Just a small town witch...

A blog for my OC America Northwest and OC Sam This blog is PG-13. May contain mature themes (see rules for more details)

[speakeasy-to-me]

@somniaxperdita

Places of Interest:

LA Jolla Children's Beach, Seal Beach, the sea caves, and sea cave museum. Best to enjoy in the early morning to get a good parking and beat the tourists. Great place to pick up shells and sea glass.

Birch Aquaium - Decent sized aquarium with a variety of sealife and changing exhibits.

Seaport Village - One big shopping mall on the coast, live music, sea shell shop, pirate store.

Coronado - The Del - A very beautiful historic hotel with a nice wide beach that's open late, good place to see the blue tide. Has a beach dressing room on the hotel grounds. Outdoor dining. Nighttime entertainment. Ice cream parlor. Parking is tricky tho. Ghostly sightings of a woman haunt the bottom level and beach.

Coronado Bridge - Iconic landmark and home to the Ferry Landing water taxi that will take you across the bay to the USS Midway Museum and the Star of India ship. Lots of glowing bike trolleys. Sometimes they play free movies on a huge screen across the street in the park. There's a talking Bob Hope statue near the USS Midway.

Balboa Park - Near the zoo, air and space museum, and botanical gardens. Beautiful architecture you can browse through for free, huge fountain, free outdoor concerts, natural history museum, just a nice photogenic place! Free parking!

Belmont Park - Midway carnival vibe, large arcade, beachy clothing and souvenirs, wooden roller coaster, and surfer beach shops. The psychic vending machine used to be here. Best place to see the SeaWorld fireworks throughout July. Free parking but avoid the weekends, it gets packed!

Historic Old Town - A look into the very early days of California, reenactments, a gem and mineral shop, unique souvenirs, a walking tour museum, an apothecary shop, an old fashioned candy shop. Try the Pricky Pear iced tea at the Rust General Store. Boosts some nice coastal Mexican food and live entertainment. Parking is best in the middle of the week near the theater or across the Whaley House.

The main street has the haunted Whaley House. Try a giant California burrito. Wouldn't recommend the Five and Dime, it's all hiked up tourist stuff but it's okay to browse through. Really nice nightlife vibe! Fairly safe too with security patroling. Has a cool haunted tour bus that talks about the various ghostly sightings of the area. Has a very old cemetery you can walk around in.

Convoy Street and Kearny Mesa- Asian central! Full of food, groceries, and souvenirs. If you want cute cheap stationery and gifts go to Daiso. For authentic food, go to H Mart, Zion, and Mitsuwa. These places carry free publications and maps to other great Asian markets, restaurants, and stores.

Point Loma Lighthouse - National Park with a beautiful view of the sea and a rocky little cove to explore. Visitor Center is large, informative, and has telescopes for spotting whales. Every December there's sightings of a ghost ship trying to make it to port but disappears just before it reaches the lighthouse. Look out for the islands of San Clemente and Catalina on a clear day.

Imperial Beach - Cute beachside town and shops, seashell shop, long pier with fish and chip shop, and a legend about a mysterious green light in the water. Gets rowdy at night tho.

Encinitas - A sleepy little beach town with amazing tide pools at Cardiff State Beach. Lots of surfer and hippie vibes. Home to La Paloma Theater, a theater that's been running since the 1920s.

Further up:

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific - Second largest aquarium on the coast next to Monterey

Carlsbad Flower Fields - Scenic place with hundreds of flowers, a tractor ride, wine tasting.

Casper Wilderness SP - Large live oak campground where my family goes every summer, it's our place to crash while we go to the theme parks, Irvine, San Diego, ect.

Irvine - Second Asian central location, very modern, has a huge arcade/bowling center called Boomers. There's a Daiso, Bookoff, and Mitsuwa.

San Capistrano Mission and the main street it's on - Absolutely gorgeous area! The mission is large and beautiful. Lots of fun shops, including one that will tell you the little birds that make their home in the mission and town. Try to go early in the morning to really take in the area's atmosphere.

[speakeasy-to-me]

Should have done this months ago...sorry. This blog is officially on hiatus til next year due to personal issues in my life. Hope to see you all then or maybe sooner.

[speakeasy-to-me]

[speakeasy-to-me]

" How come you didn't court me?"

Sam coughed a bit on his tea and looked down at Ricky who had her back to him. They had stayed in bed on and off that day due to the gloomy weather, well, she thought it was gloomy. The high winds and cold rains made her feel tired, which prompted her to light a few floating candles. Literal floating candles.

" I didn't think you wanted me to." He answered. Not sure where this conversation was headed or what her expression or mood was. So he treaded cautiously. " You seem to provide for yourself just fine."

Ricky rolled over to look at him. " I know, but I mean...the gesture. I'm at want for nothing but a girl can still want to be woo'd."

