagine what it would be like to be that carefree.

Suddenly he turned, making direct eye contact with you. You bowed your head, peering down at the purse in your hands to ease the awkwardness.

Peeking out was the parchment you had stuffed in there earlier, only now it looked different. A message inked into the paper.

‘It’s over’

What’s over? You spiralled, instantly thinking of the worse case scenario.

“Shall we dance?” A voice interrupted your panic.

Before you even had a second to respond, Professor Ronen had already dragged you into a spin, causing you to laugh despite the torment in your head.

You soon found yourself doing that same carefree jig you were admiring just moments ago, with every note of the music pulling you further away from the torturous thoughts of Sebastian. Perhaps the drinks were starting to get to your head too.

“You and Weasley, eh? Must say I’m surprised,” Professor Ronen teased.

“As am I,”

“I thought you were more of a Slytherin fan,” he wiggled his eyebrows, almost flirtatiously.

You honestly couldn’t tell if he was teasing you about Sebastian or if he really did have too much to drink. Either way, you found yourself in a fit of laughter at his comment as the room was spinning around you.

“May I?” Interrupted your fun, it was Garreth.

“She’s all yours,” the Professor winked, stumbling away.

You glanced around the room at the rest of the staff who were now far beyond a sober state, a sight you never thought you’d witness. You once again spat out a giggle as Garreth wrapped his arms around you to sway you into dance. The music slowed as the lighting dimmed, leaving only gentle candlelight across the hall.

“What’s so funny?” He teased. “Is there something on my face?”

“No,” you chuckled again, placing your arms around Garreths neck and leaning into his chest. Breathing in the stench of alcohol on his robes. Your thoughts of Sebastian now far gone, in fact most of your thoughts too.

Garreth glided you across the hall for what felt like forever. It was peaceful, like dancing on a cloud. You gazed up at the starry sky above, getting lost in the lights as they moved, blurring your vision.

A warm breath grazed your ear, lingering for a moment.

“Shall we take this someplace more private?” Garreth whispered.

You eyes fluttered, tingles dotting across your cheeks. With a breath, your lips parted, about to provide an answer.

Suddenly a loud creek made you pull away, scorching your ears from the gentle music. Still in Garreths arms, you turned towards the large door as it slowly opened, revealing a silhouette.

Sebastian stood there, panting.

You instantly sobered up, feeling a rush of emotion flood you.

He’s okay. He’s alive.

Chapter 15

#hogwarts legacy #sebastian sallow #sebastian sallow x reader #sebastian sallow x you #sebastian sallow fanfiction #sebastian sallow x mc #hogwarts legacy fanfic #harry potter #harry potter hogwarts legacy #garreth weasley #harry potter fanfiction #fanfic

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pagansphinx · 2 months

Text

Walter Westley Russell (British, 1867–1949) • Cordelia • c. 1930

#art #painting #fine art #art history #walter westley russel #british artist #english painter #portrait #female portrait #portrait painter #3/4 length portrait #oil painting #20th century british art #1930s art #pagan sphinx art blog #art blogs on tumblr #art lovers on tumblr

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larobeblanche · 3 months

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Frank Dicksee (1853-1928) • Portrait of Lady Hillingdon • 1905

#art #painting #fine art #portrait #art history #frank dicksee #oil painting #british artist #painter #early 20th century british art #society portrait #female portrait #the white dress #la robe blanche art blog #women in white #3/4 length portrait #sitting portrait #art blogs on tumblr

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mintmilk-art · 2 years

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Since episode 7 is out in a few hours and I won't have the time to do any more, here's a doodle dump for ACOFAF episode 6 ✨✨

(Transcript and image description under Read More !)

[Pic. 1 : A pencil bust sketch of Rue, chin in hand, with a thought bubble reading "I love him". Rue is an owlbear wearing a dress with puffy sleeves and peonies on their head.

