#:: carrying the legacy. || future verse. ::

[fctedivided]

I found some amazing art for my muse Mare!

(Source)

[fctedivided]

@frznkingdom

★ 【おおね】 「 版権ごった 」 ☆ ⊳ asuna // sword art online ✔ republished w/permission ⊳ ⊳ follow me on twitter

[captaincrusher]

A thought on a queer Star Trek timeline

Watching Star Trek from the original series to modern times is to fast forward through the evolution of queer rights through the 20th and early 21st century.

In the original series queerness must be imagined in the close relationship between Kirk and Spock. We can only see ourselves in what we hope and dream about for the future. We get Amok Time.

In the 80's queer people start to materialize in the background. TNG takes tentative steps towards telling our stories, still cloaked in the allegory. We get Outcast.

In the 90's Ds9 gives us Rejoined. Still cloaked in allegory, but the lines get sharper, the mist starts to lift. A character has a monologue about how two people that love each other should be able to be together. Hidden winks has turned into words.

Voyager, while a good show in other respects, does not give us a single crumb of queerness. Aside from the relationships we ourselves imagine.

In the 2000's we are on the cusp of actually having queer people on screen. Enterprise tries to tell stories of gender (Cogenitor) and the AIDS crisis (Stigma), two episodes that are still filtered through a limited understanding of both. When Enterprise ends in 2005 and this Star Trek era ends with it, queer representation in film and tv is still scarce.

The AOS era instead is where queer people, for the first time, stepped out of subtext. Sulu is married to a man - a nod to George Takei, the original series actor. Star Trek Beyond comes out in 2016, the year after same sex marriage is legalized in the US.

It isn't until 2017 that a Star Trek show officially, without subtext or allegory, gets queer characters, when Paul Stamets and Hugh Culber are married on Discovery. Discovery also adds further queer characters down the line, finally saying that yes - queer humans do exist in the future.

I know you all will have opinions on what is queer or not. But when tracking the evolution of queer representation it's important to separate subtext from text and to separate when something is allegoric verses not.

I interpret Jadzia Dax as queer - but she is not human. She is an alien wrapped inside a gender non confirming shroud of gray areas. That is the strength of her character - that it allows the writers to explore themes that otherwise would have been taboo. But the fact that they could only pursue queer storylines with non human characters tells you something about the times.

it really feels like Star Trek was late to the party with queer representation. I think there's multiple reasons for that. One is that when Enterprise was created, it still carried the legacy of shows created in the 80's and 90's. Enterprise itself is also literally a prequel - there seemed to be little desire to be bold and innovative.

Timing is I think the main reason why Star Trek trailed behind. Between Enterprise ending in 2005 and Star Trek Discovery starting in 2017 there's a whole era of representation. If Enterprise had dared make an actual queer character, like Malcolm Reed, it would have been just ahead of the wave of representation that started popping up in the late 00's - but instead it closed on a similar note as DS9 did 10 years earlier.

Feel free to add your favorite queer episodes. There are some "official" queer episodes - but there's a bunch more that meant a lot for us as queer people, for one reason or another.

[erinwantstowrite]

i rewatched the spider-verse movies so im thinking about miles atm but you have a couple posts about him and LoF so i was just wondering what would the bats opinions be on him ??

oh, they're gonna love him. peter has quite a few pupils in the future, but miles is his legacy. carrying on that spider-man name and making it his own? miles is practically his little brother in the future, his pride and joy. the Bats are older too around this time so they each have different dynamics with miles. bruce is leaning towards fully retired by the time peter is in his mid twenties (i think bruce is like 53 when peter is 25?). by the time miles comes around they're used to having students and a bunch of family so he is welcomed with open arms

[fctedivided]

Faceclaims of Alice:

Currently, present verse;

Recovery phase, after forced transformation;

Future verse, Dragonborn;

Alternative verse, corrupted;

[fctedivided]

@gravity-wall

Day 278.

2024-01-03.

Character - Grea.

Series - Shingeki no Bahamut.

Artist - Mumu Vosp

[tasmiq]

Jumu'ah Sohbet: 13 September 2024

This Sohbet will take you on a proverbial flying carpet through the past, present, and future. With Allah, we go, Bismillah!