She batted her eyes and right away Sam knew she was being playful. He snorted a bit, stretched out and scooted closer to her. " Oh really? So should I start calling your dad to ask you out from now on? Should I bring you home no later than eight?"

Ricky added fuel to this " And you have to promise to be an absolute gentleman, you gotta keep your hands to yourself."

" Whoops...we might've crossed that line already."

" And I'll cross it again in a moment." She said in a sultry tone.

This caused Sam to blush slightly. Even though they had been veryvintimate already, he was still caught off guard by her forward nature and desires. It wasn't something he thought he'd ever experience, being a personification of death. A relationship, romantically or sexually, just wasn't ever going to be something for him, but here she was, just two inches away from him, already declaring her want of him. He had to admit he liked it. Being pursued. It was an interesting flip of the usual roles.

" Um, sorry." She dipped her head a bit in embarrassment over her very lust filled remark. Gods, she needed to keep that check more, but Gods she also just wanted a need a good fu...

" Don't be. I like that about you." He pulled her to him, her head now resting against his chest, his chin resting on her head. " You know what you want, and if you want me to start courting you I will, once I figure out how to net a bunch of salmon so you can smoke it over the winter, and a bunch of boar fat."

" Ehhh?!" She looked at him bewildered. What did salmon and boar fat have to do with being courted? " What on earth?"

" That's how you court, right? Provisions for the winter?"

" I was thinking just taking me out to dinner and a show. Or maybe a cruise on the harbor. Pfft boar fat? Where did that come from?"

" That's how they did it back then. I'm not sure how they do it now, I have a very rough idea from the movies you stream."

" Right...cultural difference." She remembered that Sam wasn't from the same culture as the West, not even the same era, his origins were before this place was even the US, so there was bound to be unusual practices, at least from her perspective. This did get her curious though. " What else did they do back then? How does it start?"

" Typically I'd get your parents permission first, my mom would speak to yours, since things like this were matriarchal. Then if she agreed, I'd start to prepare gifts, mainly utilitarian like furs, fish, shells to wear and trade, glass beads, even ironware from settlers... basically prove that I could provide for you as a future husband when I'd come to live with you."

" That is SO different from today, wow. So the guy lives with the bride's family? I mean after he basically sells himself to his future inlaws?"

" Pretty much." Shrugged Sam.

" Yeah...no. You don't need to do that then. I think my dad approves of you already, and I think my mom would too but even if they didn't. I'd still want you. More than physically, you... you make me so happy, Sam. I don't think I tell you that enough. You're such a great friend and lover. Really!" She looked up at him, smiling " I think me starting a life here would've be harder, lonelier, sadder. I'm so glad I met you, and so glad I can love you like I do. Even if you took forever to reciprocate!"

" I know." He quietly chuckled " But hey give me a break, I've never been in love before, I never knew it would be possible..ya know...being what I am."

" What? A big old fluffy black stag god? Pfft, I'm surprised the local cryptids and creatures weren't all over you. "

" Being a spirit of Death."

" Oh..yeah." She got quiet. She often forgot his role in the tiny pantheon he belonged to. His personality didn't seem to match his very morbid nature. But personality or not, it made sense though, that beings usually didn't befriend or pursue anything with him. No one, not even the most powerful creatures, liked to associate with deities that reminded them of their eventual demise. Huh, so...

" Kinda badass of me then. Making advances on the grim reaper."

" Are we still doing that?" He smiled.

She kissed him and he only deepened it. In a skip of a heartbeat they were together again, as the rain pattered on the sil and the winds whistled through the trees.

[speakeasy-to-me]

@

HOW DOES YOUR MUSE PERCEIVE MY MUSE?

Initially Bear didn't think too much of Liv when Sam sometimes mentioned her a few times, up til he met her that night in the woods. One of the reasons he was lured out there was his sensing Liv's shamanic bloodline. He was naturally curious about her, but was unaware his appearance was scaring her until Sam told him in a native tongue to leave.

He was later informed Liv had become Sam's ward, which didn't surprise him considering her spiritual gifts, but he noticed the relationship between Sam and Liv was very unlike the ones he had with mortals long ago, they seemed a lot more friendly and causal around each other. Bear had never had a human friend before and expressed an interest in wanting to introduce himself properly, but remembered that his appearance scared mortals. It wasn't until he transformed himself into a human, that he got to meet the girls for the first time and greatly enjoyed their company.