Pic. 2 : A pencil sketch of a comic in three panels. The first panel is a portrait of Binx with a wide smile and shining eyes, and a speech bubble reading "You're really cool. Just like, really cool. Do you know how cool you are ?". The second panel is a portrait of Hob with a tense expression and teary eyes, with a speech bubble reading "...". The third panel is Binx and Hob from a distance ; Binx with a frustrated pose and a speech bubble reading "Just read the letter !" in all caps ; and Hob snapping in a straighter standing position with the onomatopoeia "Clap". Binx is a fey with very short hair, long pointed ears and moth wings, wearing a floor-length dress. Hob is a bugbear wearing a military coat and hat.

Pic. 3 : A pencil sketch of a comic in two panels. The first panel is a bust of Binx with crossed arms and a smug expression, with a speech bubble reading "I don't know, you playing mind games with me ?". The second panel is a bust of Scorple glaring down at his hands, with a speech bubble reading "Shit, I think I'm in love". Scorple is a small goblin with large bat ears.

Pic. 4 : A pencil full-body sketch of Scorple pulling a hat down on his head, with a speech bubble reading "I can appreciate a fine bucket hat—".

Pic. 5 : A pencil full-body sketch of Scorple sitting in a party favour bag, with a speech bubble reading "Hey boss you look dope—", with "dope" in all caps. Another speech bubble reads "Scorple, at ease—".]

#acofaf #dimension 20 #a court of fey and flowers #binx choppley #captain kp hob #delloso de la rue #scorple the salt goblin #acofaf spoilers #dimension 20 spoilers #of one mind #traditional art #sketch #if you followed me for tss like 2 years ago. im sorry /hj #this is my first time doing image descriptions so please tell me if there's anything i can do better !

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itsgrimeytime · 9 months

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Magnolia in May (Part Eleven) || Rick Grimes (TWD) x Greene!f!reader Regency AU

Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10...

Taglist: @loliakeoghan23 @belaballs @curlycarley

AVAILABLE ON AO3

Inspiration (in honor of Speak Now Taylor's Version): Enchanted by Taylor Swift.

Summary: Your town was small, not the smallest you knew, but anyone of high fortune was the gossip of the week. Predictably, Richard Grimes was a thing of whispers -rumors of a search for marriage among the grassy hills. You weren't one to buy into town gossip, but something about him... just seemed a little too intriguing.

TWS: infidelity, child abandonment, heartbreak, mentioned family dissolution, anti-Lori, anti-Shane, death of a family member, and betrayal.

[[ A/N: hey besties, I am working on other series too!! I'm just very inspired with this one right now, but don't worry!!! The Nurse, and the neighbor one I'm workshopping are still in the works! anyways, hop aboard the dialogue train my friends! Let's get to talking :))) actually insanely dialogue heavy on god (sorry if thats not your vibe) and thanks for reading lovelies !!! ]]

"Judith... She's-" he moved through them slowly -as if it hurt, "-She's not mine."

"You-" you echoed, finding your voice lost, "-You mean to say-"

"The affair-" Mr. Grimes started, "-extended beyond what I knew. Both in the length of time and extent, I came to realize."

"Yet, you-" you started, debating truly on what the right thing to say here was -somehow urged to ask questions, "-you care for her."

"Yes, I-" he exhaled, "-when Lori told me she was expectin', she told me of the full circumstance. I had to make quick decisions -despite feelings I... I realized a much lesser man would refuse to house a pregnant woman."

"You housed her, did she... was Judith borne of your estate?"

"In Atlanta," he clarified, "-I housed her for the full term, she chose to leave of her own volition. It was... She-"

"Loved him," you finished -familiar with that portion yourself, "-I... She told me so, upon my first independent visit of the estate."

"Right," Mr. Grimes hummed -something rather sad in his tone, but you found the same remembering such a night, "-Lori... Lori decided upon Judith's birth that she was to stay with me. That she'd live a life as our child and not one of an affair."

"And you agreed."

"I won't say I didn't think twice 'bout it," he confided, and you felt quite special to even be hearing all this, "-I believe... If Judith hadn't been at play, I believe I would've been much angrier. To me, this was a matter of a child's life first, and a matter of infidelity second. I just wished for her to have a good life and any sort of circumstance with Shane in her life... She'd be ostracized. I believe both he and Lori knew that well."

