#i HAVE MANY 2ND COUSINS THOUGH

[a-dinosaur-a-day]

Fossil Novembirb 8: The Raptors Are Back

Palaeohierax by @quetzalpali-art!

Alright we're back with a look at the raptors of the Paleogene!

Raptor meaning, of course, bird of prey. Which I wouldn't have to say, except this is a dinosaur blog, and a lot of the time people in dinosaur circles use "raptor" to mean "Dromaeosaur" exclusively. Ironic, given that birds of prey used the word first!

Pulchrapollia by @drawingwithdinosaurs

We've already talked about some of the birds of prey that appeared right after the extinction, such as all the early owls, Qianshanornis, and Danielsraptor. Truth is, being a carnivore is a useful ecology, and birds - having evolved from Paravians like Dromaeosaurs - already have a lot of the tools for chowing down! So, carnivorous birds just keep re-evolving all the time - corvids are sometimes considered raptors, and they're deeply nested within Passerines! And of course, modern roadrunners are essentially mini Velociraptors, but they're cuckoos!

In fact, it seems that most birds alive today evolved from a carnivorous ancestor! All the early-branching members of Telluraves, aka "Core Land Birds" (which includes all passerines and many more besides) are raptorial - owls, hawks, eagles, kites, seriemas, even falcons. And the early ancestors of Passerines and Parrots - things like Halcyornis - were birds of prey as well!

Dynamopterus by @thewoodparable

As we saw with Danielsraptor and Qianshanornis, fast running predatory birds have been a thing since the ash started clearing up from the asteroid. There are just so many small animals to eat and so little time to catch them! Relatives of falcons and seriemas continued to pursue (heh) this lifestyle, and were quite common in the Paleogene fossil record.

In fact, Seriemas - today limited to just a handful of species in South America - had a very successful time of it during the Paleogene and Neogene, with species spread all across the globe. Dynamopterus (sometimes called Idiornis) was from the later Eocene of Europe, and it lived very similarly to living seriemas in its ecosystem! Itaboravis was present in the early Eocene in South America, and we also have Bathornis in North America!

Bathornis by @drawingwithdinosaurs

Bathornis was a very terror-bird-like seriema relative that lived in North America from the Eocene through the Miocene, found in many different environments and at many sizes throughout its existence, including plains and wetlands. Flightless like its terror bird cousins, it had a strong beak to help in catching food and powerful legs for moving quickly across the landscape to catch it!

Ogygoptynx by Apokryltaros/Avancna

Of course, I cannot ignore flighted predatory birds entirely. Though modern ones don't have a lot of fossil relatives (they start appearing in the Oligocene with forms like Palaeohierax), it seems that volant raptors were simply found in other clades - many owls were diurnal, and the relatives of modern parrots and passerines were small carnivores as I mentioned above. With ridges over their eyes to help with glare, these animals could find prey over long distances and fly to them rapidly from their perches - something quite terrifying for the little mammals they ate!

From grasping talons to sickle claws to powerful beaks and eyes, these animals - though small - had major impacts on their environments. Some grew to be so large they would hunt humans - but that's a story for another article.

Sources:

Mayr, 2022. Paleogene Fossil Birds, 2nd Edition. Springer Cham.

Mayr, 2017. Avian Evolution: The Fossil Record of Birds and its Paleobiological Significance (TOPA Topics in Paleobiology). Wiley Blackwell.

#Fossil Novembirb #Novembirb #Dinovember #Dinosaurs #Birds

[thatpaintedpony]

It’s Christmas so it’s time for the 2023 year in review. This is going to be a rollercoaster so strap in.

We kicked off 2023 with a trail ride down to our neighbour’s place to ride on her lovely arena, and needless to say Sky took it all in her stride, though she was a little wide eyed when she met their many, many, many blood hounds. It was, however, extremely hot, and we both came home drenched in sweat and ready for a shower.

We had, of course, been preparing for our Novice debut for nearly 12 months now so we were also starting to work with a bit of elementary stuff, working slowly on our laterals and developing our walk to canters. January at work was deeply miserable, as my excellent manager had left and I was left in a job I hated, surrounded by people I didn’t like, plus I wasn’t allowed to work from home which made riding a bit miserable. Still, we plugged along through January.

I once more rode at the MARC Unofficial comp and did another two Unofficial Novice tests, with one scoring 73%! Unofficial scores are never a good indication of where you are realistically, but it’s always nice to see that score starting with a 7. Then, finally, FINALLY at the end of January, we competed in our FIRST Official Novice test at Bowral Dressage Club, more than 8 months later than intended. We had one more error (broke to canter in the lengthen trot) but otherwise put in two very solid tests and scored 64% for both, and placed 2nd and 4rd. Not bad for our first official comp! It seemed the curse was finally broken!

In February, it was off to South Australia to see Mum and Dad, during which time I went on a hot and rather random trail ride on a standardbred out the back of some random lady’s paddock, enjoyed some beach time, and went for a lot of dog walks. We did get excellent weather for  change which was nice!

The end of summer brought a boon of blackberries, since our property at Gunning is rank with them and even as annoying as having a property full of noxious weeds is, at least these ones have berries.

We also started preparing for our Novice Freestyle, which was supposed to be debuted at the Festival last year, but never got finished due to the broken hand. This meant a few trips out to a local arena to get the timing right, which we also used to start to develop our elementary work a bit more.

In March it was off to Melbourne to meet my delightful cousin and her new hubby, back from London to visit the family, and Mum and I had an excellent time exploring some museums while we were there.

We had another solid official Novice at ACTDA in March, with 64% and 65%, keeping our scores fairly consistent. We probably could have done better but Sky decided to do a choose your own adventure test so was anticipating pretty badly. In March we also tried our hand at hacking, and did excellently, though it was revoltingly hot, and landed Champion Led Pinto and Reserve Champion Led Warmblood, and picked up a ribbon in almost all our classes.

April rolled around, and with it, Dressage in the Bush. We camped out at Bendick Murrell Showgrounds, and competed in the AOR Novice Championship and the Novice Freestyle. Our Freestyle went well and we won (after a bit of a snafu with the scores) and we placed 3rd and 6th in the Championship, only JUST missing out on Reserve Champion due to an error of course in our first test. But Sky was absolutely exemplary the whole time and I was SO proud of how well we went.

We also won a lesson with the amazing Susan Elekessy, who has become our eyes on the ground, helping us pick up little things that Peter can’t see through the Pivo. She was very complimentary towards Sky, as well, which is always nice.

After the excitement of Dressage in the Bush, a certain SOMEONE (looking at you Lexi) conned me into entering Elementary at the HDC Festival. I figured it would be a good opportunity to see how we would go, how solid our Elem work was. Afterall, we had most of the main movements alright, though our travers was less good. Due to a wedding, I wasn’t able to compete AOR, so I found myself riding my first ever elementary tests in an OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP. No pressure, right? And yet somehow my magical unicorn Sky managed to not only not embarrass us, but to PLACE 6th in the 3.2 with 65%, which ALSO qualified us for States. Insane! We also got 2nd in the Novice Freestyle. Unfortunately the big week and competing elementary meant that by the time we got to our Novice championship, Sky was exhausted, so while we put in decent tests we didn’t manage to place against the Open horses. Still, it was amazing to finally make it to the Festival that I worked so hard to help organise, to actually be able to ride with my amazing friends.

Post Festival, I finally started a new job at ANU, transferring from the Digital Literacy team back into the Library, taking on the role of Information Access and Training Officer, which was a HUGE step in improving my attitude towards work. I love my new manager and my new team, and I’m having so much fun being back as a librarian.

Peer Pressure struck once again, and I found myself entered at States in both Novice and Elementary. With not a lot of time between the Festival and States, I trekked out to Wagga to try and get one more ride at Elementary in before States. We did the 2.3 and the 3.3. We had some hefty mistakes in the 3.3 and ended with 62.8%. Even better, we cracked 70% at Novice for the first time in an Official test which is an excellent benchmark!

Before States I went back to South Australia to surprise Dad for his birthday. Little did I know, it would be the last time I saw him outside of hospital.

Then it was States again. On paper, it wasn’t the most successful Championship we’ve been to. We scored 57% in the 3.3 which was one of our worst ever scores, and 61% in the 3.2, which put us mid field in both tests, which considering these were our 6th and 7th ever Elem tests I was still pretty pleased with, however it did show that Sky was getting a bit scrambled about the simple changes. Then in the novice, again, she was tired, scoring 63% and 64% in the two tests with some silly mistakes. So no ribbons, but the fact that we were even competing at States in at two levels when before Sky the thought of competing at states AT ALL was far out of reach, so I’m still proud to have been there, and we were mid-field in all our tests so definitely not at the bottom!

We took some time off competing while we addressed the issues that had arisen in rushing our Elem start, namely that for a while we were entirely unable to trot, and could ONLY do walk to canters and canter walks. It was a whole thing. So we stepped it back to Novice while we addressed that.

In September, my dad unexpectedly went into hospital with severe pneumonia, among other things. I rushed down to Royal Adelaide hospital to be with him, and stayed for a week as he slowly recovered. He seemed to be getting better, so I came home. I competed at ACTDA in Novice, in a howling gale. Her tests were tense, but obedient, and we got 63% and 64% (at least we’re consistent).  

Then, a week later, Dad passed away in the ICU at Royal Adelaide Hospital. It has been the most devastating thing that has ever happened to me.

I came home and tried to pick up my life again.

In November, my bestest for the restest and I decided to start a Podcast, revisiting our terrible writing from when we were teens, in an effort to try and create some sort of platform since apparently that’s what you have to do to publish a book these days.

Finally, it was time for the Canberra Classic. The big local championship that I missed last year due to Sky’s endless seedy toe. I was tough, being the first time I’d competed since Dad died. He was always so invested in my competitions. It was hot, and windy, but Sky put in two lovely tests. We got slammed in the first with 62% for having her poll too low, but scored 69% in the second test to place 5th AOR. If we’d competed Open we’d have been second! Still, I can’t complain about a 69% so was extremely happy, and we got to take home a shiny ribbon.

