Cat ornament in polychromos :)

Dec 2nd: Came Back Wrong

Written for @steddieholidaydrabbles

prompt: Came Back Wrong | AO3: link | wc: 750 | rating: T | cw: none | tags: Steve Harrington has bad parents, found family, Christmas cards, holiday cards, return to sender

Summary: A holiday card marked 'return to sender' and Eddie remind Steve who his family is.

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“Looks like one of the cards came back to us babe,” Eddie said, flipping through bills. He handed Steve the battered blue envelope that Steve instantly recognized from their Christmas cards that year.

Steve looked at the neat block lettering the recipient had used to print the words ‘return to sender' above the address, and quickly noticed that the envelope was… altered. It was obvious to Steve that it'd gone through more wear than regular transport could have created.

“Stevie?” Eddie stopped looking through their other mail and set it on the kitchen counter before walking up to Steve. He ran his hands up and down Steve's arms, and began to stare daggers at the offending piece of mail in Steve's hand. “You're a little frozen there. What's wrong?”

Steve cleared his throat to speak, but his own voice still felt a little far away. “It's ‘return to sender,’ but it came back wrong.” 

cont. after the cut

“Uh, looks like a letter sweetheart,” Eddie said. His brow furrowed and Steve caught sight of one eyebrow raising slowly. “Which address was it?”

“Yeah, it- it's just a card,” Steve mumbled, his hands clenched the envelope a little tighter. “It was addressed to my parents.”

Eddie softly asked, “can I see?” Steve didn't respond, or fight when Eddie gently tugged it free from his grip. Instead Steve pictured exactly what was in the envelope. A secular, ‘happy holidays’ card with a blanket sort of sentiment on the front. He and Eddie weren't particularly religious, but they enjoyed the holiday season all the same. The cards they’d chosen that year were blank inside and Steve had spent a long time, not just building a list of recipients but on the letters he wrote out in each one.

The best part of the cards that year were the mall portraits Steve and Eddie ordered. They were in matching red long johns with a Christmas themed background. They even managed to get Lucifer (their three year old tortoise shell cat) and Bird (their mystery mutt) posed with them. Wearing bows. Wrangling the pets into the J.C. Penny photo studio alone had been a feat. Steve normally still chuckled even thinking about it, and Eddie's embellished tale of the event had already come up at multiple holiday parties.

He wondered if the photo would still be inside.

“Ah, I see what you mean now.” Eddie had a grimace on his face as his dexterous fingers turned the envelope over and ran along the top edge. 

Someone had opened the card, and not in an unintentional way. There was no evidence that someone ripped it open, assuming it was a card for them before realizing the mistake and sending it back through the post. No, the envelope had been carefully slit across the top, something one might be able to do with a very sharp letter opener. Steve pictured such a letter opener in detail: being lifted from a wooden, velvet lined box on a desk, the blade sharp, handle heavy, real silver throughout kept free of tarnish.

Eddie practically growled as his nail picked at the single piece of scotch tape that had re-sealed the top edge. “Assholes.” He pulled it off and took out the card, glancing briefly at the careful script Steve had written inside before plucking out their photo. Eddie marched to the fridge where he moved a large souvenir magnet from their California trip to secure it to the front door, centered over the other holiday cards already collaged over the appliance. He hooked Steve’s fingers when he walked back, heading directly to their small home’s fireplace. “We can always use more kindling,” he said, kneeling to nestle the card and envelope between the logs already placed there to light later that day.

Steve nodded, and Eddie took his face in his hands. His calloused grasp was steady, and Steve let himself become absorbed in the hot chocolate brown gaze holding his own. “You made lovely cards this year and our family photo is in the hands of everyone we care about this year. Everyone who loves us sent us cards too.” He kissed Steve’s nose, and sighed. "Are you going to be okay, knowing there was one that came back wrong?”

“I will be,” Steve replied, kissing Eddie on the lips. The kiss was sweet, but Steve also basked in the knowledge he’d built a loving family. One that chose him in return. One that proved, time and time again, what right looked like.

2023 RedLegumes Steddiemas 1 2 3 4 5 6 10 SteddieHolidayDrabbles 1 2 3 4 6 8 9 10

HPHL Character Sheet: Noelle Brenton

"I've come to realize that all my life I've been tirelessly preparing for a world of which I know nothing at all."

࿐ General ࿐

Birth Name: No-Eul (노을)

Full Name: Noelle Brenton

Name Meanings: No-Eul: “sunrise” | Noelle: Christmas

Nicknames: Elle

Birthdate: December 3rd, 1870 (10:02 pm)

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Personality Type (MBTI): ISTJ (The Logistician)

Blood Status: Muggle-born

Nationality: Japanese/British

Ethnic Background: Japanese/Korean

Sexuality: Bisexual

Residence: Tsushima Island, Japan (birth – 16) | London, UK (16 – ?)

࿐ Physical Appearance ࿐

Hair: Black

Eyes: Brown

Height: 1.6m (5′3″)

Weight: 55kg (122lbs)

Body Type: Mesomorph

Skin Tone: Pale

Faceclaim(s): Kim Minjung

࿐ Background ࿐

Hometown:

Noelle was born on the northern end of Tsushima Island overlooking the Korean Peninsula. As the daughter of a merchant and a respected member of the Sō clan, her childhood home was more comfortable than most, though nearly always empty. With her mother frequently visiting her sister, her father always en route to Busan, and herself constantly leaving for Mahoutokoro in her youth, Noelle never thought much of her home beyond it being stuff surrounded by walls. When the time came that she sent word to her schoolmate to floo her to England, she didn't feel as though she was leaving much behind.

࿐ Family ࿐

Mother: Kanno Tatsuhime

Originally from: @filmstruck

An in-law of the Sō clan and a gifted dressmaker, Tatsuhime first encountered Yi-Byeon when she tagged along with her sister and brother-in-law as the latter was sent to engage with Korean tradesmen off the coast of Tsushima. At first wary, she came to appreciate his dark wit and diligence, and subsequently looked forward to tagging along with her brother-in-law in hopes of catching a glimpse of him again. After Yi-Byeon made the official move to Tsushima, Tatsuhime continued to press to see him — especially as her sister and brother-in-law was encouraging of the match, thinking that it would be just another step in the right direction of further solidifying good relations between the Japanese and Korean tradepost. In spite of Tatsuhime's softer nature, there was always a bit of a disconnect between her and Noelle as the latter sought more comfort in her Korean heritage — starting with her birth name and ending with favoring her father more in spite of his frequent absence.

Father: Yi-Byeon

Originally from @netflixdramas

Yi-Byeon was a merchant from Busan who frequently traveled back and forth between Tsushima to sell and acquire goods. By happenstance, he met Tatsuhime while on one of his trips and felt compelled to see her more frequently in following trips. Between the two of them he was the more practical one, but quickly fell for Tatsuhime's amusingly vague nature. The two married about two years after their first meeting as Yi-Byeon decided to move his base of operations over to Tsushima where they continued to reside as husband and wife. While Noelle loved her mother, she always seemed to find more favor with Yi-Byeon as both shared in their more realistic views of the world at large, especially as she came to put more stake in her Korean identity as opposed to the part of her that set roots in Japan.

Guardian: Diana Brenton

Noelle came across Diana as she was wandering a bit helplessly through Diagon Alley after traveling by floo from an old schoolmate's fireplace. The first time they spoke, she mistook her Korean name for "Noelle" and the latter didn't have the heart to correct her. Lost and alone, and barely speaking English, Diana welcomed her with open arms and gave her work in her shop, as well as her last name and a place that felt more like home than Tsushima ever did. Diana acted as a mentor and mother to Noelle in the absence of her own family, and upon Diana's retirement, she bowed out and gave it over to Noelle, who showed a deep love of the work and the shop.

࿐ Hogwarts/Magic ࿐

Wand:

Wood: Pine

Core: Crane Feather

Length: 11"

Flexibility: Surprisingly swishy

Schooling: Age 7-15, Mahoutokoro | Age 19-21 tutored/self-taught

House: Seiran

Best Class: Charms

Worst Class: Herbology

Boggart: Herself dangling like a limp marionette in the air

Riddikulus: Herself spinning around with her feet on the ground

Patronus: Black Mamba

Patronus Memory: Eating shortcake for the first time in a tea shop with her mother

Amortentia (what she smells like): Black tea, cigarette smoke, witch hazel, buttercream frosting

Amortentia (what she smells): Pine needles, [something related to s/o]

Quidditch: No

Prefect: No

Clubs: No

OWL Classes (taken independently):

Transfiguration - Outstanding

Charms - Outstanding

Herbology - Acceptable

Astronomy - Outstanding

Potions - Acceptable

History of Magic - Acceptable

Defense Against the Dark Arts - Exceeds Expectations

Divination - Exceeds Expectations

NEWT Classes:  Never took NEWTS

࿐ Career ࿐

7-15: Student at Mahoutokoro / Seamstress 16–20: Apprentice / Mentee 22–Death: Dressmaker / Tailor

Personality & Attitude: In spite of her bold presence and flamboyant dress, Noelle is truly more of a solitary being in both body and spirit. She's not entirely fond of socializing but knows how to keep of an air of formality if needed, and can even come across as quite sweet. Some may mistake her occasional aloofness for arrogance, but she does have a soft spot for the unacknowledged and those that frequent her shop. She finds passion and joy in the work that she does and takes great pride in everything she sets her mind to. Her heart is open to those that she deems trustworthy but after exhausting experiences, others may find the challenge of breaking down her barriers to be insurmountable.

Priorities: Running her shop, herself, Diana (prior to her death)

Strengths: Independent, artistic, gracious, protective, resilient

Weaknesses: Cynical, dismissive, unforgiving, critical, can appear cold

Stressed: When thinking about the state of Korea and Japan, when feeling out of touch or not in-the-know

Calm/Comforted: Stitching, snowfall, walking through Hogsmeade

Favorites: Strawberry shortcake, black tea, winter, flamboyant hats, ornate engravings

Colors: Blue, green, purple, white

Weather: Dark, stormy, snowy

Hobbies: Decorating, fencing, collecting antique jewelry, baking

࿐ Relationships ࿐

Very few at the moment... sad :’) Though anyone can definitely feel free to reach out to discuss something!

Friend(s): Kawamoto Fumina - Fumina is the only person that Noelle remains in contact with from Japan, sending her secret letters under her parents' noses. The two met during school with Fumina eventually helping Noelle floo to England through her father's fireplace. While the disgrace of being expelled from Mahoutokoro initially turned her away, the pair eventually reconciled.

Acquaintances:

Enemies:

Rivals:  Madam Malkin (Sr.) - Noelle has a severe (bordering on hostile) rivalry with the Malkin family ever since taking over her mentor’s shop. For personal and professional reasons, they simply never got along from the moment that Noelle found herself in London.

S/O: Lihuan Wei (@endlessly-cursed)

Noelle was vaguely aware of Lihuan during their time at Mahoutokoro but never ended up conversing much. Later in life, they crossed paths in England and what started out as some fun turned into a deep affection. Unfortunately their time together didn't last too long as Lihuan traveled back east to pursue becoming a samurai in Japan, much to Noelle's discontent.

Eventually, Lihuan returned and Noelle was determined not to let her go again. They carried on with their relationship in a hidden manner, but lived the rest of their lives together in contentment.

Ex: Hayashi Toru - Noelle considers Toru to be the worst mistake of her life, yet she still recognizes in spite of the hardship that he caused her, she wouldn't be the woman that she ended up being. A pureblood wizard form a dangerous family both in and out of the wizarding world, they met at Mahoutokoro. Noelle felt a close tie to Toru ever since he gave her a tour during her first week, being a year ahead of her. As her mother's more trusting side took precedence, Noelle found later that she placed her faith blindly in a boy who she would have been better off shunning, who was frighteningly skilled in toying with the free will of others.

࿐ History ࿐

Nearly all of her life, No-Eul has been shrouded in white. The first time that she drew breath was amid a dark winter blizzard that shook the island of Tsushima and covered the grass in a blanket snow. An only child to muggle parents, she grew up in a home of moderate comfort due to the profession of her father and the connections of her mother. When she was seven, news was broken to her family by way of a school admittance letter that she was, in fact, a witch, invited to enroll as a day student at Mahoutokoro.

After seven years of going back and forth to the school, an invisible rift had formed between her and her family of whom she rarely saw, and even when she did, oddly enough she still felt as though she was far away from them. Her time at school didn't fare much better as tensions continued to rise between Japan and Korea, and her place in the world became a tug-of-war between the two halves of her heritage and the uncertain addition of magic thrown into the mix. In her vulnerability she took solace in her closest friend at school and first love, Hayashi Toru. It was this vulnerability that landed her in a difficult position as she poured her heart out to him and he asked for her trust in order to "help" her. With a little bit of hesitance yet an encouraging smile, he cast a spell that No-Eul had never heard of, Imperio, and in a moment, it was as if a weight had been pulled from her chest. She seemed to float through the next two years much lighter than before with her surroundings feeling like a blip in the distance. It was a comforting feeling while being blissfully unaware of her surroundings. Some such as her other friend, Fumina, noticed a difference, but No-Eul wasn't that much of a social butterfly for anyone to truly think much of it.

It wasn't until she was sixteen that Fumina decided to confront her on her strange behavior, particularly as it related to the excessive amount of time that she spent with Toru. When Fumina came to realize what was going on, she threatened to expose what was happening, and Toru prompted No-Eul to cast dark magic on her. Amid doing so, No-Eul managed to break out of the Imperius Curse but it was already too late as others had witnessed what she had done, and her robes immediately turned a stark white. It wasn't until her trial that it was revealed she was under the Imperius Curse, but with members of Toru's family on the Council of Magical Law, the matter was covered up and No-Eul was in too big a state of despair to care.

