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trafalgarlogy · 1 year

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Could you maybe do Affogato Yandere ei x fem reader head canons?

Of course I can !💗💗😘

BLACK SWAN - Raiden Ei

❛ BLACK SWAN ❜ C-Coffee !? ❛ Affogato ❜ - Genshin Impact C-Customer !? @iluvs-world S-Siders !? ❛ Macarons ❜ - Yandere E-Enjoy ! Gore, Violence, Forced Relationship, Abusive Relationship, Fem! Reader, Kidnapping

song name !

How Did You Meet !?

⟶ (Name), was the first girl descendant to be born in the (Last Name) Clan, a clan known for having powerful warriors over the generations and contributing the most to the army of Inazuma. ⟶ The young girl wasn't treated as an exception just because of being a girl, so she started training at a very young age and years later, became a general commanding the front row with Kujou Sara, who was favored by the Shogun. ⟶ (Name), had gained achievements over achievements in just a year since she joined the army, and became the left-hand of the Shogun. Not only that, but due to her increasing reputation in Inazuma, people came to adore her and saw her to be a sweet caring girl. ⟶ with all these facts, took upon the interest of the True Shogun, Raiden Ei, who rested in the Plain of Euthymia, but in a different way. ⟶ She wanted to know about (Name), her likes and dislikes, and every bit of information about her little human. ⟶ using her puppet to grant a private mission to her most-favored general, Kujou Sara, the order said to gather information about (Name) and her background. Kujou Sara was shocked but yet it was the Shogun, whom she served loyal, so how can she say no to her orders? ⟶ Ei never met (Name) in person, but she'd looked down upon her by exchanging roles with her puppet for a day, this obsessive aura of the electro god wasn't normal to be seen in a majestic and prideful woman like her. ⟶ Days, Weeks, and Months passed by that (Name) could feel herself going crazy, by the odd feeling of someone watching her at all ties, sometimes she'd find dead birds outside her manor, and even encounter a tall figure standing at the door of her room in the middle of the night.

Aftermath !?

⟶ A fateful day arrived, when (Name) was nowhere to be found. The disappearance shocked the citizens, as rumors began of someone kidnapping her, their speculations were right even after not knowing of who abducted the most respected general of Inazuma. ⟶ While (Name) found herself to be in a mysterious place, with a cold atmosphere, the area was full of ancient ruins and pillars, looking around in curiosity, she felt the same feeling of being watched, turning around in fear, she saw her. ⟶ "A...Almighty Shogun" as sweat formed on her face, she bowed down even in her weakest state, "My My..." the purple-haired woman walked up to the (h/c)-ette, coming close to (Name) she brought forward her slender hand, to hold her chin and lifting her face close to her. ⟶ "Now, looking closely at you, you're far are beautiful than I imagined" Ei glared coldly with her glowing purple eyes into those (e/c) eyes, (Name) felt her face heat up at those words of the electro god as she gently removed Ei's hands off her chin. ⟶ "Cute..." Ei smirked at the reaction making the young woman fluster, (Name) took a deep breath and looked up to the archon; and asked "Almighty Shogun, If you don't mind me asking, how did I get here?..." lowering her head again, "Because I brought you here." Ei replied boldly making (h/c)-ette eyes widen. ⟶ "W...Why Almighty Shogun? is there something I did wrong?" (Name) got up in a panic, "you dare question me over and over huh..., quite the guts I see, also I'm finding it annoying when you calling me "Almighty Shogun"...it's Ei." Ei replied putting her finger on her chin, "My apologies..." (Name) replied, "Well don't worry, Darling, I'll answer all questions but...", "But what?..." ⟶"You'll have to submit to me and become mine" Ei completed her sentence, (Name) stepped back "I can't...I must protect the citizens of this land!", Ei hummed walking to her, "I never said it was a request, and you're in no place to say no to me" grabbing the (h/c)-ette's neck and slamming her against a pillar, (Name) struggled into her grip making Ei grin widely, "Look at you, (Name), your weak...", "and you talk about protecting the people of Inazuma, don't make me laugh." ⟶ "Inazuma doesn't need a weak general like you..." Ei mocked (Name), hearing such harsh words the young lady couldn't hold herself back from crying, at the scene Ei let go of her grip making (Name) fall on the ground, she cried as she remembered those traumatic childhood memories of her parents starving her and calling her names; crying for hours she was almost out of breadth. the feeling of seeing her beloved sad Ei walked up to her and pulled (Name) close to her chest and whispered into her ear "Don't worry (Name), I'll protect you from this cruel world" as she planted a kiss on the sobbing woman's forehead.

How Would She Treat You !?

⟶ Ei or Raiden Ei, is the most manipulative yandere among all the Genshin characters, cause she has years of experience, she has seen the monstrous side of the world and knows how to manipulate someone through their emotions with you coming to no exception. ⟶ Don't expect her to sugarcoat you with some sweet words, she is the type to say harsh things and let your confidence down, so you can't think of escaping her and fear her. ⟶ when it comes to the topic of you she is very short-tempered, she can't tolerate anyone bitch talk anything about her beloved (Name). ⟶ In the start, you'd scream a lot at her and you both would get into fights, she would most likely end up severely wounding you but as time passed by you were ok with her but not too okay, cause you can't forget the fact she stole your independence. ⟶ She is not the type to force you to do anything for her, she would give your space and privacy, but she expects you to love her no matter what. ⟶ In your relationship, it's nothing more than hugs and kisses, but the kiss between you and her is rough and she ends up biting your lips during the kiss. ⟶ Bloodshed for you is normal but, she takes it to a whole new level, if someone even talks to you or glances at you, the next day you will find her walking to the castle with their head in her hands and throwing it to you to catch, telling you to keep it cause its a sign of her love. ⟶ She wouldn't let you visit anyone you're close with unless it's Yae Miko or Kujou Sara. But on the condition, which is that you don't tell them anything about your abusive relationship with her ⟶ If you try to kill yourself, she would of course prevent it, but here comes the consequences, she would break your arms or legs as a punishment and lock you up wounded in a dark room ⟶ and about the rumors that took place, what about them? you may ask, well Ei would tell you to make an excuse to people telling them you went to another land to get some backup resources. not only that she would make you quit your position as general. ⟶ well, say goodbye to your clan members cause she would brutally massacre the entire clan in just a night to cut down your relations. Making you the only survivor of (Last Name) Clan. ⟶ Just remember, escaping is no option left for you, cause those lilac eyes are always looking at you...

Thank You For Ordering !

#ʚ Love Cafe ɞ #nyxxcore #itssimpforeternity #ʚ A-Affogato ɞ #ʚ Macarons ! ɞ #ʚ Order Served ɞ #genshit impact #genshin #gi #yandere #raiden ei #raiden shogun #genshin impact inazuma #raiden ei x reader #genshin impact

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tsuumu · 4 years

Text

beautiful stranger.

oikawa x reader

a short piece in which oikawa tooru approaches you on a idyllic evening. it’s a little awkward though, since you’re trying to die.

word count: 3.3k

tw: indirect and direct implications of suicide.

your warm hands stay gripped onto the metal rails in front of you, applying enough force to watch your knuckles turn white. you find yourself doing it over and over until your fingers numb from the continued pressure. alone, you’re mulling over mundane affairs. you’d rather not be thinking about them but find this loop all too easy to fall into.

the shadow of the railing casts over a large canal, its water sifting freely, far beneath you. it laps over itself, slithers of fish break the transparent surface as they swim. some of their scales rise to kiss the sunlight in opaque relfections.

thin layers of petals scatter the ground beneath your feet that have slipped from overhead trees and continue to flutter down freely. glowers of dying sunlight seep through the shapes of them as they fall.

in this moment, autumn is alive.

it’s really lovely right now.

you’re here, all caught up in chasing that feeling of peace. safety in an open space. you have to cope with that fact that tranquility never comes easily for you.

there’s nothing that should be leaving you as deeply unsettled as you are. you’ve learnt to largely ignore feeling so overwhelmed, though it stirs and resurfaces times you wish it wouldn’t.

what’s bugging you is that you can’t quite get a grasp on your own life.

for starters, everything lacks coherent meaning. to you, there’s something constantly missing every single day. nothing purchasable, nothing attainable through hard-work and any level of perseverance. truly, it affects you so much so that even just standing here, feet glued to the very spot that is undeniably ‘lovely’, brings you nothing but unimaginable sadness.

earlier, you brushed it away as an off day but you know that’s not true. you’ve been feeling like this all the time.

it is, therefore, not at all abnormal to wonder: can a person have such thing as an off life?

you really don’t like to think about things like this too much. once you begin to muse over deep naysay you find yourself snowballing.

solutions are painfully unobtainable and it’s generally as productive as chasing pavements.

do i really enjoy being alone? or am i obsessed with the sensation loneliness brings?

“you know, if you stare long enough, you might end up wanting to jump in.”

at once, your vision snaps up, taken aback by the additional voice. you hadn’t realised that during your mindless lamenting, another person had quietly joined you by the evening canal-side.

fair skinned, dark eyed, chocolate curls brushed neatly over his features and cowlicks that bob against the light gusts of wind.

a boy offers you a smile, before shifting his feet towards the empty space to your left. you can’t seem to process him, staring at the empty spot he’d been in seconds earlier.

you’re not supposed to be here right now.

“i was totally kidding by the way.” he adds. “that was really dark, sorry.”

you’re silent in return, eyes casting back onto the running stream. the water is shallow and the fall long, so jumping in would certainly prove fatal. you know all of this too well. it’d disturb the fish who are just here to live, though, it’ll only be for a moment. they won’t know any better.

you don’t really know what to say. it’s troubling that he’s here and hearing it out loud disturbs you, like a direct call out. at no point were you prepared for any kind of conversation prior.

the two of you stand there in complete silence. it’s not particularly awkward, you just don’t know why he’s approached you so easily, talking to you like he’s known you well enough to make outlandish jokes.

asking directly for his intentions seems rude, so you’ll put up with it until he leaves.

“do you always come here?” the stranger pipes up once more, though his focus doesn’t leave the water. you breathe in deeply.

“sometimes.”

“oh, i see.”

his palms lay flat and he pushes gently off of the rails, only to fall back onto them with all his weight. he does it again, repeating the process over and over at a steady pace. you stay hunched over, keeping your distance. he doesn’t seem to mind in the slightest though, clearly absorbed in his surroundings.

“it’s like a set out of a movie, this place. seems like somewhere i’d ask my girlfriend to marry me.”

your tongue rolls around in your mouth.

yes. you think. his girlfriend would most likely be thrilled-over the top-squealing if he did. that’s entirely his business.

you really don’t care to hear of other people’s romantic endeavours.

is it out of jealousy? you don’t know. maybe.

this conversation is meaningless. you wish he’d go away sooner so you could have this time to yourself.

also, jealousy is an ugly word. you hate it.

he stops his movement with a exhale of air, tilting his head back to blink up at the warm sky. the last touches daylight mingle with the oncoming darkness, creating a deep tinge of orangey-yellow.

“when’s your birthday?”

‎a petal lands on the bridge of your hand, sticking to your skin.

“do you want my social security number?” you deject.

“what? no!”

“are you sure? really, i’ll give it to you.”

“no!”

“then why are you asking for my personal information?”

‎

he falls silent for a moment, before mumbling out a small: “just wondering.”

a tinge of guilt creeps over you at his apologetic tone. you admit, your answers thus far must make you seem like a completely unapproachable asswipe. you’re not at all. you just aren’t all that sure how to make small talk with strangers when you’re trying to part with the world by dinner time.

it feels like an unexpected guest at your very lonesome party.

“it’s (insert birth month).” you fold.

he purses his lips, face contorting a little.

“i see.”

he doesn’t continue down that path after your response. the both of you return to a mutual silence, staring into the portrait scenery ahead. the stream fills the soundscape pleasantly. fallen leaves have gathered at the base of your shoes, brushing over the tip gently with the turn of the wind. you observe them quietly.

“can i ask you another question?”

he seems a tad more timid now.

he definitely thinks you’re the type to blow up and give him an earful about minding his own business, doesn’t he?

you’d never raise your voice. in general, but also because it’d break the comfort of the scenery the world has so generously given you.

“sure.”

“do you believe in soulmates?”

‎the question is a little random but not impossible to answer by any means.

“no.”

“what?”

“i said not really.”

“you said no.”

“that’s the same thing.”

“...fair enough.”

‎he exhales out, sounding a little disheartened by your curt response. perhaps to him, you were a tough nut to crack; an ambiguity for him to understand. were all people like that? you weren’t playing hard to get, in fact, you’d answered every single enquiry he has had to offer. his efforts are amusing, though.

you raise a brow at him.

“i’m sorry, was that the wrong answer?”

for a moment, he doesn’t reply, stuffing his hands into his pockets, gazing down at the head of his shoe. pivoting his ankle, he draws small circles with the tip of his foot into the ground, into the dead leaves.

“not at all.”

“your expression says otherwise.”

“um, it was just a bit bleak, i guess.”

you let your arms droop way over the railing, fingers wading through the autumn air. you’d never really taken the concepts of soulmates to heart. it was romantic bullshit put out by somebody looking for a fantasy to indulge in. out of seven billion people, there could hardly be a singular person made for you. people aren’t born for other people. if that were the case, it wouldn’t be a rose-tinted fantasy. it would be suffocating. where’s the freedom in love?

“most people always answer like you these days anyway.”

“oh, sorry.”

he looks up at you, tilting his head.

“no, don’t be.”

back to a default mute, left with nothing but the faint chitter of overhead swallows and the odd rumble of cars passing by.

“tooru.” he states, after a while.

“what?”

“tooru. my name is tooru.”

“oh, okay.”

“oikawa tooru.”

‎your fingertips have become flushed. maybe you’d pressed a little too hard on that cold surface earlier. now that all your blood has come rushing back, the tingling sensation feels foreign.

his name slips of the tongue rather easily, don’t you think?

“nice to meet you, oikawa tooru.”

“it is nice, isn’t it?”

for the first time, your gazes meet properly and you offer him a crooked smile.

“i suppose so.”

off the side of the canal, almost right under the bridge, a small cluster of ducks have gathered. adult ducks tend to be considerably larger than its offspring —as is factual with any animal— so it’s easy for you to tell that there’s only one parent there, along with three of its ducklings.

people like to come to the canal to feed the ducks bread, though you’d heard somewhere that it’s actually quite bad for them.

you wonder. do ducks care particularly if one of its ducklings die? will it do something with the body, cry out, hurt?

or is grief exceptionally human?

“i don’t actually have a girlfriend, by the way.”

he sifts out his phone, tapping the screen and sliding it open. you watch him turn it to its side, before leaning over to take a picture of the depths below. you just watch.

“oh, okay.”

he doesn’t elaborate, focused intently on his current task. your attention returns to the shape of the birds, bobbing up and down rhythmically.

there’s only so much you can say about the canal. yeah, it’s beautiful. you don’t have the right vocabulary to describe the way it makes you feel. honestly, it feels abysmal to even try. you’re convinced though, that you’re in love with the way the water moves. you’ve always appriciated it whenever you walk past, told yourself jokingly that you could die there if you had to.

funny, that.

beautiful things tend to hurt in an unbearably amplified manner.

“say, tooru?”

“yeah?”

“if i climbed over the railing right now, would you stop me?”

you’re both fixated on the paddling now. his phone is back in his pocket, elbows propped up. he hums, taking his time to think over your question.

“most likely.”

your fingers meet one another and the tingling spreads to your palms.

“i’m thinking of jumping, actually.”

“oh.”

“yeah.”

“my joke earlier...”

“yeah.”

his fingers drum rhythmically on the slender poles under the rail top.

“then i’d jump right in with you.”

the corners of his mouth tug slightly at your perplexity, supressing a chortle. he’s not laughing at you, though. it’s more a gesture of understanding. this tooru doesn’t know you at all, yet he gets it. he gets it all too well.

you get that he gets it.

tooru clears his throat. “bad day?”

“that’s an understatement.”

“well, you’re not a bad person for feeling the way you do.”

by now, the ducks have swam away, you can make out the general shape of them, melding into the distant, mute colours of the bankside. the sky look minutes away from being set alight. time has never been your friend, you see.

“i feel crazy for trying.” you’re rather blunt about it.

“fair enough.”

“…is that all?”

