#this is absolutely ridiculous and super messy but i had a great time compiling this 🥰

[theflyingfeeling]

Aaaaaaa OlliAllu crushing on each other aaaaaaa 🥺💖💕

I wanna know everything about the timeline! 😍

Thanks for asking!! My favourite topic!! 🥺

So just as a disclaimer: the following is based on nothing much but my vivid & delusional imagination (except that it's all totally true and real 😌)

Behold,

💖 The Olli/Allu Love Story Timeline* 💖

(*according to theflyingfeeling / this is gospel truth okay don't fight me)

Pre-Aleksi-joining-the-band / Timebomb -> becoming friends 👨🏼‍🤝‍👨🏻

So I imagine that before Aleksi joined the band, he and Olli were friendly but maybe not super close (or as close as Aleksi may have been to Joel/Joonas/Niko). They respected each other as musicians and, as time passed, figured the other is a pretty cool dude to hang out with and fun to play shows with 🤝 By the time Aleksi joined the band, they were already good friends 😌

(I love how from the very beginning it was not unusual to spot them next to each other in pictures (yes yes I know about their team short/team tall arrangement in pictures, humour me a little here though)

Can we also cry about this (irrelevant to Olli/Allu (unless Olli wrote this)):

"our lovely friend" 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

*

2021: UMK / Eurovision / post-Eurovision -> developing the crush 💕

They started working on Dark Side pretty much right/around when Aleksi first joined the band, right? By then they all, including Olli, had spent more and more time with Aleksi in the studio as well as on stage before he officially joined the band. During the UMK/Eurovision project, however, they were suddenly working together way more intensely (especially after winning UMK), so I like to think that was when their friendship deepened and they found out just how much they have in common (e.g. all their nerdy mutual interests). They probably started to chat more just the two of them (in the UMK video 15 facts about Blind Channel, Aleksi mentioned calling Olli (and always catching him biking lol)) and sort of just drifted towards each other so that they were frequently seen together (the screencap on the right is taken seconds before they stop to stare each other in the eyes, sorry I don't have a gif of that) 💕

(and no I haven't done extensive research on how much more often they were spotted together in comparison to how often they were spotted with other band members just sshhhhhh it's not like this is a doctoral thesis)

If I recall correctly, they also did some interviews together, at least this one where they look like they had just woken up from a nap with lots of cuddles (and maybe even some shy kisses for fun (because sometimes good friends make out for the lols, right??), I mean come on, they look so soft 🥺💓

They also sat (and partied) next to each other during the finale, and shared that one looooooooong hug I mean COME OOOOOON they don't want to let go of each other 😭

Of course, we cannot forget about the tipsy/drunken cuddles during that interview (and in the hotel room a bit later, source: I just know it in my heart) 💞

(remember also the other, less known drunk interview that showed Olli staring at Aleksi dreamily 🥺)

I think around this time they also got a bit flirty with each other for the first time? At least if one is to interpret the way Olli "mocks" (lovingly <3) how Aleksi says his middle name in the hotel room IG stream they did (and of course we're going to interpret the heck out of that, that's why I'm writing this whole thing for 😌 (I still crack up at Niko's "I thought it was Mattson" every time though lol))

Another highlight from 2021 was obviously the moments they shared in the Posse shower stall we have been discussing lately, which show exactly how comfortable they are with each other 😩

Also, I can't remember for sure and I can't find the ask for reference, but was it the summer of 2021 when Aleksi had to miss a show (because he was sick or something?), and reportedly Olli had been all quiet and gloomy that day, to the point that Niko pointed it out on stage during their show, telling the audience (jokingly) that they're sorta worried about Olli because he has barely said a word all day? I remember talking about this with someone and they had videos/pictures/?? about it too, but until I have some actual evidence of this, you're just gonna have to take my word of it 😌 In any case, it goes to show how much they meant to each other already back then 😭

To conclude, I think the year 2021 was the year they slowly developed their (mutual) crush, but without fully realising what was happening. There were some cheeky cuddles (perhaps even sleepy/drunken kisses) and friendly teasing which was totally NOT flirting although it totally was, they weren't just ready to admit it and butterflies in the stomach that they tried to ignore; they're fairly certain they like each other platonically and nothing more, even though they can't help but smile a little more brightly when they get a text from each other and they miss each other a little too much when they're apart... 💕

*

Spring/summer 2022: the US tour / the EU tour / the summer (tour) -> getting together 💞

Let's start off with this poor-quality gif I just made, for no particular reason except that I want y'all to look at how cute they are 🥰

