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space-mermaid-writing · 20 days ago

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Consort and King [IronStrange]

Summary: Anthony Stark, King of Midgard, needs a spouse. Whether he wants one or not. So he accepts an arranged marriage with the Prince of Kamar-Taj – a man he has never met in his life to the day they are standing in front of each other at the altar, speaking their vows. Is it possible that the feeling of duty grows into something more? Will their future be happy?

Relationship: Tony Stark / Stephen Strange

Tags: arranged marriage au, royal au, strangers to husbands, enemies to lovers, slow burn, idiots in love, fluff, hurt/comfort, miscommunication, all the good stuff

Author's note: Beta by @kvjjjjjj

Chapter 13: Kamar-Taj

Their visit to Kamar-Taj was anything but official. Otherwise they would have been obligated to also visit the royal palace.

Both Tony and Stephen could do without that.

Stephen opened them a portal into the courtyard of the temple. Wong accompanied them, simply because Stephen had invited his friend to visit home. Plus he was a familiar face to Tony. Stephen knew how hard it was to be a total stranger in a foreign country.

It didn’t matter that Wong disappeared as soon as they arrived.

The air became cooler as soon as Stephen guided Tony through the sparkling portal. He had warned Tony of the weather in the mountains, which was often harsher than in Midgard to the south, and so Tony was wearing another layer of clothes. Stephen, on the other hand, simply wore his regular robes plus the red cloak that his husband had gifted him.

A bald woman wearing yellow robes and a mysterious smile greeted them. “Welcome to Kamar-Taj.”

Stephen had told Tony that she was called the Ancient One and was the leader of the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj. Plus she was someone Stephen respected, which was why Tony showed his best manners.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine. I was curious to meet Stephen's husband.”

Stephen groaned at this and Tony’s eyes darted to him. His husband looked rather… embarrassed? Flustered?

Well, this certainly was interesting and told Tony that these two were more familiar than Stephen had led on. He raised a brow questioningly, but didn't comment on it �� yet. Stephen had brought him here to show him his home – his former home – and Tony was willing to sit back and play along.

“Let us give you the grand tour,” the woman suggested.

“Lead the way.”

Tony learned that the Sorcerer's Temples was a whole complex consisting of several large temples and various courtyards in between. The architecture was completely different to anything Tony had ever seen before. He had caught glimpses of drawings in books, but he had never been to Kamar-Taj himself due to the remoteness of the kingdom.

The drawings didn’t do them justice.

People were all wearing robes in various colors and styles, similar to those he had seen on Stephen.

The Ancient One showed the two men around. Well, naturally, the tour was solely for Tony. Stephen just strolled along and offered additional information. He knew his husband well enough by now to know what details and facts he was interested in.

They passed a group of sorcerers practicing hand movements in one of the many courtyards.

“These are our acolytes,” the Ancient One explained their red robes. “Once they’ve connected to magic, they can choose their own colors, depending on which fields of magic they master. The studies vary from a few years to a lifetime, due to their choice of field and skill level.”

“What field did you choose?” Tony asked his husband.

“Mostly healing.”

Yeah, that was the obvious choice since Stephen had joined the sorcerers because of his hands.

“Stephen also mastered attack and defense tactics,” the Ancient One added. “As well as various languages and enchantments.”

Tony was impressed; rightfully so. “Wow, you had been here… how long?”

“Two and a half years.”

It seemed he had mastered a lot of fields in that time – considering others spent a lifetime on one; maybe two.

The Ancient One seemed to guess his thoughts. “Stephen is one of our best students.” She sounded much like a proud mother.

“Was,” Stephen corrected her quietly and it broke Tony’s heart a bit to hear the resignation in his voice.

“We never stop learning, Stephen. You will always have a place here.”

Stephen didn’t say anything and Tony refrained from commenting either, watching his husband's longing eyes on the students.

They moved further into one of the temples. It was warmer inside, even though there were no fireplaces. Maybe they used magic for it. There was magic all around anyway. It was a lot for Tony, who merely got used to Stephen's domestic display of it.

Whereas here in the temple, the air is buzzing with it.

It didn’t sit well in the back of his mind. But he knew as long as he was with Stephen, there was nothing to worry about.

From whatever Stephen had told him about the temples of the sorcerers, Tony had imagined a quiet place; people meditating with stoic faces. Stephen was passionate but had a rather hard shell. And Wong was the least expressive person Tony had ever met.

With those two being the only sorcerers he knew, Tony thought he would meet a bunch of that type.

Boy had he been wrong.

This place was filled with life. The sorcerers in their colorful robes were talking excitedly to each other and laughing.

A lot of them greeted Strange like an old friend they hadn’t seen in a long time.

When Stephen stepped briefly away, caught up in a conversation with a sorcerer, the Ancient One turned to Stark. “Stephen seems more content than the last time I saw him. I suspect you have something to do with that.”

Surprised about her directness, Tony glanced in his husband’s direction. “I’d like to think so.” He enjoyed seeing him more carefree. He got a warm feeling in his belly.

He was also grateful Stephen had had a kind mentor; especially after meeting his parents.

“Thank you for being patient with him,” the bold woman added.

“He is worth it.” It was the truth. Tony was really glad it had been Stephen he was married to. Even though they had had a rough start.

The Ancient One seemed satisfied with his answer.

Tony, on the other hand, had another question burning on the tip of his tongue. “Stephen only spent a few years in Kamar-Taj. How come he was next in line as Sorcerer Supreme when there are others here that spend a lifetime studying a single field?”

It didn’t add up. There had to be another deciding factor here.

The Ancient One smiled. It felt like a compliment for his sharp observation. “Stephen exceeded all of our expectations.” She looked at the prince who was still talking to another sorcerer. His hands clasped behind his back he almost looked like he gave an impromptu lecture. “He strives to be the best in what he does – whatever that might be. He also has a natural calling for magic.”

Her answer made Tony think and he remembered Loki's words from the ball in Asgard. If Stephen hadn't been pushed into this marriage, his path would have been very different. He would have been able to stay here.

“Our path is not always straightforward, King Stark. Life tends to have its own pace. We don't need to question it,” she added.

Tony nodded, unsure what to say to that. The Ancient One also seemed to think this conversation was over, because she called Stephen over to them.

“I’m afraid my duties require me elsewhere. I’m sure Stephen will happily show you his former hiding spots.”

“I never hid,” Stephen objected, stepping next to them.

“Never successfully. Enjoy your stay, King Stark.”

“Thank you.”

She left and Tony looked expectantly at Stephen. “Lead the way.”

He followed the sorcerer.

“So, what do you think about this place?” The way Stephen asked this question told Tony that his opinion was important to the sorcerer.

“It’s beautiful.” It really was. Peaceful in a way, but still full of life. He wasn’t a fan of magic but he could still tell that this place was special.

“It is,” Stephen agreed when Tony offered nothing else. “Wait until you see the gardens.”

Hidden behind a cluster of temples, there was a surprising green gem. There seemed to be mainly useful crops, vegetables and fruit with some colorful flowers in between that Tony had never seen before.

Several sorcerers were busy weeding and raking.

After that Stephen took Tony to the library, which they explored for the better part of the day. The library wasn’t as big as the Royal Library of Midgard, but certainly older. And still took over several floors.

There were students and masters everywhere, all of them studying. This was a place of knowledge. Tony could picture Stephen among them, a passionate scholar.

Stephen led him to a hidden staircase up onto the roof. There was a small balcony that was probably mostly used to get onto the roof if necessary.

They were high above the ground and had a fantastic view. Tony noticed just how big the temple grounds really were. They were surrounded by a wall and the city could be seen behind it. The houses over there were smaller; an ocean of beautiful rooftops, between which many colorful flags hung.

In the distance the royal palace towered well above the common houses.

“So, this is the hidden kingdom,” Tony stated. His eyes were on the mountains to their right. They towered higher than any mountains he had ever seen. Their peaks were painted white by snow.

“It’s a shame I didn’t see any of this prior to our trip.”

“The journey via official routes takes a long time and is arduous. It leads up to narrow mountain paths. Not many people are willing to take that route,” Stephen explained.

“Good thing we took a portal, hm?” Especially since Stephen no longer traveled by horse. “Tell me more about this place,” Tony prompted.

Stephen leaned his elbows on the railing of the balcony and let his gaze wander over the rooftops.

“When I was a kid I used to love the Holi Festival. It starts with bonfires the night before. And the next day people go into the streets throwing colored water and smearing each other with paint. My sister and I sneaked out of the palace for hours and came back bathed in colors.”

Tony chuckled as he tried to imagine Stephen as a young boy. “I bet the servants loved getting those stains out of your clothes.”

“Magic.” Stephen winked at him. “The royal palace and the sorcerer’s temples are separated politically, but some servants do know magic. Mostly children or other relatives from students and masters of the Mystic Arts. There’s no law that holds anyone back from learning magic in the first place. But the more advanced the magic is, the more dangerous it can be for the untrained.”

Tony tilted his head. “I thought your parents didn't like sorcerers.”

“It’s not like that,” Stephen conceded. “Magic is part of our culture; they could never truly loathe it. They just don’t like the fact that the Sorcerer Supreme has a strong political influence. And they never wanted one of their children to join them. They had other plans for us.”

“Parents always do. But at the end of the day, nobody knows what the future holds. Not even kings and queens.” Tony turned towards his husband. “The way I see it, you always made the best out of any situation. After your accident, when you were hurting and limited in what you were physically able to do, you joined the ranks of the sorcerers. Magic helped you; and you said it became important to you. You chose your own future.”

Stephen listened to his words. “I never thought about it this way,” he admitted.

