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torchwood-99 · 2 months

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Eowyn and Gothic Horror

I've ranted about the interpretation that Eowyn's rejection of gender roles was a symptom of her sickness, caused only by Grima's manipulations. An interpretation that doesn't hold to either Gandalf's speech in the Houses of Healing, when he specifies how the liberties denied to Eowyn and allowed to Eomer and her male peers played a crucial role in her depression, or when we see how Eowyn was really vindicated in her decision to ride to battle by her victory over the Witch King. A victory that wins her incredible renown and respect.

I think this reading comes about because people see the significance of Grima's contribution to Eowyn's despair, and think he is the sole source of it.

But Eowyn was not dissatisfied with her role and her enforced position in the house because of Grima's manipulations. She didn't rail against sexism because Grima played with her head and "poisoned" her traditionally feminine role for her.

Grima was able to prey on Eowyn, manipulate her and drive her to despair, because of the sexism that forced Eowyn to remain stuck in the house.

Look at the speech Gandalf gives Eomer about Eowyn's sufferings. The very first thing he mentions is the fact that Eowyn was denied the freedoms and opportunities Eomer had. The suffering that follows stems from that first initial injustice.

Because of that first injustice, Eowyn was rendered vulnerable, and Grima was able to exploit that. That isolation, that limited freedom, that unhappiness about her lack of choices, left her free game for Grima to take an already bad situation, and make it far worse.

Thinking about Eowyn's experience in Meduseld, what the impact of being confined to the domestic sphere did to her, and what is left her vulnerable to, makes me think of Gothic horror, and the role of sexism and domesticity in that genre too.

Eowyn's situation before the novels is that of a classic Gothic heroine. A fair, beautiful woman, trapped inside a decaying house, and preyed on by an awful monster, who hungers after her beauty and longs to possess her. Or else, destroy her.

Domestic settings and isolation are pretty crucial themes in the gothic genre, and for that reason it has historically been seen as a woman's genre. It taps into a pretty universal fear of what happens when home ceases to be a safe space, a fear that historically, has a particularly great resonance for women.

Whereas traditionally home is a refuge and respite for men from the world, the home is the woman's only true acceptable sphere. And yet even there she is subordinate. Therefore, she is vulnerable. With no place in the outside world, she has no escape, no respite, no refuge. If home becomes an evil, she is trapped. And because she has no place in the social sphere, she has no voice either. She is invisible, she is overlooked, her sufferings and her contributions are passed over,

Eowyn is isolated. Eowyn is vulnerable. Eowyn is overlooked. And because Eowyn is isolated and vulnerable and overlooked, Grima is able to get his hooks into her and drive her to despair. She is a wild animal, trammelled and caught in a hutch, a predator's helpless prey. But Grima didn't put Eowyn in the hutch. Eowyn was already there. Grima just took advantage of that.

Even after Grima is gone, Meduseld is still a place Eowyn longs to escape, and while its evil is purged and she does return, it is only for a short while. Grima's defeat is not enough to make Meduseld a place where Eowyn can find real happiness or fulfilment. On its own, it still represents a role for Eowyn that she wishes to move beyond.

The healing counterpoint to Eowyn's gothic castle of horrors, the hutch she was caught in, is in escape, and in a return to nature.

Eowyn's entire romance with Faramir takes place within the gardens of the Houses of Healing, where we see Eowyn start to recover from her ordeal. It takes place on the open, in the garden, on the ramparts, with much notice given to the sky and the sun and the elements around them.

(Also, the Houses of Healing themselves are not a domestic setting, but a public one, and there we see women working alongside men and holding authority.)

Eowyn's happy ending, her great escape, climaxes with her decision to go with Faramir to Ithilien.

Ithilien is the exact opposite of a hutch. It's descriptions are filled with natural imagery, and is known as the Garden of Gondor. It is a place for growth and fresh starts. A place of freedom. A place for a wild thing.

When Faramir suggests that he and Eowyn live in Ithilien, he reasserts again and again that they will go there if it is Eowyn's will. Both Tolkien and Faramir put emphasis on the importance of Eowyn's will, and Eowyn's right to freedom of movement.

In his plans for their future, Faramir talks of "us" and "we", removing the separation between men (belonging to the social sphere) and women (belonging to the domestic), and speaks of Ithilien as a shared dwelling place for both of them. Faramir only distinguishes between himself and Eowyn when he puts importance on Eowyn's will, and at the end, on Eowyn's influence.

At the close of his speech, Faramir says all things will grow with joy in Ithilien, if Eowyn is there. Returning Ithilien to its former glory, allowing it to bloom once more, is to become Faramir's life's work, and still it is Eowyn's influence he puts centre stage. Far from being kept confined to the domestic sphere, relegated to being Faramir's home support while he dominates the rehabilitation of Ithilien, Faramir places Eowyn's work and Eowyn's significance at the heart of their future together.

Eowyn goes from being shut in the house, where everything around her was decaying and falling to ruin, to being freed to stand in the heart of nature, where there is a chance for influence, growth, and fresh starts.

#Lotr #Lord of the Rings #Eowyn #Faramir #Grima Wormtongue #Farawyn #Faramir-x-Eowyn

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sanjiyue · 2 months

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law; misguided loyalty 1

doflamingo family!reader x law, angst

As a member of the Doflamingo family, you embark on a perilous mission to secure a supposed cure for disease, fervently believing in your dedication to Doflamingo.

Little do you know that Law, is also out seeking control of the cure.

When your paths cross in the New World, tensions arise as Law, aware of the dangers involved with the underground boss, tries to convey the truth about the misleading mission.

Will the ties to the Doflamingo family shatter, allowing both Law and you to find a new understanding, or will the echoes of the past prove too powerful to overcome? Explores the complexities of allegiance, trust, and the consequences of leaving behind a life bound by shadows.

[1.3k wc]

[10 years ago]

You peeked out from behind the feathered drapings of a bright pink coat, curiously stretching your neck to try and get a glance at the little boy before you.

When you opened your mouth to introduce yourself, he glaringly stared in your direction, defiantly.

You could only shake from how the bloodlust rolled off of him, erupting in waves before your eyes.

"Now, children, we can all learn to get along, can't we? We're all family after all!" The man before you laughed as he bent down to bring you before him.

You struggled a little, digging your heels into the floor as he brought you out, unwilling to meet whoever this was before you.

"This is Law! He'll begin training with you soon, so let's all get along."

Reaching for the man's hand that you knew as Doffy, "fine!"

You glared back at the small boy, asserting your possessiveness over the young master.

His golden eyes gave you a condescending look as if you were five years younger than him. "Whatever. Don't get in my way."

Your spare hand turned into a fist and you held it up to his face. "I didn't even say anything to you yet!"

The distinctiveness of his face turned fuzzy, and the world softened its outlines.

And it faded.

"Hey."

A voice draws you back to the current. You lift your dipped head, still a little drowsy, eyes flinching against the bright sunlight that always flooded the upstairs throne room in peaceful Dressrosa.

You set your heavy-lidded eyes on your young master, who was lazily stretched in his chair, comfortable and seemingly at-ease.

"You seem quite comfortable now after I fed you that mirage fruit, don't tell me you're going to start slacking now that you're my right hand."

He stood up before the sun rays, stretching a hand your way, languid.

There was a hint of a smile as you took his hand, soaking in his every word, "no way! We're a family right? I'm going to try ten times as hard to protect us."

Doffy's face stretched a chesire smile as he fixated upon you, "good. With mirage and String-String fruit--"

His luringly sweet voice was interrupted by a loud and sudden slam through the door.

"It's Law! He's--"

"Vergo, my old friend." Doffy took a step sideways, revealing you in his shadow, "let's be a little more considerate."

Vergo let out a cough, "Law is in the foyer."

Doffy sensed you tense up behind him. "Now now," he had a wry smile, "we don't want to rile up the little one."

"This is beneath you, young master, I will go." You ran out the door Vergo pushed through, their conversation fading in the background as you were out of earshot.

"Don't you ever run out of string doing that? 'Doffy'.".

The man in question barks out a laugh in reponse.

As you hurried down the steps, you thought back to all the times Doffy unheaved dreadful news of Law Trafalgar.

First the purging of a hospital, and now this. He dares to show his ungrateful face here to the family that raised and loved him.

If Doffy deemed him the source of the hatred of man, then you hated him with your whole being.

For as the young master breathed, you lived.

The door to the foyer swung open, sunlight greedily filling the unsettling and tense room. The sight before you left you breathless.

There, standing in the center of the room, was Law-- or at least, what appeared to be him. His silhouette was unmistakable, the familiar hat casting a shadow over his face.

But as your eyes adjusted to the low light, the details became clearer, and a knot tightened in your stomach.

Baby Five struggled in his grasp, even more so as she came upon the sight of you. "Get out of here!"

"Law," you were caught off-guard, uneasy at the sight of your beloved family member at his mercy.

His gaze slowly lifted, golden eyes lifeless and cruel with a hint of malevolence. He raised a sword above Baby Five.

Before you could even move, he spared no hesitation for relationship ties and struck down, steel slicing flesh. Baby Five groaned, her whole being filthy with dark blood.

You shook with what felt like a stab in the back. Even Baby Five, one of the closest members to Law while he was here, cut into like it was nothing.

Disillusion gripped your heart, and all possible fond memories of Law extinguished to the flames of the burning fury.

Then, like nothing happened, he released his grip and disappeared, leaving his message of threat.

You rushed to Baby Five's side, hands shaking. "Doff--" Before you could finish your cry, he appeared at your side.

As the shattered remnants of your sentimentality lay scattered around you, you found a source of solace in your young master's presence.

"My dear, to think that Law would cast you aside without another doubt in his mind," he purred, gathering Baby Five in his arms, "how thoughtless."

"Doffy, I need to go after him, just--"

The young master looked at you with unnerving complexity, "no. I could never lose you the way he wants to get rid of you. I need you for my future, our family's future. A future where your true potential will flourish, right alongside me."

His words pulled you in like a venomous secret he was dying to spill. "I will take care of Baby Five. Go back upstairs and wait with Vergo, there's something I need to talk to you about."

In the fascade of comfort meticulously crafted, you found yourself willingly ensnared by his allure and the intricate web of manipulation woven deep in your fragile emotions.

Your fury dulled, you forced yourself to stand up. You took one more look at Baby Five, her fingers grazing yours as you stood.

"That damn Law," she stuttered, "he has no sentimentality-- a monster."

Your hands balled into fists. "The next time I see him, I swear I won't go easy on him." You promised her.

Doffy's Machiavellian smile crept onto his face. "Good. Now go up."

As you climbed the stairs, you could barely hold it together. You entered the room to Vergo's waiting figure.

"Ah," he glanced up at you. "Do you know how Joker's plan to cure the Chrono Crystal Fever is coming?"

You stirred.

The Chrono Crystal Fever was a rare condition where individuals developed a crystalline sheen. Victims were said to have been unable to distinguish between past and current events, progressing into madness.

"I didn't know the young master was planning on finding a cure."

Vergo paused meticulously, "yes, I suppose it would procure a new line of income. I heard the young master is in a hurry to obtain the ingredient before others discover it."

"I guess it would be beneficial for the family to have a monopoly on the cure." Guess? It was the means of an end. There's no way Doffy could let up such an important opportunity.

