#(​it’s a little too middle eastern and doesn’t really fit her white ass but it’s endearing)

[iceicewifey]

this is so cheesy but do you ever take your f/o’s surname (if applicable) into consideration when naming an oc?

[johaerys-writes]

Where Blood Roses Bloom

Fandom: Castlevania

Pairing: Alucard/Trevor Belmont/Sypha Belnades

Summary:

After Trevor gets grievously injured by a night creature, he and Sypha return to Dracula's castle to seek Alucard's help. The man they find there, however, is but a shadow of the friend they left behind.

Meanwhile, in far Styria, Hector does his best to survive in the vampires' court, a lamb amidst wolves. Little do the wolves know, the lamb has fangs of its own.

Or: I saw the new artwork for Season 4 and I’m SO HYPED, and I want more Castlevania content now, or preferably yesterday. Also, my boy Alucard needs love. :’)

CW: Blood (obviously), Injury

Read here or on AO3!

Chapter 1: Blood on White

Blood. There is blood everywhere: on his hands, on the sheets, on the floor, on the gilded bedposts. The smell of it, thick and cloying, clinging to his nostrils. Sumi and Taka's bodies are lying beside him, unmoving, and he lies still with them. The silence that spreads after their hearts finally stop beating and their eyes glaze over is deafening.

How did this happen? How?

It is minutes, hours, days later, for all he knows, when he finally pushes himself up. He sits at the edge of the bed, for he is sure his legs will give way if he stands. Adrian glances about him, at the place that was his room, and not a place of death, only a short while before. His gaze falls on the vase of roses by his bedside table; blood roses, their crimson blossoms soft like velvet under his fingertips. His mother's favourites, said to bloom where blood has been spilled the thickest.

There's hope to be found in the grimmest of places, Adrian, she would always say, and smile. Kindness is a gift freely given.

Kindness. Hope. Notions he tried to fool himself with, sentiments that were dangled before him, like an apple before a starving man. He ran after them, stretched bodily to grasp them, only for them to turn to ashes in his hands. Only for the people he trusted —so readily, foolishly— to turn against him at the first chance they got.

Adrian could laugh. Who is he, to be kind and hopeful? Does he deserve it? Can he afford it?

Can anyone?

The vase crashes against the wall when he swipes at it with his arm, the glass shattering, the blooms scattering on the floor. He is not his mother's son.

"I am my father's son," he declares as he drags Sumi and Taka's lifeless bodies to his front door, as he sharpens the stakes, as he mounts them both on them. He stands long, makes himself watch their blood stained nightclothes flutter with the wind, the morning sun touch their ashen faces.

This is trust, he tells himself, and its price.

It is not a mistake he is about to make again.

~

“Just hold on. We’ll be there soon.”

Trevor blinks blearily when bright sunlight stabs his sore, tired eyes. His head hurts. His lungs burn. The wound at his side sends sharp jolts of pain through him every time the carriage bumps on a rock or a fallen log- which is, frankly, all the bloody time as they follow that old, unkempt dirt road. The reek of old booze and acrid night creature blood that still clings to his cloak is not helping the situation much, either.

God, he just needs a fucking drink.

“I don’t see how riding to a castle in the middle of nowhere is going to help us, Sypha,” he groans, and immediately regrets it when the dryness in his throat sends him into a fit of coughing.

Sypha clicks her tongue and frowns. “It’s not about the castle, you—”

Trevor can almost hear the mild insult that's lingering at the tip of her tongue, but she bites it back. The fact that she refrains from snapping at him, even though she's worried and obviously frustrated, only reminds him of the seriousness of his injury. And he doesn't bloody need any further bloody reminders that his life is hanging by a thread.

“I’m fine,” he croaks. “Really.”

“Keep telling yourself that,” Sypha mutters irritably, eyes fixed on the road before her as she urges the horses to go faster. Her full, rosy lips are set in a grim line, her eyes red, her cheeks drawn from weariness. They have been riding like mad for two days now, stopping only to rest and water the horses for a bit. Trevor is feeling quite weary himself, but seeing Sypha so haggard only makes everything a thousand times worse. He hates to see her so worried, and for a louse like him.

He shifts a little closer to her, wincing at the sharp pain from the wound. “Sypha—”

“You are not fine, Trevor!” Her gaze flicks to him, her bright blue eyes sparkling with anger, gleaming with tears that are this close to being shed. “You are not. I’ve done all I can for you, but I can do no more. That’s why we’re going there. You are not going to change my mind.”  

“And how exactly is Alucard going to help? Is he a healer as well as an arrogant bastard?”

“He knows far more about medicine than anyone within a hundred miles from here, and then some. The castle holds ingredients that most people in the rest of the world have never even seen. We are going there, and you will be nice to him, or I will box your ears. Yes?”

Trevor rolls his eyes and looks away, mumbling curses under his breath. It is hard to argue with her when his wound stabs at him at every breath. Yes, it is definitely the wound, he tells himself. He is perfectly capable of holding his own in an argument with her under any other circumstances. Perfectly capable. Absolutely.  

Trevor sighs. He just needs a drink. And a nice, long sleep. That's what he needs, what will sort him out. It always does. He leans back into the seat, letting his head rest on the smooth wood.

“There.”

Sypha’s voice rouses him from what must have been a very light and troubled sleep. Not that he can tell the difference between that and utter agony these days. He opens his eyes, squinting at the familiar curve of the road that led to the Belmont hold. To his once home.

“Just hold on a moment longer,” she says soothingly, drawing the horses back to a steady canter. “Alucard will fix you right up. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see us after so long, don’t you think?”

The stench of rotting flesh drifting with the eastern wind reaches them well before the carriage finally stops. Two corpses, cold and rigid, their eye-sockets picked clean by the vultures, staring up into a grey, unforgiving sky.

Sypha gapes at them, unblinking, like she has forgotten how to breathe.

“I don’t know, Sypha,” Trevor mutters, strained, under his breath. “That doesn’t look like a bloody warm welcome to me.”

Without a word, she hops down from the carriage, taking a few tentative steps forward. The staked corpses are frightful to look at, without a doubt. Whoever did that, Trevor thinks, must have been holding a hell of a grudge.

“What on earth,” he hears Sypha whispering under her breath. She turns to look at him, and he simply shrugs. What can he possibly do?

Sypha blinks slowly up at the stakes once more, her brows gathered in a furrow, before coming back to the carriage. Making himself stand up and lower himself to the ground takes up every last bit of strength that has been left to him, despite him dropping most of his weight on poor Sypha. She groans underneath him, wrapping her arm around his waist to keep him steady.

“God, you stink,” she protests, taking a shaky step forward. Trevor rolls his eyes, but even that takes effort.

“You don’t exactly smell like roses yourself,” he grunts, following as best he could without tripping on the hem of his bedraggled cloak.

Sypha snorts, leaning her head against his shoulder for a breath. “Ass.”

He tries for a clever quip to make her laugh, but her smile falters when he starts coughing again, so hard that he is sure the wound has opened again. He shivers when he feels warm blood seeping through the bandage. "I sure hope Alucard is home," he pants weakly, "and hasn't gone into a little nightly escapade."

Sypha holds him more tightly, even though her arms and legs are shaking now. “Just a little further. Just until we get to the steps-”

Trevor barely hears what she says before his vision darkens. The stone steps rise up to meet him at lightning speed, knocking the air out of his lungs. White hot pain lances through his entire body, blocking out everything else.

Sypha frantically banging on the tall, gilded door of the castle is what pulls him out if the darkness.

“Alucard!” she cries, again and again, hitting the door with her fists. Her voice is raw and hoarse— she must have been at it for a while while he was unconscious. “Alucard! Open up! Ugh, where is he?” She turns to him, her round blue eyes wide and disturbingly liquid in the morning light. “Just— just hold on, Trevor,” she pleads before raising her fist to knock on the door once more.  

The heavy doors creak ominously as they slowly peel apart. Sypha’s hand hovers in the air for a breath before she lets it fall, watching while sunlight flooded the thick darkness beyond the door.

The figure that walks out is pale, skin almost translucent in the bright light. Hair like spun gold falling freely about his shoulders. Face smooth and cold, as if carved in marble. Gaunt. More gaunt than Trevor remembers. His gaze hard and aloof when it sweeps over them both. Trevor sees those familiar golden eyes widening in shock when they fall on him, sprawled as he is on the ground.

“Sypha,” Alucard says. “What happened?”

The voice is low and throaty, hoarse, like he hasn’t used it in a while. Or like he just woke up. Wouldn’t surprise him if Alucard decided to take a bloody nap the whole time he and Sypha were out, killing monsters. That’s what vampires do after all, isn't it? Yet, those corpses were fresh. No more than a couple days, a week at the most. That week has been cold, so it would have stopped the flesh from rotting too soon. If it is Alucard that did it, that is. There is still the possibility that he didn't, and that he isn't the mindless beast that Trevor has been brought up to believe of his kind.

He blinks up at him, watching him through the cloud that threatens to descend on him again. Alucard’s gaze does not fall on the bodies when he drags it away from Trevor and fixes it on Sypha. Not once. Not even by accident.

The absolute, bloody bastard.

Sypha straightens, regarding him curiously. It evidently hasn’t been lost on her either that Alucard is not in the least surprised by the bodies at his front door. “Trevor has been hurt,” she says, her voice trembling only a little. “Will you help us?”

Instead of a response, Alucard brushes past her, coming to loom over him. The sunlight casts a halo around his golden hair, shadows on his sharp features. “Can you walk?”

Trevor scoffs, then coughs. He brings his hand before his mouth, and when he withdraws it, there is blood. “Do I look like I can walk?”

Alucard raises a brow at that. Whether it is for his response or for the blood on his hand, Trevor can't say. He kneels before him, snaking one arm behind his shoulders, the other under his knees. “I’m going to lift you now.”

“Whoa, wait-” Trevor doesn't even manage to protest before he is picked up off the ground and lifted into Alucard’s arms, like a blushing bride on the way to her marriage bed. He attempts a weak struggle, but Alucard’s voice is firm.

“Stop moving. You’ll hurt yourself even more. Not that you need much help with that, but still.”

Trevor rolls his eyes, frowning even as he winces in pain. “Ever the pompous prick,  Alucard. How nice to see you again.”

The dhampir’s gaze is locked straight ahead as he walks, not even deigning to answer. That is… odd. To say the least. Alucard always rises to his barbs, and Trevor to his, however petulant or childish. There is a somberness to him, a sort of stillness; it is like looking at the smooth surface of a frozen lake. It unnerves Trevor more than he can say.

But then again, it could just be that Trevor's not thinking straight. The pain that stabs him every time he so much as bloody blinks isn't exactly conducive to thought.

Sypha shuffles after them, the hem of her robes whispering around her ankles as she tries to catch up with Alucard’s long strides. He walks smoothly, evenly, with the grace of a dancer, or that of a swan gliding along calm waters, and the steady rocking makes it even harder to keep his eyes open. Trevor loses track of how many flights of stairs they ascend, or how many endless, identical-looking corridors they cross, but at length Alucard stops before a door and pushes it open.

The room he takes him in is wide and spacious, with a large hearth, a thick red carpet that muffles the sound of Alucard's boots, and one of the biggest beds Trevor has ever laid eyes upon- with a mountain of pillows and a red velvet canopy, with carved mahogany bedposts and gilded bedside tables and whatnot- he is far too dazed to notice more, but even he can tell the thing is luxurious.

Alucard’s hair brushes his face when he gently -surprisingly gently- sets him atop the bed. His pale golden strands smell of fresh chopped wood and wild berries, Trevor remarks absently.

“How did he get hurt?” he asks, turning to Sypha.

“Oy,” Trevor grumbles weakly. The mattress is so soft and inviting he feels like he is sinking in it, but he makes an effort to keep his eyes open. “I’m still conscious, thank you very much. You don’t have to talk like I'm not here.”

“As it is, Belmont, I do not believe you’re in any position to give an accurate account of your injuries,” Alucard replied coldly. “It is best, perhaps for everyone, if you try not to talk much.” His golden gaze slides off him swiftly to return to Sypha. Arrogant sod.

“We were in Lindenfeld, a few days ago.” Sypha comes to sit beside him on the bed. “There was… an attack. Night creatures. Powerful ones. There was a portal, and they kept streaming… We managed to make it out of there alive, but the damage was already done. All the night creatures within twenty miles from here have gathered in the woods beyond the town, and are terrorising the villages along the country road. We tried to stop them, kill as many as we could, but...” Her lips tightens in a line, her gaze falling on Trevor.

