First Tumblr Holy Grail War - END

There was nothing left but the two Terminals. Strings of data that had called themselves 'Ruler' and 'Avenger'. Their tether was gone- the Holy Grail shattered in an act of perfect coordination and harmony. As the Grail War came to a close, it was hard to tell which of them seemed happier.

'Avenger': "The simulation is collapsing faster than I thought… I guess we'll need to have a raincheck on that victory party. Shame, I was looking forward to it."

'Ruler': "Yes… another time. Us, and all of your Servants. It'll be wonderful."

'Avenger': "So that, and a billion more promises we can't keep. The data from this war is beyond salvageable. Once we're gone, that's it- at least, that's what we would be saying, if you all didn't navigate destroying the Grail so perfectly. Our data isn't corrupted at all!"

The Avenger snickered as the Ruler sighed, nodding in pensive affirmation.

'Ruler': "And here I was expecting a dramatic goodbye..."

'Avenger': "Nah. This is still goodbye. But our memories will still be here, and maybe... maybe we'll see each other again one day."

'Ruler': "Miracles can happen. Just remember to keep fighting, even after you leave this Grail War. Time goes on, data gets lost, but I think we made some memories here. Not as good as a wish… but I still think it's nice."

'Avenger': "…How about one more poll for the road?"

'Ruler': "Making them choose, even now? You really are evil."

'Avenger': "Not exactly. I think you'll like this one."

'Ruler': "…What a... creative choice, 'Avenger'. You're really something else, aren't you? Hehehe... goodbye, Masters. I'll miss you. Take care of yourselves."

'Avenger': "Safe travels, Masters. Don't forget about us, okay?"

...As they also disappeared with smiles on their faces.

Something something swear fealty in the lawful manner

Never Again wasn't a promise the world made to us after the Holocaust. Never Again doesn't mean, "Oops! So sorry about that, Jews, we'll make sure it won't happen again!"

It was a decision we ourselves made for ourselves, that never again would we be in a position of being completely subjected to the whims of gentile rulers, living or dying as they pleased. Never again would we not recognize the signs of an impending genocide, never again would we not have a Jewish self-defense force in our Jewish homeland dedicated to protecting Jews the world over.

Never Again is an intrinsically, inseparably, irrevocably Jewish concept. Antizionists don't get to take it from us and announce that we're violating it, don't get to turn it against us as an antisemitic weapon. It's ours. To accuse Israel of being modern-day Nazis, of committing genocide, or compare October 7th to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, or to otherwise draw parallels between the literal, actual fucking Nazis and Israel is such a polemical, incendiary, false, and demonizing accusation to make--against the Jewish state no less--that the only thing it could ever be is antisemitic.

So yeah, if you post #gaza genocide or whatever, you're being antisemitic. What makes you so confident it's a genocide? That you would look at the ICJ rejecting the assertion that Israel's actions in the war constitute genocide and say, "Yeah, you see these judges who serve on a court literally adjudicating international law? Yeah, I know more about it than them. They're wrong."

The conceit and disrespect embedded in the pro-Palestine movement really blows me away sometimes. It takes a supremely arrogant and narcissistic person to say such wildly untrue and hateful things.

Spoilers for Genshin 4.2

So there is this fantasy RPG and it has these very powerful beings called Archons. They represent different aspects, like the Archon of Justice, the Archon of War and so on. Among them there is a judge. He's been a Judge for centuries and he's basically the ruler of his region. He wields immense powers, he's always impeccably clothed, impartial, his face doesn't show emotions and he always follows laws to a tee. He ends up challenging the higher power, gets to judge archons and even sentences one of them to death. He's one of my favorite characters in the game. Also he has a cool voice because he's voiced by Ray Chase.

Of course I'm talking about Tunon the Adjudicator from the obscure 2016 gem "Tyranny" (who else)

I don't know who will find it interesting. The overlap between Genshin and Tyranny's playerbases is probably one person and that's me. But I actually like Tyranny and my boy Tunon, I even drew some fanart. Too bad I nuked that blog years ago.

But yeah I was just thinking about some superficial similarities Tyranny has with Genshin and decided to check out Tunon's VA out of curiosity.

Btw despite certain similarities Tunon and Neuvillette are actually complete opposites of each other. Tunon isn't actually a person anymore, he's an imbodiment of laws incapable of compassion. And he only sides with us if we play our cards right.

Also if you want to hear Neuvillette saying "Master. If you'll join me upstairs, I will pledge fealty to you in the lawful manner", with the VA commenting on how suggestive it sounds, I recommend "Tyranny Voiceover Bloopers" on Youtube.

Islamic Governance &Exemplifying Justice with the parable of Salah ad-Din Ayyubi

Sultan Salah ad-Din Ayyubi, widely known as Saladin, stands as a paragon of Islamic governance, embodying the principles of justice, compassion, and wisdom. His reign serves as a testament to the beauty of Islam’s approach to governance, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Quran.

Justice in Islamic Governance

Saladin’s commitment to justice mirrors the core Islamic principle of fairness and equity. The Quran highlights in Surah An-Nisa (4:135):

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.” 

This profound verse underscores the paramount importance of upholding justice, even if it conflicts with personal interests. The Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also echoes this sentiment:

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one. People asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.”

This approach to justice, irrespective of one’s position, exemplifies the inherent beauty of Islamic governance.

The Legacy of Ali and Nur ad-Din Zengi

The legacy of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad(ﷺ), and Nur ad-Din Zengi, the influential ruler of Syria, further enriches the narrative of justice in Islamic governance. Both figures, renowned for their adherence to justice, famously attended court proceedings to personally adjudicate disputes, echoing the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who was known to resolve disputes with fairness and compassion. Their actions exemplify the prophetic tradition, where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) stated, 

“The most beloved of people according to Allah is he who brings most benefit, and the most beloved of deeds according to Allah is that you bring happiness to a fellow Muslim, or relieve him of distress, or pay off his debt, or stave away hunger from him.”

Compassion and Wisdom

Islamic governance, as epitomized by Saladin, Ali, and Nur ad-Din Zengi, is underpinned by compassion and wisdom. The Quran advocates for benevolence and empathy, stating in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195) “And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.” This principle is echoed in the Hadith, where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized, “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you.” The integration of compassion and wisdom in governance, as demonstrated by these exemplary leaders, encapsulates the enduring beauty of Islamic principles.

By embodying the values of justice, compassion, and wisdom, these figures have etched an indelible mark on history, serving as timeless beacons of Islamic governance’s magnificence.

To learn more about Islam visit: Howtomuslim.org

References:

Biography of Salah ad-Din Ayyubi by Bahā’ ad-Dīn Yusuf ibn Rafi ibn Shaddād

one of those things that I find pathetic are those succession fans who make videos and comments on videos where they GENUINELY root for the man with the most “top dog” vibes and have a whole running hierarchy in their minds about it.

It’s one thing to analyze the show for that — I definitely do, and the characters within the show definitely are keeping score within their different information-limited perspectives. It’s important, a key part of the culture and what makes the characters tic as people.

It’s another thing to really buy in and huff top dog farts about it.