He'd go on to meet Liv again while he was rummaging through the garbage in the back of a pizza shop. Unaware that behavior was frowned upon in modern society, he took up Liv's offer for honey cookies back at her home. After that, he ran into her again looking for his brother Fish, then after that gifting her a blueberry bush for her birthday. Throughout these interactions he began to look forward to seeing her, he found her fun, engaging, and surprisingly patient with him and his lack of human knowledge. He admired her kindness to animals, such as taking in an orphaned skunk, and her profession as a teacher. As teachers in his culture are greatly respected as sources of oral history and the preservation of a tribe. He appreciated that she was also teaching him a great deal, namely reading English, and he tried his best to show her how much he was picking up. He was incredibly shocked how brave she was to defend Ricky from Fish. Bear's term of endearment for Liv morphing from a flower to a fierce little bee that protected the ones she loved.

Admiration slowly bloomed to infatuation, and by the time he realized how she made him truly feel, he lamented how unfair it was she was mortal and he was a deity. He wanted to confess but wasn't even sure if she'd feel the same, so he kept silent, using the fake dates as a way to ease his desires to be her's. Then tradgey struck, he was cursed and his powers sealed away by his sister as punishment for being around humans and even disguising himself as one. It was here Liv shined the brightest for him, being a much needed emotional support, healing up the internal wounds he felt of being completely torn away spiritually from his forest. He was so grateful to her he showed her a sight never seen by human eyes, an ancient forest he'd kept secret for billions of years.

He finally confessed to her on a Fall night, pouring out his hidden feelings for her, and was overjoyed to discover she reciprocated. He began to feel that even if he never got back to being his old self, it wasn't so bad, so long as she loved him he'd learn how to adjust to human life. He'd go on to courting her, dating, and creating useful objects for her to prove he could provide for her as a future husband. He feels maybe that might be looking a bit too far ahead, but he was one to always want the sort of relationship he saw with his parents. For now he tries to be the best partner he can be to her.

[somniaxperdita]

speakeasy-to-me​:

@somniaxperdita

Bear hurriedly tried to wrap up the gift he had for Olivia. The keyword being Try. He tried to follow along with the gift wrap tutorial on the internet viewed on Sam’s phone, tried to hold together the wrapping as he struggled with tying the ribbon, tried to scrunch up the tissue paper in a somewhat nice looking manner…tried and failed. He sat there frustrated and looking at a crumbled mess of paper secured with a whole roll of ribbon, tape, and a prayer.

It was here Ricky took pity on him and offered that he get it professionally gift wrapped at a local store. She’d gladly pay for it. Bear gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek for being such a wonderful ‘little sister’ to him. He picked out the style, the ribbon, and the wrapping. He was delighted that there was an option for plantable paper full of wildflower seeds. The natural look of the paper and the pressed flowers that adorned it, complimented the gift inside. Truffles, three he personally dug out himself and each the size of a fist. It had been a cold morning when he started out but it was well worth it. He remembered their ‘date’ last time and how much she enjoyed them. All this was done with ample time to spare as he took the second gift he had, a beautiful set of bloomed paperwhite bulbs that he tended to over the winter, and a card he handwrote himself. It wasn’t the best handwriting, he was only just learning cursive under Liv’s instruction, but he felt it would mean much more to write how she made him feel than rely on some pre-typed sentiment.

Since this was their first Day of Hearts or Valentine’s Day as it was officially called, he was a bit nervous. He did his best to research Liv’s likes and wants, remembering what she liked, but he put on a confident demeanor as he approached the front door of his beloved little honeybee, rang the bell, and waited.

Olivia had thought herself a thoughtful lover and knew through her relationship (and friendship) with Bear that she knew him rather well in all that time. Food wasn’t the only key to his heart, but it did help with picking a gift for the holiday today. Once again she had went to her mother’s recipe book to get the perfect baked goody to give to Bear as a gift along with a pair of fuzzy yellow socks and a handsome dress tie she found on a clearance that had boats on it. She had thought Bear would like something a little ritzy for their future dates and she often noticed how Bear looked at the suits on display at the man’s fashion store. The socks were just a playful touch for those chilly nights in Oregon and she is well aware of how much he hates the cold.

The cake she had baked from her mother’s recipe book, is already done when she hears the doorbell ring, and she goes to answer it with a happy hum, knowing it’s Bear automatically. They had arranged a night in, as it was easier and they had more than enough activities they could do at home, including an arrangement of funny 90s comedy flicks she rented from the library. 

“Hello darlin’ Bear,” She reaches up and cups his face, kissing him on the lips, greeting him before noticing the gift in his arms. “Happy Day of Heart!.” It was so cute how he called it that. It sounded a lot better than the original name in opinion. “Yer just in time for yer gift I baked. It’s honey cake~ I know you’ll just love it an’ I even made little sugared shaped bees ta put on it too.” Blue eyes glance down at the adorably and wonderfully wrapped box in Bear’s hands, grinning ear to ear. She didn’t know Bear could wrap so nicely… or perhaps maybe it was Ricky’s work. She had known Bear to be craft with his hands but she isn’t sure about it when it comes to paper. “I rented a few movies we can watch while ya have yer cake. Later we’ll have a roast an’ potatoes for dinner.” 