“And even with this arranged marriage…” Tony continued. “You made the best out of it. At least I like to think that our union didn’t turn out half as bad.” His voice became sheepish towards the end.

“It really didn’t.” Stephen was quick to reassure him. He didn’t want Tony to feel insecure about that. “In fact I think we did quite okay.”

With one hand he took Tony's in his, with the other he cupped his face; his touch feather-light, his thumb tracing the delicate curve of Tony’s jawline. The world seemed to shrink, focusing solely on the space between them.

Stephen leaned in and Tony met him halfway.

Their lips met. It was a kiss that whispered of love, a love that was both tender and fierce, a love that promised forever.

“I’m glad to have you in my life,” Stephen whispered against Tony’s lips.

“Likewise.”

They smiled at each other.

Either life hadn’t turned out how they had thought. But like Tony said - nobody knew what the future held.

Stephen seemed to remember something and tugged Tony along. “There’s a cherry tree in one of the yards that looks beautiful at this time of the year.”

They left the balcony and went all the way downstairs, exiting the library. They weren't in a hurry, simply strolling along. Stephen showed him a shortcut through one of the smaller temples, pointing out a few more highlights.

“This is the infirmary. I spent a lot of time here during my studies.”

Tony nodded along. Suddenly he noticed something out of the corner of his eye: it was red and glowing and came straight at him. Tony flinched but Stephen reacted even faster. A glowing mandala appeared mid-air and the red glowing sphere bounced off and fizzled out.

Tony’s heart raced. He had been attacked!

His eyes darted around, settling on a student who broke away from a small group and came running over.

“I’m so sorry…” The student saw Strange’s furious face and stuttered. “… I didn’t… this wasn’t meant to…”

“You shouldn't practice this kind of spell indoors,” Stephen scolded him.

“I know, Master Strange. I’m sorry.”

“You could have hurt someone!” He could have hurt Tony.

To Stephen's surprise Tony interjected by mumbling, “It’s fine.”

The apprentice turned his head to him and seemed to realize he had almost hit a noble. His eyes widened and he bowed deeply, stumbling over more apologizes.

Stephen watched his husband, who looked rather uninterested; but also pale. He wasn’t used to Tony being this quiet.

The truth was, Tony felt like he was suffocating and his heart was still racing. He glanced towards the nearest door. “Can we…?” He gestured vaguely to the exit.

Stephen nodded and followed his husband, who fled way too quickly to be okay.

The apprentice was glad to have gotten away with just a scolding.

Outside, Tony breathed in the fresh mountain air. He immediately felt a little better. But there was still magic everywhere.

He knew that for the rest of their stay he would always look over his shoulder, expecting another threat. Even though he knew it was ridiculous; he wasn’t in danger. Not truly.

Fortunately, there weren't many people in the courtyard. It was paved and there was a single tree planted in the middle. Tony noticed it was the cherry tree Stephen had talked about. It probably looked beautiful, dressed all in white and pink flowers, but Tony didn’t have the mind to appreciate it.

He felt Stephen's eyes on him. “Are you alright?” his husband asked.

“Yes.” He smiled, but Stephen saw that it was fake. It was too bright and Tony’s eyes too frantic. He seemed antsy. “I’m totally fine. This place is lovely.”

Stephen ignored the change of topic. “I apologize that this happened. They should have been more careful.”

“Accidents happen.” Tony didn’t even know why he played it down. He didn’t want to talk about it at all. Not even think about it; banning it from his memory. Maybe then his body would stop shaking.

“They shouldn’t”, Stephen insisted. “Not because of carelessness.”

Before Tony could reply, somebody suddenly called out to them. “Stephen!”

Both men turned around and saw a young woman approaching them with fast steps. Stephen was barely able to open his arms, before she sank into them, laughing. He whirled her around once.

The family resemblance was uncanny.

“What are you doing here?” Stephen asked, not able to hide his surprise.

“A little birdie told me you are visiting. You didn’t really think I would miss that?” She looked at him, mirroring his smile.

“Of course not.” Letting her go, Stephen stepped back at Tony’s side. “This is my husband, Anthony Stark, King of Midgard. Tony, this is my sister, Donna Strange, Crown Princess of Kamar-Taj.” Stephen put his arm around Tony's waist and looked at him, searching his eyes to check if he still felt uncomfortable.

Tony knew he only had to say the word and the two of them would leave immediately. But he was glad for the distraction the young woman brought.

Her face became serious and she curtsied to greet him, just as protocol dictated in the presence of a king. “It’s my pleasure to finally meet my brother’s husband, your Majesty.”

Tony suppressed a smile as he recognized the same seriousness Stephen often showed. He replied with a short bow. “The pleasure is all mine, Princess Strange. And I hope you can help me out: you see, Stephen here has been holding back on me with fun stories from his upbringing. Surely you know some good ones you’re willing to share.”

Stephen groaned – for the second time today – in embarrassment, while Donna glanced at him, probably wondering if the king was truly honest about his request. Then she noticed his smirk and immediately mischief entered her eyes.

“Oh, but that might come at a price, your Majesty.”

“I’m sure we can come to an agreement.”

“I’m not sure if I like where this is going,” Stephen interjected, clearly not happy that both of them had ganged up on him so fast.

Tony patted his arm. “This is a private matter between your sister and I. Please mind your own business.” He winked at Stephen.

The sorcerer rolled his eyes. “Wait until we get back to Midgard and I ask Pepper for details of your past.”

“Pepper is a loyal advisor. She would never tell you anything.”

Stephen's eyebrow moved up, challengingly. “Oh? She did mention something about your twentieth birthday ball and why it almost started a war.”

Tony clutched his hand to his heart in fake consternation. “Betrayal! Can you believe that woman?”

“I would never doubt her,” Stephen replied dryly and Tony chuckled.

“And you’re absolutely right with that.”

Donna watched their interaction, giggling. To see that kind of banter between the two men and her brother speaking freely, eased her mind on the arranged marriage she knew Stephen had objected to before.

“The Sorcerer Supreme was kind to prepare dinner for us,” she chimed in. “Unfortunately, she said she is unable to attend it herself. It seems like she has some important preparation to supervise. She sends word that we shall enjoy our evening.”

She gestured to them to follow her to one of the temples.

“I wonder what kind of important preparations that might be,” Tony asked his husband. “She seemed excited to see you again.”

As excited as a woman in her… Tony had actually no idea how old the Ancient One truly was… as excited as a woman in her ancient years ever was. “I would have thought she wanted to spend more time with you.”

Stephen shrugged. “Her actions often look strange. We learned not to question that. She always turned out to be right.” He hesitated only briefly before he offered that next bit of information. “She can actually see some of the future.”

“Really?” Tony was surprised to hear that. “Is it like fortune telling magic?”

“It’s more solid than that.”

“Then why didn’t she tell you anything about your marriage before you left?”

It was a legitimate question and it was Donna who answered.

“Because the future can change with how we act. Especially when we know what should happen.” Her eyes met Tony’s. “I had the same questions as you when I first learned this. My brother explained it to me on more than one occasion.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Tony admitted. He would definitely act differently if he knew what was about to happen. Truth to be told he wouldn't even know how he was supposed to act in the first place.

Time magic sounded complicated.

They arrived in what seemed to be a dining room for noble guests. A table for three was set for them to sit.

There were no servants. Stephen and Donna just started grabbing food from the big selection of small plates in the middle of the table, and Tony did the same. He started with rice and pickled vegetables. He hadn’t noticed it until now but he was hungry after everything that happened today.

Stephen used his magic to serve wine to everyone.

“So, Stephen,” Donna addressed her brother. “How does court work in Midgard?”

“Similar to how we do it here in Kamar-Taj. Plus, there’s an open day available for everyone once a week.”

“Without sending in a request for an audience in advance? Anyone can talk to the king just like that?” Donna was bewildered.

“Technically, yes.” Tony pointed out. “There are still long waiting lines at times.”

“Midgard is divided into several principalities, ruled by barons, who deal with minor matters. If the matter is overlapping borders or if someone is unsatisfied with the decisions made, they can take it up to the king,” Stephen explained.

“Huh.” Donna helped herself to a second bowl of soup. “In Kamar-Taj people have to go through many instances of consultants to get anywhere near a royal. Or you have to be of high power yourself,” she told Tony, who nodded in understanding.

He and Stephen had discussed both systems when Stephen was introduced to Midgard’s customs.

“I think I like the way you handle it in Midgard in theory, but it also sounds like a lot more work and responsibilities for the king and queen,” the princess concluded.

“Both systems have their pros and cons.” Stephen was the only one of them who had experienced both personally, and Tony and Donna agreed. No political system was truly perfect.

After that conversation steered away from politics and towards more enjoyable topics. Donna was eager to hear stories from Midgard. In return she offered colorful updates of people Stephen knew.

Tony learned a lot of gossip about people he had never met. That was nothing unusual. In this aspect, court seemed to be the same everywhere.

“I’m retiring for the night,” Tony announced at one point.

Stephen glanced at him. “Already?”

Normally, the king stayed up much longer. Stephen knew something was up. But Tony waved it off. “You haven’t seen your sister in forever. Enjoy your time with her. I’ll see you later.” He pressed a short kiss onto Stephen's cheek. Then he turned to Donna and bowed.

“It was lovely meeting you.”

“Likewise,” she smiled warmly.

Tony walked to the guest room that had been shown to them earlier. It was a weird feeling having to find his own way through this huge building. Normally, when he visited other royals' palaces, there were servants to show people around and make sure they didn't get lost. Or to prevent them from snooping around.

It was a safety precaution for both sides.

There was no such thing here. Tony reminded himself that although the Sorcerer Supreme had a lot of influence, they weren't noble. Even Stephen was seen more as a sorcerer than a prince here.