#1. We are living such turbulent times in our modern era!:

However, intellectuals Mehdi Hassan and Rob Delayney advised those of us deflated by man's state of affairs: "Don't be pessimistic about the future because this is your moment to relive history." Implying that at some point in our history, this sense of apocalyptic demise has been experienced before. Look, despite COVID, Climate change and War, they are continuing to make my accident old news 😅

Spiritually, Hazrat Jalaluddeen Rumi (RA) says: "Lovers find secret places inside this violent world where they make transactions with beauty." I couldn't agree more because what keeps us grounded, apart from the maddening crowds, is our spiritual connection through our Tariqa (spiritual school) that keeps us conscious of the truth and reality of La ilaha illalah (There is no god but God / Allah)! We are therefore programmed to see the positivity and beauty of Allah, no matter how much human ugliness is projected around us. Shukran Ya Allah (Divine gratitude)!

#2. We just passed the 6th of Rabi ul-Awwal which marks the Wisaal (Divine meeting) or Urs (Divine wedding) of the spirtual monarch of our country, Hazrat Shaykh Sayed Ahmed Badsha Peer (RA). His resting place was round the corner from where I worked pre-accident, and at a particularly sad time in my life, his spiritual solace carried me through it! In the middle of Durban's humble inner-city within a multiracial cemetry during a racist passage of South African history itself. Subhana'Allah (Divine glory)!:

Hazrat Badsha Peer (RA) arrived in Durban from South India as an indentured labourer in 1860 and was recognised by the British authorities as a spiritual personality and discharged of his duties. I remember telling visitors that his legacy as an indentured labourer was that his plot of sugarcane was always harvested at the end of the work day, without him having to sweat, were some of his mystical abilities. He passed away in 1894 in the precinct of the Grey Street Juma Masjid and buried in the Brook Street Muslim Cemetery. He was from amongst the Majzoob category of Sufis, who are totally drowned in the love of Allah, making them unaware of their own physical conditions. Due to this, people never recognised his spiritual position! It was in 1895 upon the arrival of Hazrat Soofie Saheb (RA) that in pure Sufi ethic, he first went to pay homage to the great Awliya (Friend of Allah) of this country. And, in doing so, located the grave of Hazrat Badsha Peer (RA), making it known for the first time that here lies "BADSHA PEER" (A King amongst Spirtual Guides)! [Chishty Sabiree Jahangiri Khanqa and Research Centre]

This was at a time when I was not even a Sufi murid (follower). As the Sufi adage goes, when the student is ready, the teacher appears. Shukran Ya Allah that he did, in the form of Shaykh Taner Ansari of Allahistan! It is also where your Mimi's Ummi is laid to rest with Allah in this world. Allah blessed your Mama and me with Mimi's blessed presence in our lives where she sought me out at the nearby offices and spiritually enlivened my consciousness of the blessing round my corner. Allah, if Hazrat Badsha Peer (RA) was involved in the spiritual mechanics of keeping me alive after a 2-month coma as it was while I still worked there, please convey Your love and eternal gratitude on my behalf:

Ya Shakur Ya Wadud!

#3. Anne (our spiritual mother) asked us to contemplate on the English translated version of Sura 89 of the Chronological Edition of the Qur'an as renewed by our Tariqa, Al-e Imran (The Family of Imran). I couldn't stop the outpouring of insights and awe within me towards Allah's words in those 200 verses. For example, I will just share 3:

- V4: Allah as the mighty establisher of consequences. (Yes, us human beings with free will must be made to feel the consequences of our choices!)

- V7: Some messages of the Qur'an are clear, but others are allegorical. Allegorical means containing a moral or hidden meaning. (As a past Qur'anic Arabic student herself, I had felt that the Qur'an is either too simplistic or too deep which drove me to keep trying to connect to it or altogether evade it! Until, unexpectedly and gloriously, did our Tariqa delve into it as richly as it did, where at virtually every other verse I am compelled to contemplate!)

