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stardancerluv · 3 years

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Gotham Lockdown 2020

Part 18

Summary: Love & surprises abound in Sionis’s buildings leading up to Christmas.

Arthur’s Note: After the some of the angst of At War and when they first met, as the writer it is nice returning to Gotham Lockdown 2020. This is where reader and Roman have come so far and still have a lot head of them like the grenade but that is still far off. This is nice and fluffy. I dedicate this to chapter to an amazing person and reader of my stories. Thank you for being awesome. (This is a take on your request!) lyrics from How You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra in italics at the end!

Roman rolled over in bed sighing. He had slept incredibly well after the frosting fight. You were certainly his little minx. Remembering, how your little tongue felt on his throat as you licked away some of the icing he had drawn there. He stretched, and a warm sense of contentment wash over him. Turning his head, he smiled as he saw your soft sleepy face near his on the pillow.

How had he gotten here, he mused for a moment. Dark violent, memories prickled at his mind. He could remember the people he dispatched people with Victor. He remembered the empty smiles, his cold bed. Now, everything was different. That made him happy.

Sure, he still killed from time to time, but with much more restraint. He had a solid empire in Gotham despite the silent killer that was still tormenting the world but he felt stronger about his place in the underworld of Gotham.

He went through these changes all because Victor had fucked or perhaps it had been destiny that had brought you hand cuffed to a chair downstairs. He could still recall how that beautiful wrap dress laid on your body.

Smiling, reaching up he brushed some hair from your cheek. He bit back a chuckle so as to not wake you. A smudge of green frosting laid on your cheek how had be missed that.

He sat up and carefully hung over you, bracing his hands on either side of you. He honestly couldn’t resist this. He bent down and easily licked what remained off.

“Roman?” You voice was deep and sleepy.

“Yes.” He chuckled. “I had missed a bit of frosting.”

You blinked and smiled. “I thought you had found it all.”

“I did too.” He rose an eyebrow playfully. “But, I should check. We don’t want you being sticky.”

Soon giggles filled the bedroom, the inspections turned into giggles. The two of you kissed, tickled and cuddles till you both were laying at angle across the bed.

You swallowed your breaths hard. “It’s no fair, you didn’t have as much frosting on you.” You pouted.

Roman raised himself on his elbow as he braced his cheek in his hand as he looked down at you. “I’ll have change that next time.”

“Yes you better mister.” You smiled.

“Today is very important.” He said, for first time that morning he sounded very serious.

You pressed a kiss on his upper arm. “Oh?”

“Hey that tickles. I was saying today is important. Don’t distract me with kisses.” He had tried to not smile and be serious but it wasn’t working.

“I thought that was my job as your fiancée was to distract you.”

He smirked. “Could be, I didn’t read the small print on what your job entailed.”

“Roman! You are supposed to read that! It’s crucial.” Giggling, you buried yourself into his chest.

He smiled. “I better go and read that right now.” He pretended to get out of bed and you pulled him back.

“So tell me sir, why is today important?”

“We have to put the star on the tree.”

“Oh yes! We need that up before Christmas next week.”

He nodded. “Yes! But also....” He added the silence to be mysterious. “And Victor and I are hosting a small dance part for the four of us downstairs in the club.” He loved how your eyes lit up.

“Oh Roman, that sounds amazing. I will have to get all dressed up.”

He smiled. “You better. I want to see how you were when you get dolled up for one of my meetings.”

Your eyes grew even larger. “Oh, that has been like forever.” You smiled even bigger. Your eyes glowed happily. “I remember how nervous I was. I wanted to look so good.”

“You did. I think the deal sealed since Killer Croc could not take those lizardy eyes off you.”

“Well,” you said filled with a smug air. “There is no one like me in the sewers.”

“No there certainly is not.” He bent down and kissed you, loving how one of your fingers laid on his cheek as he kissed you.

******

“Baby, you should let me do it. I am alot taller afterall.” Roman chuckled.

“Oh? Are you? Right now I beg to differ.” You stood proudly on the top of the three step stool with your hands on your waist. The star under one arm.

Roman came over and was shorter but not by incredible amount. “Oh! You are so tall, what am I am to do?” He chuckled. He held a hand over his heart pretending to be in anguish.

Smiling, you climbed back down from the step stool. Once again, Roman towered over you as you stood before him. “There you are, perfect and at the wonderful height where I fell hard for you.” He kissed the top of your head.