"I would go myself if I could."

You drew your attention to the voice, the young master in his eminence against the doorway, "it's a real shame. But as my right hand, you'll go in my stead right?"

If he ordered death, you would die. If he craves blood, you spill. This was the man that was going to be the King of the Pirates.

The source of your comfort and familiarity and warmth. One of the only people in this world that seemed to treat you with preciousness.

"Of course," you tilted your head as if it was ever an option to say no. "Whatever you will, it is done."

He tilted his head at your devotion.

"For you, young master, this family would lay down kingdoms."

#trafalgar #trafalgar op #trafalgar d law x reader #trafalgar one piece #law x reader #one piece #one piece x reader #one piece x you #law trafalgar #trafalgar law

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hereforthefanficsandromance · 4 months

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Fan Prize Story #1: Training in the Water

Credit: FlamMabel

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Thank you @flammabel for participating in the Act II opening weekend for The Way He Looks at You. I hope you enjoy your prize!

Read on AO3 Read on Blogger Read on Tumblr Master List: One Shots

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Summary

You, a former Jedi, watch Cal practice his forms. He offers to jog your memory on how to do them. Rating: 18+ Words: 2.2K

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You could hear him before you could see him. The sounds of splashing as he moved through the water, practicing, always practicing. You had been traveling with Cal for a few weeks now and his commitment to rehearsing the forms of the old ways impressed you. You knew the forms, but you practiced them much less. It was honestly embarrassing to attempt them in his presence.

Cal had helped you escape a deadly situation with the Ninth Sister. Your ability to save yourself had waned since the Purge. Lying low for years will do that to a body. You weren’t out of shape, per se, but Cal had been training more in recent years than you. Still getting to know the man, it felt awkward to ask him to teach what you both learned as padawans. So you settled for watching him move through the familiar but forgotten movements. Then sneak away to practice in your room aboard the Mantis.

Your short copper hair danced along your temples as a light breeze rustled the trees of the lush and beautiful planet. The sound of splashing grew as you neared where Cal was practicing. Your heart rate increased as you rounded the corner, exposing the handsome man.

He was wearing trousers and an undershirt that pleasantly showed off his muscular arms. You couldn’t help but let your eyes rake across each flexing inch of skin as he moved. His red hair speckled with dark stains from the water droplets he has stirred up.

Cal looks up to meet your eye as you approach. He offers you a cheeky grin and a small wave before returning to his forms. You make your way to a large flat rock by the edge of the water. The smooth stone was now heated to a comfortable temperature in the sun.

You nod your head to Cal and lounge on the rock, thinking perhaps you could meditate here. But the thought of taking your mind elsewhere when the view in front of you is so beautiful seemed impossible. So instead you watched, as you have many times before.

Mostly you tried to stay focused on learning from his movements, but your brain had other ideas. It saw each movement as more than Jedi training; it saw opportunities for how he might behave in a more intimate setting.

His long fingers, trained to coax objects into his hands using the Force, could instead coax out multiple orgasms from your aching- No. You can’t think of him like that. You barely know him. The Order fell, but you can stay true to the old ways. Though there are few Jedi left to complain if you stray.

His powerful body could save the galaxy and make you see stars, couldn’t it? It might improve morale, give him a reward for his years of hard work. Your cheeks flush at the runaway thoughts, and you focus to steady your breathing. Then you hear Cal wading out of the water and approaching your spot in the sun.

“Did you hear me?” He asks.

“Oh! No, so sorry, I was lost in, uh, thought.” You say.

Cal gives you a curious smile. “I was asking if you’d like to do forms with me in the water.”

You furrow your eyebrows. “Does it have to be in the water?”

You watch as clear streams travel down his clothes and into the earth. His skin is shiny and sleek. You wouldn’t mind getting a drink off of him.

“The water resistance requires focused and precise movements. It’s a great tool for training.”

“But my clothes will get wet.”

“Don’t worry, we can lie in the sun after while they dry. Maybe just take off any layers that might slow the drying process.”

He says and gestures to his shirt lying under a nearby tree. You look between him and the article of clothing, wondering if removing your shirt is a good idea.

“Are you sure you’re okay with me taking off a layer?” You ask.

“Of course! I don’t want you to be uncomfortable. I promise, practicing forms in the water is worth the time to dry.” He smiles and offers you his hand.

You accept the outstretched limb and stand with his help. Moisture moves from his hand onto yours, sharing the cool water between your bodies. Reluctantly, you release his hand to grasp the bottom hem of your shirt. You lift the fabric and remove it from your skin.

Now only in a sports bra and trousers, noticing Cal’s eyes on you. He has the good grace to look away and pretend he hadn’t stared. But you saw the look in his green eyes. The hungry way his eyes raked over your exposed flesh. This new information makes you feel bold and you feel ready to test the waters.

“I’m wearing some shorts under my pants. I’d rather not have to wait for them to dry, so if it’s okay with you, I’ll take them off as well.” You glance up into Cal’s eyes as you ask the loaded question.

Cal swallows hard and nods, keeping his eyes trained on your face. He appears to be fighting an internal battle.

“That’s great! It’s fine, I mean. Whatever you need to feel comfortable.” He stumbles over his words.

You hook your thumbs under the waistband and pull the fabric down to your ankles, stepping out of them. Leaving the clothes on the warm rock. You glance at Cal, and he looks anywhere but at you, his pale skin now burning red.

“I’m ready.”

“Right, um, lead the way.” He says.

You give a small smile, but are internally beaming. There is no doubt in your mind that he is going to check you out as you walk ahead of him. You pass the nervous man, barely brushing your arm against his as you begin the walk towards the water’s edge. Knowingly, you sway your hips a bit more than normal as you walk, giving the other Jedi a small show.

As you step into the shallow water, you turn to look at Cal. All you see is panic in his eyes as he rushes into the water until waist deep. You take your time moving into the water, allowing your skin to disappear gracefully into the blue lake. Cal watches you move, but occasionally glances down into the water directly below him, then shifting.

“The form you were doing, I struggle with this part.” You say, trying to offer a distraction.

You move through the form before getting to the troublesome part where you aren’t sure how to position your left arm to carry the right arm forward uninterrupted. Cal takes the welcome distraction and focuses on helping you. He tries a few times to talk you through the process before it happens. He approaches you in the water, realizing that you need more help than just verbal instruction.

“Like this,” He says gently while stepping behind you and placing a hand on each arm.

Your skin lights up at the touch, allowing him to guide your movements through the tricky part. You become distracted by his touch and fumble, twisting around to apologize. As you turn to face Cal, your thigh brushes against something firm.

“Oh, I didn’t realize you brought your lightsaber in here. Do I need mine? I left it back with my clothes.” You say, embarrassed that you joined in practice so unprepared.

Cal turns deep red. “That’s not…I, uh, also left my lightsaber with my shirt.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

“Do you…are you…um…”

“You’re pretty.” He mumbles.

“You are too.”

He cocks his head and gives a half smile. “You think so?”

You bite your lip and glance down before looking into his crinkled eyes. “It’s honestly distracting.”

“My sentiments exactly.” He lets out a laugh.

His hands are still on your arms, frozen from a forgotten moment. You take a chance and rest your hands on his chest, facing him entirely. Cal repositions his hands, resting on your hips.

“Can I…” He trails off.

You nod, not needing to hear more. Cal wastes no time leaning down to brush his lips against yours. Electricity sparks in your body as he kisses you harder. His hands grip you tighter and pull you flush against his body. The angle proving that it was not a lightsaber you felt earlier.

You kiss him back with equal force, wanting him as much as he wants you. Cal wraps his arms all the way around you and steps back, falling deeper into the water, pulling you in with him. You let out a small squeal as you fall, landing softly on his chest as he partially floats.

“Cal, are you sure?”

He nods once then resumes kissing you deeply, his tongue moving in past your lips. You let out a small moan, encouraging him. He breaks the kiss, looking at you with hooded eyes, his pupils dilated and lustful. Cal moves in to kiss down the side of your neck. You tilt your head, and he fills the new void. His hands move up from your waist to figure out how to remove your bra.

You giggle as he struggles, and he sinks his teeth into the base of your neck in response. The sounds of laughter changing to something more primal and needy. He finally frees your body of the offending fabric and pulls away to watch your breasts spill into the water.

His eyes light up and he leans forward to take one into his mouth, sucking and flicking his tongue at the sensitive bud. You throw your head back as he works, his other hand snaking up to play with the ignored nipple, pinching and twisting to your delight.

“Cal.” Escape your lips.

You feel him smile against your skin at hearing his name while he pleasures you. Trying to return the favor, your hands move down to his waistband and push them down over his hips, freeing his hard length. You wrap your fingers around him and immediately hear a strangled sound from the man suckling at your breast. Slowly pumping him beneath the water, you imagine what it must look like.

Thoughts interrupted by his expert fingers pushing under your elastic shorts and searching between your legs. He brushes your clit as he finds your weeping hole and you let out a groan. Cal draws back away from the wetness and tries to find the small bud that made you cry out. He wants to hear you make more noise.

He finds the spot, and you cry out his name again. Cal settles into position and rubs deliberate circles around the bundle of nerves. You let loose an array of noises and barely audible swears.

Cal keeps his eyes focused on your face, fascinated by the way his fingers are affecting your body. His other hand travels down to free you of your shorts. Once you kick them off, he uses the Force to pull them from the water and send them to the edge of the shore. His trousers following soon after.

You release his cock to pull his soaked shirt up over his body, causing his fingers to leave your body for a moment. His hair is messy and wet, his incredible physique is now on full display. He gives you a boyish smile and you feel weak at the knees.

Cal pulls you close again, and you wrap your legs around him. His tip pressing against your entrance, you look at him and nod and he pushes in a few inches. You both press your foreheads together as you experience this new and wonderful sensation.

“You feel so good. It’s really…good.” He says in a hazy lust.

Cal reaches between your bodies to pull more sounds from your mouth as he successfully finds your clit again. Your moans give him the permission he needs to thrust repeatedly into your body. You wrap your arms around his neck and meet his movements. It doesn’t take long until you are both panting and approaching your edge. Cal’s fingers become more frantic, trying to time your pleasure with his own.

“Cal, please, I’m close.” You say.

“Me too. You’re incredible. I should have offered to help you with your forms sooner.”

“You can help me with my forms daily if it ends like this.”

A coy smile crosses his lips as he pumps forcefully a few more times. You grip his shoulders hard as your orgasm arrives. Your core squeezing and gripping at the Jedi inside you. Cal swears under his breath as his thrusts slow and grow sloppy. You feel his own release as he fills you with his desire.

You both stay in the water, just enjoying being so close to one another. Finally, he slides out and carries you to shore, your legs still wrapped around him. Cal takes you to the large rock and sets you down before sitting next to you.

“I promised you we would dry in the sun.” He offers a shy smile. “Maybe we could keep working on things out here. I’d like to hear those noises again.”

Cal doesn’t stop his work until you are both as dry as you’ll likely be.

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Need to Rant with Others Who Have Read This Story?

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#cal kestis smut #cal kestis x reader #star wars fanfiction #star wars smut #smut #jedi survivor fanfiction #star wars jedi survivor #sw jedi survivor #star wars jedi fallen order #jedi fallen order #jedi survivor #hereforthefanficsandromanceworks

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saturnbellfromhell · 7 months

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SKINCARE TIPS part II.

