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marshmallowprotection · 11 months

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How *would* Suit Saeran react to Ray’s assistant?

Well, right off the bat, I need to talk about Suit Saeran as we know him in Ray Route. He wakes up in the basement, alone, sick, and he can feel the waves of elixir in the back of his throat. Ray was tortured for hours because he turned against Mint Eye. He kissed you, lied to his Savior, and debated if he could run away from this place and live as a free man without fear with you.

He risked everything and now he has paid the ultimate price. So, the pain Saeran feels at that moment is anger and despair. He knows the Savior won't hesitate to punish them again for this. He knows what's supposed to happen next, and he takes on the role of a monster with every intention of destroying everything that could risk his safety or Ray's.

That's because Suit Saeran acts with the intention of surviving in hellfire. No matter what it takes to survive, he will do it. Even if he becomes a monster in the process. His actions were a manifestation of trying to be everyone who hurt him, and even then, he couldn't truly become the people who hurt him.

He donned a suit too big for him like his father to feel like a monster and he tried to do what his mother did by holding back food for a day while you were trapped in a room. He tried to recreate what hurt him, thinking that was the only way, spurred on by what he'd learned from Rika, and knowing what happened to Ray for fighting it. He had to be strong in the right way. In Mint Eye, being strong means owning your demons and becoming them.

To stay alive... to keep Ray from being erased... to maintain your life in that room... he became a monster. Make no mistake, he is lost when he wakes up because nothing makes sense to him. Ray was willing to drop everything for you. He shunned the safety of Magenta and let a dream of something they can never have take control of him. Why in the world would he do that?

Why would he risk everything for some... nobody like you?

Suit Saeran is trying to be a monster. He is trying to scare everyone away. He is trying to break everything so he doesn't get hurt again. If he lashes out and proves his demons are strong, he'll survive. That's what he was taught. Rika instilled the fear of God into him by warning him that he needs to destroy to survive, and that's that.

Yet, at his core, this is a character that is bouncing between hurt and misguided "protection." He acts with the goal of beating people down so they don't fight back. Stop fighting, his mind wants to say, you'll... end up in the basement. They'll destroy you. Stop it. Submit. Give it up and let go. There's no winning here. You will lose. Just accept that Mint Eye is the only place for us. It's this or nothing. I either suffer in this place for crumbs of happiness or I leave this place and my father kills me.

He acts out of malice because there is no other way to survive or get by in Mint Eye. He has to be strong, in this way to get out. Add that on top of him not understanding you as a person, feeling angry that you and Ray caused him and suffering, and worse… how you won't break or crumble from the torture, and that you don't even hate him for doing horrible things in the end...

It's like he wants to self-destruct just to make it all end. "Scrub my head clean. I don't want to exist anymore," is what he says when the realization of what he's done and what's been done to him is finally starting to set in.

So, changing direction, what does it mean when Suit Saeran doesn't have the ability to wake up in the basement? What happens when he wakes up in a different situation? V's BE1 makes it clear that Saeran is interested in you... he's just lingering beyond the surface, and he does want to have you just like Ray does. Do you want that? Ray lets you in on that "secret" because he knows that Saeran will surface eventually and corner you.

Not that he minds.

If he and Saeran are on the same page, that's fine by him. Rika said you belong to them now. You belong to Ray, which means you belong to Saeran, too.

Now, I'm going to show you the two phone calls you're allowed to get with Suit Saeran in V Route. You get these during the brief period in that route when Ray has overwhelmed himself from despair and his fear of losing you. Ray gets what he always wanted, he got a chance to torture V for hurting him, but it doesn't do what Ray thought. The torture feels good for a while... until it doesn't.

He hesitated in the middle of the cleansing. Then, you were taken away from him. Those two things together were enough to break Ray's constitution. He lost the one person he always wanted to be close to and making V pay for everything he did didn't feel as good as he wanted it to. In fact, it felt bad in the end. He couldn't take it. His mind just couldn't accept what happened. In his influx of emotions, he shut down and Suit Saeran woke up.

His words tell us about what he thinks of you in this context. In this world where he didn't wake up with hatred directed towards you or Ray's kiss. So, what do I think he thinks of Ray's Assistant when I've been granted insight into this perspective?

If you ask me, you are a curiosity. You are something he doesn't understand. It's not that he understands you in the context of most situations, but in this specific moment, it can be said that he doesn't understand why you are so fascinating in the first place.

What is it about you that makes Ray so infatuated? What makes you feel good in the first place? He wants to know what makes you tick... so, you'll make him tick.

It's no different than him seeing you as a toy to play around with. I often make this allegory a lot where I point out that Suit Saeran sees you as a toy, and that is something that can be replaced or played roughly with because it's just a toy. Ray, on the other hand, thinks of you like a porcelain doll. It's something you take extra special care of and place on a shelf so you can admire it for ages.

It's a bout of objectification but it's used in opposing ways if that makes sense. You are a possession in many ways but the way that they treat you is contradictory. Yet, it is so similar at the same time. It's two sides of the same coin, and why you shouldn't let your guard down around either of them when it comes to Bad Endings. There is always going to be a threat that you need to watch out for.

When I think about him in this situation where you are an assistant and nothing more, the only thing I can imagine is that you are going to be used as a stress ball. He can corner you and push you around all because you're stuck with him and there's nobody else to go. It's obvious that he wants to push somebody around and torment them for the sake of doing it.

Oh, it's not like he hates you or anything, he just wants to see what will make you break down and cry. There is a difference between the hate he has in the other route and what he would feel in the context of this situation. He wants to break you apart and see what makes it hurt. He wants to see you squirm... for fun!

He wants to have "fun" with you.

You decide what that means.

This is about being able to have something so nobody else can have it. That's why he wants to make sure you understand that he's going to take you and you're going to enjoy it.

You're going to enjoy it because he's going to enjoy it.

Don't you want to know all of the things Ray thought about? Don't you want to know all of the things he's thought about? Don't you just want to get to experience everything the two of them have thought about doing to you? Don't you want to do it with them? Doesn't your silly little head want something good? Don't you want to know all of those fantasies?

Well, it's too bad if you don't want to know everything, you're going to find out because he doesn't intend on letting you get away. If I had to say that Ray and his assistant would have an unhealthy situation with dependency and infatuation... I would say that Suit Saeran would give you something suffocating and dangerous because he might go way too far... further than Ray would go... at least, further than Ray will go before he's comfortable with you.

[Ray's Assistant Post]

#ask #anon #mystic messenger #mysme #mm #assistant au #suit saeran #saeran choi #choi saeran #saeran mysme #saeran mystic messenger #saeran mm #mm saeran #mysme saeran #mystic messenger saeran #mod kait #character analysis

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kimeow7 · 6 months

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Eternal Shadows Ch.9

Eternal Shadows (m) Chapter 9. The God's Interlude

Pairing: Yoongi x Reader (f)

Rating: Mature (18+) Please do not read if you are underage.

Warnings: Slight alcohol consumption, dialogue, poor description of places.

Enter Jung Hot-Seok.. haha get it? 'Cause he is hot... No? Bad joke? OK... ☜(˚▽˚)☞

Again this chapter hasn't been revised. The grammar might be off and certainly, I am not a medical professional so the descriptions of the procedures and the hospital itself are simply based on watching way too much Grey's Anatomy. ¯\(°_o)/¯

Enjoy

Disclaimer: All members of BTS are used as inspiration for the characters in this story. However, this is a work of fiction and should not be seen as a projection, representation, or judgment of the real-life individuals. The scenarios and representations depicted in this story are entirely fictional and do not aim to convey any aspects of real life.

The solitude of his fortress embraced him, its walls echoing his weary footsteps as he made his way toward his studio. Fatigue weighed heavily upon him, even as a god, every fiber of his being felt drained, making him almost regret his decision to intervene, to alter the course of your life. But he didn't.

Saving you was a must.

Yoongi's hand reached for the bottle, seeking solace in the fermented elixir of alcohol to calm his nerves and quiet his racing thoughts. The liquid touched his tongue, bringing a sense of relief. He tilted his head from side to side, attempting to alleviate the tension in his muscles. However, his moment of respite was abruptly interrupted by the forceful bang of the doors swinging open and closed.

"Have you lost your mind?" Ah, he had anticipated this confrontation, yet he didn't expect it to come so soon.

Without turning to acknowledge his visitor, Yoongi lowered his cup and smirked. "Brother, welcome," he replied, his tone laced with nonchalance.

"Don't dismiss me this way, brother! Answer me. Have you truly lost your mind? Do you comprehend the magnitude of what you've done?"

Yoongi remained motionless, his gaze still fixed upon the cup before him. "It was necessary," he responded, his voice steady.

"Yoongi! You have meddled with the fate of a mere mortal. You have violated the laws. That soul was meant to be collected by Mingyu! It had already been determined," his brother's voice filled the room with a mix of anger and concern.

Yoongi slammed his hands onto the mahogany table, the sound reverberating through the walls. "It was an unfair decision! It wasn't right," he exclaimed, his voice filled with frustration. A hand grasped his shoulder, swiftly turning him around. Now, he was face to face with another formidable being, his brother Hoseok, the god of fate.

Hoseok sighed, his gaze softening as he tried to reason with his stubborn brother. "Yoongi, my brother, you are indeed the mighty judge of souls. But in this particular case, the decision was beyond your jurisdiction, and you know it. This was decided by the almighty father himself," Hoseok spoke with gentle firmness, his eyes locked on Yoongi's. "This banter between you and Mingyu must stop, now!"

Yoongi pushed Hoseok's arms away, his frustration evident. "It's not a mere dispute, or a banter, Hoseok. Mingyu wants to claim a soul that doesn't belong to him. She doesn't belong to him," Yoongi's voice dripped with irritation.

"And who does she belong to? To you?" Hoseok retorted, his voice tinged with exasperation. "Yoongi, she is a mortal. Her fate was woven, and she was meant to face it tonight. Yet, you intervened."

"I intervened because, as the judge of souls, I do not agree with her predetermined fate. It was unjust," Yoongi responded firmly.

"The judgment was taken out of your hands by the almighty father, Yoongi. You were not thinking clearly," Hoseok explained, attempting to calm his brother.

"I was more than rational! I carefully considered her possibilities, her actions. I did my duty As the judge of souls, I decided her final fate!" Yoongi's voice grew louder with each word. "The almighty father didn't weigh her actions. He merely favored Mingyu's foolishness."

