okay actually heres smth i havent seen as advice to new users: no one edits posts or anything to be like "omg thank you for all the likes!!!!" no one will see it and if they do they dont care. you dont want your posts to get big. that is the most profound of curses

The most chilling realization I've had so far in 2024 is that if Hitler lived in our modern time having the exact political influence and goals he had during WW2...

...useful idiots would be praising him and calling him based, bending over backwards to justify his invasion of other countries, ethnic cleansing of people native to these counties, and the genocide of Jews.

"He is so smart! He used to be a painter, he must have such a unique view of the world"

"He loves animals to the point he is a vegetarian! Our president could learn something from him!"

"Aww look at him being sweet to his wife! He is so humble, why is he the bad guy again?"

"He is only looking out for fellow Germans, you know. Like normal leaders should: looking at you, America!"

"It's alright for him to invade Austria because [insert the "America bad" argument here]"

"There are no death camps! He said these were sanatoriums for Jewish people, and since our government lies sometimes, I will take his word for it!"

"Jews can't be oppressed. They are priviledged and rich, we shouldn't take them as refugees, it's their own fault for making a true politician go hard on their asses!"

"Have you listened to Taker Karlson's interview? Hitler gave him an entire lecture on history - I never fact-checked it because he was so convincing. And Biden can't even remember what he ate for breakfast! I wish our president was that cool..."

"Poland had it coming! They shouldn't have resisted if they didn't have enough weapons! I swear, at that point Poles are simply whiny because they want attention. Also, they're white conservatives, they can't have it that bad and if they do, they deserve it!"

"Ugh, Jews are so xenophobic and racist! I know they're getting killed or something, but hating all Germans indiscriminately is just so not fair! They really should touch some grass!"

"So many Poles are dying fighting...It's a tragedy. We should cease providing them with the military aid, they should accept the loss of Szczecin and start negotiating to save lives! They're literally forcing Hitler's hand at this point"

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)

No room. That’s something I’ve heard too much lately. Palestinians have been hearing that for 75 years. Since they were driven out of their homes—more than 700 000 of them—in 1948 to make room for the colony of Israel, there has been less and less room every day. Less land, literally, as even though lines and walls have been drawn over the years, Israel continues to illegally settle in Palestinian land. Less room to breathe, as the population of Gaza grew within the illegal blockade walling them into a tiny strip of land. Less room to live now, as Gaza has been under constant attack by Israeli bombs and guns and while the civilians of Gaza are pushed by this violence into even smaller and smaller “safe zones” (though there is nowhere safe in Gaza right now).

But also no room our conversations. No room in our imagination. No room in our understanding of our world of “human rights” and “developed nations.” You’d think “Palestinian” is a slur for how quickly it shuts up (or heats up) dialogue. These are our neighbours, and it feels like pulling teeth to get people to engage with their humanity—let alone ask their MP to ask our government to ask Israel’s government to please stop bombing civilians for the third month straight.

Today we recognize when a Jewish Palestinian family was forced by the state to leave their home, shelter in unfit terrain, give birth without proper medical care, survive a massacre, and become refugees. We Christians call the baby born in that family Emmanuel, which means God with us. God was born in Bethlehem, behind the border wall, in an occupation. What does that tell us about who God is?

Our Christian siblings in Palestine have asked us not to let this Christmas pass as usual. To that, I ask, what is Christmas as usual? If we don’t see our neighbours in the story of Jesus, what is the point? If we need to put the real, genuine injustices of the world out of our mind so that we can be comforted by Christmas, we are frankly doing it wrong. The point—the whole point—is that love and justice are possible for the unloved and the oppressed, even when it doesn’t feel that way. It is our responsibility to make that happen, and we can’t do that with our eyes closed.

You should feel uncomfortable about celebrating Christmas while a genocide is going on. We need to have room for that. We also need to have room for the hope that Christmas represents. We need to have room in our hearts for justice, lasting peace, and a free Palestine, because we are all needed to make it a reality.

And for God’s sake, CEASEFIRE NOW!

“He has brought down the mighty from their thrones/ and exalted those of humble estate;/ he has filled the hungry with good things,/ and the rich he has sent away empty.” (Luke 1:52-53)

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.

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I am indebted to Rev. Munther Isaac for his wisdom in helping so many of us walk through this time. Personally, I just finished his book “The Other Side of the Wall”—if you are a Christian, you have to read this book. I’ll buy you a copy if you want.

I also want to note that this post isn’t really supposed to be an explainer or an argument. I didn’t cite anything here, but if you’re curious about anything I referenced (e.g. why did I bring up medical care?), send me a message and I’d be happy to give you more details about what’s happening in Palestine. I’m no expert, but I know some people just genuinely don’t know the extent of the injustice and don’t know where to learn more; if you have questions I’m happy to help, but I’m not here to fight with you.

Same deal if you want to help but don’t know how. I’m happy to give you some ideas and even help you out with them (distance permitting). One important action you can always take is contacting your Member of Parliament. You don’t have to write anything fancy—just tell them honestly how you’re feeling and ask them to support an urgent ceasefire. This is literally your right as a Canadian, so you don’t have to worry about doing something wrong.

Decided to nail down my design for this dingus, lol. I think he's face turned out a bit more robust in that 3/4ths view than I intended, but hey! It gets the idea across.

I'm really proud of this :}

A humble doodlesheet beneath the cut [minor alcohol cw]:

Life is hard as an 18-yro ex-hero apocalypse refugee trying to rent his wares. No friends but your bird(?) and this child you pay rent to.

These games are something else.

Now, onto the rambling proper:

I wanted to further the contrast between Link and Ravio even further. I gave Ravio a stockier frame(what else do I do with robed characters?) and made him a few years older. He looks stronger, sturdier.

And yet, he's actually quite sickly. His dark skin is pale and blotchy, with circles under his eyes. He suffers from malnutrition in the wake of Lorule's ongoing famine, and as such, despite his formidible strength, is saddled with frequent fatigue. That man sees shrimp colours when he stands up. He is a worn, weary, wary thing.

Regarding his garb, I took a page out of Yuga's book when it came to the undergarments you can see peeking from beneath the robe, as well as the shape of the boots. Lorulian fashion, baby! The world may be ending, but at least we have our colourful stripes and pointy shoes.

Also pulled minor inspiration from the Happy Mask Salesman, what with the gold ornamentation(especially near the wrists and throat) on his own purple garb. While not nearly as cumbersome, I gave Ravio some sacks, pouches and pockets. He's a travelling merchant! Where else is he gonna keep his stuff?

May or may not give Ravio a cooler skintone, but I don't want to lose the contrast against the purple.

I could probably go on and on, but I'll leave it here <3 Hope he brings you Joy.

Overwhelmingly moving closing statement of Irish lawyer Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh in ICJ case against Israel :

The international community continues to fail the Palestinian people, despite the overt dehumanising genocidal rhetoric by Israeli governmental and military officials, matched by the Israeli military’s actions on the ground; despite the horror of the genocide against the Palestinian population being livestreamed from Gaza to our mobile phones, computers and televisions screens — the first genocide in history where its victims are broadcasting their own destruction in real time in the desperate — so far vain — hope that the world might do something. Gaza represents nothing short of a “moral failure”, as described by the usually circumspect International Committee of the Red Cross. As underscored by United Nations Chiefs, that failure has “repercussions not just for the people of Gaza . . . but for the generations to come who will never forget these 90 days of hell and of assaults on the most basic precepts of humanity”. As stated by a United Nations spokesperson in Gaza last week, at the site of a hospital clearly marked with the symbol of the Red Crescent, where five Palestinians — including a five-day old baby — had just been killed: “The world should be absolutely horrified. The world should be absolutely outraged . . . There is no safe space in Gaza and the world should be ashamed”.

