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#outdoor wedding arch
merrybrides · 11 months
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Beach Wedding Ceremony Arches
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Beach weddings are naturally divine—so how do you take your seaside ceremony up a notch? With an awe-inspiring arch.
Sure, the gently crashing waves and dreamy views make any oceanfront vows camera-ready, but an expertly designed arch can take an already gorgeous setting to the next level—while perfectly framing your "I do"s.
Choosing an arch that complements your stunning beach ceremony site is no easy feat, so we've put together 6 ideas–and lots of photos–to help inspire yours.
Driftwood
Natural elements like driftwood are, well, a natural fit for a seaside ceremony arch. Plus, a driftwood arch is a perfect blank slate! Style it with anything from fresh florals and tropical foliage to decorative seashells. Just leave the seaweed alone.
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Tropical Leaves
Palm fronds and Monstera leaves are making their way into wedding décor, and we are HERE for it. Adorn your beach ceremony arch in nothing but these tropical green beauties, and your guests will have to pick their jaws up off the sand when they see that ceremony setup.
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Florals
Flowers are a fantastic way to sneak in your wedding's color palette. Use flowers local to your destination for a more authentic feel—and to save a few bucks!
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Geometrics
Add a touch of modern to your beach wedding with geometric shapes like hexagons and triangles. They contribute some much-needed structure to the surrounding sand while taking your entire aesthetic into the here-and-now.
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"From The Ground Up" Ceremony Circle
Who says you need an arch at all?! Frame your nuptials with a ground-level garden of greenery, florals, or other fun items like pampas grass—or pineapples! That way, you'll have a fabulous backdrop, while keeping that gorgeous ocean view on full display.
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Fabric
Arches draped in sheer linens can take your beach ceremony from cookie-cutter to breezy-cabana-by-the-sea. The billowing fabric will lend some movement to your ceremony setup, as well as mimic the motion of the rolling waves. How's that for beach romance?
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zephyrchama · 2 months
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It was dinnertime in the House of Lamentation. Conversation petered out as everyone focused on the hot food in front of them, leaving a quiet lull interrupted only by clinking silverware.
“I’ve always wanted a traditional church wedding,” you said, entirely unprompted.
The clinking came to a stop as the seven brothers processed what you had just said. They turned their eyes towards you.
Beelzebub was the first to break the silence despite his mouth full of food. “Huh?”
“I just always thought it would be nice. A quaint wedding in a nice little church. Maybe a chapel.”
Leviathan briefly choked on what he was chewing.
“Oh I totally get it!” Asmodeus empathized. “Rows of pews with white flowers, those high arched ceilings, the evening light of the human world sun shining on us through a beautiful stained glass window as we kiss? Oh!” He clutched his shoulders, “it gives me chills just imagining it!”
“Asmo, we can’t enter churches,” Satan stated matter-of-factly. The knife handle gripped in his fist started to bend.
“Hah!? What? Lucifer, is that true?” Mammon slammed his fork down and just about jumped out of his chair as he shouted at the oldest.
“Sit down, Mammon.” Lucifer rubbed his temple and tried to perform damage control before the inevitable headache set in. “What brought this on suddenly?” he asked you.
Keeping a straight face was immensely difficult but you pulled it off. “I was just thinking about weddings and stuff, y’know. It’d be nice. Ever since I was little I thought a church wed-”
Belphegor interjected with “You’re not even that religious.”
A flood of complaints washed over the table as everyone started loudly protesting.
“You… You’re not allowed to get married anywhere without me!” Leviathan shouted.
“Does it have to be a church? What about a restaurant instead?” Beel suggested, looking worried. “I know a lot of pretty ones.”
“We could build a mock church in a studio and get married there,” Asmo fantasized. “The stained glass could be you and me as cherubs, we can ask Luke to be the flower boy. He’d be so cute in a little tux!”
“You wouldn’t even need a ceremony with me,” Belphegor said. “If you really want one, we can have it outdoors under the stars.”
Satan’s knife was bent at a 90-degree angle. “What a stupid thing to say. Libraries are just as quiet and nice as churches. Probably. They sure suit you better than a church.” 
“The restaurants also have in-house catering,” Beel continued.
“That ain’t gonna happen!” Mammon bounced his knee, shaking the entire table as he lamented, “I ain’t lettin’ my human get married in some church! We can go anywhere you want! Anywhere else!”
”There’s a church in my game!” Leviathan gasped. He thought an in-game wedding would be just as good as a real one. “I can show you! We can go now! Lets make you a character!”
Lucifer cleared his throat once. Then twice. The third time was a warning that got lost amid all of the whining. “Enough,” he finally growled. The room went silent for him. “You’re not getting married in a church. End of discussion.”
“Oh.” Weird of him to decide that on his own, but you were at your limit. A wide grin had already spread across your face. “Yeah, ok. By the way this roast you made is delicious.”
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harrie-cc · 1 year
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The Coastal Collection - Part Two
Happy Sunday Everyone!
Its been a labour of love during the shorter month of February, but I'm excited to finally be able to share the second instalment of the Coastal Collection! This part focuses in on the Coastal outdoors. There were so many build items that I wanted to include in part one, that I actually decided to dedicate an entire extra month to get all the items on the original list...I still didn't achieve the goal, but I came pretty close!
The highlight of the month for me was the creation of the playhouse. It took 5 days to complete from start to finish, but I was so happy with the end result and its just one of those once in a lifetime items that shall never be repeated again, so its worth putting all that effort into.
There are quite a few items that do have pack requirements this month as there are mostly activity items for you toddlers, kids and soon to be introduced infants. The Sand Pit works just like a rug and can be placed anywhere you wish. Sand can be painted on the terrain to add the functionality of a real sand pit if you own the Island Living EP or if you only have Base Game it can be a great decorative piece for story telling. The Playhouse requires Dream Home Decorator as it works just like the play tent that was introduced in that pack. Lastly the Fire Pit requires Outdoor Retreat for full functionality.
You can find the majority of the items by searching COASTAL in the BB catalogue, however these will not show the column & 2 wallpapers that are included in the set.
The set includes:
Arbour
Wedding Arch
Bucket & Spade
Chippendale Fence (1 tile, 2 tile, post & stair railing)
Lattice Fence (2 tile & post)
Lattice Gate
Functional Column
Exterior Trim (middle, inner corner, outer corner, left & right endings)
Fire Pit
Water Feature
Playhouse
Sand Pit (Large & Small)
Shingle Wallpaper
Siding Wallpaper
Outdoor Seating (sofa, loveseat & armchair)
Outdoor Coffee Table
Outdoor End Table
Now Available on Patreon Early Access
Public Release: 6th April 
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Okay, this is weird. Apparently, this Pueblo style home on the Rio Grande River in Embudo, New Mexico, was a commune. But, the commune members lived across the river and hosted some famous guests here, like Bob Dylan. The description says that they used the now-restored log cabin to share meals and birth babies (and, it didn't have utilities or plumbing back then). 2bds, 2ba, $1.490M.
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The property can be used as a venue b/c it has parking for 100 cars. The home is fine as a single family, but plans were drawn up by architect Greg Allegretti for a future expansion of 2bds, 1ba, and an outdoor deck w/a fireplace. They, also planned to enlarge the current office into a casita. (Additionally, the property is known for its weddings and the cabin is used as a VRBO rental.)
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The front door leads into this step-down room with a cute corner fireplace. It looks like they're using it as a guest room.
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The home has an open concept living/dining room.
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But, it's a relatively small space. There're nice big beams in the ceiling and a stone fireplace in the corner. Doors open out to the garden.
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The everyday dining table is right outside the kitchen.
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And, there are doors that open directly to the patio.
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Cute modern knotty pine cabinetry. Love the reproduction vintage stove, too.
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Stairs to the 2nd level bedrooms.
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The primary bedroom has 2 sweet window seats on either side of the bed.
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I doubt if you can actually see it from the tub, but there's a view of the Rio Grande.
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Bedroom #2 is in a loft overlooking the main floor and the rooftop deck.
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This small enclosed porch looks like it's also used as a guest room.
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The property is beautiful and the lot measures 2.70 acres.
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This stone arch and wall make a nice entrance to another area of the property.
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Small patio among the trees.
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The adobe wall that extends along part of the river bank.
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It's a very peaceful looking property. I wouldn't enlarge it to make it a venue.
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jinxxsims · 1 year
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*Deep Breath*
Okay, so I started work on this download back when it was 100, but life got busy and when I was able to resume working on it, there were 150. Life got busy again before I was finished, and now there are 250 of you amazing people... but I’m actually getting this thing out there, so yay for that.
There are 61 meshes in this download, and hundreds of recolors. A quick rundown of what’s included:
Some of @aroundthesims 4t2 tattoo parlor set. The chair is cloned from pikkon’s tattoo chair, so it’s a double for the makeover chair. The single rolling drawer is an end table that is slaved to the double sideboard, so you need the double for the single to show up. 
High School Years’ Starry Eyed prom/dance set, which contains the balloon arch (sculpture), backdrop (sculpture), dining table, dining chair, and banquet table, cloned from a very similar table by @veranka-downloads
And finally, I converted at least one thing from every expansion pack and game pack from Sims 4 currently released that hadn’t been converted before, plus a few deco things from Sandy @ ATS that I really wanted in my game.
From top left to bottom right...
Girl Scout cookies (ATS, sculpture) • Pepperidge Farm cookies (ATS, sculpture) • Royal Dansk cookie tin (ATS, sculpture) • Teddy Grams (ATS, sculpture) • Arrrmed Dining Chair (Base Game) • Captain Rodrigo Dining Chair (Base Game) • Salyut Aeronaut Chair (Base Game) • Booping Shnoops (Cats & Dogs, sculpture) • Crate End Table (Cats & Dogs) • Town Statue 4 (Cats & Dogs Debug) • Town Statue 5 (Cats & Dogs Debug) • Fuzzread Article (City Living) • M.A.P. Most Amazing Player (City Living) • Chicken Competition Prize Ribbon (Cottage Living Debug, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and participation ribbon recolors included) • Food Platter (Dine Out Debug) • Party’s Over Chair (Discover University) • Polymer Chameleon Barstool (Discover University) • Very Impressive Lawyery Desk Chair (Discovery University) • Very Impressive Lawyery Desk (Discover University) • Fabric Sampe Book (Dream Home Decorator Debug) • Bougie Burlap Sofa (Eco Lifestyle) • Biochemical Medical (sculpture, Get Famous) • The Queen’s Gossip Chair (Get Famous) • Seat of the House barstool (Get Together) • Doctor of Medicine Diploma & My First Simolean (Get to Work) • Ever-So-Versatile Chillbox End Table (Get to Work) • Modern Metallic Illuminated Display Case (not illuminated, but functional table, Get to Work) • Stainless Steel Fab Slab (Get to Work) • Bubbly Barstool (High School Years) • Cheer Megaphone (sculpture, High School Years) • Clear as Crystal Coffee Table (High School Years) • High School Event Banner (High School Years) • Modest Marcel Dining Chair (High School Years) • Call Me Ottoman (functional living chair, Island Living) • Bug Bite Cure (Journey to Batuu) • Supply Crate (functional end table, Journey to Batuu) • Stool de Selvadorada (Jungle Adventures) • Fenwick the V Banquet Table (3-tiled table, My Wedding Stories) • Not Your Average Firewood Loveseat (Outdoor Retreat) • Timber Log Chair (Outdoor Retreat) • Brohill Barstool (Parenthood) • Magical Crystal Cluster 2, 3, and 4 (Realm of Magic Debug) • Violets are Blue Flower Arranging Station (functional table, Seasons) • Spirit Doll (Snowy Escape) • Pillow for Deep Thoughts (was a throw pillow, but I turned it into a functional bean bag chair, Spa Day) • The Sign Saw You (Strangerville Debug) • You Saw the Sign (Strangerville Debug) • Dead Hawthorn Tree (sculpture, Vampires) • Fenry Chompsalot Jr. (sculpture, Werewolves)
When it comes to the downloads, there are two options for you to choose from. One offers each of the meshes in a separate folder with its recolors and the textures for each so you can pick and choose what you want to keep. The second zip is all the recolors merged with their respective meshes, so there are 61 total files. You only need to download one.