Hoseok's expression softened, his gaze filled with concern. "Yoongi, please try to understand. The decision made by the almighty father was not arbitrary. There must be a reason behind it. We must trust in his wisdom and accept the consequences of our actions."

Yoongi's voice hardened as he replied, "I refuse to accept it. The almighty father may punish me as he sees fit, but I will not let Mingyu claim the mortal. We have a contract now, and she will face the consequences of her actions. She will serve me, and in doing so, she will carry the weight of her redemption."

Hoseok's eyes widened "A contract?" He asks

"Indeed my brother, she will serve me, the judge of souls, and reach redemption by doing so"

Hoseok's arms crossed tightly around his chest as he spoke, his concern evident in his voice. "I fear that this path will lead to nothing but trouble, my brother."

Frustration laced Yoongi's response. "If you cannot bear to witness this, then leave. But I cannot turn away from what needs to be done."

Hoseok sighed, his shoulders slumping. He knew he couldn't change Yoongi's mind, but he couldn't shake off his worries either. With a final glance, he reluctantly turned and left the room, leaving Yoongi to face the consequences of his choices alone.

#yoongi fic #bts fic #yoongi x reader #bts #im not funny #bad writing #sorry if my grammar is bad #Jung Hot-Seok #Hobi

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giggly-bun · 2 years

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Sticky Situation {KaeBedo}

A/N [WARNING THIS IS A TICKLE FIC] if you don’t like it, don’t read it. Sorry for any mistakes that i’ve made but i hope if you read this I hope you enjoy it. hehe i missed writing especially kaebedo (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵) - bunny🔮

The life of a scientist was always what one could consider adventurous. The life of a scientist with a pirate boyfriend was what Albedo would consider disastrous. Albedo considered himself a well-organised, intellectual, devote of anything distracting and too chaotic. Kaeya was his complete foil, providing what he describes as much-needed chaos and mischief. And mischievous he was.

The chief of alchemy was currently in his usual work place, defying the bitter cold of Dragonspine, working on a new experiment. He had the brilliant idea to come up with a spider-like webbing substance, able to attach itself to objects to keep them in place. His cavalry captain boyfriend sat further away by the fire, battling a nip on the nose from Jack Frost. He was previously watching his boyfriend at work, he enjoyed the way Albedo’s face contorted with curiosity and confusion, however he decided to take a look at a few potions lying next to him. Until…

“Oh shit!” He heard Albedo say in the corner, cursing out loud. Kaeya jumped up at the noise of concern and jogged over to his lover.

“Albedo what happened? Did you hurt yourself?” Kaeya asked, voice laced with concern.

“No, no, I’m alright, it’s just that my arms are stuck.” Albedo said, gesturing to where his arms were currently tied up and held above his head. He tried to tug his arms down to show that he was truly stuck. “Well, at least I know that invention works.” He said, half-heartedly.

Upon further inspection of the situation, now knowing he isn’t hurt, Kaeya let out a few giggles. “You alchemists always seem to find yourselves in the stickiest of situations.” And he continued to snicker. How thankful Albedo was that he didn’t bring his Kamera with him today.

“Ha ha ha, laugh it up cavalry captain, very funny. When you’re done being a royal pain, can you reach into my pocket and get the solvent to release me? I wasn’t that foolish to not make a back-up plan.” The blond asked, rolling his eyes at his boyfriend.

Kaeya let some residual laughter slip first before walking closer to the alchemist. “Alright I’ll get it.” The blue haired man set his sights on getting the solvent and freeing his partner, so he snuck his hand into Albedo’s right pant pocket, in search.

“I’m not really sure which pocket it’s in, so just have a feel ar-GYAH!” Albedo suddenly yelped.

Kaeya looked up with sudden urgency. “What? What’s happened now? Is the solution burning, Albedo?” He scanned the smaller’s face, looking for any face of pain or agony. What he received instead was a slight rosy tint to the elder’s cheeks, followed by some wary eyes.

“Uhh n-no no it um... I’m okay, Kaeya, just please look for the solvent.” Albedo stammered out.

Truthfully, as Kaeya was feeling around for the elixir, he had temporarily scratched over Albedo’s hypersensitive hip, causing the squawk that he let out. Albedo would rather die than admit that such a small gesture tickled so much, but the thin fabric of the pocket made it very much possible. Although, Albedo may have tried to play off his reactions, Kaeya was no fool, and he knew his boyfriend all too well to be deceived by him. While his head was ducked down, a smirk grew on Kaeya’s face.

“Albedo, dear, are you sure the solution is in here? I don’t seem to be able to find it.” He asked, feigning innocence. Kaeya reached deeper into the pocket, using his index finger to ‘accidentally’ brush past the prominent hip bone he could feel. The young alchemist squeaked again. He was getting antsy with every touch.

“K-Kaeya plehease hurry… I-I’m sure it’s in there, just don’t take too long, I don’t want to be here long.” Honestly, he didn’t really care about the position of his arms, until he realized how absolutely vulnerable and defenceless he was in said position. He was hoping the taller hadn’t caught on to how he was acting and how utterly flustered he was. How wrong he was.

Kaeya looked up at him with a devilish smile. “What’s the matter, sweetheart? Why are you fidgeting so much if you’re not hurt?” He knew. “My touch isn’t bothering you, is it?” Oh, he knew.

“Kaeya d-don’t do this…” He pleaded. Albedo cursed the way his voice came out timid and nervous; he really couldn’t hide from his boyfriend.

“Do what, darling?” Kaeya thought, surely there would be no way that he would fall for this.

“Tihickle me.”

Well, would you look at that!

A wicked smirk began to grow on the taller’s face as he watched the way Albedo’s eyes widened in realization.

“As you wish, my prince.”

“No n-no kaehaya plehease p-please let’s- PLEHEHEHEHEEE!” Albedo’s sentence was lost between high-pitched cackles and boisterous giggles. He pulled at his bound hands, desperately trying to bring them down to protect himself, as Kaeya used his two index fingers to hook and scratch around his hips. The blond began to panic, knowing how devastatingly sensitive that area was, and Kaeya knew too. He smiled with pride at the reaction.

“Please what, dear? Please help you find the solvent? Well, I’m looking my best here, but it just doesn’t seem to be in here. I’ll keep looking just for you though.” And he shot the smaller a wink before returning to his ticklish activities.

Honestly, the action he was doing was very minimal, just two fingers nibbling away at his skin relatively lightly, but that was already enough to bring Albedo to the state he was in now. And he knew it would only escalate from here.

“Kaeya! PleheHEASE I cAHA- EEK! nohohot thehehehehere PLEASE” Albedo pleaded between giggles, attempting to bring his knees up to save himself. Kaeya just chuckles.

“But Bedo, I can’t go anywhere else. I’m fulfilling my duty as your lover to help you out of your spider-web like predicament. I would appreciate it if you could do your part and stay still, please.” Kaeya said in that ever-teasing tone, as if he wasn’t tickling the snot out of his partner right now. It flustered Albedo tenfold, the way he acted so nonchalant about this.

“Ihihihihi cahahan’t- NAHAnahaha HEHEHEHE”

“Sure you can, sweetheart! Look, I’ll help you stay still, watch.” Albedo had about half a second to furrow his eyebrows before his face shifted back into that beaming smile and bright laughter. Kaeya had slotted his thumbs right into the divot of the blond’s hipbones, using his four fingers to vibrate where his hips met his back. Albedo screeched.

“WAHAHAIT- NO ahahahaha OHOHO MY- k-kaeya! ihihihit tihihihihihickles.” Albedo shook his head, trying to diffuse the sensations.

Kaeya kept up his act of innocence, holding back his own bout of laughter. “Tickles? Albedo it shouldn’t tickle, I’m helping you.” He said, massaging his thumbs deeper into the pockets.

“thihihis IHIHISNT he-heHEHEHEHEHELPING! hmphf- mmmhehehe nohoho-“ Albedo tried to close his mouth and muffle his laughter, but the dam had already broken, and he couldn’t even hope to keep his giggling at bay.

His face was burning red, this was absolutely humiliating. He was the professional, well-kept, chief alchemist for archon’s sake! But he was anything from professional right now. And Kaeya was revelling in the sight of being able to undo his boyfriend like this.

“God, you’re absolutely adorable, you know. How are your hips this ticklish? So sensitive to my touch, I bet this is just breaking you, isn’t it?” The teasing lilt to the blue haired man’s voice was just as maddening as the actual sensation. Albedo could have held out longer if he wasn’t tickling that spot. He squealed, screeched, snorted and giggled his head off.

“ohohoHOHO ARHOHOHONS! I’m sorry! I’m sohohorry S-SOHOHOREEEEE-“ He didn’t know what he was apologizing for, he had done absolutely nothing wrong, yet it seemed to be the only word on his mind right now; the only capable sentence he was able to form. Kaeya giggled.

“What’re you sorry for, my prince?” Kaeya mused.

“IHIHIHI D-DOHOHON’T GAH! IHIHI DOHOHONT KNOW P-PLEHEHEASE” By now, his knees had given out beneath him, and he was purely being held up by Kaeya’s wiggling fingers.

After a few more seconds of tortuous tickling, Albedo’s laughter fell silent, broken up by wheezing and some soft snorts, and Kaeya knew he’d reached his limit. He slowed his hands, limiting it to very light and slow tracing.

“Good news, Bedo! I think I found the solvent, stay still, and I’ll get it for you.” Kaeya said, a bright smile on his face, mirroring his lover’s.

“Huhuhurry plehehease.” He giggled out, taking the break to regain the oxygen he’d lost by laughing.

Kaeya reached further into the pocket and pulled out the small glass vial containing a luminescent liquid. He pulled his hands completely out of the pockets, ceasing the tickles completely. He poured the liquid onto his boyfriend’s wrists and soon enough, it melted away, Albedo falling limp into his arms.

“Does that feel better, my prince?” He asked, but the other could barely answer, still giggling his head off into Kaeya’s chest. The latter held a fond smile as he kept his arms around Albedo. A few more seconds and Albedo stood shakily on his legs.

“Y-Yohohou are nehehever cohoming to work with mehe again.” He said, less threatening than he intended. Kaeya barked out a laugh and kissed Albedo’s nose.

“You are unbelievably cute.”

#tickle fic #tickling #genshin tickle #lee!albedo #ler!kaeya

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manapotionstudios · 6 months

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ManaPost 17 [BONUS] - About That...

Hi. It's Y. I don't want to drag this intro for too long, considering personal things will be conversed in today's bonus ManaPost. If you don't want to see that, here's your warning.