On the 18th of November we said goodbye to Dad with a wake at one of his old haunts in Balmain, spreading his ashes off Darling Street wharf. I was reminded how truly beautiful the friendships I’ve made are with the support of my amazing pals. I wish they could have met him.

Sky and I came 4th in the AOR Novice Horse of the Year rankings, and I was awarded a Bronze performance medal at ACTDA.

And so we have rolled onto the end of the year, starting to reintroduce our elementary work, getting stronger and ready to start competing at Elementary next year.

Then, approximately 10 minutes before leaving to fly to SA again, I bought a new towing car, a 2010 Mitsubishi Pajero. Hopefully it’s excellent, and I can pass my trusty Prado on to a new owner!

This Christmas is a little bit sadder. A little bit emptier. There were no power tools under the tree this year. Less beers in the fridge. The weather is crap and somehow appropriate. I wish you were here, Dad. Merry Christmas.

#horsblr #equestrian #equestrians of tumblr #horses of tumblr #dressage #dressage horse #year in review #sky

[autisticarchive]

Setting the Record Straight on Neurodiversity, 2nd Edition

Last summer, I wrote a blog post that went into detail on the origins of the term and concept of neurodiversity. Since then, more info has been uncovered that dates said blog post so an updated version is in order.

Here’s the truth, put quite simply-Judy Singer did not coin neurodiversity and most certainly did not originate the idea or concept. This was never true, it just became accepted as truth as time went on. Singer hasn't been able to keep her story straight, and it's because of her ego. This is the kind of ego that the world of academia breeds. It gives people the need to claim ownership over words and concepts, even if it was developed within the community. It allows for individuals with institutional power to hold the cards against people without said power or privilege in progressive movements. This isn’t to say everyone who participates in academia is guilty of this, just that academia creates these people by its very design.

Neurological diversity was used as early as October of 1996 on Martijn Dekker’s InLv (Independent Living on the Autism Spectrum) email list. It was a private list, only accessible to those who participated in it. With permission, he published an email from Tony Langdon where he not only name drops neurological diversity but describes it in the exact way it’s usually defined. 

“I'm becoming more sure that what allows the human

race to progress socially and technologically is the neurological

diversity of people.  I.e., the atypical among a society provide the

different perspectives needed to generate new ideas and advances,

whether they be technological, cultural, artistic or otherwise.”

It was also used in an email from Phil Schwarz dated 1997, an entire year before Singer’s thesis, on a public email list. 

“The more we widen societal horizons regarding _neurological_ diversity,

alongside diversity of race, ethnicity, religion, culture, etc., the

easier it will be for folks on the spectrum to integrate into, and

contribute to, the society at large, to whatever degree their skills

and talents render them capable. The more there will be a place and

a role of value in the society at large.”

There are more emails from even further back on this email list that don’t outright namedrop neurodiversity, but do use the same basic phrasing short of exact wording such as this one from Stephen Drake. Even then, the concept of neurodiversity isn’t very original as it is very derivative of the pre-existing Disability Rights Movement, which was pushing for the same thing. The neurodiversity movement has had a focus on brain-based disabilities since the mainstream Disability Rights Movement often focuses more on physical disabilities.

Harvey Blume (may his memory be a blessing) published two articles on neurodiversity in the late 90s. One that uses “neurological pluralism”, which is basically a synonym, and then another that does use neurodiversity. This was published before Singer’s thesis, though it was something he wrote based on his discussions with her. The older article looks to have been published independently of said discussions, though. Journalists like Blume play a significant role in the popularization of terms, and he published for Atlantic and NYT, two high profile publications. Therefore, it suffices to say he did a lot to help bring the term and idea into the public eye. 

There were some claims in the 2000s that Larry Arnold was the one to coin neurodiversity, though Larry himself disputed this. It’s likely that because he mentioned neurodiversity in his old website that there was a simple misattribution given to him. 

What really put neurodiversity on the map, at least within autistic spaces, was the aforementioned article that Jane Meyerding wrote. Personal accounts relay that this article was a huge deal and sparked many conversations among autistics and cousins about their own lived experiences. Jane does not take credit for the term, but it is worth noting that this was widely shared and had the term in it. Judy’s thesis didn’t get much attention until it was mentioned in another one of her writings published in Disability Discourse, but written before that called "Why Can't You Be Normal for Once in Your Life?". Disability Discourse is cited pretty heavily and mentions the 1998 thesis. A lot of people also seem to get the idea that Judy coined neurodiversity from Steve Silberman’s NeuroTribes, a NYT Best-seller published in 2015. Re-reading the chapter that talks about this, “In Autistic Space”, Silberman talks about the neurodiversity movement’s origins on the whole, including the stuff from ANI and even mentions Jane’s essay. It does mention Judy coined neurodiversity, though Silberman may not have had the intel that its usage predates hers. Many other people didn’t either so Steve isn’t necessarily at fault for this. Steve gave a mostly accurate depiction of neurdoversity’s origins otherwise, so it may just be that people took a snippet from that and repeated it until it became accepted as the definitive truth. 

Neurodiversity is many things. One thing it is not is something that belongs to a single person. Like with any idea, it’s a constant work in progress. Many different people have defined it in different ways and there really wasn’t a single person who coined the term or conceived the idea. It was something collectively devised by a tight-knit community in the late 80s and early 90s. Two or more people are indeed capable of devising the same or similar words to describe the same phenomena independent of one another. The sheer chance that we all happen to live on the same planet in a universe full of them, a planet that happens to be able to support living beings at that, is small enough that the possibility of many separate people coming to the same single conclusion is more likely than not. The most accurate thing to say about neurodiversity’s origins is that it emerged as a concept and a term in the 1990s within communities of autistics and cousins on the internet whose work was influenced by the Disability Rights Movement.

For more perspectives on this, check out a live discussion on this featuring neurodiversity movement veterans from July.

#neurodiversity #history #actuallyautistic #autism #disability

[ratslovetrainstoo]

My Thomas AU I suppose? (Headcannons and what not)

Age

In this AU, everyone has the ability to become a human. Engines live for a significantly longer amount of time than an average human being does. Despite the fact that they can get older, their physical appearance doesn’t change. They’re kinda just eternally young. Engine years are much different from human years. An example being that my oc Pamelle is only around 30 in engine years even though she was built in 1920.

Speed + Strength

The engines (when in human form) are significantly faster and stronger. Their speed and strength in human form depends on the speed and strength of themselves in engine form (E.g. Percy can move at a speed of about 35 mph, meaning that he can go this fast in his human form)

Gender(s)

The engines can really be any gender they want, if they use enough energy then they can possibly make their human for the desired gender. Or they can just use an identity. Whatever floats their boat.

Shifting Form

It can feel uncomfortable at first, as their bodies are quite literally reforming into something they generally aren’t used to. It can be awkward to walk at first, but after some time it does eventually become easier.

(In case you, or anyone else is asking, no. They can not reproduce)

The main 6 in my au

(Please be respectful about what headcannons I might have)

Thomas

💙 Adopted by Edward 💙

💙 Can go at a speed of about 30 - 70 mph 💙

💙 All of his siblings were scrapped, causing him to have depression for quite a long time 💙

💙 He’s #1 because he was actually the first to be officially purchased to work on the NWR 💙

💙 He stayed at Edward’s home until he was confident enough that he knew just enough to start working on the lines 💙

💙 Based off an LBS&CR E2 class tank engine 💙

💙 Very cheeky and loves playing jokes on others (especially the big engines) but knows when to act mature and serious 💙

💙 Can get very salty if he feels like he’s going to be replaced 💙

Edward

🩵 Adopted Thomas and kept him at home until he felt ready to let him work on the mainline 🩵

🩵 He’s #2 on the NWR because he was the 2nd to be bought 🩵

🩵 Has a speed of about 70 - 80 mph 🩵

🩵 Very wise and kind 🩵

🩵 He currently has feelings for James, but is very subtle about it 🩵

🩵 Overall just very relaxed 🩵

🩵 Eldest of the main 6 🩵

🩵 Based on a Stewart and co “Larger Seagull" K2 Class 🩵

Henry

💚 He had helped Edward take care of Thomas if he ever had to leave for work 💚

💚 #3 on the railway because (you guessed it) he was the 3rd to be bought 💚

💚 The plans for his construction were failed plans and were accidentally stolen, therefore causing him to be a failed prototype and thus leading to his extensive rebuild 💚

💚 He’s probably a tree hugger 💚

💚 Has a huge garden 💚

💚 He also probably names his plants too 💚

💚 He’s kind of like a father or big brother to Percy 💚

💚 Has Ombrophobia 💚

💚 Can go at a speed of about 96 mph 💚

Gordon

💙 Obviously very moody and grumpy 💙

💙 LOVES COFEE 💙

💙 Doesn’t like most animals but will tolerate cats 💙

💙 He loves all his friends. He just doesn’t show it 💙

💙 THRIVES when it come to certain interests 💙

💙 4th to be bought 💙

💙 Can go at a speed of about 100 - 105 mph 💙

💙 Likes reading the Sodor newsletter 💙

💙 Fiercely loyal to his controller, friends, and railway 💙

💙 HAS TOO MANY SIBLINGS AND COUSINS (lots of which sadly were scrapped) 💙

💙 Based of an LNER A1 Pacific Express Engine 💙

James

❤️ HE THE LIVING DEFINITION OF PRIDE (Both the self-conscious emotion and the 🏳️‍🌈 kind) ❤️

❤️ He most likely tries to kiss himself when looking in a mirror ❤️

❤️ He prefers to take passengers coaches rather than cars ❤️

❤️ HATES dirty stuff ❤️

❤️ Short tempered ❤️

❤️ Seems like the guy who only cares about himself. Most of his room actually has pictures of everyone he cares about ❤️

❤️ Can go at a speed of about 70-80 mph ❤️

❤️ He’s easy to humble, most people don’t try though. They think he’s too selfish to even try to humble ❤️

❤️ Based off a LYR class 28 engine ❤️

Percy

💚 He’s just as cheeky as Thomas. That’s why they’re so close 💚

💚 Very selfless 💚

💚 Often seen as a not-so-bright person, but this is only because he’s easy to put upon 💚

💚 He’s a baby. Protect him at all costs. 💚

💚 He’s a child at heart 💚

💚 He still treats his plushies like real people 💚

💚 Has trouble paying attention 💚

💚 Smallest and youngest of the main 6 💚

💚 Based off an Avonside 0-4-0ST and can go up to speeds of about 35-45 mph 💚

💚 LOVES mail runs 💚

#ttte #ttte thomas #ttte percy #ttte james #ttte gordon #ttte edward #ttte henry #ttte human au #ttte my au #thomas and friends #thomas the tank engine #percy the small engine #james the splendid engine #gordon the big engine #henry the green engine #edward the blue engine #my au

[tessa-liam]

Marabelle

Marabelle

🔻 Prologue: 

The Royal Romance, an AU series 

Series premise: An American teenager from New York city is introduced to the world of a small European country and its society of royalty, nobles, and commoners. How will her life story be transformed? Will this new adventure bring her happiness...or regret? 