“Here you go.” You giggled and handed him the star.

You watched as he effortlessly out the star on top.

“Is it straight?”

Grabbing the mug of hot chocolate the two of you shared, you backed up. You tilted your head from side to side. “A little over to the right.”

He moved it and rose his eyebrows.

“Now just a breath to the left.”

“And now?”

“Perfect.” Putting down the mug, you met him as he climbed down.

He wrapped his arms around you and looked up at the tree. “It looks great.”

You smiled. “It does.”

He smiled. “Want to see something special?”

You were intrigued. “Sure.”

He led you over to the where your winter coats hung and your boots. “We got to out these on for a moment.”

Holding your hand you slipped on your boots and then he did the same when you finished.

*****

“Roman’s its so cold.” You cried as the snow swirled around you. Your one hand dug into the pocked into your coat while your free hand still held his.

“Only another moment.”

The sun had disappeared the icy air held onto the snow and blew through the air.

“Ok here we are.” He stood behind you, laying his hands on your shoulders. He pointed.

You saw the twinkling of Christmas lights twinkling through Gotham. It looked like Gotham had become its own Christmas tree with lights. Everyone, despite the lockdown had strong holiday spirit.

“This is lovely Roman.” You shivered despite warming at this sweet moment.

He pulled you close. “I will always try and make this special for you. You made feel the real magic of the season.” He whispered.

“Oh Roman.” You teared up but then you sighed and your lips met.

******

You were smoothening your stockings when Roman in a tux, leaned in the doorway and made you gasp. He whistled. You slipped into your shiny black heels and went over to him.

“Look at you!” You ran your hands up the black jacket. “How did you ever?”

He smiled. “I have my ways.” He looked you up and down. “As lovely as ever.”

You flushed. “I am not used to this. But it feels good.” You smiled.

“Once, we’re back where we were I am showing you off as much as I can.”

You pushed him. “I’m just me.”

“Yes, which is a knock out. Alright, let’s get this dance party started. I think Victor has brought down Doll-Face.”

“Alright! Let’s go!”

*****

He interlaced his fingers with you. Loving, how your perfume filled the air of the elevator. An eagerness filled him.

The elevator with a ding announced its arrival at the club. He brought your hand up and kissed your knuckles. “Go on into the club, let me get us a drink so it feels like old times.”

“Ok!”

He hung back and watched. He was happy that Victor was already there and the music was giving a good beat to the place.

Squeals, giggles and voices reached levels that the club had not heard in months. You had rounded the corner, Doll-Face and five of your closest friends were there.

Sticking back to the shadows, he went to the bar and began making the drinks for all of you. He eyed, the cheat sheet his main bartender had sent him a few nights ago. Before that he had only had known how to make his drink and yours, and made a poor version of Victor’s though thankfully the man usually drank a beer so he was easy.

There was a click of heels and he out down the Amaretto bottle because your arms were around his middle and he could barely breath in the best possible way. “You’re welcome baby.”

“Roman! I...I”

He turned to face you. “Go have fun.” He loved seeing how bright your eyes were and the wide grin across your face. “After putting up with me all these months and well this entire situation, you deserve to dance and drink with friends.”

You went up on your tip toes and pressed a kiss to his lips. “You’re the best.” And then you fluttered off.

He only had to remake one of the drinks before he brought them out to you and the girls. He was also proud of himself that he had not spilled any of the drinks, that tray had been heavy.

He nodded and smiled as the girls once again thanked him for doing this. He was able to fend off some enthusiastic hugs. Despite them all being tested twice, the only girl he wanted to hug was his own. But seeing all their happy faces was nice. His club had been empty for far too long.

Smoothening, his suit jacket he went over and checked on Victor. “Thanks again for doing this.” He leaned against the DJ wall.

Victor smiled. “Nothing is too good for the girls. It was a shame Doll-Face didn’t have any friends we could invite.”

Roman, looked at him. “You can’t be completely surprised.”

Victor shrugged and nodded. “That’s the price of being the best female assassin in Gotham.”

Roman nodded. “At least, she became good friends with my girl.”

“Yeah, those two they are always plotting.” Victor chuckled as he cued up the next few songs.

“And you help them sometimes.” Roman quipped.

Victor scratched the back of his head. “Only sometimes.” He smiled.

*****

You felt as light and as bubbly as the champagne that Roman brought out later. This was so wonderful. They may have always been a pain from time to time; especially when they found out Roman was your boyfriend. Though they were all still friends and right now dancing to the music was exactly what you needed.

