Field of Marigolds

Summary: Marc has been having bad dreams and Jake has been depressed. Can Steven find out why? Can he find a solution that won’t leave them all in deeper trouble? Steven asks questions about a culture that they all lost. 

Warnings: Some depictions of child abuse/violence and panic attacks. 

Word Count:  4714

Word Prompt:   Reeds

-------

Golden. Quiet. Alone. 

Marc had many dreams about the field of reeds since returning from Cairo. None of them good. A nightmare of being left alone for all eternity. 

He would wake feeling despair as he crawled from the darkness, gasping out Steven’s name. There was always that moment of silence when he waited for Steven to wake up and respond. That moment of pure fear that perhaps this time he would be alone. 

Then he would get the tired sounds of Steven mumbling his hello. The relief would wash over him and he would sink back into the bed with a heavy sigh. 

When Jake made himself known and started to communicate with them, Marc had started to look back on his life and pick out the times when his memory gaps were most likely occupied by the quiet and over protective alter. Their memories were all still a mess, but some pieces were starting to at least make sense. 

On mornings when he woke up in a panic, he would always still reach for Steven. The one that had always been there when he needed comfort, but sometimes he would wait to see if Jake might reach back too. 

Fall had settled in and items of warmth and comfort were starting to make themselves more prominent in their flat. Steven insisted on filling his closet with oversized sweaters covered in patterns and colors that made Marc gag. Jake had switched out his lighter coat and gloves for something more solid and sustaining while Marc kept his usual attire, choosing to brave the cold and rain as he did everything else: Ignore it. 

They were getting used to one another. Arguments about what to wear or how to style their hair cropped up but usually were quickly settled. Sometimes they argued over food or what to drink. In the span of a few months they had only had a couple of full melt downs where Layla had been forced to step in and break things up before someone did something stupid. 

As fall carried on, Marc had noticed Jake becoming more agitated. He was quiet and clipped when spoken to. He shut them off when he fronted and sometimes Marc or Steven would front to find themselves in the middle of a park or somewhere random in the rain when Jake had decided he was done. 

“What the hell is seasonal affective disorder?” Marc huffed as he pulled off the gloves and shoved them into his pockets. It was the second time in so many days where he had come to the front in the city. He had found himself staring in at a bakery window with brightly colored rolls with swirls and lines on the top. 

“It’s exactly what it sounds like.” Steven chimed in from the window reflection. “The sun starts to go away and you get depressed. Maybe he needs more vitamins or one of those special sun lights?” 

“I doubt very much that Jake is affected by the lack of sun. The man works the nightshift for crying out loud.” Marc adjusted the cap and wished he were wearing his cubs hat. It had a better brim for keeping the rain out of his face. 

Steven shrugged and glanced inside the bakery, trying to figure out what had made Jake decide to run. “Wouldn’t mind a sweet myself, since we’re here.” 

“Not sure it’s vegan, buddy.” Marc checked his pockets for his wallet and keys. It was always so jarring to be left out in the cold by Jake. He never knew what he had on him or if he was supposed to go find the car or not. 

“Maybe Layla would like a sweet.” Steven smiled. “Those look real good. And colorful!” 

Marc sighed and went inside. Steven knew how to get Marc to do things he would normally scoff at. Steven loved grand gestures and buying Layla silly things that made her smile. 

Marc paused in the doorway and looked around. It was a foreign shop, which wasn’t odd to see in London. Marc shrugged, though he suddenly felt himself on guard. There was something about the place that twinged at the back of his mind. Some memory that felt fuzzy and not quite his own floated just out of reach. 

“Hola, Señor.” The shopkeep smiled brightly. A pot of bright orange flowers sat next to the register. 

Suddenly Marc was swimming as he felt himself become untethered. Steven blinked hard as he was slammed into the driver’s seat. A sensation he had not felt in a long time as he waited for the world to stop spinning. 

“M’alight.” Steven mumbled as he struggled to figure out what had happened. “Right. Uh… Hi. Sorry. Off day.” He nodded hello to the shop keep and smiled uncertainly. “I was hoping to get a few of those.” He pointed to the colorful rolls. “They are so pretty.” 

“Pan dulce.” The man smiled. “Sweet bread. Those ones are called conchas in some places because they look like seashells. Very popular for children and pretty ladies.” He winked. 

Steven nodded and picked out a couple in different colors. He hesitated as he saw an oddly shaped bread in the next display over. “What are those? They smell so nice! Zesty like oranges.” 

“Ah, pan de muertos. A seasonal bread for this time of year.” The man nodded. 

Steven looked up in surprise. “Muertos?” 

“Yes.” The man smiled. “For day of the dead. A little something to honor our loved ones who are gone.” 

“Oh…” Steven stared at the bread for a moment then shook his head. “Just the sweet breads, please.” 

He checked out, looking down at the pretty orange flowers curiously as he handed over the cash. “Marigolds? Right? The flowers I mean. Those are marigolds? They don’t grow so well over here. They do best in the sun.” 

It was difficult for Steven not to immediately info dump. He wanted to start up on Indian culture that used marigolds as a way to celebrate and worship. They were a symbol of brightness and the sun, placed around gods and goddesses and laid out in weddings and festive occasions. He was not as versed in this culture or mythology as he was Egyptology, so he made a mental note to freshen up a bit on it. 

“Yes. From Mexico actually.” The shopkeeper looked sad. “I do miss them. My mother had a talent for growing them. She sold them to families this time of year. Gave them for free if they were mourning a child.” 

“Oh…” Steven flushed. “That’s very kind of her…” He had gone for the happy use and completely overlooked the Latin American use. Strange how it had not come to his mind at all. Even stranger, how he had never thought to look any of that culture up. 

Steven nodded and collected his bread. “Thank you.” 

Leaving the shop he started the walk home. It took him a moment to gather what street he was on. Jake tended to wander into strange areas when out, while Steven liked to stay on the beaten path. 

“Marc?” Steven quietly poked around. “You alright? We’re out of the shop now. Did you need a minute?” 

He felt a rustle at the back of his mind and knew Marc was close enough to hear him but still unwilling to come out. 

“Marc, are we Latin American?” Steven flushed at how odd the question sounded. “I mean, I’m English. But I suppose that’s all in my head, innit? I wasn’t born over here. My parents weren’t English. I’m Jewish. I know that. I remember school and prayer and temple and Dad a bit. Those memories are mine. I’ve at least managed to sort those out. But…” 

Steven paused as he waited at a crosswalk with some other people. He liked to speak out loud. He loved the feel of using his own mouth and voice when speaking to Marc. It felt real if he spoke. It felt like he was a real person and not some voice floating in the void. He also understood what speaking out loud looked like to other people and often embarrassed himself. He was trying to get better at this part. 

He thought about his question again as he crossed the street. How else was he to put it? “The body is Latin American.” 

There was silence for a moment then Marc sighed and gave the smallest of shrugs. “Yeah. Really we’re from Chicago. You know that. The body is Chicago-ian.” 

Steven frowned and felt a memory stirr. From the fuzzy detail, he knew it wasn’t his. As soon as it started it stopped, pushed back and shut off as Marc fell silent again. 

Steven sensed Marc wanted him to drop it but a new curiosity had awakened inside him. This was something he didn’t yet know or understand. “Marigolds…” Steven looked up at the cross street names and took a hard turn as he made way for his favorite bookstore. 

–

Golden. 

So golden it warmed the very air. This time, it did not grow up around him, but spread out at his feet as if guiding him. Petals rolling gently past him and spreading out as if inviting him down a path. 

He was not alone this time. Jake stood before him. He spoke softly, his voice carrying on a breeze that Marc could not feel. 

“What?” Marc frowned as he only heard a garble of sounds he didn’t recognize. “I don’t understand.” 

Jake spoke louder, faster. The sounds moved past him, unobtainable no matter how he reached for them.” 

The wind picked up and a language he had long forgotten slammed into him. “I don’t understand.” 

Jake held out a hand, pleading at first then growing angry as the Spanish turned accusatory. 

“I don’t understand!” Marc yelled. He covered his ears. It was too golden here. Too warm. The flowers were glowing and blinding him. 

Something moved in the flowers behind him. Turning, he found a familiar boy. The boy smiled. “Hermano.” It started to rain. “Te recuerdo.” 

Marc jolted awake so hard that he shoved Layla and fell off the bed. 

He lay on the floor, staring up at the window across the room, watching the London rain pitter patter down the glass. 

“Marc? What the hell?” Layla mumbled sleepily. “Are you okay?” 

Was he okay? He couldn’t remember the last time he had been terrified of the rain. 

Something inside him clenched down in fear and he covered his ears to block out the sound. 

He heard Layla shift on the bed and felt her presence as she leaned over the edge of the bed to look down at him. “Hey? You alright?” 

His mouth moved on its own. “Perdí a alguien.”

Layla blinked. “What? I’m sorry, I don’t understand.” 

Marc shook his head and closed his eyes. “Stop it. Stop. I don’t want to hear it! I don’t speak fucking Spanish!” 

Marc could hear the sound of the rain flowing down the gutter and into the street. Washing everything away. Flooding the field of flowers. 

His eyes rolled back as he was overwhelmed. A groggy Steven blinked awake and stared up at Layla. “Hmnh? What are you doing up there? Wait… What am I doing down here? What’s going on?” 

Layla sighed and reached out to help pull him back up into the bed. “I have no idea. I think someone had a bad dream? I’m not sure who. There was Spanish and then Marc had a panic attack for about a second before you got here.” She gave an apologetic smile. “It happened really fast.” 

“Spanish?” Steven snuggled into her and buried his face in his pillow. “What Spanish?” 

“Pretty Alyen?” 

Steven turned his head in his pillow just enough to look at her with one eye. 

She flushed and looked away. “English is not my first language! I speak three other languages and Spanish is not one of them!” 

Steven groaned and buried his face back into the pillow. “I think Jake is upset about something. It’s upsetting Marc too, but I don’t think Marc understands why or what it is.” 

“And you don’t know what any of it could be?” She moved to gently stroke his back. 

Steven shook his head into the pillow. “Wish I did. Whatever it is, it’s between them. I have no memory of any of that. Being English and all…”  

He could hear her chewing her lower lip. It was something she did when unsure about something or thinking about something she wasn’t sure she wanted to bring up. 

He had to hand it to her, since coming back to London and staying with them, she had asked very few questions. Maybe she was worried she would ask the wrong ones. She had certainly learned a lot and taken in a lot in the span of a very short time. Especially with Jake entering the picture. 

Steven looked back at her and moved to take a hand, holding it gently to his chest. “Love, just ask. It’s okay to ask. I promise I won’t be mad. None of us will be mad if you ask.” 