WHERE'S PPP!?

As you should know, PPP! was originally created for Ludum Dare 54 back at the tail end of September. I was incredibly sick over the weekend of the event, but I tried my best, and came up with some (albeit subpar) prototype. The team decided we'd just make it a Halloween title, and I took a break until October 20th.

From the start, PPP! was NOT a game we had wanted to make.

I thought I'd be able to adjust and we'd make an amazing game for you to play! Unfortunately, I really don't even want to see PPP! anymore 😭😭

PPP! was a neat game in the context it was originally intended for: Ludum Dare. It would've been nice to release it yesterday, but right now, development is canceled. Apologies from everyone here on the Manapotion team. We didn't want to let you down.

Now, on to the personal bit.

WHAT HAPPENED???

I (still Y) had a "situation" the afternoon of the 27th. I'm not going to get into it here, considering I'd like to keep a (somewhat) professional appearance on our platforms if that's okay.

Usually, I can push through events like what happened the 27th (will herein be referred to as "The 27th" for simplicity). When we wrote and posted ManaPost 16, I thought I'd be able to "lock in" and just get PPP! out of the way. I was starting to feel disappointed in my work though, and that was one of the contributing factors as to why PPP! isn't releasing.

Two days later, on Sunday, the emotions from The 27th just hit me like a train and I honestly didn't want to work on anything. Luckily, I did get to visit most of our team, including a few friends, and it brought my mood up. We had an awesome time 💙

But it didn't improve my motivation!!! I felt like a failure. I don't like to let people down, and in writing this ManaPost for you, I feel like I have. I have my own personal flaws, but I still want to keep up appearances and deliver good stuff! I've been the amateur programmer for our team for three and a half years! I'm only a senior. Sometimes I get caught up in comparison. I hope you can forgive me.

For now, I don't even want to TOUCH Godot!!! PPP! has genuinely drained the life out of me and I want to just take a break.

Thanks for listening to me ramble.

WHAT NOW???

Since this ManaPost covers this week, just know there may not be a proper ManaPost this Saturday. We need a break. PPP! has truly caused a Pumpkin Patch Panic here in the green elixir.

Again, we're sorry for the empty promise. Please forgive our blunder.

We'll have something better for you in the coming months.

See you soon. 💚

The Manapotion Team (C, R, L and Y)

#indiegamedev #manapotion #game dev #game development #indie games #update #indie game #video games #thank you for reading :)

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gible-love-nibles · 10 months

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Eternal Diva Fic (Part... 2!)

I'm probably gonna keep these descriptions short because. I dunno what to say. I'm formatting this at the same time as Part 1 (on Sycamore Sunday lol) so I don't know what your guys' reaction to that part is at this moment.

Either way, enjoy!

Trigger warning for death related to illness and implied falls to death (everyone turns out to be fine, though that's not said until later)

Word Count: 1.3k / Previous / Next

I flipped between watching the opera and (trying to) read the provided pamphlet about the premise, the performers, all of that.

Apparently, the show was based on the legend of Ambrosia, a kingdom that found eternal life. The story went that the queen of the kingdom loved music above all else (which certainly made it a good fit for an opera). However, she fell gravely ill one day. The Ambrosians who adored their queen tried everything they could to save her, but she passed away. Just after she died, they discovered a cure: The Elixir of Eternal Life. The people all drank the elixir and hoped one day, their queen would come back to them, reborn as someone else. The opera followed the story one-to-one.

There were other tidbits I skimmed: the opera’s writer Oswald Whistler, who dedicated the show to his deceased daughter Melina; the main performer Janice Quatlane who was a student at Gressenheller University; and the strange machine that was being used to play the music, the Detragan.

But something was missing from the book. It mentioned that the opera and the Detragan were part of an exchange between Mr. Whistler and the inventor. But beyond that, there was no mention of who commissioned “The Eternal Kingdom” besides the fact that they built this opera house themselves.

It was odd. Mr. Whistler seemed like a pretty big name in the business if this was his first opera he had written in years. Certainly, you would want to attach your name to someone that big, even if it was just to leverage yourself. And the fact that they built the Crown Patone was brushed aside so quickly didn’t sit right with me either.

…I was starting to notice there were lots of little details around this event that didn’t have a clear answer. Like puzzle pieces that you couldn’t quite fit into place. This seat being by itself, the complete silence about the opera’s commissioner, the unusual design of the theater…

“Oh, what am I saying?” I tried to snap myself out of it. “You’re out at an opera! When was the last time you did something like this? And you’re going to see that pleasant professor again. You’re overthinking this.”

But while I was thinking that, something caught my eye on my left. By the time I turned to look, it was already almost gone. The only thing I saw was a dark, furry… something. Was that a tail? A dog’s tail?

Now I knew I was thinking too hard about all of this. There was no way someone would bring a dog in here.

I turned back to the stage right at the finale. Pretty soon, the last note of the opera was sung and the performance ended. As the lights came on, the audience was quiet.

An oddly familiar voice cut through the quiet and started to clap vigorously: “Bravo!” That got the crowd to politely clap, but it was clear no one’s heart was really in it. Once it stopped after a bit, the same voice spoke up: “Professor, why aren’t people clapping?”

It finally hit me who that voice was: it was the boy who tagged along with Professor Layton in Misthallery. Luke Triton! And the professor was here with him.

That revelation wasn’t allowed to sink in though, as the lights swiftly turned off again. After a moment, a spotlight illuminated a lone man on stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to my theater, the Crown Patone!” He greeted the seated audience. “You are truly fortunate. For tonight, you will witness a miracle.” The crowd really began to clap; clearly, everyone was really here for the game of eternal life. I had almost completely forgotten about it.

…But even from my seat in the balcony, I could tell something was wrong. The man moved way too stiffly, and he even needed to be pulled back up from the torso like a puppet on strings. Whoever this was was not our host.

“As was promised when you purchased your tickets: tonight, one person from the audience gathered here will receive… the gift of eternal life.”

I told myself before that I would leave after the show and go find Layton. But now-- with all these unanswered questions and our host decidedly not making an appearance-- I couldn’t pick myself up out of my seat. I wasn’t going to play the game, but I was going to try and get to the bottom of this.

“However, there is one condition. All of you gathered here are going to play a little game. The rules are simple. The prize for the lucky winner? Eternal life. But those of you who lose will lose your lives! You must admit this is a small price for those who’re desiring such a big prize.”

That definitely caused a stir in the crowd. I guess they thought the prize would be determined by a drawing or something along those lines. Certainly nothing like this.

It wasn’t long until people started jumping out of their chairs and running towards the exit. However, they found their way blocked by a group of men wearing white face masks. Then the aisle floors gave way and people dropped down like sacks of potatoes. After a bit, the floors closed again like nothing had happened.

I just sat and watched in horror. I was frozen in my seat. I tried to tell myself that those people were fine, that nothing had happened to them, that the whole threat of death was empty. But it felt hollow.

However, the night’s wild events were just getting started. A man’s voice cut through the tension.

“Fear not! I am Inspector Grosky of the Yard!”

Inspector Grosky was standing next to the masked man on the stage. It seemed like the inspector had the other man cuffed.

Grosky was definitely a hard man to forget. He helped us during the investigation in Misthallery… when we got him to stand still. Otherwise, he was off like a bullet train, solving crime or whatever else needed solving.

He might jump to conclusions and be hard to keep up with (quite literally), but he was reliable. Seeing him here in the theater was a great relief.

“My finely honed investigation showed something suspicious would happen here in this theater tonight, and I am here to put a stop to it!” Grosky continued. “Ladies and gentlemen! No one will lose their lives. I, Inspector Grosky of the Yard, have arrested this diabolical criminal!”

“Are you quite sure of that, Inspector?” Another voice asked. I sprung up out of my chair at the sound. It only took the sight of a tall top hat to know who it was. Professor Layton was indeed in the theater with Luke.

But that just brought the question of “why didn’t he want to sit near me” back into my mind. It wasn’t like I particularly minded one way or the other; I really wasn’t hung up about it. What bothered me was that Layton wore his reputation as a gentleman quite proudly, and leaving a lady to sit by herself certainly wasn’t something he would do. Questions upon questions, and none of them were getting answered fast.

I got snapped out of my thoughts by a shout from the stage and the whole theater beginning to rumble. There were mechanical sounds from above. Looking up, the roof was pulling away to reveal the starry night sky. And the inspector was flying towards it.

The “man” Grosky arrested turned out to be a puppet, and an inflatable puppet at that. The balloon glided up to the opened ceiling, but got stuck on a spike and popped. I grimaced, and my hand unconsciously went to my stomach watching the inspector get dragged around by the flailing balloon.

But with a little chuckle, a new voice over the theater speakers asked for our attention. “Ladies and gentlemen! Without further interruption… let us begin our journey to eternal life!”

#🐉🎮.txt #clare's writing #eternal diva au #seen a lot of things; places you ain't ever been 🐉💫#oh boy now the plot's starting to kick into gear

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sims-half-crazy · 1 year

Text

"Eugene turns 16 this year and he's already decided to follow in Gilbert's footsteps in pursuing a degree in history. He says he'd like to affect change and he's got his sights set on Springhaven. I told him he could affect change here. He smirked at me. I tell you I don't know where that child's willfullness comes from."

"Do you not? Truly? He's had a tumultuous few years, you all have, and you're wondering where he gets it from?! At least he knows what he wants to do with his life," Félicie said in between bites of the delicious watermelon salad that had be laid before them.

"I know that finding out his true parentage was a shock to him, but honestly anyone with eyes could have seen the resemblence. He and Estella are very similar in their features, and the two of them are a good mix of you and Gilbert. I'm not surprised that he's paving a path that you don't agree with. He's probably thinking that he can do life better than you and Gilbert. I know my boy does. He so rarely visits now that he's at school, and he writes less often than he visits," Léopoldine exclaimed petulantly.

"I know you two are right, but I don't like it. Oh! I almost forgot to share. I recieved word from my sister, Lauretta, that she'd like to send her oldest child here to stay with us a spell. She's with child...again."

"Gosh, how many is that now? 5?"

"No, it's got to be more than that...or is it less?"

