#tincture legacy
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The Legacy of Magic
5,853 words | Teen | Part 2 of 7
Author's AO3: MagicalSniper
Story Link: The Legacy of Magic
Part One
Summary: Balinor, summoned by Uther to negotiate with the Great Dragon Kilgharrah, witnesses the devastating aftermath of the Great Purge of Magic and is forced to escape Camelot, leaving behind a pregnant Hunith.
Years later, his son Merlin, who struggles to conceal his magic, becomes fast friends with Prince Arthur. Their bond is tested when Arthur learns the truth about Merlin’s magic, but his loyalty to Merlin remains steadfast, though their relationship is marred by the weight of secrets and struggles for the safety of magic users in Camelot.
Chapter Two: The One Where Arthur and Merlin Become Friends
Hunith’s fingers trembled as she accepted the small woven basket filled with vibrant herbs from the errand boy. She hugged the basket to her chest to keep it from tumbling to the floor and closed the door firmly with her hip. The scent of rosemary and thyme enveloped her as she meandered through the Physician’s chambers and placed the basket haphazardly on the table beside the tinctures she had filled before the interruption. She began to fill the rest of the empty vials absentmindedly, accidentally overflowing one of them in her distraction.
“Careful with those tinctures, Hunith,” Gaius chided gently, noticing her distraction. “A single drop too much, and you’ll have the King dancing a jig rather than resting.”
“Maybe it’ll lighten the bastard up,” she muttered to her brother, moving the vials out of the way to clean up her mess. “Heaven knows we could all use the laugh.”
She wiped her hands on her apron and reached for the small vial of wheat and barley she had prepared a week prior, unable to wait any longer to see the results. She had read in one of Gaius’s medical books that if a woman thought herself pregnant, she would urinate over the seeds of wheat and barley over several days. If it grows, the woman is likely with a child.
Her thoughts wandered to Balinor and the passionate night they had shared not two months prior as she brought the vial close to the candlelight. If she were indeed pregnant with his child, what would that mean for her future, given the danger of having a magical offspring in Camelot?
“It’s a boy,” Gaius said softly, coming up behind her to look at the vial where the seedlings were leaning towards the candlelight.
She glanced down at the vial; indeed, the barley seeds had sprouted.
“And it’s… Balinor’s child?” Gaius asked in a light tone.
Hunith threw Gaius a nasty look over her shoulder, causing him to cover the teasing smile that crossed his face. It was no secret that she had been good friends with Uther and Balinor since childhood. There was no shortage of rumors among the castle and lower village that she had been warming the King’s bed since the death of Ygraine. Unfounded, of course, but that didn’t stop Gaius from teasing her about it every now and then.
His face took on a more serious expression. “Some might say…” Gaius paused, weighing his words, “... that ending this pregnancy might be safer for all involved.”
Hunith’s hands found the hem of her dress, twisting the fabric as she pondered his words. “Safer, perhaps,” she shrugged and sighed heavily. “But I cannot. This child is more than just Balinor’s. If Balinor has no more children, this child is the last hope for the Dragonlords— I cannot allow that to be extinguished.”
“I’d expect nothing less,” Gaius said with a nod and a warm smile. “We shall keep this secret safe for as long as possible.”
~o0o~
By the sixth month of her pregnancy, Hunith was glowing with the promise of new life— a new life already proving to be as mischievous as magical. Not an hour passed without vials toppling over unexpectedly, books fluttering like birds taking flight around the chambers, and quills dancing across tables in a bizarre waltz.
“Merlin, stop that!” Hunith scolded, despite knowing that her words would fall on deaf ears. “He’s not even born yet and is driving me crazy!” she muttered, slamming her hand down onto the book she had been reading as it tried to fly away.
"Perhaps it's best if you remain out of sight for the time being," Gaius suggested, righting a floating tome with a sigh.
“Lovely.”
~o0o~
Yet, even the best-laid plans of mice and men— or, in this case, physicians and their assistants, go awry. There was a grand tournament during the Spring equinox where all of Camelot had gathered. Hunith had become stir-crazy, now eight months pregnant, and had, against her better judgment, allowed herself to venture into the stands to watch the tournament, her presence masked by the throngs of spectators. Or so she had thought.
She was dressed in a loose dress that disguised her baby bump, never being more grateful that she didn’t show as much as many others did that late in their pregnancy. She would have been fine, with no one the wiser, had Uther, sitting in the middle of the stands, not caught her eye as she made her way towards Gaius, who was a few rows behind him.
Uther had raised an eyebrow at her and motioned with his head that she should sit beside him and young Arthur, who was kneeling on his own seat, blue eyes wide with wonder as he watched the jousting tournament.
She merely gave him a tight smile and shook her head. He likely thought she was trying to deny the request to keep the rumours at bay because Uther merely rolled his eyes and motioned with his head again, causing her to sigh heavily and approach him.
“Morning, Sire,” she said ‘sire’ in the most sarcastic tone she could muster, causing Uther to roll his eyes again and scoff at her. “And Arthur, how are you doing?” She cooed, reaching over to smooth his hair from his eyes.
Arthur, then three, grinned up at her, his two front teeth missing due to him falling from one of the castle statues earlier in the week. “Aunt Hunith! Are you sitting with us!? Did you see what the Black Knight did just now? It was so cool!” He reached over and hugged her waist, his face nuzzling her belly. Arthur pulled away and frowned at her belly, “Did you get fat?”
“Arthur!” she scolded, firmly pushing on his shoulders and glaring down at him. “There are two things you never ask a lady— her age or if she gained weight.”
Arthur pouted, “I’m sorry, Aunt Hunith.”
She sighed heavily and leaned down to kiss his forehead, pulling him into a hug. “I forgive you.”
Uther watched the exchange with a small smile, frowned at her, and scanned her body until his eyes rested on her stomach. He licked his lips and looked nervously at her, “Are you?”
“Would I be pregnant and not tell one of my oldest friends?” She asked him softly.
He gave her a sad look. It wouldn’t have even been a question eight months ago, but he could tell she’d been pulling away since Balinor’s disappearance. “I’d protect you if… if you were, as long as it wasn’t…” Balinor’s, it went without saying. Uther had no tolerance for magic, even from his oldest friends, not since Ygraine had passed.
“Would you have me killed if it were, Uther?” Hunith challenged, pressing the side of Arthur’s face into her hip and covering the other side of his face with her hand so that he wouldn’t hear their conversation. He hardly noticed, as entranced as he was with the knights below. “Have Arthur watch his aunt die right before his very eyes?”
Uther’s lips tightened into a straight line, and he could not meet her eyes. “I… I…”
“I’m not pregnant, Uther,” she lied after a minute of watching him trying to come up with a response, her hand stroking the side of Arthur’s face as she let go of him. “No need to go light the pyre.”
“Good, good, good… good,” Uther cleared his throat and patted the bench beside him. “Join me, please? I’ve missed you.”
“Careful, Uther,” Hunith said dryly. “You don’t want everyone to start thinking you have feelings.”
He huffed out a laugh and gently pulled her into the seat that Arthur had vacated, “You’re ridiculous.”
They sat in companionable silence, cheering in all the right places, making idle chatter between rounds, pulling Arthur down from the rails when he became so into the tournament he almost fell off it. It almost felt as it had when they were kids and would watch the tournaments together.
Unfortunately, it became too similar to the tournaments they used to attend as kids—the ones where Balinor would enchant the knights to do things when they grew bored.
One minute, they were watching a run-of-the-mill round; nothing seemed out of the ordinary until a knight began to charge valiantly across the field with his lance poised. He'd been suddenly flung off his horse and landed, not with a noble crash but with a tumble that turned into an inexplicable, hand-standing dance across the field.
Hunith froze, having felt the invisible burst of magic that rippled through the air. He looked over to Uther, hoping that he hadn’t felt it as well. Time seemed to stand still as gasps and cheers erupted from the crowd, the spectacle turning heads and raising brows, but it seemed as if no one else thought it was due to magic or felt the pulse.
Her heart raced, her cheeks reddened with a mixture of embarrassment and fear. She swallowed heavily, ice water in her veins, and laughed a bit hysterically. “R-remarkable balance, that one.”
Uther studied her with narrowed eyes, causing her to fear that he had felt where the magic had come from before his face smoothed, and he turned back to the arena, where the knight had since been released from the spell and was brushing himself off. “Indeed.”
Hunith leaned back in her seat and took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she realised how close she had been to being discovered. She looked down at her stomach with a frown. She was going to have her work cut out for her.
~o0o~
In the backroom of Gaius’ chambers, a young Merlin pressed his nose against the cool glass pane, eyes wide as he observed the bustling castle life below. He took particular interest in the junior knights who were running back and forth from the armoury to the training grounds. He couldn’t help the impish grin that overcame him before he wiggled his fingers in a silent incantation that sent swords and shields flying from the alarmed teen’s hands. He cackled as they ran around like chickens without their heads, trying to catch the weapons that continuously danced out of their reach.
He watched as the laundress and her assistant carried a load of royal laundry towards the fields to hang and sent it flying across the fields, the sheets moving as if they were playful ghosts, chasing the two women across the grounds.
He caught sight of an abandoned bucket of water and poured it over the heads of suspecting royals as they toured the grounds. He ducked out of sight when King Uther turned towards the Physician’s chambers, bemusement on his face as the servants rushed towards a screaming Princess Eleanor.
Gaius stuck his head into the room and raised an eyebrow at him after a deafening screech of hers regarding the state of her hair. “Merlin,” the man chided, exasperation clear in his tone. “You don’t seem to be doing your studies.”
“Not my reading and writing, but I am practicing magic!” Merlin’s playful grin fell slightly, and he sighed, “Yes, Uncle.” His voice lacked any remorse, the twinkle in his eyes betraying him. “I’m just so bored. Why couldn’t I go collect herbs with Mommy?”
“What happened the last time you collected herbs with Hunith?” Gaius asked.
Merlin muttered under his breath and kicked at the floor.
“Sorry, I didn’t hear you.”
“I enchanted King Uther to fall and trip into the fountain,” Merlin looked up, his eyes flashing. “But he was being so mean to his poor manservant!”
“Why don’t you come help me make some tinctures?” Gaius suggested, “And then we can practice a couple of spells from your spell book.”
Merlin gasped in excitement and raced down the steps into the main chambers, “Come on, Uncle!”
“This child will be the death of me…” Gaius muttered, following his nephew’s excited calls.
~o0o~
At times, the call to leave the chambers was too strong, and Merlin would escape when his mother and Gaius were distracted. Usually, Merlin would find himself in the stables, feeding and brushing the horses for the stablehands.
Other times, he would sit on the hill a little away from the training grounds and watch Prince Arthur practise his swordplay with his wooden sword and shield. He moved with grace and power, commanding attention even with his small stature. Merlin’s fingers would twitch; he longed to join in on the laughter of the Prince and his friend Leon, to be a part of something grander than whispered spells and shadows. Or, maybe he just really wanted to mess with the Prince. He really wasn’t sure.
Then, there were times when Merlin would be chasing Gwen across the castle grounds, and he would look up to see Arthur perched on the Library sill, his golden head bowed over a tome. Arthur would raise his head, and for a breathless moment, their worlds would touch— but all too soon, Arthur’s attention was drawn back to his studies, and Merlin would often be tackled to the grass by Gwen. The moment tended to be quickly forgotten and replaced with pleas and squeals of laughter as she would mercilessly tickle him until tears formed in his eyes.
~o0o~
It was the morning of Hunith’s birthday, during Merlin’s seventh summer, and Merlin was determined to get her a present. Early that morning, he had slipped out of the Physician’s quarters when his mother and Gaius were distracted by two knights who had caught fever and a rash the evening before.
It had taken him a while to get to the market, and he took the long way so that Gaius wouldn’t see him out the window, but it had all been worth it. The market was a kaleidoscope of colours and smells, with vendors hawking wares from stalls draped with the brightest of cloths.