Hello my lovlies, welcome back to a new post! I wanted to come back with something easy and fresh for the beginning of the colder season, since I'm guilty for not taking care of my skin in the fall as much as I am in the summer time. So I want to make a quick post about skincare once again. If you have any questions leave then bellow, I always anwser! With that being said let's get into the post shall we?

〰️ DISCLAIMER

I'm am not a certified dermatologist/cosmetologist, I highly advise to go to one if your having a hard time with your skin! With that being said, let's get into the post. 🕊

TIPS AND TRICKS

I. INTUITIVE SKINCARE

Now I know in the first post I talked about skincare cycling and how that can help to stay on track and it's also very beginner friendly to understand the process and the products that go together. But as time goes and you get into skincare you'll soon realize how good it is to monitor and understand your skin. Some days it will be very dry and patchy and some days it will be immensely oily and clogged. That's why I always recommend having two sets of skincare for different occasions. I work in an environment where my face gets dry patches after a few days, so on those nights I reach for my soothing cleanser and heavier moisturizer. If you're forgetful like me, you can also put an alarm in your calender for monitoring, this also helps me out on those busy weeks.

II. HYGIENE AROUND YOUR SKINCARE

I know many people who don't change their towels, wash cloths after a few days and I'm not saying you're dirty for that, I'm just suggesting you should try changing them everyday. I have 7 wash clothes, which I use once a day (morning and night) and I clean all of them together only with my sheets on the highest temperature. I also stopped washing them with softener, since this can lead to build up over time. If you're worried they will seem stiff, add some white vinegar, they fluff up towels real nice! I advise all my closest friends with acne prone skin to try this out or just use boxed tissues, even though this can be a little pricey and not eco friendly. Not a fan of makeup remover wipes anyway... to add on to this make sure to buy products with pumps so you don't scoop your hands into the product, even if they've been cleaned. Old skin, dust particles and such can get into the product.

III. OVER EXFOLIATING

I know you've heard people say this a million times, but is really is the case, especially if you have reactive/sensitive skin. Stop using exfoliating products more than twice a week. What this can do is a plethora of bad things. From stripping all the natural oils from your skin to dehydrating it, to making it more sensitive than it was before. Patience is the key here.

IV. RETINOL USE

When talking about patience, the first thing that pops up in my head is retinol, because o boy do you need a lot of patience for this. It can seem very intimidating at first but if you stick with simple steps the purging will not be so bad. Retinol makes skin cells turn over faster, by doing so when you start using it, it will push out more dirt than usual. This is the reason people stop using it. They payed so much for this product and now they have to look at a million blemishes popping out of nowhere. Our skin doesn't like big changes and retinol is a big shock to our skin from the start. So I advise in the beginning doing it once a week. I used to have retinol Sundays and yes I did purge, but not so much I had to stop. A pimple or two a week I would say, and with that I would just put pimple patches on them and it would resolve the issue.

Rules for retinol:

1. Never use retinol in the morning, it degrades in the sun. So you're throwing your money down the drain.

2. Don't mix it with vitamin C, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Yes you can have a skin day where you exfoliate with salicylic acid, but than have a recovery day after. In the same day, I wouldn't recommend it for the majority of people.

3. Never use more than a pea sized amount for a long period of time. Your skin needs to get used to the dosage.

4. I know the "sandwich" method is really popular right now with retinols, but I advise the old fashioned route. Sandwithing is putting a moisturizer before and after a retinol. I like to use a heavy moisturizer after the retinol and that's it. Even if you have acne prone skin, a heavier cream is necessary beacuse retinols dry out skin.

5. Don't apply to damp skin. Even though it may seem like a logical step, it does more damage than good. When applying a retinol to damp skin it penetrates deeper. So this can be quite irritating for your skin.

6. Don't forget the neck area and also your hands!

7. In the beginning do it only once a week and than after a month/two crank it up to twice a week. Really monitor your skin when cranking up the volume of retinol to see if you need to still hold back. Please please please dont rush this step. It's better to hold back a week or two than rushing.

8. Invest in a good sunscreen after getting into retinol and apply it every morning, reapplying every 2-3 hours when doing outdoor activities. If you work only indoor apply in the morning and the moment you exit your work place...that'll do it.

V. SUNSCREEN

For the longest time I didn't invest in some sort of good sunscreen, I have no idea why to be honest with. I guess I was just lazy to be honest. Sunscreen is the most important item to have in your skincare bag. All this money can be spent on creams, toners, moisturizers, retinols and so on...but it means nothing when you don't have UV protection for your skin.

VI. MORE IS MORE

Many think if they have an oily face that they can moisterize less or even not at all. The trick is to find a cream/moisturizer that is not heavy or that clogs your pores. Most of the time you will damage and cause even more blackheads/whiteheads if you don't moisturize because your skin will increase your sebum production. More is more, try out toners as well for amazing hydration!

Also be sure to know that there are 2 types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral.

🖤 Chemical Suncscreens absorb UV rays, acting like a sponge. It's better for oily/acne prone skin because they are lighter than mineral one's. With this being said if you break out easily, you can also try chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens have ingredients like OXYBENZONE, AVOBENZONE and OCTOCRYLENE.

🖤 Minereal Sunscreens reflect UV rays of the skin, they are more suited for babies, sensitive skin and also pregnant women! The ingredients that are in minereal sunscreens are ZINC OXIDE AND TITANIUM DIOXIDE.

IV. BEGINNER ROUTINES

I struggled with this a lot, not even going to lie. When the whole world is just throwing so many products at your face and you just don't know where to begin. What chemicals go together, what is better in the day time, what products should you spurge on etc... I had many problems in the beginning because I was introducing so much to my skin. So I'm going to give a few examples for a beginner skincare routine with some of my favorite products so you don't need to struggle. Also I go by the this too when I'm feeling lazy and don't want to put 10 products on my face.

🖤MORNING

For daytime I recommend just the simple cleanse, moisturize and spf. On to this later you can add hydrating toners, vitamin C, an essence like snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide. All of these products can go together!

🖤 NIGHT

Double cleansing in my opinion is a must, even if you have sensitive skin. Start of with an oil based cleanser on DRY skin, message for a minute, rise and than apply a normal cleanser, massage for a minute and rinse again. The oil pulls out gunk from the pores. After that make sure your face is dry and than apply your started retinol followed up with a heavier moisturiser. To this routine later you can also add eyes creams, again essence/and or toners and spot treatments for acne/dark spots.

🖤EXFOLIATION

Even sensitive skin needs exfoliation at less once a week, but be careful to really keep this routine simple. Again double cleanse, only this time the first cleanser is an oil based and the second is a salicylic based cleanser. Follow that up with a very soothing cream. For deeper exfoliation later you can look into exfoliation masks (the ordinary has one with salicylic acid) or a clay mask. Or my personal fave on exfoliation night is aloe vera gel and snail mucin. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are also an exfoliating product.

Hope you enjoyed the post!

xoxo NK

#skincare #dry skin #skincare tips #exfoliation #cleansers #essence #hydration #skincare products #aloe vera #salicylic acid #morning routine #night routine #tips #help #ask

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a-world-of-whimsy-5 · 1 year

Note

Hello there! Hope you're having a good day so far! I absolutely love your writing of Thranduil x Elrond x reader one you did. I hope you could do another one of those!

Hi! Since you haven’t mentioned if you wanted this one-shot to be spicy, I’ve decided to keep it soft/fluffy.

Pairing: Thranduil x Elrond x Fem. Reader (Second person POV | Poly relationship)

Themes: Aftercare | Soft | Fluff

Wordcount: 1.1 K words

Summary: A simple bath turns into a round of light pampering.

Warnings: Mentions of prior sexual activity (nothing explicit)

Minors DNI

Want to be tagged? Want to know the rules? Read all here.

A light wind—cool and already smelling of spring—whispered across the forests of Rivendell. The setting sun cast shadows as it dipped beneath the tree line, its slanting rays tinging the sky in vivid hues of orange and yellow, and gold. Filigree lamps came to life just before nightfall, their brilliant white light driving away the darkness. An elf started to sing, his song light and full of hope.

Someone knocked on the door, wanting entry into the chambers you shared with Elrond and Thranduil. "Come in," you said, moving away from the window.

The ellith that came in brought hot water for your bath, adding herbs, flowers, and sweet-smelling oils once they had filled the tub. The water was fragrant and hot, but not to the point of scalding. You only waited till the elf-maidens bowed and took their leave before stripping yourself of your silks and stepping into the tub to soak your weary bones. You closed your eyes, your sigh a mixture of contentment and relief.

Your entire body still ached, but you considered it a good ache. Thranduil and Elrond allowed you no respite the night before; their embraces left you exhausted and more than a little bruised. They were away all day, refusing to tell you where they were going.

It could not have been a hunt; it was still too early in the season for it. There was no call for a war party; most of the lands on both sides of the Misty Mountains had been purged of the creatures that had marched under Sauron’s banner. It was a complete mystery, really, but the twinkle in Thranduil’s eyes and the glare he received from Elrond convinced you that a surprise of some sort was in store. They would not return till after nightfall, they had said, giving you plenty of time to rest.

"Ah. There she is." Elrond called softly and walked in, silent as always. A small, neatly wrapped oil-skin parcel was in his hands. This he left on a table before coming up to the tub and pulling up a stool to sit beside you. "Indulging a little, are we?"

"Tending my aching bones, more like," you replied, your cheeks burning when you remembered the night before. Thranduil walked in, as silent as his companion. They had been garbed in velvet and silk, but you could not miss the hints of mail and armour beneath their robes. A force of habit, Thranduil once said, one they could not easily shake off. "Where did the two of you ride off to, my lord?"

"We cannot tell you." Elrond picked up a soft cloth square and dipped it in the water. "You will have to wait till the day of the spring festival to find out."

"The spring festival is still half a month away." You eyed the parcel, wondering what it was. The shape alone hinted at a box of some sort, but what lay within the box, on the other hand...

"No peaking, starlight." Thranduil had seated himself behind you, washing your hair for you.

"And if either of us finds you anywhere near it," Elrond added, running the cloth over your arm. "That box will be hidden till the day of the festival."

You narrowed your eyes; your plans were foiled. "I will find a way," you promised; "mark my words."

"We will put Lindir in charge of it then," Thranduil said.

"And I will be left with no choice but to threaten him with dwarves romping in the fountain again," you retorted merrily. "Gimli’s sons have a fondness for such larks, I am told. The knowledge of my wanting to invite them will loosen his tongue quickly enough."

Elrond could not help but roll his eyes. Thranduil chuckled as he continued to wash your hair. The water was still steaming and soothing to the skin. Elrond started to rub your arms, wincing when the first bruise came into view.

"Did we go too far last night?" He asked, already worried. Elrond thought of last night—of the things they had you do to them, the things you wanted them to do to you. You had been well satisfied by the time you gave in to true sleep, but worries about them both forgetting their own strength often plagued them.

"You did not," you promised. "Neither of you did. I give the both of you my word," you insisted, your wet hair tumbling across your eyes when you turned your head to look at Thranduil and found him to be as concerned as Elrond. "I am fine, truly."