"This will be her sixth child. I do hope its a boy, because she's got 4 daughters and only one son. I don't know how much help they are to my mother and to German, but I know from Mother's letters that German's shop is doing adequately and her salves and elixirs are always quite popular. I tried to send some older clothing of Estella's to Lauretta for her daughter, as they're similar in age, but Lauretta told me that the parcel service destroyed the package and she had naught to do but rip the rest of the dress up and turn it into rags." The ladies gasped at that revelation and Leo gave Effie a knowing look. "Don't look at me so, Leo. I was trying to be kind. We are comfortable in our lives, why shouldn't I want to share that? Would it kill my sister to accept my help and not look at them as handouts? Well, I am not going to be sending her anymore of Estella's things. I'll donate them here in Roseburg. There are plenty of people in need here." The women shook their heads in agreement and continued their luncheon and turned to more agreeable subjects.

#Gosnoll Ancestry #ts4 historical #sims 4 historical #ts4 decades challenge #simerican #sims 4 decades challenge #sims 4 random legacy #GA Gen 2 #Effie Gosnoll #Lauretta Gosnoll #GA 1880s

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intoxicatedeuphoria · 2 years

Text

Tears of Themis Speculations: Beyond Chapter 8

Just finished re-reading the Main Story from Chapter 1 to 8 and I am once again blown away by MHY’s storytelling. In hindsight, the Chekhov’s guns (yes, there are A LOT!) were cleverly written into the dialogues and integrated in the character designs. It is possible to solve SOME of the mysteries if you carefully follow the clues that were spread throughout the chapters.

Chapter 8, in particular, is really, really good. There's no boring or wasted scene AT ALL. Everything is relevant to either the chapter’s case or the overarching plot. It is such a satisfying read because it gives a feeling of closure, but at the same time, it introduces new mysteries to be solved. It feels like a season finale tbh. We’ll probably enter a new arc in Chapter 9.

More raving and ranting about Chapter 8 and the overall plot under the cut. I’m writing my questions and theories here so I have something to refer to once new chapters are released :)

SPOILER WARNING FOR MAIN STORY CHAPTERS 7 AND 8!!!

(Content not yet available on global server at the time of writing.)

Hands down, Chapter 8 is the best, and not just because it's a Vyn-centric chapter! I cried so hard over the NPCs’ story :( The plot is THAT good and the pacing is just right. I can’t recall a dull moment in the chapter, and there are 17 story parts, including the final trial!! Chapter 7 is great because of its plot twists and Marius was very cunning in it so it was amusing, but it can’t beat the thrill from reading Chapter 8 imo.

I think we might get a Svart arc since at the end of Chapter 8, the NXX team agreed that they've pretty much exhausted the Heirson-related clues located in Stellis City. They found out that the sample that Artem got from Jovi Vance (sent to him by Simon Bloodworth, the presumed dead Materials Director of Heirson) is a drug that contains NXX. This drug is more developed/sophisticated than the sample that Xiao Ren (no English name yet; Heirson’s lead researcher for the NXX-based “elixir of life”) gave them from the Heirson’s lab near the Opaline Village. They all reached the conclusion that there may be some other entity out there that’s secretly conducting research and development of NXX-based drugs and it looks like their progress is more advanced than Heirson’s.

Here are the some of the remaining leads (at least afaik) at the end of Chapter 8 along with my own speculations/theories:

#1. Simon Bloodworth: truly dead or still alive? He’s presumed dead, but his body was never found. He was the one distributing the NXX raw material in Stellis City after stealing some from the stocks procured by Tyson Turner (Heirson CEO) and Xiao Ren in the auction on Pluto.

How did Simon get the more sophisticated NXX drug and where did he get it from? Tracing Simon’s actions from the past few years may reveal the NXX distribution route from the source to Stellis City. Another point: why did he send the sample to Jovi Vance who claimed he never met the dead man? The answer to the second question is likely related to how and why Tyson suddenly became critically ill with gastric cancer.

#2. The illegal NXX trade on the Pluto cruise ship According to the transactions record/accounting book in the dead Svartian "art" (but really NXX raw material) dealer's room, it has been sold to quite a number of people for some time already. Selling art pieces is their front since there has to be a "legal" exchange of goods and currency that they can show if something happens, which is probably why participation in the auction onboard Pluto was necessary. In this way, they can legally argue that the onboard auction house is "clean" and no shady business is going on.

Now, all of these beg the question: where did the Svartian dealer get his stocks of the NXX raw material in the first place? Since this illegal trade has been going on for years already, there must be a constant source with a stable supply of NXX somewhere – could it be Svart? The fact that the product is sold by a Svart-national on a cruise ship owned by a nobleman from Svart is very suspicious.

#3. The connection between the NXX raw material trade and the Svart Royal Family We already know that a member of the Svart Royal Family owns Pluto from Vyn’s briefing at the beginning of Chapter 8. It was also revealed that the King is the supreme head of the Church of Svart so the latter may be involved in this nasty business, too. Does this mean the sale of NXX raw material has the Royal Family's/Church's "blessing" and/or “protection” because the trade has been going on onboard Pluto for years already?

Vyn received the special invitation to join the Pluto luxury cruise from his father because the latter wanted to investigate the auction on board after getting a tip. It seems like Duke Haspran is on a mission to uncover whatever it is the Svart Royal Family and the Church of Svart are secretly up to. Could this be related to why Vyn is in Stellis? OR maybe why he joined Giann von Hagen and Neil Hume to establish the NXX investigation team?

#4. The laboratory where Jerome Adams et al. are working We still have no idea where Jerome and his boss are working from. We know that Jerome has been in contact with Tyson and the latter wanted to take down “that investigation team” as seen in the opening scene of Chapter 5 (Part I). Xiao Ren from Heirson’s Opaline Village lab didn’t recognize Jerome when they met onboard on Pluto so they might be working for different organizations, although Jerome knew who Xiao Ren was. Jerome might be with either Crimson Biotech or Pax Pharmaceuticals (tho I am more inclined towards the former)... or another subsidiary of Heirson perhaps?

#5. The new character decked in a red suit A new character appeared in the final scene of Chapter 8, where he conversed with Jerome and his boss in the unknown laboratory. He seemed to know what Jerome did onboard Pluto, and was aware of the research they were conducting.

My guess is he’s affiliated with Crimson Biotech, probably its founder, Christopher Cromwell, who is mentioned in the Big Data Lab entry for Crimson Biotech Ltd (see below). If this were the case, then he could be involved in the international NXX trade since “the Cromwell family has been gradually shifting business abroad for the past decades” and Crimson Biotech is one of the two big companies, along with Pax Pharmaceuticals, who had access to NXX before it was banned 25 years ago due its dangerous effects on humans. It would’ve been easy to get away with it because the records of all the collected samples of NXX were lost in “the war” (mentioned by Vyn during MC’s briefing in Chapter 5 Part I). Also, there are very few organizations and institutions that have the technology to detect NXX. If we are to believe Marius’ claim that Pax has nothing to do with the illegal NXX trade and drug development, then it could be Crimson... or maybe some other international entity that is involved.

I really hope there will be a Svart arc (or at least a chapter) because I want to see Vyn and Rosa/MC working closely with his father T__T Also, I want to know Vyn’s real reason for moving to Stellis and joining the original NXX team. How and where did he meet Giann? What were the meetings like with the founding members? I WANT SOME ANSWERS!! I’m looking forward to the day I return to this post to check which theories I got right ^__^

#tears of themis #tears of themis spoilers #tears of themis speculations #tears of themis rambling #luke pearce #artem wing #vyn richter #marius von hagen #xia yan #zuo ran #mo yi #lu jinghe #tot spoilers

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noshitbarnes · 1 year

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World's Apart: Chapter 3

Pairing: Loki x Goddess!OFC, Steve x Goddess!OFC

Summary: Alina, the Goddess of healing, was cast out of Asgard by Odin, but has recently returned home under secrecy. Just when she believes her secret is safe, she’s summoned to help heal Thor, who has grown ill since taking the thrown. Suddenly, Alina is forced to be around Loki while trying to help heal his brother. Will she be able to live in the castle with Thor and Loki again or does her heart belong back on Midgard?

Warnings: none

Word Count: 3,552

Notes: I hope you guys like this chapter, let me know!

worlds apart masterlist

The following morning Eir walks into Thor’s room and sighs looking down at his still unconscious form. He looked so peaceful, despite the fact that he was still sick. The morning sun was shining down on his golden hair, making it look even more golden somehow and his skin ws so clear and youthful, but this peaceful facade only made Eir more frustrated. She felt defeated at the fact that her healing spell didn't work, but she still had one more trick up her sleeve. The reason she didn't use it before was that she didn't think Thor was a ill as he clearly was, “Alright, Thor, what is going on with you?”

Eir sits down on the bed next to Thor and grasps his right hand in both of her own. Closing her eyes, she focuses her energy and imagines her power flowing from her body to his, as she does this, white line start to flow from their intertwined hands up Thor's arms. She squints her eyes shut tighter, furrowing her eyebrows together, and searches his body, trying to find any abnormality. It is deathly quiet in the room while she does this and lasts only for a few minutes, when she's done the white lines disappear and she opens her eyes.

“Any luck?”

She looks over her shoulder at Loki, “Actually, yes.”

He raises an eyebrow, “Really?”

She scoffs at his surprised tone, “Don’t sound so surprised, I’m more powerful than I look.”

He chuckles, “Hm, I’d love to find out some day.”

She stands up from the bed, knowing what he truly meant, but deciding to ignore the flirtation, “What ails him is not of this realm.”

Thor's condition wasn't super serious and wasn't something she hadn't seen before, she was honestly upset with herself that she didn't think of it sooner. She didn't know how, but he had contracted a blood toxin from Midgard. These things happen and she's gotten sick from the same thing from her time on Midgard, but she didn't go into a coma, which was the odd part. She would have to ask him more when he woke up.

Loki narrows his eyes, “So what of it then? How do we fix it?”

“That’s the problem," she answers, "I have to go to Midgard. I have an elixir there that can heal him.”

He hesitates, “Can you not just make it here?”

She shakes her head, “No, the things it requires I don't have here.”

He rolls his eyes, “You know better than I, at least that is what I’ve been told.” He looks back at his brother, “What’s wrong with him anyway?”

She sighs, “I should have read his body yesterday, but I was not thinking properly, I suppose.” She pauses and take a deep breath, “It’s nothing serious. He just has a toxin in his blood. I can heal him, but not with a simple spell.”

He nods in response, “Fine, but you are not going alone.”

“I’ll be fine." She dismisses his protest with her hand, "The elixir is located where I use to live with some friends of mine. It is not dangerous, it’s actually in one of the safest places possible.”

He tilts his head curiously, “Who are these friends?”

