I think i’ve been diagnosed with many disorders

Naughty fox | YAE MIKO X FEM READER

MEN and MINORS DNI

Your girlfriend, Yae Miko doing her usual thing but you came to the shrine. You just wanted to visit the pretty lady, now why are you sweating and panting? Why is there also a fox chasing you? Oh well.

In the serene village of Inazuma, where ancient traditions harmonized with the tranquility of nature, stood the sacred shrine presided over by the esteemed Yae Miko. The day unfolded with the sun casting a warm embrace upon the landscape, its gentle rays painting a golden sheen upon the intricate wooden structures that adorned the shrine grounds. Yae Miko, draped in her ceremonial attire, moved with an ethereal grace, her serene countenance illuminated by a mischievous glint in her eyes as she observed the arrival of Y/N, her beloved and spirited partner whose presence often infused the village with a vibrant energy.

The shrine maiden’s heart stirred with the desire for playful diversion amidst the tranquility that enveloped Inazuma. With a playful yet cunning spirit akin to that of a fox, Yae Miko decided to weave a bit of mischief into the otherwise serene day, eager to engage in a playful escapade with her beloved.

Her nimble fingers traced invisible patterns as she invoked her innate powers, transforming seamlessly into her enchanting fox form. Her fur shimmered in the dappling sunlight, a radiant display of russet and gold as she stealthily trailed Y/N. The soft padding of her tiny paws against the earth echoed the whispering breeze, her movements as nimble and graceful as the woodland creatures she emulated. Unbeknownst to Y/N, the shrine maiden was now the epitome of a playful fox, reveling in the anticipation of her impromptu prank on her beloved.

Y/N, caught up in the serene beauty of the village, strolled through the tranquil paths, enchanted by the tranquility of Inazuma’s natural beauty. It was amidst this idyllic scene that Yae Miko, in her fox form, saw the perfect opportunity for mischief. With a swift motion, she approached Y/N and lightly nipped at her ankle, a mischievous glint dancing in her fox-like eyes.

"What in the world...?" Y/N gasped, her surprise evident as she spun around in search of the unseen prankster.

Giggling softly in her fox form, Yae Miko continued her playful pursuit, darting among the foliage, occasionally brushing against Y/N or causing a cascade of leaves to flutter around her. Y/N's laughter filled the tranquil groves, a symphony that harmonized with the playful chuckles of the mischievous fox.

"Alright, who's playing tricks with me?" Y/N laughed, thoroughly enjoying the mysterious interplay of amusement in the serene setting.

The spirited chase persisted, Yae Miko embodying the playful nature of a fox while Y/N reveled in the unexpected joy of the impromptu game. With each playful interaction, Y/N's laughter echoed through the serene groves, blending seamlessly with the rustling leaves and the soft padding of Yae Miko's fox-like steps.

As the playful pursuit continued, Yae Miko relished the spirited joy of her fox-like nature, cherishing every moment spent in the company of her beloved. Each fleeting moment of mischief woven into the tranquility of Inazuma felt like a delightful interlude in the tapestry of their day.

After a sequence of delightful moments, unable to contain her laughter any longer, Yae Miko transformed back into her elegant human form, revealing herself to the astonished yet amused Y/N.

"Surprise, it was me all along," Yae Miko announced with a delighted grin, her fox-like personality shining through her mischievous gaze.

Y/N blinked in astonishment before bursting into laughter. "Yae Miko, you sly fox! That was clever!"

"I couldn't resist a bit of playful fun," Yae Miko confessed, her laughter resonating with the spirited joy of her fox-like nature.

Their bond grew even stronger from that day forward, marked by the memory of a mischievous prank that led to an enduring romance, their laughter echoing through the tranquil groves of Inazuma, a testament to the delightful whimsy of their shared adventure as loving partners.

As the day progressed, the routine chores seemed to wane in excitement for the mischievous shrine maiden. Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she noticed the arrival of Y/N, an adventurous soul whose presence never failed to bring a sense of joy to the tranquil village.

"Time for a little fun," Yae Miko whispered to herself, her thoughts already brimming with playful schemes.

Embracing her innate ability, Yae Miko transformed into her diminutive and enchanting fox form, her fur shimmering in the dappling sunlight. With silent steps, she stealthily trailed Y/N, the fox's paws navigating the verdant paths with an almost ethereal grace. Y/N, completely unaware of Yae Miko's transformative powers, wandered through the tranquil groves, admiring the beauty of the landscape.

Seizing the opportune moment, Yae Miko, in her fox form, approached Y/N and, with a playful glint in her eyes, lightly nipped at Y/N's ankle, eliciting a surprised yelp from the unsuspecting adventurer.

"What in the world?" Y/N exclaimed, turning around in search of the unseen culprit.

Giggling softly, Yae Miko continued her playful pursuit, darting between bushes, occasionally rustling leaves, or lightly tugging at the hem of Y/N's clothing. The playful antics continued, accompanied by Y/N's infectious laughter echoing through the tranquil groves.

"Who's playing tricks on me?" Y/N chuckled, thoroughly enjoying the mystery and unexpected amusement.

The mischievous chase continued, the playful fox relishing every moment of the impromptu game, while Y/N found delight in the thrill of the unexpected mischief.

Finally, unable to contain her laughter any longer, Yae Miko transformed back into her ethereal human form, revealing herself to the bewildered yet amused Y/N.

"Surprise, it was me all along," Yae Miko declared, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Y/N's eyes widened in astonishment before erupting into joyful laughter. "Yae Miko, you sneaky fox! I had no idea!"

"I couldn't resist a bit of playful fun," Yae Miko confessed with a warm smile, relishing in the shared joy between them.

From that day forward, the bond between Yae Miko and Y/N flourished, marked by the memory of a mischievous prank that led to an enduring friendship, their laughter echoing through the tranquil groves of Inazuma.

✨ Tag Yourself: Fae Edition ✨

Pixie: You're the mischievous sprite, a tiny creature that delights in playful pranks and hidden treasures. Like a pixie, you bring a touch of magic and lightheartedness to every moment. Your laughter is infectious, and you find joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Nymph: You're the guardian of the forests, a nymph that embodies the spirit of the wild. Like a woodland nymph, you are deeply connected to nature and radiate an ethereal beauty. Your presence brings a sense of serenity and an appreciation for the natural world.

Seelie Fae: You are the epitome of grace and courtly manners, a member of the Seelie Court. Like a fae noble, you exude elegance and charm, enchanting those around you with your refined taste and sophistication. You bring a touch of regal splendor to every gathering.

Unseelie Fae: You're the mysterious and enigmatic Unseelie fae, a creature of the shadows and the unknown. Like the darker side of fae folklore, you intrigue and captivate with your secrets and unconventional charm. Your complexity adds depth and a sense of allure to your persona.

Brownie: You are the humble and helpful brownie, a creature of service and goodwill. Like a brownie, you take joy in aiding others and making their lives better. Your kindness and willingness to lend a hand make you a cherished friend and companion.

Sidhe: You are the royal ruler of the fae, a member of the Sidhe, and your presence commands respect and admiration. Like a Sidhe, you possess an otherworldly beauty and a regal air. Your charisma and leadership qualities make you a natural leader among your peers.

Selkie: You are a selkie, a creature that straddles the worlds of the sea and the land. Like a selkie, you embody adaptability and a deep connection to your emotions. Your ability to navigate the complexities of life's tides and currents sets you apart.

Gnome: You're the earthy caretaker of hidden gardens, a gnome who finds solace in cultivating the land. Like a gnome, you have a green thumb and a deep appreciation for the growth and beauty of the natural world. Your nurturing spirit brings life and color to every corner you touch.

Changeling: You're a master of adaptability, a changeling with a talent for blending in. Like a changeling, you have a unique ability to take on different personas and fit seamlessly into any situation. Your versatility and keen intuition make you a social chameleon.

Kelpie: You are the alluring and dangerous Kelpie, a water spirit that lures with beauty and deceit. Like a Kelpie, you possess an irresistible charm, but there's a hint of danger beneath your surface. You captivate those who dare to come close, drawing them into your world of wonder.

I would love to hear some nessa/vana/tulkas/orome thoughts if you wanted to share?

Ohhhh yes I have so many thoughts. Firstly for the vibes I have one ultimate Brainrot Song For They which is The Cult of Dionysus by the Orion Experience.

Before I was actually shipping them they already all occupied the same place in my brain because they make a neat little box of relationships- Nessa and Orome are siblings, Tulkas and Vana are their spouses along with functionally being the "youngest" of the Valar (Vana the ever young, Tulkas the last to come to Arda), Orome and Tulkas have overlapping Domains of hunting and fighting and chase after Morgoth's beasties, Nessa and Vana are considered the weakest Valar and are associated with flowers and general disney princess vibes. That's the basis I was working on.

So it started with... probably Tulkas/Orome but Nessa/Vana wasn't far behind. Tulkas/Orome is peak "construct intricate rituals to touch other men by 'wrestling' in the forest" and also I thought their character vibes suited shipping very well (Tulkas "canonically laughs in battle" Astaldo and Orome "canonically constantly pissed off" Aldaron). Even the Tolkien Gateway article directly contrasts the two. I'm working with what I've got.

Nessa/Vana have textbook fairycore forest lesbian vibes. Making each other flower crowns and braiding each other's hair and dancing in a lush clearing with birds and butterflies and bees and delightful woodland creatures (not to mention Vana's plausible association with fertility ;) Quoth Tolkien Gateway: "Vána robed Nessa with her flowers for [Nessa's] wedding." Could this be gal pals? Sure! But where's the fun in that when it's super gay! This is the least feral pairing simply because of how they relate to each other, but they're also the most shameless.

Of course the problem is that I'm a chronic canon-shipper unless I Physically Cannot Stand it, and I do very much like Orome/Vana and Nessa/Tulkas because you get fun hunter/gardener and dance/dojo vibes respectively, so I fix this the same way that I fix every problem: polyamory!

Orome/Vana has definite Hades/Persephone vibes to me, but wilder and without the whole. Kidnaping thing. Yavanna even slots nicely into Demeter's role but again, no kidnapping. She's much more chill with her brother-in-law. I have many inarticulate vibes about Orome's Domain of the hunt and dying opposing and complimenting Vana's Domain of new life and fresh growth, and how hunters weren't supposed to kill deer in the spring. Because of this, I think Vana is one of the few Valar who has no subjugation(?) at all to Orome's Domain despite the clear nature overlap (others who wouldn't are Varda, Namo, Vaire, Nienna, and Aule, but that's because their Domains don't really overlap with his at all, except for Namo who as Death would overpower Dying.) They are, functionally, each other's force-pairs in Newton's third law- the equal and opposite reactions.

My love for Nessa/Tulkas is more characterization related: to me, they are the epitome of those 20-something Fitness Couples who keep those super detailed daily planners with spots to fill in how much water you drank, who make really healthy delicious looking meals with seemingly no effort and constantly drink various smoothies but like. Fantasy Flavor. Their idea of a hot date is to spot each other at the gym, and martial arts sparring. They would go feral for Capoeira. Crucially, they thrive off of this. Their relationship is astonishingly healthy and peppy and they serve as each other's hype-man. My vibes-only Valar-in-modern-society AU has them opening a strip mall dance class/dojo place.

So we have the siblings, and the spouses, and the spouse swap (which has some very funny crack potential, I specifically find it amusing to imagine Nessa calling dibs on Vana and tossing Tulkas to Orome before stealing her away (they are both very amused, Orome is vaguely aggravated because she could just ask for time with their wife)

Tulkas/Vana starts as something like a relationship of convenience, along the lines of "Hey, our spouses are busy chasing each other around like idiots for Sibling Shenanigans, want to make out?" but ends up as something not quite romantic but past... FWBs I guess lol. A foundation of their relationship is committing to the bit- If Nessa and Orome are arguing it's even odds as to who will side with who, but if either of them has an argument with Tulkas or Vana it is the other's sworn duty to side with their bestie, no matter how utterly stupid. They will "Yes-And" each other's stories into eternity, even if it's a blatantly untrue excuse. This drives their spouses absolutely insane because "I know you're lying, and I know you know I know you're lying, and I know for a fact that you weren't doing something as dumb as convincing Aule to put smiley face shapes in rocks" but they will double down. (The one time they did this to Yavanna while on a warpath was unintentional and terrifying once they realized, but they committed and got her so frustrated and confused that she bluescreened and stormed off, forgetting why she had been interrogating Vana in the first place). Basically, they bring out the idiot in each other, and despite having very little in common they get along very well. It is also important to me that I see their typical physical forms as being a massive, firey, golden-veined stone giant (Tulkas), and a young, uncanny, bug-eyed and golden-haired hobbit lass (Vana). To the Valar this doesn't really register as strange beyond vague inconvenience for interacting, but to any elves who see them hanging out together it Very Much Is.

To use the terms I used in Appointed, Orome and Vana are Counterpoints, Nessa and Tulkas, Nessa and Vana, and Orome and Tulkas are Harmonies, and Nessa and Orome are Tone-mates and Harmonies. Tulkas and Vana are not quite Harmonies but they harmonize regardless. Don't mind if this makes no sense lol.

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑   𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐄𝐓

𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬.

NAME   :  snow white

NICKNAME   :  little princess, princess, fairest one of all, dearie, my pet, little bird

ALIAS(S)   :   snow grimhilde

GENDER   :   female

SIZE:   5′2″  

AGE   :   eighteen +

ZODIAC   :      sagittarius

SPOKEN   LANGUAGES   :   english   ,   german  

𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥   𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬.

HAIR   COLOR   :   black as ebony

EYE   COLOR   :   dark as coal

SKIN   TONE   :   snow pale

BODY   TYPE   :   fairly pudgy && soft. has some muscle and tone in her arms from house-work

VOICE   :     her voice is otherworldly - gentle and soft and operatic. it has a faint mid-atlantic accent but is overall innocent and charming. [ LINK ]

DOMINANT   HAND   :   right

POSTURE   :   she maintains a princess posture - very elegant and refined even as a maid.     

SCARS   :   has roughened hands and has some scars from housework, has lingering bruises on her back and back of legs from abusive housemaids in the castle.

TATTOOS   :   none

BIRTHMARKS   :   some freckles.  

𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝.

PLACE   OF   BIRTH   :   a castle in the kingdom of chione, a fantasy-equivalent of germany

HOMETOWN   :   chione

SIBLINGS   :   none

PARENTS   :     queen bianca grimhilde (mother, deceased), king ailin grimhilde (father, deceased), evil queen ingrid grimhilde (step-mother, verse-dependent)

𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭   𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

OCCUPATION   :   princess / scullery maid    

CURRENT   RESIDENCE(S)   :   verse dependent, often times either prince florian’s palace in the neighboring kingdom of flores or the dwarf’s cottage. 

CLOSE   FRIENDS   :  the seven dwarfs, doves, woodland creatures, + verse dependent

RELATIONSHIP   STATUS   :   verse   dependent - close soul-mate relationship with prince florian.