- V86: The community of disbelievers who reject truth after it has come to them! (Like extremist Jews and extremist Christians that firmly hold onto their forefathers' practices! But, Islam was the most recent of Abrahamic religions, which affirmed their paths and with reasoned caveats. Another reason the community of the middle path [ummatan wasatan] makes more sense, if you ask me):

In conclusion, we enter Yuwm un-Nabi, which is an annual celebration of the birth of Rahmatul lil 'Alameen (Mercy of the worlds), our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)! Insha'Allah, it is a well-executed success as planned, which unites us deeper:

Ya Ghalib Ya Azim (Yearning Allah's ability to succeed)

Ya Wadud Ya Salaam Ya Jami Ya Nafi (and Allah's love, peace and unity in goodness)

[pyrokineticwarrior]

Main Verse

Name: Devendra "Dev" Yug Age: appears 36 (Oct.24th) FC: Ray.mond Abl.ack Gender: Male Species: Human Features" dark brown hair, bright amber eyes, dark olive tanned complexion Sexuality: Bisexual, leans towards women

About

Devendra "Dev" was born into the warrior clan of the Indus River, a lineage steeped in tales of valor and protection. His early days were shrouded in the legends of his ancestors who had fought against asuras, monsters, and spirits that threatened their people. Dev's mother, a spirited traveling entertainer, found a temporary home in the town of Chanderi when she discovered she was carrying Dev. It was in this town that Dev took his first breath, amidst the bustling streets and the whispers of ancient spirits.

Growing up, Dev was a beacon of light in Chanderi, known for his open heart and unwavering courage. People gravitated towards him, drawn by his bravado and inspired by his constant encouragement to be their best selves. Despite the unnerving mysteries that loomed over the town, Dev remained a pillar of strength and hope, his infectious energy touching the lives of all who crossed his path.

One of Dev's greatest loves was his affinity for dogs; their loyalty and companionship mirrored the values he held dear. Another passion of his was dancing with fire, a skill he honed in the quiet hours of the night, the flames flickering in time with the beat of his heart.

Fate smiled upon Dev when he stumbled upon a hidden gold mine deep within the dark caves of Chanderi. The wealth he unearthed not only secured his future but also provided for his mother, Agni Devi, whose mind was slowly slipping into the clutches of madness. Dev devoted himself to caring for her, his love for her shining brighter than any treasure he had found.

Despite the abundance of positivity that surrounded him, Dev was acutely aware of the encroaching darkness that lurked at the edges of the town. He often pondered the mysteries that haunted Chanderi, questioning why the creatures of the night seemed to be drawn to him specifically.

Driven by a sense of duty and a desire to protect his home, Dev began training others in the art of defense, imparting his skills and knowledge to those willing to learn. As his students grew in prowess, Dev knew it was time to embark on a journey beyond Chanderi, to seek answers to the questions that weighed heavy on his heart.

A warrior's departure was met with both reluctance and blessings from his mother, who, despite her ailing mind, understood the importance of his mission. As Dev set out into the unknown, his spirit ablaze with determination, he carried with him the legacy of his warrior clan and the hope of uncovering the hidden truths.

[fctedivided]

She had a point. What was normal nowadays, since everyone had different perspectives and views about these meanings, so it hardly mattered in the end.

"I suppose you're right. I can't really judge what supposed to be right or wrong for the humans, nor for the other kinds, even my own. Not that I really care for that matter." The fallen angel looked away, staring in the distance where the moon and the stars were illuminating the night sky.

"Even I said my goodbyes towards my parents and brother, wanting to leave my sins and burdens in the past, am I truly free?" She questioned, but also to herself.

While Neo couldn't blame Lux for the questioning, the mute has been living for so LONG as an undead, that it was just the 'normal' for her. It didn't help that only a few years of her life were as a human, but even then, her parents were vampires that raised her for the day in which she was ready to be turned into one.

'I'm happy because I can do whatever I want. I'm free...and superior to those lowly human beings when gifted with these powers.' Giving the fallen angel a toothy grin, Neo chuckled softly to herself before humming softly.

'Humans also have restrictions, anyway. Almost every being does. They also have to eat and drink if they want to live, so is this any different?...the sun is a pain, more like an allergy, but no problem when we are the most active at night anyway. I was raised to be used to these, so I don't know what it's like to be 'normal'.' After making a pause, she laughed some more and stared at Lux from the corner of her eyes. 'What's really normal in this world, eh? Vampires have been controlling human society for the longest time, and yet...they think they are the ones in control. And most of the time live ignorant of the kind of creatures they walk among.'

[darkhearthorns]

🧚

Maverick Draven Dark Prince of the fae forests, follows the legacy of the Mistress of Evil.