He moved purposefully, ducking between patrons as he searched for the perfect gift. He had been close to giving up when his eye caught sight of a wooden figurine. It seemed to glow a subtle gold as he approached, and he couldn’t help but be entranced by it. The figure was that of a dragon standing on its hind legs with its wings unfurled.
It was perfect.
His mother loved telling him tales of dragons and the brave Dragonlords who tamed them. He dug out all the money in his pockets and counted it out, frowning when the man told him he was one silver coin short.
“M’sorry, Lad,” the man said softly as Merlin pulled his hands back and shoved the coins back in his pocket.
“Thank you,” Merlin muttered as he turned away from the man, tears gathering in his eyes. He began to walk away when a strong hand closed over his shoulder.
Merlin froze and turned slowly. His eyes traveled up the tall man’s body until he got to his face. Upon recognition, he flinched back. He would have fallen if one of the knights behind him hadn’t caught him. “K-King Uther!” He gave a clumsy bow and kept his eyes trained on the ground, freezing under the man’s scrutiny. He knew he was in big trouble.
The one major rule his mother and Gaius had was that he was never to be seen by Uther. “Erm, erm…” he bowed again, for lack of knowing what else to do. “Sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to get in your way.”
“You weren’t in my way,” Uther said, kneeling down to his height. Merlin fidgeted as Uther studied his face, sharp eyes focusing on his eyes, nose, and lips before flickering to his eyes. His lips tightened into a straight line before he asked, “You were looking at that dragon figurine?”
Merlin’s eyes widened, and looked back at the stall before turning back to the King, “Y-yes, sir. I wasn’t trying to steal it, I swear! I just wanted to get my mommy a gift for her birthday today, but I was one coin short.” Tears welled in his eyes again, and his hands shook as he tried to take deep breaths to calm himself.
Unable to look Uther in the eye, he looked over the man’s shoulder and gulped audibly when he spotted the pyre that had been used to execute a young woman accused of magic not a day earlier. He clenched his shaking fists to keep his magic at bay and forced his eyes back to the ground.
Uther frowned thoughtfully at him and looked over to the stall with the figurine before he stood, ordering Merlin to stay where he was. Merlin kept his eyes trained on the ground, wondering what punishment he would get for getting in the King’s way when the dragon figurine slid into his blurry peripheral view.
He sniffed and rubbed his eyes before looking up at the King in disbelief. He took the dragon gently in his hands, his eyebrows knitted tightly together. “I… I,” he placed the dragon under one arm and dug into his pocket for his money, handing it over to Uther. “I can work for the rest,” he said quickly, his cheeks burning red with embarrassment.
Uther gently took Merlin’s hand and pressed the coins back into it, giving his hand a slight squeeze. “Tell Hunith that I wish her a very Happy Birthday.”
Merlin’s teary eyes, if possible, widened further, “I-I, yes, Sir.” He shoved the coins back into his pocket and hugged the dragon to his chest, bowing deeply. Only when he was walking away did he think he should have asked how Uther knew it was a present for Hunith.
His heart beat wildly in his chest as he tried to put as much space between him and the King as possible. He weaved through the bustling market with the dragon clenched tightly in his hands. Merlin had to get home before he ran into anyone else he wasn’t supposed to.
In his haste, Merlin didn’t notice the figure emerging from a tent to his right until they collided. The impact sent him sprawling on the ground, the figure skidding away from his outstretched hand.
“Watch where you are going, you idiot!” The voice, despite being young, was sharp and authoritative.
Merlin groaned and looked up to see none other than Prince Arthur glaring down at him from under his blonde fringe. He scrambled to his feet and brushed dirt from his green tunic. “Sorry,” he muttered distractedly as he searched for the figurine. “I didn’t see you.”
“Clearly,” Arthur stood tall, even at the tender age of nine. He was the very image of princely disdain, his blue eyes cold as he looked down at Merlin. “You should pay more attention. You could have damaged my armor.”
Merlin snorted. The ‘armor’ was a simple child’s chainmail, something even Merlin could afford to buy from any toy stall. “A real tragedy that would be.” His eyes brightened as he spotted the figurine and went to pick it up, examining it for any damage.
Arthur’s eyebrows rose, “Do you always talk back to your betters?”
Merlin looked around, feigning confusion, “I don’t see any of my betters here.” He couldn’t help himself. The Prince was rubbing him the wrong way.
“You insolent—” Arthur began but stopped abruptly, his gaze narrowing on Merlin. “I know you. You’re that boy Gaius is always yelling at, the one that skulks around the grounds.”
“Skulks?” Merlin huffed. “I prefer ‘strategically positioning myself,’ thank you very much.”
“More like strategically causing trouble,” Arthur countered. “Are you the one behind those weird things happening?”
Merlin froze, his hands squeezing the dragon tightly in his hands. “Of course not,” he lied. “Magic is bad,” he said the practiced words with conviction.
Arthur rolled his eyes as if he’d heard that a million times before, which was a high possibility, given who his father was. “Just stay out of my way if you know what’s best for you.”
“Right, wouldn’t want to interrupt your quest for the perfect hair,” Merlin said dryly, rolling his eyes as Arthur caught sight of himself in a puddle and was fixing his hair in his reflection.
Arthur’s eyes shot up to his, and his jaw tightened. “You’re impossible.”
“I can’t be impossible. I exist,” Merlin shot back with a grin.
“I am the Prince of Camelot. You will show me some respect!” Arthur's voice was sharp, his fists clenching at his sides.
Merlin raised an eyebrow. “Respect? Is that what they call it when you demand people bow down to your royal highness?”
Arthur stepped closer until his nose was practically pressed against Merlin’s. “You would be wise to watch your mouth.”
“Or what? You will have Daddy throw me in the stocks?” Merlin shrugged, “I wouldn’t mind. It faces the flowers, and they’re so pretty.”
Arthur opened his mouth to retort but then paused, studying Merlin. A flicker of something else crossed his features for a moment—was it amusement? “You’re… so weird.”
“Arthur!”
“Goodbye, Prince Arthur.” He scurried out of the way as Arthur grabbed him, cackling as he went.
Once he was a safe distance away, he stopped beside a house and looked behind him. He watched as Arthur walked towards his father, and he, too, stopped to turn back.
~o0o~
Merlin’s footsteps echoed against the stone floors of the Library as he moved through the towering shelves, searing for the book Gaius had sent him to find. The air was thick with the scene of parchment, ink, and leather, and dust particles danced in front of his eyes in the morning's rising sun.
“Stupid text…”
Merlin stopped at the corner of an aisle and peered around the corner. Prince Arthur was hunched over a hefty tome, muttering to himself. His brow was furrowed in concentration while his lips moved, his finger tracing the words he struggled to read.
He ignored him and continued to the next row, where the medical texts were. He looked for the red leather-bound book with a frown. When he noticed it wasn’t on the bottom four shelves, he began to scan the upper levels of the shelves. And there, about a meter and a half above his head, was the book that he needed. “Of course,” he muttered and looked around.
There were several scribes sitting at a table in eye line, and he knew Arthur was by the shelves in front of the one he stood at. Then there was Geoffery, who tended to wander through the Library without rhyme or reason. He’d have to do it the old-fashioned way.
He grimaced as he gripped the dusty shelf above his head and pulled himself up, his fingers slipping on the thick grime coating it. He tried again, this time knocking several books off the shelf and falling onto the floor.
“SHH!”
He glowered at the scribe glaring at him and jumped to his feet, wiping his sweaty, dirty hands on his breeches. He took a deep breath and tried again but struggled to get a solid foothold on the cluttered shelves, his feet continuing to slip on the accumulated dust and items.
“What are you doing?”
Merlin gasped as he lost his balance one shelf away from the book he needed; he closed his eyes as he made contact with the person below him, sending both of them falling to the floor with a loud crashing sound, throwing up a cloud of dust which was sucked deep into their lungs, causing the both of them to cough and sputter.
“Get off me!” Arthur growled, shoving Merlin off him. He coughed some more as he stepped up and brushed himself off. “What do you think you were doing up there!?”
Merlin winced and held his arm to his chest as he struggled to his feet. “I was getting a book for Gaius.” He tried to straighten his arm and grimaced, causing Arthur’s eyes to widen.
“Did you break your arm?”
“Probably just sprained it. I’d be crying if it was broken,” Merlin admitted as he took the long red scarf off his neck and twisted it into a makeshift arm sling like he had seen Gaius and his mother do many times before.
Arthur scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest, “That is what you get for being an idiot. There’s a ladder on the other side that you could have used.” He raised an eyebrow at Merlin before disappearing and reappearing with the sliding ladder, waving his hand at it. “See?”
Merlin scowled and watched as the Prince slid it over to where he needed it, “Yeah, I see it.” He gripped onto the side and hoisted himself up, shaking slightly from his tentative hold on the ladder. “... Thanks.”
“Oh, my god,” Arthur muttered, pulling Merlin down to take his place. “What book do you need?”
“I don’t need your help,” Merlin said stubbornly.
“I have to get back to my studies, and if we keep it up, Geoffery will throw us both out. Now, which book is it?”
Merlin sighed heavily, “The red leather one, up there.”
Arthur quickly fetched the book and handed it to him, glancing curiously at the title. “C-ca-nons Lie bra Med ci nae.” he scowled as he stumbled over the words, “Here, take the stupid thing. I have work to do.”
“Canonis Liber Medicinae,” Merlin corrected smoothly, accepting the book in his uninjured hand. “It means the ‘Canon of Medicine’.”
Arthur was already walking away, “I don’t care.”
Merlin, unable to help himself, followed Arthur back to his table. “Can you not read? How is that possible? You’re a prince! I’ve been reading for two years already, and you’re three years older than me!”
“S-shut up!” Arthur’s face burned red with embarrassment. “I have much more important things to do than sit on my butt all day and learn to read and write, unlike some people.”
“Yeah, because that's exactly what we all want in a future king—an illiterate,” Merlin said dryly, waving the book in his hand. “Thanks, I guess.” He glanced at the book on Arthur’s table and recognized the story Arthur was working on. “That’s a good story. I’ve read it loads of times.”
Arthur growled and picked up his quill, hurling it at a cackling Merlin as he fled from him.
“Idiot,” Arthur muttered, sinking back into his chair and resting his head on his folded arms.
~o0o~
A week later, Merlin was back in the Library, not because of an errand for Gaius, but to spy on Arthur. He was standing an aisle away, pretending to examine the spine of a book while he listened to Arthur’s muffled sounds of frustration.
He sighed heavily and put the book back on the shelf, shaking his head. He felt terrible for the other boy; from the sounds of it, he was still on the story he had been reading the previous week.
Merlin slid into the chair across from Arthur, kneeling to see across the table. “Do you need help?” He asked, cocking his head to the side to better see Arthur’s face.
“Go away,” Arthur snapped without looking up, his voice laced with embarrassment. “I don’t need help from a peasant.”
“Okay,” Merlin shrugged and jumped off the chair. He returned to where he knew there were several copies of Aesop’s Fables and pulled one from the shelf, flipping through its pages. “A Lion lay asleep in the forest, his great head resting on his paws. “ Merlin paused as he listened to the muffled sounds of stifled vexation that continued from Arthur. “A timid little Mouse came upon him unexpectedly, and in her fright and haste to get away, ran across—”
Realizing that Arthur would not ask him for help, Merlin sighed and returned the book before flopping onto the chair beside Arthur.
“Look,” Merlin said, pulling the book toward him with a gentle tug. “It’s really not that hard once you get the hang of it.” He pointed at the first two words, enunciating them slowly and clearly. “The Gnat. See? You start with the letters and sound them out.”
Arthur eyed him with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. He sat silently glaring at Merlin for what felt like minutes, his shoulders tense as he stared down the other boy. However, Merlin merely smiled softly at him, and Arthur soon relaxed. “But Gnat sounds like Nat, not g-nat like it’s spelt!”