“A portal?” Alucard asks, as if he hasn't heard a word of what Sypha has said.

Her eyes meet his. “An Infinite Corridor.”

Fair eyebrows lift ever so slightly along a pale, smooth forehead. “Those creatures you speak of. What kind of night creature was it that attacked him?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know its name, or its kind. I’ve never seen the like. It possessed a level of intelligence, for one. And it was made up of dozens of souls. Like the one that was trapped under the priory in Lindenfeld, but... different. Vicious. Frantic.”

“The bastard wouldn’t stay dead,” Trevor croaks, and coughs again.

“It had those glowy eyes and those sharp claws—” She rubs her temples, sighing. “It caught Trevor with one of those claws. I’ve done all I can to heal him, but the wound refuses to close. The flesh knits back together, albeit weakly, but then the smallest movements rip it open again. Healing is not my expertise, but even so, I should have been able to treat it. I don’t know what it is—”

The desperation in her voice makes Trevor’s heart tighten. He hates that she's so tired, so worried; he hates that it is he that has brought her to this state. He never makes things easy for her, damn him. Not that she makes things easy for him, but even so, it is he that should be looking out for her, not the other way round. If only he'd been more careful, if only he'd seen the attack before it came—

He reaches out to place his hand on her forearm. “Sypha,” he says softly.

She pats his hand and gives him a tight smile. “We’ll find out what it is. Yes? Alucard and I. We’ll heal you. Right, Alucard?” She turns her gaze to their friend. Their once friend. God knows what he is now. Trevor does not dare to trust him, but he's their last hope.

Alucard’s eyes linger on them for a long moment, and Trevor thinks he sees something flashing in them; something sad and desperate, but it's gone in an instant. The dhampir's gaze is icy once more when he says, “I have to see the wound for myself. I'll need you to take off your clothes.”

“Now, hold on—”

“I’ll help,” Sypha says promptly, reaching out to undo the clasp of his cloak. “You needed a change of clothes anyway.” Her smile is still on her lips, but it never reaches her eyes, so it is hardly a comfort. His cloak comes off, then his thick leather jerkin. He tenses when she starts pulling at the laces on his undershirt, with Alucard watching over her shoulder.

“That'll do,” he hears Alucard say. “I can inspect the wound without completely undressing him.”

Well, that, at least, is somewhat fortunate.

Sypha edges back as Alucard bent over him, long fingers dragging his shirt up from the waistband of his breeches. Even though the wound is wrapped with fresh bandages he can still feel the fabric brushing over it, and he bites his lip down hard to stop himself from wincing. Alucard produces a small pocket knife out of thin air and starts cutting away the blood soaked cloth. When he peels it back, a strong acrid smell of sepsis fills his nostrils. Trevor almost gags, almost —almost— faints.

The frown that creases Alucard’s brow does not help one bit.

“How long ago did he get this?” he asks Sypha.

“Three days ago,” Trevor responds, more gruffly than he intends as pain lanced through him once again. Even the air touching the wound makes him squirm.

Alucard’s frown deepens. “It shouldn’t have reached this level of infection in just three days. I’m surprised you’re still on your feet.”

“Us Belmonts are hard kill,” he says, and regrets it as soon as does. Sympathy warms Alucard’s gaze for the briefest of moment, so brief Trevor thinks he imagines it, before it is swiftly hidden behind his impervious mask once more. It is enough to make a spark of irritation flicker in his chest, however weak. Why s Alucard pitying him, anyway? His lot is worse than his own.

That shouldn’t have made Trevor’s heart clench as it does. He looks away.

There is nothing that Trevor can make out of Alucard's expression when he straightens. Or perhaps it is that the pain and the exhaustion finally taking hold. “I’ll bring something for the pain, and to stem the bleeding. As to how to treat the infection, that will require some research.”

“How much?” Sypha asks, and this time she doesn't even bother to hide her worry. “It’s spreading quickly. I don’t think we-” She stops herself, her fists bunching up the fabric of her skirt.

“Just say it, Sypha." Trevor lets out a huff and sinks back into the pillows. "I’m not a child.”

She shoots him a glare. “What I meant to say, is that I don’t think we can afford to let more time pass.”

“What we can afford even less is a mistake," Alucard says. He clasps his hands behind his back as he draws himself up to his full height. The bastard is tall, Trevor will give him that. "I’m not much of a healer, but I’ll do what I can.”

“Thank you,” Sypha says softly, breathing a sigh of relief. “We appreciate it. Really.”

Alucard’s gaze flicks between the two for a breath —golden, luminous, and so bloody cold and aloof it sends a shiver up Trevor's spine— before he turns to leave. The room somehow feels warmer after he's gone.

As soon as he was gone, Sypha lets out a long sigh, dragging her palm down her face. Her hand stops just before her eyes, and she peers at him through her fingers.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Trevor groans. “If I had any clue what was going on, I wouldn’t be lying here on this bed, waiting for Alucard, of all people, to take pity on me and save my life.”

“No one’s taking pity on you, you silly ox,” she mutters, shifting closer beside him on the bed again. She stares at him, her large, clear sky eyes reflecting the sunlight pouring through the window like glass. “Something very wrong has happened here, Trevor. I can feel it.”

“What gave it away? The staked corpses by the front door? Or that the half-vampire lordling seems to have a stick farther up his arse than usual?”

She blinks. “Both?”

Trevor sighs. “Yes. Both. More, probably. Give it some time. We’ve only been here a few minutes.”

She taps her chin thoughtfully, glancing towards the door. “We’ll get to the bottom of this,” she says, her brows gathering in that determined frown of hers he’s come to know quite well. “We have to. Something’s fishy. Very fishy.”

“Sure, sure, yeah. For now, let's just hope whatever he brings for the pain is strong enough to knock me out for a day or two.” He sinks back into the bed, his eyes closing on their own, but not before his gaze falls on a gilded cabinet by the window. “Think there’s any liquor in there?”

Sypha snorts, rolling her eyes. “Just go to sleep, Belmont.”

Her cool fingertips against his brow is the last thing Trevor feels before the world grows dark.

[now-its-3am]

nikolai hagen has arrived

basic information:

full name: nikolai andreas hagen

nickname: nikko

age: 40

date of birth: may 8th

hometown: lillehammer, norway

current location: lakeview, maryland

ethnicity: white

nationality: norwegian

gender: cis man

pronouns: he/him

orientation: bisexual

religion: none

political affiliation: none

occupation: physical therapist

living arrangements: with his youngest son, benji, in a house

language(s) spoken: english, norwegian

accent: norwegian, although after over twenty years in the states, it has faded slightly

physical appearance:

face claim: tobias santelmann

hair color: dark blond

eye color: green

height: 6'2

build: muscular

tattoos: a couple old ones

piercings: none

clothing style: scrubs or activewear at work as he needs to be physical and flexible with his patient, sweatpants and leisurewear at home. he rarely goes out, but if he does, he might pull out a nice pair of jeans and a knitted sweater

usual expression: focused

distinguishing characteristics: —

health:

physical ailments: none

neurological conditions: epilepsy (although well-medicated, and haven’t had a fit in a long time)

allergies: none that he’s aware of

sleeping habits: poor as he feels he’s always on-call for his kids

eating habits: he tries his best to cook for his kids, but that doesn’t mean he’s great at it

exercise habits: at least once a day

emotional stability: doing better after having moved away from phoenix, az and all the bad memories there

sociability: thrives off of people at work, because all his time is spent home with benji

body temperature: warm and fuzzy

addictions: none

drug use: none

alcohol use: enjoys a beer or two after work, and a nice scotch now and then

personality:

positive traits: patient, kind-hearted, passionate, honest, gentle

negative traits: disruptive, stubborn, aloof, opinionated

fears: abandonment, seeing his kids hurting

hobbies: working out

habits: fidgets with something all the time

favorites:

weather: snow

color: dark blue

music: all over the place

movies: anything action

sport: european handball

beverage: a nice lemon soda

food: nachos

animal: dog

song: things are better – pvris

family:

father: lars hagen, still lives in norway

mother: emma dahl, still lives in norway

sibling(s): a sister back in norway

children: benjamin, emma and lukas hagen.

pet(s): a labrador retriever named scooby

family’s financial status: middle class

extra:

zodiac: taurus

anything else: nah bro

tw: grief, homophobia, violence, car accident, survivor’s guilt

bio:

nikolai madsen was born and raised in an small house right outside lillehammer, smack in the middle of eastern norway. not the most glamorous situation, but the family did well with what they had.

he grew up in a household with fairly happily married parents, and his sister, who is four years younger than him.

in kindergarten, nikolai was quickly assigned the nickname “nikko” as some of the kids just couldn’t be bothered with his full name, which has stuck with him ever since, especially in the states as most people there don’t get his full name right anyway.

after having been a good kid for the longest time, nikko started lashing out and being disruptive when he hit his teenage years. much of the change in behavior stemmed from the new feelings he was trying to deal with – nikko realized that he was attracted to both boys and girls. while he was never ashamed of it, the confusion and feeling like he had to label it became all too much to bear for him, and he took it out on everyone around him.

trying to cope with these new feelings and hormones, nikko put everything he had into school and sports, with great results. european handball became his safe haven, a place where all that mattered was putting in the work, and who he was didn’t matter. his grades improved and he soon realised that he actually had the potential to make something of himself.

through his late teens, nikko had sorted out more of his feelings, and started experimenting with his sexuality. this led to relations with both boys and girls, which again led to him being ridiculed and beaten almost daily after school for months.

nikko did his best to not let it faze him, but it ended up pushing him to suppress any feelings for anyone else for a long time. getting close with someone became associated with pain, and he figured it would be best to just stay away from it.

after finishing high school in norway, nikko decided he needed a change. he needed to grow. a fresh start with new people. and he was definitely not going to get that if he stayed. he packed his bag and headed for the states, determined to put himself through college.

sick and tired of the cold and snow in norway, he headed south towards the sun and heat to arizona state university, where he entered the pre-pt program.

throughout the beginning of his college experience, nikko finally felt like he was far enough from the pain he had been caused back home, and he spent quite some time continuing to explore his feelings and sexual attractions. he finally grew confident in his own skin.

after sleeping around for a while, he met cameron baker. as it would turn out – they were soulmates.

at 19, they had their firstborn child – lukas. they were both still in college, and while it was in no way planned, that did not make him unwanted. they were scared to death, but loved the boy more than they had ever thought possible.

after finishing college, and already struggling to provide for the baby, nikko decided that while he now for sure knew he wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy, he needed to put his family’s need before his own first. so he got a job and did what he had to do to provide for them the best that he could.

after a couple years working some odd jobs, and another kid in the world, this time a planned baby girl named emma, after nikko’s mother, nikko was accepted onto a dpt at northern arizona university.

after finishing the program, nikko got a job in phoenix working as a physical therapist, which meant the family moved from flagstaff and set up base in the suburbs of the larger city.

nikko and cameron got married, and settled down as one happy family.

then benjamin came along about five years ago. another happy accident, much like his older brother.

the next two years flew by, until one night. cameron had drove to pick up lukas from basketball practice. nikko didn’t really think much of it, having been engulfed in helping emma with homework and feeding the other two dinner, until two hours had passed with no sound from cam. that’s when the hospital rang.

cam had been in a car accident, with lukas in the backseat. nikko, with one kid’s hand in each of his own made his way into the hospital, only to be told that cam was most likely going to be pronounced brain dead in the next few hours, while lukas was in a medically induced coma for now.

nikko’s whole world came crumbling down around him, without any family in the states, he was forced to rely on the friends around him – and it really did take a village.

lukas woke up eventually, and slowly recovered from his own injuries (it did help that nikko was a pt), but their relationship was strained for a long time because nikko was the one who was supposed to pick him up that night. not cam. and lukas blamed him for her being gone, and not him. and nikko did too.

a couple more years passed again, and nikko hurt a little bit less every day. he had lost his whole heart that night, and his coping mechanism kicked in once again – he buried himself in his kids. he coached every sports team they wanted to be on, he tried to cook so he could feed them right, he worked his ass off to be able to put them through college if they wanted to – everything nikko did was all about his kids. it was the only way he could cope with what had happened.

with lukas and emma in college, lukas to new york and emma to washington, d.c., nikko felt like he needed a new start again. somewhere with new people, and a place that didn’t constantly remind him of cam. he knew benji wasn’t too tied down in az and he figured they could both need a fresh start.

nikko started looking around for work, and got a job offer at a hospital in lakeview. it would pay well, enough that he could probably get benji through college too, which was all that mattered to him. and lakeview sounded like a small place, similar to where he came from in norway, so the two and their dog made their way up the coast.