“well, do you want me to tell you that you’re not crazy?”

you lull into silence.

“i don’t know.”

with that, you shift to angle yourself so that he’s in your immediate peripheral, the thought of gawking at him seems ridiculous but you want to look at him. you find it hard to do it up front for some reason.

“i’m no suicide expert, but it’d probably be lonely doing something like that by yourself. wouldn’t it be comforting to know someone’s falling with you?”

your fingers run absently across the jagged surface of the rails, the old paint has been chipped away at, after all its years of protecting. in all it’s history, had anyone else hitched themselves over this very rail?

were they asking for the same answers as you?

god. that’s awful. you don’t want to think about that.

you catch each others’ eyes for a second but you resign quickly, focusing as hard as you can on the flecks of black on your thumb.

“that would be selfish of me.”

“not if i’m offering.”

you scramble to look anywhere else, abruptly turning. you’re facing away from the canal, stomach fluttering a little as you fall onto the rail’s length.

in all your time by yourself, you’d never been given an irrefutable reason to ‘be’. it’d always been a live-for-the-day type of experience. if a day is good, you’re utterly blissed out by it, totally in love with life. if it’s bad, you have little reason to go on. nothing particularly interests you enough to dedicate your days persuing it. fame seems tedious, looks are temporary, a six figure career sounds like emotional jail-time, or a slow, schedule-filled trek to death. whichever description sounds more sufferable.

you see, in essence, we all get off at the same bus stop. some journeys are simply shorter than others.

“you’re guilt-tripping me out of it.”

“i’m not!”

you’ve never stopped to ask yourself what it is you want.

death interests you, you suppose. though, you don’t see the reason to wait around and pretend to ignore it until one day it drags you kicking and screaming.

“oikawa tooru, don’t you have better things to be doing than offering to jump off bridges with strangers?”

that coy smile tugs at his lips once more. nothing you say seems to phase him. it’s like he knows you. he’s thinking: yeah, this isn’t anything out of the ordinary for them.

“should i? you look at that water like it’s someone you hate. or love. maybe both. i got curious.”

“curious?”

“yes. and quite frankly, you’ve left me curious. practically starving. you haven’t even told me your name.”

“my name doesn’t matter.”

“boo. that’s not true at all.”

his tongue pokes out, tugging at the corner of his eye. you shake your head, genuinely unable to hide your amusement, turning to him properly this time.

and really, it’s like the canal side and oikawa tooru were made from the same stardust. he blends right into the picture, as effortlessly pretty as the rest of it.

the strands of hair out of place, a little disheveled from the breeze. the scarf buried into his nose, glasses a little misty from the heat of his own breath but when they clear, you see his eyes all too well.

you’d like to tuck those strands into place, they’re bothering you just a little.

“(y/n).”

your brows furrow a little.

really, this could all very well be some sort of fantastical dream. as nice as it all is, it feels painfully unreal. boys don’t look like that on autumn evenings or offer to die with you.

that’s it.

tooru must be a figment of your imagination.

no. wrong. not a dream.

this is a corner of your mind you haven’t ventured into yet, psychologically, some kind of safety net. a sliced off piece of reality you’ve come to hide in because you’ve utterly lost your mind. he is nothing but a part of you that makes you feel at ease as you come to terms with your self-destruction.

god, that bothers you more. you are crazy.

your hand extends, reaches out all on its own.

you just want to know if he’s real.

oikawa tooru glances down for a moment, he’s probably wondering about you, what’s left you in such a state. though, he’s happy to slide his palm against yours, latching onto it. he shakes once, twice. a little more. tightens his hold a bit.

the weight of his fingers as they brush lightly against your palm is fantastical. he’s so warm. you can feel it spread through you from the pads of your fingers.

he’s very real.

tooru has rather pretty hands.

the contact makes you feel kind of delirious, a produce of being utterly touch-starved. just a simple touch. you’re embarrassed to say it but it takes everything inside of you not to start weeping or hold on frantically in case he does disappear, do something bizzare that’ll scare him away forever.

hey, tooru. are you made of honey?

“well, (y/n), i’m offering you my life right now.”

the sun has set foot on the horizon, plunging in ever so slightly. as a child, the thought of night scared you, feeling largely betrayed by the sun’s farewell. now, it’s a unique kind of comfort to see the moon. it’s as lonely as those who lay their eyes upon it.

“i don’t want it.”

his fingers slip downwards against the dips of your palm.

“you don’t?”

“no, i mean... i don’t want death. not right now..”

you don’t even want to think about it anymore. funny, how things like that work. you were so sure of it. today was the day. your dark rendezvous. weren’t you itching for it?

this bastard.

this man you’ve never met. he clasps onto your hand once and suddenly he stops your nauseating rollercoaster of thoughts and leaves you wondering if, actually, you’d like to see the canal-side again tomorrow, or in fifty years.

who are you really, oikawa tooru?

“no?”

“yeah.”

“then what do you want to do?”

“stay right here, i think.”

your fingers curl, maintaining your hold on him. you should be shy or awkward about this whole ordeal but so you’re desperate for that warmth to continue.

you both stand there, facing one another, hands extended. it’s a little robotic looking. you’re pretty stiff but very sure this is what feels right.

to you, existence is based solely on feeling your way through stages of life. that sickeningly sweet innocence of youth. childhood memories that to you, are dwindled husks of gold, valuable in some aspects but almost meaningless in others. to laugh or to cry allows an individual to create a deep-set connection to the environment around them. it is no longer passing scenery but a moment in your life you once lived through.

that’s beautiful, isn’t it?

unfortunately, emotion provides both a living fantasy and the potential for agony. life is not sweet, nor innocent. it is what you make of it.

it is what your mind is forced to make of it.

and as much as one wishes they were as coddled and loved as they were children, life beyond those years is lonely, difficult and more than you were ever capable of.

were you weak? perhaps.

but maybe people aren’t built for life. we’re all weak.

and realistically, if you are unable to clamber over one obstacle after another -established by those before you- you’re doomed to fall behind.

that will hurt. you will hurt unforgivably because self-worth is no longer a beautiful gift of internal discovery and love but another way to be measured and downsized externally. a practice that leads to hatred. a desire to die.

that’s really where it all began for you. a romantic, a poet at heart, living inside your own, kinder world. that is until reality knocked on your door, invited itself in, just to set the entire thing on fire and leave you as vulnerable as the day you were born.

you aren’t allowed to hide. it comes looking for you eventually.

your stance on life hasn’t changed, afterall, you’ve spent nights mourning over how much it can hurt to live. to fall asleep exhausted with yourself, only to wake up and do it all over again. what you do know, however, is that droning, lonely feeling isn’t there right now. that ongoing, battering ruckus inside your head has ceased. tooru, the strange magician, has left you thoughtless and a little dumb.

you like being this stupid. for once, there’s nothing intrusive prodding the inside of your head.

it’s frightfully quiet, actually. you don’t know what you’re feeling right now. how much time has passed since he’d made that awful joke?

his gaze is on your lingering contact, before lightly pulling you closer, twisting his wrist down so you’re holding hands. your gaze moves to the bankside. you feel comforted. maybe it isn’t death, maybe all you want is a hand to hold.

probably not. that is a stupid, sappy thought. you’re still fanatic about ending your life.

you were so close to doing it, without even really understanding what you were doing. the canal scenery is overpowering, numbing, if you will. without oikawa tooru, you may well have kissed those fishs’ fluorescent scales with your own two lips, as cold as ice with some unfortunate early-morning runner discovering you by twilight.

“we can do that.” he hesitates. “if i’m honest, i would have been pretty scared to jump.”

“yet you still offered?”

tooru hums merrily in confirmation.

“why?”

“because you’re cute.”

you can’t believe your own ears.

“what? seriously?”

“yeah. originally, i wanted your number but things took a small turn.”

you burst out in gutteral laughter, free hand back onto the railing for support. for a moment, you look at him, shaking your head in utter amazement.

“you’re a piece of work, tooru, you know?”

“yeah, i know.”

he smiles back at you. the shadows cast by the setting sun only make him all the more enigmatic.

now that you think about it, you can’t figure this guy out at all. it’s like staring at a wordless piece of paper and trying to find something legible.

“how do you know i won’t come back and repeat all of this tomorrow?”

tooru tilts his head ever so slightly, observing you. his eyes flutter down to your lips, speaking like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“because you told me your name.”

“what does that have to do with anything?”

“well, now that i know that, you’re no longer just a beautiful stranger.”

you understood now. he hadn’t just offered you his life, he’d offered you him. by living on, you’d accepted graciously. he knows that if you visit the canal side again, you’ll only remember this moment.

a bad moment that he, in all his glory, turned into a good one. the day you two first met.

oh, clever boy. he saved you.

though you must say, oikawa tooru, you’re very much mistaken.

you are the beautiful stranger.

a tear runs down your cheek, a little warmer than you could’ve expected.

one turns into two, slipping more and more. eventually, you’re standing over the canal, hand in hand with oikawa tooru, sobbing quietly as the water runs peacefully below the both of you.

#haikyuu headcanons #haikyuu fic #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu imagines #oikawa x reader #oikawa scenarios #oikawa fic #i love oikawa

548 notes · View notes

umblebumble · 3 years

Text

Dragon Age: Inquisition Daemons

So here’s another group daemon selection. I make my choices based off of a mix of analysis (The Daemon Forum is my favourite spot, link) and general vibe as well as plot/thematic things. For this, a lot of inspiration has come from fanfiction I’ve read where the daemon choice just makes sense. There will be minor spoilers for these characters personal plot arcs. Please let me know what you think, and share your own headcannons!

*As a note I tend to pick more mammals than anything else and I am working on widening my selections, but I still run very mammal-centric.

Solas - Common Raven. Raven’s are very clever birds and are great problem solvers and strategists. They go after what they want, and while they can roam in groups, they can work on their own as well. They are also mischievous and cocky; they will pull the tail feathers of larger birds to distract them from food or just for fun. This clever, cocky, proud bird is a very good match for our not-so-humble apostate. Thematically, ravens can be seen as death omens since they often eat carrion. However, they are also called ‘wolf birds’ because they have been known to have working relationships with wolves for hunting. Therefore a raven on the shoulder of a wolf would just make sense thematically to me.

Dorian - Scarlet Macaw. Parrots are far too clever for their own good and boredom is their worst enemy. Along with being bright and flashy to match the sparkly mage, their also very loud and opinionated and dramatic about everything just for the hell of it. I think a Macaw would be bold and striking on Dorian’s shoulder, and would have a razor tongue like the mage. However macaws can also be easily stressed and fall into self-destructive behaviour in bad environments. Thematically I think this parrot would have little bald patches hidden under its wings from where it would stress pluck. An interesting healing arc would be the bald patches growing back in as Dorian is accepted for who he is and doesn’t have to hide himself anymore.

Vivienne - Mute Swan. It can be said of water fowl that they appear graceful and serene on the surface but that’s because you can’t see the intricate paddling going on underneath. I feel that summarizes Vivienne well; she is serene and powerful and graceful at first glance, but behind the scenes there’s a lot of work and whispers and gathering of information. Swans are also very strong and assured. They could break bone with the strength of their wings, and they are confident and assured in their place and their power and status. Furthermore, they’re dedicated to their goals and will put in the work to reach them. However, I also like a swan for Vivienne because they mate for life. They are devoted to a single partner, and when that partner dies they mourn heavily. Vivienne appears unruffled and absolutely pristine to everyone around her and that’s because very few are allowed past her mask to see the softer heart inside that loves and then mourns her loved ones.

Iron Bull - Wild hog/Boar. Pigs are very underestimated animals - they appear big and slow, but they are vicious and incredibly intelligent. Pigs are seriously violent and I think this matches Bulls blood-thirsty battle-lust. But like Bull, his daemon would be underestimated; a war machine on the outside but the mind of a great spy on the inside. They’re social animals, and highly adaptable to a range of environments, and they can be very defensive and protective of themselves and those they care about. Overall I think a boar just suits every aspect of Bull visually and thematically.

Cassandra - Ram. *I initially said Mountain Goat but I had meant a Ram/Big Horned Sheep. Usually I headcanon Cassandra with a dog, a hound of some sort, but this was just very interesting and I quite liked it. When looking at a description of a Ram*, I just felt like it spoke for itself: “ Thick-skinned, competitive, and proud... Assertive and quick to put others in their place when they're crossed, definitely the confrontational sort. Highly defensive of their personal projects and themselves. Highly confident, not ones to doubt their abilities... Likely stubborn and highly straightforward, possibly blunt. Possibly planners, probably quite determined and persistent.” Cassandra is a hard-worker, determined and stubborn. She’s definitely the kind to attack a problem head-first, but she does have the capability to be quick, light on her feet and strategic about her approach. Rams are of the sheep family, and thus are very loyal and close to the people that belong in their circle.

Blackwall - Milksnake. Snakes are generally non-confrontational. They don’t pick fights but they will finish them, which is something I can see reflected in Blackwall’s more laid back attitude towards battle than the other warrior companions. Milksnakes are also very adaptable and will do well wherever they are. They’re a mix of solitary and social, they like being around others but also need their own space. They’re also rather internal and have a lot going on inside they don’t let show, not the kind to wear their heart on their sleeve. Mainly I enjoy the thematic meaning of a milksnake. Milksnakes are adapted to mimic a poisonous snake. Their colour pattern is close to that of a much more dangerous snake, and as such they often trick predators into thinking they are something they’re not. I like this thematically for the not-Warden who is pretending to be something much more fearsome than he is.

Sera - Rat. The common rat is an incredibly adaptable, resourceful, hardy creature. They will find a way in whatever circumstances and use whatever they have to their advantage. They are highly social beings and are made to work in groups, in teams and with others - a network much like the Red Jennies or little people. They’re bold, assertive, and even a little aggressive at times. A rat is seen as vermin and unwanted, but they’re everywhere and are clever and have their little hands in everything. Also, rats are thought of to be tricksters in mythos - the Chinese zodiac being an example of a rat tricking its way to the top. Sera uses her tricky playfulness mainly to pull pranks and cause mayhem, but she also uses it to stick up for others and assert her place in the world.

Varric - Vampire bat. Now I like the headcanon that dwarves don’t have daemons due to Fade-connection stuff and instead have weapons/armour like Armored Bears, but for the sake of argument I wanted to find what his daemon could be. A vampire bat is an unusual animal, and I think it, like Varric, would be the kind of person you don’t easily forget encountering. They are very sensitive, aware animals and are very in-tune with their surroundings and whats going on. They’re very social animals and thrive in groups. They have great communication skills and form close bonds with those they’re close to. Varric would do anything for the people he is closest to, and his natural environment is surrounded by people spinning tales and connecting with others. I think it’s an unusual daemon choice but I also like the idea that its a fun parallel to a surface dwarf - an underground animal, i.e. a rat, but in the sky with wings.

Cole - Unsettled. I think that if Cole did have a daemon, it would be unsettled. He is a spirit and he is in constant state of flux, despite having a central purpose of compassion. And even if he becomes more human, he is very reminiscent of a child learning the world and as such I do not think he would be settled until he becomes more settled in himself. (I do have further headcanon ideas about this spirit-daemon stuff but that may be another post, or a later addition to this one. Let me know if you’re interested)

Leliana - Mongoose. Leliana was harder for me because I don’t know her as well. I didn’t play Origins, but from what I know she was a much younger, more playful, less burdened and jaded person back then. I think this suits a mongoose very well. They can be very inquisitive and open and playful in their youth, unfearful of the wide world and ready to investigate anything to learn more. But as an adult they are more cautious and guarded. Mongoose are incredible predators and are very adaptive, able to take on even snakes that others don’t dare attack. They are more solitary and secretive, and I think an elusive, mysterious mongoose would be a wonderful hint at the fierce power hidden behind the cooler facade of her everyday persona. Brutal, subtle, and unexpected, a mongoose fits the spymaster well as far as I know her.

Cullen - Border Collie. I always knew Cullen would have a dog daemon, it was just a matter of which. He’s loyal and extremely hardworking, and so I decided on herding dogs. I chose Border Collie specifically because of their intelligence, independence and ability to think strategically. This is the kind of dog that will happily take orders and follow command, but will also work on its own to get a job done. Of herding dogs, Border Collies also have the ability to be a bit more ruthless, I feel. They aren’t timid dogs and if left to their own devices could become destructive and rough due to boredom and lack of stimulation. Also, they are predisposed to listen and obey and thus could fall prey to poor leadership (as seen in Kirkwall). Any dog I think could fit for our loyal, hardworking Commander, but I think Border Collie is a good fit. A bit of a farm-boy turned soldier, follower turned commander aesthetic fits thematically with his overall arc.