[speakeasy-to-me]

Bear leaned into her kiss, being careful with his teeth. He was aware they were a tad sharper than a normal humans. A remnant of his true form. With his sharp nose he could smell the ingredients on her clothes, her hair, faint traces of honey. It was heavenly. He would've liked to deepen the kiss into an embrace, but there was time for that later on, and the porch wasn't exactly the best place to do that. Spring hadn't come yet and he disliked the chill.

" Mm, with kisses as sweet as that, I may not need the cake." He smiled.

But he'd eat it anyway, he was never one to turn down any delicious treat. His sweet tooth wouldn't allow it. He followed her in and immediately the warmth of the house, thanks to the oven, drove away that cold. And the smell! To humans it was already pleasant, but to a creature like him it was intense. He imagined this is what the inside of a hive smelled like, Liv being the queen bee. Now he knew that pressed flower gift wrap was a good choice.

" The gift. I tried to remember what you like the most... it's not fancy, but it's something I found for you."

His nervousness returned. For everything he learned about the holiday, it seemed like this was a pretty important day. For couples at least. It was a kind of courting ritual. Chocolates, flowers, and cards, those seemed the standard gifts between humans, but he didn't want to give Liv something just anyone could give. He really wanted to show he thought of her, paid attention to what she may like, what she needed. Show that he could provide for even her smallest wishes. But now he wondered if maybe those standard gifts would've been a safer bet. They were tried and true for a reason, right? I guess he'd know soon enough when she opened it.

[somniaxperdita]

speakeasy-to-me​:

Fish held a hand up as a sign to stop, catch his breath. He was not used to heavy physical activity on land and his calves were starting to burn from that sprint. Finally he gulped, tried his best to convey through body language what just happened as he could sense the mortal woman was confused.

’ Brother’s fang. Take home. Take to him.’

He wasn’t sure if she understood him or not. And he had no paper to write anything down to her that would better explain. He stopped and held the stolen item. A large white fang that looked like it belonged more on a sabertooth tiger than a bear, but it was his brother’s nonetheless. He took Liv’s hand and gave her the fang into her open palm, hoping she understood what it was and what she needed to do. She’d have to run. Get to Bear, whenever he was and quickly give him his fang. It would break the curse.

Even though his sister was currently stunned, it would be short lived and she was going to be…well, extremely pissed off. He’d distract her though, running toward the lake where he’d have a better advantage over her. He pleaded again silently.

’ Please. Take. ’

It appeared that Fish couldn’t catch his breath as fast as Olivia did, looking worn out and exhausted from the sprint. The school teacher had guessed maybe it was because he wasn’t used to moving around on land as much as his siblings, being an aquatic deity, stuck underneath the lake for centuries. Concern, for herself and Fish, is clear on her face and just as she’s about to ask if he was alright, the god of autumn extended to her what he had grabbed from his sibling.

A sharp tooth. Olivia could see it resembled something close to a bear or perhaps a canine. She hadn’t ever collected the skeleton of a bear or any wolves, at least not as sizable as the one Fish was showing to her, but she knew it was of the same class of animal. Olivia is silent when Fish takes her hand, putting the fang in her palm, which she does not instantly hold, confusion in her eyes. Sam had spoken to her about Bear’s curse and that they needed to find a fang to fix it… but Sam also said their sister had hidden it somewhere. Deep within the wilds of the terrain and foliage.

Or so Sam had speculated.

“This is Bear’s tooth, isn’t it?” She asks, knowing Fish cannot hear her, and it’s by habit than logic at this point in their runaway from the feathery goddess. “Sam said that yer sister had it…. but it was hidden. I guess bein’ hidden in plain sight is still hidden, huh?” Olivia knows Fish cannot understand her humor nor hear or but it brings her a moment of relief. They had looked for MONTHS for B Bear’s tooth. Bean had helped too. Which ended in failure, the small round demon bringing Sam or Olivia random pieces of bone or corpses he found all over the mountains. Some Olivia had been tempted to keep but she knew Sam wouldn’t take kindly to her keeping buried bones of unicorns.

Her hands tighten around the fang, firm and secure. “Thank ya, Fish. I’ll get this to Bear as fast as I can.” She gives Fish a gesture of a finger to his legs, frowning. “I think you should stay here by the river. You look exhausted, darlin’. I can run ta Ricky’s place an’ get the fang ta Bear.” Where Olivia lacked in pure strength and power, she made up with stamina and speed. A spring in the woods would be easy for her.

Giving the fang one more squeeze for luck, Olivia brings it around her head, wearing the fang around her neck now, just as P'alli had did before. She gives Fish a small nod, speaking slowly.