[lightgirlification]

Bungou Stray dogs, as you all know, is one of my favorite series and the promotional/official art is no different. They are some of the most beautiful pieces of art for an anime series I’ve ever seen. One of my favorites is the one with the flowers, which are featured here:

I actually tried to guess the flowers they are holding, even going so far as to look up examples and their meanings. Why? Because I am a sad 23 year old who has no life. <|...D;;;;;;

And THEN I found the actual flowers on the official Twitter for BSD and, no surprise, I got only one right. In fact the only one I got right was Atsushi’s. My favorite character had the flowers I guessed correctly. Made me feel a bit better to be honest. <¦3;;;;;;

So with that being said, you probably think I felt my hard work go to waste. But, no. I actually felt like my choices still were pretty damn good. I honestly like my choices better then the actual ones; mostly due to the meanings of the flowers.

So I figured I’d go over them here. I’ll also type the actual flower types that the characters are holding as well here:

John: Western flower ornithogalum: purity, such as hope. Chuuya: Camellia: not modest and unpretentious elegance and virtues of humility Tanazaki:  Diamond Lily: enjoying the days met and looking forward to happy memories, brilliance and perseverance (A/N: I kinda agree with this one) Kunikida:  "Sennichisou" flower: enduring love or forever in love Ranpo:  Tithonia diversifolia: The lucky person, graceful gesture, you are beautiful, happy (A/N: Again, kinda agree.) Akutagawa: Daffodils: Warm heart, waiting for you Dazai: Roses, Alyssum, Rindo: (A/N: I DID get the rose part right cause they were the easiest to recognize. Yellow roses mean “I won’t forget you”. Ow. Ow my heart. TTATT The other two’s symbolism weren’t given so feel free to look them up! ^0^)

And Atsushi’s flower is the one I got right so I’ll go over them in a bit.

And now lets move on to my choices. These are flowers that I felt looked like the ones shown as well as meanings I felt fit the character best.

Let’s start with John Steinbeck!

Actual Flower: Western flower Ornithogalum My choice: Star Of Bethlehem

Meaning:  “This delicate flower is primarily used to symbolize hope in life...The white color is used to represent innocence, purity and honesty.  This bloom may also be used to symbolize forgiveness after a problem. Problems may include a conflict between spouses or between friends.”

I felt this flower was closer to Steinbeck seeing as he does have a little sister and the meaning of said flower could represent her. The ‘forgiveness’ part might refer to him leaving and not returning for a long while. I really love the name too, Star of Bethlehem. Just...So pretty. X3

Next up, my man Chuuya Nakahara!

Actual Flower: Camellia My choice: Poppy

Meaning:  “Represents eternal sleep, oblivion, sacrifice and imagination. The flower also symbolizes magic, consolations, fertility and eternal life. Poppies are also symbolize war and death during war time.”

Now while the poppy doesn’t really look like Chuuya’s flower thanks to the middle, the petals and the meaning match perfectly. The fact these flowers mean ‘oblivion’ accurately describes Chuuya’s ability. If he goes too long with his true power unleashed, he will end up dying, hence the ‘eternal sleep/sacrifice’ part. Fun fact! These were the flowers used in the Wizard of Oz that made Dorthy and the Lion fall asleep. My Great Grandma actually grew them in her garden and that’s how my grandpa got is nickname! X3

Next in line is our cloaking ability user Tanizaki Junichirou!

Actual Flower: Diamond Lily My choice: Jasmine Flower

Meaning: “The jasmine flower is associated with love, beauty, and sensuality. In some cultures, Jasmine represents appreciation and good luck. When used in religious ceremonies jasmine represents purity. Jasmine’s meanings varies depending on the culture and setting.”

This flower pretty much hits the nail on the head for Tanazaki and his affections for his sister and her in general.

Quickly moving on ((Sorry Tanizaki <|D;;;; )) we have idealist Kunikida Doppo!

Actual Flower: "Sennichisou" flower My choice: Allium

Meaning: “Symbolizes good fortune and prosperity. Allium can also mean unity, humility and patience.”

While this plant can be big balls of tiny flowers there are some small species of it, at least from what I researched. Kunikida is a no nonsense man who has many ideals and ambitions. He does his best to have the agency run at a good pace, with varied results due to some of our favs being, well, ‘full of energy’ as I put it. XDDD He also tries to keep the team focused, he knows humility from being someone who wants to save everyone but knows he can’t whilst also will listen to criticism and tries to better himself, and while he does have outbursts and a short temper he does have patience and can keep a cool head when faced with danger. He’s the kind of level headed companion/partner that the agency needs and I have a ton of respect for this man.

You don’t need to be a detective to know next up is Ranpo Edogawa!

Actual Flower: Tithonia diversifolia My choice: ‘French’ Marigold

Meaning:  “Known as the "Herb of the Sun" and are symbolic of passion and creativity. The Welsh believed that if marigolds were not open early in the morning, then a storm was on the way...Water made from marigolds was thought to induce psychic visions of fairies if rubbed on the eyelids. In some cultures, marigold flowers have been added to pillows to encourage prophetic or psychic dreams.”

Do I really need to go into why this flower fits Ranpo? It’s pretty much spelled out for you with it meaning ‘passion and creativity’ and how water made from said marigold is said to induce psychic visions and/or dreams which can also be prophetic. Super Deduction my ass, Ranpo’s been doing marigolds! LOL Jk jk XDDD

Onto the biggest tsunderes in this series and the one we need to always pray for please Asagiri don’t leT THIS BOY KEEL OVER AND LEAVE US-*Clears throat* Sorry...Akutagawa Ryunosuke!

Actual Flower: Daffodils My flower: ...Wait... I DID choose this flower...Huh...Well I found better explanation for it’s symbolism so leave me alone! dX<

Meaning: “Has contradictory meanings. It represents unrequited love, vanity as well as good fortune. Daffodils also symbolize regard, chivalry, long lasting friendship, happiness, and good wishes.”

Like the meaning itself, Akutagawa can be very contradictory at times. On one hand he is calm and can handle his own on a mission but on the other he has a very angry mental state and will lash out when he is looked down upon or someone else is getting Dazai-Senpai’s attention. *Cough*Atsushi*Cough* Which is where the ‘unrequited love’ comes in at least in the beginning. It is shown at the end of the guild ark that Dazai does truly care for Akutagawa, most likely even knowing he screwed up with him and his learned lesson is shown through his interactions with Atsushi. Both boys mean a lot to Dazai and I know he’s proud of both. He should just...Not give too much praise to our sickly mafia child in short intervals. Seriously, if Akutagawa fainted from just one form of praise/acknowledgment from Dazai then constant praise would most likely give the poor boy a coronary!

Now it’s time for our favorite tiger shifter and precious being, Atsushi Nakajima!

Actual Flower and My choice: Lily of the Valley

Meaning: “Represents sweetness and the return of happiness. It can also symbolize humility. When the lily of the valley blooms, happiness is said to return... Because of the belief in the healing powers of this plant, it is often known as the ‘ladder to heaven’ or ‘Jacob's tears’. Legend tells that Mary's tears turned to the lily of the valley when she cried at the cross. This is the reason for the third alternate name, ‘Mary's tears’.

This flower is Atsushi; plain and simple. He’s generous, very kind, and extremely sweet. He’s been subjected to so much and yet he still has a heart of gold, taking his mistakes to heart and thinks about how he can better himself. And you bet your ass that when he smiles happiness returns. He just blooms and everyone else is doomed XDDDD Hey I rhymed! 8D Also there is a legend about this flower where it fell in love with a nightingale. Just the thought of two polar opposites falling in love even though they are so different, species obviously included, is so romantic to me. Gee, I wonder who this legend reminds me of. >|3c Yeah yeah it’s Dazushi shush. >¦T

And last but certainly not least, our favorite suicidal maniac Dazai Osamu!

Now I saved Dazai for last seeing as he has more then one flower and all, of course, contain different meanings. Let us go over them!

Actual Flower(s):  Roses, Alyssum, Rindo

My choice(s):  Roses, Lily, Heliotrope

We’ll start with the obvious one, the yellow roses. 

“In general, they represent  Long associated with the sun and its life-giving warmth, yellow is the age-old spokes-color for warm feelings of friendship and optimism. In many Eastern cultures, the color represents joy, wisdom and power...the history of the yellow rose in particular has an optimistic, serendipitous character that really makes it the complete package. By the 18th century the worldwide love of roses was in full swing, but they were only cultivated in shades of pink and white. At last, the elusive yellow rose was discovered growing wild in the Middle East, and the European love affair with yellow roses was born. The early yellow rose lacked the sweet scent for which the rose is famous, however, which was not to be tolerated. So, as cultivation methods were developed and refined, the beloved sweet-and-spicy rose scent was soon introduced and the yellow rose achieved all its optimistic and aromatic glory.”

As described, yellow roses are happy flowers! They have a warm, inviting feeling that provides happiness, wisdom, and power; three things Dazai has plenty of. Especially the joy I mean have you seen him? The joy is RADIATING from this man XDDD Well, to an extent, as we know most of that joy is a front cause of what he’s gone through dear GOD boy let us love you or better yet let ATSUSHI love you! Anyway XDDD As I wrote in the beginning, yellow roses can also mean, “I won’t forget you”, obviously referencing Oda. Dammit whose cutting onions...? TT^TT

Moving on to the Lily.

While white lilies symbolize chastity and virtue – and were the symbol of the Virgin Mary’s purity and her role of Queen of the Angels – as other varieties became popular, they brought with them additional meanings and symbolism as well. Peruvian lilies, or alstroemeria, represent friendship and devotion, white stargazer lilies express sympathy and pink stargazer lilies represent wealth and prosperity. Symbolizing humility and devotion, lilies are the 30th anniversary flower - while lilies of the valley are the 2nd wedding anniversary flower.  As the flowers most often associated with funerals, lilies symbolize that the soul of the departed has received restored innocence after death. Pretty much all about friendship and death and ODA WHHHHHHY QAQ

Yeah this flower fits. Humility and devotion? You bet your ass Dazai has both. Sympathy and prosperity? The man has some of the best development in this story guys, don’t deny it. Wealth? Uh.......Let’s skip that one! ^0^;;;;;  The part that gets me though is the ‘restored innocence after death’. Just...Just that thought of Oda at peace being with the kids looking over Dazai with a smile just-just-GAH SO MUCH FEEL BUT SO MUCH NICE <X......3

Wait a second...Dazai, in my eyes, is holding a lily...and another breed of lily, the Lilies of the Valley, are 2nd wedding anniversary flowers...And Atsushi is holding...

O^O..........................

I DID NOT PLAN THIS SHIPPING MATERIAL BUT I AM PLEASED WITH MYSELF

And finally the last flower of this long post, the heliotrope!

Because of its striking beauty and alluring scent, the heliotrope plant has found its way into myth and storytelling. One of the best known stories is of Clytie, a water nymph, who was deeply in love with the sun god Helios – or, in some versions, Apollo. This god, however, had his eye on the princess Leukothoe, and one day abandoned Clytie for her. Finding that she had been forsaken, she spent the rest of her days pining away. Upon her death Helios, taking pity on the forlorn nymph whom he had slighted, turned her body into the heliotrope plant. Ever faithful to her beloved, the plant dutifully followed the sun every day. Other tales tell of this plant having a prophetic effect on sleep; dreaming of the plant itself is said to represent unrequited love, while heliotrope oils are thought to bring about prognostic dreams. Other folkloric tales show this plant’s place in rituals. For instance, if you pick a heliotrope blossom in the month of August and use it for good, then good things will come back to you; if, on the other hand, you use it with bad intentions, the wickedness will be turned around on you ten-fold. In addition to having a varied history in folklore, the heliotrope plant is also considered very useful in alternative medicine and cosmetics. The essential oils are used to help fight fatigue, and are also placed in many perfumes and lotions; while tinctures are made from this plant to help cure viral infections, cleanse the blood, and clear out congested lymphatic systems. This plant was once referred to as the herb of love, which is not surprising as, in general, they are thought to symbolize devotion. In addition to being a romantic emblem, heliotropes are also thought to have a religious bearing; representing a hope for salvation – or “turning towards” God. As a gift, these lovely plants are often given in decorative pots or within small container gardens.

