I had to apply for my own job 3 times. Third time unlucky, so I took the money and ran. Went contracting- the best thing I ever did. No more company politics to deal with. Do the job and move on.

Giles noticed the thoughtful look on Eli's freckle-sprinkled face as they walked through the snow-covered castle gardens. He could tell she was deep in thought but gave her the space to gather her thoughts, respecting the silence between them. His gaze softened as he looked at her, a silent acknowledgement of the unspoken thoughts and emotions that accompanied them. He understood that when Eli was ready, she would share her thoughts with him. This realisation, like many others, highlighted the deep connection and understanding that had developed between them over the months.

As their walk continued, a wave of emotions flowed over Eli. Initially, there was relief, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Giles' willingness to share his vulnerability, his unwavering character, his patience, and his undeniable love for her all reassured her that he was not a reflection of her father.

This was followed by acceptance. The realisation that a man could embody both strength and kindness, and not be a bully, began to take form in her heart. This newfound understanding helped her begin to dismantle the protective walls she had built around herself.

Gratitude was close behind. Giles' understanding and patience, his willingness to give her the time and space she needed, made her appreciate him even more. She felt a deep sense of thankfulness for having him in her life.

Gradually, love began to bloom. This was, Eli realised, the turning point when she could finally allow herself to begin to fully love Giles. Overcoming her fear, she could begin to contemplate committing herself to Giles, body, heart, and soul.

Yet, despite all these positive emotions, a shadow of fear still lingered. Old fears die hard, and even though she had made significant progress, she knew that it would still take some time for her to fully trust Giles. But with every passing moment, she was getting there, one step at a time.

Giles studied Eli closely, tracing the contours of her character in his perceptive mind like Eli capturing fleeting emotions on a canvas. Her journey from Britanny to Paris to Chelsea unfolded before him—a tapestry woven with threads of complexity, daring, and vulnerability.

Eli's struggle to overcome the past was etched in every line of her freckle-dusted face—the furrowed brow, the hesitant smile. Giles sensed the weight she carried, memories like rocks in her pockets. Yet, there was an unquenchable fire within her, a desire that burned brightly even in the darkest moments.

Desire and fear waltzed within her—a delicate dance that played out in stolen glances and unspoken words. The past clung to her like frost on a winter morning, but the present beckoned—a chance for redemption, for healing.

Giles wondered how this dance would unfold. Would Eli step boldly into the spotlight, twirling away from her history? Or would she stumble, caught in the tangle of old wounds? Only time, that silent choreographer, held the answers.

As Giles and Eli walk on, the soft, ethereal glow of the snow illuminates their path. Their hands, encased in thick gloves, are clasped together, providing warmth and companionship in the biting cold. The snowflakes fall steadily around them, blanketing the world in a serene white.

The Field Elm, Rowan or Mountain Ash, and Holly trees, along with other hardy shrubs like Scots Pine, Birch, and Common Beech, rest under their snowy blankets, while the grey slabs of the carefully laid stone pathways lie hidden under the fresh snow. The Common Holly adds a splash of colour with its spiny leaves and red berries, symbolising protection and goodwill during the festive season. Nearby, the Alder trees grow near the frozen ponds, their catkins releasing pollen even in winter. The Common Box shrubs, shaped into hedges or topiaries, maintain their dark green leaves, defying the steadily falling snow. Finally, the iconic Sessile Oak stands tall, its acorns providing food for the wildlife that frequents the extensive gardens during the winter.

Half-turning, Eli senses a presence. The wolf moves silently, its paws leaving no trace on the snow-covered ground. Its piercing blue eyes watch Giles and Eli with a calm, protective gaze. A silent voice within her head assures her that this is St. Petroc's tamed wolf watchdog—a majestic creature with a thick coat of pure white fur that blends seamlessly with the snow.

The wolf is almost obscured by the falling snow, its form flickering in and out of view like a ghost. But Eli knows it is there, its presence a comforting reminder of St. Petroc's blessing.

As they continue their walk, the animal follows, a silent guardian in the steadily falling snow. The scene is one of peace, tranquility, and a quiet, shared understanding between anxious young Breton and the watchful wolf. It is a moment that Eli will carry with her, etched in her mind, to be realised in paint and canvas.

Hello Newport

Very many thanks. Once the question has been answered , does that information then go into the knowledge bank???

Good to see the NGN being updated

Bit before my time
(But only just..........)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E-ga4mb9TU

Who is old enough to remember this? I was a bit young to appreciate the show, but I loved the intro music and film.   

@geofff I've moved your thread to N Gauge Discussion.
This site might help. I've just entered 4 search criteria and by altering the top item you'll get a list of locos by class. It only seems to give the later stock references, though. I have quite a few of the older 'ND-xxx' reference locos. It also doesn't show historical models e.g. the 2-8-0s
I guess it's better than nowt, though. Have a play and see what you think

https://www.trovestar.com/catalog/4/items?ProductPrefix=DAP-ST-M7-0-4-4&Brand=Dapol&Class=Locomotives&Type=Steam&Limit=100

Hello njee20

Thanks - still confused, but I'll get there eventually.

Regards

FWIW = "for what it's worth"

The sub heading under the Knowledge Bank sub-forum:

Quote"Please make posts here to help others.  New threads asking questions should be made elsewhere."

If people are viewing "latest posts" then yes they'll see it. Given there are 9,826 sub-forums I assume most are, but just for reference.

Hello njee20

I have assumed that; D would be for Dapol. Knowledge would be for information - i.e. where to find information about a specific model. Not sure what FWIW is. I also thought all members would receive new notifications on this board.

Still ,as my daughter says ; "assume makes an ASS out of U and ME.


Regards