#swim in lakes and roam forests

[ivankosovan]

Summer in the mountains!

#pnw #photography #landscape #explore #adventure #lifestyle #nw #trees #moody #washington #mood #forest #view #trip #roam #mountain #hike #lake #alpine lake #summer swim #summer #summervibes #trail #backpacking #washington living #washington hiked #mt rainier #vsco

[neo-nomatrix]

Gold chain beneath your shirt, the shirt that you let me wear home

Luke Castellan x reader

word count: little over 1k

summary: no matter how hard you try to forget, there are signs of luke everywhere

a/n: smutty, angsty

He betrayed you, it wasn’t a dream or a stupid vision. He really betrayed you.

When Luke first brought up getting revenge on the gods you thought he was joking. He hadn’t mentioned “kronos’ army” , afraid that would be too much to jump onto you. You realize it far too late, that he was very much serious about his plan.

“You can join me. It’ll be just us again, remember? I can’t protect you,” He says, looking at you lovingly.

Luke had found you before departing camp, for good. He gave you a last chance to join him and the army. All while telling you what he had done to Percy.

“You tried to poison percy!” You yelled at him in the heat of the moment.

“I did what I had to do!” He screamed at you.

You backed up into the corner of your cabin, everyone else from your cabin gone. The few year rounders somewhere else.

“I’m not joining you Luke! That would be betraying everyone I love!” You yell back.

“What about me?! Huh?! You have hated the gods ever since I met you, what happened?” He questions.

“I may hate them, but I could never do this. I’m not a monster,” You quietly say, shaking your head.

“Fine. Make the wrong choice. But I won't be able to save you when the time comes,” He tells you cryptically.

You watch him walk away from you. You debate turning him in, but how? He’s stronger than you, faster, you know you can’t. All you can do is watch him walk away, possibly destroying both your futures. As he opens the door he looks back at you one last time.

——————

You’ve been rather alone at camp since summer ended. Percy and Annabeth return home while Grover goes off on his adventure for Pan. The only friends you have there are small acquaintances and your siblings. You decided you’re not quite ready to return home. You’ve had run-ins with monsters previously outside of camp and you aren’t prepared to deal with them again. Partially because your mind is flooded with Luke.

With the extra amounts of free time you find yourself rearranging your cabin and area. Sorting through your clothes over and over again. This time you find something you hadn’t previously, a thick plaid blue flannel. lukes. You pick it up and hold it in front of you. Memories flood in your head of Luke.

It’s mid June, you and luke’s favorite time for a swim in the lake. You find a lake hidden behind a forest of trees that’s quiet, perfect for you two. You were wandering in the forest together when you first found it. Hand in hand. The glimmering sun makes the water sparkle.

You start taking off your shirt and jean shorts while smiling widely.

“C’mon!” You laugh at Luke.

“You’re crazy,” he laughs at you, taking off his flannel and cargos.

He holds your hand as he pulls you into the crystal clear water. You both smile as the warm water touches your skin. Luke holds strongly onto your waist with one hand. The other acts like a paddle to push you into the middle of the lake. Your hands wrap about his neck, playing with his gold chain which has a feather charm hanging off of it.

He kisses your neck softly, roaming his calloused hands around your waist. You comb your fingers through his brown curls. Your thumb grazed over his scar below his right eye. You press a kiss on his lips, wrapping your legs around his waist.

He drops his right hand underneath the water and pulls your underwear aside. His long fingers teasing you entrance.

“Don’t tease,” you whisper against his lips.

He smiles and plunges one finger into you, letting out a breath of air as you moan. He kisses the sweet spot on your neck. Your mouth hangs open and you grind onto his fingers.

“You’re so fucking beautiful baby,” he mumbles.

“I’m a good girl right?” you moan softly.

“Are you? I don’t think so, baby,” he frowns, slowing his fingers down.

“W-what? no- no i’m a good girl, the best,” you say, eyes furrowing at his response.

“Hmm, maybe you should prove to me how good you are,” He whispers back, smirking.

“I’ll do anything,” you desperately say.

“Make yourself cum on my fingers,” he orders you, moving your hips against his bulge.

You grind your hips against his fingers. “You’re like a fucking dog in heat,” he laughs at you.

“I’m gonna- Luke i’m gonna,” you whine.

“Let go baby, be a good girl,” He smiles.

You cum harshly on his fingers, he slowly pumps in and out riding you out. He continues pressing kisses against you, his over hand roaming your body.

“Good girl, my good girl.”

You both get out of the water tired. Allowing the sun to soak into you, drying you off. You put your shorts back on before realizing your shirt has gotten mud on it.

“Luke! My shirt!” you cry out to him.

“Here, take this,” He laughs at you, throwing his flannel at you.

You smile back at him, putting the flannel over your shoulders. You go up to him and wrap your arms around his tall figure.

“Wish we could stay here forever,” You mumble.

“I think we can work something out.”

——————

You stare at the shirt, smiling. You wonder what it would be like if he never left, if it could be just you forever. You hug the shirt longingly, going to your bunk and wrapping yourself in the flannel. You feel a hard metal in the pocket, his chain. You hold it in your palm; small tears pooling in your eyes.

“Fuck you Luke. Why’d you have to do this?” You look out the window, angry and sad.

You wish for a different ending. You wish he stayed. You wish you had gone with him, maybe it would’ve just been you two. You wish you had stayed in that moment forever. You wish it wasn’t true. You wish he hadn’t left.

You love Luke Castellan, even though you wish you dont. You hate yourself for falling for it. You hate him for making you fall for him.

#percy jackson #pjo series #luke castellan #percy jackson and the olympians #luke castellan x reader #luke castellan x you #luke pjo #pjo x reader #percy jackon and the olympians #percy jackson x reader #luke castellan smut

[unboundprompts]

Can you give any advice to writing about monsters or creating your own?

How to Write a Monster

Physical Characteristics:

Don't be too specific about the way your monster looks, but give enough information for the reader to create a general idea. Whatever your reader imagines the monster to look like combined with the description you give, will likely be much scarier than anything you create.

Examples:

It had glowing red eyes, like two spheres of blood that watched in the ever growing darkness.

The creature-- whatever it was-- had to be at least twenty feet tall. Nothing even remotely human could have caused the damage it did.

The first thing we noticed were the claw marks that slithered down the walls.

Background:

You don't need an intricate story as to where the monster comes from or why it looks the way it does because sometimes the unknown is scarier. However, there needs to be some kind of background for logic's sake.

Examples:

We weren't sure what it was now, but we knew it used to be human.

The creature is said to have been roaming the forest for centuries, created by the manifestations of myths and legends that were shared over hundreds of years.

It was an experiment gone rogue, escaping from a hidden facility years ago and somehow managing to stay out of sight. Until now, that is.

Targets:

Why does your monster behave the way it does? Does it have a specific goal? Knowing what triggers your monster and what motivates it will give your reader a better understanding of your monster.

Examples:

The creature seemed to only appear at night. Whatever it did in the daylight, they weren't sure, but when the sun sets? It hunts.

It became violent at the scent of blood.

We think it preyed on anger, infecting those around it to become hysterical with rage.

Weaknesses:

Your characters need a way to defeat the monster, or at least a way to keep it at bay. Giving a monster a weakness or a limit makes it unique, as well as making it believable. However, it's weaknesses should not be revealed until later in the story.

Examples:

We didn't know much about it, but we knew that it didn't like sunlight.

They spent their summer days swimming in the lake because the creature feared the water. Going home at night was all the more scarier for the same reason.

The monster could only be harmed by fire as far as they could tell. No one left their homes without a lighter or at least a match.

Other Resources:

Embodiment of Horror: How To Write a Monster Story

How to Write a Monster That Will Scare Your Readers

How to Create a Monster That Terrifies Your Readers

#writing prompts #story prompt #ask box prompts #horror prompts #monster prompts #writing dialogue #writing ideas #creature design #monster design #character concept

[crushedsweets]

Give Zalgo lore pls/nf

ok ok . so zalgo lore is still under the works, but i have core concepts down for him . . .

lots of demon and goat and skeletal imagery, obviously. . . eyes, too. lots of eyes. he likes to take them, says it gives him more sight over the forest - which he thinks he's the 'ruler' of.

as for plot. he was a demon that sort of 'ran' the forest while O/S was dormant. he ate people who came in, made monsters out of the animals, made the general area roaming with the paranormal - he likes chaos, horror, power.

when O/S woke up, he was quickly dethroned. he's weaker than them, 'allergic' to their bodies/presence, etc.

slendy's jaw is able to detach and he vomits a liquid that's poison to zalgo - said liquid is used as the ink in the slender pages. when the proxies surrounded the forest with slender pages, it acted as a sort of... force field? It trapped zalgo - and his puppets - in the forest. sort of like a salt circle! they can't tear down the pages, can't even get close to them without adverse reactions. this is why slendy and the proxies get so heated when they're messed with.

so zalgo is angry. for a long while, he's using animals to try and win back power. he'll infect deer, bears, even rabbits. it didn't really do anything . . those animals are also sick to O/S liquid, and the proxy cabin has pages all around it. zalgo couldn't get close to the proxies or proxy victims, so he couldnt infect humans.

until an infertile, desperate woman came to the forest. she was deluded, praying for a child, begging for anything. she planned to kill herself that night in the forest, but zalgo promised her a child. she left soon after, unaware that it worked. that was lazari's mother. but of course, once the woman left, zalgo couldn't go visit her. humans remained useless to him, but he realized that it wasn't ALL humans he couldn't get close to. just tainted ones.

then Lulu came along. she died in the forest after a hazing ritual that involved swimming in the forest's lake in freezing weather, later succumbing to hypothermia. the sorority girls, terrified of the consequences, buried her in the forest and ran off. so zalgo infected her corpse. but lulu was weak, docile, foggy - generally, a massive disappointment.

then Ann came along. she was dragged by a 'fan' who was obsessed with her redroom content and wanted to make his own, so he killed her in the abandoned hospital at the forest. kate killed the man, but zalgo infected ann's corpse very quickly. ann was a much better suitor, having already been a violent, disgusting person when she was alive - BUT she was also trapped in the hospital. it was a labyrinth to her, and while she tried to attack the proxies at first, she eventually realized it was futile and gave up. once again, a failure.

finally, his daughter returns to the forest - being dragged along by an older girl named Dina. Lazari bit Dina weeks prior, infecting Dina and ruining her life. so she wanted to kill Lazari as a sort of divine punishment, since they belonged to the same religious cult.

