#( c: miles & laurel. )

[gethxme]

"i'm really not sure what you want me to say here, laurel. you know i'm not good at these kinds of conversations." @meowindie

[amourcheol]

ave, general

❝The Eagle of Rome has returned to you at last.❞

historical! au | fluff, smut, crack | 16.1k words

s u m m a r y : after your husband returns from the wars in foreign lands, you could not be more proud to see him be the shining pride of rome. however, even among the celebrations and your own personal news, lee jihoon only wanted one thing—some time alone with you.

c o n t e n t s : roman! au, roman general! jihoon, husband! jihoon, father! jihoon, mother! mc, a lot of historical background and roman terms to add historical accuracy, soldiers! bss + wonwoo and chan, this is bss and friends, all of them are so annoying it's a wonder they aren't executed, seungcheol is, in a literal sense, a baby, this is a bullying chan campaign, the soldiers do NOT know how to talk to a baby, domesticity <333 mature content ↠ mentions of loss of loved ones, descriptions of war and death, dirty talk, petnames (my love, my sweet, darling, mea vita), fingering, oral sex (f. receiving), slight exhibitionism, unprotected sex (roman contraceptives are dookie), multiple orgasming, slight aftercare

t a g l i s t : @hyuckworld @gyuswhore @lexyraeworld @moonlightwonu @spooky-goose1003 @dvalitaes @cookiearmy @lllucere @syluslittlecrows @mrsjohnnysuh @fancypeacepersona @thepoopdokyeomtouched @monstacheol @xabsolutelynothingx @kyeomiis @icecream-sundaes @peachytokki @jihanniecheol @ourkivee

a u t h o r ' s n o t e : she is here!! i promised myself i would release this once i've watched gladiator II and she is back...changed woman...i guess this is a belated bday present to jihoon? thank u for inventing music king </3 enjoy reading loves !!

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“WHERE IN JUPITER IS HE?”

The maid whined as she focused on the crowd once more—thousands of citizens gathered across in the Capitol, the road cleared for the procession about to occur. Giddy conversations of every man, woman and child flourished for a mile, and you had to hold onto the girl accompanying you to not be trodden over.

“Careful, mistress!” Myrtia, your servant, warned as you dared take a step at the edge of the hill. “They will be here any minute now!”

You did not listen, holding onto your heavy shawl tighter as you waited in earnest of what was to happen. Rome was a city of chaos, but you did not hear the noise—despite the crowds, the instruments, the chanting, every single voice seemed irrelevant as you stood over the Capitolium. The little houses underneath you swirled around the hill, all evolving the temple behind you, the destination of the people about to be welcomed. Columned buildings made of stone and marble surrounded the crowds, speckled with garlands, its bright colours of vermillion shining in the summer sun. 

A small sigh left your lips. Today was the day he would come back home to you.

“By the gods!” Myrtia let out an excited screech, grabbing onto your arm and pointing towards the empty street, barricaded by the people. “They’re here, they’re here!”

Following her finger, you stared at the scene.

That was when the parade entered. 

Screams of elation spanned across the crowd as thousands of soldiers flooded in tight ranks, accepting the cheers with pride as they marched along, prisoners of war being dragged along by their chains. There must have been hundreds, spanning back beyond your vision, dirtied and haggard, but that was the consequence of challenging the Empire. The soldiers all adorned their red and silver uniform, smiling at the city which welcomed them.

Your eyes scanned the front of the parade, lips curving at the five men on decorated horseback. Each and every one of them had their distinguishable responses towards the people who sang praises to them, and you longed to see them ride up to the Hill where you could greet them.

When your gaze hovered to what rode in front of the men, it widened.

Four horses, adorned in the finest metals and blood-coloured clothing, led the chariot of the same colour, fully festooned in laurels. Gold swirls cemented on its front, making itself heard with its screeching wheels.

It was not the chariot you cared about.

No, it was the man who stood in it.

The man who was clothed in royal purple and gold, holding a laurel branch in one hand and a sceptre in the other. The man, whose wild black hair perfectly settled the golden crown that another beside him held. The man, whose ghost of a smile sent the crowd in absolute frenzy, beginning up a chant to his name.

“Hurrah for the Triumph!”

“Hurrah for the Triumph!”

“Hurrah for the Eagle!”

Your heart stopped to a standstill.

At last. At long last, the Eagle of Rome had come back to its nest.

“Mistress, look!” Myrtia exclaimed, pointing towards the star of the show, the lead victor in this parade. “Your husband achieved the Triumph!”

You glanced at her with unadulterated pride before focusing on the man in front, coming closer in your vision as he began the ride up the hill. The Triumph. A public celebration of a certain general who managed to lead Rome to a special, foreign victory. It meant the destruction of the enemy, complete desolation, which a mere centurion could not simply achieve. To receive the Triumph was to be respected by the highest of the Roman officials. 

You smiled at the notion. The destination for the parade was the Temple of Jupiter behind you, its columns holding up the huge, faded roof, towering over the few beloved relatives of the generals that led the soldiers. “I never doubted he would.”

The crowds grew wilder as the generals journeyed closer, halfway up the rocky hill—everyone opened their doors, leaving their houses to witness the rare spectacle. “Do you think they would let us speak to them?” your maid wondered out loud, following your steps as you turned your back, walking to the Temple. Standing right beside the steps, upstaged till they reached your height. “Gods, I forgot how big the temple is sometimes!”

“Wait here,” you said, holding onto the polished stone as you climbed up the steps. The thundering sounds of hooves on cobblestone entered your ears, and the few other relatives which accompanied you silenced, joy in their faces as the parade ascended. You turned before the show, the entire building shading you with its presence.

There he was.

With his four white horses slowing, neighing wildly at the company that arrived at the hill. With his red and golden chariot inciting excited Latin from the crowd, there he was, swiping past in front of his friends. The horses finally stopped, just before the steps, and the generals behind him followed suit, halting their own as they waited for their commander.

Their commander let go of the reins—stepped down from the chariot, purple robe flowing after the steps. The head that wore the crown turned to the Temple, laurel and sceptre still in his hands.

His calculating eyes skimmed the crowd, face exposing a little pride at the turnout.

He then faced his destination—right on you his stare settled, standing alone at the entrance.

You swore you saw his entire body still.

You were not wrong. The commander parted his mouth, eyes widening with who welcomed him past the steps. Gods, he nearly dropped the possessions in his hands, staring and staring at the woman.

No, not just a mere woman.

But you, his wife.

One of the generals, instantly noticing their leader’s change, got off his horse, same black hair glinting in the sun. He walked over, taking the objects from his hands, smiling knowingly. 

When the leader’s hands were free of the spoils, he willed his feet across the sanded street, first step atop the stairs. His gaze never wavered, unable to stray from the woman who haunted his nights. 

You, however, could not wait at all.

A choked sob escaped you as your own feet dashed forward, barely able to control themselves as you ran to him. His arms began to raise as you collided against him, wrapping your hands around his neck and crying into his purple-clad chest.

“Missed you...Jihoon…” your muffled murmurs slipped into his attire. “Missed you...so much.”

You felt strong arms envelop you, a rough-hewn face burying into your shoulder. “I thought of you everyday, mea vita.”

Mea vita. My life. A smile caught onto your tears as you hugged him tighter. “And I thought of you every night.”

He returned it, feeling his lips curve upon your skin. Placing a small kiss, he pulled away slightly, only to take your face with one of his hands and lean in closer. Enveloping your lips with yours, he kissed you with the longing of a thousand lost souls, finally returned to their other half. 

A soft groan threatened to leave your captured mouth, but then you felt your husband pull away, hands upon your waist. “I must stop here, my love, or I would not be able to stop afterwards.”

Cheeks burning, you did not let go of him. “Are you not finished?”

Shaking his head, he looked beyond you, to inside of the Temple. “I have to pay respects. It is the final part of the ceremony.” He turned to you again, aching to take you before the sacred grounds. “I cannot have you waiting for me that long.”

You were to object until the raven-haired boy behind him spoke up, waving his hand about. “We can escort her home, Jihoon,” he suggested, patting his general on the shoulder. “We do not need to go inside.”

“Are you sure, Wonwoo?” your husband asked, looking towards the other four. 

One of the centurions, with straight, cropped black locks framing his face, grinned smugly, holding onto his reins. “Oh, just let her leave with us!” he exclaimed. “We all know she missed us more than your stone-cold arse!”

You chuckled as Jihoon knifed the man with a glare. “A few hours in Rome, and Soonyoung is already a pain in my backside.”

The younger centurion beside Soonyoung scoffed, brown locks being caressed by the wind. “As if he is not a bother for us all.”

Soonyoung mocked a gasp. “Seungkwan!”

“Everyone, quiet down!” Another man declared, eyes closed and head raised in pride. “We all know our Captain’s wife wishes to ride with me.”

Soonyoung began to chortle at the claim. “_____, you might as well walk home than take Seokmin’s offer,” he mused, earning a near-death experience with a dagger thrown at him. 

Raising a brow at the bickering group, you raised a finger. “You know what? I think I shall ride with Chan.”

The said-boy perked up, eyes widening. “Me?” He asked, dumbfounded. “Well, of course, I just—”

“He would fall asleep mid-journey!” Seungkwan complained, crossing his arms. “It is already past his bedtime!”

“Hey!” Chan chimed in, but it did not help that he looked away, trying to stifle a yawn. Seungkwan pointed and laughed, proving his stupid point. 

“Enough!” Jihoon shouted, silencing them all instantly. “If _____ says she wants to go with Chan, then that is final.”

All of them began to complain, but one warning glare from their commander had them quieting like scolded children. Chan, being the one chosen, began to smile in innocent satisfaction, earning the evil wrath of Seokmin and Seungkwan. Soonyoung merely shrugged, whereas Wonwoo put a hand on his chest, heartily agreeing with his commander.

You glanced at the man in charge, looking as ever the victor in his royal robes. “Come home soon.”

Stealing another kiss from you, he squeezed your sides in comfort, smiling in reassurance. “I already am home, vita.”

THE LEGACY COMMANDERS ALWAYS KNEW HOW TO MAKE THE MOST NOISE.

Throughout the half-hour journey, the five men talked of their lives for the near-two years they were away—the battles they had won, and the siege they had laid over Alexandria, where Mark Antony and Cleopatra were finally defeated.

Chan glanced back every five minutes to check you were stable on horseback, urging you to hold tight whenever a rockier road was being taken. You patted him softly where you rested your hands upon him, showing him you were well. “Do not fret over me, dearest,” you assured him, earning an uneasy chuckle from him.

Unfortunately, the few centurions, riding right beside you two, heard your reassurance, and instantly resorted to striking fear. “Hanging onto Chan for dear life will not help you!” Seungkwan remarked loudly. “One wrong bounce of the horse and he is flying off!”

The youngest of the men, on instinct, tightened his hold on the horse, now fearing he would drive his commander’s wife to her death. Soonyoung laughed at the scene, but set his sights on the next youngest down. “Seungkwan should not be talking,” he crowed, galloping further ahead. “Pray tell us, how much denarii did you borrow off Wonwoo to heal your broken leg? You know, after you tripped over a tent rope?”

“Careful, Soon,” Seokmin exclaimed over the horses’ hooves. “Or Seungkwan will not hesitate to call up all the escorts you went bankrupt over in Egypt!”

Soonyoung immediately whirled his head to you, who eyed him incredulously. “_____, it is an exaggeration!” he deflected. “It was only one visit, merely to see what the women were like—!” 

“Is it true, Wonwoo?” you asked, who was fighting back a grimace at his friend’s endeavours. “Is our dear centurion as scandalous as he’s accused to be?”

The answer was swift. “Soonyoung’s cock is as clean as the city sewers.” 

As everyone cackled, the guilty flushing with embarrassment, he quickly switched the conversation to everyone’s adventures while on the road to Alexandria. Soonyoung did most of the storytelling, with Seokmin chipping in with great pride—Seungkwan had to tell the two of them off when they exaggerated their military prowess, while Wonwoo only laughed, narrating the truth of their adventures. Whatever they told you, though, you knew that they came out victorious.

The Legacy Legion was destined for greatness—especially if Jihoon Park commanded it.

By the time they were done, you had arrived at your villa, almost on the outskirts of Rome. The huge estate had been gifted to your husband by his superior, Octavian, who was thankful for the continuous loyalty he had seen from the Legion. Its exterior towered over the five horses, guards opening the gates to let you and your friends inside.

The estate was basked in whites and greys, roof the colour of baked bricks adding vibrancy to the faded walls. When entering, you were met with your bustling courtyard, servants hard at work with preparations for Jihoon's return. Within the four walls were different rooms which served different purposes—you could smell the different breads and meat being cooked on a slow heat, taking their time to be fully made. The boys began to salivate at the aroma, and when you felt Chan’s stomach grumble beneath your fingers you reined in a laugh, waiting for him to heave off before helping you down as well. 

“Take the horses to the stables,” you ordered one of the servants walking past you, who nodded, shouting for other men to come and help him. 

Seokmin groaned as he sniffed the air again, holding his armour-clad stomach. “I cannot take this any longer!” He whined, stomping to where the smell took him. “____, I must have cena now or so help me Ceres!”

“Stop complaining about lunch!” Seungkwan crowed. “I gave you half of my breakfast, and you pinched Chan’s bread too!” 

“Here we go again,” Wonwoo mumbled. He then heard grumbling in his abdomen, and knew he could not argue against his body. 

You watched the absolute creatures in tenderness, and waved them all over. “Come,” you began, walking inside the first door. “I wish to show you something.”

“This better be some roasted boar!” Soonyoung grumbled, earning a jab in the arm from Wonwoo.

The destination was not far, and with one further turn, you ended up in a smaller, yet spacious room, golden sunlight streaming through the windows. You ushered the boys in, taking up the entire space, and they were all about to complain when you showed them.

Every single man in the room melted at the sight.

“By the gods!”

“Tell me it is not an illusion!”

“This is a better sight than roasted boar!”

Laughing, you put a hand to your lips. “Not so loud now! Jihoon is not aware of this yet, and I wish to tell him myself.”

“Of course!” Wonwoo agreed, eyes dancing. “By Jupiter, he would be overjoyed!”

“I hope so,” you voiced out your wishes, glancing at the surprise. 

The boys were about to say more when they heard the distant sounds of thundering hooves near the villa, and everyone stilled. 

“Quick!”

“Everyone get out of here!”

“Seungkwan, move your fat arse—”

The five greatest centurions of Rome scrambled to get out of the tiny bedroom, rushing into the courtyard where Jihoon now made his entrance, crown still upon his head. He saw the rather guilty exit of his men, and raised a brow at their strange behaviour.

“What are you all—” he was about to ask, but then the boys dashed towards him, each grabbing his arm and pushing him to their last destination. “Wait, hold on—!”

“This is of extreme importance, we assure you!” Wonwoo simpered, knowing his end was near with the behaviour he and his friends upkept. 

“Even more important than lunch!” Soonyoung added.

“Even more important than roast boar!” Seokmin chimed in.

Jihoon was about to throw them off when they pushed him into the small room, waving excitedly at you. “We will be looking for food!” Seungkwan called from the door, and Chan looked at you apologetically before following after his friends. 

Watching them busy themselves, he turned to you, cocking his head. “What was all that for?” 

“They are terrible actors, but they had good intentions.” You then bit your lip, glancing beside you. “Actually, they brought you here for a reason.”

“Oh?” He took a step forward. 

Nodding your head, you put your hand upon the stone. “Jihoon, while you were gone, I had a life-changing experience.”

Furrowing his brows, he put his hands on his hips. “And that was?”

Exposing a little smile, you ushered him closer, gazing down at the said-experience.

“My love, I gave birth to our son.”

You felt Jihoon’s world still for a moment.

Within seconds after, he closed the distance to the cot, following your gaze.

There, wrapped in blankets, lay a small baby, lost in sleep.

The general did not know what to say.

He could only watch the little bundle of life as he dreamed of things which he could not understand, tiny lips brushing against his tiny thumb. The man’s heart began to race at the sight of his closed eyes, the flutter of his lashes as he stirred in slumber. 

So innocent the baby was—so vulnerable that he wondered whether people of his time even knew what innocence meant.

He thought all good had withered from the world till his eyes beheld this child. His son.

“It was he that helped me cope with your absence Jihoon,” you continued, and you did not know why it began to hurt to talk. “You see, the boy looks so much like you.”

Your husband’s eyes flickered to you, catching the melancholy in your stare. He knew—of course he knew how you felt about him hardly being here.

You could not blame him, though. With a position of such esteem came great responsibility, which he would risk his life to fulfil. It was his honour, his undeterred loyalty in what he believed in, that made you fall so deeply in love with him. Still, you admitted that life was barely liveable without his magnetic presence near you.

He propped his hands on the edge of the cot. “May I...may I hold him?” 

“Of course,” you replied, slowly pulling the boy in your arms, cooing softly so he stayed asleep. When you were sure he was peaceful, you held him out to your husband, who took a deep, shuddering breath.

With shaking hands, he raised them towards his son, feeling the soft cotton of his blanket beneath his fingertips. Staring at Jihoon, you made sure that he would not let go—satisfied, you gave him the stirring bundle.

Another hard sigh escaped him.

The child, on instinct, nuzzled further into his hold, right into his chest, and he knew his answer straight away. His heart fluttered nervously, holding his breath to not wake him. It was so bizarre that his nerves heightened with every second, fearing he would let go—his sword was heavier than this child, yet his hold on him was shaky, uncertain. 

He wondered if he could ever get used to this feeling.

There were sensations he had experienced which brought him immense joy. His victories, his commandeering of the Roman legions, the subsequent victories that were guaranteed under his leadership. His centurions, who, despite their incessant complaining, shouting, general presences, were the catalyst to his success. You, who was behind the man that he was, and became—the reason he breathed. 

A small murmur escaped the little boy, and all the love Jihoon had lost these years had come back.

He was never the one to expose such extreme emotions, but gazing at the baby brought him such…peace. In truth, he had not felt peace in a long, long time, yet the feeling washed over him, like small waves upon the shores of a beach. Each twitch of his fingers, every kick of his feet brought his soul to a standstill, then revived it once more. 

He contributed to this creation. He was half the reason for the slumbering life in his hands.

His stare did not leave his son. “What did you name him, vita?”

Your gaze was rooted to him as you answered.

“Seungcheol.”

Jihoon’s rocking froze. 

His eyes darted towards you, and the pure shock which emitted had your heart breaking. His mouth parted, only for silence to welcome his tongue. 

It was now your hands which held onto the cot.

You see, Seungcheol was not some ordinary name you thought up on the hour of the birth.

No, this name was originally held by the previous leader of the Legacy Legion.

Most importantly, the name was held by yours and Jihoon’s dearest friend.

Choi Seungcheol was a sweet, charismatic boy who had grown up in the same neighbourhood as you and Jihoon. He was the nail in your house of the trio, and the mastermind of the romance which weaved between the two of you. 

He had an incredibly bright future ahead of him. Under Octavian’s army he had achieved the title of primus pilus—the leadership of an entire legion—with all of the boys, including Jihoon, under his command. He was an advocate of justice, and had risked his friends many times for defending the rights of Rome and her citizens against tyrants.

It was these very tyrants that brought about his downfall.

Jihoon was never meant to leave your side these past two years. He was meant to stay in Rome under Octavian, but the rivalry against Mark Antony had crossed lines, and war was about to be waged. Seungcheol, forever the hero, vowed his undeterred loyalty to the former, and promised to shed Mark Antony’s blood.

That very night, the commanders of the Legacy Legion were celebrating the war when a group of assassins launched an ambush—the five of them managed to cut out and leave, but Jihoon was on the verge of death fighting. Your husband was to die that night.

That was when Seungcheol made a sacrifice. 

He hollered at the assassins to fight him, giving Jihoon the chance to escape. Your husband begged him to run, but he knew his friend would not listen. 

When Jihoon saw the dozen daggers slash into Seungcheol’s chest, he could not let the sacrifice go to waste.

It was this act that brought him the rage to accept command of the Legacy Legion. It was this dire need of vengeance that helped him cope with the months of stalemates across Egypt, when he thought Mark Antony was to escape.

It was Choi Seungcheol’s sacrifice that made Lee Jihoon the Eagle of Rome. 

Thinking of this particular past had your vision stinging.

Jihoon scoffed, stroking his baby’s brow. “Imagine how smug he would be now,” he mused, “If he knew we named our son after him.”

The thought had you rasping out a laugh. “Gods, we would never hear the end of it.”

He cracked a smile, gaze never straying from his bundle. He grew silent once again, clamping his lips together. Scared to wake him if he rocked him further, Jihoon settled the boy back into the pillowed cot, blinking back the stinging in his eyes. 

He turned to you, and seeing his change of expression had you stepping closer. “Darling?” you got out, your hands raising to touch his face. “What troubles you?”

Shaking his head, he wrapped his fingers around your wrist. Leaning into your palm, he replied, “Nothing troubles me, vita.”

Then, he pressed a small kiss upon your skin. “I have no more troubles now that I have seen him…and I have him because of you.”

His gaze settled upon you, eyes glossed with teary gratitude. “Thank you, my love, for bringing me peace.”

The words nearly made you cry.

Jihoon did not let you, though, when, with his other hand sliding around your waist, he pulled you to him. He enveloped his lips with yours, and with a whine you accepted him, closing your eyes. The kiss you shared was achingly soft, seething with months upon months of longing—he turned your head slightly, and his lips delved deeper, taking you fully with the strength of a waking beast. 

His hands dug deeper into your sides, feeling the desperation seep into his lips as he slowly pushed you back, your arms closing about his neck, needing him all over you. Sliding your hands within his locks, you revelled in its velvety softness, knowing you could live forever in him. 

The action had your husband humming into your mouth, a perfect incentive as he backed you against the wall, pressing himself fully against you, extinguishing any last atom of space between you two. You could not get enough of him, trying to make up months of his absence in this kiss alone, but you wanted more, needed more, or you would collapse in his arms.

It was fortunate for you that he understood you perfectly.

However, your dear friends did not understand at all, bursting into the nursery in utmost hurry.

Five pairs of eyes rooted to the passionate scene before them.