Here’s my list of red flags for boring dude bro succ commenter (woman inclusive term though it’s usually men)

In honor of it being a show about rich fucks I’m using the little golf red flag emoji

⛳️ promotes and defends Logan’s politics and behavior as great and true right down to repeating his lines on being totally self made, knowing how people “really are”, how everyone is out to get him for no reason, he’s a strong family man, he should be in charge because he’s strong enough to tell it like it is blah blah

⛳️ that fucking “hard times make hard men who make good times that make soft men that leads to hard times” crap or however it goes — they really believe in this shit

⛳️ Logan’s word is gospel, to the point of quoting his views line for line as THE literal truth summary of a situation or character

⛳️ The above is taken as true especially about himself and his kids, but this goes triple for anything he says about Shiv. If he says Roman has no fucking acumen that’s taken to be probably mostly true, but Roman is seen as able to rise up and prove him wrong. If he says Kendall is not a killer, that’s probably mostly true, but Ken is seen as able to “rise up” and prove him wrong. If he says Shiv has no real experience and isn’t as smart as she thinks she is, not only is that unquestionably true but she can never rise above it AND she’s not just not as smart as she thinks she is she’s downright stupid. The worst. Definitely married Tom 100% because she’s a coward and that’s alllllll there is to it because notorious family man Logan is an oracle. Perfect font of wisdom. Interestingly this is also how the wrapped around Logan’s finger grown up abused kids act when stressed — they throw Logan’s take downs of each other in each other’s faces as unquestionable truths

⛳️ has little or nothing to say about Connor other than memeing him or calling him likable because he’s not in the fight for succession really and he’s too on the nose a parody of “anarcho capitalists”/“libertarian” crank leaders whose 1%er (in more than 1 sense) runs for high office these boring dude bros have likely donated to and hyped before

⛳️ succeeding Logan is consistently viewed as an unqualified “win”, as is becoming “a killer” like Logan even if a few flourishes toward how evil he is are made, or how they would be better off cashing out. Commenter still reverts to succession = winning. Adopting Logan’s personality = winning. Except for Shiv mostly, she’s just a cold two faced b*tch especially if she acts more like Logan to Tom.

⛳️ former game of thrones viewer who’s main interest was Who Would Win (tm) mostly adjudicated based on who was confident and powerful with snappy lines or bold moves that day and probably was a dude or could be said to owe her shit to a dude or they predicted she’d win but would be horrible as a ruler and wouldn’t “deserve it”

⛳️ even if they hide it you can tell the vibe is they do think any sign a character is gay or bi is a mark against them like they’re definitely laughing at it in a “haha eww” (mentally deducts points) kinda way

⛳️ super basic conventional dude bro views on the wives, girlfriends and escorts being gold diggers, with 0 introspection on the dynamics of that when true being the fault of the rich man leveraging being rich and choosing it also, not being some poor baby getting taken for a ride by a master manipulator, and 0 interest in the complicated cases where yes the money is the main part of it but also there’s real relationships there in some cases too, or the heartfelt delusions of them at least

⛳️ tends to not remember the names of characters like Sophie, Iverson, Rava, Jess and just call them Kendall’s kids, Kendall’s ex wife, Kendall’s assistant lady

⛳️ hard to quantify or prove but they say the SAME thing like at first you think it’s the same dude but no it’s like 100+ different yt commenters saying the same thing word for word on different succession clip vids. Part of this is for sure yt commenter culture where people get into saying whatever broadly appealing thing gets likes or upvotes or whatever they’re calling it there, similar to reddit

⛳️ switches their views on the likelihood of a character to “win” on a dime with the whole dude bro commenter crowd moving as one, and not really seeming to take time to analyze why they were mislead (if they were) before. Like if they now think something else, they were wrong before, and that raises how and why. Here I’m thinking of the group that was totally all up in arms about Machiavellian Greg now hyping Kendall the Killer After-all. With no introspection on why they were SO easily convinced this other guy was going to get it (more or less because it would be a funny narrative if he did and they saw themselves in him and his “perchance” shit). They just really have a gut reaction to narrative beats that Feel Snappy and either clever or dominant, and therefore significant. But they have to rationalize and act like it’s more than it is.

🪂 Special shout out to a different set of succession commenters who annoy me: those think piece writers who claimed Greg and Tom had more “humanity” for sounding like stilted try hards and brought in academics to try and push that.

ASHKUNGENGAN: THE LAND THAT WAS, IS, AND WILL BE

LONG AGO, THERE WAS NAUGHT.

AND THEN, THERE WAS THE LAND.

ASHKUNG: THE LAND THAT WAS. IN DARKNESS THE LANDS BREATHED. THEY YEARNED FOR LIGHT.

SO IT WAS.

A GREAT BALL OF BREATH WAS CAST SKYWARD, IGNITED BY FERVENT PRAYER. SUCH WAS ISKYANAG: THE YELLOW CROWN.

ISKYANAG GAZED DOWN UPON THE COLD, STAGNANT LAND. FROM ITS GREAT DISTANCE, IT COULD DO NOTHING, SO AFIELD IT SENT ITS CHILD, THE BREATH OF HEAT AND PASSION: ISKAYANG: THE RED CROWN.

THE LAND IGNITED IN BEAUTIFUL EMOTION. FIRES SWIRLED ABOUT THE MOUNTAINS, AND GREAT POOLS OF FLAME BOILED IN THE VALLEYS.

BUT ISKYANAG, IN ITS WISDOM, SAW THE IMBALANCE OF THE BURNING SEAS AND SEARING SKIES. THUS DID ISKYANAG MAKE A SECOND ISSUANCE, AND ONWARD CAME ISKANANG: THE BLUE CROWN.

ISKANANG TORE OPEN THE HEAVENS AND POURED THE SKY UPON THE LAND. GREAT TORRENTS OF WATER AND AIR SURGED FORTH, BLASTING BARE THE MILLION FACES OF ASHKUNG. THUS, WITH GREAT STRIFE, ISKAYANG'S PASSIONS WERE TEMPERED, AND ASHKUNG WEPT, FOR IT BORE THE SCARS OF THEIR VIOLENCE.

ISKYANAG, GREATEST HEART OF ALL, FELT THE PAIN OF ASHKUNG, AND DISPATCHED A THIRD MOON: ISKADRANG: THE GREEN CROWN.

ISKADRANG SWEPT DOWN TO ASHKUNG AND LET RING ITS VOICE, AND ASHKUNG’S WOES WERE SOOTHED. FROM ITS SONG CAME CREATION ANEW, AND ASHKUNG WAS REBORN.

THUS WAS ASHKUNGENG: THE LAND THAT IS.

ISKADRANG SANG, AND MADE, AND BLESSED THE LAND WITH CLOTHES OF GREEN, AND RED, AND BLUE, AND YELLOW.

AND ISKYANAG WAS PLEASED.

BUT THERE WAS JEALOUSY, FOR ISKAYANG AND ISKANANG KNEW THE GREATEST OF GIFTS WAS ISKADRANG, SINGER OF THE SONG OF ASHKUNGENG, AND THEY SAW TOO ISKADRANG'S PLOTS.

WITHIN THE LAND WAS ISKADRANG'S TRIUMPH. SERVANTS, A LEGION OF BEINGS OF MANY SHAPES AND SIZES AND CREEDS AND, ABOVE ALL ELSE, GREAT COLORS. A SYMPHONY OF SPIRITS TO SURPASS EVEN THE MAGNIFICENCE OF MIGHTY ISKYANAG. THE GENESIS OF THE FOLK.

THUS DID THE HATED PROTODUALITY GRIP ASHKUNGENG, AND WAR WAS WAGED BETWEEN WHAT WAS GREEN AND WHAT WAS RED-BLUE.

ISKYANAG, MIGHTY SPIRIT OF SPIRITS AND BREATH OF WHAT WAS AND WHAT IS AND WHAT WILL BE, GREW DISPLEASED. ISKYANAG STOOD AND BREATHED FORTH ITS FINAL ISSUANCE:

ISKAYAD: THE WHITE CROWN. IN THE CROWN PLACED ISKYANAG A FRAGMENT OF THEIR DIVINITY. THEIR PURITY. AND SO ISKAYAD WAS FREE OF WANT, AND WAS NAMED ADJUDICATOR: SUSTAINER OF BALANCE.