FINANCIAL   STATUS   :   wealthy, but was cut off from her money at a young age after the evil queen rose to power  

DRIVER’S   LICENSE   :   she doesnt have her license in the modern verse.

CRIMINAL   RECORD   :   none, was hunted due to her beauty.  

VICES   :   none

𝐬𝐞𝐱   &   𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞.

SEXUAL   ORIENTATION   :   demisexual   /   panromantic 

PREFERRED   EMOTIONAL   ROLE   :   caretaker

PREFERRED   SEXUAL   ROLE   :   submissive

TURN   ONS   :   emotionally   /   personality-wise: selfless, dreamy, kindhearted, “hero”, someone who will make her feel safe, loyalty, someone who is interested in learning about her and her interests.   physically   ,   snow likes brown eyes, curly hair, and strong jaws. she also enjoys people who are physically taller, bigger than her.              

TURN   OFFS   :   those who see her as solely the fairest of them all, cruelty, rudeness, gruffness, talking over her.  

LOVE   LANGUAGE   :  acts of service, words of affirmation (giving/recieving), physical touch (recieving).

RELATIONSHIP   TENDENCIES   :   snow takes a while to truly love - despite her eagerness for true love. once she is in love, she lives and breathes it. she is considerate and will spoil you in what you are interested in. she adores cuddling and picnicing and just being with her significant other. there is a gentle love running through her veins - the type of love where she will kiss you in the rain, the type to send love letters via bird, the type of love where she will look after your well-being by bringing tea and treats if only to say you’re working to hard and need a break. soft romance is snow’s epitome of romance.

𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬.

CHARACTER’S   THEME   SONG   : with a smile & a song - [LINK]  \ arabesque no. 1 [LINK]

MENTAL   ILLNESSES   :   undiagonosed PTSD, anxiety, && insomnia    

PHOBIAS   :   post-canon, phobia of apples, afraid of sleeping as well.

SELF   CONFIDENCE   LEVEL   :   6/10, is confident for others typically.  

tagged   by   :   @ycllowhaired​, thank you!!

tagging   :   @wolfvirago, @irnmaidn, @ofrubyslpprs, @mysterietwin, @chironitas, @pomfiores​, & you!

Exploring Serenity Discovering V Nature Resorts in Kanakapura

Introduction:  

Resorts in Kanakapura In the hustle and haste of advanced life, the journey for comfort in nature regularly feels like an extravagance past reach. However, settled during the pleasant scenes of Kanakapura, Karnataka, lies an asylum that provides an elude into the tranquillity of the wild – V Nature Resorts. Venturing into this sanctuary, visitors are welcomed by an orchestra of fowl tunes, stirring takes off, and the tender stream of adjacent streams, checking the starting of a special travel into the heart of nature. 

Retreat into Nature's Grasp In the midst of Lavish Splendour:  

Essence of V Nature Resorts:  

V Nature Resorts in Kanakapura epitomizes the concordant coexistence of extravagance and nature. Spread over sections of land of lavish greenery, the resort consistently coordinating eco-friendly hones with cutting edge civilities, guaranteeing a comfortable however maintainable remain for its guests.  

Haven for Natural life Enthusiasts:  

For natural life devotees and nature significant others, V Nature Resorts offers an uncommon opportunity to witness the wealthy biodiversity of Kanakapura up nearby. Set out on guided nature strolls or exciting safaris through the adjacent woodlands, where you'll experience wonderful elephants, slippery panthers, and a bunch of outlandish feathered creature species in their characteristic habitat.  

Reconnecting with Nature:  

In today's fast-paced world, it's simple to lose touch with the rhythms of nature; be that as it may, at V Nature Resorts in Kanakapura, each minute is a welcome to reconnect with the soil. Spend your days relaxing by the limitlessness pool, encompassed by verdant foliage, or take an interest in yoga and contemplation sessions amidst the peaceful scenery of the mountains.  

Indulging in Culinary Delights:  

At V Nature Resorts, culinary encounters are hoisted to dazzling statures, with a centre on locally sourced fixings and conventional formulas. Enchant your taste buds with a gastronomic travel through the Flavors of Karnataka, as gifted chefs make shocking dishes that pay respect to the region's wealthy culinary heritage.  

Relaxing in Extravagant Accommodations:  

After a day of investigation and experience, withdraw to the consolation of your sumptuous settlement at V Nature Resorts in Kanakapura. From cozy bungalows settled among the trees to open estates with all-encompassing sees of the encompassing scene, each living space is fastidiously planned to offer a mix of tastefulness and comfort.  

Sustainability at its Core:  

Central to the ethos of V Nature Resorts could be a commitment to supportability and natural preservation. Through activities such as water gathering, sun powered control era, and waste management hones, the resort endeavours to play down its environmental impression whereas protecting the characteristic magnificence of Kanakapura for eras to come.  

Embracing Social Experiences:  

Beyond its characteristic splendour, V Nature Resorts in Kanakapura offers visitors a see into the wealthy social embroidered artwork of Karnataka. Inundate yourself in conventional society exhibitions, learn age-old creates from neighbourhood artisans, or take part in community-led exercises that celebrate the dynamic legacy of the region.  

Conclusion:  

A Withdraw Like No Other Within the grasp of V Nature Resorts in Kanakapura, time appears to stand still, and stresses blur absent, supplanted by a significant sense of peace and tranquillity. Whether you look for experience, unwinding, or essentially a minute of break from the chaos of the world, this covered up diamond in Kanakapura guarantees an involvement that will revive your intellect, body, and soul. As you offered farewell to this desert garden of tranquillity, take with your recollections that will wait long after you've returned to the hustle and flurry of life, and maybe, a reestablished appreciation for the excellence and ponder of the characteristic world.  

For bookings and help, if you don't mind visit the official website of V Nature Resorts

Beaudry Provincial Park in Canada: A Serene Haven in Manitoba's Wilderness

Nestled in the heart of Manitoba, Canada, lies an untouched treasure: Beaudry Provincial Park. This tranquil oasis, spanning over 1,189 hectares, offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life and invites visitors to immerse themselves in the unspoiled wilderness.

The park is a haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna that have thrived undisturbed for centuries. It serves as a microcosm of Canadian biodiversity, with its rich ecosystems featuring various tree species like Bur Oak and Green Ash coexisting harmoniously with wildlife, including White-tailed Deer and Red Foxes.

The natural beauty of Beaudry Provincial Park extends beyond its vibrant ecosystem to its breathtaking landscapes that undergo dramatic transformations with each passing season. From lush greenery during the summer months to snow-covered trails in winter, every change reveals new facets of its inherent charm.

The park offers 10 kilometers of trails, ideal for hiking or cycling, winding through dense forests and alongside pristine riverbanks, treating visitors to picturesque views at every turn. Guests are encouraged to connect with nature and engage in activities such as bird-watching or fishing beneath the clear blue sky.

In essence, Beaudry Provincial Park serves as a testament to Manitoba's unspoiled wilderness, offering an experience reminiscent of stepping back in time when nature reigned supreme.

Exploring the Pristine Beauty of This Undisturbed Gem

Beaudry Provincial Park, coincidentally, unveils an untouched gem of natural beauty, providing an expedition into the heart of Manitoba's wilderness.

This serene oasis unveils a captivating landscape teeming with diverse flora and fauna, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and fostering a deep appreciation for its unique botanical treasures.

The park's terrain is characterized by a blend of deciduous and coniferous forests, sprawling meadows, and wetland areas - each providing unique habitats that support a variety of species in their natural environs.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be particularly thrilled by the opportunity to observe elusive creatures such as white-tailed deer, foxes, coyotes, or even black bears in their native habitat.

The park also presents an impressive showcase of botanical wonders with a plethora of plant life thriving across its diverse ecosystems.

From towering bur oaks in the woodlands to vibrant wildflowers adorning the meadows during the summer months, such as prairie crocus or western red lily - each contributes to the intricate mosaic that makes up this ecological haven.

Moreover, marsh marigolds flourish in the wetland zones, while various moss species carpet the forest floors, creating inviting textures underfoot.

In essence, Beaudry Provincial Park represents more than just a natural reserve; it epitomizes a collective ecological entity where every organism has its place and purpose within the ecosystem – cultivating not only admiration but also a sense of belonging among those who venture into this wilderness sanctuary.

Okay so first off, I love bears! 😭 they’re so cute! I would have one as a pet if I could. How do you think the pillarmen would react to their s/o finding a bear and immediately becoming friends with it? Doesn’t matter that it’s literally a wild animal. It saw s/o and was like “this is my friend now” and it follows her everywhere. But the bear is “submissive” to her. It doesn’t attack at all and does that thing where it shows it’s belly to her all the time. The bear likes the pillar men, but not as much as it loves s/o.

Ahhh! My dear Anon, this is is such a sweet idea! 🥰🥰🥰 I have the very same feelings about keeping a Fox as a Pet ❤ I very much would if I could! 😌

This started out as a few simple headcanons buuuuut~... 😅 I got carried away and turned it into a full fic! 😘😇 Please “bear” with me and enjoy! 🐻🐻🐻

The Pillarmen’s s/o brings Home a Bear...  (A bit of a long fic; Under the cut for length!)

(I’ll stop making bear puns from this point on, I swear! I just couldn’t pass up the chance to use this picture. in any case... Please do not attempt anything that your read here with a real life Bear or any woodland creature that is dangerous for that matter! If you happen to find a lost little Bear in your travels, do the responsible thing and contact a forestry! ~FunBun)

  "What," Your head snapped up as someone spoke from behind; your eyes trailing up a most familiar muscular torso to eventually meet the disapproving gaze of Kars looming over you. The Pillarman's eyes were wide and his face unreadable, "is that?"

There you were, sitting on the front porch which was not an abnormal occurrence as this was your house and you did as you pleased...

Except for, of course, the fact that you were cradling a LIVING BABY BEAR in your lap and hand-feeding it a peanut butter sandwich!

"...A Friend." You said after a long moment, blinking up at the behemoth of a man. The Cub in your arms grasped at your hand with two huge chubby-toed paws as you pushed the last chunky bit of sandwich into its awaiting mouth; happily chewing away as if it didn't have a bother in the world.

Kars let out a long sigh, his barreled chest heaving as he reached up to pinch the space between his painted eyes with a forefinger and thumb.

"Why?" He questioned.

It was really the only thing he could say in that moment as thousands of questions rolled through his head like flotsam and jetsam. The Pillarmen struggled to keep a hold on himself, trying to give you the benefit of the doubt first before giving you the scolding he so wanted to.

He and the others knew very well you loved animals, which pleased the Pillarmen as they were Men who valued nature and precious life; Kars was no exception. They were most especially aware of your specific fixation on Bears but Kars never so much as gave the love for the creature a second thought.

However, right now, while you held a living Bear in your lap he was beginning to wish he had thought to tell you not to do something as foolish as take one in.

"Hey! I didn't do anything!" You defended yourself, allowing the Bear Cub you cradled to lick the remnants of the gooey sandwich from your fingers. You know exactly what he was thinking; he thought you deliberately went out and took the Bear!

Really, you hadn't done anything! Well... not this time anyways.

It all started when you had gone out for your morning walk in the woods, you happened to enjoy the crisp Spring air this time of year and it was a good way to get out of the house for a bit and away from the noise of the Four Pillarmen you adored that were living with you.

It was only when you were halfway down your usual route when you realized there was a little black Bear Cub following right behind you.

At first, you had feared the worst. Normally where there was a baby, there was a Mother not very far behind and despite your love for Bears you REALLY didn't want to have an encounter an angry Mother Bear that was searching for her lost baby and happened to think you were the one that took it. You did your best to avoid the baby Bear, walking fast and pretending not to notice it in hopes that it would simply give up tailing you eventually and go on its own way back to where it came from, despite the tugging of your heartstrings.

After some time of attempted avoid and evade the Cub didn't leave your side, ambling close at your heals and beginning to cry out for your attention. It became obvious to you it was all alone and even more obvious that it was hungry; as soon as it saw you it thought to remedy both those things.

Always having a big heart, you just couldn't bring yourself to leave the poor thing all alone out in the woods; especially not when it was clinging to your leg and looking up at you with those big honeyed eyes pleadingly...

You weren't supposed to get caught. You had planned to keep him a secret for at least a little while.

You had lead the baby back to the house and left it outside to its own devices on the doorstep for just a moment. Meanwhile you slipped into the kitchen to make, not one, but two peanut butter sandwiches to feed it. You really didn't have anything else to give it, you hadn't been expecting to feed a hungry little Bear anytime soon and there was nothing in it that would hurt the Cub anyways as it was mostly protein.

Your early return from your walk had gone unnoticed by the others (at least at first).

Thankfully, Santana hadn't been in the kitchen raiding the fridge like he normally did this time of morning and had been in the Livingroom with Esidisi instead, too invested in the video game they were playing to hear you come in.

Wamuu was out back chopping up more firewood to burn, as the nights were still very cold; the Warrior too far away to hear you and unable to see you with the house in the way.

Kars was supposed to be up in his study, up to his elbows in papers and practically dead to the world but of course (just when you wanted him to be working for once) he wasn't.

Somehow, he just always knew when something was amiss.

"Peanut followed me here," you explained, peering down at the squirming black fuzz ball in your lap that was still happily licking the peanut butter from its chops.

Kars clicked his tongue, "Peanut?"

He seemed even more displeased you had already named it; if you named something, it became hard to lose it. That was a rule many people followed through ancient times.

You let out a shaky laugh, ignoring the chunky paws inarticulately grasping at your clothes as a little pink tongue darted out from a tiny chestnut muzzle, dampening the glistening black button at the very tip.

Peanut was giving you a thorough sniff, making sure that he had consumed all of the delicious food you had brought him and that he hadn't missed a single morsel.

"It fits." You told him, smiling pathetically as you shrugged your shoulders.

Ruby eyes drifted down to the little creature squirming in your lap for more than a beat before he let out another sigh; this time it didn't sound as stern and disapproving as the first but it still sent a shiver down your spine. His lips pulled into a sympathetic frown as he closed the distance between you two, crouching at your side.

"Dear one," he spoke, using the tone he typically reserved for when he was trying to comfort you or give you some advice. "We cannot keep Peanut."

Immediately, you felt your heart quiver at his words; the pulse of the muscle stopped all together as you looked up at him. His eyes, normally the epitome of inhuman and predatory, now softened.

You knew very well he would have this talk with you, albeit much sooner than you anticipated originally, but it didn't change the fact it was making your heart clench painfully in your chest.

"Why?" You questioned. Now it was all you could really say in that moment as everything else that tried to come out got jumbled up in your throat.

You really didn't need to ask such a question however, as you already knew the answer.

"My sunshine, he's a wild Animal; a predator. He may be a small creature now but Cubs like Peanut grow very quickly indeed." He explained gently, wrapping one muscular arm around you. "And as he grows, his appetite will grow; you won't be able to feed him simple sandwiches forever."