I hope everyone finds at least a few things they can use. Enjoy! And thank you for following! 
Download Individual Files
Download Merged Files
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deathmetalunicorn1 · 10 months
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Yandere Hercules x Female Tanjiro Reader SFW and NSFW please? After Reader accepts his marriage proposal and they get married
You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to
Minors DNI
-You had gone to Shinobu prior to your wedding with Hercules, as you knew that you had to consummate the marriage with him, a thought that made your face flush so red.
-You knew that the act was to make children, but according to what you overheard Aphrodite talking about, it was now more used for fun instead.
-Shinobu was flattered you came to her, albeit a bit embarrass herself, giving you the basic idea of lovemaking, but for more adventurous methods, she provided some books for you to read.
-You loved Hercules, he had been working hard to help you find a cure for Nezuko, as well as treating you both with such gentleness and respect, showering you both with love, but after reading some of the content in these spicy books, you were more flustered than ever!! You couldn’t even look at Hercules without your whole body turning bright red!
-The wedding was beautiful, held outdoors under a large tree that the three of you nap frequently under, Shinobu and Mitsuri were your bridesmaids and Nezuko was your flower girl and bridesmaid, and Ares was the best man, doing his best to muffle his joyful sobs.
-The party afterwards was much livelier, filled with tasty food, dancing, and lots of drunk shenanigans that were photographed and going to be used as blackmail for years to come.
-You grew nervous when it was time to leave, anxiety building inside of you as Mitsuri beamed at you, as she was going to be watching Nezuko for the night.
-She beamed at you before giving you a wink, “Have fun!” she loved seeing you so red faced before she and your sister ran off and you turned as Hercules and Ares were bidding each other goodbye.
-Once at your shared home, Hercules’ house, you took a bath together, Hercules being gentle and washing your hair for you and he could tell you were rather shy, curled in on yourself, hiding your scars.
-He pressed a soft kiss to your bare shoulder, making you squeak before he wrapped his arms around you, “None of that, you’re beautiful all over, inside and outside. Your scars are badges of battles that you fought in and survived.”
-A smile rose to you lips as your hands touched his own, leaning back and you let out a squeak as you felt something hard pressing between the cheeks of your ass and up your lower back, instantly freezing.
-Hercules chuckled softly, giving you a small squeeze before pressing his lips to your neck, tongue lolling up to the lobe of your ear, “This is what you do to me, Y/N. Especially now, sitting here in front of me as my wife.”
-You felt nervous, but you also felt excited, your thighs rubbing against each other as you turned, red on your cheeks, “Then I should be a good wife and help you, right?” your words seemed to immediately set him off and he quickly held you in his arms, making you squeak as he carried you to the bedroom, setting out on the bed, not bothering to towel either one of you off.
-Your hands quickly rose to his chest, to push him back as your whole head turned red as his hands gripped your legs behind your knees, pulling your legs apart.
-He licked his lips as if you were something he was going to devour, the thought making a chill run up your spine as he grinned, “Absolutely beautiful- and all mine!”
-He descended quickly, his lips meeting your own, settling between your legs but not putting his full weight on you, as he knew you were much smaller and your back arched, feeling his warm body pressing against your own.
-Your moans were soft but each one spurred him on as he trailed his lips down, sucking marks onto your neck and chest, relishing the feeling of your hands tangling into his hair, scratching against his scalp, pulling at his hair.
-His tongue was wicked, flicking against your nipples, encircling them before pulling them into his mouth, a groan leaving him, “I can’t wait to have these full of your milk, seeing you pregnant with our child!” a sharp moan escaped your lips and he groaned as you tugged on his hair sharply, a rush going through you at his words.
-Hercules’ hands trailed down to your thighs, spreading them apart as his tongue tickled your naval, enjoying your giggles and seeing you panting beneath him.
-He was slow and gentle, taking his time prepping you, one finger slowly entered first, then a second, any discomfort quickly melted away as his lips sucked your clit into his mouth, his tongue flicking across it rapidly.
-Your cries were making him lose control, crying out his name, silently begging him as you felt a feeling filling your lower belly, one that felt hot and heavy, almost like you were going to explode.
-He could feel your walls squeezing around him and you keened loudly, your head falling back as he made a ‘come hither’ motion with his fingers, rubbing something inside you that quickly had you falling apart.
-Hercules kissed back up to your neck then your lips, stroking you through your orgasm, gasping pants leaving your lips, you felt so hot, so dizzy, but so good, you’ve never felt like this before.
-Hercules assure you that you didn’t have to return the favor, but he couldn’t argue against your pout as you were on your knees by the edge of the bed where he had sat up, “I want to- I-I want to please you too.” A hand flew to his eyes as his head tilted back, you were so pure.
-He was very big, almost too big and you could barely fit his tip in your mouth, but it was enough for him as your suckled at the tip, rubbing your tongue over it like it was a lollipop, your hands stroking along the rest of his throbbing length, groans leaving him, giving you a confidence boost.
-His hands lowered to cup your cheeks, pulling you off with a pained huff, “Don’t want things ending before we get to the main event, do we.” You nodded up at him, hearts in your eyes, a slightly dazed look on your face.
-He had you be on top, to set the pace at first, and you were nervous, anyone could see it as you sat just behind his cock, looking scared of that thing going inside of your body.
-You lifted your hips, and his hands came to rest on them, helping you keep your balance as you grabbed his cock, bringing it to your soaking lips. You both groaned in pleasure as your most private places touched, Hercules’ grip squeezing your hips just slightly.
-You bit your lip, whining softly as you managed to get the tip in, slowly working your way down, it was so big, tears bloomed from the sting, “Ah- Hercules it-it’s too big!”
-His thumbs ran gently across your hips, soothing you, before rocking gently and it felt like you had been electrocuted, a sharp cry leaving you and he winced as you squeezed him, “You’re gonna snap it off!”
-He knew he couldn’t slam you down on it, as much as he would like to, he didn’t want to hurt you and after several long minutes of gentle coaxing, bringing you down little by little, you were fully seated, your belly bulging from the tip which you touched, your face bright red.
-He grinned up at you, a hand lifting to your face, running his thumb over your lips, “You have no idea how beautiful you look right now.” A gentle smile came to you lips as you kissed the palm of his hand gently.
-Hercules bucked up into you and you instantly threw your head back, a sharp cry leaving you and his hand lowered to your chest, dancing across your nipples, making you whine as he bucked up again, making you see stars as you gasped sharply.
-Your hands lowered to his belly, lifting yourself up just a bit before coming back down, your pace a bit uneasy at first, but slowly growing more confident, sharp cries leaving you with each thrust.
-Hercules clenched his jaw tightly, you were making it hard to control himself, he wanted nothing more than to ravage you with pleasure and fill you with his seed.
-His eyes snapped open at that, grabbing your waist and bringing you down harder than before and you spasmed around him, throwing your head back in a choked cry, your eyes crossing.
-He quickly lifted so he was sitting up, your legs wrapping around his waist and arms around his neck as you cried out for more, begging him and he held your hips tightly, but not to the point of bruising, and started a faster pace, trying not to go too hard on you.
-Your nails bit into you shoulders, throwing your head back and his mouth was quickly on the exposed flesh, nibbing and sucking into it as you squeezed him tightly.
-Your mind was turning into mush and Hercules could feel you tightening again, and he licked his lips, pulling back, “I’m going to pump you so full there’s no way you’re not going to get pregnant! And if it doesn’t take, I’ll take you again and again- filling you each time until it does.”
-Your strangled cry spurred him on, “Oh- you like that do you, you want me to make you a mommy, give you as many babies as you want? Is that it?”
-You whimpered, eyes full of teas as you looked up at him, “Baby- a baby!” his arms wrapped around you in a hug, thrusting harder and you were quick to fall over the edge with a sharp scream as he continued, chasing yours before emptying everything deep inside of you.
-You clutched him, feeling him twitching and feeling his warmth entering you, gasping with a gaping mouth, whimpering out his name as he slowly calmed down, kissing you softly, bringing you down from your high, the feeling of his fluids gushing out of you, your body unable to hold it all.
-You couldn’t walk the next day, but Hercules was so attentive, rubbing healing lotion on the bruises he left everywhere, and enjoying the soft kisses you were giving him, basking in your newlywed glow together.
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visit-new-york · 1 year
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The Mall
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The Mall in Central Park is a famous and iconic feature of this renowned urban park located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. It is a tree-lined promenade, often described as a "grand boulevard," that stretches for approximately 40 feet wide and 0.25 miles long. The Mall runs through the center of Central Park, offering a picturesque and serene setting for visitors. Here are some key details about The Mall:
Design and Landscape: The Mall was designed in the 1850s by the park's creators, landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. It was intended to provide a peaceful and contemplative walkway that contrasts with the surrounding bustling city streets. The design includes a double row of American elm trees that create a leafy canopy overhead.
Scenic Beauty: The most striking feature of The Mall is its canopy of American elm trees, which arch over the pathway, creating a natural tunnel. The lush green canopy provides shade during the summer months and a stunning display of autumn foliage in the fall.
Historical Significance: The Mall is one of the original features of Central Park, dating back to the park's inception in the 19th century. Its historical significance lies in its role as a tranquil retreat within the bustling city, fulfilling the vision of Olmsted and Vaux.
Literary and Cultural Associations: The Mall has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and works of literature, adding to its cultural significance. It often serves as a backdrop for romantic scenes, leisurely strolls, and outdoor performances.
Statues and Sculptures: At the southern end of The Mall stands a statue of Christopher Columbus, unveiled in 1892. The Mall also includes statues of famous literary figures, such as William Shakespeare and Sir Walter Scott, as well as plaques featuring quotes from their works.
Activities and Events: Throughout the year, The Mall hosts a variety of events and activities. These can include art installations, concerts, outdoor performances, and cultural festivals. The pathway is often filled with musicians, artists, and street performers showcasing their talents.
Wedding Photography: Due to its romantic atmosphere and picturesque setting, The Mall is a popular location for wedding and engagement photography. Many couples choose to capture their special moments amid the elegant backdrop of the tree-lined promenade.