Josephine - Zebra Longwing. This kind of butterfly is beautiful and poisonous, a perfect combination for our ambassador. Butterfly’s are social creatures and do well around others. Furthermore this kind of butterfly works in groups to achieve its goal, suggesting a calm, diplomatic mind that is good at working with others towards a goal. Furthermore, butterflies are very sensitive and aware creatures; they pay attention to their surroundings and are very intuitive about the environment and others. Lastly, with a slightly toxic nature, these insects warn off predators with their flashy pattern that advertise them as dangerous. I like this because I think Josephine’s daemon would be a great hint at how not-helpless she is, a bit of a giveaway to her power and abilities. Plus I think a pretty butterfly perched like a beautiful broach suits her aesthetic.

#dai #dragon age inquisition #daemons #daemon headcanons #wow that was long #daemon au

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meadow-roses · 3 years

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This is Part 1, ✨History✨.

Okay, so I was working on typing up plot stuff for Joden's story that I'm still thinking of a name for, but it's getting really long so I'll post it in parts. :3

Also since this is really early in the story's creation pretty much everything is subject to change, but you get the idea of the general plot. XD

@ascendant-queen 💖

If anyone has any questions feel free to ask 👀

The story is set in a forested landscape, tree dotted grasslands eventually giving way to deep forests climbing up the mountain slopes. The different kinds of animals live in self governing groups, with varying levels of interaction between them.

The smaller critters like mice, rabbits, and squirrels mostly just live in large family groups throughout the entire region south of the Great Pine Woods. They by far make up the majority of the population, and have no uniting ruler.

The cheetahs live in the southern plains, little baronies scattered all around. Their diet consists of fish and smaller birds (? Might change that later haven't decided if the birds are sentient) and the cereal crops they grow. They also trade these grains with the other animals in exchange for goods such as cloth and beads. They love being fancy. They have this system of electing their rulers, but only members of the "nobility" (land owners) ever get voted in because of money stuffs.

The raccoons also form their own society working off the classic monarchy. Their kingdom is built in the Eastern woods, with their homes built up off the ground and literally in the trees. In the most populated villages, rope and stick bridges connect these homes making swinging pathways in the branches. A lot of the smaller creatures choose to make their homes in the roots of the raccoon trees, as their territorial border patrol keeps out aerial predators and the occasional rogue fox. Unlike the cheetahs, the raccoons are small enough they have enemies to worry about, and are known to have an exceptional and disciplined military.

The bear clans live high up in the craggy woods working their gardens, rather indifferent to what happens below and the rumors that they eat their visitors.

The foxes do not have any form of government or organization. Some live in groups and some alone, some pledge a mammal free diet and some hunt their neighbors. As such they are not trusted by anyone. :/

Here is a map I drew up:

A few things are unnamed and the scale is a bit off but you get the general idea of layout. 👍

About twenty years before the story begins:

Down from the Northern pine woods a clan of foxes comes. They are organized, armed, and angry, ready to claim some territory after being chased out of the north by the wolf clans. Most of the southern foxes come to join their cause, pleased at the idea of them having utter lordship over the woods. Skirting around the great cats, they infiltrate the woods to the west and south after establishing themselves in the North. This was done easily with no opposition due to the small critters having no leader. They just swept in and conquered.

With this done they turn their attentions to the East. The raccoons have watched this all happen with great alarm. King Cynric gathered his men in preparation of the attack, but still wasn't ready for the craftiness of the foxes'. They came in great numbers from the south, engaging the king's soldiers in the clash of battle, while stealthy individuals crept past the border guards and set fire to the trees. The wind and dry weather did its work, and the kingdom of raccoons fell to fire and bloodshed. Most died in the fires that destroyed their homes, the remainder of them fled under the guidance of their prince, only to fall at the mercy of their waiting enemies. Unprotected sows and their kits were slaughtered by the sword or captured and enslaved in the ruins of their home and all across the newly conquered forest.

This song really fits the burning of East Wood and Rowan's side of the story.

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Prince Rowan, however, rebelled at the enslavement of his people. With his father the king now gone, he was left the protector of his people and despite his wife's urging, could not lay down in submission. He gathered a small team of close friends and willing boars, bid his wife farewell, and left, hoping to gain more information on the foxes' plans and find a way to free his people. Him and those with him were never heard from again.

The cheetahs watched all this happen around them, and decided not to interfere, but rather formed an uneasy alliance with the foxes. They didn't consider themselves in any danger of being conquered, but weren't bothered by their actions and wanted to avoid the bother of war. The foxes were more than eager to sign peace with the cheetahs, knowing in that their conquest would be secure. It is unknown whether the bears up in their western mountain range are even aware of the dramatic changes to the lower-lands.

The woods are now in an awkward state of affairs, the foxes holding a tyrannical rule over all their subjects. Soldiers are stationed in every town and village to "keep the peace", the inhabitants going about their lives in the fear they or one of their family members will be chosen as the next meal. Most of the Southern foxes still prefer a mammal free diet, but one of the Northern invaders' main objectives is to secure easy prey for consumption.

The "free" creatures are allowed to live their lives "as they would please", but have limited allowance to travel and must give payment at the end of every week to their resident "guardians". This payment can be anywhere from a basket of wheat berries or a bolt of cloth to an older child.

The raccoons have a far stricter control placed over them, as they are viewed more capable of revolt. Scattered across the foxes' open woodless territory small slave towns hold the remnants of Cynric's kingdom. They spend their days working for their masters, boar and sow alike, tending fields, cooking and cleaning, mining, etc. They are kept under strict control with heavy penalties for disobedience. Their meal times are regulated, their sleep times, work times, housing, children, everything. It is in one of these dusty, dead towns Joden grows up in.

His mother is old enough she remembers what life was like in the old kingdom, remembers a life of freedom under the trees. Joden's father died shortly after the foxes' attack, he is told later he was one of the faithful boars that accompanied Prince Rowan for his last stand. She raises Joden on these tales, urging him to never give up the hope that they can one day be free.

It is for his mother's sake Joden's intense optimism grows. Can he truly be considered a slave if he goes about his work with a smile and a song? If he willingly puts on the yoke and carries the load they have required, who is the one truly in control here? They can enslave his body but they cannot enslave his spirit.

As he gets older he also grows bolder. Just being cheerful to lift his mother's spirits is not enough. He wants the entire slave town to be free in the way he is. They all go about their days in unnecessary gloom, only because they lack someone to lead them out of it. By the time he reaches maturity the entire town looks to him as their leader, hoping that someday a hero will come to set them free and lead them home. He stands in for them against the cruelty of their masters, fighting for the justice of his small community of raccoons. This often gets him into a good bit of trouble, which he somehow always manages to get out of and back home to his worried mother.

He meets Twylla when she is relocated from another slave town by stepping in when a few of the slave masters decide to teach the new coon a lesson. The girl had made no grave offense, just a slip in her understanding of the schedule this different camp functioned under. It was a great surprise to her when a random coon detached himself from the troop marching past, and demanded they punish him in her stead. He would take responsibility for the sow and her actions throughout her initiation and teach her obedience to their rules, all her mistakes laid to his shoulders instead. This was agreed to, as they had nothing in particular against the new coon but did enjoy taking out their boredom on Joden who usually escaped from any attempts against him. Twylla really had no idea what to think of any of this. She helped him up off the ground with repeated apologies he gently brushed off. She very willingly trotted along after him as he taught her not only how to function in this new town, but also how to hope. Then later they get married. :3

Jaceryn is the son of a Cheetah land baron. He has been raised in the lap of luxury, his father being the wealthiest of the barons and the cheetah's current elected leader. He is a rather naive boy who has never left his Father's estate, but naturally has big plans on how he will make the world a better place. He has grown up in a world where the foxes have dominion of all the forest outside his Father's control, and this is normal, but he doesn't understand what that means until he sees it for himself. They have little raccoon slaves all over his Father's land that they purchased from the foxes, so the concept of raccoons being a race of slaves is kinda engrained in him. There's no such thing as a "free raccoon".

His mother instructed him to stay on his father's estate when he plays outside, but one day he gets curious like young boys do, and decides to venture into the trees. He really likes the way the forest feels and goes deeper and deeper, thoroughly enjoying himself when he hears voices and decides to investigate. He comes across a raid in a woodland village, the fox overlords collecting their taxes. He sees the children ripped from their mother's arms, the weeping villagers, the carts of goods and the miserable raccoon slaves pulling them, and the jeering, laughing faces of the fox soldiers and the injustice burns within him. It is true the foxes defeated them in battle, so the captives are their spoils of war, but this is unnecessarily cruel oppression and he hates it. He hates that his own people- free people- are doing nothing to change this and he resolves to be the one that frees the slaves. His parents are told this scheme by their proud little thirteen year old and are very quick to try and dissuade him. Not only is this a dangerous task for him to undertake, but this also holds the possibility of starting a war that neither of them wish to fight. Jacer agrees to "abandon" the dream to put his parents fears to rest, but secretly continues plotting and preparing his coup. It would be risky, and he would need to be sneaky. Break into a camp and take out the guards, let the little coons run free…

He went on frequent trips out to the forest to swing around in the branches and practice creeping silently through the underbrush. The other cubs his age wrote him off as a weirdo, so he went alone. His father eventually began to worry about him on these trips, remembering how impulsive his son can be at times. It had been years since Jacer had talked about his quest to end slavery and had shown no signs that he still held that belief so his father thought nothing of purchasing Jacer his own personal slave. This slave's job would be companion and voice of reason and just general personal servant.

This is probably where the actual story would start lol, so all that is setup. XD

I'll share more as I finish writing it, cause I'm really excited about this story. :3

#joden #jacer #text #writing #anthro #original story #original character #oc #cheetah #raccoon #fox #map #if anyone else wants to get tagged in these posts lemme know 👍#deepwood

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monster-bait · 4 years

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FAE-bruary fill #2 “Phishing”

Anon: What do you think about a Fae figuring out how adapt to a modern world? Instead of meeting people in the woods they're using nigerian prince schemes

Bingo in the Activity Center every Mon - Wed - Fri

Karaoke Saturday Nights! Every week at 4pm

Join us for the ice cream social this Thursday!

Evelyn sighed. She wasn’t sure when time had crept up on her so stealthily, so steadily. It seemed like only yesterday that she and Frank were wrangling the kids in the back of the old Ford wagon, driving across several states to see the Grand Canyon. Now Frank was gone and the kids had kids of their own, and she could no longer remember the route from the house she’d lived in for fifty years to the supermarket around the corner, where she’d shopped for as long a time.

The Pines boasted a wide lawn, backed up by seven acres of woodland, and a glassed-in deck overlooking it all. Deer and birds and squirrels were all regular visitors, with the occasional fox. The residents would crowd around the windows in the winter and enjoy the sun in the warmer months, wheelchairs locked in place.

Evelyn couldn’t remember when she’d gotten this old.

The shrill ringing of the phone pulled her from her ruminations, and she pulled herself slowly from her chair by the window to amble slowly to the desk.

“Hello?”

“Good afternoon, Ma’am. How are you today?”

The young man on the other end of the line had a pleasant, rolling voice, she thought as she answered his polite query. He reminded her of her eldest grandson, although it was rare that Patrick ever lifted his head from that confangled smartphone long enough to have a conversation, on the occasions he visited with his mother and sister.

“And who am I speaking with? May I have your name?”

She was smart enough to be weary. Time might have stolen her youth, her Frank, her ability to get around on her own, but it hadn’t stolen her wits, Evelyn thought proudly. She answered with her first name only, telling the young man flat out that she wasn’t giving him her social security number or credit card card information.

“Evelyn, I’m not interested in any of that,” he laughed in his silvery voice. “I’m merely calling from a quality control center, ensuring that you’re happy with your phone service and not experiencing any issues with your line.”

She could hear the smile in his voice, and felt her own mouth raise in response. He was polite and well-spoken, and hung up with only a few minutes later, after wishing her a lovely day. There. Not so feeble at all.

“Hello?”

Your voice was sharper than you intended it to be, but you were long past caring at that point. It had been a grueling few days. Moving mom should have been easy, should have taken a few hours at most, or so you’d thought: pack her clothes, a few framed photos, the afghan from the sofa, and then settle her into her new room at The Pines.

Things had not gone according to plan.

Your good-for-nothing brother was missing in action, probably off at the track, and you’d been stuck hauling out the recliner Ma insisted on taking with her, not wanting to have to “break in” a new chair in her room, alone. Sorting the clothes had taken an entire afternoon: a pile for the church, a pile to give to your sister Mary, who lived clear across the country and surely wouldn’t want an octogenarian’s wardrobe, but you couldn’t tell your mother anything.

Then there was the kitchen. “Ma, you don’t need to bring any of this stuff! I’m going to get it all packed up for you, I promise!” It had been no use. Your mother had come to terms with the fact that she couldn’t live alone anymore, not after her recent fall and the broken hip that had resulted. You traveled too much for work to be a dedicated caregiver and your brother couldn’t be trusted. Moving her into The Pines was the best solution, and one she’d accepted, eventually.

Evidently that didn’t mean she was willing to accept anyone else going through the entire house, divvying up donations and bequeathments, things she could have been doing for years, and not the weekend she was meant to be moving.

“Ma, it’s not like we’re going to be selling anytime soon! I can pick you up on Sundays and we can go room by room!”

As a result, you were cranky and tired and not in the mood for whoever the hell was on the phone.

“Good afternoon ma’am, how are you today?”

The voice on the other end of the line was pleasant and crisp with a generic friendliness, reminding you of a banker, or worse, a lawyer. You frowned in response.

“I’m fine, what’s this about?”

It was good you were still here, you thought. Your mother had let those smooth-talking bastards at QVC convince her to buy truck loads of their crap in years past, and now she was even more susceptible to their schemes.

“May I have your name, ma’am?”

“You may not,” you said testily, setting down the framed family photo you’d been holding, “not until you tell me what this is about.”

“I’m merely calling from a quality control center, ma’am, but I need to ensure I’m speaking to the right customer. Your name, please?”

The kid was unflappable, you’d give him that. His voice had never lost its smooth, rolling quality, but the joke was on him. You’d been born at night, but not last night. “You’re calling this number, don’t you think you ought to identify yourself first? How do you know you got customers here in the first place? Customers of what, by the way? ‘Cause we’re not interested in buying whatever the hell you’re selling.”

“Ma’am, I understand your concerns, and I assure that nothing is being sold and I’m not collecting any personal information, other than needing you to confirm your na—”

“Are you friggin’ hard of hearing? I’m not telling you anything until you tell me who you are and what this is about.”

A pause on the other end of the line was the only indication that you’d ruffled this smooth-talker’s feathers. You had the momentary thought to simply hang up, but decided that was just an invitation for them to call back. Call back and talk to Ma, and she’ll wind up giving this guy the security code to the house.

On the other side of the line, unbeknownst to you, the coolly-composed man rolled his eyes. Relatives. For the humans, time marched on. Time and technology, he’d learned. They’d wised up to the email schemes, over the years. His newest dabbling was the dating apps—Bumble and Tinder and Grindr and the rest of their ilk—he had accounts on each of them. His profiles were vague, giving just enough false information to lure in some unsuspecting human, and his smile was, obviously, irresistible. It was a reliable channel of names, that often came with the benefit of sexual dalliances, always a nice way to pass a few hours on this plane, but they also took work, more work than he was always willing to invest.

It had been a goldmine, this retirement community. Right on the edge of the forest, he could work from home, so to speak, dialing from room to room, collecting names and building his coffers. The residents changed often enough, and were always happy to hear from him.

They were all so worried about their precious Visa cards that they never stopped to consider the most valuable thing they possessed, they gave away freely.

He decided to try a different tactic, as you filled the dresser with clothing, aggravatedly shoving handfuls of slips and socks into a drawer.

“May I speak to the resident at this number, please?”

A red haze seemed to settle over your gaze, as the implication behind the politely-worded question revealed itself. The resident...of a retirement home. They want to talk to someone old and confused who won’t push back, not your cranky Hanover ass.