Chan let out a shrill scream.

You and Jihoon repelled from each other, breathless gasps emitting as both of you whirled your heads to the door. The five centurions gathered at the doorway, stunned at the show that went on before they interrupted.

Seokmin let out a groan, clutching his stomach. “I regret eating that entire boar now,” he rasped out, turning away from the panting couple. Seungkwan elbowed him harshly in the gut, making the former double over.

Soonyoung sauntered in, stepping past you two in mighty fashion. “You both are insufferable!” he yelled, bringing out baby Seungcheol and rocking him in his arms. “Carrying out such atrocities with a child nearby?”

“I apologise for the disturbance, general,” Wonwoo said, glaring at the man who now cooed comically at the baby. “We were just...um, we were to ask ____ of the plans tonight.”

“But y-you seem to be very preoccupied!” Chan added, pulling the men near him away from the door. “So we shall not disturb you again!”

“You should have thought about that before,” your husband hissed. “And what do you mean by plans?”

“For your return,” you answered, smiling a little as you regained your composure. “It has been too long since you stepped foot at home. Of course I am to celebrate.”

“And do we not exist to you?” Seungkwan demanded, armoured hands at his hips. “You include Jihoon only as if we were here in Rome partying this entire time!”

“I wished that were the case,” Soonyoung drawled, stepping beside you, swaying the baby the entire time. “I would rather the company of wine than you foul-smelling bastards anyday.”

Seokmin, recovering, scoffed, pointing a finger at his fellow centurion. “Oh, do let us know then, Soonyoung, who was calling us his dearest friends on the march to Alexandria?”

“That does not count!” he countered, waving off the claims. “I was beyond gone from wine, and everyone spews rubbish when drunk.”

“You spew rubbish anyway,” Wonwoo muttered.

“You are lucky I am holding Jihoon’s child right now, or I would have knocked you out.”

“Just Jihoon’s child?” you crossed your arms. “And what if you were holding someone else’s baby?”

There was a pause at that. “I shall not comment further.”

“Enough!” the general ordered, silencing the bickering group. “Out, the lot of you! Go back to your own homes and leave us alone!”

“But _____ said we can stay here and help with preparations!” Wonwoo voiced out, stepping forward in haste. 

“I never said that!”

“Please, Jihoon,” he continued anyway, “I have no wish to dump all responsibility on her.”

The said-man pursed his lips in thought, clearly in no hurry to keep his friends when he could be using this precious time to continue what he left off with you. Already his hands ached to linger further over your body, but if he was disturbed once again, then he would kill his subordinates without hesitance.

Seokmin stopped his train of thought. “Personally, I have no wish to do housework,” he jeered. 

Your husband then smiled, which was more a flash of teeth. “Brilliant. You can piss off back home, then.” He then directed his threatening stare towards the others. “All of you.”

Five pairs of eyes turned to you, hoping for your objection on the matter. However, you only shrugged, holding out your hands to the man beside you. “General’s orders, I fear.” When a series of groans followed at your verdict, you took Seungcheol from Soonyoung’s hands. “Do not whine like that, friends! I am giving you the chance to have more fun before tonight’s celebrations!”

“Whatever,” Seungkwan grumbled, turning his cloak as he stepped out of the room. “I am off to get more drinks! Anyone but Jihoon may join me.”

“Hey!” the commander shouted, but the men were already leaving, save for Chan, scratching the back of his head. 

Seokmin cocked his head in question at his friend’s stillness. “What are you standing here for, fool?”

“Well, um,” Chan started, his shy gaze levelling with yours. “I am not inclined to wine as of now, so I was hoping if I could...err, linger here and help around…” His eyes widened, raising his hands. “But if it is bothersome I will accompany the others!”

Your heart melted at his timidity. “What are you so nervous for? Of course you can stay. Those four idiots will only be causing trouble the entire afternoon.” 

“And we intend to continue such troubles at night as well!” Soonyoung declared, almost skipping to the entrance. “Honey wine, here I come!”

“Chan, are you sure?” Jihoon asked, gesturing towards the exiting group. “You should rest a little after months of fighting.”

“I am alright, I insist,” his soldier assured him, raising his arms. “Let me take care of the child.” When you obliged, handing him the stirring bundle, he slowed his movements, ever so careful not to disturb him. He darted his gaze over you. “You, uh,” he said, and he chuckled sheepishly, a blush rising upon his cheeks. “You both carry on with whatever you were doing before!”

Before you could say further, the man was hurrying out, forgetting to close the door as he took Seungcheol with him.

You and Jihoon watched him go, stunned at the sudden entrance of the centurions, and then the sudden exit within minutes. You could not help the huff of laughter that escaped you at their antics, catching his attention. “What is the laugh for?”

“Your commanders, darling,” you mused, wrapping an arm around your husband. “They are more bizarre than usual.”

Exhaling through his nose, he returned your embrace twice over, engulfing you within his hold. “My half-witted commanders,” he reminisced, running his fingers across your back. “They are delighted to be back.”

“I can tell,” you giggled out, leaning into him. “I missed them greatly.”

His face ghosted a little smugness. “But you missed me more.”

“You keep convincing yourself of the notion.”

Feeling his laughter reverberating off him, you felt yourself being pulled at arm’s length, looking up at him once more. Your husband leaned in then, gently pressing his forehead against yours. “No one is at home anymore, vita.”

A raise of your eyebrow. “Chan just asked me to stay here.”

“Oh, you know what I mean,” he insisted, brushing his nose with yours. “We are alone...with no one to bother us again…”

Much as you would like to follow his intentions, you feared the state of the pending party. It had been two years since the Eagle and his centurions’ return—their triumph will be celebrated without fault.

“Jihoon,” you murmured, taking great pains in retracting from his kisses. “I must go.”

His lips trailed down to your chin, making your willpower all the more weak. “Can you not spare me even an hour?”

If you could spare him half that hour, you would have gladly indulged him, but the party arrangements awaited. The soldiers, and your general, deserved the best of welcomes.

So you made yourself separate from his tempting hold, taking a few steps away from him. “I cannot offer even a second, my love.”

The man pretended to be beyond upset at your resistance. He waited till your feet landed on the entryway when he spoke.

“Perhaps it was better you did not give me a mere hour, vita.”

You looked back. Leaning against the stone cot, he let his lips curl upwards. “It simply would not suffice.”

The curiosity in your eyes had him further smirking. “I need an entire day to make up for the two years of absence from you.”

It was sheer luck you were holding onto the doorframe. 

“Careful, love,” he cooed, which only had you stumbling further out of the door in shock. His laughter followed you faintly as you left the room, blood rushing to your cheeks in drastic speed.

You hoped ardently, without shame, that he would carry out his intentions.

Then, you aggressively shook your head, heading straight to the kitchens. Not these thoughts at the moment, _____.

You have a party to prepare for.

THE NIGHT OF THE WELCOMING ARRIVED AS QUICKLY AS YOU HAD HOPED.

The guests began to enter your estate as soon as the sun descended on the empire, bringing words of praise and gifts to your husband and his soldiers. Your pride swelled exceedingly at hearing the positive messages, encouraging everyone to drink to their health. The smiles did not cease, widening further when the men and women fawned over your child. They wished for your baby to grow up just like the man he was named after, and you smiled, scared that one word from you would have your tears gushing.

You had everyone lay on their seated beds, surrounding tables filled with nourishment. Orders spilled from your lips to never stop the plates of beef and veal and fish and infinite other meats—tonight, your guests would feast like emperors. 

Eventually, the stars of the legion arrived, howling in celebration at seeing you adorned in indigo-coloured finery. You reckoned that they had drunk a fountain’s worth before showing up here, but you only hauled them inside, showing them to their place—cushioned couches all set up around low, circular tables, food nearly toppling off the edges. 

Seokmin drooled at the sight. “Out of the way, bastards!” He declared, running straight for the bedding in the middle part of the cushioned arc, settling himself nicely before digging in instantly. “Tell your slave Chan to bring us some wine!”

As if on cue, the soldier came rushing in with huge jugs of the featured drink, looking at you. “Is this alright?”

“Of course, Chan,” you said, taking the jugs from him. “Now you lay beside your friends! You have helped me enough.”

“Where is that man of yours, my lady?” Soonyoung drawled, snatching a cup of honey wine from the servants. “He did not accompany us this afternoon.”

“He had to go meet Octavian,” you answered, the rest of the centurions lodging themselves on the cushions. “There were honours he had to receive from him before he could officially celebrate here.”

“As long as he gets drunk with us, I do not mind,” Wonwoo voiced, raising his cup in toast. 

Seokmin, seeing Chan looking around in embarrassment, poured a cup full of alcohol and pushed it in his hand. “Drink up, boy! I am not having you shy away from your victories!”

The latter seemed much inclined to throw away the wine, but his friends began to groan. “Fine, fine, but only a sip!”

Seungkwan downed his cup, sighing into it. “He will never grow up.”

Wonwoo eyed you with concern as he plucked a grape from its pack. “Will you not have a rest with us?”

“You men have your fun,” you insisted. “I will settle when Jihoon comes home.”

Fortunately, that did not take more than ten minutes, you catching the sound of hooves outside the estate. Footsteps sounded from the entrance, and you whirled to see your new arrival.

The primus pilus of the Legacy Legion looked every bit his title—regal, powerful, magical in his purple robes, hemmed with gold as it draped over his loose white shirt, exposed on his right arm. His locks, longer than his hair months ago, curled slightly along his neck, roughening his usual soldierly demeanour.

Squealing, you rushed to him, greeting him with a kiss. “Come, come!” You exclaimed, ushering him inside.

“The general’s arrived!” Seokmin before you with the others following, albeit with more difficulty.

Jihoon directed a soft smile at you before sneering at his friends. “At least finish chewing on your food, you babies.”

“Care about your own baby before calling us such, you prick!”

“You are very lucky you are drunk, Wonwoo!” 

“Sit with them,” you said, tugging him to a free space between subordinates. 

As your husband obliged, he let his curiosity wander. “And where are you off to?”

Your gaze went beyond the dining hall, into the leeways that brought you to the kitchens. “I am a host, dear, and that means making sure all my guests are accommodated for.”

His grip on you was strong. “When will you come back?” He asked, thumb brushing over your hand.

You let your lips slip into a small smile. “Soon.”

And you were off, letting Jihoon’s eyes brush over you instead of his touch.

A few hours into the party and the chaos began.

You knew it was bound to happen eventually, with the amount of wine being consumed—your friends alone downed half the deposits, the consequences of such reckless drinking being exposed by their behaviour.

The centurions’ area was by far the loudest: Seokmin drank to the point he pissed in the jug that stored his wine, Seungkwan then threatening to topple that very jug atop his head. Soonyoung resorted to self-praise in his stupor, with Wonwoo shaking his head, yet laughing uncontrollably at every unfunny quip the former slipped out. Chan giggled as he sipped his alcohol, Jihoon watching all his friends with a full cup in his own hand. 

It was around midnight when you heard the voice of your beloved calling for you. 

“Vita!”

Excusing yourself from your tipsy guests, you walked to your dear men, who were creating a ruckus in your home. You felt soft fingers caress your shin within your dress, and you looked down to see your general smiling at you.

“Sit, my love,” he said, tugging you down to him. “You have made me wait a while.”

“Fine!” You exclaimed with mock exasperation, laying down next to him. 

He wrapped his arm around you, pulling you to him, your entire back pressed against his front. “There,” he whispered, and the proximity of his breath had chills running down your spine.

You hoped he could feel the warmth radiating off you.

“_____!” Seokmin exclaimed, pointing his cup at you in accusation, wine sloshing out and spilling. “I have a bone to pick with you!”

“Oh, gods,” Jihoon cursed quietly.

“So I found out from our esteemed general that you named your son Seungcheol.” The man scoffed. “How could you commit such an action?”

When you raised your eyebrows, he smirked in disbelief, gesturing towards himself. “My lady, I am offended you did not name him after me.”

Wonwoo spit out his drink, unable to control his laughter. Seungkwan poured himself some more, clicking his tongue in amusement. “Gods forbid we have another Seokmin in our circle.”

“Now what is that supposed to mean?” the man demanded, bunching his robes from his arms. 

“I know you are not that stupid,” was his sly answer. 

“Boys,” Jihoon seethed, glaring at the two about to send the estate down with their fists. “Lay off the anger or lay off the wine.”

Grumbling as they broke off their spat, you looked up at the mediator, swirling his cup. “You know you do not have to be a general here.”

Your husband hummed absent-mindedly, lazily running his hand along you. “I know, vita. Can I ever rest, though, when I have such rowdy dogs barking around me all the time?”

Chuckling, you leaned into him, his honey-like scent engulfing you. “Have you drank?”

“Only a little.” You felt a lilt to his voice as he continued. “Sober enough to see clearly how divine you look. Especially in this dress.”

You stilled as his hands began to wander downwards. 

Your voice barely came out as you said, “Jihoon, what…what are you doing?” 

He did not respond, instead adorning a small smile on his face as his fingers ghosted down your body, to your stomach. On instinct you stopped his trail with your own hand, gripping his wrist. “Jihoon!” you hissed. “There are people right beside us!”

“People who do not know what is going on around them,” he added, gesturing to his friends. Sure enough, each and every one of the centurions were out of their minds, save for Chan, who was too preoccupied trying to take away their drinks. 

Jihoon turned to you once more, eyes inviting. “I mean, I will stop if you wish.” His movements turned slower, your hand still on his. “If you have other…pressing matters.”

Your mind could only think of damning whatever ‘pressing matters’ there well to the underworld. Perhaps he could see it too. “If roaming eyes are what you fear,” he whispered, “Then let me solve that problem.”

In a flash, he brought one long slit of his toga, resting the huge sheet of fabric upon you so your entire body was cloaked, along with his wandering fingers. So casually he began his journey once more, widening your eyes with each finger spiralling downwards.

When he reached the spot, shielded only with your silk, his head rested softly against your neck. “There we go.”

He barely grazed the slit, but the very sensation had you squeezing your own hand upon his. “Easy, darling,” he whispered, as if he was not the reason for your change. “I haven’t even done anything and yet you falter.”

“Not my fault you went away for two years,” you hissed. It was a terrible thing to say, really, but your desire was bubbling. Your rationality, in turn, simply had to depart.

The comment only made your husband chuckle. “I was saving the Empire, vita.” His other hand, completely free, occupied itself, his solitary finger ghosting along your skin. “Would you rather I damn the world to the gods and serve at your feet instead?”

“As if you do not already,” you murmured, your hand loosening on his wrist. 

Earning another soft laugh from him, his new freedom had him sliding down further. “And where did this…newfound confidence come from?” he asked, one finger delving into your slit and eliciting a shuddered breath. “I’d only hear gasps from you before.”

His slow endeavours found your clit beneath the silk, and the seething gasp that tore from your mouth had the bastard sighing in satisfaction. “Ah, see?” He continued, his hand upon your shoulder now sliding beneath his cloak. It found refuge upon your breasts, perked from the sheer desire burning inside. “Fuck, I missed, I–” His fingers circled your clit, and you closed your eyes, heart beating rapidly underneath his other hand. 

Your breathing turned harsh, eyes darting to the members of your husband’s legion—completely unaware of the shuddering mess of nerves you had become. “Look at you,” Jihoon sighed out, fastening his fingers. “Acting out with our loved ones under this roof.” Your soft whines were music to his ears. “Whatever shall I do with you?”

“Maybe you should—fuck,” you cut off, your legs tensing, a dull, delicious ache growing at the small of your back. “Jihoon, I—”

Your line of speech was interrupted by another voice. You had hoped it would be your husband, taunting you further into oblivion, but it was a voice of pure concern.

“By the gods, _____, are you alright?”

You blinked back to see Chan, holding two glasses of wine, shaking off Soonyoung’s hands. Your eyes then widened, acutely aware of Jihoon’s fingers slowing, your release fading. 

Sly as an asp, your husband retracted his hands, still under his cloak. “What is the matter, dear friend?”

The centurion had his gaze fixed on you, confused at your state. “Is _____ okay, general? Her breathing, she…it sounds uneven. Even her eyes are dazed.”

Soonyoung, taking the lucky chance of his friend’s engrossment, snatched the wine from his hand, downing the bowl. “She is drunk, you fool!” he exclaimed, loud enough for Wonwoo to double over, cursing his rowdy mouth. “And you should be as well, instead of ruining our fun!”

“My lady, allow me to indulge you with wine,” Wonwoo sang out, trying to catch a jug of alcohol from thin air. 

Seungkwan snorted at his attempts, successfully stealing Seokmin’s drinks and chugging the lot. “Oi, you prick!” The latter yelled, nearly bringing the estate down. His friend merely laughed, calling him names and finishing the rest of the wine.

Chan, glancing for a moment away, focused on you once more. “Jihoon, I fear for _____.”

You feared for yourself too, but not in the manner the soldier spoke of—more your sanity at the pulsing, the near undoing now far from being reached. 

Jihoon pressed a kiss to your temple, smiling at Chan’s words, despite differing intentions. “You worry too much, Chan,” he said, beginning to get up from his cushions, taking you gently into his arms. “It is as Soonyoung says. Mea Vita here has had a drink too much.”

The centurion seemed a little unconvinced, but his trust for his commander outgrew any suspicions. Seokmin scoffed at the couple attempting to leave, shaking his bowl at you both. “And where are the lovebirds off to?” he demanded.

“Lady _____ is tired from the honey wine,” Chan explained. “Jihoon is helping her sleep.”

“Ha!” was the boy’s reply. 

“Are you really that dim-witted?” Seungkwan asked, laughing darkly at the youngest’s naivety. 

“Huh?” Chan glanced at his general.

The general declared to his guests, “I will be retiring with my wife, but enjoy until dawn, friends!”

Cheers arose from every corner of the estate, no doubt eager to live up to his request. Jihoon then rested his eyes on his soldier, who looked up at him with great bewilderment.

He only offered a sly wink before slipping into the hallways. 

Chan’s confusion only deepened. 

Soonyoung spluttered into laughter. “You poor fool!” 

Seungkwan’s smirk was prevalent as, taking the bowl filled with fresh honey wine from the tables, he sat beside Chan, offering him his first drink. “Let us educate you, dear man, on what exactly is about to happen between our general and his wife.”

IT TOOK APPROXIMATELY TEN SECONDS BEFORE YOUR PATIENCE SNAPPED IN YOUR DARKENED HALLWAYS. 

You slapped your hands against Jihoon’s purple-clad chest, and tried to push him back into the stone wall. Of course, when one had the strongest general in the Roman Empire as a husband, physically overtaking them is an impossible action.

Which was why he began to laugh at your efforts before casually taking your wrists, whirling you about.  Suddenly your back was against the wall, with his face near inches from you. 

“Cannot control yourself for even a minute?” He purred, bringing your hands above your head. “Has the journey to our bedroom become too difficult?”

“Stop fucking about with me” you got out, aching to have your hands freed, touch his face, his lips, but he was too strong. 

The man leaned further. “No, vita…it has been too long.” 

He brushed his nose along with yours. “Don’t think I’ll be satisfied with simply fucking you against the wall.”

His words alone had your heart beating faster, eager to see how he would play the night out. It had been far too long since you had felt such promise of pleasure in these years.

“I won’t be either, general,” you mused, and the fire that sparked in Jihoon’s eyes could have very well brought you your undoing then. 

That was enough for him to swoop in, damning all sweetness to the underworld as he collided his lips with yours. 

You swore you could never tire of Jihoon’s lips as he moved hungrily, grip on your wrists tightening. A small noise lodged in the back of your throat, aching to be released but to no avail. His mouth refused to pull away, miss even a moment of how you felt against him. 

The years away made you realise how much you missed his touch—lips in sync, bodies snuffing out any distance left—you had no choice but to whine into his mouth, opening yourself up fully to him. You wanted him all, without a single drop of hesitation.

Feeling the exact same, he happily delved further, an eon-old kernel of fire singeing his lips and searing you with his desire. His tongue, catching onto his lust, slithered past your teeth, swirling your tongue with his and increased the volume of your moans. 

Gods, your moans, your little voices of passion were like victory trumpets to his ears, every single ah! or fuck! riling him further into a frenzy. He had not forgotten these glorious sounds when he was thousands of miles away, but it had been so fucking long since he had heard them in person, and not just his dreams.

So he relished in your moans. Completely engulfed himself in your bubble of desire as his one hand strayed from your wrists, skirting downwards along your body. Grabbing hold of your skirts, he raised them to your hips. He caught sight of your cunt, and he swore his mouth watered. 

“Stop it…stop stalling, Jihoon,” you seethed, soul almost withering in wait for your husband to ruin you already.

Fortunately for you, he was the most accommodating man.

His hand freeing yours, it journeyed downwards to the real treasure. Your eyes widened at his finger sliding inside you, and the pure, ethereal sensation of his touch finally attaining your cunt had you dazing off completely. Your mouth forgot all words, as if forgetting how to speak the languages which Jihoon whispered now on your skin.

With your hands gaining newfound freedom, they carded through his hair, finding refuge in the soft, growing locks, tidied for the party. You would have done more had Jihoon not circled your clit, and the delirious sensation was back—your legs nearly gave way, and you let out a whimper as you held onto him tightly, lest you fell at his feet. 

His sharp eyes caught onto your weakening state, slowing his ministrations. “How about I take this somewhere else?” He rasped in your ear. 

Not waiting for your answer, he slid his hands underneath your thighs and picked you up, you instinctively wrapping your legs around him. He did not cease his kisses, his tongue dancing inside your mouth while finding the door to the bedroom. 

He did not waste a single moment—kicking the door open with his foot, he settled you on the table right beside, throwing the objects to the floor. Giving you a small peck, he journeyed downwards, slowly kneeling before you while opening your legs.

His husky chuckling rang in your ears. “Gods, after so long…” he could not even finish, pressing airlight kisses upon your inner thigh, each phantom touch nearing the kernel of arousal. “So…fucking long…”

The minute he reached his destination his tongue slipped free of his mouth. Holding onto your thighs, he let himself take the last step.

His tongue sliding along your cunt had you melting on the table. 