She smirks a bit, “While living there, a few began to question my long life and how I was able to heal so effectively, so they approached me and asked for my assistance. I helped them out on a few occasions, but only when Thor wasn’t around. Which wasn’t difficult considering the trouble you caused elsewhere.” She smiles up into his eyes, which were now dark from anger.

After living on Midgard for over 60 years, SHIELD was formed, and they started to keep tabs on her, wondering how she kept her same appearance. They didn't approach her for years, until after the battle of New York, finding that they need more help than they had. They wanted to know more about her, felt that they finally needed to know if she was a threat or a friend. Eir was cautious at first, not knowing their true intentions, but after seeing what Loki had done, she agreed to help them on a case by case basis. She still wanted to be able to come and go as she pleased, trying to help those throughout the world who truly needed her. Reluctantly, they agreed to her terms.

Loki was now scowling down at Eir as he spoke, “Yes, well, now I will have to insist on accompanying you. I can not have these friends of yours being of any more influence on you."

“Jealous much, darling?” She says with a hint of sarcasm as she moves around him to leave Thor’s room.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” He shakes his head and follows her out, “I just never would have imagined you making friends with them.”

She scoffs and shakes her head, “They are all amazing mortals and we get along very well. That Steve Rogers helped me out when I was going through a trying time in my life.” He follows her silently when she decides to speak up, “You’re not coming with me, Loki. It’s a harmless journey. I’m retrieving something, not battling Jotunheim.”

He grabs her arm roughly and pulls her into him, “This wasn’t a discussion, Eir. I’m telling you.” His eyes were now filled with rage and his grip was rough, this was not the Loki she remembered. He had changed since she'd been away and she wasn't sure she liked it.

“Why are you being so demanding?” She pulls her arm out of his grasp, “Did you forget who I am? I’ve trained with Thor and Sif, I've been to battle! I’m not some helpless healer.”

He glares down at her, “I'm aware, however, none of that changes my decision.”

She groans in frustration, “If you accompanying me will get me to Midgard, so be it.” She turns on her heels and they head in the direction of Heimdall and the bifrost.

**********

Once at the bifrost, Heimdall transports them just outside Avengers Compound, convenient. Eir was honestly not expecting to be dropped off so close, but Heimdall said this was where Thor was usually left. The compound hadn't changed since her last visit, except it was now spring instead of winter. There were flowers bloomed all around the building and the sprinklers were running in the front lawn in order to keep the lawn as green as possible. There were various agents walking along the sidewalk the bordered the building and a few helicopters landing and taking off on the roof.

Eir smiles, she missed this place, “Look,” she turns to Loki and crosses her arms, “they are going to be tense when they see you. Most of them are still unsure about Thor’s decision to free you, no matter how helpful you have been.”

“I am aware of their feelings.” He pauses for a moment and then smiles, “Would you feel better if I let you put cuffs on me?” He winks and put his wrists together.

She chuckles a bit, “Loki, if you act out in any way here, you’re going to regret being so willing.” She starts to walk away when he gently grabs her arm and turns her to face him.

“Now now darling, don’t be a tease.” His eyes flicker a bit, making her heart skip a beat.

She blushes, unsure of what to say, “I wasn’t trying to be, just uh, stating a simple fact.” She starts to look at the ground, “If you are unruly here,” she looks back into his eyes, “I’ll have no choice. The mortals safety is important to me.”

He chuckles and lets go of her arm, “Mhm, sounds tempting.” he smirks, “However, having you in cuffs would be more to my liking.”

She narrows her eyes and bites her lip, but doesn't respond. She starts to walk toward the entrance, needing to get away from the tension, when a familiar voice calls to her, “Alina?” She turns around at the sound of her old name, to find Steve Rogers. She smiles in greeting and walks over to him, “Long time no see, you look well.” He smiles and cocks his head to the side, “I’ve actually never seen you wear a dress before.” He looks her up and down a bit, “It suits you.”

She looks to the ground and blushes, “Thanks, um, I just came to pick up so—”

“What are you doing here?” Steve interjects looking next to her at Loki, “And why are you both together?” Gesturing at the two of them.

“Um,” she starts, “See here’s the thing—"

“We came to retrieve an elixir that she has here.” Loki says flatly, glaring at the solider, which makes Eir hit his arm for his rudeness. Loki narrows his eyes at her, not understanding why she hit him.

Steve looks to them, still confused, “That doesn’t explain how you two even know each other.”

Eir takes a deep breath, “Steve, um Loki came to me the other day and uh," she stutters, not knowing how to lie, “he told me that Thor wasn’t well, and I believe I have something here that might help.”

Loki rolls his eyes and groans, a little too loudly. Steve looks at her, then back to Loki, “Maybe you should teach her how to lie.”

“I have offered to teach her a few things.” Loki looks to her and smirks playfully.

Steve scowls back at him, “I don’t think anything more than that is necessary."

Looking between the scowling men, Eir responds, “What?” She pauses and turns to Loki, “How is that not believable?”

“It’s your eyes, darling, they’re too honest.” He says chuckling a bit.

“Regardless!” She glares at him, “That wasn’t even a real lie!”

Steve takes a step closer, taking Eir by her arm, and pulling her to the side, “What are you two really doing here?”

She takes a deep breath, thinking she might as well tell him the truth, Steve wasn't a fool, he would find out eventually. Plus, he always hated it when anyone kept secrets from him, “I haven’t been completely honest with you about who I am.” She rushes out all at once due to her nerves.

He raises an eyebrow, “Well, when I first met you, all you told me was that you weren’t from around here.” He glances at Loki then back to her, “I’m starting to think you meant a little farther than another country.”

She giggles a bit, “Yes, well, I’m from Asgard, and the real reason I’m gifted with healing is because I’m the Goddess of Healing.”

His eyes widened a bit and then he nods, “Well, you never did tell me how you got your powers.” He chuckles to himself and shakes his head, “Then again I never wanted to ask.” He smiles and tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear, “You always have been great with healing people. Even with simple things, like that one time when Barton had the flu.”

She smiles, “Yes, well that was a very simple thing.”

Steve chuckles, “I’ve never seen anyone work harder at trying to help people.” Eir blushes and he continues, “You really do look beautiful, a dress fit for a Goddess.” He smiles to himself and looks into her eyes, “I’ve—we’ve—“ he smiles shyly, “missed you around here.”

Which was true, despite not being around much at the beginning, everyone missed Eir when she was gone. When Tony's compound was finally complete, she did spend more time with everyone, she even decided to set up her own room for when she stayed longer than one day. Eventually, the place became her home and she started to help trained new recruits. It was nice, a distraction from the home she truly missed.

Eir tilts her head slightly, “Really? I didn’t do much around here until this compound of yours was complete.”

“You’re the best trainer we have around here.” He laughs, “Not many people can get a leg up on Vision and myself.”

She laughs, “Well, it helps when you can cast magic and know your opponents weaknesses.”

“Stark told you to go for my legs, so technically that’s cheating.” He crosses his arms and smirks down at her.

She shrugs, “I suppose, however I still won.” She winks and smiles proudly.

They both laugh for a bit and then Steve glances behind her, “Are you sure you can trust him?”

She glances back at Loki, who was currently glaring at them with his arms crossed. She shakes her head at his intensity, then looks back to Steve, “Honestly, I don’t think the correct word is trust. I’m aware of the things he has done and he does seem different now.” She purses her lips, “But if Thor says we can trust him, we should give him a chance. I know Loki, what he truly wants is acceptance, a family.”

Steve nods, “Alright then, if you’e willing to give him a chance, then I’ll talk to the team, see if I can get everyone to agree to the same thing.”

Loki clears his throat, rather rudely, “If you both are done with whatever this is, can we get the elixir now? I don’t want to be here longer than is needed.”

She rolls her eyes and places a hand on Steve’s arm, “It was wonderful to see you again, but he’s right, we must be going.”

Steve smiles and places his hand over mine, “Of course.” He pauses while removing his hand and looks between Loki and Eir, “How about when Thor is better you come back for a visit? Maybe even you too, Loki.”

“You would invite me back on this realm?” Loki asks while walking up next to Eir.

Steve shrugs, “She seems to trust you a bit and her opinion means something around here.” He pauses, “I’ll keep an eye on you though, so don’t try anything.”

“Oh,” Loki glares, “I wouldn’t dream of it. The soldier’s seal of approval is what I want most in my life.”

“Alright gentlemen, that’s enough.” She turns to Loki and pushes him into the compound while waving goodbye to Steve.

The pair make their way into the compound and are silent as they walk past various agents, causing many of them to turn their heads in shock. Eir leads them past the hanger and the gym to a more quiet hallway that lead to the private area of the building. Since there are less people nearby, she looks to Loki and speaks freely, “Must you be so rude?”

“Beg your pardon?”

“Oh do not play innocent with me you little shit.” She hisses back at him.

“Language, darling.” He says laughing and then sighs, “I wasn’t trying to be rude. I’m just not overly found of this realm.” She rolls her eyes and continues down the hallway in silence.

Suddenly Loki speaks, "Why did you stay here with these mortals?”

Eir thinks for a moment— caught off guard— not sure how to answer, “I believe it was because I was lonely.” She pauses and looks to the ground as she walks, “For almost 170 years I was alone. At first, I didn’t want anyone to get close to me, afraid I would hurt another. Then, I tried working at a hospital as a nurse for a while and it was nice, I was good at what I was doing. I began to see that I had no reason to fear my powers and that I could actually help the mortals. However, the other humans there began to suspect that I was something more, so I left. After that, I felt lost, confused, and didn’t know where my place should be on this realm.” She pauses and takes a deep breath, remembering old times, “Then I met Steve, well more like he found me. The mortals he worked for had him come to ask questions, apparently my long life made some curious. He wanted me to join them and help bring peace to this realm. He thought with my many talents, I would be of use.” She begins to fiddle with her fingers, “Through the years, Steve and I trained together, fought battles together, and we have even fought each other.” She chuckles to herself thinking about it, “He eventually became one of the few I could trust and respect. If it was not for him and the others at this compound, I don’t think my life here would have been very fulfilling. I like to think that I’ve grown while being here, these humans have taught me many things.” She sighs while turning a corner, “I don’t know why I’m telling you all of this, you don’t care.”

“What makes you think I don’t care?”

“Well, we have never exactly shared feelings with one another before. If I wanted to talk about this, I would go to another, not you. You are not exactly sentimental.” She softly smiles.

Loki nods, “I suppose that is true. I don’t like speaking of emotions, but I don’t want you to think you can not speak with me.”

