#tfkprompt

[owengyles]

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town || Task #3

To: piercefarroway

'This is my first time doing one of these! I wonder what sort of secrets this Santa is supposed to have? But I digress- this one has heard that a certain someone likes stories. These ones were taken from the Mer Court archives and contain a few stories that are sure to have never reached land before. 

Oh, don't worry by the way! We have extra copies! Happy holidays!'

From: Owen ("Wait, I'm not supposed to write that?") Santa!

Details:

A series of four different books containing some of the folklore and customs of the merfolk. While it is clear that each volume has been used a number of time and that they are well-aged, the books themselves have been maintained meticulously. Each book is bound with the hardened leather of a sea serpent, with stiff pages made from individual sheets of kelp that were dried out and thinned out. The stories were written out by hand in squid ink and the books were sewn together using thread made from the sinew of the same serpent that covers the books. 

From the bottom to the top:

Book 1: The Chronicles of Notable Merfolk

 An extensive history of all the famous merpeople of Sansoria and beyond, detailing the feats which made them into legends. This book is far from a dry read, filled with the many tales of adventure and daring on the high seas. The stories range from quirky odes to the retelling of a lifetime, celebrating the benevolent and the infamous at the same time. Some of the most popular stories include Typhus the Bellower, Nix the Charmer, Chella the Deceiver, Titan the Great and Caspian the Wanderer. A small marker has been placed to indicate where each story is.

Book 2: A Beginner's Guide to Merfolk Customs and Traditions

 A brief introduction into the culture of the merpeople, spanning from the popular beliefs of their creation all the way to the trivial, yet culturally important occasions that occur throughout the year. There is a section dedicated to the proper conduct a merman should show when faced with their mortal enemy, the Fey, as well as a follow-up section written in a different hand making critical remarks about it in a snarky manner. Some important milestones include the First Drowning (which has changed in nature to merely mark a coming-of-age), the Royal Coronation, as well as birthing and funeral traditions.

Book 3: Songs of the Sea, Volume 1

A basic lesson book that even the youngest boys and girls are taught from when learning to harvest their siren's call. This includes a few interesting odes about sea faring adventures and easy-to-learn choruses. In the margins, Owen wrote down a translation of the lyrics for easier comprehension, as they are not necessarily sung in the same language as the Common Tongue. He also notes briefly as to what song does what- which ones are used to invigorate, which ones are used to lure, which ones for hunger and so on. 

Book 4: The Little Mermaid And Other Human Tales

As implied, this is a copy of the classic fairy tale from Earth, which had been collected and modified by mermaids from long ago. Rewritten for archival purposes, this volume contains commentary from several influential scholars (Including Owen) debunking the common misconceptions promoted in the work. ("Mermaids do not turn into sea foam after all.") The end result of the critique makes for a more humorous read than a serious one.

[annika-acacia]

Dear Mr. Fae,

gaelencarstairs

We’ve never met before, but I feel that that shouldn’t stop me from spreading Christmas cheer to someone who looks like they’re in desperate need of some. I was walking through the woods one day and came upon you, and you seemed particularly upset. Yes, sadly, the war seemed to affect us all.

I, of all people, should know that.

So I thought I’d take it upon myself to gift to you my special cheer-up kit Christmas Edition. I myself, have not been the same since the recent battle, but maybe together, we can pull through this terrible slump. And even if I can’t, I’ll feel better knowing that I helped somebody else do so.

Inside, you will find some of the things that usually cheer me up. I took the liberty of giving it a nice Christmasy spin to make things more festive!

First of which would be some of my very special chocolate chip cookies. Now, I was never really the best baker, but as they say, baking is a science, and I’d like to think of myself as a particularly decent science enthusiast. I wasn’t in the best condition though, as I have been injured during the battle, so these cookies came out not so great. The chocolate, however, is still very much intact and if you ignore the burnt taste and slightly rubbery dough, you’ll get the same effect. Chocolate is suppose to cheer you up because of the endorphins it releases. Hopefully burnt chocolate chip cookies do the same for you.

Next would be this scarf I had knitted for you (you can tell I’ve had quite the spare time on my hands…) My good friend Matthew told me that no one in their right mind would wear such a hideous thing, but it’s a labor of love that I wish to share with you and I am sure that you have much more grace and gratitude in comparison to my dear friend (he’s not usually like this, but he’s going through a… rough patch), so I hope you like it. It’s my first time knitting you see! They advised me to take up a hobby and I thought this would be a useful skill to have. Perhaps when we finally meet, I can teach you how to knit as well.