“Why does Jake speak spanish?” She looked at him curiously. “I’ve never heard Marc speak Spanish. You certainly don’t. You know more French than Spanish from what I can gather. He must have picked it up from somewhere. You can’t just form as a person knowing a language. You have to be around it.” 

Steven lay there for a moment thinking about the question. He reached out, trying to see if Marc or Jake were near the surface. When he found both buried deep inside, he sighed. 

“Mom was Latin American. I don’t know from where or how many generations back. She spoke Spanish sometimes. Mostly on the phone to relatives. I think we must have met them at some point. I have no memories of this. I didn’t know I was… The body was… Hispanic, too.” He had gone through a complicated day of emotions when he had learned all this. Marc had refused to talk about any of it so he had been forced to coerce it out of Jake, which had taken him hours to get just this much. Jake had finally shared the memory of listening to her talk on the phone in rapid fire Spanish. 

Between the three of them, Steven still didn’t fully understand. He would have to do more research into it later. The hard part was that he wasn’t sure he wanted to do the research. It had been kept from him for a reason. It wasn’t part of his own backstory or memories. 

“I’m a fictive.” Steven didn’t like thinking about it. “My memories are… If it doesn’t fit my story to make me then I don’t have them.” He pulled the pillow down and hugged it for a moment, finding comfort in the weight and feel of it. 

“Hey.” Layla moved closer and hugged him. “We don’t have to talk about it.” 

“But I want to know.” Steven frowned. “I want to know why they are so upset. I want to help them.” 

Layla was quiet a moment. “Sometimes I worry I will forget my own language.” 

Steven looked at her in surprise. 

“When I left Egypt I didn’t speak Arabic for over a  year. Not even once. Not even when I was alone with myself.” She gently stroked his arm, tracing the familiar muscles and lines she found there. “When we went back I stumbled on my words. I spoke slower. It took me almost an hour before I got back into my normal rhythm. It was scary. I felt like I was losing a part of myself. Like I had let my heritage down. Like I was letting my father down. Like I was forgetting him.” 

Steven fidgeted with the pillow, trying to hide his distress. “You should never feel that way. He was so proud of you!” 

“I know.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “It came back to me. It just… For that hour I looked at myself and didn’t know who I was.” 

“Do you think Marc forgot? Do you think he used to know Spanish?” Steven blinked. “Is that where Jake comes from? But why? Why would he take it all? Why does he hold onto it so hard when it comes from such a place of hurt?” 

Layla shrugged. “Jake is complicated. So is Marc. I don’t understand what goes on between them. Something is upsetting one of them and the other isn’t exactly helping.” 

Steven nodded then remembered the flowers. “What’s today?” 

Layla reached across him to grab her phone from the side table. “October 31st. Happy Halloween I suppose.” 

Steven made a face. “I hate scary things. I’m the worst fictive ever.” 

Layla laughed and kissed him on the forehead. “You are fearless where it matters.” 

He smiled a little. “Thank you, love.” 

He squeezed the pillow then moved to nestle into her side. “I have an idea. I don’t think they’re going to like it. It might be a terrible idea, honestly. There’s a good chance it could backfire and well… If you thought Chernobyl was a meltdown disaster…” 

“You’re saying you want me as support just in case I need to intervene?” She looked at him curiously. 

Steven nodded. “If I upset Marc that much and then I also upset Jake, I might be flying solo for a day or two. They might never speak to me again!” He suddenly looked scared. “Maybe I shouldn’t. I don’t think I can handle that. I hate when they cut me out.” 

“Steven, do what you think is best to help them, but don’t worry so much. They love you and would never shut you out forever. I trust you to take care of them.” She smiled and wrapped her arms around him. 

He nodded and yawned. “What time is it?” 

“Three.” Layla sighed. “Marc always has his nightmares at this hour. It’s like he knows that this is the perfect hour to ruin a perfectly good sleep schedule.” 

“In the morning, I need to run to the store and pick up a few items. Then I need to do some more research.” This was going to take him all day, but he hoped it was worth it. 

–

The house smelled like warm bread and oranges. Steven had returned to the bakery and purchased some pan de muerto. He had also found a small toy in a shop that he couldn’t pass up. 

Sliding out a table, he placed a newly purchased children’s blanket over it then set out a plate of the bread. A cup of orange juice was set next to it. Something he thought might compliment the orange zest of the bread nicely. 

A small tea candle was lit and he placed the toy to the side, a little astronaut waving nicely. 

He had printed out a baseball pennant for the Chicago Cubs and carefully cut it out, taping it to the wall above the table. 

Lastly, he set a couple of marigold flowers on the table. He had explained the situation to the man at the bread shop and he had practically thrust the whole pot of flowers at Steven. Steven had politely declined but had asked for just a couple of clippings. 

Stepping back, he sighed. “It looks pitiful.” 

Layla shook her head. “I think it looks lovely, Steven. Go ahead. See if they are ready.” 

Steven nudged around. Of course he found Marc first, easily pulling him out of his deep sleep.

“What’s going on? What time is it?” Marc looked from Layla to the table. “What is this?” 

“It’s midnight. Steven wanted to try something. Don’t be mad at him.” She gave him a stern look. “He worked hard at this. 

Marc frowned and moved closer. A memory tugged, but it wasn’t his. Refused to be his. He pushed back from it and crossed his arms. “Why would he bother? Waste of time.” He moved as if to blow out the candle then stopped when he saw the little waving astronaut. 

His hand lifted in a returned wave. 

“Abuelita had one of these.” He gestured at the table dismissively. “Bigger. Better looking too. More flowers.” Marc crossed his arms and looked away. “We had to pay respects every year. It was Importante. Mom wouldn’t put one up.” He struggled to get the words out, fighting against the desire to shut down. “I asked dad… If I could. I wanted to… She threw the flowers…” His breathing started to grow erratic. 

His breathing stilled in an instant as Jake blinked in, looking around for a moment to take in the table. 

He picked up a flower and slowly spun it between his fingers, watching the petals rotate. He mumbled something in Spanish then set the flower back down gingerly. 

“Are you okay?” Layla asked softly. 

Jake inhaled deeply then slowly exhaled. “Yes. I think so.” 

“Is Marc okay?” She was always hesitant to ask. 

Jake took a moment. “Yeah. We always wanted an Ofrenda. Abuelita’s was so beautiful. The candles and the flowers… We loved the stories she told as she lit each candle for each person. When Randall died, we tried to set up our own. We thought he deserved to be with all the pretty lights and flowers.” 

Layla was quiet as Jake shifted on his feet slightly. He had a way of speaking of their bad memories like a casual observer. She knew he was far from partial to it all. There was always barely simmering rage just under the surface of them, waiting to smother out the pain that threatened to rise up. 

He put his hands in his pockets for a moment, remembering what Marc could not. The screams. The rage. The overturned table. The flower pot crashing into his head as it flew across the room. The bloody gash that needed stitches. The lies at the doctors office that he had told. It was not the first time Jake had taken over to protect them, but it was the first memory that he had closed off as his own. 

“We never had one again. Marc stopped speaking Spanish after that. Refused to do anything from her side of the family. I don’t blame him.” Jake shrugged and picked up the small astronaut, looking it over. He then looked up at the baseball banner and single candle. 

Realization hit him and he dropped the toy. “It’s not for him…” Jake breathed out. “It’s for us.” 

Steven slowly surfaced. “We died, didn’t we? We lost everything when we were so young. Don’t you think that we deserve to be remembered too? When we were one? One heart struggling to survive?” 

“Yeah… We did die.” Marc bent and picked up the toy, holding it tightly. 

“I read that an important part of today is to not just have pictures, but to tell stories. To talk about your memories and be happy for them.” Steven gave a small smile. “I don’t think I remember anything real. I just remember our room. Kinda like this.” He set the spaceman back down and lightly traced a finger on the Cubs banner. “I liked the colors. I don’t think I knew what they were for, but I liked the triangular shape and colors.” 

Jake smiled and realized the blanket on the ofrenda was a kid’s race car blanket. “We had a race car bed. We used to roll over and kick the side every night, but we refused to admit we needed a bigger bed. We colored a paper plate like a steering wheel and kept it under the pillow.” 

Marc nodded. “Yeah. There was a telescope. Thought we could be an explorer out there or something. Weren’t any good at remembering the names of the constellations, but we could find them.” 

“I remember that.” Steven smiled. “We found the Little Dipper every night.” 

“You know, we used to hate milk.” Marc made a face. “Or was that just me?” 

“Milk is right disgusting.” Steven made the same face. 

“You two are idiotas. Milk is wonderful! Prefer it in my coffee to creamer.” Jake huffed. “Do you remember the little candies Abuelita used to give us?” 

“Red hots.” Marc groaned. “Basically candy coated cinnamon pain.” 

“I keep a pack of them in my car.” Jake grinned. 

“I have a memory of getting into a jar of jalapenos once.” Steven shuddered. “Was that real?” 

“Oh god.” Marc chuckled. “Her homemade pickled Jalapenos. She hid them up on the top of the cabinet. DId we really eat half the jar?” 

“We ate the whole jar. We puked.” Jake nodded.

Steven cringed. “Is that why I can’t look at a pickled jalapeno without gagging?” 

“I’d do it again.” Jake smiled smugly. “Those were the best damn jalapenos I ever had.” 

They laughed softly and watched the candle flicker for a moment, remembering hazy moments that weren’t quite clear to them. Piecing together moments that some only had bits to and correcting memories that were almost forgotten. 

Marc turned to Layla after a moment. “Would you mind… Find us another candle?” 

She blinked in surprise and moved to get one from the kitchen. “Who is this one for?” 

“Randall.” Marc set it down next to the first one and carefully lit it. “I don’t have any pictures, but I think it’s time he was properly honored.” 

“We never got to attend his funeral or Shiva.” Jake whispered. “She made sure of that.” 

“Yeah.” Marc sighed. “I don’t know how much of him you remember… But I’d like to share…” 

“I didn’t even know I had one.” Steven looked down sadly. 

“I have some images…” Jake shook his head. “Not really connected with good things.” Memories that were locked away so completely that he made sure none of them had access to them. 

“Let’s fix that.” Marc moved to sit down and beckoned Layla over. Once they were all settled, Marc took a slow breath. 

“I had a younger brother named Randall. He was a pain. Always taking my toys and wanting to color. But any time I wanted to play pretend, he was right there with me.” Marc took Layla’s hand and held it tightly. 

They talked for hours and ate the bread together, telling stories of what he could remember of his younger brother and growing up with him. It was the most Marc had ever let himself remember before. There were a surprising number of good memories. 