Lazari immediately kills Dina. Lazari runs to escape the forest, dripping in blood and grime and guilt and shame - and she is trapped by the fucking pages. While Lazari is away, Zalgo infects Dina's corpse. and oddly enough, Dina seems like a much stronger candidate. level headed, determined, angry.

AND THAT'S WHERE IM AT RIGHT NOW!!!

at this point in the story, the proxies are trying to figure out what to do with zalgo. while the operator seems to be getting weaker, zalgo is getting stronger - he has four girls running around the forest, and while 3/4 of them want nothing to do with him, he's still getting a better footing against the proxies. soooo... now they gotta deal with that!!!

TLDR;

zalgo was the 'ruler' of the forest until O/S woke up. now he wants power back, but slenderman's "vomit" acts as a salt circle that traps zalgo in and protects the proxies.

so, he begins infecting corpses in the area.

he can only infect corpses that died in the forest and were NOT killed by proxies. if they were even touched by the proxies, he can't infect it.

#asks #creeped #zalgo #enjoying zalgo lore atm . LOL

[chroniclingworlds]

Occulates

Named for their mysterious nature, these creatures spend much of their time underground or underwater. All have much slower metabolisms than other Mollichordates, a trait that was originally assumed to be ancestral, but recent studies have shown that this is a secondarily evolved adaptation to their unusual lifestyles.

Mole-Worms:

Pictured: the common mole-worm, found across Axane.

Living beneath forests and plains, the blind mole-worms spend most of the year in a slow state, lazily burrowing and munching on tubivores and groundsnakes that they bump into. However, for about a month in early spring, they go into a frenzy. Their metabolism ramps up and they must eat constantly, hunting down anything that moves, and will even go after prey much larger than themselves (although this rarely goes well for them). During this period, they will also seek out other mole-worms to mate with. As they prepare to lay eggs, the frenzy subsides, and they return to slow-moving, docile creatures until the next spring.

Tubivores:

Pictured: the little black tubivore, found on the plains of southern Ejoa.

With a highly modified beak that essentially works as a straw, Tubivores have a highly specialized diet of exclusively tubies. After grasping and subduing the tubie with their powerful claws, the Tubivore slurps it up whole. These burrowers are surprisingly common across the planet and whole batches of them are accidentally upturned by farmers (who usually relocate them to a less inconvenient spot).

Fanged Flapjacks:

Pictured: the crater lake Flapjack, found in the lakes of the Interior Crater of Faon.

Much like a giant, aquatic version of the land flounders, fanged flapjacks burrow in soft mud of lake beds and rivers with just their eyes exposed, waiting for something to pass by. Unlike land flounders, their pharyngeal jaws are not lined with a sticky mucus, and instead lined with rows of thorn-like teeth to snag prey. Because their metabolisms are so slow, they can go hours without coming to the surface to breathe, making them very effective ambush predators. Caution must be taken when wading or swimming in freshwater, as a bite from a fanged flapjack can be quite painful.

Snappers:

Pictured: the Mossback Snapper, the largest species, native to the far northeast of Faon.

These hefty creatures only live in the dense forests of northern Faon, usually hidden under a loose layer of soil and leaf litter. Oftentimes they will even have plants growing on their shells, allowing them to blend in even better. They have very poor eyesight and seem to use movement and smell to detect prey. When a suitably sized animal wanders past, they launch forward and grab the unlucky creature in their bone-crushing beaks. They typically swallow the animal whole and then may not eat again for months. They have also been observed scavenging on carrion, which involves them hauling their massive bodies out of the dirt and dragging themselves towards the meal. Usually this only occurs under the cover of darkness, as leaving their shelter makes them vulnerable to other predators.

Snorkel-Back:

Pictured: the cerulean snorkel-back, the most commonly seen species, native to the Noxa Sea.

A strange offshoot of the Occulate lineage, these animals have taken to the sea. With undulating paddles, they slowly roam the oceans feeding on plants and gelatinous Amorpha, coming to the surface only to stick their double snorkel-like nostrils out of the water to take a breath. They are rarely encountered but have been sighted in seas worldwide, from tropics to the frigid northern reaches of the Suas Ocean.

#planet varin #speculative biology

[wickedsrest-rp]

Name: Sage Scarlett Species: Werewolf Occupation: Unemployed Age: 28 Years Old Played By: Nimuë Face Claim: Alina Kovalenko

"Pa used to say home was where the heart is, but for me, its where the stars shine the brightest."

Being born a pure werewolf within the safety of Wicked Rest's State Park, the pack was the only life Sage had ever known and she had never thought she’d be forced to leave it all behind. She had been content with her role as the daughter of the pack's leader and she had been none-the-wiser to the human lives occurring only miles away from where she had called home. Despite the occasional hiker or camper, she had never even met someone who wasn’t a werewolf before and that was all well by her. Her life couldn't have been better with her days spent swimming in the cool waters of the Darkling Lake, hunting and roaming the woods of her home at the side of her older brother, Rowen.

That is, until a mining accident caused a small earthquake, triggering a sink hole to open up where her family's camp resided and swallowed them up. The only reason she had survived was due to the mere luck of being off swimming in the lake while her family slumbered back at camp. When she had returned home that afternoon, she was devastated to find her home gone, and her family no where to be found. Unsure of what had become of them or if they were somehow still alive, Sage had to make one of the hardest decisions in her young life. Leave the forest and enter Wicked's Rest in search of help.

However, her mission is harder than she thought. With the lights, electronics, and the whirring of engines of human society, she is overwhelmed with all the new sensory sensations. She's alone, confused, and scared in a world no longer hers. Can she find help to find the answers to what happened to her family, survive a new life among the humans, and find her place among the humans? Or will the wild call her home?

Character Facts:

Personality: Loyal, optimistic, kind, creative, carefree, stubborn, impulsive, hot headed, blunt, protective

She can actually draw and sing quite well, but gets stage fright in front of others.

Hums when she's happy.

Does stick and poke tattoos on herself. Her arms are covered in tattoos of plants, butterflies, and other wildlife.

Suffers with sensory overload, due to being unaccustomed too human societies' technology and lights.

Absolutely clueless when it comes to modern luxuries like bathrooms.

#retired

[tasavvur-e-jaana]

Killing Envy

//

Lacchu was sitting by the lake- could be better defined as a pond that had formed due to a wandering little stream in the forest. Well, to be honest, he was hiding. To be even more truthful, he was sulking. Ram had come to visit the tribe. It had been only two days and the man was getting on his nerves. It was like every time he saw the man, there was an itch crawling all over him that could not be scratched. It was as irritating as a mosquito in an elephant’s ears. Everyone was doting over Ram, the hero. And that was fine. What irked him the most was how much Bheem had been happy with him. No, he did not have a problem with Bheem’s happiness, he just didn’t want them to be joined at the hip all the damn time. 

A quiet rustle among the leaves and Lacchu readied his dagger. This was deep woods. And even if it was daytime, there was still a possibility that carnivores could be roaming around. Especially to cool themselves, have a refreshing drink in the heat and humidity that was threatening to kill everyone in the forest. As a son of the forest, he was always prepared. 

“Put your dagger down. It’s only me.”

Lacchu sheathed the weapon in the folds of his kurta, sitting down again on the edge of the roots by the waterbody facing away from the newcomer. He took a small pebble in his hand, playing with it for a while and throwing it with a smash in the water, rippling it around, a few tiny fishes in the vicinity swimming away from the sudden impact. Some of the water lilies floated about their positions creating myriads of little waves around. 

“What are you doing here?” Lacchu snapped at him, decisively not looking. “Don’t you have somewhere else to be?”

“How am I supposed to enjoy the party if you’re out here sulking?”

The younger man stood up and spun around so fast he nearly slipped and fell into the marsh below. Bheem jumped and grabbed the nearest arm, helping him regain his balance. Lacchu was quick to land on his feet. He jerked his hand away from Bheem’s grasp, frowning with irritation apparent in his next words. “You have HIM now, don’t you? Go dance with him! And I am not sulking!” Lacchu averted his gaze, concentrating once more on the landscape in front of him, his side facing the older man. 

Bheem laughed out loud, a pearly laugh that rang like ghungroos and his honey dipped eyes twinkled with amusement at his friend’s cost. He took a step forward, plucking a flower from the pond within his reach discreetly and placed it behind Lacchu’s ear in the gently fluttering curls of his friend due to wisps of breeze flowing from the cool water surface. 

“Don’t try to act cute, anna.” Lacchu crossed his hands, lips twitching at the sweet gesture of his beloved anna. But he was still mad. Extremely mad and would not let Bheem go so easily. To his disadvantage, the gond protector knew exactly how to push his buttons to make Lacchu forgive him. Not this time. Lacchu swore to himself that he would not fold like a badly built machaan on the tree. 

Bheem took a measured step towards his companion, extracting the flower from his hair and offering it to him. “I’m not. You love these, don’t you? And they really look beautiful in your hair. Remember how you used to-'' He began somewhat demurely, a little nostalgic, only to be cut off by Lacchu’s wrath.

“Of course! I’m not the one who-” he screamed, all his frustration, his ire, his envy into those two words. Because he did. He had been reminiscing about it more and more. His brain leafed through those memories akin to movies in a cinemascope as he sat at what used to be their place, their secret, a place where he had seen Bheem bring Ram the evening of the very next day that degenerate had set foot in their village. Nothing was theirs anymore. Ram had infiltrated each significant souvenir of his and Bheem’s camaraderie just like he had the british police, just like he had his anna’s life. 