According to Niko (source: just trust me alright, I think he said it on twitter but naturally I can't find anything rn), as I'm sure many of you know by now, during the US tour Olli and Aleksi were often the last ones awake in the tour bus, drinking Mountain Dew and chatting away about nerdy stuff. I think this is when they really grew closer and I can easily imagine that around this time the first thoughts of "what if..." entered their minds 😳

Maybe they sometimes ended up just staring into each others eyes lovingly, before realising neither has said anything for a while (and it was sort of awkward when they did realise, but they just laughed it off), or maybe there were accidental/absentminded touches; maybe they both just felt so warm and cozy in each other's company, and even though they were both getting a little sleepy, they kept on talking for a few more moments because they weren't ready to let go of the moment and "burst the bubble". Maybe they were joking around and being low-key flirty, and when they finally went to bed, they'd be going out of their minds in their bunkbeds, trying not to think about all that too hard.

I like to think that eventually they got more daring, sat more closer to each other, and suddenly the small touches weren't accidental anymore. They could have an entire conversation with Aleksi's hand on Olli's thigh or vice versa and it would feel so nice and so natural 💞 There may have been a few kisses too, just for fun and because the vibes are right, and maaaaaaybe they don't really talk about it that much, but they definitely can't wait to try that again somewhere a bit more private 👀

Speaking of which, we also know that they roomed together at least once ("Little Man asked first"), and by some inexplicable coincidence, the two of them were the only ones in the band who got ill during the tour? Huh, that's strange 🤔😌 So I have a reason to believe the US tour was when they first got together, even if they thought they were just fooling around back then 🥰

(can't think of anything in particular to say about the EU tour in the spring, but we can look at these pictures nevertheless 💗_💗)

and then 🥺🥺🥺😭😭😭😭😭😭

Getting emotional receiving the gold records in Ruisrock, hugging each other the first thing because who else would they hug, what more prove do you even need to see how much these two love each other 😭

We also know that in the summer 2022 Olli stayed at Aleksi's when he was in Helsinki (not sure if this happened every time he was in the capital but there were a few occasions), I think they were spotted grocery shopping together or something? They also participated in this interview together, providing us moments such as

1) the two of them sitting tightly in Aleksi's (?) car,

2) hearing that they had spent the night together watching old tour videos,

3) Olli commenting on Aleksi's outfit ("I warned you..." = he had been looking at Aleksi's dick through his pants 🥰 (at least I assume it's about the romper that showed the outline of his peepee? he says "last summer" but I don't think his outfit in the 2021 summer tour was as controversial? it was literally just a black t-shirt (with a white long-sleeve underneath sometimes) and black trousers, so I assume he means "the summer that has passed" (the interview took place in August))

4) Olli's surprise when Aleksi says he, too, would like to collaborate with Skrillex and Aleksi teasing Olli about "having thought about Skrillex last night" (don't worry Aleksi, I'm sure he was thinking more about you than Skrillex 🥺)

To sum up, in the first half of the year 2022, they got together for the first time and formed a special kinda bond, slowly falling in deep, soft love 🥺💕

*

Autumn 2022: the EU headline tour, the London & LA song-writing camps -> honeymoon time 💖

...yeah, I wonder what happened during the EU headline tour 😳

(they fucked. a lot. rough. this is the truth.)

...and before they left for the honeymoon song-writing camp, they did the cutest thing that any two humans have ever done in the history of the universe 😭

I mean 😭😭😭😭 are y'all still crying about this?! because I never stopped 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 you can just imagine them grocery shopping for studio snacks together and they spot this card (I do wonder what the picture on the front is) and have this grand idea and aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa the giggles when they wrote the card and gave it to daddy!Johnny AAAAAAAAAAA I'm going to explode if I think about how unbelieavably cute it all is, is this not something you do with a very special bro of yours?! I cannot handle it 🥺💕

In London they went on a date on Olli's birthday (yes I have decided the others weren't there 😌) and Aleksi took the most boyfriend picture of him because they're boyfriends in love 🥺

In LA we know they shared the bed (source: you can't prove they didn't!!) and looked very very soft and boyfriends; in conclusion, they were on a honeymoon 💖

*

2023: boyfriends boyfriending 💓💞💕💖💗

And yeah, that sort of brings us to this year and the way they are now, so cute and sweet and boyfriend and touching each other for no reason thinking they're being discreet and playfighting and giggling at each other's joke like they're the most hilarious person that ever lived and smiling sweetly when they see the other has replied to their text and being so fucking cute in Aleksi's twitch streams without Olli even physically being there and getting engaged for real and just 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