Selective, Indie RP blog writing/roleplaying since 2010 Mun and Muses are 21+ Multiship and Multiverse friendly, plot in IMs, no discord Please read rules before interacting ||

Tracking: darkhearthorns

About Muse

Rules

Wishlist

Verses

Ask Memes || Ask Answers

Backstory

Maverick's story begins in the enchanted realm known as the Moors, ruled by the powerful and feared sorceress, Maleficent. Born out of forbidden love between Maleficent and a human prince, Maverick's existence was considered an abomination by those who held prejudice against the union of fae and humans.

As a child, Maverick inherited the striking physical features of his mother, with raven black hair, piercing green eyes, and an air of undeniable magic. However, he also carried within him the compassionate nature inherited from his human lineage. This duality within him became a source of internal conflict, as he struggled to reconcile the dark reputation associated with his mother and the inherently good-natured spirit he possessed.

Growing up, Maverick witnessed firsthand the animosity and hostility between humans and fae, fueled by the deep-rooted grudges and history of warfare. These experiences left a profound impact on him, instilling a desire for change and a longing to bridge the divide between the two worlds.

Despite the strained relationship between Maverick and Maleficent, he yearned for his mother's acceptance and guidance. However, Maleficent's own inner turmoil and her past experiences made it challenging for her to fully embrace her son. Maverick's quest for his place in the world, torn between the darkness associated with his lineage and his own innate compassion, became a personal journey fraught with self-discovery and growth.

Throughout his life, Maverick sought to understand the complexities of his heritage and the true nature of the fae. He delved into ancient texts, seeking knowledge about the history and traditions of his kind, hoping to uncover a path towards reconciliation and harmony. Along the way, he encountered both resistance and support from various factions within the fae realm, each with their own motivations and beliefs.

Driven by a deep sense of purpose, Maverick dedicated himself to bridging the gap between humans and fae, believing that understanding, empathy, and shared experiences could heal the wounds of the past. He yearned for a future where the two worlds could coexist in peace, free from the shackles of prejudice and fear.

Maverick's journey, marked by personal struggles, conflicting loyalties, and a relentless pursuit of unity, would ultimately define his legacy as the son of Maleficent, a catalyst for change in a world torn by ancient enmities.

[shadowoflegacy]

Side Blog, will follow back from @darkhearthorns {is multiverse, depending on who Maverick interacts with in his verse}

A little corner for the Fae Councilman of the Sand Throne, a councilman for Prince Maverick

Name: Calico Driftshadow Title: Councilman of Moorlands Species: Seelie & Unseelie Fae Mixed FC: Jeremy Irons Reagent: The Sand Throne - time, dates, keeping up with history Often Found: historical archives, throne room

exploring: staunch adherence to traditions, skepticism, authority, ancient wisdom, shadowed legacy, unyielding conviction, conflicting loyalties, stoic demeanor, council chambers and influence, enigmatic presence, mysterious aura, holding back secrets, heated debates

Biography [under cut]

Personality

Calico is a staunch traditionalist, valuing the customs and ways of the fae realm. He holds a deep respect for the established order and is skeptical about sudden or drastic changes that may disrupt the delicate balance of their society.

Meticulous: As the Regent of the Sand Throne, Calico demonstrates meticulous attention to detail. He is precise in his record-keeping, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in the fae realm's historical archives.

Discerning: Calico possesses a discerning nature, carefully analyzing situations, and considering the potential consequences of various actions. He tends to weigh the pros and cons before making decisions and is often cautious when it comes to embracing new ideas.

Protective: Calico harbors a deep sense of protection and responsibility towards the fae realm. He believes it is his duty to safeguard the realm's heritage, ensuring its preservation and continuity for future generations.

Dignified: Calico carries himself with dignity and grace, projecting an air of authority and respect. His presence commands attention and holds influence within the fae realm.

Reagent of Sand Throne

Calico's fascination with the intricacies of time, his meticulous record-keeping, and his dedication to preserving the historical legacy of the fae realm set him apart. His expertise in unraveling the mysteries of the past, understanding the significance of dates and events, and maintaining the historical archives made him an invaluable asset to the fae council.

Recognizing his unique talents and unwavering commitment to the preservation of their history, the fae council bestowed upon Calico the esteemed position of Regent of the Sand Throne. This role would entail overseeing the management of time, recording significant events, and maintaining the historical archives within the fae realm.