Vivid scenes had been floating around in the younger man’s conscious before he was interrupted. How they used to hide out here whenever they wanted adventure as kids, some privacy as adolescents and some quiet as adults. Lacchu had, as a child, once put a flower in his longer than now hair, and Bheem had told him he looked beautiful. He had then braided his hair in a messy plait, neither of them knowing how to actually do it and wove more flowers in those dark, silken tresses. Little Lacchu had gleamed with unbridled joy. That was Bheem, his older brother, his protector, his confidante, his companion… That was Bheem, whom Lacchu loved with all his heart, the very same Bheem who did not reciprocate the depth of Lacchu’s feelings. The realisation struck hard and fast after the entry of Alluri Rama Raju in their lives. The permanent obstacle in Lacchu’s happiness. The thorn in his eye.

Lacchu knew he had to let Bheem go one day, of course he knew. Bheem would fall in love with a beautiful girl or a handsome guy, maybe, because who wouldn’t love his anna? Bheem’s personality was such that it drew people to him like a moth to a flame. And he had been preparing himself  for the hurt to come as they grew older, young men on the cusp of adulthood and beyond, he knew it was the way of nature. But Bheem falling in love with Ram of all people, the very same person who inflicted gruesome torture on himself and his anna- it was too much. Lacchu was only a man after all. He was not as kind as Bheem, nor as forgiving. Sharing Bheem was never a problem, you see- sharing Bheem with Ram was. 

That thought sent a pulse of sorrow through the younger man, not calming the fury, but subduing it. Like a caged tiger becomes desolate after a while realising that he’s never going to be let out. A sense of defeat enveloped him, like hot oil pouring, dripping into his gut- drop by drop, killing the sensations. And soon after, the very familiar numbness followed. The very same one when he concurred his anna was going to come to save him. He was going to die at the hands of his torturer. It spread like ink on the veins of papyrus through his being, leaving dark traces of itself. 

“Bheem,” the older man was visibly taken aback. Lacchu only called him by his name when he was dead serious. When he was violently furious. So angry that he would get extremely calm, akin to an ocean before the storm. “Please go back to the festivities. I need this solitude.” 

The younger man did not wait for an answer, going back to the same position where Bheem found him in the first place. The curly haired man was dejected, but not really surprised. Lacchu had been closed off since they came back. At first Bheem thought, maybe he needed time and space, so he gave him that- which inadvertently turned out him spending more time with Ram and less with Lacchu. Big mistake. Bheem did not expect Lacchu to forgive Ram instantly, but his closest friend being at his lover’s throat all the time was vexing. He had been wanting to have a heart to heart with Lacchu for quite some time now. There was a ton of work to do with the new missions, new people in their lives, new tasks but it was definitely not worth jeopardising personal relationships. He had learned it the hard way with how things had gone down with him and Ram. He did not need that lack of communication to cost him his little brother. 

Bheem understood Lacchu’s wrath, maybe even his envy- he felt immense guilt that Lacchu felt this way about him and Ram but the heart wants what the heart wants. Even the great Komaram Bheem was not immune to the woes of the heart. He took a deep breath, just wanting to let everything that he wanted to say for what felt like an eternity now to his oldest friend. It was better this way maybe. With Lacchu not facing him, not speaking to him, he would be able to speak his mind without interruptions. This was the moment of truth. 

“Fine. You don’t have to come. You don’t have to utter a single word. But I am not leaving until I say my piece. And you know how stubborn I am. So please, I beg you chinna, just listen.” He used the title he had bestowed on the younger man when he was a baby and used it for a long time. Not lately though, much to his and the younger man’s disappointment. They were getting estranged by the passing hour and it was eating away at both their souls. 

Lacchu huffed at that endearment feigning annoyance, yet feeling a spark of hope too. He had been waiting for Bheem to take the initiative- as he had felt abandoned by him. Also, the fact that Lacchu was as obstinate as they came. Being the youngest of their group, he had always been Bheem’s favourite. His every whim being catered to by the older man when they were young. If Lacchu was ill, he wanted Bheem to care for him, if he couldn't sleep, he wanted Bheem to sing to him or tell him stories, if he was scared, he wanted Bheem to protect him, if he was happy, he wanted Bheem to share it with, if he was sad, he wanted Bheem to cheer him up. And Bheem had always been there. Now, there was a Bheem shaped hole in his heart. A cavity that refused to heal. A cavity that grew bigger every time he saw them together. 

However resentful he was, the younger man was not nearly ready for the next words that reached his ears. “I am sorry, Lacchu. I really am sorry for everything you have been through. I am sorry for not being the friend I should have been. I am sorry you had to suffer because of me. Every night I think of the torture you suffered on my behalf, and that he was the one at whose hands you-" Bheem's voice trembled as he paused for breath.

Lachhu chuckled, no, he laughed. A maniacal sound that echoed through the surroundings, deafening the gurgle of the stream, the occasional chirping of the birds, the rustle of the leaves. A laugh which rang loud but hollow, empty, devoid of joy. Dark and twisted in its humour. "You think I hate him because of the torture he inflicted on me?" The younger man did not move from his position, surprised at Bheem's line of thought. Bheem stood there, nonplussed. But Lacchu was talking. That was something. He'd take the small victories.

"Do you think so low of me that I'd hate someone so fiercely just because of some cuts and bruises on my body that have healed long ago?" He continued, amusement apparent in his tone. "Even you don't know me then."

Bheem was taken aback. Yes, Lacchu was not the most open book out there, he had trouble connecting with people but once that initial wall was shattered, he had the most beautiful and charming persona. The day Lacchu would show his vulnerability to anyone was the day he'd welcome them into his own personal tight knit world - the day he’d be yours. Forever. So, if anyone knew Lacchu like the back of his hand, it was Bheem. Apparently, not so much.

"Then tell me. Tell me why you hate him so much."

The younger man got up and turned, facing Bheem but still far from Bheem's reach. Not physically, that was a distance of a few feet, one that he could reach with a long stride. But emotionally, there was a chasm between them which seemed to grow further apart with each landslide of misunderstanding. "You! The reason I hate Ram is you!"

Seeing confusion written all over Bheem's face, Lacchu sighed. Well in for a paisa…

"I loathe him because he betrayed you. You were his best friend and he did not think twice before ripping you to shreds on that public square. Jenny akka has told me everything and I have seen the scars on your back. So don't even think of lying to me." He glared. "And don't give me the sense of duty crap, he knew what he was doing was wrong and he did it anyway. Don't tell me he did not have a choice because you are the person who has taught me that there always is a choice. I despise him because even after all this, he has earned your forgiveness so easily. Garnered respect from people as if he's a God. But the worst part is, you love him. You love him and I am the one who is cast aside." Tears had started flowing down his eyes. A sight that wrecked Bheem from within. He has absolutely no idea that Lacchu felt this way. 

Unaware of Bheem's rising turmoil, he spoke, stifling sobs that threatened to spill out like grains from an overly stuffed sack. "Do you even know how hard it is to see you frolicking around with him as if nothing has transpired between you? To see your best friend go to someone you can't even look at without your blood boiling? I was always prepared to be on the sidelines once you'd find someone but I wasn't prepared for that person to be him." Lacchu met the older man's gaze now. His eyes glistening with tears, red rimmed, his countenance exhibiting raw grief. 

Bheem shook his head. He was disappointed in himself. Guilt, remorse and a hundred different forms of emotions rose like bile, lodging in his throat. He swallowed them, taking an audible gulp, vowing to make this right. He approached the younger man, giving him ample time to back off but Lacchu seemed to be rooted to the ground. His hands by his sides, his body taut with tension of what was going to happen next. 

Bheem placed his hands on the now bearded jaw. The baby face was long gone but still Bheem could see it. A frightened little boy who was afraid to lose his anna. Just like the night before Bheem went on his first solo hunt. 

"Chinna," he started, with all the love, conviction and most of all, the truth and depth of his feelings in the honey dipped orbs. "Remember this. You are and you will be my number one. Always. Forever."

Lacchu's eyes went wide, obviously caught off guard. He wanted to move, but Bheem’s hands, which had now shifted to his shoulders, fixed him in the position. So, as a defence, Lacchu once again averted his eyes. He had not meant to confess all this. But he was a ticking bomb of sentiments that was bound to explode sooner rather than later and Bheem’s provocation, the serene atmosphere, everything acted as a perfect catalyst for the blast. Bheem let him have this as he went on opening up his heart to the man. 

“I want to apologise for everything. But I don’t think at this point, words are enough,” 

“They’re not.” 

Bheem snickered, “The tiger may be wounded but the claws are still intact, huh?” That made Lacchu meet his gaze with a fiery stare and a pout. Bheem found it endearing. It was like a kitten being aggressive to assert its dominance of the situation. 

“But how can you be so stupid to think that I would cast you aside just because I have someone else in my life?”

“Because you just did!” 

Bheem cast his head down. Lacchu had got him there. He had not tried to make amends with Lacchu, thinking he needed to sort this out on his own, away from Bheem. What a colossal idiot he had been! Of course Lacchu had been waiting for him! “I’m sorry,” The older man found himself to be on a loop of sorries, it was starting to irk him how he could not come up with anything other than meaningless apologies. 

“Okay. Let me start again.” Bheem took a moment to organise his jumbled up thoughts and let his guilt simmer down. “You are right. I was a moron for not coming to you sooner. And yes I admit to have overlooked our bond over the new ones forged recently. But that is not a valid excuse. You should be mad at me and I will take any punishment you see fit. I won’t pester you about forgiving Ram from now on. You will when you will. I may not agree with your reasons but I respect them nonetheless because they are yours. And you are my dearest friend. You are much more than that. You are my brother. I love you. And you can come kick my ass anytime I’m being an idiot again. Just come to me, Lacchu. Just talk to me. Okay? This standoffishness, this wall between us…” 

The gond protector pulled his friend into his arms, who had tiny rivulets of tears running down his cheeks, who went in willingly. “I can’t handle it. I know that even someone as courageous as you were struggling. So please.” Lacchu felt the embrace tighten around him. It felt like home. But his anna always did give the best hugs. 

“Do you understand?” Lacchu nodded into the older man’s chest, sniffling a little. 

“You can hug me back, you know right?” Lacchu shook his head burying it further into Bheem’s heart. Bheem’s chortle rang through Lacchu’s ears, clear like bells. There was a carefree twing to the sound, the tune of the beginning of healing the crack between the two men. 