Shamed by her school, shunned from the wizarding community, and frightful of what fate awaited her if she decided to return home, she sent word to Fumina asking for her to grant one last favor and let her flee the country. Fumina agreed on the condition that she would never reach out to her again, and thus, covered up to her knees in white ash, No-Eul arrived in London and would soon put her birth name to rest, instead becoming Noelle Brenton.

࿐ Misc & Trivia ࿐

She is fascinated with peacocks to the point where one will find them on her fine china, feathers in her hats, wallpaper in her foyer, etc.

She is particularly skilled in the Forgetfulness Charm

While not an active suffragette, she does support the cause in a more “under the radar” way, and is not afraid of sharing her thoughts on the matter if asked directly

She refuses to sell school robes in her shop

She makes a fair share of dresses for herself with white fabric, symbolic of her expulsion yet more for embracing it rather than the shame

She has a bit of an ambiguous view toward dark magic

Hi, could I get a ship please? I’m 5’5, with long brown hair and green eyes. My favorite color is forest green, and I love the smell of autumn, if that makes sense, and warm scents. I listen to a lot of indie, vintage, and alternative music in my free time.

I’m very shy, and I’ve been told that I’m very cold and intimidating at first, and I find it hard to trust people when I first meet them. However, I warm up to the people I can trust, and often become the “mom friend” of the group and care for my friends. I’m a secondary education history major, so I plan to be a high school history teacher. I love to read, and watch historical fiction or comedy shows and movies. I spend a lot of time with family, and in the future I hope to have a large family with several kids! I also love traveling and experiencing new cultures and places.

I hope this wasn’t to long haha! Thank you so much 😊

Hi! So sorry this took so long to write, it’s been a tiresome few months. I hope you like this! 💕

I ship you with... Joe Toye!

When you first met, he was a little intimidated by you, and that's not an easy feat. There was something about you, though, that made him want to stick around; it took him a while, but he realized it was because you and he are very alike in that regard of first impressions.

He stuck around for long enough for you to trust him and him to trust you, and ever since, you two have been as thick as thieves.

Joe could listen to you talk about history for hours on end. He has, in fact, with his head in your lap and one of your favorite shows playing in the background, and it's one of his best memories.

He thinks your taste in music is absolutely impeccable and every time you suggest a song to him, he always gives it a listen, always, even if he doesn't end up liking it.

Autumn is his favorite season and he is all for pleasantly scented candles and a warm fireplace, especially if it means he gets to snuggle you up against him on the couch and watch one of your favorite shows.

He bought you a forest green sweater for your birthday once and when the weather got really cold, he surprised you by wearing the same sweater in his size. He thought it was a cute idea, to be cozy and matching, but if Bill or Liebgott ever caught wind of it, he knows he'd never live it down. But does he care? No, because he loves you, and you love him, and that's all that matters.

Also, he loves the color of your eyes. So much. On several occasions, he has changed the lyrics of a song to be about how much he loves your eyes (and the rest of you, of course), whether or not he's singing to himself or to you.

He's going to be the best dad, hands down. Super involved, super caring, super fun, that's Papa Toye. He can't wait to raise children with you, because he knows you're going to be such an amazing parent.

Whenever you feel like going out and about to explore and travel, whether it's an hour away, a cross-country trip, or a plane flight, he's always up for it. He's an excellent trip planner and packer and if marriage is something you're interested in, he'd most likely propose on one of your long-distance trips in the most romantic but also personal way ever.

Also, he's 100% a scrapbooker and within a few years, you have several books' worth of photographs from your trips. The pages are mostly populated with a picture of you (because Joe takes way more photos of you than of the scenery), as well as a few drawings he's done of you in the places you've visited or at home.

Under the Mistletoe

The eleventh prompt in 12 Days of Christmas by @zelink-prompts​

Prompt List

Words: 2195

Summary: Zelda decides to try her hand at the mistletoe tradition, and it doesn’t go as planned.

BotW pre-calamity

Zelink-mas 2020  l  Masterlist

For once, all inhabitants of the castle were worried about something other than the impending Calamity. It was still in the background and hovering over the kingdom like a storm cloud, but even her father had let up on his strict insistence of her training now that the holidays were edging closer. Zelda always favored this time of year. Seeing the halls of the castle decorated with holly and glittering fairies made her heart swell. It always gave her the impression that things were going to be okay. The staff putting up a tree the size of a pyre in the Great Hall made her smile. Everything about the holidays reminded her of her mother and of the fun they had when they took the time to decorate.

It was just a shame she couldn’t marvel at the décor today, because she had a plan in mind. Well, it was more of an impulsive decision than anything. It took less than a year, when she really paid attention, for her to catch on to the maidens and their habits. She wasn’t sure where they’d gotten it from, but she saw bundles of mistletoe tucked into doorways and corners as if they were trying to catch a knight under one. She heard their quiet giggles as she passed them, and she even caught a pair one year, proving that some still held to the tradition. Zelda managed to snag a bit for herself, and now she was walking through the halls as fast as her feet could carry her without looking suspicious. Her heart was pounding out of her chest and her hands were shaking, but she’d already committed to her idea. She couldn’t just give up now. What would she do with the mistletoe then? Return it? She had no idea how she managed to get it in the first place, and she wasn’t stealthy enough to sneak it back.

Zelda shut the doors of her bedroom behind her and leaned back against them, eyeing the green bundle of leaves and white berries in her hand. It began to dawn on her then just how incredibly stupid and inappropriate this was. 

A wave of nervous nausea hit her and she held the plant tighter. This was never going to work. For the mistletoe tradition to be effective, both parties had to give consent. She really had nothing to go off of that made her think Link would want to kiss her. Why in Hylia’s sake did she grab this?

A knock on the door startled her out of her mental scolding and she jumped away from it with very warm cheeks.

“Yes?” she called out, though she dreaded the voice that would answer. Link always came by around this time--she’d memorized it to the nearest second and sure enough, his voice carried through the oak doors back to her. 

“It’s me, Princess.” Of course it was. 

Zelda quickly tossed the plant onto her vanity, but she had nothing to cover it with. The best she could do was stuff it between the mirror and the top of the table, and hope he didn’t see it. She nearly tripped trying to get back to her chair--where she wouldn’t look so suspicious. 

“Come in,” she called, dropping into the seat just as her door swung open.

“I-- are you alright?” Link crossed the room in seconds so that he could crouch before her with furrowed eyebrows. “Your face is red.” His hands, far gentler than they should’ve been with how calloused they were, held her cheeks, and then her forehead. Goddesses, did he have to be so stupid?

“I’m fine,” she assured, but she made no effort to bat his hands away. “It’s just a little warm.”

“Are you sure you don’t have a fever?” he asked. It took all of her willpower but this time, she took his hands and pulled them away from her face in the hopes that he stopped asking so many questions.

“I think I would know if I were sick, but thank you for the concern.”

Link still looked skeptical, but he dropped the subject and sat himself on the floor as if there wasn’t a chair behind him. A chair she’d brought into her room specifically for him. 

“Delivery from Purah,” he said at last and extended the Sheikah Slate to her. Zelda snatched it eagerly and activated it, tapping away so she could discover whatever the little genius had uncovered. 

“The Sheikah Sensor?” she asked, looking up at him. 

“Purah said there’s a compendium programmed into the Slate. You can register anything into it from plants to monsters by using that ruin there--it creates real time images, and the sensor will track whatever you set it to.”

“Brilliant,” Zelda mused. “This could be incredibly useful in finding rare herbs for medicine, or perhaps even other Sheikah relics! If we captured, say, a guardian, do you think it would help us uncover more? Did Purah mention anything about it?” 

“I’m just the messenger,” Link replied with his hands up in defense. “Technology is your thing, Princess.”

“Some use you are,” she joked as she searched for whatever rune would allow her to capture her surroundings in real time. She wasn’t quite sure how it worked, but she lifted the Slate to find Link on the screen as if it were a reflection. “Smile.”

He blinked, but she snapped the image before he could do anything else. A smaller image popped up over the picture, zoomed in on the handle peeking out over his shoulder. In small text read the words ‘Master Sword’. She handed it over eagerly, itching to know how it knew the name of something so specific. It was programmed in without a doubt, but how had the Sheikah managed such an impressive feat?

“So if I captured you on the Slate, do you think it would say ‘goddess blood’?” he asked, panning the device to her. Zelda raised her hands in front of her face.

“I highly doubt it,” she replied. “I don’t think it would be that specific.”

“I wonder.. how far can it capture?” 

Before she could think to stop him, Link was on his feet and adventuring around the room, pointing the Slate at anything he could find. Zelda stumbled after him, nearly tripping on the hem of her skirt. 

“I thought technology was my thing,” she accused, reaching for the relic.

“It’s not detecting much,” he replied with a shrug, spinning to face her. “But it catches the bow.”

Ah, right. The royal guard’s bow that sat on the mantle of her fireplace. The same bow that Link had once gifted her, but she never thought to hide it until he was already in her room, and he never said a thing about it to make her want to take it down.

“Register it,” she said with a shrug. “But I believe it’ll be quite impossible to fill. There are thousands of things across Hyrule that it may recognize.”

“We could do it,” he answered, glancing over to her before doing a double take back to the Slate. It wasn’t until he started walking towards her vanity that she realized what it might’ve picked up. All previous color drained from her face and she resisted the urge to curl up and hide. Could she fake innocence? 

“What is it?” she asked, but her voice was hardly as convincing as she would’ve liked it to be. 

“Mistletoe..?” He pulled it from its pathetic hiding spot and lifted it so he could get a better look. Zelda took a shaky breath.

“It’s odd how mistletoe and holly get mixed up to this day,” she rambled, fiddling with the sleeves of her dress. “One incorrect depiction led to the red berries being associated with mistletoe. I thought perhaps I could study both plants and see what further differences exist so we might correct that misconception.”

Link looked—well, she wasn’t quite sure how he looked. He could be impossible to read when he wanted to be, and it made her hate how much of an open book she was by comparison. He probably saw right through her, could read every twitch of her hands and every movement of her eyes. He crossed over to her, setting him close enough to press the bundle into her hands.

“Your business is your business, Princess,” he said at last as he took a step back. “But for your research, it’s more effective to hang it up.”

“Link, I-“ Zelda stepped forwards, reaching a hand out to him before letting it fall back to her side. There would really be no going back from this, no matter what she said or did. Her impulsivity got her into this mess, and she had no idea if it would get her out. She’d never flirted a day in her life. But she took a breath and lifted the mistletoe high above her head. “Care to prove your hypothesis?”

Link’s cheeks flushed, but he didn’t move. He was as quiet as ever, and she was starting to lose her nerve. Should she laugh and say that she was joking? Should she pretend a maid had left it behind? 

“I-“ But she didn’t get much more out before she was interrupted.

“Princess, I-.. you’re not serious.” But he sounded unsure of himself. 

“I am,” she stuttered and lowered her arm, holding the plant piece to her chest. “But it’s a silly tradition, and it’s never stated that you have to partake in it. You’re free to decline if you so wish and if I have caused any discomfort, I offer my sincerest apologies.”

“Zelda.” Her heart stopped in her chest. He never addressed her without the formalities attached. “If you wanted to kiss me, I’m in no position to deny you.”

“No,” she said immediately, resisting the urge to drop and stomp on the mistletoe. “You have every right to refuse.”

“I don’t want to.”

Zelda blinked and wondered if she’d really heard him right, or if she’d wake up to find herself alone at late hours in the morning. Of all the ways she realistically saw this going, it was not like this.

“I..” But she didn’t know what else to say.

Link enveloped her hand and gently pried the plant from it. With a faint smile that could only be described as sheepish, he held it above their heads.

“I want to prove my hypothesis. It’s important to the research of the princess,” he said. 

Zelda searched his eyes, but there was nothing betraying any thoughts or feelings he might’ve had. In a way, she was getting what she wanted, but it wasn’t worth it if he felt pressured or...

“Link..”

He took another small step forward, leaving little space between them. There was enough wait time for her to pull away, but instead her free hand came up and she brushed her fingers hesitantly over his cheek. His skin was so soft and warm. She wondered if his lips were the same. The thought sent her head spinning and her heart pounding and she decided she couldn’t take it anymore. His eyes were too blue and too pretty, and his breath on her lips made her shiver, and Zelda closed the space between them with a quick and hesitant kiss. 

“I’m sorry,” she stuttered, averting her gaze. 

Link’s fingers grabbed her chin and gently lifted her head. 

“I don’t think it was sufficient evidence,” he stated simply. “You always say a thorough experiment includes multiple trials.”

Her cheeks were burning hotter than they’d ever been before and she wondered for a moment if she did have a fever, because she was weak in her knees and the room felt very warm. 

Instead of replying however, she grabbed the front of his champion’s tunic and pulled him into another kiss—this one far longer than the first. She let herself indulge a little, relishing in the fact that his lips indeed were as soft and warm as they looked. His arms hugged her waist, pressing her to him, and she let her fingers play with the hair in his little ponytail. 

If anyone had told her that her ridiculous plan would work, Zelda would’ve laughed in their face.

When they finally parted, she dissolved into a fit of giggles and buried her face in his shoulder, because he was smiling at her and she felt like her heart was just going to burst. 

“Was that sufficient evidence to back up your claim?” she asked. Link hummed in response.

“I don’t know. We might need to test it further,” he replied. Zelda squeaked out another laugh and lifted her head. 

“You are insufferable.”

“And I’m keeping this,” Link replied as he waved the mistletoe in front of her face. She swatted at it with a huff.

“I thought I was using that for research. Steal your own.”

“Isn’t that what I just did?”

She rolled her eyes hard, but Link lifted the bundle above their heads with a cheeky grin, and she was in no place to deny him another kiss. A very Happy Hylia’s Day to her.