Your lips scrunched up as you peered down at the now quiescent black ball of fuzz cradled in your arms. Peanut, his belly now full and all the peanut butter thoroughly cleaned from his paws and face, had closed his eyes and was slowly falling down into a most comfortable mid-morning nap.

He was so cute; so damn cute you wanted to cry. A hand absentmindedly reached up to grasp one of his paws, your thumb tracing over the squishy pads of his feet and feeling the sharp little claws sprouting from the chubby toes like thorns from a rose.

All your life you loved Bears, no matter the kind; Panda Bears, Koala Bears, Grizzly Bears, Sun Bears, Polar Bears, even Black Bears like Peanut... and now here you were, holding one in your very own arms! Hugging it close to your body like one would an everyday Teddy Bear! A real life Bear had just waddled up to you in the forest, clinging to you as if appointing you as its new Mother and caregiver, cuddling in your arms like a loving pet and cooing as you fed it an icky-sticky delight.

It was a dream come true... and now Kars was asking you to wake up and cast it aside.

"But--... But--..." the quivering of your lip made it hard to find a foothold in this dispute.

"And there is also the matter of his behavior." Kars continued softly, one massive palm gently rubbing up and down your back as he spoke. "Bears can grow to be very territorial and temperamental creatures. Their maximum strength can out lift 10 Men and their maximum speed is faster than any vehicle you can drive."

By now your eyes were watering, the fuzzy spot in your arms no longer seemed so very fuzzy as the world around you blurred behind tears.

Kars, of course, was making sense as he always did and you didn't like it one bit.

The living God's frown only deepened as the glistening of the water pooling in your eyes caught his. Truly, he hated to see you cry. Seeing tears in your eyes was something that made him weak in places he never felt such weakness prior to falling in love with you... but your safety was in jeopardy; and that was something he, nor the other Pillarmen who loved you and dotted on you, didn't want to risk over one creature.

"We have to put him back where he belongs." He said; though his words still carried that softness it was undoubtedly an order not to be refused.

"Oh Kars," you sniffed, your nose crinkling as tears began to fall. "I can't do it!"

You turned more fully towards him, presenting the sleepy Cub; practically thrusting him into the Pillarman's arms.

"Just look at him!" You cried. "He's so small and he's all alone! I don't know what happened to his Mother but she's gone and... and..."

One massive hand found your cheek as the tears came harder, a calloused thumb swiping the raging rivers aside.

"Please Kars... I can't give him up... what if he--?...." you wimpered, unable to finish that thought. You were fully aware you had already lost for today as he shook his head sadly.

Your tears did nothing to sway him when he knew what he had to do.

His free hand slipped under the sleeping Cub, Peanut did little more than fill his palm, scooping him up and cradling him close to his chest as he stood.

Your arms had never felt more empty.

"I'm sorry, Beloved. It has to be done." He told you as you stared up at him with a crestfallen and teary gaze. "Chances are, his natural instincts will kick in and he will learn to take care of himself despite the absence of his Mother. Abandoned Cubs are more common than you think. Peanut needs to go back to the woods."

That was all that could be said, the Pillarman disappeared in one blinding flash; taking the Bear Cub with him.

You were left there sitting on the porch, scrubbing at your cheeks with the sleeve of your sweater until the sensitive skin was raw in the cool Spring morning air. You managed to pull yourself together enough to not raise suspicion and headed back inside to make some coffee.

The morning passed quietly, when Kars made his eventual return to the house (sans Bear in hand) you didn't even look him in the eye.

You didn't deny that Kars had done the right thing, Peanut was in fact a wild Animal and belonged to the wilderness, but you still felt strangely bitter over it. So inexplicably angry it almost felt childish as you couldn't stop yourself from glaring at his back as he passed the kitchen table.

More time passed, your only half-drunk mug of coffee had long gone cold and your grief for the little Bear you knew that was left all alone somewhere in the woods had managed to ebb somewhat. You were just about to get up to go get a start on some chores when all of a sudden, Wamuu came through the door.

"Shoo! Shoo!" The massive Pillarman swiped his hand as he backed himself through the door, "Go on! Go back to your Home, small one."

You tilted your head, watching the unusual display. "What's wrong?"

The blonde turned his head to look at you with a frown. "I was trying to finish up my morning task when a Bear came out of the woods." He explained, finally closing the door with a sigh. Your gasp went unnoticed as he peered through the window of the door, his frown only etching deeper. "It's too small to be a juvenile. Just a Cub. I did not want to find out if there was a Mother lingering so I came back to the House. However, it seems to have decided to follow me..."

The Warrior blinked as you were suddenly out of your seat, squeezing past him to squish against the window of the door to see for yourself.

"Peanut!" You cried, your heart fluttering in your chest as you too caught sight of the little round ink blot sitting dejectedly on the porch.

Wamuu barely had a chance to react let alone intervene as you yanked open the door again, the sounds of the crying Bear hitting your ears.

It was Peanut alright, every feature similar right down to the whiskers of his muzzle. The Bear was plopped down on his rear, feet sticking out under him like he were a simple Teddy Bear sitting on the shelf of a toy store, and staring up at the door he knew you were behind. The squeaky wailing of the Cub fell silent as soon as he caught sight of you and realized he was no longer all alone, it seemed that he missed you just as much as you had him.

Wamuu stared in disbelief, watching with wide eyes as the little Bear rolled onto his back to reveal his soft tummy and stubby paws to you.

"Peanut?" The blonde questioned, one thick eyebrow raising as he looked between you both.

This was a wild Animal and yet you greeted it like some sort of pet!

As your leaned down to give a loving rub to the exposed tummy of the Bear, cooing at it as contentment spread across its features. You intended to recount this mornings full story to ease Wamuu's obvious confusion, however, you didn't so much as get the chance to get a word out before Kars was standing in the room.

He had just been about to head upstairs and absorb himself in his work, when he caught a snippet of what was happening in the kitchen. The Pillarman's crimson eyes wide as he approached, needing to see what was happening for himself.

"Look Kars!" You beamed, grinning up at both gawking Pillarmen as the Bear grasped at your petting hand, playfully trying to gum on your fingers with blunt little teeth. "Peanut came back!"

Kars all but shared in your glee, the pinching of his brows and the drooping of his lips gave away his irritation.

He had dropped Peanut off safely somewhere in the woods, not far from your usual walking path. When he had left, the Cub had still been sound asleep, completely none the wiser to being left behind, and the Pillarman had honestly thought that would be that.

It would seem the creature had imprinted on you more than he anticipated and it only added on to his previous fears.

"I'm afraid I'm in need of an explanation, my Lord..." Wamuu spoke up, tearing his gaze away from you and the Bear Cub you were most happily playing with.

Kars swooped in, taking the Cub away from you for the 2nd time that morning, much like an Eagle dropping from the sky to snatch up a mouse. Peanut pawed at his hardened chest, becoming squirmy in the massive mans hold as he let out a couple of little grunts.

It was as if the Bear knew exactly what Kars intended to do.

"I'll explain it to you in full when I return, Wamuu." He sighed as he begun carrying the squirming woodland creature away from the House towards the woods where he deemed it rightfully belonged.

You waved at the baby Bear as it watched you from over one muscled shoulder with those big honeyed eyes, feeling a little disheartened again but the fact that the Cub came looking for you still made a sweet warmth bloom in your chest.

It would be far from the last time any of you saw Peanut.

Late morning turned to afternoon and the day bloomed into something warm and lovely, like a watered down Summer day. Linens and towels came straight from the washing machine and were headed for the clothesline to dry in the sweet air.

There was absolutely nothing better than falling asleep in bedsheets that had spent all day out on a line in the breeze.

Always happy to help you around the household, Esidisi volunteered to put them out for you as you were already busy doing other things around the house.

He had only turned his back for 2 seconds to hang the first sheet, humming softly to himself as he went, before turning to find a baby Bear making himself at Home in the laundry basket he had carried out. Peanut was rubbing his scent all over the damp linens as he rolled in and pawed at the clean sheets; inevitably dirtying them again.

Esidisi found the whole ordeal hilarious, most especially when he was fed the full story of the morning by you who had come out to see what was taking him so long with his chore.

Kars, on the other hand, didn't find it so very funny.

He especially didn't see the humor in it when he found the two of you playing with Peanut in the yard, entertaining yourselves and the Cub by draping a sheet over him and prying it off like a parachute over and over.

Peanut was taken back to the forest a 3rd time; this time much farther into the woods.

Late afternoon rolled around and Santana finally left the house to go outside; having the sole intention of taking a nap in the fresh air via the hammock that had been recently strung up in the backyard.

Unfortunately, the youngest Pillarman got sidetracked when a little Bear came out of the woodwork and crawled into the hammock with him, mewling and demanding his immediate attention as he was hungry once again.

Kars, the one and only, spirited Peanut away before you and Santana had a chance to make more sandwiches to feed it.

This happened over and over and over again.

It seemed like every time the Pillarman dumped Peanut somewhere, no matter how remote or how far from your Home, the little Bear inevitably found its way back sooner or later; ambling up to you or the others with a mighty hunger and a carefree nature unmatched.

Peanut appeared on the doorstep next morning when you were about to head out for a walk.

Peanut was found digging in the trash bin when Kars was taking out the trash.

Peanut clung to Wamuu's leg as he went out to mow the lawn; the Warrior didn't so much as bat an eye, unhindered, as the Cub held onto his ankle while he worked the mower.

Peanut approached Santana when he was eating chips on the porch; the Pillarmen didn't seem to mind the company nor the fact the Bear ended up upside down in the bag.

Peanut followed you around like you were its one true Mother while you tended the yard and carried out chores.

Peanut sat contently at Esidisi's feet as the man was Barbecuing supper in the evening; the Bear watching him and waiting for supper to be served as if he were the guest of Honor.

Each time, without fail, Kars brought him back to the woods and each time, without fail, Peanut came back.

It was only frustrating him further and further.

Eventually, one quiet and rainy morning Kars went out onto the porch to sit and read; he always enjoyed the sound of rainfall and the fresh earthen smell of a Spring downpour. He had barely been there 5 minutes, not even enough time to get truly immersed in his novel, when suddenly a very wet and cold ball of hair climbed up into his lap, actually making the Pillarman yelp at the shock of the sensation of a freezing cold Cub pressing against his bare skin.

Kars was big and dry and comfortable, like a much bigger and hairless Bear, a place Peanut deemed perfect enough to sit out of the Rain and warm up.

The purple-haired man frowned down at the chubby bundle taking up residence in his lap, Peanut grunted contently as he made himself comfortable. His normally downy soft and dandelion puffed fur was now patterned down and awry, radiating with a dank with a heady, musky Bear smell due to being soaking wet.

It was not at all a pleasant smell to anyone's nose, most especially to a Pillarman's as they were creatures with extra sensitive senses.

Kars, now feeling that this was the final straw, was just about to scoop the creature up into his arms and carry out their usual pick up and drop off routine; this time he intended to take Peanut all the way down river to the farthest side of the forest and leave him there.

He stopped on a dime when two big pools of honey locked onto glimmering rubies.

"Don't look at me like that..." the Pillarman warned, feeling his heart quiver strangely in his chest. The command didn't come out nearly as firm as he intended it to be.

Kars treasured creatures big and small and this creature was so adorable, so small it made his arms itch in ways he hadn't felt since the time he had taken care of the two infants that grew to be Wamuu and Santana. Peanut rolled in his lap, squishing his face against the Pillarman's abs and nuzzling softly; his fur stuck to bare skin in an almost icky way and made his loincloth feel very damp and uncomfortable due to the run off of water.

The Pillarman pursed his lips, forcing himself to bring to mind all the logical points on why this Bear (this nuisance, this danger, this predator) had to go.

Peanut opened his mouth and let out a little yawn and a sneeze, probably just as hungry as he was cold and damp.

Kars' huge hands balled into fists at his sides, his jaw setting tighter and tighter as he felt himself and the walls of his determination crumbling, hating every single millisecond of it before eventually, after an internal struggle that lasted seemingly millennium... he sighed.

Peanut was scooped into his arms and, this time, taken into the House.

☆☆☆

"Really?!" You cried in disbelief, hands going to your mouth as it pulled into an impossibly huge grin.

Esidisi, Wamuu and Santana just sat there, expressions ranging from shock to disbelief of their own.

Surely he couldn't be serious... could he?

Kars let out a long breath, "Yes, dearest." He groaned, still cradling the tiny dampened Bear in the crook of his arm as it clung to his bicep. "We can keep Peanut."

Immediately, to everyone’s amusement but Kars', you were in his lap just as quickly as the Cub had climbed into it. You didn't care one bit that he was a little damp and that some of Peanuts musky stink had rubbed off on him, peppering his face with thousands of kisses as you threw your arms around both the Pillarman and the Cub.

"Oh Kars! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" You squealed between your line of kisses.

Nobody had expected Kars to cave in this matter; they honestly expected this to go on and on for some time until Peanut was forced to be the one to give up on finding his way back to the house.

However, despite the fact all of them were pleased and ready to take on this idea of having an actual living Bear around, there came the next matters to attend to.

The ground rules.

"But he cannot stay inside the house." Kars said, that firm nature of his making its return. Peanut had managed to wriggle out of both of your holds and was now ambling around the Livingroom, sniffing everything and everyone in sight. Esidisi was following him around to ensure he wouldn't break anything or get himself into more trouble while Kars was feeling so generous, smiling indulgently as he scooped him up and presented him to the others.

"Ok." You hummed, that part was only to be expected.

But you wouldn't deny that somewhere in the back of your mind you had fantasized about cuddling up to a giant fuzzy Peanut in bed or on the couch.

Kars took in another deep breath and the atmosphere changed, it was as if the temperature dropped in the room. The mans eyes were serious and his features became even more stonelike than the masks he crafted as he pulled you closer to him in his lap.

"I want you to listen to me, dear one." He began, his voice was low and something akin to fridged; it only sent shivers dancing down your spine. "If Peanut grows to be an aggressive creature or too much a hassle to handle, even if he gives any of us the slightest reason to fear he would harm you in any way, shape or form... we'll have to be rid of him. Permanently."

His words hung in the air, making your stomach sink like a rock falling helplessly to the depths of the ocean. A lump was starting to balloon in your throat.

You knew very well what that meant.

The Pillarmen weren't men who took any form of pleasure out of killing Animals; Kars especially... but you knew that he would not hesitate to do so for your sake. His words spoken to you prior on the porch when you first encountered the Cub rang around quite deafeningly in your head.

"Do I make myself clear?" He asked you, his pupils burned absolute holes into your heart as he held your gaze; not unlike a strict parent after giving the scolding of a lifetime.

The best you could do was nod, praying the day you all feared would never come at all or at least not very soon; the latter was perhaps your best hope.