They stayed like that for a while, the tides of remorse not receding completely but the storm was certainly deflected. It was a long way to calm the ocean and to sunny weather but the dark clouds seemed to be parting, retreating, taking the shadow of a doomed friendship with them. As they parted, an idea formed in Bheem’s mind. The last attempt to wash away all the tenacity which he knew would work like a charm. A symbolic gesture that would remind Lacchu that all was not lost, and Bheem really did mean each and every word he’d uttered. 

“Race you back?” The usual twinkle returned to Lacchu’s eye to support Bheem’s argument. 

“What will I get?” His little brother was back.

“What do you want?” 

“To punch Ram in the face?” Lacchu laughed for the second time in the encounter but this was the sound which Bheem had been dying to listen to. The boyish charm was back. Bheem glared at him but his up-turned lips said otherwise. 

“On the count of three. Get ready to taste the dirt, anna!” Lacchu jeered as the men took their positions to sprint off. 

“Not if you fall into it first, chinna!” 

The final glance was exchanged, the pair of eyes twinkling with fervour, bodies taut with anticipation, hearts thrumming with excitement and hands rolled into fists, focusing on the win. “One…” 

“Two…” 

And whoosh! 

“Hey you cheat! I’ll show you…” Bheem shouted as he rushed to reach the younger man who had shot off like a bullet from the gun. What was left behind was the ring of laughter in the air and the sweet call of the cuckoo in tune with that, like a melody to a percussion instrument. 

The dense canopies of lush, verdant trees, the beautiful stream gurgling, meeting the pond and the blooming water lilies the only witnesses to the joyous reunion of two lost souls who had found their way to one another in their midst. 

//

Hope you all liked it. idk how many of you are reading this now, or have read it before as it is one of the old ones. @vijayasena - you asked about more lacchu content, here it is. idk if you have read this before.

#doodles fics #rrr fics #rrr #lacchu rrr #old fics #ram rrr #bheem rrr

[hypnoneghoul]

something random….

where do you think each ghouls and ghoulettes would like to go to for vacation?

hmmm... idk if you meant like specific specific places, but I hope not because I sometimes forget my own city's actual name so...

Dew - he'll go wherever his boyfriend (swiss) and girlfriend (rain) will go, he absolutely doesn't care about the vacation at all, just them.

Aether - he's going nowhere alone, but with the rest it still has to be a place where he can watch over them all CONSTANTLY.

Rain - give bbg sea, because bbg has a lake at home and bbg wants to have sea for a bit too. it can be any sea, baltic or adriatic, anything, it just has to be salty (they also want to see and swim withe special salty fish).

Swiss - there has to be a cool beach bar with good alcohol in a weed legal country, and beach chairs big enough so rain and dew can glue themselves to his side. he doesn't need anything more.

Mountain - forest. trees. bushed. grass. branches. moss. rocks. just let him roam wild and free for a few days.

Cirrus - she's similar to swiss, in a way. she just needs her girls, cocktails and a jacuzzi.

Cumulus - same as cirrus but a spa with all the fancy stuff is a must.

Sunshine - will go anywhere and do anything. she loves both active and passive rest, she can go on a hike with mounty or sunbathe with the rest of the girls, it's all exciting for her.

Aurora - she loves sightseeing, old cities are her favourite.

Phantom - he doesn't care where he goes, he just wants a magnet from there.

#hypnone's asks #hypnone's headcannons

[eira-nyx]

AU where SBI are God's.

Our focus is with neapolitan trio.

The God's reside in the sky's above. So they could hear their followers prayers.

It was rumored that long ago, God's walked the earth. But that hasn't happened in centuries.

We have our three God's, the blood God, the God of music and the God of chaos.

Techno, Wilbur and Tommy were their names.

In their realm, was a long forgotten light that was said to be a portal for God's to go down to earth.

The God of life, the Goddess of Death, and the God of balance had long since banned travel to earth and had ordered the God of memories to lock any memory that held the knowledge of where the light was and how to access it from their fellow Gods' minds.

But using a god's power on another God doesn't have long-lasting effects.

Tommy was never allowed to go down to see the humans. But enjoyed the stories that Wil and Techno told him about their travels.

The God of memories, Ranboo, was allowed to let them remember at least that.

In Tommy's sleep, he dreamt of waking down a familiar path where a light got brighter and brighter. A beam of light that called to him. He woke up right as his finger touched it.

The next morning he spent the morning in the library, searching for what that light was

His locked memories were trying to break free, and they somewhat did.

Tommy set out to find Techno and Wil, who were hanging out by the river in the woods, a hang out spot for them, the God of life and Goddess of Death

Tommy told them everything he could find about it

Tommy had found the location to the portal and he wanted to go and see it.

Techno immediately shot down the idea, and Wilbur wasn't entirely sure about going either.

Tommy being Tommy, and chaos, lead the way smiling with two unhappy gods behind him.

The place was deep in the woods but they came across a beautiful gazebo that once the stepped closer to it, opened up in the center with a staircase leading down.

Underground seemed to be a small forest with a lake surrounding a broken fountain.

The three God's stood before it, soaking wet from swimming across to it.

The fountain had the remains of a sentence. One that neither of them could remember what it used to say.

Techno: so you dragged us out here for nothing

Tommy: well you traveled down there a lot, remember the magic words so we could go

Wil: we can't remember because of Ranboo, let's just go home

Tommy begged for them to at least try to remember, to give him five minutes and if they couldn't figure it out, they could go

The next five minutes were the three of them filling in the blanks.

They all tried filling it in to be intricate, magical and mystical

Five minutes were up and Techno was ready to drag them all out

Tommy was defeated, and was ready to go.

Tommy: this is bullshit. 'Oh we beings who are praised how we wish to walk amongst our prayers'

Tommy mocked the fountain and followed Techno and Wilbur down to the edge of the water.

There was a buzzing behind them, and the beam of light shot out from the fountain

Tommy was called to it, and Wilbur was intrigued, Techno wasnt sure about the three of them going down to earth.

Techno: Tommy, let's go, don't touch-

Tommy barely touched the light and was being sucked in, Wilbur grabbed onto him but it began pulling him too

Techno grabbed onto the two of them, but the light was stronger and pulled all three through

The three were on the ground of a similar gazebo yet in an unfamiliar place. It was night, and as soon as they gathered themselves, a light as flashed on their faces

Guard: the park is closed, what are the three of you doing here at late hours?

Three God's were now on earth, and all were unaware of what changes had happened since they last roamed.

So much has changed. But their memories were unlocked.

Good news, the God of chaos has finally gotten the chance to be down on earth. After being denied for being chaos

Bad news, like there was a similar gazebo here on earth like there is in their realm. It also meant that there was a similar fountain.

One that took them home.

But it seems like humans sure love to move things around. Where that fountain was was unknown.

How they would find it, was the problem.

How long could they be gone before anyone takes notice? Or, how long could they blend in before someone notices they aren't human?

This au is meant to be more lighthearted, them finding out what technology is and all that. All jokes and laughs, but there could be angst too. They are away from home lost in an unfamiliar world after all.

#technoblade #wilbur soot #tommyinnit #ranboo #sbi au #god au #neapolitan trio #sbi fluff #sbi angst #sbi #sbi family dynamic #ao3 author #Eira_Nyx's Au's #fanfic #mcyt

[ppenvs3000w24]

Blog 2: We Must Role On

Howard Gardner noted ‘Naturalistic’ personality as one of the newer personalities in their book: “Frames of Mind: "The Theory of Multiple Intelligences”. This personality endears to nature activities such as flora/fauna identification, going on nature walks, etc. While reading this week’s textbook readings, I found myself resonating with the Naturalistic personality. When I read this week’s blog prompt, I immediately recalled my ideal role of an environmental interpreter being a naturalist.

Before last summer, I did not even know that naturalist was a profession. While staying at the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station at Algonquin Park, I was able to meet Peter, the Interim Chief Naturalist at the provincial park who happened to be living at the research station. His knowledge of Algonquin Park’s flora and fauna was vast. Whenever, we would ask him questions, he would give vivid directions. I remember when I was searching for garter snakes, he gave me directions to a good spot for snakes on the way to Rock Lake but the way he described it was very vivid. He used visual cues, saying, “After you pass the giant boulder, around the bend, you will see a huge opening on the right that slopes up with multiple rocks scattered throughout”. When I got to the snake site, I was able to immediately identify it as I traced the visual cues he gave me in my head and confirmed it while on the road there. He also gave us great advice and historical information when describing specific locations at the park.

Peter in his natural element; the Visitor Centre

A Naturalist like Peter is who I would strive to be as an environmental interpreter, as he always captivated the audience and gave great, thoughtful information. His role as a naturalist entailed running the visitors center, giving guided talks and hikes, hosting informational events, answering, and guiding researchers’ questions regarding ideal study site locations, and working with the park rangers. However, unlike Peter, I would like to be a naturalist somewhere in Asia, ideally Nepal, where much of nature is still unexplored and understudied due to the danger that forests of most Asian countries present. Asia faces an increasing rise in human-nature conflicts due to the rapid urbanization of the continent so the need for environmental education is prevalent.

A Bengal Tiger that can be found roaming the jungles and parks of Nepal

A naturalist needs to be able to capture the attention of the audience, so they need to be charismatic and talkative. They also need to be good listeners and welcoming as not everyone knows about nature as much as the naturalist themselves. They need to be able to imaginative with the ability to tell vivid stories and historical information without boring the audience. One of the two key skills for a naturalist is physicality, a naturalist needs to be active, going on hikes, steering a canoe, swimming, etc. The other key skill would be the ability to enjoy nature. A naturalist cannot spend their time on their phone, social media, or playing games. Parks like Algonquin require a naturalist to live with other naturalists or in a small cabin with limited wifi capabilities or if you were like me while at the research station, no cell service either.

[kobalttheelemental]

Finally get to post more of my art here and more will come! anyways here’s a world map called Elementia! a world home to Elementals, this is where my oc character name Kobalt lives!