“It can be confusing at times. Our language comes from a mix of different ones, so the rules sometimes don’t make much sense…” Merlin scrunched his nose, “At least, that is what Mommy says.”
Arthur sighed before looking over his shoulder and leaning in close to Merlin. “Fine, you can help me,” he conceded, his voice barely above a whisper. “But if you were to tell anyone about this…”
“Who would I tell?” Merlin said with a giggle. “Who would believe me if I said that Prince Arthur couldn’t read and needed my help to teach him?”
For the first time, a hint of a smile tugged at the corner of Arthur’s mouth, and the tension between them began to lessen. Together, they bent over the book, and under Merlin’s subtle guidance, Arthur began to stumble less and less with each new sentence.
And if Merlin had forgotten that he had snuck out and needed to be back before Gaius and his mother had returned from the lower town and was subsequently grounded from leaving the Physician’s chambers for the next week, well, it was worth it.
~o0o~
The following weeks found Arthur and Merlin huddled in a corner of the Library. Heads pressed together as they poured over Arthur’s study books. Merlin had also taken to the habit of bringing his own study books to get some of his work done. If one were to listen in, one would hear the sound of hushed voices and the occasional giggle as Merlin walked Arthur through the finger points of literacy.
“Try again; go slower,” Merlin encouraged, leaning on his elbows, half his body on the table, as he looked at the book Arthur was reading from.
“Knight… hood,” Arthur pronounced carefully, and with a triumphant lift of his chin, he looked to Merlin for approval.
“Put it together, knighthood,” Merlin corrected gently, his eyes shining brightly as he looked at the other boy. “You’re getting better! Soon, you’ll be able to read all the stories people will write about your adventures!”
Arthur grunted, a small smile on his face. “I guess I have you to thank.”
“You thanking a commoner?” Merlin quipped, his smile turning into a full-on grin.
“You’re right. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Arthur retorted, but the warmth in his voice belayed his words.
Their tutoring sessions became an unspoken routine, but they didn’t confine themselves to the dim candlelit library. Outside, under the vast blue sky, their friendship continued to flourish.
After they would study in the Library, Merlin would follow Arthur to the training grounds. He would watch, eyes wide with wonder, as Arthur and the other junior knights went through their rounds. He’d cheer when Arthur would get the better of his opponent and run over to him in worry when he didn’t, although he wasn’t above playful ribbing when the occasion called for it. At the end of Arthur’s drills, Merlin would be there with a giant smile and water for the sweat-soaked prince. They would sit together and watch as the older knights trained, their laughter mingling with the metallic armor ring as the knights practiced.
“Could you imagine me in all of that?” Merlin asked one day, gesturing to the knights. “I’d probably fall over from just trying to lift the sword.”
Arthur snorted, “You’d fall over from just the chainmail. If you had a sword, you’d probably wind up skewering yourself.”
“Ha-ha, you’re so funny,” Merlin replied with a roll of his large eyes. But he frowned, his gaze lingering on the knights. He might not be able to be a knight, but he did wish he could learn a way to protect everyone without the danger of exposing his magic. A wistful expression crossed his face before he shook it away.
When the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows over the castle grounds, Arthur and Merlin found themselves playing hide and seek among the hedges and statues. Merlin would cheat, using his magic to rustle the bushes or create a whisper of wind, consistently leading Arthur in the wrong direction.
“Got you!” Arthur shouted triumphantly when he finally discovered Merlin, jumping on the boy’s back and wrestling him to the floor.
Merlin elbowed him off and jumped back onto his feet, “Maybe next time you’ll be able to find me before my sneeze gives me away.”
“I was buying you time,” Arthur said with a huff and the crossing of his arms over his chest. “Next time, I won’t go so easy on you!”
“If you say so, sire,” Merlin said mockingly before squealing and dodging Arthur’s grabbing hands. “Come on, one more round. I’ll even let you prove how ‘easy’ you were going on me.”
Merlin's laughter filled the garden, a sound as bright and mischievous as the twinkling stars beginning to emerge in the deepening blue of the evening sky. He darted behind a grand statue of Camelot's founder, his breaths quick and light, his heart pounding with the exhilaration of innocent play and newfound friendship.
“Come on, Merlin! I know you are using your tricks again!” Arthur’s voice carried an edge of feigned annoyance, but the laughter in his voice was unmistakable.
“Tricks? Me?” Merlin called back, peeking out from behind the marble statue. “I’m just being resourceful.”
“Resourceful,” Arthur repeated dryly, although his lips curled into a reluctant smile. “I will figure out what you are doing.”
“Good luck with that,” Merlin muttered, a silent incantation slipping past his lips, causing a nearby shrub to rustle.
"Ha! There you are!" With a triumphant shout, Arthur lunged towards the sound, only to find his hands grasping at empty air while Merlin slipped away once more, chuckling at the prince's expense.
They ended their game as the dinner bell rang through the castle, both breathless and flushed from laughter as they slowly made their way up the castle steps.
“Another win for me, then?” Merlin quipped, a playful gleam in his eyes.
“Only because you are as slippery as an eel,” Arthur said with a scoff. “Seriously, Merlin. I will find out you one day.”
“Maybe,” Merlin conceded, his gaze turning toward the horizon where the fields of barley and rye swayed in the breeze.
“Definitely. You’re too much of an idiot to keep it secret for much longer, whatever it is.” Arthur grabbed Merlin around the neck and pressed his knuckles to his head, making the younger boy squeal. As they ran through the corridors, their shared laughter echoed off the ancient stones, a harbinger of the adventures yet to come.
#bbc merlin#arthur pendragon#merlin emrys#merlin fic#merlin & arthur#balinor#merlin fanfic#merlin fandom#kilgharrah#uther pendragon#hunith#magic reveal#pre canon#friendship#banter#pining#loyalty#secrets#canon typical violence#episodic fiction#coming of age#angst with a happy ending#protective arthur pendragon#Part 2 of 7
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𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞
⤷ gender neutral, ambiguous race, and any size reader. Requests are open, thank you for reading!
ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ
🌿ENTP
🍁Slytherin
📜Chaotic Neutral
🔮Sagittarius Sun, Capricorn Moon, Aries Rising
SFW🌿
⭑ You weren’t a fan of port. It meant leaving the ship and interacting with other ... people.
⭑ The noises, the smells, people not moving out of your way. It drove you crazy.
⭑ But that was where you met John, on the island of Nassau.
⭑ He had become well-known throughout the plundering community. He was respected amongst his crew and worked well with Captain Flint. Their relationship created an almost impregnable barrier against enemies.
⭑ You were fearsome in your own right.
⭑ You were born on a pirate ship; your mother the Captain and your father the First Mate.
⭑ You carried a legacy. One that had been started by your parents, and as they had no other children, you had the sole responsibility.
⭑ Luckily enough, the pirate life was for you.
⭑ Although it was a difficult life - having people rely on you, you had grown up with it. Gotten used to it. Your mother died 10 years ago, your father not long after that. They were in love.
⭑ Love ... they were the only representatives of true love.
⭑ You didn’t think much about that. Much about finding a partner. You just wanted a good crew. Men and women you could rely on. Loyal. But they had to be loyal to a fault.
⭑ And they were -
⭑ Anyone who double-crossed you, or sold you out... well... they lost their tongue, and fingers.
⭑ You didn’t like it; the savagery of it all.
⭑ But it was the life you knew.
⭑ John was a surprise though
⭑ And surprises didn’t go well with your line of work
⭑ You didn’t like him at first. There was an air of arrogance when you first met. But you had mistaken what it actually was; a barrier. A wall against another potential enemy.
⭑ Now, after 3 years of marriage, John still has moments of arrogancy.
⭑ You lived relatively rich lives. The gold and jewels you had found funded a comfortable life.
⭑ It was away from the prying eyes of pirates, but not too far from civilization
⭑ It was just you two. And it had taken John a bit of getting used to. Well, as did you.
⭑ You still wanted to live part of your life at sea. And John was completely okay with that
⭑ But you were never gone for long though
⭑ Although he was an awful cook when he stumbled into Flint’s crew, he’s actually developed his culinary skills and is great at whipping up an easy meal
⭑ Probably have a pet of some kind
⭑ Although John said it was nothing but another mouth to feed. But you couldn’t resist
⭑ Most days John feels cold, even in the heat, he’ll feel the slightest chill in the air and wrap up
⭑ You like to trace to the scars on his body, and he shivers
⭑ He never forgets your birthday, even though he doesn’t know his. He picks a random day every year
⭑ Likes to hear you breathing while sleeping next to him
⭑ Hums a lot. While bathing, tidying up, while doing yard work. He likes to sing too
⭑ You have hidden weapons around the property
⭑ And you both always have a gun and a knife on your person
⭑ Likes it when you braid his hair
⭑ And you give him haircuts
⭑ You absolutely adore his curly hair
⭑ Some days his leg hurts so badly that he has to lay in bed. You bring him tinctures and teas to ease the pain
⭑ He doesn’t know what he’d do without you
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈:
Wondrous Love by Bear McCreary
𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔:
✧ Himbo Wife Energy
✧ Bastard (John) x Likes The Bastard And Is Mad About It (You)
✧ Just A Hook Up > Crew Members > Friends > Lovers > Married
NSFW🔞minors dni!
⭑ Oh he does love to be dominated. Without a doubt.
⭑ He’d happily lay there as his wrists and legs are tied, completely at your mercy.
⭑ Has both Mummy and Daddy issues... he likes to be coddled and told what to do
⭑ Likes to be pegged, but only if you call him a “good boy”
⭑ When kinks/fetishes aren’t involved. Then the sex is very intimate and passionate.
⭑ John won’t stop looking into your eyes, trying to capture some part of your soul and merge it with his.
⭑ His movements are slow and deep, hitting parts of you that you thought you weren’t able to feel
⭑ John’s strong arms wrap around you, holding you tightly; all he wants is to show you how deeply he feels. These moments aren’t rare, but neither are they common
⭑ He’s very good at foreplay, and his seduction techniques are otherwordly
⭑ He can turn you into jelly by the way he kisses your neck
⭑ His hands are large, and when he fingers you, you whimper shamelessly
⭑ Loves nibbling on your ear lobe
⭑ Gets out of trouble by whispering sinful things in your ear
#black sails#black sails headcanons#long john silver#long john silver headcanons#john silver headcanons#pirate headcanons#long john silver x reader#long john silver x you#black sails x reader#black sails imagine#black sails fanfiction#long john silver fanfiction#witchthewriter#headcanons#pirates#reader insert#fanfiction#god i love this show
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starter for @ormir.
where: hrimthur's wastelands.
when: dusk of some random week, lothar's huntin'
note: miss cracker voice: kaitlyn its time for dinnnnneeeeerrrrrr
Survival was this pettish thing; basic manners, tact, and grace forgotten as the elements clawed at each survivor, as starvation and mortal wounds dared to pull them past the brink. Not that the brute of a man, this mortal supplied by alchemist tinctures, had ever been known for his tact and graceful resolve. No, he'd long abandoned such fundamental fixtures of generic poise; it'd been beaten and splintered out of the whelp of a boy he'd once been once the Warrior's Guild had accepted him into their initiations. Violence was this innate piece of the guild, but it had it's rules and limitations, it had it's places carved amongst the chasms and cloisters of each society. Iskaldrik was not known for being plush and forgiving, he'd learned that as a boy, but it was the guild that had refined such sentiment within him, allowed him to be this wretched thing that was devised as more beast than man.
Such teachings and the scant reservoir of tinctures tucked away in his satchel had prompted his survival through each damning trial of the Wastelands. He'd known ever since they'd slipped forth from the hidden channels carved into the jagged fissures of mountain -that this was only the beginning of the end for many who had tagged along for salvation.