Tony was sure that if he asked one of the many sorcerer’s he saw along the way, they would politely point him in the right direction.

The guest chambers were on the second floor in the residential wing. Although there was no fire burning and the night brought cold mountain air, the room was pleasantly warm. Presumably the work of magic. Several candles were lit and provided enough light for him to find his way around. Their luggage had been brought here and unpacked.

The room was more simply furnished than Tony was used to in palaces, but of a higher quality and with more furnishings than he would have expected for a temple. The wooden bed was low, the mattress only a foot above the ground.

Tony sat down on it and took a deep breath. He couldn't deny that he'd been tense all day since they'd stepped through the portal. Not only because this trip was particularly important to Stephen, and thus to Tony. But because magic was still getting to him more than he would have liked.

He tried to shake off the feeling, but didn't quite manage it.

With a sigh he stood back up and changed into his nightgown.

It was just for a few days. And he had seen how happy it made Stephen to be here. Tony learned a whole new side of his husband. A more carefree side; one that Tony liked very much. He wanted to see more of that.

Plus, being here might actually help Tony to get more used to magic.

The bed was softer than Tony had anticipated. He crawled under the blanket and closed his eyes, ready for the day to end.

Sleep didn’t come.

Tony tossed around, from one side to another. His mind didn’t find any rest. He thought about the day's events, about the new impressions he gained. And he thought about what the Ancient One had told him, about Stephen's gift for magic. And Tony wondered if he asked Stephen whether he would rather live in Midgard or Kamar-Taj, what his husband's answer would be.

Tony felt like he could guess the answer easily – and he didn't like it.

But Tony also knew about Stephen's sense of responsibility and this was probably the reason why he had lasted so long in Midgard in the first place. They were bound to each other – by a marriage contract that neither of them had been really happy about at first.

Tony's opinion had changed; he was happy with his choice of husband and would choose him again at any time.

But Tony had seen Stephen's longing eyes today, watching the acolytes. And he knew Stephen would never be complete without this part in his life, would always miss it.

Maybe magic would always stand between them, preventing them from being truly happy together.

At one point Tony tossed the blanket aside. He needed some air. Throwing the red cloak he had gifted his husband over his shoulders, he stepped onto the balcony. The air was fresh outside, he felt the cold in his lungs. It didn’t quite hurt, but it felt like small needles. It helped Tony to keep his head clear.

In the darkness of the night, the magic lights were more present. But everything felt calmer. The city on the other side of the wall seemed far away. The cloak smelled like Stephen and this calmed him further.

With his legs drawn up, Tony leaned back against the wall behind him and looked up in the sky. He was unfamiliar with the star’s constellations on this side of Earth. He makes up patterns and connections between them in his mind, giving them random names.

Being up there felt easier than being down here.

Until he heard the door open and Stephen entered the guest chambers. Of course he noticed the empty bed and the ajar balcony door and stepped outside shortly after.

“You’re still awake?” he asked, his voice quiet, as if he didn't want to interrupt the silence.

“I’m just enjoying the view,” Tony lied. He didn't want to worry his husband. The worries were his to deal with.

But Stephen wasn't easily dissuaded. He sat down next to Tony and slipped under the cloak as well. Instantly, Tony leaned towards him, huddled closer to the warm body. He leaned his head against Stephen's shoulder as they both stared up into the night sky.

Only after a while, Stephen spoke up again. “We can go home anytime.”

Somehow he suspected what was bothering Tony. He had become an expert at reading him.

“No.” Tony shook his head. He briefly considered further excuses for the sake of peace- keeping. But when else could he be honest if not in the security of the night? Tony closed his eyes.

“This is part a of you and you clearly missed this… the temple, the people. I don’t want to pull you away from that.”

He didn’t mention that he felt uncomfortable being here. He didn’t have to. The sorcerer was smart enough to figure that one out on his own.

“Tony, look at me.” Stephen cradled his husband’s face, waiting until Tony’s eyes were on him. They shone with the light of the stars above. “Yes, part of this will always be my home. But I don’t want to stay here at the cost of your wonderful mind.”

Tony winced involuntarily at that last word. He mumbled, “It’s fine. I can manage.”

Just for another day or so. He had seen how much this place meant for Stephen. Tony had had sleepless nights before. It was alright.

It wasn’t alright for Stephen. Not since there was clearly a bigger issue behind it. His hands slid down onto Tony’s shoulders, while he watched Tony’s face, searchingly.

He considered his next words carefully, almost hesitantly. “What did magic do to you?”

Tony’s eyes felt wet but no tears fell. He sighed and leaned back onto the wall. It took him a few seconds until he got any words out. “You probably heard about the witch.”

“I did.”

“She tampered with my head, made me see things that weren’t there. I couldn't distinguish reality from what she wanted me to think was real. I guess I became somewhat paranoid.” He played with the corner of the cloak. “She even went as far as pulling my men into her schemes. It divided the whole palace.”

It still hurt thinking about those he had called friends but that had left with her. Tony was still looking over his shoulder every now and then, because he had never figured out where they went – or if they would come back after him.

Stephen's hand came to rest on his and when Tony looked up, he saw that Stephen looked upset.

“Manipulating people's mind is forbidden magic and is punished severely.” The sorcerer’s voice was sharp to testify to Tony of the seriousness of the crime. And then he assured Tony, “I’d never do anything like that!”

And Tony believed him. He found that he trusted Stephen.

“I know,” he sighed. Still. “I’ll manage.”

Stephen kissed Tony’s temple. It was obvious he had more to say, but he decided they had talked enough for one night.

“Can we stay awake inside?” He asked instead. “It’s getting cold.”

It was an excuse to lurk Tony into bed.

Tony didn’t care. He didn’t feel like being alone anymore and so he followed Stephen inside. The sorcerer watched him drape the red cloak over a chair. “You are wearing my clothes now?”

“You weren’t here to do so yourself.”

Stephen smirked. “Do I hear a complaint?”

It was easy to fall back into their usual banter. It was safe. Comfortable.

Tony went back into the bed, this time accompanied by Stephen. “Not at all. Just a warning for future clothes left unattended.”

Stephen scoffed, affectionate. He put an arm around Tony's waist and pulled him closer. Tony was only too happy to snuggle up to him.

This time he had no trouble falling asleep.

_____________

Taglist: @goopierthenyou (tell me if you want to be added/removed)

#ironstrange #doctor strange #stephen strange #tony stark #tony stark x doctor strange #Consort and King #marvel #mcu #spacemermaid #Janora #enemies to lovers #slow burn #strangers to husbands #angst #hurt/comfort #miscommunication

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the-witchy-housewife · 1 month ago

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｡+*✧ A Field Guide to the Energy Body ✧*+｡

This is an article from my website, The Witchy Housewife. You can read it at the source here or look under the cut to read it here on Tumblr. If you enjoy my work, please consider subscribing (at the bottom of this page) to receive articles as they're posted via e-mail, exploring the shop, leaving a tip, or reblogging this post. I run this all myself, so all support is greatly appreciated. 💜🔮✨

One of the biggest barriers for beginners in energy work, I’ve noticed, seems to be a lack of foundational understanding in regards to the energy body and how to sense those subtle elements ever-present within and without us. Today, I seek to help demystify these concepts with a breakdown of the energy body, the varying theories that go with it (including my own ideas and perceptions), and a handful of suggestions for improving your subtle senses. A fair warning: Today’s read is a long one – so grab yourself a cup of tea, cozy up, and enjoy this thorough breakdown of everything you need to know to start working with energy.

What Is the Energy Body?

As with many things in the realm of the metaphysical, there are varying theories for exactly how the energy body works and the distinct parts it can be broken down into. The best place to start, I feel, is defining the concept of energy itself. Oxford provides three definitions: One, “the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity,” two, “power derived from the utilization of physical or chemical resources”, and three, “the property of matter and radiation which is manifest as a capacity to perform work.” It is derived from the Greek energeia (ἐνέργεια), a sort of cosmic vigor. This fascinating (and somewhat abstract even by mainstream definition) substance can, perhaps, be considered synonymous more “spiritual” words such as spirit, aether (αἰθήρ), prana (प्राण), qi (氣), and likely many others I am unaware of. Energy, in a spiritual sense, is pure lifeforce. It is the little unsolved question mark in the equation of existence, and it is heavily associated with concepts such as the Higher Self, the soul, the psyche (ψυχή), the Ātman (आत्मन्) – and, once again, likely many others I am unaware of.*

(*Just to avoid having to repeat myself regarding varying spiritual schools of teaching, please keep in mind that for the remainder of this piece, I will only be offering a window of insight into a world of different paths. The comparisons made are not meant to be perfect 1:1 comparisons, but are meant to highlight similarities between teachings. Likewise, I will not be naming every single theory that exists in writing today. Use this as a guide, but seek your own path.)

Another thing worth discussing before we continue is the first law of thermodynamics in physics: Energy can neither be created nor destroyed. It can only be transformed or transferred from one form to another. The total amount of energy within the universe, per this law, has always been and will always be the same – and yet, the universe expands, per these same authorities in science. Perhaps, if we were to answer this riddle spiritually, we could theorize that our idea of “finite” is not quite the Cosmos’ idea of “finite”. Perhaps it is all one big pool that seems to “multiply” within. Perhaps this is one of those concepts shrouded in mystery by our incredibly limited and binary way of thinking. When we delve into the topic of the energy body today, it recommended that you put your binary way of thinking aside, if only temporarily, to really understand and absorb the material for use on your own path.

Which brings us to the energy body, the aetheric vessel or vehicle which surrounds and permeates our physical existence (our current incarnation) and either connects us directly with our Higher Self (our psyche or soul) or contains it. Depending on your practice, you may also refer to this energy body as the subtle body or the light body. It is often broken down further, across many varying belief systems, into three distinct layers or parts.