In the Dragon’s Dungeon: How to Play as Maleficent in D&D 5e

As a card-carrying, certified geek, I’m a fan of many dorky hobbies, and among them is Dungeons and Dragons. So in honor of Halloween, I’ve decided to dedicate my very first build to the Mistress of All Evil, Maleficent from the 1959 Disney Classic Sleeping Beauty, and to a lesser extent, her role as the leader of the Disney Villains in the Kingdom Hearts series and other 2nd tier canon material using the animated version. For this build, we are only interested in her animated counterpart. Jolie’s portray is far too noble and sympathetic for the diabolical witch we’re working with here. Maleficent is a very powerful fairy, so our goal for her build is to focus on causing as much unhappiness, pain, and misery as she possibly can.

Picking a Race

While our first instinct is to call Maleficent a Wicked Witch, she is in fact, a fairy. She’s based on the Aged Fairy (or the Bad Fairy in some translations) from the Grimm and Perrault versions of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale. Unfortunately, while Fey exist in DnD, they are not a specific playable race with stats, so we’re forced to improvise. However, there are 3 subraces which seem best suited for what Maleficent could be: [Fallen Aasimar] - since all the other fairies have wings and can only perform good magic, this dark variation on the playable “angel” race which has lost its wings could fit Maleficent’s descent and mirror the fall of Lucifer. With this option she gains +2 Charisma and +1 Strength, 60 feet of darkvision, resistance to both necrotic and radiant damage, the power to instill fear in those around her, and boost her own necrotic damage for a short period between rests. However, this might not fit her the best, and she is slain by a sword endowed with good fairy magic, which could be considered radiant damage. However, Ventus puts her to sleep in Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, so that could be a point in favor of this racial build for the character. [Maka Clan Elf] - Maka Clan elves specialize in curses by praying to old gods of nature and death. With this choice, she gains +2 Dexterity and +1 Wisdom, proficiency with Religion, 60 feet of darkvision, resistance to charm, immunity to sleep spells, and can enter an elven trance instead of sleeping. As a Maka Clan Elf, she knows the Thaumaturgy Cantrip at level 1, and starting at levels 3 and 5 respectively, she can cast both Hex and Crown of Madness once per long rest using her Wisdom modifier. [Shadar-Kai Elf] - The third option is the Shadar-Kai. Once a fey like other elves, the Shadar-Kai became loyal to the Raven Queen, and they have taken up refuge in Shadowfell, a dark dimension. This nicely mirrors Maleficent’s state as a corrupted fairy that now dwells in darkness. As a Shadar-Kai elf, she gains +2 Dexterity and +1 to Constitution, Proficiency with Perception, 60 feet of darkvision, resistance to necrotic damage, being charmed, immunity to sleep spells, and can enter an elven trance instead of sleeping. This archetype lacks pre-set one-use spells, but does allow her to teleport up to 30 feet and appear transparent as she does so, gaining resistance to all types of damage while moving like this starting at 3rd level.

As for her background, we’ll make her a Noble, since Queen Leah (yes, she has a name) refers to her as Your Exellency, which denotes Maleficent as a member of the aristocracy.

Powers and Abilities:

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

-appear and disappear in a flash of fire (teleports only herself, not Diablo) -create gusts of wind (possibly? She may have just blown down the doors) -has a Raven for a familiar -bestow curses, hexes, jinxes, etc. -bestow magical sleep -spy with Diablo (Flora is even afraid to speak her plan to hide Aurora out of fear that Maleficent might find out somehow, Diablo also later finds Aurora, acts as Maleficent’s alarm system, and leads her minions to where the intruders are.) -summon frost, snow, ice, or cold to kill Flora’s flowers -possibly some level of omniscience or divination? (Merrywhether states that Maleficent knows everything, interpret as you see fit) -shoot lightning with her staff. -Put out fires (the fire in the fireplace goes out when she lures Aurora) -possibly transmutation/relocating walls? (The Fireplace suddenly transforms into a passageway, but it’s unclear if that was already there, or if she created this doorway to lead Aurora to the spinning wheel. But once Aurora has been lead away from her room, Maleficent closes off the doorway that she created, and the fairies have to use magic to open the doorway again.) -Appearing as a floating green light (this may or may not be similar to when the three good fairies look like flying balls of colored light when in their shrunken forms.) -Hypnosis/Suggestion (Aurora clearly looks hypnotized while following Maleficent to the Spinning Wheel, only hesitating when she hears familiar voices calling her name, but is then compelled by Maleficent to touch the spindle) -creating inanimate objects out of thin air (she creates a black spinning wheel) -call lightning from the sky -raise a thicket of thorns -using non-physical form to fly/move quickly (as she flies from her tower in front of Phillip in some sort of spiral of sparks) -All the Powers of Hell (her minions are also a disgrace to The Forces of Evil) -transform into a dragon (with a fire breath attack) -weak to holy/radiant damage?

Suggested or Implied Powers These are powers she never really demonstrates in the film, but the other fairies can do them, so it’s possible she can too: -bestow gifts/blessings -shrink to a small size -change people into plants and back again -make inanimate objects float/act semi-conscious -create food -conjure clothing/don disguises -remove the other fairies’ wings -use magic to zap/weld off chains -conjure unholy/necrotic weapons and shields -turn creatures to stone -transform stones into bubbles, arrows into flowers, and boiling oil into a rainbow. -bestow an unholy/necrotic enchantment to a weapon -it’s unclear if her minions are mortal goblins that actually exist in the world, or if they’re demon minions she was given when she sold her service to Chernabog. Thus, it’s uncertain if she can summon more, or if she’s limited to the mortal beings in her service.

Kingdom Hearts

-create, summon, and control the Heartless -Teleporting (this time without columns of fire) -creating portals between worlds/planes/planets -bestow the power to control the Heartless -appear as a transparent projection -bring Oogie Boogie back to life (without the need of his body) -teleport Oogie Boogie and herself -Turn Santa Claus into a Heartless (or at least trying to) -Create a Wall of Fire -”awaken” the evil inside of people’s hearts/force people to stop repressing their evil impulses -make rocks float -summon meteors of heaven -conjure lightning indoors -move as a spiral of sparks/dark fire -Can be put to sleep by Ventus through magic

Converting her abilities to Spells and Feats

Before we can settle on a class, we have to decide what spells would fit under Maleficent based on her canon abilities, then pick a class or multi-classes that cover the widest selection of those spells and powers.

-Mobility     -Arcane Gate (Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard)     -Astral Projection (Cleric, Warlock, Wizard)     -Dimension Door (Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard)     -Misty Step (Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard)     -Teleport (Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard) -Curses     -Bestow Curse (Bard, Cleric, Wizard)     -Hex (Warlock) -Nature’s Power     -Call Lightning (Druid)     -Control Flames (Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard)     -Gust of Wind (Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard)     -Lightning Bolt (Sorcerer, Wizard)     -Melf’s Minute Meteors (Sorcerer, Wizard)     -Sleet Storm (Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard)     -Ray of Frost (Sorcerer, Wizard)     -Wall of Thorns (Druid) -Transmutation     -Flesh to Stone (warlock, wizard)     -Polymorph (Bard, Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard) -Enchantment     -Charm Person (Bard, Druid, Sorcerer,Warlock, Wizard)     -Suggestion (Bard, Sorcerer,Warlock, Wizard) -Necromancy     -True Resurrection (Cleric, Druid) -Evil Flavored     -Hellish Rebuke (Warlock)     -Negative Energy Flood (Warlock, Wizard)     -Shadow of Moil (Warlock) -Heartless     -Conjure Shadow Demon (Sorcerer, Wizard)     -Infernal Calling (Warlock, Wizard)     -Summon Lesser Demons (Warlock, Wizard)     -Summon Greater Demon (Warlock, Wizard)

Get to Class

If you want to cover the majority of Maleficent’s powers, a Druid/Wizard combination is your best bet. However, Maleficent very clearly states that her power is directly given to her from Hell and that she serves the Forces of Evil, which is textbook Warlock. So, I would label her a Warlock/Druid. Specifically, a Fiend Patron Warlock, as in other Disney material, it’s stated that Maleficent serves Chernabog, the demon from Night on Bald Mountain. However, to offer multiple options, she could also be a Warlock sworn to the Raven Queen, which puts a lot of emphasis on having a Raven as almost an extension of oneself. As a Druid, she would fit well with the Circle of Land. Maleficent’s domain is in the lonesome, desolate mountains, which will also allow her to learn Lightning Bolt, despite being neither a Sorcerer, nor a Wizard.

Stats and Proficiencies

Considering all she had to do was appear and have people gasp in fear of her very presence, we can assume that Intimidation is likely a very highly trained skill of hers. She’s also good at lying to people, so Deception is another skill that would suit her nicely. Looking at how she handles herself, she’s very well-spoken, charming, and well-mannered until she snaps and starts hollering like a cat in heat. So, we should assume that Charisma is going to be her top stat. Next up for the Mistress of all evil is going to be her Wisdom stat, especially if you decided to make her a Maka Clan Elf. We see the wise, cunning side of Maleficent often in Kingdom Hearts as she frequently warns her weak-minded colleagues not to give in to the darkness, which she herself is too self-aware to succumb to. Next is Constitution, we can’t have her losing her concentration while she’s casting spells, like Oogie Boogie did while she was trying to turn Santa into a Heartless. Fourth is going to be Intelligence. It’s not super vital in most 5e builds I’ve seen, but the Mistress of All Evil is actually quite intelligent and clever. We especially see this again in the Kingdom Hearts series where she finds ways to corrupt the world in search of power. We’ll give her Strength next to last. I’m sure she can hit you with her staff or something. And we’ll be dumping Dexterity because this lady doesn��t even try to move in the original kingdom hearts game when you fight her. She’s one of the easiest boss battles because she’s so stationary. She gets better in Birth By Sleep where she’s teleporting around the field, but she still tends to stand still quite a lot. However, if you want to flip Dex and Strength for playability, no one would blame you.

So there you have it. Maleficent is a Noble Fallen Aasimar or a Noble variety of Elf, and is a Mountain Land Druid that has sworn a pact to either a Fiend (Chernabog) or the Raven Queen (via Diablo). What are your thoughts on this build? Do you think she should have been done differently? Did I make any mistakes in my analysis? And do you feel inspired to embrace your inner villain in your next campaign? Do you have a suggestion for who I should do next? Please, any feedback is welcomed and appreciated.

for peter - part 3

Summary

“Tony.”

He turned and saw Pepper marching towards them.

“You brought the leash,” said Pepper, her voice clipped, annoyed. “Our daughter is on a leash, but our dog isn’t.”

“Honey, she darts,” said Tony. “When she’s as responsible as the dog, she can come off the leash.”

or

Morgan’s third Christmas holiday with her dog brother.

or

An AU where Peter is turned into a dog instead of snapped out of existence and spends that five year gap living with the Starks at their lake cabin

read part one, part two

part three after the cut, or read on ao3

“Dad!”

Tony didn’t look up from his phone, but he knew Morgan was trying to race off towards the pond for two reasons.

The first was the same reason Tony wanted to burst into song every time someone told him you’re welcome. Morgan had Moana on repeat at the cabin since she discovered it months ago. The songs never disappeared from Tony’s mind, and the desire to chase after bodies of water never disappeared from Morgan’s.

The second was more obvious. It was the leash in his hand, being pulled at and tugged on, by the three-year-old on the other end.

“Daaddd,” Morgan repeated. “Come on, I wanna go look at the water.”

Tony looked up and over at dock resting in pond. Ice chucks were breaking apart and melting, and the water glistened with sunlight poking out from behind the clouds. It was a strangely warm day for early December. The perfect sort of day for walking around their favorite park, or at least, it would’ve been if Nat wasn’t blowing up his phone with distracting text messages.  

His cellphone buzzed and his screen lit up, and even though Morgan was pulled on her leash and Buddy tried to get his attention by nudging his hand with his nose, Tony felt compelled to look at them.

“Just a minute, little miss,” said Tony. He looked at Buddy and gave him the end of Morgan’s kid leash. “Here. Hold this.”

Buddy took the leash in his mouth and sat down, freeing up Tony to read Nat’s messages. They were the same as always. Nothing new. Just updates on her children’s home, on whatever that flying space girl was doing in space, on hopeless things Tony didn’t care to read about.

As a reply, he snapped a picture of Buddy holding the leash in his mouth with Morgan in the background, still trying to reach the water’s edge. He pushed send and pocketed his phone, hoping Nat would get the message. That he had better things to look at than her text messages that dwelled on the past.

He was moving and moved on. She should, too.

“Tony.”

He turned and saw Pepper marching towards them.

“You brought the leash,” said Pepper, her voice clipped, annoyed. “Our daughter is on a leash, but our dog isn’t.”

“Honey, she darts,” said Tony. “When she’s as responsible as the dog, she can come off the leash.”

Buddy barked his agreement, the leash slipping through his teeth as he did, sending Morgan tumbling to the ground in a faceplant. Tony and Pepper paused, preparing to dry tears, but Morgan just giggled, stood up and tried wiping the mud off her clothes, only smearing it around even more.

“You’re on bath duty tonight,” Pepper told him, as Tony offered her his arm and she accepted it. “For both our kids.”

Together, with Buddy following close behind, and Tony back in control of the leash that prevent Morgan from drowning herself in the pond, they finally walked over to the dock and watched the ice chucks floating in around in the water, appreciating that one sunny day December had to offer.

*

Tony was crouched down in front of the fireplace, adjusting fuzzy reindeer ears on top of Buddy’s head with one hand and his phone out and ready to snap a picture in his other. When they were near to perfect, Tony scooted backward and stood up. He wasn’t fast enough though, but before he could get his picture, Buddy had laid down on the floor and swiped the ears off with his front paws.

“Don’t be like that,” said Tony, crouching back down and picking up the reindeer ears. “It’s cute.”

Buddy groaned and covered his eyes with his paws.

“Don’t you wanna be a reindeer?”

Buddy huffed a growl.

“Morgan will love it.”

He uncovered his eyes and his tail slowly started to wag, and after a few seconds, he sat up and allowed Tony to readjust the ears. Buddy didn’t try taking them off that time. Just stared at Tony, looking sad and pathetic and like he’d rather be going off to a vet appointment.