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC (Sophia) 

Other Pairing: Maxwell Beaumont x M!OC (Daniel)  

All characters belong to Pixelberry, except Sophia Taylor and Bethany Beaumont. 

Rating: M *Warnings: this series will have NSFW material, crude language. Please excuse all errors.

Category: Alternate Universe/on-going series/angst/fluff 

Words: 874, Read: 4 minutes 

Music Inspiration: Everybody Hurts by Tina Arena 

A/N: My submission for @choicesflashfics Week #17, Prompt # 2 “Does it ever stop hurting?” - “No, you just make room for it.” @choicesficwriterscreations 

A/N2: Bethany Beaumont, Maxwell’s mother, is originally from the US; is Barthelemy Beaumont’s 2nd wife. Annabelle Beaumont (deceased) was Bertrand’s mother. 

A/N3: My submission for Maxwell Beaumont Appreciation Week @maxwell-beaumont-appreciation 

Marabelle 

Prologue: 

Sophie Taylor was excited but also nervous about this new adventure. Stepping out of the airport terminal, she breathed in the warm, fragrant air of her new home. 

She never imagined that she would ever be living in a different country, across the Atlantic Ocean; let alone starting her first year of studies at the University of Cordonia in the Fall. 

Graduating from high school two weeks ago, she was leaving behind everything she ever knew about life.  

But ever since her mother was diagnosed with cancer last Christmas, Sophie knew that her mother would start planning for her to live with her aunt in Cordonia when she passes. It was just a matter of time. 

Her father had died tragically, four years before, while on the job as a firefighter. Having no siblings, or other relatives living in the U.S., she would be all alone if she stayed in her home. 

Interrupting her thoughts, she heard her name being called. Sophie turned to see a familiar face in the crowd gathering at the luggage carousel, waving at her frantically. 

“Sophie!” Maxwell cried out as he ran up to her. 

“Max, it is so good to see you!” She dropped her luggage and allowed her cousin to fiercely hug her as she hugged him back in return. 

Like Sophie, Max would be attending U of C, in the Fall. Even though he was in his fourth year master's program, Sophie welcomed the fact that she would know at least one other person on campus. 

Her cousin Bertrand stepped up next to greet Sophie. Always the nobleman, he lifted her hand to place a kiss. 

“It’s so good to see you. I hope your flight was comfortable.” 

“It’s great to see you again, Bertrand.” 

Her older cousin was the Duke of Ramsford, who in effect had assumed the responsibilities of his father as the patriarch of Duchy Ramsford. Her Uncle Barthelemy was currently in a coma with his health in decline. His doctor forbade his current wife, and his sons, from visiting him at the personal care home in Vallenheim, claiming that it was a directive given to him by Barthelemy himself. 

Inside the town car, travelling through the Cordonian countryside to the Beaumont estate, Sophie and Max were deep in discussion getting re-acquainted after not seeing each other for a couple of years in person. 

“Are you excited about starting classes in the Fall? I know you will love it there...I have so many things to show you!” 

Starting her MBA at the University of Stormholt in the Fall, 17-year-old Sophie was anxious about having to adjust to not only losing her mom, but also navigating a new school environment. 

“I am so grateful that you will be there. I feel like a ‘fish out of water’ in so many ways.” Sophie’s lip quivered and her hands started to tremble. 

“Gosh Soph, I am so, so sorry for rambling on. I cannot even imagine the level of stress you are under.” 

Maxwell wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her in for a hug. 

“What about you, Max? 

Uncle Barthelemy won’t let you visit him in the hospital. That must be so hard to deal with for you and Bertrand. 

Does it ever stop hurting?” Sophie asks.

“Well, no, you just make room for it.” Maxwell sighs. 

“It is what it is, Maxwell. There is no point dwelling on it.” 

Changing the subject, Bertrand asks, 

“Sophia, I know that you love horses. How would you like to adopt a horse for your very own?”  

Bertrand had information on a retired derby racer that needed a new home. House Beaumont had a horse stable and was considering adding more horses. 

“Really? That would be wonderful...but, I do not want to be a bother.” 

“Nonsense! Consider it done!” Bertrand smiled. 

“Welcome to House Beaumont, Sophie!”, Maxwell announced, as the town car slowed to turn down the long drive of the duchy. 

Looking at the beautiful estate owned by her Uncle Barthelemy and Auntie Beth, Sophie appreciated how far away from her hometown of New York City she really was. 

“Yes, welcome home,” Bertrand smiles fondly. 

Tagging tumblrs showing interest for this fic from Sunday Six. Please let me know if you want to be added or removed⚘️@angelasscribbles @kyra75 @mom2000aggie @ao719 @writing-not @busywoman @703cowbarn @princess-geek @kingliam2019 @txemrn @harleybeaumont

#maxwell beaumont #maxwell beaumont appreciation #the royal romance #liam rys #trr #the royal romance fanfic #choices flashfics #cfwc fics of the week #prince liam #trr liam x oc

[rainyfestivalsweets]

11/11/23

Made the mistake of weighing today.

As Hagrid says, shouldn'ta done that.

204 point something.

Surprised? After 4 meals out this week, not really.

BUT I am not working overtime and I have had great workouts, even if they have been mostly cardio.

I am also trying not to let myself fall into the Fall Pit of Despair that invariably lasts all winter.

I did a 5k on my lunch break (pictured) then added a cooldown (also pictured... not separate workouts).

I relieved myself of the responsibility of giving my friend a birthday gift and got him cash instead. He is broke again... our relationship is strained since I quit drinking and all he does is gamble and work. I also talked myself out of buying him a cake or vodka... because I thought he would much more appreciate the cash. If he is smart he will buy his own gift with it. But more than likely he gambled it last night.

I went to the thrift store before dinner to browse. Bought a hungry girl book and a verilux happylight. Which I was thrilled to find because I was just talking to my cousin about those. I almost bought a paid of size 14 Maurices jeans, but I didn't. Was thinking maybe I should wait to get jeans for a size I don't fit yet. To stop the never ending "must clean out my closet" brigade. Yet I want to go shopping. Dumb, I know... but good choice yesterday. I have to trust that I will be able to find clothes I like when i actually am that size.

I hit the gym for some tanning and stairs after the dinner.

Dinner: Realized that although there were years that I would have loved to go to that restaurant.... I do not like it anymore. Any future meals there will have to be a No from me. It just isn't worth it. I went too ham on the chips and salsa.... even though they weren't good. I was nervous and basically stuffing my face as an unhealthy coping mechanism. Ugg.

I didn't eat the wraps or sour cream. The meal was too much & not enough. I had some bites of rice and it sucked. It just sucked. 2nd sucky meal this week.

The workout was good tho. 8 min in the tanning bed feels like it might have been too much so I will only do 6 mins next time.

60 mins on the stair meal.

Wearing shorts! The nice shorts from Constantly Varied Gear. I am pushing myself to wear things out of the house that would normally scare me. 😱

I wanted a protein bar all day. It is dumb. Do I really whimsically eat 200 calories of anything else? 🤔 Not really yo.

After the workout I took but CBD gummies and lathered myself in a CBD muscle rub. Had 4 no sugar suckers & those low sugarpeach candies.

I need to work on savoring those candies and spacing them out better.

This morning I slept in and missing my 10 am healthy cooking meeting, dammit. I have been slow rolling the morning.

Finished the Jeannette McCurdy book. It hit on so many tough and relatable points in my life.... I loved it.

I won't be happy when my mom dies... my dad was the issued parent for me. But I still have alot of stuff to deal with, at 43.

#weight check #restaurant eating #meal log #workout log #planet fitness #workout at home #treadmill #step mill #stair stepper #gym bunny #fit girl #fit fam #healthy lifestyle #getting healthy #losing weight #healthy eating #fitblr #healthy habits #operation lose this gut #weight loss #operationlosethisgut #weight loss journey #books i am reading #jeannette mccurdy #i'm glad my mom died #thrifting #book life #cbd #cbd gummies #stuff i did

[tame-a-messenger]

I think they're starting to transition some hosting duties to Arasha and she gets better every time so it gives a break to Shayne(and he can participate which is cool). Let that man rest and give more opportunities to the new cast since I think they can all carry shows.

The games channel is getting so good but I'm extremely bored of "Shayne guesses". How many times can we say "omg he knows the cast/crew so well!" and "putting that psych degree to use :p" before it's not fresh anymore. I think they use it as filler since there has to be a new ep every other day. They film those out of shoot weeks so they can use the freelancers for "real" videos. Apart from those the games channel is thriving rn for me. Selina and Spencer are geniuses for putting THAT lineup together and making them play improv based games. Let Amanda and Chanse go wild with characters, let Shayne and Angela banter and feed off each others energy, let Arasha and Courtney balance the chaos. If I have to skip a "Shayne guesses books" for more Love is Blind, Lovestruck and All Rises I'm all for it. I say let Spencer cook.

My problem is with Smosh Pit. They seem really lost recently and I don't get it, you have a cast of trained actors...USE THEM. Stop the candy tier lists and bring back the reunions, the funerals, let them write sketches and act them out in pit theatre, do new shows that uses your cast strenghts like idk, a news reel show with Amanda, a musical improv show with Chanse/Angela/Josh and guests.

How can you let the games channel do your job better than you...