You were certain the table had crumbled beneath you, the ground fading as your husband explored you, lapping up the arousal dripping since the moment he graced you with his touch. A satisfied noise left his occupied mouth, you tasting like the honey wine you poured for him not an hour ago.

This. This made fighting relentlessly for two years worth it. This made every single drop of blood, buckets of sweat and floods of tears worth it. Life was hard, torturous even away from Rome, from you, but all that dark anguish in the time lost between you two was worth it if this was his reward.

And Jihoon would make sure this, too, would be worth it for you.

His tongue found your clit, and if you were not a mess before, the tendrils of pleasure that came with reduced you to cinders. He circled the bud like a slow march, growing faster with each passing beat. You moaned his name, a mantra on your lips which only rang louder. 

“J-Jihoon,” you kept whimpering, and his tongue would circle faster. You begin to thrash against him, unable to sit still while he brought you such unadulterated thrill. You would have happily grinded against his face had his hands on your thighs not tightened, indicating to stop fidgeting.

In honesty you tried—you endeavoured to be composed, but the bastard made the task impossible. The writhing continued, and would have kept going had Jihoon not halted his actions.

You let out an agitated yelp. 

“I’m sorry, vita, but you have to stay still,” he replied, fingers running along your thighs. “Do you not want to enjoy this?”

His lips glistened as he spoke, courtesy of your cunt. With his head in between your thighs, he was a feast for your eyes. “Fuck, Jihoon, I…I already am.” 

Maybe he agreed that he was a fine feast, for he curved his shining mouth in a dark smirk, eyes not leaving yours as he slowly slung a leg over his shoulder. “Well then,” he began, repeating with the other leg, fingers skimming the naked skin. “Let me add to your pleasure.”

This time, when he dove in, he was relentless.

You gripped onto the edge of the table, fingers digging into the wood as he quickened the rhythm of his tongue, working on your bundle of nerves so deliciously you wondered how your soul still survived inside your body. 

The wondering stopped, your questions answered when his finger joined in on the ravishing, sliding inside you and knocking the breath out of you. He was so undeniably good, knowing you liked the insertion slow, almost testing the waters before completely undoing you.

And gods bless him, for that is all he intended to do. The Eagle of Rome only knelt for the gods, but you, your whines, your writhing pleasure he drank like a man parched…

You had become a deity in his eyes; and a celestial figure deserved the best of service — hours upon hours of honing your desire because he was the only one who was capable of ruining you.

Another finger found itself inside you, and your cunt began to pulsate at the fullness it achieved, inching along the growing tension bubbling deep within your gut. Beads of sweat dripped down, your willpower to not thrash against his face about to snap, and when he fastened his pace an obscenely loud moan ripped through your mouth. 

You were much too close to the final high.

“Fuck, Jihoon—!” you nearly cried, hands unable to stray from his hair, his wonderful, lustrous hair. “Jihoon, please, I’m so clo—”

His free hand on your thigh squeezed you ever so slightly, as if aware of your near absolution. He only sped up his work, his fingers gliding in and out so quickly you could not keep up. If that was not enough, his mouth sucking on your clit was ready to bring the sky down on your head.

But Jihoon was ready to risk the destruction of all the world. Ready to face the gods in his last hour as he swirled your swollen bud with his tongue one last time.

That was enough to come undone.

Your release came crashing, curls of pleasure riding all through your body as your mind misted into fog, no thought or idea save for the slow assistance of your husband, easing your throbbing. A lust-struck sigh came out of you, hand falling from his hair onto his tensed shoulder. Sensing your high washing over, he slowed his tongue, fingers withdrawn from your cunt.

He caught your gaze in his, two slick fingers hanging between you two. He dared you to look away as he brought them to his lips, slipping them inside and tasting the residue.

That sight alone could have made you come for the second time. 

The bastard knew it too, for a ghost of a smirk exposed itself on his face, once his fingers were clean of your arousal. “Could not let it go to waste,” he murmured, as if your wetness was liquid gold. 

Hands back on your thighs once more, he lifted himself up gently, toga in disarray over his service. With you sat upon the table, his fingers found home upon your chin, lifting your line of sight on him.

Pure hunger lay dormant in his eyes. 

Not just his eyes, but his mouth still, when he leaned in and kissed you. You returned it without question, desire coiling around your soul as if it had not been released mere minutes ago.

You did not care. Not when you had waited so fucking long.

The man smiled between the burning kisses, humming at your lusted agony as he slid an arm around your waist. “My love—” a kiss upon the corner of your mouth —”What more shall I do—” another kiss, to the other corner—”For you?”

If he kept at it like this, you were going to forget your mother tongue. “Inside me…” you mustered between his lips on you, on your skin. A pathetic attempt, but your mind was still recovering from your release.

He paused, a malicious grin curving. “Pray, mea vita, my sweet, was I not just inside you?” Tugging you off the table, he held on tight as your knees buckled. “See? Even your body speaks for me.”

Your leg brushed against the weakness of his argument, almost tenting his toga. “Does yours?” you managed to remark, catching the defeated furrow of his brow. 

His stare had you silent once again, butterflies forming in your stomach. Leaning in, his lips brushed against the shell of your ear. 

“I’ll have your body screaming for me when I’m done, vita.”

Your body, in his response, shuddered against him.

Jihoon did not wait for more as he slotted his mouth along yours, igniting the flame again, unable to have enough of you as he whirled you around, eliciting the same little whines he adored so ardently.

He swooped you up in his arms, knowing your legs could not take the walk to the bed. Never stopping his kisses, he knew where to go by memory, hands skirting along your skin as he neared the final haven of tonight. Despite his words, he laid you gently upon the bed, continuing his trail upon your cheeks, your jaw, anywhere where you would allow him. 

Your heart sang at what was to come. Memories flooded you, passionate nights of years ago reminding you of what had been, and what distance had snatched from you. You had never forgotten the last time you both had made love, the very last night you both had been offered before he was to sail away to satiate his need for vengeance. He had asked nothing from you, not a single request, even though he knew you would have given it to him in a heartbeat. 

No, that night, he had explored every inch, every crevice of your body—burned his presence onto your skin till the entirety of Rome knew that Lee Jihoon had left a piece of himself in you. That piece morphed into the child you bore, but Jihoon had never really left your soul, despite the thousands of miles stretching between you two.

“Never again,” you let yourself whisper as he broke away, your hands fisting themselves in his toga, tugging off the fabric which was another form of distance. You needed him once again. Yes, you had withstood miles upon miles away from him. But now, you could not handle even inches apart.

He understood. He always understood, slipping off the clothing till it reached his hips. Climbing over you, his abdomen exposed, you could not believe your cheeks burned at the sight of him half-naked before you. A small chuckle escaped him, and he stole a quick kiss before burying himself into your neck.

His fingers reached for the loose straps of your dress, barely of use. “Take these off for me, darling,” he whispered, and the order vibrated along your skin, ready to be followed. While you desperately tried to pry your dress off, he pressed open-mouthed kisses along the base of your throat, making your simple task an impossible mission.

One strap fell, and Jihoon’s teeth slowly sank into your skin, sucking at the spot with such passion a soft groan trambles out of you, unsure whether you could get the other half of your dress off. Thankfully, with someone as accommodating as him, he pressed an unironically chaste kiss before finding the last straps himself. 

The pure smugness in his eyes had you in near tears. “One little kiss, and you’ve ceased working,” he drawled breathily. “Must I do all the work, my sweet?”

You would have cursed his ancestors had he not brought your dress down, tossing the clothing to the side and drinking in your bare figure. 

A breath shuddered out of him, certain that you could inhale the pure lust oozing from him. “I can’t…I cannot believe I went two years without…without this—”

The words were left unfinished as he wasted no time, indulging your mouth for moments before pouncing downwards, taking your left breast in his mouth and skimming his teeth softly against the nipple. The man was riling you up now, you taking his hair in your hands, certain you were trying to tear his locks out with the way you held onto him. Jihoon did not seem to mind, too occupied with your breasts to pay heed to your damage.

“Jihoon, please, I need you to—fuck!” cut off with his tongue encircling your breasts, you nearly had had enough. Your cunt ached for the final descent, your patience growing thin. “Please, I-I need you inside me!”

His answer was allowing one last lick to your right nipple, cold striking your breasts as he looked down at you, eyes glossed over with carnal delight. With his hand he ripped away the toga pooling at his hips, and his cock was freed, almost enraged to be cloaked away in silk. 

You looked like a fool staring at it, but you could not help it—you did not remember it being so huge, even though it has been inside you countless times. Another piece of evidence that he had been away from you long enough.

“Ogled enough, darling?” his voice snapped you back, and you were almost embarrassed at the shit-eating grin that lit up his face. 

“Shut up,” you mumbled, but you could not say more, you being silenced with his searing kiss. 

Pulling away, his forehead rested against yours, black locks tickling your cheeks as he held your one side in one hand, and his cock in another.

Nudging your legs apart, the tip brushed against your folds, and your soul nearly departed from the ghost of a touch. “Careful,” he warned, thumb stroking your hip, and he stole a glance at you.

“I love you, vita,” he whispered.

And began the final descent.

His cock slid inside, slowly, ever so slowly, but with every inch you felt each layer of your spirit stop to a standstill. Jihoon never stopped watching—catching your parted mouth, the shallow, uneven breaths you took, the knitted brows, your fingers holding onto him for dear life. He could not help it, see—these few seconds, these few, transitory moments, where both souls are on the edge of the world, and none know whether they’d hang on, or fall to their doom.

This moment encompassed such an image within the features of your face.

And he relished it. Captured the image, and used it as fuel to his carnal fire as he buried himself into you, releasing a breath he kept inside the entire time. Maybe it was after so long, but the two of you stayed still, your husband fearing you might snap. A frivolous thought, of course, but one can believe anything when one is so vulnerable.

One look from you, though, had his doubts disappearing in an instant. You let a small smile escape, and it was all he needed before he slowly withdrew, the mere action so gratifying you wondered whether it was another one of your dreams, a vision granted by the mercy of the gods.

Maybe the gods were extra pleased, for Jihoon was no dream—only a very pleasing reality, waiting for your whimpers to fill the room before thrusting back into you again. The rhythm was beginning to strike, and you were its follower; the shy hesitations started to fade, and you could feel his desire burning with every slide out, and every slide in of his cock into you, holding onto your hips to keep you steady. 

With each thrust you felt the stakes of your pleasure reach higher and higher. Tendrils of delight rippled through you with his movements, quickening yet keeping his fluidity, like an elegant dancer in a warfield, somehow managing to emerge victorious with his body alone. Of course, you could never doubt your husband. He was the favourite of the Empire for a reason.

“By the gods, you—” he plunged into you once more, and he grazed a certain spot inside you that had you seeing the universes. “You’re so fucking good to me, you—”

Never finishing his sentences, never even finishing his line of thought, the sole thing in his mind being your delicious fucking folds, your cunt which felt so perfect around his cock. He leaned in further, teething sweet love bites onto your neck, revelling in your pleasured groaning, growing louder and louder with each quickened thrust. “Yes, vita, just like that!” he exclaimed, never stopping. “For all of Rome to hear!”

He did not care a bit if the world heard them now. All that mattered to him was you, you and only you.

More so when that familiar, growing ache of nerves was back, warning you of your impending release. Jihoon was ruthless to you, relentless with his cock, unforgiving with his tongue and teeth which managed to devour your every inch. There was no escaping it—the ache was like a tightened knot, with his actions well on its way to unravel it.

“I-I’m close, Jihoon,” you breathed out, pressing your lips on his chest, his shoulder, anything you could grasp. “Please, love, I need to—”

“I know, vita,” he guttered, as if he, too, was close. He did not care much for that, though, when all he could focus on was you, all broken words and teary gazes beneath him. “I know.”

To add even more to your doom, he brought back an older prospect, fingers circling your clit and heightening the delight swirling within your gut ten times over. The nerves were pumping, faster and faster, and you were deathly aware that it was now or never.

Your eyes, seeing stars throughout, found your husband within the mist of desire. “J-Jihoon…”

Everything was forgotten. Not a word remembered in the fog of your mind but your vita’s name, your lover’s name, bright as the summer sun, as bold as the royal colours he adorned in his triumph.

As true as the love never lost between the two of you.

It was enough for the Eagle of Rome to capture your lips, holding you in a heart-wrenching kiss.

It was enough for you to completely ruin yourself.

Your cries drowned onto his mouth as release came crashing, legs shaking as you died and resurrected all at once, came undone within his hold. The world slipped away in that moment, with him as your anchor, saving you from being eternally lost.

While you lay breathless, Jihoon slipped himself out of you, breaking away from your kiss to cry out himself, spilling himself onto you and the sheets. A haggard fuck escaped him, arcing over you before throwing himself beside you. 

Silence welcomed you after that.

The din of the party remained, and both of you gasping, but a silence followed, like a warm winter blanket. Both of you stared at the ceiling, the moonlit parts of the surfaces, trying to catch your breaths after what you both just experienced.

Turning your head, you caught Jihoon already stealing glances. They were heavy-lidded, unsurprisingly, yet you found it endearing, despite the circumstances.

“What?” you got out, cocking your head at his soft staring.

He shook his head, smiling tiredly. He stretched his arm out towards you, murmuring, “Come here.”

Obliging, you followed under his arm, resting your head against his chest. Despite the granite-hardness of his body, no other surface would suffice. Your head rose and fell along to his uneven breathing, a small comfort. 

As the general gazed down at you, the softness returned; his thumb stroked along your cheeks. “I…” he began, voice huskier than usual, you humming in satisfaction. 

“Yes?” you got out, hanging onto his every word. 

Glancing away for a second, he looked to the window, and the view it offered of the world beyond.

He then glanced back at you, a better world he had found of his own.

“I am…so happy…” he whispered. Whispered because he had to tell his world what he felt. “So happy to come back to you.”

Your heart but into a thousand butterflies.

A smile as wide as you could muster was your response.

And as he continued stroking your hair, and you leaning into his hold, you too, knew that you felt the exact same.

For the Eagle of Rome had returned to you at last.

CENTURION LEE CHAN HAD WITNESSED HORRORS.

He had seen thousands of dead men, scattered across the sands of Egypt. He had seen ships sink before his very eyes—by the gods, he had even seen the beginnings of death, when he nearly drowned at the final naval battle that secured Legacy Legion its victory.

None of these events, however, made him more queasy as realising that you, while you were laid beside your husband, were not experiencing intoxication from honey wine. It was an exhilaration of a completely unusual kind, a feeling that had the tips of his ears reddening. 

His fellow men’s reactions only made it worse. “What did you think they were going to do?” Seungkwan only demanded. “Sleep it off on their first night together?”

“Well, how was I to know?” the youngest visibly shivered. “I do not know how married people work.”

“Poor soul,” Soonyoung tutted out, no plans for pausing his drink. “I fear for when he is to wed.”

“I still do not understand,” Seokmin voiced out. “They have a whole child together. How did you not…”

“My apologies for not pondering over our general’s intimate life,” Chan grumbled. “How idiotic of me.”

“Do not mind these deviants,” Wonwoo assured him, handing him a fresh cup of wine. “You just drink their awful comments away.”

He spared a fearful glance at the cup, filled with honey wine. “I should not,” he meant to declare in a confident stance. His voice, already weakened from a previous revelation of his commander’s, had rendered his declaration as a childish mumble. “The baby would need my attention sooner or later.”

“Fuck the baby!” was Seokmin’s great exclamation, clicking his tongue. “He is already the star guest of this damned celebration. We—!” he patted his chest repeatedly—”We were supposed to be the ones our people fawn over!”

“Your need for attention never fails to astound me,” Wonwoo remarked, circling his drink. “The boy was named after our murdered friend.”

“It happens to men like Seokmin,” Seungkwan drawled, slinging an arm around him, “To those men who received no attention at home.”

“Fuck off!” Seokmin jeered, rasped out from the alcohol buzzing in his system. “At least our Roman women fawned over me this afternoon. Where were your girls?”

“My, my, our dear Seokmin’s imagination runs so wild!” The second-youngest cooed condescendingly, grabbing Wonwoo’s cup, which had the latter furrowing his brows. “He dreams of female attention when we have seen no evidence of it!”

Soonyoung wished to join in on the bullying, chiming in, “And now he envies a child that cannot control its own piss!”

As everyone laughed at the poor, drunk soul, who genuinely looked as if he might cry, Wonwoo waved his large hands around, as if attempting to calm everyone down. “No more harassing the unloved virgin.”

“We were not talking about Chan though,” Soonyoung instantly piped up, his next said-target narrowing his eyes. 

“Just because I choose to save myself for someone I love,” he grumbled, which had chuckling resonating around the group.

“Gods help her when she turns up, then,” Seungkwan sighed out, drinking Wonwoo’s wine. 

Perhaps Chan might have said something in retort—might have even garnered the strength to punch the honey wine out of his friend’s insides when one of the servants came hurrying. 

He identified her as Myrtia, your personal maid, who looked incredibly distressed. “Centurion Lee,” she immediately began, “Seungcheol keeps crying!”

“Oh, gods,” Soonyoung crowed, “Wet-nurse first, soldier second, is it?”

“At least he is not a whore first, Soonyoung,” Seokmin muttered.

“Both of you, shut up!” Chan finally snapped, turning to Myrtia once more. “Where is he right now? Will _____ not tend to him?”

“Our dear _____ is a little occupied being tended to herself, remember?” Seungkwan reminded him, his smirk malicious. 

The youngest flushed scarlet, shaking his head. “Right, of course…” He heaved himself off the cushions, to much of his friends’ agitation. “I will see what to do.”

“What?” Soonyoung sat up, but the alcoholic daze had him swaying slightly. “Wait, wait, wait, don’t just leave!” 

“Take me to Cheol,” Chan said to Myrtia, but before she could even agree, four rounds of disapproving voices hurled towards the poor boy.

“No!” Seungkwan exclaimed first, taking great pains to hoist himself off the long tables. “No, no, you cannot go on your own!”

“Exactly!” Seokmin joined in, using Seungkwan’s toga to try hauling himself up. “You will die in there!” 

Wonwoo clicked his tongue, even though he, too, was beginning to follow after his friends. “Chan is not going to die with a mere child.”

Chan watched his superiors rise carelessly from their furnishings, already feeling a little frantic. “What are you all doing?”

“Why, coming with you, of course!” 

“Myrtia, my sweet,” Soonyoung purred, patting a hand on her shoulder, “You lead us straight to the baby!” 

Hurriedly nodding, she turned and headed towards the destination, five centurions hot on her heels as they were led down the familiar hallways. Chan muttered to himself, but did not have time to self-ponder when he was constantly being distracted.

“How much longer is this going to take?” Seokmin whined, holding onto the walls for support. “And since when did the lamps on _____’s walls start shaking?”

“It has not been a minute and you’re complaining!” Seungkwan snarked out. “It’s a wonder you managed to walk forty miles everyday, lazy git.” 

“Not lazy enough to slice your mouth right off!” 

“Just this door here,” Myrtia said, turning into the empty doorway, dipping her head in respect as she stepped out of the way, allowing Chan to enter first, the rest stumbling behind him. 

Sure enough, the first noise heard in everyone’s ears was the wailing—a screechy, whiny sound which reverberated off the stone walls, striking discomfort, irritation, turmoil in the hearts of whoever heard them. The man who felt it the most dashed to the cot, brows joining together in agitation over the sight of the baby. 

“You would think Chan was the father,” Seungkwan retorted. “Do something about this crying, boy!” 

“You really are heartless,” Wonwoo scolded, following after the youngest. Observing the crying child, he pursed his mouth into a thin line. “How does one…stop a baby from crying?”

“Only a mother can take care of her child,” Seokmin voiced out, as if he thought of a ground-breaking notion akin to Plato’s wisdom. 

“We are not disturbing _____,” Seungkwan rebuked, shaking his head vigorously. “Those two have waited nearly two years to fuck each other again.”

“Let them have their fun!” Soonyoung roared, which had the baby crying louder. “Gods, Chan, you are the youngest after Cheol. Handle this sobbing mess!”

“I have seen twenty summers,” Chan muttered.

“Yes, so a baby in my eyes!” 

“Of course you are going to consider Chan as a baby, you geriatric. It’s a wonder you did not collapse on the battlefield.” 

I will kill you in the next war, Seungkwan.”

As the rest started grumbling amongst themselves, the youngest gently picked up the bundle, slowly rocking him in hopes to calm the crying. Seungcheol’s face was reddened with the constant sorrow, and it broke Chan’s heart a little, hoping that he would gain some newfound power and solve whatever problem ailed him. 

A sigh escaping him, he began to mumble sweet nothings to him, morphing those whispers in a quaint song he heard from his own childhood. His melody was like honey wine, words so soft, his voice so sweet, that the men that accompanied him began to quieten, turning their heads to the origin.

Wonwoo watched the scene, smiling lop-sidedly. “You are a natural!”

“It is quite embarrassing,” Seokmin admitted, scratching the back of his head, “That the youngest of us is the only one able to calm a child.”

“None of us claimed to be good with children,” Seungkwan thought out loud, observing the younger soldier tend to the sobbing, which had quietened to mere whimpers. 

Soonyoung tried to raise a brow—strong on tried, but he was too drunk to carry out such a simple action. “You always boasted of your relationships with your nieces and nephews.”

“That is different. I could care less about random urchins.”

“Seungkwan!” Seokmin exclaimed. “Seungcheol is no urchin.”

“He was though, was he not?” The man scoffed, albeit a bit tenderly as he began to reminisce. “Gods, did you forget how insufferable he was?”

“Always on our arses, too,” Soonyoung agreed, snickering. “Do you remember when he got us in shit with Octavian?”

“Talking back to Caesar’s successor during our first military session.” Wonwoo visibly shivered. “The punishment still haunts me.”

But the distant memory only made the rest chuckle, as if the centurions had not received verbal lashings from the leader of Rome at that time. Silence bathed the room, only Seungcheol’s voice sputtering through the surface of calm. It had only been a meagre two-and-half years since the inspiration behind his name had passed, but with the hardships of the Alexandria campaign, it had felt like decades. Even Chan felt the age of this campaign, although he was young when he suffered the loss. 