"So, they-" you began, trekking your words carefully, "-they gave her up. And you... you raise her as your own."

"Yes, it's odd, I-" Mr. Grimes started -he seemed to be a little on edge, perhaps awaiting your reaction, "-I found the bitterness faded away. It was less like I was holdin' somethin' 'at showed a betrayal and more of I was holdin' someone made of two people I cared dearly for."

"You are truly selfless," you complimented -rather amazed by such circumstances, "-to do such a thing. I... I imagine the decision was not easy, but I've... I've seen you with Judith. You truly care for her, love her even, despite what she represents to you personally."

"The only bitterness I hold with her now is that of the abandonment," he echoed, something rather solemn in his eyes, "-Judith was never intended to know she was her mother, only in passin', but Carl..."

"He lost a mother," you finished - something distant tone as you were reminded of your own ache in your chest, "-It's not something you're supposed to handle well.

The Headmistress was something entirely different, sure she was maternal to you and your sisters but... She was not your mother. All you remembered of her now were portraits, fuzzy memories, and the stories your father told. He said that she looked the most like Beth -big doe eyes, but she had the resilience to match Maggie and a certainty to match your own.

Father always said he'd see her in each one of you every day, a shining memory of something he wished to truly never forget. You hoped he wouldn't, you'd wanted to know everything-

"Your mother, she-"

"Died of illness when I was nearly 10," you answered -a bit curtly, but you were sure he understood, "-Beth was not yet 1, too little to remember much, but Maggie and I... We remember sometimes. We used to compile little bits and pieces and tell Father and he'd tell us the full story. You feel as though you should remember more when someone is gone but... but you do not."

"Do you..." he questioned, "-do you believe he'll remember her, truly?"

You paused, glancing out the window where they still played -although, Judith looked quite tired of it now, and you tried to put yourself in his shoes. They fit quite well, you noticed. Just add a tiny little brunette by his side and you'd say the circumstance was identical in ways. But in other ways... it wasn't. Lori could see him, she just didn't wish to. Her visits weren't prone to impossibility, just... just shame. Who would not run to the ends of the earth for their children? Not fight through the pain just to get to them, the little triumphs of it all.

You supposed some wouldn't.

"I'm not an expert, but-" you echoed -a rather bitter sort of taste bubbling up your throat, almost metallic, "-I will say he will most likely wish to, in certain ways. I... I can never see my mother again, that is not by her choice, but rather by the earth's. He's soon to understand that his mother was at quite an impasse but still... still had a choice-"

Mr. Grimes silently connected his hand with yours -rubbing his thumb along the back of your palm, soothing.

"-and she didn't choose him. Even with you asserting the marriage be ended, she still... had a choice. To visit often, be involved, or- or not. And based on her arrival to the state, I'd garner to say she's not involved."

"Would he..." he fumbled out, "-Would he be bitter? I kno' it's unusual to wish well on such betrayal but-"

"Mr. Grimes," you turned to him, voice steady, "-you have made your decision to allow the grievances on your side. It is up to Carl how he addresses them in his own life, and you must understand that independence. I know that you wish such positive influence for the mother of your children, which you are a good man for, it doesn't have to excuse the behavior for him."

"I jus'-"

"Carl hurt in his own way, as I'm sure you know-" you continued, a lowered calm tone, "-it is up to him to decide how he deals with it. If he wishes to hate his mother for the rest of his life, so be it. It's dreadful to say but Lori made the decision fully knowing such consequences could arise. If she wishes it fixed, she must do so herself."

He sighed, a deep sort of rattling one -a resignation deep in the tone as if he knew it was coming, "I kno', I just- I suppose I want better for Carl and took it upon myself to try and make it better."

"An honorable cause," you echoed -clasping your connected hands with your own, comforting, "-Mr. Grimes, if you treat Carl anything like Judith then he is well cared for. I'm positive you do everything in your power to care for them."