I agree that even though we haven't been getting damangela most Games videos have been really fricken good.

"If I have to skip a "Shayne guesses books" for more Love is Blind, Lovestruck and All Rises I'm all for it. I say let Spencer cook."

Other than not getting damangela, Spencer HAS been cooking. (+everyone that helps with the Games videos)

"you have a cast of trained actors...USE THEM. Stop the candy tier lists"

I GOT THE NOTIF AND WAS LIKE ???? WHO WANTS TO WATCH THIS?? (over the other content they do??) it's just a big ? about why they CHOSE this kind of content over ACTUALLY USING THE TALENT THEY HIRED?? FOR WHAT THEY ARE GOOD AT ??

it's even weirder because it seems like most of the cast thinks of the Games channel as being the "lamer 2nd cousin" to Main and Pit when I think us actual fans LOVE the games channel, and the content they do on pit isn't new usually (I think most of the content on pit is Show based whereas Games is new almost every upload)

"How can you let the games channel do your job better than you..."

HEY! put some respect on the Games channel!! (It's the most consistent channel BY FAR)

It just sucks that people at Smosh can't see a good thing even if it smacked them in the face

#another rant?! no! #sorry guys #I've been in my hater era #apologies #smoshblr #smosh #smosh games #smosh pit

[marvelita85]

16 years of age and your grandfather the king thought you were of age to start looking for a husband you knew your mother had chosen your father at similar age, you were a dragon, you ride DarkShadow the 2nd larger dragon after Vaghar and a princess obviosly many great lords and sons would come to kingslanding to dispute your hand, you didnt want any part of it, you wish your freedom as your mother did at that age

Rhaenyra your mother granted you more freedom than most mothers would

- you are a delight for sore eyes my niece -Aegon walked beside you and you tried to hide a smile

- uncle.... Im surprise to find you awake so early in the morrow...

- I knew you were coming today how can I not welcome my favourite niece

- Im the only one you have, but thank you my prince...- you always tried to be polite with your uncles, Aegon was never close to you,but realising you have become a beautiful woman he would definitly be closer much to your disconfort but you could always count on your brothers to save you

Jace found you and soon took you away from Aegon, in just a moment your eyes turn and found the ones of your other uncle the one you've always been close the one you yearn in your absence in dragonstone, he wear an eyepatch now and you just hope he didnt hate you for any part you had that fatidic night

Aemond was training when his niece got outside the countryard he followed her with his eye and silently thanked his nephew to go and rescue her from his brothers schemes

- she has became beautiful... a delight - his brother said Aemond only looked at her he didnt care she was a bastard her eyes hold a Targaryen look as they were dark purple as much as his instead of your brothers you had your mothers eyes

You were your grandfather's favourite he anounced in the feast that night whoever you chose would rule with you after his passing and after your mothers, any children you might have would rule after you and all men in westeros wanted their heirs to rule the 7 kingdoms, you didnt want that presure but it was inevitable, for now you were dancing with your cousins and your brothers who were bethroded to them, Luke let go of your hand as you star spining in the middle of the dance floor but you lose your footing tangle with your dress and you though you would fall but a pair of hands steady you holding you close as you stoped

- uncle!!... thank you...

- are you sure I can stop holding you there is no danger for you to fall- he was taller than you he hold a half smiling never taking his eye from yours

- no... I believe I survived today thanks to you...

- hmm...- he simply let go of you and you realised you didnt want to lose his arms around you

- my prince... I presume you wouldnt stay to dance with me... even if I ask you one...

- you presume right niece - you gave a small smile and bow your head trying not to feel disapointed but you were deep inside you hope Aemond wouls say yes to spend sometime with you - this is not the field I'd like to dance but if you want tomorrow I expect to be training outside - your smile watching him go said everything and no one in your family missed the way you interact with the Targaryen prince

You turn to the sweet table and grab an orange cake closing your eyea enjoying it

- what are you doing? - your brother was beside you

- what are you talking about Jace?

- our uncle...

- what about him...

- you invited him on a dance

- yes, I just wanted to thank him for stoping me to embarassed myself in front of everyone if I fall

- he is looking for your favors sister...

- he just wanted to be polite he never did anything improper

- you are the heir of the 7 kingdoms he wish for that throne is the only thing that matters he knows he can be king through you

- so... any man I chose knows he will rule with me one day... what if I want our uncle to be that man...

- you cant be serious...

- he is a prince, he is a Targaryen he is smart and clever and he was never evil hearted towards me from all the prospects grandfather showed me tonight I would married Aemond in a heart bit if it only depended on me

- he hates us... he will always think we are bastards you included

- I wonder why he harbored those sentiments in his heart for us, if I have to remind you brother you took his eye..

- it was Lucerys after he called us bastards

- it doesnt matter what he called you or if Luke was defending you, you never said sorry... maybe now is too late but you never apologized and probably it was the only thing he was expecting, you were friends once, and now that relationship is lost forever only because no one could say one word that could chance everything

- i hope Damon and mother never allows you to marry him - you hated to fight with any of your brothers you loved them but you couldnt deny what was building inside your heart

Part 2:

#aemond targaryen fanfiction #aemond one eye #aemond targaryen #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen x you #aemond x oc #prince aemond #prince aemond targaryen #aemond x reader #house of the dragon aemond #aemond targaryen x velaryon reader

[vacantgodling]

may i perhaps know about whisper of the fire?

oh whisper. gaslight, gatekeep, experiment on your sister and have karma smack you to all hell for it girlboss (debatable)

(as an aside i’m not putting any of the historical characters as “spoilers” because as of the main canon, the history characters are several centuries removed so shit’s been happened pff)

n e way

whisper idanly was born as the younger twin between herself and her sister twilight. they were the children of the 2nd prince of the 5th ruler of argos, neiko. neiko was always jealous and bitter than his elder brother yazan was chosen by the oracle of muinens (OOMI) to succeed their father to the throne of argos and brought his daughters up with that same hatred. whisper took to it readily; a constant instigator among her cousins especially young mitică. however she and twilight never truly got along because of twilight’s more soft spoken and demure nature.

after the city of argos where they all lived was overrun during the summer of 477 by an overwhelming amount of chaos energy, both her father and mitică’s father (as well as their mothers and all of mitică’s siblings sans pinella) were killed. the OOMI chose mitică as the next ruler decreed by the goddess MUINENS, despite the fact that he was only 18 and most rulers are chosen at 30. as his first decree as king, mitică decided that they should as a people flee argos and the hastily thrown together stronghold of eros because the chaos in argos would threaten to overrun them at any moment. whisper saw this as an opportunity to seize power, and she quickly refuted this—stating that a true king would stand against this calamity and reclaim the kingdom for himself.

though not much of the population, a sizable number of denizens of the kingdom agreed with her and split into two factions, eventually called the nomads and the aegeans, who would stay in eros and strive to reclaim argos instead of traveling into the lands beyond and unknown. to signify this separation, whisper threw down oil and lit it ablaze with fire to separate the two factions, and earning herself the name whisper of the fire, first chieftain of aegos. (which is a combination of argos and eros’s names, at the time considering itself one nation. even in current history many extreme aegeans will call eros, aegos)

the goddess YLENE was born from these flames, her first role being the goddess of strife. this day also became known as the day of fissures.

from this incident she quickly got to work organizing those under her command. her cunning and ability to rally those under her name wasn’t to be understated and they quickly threw themselves into trying to reclaim their home capital of argos. at the same time, whisper began to work with scientists to create the HWM (or hunters with magic) research facility. its main goal was to transform the magic vis, which was born alongside YLENE, it into a darker, more depraved form that we would eventually come to call tenom. this led to the creation of the hunter class, as well as dark hunters, with the first dark hunter being the very unwilling participant twilight, eventually becoming known as twilightsorrow or the beast.

(whisper also had a weird chemistry with head researcher at the hwm, tenoma for whom tenom is named after. very uh. toxic girlboss shit going on there)

as things progress in eros, and it becomes a full fledged fortress amid the drastically fluctuating populous, whisper appoints 4 families to manage districts within the fort as well as specific aspects of ruling. that’s for another time but this is one of the aspects that leads to homegirl’s downfall. she becomes increasingly paranoid that the other families are plotting against her to overthrow her (she’s not entirely wrong but she can’t prove it type situation) and her erratic behavior causes her to start losing favor with the denizens.

some above her head shit happens (among the gods) and when whisper goes to seek counsel from YLENE’s oracle (or champion of honor) hyla, the oracle kills her. this was ordained by the gods.

her death however, sparks a civil war among the families under her vying for control and its a whole fucking MESS.

—

all of that plot and backstory aside, if you were reading this and thinking kinda azula energy? you aren’t wrong, azula was definitely an inspo for miss ma’am. whisper is a very ambitious person and mean spirited, but for a good while during her reign eros was perhaps the strongest that it ever had been; more laser focused on its goals to reclaim argos and operated more like a militia than an actual home. she even had programs in place beginning the aegean tradition of having children start learning sword play as young as 3 years old to be prepared for the inevitable sacrifice of going into argos and dying for the cause.

much of the things she implemented and her attitude towards weakness, power, and the duty of society still linger in eros like an echo chamber. while much of terranean history would look upon her as a fanatical dictator with little regard for those under her, aegeans of current day eros still worship her as a hero (and it also helps that the darker things she did such as the experimentation on twilight were purposefully destroyed; quite literally no one knows the true origins of the wind goddess, and whisper never learned that that was her sister’s fate either).

so in many centuries of separation she’s responsible for san’s inferiority complex and clear being disowned 💛

#thank you for asking sorry this is long as shit lmao #s: tcol #worldbuilding

[charliedawn]

Could you do one where the reader is Rhaenyra 2nd oldest( daughter) and is in a relationship with ameond

If you cant could you do where the reader is the daughter of cersei and Robert barrahton and is in a relationship with either oberon /podrick or bronn

Being the queen's daughter held certain advantages, as being able to meet many different people coming from places close and far away...Too bad your heart decided to choose its champion so close to home.

You were Rhaenyra's second daughter, the most eligible bachelor in the whole kingdom. And yet, there was only one man who had succeeded in piercing his way into your heart...Aemond.