The Elven lords reluctantly accepted your word. While Elrond continued to rub your arms and hands, Thranduil started to scrub your back. The moon had already risen, its silver light spilling through open windows and into the room used for baths. Elrond excused himself and went around the room, lighting candles. Just enough, to not ruin the magic of the moonlight. The wind had grown stronger, stirring new leaves on the trees. Somewhere far away, a wolf howled, making you shiver.

"Tis a normal wolf, starlight." Thranduil listened when slow, rising notes fell away in the end. "The beasts corrupted by Sauron are dead. They can torment no one now."

You nodded, still trembling when the rest of the pack joined the first, their calls echoing through the forests like a mournful dirge. "The both of you are spoiling me," you murmured when Thranduil picked up a brush and gently worked out the tangles in your hair. He had always enjoyed doing this, feeling your hair slip through his fingers, and it made you feel so pampered.

"You should be spoiled," Elrond rose and went in search of a robe. When he came back, he had one draped over his arm. "You are always so good to us, and you deserve no less."

By the time you were helped into your robe, your body was flushed and tingling. Thranduil ran the brush through your hair again, this time so he could braid it. Elrond rubbed a sweet-smelling ointment into your skin, his skilled healer’s hands slowly rubbing out the aches in your muscles. This was what he excelled at, and seeing you smile back was reward enough for him.

"Is there anything else you need, starlight?" Thranduil asked when an elf came in with a tray laden with fruit, cheese, and cold cuts of meat. "Anything at all?"

You eyed the oil-skin parcel again, your eyes bright with mischief. "How about leaving me alone with that box for a few moments?"

The "No!" that echoed through the room was all the answer you needed.

Tags: @asianbutnotjapanese @nupppuff @ryantryan6969 @the-fandoms-georgie

#thranduil #thranduil soft #thranduil x reader #elrond #elrond soft #elrond x reader #thranduil x elrond x reader #polyamarous #writeblr #reader request #reader insert request #x reader

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summertimemusician · 6 months

Text

Linktober (Shadow) Day 10

(Puppet) Zelda

Summer Stop Showcasing Your Love for Twilight Princess and Sleep Deprivedly Writing when Exam Season is Right Around the Corner Challenge (Impossible) /j

Look, we don't talk enough about the Zelda's (or as I affectionately call them, Valkyries) and certainly not about Dusk, whom I am still so bitter that they gave her such a good design but never did anything with it, hence this is my attempt to fix that by giving her the spotlight and some love and give homage to the original Puppet Zelda, Dusk walked so Flora could run it (or well, TP Ganon did so TOTK Ganon could), hence I smashed these two prompts together lol, might make it a two parter after the others are done, but for now as always it's left to interpretation.

As always anything can be read as romantic or platonic or in and out of an LU concept, though the names are used for convenience and to give a rough idea of which kind of scenario we're working with here. Though it's less one of the boys and reader and more one of the ladies and reader this time, if that's not your cup of tea then kindly scroll by, again, this is just something very self indulgent before I pass out and work on the rest lol.

Anyway, good reading!

You slowly but surely came to adore festivals in Hyrule.

No matter the era, it filled you with so much joy whenever your group would come to a new Hyrule during the Hylian holidays, from the Picori Festival in Four's Era, to the Harvest Festival in Legend's, the Pioneering Celebration's in Wind's or the Spring and Summer Equinoxes in Time's and Warrior's, it usually meant your heroes would get the chance to unwind and relax, to eat good food with little worry for a portal (as they strangely didn't appear directly during festival days), you could see the Chain's family and friend's and have such a good time eating or dancing or learning the tradition's from your boy's. Such a stroke of luck came the next time you landed on Twilight's Era, as well as an invitation letter from Dusk to come to Castle Town and celebrate.

(Also translated as 'The nobles are probably hounding her about having 'The One Who Purged the Twilight' make at least one appearance in the castle and she couldn't stall them anymore' by Twilight, with tone tinged by exasperation and aggravation both, albeit much less than the poison of the sharp bitterness of Legend towards the nobility, Wild's tense silence that could mean a memory, or even Warrior's passive aggressiviness when it came to formal events.)

It would be the first time you'd truly meet a Zelda since joining the Chain, and Dusk was likely the most curious case, being crowned queen soon after the Twilight invasion was over and done with and only show during times of war and the only one to have an almost fully cordial relationship with Twilight until the coronation (even Time was closer with Lullaby according to Malon, likely due to knowing her future self). Neither you nor Twilight could say you knew much about her compared to the other's and their respective princesses (or queen's in Warrior's case), so it was a surprise to be invited at all though none of you could say you minded, the plaza of Castle Town was brilliantly decorated in the late autumn sun, with the decorations glowing orange, yellow and blue witth lanterns and banners all around Castle Town, with decorated shops many stalls rented out for food, games and people, from young children laughing as they played to couples stealing kisses to family and friend's reuniting, it was no surprise you and your boys also got lost in the excitment after having set off from Ordon's own festival, decked out in fall colors and the green many of them favored and paint made to mimic Ordona's markings , you and Twilight getting swept away in the dance at the center with one of the many traveling troupes of musicians, you couldn't help your bright grin to match his as you occasionaly had to dodge running children in between the spinning dancers, clapping along to the song, just a few dances before you had to head on to the castle and finally meet Zelda wouldn't hurt, right?

"Pardon me," Came the soft, musical tone of your new partner, spiriting you away from Twilight with a small smile as he excused himself to find WIld and hopefully some refreshments.

At least that was what you thought, before almost having your heart jump out of your throat by Queen Zelda Vespera Hyrule herself entering the ring of dancers, taking you as a partner.

"Your-"

She spun you around with a hum, you almost struggled to keep up in your shock thought thankfully she held you steady, dark, ash inked hair held steady in a braided crown, looseing around her shoulders and eyes vibrant with vaguely masked cerulean amusement as she shook her head, the lanterns casting burning gold upon her irises, "No need for that. I'd rather my presence not be announced. I thought I'd meet you and Link halfway, away from the court." Another twirl, and she sighs, understandingly, as regal as ever, her gloved palm upon yours warm as you are sure your face is, "He's expressed dislike for the castle in the past and I cannot blame him for such, it's only fair I find him first then, after all he's done for us."

You are briefly separated, as you digest the information and reeling from the surprise, it makes sense. None of the Link's were overly fond of Hyrule Castle and Twilight was no exception, with the nobles who minimally contributed to anything yet demanded reward or for their schemes to be enabled and the complacent knights, easily swayed by the honeyed words of vipers and who were useless in the face of true danger even during the invasion, none of your boys - even Warriors who learned how to swim or drown in that mess - felt comfortable there. You can't imagine it wasn't similar for Dusk, even growing up among them.

... She did seem very lonely, even back then.

You dance back into her arms, nodding easily as you take her in, with her hair braided in white ribbons and cream, ruffled poet's shirt and lightly heeled riding boots, she really did look just like any other young woman out for a night of festival fun, albeit breathtakingly beautiful just the same, "Alright then, would Zelda be fine then?"

Her smile was radiant, as bright as the lanterns in the plaza in contrast to her shaded lips, voice soft like the whisper of a breeze through autumn leaves, "It's perfect, I'm so glad to finally be able to meet you personally." She twirls you, and you laugh as it transitions into an unexpected dip, the disguised queen giggling in turn and it's soft and fluttering, "Link's letters don't do you full justice, the flesh is much more captivating than the imagination."

"Says the Queen of Hyrule," You snipe back, hoping to all being's holy in this land and the realms beyond that you are not flushing crimson enough to outshine the lanterns, you briefly catch a glimpse of Twilight, standing somewhere just beyond the dancers and sipping on an apple cider, you lock eyes and you briefly tilt your chin to Zelda, 'So. This is the Queen of Hyrule. HELP?!'

He briefly looks you over, seemingly studying the situation, then gives you a wolfish smirk at whatever he saw, 'Have fun.' He mouths, taking a long swig.

'Traitor.' You hiss in your thoughts because turns out you are NOT well equipped to handle Hylian Royalty suddenly sweeping you off your feet (literally) without ample preparation and your only hope of composing yourself clearly wasn't going to help, so you smile and continue on, "I'm hardly that much, but thank you, y- Zelda."

"Nonsense," She primly answers, before you switch partners once more, to the left, then back to Dusk, and back again, she tilts her head, humming contemplatively, "Would you mind showing me around the festival? I'm sure Link won't mind if I steal you for a couple moments."

You chuckle, "I hardly know Castle Town all that well myself, I doubt I'd be a good guide." And that's true, you've only seen it distantly, during Twilight's adventure, it could hardly compare to the real thing.

She smiles, somethibg soft and beautiful and sharp with amusement, eyes glinting like clouded aquamarine, rhodedendron eargerness and hydrangea beautiful, "Then I suppose we'll just explore it together then, shall we go?"

"We shall." You answer back, after all, it's not everyday you can say you went to a festival with a Zelda.

She links her arm with yours, grip tight and warm.

(Later, although not much later, Twilight will meet Dusk at Telma's.

She had not even seen you on the way, though she had been looking forward to your meeting.)

#linked universe x reader #linked universe dusk x reader #linked universe twilight x reader #albeit more implied #shout out to those who catch the hints and symbolism as to what's going on here lol #Twilight meeting Dusk later: Wait what do you MEAN Reader isn't with you?! You literally cut in our dance and started wooing them!#Dusk very confused: I did? I think I'd remember someone whom you described so fondly #Meanwhile Reader: *Having the time of their life and something of a panic*#It's a shame Dusk doesn't get more screen time. Like I get they didn't want to detract from Midna and Ilia but it's a shame #Twilight and Dusk would absolutely be besties with time after TP and in this essay I will-#Shout out to the OG Puppet Zelda and I have no shame in showcasing my bias for Twilight Princess lmao #summer writes linktober 2023 #summer writes linktober shadow 2023 #summer writes #Really tempted to write a continuation but gotta work on the other prompts and to fist fight exam season

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guccybangtan · 7 months

Text

The Haunts of the Corn Maze

pairing; jimin x reader; hints of mafia bts!!

genre; fluff

rating; e for everyone :)

summary; jimin drags you to a haunted corn maze

word count: 871

a/n; I know this is late but here's my little fic for flufftober day one :) let me know what you think! @flufftober

Trudging along behind Jimin Y/N grumbled as she plucked another corn from one of the many stalks surrounding her. Peeling the husk, she flung the undergrown cob at the back of her lover's head.

“Hey, knock that off or I’ll feed you to the next monster we see!” Jimin exclaimed, rubbing the back of his head where the small cob hit.

Hoseok’s laugh could be heard from a few feet ahead.

“I would take his word for it, Y/N. You should see some of the things he’s done.”

Turning the next corner of the maze, the corn stalks grew taller and closer together. The sun had begun its descent long ago and was mere minutes away from setting completely and leaving the group in the soft glow of dusk.

Y/N had hoped they would be out of this haunted corn maze before the sun set, but it was almost as if the boys had set it up so they were just barely entering the maze shortly before sundown. Her and a few of the other members' girlfriends were along for the journey, but not everyone was able to make it.

Their group currently consisted of herself, Jimin, Hoseok and his girlfriend, Jin, Jungkook, and Taehyung.

Namjoon had no place in his schedule for something as trivial as this, and Yoongi was “too busy maintaining the security of their compound” as he would say.