In Vedic philosophies, for example, there are three bodies or sharira (शारीर): The physical body, the astral body, and the causal body, each one considered more subtle than the last. The physical body, also called the gross body or the sthula sharira (स्थुलशरीर), is exactly that – the physical body. It is made up of the Panchmahabhutas (पञ्चभूत) or five primordial elements: Akasha (आकाश) or aether, Vayu (वायु) or air, Agni (अग्नि) or fire, and Prithivi (पृथिवी) or earth. It is the densest of the three bodies and requires food, water, and air as sustenance and is bound by cyclical time through birth, subsistence, growth, maturity, decay, and death. Come death, it dissolves. The astral body, also called the subtle body or the linga sharira (लिङ्गशरीर), is the sort of in-between where the mind, intellect, subconscious, and ego reside. It surrounds the physical body as an aura and encourages the movement of the prana through the nadis (नाडी), or energy currents, and chakras (चक्र), or energy centers. It is responsible for our physiological functions, our feelings of pleasure and pain, our five physical senses, and our subtler astral senses (or what some may call our psychic abilities). It is formed prior to the physical body and only dissolves after the last particle of the physical body disintegrates. The astral body may itself be considered synonymous with the energy body depending upon your perspective. Finally, the causal body, also called the seed body or the karana sharira (करणशरीर), is the catalyst for the development of the physical and astral bodies and the blueprint of each incarnation on the whole. It is the doorway to higher consciousness and the link between the individual and the collective, and it contains the knowledge, information, experiences, and habitual patterns accumulated across all lifetimes. These three bodies may be broken down even further still into the five koshas (कोश), or sheaths, but for the sake of the simplicity of this article, I won’t be delving any further into this today. Should you feel called to this path of exploration, feel free to go out and explore the topic further for yourself.

Now, while the Vedic teachings of the energy body may offer the most thorough breakdown, there are other relevant philosophies worth exploring. In Ancient Greek teachings, Plato breaks the psyche down into three parts: The epithymia (ἐπῐ́θῡμοια) or the part of the psyche related to desire and instinct, the thymos (θυμός) or the part of the psyche related to passion and drive, and the logos (λόγος) or the part of the psyche related to logic and wisdom. In more general spiritual philosophies, this is simply called the body, mind, and spirit (or sometimes heart). In addition, there are also varying New Age ideas of the energy body including things like the etheric layer, the emotional layer, and the mental layer.

In my practice: On my path, I’ve studied and compared many, many cultures, teachings, and mythos as they relate to an understanding of spirituality. From these studies, I currently theorize – as many people do – that they are all describing the same thing. As it applies here:

The Parts of the Energy Body (Vessel for the Psyche): Epithymia ↭ Body ↭ Physical Body ↭ Vital Sheath (of Astral Body) Thymos ↭ Mind ↭ Astral Body ↭ Mental Sheath (of Astral Body) Logos ↭ Spirit ↭ Causal Body ↭ Intellectual Sheath (of Astral Body)

It’s not that these are explicitly the same (and certainly not in the case of the bodies and sheaths in Yogic philosophy), but that they bear many undeniable similarities. They each offer valuable insight and information which does not unravel but, rather, supports one another and only serves to further our understanding of these concepts the deeper we delve into them.

The goal of mastering the energy body, typically, is to liberate the soul, the rawest and “truest” part of your being. In doing so, we begin to remember this part of ourselves and are able to leave behind the cycle of reincarnation. In addition, this benefits the current incarnation by freeing you from emotional burdens and obsessions, expanding your awareness (which I define as the window of existence we are “currently” perceiving), and improving your subtle senses and abilities (which we will be discussing later in this article).

Finally, before we move on, there is one additional concept relevant to the energy body that I’d like to discuss, and that is the concept of vibes or vibrational frequency. In my experience, there are two different types of vibrational frequencies that tend to intermingle within the same space: What I call the energetic signature – or the raw, identifiable energy that is unique to a person, place, or thing – and what I call energetic impressions – or energies that have been influenced and shaped by intention, emotional output, or lingering energies that have passed through. When we do energy work, when we manifest, or when we enchant, we are creating an energetic impression. That energetic impression will also contain, beyond our intentions, a piece of our own energetic signature and a piece of the energetic impression that may be dwelling within us based on a particular emotion we’ve been accumulating. To put it into simpler terms: You can think of this process like signing your name on a letter to someone. Your energetic signature is your name, and it will always be linked to you directly. Let’s say it’s a love letter. In this case, you may choose to sign your name in red and add a little heart to the end of it. The way you decorate this signature is the intention you are imposing upon the letter’s overall energetic impression. Let’s also say you’re nervous, though, as you write this letter. Perhaps your signature is shakily written, despite your best efforts. This shakiness would be your internal energetic impressions coming through. It is not directly connected to you, but it is still present within you and makes itself known on the page. What you are left with is a letter from you that conveys romance and anxiety, and that is the energetic impression of letter. Keep in mind that the letter also has its own unique energetic signature on top of this, and for simplicity, we’ll say that, in the case of this example, the energetic signature of the letter is that which is meant to convey a message.

Energy Points & The Chakra System

There is much debate about whether or not working with the chakra system outside of the practice of Hinduism is to be considered frowned-upon appropriative behavior. I will state my opinion simply: If you explore thoroughly and with respect to the source material and its teachers, find spiritual benefit in your life after applying your findings, and do not commercialize yourself as the one and only authority of the one and only truth (which is quite a big problem in the spirituality community in general), you should be able to do so without being met with venomous looks. Often, it is not the followers of a path barring the curious from entry onto it, and I find the desire to deter people from walking any sort of spiritual path that seeks the deeper potential truths of human existence to be a bit questionable. To me, this implies that either the path in question holds no truth or that certain people are simply not permitted to seek such a truth. It also completely ignores the tremendous amount of cross-cultural influence among these spiritual paths. That said, I am aware of closed practices and sacred spaces that are closed at the discretion of those practicing within them, and though Hinduism on the whole is not considered a closed practice by many of those who live by its teachings, I again urge utmost respect when dealing with any sort of cross-cultural exploration (including confronting any hidden biases you may have).

There is another sector of people who feel that the purpose of the chakra system (either initially or by corruption over time) is to create energetic sockets, as it were, for various external entities and energies to easily attach to you, drain you, and/or manipulate you. Without getting too deeply into the why’s and how’s of it, this has popularized the idea of a process known as chakra removal, which can be a bit confusing, as the processes I’ve read about seem something more like chakra unification than removal. The process usually involves the condensing of the seven-point chakra system into a three-point or one-point energetic spring that can flow more easily without “stopping” at these various destinations along the way in the case of a blockage. In doing so, as well, it is thought that there are less “entry” points for unwanted entities or energies to creep into. I’ll give my opinion on this shortly, but before I do, I’d like to return to the seven-chakra system itself to give a bit of foundation.

The chakras (चक्र), in Vedic teachings, are swirling centers of energy connected by nadis (नाडी), currents of energy which allow travel between the chakras. To clean up the first misconception: There have been and still are many varying chakra systems beyond the seven-chakra system most of us are familiar with today, and this is because the chakra system is not one of solidity, but are rather one of function and organization – a method of working with the very fluid energy body in a way that we are able to comprehend, the creatures of method that we are as human beings. In most cases, the common points among these systems include the sexual center, the heart, and the crown (which lines up quite well with our look into the layers of the energy body). Outside of this, though, systems can vary greatly, and one system is no better or worse than another. Returning again to the seven-chakra system: The concept of a myriad of correspondences as being intrinsically linked to certain chakras seems to be another rigid misunderstanding of the original teachings. In my understanding, the elements and symbols associated with the chakras are meant to assist in the visualization process known as nyasa (न्यास), wherein mantras (मन्त्र), or divine recitations, are installed at specific chakras with the intention of inviting in the gods into them.

None of this, by the way, is to discredit the westernized chakra system which does indeed have a focus on correspondences, as per traditional western mystic practices which is big on the concept of correspondences on the whole. Just because something is newer or derivative does not inherently make it less effective, and I’ve seen many people find positive, life-changing results from working with the western interpretation of the chakra system. To me, it is just another variation, and a lot of ideas born of this variation have even been incorporated into more modern practices overall. Where I think the contention really comes in, however, is when this particular chakra system is presented as “the ancient way”, similar to the way Wicca is sometimes presented as an ancient religion. Both are derivative of much older practices, and there is nothing wrong with this. The sooner we become okay with this, the sooner we can be honest about it and the more open to learning and exploring both the old and the new ways we can become. Learning and growing in an eternal role of “student of the universe” is one of my favorite aspects of spirituality. I hope you all carry a healthy curiosity, as well.

With all that said, let’s have a basic look at the modern interpretation of the seven-chakra system as it is commonly presented within the spiritual community today:

❃ The Root Chakra | Muladhara (मूलाधार)/Hieron Osteon (ἱερόν ὀστέον) | Formed at the base of the spine. Intended for the vibration of “LAM” and the installation of Ganesh and Brahma. Associated with the element of earth. Other correspondences include the color red, the reproductive glands, and the frequency of 396 Hz. It is worked with to assist in grounding, confidence, and base instinct.

❃ The Sacral Chakra | Svadhisthana (स्वाधिष्ठान)/Gonades (γονάδες) | Formed at the navel. Intended for the vibration of “VAM” and the installation of Vishnu. Associated with the element of water. Other correspondences include the color orange, the adrenal glands, and the frequency of 417 Hz. It is worked with to assist in sexual desires, passion, and creativity.