For now, however, you planned on celebrating the day by making a peanut butter sandwich for the newest, and perhaps hungriest, member of your little Family.

☆☆☆

Time passed, as it did for everything, and Peanut grew and grew. He grew from a small and clumsy little Bear Cub into a bigger and gangly Juvenile Bear by mid Summer.

Sometimes the Bear would disappear at night into the woods, just after supper of course, but there were also times he would just sleep close to the house; most specifically by the front porch. Peanut still followed you around outside as you did anything, always greeting you with a grunt as he flopped onto his back to reveal his belly and were always more than happy to rub it when he did.

His appetite did indeed grow and the simple peanut butter namesake was no longer truly fulfilling to him; nothing more than a sweet morsel to lick up as a treat.

Peanut had to be shown how to properly hunt for himself and that was something you and Esidisi decided to tackle together, taking him down to the river on the hottest days to teach him to to fish for himself. Those days were filled with much laughter on your part where you sat on the bank to watch the Pillarmen wading out in the raging waters with the Bear, hunched forward and making a grab for a slippery and wet flying fish with his hands as they jumped from the water to properly demonstrate.

Eventually, after much trial and error (not to mention Esidisi falling right into the river a handful of times) Peanut was able to catch all the fish he wanted to eat.

Wamuu was a big help in burning off the major energy that came with Peanut growing into an adult Bear. The Warrior often spent hours out in the yard playing with him, going so far as to push and wrestle with the creature, playing simple games like throwing a giant ball around or to even take him on a run through the woods to tire him out.

Sometimes you even tailed behind the pair on your 4 wheeler to get in on the fun and play.

Santana found himself spending his days playing with Peanut too, more often content to help you take care of the beast. You and Santana tried to bath Peanut at least once every 2 weeks to fight against his stinky Bear musk, lathering him up nicely where he sat contently in an old kiddie pool in the yard and hosing him off. Santana would spend a lot of time with Peanut as the Bear napped, scratching his back and finger combing the knots out of his fur; even plucking annoying ticks from the Bears body when he found them.

You found it quite disturbing, and more than a little gross, as to how Santana could hold the bloated insects between his fingers and pop them upon finding them. You swore you could hear the red-head chuckle lowly each time you let out a disgusted gag when he done it.

And Kars, he found himself dotting over and spoiling Peanut with affection just as much as you did.

The Pillarman would deny any claims that he snuck the Bear peanut butter sandwiches between meals or even peanut butter straight from the jar but you knew the truth. It was hard to miss as it seemed Peanut would immediately give Kars a good sniffing upon seeing him, obviously checking for any delicious treats he happened to be keeping concealed.

By late Fall, Peanut was a fully grown Adult Bear.

In fact, he had swollen to such an immense size, he was something of a rival to the Pillarmen; by that time it was something of a relief he was a gentle giant. He was still a wild Animal but he was also a loving pet to you and the 4 Pillarmen.

One day, Peanut stumbled out into the woods and didn't return. Snow came not long after and then the brutal and fridged season of Winter truly begun.

Peanut had disappeared but you knew he wasn't far in the woods, hopefully holed up in a cave and hibernating.

Winter passed slowly, more slowly than it ever had before. As December ticked away to January and eventually February, the others didn't miss how much you missed your Peanut; he was all you could talk about somedays! You weren't the only one who missed him however, not missing the wistful looks passing over the faces of the others upon seeing a segment on Black Bears airing on National Geographic or opening the fridge to find the jar of peanut butter sitting there; untouched and almost begging to be eaten.

March went bye, then April and the snow had long melted away due to the heavy rainfall but still, Peanut did not make his return.

You were seriously starting to worry by this time. What if he hadn't been hibernating all along? What if a Hunter had gotten to him? Or what if... he forgot about you?

The Pillarmen could only console you so much, trying their best not to give you false hope by saying things along the lines of "I'm sure he'll be around!" and make things worse as they really did not know of Peanut's fate either...

It was well over a year since you had first taken in the Cub and now there was no sign of him anywhere.

But just when you were starting to give up all hope of seeing your prized Bear and companion again, you opened the door one morning as you prepared to go on your morning walk to be met with shock.

You just about jumped out of your skin as an earth rattling roar hit your eardrums, sending a jolt of fear striking through your body like lightning and screaming in primal terror at the sight before you. A Black Bear that was larger than life stood on its haunches off the porch, its maw open and its breath showing like hot puffs of steam as it growled out into the cold Spring air; asserting its presence for miles.

For one terrible and too long of a moment, you thought you would be slaughtered on your own doorstep by your most favorite Animal on Earth.

Your terror was short-lived however, as the monstrous beast you feared would devour you whole suddenly flopped onto its back and turned its belly to the sky.

"PEANUT!" You cried, spreading your arms wide as you ran to flop on top of the creature; your friend and pet.

It wasn't long after when all 4 Pillarmen were standing out on the porch, your screech having been heard from inside the house.

"Look Kars!" You beamed, rubbing the gargantuan tummy with a wide grin; eliciting a content grunt from the Bear. "Peanut came back!

Kars could only smile this time and shake his head.

Peanut had come back again, without fail; just as he always done and the Pillarmen were quite happy he was here to stay...

Stroll to Ingloslaght

Desc:

After months of being rejected for his morbid countence,the creature seeks revenge for his woes,now proceeding to Ingloslaght, to end the one who had this disaster all begun.

On his way,however,he stops for directions from a man seemingly in a bit of a predictament, having lost his glasses,a perfect and treasured opportunity to converse sans considering his frightening appearance

Author notes:

My God i wrote this like. Months ago and then got stuck hdhdhd. I may continue as a second chapter later? But I left the ending a tad open ended since I got stuck on it so long.

For weeks I treaded amongst the depths of the woods ,my grotesque figure hidden from the likes of man's gaze by the fortunate shade. And for what reason must I so meticulously lurk in these dreaded woodlands, woven through thorns and branches,to preserve my sight from humanity? The very burning passion that has kept me on my feet ,who's written words regarding myself have sent me on this prolonged travels. It was this man himself,by the name of Victor Frankenstein, whom had so cruelly sculpted me into my detestable shape. And it was that very man I treaded onwards in hopes he will be sought out. That for being forsaken to dispose existence upon me in this wretched condition by his own hands,he will pay with the likes of his own life.

After such  travels, my fruition drew closer. I arrived to the borders of Ingloslaght. What an enlightening  concoction had ignited within me then. I was grappled and willingly overtaken by rage and euphoria,but yet a vaguely present melancholy festered  despite my wishes for it to abstain.

Then proceeded a new realization within me. I knew the man by name,but not by his appearance. Only scarce remnants of the man I remember. Youth still very much blessed his visage, yet at the same time,he in no manner was remotely vigorous. The man held a starking contrast in the fact that he nonetheless appeared entirely unkempt  and teetering on the brinks of life and death much too early if his youthful features stood true.

It was by these aspects alone I must go by,as all else in my mind I only recall as a blur,and that leaves me a far too broad description. 

My conclusion, was that I must  temporarily reveal myself in order to acquire where the fool resided. I had an inkling of an idea given by the brief details provided in his journal. He attended university, and his teachings he received was made up of atleast two professors. Krempe and Waldman. This aside,I knew I soon will be forced to inquire to someone amongst mankind,likely by force given I know well enough my looks will not provide me to any civil conversation.

It was by this thought my vehement dedication was temporarily stunted by dread.

I was moved to only scratch the brinks of the town,and could not bring myself to any confrontation even when opportunity seemed fit. Everytime,I found myself grow close to presenting myself,only to draw gingerly away. The only hope that spared my sense of confidence was that I came closer to enacting out this deed when I thought out my motivations, of avenging myself by the fated and horrid death of Victor Frankenstein . 

For once life granted me a faithful advantage,one that had so fortunately removed the need to inquire upon a member of humanity with the complexities that came with force. Whilst making my typical rounds around the outer trails of Ingloslaghts nature,I stumbled upon a pair of glasses that had evidently not been there long,as there was a lack of dirt and cracks upon it that would not be possible if it were there for more then a day.

I glanced forwards,and immediately met whom I assumed to be their owner. I froze in my posture as the young man had glanced upon me,surely certain that he would remark in terror upon my ghastly form. Then enthrallingly,he only smiled politely. He spoke in a language I couldn't seem to make sense of,so I had quite discomfortedly added that I could not make sense of him in my native tongue. To yet more of my surprise,he seemed to  light up upon hearing it,recognizing it as if it were his own.

"Sir! Hello,it seems I may have to request of you some help,if you don't take it as too much a grievance. I seem to have misplaced something gravely vital,my glasses,and I was wondering if you had caught sight of it."

I couldn't seem to place my finger on the particular origin of his accent, but I had assumed it to be to some form of a French speaking country. I picked up the glasses from where they lay perched in the ground,my grasp on them light.

"Afraid not." I responded.  

"Do you think it will be much trouble to you on your own ? It seems that you've been rendered utterly blind without them,it will be of no trouble to my time to lend aid."

The man's eyes took a final glance at the ground below,as what I had considered to be  his  last resort. Of course, the poor soul had resigned his search  and looking displeased but nonetheless unsurprised,he sheepishly nodded.

"I assume I'll be forced to manage,I have a spare somewhere at home." He concluded with a faint disappointment 

"I think I may have caught sight of a glimmer not too far off the trail here,some sort of glass."

This statement had gotten his attention,as he ever so slightly had tilted his head in intrigue

"Oh! Would you mind to show me where you'd spotted it?"

I cheerfully obliged, indulging him in the lie I had swiftly constructed. It would be simple and quick, I reasoned, to quickly converse with this man about the whereabouts of my wretched creator. I had thought to myself that he hadn't appeared much older in comparison, a part of me took an unnerving familiarity in him,thus I assumed this reasoning to be a fair explanation. 

He wobbled forwards,his balance faltering on more than one instance. If not already clear by his absent remarks acknowledging my form,the way he had stumbled forwards in absolute obliviousness to his surroundings had distinguished it well enough. Easily I took pity upon the fellow,as he unlike Delacey hadn't frequented the ability to navigate without the sense of sight.

Evidently he was mildly displeased with the aid,more in resent towards having come off needy. He made certain it wasn't in direction towards myself,as the faint polite smile had returned to his face when he had looked upon me.

"I apologize,you must find yourself vexed to be so suddenly tied to these tasks. I hope I haven't burdened your walks,or whatever finds you out here in these trails."

"I reside not far off from here,in not much more then a humble hut,but it is a temporary abode. There is no place i find myself long."

"Ah,a traveler,I presume?"

I analyzed this title placed onto me,and found it a fair summary. Since the Delacey's,there is truly no place shall I find myself confined,I must always be in travel,to preserve myself from the likes of man. A tinge of frustration had emerged within me,and once more i was reminded of what I was in need of doing.

"I suppose so. But there is.."

I had struggled to put to proper words,a fair description to my enemy without revealing suspicion in such open malice.

"Someone,in which I plan to visit."

He nodded once more,that grin still on his face,strangly its formal politeness presented as if it were something he had long rehearsed,as if he found the intricacies of small talk alike to following the script of a play.

 Although I found my task to be in dire need of proceeding too,I felt the desire to converse further. As it is with no other  since Delacey I had experience to even a brief casual exchange as this. I took graciously to not waste the rarity of the moment,where I would not be taken in my grotesque glory,but as if I were no more revoltingly significant then any other human individual.

"I must ask myself,it is rare that I am to witness any other walk amongst these parts. What is it that has  lead you here?"

He trailed down to look upon his hands, which rested a leathered notebook in one and a  twirling quill in another,spinning with a repetitive motion.

"It is these parts that my dearest friend Henry has frequently visited and discussed fondly of. He is a man who partakes immensely in the pleasures of its nature.

I cannot repay the abundance of compassion he has recently displaced upon me. I am not too well in demonstrating my care,as passionate as it comes. However, I reckoned it would please him if I had sketched out these places,as a souvenir."

"I may confess,that I often am lead to consider my life nothing more then wretched,but it is in nature in which none are spared of its serenity that I find peace. I am certain he will find much appreciation in it permanently preserved. Do you mind if I see it?"

He chuckled then,clearly happy i had taken interest ,and he had shifted from his rehearsed nature to something that appeared to be more geniune. 

"Certainly! Though I haven't quite finished nor fixed its mistakes,and I can't seem to do so in my current condition"

I took the notebook from my remaining free hand,my other still enveloped around his  glasses to prevent revealing their shape,which I reckoned he would distinguish in the blur.

Haphazardly, I had found myself on his stated works. Of course,there on the page remained an illustration that had captured the epitome of our surroundings embodied by a diverse array of ink strokes. I smiled on it fondly,taking much fascination in its dedication. In this admiration I found a sense of tragedy. What anomaly had I befallen then! 

Mankind had possesed the likes to bring into reality  the upmost wonderous of creations,how fascinating do I find this feeble man's illustrations,of which intricately demonstrate the scenery before us embodied with its own sense of beauty. More on this I reminisced,beyond that of this particular man. How oft had I become to being moved by the words of Milton and Goethe,which they had just alike he before me, in their own manner intimately captured the complexities of the world accompanied by their own beauty. It was by mankind's creations  had built the backs of my own character, and made a good expanse to my knowledge. How cruel is it,then,that just as capable of bestowing this lovely artistry,that one outlier had fabricated the wretch that is myself, exempt from the beloved due to how morbidly I was devised.

"Im more than certain your friend will find themselves pleased,you have an immense talent.  I hope you dont find this rude, may I request on you a favor?" 

The man grinned still ,pleased by the praise,but had once again paused to construct a response to what had followed.

"You may,i suppose i do owe you one for the troubles. Though I am not sure if I am in position to do what you request."

"Its simply no more then a nagging question"

I had looked towards him to say this,and again I had been struck with a surreal distant familiarity to this man's features. Infesting my mind with an entourage of haunting explanation. The frail face of the man,in the same nature of distant memory evidently young yet prematurely frail and worn. "Have i irked you?"

The man interupted

"It is not thus,no manner have I been disturbed,rather simply I am lost in a rather unrelated contemplation"

"What must that be?"

I found it proper then to ask,as much I had appreciated the time spent in engaging conversation, I must not let the topic at hand i had brought myself forth in confronting this man to be forgotten so wrecklessly. It would be soon enough that one would tire of this conversation and he may request of a continued search in his spectacles that I held within my hand to his lacking knowledge.  

"Do you know of a Victor Frankenstein?"

"Know of?"

Theres a bewilderment in his voice.

"I am Victor Frankenstein."

In this abhorrent revelation, the glasses, once held quietly in my grasps, cracked from the palms of my despicably putrid hands,piercing skin. A putrid nature only given to me by the young man before me. This wretched boy's countence,by no surprise to his timid nature,shifted to a cowardly form. A realization,though not yet of my identity.

"Were those my glasses?"

He remarked,distressed.

In this flurry of a moment,I came to a response. An excuse no less,the boy would continue to live in obliviousness. 