Now and then, Jake would add in a detail Marc had missed. Something small that made the memory more real. Steven had even added in a detail he was surprised to remember, though he lacked the context. 

By the end, they were exhausted, curling up on the couch with Layla and fading in and out of sleep. 

“Thank you for sharing.” She whispered and kissed his forehead. “You should get some rest.” 

“I know it isn’t really your culture or anything…” Steven nervously looked up at her. “The holiday does last all day and ends on the second… If you wanted to… You could tell us about your father. Marc says it’s okay if you share. Jake says it’s okay to put his photo up if you like.” 

Layla thought about it for a moment then nodded. “It’s about honoring family, isn’t it? I think I would like that… Adding my memories to yours…” 

Steven smiled and closed his eyes. “A path of Marigolds to lead us to the field of reeds. I think it would be lovely if we could all be there together next time…” 

Marc dreamed. Gold and orange mixing in the silence. He wasn’t alone this time. The silence was broken by the sound of Jake humming softly, playing a guitar somewhere in the reeds. Next to him Steven looked around with wide eyes as he took in the colorful sky. He was buzzing and babbling about the history of the reeds. 

Marc breathed a sigh of relief. He hated the silence. Smiling, he sat back and closed his eyes, listening to the sounds of family. 

I did it! I FUCKING DID IT! After 4 months and a lot of breaks I finished Gideon the Ninth!

I am thriving! I am amazing! I am a literal god!

I should note here, that I'm not shitting on the book, it was one of the best things I read in a LONG time regarding epic fantasy, but it was a challange.

I'm not sure but the last time I attempted to read big book fantasy was like 4 years ago. I really got out of the habit of reading big books, reading books with small text, reading hardback books (no paperback in hungarian) and reading books with "big" words.

I bought Gideon the Ninth and Harrow the Ninth on October 8th 2023 and I started reading Gideon that day. Today is February 22nd 2024 and I finished it.

I will move onto Harrow when I'm finished with my other current reading plans (finish my libary books and finish a different book series i'm in the middle of) and I will definetly pick up Nona the Ninth some time this year.

That is it. Good by and oh my fucking god! I'M SO AWSOME!

@chillingxy Here's your secret spooky gift! Sorry it wasn't available earlier, the research for this was...a lot. Definitely a challange, and opened up my eyes a lot. So I hope you enjoy, and have a Happy Halloween, y ¡Feliz Dia De Los Muertos!

also @mcyt-halloween

On the 1st of October, Xisuma woke up, put on his helmet, and immediately sent a message in chat.

[xisumavoid]: Everyone ready for the meeting?

[FalseSymmetry]: yup

[Keralis]: Born Ready!

{TangoTek joined the game}

[xisumavoid]: Meet at spawn

He snapped on his elytra, marveling at how the gauzy purple fabric solidified into a harder substance before taking off into the afternoon sky. He planned the meeting to start the meeting as the sun set, so the spooky decorations (appropriate for the season) would really shine through. He chuckled to himself. Get it, shine? ‘Cause the lights…would…shine? 

Nevermind.

He ignored the extremely bad pun, instead choosing to focus on not crashing into Grian, who had somehow gotten to the meeting spot before him. Grian turned towards Xisuma as he landed, stumbled and finally managed to plant both feet on the ground a mere block away from Grian.

“Hello Xisuma! How are you doing on this lovely day?” Grian leaned in closer, rocking on the balls of his feet. Xisuma brushed himself off before facing the avian. 

“I’m doing good. How about you?”

 “Oh, I’m doing ghoul-d” Grian giggled after he said the last part. Xisuma sighed. 

“I really hope you’re not doing this until Halloween.”

“Oh, of course not! Once we get past Halloween I’ll start on my winter jokes.”

“Winter jokes? Grian…” Grian simply laughed before walking towards the prepared seats and plopping down on the nearest one.

“Don’t worry, you’ll love them!” He turned his attention to an approaching flier. “Hey Mumbo! Do you want to hear a joke?” As soon as Mumbo landed, Grian bombarded him with his next joke. Xisuma left the two laughing as he started to take inventory of his surroundings. 

They were in a forest close by to spawn. The trees not felled by the Hermits held themselves high, against both player and sky. Their boughs were decorated with soul lanterns and jack o’ lanterns, combining with the setting sun to cast an eerie light over the rows of chairs laid out in a clearing. He was quite proud of his setup. In fact, he was so busy admiring it that he didn’t notice Scar until he was blocking his view of the trees.

“Helloo, Xisuma, are you still with us?” Scar snapped his fingers a few times as Xisuma blinked. 

“Yes, I’m still here Scar, not AFK.” Xisuma scanned the clearing, suddenly noticing that seats were filled with antsy hermits. “Is everyone here?”

“Yes sir!” Scar mock saluted. “We’re all ready.”

“Excellent, let’s get this show on the road!” He rubbed his hands together before walking onto the stage in front of the chairs. He tapped the microphone twice, causing all the hermits to cease conversation. “Hello everyone, welcome to the monthly meeting! As you know, it’s October, so we’ll be covering possible Halloween events as well as housekeeping. But first, does anyone have announcements to make?” Immediately Tango raised his hand, waving it frantically before bounding onto the stage. His fiery hair whipped and flashes as he excitedly launched into a spiel about the next phase of Decked Out 2. Everyone pays rapt attention to his rant, because of course no one wants to miss out on Decked Out info. Then, after he finishes, another hermit takes the stage. Surprisingly, it’s Joe Hills. Xisuma briefly wonders if it’s about Deep Field, Joe’s massive pinball machine/main base. Considering the outer space theme, it seems unlikely to be updated for Halloween, but not impossible…

Joe placed both hands on the microphones before speaking. “Howdy y’all!” The crowd echoes with brief “Howdy”s and “Hello Joe”s before lapsing back into silence. Joe gives a small smile, then continues. “As y’all know, it’s been about a year since our dear friend TFC passed away.” Now the area is truly silent. Even the wind seems to have dropped dead in its path. “And…I think it’s safe to say that we all miss him. So recently, I wanted to find a way to honor both his memory and his legacy.” 

He began to walk across the stage, but at a slow, meandering pace. “I found a tradition, mostly observed in Mexico. It’s called “el Dia de Los Muertos”, or the Day of the Dead in English. It’s a collection of days in early November where the dead are honored, but overall it’s meant to be a celebration, not a wake. Now obviously, it would be hard to replicate the tradition exactly in Minecraft, but I have a plan to stitch together something like it. So if you can help out, please let me know after the meeting, and for everyone else, keep your ears open for an exact date!” 

Joe nods once, smiles again, then exits down the steps towards Xisuma. His eyes are focused on the floor, and his arms have migrated to a crossed position. As Joe walks past him, Xisuma grabs his shoulder as gently as he can. “Joe, are you good?”

Joe turned to face him, and X noticed that his eyes were a bit watery. Joe sighed before whispering, “I just…hope it’s enough. I miss him, you know?” He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “I hope we can pull it off.”

Xisuma patted Joe on the shoulder. “I know we can pull it off. And I’m more than willing to help with your plan. Just tell me what’s needed, alright?” 

Joe gave X a side hug. “Thank you. I appreciate it.” He turned to look X in the eye. “Now, what are the chances we can get marigolds on the server?”

---------------

The chances, as Xisuma found out, were none. 

See, marigolds were only available via mods, and the Aztec marigolds Joe had in mind had no mods to their name. So, as a substitute, Stress had provided orange tulips, and was scattering the petals around TFC’s old base. Keralis was sweeping away the dust and cobwebs that had accumulated since the hermits had been there. All the hermits were chipping in to clear and decorate the surrounding area. 

Except for Grian, who had made the excuse to wait for Scar’s “surprise delivery”. Xisuma doubted the truth of that claim, but whenever he brought it up to Joe, the man smiled conspiratorially and shrugged his shoulders. “It’s a surprise, X. You’ll have to see for yourself.”

Suddenly, Grian chirped and screamed, “Scar, be careful!!!” Xisuma looked up to see Scar barreling towards the group at…concerning speeds, to say the least. Scar yelled back, “I’m always careful!!” before proceeding to crash head first into a wall.

{GoodTimesWithScar experienced kinetic energy}

[GeminiTay]: LOL

[Grian]: WHAT PART OF BE CAREFUL DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND

{GoodTimesWithScar]: sorry guys!!! is the surprise ok?

Grian walked over to the place where Scar had splatted and gingerly picked up a plain white box. He peeked inside, and let out a sigh of relief. “Good, they’re still intact.” 

X wandered over. “What’s intact?” 

Joe, who had come over during the ruckus, reached into the box and pulled out a small skull-shaped object. “In Day of the Dead traditions, these are called calaveras,” he explained. “They’re treats for the dead, but we can also enjoy them. Look at the details I asked Scar to do!” X leaned closer, and saw that this particular skull was dyed bright blue on one side, but stayed white on the other. “Is that Jevin, by any chance?” Joe nodded enthusiastically. “I thought it would be cool if they looked like the hermits, even though it’s not traditional.” “It’s a really cool idea Joe! Really cool,” Xisuma said. 

They turned their attention to the rest of the base, which looked ready for a celebration. “X, do you have the photo?” Joe questioned. “Yup, got it right here.” X pulled a picture frame out of his backpack, walked over to the front wall of TFC’s base, and hung it on a conveniently placed hook. It was a picture of TFC, in all his black-and-white glory. Xisuma stepped back and admire both the photo and its surroundings. The golden petals, the soft glow of candles, and the last remains of a setting sun gave the whole base a warm light, the same that radiates from a small campfire. He breathes in, then out. Then he turns to the small crowd that has quietly gathered behind him. “Let’s have a good time, shall we?” Cheers erupted from the group. It will be a night of celebration. 

---------------

The party is incredible. Food is passed around, glasses are filled with bubbly potions, and everyone all around has a good time. Toasts are made to TFC, friends recall fond memories, and the light surrounding his ofrenda only grows brighter through the night. It’s a night of remembrance and reverence and love. 

Eventually, the celebration winds down to a close, as most of the hermits decide to head home when Bdubs begins to loudly snore on Etho’s shoulder (don’t worry, the laughter woke him up). They choose to keep the candles lit overnight and snuff them out in the morning. The crowd slowly exits the base, pulling out elytras and rockets as they go. Eventually, the crowd is down to just Xisuma and Joe. The two decide to walk around TFC’s home one last time before leaving for the night, and that’s when they hear it.

Somewhere off in the distance, the duo hears a soft clink, clink, clink. Joe looks over at Xisuma with a quizzical look. Xisuma shrugs his shoulders. He didn’t have a clue as to where the sound came from. 