Madam President, Members of the Court, in conclusion I share with you two photographs. The first is of a white board at a hospital — in Northern Gaza — one of the many Palestinian hospitals targeted, besieged, bombed by Israel over the course of the past three brutal months. The white board is wiped clean of no longer possible surgical cases, leaving only a hand-written message by a Médecins Sans Frontières doctor which reads: “We did what we could. Remember us”. The second is of the same whiteboard, after an Israeli strike on the hospital on 21 November 2023 that killed the author of the message, Dr Mahmoud Abu Nujaila, along with two of his colleagues. Just over a month later, in a powerful Christmas Day sermon, delivered from a church in Bethlehem — on the same day Israel had killed 250 Palestinians, including at least 86 people, many from the same family, massacred in a single strike on Maghazi Refugee Camp — Palestinian Pastor Munther Isaac addressed his congregation and the world. He said: “Gaza as we know it no longer exists. This is an annihilation. This is a genocide. We will rise. We will stand up again from the midst of destruction, as we have always done as Palestinians, although this is by far maybe the biggest blow we have received.” But he said: “No apologies will be accepted after the genocide . . . What has been done has been done. I want you to look at the mirror and ask, ‘where was I when Gaza was going through a genocide’.”

South Africa is here before this Court, in the Peace Palace. It has done what it could. It is doing what it can, by initiating these proceedings, by seeking interim measures against itself as well as against Israel. South Africa now respectfully and humbly calls on this honourable Court to do what is in its power to do, to indicate the provisional measures that are so urgently required to prevent further irreparable harm to the Palestinian people in Gaza, whose hopes — including for their very survival — are now vested in the Court.

January 11, 2024

Different Paths: Optimus Prime

A series unique to this blog. Similar to my Trollhunters Path of the Familiar poll, it'll have three different mini scenarios per a character, the point of time where the major change occurs, and how it'll affect things in their respective universe.

For this one it shall be Optimus Prime specifically his Transformers Prime iteration. Well his Orion Pax incarnation as this occurs during those days. Either a feral Sparkling out in the wastes or the humble data clerk. After all, the start can cause the greatest ripples. Let's get begin!

Feralus Prime

There was an urban legend on Cybertron. A cryptid born from the wastes who made itself a den hidden amongst the populace of Iacon City. No one knows what the being was but the feat it perform garner an infamy unlike any other. Feralus stole the Matrix of Leadership.

Yup. A Feral Optimus Prime who didn't get integrated into Cybertronian Society. Orion Pax slipped out of Alpha Trion's grip during transport so the young Sparkling became lost in the big city. He stole what he can to survive and slipped away from whoever try to catch him.

Soon the fateful day came where Orion obtain the Matrix of Leadership. Did he steal it? Sorta of as lured would be more accurate. Orion Pax is like a feral dog before he got the Matrix. Skittish, quick to run, nab what garners his attention and most likely to bite if cornered.

Feralus/Optimus Prime is closer to a wolf with the Matrix of Leadership. He studies the situation, gauges the threat and acts with appropriate force. Instincts often guide where goes almost if someone is leading him. Optimus ends up on Earth by stowing away in a smuggler's ship.

He won't be lonely for long as a younger Raf will one day stumble upon the feral Cybertronian. Now Team Prime isn't actually a 'team' and is closer to refugees. Their contact with Agent Fowler can be chalked up to surveillance. Any serious 'Con activity is measure and handled appropriately.

Way more tight knit so events such as Cliffjumper's death is voided. Our three human protagonists become vital in not only getting Optimus socialized but ready for the encroaching danger. A lone wolf can't protect the entire pack after all.

Magnified Disaster

The Planet Cybertron has all manners of darkness lurking amongst the populace. Common thugs to corrupt politicians. There is a silent rule when it involves such folk. Watch your words. Or else you end up a twisted experiment like Orion Pax.

A conversation between Megatronus and Orion was overheard by the wrong person. On his way home, the data clerk is kidnapped for one sole purpose: experimentation. This latest test was the creation of a 'guard dog'. An enhanced Cybertronian bigger, stronger, ferocious and obedient.

*Anyone in the Madness Combat fandom knows what I'm about to do. For those who aren't, poor Orion Pax is going to become an unconventional MAG. A supersoldier created through mutation that's obedient to those they consider their master. Here's an example: normal Hank and Mag Hank.*

One fateful night, a certain grumpy medic stumbles upon a completely transformed and Energon blood soaked Orion. 35 ft tall mesh between Cybertronian metal and organic material consisting of crimson foreign clay like flesh, white sharp teeth, to pale spikes.

Ratchet becomes the altered archivist's caretaker and looks after him. Orion's personality remained mostly intact but his memories are spotty. As for the Matrix of Leadership, it became a desperate gamble to help stabilize the poor clerk's altered state.

Optimus Prime doesn't lead the Autobots thanks to his MAG status. The entire team are refugees who sought asylum on Earth. Unfortunately Optimus' past followed close behind as Megatron wants answers...and vengeance. Things come to ahead when three particular kids encounter the 45 ft titan that roams the desert at night.

Two Souls, One Body

Ever since the beginning, Orion Pax shared a body with 'Optimus'. A shapeless voice that serve as a guide and older brother figure to the young Cybertronian. It is only when the archivist came across the Matrix of Leadership did 'Optimus' become so much more.

Or Optimus Prime and Orion Pax are two separate entities. Anyone here watch Yu-Gi-Oh or know about the original protagonist Yugi Muto? In the show, an entity known as Yami Yugi lives inside a ancient Egyptian artifact called the Millennium Puzzle.

Through the puzzle, the two souls can switch control of the body. Or in this case Orion Pax can allow Optimus Prime to take over using the Matrix of Leadership. Just like Yugi, there are subtle differences that point out whose in control.

Orion's blue optics are a bit rounder and narrow if Optimus is in control. His voice is lighter when the shy data clerk manages their body. Finally Orion's battle mask has blue stripes that vanish when Optimus takes the lead.

This ability is mistaken for multiple personality disorder by almost everyone except for Ratchet, Megatron and Bumblebee. Only more observant or younger Cybertronians can notice the different air between both individual souls. A warm sunny day to a cool summer night.

The mystery of Orion Pax only begins to open when a certain red painted Cybertronian takes a different detour towards home base. Who knew three human kids are so good at hiding stuff? Ratchet needs a drink for the shenanigans to come.

That's it for now! Until next time folks, I'll see you later! Transform and Roll Out!