Four Seasons: The Mall offers a different experience in each season. In the spring, the elm trees sprout new leaves, creating a lush green canopy. In the fall, the changing leaves create a breathtaking display of autumn colors. During the winter, The Mall can be particularly enchanting when covered in snow.
Access and Location: The Mall is easily accessible by foot from various points within Central Park, making it a central and popular destination for park visitors. It is located near other notable landmarks such as Bethesda Terrace, the Central Park Zoo, and the Central Park Conservatory Garden.
Artistic Inspiration: The Mall has been a source of inspiration for countless artists, photographers, and writers. The atmospheric beauty of the tree-lined pathway and the changing seasons make it a captivating subject for creative expression.
Fitness and Recreation: While The Mall is primarily known for its leisurely strolls and cultural activities, it also provides an excellent space for various recreational activities, including jogging, yoga, and tai chi. The wide pathway and serene surroundings make it an ideal place for outdoor exercise.
Wedding Ceremonies: Beyond photography, The Mall is a popular choice for outdoor wedding ceremonies due to its romantic ambiance and picturesque backdrop. Couples often choose to exchange vows beneath the elegant canopy of elm trees.
Cross-Country Skiing: During the winter months when Central Park is covered in snow, The Mall transforms into a cross-country skiing destination. It offers a serene and snow-covered landscape for winter sports enthusiasts.
Quiet Reflection: Amidst the activities and events, The Mall provides moments of quiet reflection. Many visitors come here to find solitude, read a book, or simply enjoy a peaceful pause from the demands of city life.
Birdwatching: Central Park is a haven for birdwatchers, and The Mall is no exception. The combination of trees and open space attracts a variety of bird species, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.
Educational Opportunities: The Mall's natural setting and historical significance provide opportunities for educational programs and guided tours. Visitors can learn about the park's history, ecology, and the significance of its design.
Horse-Drawn Carriages: Visitors can often spot horse-drawn carriages offering rides along The Mall and other parts of Central Park. It's a charming and nostalgic way to explore the park while taking in the scenic beauty.
Public Art Installations: Central Park frequently hosts temporary art installations, and The Mall is no exception. These installations can include sculptures, art exhibitions, and interactive displays, adding an artistic dimension to the natural surroundings.
Access: The Mall is wheelchair and stroller accessible, ensuring that visitors of all mobility levels can enjoy this iconic feature of Central Park.
In summary, The Mall in Central Park is a multifaceted destination that caters to a wide range of interests and experiences. Its natural beauty, cultural significance, and seasonal transformations make it a beloved and enduring part of Central Park's charm, providing both New Yorkers and visitors with a tranquil and enchanting urban escape.
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simskittyyy · 8 months
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Bajo El Sol Villa +CC
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Floor plan:
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From real house to Sims 4... This house is inspired by PJH's Construction's Bajo El Sol. This two-story villa is located in the upscale gated community of Skyward Palms, Oasis Springs. It has 5 bedrooms and 4 baths (incl. maid's quarters), family/entertainment room, laundry room, garage and a spacious outdoor area with living and outdoor dining, grill, mini bar and pool. The living, kitchen and dining areas are an open-floor concept which provides plenty of room for natural light to flow in. 
About the lot:
Size: 40x30
Value: 170,196 simoleons
Type: Residential
Location: Rio Verde, Oasis Springs
The lot uses the packs: Growing Together, Cottage Living, Snowy Escape, Eco Lifestyle, Discover University, Island Living, Get Together, My Wedding Stories, Dream Home Decorator, StrangerVille, Spa Day and Bathroom Clutter kit.
List of CCs used:
Angela
Garage doors rounded frame
Minc
Tian single door 1x3, double door 2x3
Sunset arch
Vista Arched door V1 4x3
Mutske
Banks door short wall 1x1
Cedar Arch 3x1, 2x1
Lanham window counter 1x1
Pilton Arch single 5x1
Moniamay72
Insta Pastel wallpaper
Nickname
Vaporwave pool ladder
NynaeveDesign
Altara minimalist window 1x1, left end
Erin bedroom, Erin bedroom décor, Erin plants I, Erin plants II
Lyne House Numbers set, Lyne glass panel right & left, Lyne Fences, Gates & Awnings
Haze plants
Pilar
Masala Monsthera
Pralinesims
Grass tile
RVSN
Straight Trellin’ Awning – skinny
That’s What She Bed set
Severinka
Construction Beams 4cell
Valeria Kidsroom part 1, part 2
Vega living room set
SIMcredible
Chlorophyll wall fern, wall fern 2
Dual channel
Flora set
Naturalis Kitchen set, Naturalis kitchenware, Naturalis Office, Naturalis plants, Naturalis skills and hobbies, Naturalis dining, Naturalis dining decor
Vogue dining set
Syboubou
Advent Calendar 2020 Classic Parquet floor & Concrete bare floor
Agnes double bed medium
Cecile office set
Elevatore zigzag railing, zigzag fence
Hotel Plant V2
Intro Set part 1, part 2
Laundry set, part 2, part 3
Millennial bedroom, Millennial décor
Paradis traditional stairs
Plouf curly palm tree V2 (part of set)
Ung999
Black White bathroom
Inside out living, dining
Winner9
Tiramisu living
Wondymoon
Cerium bathroom, decorations
Clematis bedroom, Clematis Study
Flerovium terrace
Magnesium bathroom, decorations
Silver outdoor
Sodium outdoor living, outdoor dining, outdoor extras, outdoor poolside lounge, outdoor bar
Thank you to all amazing CC creators ♥
Thank you xXSarina_27xX for the gallery paintings ♥
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roseamariesims · 7 months
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Coffin Wedding Arch
Early access on Patreon until October 29th 2023
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This wedding arch is base game compatible and comes with 6 swatches, all of which match my Autumn Blush Wedding Arch and Chair, uploaded last week. This one thankfully places indoors and outdoors as expected with no moveobjects required.
Download on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/coffin-wedding-90994298
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Hasn't Killed Me Yet (Simon "Ghost" Riley, GN! Reader)
Alternatively titled: "Ghost has had ample opportunity to kill me in 14 different ways and make them all look like accidents. But he hasn't yet, so I think he likes me" a song by Fall Out Boy"
TW for light swearing and threatening, likely military inaccuracies
| Blog HQ | Modern Warfare 2 Masterlist |
Bags in hand, you made your way back to your room on base after taking a few days off to attend your friend's wedding. It was a beautiful event, with the added bonus that you didn't have to onboard the new recruits that started last week.
The new recruits crowded the halls with their whispers and stories.
He's fucking terrifying, man. He even looks at me, and I want to melt into the floor. If looks could kill, I'm telling you.
How long do you think before he snaps and goes on a rampage around base?
It's always the quiet but stern ones. I wish I could train with one of the others instead.
Your eyebrow arched, maneuvering your way through the bodies. Picking up on bits and pieces of the latest gossip. Finding it entertaining to hear the way they discuss your lieutenant.
"You really let Ghost traumatize recruits already, Captain?" You teased Price later that afternoon. Receiving a snort of amusement from the Brit.
"Ghost let himself do that. I only gave the training assignments, speaking of" he handed you a file, "your traumatized bunch. "
--
"Okay, wrap it up, cool down," you called, following a round of outdoor training. Luckily for you, most of the recruits seemed content (if not pleased), answering to a less intimidating superior.
I should take time off at the beginning of selection more often.
"You're back! We missed you!" A voice happily called out - you turned to see it belonging to Gaz. Followed closely by Soap and Ghost walking to where you stood in the field.
"Got back yesterday. Almost didn't feel like it, though, " you joked, quickly scanning over the recruits around you. "Thanks for covering my assignment, Ghost," you smiled, receiving a stiff nod in return.
"They're not scared of him?" You heard a recruit whisper, shocked by your casual interaction. You saw Ghost stiffen as Soap laughed loudly at the comment.
"No rookie, I'm really not." You turned, looking at all the recruits who went silent. Cool down momentarily forgotten.
"Ghost has had multiple, and I mean multiple chances to kill me in the field and make it look like an accident. But I'm still here, " you shrugged, turning back at the group of men.
"Just admit it, you have a soft spot for us LT," Soap laughed, lightly punching the older man in the shoulder.
"Just because I haven't killed you yet doesn't mean I'm not going to. Especially if you keep up with that rubbish, " Ghost explained, rolling his eyes. "Oi! Did they say cool down was done? Didn't think so!" He called to the recruits who were still watching your interaction, causing them all to immediately busy themselves with the assignment at hand.
Taglist: @bloodonmyhands-1221
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fairyyeo · 1 year
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last christmas ❅ bang chan
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pairing — ex!chan x reader
genre — fluff, very minor angst
tw — talk of self doubt & insecurity
wc — 1.3k
a/n — first fic in this year’s xmas series inspired by xmas songs !! really happy with this one, i hope you guys enjoy <3
————
the wedding ceremony was truly lovely. if it had been your own you would've been thrilled with how it came together.
it was pretty much a winter wonderland. you almost felt as though you were in a fantasy realm filled with vast snowy fields and endlessly falling snowflakes. the arch under which the couple—close friends of yours—stood was made to look like twisted white branches, and the seats everyone sat in were of a similar fashion, somewhat resembling white tree stumps. taking advantage of the holiday season when planning the wedding was certainly a nifty choice, you'll admit.
better yet, you really liked the icy blue bridesmaid dress the brides had picked out for you. and the wintry themed jewellery. and the glassy shoes that might as well have been cinderella's glass slippers. you'd even go as far to say you felt pretty, looked pretty.
however, feeling and looking pretty didn't distract from the fact that he was here. you'd already seen him sitting in the opposite row during the ceremony, because unfortunately for you, the brides are also close friends of chan.
it'd been about a year since you broke up. in fact, it was last christmas.
you’d been in love. you'd spent the day together on christmas eve, exchanged gifts and happily talked over a meal while christmas carols played somewhere in the background. later that night, the christmas movie you'd been watching long forgotten as you moved to the bedroom, you gave him all of you. but the next day—christmas morning—he was gone.
you never found out why.
you'd think a year was enough time to start the moving on process, and it was... kind of... not really. but seeing him again tonight, well, he might as well have taken one of the decorative icicles and stabbed it right through your heart. that's how much it hurt.
of course you'd seen chan a hundred times and some more since that dreadful day, being in the same group of friends and all, but it never got easier.
not when you still loved him. not when he looked ravishing in that almost navy blue suit. not when your eyes kept unexpectedly meeting from across the room.  
the wedding reception was well underway as you sat idly at your designated table. people were drinking, getting a little out of control on the dance floor, surrounding the brides in their first few hours of marriage.
it was meant to be happy, but you couldn't feel it. you weren't expecting the effects of last year's tragic christmas to linger for so long, or to come back in full force so close to christmas day.
tears brimmed your eyes. you stood up and headed outside before anyone saw them slip and turn into tiny ice crystals, suitable for the seasonal wedding theme, of course.
it was freezing out in the courtyard. luckily it wasn't snowing in that very moment, but there was a very light layer of snow covering the brickwork and the outdoor furniture. you knew you shouldn't stay outside for long, it was way too cold, you just needed time to pull yourself back together.
crying over chan was absurd.
he left you. on christmas morning. before you even woke up. after your first night together. you should be angry with him if anything. but somehow, you didn't have it in yourself.
your arms snaked around yourself, trying to create some warmth as a voice from behind startled you.