❃ The Solar Plexus Chakra | Manipura (मणिपुर)/Gaster (γᾰστήρ) | Formed at the solar plexus. Intended for the vibration of “RAM” and the installation of Rudra. Associated with the element of fire. Other correspondences include the color yellow, the pancreas glands, and the frequency of 528 Hz. It is worked with to assist in self-esteem, determination, and willpower.

❃ The Heart Chakra | Anahata (अनाहत)/Phrenes (φρένες) | Formed at the center of the chest. Intended for the vibration of “YAM” and the installation of Ishvara. Associated with the element of air. Other correspondences include the color green, the thymus glands, and the frequency of 639 Hz. It is worked with to assist in love, compassion, and emotional stability.

❃ The Throat Chakra | Vishuddha (विशुद्ध)/Trachelos (τ��άχηλος) | Formed at the throat. Intended for the vibration of “HAM” and the installation of Sadashiva. Associated with the element of aether. Other correspondences include the color blue, the thyroid glands, and the frequency of 741 Hz. It is worked with to assist in communication, trust, and individuality.

❃ The Third Eye Chakra | Ajna (आज्ञा)/Enkephalos (ἐγκέφᾰλος) | Formed between the eyebrows. Intended for the vibration of “OM” and the installation of Ardhanarishvara. Other correspondences include the color indigo, the pineal glands, and the frequency of 852 Hz. It is worked with to assist in expanded spiritual awareness and a sense of time.

❃ The Crown Chakra | Sahasrara (सहस्रार)/Koruphe (κορυφή) | Formed at the top of the head. Intended for the vibration of “OM” and the installation of Bhairava. Other correspondences include the color violet, the pituitary glands, and the frequency of 963 Hz. It is worked with to assist in divine liberation and return to pure consciousness.

There many other associations and correspondences out there, including ones that may be very different from those I’ve listed here. Let the teachings that resonate with you guide you on your own path of exploration, but only keep with you that which you find beneficial. One additional note about the above list: You may have noticed I’ve also included terms for a Hellenic interpretation of the seven-chakra system. If you path takes on a Hellenic slant as mine does, have a look at this website for this interpretation, which has a heavy focus on healing.

In my practice: As promised, I now offer my opinion on the chakra system and the theories that surround the practice of “chakra removal”: I do not personally feel that the purpose of the chakra system is inherently malicious as some others do, nor do I feel like having your system err on the side of “open” is inherently bad practice. I do think, though, that if you are going to work with an energy body system that is more open, it is a good idea to have a regular practice of cleansing and cord cutting, and it is an equally good idea to get to know your own energy body well enough to know when it is in need of extra attention. On the other hand, if you opt for a more closed system, it would probably be wise to be mindful of potential stagnation. The system you choose to work with, unified or otherwise, however, I feel, is largely up to the practitioner.

I think it’s also worth noting that when some people step into the realm of the spiritual – and certainly when they begin to step away from modern Biblical rhetoric – they pull a great deal of anxiety with them, whether that’s due to programming from that Biblical rhetoric or amplified fears of the unknown by Hollywood dramatization. With this kind of hypervigilance, it can become unfortunately quite easy to apply your everyday worries and blues to whatever new practice you’re exploring. Be careful not to neglect the tricks of the mundane.

Psychic Abilities of the Energy Body

In the first section of this article, I mentioned that working with the energy body – beyond aiding in liberation of the soul – can offer some additional benefits in the current incarnation by freeing you from emotional burdens and obsessions, expanding your awareness, and improving your subtle senses and abilities. But what is this “expanded” awareness, and what does it feel like? Further, what are these “subtle senses and abilities” you should be prepared to encounter?

There are two workable systems that I am aware of that attempt to categorize and help you reach certain states of awareness. The first system is related to the koshas of Vedic philosophy – which again, you should feel free to explore should it call to you – and the second system is that of the “focus levels” taught by the Monroe Institute. After working with the Monroe Institute myself, and in particular the Gateway Experience curriculum, I have my own opinions and ideas regarding their work, which I will be divulging at a later time. For now, though, I do have to say that their breakdown of “focus levels” provides a nice little linear map of forward momentum in an expanding awareness. As outlined on their website: Focus 1 represents normal, waking consciousness within the realm of this physical reality. They then skip ahead to Focus 10, which represents the body in a state of sleep while the mind remains awake and alert. Focus 11 is considered the “Access Channel” and represents a state of open communication between the mental, the physical, and the emotional. Moving onto Focus 15, we find ourselves in a state of “No-Time”, wherein consciousness is far removed from the physical body, and linear time in no longer relevant to experience. Some may call this the Void State. Skipping again to Focus 21, and things begin to get a bit weirder. This point is described as the very edge of perception of the space/time continuum and the “Bridge” to other realities. Focus 23 is said to be the territory of “new arrivals” who have just experienced physical death. Focus 24 through 26 are grouped together as “Belief System Territories”, where the divine concepts of religion and mythos reside. Focus 27 is said to be the “edge of human thought capacity” and a “way-station” for those recovering from the trauma of physical death and planning the next phase of experience. Focus 34 and 35 are labeled the “area of the Gathering”, and from here on out, it only gets more obscure and a bit irrelevant to the point of this article. While I cannot, after my experiences, recommend the trainings and audio offered directly by the Monroe Institute, if it is calling to you, feel free to explore it for yourself. I do think there are gems in there, but I have to wonder how much higher-up meddling may have poisoned the cookie jar, as it were, to some degree.

You may have noticed that these experiences broken down above deal predominately in the realm of deep meditation or sleep, but as our overall awareness grows, so too does our overall abilities to perceive the subtler aspects of existence, and we may find ourselves having equally “strange” experiences in our waking lives. You may already be familiar with the following:

• Claircognizance: Intuition, discernment, and knowing. This is the first thing, in my experience and the experiences of many others, that seems to strengthen upon an expanded awareness. It seems to be what is most commonly referred to as a generic “psychic ability” and can be exercised by developing trust in your inner voice and practicing mindfulness meditation.

• Clairvoyance: Seeing clearly what is “unseen” in the mind’s eye. Sometimes this can come through as a visual imprint of energies/entities existing in other realms. This ability can be exercised by “predicting” unseen visual cues and practicing visualization meditation.

• Clairaudience: Hearing clearly what is “unheard” in the mind’s ear. Sometimes this can come through as an auditory imprint of energy/entities existing in other realms. The ability can be exercised by “predicting” unheard audio cues and practicing the expansion of your auditory awareness while sitting in “silence”.

• Clairsentience: An intuitive awareness of present energies, the strongest to come through usually being emotional. People who naturally find themselves picking up on and absorbing these energies like a sponge to water, and who may be subconsciously shaping energetic cords as a result, are often referred to as empaths. I recognize that the term has been greatly watered down, so I tend to stress that empaths are energetically sensitive rather than emotionally.

• Telepathy: The ability to project intended mental energy, such as the energy of certain information or emotions. Beyond the typical presentation of “communicating with others via thought”, I feel as though many popular manifestation techniques could fall into this category.

• Telekinesis: The ability to project intended physical energy, often to bring about a realm-time physical response. Beyond the typical presentation of “moving objects with your mind”, I feel as thought many popular energy healing techniques could fall into this category.

This is by no means the edge of possibility, I am sure – merely the most commonly discussed of the subtle abilities. Additionally, contrary to what some believe, I am of the belief that any and all of this abilities can be achieved by absolutely anyone. Though they may – as with any skill – come more naturally to some than others, with a regular practice of working with the energy body, I am sure you will find that these experiences begin to develop.

Burdens of the Energy Body

There is a plethora of beliefs regarding the formation of energetic blockages and the problems that can cause for you in your current incarnation, in the afterlife to follow, and in subsequent incarnations after that (whatever “after” may imply in what may be quite a timeless realm overall). The first of these blockages I’d like to discuss in this section is that of generational curses and generational trauma, both of which apply to the current incarnation alone (though, there are other theories out there considering the possibility of reincarnation taking place within the bounds of a bloodline). In a Biblical sense, generational curses may be likened to the concept of “original sin” as it related to the alleged wrongdoings of our ancestors and the responsibility of consequence being passed onto us by nature of blood relation. Even outside of the Biblical context, however, the concept of familiar curses can be seen in folklore, in classical works, and in modern media. Breaking these curses comes two-fold: Cleansing with intention and then breaking the cycle of questionable family habits through shadow work, therapy, or some other preferred form of thorough introspection. Generational trauma, on the other hand, is more solid of a concept, rooted in psychological study, and is explained as being passed down through the coping mechanisms and unhealthy behaviors resulting from traumatic experiences being learned and mirrored through the family’s descendants. Each generation is shaped by the previous, and again, echoes the sentiment of a need to break the cycle. Even for those who consider generational trauma to be a more spiritual experience, self-work seems to be the most optimal solution for that problem, whatever the preferred method of self-work is.

Next, we have the concept of miasma (μίασμα) or soul pollution. In order of severity, this miasma can be produced by: Natural death, childbirth, contact with human blood, excretions, or sexual fluids, illness, imperfections in ritual – and moving up into what is deemed hamartia (ἁμαρτία), or the more harmful and more serious producers of miasma – murder, incest, hubris, and malevolent magick. Left uncleansed, miasma is said to cause a spiritual disconnect and result in ineffective rituals. It is also considered contagious and may be picked up or spread through people, places, and objects. It is important to note that this is not at all related to the Abrahamic concept of sin, but more a natural side effect of having a physical experience. The more consumed by the physical we are, the denser our own energy becomes, and the less connected we are to our own divinity. This doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t enjoy this physical experience. You should – and in my opinion, have a pleasant existence is very much about finding the right balance in your life. Regular cleansings easily solve the issue of miasma.