I think some of the frustration that certain, certain people feel about the lack of African American support for this war comes from this notion that we should have people’s back as they drop bombs to try to defend a segregationist apartheid regime. We shouldn’t do that. And we haven’t done that. That’s the history that you allude to, I mean, going back to Angela Davis, to SNCC, to Black Lives Matter. I stand here, or I sit here, very, very humbly as a latecomer to the cause, but someone who has come to the cause nonetheless. We have to stand on principle, Ma’am. We have to stand on principle. And if I’m a latecomer to the Palestinian cause, I’m also a latecomer to the cause of nonviolence, but I’m here now. You know? And knowing what that has meant to our history, you know, to our — there is no way in the world that we can leverage the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, there’s no way in the world we can leverage the weight, the ancestry of our movement, in defense of a war, in defense of indiscriminate bombings on refugee camps. We just — we can’t do that. We can’t do that. We would be a disgrace to our ancestors.

Ta-Nehisi Coates on Democracy Now!. Ta-Nehisi Coates Speaks Out Against Israel’s “Segregationist Apartheid Regime” After West Bank Visit

A New Voyage

Part 16

Warnings: Language, Themes of Slavery, Season 2 Vikings Valhalla Spoilers.

After the events of Kattegat, Leif Erikson and Harald Siggurdson voyage to the city of Norvgord in hopes of uniting forces with the Kievan Rus. Harald Siggurdsons wants to petition his Uncle King Yaroslav for support to regain his claim on the Crown of Norway, against his brother Olaf. 

When the Vikings are unsuccessful in their venture, Harald and Leif plan to journey to the city of Constantinople to raise an army. Their only means of travel is via slave ship. A prince, a slaver, a blind Pecheneg, a woman scholar, two con men and a noble, on a boat on a sled…and an unexpected surprise. 

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A Few Months Before The Events of Norvgord 

‘Do you ever think about the fact that there might be a bounty on our heads?’ Mathilda questioned as I sat poking the roaring fire with a stick. 

‘It’s been a year Mathilda, I think Canute has better things to do with his time than send his army to find two people of little importance’ I retorted, failing to hide the snide tone in my voice. 

‘But if there were a bounty, we could never go back?’ She stated, more as a question than a fact. I could feel the pit of my stomach spitting fire like the one in front of us. Mathilda never failed to be a hopeless fool, even after everything that happened. 

‘I’ve said this before, and I’ll say this again…THERES NOTHING FOR US THERE’ I snapped harshly. ‘If you want to go run back across the world only to have your head separated from your neck that’s fucking fine by me, good luck finding your way back there’ I seethed, saliva spitting through my teeth as my teeth ground together painfully. 

‘Kurya could take me…’ she mumbled back, more out of pettiness than actual seriousness. Kurya let out a huffed chuckle as he shook his head in amusement. ‘my navigation skills are only useful this side of the world I’m afraid dear one’ he calmly explained. ‘Thank god we came across one another all those months ago’ I murmured. ‘It is I who should be the thankful one, my friends’. 

Kurya had always been humble like that. If it wasn’t for him, it is possible I would have strangled Mathilda during our this past year escape. But I couldn’t deny, even before Kurya joined our little venture, Mathilda had been good to us…invaluable in fact. 

‘If someone could assist me, I’d like to briefly bathe before we trek on, just down to the riverbed would be most appreciated’ he curtly asked as he rotated his body toward me. ‘I guess that means me’ I exclaimed with a long sigh, standing up from the ground. My knees and back clicked with every movement. My body hadn’t recovered entirely since. Everything hurt, but there was no time to rest. Kurya taught us that. The longer you stay in one place, the more dangerous it becomes. A group of relatively unskilled refugees couldn’t afford any more danger. So every day meant moving, and there were no plans to stop, even if our bodies ached or injuries continued to deplete everything inside us. 

‘Are you okay, or shall I take…?’ I questioned Mathilda. ‘You two go, we’ll stay here’ Mathilda calmly whispered, as if the tenseness in the air had somehow missed her entirely. ‘Come on Kurya’ I sighed, walking over as he reached for his familiar hold on my arm. 

The water flowed at a peaceful pace, flakes of ice gently floating atop the cold liquid as it travelled down the riverbed. The grass beneath felt almost crisp as the winter air slowly turned the world to stone. ‘It’s too cold to bathe’ I noted aloud as Kurya squatted by the edge of the water, dipping his hand into the icy river. He smiled. ‘I may not be able to see, but nobody needs eyes to see your soul raging beneath your skin’ he chuckled. I let out a loud huff, my lungs filling to capacity as they exasperatedly deflated, my breath turning to fog as it escaped my body. ‘Are you going to give me a lecture?’ I questioned as he patted the cool water on his face. ‘Not today’ he said, turning toward me with that cheeky grin of his. 

Kurya sat by the riverbed, examining the water with his hands as he did each day. He took note of everything. The way the river moved, the height at which the river rose and fell each day, the temperature, the smell as the water brushed against wildflowers and grass on the bank. He never ceased to amaze me. 

‘Y/N’ he firmly stated suddenly. I could feel a spark travel down my throat, exploding in my stomach enough to make me feel unease. ‘Y/N we must go’ he said standing up immediately as he wandered his arms around to find me. ‘What’s wrong?’ I questioned, reaching for his hand and tucking it into my elbow. ‘The flow of the river…the feeling is disrupted, I don’t think we’ll be alone much longer’ he stated, already dragging me blindly as he took two steps ahead. ‘Kurya, it’s just us I promise you’ I pleaded as he dragged me along with his quickened pace. ‘Kurya STOP’ I demanded, digging my heels into the ground, jolting him back slightly. ‘Kurya. There is nobody here, I promise. We will move tomorrow like we normally do’ I said trying to assure him. 

His shoulders rose and fell frustratingly as he stood silently, craning his neck around taking in all the senses around us in the deserted forest land. The smell, the sounds, the way the wind blew. Birds chirped in the distance, as insects called for one another. The sound of the river gently travelled eerily in the background. ‘We’re okay, I promise. Let’s just go back to camp’ I pleaded, patting his hand with mine in a pathetic attempt to calm his undeniably exasperated state. ‘Let’s just go back to camp’

*crunch…crunch…crunch*

My breath hitched in my throat as Kurya and I both stood rigidly still. I could feel my shoulders hunch involuntarily beneath me, and my eyes scanned around as my sight wobbled at the uncomfortable sound as the crunches intensified.  I could feel Kurya’s fingers dig into my skin as his grip intensified on my skin. 

‘FANGI, dœma glíkr fangi’ a foreign voice exclaimed. Within seconds the rustling intensified from all directions. My body shook, as my thoughts raced. Fuck, Mathilda was right, what if Canute had sent his men across seas? ‘Kur..Kuryaa…’ I stuttered. His breaths became deeper as his breath intensified in a misty fog, pacing in and out of his mouth rapidly. ‘Rus Vikings’ he murmured. 

All clothed in the same uniform, from all directions, armed and saddled, horses jump from bushes as men triumphantly screamed orders in a foreign tongue. The ground beneath us seemed to crack as the large horses centred in closer, their riders unfazed by the sheer power of the creatures beneath them. 

‘RUN MATHILDA!’ I screamed, desperation carrying from the depth of my stomach. My voice scratched my throat, burning my core. I could feel my palms sweating as the sound of my voice carried across the trees, sending birds flying from the trees. ‘GO TO CONSTANTINOPLE’ Kurya screamed with just as much fire in his soul. The uniformed men looked at us, clearly stumped by our language as we were them.  