Well if THIS doesn’t flower speaks volumes... First off the legend of this flower just works; why? Let me explain:

The water nymph was in love with the sun god but was abandoned and left behind. Feeling sorry for the nymph, who remained in love with the same god until her death, the sun god turned her into the heliotrope, which always followed the sun everywhere it went everyday.  Think about it, when Oda died Dazai was totally heart broken, and there is no doubt in my mind that he still is. Oda’s death is, in a way, abandonment to Dazai because...well you can’t necessarily come back from the dead can you? Oda was the only person Dazai felt he could truly rely on, and whether it was platonic or not the brunette loved him. Losing someone that close to your heart isn’t just a loss of a person, it’s losing a piece of yourself and as that freaking hurts. But then Oda gives Dazai a purpose to continue his life and Dazai follows through with it, matching up with the sun god turning the nymph into a flower. It may seem a little far fetched but the similarities are definitely there. And this not only transitions into more devotion cause Dazai still has tons of that lol XDDD but also into the religious meaning:

“Hope of Salvation”

JUST-JUST GAH

This flower encompasses everything that Dazai’s promise to Oda means. Seriously, the hope is to achieve the salvation Oda would want for the brunette. Excuse me while I curl onto a ball and start bawling thank you.

Phew that was a long post, but damn am I proud of it! X3

Hope you all enjoyed my insight on a random piece of official art because like I said, I have no life and way too much time on my hands XDDD;;;;;;;

[rinnahtheskinchanger]

REALLY  LONG  CHARACTER  SURVEY.

RULES.  repost ,   don’t  reblog  !    tag  10  ! TAGGED BY: @celestialspitfire​ B|  TAGGING.   anyone who wants to torture themselves

BASICS.

FULL  NAME :   Rinnah  NICKNAME :   Rin, Rinrin, Puppy, Wolfy, Wolf, Pipsqueak, Half-pint, Furball, Fuzzball, Fluffy, etc. AGE :   19 BIRTHDAY :  August 31st ETHNIC  GROUP : Mixed blood (Dad has some of the Eastern blood in him, hence the lion), but she looks stereotypical white (Nordic, specifically) NATIONALITY :  Skin-changer (Nordic in modern/Earth) LANGUAGE / S :   Common Tongue/English, most animal languages SEXUAL  ORIENTATION :   Pansexual ROMANTIC  ORIENTATION :  Panromantic RELATIONSHIP  STATUS : Single and hoping to find someone that she can trust and love completely. Hasn’t had the best life, so having a stable, caring partner would do wonders to help her. CLASS : Skinchangers don’t really have classes, but she’s the granddaughter of the chief. Whether or not that’s recognized by the other denizens of Middle Earth really depends. I wouldn’t think that many hold her kind in high regard. Probably most think they’re savages, or something, really. HOME  TOWN / AREA : The Withered Heath, in the far North of Arda. CURRENT  HOME : She’s a wanderer, though whether its by nature or necessity is actually quite hazy. PROFESSION :   A hunter, guide, muscle for hire, etc. Rin does what needs to be done in order to survive, whether it’s selling wares, or letting people pay her to help them in some way.

PHYSICAL.

HAIR :   Bright white; a product of Leucism. It really depends on how she wants it cut. Grows relatively fast, so there are times when she lets it grow to her waist. Other times, it’s cut into a crest that becomes midback length locks. Either way, there are two side pieces, and it’s been likened to a lion’s mane, as her father’s was. Soft to the touch, but doesn’t lie flat and silken. EYES :   Heterochromatic. Her left eye is a golden brown/amber, while the other is a vibrant green (inherited from her mother) NOSE :   A medium length nose, with a slight bump in the middle. The bottom is not overly wide, and slightly upturned. FACE :    Her facial shape is not remarkably feminine, more androgynous, though her features definitely point towards her being female. Her brows are a bit heavier than most women, and with a semi-strong jaw. (Think Norn of Guild Wars 2) LIPS :   Nice, full lips, plush for sure.  COMPLEXION :  Not pale, but not too dark. She has the permanent tan of someone who is always outside. No freckles or acne. Skin is pretty clear for the most part, though in the cold there can be a need for something to give it moisture. BLEMISHES :   Only occasional things. Dry lips, sometimes, maybe dark circles if there hasn’t been much sleep. SCARS : General wear and tear, as to be expected. There is also a massive burn scar on her left side, from hip, to under the bust, but not crossing over her center or spine. Two rips on back and front each of her right side, from massive fangs. Three claw marks over her left eye from forehead to midcheek. TATTOOS :   ...there’s, uh, some tribal stuff on the top of her...dick HEIGHT :   137 cm / 4′6″ WEIGHT :    50 kg / 110 lbs BUILD :  Rinnah is toned, but not sculpted. She has an endomorphic body type (reference is Samantha Wright, mostly). There isn’t too much going on, bust-wise, and there’s a bit of broadness to her shoulders, but her hips are decidedly wider, giving a more pear shaped appearance, though her upper body is nothing to sneeze at. FEATURES : Thick thighs, thick ass. Got a bit of a happy trail going on (white peach fuzz) ALLERGIES :   Nope! USUAL  HAIR  STYLE :   Let it loose! Though she has been known to braid her crest, braid it when long, or just tie it up to keep it out of the way. USUAL  FACE  LOOK : Generally curious, interested. Not necessarily happy, but there’s no resting bitch face either. USUAL  CLOTHING :  Think vikings, with more bones and furs, and no shoes.

PSYCHOLOGY.

FEAR / S :   Being alone, rejection, abuse ASPIRATION / S :   To find whatever it is that she’s looking for. ( Rin, herself, doesn’t know what it is, but it’s to find someone that cares for her (in any sense of the word) and/or a place that she can have purpose. POSITIVE  TRAITS :   Strong, loyal, gentle, caring, protective, brave ( for others ) NEGATIVE  TRAITS :   Pushover, nervous ( under the surface ), easily influenced, gullible ZODIAC :   Virgo TEMPEREMENT :    Easy-going, yet a bit on the shy side, until she gets to know/trust you. Then, she’s a fluffy whirlwind of fun, if you let her be. SOUL  TYPE / S :  Server. Click the link on the actual “soul type” thing to find out what that means! ANIMALS :   Wolf, Lion, Horse, Hawk ( Her and her immediate family’s forms )

VICE  HABIT / S :    Tendency to isolate herself, despite the fact that it makes her feel horrible,  Is very secretive, and tries to give out as little information as possible, until convinced that she can trust them completely,  Easy to corrupt with her eager-to-please nature and fear of rejection

FAITH :  Believes in the Valar, mostly because she has met two of them, so it is not possible for her not to believe at that point XD GHOSTS ? :   Eh AFTERLIFE ? :  Everyone is told the story of what happens, and being that she has met two of th Valar, proving their existence, Rinnah isn’t quite sure on the matter. REINCARNATION ? : I don’t think Rinnah wants this to exist, the possibility of coming back, and not having her family the way it was. She refuses to think about it. ALIENS ? :  Modern verse? Certainly POLITICAL  ALIGNMENT :   True neutral. Rinnah will making decisions based on who gets to her first ( and shows some form of affection/care, even if they’re faking.

ECONOMIC  PREFERENCE :   Skin changers are not known for being materialistic. They might have a home, but everything has its purpose, and is usually crafted by them, themselves. SOCIOPOLITICAL  POSITION : Granddaughter of a chief, but that really doesn’t mean much in her society. Everyone is inherently equal, in their eyes, though your behavior and prowess can sway it. EDUCATION  LEVEL :  Basic survival/self care. A bit of domestic knowledge, but no formal schooling. Can’t really read or write that well... (main verse only)

FAMILY.

FATHER :   Folkvar -Deceased- ( The White Lion ) 7′6″, broad and thick muscled. White hair, and blue eyes. A traveller by nature, until he met his match, Selehna, in the Withered Heath. He is jovial, and kind, though a big flirter as well. Has shared his bed with many people, of all races and genders when they’re interested. Doting father to his twin daughters, though Rinnah is his favorite, which everyone knows, but there is no problem with it. MOTHER :   Selehna -Deceased- ( The Knight Mare ) 6’4″, more slender and wiry, reminiscent of Elves. Dark red hair, and green eyes. Described by her husband ( and agreed upon by many ) as a Warrior Goddess. She has a temper, to be sure, and is not quite as cuddly as Folkvar. Though, her daughters are a different matter. Sinha is her favorite, and similar to her in many ways. Selehna is the beat down first, ask questions later type when it comes to intruders, or anyone threatening her family. Other times, she is cool and calculating. SIBLINGS :  Sinha -Deceased- 5′7″ ( At age 13 ) Fraternal twin to Rinnah. Lighter red hair than their mother ( not fiery ), and blind ( blue eyes ). Takes after their mother in build, and a bit in temperament. Sinha is not entirely fun-loving, but will do all sorts of playing and fun things with her sister, and their father should Rinnah be present. Calm, assertive.

EXTENDED  FAMILY :    Unknown on father’s side. Mother’s, however, which made up many of the tribe, were not fond of an outsider marrying their most sought after daughter. Were abusive to Rinnah when her parents took Sinha away to find a better healer. They are the source of all her scars, stunted growth, and psychological problems NAME  MEANING / S :    Folkvar: “guardian of the people”, Selehna: “Moon”, Rinnah: “Shouting for joy”, Sinha: made to match Rin’s HISTORICAL  CONNECTION ? :   N/A.

FAVORITES.

BOOK :   N/A MOVIE :   N/A 5 SONGS :  N/A

DEITY : Orome and Ulmo ( because she’s met both, and finds them to be quite pleasant )

HOLIDAY : N/A MONTH :  Probably September, when it’s not too cool, but Fall has begun. SEASON :  Summer/Fall PLACE :  She wanders too much to have a favorite. If she did, then there’s a good chance that there would be no more traveling for her. WEATHER :    Sunny days, warm, but not too warm for someone who...wears a fur coat -wink- SOUND :   The sound of fire crackling, the animals of the forest, rain on a roof, or on the leaves SCENT / S :   Baked treats and bread, roasting meat, freshly cut wood TASTE / S :    Savory, meaty flavors. Freshly baked bread, deserts of all sorts FEEL / S :    Leather, fur, crunching leaves, smooth river stones ANIMAL / S :    Dogs and horses, and bears NUMBER :  N/A. COLORS :  Golden yellow, warm browns

EXTRA.

TALENTS :    Good, scrappy fighter, ready to use whatever weapons she can find, and her body if she can’t. Cooking and singing. Very good listener. BAD  AT :  Reading, math, fitting in with more “cultured” people, especially the women TURN  ONS :   All sorts of things, really. Mostly anything that takes away her control, and even possibly belittles her. Teasing is good, verbal or otherwise, but nothing too cruel. Facesitting is pretty awesome (especially when someone else is doing the sitting). SIZE DIFFERENCE HELL FUCKIN YEAH. Experienced partners, and a reasonable amount of roughness. Put a hand around her throat, maybe pin her down completely, make her cum over and over until she’s begging you to stop, or the reverse is good too. TURN  OFFS :   MAKING ANY SORT OF NEGATIVE COMMENT TOWARDS HER GENITALS (The existence of, moreso than being like “oh gosh it’s so small, because that kind of comment makes her feel all hot and embarrassed and she loves it.)  HOBBIES :  Woodcarving, hunting, singing, traveling, sleeping in sun beams AESTHETIC  TAGS :   Animals of all sorts, gorgeous landscapes, carved wood, bone jewelry, all sorts of weapons (more along the primitive/medieval aspect), rustic dishes (bread and meats predominantly) GPOY  QUOTES :  N/A. Look at the musings tag on my blog

FC INFO.

MAIN  FC / S :   Emilia Clarke & Samantha Wright ALT  FC / S :  Isla from Plastic Memories (For any non-live action) OLDER  FC / S :   N/A YOUNGER  FC / S :  N/A VOICE  CLAIM / S :   Nora Patterson of Royal Teeth, I think, is probably the best I can find? GENDERBENT  FC / S :    N/A

MUN QUESTIONS.