"Id stepped on them,it seems,I'm dreadfully sorry to that."

"Oh,thats-thats-uh..rather unfortunate."

He had come to a loss of words, he was quiet,his hand now anxiously squeezing his arm in what was presumed an unconscious effort by cause of his ever growing anxiousness.

"I  do have a spare at home though I really would hate to inconvenience you more with this task at hand then I already did. Though I think its a rather potent risk of me to try and return by my lonesome. My vision is absolutely poor,and without them I am rendered close to blind."

I was fairly indecisive, this man before me. That whom brought upon  my miseries,now by his lonesome was in evident need of attendance, mine specifically as we stood alone,although in that lies the issue that the wretch stood none the wiser that  I am vehemently scorned by his faults.

I should find this a perfect opportunity in evoking destruction, of letting out my more cruel nature that he too held to creating by his neglectful devices.  Yet all the same,I was hesitant in acting forth my vengence. Perhaps,if I move him further off from the sights of the town,I may find better opportunity and courage in his killing.

"I can attend to that. Though if you may see this option fit,I would have drastic preference that I am to partake in the sceneic walk. I am alike you an admirer of nature,and one whom does not fair well amougst the vast crowds of townsfolk. "

He gave no verbal reply to this,instead,he gestured out to extend his arm,to which I obliged in holding rather awkwardly. Off we had proceeded,towards the depths of the woods to which no man would follow. Perhaps,my hesitancy would leave me then.

Pure Bliss

Guess who’s back 😁

Pairing: Karmagisa

The gentle pressure of Karma’s dexterous fingers weaving through the long silken strands of his baby blue hair eased a contented sigh from the smaller boy as he snuggled closer against the warm expanse of his boyfriend’s chest. Stray wisps of cyan lightly tickled the underside of the redhead’s chin, eliciting an airy chuckle from said redhead as he tightened his embrace on the boy on top of him.

The late afternoon sun hung low and lazily in the swathe of amber and pale pinks that streaked the endless Tokyo sky, it’s hazy orange rays painting the reclining couple with strokes of glowing warmth that was countered by the mild breeze that made grass blades and flowers twirl and dance and sent spiraling sakura blossoms and fluffy dandelion seeds flying elegantly through the blissful air. The two of them continued to rest on the hammock supporting them, the steady swings that Karma propelled doing nothing but reinforcing the tranquility that enwrapped them. It was Karma’s idea, to come to the mountain that the two spent every day learning how to be better students and assassins, to tie a hammock (that he just happened to have lying around - it’s not like he was scrolling through pinterest for date ideas or anything) onto two of the sturdiest trees he could find before lying down onto the fabric and dragging Nagisa on top of him.

And that’s what the pair of them spent the last ten minutes doing, lying in the comfort of each other's embrace, listening to nothing but the tranquil sounds of the surrounding woodland creatures and each other's deep exhales and synchronised heartbeats. As one of Karma’s hands continued carding through his boyfriend’s locks, the other rested at the end of an arm that was wrapped around the smaller male’s upper back, allowing its fingers to trace abstract shapes onto the sides of the rib cage that was under that thin cardigan. Karma watched Nagisa with fondness, still to this very second wondering how someone as violent and sadistic as him could manage to get the epitome of goodness and purity to agree to be his other half, to be the one that gets the honour to brag and flaunt to the world that he was the one that Nagisa chose to be with (not that he saw Nagisa as an object or trophy - no way whatsoever). Nagisa was an angel that drew people in with soft smiles, gentle hands and comforting eyes, he attracted people with a personality so beautiful it was the only thing that could overshadow his looks, whereas Karma was the devil that repelled others with cruel taunts, sarcastic smirks and bloodied hands that would itch for a fight - it truly was unbelievable how they got together. All of his life, he thought of himself as invincible, untouchable, above his peers in every way but that was before he met that shy little blunette that stutters over every other word and can’t reach the top third of the blackboard on his tiptoes. Isn’t that a laugh? For his weakness to be 159 cm tall and clad in oversized baggy sweaters. And what a weakness he is; Nagisa’s bright blue eyes and heavenly smile could make him lose all composure in a way that he himself isn’t sure of why.

Shiota Nagisa. His Kryptonite. Only instead of killing him under long-exposure, the only side-effect he feels in Nagisa’s presence is incomparable euphoria.

“Hey,” Nagisa’s soft voice cut through his musings. When he was brought back to reality, he noticed that the blunette’s head, that was previously resting on his chest, now looked up so that he could stare right at those dazzling cerulean eyes that he adored so much. It was only too easy to return the gentle smile that was directed at him, “what are you thinking about?”

“Just about how cute you are,” was his reply, punctuating the end of that sentence with a soft boop onto the other’s nose with his finger. At Nagisa’s cross-eyed pout (that was so adorable it would put all of the puppies and kittens in the world to shame) at the brief contact, he laughed.

“‘m not cute,” the other mumbled, cheeks dusted with a light pink as he looked away.

“Mhm,” Karma hummed, currently making plans to steal Sugaya’s watercolours that he leaves at the classroom’s cabinets to see if it was possible to create a shade of blue as close to Nagisa’s irises as possible - and then maybe see if it was possible to paint his bedroom wall with watercolours (hey, don’t judge him, he’s a boy in love - if anything it’s Nagisa’s fault for having eyes that were so damn entrancing).

“It’s getting late,” the owner of said eyes observed, his voice so quiet, Karma knew that his words are for his ears only, “maybe we should head back?”

“Do you want to?”

“Honestly, I don’t care what we do. I just want to be with you.”

“Hey, I was thinking the same thing. It’s like we were made for each other.”

Nagisa’s gentle giggles were all the redhead heard before the former once again placed his head back down. Karma tightened his hold on his blueberry, as if daring the universe to try and take him away. He’s never letting go of Nagisa and if anyone comes too close to his little piece of perfection, he’ll slice their head off before they could even blink. He may not know why he was given the honour of being the one to stand by Nagisa’s side but there’s no way in hell he’s ever going to give that up.

The Gelfling Clans Listed Most to Least Generic

Basically I’ve ranked the Seven Clans on how “basic” they are when it comes to how they’re portrayed in their fantasy world.

1. Stonewood

While I love the Stonewood clan (it gave us Rian, Maudra Fara, Ordon, Kylan and Jen how could anyone not just for the sake of those characters?), the way they look and what they’re known for are your garden variety characteristics in most fantasy civilizations; woodland warriors, dress in everyday forest tones like brown... just different shades of brown, live in little stone cottages, some are farmers, and they love their alcohol. This is something a lot of fantasy narratives have in common when it comes to portraying certain villages/clans. The Stonewood do have their highlights, like the greenish-blue streaks in their dark hair, but they’re the most vanilla of all the clans, based off appearance and behavior.

2. Spriton

They’re pretty basic for the same reasons as the Stonewood, they’re warriors and farmers and they dress the part very well, they live in the forest/plains in little cottages, they almost look exactly like the Stonewood if not for the red/orange tones in their clothes. The biggest reason they’re only second to the Stonewood is because they have their own magic; their vliyaya revolves around dream-stitching, dream-etching, and weaving.

3. Vapra

I’ll give the Vapra points for having style, but the way they act and look (based on physical features) is just such a highly comprehensive portrayal of high-class subjects in a fantasy world; snooty, prejudiced, boot-licking white merchants and courtiers who take pride in their positions and proudly look down on others. And of course they’re deemed the “most cultured” and smartest of all the clans, given they can read and write. If you ask me, they’re really just the most privileged. The only other factors besides their hair and clothing styles that make them somewhat unique is again, their vliyaya, which apparently allows them to turn themselves almost invisible, and their hair colors; pure white with lilac highlights or jet black. There’s even a background Gelfling with straight up blue hair.

4. Grottan

The Grottan are totally different from all surface Gelfling, with their green skin, large black eyes and white hair (except for that background Gelfling who seems to have more brown and pink than white), plus the creatures they herd and tend to are giant multi-eyed worms with butts that apparently make comfortable clothing. The fact that they live underground and haven’t come out for centuries is a pretty interesting concept, but they’re still kind of your average farmers and, dare I say it, peasants. What’s a fantasy world without poor subjects who are the most frowned-upon civilians when they have literally done nothing wrong? They serve as the sharpest contrast to the Vapra.

5. Drenchen

I find the Drenchen to be freaking awesome in general, they're one of my top favorite clans. The designs of these Gelfling are incredible; they're the only clan who style their hair in dreadlocks, and they can breathe underwater which has a lot to do with the fact that they live in a swamp of all places. Their skin tone is also unique, like the Grottan they have more of a greenish tint to their complexions, but it's tinted brown and more like a clay shade compared to the light tones of the Grottan. They also live in treehouses (definitely more convenient for a swampy terrain), domesticate flying eels, and have vliyaya that can heal, I mean how cool is all that?! The generic side to them is, again, the whole forest warrior concept, but other than that, the Drenchen are this low on the list because of all the reasons above. Not to mention they give us characters like Naia, Gurjin, and Maudra Laesid, who are the epitome of badass.

6. Sifa

The Sifa are the closest thing to your average shady pirates obsessed with jewels and other shiny trinkets, but they’re also Soothsayers, Far-Dreamers and they really dress to impress (trust me just read Tides of the Dark Crystal and you’ll know what I’m talking about). They’re also very nomadic, and take to sailing the Silver Sea looking for adventure if they’re not in Cera-Na. The thing that makes them stand out most from the rest of the clans is how diverse they are, which is ironic given the xenophobia surrounding the other clans (maybe minus the Grottan, though they have their nicknames for above-ground Gelfling). The Sifa are essentially the melting pot of Gelfling society, taking in anyone who can handle their lifestyle, no matter who they are. The Sifa are the most welcoming and accepting Gelfling in all of Thra, even with stereotypes of their own.

7. Dousan

The Dousan are by far the most extraordinary Gelfling. I don’t think there is anything generic about them, there’s nothing like them in any fantasy story I’ve ever known, or at least not that I can remember. First note is their appearances: intricate face paint/tattoos, heavy, bold blue robes that conceal pretty much their entire bodies, bones and colorful beads in their hair and clothes... we haven’t seen very many Dousan characters with their hair showing but it seems they definitely have plenty of diversity when it comes to hair in terms of style and color, that is if most of them have much hair to begin with (reminder that according to the books some Dousan shave parts of their head, and I stand by my theory that Maudra Seethi is bald). Second, their culture could not be more different from the other clans; there are many real-world cultures/religions that associate with the cycle of life and death, I’m sure, but the Dousan approach to it is just beautiful. They are accused of solely worshipping death but we can tell based on Rek’yr’s intro alone that they have an even greater respect for life. Third, their homeland is just mind-blowing in it of itself; a desert with shifting sands that can’t be crossed on foot covered in crystal architecture as well as a Wellspring, which is the only place with actual plant life and a lake with trees (not very common in deserts at all). That is also the place where the Dousan socialize the most, basically the Cera-Na of the Crystal Desert; it’s where the Dousan gather when called to, otherwise being completely nomadic much like the Sifa. Their domesticated creatures are also absolutely amazing; the Crystal Skimmers are by far one of the best creatures in the entire show, even if they do  really just look like giant manta-rays. They can fly though, apparently able to ride the heat waves of the desert climate. Lastly, the Dousan also seem to be one of the friendlier and welcoming clans next to the Grottan and Sifa. I mean, Rek’yr willingly approached a random group on the edge of the Crystal Desert including two Drenchen, a Spriton, Stonewood, Grottan, Vapra, and a Podling, and didn’t say a single damn thing about it, simply offering condolences, and help to the ones who wished to travel further. I’m sure he acknowledged that Rian and Hup didn’t exactly trust him, but he paid it no mind, and still took them to where they needed to go without much question.

I’m going to stop myself there. I think I wrote more than intended but I’ve come to accept that’s just how I am. So there you have it! The Seven Clans listed from the most conventional to the most outstanding.

Manchester Pig Save

by Connor Thomas

At 4am on a dark & crisp summers morning, the soft gentle chill of the air through my open window carries the sweet songs of the early rising winged creatures. A beautiful start to a day that we had all not been looking forward to. I make a hearty wholesome Tupperware box of porridge for each of us. It’s full of bursting blueberries and zingy ginger, a hug in a bowl for the journey down. Ben arrives at 5:05 and is greeted with an energetic loving smile by all three of the hounds I share a house with. We head to Dale’s house, pick him up and finally set off for Ashton Under Lyme on the outskirts of Manchester.

We give ourselves a small pep talk on the way down, as we drive through parts of the Peak District and witness spectacular sights of low hanging intense clouds on endless rolling hills. As we grow closer to our destination, a grey mist cushions Ben’s Mini through the higher hills. In this bubble of misty thought, we rattle our brains and remind ourselves of why we put ourselves in the spectators’ seat of such immense suffering and how we are going to devour a gigantic hearty breakfast after the vigil. Self-care and the scrupulous planning of it is so important!

We pull up on a terrace parallel to the slaughterhouse. As we take our first step out the car, I feel a sharp chill; this is a re-occurring sensation I’ve found in my own personal experiences of visiting slaughterhouse areas, even on summer mornings. To our right is a high cemented wall around 9ft high with barbed wire. To our left is the ordinary world, a simple terrace that reminds me of the old family house I previously lived in. I wonder if kids still play street football like I used to at home when I was a bairn. If so, are they aware of what happens behind these high walls?

I’ve been holding a pee for a few hours now and the moment we arrive, I quickly say hello to a few of the welcoming faces in high visibility vests before I dart along the riverside to find a secluded spot to relieve myself. Behind the woods, I hear the first sound. It is piercing. It is 8:30 in the morning and we have gone from harmonious birds to deep and fiercely terrified squeals. It is their call for help, for relief. The sound is awful, like a baby screaming in pain. You know you can’t turn your back; you must address that cry for help to alleviate the sound that we ever so naturally respond to. What shocks me most is how hard it is to tell if the cry was human or non-human. The intensity of the orchestra of screams touches every millimetre of my physical structure and I just desperately wait for a crescendo to come and end it all.

It never does. It continues.

Something occurs to me. What if within all the screams, the slaughterhouse workers also cry out for help? They work with unnatural non-human tools - a far cry from the sharpened stone on a long stick, the tools used by our ancestors in times of food urgency. Nowadays we demand workers to use tools such as carousels that rotate through pits of carbon dioxide, flamethrowers so hot they burn every hair from their skin, huge harsh knives that cut through dense twitching protective flesh and penetrating bolt guns that fracture skulls and periodically miss, leaving animals to meet the sharp blade fully aware of their feelings, fellow friends and their unforgiving fate. Do you think this sounds violent? If yes, what does this violence do to the mind of the human holding the tool? Do they ever get caught in these machines or have they become machines themselves?