Death was a kindness for what greeted them along the way and the pyre mounted and burning at Nornwatch Keep was this last vestige of kindness they could give for the lives sacrificed to pestilence, famine, and death. The Ax curled his fingers around a short dagger watching silently as a snow hare, ragged too from the elements, attempted to nibble at the bleak foliage of the Wastelands. His stomach growled in anticipation and it was enough for the hare to spook, dashing off into the sanctity of a burrow as Lothar's lips curled in self-contempt. When a branch had splintered in the foreground of his sight, the Ax soon realized it was not his grumbling hunger that had alerted the hare, but another within the sloped terrain.
Many had gone off in groups but Lothar had always been this solitary creature; he needn't wish to ensure safety for anyone unless it was a life or death instance, anyone tagging along to his hunt merely would get in the way. "Thought you were supposed to be the deft one between the two of us," there's a sliver of surprise wedged in his tone as Ormir slips from the shadows; the Interim King, the Raven-Feeder. Life was merciless and the span of Ormir's legacy crept around them, men carved from circumstance and opportunity, but only one regaled in the circles of royalty now.
#♤ feat: ormir.#ormir 001.#♤ e: journey to the queendom.#♤ plot drop: hrimthur's wastelands.#u let me kno if this is iight
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(Moved to new post because legacy/beta format: X )
@badassbarmaid
She caught that quirk in his lips, her own face softening in genuine curiosity. This man commanded armies and help the Empire ruin the world...yet he seemed so normal in the moment. Just like a typical guy talking about mistakes he made in the kitchen. Tifa found herself imagining a young boy trying to cook and getting shooed out of the kitchen by the staff.
“Mm. Seems we have that in common,” she replied with a hum. “My mother knew her way around a kitchen and taught me everything she knew before she died. I strive to keep her memory alive with what I prepare for patrons.”
But she did have a soft spot for sweets, herself.
⋞⁘♔⁘⋟ "Did she?" Ravus asked with a softer and genuine interest in his voice. It wasn't uncommon for a parent to teach their child the ways of the kitchen, but it had been in his upbringing, so it was an aspect he viewed as more than a face value fact. Every moment in the kitchens with his mother had become a memory that he would forever cherish, so his mentality simply assumed it was the same for everyone else who could relate.
"Did she teach you only the basics, or the less practiced elements, also? I know a number of the kitchen staff performed practiced such as canning and brewing teas and tinctures, but that was never something taught to me?" He lifted the cloth other the bowl of lemon curd as he spoke, checking on the mixture. It was visually beginning to thicken and he nodded approval to himself.
He paused then, realizing the disconnected empathy one should have felt regarding Tifa's words and he looked toward her, lips pursing. "And... apologies for the passing of your mother," he added more quietly. He could relate to that pain. Now he simply hoped that her end hadn't been at the hands of the Empire in some manner... The guilt of other incidents still weighed on him, knowing beloved family members had fallen at his order, but there was little he was in the position to do about it.
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Journal Entry #22:
An Experimental Duo
[🔮Occult Legacy Challenge - Generation 1 Diaries🔮]
The Foxbury Institute did not prepare me for what it would be like working as a real scientist in the field. It's so much more dangerous! I am now a part of the Research and Development department. It is up to us to ensure Future Sims Labs stays at the forefront of scientific innovation.
A lot of the time, they have us testing out our new inventions on ourselves. I pitched some ideas to Cassandra and asked if she'd be willing to assist me in running some experiments. She agreed as she had something important she wanted to share with me.
Currently I've been experimenting with a new serum that will help me to experience an emotion I have never experienced on my own. But, before I can test it on myself, I need to test the serum on someone who can confirm the emotion the serum is trying to evoke is correct!
As Cassandra drank my rose-scented serum, I noted the flush that came instantly to her cheeks. She described the effects of the tincture as "intoxicating" and "near-identical" to the real thing. As I finished writing down the data from our experiment, Cassandra asked if I could test one of her inventions and handed me her SimRay.
As I pointed the device at Cassandra and pulled the trigger, she instantly changed from her lab coat into a beautiful bridal gown. She looked up at me bursting with excitement and announced that she had got engaged to Don Lothario! I congratulated her and we spent the rest of the workday talking about her new fiancé and her future wedding plans.
To be continued...
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African American Herbalism
Discover the roots of modern-day herbal remedies, plant medicine, holistic rituals, natural recipes, and more that were created by African American herbal healers throughout history.
This first-of-its-kind herbal guide takes you through the origins of herbal practices rooted in African American tradition—from Ancient Egypt and the African tropics to the Caribbean and the United States. Inside you’ll find the stories of herbal healers like Emma Dupree and Henrietta Jeffries, who made modern American herbalism what it is today.
After rediscovering the forgotten legacies of these healers, African American Herbalism dives into the important contributions they made to the world of herbalism, including:
Rituals for sacred bathing and skin care
Herbal tinctures, potions, and medicine
Recipes for healing meals and soul food
And more!
You’ll also find a comprehensive herbal guide to the most commonly used herbs—such as aloe, lavender, sage, sassafras, and more—alongside gorgeous botanical illustrations. African American Herbalism is the perfect guide for anyone wanting to explore the medicinal and healing properties of herbs.
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Serpent’s Lullaby - 04 - the many free periods of the sixth graders
Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy
Genre: Romantic Drama
Style within this chapter: mention of eating disorder (recovery)
Warnings: spoiler
Word Count within this chapter: 5.652
Previous chapter -- Summary -- Next chapter
Link to Ao3
Link to fanfiktion.de (original german version)
When Carol opened her eyes early in the morning, the first thing she noticed were the bright yellow curtains that hugged and framed her four-poster bed. Through one of the windows above the circular dormitory, the first rays of sun of the early autumn day stretched in, tempting with warm late-summer weather.
Carol could hear quiet, deep breaths and a soft snoring from the other beds, which she attributed to Lenora lying next to her. For a while, Carol lay sluggishly in her bed, listening to the sleeping sounds of her classmates and watching as the morning light of the sun lazily and slowly moved further from the ceiling towards the floor.
A completely normal life as a witch. She would lead the life of a completely normal witch.
Quietly, Carol peeled back the covers and placed her bare feet on the cold stone floor to get up. A glance at the clock on her nightstand revealed that she had over half an hour before breakfast would be served in the Great Hall. No wonder her Hufflepuff friends, with whom she shared the dormitory, were still sleeping soundly.
The muscle soreness Carol felt in her shoulders and arms, as she had pulled her travel trunk across London to King's Cross, was not as intense as expected. However, she felt sick because of the feast she had indulged in yesterday evening, partly out of frustration.
Carol grabbed her soap, towel, comb, fresh clothes, and the small flask that Sacharissa Tugwood had slipped her the night before and made her way to the bathroom.
The seventh-year had given her the flask with good intentions but also with the excessively charming words: »Darling, your skin looks so sunken, and those dark circles! You have to be careful not to become one of the scarecrows of the school soon!«
After washing and dressing in complete solitude, Carol turned her attention to the mirror on the side of the brightly tiled bathroom. How Natty had managed to find even a kind word about her tan last night was a true mystery to Carol, and she wondered, moreover, if she had even owned a mirror in the last six weeks.
It felt wrong, as if Carol was looking at a stranger in the mirror, who stared back at her with deep-set dark blue eyes. The shoulder-length, light blonde and curly hair framed the thinning face and looked dull and lifeless.
The neck appeared very sinewy, and the collarbone was prominent under the blouse that was not yet fully buttoned.
It was no wonder that everyone commented on her rapid weight loss. Most people, however, were much friendlier than Garreth and more discreet than Poppy. It would be a lie to say that Carol hadn't noticed it herself. Of course, she had noticed it in her clothes, especially in her school uniform that hung loosely on her body. But Carol didn't perceive it as being so extreme.
The intense, scrutinizing gaze that Carol gave herself in the mirror only made it all too clear that it hadn't been healthy to skip so many meals. As distracting as the summer holidays had been for her, to clear her head from the strains of the past year, they had only left further marks on Carol. She urgently needed to do something and work on her habits.
Taking Sacharissa's words to heart, Carol uncorked the flask to give the substance a chance. Almost cautiously, she sniffed at the small opening, expecting to smell the biting stench of Burbotubler pus. Instead, a subtle, floral, and surprisingly pleasant scent wafted into her nose. Carol carefully dripped a few drops of the tincture into her palm and spread it generously on her face.
She massaged the slightly viscous liquid evenly into her skin and in less than a minute, it was completely absorbed. Of course, Carol didn't expect a miracle from a tincture she had just smeared on her face, but she looked at herself in the mirror for a few minutes longer than necessary before closing the remaining buttons of her blouse. Then she tied the yellow and black tie in the Hufflepuff house colors and slipped into the loose, light gray sweater.
With her packed school bag, Carol finally made her way to the Great Hall. By the time she arrived, breakfast would surely have been served already.
During the summer, Carol had apparently not only become a scarecrow - if Sacharissa was to be believed - but also an early riser. The heavy, routine work on the Roswells' farm typically started with the first crow of the rooster in the morning and ended with the same in the evening. Afterwards, she had also worked at a seedy pub, serving beer and spirits. No wonder she had simply collapsed into bed instead of eating.
For Carol, it was fine to go to the Great Hall alone for breakfast. On the one hand, she didn't want to disturb Poppy and the others' sleep, since she herself had no objection to an hour's more sleep. On the other hand, Carol wanted to clear her head or at least sort out these new worries a bit. She could also fill her plate and eat it at her leisure until breakfast was completely over.
Feeling sad that she had taken something so normal as a resolution, she descended the stone stairs and turned into the hallway leading to the entrance hall.
In fact, when Carol arrived at the Great Hall, she could already see some students scattered across the house tables. Although it was quite early, Carol immediately noticed Ominis Gaunt, who was sitting at his long Slytherin table with a generous distance between him and two other Slytherins, sipping a cup of tea.
Carol's gloomy thoughts cleared up at once to match the morning's bright blue sky on the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall. She strode along the house tables towards him, feeling uplifted.
Even before she reached Ominis, he turned his head slightly in her direction without really looking at her. His milky steel-blue eyes were focused on the table as he listened to something. »Good morning, Ominis,« Carol greeted him as she sat down at her own house table directly behind him.
Upon hearing her voice, his mouth twitched slightly. »I figured it was you. Good morning, Carol,« Ominis replied politely, turning on the bench as far towards the Hufflepuff table as he could. However, his blind, steel-blue gaze completely passed by Carol.
It didn't matter to her whether he tilted his head directly towards her or not. Ominis was very polite and attentive, which was why he followed sounds and turned towards them. It was essentially a cruel thank you, but Carol was currently glad that Ominis couldn't see her. He would certainly notice her change. »You figured it was me?« she asked curiously. »How so?«
»Your footsteps,« Ominis explained almost casually. Carol pondered his brief explanation and wondered how he could pick out her footsteps among all the different students. Was she walking strangely?
Before Carol could further analyze and unravel the question in her head, Ominis spoke again: »It's nice to see you here so early. Sebastian already told me yesterday that he saw you at the celebration.«
Carol, who was now sitting on the bench with her torso twisted towards Ominis so she could face him, licked her dry lips. »Where is Sebastian?«
»He's probably still in bed and will come just before breakfast ends,« Ominis replied calmly. »He needs to get used to school life again. Besides, he returned to the dormitory quite late last night, from what I heard.«
»And you left earlier,« Carol noted. Yesterday during the feast, which still weighed heavily on her stomach, Ominis had disappeared from the Slytherin table at some point. So Carol had willingly let herself be drawn away from the stream of Hufflepuffs to the common room. She had been too tired to engage in extensive conversations anyway.