"it's cold out here." you recognised chan's voice, pointing out the blatantly obvious.
you sniffled and dabbed your eyes a little as a shiver wracked your body.
"wait, are you crying?" he was shucking off his jacket now. "c'mere."
chan placed his suit jacket over your shoulders before you had time to protest against it. damn him for being nice when he was the one who break your heart, the reason you were crying.
"now are you going to tell me what's wrong, or do i have to coax it out of you over hot chocolate like i used to?" chan rubbed his hands over you arms to try and warm you up more, and leaned his head in a little closer, insistently.
like i used to.
damn him. you gave the coldest stare you could manage to the man you somehow still loved.
"no," he shook his head, "don't tell me..." his hands fell to his side.
"don't tell you what, chan? that i'm crying because even a year later, it still hurts to see you? is that not what you wanted to hear?" you really did try to sound mean, but your wobbly voice and teary eyes betrayed you.
"it's been a whole year though..." chan frowned, taking a step back from you.
"yeah," you laughed dryly, "a whole year since i showed you all of me, since i told you i loved you, since you said it back, since you left the next morning without explanation, since i had to just get on with my life like nothing happened."
chan looked guilty and immediately broke eye contact with you.
he was about to speak when you added, "and the worst part of it all? despite everything, i still love you."
"you still love me?" he breathed.
"for some stupid reason, yes."
"i never stopped loving you either." chan dared to step forward again.
"then why did you leave christmas morning?" you pulled his suit jacket closer to your body, trying to keep warm.
"i," he sighed, "after that night," he paused again, and an icy breeze flew past the two of you, "after that night i began to doubt if i was enough for you. i mean, you were beautiful—you are beautiful. i just felt wildly insecure and it made me question if i even deserved you. so i left. i knew i shouldn't have, but i didn't have it in me to explain it to you at the time."
the tears filled your eyes once more. you weren't exactly sure how to respond.
all you could manage was a change of topic. "aren't you usually too busy for weddings and all this jazz?" you motioned to the reception inside.
it's true that back when you were dating, chan hardly even set aside time to celebrate his own birthday. he was so dedicated to his work. you could argue that he was almost too dedicated for his own good.
"yes, usually i am." he laughed a little. "but the truth is that i was hoping to see you here tonight. the holiday season reminded me of what i did and it made me overwhelmingly uneasy. tonight i came to say sorry, most of all." chan grasped your ice cold hands in his own.
"chan," you whispered his name, "you're beautiful."
his eyes flickered away from your gaze.
in a moment of courage, you placed a hand on his cheek. "please don't look away from me, love."
and in a bigger moment of courage, his kissed you. deeply.
and you kissed him back. because it was the only thing you'd dreamed of every night for the last year.
"chan, what if someone sees us?" there was a massive glass door between you, in the frosty courtyard, and the wedding guests, inside the toasty warm venue.
he said nothing, but pulled you behind the closest outdoor pot plant, which thankfully, was big enough to hide you from anyone glancing outside.
"do you ever think about how many nights we could've had like that one?" chan said between trailing hasty kisses along your neck.
"every single day, you fool." you smiled, and you felt chan smile against your neck.
"i swear i'll make it up to you, if you let me." he mumbled against the shell of your ear, hands working their way under his suit jacket you wore and over your body.
you threaded your fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck and felt his whole body relax, you knew he loved it when you did that. "only if you promise that you'll be there tomorrow morning."
"i promise," chan looked at you right in the eyes, his hands settling on your hips and pulling you flush against his body, "that i'll be there tomorrow morning, and the morning after that, and the morning after that, and every morning after."
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itsohh · 1 year
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One Final Look
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A/N: Female reader, love when characters watch stuff far away on a hill, weddings, funerals. the best stuff🤙
Summary: On the most perfect of days, the sunniest of skies, John watches your wedding. Thinking of what could have been.
Word count: 1111 
Warnings: Angst
AO3 Masterlist
The renowned happiest day of someone's life. Their wedding. Your wedding. Up on top of a hill, he had a perfect view of the ceremony. It was an outdoor wedding. A decently sized one at that. A lot of love and care had gone into organising the event. White benches were lined up in rows and an equally white flooring had been laid out up to the stage.
An arch of blue and white flowers made up the statement piece for the background and slithered around to the front of the stage to disperse in petals and flowers all around the seated area. In the middle of the arch, there was a perfect view of the beach behind. You had always hated the idea of an outdoor wedding, a beach one at that. The idea of sand or mud getting everywhere always soured your face. He couldn't help but wonder what made you compromise on the situation.
He didn't recognise many people in the seating area. Only a couple of your friends and old squadmates that he had the pleasure of meeting. They all had smiles on his face, all except one. Your best friend and no doubt maid of honour. There to make sure everything went smoothly. He presumed most of the people there were on your fiance's side, you never did have a huge amount of friends.
A small wedding, he remembered you wanting that. A part of him wanted to see the reception just to see if it screamed you. Your ideas must have been compromised for there. He was dressed for the situation as well. Admittedly not as dressed up as everyone else. Yet he still wore a pair of black slacks, black shoes and an un-ironed white dress shirt that was slightly opened. If he wanted to he could very well wish you well and be on his way.
Chatter died down and music started to play, a violinist to the side of the stage playing. One of your friends, Casey, if his memory was correct, brought a bouncing labrador down the aisle first. It had an overflowing basket of petals that fell onto the floor. Sounds of people giggling and awwing could be heard even up to his location. Then again the sound did travel rather well.  
Memories of you playing with that dog whenever Casey came with you to lunch flashed before his eyes. It wasn't your dog but you loved it all the same. Finally out from the small sheltered walkway you came.
His breath hitched and right away any plans of going to see you went out the window. A long white dress clung to you, a trail of lace decorated the bottom of the dress and dragged behind you as you walked. Alone you walked down the aisle until you reached the end and your fiance helped you up onto the stage.
He got a small glance at the heels on your feet when you picked up the dress to climb the stairs and he couldn't help chuckle. You really had gone all out. The heartache inside of him was shoved down to his very core. Locked away with a key, this wasn't about him and he knew it. His eyes fell on your shaking hands that held your bouquet.
Now that his eye caught that he paid more attention, you were trembling. Nerves he deducted. The wedding continued rather uniformly. Not that he particularly noticed too much. His eyes were on you. He wanted to be down there, in front of you. But this wouldn't have been the wedding you shared.
No, he would have that wedding the pair of you always planned out. A small little thing. An indoor wedding. The refurbished glasshouse venue the pair of you had found. There wouldn't be many people there, your friends shared squadmates and allies.
He would dress up far more than he currently was, a proper full suit. He'd always chuckle at the thought of forcing Simon into a suit with that mask of his. There was no way he would let you walk down that aisle alone, he'd entrust Gaz to deliver you to him. He'd cry, he knew that. How could he not? His mind started to wonder more about the details, comparing them to the scene in front of him. Would you have the same dress? Or would you have picked out something different for him?
Perhaps you would finally just go for it and elope with him instead. Not bother with planning and just live in the moment. He could imagine the adrenaline-filled smile on your face. The way you would giggle and mess up your vows. Still, he would cry.
But this wasn't his wedding with you. You didn't have that doting smile on your face for him. Instead, you had tears in your face and wiped them away with the back of your hand. Your vows soon came up and John's brows raised slightly. He had expected you to write some of your own. Yet you stuck to the traditional ones.  You repeated back and quietly to the point where he could barely hear it. You said 'I do'. In a way, it was good for him to hear those words. To fully crush his heart. Destroy any hope he had left deep inside him. Maybe it would allow him to finally move forward with his life.
John didn't think he could ever love someone the way he loved you. He had accepted that you were the love of his life. But hopefully, now he could move forward so every time he wasn't working he could think about anything except you. He laughed bitterly at the thought. As if. Your fiance moved towards you and for a brief moment, the pair of you shared a short uniform kiss.
John's thoughts went to how he would have kissed you. How he would have grabbed your face and smashed his lips against yours. It wouldn't be long but it would be passionate. Hungry almost. A million words in one action. Not that, pathetic excuse of a kiss. John would embarrass the pair of you. But it wouldn't matter, you wouldn't care. He could imagine Soaps hollering. He could imagine the look that Simon would give him behind his mask. Laswell's wife would laugh and Kate would sit there with a smirk on her face. She was used to his antics.
Yet, that dream faded away as your now spouse took your hand and started to walk you down the aisle. John turned away on that hill and mentally swore to himself. He would never see you again.
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thesistersarcheron · 1 year
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Pairing: Elriel Rating: E Tags: Canon Divergence - ACOMAF, Accidental Courtship, Secret Marriage, Human/Fae Relationship, Smut, Fluff, Angst with a Happy Ending Word Count: 6.2k Summary: After learning of her younger sister's fate Under the Mountain, Elain Archeron struggled to envision her future as the lady of the Nolan estate. Sometimes, when she woke in the night and the iron band of her engagement ring was cold as ice on her finger, she knew only dread. She had no such trouble with the fearsome Fae male who made a habit of checking on her every day. It might have been some trick, a faerie enchantment or thrall, but falling in love with him was the easiest thing she ever did.
Part seven of my @acotargiftexchange present for @ultadverb. Read the prologue and the first five chapters on AO3!
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“When I was a little girl, I used to imagine my wedding day in shades of pink and white.”
Azriel’s shadows—always lighter around Elain, always calmer and quieter—perked up, and he watched as she idly twirled the stem of a tulip between her fingers. The bud was fuller than those from the mortal fields, the white petals bleeding into a soft shade of pink and then, at the delicate, ruffled edges of each, vibrant crimson. 
He’d bought the clipping off a cart for a copper when the shadow beneath Elain’s hood whispered in his ear that she was admiring the blooms. When he’d checked, her lips were parted in quiet awe, a hand fisted over her heart.
The cart, which had been hawking flowers on the same corner of the Palace of Hoof and Leaf for hundreds of years, was one Azriel rarely noticed anymore; its riot of color blended into the nurseries and green grocers behind it, and the vendor was a small, mousy faerie who relied more on the business his regular customers generated than shoving his wares into the faces of unsuspecting passersby.
But the tulips wreathing his cart were bright, vibrant things in the early morning sunshine, and even Azriel, who had no more experience with tulips than kissing Elain in a field of them, had to admit that the variations in color were peculiar. The devastating smile she’d turned on him from beneath the hood of her robes had been more than worth the tiny sum.
Her foot tapped his beneath the delicate iron table where they sat now, one of a small mass of them perched on the northern bank of the Sidra, and the small, tentative touch reverberated up his leg and through his body. 
He had been sitting in comfortable silence with her, monitoring the early-morning crowd shuffle through the street while she sipped the rich hot chocolate he’d bought her from his favorite cafe in Velaris.  He chose their table at the edge of the flock, backed up to the wide retaining wall that bordered the river, where the crowd thinned and eavesdropping would be near impossible. 
Though, watching the shoppers, he found that few heads turned toward them anyway; after fifty years trapped under Rhys’s shields together, the people of Velaris were so accustomed to his presence that even his wings and shadows were no longer a novelty to most.