He sensed the loss a little more that night as, walking away from the cot, he leaned against the wall. As if unable to stand, he let his legs buckle a little, sliding down and settling on the floor, feet spreading out before him. “I sometimes see him in my dreams,” he admitted. 

There was a heavy pause. 

Then, “He visited me more a year back.”

Everyone focused on Soonyoung. Travelling to where his youngest friend sat, he copied his position, continuing, “I told Jihoon about it, actually, right before Actium…I deemed it a sign of the gods.” A small laugh huffed out of him. “He then corrected me, saying it was all Cheol.”

“Typical,” Seungkwan said, smiling. “Take all the might of the gods and reward himself for it.”

“I cannot blame him, though,” Wonwoo countered, wandering over to the seated duo, looking down at their general’s son. “A loss of faith can come with a loss of a loved one.”

“Yes, but look at us now!” Seokmin reasoned, gesturing to them all. “Victors of the coming generation!” 

“But these so-called ‘Victors’ cannot stop a baby from crying,” Wonwoo murmured, sitting beside Chan. “I doubt we deserve that title.”

“Hey, at least Chan deserves it.” Seokmin hurried to sit beside the former, watching tenderly over at the baby. “Look, he is silent now!” 

“No way!” Seungkwan exclaimed, sauntering to the group and settling beside Soonyoung, reaching over to inspect the claim.

Sure enough—at the centre of the most powerful soldiers in Rome, almost slumbering in complete peace, was a silent Seungcheol, happy Seungcheol as he stirred only if Chan moved his hand, or shifted his legs. It was not as if they had not seen a mere child before, but, once again, this bundle, so full of life, was different. This was their commander’s legacy. Their leader’s soul extended from his own life-force, his evidence that he loved. 

This Seungcheol that the five men stared at was the new beginning. 

It was a long time before anyone spoke. “Do you think he looks more like one over the other?” Wonwoo asked.

“All babies look the same to me,” Seokmin offered his opinion. 

By Seungkwan’s incredulous glance, it seemed it was not appreciated. “No one let this idiot have a child of his own.”

The accused frowned, genuinely hurt. “Hey! I should like to have a family one day. Give you all opportunity to become uncles again.”

“I would recognise your baby anywhere,” Soonyoung crowed, “Because it shall be the ugliest out of ours.”

The gasp that escaped Seokmin had Chan choking out a laugh. Seungcheol stirred at the action, which had the latter immediately stilling. “You guys need to insult each other’s future children a little quieter,” he whispered. 

The former had other plans, though. “Wait, can I hold him?” 

Chan shot a concerned glance. “Fine, but be careful!” he insisted, slowly handing over the bundle to Wonwoo, who, after smiling at him, passed him over at the end. 

Seokmin began rocking the child, who glanced up at him, languidly blinking up at the soldier. He was ecstatic, softly touching the tiny nose, and feeling his mouth widen into a grin. “See? He likes me already!”

“Yeah, after Chan has done all the hard labour,” Wonwoo commented, beaming at the baby’s expression. 

“I want Cheol after you,” Soonyoung demanded, crossing his arms, “So he can see what a real man is like.”

“Real jester, more like,” Seungkwan muttered, earning himself a hard elbow in the side. 

What Seokmin wanted to do was tell the eldest to wait his turn. He did not have the opportunity when he smelt the air around him, and found it most foul.

Chan noticed it immediately as well, and within the next few seconds, the others caught on. Five pairs of eyes whirled to the baby, who had the audacity to giggle.

Seokmin let out a scream. 

“BY THE FUCKING GODS—!”

Everyone scrambled to their feat, the rest struggling to hold back their amusement. “Not so loud!” Chan hissed, though he was restraining a laugh, only successful by the finger on his lips. 

“Stupid damned baby!” Seokmin screeched, holding the bundle at arms length. 

Wonwoo could not help his laugh, which spluttered out of him. “You cannot blame a baby for acting like one! It is like scolding a dog for running after a bone.”

The comparison had Soonyoung bellowing out, holding his stomach. “I always knew Seungcheol was annoying, but shitting on us is another low!”

Seokmin visibly shivered, patience running thin. “I hope he is rotting in the underworld,” he cursed, completely merciless. 

“I hope he is laughing at you,” Seungkwan prayed instead, wiping a few tears from his eyes. 

Chan only shook his head, walking to the doorway and stretching his head out. “Myrtia!” he called out, catching her tending to the guests in the dining areas. 

Quickly she arrived at the scene, understanding immediately what had occurred, judging by the men’s reactions. “Hand him over, Centurion,” she ordered, he obliging her instantly. 

“Sorry?” Seokmin offered, as if he was the one who soiled his toga. That had the others laughing even more, which had him furrowing his brows. “You men are the worst!”

“After ruining Chan’s night with all our complaints, it is only fair that we turn to you!” Soonyong explained, as if that was perfectly reasonable. 

Seungkwan cackled darkly. “We really are each other’s worst enemy.”

Wonwoo somehow found that incredibly sentimental. “I would not have it any other way,” he said, slinging his arm around Chan, ushering the other three to join in. “After all, who knows us better?”

“You make a stellar point!” The eldest clasped onto Chan’s free side, poking him in the cheek. “I would not wish to befriend any other wretched bastard.”

“You do not possess the ability to make friends, Soonyoung,” Seungkwan pointed out. 

“Then what are we?” Seokmin demanded, offended, the last to join the group. 

“Comrades?”

“Colleagues?”

“People who have seen me naked?”

But it was Chan, who was quiet all this time, observing his older—usually irritating, sometimes diabolical, yet always beloved—superiors, there formed an answer which had been settled in his heart the moment he had found their company nearly a decade back.

“Brothers.”

The men surrounding him stilled, gawking at the centre of their group—the centre that was always the core of their brotherhood. Although there was ample opportunity to poke fun at the situation, they found no ground for such humiliation. They only watched as, in an almost comical image, four pairs of eyes softened at the boy who had grown right in front of them. 

Wonwoo ruffled the youngest’s mop of waves. “And you are the dearest out of us all.”

“And do not forget it,” Seungkwan said. “Even if we make you seem otherwise.”

Chan smiled at them all, face flushing at the amount of attention received. A comfortable silence fell over them, everyone pondering over different notions, reminiscing of their times together. 

Soonyoung, however, possibly still a little intoxicated, thought of a completely different opportunity—thoughts of the very near future. 

“Men,” he began, “I have a proposition.”

The soldiers perked up, about to brace themselves for a revolutionary idea.

“Who wants to spy on Jihoon and _____?”

There was a momentary pause. Chan, visibly horrified, whirled his head left and right, praying to the gods that his fellow brothers felt the same. 

“Go on, then.” 

And as the four eldest centurions shuffled to the nursery’s entrance, Chan scrambled for a solution, because he would have rather been Mark Antony’s prisoner than listen to his commander and his wife…solidify their reunion.

He sucked in a sharp breath. 

“Wait!” 

The men paused, looking over their shoulders. “What is it?”

That intake of breath was released in complete devastation. So much for calling these utter shits brothers. 

“How about we all drink? I shall…” A hard gulp. “I shall join you properly all this time.”

They could not believe it at first. Chan, however, trudged over to them, grabbing onto whatever shoulder was nearest. “I mean it.”

He swore his brothers seemed happier in that moment than they had been cradling Jihoon’s child. 

“Well, what are we waiting for?!” Soonyoung roared, already leaving the entrance. “Let us empty the coffers!” 

And as the five most powerful men in Rome ran to be utterly gone with alcohol, Chan could not help but huff out a laugh, and hoped he had done his primus pilus a favour. 

YOU HAD ALWAYS ADORED THE WAY YOUR HUSBAND SLEPT.

As one of the most esteemed, strongest generals ever walked on Roman soil, Lee Jihoon looked as vulnerable as your baby son as he lay next to you. His body rose and fell with every breath, his arm a strong comfort around you. 

You could not help the smile that slipped past your mouth, watching him rest so peacefully after two years. You loved every single inch of your husband, but these little pieces of him, offered to you on rare occasions—with the sun bleeding through the bedroom windows, cool air drifting inside, kissing your skin—were a treasure rarer than all the wealths of the empire. 

You dared not wake him, lest the moment ended, only allowing your fingers to stretch a little forward. Your fingertips caressed the small cuts, scars on his skin, wishing you could fill every crevice of his battle-worn face with your liquid love. 

How beautiful he was, with or without what his experiences added onto him. 

Perhaps he could feel the adoration radiating off of you, for he began to stir faintly, humming to your caresses. His arm around you pulled you closer, and you were mere inches from face. 

What fortune to be so close to him, because you witnessed his eyes flutter open. Dark, chocolate irises welcomed you, and you wished with your heart that you could dive into them, and be forever lost in their haze.

“Morning,” you uttered, smiling.

He offered a lazy one in return. “Morning, my love.”

You almost beamed. “I love it when you say that.” 

His brow raised absentmindedly. “What? Morning?”

You tutted. “I think you need to sleep some more.”

“Hmmm…” he nuzzled into your neck, closing his eyes. “I will if you sleep with me.”

“But I already am.”

He craned his head back, nestled in your chest. “I think you know what I mean, vita.”

Involuntarily, you caught your lower lip between your teeth, and by the look on Jihoon’s face, he had half a mind to copy your actions.

Perhaps you would have let him too, if you did not hear a suspicious sound.

You perked up, head turning towards the door, where the origins of the voice—voices, as you listened in—lay. Your husband, catching onto your change of countenance, stretched himself before sitting up straighter, eyes squinting at the door.

Grabbing onto your clothes, which lay unceremoniously on the floor, you half-dressed yourselves before you reached just before the entrance of the room. The voices were much louder, a sense of agitation filling each one.

The loudest of the noise, amongst all the bickering, was a soft wail.

“—you stupid prick, I told you not to feed it that!”

“Well how was I supposed to know what it likes?”

“I hope you and Seokmin never have children—”

“Gods, Jihoon is going to be raging mad—!”

“What it deserves for being called Cheol—!”

You did not get to hear the end of the discussion, for Jihoon grabbed onto the doorknob and burst open the door.

Shrieks were heard on the entrance, five centurions stumbling into your bedroom, one with a special, wailing package in his hand.

“By the gods!” your husband exclaimed, shaking his head at his subordinates, scrambling to stand straight. “What are you all doing, muttering about behind our door?”

“Uhh…general!” Wonwoo declared, earning a sharp hiss from his friends. “We actually…uhhh…” He looked at the others, confused. “What were we here for?”

Soonyoung, rubbing his temples, seethed, “Seungcheol, you idiot!”

“Ah, yes!” Wonwoo straightened, deepening his voice to pretend sobriety. “Seungcheol!” 

Seokmin’s eyes widened. “But Seungcheol died years ago!”

Seungkwan then smacked him around the head. “Not that Seungcheol, you fucking idiot!”

You are the fucking idiot, you ugly bastard!”

You glanced at Chan, whose focus only lay on the crying child. The one who held him looked as if he might burst into tears too, but you spoke up before you had any more crying children in the house. “Here, let me tend to him.”

The boy handed you your son, but you noticed he dared not look you in the eye. “Is something the matter?” you asked him softly.

Soonyoung scoffed at your question. “Silly little virgin has been shitting his toga ever since he heard you two fucking like rabid dogs.”

“Watch your filthy mouth,” your husband guttered, which had the scolded-man shrinking back behind Wonwoo.

Seokmin snickered, Seungkwan smirking as you glanced at the youngest. “Chan…” you trailed off, not really sure on what to say.

Thankfully, your husband seemed to have a solution. “Chan, please grow up,” he remarked, crossing his arms over his tousled clothing. “You were holding my child mere seconds ago.”

“He just needs to stick his cock into someone,” Seungkwan said, a bit too matter-of-factly.

“Or something,” added Seokmin, the honey wine clearly still talking.

You saw Chan physically recoil from the statement. “What did you even have in mind?” Wonwoo asked, nose scrunching in distaste. “Actually, I do not want to know.” 

“Sober up, the lot of you,” you said, unable to stay serious, despite the death glares Jihoon offered them. “I need you all to help me clean the place up today.”

Everyone unanimously groaned, causing the latter to get irritated. “If I hear a sound from you pathetic drunkards, then it’s 40 miles around the city.”

Soonyoung turned his head to you, clearly exasperated. “_____, did you bite his cock or something?”

“Soonyoung!” You gasped. 

“I need to lie down,” Wonwoo groaned, turning towards the door. “I shall be dunking myself in a well nearby.”

“Take Seokmin with you,” Seungkwan drawled, fixing his hair. “Maybe this time he will actually drown.”

“If I drown little man, I’m taking you with me,” the man snapped. 

“Chan, dear, please sort them out,” you requested, hearing him sigh.

“I shall try my best, my lady,” he mumbled, knowing that his best efforts will be in vain. 

As he began to leave, you called out his name. He looked back, and you smiled as you rocked Seungcheol in your arms. “You are his favourite, Chan.”

The revelation had his frown morphing into a small smile, bowing his head ever so slightly before turning to his centurions. “Let us give our general some privacy.”

Seokmin grumbled underneath his breath, following after Chan. “As if they had not had enough privacy…could have made another baby for all we know…”

Jihoon focused his gaze on Soonyoung and Seungkwan. “Remember. No fucking about or it’s 40 miles.”

The latter waved his hand, opening the door. “Yes, yes, we are aware.”

Soonyoung mocked a salute, adorning a most dramatic drawl. “Of course, your excellency, no doubt at all, your royal highness, please, do give us further idiotic orders to taunt us with, your magnanimous majesty!”

Jihoon’s glare did not waver. “Get out.”

“…right on, general.”

And so the last of the centurions were out, you standing at the door as they made to leave. Before they exited, though, they all simultaneously waved at you, some a bit too enthusiastically, others a soft gesture. 

“Ave, _____! Ave, general!”

And they left, laughing already with plans to bring more merriment into their lives.

Your husband joined you, leaning against the opposite door frame. “I have a feeling they’re going to drag poor Chan into some brothel.”

“I think the boy would pass out before that would take place,” you said, chuckling as you glanced down at your child. “At least he takes care of Cheol well.”

“Does he?“

“…better than the average soldier, then.”

“At least they had fun yesterday.” Jihoon took a step closer, observing his son giggling at his mother’s entertainment. “Though they test my patience everyday, they deserve all the reward.”

“Do not exclude yourself, my love,” you reminded him. “You did not enslave yourself to your armies to disregard yourself like that.”

“I do not exclude myself.” His hand reached out, holding Seungcheol’s little head. How strange, that his entire head could fit in his palm. “I am simply happy with what I have right now.”

He offered you a smile. “I am more than happy with you and my son beside me. I ask for nothing more.”

You returned his smile, heart bursting at the seams as he leaned in, enveloping your lips with his in a sweet kiss.

And as the two of you played with your son in the morning light of the Roman sun, you snuck glances at your husband, the light of the Empire. The Eagle of Rome.

Finally, your home was now complete.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Final Venus flyby for NASA's Parker Solar Probe queues closest sun pass

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, NASA's Parker Solar Probe will complete its final Venus gravity assist maneuver, passing within 233 miles (376 km) of Venus's surface. The flyby will adjust Parker's trajectory into its final orbital configuration, bringing the spacecraft to within an unprecedented 3.86 million miles of the solar surface on Dec. 24, 2024. It will be the closest any human-made object has been to the sun.

Parker's Venus flybys have become boons for new Venus science, thanks to a chance discovery from its Wide-Field Imager for Parker Solar Probe, or WISPR. The instrument peers out from Parker and away from the sun to see fine details in the solar wind.

But on July 11, 2020, during Parker's third Venus flyby, scientists turned WISPR toward Venus in hopes of tracking changes in the planet's thick cloud cover. The images revealed a surprise: A portion of WISPR's data, which captures visible and near infrared light, seemed to see all the way through the clouds to the Venusian surface below.

"The WISPR cameras can see through the clouds to the surface of Venus, which glows in the near-infrared because it's so hot," said Noam Izenberg, a space scientist at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland.

Venus, sizzling at approximately 869 degrees Fahrenheit (about 465 C), was radiating through the clouds.

The WISPR images from the 2020 flyby, as well as the next flyby in 2021, revealed Venus's surface in a new light. But they also raised puzzling questions, and scientists have devised the Nov. 6 flyby to help answer them.

The Venus images correspond well with data from the Magellan spacecraft, showing dark and light patterns that line up with surface regions Magellan captured when it mapped Venus's surface using radar from 1990 to 1994. Yet some parts of the WISPR images appear brighter than expected, hinting at extra information captured by WISPR's data. Is WISPR picking up on chemical differences on the surface, where the ground is made of different material? Perhaps it's seeing variations in age, where more recent lava flows added a fresh coat to the Venusian surface.

"Because it flies over a number of similar and different landforms than the previous Venus flybys, the Nov. 6 flyby will give us more context to evaluate whether WISPR can help us distinguish physical or even chemical properties of Venus's surface," Izenberg said.

After the Nov. 6 flyby, Parker will be on course to swoop within 3.8 million miles of the solar surface, the final objective of the historic mission first conceived over 65 years ago. No human-made object has ever passed this close to a star, so Parker's data will be charting as-yet uncharted territory. In this hyper-close regime, Parker will cut through plumes of plasma still connected to the sun. It is close enough to pass inside a solar eruption, like a surfer diving under a crashing ocean wave.

"This is a major engineering accomplishment," said Adam Szabo, project scientist for Parker Solar Probe at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

The closest approach to the sun, or perihelion, will occur on Dec. 24, 2024, during which mission control will be out of contact with the spacecraft. Parker will send a beacon tone on Dec. 27, 2024, to confirm its success and the spacecraft's health. Parker will remain in this orbit for the remainder of its mission, completing two more perihelia at the same distance.

IMAGE: Left: A series of WISPR images of the nightside of Venus from Parker Solar Probe’s fourth flyby showing near infrared emissions from the surface. In these images, lighter shades represent warmer temperatures and darker shades represent cooler. Right: A combined mosaic of radar images of Venus’ surface from NASA’s Magellan mission, where the brightness indicates radar properties from smooth (dark) to rough (light), and the colors indicate elevation from low (blue) to high (red). Credit: NASA/APL/NRL (left), Magellan Team/JPL/USGS (right)

[mechwarrior-rose]

Rose: Last Call

KATYUSHA CITY STRANA MECHTY CLAN HOMEWORLDS 14 MAY 3049

The bustle of the bazaar was a comforting buzz in the background as Rose and her Starmates wove through the crowds. The ordinarily busy atmosphere was elevated to a kind of mercantile festival, humming with excitement for the coming era of renewal. Rose had a pretty comfortable buzz going herself. Today was a day for celebration: the 68th Striker Cluster had distinguished themselves in the fight to secure Clan Ghost Bear's corridor for Operation REVIVAL. Two days ago, Bravo Command Star had held the line against an assault Binary of the 225th Jaguar Battle Cluster before finally being reinforced by air assets. Though it had nearly ended in her Ebon Jaguar's destruction, Rose had taken three consecutive kills in single combat.

"And you finished with one foot on that Warhawk like a badass, ready to challenge the next asshole who dared step forward," Casey whooped, clapping Rose a little too hard on the shoulder. They were far more than merely buzzed, and they had already relived every moment of the day's combat many times. Very loudly. Directly in Rose's ear. Rose had a suspicion that Casey would attempt to make their way into Rose's bed for the night. In principle she wasn't opposed, but she preferred her partners to be less sloshed.

Pushi tugged Casey off Rose's shoulder and threw a sympathetic glance her way. "Casey, what about you? You took apart that Timber Wolf until there was nothing left. I heard the pilot had just won her Bloodname, too."

"Yeah, I hope there was enough left for her giftake!" Casey let themself be guided toward a fried food stall. Rose mouthed a "thank you" to Pushi and reminded herself to find something nice to give her later.

The Katyusha military starport peeked through a break in the awnings, only a couple miles away. Rose could just make out the bulbs of the DropShips waiting on the tarmac. Tomorrow, one of those ships would take her on a three-and-a-half-week journey home to Bearclaw. Upon arrival, she would only have a few days to prepare before being loaded on another DropShip--this time to depart for the Inner Sphere and glory.

Rose was already packed. Her few belongings fit into one wardrobe trunk and a single duffel bag. She had no affairs to settle on Bearclaw. That chapter of her life would close the moment she boarded the gangplank of her Trinary's Union-C. She would not rest on her laurels.

"You coming?"

Rose blinked. Wren Bekker, her commanding officer, was grinning at her side, along with the final member of Bravo Command, the taciturn Orchid. "Pushi found a stall with fried pickles. I have not had fried pickles since I was a child. My Den Mother let us try them on a trip to Strana Mechty to visit the Hall of Khans. You should try one, too."

Rose let herself smile back. "Of course, Star Commander. Lead the way." She turned away from the starport and followed Wren into the crowd, wondering what delicacies might await on Terra.

[scotianostra]

5th June 1916 saw the loss of “HMS Hampshire” off Marwick Head, Orkney, with the loss of hundreds of lives, including Lord Kitchener. Only 12 survived.

The true number of deaths from the sinking of HMS Hampshire 101 years ago has only recently been revealed by experts researching a definitive account of the tragedy. Twelve authors spent two years painstakingly researching the tragedy – which claimed the life of Lord Kitchener, of “Your Country Needs You” poster fame – and now put an accurate figure of 737 on the number of deaths, estimates of which have wildly fluctuated over the years. The figure is revealed in a book published in 2017, HMS Hampshire: A Century Of Myths And Mysteries Unravelled, which also looks at the truth behind other tales surrounding the sinking.

The Hampshire, an armoured cruiser, was en route from Orkney to Russia, taking Lord Kitchener, Secretary of State for War, on a secret mission to bolster support from the Tsar for the war when it hit a mine and sank.

The death of Kitchener had a profound impact on the country. “Very like President Kennedy or Princess Diana’s deaths in later years, everyone who was alive then would remember the moment they heard about Kitchener’s death And, much like Diana’s and Kennedy’s deaths, the demise of Kitchener attracted conspiracy theories.