Ominis's face twisted slightly with effort. »I apologize for not staying longer yesterday so we could talk. The noise and disorder at the opening ceremony gave me headaches like I rarely have.«
»You don't have to apologize or justify yourself, Ominis. I fully understand,« Carol said, smiling gently as she got up from the bench and moved to the one right next to Ominis. He raised his eyebrows in surprise and followed the rustling of her clothes, unsure if it was really Carol sitting beside him or someone else. She continued, »Now we can talk without having to shout at each other.«
It wasn't explicitly forbidden to sit at another house table, provided you didn't disturb anyone or it wasn't an official celebration. Ominis smiled softly, but expressed some concern, »We're getting our timetables today. If you're not at your house table, Professor Garlick may not find you.«
»What a stroke of luck that I'm not far from the Hufflepuff table,« Carol chuckled, amused by the thought of the head of house simply passing her by just because she was sitting at the wrong table. She leaned over the empty utensils in front of her and reached for the bowl, filling it with oatmeal and pouring milk generously over it. Although she still felt queasy from last night's feast, she opted for a light meal to counteract her faulty habits.
»Plus, we don't have to twist ourselves so much to talk,« Carol added as she dipped her spoon into the bowl.
»Indeed, it's more comfortable that way,« Ominis agreed, spreading strawberry jam on his toast with his wand in hand before lowering it back onto his lap under the table. »How are you, Carol? How was your summer?« he attempted to start a casual conversation.
»Fine,« Carol replied with the rehearsed response, immediately following up with the appropriate question: »And yours?«
»Good, too,« Ominis replied just as curtly as Carol. His previously successful tactic of diverting his conversation partner from a brief answer to instead motivate them to provide an elaborate response seemed not to be working for him. With a stoic expression, Ominis extended his open hand to Carol.
Carol furrowed her brow in confusion. Ominis had put down his wand to extend his hand to her. With a amused snort, Carol placed her hand in Ominis's without being asked. »Are you going to kiss my hand?« she teased, giggling softly.
»Not really,« his half-smile was gentler than expected as he turned Carol's hand in his and gently touched the palm and individual fingers with his thumb. »Sebastian took me back to Feldcroft for the summer. It's a shame you didn't come by.«
Carol was so distracted by his gentle touches that she barely noticed the spoon slipping through her fingers. But before it could clatter into her bowl of oatmeal, she managed to grab it firmly.
It wouldn't have been hard for Carol to pull her hand out of his, as Ominis held it very gently. But for some inexplicable reason, Carol didn't feel strong enough to do it at the moment. She studied his face carefully; the blind steel-blue eyes and the gentle smile on his lips almost masked the thoughtful expression on his face. Carol had to swallow quietly before she gave an answer: »I-I...« She cleared her throat and interrupted herself quickly, embarrassed by her stutter. »I had a lot to do.«
»Mhm...« Ominis responded softly and calmly. »You also sound exhausted, Carol. And judging by your rough hands, you've been doing heavy work until recently.«
At these ruthless words, Carol regained her strength and carefully withdrew her hand from Ominis' touch. She was a little shocked by how he could figure that out without seeing her. Ominis didn't hold Carol back, but he still remained facing her, listening for an answer. Carol moistened her dry lips and explained softly, »I'll tell you later, okay? More and more students are coming into the Great Hall.«
»Okay,« Ominis nodded his head and turned back to his toast, while Carol wanted to bury herself in her oatmeal. Suddenly she felt very warm. Embarrassed, she wondered how she could forget how perceptive and attentive Ominis actually was. Sometimes he noticed more in his surroundings than any sighted person.
»Maybe,« Ominis began again and leaned discreetly towards Carol to continue quietly, »we can meet with Sebastian in the crypt after class today and catch up?«
Carol didn't answer immediately, and it wasn't just because she had just stuffed a spoonful of oatmeal into her mouth. After swallowing the bite, she replied, »Yes, that would be nice.«
»I'm glad,« Ominis sounded relieved to have found a compromise and sipped his black tea in the finest table manner.
»Here you are! We were wondering where you were, Carol!« trilled Poppy from the entrance hall as she came with Arthur and Lenora in tow, until she recognized Ominis and stopped in her tracks. Carol looked a little worriedly at her friend as Ominis politely turned his head slightly in Poppy's direction. »Good morning, Poppy.«
»Morning,« she replied sullenly. Then Poppy strode over to Carol and almost pulled her from the Slytherin table by the shoulders. »Come over to our side. We're getting our timetables today.«
»Alright, I'll move over,« Carol said embarrassedly, watching as Poppy sat down at the correct house table. Ominis vaguely tilted his head in Carol's direction as she began to take her used dishes. »Is she still mad at me about that Diricawl, Frederick?« he asked incredulously.
»Hmm...« Carol drawled, which Ominis already interpreted as an answer, and he let out an exasperated sigh. He rubbed his nose. »It was an accident... I'll never try to pet a Diricawl again...« he muttered very softly.
Carol couldn't help but smile at the sweet thought of Ominis losing his wand just because he wanted to pet a magical creature. No one would have expected that from a Gaunt. »I know that, you know that, and I'm sure Poppy knows it too. She's just sad because the Dodo didn't come back,« Carol explained soothingly, giving Ominis a brief pat on the shoulder. »Don't worry about it. I'll be sitting right behind you.«
»Nice to hear that you've got my back,« replied the Slytherin with seemingly stoic composure.
»About time that the skinny bimbo disappeared from our table. Tsk... Who does Roswell think she is anyway?« whispered Violet McDowell into Carol's ears, as she walked along the Slytherin table with Imelda Reyes.
Carol tried to ignore the biting comment and not take it to heart as she sat down with her Hufflepuff classmates at the table. However, what she couldn't ignore was the ensuing crash as Violet fell to the stone floor along with several plates and cutlery.
Imelda looked puzzled as she saw Violet lying on the ground. »Did you seriously just fall?«
»No, the marble floor just looked so soft and cozy that I had to touch it!« she almost hysterically screamed. »Help me instead of making your comments, Imelda!«
»Good riddance to the airhead.« Lenora laughed maliciously as Imelda and another Slytherin helped Violet back to her feet. »Merlin punishes small sins immediately.«
»Pay no attention to her.« Poppy said encouragingly, turning to Carol. »Today we'll get our new schedules. We only have the subjects we passed our O.W.L.s in.«
»Yes,« agreed Arthur, pushing his glasses back up his nose after already loading his plate with scrambled eggs and bacon. »In sixth year, we have many free periods to focus on the subjects we're good at. As preparation for the N.E.W.T. exams next year.«
»N.E.W.T.?« Carol asked, looking across the table at Arthur.
»That's the next higher qualification after the O.W.L.s. The Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests, so to speak. Many professions require an N.E.W.T. as a qualification to be trained in it.« Arthur explained patiently.
»I'm going to be a healer,« Lenora announced solemnly, sticking her nose up in the air. »I'm glad I don't have to take all those boring subjects like History of Magic anymore. So much wasted time!«
Carol smiled understandingly and was about to turn back to her oatmeal, but her bowl was already empty. Just as she wondered when that had happened, Charlotte rushed over to them with her hair tousled. »By Merlin's beard! Why didn't you wake me up?« she exclaimed, grabbing a plate and throwing red toast, tomatoes, and sausages on it at random.
»You were sleeping so sweetly and kept mumbling the name of our Hufflepuff prefect in your dreams, so we didn't want to wake you up,« Lenora grinned broadly across the table, earning a venomous look from Charlotte, whose cheeks were currently stuffed with toast. »Half fem muff!«
»I'm sorry, what?« Lenora grinned maliciously and held her hand to her ear. Charlotte promptly threw a dry slice of toast in her direction.
Carol loved this lighthearted atmosphere among her classmates. The Great Hall was filling up with more and more students, but the noise level was nowhere near as loud as it was during yesterday's welcoming ceremony.
Suddenly, someone tapped Carol on the shoulder, causing her to flinch slightly. She immediately turned her head over her shoulder. »Sorry,« the trademark Sallow grin was thrown at her by the brown-haired Slytherin. »Just wanted to say hello.«
»Ah, yes. Hello,« Carol replied with a half-smile as Sebastian turned away from her and sat down next to Ominis on the bench, where he also helped himself to breakfast.
Carol turned back around and looked at her empty bowl. Her stomach suddenly felt strangely full. Angrily, she wondered why she was so easily startled.
The schedule distribution proved to be more complex this year than in previous ones. After the majority of students, namely the lower years, had left the Great Hall with their new schedules to head to their classrooms, the Heads of House personally distributed the remaining schedules. They had conversations with the students about their O.W.L. results from the previous year and the structure for the coming school years.
Professor Garlick wore her usual expansive, green sun hat with decorative flowers arranged on its brim. Her fiery red hair was braided into a long, messy ponytail that fell over her shoulder. With a warm, dreamy smile, she sat down with a stack of parchment and a bunch of flowers in front of Carol.
Carol barely knew a professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry who carried as much sunshine and kindness in their heart as Professor Garlick. The young Herbology teacher plucked a small sunflower from the bouquet of cut flowers and presented it to Carol. »It's great to see you again, Miss Roswell. I give you this sunflower as a symbol of your growth and flourishing this year.«
»Oh, thank you so much, Professor Garlick,« Carol said, accepting the sunflower with a touched smile. She watched as the young teacher took a few clipped papers from her stack and studied them with a frugal expression. Carol didn't blame Professor Garlick for consulting her notes; the Heads of House had so many students to look after. Moreover, she was touched by the attention the Herbology teacher was giving her.
»You underwent a wonderful maturing process last year, Miss Roswell. Your O.W.L. results in Charms, Ancient Runes, Herbology, and History of Magic were sufficient for you to thrive in these subjects this year as well. Also, Professor Hecat was very pleased with your Outstanding in Defense Against the Dark Arts, which you can continue to take, of course.«
Hearing the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor's praise elicited a shy smile from Carol. It was the only subject in which she received an Outstanding. Considering where Carol had been wandering last year, it wasn't surprising.
»Unfortunately, I'm afraid you won't be able to continue Divination, Astronomy, or Care of Magical Creatures,« Professor Garlick continued with an almost sad smile on her friendly features.
Carol nodded. »I expected as much, Professor.« Her O.W.L. results in those subjects weren't sufficient for passing. However, that also applied to several other subjects that hadn't been mentioned yet. Her schedule sounded a bit weak.
The sensitive smile of the red-haired witch kept Carol listening attentively. »Regarding your O.W.L. in Transfiguration, I have spoken with Professor Weasley. Normally, a Pass is insufficient to continue your course. However, due to the special circumstances of last year, she has agreed to continue nurturing your intellectual blossoms in the Transfiguration garden.«
Carol raised her eyebrows in surprise. »Really?« she exclaimed, and Professor Garlick nodded with a sunny smile.
It wasn't the class with Professor Weasley or the subject that made Carol feel a bit uncertain. It was rather the special treatment she was receiving, although she was grateful for this opportunity.
However, the Hufflepuff Head of House seemed to have more to say. »The same goes for Professor Sharp. However, you will have to excel in the craft of potion-making in the first half of the year to continue in his course, Miss Roswell. He said that he wants to give you another chance for a career as an Auror.«
Carol swallowed softly at her words. She remembered the conversation from last year about possible career choices. »I don't actually want to become an Auror, Professor Garlick,« she said meekly.
The young professor looked at Carol with raised eyebrows, then consulted her notes as if she had made a mistake. »But didn't you mention this during the career counseling last year?«
The dismay on the otherwise cheerful face of the young professor awakened slight feelings of guilt in Carol. She bit her lip and nodded slowly. »Yes, that's true, Professor Garlick. Only last year... a lot happened. Professor Fig was still present during that conversation.«
With each additional word, Carol's mouth felt strangely dry, until she finally fell silent.
Professor Garlick gave Carol a sympathetic, compassionate look. »I remember, Miss Roswell,« she said softly and very quietly. »I miss Professor Fig too. He was a wonderful teacher with charming ambitions and ideas.«
She couldn't know how Carol's heart contracted at the words. Carol lowered her head.
»I wondered why you don't want to continue with History of Magic and Ancient Runes,« Professor Garlick explained gently. »That's why I thought you still wanted to pursue the goal of becoming an Auror. Why do you want to neglect these school subjects in which you have blossomed so beautifully?«
Ancient Runes was the subject that Carol's late mentor taught her in the extra hours. Besides, the subject had been very useful in following the traces of ancient magic. But with the lack of interest in ancient magic, Carol's desire to continue with the subject ended.