Aemond Targaryen. The fierce warrior. The proud Targaryen prince. The skillful dragon rider.

Your beloved cousin.

That fact was the curse cast upon you.

For even though you could have fallen in love with any man in the kingdom—married a rich lord to bring honor to the family...Your heart had decided otherwise.

At every family reunion, you had always taken his side, arguing alongside him, even though you knew the argument to be a fool's errand—that it was doomed for failure from the start.

He had once asked you why, and you had only sweetly smiled up at him, as if he was the man who would make the stars rain and the sea boil..You looked at him with such adoration—he was found speechless.

"I shall always stand by your side. In happiness and come what may..", was your genuine answer and Aemond felt his heart stir within his chest.

He had never wanted someone more in his life, and no words of love had even been exchanged yet. You didn't need them.

Aemond's valid eye lit up as he raised his cup.

"To Y/N. My favorite little Targaryen. May you always remain by my side."

The room remained quiet—no one had expected Aemond to make such a statement. Everyone cheered and clapped—all but the people who knew you both the best.

Your parents glared daggers at Aemond and his mother's jaw twitched at the obvious way her son was looking at you.

However, you only saw Aemond at that moment—the ghosts of the past be damned. You raised your cup in return and when your knuckles brushed against each other, you could have sworn to see the glimpse of a smile on Aemond's face.

It was the most beautiful thing you had ever seen.

But, it quickly disappeared when your father decided to step in and lead you away—unaware that Aemond was going to follow the both of you.

Once outside of the room :

Your mother was already waiting for you and once your father had made sure no soul was nearby—he started talking.

"You think we are not aware of that little affair with Aemond ? You are playing a dangerous game, Y/N. One you won't win."

Your father knew better than most how the matters of the heart could consume one's being. He had seen it many times before, he just didn't think the fire would ignite at such a young age within his favorite daughter..

"I love him."

There had been no hesitation whatsoever from you and Rhaenyra decided to second her husband's cautious warning.

"I fear Aemond might be unsuitable for you—darling daughter of mine."

You frowned and shook your head—confused as to the reason they would oppose your union.

"Why ? He is ambitious. He is loyal to his family. If anything, he sounds like father."

"It is the very thing I fear.", Daemon replied and you could see the clear worry in his eyes—demons of his past haunting him to this day. "I married your mother for love, but the people's voice matters, Y/N. We already had one Targaryen marriage, another one would weaken our image in the eyes of those we must protect.."

You knew he was right—but it didn't make it any less unfair as you felt tears run down your cheeks.

Your mother—who hadn't been insensible to your situation—tried to soothe you by running a hand up and down your back as you hid your tearful face against her shoulder.

"Be careful about who you open your heart to, daughter. Aemond is my father's son. He shall ascend the throne one day. He will become a man with power—they are the most dangerous for people like us. Don't forget that you are a woman, Y/N. Men like him are bound to become treacherous, and it wouldn't take you long to betray him in return."

You gasped—outraged at the accusation as you shook your head vividly.

"You do not understand, mother. I would never betray Aemond—even if I knew the whole world was against him—I could never ignore my love for him—even if the Ancestors shall strike me down this instant."

Aemond—who had heard enough—stepped forward and declared.

"And I shall neither. Not in this life—nor in any other."

"I..I mean..I would never do anything to hurt her."

Both of your parents and yourself—who hadn't expected the intrusion—snapped your heads at him.

Aemond suddenly felt a lot less confident with all those pairs of eyes on him and took a step back.

Daemon could feel the young man's sincerity in his voice, but shook his head.

"You are both too young. You don't know what love is."

You opened your mouth to deny, but you father didn't leave you the time.

You tried to struggle against his grip as he dragged you out of the castle and Aemond tried to run after you—but was stopped by your mother.

"Don't. Y/N is still a child. She doesn't understand the duties that you shall both soon have to bear..Leave us a few years, and if you both still feel the same when we return ? We won't stop you."

"Don't forget about me, Y/N.."

Aemond wanted to protest—but then thought about it and reluctantly agreed. He trusted you. He could wait.

He looked at your mother walking away and his face let the smallest hint of worry as you were now completely out of sight.

A few years later :

It had been a long time since your last visit to King's Landing. Father had tried to marry you off many times already, but all the lords who had dared ask for your hand had been highly disappointed by your lack of conversation and courtesy—even though everyone close to you knew it was only a pretense.

You were everything a lady was to strive for—but you had no intention of marrying anyone but the man of your choosing.

You had chanted his name in your sleep and spent every waking hour of the past few years thinking of a way to get the very man you knew you could never have..until your mother had decided to go visit King's Landing, where—she convinced your father—you would find more eligible bachelors to be sold off to.

When the ship finally settled ashore, you were the first one out and didn't wait for your father or mother to run in the streets of the great city.

However, you didn't expect to be running straight into trouble—as you bumped against a drunken man who grabbed your arm.

"Where are you running off to, girl ? Don't you know the streets of King's Landing are no place for a lovely woman like yourself to wander on her own ?"

You gulped and took a couple of steps back, realizing only now that you were far from the port and the safety of your father's sword..He cackled and cornered you in a dark alley.

You had nowhere to run.

You then saw a man on a horse ride past the both of you and you screamed for help, but he ignored your pleas and only galloped away.

The other man laughed and was about to grab you with his big and filthy hands when a sword pierced through his neck, rendering the both of you speechless as he tumbled to the side and blood started pouring through his mouth and wound in great abundance.

You only looked up at your savior once you knew the man to be unmistakably dead and your eyes widened as you recognized Aemond.

He seemed to do too.

"Y/N. I was not made aware of your arrival.", he said before wiping his sword on the man's coat—unbothered by the whole ordeal.

You had imagined your reunion for years.

And yet—as he was standing there with his head tilted quizzically, waiting for an answer—you could not find the will to speak up.

You stood up slowly and Aemond promptly aimed to help you—only to be stopped by Daemon who had succeeded in finding you. Your father's sword was now under Aemond's chin and he quickly held his hands up in surrender.

Daemon assessed the situation by seeing the corpse of the man at your feet and his eyes softened as he looked you up and down for any sign of injury.

"I am fine. Aemond saved me.", you reassured him and Daemon finally turned back towards Aemond who still had his hands raised.

Finally, your father lowered his sword and Aemond smiled at you. It didn't go unnoticed by your father.

"Come back to the castle, Aemond. We will see each other there."

It was a warning—one Aemond understood quite clearly. And yet—his eye fell on you one more time and all the emotions you had tried to repress came back—rushing to you like a violent torrent.

"I shall see you soon then, my princess."

He kissed the back of your hand and addressed you a charming smile before disappearing among the crowd.

Was it too soon to swoon ? Probably.

You held back your excitement in front of your father, but your excitement was quickly tamed down completely by his next words—leaving you cold inside.

"Do not forget what we are here for, daughter. Aemond is not in the list of suitors. He refused to be."

He refused to be.

Indeed, you had run your eyes through the long list of names your mother had given you of the many men who had asked for your hand—only to not find the one you wished for the most.

The words hurt you more than you cared to admit—but you nodded.

"I know of my duty, father. I shall make you proud."

Your father smiled and stroked your hair affectionately.

"I know you will, daughter. Now, let us get back to the boat. Your mother must be worried sick."

In the castle :

The moment you had entered the castle, you were overwhelmed by suitors—presenting themselves with flowers and many other gifts to heighten their chance to be part of the Targaryen family.

Your cousin was there, but he stood silently to the side—watching as the suitors kept following each other endlessly.

Finally, one of the suitors seemed to gain your attention—as his gift was unlike anything you had ever seen.

"A sword made of valyrian steel and forged with dragon fire. For you, princess."

Your eyes slightly widened at the beautiful sword and you smiled. You had not smiled at any of the suitors who had been in your presence and you could see the man's face lit up—while Aemond's expression darkened.

The suitor—who had introduced himself while you hadn't been listening—stepped up towards you to show you the sword.

It was beautiful. You ran your fingers on the smooth blade and in a matter of seconds—you plunged the sword in the suitor's stomach to its hilt.

You knew who he was. You had recognized him—even though he had only rode past you during the act. He was the man who had ignored your desperate calls for help when you had been cornered by that terrible man in that dark and putrid alley..

You then let his body fall down the stairs and leave a trail of blood in his wake.

"It seems scum has succeeded in making its way into your list, father. A shame. None of them shall have my hand today.", you declared while a pool of blood was forming at your feet and your father frowned in incomprehension.

Aemond—on the other hand—seemed to admire you and his affection for you showed in the way he was the only one who remained calm in front of the slaughter.

Only Aemond knew of the reason for your action and didn't hesitate before trempling the corpse, walking in his blood to get to you and take the sword from your hand.

It fell to the floor and you felt tears prickle your eyes. But, Aemond held you.

"Ssh..Do not cry, my love. He deserved it."

Your heart was racing, but Aemond's words soothed you and you took a big breath—his light fragrance of leather and pine cones filling your senses.

You held him closer.

"Out ! All of you !", Alicent shouted and the suitors all obeyed—all eager to get out before they could end up with the same fate as the man now dead at the bottom of the stairs.

"What have you done ?!", Alicent demanded as soon as they were all out, but you refused to give her an answer. However, your father then asked and you had to begrudgingly leave the comfort of Aemond's arms to finally answer.

"He was a bad man. No one will miss him. I assure you."

Your father seemed to suddenly understand and was a little less upset as to the death of the man—but all the same upset at your action.

"You should have let me handle it. You just frightened all your suitors away !", your father accused you—but you stubbornly replied.

"My choice has already been made."

Everyone in the room stopped talking at your claim and held their breath as you didn't hesitate before confirming out loud.

"I shall marry Aemond of House Targaryen !"

The news had the effect of turning every single person in the throne room against each other.

"And I shall take you as my wife ! May the gods be my witnesses ! I have waited long enough."

Aemond's mother sneered—not expecting her son to respond in kind.

But, Aemond didn't even hesitate before replying in agreement.

He took a step towards you, but was stopped by his mother who pleaded with him.

"Aemond. Please."

But, he pulled away from her grip to take your hand.