After ten long minutes, I walk back to the front of the gate. I am told there has already been six trucks enter the yard since the early hours. I can see the backs of the trucks which have the name of the location the pigs have travelled from. Each and every one of them has an obnoxious picture of a happy pig looking out at the drivers who follow the trucks on their long journeys. This is a comforting image to those who have never witnessed the inside of a farm, truck, slaughterhouse or probably even something I had smiled at when I used to eat bacon and sausage. Long journeys they certainly were; each individual had travelled without water or food, packed so tightly that many of them could not lie down at the same time. It took between one to four hours to reach the pigs’ final destination, while the drivers would return within the week with another hot box of snouts.

I look left. The Manchester Pig Save banner is now out of sight, blocked by a colossal three-story high trailer, fitted with small rectangular mesh slats on each level. This sight was a shock to the mind; I had seen trucks like this on videos of American and Canadian pig saves and I had never imagined it happened in the UK on this scale. Now my nostrils are twitching, something doesn’t smell good. This nose filling scent that feels so permanent. Intensified by the heat of many bodies packed so closely together; similar to that of when you’re very ill for days, you feel you need to keep cosy and the minute you lift those covers, you smell the fever inspired body odour arise from the warm depths of your quilt. It is a smell much worse than one can describe with words. Imagine faeces from your toes, up your legs and smothered on your belly as the truck comes to a sudden halt. Your friend accidently crashes their arse into your face. Now with every breath you inhale your fellow beings’ gruesome shit scent. You have no way of getting it off your nose. This confined space is abhorrently different to the woodland you are so used to stewarding, a place where you get to enact your instinct of keeping your toilet far from your sleeping quarters and much further from your snout.

“You use all of your senses when bearing witness at a vigil”. This is what I once heard Alex Lockwood talk about on a podcast about bearing witness. To me this is key, this is reality. It’s not a video filmed by someone else, neither is it your minds ability to use what it thinks is the ‘best guess’ and imagine what the experience would be like. Ask anyone who has been to a Save Movement vigil; their words can describe it so well, yet they’ll all tell you, “you must experience it for yourself”.

Back to the gates. This first truck I see is lively. The pigs look out from their confined space with searching eyes that are focused curiously on our high visibility vests, voices and video devices. At Tulip meats, the Manchester Pig Save group have an agreement that they can spend five minutes with the animals before they enter the facility. This helps us a lot and we bring pop up stools with us so we can peer into the lowest slat that usually sits around head height - this is how we gather the footage that we want to share with people. It’s also how we get to see the individuals for who they are within their confinement. It is smallest act we can do, to share their story and show them love.

The horn of the truck blares and my body suddenly becomes tense. I feel a hollowness within this stressed structure. I feel like a strong wind could blow into me and fill this empty space to such a volume that I just blow away into the grey sky, like a balloon left unattended by a distracted child. I look around at the people I’m bearing witness with. Some are in tears; others are looking deeply into their own minds and emotions. I look for a cue from Ben or Dale to see if they would want to talk about that first truck full of curious snouts. We come together and check if we’re all alright, embracing each other in a tight heartfelt three-way hug.

As we let go and share our experience within our trio, I see a car swinging in. A mother dressed in a nurse’s uniform dropping off three young men. They head into the facility for another regular day of processing. I wonder which area they work in as this plant is huge! Do they work with the tall gas cylinders that fuel the screams? How about the kill floor a real life house of horror containing the carousel of pain that spins continuously, turning life into death? The ‘process’ in this plant takes inquisitive trusting pigs and transforms them into a commodity through a process that not many people would be willing to do or witness themselves. I, along with every activist within the non-violent Save Movement have only compassion for these people. It didn’t start like that for me though. I think of how angry I was attending my first save. I blamed the workers. I now realise that this is the wrong orientation to have. If you’re feeling stuck in this rut, remember it’s not the people we are fighting, it’s the oppressive system that Melanie Joy coins as “Carnism”. Workers, animals and our planet are all under the oppression of this powerful ideology.

Twenty minutes pass, another truck indicates its intended route into the plant. We approach the right-hand side of the truck, set up our stools to give us the extra foot we need to peer in and this time we bear witness to something different. These pigs don’t look at us; they don’t even seem to know whether we exist or if they themselves exist. All we can see are either wide scattered eyes or closed eyes along with heavy breathing, like zombies from an apocalypse film. This trailer is filled with misery. There are scratches, wounds, blood and shit all over the pigs. Most of them seem to have deformities on their bodies, they simply look either unconscious or completely unhappy and unnatural. I jot in my notebook that they seem to have no perception of anything but their own bodies, crashing around and pushing each other with their heads held low. Are they aware of what is coming, or have they come from one of the 85% of UK standard intensive pig farms? The epitome of ultimate despair.

As this truck leaves, I spot the driver hosing down the now empty insides of the trailer in the cleaning section. He departs after switching his now wet and faeces covered t-shirt. Just as he leaves, we see two other trucks flashing their indicators in the direction of the slaughterhouse gates. The first smaller truck of the two standing at two stories high drives straight in as the security must clear the busy road for the next truck, which is huge. I approach the second truck. I look up from my position at the side of the truck and see four levels of this ginormous structure. I then glance through more mesh and witness a mixture of lifeless looking bodies and frantic searching eyes in this first level.

I think of my dear friend Lesley, who has been to a vigil here before. She told me to talk, sing and vibrate with love towards these creatures who have probably never known this feeling before. Suddenly I feel a state of shock and find myself gazing into a pair of blue eyes that are looking directly back at me. Connected by this glance, I feel the urge to sing words to this individual and that’s exactly what I do. The ever so slight sense of embarrassment you may feel singing to a pig in the back of a slaughter truck suddenly disappears. Along with everything else except those blue curious eyes. It is a moment in which you realise that you are giving this pig a comfort it has never known in its life before.

The horn blares.

My chest is tight.

It’s not raining Connor.

Those are your tears.

As this truck pulls into the yard, my emotions overwhelm me due to this connection with the eyes of the individual. Those eyes I will be able to recall in every animal I meet. What the fuck can I do? I walk through the crowd of activists, straight to the riverside as the waterfall of emotions floods from my eyes. Frustration gets the better of me and I can feel the heat of anger arising. As this heat arises within me, I feel the cool calming hand of Dale on my right shoulder. Followed by Ben’s to my left. My eyes begin to dry up as we take a stroll through the thin line of woodland that surrounds the tall slaughterhouse walls.

Another six or seven trucks have come in the time we are present.

Now the worst part of a vigil is upon us. Here comes the abrupt return to reality on the other side of the wall. We came closer when you were in pain. We stayed with you when you were afraid. We wish we could watch over you, all through the night. Remember that every day, we’ll never give up the fight.

We walk from the back and head to the front. We gather our things and leave at 12:30. We’re heading straight to Manchester to fill up on some tasty delights at a rainbow beauty of a café named: Boho Utopia! We fill ourselves up on a full English breakfast and a mega chocolate, peanut butter & banana cake milkshake. We’re heading home now. What a day.

I can only try again from my own experience to describe the sensory circus that occurs when you walk to the back of the slaughterhouse. These words come to me at that moment in time, you may have a different experience:

Screams. Terror. Pain. Dominance. Burning. Crying. Witnessing. Helplessness. Hopelessness. Damage. Violence. History. Shock. Fire. Anger. Rage. Suffering.

The afore list of words is the dark side to describe the reality of a vigil. I’m going to share a different list of words now, under the title of; ‘How you feel when you talk to people who stand side by side with you at The Save Movement’.

Inspired. Committed. Fulfilled. Hopeful. Happy. Fair. Joyous. Connected. Warm. Calm. Loved. Empathetic. Caring. Truthful.

I want you to add to this list, your own words that come to mind when you think of an animal vigil. Let us tell everyone why bearing witness is one of the greatest things you can do in your life! You can simply think of these in your head or share them on Facebook, Instagram or under this Tumblr post. I’ll get you started with a few easy ones:

Tea. Cake. Coffee.

25 of the best family-friendly boutique hotels to bring you back together

Without dwelling too much on the doom and gloom of lockdown life, this year has seen the separation of loved ones and kept many households around the world in social isolation. When reunions become possible again, our selection of family-friendly boutique hotels will bring you closer than ever – all you need to sort is your social bubble.

Escape to the Country

Domaine des Etangs, Massignac – France

A turreted castle set deep in the Charente countryside, Domaine des Etangs will make your little ones feel as though they have stepped into a storybook filled with woodland creatures and farmyard animals. Make friends with the local wildlife – from herons and otters to deer and Limousin cows – with a visit to the nearby farm, or the Haute Charente Adventure Park. After a day spent enjoying the great outdoors with horse riding classes or lakeside fishing (for seven year olds upwards), a selection of rustic retreats await within the hotel grounds, from the Farmhouse to the Métairies rooms, six smallholdings nestled between two ponds which have been named with youngsters in mind – Unicorn, Dragon, and Pegasus complete the fairytale picture.

Castello di Reschio, Umbria – Italy

A timeless collection of nine bespoke farmhouses dotted across a 1,500-hectare landscape on the Umbrian-Tuscan border, immerse your family in Italian rural life at Castello di Reschio. The surrounding countryside – both on and off the estate – gives you plenty of reasons to go off the beaten track. From horse riding, tennis lessons and pizza making classes, to wildlife watching, truffle hunting, hiking and biking, there is something for everyone at this meticulously restored one-thousand-year-old castle.

The Fish Hotel, Cotswolds – UK

A quirky country estate quite unlike any other, The Fish brings you back to nature in boutique hotel style. Suitable for broods of all shapes and sizes, families will find 400-acres of Cotswold countryside to explore right on their doorstep. A village-style collection of houses, huts and hideaways, there are several family-friendly options to choose from – whether it’s the interconnecting Veranda Suites, the standalone, six-bedroom Farmhouse which sleeps up to 15 adults and children, or the Treehouses with a magical woodland setting and bunk beds for two little ones, The Fish is made for laid-back luxury family breaks.

Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Organic Farm, Salamanca – Spain

Dating back to the 14th-century, Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Organic Farm is a blissful retreat encircled by vineyards in the Duero Valley. There is fun for all the family at the hotel’s organic farm, where guests can sample cheese and an authentic hacienda meal, to get a taste for the Spanish countryside. Plan your visit for next autumn, to take part in the annual harvest festival – pick, collect and chop your own grapes, before a traditional barbecue, live music, and lots of wine (for the grown up members of the family!)

Hotel Casa Palmela, Setubal – Portugal

Down a long, vineyard-lined road with the rolling hills of Arrábida Natural Park on all sides, lies Hotel Casa Palmela. The serene white 18th-century house has been completely restored into a luxurious countryside casa, moments from secluded beaches and verdant mountains. The Garden House is the perfect option for larger groups, located in the most secluded area of the hotel grounds and with a spacious set of suites, you will be made to feel instantly at home. Gather round the table (or picnic blanket) for a taste of the renowned Azeitão regional cheese, or explore the Natural Park by bike, on horseback, or simply on foot, before cooling off on the Atlantic coast.

Beachfront Bonding

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, Ibiza – Spain

Set on the quieter side of Ibiza beside the waters of Talamanca Bay, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is sure to be a hit with teens, tweens, and tots (not to mention parents, of course). The Kid’s Club is as trendy as the rest of this stylish White Isle setting, with a series of island inspired activities for children aged 4-12. Little bohos can discover the art of jewelry making and basket weaving from local artisans at the hotel’s Hippy Market, whilst those with inquisitive minds will love learning about the environment through Balearic crafts lessons using repurposed material from the beach like fancy dress parties, mermaid and pirate days, sandcastle creations and master chef sessions at Nobu and Chambao. The musically minded can find their rhythm during the DJ workshops, while parents can enjoy some peace and quiet in the hotel’s Six Senses Spa. Get together in one of the family pool cabanas for a blissed-out beach day, nibbling on bento boxes from the sashimi-serving Nobu Restaurant.

St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas, Crete – Greece

Overlooking Mirabello Bay on a secluded private beach, St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas is the epitome of laid-back island luxury. Families of up to six can choose from an array of quintessentially Cretan accommodation, including interconnecting rooms, Family Suites, Club Suites, and villas with their own private pool. Children can make a splash in the seawater paddling pool next to the hotel’s large outdoor swimming pool, just a few steps from the sea, while the protected sandy cove is perfect for all ages. There is also an early dining room service menu for youngsters, and special baby food can be prepared on request. Parents can make the most of the cocktails at Astra Bar, or a candlelit dinner under the stars at The Minotaure Restaurant, safe in the knowledge that their little ones are being looked after in the Mini Club.

Smiths Beach Resort, Yallingup – Australia

This environmentally-friendly and picturesque resort is set within a National Park, providing the ultimate Australian beachside experience. Smiths Beach Resort‘s beautifully furnished Two and Three Bedroom Garden or Ocean View Villas and Three and Four Bedroom Beach Houses make the perfect home-from-home for any family gathering, each with their own pool and self-catering facilities. Take a picnic lunch from the Gourmet Deli to the beach, or visit the nearby Animal Farm just outside of Margaret River where you can meet over 350 animals and feed baby kangaroos in the farm’s nursery.

Hidden Hills Villas, Bali – Indonesia

Tucked away in the peak beauty of Uluwatu, Hidden Hills Villas borrows the best of the boutique hotel experience to create perfectly private residences at the height of luxury. Taking inspiration from China, Java, the Mediterranean and, of course, Bali, no two villas are the same – but they’re all set up for larger groups, and boast spectacular Indian Ocean views. And with a special Family Package, including a fresh fruit basket, babysitting, pool toys, a full day of Bali, and a couples’ massage for parents, the whole family will be more than taken care of at Hidden Hills.

Koh Russey Villas & Resort, Bamboo Island – Cambodia

A blissful retreat on Cambodia’s remote Bamboo Island, the ocean is only ever a short walk away at Koh Russey Villas & Resort. The resort’s Two and Four Bedroom Beachfront Villas can accommodate six to eight guests respectively, and have been designed to blend with the backdrop of palm trees and bamboo groves, home to colourful local birds. The island is little more than a mile wide – and nature is all around. During the day, there is a whole host of island activities to try – from kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling and fishing, to beach picnics and cooking classes. As the sun sets, gather under the starry sky for an open-air cinema night, or experience a bioluminescent swim with glowing plankton.

Culture Trips

DUKES LONDON – UK

With its heritage style and warm hospitality, DUKES LONDON is a sophisticated home-from-home in the heart of the city. Children will find a thoughtful selection of in-room amenities, including a colouring book, a Dukesy toy and milk and cookies, while grown ups can enjoy a tipple in the DUKES Bar, world-renowned for its martinis – from here, retire to the Drawing Room or the Cognac and Cigar Garden. When you’re ready to explore, you’ll find many of London’s must-see sights at your feet. Borrow a bike from DUKES LONDON and cycle around St. James’s Park. Visit the royal palaces, or book a private tour led by a hotel guide to hear the stories of the kings and queens who called them home.