“Be careful. I’ll come back for you. I promise.” Her hand gives Fish a short pat of his cheek, hoping that reassures him of her return (and with the backup of his siblings hopefully) and turns away to take off towards the direction of Ricky’s home.

[speakeasy-to-me]

Fish nodded, smiled. While he couldn't understand her words, he could read her body language, using his own to shoo her off before his sister showed up.

' Run. Get to your beloved.'

It was here he realized that he was no competition to his brother, not because of size or strength, no, Bear already had her loyalty and her love. Fish couldn't take that way nor did he want to anymore. He knew his place with her now, a friend. And as such, he'd be a friend to her too. Sharp senses picked up on the smell of burning terrain and ozone. He wasn't at all surprised to see a glowing figure approaching, vaguely humanoid in what remained of clothing melded with feathers, eyes piercing coals set in a face twisted in rage, every taloned step like the spread of a wildfire.

" W H E R E I S I T ? W H E R E I S S H E ?" Demanded P'alli. Her voice hissed like the insides of a volcano.

Fish said nothing as he motioned his hand to the creek near him. The water floated out of its bed and wrapped like a ribbon around him, and just in time as she let out a blast of fire from herself. The water sizzled but did not break it's crystal clear flow. He tilted his head, a playful smile ceased his face, as if to say..

' You should know better.'

He whipped the creek at her. Steam rose as it touched her and had the benefit of putting out the flames that were licking the trees. He whipped it again at her. A taunt. He then ran toward the lake. She shed her human form entirely now, giving chase as a bird above him, her red black feathers burning the sky, a sharp screech echoing above. He knew on land he didn't have much power, she probably knew that too, so this would be a race. His calves burned but he pushed on. Ignoring the scales popping up under his skin. Just a bit more. Once at the lake he'd have the home advantage.

----------‐--------

Sam immediately felt the change in the environment. It was getting hotter, and as if on cue birds and other creatures were running in their direction, crying out fearfully, escaping the source of the disturbance. Bear, though no longer connected to the land, felt it too. His nose picked up on the scent of fire and by instinct he wanted to rush toward his creation to protect it, but also to find Liv. Something....something was telling him she was in trouble. Sam had already shifted by then and Ricky was ready with a broom, Sam blocked her with a stomp of a hoof.

" No. I'll go see what's up and put things out. Stay here with Bear." He instructed.

" I'm flying to Liv's, just to make sure she's okay...for her and Bear's sake." She turned to Bear and gave him a reassuring smile " I'm sure she's home or somewhere safe, Bear."

Sam didn't want to put Ricky in any danger, but if her flight was just to Liv's home, he'd allow it. " Alright, but whatever happens don't you dare follow me, Witchy. I got a bad feeling this isn't your typical wildfire."

Bear spoke up. " I'll hold down the fort I suppose?" He sounded a bit disappointed, this was HIS forest burning after all, he felt the need to protect it. Sam and Ricky gave him a sad look. While Bear was immortal, he wouldn't be of much help to them without his powers. Sam didn't say anything but Ricky wasn't going to leave Bear thinking he was useless.

" They may be some hurt animals that'll come this way, Bear. You have my permission to use anything in my garden to heal them, okay?"

This seemed to perk up Bear. Sure he couldn't heal the creatures of his woods through his abilities but he still had the knowhow to use natural means to do the same. " I will, thank you. Be safe brother, Little Rose."

Ricky smiled, hopped on her broom and took off on the heels of Sam, galloping through the air. He was already brewing up a storm from he mountains, dark heavy clouds traveling toward the direction of the wildfire, Ricky veering off under the cover of the pines towards Liv's home.

[speakeasy-to-me]

@somniaxperdita

Bear hurriedly tried to wrap up the gift he had for Olivia. The keyword being Try. He tried to follow along with the gift wrap tutorial on the internet viewed on Sam's phone, tried to hold together the wrapping as he struggled with tying the ribbon, tried to scrunch up the tissue paper in a somewhat nice looking manner...tried and failed. He sat there frustrated and looking at a crumbled mess of paper secured with a whole roll of ribbon, tape, and a prayer.

It was here Ricky took pity on him and offered that he get it professionally gift wrapped at a local store. She'd gladly pay for it. Bear gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek for being such a wonderful 'little sister' to him. He picked out the style, the ribbon, and the wrapping. He was delighted that there was an option for plantable paper full of wildflower seeds. The natural look of the paper amd the pressed flowers that adorned it, complimented the gift inside. Truffles, three he personally dug out himself and each the size of a fist. It had been a cold morning when he started out but it was well worth it. He remembered their 'date' last time and how much she enjoyed them. All this was done with ample time to spare as he took the second gift he had, a beautiful set of bloomed paperwhite bulbs that he tended to over the winter, and a card he handwrote himself. It wasn't the best handwriting, he was only just learning cursive under Liv's instruction, but he felt it would mean much more to write how she made him feel than rely on some pre-typed sentiment.