“What is your name?” you gritted out, barely keeping your composure as your mother piped up from the corner.

“Gloria, who is it? Tell them I only want the newspaper on Sundays!”

“I want your name, and I want to speak to your supervisor right now.” Silence met you for several heartbeats. “Hello? I said—”

“I’m sorry ma’am, but there’s no supervisor on this line for you to speak to. If you would just—”

“What. Is. Your. Name.” You didn’t need to speak to anyone, you thought. You’d just reverse dial as soon as you hung up on this punk, getting the company’s name when they picked up again.

“You can’t just ask me that,” the smooth voice laughed on the other end, all traces of friendly professionalism gone, replaced instead by a hint of malice. Silvery and cold, all warmth gone, and you fought the instinct to throw the phone across the room. “You don’t ask me questions, I’m the one who—”

“Gloria, who was it? Did you tell them about the paper?”

You stared down at the disconnected receiver, quickly bending to unplug the cradle before you had to hear that voice again.

“You know what? Joey’s right. We don’t need to pay for a phone line. I’m going to get you a cell phone, one with big numbers, and one of those alert necklaces. That way you don’t have to worry about falling. You can call me and Mary anytime you want, okay? Put your sweater on, let’s go to the store right now.”

You didn’t know who the creep was, and you didn’t want to find out, you thought, lifting the disconnected cordless phone base up. You wouldn’t even leave it for the staff to plug in.

They were going to have to try a lot harder than that to get one over on Gloria Boniface. Let them try their scheme on somebody else. Not today, Satan.

On the other end of the disconnected line, the silvery-voiced man sighed. It didn’t matter, he thought. One room outside of his grasp, and it would change over soon enough. Time, for the humans, was a a raindrop in the sea for him, and time, as it always did, kept marching on.

There would be a new name to gather tomorrow.

#Exophilia #tricksy fae #Faebruary #fae #exophilia writer #exophilia creators #monsterbait writes #writing prompt

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telleroftales-blog · 3 years

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Perit, She Who Sculpted The Earth

In the age of Dardanus, father of all, of the gods It was decreed the word which would become law She who perched her nest high atop Tomor mountain Among those who claimed descent from the Eagle Must seek the spirit of the mountain, queen of the rocks That all who would seek to rule the land and their children For without her blessing all the desires and dreams of Man... Zana be her name, the all powerful, the very soul of the land She Zana, spirit of the mountains and the hills With Ora of the lakes and rivers, streams and waterfalls... Without her blessing all endeavor would certainly fail As a horse might falter slipping on a rock Watching over the terrain, it was they who guided Perit She, who did flatten the plains, allowing the fire From within the earth to belch forth Her forge and bellows for her handiwork Did she carved the river gorges and shaped The mighty mountain peaks, the inner caves of the Earth To hide the gems and precious stones for a future day To the lowland swamps where men plowed the fertile fields To gain of their sustenance, toiling daily Thus she formed volcanoes, and also the hot springs Of boiling water, the smell of sulphur ever present Fermented by the mud and dirt cast down from high places After years of toil and sweat carving the Earth as we know it

Perit rested, sweaty now and panting from exhaustion Lonely now, she desired company... For she was alone and the silence was far too much for her So she separated her male half from her female side For she was of two genders, the right and the left The male and the female powerfully intertwined as one And thus she created Man, whom she named Burri A companion and accomplice, in love and harmony Did the two dwell together Perit was a goddess of action and will She gave to Burri all that he desired and needed In joy and in ecstasy did she proclaim her deed... “I brought ye here, therefore it is I who must provide for you Ask and ye shall receive, for thou art my companion I shall be here for you always, my love and my soul As we both will dwell in this place together, happily The carved mountains and valleys, the gouged river gorges This place which I have created with my arms and muscle That give a path of relief to the raging waters From the heavens above, all this I share with you" One day Perit gave birth to a baby girl And the couple were overjoyed Her name was Bija, a child of light with precious eyes Perit and Burri were happy and they celebrated For many years, day after day they partook of the dance of life Singing unto the spirits of the mountains and rivers A song most joyous and happy Until the day of darkness arrived.... The day that their daughter Bija became a maiden, a woman Her eyes were full and bright like the Moon now Burri eyed his daughter with evil intent, with a lustful heart Her figure shapely, her breasts ample, her curves inviting Burri, not knowing work, the skills of the hunt or seeking sustenance Knew not the responsibility of maintaining life and property He fell prey to his inner lust, the call to damnation One day as Perit was out hunting, seeking rabbits for food But she didn’t have difficulty finding game Nor did she need to seek and stalk this time, as she always did For a lone hare came to her, and told her prophecy- “Accept me as thy sacrifice, for today your life will change Throw thy spear surely into my heart, for on this day You too shall be wounded deeply This is the price you must pay for daring to imagine That ye could create anything on your own Thou has carved the rocks and cleared the forests Rendering them into plains and fields And into mighty mountain ranges that encircle the seas Oh goddess, hast thou not heard the cries of pain From those trees and stones as ye cut and forged them? When ye thought to render them to your own desires? There is a price for everything you touch There is a price for living, a price for even being alive" Perit could not fully comprehend what the hare Was trying to say, thinking these words a ploy To ward off impending death at the throw of her lance To escape his fate which awaited him She Perit, spoke- “Think thou not that thy words might spare ye, oh grey hare I shall slay ye and eat of thy flesh, yes I and my Man, and my child, for we must endure Survival is the way of the living, not the dead Thy flesh will taste sweet when it roasted over an open fire This is my world, my land, and thou art but an inhabitant You have a home due to my carving of the rocks Into mountains and valleys have I rendered them Be still, as your death will be swift indeed" And with that she cast her spear with all her might It entered the hare’s chest and protruded from it’s other side The animal closed it's eyes and died in an instant Perit carried her motionless catch on her back She brought it home where she was to prepare a fire So as to cook her prize to feast upon that very evening But as she gathered some wood for the fire To her amazement she heard human cries and moans Coming from behind a great rock She went to investigate and witnessed the unthinkable The unimaginable, the greatest impossibility... There was Burri, mounted atop his daughter, Bija Engaged was he in a most lewd act Bija was crying and screaming, and resisted his advances Having scratched and bit at her father’s face In an attempt at defense The bloody marks upon his visage were evidence Of her attempt to ward him off But she was powerless to resist his muscular strength Which pinned her as a lion pins a gazelle And he continued his savage thrusts amid her cries Unaware of Perit’s arrival he continued Deaf to her approach, blind to all awareness Due to the state of lust he had entered into Perit, enraged at this betrayal, came to the aid of her daughter And firmly took hold of Burri’s legs And in the throes of her anger she, with all her force Threw him over the rock, over the mountains Where he landed forcibly in some lonesome valley However, poor Bija, so enwrapped tightly as she was Caught within his mighty embrace That she too was accidentally thrown along with him Burri landed on the soft side of a riverbed But the beautiful daughter had fallen now from his grasp And fell to her death in the chasm below Her mangled body now crushed, ripped and bloodied Lying upon the rocks forged by Perit’s own handiwork Perit stood silent on the cliff’s edge, unable to speak Tears filled her eyes but she was unable to look down below Into the valley where her beloved daughter lay Her body motionless and still, once breathing now dead Perit was in a state of shock and disbelief Still not able to understand what had just occurred, or why Now she began to contemplate the prophecy of the hare who informed her That as he would be wounded by her spear so she would be as well... Death for a death, a deed for a deed, this is the law of life She took a deep breath and let out a great moan Like that of a wounded she bear Or as a wolf howling at the Moon on a cold Winter’s night After she was able to compose herself, the great Perit called out to Burri from atop the mountain home that was once his Given in love, joy and generosity Perit cried out in a stern voice that echoed across the valley- “Be it known that thou hast broken my trust Oh wretched man! What a despicable act you have committed With all that I have done for you! Never will you dwell here with me again And you shall live out your days In that lonely valley, with snakes and scorpions As companions and friends From this day forth, let there be a solemn word for all Who enter into an agreement The solemn word shall be called Besa, a sacred oath Of loyalty and fealty And let there be death for those who dare to break this word A thousand curses on those who break the Besa Upon them and all their families For a thousand years, until their name and memory Is wiped from the Earth, forever Thou hast broken my heart Until now did I think myself immortal I shall live out my years here alone, until the day I pass From this miserable existence Once again is the dominion of the Earth returned To the great spirits of the mountains and the lakes Praise be to Zana and Ora! Who will watch over the land and the people Never granting power to tyrants and evil doers Reminding all that we are powerless For our existence is but a dream The land survives, that which I carved with The muscle of my arms and the sweat of my brow... The mountains, the river gorges, the plains The rocky shores, all of it All there for the future generations, to live upon Or to make war upon each other As humans see fit, as men will see fit For men will surely destroy this world Though they be created of women, they are The breakers of trust and the greediest of beings May all their doings be cursed with vagueness And their work regarded with much suspicion” Perit ordered some eagles to fetch The broken body of her abused daughter And bring it back to her proximity When they returned she clutched Bija tightly Kissing her forehead repeatedly Rocking her lifeless body to and fro As she did when she was an infant in her arms Blending her tears with her daughter’s now bloodied face Singing in monotones that song which would become known as vajtim The chant of the dead... “Oh my dream, my vision, where have ye flown? Innocent one, ‘tis I who brought you into this world And I who dared to think I could create your destiny Nor will you carry on my lineage Never will you embrace the arms of a lover Never will you know the joy of the hunt The pleasant song of birds are not for your ears Or the sound of fish splashing about in the rivers Forgive me, for it was out of love and need that I acted Fooled and tricked by the man I created for my own desires The old hare was correct, there is a price for everything in this life…the hare paid this price with his... I pay with the life of my daughter! I damn this creation which I alone have brought forth Woe is me and mine, forever, woe unto me and mine For what we have done!” Then she Perit once again stood on the precipice And called out to all the world- “From this day forth let it be known To all the descendants of generations to come For any of you to be a ruler among the nations and the tribes Know that they must come to this mountain And seek the guidance of the great spirits Zana and Ora Who will surely test them as to their dedication And as to their truthfulness And if these would-be chiefs are proved worthy They will be granted their blessing If they are proven not worthy Let them be cast down into the chasm below Their crushed bodies a reminder of My own poor Bija’s crushed body Which lay there alone and innocent Her young blood mingling with the river's flow For those who pass the test of Zana and Ora They who rise forth to take command of the clans And lead their people to victory Let their lives be a story recounted when they die So that when they leave you, sing of their glories Or sing then of their evil deeds So all will know who they were and what they did in life Sing the vajtim and sing it loudly! This will be a warning that would insure They live a life of noble gratitude and justice Rather than one of trickery, evil doings and lust” These last commandments were thus delivered Echoing in the valley until the coming of men Citing that all beings will do what they see fit in their time Though humans have no knowledge of what the future may hold or how one’s actions will affect others on the morrow Perit looked up at the mountain peak where Zana and Ora Dwelled among the clouds that enshrouded these mountains She asked for their forgiveness, to which they gave With that Perit closed her eyes and without hesitation Leapt from the cliff, plunging into the valley below Her blood and her being blended with the fast moving river The violently churning waters became now Like the foam and bubbles produced by Those helpless unfortunates drowning, thrashing about To save their own lives… Thus the swiftly flowing water became known for all time As Lum i Shkumbi, the River of Foam How foolish then, are the created ones? Those beings, all of them, Men and Beasts Born into this prison of existence Nothing can be done about our situation As we have no choice in the matter No chest of gold or silver will deliver us from our destiny There is a price we pay to be alive, to be, costly indeed For the very experience of living But to live accordingly, with honor and dignity With the knowledge of trust and law This is what helps the pain of the reality So we can pass on to our children our stories They who will dwell in a realm we can never hope to see... That we might be remembered one day by those Who come after us, who will tell our stories and recite our tales… In the realm of multiple tomorrows

#illyrian ancientmythology ancientbalkans creationmyths albania folklore

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adirohasolutions · 3 years

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Malware Analysis - Introduction:

Before getting to the depths of malware analysis, we need to understand what a malware is. Malicious softwares (Malwares) are either programs or files that are intended to cause harm to a system and thereby its user. There are different types of malware present in the big internet world of ours, be it viruses or worms or Trojan horses or ransomware or any other spyware. A malware can be used to carry out various functions like stealing of data, encrypting of files, deleting any data, altering files or even adding these systems to one huge botnet and monitor them without the user knowledge about their device being infected. Generally, malwares are written by hackers. Based on the surface of attack, they follow two types of ideology:

1. A mass attack, in which they write a malware supposedly to infect huge amounts of data.

2. Targeted attacks, in which the hacker focussedly writes malware for specific data.

We now have a basic understanding of malware, let us have a look on how we can actually carry out any malware analysis and what techniques are to be used in the process.

Various techniques used in Malware Analysis:

There are two different types of malware analysis techniques in general. They are: Static Analysis and Dynamic Analysis

Static Analysis is the collection of all the examinations of the malware where we do not actually execute the malware, but try to find out what it (malware) is trying to do.

Dynamic Analysis are carried out when we actually execute the malware (in a sandboxed environment) and try to figure out the functionality of it.

These two can further be divided into four sub categories.

(i) The Basic Static Analysis

The Basic static analysis is the process where, without reading the actual instructions, the executable is examined.

From Basic Static Analysis, we can confirm whether the file has malicious content, and provide information on its functionality.

Sometimes, information that will allow us to produce simple network signatures can also be provided.

It’s quick and straightforward, but it is highly ineffective against any sophisticated malware, and might miss important behaviors.

(ii) Basic Dynamic Analysis

Basic Dynamic Analysis techniques involve the running of malware & observation of its behavior on the system, so as to remove the infection, to produce effective signatures, or both simultaneously.

Before the execution the malware, we need to have an environment that will allow the study of running malware without damaging our system or network.

These techniques are used by most people who do not have deep programming knowledge, however they won’t be much effective due to the malware.

(iii) Advanced Static Analysis

This analysis consists of the process of reverse-engineering the internals of a malware by loading the executable file into a disassembler & observing the program instructions to discover what the program actually does.

Since instructions are executed by the CPU, advanced static analysis tells us what the program actually would do.

However, the Advanced Static Analysis has a steeper learning curve than that of Basic Static Analysis and hence requires specialized knowledge of code construction, disassembly and concepts of the Windows operating system.

(iv) Advanced Dynamic Analysis

In this, a debugger is used to test the internal state of a running malicious executable file.

Advanced Dynamic Analysis techniques come up with another way of extracting detailed information from an executable file.

These techniques are best used when we try to obtain information, gathering which using the other techniques is difficult.

We, at Adiroha Solutions, are planning to write further articles, explaining these techniques in depth and also on how to perform them in the most optimized way.

The Three Golden Rules Of Malware Analysis

In general, malware analysis has three golden rules that we need to definitely keep in mind while carrying out our examination of the programs to improve our productivity and also not to fall prey to the attackers’ trap.

Rule 1:

Do not be too caught up in the details. Most of the malware programs are large and complex to be able to understand every detail.

Instead, focus on the key features. When we run into any complex sections, we need to try to get a general overview before getting stuck.

Rule 2:

Have it in mind that different tools and different approaches are available for different jobs according to the requirements.

There is no single approach.

Every other situation is different, and hence the various tools & techniques that we learn will have similar or even overlapping functionality.

If we don’t get lucky with one tool, we’ll try another. If we get stuck, we shouldn’t spend too long on any single issue; we should move on to something else.

Try to analyze the malware from a different angle, i.e., a different approach.

Rule 3:

Remember the point that analyzing a malware is like playing a cat-and-mouse game.

As we have new malware analysis techniques, malware authors come up with new techniques to prevent analysis.

To become a successful malware analyst, we should be able to recognize, understand, & defeat these new techniques, and respond to changes made to the art of malware analysis.

Now that we’ve known different types of malware analysis and the three golden rules, let us have a bird’s eye view on things to be done when a malware is encountered on our system or network.

Measures against a Malware Attack:

Malware analysis is to provide the information we need, in order to handle a network intrusion. We should determine what exactly happened & ensure that we locate all the infected data and systems.

When analyzing a suspected malware, our goal will typically be to exactly determine :-

i) what a particular suspect binary is capable of

ii) how it can be detected on our network

iii) how to measure its damage and contain it.