There it was again, clink, clink, clink. This time Joe pointed over to a small hole leading downwards. It was TFC’s stripmine, located a few blocks away from his base. Xisuma motioned for Joe to follow him as he walked towards the entrance. 

Down they went, past stone and more stone and a few leftover coal ores. They reached an area where the clinking got loud. “Is someone strip-mining down here?” Joe asked. Xisuma scanned the area, but saw nobody, and no torches. “Well, I don’t think anyone’s down here. Should we head back up?” Joe nods once before making a beeline for the exit. They make it all the way to the top before Joe holds a hand out a block him. “Look over there.” He points over to where the hermits had gathered earlier.

The petals, previously scattered, were now arranged in a pattern. “Thank you,” both hermits mouthed the word silently before turning to each other.

“Do you believe in spirits?” Xisuma asked Joe. Joe thought about that for a moment then said, “Well, depends. What are the chances that Grian, Scar, or somebody else with a mischief streak snuck back to do this?” “Possible, but not likely,” X replied. “Then,” Joe concluded, “for tonight, yes. I believe in spirits.”

The two stood in silence for a bit, before Joe suddenly said, “Well, I’m exhausted. I’ll see you at the meeting tomorrow?” The hermits had agreed to push back the next monthly meeting until after the Day of the Dead. “Yeah, see you tomorrow Joe.” Xisuma waved to Joe before heading off towards home.

Xisuma walked away, satisfied yet tired. Tomorrow was another meeting, another month, another day forward into the future. Yes, he missed TFC, but he knew that he and the other hermits would carry the man’s spirit with him until he too, faded away. 

Somewhere in the background, a wind picked up, swirled the orange petals, and carried them off into a twinkling sky.

Unsaid-Verse Masterpost

Because it’s been a while since I updated it. Because there might be new people around who would like to read it. Because my mind won’t cooperate with me today, so I’m trying to distract it.

So, the Unsaid-Verse: my little coming-back-to-fanfic, post-fete-surprise-baby story that by now has grown into a nearly 140K words long massive AU verse. Romance, fluff, humor, occassional angs galore.

The following list has the stories in chronological order, with early fall of 1879 being the date when Alina arrives at the Little Palace.

Socks Fall 1879 Rated: G Wordcount: 3086 After a chance meeting in the middle of the night in the hallway of the Little Palace, Aleksander invites Alina to the stables to oversee the birth of a foal with him.

Violent Delights February 1880 Rated: E Wordcount: 9767 Aleksander and Alina get intterupted a little later, so they have a nice, passionate lovemaking session before everything goes shit.

Terrible, Beautiful, Unsaid Things February-November 1880 Rated: T Wordcount: 11064 Alina still runs after the fete, and she is still caught, only, in this universe, she is pregnant. Spanning from her escape to the birth of their child, the story chronicles how she and Aleksander find their way back to each other

Thicker Than Water February-November 1880 Rated: M Wordcount: 3585 Alina’s suprise pregnancy brings up bitter memories in Genya, who is determined to help her through it–including giving her the freedom of choice.

Poker Face April-November 1880 Rated: M Wordcount: 11060 (WIP) Aleksander is fighting a war on several fronts: the actual war against Fjerda and Shu Han; to win back Alina’s affections; and to keep the Tsar in line. This last one might be the hardest. Or: Aleksander is showing considerable restraint in not unleashing The Cut on Pyotr Lantsov.

Secret Ingredient July 1880 Rated: G Wordcount: 2735 Alina is missing her mother’s cooking, which at least give Aleksander an opportunity to do a Grand Gesture.

A Person to Call Home Early November, 1880 Rated: T Wordcount: 3439 A few days before Nadya’s birth, Aleksander wakes from a nightmare and seeks out Alina just to reassure himself that she is alright.

The First Star in the Black Velvet Night November 6, 1880 Rated: T Wordcount: 8099 The day Nadya, their child is born, from Aleksander’s point of view.

A Little Star in the Night November 6, 1880 Rated: G Wordcount: 3156 Due to ALina’s weakened state after the labor, a wet nurse is summoned to the Little Palace

Sleepless November 7, 1880 Rated: G Wordcount: 1233 The day after the birth, Alina finds it hard to fall asleep without her daughter nearby

Tales from the Palace November 1880/1882/1887 Rated: T Wordcount: 3685 Collection of one-shots featuring characters peripheral to Alina and Aleksander’s story: a chambermaid, a dressmaker, and a governess.

To Cherish and to Hold October and December, 1880 Rated: E Wordcount: 14429 In Part I, with their relationship slowly blooming again, Alina decides it’s time for her to be intimate with Aleksander again. In Part II, they return to their marital bed after Nadya’s birth.

The Heartrender and the Baby February 1880 - May 1882 Rated: G Wordcount: 5771 Ivan is definitely not a baby person. Then a little Princess has him wrapped around her little finger

Life Unfolds in Chapters Summer of 1882 Rated: E Wordcount: 21463 (so far) The summer after Aleksander and Alina took the throne of Ravka, they go on a royal tour in West Ravka, while facing political and personal challanges

Sister, Sister September 1882 - December 1884 Rated: G Wordcount: 2297 Nadya is a happy little girl who loves her Mama and Papa very much. However, her life turns upside down when she learns that she is going to be a big sister.

The Sweetest Dreams I have of You October 1882 Rated: G Wordcount: 1355 Aleksander catches Alina, pregnant with their second child, taking an afternoon nap.

Infinite Fall 1882 Rated: T Wordcount: 1461 Preparing for the birth of their second child, Alina and Aleksander share their fears and insecurities with each other.

Solstice Eve December 1882 Rated: G Wordcount: 3621 Aleksander has a surprise for his girls for the holiday, starting a new tradition.

Modern Times November 1883 Rated: G Wordcount: 2423 When expresses reluctance towards one of David’s newest inventions, Aleksander is accused of being “set in his ways,” so he goes to desperate lenghts to prove that he can, in fact, handle change.

Private Meeting in the Tsar’s Study November 1884 Rated: E Wordcount: 2992 Aleksander and Alina work on expanding their family–in his office, in the middle of the day.

Witches! 1885 Rated: G Wordcount: 922 After a bad dream, little Nadya seeks her parents’ comfort

Grishenka April 1885 Rated: G Wordcount: 1300 Nadya summons for the first time, and Sasha is conflicted.

David and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Fall of 1885 Rated: G Wordcount: 2101 David is not good with children, that’s a fact. And yet he is tasked to look after Nadya–who is too clever and mischievous for her own good–for a couple of hours. Let’s just say it doesn’t go well.

Just a Tiny Prickle 1886 Rated: T Wordcount: 1819 Nadya wants to have her ears pierced. Her Papa is not thrilled about the idea.

Conquering the Foul Beast Summer of 1889 Rated: G Wordcount: 1920 Being the father of girls means sometimes playing the role of the “foul beast” and being hit on the head with cushions.

A Longing Deep and Profound December 1887 - February 1891 Rated: M Wordcount: 6074 After the birth of their fourth daughter, Aleksander thinks they should not have any more children. Alina is not that convinced.

In a Mirror, Brightly November 1896 Rated: G Wordcount: 1543 Nadya is about to turn sixteen. Aleksander does not handle it well.

☆ANNOUCMENT TIME!!☆

Helloooo there beautiful! How are ya?

So im posting this to give you all an annoucment about my tumblr. For the month of October, I will be doing Inktober!!

But not just any october...

~♡A COOKIE RUN KINGDOM COSTUMETOBER! ♡~

What is a crk costumetober you may ask?

Well this is an inktober challange that has been thought out by yours truly!

Since Inktober's regular prompts can get veeeery mediocre I decided to attempt making my own to satisfy and the other's Crk obsession- So all of my lovely Crk fans:

💕you are eating well this month!💕

How will this challange work?

Well as it is said in the Title, For 31 days I will be drawing one costume from cookie run kingdom. That game is notorious for incredibly scrumptious costume designs.

Mwah dilectable🤌✨💕

But don't think im just gonna be a silly little goober drawing any costume I want- Because come on, the choices are endless, I wanted to ground myself to rules:

1.You must draw at least 2 costumes from each rarity-This includes the special ones and YES BTS COUNTS TOO

2. A cookie must be drawn only once- We cannot have repeats, that would be kindaaaaa...eh just to see all the madeilines, parfaits or espressos fill my sketchbooks. Only once can they be feature in the Inktober

3.Recolors do not count- Come on, I gotta be a little mean, no shortcuts here im afraid darling! Unless the cookie has a notable difference than they CANNOT be featured! 💫Make it lively!💫

4.Last week of october (or the last 7 days) will be the more stricter- The first 5 days will be dedicated to the halloween costumes released in Crk! Because ya know- ✨S p o o k y m o n t h ✨ The 6th day is gonna dedicated to your all time favourite costume (again, it cannot be a repeated one, save it for that day) and Last day is going to be about your Crk oc/persona in a costume or if you don't have one you are allowed to create a costume for a cookie that doesn't have one!

(I can already sense the frost Queen fans- Oh god qwq)

Aaaand that's it! Those are the rules for my inktober prompt!

If you are up for more sugar, spice and everything nice in your october of ink than you are welcome to try put my crk costumetober!

If you do participate, please make sure to Credit me! Can't wait to see your creations lovelies^^

Have a beeeeeautiful day!🤍💙

(Sorry for a weeeird twist in writting- I just discovered the color tool hehehehe/silly)

Back in late 2019 i had never even heard of twitch, I was on minecraft youtube watching hermitcraft, i had just recently found this funny video series on youtube by Wilbur Soot where he challenged his viewers live. Back then I thought Technoblade was just another reoccurring viewer of Wil’s! Thats so absurd to think back on!

Early 2020 I watched tommys vids in youtube where he ran around being purposefully annoying twoard the dteam, speedrunning challange, yt vids became yt vods, and he would mention checking out twitch, so would wilbur. By July of 2020 I was following wilbur on twitch, by September I had followed tommy, October I had followed tubbo.

Soon enough I was following a whole new chain of creators on a new platform, invested in their story. I hadn’t yet really registered that their timezines matter much since i was accustomed ti watching vods. I *STILL* regret having missed the pog2020 vs swag2020 election because of this! I still regret that!! God!

November 16th came and went, I was enamored with all the art that came out because of it, then Wolf the witch, then known as “channel without a name” had uploaded their animation of the 16th in the 20th. I was there, in that live chat, and after the premiere, I had made friends. I didnt think that would last, but here i am, almost two years later, and most of the “premier gang” members are still active we still talk regularly.

We watched origins together and fell in love with the vod, learned how to install mods and use fabrics launcher! I installed minecraft java edition fir the first time ever because of this, we played minecraft together, we branched out and screenshared to eachother when one would play any other game.