Taking a few swift steps forward, Y/N wrapped her hand in Jimins.

“I was just kidding y’know? Please don’t feed me to the monsters…” her voice trailed off.

Voices could be heard screaming in the distance.

“Don’t worry baby, I’ve got you. You’re always safe with me. Hoseok’s just teasin’, right man?”

“ Oh yeah for sure,” He nodded enthusiastically as his girlfriend thumped him on his head.

The younger boys were trailing behind rough housing, while Jin led the group, trying to decipher the map they were given by the employee.

Even when the sun had officially set, and moonlight was cascading over them, they still hadn’t found their way out of the maze.

“I give up!” Jin crumpled up the map and threw it on the ground. “We’re never gonna get out of here.”

As Hoseok bent down to pick up the crumbled paper, the corn stalks rustled behind him.

“What the hell was that?” Jungkook asked.

A bloody ballerina with ratty hair and a fake knife leapt out of the corn, screaming at the top of her lungs.

Jungkook and Taehyung turned and scrambled back down the path they had just come from.

In his haste to stand up and move away, Hoseok knocked over Jin and his girlfriend, leaving Jimin and Y/N the last two standing.

Before either of them could move, another person with a purge mask jumped out of the corn near where Jungkook and Taehyung had been, and the pair fell on top of their already downed friends.

Y/N shrieked, reaching for Jimin, but grabbing the first hand she could find. She was pulled to her feet and didn’t even look as she was pulled along away from the horrors taking place behind her.

She continued running after her savior, taking three turns before even considering stopping to see if they were safe.

“That was terrifying,” Y/N panted, looking around the surrounding stalks to see if anyone else was lurking around.

“I was expecting it to be scary, but not like that.”

Brows furrowing, Y/N turned back around. Hoseok stood there, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

“Not who you were expecting huh?” He chuckled, “ to be fair, I could say the same about you.”

“What do you think happened to the others?” Y/N thought about trying to make her way back to where she accidentally abandoned Jimin, but the idea of seeing that ballerina again stopped her in her tracks.

“We probably won’t find them, we should just keep trying to find the way out. Jimin’s a big boy, he’ll be fine.”

“It’s not him I’m worried about.” Y/N laughed nervously, picking a direction and moving on.

Conversation was light between the two as they twisted through the thick of the corn, but as they continued on, it seemed like the stalks were thinning.

The moon continued to shine bright upon them, and screams could still be heard throughout the maze.

Hoseok rounded them around the last corner, and they popped out into the open area where they had entered the maze previously.

It seemed that they were the first pair out, and they seated themselves on a nearby bench waiting for the rest of their friends to pop out.

Before long everyone else trickled out, and Jimin led a crying Jin out with Hoseok’s girlfriend in tow.

“It was the killer clown.” Hoseok’s girlfriend said, patting Jin’s shoulder as he sniffled.

“Are you alright?” Jimin asked, pulling Y/N into his arms.

Jin took her space on the bench and Hoseok reunited with his girlfriend. Jungkook and Taehyung had calmed down some, also on edge from the scares in the maze.

“I think I’ll live,” Y/N smiled softly, nuzzling herself against her lover.

“Same time next week?”

“Absolutely not!”

#bts imagine #guccybangtan #park jimin imagine #bts jimin #jimin x reader #flufftober #flufftober 2023 #flufftober day 1 #bts

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tearsoftime0086 · 9 months

Text

An Eternal Warpath for You and Me

Chreon scene from a "Leon gets infected with a variant of Wesker's superhuman virus" AU I've been tossing around in my head~

Leon's been caught and contained after a week of being an absolute threat against biohazard leads. Chris is still reeling from all of this. Pain ensues.

“It would be so easy, Chris,” Leon murmurs, cat-like eyes unblinking. “Just a couple years of this… hell, maybe months. I could do so much-“

Chris squeezes the containment cell bars. “And then what? You know just as well as I do that our work never ends. When would it be enough for you?”

“You say that as if our efforts are meaningless,” Leon clips. He’s motionless against the opposite wall. At this point, it feels like Leon’s observing him behind a containment cell. Him - tired, heartbroken, Chris Redfield, wondering when he started losing hope.

Leon grimaces after he doesn’t respond – god his eyes look so much like Wesker’s – and flexes his fingers. His skin subtly gleams with the setting sun, aged back years to peak human condition. It mismatches with the unholy glare in his eyes. “I’ve done more work in the past week than my entire division covered in a year. Maybe Walsh was onto something.”

Was it a side effect of that prototype virus causing Leon to be like this? Or was it truly just his own logic, built up over years of service?

“Sure you did. But I- we lost you for that whole week.”

Leon peers at him, as if he’s a stranger who just interrupted his monologue. “Me?”

“Look, if I got all utilitarian about this, I’d give up and admit you’re right. Maybe it would be better for the world this way. But you know what? I can’t – I’m too selfish.”

“Chris…” Leon’s voice is softer now. Nervous.

He blinks, only now putting the pieces together. He'd been so close to confessing that secret he’s buried inside him for years. No – Leon would never be persuaded by his fool’s wish for intimacy – especially the Leon watching him right now.

“Forget I said anything,” Chris grits, shaking his head and stepping away from the bars. “I’m just… no. Look, we found the rest of Walsh’s doses. If you really want to keep going, I’ll tell Rebecca to stop looking for a cure. Just… give me a day before you decide.”

Leon’s expression is unreadable, alien. “A day?”

Yes, a day to purge himself of the dreams of fighting as brothers in arms, of growing old together one day, of a tomorrow with possibilities.

Chris turns around and shuts the door. “Yeah – a day to grieve the Leon Kennedy I knew.”

#resident evil #chreon #leon kennedy #chris redfield #bits and baubles #resident evil fanfiction #chris redfield x leon kennedy #leon kennedy x chris redfield #temporary brainworm tag

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iseefour · 5 months

Text

Rambling

I know Evil Earth was kind of polarizing, but I actually quite liked her. She's giving Lotso Bear from Sunnyside Daycare. Like yes she seems kind and idealistic, but there are a few red flags.

1. Moon points out that the daycare is renovated with the same hand craved details Solar made, but Solar isn't mentioned or seen. Yeah, its the same model, but they could have just said "Oh it's fancy like our new one" but the fact they mentioned Solar's details has some weight behind it. Also Earth says Sun and Moon were the ones that destroyed the daycare experimenting with the star, but no mention on how it was fixed.

2. We only hear her perspective. She can claim to be elected as the world's ruler and claim people love her too much for her to step down, however that's her speaking for the people she's ruling over. It's biased in her favor.

3. She fixed world hunger, homelessness, pollution, and global warming. That sounds great, but that's also like saying The Purge fixed homelessness and crime rate in it's universe. Or Negan from the Walking Dead is protecting people from the Walkers. Technically true, but doesn't mean it's always purely good.

4. "The rule here is that if we have problems and can't communicate with each other, always come to me." *Mother knows best playing in the background.*

5. Remove meanness from the world, but acknowledges that it's impossible to remove "mean behavior". So back to point 3, you can claim evil deeds are for the greater good.

6. Earth claimed she disagreed with the Creator about what to do with the world and they haven't heard from him since. When Sun says 'we should find him' Earth goes silent. When Moon and Sun both start to say they should look for the Creator and see what he's doing Earth says "I allowed this and you haven't made any progress on that". Meaning that Sun and Moon have been actually looking for the Creator (that's scary in its own right) and they need Earth's permission. There's also the implication that Earth knows they can't/won't find the Creator and the topic stresses her out given how she starts interrupting them and tripping over her words.

Biggest red flag:

There's never a point where Earth questions Sun and Moon having what seems like extreme memory loss. Yeah, Moon jumps in and apologizes saying they're having trouble remembering things/he wants to clarify with Earth, but she seems to accept that at face value. They don't know the most basic foundation of the world they supposedly live in, and Earth is more than happy to tell them how everything works. She says they have bi-weekly mental check ins, family movie and board game nights, and another bi-weekly meeting for issues. If she is actively working with them in what sounds like a therapeutic setting, sudden complete memory loss should be really alarming. Sudden extreme memory loss at all should be alarming of course, but this even more so.

Just some thoughts, I'll probably write an evil Earth au at some point because it is a really interesting concept to me.

#sun and moon show #earth and lunar show

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bloodsworn-marshal · 2 years

Text

Sil’dih Survey Records

Happy half patch! I took it into my hands to write down and record all of the lore entries in game for the new Sil’dih variant dungeons. You’ll find all the information below the cut:

Whom the Silkie Serves

What a surprise to learn that the old palace silkie was a creation of Mother’s! The discovery impelled me to pursue the topic with Papashan, who, of anyone besides Father, knew my mother best of all. Naturally, I was circumspect in my inquiries, lest he become aware of my subterranean explorations.

With fond remembrance, Papashan spoke of Mother’s penchant for cleaning – a habit she refused to surrender even after taking up residence in the royal chambers. Her ladies-in-waiting were positively scandalized, and hid away every brush and broom that the Sultana’s hands not be sullied by common grime. Denied the usual tools of sanitation, Mother retaliated by employing a Sharlayan tutor, whereby she acquired the arts necessary to manifest a massive, mouselike familiar. Ingrained with an obsessive dislike of dirt, this arcane entity would even corner the palace guards to scrub spots from their armor – to the great amusement of the household staff. Then one day, without fanfare, the silkie was simply gone.

I suspect the cause of its disappearance lay in the deepening conflict with the Monetarists; with less and less time to slip away from the palace, Mother likely set her familiar to protect and maintain the secret garden in her absence. Yet what a stubborn and willful soul she was! To create a servant for cleaning is one thing, but to imbue it with such unbridled power is quite another!

Pride and Acceptance

With a mind to prepare for future explorations, I began trawling through the palace archives in search of documents with even a tangential mention of Sil’dih. For the most part, however, the shelves held little in the way of new information. The only account to snare my attention was that of an Ul’dahn soldier, who had written of his experiences fighting alongside the Amalj’aa during the zombie purge. His report touched upon the different approach his new allies took to warfare, and how those differences impeded their cooperative efforts.

It was said that the undead which flooded the waterways were beyond counting, and varied wildly in individual strength. The most effective strategy, or so this soldier believed, was to focus their efforts on the weaker zombies, and thus whittle the horde down to a more manageable size. Not so the Amalj’aa. When presented with the choice, the proud warriors would always seek to slay the mightiest enemies first. This display of superiority, they explained to the exasperated Ul’dahn, was the best way to wage war. To do otherwise – to begin an engagement with the lesser foe – would cast doubt upon one’s martial prowess.

‘Twould seem they learned to respect each other’s reasoning, yet ultimately fought their battles as their peoples preferred. The Ul’dahn soldier returned to his former tactic, targeting the weakest undead for his initial assaults. An interesting point of culture, mayhap, but a helpful one? That remains to be seen.

A Spot in the Sunlight

He, a member of the royal family. She, the daughter of a modest merchant house. They met at a palace banquet – an opportunity to mix with the notables of commerce – and it was love at first sight. Ah, I adore that story – ‘tis so very romantic. Mother would go on to tell me of the secluded place her and Father would visit ere they were bound in marriage; of a sun-dappled garden at the end of a secret tunnel, where they could enjoy each other’s company away from prying eyes and judgemental stares. In other words, a perfect description of the sanctuary we discovered on our recent foray.