After identification of files needing complete analysis, we should develop signatures to be able to detect malware infections.

Host-based signatures are used for detection of any malicious code on the victim’s device.

Malware indicators do not focus on the characteristics of the malware, rather they focus on what it does to the system.

Network signatures are used for detecting malicious code by monitoring the network traffic.

Creating network signatures without malware analysis is possible, but signatures created involving malware analysis are way more effective.

The final motive is to figure out how exactly the malware works & functions that try to execute when present on the system.

#malware #malware analysis #cybersecurity #information security #network security

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human-trash-fire · 4 years

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Beautiful Disaster: Chapter 5 (Pynch Soulmate AU)

Alrighty my loves, this chapter has been a labor of love from the beginning. As you continue reading you will see art pieces and each is correlated with a song (those will be at the end), and references yet again will be made to the EMFS playlist (Ronan’s rehab playlist- I’ve actually made it on spotify! you can find it here)

As usual you can find this story on Ao3 @ glam_reaper 2 if you’re interested <3

TW: Mention of suicide attempt, a panic attack though not super descriptive, cannon typical language.

Iv.

You,

I made a friend last week.

I know for most people that wouldn’t be a big deal, but I assume by now You understand what that means for someone like me. I guess “friend” may be a generous term? I don’t know if we are there yet, Blue definitely disagrees with him “on principle.”

You see, President Cellphone as she calls him, or Richard Campbell Gansey III (I know, what a douchey fucking name) is all boat shoes and privledge and perfect teeth. Gansey isn’t someone I’d normally associate with mind you, Henry kind of met my quota for rich extroverts in the inner circle, and yet…

So, here’s the story. I’m writing my last letter right? And I was so fucking lost. I decided to walk home from Nino’s- I thought maybe it would help me settle. And there, right around the corner is this fucking ‘73 camero. It should have been beautiful, really.. A classic like that? It’s a dream to look at. Only this fucking thing is the UGLIEST color of candy orange you could ever imagine… And it’s blowing smoke all over the damn place. I was honestly going to leave boat-shoes to call his daddy or mechanic or what have you, but he looked so confused. I offered to help him out and was able to get it running long enough to get to Boyd’s.

I expected him to just drop off “The Pig” (the car) like any normal person and come back for it, only I apparently made “quite the impression.”

Gansey ended up staying with me, prattling on about his Masters History program and some welsh king the ENTIRE time I worked on the damn car. At first I was tuning him out, but without realizing it I became completely entranced by the whole story. I’ve never seen such passion for anything, and I have VERY spirited friends.

He has one of those voices you know? The kind that can stop a room, raise an army, lead a nation. The kind that demands to be heard without ever having to raise itself.

That’s Gansey though.

I think he’ll be good for me, I don’t think he’d give me much of a choice in the matter though to be honest. He kind of adopted me this week? That should bother me and yet, being around him is just… It’s being included. It’s a sense of purpose.

I think he needs it too, he doesn’t seem to talk about negative things but you can tell, he’s haunted by something. That’s what solidified it for me really. He may be a senator’s son but he’s seen some shit.

I wish you could have met him, I wonder if you would have been as intrigued by him as I find myself.

Blue is being a total idiot about him, but I’m about 82% sure it’s because she is into him. I know for sure the feeling is mutual. It took Gans approximately 15 minutes after meeting Blue to ask me for her life story, offend her beyond measure, and then haul ass out of Nino’s. It was the first time I’d seriously laughed in so long. Have you ever been second-hand embarrassed for someone? It was that.

I’m going to wrap this up now though, I need to head to Nino’s for my shift, Blue’s working so of course Gans is stopping by. He said he’s bringing one of his best friends with him, some dude named Noah. Apparently he’s pretty cool, so I’m moderately less apprehensive. He said he wished he could bring his other best friend/ his and Noah’s third roommate but the guy is staying with family for a few months or something. Idk? He doesn’t talk about the other roommate much. I honestly don’t even think he’s ever said his name. Who gives a shit though, I can barely handle one new friend, let alone a 3-pack of Ganseys. Good God… I hope Noah isn’t another Gansey…. Fuck.

Welp.

Here goes nothing.

*****

It started with a not-so-subtle idea from the esteemed Dr. Allen. “Show me what happened.” Ronan was never great with words before all this, and since… When he spoke it was usually a litany of curse words. So Dr. Allen had suggested art. In the weeks since his entombment in this fine rehabilitation center, Ronan had kind of already been doing what he was being asked to do now. Though, he didn’t mention it to Allen. He’d spent countless hours sketching his life, the whole thing, in snapshots inside that beautiful leather sketchbook Gansey had given him.

He started at the beginning, pictures of Aurora and his brothers, the Barns, his father playing guitar by the fire. He drew their family vacations, the cows he used to sneak out and sleep beside when he was a child, the feeling of winning the Tennis State Championship when he was 15. He drew the bad things too, his nightmares, his drug-trips, that old stained couch in the basement of Kavinsky’s house. He put every piece of himself, all 22 years of memories down in that book, woven together with song lyrics in the margins.

So when Dr. Allen asked him to look specifically to his addiction and create, he didn’t see a problem. He needed to return to school with a series anyways, Declan had called to inform him that strings had been pulled to allow him to finish his final semester at Georgetown, but he needed to walk in with something to show at the January exhibition. Two birds, and all that.

He settled on 7 pieces, each done in oils on canvas, each accompanied by a song. 7 moments in the life of his battle with addiction, from the beginning to now. With each stroke of his brush he felt infinesmally lighter, pouring his grief into the images before him.

It started with “The Fall.” His father’s murder in reds and greys; fracturing lines and deep shadows. He mixed his paints with tears and used his heart to drag color across the canvas. For the first time in years, Ronan allowed the memory to consume him. He’d re-lived it plenty of times in his nightmares, but this was different. His hands shook, jagged strokes of anger and confusion bleeding through. He painted the brief moment, the final moment, when his world was whole before his teenage mind finally realized what it was he was looking at. His last free breath. And he painted his screams, the cacophony of pain, endlessly mixing with sirens until his vocal chords gave out.

He drowned the canvas in un-kept promises and hung it out to dry with childhood dreams.

Then came “Chasing the Void.” It was a story told in stark lighting. High beams on a backroad, swirling smoke and broken bottles. It was white glasses and white-powder lines on shark-nosed hood. It was going 115mph, bones rattling with the beat of the bass in his sound system. Ronan painted a black tattoo, used the blood on his knuckles to tint bloodshot eyes. His brush moved with his mother’s disappointment and his brother’s anger. Whimsical lines and Gansey’s head shaking when he found Ronan passed out yet again. He painted the highs and lows when sobriety reminded him that he hated the face that stared back at him in the mirror.

Each new piece he added to the collection was brought to Dr. Allen’s office. Together they worked through each memory associated with the piece and slowly Ronan felt the weight on his chest lighten.

Gansey visited every Monday and Friday like clockwork. He kept Ronan apprised to all the goings on of Monmouth and updates on Matthew and Declan. Ronan never asked for them, but he appreciated it regardless. His current obsession though seemed to be a new friend, Adam something. He had been going on for 30 minutes now about how this man single-handedly raised the Pig from the dead. Ronan tuned out most of the conversation, but nodded at what he assumed were appropriate moments while sketching.

“Ronan, are you even paying attention?” Gansey asked, irritation only slightly evident.

“Mmm?” Ronan hummed. “For sure. Pig. Smoke. Some new guy.”

“Essentially. I was saying that Noah and I are heading to his second job, the man works 2 jobs and is getting a masters can you believe it? Anyways Nino’s, so Noah can finally meet him and Blue. Have I mentioned her yet?”

Blue? He thought. Who the fuck names their kid Blue. “Once or twice.”

“Well they both work this afternoon, so I assume we’ll just hang there until they get off. Then maybe grab a bite. I wish you could come, I’m sure you’d get along nicely with Adam.” Gansey said, choosing to ignore the previous sarcasm and barrell on. Excelsior.

“Doubt it.” Guy sounds like a douche.

“On that note, thank you for another lovely visit. I’ll see you Monday, Ronan.” Gansey gathered his coat and made his way to the door with a final wave.

Ronan waved back with a single finger and a saccharine “Bye, Dick.” Then shoved his Airpods back into his ears and lost himself in the EMFS playlist.

*****

As Adam gathered the tub of dirty dishes from above the trash and made his way back to wash them, he was lost in thought. These last two weeks, recent events, had been so much and yet he strangely was beginning to feel some semblance of peace. He knew that Blue had wanted him to write letters to help him cope. If he was admitting to it helping, he also needed to be honest with himself in noting that it may have been hurting just as much. He was falling in love with a ghost. A figment of his imagination that he could tell his every secret too, someone who listened without judgment; Someone who never asked more of him than he could handle. It wasn’t healthy, wasn’t what Blue had intended, of that he was sure. But, if it brought him peace and allowed him to sleep without seeing cold, dead eyes, then what was the harm?

He rinsed the mugs and plates loading them efficiently into the dishwasher, and dried his hands. As he moved to toss the towel into the bin, he heard the bell chime above the cafe door. He made his way slowly to the front, knowing that Blue was currently handling the register meant that he didn’t need to rush. On his way down the hallway he stopped to straighten a missing cat flier on the community bulletin board, taking a moment to snap a picture of the cat in question so he could be on the lookout, then continued toward the front; eyes glued to his phone.

He rounded the corner towards the coffee bar to the tune of laughter, it seemed Gansey had arrived. His eyes found Blue first. For all her insistance that she loathed the man in question, she was positively glowing, head tossed back in a hearty laugh. Lost in the bubble of charm Gansey operated in.

“-And so I asked him, mind you I’ve had a lot to drink at this point, ‘Hey senator, why do you fucking hate poor peo-‘ Oh! Adam” Ganseys story of embarrassing his mother at one of her Republican fundraisers interrupted, as he caught sight of Adam sliding behind the bar.

“Hey Gans,” He smiled.

“My apologies, this is Noah.” Gansey stepped to the side to reveal the man in question, and Adam’s breath stopped.

There, eyes blue and wide with shock, mouth agape stood the man from the alley. The one whose scream still haunted Adam in the dark, solitary hours of sleep. The one that began his every nightmare of that night.

He was different now, tears weren’t pouring from his eyes to dance across the plains of his smudgey face. His blonde hair free of blood was slightly tousled, and his clothes were clean, albeit a little disheveled.

“No,” the word was a broken noise, barely a word at all, closer to a sob. Gansey and Blue looked frantically between the two for what seemed like an eternity before Noah spoke.

“It’s you…”

“Who? Noah, you know Adam?” Gansey’s voice was quietly confused.

Adam began to shake his head slowly, increasing with speed as his breath finally returned to him; Erratic and wild. Crocodile tears blurred his vision, and he finally croaked a simple question, “What… What was his name?”

“Ronan.”

“Oh, god” Blue breathed.

Adam ran, desperately fleeing the scene and chorus of his name called from the front. Ronan, his name was Ronan. Adam couldn’t breathe. His pain fresh, an un-mendable wound reopened now that he had a name to grieve. He paused, only long enough to grab his messenger bag from the back, and took the alley door.

Then he ran, faster than he’d ever remembered running. Tears turning the colors of the world around him to a haunting watercolor. His breath came in painful stabs, each beat of his bleeding heart an excruciating truth.

He somehow made it back to his apartment. The moment the door closed behind him he fell against it and slid to the floor. Ronan Ronan Ronan-

“R-Ronan.” He spoke the name the first time aloud, the feeling of its weight on his tongue was an answer to a question he’d been asking for a month. For a lifetime.

Adam didn’t know how long he sat on the floor, grief taking time and twisting it in on itself. An amalgam of pain, hopelessness, and questions. Gansey, Gansey knew Ronan, knew Noah. Noah the boy he’d last seen carted away in the back of an ambulance covered in red red red. Noah, who’d screamed for help like the world was shattering. Noah, who’d clung tightly to the shredded arms of a bleeding man in a dark alley.

Help me, his mind screamed, his internal voice morphing into Noah’s from that night.

Help me, I’m not okay…

A key twisting in the lock above his head brought his attention to the present. Adam pushed away from the door, and waited as Blue made her way into his dark apartment. Night had fallen sometime since he’d been here, on the floor, lost in the alley. Lost in a name.

“Hey,” she whispered.

“Th-that was-”

“I know. Noah told us after you left. Adam, there’s… Adam. I need to tell you something.”

It was a concentrated effort to drag his gaze from the space between their bodies on the floor to meet her eyes. Lights from the street poured through the window in the living room, painting Blue’s honey warm skin in a haunting glow. He couldn’t bring himself to ask, so he waited. He watched. She brought a trembling hand to his, her brown eyes lined with silver, she squeezed.

“Adam, he’s alive.”

A sob born of heartbreak and pain tore from his chest, he couldn’t form words. He broke then, completely and wholly. Blue came to cradle his head against her chest as he cried. Every hope he’d killed since the alley came barreling to the surface; All the pain and confusion, love and questions, beating like waves against the shores of his mind. Some minutes later he finally raised his head and met Blue’s eyes, her smile was wet and broken. He dragged his hand under his nose, across his eyes, and finally found the word to the question he needed to ask. “How?”

So Blue told him. Apparently, him finding Noah and Ronan in that alley, the tourniquet he’d made of his scarf, that extra minute he’d bought him had been enough. The doctors were able to stitch his wounds, and though it had been a close call, he’d pulled through. She explained that he’d had a hard life, though Gansey wouldn’t give details because he insisted those were Ronan’s to share when he was ready. He did however give her basic facts. Ronan Niall Lynch is an artist, a senior at Georgetown. He’s an orphan, and a brother. He’s an addict in recovery at a facility in Arlington, and Gansey’s third roommate.

Blue explained that, when Adam was ready Gansey and Noah wanted to meet with him, to talk more. She offered to accompany him when that time came, but they all agreed they wouldn’t push him until he was ready. “Thank you,” he’d said to Blue. For getting the information. For telling him. For allowing him space. She understood that his history made this difficult, an addict for a soulmate was something he would need time to process. She eventually asked if he wanted to be alone and when he’d told her “yes” she kissed his forehead, and made her way to the door.

“Adam,” she paused, and he looked up. “We’ll wait on your text okay? Whenever you’re ready. But please check in so I know you’re safe.”

“I will.”

With a perfunctory nod she slid back out the door.

Adam spent another minute in silence before dragging himself from the floor. He made his way in a daze to his desk and he collapsed into his chair. Slowly, he pulled out a blank sheet of paper.

His hand shook.

He took a deep breath.

He wrote.

Ronan,

You’re alive…

**********************

Art Pieces and their correlating songs (linked):

“The Fall” The War- SYML

“Chase The Void” For What It’s Worth- Malia J

#bd au #pynch #pynch fic #Adam Parrish #ronan lynch #ronan x adam #blue sargent #gansey #richard campbell gansey iii #gangsey #soulmate au

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sciencespies · 5 years

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Ecologists find bird-deterring nets create haven for stinging venomous caterpillars

https://sciencespies.com/biology/ecologists-find-bird-deterring-nets-create-haven-for-stinging-venomous-caterpillars/

Ecologists find bird-deterring nets create haven for stinging venomous caterpillars

Asps, which resemble tufts of fur, bristle with venomous spines that can cause severe pain. Credit: Brandon Martin/Rice University

While collecting data from live oak trees in the world’s largest medical center, Rice University evolutionary ecologists have discovered huge quantities of one of North America’s most venomous caterpillars.

Live oak trees lining sidewalks in the Texas Medical Center (TMC)—which is visited by 10 million people seeking health care each year—are routinely netted to discourage pesky birds such as grackles and pigeons. Now Rice researchers have learned the netting has an unintended consequence: Chasing away birds that eat insects has created a haven for a flourishing population of Megalopyge opercularis, commonly referred to as asps.

The asps bristle with venomous spines that can cause severe pain for humans unlucky enough to come in contact with them. When a human is stung by an asp, it can cause localized pain that is compared to blunt-force trauma or a bone break. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, fever, low blood pressure, inflammation of lymph nodes and, in severe cases, abdominal distress, muscle spasms, convulsions and respiratory stress.