Every so often, the shadows he’d sent out at dawn returned with a missive from an informant or quiet confirmation that all was well in the Night Court. The ones tailing the eldest Archeron reported that Nesta was still stewing, monitoring the front door of the massive chateau Elain called home, but had smirked with cold delight when she declined an invitation for her sisters to join Graysen for lunch at the Nolan estate. 
And regardless of what news they reported, each one was still shot through with ecstatic echoes of Elain’s quiet I love you from the night before.
But now his eyes and ears and the silent, watchful shadows were fixed solely on her.
“There was a picture in a storybook I used to own… A princess and a prince, married under an arch of baby’s breath and peonies. Outdoors, of course, amongst the flowers.” A fingertip stroked one of the tulip’s velvety petals. “I loved it so much I kept the book beneath my pillow for years. Even after… After everything with Father, I dreamt of that page. All those blooms again against a clear blue sky… It was such a lovely image.” 
Lovely as it may have been, her tone was as grim as Azriel felt at the thought of her wedded to another.
“It would suit you,” was all he managed to say. Her mouth curved in a small, insincere smile.
“Thank you,” she said as the smile melted. “But my wedding is to be yellow and brown. Lord Nolan’s colors.”
Azriel’s brows rose. “Not Graysen’s?”
Elain’s fingers curled at the sound of his name. “No.”
He knew he should probably speak, say something to soothe her, but she beat him to it.
“It won’t even be outside.” Her breath hitched, and his chest squeezed. Her throat bobbed, and she shook her head, blue silk slipping over golden curls. She laid the tulip down with heartbreaking care before fisting her hands together. “It will be held in the great hall of the keep.”
Still, he could not think of anything to say—anything reasonable, at the very least—so he kept silent.
She loved him.
Him. 
Not Graysen. Not any longer.
But still she was planning her wedding. Still, vicious jealousy sliced at him as the shadows on the table beneath his hands darkened and warped, the few lingering at his shoulders hissing meanly about her fiance. There was outrage there, too, at the thought of her being the least bit unhappy on her wedding day. 
“Did you ever imagine yours? When you were a boy?” she asked weakly, tipping her head up until he saw the pert silhouette of her nose as she gazed at him from beneath the hood.
Any lingering warmth in him vanished, replaced by frost. “No. In Illyria, bastards don’t have the right to marry. At least, they didn’t when I was...”
He trailed off. When he was what? A youngling? He had never felt like one. Had never heard his half-brothers laughing and running and teasing one another as—he now knew—normal younglings did through the cracks beneath his door and thought of himself as the same in any way. 
The first time he’d felt young at all had been those first, flightless weeks in Windhaven, when the hardened warriors loomed tall and strong and terrifying over him, and he was painfully aware of the useless wings hanging off his back.
Elain let out a quiet, sympathetic sound, her shoulders hunching toward him over the table. “Then what did you dream of?”
The shadow beneath her hood was in a frenzy, darkening the line between her brows, and Azriel didn’t have the heart to tell her that he’d rarely dreamed as a boy. That the mere concept of dreaming of anything but his mother’s face and the chipped stone bench where he sat with her every week and the cold walls of his cell was foreign to him until he’d become friends with an idealistic little lordling and the braggart bastard with delusions of grandeur that Rhys’s mother had already taken in years before Azriel joined the camp.
But he knew what she was asking, what she needed to hear to soften the blow of his childhood, and he was being honest when he said, “The garden.”
“Oh?” The tension in her limbs softened. “Really?”
“Hm. It was more a patch of weeds than anything,” he said quietly, lifting his cup to his lips to take a small sip, to distract from the urge to keep them shut, to frown. She loved him, he reminded himself. She loved him. She loved him, and she deserved to hear such things from him. “Hardy things that can only survive in the rocky soil and cold that far north, but I got to go out for an hour each day. I relished that time.”
“Just an hour?”
“Just an hour. Sometimes less.” 
Oftentimes less. He remembered waiting by the door for days on end on more than one occasion, never knowing if the guards who’d been assigned to him were sent on weeks-long patrols of his sire’s territory elsewhere. Once, one had qualified for the Blood Rite—and hadn’t come back. It must have been weeks before his replacement realized his small charge was meant to go outside; the last of the frost had fully melted the next time he’d been taken to that patch of dirt, and his mother had wept when he’d appeared, peppering his filthy face with kisses until the moment the guards dragged him away again.
“Azriel?” She cut through the mire of his thoughts. It was colored with sympathy, with understanding. “What is it?”
He told her. He kept his voice hushed, so low that she strained to hear him… but he couldn’t bring himself to speak any louder. He doubted he could.
But he wanted—needed—to share that memory with her.
She was pale by the time he finished, the small flush that had risen to her cheeks during their walk through Velaris disappearing entirely. The shadow over her eyes told him that she was staring at him, long and considering, before she bowed her head. She picked up her tulip again, lifting it to her nose to take a shaking breath. 
And then she whispered, “I don’t want to marry him.”
The words floated to Azriel on a breeze sweetened by her flower. By her scent. 
His shadows went silent in response, and the flickering, ever-present darkness in his periphery stilled. Every lithe tendril went taut, listening intently.
She sniffled. “I can’t.”
The relief that swept through Azriel was immediate and all-consuming.
“Oh?”
Oh?  
Oh?!
Such a stupid, restrained fucking question to ask when his wings were suddenly heavy on his back, every muscle in his body taut. The heavy memories of his youth melted away, and he was overcome with the desire to sweep her into his arms and fly.  
Territorial male bullshit. That’s what Feyre or Mor might call that urge, complete with an eyeroll and a smirk. It was wrong, so wrong, to let himself care strongly enough for the human woman—the engaged human woman—in front of him to feel it.
He didn’t care.
“He and his father are so ruled by fear and hatred. I can’t—” Elain sighed and swallowed hard. “I can’t imagine being the same way. Committing myself to that. My family.”
She shrugged, as if that were that, and suddenly Azriel didn’t care what his friends might say, either. All he needed to know was where he and Elain would go, which field of flowers or pretty vista she wanted to see next, how they would spend the rest of their precious little time together.
He would go anywhere, do anything, as long as he got to keep talking to her, keep teasing her, keep touching and tasting her until she shattered for him, keep watching that wide, wonderstruck smile whenever he showed her something new.
As long as he got to keep her, this precious, perfect woman who loved him.
She loved him.
She loved him.
His Elain.
Perhaps a male like him had no business loving a woman like Elain Archeron, but he didn’t care.
He couldn’t care. He wouldn’t even try.
Now, the darkness hovering around the tips of his wings dipped down to his ears and sang, I don’t want to marry him. I can’t. I don’t want to marry him. I can’t.
Her foot tapped his again, and he could read the silent Well? in it.
So he took a long drag of his coffee as he considered his response, and let it coat his tongue. The filthy look Elain had given him when he’d offered her a taste when they’d first sat down and she’d cringed away from the unsweetened, tastebud-singeing bitterness made him want to grin. He’d chosen the drink to ground himself, so he didn’t do something foolish with her, something that might justify the legends of changeling children and faerie stealing away with pretty human girls that he knew she still gave some small weight to.
(The next time Azriel accompanied Rhys to a meeting with the High Lords, he just might risk a swing at Tamlin for cementing that fear in the back of Elain’s mind. He had no doubt that piece of shit was the reason she accepted Graysen’s proposal, the reason a walled estate and armory of ash arrows had first appealed to her.)
All the while, his heart pounded so hard it was sure to bruise against his sternum, and he took a moment to focus on it, to force himself into some easy, steady semblance of calm.
Her foot started jumping beneath the table, and he captured her ankle between both of his to still it.
He took another sip, staring at the bottom half of her face where it was visible beneath the hood of her robes. Her frown was as pretty as the rest of her, and it took every ounce of strength he could muster not to lean across the table and kiss it away in front of the whole of Velaris.
So instead he stood, giving into that all-consuming urge to spirit her away somewhere private, somewhere safe once more, and offered her an arm. “Come with me.”
Elain didn’t hesitate for a second. She rose from her seat, and the trust written into every line of her body nearly made Azriel stumble.
Instead of taking his arm, she laid her hand atop his. His pulse caught and dragged dangerously as her frown softened and her fingers, cool and soothing, stroked a vicious knot of scars atop one of his knuckles just like she had the tulip’s petals.
The world went still as she hummed and breathed a word to herself, so quiet the shadows had to amplify it for him.
“Beautiful.”
It was all he could do to keep himself together long enough to usher her far enough away from the tables to spread his wings. He wasted no time sweeping her off of her feet, trying to keep the movement polite and professional in case anyone was watching, but the warm, soft weight of her, the sweetness of her jasmine and honey layered with his own scent, and the fingers she curled into the strap of his scabbard threatened to undo him.
One strong wingbeat later, they were in the sky over the city. Elain made a happy sound despite herself, asking him to point out the small, whitewashed safehouse where he’d winnowed her last night in the distance, and Azriel’s stomach twisted with longing.
Would this be the only time he got to show her Velaris like this? He didn’t want it to be, nor did the ugly, possessive beast in his mind that was quite suddenly taken over by a quiet, dangerous calm.
So he flew ever upward, letting Elain look her fill. He flew over the riot of color that made up the Rainbow and wound a path along the glittering ribbon of the Sidra. The gilded domes and spires of the theater district made her gasp with delight, and when he guided her attention to the green roof of Rhys’s townhouse, she asked him to pass over it twice, as if assessing whether it was an appropriate home for her little sister.
When she nodded in approval, he smiled back and catching a breeze that took them higher and higher.
He waited until they were level with the House of Wind and her smile, though small, brightened her expression once more before he said, “I don’t want you to marry him, either.”
Her arms tightened around him. Her hood had fallen back during their flight, revealing wide doe-brown eyes and the small O of her mouth. 
Then, she seemed to shake it off, frowning again as she averted her gaze to stare at the wide balconies and training ring below them. “You can’t just say—”
A thread of anxious anticipation wound itself around his heart, tangling with his veins, but he ignored it. 
“Can’t I? You did,” Azriel said sharply, a tiny slip of composure that only she might witness, and banked so quickly that his wings joints ached. Elain held on tightly, burying her face in his shoulder as a balcony rose up to meet them.
“That’s different,” she mumbled into his collar after a long pause.
“Is it?” He landed smoothly on the widest of the balconies, but did not let go of her. “Did you expect me to tell you that you have some obligation to go through with a marriage that would make you miserable?”
“I…” She craned her neck, avoiding his gaze and baring her face toward the open sky above them, as if she were trying to scry for answers in the swirl of the clouds.
“What?”
She shook her head.
But Azriel wouldn’t allow that, couldn’t bear her silence. Not now. 
He rustled the strain of their landing out of his still-outstretched wings. Almost instinctively, he curved them around himself, around her. 
“What is it?”
“I just…” Her voice was smaller, and Azriel became very conscious of every strand of golden-brown hair brushing the membrane of his right wing. “He asked me to marry him, and I said yes. He loves me, and he’s expecting—” She choked on her words, naked guilt on her face. “He loves me.”
Like adding fuel to a flame, those words seared Azriel’s already raw nerves.