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The Rus as Kurya had called them spared no mercy. My lip stung as a taste of metallic danced across my tongue. The rope around my wrists burned into my skin as they tightened as the horses dragged us along. My stomach dropped, fear and worry radiating throughout. An icy cold current shot up my spine as my ankles clicked and buckled beneath me. The forest that once had rich sounds of birds and insects chirping had now cascaded into silence. I craned my neck, looking at the treetops. Where our campfire had emitted smoke that crept up above the treetops had now departed. 

I could only hope it was a sign that Mathilda had heard our warnings. 

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Norvgord Prison: Present Day

Harald: I'm looking for a guide to the Dnieper. One called Kurya.

Harald: I'm taking cargo to Constantinople. I need someone who can get me there. Someone who knows the river well. 

Kurya: I know the Dnieper. I've run it a hundred times.

Harald: If you agree, I can secure your release from here. 

Kurya: So I would be trading a prison sentence for a death sentence.

Harald: What would it take for you to run it again? In-person? 

Kurya: Two coats… 

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‘Kurya!’ I exclaimed, running across the icy snow with all the power my weak legs could muster. My Limbs flailed limply as pins and needles shot through my muscles. 

As soon as his body turned toward me, my front collided with his. Hot tears trailed down my cheeks dampening the crevice of his neck as I desperately buried myself in the warmth of his arms. ‘Ku..K..Kur…I can’t believ…how?’ I mumbled into his neck, my dry lips flaking and crumpling against the fur of his coat. His arms wrapped around mine just as tightly, his fingers boring into my sides. I could feel my body melt into his grip, as if any sense of balance had gone. ‘I need to find her’ I desperately pleaded. ‘I need to find her, I need to find her, I need to find her’. 

His grip unclenched from mine, gently pushing my body to allow him breathing room. ‘Here’ he said, throwing a thick fur around my body, flicking the hood up over my head. His hands trailed down from my head as he firmly grasped my cheeks in the cups of his palms, pressing his forehead against mine. ‘We will find her my friend, I promise you that’ he whispered as he smoothed his thumb over my cold red cheeks. ‘All is not lost, you shall be reunited once more’ he said, placing a comforting kiss on the top of my forehead. ‘My friend, my dear friend, I plan to get you to Constantinople’ he said so matter of factly as if he had the whole thing planned out in his head. ‘It…it’s not that simple’ I cried, tearing down my cheeks. 

Kurya took a calm breath as he rested his hands on my shoulders. ‘I have secured us passage Y/N’ he said, a whisp of excitement in his voice, yet the overriding sense of his tone sounded unsure. ‘We don’t have boat?’ I questioned, my eyes bulging out of their sockets. Whether it was due to disbelief that there was a way to get to Constantinople or for the first time in months I was finally seeing a world that wasn’t a prison cell. ‘It is a slave ship’ he whispered. I could feel my stomach drop, but a different feeling was more overwhelming than the thought of belonging to someone again. A feeling of love so strong, something I never thought I’d feel. 

Love was more powerful than fear. 

‘When do we leave?’ 

‘Right now’ he exclaimed, gesturing his hand toward a large boat that rested on a sleigh. ‘What? Why is it?’ I questioned. ‘Some people do crazy things to achieve their ambitions Y/N’ he said so philosophically. ‘Shall we?’ He exclaimed with a slightly shaking breath. I looked toward the boat, a plank ran from the ground to the ship as two figures walked up and down, loading exquisite furs onto the ship, desperately tying them down for security. A few other figures sat on the boat, looking as unsure as the next person. They certainly didn’t look like slaves. I recognised the fear, the dread, the imminence of doom that loomed so heavily like a cloud.…a feeling that would weigh on someone who had experienced such things before for a lifetime. These people, however, seemed to not harbour such an aura at all. But if it was the only chance of getting me to Constantinople, I was willing. 

I fastened my new coat, adjusting the hood to protectively cover my cold cheeks as the figures loaded their final bulk of fur onto the load. ‘Kurya’ a deep voice yelled from the boat, walking down the plank, and onto the ground. ‘It’s time’ Kurya whispered, as he grasped his hand onto my arm for the first time in months. I walked toward the plank, guiding Kurya alongside. He instinctively reached out his hand, towing his fingers along the surface of the boat, assessing its condition by touch. 

‘Welcome’ that deep voice emitted, holding a hand out as he stood at the edge of the plank. The accent sent a shiver down my spine making my body shake. ‘Are you alright?’ Kurya whispered. I patted the top of his hand that was looped onto my arm. But the feeling of intolerable insecurity still loomed over me. I pushed Kurya forward, placing his hand on the rail of the plank, allowing him to board the boat. ‘Make sure she gets on’ he cheerfully whispered to the man, patting his shoulder as if he were an acquainted friend. The figure nodded, turning around and holding his hand out for me as Kurya walked onto the boat behind him. I stared at his hand for what seemed an age. All I could think about was her. Getting to her. This was the hand that was going to get me to her. 

I shakily reached up placing my twitching palm into his stable steady grip. His other arm reached down, wrapping around my waist, lifting me up onto the plank like I was weightless. My body bumped into his rigid frame slightly as his arm lingered around my waist. I hadn’t realised I had instinctually clutched onto his forearms to support myself. I could feel his hot breath on mine, our breaths misty expelling out in front of our faces creating a fog. My heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest. ‘Ready?’ The voice questioned. I nodded my head, raising my gaze to finally meet that of the kind stranger. 

‘Saxon?’ He whispered.

I could feel the colour from my face drain white. My stomach knotted inside and out. My heart beating so hard, it probably sounded like a drum. My jaw dropped. All I could do was stare. 

Harald stood there, his grip still on me as his face froze in solemn shock. His hair was much longer, and his beard too. Those brown eyes pierced into mine as his mouth hung slightly agape. It felt like an age in that we stood frozen, our eyes never moving from each other. 

‘Y/N?’ Kurya’s voice called as the rest of the boat busied themselves by fastening their items onto the boat. 

My arms limply fell from Harald, his grip stayed securely around my waist where they were before. It was as if a ghost had come back to haunt me, as if this was all a dream. A year. A year since I had woken up in a nobleman's bed in the heart of London, all alone. ‘Y/N?’ Kuryas voice sounded again from the boat. I finally took a step to the side, gripping the railing for dear life. This couldn’t be real…this couldn’t be reality. A year had passed, and Harald Siggurdson was all but a phantom lost in a life that no longer existed. But here he stood, just as perplexed as I was. It took all my strength to turn around, my weight flopped as my legs dragged beneath me, stumbling onto the boat and out of his grip. 

I heavily dropped myself onto the seat next to Kurya. ‘Y/N?’ he questioned, his hand gripping my arm. But as I sat there, unresponsive to his query his pestering intensified. ‘Y/N what is it, I can hear your breathing from here?’ He exclaimed, his lips turned downward in a worried frown, his forehead creasing together. ‘How do you know this man?’ I stuttered, leaning right into his ear to ensure true privacy between us. ‘He needs my guidance to Constantinople, he paid the bail for both of us…by the sound of your voice I am wondering if you have made his acquaintance too by the sound of your worrying…’ he mumbled back concerned. 

‘Kurya…he is the father to my daughter.’