"Ms. Greene," he spoke -looking at you at that sort of way that made your heart flip in your stomach, "-I... Thank you."

"You should know by now, it is not needed."

"I kno'," he spoke, rather softly, "-I wish to. Ms. Greene, I don't know how to properly portray to ya that anythin' I do for you is not out of obligation. I'm rather pleased to do it just because it's for you."

"Is that not what I was implying?" You spoke, rather bashfully, "-I... Mr. Grimes, I don't need to be thanked for anything I do for you, I... I am pleased to do so myself."

"Right, yes," he continued -intently, "-but I want to. I want... Ms. Greene, I summoned you today to clear some things up, as you 'ave learned. All a bit personal, but you must understand my intentions-"

"To explain your actions?" you questioned.

"No," he started, before correcting, "-well, yes but no. I... Ms. Greene, the scenario I told you... Judith, her arrival to this world, the truth of it is something I've sworn to secrecy. Something that only is knowledge of the parties involved and some of my most trusted staff-"

"I understand, truly," you echoed -urging to soothe what you believed to be worry, "-Mr. Grimes, you will not hear me speak of such a matter to anyone."

"While I appreciate 'at notion, I-" He seemed a bit lost in his wording, almost perhaps embarrassed, "-it's not what I intended for you to understand-"

"And I'm supposed to know these such intentions? I believed you were presenting your side to something that wasn't quite whole for me."

"Ms. Greene," Mr. Grimes huffed out, maybe a touch frustrated at his own lack of cohesion, "-that is a part of why I've summoned ya today, a surly part, sure but merely a part."

You paused, a little at a loss, "What are you implying, sir?"

"There's-" he paused, pinching the bridge of his nose between his fingers, "-Judith's tale is one I would hardly let off the estate, somethin' so jeopardizing needs to be properly policed. I've made sure to keep it 'at way, not even tellin' my complete staff, only those I trust the most. And yet, despite it all, I sit 'ere and find myself tellin' you."

"Well-"

"Ms. Greene," he urged with a playful sort of smile -the type you always saw in his banter, "-as much as I'm delighted to hear ya speak, as I am with anythin' you do, will you let me 'ave a moment?"

You flushed a bright sort of crimson, it was a rather polite way of saying 'shut up' -maybe even complimenting, "Of course, speak at your will."

He nodded, ever so slightly turning in the couch to fully face you, and taking his free hand to clasp the amalgamation you'd just previously added onto. You'd assumed it looked rather odd from an outside perspective, but still, somehow the touch grounded you to the moment -commanded you to attention. Mr. Grimes had always had such an odd effect on you after all, what was one more?

"Ms. Greene," he spoke in that sort of fond way that you often imagined narrators to be when you read -all wistful and happy, "-you rightfully delight me, and I initially, I... wished you to know about Judith to explain my circumstances. But now I find there's something bigger than that. I- I'm..."

He fell a little silent, seeming to try and gather his words -you waited, patiently.

"How did you say it?" He questioned, and you were to answer 'what' but realized he was speaking to himself, rhetorically, "-'I've fallen in love with you. Most completely'."

Something in you stilled, was he... was he truly-

"It's hard to describe, but I-" Mr. Grimes continued, hardly letting you reel yourself back in from such an admittance, "-I find a part of myself tellin' you such things, as Judith's unfortunate beginnin', because I... I want you here. It's not a lack of trust, you just-"

He paused for a moment, before unclasping your hands and using the pads of his fingers to guide your eyes back to his. The press of his thumb against your chin brought you back to the moment that you supposed you drifted to. Something in your stomach fluttered.

"-belong here with me. And maybe it's rather selfish to instill such ideas upon you, but I... I haven't been selfish enough I believe. Nor have I been clear enough."

"Mr. Grimes-" you tried to urge him away, from such a tone.

"Ms. Greene," he responded in the same tone, fingertips still on the edge of your skin, "-there is no letter this time, no coy jabs that flow seamlessly with the banter, and no heartbreakin'."