Accusations of incomp­etence or collusion against the Admiralty have focused on the destruction of another ship, HM Drifter Laurel Crown, on 2 June, blown up by the same minefield laid by submarine U-75, and why the Hampshire was sent through a known danger zone. But authors of the book say the rumour comes from a simple misprint in an internal Admiralty document – the date of the destruction of the Laurel Crown should have read 22 June. Rumours that something sinister was afoot have also been fuelled by accounts from Orcadians claiming they were not allowed to assist in the rescue attempts and were even forcibly stopped by the military when they tried to intervene, but careful examination of what is still a sensitive subject in Orkney has revealed such stories are “almost certainly myth” with just two recorded incidents with some basis in fact. Many of the accounts come from Birsay, which was nearest to the stricken ship but not where rescue efforts were focused, in Sandwick, a few miles south of Marwick Head, where most bodies and survivors came ashore.

The second photo is the Kitchener Memorial at Birsay it is inscribed:

“This tower was raised by the people of Orkney in memory of Field Marshal Earl Kitchener of Khartoum on that corner of his country which he had served so faithfully nearest to the place where he died on duty. He and his staff perished along with the officers and nearly all the men of HMS Hampshire on 5 June 1916."

The tower was built in 1920 there is video of it’s unveiling ceremony here https://scotlandonscreen.org.uk/browse-films/007-000-002-399-c

[incrediblyfastfilms]

INVASION of the BODY SNATCHERS (1978) written by W.D. Richter (from the novel by Jack Finney) produced by Robert Solo directed by Philip Kaufman starring Donald Sutherland Brooke Adams Leonard Nimoy Jeff Goldblum Veronica Cartwright Art Hindle cinematography by Michael Chapman edited by Douglas Stewart music by Danny Zeitlin

JAWS (1975) written by Carl Gottlieb (from the novel by Peter Benchley) produced by Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown directed by Steven Spielberg starring Roy Scheider Robert Shaw Richard Dreyfus Lorraine Gary Murray Hamilton Carl Gottlieb cinematography by Bill Butler edited by Verna Fields music by John Williams

E r a s e r h e a d (1977) written, directed and produced by David Lynch starring Jack Nance Charlotte Stewart Allen Joseph Jeanne Bates Judith Roberts Laurel Near Jack Fisk cinematography by Frederick Elmes Herbert Caldwell edited by David Lynch sound design by Lynch w/ Alan Splet special effects by Lynch w/ Frederick Elmes

P s y c h o (1960) written by Joseph Stefano (from the novel by Robert Bloch) directed and produced by Alfred Hitchcock starring Anthony Perkins Vera Miles John Gavin Janet Leigh Martin Balsam Simon Oakland cinematography by John L. Russell edited by George Tomasini music by Bernard Hermann

A L I E N (1979) written by Dan O'Bannon (story by Dan O'Bannon and Ronald Sushett) directed by Ridley Scott produced by Gordon Carroll David Giler Walter Hill starring Tom Skerritt Sigourney Weaver Veronica Cartwright John Hurt Harry Dean Stanton Yaphet Kotto Ian Holm cinematography by Derek Vanlint edited by Terry Rawlings music by Jerry Goldsmith

John Carpenter's The THING (1982) written by Bill Lancaster (from the novella "Who Goes There?" by John W. Campbell) directed by John Carpenter produced by David Foster Lawrence Turman Wilbur Stark starring Kurt Russell A. Wilford Briley T.K. Carter David Clennon Keith David Richard Dysart Charles Hallahan Peter Maloney Richard Masur Donald Moffat Joel Polis Thomas Waites cinematography by Dean Cundey edited by Todd Ramsay music by Ennio Morricone

The Exorcist (1973) written by William Peter Blatty (from his novel) directed by William Friedkin produced by William Peter Blatty Noel Marshall David Salven starring Ellen Burstyn Max Von Sydow Jason Miller Lee J. Cobb Jack MacGowran Kitty Winn Mercedes McCambridge Linda Blair cinematography by Owen Roizman edited by Norman Gay Evan Lottman music by Jack Nitzche "Tubular Bells" by Mike Oldfield

R e p u l s i o n (1965) written by Roman Polanski Garard Brach screenplay adaptation by David Stone directed by Roman Polanski produced by Gene Gutowski starring Catherine Deneuve Ian Hendry John Fraser Peter Wymark Yvonne Furneaux cinematography by Gilbert Taylor edited by Alastair McIntyre music by Chico Hamilton

THE SHINING (1980) written by Diane Johnson Stanley Kubrick (from the novel by Stephen King) directed by Stanley Kubrick produced by Stanley Kubrick w/ Jan Harlan starring Jack Nicholson Shelley Duvall Danny Lloyd Scatman Crothers Barry Nelson Philip Stone Joe Turkel cinematography by John Alcott edited by Ray Lovejoy music by Wendy Carlos Rachel Elkind

Night of the Living Dead (1968) written by John Russo George A. Romero directed by George A. Romero produced by Karl Hardman Russell Streiner starring Duane Jones Judith O'Dea Karl Hardman Marilyn Eastman Keith Wayne Kyra Schon Judith Ridley cinematography by George A. Romero (uncr.) edited by George A. Romero (uncr.) Hugh Daly

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) written by James V. Hart (from the novel by Bram Stoker) directed by Francis Ford Coppola produced by Francis Ford Coppola Charles Mulvehill Fred Fuchs Michael Apted Robert O'Conner starring Gary Oldman Winona Ryder Anthony Hopkins Keanu Reeves Cary Elwes Richard E. Grant Billy Campbell Sadie Frost Monica Belluci Tom Waits cinematography by Michael Ballhaus edited by Anne Goursaud Glen Scantlebury Nicholas C. Smith music by Wojciech Kilar

TWIN PEAKS fire walk with me (1992) written by David Lynch Robert Engels (from the television series created by David Lynch and Mark Frost) directed by David Lynch produced by David Lynch Mark Frost Gregg Fienberg Johanna Ray John Wentworth starring Sheryl Lee Ray Wise Moira Kelly Grace Zabriskie Chris Isaak Kiefer Sutherland David Lynch Miguel Ferrer Harry Dean Stanton David Bowie Michael J. Anderson Frank Silva Al Strobel Jurgen Prochnow Dana Ashbrook James Marshall Frances Bay Catherine E. Coulson Kimberly Ann Cole Walter Olkewicz Lenny Von Dohlen Madchen Amick Peggy Lipton Julee Cruise Kyle Machlachlan cinematography by Ron Garcia edited by Mary Sweeney music by Angelo Badalamenti

Let the Right One In (2008) written by John Ajvide Lyndqvist (from his novel) directed by Tomas Alfredson produced by Frida Asp starring Kare Hedbrant Lina Leandersson Per Ragnar Henrik Dahl Ika Nord cinematography by Hoyte Van Hoytema edited by Tomas Alfredson Dino Jonsater music by Johan Soderqvist

W A R of the W O R L D S (2005) written by Josh Friedman David Koepp directed by Steven Spielberg produced by Kathleen Kennedy Damian Collier Paula Wagner Colin Wilson starring Tom Cruise Tim Robbins Dakota Fanning Miranda Otto Justin Chatwin Amy Ryan cinematography by Janusz Kaminski edited by Michael Kahn music by John Williams

Hannibal (2001) written by Steve Zaillian David Mamet directed by Ridley Scott produced by Martha De Laurentiis Dino De Laurentiis Ridley Scott starring Anthony Hopkins Julianne Moore Ray Liotta Gary Oldman Frankie Faison Giancarlo Giannini Francesca Neri Zeljko Ivanek Hazelle Goodman cinematography by John Mathieson editing by Pietro Scalia music by Hans Zimmer

The Hunger (1983) written by Ivan Davis Michael Thomas (from the novel by Whitley Strieber) directed by Tony Scott produced by Richard Shepherd starring Catherine Deneuve Susan Sarandon David Bowie Cliff De Young cinematography by Stephen Goldblatt edited by Pamela Power music by Michel Rubini Denny Jaeger

DON'T LOOK NOW (1973) written by Allan Scott Chris Bryant (based on the novella by Daphne Du Maurier) directed by Nicholas Roeg produced by Peter Katz starring Donald Sutherland Julie Christie Hilary Mason Clelia Matania Renato Scarpa cinematography by Anthony Richmond editing by Graeme Clifford music by Pino Donnagio

Prisoners (2013) written by Aaron Guzikowski directed by Denis Villeneuve produced by Broderick Johnson Kira Davis Andrew A. Kosove Adam Kolbrenner starring Jake Gylenhaal Hugh Jackman Maria Bello Viola Davis Melissa Leo Terrence Howard Paul Dano cinematography by Roger Deakins edited by Joel Cox Gary Roach music by Johann Johannsson

The Company of Wolves (1984) written by Neil Jordan Angela Carter (from the short story in Angela Carter's book "The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories") directed by Neil Jordan produced by Chris Brown Stephen Woolley starring Sarah Patterson David Warner Angela Lansbury Micha Bergese Stephen Rea cinematography by Bryan Loftus edited by Rodney Holland music by George Fenton

A Quiet Place (2018) written by Bryan Woods Scott Beck John Krasinski directed by John Krasinski produced by Michael Bay Andrew Form Brad Fuller starring Emily Blunt John Krasinski Millicent Simmonds Noah Jupe Cade Woodward cinematography by Charlotte Bruus Christensen edited by Christopher Tellefsen music by Marco Beltrami

W O R L D W A R Z (2013) written by Matthew Michael Carnahan Drew Goddard & Damon Lindelof (from the novel novel by Max Brooks) directed by Marc Forster produced by Brad Pitt Dede Gardner Jeremy Kleiner Ian Bryce starring Brad Pitt Mireille Enos Daniella Kertesz James Badge Dale Peter Capaldi Pierfrancesco Favino Ludi Boeken Matthew Fox Fana Mokoena David Morse cinematography by Ben Seresin edited by Roger Barton Matt Chesse music by Marco Beltrami

LOST H i g h w a y (1997) written by David Lynch Barry Gifford directed by David Lynch produced by Mary Sweeney Tom Sternberg Deepak Nayar starring Bill Pullman Patricia Arquette Balthazar Getty Natasha Gregson Wagner Robert Loggia Robert Blake Michael Massee Jack Nance Henry Rollins Gary Busey cinematography by Peter Deming edited by Mary Sweeney music by Angelo Badalamenti

N e a r D a r k (1987) written by Kathryn Bigelow Eric Red directed by Kathryn Bigelow produced by Edward S. Feldman Steven-Charles Jaffe Charles Meeker starring Adrian Pasdar Jenny Wright Lance Henriksen Bill Paxton Jenette Goldstein Tim Thomerson cinematography by Adam Greenberg edited by Howard Smith music by Tangerine Dream

S e c o n d s (1966) written by Lewis John Carlino (from the novel by David Ely) directed by John Frankenheimer produced by John Frankenheimer Edward Lewis starring Rock Hudson Salome Jens John Randolph Will Geer Jeff Corey Murray Hamilton Frances Reid cinemtography by Tak Fujimoto edited by David Newhouse Ferris Webster music by Jerry Goldsmith

Nosferatu The Vampyre (1979) written by Werner Herzog w/ Tom Shachtman Martje Grohmann directed by Werner Herzog produced by Walter Saxer Werner Herzog Michael Gruskoff starring Klaus Kinski Isabelle Adjani Bruno Ganz Roland Topor Walter Landengast Martje Grohmann cinematography by Jorg Schmidt-Reitwein edited by Beate Mainka-Jellinghaus music by Florian Fricke Popol Vuh

30 DAYS of NIGHT (2007) written by Steve Niles Stuart Beattie Brian Nelson (from the graphic novel by Steve Niles Ben Templesmith) directed by David Slade produced by Sam Raimi Robert Tapert starring Josh Hartnett Melissa George Danny Huston Ben Foster Mark Boone Jr. Amber Sainsbury Megan Franich Manu Bennett cinematography by Jo Willems edited by Art Jones music by Brian Reitzell

f r e a k s (1932) written by Willis Goldbleck Leon Gordon (from the short story "Spurs" by Tod Robbins) directed and produced by Tod Browning starring Wallace Ford Leila Hyams Olga Baclanova Roscoe Ates cinematography by Merritt B. Gerstad edited by Basil Wrangell

the M i s t (2007) written and directed by Frank Darabont (from the novella by Stephen King) produced by Frank Darabont Martin Shefer Liz Glotzer starring Thomas Jane Laurie Holden Marcia Gay Hardin Andre Braugher Toby Jones William Sadler Frances Sternhagen Jeffrey DeMunn cinematography by Rohn Schmidt edited by Hunter M. Via music by Mark Isham

Invasion of the BODY SNATCHERS (1956) written by Daniel Mainwaring (from the novel by Jack Finney) directed by Don Siegel produced by Walter Wanger starring Kevin McCarthy Dana Wynter Larry Gates King Donovan Carolyn Jones Jean Willes Ralph Dumke cinematography by Ellsworth Fredericks edited by Robert S. Eisen music by Carmen Dragon

[snehagoogle]

The first from the sun

The first from the sun

And also news of the solar system

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

The first from the sun

And also news of the solar system

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

Was the planet Mercury

Where it revolves around Mars

Without colliding here

Residence near the sun

Without colliding here

Residence near the sun

Was the planet Mercury

Where it revolves around Mars

Without colliding here

Residence near the sun

Without colliding here

Residence near the sun

The first from the sun

And also news of the solar system

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

The first from the sun

And also news of the solar system

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

More than 4 billion years have passed

And more will pass

Even today Mercury is after the sun

The beginning of the solar system remains intact

Even today Mercury is after the sun

The beginning of the solar system remains intact

More than 4 billion years have passed

And more will pass

Even today Mercury is after the sun

The beginning of the solar system remains intact

Even today Mercury is after the sun

The beginning of the solar system remains intact

The first from the sun

And also news of the solar system

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

The first from the sun

And also news of the solar system

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

Our present-day Mercury was about 1.5 astronomical units away from the Sun

Which was the first planet of the solar system

Mercury's present-day distance from the Sun is 0.4 astronomical units path

Meaning 36 million miles away from the Sun

If Mercury can reach 0.4 astronomical units path out of the distance of 1.5 astronomical units

Then can Mercury ever merge with the Sun?

It is possible on a very long scale that mercury might interact with other planets and its orbit change so that it hits the Sun. But we're talking billions of years. It's not going to happen anytime soon.16 Jan 2020

Mercury's Strange Hollows

NASA Science (.gov)

https://science.nasa.gov › mercurys-strange-hollows

17 Oct 2023

For decades, scientists have been puzzling over strange hollows on Mercury’s surface, thousands of peculiar depressions at a variety of longitudes and latitudes, ranging in size from 60 feet to more than a mile across (18-1,600 meters), and depths of 80 feet or more (24 meters). No one knows how they got there.

And while none are as spooky as the Sleepy Hollow of Washington Irving’s legend, Mercury’s hollows are just as mysterious and, so far, seen nowhere else in the universe. 

“There’s essentially no atmosphere on Mercury,” said planetary geologist David Blewett, of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland. “With no atmosphere, wind doesn’t blow and rain doesn’t fall, so the hollows weren’t carved by wind or water. Other forces must be at work.”

Mercury, the smallest planet in the solar system and closest to the Sun, is battered by heat, radiation, and solar wind; its extreme temperatures range from 800°F (430°C) on the sunny side, to as low as -290°F (-180°C) on the night side. It’s slightly larger, and similar to our Moon – airless, rocky, and peppered with impact craters large and small – but Mercury has rarely been visited by spacecraft, and retains many of its secrets.

Scientists got their first tantalizing glimpses of the hollows when the Mariner 10 probe flew past Mercury in the 1970s, and captured low-resolution shots of curious bright areas in some craters. 

NASA returned to the small planet with the MESSENGER mission, which first flew past Mercury in 2008, then settled into orbit in 2011.

That spacecraft circled the planet more than 4,000 times in four years, collecting hundreds of thousands of images and other data, and giving researchers new insights into this little-explored world. Mariner had cataloged less than half the planet’s surface during its brief visits 40 years earlier.

The first from the sun

And also news of the solar system

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

The first from the sun

And also news of the solar system

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

Was the planet Mercury

Where it revolves around Mars

Without colliding here

Residence near the sun

Without colliding here

Residence near the sun

Was the planet Mercury

Where it revolves around Mars

Without colliding here

Residence near the sun

Without colliding here

Residence near the sun

The first from the sun

And also news of the solar system

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

The first from the sun

And also news of the solar system

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

More than 4 billion years have passed

And more will pass

Even today Mercury is after the sun

The beginning of the solar system remains intact

Even today Mercury is after the sun

The beginning of the solar system remains intact

More than 4 billion years have passed

And more will pass

Even today Mercury is after the sun

The beginning of the solar system remains intact

Even today Mercury is after the sun

The beginning of the solar system remains intact

The first from the sun

And also news of the solar system

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

The first from the sun

And also news of the solar system

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

That is the planet Mercury

The first egg-shaped orbiter

Translate Hindi

सूरज में से पहला

और सौरमंडल की भी समाचार

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

सूरज में से पहला

और सौरमंडल की भी समाचार

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

कहा गया है वो बुध ग्रह

थे जहां वो मंगल के आसपास

बिना टकराए आ चुका यहां

धरती शुक्र पार सूरज के पास निवास

बिना टकराए आ चुका यहां

धरती शुक्र पार सूरज के पास निवास

कहा गया है वो बुध ग्रह

थे जहां वो मंगल के आसपास

बिना टकराए आ चुका यहां

धरती शुक्र पार सूरज के पास निवास

बिना टकराए आ चुका यहां

धरती शुक्र पार सूरज के पास निवास

सूरज में से पहला

और सौरमंडल की भी समाचार

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

सूरज में से पहला

और सौरमंडल की भी समाचार

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

बीत चुका 4 से भी ज्यादा अरब वर्ष

बीत भी जाएगा आगे और

आज भी सूरज के बाद बुध ग्रह

सौरमंडल की शुरू ही बरकरार

आज भी सूरज के बाद बुध ग्रह

सौरमंडल की शुरू ही बरकरार

बीत चुका 4 से भी ज्यादा अरब वर्ष

बीत भी जाएगा आगे और

आज भी सूरज के बाद बुध ग्रह

सौरमंडल की शुरू ही बरकरार

आज भी सूरज के बाद बुध ग्रह

सौरमंडल की शुरू ही बरकरार

सूरज में से पहला

और सौरमंडल की भी समाचार

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

सूरज में से पहला

और सौरमंडल की भी समाचार

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

लगभग 1.5 खगोलीय इकाइयाँ दूर थे सूरज में से आज की हमारी बुध ग्रह

जो सौरमंडल की सबसे पहले वाली शुरूआती ग्रह

जो बुध ग्रह की आज की दूरी सूरज में से 0.4 खगोलीय इकाइयाँ पथ

मतलब 36 मिलियन मील दूर सूरज में से

अगर बुध ग्रह 1.5 खगोलीय इकाइयाँ दूर की दूरी में से 0.4 खगोलीय इकाइयाँ पथ दूर तक पहुंच सकता है

तो क्या कभी बुध ग्रह सूर्य में विलीन हो सकता है

यह बहुत लंबे पैमाने पर संभव है कि बुध अन्य ग्रहों के साथ संपर्क करे और इसकी कक्षा बदल जाए ताकि यह सूर्य से टकरा जाए। लेकिन हम अरबों वर्षों की बात कर रहे हैं। ऐसा जल्द ही नहीं होने वाला है।16 जनवरी 2020

बुध के अजीबोगरीब खोखले

NASA विज्ञान (.gov)

https://science.nasa.gov › mercurys-strange-hollows

17 अक्टूबर 2023

दशकों से, वैज्ञानिक बुध की सतह पर अजीबोग���ीब खोखलेपन, विभिन्न देशांतरों और अक्षांशों पर हज़ारों अजीबोगरीब अवसादों को लेकर उलझन में हैं, जिनका आकार 60 फ़ीट से लेकर एक मील से ज़्यादा (18-1,600 मीटर) तक है और गहराई 80 फ़ीट या उससे ज़्यादा (24 मीटर) है। कोई नहीं जानता कि वे वहाँ कैसे पहुँचे।

और जबकि कोई भी वाशिंगटन इरविंग की किंवदंती के स्लीपी हॉलो जितना डरावना नहीं है, बुध के खोखले उतने ही रहस्यमय हैं और अब तक ब्रह्मांड में कहीं और नहीं देखे गए हैं।

लॉरेल, मैरीलैंड में जॉन्स हॉपकिंस यूनिवर्सिटी एप्लाइड फिजिक्स लेबोरेटरी (एपीएल) के ग्रह भूविज्ञानी डेविड ब्लेवेट ने कहा, "बुध पर मूल रूप से कोई वायुमंडल नहीं है।" "वायुमंडल न होने के कारण, हवा नहीं चलती और बारिश नहीं होती, इसलिए गड्ढे हवा या पानी से नहीं बने हैं। अन्य ताकतें काम कर रही होंगी।" सौरमंडल का सबसे छोटा ग्रह और सूर्य के सबसे करीब स्थित बुध ग्रह गर्मी, विकिरण और सौर हवा से प्रभावित होता है; इसका चरम तापमान धूप वाले हिस्से में 800°F (430°C) से लेकर रात वाले हिस्से में -290°F (-180°C) तक होता है। यह थोड़ा बड़ा है, और हमारे चंद्रमा के समान है - वायुहीन, चट्टानी, और बड़े और छोटे प्रभाव वाले गड्ढों से भरा हुआ - लेकिन बुध पर शायद ही कभी अंतरिक्ष यान गए हों, और इसके कई रहस्य बरकरार हैं। वैज्ञानिकों को इन खोखलों की पहली आकर्षक झलक तब मिली जब मेरिनर 10 जांच 1970 के दशक में बुध के पास से गुज़री और कुछ क्रेटरों में उत्सुक उज्ज्वल क्षेत्रों के कम-रिज़ॉल्यूशन वाले शॉट्स कैप्चर किए।

नासा मेसेंजर मिशन के साथ छोटे ग्रह पर वापस लौटा, जिसने पहली बार 2008 में बुध के पास से उड़ान भरी, फिर 2011 में कक्षा में स्थापित हुआ।