"No. No more waiting. You erased my name from the list of suitors, but I am now old enough to present myself before the woman I intend to conquer."

He turned towards you and knelt before you, holding both of your hands in his and the fire of the candles made his valid eye brighten as he pronounced his next words softly.

"Lady Y/N of House Targaryen. I present myself humbly before you to ask for your hand. The House of the Dragon shall be brought back to its ancient glory with you by my side. I am sure of it."

You couldn't bite back your smile of utter joy and replied enthusiastically.

"Yes. It was yes all those years ago. And, it is yes today. It will always be yes."

You smiled lovingly at each other and you leant forward to kiss him passionately—with the same burning passion you had been forced to withhold for years..Aemond answering with the same vigorous eagerness.

You ignored the many shocked gasps and the fury in the eyes of both of your parents.

Daemon broke the both of you apart to push Aemond away from you.

"Hurt him. And your daughter dies tonight.", Alicent warned him, but Daemon scoffed mockingly at her.

"You defiled her !", Daemon screamed and withdrew his sword—but you stepped before Aemond with your arms outstretched, prepared to protect him against everything and everyone.

But, you didn't need to, as Alicent was all too eager to save her son as you were.

"You ? Making threats ? Don't make me laugh. I am prepared to face the consequences, and kill all of you if it means protecting my daughter."

However, you didn't expect your mother to join you as she sighed and took your hand to show her support.

He glared at Alicent and her eyes widened in shock at the determination she saw there.

He was prepared to kill them all. But, so was she.

"What is done is done, husband. Stand down.", she commanded.

She seemed so powerful and you could feel the raw majesty radiating from her. She was the only queen your father would ever bow to—and he finally did.

His sword clattered to the floor and he sighed in defeat.

"You already knew...I never stood a chance against you, did I ?"

Your mother addressed him a sad—but sympathetic—smile as she replied knowingly.

"We both knew that it was love from the moment they said it all those years ago. We were just not ready to let her go—but we are now."

She then turned towards the both of you with a bright smile—even though her eyes betrayed the sadness of seeing her own daughter make the same mistake as her. She gently ran her hand down your cheek and kissed your forehead.

"I doubt it will help you, but I give you my blessing."

Your eyes were glassy—filled with tears as you knew the truth of what she was agreeing to.

You both knew you were probably doomed—but had both chosen your own path to happiness. Hers was standing next to Daemon, and yours remained alongside Aemond.

"Thank you...mother."

You uttered weakly and your voice shaking with the emotions you felt.

"I SHALL NOT LET THIS MASQUERADE GO ON ANY LONGER ! I WILL NEVER GIVE YOU MY BLESSING ! THIS IS AN ABOMINATION !", Alicent yelled in a frenzy and you all looked at her with widened eyes.

But, Aemond reacted first and—to the whole assembly's surprise—took her in his arms.

"Let me go...mother.", he whispered and Alicent stilled.

She then broke into tears and wrapped her arms around her son's shoulders, crying out.

"I can't..You are everything I have left.", she finally admitted and Aemond closed his valid eye—internally conflicted as to how to convince his mother that it would be alright.

You could see Aemond was struggling and you smiled before taking Alicent's hand.

"Do not see an enemy in me, lady Alicent. See our relationship as a way to get our families even more united. It is high time for the great house of the Dragon to stand proudly together."

Alicent seemed unsure at first—but finally conceded.

"Alright. But, know that this will only lead to disaster."

You held a scoff. You knew, better than anyone.

"If I shall fall, then so be it. I shall not fall alone."

It would be you and Aemond—until the wrath of the Dragon would take you both and bury you under its ashes.

Aemond intwined your fingers—as if to agree with you—and this time, nobody interfered when you kissed again.

You knew Aemond better than anyone—you had almost been crafted for him and even if the house of Dragon came to an end—you were certain of your choice.

#fandoms #imagine #fanfic #house of the dragon #aemond x you #aemond x reader

[trivialbob]

Back home after a fun weekend.

Saturday during the day I visited downtown Chillicothe. That afternoon our clan went out to a country house and wedding venue for my cousin Kate’s daughter’s wedding. (There was some discussion about 2nd cousins, or cousins once removed, etc. I stuck with the bride’s name, Molly). This is my mom’s side of my family.

The property had a horse stable that had been converted into a two bedroom, one bath man cave, complete with a huge bar. I want one for myself now. It would be so cool to park my motorcycle outside my bedroom door. I assume Sheila would get an equal thrill parking her scooter there too. Or we could park them in the second bedroom. Those sliding horse doors are HUGE.

The ceremony was held outside, under bright sun and a perfect 72°F temperature. The bride was beautiful. The groom was handsome. Tissues were necessary.

After a not-too-long ceremony we all moved over to an open sided building for the reception. This is farm country. Many of the men had large, fancy belt buckles, western shirts, cowboy boots, and best of all -- cowboy hats. I loved it. I’ll be on Amazon later tonight.

My branch of the family occupied two large tables. We had a great time together. My uncle Bob and his wife Debbie were there, along with Bob’s son Greg and his wife Melinda. It’s always nice catching up. Not only do Bob and I share a first name, we have a mutual interest in beer.

Because the wedding and reception were outside, a porta potty was the closest place to pee. Melinda, who is a little older than me, literally had never set foot in a porta potty. Not even once, not in her entire life.

There was plenty of drink on hand. Eventually Melinda had to pee. One of my sisters told her to just use the porta potty, because ti was close by. Reluctantly, Melinda agreed. Somebody should have done one of those “first day of school/first time in a porta potty” photos. Had I been right there I would have insisted on it!

As I heard the story, Melinda entered, then exited very quickly. She can retain her claim to having never peed in a porta potty. Not even once, not in her entire life. She found indoor plumbing to complete the task.

The father of the bride, Mike, shares my enjoyment of saving money. Note to self: Sometime ask him about pizza-flavored Goldfish crackers.

Along with some kegs and cans of beer, there were wine bottles everywhere. Rumor had it the wine was sourced from the Aldi region of Chillicothe and was not expensive. My cousin Jenny asked Mike if it was five dollar wine. “Oh goodness no, Jennifer. This is the $3.50 wine!”

Frugal and proud of it!

Jenny told Mike she was going to be sure to drink $10 worth of his wine. I’m not sure if that pleased Mike or made him want to put a donation jar on the table.

This morning a group of us ate breakfast at our hotel then hit the road. My dad and I took a shorter but more scenic route out of Chillicothe to the Interstate. The pretty landscape was covered by farms, horses and some three-person towns. We had to cross a single-lane bridge along the way. There was a lot of driving. I’m tired now, though I had plenty of good conversation with my dad.

Below... cousin, cousin and mother of the bride, cousin, brother, sister, sister, cousin, and me! I have two more cousins, but they couldn’t be there.

#My dogs shrieked with joy and jumped on me when I got home. #I'm going to watch TV and snuggle with Aussies #I am a proponent of weddings where I can wear jeans or shorts and have to wear sunscreen on my bald head #Of course I had a hat but I took it off for the *I do* part out of respect

[shyotic]

Eis Klein

B A S I C S

NAME: Eis Klein

NICKNAMES: he doesn't have many nicknames because his name is already short and sweet, but his mom often calls him by pet names (including but not limited to: my love, darling, little flower, my sunlight). if you're not his mom and you call him any of these, he will probably punch you.

AGE: 25 (post-EW)

NAMEDAY: 7th Sun of the 2nd Umbral Moon (4/7)

RACE: miqo'te (mixed/clanless)

GENDER: masc. nonbinary (he/they)

ORIENTATION: gay

PROFESSION: adventurer - takes on mostly odd jobs with a side of crafting and gathering

P H Y S I C A L   A S P E C T S

HAIR: pastel blue with navy blue highlights, cut similar to the Styled for Hire hairstyle. he likes to braid sections of his hair and accessorize with flowers, beads, etc.

EYES: candy pink. unlike Seekers and Keepers, his pupils are not restricted and naturally dilate with different light levels.

TATTOOS/SCARS: he has a semicolon tattoo on his left wrist, blue feathered wings on his back, and a few other small tattoos (he has a Lot and boy do I not wanna type all of them out-). he has a prominent X-shaped scar on his left cheek and numerous other scars all over his body, especially his back, torso, and legs. part of their tail is missing, and it's kinked downward near the end.

F A M I L Y

PARENTS: Cyani (mother) and Löwe (father)

SIBLINGS: none

GRANDPARENTS: unknown/deceased

IN-LAWS AND OTHER: Revna (cousin - found family/not blood related)

PETS: they don't have pets, exactly, but more traveling companions that come and go (sort of like the baby opo-opo is to Deryk). their most frequent visitor is Cinnamon, a young red panda they picked up while watching a small group of bards perform in Gridania.

S K I L L S

ABILITIES: combat (all-rounder but most proficient in martial arts, axes, and swords), hunting, carpentry, botany

HOBBIES: exploration, music, sparring, cooking

T R A I T S

MOST POSITIVE TRAIT: his unyielding determination, even in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

MOST NEGATIVE TRAIT: their quick temper and lack of emotional regulation. combined with his heightened sensitivity to dynamis, this is...not ideal.

L I K E S

COLOURS: black, red, pink, orange

SMELLS: rain, citrus (especially lemons), fresh-cut wood

TEXTURES: fur and feathers, wool/woolen yarn, stone, leather

DRINKS: hot cocoa, herbal teas (especially fruit-based teas)

O T H E R   D E T A I L S

SMOKES?: no.

DRINKS?: socially on occasion. he used to be a bit of an alcoholic, so he only drinks around friends anymore and only if he feels safe enough (or desperate enough).

DRUGS?: they'll try just about anything once. but they don't do anything regularly aside from the occasional weed or nip.

MOUNT ISSUANCE: he has a few mounts he can call upon depending on the situation. his chocobo Kwehchi goes with him to towns and on lowkey adventures, but she isn't very well-suited to battle or harsh environments. on more risky adventures, he has his war panther Saber and, if need be, the Regalia replica.

BEEN ARRESTED?: a few times when he was young, though not nearly as many times as he should've been. he's a slippery little bitch.

---

I wasn't tagged, I yoinked this. therefore I will not be tagging specific people. but I will tag YOU, viewer. yoink this for yourself (if you want to).