"You don't-"

He didn't respond, only adjusted slightly to fully face you -blue eyes with their ever-familiar twinkle, and hand now cradling your cheek. It was a rather tender sort of movement that sent such a familiar buzz down your spine -warmth, but also held your gaze on his.

"Y/N, I-" he breathed out and you felt it fan across your skin, "-I love you, far more than I think I could ever fully grasp. And I wish to court you, properly as I kno' ya deserve-"

"Mr. Grimes..." you whispered, slightly weepy and a little in tone but there was no bite -you felt as if you weren't really there.

He merely only moved his hands to wipe away such tears -pads of his thumbs brushing against your skin (it nearly made you want to cry even more), "-and when things go well, as I know they should. I shall ask for your hand, with a lot more bravado than perhaps now but I suppose I 'ave time to perfect it."

"You..." you echoed, voice shaky and tears a bit distant from you now, but you still felt quite vulnerable, "-You... You love me, despite the... despite the letters and the nonsense and my family and my Headmistress-"

"Ms. Greene," he hummed, "-I've never been more certain of anythin' in my life."

"But-"

"And there was no choice," he interrupted, brushing his fingers over your hair -assumedly smoothing it into place, "-you spoke of... last time, I 'chose' you. That's not what had ever gone through my mind."

"Surely, you must have considered it," you whispered out -a sort of weepy tone trailing every word, "-for societal standards, at the very least. You... When Lori appeared upon your doorstep, you cannot tell me the thought did not cross your mind."

"A long time ago," Mr. Grimes spoke, a distant sort of bitterness flaring up in his tone, "-I came to terms with what Lori had done and why. When she arrived on my doorstep that evenin', I housed her as the mother of my children, not as... not as my estranged wife. If you'd asked me years ago, I suppose I might've done so. But now? With you? Ms. Greene, there was no choice."

"I..."

"Upon her arrival, the first thing I did was write that letter, detailing the cancelation-" he hummed, rubbing his thumb along your cheekbone, "-she was on my estate for the first time since Judith's birth, and all I could think about was you."

"Mr. Grimes-"

"I love you," he urged and something in you softened -something molten and warm swirling in your stomach, "-Ms. Greene, you are somethin' I'd never believe I'd get after Lori. You must understand how precious 'at makes you to me."

You were nearly speechless, only one thing floating in your mind, "I love you too. I... I suppose, I just never believed that you could love me so."

"And 'at is why I know I have been far too coy, in my affections for you," he hummed -fond and soft, as if it was only the two of you in the world. Or rather, if all he wished to pay attention to was you. Perhaps it was.

"As if I wasn't," you laughed, a little in astonishment at your current situation -he loved you, "-I haven't been too forthcoming myself, Mr. Grimes."

"I believe I have it in myself to forgive you for such misfortunes," he retorted, all smiley again and you felt a rush of fondness, admiration, love-

You smiled, a little tight from tears but still genuine -exaggerating playfully, "I'm rather honored to have such mercy, sir."

He chuckled, just a touch, bright laughter bubbling up in your chest (love, love, love-), seeming to absorb the moment -eyes flickering all over your face in a silence you found oddly comfortable. It was as if there was no need to speak, being in his presence was enough. Content.

"Does your residence 'ave any plans for dinner?"

"No," you spoke, playfully annoyed but the crimson on your cheeks told their own story, "-why? Are you so impatient to speak to my Father that you could only wait mere hours?"

"Possibly," Mr. Grimes echoed, biting back such a smile himself, "-my chef is terrific, very talented in a wide range of dishes. I'd venture she could cook for anyone."

"Is that an invitation?"

"Yes," he revealed, smile slipping across his lips, "-and a question. Do you have a favorite dish?"

"Oh, please," you laughed, "-I do not require such treatment, Mr. Grimes."

He chuckled -a rather telling sort of look in his eyes, "It's an innocent question-"

"Sure," you spoke with a certain tilt in your tone, "-and I suppose the berry basket was an innocent gift, then?"

"Alright, fine-" he urged, perhaps a little embarrassed -the familiar pink rising along his cheekbones, "-would you honor me with at least your favorite dessert?"