Q1 :   if  you  could  write  your  character  your  way  in  their  own  movie ,   what  would  it  be  called ,  what  style  would  it  be  filmed  in ,  and  what  would  it  be  about ?          A1 :   Oh geez, this is definitely a very tough question. Personally, I don’t think there’s really much of a way to do a movie about her. I mean, the beginning would be fun, probably, with the antics of her and Sinha, as well as just enjoying time with the parents. Then everything would just become depressing, more depressing, and then a bit indifferent as she went on her own. After all, She doesn’t have anything big that happens, she’s just another denizen of Middle-Earth.

Q2 :   what  would  their  soundtrack / score  sound  like ?          A2 :   Ooh boy, Instrumentals all the way for this one. It fits best with the world she lives in, and a lot of the Lord of the Rings stuff would fit for that reason. However, while it’s good on the epic/battle fronts, it doesn’t have quite as many happy and depressing songs that would fit for her. For that reason, I could actually see Ghibli type music working well. It has a whole range of emotional songs, from the most light-hearted, to the most heart-wrenching. Princess Mononoke would definitely have good instrumentals, as well as Spirited Away.

Q3 :   why  did  you  start  writing  this  character ?          A3 :  Well, I had her as a character in my mind since I first read The Hobbit in second grade. (I was really good at reading) There have been multiple revisions over the years (as children tend to make sort of mary-sue characters, but that’s not their fault), and I finally really settled about 2009. (other than the average hair changes because people don’t have to stick to one style)

Q4 :   what  first  attracted  you  to  this  character ?          A4 :   BEORN WAS MY FAVE IN THE HOBBIT AND I WANTED SO MUCH MORE!!! I would have loved a book about his life, and more of when the Company stayed at his home. Shape-shifting characters have always been a draw for me, but I wasn’t quite as fond of the one’s who had even more power than that. Trust me, being able to change into one animal is enough to make a character interesting, without overdosing on coolness and power.

Q5 :   describe  the  biggest  thing  you  dislike  about  your  muse.          A5 :   Being that Rinnah is naturally so friendly, and her culture pretty open, I have a lot of trouble when it comes to rp partners thinking that she’s trying to get into their pants. She also has a lot of fears and conflict when interacting with others, so I can’t always proceed the way I would like, in threads. Pleasing the character she’s interacting with is her top priority, so sometimes it can be pretty limiting.

Q6 :   what  do  you  have  in  common  with  your  muse ?          A6 :   We both stay quiet about our own problems, and will constantly try and help people while we, ourselves, are just treading emotional water. I personally, emotionally carried like half of my fellow Honor students in college through every midterm and finals week, while completely freaking out in my own head.

Q7 :   how  does  your  muse  feel  about  you ?          A7 : She’d probably be really excited to have someone like me as a friend. Interacting with me isn’t as emotionally taxing, because of my laid-back nature, so it would be very comfortable for her.

Q8 :   what  characters  does  your  muse  have  interesting  interactions  with ?        A8 :  Ya know, I can’t make this shit up. With, like, 90% of villain characters, she will become like someone they absolutely love to be around, some even ask to marry her, while others mostly go out with her, if she hasn’t been adopted by them. (And yes, I’m including the ones who really are not fond of other people, like; Gisborne, Smaug (in multiple cases), Bolg, Ganondorf, Hades, Gregor Clegane, Hyde (from BBC’s Jekyll), etc.

Q9 :   what  gives  you  inspiration  to  write  your  muse ?         A9 :  Music, mostly. If I’m listening to some good shit I will check tumblr so many times for notifications hoping that it’ll be time to write XD My other inspiration is all of the positive feedback I get from my partners, as well as my want/need to do the best that I can for them.

Q10 :   how  long  did  this  take  you  to  complete ?          A10 : Don’t....don’t even..please...

[topfygad]

Iran as a solo female traveler – Interview with Earth Wanderess

Important – For some reason, the Iranian Government has decided to block my website, so if you want to browse Against the Compass while you are in Iran, you must use a VPN. For more information, read how to choose the right VPN for Iran 

Iran is the last discovered Middle Eastern gem and a backpacker’s dream, a country which, every year, more and more independent travelers desperately wish to venture into.

From some of the most hospitable people on Earth to striking Islamic architecture, Iran is galaxies away from the image the Western media has been trying to portray for the last four decades.

With no exception that I know of, all travelers leave the country absolutely fascinated, full of wanderlust and most of them are willing to go back again.

However, we can’t forget the fact that Iran is an Islamic dictatorship with very strict rules and laws which, unfortunately, mainly affect women’s lifestyle and dress code.

Therefore, it doesn’t surprise me that, every week, I get emails from several women, saying that, after reading all the wonders and seeing all my photos, they can’t wait to go to Iran, yet, they are a bit skeptical and a little concerned.

I always tell them that, in Iran, they will likely be treated like queens and might even feel safer than in top touristic Muslim destinations, like Egypt, for example.

Nevertheless, I have only visited Iran as a solo man and, even though all the women I know felt extremely safe, I can’t give a detailed answer, so I sought the help of an expert solo female traveler who has traveled extensively in the country.

Her name is Evelina, she is from Sweden, and is the author of a travel blog named Earth Wanderess.

I had been following her Iran journey on her Instagram and what caught my attention was that she really got deep into the country, by exploring very remote regions and meeting loads of local people.

Then, I had the chance to meet her in Tbilisi, in a bar, actually, where we chatted for a few hours over some good local beers.

In this interview, Eve shares her experience in Iran as a solo female traveler.

After receiving so many emails from really kick-ass female travelers who want to wander around some of the most off the beaten track countries in the world, I decided to open a Solo Female Traveling section on my blog, to help women get to know the reality of traveling solo in these countries. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you think you have a nice experience to tell!

    What made you decide to go Iran?

I had only heard amazing things from people who had actually traveled to Iran. They all seemed to have it as their best travel experience ever and, when it comes to places to visit, I listen to travelers, not the media, so I wanted to see this place for myself that so many other travelers had fallen in love with.

Read: 80 tips for traveling to Iran

  And what made you go a second time?

It really was like those travelers had told me before:

It’s a unique place with the most hospitable people in the world.

I had made so many friends who I really wanted to visit but the main trigger was that I realized how incredibly diverse and untouched their landscapes are. I’m a nature enthusiast, so being able to go to jaw-droppingly beautiful places in Iran which are free of tourist crowds is just too tempting to not go and explore even more.

In Kurdistan

  Iran has very strict Islamic rules which apply to women mainly. Did this put you off in the first place?

Since I can’t always find someone with the time, money and same interests as me to travel with and I also like the freedom of flexibility, most of the time, I travel alone. Going to Iran was no exception and, from what I had heard from other solo female travelers, it seemed very safe and, after being there twice, I agree with that.

Important – Remember that, because of the sanctions, many travel insurance companies, such as World Nomads, don’t cover Iran. Therefore, I recommend is IATI Insurance, one of the very few companies which offer full coverage for Iran, with a wide range of different plans, even for budget travelers and backpackers. Moreover, the readers of this blog can get an exclusive 5% discount. Buy it through this link and get your 5% discount

  How did the locals react, especially men, when they saw that you were in Iran as a solo female traveler?

They were surprised, curious and proud. Many came up to me asking me WHY I had come to Iran, as they know how their country is being portrayed in western media. They were just so happy I wanted to come to their country.

And what about women?

They were also curious but maybe not as upfront about it. I got invited to so many places and the friends and family of the people I made friends with were also very excited to meet me.

In nature, you don’t need to wear hijab

  When you were moving around by public transportation, did you ever have a bad experience?

No, when I took the metro in Tehran, I would go in the female section, where no men are allowed and, when taking the overnight buses, they would never put women next to men, unless they are married, know each other or chose to sit next to each other.

  Iranians are famous for their hospitality and random house invitations are very common. As a female traveler, did you also experience it? Did you ever hesitate?

Oh yes! It really doesn’t compare to anywhere else I’ve been to. They are so open to inviting people because this is what their local culture is based on. I never got into a situation where I hesitated but, sometimes, I would have so many invitations that I had to say no and stay with the one I knew the best. 

  Did you experience any kind of privilege just because you were a woman?

Yes, I felt like I was treated “like a queen” so I did feel like I got special treatment, but it’s hard to know for what exact reason. Sometimes, it was because I was a white tourist, as my local female friends didn’t get the same treatment and, on other occasions, it was because of being women. It was kind of like most men being classical movie-like gentlemen, helping with things.

In Esfahan

  And what about the disadvantages? Did you have any limitations just because you were a woman?

Walking in heat and having to wear the hijab, for sure. But that’s the only disadvantage I experienced during my total 3 months of being in Iran. 

  What do you recommend to wear and bring when traveling in Iran as a woman?

Loose-fitting lightweight pants (which are in fashion now, anyway), long cardigan/tunic/kimono and a sarong or scarf to cover your hair when you are out in public. I always travel with those loose pants anyway, as they are light in the heat but keep you from burning in the sun, plus they are super comfortable. I also always travel with a sarong, which I use as a towel, blanket, pillow etc. I really like multi-purpose things.

  You visited very remote regions within the country.  From all the off the beaten track places you explored in Iran, which one would you recommend to female travelers and why?

Out of the 18 regions/provinces that I’ve traveled to in Iran I would say Hormuz Island, in Hormuzgan Province, is the one I would recommend to solo female travelers. It’s a hippie’s paradise where you can set up camp on secluded beaches and feel totally free, as there is no hijab police in sight and the island is full of other nature enthusiasts who are escaping the busy and strict life of the bigger cities in mainland Iran.

I would also say that the people who live on the island are -believe it or not- even more friendly than the rest of Iran.

  To which kind of traveling women do you recommend Iran?

All of them. Iran really has something for everyone, except for the ones who just travel for parties and alcohol.

It has some of the richest culture and history in the world, amazing food, the nicest people and the most varied landscapes in one country that I have ever seen or heard of.

I often say that Iran is one of the best countries to travel alone, as it is the place where I’ve found it easiest to make local friends, hence, one can get a true experience of everyday life in that country, in all social classes, as they are all as hospitable, no matter how rich they are. I’ve been greeted and invited as a daughter by nomadic families and by upper-class Iranians. Their hospitality is in their blood and culture and that’s why I find it the easiest place to travel alone.

I also felt very safe there.

In Hormuz Island

  Further tips and recommendations

Get the longest Iranian visa you can – No matter how long you spend there, you will never feel like it was enough. There’s so much to see and experience and the hospitality and generosity of the people will make you feel at home and you will make a LOT of friends.

If you don’t have Instagram or Telegram, get one of them – As these are the main social media platforms used by Iranians, and they will ask for your account and number.

Say yes to staying with locals as often as you can, especially in old traditional houses – And don’t plan too much because you will very likely be invited to join trips or weddings or other things by the people you meet.

Learn a bit of Farsi – It’s an easy language to learn and just speaking a few words or sentences will impress the locals immensely. 

I cannot recommend Iran enough. It is my favorite travel destination, I always miss it and can’t wait to go back. And, very important, don’t listen to the media or anyone who hasn’t been there. Talk only to the people who have actually traveled there. 

Evelina is a former jet-setter turned eco-warrior.

She still travel full time but now without flying and with sustainability in mind.

Evelina is a former jet-setter turned eco-warrior. She still travels full-time but now without flying and with sustainability in mind. If you have any questions about solo female traveling in Iran, don’t hesitate to contact her. You can follow her on Instagram and her blog Earth Wanderess. 

  Check all my articles about Iran

80 Useful tips for traveling to Iran Independent travel in Iran: 1 to 4-week itinerary How to find the right travel insurance for Iran Is Iran safe? How to find the right VPN for Iran Things to do in Tehran in 2 days A guide to Qeshm Island A guide to Shiraz A trip to the desert of the Kaluts Trekking in the Zagros mountains Meeting the Qashqai, authentic Iranian nomads What to see in Pars province besides Shiraz and Persepolis A guide to the Iranian visa A guide to Masuleh A guide to Golestan Province

  from Cheapr Travels https://ift.tt/2WC5Axr via IFTTT

[noctemusfic]

☵ Nikolai

An Arrow (CW show) AU Fan Fiction by Noctemus. Can also be read: @AO3

Characters/Pairing: Oliver Queen, Nikolai Knyazev Rating: PG Warning: Rape/Non-con Elements, The Rape happens off screen and is implied, Bratva Oliver Queen, Dark Oliver Queen, Alternate Universe - Dark

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters portrayed herein. This is for fan enjoyment only and no profit gained nor sought. Notes:

Part 2 of the Blood In and Blood Out Series. Arrow AU verse in which Oliver Queen did not return to Starling City. Not in the way he did in the show.