Agony. This was agony he knew well. Agony that, over the long course of his life, he’d endured, witnessed, inflicted—
His grip on Elain shifted, his hands suddenly hot and aching, and she took the opportunity to slip out of his arms. She landed on silent tiptoe, her hands braced on his chest even as she took a step back. 
A step away.
He caught her before she could leave the cocoon of his wings. 
A little voice—perhaps a shadow, or perhaps something more selfish, more intrinsic to his being—chanted, Don't let her go. Don't let her go. Don’t let her go.
Her hips were plush beneath her skirts, the softness of them safe and soothing under his ruined hands. He pulled her in, kept her close, and dipped his head to meet hers.
“I love you.”
It was the first time he’d said the words aloud. Last night, he had merely pressed his lips to Elain’s forehead as she burrowed closer into his chest, stunned into speechlessness. Those quiet words had unlocked something inside him, like bolts and tumblers clicking into place, and he knew that only Elain held the key to roll them back. Even then, perhaps the gears in his heart had seized in that moment; perhaps she had soldered them together with those words, freezing them in place where they were the moment she first told him she loved him.
No response had risen to his lips then, trapped beneath the worry haunting him as Elain trembled and sighed in his arms, still overstimulated and hurting. She hadn’t pressed him to share the sentiment, hadn’t indicated that she expected anything in return. She’d only slipped one cold, flawless hand beneath his tunic to clutch his waist without a barrier between them and pushed her icy nose against the hollow of his throat.
But the confession had kept him up all night, holding her close and trying to convey the way he felt without words.
Elain had been awake too, though the panic attack she’d had before he found her rendered her silent and shaky for hours afterward. In hindsight, he wondered if it wasn’t anxiety and Nesta’s prodding, but her nerves that kept her up fretting through the night as she tried to complete her thoughts. To admit the thing that was making her try to pull away from him now.
I don’t want to marry him. I can’t.
When they had risen before the sun, she had simply blinked her eyes open, brushed the hair out of them, and thanked him with a kiss before asking him to show her the city. He’d kissed back with such fervor and relief that she had giggled against his lips, climbing into his lap for a too-short moment before crawling out of bed.
So they’d set out, the matter of being in love seemingly settled, and he had walked her around Velaris—still bustling, even in the darkest hour before dawn—before buying her the tulip and settling at the cafe for breakfast. He’d brought her to Velaris thanks to that desperate instinct to get her somewhere safe when he’d found her curled in her bed and wracked with pain, and he couldn’t bring himself to regret it.
No, not now, as the words slipped from him easily, and her sweet, disbelieving laugh made the last of his shadows skitter away. The sudden burst of sunlight streaming through his wings gilded Elain’s long, loose curls. 
Her hands rose, and she buried her face in her palms. “I love you, too.” 
Azriel lifted one hand, pushing back the curtain of her hair. He skimmed over her neck to her nape, cupping the base of her head in his palm and savoring the velvet-soft touch of her skin as he always did, awed by the way she leaned into his touch as he tilted her head upward. 
“And you no longer love him.”
Elain sighed, and he watched her press her fingertips into her eyes. “No.”
“So don’t marry him, Elain.”
Another sigh. “It’s not that simple.”
“Why not?” He knew. Of course he knew, but he needed to hear her say it aloud. She needed to hear it herself, he suspected.
“I…” Again, she seemed at a loss for words, and Azriel tried to shove down the buoyant sense of triumph trying to rise up beneath his breast. Her head tilted, a golden-brown curl slipping over her ear and tangling in the casing of the Siphon on his hand. She swallowed, her shoulders slumping. “We already paid for everything. The modiste is supposed to have my dress ready by the end of the week.”
“I’ll pay you just as much not to wear it,” Azriel shot back, unbothered by the obvious evasion. 
Hell, he’d pay double, triple. He hardly touched the small fortune Rhys deposited in his vault every month; he’d use it to buy every scrap of white fabric in the mortal realm if that’s what it took to keep her out of that wedding dress.
Elain’s nose wrinkled, and she let out a quiet growl of frustration. He had to tighten his mouth to keep from smiling. 
Forget the dress. If she wanted to make him dig for information, then he would. That was his specialty, after all. 
He thumbed the nape of her neck, bending his head to graze the tip of his nose down the column of her throat.
This would be the gentlest interrogation in his long, bloodied history of them. 
She took a sharp breath, and then her hands were fisted at her sides, as if she were trying to beat back the instinct to grasp at him.
“Tell me, Elain,” he said against her pulse in a bedroom murmur.
When he pulled back, frustration and guilt were at war in her expression. 
“What about Nesta? What happens to us if I end this engagement? We’ll be ruined.”
Azriel sank his fingers deeper into her hair, setting a languid pace as he scratched his nails along her scalp. “Will you? I was under the impression you were rather well-off for two unmarried young women.”
“Socially,” she gritted out, her eyelids fluttering with pleasure. His heart began to race again, and he willed his face into a solemn mask. “Socially, we will be ruined.”
“Is that so?”
“It i-is.” She whimpered as he tugged gently at her roots. “We’ll be pariahs. Outcasts.”
“But that’s not what bothers you, is it?” he asked. “Nesta couldn’t care less about her social standing. She spends most of her nights locked away in that study. And you spend yours with me now.” 
Her eyes closed and her head fell backward, the full weight of it resting in Azriel’s palm. He cradled it tenderly, savoring the trust in that small gesture.
“What do you want? If you don’t want to marry him, but you can’t imagine breaking it off, then what are you going to do?”
He caught a glimpse of white teeth as she bit into her full bottom lip. The corners of her clenched-shut eyes shimmered with wetness, and he held her closer as it beaded beneath one before slipping down her cheek.
He kissed the tear away, licking the salt off his lips, and then kissed her damp cheek again. 
“Say it, love.”
“It’s impossible,” she moaned, and he nearly swept her off of the balcony and into the sky again as that minuscule, perfect crack in her armor appeared when she opened her eyes again to gaze at him from beneath her lashes—and at the soul-wrenching longing within them.
It was an emotion he recognized all too well.
Instead, he released her hip with his other hand, wrapping that arm around her waist and pulling her into him until the thrum of her pulse resounded against his chest. Until he felt every beat of her heart as if it were his own. 
“Then I’ll tell you what I want, shall I?” The words spilled out of him unbidden, but he didn’t try to stop them.
He had spent five hundred years denying himself the simple pleasure of loving a female and being loved by her in return—had foolishly, blindly hedged his bets and lost. Had held his tongue, rather than face rejection. Had chosen comfort and safety over honesty.
Perhaps that was what Mor had needed from him. Perhaps he had needed to hold onto the hope that someday, if he persisted, she would return his affections.
But Elain was mortal. Already, the clock was working against him, and he could feel every precious second tick by just as surely as Elain’s heartbeat. There was no time to waste on yearning from afar. There would be no epic, centuries-long tale of romance. 
And he had not allowed himself to love this woman just to lose once again another arrogant, scheming lordling. To let her throw up her walls and lock herself away. 
He would not waste five more centuries agonizing over what could be and what might have been when what little time he had with her was so precious and so finite.
He couldn’t.
And because he was Fae, and he was wicked, he did have wicked ways to get everything he wanted, just as he’d once told Elain. 
He just needed her to agree. He needed her to admit that she wanted the same thing he did.
“I want you, Elain.” 
He wanted her to be his. 
His to protect. 
His to cherish. 
His to love. 
A whispering shadow guided his to one of the fists she still clenched at her side, to the thumb rubbing her raw third finger.
And he wanted that, too.
“That’s all.” The words were like a cord tied to his wrist, tugging him forward, into a future he barely dared to dream of. He swallowed around the stone lodged in his throat and said, “I’m not good or decent. I have no title to give you. But you deserve to marry someone you love.” 
Elain gasped, and finally, the anguish faded from her expression. The sound imprinted itself on his memory.
He watched as her eyes opened again. Raw, fearful hope shone in them when she lifted a hand to wrap it around his arm, squeezing hard. It was the only thing keeping him anchored. 
“I can’t offer you a simple life.” He lowered his forehead to hers until all he knew was the warmth of her gaze and the jasmine-and-honey sweetness of her scent. “I’m the bastard-born son of a cruel male. In every court but my own, I am the nightmare—the monster—used to keep disobedient children in line.” His head was rushing, and for the first time in centuries, his training failed him as his entire world narrowed to the woman in his arms. “And I earned that reputation fairly, Elain.”
“Azriel,” she breathed, trembling like a fawn in his arms.
He freed the hand from her hair and held it between them, and she—
She followed the line of his arm, clasping that hand in her own.
“My hands were ruined when I was a boy,” he told her. His voice had been reduced to a broken murmur; if he’d been in his right mind, he might have been mortified by the loss of control, by the horrified What? she whispered as another tear followed the path of the first. “But the stain of what I do for my court and the people I love… that runs deeper than the surface.”
“Azriel, please.”
He shook his head. “I’m no storybook prince.”
No, he had been the dishonorable knave to sweep her off her feet and ravish her just under her betrothed’s nose, hadn’t he? He had no control where she was concerned. It took every bit of his rational mind to keep his cock in his pants each night, to show her the pleasure her Graysen was too naive to give. 
He didn't know what he'd done to be worthy of her affection or, indeed, if he would ever be worthy of it. But he would try, gods damn him. He would wake up every morning and try to be deserving of her, to push down the fear that she was flower he might smother with his shadows and love her with abandon.
The tip of her nose was pink, and her chest heaved as a sob shredded its way out of her throat.
“A life with me will not be easy, but I will do everything in my power to make you happy because I love you. I love you.” 
And last night, the first night he’d dared to lay beside her in a bed as he should have done all along, she’d fit perfectly in his arms, beneath his wing, and everything had slotted into place as he held her.
As much as he wanted her, he wanted to be hers. He wanted to be the face she sought out in a crowd. For his name to be the one she whispered, moaned, and screamed into the dark. For his hand to be the one she reached for when she was happy or scared or lost. To be the first she sought out when the first buds of spring bloomed in her garden, or when her latest loaf of bread fell flat, or when she needed someone to help her break off an engagement she no longer wanted.
He pressed his lips to the back of her pale, unblemished palm.
“Don’t marry him,” he begged. “Marry me.”
Elain froze.
The silence stretched.
And then she said, “No.” 
“Elain—”
The light in her eyes guttered. “No. No, because you’re right. You’re no prince. You’re not a good, decent man.”
Was the balcony tilting? Was the stone beneath his feet crumbling? 
Blindly, he drew her off of the balcony and into the cool embrace of the House.
Her voice was small when she said, “You’re Fae. And I’m human.”
"So?”
“So?!” Elain tried to push away again. When she didn’t shove at him in earnest—when she didn’t try to drop his hand—he tightened the arm around her waist. “What about the wall?”
“No border can keep a male from his bride. Not even the wall.” It was a technicality that Rhys rip him a new one for invoking when a war over his own stolen bride was imminent, if the reports coming out of the Spring Court were true, but Azriel still couldn’t find it in himself to care. “Even the Cauldron couldn’t keep us apart if we swore the right oaths to one another.”
“What about your High Lord? What will he have to say about a human living in his court?”