Clinking of heels and glasses and laughter bounced off the walls. The club had only, know your four voices these last few months. But now, with all of you dancing and having a good time. It felt for a brief moment like it had before the pandemic.

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Roman, you saw and smiled had gone up to one of places where he had liked to go and watched the action. “Woo!” He called out. “Who is having a good time?”

The girls and you erupted in cheers. You even screamed up an, I love you. More squeals filled the air as he moments later, he opened a bag of confetti and it billowed and rained down on all of you.

You unpinned your hair. You were not used to the dancing or all that it entailed. It had felt like old times catching up with them about how their lockdown had been going.

Hushed gasps and smiles were around the table as you all took a moment to catch your breathes when you held out your hand that held the elegant ring gave you. After this was all over they promised to give you the engagement party to remember.

*****

It was around three in the morning, when you finally collapsed onto the sofa. Every part of you ached but you were happy. Contently, you threw an arm over your eyes.

Hearing his footfalls you watched from under your arm as Roman came around the sofa opening his suit jacket before settling beside you, laying your legs in his lap. His hands gently rubbing your calves.

“Have a good time?” He smiled, giving you a sidelong glance.

You lowered your arm. “I am. That was amazing.”

“I’m glad. I think Doll-Face had a good time too.”

You blew some hair from your eyes. “I hope so.”

You sighed, with Roman’s aversion to germs and sometimes annoyance at how they sometimes treated you, you were really happy that he did this tonight.

“How did you manage all of this?”

He chuckled. “Being one of the most powerful man in Gotham, gives you the skills to surprise your girl and her friends for an unexpected dance party.” He smirked.

“I knew there was a reason, I loved you.” You smiled and sitting up, nestling closer you rested a hand on his shoulder.

He chuckled. “Baby?”

“Yes?” You didn’t move, you were very comfy.

You felt him shift where he sat and the soft voice of Frank Sinatra filled the penthouse. “Dance with me?”

You lifted your head and smiled. “Of course. I was hoping the last dance of the night was with you.”

*****

Yes, you're lovely, with your smile so warm

And your cheeks so soft

There is nothing for me but to love you

He held you close as Sinatra’s words swirl around the two of you.

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Smiling, at you took a tiny curl of confetti that had nestled close to one of your cheeks. It was almost like a flower clinging to you.

You smelled as sweetly and as beautiful as you did when the two of you had headed downstairs.

With each word your tenderness grows

Tearin' my fear apart

And that laugh, wrinkles your nose

Touches my foolish heart

He met your eyes. “Y/N, I am still learning all this romantic stuff even after all this time.” He grimaced. “It just was never part of me till, I met you.”

“Roman!” You hugged him tight. “I wouldn’t change anything about you.”

He smiled, he was a lucky man. “That’s why you’re my girl. But this,” He twirled his finger. Something, he had used to do so often, those little things one forgets when in a lockdown. He was reminded of when he first had done it, it he could order you a drink. “this song speaks of some of the love I have for you.”

Your eyes met, your eyes twinkling in the light from the Christmas tree as you danced and continued to move as one, made him one happy man.

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jq37 · 4 years

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Ok thoughts on Six on Broadway fresh out of the theater (2/16; 3PM show):

First and most importantly it totally lived up to the hype that I've been trying and failing to not build up in my head since last year. And this might be the hypest audience I've ever been in. Everyone in line was talking like they already knew what was up and I saw a good amount of people in like crowns and space buns and stuff. And every single time a Queen got burned during the show, everyone “OOOOOOH”-ed like we were on Wild ‘N Out or something.

While I was in line, I’m 95% sure I saw Toby Marlow sprint past me and then return 10 minutes later with a slice of pizza.

I got a pin and I asked the dude for an Aragon pin and he was like, "Is that queen of the castle?" Like lol buddy welcome to your first weekend working at Six.

Before the show starts, they play pop songs but I assume with the keyboard set to organ or harpsichord sounds. The two songs I recognized were Truth Hurts and Havana.

If you’re here looking for intel on the seating situation, I had seats second from the top and way to the left and I still saw everything fine (and I am not a tall person) so I wouldn’t worry too much about where you’re sitting.

Like I said before, it's such a hype show. Like even if you've heard the soundtrack or seen the show through ~other means~ I promise you're not ready.