"Are you truly so eager to impress me?" You laughed, a bit in disbelief.

"Please you," he corrected, "-I happen to like when you're smilin', and would like to have a hand in helpin' such a feeling come to."

"Oh, Mr. Grimes," you echoed, a grin spreading across your lips -happiness a sort of electricity rattling your bones, "-you don't need a dessert to do such a thing."

#rick grimes #its griming time #stuff n' thangs #rick grimes x reader #rick grimes x y/n #rick grimes x you #rick grimes x y/n fanfiction #twd #twd rick #rick grimes fanfiction #rick grimes oneshot #magnolia in may

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hometoursandotherstuff · 1 year

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Here’s a 1964 mid-century modern home in Palm Springs, California. It has 3 bd. 4 ba. is listed for $3.8M and it’s pink! The interior is very unusual and colorful, too.

In the foyer is a portrait of the lady of the house. They can take that with them.

It has a very open concept with several mirrored walls and a big marble fireplace. Area rugs soften the stone floors.

The house is very long and the dining area is at the far end. The photos are confusing b/c of all the mirrored walls.

The outdated kitchen cabinets were painted black with a gray trim and the appliances were updated. The brick was painted gloss black and a marble counter and backsplash were added. I don’t know what kind of ceiling that is, but it looks like it’s been installed up there in pieces.

The everyday dining area off the kitchen has a very large wall-length china cabinet and at first I thought it had an opening, but I think it’s a mirror. There’s a nice view from the windows and I like the striped curtains.

The main bd. is very large.

The en suite bathroom features a gold slipper tub with a view of the pool.

A home office is off the bd. and has a wall of closets.

It also has a walk-in closet/dressing room with a makeup table.

The makeup area is in a private nook.

Looks like another bd. Love the pink carpet and view of the garden.

This room has a small en suite.

This is a shower room with peacock wallpaper and leopard curtains. Interesting.

Has a beautiful pool, but there isn’t anywhere to escape the sun unless you sit on the porch.

Something was in the middle of the patio. Maybe it’s for a table w/an umbrella. The garden is basically cacti and desert plants.

This grass has to be fake in the desert. If you enlarge the photo you can see the seam on the right.

The porch is lovely at night.

And, the garden looks nice all lit up.

The pool and house all lit up. I don’t know, I just don’t care much for a desert setting.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1090-W-Cielo-Dr-Palm-Springs-CA-92262/18022850_zpid/

#mid century modern home #MCM architecture #houses #home tour #house tours #long post

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beehunni62 · 1 year

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Married Mongolian Women’s Hairstyle in the Yuan Dynasty

Mongolians have a long history of shaving and cutting their hair in specific styles to signal socioeconomic, marital, and ethnic status that spans thousands of years. The cutting and shaving of the hair was also regarded as an important symbol of change and transition. No Mongolian tradition exemplifies this better than the first haircut a child receives called Daah Urgeeh, khüükhdiin üs avakh (cutting the child’s hair), or örövlög ürgeekh (clipping the child’s crest) (Mongulai, 2018)

The custom is practiced for boys when they are at age 3 or 5, and for girls at age 2 or 4. This is due to the Mongols’ traditional belief in odd numbers as arga (method) [also known as action, ᠮᠣᠩᠭᠤᠯ, арга] and even numbers as bilig (wisdom) [ᠪᠢᠴᠢᠭ, билиг].

Mongulai, 2018.

The Mongolian concept of arga bilig (see above) represents the belief that opposite forces, in this case action [external] and wisdom [internal], need to co-exist in stability to achieve harmony. Although one may be tempted to call it the Mongolian version of Yin-Yang, arga bilig is a separate concept altogether with roots found not in Chinese philosophy nor Daoism, but Eurasian shamanism.

However, Mongolian men were not the only ones who shaved their hair. Mongolian women did as well.