Hello there twitter refugees! As I have seen an uptick with followers I feel the need for both of our sakes, to let you know what to expect on my blog before we all commit to each other and some basic ground rules here on my humble tumblr land piece and if you as well need to block me:

1: You follow or reblog from any self titled “Anti-MXTX” bloggers with that specified carrd description, unfollow me and don’t reblog my posts please. ��� This also involves anything do with “MXTX critical” as well.

2: Jin Guangyao stans don’t try me, I am not nice about him so just block me if you don’t enjoy that as well as me very much despising Xiyao as a ship. I generally tag anything to do with him as, I hate jin guangyao and jin guangyao stans block me.

3: I adore my submissively breedable Jiang Cheng as a joke because he is damn trash, if you portray him as best UwU jiujiu and bro evar blocking me is best for your benefit. To put bluntly, if you think Wei Wuxian was more in the wrong toward him through the plot, my meta here are not going to be for you as my sympathy for this character is low. I don't tag anything as anti jiang cheng, as I do like him as one of my favorite characters to analyze, and what I have here is simply reiterating what we are given from text and the author.

4: I am rather critical of the portrayals of fandom tropes for MDZS that is horribly prevalent on Twitter and this runs the gamut of all sides. I am more than happy to expand on my thoughts on anything for this as well for any questions sent my way about what I think of "so and so".

5: I am a Wei Wuxian and Lan Xichen stan first and foremost and will make that apparent through my meta as I get rather annoyed when the points of these two are missed.

6: Don't come to my inbox because I ranted or made fun of a bad OOC fandom headcanon and it personally upset you, your bad takes upset me. Equivalent Exchange, as Edward Elric said.

7: I do not and will not post anons linking to other blogs, this is basic courtesy only on my part as I am not comfortable with providing direct links that are not my own or of those that I have reblogged or commented on with my additional post commentary If I get particularly annoyed enough to say something in reaction.

8: FengQing shippers can block me instead of responding to my posts, I take none of what you say into account, thank you, don't come again 😊

9: Yue Qingyuan owes nothing to Shen Jiu himself and as the plot significantly changes due to Shen Yuan, there's nothing more for him to take responsibility for by the end as Shen Yuan exonerated him from any further responsibility to move on. Don't argue this with me as any what if's are unwarranted, needless and useless semantics.

With that, call me Orion or Ava!

98% MDZS here with a few smatterings of the other MXTX novels, c-dramas, Priest’s novels, video games and shitty memes. And uhhh, lots of clothes and pretty photos.

Only other info that is needed is that I am a lesbian, mexican/latina and 30+.

Team Mythic Beasts: Let’s Talk Designs!

Also Included: (Updated) Birthdays, Ages, MBTI, Heights

(Note: Special thanks to @levijonescc, creator of the Aveyond 4 x Hetalia mod, for inspiring this project; without you we may not be here today. Btw I suck at drawing humanoid characters so I used this base)

It took me almost seven years to finalize the boys’ designs, but here they are!

Besides the pictures, I’ve also invited them here to explain the thought process behind their outfits. They will go in order of color, so this time we’re starting off with… Jones!

❤️ The Wolf- Jones Fitzgerald

(Apr 25 ♉️ | 29 y/o | INTJ | 177cm / 5’9”)

It’s only fair that the best-looking guy in the bunch gets the first word… so why does Luke keep getting all the spotlight? I’m supposed to be the main character!

Anyways, hope you aren’t too scared from all the spikes and flame patterns that I wear. Intimidation is a huge factor in designing a villain outfit, and I take great pride in being called scary. The flames are for another reason too— I’m a fire mage, and those who cross me shall beware the heat.

The cape was a reward from a quest I took up long ago. I saved a village from a demonic wolf, and they gave me some of her fur to wear as a trophy. In a way, it’s a reminder not to let my beloved Hiro go down the same path as his mother… but I do look quite big with the cape, don’t you think?

Even without my armor, cape, and giant coat, I still look like I’m onto some villain-y business, with the vest and jewel… Wait, what do you mean “yeehaw,” Makoto?! I’m not a cowboy!

🧡 The Dragon- Ludovic Brant

(He forgot 😢 | 70+ y/o (physically 25) | ISTJ | 200cm / 6’6”)

… Hello there. I did not expect such a quick debut.

As you can likely tell from my hardened look, my story is about battling demons. I was promised greater progress by the others in Team Mythic Beasts, and they have been of great help in my quest.

I made my armor from various monsters that I have slain in battle, but the helmet, specifically, is from an a assassin sent by my former captor. It put up a tough fight, that’s for sure, but nothing beats the fury of a dragon.

Underneath my armor is a simple outfit I put together in Moriad, where I have lived as a refugee for quite a few decades now. I asked my dwarf neighbors if they could make me custom wear, but it was too much for them. Therefore, every piece is made by hand, by myself.

… Yes. That is all.

💛 The Lion- Mikkel Anderson

(Dec 5 ♐️ | 19 y/o | ISFJ | 183cm / 6’0”)

Evil beware, the Lion of Team Mythic Beasts is here!

When I was a young lad, I’d be carrying heavy stuff everywhere to build up strength for all this armor that I wear now. That means I have to eat a lot of food every day, too! But underneath all this steel, I’m just a humble little guy from the city outskirts.

Oh, this medal? I got it from Lord Kristan! He’s the legendary founder of my hometown, Alphica, and he’s been watching over me and my nan since I was born.

So… that should cover everything about my outfit. You can probably tell I’m not as flashy as my friends; they’ll have a lot more to talk about than I do, I’m sure!

💚 The Weasel- Arthur Blackwood

(Oct 23 ♏️ | 36 y/o | ESTJ | 175cm / 5’8”)

Ha ha ha ha ha!!! If trouble is what you’d expect at the sight of a witch like me, then you’d be right— but you’ve got to be a total numbskull to get on my bad side. My long, sharp nails aren’t the only things you should worry about.

Not a fan of heavy clothes, since potions is my specialty; a simple coat, protective armwear, and a ragged cape does the job for me. As for the bird skull on my shoulder, one of the Raven Lord’s “beloved children” decided it was a good idea to get in the way of my curses— (MAKOTO’S NOTE: THIS DID NOT HAPPEN.)

Purple and cyan? Meh. Black, green, and silver? Classic. No idea what the witchcraft school I went to was thinking when they designed our uniforms, but I’ve done a better job than they ever will. It’s a shame my brothers don’t think the same.

That’s all you need to hear from me. Now get lost before I turn you into a frog!

🩵 The Eagle- Finn Dentrad (né Teryekol)

(Aug 28 ♍️ | 24 y/o | INTP | 162cm / 5’3”)

Looks like my days as an adventurer are not over yet!

My outfit used to be a lot lighter. Shorts, summer jacket, loafers… they’re comfy, no doubt, but I needed something to reflect the things I’m actually good at— engineering and mechanics. So I decided to switch them out for some heavy duty wear.

Now, I’m fully covered up from the neck down, because building stuff, especially gadgets, isn’t really a safe activity. My coat is long enough for protection, but not too long as to get caught in the middle of moving gears. Yikes! Just thinking about that frightens me.

My eyes are just as important for my talent, so I’ve switched out my hat for a pair of goggles. Combine that with my new coat and waist pockets… don’t I look a lot more reliable now?