»I don't find the subjects very useful,« she lied.
ChatGPT
»But Miss Roswell,« chided Professor Garlick, almost startled. »Everything that grows has its purpose. Professor Binns praised you highly, saying he hadn't had such an attentive student in his class for a long time.«
Which meant that Carol didn't regularly fall asleep in his class.
»If you could exceed expectations in History of Magic, you could also take Ancient Studies as an elective. This would give you the perfect qualifications for becoming a curse breaker.«
Ancient Studies was an advanced course open to students who had excelled in History of Magic and Ancient Runes. It could be taken from sixth year, provided the student had achieved an O.W.L. in the subject, as well as excellent grades.
Carol had the O.W.L. Ancient Runes hadn't been the problem, as she had a knack for the sometimes very cryptic and complex runes. In History of Magic, however, she had struggled a lot, partly because she had to catch up on four years of missed classes in just one year. If it hadn't been for Ominis' patience and helpfulness, she wouldn't even have passed Acceptable.
With an O.W.L. in Ancient Studies, one could begin training to become a curse breaker. A profession that was in high demand and almost always needed at Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
But what Carol could imagine even less than a career as an Auror was spending her daily life in the dark and winding vaults of Gringotts. She licked her dry lips. »But I don't want to work at Gringotts.«
Professor Garlick's features softened. She smiled encouragingly and warmly at Carol. »Curse breakers have a wide range of job opportunities, Miss Roswell. The winds may have blown your future dreams wild over the summer.« The Herbology professor spoke very empathetically. »Do you know what you want to do later?«
When Carol remained silent, the young professor spoke lovingly. »I think a new season is beginning for you, Miss Roswell. Your special talent is like a precious gift that you should use with joy and dedication. Professor Fig would certainly also be pleased if you unleash the full potential of your gift and shape your professional future with confidence and determination.« She paused for a moment. »Let's talk about it again together.«
Carol looked into Professor Garlick's friendly features. Her heart grew heavy as she tried to imagine what Professor Fig would think of her not wanting to continue with Ancient Magic.
»Don't put yourself under pressure, Miss Roswell. I'll arrange a timely appointment for our conversation. Until then, I'd like you to take advantage of the many opportunities and continue attending classes in Ancient Runes and History of Magic. Professor Binns would really appreciate it, although he'd never admit it.«
Carol looked at Professor Garlick for a long and wistful moment. She couldn't help but appear a little disappointed. But in front of the sunny and friendly teacher who showed so much understanding and care, Carol couldn't help but nod. »Okay, Professor. When... I've sorted myself out a bit and we've had our conversation, can we talk about it again?«
»Of course, Miss Roswell.« Professor Garlick looked at Carol confidently. Then she tapped an empty parchment in front of her with her wand and handed Carol her schedule. »Until then, I ask you to enjoy your time and, as always, do your best.«
»Yes, Professor,« Carol forced a small smile. Professor Garlick winked at her and stood up to move to the next available seat beside Poppy. After settling down beside Poppy, the young house teacher handed her a flower and discussed her personal growth process. Meanwhile, Carol studied her timetable very carefully.
For a moment, Carol wondered if there might be a mistake in her schedule until she remembered the breakfast conversations regarding the many free periods for sixth-year students. Her timetable had several gaps, some of them double periods.
The handover of the timetable seemed to go a bit faster for Poppy than for Carol, as the red-haired house teacher was already moving on to Lenora. Meanwhile, Poppy turned to Carol with her timetable. »Hey, do you have Divination now?« she inquired, which Carol shook her head in denial. »No, I don't have the subject anymore.«
»Hmm...« Poppy hummed softly as she compared her timetable with Carol's. »Oh, what a pity. We don't have any common classes in the morning,« she sighed disappointedly.
»Well, we'll see each other at lunch then,« Carol said with an encouraging smile. »And look, we have Transfiguration and Charms together afterwards.«
»Yes, you're right,« Poppy said with a brightened expression, looking up at Carol again. »See you later. I have to go. The Divination Tower is quite a distance away.«
»Sure, see you later, Poppy,« Carol waved with a smirk as Poppy hurried out of the Great Hall with her bag under her arm, weaving through the rows of house tables.
A little unsure of what to do with her free time, Carol watched her friend leave when she suddenly heard a whisper behind her, »Psst, Carol!«
Carol turned around on the bench and looked over her shoulder to Sebastian, who was looking at her with a mischievous glint in his brown eyes. If anyone at school didn't need Sacharissa's potion, it was definitely Sebastian. Fresh as a daisy with tousled hair, he grinned at Carol. »What does your timetable look like?« he asked curiously.
She furrowed her brow, swinging her legs to the other side of the bench to face Sebastian completely. »What do you mean? Professor Garlick has neat handwriting.«
Sebastian blinked in surprise and then chuckled softly with mischief in his eyes. »No, that's not what I mean,« he chuckled. »I have a free period now. Do you happen to have one too?«
While Carol didn't need to check her timetable again, her eyes wandered back to the paper in her hand. »Yes,« she eventually replied, looking back at Sebastian, expecting that he had a particular intention with his question, knowing the Slytherin as well as she did, even though they hadn't had close contact since last Christmas.
»Awesome!« Sebastian exclaimed enthusiastically. »Do you want to meet at our spot? I think Ominis has a free period too.«
»Mr. Gaunt even has two,« the two whispering students told Professor Ronen in surprise. The Slytherin house teacher looked back and forth between Sebastian and Carol with raised eyebrows and an unusually stern expression, while Ominis put his schedule into his bag with lowered eyes. »And since the two of you were apparently waiting for Mr. Gaunt, I will now ask you to take out your schedules and discuss them 'at your place'. The other house teachers and I appreciate some peace and quiet during our work,« he said.
Shyly, Carol whispered, »Excuse us, Professor Ronen,« which the lively teacher of magical arts acknowledged with a grateful nod.
»Of course, Professor Ronen,« Sebastian said with a charismatic smile. However, this charm bounced off the older house teacher, who instead waved the three of them out of the Great Hall.
With her school bag under her arm, Carol made her way to the Astronomy wing with the Slytherins. Ominis held his wand in front of him, with a red, circular spark dancing above it. His wand helped Ominis move through the castle without running into obstacles or stumbling down one of the countless stairs.
Carol had since become accustomed to it - unlike before. When she first saw Ominis wandering the halls with his wand, she had just come out of a meeting that had nothing to do with class, from Professor Fig's office. Carol thought at the time that the Slytherin had been eavesdropping on her since he had looked pretty guilty to the ground, and therefore had avoided him as much as possible. Back then, Carol had no idea that Ominis was actually blind.
Sebastian and Carol looked around cautiously on the second floor of the Defense Against the Dark Arts tower, checking if any curious classmates were watching them. However, they were completely alone in the multi-story salon, which prompted Sebastian, Ominis, and Carol to hurry and slip into the narrow hallway behind the stone staircase. Above them, the Defense Against the Dark Arts class was probably in session.
They reached an elaborately carved and wide cabinet made of beech wood, which stood alone at the end of the narrow corridor under the stairs. Several beautifully crafted clock faces were painted on the doors. The partially gilded flourishes and hands, however, did not reveal the time or any other calendar entry on the surface.
The clock's Roman numerals had 15 hours. The gold-adorned runic plaques were unreadable even with good grades in Ancient Runes, and three hands, modeled after the optics of full and new moons and the sun, pointed randomly. The sun's path seemed to have stopped between night and day, although it was already clearly a sunny morning, and two hands were stuck in the moon phase between new and half-moon. In short, the clocks appeared to be completely useless.
»Is anyone following us?« Ominis asked with a serious expression.
»Relax, Ominis. The lower years are in class and the seventh years have probably gone back to their common rooms. They probably think they know the whole castle inside and out and don't need to explore anymore,« Sebastian said confidently, grinning as he pulled out his wand and approached the elaborately crafted cabinet.
Ominis tilted his head in Carol's direction, as if he wasn't sure he could really relax as Sebastian said. His skepticism was understandable since he was originally the one who found this place. When Ominis found out in the last year of school that Sebastian had also informed Carol about the secret so that she could practice her spells in peace without being gawked at by onlookers, he was very angry. Even so angry that compared to it, a Howler's message sounded nice.
With the background knowledge Carol now possessed, she could all too well understand his reaction from back then. »We're really alone, Ominis,« she tried to appease him.
Ominis stared stoically at the marble floor. He still didn't seem entirely convinced, but he complied with a curt »Fine.«
»Dissendium!« Sebastian said in the meantime, pointing his wand at the cabinet. The hands on almost all the clock faces moved, as if a completely different era should be in effect in which they should find themselves. When they stopped at the same time, a quiet, deep ringing of a bell was heard.
»Well then,« Sebastian said, satisfied, opening the cabinet doors to climb inside. After a moment, he stuck his head out again and looked impatiently at Carol and Ominis. »Are you coming?«
»After you, Carol,« Ominis nodded his head towards the cabinet as he continued to stare blankly at the marble floor. Carol walked past him to climb into the cabinet behind Sebastian. Sebastian had already disappeared into the dark secret passage revealed by his spell.
Carol drew her wand from her cloak as Ominis climbed into the cabinet behind her. Just as the cabinet doors closed behind them, and darkness fell over them, Carol whispered »Lumos.« and the passageway was illuminated by white light, emanating from the tip of her wand.
#hogwarts legacy#fanfiction#Ominis x OC#Serpent's Lullaby#carol roswell#ominis gaunt#sebastian sallow#poppy sweeting#lenora everleigh#Arthur Plummly#mirabel garlick#abraham ronen
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Meet the clans: WolfsFootClan
Clan Name: WolfsFootClan
History/Formation:
- ClubmossClan was formed by MossPatch, a very seniory warrior, who recruits nine farm cats into a clan after his best friend SpeckleDaisy died unexpectedly, and her last wish was for him to create a safe place. After many years, a sickness called WolfCough spread through the clans and nearly eliminated them. ClubmossClan split off into four clans: TipClan, DownyClan, QuickClan, and ClubmossClan2. It took a few more years before the clans reunited and formed WolfsFootClan, a large clan of around seventy strong.
Rivals:
- Fallen Clowder
- Cicada’s Faction
- RippleClan
Age:
- 13 years in the cliffs territory, 5 in the in the valley territory as seperate clans, and 44 years in valley territory as a combined clan.
Shaping Events:
- Root’s rebellion, QuickStar’s legacy, the BeeClan war, WolfCough, CoyoteStar’s Revolution, WolfStar’s serial killer reign, and finally HollowStar’s Slaughter.
Heroes and Villains:
- in the new territory, QuickStar is viewed as the best leader and BerryStar is the clans savour during the plague.
- WolfStar was the youngest leader in history. He turned on his clan, killing over 80 souls alongside his deputy GoldfishFur.
Territory:
- dense, shady forest with small ponds and underground tunnels.
Climate zone:
- cold winters below freezing, short hot summers.
Fauna:
- predators: foxes, badgers, wolves, bears, raccoons, dogs, European northern pike.
- prey: squirrel, voles, shrew, birds, frogs.
- neutral: weasels, owls, muskrats
Flora:
- North-American plants and fungi. I know too much about plants and definitely should not be allowed to list all of them.
Medicine and sicknesses:
- your basic herbs, they make tinctures and wrap the herbs in leaf bundles.
- WolfCough
Symptoms: wheezing, high body temperature, dizziness, sores appearing on joints, aches, previous scars tear open, foaming mouth, incredibly aggressive and attack anything that moves. Some say they appear undead, coughing blood. Passed through: fluid (saliva, mostly). Treatment options: blazing star, borage, bright eye, chickweed, feverfew. Recovery status: 3/10 usually recover, with kittypets having the highest recovery rate
- Kittencough (Fading-kitten-syndrome) is frequent in these clans because of the tough territories. This would be normal if it weren’t for one thing: the paranoia of wolfcough returning, which leads to most kits suspected of having kittencough being killed in fear of it turning into wolfcough.