Of course there are soooooooooo many moments over the years that I also want to mention but can't really pinpoint in the timeline, such as all the clothes/accessory-sharing and adopting each other's style (cuffed jeans and tucked-in shirts) and the wine drinking while listening to soft music and cuddling in meet-and-greet pictures and looking so happy about it too and in general always sitting/standing next to each other in pictures ("but they don't always--" YES they do always, don't even fight me about this 😤), the evidence is right there in front of your own two eyeballs if only you choose to see it and live like a king the way we do here in the Olli/Allu Delulu Land ✨

Finally, let me do a random photo dump to further illustrate my point if you're not yet convinced for some reason (and to reach the 30 pictures per post limit) 💖

(sorry for no sources, if this is the reason I go to jail I'm going happily)

#this is absolutely ridiculous and super messy but i had a great time compiling this 🥰 #''boss? yeah hi just calling in to tell ya i'm quitting to become a full-time olli/allu enthusiast. yeah it's gonna consume my whole life'' #although i feel like literally anyone would've done this better than me lol i must have forgotten so much stuff 😭 #so when i say 'don't fight me' i'm kidding pls point out any details i should have included 👉👈 #now on to answer some more fun asks 😏 #........for christmas i wish to be normal about things for change 💀 #ollixallu #answered asks #sparfloxacin #anon asks #catboyolli

[nikxation]

Gravity Falls Fic Rec List

In honor of Fanfiction Writer Appreciation Day, I’ve decided to compile a list of some of my favorite fanfics I’ve encountered thus far in the fandom! Please note that this list is not all-encompassing, and that even if you don’t see your fic here, if I have liked/kudoed/commented/reblogged your fic, that means I love it. Keeping this list a moderate length is already going to be difficult enough because holy cats this fandom has a lot of amazing writers!

Before the Bridges Burn by @endae

Summary: Canon Divergence from DAMvtF and the entirety of Weirdmageddon. Rather than being stopped by Ford and being encaged in front of Blendin, Dipper finds Mabel in the forest trapped inside her Dreamscape. He makes a deal with Bill to rescue Mabel, but with the risk of losing his life if he doesn't make it within the time restriction of Bill's game.

Why you should read it: Okay, so, Endae has this absolutely beautiful and heart-breaking way with words that really whacks you in the face with the Feels Stick from the get-go, and if you haven’t read anything by her yet, then you’re missing out. The angst is real, folks. Don’t take my word on it. Just go read it for yourself. Seriously. Currently the sequel is a WIP.

Fisherman’s Knot by @scribefindegil

Summary: Happy endings are messy, and the Arctic winter is more difficult than either Stan or Ford want to admit.

Why you should read it: Okay this is literally a fandom classic, and if you haven’t heard of it thus far, you must be new like I was. This fic is a gem. So much hurt and quite a few serious themes that you should make sure you’re ready for before you start. Also... tissues. Be sure to have tissues on hand... The fic is technically not finished, but where it leaves off is super satisfying and honestly works as an ending, so don’t worry, you don’t end on any horrifying cliffhangers.

Raising Stakes by @marypsue

Summary: 1982. A postcard from his estranged twin brother summons Stanley Pines halfway across the country to Gravity Falls, Oregon, where something sinister is brewing. Ford may have bitten off more than he can chew this time, but Stan's never been one to lie down and give up. And this time, he's got a new bag of tricks to try...

Why you should read it: Two words... Vampire AU! It’s super well-done, it has heart and jokes while also being appropriately sinister at certain points. Also, I love the interpretation of vampires and how they work. Beyond this fic itself, Mary is just a superb writer and really cranks out some amazing fics and AUs.

Lighthouse Keeper AU by @impishnature

Summary:  A beast lurks in the waters. Stan loses Ford to the waves, the lighthouse his only point of contact and hope of ever getting him back. …He used to love the sea, now it’s taken everything from him.

Why you should read it: Okay... This is another one where, if you haven’t read it, you must live under a rock. Super cool AU where the show takes place centered around a lighthouse instead of the Portal. Bill is creepy af, Ford’s means of being trapped are super rad and also super terrifying, and Stan is just such a good boy I love him so much. Imp also writes beautifully and has this amazing grasp of imagery and storytelling that is really astounding and paints these gorgeous pictures of what’s happening. Her stories will just have you completely enraptured, so go check out her stuff.

Some Sunny Day by @anistarrose

Summary: Time isn’t linear, Stan has a catchy piano tune stuck in his head, and blue flames threaten to consume the peace that the Pines family has found. Based off the Same Coin Theory.