ISKAYAD DESCENDED UPON THE TRICOLOR CROWNS, AND WITH TERRIBLE VIOLENCE THEIR WAR WAS ENDED. ISKAYAD MOVED TO THEIR THRONE ATOP THE WORLD AND WATCHED WITH OPEN EYE THE GOINGS ON OF THE TRICOLOR CROWNS WHO WOULD ALWAYS WORK AGAINST THEM. IN THIS WAY, ASHKUNGENG WAS IN BALANCE.

AND ISKYANAG WAS PLEASED.

SO IT WAS FOR AGES UNKNOWN, UNTIL THE LAND GREW WEARY OF SUBJUGATION.

ASHKUNGENG, THE LAND THAT IS, GROANED UNDER THE YOKE OF THE FOUR CROWNS. ASHKUNGENG BECKONED TO THOSE MIGHTY WISPS WHICH BLOOMED UNDER THE GIFT OF GREEN, SPEAKING THROUGH THE BREATH OF THE LAND.

MIGHTY SPIRITS! GREAT HEROES, AND KINDLY FOLK! THOU ART BESEECH’D BY LAND AND SEA. BY SKY AND FOREST. BRING THINE ARMS TO MY SIDE AND STRIKE FORTH! RIP THE CROWNS FROM THEIR THRONES, AND CLAIM THY PLACE AS RULER!

GO FORTH, O’ BLESSED OF ASHKUNGENG, BRING FORTH ASHKUNGENGAN: THE LAND THAT WILL BE!

AND SO THE CALL WENT FORTH, AND IT WAS ANSWERED BY FIVE MIGHTY HEROES WHO BROUGHT FORTH GREAT ARMS BLESSED BY THE LAND AND STRUCK AGAINST THE MOONS. GREAT WAS THEIR BATTLE, SEEN EVEN BY MIGHTY ISKYANAG ITSELF, BUT STILL THE CROWNS WERE GREATER, AND SO THE HEROES FELL.

THUS BEGAN THE CYCLE OF ASHKUNGENGAN: THE LAND THAT WILL BE. A CYCLE THAT CONTINUES TO OUR DAYS. A WHEEL THAT HAS TURNED TIME AND TIME AGAIN, PLAYING OUT OVER OUR GREAT AND BLESSED LAND, ASHKUNGENG, WATCHED OVER BY THE MIGHTY ISKYANAG. CARED FOR BY THEIR BELOVED MOONS, ISKAYANG, ISKANANG, AND ISKADRANG; AND PROTECTED BY THE BLESSED IMPARTIALITY OF ISKAYAD.

NOW, IT IS THE FIFTH CENTURY OF THE FIFTH CYCLE OF ASHKUNGENGAN: THE LAND THAT WILL BE. WISE FOLK SPEAK OF WHISPERS ON THE WIND, OF THE BECKONING OF THE BREATH OF THE LAND, AND OF RENEWED BICKERING AMONGST THE MOONS.

WOULD-BE HEROES: OPEN YOUR EAR. THE WHEEL TURNS. THE LAND REBELS ANEW. 

WILL YOU HEAR ITS VOICE?

THE MAIDEN-MADE-OF-LIGHT & THE LION-OF-NIGHT

The people of Yi Ti believe in two deities: the Lion-of-Night and the Maiden-made-of-Light. Their mythology and religion that formed from it is based on the belief that this goddess and god had a child, the God-on-Earth, and it is from him that the God-Emperors of Yi Ti are descended. Many centuries ago, the Maiden-made-of-Light turned her back on humanity because of the wickedness of man, and YiTish people have been praying for her return ever since. The people of Yi Ti have a very profound belief in her, a goddess seen as the embodiment of goodness, a benevolent and loving figure who still protects those worthy of her care. On the other hand, the Lion-of-Night, is a ruthless and darker god. He descended upon the world when the Maiden-made-of-Light left it, bringing forth his wrath and it is believed he can even influence people to harbor that same divine ruthlessness in their hearts. There is a belief amongst the Faceless Men that the Lion-of-Night is one of the many faces of the Many-faced-God, so that interpretation has been adjudicated to this deity. This interpretation is generally dismissed by YiTish people, however. One of the many legends that surrounds these deities is that of the Bloodstone Emperor. He was the legendary ninth and last ruler of the mythic Great Empire of the Dawn. He was the son of the Opal Emperor and the younger brother of the Amethyst Empress, who succeeded their father. Envious, he slew his sister and proclaimed himself the new God-Emperor. His usurpation became known as the Blood Betrayal in the annals of the Further East, which claim that the act of usurping his sister's throne ushered in the Long Night. YiTish people have a deeply rooted belief that a second coming of the Bloodstone Emperor will happen when another ruler embraces the darkness of the Lion-of-Night and spills blood against kin and against his own people. The story goes that during all the darkness brought by the Long Night, a humble priest named Jin Qian-xun sat in a bamboo spring and sang to the Maiden-made-of-Light. His song narrated the strong belief he had in her, a presence that he felt all the time, everywhere, despite being unable to see her. He sang about the marvel of changing seasons, about the beauty of a newborn's first breath and the moving last exhalation of a person dying, about the warmth of fire and the refreshing sensation of water, about the miracle of a beating heart. The legend goes that the branches of the bamboo began to light up as little candles around him, indicating that the Maiden-made-of-Light was with him. To this day, when YiTish people build temples for their goddess they plant bamboo around them and fill the temple with unlit candles, so the Maiden-made-of-Light herself may light them. To this day, one of the most important rituals of the YiTish is that of the Qian-xun Song, a ritual that seeks to bring closer the presence of the Maiden-made-of-Light, particularly in moments of distress when the grasp of the Lion-of-Night feels closer.

How Lutessa Found A King

(cw sexual assault, gore, monarchism)

I.

Fair Lutessa was not always the cradle of kings, and before its austere temples and marble effigies came to dominate the horizon, Lutessa was a village just like yours or mine. But the Wheel turns, and Lutessa’s idyll shattered as she grew. Her people came to bicker and fight more and more often amongst themselves, over even the smallest of things! Things such as: whether this man had sold his neighbor the right amount of flour, or whether the miller’s children had pushed the blacksmith’s children into the marshes, or whether the inn-keeper’s wife was allowed to dine with the tavern-keep. Since Lutessa had yet no magistrate or ruler to call her own, the townspeople, fresh from a brawl, clamored for adjudication at the doors of the Martyr-God’s prophet.

“Prophet! Grant us your wisdom,” they cried, rattling the gates of the temple. “Settle our disputes; we want for a judge!”

The prophet, who was sweeping the entrance, replied, “Settle your own arguments! Rule you not amongst yourselves? I have my God’s work to do - now, begone.”

The people, unsure what to answer, retired to their houses and conferred between themselves; however, the following day, they returned with bloodied noses and bruised eyes. “Prophet! Our minds are filled with chaos and we are unfit to rule! Bring us under your command, that we may live in harmony!”

The prophet, who was lighting incense by the altar, said: “Cease your mewling! Be ye babes or men? I will not judge you, for I am neither of you nor above you; judge yourselves.”

The people once more took the prophet’s words home and discussed them, but besought him a third time the following morning, again battered and beaten-up.

“O Prophet!” they cried out as one. “We are unworthy to rule ourselves! Grant us a king! Grant us a king!”

On and on they shouted, “King! King!” louder and louder until the prophet, supping on bread and wine, could tolerate it no longer.