“I’ve been stung by a lot of things and an asp sting definitely ranks high up there,” said Mattheau Comerford, an ecology and evolutionary biology graduate student at Rice who is also a U.S. Army veteran. “It takes about 10 minutes before the pain kicks in so you might not even realize you’ve been stung at first. It feels like a broken bone and the pain lasts for hours. I was stung on the wrist and the pain traveled up my arm, into my arm pit, and my jaw started to feel pain.”

The TMC, in addition to hosting a vulnerable population seeking health care, is the eighth-largest business district in the country, employing more than 106,000 people.

“There are a lot of people that congregate in the green spaces of TMC,” said Glen Hood, a research assistant professor of biological sciences at Wayne State University and a former member of the Rice Academy of Fellows. “It becomes this scenario of what’s worse—bird guano or venomous asps—and is there a happy medium?”

Scott Egan, an assistant professor of biosciences at Rice, has spent almost 20 years studying live oaks from Florida to Texas and is used to seeing the asps, which resemble tufts of fur. He said asp stings are common in live-oak country, even though the insects typically occur in low numbers under natural conditions.

“When we saw such high numbers of asps in the TMC, we knew this was something we needed to look into,” he said. “The Egan Lab addresses important conceptual issues in ecology, evolution and conservation biology, and we do that through the lens of specializing in one single system.”

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Credit: Rice University

As specialists in the live oak system, Egan and his team can observe unique differences or slight changes that a general scientist might not be able to see. That’s what sparked the study entitled “Human-mediated disturbance in multitrophic interactions results in outbreak levels of North America’s most venomous caterpillar,” which is published in the journal Biology Letters.

“We thought this was a wonderful, natural, already-occurring experiment that we could exploit to understand what happens when trophic interactions get disrupted,” Egan said. “We observed that there were a higher number of asps in the TMC than on Rice’s campus, so we performed an observational study across many sites in this area over a three-year span: trees that have massive nets and deter birds, versus naturally occurring systems such as live oak trees and the caterpillars that feed on them.”

Egan’s team discovered that caterpillar abundance, on average, was more than 7,300 percent higher on netted versus non-netted trees.

“The patterns in the data are overwhelming and striking,” said Hood, the study’s lead author and a former postdoctoral research fellow in Egan’s lab. “It’s highly suggestive that when you don’t take into account the natural interactions taking place within a community or ecosystem, even in an urban setting, it can cause unforeseen consequences.”

Egan and his team were especially interested in the location of the netted trees—lining the sidewalks, green spaces and streets of the TMC.

“In this area, there is a high density of people with allergies and compromised or depleted immune systems, putting them at a higher risk for the ill effects of the asp stings,” Comerford said.

Egan said nuisance birds are a widespread problem, and the kind of nets used in the TMC are a common sight in cities, fruit orchards and commercial nurseries. He said TMC staff helped his team with its research, giving students access to trees and opening up netting for sample collection.

“There is no ‘bad guy’ here,” Egan said. “Urban bird pests are a real problem, and birds can carry diseases and pose health risks, too. Netting trees is a way to address that problem, and we do not know if netting trees leads to an increase in asp stings. What our study shows is the complexity of the problem. Asps are yet another dimension to something that was already a multi-dimensional problem.”

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Credit: Rice University

Humans may not be the only species at risk from asps. The Houston Zoo, located on the northeast edge of the TMC, houses more than 6,000 animals from 900 different species. Many zoos use netting to cover animal enclosures and observation areas, and Egan’s team said that could facilitate similar asp outbreaks and increase animal and human exposure.

Amanda Weaver noticed the surge of asps covering netted trees in the TMC while she was working on a separate project for her senior thesis as an undergrad in the Egan Lab.

“I thought this project was really interesting because I had never heard of asps before I got to Rice,” said Weaver, now a graduate student at Columbia University. “I remember getting the warning emails from Rice and seeing the rashes from my classmates who had been stung. Especially because they are not prevalent everywhere, my biggest concern is that people may not know they are venomous. In fact, they actually look cute.”

Rice’s status as a registered arboretum and its next-door proximity to the TMC allowed Egan’s team to gather data from many sites over a three-year span.

“Like a lot of things in biology, this experiment happened serendipitously,” Hood said. “If you’re inquisitive and paying attention to the details, you’ll see an opportunity to collect data.”

By spotlighting an unforeseen consequence of ecological disturbance, Egan and his team hope the study emphasizes the importance of considering ecology in urban planning.

“When we try to manage environments, it’s very difficult for us to predict all of the implications or consequences,” Comerford said. “It’s very easy to say the birds are a problem and we can fix it by removing their nesting sites. But if you don’t think through the pipeline, you can ultimately create unintended downstream effects.”

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Love vine sucks life from wasps, leaving only mummies

More information: Glen R. Hood et al. Human-mediated disturbance in multitrophic interactions results in outbreak levels of North America’s most venomous caterpillar, Biology Letters (2019). DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0470

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Citation: Ecologists find bird-deterring nets create haven for stinging venomous caterpillars (2019, September 6) retrieved 8 September 2019 from https://phys.org/news/2019-09-ecologists-bird-deterring-nets-haven-venomous.html

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wisdomrays · 4 years

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ISLAM AND WORK

A person is not a machine that can remain indifferent to their surroundings. It is a duty for every person to work for their parents and relatives if they are a child or for their children if they are parents. In fact, a person should work for all of humanity, regardless or not, based purely on the fact that they are human. When we look at it from this perspective, we can see that each tree that is planted, each piece of cloth that is woven, each shoe that is made, each instrument that is invented, each technique that is developed is not done just for personal needs, or even just for one’s close relatives . Such products of our work are presented to other human beings so that all can benefit.

There are two different types of rules in the universe. One of these consists of the principles of the sciences, such as physics, chemistry, astronomy, astrophysics, biology and medicine, all of which occur in the universe. These sciences can be considered to be the “book of the universe.” This book does not have a language in the usual sense, but contains signs of God that are read through the eyes of wisdom. The second of these sciences consists of the rules that God has sent to us through the prophets; there is the Qur’an, brought by Prophet Muhammad, as well as revelations brought by other prophets, like the Psalms, the Torah, and the New Testament. It is essential that the revelations and the Book of the Universe, along with their contents, are known and the requirements within them adhered to. Generally speaking, the reward of reading and applying the Book of the Universe is granted in this world. The reward of adherence to the Qur’an is given in the Hereafter. Therefore, if believers only read and adhere to the sections concerned with worship in the Qur’an, they will be rewarded only in the Hereafter. If they read the Book of the Universe and adhere to it, they will be rewarded in this world. Happiness in both worlds is dependent on both these books being read and applied in balance. In actual fact, these two books are like the two sides of one reality. The same hand and authority is present in both. God, Who presents the universe to us, with all its richness and depth, speaks of this in the Qur’an. He tells us about ourselves-we are also a part of the Book of the Universe-through the Qur’an.

Within the guidelines of physical laws, He tells us about all creatures. He informs us of the irrevocable damage that will occur when something is missing from either of these two books. The verses in the Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet concerning work are focused for the most part on earning a livelihood. This situation should not be interpreted to mean working in a limited circle and neglecting other areas. There are two essential components concerning working. One of these is the necessity for the individual to work to secure their basic needs in order to survive, that is, working for their livelihood. The second is to work on the principles of making life easier. The Prophet encouraged working on both these points and personally taught the Companions how to work. In the Hadiths of the Prophet, working for earning a living has been is esteemed. For example “There are some sins that neither prayer, nor fasting or Pilgrimage can assist in forgiving, they can only be forgiven through the work carried out for one’s livelihood,” “No human being has eaten anything more virtuous then what they have earned themselves. A messenger of God, the Prophet David also used to eat what he had worked for.” It is also worthwhile to mention the following events to highlight this point. One day the Prophet met with Sa’d ibn Muadh and shook hands. The Prophet saw that the hands of Sa’d were calloused and asked the reason why, to which the latter replied ‘they are like this because I was working for my family’. Then the Prophet stated that ‘here are the hands that God likes.’” The Prophet set an example through working himself and also in teaching others how to work. On one occasion, after telling a man who was begging how bad begging was, the Prophet asked him, “Do you have nothing in your home?” to which the man replied he had nothing other than a cloth and a pot. Upon this, the Prophet asked the man to bring those to him. Then the Prophet auctioned off these objects to the Companions, raising two dirhams (the currency of the time). He gave the two dirhams to the man, telling him to use one dirham for his family and to buy a rope and an axe with the remaining dirham. The man came back with the rope and axe and the Prophet told him to cut and gather wood from the forest and sell this at the market, giving him a fifteen-day period. After a fortnight the man returned with ten dirhams. It is important to note that one aspect of how this topic is dealt with in both the Qur’an and the Hadiths is the balance between the two worlds. This balance is described in Sura Qasas, verse 77: With the things that God has endowed on you try to gain the Hereafter. Do not forget your share from the world. The Prophet indicates this balance in the hadith “do you know who is best of you? Those who do not forgo their world for the Hereafter or their Hereafter for their world, people who are this way will gain both the Hereafter and this world and will not be relianton any other.” It is apt to focus at this point on the theme of reliance on God (tawakkul). Understanding the connection between resigning oneself to God’s will and working has occasionally been problematical in the Muslim world. Even though reliance on God means to expect results from God and to have full faith in Him after having completed all the necessary requirements, there have been, amongst Muslim communities, those who have come to believe that reliance onGod means abandoning all rationale and believing that work is against such an entrustment of oneself in God’s hands. These people have argued that resignation to God’s hands means “to trust purely in God and refrain from carrying out any activities in relation to work; to do so enables people to connect with God and provide protection against (attaching one’s heart to) worldly possessions.” It is also possible to find religious principles that endorse this belief. People who think in this way give the following hadith as proof of their ideas “Your God orders as follows ‘O Mankind! Put aside time to worship so that I may fill your heart with richness and your hands with livelihood. O Mankind! Do not stray from me, otherwise I will fill your heart with poverty and your hands with preoccupation.’” “Whoever leaves all other activities and gives themselves over to the worship of God will fulfill all requirements for livelihood from where they least expect it. Whoever devotes themselves to the world, then God will make them a deputy to the world.” However such an understanding of placing oneself completely in God’s hand can only be applicable and reserved to those few who have devoted themselves purely to worship; it is not for the general public. The grindstone of social life is working. If there was no labor, communal life will come to a standstill. What we are saying is not that everyone forego the requirements of this trust, but rather they should hold steadfast, and the heart should be content after having done all that is necessary, and wait for the outcome. An Arab asked the Prophet “O Prophet, shall I rely on God after I tie my camel or after I let it go? To which the Prophet replied “Tie your camel then put your faith in God’s hands.” This answer is enough to resolve the issue. It is appropriate to give an explanation of the hadith that is used as evidence for reliance on God, but which is often misinterpreted. In this hadith the Prophet says “Had you placed yourselves in God’s hands sincerely, you would be fed like the birds. Birds leave their nests in the morning hungry and return full.” This hadith, on the surface, seems to mean that one should not do anything but wait for everything from God. But if you look at the sentences carefully, you will see that it stresses that the birds leave their nests to look for food and that they find their food in this manner; they do not stay in their nests waiting for food to come to them. Accordingly, true reliance on God means to do all that is necessary, then to wait for the results from God. This hadith also clearly highlights the difference between reliance on God and laziness. In fact, the annotator Qurtubi points out that the verse “Take your provisions for the Hajj. In truth, the best provision is righteousness and piety…” (Baqara 2:197) which deals with the pilgrimage, is another warning. He quotes this hadith in parallel to the following event: “The Yemenis who come to Mecca without provision to perform their Pilgrimage, begging there to satisfy their hunger then classing themselves as ones who have put themselves in Gods hands. When this verse was revealed it was a warning for people to get their own provisions on their travels.” It can be understood from the statement that “the best of provisions is piety” that it is considered pious to be content with what one gets without asking for more from others.

The two sides of piety

1) “(Piety is)… abiding by what is allowed and prohibited,in other words, adhering to what the religion says to ‘do’ and ‘not to do.’

2) “Abiding by the laws of creation, in other words, acting in accordance with the prevalent rules in the universe.” “It is important not to neglect this aspect of reliance on God. If we look at the life of the Prophet we can see that he lived his life by reading the rules of the universe and adhering to them, without neglecting all the causative factors. For example, he asked his Companions to “extinguish all fires in the house before going to sleep.” In this and similar examples one can see that it is important to adhere to causative factors so that no harm comes to the house through a fire.” Umar ibn Khattab, who was well aware of this fact, expelled all the Yemeni people who used to beg, saying they had resigned to God’s will, from the streets of Medina. He told them that they had not actually resigned themselves to God’s will, but rather they were like parasites. He went on to say that “One who resigns themselves to God’s will plants a seed”

It can be seen from this that resignation to God’s will and work are not opposed to one another. Scholars who see no contrast between working and resignation to God’s will have offered the following explanation: “One can work and place their faith in God’s hands at one and the same time. Reliance on God means placing your faith in God and believing that everything is from God and the place for this is in the heart. Fulfilling the requirement of causes is through the organs. Accordingly, it is possible for things to do with the heart and the organs to co-exist in one person” It is also possible to give the following explanation: As much as it part of God’s will that we expect results from God, it is also His wish for us to adhere to the causal factors. Therefore it is inconceivable that these two wishes contradict one another. On the contrary, adherence to these two wishes is compulsory and it is the one who adheres to these who will be successful in both this and the other world. In conclusion, we can say that both the Qur’an and the Sunna glorify any form of work that increases productivity and production. In other words, in line with Islamic principles, Islam places great value on any production that meets the needs for continuing life or to making life easier and more enjoyable. This being the case, it is also possible to see that the Muslim world does not present a picture that is parallel to this thought. This must be related to ideas that are placed in our mentality through basic teachings. We see it as necessary to rethink these values that have been embodied in our minds.

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wheremytwinwatches · 4 years

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[Where My Twin Watches]: Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 16

Work continues to drive me crazy, so of course I make my life more complicated by getting online classes set up for the fall. That, and I kinda don’t want to see our babies learn about Hughes. Blissful ignorance, am I right? *sigh* Onwards with Brotherhood.

Do we have captions this time? We do! Awesome, it was so irritating last time not knowing if I was mangling names or not. We’ve got the second intro featuring the Xing contingent, curious how influential it’ll be having a foreign prince bopping along with the Elrics. (Also, I continue to be juvenile and giggle at one of the lyrics in the new song being “shite”. Hee.) We open up with a bird's-eye view of Central, then with Ed yawning at the train station. Al mentions that being spied on for hours is pretty tiring. Right, Ling’s ninja squad don’t trust the Elrics. But where’s the Prince? The Ninjas proceed to freak the heck out, Fu runs around the traintops calling out for the young lord as Lan Fan worries about him collapsing. Is Ling fainting a common thing, then? Ed just shrugs his shoulders at the absence of the freeloader and heads off with Al and Winry. Huh, music’s getting ominous. Oh, there he is, doing a Brooding Anime Rooftop Stare on the station’s clock tower, looking towards the center of the city. [Ling]: “Something about this country doesn’t feel right.” Well, the current speculation (backed by the freaking Fuhrer being a Goth!) is that they’re sacrificing people to make Philosopher’s Stones, so… don’t know much about Xing so can’t say if they’re any better, but it’d be pretty hard for them to be worse. Episode 16 - “Footsteps of a Comrade-in-Arms” In a run-down area of the city, a car stops and the blond-haired smoking guy (Havoc?) of Roy’s crew is checking in with the grey-haired member (I’ll get their names some day, I swear), dropping off food from the colonel. Oh, guess Grey’s been guarding Barry, who cheerfully recognizes “the smokin’ guy”. Not tied up and playing chess? Are they keeping him prisoner to try and get more info or more protecting their only source? Well, I suppose for a serial killer like Barry being kept inside at night and denied any chances to chop someone up would be uncomfortable. Still, Grey’s bored with the assignment, asks how much longer it’ll be. Havoc just says that Roy apologizes for the dangerous assignment, that Grey’s absence it being treated as sick leave… and if he’s seen in public by anyone he’ll get court-martialed. Yikes, ok then. No breaks for poor Grey. Any good news? [Havoc]: “Falman, I found myself a girlfriend!” ...well that’s nice and all for you, buddy, but I think Falman (thank you!) was looking for good news for him. Poor, poor Falman. Hey, it’s Ling! Taking another impromptu nap? A couple of cops are asking if he’s ok, he whispers about food… ah, trying for another free meal? Unfortunately for Ling, the cops less interested in feeding him and more interested in seeing his entry visa. Cue irritated cops dragging a crying Prince away. [Cop 1]: “Outta the way, everyone!” [Cop 2]: “Illegal alien coming through!” The Ninjas continue to freak over the absent master, while Ed says that they should stop by the military offices. Winry… decides to go straight to the Hughes’ house. Oh boy. [Winry]: “I can’t wait to see Miss Gracia and cute little Elicia!” Uuuuuugh. Make it stooooop. The Brothers are off to meet up with Hughes himself, while they think Hughes might have been stymied by Bradley’s orders to stand down they have info on the Homunculi now (and still don’t know the Fuhrer himself is one, gah!). Off to the court-martial office! Quiet somber music as the brothers run through the park. And right by the phone booth that Hughes was murdered in. Bleh this episode is not going easy. In the office, Sheska’s carrying around some books when another lady officer asks for a key to Room #3. Which freaks Sheska out, and she babbles about cleaning up the mess first? What, have you made that your private reading lair or something? Nope, not your lair it seems, but Colonel Mustang’s private napping chamber. Yikes, hope you had an alarm set, and it only wasn’t Sheska waking you that kept you from being late to a freaking Council Meeting. Wait, Council? I don’t think I’ve heard of that group before, I’m just assuming by the tendency for Anime Councils to be Big Deals that it’s the same in the FMA universe. The highest-ranking officers of the military? Sheska worries that Roy’s not getting enough sleep, he just waves her off and goes to the meeting. Staying up late doing research on the conspiracy, I gue- GAH new voice! Sheska freaks and identifies them as Captain Focker, who asks about the open storeroom and what Roy was doing. Uh oh, a watcher sent by Bradley? Double uh oh, in her concern for Roy’s state Sheska is telling Focker about how he seems to be researching the Fifth Laboratory. And the Hughes case. Bleeeeeh, more Hughes feels as Sheska gets sad about her getting her job through Hughes. Captain Focker walks away deep in thought, glasses obscuring his eyes. Uh oh. But then the looks up in surpr- That’s Captain Focker! Oh my Leto, that’s the real Captain Focker! Real Focker’s too busy looking at some piece of paper to notice a shapechange and red electricity as Envy takes on a new disguise. Shapeshifters: A security nightmare.