Right when the show starts, they project out these Tudor rose projections into the audience which is a nice touch. It’s such a nice looking set in general with the lights in the back and the band up on stage. I really like how highlighted the band members are in this show as compared to other shows I’ve seen. It’s a hard job and I bet it’s nice to get the props.

“Live in Consort” is the best pun in Six because it’s a reach but said with such confidence that you have to give to to her.

"Donde esta my crown?" is already a funny line but it’s even funnier when you picture two British 20-somethings conceiving of the line.

Any time Aragon waves at the crowd, which is a lot, she Princess Diary waves which I love.

A lot of people have had a lot to say about the American accents and it's honestly ridiculous. Like, we're already taking these historical figures so out of their original context that could hardly be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Like, Kathrine Howard can sing a Brittney Spears song but it has to be in a British accent? Come on. And I actually think some songs (like No Way and Get Down in particular) sound a little more natural in an American accent considering the artists they’re taking inspiration from.

I can’t believe they do this show without a break. This is like 90 minutes of pure cardio. It’s, “I’m getting exhausted watching you,” choreo. They didn’t stagedoor after and, tbh, good. Go lay down before the 8pm show please. That’s 100% what I’d be doing.

I have heard the Anne Boleyn intro before but it’s a million times funnier watching her actively peace out as she’s being talked about and then take a selfie and quickly stash her phone before the song starts.

They really scrubbed as many of the “mate”s out of the show as possible which I get but I feel like I would have just left them alone since it’s such a common British-ism that I feel like people know.

I was led to believe that in “Wearing Yellow to a Funeral,” Anne is cut off from calling Aragon a massive bitch but lol that was def a hard C and not a B they stopped her after.

“What a weekend,” is also a killer line imo.

Still wild that Elizabeth is never mentioned in this show except indirectly when Anne says when she had a daughter Henry killed her.

Heart of Stone has def grown on me since I first heard it and Abby Mueller is obv amazing but it’s still weird to hear after a song about how this dude literally decapitated someone (“You’ve got a good heart?” Jane, what? Citation needed) and I think it’s good that it’s basically undercut immediately by the, “Severed head,” line by Anne. Also, I lowkey spent most of the song preparing for the cut to Haus of Holbein.

I was not prepared for the cut to Haus of Holbein.

Literally, I could not wipe the stupid grin off my face during the entirety of Cleves’ pre-HoH speech because I knew exactly the nonsense that was about to happen and it still surpassed my expectations.

If I didn’t already know that Boleyn’s line was, “the whole of the Holy Roman Empire,” there is no way I would have understood any of that. The German accents during that scene truly do sound like they were told, “Do literally whatever,” and it’s so funny.

Cleves’ throne rising out of the stage so she can sit in it is such a Moment.

Brittney Mack’s operatic riff or whatever it’s called during the slow-mo part of Get Down is so, so, so fill the room amazing. Man it was so good. Also, I 100% did not realize that on the “take my fur” line, they breakaway rip her little jacket off and it’s this cool sparkly bodice piece under. Based on audience reaction, neither did they.

I feel like everyone always talks about Boleyn’s energy in this show and they should because they’re right but--speaking for the Broadway cast--she’s for sure second to Cleves in terms of raw energy.

During the roast, I think to Aragon, Howard strokes her cheek with the back of her hand which is super funny, as is her shaking her fists at the sky after the, “When will justice be served,” line to Jane.

Not a Surprise: I also Wasn’t Ready for All You Wanna Do.

AYWD is the song I was most curious to see audience reaction to (w/ HoH being a close second) because, you know, it’s an ostensibly fun song except that it’s awful. But I think the mood of the audience kinda followed Howard’s. When she was joking around, everyone kinda felt like they had permission to joke around too--like there’s a part in the choreo that happens more than once where they put her hands on her and she shrugs them off and the first time it happened there was a laugh but when it happened again during the third verse when she’s clearly Over It and dancing in a really rote and exhausted way, no laugh.

(Sidenote: The juxtaposition of Cleves and Howard--arguably the most and least successful Queens--is always to interesting to me. The placement of such a “I’m so Dope,” song next to a, “My life was trash,” song. And, now having seen it, there’s a part in the Get Down choreo where all the other queens have their hands all over Cleves in a hyping her up kinda way and, as, in contrast, Howard is getting touched constantly in AYWD and it’s Bad.)

(Double sidenote: During verse four of AYWD, there’s a part where everyone walks in front of Howard and they duck so they don’t block her and Andrea like basically didn’t duck at all. It was lowkey super funny).