Hangzhou Rose Garden Resort & Spa, Hangzhou – China

Set in the once ancient capital of China, Hangzhou is renowned for its beautiful natural scenery, fine green tea, and lakeside temples. Nestled in pretty gardens, close to the Qiantang River and the famous Six Harmonies Pagoda, Hangzhou Rose Garden Resort & Spa is an intimate resort with just 50 well-proportioned rooms and one suite. Families of four will have plenty of space for fun and games in the Family Room, which comes with an indoor tent and toys for little ones, in addition to mini slippers and bathrobes in every room. Choose from a child-friendly menu at breakfast, sample the delicious local cuisine in the Jade Hall restaurant or enjoy Western cuisine in the British Bar.

Palm Suite, Rome – Italy

A colourful collection of eclectic Roman residences, Palm Suite puts the history of the Eternal City right at your feet. Within seven minutes, you can be at any one of the ‘big five’: Capitoline Hill, the Forum, the Pantheon, the Colosseum and Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains. The boldly decorated Family Suites sleep four to five, making Palm Suite the perfect base for a Roman Holiday. After a day spent exploring ancient landmarks and awe-inspiring sights, take in Rome’s famous skyline back in the comfort of your private residence.

Altstadt Vienna – Austria

Housed in a 19th-century town house in Vienna’s historic and artistic quarter, Altstadt Vienna puts the Austrian capital at your feet – located in a quieter part of the city, just a fifteen minute walk from the centre. Spread across five floors, modern works of art by Gilbert & George and Andy Warhol decorate the walls throughout the hotel. Families of four will find more than enough space to stretch out after a day exploring the city (by horse-drawn carriage for a traditional tour) in the Family Suites, which are set over two separate bedrooms and have their own living rooms.

Urso Hotel & Spa, Madrid – Spain

Originally an early 20th-century palace, Urso Hotel & Spa has been lovingly and meticulously restored to create a beautifully styled, contemporary boutique property. Surrounded by embassy buildings, independent boutiques, tapas bars and restaurants, the hotel is just a ten-minute walk from Madrid’s famous golden triangle of art galleries. The Urso Family Rooms are made up of an elegant Junior Suite with large floor-to-ceiling windows connected by a private hall to a comfortable Urso Double.

Adventure Time

Bay of Many Coves, Queen Charlotte Sound – New Zealand

Set in a tranquil cove with beautiful views of the Marlborough Sounds, Bay of Many Coves is an exclusive retreat offering a truly unique New Zealand experience. The Two and Three Bedroom Apartments make the ideal base for an adventure-seeking family, with all the natural beauty of this eco haven to explore. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for discovering the bay’s abundant marine life – watch out for dolphins, often spotted around the resort, as well as fur seals. Back on dry land, wander down one of the many forest tracks and discover a wonderful range of native birds.

Rawah Ranch, Colorado – USA

This self-styled ‘dude’ ranch and fly-fishing lodge on the Colorado-Wyoming border is an authentic slice of the Wild West. Rawah Ranch keeps their youngest guests busy with a daily morning programme of cowboy pastimes, giving the more grown-up members of the family to escape on their own adventures. Make your own dream catchers to keep nightmares at bay, paint your imagination’s creations onto rocks found around the ranch, or shape and decorate some leather designs – if you want the Rawah Brand on it, simply ask the staff around the campfire. The wilderness will be yours to explore, with endless activities which make the most of the great outdoors – from panning for gold, horse back riding, pond fishing, and guided nature walks, to meeting the ranch animals up close on the Tiny Hiney Farm. Read all about a recent family visit to the ranch here.

Los Altos Resort & Spa, Manuel Antonio – Costa Rica

Tucked into the rainforest canopy, Los Altos Resort & Spa offers relaxed luxury in the pristine eco-wilderness of Manuel Antonio. Wake to the sounds of howler monkeys, glimpse toucans among the trees, and breakfast with hummingbirds – you’ll be surrounded by restorative nature here. Rooms at Los Altos vary from spacious to huge. Each has an immersed-in-nature feel, with sweeping outlooks over rainforest, sea or both. And all suites come with kitchens and sumptuous lounging spaces – which are especially great for groups or families. Enjoy a Family Time offer where children eat for free, and parents can enjoy a discount in the outside-inside luxury spa.

The Marine, Hermanus – South Africa

This beautiful clifftop retreat on South Africa’s rugged Hermanus coast looks out over Walker Bay, where guests can get a glimpse of the Southern Right Whales from the comfort of the stylishly decorated rooms, if visiting during June or December. Family time at The Marine is spent in the comfort of interconnecting rooms, enjoying a morning of marine safari – get up close with seals, dolphins and penguins – followed by a picnic on Fernkloof Nature Reserve, ending with a family dinner at Origins Restaurant.

The Plettenberg, Plettenberg Bay – South Africa

Poised above one of South Africa’s finest bays, The Plettenberg makes the ideal boutique base to explore the diverse 200km Garden Route, one of the country’s most popular experiences. Families of five can make themselves at home in the two bedroom Beach House, while larger families of seven can stretch out in the three bedroom Lookout Villa, both with their own private pools. Get to know the local wildlife with a morning Canopy Tour to Monkey Land or Birds of Eden, or a visit to the nearby elephant sanctuary, before taking a stroll down to Lookout Beach – perfect for families with its shallow lagoon.

Winter Wonderlands

Le Refuge de la Traye, Méribel – France

Hidden away in the Alps, Le Refuge de la Traye is a collection of eco-luxury chalets dotted about a miniature hamlet, in enviable proximity to Les 3 Vallées ski region. This Alpine retreat gives mini snow seekers plenty of reasons to spend their days in the fresh air, from an electric snowmobile track, 5.5km of sledge runs (which can be organised day or night!), to a treasure hunt on the mountain which teaches children how to use an avalanche search device. After a day on the slopes, hang up your boots in the Edelweiss Family Cottage, a wonderfully rustic wooden chalet with exposed beams and soft furnishings.

Crans Ambassador, Crans Montana – Switzerland

Escape to the great outdoors in style at Crans Ambassador, a luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. With sublime mountain views at every turn, this contemporary chalet offers the chance to immerse yourself in your surroundings. In winter, pick up snow-sport supplies at the on-site ski shop and stroll to the nearby lift, then warm up with a Swiss sharing platter or raclette. If you or your little ones begin to feel ski-weary, spend a day dog-sledding as part of the hotel’s family package, which will be available from 2021.

El Lodge Ski and Spa, Granada – Spain

Cosily kitted out with vintage ski posters, antler chandeliers and animal prints by designer Andrew Martin, El Lodge Ski and Spa redefines the luxury log cabin. El Lodge offers everything from private snowsports lessons, a fun-filled Kid’s Club to a boot warming service – all with ski-in ski-out access to the surrounding 45 pistes and six off-piste ski runs. Families of six can cosy up in the Two Bedroom Corner Suite, with bunk beds for the youngsters and a separate living room for post-ski down time.

Kristiania Lech, Lech am Arlberg – Austria

An exquisitely decorated Alpine retreat with the feel of a private residence rather than a hotel, Kristiania Lech will make every member of your family feel instantly at home. The 29 bedrooms and suites are individually and charmingly decorated with original pieces of art and wonderful views over the village of Lech and towards the Alps. Children up to the age of ten can enjoy breakfast and biscuits throughout the day free of charge, and will find mini bathrobes, towels, and bed linen in each room. Besides the snowsports, the hotel is happy to organise ‘sofa cinema’ evenings, picnics in the snow, and all your bedtime reading will be prepared by your butler before you arrive – simply request your favourite books two weeks before your stay.

Hotel Firefly, Zermatt – Switzerland

One of the most stylish hotels in Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn, the all-suite Hotel Firefly offers spellbinding views of the soaring peaks of the Valais Alps. The sleek and spacious Maxi Suites sleep up to seven, while the larger Chalet Suites and Skylight Loft can accommodate up to ten guests. If you’d prefer not to dine out, cook up a meal in your private kitchen, to make yourself really feel at home. Beyond the front door, there’s Zermatt’s exhilarating ski runs to explore – including the all-year routes on Theodul Glacier.

The post 25 of the best family-friendly boutique hotels to bring you back together appeared first on Small Luxury Hotels.

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Subaki/Henry C-S Support

Written by  drizzled-wind

C SUPPORT

Henry: Nya ha! Thanks, little birdie!

Subaki: Henry, what on earth are you doing? That crow is leaving muddy prints all over your robes and the desk!

Henry: Hm? Oh, I didn’t notice!

Subaki: Honestly, Henry. Why was the bird even here?

Henry: We were just talking! The little crow had some special secrets about the enemies, so now I can kill them better. Crows like me lots, so they don’t mind telling me.

Subaki: Right… Anyway, please don’t let it happen again. If you must talk to animals, do it outside.

Henry: Aww, Subaki, don’t be such a party pooper! We weren’t doing anything wrong.

Subaki: Maybe so, but I cannot tolerate the mess you’re leaving. This is the third time I’ve seen you leave with the room filthy like this.

Henry: Lighten up, Subaki! Here, I’ll help you. A quick hex should have this mess vanished in no time!

Subaki: Wait, a hex? That sounds dangerous-

Henry: Nonsense! Mumble mumble…

Subaki: Henry, what have you done?! I didn’t ask you to fling it out the window on top of everyone!

Henry: But look, the desk is clear! Isn’t that what you were worried about?

Subaki: I don’t understand how you can stand to be so sloppy with everything you do.

Henry: It’s not about being neat! It’s about getting the job done.

Subaki: I must say I disagree, Henry. Listen, how about you meet me in the castle grounds tomorrow? I want to have a chat with you there. Far away from a clean surface.

Henry: Alright, Subaki! Haha!

[Subaki and Henry have reached support rank C.]

B SUPPORT

Subaki: Henry?! What are you doing with that fearsome beast?

Henry: Oh, hey Subaki! You said last time that I should talk to my friends outside now.

Subaki: Why, pray tell, are you conversing with a wolf? Do you know how dangerous those are?

Henry: Pfft, she’d never hurt me. We’re friends!

Subaki: How can you be friends with a savage creature like that?

Henry: Hey, you’ll hurt her feelings.

Subaki: Ugh, never mind. Could we have that chat now? Preferably without the wolf present.

Henry: Haha! Alright, friend, you can go now. Thanks for everything!

Subaki: May I ask why you are constantly speaking with woodland animals?

Henry: They remind me of home! My parents didn’t really care about me, so my best friends were the wolves I hung out with.

Subaki: Er…that sounds very tragic, yet you still have a huge grin on your face.

Henry: ‘Cause I’m a happy guy! Duh!

Subaki: Alright… Well, the reason I wanted to speak to you was I wanted to offer to give you lessons in neatness. I cannot stand here and watch you behave like an animal in good conscience, though I now realise why.

Henry: Ha! That sure sounds unnecessary, Subaki. I’m here to kill people, not tidy rooms! Especially if there’s blood involved.

Subaki: It may seem unnecessary to you, but it is of great importance to me. I have vowed to myself to fix you up, whatever it may take. My reputation depends on it.

Henry: What a strange idea! But if you want, I’ll play along. I can even make it final with a curse!

Subaki: A curse?

Henry: Yup! If I cast this curse, your vow becomes unbreakable, and if you fail, we both die horribly! There’d be a lot of blood, so I’m totally okay with it.

Subaki: What? No! I don’t think I’ll fail, but I can’t take that chance. I don’t want to risk your life if you prove inadequate.

Henry: You’re so weird, Subaki. I said that I was okay with dying, preferably painfully. But whatever you want! I’ll join your for your sessions.

Subaki: Good. And remember, no curses. True perfection requires effort.

Henry: Nya ha! Will do!

[Subaki and Henry have reached support rank B.]

A SUPPORT

Henry: Wow! I’m a hex of a lot better at cleaning rooms now!

Subaki: Excellent, Henry! And in record time, too. I think our sessions have been going wonderfully, thanks to my expertise, of course.

Henry: I never thought I’d be cleaning when I was summoned here. But it’s fun!

Subaki: I’m glad you think so, but after today, I don’t think you’ll be needing anymore lessons.

Henry: Aww! Isn’t there something I can do for you? I love helping people with my curses, and I gotta pay you back, since you helped me! Is there anything you want to have? Anyone you want dead? I could kill Alfonse or someone. There’d be blood. Mmm…

Subaki: No! That’s a terrible idea. Would you really kill the prince?

Henry: Probably not. But I could! So whaddya want? You’re always saying something about perfection, right? Don’t really know why, but it seems important to you for some reason.

Subaki: Well, yes. It is my life’s goal to be the very epitome of perfection.

Henry: Ooh, I have a handy curse for that! It removes all flaws of a living being for 24 hours. Thing is, you need to use someone’s life force to power it. So it might kill me, but you’d be perfect!

Subaki: Gods, Henry. I can’t ask you to make a sacrifice like that for me.

Henry: Are you suuuure?

Subaki: …Yes. Besides, I want to achieve greatness through my own merits. That includes constantly conditioning myself to remove all the imperfections.

Henry: Gee, I never thought of it like that. Seems like a lot of effort.

Subaki: I can tell. You never seem bothered about flaws, Henry. In fact, you’re always happy. Most unlikely for a dark mage.

Henry: Yep, that’s me! I’ve been told I’m a weird guy. But I’m totally alright with that. I like being me! I can do things I like!

Subaki: I must admit I don’t understand your train of thought. But if it’s good enough for you, then I’m content with your explanation.

Henry: Coolio! So, what am I gonna do for you in return?

Subaki: I think you’ve already helped me, Henry. Consider the debt paid.

Henry: If you say so!

[Subaki and Henry have reached support rank A.]

S SUPPORT

Subaki: Henry! There you are. I’ve been worried sick about you.

Henry: Me? Pfft, why are you worried about me?

Subaki: The Summoner said you hadn’t been seen in days. I was fearing that you’d died by the hands of some Embla soldier.

Henry: Nah, not yet! I’m gonna die in a huge battle, and it’ll be really gory. So no worries for now! But you look so sad. Do you need a hug?

Subaki: N-no! Please don’t speak like that. What were you doing away from the army?

Henry: Nya ha! It’s a secret!

Subaki: Sigh…fine. Anyway, I have something I want to tell you.

Henry: I’m all ears! Well, not literally, but that’d look pretty cool.

Subaki: Heh.

Henry: Yay, you’re smiling too! Looks like I turned that frown upside down.

Subaki: I suppose you did. Henry… I have to say, you’ve always impressed me. You’re not perfect, yet you keep that smile on your face. It doesn’t faze you at all.

Henry: Ha! You don’t need to be perfect to be happy. Didn’t you know that?

Subaki: The thing is, I’m not sure I do. I spent every waking moment in my world training to make myself as perfect as I could possibly be. But when I’m around you, I feel…less pressured. I feel like I don’t have to be flawless anymore.

Henry: I think you’re pretty darn great just the way you are!