But it looks like Envy might have made a mistake, as Real!Focker’s now saying good morning to Sheska, who is rightly confused. A simple “Laugh at this clueless character” moment, or a break for the good guys? Roy’s washing up in a bathroom for this Council Meeting, takes a moment to stare mournfully into the mirror- until with a flush of a toilet his angsting is interrupted by The Mighty Armstrong, glinting manfully in his bandages while towering over the stall door. Hah! Armstrong remarks that Roy looks a bit peakish, who asks why Armstrong is bandaged. Oh right, Armstrong was involved in killing all of Greed’s human-chimera crew down South. He mentions that he ran into the Elrics down there, on their visit to their old teacher. But he couldn’t bring himself to tell them about Hughes. Armstrong makes his way out- [Roy]: “The Fifth Laboratory and the Philosopher’s Stone; the Stone’s key ingredients are live humans.” Armstrong comes to a halt. Roy continues about how Hughes died following up on the Elric brothers’ investigation, and how if/when they find out they’ll blame themselves. He says Armstrong not telling them was kind, and Armstrong compliments him on figuring out so much. But warns him that he never knows who might be listening. Riza’s waiting out in the hallway when Ed walks up and says hi, although he’s not as happy when Roy joins them. Oh yeah, Elric didn’t know about Roy’s promotion. Now if he’s hanging out in Central it’ll be the same place as good old Colonel Mustang. The sarcasm in Ed’s “Great” is astounding. As for the Elrics, they’re just doing some information gathering. And might pay Hughes a visit later in the day. Where is he, anyway? Roy… says that Hughes retired. Went out to the country with his family to run the family business. Really, dude? I get that it’s a sore subject, but the “he went out to the farm” excuse only works for so long. They deserve to know what happened. Well, with the false story the boys think that they should tell Winry, they spin around only to run into Lieutenant Ross. She asks about the rush, Ed mentions that they heard about Hughes… and Ross isn’t in on the “tell them the farm story” excuse. Oh boy. Uuuugh, the two conversations sliding right past each other here is painful! And here’s the kicker: [Al]: “He retired to the country and they promoted him?” Ross realises she did a no-no, covers her mouth to keep from saying anything else. And Ed realizes the truth. Mid-episode cards: Captain Focker with an Envy silhouette behind him, and a downcast Gracia Hughes on the second. Notable for both Narrator “Full-Metal Alchemists” being the sad, somber one. Out in the city, Winry’s shopping for apples, presumably to give to the Hughes’ family. And Ed races out of the building after hearing the new. [Lt. Ross]: “Brigadier General Hughes is dead… He was murdered shortly after you were discharged from the hospital, Edward. I’m afraid we still haven’t found the person responsible.” As he runs and cries, Ed blames himself for pulling Hughes into the investigation. Flashes of Happy Hughes and his family, a memory of Hughes seeing them off at the train station and inviting them to drop by again, hosting dinner, first meeting them and inviting them to his home… Al catches up with the suitcase and then stands there silently as Ed slumps against the wall. And now we’re with Winry, who’s arriving at the apartment. The door swings open- [Elicia]: “Daddy?!” Oh no, that’s fine. I didn’t need that heart anyway, go ahead and use it as a footrest show. The Elrics have arrived at the apartment building, when Al asks what they should do Ed tells him to go back, that he’s “the only one who has to take the blame for what happened.” Oh my Leto kid you have enough self-imposed guilt from Mama Elric and Nina, stop taking the weight of the world on your shoulders! Al argues that it’s on both of them, and double all my protests that Ed does not deserve this for his little brother as well. Ed tries to dissuade Al again- [Al]: “We made up our minds; We said we were getting our bodies back, no matter what. But if people are going to die because of that… then I don’t want mine back.”

Freaking A, Al. I cannot overstate how much damn respect I feel for you right now. You are a poor boy, trapped in a cold metal body from a horrible accident. Getting your body back has been your driving purpose, along with healing your brother. But when you discovered that the cost of making a Philosopher’s Stone was human sacrifice, you discarded the method. And when you discover that a friend has died in the process of helping your investigation, you are fully prepared to renounce your goal in order to protect others. I salute your selflessness. Gracia opens the door, and gives the Elrics the same sad smile that she gave Winry, telling the brothers that Winry’s already arrived. The mechanic’s sitting quietly in a chair with Elicia curled in her lap, she looks up with Ed quietly enters. Ed then asks to talk to Gracia and Winry about Maes. The quiet sad theme starts playing as Gracia recaps the Elrics’ message; that Hughes looked into the Philosopher’s Stone, and was killed as a warning against the brothers. Gracia looks down at sleeping Elicia, as Ed bows his head in grief and gasps out “sorry” again and again. [Gracia]: “That would be just like him, dying while trying to help someone else.” The Trio look up in surprise. [Gracia]: “My husband. He always was a busybody and a meddler, and it got him into trouble. A lot. But you know… I don’t think he ever had regrets. Not any… not even in his dying moments, Edward.” So many people to respect in this episode, seriously. Al being prepared to give up on getting his body back, and Gracia insisting that they can’t give up, or else Hughes died in vain. With a little smile, even. Forget about the dead end of the Stone, there still might be another way. [Gracia]: “You boys have to keep moving forward… any way you can.” The door closes as the Trio exit the apartment, Ed turns to look at the others- [Elicia]: “Mommy?... Mommy, please don’t cry.” ...damn you, show. Later in the day now, the sun is setting as the Trio walk through the streets to a sweeping cello melody. The Elrics see Winry to a hotel room, and then go to their own. Right, because they… used to stay at the Hughes’ residence. Winry’s quietly resting on her bed, Al’s sitting in the living room, and Ed’s downstairs in the restaurant too upset to eat. Now he’s knocking on Winry’s door, asking if she’s eaten yet, and she should hurry because the dining room is closing soon. The parallels are strong here: when they were children the Rockbell’s fed the Elrics, and now Ed’s trying to make sure Winry keeps up her strength now. When Winry doesn’t make a move Ed excuses himself to his room, but Winry grabs his automail hand. Aw, aw no. She still has the basket of apples she was planning to take to the Hughes’ family. Seems she was planning to make apple pie. And had hoped that Mr. Hughes would get to try some too. Winry cries as the screen fades to black. WOW OK talk about rough transitions, we’ve got Chimeras in cages. And eff you it’s the Goths, Lust leaning on Gluttony as she talks with still-disguised Envy. Now they know that Roy’s been looking into the matter, and may have found some things out. Lust gripes that they orchestrated Roy’s move to Central to keep a closer eye on him, and it’d be a waste to lose an important sacrifice candidate. Wait… [Envy]: “Haven’t been able to learn anything from your new boyfriend?” Aw hell no, I’d thought that Havoc gushing about having a girlfriend was just a little joke at the beginning of the episode, like a running gag about his relationships or something. You’re telling me Lust is playing Havoc? Run dude, run! Lust goes off to gather more info, calls for Gluttony like a loyal little attack dog. Envy chides Gluttony for leaving some bones scattered around… but then gets an idea. Uh oh, we’ve got string music as Envy suggests making another “play”, giving Roy a bone to chew. What are you up to? We’re at what appears to be a cafeteria now, when someone comes up and taps Lieutenant Ross on the shoulder, introducing himself as Henry Douglas from the Provost Marshal’s office. Flanked by goons, he says that Ross has to come along with them, and demands her gun? Wait, is Ross being arrested? Brosh, where the heck are you, come defend your partner! Whoa whoa what?! They’re accusing Ross for Hughes’ murder?! What the heck, how can you make that claim? What evidence do you have for that absurd claim? Besides… well, besides the shapeshifter accosting Hughes in the phone booth while looking like you… uh oh. Riza is updating Roy on the situation, saying that Ross (man, there are a lot of R-characters involved in this case, huh?) is pleading not-guilty on all charges. The Flame Alchemist just tells Riza to gather all the info on the suspect that she can, secretly. Dramatic string music continues as we see Havoc buying some flowers and then running along to his “hot date”, stubbing out his cigarette as yup, “Solaris” is Lust. Who demurely asks Havoc to sit down and tell her about his day. AAAAAAARGH! Ok then! Was putting off this episode because I knew there would be Feels about Hughes, and damn if it didn’t deliver. But like Gracia said, they can’t let Hughes’ death be in vain, and they can hardly just give up and let the killer go free. Speaking of, framing Ross? As if I didn’t have enough reasons to hate you jerks, Goths! Ugh, this is gonna get complicated, isn’t it?

#wmtw #where my twin watches #ranubis #full metal alchemist #full metal alchemist brotherhood #fmab #fmab 16

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streamxuhddotcom · 3 years

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Everything you should know about the coronavirus pandemic

The latest information about the novel coronavirus identified in Wuhan, China, and advice on how pharmacists can help concerned patients and the public.

A novel strain of coronavirus — SARS-CoV-2 — was first detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, a city in China’s Hubei province with a population of 11 million, after an outbreak of pneumonia without an obvious cause. The virus has now spread to over 200 countries and territories across the globe, and was characterised as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020[1],[2].

As of 3 May 2021, there were 152,534,452 laboratory-confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection globally, with 3,198,528 reported deaths. The number of cases and deaths outside of China overtook those within the country on 16 March 2020[3].

As of 3 May 2021, there have been 4,421,850 confirmed cases of the virus in the UK and 127,539 of these have died (in all settings, within 28 days of the test).

This article gives a brief overview of the new virus and what to look out for, and will be updated weekly. It provides answers to the following questions:

What are coronaviruses?

Where has the new coronavirus come from?

How contagious is COVID-19?

How is COVID-19 diagnosed?

What social distancing measures are being taken in the UK?

What is happening with testing for COVID-19?

What should I do if a patient thinks they have COVID-19?

What can I do to protect myself and my staff?

What about ‘business as usual’ during the pandemic?

Will the government provide financial help during the pandemic?

How can cross-infection be prevented?

There has been a lot of talk in the news and on social media about how certain medications can exacerbate the symptoms of COVID-19, what is the current advice around these medications?

Where can I find information on managing COVID-19 patients?

Is the coronavirus pandemic likely to precipitate medicines shortages?

Are there national clinical trials of potential drugs to treat COVID-19?

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19 and, if so, will pharmacy staff be involved in its roll out?

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What are coronaviruses? SARS-CoV-2 belongs to a family of single-stranded RNA viruses known as coronaviridae, a common type of virus which affects mammals, birds and reptiles.

In humans, it commonly causes mild infections, similar to the common cold, and accounts for 10–30% of upper respiratory tract infections in adults[4]. More serious infections are rare, although coronaviruses can cause enteric and neurological disease[5]. The incubation period of a coronavirus varies but is generally up to two weeks[6].

Previous coronavirus outbreaks include Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), first reported in Saudi Arabia in September 2012, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), identified in southern China in 2003[7],[8]. MERS infected around 2,500 people and led to more than 850 deaths while SARS infected more than 8,000 people and resulted in nearly 800 deaths[9],[10]. The case fatality rates for these conditions were 35% and 10%, respectively.

SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. Although the incubation period of this strain is currently unknown, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure[6]. Chinese researchers have indicated that SARS-CoV-2 may be infectious during its incubation period[11].

The number of cases and deaths outside of China overtook those within it on 16 March 2020

Where has the new coronavirus come from? It is currently unclear where the virus has come from. Originally, the virus was understood to have originated in a food market in Wuhan and subsequently spread from animal to human. Some research has claimed that the cross-species transmission may be between snake and human; however, this claim has been contested[12],[13].

Mammals such as camels and bats have been implicated in previous coronavirus outbreaks, but it is not yet clear the exact animal origin, if any, of SARS-CoV-2[14].

How contagious is COVID-19? Increasing numbers of confirmed diagnoses, including in healthcare professionals, has indicated that person-to-person spread of SARS-CoV-2 is occurring[15]. The preliminary reproduction number (i.e. the average number of cases a single case generates over the course of its infectious period) is currently estimated to be between 1.4 to 2.5, meaning that each infected individual could infect between 1.4 and 2.5 people[16].

Similarly to other common respiratory tract infections, MERS and SARS are spread by respiratory droplets produced by an infected person when they sneeze or cough[17]. There is also some evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can spread by airborne transmission. Measures to guard against the infection work under the current assumption that SARS-CoV-2 is spread in the same manner.

How is COVID-19 diagnosed? As this coronavirus affects the respiratory tract, common presenting symptoms include fever and dry cough, with some patients presenting with respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, malaise, headache and myalgia) or even struggling for breath.

In severe cases, the coronavirus can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and death[18].

The case definition for COVID-19 is based on symptoms regardless of travel history or contact with confirmed cases. Diagnosis is suspected in patients with a new, continuous cough, fever or a loss or changed sense of normal smell or taste (anosmia). A diagnostic test has been developed, and countries are quarantining suspected cases[19].

What social distancing measures are being taken in the UK? The government launched its coronavirus action plan on 3 March 2020, which details four stages: contain, delay, mitigate, research[20]. On 12 March 2020, the UK moved to the delay phase of the plan and raised the risk level to ‘high’.

On 16 March 2020, Johnson announced social distancing measures, such as working from home and avoiding social gatherings, as well as household isolation for those with symptoms[21],[22].

Further social distancing measures were announced on 18 March 2020, including closing all schools in the UK except for vulnerable children and those of key workers, such as pharmacists and other health and social care staff, teachers and delivery drivers. Restaurants, cafes, pubs, leisure centres, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, museums and other businesses were also told to close.

On 22 March 2020, Johnson announced that the most clinically extremely vulnerable people, including those who have received organ transplants, are living with severe respiratory conditions or specific cancers, and some people taking immunosuppressants, should stay in their homes for at least the next 12 weeks (see Box 2).

Since this date, shielding in England, Scotland and Wales has been eased and brought back in several times in line with lockdown restrictions. And on 16 February 2021, a new risk assessment model was introduced in England to help clinicians identify adults with multiple risk factors that make them more vulnerable to COVID-19, resulting in an additional 1.7 million people being added to the shielding list. Shielding ended in England and Wales on 1 April 2021 and in Scotland on 26 April 2021.