Anyway, the breakdown was rough. By which I mean extremely good but rough to listen to. Like, I know it’s a part of the song so I knew it was coming but I’m so used to the studio version that listening to her full on sob through the last chorus was A Lot. You could feel the air sucked out of the room. Huge props to Sam Pauly.

So, iirc, in the West End version of the show, post Howard’s song is the fight which dissolves into literal hair pulling/having to break people up. In this version, it doesn’t got that far. They get to comparing miscarriages and the Cleves breaks it up and tells Parr it’s her turn. Then, she gets an intro to an upbeat sounding song that we never actually hear because she can’t bring herself to sing it. Then she goes into the same (or at least a similar) speech about, “We shouldn’t do this,” which leads into IDNYL.

When Katherine does the, “Katherine de Valois, I mean I don’t know,” line, Cleves looks at her like, “Bitch what?”

When Boleyn gives the, “Everyone notices that Jane can’t dance,” line, I didn’t catch Jane’s reaction like I wanted to because Aragon immediately breaks into a sidebar with her like, “Right? That’s totally true.”

During Jane’s verse in Six, everyone is actually pretty down with the Tudor Von Trapps line and then she says Royaling Stones and loses everyone.

I didn’t realize that they did the same couples choreo during the Six that they do for Ex-Wives but I like that a lot. Very circular.

It is extremely hard to not sing during a show like Six, especially once you’ve conditioned yourself for the past six or so month to start spitting out lyrics the second you hear any of these songs start. I really really hope they have Sing-A-Long tix at some point because I am willing to shell out for that and I think a lot of people in that audience would have as well.

Some random dude at a light say me holding my playbills and asked how I liked the show because he’d good things which, if an omen for the show’s prospects, is a good one. Opening weekend is probably not a fantastic gauge of show longevity because of course all of the hypest fans would be out now but if it can keep up this energy then man they’re gonna have a hit (well, a further hit).

#six the musical #six broadway #personal #if you have questions feel free to hit me up but my musical memory is so bad. i just internalize the experience and then forget the details

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readingloveswounds · 4 years

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Reading List

It’s the end of the month! Here I am, with what I’ve managed to read and plans for the future.

Read:

Regrets - du Bellay

These poems were written while du Bellay was in Rome, working for his cousin who was a cardinal. During the mid 1500s, Rome was a city of change in very many ways. His poetry discusses various papal reforms, political changes, and Italian/Roman society, as well as war and confinement in the city during that time. There’s a whole lot of different subjects - even more than I just listed, and honestly some of them really struck home as someone who was far from home and facing uncertainty at the time.

Les Antiquités du Rome - du Bellay

Even more poems written while du Bellay was in Rome. Dedicated to Henri II of France, this collection focuses more on Rome as city when it comes to visual terms, though themes include the passage of time and empire. It’s much shorter and more cohesively themed than Regrets.

Currently Reading:

Il Principe - Machiavelli

I’ve read this multiple times in English, but wanted to check out the original version. It’s an older Italian, so it’s not easy - apparently I enjoy torturing myself.

The Alexiad - Komnene

Anna Komnene’s history of her father’s reign. While the historical aspect of it is interesting, since I don’t know much about Byzantine history, I think what’s making this a truly engaging book is interrogating her choices. What does she devote time and description to? Who does she talk about? This book has a hefty amount of notes that talk about how she represents or misrepresents both people and events, but even within the text, she continually insists upon her attempts at diminishing her positive bias towards her father. I live for her digressions.

Inferno - Dante

Another one that I’ve already read in English. Technically I’m ‘just’ reading this one aloud, but reading it aloud definitely helps me with not only pronunciation but also poetic structure and some comprehension.

Plan to Read:

Le Songe - du Bellay

The third section of my du Bellay collection.

Lais - Marie de France

Technically I’ve already read these for a French class I took last year. However, this edition has a side by side modern French translation, which I didn’t have last time - and her writing is difficult to get through without one. I think a second read-through will help me understand more, now that I’ve really had time to internalize a lot of the aspects that she’s working with.

Anna Komnene: the Life and Work of a Medieval Historian - Leonora Neville

Biography of Anna Komnene - the reviews on the back seem to suggest that Neville is taking a newer look at her life and work. This is the reason I’m reading the Alexiad.