When they did at last announce the details of their engagement, the location of this magical place where Father proposed to Mother became the subject of much rumor and debate. I am told that the city’s merchants, being the same incorrigible creatures then as they are now, seized upon this furor to turn a tidy profit. They never did come close to the truth of it, but after visiting the spot myself, ‘tis easy to see why it has remained undisturbed. I imagine the two of them in their younger years, whiling away an idle morning amidst the dawn-kissed petals, their haven protected beneath a barrier of Thanalan’s scorching sand, and I cannot help but smile. Never until now have I managed to think of them without a pange of sadness. Have I been captive to grief for so very long…?

A Key Memory

On my fifth nameday, my parents gifted me with a key wrought in silver – but not the knowledge of what it opened. “When you are a woman grown, we will take you to the precious place this key protects,” Mother had explained. Father had nodded, saying it was “where slumbers the memories which neither we, nor Ul’dah, should ever forget.” I, a child of five, understood only that I was being forced to wait for my true present. Oh, how I had sulked and fumed back then! Yet now I cling to that fading recollection with desperate fingers, like a failed merchant to her dwindling coinpurse.

‘Twas too soon after when Mother and Father were called away to Thal’s eternal halls. Their sudden absence left me hollow and dazed; my ascension to the throne followed by torturous days of uncertainty steeped in sorrow. It seemed I stumbled across the desert, the sands burning one moment, freezing the next. All thoughts of keys and secret places were cast aside, forgotten. Why had they entrusted such a portentous gift to a daughter so young? Had they foreseen the “accident” which would befall them? Or had some other factor influenced their actions? Their true intentions are lost to time. There is only one thing I can know for certain: that the key was left in my hands for good reason.

In Father’s Stead

The Amalj’aa constructed Zahar’ak when they came to join Ul’dah in purging the undead infestation from the subterrane. And if Zahar’ak was their main war camp, then the old fortifications we passed through would have served as a forward base. The question, then, is why did my parents gift me the means to visit these rusted defenses? In my late father’s possessions was a diary which made reference to “irrefutable evidence of the alliance” – mayhap there is more to the place we have yet to discover.

In life, Father was a staunch opponent of the edict to banish the so-called “beast tribes.” Arrayed against him were the Monetarists, who sought to preserve their special concessions and privileges by ousting their competitors. ‘Twas with the backing of the Syndicate that they overruled the sultan’s will, and forced their proposal into law.Unwilling to concede defeat, Father intended to take the battle to the course of public consensus. His weapons would not be easily forged documents or records, but physical proof of the Amalj’aa contribution to Ul’dah’s continued prosperity. Then the “accident” happened, ending his plans to appeal for harmony ere they could truly begin.

Which brings us back to this mention of evidence. I know not what form it might take, or indeed, if it yet even exists, but should a thorough search of that forgotten base provide us with clues… We are on the cusp of brokering a lasting peace with the Amalj’aa – if I can but discover this elusive proof, then the aspirations Father had for our nation may finally become a reality.

Ul’dah’s Sin to Bear

When that Amalj’aa champion burst forth from his casket, the blood nigh froze within my veins. He must have suffered injury during the purge, the zombie corruption finding its way into his flesh…

The Traders’ Spurn was concocted by Ul’dahn thaumaturges, and employed by the reigning sultan during our war with Sil’dih. Sasagan III even knowingly propagated the fiction that it was the Sil’dihns who devised this abhorrent alchemy in an effort to turn their own citizens into undying soldiers. An accusation from the House of Thorne saw Sasagan III later punished for his heinous acts, and thus ended the first Ul Dynasty. His lies, however, would live on to become accepted history.

This deceit was upheld by a desire to preserve not only the Ul Dynasty’s authority, but also the standing of the Order of Nald’thal – an institution deeply entwined with thaumaturgical practices. And it can be said that few Ul’dahns would wish to accept that their home was built upon the corpse of a city so brutally slain by their forebears. Yet without a clear view of the past, we cannot be sure of our course for the future. The sight of that rotting Amalj’aa hero was all too stark a reminder: as a sultana of the House of Ul, I bear responsibility for my ancestor’s atrocities. And though we suffer for the truth, even as Ishgard did for hers, the time ha scome to set the records aright.

To Learn More of Myrrh

I wished to consult with the Amalj’aa over a certain facet of our expedition, yet I could hardly bring up the subject during one of our regular councils. Should it become known that the royal person had been slipping out of the palace to conduct secret investigations, then my trusted escort would be caught up in an unpleasant storm of repercussions. Nay, I must be discrete.

As such, I approached the Amalj’aa war chief at meeting’s end, and engaged him with the usual empty pleasantries – eventually steering the conversation to tribal custom. I explained that the coffin of a zombie-cursed warrior had been discovered within Ul’dahn territory, and wondered at the traditional rites one might perform to send his kin’s unfortunate soul on to the afterlife.

Somewhat taken aback, the war chief advised that it was of paramount importance to avoid disturbing the warrior’s undead slumber. “Leave the coffin untouched,” he warned. “Stand facing the valorous spirit, and perform a single bow. Offer your respects for a life well lived, celebrate the warrior's greatest victory, and then kneel in a moment of reflection.”

Thus did the Amalj’aa mourn comrades fallen on the field of battle, burning myrrh incense at the culmination of the ritual to guide their sanctified souls unto the everlasting flame.

In receiving his answer, I was suddenly struck by a cavalcade of questions I had never thought to ask. I felt ashamed at my ignorance, and am now resolved to learn more of this proud people’s culture.

Ul’dah and Sil’dih

When Belah’dia splintered into Ul’dah and Sil’dih, the division only deepened with time. The history books tell the tale of escalating hostilities; of how the advent of the Traders’ Spurn devastated the Sil’dihns, and brought the conflict to a horrific end. Ul’dah would later migrate to the site of the fallen metropolis, where even now the ruins of the past dot the landscape, or lie hidden from view deep underground. Such remnants proved useful when routing the municipal waterways, and so did they refer to this section of the subterrane as the “Sil’dihn aqueducts.” Given that the war turned savage over the water sources, it seems to me a designation of particularly ghoulish sensibilities.

Distasteful naming aside, it should have come as no surprise that these old tunnels fed into other vestiges of Sil’dih. And yet I was wholly unprepared to set foot in the royal palace itself! Had the structure been exposed above ground, the wind-driven sand coupled with the heat of the Thanalan sun would have led to extensive erosion. But cocooned beneath the earth as it was, its chambers have been perfectly preserved.

How rare it must be to encounter ruins in such an unspoiled state. It will provide our historians with a wealth of material to study… assuming they can navigate the intervening passages. We must clear the way, first and foremost, and secure a safe path through.

Raising the Flags

When we came across the banner of Sil’dih, so alike to our Ul’dahn flag, I was reminded that the first sultans of those warring nations were twin brothers. Yet the reason behind the design’s similarity has naught to do with sibling imitation. In Belah’dia’s time, ‘twas the Flame of Magic and the Fruit of Knowledge which sat the scales of judgement. Ul’dah took the Flame as its own, balancing the scales with the Gem of Affluence, whilst Sil’dih claimed the Fruit, and set it against the Helm of Might. Each thought himself the rightful heir, and thus did both raise flags depicting the bounties of Belah’dia.

Both included a symbol of strength, but the difference lay in its interpretation: Ul’dah believed in the potency of its magicks; Sil’dih, in its military might. The gladiators who train in our Coliseum are mayhap the closest embodiment of Sul’dihn philosophy.

In fact, reflecting on the encounter now, the first gladiator construct lurking in the palace depths could not have been a more apt incarnation of their beliefs: from the exquisite embossment of grapes upon its formidable helm, to the way its gleaming form – the same silvery hue as Sil’dih’s scales – illuminated the subterranean gloom. THrough all these years did it stand patient guard, faithfully serving a master centuries dead, and a nation long since fallen into ruin. ‘Tis enough to turn one’s mood melancholy.

My Mother’s Eyes

How, in the name of the Nald’thal, did that burglar manage to creep into a treasure chamber sealed off from the outside world for generations? Aside from the gate only my key could open, I saw no other means of entering the ruins. Although considering the prevalence of secret doors and passages in its construction, the remnants may very well have other entrances of which I am simply not aware.

Yet in spite of this mystery, I find myself lingering most on the scrawled note our thief left behind. The first item was an obvious reference to “Nashachite,” which must somehow relate to one of the ruins’ many riddles. ‘Tis how it relates to me, however, that truly has my thoughts in a jumble.

Nashachite was the name Ul’dahn jewelers gave to the high-quality malachite excavated from the reopened Copperbell Mines. This was after the Calamity, of course, and thus I took umbrage at these merchants using my late mother’s name as a means to promote their wares.

And then I was presented with a sample. ‘Twas as if the gentle sparkle of Mother’s eyes was captured within the stone. Much to my chagrin, I found myself forced to agree that “Nashachite” was perfect fit for this gem of exquisite green.

The Thorne Legacy

“Sil’dih aqueducts. Thorne. Vault.” I noticed these words scribbled on the back of the burglar’s note we found, but was too preoccupied to give them much thought at the time. Did the intruder believe that a secret cache of Thorne riches was to be found somewhere in the waterways? An odd notion, given that the House of Thorne was well known for its honesty and integrity. After all, ‘twas a sultan of their dynasty who willingly transferred power back to the House of Ul, and there was nary a peep to imply any wrongful withdrawals from the royal treasury.

Assuming they had secreted wealth in some hidden location, it would have been done with the full cooperation of the Ul family – with the particulars passed down to successive sultans.

Father would have known of the arrangement, and he did speak of slumbering memories which should not be forgotten. Was this one of those things my parents wished me to see when I came of age?

I have considered a hundred potential scenarios for what they might have meant, each more fanciful than the last. And although the Sil’dihn palace was indeed an eye-opening discovery, I sense that Father alluded to a matter of even deeper import…

In Parchment We Trust

Deep beneath Ul’dah, beyond the twisting tunnels of the Sil’dihn aqueducts, we have discovered a vault in which slumbers a precious legacy. In its center, a catalog of evidence emblazoned with the words: “For coin, country, and comrades-in-arms, we bequeath this trust to the House of Ul.”

This solemn declaration, signed by the last sultan of THorne, was followed by several pages of florid signatures – a procession of Ul’dahn rulers which ends with the name of my own father. And wedged there, betwixt one page and the next, a faded missive penned in his distinctive hand.

Addressed with the hope that the reader be “our darling Nanamo,” the letter describes the purpose of the vault. ‘Tis a place known only to the royal heirs; a secure archive wherein evidence of Ul’dah’s alliance with the Amalj’aa is preserved. And though tradition dictated this trust be passed on by word of mouth, Father felt that, should worse come to worst, ‘twas safer to have an explanation committed to parchment.

“Dearest Nanamo, we wonder what manner of woman you have become. We know the role of sultana will challenge you in myriad ways, but no matter how your rule unfolds, remember that you shall ever be our greatest achievement. Seize what happiness you may each day, for joy is worth more than all the gil in Ul’dah.”

Mother. Father. Be assured that ‘tis not sorrow which causes these tears to fall, but overwhelming pride. Now, in this moment, I am simply happy to be your daughter.