“Now stay still,” said Tony. He lifted his phone back up, but just as he was clicking on his camera app, Morgan sprinted into the living room, wielding a plastic sword.

She stopped, took one look at Buddy, then ripped the ears off him. “He doesn’t like those, dad.”

Tony dropped his phone hand down to his side in defeat. With children and dogs, it was impossible to get a good picture.

“Wanna play princess dragon with me?” Morgan asked Buddy, while she whacked her father in the knees with the sword.

Buddy barked and followed her out of the room, and in spite, stepping on the reindeer ears as he trotted along after her.

They skidded across the floor, and with a sigh of defeat, Tony picked them up. He put them on his own head and settled with a selfie, hoping it was wild and ridiculous to get the message across to Nat, or at the very least, make her smile.

*

Putting Morgan to bed on Christmas Eve turned out to be the most difficult feat Tony had ever been tasked with.

She had ideas, about trapping Santa, and meeting the reindeers, and maybe an elf, and it didn’t matter how times Tony tried explaining to her Santa would not come until she was asleep. She was persistent. She escaped her bedroom on four different occasions armed with her plastic sword, that Tony regretted buying immensely.

“Go to sleep,” said Tony, plopping her back on her bed, after wrestling the sword away from her grip. “Or I’m telling Santa to leave you coal.”

Morgan giggled, then looked up at Tony with big, brown eyes. “Tell me a story? One about my spider brother.”

Tony never missed an opportunity to talk about Peter, so he was persuaded. At some point during the bedtime story, Buddy joined them and laid down at the end of Morgan’s bed. By the time he was finished, Morgan was drifting off, with that look in her eyes that told Tony he was hovering somewhere between awake and asleep.

“Daddy,” she said, shifting around under the blankets. “I know Pete’s in heaven, but sometimes I feel like he’s here with us.”

“Yeah, me too,” Tony told her, running a hand through her hair. “Now go to sleep, so Santa will bring the gifts.”

Morgan’s eyes finally fell shut, for real, that time. Tony could tell by her breathing, and how peaceful she looked, that this wasn’t another fake-out.

He took a few seconds. Watched her chest moving up and down, then left her room and headed to the kitchen, with Buddy following close behind him.

Tony went straight for Santa’s cookies, savoring every bite, until he realized Buddy was sat in the middle of the kitchen floor. Staring at him.

“What?” asked Tony. He waged a half-eaten cookie at him “Don’t give me that look. You’re old enough to know these were never really for Santa.”

Buddy barked, loud and mad.

“Hey, quiet it down,” said Tony, in a low voice. “I just got the gremlin to sleep.”

Buddy made a low noise Tony interrupted as a grumble, and laid down on the floor, looking up at him with sad eyes. It was all that talk about Peter. Sometimes Tony forget just how much Buddy missed him, too.

Tony put his cookie back down on the plate and crouched down next to his dog, massaging his ears.

“What do you wanna do, huh? Wanna go out for burgers? At our spot?”

Their diner probably wasn’t open on Christmas Eve, but Tony could break in. Grill his own burgers. He could do that. For Buddy.

Buddy jumped up and darted out of the room. When he came back, he had his favorite, bright yellow tennis ball in his mouth. His tail was wagging. He was giving Tony big, brown puppy dog eyes.

“Ok, fine,” said Tony. “Let me get my coat.”

Tony suited up with snow boots and coat, then headed outside, in the frigid, winter air. He snowman him, Morgan, and Pepper made was still standing over by the icy lake. His nose was missing. Tony suspected Gerald. That little shit.

Buddy dropped his tennis ball and ran to the side of the house, forcing Tony to stick his hand into the freeze to pick it up and clog through the snow to follow him.

The dog finally stopped once he got to a clear patch of snow, on the side of the yard Morgan had yet to trample through. He dug his nose around in the fresh snow, and it took Tony a few seconds to realize Buddy wasn’t just playing in the snow. He was drawing something.

Once his was finished, he sneezed snow off his nose, and sat down, his tail wagging back and forth as he looked up at Tony, like a childhood showing off a crayon drawing.

Tony’s breath caught. In the snow, he had written the word Underoos, with a backwards R and an upside-down E. Had Tony ever referred to Peter as Underoos around Buddy? Tony couldn’t remember, but he must have, because that was the only explanation he could wrap his mind around.

“I always knew you were a genius, boy,” said Tony. “I – I know, I really miss him, too.”

Buddy groaned, again, and his tail stopped wagging. He walked over and nudged Tony’s hand, the one that held the ball.

They fell into a rhythm under the bright, winter stars, in the calm of Christmas Eve. Throw, run, return, repeat. Each time Buddy ran back with the ball was one more time he trampled over the writing he’d made in the snow. He was back and forth, back and forth, until it was unreadable, until it was no more.

*

Tony walked into his bedroom and was assaulted by Christmas music, wrapping paper, and bows.

Pepper stood over their bed, ripping shiny blue wrapping paper off a dog toy Tony had tried to wrap according to her standard, but obviously, had failed. She gave him a look as he had walked closer and threw the Yoda dog toy at him. It hit his chest, squeaked, then fell to the floor by his feet, forcing Tony to pick it up.

“How many of those did you buy?” asked Pepper, a slight smile on her lips. She could pretend to be outraged by Tony spoiling both their child and their dog with toys on Christmas, but Tony knew she loved him for it.

“He needs the whole set,” said Tony, sinking down on their bed, causing heaps of torn wrapping paper to crinkle under him. He put Yoda down in the pile of other Star War toys Pepper had yet to wrap.

Most were dog toys for Buddy, but there were a few plastic lightsabers for Morgan, too.

“Yeah. The same way Morgan needed an alpaca.”

“She didn’t,” said Tony. “Gerald needed us.”

Gerald the alpaca joined their family of misfits on Morgan’s third birthday. She had wanted a petting zoo for her party, and had gotten one, and when she overheard the employees talking about sending Gerald off to an early retirement, she’d convinced Tony to write a check.

Tony had Gerald less than a day before they out figured why the petting zoo workers didn’t think he was fit to work. Gerald was a pain in his ass, so naturally, him and Buddy and Morgan all became fast friends.

“Tony, seriously?” asked Pepper. She unwrapped the red and gold, Iron Man, dog sweater. “You’re never going to get this thing on him.”

“Sure I will.”

“May I remind you of the time you tried getting him to wear a sweater?”

“That was different,” said Tony, snatching the dog sweater away from her and holding it up to see the Iron Man emblem and trying not to have flashbacks of a shredded AC/DC sweater.  “He clearly has bad taste in music, but this… Pete will love this.”

After a few beats passed, and Pepper didn’t say anything, Tony lowered the sweater and looked at her. She was staring at him. With concern. A look in her eyes that was familiar, but one he hadn’t seen for years.

“What?”

“You know… you know that Buddy isn’t Peter, right?” she asked him, carefully. “That Peter’s gone?”

“What? Yeah, yeah of course,” said Tony. “Because that would be… just… ridiculous. That would be ridiculous.”

Pepper eyed him with suspicion, as if she didn’t quite believe him, but then, the moment passed, and she fixed him with a small smile. She took the sweater back from him and laid it flat on the bed, beginning to wrap it with precision only she could manage.

“Where’s Buddy, anyway?” she asked. “He’s being too quiet. It’s scaring me.”

A valid question, and even more valid concern. Every other night they wrapped presents, Buddy was outside the door, whining or trying to claw his way in. He was worse than a literal child about wanting to catch a peak of his presents early.

Tony stood up off the bed and walked over to the window. Down below, Buddy was visible, running around in the snow, near the icy lake, and near where Gerald was stood inside his stable. Buddy had refused to come back inside after Tony had decided he’d had enough of throwing the ball around. Almost as if his grief for Peter had turned into anger towards him.

“Running around,” answered Tony. “Blowing off some steam.”

He turned back in time to see Pepper fold the wrapping paper over the Iron Man sweater. Maybe he’d wait a couple of days before trying to make him wear it and snapping a picture. Maybe he’d wait until Buddy’s anger melted away with the snow.

*

Christmas morning turned Tony’s living room into a disaster zone. Torn wrapping paper laid about in piles, empty boxes and shiny new toys, both for dog and for child, were spread out all over. The toys went ignored, though, while Buddy rustled around in the wrapping paper and Morgan was sat inside a giant box, pretending she was a spaceship and about to shoot lasers into the Death Star.

They watched too much Star Wars in their house. Pete would be proud.

After they were done playing with the trash, Morgan and Buddy settled down on the couch and watched Morgan’s latest obsession, Frozen. She stretched out, used the dog as her pillow, and tapped her foot on the cushion to the beat of the songs. They were both distracted, and so Tony and Pepper saw the perfect opportunity to rid their living room of paper and cardboard.

Tony left the spaceship box behind, though, when he and Pepper bundled all the trash together to take out back to the waste bins. He’d never survive the whining if he didn’t.

It didn’t take them long to dispose of the trash. Just a few minutes, and then another few minutes on top of that to make the hot chocolate and put some cookies on a plate. Ten minutes, tops, but tragedies have happened in less time than that.

When they returned, there was a chill in the house. Their front door was sitting wide open.

“Morgan?” asked Tony, hurrying in the living room. He peaked over the top of the couch and saw, or didn’t see, exactly what he feared.

There was no daughter, no dog. Just Frozen playing for an empty room.

Tony was outside in seconds, with Pepper rushing along beside him. His sock covered feet tore through the snow, towards the lake, where he knew, without looking, that’s where Morgan had gone. When he did look up, when he finally forced himself to see, it was another fear confirmed.

Buddy and Morgan were in the lake. Morgan, with her arms locked around Buddy’s neck, and Buddy, trying to keep his head above the water, dog paddling with all the strength of a golden retriever.

Tony and Pepper both arrived at the water’s edge just as Buddy carried Morgan out of the lake. She was lifted up, and straight into Pepper’s arms, shivering, teeth chattering, too cold and scared to even cry.

“Mom - mommy,” she said, then coughed. “I’m sorry, I wanted to be like Elsa and walk on the ice, but I fell through.”

Tony looked dog as Buddy emerged from the water, slow and sluggish, whining a little.

“Please don’t be mad.”

“We’re not mad,” said Tony. He tore his eyes away from Buddy and put his hand through his daughter’s freezing, soaking hair. “Just promise, never again?”

“I promise. Is.. is Buddy going to be okay?”

“He’s going to be fine,” Pepper told her, killing the panic in not just Morgan, but also Tony. He didn’t know how she did it, how she remained so calm in terrifying situations. “Daddy’s going to take care of him while I get you all dried off, okay?”

“O-okay.” She clung onto to Pepper, borrowing her head in her neck.

Tony crouched down where Buddy lay in the snow, wrapped his arms around him and picked him up, carrying him as he trailed after Pepper back into the cabin. Once inside, she took Morgan upstairs, and Tony carefully placed Buddy in front of the fireplace before leaving him, just for a few seconds, to get some towels and on an impulse, Pepper’s hair dryer.

Buddy was still lying scarily still when Tony hurried back and began the hard work of getting him dry. He whined a little, and whimpered, when he watched Tony plug the hair dryer in, but didn’t try to escape. He stayed perfectly still as Tony dried him, and as Tony’s thoughts run wild with the worse possible version of that Christmas day.

He could’ve lost everything. In ten minutes. Two thirds of his world. Gone. Just like that. Just like snapping a finger.

Tony switched the hair dryer off and ran his hand across Buddy’s back. He was warm. He was dry. He was still breathing.

He let out a breath and closed his eyes, only blinking them open when he felt a paw on his knee. Buddy stared up at him, all wide brown eyes that stabbed at Tony’s chest, that threatened him with a truth Tony wasn’t ready to face.

He broke eye contact, and instead, rubbed the top of Buddy’s head.

“You glory hound,” said Tony. “You just can’t stop saving people, huh?”

Buddy responded with a bark. A real one. Something Tony needed to hear to fully understand that Buddy was truly okay.

He stood up, sudden, causing Tony to fall back on the palm of his hands, just watching as Buddy ran across the room, grabbed the red Iron Man dog sweater between his teeth, and ran back over. He dropped it in front of Tony, sat down, and looked at him expectantly.

“Is this a joke? Because that’s bad for an old man’s heart.”

Buddy barked at him, then nudged the sweater closer to him with his nose.

Tony smiled and pulled the sweater over him, lifting him up and helping him put his front two legs through the sleeves.

“I gotta say, boy,” said Tony. “Red’s your color. Wanna go show Pep? Can you believe she said you wouldn’t wear it?”

Buddy barked again and followed Tony up the stairs, his tail wagging as they went.

The next morning started the day Pepper gave up buying dog food and trying to get Buddy to eat it. She grilled him a steak for breakfast and let him eat at the table. He sat next to Morgan as she sipped the milk from her cereal. He wore his Iron Man sweater, and Morgan wore her Christmas pajamas.

Another perfect opportunity to snap a picture.

He took it, and for once, it didn’t get ruined.

Tony sent it to Nat, who finally decided to respond with something that wasn’t related to Avenger’s business.

cute dog

Since there's way too much snow where I live rn, could I request brunos gang and what would they do if they got snowed in with their s/o?

God I wish that were me. I’ve only seen snow twice in my life.

Anyways I’m doing this using second person pronouns cuz that’s just what feels right for me? If you don’t want me to do it like that just feel free to tell me. 

Bruno:

“Well mio caro, it appears as though we’ll be here for quite some time. Shall I fetch us something warm to drink?” He calls to you as you bury yourself in blankets on the couch. He then goes to the kitchen and you hear the gentle clink of the teacups as he prepares the drinks. A few minutes later he returns with two cups of tea/coffee/hot cocoa and a plate of Buccellati cookies (look them up they’re a real thing and they’re delicious.) left over from the gang’s Christmas party. He puts them on the coffee table and cuddles under like ten thousand blankets with you and you two start a movie marathon with lotsa huggles n smoochies (One of the movies you watch HAS to be Il Postino because that’s his favorite and he deserves the best.) until you fall asleep. If you fall asleep first then he carefully swoops you up and take you to a proper bed (cuz sleepin on a couch can do a fuckin number on ya.) and he keeps cuddlin up to ya till he falls asleep too.