Calico's ascension to this specific role was based on his exceptional knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and his demonstrated ability to navigate the complexities of history within the fae realm. As the Regent of the Sand Throne, he became the custodian of the fae realm's temporal records, ensuring the accuracy and preservation of their rich history for future generations.

Skepticism with Maverick

Calico Driftshadow, the long-standing fae councilman with a deeply rooted skepticism towards Maverick's ability to rule, is a figure of considerable influence and authority within the fae realm. His appearance reflects his age and wisdom, with silvered hair that cascades down his shoulders, framing a face etched with lines of experience and a piercing gaze that seems to hold centuries of knowledge.

Driftshadow possesses an air of stoicism and a commanding presence that demands respect. Clad in regal attire adorned with intricate designs reminiscent of ancient forest patterns, he exudes an aura of wisdom and tradition. His posture is always upright, displaying both his dignity and an unwavering determination to uphold the traditions of the fae realm.

His reputation as a formidable adversary to Maverick stems from his staunch adherence to the old ways and his belief that the throne should be occupied by someone more aligned with the conservative ideals of fae governance. Driftshadow's voice carries a weighty authority, resonating with a deep, resonant timbre that demands attention whenever he speaks.

Despite his opposition to Maverick's ascension, Driftshadow is not devoid of complexity. Deep within his heart, he carries a genuine concern for the fae realm and its well-being, rooted in his centuries of experience. His opposition to the new ruler stems from a belief that change may bring unforeseen consequences, disrupting the delicate balance that he has come to cherish.

Driftshadow's unwavering dedication to tradition and his formidable presence make him a formidable adversary for Maverick. He is driven by a deep-seated desire to protect the fae realm, even if it means clashing with the young and ambitious prince. Their interactions are marked by tension, as both characters embody conflicting perspectives on the future of their realm.

[phantomato]

Thank you so much for the lovely Voldemort/Thoros answer! (to my q a while ago, totally commiserate w not having much time to engage with fandom, alas!) delighted you're down to talk about the verses, i have many qs as i've read them all multiple times! i'll start w my most recent re-read, one of my favs! In Holiday what do you see in their future? does Tom try to get the locket? does Thor help? does Tom do his decade abroad? guessing he eventually shares about horcruxes but does he keep them?

Aw, thanks for the ask! ❤️ It’s nice to hear from you again.

Thinking back to Holiday, I’d say that falls into my takes on Tom Riddle re-assessing his horcrux plans long before he becomes Voldemort. I have described my AUs as a search for off-ramps, a way to divert him at various points along the path set out for him by canon, and Holiday takes an off-ramp around his late twenties which precedes his third major crisis point: killing Hepzibah and stealing the locket and cup.

So, normally, I think that Tom would have hunted down the diadem during his 10 years outside of Britain. It would have taken him a while to find it, and would be an especially challenging goal to achieve thanks to travel restrictions between Eastern and Western Europe during those decades. Holiday came about because of the thought that, if Tom were acquainted with the wealthy pureblood families of his generation, they would be precisely the types of British men to bribe their way past the usual set of travel restrictions. I wanted to play with the stereotypes of holidayers and convey the personalities, as I see them of that generation of characters based on their behavior abroad. The upshot was that Tom could tag along and get into Albania relatively legally, without what I imagine was the more harrowing and dangerous process of his canon intrusion into the country.

But being there on a holiday and with the company of so many peers really changes the journey and discovery for him. He’s forced to take in the country more broadly, and to focus on things beyond his hunt for the lost artifact, and what he experiences is then the beauty of Albania and through it, the tragedy of and empathy for Helena Ravenclaw’s journey there a millennium earlier. When he finally gets the diadem in Holiday, it has ceased to be a personal symbol of power for him—he has come to care too much for Helena’s story, for the land that she sought refuge in, and for his own experience there as he grew to trust Thoros. His new turn is in recognizing that he no longer wants to put part of his soul in the diadem; it will be more satisfying to get to return it to Helena someday, whole and unburdened, and mend a rift that started when Hogwarts was being founded. That is the style of legacy he wants, now.

I think he would take some years to undo his horcruxes. He’s able to give up the possibility of a future one more easily than he will be able to reckon with the much more personal traumas of his heritage, and he would need to do that in order to heal the diary and the ring. But I see him as making that choice, in the long run, as he creates a different future for himself in England.