उस अंतरिक्ष यान ने चार वर्षों में ग्रह की 4,000 से अधिक बार परिक्रमा की, सैकड़ों हज़ारों छवियाँ और अन्य डेटा एकत्र किए, और शोधकर्ताओं को इस कम-अन्वेषित दुनिया के बारे में नई जानकारी दी। मेरिनर ने 40 साल पहले अपनी संक्षिप्त यात्राओं के दौरान ग्रह की आधी से भी कम सतह को सूचीबद्ध किया था।

सूरज में से पहला

और सौरमंडल की भी समाचार

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

सूरज में से पहला

और सौरमंडल की भी समाचार

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

कहा गया है वो बुध ग्रह

थे जहां वो मंगल के आसपास

बिना टकराए आ चुका यहां

धरती शुक्र पार सूरज के पास निवास

बिना टकराए आ चुका यहां

धरती शुक्र पार सूरज के पास निवास

कहा गया है वो बुध ग्रह

थे जहां वो मंगल के आसपास

बिना टकराए आ चुका यहां

धरती शुक्र पार सूरज के पास निवास

बिना टकराए आ चुका यहां

धरती शुक्र पार सूरज के पास निवास

सूरज में से पहला

और सौरमंडल की भी समाचार

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

सूरज में से पहला

और सौरमंडल की भी समाचार

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

बीत चुका 4 से भी ज्यादा अरब वर्ष

बीत भी जाएगा आगे और

आज भी सूरज के बाद बुध ग्रह

सौरमंडल की शुरू ही बरकरार

आज भी सूरज के बाद बुध ग्रह

सौरमंडल की शुरू ही बरकरार

बीत चुका 4 से भी ज्यादा अरब वर्ष

बीत भी जाएगा आगे और

आज भी सूरज के बाद बुध ग्रह

सौरमंडल की शुरू ही बरकरार

आज भी सूरज के बाद बुध ग्रह

सौरमंडल की शुरू ही बरकरार

सूरज में से पहला

और सौरमंडल की भी समाचार

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

सूरज में से पहला

और सौरमंडल की भी समाचार

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

वो तो है वो बुध ग्रह

सबसे पहला जो अंडे सा ऑर्बिटर

[chrancecriber]

Chilltrax (June 30, 2023)

23:58 Tep No Feat. Starzun - Hold Me 23:54 Vandelux - All I've Ever Known 23:54 C H I L L T R A X - Like Lobster Straight Out Of The Sink! 23:49 Valante - Eio 23:46 Cannons - Loving You 23:42 Telepopmusik, Juicy Cola - Breathe (Juicy Cola Remix) 23:37 Zaven - Voliere Amplitude 23:33 Jos & Eli & Eli & Fur - Riffs Of The Night 23:33 C H I L L T R A X - Street Life Worlds Cc 23:28 Alison Goldfrapp - The Beat Divine 23:23 Kraak & Smaak Feat. Izo Fitzroy - Twilight 23:19 Leaving Laurel - The Family We Find 23:16 Elderbrook & Tourist - Howl (Chill Mix) 23:16 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Cymbal Roll Bass 23:12 Lipless & Blue Noir - Alone 23:09 Attlas & Jodie Knight - Used To The Silence 23:04 Ghenwa Nemnom - Story Of A Battle (Chris Zippel Remix) 22:59 Zhu & Yuna - Sky Is Crying 22:59 C H I L L T R A X - Something I Should Tell You 22:56 George Fitzgerald & Syml - Mother 22:52 Everything But The Girl - Caution To The Wind 22:48 Attom - Distant Memories 22:44 Pableno - Heights 22:40 Autograf - Sleepless In Nyc (Extended Mix) 22:40 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Moon Boots 22:37 Jan Blomqvist - Carry On (Earthlife Remix) 22:34 Lapsley - 32 Floors 22:30 Logic1000 - 21 22:25 Booka Shade & Satin Jackets - Fusion Royale 22:21 Xixi Feat. Kwesi - Close To U 22:21 C H I L L T R A X - Chilltrax - Chill Out Piano 22:18 Dye O - Simply Be Here 22:14 Drama - Don't Hold Back 22:11 R Plus & Faithless Feat. Amelia Fox - Let's Just Have Some Fun 22:07 Flexible Fire - Costa Serena 22:03 Boehm - Who You Are 22:03 C H I L L T R A X - Slurry Toh 21:59 Avira & Nicholas Gunn - Sensing You 21:54 Two Lanes - Movement 21:50 Lp Giobbi Feat. Dj Tennis & Joseph Ashworth - All In A Dream 21:46 False Intentions - Good Liar 21:43 Melosense - Lost In Gruvv 21:43 C H I L L T R A X - Wonderful Tan! 21:39 Kx5 & Sofi Tukker - Sacrifice (St Mix) 21:34 Tycho Feat. Saint Sinner - Japan (Chilltrax Mix) 21:31 Dex 1200 - Ongea Nami 21:26 Above & Beyond & Marty Longstaff - Gratitude (Aname Pm Mix) 21:23 Farius - Coming Up (Hold On) (Dokho Remix) 21:23 C H I L L T R A X - Organ The Chillout Channel 21:19 Jones Meadow - Paint 21:13 Maya Jane Coles Feat .chelou - Never Asked For Much 21:10 London Grammar - How Does It Feel 21:05 Il:lo - Cynnes 21:01 Heard Right Feat. Phoebe Tsen - Pulling Me Under 20:56 Wassu & Mimi Page - Within Me 20:56 C H I L L T R A X - Escape The Noise 20:53 Vintage & Morelli - Once Upon A World 20:48 Lamorn - Olsen After Midnight 20:43 Darius Feat. Wayne Snow - Apology 20:38 Nils Hoffmann Feat. Julia Church - 9 Days 20:35 Dreem - Miles Away 20:29 Roisin Murphy - Incapable 20:29 C H I L L T R A X - Musique Nonstop 20:25 Feiertag - Didn't Know Why (You Lost Your Soul) 20:20 Royksopp Feat. Astrid S - Let's Get It Right 20:16 Sons Of Maria - Outbound 20:12 Emmit Fenn & Shallou - Hollow 20:11 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Bassy Dr 20:08 Xixi & Hildur Ottilia - Don't Worry 20:05 Embrz Feat. Abroad - Rise 20:00 Blank & Jones - Floatation 19:56 Blonde Maze - When You Move 19:52 Satin Jackets Feat. Mandy Jones - In This Life 19:52 C H I L L T R A X - Jimpster 1 19:48 Chris Malinchak - Control 19:43 Trilucid - Cheyenne (Extended Sunset Mix) 19:38 Classic Unknwn & Lipless - Be With You 19:34 Rocket Empire - Astoria 19:30 Kelela - Contact 19:30 C H I L L T R A X - Comes To Chill Out 19:27 Fløa (Floa) - Pictures Of You 19:23 Circle Sky - Love Hertz 19:18 Above And Beyond - Sun In Your Eyes (William Orbit Remix) 19:13 Alex Lo Faro - Move With Me 19:13 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Freesound 19:10 London Grammar - Lose Your Head 19:05 Chicane & The Mannequin - Summer In E Major 19:02 Jones Meadow - Expect 18:58 Kidnap Feat. Leo Stannard - Moments (Ben Bohmer Nils Hoffmann Remix) 18:57 C H I L L T R A X - Fresh And Fascinating 18:53 Monolink - Turning Away (Parra For Cuva Remix) 18:48 Sg Lewis - Lifetime 18:43 Nicolas Godin Feat. Cola Boyy - The Foundation 18:39 Duckmaw - Distant Worlds 18:35 Beacon - Im U 18:35 C H I L L T R A X - Scratch Toh (Freesound) Chilltrax 18:30 Heard Right & Oracle - There For You 18:27 Mango & Cloudcage - More Than This 18:23 Ran The Man - Swimmingpool 18:20 Lp Giobbi Feat. Caroline Byrne - Another Life 18:16 Elderbrook - The End 18:16 C H I L L T R A X - Worldschilloutchannnel Orbit 18:13 Finding Mero - In Loving Memories 18:09 Zimmer Feat. Panama - Make It Happen 18:05 Sons Of Maria - Lake Tahoe 18:01 Woven - Brushes 17:58 Olan - Wake And Return (Little Dragon Remix) 17:58 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Rocket Empire 17:52 Rüfüs Du Sol - See You Again 17:49 Sum Wave - It Feels Like Summer 17:45 Royksopp Feat. Astrid S - Just Wanted To Know 17:42 Satin Jackets Feat. Tailor - Somewhere In Paradise 17:38 Tycho - Into The Woods 17:38 C H I L L T R A X - See That The Humans Are Entertained 17:33 Eli & Fur - Better In The Dark 17:29 53 Thieves - Heights 17:26 Flexible Fire - Amatista 17:22 Drama - 3am 17:17 Nicholas Gunn Feat. Chris Howard - Thought Of You 17:17 C H I L L T R A X - E-chilled-music 17:12 Two Lanes - Ascend 17:07 Braxe Falcon - Step By Step (Amtrac Remix) 17:02 Ry X & Olafur Arnalds - Oceans 16:57 Volen Sentir & Makebo - Into The Stars 16:56 Bonobo Feat. Jordan Rakei - Shadows 12:15 Pines Feat. Fractures - Rewrite The Ending 12:11 Sultan Shepard - Sirens 12:08 Rezident - Wellenlainge 12:08 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Bassy Dr 12:03 Chicane & The Mannequin - Summer In E Major 11:58 Chris Malinchak - Saving My Love 11:55 Attom - Where Are We Going 11:53 Cannons - Hurricane 11:49 Everything But The Girl - Forever 11:49 C H I L L T R A X - Like Lobster Straight Out Of The Sink! 11:45 Shingo Nakamura - Focus 11:41 Kx5 & Sofi Tukker - Sacrifice (St Mix) 11:37 Fabio Vee & Mike D' Jais - Consolation 11:32 Cahelo - Bananaquit (Mass Digital Extended Remix) 11:28 Sound Quelle & Tailor - Where We Should Be 11:28 C H I L L T R A X - The Chillout Channel Redux 11:23 Alex Lo Faro - Move With Me 11:19 Ross Quinn - Away With Me 11:16 Giants' Nest - Flower Burst 11:12 Satin Jackets & Panama - Alive 11:12 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Freesound 11:07 Deep Sound Effect Feat. Svetlana Voice - Dreaming About You (Dj Aristocrat Remix) 11:03 Sons Of Maria - Lake Tahoe 10:59 Leaving Laurel - The Family We Find 10:55 Session Victim - The Pain 10:55 C H I L L T R A X - Listen To This! 10:51 George Fitzgerald & Syml - Mother 10:46 Royksopp & Susanne Sundfor - Oh, Lover (Nto Remix) 10:43 Feiertag Feat. Tessa Rose Jackson - Riptide 10:38 Zaven - Voliere Amplitude 10:33 Way Out West Feat. Liu Bei - Oceans 10:33 C H I L L T R A X - Scratch Toh (Freesound) Chilltrax 10:29 Morgin Madison & Ryan Lucian - From The Start (Mm Chill Remix) 10:26 Beacon - Pay My Debts 10:21 Lamorn - Olsen After Midnight 10:16 Sao Miguel Feat. Sebastian Reynoso - Hope In Balance (Wisternoff-grant Remix) 10:13 Jones Meadow & Clara Mendes - Em Baixo 10:13 C H I L L T R A X - Escape The Noise 10:10 Dreem - Miles Away 10:06 Shallou & Daya - Older 10:01 Braxe Falcon - Step By Step (Amtrac Remix) 09:56 Emi Ca - Just Breathe 09:52 Liz Cass - Blue 09:52 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Rocket Empire 09:47 Eli & Fur - Carbon 09:44 Flexible Fire - Costa Serena 09:40 Khotin & Tess Roby - Fountain, Growth 09:37 Lp Giobbi Feat. Caroline Byrne - Another Life 09:33 Thievery Corporation - Guidance 09:33 C H I L L T R A X - No Sticky Fingers 09:29 Reel People & Paula - Vibe (Moods Remix) 09:24 Mazoulew Feat. Bonnie Wylde - Circles 09:21 Dex 1200 - Ongea Nami 09:18 Tep No & Noak Hellsing - I Won’t Need You 09:13 Arley & Sirolf - One Day 09:12 C H I L L T R A X - Backward Rvb Where World Comes 09:09 Attlas & Jodie Knight - Used To The Silence 09:05 Pines Feat. Water Park - Tell Me 09:00 Il:lo - Cynnes 08:57 Melosense - Can't Replace You 08:52 Max Cooper - A Model Of Reality (Tor Remix) 08:51 C H I L L T R A X - Street Life Worlds Cc 08:47 Forty Cats & Arentis - Zen 08:43 Satin Jackets Feat. Tailor - Somewhere In Paradise 08:38 Washed Out - Eyes Be Closed 08:35 Lost In Pacific & Hanging Valleys - Escape 08:32 Dye O - Simply Be Here 08:27 Alampa - Caravan 08:26 C H I L L T R A X - Musique Nonstop 08:23 Feiertag - Didn't Know Why (You Lost Your Soul) 08:19 Nils Hoffmann Feat. Gordi - No One Else 08:16 Holen - Breathe 08:13 London Grammar - Metal & Dust 08:12 C H I L L T R A X - Industrial 08:09 R Plus & Faithless Feat. Amelia Fox - Let's Just Have Some Fun 08:05 Tycho Feat. Rum.gold - Run Away 08:01 Jones Meadow - Shackles 07:56 Steven Weston Feat. Lapsley - Like I Used To 07:52 Elderbrook - Wasted On You 07:52 C H I L L T R A X - Well How Ya Like It? Terrific! 07:47 Bonsaye - Viaje 07:44 Cannons - Loving You 07:40 Boerd - 2far 07:36 Pableno - Heights 07:32 R Plus & Faithless Feat. Amelia Fox - It's Enough (The Last High) 07:32 C H I L L T R A X - Twcc Chill Chill Chill Chilltrax 07:27 Monolink - Turning Away (Parra For Cuva Remix) 07:24 Drama - Hold On (Rezident Remix) 07:19 Ghenwa Nemnom - Story Of A Battle (Chris Zippel Remix) 07:14 Mozez & Tim Angrave - Head Full Of Dreams 07:14 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Cymbal Roll Bass 07:11 Alex Hook Feat. Rene - You Showed Me 07:05 Maya Jane Coles Feat .chelou - Never Asked For Much 07:01 Arto - Para Mi 06:56 Sons Of Maria - Close To Me 06:55 C H I L L T R A X - Haven't Even Rinsed! 06:51 Alex Lo Faro - Move With Me 06:46 Sound Quelle Feat. Daniel Robinson - Tempest 06:42 Tagavaka - Oxygen 06:39 Aftruu - Falling Asleep 06:34 Moon Boots Feat. Nic Hanson - Keep The Faith 06:34 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Moon Boots 06:30 Eli & Fur - Better In The Dark 06:26 Fkj Feat. Little Dragon - Can't Stop 06:22 Sum Wave - Evening Mood 06:17 Alison Goldfrapp - The Beat Divine 06:13 Reel People & Muhsinah - Something New (Kraak & Smaak Remix) 06:12 C H I L L T R A X - The Chillout Channel, Chilltrax 06:09 Holen - Healing 06:05 Two Lanes Feat. Kwesi - Another Time 06:02 Xixi & Hildur Ottilia - Don't Worry 05:57 Above And Beyond - Sun In Your Eyes (William Orbit Remix) 05:54 53 Thieves - Waves 05:54 C H I L L T R A X - Slurry Toh 05:49 Alampa - Lush Dance 05:46 Chill Cole - Liquid Life 05:42 Nils Hoffmann Feat. Malou - About You 05:38 Booka Shade & Satin Jackets - Fusion Royale 05:33 Chris Malinchak - Photograph 05:33 C H I L L T R A X - See That The Humans Are Entertained 05:30 Fløa (Floa) - Pictures Of You 05:26 Kaskade - Find Love 05:22 Rocket Empire - Astoria 05:16 Attlas Feat. Mango - Over The Water 05:13 Vandelux - All I've Ever Known 05:13 C H I L L T R A X - Escape 2 Music 05:09 Approaching Black - Sensitive 05:04 Chicane & The Mannequin - Summer In E Major 05:00 Hausman & Lumynesynth - Faded 04:56 Duckmaw - Distant Worlds 04:51 Blonde Maze - Night Light (Hessian Remix) 04:48 Everything But The Girl - Run A Red Light 04:48 C H I L L T R A X - Be Svendsen World Comes 04:44 Bonsaye - Kismet 04:41 Elderbrook & Tourist - Howl (Chill Mix) 04:38 Catz 'n Dogz Feat. Jaw - Time 04:33 Kelela - Enough For Love 04:29 Alex V - Cristal Shore 04:25 Shallou Feat.wales - Begin 04:25 C H I L L T R A X - Come Along Children - Need To Chill Out 04:20 Heard Right & Oracle - There For You 04:16 Farius - A Big Life (Sound Quelle Remix) 04:13 Jones Meadow - Expect 04:08 Ferr By Ferry Corsten And Rich Walters - Limbo 04:08 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Bassy Dr 04:04 Sons Of Maria - Lake Tahoe 03:59 Eli & Fur - You And I 03:56 Flexible Fire - Costa Serena 03:53 Leisure Feat. Muroki - Summer Season 03:48 Evelynka - Letting Go 03:48 C H I L L T R A X - Bugs B Gone 03:44 Electronic Bodyguards - Stronger (Pete Herbert Remix) 03:41 Afterlife - All I Wanted 03:36 Pines Feat. Akacia - History 03:33 Melosense - Nous 03:29 Morcheeba - The Moon (Kutiman Remix - Version B) 03:29 C H I L L T R A X - Worldschilloutchannnel Orbit 03:25 False Intentions - Good Liar 03:22 Sault - Wildfires 03:18 Sum Wave - Milkyway 03:15 George Fitzgerald & Syml - Mother 03:15 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Freesound 03:09 Pilots Of Peace - Fallin 03:04 Braxe Falcon - Step By Step (Amtrac Remix) 03:00 Il:lo - Ink 02:56 Flume Feat. Emma Louise - Hollow (Logic1000 Remix) 02:56 C H I L L T R A X - Scratch Toh (Freesound) Chilltrax 02:52 Satin Jackets Feat. Tailor - Relapse 02:49 Finding Mero - In Loving Memories 02:46 Blonde Maze - Daydream (Otherwise Fine Remix) 02:41 Lamorn - Olsen After Midnight 02:38 Passenger 10 - All I Have 02:38 C H I L L T R A X - Something I Should Tell You 02:34 Jan Blomqvist & Malou - Alone 02:30 Darius & Amaria - Faded 02:25 Volen Sentir & Makebo - Into The Stars 02:20 Odesza Feat. Olafur Arnalds - Light Of Day (Parra For Cuva Remix) 02:17 Farius - Coming Up (Hold On) (Dokho Remix) 02:17 C H I L L T R A X - Chilltrax - Chill Out Piano 02:12 Vincenzo - You Knew 02:09 Attlas & Jodie Knight - Used To The Silence 02:04 Elderbrook & Emmit Fenn - I’ll Find My Way To You 02:00 Fakear - Crystal 01:56 Alampa - The One 01:52 Wassu & Mimi Page - Within Me 01:52 C H I L L T R A X - The Interstellar Chillout Channel 01:47 Flexible Fire - La Cumbre 01:44 Lp Giobbi Feat. Caroline Byrne - Another Life 01:40 Parra For Cuva Feat. Kyson & Beau Diako - Ordel 01:36 Jean Vayat & Evelynka - My Soul 01:32 Dye O - Simply Be Here 01:27 Royksopp - Compulsion 01:27 C H I L L T R A X - Cleanliness Don't You Agree 01:23 Kx5 & Sofi Tukker - Sacrifice (St Mix) 01:19 Vandelux - Tulum 01:16 Tomb - Unbound 01:12 Tennyson - Iron 01:12 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Rocket Empire 01:08 R Plus & Faithless Feat. Amelia Fox - Let's Just Have Some Fun 01:03 Sons Of Maria - Are You 01:00 Sum Wave - It Feels Like Summer 00:55 Two Lanes - Never Enough 00:51 Eli & Fur - Where I Find My Mind 00:51 C H I L L T R A X - Like Lobster Straight Out Of The Sink! 00:47 Reel People & Paula - Vibe (Moods Remix) 00:44 Drama - Dark Rain 00:39 Blank & Jones - Floatation 00:36 Satin Jackets & Panama - The Future 00:36 C H I L L T R A X - Escape The Noise 00:31 Morgin Madison & Ryan Lucian - From The Start (Mm Chill Remix) 00:27 Circle Sky - Your Name 00:24 Rocket Empire - Lima 00:20 Fløa (Floa) - Pictures Of You 00:20 C H I L L T R A X - Industrial 00:17 Tep No - Deep Sin 00:12 Maya Jane Coles Feat. Chelou - Never Asked For Much 00:08 Flexible Fire - Costa Serena 00:03 Meeting Molly - Gerda 00:03 C H I L L T R A X - Jimpster 1 00:00 Alampa - Seesaw Season

[sandyhookhistory]

Twenty Years Ago, Today, To The Minute.... Saturday, February 1st, 2003, c. 0900 hrs (Eastern Standard Time), over Texas... The Space Shuttle "Columbia" is returning home from her mission, which began 17 days earlier on January 17th, when she took off from Kennedy Space Center, in Florida. Due to damage received upon lift-off, her heat shield on her left wing has been compromised. Due to the extreme forces received upon reentering earth's atmosphere, the shuttle disintegrates at about 7.5 miles up, killing all seven members of her crew. They Are: Commander Richard D. Husband; Colonel, US Air Force; Age 45 Pilot William C. McCool; Commander, US Navy; 41 Payload Commander/Mission Specialist Michael P. Anderson; Lieutenant Colonel, US Air Force; 43 Mission Specialist David M. Brown; Captain, US Navy; 46 Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla; Aerospace Engineer; 40 Mission Specialist Laurel B. Clark; Captain, US Navy; 41 and Mission Specialist Ilan Ramon; Colonel, Israeli Air Force; 48. They Are Not, Nor Will Ever Be, Forgotten 🇺🇲🇮🇱 🌌🌌🌌🌌🌌🌌🌌🌌🌌🌌🌌🌌🌌🌌🌌🌌🌌 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 Photos: 1, cnn.com, text added to by Sandy_Hook_History 20230201; 2, PubDom: 3, space.com #visitmonmouth #newjerseybuzz #thejournalnj #locallivingnj #journeythroughjersey #onlyinnewjersey #njspots #centraljerseyexists #discovernj #yesnj #newjerseyhistory #newjerseyforyou #sandyhookbeach #sandyhooknj #sandyhookhistory #forthancockhistory #forthancock #spaceshuttlecolumbia #sts107 #20thanniversary #neverforgotten #saytheirnames #spaceprogram #spacerace #spaceshuttles #wewillneverforgetthem #slippedthesurlybondsofearth #ournationgrieveswithyou #thefinalfrontier (at Fort Hancock, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoH1HatA98j/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[veruz29]

Crosby, Stills & Nash co-founder David Crosby dies aged 81

David Crosby, who was active in the bohemian Laurel Canyon scene in the 1970s and brought folk-rock to the mainstream with The Byrds, Crosby and Stills & Nash, has died at the age of 81. His publicist confirmed the artist's death to his NPR. At the time of writing this report, no cause of death has been given.