We had a channel specifically for when some damned streamer would go live to scream about it and summarize the premise to each other if we had missed it. By the time Tales Of the SMP rolled around we would all sit in vc together and watch as someone screen shared.

We’ve had three “seasons” of our origins smp, with shops snd community houses. I remember building water tunnels for our resident merling, and my friend would make awnings for me since i was an enderian and couldnt leave the house when it rained. We pulled pranks on eachother, my whole wheat farm was replaced with carrots, me replaced a friends house with jack-o-lanters and acacia wood!

I found other common interests with friends, we found we coult talk about other things other than minecraft incredibly easily, we made comics together, played new games together, suggested music together, celebrated together, we grieved the death of a fucking music bot together! I still miss groovy, we had so many late night ham sessions with groovy.

We still talk about c!tommy, c!tubbo, a friend makes animations about the eggpire and recently got new egg lore. It feels good after havjng seen and heard them hold on to it for so long, and thats what we’ve all done. Holding on, i guess.

I really have had so much fun, playing with my art style along these two years, creating little ficlets for my friends about characters i adore, going insane about new animations from the community. Ive had a personal au about clingyduo for well over a year now, maybe even two years? No idea, but god its been so fun, fullfilling even.

My vocabulary has deffo been changed, example A is right there, “deffo” was ages ago and hasn’t left me since. I dint think dsmp is going to leave me even if i stop interacting with it (which i don’t think I will just yet)

I love all the results I’ve personally gained from being a part of this.

Thank you so much to the streamers, the artists, the musicians, *some* of the clips channels, everyone who wrote character analysis, wrote fics, or just screamed in twitch chat or posted in the youtube comment section or live tweeted/ live blogged any moment they loved.

Thank you to the fanbase, more than anything, for making this place so loved.

GOOD MORNING!! (ots fucking night, but again my insomnia is keeping me up!😻🤞)

YOUR WRITING SKILLS, I WANNA SNFJEJFUWJDHFVEHVEH (I do not expect you to get wtf I mean here, BUT to translate it to you, i mean that your writing skills are perfection.)

YOUR LAST TWO FFS = LOVE. BUT THE ANGSTY ONE💔💔💔💔💔💔💔😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

also, I came here with a CHALLANGE, especially since October, the halloween season is coming (muahahahaha, UP ALL NIGHT m/v is playing non-stop rn) and yk.. vampires..🤔 black and red... Gothic style...

SOCIAL PATH MUSIC VIDEO😻‼️

well, uhm.. vampire skz era?😻😻😻 so, yeah.. 👏DO👏YOUR👏MAGIC👏GO👏WILD👏

i do NOT care if it is angsty? fluffy? mixed? lil' suggestive? WELL, GO FOR WTV YOUR HEART DESIRES, WITH VAMPIRE!SKZ

p.s: I may.. have a tiny thing for vampire!seungmin tbh.. he js- YEAH.😻 (and werewolf!chah, but that's another story.)

-🐺

GOOD MORNING TO YOU TOO ((its literally 1am but who cares😙😙))

first of all, THANK YOU MY 🐺 ANONNIE YOURE SO SO SWEET I CANT☹️☹️☹️ it makes me so happy when people enjoy my works and to recieve such nice feedback ???? im crying

and OH MY GOD VAMPIRE SKZ thats actually such a cool idea like-

i'll start working on it as soon as i can and i'll make sure to not take too long to finish it but i want to ask you to be patient since the upcoming week is gonna be hella busy for me🤩🤩

so, please be patient and i'll make sure to do my best to create something you'll be satisfied with<333 thank you for this idea, imma do my research and start writing🫶🏽

sending you lots of love~~~

Tagged by @din-damn-djarin thank you so much for thinking of me!💜

Nickname: my nicknames are the ones I go by on tumblr, so Francy or Francis

Pronouns: she/her

Star sign: Capricorn

Height: 160cm or 5′2

Time currently: 04:09pm

Birthday: 30th December

Favorite groups/bands: Three Days Grace, Evanescene, The BossHoss, ABBA, Deichkind, Studio Killers, Mother Mother, ... (it changes often but these are the ones I always come back to)

Favorite solo artist: currently Left Boy, TJ_beastboy, Shania Twain, Melanie Martinez, Billie Eilish, ...

Song stuck in my head: Never Gonna Give You Up ... that song is in my head 24/7

Last movie you watched: Wonder Woman 84

Last show you binged: currently binging “The Blacklist“

When you created your blog: 30th December 2019, yes on my 18th birhtday lol, but I’m only really active since October/November 2020

Last thing i googled: “mafia” ... I have morbid curiostity (I also often research a lot of forensic topics... my 30 page essay in my last school year was about inaccuracies of forensic proceedings in media soooo that’s that)

Other blogs: I have an art blog too (magicrowisdrawingstuff) but that’s it

Why I chose my url: “magicrow” I started using in 2014/15 on different fanfic sites, it's just a fusion between magic (because I began writing fanfics for the Harry Potter books) and crow (because they are one of my fave animals), I just decided to stick with that name and added “is writing stuff” which is pretty self-explanatory

Do you get asks: I love getting asks but sadly I only rarely get any

How many people you are following: 61

How many followers: 412

Average hours of sleep: between 5 and 6 hours currently (there was a time I ran on 3 hours of sleep for months so I think I’m doing good at the moment!)

Lucky number: I don’t think I really have one

Instruments: I played recorder (or fipple flute? couldn’t find any other translations) for 7 years or so, then I took guitar lessons for 3/4 years but quit because I hated my teacher, I bought a electric guitar in 2019 and try to teach myself how to play it but I don’t really have time anymore

Currently wearing: black jeans, black belt, black turtleneck with a silver necklace ... just a lot of black in general

Dream job: in some kind of research lab or, my absolute dream and probably not so suprising... I’d love to work in a forensic laboratory! I just think it is very interesting and helpful to the ones who want justice for their loved ones. Or something with animals like a caretaker in a zoo? Or a writer.

Dream trip: a roadtrip with my friends with only the most necessary planing (that’s gonna be a challange for me), I generally want to see more of the world but places I really want to visit are Canada, America (especially around Las Vegas just sightseeing all the canyons, etc.), Australien, Japan and South Korea

Favorite food: Fries! I can never get sick of them, I love them. And sweets of course

Favorite song: currently “Her Life” by Two Feet

Top 3 fictional worlds to live in: StarWars (The Mandalorian era specifically because... Din) because I love StarWars since I can remember and I’ll never grow out of my StarWars phase and I just ... I wanna fly a X-Wing or something. Then ... I don’t really care. I’mma just be basic and say Marvel (movie universe) and DC (animated/comic universe)

Tagging (No pressure)- I’m bad at tagging so if you already did it just ingore this, haha. @remmysbounty @moonlit-djarin @smoldjarin @peoniarose and anyone else who wants too. Feel free to tag me, I’d love see your answers, too!

Ok, I remember seeing on this site a nice Nsr art challange for October month but I just can't find it anymore?? Have I dreamt it?? Please, someone prove me that I'm not crazy and making stuff up👀👀💦💦 I don't remember many prompts, but there was for sure to draw your nsrsona, a nsr oc, swap characters and for last thing to draw yourself with your fav character. I will be eternally grateful if someone actually end up finding it 🙏😔

WitchTober 2020🎃🌙

Happy October

Last year I took part in my first inktober challange Drawing cute and creepy witches ❤️I wanted to take part again, I found this great list on Twitter I hoping to challange myself and switch to colours on certain days