Landmarks (new territory)
- Bat Cave: a cave filled with bats and a sandy floor. Often used to train apprentices
- Herb Field: a small secluded area that’s covered in herbs, making the clan abundant in medicine and supplies.
- DownyClan’s old Border: the grass starts to get dryer around here, and the dirt gets more sandy.
- Camp pond: a small pond next to the camp filled with Lilly pads, cattails, tadpoles and minnows.
- Broken Maple: a maple tree towards the edge of the territory, bordering the other clans, that was struck through the centre by lightening. This is where they bury the bodies. The maple is in a small island circled by a thin stream of water.
- Beyond the territory: unexplored lands
Religious centers:
- Broken-Maple burial ground.
- StarQuartz Cave: a large cave filled with giant quartz pillars and spikes.
Camp:
- A sandy clearing with a badger cave for the leaders den, a root patch where the herbs are stored. The camp is protected by large, thick grasses that kits are forbidden from going near. There’s a dug-out den under a rock for the warriors. The apprentices sleep under a patch of folded over ferns. The leader stands on the large rock in the clearing. The nursery is a protected ring of brambles and vines.
Clan Characteristics
Build:
- very strong, poor stamina. Thick legs and large ears.
Pelts:
- mainly medium furred grey cats with green eyes, lots of rossette, point and smoke patterns.
Kits:
- kits are taught quickly what predators to ignore. Kits are taken care of by their parents or the whole clan depending on the parenting style of the parent(s).
- kits are named after birth, but can be renamed by parents and leaders later on
Custom Roles:
Dencat - doesn’t participate in most warrior duties and stays in camp. Usually tasked with watching kits.
Lore-keeper - they hold and pass down the stories of the clans
Champion - an amazing warrior who will likely be chosen as deputy after the current deputy retires, becomes leader, or dies.
Messenger: clans can only have two messengers at a time. They travel between clans and are allowed to cross borders and even hunt on other territories. They send messages and info between the clans and are forbidden from fighting.
Collector: a fast and agile cat who fetched items in a pinch. Herbs, mossballs, hay, prey, trinkets and tools. They often are trackers, but mainly need to be fast. They have to pass a race to become a collector.
FishWatchers: meant to keep an eye on the rivers, swamps and lakes to predict water level rising. They consider rain to be an omen of something, but all refuse to say what.
Gender Roles
- very fluid concept of gender and sexuality, Kittypets helped them come up with terms such as tolly, demitom/demimolly, and jacks
Clan Culture
Code of Conduct:
- the most important rules are to kill kits that show symptoms of WolfCough in fear of another plague. Aside from this, and kits in danger must be protected regardless of circumstances.
Process of law:
- laws are decided by votes and strategical debates. Any cat can propose a rule to be considered.
Mates:
- most clans in this area operate on a “not-my-problem” system. They can mate with cats from other clans and groups freely, and if a cat brings home kits they are not required to say who the other parent is. Age differences between two years are looked down upon, and cats have to be 12 moons to take a mate.
Ceremonies:
- The 12 moon ceremonies have a “trinket casting” to predict how they will do in their life. Pebbles, shards of glass, bones, sea glass, herb stems, twoleg items and skinned twigs are casted and each has its own specific meaning.
- They mourn by placing the cats favourite prey item on the grave, and scattering seeds from their favourite plant onto the grave.
Naming:
- non-traditional, 1-3 part names
- Kits are named by their parents, and cats can request to change their names.
- Certain names are forbidden, such as Root and much later, Wolf.
Religion:
- The dead— starclan, dark forest, Father Mallow, and the Crystal Path.
- Father Mallow is a lilac-silver pixiebob tom with very bright indigo eyes who watches over the clans as a deity. As the patron saint of newborn kits and herbs, they protect kits from sickness. They represent rebirth, health, and curiosity. They’re heavily associated with ceremonies regarding kits, and are called on by the clan when a kit dies.
Influence:
- religion is kept as a belief that holds little values to clan decisions unless a prophecy is involved, and even then the clan is wary of self fulfilling prophecies.
Worship:
- New-Sprout Festival: honey is smeared on prey, herbs are replaced and flowers are scattered around camp. Plants are placed in the cats fur, and those who are able to sleep in the clearing under the first full moon of spring.
- Mallow Moon: held on the last moon of leaffall, the clan collects mallow and spreads the seeds in their dens in hopes of welcoming Father Mallow to rest for the season so he can prepare for the next spring. Mallow are weaved into cats tails, and placed in a circle around the nursery. If a cat dies during mallow moon, they have a piece of mallow placed under their tongue so they can hopefully speak with Father Mallow while they pass through the Crystal Path.
Afterlife:
- starclan, the dark forest, and ghosts. All must be remembered by at least one cat, or their final resting place is undisturbed.
- Father Mallow watches over the ghosts and leads them along the crystal path where they can choose to be reincarnated, sent to starclan, or made a ghost to wonder and protect the clan.
- crystal path is a third form of afterlife, where the ghosts of cats who do not find a place in starclan or the dark forest, such as kittypets and loners. The crystal path is represented by the shimmers in water, and the Milky Way in the sky.
#clangen#dark forest#warriors worldbuilding#dark forest worldbuilding#worldbuilding#wolfsfootclan#clubmossclan#clubmossclan 2.0#quickstar’s legacy#warrior cats#clan worldbuilding#warrior cats fanclan#fanclans#clan overview
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Vintage 200 Fundraiser a Splendid Springtime Event
The Vintage 200 Wine Tasting event on April 21 at Roche Family Winery Vineyards in Sonoma was a delightful success, especially with such wonderful spring-time weather and clear blue skies.
More than 125 people attended the gathering that Sunday, which began at 12 Noon at the Roche Vineyards on Bonness Road. Other local family-owned wineries and businesses participated making the fundraiser a truly collaborative effort.
Christy Coulston, parishioner of St. Francis Solano and former VP of Rabobank and Westamerica Bank of Sonoma was pleased to greet attendees as they arrived. The outstanding weather had everyone in good spirits.
New residents to Sonoma, Kevin Kramer and his wife Chrissy were delighted that they were able to attend. Especially, after spending several days up at Lake Tahoe skiing. “Yes, we were snow skiing, there’s still some snow on the slopes at Lake Tahoe.” “But this,” he said, pointing out to the vineyards and the lush green hills in the distance, is amazing! So beautiful! We are very fortunate,” he added.
Kramer was pleased that his parents and brother and his brother’s wife could also attend and join in on the festivities.
In addition to an expansive charcuterie of fruits, nuts, vegetables and Brie cheese, pulled beef barbecue sliders on fresh baked bread were served. Mini Empanadas were also served alongside fresh-made salsa and chips.
The star of the event was of course the special vintage of wine. Of which, everyone was invited to taste right from the oak-wood cask/barrel. It was a rare opportunity to get up and close to a wine still in process.
“This barrel is what is going to be bottled and then sold. We are asking attendees to buy a bottle as part of the fundraising,” said Coulston.
Kevin, Chrissy and the rest of the Kramer family were eager to step up to try the wine, which was gingerly and very sparingly placed in each glass by a large tincture, especially designed for extracting wine from the cask. “Wow!” Said Kevin, I’m definitely going to get a bottle of this wine.”
Sponsored by the Valley of The Moon Knights of Columbus, Council #7951, the wine tasting fundraiser was held in honor of St. Francis Solano Catholic Church’s bicentennial celebration. This year-long commemoration/celebration points to the parish’s initial founding in July of 1823 as the last of the California Missions.
While the old mission itself was originally at the heart of the town of Sonoma near the plaza, after the old Mission system collapsed, the mission eventually was abandoned. When the United States took over California in the 1840s, the old mission fell into disrepair and later suffered a fire. Yet the parish congregation itself in various forms continued.
Over its many configurations as a parish church, the current location on Third Street, West and Napa Street, West has been a mainstay, providing the only parish-church parochial school in Sonoma.
The centennial has been an opportunity for the parish community to gather and to look forward to the future. The funds raised are to obtain critically needed maintenance and repairs to the physical buildings.
“The current St. Francis Solano Church holds historical significance,” said Pastor, Fr. Alvin Villaruel, as the last and northernmost of the 21 California missions established by the Spanish.”
“It’s a designated California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places,” he said.
Speaking of it’s present status, Fr. Villaruel noted. “Today, the St. Francis Solano Church continues to serve as an active Catholic parish and is open to visitors who wish to explore its rich history and architecture.”
“It stands as a testament to the early Spanish colonial presence in California, he continued, and the enduring legacy of the Franciscan Order and those who dedicated themselves as missionaries.”
To learn more about St. Francis Solano Church, it’s history in the town of Sonoma and to make a donation to it’s bicentennial celebration fundraising efforts, visit the website.
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Strainz: A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Introduction
In a world where health and well-being are paramount, finding reliable and effective solutions is crucial. Enter Strainz, a brand that combines science, compassion, and innovation to create products that enhance your quality of life. In this blog post, we’ll delve into two essential aspects of wellness: Diet & Nutrition and Spa & Personal Grooming. Let’s explore how Strainz is making a difference.
Diet & Nutrition
The Strainz Story
Strainz was born out of necessity. In 2013, the founders faced a daunting challenge: finding a highly potent, lab-tested CBD product for their identical twin daughters, Addi and Cassi. These young girls suffered from debilitating daily seizures due to a rare and fatal childhood brain disease. Time was of the essence, and existing CBD products fell short of their needs.
Driven by love and determination, the founders took matters into their own hands. They obtained a cannabis industry license and established Strainz. Their mission? To create trusted, high-powered CBD extractions that could transform lives. Seven years later, Strainz stands as a nationally recognized brand, offering award-winning products that blend superior plant strains with extracted cannabinoids and other natural ingredients.
Strainz’s Approach
Strainz products are meticulously crafted, combining the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids with plant-based elements. Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, anxiety, or sleep issues, Strainz has a solution. From tinctures to softgel capsules, their offerings are backed by science and designed for predictable dosing. Strainz believes that wellness should be accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Strainz recognizes that nutrition forms the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Explore how the expert nutritionists at Strainz craft personalized dietary plans tailored to your unique needs. From superfoods to mindful eating practices, discover the secrets to nourishing your body from within.
Click here to know more about Strainz
Spa & Personal Grooming
A Natural Path to Self-Care
Unwind and rejuvenate at Strainz's state-of-the-art spa facilities. Immerse yourself in a world of tranquility as skilled therapists pamper you with a range of therapeutic treatments. Learn about the diverse spa services designed to alleviate stress, enhance circulation, and promote overall wellness.
Hemp and cannabis have opened doors to holistic self-care. Strainz recognizes this potential and infuses it into their spa and personal grooming products. Here’s how:
Strainz goes beyond traditional grooming, elevating it to an art form. Dive into the realm of self-care with personalized grooming services that cater to your unique style. From trendy haircuts to rejuvenating skincare, Strainz ensures you leave not just looking, but feeling your best.
Conclusion
Strainz isn’t just a brand; it’s a beacon of hope. Inspired by the founders’ journey with Addi and Cassi, Strainz continues to spread awareness and possibility. While the twins gained their angel wings, their legacy lives on through Strainz. As Hugh Hempel, the founder, aptly puts it, “Our personal journey has led us here, to make a difference in people’s lives.” So, embrace wellness with Strainz—because everyone deserves a better quality of life.
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Unlocking the Potency of Shilajit Fulvic Acid Source
Shilajit Fulvic Acid Source is a powerhouse of natural compounds that have been revered for centuries for their profound health benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the depths of this remarkable substance, exploring its origins, composition, and the myriad ways it can enhance your well-being.
Understanding Shilajit Fulvic Acid Source
Shilajit, also known as "the destroyer of weakness," is a resinous substance that oozes from the cracks of rocks in the Himalayan mountains. Rich in fulvic acid, it is formed over centuries by the gradual decomposition of plant matter and minerals.