Why you should read it: I’m going to be completely honest here: I’ve only read the first chapter of this so far. I know, I know, bad Nikki. But look, okay, the first chapter is super good, Rose’s Stan Twins are amazing and so in-character that is hurts, and Same Coin theory is just so cool to explore and play with. But Nikki, how can you rec something you’ve barely read? I can because I just know, alright. Rose writes really well, and even the first chapter had me completely invested (even if I haven’t had time to read the rest). So I’ll rec what I want, thank you very much. Currently a WIP.

1 Step Forward, 20 Years Back by @infriga

Summary: A Tale of Two Stans AU: Instead of fighting over the journal Stan tries to leave, but Ford isn't willing to let him go that easily. During the argument Stan comes into contact with a strange magical substance, and when he wakes up later he finds he's a bit smaller than he remembers. Now not only does Ford have to worry about Bill taking over the world, he also has to figure out how to turn his brother back to normal.

Why you should read this: This is another one that is a huge fandom hit, and for good reason. It’s got humor and imagination. Infriga’s writing is super nice and flows perfectly. Their grasp of the characters is spot-on, and they explore some really neat concepts and ideas in the fic. Really, just and all-around amazing fic that you should definitely read if you haven’t yet. (They also illustrate every chapter, and their art is spectacular).

by the skin of your teeth by @apathetic-revenant

Summary: In which Ford's attempt to survive entirely on caffeine and paranoia suffers some pitfalls, and things happen differently in 1982.

Why you should read it: This was literally the first fic I read for this fandom, and I still love it to this day. Ford’s a goddamn mess, Stan is the real MVP for taking all this BS and craziness in stride, and Fidds saves the day. Some rather dark themes interspersed with some comforting humor (lookin @ you, end of Ch2/beginning of Ch3). Plus, I am always in the mood for the boys figuring their problems out and bonding again. Good good stuff.

Cast Away (part 2) by @fordanoia

Summary: What happens when Stanley is the one to fall through the portal instead.

Why you should read it: Two chapters of absolute stress. Both of the boys are bad-ass in their own ways, and Stan gets some unexpected help (from something that canon really would have benefited from expanding upon). Really, an all-around awesome two-shot. Noia gets into the boys’ heads so well and writes them amazingly. Just... such a great read.

An Outreached Hand by @dubsdeedubs

Summary: On a cold winter's day in 1982, Stan Pines shows up at his brother's door with two cats tucked in his jacket and no heartbeat in his chest. (A sort-of Ghost Trick AU, but requires no previous knowledge of that to read.)

Why you should read it: Super neat concept. Really, this fic is so cool. Dubs’s writing is spectacular, and they instill this sense of mystery and foreboding into this story so seamlessly with little hits of humor here and there. Really, I can’t put into words how awesome this fic is. Just go check it out. Currently a WIP.

30 Seconds Later by @invisibletinkerer

Summary:  Stanford falls through the portal in 1982, but is pulled back almost immediately. Stanley, meanwhile, struggles for 30 years to bring his brother back. Neither is reunited with the brother they expect.

Why you should read it: Hooooo boy. This fic is about as angsty and painful as you would expect from reading the summary. It’s super well-written and the idea is so unique and honestly heart-breaking when you consider the implications. It just presents some new and interesting challenges for the gang to overcome and is a solid, interesting fic so far. Currently a WIP.

Okay I know I’m missing some, but these are some major highlights in my book and this post is starting to get ridiculously long RIP.

To everyone that writes, thank you for doing what you do. You all are amazing and loved and appreciated. The world would truly be a sad place without so many of amazing writers in it. Keep doing what you’re doing, and may the gods of inspiration rain every beautiful idea down on you, and may your fingers fly swiftly across the keys to compose beautiful tales each and every day. <3

#fanfiction #gravity falls fanfiction #fic rec #holy crap i need to stop before this list gets longer #if you think i missed someone feel free to reblog and add on!!! #LOVE YOU ALL #happy fanfic writer appreciation day!!!!!

[roastedlizlow]

DAY NINE - SKY PAIR: Levi/Jed WC: 1949 NOTE: Levi’s easily my favorite of the boys for Ashen Hawk. I really like how his ending was handled, honestly. Boy did... the entire story throw me for a loop. I felt insanely called out when Levi was basically called a puppy that followed Jed around though, and the fact that his stellaset badge is like, three dogs (including him)... I love to have a type! I use both of Jed’s names in here (I debated sticking to Jed only, but Eiar worked better in a section). I got... really into this one! 