Since this was their first Day of Hearts or Valentine's Day as it was officially called, he was a bit nervous. He did his best to research Liv's likes and wants, remembering what she liked, but he put on a confident demeanor as he approached the front door of his beloved little honeybee, rang the bell, and waited.

[wigpisser]

My favorite of Dr. Spencer Black’s illustrations from before he went batshit and started sewing people together

[witchyfashion]

The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black

Philadelphia, the late 1870s. A city of gas lamps, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages—and home to the controversial surgeon Dr. Spencer Black. The son of a grave robber, young Dr. Black studies at Philadelphia’s esteemed Academy of Medicine, where he develops an unconventional hypothesis: What if the world’s most celebrated mythological beasts—mermaids, minotaurs, and satyrs—were in fact the evolutionary ancestors of humankind?   The Resurrectionist offers two extraordinary books in one. The first is a fictional biography of Dr. Spencer Black, from a childhood spent exhuming corpses through his medical training, his travels with carnivals, and the mysterious disappearance at the end of his life. The second book is Black’s magnum opus: The Codex Extinct Animalia, a Gray’s Anatomy for mythological beasts—dragons, centaurs, Pegasus, Cerberus—all rendered in meticulously detailed anatomical illustrations. You need only look at these images to realize they are the work of a madman. The Resurrectionist tells his story.

https://amzn.to/2NJvJT5

[cinemamind]

Mermaids

[animalvegetablemineral]

Cave bear

[roadkillandcrows]

Polar bear skull. Came from an old school collection in Denmark.

[somniaxperdita]

speakeasy-to-me​:

“ You dare to question what has already been established before your species was but a spark in the universe’s cosmic eye? What arrogance!”

Her eyes narrowed. Her patience had run thin with Liv, and that was a very dangerous thing. The temperature around them heated up and by the prickly feeling near her eyes she knew her feathers were popping up, feet loosening from her shoes into her true razor sharp talons.

“ My brother may be forgiving of such things but I will not be. It seems you’ve forgotten your place, mortal, so I shall give you a reminder.”

—-

Maybe it was luck that Fish happened to be in the vicinity, following the faint trail of his cursed brother’s fang. He saw his younger brother’s ward with a woman that had a very familiar energy. Took him two seconds to realize it was his older sister who surprisingly had a human form, wearing none other than Bear’s fang around her neck. It took another two seconds to see something bad was about to go down. P'alli’s feathers were literally ruffled and the heat in the area was rising quickly, plant life around them was beginning to wilt and die.

What had the Little Duck done this time? Trouble seemed to follow her like dolphins to ships. He took a moment to formulate what to do. He had no obligation to protect Liv, he was not her guardian nor were they exactly friends. She would make a good distraction for him to rush his sister and snatch away the necklace but… Ehh it felt really cruel to leave the Little Duck in the talons of his sister. P'alli’s temper was nothing to scoff at. She could easily injure Liv with a flick of her fiery feathers. He sighed, knowing he’d probably regret this next action if it went wrong but…

Like the apex predator he was he walked briskly around the spot the two girls were, behind his sister and before P'alli could turn toward him in confusion, he tipped her chair backwards, catching the fang in his hand and let gravity snap it right off the cord.

‘Ah. Shit.’

Olivia had forgotten her place. Only for the moment where her feelings about Sam and her relationship with him had clouded her better judgement. Immortal, mortal, it hadn’t mattered— she was bound to a demon who could give her limited safety and the school teacher knew it wouldn’t be able to match that of a deity as powerful as P’alli. Somewhere in the darkness, in the shadows there is Bean, sensing the tension and the battle ahead but he subsides, letting fate handle whatever is to come to his human now. The heat of a goddess was no match against a plague demon.

The warmth from the summer air increased tenfold. The hairs and skin on Olivia’s arms were starting to burn from the expose burning element and she doesn’t know what to do but watch in horror as P’alli starts to grow feathers from underneath her brown skin. Talons were growing at the ground unknown to her and the prickling pain of heat makes Olivia hiss in discomfort. She didn’t know what to do. Scream, yell for help… it would be useless. Now she was doomed to be cursed or killed by a goddess.

Just before Olivia could say something her blues eyes turn to the the one person she didn’t think would stumble or pop up into the conversation. Already wide from what was happening, they narrow when she see’s Fish casually bamboozle his sister, confused by it all. The fang is visible from around P’alli’s neck (where Olivia had thought it was a pendant) and realization hits the woman that it was the fang of someone she had considered a beloved companion.

“Fish? What are you doin’ here??” Was all she could ask in the moment, standing up and taking a step back from the siblings. This was going to get messy she was sure.