Planet Name: Elementia

Size: Super Earth

Number of Moons: Two

Core: Elementia’s core is unstable and causes volcanic eruptions all over the world, luckily the Fire Crystal and lava elementals keep Elementias core stable

🌀Elemental Lands🌀

🎆 Arcania: one of the most magical land of Elementia, the land here is breathtaking with giant crystals, friendly fauna species, and strange exotic flora. the towns and Kingdom have everything like potions, spell books, wands, pets, magical silk clothing and many more! the land is home to warriors called the Shade Hunters who's job is to hunt and kill shades and protect Elementia from danger.

🌋 Volcania: a scorching hot land of active volcanoes, lava lakes, ash fall, and fiery faunas! it is also home to gigantic fire breathing dragons roaming the volcanic land! what's strange is that the plants not only need water but needs lava to grow!

🏜️ Gusano Desert: a dry desert land with searing hot temperatures it may look empty and dull but it has beautiful rock formations like deep canyons, tall mesas, and shifting sand dunes. if you want to visit the desert towns or cities make sure your well prepared and bring plenty of water. Warning! this land is home to giant sandworms that will eat you alive! so be careful and stay safe!

🌊 Thalassa Ocean: a mysterious underwater world timing with aquatic life, colorful reefs, amazing underwater cities, and hidden treasures scattered around the sea floor. it may look peaceful yet the ocean of Elementia is dangerous and home to large leviathans that swim around the deep oceans and can capsized ships and devour sailors! also watch out for pirates! 

🌪️ Windshear Mountains: a land of tall mountains, strong winds, and scattered skylands. many come here to mountain climb or visit towns on top of mountains or skylands. just like Arcania the land here is home to the fiercest warriors called the Wind Warriors who's job is to create life on uninhabitable planets and fight of shade attacks.

⚡️Thunderia: a land battered in everlasting thunderstorms and is to dangerous to live, yet Thunderquills(Lightning Elementals) find this place home where they build futuristic cities and technology. the land here also creates energy crystals that have enough energy to power an entire city or used in vehicles and technology. 

❄️ North Polaris: a winter wonderland of fresh powdered snow, snow-covered conifers, and aurora borealis dancing in the night sky. many elementals come here to have fun and play winter games or take a relaxing vacation and drink some of the finest hot coco of Elementia. not to mention the Iceclaws(Ice Elementals) make the best frozen treats like ice cream, popsicles, slushies, and more!

❄️ South Polaris: the opposite of North Polaris, the land here is harsh and freezing cold, living in this frigid land will be very hard unless you have the right equipment and plenty of food to survive.

🍃 Viridian Wilds: a lush green land of forests, jungles, taigas, gardens, exotic faunas and more! plus it is one of the most highly diverse ecosystems of Elementia, Warning! cutting down trees will cause Tree Crawlers(Nature Elementals) to get angry and hunt you down! always ask permission before cutting down trees.

⚙️ Metallurgy Badlands: a metallic barren land where small volcanoes spew molten hot metals, a perfect place for miners to mine up rare metals and craft them into weapons, armor, jewelry, and more!

☢️ Toxic Bayou: probably one of the most toxic land of Elementia! the land here is very dangerous with acidic waters, poisonous plants, toxic fumaroles and venomous faunas that can kill you in seconds. but before you enter this toxic land always bring protection and plenty of antidotes. 

☀️ Solaris: a warm sunny land and calm weather Solaris is a tranquil land where ancient and a perfect place for farmers to grow their crops or have a nice picnic. there are also ancient marble buildings from millions of years ago scattered everywhere.

🌌 Nycto Caverns: in the center of the island is a gigantic sinkhole that is an entrance to Nycto Caverns, a dark scary cave where blind creatures and giant bugs roam around some friendly and some not. not to mention different kinds of fungus grow inside the caverns. Warning! the deeper you go the more dark and dangerous the cavern gets, always bring weapons and protection!

💀 Dragon Graveyard: one of the most terrifying and scary land of Elementia where ancient dragon bones are scattered everywhere, dangerous fauna species and spirits haunt the land. there are many legends of why the land looks like that, some say this used to be normal land of lush flora and crystal clear waters until the land has been cursed, while some say this is a resting place where old dragons go in peace yet no one really knows.

#my art #fantasy map #fantasy world #world building #Elementia #tornado outbreak #ibis paint x

[lumosatnight]

WIP SNIP

Thanks for the tag @schmem14 (x)!

This is from a long-forgotten wip that I keep meaning on coming back to. It's for my Squid Games Drarry AU that I dearly love but only has one chapter completed so far. This was going to be the beginning of Chapter 2.

When Draco was small, small enough to be tucked under his father’s arm and carried around the grounds of Malfoy Manor, his father would tell him stories of a castle, big as a mountain and strong as a storm. It was a magical castle, secluded in the rolling hills of Scotland, protected by enchantments, and surrounded by powerful spells. “The safest place on Earth,” his father said, grey eyes swimming with memories. There was a Black Lake, a Forbidden Forest, and magical creatures roaming them both. 

Draco’s favourite part—his father never understood why—was the Great Hall. He would beg his father, again and again, to describe it to him. The long tables from end to end, sparkling plates filled to the brim with food, hundreds of floating candles, ghosts hovering between seats, and the ceiling that swirled like the night sky. He even convinced Mother to make his childhood bedroom a miniature replica, with the ceiling painted with constellations and candles glowing on every open surface.

As Draco opens his eyes now, he remembers this, his father’s warm voice, the childish wonder he used to feel.

Tagging (no pressure): @crazybutgood, @mugsdontlie, @rhiaflamesong, @the-francakes, @broomsticks

#wip snip #tag game #asked and answered

[leafie1205]

Warriors: a New Legacy Discord RP

✨Warriors: a New Legacy✨

We are a small, friendly, and growing community!

🐝 Have you ever wanted to roam through beautiful meadows filled with sunflowers? 🍄 Traipse through a misty forest lit by glowing mushrooms? 🦇 Explore underground cave systems and have an underground pool party? 💧 Swim through shimmering lake waters as the sunrise dapples against you?

Well, now’s your chance! ヾ(･ω･)ﾉ

Many seasons ago, StarClan spread the ways of the clans to the feral cats living amongst the misty forests, rocky groves, lake shores, and flowering meadows so that they could unite and survive. Many moons later, MistClan, CaveClan, LakeClan, and HiveClan have grown into their own well established clans with unique traditions.

Perks of the server:

❀ Customizable roles including pronoun roles and username color roles. Optional clan notifications and special event notifications available ❀ LGBTQ+ friendly community

❀ Unique clan roles for the roleplay such as MistClan’s foragers, HiveClan’s tunnelers, CaveClan’s dayguards, and LakeClan’s fishcatchers and shoreguards

❀ Guides for each clan including pictures of the territory, descriptions of the clan ranks, and descriptions of clan traditions

❀ Fun bots such as Littlecloud and Pokecord!

❀ A Quest Board with ways for members to earn points and exchange them for prizes through participating in the roleplay!

Come join us! ┗(＾0＾)┓

Invite link: https://discord.gg/N2p4CeWKjz

#warrior cats #warriors #warriorcats #warrior cat #warrior cats roleplay #warrior cats discord

[keeshin]

The Hunter and the Boy

“ Jacob, sweety! Don’t wander off too far now, understand? “ Malissa shouted in the kitchen worriedly while chopping some carrots for a meal she is making for herself as her son, Jacob, leaves the cabin to explore the snowy forest. 

“ I won't, Mom, I promise! “ The young boy replies and as he quickly enters the snowy domain, Jacob walks into the snowy forest. Young Jacob skipped his steps in utter excitement, expecting to find tiny frogs hibernating during the harsh winter. He started checking every corner of the snow forest he was walking through, will he find one though? Oh! He might find a lizard! Is he going to see a frozen lake this time? He never saw any in his past ventures in different snowy forests, it's a shame his parents don't come with him to these types of activities.

Walking in the snowy wilderness, Jacob’s gaze wanders to his surroundings, the sound of his shoes walking on the icy snow is kind of frustrating for him to hear for some reason. Lost in his thoughts Jacob stayed in the snowy oasis, a few hours pass oblivious to the fact he is lost in the wilderness, and the young boy stumbled upon a shallow frozen lake. This frozen lake illuminates a few fish swimming in it as the sound of the rushing water from it calms him in a way it reminds him of his hometown's small lake. Oh, how he misses his home right now. To the boy’s right is an old oak tree decorated with white snow on its leaves and branches and to his left is a clear view of mountains decorated with a white color on top of them, a serene environment for a boy like him. The overcast sky felt vast as if the blizzard has engulfed it. But what is overhead feels too empty compared to the great cold, the lush variety of trees long frozen, and all it can offer that can satiate his little mind.

A faint chime is heard and from the distance, young Jacob finds himself a small bird, injured perhaps? The boy gently lifts the bird with his tiny hands.

“ Hey there, Lil’ buddy! What’s wrong?“ He asks the bird, with no luck, that birds can’t audibly talk to humans, the bird appeared to have an injured leg, yet both wings are intact and uninjured the bird's upper parts of it are soft brown and its legs are shiny black. Jacob pitied the small bird that was resting on his tiny hands as he slowly stands up. He then ventures deep inside the forest, and darkness engulfs the snowy landscape as Jacob navigates to find a bird's nest to help his little companion. He turned his gaze to any sign of any nests nearby but sadly finds none.

 

Moments pass and Jacob still wanders in the snowy abyss, lost and alone. He encounters the feeling as gloomy yet comforting..? As gentle as a morning breeze comforting type feeling. Jacob sees a small nest dangling on a tree; The tree is old and twisted, decorated with white snow. Jacob walked towards that tall tree and climbs it with all his might he grabbed one of the low-hanging branches and stepped on an elevated root he jumps up and hangs onto a long branch that has a hanging nest. “ There you go, Lil buddy! “ Jacob said as he carefully put the bird into the nest.

 

Click. The sound is heard from a distance, a wolf? No, wolves don't usually roam this close to civilization. Did the wind pick up? No, it wasn’t windy at all and if there was he would fall off the tree! A huff was heard in the distance, is someone nearby? Fear slowly rises within him, his breathing slowly picking up and his thoughts making the situation worsen his grip on the tree branch loosens as his head turns from left to right trying to find the sound. Is curiosity engulfing his thoughts or is it fear–

BANG!