A bright, sunny sky suits Levi more, Jed thinks as she puts down her pen, scurrying to give her letter to Lavan. The first true instance of this thought had fully come to the surface when she encountered him on their last days of true freedom. I love him, and want to see him laughing, smiling, under the clear, blue sky.

It’s persisted ever since, permeating until it becomes one of her strongest.

He deserves affection, all that has been driven away from him. There is no taking away the sins that stain his hands, but she will gladly take them, and warm them.

Her thoughts do not change as they lay in the snow, within the vicinity of the snowdrops. Wrapped in the embrace of one another as the exhaustion of the world weighs them down, Jed cannot help but accept this. The letters they’ve shared, such trivial, little conversations.

“Jed, is this really okay?”

“Yes. Levi, I want to be with you.” Forever and always...

Jed wonders how she didn’t realize it earlier, with how comforting it felt to be around him, with how accepting they are of each other, no matter what. Why did the fog cloud that part of the truth too? Could the reason be because she had long closed her maiden's heart, to live as a boy? Does it really, truly matter now, when they are at ease, in each other’s arms?

“You’re cold, you know,” she jabs, but it’s soft, a hint of mischief in her voice.

“Haha, yeah,” Levi grins, “but you’re warm. So, so warm. Thanks a bunch, for being here.”

To what they share between them, to the eternity that will never leave them, they press closer together, hands, arms, foreheads, everything, as the freezing, white blanket begins to fall upon them once more. Where will they go now, when town in not an option? Who will they be now?

Simply Levi and Jed, to each other, that’s all.

They don’t need anything else certain. Things will fall into place as they come. It’s been so hectic lately, that being able to be so close, on the same side of things, means that much more. It satisfies them so much, quells them so much, that their setting becomes what they decide to stay in. No moving until later, let their eyelids blink, slower, slower, until the shut, with gentle smiles on their faces.

Good night. I love you. Words thought, but not said. They revel in these, because they will always, always be together now.

The reliable handyman, who harbored secrets with her work, and the quick-tempered, book-loving younger of the Wolg Clan heirs, two souls banished, for reasons clear to those that knew them personally, and to those that didn’t, too. They say their farewells to the universe they always knew, and venture out to the beyond.

All while gradually drifting to sleep.

“Oh! Your hair’s getting longer again!”

“Mmhm! It’s gonna feel weird, having it long again.”

“Well, I think you look good, now matter what length it is.”

“Oh, Levi...”

“I can’t kid with ya on that, Eiar. It’s the truth!”

These times are much simpler. Unbound by the pains that tangled them down, they are allowed to live as they were meant to be. Eiar is very much a tomboy, and Levi encourages it wholeheartedly, much to the exhaustion of his older brother, Lavan. What? Does he think she’s going to get seriously hurt? That’s ridiculous! She’s super tough, and does her best in everything.

She’s a girl who can out eat them both (though, perhaps that’s not something to boast about), one that has an iron stomach. She can cook, and she’s strong and adventurous. She can handle herself, no problem, and Levi admires that a lot!

The incident of her getting her hair suddenly cut short is probably one of the ones Lavan would use as reference to her needing to be more careful, but it’s not like Levi or Eiar knew that her hair would get tangled up like that. She didn’t miss a beat, either, immediately asking for something for something to fix it with. “Well, I guess it’s just... gotta go.”

“That’s right, you got into an argument with Tee about who knew me better...”

“There’s no way that Little Chick knows you better than I do!”

“Yes, yes, you don’t need to get riled up about it.”

Eiar finds him so endearing! He’s always been inclined to follow her around, when he’s not stuck in a book, but Eiar’s not much different, is she? She’ll often plop right down next to him with a blanket, asking him if he wants to read more of that book they started. A twinkle will then appear in his eye, nodding vigorously as he takes the book in hand and picks up right where they left off.

“Tee’s not someone who’ll actually know how cool you are anyway,” Levi says.

“Oh? Hmm... Would you dare call me cooler than Lavan?”

“Hey, hey, you’re both great for different reasons!”

Eiar laughs, expecting that answer. She has a lot of memories with the two of them, due to growing up so close. The time they tracked mud into the house, only to get scolded by Francisca and Lavan, then immediately after, they made a mess playing around with the decorations they were supposed to prepare.

There are the letters too, silly, little things they’ll have Lavan pass along to the other, where they talk about nothing in particular -- they see each other often enough to deem it absolutely unnecessary, but they can’t help it at all.

Sorry my handwriting is so messy. Yours is really neat, Levi.

Yours fits you, Eiar. That’s what nice.