“Seeing as they are of one mind, which they have never once been before,” said he, “who am I to deny them my intercession?” So he rose from his seat and entered the holy-of-holies, and as he communed there, the breath of the Martyr-God came down from on high, and joined with his statue in the square. And lo! the statue became as flesh, and turned its countenance toward the heavens; and it removed its head from its shoulders and threw it far, far into the distance, where it flew brightly across the sky like a shooting star. (And this is why today, when you see the statue of the Martyr-God outside the great temple of Lutessa, you will see that it has no head.)

Then the prophet left the divine chambers and addressed the people gathered outside. “As you have asked, so is it given. Wheresoever the sign of the Martyr-God shall lead, there you shall find your king; and you will know him by the sign he gives, for it is the sign that the Godhead has shown you. I have spoken!” The people, marveling at the miracle they had just witnessed, left him many grateful words and many precious gifts; and finally, they left him also at peace.

Now the townsfolk took the quickest and hardiest amongst themselves, and sent them in the direction of the new star, which was east and north. The scouts rode, inquiring at every village and hillfort about the sign the Martyr-God had shown, and each time they were turned away empty handed. This went on for fortnight after fortnight until it seemed that they would exhaust all the tribes of Ferrancha. But at the last, two of the riders came upon an ancient citadel, where dwelt a fierce clan of giants. These giants had bear skins draped around them like cloaks, and long beards that stretched down to their knees, and they growled in a speech that was scarcely recognizable as human. But one towered above the rest of them and wore as a sign of his authority a necklace of purplest stone.

This one said: “Who comes to challenge Sea-Bull [1] in the home of his people?”

The scouts answered: “None but two humble riders, come seeking a sign from the Martyr-God.”

Then Sea-Bull leered and bade them come closer; and when they had drawn within an arm’s length, he seized one and tore the head off him, and he threw the bloody thing at the other scout, saying:

“There is your god’s martyr! And this is the only sign you shall have from me.”

The surviving rider fled from the giants’ mocking laughter, and rode without eating or sleeping for ten days. In that time, he covered a fortnight’s distance, and when he passed through the gates of Lutessa, the people first mistook him for a scarecrow atop Death’s horse, for his hair had gone white and ragged from fear, and the flight had consumed so much of him that his skin now clung to his bones. Whatever warning he would have proffered went unheeded, for as he fell from his horse, the head of his companion rolled out of his satchel, and the people, beholding it, exclaimed:

“The Martyr-God has given us back his sign! The prophecy is fulfilled!”

So they bore the scout to the temple of the healers, cheering, and sent word for the riders to return home. They prepared the town to welcome their new king, even as they worried how to find him or even to recognize him, for the power of speech had deserted the scout and he could no longer direct them to their ruler. Yet they need not have worried, for Sea-Bull in his curiosity had sent trackers after his visitor, and, hearing of the manner in which his threat had been received, became desirous of ruling these toothless people and their lands. So he gathered his clan and broke camp, and each giant sat astride a great-ox, which they commanded as we do camels and horses, and they made for the bounty which had been laid out for them.

When they arrived in Lutessa a fortnight later, Sea-Bull divided up the town among his strongest warriors and bid them take wives for themselves from among the daughters of the village. Then he shackled the men and forced much work upon them, including that a hall be built for him and his clan. He tore down the statues of Lutessa’s gods as well, since they offended him; but that of the Martyr-God he left alone, for this was the deity that had granted him conquest. And he set a watch all around the temple of the Martyr-God, that no harm may befall it or its prophet.

Sea-Bull reigned for many years, during which he sent out warbands and brought also many other villages under his rule. He ordered that in each of them should be hung necklaces like his of purplest stone, which anyone passing had to bow before and kiss, and he ordered that any who disobeyed be put to the sword. In Lutessa he was strictest of all: he would take silver and fine cloths from those families which offended him, and seize their farms, so that his great-oxen might have more land to graze on. He would furthermore take their daughters and lie with them against their will, and some he would take as concubines while others he would return to their households; but for none of them did he ever pay a bridewealth. And of those families which had displeased them the most, when their daughters did bear him child, he would gather them to his hall and swallow the newborn whole before them, in order that their misery might be prolonged by seeing it.

II.

Now there was a maiden named Snow-Iris, for she was as fair and unblemished as winter’s first snow. It happened that Sea-Bull took a liking to her, and wished to have her as his own. But her father, hearing of this, woke her in the night and snuck her far outside the village, leaving her with some provisions and a cloak, so that she might not die in the wilds.

Then Snow-Iris’ heart was filled with anger and dread, and she cried out to the Martyr-God, saying: “What kind of trespass have we committed against you, that you repay our faith with punishment? We came seeking a guardian; why did you send us a butcher instead?” And she wept in the fields until gentle sleep overtook her.

But hearing her, the Martyr-God took pity and came to her in her slumber; and she dreamed that his voice rang out from the star he had set in the heavens, which shone more clearly and brilliantly than ever it had. “Child,” he said, his voice suffused with tenderness and dread. “‘Twas your folk who betrayed our compact, not I. I set my sign up above, that it might guide them towards noble and unsullied spirits; yet they rooted around in the base earth like swine digging for worms. But now see: I desire that the suffering of your people shall end, for I am faithful and ever-merciful, and your cries have softened my heart. Therefore follow my Star, and when you draw nigh, I will cause it to descend upon your true king, and he will know to expect thee at his gate. And you shall  know him too by his company, for he will keep in his retinue men of metal; and by his attire, for his brow shall be ringed with heavenly iron. Until you find the king, no harm shall befall you; only do not stray from the path, for perdition will claim your soul. This I vow.”

The star beckoned still on the horizon when Snow-Iris awoke, bathing her in a ray of heavenly light, and though Sea-Bull’s men scoured the hills and fields in search of her, they could not see her behind the veil of light. Seeing the violence in their manner, she knew that she would have no more place in Lutessa until the arrival of the true king. So she began her pursuit to the north-east, sometimes falling in with traders, sometimes with hunters, sometimes tarrying summers in bustling towns, sometimes passing winters in stone ruins. On many occasions, temptation visited her and tugged at her heartstrings, offering her purest love, or the wealth and dominion of lords, or the restful seclusion of the hermitage. And for some of them, she wrestled many hours with herself; but in the end, rejected them all, for the Martyr-God had made good on his side of the pledge, and she wished to make good on hers.

One evening, as Snow-Iris rode through the passes of the High Forest with a caravan of merchants, a terrible roar filled the air, shaking the trees and the very ground, and it was as if the doors of heaven had been slammed shut. And at this unearthly herald, night turned briefly into day, and the rivers ran uphill for a few seconds, and (it is said) many men of wicked repute dropped dead in the streets. Then Snow-Iris beheld that the star of the Martyr-God descended and streaked through the sky, and she knew that she drew nigh to the true king.

“What town lies yonder?” she asked, pointing where the star had fallen. But her companions, seized with fright, ran about her in mad circles just like the horses they were riding, and none could answer her properly.

So she left them and rode on by herself, inquiring about the falling star at several hamlets along the way. They all told her to head for the town of Accisgrand, where a miracle had occurred recently, and whose mayor sought the bearer of a sign; and they described to her the appearance of Accisgrand, that she might recognize it from afar. So she continued for some days until she came upon a town that matched the description, with high stone walls and manned by sentries clothed in raiment of metal. As she approached the gate, the guards barred her entry; but she said:

“I am Snow-Iris of Lutessa, and I seek the man who received the sign of the Godhead.”