Then we have what is typically referred to as etheric cords, and these sticky energetic strings can form in at least two ways that I am aware of: By unintentionally giving your focus and, therefore, energy to another person, place, or thing or by intentionally attaching your energy to a person, place, or thing. People or entities who conscious attach to other living beings with the purpose of draining their energy for their own benefit are often referred to as spiritual parasites or psychic vampires. Though, I do want to note as well that there are many psychic vampires I have come across who have been doing this subconsciously and find themselves totally unaware of it. There are many who have become aware who now practice the conscious absorption of exclusively negative energy and the transmutation of it into positive, thereby making the practice beneficial. Definitely a topic worth delving into another time. In any case, the solution for these etheric cords is a process known as cord cutting, which typically involves a visualization of these cords being cut or disconnected and is followed by a cleansing.

One issue you may be more familiar with is that of the Evil Eye – also known as mati (μάτι), al-’ayn (العين), mal de ojo, and many other names across many other cultures, with slight variations across each piece of folklore surrounding it. Similarly to etheric cords, this curse is formed by focused attention on a subject – in this case, specifically negative, caused by envy, judgement, or dislike. Though, it is important to mention that in some cultures, it is by looks of admiration, and it is believed that the young are especially vulnerable. Though done unintentionally, the result is bad luck, feelings of unpleasantness, and, in more serious cases, physical illness. There are many cleansing techniques out there specifically intended to target Evil Eye, but it is growing increasingly common for people to keep an Evil Eye amulet, commonly a Nazar (نَظَر‎) or Hamsa (خمسة), to help neutralize the effects of Evil Eye.

Moving our focus across incarnations, we’ve got concepts like karma (कर्म), another term that has gotten quite watered down. Karma, as a cosmic law, is much closer to the idea of manifestation than it is to justice, but cosmic justice can indeed be a result. It is a cosmic cause and effect – an action and the energy that is then produced by it – and karma itself is not something that is set in stone. You are capable of setting positive intentions and taking positive actions that can change the tides for you at anytime. You are not guaranteed an eternity of suffering because you did something bad one time. What you are guaranteed, regardless of the nature of your action, is a return on the nature of your action, in whatever way that may manifest. If you are very concerned about “bad karma”, however, self-work is, as I say for many other things, the best medicine – and self-flagellation for assumed bad deeds from previous lifetimes will only result in a manifestation of those beliefs continuing.

And finally, we have the concept of soul contracts, the plans or missions that we allegedly set for ourselves prior to incarnating into a new lifetime – and this is where ideas like fate and destiny come into play. It is believed by many that these so-called contracts are made with an overarching spiritual purpose – a purpose for our soul’s growth, for our soul family, for existence itself. Still, this brings into question the necessity of more negative behaviors, assuming that these behaviors are a product of these contracts and not some sort of subconscious rebellion. It may also have one questioning things like autonomy and free will, and I very much value the availability of knowledge and the informed freedom that comes as a result. You must decide for yourself whether you share this view or you view this as a necessary mystery in the grand spiritual puzzle – if you believe in the idea at all – but should you decide that something must be done about this in your life, there are many who suggest that revoking consent, either verbally or internally, is a powerful and life-changing practice.

Your beliefs about all of these things, by the way, do have the potential to cause their own energetic blockages. Additionally, our belief systems on the whole are not immune to forces of external programming – but that is another conversation for another time. I must stress, above all, that self-work is so very important, and I am currently working on a free three-part course for those looking to get started on this, so please keep an eye out for that. I’ll, of course, update this article when the course goes live. And for those of you who would like a more foundational article pertaining to cleansings and spiritual safety in general, I have an article on that you can check out right here.

Energy Body Activations

“Activation.” That was always sort of a funny word to me in the realm of spirituality, as if these parts of ourselves are by default dormant and deactivated. I, on the other hand, feel that they are always present and active in our day-to-day, guiding us through life’s many twists and turns, albeit perhaps beyond average perception and beyond average control. In the thoroughly modern times we live in, and within a society constantly spoonfeeding you that lifestyle, our spiritual side becomes neglected. By being reassured over and over again how mundane the world is and how helpless we are to it, our spiritual “muscles” may grow weak, but I do not feel that they are ever fully “deactivated”. On my path, I would liken the term “activation” more closely to the idea of “awakening”, which to me is synonymous with remembering who we really are. Activation. Awakening. Ascension. All of these things mean roughly the same thing to me. That said, only you can decide how you feel as we explore the idea of activations.

The most commonly discussed activation or awakening – outside of the very general “spiritual awakening” – is that of Kundalini (कुण्डलिनी) awakening. In Tantric practices, Kundalini is described as a sort of primordial life-force energy of the Divine Feminine, a source of creative energy and spiritual liberation, lying coiled at the base of the spine, which upon awakening flows up through the energy body and out and around you through the crown like a cyclical fountain. When flowing freely, it is common for the results to be felt quite intensely. These results are sometimes referred to as “Kundalini syndrome” in individuals who are not quite prepared or in the ideal state of mind to be receiving such a surge of energy. As with any other type of ill-prepared experience with spiritual awakening, this has the potential to lead to things like increased anxiety, dissociation, derealization, physical illness as a result of high stress, or even psychosis in some of the worst cases. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you let a Kundalini or spiritual awakening come naturally as you move forward on your path and that you maintain balance and keep a regular practice of grounding. For those interested in working towards the experience, the following practices are recommended: Tantra, pranayama, meditation, rhythmic movement, gratitude and openness, and energy work in general. It should be noted, however, that there are those who believe it cannot necessarily be “brought on”, but rather that it happens when it is meant to, regardless of how prepared you may be.

In my practice: I’d like to mention that, from my perspective, there seems to be a colossal distortion in much of western culture of both the Divine Feminine and the Divine Masculine energies. I see a lot of repression of the healthier expression of these energies alongside the touting of unhealthier expressions as inherent parts of our identities that should not be changed for anyone or anything. And to clarify, this has nothing to do with gender, as we all have aspects of both energies within us at varying levels. The Divine Feminine, in particular, is a cosmic energy that has been demonized for a very long time. Thus, this aspect of the spiritual awakening process is where I think a lot of people start to stagnate on their path – and to say nothing of the endless bombardness with notions of powerlessness supposedly intended to keep us rooted in “reality” at all times on top of it all. It’s unfortunate that these things are the case, but it’s something to be aware of nonetheless if you really want to see growth.

Another popular concept circulating within the spiritual community right now is that of DNA activation. It’s interesting how this trend is reflected even in the more “mundane” sectors of life in the way of DNA test kits that reveal your supposed ancestral origins. In terms of benefits, they seem to be not unlike the list of benefits that come with the more general spiritual awakening. I have my own opinions on the matter, which I’ll address later, but for now, this is the only process I was able to find among the sea of people selling their “unique” services:

DNA Activation, Part 1: First, ground yourself. As soon as you feel like you’re ready, bring Earth’s energy up through your feet, up through your crown, and out into the universe. Continue carrying this beam of energy out beyond the universe and into the realm of the Divine. Once there, command the Divine to activate what is referred to as your “youth and vitality chromosomes” and to reveal to you “the master cell in the pineal gland”. Observe in your mind’s eye what is shown to you, and it is done. Return your awareness to your body and cleanly cut any cords you may have formed. Circulate your own energy within you. You may experience a sort of energetic purge after this point, so give yourself some time to adjust.

DNA Activation, Part 2: Repeat part one up until you reach the realm of the Divine. Once there, command the Divine to activate your remaining chromosomes, and once again ask them to reveal the “master cell”. Observe in your mind’s eye what is shown to you, and it is done. Return your awareness to your body once more, cut cords, and circulate your energy. After this point, the process of DNA activation is complete, and the promised benefits will follow.

Less talked about – but still talked about enough to be worth mentioning in this article – is the concept of light body activation, in which there seems to be 12 levels of activation that vary from source to source. As with DNA activation, it is difficult to find a method of doing it yourself versus an array of people simply offering their own services, and the only freely available recommendations I could find fall right in line with the suggestions given for advancing a Kundalini awakening. The benefits, as well, are quite similar if not completely the same.

I’m sure there are more activation techniques out there than the above two I’ve mentioned, which brings me to the question: Are all of these “activations” true, or are these people simply trying to sell you something? Of course, it is not the case that every spiritual service is a con, and I take not issue with spiritual services provided for convenience. It’s when people present themselves as the only ones capable of doing something for you that I’m inclined to tilt my head. People may have their own methods of doing things, and they are well within their right to offer that method as a service or class or book or however they may choose to present it, but make no mistake, anyone is entirely capable of achieving the same result on their own. In fact, I encourage it, because the spiritual path is a deeply personal one, and learning how powerful you are is such an important part of it. Still, disingenuous con artists do exist within our community, and it’s important to be aware of that and raise questions when necessary.

In my practice: There are some of you who may feel offended regarding my opinions on certain activation processes – those of you who have found them to be beneficial especially. I am not denying anyone what works for them. You should explore anything that resonates with you, and if something works for you, then it works for you, and you should give no one the power to take that away. All I am suggesting is two things: That you don’t need a special and mysterious activation process offered by a stranger online and that these parts of you don’t necessarily need “activation” at all. In my opinion, it happens naturally as you move forward on your spirit path, as you explore deeper parts of yourself, as you become familiar with your own energy body. All of these concepts that I’ve studies – spiritual awakening, spiritual ascension, Kundalini awakening, DNA activation, light body activation, etc – they all have so very much in common in terms of goals and benefits. Perhaps it is another case of different people talking about the same thing. That said, in the case of DNA activation, I do have to wonder if a focus on the current incarnation could present some problems, particularly in the very tribal society we currently reside in. Again, though, I cannot take from you that which works for you.