“Say, Levi, I’ve got something to show you!” Eiar suddenly states, picking up her dress with one hand, marching over to Levi and grabbing one of his arms with her other.

“A-Ah, this isn’t going to lead to you pushing me to avoid Lavan, is it?”

“No! Did you want it too?”

“N-Not at all! Reverse situations like that are embarrassing...”

“Besides, I think that’d only happen if one of us made him mad,” again, becomes her implication.

Levi is about to speak before his friends chime in passing, “Levi’s really got a girlfriend! Joined at the hip, again!”

Levi, and Eiar too, both fluster, and run quickly off, the young lady turning to be a guide on this crisp, spring day.

Once they reach just before where Eiar wanted to go, with Levi wondering just why they’re going this far, Eiar looks up, seriously at him, “Close your eyes, Levi.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Because I said so! What if the only way to avoid being struck down was to do so?”

“Haha, that’s definitely not how it works.” But since it’s her, he’s not worried. He knows, too, that her example was just to get him to laugh. Compiling, he closes his eyes, letting her pull him along a little further. Suddenly, he feels her grip loosen, and he’s about to peek, concerned for her, for being alone without warning.

As if she knew, she speaks, already a small distance away, “It’s alright! I’m right here! You can open up now.”

He does so, and the sight, all of it, is beautiful A field of colorful flowers, and her, right in the middle. “Eiar... this is...”

“Right? It’s just like the scene in the book we’re reading,” she spins around trying to really take the entire scene in, but it feels best when he’s in sight, since this is what she wanted to show him. “I discovered it the other day...” when I was on a errand for a kind old lady, but those are details she’ll withhold (sitting around gets boring!), “And when we got past that scene, I knew I had to share it with you!”

Levi steps over to her, carefully, of course, since these flowers look pretty delicate, “Thanks, Eiar. You really are...”

She’s the kind of person Levi figures he’d feel alright with liking, no matter what. She’s not just a girl; she’s Eiar, the one who saves him when he’s in trouble, the one that relies on him, and he can rely on. He likes being near her, and he’s quick to her defense. (He’s always been really smitten, some might say.)

Most of all, her hands, with fit in his well, are really warm.

He looks down, and an idea pops up, right on sight. Levi bends over, picks a flower and, side-stepping so he’s right in front of her, and places the flower so it’s sticking out, behind her ear. It’s uneven, quick, but he’s sure of it -- she’s gorgeous.

“Levi..?”

“It was in another book, one we haven’t read yet, but you’d like it.”

His wide eyes are more than enough for her to get a glimpse of how she looks. Coupled with his expression, she can’t help the fact of her heart drumming. She’s sure she’s visibly affected too, but -- mmm, this feels right! And Levi’s smiling..!

If there’s one thing she’s certain of, it’s the thought that rises to above all others. She beams, matching the wide grin he has, which doesn’t stop, even as his cheeks dust over, even as she takes both his hands in hers. The crystal clear sky allows them both to have their entire world to become them alone, with the brightest, largest star brimming down a spotlight, as if given them both a blessing, as if solidifying everything she can’t contain.

She loves him, loves him so, so much. She wants to keep listening to him read the stories he loves, talk about how driven he is because of them. He’s adorable, even when being teased, and the moments are never, ever dull. This happiness that’s making her feel light as a feather bursts, and she can’t hold back her words a moment longer.

“I’m definitely right! A bright smile, under the sun suits you best!”

“Wha--”

“Levi’s just like the sun!”

Footsteps, a boil inside him. It hurts. It’s freezing, but there’s nothing to numb this away. They -- They were the most important people left to him. He knew one of them had to go, but she... He sighs, wishing they had gone a little further out, hoping he would have to see his foolish younger siblings like this.

He thought he lost them once but to actually know, now, is a sorrowful reality to bear. He regains his bearings, as much as he can for the moment, and reaches down, brushing aside the snow, to get one last clear look.

They’re smiling...

“Joining me like this, how interesting a thought, for the head of the Wolg Clan to humble a mere traveler this way.”

His gaze falls upon the Traveler for a moment, but he turns away, wordless. He knows they are meant to buried, away. No ceremony, for the exiled.

“So this is the outcome,” the other continues, “a town of sinners, with two sets of shoulders to accept the burden. How interesting... the laughter she sought unravels in her dreams.”

“You... who exactly are you?”

“Hmm, I wonder,” he closes his book and puts a hand to his chin, “who am I to you? What do you make of me?” He snaps his fingers, a gust of wind spins the snow at just the right moment, “I’m curious about what story your path will make of you now, Lavan of the Wolg.”