Flemish Franciscan missionary and explorer, William of Rubruck [Willem van Ruysbroeck] (1220-1293) was among the earliest Westerners to make detailed records about the Mongol Empire, its court, and people. In one of his accounts he states the following:

But on the day following her marriage, (a woman) shaves the front half of her head, and puts on a tunic as wide as a nun's gown, but everyway larger and longer, open before, and tied on the right side. […] Furthermore, they have a head-dress which they call bocca [boqtaq/gugu hat] made of bark, or such other light material as they can find, and it is big and as much as two hands can span around, and is a cubit and more high, and square like the capital of a column. This bocca they cover with costly silk stuff, and it is hollow inside, and on top of the capital, or the square on it, they put a tuft of quills or light canes also a cubit or more in length. And this tuft they ornament at the top with peacock feathers, and round the edge (of the top) with feathers from the mallard's tail, and also with precious stones. The wealthy ladies wear such an ornament on their heads, and fasten it down tightly with an amess [J: a fur hood], for which there is an opening in the top for that purpose, and inside they stuff their hair, gathering it together on the back of the tops of their heads in a kind of knot, and putting it in the bocca, which they afterwards tie down tightly under the chin.

Ruysbroeck, 1900

TLDR: Mongolian women shaved the front half of their head and covered it with a boqta, the tall Mongolian headdress worn by noblewomen throughout the Mongol empire. Rubruck observed this hairstyle in noblewomen (boqta was reserved only for noblewomen). It’s not clear whether all women, regardless of status, shaved the front of their heads after marriage and whether it was limited to certain ethnic groups.

When I learned about that piece of information, I was simply going to leave it at that but, what actually motivated me to write this post is to show what I believe to be evidence of what Rubruck described. By sheer coincidence, I came across these Yuan Dynasty empress paintings:

Portrait of Empress Dowager Taji Khatun [ᠲᠠᠵᠢ ᠬᠠᠲᠤᠨ, Тажи xатан], also known as Empress Zhaoxian Yuansheng [昭獻元聖皇后] (1262 - 1322) from album of Portraits of Empresses. Artist Unknown. Ink and color on silk, Yuan Dynasty (1260-1368). National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan [image source].

Portrait of Unnamed Imperial Consort from album Portraits of Empresses. Artist Unknown. Ink and color on silk. Yuan Dynasty (1260-1368). National Palace Mueum in Taiper, Taiwan [image source].

Portrait of unnamed wife of Gegeen Khan [ᠭᠡᠭᠡᠨ ᠬᠠᠭᠠᠨ, Гэгээн хаан], also known as Shidibala [ᠰᠢᠳᠡᠪᠠᠯᠠ, 碩德八剌] and Emperor Yingzong of Yuan [英宗皇帝] (1302-1323) from album Portraits of Empresses. Artist Unknown. Ink and color on silk. Yuan Dynasty (1260-1368), early 14th century. National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan [image source].

To me, it’s evident that the hair of those women is shaved at the front. The transparent gauze strip allows us to clearly see their hairstyle. The other Yuan empress portraits have the front part of the head covered, making it impossible to discern which hairstyle they had. I wonder if the transparent gauze was a personal style choice or if it was part of the tradition such that, after shaving the hair, the women had to show that they were now married by showcasing the shaved part.

As shaving or cutting the hair was a practice linked by nomads with transitioning or changing from one state to another (going from being single to married, for example), it would not be a surprise if the women regrew it.

References:

Mongulai. (2018, April 19). Tradition of cutting the hair of the child for the first time.

Ruysbroeck, W. V. & Giovanni, D. P. D. C., Rockhill, W. W., ed. (1900) The journey of William of Rubruck to the eastern parts of the world, 1253-55, as narrated by himself, with two accounts of the earlier journey of John of Pian de Carpine. Hakluyt Society London. Retrieved from the University of Washington’s Silk Road texts.

#mongolia #mongolian #yuan dynasty #mongolian history #chinese history #china #boqta #mongolian traditions #history #gegeen khan #empress dowager taji #mongol empire #William of Rubruck #historical fashion #arga bilig #central asia #central asian culture #mongolian culture #asia

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