Oh, one more thing… I’ve had so many people tell me how heavy my backpack is. Is it really? The only stuff in there are bigger mechanical parts and my robot dog Hanatamago, that’s all…

💙 The Bear- Fra’ser Du’randt

(Jun 26 ♋️ | 39 y/o | ENFJ | 175cm / 5’8”)

*yawns* … Oh, hey there. Sorry, I was busy… looking into other people’s dreams.

How is that possible? Well, not long after I came to this world, the Lord of Dreams made me his assistant. He gave me the power to access the dreams of other individuals at any given time, whether I’m awake or in the process of dreaming. Dispelling nightmares is my job, as well as my specialty.

My Lord designed and created my entire outfit. Blue and purple are the colors of dreams in this world, so it’s only natural that he would choose such hues. The sleeves of my coat are styled just like his, and my base wear resembles the uniform I had at my last job. I do miss my friends back there, but I’m happy to be able to serve my Lord. He is truly a kind deity.

Of course, fighting night terrors is a dangerous job, so the cape and armbands serve as protection. My downwards moon earring also acts as a talisman. All in all, it warms my heart that my Lord had considered so much when he made me this costume.

💜 The Fox- Lucas Reynard

(May 6 ♉️ | 110 y/o (physically 20) | INFP | 178cm / 5’10”)

Oh wow, I’m finally last for once. You probably know me well enough by now, as I’m all over this blog as well as Makoto’s Instagram page, if that’s how you found us here.

Every single item you see on me is a gift. Most are from my sisters, but gods have asked of my favor as well. I have no idea what they saw in me, but… alright. Pretty cool, I guess. If you want to know from whom is which, do let me know. By the way, if you look very closely at my choker, it has my initials on it.

Somehow, training with my family had helped me grow a pair of wings, fox ears, and a tail. No, this doesn’t make my hearing any better, nor can I fly... These parts are made of mist, and depending on my mood or energy level, can sometimes appear translucent or not show up at all.

The face markings... I got them while learning how to shapeshift under the God of Colors. He told me that every shapeshifter, whether born with the talent or learned it later in life, has a unique mark, or a combination of them. It’s not evident in my main form, but when I turn into a fox, the canine facial structure reveals the full shape of my marks— four diamonds.

Oh, sorry, I spoke too much… Well, if you want to know more about our outfits, feel free to ask. For now, have this— our very own mascot collection, Team MiniB. It was my idea, by the way.

“Twitter Refugees”

by Zachary Foxx

3-30-2023

The blue fox led a group of people wearing blue bird icon shirts through a digital portal, using his folding fan as a guiding flag.

“Right through here, there we are, doing great. Just keep in the three-by-long formation, very good!”

The portal closed behind them and the crowd clouded closer, looking around at the site, mumbling in curiosity and anxiety. “How does it work?” “Where’s the favorite button?” “How do I repost?” “Is this vegan?”

The blue fox clapped his hands rapidly for their attention, “Okay, okay everyone. Eyes on me, posts paused please! Now, it’s going to be new and it’s going to be different, and it’s no doubt going to be broken in an odd way, but if we stay smiling, respectful, polite, and remember that we are guests here, I’m sure we’ll find our own individual spots to enjoy.”

A user with a lowercase “t” icon on their shirt approached the group, and the fox turned to face him. “Just allow me to perform introductions,” he sighed “Gods willing we may get through this without getting cancelled.” he said under his breath through grit fangs.

“Hello, are you new here to Tumblr?” the user asked.

“Good morning! Well, long story short, we’re from Twitter, our platform is imploding, and we were hoping there were some rooms free at the inn at all?” the fox explained clasping his hands humbly.

The Tumblr user rolled their eyes, “I thought I heard something about something yesterday. Yeah, plenty of space, come through here.” They waved the group through.

They walked through halls of posters taped over posters, ancient memes peeking out from under fantasy and science fiction movie posters, covered by a plethora of current and not as current musicians. Several users ran by wearing Hogwarts house robes and carrying wands, laughing before disappearing into another door.

A Twitter user gasped in shock, “They play Harry Potter here?! Don’t they know-” she was cut off by the blue fox snapping his fan open in front of her face and blocking her mouth with it.

“Shht! Yes, there are ‘Potter Pockets’ around here, but I assure you they’re just as innocent as when the books came out. Roll with it.” he hissed.

Their guide turned to talk to the fox and his expression was warm and pleasant again, as if he never shot a cold glare through a refugee’s brain just then. “So what’s your Hogwarts house?” they asked, starting up mild conversation.

“Oh, well it’s been ages but the last time I checked I believe I was a cross between a Ravenclaw and a Gryffindor, but you know all us introverts are really just Hufflepuffs, right?” Nidonemo gestured, smirking.

“Hah! True! So how about the rest of you?” the local asked, but before the refugees could answer, their faces screwed up in disdain, the blue fox snapped his fan open between the souring faces and their guide.

“You know now that you mention it, Twitter is more a science fiction and superhero fantasy sort of spot, the whole wizarding thing never really caught on over there. If you have any X-Man personality matching quizzes or Marvel posters around I’m sure they’ll be entertained for ages.” the icy blue fox shot a sharp look over his shoulder and the refugees kept their mouths shut.

“Sure uh, we may still have some of those banging around lemme check the supply closet.” The local vanished into a door down the hall followed by sounds of rummaging.

The fox whirled on the group, his expression cold. “Okay grump council listen up. You don’t have a platform, this is the closest one I could find that could house a chaotic userbase, these people are weird, quirky, fun, and fascinating. Don’t forget for a fleeting moment that you have just come in from the rain and out of the reach of a bigoted tyrannical monument to the laughably childish mentality of a celebrity village idiot, don’t you dare look a gift fireplace in the hearth, do you understand me?” He hissed, eyes piercing and voice stern as if scolding a group of unruly children.

No one said a word.

“Hey! I found some! You guys like Neopets at all?” the local called down, leaning out of the closet.

The fox whirled back, face now glowing and warm like a Summer afternoon, “Obsessed with the stuff, my friend! Absolutely love them!” Nidonemo replied.