Starting to Sense Energies

It all has to start somewhere, and if you’re planning on getting into any sort of energy work, the first step is to begin trying to sense those subtle energies. One exercise I really enjoy is given in this video by one of my favorite witches on YouTube, Lady Gravedancer. The process is very simple and easy-to-understand, and it can be applied to anything and everything. These subtle sensations come differently to everyone. You may feel a warmth, a tingling, a buzzing, a fluidity, or something completely different, but the more you work with it, the more you’ll familiarize yourself with how you personally perceive and transpose energy.

If this is too difficult for you at this time – and it’s okay if it is; we are all at different points on our path – I suggest taking a step back and implementing a practice of daily meditation and regular exploration (both of the self and of varying pre-built paths our there). When ideas come to you, or when things call to you upon your explorations, take them and run with them. Peel them open like fresh fruit and revel in the sensation of something new. You may find that they resonate and take your further along your journey – or you may find that they don’t, and in that case, you continue on as you were, keeping the mind’s eye out for the next thing worth trying.

The destination is exciting, but the journey is just as enthralling. I hope that you’ll allow yourself to enjoy it, and I hope that this article has found those of you who craved it. Much love and many blessings to you, wherever your path may take you, until we meet again.

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operaghostboi · 8 months ago

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Shadow of the Bear

Plot: Nikolai, the retired Russian military veteran turned AI, finds himself unexpectedly reactivated by TF141 for a mission shrouded in mystery. As he reconnects with his former comrades, he discovers that a series of cyber attacks on global security systems have been traced back to a long-dormant Russian military AI program, one that Nikolai himself was once a part of.

Nikolai stood in his modest kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. He poured himself a cup, the rich, dark liquid providing a comforting start to the day. As he leaned against the countertop, clad in his favorite bomber jacket and jeans, his mind drifted to the mission ahead.

Retirement hadn't quite agreed with Nikolai. Sure, the quiet moments were nice, but he missed the adrenaline rush of the field, the camaraderie of his fellow soldiers. So when the call came from TF141, he didn't hesitate to answer.

Sipping his coffee, Nikolai glanced at the clock. Anya would be arriving soon. She was a force to be reckoned with, sharp and skilled, with a determination that matched his own. Together, they made a formidable team, even if their banter occasionally bordered on the edge of annoyance.

Just as Nikolai finished his coffee, there was a knock at the door. He grinned, setting the mug down and striding over to answer it. Anya stood on the doorstep, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Right on time, as always," Nikolai remarked, stepping aside to let her in.

Anya rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of amusement in her gaze. "You know me, punctuality is my middle name."

As they made their way to the living room, Nikolai shed his bomber jacket, opting for a simple t-shirt instead. Anya settled herself on the couch, her eyes scanning the room with practiced precision.

"So, what's the plan?" she asked, getting straight to the point.

Nikolai sank into an armchair opposite her, crossing his arms thoughtfully. "We've got intel on a meeting happening tonight. Top brass from the organization we're after will be there. We need to infiltrate, gather as much information as we can, and get out before anyone realizes we were there."

Anya nodded, her expression serious. "Sounds like a typical Tuesday for us."

Nikolai chuckled, the tension in the room easing slightly. "Indeed. But this time, we're up against some heavy hitters. We'll need to be on our A-game."

With a shared glance, Nikolai and Anya knew they were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. As they finalized their plans, the thrill of the mission coursed through them, adrenaline pumping in their veins.

With determination in their hearts and coffee still lingering on their lips, Nikolai and Anya set out into the night, ready to confront danger head-on and emerge victorious once more.

As Nikolai and Anya made their way to the meeting location, they kept a low profile, blending seamlessly into the bustling city streets. The air crackled with anticipation, the weight of their mission hanging heavy in the night.

As they approached the designated building, Nikolai motioned for Anya to take the lead, her keen instincts guiding them through the shadows. With practiced precision, they slipped inside, navigating the labyrinthine corridors with ease.

Their target was a high-level meeting taking place on the top floor, guarded by layers of security. But Nikolai and Anya were undeterred, their years of training and experience lending them an air of confidence as they closed in on their objective.

As they reached the door to the meeting room, Nikolai signaled for Anya to stand back, preparing to breach the room with controlled precision. With a nod, she readied her weapon, her gaze steady and focused.

With a swift kick, Nikolai burst through the door, his senses on high alert as he assessed the situation within. The room was filled with high-ranking officials, their voices hushed as they discussed their nefarious plans.

Without hesitation, Nikolai and Anya sprang into action, their movements fluid and coordinated as they subdued the guards and secured the area. With the room under their control, they began to gather vital intelligence, their hands moving swiftly as they searched for clues.

But just as they thought they had the upper hand, a sudden commotion erupted outside the building, signaling the arrival of reinforcements. Nikolai and Anya exchanged a grim look, knowing that their window of opportunity was rapidly closing.

With a sense of urgency, they collected the remaining documents and data, their hearts pounding in their chests as they prepared to make their escape. But as they reached the exit, they were met with a formidable adversary, a shadowy figure from Nikolai's past, determined to see him fail.

In a tense standoff, Nikolai and Anya faced off against their opponent, their determination unwavering as they fought tooth and nail to emerge victorious. With skill and tenacity, they managed to outmaneuver their foe, securing their escape and vanishing into the night.

As they made their way back to safety, adrenaline still coursing through their veins, Nikolai and Anya shared a weary smile, knowing that they had once again thwarted disaster and saved the day. And as they looked to the horizon, they knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, united in purpose and resolve.

As Nikolai and Anya retreated to their safehouse, the adrenaline of the mission slowly began to ebb away, replaced by a sense of exhaustion and relief. As they settled into their makeshift headquarters, Anya couldn't help but reflect on how far they had come since their chance encounter all those years ago.

Nikolai had been the one to pull her from the brink of darkness, offering her a chance at redemption when no one else would. She owed him her life, and she had vowed to repay that debt a thousand times over.

As they debriefed on the mission, Anya couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. The organization they had infiltrated was just the tip of the iceberg, and she knew that their work was far from over.

But as she glanced at Nikolai, his face lined with weariness but still etched with determination, she felt a surge of confidence. Together, they were unstoppable.

With renewed resolve, Anya began to strategize their next move, her mind racing with possibilities. They may have faced danger and uncertainty, but as long as they had each other, they would always emerge victorious.

As they settled in for the night, Nikolai and Anya shared a quiet moment of camaraderie, their bond stronger than ever. In the darkness of the safehouse, surrounded by the echoes of their past and the promise of the future, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, united in purpose and devotion.

#cod nikolai #cod original character #cod mw2 #cod mwii #cod #call of duty

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lolmusty · 2 years ago

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Astrology observations

Ether dimension

Introducing the ether dimension:

Dreams often come out of real life ether travel.

It’s like a place or a journey somewhere, almost like a dream

It’s common to see zodiac signs and motifs in the ether/astral or dream realm.

The astral plain is abject to the ether and space is another word for both.

Some have a stronger connection to this place just like some may like the beach over a forest

Let’s start off. All zodiac signs have the ability to access this world. I’m sharing my view on certain details of astrology. So this is part 1

Aries- Mercury Mars Jupiter or Sun being in this sign lead to a lot of cerebral energy. Aires rules the head or skull and connection to this frequency comes very naturally for this placement/s. This connection can be to anything that Aires can put its mind to including spiritually.

Taurus- Moon Venus Sun or even Saturn gain a sixth sense when it comes to the occult. Being able to feel and listen into thought forms or emotions out of anything. These are the type of people who can read a room even if there’s no body in there. Kinda like a telepath when it comes to energy

Gemini- Sun Moon Mercury and Saturn may be gifted with a connection to the akashic records. This will happen if the Gemini placement/s comes their mind in meditation and guides that thoughtful brain you guys have. Seriously it changed my own busy brain. After that a link between this world and the next opened up for me and I have a Gemini Saturn conjunct Venus.

Cancer- Sun Moon Jupiter Mercury Mars mix well with the occult and jive with the magical. I’ve seen first head (having three of these placements) that the world of mystery is right next door. The dark side of this love of the strange is nightmares become a problem to the sensitive soul. Remember everything is recorded in that realm too, even if you forget. The ether has karma too and those troubling you there will be just. Try going for nature walks to practice passive and active meditation.

Leo- Moon Jupiter Mars Venus placements are connected to music portals when guided. Music comes naturally to these signs and help bridge the gap to this world and next. The journey of learning the instrument or just signing in the car is a story to them and is felt by the other side

Virgo- Sun Moon Mercury Venus are synced up to past lives and karma records from the akashic field. These Virgos can find your strength and weakness. Knowing from themselves they see light and it’s shadow. From this they are great at past present and future predictions. Dream are probably not as common but visions are.

#astro observations #aires #taurus #gemini #cancer #leo #virgo #ethereal

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thebluesthour · 1 year ago

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from A Practical Field Guide to Mystery (by arsspoetica)

#q #quotes #words #essays #A Practical Field Guide to Mystery #substack #the world is blue at heart #m #queued

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soracities · 2 years ago

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from A Practical Field Guide to Mystery (by arsspoetica)

#q #lit #quotes #a practical field guide to mystery #all these wonders still to be ours #life everlasting #m #x

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buckets-and-trees · 2 months ago

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What inspired you to start writing🤔🥹

Thank you for sending the ask, Ray!

My parents are from two different states, and before my dad passed away, we lived in Texas near my dad's family. They were in Houston and we were in Dallas, but we saw each other very often, and we were on the phone with them a lot. My dad's family were all HUGE storytellers! Every time we'd get together, they'd be laughing and telling stories about the fam - immediate and extended family, depending on who was visiting.