“Your new brother-in-law, you mean?” The shadows tittered, and Azriel had never been so grateful for the little beasts. For the secrets they whispered about the lengths to which Rhys would go to keep a smile on his new mate’s lips. “Your happiness means everything to Feyre, and Feyre’s happiness means everything to him. He wouldn’t dare.”
Elain cast a considering glance over her shoulder, the cloud of old guilt that passed through it revealing that she knew just how hard Feyre might fight for her.
When she glanced back at Azriel, it was gone, replaced by the cool practicality of a young woman who’d negotiated a marriage contract before.
“I’m human,” she sniffed next. “I’ll only live another thirty years. Fifty if I’m lucky.”
“Five years, fifty years, eighty,” he swore, “I want them with you, Elain.”
“In forty, I’ll be a wrinkled crone.”
Azriel couldn’t help it—he laughed, dragging her deeper into the belly of the House. 
Into his home.
“Human or fae, sixty is young, my love.” 
Elain flushed, but her grip on his hand tightened as she followed him, ushered closer by the wings still shrouding her from the world. She leaned in, and the challenge etched in the purse of her lips was so beautiful that Azriel did not have the heart to tell her that he rarely lost contests of will. 
“And when I’m eighty? When I can’t get out of bed on my own, and I need help eating and bathing?”
“Then I will carry you and feed you and bathe you.” 
She scoffed.
Azriel tried not to take offense. “I am five hundred and forty years old. I like to think that has instilled some appreciation for the passage of time. For aging. You humans look on our immortality with envy, sometimes pity, but whether or not most Fae will admit it, we envy you. Always growing, always changing, always rushing to build a legacy before your time is up. Maybe some human men might find it burdensome to have wives who grow old at the same rate they do.” He couldn’t resist the dig. “My only regret is that I can’t do that with you. But I would be honored to live alongside you while you make your mark, instead.”
Elain averted her gaze again, chewing on her lip. She glanced at him once, then twice. The third time, he caught her chin with their joined hands, lifting her face until she met his eyes.
“Ask it.”
“What will happen when I’m gone?”
He shrugged. “There’s a war coming. Who’s to say that you will die first?”
She reared back, her eyes going glassy. Her lip wobbled, but she shot back:
“That’s not an answer.” 
His chest tightened, and he held her hand to it, pressing the back of her palm against sternum and the Siphon glimmering with premature grief above it. Its light cast her face in cold, sickly blue, and he shoved down his power until she was once again pink-cheeked and flush with life.
He held her close and skimmed a kiss over the top of her head.
“When you are gone, I will mourn my beloved wife.”
It would be his undoing. That much he already knew before the shadows darkened and reached for him when they sensed the needling pain of loss radiating out of him.
Already, he could see the years stretching before them—sitting with her in the garden, teasing her over tea, sorting through his reports at a kitchen bench as she kneaded dough, wringing pleasure from her every night until she begged him for a reprieve. Family dinners with Rhys and Feyre, Cassian and Amren and Mor. Winning Nesta over, however long it took, because they both loved Elain fiercely, both wanted nothing but happiness for her.
And one day—too soon—when those years came to an end…
Elain started to shake, and he guided her to one of the low, plush chairs scattered throughout the House just seconds before her knees gave way. She fell into it, and he fell to his knees before her.
“I would be your wife… Not your mate,” she protested weakly. “I’m not your mate.”
“No,” he agreed easily. “You’re not.”
It didn’t matter. Mates or not, he knew they were meant for this. For each other. He was meant to share his life with her, and perhaps he always had been. That much was written in the marrow of his bones, tattooed into the membrane of his wings, carved into the chambers of his heart—the basest, most integral parts of his being.
“It doesn’t matter what some sainted cooking pot decides my fate should be,” he told her. “You are my love, and I choose you. I want you.”
Finally, she smiled, and he reached up to hold her beautiful, beaming face in his ruined hands. 
“Marry me, Elain. Please.”
His shadows were frantic now, tearing at his leathers.
And a gasp that wasn’t Elain’s tore apart the weighted silence.
Azriel’s attention speared across the room to the source of that noise, and he looked up.
Directly into Mor’s wide-eyed stare as she hissed, “What have you done?”
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“No,” Feyre and Rhys said at the same time, in the same breath. Azriel’s eyes shuttered. “I wasn’t asking for permission.”
ACOSF, Chapter 41
Too many razor-sharp thoughts sliced him any time he grew still long enough for them to strike. Too many wants and needs left his skin overheated and pulling taut across his bones. So he only slept when his body gave out, and even then only for a few hours.
ACOSF, bonus chapter
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lilolakes · 1 year
Text
Ekvillan - 'The oak villa'
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Ekvillan is a spacious family villa inspired by swedish architecture from the turn of the last century.
I chose to call it 'Ekvillan' - 'The oak villa' in swedish, since there is a big oak tree in the garden. It has a vegetable garden, bees, a chicken coop, and a treehouse. There's plenty of cozy little spots to hang out and eat 'fika'.
Please note that this was built using cc. The lot is partially playtested. DOWNLOAD (SFS)
Some of the cc is included, the rest is linked below. The lot can also be fould on the gallery (ID: Lilolakes)
My lovely friend @zebrasimmer_ on Instagram had her one year instaversary recently, and to celebrate she hosted a little collab were we created different builds inspired by her (and also my-) home country - Sweden. This was my contribution.
Check out the other builds in the collab, by @zebrasimmer_ , @simsaga_ and @sims.erezkigal on Instagram.
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Packs used
Ep:s All of the ones released before 2023 Game packs: Werevolwes, My Wedding Stories, Dream Home Decorator, Journey to Batuu, Realm of Magic, StrangerVille, Jungle Adventure, Parenthood, Vampires, Dine Out, Spa Day, Outdoor Retreat Stuff packs: Paranormal, Nifty Knitting, Tiny Living, Laundry Day, Vintage Glamour, Kids Room, Romantic garden, Spooky Stuff Kits: Country Kitchen, Courtyard Oasis, Decor to the Max, Everyday clutter
Required CC
Here are the links for all the cc required for the lot to look as intended.
This is my first time sharing a build using cc. I might have gone a biiit overboard with it, so it's pretty cc heavy. Sorry 'bout that! ;)
All credit goes out to the amazing creators! I have done my best not to miss anyone, and to respect all of the creators TOU. Please tell me if you notice something that I've missed!
Anniee sims -Area rug
ATS4 (Around the sims 4) -IKEA-like stepstool -Cereal box -Crate seat -Toy train set -Candle and old book -Grocery paper bag (the first one) -Harvestable aromatic plants, Basil, Rosemary and Thyme -Rocking toy alligator, Farm puzzle and blackboard -Preschool blocks and House
Charly Pancakes -The candle, moodbooster
conceptdesign97 -Pumpkin vine
Cowbuild -Pleated curved floor lamp and lazy loveseat throw pillow
Dew of the sea -Accordion wall rack, S4, unmerged
Fadedsprings -William Morris-ish wallpaper set
Felixandre -Grove part 1 -Grove part 2: bowls, cups and salad bowl -Grove part 3 -Grove part 4 -Kyoto part 2 -Berlin part 1 -Shop the look Season 1 -London set exterior
Harlix -Tiny Twavellers Binoculars, crocodile, hot air balloon lamp (short), swing (medium), hanging wall world map -Baysic (different items)
Harrie -Shop the look 2
Icemunmun at ModTheSims -Harvestable corn stalks
Leaf Motif at Curseforge -Wall lamp and vintage tiles
Leniad at ModTheSims -Pumpkin plant
Leosims -Carton of eggs
Lilis-Palace -Jugendstil tiles set -Folklore set
LittleDica -Deligracy Delicato Stuff Pack
MadameRia -Back to Basics Pot Holder (Wall version) and Wire Basket Dish Rack
Maman-Gateau at Sims Artists -Whicker basket with lid from this set
Mutske at TSR -Alda arch with private doors 2x1 -Alda arch 2x1 -Alda privatdoor 1x1
MXIMS -Ikea ypperlig table and mirror -Stokke high-chair -Aesop Bathroom Tray -Plants 1,2,6,7 -String Shelf System (Shelf B):
My cup of CC -Tiny dreamers set (merged)
Novvas -Pumpkins in a basket -Random Runners -Elo bathroom IKEA rug -Kids drawings from this set -Painting collection
Nutter-Butter-1 at ModTheSims -Old Floor Tile Set
Picture Amoebae -Allisas Fall '18 Panels
Pierisim -Oak house part 3 -Oak house part 2 -Rold Skov kitchen mini kit -Domaine Du Clos part 1 -Domaine Du Clos part 3 -Domaine Du Clos part 4 -The COLDBREW coffee shop pt 1 - 1/2 -The COLDBREW coffee shop pt 1 - 2/2 -The COLDBREW coffee shop pt. 2
Plumbob Tea Society -Deco Botanical Scroll, woodpile and raised garden beds
Raindrops on cowplants -Gothic revival build set
Severinka at TSR -big pumpkin 02 -small pumpkins 07
SimC (Simcredible designs) at TSR -Coastal Extras - daisy in tall vase
Simspell -Autumn & Spooky-ish Paintings (Part 1)
SixamCC -Birker Line ceiling light (different versions) -Small Spaces deco pantry items -Small Spaces Pantry CC Pack - Mixer (Standalone version) -Dreamy Outdoors floor light
Soloriya at TSR -Two candles -Collection of candles -Pencil sharpener and erasers
TaTschu -Lighted fence (Leosims recolor)
Tech Hippie -Plants from these two sets
Vintage Simmer -Patchwork set -Noah plush rabbit -SBP Octopus -L&C Plush lemon
Wondymoon TSR -Lybica Kitchen Hanger -Protactinium Rug
Wondymoon.com -Ceratonia kitchen counters 1 and 2, island counter, cabinets, corner cabinet and stove hood.
Credit for the cc included in the download: 13pumpkin, Aggressive Kitty, Aira-cc, Awingedllama, Baufive, DK Sims, Honeycuts , IllogicalSims, KKB, Linacherie, Meinkatz, Mio-Sims, Myshunosun, NynaeveDesign, Peacemaker IC, Pocci, Sanoysims, Sforzinda, Slox, Spirashun, Syboulette
Reshade used for screenshots: Dove 2.0 by Kindlespice
T.O.O.L-mod by Twisted Mexi was used to create this build. You don't need it to place the lot, but I recommend that you go check it out. It can be found here: https://twistedmexi.com
I hope you enjoy my build. Please tag me if you share any gameplay pictures from the lot, I'd love to see it!
♡ Lilolakes
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norabrice1701 · 5 months
Text
Twist My Heart - Ch. 6
Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Jake “Hangman” Seresin
- A TG:M Twister AU -
Series Main List
Also on AO3
Ch. 6 Warnings: Idiots in love; domestic fluff
A/N: Thank you all for reading this fic!! ❤️
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3 years later
“You’re going the wrong way,” Jake says, setting his beer down. “Here, give me that.”
He plucks the remote control from Bradley’s hand, and Bradley doesn’t fight him. Despite scrolling through the list of hundreds of channels in the ‘Live TV’ guide, he still hasn’t found the channel they’re looking for. They’ve only had this TV installed for a week now, and Bradley still doesn’t have an intuitive feel for the built-in channel guide. And to compound his ineptitude, there isn’t even a search feature for him to enter ‘NBC Kentucky Derby’.