P'alli in all her unquestionable authority and fiery temper…lay on the ground, eyes open in shock, momentarily stunned by the impact, as most birds did when they smacked into a window or came too close for comfort with a threat. Fish, having known this particular quirk of her biology, took advantage of it.

He would’ve gloated triumphantly, fang in hand, but now wasn’t the time, his older sister would probably try to kill them or at least the human among them, so taking Liv’s arm, gesturing they better get out of here before that happens. They’d be safer in the woods by the streams, at least he could use that water to his advantage should a fight break out.

’ Come on! Unless you want to stay to deal with… that?’ he seemed to say to Liv.

———

Sam had been watering the yard with a localized burst of rain when he felt it. Something was going on. He waved his hand to dispel the rain clouds and stood still. Listening not with his ears but to the energy around him. From the creak of the patio door came Bear, a glance between them cemented their suspicion that there was a very strong spike of power nearby, and the energy was very familiar.

“ Where’s Olivia?” asked Bear fearfully.

Olivia looks at the fallen goddess, startled and confused, now being pulled by the arm of the other deity and being gestured to follow. It is such a weird and strange sight to see an all powerful goddess on her back, resembling that of any animal who’s fallen on themselves, wide eyed and stunned. It’s something Olivia hadn’t expected either. Not so quickly.

Unable to understand exactly gesture by gesture what Fish is saying, it’s enough for the woman to follow by his side, even as a whisper of thoughts flood her mind about wanting to assist P'alli, but refuses to act on it impulse. She had angered the goddess and Fish, the sibling of the phoenix, did right by pushing her instincts to flee instead of stand her ground.

A flood of several thoughts came as they flee together. What did Fish grab? A necklace? Pendant? Did she see a robbery right before her eyes? How did Fish know what was happening? Had her returned from visiting Lani or decided to wander from the lake for fun? All these questions but Olivia could not ask. With Fish being deaf and Olivia unable to sign or write all of this down frantically, her thoughts cease when they reach the nearest river, Olivia panting and heaving from the sprint, wondering why Fish had stopped here instead of the lake.

“W-What the hell is gonna happen now?” The hellish unknown is all she can think of. Olivia hadn’t intended to offend the goddess but she could not stand still as the woman spoke so strictly and harshly of Sam and his choices. They’re family in Olivia’s eyes and heart and she would not take what his own sister had to speak of no matter the backlash. 

“She was ready ta curse me, I think.” Or burn or destroy. Olivia didn’t know and she frankly is relieved to know someone saved her ass in the moment, even if that person is someone who too had tried to kill and consume her.

[speakeasy-to-me]

Fish held a hand up as a sign to stop, catch his breath. He was not used to heavy physical activity on land and his calves were starting to burn from that sprint. Finally he gulped, tried his best to convey through body language what just happened as he could sense the mortal woman was confused.

' Brother's fang. Take home. Take to him.'

He wasn't sure if she understood him or not. And he had no paper to write anything down to her that would better explain. He stopped and held the stolen item. A large white fang that looked like it belonged more on a sabertooth tiger than a bear, but it was his brother's nonetheless. He took Liv's hand and gave her the fang into her open palm, hoping she understood what it was and what she needed to do. She'd have to run. Get to Bear, whenever he was and quickly give him his fang. It would break the curse.

Even though his sister was currently stunned, it would be short lived and she was going to be...well, extremely pissed off. He'd distract her though, running toward the lake where he'd have a better advantage over her. He pleaded again silently.

' Please. Take. '

[musidoro]

RUSALKA (1997), directed by Aleksandr Petrov.

[fireeliliess]

“The voice of the sea is seductive, never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander in abysses of solitude.”

—Kate Chopin

[somniaxperdita]

speakeasy-to-me​:

“ The Fall? That long and you didn’t even tell me?” Ricky pouted, feeling kinda hurt but then realizing, yeah, if she had known she would’ve told Sam and Sam did seem the type to get a wee bit jealous. He was like cat when it came to attention. Especially when food was involved.

“ Well I guess I should be happy you’re telling me now and that’s true Sam does have me to keep him occupied, especially at the hot springs.”

She smiled, remembering.. THAT. That was a nice trip, definitely worth braving the cold for, and soaking in those nice hot waters wasn’t too bad either.

“ Aww I didn’t mean to pressure you, I’ve just been suspecting that there was something more to those fake dates and Bear sleeping over, I’m glad things turned out so nice, you make a great match, I’m super happy for you both, and I agree, Bear is a total sweetheart.”

“ To be honest I’ve been taking things slow with Sam too, but only a few things. I have my needs. But he’s been a surprisingly fast learner. But I’ll bet you wouldn’t have much trouble with Bear, being what kind of deity he is and all.”