Summoning the OG timeline characters (badly) Pt. 4

Our story begins with the kind and humble Havik, who sees a boy named Shujinko, who is training to be the very best, like no one ever was. Now, Havik resided in Chaosrealm, where the only rule was there were no rules, and he wanted to share this with young Shujinko. So he fucking jumps the kid and Shujinko fairs off against him. Then Havik, being the tweaker he is, is like “Good job bud your training is done. Then Shujinko is like “WTF DO YOU MEAN TRAINING IS DONE U TRIED KILLING ME BITCH” and Havik was like “Yea that’s the training lmfao” and Shujinko’s like “ohhh lmfao. So what’s good g?” and Havik is like “there’s some MCGA asswholes from Orderrealm who want to get rid of the  c h a o s . So I want you to kick they asses and put these silly little armbands on them that says they like chaos” and Shujinko’s like “lmao thats sum good shit. Brb,” and Shujinko leaves, and on his way back he talks to Havik and is like “my man Havik I did it. But why tf was they in a water temple?” and Havik is like “Water’s gucci af” and Shujinko’s like “oh ok lol can i have a key to get a Kamidogu now?” which is an ancient artifact the “elder gods” want him to get, and Havik’s like “oh shi tru here” and he gives shujinko the key. So Shujinko leaves and now Havik is alone again. Yep. All alone. Noothing to do in Chaosrealm except scream and do silly shit. Yep. Very fun. … … … “Oh shit wait I remember some dude telling me that if those Kamodo Dragon things merge together, Onaga the Dragon King will come back and rule over all the realms. Can’t have that. No sir. I hate rules” so Havik makes his way to Onaga’s temple and on the way finds a burned cripple and is like “dude tf are you good?” and he’s like “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-” and Havik’s like “sweet. So tell me about yourself Kabal” and Kabal’s like “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-” and Havik’s like “Oh shit he took your hookswords, too? Damn. Red Dragon ain got no chill. Say why dont you start the black dragon back up with you as the leader?” and Kabal is like “AAAAAAAAAAAAlright. Sounds sick” so Havik heals him up with his silly powers and now Kabal is better than ever, but Havik also had to make him criminally insane bc thats how Chaos magic works. So Kabal and Havik pull up in Earthrelam and they find this Afghani refugee and she’s also criminally inane, and Kabal and Havik are like “come with us” and she’s like “ok” and then they go to new york city and they find this maniac going around robbing and killing people with martial arts and fucking fire and they’re like “sick” and they find him and he’s like “WHO DARES CHALLENGE THE GREAT POWERFUL KOBRA-” and Havik’s like “sick ok you wanna join us?” and Kobra’s like “ok”, and thus Black Dragon: The Squeakquel was formed. And Havik’s like “alr boys plan’s simple. Shujinko’s on his way to resurrect Onaga fsr and we don’t want that because he’ll make everything have rules and stuff. So what we’re gonna do is wait for the heroes of the realms to come by and help Shujinko bc he’s dumb as nuts and doesn’t know what he’s doing, we let everyone kick Onaga’s keester, and that’s when I go in, eat his heart, and we become ruler of the realms” and they’re like “k” and so they go, and sure enough, the heroes of the realms had defeated Onaga. But before Havik could get to Onaga, Nightwolf, one of the heroes, is like “we defeated Onaga, that’s crazy, woah! Let’s send him to Netherealm, the stupid ho!” and so he sends his soul to Netherrealm before Havik could get his heart. And then Havik isn’t really seen until the fight of Armageddon fighting Cyrax, and then he dies like pretty much everyone else.

Where do you go when stressed? ❄️

Explosive war sent shockwaves through holy "Lux" snow-owl culture after the Imperium Revolution. Many who felt betrayed by the exposed corruption of the High Feather felt lost in their own land. Abandoning the opulence of their floating golden ring cities, many refugees found sanctuary hidden deep at the base of the heavenly Imperium Peaks mountains. Might redemption be found in a humble new beginning?

HeroesOfProvidenceEternal.com – Get free ttRPG maps, begin your own LEGEND, and become the hero you were born to be!

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10 songs (tag game)

Thanks for tagging me @captain-kraken & @writernopal <3 I'm tagging @hraewordsmith @kirkshiresloss @zettelkaestchen to put a playlist on shuffle and share the first 10 songs that come up without cheating! ;-) Also this is an open tag so whoever wants to do that, tag me in your post

I put my "liked songs" Spotify playlist on shuffle which consists of 2700 songs and now that I see what comes up I can't even say I have a taste in music, I just like random songs haha also beware of my oversharing of why I like these songs because I feel like I have to explain myself XD

This is a perfect mash-up! Miley Cyrus is an icon and I also love "Where is my mind?" by The Pixies (and the end scene of Fight Club), but if someone told me a few years ago that Miley Cyrus would perform a mash-up of her song "We can't stop" and "Where is my mind?" on stage, I couldn't believe that it would turn out so awesome.

Solar-based hip-hop based on sun-drunk sounds! I have high hopes for her, she's still a newcomer and her music style is so unique.

Balkan Beats from Germany <3 also yes, we are still here to tell our stories!

Two of my favourite German singer-songwriter bands (Milky Chance & AnnenMayKantereit) having a jam session with Suzanne Vega's song, and it's ... it is perfection! I like it more than the original. The voices of the lead singers are raspy and sexy, but you can also hear them smiling while singing, and that makes it so much better.

This song still makes me cry ... that's all I have to say really, it's perfect fantasy music, but it's also a captivating piece

If you watched the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021 you get it. And if you haven't, go watch their winning performance. Yes, Italian rock won the ESC and I am still amazed by that.

This is probably the best German hip-hop song with an actual political message for Christmas. The music video is pure art, you will understand the themes even if you don't speak German ;-)

Arya Lee is a German singer, YouTuber, actor and film director. He fled from Iran and this song is about his refugee trauma. We should reinforce refugee voices and this hip-hop song demands to be heard. I had a roommate who also fled from Iran, so this song has a special place in my hear, because it made me understand better what he had to endure to make it to a safe place.

You're a part of the dawn where the light comes from the dark You're a part of the morning and еverything matters Herе we are, an atom and a star You're a part of the movement and everything matters

Quand la lumière veut nous voir Quelque part dans le monde Un oiseau s'endort sans bruit Toi et moi, dans la nuit on trouvera Quelque part où déposer les fleurs qu'on a cueillies

If I could write just one poem in my whole life that comes near Aurora's and Pomme's songwriting, I can die in peace. We are so blessed that these faeries share their wisdom with us trough music.

A cellist who is also a songwriter and I'm one of 36 monthly listeners (yes this is a humble brag)

PROMPT #27: Sole

Rosenheim had only traveled so far south on one prior occasion, and the circumstances had not permitted him time for socialization. The dry air tasted as he remembered it from Ashelia's memories, and all the bitterness she associated with it came to the fore of his own emotions; then, not so far from the entrance, two women's laughter cut through the quiet.

He found Gundobald further from where he usually took up guard, cleaning his pike of peiste guts at the southern entrance. The man glanced up as Rosenheim made his humble approach.

"Can I help you, traveler?"

For the first time in longer than he could remember, Rosenheim hesitated.

"I wanted to speak with you directly," he began. "And in private."

"If this is about safe passage home," Gundobald replied, "I'll have to connect you via mail with Bertliana, our representative on the new council. She's facilitating as many relocations as she's been able, with priority going to the most needy."

"Thank you," said Rosenheim, "but I've just come from the Ala Mhigan capital."

For the first time, suspicion crossed over the old bear's wrinkled face.

"I've owed you a meeting for quite some time," he continued. "From one soldier to another-" Here he looked around, the better to determine that they were not being overheard. "-I've wanted to thank you for taking care of my daughter."

Gundobald's hand stilled. He set down his pike upon the desert earth and stood to take his full measure of Rosenheim. For the first time, too, he saw the man as Ashe likely saw him.

"Riot," he breathed.

Ashe had warned him plenty of times that their surname was not popular in the refugee camps, as too many of the others' loved ones had been disappeared during the Mad King's purges. To hear Gundobald speak it so softly put that understanding into perspective. All the same, he nodded.

"It is no less than I would have done for any child," Gundobald began. He opened his mouth as if to continue that line of explanation, then shook his head. "I owed it to your sister. To Alma. She saved my life and the lives of my men during the king's reign."

Try as he might, Rosenheim could not recall any incident like this from his memory or his daughter's.