Hope your all taking care of yourselves ❤️

公告專區

日期：2020年12月3日, 下午3:42 To Warden 1. Ricky borrowed p5,000 this May and p6,000 this June. African Bush bought 4 boxes of cigirattes p1,000 this June. Total was p12,000. Before, Ricky said "Bush will sell bed to pay p12,000." this July. But, African Bush can't get any beds to sell and be depoted this October. Ricky ordered Swede Mike (floor manager) to sell bed to pay P12,000. But, Swede Mike said, "Before, Britush Kevin's case still has p2,000 need to pay. He can't sell bed to pay p12,000." Ricky said "He will report warden to order Korean Mr. Lee ( floor manager) to pay p12,000. No problem". But, I don't get any money until now. PS: Chief Ricky is a BI officer to manage market of cigirattes here.PS : Bush is a detainee that Ricky appointed him to assist management of cigirattes inside. Because, Ricky has problem and trouble with Chinese inside. 2. Warden and Ricky called me to report business of cigirattes this May. I said "Chinese Lee Long and African Bush had no license and illegal selling cigirattes. Many people buy cigirattes on credit and don't pay money more 3 months. But, they have money to buy food, drink, cigirattes everyday. I asked them to pay money. They always told me ´no money and later pay'. It enough to prove they don't want to pay money and intent to cheat cigirattes." Warden said, "Ricky will handle illegal selling and help you ... You write a detail report to him." I writed report to Ricky. Ricky said, "He ordered Bush to stop selling cigirattes himself already. He appointed Bush to manager illegal selling cigirattes inside." Bush said, "He told Chinese Lee Long stop selling cigirattes many times, but no use. Only Ricky can take Lee Long's cigirattes out. But, Ricky has problem and trouble with Chinese inside. If he go to take Chinese Lee Long's inside, maybe many Chinese will angry and fight him." So, nobody handle illegal selling cigirattes until now. Ricky said, "About balance of credit. Japanese boss Satoh handle all Japanese. Korean Mr. Lee handle all Korean. African Bush handle all other foreign. Give them 1 month to pay money. If they still don't pay money, you only file complaint to push them to pay by rules and laws." 3. Japanese Boss Satoh pushed Japanese to pay balance on credit. Most of Japanese all paid and others paid partial money. 3-1. Japanese Satoh P17,850. This is Matsui's balance of credit from Feburay to June this year. Matsui told warden "Satoh got his money P10,000 this July, but don't pay his balance of credit to me." this August. Then, Satoh agreed to pay all balance P17,850 to me this August. But, he doesn't pay any money until now. 3-2. Japanese Matsui P10,450. This is Matsui's balance of credit from August to September this year. Matsui agreed to pay all balance. 3-3. Japanese Toda P4,500. This is Toda's balance of credit from August to September this year. Matsui agreed to pay all balance this November. But, he doesn't pay any money until now. 3-4. Japanese old guy P8,000. He said, "He wait his wife transfer money to him now and will pay all money this November or December." 4. Bush do nothing. So, he can't get anyone's balance of credit and Ricky is angry him. So,Ricky ordered me to file them complaints. 4-1. Romanian Peter (no hair) P6,000. He said " Ricky took p15,000 to help him to buy tattu tools, but don't give him that. Before, he put tattoos on someone be complained to warden and be punished to lock isolation 2 weeks. Romania Peter and shot guy had the same case in the court and came here together. They said " If they won the case already, everyone can get more p100,000....". He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 4-2. Romanian (short guy) P4,000. He said "Bush told him to say no money, don't need to pay any money". So, he always answered me "No money" and rejected to pay any money. He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 4-3. Foreigner (braid) P1,750. He is the good friend of Romaian Peter and short guy. They are smoking and talking together everyday. He always answered me "No money" to reject payment like Romania Peter and short guy. He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 4-4. Chinese (19 years-old sick Epilepsy guy) P1,900. He said "He is sick to get free medecine from BI or other sponcer and free food from Taiwanese cooking store. Why does he need to pay me money? He just has money but doesn't pay me...". He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 4-5. Chinese (Shijiazhuang fat guy) P3,500. He just has money but doesn't pay me...Because, he is 19 years-old sick Epilepsy guy' friend to follow him". He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 4-6. Austrian Tony (old guy) P840. His boss are Spy and Kiwi. He has business of repair electrical fan to make money inside. But, he always told me "No money" and rejected to pay. He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 4-7. Foreigner (beard) P800. His good friends are Korean Peter and Nan. He joined and followed them to challenge warden and Ricky before. '' He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 4-8. Indian tall guy P3,500. He has lundry and clean room business inside. He said, "He wait his customer Korean pay him money." 4-9. African Guy (wear chain) P600. He said, "No money!" He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 4-10. Singaporean (old guy) P900. He said, "Singapore embassy will give him money on August and December." But, BI detention center reject visitor in Bicutan Detention Center now. 4-11. Foreigner Elmer P2,000. He said, "He wait his family transfer money to him now, then all pay." 4-12. Italian Paolo has P40,000. He said "He will get money from bank to pay " this July. He called his friend Swede Mike to help him to get money. Swede Mike said " Paolo will transfer p250,000 from his Italian bank account to BPI bank Magallanes South Branch, then transfer to bank account of Swede Mike's girl friend to bring money to Italian Paolo." this July. I wait 5 months until now, Italian Paolo still does not get any money. Italian Paolo's good friend British guy said "Rich guy, Paolo borrowed a lot of money from other people and bought his food on credit p10,000 this year, but all no pay..." "Before, he is a rich guy to buy and pay." "So, many people borrowed him money or give him buying on credit like you and me." I reported to Ricky. Ricky said, " Italian bank transfer money to BPI bank only 1 or 2 months enough. So, Mike and Paolo had some mistakes or problems.... ". Ricky told me to file complaint for Italian Paolo and he will report warden to understand and help him to get money. 4-13. Swede Mike (floor manager) P2,000. Before, British Kevin had no money to pay cigirattes on credit. So, warden ordered Swede Mike to pay me. Swede only paid partial money this year. Ricky said," He has problem to do anything." 4-14. Taiwanese (fat guy) P14,000. He bought my OPPO A5s (black color) last October. He paid p1000 cash and p14000 balance on credit (after 1 week all pay) to get the phone. But, he didn't pay any money and said " No money! Later pay!" I rejected him and said "You return the cellphone, then I return you p1,000." "Because, you have no money to pay p14,000 balance." He said, "Guards searched the room and took out." Taiwanses old fishman ( his roomate ) told me " He looked Taiwanese fat guy still using the cellphone on the bed at night." last November. So, I told Spy all about the cellphone and went to his room to search it. But, we didn't find it. I and Spy asked him, " Where is the cellphone?" He still answered, "Guards took out, he will pay me money later." But, he doesn't pay any money or return the cellphone until now. He buys cellphone on credit, doedn't pay money more one year. He uses cash to buy cellphones from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cellphone. 5.Korean Mr. Lee (floor manager) told Korean to pay balance on credit. Many Korean paid all balance, some Korean pay partial money, but others rejected to pay any money. 5-1. Korean Peter P1,500. He rejected to pay any money and tried to get more cigirattes on credit. He still challanged warden and Rickey until now. Romaian short guy is his good friend. They are always smoking and talking together. Romania short guy said "Bush told him to say no money, don't need to pay any money". So, they always answered me "No money" and rejected to pay any money. He buys cigirattes on credit, doedn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 5-2. Korean Mr. Se P1,900. He paid partial balance on credit this November. He said,"He will all pay this November or December." 5-3. Korean Mr. Jun P4,500. He still said,"No money, later pay." But, he didn't pay any money until now. Maybe he reject to pay any money. He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 5-4. Korean Mr. ol P3,500. He still said,"No money, later pay." But, he didn't pay any money until now. Maybe he reject to pay any money. He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 5-5. Korean Mr. Ying(Korean store staff) P5,900. He paid partial balance on credit this October and November. 5-6. Korean Mr. SaYang P1,300. He paid partial balance on credit this October and November. He said, "He will all pay this November." 5-7. Korean No hair (Korean coffee shop staff) P2,500. He paid partial balance on credit this October. He said, "He can't get money to pay now, because no visitor to come here." 5-8. Korean Mr. Lee(old guy) P5,100. He said, "He will pay all balance on credit this November and wait his family to transfer money to him. 5-9. Korean Mr. Park P23,450. He paid partial balance on credit this October. He said, "He wait his friend to transfer money to him now. 5-10. Korean Mr. Wo P12,950. He paid partial balance on credit this October and November. He said, "He will pay all balance on credit this December and wait his family to transfer money to him. 5-11. Korean Mr. Wo's brother P1,600. He said, "He will pay all balance on credit this December and wait his family to transfer money to him. 5-12. Korean black glasses(Korean store staff) P13,150. He paid partial balance on credit this October and November. He said, "He will pay all balance on credit this November and December. 5-13. Korean Repair Aircon P8,900. He paid partial balance on credit this October. He said, "He will pay all balance on credit this November and December. 5-14. Korean store P2,400. The white face staff(midnight duty) took total 8 boxes cigirattes divided 5 times that all used Mr. Se on credit. But, Mr. Se said "He never talk store staff to take any cigirattes and use his name on credit". (ARTICLE 1236. The creditor is not bound to accept payment or performance by a third person who has no interest in the fulfillment of the obligation, unless there is a stipulation to the contrary. Whoever pays for another may demand from the debtor what he has paid, except that if he paid without the knowledge or against the will of the debtor, he can recover only insofar as the payment has been beneficial to the debtor. (1158a)) 6. Filed criminal complaints. 6-1. Korean Peter and Mr. Kim (Article 282 RPC therein). 6-2. Korean Peter, Mr. Kim and American Spy (Article 282 RPC therein). 6-3. New Zealanders Kiwi (Article 308 RPC theft). 6-4. Nigerian Black guy (Article 308 RPC theft). 日期：2020年11月30日, 下午6:32 Dear Sir/Ma'am, Good day! This is to respectfully acknowledge receipt of your email. This will be forwarded to our Central Receiving Unit (CRU) for proper disposition. Thank you. 日期：2020年12月10日, 上午9:00 I against following defandants cheated cigirattes ( Principle of good faith ) and outstanding payment ( REPUBLIC ACT NO. 386 AN ACT TO ORDAIN AND INSTITUTE THE CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES CHAPTER 4 Extinguishment of Obligations SECTION 1 Payment or Performance ) : 1. Sudanese tall guy has P30,750 balance no pay. He said "His brother transfered money to guard already, he wait guard to give him now..." on last week of November. He said " The guard still tell him wait, when I get money to pay you immediately..." on first week of December. His family transfered money to him every month, when he got money to pay all balance about p10,000~p20,000 before. He is a rich gentleman of good credit in my record. It is enough to prove that he has money to pay balance. 2. I looked he got a bag at 17:00 on Dec. 8. Hongkonger told me "He looked guards catched Swedenese tall guy to isolated room last night. Because, guards inspected drug in the bag." on Dec. 9. His good friend told me " Never looked or listened him to use or sell drug inside .... " He has big trouble, so I can't contact him to get money now. He promised to pay me money last week. I against following defandants theft : Legal basis : 1. Article 308 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) : Who are liable for theft. Theft is committed by any person who, with i awayntent to gain but without violence against or intimidation of persons nor force upon things, shall take personal property of another without the latter's consent. 2. Gaviola v. People, 516 Phil. 228, 237 (2006). Be that as it may, for the crime of theft to prosper, it must be established beyond doubt that the accused had the intent to steal personal property. This animus furandi pertains to the intent to deprive another of his or her ownership or possession of personal property, apart from but concurrent with the general criminal intent which is an essential element of dolo malus. 3. Supra at 238. The intent to steal is presumed from the taking of personal property without the consent of the owner or its lawful possessor. As in all presumptions, this may be rebutted by evidence showing that the accused took the personal property under a bona fide belief that he owns the property. The fact : 1. Dec. 29 about 11:30 Kiwi tell me need paid water p50. I said, "I paid p100 last Tuesday, but you didn't change p50 until now. He paid, " You need to pay p50 now or stop to drink water. I said, "I need to check the registered book..." I checked the registered book only writed "Pd" 4 times, before I paid p100 only writing "Pd" 3 times. He said," You paid p100 last week, but you need to pay p50..." I asked," Where is my p50 change?" He said, "WaLa" 2. Comprehensively stated enough to prove Kiwi that violated theft. 日期：2021年1月5日, 上午8:00 I against following defandants cheated cigirattes ( Principle of good faith ) and outstanding payment ( REPUBLIC ACT NO. 386 AN ACT TO ORDAIN AND INSTITUTE THE CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES CHAPTER 4 Extinguishment of Obligations SECTION 1 Payment or Performance ) : 1. Japanese Satoh P17,850. This is Matsui's balance of credit from Feburay to June this year. Matsui told warden "Satoh got his money P10,000 this July, but don't pay his balance of credit to me." this August. Then, Satoh agreed to pay all balance P17,850 to me this August. But, he doesn't pay any money until now. It is enough to prove that he has money to pay balance and cheat cigirattes. 2. Japanese Matsui P10,450. This is Matsui's balance of credit from August to September this year. Matsui agreed to pay all balance. But, he always told me "No money... wait". It is enough to prove that he has money to pay balance and cheat cigirattes. 3. Japanese Toda P4,500. This is Toda's balance of credit from August to September this year. Matsui agreed to pay all balance this November. But, he doesn't pay any money until now. He always told me "No money... wait". It is enough to prove that he has money to pay balance and cheat cigirattes. 4. Japanese old guy P8,000. He said, "He wait his wife transfer money to him now and will pay all money this November or December." It is enough to prove that he has money to pay balance and cheat cigirattes. 日期：2021年2月2日, 上午9:00 AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLAINT I against following defandants cheated cigirattes ( Principle of good faith ) and outstanding payment ( REPUBLIC ACT NO. 386 AN ACT TO ORDAIN AND INSTITUTE THE CIVIL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES CHAPTER 4 Extinguishment of Obligations SECTION 1 Payment or Performance ) : 1.BI officer Ricky borrowed p5,000 last May and p6,000 last June. He promised to pay African Bush bought 4 boxes of cigirattes p1,000 last June. Total was p12,000. Before, Ricky said "Bush will sell bed to pay p12,000." this July. But, African Bush can't get any beds to sell and be depoted last October. Ricky ordered Swede Mike (floor manager) to sell bed to pay P12,000. But, Swede Mike said, "Before, Britush Kevin's case still has p2,000 need to pay. He can't sell bed to pay p12,000." Ricky said "He will report warden to order Korean Mr. Lee ( floor manager) to pay p12,000. No problem". But, I don't get any money until now. PS: Chief Ricky is a BI officer to manage market of cigirattes here. PS : Bush is a detainee that Ricky appointed him to assist management of cigirattes inside. Because, Ricky has problem and trouble with Chinese inside. 2. Japanese Satoh P17,850. This is Matsui's balance of credit from Feburay to June this year. Matsui told warden "Satoh got his money P10,000 this July, but don't pay his balance of credit to me." last August. Then, Satoh agreed to pay all balance P17,850 to me last August. But, he doesn't pay any money until now. 3. Japanese Matsui P9,000. This is Matsui's balance of credit from August to September last year. Matsui agreed to pay all balance. 4. Japanese Toda P4,500. This is Toda's balance of credit from August to September last year. Matsui agreed to pay all balance last November. But, he doesn't pay any money until now. 5. Japanese old guy P8,000. He said, "He wait his wife transfer money to him now and will pay all money last November or December." 6. Romanian Peter (no hair) P6,000. He said " Ricky took p15,000 to help him to buy tattu tools, but don't give him that. Before, he put tattoos on someone be complained to warden and be punished to lock isolation 2 weeks. Romania Peter and shot guy had the same case in the court and came here together. They said " If they won the case already, everyone can get more p100,000....". He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 7. Romanian (tall guy) P4,000. Romanian (short guy) was deported this January. He said "He has no money to pay p4,000 now. His best friend Romanian tall guy will help him to pay p4,000. Team leader and guard said his friend Romania tall guy will help him to pay, so agreed him to leave. But, Romania tall guy doesn't pay any money until now. 8. Foreigner (braid) P1,750. He is the good friend of Romaian Peter and short guy. They are smoking and talking together everyday. He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 9. Chinese (19 years-old sick Epilepsy guy) P1,900. He said "He is sick to get free medecine from BI or other sponcer and free food from Taiwanese cooking store. Why does he need to pay me money? He just has money but doesn't pay me...". He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 10.Chinese (Shijiazhuang fat guy) P3,500. He just has money but doesn't pay me ...Because, he is 19 years-old sick Epilepsy guy' friend to follow him". He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 11.Austrian Tony (old guy) P840. His boss are Spy and Kiwi. He has business of repair electrical fan to make money inside. But, he always told me "No money" and rejected to pay. He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 12.Foreigner (beard) P600. His good friends are Korean Peter and Nan. He joined and followed them to challenge warden and Ricky before. '' He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 13.Indian tall guy P2,000. He has lundry and clean room business inside. He said, "He wait his customer Korean pay him money." 14.African Guy (wear chain) P600. He said, "No money!" He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 15.Singaporean (old guy) P800. He said, "Singapore embassy will give him money on August and December." But, BI detention center reject visitor in Bicutan Detention Center now. 16.Foreigner Elmer P1,500. He said, "He wait his family transfer money to him now, then all pay." 17.Italian Paolo has P40,000. He said "He will get money from bank to pay " this July. He called his friend Swede Mike to help him to get money. Swede Mike said " Paolo will transfer p250,000 from his Italian bank account to BPI bank Magallanes South Branch, then transfer to bank account of Swede Mike's girl friend to bring money to Italian Paolo." this July. I wait 5 months until now, Italian Paolo still does not get any money. Italian Paolo's good friend British guy said "Rich guy, Paolo borrowed a lot of money from other people and bought his food on credit p10,000 this year, but all no pay..." "Before, he is a rich guy to buy and pay." "So, many people borrowed him money or give him buying on credit like you and me." I reported to Ricky. Ricky said, " Italian bank transfer money to BPI bank only 1 or 2 months enough. So, Mike and Paolo has some mistakes or problems.... ". Ricky told me to file complaint for Italian Paolo and he will report warden to understand and help him to get money. 18.Swede Mike (floor manager) P2,000. Before, British Kevin had no money to pay cigirattes on credit. So, warden ordered Swede Mike to pay me. Swede only paid partial money this year. Ricky said," He has problem to do anything." 19.Taiwanese (fat guy) P14,000. He bought my OPPO A5s (black color) last October. He paid p1000 cash and p14000 balance on credit (after 1 week all pay) to get the phone. But, he didn't pay any money and said " No money! Later pay!" I rejected him and said "You return the cellphone, then I return you p1,000." "Because, you have no money to pay p14,000 balance." He said, "Guards searched the room and took out." Taiwanses old fishman ( his roomate ) told me " He looked Taiwanese fat guy still using the cellphone on the bed at night." last November. So, I told Spy all about the cellphone and went to his room to search it. But, we didn't find it. I and Spy asked him, " Where is the cellphone?" He still answered, "Guards took out, he will pay me money later." But, he doesn't pay any money or return the cellphone until now. He buys cellphone on credit, doedn't pay money more one year. He uses cash to buy cellphones from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cellphone. 20.Korean Peter P1,500. He rejected to pay any money and tried to get more cigirattes on credit. He still challanged warden and Rickey until now. Romaian short guy is his good friend. They are always smoking and talking together. Romania short guy said "Bush told him to say no money, don't need to pay any money". So, they always answered me "No money" and rejected to pay any money. He buys cigirattes on credit, doedn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 21.Korean Mr. Se P1,900. He paid partial balance on credit this November. He said,"He will all pay this November or December." 22.Korean Mr. Jun P4,500. He still said,"No money, later pay." But, he didn't pay any money until now. Maybe he reject to pay any money. He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 23.Korean Mr. ol P3,500. He still said,"No money, later pay." But, he didn't pay any money until now. Maybe he reject to pay any money. He buys cigirattes on credit, doesn't pay money more half year. He uses cash to buy cigirattes from other sellers. It is enough to prove, he cheats cigirattes. 24.Korean No hair (Korean coffee shop staff) P2,500. He paid partial balance on credit this October. He said, "He can't get money to pay now, because no visitor to come here." 25.Korean Mr. Lee(old guy) P5,000. He said, "He will pay all balance on credit this November and wait his family to transfer money to him. 26.Korean black glasses(Korean store staff) P13,150. He paid partial balance on credit this October and November. He said, "He will pay all balance on credit this November and December. 27.Korean store P2,400. The white face staff(midnight duty) took total 8 boxes cigirattes divided 5 times that all used Mr. Se on credit. But, Mr. Se said "He never talk store staff to take any cigirattes and use his name on credit". (ARTICLE 1236. The creditor is not bound to accept payment or performance by a third person who has no interest in the fulfillment of the obligation, unless there is a stipulation to the contrary. Whoever pays for another may demand from the debtor what he has paid, except that if he paid without the knowledge or against the will of the debtor, he can recover only insofar as the payment has been beneficial to the debtor. (1158a)) 6. Filed criminal complaints. 6-1. Korean Peter and Mr. Kim (Article 282 RPC therein). 6-2. Korean Peter, Mr. Kim and American Spy (Article 282 RPC therein). 6-3. New Zealanders Kiwi (Article 308 RPC theft). 6-4. Nigerian Black guy (Article 308 RPC theft). IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature this day of Feb. 2 , 2021, in the City of Taguig, Metro Manila.