Abbacchio: 

“Ah, shit. Looks like we’re gonna have to cancel that shopping trip. And here I thought we could stock up on some Moscato.” He says before stalking over to the music player and pressing play. Monteverdi softly begins to drift through the home as he seats himself besides you, shivers, and tugs the blankets off of you. “Hey, quit hogging the blankets.” He quickly fixes them so they cover the both of you generously and he scoots a bit closer. After a while of sitting there and taking each other’s warmth with the calming music in the background, someone’s stomach growls. Whose is it? I dunno. And he pipes up. “I think we’ve some Ruchetta salad left over. I’ll throw some on a couple of plates.” He slowly gets up and heads to the kitchen, you hear him throw open the fridge and a few cabinets as he starts to rummage around. After a few moments of nothing but the classical music and the clinking of China plates Abbacchio lets out an “Aha!” “What is it Abba?” Hep pops up from behind the bar holding a bottle. It looks like... a bottle of Zonin Primo Amore. ((I headcanon this as Abba’s favorite cuz it has a higher ABV than most Moscatos.)) “I almost forgot I had this. Kept it hidden just in case.” “Well in that case bring over the good glasses and we can pop in a movie!” “Can we watch Sling Blade?” “Abba I love you but Sling Blade isn’t exactly a ‘cuddling on a snow day’ kinda movie.”

Mista:

“Well I wanted to go outside and make snow angels but I don’t think I can even open the door now.” He plops onto the couch, still dressed up in layers and you take a seat next to him, peeling off your own jacket. “Why don’t we change into our jammies and do something else?” You offer. “And what exactly would that be?” I mean, what would be better than snow angels in this kind of weather? “Go change and you’ll see!” When he comes back into the living room he finds you setting up the CD player. You look over when you hear his footsteps approach and smile as you press play. He grins wide as The Carpenters begins to flow from the speakers. You grab his hand and you both start dancing and singing along “... I’m on, top of the world lookin, down on creation...” Neither of you knows how to fuckin dance so you kinda stumble around a bit before you find some kind of natural rhythm. When you do you lay your head on his shoulder and he puts his chin on top of your head as you both just enjoy the moment and each other’s company.

Narancia:

“Noooooo I wanted to play in the snoooooooowwwwww!!!” He’s banging at the door, as if doing that will somehow make the twelve inches of Jack Frost’s flaky white shit retreat from the doorway. You wonder how he even manages to lift his arms, as you saw him shove all of three coats on top of his shirt. His way-too-fucking-long scarf nearly touches the floor and you think it might be a good thing he can’t go out. He’d trip on that thing five feet out the door and hit his head on the porch rail or something. You gently grab his shoulder and direct him to the couch, sitting him down and taking off his excess layers. “What, you think whining will make the snow give way?” “No...” “I’m sure the snow will still be there tomorrow morning and maybe we’ll actually be able to step out the front door. Why don’t we just chill until then?” He looks away with a quiet huff, and that’s when you get an idea. You immediately get up and make a mad dash for the next room, where you store your electric lamp for camping, and start to put on a little shadow puppet show with him, weaving stories of bunnies and wolves going on great adventures together.

Fugo:

“Caro, what are you doing?” “ We’re making a pillow fort Panni! C’mon and grab something let’s go go go!!” You’re haphazardly throwing spare pillows and blankets into a pile, gathering the materials you’ll need to make the perfect pillow fort. He laughs but goes along with it, methodically placing pillows and blankets as you continue to run around gathering an erroneous amount of materials. Soon enough the two of you had made a fort fit for both King and Queen, stocked up with snacks and drinks and cute stuffed animals. The two of you go inside and sit against two large, fluffy pillows supported by the couch, and take a moment to admire the feats of your teamwork. You snuggle up close to him, placing your head in his lap. He cards his fingers through your hair, scratching you scalp as well and giving you a little massage, he continues to do this even after you fall asleep, and feels truly calm and warm in this little haven that you made together. He reflects on how grateful he is to have you around, and is glad that you’re his, and vice versa.

Giorno:

Giorno sits in the dim light of the fireplace and candles reading the latest fantasy adventure novel to catch his interest. He hears the soft thump thump of your feet against the floor as you approach with two plates, each with some pudding on it and two cups of chamomile tea. You place the dishes on the coffee table and sit beside him on the couch, leaning your head on his shoulder, closing your eyes, and gently resting your hand on his thigh. He grabs one of the teacups and takes a sip, and after placing it back down gingerly grips a spoon and uses it to scoop up some of the pudding and take a quick bite. When he’s finished, he begins to read aloud from where he last was and you listen, not truly paying attention to the words or their meanings, but to the sound and cadence of his voice as he longingly gives life to the story, much like how he gives life to objects. Without so much as opening your eyes, you grip the blanket next to you and drape it over both of your laps.

To Honor and Protect

You can find all other IkeSen works of mine here. NOTE: I thoroughly blame my imagination for coming up with this, and @ihavenotfallenyet for encouraging me to do the thing.

To those in the city, The Guard was a position of honor. Who could mistake otherwise? Those elite few in its ranks set themselves apart. Nine men, and only nine men, could lay claim to that position of prestige, and each of them were known through the land as brilliant, talented, awe-inspiring soldiers. They were peerless. 

The men inside The Guard knew better. 

True, their mastery knew no bounds, and the Crown knew that. It was why they were given the position, after all. But as many as fell into The Guard through sheer talent, half of their ranks less earned the rank as much as had it thrust upon them as a punishment. 

Mitsunari Ishida understood this as well as anyone else. 

It didn’t bother him anymore. It was a stretch to say it ever had. While Shingen still swallowed back his disgust at working alongside his most hated rival with a smile, and Kenshin barely restrained his sword arm and lust for battle even among his peers, where Hideyoshi secured his place as a punishment for banditry, he--

Well, his story was one best left behind.

Besides, he’d grown to love the City. It was a sprawling, beautiful place. The gates were made of polished obsidian, the white stone streets leading in a sunray to their center: the palace. Golden spires reached up to the heavens, as if kissing the clouds. The cliffs behind them crashed with the roar of the ocean. Sometimes, when he woke in the morning, before donning his armor, Mitsunari would stand in the window of his room and just inhale the tang of salt. 

“You adapted well,” Nobunaga commented one day in the training yard. “Though your swordplay leaves something to be desired.”

Mitsunari just smiled. “My talents never lay in physical prowess.”

“Fair. That isn’t why you were recruited in the first place.”

No, it certainly wasn’t. Mitsunari didn’t need to establish that. Even Kenshin and Shingen had adopted him as a master of strategy, though he reported to Hideyoshi directly (and frankly, for a man previously established as a bandit lord, Hideyoshi was far more honorable and kind than Mitsunari expected). Books weren’t all that common in the kingdoms, but he had amassed a collection that rivaled the Royal Library itself. When they took him in, they confiscated his whole stash and stored it there. 

He wasn’t too angry about it anymore. They let him take whatever he wished, after all. Besides: considering the circumstances, it could all have been much worse. 

Most of his days were spent the same. First, training: Nobunaga and Kenshin were intent on making him a fine swordsman, and though he’d faltered at first, he’d gotten a lot better in the recent months. Then the nine of them would take up their positions along the castle, addressing security concerns and aiding in other aspects of the military. After lunch, he would convene with The Guard and the general of the at-large military, addressing any tactical concerns and potential security threats. Occasionally, when the Princess’ bodyguard Sasuke was called away, one of them would be requested to serve as a replacement. Mitsunari hadn’t received the honor yet, but from what the others said, she was an intelligent and kind woman. 

Given all this--and his background, Gods forbid--Mitsunari was sort of surprised when he received a request. 

“You’ll be meeting the Princess soon,” Ieyasu snipped, flinging a letter at him. Despite his few years with them, Ieyasu had never warmed up to him, which was odd. Mitsunari had nothing but respect for the man. “They want you to report to the palace every other day for her.”

“Whatever for?” He fished for his glasses. Ieyasu rolled his eyes and flicked them down off his forehead. “Oh, thank you.”

“Don’t know. Why don’t you read the letter and find out?” And with that, he stormed out. 

Well, fair enough. Mitsunari broke the seal and scanned its contents. 

His Lordship, the King, requests your presence at the castle every other day during the week. Your status as one of the most learned men in the city is known, and for this reason, you are asked to tutor her Highness, the Princess, in matters of diplomacy, history, mathematics, and tactics. 

Huh. Didn’t she have a tutor already? Mitsunari swore she did, but he didn’t mind the request. Diligently packing his things, he took his horse further into the city proper to attend to his first day of duties. 

He’d never even been in the Princess’ tower before. He climbed the winding staircase to the first floor of it, broad windows open to the crashing grey waves below. For a long moment, he paused to drink in the sight of it. 

“It’s lovely, isn’t it?”

Startled, Mitsunari spun on his heel. And there she was--the Princess stood poised in the doorway of a study, hand on the frame and smiling. She was a lovely woman with long, dark ringlets of hair pinned back at her neck. Her dress was a gauzy pink and white dream, pinned delicately at her throat and wrists, falling in long pleats to the floor. She was a princess, that much was certain. Recovering himself, Mitsunari dropped to one knee.

“I apologize! I was just taken with the view.”

“Oh, come on.” She laughed lightly and extended a hand to help him up, but he got up on his own. It wouldn’t do to sully her hands, not when he hadn’t washed them, and after traveling through the city, doubtless he needed to. “You don’t need to do all that. We don’t stand on ceremony much in my wing of the castle.”

“It would be wildly impolite of me not to at least bow to you, your Highness.”

“You don’t have to call me that, either. Please. It’s too much.”

Too much? Mitsunari paused, a little uncertain with the informality of it all. It felt too impolite to just call her by her name, so he settled on finally saying, “If you so wish, Princess.”

She laughed, but shrugged. “Ah, good enough. Sasuke!”

“Yes?” Her bodyguard emerged in the doorway as well, his brown hair tousled. He’d met the man several times before; he was a sharp, well versed individual. In fact, Mitsunari wondered temporarily why they hadn’t picked him to tutor the Princess, but then he cast that thought aside. No doubt Sasuke had enough to do already. 

“Could you do me a favor and grab the tea tray? I forgot it.”

“Sure. Do you want some snacks, too?”

The Princess cast a questioning look at Mitsunari. He fumbled at the unspoken ask before responding, “No! No, I’m good, thank you very much.”

“Alright.” Silently, Sasuke slipped by him and down the stairs, and the two of them were left alone. For a second Mitsunari thought nothing of it, and then the reality struck him. 

They were alone. Together. He wondered if she even knew about his past. How could she feel safe, being alone with a... well, a criminal? Sure, she had been with Hideyoshi alone before, when he served as her bodyguard, but Hideyoshi’s crimes were so tangible. A man with a sword was not as open-ended in its terror as what he had done. He had half a mind to ask--but reason got the better of him, and he just smiled instead. “Then shall we start your lessons?”

“Certainly.” She motioned him into the warm, large study, bookshelves and comfortable seats and a warm fireplace and a broad table awaiting them. “I’m looking forward to it.”

His silent question went unanswered for several weeks. She was a bright and lovely person. Even on the cloudiest of ocean days, something about her presence was sunlight. He emerged drenched in the tower one day, his cloak flung over the satchel to protect his books, and she laughed at him and took his glasses from his head. 

“Sasuke, would you grab a towel?” And without ceremony, she took the broad sleeve of her red dress--a dress, he realized all at once, that looked very fetching on her--and started cleaning his glasses.

“Princess,” he sputtered, “You don’t have to do that.”

“No, I don’t,” she agreed, lifting them to the firelight to inspect her work, and resuming again. “But I wanted to, so I am.” 

When Sasuke brought the towels, she took one and dried his face herself, and he was so full of warmth that he thought he might burst from it. 

One day, in the middle of a history lesson, she finally asked the question. 

“Mitsunari.” And she paused a long, long, long time, finally recovering herself. Her thoughts spun in those dark eyes like the spark of flame. “Mitsunari, I’ve a wonder.”

“Please, ask.”

“I know why some of the others are in The Guard, but you...” She paused again. “I’ve heard rumors.”

Oh.

“Well.” Mitsunari hesitated. “Do you want me to tell you?”

“I don’t need the whole story. What I’ve heard was gruesome. I’m having a hard time reconciling it to you. You’re...” Her voice trailed away. “Not what I expected. I don’t know what I expected, if I’m honest, but it wasn’t you.”

What did that mean? He cocked his head at her. “I can’t tell if that’s a compliment.”

“It is.” She laughed, light and musical, and it warmed him again. “It’s a lot better than I expected, to be honest. But... Mitsunari, I hear you can do magic?”

The silence lasted longer than he meant it to. Before, the story had come so easy to him, so clearly and simply. He’d shared it with Hideyoshi without hesitation. But now--now, facing her, it was so much harder.

He swallowed. “I can.”

“And... correct me if I’m wrong, but performing that--”

“It’s not pleasant.” The quill he held creaked threateningly, and all at once he realized he was clutching so tight his knuckles were white. Setting it down, Mitsunari continued. “Performing feats like that requires a significant sacrifice of some sort, and sometimes that sacrifice is more tangible than one might like.”

Those dark eyes probed him, searching for something. “So it’s true?”

“All true. Probably.” He paused. “I don’t know what exactly you’ve heard, but I’d say ‘gruesome’ is an apt description.”

He thought she might ask. Her mouth parted and hung there for just a second, and then she closed it again. 

“Not the whole story. Just some details, but--well, I can’t imagine you like talking about it.”

No. But he wasn’t about to admit to that. “Do you have any questions?”