Jake finds the channel with ease, and the sights and sounds of Churchill Downs fill the screened-in porch. Bradley leans forward on the outdoor couch, dragging a tortilla chip through the accompanying queso fundido. Well, maybe calling it that is too generous – it’s just melted Velveeta and breakfast sausage – but neither of them boast gourmet kitchen prowess. Perhaps it’s something they can work on, but between Jake’s mastery of the grill and Bradley’s skill with a saute pan, they haven’t managed to starve yet. 
Or burn down the kitchen. Or the rest of their house. 
Because that fact still… god. 
He co-owns a house with Jake. 
Together. 
A house that they intend to turn into their home. 
They’re making good progress, especially after spending today in the yard. The landscaping had needed lots of love - still does - but after pulling tons of weeds, raking up all the dead shit in the flowerbeds, and mowing the lawn, they have earned the right to a lazy night on the couch. 
Bradley shifts against the all-weather cushion as he takes a swig of beer. He drapes an arm along the back of the couch, gazing up at the wall-mounted TV as Jake leans forward, munching a queso-slathered chip. 
Jake snags another chip before reaching for his beer. “Who’s your money on for the race?” 
Bradley doesn’t bother to hide his indifference. “I have no idea. I don’t even know who all’s in the field.” 
“Forte scratched this morning.” Jake supplies, licking a stray drop of beer foam from his top lip. “Tapit Trice is expected to perform well, along with Two Phils.” 
He arches a brow in disbelief even as his mouth quirks with amusement. “Didn’t know you played the ponies.” 
Jake doesn’t quite roll his eyes. “That phrase only applies if you put down money, Roo - and luckily for you, I don’t.” 
And Bradley does know that’s true. He’s learned much about Jake’s inner-workings and bad habits - and gambling doesn’t make the list. He continues to relax against the couch, taking in Jake’s profile set against the colors of sunset. Tall white clouds hang in the eastern sky, reflecting the brilliant colors back at them - and Bradley’s struck with another moment of incredulity. 
This handsome man is now his husband. The white gold band on Jake’s finger gleams against the beer koozie, matching the ring that adorns Bradley’s finger. Honesty, the metal band still feels a little foreign but each time he takes it off, he feels lost without it. 
“Then, I’ll go for Two Phils.” Bradley eventually says, tapping his wedding ring against the neck of the better bottle with a clink. “Always go for the funny name, right?” 
“In that case, you’d want Raise Cain or Cyclone Mischief.” Jake’s mouth curls with a smile against the rim of his beer bottle. “Though, neither one of them has great odds.” 
Bradley reaches for another chip, sweeping it through the queso. “Trying to impress me, hmm?” 
Jake’s laugh warms his chest. “Little late for that, don’t you think?” 
Bradley wipes a smudge of queso from his mustache. “Don’t think just because we’re already married doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.” He returns his arm to the back of the couch, fingers bushing against the strong line of Jake’s shoulders. “You got to keep proving that I made the right choice, right?” 
Jake’s eyes blaze with playful indignation. “Careful now, sweetheart - gotta keep proving that we made the right choice. I coulda said no, you know.” 
He squeezes Jake’s shoulder gently, heart fluttering as Jake leans into him. “I know you coulda. And that would have broken my heart.” 
Jake settles against his side and a wave of contentment washes over Bradley. A gentle breeze blows through the screened-in porch as they relax in their little backyard, and Bradley feels his face split wide with a stupid grin. He’s glad that Jake can’t see it and tease him for it. Ducking his head, he brushes a kiss to whatever part of Jake he can reach before taking another sip of his beer and returning his attention to the TV screen. 
The horses parade out of the stables and onto the track. Announcers recap the top contenders, identifying the contestants as they make their way towards the starting gate. Bradley doesn’t consider himself overly fond of horse racing, but there’s something fun about watching the fastest two minutes in all of the sports’ world.
“Well, if you knew anything about horse racing,” Jake rumbles softly. “You’d know that you’re supposed to pick three horses - one each for win, place, and show.” 
“That’s why I have you,” Bradley counters. “If we ever go to Churchill Downs, you can place the bets.” 
“Is that on your bucket list?” Jake asks, words deforming against the beer bottle lip. 
Bradley’s brows furrow. “I don’t know… guess I haven’t thought about it, really.” Maybe it’s because of how his dad died, but the idea of a bucket list doesn’t sit well with him. While he doesn’t deny the power of having dreams and goals, he also learned at a young age to just be grateful for everything life has given him and consider everything else as icing on the cake. He wets his top lip, sighing gently. “How about you?” 
“Only if you wear one of those big, gaudy hats.” Jake nods towards the screen as the camera zooms in on a woman in an oversized bright yellow, red, and white hat. 
Bradley grimaces. “No chance in hell, man.” 
“Maybe if you lose a bet?” Jake prods, mischief in his eyes and smile. “Or if Tapit Trice wins?” 
A chuckle works up Bradley’s throat, fading as the TV screen jumps to a split-screen showing the local news station studio. 
“Good evening, we apologize for interrupting the Kentucky Derby, but we have a severe weather situation brewing in Nowata County to bring you up to speed on.”
A Doppler radar now dominates half the screen as Jake and Bradley both stare with rapt interest. Severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado watch banners light up the top and bottom of the shot as the strong supercell, in shades of angry red and orange, bears down on the noted towns.
“Now, this powerful storm is currently located just two miles east of Delaware, Oklahoma - and already we have reports of golf ball sized hail ranging up to baseball sized hail. This is not a storm to mess around with, folks, especially with the strong winds and lightning. Tornado watches are in effect for all of Nowata County, but as you can see…” 
Jake lets out a low whistle. “Just look at that,” he muses, nodding towards the TV. “That’s the perfect formation for a hook echo.” 
Bradley nods as his throat goes dry. “Yeah… especially with those wind speeds. And just look at that outflow boundary.”  
As if summoned by their words, big bold letters declaring a tornado warning flash across their screen. 
“Alright, now we have a tornado warning in effect - I repeat, tornado warning in effect - for Nowata County. Seek shelter in a basement or storm cellar or interior room of your house…” 
The on-screen radar image updates, and the text-book perfect hook echo formation appears on screen. A tracking cone emanates from it as the meteorologist continues to outline the storm’s projected path, taking it nowhere near their home. Despite the contentment with Jake at his side, the desire to hop in the SUV and chase it down still nags at him. Perhaps it always will - and if it weren’t their weekend off, perhaps they would already be on the scene. 
“You ever considered a job in television?” Jake asks, clinking his own ring against the glass bottle neck. “It’d give us all something much better to look at.” 
Bradley resists another eye-roll. “And miss the chance to be out in the field with the rain on my face and the wind in my hair?” He glances over at Jake. “Not a chance in hell.” 
Something proud sparks in Jake’s gaze, laced with innate understanding. Slowly, he drags his gaze back to the TV nodding up at the screen. “Almost makes me want to be out there, you know? I’m sure they’re getting some good action.” 
Bradley nods gently, letting himself settle more visibly against the couch. “Yeah, I know what you mean,” he says, coaxing Jake back with him. “But there’ll always be another storm, right? Besides,” he flashes his husband a teasing, alluring grin. “I can definitely promise you much better action in our bedroom later tonight.”  
Jake’s eyes wrinkle with laughter as he shakes his head. “Better? Hmm, debatable. Infinitely more satisfying?” He leans in for a quick kiss. “Every time, darlin’.” 
Fin
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Bow Bridge - Central Park
Bow Bridge remains an enduring symbol of Central Park's beauty and tranquility. Its combination of architectural elegance, natural surroundings, and cultural significance make it a beloved destination within this iconic urban park, offering a peaceful retreat and a romantic atmosphere in the heart of Manhattan.
Weddings and Proposals: Bow Bridge is a popular spot for weddings and marriage proposals. Many couples choose this picturesque location to exchange vows or ask for their partner's hand in marriage due to its romantic ambiance and stunning views. It's not uncommon to witness a wedding ceremony or proposal while visiting the bridge.
Historical Significance: Bow Bridge, like many features in Central Park, has historical significance. It is part of the original design of Central Park by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, two influential landscape architects. Their vision for the park was to create a place of respite and natural beauty within the bustling city, and Bow Bridge exemplifies this vision.
Artistic Inspiration: Artists and painters have long been drawn to Bow Bridge as a subject for their work. The bridge's intricate ironwork and its reflection in the tranquil waters of The Lake provide ample artistic inspiration.
Boating on The Lake: The Lake beneath Bow Bridge is a popular spot for rowboating during the spring and summer months. Visitors can rent rowboats and enjoy a relaxing ride on the calm waters, taking in the views of the bridge and surrounding greenery.
Autumn Foliage: During the fall, Bow Bridge is surrounded by a brilliant display of autumn foliage. The vibrant colors of the changing leaves make it a must-visit spot for leaf peepers, photographers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the season.
Accessibility: Bow Bridge is wheelchair accessible, making it a welcoming destination for visitors of all abilities. The park's pathways and nearby amenities are designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors.
Restoration Efforts: Over the years, Bow Bridge has undergone restoration and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and preserve its historical charm. The efforts of the Central Park Conservancy have played a crucial role in this ongoing preservation work.
Music and Performances: The area around Bow Bridge occasionally hosts outdoor music performances and cultural events, providing a delightful backdrop for live entertainment in a natural setting.
Filming Location: Bow Bridge has been featured in numerous films and television shows. Its romantic and picturesque setting has made it a popular choice for filmmakers seeking an idyllic backdrop for their scenes. You might recognize it from movies like "Manhattan," "Keeping the Faith," and "Enchanted."
Wildlife Viewing: The area around Bow Bridge is a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Central Park is home to a variety of bird species, including waterfowl that can often be seen on The Lake.
Spring Cherry Blossoms: In the spring, the cherry trees near Bow Bridge burst into bloom, creating a stunning display of pink and white blossoms. This seasonal spectacle is a draw for visitors who come to admire the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
Architectural Details: While at Bow Bridge, take a closer look at its intricate ironwork and decorative elements. The bridge's design includes ornate railings, lampposts, and Gothic-style arches, adding to its architectural charm.
Central Park Sightseeing: Bow Bridge is often included as a point of interest on guided tours of Central Park. These tours provide visitors with insights into the park's history, design, and the significance of its various landmarks, including the bridge.
Romantic Atmosphere: Bow Bridge's romantic ambiance is particularly pronounced during early mornings and at sunset. The soft, warm light at these times adds to the bridge's allure, making it a popular spot for couples and photographers.
Adjacent Attractions: Nearby, you'll find other attractions like the Central Park Boathouse, which offers dining with a view of The Lake, and the Central Park Conservatory Garden, a beautifully landscaped formal garden that's perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Accessibility: Central Park has made efforts to ensure that its pathways and bridges, including Bow Bridge, are accessible to people with disabilities. This commitment to accessibility allows a wide range of visitors to enjoy the park's beauty.
In conclusion, Bow Bridge in Central Park continues to be a cherished and timeless destination, known for its architectural beauty, scenic surroundings, and romantic allure. Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape, a place for photography, or a romantic setting, Bow Bridge offers a captivating experience in the heart of Manhattan's urban landscape.
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