#tag game #ffxiv #eis #this has been sitting in my drafts for fucking ever #i wish my motivation was more consistent

[fundielicious-simblr]

(Adalynn's POV)

I love weddings, but family weddings are just that much more special since it means our family is growing. Lana has been such a darling since we met her, and we thank the Lord that she's now officially part of the family. The wedding itself was beautiful, the Lord was the at the centre of it all, represented by the large cross that Lana had hung up between them.

This is probably going to be the last picture of the boys before their new sibling gets here, this baby is due to arrive in the summer and after easter, we've not got many opportunities to dress up and take group pictures. It's also quite an uphill climb to get all 8 kids looking at the camera at the same time, as evidenced by little Titus doing his own thing.

Kyleigh and I managed to get our picture together, the third time we've been pregnant together. This will be her 11th child whereas this will be the 9th babe to join our family, we've just been so blessed to be able to have been given the responsibility to birth and raise all the children that we've had (and any more that the Lord wills for us to have). My mother always gets so excited when we send these photos to the family group, she's always said that God is so good, and all the kids are a perfect example of it.

The first time we were pregnant at the same time was when I was pregnant with Aaron (#3) and Kyleigh was pregnant with the twins Rose and Violet (#4 & #5), additionally, Valentina was pregnant with her 2nd child and Madelynn with her first. The second time that we were pregnant together was when I was newly pregnant with the twins Caleb & Jonah (#6 & #7), and she was pregnant with Preston (#9)

I love getting to see my sisters again, especially the ones that I don't see as often, of course we video call here and there as well as chat, but it's not the same as getting to chat and catch up in person. I'm so far the only sibling that lives without a sibling neighbour, Amira and Zoe are both in Windenburg whilst Maggie and Reece (and therefore Stacie) live in San Myshuno. We tried to make plans to visit each other, or maybe take a sister trip somewhere when we're free, which may not happen before this baby is born, so maybe we'll have to plan for next summer.

Seeing my cousins is also great, we all grew up very close and now we still try and keep those bonds steady even though we live far away from each other. Valentina is actually coming to see us once this baby is born, her brother Carter lives close-by so she's going to kill two birds with one stone. It was also great seeing both my sister Priscilla and my cousin Kristyn, they both live in Oasis Springs so they were local for the wedding and helped Lana with some of the planning logistics. Kristyn is also pregnant, she's halfway through her pregnancy with her second child who they found out is a baby boy!

#fundie sims #fundiesims #quiverfull sims #quiver full sims #collins family #collins legacy #sims 4 legacy #modest sims #homeschool sims #sims 4 fundie wedding #sims 4 fundie #sims 4 wedding #gen 3 #Mason and Adalynn #gen 4 #post #Adalynn's dress is actually nice i wasn't expecting it to look this good #i realised i needed a group picture of adalynn's kids because i never take group pictures once theres too many kids haha #she and kyleigh are truly pregnant every other pregnancy #i didn't even plan this it just happened and became lore HAHA #depending on how many more kids they have this could happen a minimum of one of more time or a maximum of like 3 #i like events like this because it makes for good group pictures with the other characters #its great to add in other storylines for the characters you dont see often.

[atoasttotheendoftheworld]

Facts (unasked for) and headcanons (of little value and highly questionable) about my future story "My brother is an only child" (it is uncertain whether it will ever see HTML format and consequent publication, but I need to get rid of it a little)

Sakumo and Dai knew each other long before their respective children were born, yet it was a superficial acquaintance that became more close just several years later

there never existed a Maito Clan, all of Dai's relatives were simple villagers, not particularly chakra talented and thus unfit for a ninja's life; Dai became the first to express interest in it

there was a Clan branch of the Inuzuka Clan, the Inuiwa Clan, which, despite a high level of sensorial ability, was mainly employed in ninken training. Distinctive features were the gray fang-shaped paints below their eyes and their preference for wolf packs rather than dogs. Rouna and few others were children of the last of the Inuiwa Clan

Sakumo was born and raised in Konoha, although none of his family were from the Land of Fire; they came from the Land of Iron, specifically the area known as the Iron Mountains (on the border between the Land of Lakes, the Land of Sound, and the Land of Fire)

technically, both Gai and Kakashi still have some, albeit few, distant relatives, though neither of them is aware of it, and the degree of parentage is so meager that it doesn't actually matter at all

unlike Kakashi, Gai always knew who his mother was; indeed, the memory of her has been passed down from Dai's stories, as well as from the distinctive color scheme of green-red-orange in their outfits

Kakashi's mother was widely known throughout Konoha, yet despite the still existence of people who could remember her, no one ever uttered a word as a result of an incident that saw Sakumo implode into a rare tantrum that led many to swear never to mention his beloved partner ever again

everything related to the Hatake Clan, its origins, history, techniques and abilities, as well as any personal lifetime memories, was stored and concealed by Sakumo into intricately sealed boxes that Kakashi found only several years after his father's death; yet he never opened

Gai has a whole collection of photographs of his family but, unlike those of his father, or himself as a child and teenager, few have seen the ones portraying his mother

Kakashi is, through paternal heritage, partially from the Land of Iron. Gai is, by maternal heritage, partially from the Land of Earth. However, only Gai is aware of his mixed ancestry

there are only two people left, Tsunade and Aburame Shigeru, who knew, albeit marginally, Gai's mother

Tsunade and Aburame Shigeru are also the only ones with vivid memories of Uchiha Dakini, Obito's grandmother as well as one of the last survivors of the time of the first two great shinobi wars

Obito was, as a matter of fact, great-grandson of Madara, while Sasuke is great-great-grandson of Izuna

since countless data and reports have been lost years ago much history regarding the Uchiha Clan is still as unclear and confusing as uncertain is whether or not other Uchiha actually still live outside Konoha's borders

on the contrary the actual lineage of the Senju Clan and the Uzumaki Clan has been widely verified to have been reduced to a few people, namely Tsunade is the last of the Senju Clan, while Naruto and Karin are the only two descendants of the Uzumaki Clan

the kinship between Naruto and Tsunade is quite remote and would be 4th grade great-great aunt, while the kinship with Karin and Nagato is 3rd cousin, instead Karin and Nagato were 2nd cousins

although it is not known, practically to anyone, Jiraiya was 3rd cousin to Kakashi and was 2nd cousin with Sakumo

Gai never knew his relatives on maternal side due to the latter's choice, who always rejected to meet him

ironically Jiraiya, throughout his long travels in distant Lands, never learned of his origins, instead he found the Clan of which Orochimaru is an unaware descendant, yet he never had the opportunity to tell them

Tenten and Rock Lee were both orphaned at just a year old; both children of civilians, they have no memory about the tragedy that led to their parents' deaths

the appellative Rock is neither a Clan nor a surname, but rather a name by which the orphanage workers began to address Lee and, over time, became an inherent part of the name itself until it became a whole

similarly, Tenten's name was, originally, just Ten, but throughout her childhood days it was so numerous the occasions when the orphanage workers had to call her or shout it out loud to search for her that, eventually, Ten turned into Tenten and it ended up becoming her official name

unofficially, Tenten, Rock Lee, and Neji share the same surname. Officially, Tenten has no surname, Lee is assumed to be Rock's surname, and Neji is considered a Hyūga

Sakura is the only one on her team who has no relatives, neither immediate nor ancestor, who has ever been a ninja. Her entire family has always been all civilians, making her de facto the one astounding exception

Aburame Shino regards himself as a widower and is unknown, even to his teammates, as to why, when he must or is required, he defines himself as such

no biographical information is available, or disclosed, about the Kazekage's future bride-to-be, whose only certain facts involve her provenance from outside the borders of the Land of Wind

thirty, of men with political power or economic prestige, offered their daughters or sisters as brides, and ten, of Daimyō or Kings from distant Lands, proposed arranged marriages upon offering their daughters or sisters to the Hokage; for a total of forty offers, all rejected or ignored to the utmost concern (as well as objection) of the Congress of Elders of Konoha

Naruto was compelled to pursue specific studies in preparation of his future role as Hokage; among the tutors of such courses figures an Aburame Shujin who claims to have met him when he was too young to be able to remember

all over the Lands there have been whispers and rumors regarding alleged descendants of Uchiha Madara ever since the war ended. Some Lands have engaged in intensive investigations, including the Land of Fire

some corpses of war dead were never found, including that of Hyūga Neji, whose funeral was forcibly held with an empty coffin

Orochimaru disappeared from Konoha for a year, the reasons have never been explained

#this stuff has been crowding my mind for months #sorry fellas #feedback appreciated #a lot actually #fic wip #wip #oc wip #fanfiction wip #naruto fanfiction #naruto series #naruto oc #naruto characters #naruto #naruto uzumaki #naruto universe #hatake kakashi #maito dai #maito gai #kakagai #naruto headcanons #my headcanons #shino aburame #rock lee #tenten #neji hyūga #tsunade #jiraiya #madara uchiha #sasuke uchiha #obito uchiha

[tessa-liam]

Marabelle  

– Chapter 1 – My New Home 

The Royal Romance, an AU series 

Series Premise: An American teenager from New York city is introduced to the world of a small European country and its society of royalty, nobles, and commoners. How will her life story be transformed? Will this new adventure bring her happiness...or regret? 

Prologue

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC (Sophia) 

Other Pairing: Maxwell Beaumont x M!OC (Daniel) 

All characters belong to Pixelberry, except Sophia Taylor and Bethany Beaumont. 

Rating: M*Warnings: this series will have NSFW material, crude language. Please excuse all errors. 

Category: Alternate Universe/on-going series/angst/fluff 

Words: 1967, Read: 9 minutes 

Chapter 1 – Feels Like Home 

Chapter summary: Sophie begins her Cordonian adventure and moves in to House Beaumont. It all starts here. 

Music Inspiration:  Feels Like Home - Chantal Kreviazuk 

A/N: my submission for @choicesflashfics, Week #19, prompt #2- “It doesn’t matter if you didn’t mean it. You still said it.” @Choicesficwriterscreations 

A/N2: Bethany Beaumont, Maxwell’s mother, is originally from the US; is Barthelemy Beaumont’s 2nd wife. Annabelle Beaumont (deceased) was Bertrand’s mother. 