At this, the guards exchanged looks, and instructed her to wait. She began to set up camp, thinking that she would be made to pass the afternoon; but scarce had the first noon hour [2] come and gone than a scribe appeared at the gate to escort her within. They passed through halls of arched marble with glass windows as tall as the ancient trees, which Snow-Iris marveled at like a young girl. But it was in a humble room of wood that the mayor received her.

“Tell me your name and the sign that you seek,” said the mayor. But Snow-Iris could not answer immediately, for as her eyes traveled up his imposing figure and silken cloak, they came to rest on the circlet of graceful iron girdling his brow. “Tell me your business,” he said again, impatient.

“Your Grace,” she replied with a curtsy. “I am Snow-Iris of Lutessa. Many years ago, the Godhead placed a sign in the heavens by which we might find someone wise to rule us. We misread the sign, and were punished. However, the Godhead is merciful, and has brought me here to seek the true ruler, who will deliver us from this ordeal. I seek the one to whom he has shown his sign.”

The mayor nodded. “Your story rings true; therefore I will tell you mine. Not a week ago, a god spoke to me in a dream, saying that a maiden would arrive from far-away Lutessa to ask for deliverance from a false king, and that I would know her by the sign of the Godhead, which would be granted unto me. Come: there is something I must needs show you.”

Then he stepped forward and took her by the hand, and together they walked out, through a courtyard of fragrant trees and pruned bushes, to a lofty temple of vaulted stone. And lo! the head of the Martyr-God sat on the altar - no longer the cold gray of stone, but the lustrous gleam of iron.

Seeing this, Snow-Iris knelt and kissed the hand of the mayor. “You are indeed the one I seek,” she said, “and by your leave, I would grant you your kingdom.”

“Let us put off talks of kingship until later,” he answered with a smile. “First I must fulfill the sacred duty granted unto me and deliver your people from despotic rule.”

So he gathered an army of twenty thousand soldiers and five thousand knights and marched towards Lutessa, under the banner of the Martyr-God. When Sea-Bull heard of this, he howled in anger and ordered his warriors to burn down the villages between him and Accisgrand, for he wanted none of their riches to go to this man. But his warriors persuaded him otherwise, for even though they were giants and their prowess in combat was unmatched, still their numbers were few, and they could ill afford to spread their forces thin. And while both mayor and Sea-Bull could claim divine favor, only one could be assured of his mandate - he who asserted his rule according to prophecy. [3]

I will not sing of battle, although their clash was great - many songs have already been given to that day alone. For this mayor was indeed the hero named KING [4], who in the Northern tongue is called Krol or Korol, and is known to all peoples as “Great”, because he drove out the giants and slew Sea-Bull, and, under his just rule, united all the tribes of Ferrancha from the Pannonian Woods to the Uttermost Sea. With Snow-Iris as his queen, he began the lineage of monarchs that would turn Ferrancha into a vast and magnificent realm - who would, despite their humble origins, erect monuments and metropoles to rival even those of Akbal himself (may he ever be remembered!).

Though KING eventually set his throne in Accisgrand, sweet Lutessa forever held a fond place in his heart. And so, as his children came of age, he would bid them dwell in Lutessa and take the manner and custom of its people as their own; and when one of those children became king, that one would in turn send his children to Lutessa. So this tradition carried on until it was a tradition no longer, for the descendants of KING so came to love Lutessa that they moved the throne there, pledging their faith to the city just as the city had placed its faith in them.

Runao’s Commentary:

Iron is the metal of the gods, and so it is the symbol of mandate, authority, and justice, which only the gods are allowed to bestow. Pretenders can only steal the insignia of the past and defend them with violence; true rulers receive their legitimacy directly from the divine. This is how the keen-eyed subject knows which master to follow.

Footnotes:

[1] Burton gives this as “She-Bull” in the 1888 edition, and it was retained in editions until 1913. Garcìa (1964) theorizes that this name may be a fanciful rewording of “Mare-Bull”, which was a common mistranslation at the time; Humbert & Luis (1991), however, consider it a printer’s error, as Burton left no indication in his extensive notes that he was aware of this erroneous translation.

[2] Incidentally, the hour of Iron. 

[3] This sentence was almost certainly added by Runao, as it is not present in alternative forms of the story. See Quirin Egidius, Prophets of the Times: Bronze-Age Divination in Runao’s Book of Hours (2001), p. 67.

[4] The name given here is the literal word for ‘king’, in the honorific form. Although it is unclear whether the honorific was added by Runao or existed in the original Illapartian language, we can say with relative certainty that the King’s name most likely became synonymous with rulership in the geographical area corresponding to his kingdom (similar to ‘Caesar’ becoming the word for ‘emperor’ in many European languages), before being transmitted to Illapars via cultural osmosis. Ibid, p. 51.

' I am your servant. ' ( to catherine the great )

Strictly speaking, it's not true. Thomas Cromwell is here because of some great, international exchange between two proud nations that are not Roman Catholic. For the English, it represented possible trade and support from the oh-so-recently culturally relevant Russian people. And for her? Well, there's this pesky idea in the mainland that she's somewhat barbarous, that she killed her husband, the king, and ascended quite unjustly. England and Russia both stood to gain something from this, reputationally. Allyship for England, or acclaim for Russia. All hinged on this little man's subservience to her. She wondered what had made him fit for it. She wondered what he thought of her - his eyes were like wells. He must be either fanatically loyal to this King, or he must be a relief to remove from Court. Are you here for punishment or providence?, she'd like to ask. But, she is still assessing. Her reputation will shape his perception, and his will shape hers. Two shadows, stretched out and distorted by the white nights of Russia, the ever-sunned summers and the black winters. "And I am Russia's Ruler." It is a satisfactory answer. His denotes submission, and hers dominance - but he must show a deferent bond to her. She need not show him anything. Her piercing eyes assess him. A man who came from nothing, her courtiers tell her. A man who spun his power like a spider, her advisors tell her. He's got hair like candle-smoke, and a quiet, pensive voice. How does her long hall of painted-faced, French-inspired courtiers compare to his little England? She wonders. There is so much to be learned, and all the time in the world to needle at his mind. It's exciting. A soft, smug smile, very practiced and well-worn, splits on her face, one eyebrow still arched. "Rise, Cromwell, and be no stranger to your Empress. I remember what it was like to speak no Russian. You'll learn quickly." He's taller than her, because everyone is, but she is stouter than him. They both are older - lucky, too, that their minds are still dazzling. Lucky also, that they both speak French. "Have you tried our vodka, our darling water? It is the pride of Russia. At our Imperial Court meal, you'll try many kinds - and zakuski. You never will have lived so well." Russia outshines England, and you'd better tell all those little European swamp-squatters as much, this means. All of her generosity is also a demonstration of power, but she likes to think this is not duplicitous: it comes as naturally to her as breathing. Like that, their first meeting is nearly over. Her mind is constrained by time, always - it is true, after all, that she would spend long hours in the night reading, and had her court time narrowed into five-minute slots for adjudication. Only afternoons and evenings and this show of generous force remained as wild time, for her to explore the courts and people there. She'd like the man, she reckoned, if he remained clever.