 

The boy trips on the rough surfaces and plummets down the tree out of shock and as he falls, the sound of the wind whistling in his ear, he thinks to himself ‘A gunshot?‘ As he tries to finish his thoughts, his consciousness goes blank as his head hits the snowy floor for a moment, a small moment that could be an eternity. And as Jacob slowly regains consciousness he feels a painful sting on the back of his head, it’s probably water or maybe blood. The last time he bled he fell off his bicycle and scraped his knee badly. 

Slowly, he sits up to touch the painful sting on the back of his head. He feels something damp against his fingers, something strangely warm and wet against his cold, small hands. He stares at his hand, watching a familiar liquid stream down his palm. Blood. Of course, he knows of blood, he knows how bad it is. But compared to a fall from his bike, this wound does not sting. Does he need to go home immediately, if the damage is not that big? He doesn’t think so, that’s why–

“Ow!!” he exclaims, "When did I fall? How did I fall? Where am I? He looked at his surroundings.” How hard did I fall? “He can feel his vision waiver, where the snowflakes merge with the image of the blackened trees. Every movement of the bushes and shrubs surrounding him gives him an ill feeling. Not good... 

He pushes his small body off the snowy floor.

 A faint sound of tiny feet pattering hastily in the snow, he looks to his right, where the noise is heard and Jacob walks towards the faint sound he slowly hears whimpering, almost beast-like. ‘ An animal? Is it a dog? A bear cub? No- Bears sleep during winter!’ he thinks to himself. Young Jacob moves slowly, in his small steps towards the foreign noise- no, not foreign. Does it carry weight, mass, a person maybe? Where did that loud bang come from? A predator perhaps? No- it must be from a gun. 

Someone is shooting something, a hunter is near! ‘Wait- what is the hunter shooting at, is it me?’ Jacob questions himself as he slowly approaches the strange sound, the atmosphere of the forest was once light as a feather to Jacob’s heart, light enough that you might think you’re on cloud 9, now dark, and yet everything seems to be the same. Strange, gravity feels like it’s dragging him down like stones are chained to his ankles, the boy's heart sinks in fear as his mind raises on what the possibility would be drowning him, the poor lad, even suffocating himself from the atmosphere alone, the weight of the snow now turning into a heavy burden,  like quicksand slowly sucking the young boy into a sea of pure darkness, all that bellow on his little feet just a little more pressure and he's gone in this little world he lives in, such a sweet little boy, so innocent and small, so easy to break,  Oh such a cute boy he is. It would be a shame to see it all shatter in a heartbeat. He carefully takes a look at the mystery creature-monster- no,

Human.

The darkness engulfs the landscape, and his vision starts to see black splotches from his surroundings, the trees- wait no- people? Tall people? No. It’s just trees, the annoying feeling of something wet on the back of his head is back again, he looks back, but nothing. Oblivious to what is happening to his body, young Jacob kept approaching the tall figure in the distance, is it a human? Jacob wondered, he takes a closer look at the blurry figure, ‘ It sounds so familiar’ Indeed it is. Of course, he has heard. Many, many times. In arguments, held by the monsters not from his bed– but right behind the kitchen door along with shattering glass and cries and screams and–

He can feel his quiet breath hitch sharply, daggers stab his throat deeply and he represses a cough– Click.

Then his heart hitches next, each beat deafening, each beat counting the seconds of what may be left of his short-lived life. Each beat of his heart could be a CLICK!

 IT’S A GUN.

Jacob’s shoulder tenses up, and his limbs lock into jelly and mud– his chest buried by the muddled mixture of tears and mucus from tears and… His stomach has been sinking, not in hunger. Not in the cold but…FEAR, fear, the feeling of something watching you. FOLLOWING YOU, and it only sees you. Its goal, its target. You are the figure’s sickening desire, its magnum opus. A similar feeling to being blindfolded, you don't know where you are, and you don’t know who is watching you. feeling the cold snow beneath his feet, his heartbeat quickening from sheer fear, ‘help’ his tongue hanging like a thread about to snap yet nothing comes out from his mouth, his voice is silent, only the sound of the wind whistling in his ear can be heard, poor Jacob couldn't say a word even if his life depended on it.  His lips tremble blue against the frost drying out his throat, his tongue sits like bitter lead. His body is frozen in place, he couldn't move, he couldn't speak, he couldn't even run for goodness sake! This isn't the first time he couldn't move due to sheer fear.

His father used to pull out his gun and Jacob’s poor, weak mother used to hide the little lad whenever His father was drunk or furious. Wails fill his ears, a harmony of seas and birds in utter discord; their hearts in utter discord that he long had never felt that peace– that peace from the white blankets of snow, the iridescence of lakes and frozen icicles, the soft, jittering cries of critters and creatures that were more than what his family is. More than what that place is and so why… Why here too? 

Why must he hide from the only place that welcomed him? Why is the forest to betray him too..? Jacob can feel the remnants of his heart shatter and fall into the pit of his stomach, his churning gut urging him to flee… or to stay… to fight for what are the remains of the comfort he never wants to be parted from ever again. 

He takes a good look at the mysterious shooter in the distance: A dark man with a leather jacket, gray cargo pants, and white as-snow army boots. Come to think of it he resembles the dead tree behind him. Like a boogeyman. Like those monsters under his bed— but this man is much better to be seen as a monster than what lies ahead of the door from his bed. Monsters aren’t always under beds or behind the thicket of bushes and leaves.  

As Jacob tries to gather the courage to speak to the shooter, he notices that the hunter placed his rifle beside the withered tree, for a moment the man just stood there, like he was looking at something. Somewhere… Ahead? It can’t be him. Jacob long had known how people stare from the distance, and if he did… He cannot feel intent. Can he? 

Those heavy feet sink in the vast thick white snow, his body slouches in the sheer weight of his feet dragging themselves in this snowy desert. His body is jagged and dark, the man's eyes black and blurry and unclear from the snowy storm that slowly starts to worsen over time. The hunter placed down his rifle beside a dead, withered tree, its branches decorated with snow and long icicles. The man starts to slowly descend the white horizon leaving a deep trail of an empty white path below his feet, his hands dirty and decorated in…blood? 

Jacob then slowly ascends the snowy hill, his feet dragging themselves against the weight in his heart, his mind rising as his thoughts start to swirl with possibility and impossibility. Who is that man? Is Papa hunting for food to bring back to Mom? Why did he go down the hill? Is he a monster? Question after question, all can be solved in a snap of a finger. Jacob with his childlike wonder and gullibility, his pace quickening as he runs in the snowy abyss, his feet a burden to him as he runs to the top of the hill he sees the hunter below the steep snowy landscape. The snowstorm worsening, the wind gushing in Jacob’s ear, so strong it pushes Jacob to take a step back— SNAP 

‘What was that?!’ he thought to himself and as Jacob looks at where the sound came from the hunter turned his head to the foreign noise, the same reaction as Jacob’s. ‘Oh it’s just a stick’ Jacob thought to himself as he sighs in relief Jacob’s breathing eases now that he knows that he was not in danger—-

 “ Who’s there?” A mysterious voice came from below, Jacob snaps his head as he looks at where the voice came from. It’s the man, the Hunter who held and shot a gun to something…. or someone.

As Jacob looks at the Hunter with his doughy eyes he can't help but look at the man with wonder, he underestimated this man's height! He looked like a dwarf from far away.

“ Who are you?” a sudden question from the tall, dark hunter towering over little Jacob. Wow, he’s a giant! As the hunter towers above the boy, he knelt and analyzed Jacob thoroughly from the tippy-top strand of his hair to his cute little boots that are decorated with snow. Both are staring at each other, one with wonder and the other with curiosity. As The hunter analyzes Jacob, The boy did the same thing recognizing the hunter’s facial features, like his strong jaw decorated with his white messy beard and his glorious black hair with snow sitting on top of each strand and his eyes—

Before he could get a good look at the hunter’s eyes, he stood up, his torso wearing a black t-shirt with a brown leather jacket overlapped from it, both clothes looked ragged and worn out as the sleeves seem to be decorated with something watery and fresh yet the color seems to have faded out as if it's like the leather hasn't been washed in days, ‘he smells weird’ Jacob said and indeed he does smell…different.

As Jacob notices the scent, he hesitates to ask the man what is on his sleeves, smells so familiar, so near yet so far, he thought to himself if he has seen these stains before.

…has he?

The man extends his left arm toward Jacob,

‘What?’ Jacobs stares at the man’s hand approaching him.

‘Why?’ he is getting dizzy, is he going to hurt him? No, not likely he just knew this man, it's not like this is his papa, or is he? Oh no.

‘Who?’ he never knew this man yet he starts to touch Jacob without introducing himself to the frightened boy. 

He’s scared, it’s back again, the fear he felt when his father mercilessly beats his poor mother, the endless screams of fear and pain, the endless begging to her husband: ‘PLEASE STOP!’ yet he never stops, it is like the man who swore to protect his wife now became the source of her pain, her FEAR. Is he her husband? No, a husband is supposed to love, protect, and cherish the love of his life, the woman he merged lives with, willing to intertwine her life and body with his, yet he dared to call her useless, worthless, and a waste of space. What a pathetic display of a so-called “husband.”

Run. His mind wails, RUN, he can’t as his father said. He is worthless.

As Jacob’s eyes swirl in fear; his body shaking from the memories pouring in all at once, a weight of a thousand rocks on his shoulders sinking him into a bottomless pit of pain and sadness, he can't swim out of this one, no— as his hands seem to be chained down, those tiny hands which were supposed to create such creative and beautiful child fantasies now getting dragged down with him. Then like something is holding tight on him, a hand, so light, so gentle…Jacob looks up.

It's the Hunter now in a vision of black he sees a light, this man is different, there's something about him, so gentle and yet intimidating. 

Like a father. As Jacob finally looks up at the Man he notices that this hunter has a soft and gentle demeanor.

“G-good afternoon mister… I’ve been watching you for a while..!” He lied through his teeth, and almost as always it feels natural to do so. After all, no one is here to hurt him. 