Crosby has long suffered from serious health problems, including multiple heart attacks, diabetes, and hepatitis C, which he underwent a liver transplant in 1994. Despite these challenges, experienced musicians have enjoyed a creative hot phase in recent years. Between 2014 and 2021, he added five solo albums to his catalog and two groups of collaborators, The Lighthouse Band (featuring Snarky Puppy bandleader Michael League) and Sons. He toured frequently with the Sky Trails Band, with James Raymond on keyboards. Crosby's interest in touring dates back to his early professional days as a nomadic folk musician, honing his performance skills on tour. In the late 1950s, Crosby began performing in coffeehouses in Santa Barbara, California, but he soon traveled across the United States, appearing in South Florida, Chicago, and Boulder, Colorado. Crosby also spent his formative years in Greenwich Village, where he happily played in the then-new Bitter His End with Chicago musician Terry Currier.

Despite his long and successful solo career, Crosby has had success with collaborations. This is a trait he discovered at an early age after being fascinated by symphony orchestra performances. In his 1988 autobiography, Long Time Gone, he wrote, "The idea of ​​a collective effort to create something one person could not have stuck in my head. ' writes. "That's why I'm a harmony singer and I like being in groups."

Crosby's first major successes came as a founding member of the vast California country folk troupe The Byrds. The band reached a commercial peak during their tenure, winning two number-one singles - a cover of "Turn! Turn! Turn!" by Pete Seeger. and Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man" - and broke into the Top 20 with the stormy classic "Eight Miles High". Crosby co-wrote the latter and wrote a number of other memorable Byrds songs, including the solo and the amusing "Lady Friend". He is credited with helping the band develop a vocal approach rich in harmonics and kaleidoscopic sound, incorporating psychedelic rock, jazz and folk twangy, and is credited for recommending a bandmate. Roger McGuinn with music by John Coltrane and Ravi Shankar.

In 1967, Crosby was fired by Byrds due to his growing personality and creative conflicts (though he later returned to producing and starring in Byrds in 1973). Out of breath, he immersed himself in sailing, one of his childhood passions, buying a sailboat for $25,000 with a loan from Peter Tork of the Monkees. The boat will be a source of comfort and inspiration for decades; he wrote songs like "Wooden Ships", "The Lee Shore" and "Page 43" on board.

The guy who turned into born on August 14, 1941 is Crosby and he grew up in Southern California. His father was cinematographer Floyd Crosby, who won an Oscar for Tabu in 1931:

A Story of the South Seas, as well as the Golden Globe for High Noon in 1952. (Crosby himself would have influenced another notable corner of Hollywood:

He often says that Dennis Hopper was inspired by his look and attitude for Easy Rider in 1969.)

As a child, Crosby fell in love with the Everly Brothers, the source of his lifelong fascination with close harmony, still underpinned by his family's regular singing sessions. His brother, Ethan, introduced him to jazz, a genre he would pursue throughout his career, most notably with his band CPR in the late '90s and early 2000s and on a brooding solo album in 2017, Sky Trails.

Crosby's formative influence became more evident when he worked with Stephen Stills and Graham Nash, who explored new ways of expressing harmony. In Long Time Gone, he deconstructs their unique vocal approach with typical brevity, noting that the band sang "unmatched stuff" influenced by classical, late jazz music '50s and early '60s and Everlys. "I've done some of my best work subtly, turning the middle into internal changes that allow it to happen," he wrote. Crosby's clear tenor blends perfectly with Stills and Nash's vocals in a silent and haunting way, especially with his own "Guinnevere". His songwriting contributions have also propelled the band in new directions - particularly the rhythms of "Déjà Vu" and the loose arrangement and bohemian tone of the instruments in "Wooden Ships". .

As a trio, Crosby, Stills, and Nash were both critically and commercially favorites. His 1969 debut album of the same name led to a Woodstock gig and a Grammy Award for Best New Artist, while 1970's Deja Vu - at which time Neil Young was involved, added a word. one after another in the band's name - evoking both the comfort of tradition and the seismic generational change already underway. Months after the release of Deja Vu, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young would become the leading voices of the nation's anti-war movement, the record "Ohio" written by Young in response to the shooting of four college students. in May 1970 from Kent State University.



Over the years, Crosby - who has twice been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as a member of The Byrds and CSN - continues to perform with various collaborators, Nash being the His most consistent post until the mid-2010s, and brutally honest, he's an open book about his personal flaws and failures, as well as his feelings about companions. his profession. This no-nonsense personality makes him both beloved and thorny, especially as a member of a band—CSNY's internal disagreements have become legendary. But then it comes naturally to Twitter's concise and easy-to-understand nature. Crosby has shared many thoughts on politics and music on the platform and answered fan questions, both about his own career (he told one fan that he "doesn't" must be the right man for the job" when asked if he should be working on Leonard Cohen's second album) and those in his orbit ("Is Jerry Garcia a tenor?" ?":

"Torro/baritone."). Such endearing brevity even got him a consulting column in Rolling Stone.

Crosby's career is one of countless transformations and second chances. Years of well-documented drug addiction led to fractured relationships in and out of music, multiple arrests and nine months in prison in Texas in the 80s. Notable is his voice. He remains strong and unchanged, a fact that Crosby himself discovered inexplicably, as he explained to Cameron Crowe in the 2019 documentary David Crosby:

Remember my name. However, the film also reflects a lot of humility, depicting a musician facing his death while trying not to live in the past. "I've hurt a lot of people," Crosby told Here & Now, the NPR and WBUR noon news program, in 2019. "I've helped more people. I just have to be able to watch it, understand and learn from I don't blame myself Honestly, I'm pretty happy with my man now. I try very hard to be a decent human being. And I like it."

[laurelgavaris]

set: september 2nd (corn moon) location: snow mountains what: a coven meeting during the full moon night to enhance the magic that would bind all of its members in case someone would be in trouble — like rosa was during the night of her death —, had ever chance of being a tranquil night; however none of them were prepared for what was to come or who. | @choileon & @miles-easton

tw: blood, injuries

Laurel Gavaris

Laurel had spent a couple of nights back at her apartment studying the one grimoire she was able to bring from her family as she packed her bags in Guadalajara to leave.  The witch considered herself lucky enough to have in her hands spells and potions her family — from her mother's side — had studied alongside with ancestors; and in one of those pages she found the solution to keep her mind at ease: a connection spell; far similar to the binding spell written a few pages later, but without imposing a control over every member's magic and how it'd be used. It was the kind of spell Anselmo would attempt to use. 

She reached them out with her idea and a date and time to meet so they could go through it. This time outside from the studio, so Laurel and her coven would be able to enrapture a connection between themselves and nature, and because it'd also cause an enhancement to the spell. 

Laurel decided to get to the mountains before everyone else, to appreciate the view and to keep everything settled for the spell, forming a circle for everyone to sit comfortably. They were comfortably far from where the summer activities would usually enroll so they would still have a tranquil setting to themselves. And then, her eyes landed on the first arrival. "Hey," she replied with a smile resting on her lips. "Isn't it a beautiful day?"

Miles Easton

The trek into the mountains gave Miles time to think. When joining the coven he had initially operated with one foot out the door, ready to leave at a moment’s notice. The coven members were so soft, so gentle, so annoyingly kind. Water might be his element but he craved fire. A healthy amount of dissent. Even chaos at times. 

However, the longer Miles stayed the more he integrated into the group. Leon had joined. Laurel had opened up a little more. Maybe Miles would find his stride, the reason why he had chosen to join in the first place. 

Laurel calling a meeting and suggesting a connection spell piqued his interest. And with it, any reservations about being engaged in the coven had to come to an end. Miles found Laurel setting the scene for the spell as a mountain breeze whispered through the trees. She smiled, and the witch smiled back. “Hey. Uh… yeah it is.” A beautiful day. He glanced around, having been too deep in thought to notice on his way there. 

He stopped just short of the circle. “So. Connection spell, is it?” Did he want to be bound to everyone? Well, he was there at least. “Is there something I don’t know?” Strange events continued to occur with each full moon. He wondered if Laurel was paranoid or proactive. Judging by their conversations, it would be the latter. It didn’t hurt to ask: “You’re not worried about anything, right?”

Leon Choi

Full moons usually meant calling off night classes for obvious reasons, and that had been great because he had been able to rest up and go meet the rest of his newfound coven. Technically---it wasn't newfound, but we could say it was. One of those technicalities that only the demons inside Leon's head actually cared about. 

He stayed in bed reading, up until his alarm announced it was time to shower and leave his apartment. Leon made sure his kids had enough water for the night and, after sending a 'stay safe' text to both MJ and Aleyna, he made his way to the Snow Mountains, to meet up with Laurel and the rest of the coven. 

Leon waved his hand upon seeing them. Luckily, he had bundled up just enough for this atypical summer evening, but then again, one would never find it too odd that full moon cycles were this abnormal. "Hey guys. Hope I'm not too late." He gave Miles one of those manly half-hugs, then proceeded to greet Laurel, with a kiss on the cheek that were no stranger to her. He had arrived just in time to listen to Miles questions and well, he wouldn't blame Laurel if she were worried. "Is there anything you need help with? We can start preparing while the rest of the coven arrives."

Laurel Gavaris

Despite the cold temperature and the lack of sight they had due to the fog, it was still during full moon nights that the magic would be at its peak, it was the perfect scenario for a connection spell and perhaps, also a dangerous one. Hopefully this was smarter than reckless, and she hadn't gone through an imprudent action when inviting all of her coven to that meeting. 

Her gaze rested on Miles while the tall figure presented himself close to her; a few would start getting closer to the circle she had prepared for the spell, which mostly caused the brunette to wave at them while remaining conscientious of his words and questions. "If you're asking if something happened, then no. Nothing happened, and thankfully last full moon was far more tranquil than the one we lost Rosa. I was already poundering the idea and then I've heard the news about this full moon and it felt, right." And then, she scoffed at his question. It was a genuine one, but still it was something that was carved in her personality. Tapping his left shoulder, she grinned before words were uttered. "Miles... when you comes to all of you, I'm always worried. This is my way of making myself a little bit less worried." 

Once she finished her sentence, her eyes spotted Leon walking closer to where both herself and Miles were. Accepting his greet and sharing a smile with him. "I had almost everything set for us to work on the spell before everyone got here. None of you have anything to worry about besides being out here during a full moon. Just keep yourselves attentive and.. I promise this is for the best. Both for the coven's safety and for myself as your head priestess, and it's been awhile we don't practice outdoors under full moon so, today's the day."

Miles Easton

The witch did his best to maintain a poker face as Laurel described the last full moon as tranquil. For Miles and Zakary it had been anything but tranquil-- however, Laurel didn’t need to know the details. And as prone as he was at making terrible decisions, he would think twice about meeting Zakary on a full moon again. 

As the priestess touched his shoulder he reached for her hand, holding on only long enough to comment. “You’re always going to worry. I get that.” It could potentially cause excessive worrying with Laurel being connected to all the members. She gave everything to the coven. Too much, in his opinion. Sometimes one had to be selfish. Laurel Gavaris didn’t seem to have a selfish bone in her body. His hand slipped away, his fingertips grazing her palm as it did. “It’s not a terrible idea.” 

Of course, Miles had more questions. He always did. Instead he held off as Leon approached and exchanged a greeting with the newest member of the coven. Laurel asked them to be attentive and his eyes were already scanning around. A heavy cover of fog meant there wasn’t much to see. 

Another log was tossed on a fire. He looked between Laurel and Leon. Question time. “How long will the connection spell last? Is it one we need to perform monthly, or every year…” There were a myriad of different spells like the one Laurel suggested. “If someone senses another member of the coven needs help, there isn’t a whole chain of command to go through to help, is there?” Please no, he thought. Miles assumed the group would be bound, would sense when someone needed help, but Laurel’s magic would be the most powerful in connecting with the member in trouble. “Where did you find this spell?”

Leon Choi

Seeing the interaction between them, Leon was reminded of the first time he ever joined Laurel's coven during the full moon... two moons ago, when they found Rosa's dead body laying in the woods. Since he didn't particularly know the other woman, much less was close to her, her loss didn't take a toll on him like it did on good part of the coven. In a way, it made Leon slightly confused at how much of an unity they all were. Well--not exactly confused, but a mix of confusion and relief. 

And thinking about that night, reminded him of how he thought Miles was Laurel's head priest--or at least, her second in command. Someone tossed a log into the fire and Leon's attention was brought back to the present. His throat was dry, which prompted a light cough as he looked away and took a step back. It was a habit of his, to step back and observe the rest of the coven until he was invited to join them--even if now he was part of said coven. 

"I think, given the size of the coven and how power the witches are, we could do at every three moons." Leon tried, hoping he wasn't overstepping or anything as he looked over at Laurel. "I mean, you're going to tap into everyone's powers to make it stronger, right?" At in his head at least, that was how the spell would work, but he could be wrong.

Laurel Gavaris

Perhaps it was because the coven was built after running way, having its roots in fear that caused her to worry so much, and yet, there was no turning back from that feeling ever since she accepted the position as a head priestess. What took her away from her thoughts was Miles' hand brushing on top of her, which was unexpected, still it caused the corner of her lips to slid upwards subtly. It's not a terrible idea; it really wasn't. 

The excessive amount of questions didn't cause her to feel any less secure about her plans than she was before, in fact it could've been perceived as fuel to a fire that thrived within Laurel. But before she'd answer Miles' questions, Leon did it first. Which made her smile, proudly of it. "Yes, we'll need to channel all of our magic to make it stronger, I'm just going to be the strongest link of the spell. I think we have enough magic to make it last for three moons. Though, when I feel our link is weakening, I'll warn all of you so we can go through the spell again. Or, if the next full moons end up being safer than the last ones we've been facing, we might not even need it." 

And then, her light hues shift from staring at Leon to Miles. "No, anyone call feel it, anyone could aid the person in trouble. The main idea of this spell is that, when needed and if needed, the nearest member close to the one who needs help can do it." Even if Laurel knew that if she ever sensed something was off and the spell would eventually bring to surface some member of her coven being in trouble, she'd head there. Despite how far she was, she would. But that part Laurel didn't share with any of the boys in front of her. "Miles... why are you so concerned? It came from my family's grimoire. The one I was able to bring along with me." It didn't hurt to ask him, and after that she reached closer to Leon. "I need a goblet and the grimoire, it's inside that bag. We'll need everyone's blood for the spell so the bond's stronger. Can you help me?"

Miles Easton

He listened to the discussion. The balance of power in the spell rested in Laurel’s calm eyes. Every three moons they would fortify the connection. Did he want to hear the rumble of a distant call for help from another member? Hell no. Miles didn’t necessarily want to be on call any time another witch stubbed their toe or wrestled with a painful hangnail. 

However, considering recent events in Astoria, if anyone in the coven seriously needed help it could turn messy. The witch would take part in the spell and hope the link between members in the group would never be needed. 

“I’m not concerned,” he said with a slow shake of his head. “Only curious.” It was what Miles did. Ask too many questions. Dissect down the nth degree. Tug on loose strings to see if the whole thing would fall apart. But then what made him the most curious would be to see Laurel impart the coven with a touch of personal, familial magic.

Coven members began to trickle up a path, in sight. “Looks like everyone is almost here. Anything else we need?”

Leon Choi

For the most part, Leon was silent. Work meetings, college classes—he’d trained himself to listen rather than speaking, so he would just stand back and let the more experienced ones take charge, only doing something when he was prompted. Usually, he could be somewhat proactive, but there was something rather intimidating in being in a coven again, which probably meant he wasn’t completely comfortable with the situation... but things had changed, his priorities had shifted, so he was going to suck it up and keep going. 

There was someone chatting with him, when Laurel asked him to grab the items on the bag nearby, which he did. He asked where he should put them and promptly did it when Laurel instructed him. 

For the most part, the night was calm. There was a sense of—how could he describe it? Easiness? Safety?—around them once Laurel began the spell. With their eyes closed, they linked their energies to secure the circle and then proceeded to have their right palm cut. One by one, blood poured into the goblet to bind them all together. Leon could feel the energy surrounding him. His own energy flowing from his body in a much more controlled way than it did back in that storm that almost hurt both MJ and him. Progress, he thought to himself with a small, yet proud smile, before focusing on the ritual once again. 

Once they were done with the spell, the goblet was set nearby so they could hang around for some moments more, chatting and tending to their wounds so they wouldn't get infected. There was a rush of leaves nearby, but most, including Leon, paid little mind to it. It wasn't until a desperate growl broke through them and a shadow rushed past the group, heading for Laurel who was standing the closest to the goblet with blood. "Laurel, watch out!"

Laurel Gavaris

Just curious. Laurel nodded, pressing her lips together, debating words before all she did was share a smile with Miles and walk closer to the circle, thanking Leon for his help before she found a spot to take a seat. Her family's grimoire was in front of her, pages that she hadn't touched for a long time until Atlas helped her take it. The bright moon right on top of her exchanged through its light that it was time to start the ritual. A few words expressing her gratitude, some to remind everyone of the one who was the inspiration for that corn moon spell: Rosa. "This is just a reminder that we're a family, that we're one." And she hoped they perceived as such. 

Her fingers brushed against the old pages before she sculptured within her mind every single word of that spell, knowing exactly what should be done. Laurel wasn't one to use her powers meaninglessly, but when she did have to use them, it was flawlessly orchestrated. The latin words left her mouth. Blood was poured into the goblet while her words were still echoing. It almost felt the wind was able to carry the enchant to each one of them members present in that moment. Her light orbs navigated to her surroundings, blood becoming their source of connection, the easiest way of carrying their magic to one another. 

"Sanguinem nostrum, magicae nostri ligare nos defendat."

Laurel's skin shivered, both due to the power still emanating from herself and the success of said spell. No one seemed to go through bad casualties once it was concluded, so Laurel was able to lift that weight away from her shoulders, reaching to the middle of the circle to grab the goblet while everyone was engaging in conversations.

It all happened too fast and while she wished the alarming words coming from Leon would've helped her react faster, it didn't. Nothing was faster than an unexpected vampire reaching closer to you while you have blood, literally, in your hands. Laurel didn't want to figure out if the spell worked so soon, specially when all of them were still around each other, but the sense of danger was traversing through her body as her heartbeat only grew faster. Why would he reach for the goblet full of blood when he had someone pumping blood through her veins and soon, she felt his fangs piercing through her skin close to her neck. An excruciating pain that caused her to scream before she'd attempt to use her magic against him. "Defendatur." Trying to pull him away from her made her feel his fangs tearing subtle inches of her skin while being forced to retract his fangs from within her.

Miles Easton

With all members present and accounted for, the ritual began. The chatter of witches fell away fast replaced by a serious silence. A ceremonial knife was used to draw blood for the goblet, leaving behind a satisfying sting. The high priestess spoke of the singularity of the group. Of family. 

The spell began to take shape. A crackle of power between those linked by blood and magic, buzzing around like the strike of strings on an electric guitar. The individual power of all the witches woven into a chord amplified by Laurel’s family spell. Slowly each coven member became a link in a chain binding them together for protection, powered by all the elements around them and the magic of Laurel’s words. 

Everything was going to plan. And then suddenly the serenity left over after the communal spell was shattered. 

A rush of movement broke through the outskirts of the circle attacking Laurel in an instant. The horror of the ambush left some of the witches stunned, while others moved into defensive mode. He called out to Leon, who was closer to Laurel, while Miles joined a few of the other witches to pounce on the intruder. 

A vampire. In the light of the moon he could see Laurel’s blood spilled on the vampire’s lips, could hear the gasps of breath coming from the unexpected onslaught as the witches began to defend the head of their coven. A scuffle broke out as the vampire seized under the weight of magic to subdue them on the ground, Miles joining in to help.

Leon Choi

It took half a second for Leon to react to what was happening. Looking around, he tried to make sense of what was going on... He noticed something near the trees, from where he assumed the intruder had come from, but with the commotion settling in, Leon told himself it was just his imagination. He moved quickly to Laurel's aid when Miles called out his name, and through his peripheral sight, he noticed most of the coven gathering around the--vampire.

"Hey... you're okay. I'm right here." He told Laurel, not exactly being good at calming other people, but maybe if she could tap into his emotions, then she would be able to feel calmer. His hand rested on top of hers, covering her wound. From what he could see, given the spot of her wound, the vampire most likely didn't hit any major arteries, so the damage done wasn't all bad, which helped him to remain focused on the situation. "Can I see?" He asked while taking his hand away and already moving to pull out his scarf to apply pressure into the wound. It looked bad, like an animal bite of some sort... maybe if they acted quickly, it wouldn't get infected. 

As an attempt to calm her down, he offered her a small smile, using his scarf to apply pressure onto the wound so he could turn to look at Miles. "Miles, I need someone to come with us while I drive Laurel to the hospital to make sure everything's okay. Do you have the situation under control here? I can call the cops on my way to the car."