When the wind subsides, he is gone.

Thus, we end the story of the daughter of the witches and the loyal dog that adored her no matter what.

#psychedelica of the ashen hawk #psychedelica spoilers // #dabbling words of october; a fall writing challenge 2018 #pan roasted words; my writing #also i almost cut the last section from this post... despite it being one of the first i wrote #but i felt like it was a better wrap up? you can def read the first two w/o it but it's like an after credits epilogue :) #I cried over Levi a lot closes my eyes... #souman did SO well as him i'm so (it was a losing battle from the beginning for me) #i'm a little teeny bit iffy on eiar!jed in the second part b/c that bit (which is dream like away) required playing around w/ concepts #but even dressed as eiar she's still... very much a tomboy so like? #levi himself's a little (?) b/c i've never written him ANYWAY LEVI i love you?

[nyflowerguy]

Interview with Ruth Davis of All for Love

I’m delighted today to feature an interview with London based florist, Ruth Davis of All for Love.

Could you tell us what prompted you to become a florist?

It was my childhood dream to become a florist. Growing up in the beautiful Lake District, I’ve always loved nature and its always just been there. I remember, as a child, coming back from dog walks with pocketfuls of conkers or pine cones I had collected along the way, or sticky handfuls of daffodils or colourful autumn leaves that I had picked. I would get home and make a messy collage with my loot, stick them all to my bedroom walls, or give them to my Mum in an egg cup.

For as long as I remember, I have been ‘creating’ things and forever have a thousand, often ridiculous, creative ideas in my head of pieces that one day, I would love to make. I paint portraits in oils, and sculpt people in clay, as well as throw my own ceramics – vases, mugs, and bowls on the pottery wheel.

Flowers presented themselves as the most magical medium to create art with. Their transience and temperance makes them special to work with and it’s also a very niche industry that is commercially viable as a profession too. Often, so many artistic pursuits have to remain a hobby, but floristry allows me to bring my love of drawing, sketching, ceramics, sculpture and design neatly into one beautiful craft.

Could you tell us how your floristry career has progressed?

I left school and went to Edinburgh University and actually have a Masters in English Literature…not that I use it very much now! I always joke that “I can write a very good email!” As soon as I finished my finals, I moved to London and started working for free as a florist’s assistant, conditioning and sweeping up leaves, which I loved! I also worked as a hotel receptionist at the time to cover London living costs, taking courses and working in the shop at the same time. It was exhausting but then all stages of my floristry journey have been full of lots of hard work…I think that’s the nature of the industry. I used to deliberately request the morning shift at the hotel, so I could watch the florists come in each morning and change the hotel contract flowers. I was fascinated and always took so many photos and watched them with awe. I still have the photos somewhere…

I quickly fell in love with Wedding and Event Floristry and was delighted when I was appointed as an Events Manager at a leading London florist. I definitely learnt so much in that role and my eyes were opened to using flowers in a totally different way, with endless possibilities, each one bigger and more beautiful than the next. I remember the freelancers would laugh at me taking so many photos of each job as it went out, and I would always say that each new job was “my favourite” and “the most beautiful thing I had ever seen”. The freelancers I met there have become some of my lifelong best friends and I love the positive, creative network there is in the London floristry scene.

The dream was always to have my own floristry business one day and in 2014, aged 25, and slightly earlier than I expected, I took the big step and launched ‘All for Love’, which was definitely the most terrifying thing I have ever done! Looking back, I don’t think I would have the courage to do so now. When I think just how scary the beginning really was, I wonder how on earth I ever did it!

When did you start your business and where are you based?

I started the company on March 22nd 2014! It all began in a B&Q car park, working out of the back of my van and using the flat trolleys as a workbench at 4am before the store opened. In the early days, I worked from anywhere I could… my kitchen tabletop when flatmates were out, my friend’s back garden, laybys, pavements, even my bedroom! Funding premises in London is so tricky when you start up with nothing and it was an expense we couldn’t afford at the beginning, despite being kind of essential! Eventually, I took on a small unit and within a year had taken over three. This January, we moved into our first, fit for purpose large studio/warehouse, which is an absolute dream. And for the first time our creativity is not restricted or limited by space, which is a great feeling!

What kind of floristry services do you offer?

All for Love specialises in styling premium events and product launches for both corporate and private clients, which includes a wide portfolio of global beauty brands including Clive Christian, Neom, Louboutin Beauty, L’Occitane, Eau Thermale Avène, The Sanctuary, Elizabeth Arden, Unilever, Benefit, Nars, Simple, Shiseido, Gillette and Revlon, to name a few. We’ve almost become the go-to florist for beauty brands, which is super exciting. This work is always very creative as there are huge Design, Marketing and PR teams involved in bringing a new product to market and it’s down to us on the day to bring all their plans and designs to life, often in the most ‘instagrammable’ way possible! 