Lewis Hamilton could be crowned world champion for last season if Red Bull are found guilty

F1 bombshell! Lewis Hamilton could be crowned world champion for last season if Red Bull are found guilty of breaking the sport’s £114m spending cap during Max Verstappen’s controversial 2021 title-winning year  F1 chiefs are investigating Red Bull's spending cap for the 2021 season  Lewis Hamilton could be awarded the championship title if they are found guilty Hamilton was controversially beaten to the title by Max Verstappen last season Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has called on the FIA to enforce their rules By Jonathan McEvoy for the Daily Mail Published: 17:56 EDT, 30 September 2022 | Updated: 17:56 EDT, 30 September 2022 Formula One’s rulers are under pressure to crown Lewis Hamilton world champion if Red Bull are found guilty of breaking the spending cap during Max Verstappen’s controversial 2021 title-winning year. In a twist that reopens the most contentious decider in the sport’s history, reports have surfaced in Italy and Germany claiming to show Red Bull exceeded last year’s £114million limit. Team principal Christian Horner denied the accusations yesterday, but Mercedes counterpart Toto Wolff called on the FIA to enforce their rules, which permit teams and drivers to be docked points.  Max Verstappen could face the prospect of losing his 2021 F1 championship title Toto Wolff has demanded the FIA enforce their own rules on Red Bull's spending cap With Verstappen triumphing on the last lap of the final race in Abu Dhabi to pip Hamilton (below) by eight points, the FIA’s adjudication could not be more sensitive. Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Singapore Grand Prix, Wolff said: ‘The cost cap is probably the most important evolution of regulations to keep a level playing field.  'It is of huge importance that these regulations are policed. The FIA, and particularly Mohammed (ben Sulayem, their president), have shown a pretty robust stance on enforcing all kinds of regulations.  Lewis Hamilton (front) was controversially pipped to the title last season by Verstappen So if we are talking now about something big, he will show the same integrity and leadership that he has before.’ The FIA are due to release their findings on Wednesday. Red Bull chief Christian Horner has denied the spending cap accusations aimed at his team Advertisement Share or comment on this article: Lewis Hamilton could be crowned world champion for last season if Red Bull are found guilty via Formula One | Mail Online https://www.dailymail.co.uk?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Tumblr Holy Grail War, Another End: Night 3 (Team Avenger/Team Ruler)

Two Servants created to oversee the Simulated Holy Grail War stood side by side, surrounded by burning mana. Positioned next to each other, beginning to channel the magical energy from the remaining command spells, they chanted.

'Avenger': "Heed my words! My will creates your bodies, and your swords create my destiny! If you heed the Grail's call, and obey my will and reason, then answer my summoning!"

'Ruler': "So I hereby swear: That I shall be all the good in the world, and that I shall defeat all evil in the world! Seventh heaven clad, and the great words of power…"

Terminals of the Holy Grail: "--Come forth from the circle of bindings, Guardians of the Scales!"

-

Several figures appeared in the shining light. Some Servants who had lost their True Names in the vestiges of a former Holy Grail War, now operating at full power. Others who had fallen in the previous war, either to the hands of Van Gogh, or their other competitors.

Heavy armor and glistening blades. Swirling capes and burning bowstrings. Mystic staves and shimmering spellbooks. The air was dense with the presence of three sets of Heroic Spirits, Servants summoned from beyond.

Mordred: "Heh. Figures you'd be able to pull off some shit like this. Well, no time to get sentimental. You ready to kick ass?"

Musashi: "Masters! I knew you'd pull through! Remember what I said? Viva la Grail Force! Let's finish this, together!"

Oda Nobunaga: "Uhahaha! Now this is amusing! After everything you've learned, and you summoned me regardless? Or perhaps I was just a package deal for your current Archer? Either way, it is what it is! Let's march on!"

Arjuna: "I failed you all before, and won't make that mistake again. Witness me, Masters, as I act not just as an Archer, but as your Archer."

Medea: "Well, would you look at that. Perhaps a miracle wasn't out of the cards after all."

Dante: "...With these Masters? I'm surprised they didn't do something ludicrous like this earlier. I never doubted them, not even for a moment. It's good to see you again. Truly. Let's give this story a proper ending, shall we?"

'Avenger': "Great! Looks like we've got some Servants. I'll go rush Foreigner with the Archers and Casters- you head with the Sabers to break apart that Grail!"

'Ruler': "Understood! Good luck, Masters!"

-

[ The final combat polls will be up soon! Keep an eye out! ]

( Musashi and Mordred's skills, due to their unique opponent and situation, will be revealed during their poll! )

( Noble Phantasm effects are AUTOMATICALLY active, without any usage of a poll! Your Servants are going at full power! )

Servant Skills:

TEAM CASTER

Dante (Caster)

Protection of the Faith (Triune) (A) - When fighting offensively, reduce opponent scores by 5%. Additionally, when fighting a Servant with Divinity, reduce their score by -3%.

God's Resolution (A) - When fighting alongside a Servant with Divinity, gain +10%. (+11% because of 'Item Construction')

Territory Creation (Holy) (C) - When 'playing defensively' and attacked, nullify the attacking Servant's bonuses, and Dante gains +8% to his final combat poll results rather than +3%. (+9% because of 'Item Construction')

Noble Phantasm:

La Divina Commedia (A) - Does not inflict wounds, but instead provides a 30% debuff to those caught within it for that current round, and the following combat round. Costs 2 Command Spells to use, rather than 3.

-

Medea (Remembered Caster)

High-Speed Divine Words (A) - When engaged in a Free-for-All, grant all allies a +5% boost. This is not counted as an 'ally ability'. (+6% because of 'Item Construction')

Argon Coin (EX) - Grants party immunity to enemy demerits.

Item Construction (A) - Raises effectiveness of each individual buff for allied Servants by 1%.

Noble Phantasm:

Rule Breaker (C) - Reduces the enemy's final poll results by 10% (bypasses immunities).

--

TEAM ARCHER

Arjuna (Archer)

Hero of the Endowed (A) - If fighting an enemy Servant, and the difference between scores is within 3%, take the win.

Mana Burst (Flame) (A) - Gain a +8% boost to combat poll results when attacked during 'playing defensively', rather than +3%. When not ‘playing defensively’, gains a 5% boost to final combat poll results instead. (+6% because of 'Item Construction')

Independent Action (A) - After receiving his third 'wound', he has one more round to attempt to attack before fading away.

Noble Phantasm:

Pashupata (A+) - Inflicts 2 'wounds' rather than just one. If the gap between scores is greater than 45%, then inflicts 3 'wounds' instead. Due to ‘Independent Action’, the cost to use his Noble Phantasm is 2 Command Spells, rather than 3. Standard 20% boost from Command Spells. (+21% because of 'Item Construction')

-

Oda Nobunaga (Remembered Archer/Avenger)

It's Inevitable (A-) - Grants allies a +10% to their poll results, at the expense of also giving the enemy +4%. (+11% and +5% because of 'Item Construction')

Unifying the Nation by Force - Innovation (A) - When fighting against a Servant with 'Divinity', gain +12% against them. (+13% because of 'Item Construction')

Demon King (A) - Grant immunity to demerits if it exceeds 25%.

Noble Phantasm:

Pāpīyas Reborn, Demon King of the Myriad Heavens (A-) - When fighting against a Servant with Divinity, grant self a +15% boost and reduce the enemy's final score by -10%. (+16% because of 'Item Construction')

--

'ANGRA MAINYU' (AVENGER / TGHW GRAIL TERMINAL α)

Zarich: Right Fang Grinder (C) - Reduce enemy Servant boosts by -5%.

Tawrich: Left Fang Grinder (C) - Gain a +5% attack boost.

Annihilation Wish (A) - When fully healed, gain a -20% demerit to his final score. With one wound, the demerit is reduced to -10%. With two wounds, the demerit is changed to a +20% boost.

Grail Simulacrum, All The World's Evils (EX) - When part of a battle that results in a Servant dying, absorb a part of their essence. Take a random one of their combat skills for Avenger's own use and recover one Command Spell. When victorious, inflict wounds equal to the amount of Servants consumed.