A million, her eyes whispered, but she just smiled and reached across the table, taking his hand in hers. The gesture stunned him so completely that he froze, staring wide-eyed into her face. What was she doing? Here he was, admitting to the terrible--truly awful--measures he’d taken, the path he’d resorted to, the Road to Hell he’d been on, once upon a time, and she was still looking so kindly at him?

“Yes?” He asked, smiling on habit. “Princess?”

“Nothing.” And then she withdrew her hand, leaving his colder than he’d ever thought it was before. “So, history? We were in the middle of a lesson?”

“Of course, Princess.” 

Games Archives.

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A Local Post Office Transformed Into A Meaningful Family Home

A Local Post Office Transformed Into A Meaningful Family Home

Homes

by Lucy Feagins, Editor

Dress by Wolfe Child. Silver metal Speedster ride-on-car from Temple & Webster. Rug from Tribe Home. Ladder from Red Hill House. Couch from Oz Design. Table from Michael Riseley. Glassware by Country Road. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling (done virtually!) – Rebecca Vitartas

Menu Dancing Pendant light from Leo & Bella. Coffee table made by Mike. Cushions from Adairs. Rug from Tribe Home. Ladder from Red Hill House. Couch from Oz Design. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

Rug by Tribe Home. Two line drawings from Mondo Cherry. On the second shelf: ‘Josephine’ print by Alexandrena Parker. ‘Menu Dancing’ pendant light from Leo & Bella. Coffee table made by Mike. Throw by Adairs. Silver metal Speedster ride-on-car from Temple & Webster. Couch from OzDesign. Walls painted with Dulux Lexicon Quarter. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

This is Mike and Alexandrena’s favourite room in the house. ‘When we purchased the building the fireplace had big wooden boards tacked over it, holes in the walls from old post boxes, 80’s style carpet covering the floors and lime green paint finishing the windows!’ Togo couch by Ligne Roset from DOMO Australia. Stool from Nick Pearce Furniture. Pendant by Coco Flip. Wall rosette by Skinny Wolf. Rug from HK Living. Walls painted with Dulux Lexicon Quarter. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

‘Menu Dancing’ pendant light from Leo & Bella. Coffee table made by Mike. Vase on coffee table by Oh Hey Grace. Lamp from Provincial Living. Rug from Tribe Home. Cushions from Adairs. Ladder from Red Hill House.  Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

‘Menu Dancing’ pendant light from Leo & Bella. Coffee table made by Mike. Vase on coffee table by Oh Hey Grace. Wall hanging above fireplace by Mondo Cherry. Couch from OzDesign. Walls painted with Dulux Lexicon Quarter. Throw from Adairs. Silver metal Speedster ride-on-car from Temple & Webster. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

‘Dogs that live in Yuendumu’ painting by Senita Napangardi Granites from Warlukurlangu. Togo couch by Ligne Roset from DOMO Australia. Pendant by Coco Flip. Ceramics from Oh Hey Grace. Wall rosette by Skinny Wolf. Rug from HK Living. Walls painted with Dulux Lexicon Quarter. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

Alexandrena with three-year-old Ruby, who she describes as an ‘all-round legend!’ Togo couch by Ligne Roset from DOMO Australia. Vases in the background by Oh Hey Grace. Ruby is dressed in Goldie + Ace. Alexandrena’s collection of film cameras can be seen behind her on the shelves! Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

Mike custom made the dining table from Oregon wood. Secondhand dining chairs from the op-shop. Ceramics by Robert Gordon. Glassware from Country Road. Cushion in background from Pony Rider. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

Mike custom made the dining table from Oregon wood. Secondhand dining chairs from the op-shop. Ceramics by Robert Gordon. Glassware from Country Road. Cushion in background from Pony Rider. The splash-back tiles were handmade in Morocco by Tiles of Ezra. Ceramic vase on shelf by Oh Hey Grace. Pendant light by Normann Copenhagen. Chopping board from Nick Pearce Furniture. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

Mike custom made the dining table from Oregon wood. Secondhand dining chairs from the op-shop. Ceramics by Robert Gordon. Glassware from Country Road. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

Mike and Ruby nestled in the window seat below some family portraits. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

The hallway is still in original condition. Pendants from Beacon Lighting. Stool by Nick Pearce Furniture. Bench from Imprint House. Vintage hats on the wall. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

‘Avalon Kids on Dirt Track’ by Alexandrena Parker. Hooks and bench from Imprint House. Soft toy camera from Numero 74. Basket from Oli Ella. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

Bathroom towels by købn. Stool by Robert Gordon. Vanity by Nick Pearce Furniture. Bath by ACS. Bed linen by Bed Tonic. Navy pillow cases and oatmeal sheet from Bed Threads. ‘Jackson Hole Herd’ photo by Alexandrena Parker. Painting by Kate Eliza. Stool by Nick Pearce Furniture. Pendants from Beacon Lighting. Room painted with Dulux Lexicon Quarter. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

‘Land of the Roses’ wallpaper from Jimmy Cricket. Camomile London bedding from Mondo Cherry. Horse cushion from Mini Rodini. Mustard cushion and bunting from Numero 74. Vintage knitted doll purchased at Broken Hill op-shop. Swan artwork by Tamar Mogendorff from Hello Little Birdie. Vintage desk purchased on Gumtree. Rainbow toy from Grimms. Rug from Oh Happy Home. Heico mushroom light by Egmont Toys from Kid Store. Bed and bedside table were vintage finds on Ebay. ‘I purchased the vintage chalk boardfrom op shop when I was about 20 years old for my future child because I loved it so much!’ says Alexandrena. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Interior design – Hide and Sleep. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

Vintage doll dress photography series by Ilona Nelson from Signed + Numbered. ‘Land of the roses’ wallpaper from Jimmy Cricket. Mini vintage kitchen. Stool by Nick Pearce Furniture. Basket from Kmart. Broom from Honey Bee Toys in Armadale. Assorted kitchen toys from Honey Bee toys Armadale and Kmart. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Interior design – Hide and Sleep. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

Dress is handmade by Wolfe Child. Toy soft camera and bunting from Numero 74. Basket from Kmart. Round cushion by Muskhane from Mondo Cherry. ‘Land of the roses’ wallpaper by Jimmy Cricket. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Interior design – Hide and Sleep. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

Mike made this backyard cubby where an old garden shed used to stand in the early days of the pandemic. Ruby dressed in Goldie + Ace. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

Inside the cubby – look at that light! Kitchen toys from Leo and Bella. Raduga Grez wooden tea set. Toys from Aldi. Wooden block stacking toy from Wooden Story. Ball bunting by Muskhane. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

The front of the house. Vintage benchseat from Nook Vintage in Collingwood. Wine barrels from Bunnings. Handmade dress by Wolfe Child. Photo – Alexandrena Parker. Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

Before this property became photographer Alexandrena Parker and carpenter Michael Riseley’s family home, it was a post office. Originally built in 1914, this post office served Beaconsfield Upper (located 45 kilometres south east of Melbourne’s CBD) for almost 100 years, doubling as a residence for much of that time. The floorplan was tailored to suit this dual purpose, with one large room functioning as the post office on one side, and a living quarters on the other.

The post office eventually moved locations, and when Alexandrena came across the property for sale near Mike’s family home, it had been unoccupied for years. Undeterred by its deteriorated state, Alexandrena became ‘obsessed’ after peeking through the windows, and purchased the property at auction the following week when Mike was at work! ‘Mike was in shock when he realised how much work he had in front of him to get us actually living there!’ she says.

Indeed, bringing the property to a liveable standard was no easy feat! At the time of purchasing, the building had no kitchen or bathroom, just a small tea room with a toilet, and the entire right hand side of the property was one 12-metre long room with no dividing walls. Fortunately, Mike was able to undertake the renovations himself, adding a new 30 square metre extension, and building all the necessary walls to delineate the main bedroom, en suite, main bathroom and Ruby’s bedroom.

One major challenge the couple faced was retaining original features of the home, whilst making the necessary updates for heating, cooling and energy efficiency. This was particularly important, as the property has no gas connection, and the family is unable to use a fireplace due to Alexandrena’s cystic fibrosis. ‘Whilst we love the old charm about the house, it wasn’t always practical to keep all the original wall panelling, because it didn’t have any insulation,’ Alexandrena says. ‘It was a constant balancing act to pay homage to the house, whilst making it as practical as possible.’ Some elements of the original property, such as the hallway, flooring and windows were retained, but the majority of the home today is new construction.

Dulux Lexicon Quarter was selected as the primary white paint colour throughout the home, for its cool undertones. ‘Our Baltic floors throw a lot of yellow, so I used Dulux Lexicon Quarter to add a cooler tone to the walls so they balance each other out,’ explains Alexandrena. ‘I try and complement these neutral tones with furnishings, textures and artwork that is really meaningful and sentimental to us as a family.’ 

An exception to this otherwise pared back aesthetic is Ruby’s room, which was designed with the help of Hide and Sleep interiors. ‘I wanted to have a bit of fun with Ruby’s room and make it a very memorable room for her. She’s only young once so I wanted it to feel like it was magical and playful,’ says Alexandrena.

It’s been almost 200 days since this family entered lockdown, and despite its challenges, the trio has managed to experience many special moments together, and are especially appreciative of their home’s natural surroundings. ‘We love the huge trees in our area, and the fact that there are often four to five kookaburras along with king parrots and rosellas on our back deck,’ Alexandrena says. 

Having been unable to work for the majority of this year, Alexandrena has started an online print shop where you can purchase some of her beautiful photographs – and Michael is taking furniture commissions, too!

zum1udontno submitted: 

“Asriel!”

I recognized that name. That was the name of the Small Goat. The kind one in the green and yellow shirt. With the floppy ears and the infectious smile. The one whose voice was innocence and fun.

“I bet I can do a backflip off this!”

And I recognized that voice. That was the voice of the Not Goat. The determined one in the black overshirt. With the heart necklace and the silly ideas. The one whose name was Chara. The not-goat that comes. They had been together a long time. Almost 20 minutes. That is a lot of time. They had been running back and forth through the purple hallways, talking and laughing and playing. The goat child had been carrying me the whole time, swinging me back and forth. I got dizzy for a little bit, but only for a little bit. A few minutes ago, the Chara had asked the Asriel to stop. It came to a tall pillar and pulled themselves up, using the green vines on the wall to help.

“R-really?”

That was the Asriel speaking. It sounded hesitant. It did not want its friend to do this. Its eyes had a lot of white in them. The Asriel did not think I could see it. I could, but only in my peripheral.

“Easy. Make sure you get it.”

The Chara was standing on the pillar now, arms open wide. One of its eyes closed for a moment, then opened. It seemed to be breathing deeply. I could not tell if it were nervous or excited. Perhaps it was both.

“‘Get it?’ Chara, you mea-” “Are you ready.”

The Asriel had asked a question, but the Chara had interrupted them. The Asriel did not understand, but it did not ask to understand. It thought it knew, and the Chara thought it knew too. I knew this could only end poorly. When the Chara asked if the Asriel was ready, it was not a question. It was a declaration. The Asriel put me down. I was resting on the ground now, on my side. I could still see both the Asriel and the Chara, but only in my peripheral. I could hear everything perfectly, though.

“Y-yeah! Whenever you want!”

The Asriel was not ready. It was not ready, but it would do what it had to do anyway. It trusted the Chara. It trusted it with its life. And then the Chara was in the air. It happened more quickly than you would think. It was horizontal, and then it was vertical, and then horizontal. It stayed horizontal, with its eyes looking at the floor. It was happy, but then it was not. It was worried. I could not see perfectly, but I could tell. I could tell by the way it tensed up, and how its mouth pulled back into a grimace. I could not see the mouth fully, but I could see the side of it, and only in my peripheral. And that was all I needed to see. And then the Chara was on the ground. The Asriel had, against all senses of self preservation, caught the Chara. It had then fallen backwards, hitting the ground. When the Chara and the Asriel hit the ground, everything shook for a second, but only for a second. They stayed there for a few seconds, stunned, the Chara on top of the Asriel. The Chara was instantly less worried, and the Asriel was happy. It had been slammed onto the ground, and yet it was happy. It truly did care about the Chara a lot.

“Ouch! …Are you okay, Chara?” “Y-yes.” “Next time you want to jump into my arms, do it with a little bit less ardor!”

The Asriel was still happy. It was making jokes and smiling, happy its friend had not been hurt. The Chara seemed equally happy at not being hurt, although it also looked a little guilty too.

“Very funny. …Oh no, the camera! Is it broken?”

Camera. It was referring to me. That was odd. Normally, the Asriel was the only one who ever noticed me or wanted anything to do with me. In my peripheral, I saw the Chara looking around. It seemed worried.

“The camera? No, I put it on the ground there…”

There was a white finger, belonging to a small goat, pointing at me. It was a subtle point, without even moving its arm. The Asriel nodded in my direction, looking at me in its peripheral. And then the Chara was looking at me, fear and relief and confusion all on its face, one after another. It turned back to look down at the Asriel.

“Oh. But when did you have the time to do it?”

The Asriel was confused at the Chara’s question. It struggled to answer for a few seconds.

“I did it when you asked me to catch you.”

It was hesitant in its answer. It did not fully understand the question it was being asked, nor the answer it was giving. There was silence for a few seconds. There was silence, and then the Chara looked back at the Asriel. The Chara, whose face was normally just a shade lighter than the Asriel, the Medium Goat and the Large Goat, was turning more red than white. It was not unlike the piles of leaves I could see in my peripheral.

“I never asked you to do that.”

It was the Asriel’s turn to be confused again, although it did not last very long as the confusion quickly turned into conviction.

“You did! You said make sure you catch me!”

The Chara blinked, and then it was annoyed. Not annoyed as in angry, annoyed as in uncomfortable and upset at being misunderstood. Its face was now redder than the leaves around, a feat I did not think possible.

“What! Never! I said make sure you get it!” “Oh. I had misunderstood.”