Trivia Tuesday

I was tagged by @jedimordsith to give a behind the scenes glimpse on one of my fics. With Halloween only a month away I’ll talk about The Void

This story was my first attempt at horror, my first attempt at flushing out a minor, almost unknown Star Wars Legends character, my first attempt at creating a rich, diverse set of OC supporting characters with female-centric leads, and my first attempt at actually completing something posted that wasn’t finished. (This last has been a major hurdle for me.) And was only the second time I’d reached out of my introvert shell to ask the lovely @jedimordsith for help in getting it done. To say this story was a challenge is an understatement.

I decided to go with the “unseen” monster that stalks the crew of the Starry Ice because I am always more afraid of what you can’t see then what you can. Everyone rags on the M. Night Shyamalan movie Signs, but the end was intense! Alien is another movie where you almost never see the monster and Event Horizon were it's more psychological than physical were both major influencers.

I also wanted to incorporate different ways the characters react to this danger. You have Force Sensitive Mara Jade who can’t seem to process what her senses are telling her. My OC Togruta Asori Holgor is getting different stimuli through her montrals causing an overload in her ability to reason. And Captain Shirlee Faughn who is just trying to stay calm and keep her crew from dying around her. This volatile mix then creates a secondary horror within.

I love this story a ridiculous amount, not only for the story itself but also as a gateway to my entrance to my fabulous SW Writers Group. And this is probably my second favorite story I’ve ever written. Stay tuned for October when my most favorite thing I’ve ever written gets published for the 2019 Halloween Challange: Apocolypse Yavin

If you like to share, I’ll tag @jadelotusflower ,@arielsojourner, and @teagrl if you're around.

[7.01.2020] CAS activity - school year 2 - reflection I

This school year I’ve decided to practice yoga at home. This decision was due to the fact that I’ve entered the very tense and tough times (I’m having my matura exams in May this year) and I simply can’t afford to spend two hours (this is how long it took me to attend the classess – an hour of yoga and an hour of transport) a week on attending yoga classess, especially during the weekdays. It’s very unfortunate as the atmosphere of those classess has been so friendly and encouraging, but it’s the best thing I could do for myself right now, to maintain a sane mindset and to have the ability to rest for a while after school. Nevertheless, I couldn’t give up on this activity as it allows me to meet the CAS requirements 😉 but also to keep my back straight (or at least to keep it less crooked) and to prevent my body from becoming stiff and lazy in a unhealthy way. Physical activity really is important both to my mental and physical health.