#ffxiv #nanamo ul namo #variant dungeons #patch 6.25 #ffxiv spoilers #Amal'jaa #Ul'dah #Sil'dih #ffxiv lore

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zoeykallus · 2 years

Text

Imperial Crosshair x Fem!Reader Short Fic Part 2/? - My Sweet Traitor

Warnings: Hurt / Angst / Tiny bit of fluff

What Happened Before:

Imperial Crosshair x Fem!Reader Short Fic Part 1/? - My Sweet Traitor

Part 2

When you came to, things were different than you expected. You weren't in a cell on an imperial cruiser like you expected. Nor were you tied to a table or chair for a painful interrogation. You were lying in the alley, right where Crosshair had stunned you. Slowly and carefully you straightened up, brushed the sand off your robe and looked around.

Far and wide there was no one to be seen, not even ordinary passers-by. The suns in the Tatooin sky were slowly setting in the distance, bathing the sky in glorious golden and orange shades. Your chest hurt a little where the stun shot hit you.

It seemed that Crosshair had just left you lying there. You weren't sure if you were grateful or angry because he still left you stunned and lying in the dirt. But you probably should be grateful. After all, you were still free and unharmed.

"So you were unable to locate the fugitive Jedi?" asked Rampart, turning slowly.

Crosshair, standing on the other side of the huge desk, met his gaze almost defiantly as he replied, "No, sir. Not yet."

Rampart sighed softly, but then said, "I'm sure you will. Anyway, this Jedi can't leave the planet that easily. We control all spaceports and there are enough of our ships in orbit to intercept fugitives. No one leaves the planet unnoticed."

Crosshair felt a hole open up in his stomach and his chest tighten. He had made up his mind to forget you, not to think about how you were doing. But now he had seen you again and just the thought of you and that you were trapped was eating him up inside, against his will.

He wanted to do his duty. He was a soldier and a good one at that. He always carried out orders to the satisfaction of his superiors. That he had made an exception because of you angered him. But he was even more annoyed by the concern you had aroused in him. The questions and thoughts that came with it.

"Your shift is over. Purge Commander Cody will take the next shift. If she is not located by morning, you take over again."

Crosshair pulled himself together, trying not to outwardly show how much concern the Purge Commander's deployment was causing him. Cody's chip worked, he wouldn't make exceptions, and he was unfortunately damn good at what he did.

" Understood," he said simply.

Pretty soon you realized that the Empire would not let you leave the planet There were guards, patrols and roadblocks everywhere. You wondered if Crosshair was still on the planet, leading a search party.

In an abandoned cellar vault you had found refuge for the time being. Outside it was dark by now, but search parties were still running through the streets. More than before it seemed to you. You had little hope of escaping from the planet. You sat down in a corner, pulled your robe tighter around you and breathed deeply. You wanted to sleep or at least meditate, you would need the strength. But meditating with all this commotion all around you in the streets was not so easy. As soon as you opened yourself to the Force, you felt the unrest that, thanks to the Empire, seemed to have the whole planet in its grip.

When you heard sounds that seemed to be very close, you were startled out of your meditation. Someone was entering the basement stairs, you could hear the footsteps coming from behind the door. The basement was mostly empty and there was no second exit. You were trapped, cursing yourself over your choice of a hopeless hiding place.

When the door opened, however, you immediately recognized the trooper by his stature and the way he moved, despite his helmet.

"Crosshair?"

He glanced up the stairs behind him, then turned to you.

"How the hell did you find me down here? This doesn't feel like a coincidence somehow."

Crosshair growled from under his helmet, "Because it's not a coincidence".

He walked up to you and you flinched back in alarm as he reached into your robe. However, he immediately pulled his hand back out and had a very small object between his fingers.

"A bug? You put a tracker on me when I was unconscious."

Crosshair nodded and looked behind him again to the stairs leading out of the basement. Looking at you again he explained, "Just in case if I needed to find you again quickly. This case has come to pass. The whole planet is under surveillance. Purge troopers are in the streets, all because of you. You won't get out of here alive without help."

Your heart began to race. Basically you had already known that, but hearing it from his mouth, albeit distorted by his helmet, was a whole different ball game.

"So you want to help me?"

Crosshair murmured, "There's no question of wanting. Because of you, I will probably lose everything. My position in the empire, my rank as a soldier, and most likely my life."

"Then why are you doing it?" you asked quietly.

He paused for a moment, not answering immediately, only after a small sigh.

"Because my feelings for you haven't changed, even though I tried to suppress them, day after day. I thought I had it made, and then suddenly you have to come stumbling across my path again and make me realize that I'm not capable of suppressing my feelings for you."

He sounded angry but also vulnerable. You could sense fear beneath his surface. You knew he was afraid you might not make it.

"I don't want you to sacrifice yourself for me" you said softly "I don't want you to die because of me."

"If we do everything right, neither of us will die" he said firmly "Stop trying to play the martyr again, those days are over"

Crosshair threw you the bag he had with him. Before, you had only noticed it fleetingly. "Hurry up, get changed."

He turned and stared up the stairs while you hurriedly opened the bag and pulled out the uniform of a female Imperial NCO.

"How did you get the uniform?"

Crosshair said quietly, "Stole it, of course. I was looking for an officer about your size, broke open her locker and stole the uniform."

"I see," you said quietly.

Crosshair chuckled, "What did you think? That I slept with her to get the clothes? Are you jealous?"

You were glad Crosshair wasn't looking at you, because you were jealous and it was probably clear from your expression, as well as the shame that was reflected on it because of that.

"Of course not"

Crosshair chuckled again, "Well if you say so."

You hurriedly got dressed and finally told him he could turn around. Crosshair turned around, looked at you briefly and said, "I never thought I'd find this uniform sexy."

Heat rose in your ears and cheeks. As he walked toward you, your heart pounded to your throat. You wondered if he knew what effect he had on you, how even words and movements from him, without a touch, could fluster you.

He reached for the cap of your uniform and pulled it deeper into your face.

"You'll have to hide a bit. In that uniform, they won't look too closely when you're wearing it, but your face is still theoretically known to them out there. A wanted picture has been issued," he warned you, but his voice was suddenly gentle.

"We can do this," you said, looking up at him from under the brim of the cap.

Crosshair was still wearing his helmet, but you could feel the small smile underneath.

"Remember, you have to act like an Imperial officer," he reminded you before you took the stairs up.

"You mean arrogant, domineering, and condescending?"

Crosshair growled, "Yeah, pretty much like that."

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

@darkangel4121

@moonstrider9904

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stoicbreviary · 18 days

Text

Justus Lipsius, On Constancy 1.3

But deep settled diseases of the mind are not taken away thereby, no nor any whit mitigated: but rather revived. That it is the mind which is sick in us, which must seek remedy from wisdom and constancy.

"You will say then, what? Does traveling detract nothing at all from these great evils? Does not the sight of fair fields, rivers, and mountains put a man out of his pains? It may be they hold us from them, but yet for a very short time, and to no good end. Even as a picture, be it ever so exquisite, delights the eye a little while: so all this variety of persons and places pleases us with the novelty, yet but only for a short season.

"This is a certain declining from evils, but no avoiding of them: And peregrination may well be said to slack the bands of sorrow, but not to loose them. What does it avail me to behold the sun for a season, and immediately to be shut up in a close prison? So it comes to pass that these external pleasures do beguile the mind, and under pretense of helping do greatly hurt us.

"Like as medicines that be weak in operation do not purge ill humors, but provoke them: so these vain delights do kindle and inflame in us the fuel of affections. The mind strays not long from itself, but whether it will or not, is soon driven home to its old harbor of adversities.

"Those very towns and hills which you shall behold for your comfort will reduce you in conceit into your own country: and even in the midst of your joys you shall either see or hear something that will rub raw the old gall of your griefs. Or else if it be so that you take your ease awhile, it will be but short as a slumber, and when you awake the fever will be as it was, or more fervent. For we see that some lusts do increase by intermitting them and by delays gather deeper root.

"Therefore, Lipsius, let pass these vain, yes noisome, not remedies but poisons: and be content to endure the true curing caustic medicines. Would you fain change countries? May you rather change your own mind wrongfully subjected to affections, and withdrawn from the natural obedience of its lawful lady, I mean reason. The corruption and defiling whereof causes in you this despair and languishing. The mind must be changed, not the place.

"You have an earnest desire to see the fruitful country of Austria, the good strong town of Vienna, Danube the chief of rivers, with many other rare novelties which may work admiration in the hearers.

"How much better is it that your affection were as firmly settled to the obtaining of wisdom? That you would search out the very fountain of all human perturbations? That you would erect forts and bulwarks wherewith you might be able to withstand and repulse the furious assaults of lusts? These be the true remedies of your disease, all the residue do but feed and foster the same. This your wandering into other countries shall not avail you, it shall nothing avail you.

To pass so many towns of Greekish land Or scape by flight through midst of hostile band

"For you shall still find an enemy in you, yes, even in that closet of yours."

And therewithal he struck me on the breast, "What good will it do you to be settled in a peaceable place? You carry war with you. What can a quiet habitation benefit you? Troubles are ever about you, yes in you. For this distracted mind of yours wars, and ever will be at war with itself, in coveting, in flying, in hoping, in despairing.

"And as they that for fear turn their backs to their enemies are in the greater danger, having their face from their foe, and their backs unarmed, so fares it with these ignorant novices, who never have made any resistance against their affections: but by flight yielded unto them.

"But you, young man, if you be advised by me, shall stand to it, and set sure footing against this your adversary, sorrow. Above all things it behooves you to be constant; for by fighting many man has gotten the victory, but none by flying."

IMAGE: Hendrick Goltzius, Justus Lipsius (1587)

#stoicism #justus lipsius #philosophy

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burnwater13 · 6 months

Text

The Mandalorian asked Grogu what he and Ahsoka Tano had talked about so long that time they met on Corvus. Grogu had sighed and said they were telling each other ghost stories. His dad gave him a look. You know the one, head leaning forward a little, hand on his hip, like he didn’t believe that they would have been talking about anything so frivolous. Grogu gave him a look back. What would two Jedi be talking about on a cold, creepy night, after not seeing each other for who knows how long? Sheesh!

Din Djarin apologized when Grogu explained that Ahsoka had been trying to understand what happened after Order 66 and the Purge of the Jedi and all that. Grogu had gone into hiding for a reason and he hid those memories along with his body because, well, if you could, you would.

His dad had tried to console him by explaining that when he was a youngling, all that long time ago on Aq Vetina, his parents had told him ghost stories. The whole community had a big festival and once the sun went down and cool air began to ripple through the crowds of people, everyone settled down and they told ghost stories. Sort of like when the Tuskens got together for the Night of a Thousand Tales.

But none of the stories the parents and grandparents and neighbors and shopkeepers told were real. It wasn’t about their lived experience. It was for fun. To remind each other how lucky they were to live in such a nice, peaceful place. Of course that didn’t last…

Uh, oh! His dad had gone and made himself unhappy, remembering something he used to love but couldn’t really enjoy anymore because so many bad things had happened to them all not that long after the festival. Grogu had to do something! He couldn’t let his dad get all mopey. He didn’t offer Grogu sweets after a meal when he was feeling mopey. So Grogu suggested that they come up with their our Clan Mudhorn tradition of fun and games for telling scary stories that were definitely not real. Surprisingly enough, Din Djarin really liked that idea.