Those brightened eyes of the mysterious hunter hid allure underneath his softening lids. He felt less big this time, less more than what he looked, and more than what the image of his little family is. Jacob’s eyes turn to the rifle leaning beside a dead tree, decorated with wisps of snow, ready for the taking.

“Can I hold that, mister?”

As the hunter takes a moment to respond, he hears the gun getting hammered back and ready to fire, but before he could respond—-

BANG! The hunter jumps at the sudden gunshot as he looks in the direction where the loud noise. He spots little Jacob holding the rifle HE left leaning on a dead withered tree. The man walks towards Jacob in anger, "HEY!" The man yells at Jacob with little apprehension; he notices that the little lad is cocking the rifle in his hands. He shrieks at Jacob again: "HEY! WHAT'RE YOU DOING?!" Yet no response to Jacob.

As Jacob is about to fire his second shot, the big man stops him,  "WHAT IN GREAT SCOTT ARE YOU DOING, LAD?!" Angry at Jacob's actions, the hunter swipes away the rifle in Jacob's hands and screams at him: " WHY DID YA DO THAT?!" The hunter's eyes full of rage, Jacob replies to him with a cold demeanor 

" It just felt right."

 Nothing but just, the hunter's eyes that were once filled with rage now turn into shock and worry. Too delicate, that Jacob’s wonder twisted as he stared back. 'Are children supposed to be like this?' The man asks himself, his heart now carrying an unknown weight he cannot understand, so heavy that he has never felt until... The boy stood still as he stared into the man's eyes. " What's wrong?" Jacob asks the man with oh-so-innocent eyes which the hunter did not fall for, he replies: "Yeah…yeah, everything is… alright." 

Isn't it?

Some time pass and the two are walking in the woods together. One brilliant and tall figure and the other a small and dainty child. 

Jacob speaks as he seamlessly speedwalks on the path to somewhere, “So…why did you wander in a place like this, kid?” The hunter asks Jacob, walking behind the young boy. It took a mere moment for the boy to answer him: “I just wanted to explore new places.” Jacob finds a long stick as he continues, “Whenever my family goes on vacations, I always go exploring in the woods.” before the hunter gets the time to respond, Jacob continued again, “ And when it's on beaches I just wander in other peoples backyards and invade them.” The hunter looks at the young lad with a shocked face. He spoke with no hesitation and barely any thought of remorse. He swatted that stick with considerable strength that one would wonder why and how he is doing so, with such a frail, young body. What a weird kid.

As the two walked together for a short while they finally arrived at the cabin Jacob’s family is staying in.

“Well here we are, kid,” The hunter said as he turns to walk toward the wilderness once again. “Thanks for bringing me here Mister!” Jacob said in a cheery tone and as the boy waves goodbye to the hunter, he slowly sees the man disappearing into the forest each step at a time.

A few morose weeks have passed and The hunter is walking in the same routes to find his prey, rifle in his hands he hears a foreign noise in the distance and he approaches the noise, that rattle, and that sob– is someone whimpering? He recognizes the part of the forest he’s walking through. Isn't this the path to the kid’s vacation cabin? As the hunter slowly sees the cabin’s structure steadily, the crying grew louder and louder until…there it is. Sobs for a certain figure a child calls for safety and sanctuary: his mother, a mother who never came for him, poor little James. The hunter sympathized with the little lad's situation and so he pats the kid’s shoulder gently.

 “ Hey… There, little lad,” The man said to Jacob in a calm and soothing voice, Jacob slowly tilts his head up between sniffles and sobs he sees the old man giving him a comforting smile before the man could even finish his sentence, Jacob tackles the man, crying loudly and uncontrollably spilling out pitiful babblings, The hunter pats the kid’s head,“ Wanna get something to eat, little man?” He asks Jacob and the boy nods his head. It sounds pleasing! And besides… 

Jacob sighs to himself. It has been so long since someone ever asked him if he wanted to eat.

The man walks past the child and opens the wooden door which creaked in motion. He takes a whiff of the house he opened and all he can smell are burnt cigarettes, the sight of crumpled-up beer cans littered in the living room, and dark stains of cigarette ash left on the once rich emerald green couch. The man is flabbergasted by the sight he witnessed in Jacob's cabin, it's a mess! His eyes dart to the timid boy who sits on the floor of the porch for a quick rest, his head leaning on the wall as he listlessly stares ahead of the vast tundra. 

As the hunter analyzes the cabin once more little Jacob enters the cabin with a stuffy nose and tear stains on his cheeks. It didn't take long until his body starts to shake– not from the cold, but from the unbelievable warmth enveloping his body the same way the scars ached brightly within those weeks he never saw the hunter. 

Jacob sits on the ashen green couch and looks out the ruined window, wooden boards lazily cover the window and a few holes are left for Jacob being able to see through, he hears the hunter's heavy set of feet stomping over to the kitchen. “Wanna have a snow cone, kid?” the hunter asks. “Y-yes please!” Jacob replies, smiling at the fact he's gonna eat ice cream! Yay! The man took a few items from the kitchen and nodded at Jacob to follow the large man outside. As the duo walks to the plain white snow Jacob notices the man scooped a handful of snow in his hands, what is he doing? Wait… is he going to eat snow? GROSS! 

The man then continued to put condensed milk onto the handful of snow and as Jacob watches with a disgusted look, the old man chuckled “First time havin' a snow cone?” The man said looking at Jacob with a smirk “No, mister, but why are you making ice cream here?” Jacob said still disgusted with what the hunter is doing, as the hunter puts food color on the ice ball the hunter replies: “I just told ya, I'm making a snow cone for you, kid!”Said the hunter gleefully as he hands the snow cone to little Jacob, the little boy hesitated on licking the tempting and glorious treat, and the two peacefully sit on the porch stairs together as the hunter looks at the distance and Jacob eating his newly made and first snow cone. 

This is going to be a good beginning for him.

A few years have passed and Jacob has grown from a child to a young adolescent boy. It was just winter then. Suddenly the seasons came as the cycle of time remains untarnished by the small occurrences and events that had happened within both of the Hunter and Jacob’s lives. The cabin looked much cleaner, much more alive as the run-down walls no longer felt suffocating– the light is warmer itself. Unfortunately, no one is home, no hunter, no Jacob. The light of the cabin's lanterns illuminated the fixed windows through the peaceful dark forest, the night is as peaceful as one's mind. 

The lush green forest surrounded a small camp: Fire crackling with light that made the forest feel alive, the trees dancing along the wind, and between the serenity, a figure sitting before the campfire peacefully. 

Until a sudden rustle is heard behind the young man. 

‘What was that?’ the teen asked himself as he picks up his rifle. The rustling continues in the darkness getting louder and closer as if this endless sea of black will see its end once it steps in the fading light the boy then points the shaft in” its” direction. Snap— from the distance, Jacob cocks the rifle. Ready to fire at whatever is approaching him he focuses his eye on the reticle, his breath shallow as if a foot is stepping on his chest suffocating him and his hands shaking due to the fact it could be anything beyond the endless waves of grassy bushes.

A hand reveals itself in the light, who’s that? The young teen grips the trigger “Calm down, It’s just me.” it's HIM. 

Good, Jacob isn't going to get attacked by a bear as he puts his rifle down he clicks the safety on first, just to be safe from getting accidentally shot that is. He lets out a sigh, more of an annoyance than relief. 

As the boy finally relaxes over the crackling light he looks over to the hunter. “Jeez, when was the last time you shaved?” Jacob said disgustedly on the hunter’s beard, he takes a sniff “ WHEN DID YOU LAST BATHE YOURSELF, YOU OLD MAN!?” Jacob exclaimed as he covers his nose out of pure disgust. Who could blame him? The old man smelled like a walking corpse; Maybe because he harvested a fox’s organs. As Jacob wonders why the hunter smells horrible, the old man reached his hand down a brown sack he has been carrying around, the cloth made of sheep wool, smooth yet strong enough to carry dead prey although…the bottom of the sack had the same smell as the old man or is it because the old man’s stench is infecting his nose like a sickening virus. “Here- ” The hunter said as he holds up something small and bloody, it takes a spherical shape “I got this from the fox” The man continued as he wipes off the blood on the small item and presents it to the curious teen.

An EYE.

Jacob stares at the item presented to him with his reaction being obscure.

The old man always saw Jacob as a special case, not fearing something so easy it's actually…Very terrifying. The fact a child did not fear a fox corpse or even a gunshot. As the hunter thinks to himself, Jacob holds the eye with no emotion in his pair and walks to his tent, the sound of the rustling of cloths and metals colliding rings sonorous; what is that kid looking for? As the man wonders his gaze, Jacob finally got out of his tent holding a pot in his right hand and the fox eye to his left as Jacob fills the pot with water, the boy is eerily quiet, “What’re you cookin’? The hunter asks. 

No response.

The boy places the pot on the crackling fire, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to the water “ Are you plannin’ to cook my prize?” The hunter asks the teen again.

No response.

The conversation is only one-way, the wind filling the silence and with the crackling fire accompanying it, the hunter cannot help but feel uncomfortable. Minutes have gone by and not a single word out from both sides of the non-existent conversation, the pot boiling. Reaching its limit, Jacob finally puts an ingredient in besides salt and pepper: something spherical and white– wait, isn't that the eye the man gave earlier? The teenager drops the eye in the boiling water, and slowly the eye went from its natural eye color to now white and faded, the sight to see as white as snow, as white as a death in terminal lucidity. The hunter's eyes are fixated– unbelievably perplexed at what Jacob is doing, the man continues to watch him, now the boiled eye in Jacob’s grasp: he eats it whole.

Now the boiled eye in his mouth the boy started chewing it while looking in the distance as if what he did was normal. 

That poor, innocent boy. 

This boy.

"I'm...gonna go and hunt us some game." says the hunter, his eyes remaining on the boy's eyes as he mounts his rifle to his right arm and slowly walks towards the blackening abyss once again. 

It's been several hours since he saw the boy, now the sun is rising from the mountains and the tall trees glisten in beauty as the wind whistles to the chirping of morning birds. How peaceful this morning is to him, the old man continues his search for prey until he came upon a familiar terrain.