The Asriel looked sheepish, which was confusing as it was a Goat, not a Sheep. It moved to rub the back of its head awkwardly, and then stopped, looking up at the Chara. It then looked across to the end of the hallway or, more specifically, its legs which were still entangled in the Chara’s. It was only in my peripheral, but I could see they were very close together. The Asriel’s face then turned as red as the Chara’s currently was. The Chara felt the need to clear its throat, and then stood. Both the Chara and the Asriel were standing upright now, looking in different directions and looking very embarrassed, but not exactly unhappy.

“Let’s not talk about it. To anyone.”

The Asriel nodded in agreement to the Chara’s proposal. It stood for a moment, still and thinking, before it went to grab me. And suddenly I was swinging again. The Asriel clearly felt it necessary to break the mood, so it turned to the Chara. I could just barely see, in my peripheral, that the Asriel had a large, almost forced smile on its face. It also clearly believed I had not been listening the whole time, for I felt the Asriel’s finger reach over to my power button. I could also see the Chara look back at the Asriel, before smiling and shaking its head in amusement. The Asriel had clearly made this mistake before, several times. There was one last thing I heard before I fell asleep.

“Hey, Chara! Smile for the-”

———————————

I could always see and hear for at least a few seconds after playing back a tape. Some would say it’s unlucky that I was born this way. They would say that my cousins were much luckier, being born as planes, rather than cameras. However, I enjoyed my life. I was helpful, and got to see and share beautiful friendships and connections being made. The fact that I am only aware when being used is of no concern to me. The Medium Goat had just finished playing back this tape, and was giggling uncontrollably. It was in the living room, and she was sitting in a comfortable-looking chair with a warm fireplace in the background. The Medium Goat turned around to the hallway and shouted out, in an obviously amused voice.

“Gorey, come quick! I have just found a tape our children recorded, and you have to see it!”

The last thing I remember is the Large Goat running towards us quickly and yet quietly, an anticipatory look on its face. That was the last thing I saw, in my peripheral, before I fell asleep once more.

——————————— ———————————

A fanfiction of a fanart of a fanfiction of a fan au, starring (technically) a fan character. I honestly don’t see how it could possibly expand on this.

Enchanted Castle 1

By: SassyShoulderAngel319

Fandom/Character(s): Vine/YouTube/Thomas Sanders feat. danisnotonfire & AmazingPhil

Rating: PG

Original Idea: So... I went and saw the new live-action Beauty and the Beast twice over Spring Break and it made me really want to write a BatB!AU for someone.

Notes: (Masterlist) I’ve always loved the fairytale, so here we go! I hope you enjoy!

^^^^^

I wasn’t odd. I wasn’t. There was nothing wrong with reading. There was nothing wrong with knowing what scribbles on a page meant—with letting those “scribbles” take me to far off places, experience daring sword fights, or perform magic spells.

Yet everyone in town thought I was “odd.” They all talked about it when I walked through the town. They thought I couldn’t hear. But I could. I knew I didn’t fit in. I knew I didn’t belong there. I wasn’t a misfit or a troublemaker—but everyone thought that a girl who knew how to read was out of place. And I felt it.

But I never let it get to me. One day I wouldn’t be there anymore. One day I’d escape the small-minded town borders and go on adventures that weren’t just literary.

It was that hope that kept me going.

I curled up in front of the fireplace, leather-bound book on my lap. Papa had gone to the market for the day and wouldn’t be home until tomorrow so I had some time to relax and read, uninterrupted by the clanging from his workshop in the next room where he worked on his art: mixing paints, dropping brushes, knocking over cups. Not that I minded the background noise, but it was nice to listen to the fire and read in peace.

I liked being alone. Alone seemed like it was all I had. The townsfolk thought I was strange. They thought I couldn’t hear them when they whispered behind my back but I could. Just because my nose was “stuck in a book” didn’t mean my ears no longer worked. I didn’t have any friends apart from my papa and he hardly counted.

I took a sip of water from a roughly-hewn wooden cup and bit my lower lip. The book was getting good.

Several miles away, my father was in trouble. I didn’t know that and I wouldn’t until the next afternoon. I just kept reading, cuddled on the floor in front of the warm fire, listening to it crackle and pop as I leaned forward farther and farther, absorbed in the words in front of me.

Eventually I moved to the small, raggedy sofa behind me when I got too warm from the fire and too sore from sitting on the floor.

From there, it didn’t take me long to drop off. I fell asleep with my messy hair sprawled all over the throw pillow, book lying open against my chest. The sofa was well-worn from many nights just like this. Except this time my father wasn’t home to drape a blanket over me to keep me warm when the fire died down. And that was okay. If I woke up cold, I’d just go to bed.

Which I must have done, but don’t remember.

^^^^^

Maurice shivered in the dungeon, shivering and scared, but grateful that his daughter hadn’t joined him on his journey to the market as she had when she was a young child. He could picture what she must have been doing in his absence—probably asleep on the raggedy sofa with her thick brown hair (just like her mother’s) haphazardly flung over a pillow with a book lying open over her dress that she hadn’t changed out of. The fire was probably dying and she probably had a small cup of water from the supply they kept near her. The brown eyes she’d inherited from her mother were closed and her long blackish lashes were casting shadows down her cheekbones.

Yes. He was grateful she’d stayed home this time.

He didn’t want to know what “the master of this castle” would do to her had she been there.

Maurice wrapped his feeble cloak tighter around his body and shivered again. He knew that later the next day, when the sun had risen, the cell would get stiflingly hot so he should be grateful for the cold since he could do something about it with his cloak, but in the moment, with the hairs on his arms permanently raised, he found he couldn’t cherish the chill.

^^^^^

The sun rose over the tiny village, casting its golden light through my open window and onto my face. I sighed and rolled out of bed. My book was carefully closed on my nightstand, a single hair tucked between the pages to act as my bookmark until the drying flower hanging upside down over my wardrobe was fit to pull a petal from to use instead.

I put on my usual blue dress and boots, brushed out my snarled long hair, and had a meager breakfast of an apple and some bread that my father had bought before leaving for the market.

Once I was done, I opened my book and went back to reading. With any luck I’d have the book back to Monsieur Robert before the afternoon was over. He’d probably be surprised, but I'd read thicker books faster—usually the more boring ones that I was just desperate to get finished.

I must have been reading longer than I thought, because before I knew it, the pale gold morning light had turned into rich afternoon.

Knock, knock, knock! Heavy knuckles rapped on the door.

I closed my eyes, sighed in complaint, and got up to answer it.

As soon as I caught a glimpse through the window who it was, I wished I hadn’t.

“Gaston,” I greeted, not even needing to pretend to be surprised to see him. “What a pleasant surprise.” My sarcasm was lost on him, as was the lie that seeing him as pleasant. In fact, he seemed to look pleased. I should have chosen better words and been less polite. I didn’t think he’d ever understand me. It was like he purposefully misunderstood me to twist my words into something that he was pleased to hear. I chewed the inside of my cheek in displeasure. This was not going to be enjoyable.

“Isn’t it, though?” he asked vainly, glancing in the mirror off to the side and fixing his hair. I rolled my eyes while he wasn’t looking. “Guess what, my dear?”

I bristled at the endearment, but for the sake of being polite, pulled a grimace that could have passed as a smile. “What?” I ground out.

“Today is your lucky day!” he exclaimed.

“How so?” I deadpanned, wishing he’d go away. Then it really would be my lucky day. I'd be rid of him and alone with the company of my book.

He didn’t notice my lack of emotion. “Because today is the day you are no longer going to grow up to be a spinster!” he said dramatically, arms flinging out to make his point. I raised one eyebrow and crossed my arms.

“Excuse me?”

“Today is the day you and I become betrothed!”

“Says who?”

“Me.”

“Are you asking me to marry you or telling me that I’m going to?” I demanded.

“You’re the most beautiful girl in town and somehow you haven’t snatched up a husband yet. I'm telling you it would be an honor to fill that role for you! Picture it, my dear! You and I in a rustic hunting lodge in the woods, the massive fireplace roasting my latest kill, our beautiful children playing on the floor with the dogs—we’ll have six or seven strapping boys!—while you, my little wife, massage my feet after a long, hard day of hunting,” he rambled. I coughed to hide my snort of disgust. I wished he was joking—but I wasn’t sure he had a sense of humor. He misinterpreted my cough too. “Oh, I know this is a lot to take in, but I assure you, this is the best day of your life!”

“No,” I interrupted before he could say anything more.

“Pardon?” He looked startled.

“I. Said. No.” I took a deep breath to calm down before continuing. “Gaston, I appreciate the thought, but no. I will not marry you. We are the last people on the planet who could make each other happy. I assure you, I am the last woman on the planet who would want you for a husband. The. Last.” Forcefully, but as politely as I could, I pushed Gaston out the front door. “But thank you for asking. It’s flattering.” And I shut the door.

Once the lock clicked, I leaned against the door and sighed, mouth agape.

Exactly who did he think he was? Asking me to marry him? I'd rebuffed his advances numerous times, usually being cordial but firm, and what had he done? Taken it as encouragement? Did he think I was playing hard-to-get or something? I most certainly was not! I was just not interested.

Ugh.

I peered out the front window, making sure he’d gone. The tail of his red coat was disappearing around a corner. Whew.

Time to go clear your head, I thought to myself. I needed some fresh air. It always calmed me down.

I ran out of the house, still seething and fuming, and up the hill behind the house outside the village. The wind whipped my hair around my face and my dress flapped against my knees. That deep-rooted desire for adventure and leaving this ridiculous small town flared in my chest. Why could no one understand I was serious about leaving? Even Papa didn’t always listen to me when I'd talk about all I wanted to see.

I looked down on that tiny village from my vantage point on the rooftop.

There was no way I could marry Gaston—I'd just be trapped in the town forever.

The warm early afternoon breeze drifted around my face, making the loose baby hairs that hung near my cheeks tickle my skin.

A horse whinny jarred me from my thoughts. I whirled around, dress twisting around my knees.

“Napoleon?” I demanded, grabbing the horse’s bridle and steadying him. “What’s wrong?” I knew he couldn’t talk, but it helped me think. The little wagon with all of its cargo that he usually pulled was missing.

As was Papa.

“Napoleon? Where’s Papa?” I asked carefully, petting the horse’s side to keep him soothed. “Where is he, Napoleon?” Fear set in over my heart. The place where the wagon hitched to the huge gold horse had left a painful mark on his side and there appeared to be bite marks on his ankles. Don’t panic. Don’t panic. Anything could have happened, I thought.

The horse whinnied again, sounded as scared as I felt.

I took him back to the house, cleaned the wounds on his ankles, and saddled him up. “Take me to Papa, Napoleon,” I instructed, pulling a cloak on over my dress and kicking his sides gently to set him off.

He broke into a full run without me even telling him to.

Next

May 18 & 19

The past few days have been my favorite few days in London thus far. I have a lot to say about all of them, so I’ve split them up into smaller chunks! Brace yourself for lots of photos. 

Thursday May 18

I began my day on Thursday with class. We talked about Romeo and Juliet to prep us to go see Romeo and Juliet at The Globe theatre on Sunday. We also discussed The Myth of Sisiphus. In our contemporary class we learned about the history of The Troubles to give us a background for our play on Friday night, The Ferryman. 

After class I came back to the flat, ate some food, blogged, and probably napped. All of this theatergoing is tiring! I also entered the lottery on a whim through TodayTix for Kinky Boots on the West End.

I was absolutely thrilled to learn that I won! This meant that I had two FRONT ROW tickets to that night’s showing of Kinky Boots. 

Amanda and I left the flat early and jumped on a bus to head to the West End with enough time to get dinner; or so we thought. We were on the bus for an hour and a half, slowly weaving through traffic. Our map said it should have only taken us 20 minutes to get there. 

On the bus, getting more anxious as time went by. 

The show started at 7:30. When 7:13 rolled around and we were still blocks away, I decided that we should jump off the bus and try to take a cab. Unfortunately, it was raining so naturally all of the taxis were taken. We ended up running to the theatre in the rain. We made it with five minutes to spare - just enough time to share the Cliff bar in my purse for dinner. Very nutritious. 

It was absolutely worth it. I would run in the rain to see this show from the front row again in a heartbeat. The leads were phenomenal and the dancers were shocking (in the best way). This is such an empowering story about loving yourself and accepting others. If you have the means, go see it. 

The view from our seats. 

At the stage door with Matt Henry (Lola). 

Paul Ayres was the Charlie understudy and was phenomenal. 

Elena Skye made her professional debut as Lauren. 

All smiles after the show.

I have a newfound love for this show. 

These tickets were 20 pounds each because I won the lottery. You may not win, but it doesn’t cost anything to enter and you don’t have to accept your tickets if you win. Take advantage of it! 

Friday May 19

On Friday we visited the Hampton Court Palace. This is a palace as opposed to a castle because it was not made to defend itself. King Henry VIII lived here. The palace began to be built in 1515, not intended to be a palace, and additions were finished in 1694, which left the palace with two different styles: Tudor and Baroque. 

We took a real train (above ground) to get here. Unfortunately, it was rather rainy, so it wasn’t the best day to spend time in the gardens and it was quite chilly within the palace. Fortunately, it was beautiful enough to endure the chill. 

Hampton Court Palace. 

The Gatehouse. 

Every chimney in the palace is original. Every room has a fireplace, an expression of wealth. 

This is a segment of the kitchens. Feasts were held at the palace capable of feeding 1,000 people - an incredible feat during this time period. 

The Base Court where all visitors entered the grounds. 

Taking our place at the head of the table in the Great Hall. 

Extremely detailed tapestries restored by conservation scientists covering the walls in the Great Hall. 

Stained glass in the Great Watching Chamber. 

The Fountain Court. 

Just some best friends in a palace. 

This is my favorite photo from the palace - notice the different chimneys!

On the grounds of the garden. 

Roses in the garden. Missing my little sister Rosie and my Grandma Rose. 

The River Thames runs alongside the palace and used to be the easiest way to travel to the palace.

I loved visiting and learning the history of the palace. It is definitely worth a day trip. 