#reading list

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kktravelblog · 5 years

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england: april 2018

I finally reached my breaking point of sitting at a desk this past April. I always knew it wasn’t for me, but thought I’d give it a valiant effort. I mean after all, it is what everyone else was doing. After months of contemplating what’s next, I decided to quit my desk job while still giving a somewhat traditional path a try and found a nanny position in Hoboken. And the best part of changing jobs is having the opportunity to have a free week of vacation time built in. If you don’t do this, you’re honestly missing out.

I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go. Typically, I use every vacation opportunity to go somewhere exotic with beaches, diving, mountains and hiking, but because summer was right around the corner, I decided to go to cloudy England, which would be only the second time I’ve visited Europe. This always comes as a shock to people, but it just hasn’t happened yet. However, this time around, England was almost too easy to pass up because my two good friends from Australia, Anna and Katie, already lived there and I had free places to stay. So within less than a week, I had a trip planned and was on my way.

This was my first solo traveling experience, which I really want to do one day (stay tuned AGAIN). I had gone to Australia alone, but I view that as a completely different category of travel. I looked it as a real small baby jump though, since I would technically have two friends awaiting my arrival in each city I was to visit. And they speak english. But it was still a step in the right direction.

I arrived in London, found wifi to alert Katie, then started my journey to her flat just outside of center city London. Once I got off the tube and made my way outside, I found Katie waiting for me. And no joke, the second I stepped outside, I felt like I was in Harry Potter. To all of you that don’t know, I am a huge fan of Harry Potter. To me, it has always been a mysterious place created in my brain while reading the books and later by Hollywood. So to see the country it was created around was surreal. I probably mentioned “that looks just like Harry Potter” more times than I can physically count. But it still blows my mind. *American fangirl*

Katie’s flat was only one stop outside the center city of London, making it extremely convenient and a great place to be. After a quick pitstop to refresh after the long flight, we headed into the city to meet up with her boyfriend and to have lunch at this cool indoor food truck market/explore a bit on her lunch break. I was quickly informed on this mini tour just how many buildings were older than the United States of America, which is pretty nuts to think about. I never cared for history, but I just couldn’t wrap my head around that fact. Katie and her boyfriend both had to head back to work, so I was left to explore the city on my own which resulted in me walking over 15 miles. I saw a lot, including Big Ben (although under construction), the London Eye, the bridge that collapses in Harry Potter, the London Bridge (from the famous song), and more. Somehow, in a square mile city though, I somehow managed to completely miss Buckingham Palace. Not sure how and the only way I realized is when I later complained that I didn’t get to see the men in the red suits and Katie and her flatmates were flabbergasted and made me show pictures of where I was.

While exploring the city was great, my most memorable day in London, to no surprise, was my solo trip to Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio. IT WAS BLOODY BRILLIANT. I know you get it, I am a huge fan, but I just cannot help myself. Magic is so cool. I spent over three hours there, winding through the sets and reading everything available. I was incredibly shameless, to the point that not only did I have strangers take my picture throughout, but I also mounted a broomstick in front of a green screen just so I could get a video of me flying through Harry Potter scenes. Some call it desperate, but it’s really commitment. Don’t worry the short clip is public, but I have the full version waiting for your viewing if you choose to want to see it. Warning, it’s two minutes long. I also don’t think its fair if I leave out that the majority of the other people there were either couples or families. I was the only single person, who got ID’d for age. ID’d at the Harry Potter studios. But honestly, there is no shame in this game.

The next day I headed back into the city to see Buckingham Palace. Not making that effort would have been embarrassing. It’s like completely missing the Empire State Building. It honestly was worth it to see too. It puts the White House to shame, that’s for sure. After that, I spent the rest of the day wandering and then met up with Katie for dinner. We had an early night as I had planned to set off to Birmingham early the next day, with a stop to see Stonehenge and Bath on the way.

Stonehenge was really cool. I’ll be honest. I skipped the museum part due to timing (and lack of interest), so I honestly cannot tell you much about it. But I can tell you the rocks were really cool and my timing with the weather was impeccable. The entire drive to Stonehenge, plus the short bus ride from the parking lot, it was downpouring. But I swear, as soon as I stepped off the bus, the clouds parted and the sun came out. Luck was on my side. I’ll get to why in a second.

Next up was Bath. Bath is a really unique city and I definitely recommend stopping by if you have the time when you’re in England. It’s known for its natural hot springs, Bath Abbey and Roman-era Baths as well as the architecture. The architecture is traditional and old-fashioned, however the overall vibe of the city and the stores within are new and modernized. I could totally see myself living here. Check it out, and let me know what you think.