This year, we are also honoured to be the exclusive floristry partner of Hearst Live, dressing all events for Red, Elle, Esquire, Cosmo & Harper’s Bazaar magazines. Earlier this year, we were crowned the ‘UK’s Best Wedding Florist’ in the UK Wedding Awards – something that’s still hard to believe! We’re also proud to be the in-house, contracted florist at now three , five star luxury hotels in the city – The Hilton Bankside , The LaLit London and Conrad St. James Hotels. We enjoy being creative in these spaces on a daily basis and see them both as a fab opportunity to showcase our work to the public. 

We’re also proud to be listed as the preferred floristry suppliers at the super cool Landing 42, the beautiful English Heritage site, Chiswick House, and most recently being appointed to the wonderful Royal Museums Greenwich Group. Again, an achievement that’s hard to believe. I always thought this sort of thing would remain a pipe dream…but it’s all happening! I was thrilled to work with Links of London on their Chelsea in Bloom 2016 window last year and coming Runners Up in The People’s Champion Award was a great achievement for our young company.

This year we had the honour of working with Cadogan Estates creating the show pieces for Chelsea in Bloom’s Floral Safari theme, bringing life-size animals such as an elephant, lions, rhino and zebras to the streets of Chelsea – it was a great achievement. It’s been a real pleasure working with so many like-minded clients, suppliers and venues over the past three years and I thank each and every one of them for their constant trust in me and their support and encouragement for All for Love. 

Where do you get inspiration for your floral designs?

I would say almost all of my inspiration comes directly from nature itself. Nature’s beauty is so accomplished. It is the absolute best source of inspiration for creating installations – no matter how big or small. If you stay true to the twists and turns, dips, curves and groupings of nature, your designs will never be too far wrong to the eye. It’s a case of replicating its patterns and its beauty and bringing a man-made piece to life with the same energy it would have if it had grown itself naturally. Growing up in the Lake District National Park, I have always been exposed to the beauty of the outdoors – mountains, forests, beaches, fells, fields, meadows, caves, gardens – absorbing every element that surrounded me and bringing it to London in my floristry designs. For example, if I’m designing a wedding arch, I want it to look like it has grown out of the church walls and has been there for years, not piped on artificially. This rule goes for everything we make I would say.

How would you describe your style?

I would say my style is romantic, relaxed and always seasonal. Always full, lush and emulating nature. We try to always make sure our flowers are the talk of an event. We’re dedicated to creating an atmosphere with them that goes way beyond just placing arrangements on a table. We set the mood of the party and transform the feel of the place with our designs.

What are your plans for the remainder of 2017?

I’m really excited about the remainder of 2017 and the wonderful opportunities in the pipeline, which are I’m afraid are top secret at the moment. In line with our 3rd birthday, we have had a little brand refresh and gone gold – a great way to celebrate and take the brand forward. I did our first logo on Word with no budget. So we thought it might be time to treat ourselves to a little face lift and we’re loving our new look. 

We’re also in the process of launching a new, charitable arm to the business called ‘Loved Again’, more details of which we can share with everyone soon. It’s something we’re all very excited about. Our first event for this was for the London Marathon, working with the Royal Charity, Heads Together. Our charity is all about aiding Mental Health sufferers so this is the perfect, inaugural partnership! 

This year, I now have full-time employees with me, which again is hard to believe! Together with my fantastic team and wonderful existing client, venue and supplier relationships I plan to continue to grow the business, expanding our portfolio and creating more breathtakingly beautiful flowers.

We’ve been very fortunate to have a number of international weddings this summer in Sardinia and Portugal, so planning for weddings abroad for our 2018 brides will definitely be a highlight!

What is your favourite flower?

Our company’s name, ‘All for Love’ comes from my favourite flower, the super large-headed, most beautiful, bright pink rose…and the sentiment seemed fitting for a florist too! It also sums up why I got into floristry and why I continue to do it!

Thank you so much to Ruth and her colleague Tamara for all their help in compiling this interview. If you’d like to see more of Ruth’s stunning floral creations, head to the All for Love website. And social media wise, you can find Ruth on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

(Images : Heledd Roberts – 1, 2-6, 11  | Amy O’Boyle, Wookie Photography – 7-10, 12-21, 24-25,  | M J Photography – 22-23)

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