That evening we attended The Ferryman by Jez Butterworth at The Royal Court. This production was stunning. A three act play about an Irish family during The Troubles. The play takes place in 1981, at the height of The Troubles, a time period where Unionists (loyalists) and Republicans (nationalists) were at war. Republicans, typically Catholic, wanted Northern Ireland to be independent of Britain. We follow the Carney family through their plights during this heartbreaking play. This is the fastest selling play in Royal Court history. We ran into Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, and Dustin Hoffman in the audience. This play is moving to the West End and hopefully makes its way to Broadway. It was amazing. 

The view from our seats at The Ferryman. 

Two nights in a row of amazing theatre. I am the luckiest girl in the world. 

How to Style Your Home like an Interior Designer

Have you ever seen a picture of a perfectly styled room online and thought, “Why can’t my home look like that?” The truth is, designing that Pinterest-perfect room was no easy feat. It took time, money and, quite possibly, a trained interior designer.

Interior designers make styling a home look so simple, but in reality they’re using a strategy – a formula that combines the right amount of color and pattern with the perfect furniture, flooring and accessories.

We interviewed interior designers to get the inside scoop on how you can use their methods to style your home like a professional.

Choose a Style

Sometimes the layout or construction of your home will dictate what style best suits your space. Other times, your home can lend itself to whatever style you want. In either case, you’ll need to determine the style of your home before you start introducing furniture and accessories.

Choosing a design style will help guide you through the design of your entire home so that your decor is cohesive from room to room. Think of your style as a theme and use that theme to connect one room’s aesthetic to the next.

If you don’t know how to choose a style, Beverly Solomon, creative director at Beverly Solomon Design, advises choosing decor that reflects your personality.

“You should try to formulate what you want your decor to say about you and what image you want to project,” says Solomon. “Your decor should really tell your story and reflect who you are.”

To elaborate, if your personality is more laid-back, try incorporating furniture and decor that’s warm and cozy. If you’re more focused on trends, you can decorate your home based on a popular style at the time.

Consider the Amount of Space

One aspect you might have to consider when choosing the style for your home is the amount of space you have available. You need to come to terms with the realities of your space and how many furnishings you can fit in it.

You should also tackle each room one at a time, starting with the room you deem a priority over the rest. For example, if your master bedroom is in need of an upgrade, start there. If you frequently entertain guests in your home, you might want to focus on a communal space instead, like your living or dining room.

Once you choose where to start, Karen Gray-Plaisted, owner of Design Solutions KGP, suggests measuring the room before you buy new furniture.

“Draw out the overall floor plan and placement of windows and other architectural elements. It doesn’t have to be exact, but rather, a good general idea of the space,” explains Gray-Plaisted.

Make note of electrical outlets and switches, vents, windows and doors when considering the layout of the room. This can help you determine where you have the capacity to place furniture, lighting and other electronics as well as storage and shelving.

Establish a Color Scheme

You might think choosing a paint color for your walls or furnishings is no big deal, but color actually has a large impact on your mood and can affect your perception of a space. There are even some colors that can affect your physical state – for example, reds and yellows are known to evoke feelings of hunger.

When establishing a color scheme in a room in your home, start with an inspiration piece. Similar to Solomon suggesting to design based on your personality, choose your color based on your preferences. Maybe it’s your favorite throw pillow or a decorative area rug.

Draw from your inspiration and choose a color scheme that’s complementary, following the rule of three: one dominant color used for walls and carpeting, a secondary color found in fabrics and accessories, and an accent color used sparingly to add drama to a room.

This goes beyond paint and fabrics, explains Solomon; you’ll also want to consider the color of the stone, titles, woods, metals, etc. when styling a room.

Gray-Plaisted suggests starting from the floor up, using an area rug as your first place to consider color and style. The last place you should add color to would be your walls. Coordinate with your furnishings to create a complete look.

Utilize Natural and Artificial Light

Lighting can make or break the look of a room. It can change the color of your walls and even the look of your furnishings. That’s why most interior designers will recommend using as much natural light as possible.

Natural lighting, like windows, skylights and other open areas, can be created on a large-scale by altering the windows of your home to face the most optimal areas of light. You can also use curtains or shades to control the natural light exposure in your home

Solomon suggests taking it a step further by tying in the exterior views from the windows and skylights with the interior decor, bringing the outside in and creating a seamless look in the views and decor of your home.

If your home doesn’t have access to natural light, make sure you’re using the correct artificial indoor lighting to achieve the look you’re going for in your home.

Use mirrors to reflect and refract the lighting in your home to open up a room, making the room feel larger and more comfortable.

Mix Textures and Patterns

Like colors, textures and patterns can create a certain mood in a room. Too much of the same pattern can be boring, but on the flip side, too many clashing patterns can cause confusion and distraction.

“[Patterns] can tie the room together or stick out like a sore thumb,” Solomon admits. “Picking the right patterns is the biggest challenge for me.” She advises to look beyond the patterns in your textiles and to consider the patterns found in your titles, stonework, wooden floors and so on.

When incorporating the right number of patterns into a room in your home, make sure you keep the background color the same. This eliminates the chance of clashing color schemes. Additionally, make sure all the patterns share the same colors. Lastly, vary the size of the patterns to create drama and excitement in the room.

As for texture, vary the types of texture you use in your furniture and accessories. Solomon explains that texture can add as much excitement and impact to a room as color, so using fabrics like velvet, wool and cotton can add style to your home.

Use Functional Furniture Pieces

When incorporating furniture into a room in your home, it’s not only important to consider the space of the room, but the function of the furniture piece as well.

“The whole purpose of good design is the harmonious blend of form and function,” explains Solomon. “With so many people choosing to downsize their spaces, multi-functional furnishings can be very positive additions.”

On a functional level, start with the focal point of a room or the place in the room that immediately catches your eye as you walk in; this can be a fireplace, bay window or backsplash. Once you determine the focal point, angle the furniture toward it.

It’s important that your furniture not only fulfills your style needs but additionally serves a purpose or function in the room. If you find a piece of furniture is not serving a purpose, and is essentially taking up space, it might be time to get rid of it.

To avoid this dilemma, consider purchasing furniture pieces that double as storage, like an ottoman that opens into a storage space or a side/coffee table with underneath storage. This allows you to cut the clutter in the room and create a more open and minimalist feel in your home.

Personalize Your Accessories

There’s no better way to personalize your space than through accessories. Family pictures, heirlooms or meaningful items are all important additions to a styled space. However, don’t go overboard with how many accessories you add.

When adding accessories to your space, Solomon suggests applying the rule of three, considering the proportion of each piece.

“Don’t just cram in accessories to show you have accessories,” says Solomon. “Be certain that each element is proportionate and is in harmony with your overall plan.”

Solomon also recommends considering the size, shape, color and placement of the accessory before adding it to a room. Be purposeful with your additions and make sure they flow with the overall theme and style of the room.

“Most importantly, always put the quality of design, materials and workmanship first,” Solomon adds. “It is better to have a few, less-then-full spots than to have a lot of second-rate junk.”

While it’s hard to match the education and experience of a professional interior designer, using these tips will help you become more purposeful in styling your home.

Are you an interior designer? What do you think about the above tips and tricks? Share your expertise in the comment section below!

The post How to Style Your Home like an Interior Designer appeared first on ZING Blog by Quicken Loans.

from Updates About Loans https://www.quickenloans.com/blog/style-home-like-interior-designer

How to Style Your Home like an Interior Designer

Have you ever seen a picture of a perfectly styled room online and thought, “Why can’t my home look like that?” The truth is, designing that Pinterest-perfect room was no easy feat. It took time, money and, quite possibly, a trained interior designer.

Interior designers make styling a home look so simple, but in reality they’re using a strategy – a formula that combines the right amount of color and pattern with the perfect furniture, flooring and accessories.

We interviewed interior designers to get the inside scoop on how you can use their methods to style your home like a professional.

Choose a Style

Sometimes the layout or construction of your home will dictate what style best suits your space. Other times, your home can lend itself to whatever style you want. In either case, you’ll need to determine the style of your home before you start introducing furniture and accessories.

Choosing a design style will help guide you through the design of your entire home so that your decor is cohesive from room to room. Think of your style as a theme and use that theme to connect one room’s aesthetic to the next.

If you don’t know how to choose a style, Beverly Solomon, creative director at Beverly Solomon Design, advises choosing decor that reflects your personality.

“You should try to formulate what you want your decor to say about you and what image you want to project,” says Solomon. “Your decor should really tell your story and reflect who you are.”

To elaborate, if your personality is more laid-back, try incorporating furniture and decor that’s warm and cozy. If you’re more focused on trends, you can decorate your home based on a popular style at the time.

Consider the Amount of Space

One aspect you might have to consider when choosing the style for your home is the amount of space you have available. You need to come to terms with the realities of your space and how many furnishings you can fit in it.

You should also tackle each room one at a time, starting with the room you deem a priority over the rest. For example, if your master bedroom is in need of an upgrade, start there. If you frequently entertain guests in your home, you might want to focus on a communal space instead, like your living or dining room.

Once you choose where to start, Karen Gray-Plaisted, owner of Design Solutions KGP, suggests measuring the room before you buy new furniture.

“Draw out the overall floor plan and placement of windows and other architectural elements. It doesn’t have to be exact, but rather, a good general idea of the space,” explains Gray-Plaisted.

Make note of electrical outlets and switches, vents, windows and doors when considering the layout of the room. This can help you determine where you have the capacity to place furniture, lighting and other electronics as well as storage and shelving.

Establish a Color Scheme

You might think choosing a paint color for your walls or furnishings is no big deal, but color actually has a large impact on your mood and can affect your perception of a space. There are even some colors that can affect your physical state – for example, reds and yellows are known to evoke feelings of hunger.

When establishing a color scheme in a room in your home, start with an inspiration piece. Similar to Solomon suggesting to design based on your personality, choose your color based on your preferences. Maybe it’s your favorite throw pillow or a decorative area rug.

Draw from your inspiration and choose a color scheme that’s complementary, following the rule of three: one dominant color used for walls and carpeting, a secondary color found in fabrics and accessories, and an accent color used sparingly to add drama to a room.

This goes beyond paint and fabrics, explains Solomon; you’ll also want to consider the color of the stone, titles, woods, metals, etc. when styling a room.

Gray-Plaisted suggests starting from the floor up, using an area rug as your first place to consider color and style. The last place you should add color to would be your walls. Coordinate with your furnishings to create a complete look.

Utilize Natural and Artificial Light

Lighting can make or break the look of a room. It can change the color of your walls and even the look of your furnishings. That’s why most interior designers will recommend using as much natural light as possible.

Natural lighting, like windows, skylights and other open areas, can be created on a large-scale by altering the windows of your home to face the most optimal areas of light. You can also use curtains or shades to control the natural light exposure in your home

Solomon suggests taking it a step further by tying in the exterior views from the windows and skylights with the interior decor, bringing the outside in and creating a seamless look in the views and decor of your home.

If your home doesn’t have access to natural light, make sure you’re using the correct artificial indoor lighting to achieve the look you’re going for in your home.

Use mirrors to reflect and refract the lighting in your home to open up a room, making the room feel larger and more comfortable.

Mix Textures and Patterns

Like colors, textures and patterns can create a certain mood in a room. Too much of the same pattern can be boring, but on the flip side, too many clashing patterns can cause confusion and distraction.

“[Patterns] can tie the room together or stick out like a sore thumb,” Solomon admits. “Picking the right patterns is the biggest challenge for me.” She advises to look beyond the patterns in your textiles and to consider the patterns found in your titles, stonework, wooden floors and so on.

When incorporating the right number of patterns into a room in your home, make sure you keep the background color the same. This eliminates the chance of clashing color schemes. Additionally, make sure all the patterns share the same colors. Lastly, vary the size of the patterns to create drama and excitement in the room.

As for texture, vary the types of texture you use in your furniture and accessories. Solomon explains that texture can add as much excitement and impact to a room as color, so using fabrics like velvet, wool and cotton can add style to your home.

Use Functional Furniture Pieces

When incorporating furniture into a room in your home, it’s not only important to consider the space of the room, but the function of the furniture piece as well.

“The whole purpose of good design is the harmonious blend of form and function,” explains Solomon. “With so many people choosing to downsize their spaces, multi-functional furnishings can be very positive additions.”

On a functional level, start with the focal point of a room or the place in the room that immediately catches your eye as you walk in; this can be a fireplace, bay window or backsplash. Once you determine the focal point, angle the furniture toward it.

It’s important that your furniture not only fulfills your style needs but additionally serves a purpose or function in the room. If you find a piece of furniture is not serving a purpose, and is essentially taking up space, it might be time to get rid of it.

To avoid this dilemma, consider purchasing furniture pieces that double as storage, like an ottoman that opens into a storage space or a side/coffee table with underneath storage. This allows you to cut the clutter in the room and create a more open and minimalist feel in your home.

Personalize Your Accessories

There’s no better way to personalize your space than through accessories. Family pictures, heirlooms or meaningful items are all important additions to a styled space. However, don’t go overboard with how many accessories you add.

When adding accessories to your space, Solomon suggests applying the rule of three, considering the proportion of each piece.

“Don’t just cram in accessories to show you have accessories,” says Solomon. “Be certain that each element is proportionate and is in harmony with your overall plan.”

Solomon also recommends considering the size, shape, color and placement of the accessory before adding it to a room. Be purposeful with your additions and make sure they flow with the overall theme and style of the room.

“Most importantly, always put the quality of design, materials and workmanship first,” Solomon adds. “It is better to have a few, less-then-full spots than to have a lot of second-rate junk.”

While it’s hard to match the education and experience of a professional interior designer, using these tips will help you become more purposeful in styling your home.

Are you an interior designer? What do you think about the above tips and tricks? Share your expertise in the comment section below!

The post How to Style Your Home like an Interior Designer appeared first on ZING Blog by Quicken Loans.

from Updates About Loans https://www.quickenloans.com/blog/style-home-like-interior-designer