We moved when I was eight (that was when my dad passed) to be closer to my mom's family with all my aunts, uncles, and cousins and my other grandparents so that there'd be a lot more people to help my mom and help raise me. After school, me and my cousins played a lot of make-believe games, and those would get thoroughly more intricate each day, basically turning into elaborate plays that would go on for weeks in a particular AU until we landed on some new idea or other.

Then, when I was in eighth grade, my English teacher had us write a story in class in one day - we weren't supposed to be stressed, just have fun and practice typing/learn how to be comfortable formatting in Word during our computer lab hour. I wrote a little mystery thing, and when I got it back from my teacher, she wrote a lot of notes on how good it was and encouraged me to write more.

That summer, we moved again, and because I was starting over with no friends, I was reading a ton and started writing my own version of the next Harry Potter book because I'd read and reread HP a lot and was desperately thinking about what would for sure happen next but also what COULD happen next if there were a girl character like me. It wasn't x reader fic at that point, it was a Mary Sue OC, but it got me through the summer. The next year, I had a summer sleepover with some of the cousins I'd done those elaborate plays with when we were 8 and 9, and we got high on the nostalgia and made up a new one - a royal story with all of us as princesses. I also had showed them my HP story, and they said I should actually write. So I started writing down our royal kingdom story.

Since then it's been in and out of fanfic and original fiction. There's a little more that I've shared in my Field Guide to the Forest about the college years, the fandoms I've written in, and the hiatuses I've taken, but between that and this, that's my writing journey!

#askpen #whatever ray #an aspen thing #writer commentary

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electricopolis-net · 5 months ago

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Life in Exile Pt. 2: You & I

The question of what to do still loomed over the two exiles. Percy was determined to save the coin he had, and Bob had nothing more to trade, save his phone, which he figured he should keep, though it had long since run out of power. So that meant finding a job.

Unfortunately, Bob was terrible at manual labor. The farmer from before (a fellow by the name of Gon) invited Bob to help out in the fields, but his back started hurting almost immediately, and he was so unused to the strain that it was easier for Gon to do the work himself. Still, he did acquire a small turnip for his troubles, but it mostly just added insult to injury.

Working at one of the food stalls in town was only a little less disastrous. Bob did fine when things were slow, but tended to freeze up under pressure, and more than once his shaking hands had tipped over a glass or gotten burned on the grill. It went better than the farmwork, and maybe with more practice Bob would have overcome his nerves, but he wasn't exactly feeling inspired to persist in his work.

As a last-ditch effort, he decided to play to his talents that had originally landed him a job at Top Tier in the first place: entertainment. He danced (decently), sang (not very well), and told stories of the city in the valley. It attracted children, who relished the chance to learn anything they could about the cursed city, but the adults turned them away and guided them past the mysterious man with the long nose.

Dejected, he found himself on the beach, poking at the sand with a stick. "This is harder than I thought," he sighed. "Man, if there were a television camera on me, things would be different."

The stick bumped into something under the sand. Bob paused, then began to shovel away the sand with his hands curiously. He pulled out something rectangular, made of plastic and metal: a pocket radio. "Oh, huh, a radio," he remarked, banging it in his hands to get the sand out. "I wonder if it works?"

It did not. "Ah, well. Oh hey, there's batteries in it, though," Bob observed, taking a few double A batteries out of the rear of the machine. "Maybe they're still good?"

He wandered along the beach, bending down to look at the machines and other junk washing up on the shore. After about twenty minutes, he had assembled a collection of geegaws and gadgets: the pocket radio, a hand-crank-powered flashlight (lucky!), a cracked set of binoculars, a kitchen scale, and more.

He brought them into the house, sat down at the table and began to tinker with them, with Percy watching from nearby. The batteries were usable, if not fully charged, and he slotted them into the kitchen scale. By some miracle, it turned on, the LCD screen displaying 0.0 grams. He could have jumped for joy.

"This'll be great!" he exclaimed, turning the scale back and forth.

"Clean it up a little bit and I bet we could get something good for it," Percy offered, impressed.

The sound of the Cursebreaker's voice made him jump. "I see you've done exactly what I hoped you would," the man laughed raucously, appearing from behind Bob. "Sorry, boys, I let myself in."

"What do you mean by that?" Percy asked. "You hoped we'd repair these?"

"Of course I did. They're from your town, after all. You two are in the best position to reclaim these. Clean them, make them usable. Take responsibility for them," the Cursebreaker intoned, gesturing with his staff to each item. "I could have just told you all this at the start, but I wanted you to learn it on your own."

"By the way," the old man added, "there's one more thing we have to do before these are fit for trade." He pulled out a small plastic bag full of paper bits shaped like the amulets he had hanging around his neck. "They have to be purified, you see."

Bob and Percy watched. The Cursebreaker sat down at the table, examined each item in turn, and made the upwards-arrow sign he'd used before to welcome Bob and Percy into the town. Afterwards, he took the small pieces of paper, licked the back of them, and stuck them onto the items, one apiece. "There," he said. "Now they're good to go."

"This 'curse'…" Percy ventured carefully. "Do you really believe there's such a thing? It seems preposterous to us, being from the city itself. Do you really have to go to such lengths to even use our trash?"

"Eh." The old man shrugged. "The folk around here are always superstitious. They barely trust me more than they trust you," he laughed. "But they live by rules, and the rules they live by make them happy. So why not play along?"

---

Percy traded the goods in town the day after, and came back with a much better haul than before. The kitchen scale netted them some more food and a few heavy blankets for their beds. The hand-cranked flashlight was especially lucrative: not only did he manage to trade it for a slightly worn woolen coat and shirt for himself, but he also managed to snag some clothes for Bob as well. The clothes off their backs had gotten dusty, dirty and--frankly--didn't smell so good, so it was time to learn how to do their own laundry for once.

The small shack was equipped with a water pump, and it wasn't too hard to barter for soap. A barrel that washed up on the beach made a passable washtub. It was a far cry from the luxuries of Top Tier HQ, but Bob tried his best not to complain. Percy, for some reason, didn't complain at all.

Actually, Bob found it interesting. Percy was in the best position to rant, rave and moan about his fall from grace, but he took everything in stride. Maybe he considered it what he deserved, or maybe he simply didn't want to appear petulant in front of his ex-employee. Whether it was washing clothes, bartering in town, or even learning how to cook food from a can, Percy just shut up and did the damn thing. It was honestly kind of impressive, though Bob would never admit it.

Gradually, and with the two of them working together, things settled into a sort of routine. Bob would wake up early in the morning, comb the beach for refuse before anyone else could take the good stuff, and return home to clean and repair them. Percy would take the items and barter them in town, then return with sundries that they used to improve their quality of life: food, wood for the stove, pots and pans to cook in, a sewing kit, even things like magazines and books.

"Magazines? Really?" Bob asked, flipping through them. "These are old style magazines and TV guides. Not exactly worthwhile reading material."

"It's not enough to simply survive," Percy explained. "You have to give your brain some kind of stimulation that isn't work. Enrichment for your enclosure, so to speak."

"Enrichment for my enclosure," Bob groaned. "You really have a way with words."

Percy shrugged. "It's just like running a business. You have to keep your workers happy if you want to earn their trust, and earning their trust is the only way they'll feel compelled to contribute to the best of their ability. It's the difference between 90% efficiency and 95%."

"Is that so," Bob yawned, reclining in bed. "Well, I'm not your worker anymore."

"That's right," Percy said. "You're more like a housewife now, don't you think?"

"That's not funny!" Bob yelped, turning bright red. "I am not your housewife!"

---

The first week or two of exile had been filled with novelty, but it was starting to wear off by now, and the boredom was driving Bob insane. He tossed and turned in his bed, tinkered on his gadgets throughout the night, and went for walks along the shore in the early morning, but nothing seemed to make his restlessness abate.

It wasn't long before he blew up at Percy again. "I can't stand this!" he shouted, throwing a broken something-or-other onto the table. "I can't do this anymore! I want to go back to town!"

"Stop complaining," Percy said, refusing to raise his voice. "You know very well we can't do that."

"We could do that if you hadn't run the damn place into the ground!" Bob yelled. "If you hadn't let the power run out--if you'd done something--"

"Done something? Done what?" Percy retorted. "Shift the entire city to an alternative source of energy all at once? It would have taken decades to do that. If I'd been president twenty years earlier, it still wouldn't have been enough time," he insisted. "The infrastructure wasn't built for anything else!"

Percy sat down at the table, rubbing at his temples. He was sweating. It was the first time Bob had seen him lose his cool since they'd taken up residence in the town. "You don't understand," he groaned. "You don't know what it's like to inherit a dying city."

Bob blinked, processing this. "Is that true?" he asked. "Electricopolis was already on the way out?"

Percy nodded.

"Why didn't you say anything? Why didn't you do anything?"

"What could I have done?" the other man moaned. "Tell the entire town to pack up and leave? There was nothing for miles around--just dust and mountains. I couldn't simply turn them out to the wilderness." He buried his face in his hands. "I just…wanted everything to go smoothly. I wanted everyone to be happy…up to the very end."

Bob looked at him, then turned away. "That's not how it went, though."

"I know." Percy rubbed at his nose and eyes. "I must apologize for that. I…took your resignation far too personally."

"That's putting it lightly."

"Can you blame me?" Percy sighed. "We had such a good thing going, you know. Look at this," he said, motioning to the items they'd stockpiled. "Even hundreds of miles away from town, with nothing but the clothes on our backs, we've scraped together something for ourselves. You can't deny that we make a good team."

Bob sighed. "That's the problem," he mumbled. "We do make a good team."

#electricopolis #bob sparker #percy king #story post #story illustration

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