She nods, “Alright, I’ll keep that in mind.” She smiles at him and continues down the hall.

“Since we are on the subject," Loki add, "may I ask you a somewhat personal question?”

She raises an eyebrow at him, “Um,sure. Although, tread carefully.”

He laughs a bit and smirks, “I was just wondering if Steve and you have a more than friendly relationship than what you are telling me.”

“What would make you think that?”

“He just seemed very familiar with you. I’ve never seen anyone, besides me, be that close to you." He shrugs and continues, "On Asgard if another ever tried to be that close with you, to touch you, you would have threatened them with a dagger.” He glances at her, “I know that personally.”

She laughs, “First of all, I threatened you once and you deserved it! It was not my arm that you touched.” She glares at him while he smirked to himself, “Secondly, Steve and I are nothing more than friends. I suppose him being so friendly never bothered me because of the things we have been through together.”

“I see.” He purses his lips and raises an eyebrow, “Perhaps you should tell him.”

She looks at him confused, “Tell him what? That I am his friend and nothing more?”

“Exactly. I may have read his mind while the two of you were talking.” He shrugs, “His thoughts about you are very different.”

The pair reach Eir's room and she points to the door, “That's my room there.” As she reaches for the doorknob, Loki beats her to it and opens, “Loki, you shouldn’t be reading others minds so carelessly.”

He chuckles, “Why not? That’s when you learn the most interesting things.”

They walk into the room and it looks exactly as it did as the day she left a few years ago. There was a king bed in the middle of the room with a desk and chair against one side, next to a TV. Eir's favorite part however, was that Tony allowed her to keep as many books as she wished. She had one entire wall dedicated to shelving for them all, Tony told her it was too much, but in a way, it reminded her of home. As they walk inside, Eir waves her hand and the door closes behind them.

“How long have you had telekinetic abilities?” Loki asks while looking behind him at the door, not sure of what just happened.

“I have expanded my talents during my exile, Loki.” She says with her back to him as he chuckles.

She moves to one of her bookshelves where she keeps all of her elixirs, next to her spell books, and herbs. As she walks over to the bookshelves to look for the right one, she hears Loki making his way around the room, being nosy, “Perhaps one day, darling, you can share your many talents with me.”

She rolls her eyes, “Any time you want to fight me, Loki. All you have to do is ask.”

“You have never been able to best me at, well, anything.”

She looks over her shoulder at him and smirks, “There is always a first.”

He smiles, clearly interested, “I suppose.” He then looks around, “This room is so small.”

She continues looking for the right bottle on her bookshelf, “My apologies your majesty, but this is not Asgard.”

“Thank you for the reminder.”

She places her hands on her hips and ponders to herself. She glances around the room and finds that Loki has now made himself comfortable on her bed. She shakes her head— he is such an odd one— and walks over to her desk to see if she placed the bottle in one of the drawers. She searches the top of the desk and pulls out each drawer, growing more frustrated with each passing minute.

“Here it is!” She exclaims as she grabs the bottle from the bottom drawer, “We can leave now, Loki.” She stands up, but does not hear a reply, “Loki?”

**********

I have no idea if these tags work lol but these are the people that wanted to be tagged last time I wrote for this story:

@t-w-hiddlestoner @lasimo74allmyworld @deputy-orange-juice @mandyfric18-blog @unicorniorosacomefrutillas @princeofsassgard @happy-kisscs @whatisanniedoin

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ash-and-books · 2 years

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Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb: On the night of the blood moon, the Vampire Lord must die. Floriane's position as the forge maiden of Hunter's Hamlet is one of reverence, for it is her skill that arms and protects the vampire hunters. She knows her place and is a faithful servant to the Master Hunter and her community... until the night of the blood moon. Until her brother is dying at the hands of the Vampire Lord Ruvan. Wanting to defend her home at all costs, Floriane fights the vampire lord, ready to give her life if it means taking his. But Ruvan doesn't want to take her life... he wants her. Kidnapped and brought to the vampire castle, Floriane is now blood sworn to the vampire lord. She is bound in mind and body to her worst enemy. But Ruvan isn't the fiend she thought he was. She learns the truth of the vampires: They are not mindless monsters, but a proud people, twisted and tortured by an ancient curse. Ruvan believes that Floriane might be the key to ending his people's suffering. All Floriane wants is to defend her home. Loyalties are tested and the lines between truth and lie, hate and passion, are blurred. When her dagger is at his chest, will she be able to take the heart of the man who has claimed hers? A darkly-reimagined Snow White meets inspiration from Beauty and the Beast in an epic fantasy world of hunters, vampires, and curses that run deeper than blood. This stand alone is complete with a "happily ever after" ending. It's perfect for fantasy romance fans looking for just the right amount of steam and their next slow-burn and swoon worthy, enemies to lovers story. While it is set in the Married to Magic universe, readers can start with this book

Review:

“I might be the forge maiden, but I am no delicate flower. I am as cold as silver. As strong as iron. I will bend for destiny, but not for any man.”

Hunters, vampires, an ancient curse, a blood oath, and a forbidden romance come together in this gorgeous darkly re-imagined Snow White meets Beauty and the Beast. Floraine is a forge maiden for the Hunter’s Hamlet, she was raised to make weapons for the hunters to hunt vampires, and her entire life has been spent listening to the wills of others and having no choice of her own, not even in who she can marry. Her only solace is her family, her mother who was a forge maiden before her and her brother who is a Hunter. But on the night of a blood moon she sees her brother dying at the hands of the Vampire Lord Ruvan and decides to do whatever it takes to protect her home... even taking a forbidden elixir and going head on with the vampire lord. However, Ruvan doesn’t want to kill her in fact he wants her. He kidnaps her and brings her back to the vampire castle and he explains his true motives: he needs a human’s help in breaking the curse placed on him and his people...a cursed they believe to have been placed on them by the hunters. Ruvan and Floraine make a bloodsworn oath: she will help break the curse and not harm him or those loyal to him and he will not harm her or even come back to the Hamlet in exchange. The more time she spends with Ruvan and his covenant the more she is realizing that everything she was taught to believe about them is not true, that they aren’t mindless creatures after blood... and that there is something much darker going on here. The more time she spends with Ruvan the more she begins to question the line between hatred and love and what is the truth and what is a lie. This was the perfect blend of enemies to lovers with slow burn romance and high stakes quest. Ruvan and Floraine have to honestly question their entire histories and beliefs of what they know, and face new emotions and feelings, they have to find the bond that is deeper than blood and truly see one another for who they are. Ruvan was honestly so swoon worthy, he’s kind, supportive, patient, and my all time favorite thing: CONSENT. He is constantly checking in on Floraine and asking her if she is okay with things and that is just perfection to me. So yes, this is definitely one of my favorites from the series ( though it can be read as a standalone but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ALL THE BOOKS) and I can’t wait to see what book Elise Kova writes next in this series!

*Thank you to Elise Kova for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #fantasy romance #book #elise kova #married to magic #romance book #romance read

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wethinkwedream · 2 months

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Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! Or should I say, "start your seedlings"? Welcome to the fast-paced world of hydroponics – where plants grow faster than a speeding bullet (well, almost) and leave traditional gardening methods in the dust. In this thrilling race towards greener pastures, we'll be exploring some truly groundbreaking topics that will have you reaching for your watering can in no time. First up: Hydro Highways - Fast-Track Your Plant Growth. Buckle up as we take a high-speed tour through the science behind these botanical speedsters. Next stop: No Soil, No Problem - The Speedy World of Hydroponics. We'll dive into how ditching dirt can lead to rapid growth rates that would make even Jack's beanstalk jealous. But wait – there's more! Well, well, well. Look who's got a green thumb and an insatiable curiosity for hydroponics! You've come to the right place, my friend. Let's dive into this world of soilless sorcery and uncover the secrets behind why hydroponic plants seem to have chugged down a magical elixir that makes them grow faster than their soil-based brethren. First things first: let's talk nutrients. In traditional gardening (you know, with dirt), plants spend an awful lot of energy sending out roots in search of sustenance like some sort of botanical treasure hunt. With hydroponics, however, we're cutting out the middleman – or should I say middle-soil? Plants are served up a nutrient-rich cocktail straight to their roots in liquid form; it’s like having room service deliver your favorite meal on demand! This direct access means our leafy friends can focus less on hunting for food and more on growing big and strong (and dare I say delicious?). The result? Faster growth rates that leave soil-grown plants green with envy. Now hold onto your sun hats because we're about to get scientific up in here! Another reason our waterlogged wonders grow at breakneck speeds is due to optimized environmental conditions within their cozy little hydroponic homes. By controlling factors such as temperature, humidity levels (moisture content), light exposure duration/intensity/type - you name it - these pampered plants are living life large without any unnecessary stressors holding them back from reaching peak performance status faster than ever before possible when confined by Mother Earth herself! So there you have it: two juicy tidbits explaining why hydroponic horticulture has taken off like Jack’s beanstalk after he traded his cow for those magic beans – minus all giants-related drama course). It turns out giving your greens gourmet grub delivered directly doorstep combined perfect environment live thrive really recipe success who would've thought? Now go forth, my fellow green-thumbed enthusiasts, armed newfound knowledge may your harvests bountiful ever! Hydro Highways: Fast-Track Your Plant Growth to grow faster Discover the secrets of why hydroponic plants grow faster than traditional soil plants! Learn the benefits and challenges of hydroponics gardening today. If you're looking for a fast-track to plant growth, look no further than hydro highways! Hydroponics is the practice of growing plants in water and other nutrient solutions instead of soil. This method has been around since ancient times, but it's only recently that we've started to understand just how much faster plants can grow when given the right environment. With hydroponic systems like hydro highways, you can give your plants all they need to thrive - from light and nutrients to oxygen - without having to worry about soil quality or pests. No Soil, No Problem: The Speedy World of Hydroponics Find out why plants grown with hydroponics grow faster and more efficiently than soil-based plants. Gone are the days of waiting for your plants to grow in soil. Welcome to the speedy world of hydroponics! With this method, you don't need any soil at all - just water and some nutrients. And guess what? Your plants will grow faster than ever before!