A/N3: my submission for @Choicesholidays Valentine’s Day Prompts - “my house is your house, and you know you’re always safe here.” #cfwc valentines 2023 

Marabelle  

Chapter 1: 

Waiting for her arrival, Sophie’s Aunt Bethany was standing at the doorway of the estate with tears in her eyes. 

Her beautiful niece was finally here. She remembered seeing this sweet girl at her sister’s (Sophie’s mother’s) funeral two weeks ago. 

As her sons Bertrand and Maxwell brought the luggage from the car to the door, Sophie walked towards her aunt. 

“Sophie, welcome my dear! I am so happy that you are here,” said Aunt Bethany as she moved forward to hug her niece. 

“Thank you, Auntie Beth. I cannot tell you how happy I am to see you again!” replied Sophie, hugging her aunt. 

“I have missed you very much.” Even though her aunt could never replace her mother in her heart, she found comfort in her aunt’s embrace. 

As they embraced, Sophie could sense the sadness in her aunt’s heart. The loss of her sister had been a tremendous one for her; not only for Sophie. The last time her aunt saw Sophie’s mom alive, her mother had been very ill and died shortly after Bethany left to return to Cordonia. Sophie was a split image of a younger version of her mom and was sure that fact added to her sadness. 

“Mother, let us go inside and get Sophie settled.” Bertrand knew how long the flight was from New York and that she must be exhausted. 

“Oh yes! Of course, you must be jetlagged, and with the time difference...Maxwell please show her to her room.” 

 Maxwell took Sophie by the hand to lead her into the estate. “C’mon Soph, you are going to love your it here.” 

 Once inside the front doors, Sophie looked around taking it all in. Her aunt and uncle’s estate was like nothing she had ever seen before. 

It was huge! There were countless marble statues, fountains, sculptures, portraits; there was a grand staircase that led to another floor. 

There was also an enormous dining room, formal sitting room and even a ballroom. 

“Wow, this is incredible,” exclaimed Sophie, looking up at the high vaulted ceiling of the foyer. 

“Let me show you to your room Soph, it’s upstairs and to the right.” Maxwell leads her up the grand staircase as Bertrand directs the attendants to carry her luggage up the stairs. 

When they arrived at the door to her new room, Maxwell opened it with a flourish. She walked over to a large bay window overlooking the gardens below. It was breathtaking to look out beyond the gardens onto the many acres of vineyards. “This is for me?!” 

Oh. My. God. What a view! Sophie thought to herself. 

She noticed that there was a balcony off her room, which opened up to the outside.  "Look!"

Maxwell smiled, “After dinner, I will take you on a tour of the grounds.” Her cousin Maxwell was so welcoming, making every effort to ensure that she was comfortable in her new home. 

Sophie looked up at Maxwell, saying “thank you”, in a whisper and hugged him tightly. When they separated, Maxwell saw the unshed tears in her eyes. Lifting her chin with his thumb index finger, Maxwell assures her, “always remember, ‘my house is your house, and you know you’re always safe here’.” 

Understanding that his cousin was overwhelmed, Max left Sophie to relax and get acquainted with her new space at her own pace, in privacy. 

She walked around trying to decide where to start unpacking, when she heard her cell phone ring. Buried in her pile of luggage on the floor, she went over to find her carry-on bag. 

When she found her phone and saw who was calling, she fell back on her bed knocking over her stack of clothes in the excitement, “Daniel!”. 

Daniel, her best friend from New York, was a welcome voice from America. He was a faithful ally, who was a great listener and a source of support. He was a bit modest, but he would always listen to Sophie’s problems, never offering any advice because he didn’t want to tell someone what to do.  

Since he came out as gay last year, their friendship grew stronger. He was an important person to have in her life; her confidante, and she was his. 

“Hey,” she answered her phone. 

“It is so good to hear your voice, Sophie!” Daniel replied. 

“Dan, you have no idea how glad I am to hear your voice!” 

“Sophie, are you okay?” 

“Oh, yes I’m fine, everything is great here,” replied Sophie. 

“Really? You sound upset.” He knew her better than herself. 

“No, really, I am just tired.” 

Knowing his friend all too well, “What is wrong, Sophia?” 

“Everything is fine,” Sophie lied. “I guess I am just overwhelmed.” 

Hearing a knock on her door, she heard Maxwell singsong, “Sophie, dinner in 10...” 

“Thank you, Max, I will come down.” 

Daniel continued, “you don’t have to tell me anything now, but if you need to talk, I am always available.”��

“Okay, I will, thanks Daniel. I miss you!” 

“Miss you too, Soph.” 

*** 

When Sophie entered the dining room, the table was already set for dinner. A servant came to greet her and guided her to her seat. 

Bethany sat next to Sophie, with Maxwell sitting across from them. Bertrand was sitting at the head of the table. 

“How are your new accommodations? If you need anything, please let me know,” Bertrand inquired. 

“Oh, thank you, the room is beautiful, and huge,” Sophie looked delighted. 

“Well, you deserve every comfort,” her aunt smiled. 

“Will it always be so formal for meals?” Sophie asked while noticing all of the different cutlery set on the table in front of her. 

“Oh heavens, no!” chuckled her aunt. 

“Mother, it will be helpful for Sophia to become familiar with formal dining, now that she is in Cordonia.” 

“There is much to learn about your station, my dear.” 

“My station?” 

“You are ‘Lady Sophia Taylor of House Beaumont’, formerly of New York. Table etiquette is an essential trait to learn for court.” 

As Bethany sighed, Maxwell explained that whenever a guest would be joining them for dinner, Bertrand wanted to impress them. 

“Maxwell, must you always act like a child?” Bertrand scoffed, pinching his nose in distaste. 

Maxwell sarcastically countered back, “Yes, your majesty.”  

Bertrand sighed, “I didn’t mean it, Max!” 

“It doesn’t matter if you didn’t mean it. You still said it.” 

“Boys!!!” admonished Bethany. 

“Sophie, I am so happy there is another female in this house! 

Everyone turned to the sound of a throat clearing. 

“Am I interrupting something?” A tall man with dark brown, wavy hair and speaking with a Cordonian accent asked hesitantly. 

“Mr. Walker, thank you for coming.” Bertrand offered him a seat at the table, next to Maxwell. 

Maxwell started snickering when Drake asked, “why do I feel like I entered the twilight zone?” 

Bethany shook her head, sighing, “Sophia, sweetheart, I would like to introduce you to Drake, a good friend of Maxwell’s.” 

“Sophie is our cousin from New York,” Maxwell explains.  

Drake stands to shake her hand. 

“Drake, please call me Sophie.”  

“Nice to meet you Sophie, I hope you enjoy your stay here in Cordonia.” Drake smiles. 

“Sophie lives here now; she will be going to the U of C in the Fall,” Maxwell explains. 

“Really, well, it’s an impressive university, Sophie. You will enjoy it. What will you be studying?” 

“Thank you, I am starting my first year of an MBA degree.” 

As pleasant conversation continued, the dinner began, and Sophie tried everything. The food was delicious; using the utensils properly to Bertrand’s delight. 

“I am glad you enjoyed your meal, Sophie,” Bethany said after dessert. 

“Yes, I love Italian cuisine, especially pasta.” 

“Bravo, bravissimo,” Maxwell winks at Sophie. 

“Yes, well, Drake, let's move to my office to discuss the horses.” Bertrand stands motioning for Drake to follow him. 

“Mrs. Beaumont, thank you for dinner. Sophie, it was a pleasure to meet you. I hope to see you around.” 

*** 

Bertrand sat at his desk as he scrolled through the horses listed for sale at the horse ranch on his laptop. The horse that he wanted to buy for Sophie was available to be shown tomorrow. 

“Drake, would you mind accompanying me to the horse ranch tomorrow to see this horse for Sophie?” 

“Sure, sure, I can show you this horse,” answered Drake. 

“But, Sophie needs to be the one to choose her horse. The size and age of the horse are important factors for her.” 

Bertrand continues, “I understand that, but this horse will be ready to be shown tomorrow. I know its short notice, but I know Sophie would love to take a horse home with her.” 

“It’s important that Sophie ‘connects’ with the horse and that they are compatible.

Look, the owner of the horse ranch is a buddy of mine. I will be at the polo match tomorrow morning and the horse ranch is close by. I can personally help to match her to a horse that she would be happy with.” 

“I trust your judgement, Drake.” 

“It’s my pleasure. Thank you, Bertrand. I appreciate it.” 

*** 

After touring the grounds of the estate, Sophie went up to her room. She changed into her pajamas and lay down on her bed. 

She stared at the ceiling listening to music on her phone.

She cried herself to sleep. 

Her thoughts were filled with the day’s events, and then ....she thought about her mother’s death and about how sad she was when she died. 

*** 

Sophie awoke the next morning to a knock on her door. 

“Sophia, breakfast is being served downstairs in 30 minutes.”  

“Thank you, auntie.” 

While eating breakfast, Sophie talked to her aunt about the horse showing. 

“I want to be able to ride the horse before making any commitments.” 

“I know, I just worry about you Sophie.” 

“I’m fine, Auntie Beth, I promise. This isn’t the first time I’ve been around horses. I think I will be okay.” 

“I know you will, sweetie.” 

“Max, can you come with me to the horse ranch? 

“Of course, I am coming!” 

“Thanks, Max” 

*** 

Sophie, Maxwell and Bertrand drove to the horse ranch which was approximately 30 minutes away from Ramsford. 

Along the way, the town car passed the entrance to the CRPC; The Cordonian Royal Polo Club. 

Please let me know if you want to be added or removed: @kingliam2019 @twinkleallnight @xpandass420x @queenmiarys @harleybeaumont @busywoman @marietrinmimi @angelasscribbles @imashybish @karahalloway @703cowbarn @surrenderronnie1 @txemrn @ao719 @delmissesryan @kyra75 @mom2000aggie @writing-not @princess-geek

#the royal romance #liam rys #trr #trr fanfic #trr liam x oc #cfwc fics of the week #choices flashfics #marabelle #prince liam