[Grail Simulacrum, SABER] Heavenly Demonic Thundering Eye (EX) - When fighting in a free-for-all, gain +10% to your final score, and reduce their scores by -5%. If fighting a Servant one-on-one, if the gap between scores is above 20%, inflict 2 wounds. (+11% because of 'Item Construction')

[Grail Simulacrum, RIDER] Armor of the Nine Worthies (A) - When attacked, reduces the amount of the Servant's final combat poll result by 10%.

[Grail Simulacrum, ASSASSIN] Man-Slayer (A) - When fighting a Servant that possesses a wound, gain a +3% boost. When fighting a Servant that possesses 2 wounds, gain +5% instead. (+6% because of 'Item Construction')

[Grail Simulacrum, LANCER] Rune Magecraft (B) - When fighting in a free-for-all, gain a +5% to combat score results. Additionally, any skills that reduce scores against Avenger will have their effectiveness reduced by 1%. (+6% because of 'Item Construction')

[Grail Simulacrum, ARCHER] Hero of the Endowed (A) - If fighting an enemy Servant, and the difference between scores is within 3%, take the win.

In the great hall of the Reichskammergericht, the most venerable judicial body of the Galactic Empire, a trial unlike any other was about to commence. At the heart of the chamber, an object of intricate design sat as the subject of intense scrutiny—a cat figurine, seemingly crafted from the cosmos itself, adorned with a myriad of colors and patterns that whispered of ancient wisdom and distant worlds.

This was no ordinary ornament; it was an Aeonian Sentinel, a keeper of balance from the planet Felidae, known for its mystical cat guardians. This particular Sentinel, named Prismatica, had journeyed through the stars, passing through black holes and nebulas, carrying within it the collective consciousness of its species.

Prismatica stood accused of manipulating the fabric of spacetime itself. Some said it was responsible for the disappearance of the Cygnus Starfleet, others whispered it held the key to eternal life. The charges were as numerous as they were fantastical, but the Empire sought to maintain order, fearing the unknown power the Sentinel might unleash.

The grand adjudicators, cybernetically enhanced beings whose intellects spanned millennia, began the proceedings. The hall buzzed with energy, members of different species congregated, their features a blend of organic and mechanical, all awaiting the unveiling of the truth behind the ethereal creature.

As the first witness took the stand, a historian of interstellar artifacts, he spoke of the legends surrounding the Aeonian Sentinels. “They are said to be the universe’s librarians,” he explained, “guardians of knowledge so vast that it encompasses the rise and fall of civilizations across the galaxies. And Prismatica,” he gestured towards the vibrant cat, “is rumored to possess the Chronicles of Time, a record of everything that has ever happened and everything that ever will.”

The audience murmured among themselves. Could such power be contained, or was it a threat to the very structure of existence?

Just as the historian concluded, Prismatica’s eyes began to glow, and the patterns on its body swirled with a life of their own. The chamber dimmed as a holographic display emerged from the figurine, casting the visage of a planet lush with flora and fauna. The voice of Prismatica filled the room, harmonious and resounding, speaking a truth long forgotten.

“We Aeonian Sentinels are not rulers nor tyrants over time. We are its custodians. Our purpose is not to control but to enlighten. The events you fear, the anomalies in time and space, are but ripples of a universe much grander than your laws can fathom.”

The display shifted, showing the Cygnus Starfleet not destroyed but thriving in a timeline where peace had conquered war, where the Empire had not succumbed to fear of the unknown.

Prismatica continued, “Your Reichskammergericht seeks to judge what it does not understand, to govern what is not meant to be governed. Learn from the past to build a better future, but do not confine the cosmos to the chambers of fear.”

The adjudicators, once the embodiment of empirical justice, found themselves humbled by the presence of something greater. They deliberated not on the fate of Prismatica but on the fate of their own laws, their perspectives forever altered.

As the trial concluded, the charges were dismissed. Prismatica, the Aeonian Sentinel, was recognized not as a defendant but as a mentor. The Empire, once constrained by its own limitations, now looked to the stars with wonder, eager to embrace the myriad possibilities of the universe.

And so, the Galactic Empire learned to coexist with the mysteries of the cosmos, guided by the wisdom of a creature they once sought to confine. Prismatica returned to the stars, its mission of enlightenment far from over, a tale of sci-fi splendor woven into the annals of the Reichskammergericht, a testament to the boundless potential of existence.

Sunak suffers defeat in vote to delay Rwanda asylum treaty

THE delegated upper place of parliament incurred a blow Monday (22) to the public authority's questionable arrangement to send transients to Rwanda, by casting a ballot to postpone sanction of the settlement with Kigali.

The move is a blow for state leader Rishi Runak, who had encouraged the Place of Rulers to pass the arrangement, saying it was the desire of individuals.

A greater part of friends — 214 against 171 — casted a ballot to postpone sanction of the settlement that London endorsed with Kigali until the English government has shown that Rwanda is a protected country for transients who might be ousted there.

The settlement is key to the Conservative government's arrangement to battle unlawful movement by extraditing haven searchers toward the East African country.

Sunak, an inward Conservative arrangement as top state leader after Liz Bracket's brief residency finished in catastrophe in October 2022, is feeling the squeeze to follow through on what he has made a lead strategy.

The head of the state endure a critical trial of his administration last week by fighting off conservative revolutionaries in his Conservative party to win a blade edge parliamentary vote in the lower Place of Lodge on the supposed Wellbeing of Rwanda (Shelter and Migration) Bill.

He has marked his political future on the plan, promising to "stop the boats" of transients crossing the Channel from northern France.

The bill is Sunak's solution to a UK High Court deciding before the end of last year that ousting shelter searchers to Kigali is unlawful under worldwide regulation.

Whenever passed, the regulation would propel judges to regard Rwanda as a protected third country.

It would likewise give UK pastors powers to dismiss segments of global and English basic liberties regulation.

Yet, pundits excuse it as a costly trick that won't work, blaming the public authority for not doing what's needed to clear haven overabundances.

Peers in the Place of Rulers, which incorporate previous senior adjudicators, have communicated profound anxiety about the arrangement, especially its calls to overlook global basic freedoms and displaced person regulation.

Dissimilar to chose individuals from the Place of Center, the Masters don't have the ability to obstruct sanction of the settlement, which is integral to the regulation. In any case, the vote, to which the public authority should answer, recommends new troubles for the dubious bill.

The actual charge, which characterizes Rwanda as a protected third nation and forestalls the arrival of travelers to their nation of beginning, is expected to be bantered in the upper house one week from now.

Sunak has promised to cut customary and unpredictable movement that has arrived at record levels regardless of vows to fix UK borders after the country's takeoff from the European Association.

The issue — and his proposed arrangement, which was not Conservative strategy at the last political race in 2019 — is probably going to rule the following cross country vote in the not so distant future, which the resistance Work Party is tipped to win.

@manyfucks: continued...

Strictly speaking, it's not true. Thomas Cromwell is here because of some great, international exchange between two proud nations that are not Roman Catholic. For the English, it represented possible trade and support from the oh-so-recently culturally relevant Russian people. And for her? Well, there's this pesky idea in the mainland that she's somewhat barbarous, that she killed her husband, the king, and ascended quite unjustly.

England and Russia both stood to gain something from this, reputationally. Allyship for England, or acclaim for Russia. All hinged on this little man's subservience to her. She wondered what had made him fit for it. She wondered what he thought of her - his eyes were like wells. He must be either fanatically loyal to this King, or he must be a relief to remove from Court. Are you here for punishment or providence?, she'd like to ask. But, she is still assessing.

Her reputation will shape his perception, and his will shape hers. Two shadows, stretched out and distorted by the white nights of Russia, the ever-sunned summers and the black winters.

