The House By the Swamp

[Ilargi “Bii” Benigno]

4 Mangrove Lane

This house sat abandoned for some years before a historic preservation society took interest. In exchange for maintaining the house in the fashion that it was built, they offered grants and supplemental aid to a new owner.

Given that she both hailed from Almia and would be a first time home owner, Miss Ilargi Benigno wasn’t a first choice. But, with little else beyond the gym to draw people in and the town in dire need of revitalizing, she was *the* choice.

As such, Ilargi Benigno is the owner of a small home sitting on about two acres of land within easy walking distance from the rather quiet heart of town.

(Bii’s head spins every time she has to figure out how to ask for help keeping this place up. It’s so much reading!)

IMAGES WITHIN THIS THREAD ARE SOURCED FROM FRENCH COTTAGE MAGAZINE 2024

[Ilargi “Bii” Benigno]

The Lawn

On either side of Bii’s front lawn, the swamp encroaches. The abundance of flora is all the warning you’ll get before stepping into mud and water. Where there’s solid ground, a clover and weed lawn is kept reasonably short via push-mower. There’s a mailbox and a wooden bin for garbage near the road.

Near the entrance of the house, a cart sits. Inkwell’s usually the one who pulls it. The cart is used to move groceries, laundry, recyclables, and all other manner of goods between the house and the businesses in town.

The lawn is frequently fried. It’s just large enough to battle on comfortably, so Inkwell uses it for that. The other battle-eager members of Bii’s team are the luxio’s frequent training partners, so it’s not unusual to see them going at it when passing by.

[Ilargi “Bii” Benigno]

The House

The front door of the house opens up into, well, an open space. There are numerous windows which are left open as long as the weather permits. The living, dining, and kitchen space all marge into one.

A wood-burning stove sits behind a couch, two arm chairs, and a coffee table. There’s space on the wall that all the furniture faces enough for a television… It’s unclear if Bii didn’t want one or if the historic preservation society protested the idea. At least there’s always a vase of flowers on the coffee table.

Off to the side, nearer the back door, is a dining table. There’s just two chairs at the table.

The necessity for frequent grocery trips becomes obvious looking at the tiny kitchen. There’s a sink and refrigerator, yes, but there’s hardly counter space and just enough cabinets for basic kitchenware and some food basics.

A single bathroom sits between the two bedrooms. Indoor plumbing has, thankfully, been added to the home, but there’s a tub and no shower in there. The bathroom’s window faces the dense treeline behind the house. The toilet has its own little privacy wall. The major perk is that there’s enough counter space for a little stool to be added and a large mirror.

One of the bedrooms has been converted into a playroom. There’s shelving that Bii intends to use to display stuffed toys, dolls, and books. A desk and chair sit in the room, but they mostly serve as a place for Stuffing to keep her Nintendo Switch.

Bii’s bedroom is more of a nesting area. The bed is exceptionally soft with both a mattress topper and thick duvet. An unreasonable amount of pillows spills off of it and onto the floor, which is draped with rugs and blankets. Fur from both the gijinka herself and the sheddings of her cuddlier team members mark the room.

[Ilargi “Bii” Benigno]

The Food Forest

The backyard consists of a stone patio with an outdoor kitchen. This one is much more functional! It’s spacious with a very fancy grill and stone oven. Though, what Bii usually ends up using is the larger sink and ample counter space to make salads. Be careful if she makes one for you. You’re likely to end up eating clover and cattail roots.

There’s seating here, too.

Beyond this, there is what was once a food forest. It’s overgrown, now. Maybe Bii will be able to cultivate it into glory once more. For now, she’s only able to collect clover, cattail, mint, and strawberries.

… Very deep in the food forest, there’s a dry thicket that Buddleja, Bramble, and Briar have made their secret base.