Third, I present you with one of my most prized possessions. It’s a human novel I had borrowed from one of the many libraries at home. My Father is a fond collector and this never fails to cheer me up. I’ve read this one many many times and I’m sure that I’ve had it memorised by heart, so please do not feel bad for taking it. The author escapes me at the moment, and so does the title (after years of reading, it seems to have faded away), but neither are as important as the content. It’s about a beautiful girl captured by a ravenous beast. Yet despite their obvious differences, they find love in each other. Terribly romantic, don’t you think?

Now I know that these little tokens may not help the pain you must be feeling, and I understand that. If you had lost someone, or perhaps even just a part of you, I will keep them and you in my thoughts. My last present would be the fond promise that we will perhaps meet soon, hopefully under much better circumstances. Until then, however, know that I am praying for you and your intentions.

I hope this reaches you in good health.

Your friend, 

Annika looked at the masterpiece of a letter she had just finished writing before tying it the basket she had prepared in front of her. Matthew took a bite out of his apple and raised a brow. 

"So let me get this straight. You want me... To leave this in the forest-" 

"The tree by the clearing." Annika interrupted. 

"...The tree by the clearing... In the hopes that this... fairy, the same fairy you happened upon just a few days ago, would pick it up? How would he even know it's for him?" Matthew asked. Annika pursed her lips before holding the basket out for Matthew to take. 

"I described him. Handsome. Tall. Light brown hair. He also has a cute dimple on the side of his face." Annika said with a smile. Matthew scoffed before taking the basket and turning around to do as he was told. 

"Don't let Noah hear you. He might be the jealous type." He teased as Annika's face went beet red, stammering for a retort, but Matthew was already on his way out, laughing at Annika's reaction. Annika huffed before shaking her head. 

She fiddled with her blanket before looking out the hospital window. 

She really did hope he liked her gifts. 

A small smile crept up her lips before she allowed a small giggle to pass her lips. 

"I'm like a... a secret father christmas." She murmured under her breath before picking up a book and opening it. 

"How absolutely exciting." 

[celine-dahltfk]

Ohhh Lumos!!!

"Now it’s important that you do the wand motion properly. You want to summon birds, not frog heads."

Annika giggled at Celine’s serious tone, causing the Slytherin to raise an eyebrow skeptically. “Do you think I’m kidding?”

"No! No, of course not." The Ravenclaw exclaimed, smiling nonetheless. "It’s just that it seems so absurd for anyone to mix the two up, especially for a bird-summoning charm.”

Now it was her turn to laugh. “This is coming from a fourth-year who wanted to learn Charms for her sixth year.”

The young witch flushed, embarrassed. Merlin, was she ever fun to tease. At least her reactions made these tutoring sessions of theirs entertaining. “W-Well I only wanted to-“

Celine smirked, sending her a knowing glance. “I’m just kidding, Acacia. There’s nothing wrong with being a little ambitious.” She should certainly know about that. With her eyes on the most coveted position in the Ministry of Magic, the Slytherin thought herself an expert on the subject of high aspirations. Perhaps that was why she had even bothered to entertain the ridiculous notion of teaching this no-name Ravenclaw a thing or two every week. There was a certain part of herself that she could see in the doe-eyed girl.

"Thank you, I suppose." Annika still looked unsure, but she slowly returned to her normal pale colour. "Could you demonstrate the charm again? If you don’t mind."

That was probably her second part of enjoying this arrangement they had; showing off. “Of couse, my most adorable pupil.” Celine raised her wand to the sky, making a smooth flicking motion with her wrist. “Avis.” With a crackle and a bang, emerald green birds shot out from the tip of her wand, soaring into the air above their heads.

"…It would be nice to fly like that." Annika mused wistfully.

The Slytherin looked up at the conjured creatures, fluttering around without a care in the world. “Well, we can to a certain extent.”

Annika shook her head in response, thoughtful. “Not with a broom or anything like that. But being able to spread your arms out, like this, and just take off.” She tried to illustrate the point, spreading her robe-covered arms outward, eyes alight with curiosity. “Can you imagine it? Being any sort of winged creature?”

The elder witch was quiet for a moment, contemplative. “…There’s a way to do that, you know. Strictly speaking, it’s not something we’re supposed to do as students, and definitely without proper permissions.”

She could see the gears turning in her clever student’s head, her large eyes widening even further as she realized what Celine was talking about. “You don’t mean…” Annika trailed off, and the witch gave a faint nod of her head. The look on the Ravenclaw’s face was priceless. “Then what do you, umm…?”