The below was inspired from a scene in the movie 'Eastern Promises' with Viggo Mortensen.

The parts already posted are being re-worked and beated. Will update when ready.

Summary: Continuation of The Eastern Promise.

☵ Nikolai - 1/1

☳ ☼ ☳

It takes longer than Nikolai cares to admit for him to recognize the sound that he is hearing. Too immersed as he was in his own pleasure and the sound of flesh hitting flesh to be aware of what was going on outside his own room, which apparently was a brutal fight. But once it cements in his mind that there is something going on and that for one, has no place in this house, he grimaces as he knows what he needs to do.

‘Oh the burdens of being Anatoly’s son,’ he snorts at the thought as he is currently balls deep in a pretty girl, and burdened is the last thing he is feeling.

A load crash makes him freeze mid-movement and he looks towards the door. A second crash makes him swear violently as he pulls out with little finesse and stomps towards the door. He yanks the door open with such force that it slams against the wall and bumps back but he is already out and away from the frame. The cool air in the hall does nothing to cool him down because now he is not only annoyed that someone saw it fit to break the house rules but also frustrated, not to mention still damn horny.

He pauses only for a moment when he realizes that the door to Oliver’s room is wide open and from where he is standing he can see that the headboard has been torn apart. Okay, that does not bode well. Oliver had been in a weird mood all day and Nikolai had hoped that a night spent with the girls would cheer him up, but by the sound of it, it did the opposite.

The ruckus downstairs grows louder before suddenly muffling to indistinguishable thuds.

Hurrying to the stairs he quickly gets down. He has to pause for just a moment at the odd sight. The meeting area looks wrecked, furniture pushed askew and at least one table broken from something heavy being thrown down on it. But what made him pause was the sight of the men and a few girls keeping to the walls while Oliver is pounding on Sasha smack in the middle of the room.

He knew there was no love lost between the two men and more than once they had come to blows but there was something different about this tussle and Nikolai realizes that Oliver is actually pounding Sasha half to death with no sign that he would stop until the man had been reduced to a pulp.

He could even feel from where he is standing the rage rolling of the Captain. Why on earth has no one pulled Oliver off him? Shaking off his stupor at the odd sight he takes the last step off the staircase and further into the room getting the looks of the other people in the room though they made no attempt to peel away from the walls they were apparently hugging.

One look at Oliver’s face and he knows why.

No one is stepping in to pull Oliver off the bigger man even if it is clear that Oliver has already won simply because the expression on Oliver's face spells death to anyone who steps in. Nikolai feels the shiver run through his body at the expression and he is once again reminded of why his father made the American a Captain, to begin with. It had been more than simply because Oliver had saved his life during those dark times he had been missing.

Though he knows it is dangerous to deal with Oliver when he was like that Nikolai can’t allow him to kill Sasha for whatever it was that Sasha had done to elicit such a reaction. That would spell badly for all of them.

Seeing an opening he steps in and reaches down and locks his arm around Oliver. He was bigger than Oliver but he would be a fool to think that it gave him an advantage, as Sasha had so clearly shown. Size never seemed to really matter to the Captain. If he wanted you down, you were down.

Nikolai spoke directly into Oliver's ear as he tried to keep the upper hand and he finds himself grateful at his state of undress. The fact that he was naked and sweaty from his previous engagement made it so that Oliver didn’t have a good grip on him and he will take whatever advantage he can.

Rolling them both away from Sasha that lies prone on the floor he hooks his legs over the enraged man and tightens his grip. He has managed to keep Oliver on the floor letting all his weight bearing down on his back and though Oliver stills Nikolai doesn’t let up until Oliver lifts his hands in a surrender pose and nods affirmatively in the little room that he has to move when Nikolai asks him seriously, “Are you back with me brother?”

Oliver coughs once as he tries to roll his shoulder but Nikolai has a firm grip on him. He manages to croak out a gruff, “Da.”

Looking around, Nikolai sees the others starting to relax and for the first time, he really notices the girl curled against the side of one of the couches. He arches his eyebrow when he recognized the jacket swallowing up the thin girl.

He quickly realizes that she was probably the American that had been set aside for Oliver. There was something familiar about her gaunt face but he shakes it off as Oliver butted his head against his throat and asked, “Are you getting off me or what?”

Nikolai can’t help but grin at the tone in his friend's voice. “Have you cooled off enough?”

“I said yes.” Oliver is sounding a bit strained but that isn’t really surprising since Nikolai is bearing his whole weight on the guy and he knows it can’t be all that comfortable considering the adrenaline of the short struggle has kept him hard.

Nikolai can hear the other man muttering under his breath about his naked ass and Nikolai finally allows himself to relax. He loosens his grip and slowly peels himself off rolling his shoulder as he stands up.

“Okay,” he says as he watches Oliver roll to his back and quietly just looks at his outstretched hand. The eyes are blank but Nikolai knows there is a storm brewing in his friend.

It makes the hair on his arm stand on edge. He is not surprised in the least when Oliver finally takes his hand and allows himself to be pulled back to his feet. His attention is soon focused on the man on the floor and Nikolai simply watches his friend as the other coldly stares at the senseless man and he is suddenly filled with the realization that this is far from over.

“This wasn’t exactly how I wished the night to end,” he says to the room as he also looks at Sasha who was slowly giving signs of waking up. Oliver shrugs but keeps quiet. He never was a man of many words Nikolai recalls.

“All of this for a pussy?” Nikolai realized immediately that he stepped wrong somewhere as Oliver goes white and rigid next to him and Nikolai finds himself struggling to keep himself relaxed when Oliver slowly turns his head towards him and says quietly but with a world of meaning, “It’s Thea.”

Nikolai gives a shocked gasp as he turns towards the cowering girl whose eyes were locked on Oliver. ‘Oliver’s sister... oh Fuck me,’ he thought, suddenly in no mood to continue his previous engagement.

Looking closely he realized why she had seamed familiar though she bore little likeness to the young girl Oliver had talked about.

He watches quietly as Oliver walks over to her and seeing how he is with the young girl he knows things are far from over. He looks up and shares a look with his closest confidant Dmitri who was also watching with a grim expression on his face.

Yeah, they were going to have to talk to Anatoly. For all that he considered himself to know Oliver well and sees him as a good friend, his father knows him best and what he is really capable of and maybe he will be able to talk Oliver out of starting a war.

Seeing Oliver tuck Thea more carefully into his jacket, dubiously accepting the blanket one of the older girls were giving him, the man must have felt his eyes because he looked up and stared back.

Yeah, his hope to avoid that diminishes by the second because in Oliver’s eyes was little else but the promise of utter destruction.

‘Okay,’ he thinks and shrugs. It will be whatever it will be and he will stand with his brother. Could this have been a simple coincidence? Or had someone set out to deliberately hurt Oliver?

He doesn’t believe in coincidence so that left only one option. He could see something relax around Oliver's eyes and he realized Oliver had seen his acceptance.

‘Yeah, brother, I have your back.’ Nikolai thinks warmly. Things had been too quiet lately anyways…

Finis

[thevanessachronicles-blog]

It’s been awhile since I’ve sat here on this bench overlooking the beauty before me. The bench and I know each other well. On it, a dedication engraved:

“in loving memory of Kevin Mottus and Chester Sterr.”

I have no idea of who these people are and how they died but I’m appreciative of the bench dedicated and placed so for people like me.

It’s a quiet beautiful spot, overlooking the prairie with the Rocky Mountains off in the distance. The leaves have turned this rustic yellow and there’s that familiar chill in the wind…. winter is coming.I can hear the motorbikes rattle as they navigate the winding trails below. Like Mosquitos only on steroids. Dodging in and out, far away and yet it’s noise up front and centre.

There’s something new here on the cliff ledge. A cross in memory of another someone who passed away. I wonder what happened? I’ll have to ask around.

Off to my left is a trail leading to the back roads.

To the north of me is a field that once housed a military base. NAV Canada still has their tower here and is somehow connected to the random odd dome shaped buildings in the area. My friends mom said it was like a little town as she used to work here. I think it was razed in the 80’s sometime.

I come here when I’ve got a lot on my mind. When I need to stop thinking and just remember that the wind still blows. The sun still sets. It’s warmth still can be felt within the chill of the air. There is this peace in the quietness as I look at the world below. It’s a time I can lay away all the thoughts and noise of life and be still with my Creator. My Saviour.What’s On the agenda for today?

Well, my daughter today informed me that the most perfect specimen of man aka boy, finally figured out who she is. “It doesn’t matter though” she told me, “dating is for idiots. I’m 12. Even if he was interested I’d tell him to take a hike. I got better things to do. But sure don’t mind if he likes me.” You would think this would settle me but in fact it concerns me more. Boys, especially the muscly sporty type, who like girls who aren’t idiots around them and are somewhat intrigued by a girl that clearly can hold her own in skill and ability. Forget the fact that she is beautiful. I know, I know, every mother says that, but she is. And she’s funny. She’s a leader and not a follower. She’s girlie and yet very much a self proclaimed ungirlie girl aka tomboy. So hence, I exhale slightly, and cautiously give advice knowing she’s going to learn life the hard way. Just like her momma.

My only advice to her was not to fall for a pretty face and smooth talker. Challenge him. Make him show his character because too many fall for a pretty face and shallow character……but my inside self was doing the happy dance about her none interest-interest.

The sun will set and rise again and tomorrow she will be 15 and the next she will be 20. Life goes on. She will live. Meanwhile I think about investing in barrels of wine…or, maybe spiced rum!!!

I am happy to say so far this year has been a much better atmosphere for her and the kids at school. Then again she’s in sport academy. She’s not too happy they put her with the grade 8’s and with mostly boys as she doesn’t know anyone, but this will change. Being the only grade 7 student in her class puts her out of her comfort zone and forces her to face her anxiety. I think it was a good choice. Either way, she’s challenged so that’s a bonus.

Ethan has been applying for new jobs. He got the taste of money and found out that it doesn’t grow on trees so now he’s on a mission. He leaves at the end of the month for a week long hunting trip with my mom and dad, as well as my brother and his three boys.

When my ex offered him a choice between a trip to Disneyland or a trip to Mexico he picked Mexico. Then when he offered him the choice of a trip to Mexico or a hunting trip with my dad, hands down he choose the hunting trip. A freezing his ass off in the cold, sleeping in a wall tent, horse packing, mountain tundra, campfire, hard-working, hunting trip. I’m glad he’s going with my brother and his cousins as they look up to Ethan. This will give them memories that will last a lifetime.

Today was my first day back in GP. Yup that’s right. I’m travelling between two provinces again. Last year I think I’ve put on 45,000 km. My busy season has come to an end which is ok considering most of my hours required at work were spent this summer working overtime. So I have time to be with my kids and enjoy my time with them.

Sometimes I wonder what am I doing? But really when I look at it, it’s no different that a man who works a camp job two weeks in and out. Or a month in/out overseas in the oil and gas industry. Who am I to complain? I’ve been blessed. Grande Prairie has been my home since 2000, Alberta since 1994 and Fraser Lake is my childhood home town with the comfort of my home people and the beauty of British Columbia. It really is the best of both worlds.

Mahdi is heavy on my mind, as per usual.

Sometimes I think about the craziness and strange but amazing events that have unfolded over the past few years. It has been a gradual development of what started as a friendship between two people who knew that there is more to life than our current surroundings – yet on opposing spectrums for sure.

I’ve come to appreciate how much I respect and value someone who knows their priorities. Who has experienced more than their selfish desires and spoiled life styles. Someone who has seen hard times and knows the heartbreak. Sometime though, I’m not going to lie, there are moments when I think it would be so much easier if…….full in the blank.

Over the course of six years I have condensed my belongings to that fits into a Costco 8×10-ish shed plus some. I have thrown away, donated, sold more stuff than I care to remember. If I haven’t used it in a year I don’t need it.

There are moments when I find myself hesitating and I think….wait. Wait. Just hold on a second. I start getting emotionally attached to my stuff and I am fooled into thinking that my value and my worth are in my belongings….

And then I simply toss it into a pile and get rid of it and walk away. It’s just stuff.

It has taken time, a lot of time , and I’m a work in progress. God and his truth is revealed in the moments when life become like a rock tumbler, refining my stubborn character through hardship and struggle. My eyes see a little further. My heart sinks a little deeper and I move towards a closure understanding of who I am, my identity in Christ, my understanding of what fear is, what is important and what are the sacrifices I must do to strive towards them. Many a night I have sob at a closing chapter in my life. I’m sure many more lie in wait and I’m ok with that.