Subaki: See, that’s what I mean. You accept people for who they are. Imperfections don’t bother you.

Henry: Of course they don’t! I learnt that alllll the way back in my childhood. You just gotta be who you are, or you’ll be miserable. And what’s the use of being miserable? Death won’t be any fun that way.

Subaki: I suppose that makes sense, in some twisted kind of way. But Henry, it is this that draws me to you. I find myself always thinking about you, worrying about you, and…loving you.

Henry: Aw, Subaki! I love you too! Hug time!

Subaki: Ah!

Henry: Did a hug make it better? Lemme tell you, I like you ‘cause you’re you! Plus you helped me lots, and you’re the only one who likes talking to me all the time. Here!

Subaki: A ring?

Henry: I went all the way to town to pick it out! Sorry I scared you so much.

Subaki: Oh, Henry. You’re the one who makes me feel truly perfect. I love you so much.

Henry: Hehe! This is a cawse for celebration!

[Subaki and Henry have reached support rank S.]

Dwarvish Council

Pairing: Thranduil x wife / Thranduil x reader 

Summary: You join your husband to see King Thror, as he wants you to read the mind of the dwarf. You get a little more than you bargained for.

The woodland realm had begun to fall into darkness. Creatures of evil had begun residing in the woods, but the elves withheld their kingdom. Dwarves had moved into Erebor, taking with them their arrogance and dangerously greedy ways.

The elven king had decided to pay a visit to King Thror the second, his elven queen not far behind him. They brought with them a small group of guards, all dressed in the lavish elven amour.

You were to stay silent during the encounter. there to only observe, to listen to words which would go unspoken. They strode along the thin paths which stood over empty stone, and approached the dwarven king. He sat atop his throne, with his grandson standing below him.

"King Thror, I have come to offer warning. I know what you plan, and such a plan will no doubt attract great evil. Darkness is already beginning to stir in my forest, do not let your greed bring it upon you." Thranduil had said. At this the dwarf had laughed, challenging the royal elves. You held your jaw tight, you could hear his arrogant thoughts buzzing in your ears. You had never met a dwarf before, but you had heard plenty about them. This dwarf was the epitome of every insulting word and story you had heard about the horrid creatures. The dwarves thoughts had become too offensive for you to handle.

"If you do not listen, you will bring death. Your kingdom may well be lost, along with the lives of your kin. Do not ignore our warnings because of your self-admiration. Whatever beast comes for your treasures will no doubt be a problem of the woodland elves, as well as the city of Dale," you burst out. Your king looked down at you, startled. You had never left their sanctuary of the Greenwood, let alone challenged a dwarven king before. He wondered what could have made your words come out, but never strayed but a foot away from your side. He feared bringing your to Erebor, but you had insisted. Now his fear had grown. Dwarves did not take kindly of insults, and it was one thing for king Thranduil to offer his opinion, another for a female elf to do the same. The dwarf stared at you, never witnessing such an action committed by a queen, certainly not an elven queen.

"Let them come, the mountain of Erebor is unbreachable. It is not my problem what enemies you may face, you are responsible for your kingdom. My treasures are my concern, and mine alone. You cannot walk into the mountain of the great dwarf king and tell him to protect your Kingdoms." Thror said, his long beard entangled with gems bouncing off his robe as he spoke.

"No such thing was done. We came to warn you, and being the great king you are, you choose to disregard our warning. You are right, each of us is responsible for our Kingdoms. Just remember that the dwarves are not the only formidable force." Thranduil said, taking a step towards the king. This pulled the dwarves eyes away from you and back to him, he did not like the looks the dwarf was giving his queen.

The dwarf then motioned to his grandson, Thorin, who pulled a chest from behind the king’s throne and brought it towards the elves. He opened it to reveal a beautiful white gem, shining like the moon. Thranduil glared down at the gem, the gem that the dwarves coveted so much. You also stared at the gem, but you saw something different. You saw fire, and death. You could see the future that this beauty would bring to the dwarves,

"Dragon," you whispered.. Thorin slammed the chest shut and you fell to the stone. The elves rushed to help you, Thranduil the first among them. Though the dwarf kings words forced his eyes upward once again,

"Even your queen cannot cope with the beauty of the Arkenstone," Thror laughed.

You fell in and out of consciousness, seeing the dragon fly through your mind. You remembered lying against the stone, seeing Thranduil inches away from you. You also remembered fear in the eyes of young Thorin, he lacked the foolishness of his grandfather, but not the pride. It was seldom that elves showed vulnerability, and the elven queen of the woodland realm had fallen helpless on dwarven paths. Thorin knew the warning the elves had brought rung true. Such an event had quite an effect on the young dwarf, though his grandfather simply ignored the situation before his seat.

The elves returned to their kingdom, you sat alone in the chamber deep in the tree cavern. You were still burdened by the image of the beast that would undoubtedly bring ruin upon Erebor. You were shortly joined by Thranduil and your son, Legolas.

"We will destroy the dragon, but only after he attacks Erebor. We have the strength and numbers to do so, but the dwarves must first learn their lesson." Said Legolas. He had a strong build with his father’s golden hair, and a bow strapped to his back.

“We will do no such thing. The lives of dwarves last for many years, but they will end. It is the nature of their being, but the life of an elf is much more precious. We will not risk such value in saving those who refused our warnings.” Thranduil said, his voice as even and solemn as when he was speaking to the dwarven king. You sat in silence, your mind overwhelmed. Your king sat beside you, “what is it that happened? Never before have you collapsed, nor have you been able to see the future. You were meant to look into his mind, what is it that you did differently?” He said. You looked up at him, the blue eyes you had looked at for years. The same blue eyes that any other being would label empty or cold, but you knew the one behind them. You could see his worry and fear, which went unseen by all others.

“I did nothing, I only glanced at the stone. In the stone seemed to be a shadow, which grew into a dragon whose heat I could touch and whose destruction I could see. I am unsure of what exactly happened, I just know it’s nothing that has ever happened in the past.” You said. Your curled auburn hair was tangled and unkempt, for you had turned away any elf who attempted to step within arms-length of you. Thranduil ran his slender fingers through the knots, hoping to relax you.

“Whatever you saw, we can only hope it leaves our kingdom be. I have commanded that our gates stay sealed until you give the word to open them.” Thranduil said. At this, Legolas stepped out the door. He knew that any argument would fall upon deaf ears. The king was no fool, and chose never to ignore a warning such as his mother’s vision. “Our son grows restless, he wishes to fight as our warriors do.” He said once Legolas had left. You smiled.

“One day he will,” you said. “Though, hopefully that day will not come too soon.” Your smile faded as your thoughts returned to their encounter with the dwarves.

SOURCE

A mother Orcwaul carefully keeps an eye out for danger as her two four-month-old pups romp in the meadow, weaving in and out of her immense shadow. With a mother as strong and attentive as theirs, they know they're safe to run and play without any worry about predators causing them any harm - there are very few stronger than an adult of their own species, and none so dumb as to try and get past their gargantuan guardian. Orcwauls, Mortevescus cynocephalus, are the largest living predatory theropodents, with females often surpassing 7 meters, or 22 feet, in length and weighing as much as 1,800 pounds (males are generally slightly lighter in build, averaging about 1,400 pounds, but may be equally long). Highly intelligent and cunning hunters, they live in female-dominated hierarchies and are one of only a few strictly monogamous rodents in the world. While the Orguar, stealthy and solitary, is the ecological equivalent of the big cat, the Orcwaul is a closer analogue to modern day wolves and hunting dogs; cursorial, highly social, and relentless. Orcwauls are ideally-adapted to long-distance pursuit of prey species and have excellent endurance, able to run at a steady clip for hours at a time to wear down their victims with the coordinated, cooperative efforts of many individuals. Orcwaul's have long and powerful legs and run on the very tips of only the two specialized center toes upon each foot, with the inner dewclaw high on the ankle and completely vestigial and the outer dew claw, also permanently raised, rapidly becoming so. This specialization is a direct adaptation to running for speed and is in direct contrast to the four-toed talons of the orguar, which often brings down its prey with the help of a well-placed kick but is subsequently a poor runner for more than a few hundred yards and tires quickly. Orcwauls use their jaws and their jaws alone to kill their food, jaws which are elongated, thick-set, and relatively squared-of, with the specialized, serrated incisors common to all tyrannorats and a long series of shearing molar teeth, and their atrophied arms are little more than a single claw partially hidden in their fur. Though there is a degree of habitat overlap, Orguars are most common in the dry, cold, southern temperate and boreal forests of Andromere while Orcwauls are most at home on the more open, wetter grasslands and sparse woodlands of milder northern regions. Their fur is less dense, shorter, and more bristled than their relative, and their lower legs as well as most of their tails are almost entirely nude as adults, adaptations to prevent overheating or the collection of excess moisture against the skin in warm and humid environments. Orcwuals rarely do well in very dry climates and are absent from all environments north of the Andromeran mountains and throughout the Admantian scrublands to their south, but conversely do very well in warm and wet environments where most tyrannorats avoid, including floodplains and seasonal swamps, and occur with an enormous range across the northern continent from Elsaera to Atroxus. Populations along the shores of Lake Holbenia and Lake Michael in central Andromere could be considered so well adapted to a marsh environment that they are seasonally semi-aquatic, pursuing most of their food in the water, propelled by strong kicks of their hind limbs and side-to-side pumps of their strong tails. Across their large range as many as fifteen subspecies are known to occur, varying in both size and coloration across the gold to brown to red to gray spectrums, with some southern populations being predominately melanistic. Albinism, or more often leucism, is fairly common, with tales of the elusive white, or spirit, rat squeezing their way into the forklore of many local cultures. Some populations exhibit bold white contrast markings on their tails, chests, and snouts possibly used to easily spot on another at a distance, though the majority are relatively subdued with gray and tawny markings and faint spotting or striping on the flanks and up the neck. The tail is usually bald from its base to its tip, where a feathery plume of hair, usually white in color, occurs. Orcwauls are usually very good parents, and a pack's priority at all times of the year is the protection and provisioning of its pups. Among yearlings and adults competition to eat is fierce, but young are given utmost priority and a sort of special privilege, filling up on the choicest cuts of the prey before the adults even touch the carcass. When born, they are blind, deaf, and helpless and confined to a secluded nest, but within only a few weeks their eyes and ears will open and they begin to try their legs, waddling first awkwardly but quickly developing stamina and strength to walk and then to run alongside the adults. Orcwauls are born with prominent loose skin and silver manes along their necks and down their backs with gradually diminish by the time they're six months old, utilized by the adults to grasp and carry the very young pups without injuring them and then as a sort of quick marker which tells the adults that they are very young, permitting them much greater tolerance to disorderly conduct and aggressive play that will not be tolerated as they grow larger. In direct contrast to the one of the Orcwaul's earthly analogues, the African lion, this feature is an effective signal which brings out parental instincts even to unrelated adults. In the event two packs merge, or a new male or female joins an established group, it does not make any attempt to harm the present pups as do lions when taking over a pride. This is likely a result of the orcwaul's unique social structure, different from both wolves and lions, where there is no established dominant individual. Females are stronger than males and by default take more food, but a single pack usually consists of one or several older pairs and several generations of their daughters and unrelated males who join the group from other packs at maturity, all of whom may breed and assist in rearing each other's young, the female of which will stay for life and the males whom will be driven out at sexual maturity around age four to join new groups, preventing in-breeding. Since Orcwauls very rarely mate outside their pair bonds, it's possible that the suppression of lower-ranking individuals' reproduction which is seen in wolves is simply unnecessary, and since a pack is multi-generational, rather than a single group of females mated by one male (as in lions), that aggression towards unrelated young serves no purpose. The pups in the pack are dependent on the adults for several years before becoming competent hunters but suckle for a relatively short period of only three weeks before weaning to animal foods, first in the form of regurgitated slurry. Once their teeth come in, they are weaned first onto small pre-chewed portions of meat carried to the nest before graduating to cutting their own bites directly from the carcass as they run along after their families while they hunt, kept out of harm's way by one or two nannies who stay back from the action to keep the young safe. The young are incredibly playful, wrestling and mock-hunting one another almost constantly for the first year of their lives, a process which gradually gives way to the first attempts at real hunting around this time when their parents may begin to allow them to follow along on hunts. During this training period, which lasts until the animals are two years old at least, they will often make an effort to target smaller animals they would normally ignore and intentionally only wound but not dispatch their prey, allowing the pups to finish the job, which may be a prolonged process if they are slow learners. Usually, the first few victims succumb only to blood loss or shock: death by a thousand cuts, until the young master the adults' quickly debilitating throat bite. Generally an orcwaul is a competent killer of these smaller animals by age two, halfway before it reaches its full mature size and girth, but even so these young training graduates generally don't get to make the killing move against larger prey for some time, serving instead to flush it, with their greater agility, into the waiting jaws of the stronger mature individuals of the pack who then proceed to take it down. By combining the efforts of different age groups, a single pack of orcwauls can make use of a much wider variety of prey types than any single individual could alone, allowing them to survive in so wide a variety of habitats. As the adolescent grows, it gradually learns to manage larger and larger prey. A single adult female orcwaul can, with some effort, disable an animal as large as a moose. As a pack of five to fifteen, there are no terrestrial animals - save for perhaps the Olympian lumberjack - entirely beyond their capabilities, though it is very rare for them to take down an animal as large as a mature quailephant, a feat usually limited only to the even more immense sabre-billed bearbird. The largest terrestrial predator in the northern hemisphere, this flightless swiftlet, the epitome of a megafauna-hunting specialist, can stand up to thirty feet tall and weigh an impressive six tons. With few other active predators of comparable size and ferocity in their habitat - even large bearbirds do not readily contest orcwaul packs - an orcwaul pup under the watch of a pack of adults is almost completely safe from predators, but a variety of opportunists may take an unguarded young individual if the chance ever arises, including griffons, bristlebacks, and other tyrannorats. Adults, far too large to worry about these, fear only the cunning of the lucknoun and sometimes the skystrider - the only two creatures intelligent enough to take down one of Sheatheria's most powerful apex predators. ~~~ While the Orguar roars powerfully with a voice deep enough enough to visibly shake the forest around and be felt through the soil for many miles, the Orcwaul cannot roar at all; rather, it barks, growls, and whines, like an enormous dog. Needing to communicate with one another much more, their repertoire is large and varied, and though they don't roar, they communicate over long distances with very deep and prolonged howls, similar to those used by wolves but several octaves lower. When a pack of a dozen orcwauls gather and raise their heads to the heavens to belt out their eerie song all at once in the night, silencing the trills of countless frogs, birds, and crickets and traveling for miles in the still air, there is no more powerful, bone-chilling sound in the world, be it this one or the one we know. The Orcwaul, fierce, stately, intelligent, and powerful, is truly one of the most majestic of all the worlds' creatures. However, this is definitely not true of its nearest relative - one of the superficially most hideous, frightful, and unappealing of all the theropodents...