“Bear is a big sweetheart. Not that I haven’t met many before ‘im that weren’t sweet ta me but Bear is different. I never feel I owe 'im anythin’ when we’re around each other.”

It felt equal with Bear, even with the status differences between themselves, and who they were. Bear hadn’t put a dent in their friendship or their romance when it came to her being a moral and him being a deity. Perhaps in the past Bear had put his title out there but now it felt as if he was shying further and further away from being the god of spring to Gravity Falls to being a humble lumberjack size of a man who only wanted to eat honey and learn a new language or two.

“Again, it was my idea ta keep it a little hush-hush with everyone, but I knew eventually someone in his family would notice.” Fish might’ve noticed the attraction too. As for the distant sister who Olivia hadn’t seen in what feels like weeks… “Bear is happy ta claim we’re an item. He has no shame in it. I don’t either but I understand the consequences that could arise from us bein’ together. I’m not a magical witch or… an all-mighty goddess. Imagine what the creatures of the town would say seein’ a human with a deity. As ya said he is who he is an’ many critters in the area respect 'im so much.”

From the wolves to the wild foliage, it seemed everything held a bond with Bear on some level because of who and what he is to them. It was unlike Sam’s relationship with the forest, who all seemed to fear or distance themselves from Sam, which Olivia thought was rather strange and rude at the same time.

“I am glad ta tell someone. Bear will be happy ta know that you know too. He’s quite fond of ya as a sister in law, with his li'l nicknames an’ thinkin’ of ya as family now. He often compares ya to a rose.” Which Olivia didn’t mind but… she envied that Bear seemed to compare Ricky to one of the best and brightest flowers in the world, whilst sunflowers were nothing in comparison to the beauty and language a rose held. “Bear an’ I have talked about travelin’ ourselves but with how he can’t leave the Falls, we can only do little outings together.” They had planned a private camping trip in the past but with how heavy the winter was, they had to cancel it until spring.

“Bear isn’t… as fast as his brother, I think.” Olivia has no clue how Sam is with his intimate partners but so far Olivia and Bear had kept things to a moderate level of affection and intimacy. Her tone changes, shy now, and a pink hue spreads on her dark cheeks. “He’s never dated anyone before an’ I don’t wanna rush 'im into somethin’ he might not like or care for. I know spring is about new life an’ makin’ babies but I dunno if Bear himself actually… thinks about it.”

She’s not blind to how Bear looks at her now. Olivia is certain Bear feels something within himself to bring intensity to their romance but Olivia won’t know unless he suggests the foreplay or sets the proper mood setting for love making. At least for Olivia it would bring her peace of mind to know where his physical wants lie with her.

“I’m usually not so timid about it but Bear is someone I don’t wanna fuck up with. He’s good ta me, like how Sam is good ta you. I would never wanna ruin that just because I get a little frustrated physically.”

[speakeasy-to-me]

Ricky let out a little aww as Liv described her feelings around Bear. They were so sweet. She wished them the best of luck. But she could not help notice the other part. A sister? What? This was news to her.

" I had no idea Bear thought of me as a sister... I mean I know about the Little Rose nickname but never about how he saw me. Heh."

Ricky liked that thought. And wow, if she and Liv ever decided to go so far as marrying the brothers, then that would make her and Liv sister in laws themselves. Hmmm..

" Ah but I totally get that, not wanting to rush things. I'm Sam's first in... well everything. So I gotta be patient. I don't want to mess things up with him either."

This was all a bit new for her too, none of her past partners were virgins, Sam was, but she wasn't bothered by that, a bit frustrated yes, but that self control was her issue to tackle, not his. And she figured that this was an excellent opportunity to tame down that notorious Northwest impatience. She loved Sam, a lot, not just on a physical level. She loved how supportive he was, how he made her laugh, how protective he could be. She felt so safe with him, maybe thats why she wanted to share herself so much with him. But she noticed it was best to let him start making moves on his own, to gain that confidence, as haphazard as the process could be.

" But he has actually been taking the initiative recently. It's all very inexperienced, but I'm glad he has a sense of humor about it. With all those clumsy kisses and attempts to be romantic, it's like I'm seeing a side others don't get to, it's just between us, and I love it. Also I think what helps is that I am more open about I want and let him decide if he'd like to take things further. Conversation is key in relationships."

" I think Bear is like that. I mean like me. I'm sure you noticed he's not shy about his wants, he will drown his pancakes in syrup or ask for more meat in his sandwich. I'm that way myself. If I want an extra shot in my chocolate mint cappuccino, I get an extra shot in my chocolate mint cappuccino. But with relationships, we try to hold ourselves back with our wants because we don't want to scare our partners off.

I guess what I'm saying is, I think it's good you're taking it slow but don't take it too slow. He might even be waiting for you to make a move first just to gauge where things are and take it from there. Just because he's a deity doesn't make him all knowing."