One of the things that I enjoy about writing Tom Riddle is that he commits his first murder so early, and therefore nearly every version of him will be a murderer. I don’t think he cares over-much about that—for example, I haven’t ever written him as grieving or regretting Myrtle’s death (the accident and circumstance of it, sometimes, but that is inherently selfish of him). Whenever he takes one of these AU off-ramps to a future without Voldemort, or conquest, or murder, he still carries the past murders with him. And that is often not significant enough to him to make it onto the page of my stories, but it is inherently involved in the construction of his values and mindset, and for me looking back, there is always some friction in seeing him choose a ‘better’ future without materially atoning for the crimes in his past. Holiday is a very happy universe for him, filled with love and hopeful future directions, but it is nonetheless Tom Riddle who gets to have those, and he is a man who will continue to process the events of his life selfishly. It is a personal connection which makes him reconsider his outcomes, and it will be a personal regret which ultimately lets him undo his horcruxes.

[fctedivided]

"You are willingly to teach me, Kefla?" The fallen angel gave it some thought before speaking up once again. "I'm not sure magic and the energy in my realm can be considered the same like ki, but I would like to try. Perhaps that way, I can also rely a bit more on myself."

@fctedivided

[— Any chance you are interested in learning how to utilize ki, Lux? You have seen what I can do with it, so if you're interested. I can teach you.]

[noah-blake-journey]

Echoes of Liberation By Noah Blake

A lone note rises—fragile, uncertain—like the first breath after despair. The ground beneath is unsteady, but the heart beats on, driven by a rhythm older than the pain. Harriet’s steps echo in the dark, her lantern a small but defiant glow. “This way,” she whispers, her voice a bridge between fear and hope.

Her steps lead to others—voices rising in a chorus of defiance and faith. Mahalia Jackson’s hymn soars: “Precious Lord, take my hand,” her voice the steadying strength in the midst of chaos. Langston Hughes adds his words, painting freedom with lines of steel: “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.”

Thanks for reading Noah’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

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The chords swell, deep and mournful, like the cries of mothers torn from their children. Yet resolve rises within them. Aretha Franklin sings of “Respect,” her voice an anthem that marches alongside Dr. King’s dream: “I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted.”

Fannie Lou Hamer’s declaration strikes like thunder: “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” The melody trembles with urgency as hands grasp for safety, for light, for a future. Shirley Chisholm steps forward boldly: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

The rhythm tightens, pulsing with the energy of marches and sit-ins. Nina Simone’s “Mississippi Goddam” pierces the silence, her defiance a dagger to oppression. Meanwhile, Duke Ellington’s “Take the A-Train” and Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” weave hope and movement, propelling the fight forward.

Louis Farrakhan, with his fire and conviction, reminds us of the enduring struggle for justice and self-determination. His voice, unapologetic and unyielding, calls for a reclamation of power and purpose, urging us to honor our heritage and demand our rightful place in the world.

The melody softens, tender and aching, as Harry Belafonte reminds us of the power of unity in action. His voice carries the spirit of freedom in songs sung across the picket lines. Muhammad Ali throws punches not just in the ring but against the walls of injustice, declaring himself “The Greatest” to uplift a generation.

The final notes linger, like the dawn after a long night. Barack Obama’s words remind us: “Yes, we can.” Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson carry the cadence forward, ensuring the dream does not falter.

Through their music, speeches, and sacrifices, these voices formed a symphony—a symphony of hope, defiance, and love. Their echoes remind us of the road we’ve traveled and the promise of what lies ahead.

Let us honor their legacy by creating our own verse, our own melody, in this unending anthem of liberation

• #NoahBlake #EchoesOfLiberation#Resilience#Unity#Liberation#StrengthInDiversity#HopeAndDefiance#Inspiration#Reflection#LightInDarkness#MusicAndWords#Creativity#AbstractArt#LegacyOfHope

[tintedrage]

me ??? thinking about rafe in his formula one verse ??? rafe raised to be a four time world champion by the likes of ward cameron ???? major oef.