Necessary endings for new beginnings.

Mahdi has always been the listener. That’s how it all started, I made a joke and his english needed some refining so it was mostly him listening as I would ask question after question after question. It wasn’t the first time I had to hold a conversation with a man who didn’t know how to talk to girls.  Most men, no matter what country don’t – if they do, then they are either a salesman or homosexual.  Well, Mahdi was definitely not either.  He would prop his head up on his overextending thumb, resting on his chin. His beard would be sometimes perfectly manicured, atypical to many Middle Eastern men selling hair products in the mall or other times it lay mangled and desperate when he was at the base or out on a mission. Itchy and long. It took sometime to get used to his features as North American men don’t normally have that much facial hair.  Side note: In India I would watch him blow dry his hair and beard, he would take longer in getting ready than the time it would take for both my daughter and I put together.

The man loves make up, too.  The women over there have this insane obsession with make up and being perfect.  I understand the need to stand out and save your beauty for your husband as education and independence are not high on the availability scale.  His mom would be on the phone asking me to curl my hair because they wanted to see blonde hair curled.  A very few select times I would do it.  I would roll my eyes and act like it was the biggest pain-in-the-ass thing to do.  Who curls their hair everyday?  I’m going hiking or playing with the kids or going to the gym.  But I would do it and they would ooooh and ahhhhh.  I was so weird.

I remember one time in India, the day I had a mental break down over the heat, we were at the Akshardham temple.  Even Rose my Armenian friend was hot and she had been living in India for 5 years.  I found out when I got home that apparently it was uncharacteristically hot because people were dying from the heat – it made the news.  I was desperate to cool down so in the middle of the food court where I was sitting under the pathetic shade of a tree, I took my water bottle and dumped it over my head to wet my hair and neck.  Rose freaked out on how it was inappropriate for a girl to be so brazen.  Mahdi laughed at me and said “there’s the Canadian white chick” – with his heavy accent.

I think my greatest moment of appreciation of his culture was the moment I realized he had more of a flare for the bold home decor than I do.  I mean, one of the best things about being single and I can decorate my home as girlie as I want it to be and I have no one to say no.  I found out that you can buy this glitter paint and I was seriously considering painting a small wall in my bathroom with it.  But I restrained myself mostly because of the cost.  Only this scenario is flipped.  I find myself trying to reign him in.  One day this is the picture he had sent when I had said I’m looking to decorate my bedroom:

I burst out laughing “woooooahhhhh there, hold the phone – absolutely not. That is FAR too pink.”  He said ok maybe but it was beautiful and he thought it was women love.  Extreme girlie, bold colours which is also cultural, and excessive primping, because that’s what his mom and sister’s love.  To get ready for a wedding and dress like what we would consider a bridesmaid. Excessive frills and sequins and bold bright concentrated colours…. with ALOT of Gold.  Not diamonds.  Gold.  You should see the dresses they bought me as a gift from India.  I’m pretty sure you could light up the room as a dancing disco ball.  I’m really not sure I could ever wear it out in Canadian public, maybe some latino dance hall, but when I look at them my eyes hurt.  One I actually love, I’m just going to get it tailored to fit proper and not look like some mennonite gone in Vegas.

Everything is so over the top, and I love it.  It’s weird for sure, as most men in North America couldn’t care less about this stuff, unless it just died and was served on their plate, didn’t have too many holes in the armpit or goes BANG, they don’t care.  They just know that a woman magically shows up looking good with her own style.

“Jennel, I love that your wearing lip gloss.  You should try the stuff that goes on darker – lipstick??? and maybe a few deeper shades pink.  Not red though, my mom says when you have white skin and blonde hair it makes a woman look, you know – like a whore.”  Choke, choke….. out I spit my drink of water “MAHDI, (chuckling in shock) just STOP.  There is so much wrong with what you said.  Please don’t EVER say that to a girl.  It’s disrespectful.” – “Oh. I’m sorry.  I didn’t know.”  Still laughing.  Still choking.  I’m used to it though.  His translations are very literal, mix in some culture differences, innocent of intensions and add in North American feministic sensitivity and BOOM –

It’s freaking hilarious!!!!

The thing is, I know he’s just trying to support me in how he knows a woman in being a woman, from his mom  I get it.  As my daughter puts it, “Mom, he’s like having a gay best friend….only he’s not gay…… AND he’s a soldier” as she walks away with this confused grin paired with the I-don’t-know shrug as if to motion “it makes no sense.”

Then there were the moments that dig deep inside me.

There was one time he phoned me in the middle of my night, his voice heavy with concern. I could hear his voice annoyed and yet concerned. He would always validate his emotions with “I’m not afraid to die, everyone dies.” I would add “but not having the opportunity to live is another story.”

It was a cold night. The mission took longer than expected, they didn’t pack enough food and supplies to stay warm and dry. And then complications happened. I could hear the “complications” in the back ground. I had no experience of the reality of what was happening but I knew it was my turn to simply listen. He had asked me to pray for him.  That was the best support I could give him in the moment.  He always told me just enough for me to know the situation but never enough for me to know the situation.  He didn’t want me to worry, or he would wait till after the fact to tell me. There were a few exceptions like this night.  We had ended up losing contact, I would call back and get that automated recording only Farsi, I could only assume she was saying the number I had reached was unavailable.  I’m pretty sure that 10 minute call cost me $80. I’d pay it again.  After I had lost contact, I immediately searched the internet for news headlines in the area that were in English – yet not find any headlines on American sites. Or British. Or Indian. Or Canadian. Nothing. I was about a day later when I told him what I had found trying to find out what happened he answered with:

“NEVER trust reading the news.  It’s all propaganda and lies. It’s all a game”

You know the kind where 95% of the story is true but the 5%  that’s left out is actually major information which changes the whole story. How valuable that 5% is, and yet rarely sought after.  Seems to be a global epidemic.

So it was then that I chose to trust him and wait for the phone call when he got back and do as he had asked.  Pray and leave it in God’s hands.

Mahdi has since left the military and has supported himself with his business -a bike shop. However, the economy is down and terrorism has a way of putting a damper on life let alone the street bike business. He can not afford the extras. So every once in a while, I send his family money for his sisters English and art classes.  I stepped in for the sake of his sister’s education. His mom thanks me everyday for it. His sister has made me many pictures and drawings.  When speaking with Miriam, She and I often speak helping each other out. I would correct her English and she would help me learn some Farsi/Dari.

  How about the time when I was on the phone with him and he was massaging Fatima’s (his mom) arm because she was in pain. She looked terrible and in distress. I told him to take her to the hospital because she might be having a heart attack. Turns out she was. In the end he ended up cashing in all the family savings and gold to send her to Pakistan for surgery with his dad.

Sometimes someone comes into your world and shakes your reality. It’s impact changes you. It’s navigating how to use the life lesson’s is the tricky part.

I can not unchange me. So instead, I help.  It helps me step outside of my world, out of my rut I can find myself in, and appreciate what I have.  I slow down for my kids. I take time for myself.  I get involved.  I say my piece and I learn in the process.

I’m watching the sun finally set and my thoughts become still as I reflect. I’m thinking about my children and navigating through the chaos that is our world raising them. I think about the cost and what I’ve given up so that we make it work. I think about what others give up to make it work like my mom and dad and even my ex. He really has been supportive as an ex husband and a father to my kids, It has effected his life. I can not ignore this. To do so would be selfish.

I think about Mahdi. Whose given up everything and willing to give up more for he knows there’s life outside of his reality.  Just as he has impacted my life, I have impacted his.

And yet its complicated.  Much more complicated than this post can ever suggest. Not just geographic and culturally, but spiritually.

So I sit here and I stare off in the distance and be still. The sun sets. The world’s not so heavy. Peace settles in as I give it all to God, laying those heavy on my heart to rest for the day.  Asking for the courage and the wisdom in what to do next.

Tomorrow is another day.

Tomorrow is Another Day It's been awhile since I've sat here on this bench overlooking the beauty before me. The bench and I know each other well.

[topfygad]

Iran as a solo female traveler – Interview with Earth Wanderess

Important – For some reason, the Iranian Government has decided to block my website, so if you want to browse Against the Compass while you are in Iran, you must use a VPN. For more information, read how to choose the right VPN for Iran 

Iran is the last discovered Middle Eastern gem and a backpacker’s dream, a country which, every year, more and more independent travelers desperately wish to venture into.

From some of the most hospitable people on Earth to striking Islamic architecture, Iran is galaxies away from the image the Western media has been trying to portray for the last four decades.

With no exception that I know of, all travelers leave the country absolutely fascinated, full of wanderlust and most of them are willing to go back again.

However, we can’t forget the fact that Iran is an Islamic dictatorship with very strict rules and laws which, unfortunately, mainly affect women’s lifestyle and dress code.

Therefore, it doesn’t surprise me that, every week, I get emails from several women, saying that, after reading all the wonders and seeing all my photos, they can’t wait to go to Iran, yet, they are a bit skeptical and a little concerned.

I always tell them that, in Iran, they will likely be treated like queens and might even feel safer than in top touristic Muslim destinations, like Egypt, for example.

Nevertheless, I have only visited Iran as a solo man and, even though all the women I know felt extremely safe, I can’t give a detailed answer, so I sought the help of an expert solo female traveler who has traveled extensively in the country.

Her name is Evelina, she is from Sweden, and is the author of a travel blog named Earth Wanderess.

I had been following her Iran journey on her Instagram and what caught my attention was that she really got deep into the country, by exploring very remote regions and meeting loads of local people.

Then, I had the chance to meet her in Tbilisi, in a bar, actually, where we chatted for a few hours over some good local beers.

In this interview, Eve shares her experience in Iran as a solo female traveler.

After receiving so many emails from really kick-ass female travelers who want to wander around some of the most off the beaten track countries in the world, I decided to open a Solo Female Traveling section on my blog, to help women get to know the reality of traveling solo in these countries. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you think you have a nice experience to tell!

    What made you decide to go Iran?

I had only heard amazing things from people who had actually traveled to Iran. They all seemed to have it as their best travel experience ever and, when it comes to places to visit, I listen to travelers, not the media, so I wanted to see this place for myself that so many other travelers had fallen in love with.

Read: 80 tips for traveling to Iran

  And what made you go a second time?

It really was like those travelers had told me before:

It’s a unique place with the most hospitable people in the world.

I had made so many friends who I really wanted to visit but the main trigger was that I realized how incredibly diverse and untouched their landscapes are. I’m a nature enthusiast, so being able to go to jaw-droppingly beautiful places in Iran which are free of tourist crowds is just too tempting to not go and explore even more.

In Kurdistan

  Iran has very strict Islamic rules which apply to women mainly. Did this put you off in the first place?

Since I can’t always find someone with the time, money and same interests as me to travel with and I also like the freedom of flexibility, most of the time, I travel alone. Going to Iran was no exception and, from what I had heard from other solo female travelers, it seemed very safe and, after being there twice, I agree with that.

Important – Remember that, because of the sanctions, many travel insurance companies, such as World Nomads, don’t cover Iran. Therefore, I recommend is IATI Insurance, one of the very few companies which offer full coverage for Iran, with a wide range of different plans, even for budget travelers and backpackers. Moreover, the readers of this blog can get an exclusive 5% discount. Buy it through this link and get your 5% discount

  How did the locals react, especially men, when they saw that you were in Iran as a solo female traveler?

They were surprised, curious and proud. Many came up to me asking me WHY I had come to Iran, as they know how their country is being portrayed in western media. They were just so happy I wanted to come to their country.

And what about women?

They were also curious but maybe not as upfront about it. I got invited to so many places and the friends and family of the people I made friends with were also very excited to meet me.

In nature, you don’t need to wear hijab

  When you were moving around by public transportation, did you ever have a bad experience?

No, when I took the metro in Tehran, I would go in the female section, where no men are allowed and, when taking the overnight buses, they would never put women next to men, unless they are married, know each other or chose to sit next to each other.

  Iranians are famous for their hospitality and random house invitations are very common. As a female traveler, did you also experience it? Did you ever hesitate?

Oh yes! It really doesn’t compare to anywhere else I’ve been to. They are so open to inviting people because this is what their local culture is based on. I never got into a situation where I hesitated but, sometimes, I would have so many invitations that I had to say no and stay with the one I knew the best. 