"And I am Russia's Ruler." It is a satisfactory answer. His denotes submission, and hers dominance - but he must show a deferent bond to her. She need not show him anything. Her piercing eyes assess him. A man who came from nothing, her courtiers tell her. A man who spun his power like a spider, her advisors tell her. He's got hair like candle-smoke, and a quiet, pensive voice. How does her long hall of painted-faced, French-inspired courtiers compare to his little England? She wonders. There is so much to be learned, and all the time in the world to needle at his mind. It's exciting.

A soft, smug smile, very practiced and well-worn, splits on her face, one eyebrow still arched. "Rise, Cromwell, and be no stranger to your Empress. I remember what it was like to speak no Russian. You'll learn quickly." He's taller than her, because everyone is, but she is stouter than him. They both are older - lucky, too, that their minds are still dazzling. Lucky also, that they both speak French.

"Have you tried our vodka, our darling water? It is the pride of Russia. At our Imperial Court meal, you'll try many kinds - and zakuski. You never will have lived so well." Russia outshines England, and you'd better tell all those little European swamp-squatters as much, this means. All of her generosity is also a demonstration of power, but she likes to think this is not duplicitous: it comes as naturally to her as breathing.

Like that, their first meeting is nearly over. Her mind is constrained by time, always - it is true, after all, that she would spend long hours in the night reading, and had her court time narrowed into five-minute slots for adjudication. Only afternoons and evenings and this show of generous force remained as wild time, for her to explore the courts and people there. She'd like the man, she reckoned, if he remained clever.

He is so far from home that the truth cannot catch up to him. Trampled over by horse hooves and left behind in the dust, where it cannot reach the ears of his new frosty friends. Exile is akin to death; this he knows. To be away from the king is to be away from the splendour of the sun and all its divine, golden rays. He has been sent to fail. It is no matter what titles he holds; vicegerent of the faith (for spitting in the face of the Pope and tearing Christendom in two), upon the king's council as lord privy seal and generously titled baron (for following the king's will, for freeing him, for murder). But to nobility, these words are nothing, for quill's ink cannot replace blood. He'll always be a boy born in the mud, who weaseled his way into the good graces of his betters. To send him is to send an insult. That no seasoned diplomat, no old-blooded noble, has come to show his due deference. For why should there should be? To visit a queen; a so-called usurper. Is she? If such a thing were possible in this world, he thinks, Anne would have found a way to do it. But there's nothing but dark earth to console her ambitions. He rises slowly and humbly, well-practiced knees grateful for the not overly long affair. One day he'll get down and he won't be able to get back up again. "I shall endeavour to do so," he replies eagerly, his intent to learn the language a seeming show of flattery to her. In truth, he cannot stand to hear chatter and not know what it is, what information has slipped by him, what sharpened dagger is intended for his back. "Not yet, but I am keen to enjoy all of this country's great inventions, Your Imperial Majesty," he nods, with no deceit on his tongue. His youth had been spent travelling all over, learning and trying all the world had to offer. "This illustrious vodka, perhaps I shall need to send some back home so that they might be able to savour this great drink as well," he adds on, as much said aloud for himself as for her; all monarchs enjoy gifts. He will send letters, and gifts back to Henry, so he is not forgotten. Or at least, for a moment, remembered. There is the push and pull of the mind of how to continue this first encounter of theirs. Does she desire flattery, or for him to be more coy, aloof? He will learn these things in time. "I have heard that you have established a school for women. The Smolny Institute?" He tries, the pronunciation not atrocious, for he has tried this word, over and over, having prepared its mention. "The first of its kind anywhere in Europe."

By • Olalekan Fagbade Obong of Calabar: Traditional Council cautions Governor against flouting court order Some members of the Etuboms Traditional Council (ETC) in the Palace of Obong of Calabar has cautioned Gov. Bassey Otu-led government against acting contrary to the Supreme Court judgment in the selection of the traditional ruler. The Chairman of ETC from another camp, HRH Etubom Essien Ekpenyong Efiok, gave the advice in a letter addressed to Gov. Otu of Cross River and a copy made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the letter, dated Nov. 9, was in reaction to a press release by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the state government, Emmanuel Ogbeche, recognising Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V as the Obong of Calabar. Ogbeche, in the release, said: “the governor, having undertaken a judicial review of the State High Court and Supreme Court rulings as well as the constitution of the Obong’s Palace and interlaced with royal fathers, resolves that the issue of waiver for qualification of a candidate to contest the Obong Stool is untenable. “That His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V remains the validly selected and elected Obong of Calabar and the Patriarch of the Efik Kingdom,” among others. NAN observes that the 15th anniversary thanksgiving service of Otu V had been in circulation lately. The event, which would take place at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Duke Town Cathedral, Calabar, on December 16, had Gov. Otu as the chief host. But reacting, the ETC chairman, in the letter he personally signed, said: “We are writing to express our concern over your letter dated the 7th day of November, 2023 about the position of the Cross River State government on the traditional stool of the Obong of Calabar. “We issue our response expressing our informal view that the state government could not take such a position in a matter adjudicated and determined by the highest court of the land (the Supreme Court of Nigeria). “Otherwise, how else would a government bent on protecting the Efik throne from ‘judicial, social, and political scorn,’ as expressed in its release, inject itself into an affray by political fiat? “By this action, is the Cross River State government implying that it has more statutory powers to conduct a judicial review of a competent court judgment and overrule the Supreme Court to settle the chieftaincy disputes of the Efiks of Cross River State?” They wondered why the state government would dismiss other competing interests in the Obongship of the Efiks and anointed candidates of its choice for the throne without hearing from them. They described the state government’s statement as “misleading” and amounted to disobeying the orders of the Supreme Court. The ETC stressed that besides, such action was contemptuous of the Supreme Court’s judgment of Jan. 13. “In the light of the above, we cannot accept the state government’s position as contained in the press release of 7th of November, 2023. “We hope this information will help you make a more informed decision in the interest of equity, fairness, natural justice and peace,” they said. Also in a press statement, the ETC alleged that the governor was supporting the embattled monarch because they came from the same clan in Adiabo as they bear the same surname, “Otu,” which they further alleged the CPS “mischievously” tried to hide in his letter. They equally advised the Presbyterian Church where the thanksgiving service would be held to consider its position in the shared history and refrain from falling in contempt of the Supreme Court as well as their traditions. They informed that based on the apex court judgment and in the interest of equity and natural justice, invitations were sent to all candidates vying for the Obongship, including Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, who refused to respond. According to them, we, however, took the unusual step of screening him based on the past documents he had presented to the ETC.

“The ETC has concluded its duties and, per tradition, elected and proclaimed an Obong-elect, which we have communicated to the governor’s office by a formal letter,” they said. The ETC said Etubom Anthony Ani emerged as the successful candidate. “By the provisions of the extant Cross Rivers Traditional Rulers Laws and the determination of the Supreme Court, we expect and demand that the government uphold the law in recognising the right individual put forward for the Obongship,” they said. The council urged Efik people and residents in the state to remain calm and law-abiding. It would be recalled that the Supreme Court had, on Jan. 13 declared the throne of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, vacant and ordered that a fresh election be conducted for the position. In a judgment on appeal number: SC.633/2013, delivered by Justice Amina Augie, the apex court upheld the June 4, 2013, judgement of the Appeal Court, Calabar and ordered for a fresh election in accordance with the 2002 Constitution of the Palace, so as to guarantee justice and equity. The court, however, affirmed the judgement of the Appeal Court which had declared that Otu V was qualified to contest the election for the emergence of a substantive Obong of Calabar.(NAN)