And finally, I made it to Birmingham, where Anna and I quickly headed to the local food truck markets to eat and catch up. Anna (she’s American) had been my closest friend in my Australian adventure and recently moved there with her Australian boyfriend. Dreams do come true.

This is where traveling gets cool. While in England, I had the opportunity to go visit Richard and Helen Combe at their countryside English home. Turns out, luckily, they live right outside Birmingham. If you don’t recall, I met Richard on the top of Rob Roy Glacier in New Zealand in 2015. It was a series of weird coincidences that brought us together, but showed me just how grateful I am for how the world works and the people it brings into your life. Richard had lost his son, Stephen, in a helicopter crash a week prior to us meeting. We only spoke for a short time that day, but it was an incredibly impactful conversation. After tracking him down, I was able to reach out and maintain a friendship with him and his wife Helen throughout the years. It was really cool to hear their side of the same story and how many similarities there were, most notably, that we were meant to find each other for a good reason. Spending the day with them in England will forever be one of my most memorable traveling days, of course, after the day I met them. They welcomed me into their home as one of their own and showed me a glimpse into their lives, including meeting their daughter and Helen’s mother. They also told me tons of stories, showed me around their town, took me on a short walk to a part of the city where you could see Wales in the distance, and updated me on their lives, while also being incredibly interested in mine. I will forever hold that day incredibly close to my heart.

I should also mention, I am not spiritual in any way. I believe in a lot of cliches like things always work out, when there’s a will there’s a way, etc. but I am not spiritual by any means. Except I do believe their son Stephen played a huge impact on how seamlessly my trip worked out. From the plans, to the odd weather occurrences, to how close they lived to the only other city I was visiting to… did i mention the car company randomly upgraded me from some random car to a Mercedes A class (still don’t know what it means, but know that is definitely an upgrade) for free? All of those things had to of had some help. It doesn’t make sense otherwise. But it was these moments that really reminded me of how special my friendship with Richard and Helen is. And what it reminds me of life. I always say the punchline of every joke, story, moment will always come, but sometimes not right away. And this one proved it by coming three years later.

Ok back on track now… Sometimes I need to include things for you guys, but also for my own personal memory.

After my visit with Helen and Richard, I headed back to Birmingham to meet Anna. We would later go to dinner at the local pub, and embarrassingly mess up trivia questions based on America. I spent the next day literally laying in bed, watching Netflix, letting my body relax from jet lag and waiting for Anna to get out of work so we could head back to London to hang with Katie.

My last day was super special in terms of friendships. It was really great to hang with Katie and Anna together again and honestly felt like no time had passed by since we had last been together in Brisbane. We spent the day exploring London and different markets, walking the waterway and eating good lunch (my fav meal). And of course, Kings Cross and platform 9 3/4. That night, Anna and I were left to pick a restaurant on our own. And in true American fashion ended up unknowingly picking a chain. It was still good. Heck, I’d go back. Later, we met a few of Anna’s friends at this really cool bar that legitimately had a tree in it (that Lexi also recommended. If she ever reads this blog, I needed to make sure she got her call out) and then would later go to a London club. Did you know London clubs close at midnight? No? Me neither. It’s weird to me. But we ended the night the right way, by eating pizza and face-timing both B and Eric. No better way to end the trip than all back together. If not physically, but technologically.

The next morning, I woke up at 4 am and made the trek back to the states, through Dublin, where I was able to try a Guinness at 7 am their time. I couldn’t tell you what time my body was on. However, I refuse to count that as real. I will go to Ireland for it. Again, I can’t say it enough, this trip was special in so many ways. I know it’s getting cliche. Not only with Richard and Helen, but also it was really cool to see two of my closest friends from Australia in a different country and spend the day like no time had passed. I really look forward to when we can all cross paths again. But Anna, to be honest, it’s your turn to come to the city. Katie already did. And B and Eric, you too.

And now I was off to live a semi-traditional life of being a nanny in Hoboken at 27 years old.

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xsrock-blog · 7 years

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Today, Stu “The Hammer” Marshall took time out of his busy schedule and talk about what’s new with his band Night Legion as well as play the XS ROCK version of twenty questions. If you haven’t heard Night Legion, then you’ve got to check them out, especially if you’re a power metal fan. After the interview, check out the video below to get a little teaser of what the band sounds like.