…         cradled  in  the  shadows  of  ambition. a  boy  whose  lullabies  were  the  guttural  hum  of  engines  and  the  clipped ,   emotionless  commands  of  a  father  who  never  knew  tenderness.  clinging  to  a  steering  wheel  too  big  for  his  fingers  to  wrap  around ,  the weight  of  a  legacy  inherited  pressing  heavy  on  too small  shoulders ⸻   shoulders  that  should've  been  carrying  nothing  more  than  the  freedom  of  childhood. afternoons stretched  out  on  empty  karting  tracks ,   tang  of  hot  rubber  and  gasoline  weaving  themselves  through  salt  -  kissed  breezes.  helmet , still  big for his small frame ,  sitting  awkwardly  on him as  hopeful  eyes  turn  toward  the  stands ,  seeking  something  soft  in  his  father’s  ever  unimpressed  gaze. chasing ghosts never seen but always felt.   every  lap  a  frantic  race  against  the  shadow  of  a  man  told  to  honour  but  never  allowed  to  escape.  reflections  in  his  visor  blurred ,   no ,   swallowed  …  by  the  spectres  that  are  ward  cameron’s  unrelenting  expectancies.  a  childhood  measured  not  in  moments  or  sweet  memories  but  in  fractions  of  seconds  shaved  off  of  lap  times. a  father’s  words  sharp  as  shards  of  glass ,   each  uttered  syllable  digging  deeper  into  delicate  flesh.  even  when  the  engines  quiet ,   ward’s  judgments  echo.  leaving  heartbroken boy  to  sit  alone  in  the  pits ,   blue  eyes  staring  at  oil  -  smeared  hands  in  search  of  a  reason  they  might  have  betrayed  him.  because where  others  chase  butterflies  on  grass  -  stained  knees ,   he  chases  perfection  with  blistered  palms  and  the  bitter  taste  of  sweat.  home ,   if  it  can  be  called  that ,   is  nothing  but  a  mausoleum  for  glory  long  past.  the  cameron  estate ,   cold  and  sprawling ,   lined  with  relics  of  ward’s  career   —   dusty  helmets ,   faded  podium  photos ,   air  thick  with  the  faint  scent  of  triumph  …  soured  by  time.  laughter  is rare here ,   joy  rationed  and  heavily  conditional ,   every  meal  a  silent  performance  review ,  impossible to pass. moments  of  rebellion ,  are fragile  and  fleeting.  sneaking  out  to  lie  beneath  star  -  strewn  night  skies  instead  of  pouring  over  footage  of  races  gone.  whispering  his dreams  to  the  ocean’s  waves ,  hoping  they will  carry  them  far  from  what the future actually holds.  for  a  beat ,  imagining  freedom  —  until  reality  pulls  him  back ,  as  unyielding  and cruel as  the  grip  of  his  father’s  expectations. a  boy  shaped  by  speed and scarred  by  it  too ;   little  rafe ,  knees scraped  from  falls -  but  always  getting  back  up ,  not  because  he  wants  to,  but  because  failure  simply is not  an  option.  heart  pounding  faster  than  the  engines  he  idolises ,   dreams for escape  but  finds  himself  forever  tangled  in  nightmares  of  inadequacy. his  father’s  eyes ,   cold  and  unyielding ,  reflect  nothing  but  judgment.   ward  stands  at  the  edge  of  the  track ,  arms  crossed ,   a  face  carved  from  stone.  rafe  glances  up  after  every  lap ,   desperate  for  a  nod ,   a  smile  —  anything  to  warm  the  chill  —  but  finds  only  the  same  cold ,   familiar  expression  telling him :  ‘  you're not enough. ’

a  golden  -  haired  boy  with  a  porcelain  heart.  smile  is  bright  but  brittle ,  a  hollow  veneer  masking  the  fractures  beneath.  a  boy  who  looks  like  sunshine  but  carries  storms  inside  him ,   and a last name that  weighs him down ,   an  anchor  that  keeps  him  tethered  to  a  life  he  never  chose. so , childhood  slips  through  his  fingers  like  tiny  grains  of  sand.  no  bedtime  stories ,   only  lectures  in  strategy.  no  carefree  summers ,   only  circuits  and  championships.  a  boy  raised  on  racetracks ,   learning  speed  but  never  stillness ,   racing  toward  a  finish  line  he  can’t  even  see ,   where  even  winning  feels  like  losing.

[fctedivided]

@ancientforgcd

(continued from here)

"Yes, what is it Mare?" The Healer smiled at the other, deciding to pat her head. "Feel free to poke me if I don't react in the future, okay?"

The witch let out a yawn, hand covering her mouth while doing so. “How long have I been asleep…?” Her head was still in a haze, like she was being awakened from a very long slumber.