Hydroponics is a great way to get your garden up and running quickly. It's also an efficient way of growing food since it uses less water than traditional gardening methods, making it more sustainable in the long run. Plus, there are fewer pests and diseases that can affect your crops when they're grown without soil. But how exactly do hydroponic plants grow so fast? Well, because they're not relying on natural sources like sunlight or rainwater for their nutrition – instead they get everything from nutrient-rich solutions directly into their roots via a system of pumps and tubes – which means that growth is accelerated significantly compared with regular gardening techniques. So if you want to see results fast (and who doesn't?), then why not give hydroponics a try? You won't be disappointed! Roots in Water: How Hydroponics Outpaces Traditional Gardening Uncover why hydroponic plants grow faster and more efficiently than those grown in soil! Learn the advantages of using a hydroponic system to achieve bigger harvests. grow faster If you're looking for a way to outpace traditional gardening, hydroponics is the answer! This method of growing plants without soil has been around since ancient times and is gaining popularity today. By using nutrient-rich water instead of soil, roots can easily access the necessary nutrients they need to grow quickly and efficiently. Plus, with no dirt or weeds in sight, there's less maintenance involved! So why not give it a try? You'll be amazed at how fast your plants will thrive when their roots are in water. The Need for Speed: Why Hydroponic Plants Race Ahead Discover why hydroponic plants grow faster and the benefits they can bring to your garden. Do you ever feel like your plants are taking forever to grow? Well, if you're looking for a speedier solution, hydroponics could be the answer. Hydroponic plants have been known to grow up to 50% faster than their soil-based counterparts – and that's not all. Not only do they grow faster, but they also require less maintenance and produce higher yields of healthier fruits and vegetables. So why is it that hydroponic plants race ahead of traditional soil-based gardening? One reason is because they don't need as much water or fertilizer as regular gardens do. In fact, some systems can even run on recycled water! This means fewer trips out for supplies – saving time (and money). Plus, with no dirt involved in the process there’s no weeding required either! Another factor at play here is oxygenation: when roots are submerged in nutrient-rich solutions instead of soil, they get more access to oxygen which helps them absorb nutrients better - leading to bigger yields quicker. And since there’s no need for tilling or turning over the earth every season (as with traditional gardening), hydroponic gardens can be set up quickly without any heavy lifting involved - making them ideal for those short on space or time but still wanting fresh produce year round! So if you’re looking for an efficient way to get your garden growing fast then look no further than hydroponics – it might just give your green thumb a much needed boost in speed! From Zero to Greenhouse Hero: Unlocking Rapid Growth with Hydroponics Find out why hydroponic plants grow faster than soil-based plants, and discover tips for getting the most out of your hydroponic garden! Are you looking to take your gardening game from zero to hero? Well, look no further than hydroponics! Hydroponic gardening is a revolutionary way of growing plants without the use of soil. Instead, it uses nutrient-rich water and special lighting systems to create an optimal environment for plant growth. The result? Rapidly growing plants that are healthier and more productive than ever before! So why should you make the switch from traditional soil-based gardening to hydroponic methods? For starters, hydroponically grown plants require less maintenance and fewer resources like water and fertilizer.

Plus, they’re much easier on the environment since there’s no need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides. And last but not least – they grow faster! That means bigger harvests in shorter amounts of time so you can enjoy all those delicious fruits (or veggies) sooner rather than later. If this sounds like something up your alley then get ready because it’s time to become a greenhouse hero! With just a few simple steps you can turn any space into an efficient garden paradise where your plants will thrive with minimal effort on your part. So what are you waiting for? Unlock rapid growth today by taking advantage of all that hydroponics has to offer – happy planting everyone! https://www.growweedeasy.com/how-to-increase-yields: Grow Weed Easy is a comprehensive resource for cannabis cultivation, but many of the techniques and principles discussed can be applied to other plants as well. This particular article offers practical tips and strategies to increase yields in your garden. https://www.maximumyield.com/10-tips-for-increasing-your-harvest/2/2462: Maximum Yield is a gardening magazine that focuses on indoor and hydroponic gardening. This article provides ten useful tips for increasing your harvest, covering topics such as lighting, nutrients, pruning, and more. https://www.planetnatural.com/increase-yield/: Planet Natural is an online retailer specializing in organic gardening products. This article presents a variety of techniques and methods to increase yields naturally, including soil preparation, plant selection, fertilization, and pest control.

#SpecificCropHydroponics #HydroponicPlants #plantsgrow #plantsgrowfaster

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pesterloglog · 3 months

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John Egbert, Gamzee Makara, Calliope, Roxy Lalonde, Terezi Pyrope

Candy, page 2

JOHN: so uh...

JOHN: i’m back.

JOHN: everyone get ready for THIS fucking guy, i guess...

GAMZEE: HOOOOOOOOOOOONK.

GAMZEE: cough COUGH cough CHOKE honk CHOKE!

GAMZEE: wheeeeeeeeeze HONK cough HONK choke WHEEEEEZE.

CALLIOPE: ah, poor thing.

CALLIOPE: it’s alright now. yoU’re alright.

CALLIOPE: take a moment to catch yoUr breath, mr. clown. yoU’ll be jUst fine.

GAMZEE: cough HACK cough HONK hack CHOKE wheeze HONK honk HONK.

GAMZEE: honk HONK honk GASP wheeze GASP...

GAMZEE: wheeeeEeeeeEeeeEeeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeZe!

GAMZEE: hOoOoOoOoOoOnK cHoKe ChOkE hAcK hOnK cOuGh.

GAMZEE: CoUgH cOuGh HoNk HoNk SoB sOb SoB sOb...

GAMZEE: SoB sOb BoO hOo HoO hOo HoOoOoOoOoNk...

GAMZEE: BoO hOo HoNk HoO hOnK hOnK wAaAaAaAaAaAh!

CALLIOPE: oh dear.

CALLIOPE: what is it, sir?

CALLIOPE: tell Us what pains yoU. let it all oUt, friend.

CALLIOPE: we are here for yoU. u_u

GAMZEE: i BeEn A bItCh AsS nAuGhTy MoThErFuCkEr. :o(

GAMZEE: i Up AnD dOnE sOmE mOtHeRfUcKeRs RaW.

GAMZEE: ThOsE mOtHeRfUcKeRs MoSt Of AlL wHo I cAlLeD aS mY fRiEnDs.

GAMZEE: i PuT tHe StRaIgHt Up FuCkIn HaRsHnEsS aT tHeM aNd It WaSnT mOtHeR fUcKiN nIcE oF mE.

GAMZEE: nOt OnE BiT. :o(

GAMZEE: aNd NoW i’M aLl At An EmOtIoNaL pLaCe FrOm SwEaTiNg My HaRd TiMe In ThE hUnGeR tRuNk.

GAMZEE: A fAtE tO wHiCh I sUrEly GoT mY dEsErVe On FoR.

GAMZEE: aNd It GaVe Me AlL tImE tO rEtHiNk My LoT aNd GeT cOnSiDeRiNg To WhAt A rIpE pIlE oF tHe NaStIeSt GaRbAgE i BeEn My WhOlE mOtHeRfUcKiN lIfE.

GAMZEE: aNd I gOt My EpIpHaNy GoInG iN tHeRe.

GAMZEE: lIkE aLl MoThErFuCkIn BaThEd In ThE rIgHtEoUs EpIpHaNiEs Yo.

GAMZEE: PrEtTy MuCh BaLlS oUt *ImMeRsEd* In ThE eMoTiOn BrEaKtHrOuGhS mY gOoD nInJaS.

GAMZEE: aNd I cAmE tO gEtTiN sOmE oF mY rEaLiZaTiOnS dOwN rIgHt FuCkInG lOcKeD.

GAMZEE: lOcKeD tIgHtEr ThAn I wAs LiKe A bItCh In ThAt FrIdGe.

GAMZEE: AnD tHoSe ReAlIzAtIoNs BeInG sOmEtHiN aLl MoThEr FuCkIn ThUsLy Of SoRtS:

GAMZEE: i’M a BaD, bAd MaN.

GAMZEE: aNd I’m HeRe To FuCkIn *ReDeEm* My MoThErFuCkIn SeLf.

GAMZEE: HoOoOoOoOoNk.

GAMZEE: ThEsE rEdEmPtiVe FuCkIn EuReKa ThUnDeRcLaPs AlL bAnGiNg At My ThInK pAn...

GAMZEE: GeTtInG mE tO gO aLl LiKe, BoO hOo, I’m BaD, i’M bAd!

GAMZEE: WhAt I’m SaYiNg AbOuT iS tHe RaW sHiT i DiD gOt SoMe ExPlAnAtIoNs To MaKe YoU sEe ThE tRuTh.

GAMZEE: ThE tRuTh ThAt My GnArLiNeSs HaD a MoThErFuCkIn TeNtFuL oF *rOoT cAuSeS* yA gOtTa InDuLgE mE aT.

GAMZEE: lIsTeN uP bOyS aNd HoEs, CaUsE hErE cOmEs A bUnCh Of NoIsE tHaT’s MoRaLlY fUcKiN mItIgAtInG aS sHiT.

GAMZEE: hOoOoOoNk.

JOHN: (oh jesus.)

ROXY: (shh!)

GAMZEE: I bEeN aLl LiKe. AbUsEd AnD sTuFf, HoMiEs.

GAMZEE: As A cHiLd, I gOt MoThErFuCkIn NeGlEcTeD oN bY a StErN oLd FaThErLy GoAt.

GAMZEE: I wAs A dIsApPoInTmEnT oN hIm, AnD cAn’T sAyS i BlAmE hIm FoR aBaNdOnInG tHe ShIt OuT oF hIs UsElEsS kId.

GAMZEE: I wOuLdA mOtHeRfUcKiN dOnE tHe SaMe ShIt At Me If I wAs A bIg CrUeL gOaT.

GAMZEE: sO ThAt ExPlAiNs LiKe, PrEtTy SuRe MoSt Of My CrImEs In A wAy ThAt MaKeS a MoThErFuCkEr WaNnA tAkE hIs FoRgIvEnEsS oUt FoR a FuCkInG sPiN.

GAMZEE: tHeRe’S oThEr ReAsOnS tO cOnSiDeR, LiKe...

GAMZEE: ShIt ThAt MaKeS tHiS rEdEmPtIoN aRc FuCkIn TiGhT lIkE aN uNcRaCkEd ElIxIr.

GAMZEE: LiKe, HoWs My PuRpLe BlOoD mEaNt I gOt ThE cUlTuRe PrEsSuReS pUt On Me To Be A SaLtY dAmN jEsTeR fOr LiFe.

GAMZEE: WhAt aBoUt ThAt HaNd ThE mEsSiAhS dEaLt Me, My BiTcHeS.