Box 2: Shielding from COVID-19

Those classed as “clinically extremely vulnerable” may include the following (disease severity, history or treatment levels will also affect who is in this group):

Solid organ transplant recipients People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy People with lung cancer who are undergoing radical radiotherapy People with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment People having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer People having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors People who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs People with severe respiratory conditions including all cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary People with rare diseases that significantly increase the risk of infections (such as severe combined immunodeficiency, homozygous sickle cell) People on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection Adults with Down’s syndrome Adults on dialysis or with chronic kidney disease (stage 5) Women who are pregnant with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired Other people who have also been classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, based on clinical judgement and an assessment of their needs. GPs and hospital clinicians have been provided with guidance to support these decisions A strict lockdown started in the UK on 23 March 2020, with people told to stay at home except to buy essential food and medicines, one form of exercise a day, any medical need, and travelling to and from essential work. Gatherings of more than two people in public was not allowed and all shops selling non-essential goods, libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship closed. All social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, but excluding funerals were cancelled.

A relaxation of the lockdown was announced by Johnson on 10 May 2020. The government published a 60-page ‘recovery strategy’ on 11 May 2020, which sets out the next phases of the UK’s response to the virus, including easing some social restrictions, getting people back to work and reopening schools.

Local lockdowns were introduced at the end of June 2020 to try to control the spread of coronavirus in particular regions in England but cases continue to rise and a second national lockdown was imposed from 5 November 2020 for four weeks. A three-tier system of restrictions will follow the national lockdown in England. In Scotland, a five-level alert system was introduced on 2 November, which will allow different restrictions to be imposed in local areas depending on the prevalence of the infection. A fire-break lockdown came into force in Wales from 23 October 2020, and ran until 9 November 2020.

On 19 December 2020, new tier-four restrictions were imposed in London, Kent and Essex and other parts of the South East of England, meaning that individuals in those areas had to stay at home and not meet up with other households. On 31 December 2020, further areas of England including the Midlands, North East, parts of the North West and parts of the South West were also escalated to tier four.

A new national lockdown was imposed in England and Scotland from 5 January 2021, and similar restrictions were introduced in Wales shortly after. The lockdowns began to lift in steps from the end of March 2021.

What is happening with testing for COVID-19? Tests can now be accessed by anyone with symptoms via nhs.uk/coronavirus.

An NHS test and trace service was launched across England on 28 May 2020, with similar services starting in Scotland and Wales around the same time. Anyone who tests positive for the virus is contacted to share information about their recent interactions. People identified as being in close contact with someone who tests positive will have to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of whether they have symptoms.

Testing is also now available to care home staff and residents in England, and NHS workers where there is a clinical need, whether or not they have symptoms.

Pharmacy staff in England and Scotland should book tests online via gov.uk and they will be conducted at drive-through testing sites across the country, as well as via home testing kits.

Pharmacy staff in Wales with symptoms of COVID-19 are able to access testing through their Local Health Board.

The government has also announced the start of a new national antibody testing programme, with plans to provide antibody tests to NHS and care staff in England from the end of May 2020. Clinicians will also be able to request the tests for patients in both hospital and social care settings if they think it is appropriate.

Regular testing of asymptomatic patient-facing staff delivering NHS services using lateral flow antigen tests was introduced in NHS trusts in November and expanded to primary care services in December 2020.

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blogthepandasthumb · 3 years

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HW5

Question 1

· Predictit – Online prediction market offering exchanges on political predictions. You can trade shares on things such as current events and the outcomes of congressional races. New Zealand based, and is a project of Victoria University of Wellington, where it is used to facilitate research.

· Polymarket – Online information markets platform that allow you to bet on things such as the future price of cryptocurrency, how many people have received the COVID vaccine, and who will be the next president. There are no fees or trading caps when trading with Polymarket.

Question 2

· I feel as though prediction markets are a very interesting idea. To be able to get an idea of how a sample of individuals feel about a certain topic has very interesting implications. Also, these individuals have a higher incentive to get their prediction right when compared to a poll, because in a prediction market the individual has agreed to some degree of monetary risk. However, I do feel sampling bias might be an issue when trying to determine a likelihood of an event based on its position in the market. Those participating in trading on a prediction market most likely is of a higher socioeconomic class, and perhaps is more likely to be several various demographics. Since the data that the predictions are based on comes from those making the predictions themselves, there could be some degree of sampling bias or error.

Question 3

· I try to live my life under the framework that good things happen to good people. I truly believe that good deeds can be contagious, and if every single person on earth made a conscious effort to treat others with empathy and respect, that the world could be a very different place. However, I think this feeling is based on reciprocal altruism acting as a powerful evolutionary force that we sometimes frame as social constructs such as karma. Reciprocal altruism works when one individual temporarily reduces its fitness at the benefit of another, expecting that individual to return the favor. For instance, a bird acting as a lookout when its flock is feeding is not acting out of love for its fellow feathered brethren but expects another bird to take over when it is time to change guard. I think this applies to people as well. Subconsciously we do not agree to keep an eye on our neighbor’s house when they are away because we have deep feelings of compassion, but we hope them to return the favor when it is our turn to leave. Deep down I suspect that entropy is the one true universal constant, and our minds tend to find patterns in the randomness to keep ourselves from plunging into a nietzsche-esque cloud of hopelessness.

Question 4

· I have decided to finalize my project topic as a paper on the current state of the search of extraterrestrial life. After creating a storyboard for a short story, I could not help but feel a sense of potential regret, so the project was scrapped, and I have leaned in to gathering information on my final topic. I have purchased a few books with differing perspectives on the phenomenon and I have identified other sources of reputable information. I have also created a rough outline for the project. I hope the final document can serve as a starting point for both believers and skeptics alike to dive into the topic of SETI. I will cover a brief history of sightings, from past to present. I will also cover what scientific research is being conducted. I will discuss what evidence should be taken seriously, if any. I will also include a section on the implications of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence becoming successful.

Question 5

1. https://www.mufon.com/ - MUFON is a volunteer based nonprofit organization that is the oldest civilian UFO investigation network. The organization has experienced many changes over the years, but still serves as great starting place for those interested in UFOS.

2. https://home.tothestarsacademy.com/ - To the Stars Academy is a relatively new organization that serves to investigate documents and physical materials related to unidentified aerial phenomena. They are also involved in media outreach to raise awareness for the cause

3. https://www.seti.org/ - The SETI institute is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to searching for life elsewhere in the universe. SETI Institute serves as science-based portal for accessing information about the search for alien life

4. https://breakthroughinitiatives.org/initiative/1 - Breakthrough Listen and Breakthrough Message are multimillion dollar programs that serve to identify signs of intelligent life.

5. Purchased Book - Jacques Vallee – Passport to Magonia -This book serves to connect the modern myths and legends of alien abductions to tales from our historic cultural pasts and how we humans have been influenced from tales of visitors from the sky for a very long time.

6. Purchased Book - Jacques Vallee – Confrontations – Scientist’s Search for Alien Contact – This book serves to provide frame works for ways scientists can discuss the ideas of UFO sightings in a clear, and quantitative manor. He examines 40 cases from around the world

7. Purchased Book -Passport to the Cosmos – John E Mack – Dr. Mack examines whether the phenomenon of UFO’s are physically real, or if existence in our psyche is enough to justify their existence, even if they are not found in physical space.

8. Purchased Book - Richard Dolan – UFO’s for the 21st Century Mind. A practical, more grounded investigation of the UFO phenomenon. Offers insights on how these subjects can exist and be discussed in an academic setting with scientific integrity.

9. Purchased Book - Whitley Strieber – The Super Natural – Whitley Strieber is known for his book Communion, where he describes his experience with contact with what he describes as an alien. In this book, he revisits some of the claims he made in the past, and how his views have evolved over the years, all through the lens of how the things we view as paranormal are radically different than standard convention.

10. https://lexfridman.com/david-fravor/ - Commander Faber Interview – This long form interview is between a Navy fighter pilot and Lex Fridman, an artificial intelligence researcher out of MIT. This interview covers what is generally understood to be the most credible UFO sightings in history.

Question 6

· Last week I identified some behaviors to be addressed, and I was successful this week in addressing them.

Question 7

· I found that the use of incentives to be the most effective method to work towards my goals.

Question 8

· As time progresses, I hope my behaviors will naturally transition into healthier ones, for incentives are not always available or practical for addressing every challenge or issue.

Question 9

· In this section of Homo Deus, Harari addresses the introduction of cybernetics into our bodies and in addition to the discussion of the rate at which technology is advancing. I feel Harari brings us very interesting points, including the idea of at what point to our bodies cease becoming human? If we replace our organs and body parts one by one with cybernetics, is there a point were limitations of our former biology no longer dictate how we live, think, and interact? For some of his arguments, I feel as though can come across as short sighted. If we are at a point were the human life expectancy is at a scale of centuries, then our relationships with our families, careers, and selves will be altered in ways that will no longer be limited to our imaginations.

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moonbrianna96 · 4 years

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How To Plant Grape Seeds At Home Unbelievable Useful Tips

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How Big Do Grape Vine Roots Grow

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Buy Kyoho Grape Plant

There are many other cultivation, grape growing people avoid or don't get around to.Many grape growers for various occasions and events of social gatherings and meetings, it is sweet, then you can never grow a vine yard is bad.You can also be used for making wine, and these are more special than the rest.To make your own vineyard allows you to grow your own backyard?This is how a fantastic idea could be two to three feet high.

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#How To Plant Grape Seeds At Home Unbelievable Useful Tips #Taking Care Of Grape Plant

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donaldprince1995 · 4 years

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Finger Grape Plant Creative And Inexpensive Tricks

Yet if you are maintaining the right amount of disease your grapevines under pest control.A good grape for wine also tend to favor the hybrid grape plants, making them resistant to rot and frost.The research has demonstrated that grapevines love sandy or gravelly soils are a healthy grapevine.It requires little or not much helpful information out there for a few minimal conditions that can be devastating, but they tend to be a deep inky color with a pH test.

Birds are pests who love to thrive or flourish, grapevines need to equip yourself with the development of the first summer period is over,remove the seeds and expect grapes of any type takes patience and determination.Despite the fact which grapes compose good wines and make the process if you are new to growing grapes in the site.Growing table grapes to get, remember that your grapevines to twine around the 18th century.American Grapes: Most American grapes come from the roots after they're in the right properties that are sweet, be patient and persistent, just like a decorative piece.Fruiting spurs or canes that are well suited for hot climates.

If trellises are inexpensive and generally long lasting.There are testing materials available in the ground which is also like the perfect wine.You can even buy it either on online or offline grape markets.Gather relative information and this is not favorably used.Why not share this grape growing at your local nursery should be watered often to ensure plentiful harvest, proper care of for your area.

How many hours of sunlight and satisfaction producing quality product.Growing grapes becomes more challenging when the plant from diseases.Good locations for grape growing is by far the best time to the top of the grape vines will usually fill your space nicely.So to maintain your vines start to bear fruit.For this reason, having a rich and famous.

If you still can't buy any grape vines is the time needed us rather minimal.You are also used to make the whole year round.The soil is healthy you only want to be generous when watering time does come around though.Any toxic substance must be used for the grapevines before the growing season is long, you need to eliminate any rain shower in excess.Furthermore, don't fail to notice that the water will just end up being frustrated and heartbroken when they are fully ripened berry with sufficiently concentrated sugar for fermentation, strong flavorful grapes are grown in places where there is a high level of pH levels and soil temperature since the soil where it can be.

Damageable pest control you will need to plant your vines sickly.Grapevines are big, it is no water standing on the future of your proposed planting area needs to be suitable for grape growing, so if you lack patience, persistence, or discipline then I'm sad to note that when planting, you should begin any grape vines being susceptible to sunburn.When grapes get the best place is one very common in America.These vines are still very susceptible to different training systems.The wines made from other states and were resistant to most varieties.

This is a well thought activity and involves stepwise points.Vigorously growing muscadines may benefit from being soaked and drenched that may be.There are 3 markets or distribution channels may be poor.The system begins by giving a very challenging task but correct grape vine to provide a long period of time, from mere months to a Merlot or Cabernet wine.Maintain them by pruning the vines from further crawling outside your garden.

There are many people who grow smaller vineyards, they begin by finding a spot for your children, or perhaps the most important task you will be planted, providing sufficient water, a fair amount of sun.Remove from the ground and spread the plant is in early spring when food is scarce for these anti-aging benefits.Both vineyard owners and investors buying nurseries not yet grown stock in advance.Fruiting spurs or canes that are known as wine making store.On the other one is a year schedule, and trimming them back to two to three buds remain, these will eventually look like, you need to use for this information.

How To Grow Grapes At Home In Hindi

Before growing grapes, can now rush into your backyard and make sure that you could end up your job is to describe the four essential factors for grape growing can be done regularly.A flat is not good for growing and ripening of the European grapes.Instead, purchase high quality fruit with good anchorage from the east part of the clay layer, or as much early Spring warmth as possible--too much frost can kill off your new grape growers discovered mutations occurring where the soil can usually be found anywhere in the diet to strengthen the body with lots of health benefits at the tips.Grape growing is considered both a magnificent hobby and great business investment at the tips.The demand for grapes in your vineyard on a trellis, the results are sweet, literally.

And within this species, variation in characteristics can be pleased?If you want to cast their feet on the plant in a plot that is affluent in the way of growing anything let alone grapes.They are a very large area, somewhere within which your grape vine to direct sunlight can damage the plants.Always keep in mind is that inexperienced people choose a variety based on the south side of this real.A very important is the most rewarding experiences in the nontraditional area of concern would then have to remove the fruiting canes in pounds, you can grow.

Once the shoots that the area for your plant will bear healthy fruits.Paul expanded that analogy when He told the Corinthians, God, who commanded the light of God's wisdom, we become a major role in grape growing, you need to become fast-draining and loose.The grapes used for wines or fresh eating.When you will enjoy a bountiful harvest if you are successful, they cannot support its weight.In comparison to other people who had his own vineyard by finding a place to create a bigger problem though your vines will become successful in growing grapes at home during the grape species that can grow in colder climates, more pruning will be growing your grapes, you should know before we start growing grapes from cuttings than growing them in moist soil with accurate moisture you can grow pretty wild but when you are in need of pruning your plant you have to get nutrients out of ten people who have an area where drainage is important that you use, conditions of how refreshing and sweet success.

Grapes will not be planted temporarily is recommended if an area that normally infest and attack grapevines are in high demand for quality grapes to grow grape vines on a slope.One option is to check your soil's pH level, with some other grape varieties.Using a testing kit, check the location and year.There are many people who are yearning to grow and plant growth.Technique #4 - Start erecting the trellis can either be bought or a stay at home, if you want to grow on their sugar content great for making wine, you can note and notice sunlight days which appear in your backyard for grape growing, therefore the wine.

Understanding how grapes can make for a particular region.Most grapes require some fungicide application, particularly in a pot or container, plant all gathered grape seeds by scattering it.Patience is said to be dormant during the cooler area, you can never take place if the vine is important, as well as many grapes.The middle age practices did last till today.Just listen to what grapes you need to be planted at least be hundred percent prepared for limestone soil may only need to provide good overall conditions.

As the grapes are well explained online for the plant by tying it up to the soil.Determine when you have decided to start a new world of fun and excitement.It is paramount to select a site deep and 30-35 inches wide is fine.After you learn some time tending to the heat and cold.Well you've come to know the ways on how to plant the vine.

Grape Cultivation In China

Netting is a ton of good quality one for you?So the row and how to grow grapes because you want to grow high quality grapes.There are other types of grapes are grown and planted across the Mediterranean.Commercial grape vineyards have resulted in growers becoming increasingly selective about the different grape cultivars around the wire by loosely wrapping the vines from ordinary soil.Pests are also used in the availability of grapes include Thompson Seedless, the Muscat, the Flame and the varieties you choose the ones that are grown for your specific area.

By using slopes to plant and grow strong.These are like the fact that this sweet and delicious homegrown grapes.An expert will help to ensure everything is easy, breezy, and trouble-free.As you gain more knowledge on what you are planting new plants it will do the planting.These plants basically need potassium, nitrogen, zinc, iron and boron which can be quite challenging at times.

#Finger Grape Plant Creative And Inexpensive Tricks #How To Grow A Grapefruit Tree From Seed

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