Lush orange leaves fell from above, a clear blue stream, tall white birch trees towering over the little oasis he have stumbled upon suddenly. Although...It does look quite familiar wasn’t this the place where Jacob found an innocent injured bird? It is. The man stands there thinking back on how kind Jacob was when he was just a small child. He misses his boy already.

The constant crunching of fallen leaves echoed in the lush orange forest, Jacob with a rifle in his hands he continues his search for prey as he continues to search for his prey he smells something familiar, something that is horrid to one's nose. As he covers his nose to find peace with his nostrils he recognizes the terrain he is standing in. He's right back where he started, strange. He remembers this place like it was yesterday, the day where he left his momma to go exploring in the woods. It used to be fun but now, it's nothing to him.

He used to simply be a little boy. But memory is a bore, entertaining it is a chore he is not willing to do...

This hunter, 

What if he falls prey to him?

Just like the white forest he used to want to traverse,

He'd love to know.

Jacob feels nothingness fill him. He used to be so scared of what lies ahead. But now he is behind a gun he points to the hunter's head.

He'd definitely love to know. What a curious little boy he was

Click. 

As Jacob holds the trigger.

The snow crunches underneath his leather boots, and his breathing left trails of wisps and whispered memories of the past. There ahead lies the still, frozen lake. It used to be so fascinating. More than just a lake. And the oak tree by the further right… Is just the same as other trees.

But the sky…

And this hunter…

He aims his rifle to his head.

"Adieu."

He pulls the trigger and—

WOOSH! 

Jacob adjusts his eyes from the sudden movement he just witnessed. And before he could open his eyes– " AHHHHH!!!!"

He opens his eyes, to only see the old man's right thigh bleeding slowly yet endlessly, the dirt beneath him painting itself with red liquid. The old man's endless groans and screams of agony continues, echoing throughout the lush orange oasis.

He walks towards him…

Gun in his hand and boots stained with crimson red blood…

" It's a beautiful day isn't it? " Jacob said in a calm demeanor.

"WHAT THE HECK DID YOU DO TO ME??" The old man exclaimed out of pain and confusion.

"Even though everything around us is dying as we speak" the boy looked above, 

orange leaves raining down up above them, 

The blue sky is painted with white clouds.

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?! WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU?!" The old dying man screamed as he drags his ragged weak body across the ground. Desperately trying to escape jacob, 

like a mouse desperately trying to run from a cat.

Trying to escape from the inevitable…

From Death.

Jacob raises the tip of the rifle towards the hunter's head "I don't know…"

" It just felt right."

Light flashes before the old man's eyes.

The hands of Jacob are stained with blood.

Ringing filled Jacobs ears once again…as the stream of clear water, now tinted with blood.

He opens his eyes to see the lifeless corpse of the old man. Blood dripping from his eye socket and head half way dipped in the lake.

Jacob stares at what he has done…yet he does not feel fear, nor pity to the old man's fate. After all… 

He died by his hand.

As Jacob kneels at the corpse before him, he places down his rifle on the blood stained ground and looked at the hunter once agai— 

What? 

Where did he go?'

He looks down at his hands. Only to see nothing but clean and untouched from any blood.

Nothing but emptiness left on his hands he looks up at the lifeless body that streamed crimson red on the messy soil that was once a sanctuary to young Jacob. 

This forest is now a domain of questions in which leads Jacobs mind into a whirlwind of what is real and what is not. Jacob scrambles his feet across the ground, his eyes searching for the corpse.

'Where'  He wonders.

' Where is it?' 

' Where is he? ' 

' The world is spinning!!' he thought.

Hands gripping oh his hair, he pulls them with such force that his head begins to spin in sync with his dirty body.

Spinning

Spinning

'Spinning! The world is spinning and I can't see!'

 It is as if the world morphs itself into something different with every turn. His feet trembled stiff. spinning over and over until his insides contract and his limbs turn limp onto the snow. dead like that man. demented as he... Had always been.

Jacobs body now twisted and distorted from within he twists even more, and then—CRACK

If it were hell he falls into.

He has no regrets.

As it felt just right.

Just for him.

END 

- short story by, Keeshin.

#story #short story #thriller #original character #fiction #psychological horror

[adsagsona]

Charlotte was nervous for this arrangement but she knew it would happen, especially when her kingdom is surrounded by magic. Her father knew it was a perfect arrangement, for both kingdoms to unite and unfortunately Charlotte didn’t really have a say in the matter but simply obey her fathers wishes.

The princess knew very little of Camelot’s new king, however she knew that he’s the rightful owner to the throne and she wondered if he would allow her to be herself, in such where she would interact with other, partake in activities such as roaming the forest alone or with him.

One thing is for sure. The rumors are truth, Arthur Pendragon is a handsome man. “It’s an honor to be in Camelot, my King.” Charlotte gave him a curtsy before walking closer “It looks like your kingdom is recovering well, it’s bright and green. Reminds me of home.” She mentioned “I hope I’m not overstepping here, but I’m hoping we can just know each other?” She asked before looking away “I know this is an arrangement but hopefully we can become something.” Now Charlotte wasn’t the quiet type, she likes to ask questions, likes to be somewhat of an equal but only time will tell.

“What do you like to do? That’s not related to the kingdom?”

@lovelylostminds

Arthur smiled at Charlotte when she curtsyed, which was done in an excellent manner. She knew how to conduct herself which was an absolute must for a future queen. He had thought her to be more demure but she seemed to easily speak her mind. In private, he had no problems with this whatsoever.

“We are trying to rebuilt as much as possible. I’m afraid the castle isn’t ready yet, but I assure you, you’ll not have to live amongst ruins.” He replied as he looked over to her father, who nodded and Arthur offered his arm to Charlotte. “Would you like to see the garden, my lady? It is still a work in progress as well, but there are herbs, there will be roses... and vegetables on the other side.”

He led her towards one of the many doors in the great hall with their chaperonnes following them at a distance. “You are not overstepping, my lady. It is my wish as well that we can get along well. I know that this is not your choice, as it isn’t mine either.” He gave her a small smile at her question. “I like to ride out with my horse Fury, I like to go swimming in the lake... is that what you mean?”

#lovelylostminds

[torillatavataan]

Terve, your blog is a fun cultural insight to suomi and it is greatly appreciated. I am planning a 2 week trip around finland to wild camp, stay at camp grounds, and stay in hotels. Can you discuss camping on public land? How does one know that the land is public and not private? How do i find roads or areas off main roads to stay the night? Also, do gas stations and cafes in finland refill your clean coffee thermos instead of giving a disposable cup? Are there water fountains and ice machines and such at gas stations to fill reusable water bottles? How do I make a friend to discuss details of my trip and get the most finnish experience possible? :)

Terve! I'm really sorry it's taken me a while to get back to you on this.

I'm personally not someone who does camping, so I had to do some research (and I was busy otherwise, and preparing the Independence Day queue took priority). Perhaps one of my followers can give you more practical advice, too.

Most land is privately owned in Finland, but we have a concept called "everyman's rights" which means you have the right to roam and enjoy nature within some limitations and responsibilities regardless of who owns the land.

Everyone is allowed to:

walk, ski, cycle, or horseback ride freely (except very near homes and other private buildings or through farm fields and nursery plantations which could easily be damaged)

camp out temporarily a reasonable distance from homes

pick wild berries, mushrooms and flowers, as long as they are not protected species

fish with a simple rod and line

use boats, swim or bathe in inland waters and the sea

walk, ski, or drive a motor vehicle or fish on frozen lakes, rivers, and the sea

all the above can be restricted or forbidden in national parks and other nature reserves during certain seasons or year-round to protect sensitive areas and threatened species of plants or animals. Please pay close attention to any restrictions.

It’s NOT allowed to:

disturb people or damage property

disturb reindeer, game, breeding birds, their nests or young

let pets off leash

cut down or damage trees

collect moss, lichen, or fallen trees from other people's property

light open campfires without permission, except in an emergency

disturb people's privacy by camping too near them or making too much noise

leave litter

drive motor vehicles off road without the landowner's permission

hunt without the relevant permits

fish with nets, traps, or a reel and lure without the relevant permits

This pdf by the Ministry of Environment goes into more detail.

If you want to sleep in the car, there are rest stops on major roads where one could stay. They sometimes have info boards, tables, and dry toilets. But usually just a large bin. As long as you are not bothering anyone and your car is legally parked, you can sleep in your car anywhere you like. Generally speaking for one to two days. As far as the law is concerned, it is always preferable you stop and sleep instead of driving while half asleep. You are also allowed to park for rest/sleep on small private forest roads near the main road for safety.

If you are in a city/residential area, the police might check on you, but generally they'll just want to know you're ok because a concerned citizen called them. They might ask you to move somewhere else if the concerned citizen is somehow inconvenienced by you (maybe you're just too close to their property for their comfort). In that case, the police can advise where you could go instead.

A caravan has more restrictions. If you see a sign saying "leiriytyminen kielletty" (camping prohibited), you'll have to go somewhere else if you want to park a caravan and take out barbecues and lawn chairs. Camping prohibited does not mean you are not allowed to stop for the duration of sleep.

I actually don't know about the coffee cup, but my gut instinct is that yes, they can and will do this for you if they're not super busy and you ask nicely.

There may be public water fountains, but any tap will give you drinkable water. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Finland unless specifically advised otherwise. Cafés and petrol stations will probably be happy to fill in your bottle, too, if you ask.

Ice machines are pretty rare in Finland as far as I know. I've only seen them in some hotels for guest use and at restaurants/bars behind the counter or in the kitchen. Your typical Finn will make their own ice cubes in the freezer should they need them. Some supermarkets do sell them though.

I'm not a camper, so hopefully my followers can help you with making friends with like-minded Finns. From the top of my head, I think Reddit's r/Finland might be a place to start. You could also look for camping-related forums.

For a Finnish experience, definitely swim in a lake! Especially if it's summer time. If there's no one around, ditch the swimsuit. :) Also try the sauna. Maybe sleep in laavu or autiotupa.

Remember to have mosquito repellent and a sleep mask. There are a lot of mosquitos in Finland in summer, and if you're not used to the midnight sun, you might find it difficult to sleep without a mask.

#vastaus #nimetön #feel free to send follow up questions! :) #nyt menen nukkumaan son moro o/