Celine smiled again, mischievous. “That would be my little secret, Acacia. But, I suppose I could give you a hint.” The elder witch leaned closer to her ear, whispering softly. When she pulled away, she could see the admiration in the student’s eyes. And a hunger to know just what it was like for herself.

"Would you show me?"

"Perhaps one day. But first, let’s see how you do with-" A few chirps interrupted her train of thought, and she could see that the flock above that had increased, with a few new birds the colour of dark sapphires mingling with the emerald ones she had created earlier. "Salazar’s beard, you picked that up quickly."

[ava-sommers]

Task 2 ll Home Sweet Home

Name: Ava Sommers

Occupation/Status: Never having been one for settling down, Ava looked for a job that could keep her busy and keep her moving. Her love of photography provided just that, She is a travel photographer. Her home is in Chicago, but due to her tight schedule, she is only there a few times a month. The rest of the time is spent on location for the job. She doesn't make a ton of money, but it's enough to have a decent apartment in the city she loves. 

Place of Residence: Chicago, Illinois. 

Ultimate Dream: She is currently living it, but the one thing that would make her life perfect would be someone to travel the world with. Sure she likes her alone time, but with all the amazing things she sees, she wishes she had someone to talk about them with later. 

Exterior: 

While many people find the idea of living in a high rise uncomfortable, Ava has come to love it. The people in the building pretty much leave her alone with the exception of the doorman, who despite only seeing Ava once a month or so, has never once forgotten her name. 

Living Area/Kitchen:

Since she is never there, Ava purchased one of the complexes furnished apartments. The living room is Ava's favorite room in the house. The view is out of this world and the natural light that comes through the windows is perfect for going through and editing her photos on her laptop. The only thing that Ava uses in the kitchen is the microwave to heat up her leftover take out. The fridge is mostly empty with the exception of a bottle of white wine in the fridge and a bottle of vodka in the freezer. 

Bedroom:

The thing that Ava misses the most when she is on location is her bed. It is the only thing in the entire apartment that she purchased herself, not feeling comfortable with sleeping on a bed that once belonged to someone else. There is a small balcony outside the bed room that she finds herself drinking coffee from most mornings. 

Bathroom: 

The only room in the apartment that she hates. She has thought about redecorate the place but isn't there enough to justify the cost. 

Building Amenities:

Out of all the amenities in the building, the gym and hot tub are Ava's favorites. When she is in town she can almost always be found there. 

Building Roof: 

The reason that Ava picked the apartment in the first place. The view from the roof is spectacular. She can be found lounging under the gazebo camera in hand more often than not. 

[pierce-farroway-blog-blog]

Pierce Farroway || Home Sweet Home || Task #2

Occupation: Pierce is well on his way to becoming a successful editor, but much too young to be taken seriously. He is currently interning at Paperbush Publishing in New York, under one of the more prolific editors, who he struck up a conversation with and impressed while working at the New York Public Library. 

Living space: being orphaned as an infant with nothing to his name, his foster family were kind enough to help him out a little, supporting him while he moved out to New York and got a part-time job at the public library to earn enough money for a downpayment for a tiny little flat. It's elegant, but very tiny, with only a bedroom, bathroom, and a mini kitchen inside a closet. 

The apartment block where Pierce lives.

His bedroom, which also acts as a study and as a living room. Pierce has no common living space, should he need to invite guests over, but that works out in his favour since he doesn't have many friends. Also, he has all his books stacked up around him, so he doesn't really need other people anyway. 

Saving space means having his kitchenette in a sort of wardrobe, but Pierce just finds it quirky. 

His little bathroom. 

It's tiny, but it's home, and Pierce has made it into his own living space where he spends many late nights working. It's a little lonely, but he meets plenty of people at his internship job, and hopefully one day he will be the famous editor he hopes to be. 

[gaelencarstairs-blog]

Gaelen Carstairs // Lured / (Listen here)

01 Ghost (acoustic) Ella Henderson // 02 Heart Like Yours Willamette Stone // 03 1973 (acoustic) James Blunt // 04 Stay With Me Sam Smith // 05 Three Imaginary Boys The Cure // 06 As The World Falls Down David Bowie // 07 Give Me Love Ed Sheeran // 08 Weapons of War The Feelers

[aleksandrapetrov]

RADIOACTIVE; an aleksandra petrov mix

There is some comfort in killing that which has hurt you, but it is cold comfort. It’ll destroy things inside of you that the original pain wouldn’t have harmed. Sometimes it’s not a question of whether a piece of your soul is going to go missing, only which piece it’s going to be.