The Composition of Shilajit
Shilajit is a complex matrix of organic and inorganic compounds, including fulvic acid, humic acid, trace minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. However, its most prized component is Fulvic Acid, a powerful bioactive compound renowned for its ability to enhance nutrient absorption and promote cellular health.
Health Benefits of Shilajit Fulvic Acid Source
Boosting Energy and Vitality
Shilajit Fulvic Acid Source is revered for its ability to increase energy levels and combat fatigue. By optimizing mitochondrial function and improving oxygen transport to cells, it enhances stamina and endurance, making it a favorite among athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Enhancing Cognitive Function
Studies suggest that Shilajit Fulvic Acid Source may have neuroprotective properties, helping to safeguard brain cells from oxidative damage and inflammation. Its ability to improve cognitive function, memory, and focus makes it a valuable ally in the quest for mental clarity and sharpness.
Supporting Immune Health
Rich in antioxidants and immune-modulating compounds, Shilajit Fulvic Acid Source strengthens the body's natural defenses against infections and diseases. It stimulates the production of immune cells, enhances antibody responses, and reduces inflammation, promoting overall resilience and vitality.
Promoting Detoxification
Fulvic acid, the cornerstone of Shilajit, acts as a potent chelator, binding to heavy metals and toxins in the body and facilitating their elimination. By supporting liver function and enhancing detoxification pathways, it helps rid the body of harmful substances, promoting optimal health and well-being.
Improving Nutrient Absorption
One of the most remarkable properties of Shilajit Fulvic Acid Source is its ability to enhance nutrient absorption and bioavailability. By chelating minerals and delivering them directly to cells, it ensures that essential nutrients are efficiently utilized, optimizing overall nutrient status and vitality.
How to Incorporate Shilajit Fulvic Acid Source into Your Routine
Dietary Supplements
Shilajit Fulvic Acid Source is commonly available in the form of dietary supplements, including capsules, powders, and tinctures. When choosing a supplement, opt for high-quality, lab-tested products from reputable manufacturers to ensure purity and potency.
Traditional Remedies
In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Shilajit Fulvic Acid Source is often combined with other herbs and botanicals to create potent tonics and elixirs. Consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to explore traditional remedies tailored to your specific health needs.
Topical Applications
Shilajit Fulvic Acid Source can also be used topically to promote skin health and vitality. Look for skincare products containing Shilajit extract or incorporate it into DIY facial masks and treatments for a natural glow and rejuvenation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shilajit Fulvic Acid Source stands as a testament to the power of nature's remedies in promoting health and vitality. With its rich array of bioactive compounds and centuries-old legacy, it offers a holistic approach to well-being that transcends conventional medicine. Whether you seek to boost energy, support cognitive function, or enhance overall vitality, Shilajit Fulvic Acid Source holds the key to unlocking your full potential.
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Exploring the Realm of Natural Wellbeing through Herbal and Botanical Products
Introduction
In an era where the pursuit of well-being harmonizes with a profound connection to nature, herbal and botanical products emerge as the protagonists. This article embarks on a fascinating journey through the universe of herbal and botanical offerings, delving into their origins, multifaceted benefits, and diverse applications in the contemporary tapestry of life.
A Glimpse into History
Ancient Wisdom: The chronicles of herbal and botanical products intricately weave into the tapestry of human civilization. Ancient civilizations, spanning from the Egyptians to the Greeks and beyond, harnessed the potent properties of herbs for medicinal purposes. The wisdom passed down through generations laid the cornerstone for modern herbal medicine.
Traditional Healing Legacies: Varied traditional healing systems like Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Native American remedies, have long acknowledged the therapeutic potential of botanicals. These age-old practices persist in influencing and shaping the application of herbal remedies in our contemporary world.
Modern Resurgence
A Return to Nature: The rekindling interest in herbal and botanical products stems from the quest for natural alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals. Consumers increasingly gravitate towards holistic wellness solutions that tap into the innate attributes of plants.
Scientific Vindication: Concurrently, modern scientific exploration has started to illuminate the pharmacological intricacies of herbs and botanicals. The quest to decipher the bioactive compounds inherent in plants has fortified the credibility of these natural remedies.
The Multifaceted Benefits
Holistic Wellbeing: Herbal and botanical products present a holistic approach to health and wellness. Whether it's bolstering immunity, enhancing mental clarity, or nurturing skin health, these products cater to a wide spectrum of well-being requisites.
Diminished Side Effects: A unique advantage lies in the minimized risk of adverse effects typically associated with synthetic compounds. When administered correctly, herbal remedies often offer gentler solutions with a reduced likelihood of side effects.
Versatile Applications: Herbs and botanicals manifest in various forms, from teas and tinctures to supplements, skincare, and aromatherapy. The adaptability of these products unveils a realm of opportunities for those seeking a holistic path to wellness.
The Selection Process
Quality as the Beacon: Not all herbal and botanical products share the same pedigree. The quality of ingredients and the sourcing methods play a pivotal role in determining the efficacy of these remedies. Discerning consumers should prioritize products that adhere to exacting standards of quality control.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: Responsible and sustainable sourcing of botanicals has emerged as a pressing concern. Advocating for brands that engage in ethical practices and conservation endeavors serves as a safeguard for both plant species and the ecosystems they inhabit.
A Glimpse into the Future
Innovative Alchemy: The future promises a surge of innovative herbal and botanical formulations. The fusion of modern technology and research is poised to yield products of heightened effectiveness.
Personalized Wellbeing: As the understanding of individualized wellness deepens, herbal and botanical products may be customized to align with the unique needs of consumers. Personalized wellness regimens may encompass tailored herbal blends.
Conclusion
Herbal and botanical products transcend mere trends; they epitomize a reconnection with the essence of healing and well-being. In a world where the quest for natural solutions gains momentum, these remedies unfurl a rich tapestry of possibilities. Their historical significance, contemporary resurgence, and multifaceted benefits render them a compelling choice for those seeking a more holistic avenue to health and well-being. As we stand at the crossroads of ancient wisdom and modern science, the future of herbal and botanical products holds the promise of a healthier, more balanced world.
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Introduction to Alchemy
Introduction
Alchemy is an ancient philosophical and proto-scientific practice that combines elements of chemistry, physics, medicine, astrology, spirituality and philosophy. The word “alchemy” derives from the Arabic al-kīmiyā, which in turn derives from the Greek term khēmeía. Alchemy flourished in several ancient cultures, including Egyptian, Persian, Greek and Arabic, and had a significant influence on the later development of chemistry and medicine.
Alchemists sought to transform common substances into noble materials, such as gold, and discover an elixir of life capable of granting immortality. In addition, alchemy also had a spiritual dimension, as many alchemists believed that the process of transmuting substances was linked to personal transformation and the search for spiritual enlightenment.
Alchemists developed a set of symbols and allegories to describe their processes and concepts. They also conducted hands-on experiments in alchemical laboratories, often using distillation, fermentation, and extraction processes to try to transform substances.
Although alchemy was an important precursor to the development of modern science, many of alchemical goals and methods were based on erroneous assumptions and mystical concepts. As modern science advanced, alchemy was gradually replaced by chemistry and modern medicine, but its legacy lives on as a fascinating part of the story of the human quest for knowledge and understanding of the world.
Summary:
Month 1: Introduction and History of Alchemy
Week 1–2: Fundamentals of Alchemy
- Introduction to alchemy: its goals, symbols, and fundamental concepts.
- Read “The Kybalion” to understand the underlying hermetic principles.
Week 3–4: History of Alchemy
- Study the evolution of alchemy, from its roots in Egypt and Greece to the Renaissance and beyond.
- Research famous alchemists like Paracelsus and Nicolas Flamel.
Month 2: Symbolism and Alchemical Philosophy
Week 1–2: Alchemical Symbols
- Explore key alchemical symbols and their meanings.
- Dive deeper into symbols of gold, silver, mercury, and sulphur.
Week 3–4: Alchemical Philosophy and Transmutation
- Study the concepts of transmutation, the search for the Philosopher’s Stone, and the Elixir of Life.
- Analyze alchemical philosophical texts, such as “The Book of Abramelin” and “The Emerald Tablet.”
Month 3: Alchemical Practices and Experiments
Week 1–2: Classical Alchemical Practices
- Learn about alchemical processes like calcination, distillation, coagulation, sublimation, and more.
- Research the different stages of transformation in the Great Work.
Week 3–4: Practical Experimentation
- Conduct simple alchemical experiments, such as essential oil extraction and tincture preparation.
- Document your experiences and observations.
Month 4: Applications and Legacy of Alchemy
Week 1–2: Alchemy in Modern Chemistry
- Explore how alchemical concepts and processes influenced the development of modern chemistry.
- Study the elements and compounds that alchemy contributed to identifying.
Week 3–4: Influence on Culture and Spirituality
- Investigate how alchemy impacted art, literature, esotericism, and spirituality.
- Analyze the legacy of alchemy in contemporary esoteric traditions.
Note:
Studying alchemy can be a fascinating and challenging journey, as it involves a blend of history, symbolism, philosophy, and science. Remember that alchemy is a complex discipline encompassing various approaches and interpretations over time. Your study schedule may vary based on your specific interest in historical, symbolic, philosophical, or practical alchemy. Always be open to exploring new sources and perspectives as you progress on your alchemical study journey.
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America's Opioid Crisis: Understanding the First Epidemic in Philadelphia
The Opioid Crisis in the United States has become an alarming national issue, with the crisis set to have a long impact on how the US deals with the issue of addiction. But did you know that the US's first opioid crisis emerged almost 200 years ago? A recent article on Banyan Treatment Center delves into the history of the opioid crisis, beginning with its origins in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The article explained how the first opioid crisis originated in Philadelphia in the mid-1800s. The first case of addiction related to pharmaceutical opioids in Philadelphia was connected to the drug laudanum, which is a tincture containing opium. As a result, pharmacies and drug stores of the period contained heavily regulated amounts of laudanum and other opioids.
The article also highlighted some regulations put in place during the period. Many pharmacies in Philadelphia had to register with the medical commission’s board, proving they could produce the best quality drugs from well-regulated available substances. This was in an effort to limit opium addiction – a strategy that was repeated across the US during the 19th century.
The article additionally discussed a unique connection between the opioid crisis in Philadelphia and coroners. Coroners were appointed by the court to investigate opium-related deaths, and coroners were also appointing physicians to examine bodies and identify the causes of death in these cases.
The article concludes with a look at the legacy of this first opioid crisis in the US. Despite appearing to have been resolved in the 19th century, it served as a warning for the current crisis. Even though developers and healthcare professionals now have better knowledge of opioids, opioid addiction and overdose rates have still proven difficult to control.
This fascinating look into the history of opioid addiction in the US highlights how this is a crisis that has been with us longer than we think. Here are some of the key takeaways from the article:
The US's first opioid crisis began in Philadelphia in the mid-1800s.
Pharmacies had to register with the medical commission’s board to limit opium addiction.
Coroners were appointed to investigate opium-related deaths.
The legacy of this first crisis is a warning for the current opioid crisis.
For a deeper dive into the American opioid crisis since the 19th century, check out this article from Banyan Treatment Center.
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So Sebastian is “the Alchemist’s Heir”, right? Who is that?
“That would be my great-great-great-great-ish-great-grandfather, Jean-Luc Perinal, the founder of my family’s name and basically the most legendary alchemist ever. Think Nicholas Flamel for your world, but an actual Wizard who could bend reality to his will. He basically pioneered the field of transmutation magic, and developed a lot of the recipes for potions and tinctures that, though altered and augmented over time, we still use today.”
“There haven’t been many arcanists in the family since him—in fact, up until a few years ago, I didn’t even know he knew magic. To our family, he was just the Alchemist, and the developer of the dozens of recipes upon which my family’s legacy—and wealth—was founded.”
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