  Did you experience any kind of privilege just because you were a woman?

Yes, I felt like I was treated “like a queen” so I did feel like I got special treatment, but it’s hard to know for what exact reason. Sometimes, it was because I was a white tourist, as my local female friends didn’t get the same treatment and, on other occasions, it was because of being women. It was kind of like most men being classical movie-like gentlemen, helping with things.

In Esfahan

  And what about the disadvantages? Did you have any limitations just because you were a woman?

Walking in heat and having to wear the hijab, for sure. But that’s the only disadvantage I experienced during my total 3 months of being in Iran. 

  What do you recommend to wear and bring when traveling in Iran as a woman?

Loose-fitting lightweight pants (which are in fashion now, anyway), long cardigan/tunic/kimono and a sarong or scarf to cover your hair when you are out in public. I always travel with those loose pants anyway, as they are light in the heat but keep you from burning in the sun, plus they are super comfortable. I also always travel with a sarong, which I use as a towel, blanket, pillow etc. I really like multi-purpose things.

  You visited very remote regions within the country.  From all the off the beaten track places you explored in Iran, which one would you recommend to female travelers and why?

Out of the 18 regions/provinces that I’ve traveled to in Iran I would say Hormuz Island, in Hormuzgan Province, is the one I would recommend to solo female travelers. It’s a hippie’s paradise where you can set up camp on secluded beaches and feel totally free, as there is no hijab police in sight and the island is full of other nature enthusiasts who are escaping the busy and strict life of the bigger cities in mainland Iran.

I would also say that the people who live on the island are -believe it or not- even more friendly than the rest of Iran.

  To which kind of traveling women do you recommend Iran?

All of them. Iran really has something for everyone, except for the ones who just travel for parties and alcohol.

It has some of the richest culture and history in the world, amazing food, the nicest people and the most varied landscapes in one country that I have ever seen or heard of.

I often say that Iran is one of the best countries to travel alone, as it is the place where I’ve found it easiest to make local friends, hence, one can get a true experience of everyday life in that country, in all social classes, as they are all as hospitable, no matter how rich they are. I’ve been greeted and invited as a daughter by nomadic families and by upper-class Iranians. Their hospitality is in their blood and culture and that’s why I find it the easiest place to travel alone.

I also felt very safe there.

In Hormuz Island

  Further tips and recommendations

Get the longest Iranian visa you can – No matter how long you spend there, you will never feel like it was enough. There’s so much to see and experience and the hospitality and generosity of the people will make you feel at home and you will make a LOT of friends.

If you don’t have Instagram or Telegram, get one of them – As these are the main social media platforms used by Iranians, and they will ask for your account and number.

Say yes to staying with locals as often as you can, especially in old traditional houses – And don’t plan too much because you will very likely be invited to join trips or weddings or other things by the people you meet.

Learn a bit of Farsi – It’s an easy language to learn and just speaking a few words or sentences will impress the locals immensely. 

I cannot recommend Iran enough. It is my favorite travel destination, I always miss it and can’t wait to go back. And, very important, don’t listen to the media or anyone who hasn’t been there. Talk only to the people who have actually traveled there. 

Evelina is a former jet-setter turned eco-warrior.

She still travel full time but now without flying and with sustainability in mind.

Evelina is a former jet-setter turned eco-warrior. She still travels full-time but now without flying and with sustainability in mind. If you have any questions about solo female traveling in Iran, don’t hesitate to contact her. You can follow her on Instagram and her blog Earth Wanderess. 

  Check all my articles about Iran

80 Useful tips for traveling to Iran Independent travel in Iran: 1 to 4-week itinerary How to find the right travel insurance for Iran Is Iran safe? How to find the right VPN for Iran Things to do in Tehran in 2 days A guide to Qeshm Island A guide to Shiraz A trip to the desert of the Kaluts Trekking in the Zagros mountains Meeting the Qashqai, authentic Iranian nomads What to see in Pars province besides Shiraz and Persepolis A guide to the Iranian visa A guide to Masuleh A guide to Golestan Province

  from Cheapr Travels https://ift.tt/2WC5Axr via https://ift.tt/2NIqXKN

[topfygad]

Iran as a solo female traveler – Interview with Earth Wanderess

Important – For some reason, the Iranian Government has decided to block my website, so if you want to browse Against the Compass while you are in Iran, you must use a VPN. For more information, read how to choose the right VPN for Iran 

Iran is the last discovered Middle Eastern gem and a backpacker’s dream, a country which, every year, more and more independent travelers desperately wish to venture into.

From some of the most hospitable people on Earth to striking Islamic architecture, Iran is galaxies away from the image the Western media has been trying to portray for the last four decades.

With no exception that I know of, all travelers leave the country absolutely fascinated, full of wanderlust and most of them are willing to go back again.

However, we can’t forget the fact that Iran is an Islamic dictatorship with very strict rules and laws which, unfortunately, mainly affect women’s lifestyle and dress code.

Therefore, it doesn’t surprise me that, every week, I get emails from several women, saying that, after reading all the wonders and seeing all my photos, they can’t wait to go to Iran, yet, they are a bit skeptical and a little concerned.

I always tell them that, in Iran, they will likely be treated like queens and might even feel safer than in top touristic Muslim destinations, like Egypt, for example.

Nevertheless, I have only visited Iran as a solo man and, even though all the women I know felt extremely safe, I can’t give a detailed answer, so I sought the help of an expert solo female traveler who has traveled extensively in the country.

Her name is Evelina, she is from Sweden, and is the author of a travel blog named Earth Wanderess.

I had been following her Iran journey on her Instagram and what caught my attention was that she really got deep into the country, by exploring very remote regions and meeting loads of local people.

Then, I had the chance to meet her in Tbilisi, in a bar, actually, where we chatted for a few hours over some good local beers.

In this interview, Eve shares her experience in Iran as a solo female traveler.

After receiving so many emails from really kick-ass female travelers who want to wander around some of the most off the beaten track countries in the world, I decided to open a Solo Female Traveling section on my blog, to help women get to know the reality of traveling solo in these countries. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you think you have a nice experience to tell!

    What made you decide to go Iran?

I had only heard amazing things from people who had actually traveled to Iran. They all seemed to have it as their best travel experience ever and, when it comes to places to visit, I listen to travelers, not the media, so I wanted to see this place for myself that so many other travelers had fallen in love with.

Read: 80 tips for traveling to Iran

  And what made you go a second time?

It really was like those travelers had told me before:

It’s a unique place with the most hospitable people in the world.

I had made so many friends who I really wanted to visit but the main trigger was that I realized how incredibly diverse and untouched their landscapes are. I’m a nature enthusiast, so being able to go to jaw-droppingly beautiful places in Iran which are free of tourist crowds is just too tempting to not go and explore even more.

In Kurdistan

  Iran has very strict Islamic rules which apply to women mainly. Did this put you off in the first place?

Since I can’t always find someone with the time, money and same interests as me to travel with and I also like the freedom of flexibility, most of the time, I travel alone. Going to Iran was no exception and, from what I had heard from other solo female travelers, it seemed very safe and, after being there twice, I agree with that.

Important – Remember that, because of the sanctions, many travel insurance companies, such as World Nomads, don’t cover Iran. Therefore, I recommend is IATI Insurance, one of the very few companies which offer full coverage for Iran, with a wide range of different plans, even for budget travelers and backpackers. Moreover, the readers of this blog can get an exclusive 5% discount. Buy it through this link and get your 5% discount

  How did the locals react, especially men, when they saw that you were in Iran as a solo female traveler?

They were surprised, curious and proud. Many came up to me asking me WHY I had come to Iran, as they know how their country is being portrayed in western media. They were just so happy I wanted to come to their country.

And what about women?

They were also curious but maybe not as upfront about it. I got invited to so many places and the friends and family of the people I made friends with were also very excited to meet me.

In nature, you don’t need to wear hijab

  When you were moving around by public transportation, did you ever have a bad experience?

No, when I took the metro in Tehran, I would go in the female section, where no men are allowed and, when taking the overnight buses, they would never put women next to men, unless they are married, know each other or chose to sit next to each other.

  Iranians are famous for their hospitality and random house invitations are very common. As a female traveler, did you also experience it? Did you ever hesitate?

Oh yes! It really doesn’t compare to anywhere else I’ve been to. They are so open to inviting people because this is what their local culture is based on. I never got into a situation where I hesitated but, sometimes, I would have so many invitations that I had to say no and stay with the one I knew the best. 

  Did you experience any kind of privilege just because you were a woman?

Yes, I felt like I was treated “like a queen” so I did feel like I got special treatment, but it’s hard to know for what exact reason. Sometimes, it was because I was a white tourist, as my local female friends didn’t get the same treatment and, on other occasions, it was because of being women. It was kind of like most men being classical movie-like gentlemen, helping with things.

In Esfahan

  And what about the disadvantages? Did you have any limitations just because you were a woman?

Walking in heat and having to wear the hijab, for sure. But that’s the only disadvantage I experienced during my total 3 months of being in Iran. 

  What do you recommend to wear and bring when traveling in Iran as a woman?

Loose-fitting lightweight pants (which are in fashion now, anyway), long cardigan/tunic/kimono and a sarong or scarf to cover your hair when you are out in public. I always travel with those loose pants anyway, as they are light in the heat but keep you from burning in the sun, plus they are super comfortable. I also always travel with a sarong, which I use as a towel, blanket, pillow etc. I really like multi-purpose things.

  You visited very remote regions within the country.  From all the off the beaten track places you explored in Iran, which one would you recommend to female travelers and why?

Out of the 18 regions/provinces that I’ve traveled to in Iran I would say Hormuz Island, in Hormuzgan Province, is the one I would recommend to solo female travelers. It’s a hippie’s paradise where you can set up camp on secluded beaches and feel totally free, as there is no hijab police in sight and the island is full of other nature enthusiasts who are escaping the busy and strict life of the bigger cities in mainland Iran.

I would also say that the people who live on the island are -believe it or not- even more friendly than the rest of Iran.

  To which kind of traveling women do you recommend Iran?

All of them. Iran really has something for everyone, except for the ones who just travel for parties and alcohol.

It has some of the richest culture and history in the world, amazing food, the nicest people and the most varied landscapes in one country that I have ever seen or heard of.

I often say that Iran is one of the best countries to travel alone, as it is the place where I’ve found it easiest to make local friends, hence, one can get a true experience of everyday life in that country, in all social classes, as they are all as hospitable, no matter how rich they are. I’ve been greeted and invited as a daughter by nomadic families and by upper-class Iranians. Their hospitality is in their blood and culture and that’s why I find it the easiest place to travel alone.

I also felt very safe there.

In Hormuz Island

  Further tips and recommendations

Get the longest Iranian visa you can – No matter how long you spend there, you will never feel like it was enough. There’s so much to see and experience and the hospitality and generosity of the people will make you feel at home and you will make a LOT of friends.

If you don’t have Instagram or Telegram, get one of them – As these are the main social media platforms used by Iranians, and they will ask for your account and number.

Say yes to staying with locals as often as you can, especially in old traditional houses – And don’t plan too much because you will very likely be invited to join trips or weddings or other things by the people you meet.

Learn a bit of Farsi – It’s an easy language to learn and just speaking a few words or sentences will impress the locals immensely. 

I cannot recommend Iran enough. It is my favorite travel destination, I always miss it and can’t wait to go back. And, very important, don’t listen to the media or anyone who hasn’t been there. Talk only to the people who have actually traveled there. 

Evelina is a former jet-setter turned eco-warrior.

She still travel full time but now without flying and with sustainability in mind.

Evelina is a former jet-setter turned eco-warrior. She still travels full-time but now without flying and with sustainability in mind. If you have any questions about solo female traveling in Iran, don’t hesitate to contact her. You can follow her on Instagram and her blog Earth Wanderess. 

  Check all my articles about Iran

80 Useful tips for traveling to Iran Independent travel in Iran: 1 to 4-week itinerary How to find the right travel insurance for Iran Is Iran safe? How to find the right VPN for Iran Things to do in Tehran in 2 days A guide to Qeshm Island A guide to Shiraz A trip to the desert of the Kaluts Trekking in the Zagros mountains Meeting the Qashqai, authentic Iranian nomads What to see in Pars province besides Shiraz and Persepolis A guide to the Iranian visa A guide to Masuleh A guide to Golestan Province

  source http://cheaprtravels.com/iran-as-a-solo-female-traveler-interview-with-earth-wanderess/