They agreed that they would pick a day when all they would do was prepare scary costumes, make scary food, create scary decorations and then when the sun fell and cool air rippled through their cabin, they would set up a little fire and tell each other the scariest stories they could think of, but none of them could be real. And, they would all start out ‘It was a dark and stormy night…’.

Grogu couldn’t wait and asked when they could get cracking on making costumes and the like. His dad, like always, rained on that parade pretty quickly.

“Buddy, you’ve got to give me a little bit of time to get prepared. We’ve talked about that. Bounty hunting is 90% preparation and 10% persistence. We need to do some shopping at the very least. So, let’s look at the calendar.”

Grogu was not fond of calendars. Not even on a good day. He blamed them for pushing events that he wanted to occur right now, away from him. For him this sort of thing required 100% of his patience and he didn’t really have a very big store of patience any more. Nevertheless, they looked at the calendar and picked a day for their Clan Mudhorn Celebration of Scary Stories that never really happened. It was twelve days away.

Dank Farrik! Twelve long, long, long days. Twelve long, long, long nights. It was awful! He tried to negotiate it back to three days, but his dad gave him that look again and he grudging agreed that twelve was just perfect. He didn’t mean that of course. He was just saying it because he didn’t want Din Djarin to cancel the thing because Grogu didn’t appreciate the time and effort it took to plan an event of this magnitude. Grogu supposed that his dad wasn’t wrong.

And if his dad wasn’t wrong, well, then he would have to start working out all the details that would make it a huge success and something they would want to do every year and when their clan grew bigger, because someday it would grow bigger, Grogu was certain of that, then those new clan members would be happy to join in the festivities. It would be like Boonta Eve, just for folks in their clan. Yippee!

With that resolved, Grogu went to his storage locker and pulled out his coloring materials because it was important to capture the ideas he had right then and there. After he got his ideas down, then he would collect ideas from his dad. He’d learned through experience that if he made the list he could forget to add stuff like ‘armor polishing demonstration’ and ‘the pro’s and con’s of various weapons’ sights’ to the event listing. That had made the Nevarro 1st Annual Celebration of the High Magistrate go a lot smoother the prior month. Greef Karga had thanked him personally.

Grogu suddenly shivered. He had a thought that the first scary story the Mandalorian would tell him would be all about the time he ran out of armor polish and had to borrow some from IG-11 but it was the wrong kind and instead of his armor being all shiny and bright silver, it looked sort of bronze and gold. Then Grogu giggled. They had both agreed to not tells stories that were based on real events, so that was not a story Din Djarin could tell him. Yippee!

#calendar prompt a day #the mandalorian #grogu #din djarin

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arthursbubblebutt · 11 months

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It would have been really cool if they used Cornelius Sigan as like that final villain over the horizon. Building up to it, always out of reach

So I thought, what if Arthur, having already become king, came across one of Sigan's plans to have a dragon in his army.

Arthur journeying with his most loyal knights is tired and hungry but presses on. He has heard of his father's purge of magic from the man himself, the executions he has seen from when he could first pick up a sword, and the crying families he has felt in his very bones when swallowed by their sorrow.

His father was not a good man, but he did teach Arthur many things, and one of those teachings that he holds close to his heart is to never subjugate a living being of their free will. That is what Cornelius plans to do with this dragon.

They find a clearing as the sun is setting, and the wind is pulling at their cloaks. Lancelot scouting their surroundings and Percival keeping watch till the knight comes back, once he does they start to make a fire and unpack their things from the horses. While Gwaine makes his jokes and Elyan joins in, Arthur feels as if he is being pulled. The compulsion is not as familiar as his gut, but he follows the pull nonetheless.

He is at the treeline when he feels a hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright, my lord?" Arthur turns to Leon's concerned gaze and immediately deflects as is his reflex.

"You know you don't have to call me that out here, Leon. We have been through too many things for you to keep calling me lord in the company of friends."

Leon nods, and they head back to the camp. Arthur sits on the fallen and gets lost in his thoughts. If Sigan manages to bring this dragon under biding, Camelot will be destroyed. It will become a memory, a warning for others to not defy Sigan. They will be made into an example. Arthur wished he still had his father to ask for advice for what Sigan might do next. Arthur knows if he warns the dragon of Sigan, he can not expect the dragon to come to Camelot's side in this war. Why would it?

While his father was fading away, Arthur had time to finally think for himself on the neverending discussion of magic that always ran rampant in his head. The ban was still in effect, but Arthur hadn't the heart to hear his people's cries or stiffled sobs whenever a sorcerer was found and executed. Now, though, as Arthur is king of Camelot, there had been no executions, and he wants to keep it that way. Lift the ban altogether, but his people are still wary and fearful of magic. Arthur won't lie to himself and say magic is not dangerous, it is, but even so, he knows of what good it can do.

Morgana had shown him how, and with that, he felt the blood of sorcerers who were just victims from Uthers wrath soaked in the stones of the castle. He knows whatever he does won't completely wash away the blood, but maybe it will at least lessen the burden. Dragons are magic itself, so if he does this, then maybe it will lead to a future of what he envisions for his people. Maybe he can further understand magic from the dragon.

The fire crackles and spits heating their dinner for the night. His knights talk and laugh, enjoying the atmosphere of being away from Camelot. Sometimes, being in the castle will wear down a person who has been used to not caring about titles, ranks, and responsibilities when they mostly spend their time with people from the lower towns or the forest. He sees his knights have relaxed despite the reason why they're here in the first place. Arthur smiles to himself when Gwaine trips and is caught by Percival, pretending to swoon like a damsel, making everyone laugh at their antics. Percival's eyes roll fondly with a smile that is always aimed at Gwaine Arthur has noticed.

The knights settle for their bedrolls, Gwaine and Arthur keeping watch despite Leon's grumbling. Arthur just can't sleep. The pull he feels in his chest is still there, and his eyes keep being drawn to the place where Leon stopped him last.

"Distracted princess?"

Startled Arthur turns to Gwaine and feels a bit ashamed for his lack of focus. "It's nothing." Arthur huffs shifting to sit more comfortably.

Gwaine nudges Arthur with his foot, catching Arthur's attention again. "I'll keep watch," he lifts his brow with his smile, "Go see what's go you so distracted, but if it's just you wanting to wank-" Arthur shoves his boot away from him making Gwaine fall into the grass and fallen leaves with a breathless laugh. He tries to tamp down the giggles when he remembers the others are sleeping.

Arthur stands and dusts off the dirt Gwaine's boot put on his trousers. He glares at Gwaine when it starts another giggling fit from the man but rolls his eyes and stalks off to the direction where the pull from his chest is leading him too.

#I'll continue this in a reblog maybe #idk rn im hyperfixating on reading merlin fics not writing them lol #and before u ask yes merlin is the dragon #obv this is mostly a draft i just want to get my idea out there so people can use it #pls use it i want to see i beg #if u got recs that has something similar pls share i will give mwah mwah on head #merthur #merlin #bbc merlin #merlin bbc #arthur pendragon #sir gwaine #sir leon #fic idea #dinner writes itself

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johnlocsin-johnyakuza · 1 year

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RPG Maker Tarot Cards

Madotsuki (Yume Nikki) - The Hermit

UPRIGHT: Soul-searching, introspection, being alone, inner guidance

REVERSED: Isolation, loneliness, withdrawal

Here we have The Hermit. With the hermit comes isolation, loneliness... but reflection, too. Perhaps, given some thought, the hermit who gives chase can guide you to safety. But that all depends on your actions, not his.

The Batter (OFF) - The Devil

UPRIGHT: Shadow self, attachment, addiction, restriction

REVERSED: Releasing limiting beliefs, exploring dark thoughts, detachment

The Devil. Without restriction, like a shadow torn from one's corporeal form. Pay close attention and act before the demon's unleashed. Each of us have one, even those who are pure of heart and say their prayers by night.

Ib (Ib) - Strength

UPRIGHT: Strength, courage, persuasion, influence, compassion

REVERSED: Inner strength, self-doubt, low energy, raw emotion

Strength. Strength can be surprising. Knowing one's own raw power. Tapping into a previously unknown energy. I suppose there are forces at work within us all... and with one hand it gives, and with the other it could rip away.

Gary (Ib) - The Hanged Man

UPRIGHT: Pause, surrender, letting go, new perspectives

REVERSED: Delays, resistance, stalling, indecision

The Hanged Man! To be the hanged man is to surrender... and by doing so gain a new perspective. So look carefully, and consider that sometimes, one needs to be strung up, in order to be let go.

Aya (Mad Father) - Death

UPRIGHT: Endings, change, transformation, transition

REVERSED: Resistance to change, personal transformation, inner purging

Death. Death takes many forms... it could mean change, transition, transformation... often interpreted as a beacon for the hopeful. In most cases, it just means death.

Hiroshi (Ao Oni) - The Hierophant

UPRIGHT: Spiritual wisdom, religious beliefs, conformity, tradition,institutions

REVERSED: Personal beliefs, freedom, challenging the status quo

The Hierophant. The master and the learning of practical lessons from the study of natural law. To actually follow a process which has been well established. Be adaptive to certain beliefs and systems which are already put in place and are existing, then deliver the message.

Viola (The Witches House) - The Fool

UPRIGHT: Beginnings, innocence, spontaneity, a free spirit

REVERSED: Holding back, recklessness, risk-taking

The Fool… I wonder who this is? We all know a fool when we see one. Don’t we? Innocent and freedom? Or recklessness and risk-taking? Spontaneity… Actions without thought, but the consequences to match. Think. Think and don’t get burnt.

Brad Armstrong (Lisa) - The Emperor

UPRIGHT: Authority, establishment, structure, a father figure

REVERSED: Domination, excessive control, lack of discipline, inflexibility

The Emperor. Authority, paternity... You are on top of things and everything in under your control. It is your hard work, discipline and self control that have bought you this far. It means that you are in charge of your life now setting up your own rules and boundaries. Structures designed to topple, no? How the mighty may fall, and their empires with them.

Buddy Armstrong (Lisa) - The Tower

UPRIGHT: Sudden change, upheaval, chaos, revelation, awakening

REVERSED: Personal transformation, fear of change, averting disaster

The Tower is sometimes interpreted as meaning danger, crisis, sudden change, destruction, higher learning, and liberation. Jump free of your troubles. Fight or flight. That’s the question we all ask ourselves… but often when leaping out of danger, we’re still faced with certain peril. Watch your step, it could be your last.

Nico (Oneshot) - The Sun

UPRIGHT: Positivity, fun, warmth, success, vitality

REVERSED: Inner child, feeling down, overly optimistic

The Sun. The vitality of a new day. There's still time to wake up to the warmth of a night survived. Your choices, your actions... Your very life hangs in the balance. It's up to you to find your path in the darkness, and see the sun rise once again.

#ib ib #ib garry #ao oni #Ao Oni Hiroshi #yume nikki #madotsuki #Lisa Brad Armstrong #buddy armstrong #off the batter #off #ib #The Witches House #The Witches House Viola #oneshot #Nico Oneshot #mad father #mad father aya #tarot cards #Lisa series

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