Forged in the fires of internationally acclaimed acts ranging from Death Dealer and Blasted to Static to Empires of Eden and Aussie metal royalty Dungeon, Night Legion unleashes razor-sharp power metal to make your ears bleed – in the best possible way.

This unconquerable touring animal also has its sights on Japan, Europe and possibly Australia in early to mid-2017.

XS ROCK: Tell me about the latest band news? Any new projects coming out, live shows or announcements? Stu: Night Legion is currently finishing the recording of the debut album and we are super pumped to release the material. Our debut show is co-headlining the prestigious Under the Southern Cross festival in Sydney Australia.

XS ROCK: How long has the band been together? Stu: Night Legion has been together since October last year, but we have all known each other for years. I go back with our drummer Clay 22 years and Glenn on bass for 15.

XS ROCK: What was your main motivation for starting or being in a band? Stu: As far as starting out, just to feel that rush of playing live.. There’s nothing like it really, it’s a great thing to have good mates and go tour the world.

XS ROCK: What is your music background? Stu: My music background starts with Kiss in 1978 and went from there.. I have always loved heavy music and it’s carried all the way through my life

XS ROCK: What image do you think your music conveys? Stu: Power and aggression with the power metal, but also a traditional melodicism going back to the classic 80’s metal bands

XS ROCK: What are your immediate music career goals? (Next 1 to 3 years.) Stu: We aim to partner up with a label and commence touring through the various regions such as Japan, the US and Europe.

XS ROCK: What are your long-term career goals? Stu: Long term.. Keep the unit together and continue to make quality heavy metal.

XS ROCK: Which do you prefer? Writing new songs and recording or playing for a live audience? Stu: I honestly enjoy both for different reasons –Recording and writing is a very creative and spontaneous process for me, I really enjoy it – Playing live is the real fun when you see peoples reaction to the material. Anything can happen.

XS ROCK: What are your songs about? Stu: We stay clear of politics and religion, but a lot of songs around the fantasy category for example, Space travel – The roman empire and stuff like that

XS ROCK: Do you have any outrageous tour stories from the road? If so, please fill us in. Stu: Not really outrageous as such but I was fortunate to tour arenas in Eastern Europe and Moscow with a touring party called Metal All stars – It had UDO, Zakk Wylde, Max Cavalera and guys like that – I had a chance to tech for Zakk Wylde which was pretty cool, he is 100% the genuine article guitar god.

XS ROCK: What’s the strangest request that you’ve ever received from one of your fans? Stu: Lucky til now… nothing weird.

XS ROCK: Were your parents supportive of your aspirations to play in a rock band? Stu: Yes, I was very lucky to have that support early on.

XS ROCK: Which band or artist inspired you to perform? Why? Stu: Definitely Kiss in the early days then Judas priest, Maiden, Black Sabbath and DIO are still big influences

XS ROCK: If you could design a dream tour for your band, who would be on the bill? Stu: Oh that would be a global tour with the Priest… no doubt

XS ROCK: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far? Stu: Playing Moscow was cool for a guy from Sydney.. we played in front of 12000 people and it was all captured on video thank god – an amazing night.

XS ROCK: If you weren’t performing in a band what kind of career do you think you would have? Stu: I have absolutely no idea… a boat salesman?…

XS ROCK: What type of equipment do you use for live shows? Stu: I have an ESP endorsement which is fantastic and they support very well. I also have endorsements with Elixir strings, Dunlop and a new custom guitar cabinet company called “Custom Cabinets” very cool stuff

XS ROCK: What do you think of the current music scene? Stu: I think the funding from the labels has died which creates a huge impact on the ability to tour, but technology has made it easier for bands to be heard

XS ROCK: For anyone that doesn’t know you, what would they be surprised to know about you? Stu: I’m pretty easy to pick so nothing out of the ordinary

XS ROCK: If someone had never heard you before, how would you describe your sound? Stu: Powerful and heavy metal

XS ROCK: Is there anything that you’d like to promote or say to your fans out there? Stu: Please visit our pages at http://nightlegion.net and https://www.facebook.com/nightlegionmetal

XS ROCK: Thanks again for taking the time to talk with us at XS Rock! Stu: Thank you very much for the support.

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Interview With Night Legion’s Guitarist and Founder Stu “The Hammer” Marshall Today, Stu "The Hammer" Marshall took time out of his busy schedule and talk about what's new with his band…

#interview #metal #Night Legion

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