GAMZEE: a MoThErFuCkEr’S gOnNa EnVy ThAt LiKe A wIcKeD cOd RaSh.

GAMZEE: So HoW cAn I fUlL aNd TrUlY fUcKiN gEt BlAmEd On FoR, wHeN iT cOmEs To A lITtLe BiT oF sUbJuGgLaTiOn I gOt CuLtUrAlLy HoRnSwOgGlEd Up To DoInG, aNd AlSo TrAgIcAlLy GoAt AbUsEd WhIcH nEeDs To MaKe YoU sHeD a TeAr FoR tHiS mOtHeRfUcKeR, lEsT yOu WaNnA bE aS aTrOcIoUs As Me.

GAMZEE: AnD sUcH iS wHy I’m GrAbBiNg HoLd Of My RePeNtAnCe As FiRm AnD sErIoUs As I wOuLd A wHoRe’S tItTy!

GAMZEE: My ReDeMpTiOn ArC iS tRuLy ThE dAnKnEsS. i MeAn It HaRd, AnD i’M gOiNg SiNcErE aT iT lIkE oNe SaD aNd SoRrY bAdBoY mOtHeRfUcKeR.

GAMZEE: fRoM tHiS dAy FrOnTwArD, i PlAn To GeT mY pLeDgE oN tO bE a ChAnGeD cLoWn.

GAMZEE: TrUlY a NeW aSs MoThErFuCkEr, ThAnKs To My NeW fRiEnDs. :o)

CALLIOPE: bravo!!! ^u^

ROXY: fuck yea

JOHN: hey terezi, you around?

TEREZI: WH4T DO YOU W4NT

JOHN: you wouldn’t believe what’s happening just behind me right now.

TEREZI: 1 PROB4BLY WOULD

JOHN: no you won’t.

JOHN: check it out...

TEREZI: HOLY SH1T

JOHN: i know, right?

TEREZI: H3S CRY1NG L1K3 4 L1TTL3 WR1GGL3R

TEREZI: GO OV3R 4ND G1V3 H1M 4 K1CK 1N TH3 CODP13C3 FOR M3

JOHN: i can’t.

TEREZI: JOHN, 1M 4SK1NG YOU TO DO 4 S1MPL3 F4VOR FOR 4N OLD 4ND D34R FR13ND

TEREZI: DO NOT B3 D1FF1CULT

JOHN: um, i don’t think that would go over well.

JOHN: everybody’s taking this all weirdly seriously.

JOHN: apparently we’re going to let him have a “redemption arc”?

TEREZI: H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4H4

JOHN: yeah, it’s...

JOHN: well, what is there to even say?

JOHN: it’s literally the dumbest fucking idea i’ve ever heard, but what can you do.

TEREZI: SHOV3 H1M B4CK 1N TH4T FR1DG3 4ND THROW 1T 1N TH3 OC34N, 1S WH4T

JOHN: pretty much.

TEREZI: WHY 4R3 YOU 1D1OTS 3V3N BOTH3R1NG W1TH TH1S FOOL 4G41N

JOHN: don’t ask me. this is a calliope thing.

TEREZI: OH GOD

JOHN: i guess she roped roxy into it... so now i’m just going along with it too.

JOHN: i don’t even care actually. i mean, he smells awful, but...

TEREZI: >XO

JOHN: guess that’s just what’s happening now.

JOHN: the asshole clown is back. life goes on.

TEREZI: 1T D1DNT N33D TO THOUGH

TEREZI: NOT FOR H1M, 4T L34ST

JOHN: speaking of life...

JOHN: how’s it going out there.

TEREZI: OH

TEREZI: F1N3

TEREZI: PR3TTY BOR1NG, FLY1NG 4ROUND 4ND STUFF

TEREZI: YOU KNOW HOW 1T 1S

TEREZI: TH3 S34RCH CONT1NU3S

JOHN: any sign of her yet?

TEREZI: ...

JOHN: you’ve been gone, like...

JOHN: a really long time, you know.

TEREZI: 1M SUR3 YOU S33 1T TH4T W4Y

TEREZI: FROM MY PO1NT OF V13W, 1TS 4 L1TTL3 D1FF3R3NT

TEREZI: 4NYW4Y, NO TURN1NG B4CK NOW

JOHN: yeah, i know.

JOHN: everybody misses you though.

JOHN: probably even... *shudder*

JOHN: gamzee.

TEREZI: UGH!!!

TEREZI: W3LL, TH4T S3TTL3S 1T

TEREZI: 1 MUST N3V3R R3TURN. SORRY 3GB3RT >:[

JOHN: haha, i never should have told you about his shitty redemption arc.

JOHN: i blew it!

TEREZI: YUP >:]

TEREZI: 4NYW4Y, GOTT4 GO

TEREZI: N3XT T1M3 W3 SP34K, YOU OW3 M3 4 R3PORT OF 3X4CTLY ON3 PUNCH 1N TH3 CLOWN D1CK

TEREZI: BY3 DORK

CALLIOPE: thank yoU for this, john.

JOHN: um...

JOHN: you’re welcome?

#homestuck #homestuck epilogues #john egbert #gamzee makara #calliope #roxy lalonde #terezi pyrope #candy epilogue #page 2

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teacherintransition · 1 year

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Seventeen Months in Round Rock

A very different experience …humbling and eye opening.

Since February 2022, we’ve spent forty eight out of sixty two weeks traveling through out Texas, Louisiana and Great Britain. It’s been a roller coaster ride of adventures and experiences. We’ve learned a lot about ourselves and unplanned moments, some of which have turned us upside down. Round Rock was unique in the unplanned area …definitely. Long periods away from Nacogdoches, an horrendous ice storm, lots of guests, a cancer scare (see previous article …three scares in three years), a month long stay in a less than desirable extended stay hotel. It’s been a scene man …, but more positive situations than negative here in the Hill Country.

First off we were really happy to have some friends from back in the day share our time here. These guys gave us a social base we’ve not had in our previous travels.

For going on three years, I’ve extolled the merit, nay vital importance, of planning when life changes. C’mon, changing the direction of one’s life is stressor numero uno let alone having to deal with surprises coming out of left field. We all know that things go according to planned…right? Have I heard this before? Deja vu! It has been my personal experience since becoming a teacher in transition that the great Scottish poet and patriot, Rabbie Burns, in his poem, “To a Mouse,” actually is more spot on when describing the results of planning: “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft a-gley.” Perfectly said, am I right? In our four months here, besides the aforementioned events nothing has gone seriously “a-gley,” au contraire, in fact, things have gone incredibly well for my wonderful wife in her new temporary place of employ. Her self confidence and sense of contribution to the nursing field have increased immeasurably. Things went so well, that my lovely partner was offered an additional month at yonder hospital. So what in the hell O’ great teacher in transition, why are you writing about things if they went a-gley or awry? We, as previously experienced in Alexandria and Granbury, expected to feel at home and at peace as we had in the southern Llano Estacado and in Louisiana. The Hill Country was a more challenging place, but being close to my nephew Aaron, my buddy Scotty and his son, Matt & Brette Kuban, a former colleague Mark, Robyn; and visits from my sons Brendan and Erik, my sister in law Nancy and one of the Quadrumvirate …Radolpho kept the time in the Austin area lively.

We just thought that we’d lower our heads for thirteen weeks and accomplish our goals and move onto the next one. But…but…love the place and the people? Oh great….again? Who wanted that? Now, it is heartbreaking to leave. Why does this keep happening? The world ISN’T a cesspool of struggle and strife? Who’d a thunk it? For my wife, she has been treated as a professional of the highest order; made special friends of her co workers and one might say she has been compensated lucratively. …she has. (wink wink) I’ve done a great deal of writing, photography, hiking and exploring. The variety of restaurants has been incredible, the historical sites and art venues numerous and all employing excellent, friendly folks from the region. It is among these locales that we have met wonderful people that will never be forgotten.

I discovered long ago that a truly wonderful coffee shop is a place where ideas and conversations flow like fresh brewed elixir from the coffee bean. When we got here, there were a number possible shops. On day one, I walked into the Lamppost Coffee Shop …decision made. There were walls decorated in a calming eggshell white offset with masterfully composed photographs of the region. I’ve gotten a tremendous amount of writing done in such a vibrant environment. I have also spent many wonderful cool afternoons sitting outside, drinking tea and people watching. In a world of going hither and yon, the Lamppost has been a haven of good coffee and peaceful surroundings.

If you know me in any way, you know the word “pub” carries an almost, to hell with almost, a TRUE mystical significance. It ain’t just about the drinking my friends, but that is an important aspect. One can get a drink in a bar, a saloon, a cantina, a club, a bar and grille, a restaurant, a cooler….but none of these places come close to being a pub. A pub is something else altogether. A haven for those beaten down a bit, a place for those lonely in their soul, a well of happiness for one seeking conversation and companionship. A true pub has an old world feel, it has a dark calming aura, and a sophisticated selection of whiskies. In my personal experience, I’ve only entered into a handful of places that qualify as a true pub in the magical sense of the word. In Granbury, I didn’t come across a clear watering hole that fits my standard of a public house, but we did find some pleasant places for relaxing libations. In Round Rock, a couple of spots qualified as “pub worthy.” The Ruby Bar is an excellent, out of the way just north of downtown. The staff was excellent and they serve a truly outstanding Old Fashioned. It’s a perfect after dinner spot. Aces to the Ruby.

The Brass Tap was truly an “every man’s” pub spot. A long bar with a charming snug and a collection of whisky/whiskeys that any aficionado would be amazed to sample. They have a $15k shelf of bourbons that could break the bank if one did more than just stare and salivate at the grand bottles. Afternoon drinking or out for the evening, The Brass Tap was welcoming, warm and a peaceful spot for a libation or several.

We planned for many things on this adventure and many wonderful things have taken place. Ive yet to adjust to having my heart broken joyfully by these wonderful locales. I had people warn me that Alexandria was a rough city; a run down city, a crime ridden city….bless their poor, slow little hearts. I had folks warn us that Granbury was just a hick spot in the road. Most of the criticisms of Round Rock centered on traffic …I’ll go with that one; but good friends and good times outweighed all the negatives. If you look for the negative…it will be found. I look at things with my soul’s eye…it’s then that you can see the magic of a place and the beauty of another’s spirit. I didn’t expect to love these people and this place…but our hearts are healed and we didn’t know they needed healing. Thank you Round Rock and au revoir.

#open mind #retirement #coffetime #stress #change #teacher #i need friends #health #writing #education #travel well #travel #road less traveled #Austin

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