Gundobald's mustaches fluttered as he let out a heavy breath, staring out across the same lifeless stretch of the Sagolii that he had surely seen for more than twenty years. "I led a group of us from the Saltery to the city gates. We gathered more and more people along the road until we became a mob. Perhaps we thought ourselves the mob that would storm the palace, even." He shook his head to indicate the foolishness of that notion. "And Alma was on duty at the city gate to meet us. By protocol, she should have called for more of the city guard to surround us then and there. But she, barely out of girlhood and scarcely taller than five fulms, locked eyes with me. And she pleaded for us to turn around."

He had read the reports at the time, mostly with an eye for anything in her behavior that might have been deemed incriminating or sympathetic to the rebels. To hear them from one who had been there, so many years removed, brought tears to his eyes that he could not entirely attribute to the desert air. "She's alive, in case you didn't know. Continuing to root out imperials in Dalmasca."

"Ashelia's told me some in her letters. I'm glad of it. As I am glad of her mother's recovery."

Gundobald had not looked at him for some time, and Rosenheim followed his line of sight out toward a horizon that glistened with heat. "She was not an easy child," he conceded.

"No," the old bear laughed, wiping at his eyes. "She was not. And I cannot claim we always gave her the care she needed."

"But you, in particular - you were the only one who always had a place for her, no matter what." It was not his place to broach her tenure in the Corpse Brigade by name, and yet somehow, he knew Gundobald understood. "I see her exhibit that same grace as a leader of a new Ala Mhigo, and I know she did not learn it from me."

They sat together in as long of a silence as Rosenheim could stand, until the first hints of gold began to tinge the horizon and they might well have mistaken the canyon walls all around them for those of Gyr Abania.

Sleeping Coeurl Special Interview: Zahra Kouris

Hello once again my dear readers! Last time I came to you with an exclusive from the Kouris family’s heir, where she addressed some lingering rumors and touched a bit more on the rehousing project she mentioned at the Little Ladies Day Promenade and Social in Eorzea.

It’s been a few moons since and Zahra has been busy! The rehousing project is still underway, but while that’s going, she’s been participating in Menphina’s Madness, running her own venue, preparing for her annual event, Rookie Rhapsody, and helping to run her house! That’s a lot for a woman who hasn’t even hit twenty turns. Still, despite everything on her plate (and more!), she still wasn’t too busy to sit down with us here at the Coeurl and answer some of our questions. We wanted to dig a bit deeper into some of the answers we received last time, and learn some new things besides!

SC: Zahra! Thank you so much for joining us today. We’re honored to have you with us.

Z: Thank you for having me. It’s nice to be able to sit down and set some records straight!

SC: I’m glad to hear it! Well, I do know you’re busy, so we’ll get right to it. First thing’s first, you opened your venue, a Hannish venue, in Eorzea. What was your reasoning behind that and do you have plans to open a venue in Thavnair?

Z: This is a very good question, thank you for asking! I opened my venue in Eorzea because I wanted to bring a bit of my culture to an area that’s become a second home to me. I think the best compliment I’ve gotten so far is ‘This place is too bright!’ That’s how I know I’ve done it right.

Right now, I don’t have any plans of opening an Ameya in Thavnair. There are plenty of dance halls and venues there and on top of that, I have a lot of other businesses under the Kouris name to oversee in Thavnair that take up my time when I’m not managing Ameya.

SC: Yes, I’m sure people will understand. And of course, we’re all happy to spend gil at one of the Kouris family’s lovely establishments! Your jewelry products are second to none. But with that said, that does lead me into a tough question. There are rumors going around about your father being ill, among other things surrounding you becoming heir. Would you be so kind as to shed some light on this?

Z: I knew this question would come up eventually, so I am glad you asked. Anyone that knows of our family knows that we come from humble origins. My father grew up in mines, I grew up helping my father and learning the trade. To this day, my father assists the workers in the mines. Not too long ago, he came down with an illness that’s very common among miner workers. It’s treatable of course, but it does require a lot of bedrest. We didn’t want to worry anyone, especially investors or shareholders, so my mother and myself took over operations while he’s been in recovery. However, enough time has passed that we can discuss this with the public, as things have been running smoothly even during my father’s absence. But he is on the road to recovery, and we hope to see him fully back on his feet in the next few moons.

SC: I’m sorry to hear about your father! That certainly explains why the house kept everything so secretive! We’re happy to hear your father will be well soon. Now then, you did tell us a bit about your rehousing project in Thavnair for the Ilsabardan refugees. Do you have any further information on that, such as when that project may be finalized?

Z: In a moon or so we’ll be clearing out the area of dangerous monsters. That’ll allow the builders to go in and start with construction. Once we have some basic lodgings set up we’ll be able to accept refugees to come in!

SC: That’s wonderful news! It sounds like everything is just about ready to go. We’ll be waiting to see how things progress. Now then, for our next question. Earlier this turn, there was a lot of talk and controversy regarding rumors of you being engaged, and now we’ve heard rumors about a potential paramour who wrote a ballad dedication to you and your establishment. I know you’ve mentioned you wanted to keep your private life that, but we were hoping you’d shed a little bit of light on that for us.

Z: Ah yes. I know the love life of nobility is a hot topic, and not one I can avoid forever, in retrospect. I was never engaged, there was a misunderstanding when that other publication published that ad. To clarify, now that I was of age, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take over as heir. After all, as many may know, I am adopted. I wasn’t sure if I’d be accepted by our people. So my father proposed that within a year if I hadn’t decided what I wanted to do with my life, he would make arrangements for me to become heir, and that would include prospective marriage partners to help secure my future.

Of course, word got out and the publication was made. We couldn’t refute it as it technically wasn’t false, but we hadn’t expected the Al-Bakir house to take an interest, either. One of their sons was a long standing fan of my music, it seems.

But as you know from the last article, we’ve settled things amicably. As for this ‘paramour’, that’s simply untrue. I did a dedication show, and a fan, an associate even, decided to do his dedication to my venue. It was an honor, and I appreciated that he took the time to do something like that for us. Everyone at Ameya works hard to bring something to everyone, and I’m pleased that we’re bringing joy to someone.

But I want to be clear and firm, I do have someone I am in a relationship with. His name is Yasuhiro Kowareta, but please call him Jasper. I am very happy with him, and my family approves of him. We have been together for several moons now, and we’ve been good friends for turns now besides.

SC: Are you two engaged?

Z: I have only just come of age, and my life is hectic. This turn I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of Thavnair’s team for blitzball, and I want to make sure I keep in shape for next turn, as I’d love to try and be a part of the team again. I have plenty of events at Ameya to keep me going, I have the rehousing project, and I have my duties as heir.

I currently have no plans to get married or get engaged right now, but I wouldn’t be opposed to the thought in the distant future. I care about him and I trust him completely. He is my confidant and I like to think he can rely on me too. I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather have at my side!

SC: Speaking of blitzball, can you offer us a few words regarding being a part of the Thavnair team this turn?

Z: I love the Sea Chocobos and I’m so glad I was able to be a part of them last turn. They’re an amazing team and I was excited to see some of my old teammates back in action. With that being said, my heart has always belonged to Thavnair and I was honored and excited to be a part of the Immortal Lions team. There’s a unique energy and vibe that draws you in, and while we were eliminated, we still persisted and kept that energy up. You’ll see just how much when we dominate during Space Jam!

I definitely want to aim for the Lions next turn, and we’re going to make it to the top!

SC: Thank you so much Zahra, we appreciate you coming here and opening up to us!