For the last few months (since September 2019) I’ve practiced yoga once a week at home. Most of the time I train with a Youtube creator, Adrienne, who uploads amazing yoga guidelines on her channel (Yoga with Adrienne). I often practise with her videos from a „40-60 min Full Yoga Practices” playlist and I’ve also found some other routines, shorter ones, which became my favourites, e.g. „yoga for anxiety and stress” or „wonder yoga!” from a „30 days of yoga” challenge. Some of them are more relaxing, some more demanding, but they are all delivered in such a calm and comprehensible way. I certainly don’t regret this choice.

The main challanges and aims for me this school semester were two things:

a)      to remain systematic with my weekly yoga routin and to be consistent with this wish;

b)      to take care of my health, especially my back, and to strengthen and stretch my limbs a little.

I’ve also wanted to earn happines from my activity and to make it as positive as possible. And I can tell now that it’s the activity that’s very enjoyable to me and which also makes me feel better physically.

 My activity „attendance” in 2019 was as follows:

1st, 7th, 15th, 22nd, 29th September,

4th, 12th, 19th, 27th October,

9th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd November,

1st, 7th, 12th, 21st, 25th, 27th, 28th December.

This month I’ve practiced yoga once, on the 4th of January 2020.

 Learning outcomes achieved while performing my CAS activity: identify your own strengths and develop areas for personal growth (mostly in a very subjective way as it’s the activity I’m performing alone); demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the proces; show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences.

A contest for the aeons!

So! Seeing as I might be the last one alive in this cavern of mine, I’ve decided this place might need a teensy bit of redecoration. To this extent, I propose a challange to ye, oh mighty craftsdwarves and masons (and carvers, and painters, and bookbinders, and...).

Starting from 9:30pm, 27/09/18, AEST to 9:30am, 4/10/18, AEST there will be an Art Contest. We simply must have a new banner to hang above our merry halls, and perhaps a new icon for all to adore!

There will be a prize of $50USD to the first place winners of the Icon and Banner challenges (you may submit both at the same time, or you can submit one or the other). Simply SUBMIT YOUR WILL TO ARMOK artwork to the blog with the tag “Art Contest”, and by the 6th of October, the winners will be announced, and the blog’s banner and icon will change accordingly. Do note: I will be checking for forgeries and duplicates. Any cheaters or thieves will have their hands destroyed by a Dwarven atom smasher duplicate be deleted, and barred from the blog. 

Be sure to tag your submissions with #Art Contest first, then #Banner Contest and/or #Icon Contest depending on your submission type.

One entry per blog, please! 

I hope to see your creativity sparkle like a Mastercraft Diamond Crown! 

Updated Terrible, Beautiful, Unsaid Things masterpost

Since this universe is growing steadily, it’s time for another (I mean, I think I’ve already done one before) masterpost! So, here are the current installments, chronologically, with in-universe dates–with 1880 designated as the year of the winter fete:

Socks Fall 1879 Rated: G Wordcount: 3086 After a chance meeting in the middle of the night in the hallway of the Little Palace, Aleksander invites Alina to the stables to oversee the birth of a foal with him.

Violent Delights February 1880 Rated: E Wordcount: 9767 Aleksander and Alina get intterupted a little later, so they have a nice, passionate lovemaking session before everything goes shit.

Terrible, Beautiful, Unsaid Things February-November 1880 Rated: T Wordcount: 11064 Alina still runs after the fete, and she is still caught, only, in this universe, she is pregnant. Spanning from her escape to the birth of their child, the story chronicles how she and Aleksander find their way back to each other

Thicker Than Water February-November 1880 Rated: M Wordcount: 3585 Alina’s suprise pregnancy brings up bitter memories in Genya, who is determined to help her through it–including giving her the freedom of choice.

Poker Face April-November 1880 Rated: M Wordcount: 11060 (WIP) Aleksander is fighting a war on several fronts: the actual war against Fjerda and Shu Han; to win back Alina’s affections; and to keep the Tsar in line. This last one might be the hardest. Or: Aleksander is showing considerable restraint in not unleashing The Cut on Pyotr Lantsov.

Secret Ingredient July 1880 Rated: G Wordcount: 2735 Alina is missing her mother’s cooking, which at least give Aleksander an opportunity to do a Grand Gesture.

The First Star in the Black Velvet Night November 6, 1880 Rated: T Wordcount: 8099 The day Nadya, their child is born, from Aleksander’s point of view.

A Little Star in the Night November 6, 1880 Rated: G Wordcount: 3156 Due to ALina’s weakened state after the labor, a wet nurse is summoned to the Little Palace

Sleepless November 7, 1880 Rated: G Wordcount: 1233 The day after the birth, Alina finds it hard to fall asleep without her daughter nearby

To Cherish and to Hold October and December, 1880 Rated: E Wordcount: 14429 In Part I, with their relationship slowly blooming again, Alina decides it’s time for her to be intimate with Aleksander again. In Part II, they return to their marital bed after Nadya’s birth.

The Heartrender and the Baby February 1880 - May 1882 Rated: G Wordcount: 5771 Ivan is definitely not a baby person. Then a little Princess has him wrapped around her little finger

Life Unfolds in Chapters Summer of 1882 Rated: E Wordcount: 21463 (so far) The summer after Aleksander and Alina took the throne of Ravka, they go on a royal tour in West Ravka, while facing political and personal challanges

Sister, Sister September 1882 - December 1884 Rated: G Wordcount: 2297 Nadya is a happy little girl who loves her Mama and Papa very much. However, her life turns upside down when she learns that she is going to be a big sister.

The Sweetest Dreams I have of You October 1882 Rated: G Wordcount: 1355 Aleksander catches Alina, pregnant with their second child, taking an afternoon nap.

Infinite Fall 1882 Rated: T Wordcount: 1461 Preparing for the birth of their second child, Alina and Aleksander share their fears and insecurities with each other.

Solstice Eve December 1882 Rated: G Wordcount: 3621 Aleksander has a surprise for his girls for the holiday, starting a new tradition. 

Private Meeting in the Tsar’s Study November 1884 Rated: E Wordcount: 2992 Aleksander and Alina work on expanding their family--in his office, in the middle of the day.

Witches! 1885 Rated: G Wordcount: 922 After a bad dream, little Nadya seeks her parents’ comfort

Grishenka April 1885 Rated: G Wordcount: 1300 Nadya summons for the first time, and Sasha is conflicted.

David and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Fall of 1885 Rated: G Wordcount: 2101 David is not good with children, that’s a fact. And yet he is tasked to look after Nadya--who is too clever and mischievous for her own good--for a couple of hours. Let’s just say it doesn’t go well.

Just a Tiny Prickle 1886 Rated: T Wordcount: 1819 Nadya wants to have her ears pierced. Her Papa is not thrilled about the idea.

A Longing Deep and Profound December 1887 - January 1891 Rated: M Wordcount: 3186 After the birth of their fourth daughter, Aleksander thinks they should not have any more children. Alina is not that convinced.

Translation by @Cosmos941207 (twitter), thank you for your help! 

Reporter – The season started off very well, you returned home with a medal from Riga, you won international medals, you got the national’s title again and you were also a winner in Hungary, could this season have started off any better?

Ivett – I can say that I am very happy how the season started. (Ranking) competitions already started in September and I was able to peak in the end of October/early November, I won at Christmas Cup which was very good. I was able to collect some valuable points because based on those points they’ll draw the short program order at Europeans.

Reporter – You got a personal best score at Lombardia Trophy which was a good base (for the season), how are your choreographies this season, did they change in any way from the previous seasons?

Ivett – This season I also have two different kinds of programs, one of the programs, my SP is a Bruno Mars medley, and my free skate is a contemporary music, a medley from Nathan Lanier. Similarly like last season with AC/DC and Carmen, this season we tried to do similar styles again but our goal is not to skate to different types of music but with always the same movements and choreography so this makes the competitions more difficult every season. I have always wanted to be a skater who can show the audiance different types of personalities on the ice.

Reporter – A season can be more difficult or even easier with a change of club or coach, and in your case, both of it happened – you’re continuing your career in Vasas Club now with your coaches Zsófia Tokaji-Kulcsár and Zoltán Tóth. How could you get used to the new cooperation?

Ivett – In the past one and a half years they’re already the third coaching team with whom I started to work with, so there were many changes in my life in a short time. It didn’t necessarily happen they way it did because I wanted it but life just happened so. Since summer I’ve been training at home again, and I can tell you honestly that Zsófi and Zoli are the persons with whom I really like to train with, the atmosphere at practices is always very good.

Reporter – And where are you practicing now, in which arena?

Ivett - I’m practicing at Vasas’s rink, at Jégpalota („Ice Castle”) where the whole Vasas team is practicing and we have lot of practice time, we can go to trainings often.

Reporter – You’re training for the European Championships now which will start on 21st January, are you planning to go to a competition before or you’re focusing on practices?

Ivett – There won’t be any bigger competitions until then, and we’ve been competing since September so we’re already got used to competing. There’ll be smaller competition imitations, but we’ll only practice and do run-throughs at practices and work on  the choreographies. In this season – along with the technical elements -  I’d like to show better performance of my music so that judges will get into it more.

Reporter – What are your goals at Europeans? You already finished on 8th place before and last season you finished on 13rd place. The Sports Director of Skating in the federation (Vardanjan Gurgen) is expecting a better placement from you than last season. What does it mean to you?

Ivett – We’d like to present the technical elements and the programs themselves cleanly. Yes, I already finished on the 8th place before which meant that after that season, Hungary was able send two competitiors for Europeans. This season my goal would be the same, to be able to get more than one spots for Europeans next season, so it’d be good to finish in Top 10.  

Reporter – You’re very selfless, you’d like to get a spot for an another skater as well. Anyway, you did the same last season, you were the one who got the spot for the PyeongChang Olympics which was not for yourself but for the country and in the end, you were selected as the representative of Hungary for the ladies individual competition and you finished 23rd there. In this season you’ll face another challenges, there will be World Championships in Japan.

Ivett – Yes, there’ll be Worlds in March, and who and how will skate at Worlds will depend on how I’ll skate at European Championships. The federation can decide after that they’ll send another competitor to Worlds, so there’ll be a fight for that spot.

Reporter – You’re facing other challanges this year, the high school graudation exams…I don’t know what your New Years resolutions and wishes for your athletic career or personal life were but it’s true that you have to focus on school, too. What are your plans?

Ivett – I don’t really have New Years resolutions to be honest, I have goals what I’d like to achieve this year. It’d like to take the high school graduation exams, I’d really like to finish high school, so in May and after that the oral exams in June are waiting for me. A busy year is ahead of me but this is what makes life and sports itself exciting.

Reporter – Good luck for your season, both in your studies and also in achieving your goals in your athletic career, we wish you good luck at Europeans and then at World Championships!