Laurel Gavaris

It was a good thing that inside her mind she didn't have to be polite. Laurel had her hand instinctively reaching for the wound, cursing intenally with every single word in spanish she knew. That was not how this night was supposed to be; it was naive of her as a head priestess to assume that a full moon night would be tranquil. After Rosa and every strange thing that occured during a lunar phase, she should know by now. 

Perhaps she just hoped the odds were in her favor, but as havoc constructed itself in her surroundings, Laurel knew that lucky wasn't on her side. "I'm not..." she grunted, trying to keep herself steady since she didn't know exactly how that wound looked like. "I'm not okay. I'm angry," lately most of her nature was causing her to remind herself of Anselmo and his lack of patience. Ever since her encounter with Zakary, she felt distaste towards the similarities she had with her father, which was presumable due to genetics but still, something she wished that was completely wrong. "Are you okay?" She questioned Leon. 

And then she allowed Leon to see the wound. Caring little about herself because her eyes were trying to remain at her coven, making sure that they were okay while dealing with the vampire. "Este pendejo no tenias que estar aquí." A sigh. "He shouldn't be harmed either, we're not the kind of coven who'd hurt someone. I'm not him." She complained mostly to herself though she knew that Leon would hear it. "Fuck." Because in the end, they still had to defend each other. It was her coven above it all, and she felt hopeless that she couldn't be there to aid. 

Hearing they should go to the hospital, her eyes reached for Miles. It was a good thing that she could trust him to stay with the rest of the coven behind when she was not around, even if leaving wasn't the easiest choice for her to take. "Sergio can take us." She shared words even if her eyes were still not on Leon. "I... I just need to know they'll be safe."September 12, 2020

Miles Easton

One vampire wasn’t much of a match for a band of witches, especially those so fiercely protective of their head priestess. It didn’t take much for a few to subdue him as others scattered to search the perimeter of the mountaintop for other breaches and any friends the vampire had brought along. If it were up to Miles the vampire would be promptly drop kicked off the nearest cliff. But the coven had gone into defensive mode. He could hear Laurel in the background. ‘He shouldn’t be harmed... I’m not him.’

In the midst of the chaos, Miles heard Leon and ran over to where the other witch tended to an injured Laurel. ‘I need someone to come with us while I drive Laurel to the hospital’. A part of him wanted to go with the two however Laurel made a decision. Miles wasn’t one to step into any kind of responsibility, however the most important thing was for Laurel to leave, making sure she hadn’t sustained any other injuries. In the moment her light eyes were filled with rage, which seemed to be a good sign. 

“I’ll get everyone out of here. You two go on to the hospital.” Asking if Laurel was okay would be pointless with the amount of blood soaking into Leon’s scarf. “It’s under control. Call me when you get to the E/R?” He asked Leon. And then to Laurel. “Don’t worry about anything. I’ll take care of it.” Specks of blood were scattered on Laurel’s cheek. He wanted to offer something, some comfort or even effortless banter to distract her. But there was so much blood, too much blood. Instead he looked away from Laurel and to Sergio, calling him over. “Hurry.”

Leon Choi

Although Leon heard her words, he decided not to ask what they meant. There was no time, no place and not enough intimacy between them that would make him feel comfortable asking personal questions like that. "See? Miles got it covered. We got you, Laurel." Leon told her. There wasn't much time to lose, especially since there would be a fair drive to the hospital in the first place. When Miles spoke to him, Leon just nodded. "Yeah, man, of course. I'll call the police on my way to the car." 

Soon, Sergio joined them and Leon instructed him to apply pressure on Laurel's wound  and then called 911 to let the cops know where the coven was. He wondered if the police would start keeping an eye on the coven given what had happened with Rosa and now. But then again... it's not like it was their fault they were jumped by a vampire. 

Once they reached the hospital, Leon let Miles know they had arrived, then stayed back while Laurel was taken to an ER bed to be taken care of. In the meantime, he tried filling in as much of information about Laurel as he could when the front desk person handed him documents to fill. While the doctors treated Laurel, he texted Miles to update him on their head priestess and to ask for updates on the vampire and the police.

Laurel Gavaris

Used to being the one others would come for help, it was a different spot to be so vulnerable; in need of others to make sure that she'd be alright. This wasn't a conversation about her fears as a head priestess, this was an unexpected injury that ripped from her the choice of standing with her coven as an addition to defend themselves from the imminent danger a vampire urging for blood could be. 

But soon she didn't have the chance of worrying, overthinking about the situation. Her eyelids wanted to shut, she felt weak but her perception caused her to hold onto the idea that she was just tired; adrenaline was slowly vanishing away from her body and perhaps everyone around her was right. It was time to leave. Laurel murmured a 'thank you" for Miles, it was even strange that there were no whimsical remarks to share at that point. 

Her body to follow along Leon and Sergio to the car. The path to the hospital was mostly a blur while she would hear Leon talking to the cops and Sergio switching from their mother language to english in a moment of worriness. "I"ll be fine, it's just a bite. Not like I haven't had those before," she tried to joke before she felt the pain of her open wound once again. The doctors had very helpfully come to take care of her once they got to the emergency room, and that was she hold onto until the moment she'd feel better. She tried to focus on everything the doctors asked her while she would think about her coven. Vampire blood being the one who'd heal her from a vampire bite, how ironic. At least it gave her the chance of not being forced to have that story written in her skin, it gave the chance of leaving it in the past. And if the rest of her coven was also safe, so could them.

[goodieghostyarchive]

Ok. Second one.

We see the battle field. Orpheus closing his eyes fir the last time.

He opens them and is faced with death who points down a path with heavenly light af the dnd. Orpheus nods and starts on his journey as the music starts. Transition to Roman leaving his birth home jn search of his brother and adventure.

"I have often dreamed," he sings as he trecks onward.

Images of a cheering crowd in the background make way for a Phantom arm wrapping around Roman's shoulder he looks up excitedly at the smiling face telling him "this is where you're meant to be"

Roman sings "I'll be there someday, I can go the distance. I will find my way if I can be strong. I know every mile would be worth my while. When I go the distance, I'll be right where I belong"

As time passes he and Remus do their quest and on belong they get their laurels=godhood

Now we see Orpheus making his way up the stairs maybe accompanied by the spirit of Deyo. "Down an unknown road to embrace my fate. Though that road may wander, it will lead me to you. And a thousand years would be worth the wait. It might take a lifetime but somehow I'll see it through" he sings determinedly as he focusses on his memories of Virgil and Remy he wishes to carry with him.

Then it is split between Roman and Orpheus as Romsn crafts his creations and Orpheus pledges his heart to his one true love.

Shift to Roman waving at his adoring worshipers spotting Virgil rolling his eyes. Looks at an intricate crown in his hand then at the crowd. "But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part. For a hero's strength is measured by his heart," see an image of vague memory Virgil "oh!" He rushes forward and grabs Virgil by the hands and spins them both.

"Like a shooting star, I will go the distance. I will search the world, I will face its harms. I don't care how far, I can go the distance!" He let's go of Virgil who watches him wistfully serenade the sky. "'Till I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms!"

Split screen both serenading the uncertain future in pursuit of their dream.

"I will search the world, I will face its harms 'Till I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms"

Image of Roman and Virgil cuddling contently.

AJSHGSJSGSKAJ F C K

[newmanspaul]

OLD HOLLYWOOD STARS & THEIR ZODIAC SIGNS

Aries: Gregory Peck, Spencer Tracy, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, William Holden, Doris Day, Anthony Perkins, Debbie Reynolds, Ann Miller, Billie Holiday, Karl Malden, Warren Beatty, Marlon Brando, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Lon Chaney, Steve McQueen, Ed Begley, Melvyn Douglas, Alec Guinness, Leslie Howard, Jayne Mansfield

Taurus: Jimmy Stewart, Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, Don Rickles, Orson Welles, Tyrone Power, Rudolph Valentino, Gary Cooper, Henry Fonda, Shirley MacLaine, Shirley Temple, Anthony Quinn, James Mason, Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Barrymore, Phil Silvers, Jack Klugman, Harold Lloyd, Mary Astor, Simone Simon, Margaret Sullavan, Eve Arden

Gemini: Judy Garland, Bob Hope, Dean Martin, Errol Flynn, Laurence Olivier, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Tony Curtis, Rosemary Clooney, Douglas Fairbanks, Burl Ives, Al Jolson, Stan Laurel, Vincent Price, Basil Rathbone, Rosalind Russell, Hattie McDaniel, Priscilla Lane, Josephine Baker, Jeanette MacDonald, Peggy Lee

Cancer: Ginger Rogers, Eva Marie Saint, Natalie Wood, Olivia de Havilland, Barbara Stanwyck, Lena Horne, Jimmy Cagney, Milton Berle, Yul Brynner, Peter Lorre, Red Skelton, Jane Russell, Gina Lollobrigida, Leslie Caron, Farley Granger

Leo: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Mae West, Clara Bow, Norma Shearer, Esther Williams, Walter Brennan, Robert Mitchum, Louis Armstrong, Peter O’Toole, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Alfred Hitchcock, Maureen O’Hara, Lucille Ball, Shelley Winters, Dolores del Rio

Virgo: Lauren Bacall, Gene Kelly, Sophia Loren, Claudette Colbert, Greta Garbo, Donald O’Connor, Ingrid Bergman, Peter Lawford, Fredric March, James Coburn, Fred MacMurray, Peter Sellers, Raquel Welch, George Chakiris, Vera Miles

Libra: Jean Arthur, Carole Lombard, Montgomery Clift, Rita Hayworth, Deborah Kerr, Charlton Heston, Mickey Rooney, Lillian Gish, Groucho Marx, Buster Keaton, Bela Lugosi, George C. Scott, Lenny Bruce, Walter Pidgeon, Greer Garson, Joan Fontaine, Brigitte Bardot, June Allyson, Julie London

Scorpio: Richard Burton, Rock Hudson, Vivien Leigh, Burt Lancaster, Gene Tierney, Grace Kelly, Claude Rains, Joel McCrea, Johnny Carson, Burgess Meredith, Hedy Lamarr, Eleanor Powell, Veronica Lake

Sagittarius: Frank Sinatra, Kirk Douglas, Sammy Davis Jr, Edward G. Robinson, Rita Moreno, Lee Remick, Boris Karloff, Lee J. Cobb, Ricardo Montalban, Irene Dunne, Agnes Moorehead, Gloria Grahame, Betty Grable, Julie Harris

Capricorn: Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, Ava Gardner, Marlene Dietrich, Loretta Young, Ethel Merman, Eartha Kitt, Janet Leigh, Lew Ayres, Ray Bolger, Sal Mineo, Danny Kaye, Oliver Hardy, Oscar Levant, Ray Milland, Elvis Presley, Jane Wyman, Kay Francis, Barbara Rush

Aquarius: Kathryn Grayson, James Dean, Paul Newman, Clark Gable, Jimmy Durante, Jack Benny, Lana Turner, Kim Novak, Ronald Colman, Ernest Borgnine, Randolph Scott, Vera-Ellen, Donna Reed, Jack Lemmon, John Barrymore, George Burns, Arthur Kennedy, Cesar Romero, Jean Simmons, Zsa Zsa Gabor

Pisces: Jerry Lewis, Elizabeth Taylor, Jean Harlow, Nat King Cole, Sidney Poitier, Cyd Charisse, Lee Marvin, Jackie Gleason, Edward Everett Horton, David Niven

[mylordshesacactus]

I feel weird making a recommendation to a fictional character, but Uileann Pipes are a bagpipe-like instrument that a) has a larger range than bapipes, b) is inflated by a bellows, allowing you to sing or, y'know, talk, and c) can actually be played indoors without constituting a war crime. Benny might find them useful. =p

That's VERY cool!

I am now going to gush about a DIFFERENT thing which is: The fact that bagpipes cannot legally be played indoors is WHY they work so well for Benny! (Actually, a lot of her backstory was literally shaped by the fact that I saw "bagpipes" on the list of possible bard instruments and immediately went WELL WHY WOULD ANYONE USE ANYTHING ELSE EVER", in this case, the location of Mountain Laurel Ranch.)

On the one hand, there's the sheer practicality. There's a reason we tell jokes about bards as a combat class; it's a bit silly to imagine someone tangoing their way across a battlefield strumming frantically on a lute and singing "STAB HIM HARDER, PLEASE DON'T DIE/I AM OUT OF HEALING SPELLS" to the tune of Rock Of Ages while everyone else is like. Actually doing something useful. But bagpipes are supposed to be used in combat. So Benny granting inspiration, cutting through a fog of fear or demoralization, causing a distraction at a critical moment with an intentionally sour note so that an enemy fumbles--that is in fact the historical use of bagpipes.

(Song of Rest becomes deeply ironic though. I think she probably pulls out the shawm for that one.)

But from a characterization perspective...

Basically...Benny grew up on a fairly large family-run farm, isolated deep in the mountains. They mostly raised cash crops (1), a small flock of wool sheep (2), pigs (3), and bred a rare type of livestock guardian dogs to sell (4). She grew up in the middle of fucking nowhere, surrounded by thick pine trees and high stone mountains and a lot of sky.

1) Poisonous plants and rare spell components 2) Former adventurers 3) Dire boar 4) Extraplanar Infernal entities in the form of Tibetan mastiffs

She taught herself the bagpipes specifically because the sound is too big to fit indoors.

It wasn't that she was lonely, exactly. Benny honestly had a phenomenally happy childhood. She wasn't COMPLETELY isolated, like...her family mostly didn't grow their own food, they had neighbors, there were towns and trading posts they visited regularly. It's not like she grew up never having spoken to another person.

But at the same time--she grew up spending a LOT of time alone, just her and her dog. And it gets quiet as all hell up there. Trying to play the shawm out on the mountains, the sound just...fizzled and faded into nothing next to all that space. It was the only time the solitude legitimately spooked her.

For the most part she loved the lonely feel of it. It didn't scare or depress her. She wasn't trying to drive off a feeling of isolation or anything. Almost the opposite; she loves her mountains. She was trying to bridge the gap, to take this sense of being tiny and alone and the only person for miles, the ancientness of the stone, the melancholy feel of the forest, the power of the entire mountain range and the wild thrill of all that empty sky and make it a part of her.

She carries bagpipes at all times despite almost never getting a chance to play them outside of simple combat coordination, because there's some music that's...

The dulcimer is her connection to her mother and her childhood. The shawm is for performing on an everyday basis. But the bagpipes? Those are home, and those are just for her.

[scotianostra]

5th June 1916 saw the loss of “HMS Hampshire” off Marwick Head, Orkney, with the loss of hundreds of lives, including Lord Kitchener. Only 12 survived.

If you’re not sure who Kitchener was I will bet you know his from the recruiting poster during World War One, with the words “Your country needs you! 

The true number of deaths from the sinking of HMS Hampshire 101 years ago has only recently been revealed by experts researching a definitive account of the tragedy. Twelve authors spent two years painstakingly researching the tragedy – which claimed the life of Lord Kitchener, of “Your Country Needs You” poster fame – and now put an accurate figure of 737 on the number of deaths, estimates of which have wildly fluctuated over the years. The figure is revealed in a book to be published later this year, HMS Hampshire: A Century Of Myths And Mysteries Unravelled, which also looks at the truth behind other tales surrounding the sinking.

The Hampshire, an armoured cruiser, was en route from Orkney to Russia, taking Lord Kitchener, Secretary of State for War, on a secret mission to bolster support from the Tsar for the war when it hit a mine and sank.

The death of Kitchener had a profound impact on the country. “Very like President Kennedy or Princess Diana’s deaths in later years, everyone who was alive then would remember the moment they heard about Kitchener’s death And, much like Diana’s and Kennedy’s deaths, the demise of Kitchener attracted conspiracy theories.

Accusations of incomp­etence or collusion against the Admiralty have focused on the destruction of another ship, HM Drifter Laurel Crown, on 2 June, blown up by the same minefield laid by submarine U-75, and why the Hampshire was sent through a known danger zone. But authors of the book say the rumour comes from a simple misprint in an internal Admiralty document – the date of the destruction of the Laurel Crown should have read 22 June. Rumours that something sinister was afoot have also been fuelled by accounts from Orcadians claiming they were not allowed to assist in the rescue attempts and were even forcibly stopped by the military when they tried to intervene, but careful examination of what is still a sensitive subject in Orkney has revealed such stories are “almost certainly myth” with just two recorded incidents with some basis in fact. Many of the accounts come from Birsay, which was nearest to the stricken ship but not where rescue efforts were focused, in Sandwick, a few miles south of Marwick Head, where most bodies and survivors came ashore.  

The second photo is the Kitchener Memorial and HMS Hampshire and Laurel Crown commemorative wall at  Birsay it is inscribed:

“This tower was raised by the people of Orkney in memory of Field Marshal Earl Kitchener of Khartoum on that corner of his country which he had served so faithfully nearest to the place where he died on duty. He and his staff perished along with the officers and nearly all the men of HMS Hampshire on 5 June 1916.“

The tower was built in 1920 there is video of it’s unveiling ceremony here https://scotlandonscreen.org.uk/browse-films/007-000-002-399-c

There is a lot more info, including newspaper reports through the years on this website, although it has yet to be updated with the new estimate on those that perished. http://www.hmshampshire.co.uk/

Finally, a review of the book and more pics can be found here http://www.centenarynews.com/article/book-review—hms-hampshire-a-century-of-myths-and-mysteries-unravelled

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Tuesday 26 December 1837

8 50

11 ¾

fine morning F42 ½° at 9 50 Letter from Mr. John Bottomley dated ‘Broad stones Bradford 23 December 1837 Canal Warehouse’ recommending Mr. George Harper of the Peacock Inn, Yeadon moor – ‘an industrious young man of respectable parents, and respectably connected and his wife is a very competent partner for such an undertaking and possess sufficient capital to justify their pretentions’ then refers me to ‘Samuel Freeman Esquire of Brier Lodge, who I think will satisfy you, that I should not have ventured so strongly to recommend a person to your notice, if I had not been confident of the propriety of his character and integrity’ – this looks well – sat reading till 10 40 from p. 302 to 335 Walsh’s journey from Constantinople – then went down to Mr. Mawson and Joseph Mann Mawson came to know if I had let Stump X – no! then mentioned a man recommended for it by Mr. Davison of Dudley hill near Bradford Mr. D- keeps the Engineer pub-house 2 miles from B- on the Wakefield road and Leeds and H-x road where they cross – M- also mentioned James C. Holt – I said he had been here twice and had he bid me the rent at once, he should have been very likely to agree – but I did not like haggling – and tho’ he had at last bid me my rent, he was now behind 2 very likely people – but I should be in no hurry, if I did not meet with a likely tenant – should take the best – out of all that offered as far as I could – but in great hope of coming to an agreement very soon – M- said he did not leave the place because it did not do for it – it had done very fairly – and he thought it worth £130 per annum – the land worth £10 a year more than when he came to it – 11DW. of very good land – and the rest (about 9 more +) would do for pasturing – then breakfast in about 25 minutes and then with Joseph Mann who came to pay his last ½ years rent (up to 19 December instant) to pay me for 35 loads of coal at 7d. got in driving Listerwick Low mine = £1.0.5 – explained what inquiries I wanted making about Mr. George Harper and Joseph M- to go about this business tomorrow told him my present plan of coving in the water wheel – drying walling 6ft. high – he thought it might be done for 20/. a rood (the 6ft. high) stone from Sun wood quarry – to think about and let me know tomorrow evening on his return from Harpers’ – then till 12 ½ wrote the last 16 lines – then came parcel of books from Whitley by Sam B- who had taken to the P.O. A-‘s letter to her sister

SH:7/ML/E/21/0020

all ordered but Kitcheners’ Travellers’ oracle – sat reading the 1st chapter pp. 29 Theory of the Constitution by J.B. Bernard, Esquire  -very interesting chapter – gives good promise of the rest - - A- came up and because I had got two of Melvilles’ sermons that she wanted all wrong and went out in tears what shall I do with her? civil note from Mr. Bull about (before) 1 to say ill could not come today – sorry – if better would come tomorrow – answer would not keep the bearer (a young man on horse back) waiting but sorry – much obliged – and should be glad to see Mr. Bull when well enough and when he found it convenient to come – wrote the last 7 lines and paid Parkinson in full for Little marsh and passed A- in the stairs just setting off to Cliff Hill and went out at 2 10 – and from then to 5 5 with Robert Mann + 5 forming the top terrace and transplanting (moving) Portugal laurels and yews so as to suit the present form of the ground – a few minutes walking before the house on the flags and in the stables and came in at 5 20 then 10 minutes with A- and came upstairs at 5 ½ - dressed – read from p. 234 to 372 end of

‘Narrative of  a Journey from Constantinople to England. By the Reverend R. Walsh LLD. M.R.J.A. Author of ‘Notices of Brazil’ etc. 4th edition London Frederick Westley and A.H. Davis, 10 Stations-Hall-court, and Ave-maria-Lane; John Boyd, Edinburgh; and W.F. Wakeman, Dublin. 1831.’ 1 vol. 12mo pp. 372 printed by J. Westley and c° 27 Ivy Lane

Began Tuesday 19 December finished Tuesday 26 December

I have read this volume with much interest – at 1st I thought the style heavy – but I forgot this as I went along and became more acquainted with the author’s good sense and information – I am now beginning

‘Theory of the Constitution, compared with its practise in ancient and modern times: with an inquiry how far the late reform of parliament is, or is not, consistent with plans for relieving the public disorders and for changing the present system of government in a manner to prevent such disorders from ever happening again. By James B. Bernard, Esquire Fellow of Kings’ College Cambridge. London: James Ridgway and sons, Piccadilly 1834.’

‘Norman and Skeen, printers, 29, Maisden Lane, Covent garden.’   1 vol. 8vo pp. 518.

Began Tuesday 26 December finished...........

wrote all but the first 7 lines of this page and then till 7 read from p. 30 to 58 of B- on the constitution – had read the 1st 29 pages just before going out (vid. line 2 of this page) – dinner at 7 10 – tea at 8 – A- read her French then wrote her journal and I skimmed over the newspaper and read aloud (before A- began to write) chapter 4 from p. 58 to 75 inclusive and afterwards (little bits aloud) forward to p. 100 of B- on the constitution – very well – very profoundly written – came upstairs at 10 50 at which hour F40° fine day