#Best place to buy power tools

[hpalloy]

Hammer tools online

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[lexalovesbooks]

Also I love love loooove that the very first scene of book one is relos var and khaemezra in a bidding war for kihrin while he rapidly alternates back and forth between which of them is going to be less terrible for his life if they win because man if that isn’t a fantastic summary of the series as a whole.

[tumble-tv]

ICE raids are happening.

Any immigrants, no matter how long you have been a citizen of the USA, is at risk of being deported either out of the country as a whole or into what are basically concentration camps. Raids starting in Chicago, Illinois. and spreading to other major cities with high POC and Hispanic populations. The US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) have started raiding homes and families in California.

There are no "protected locations" as of January 21, 2025. Hospitals, schools, and churches are all at risk of being raided, where before these places were deemed safe and off limits to raids.

When it comes to spotting an ICE agent, look for these:

Weirdly neat/well kept hair (shaved heads, side parts, military burs for men; low buns, high ponytails, close cropped bobs for women)

Oversized jacket (long and bulky outerwear makes it easier to hide tools/equipment without being suspicious)

Both hands in pockets

Many undercover agents/cops buy cheap plain clothes off the racks so they aren’t seen in their own clothes. This can make their outfit seem awkward

Sweatshirts with the hood up

Sports apparel (warm up jacket, sweats, etc) with non-sports clothes (jeans, cargo shorts)

Cargo pants/shorts (usually full of items like their badge, flashlight, taser, pepper spray, backup handcuffs, zip ties)

Military or hiking style boots, sometimes chunky sneakers (extra points if none of it matches anything in their outfit)

Outline of a gun in their pants/shirt (easy to see when bending, leaning, or raising arms) (NO NOT SAY ANYTHING)

Overly friendly

Overly inquisitive

“How old are you” and “what do you know about this happening” are both red flags, along with generally odd and personal questions

Don’t fit in

Mismatched pairs in public spaces (usually cops do these things in pairs. They don’t talk to each other or acknowledge each other much, if at all)

DO NOT SAY ANYTHING UNTIL YOU ARE 100% SURE

YOUR BEST BET IS NOT TO SAY ANYTHING UNTIL THE SUSPECT STARTS ACTING OFF AND GETTING PUSHY

COPS ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO TELL YOU THAT THEY ARE UNDERCOVER

COPS CAN AND WILL LIE TO YOU

SCREAM “LA MIGRA” AT THE TOP OF YOUR LUNGS

For protesting:

N95 masks

Respirator/gas mask if you have access to one

Water water water water water (I hate to say it, but disposable one use bottles are best here. If it comes to it, you need to be able to drop and run.) Use for flushing wounds, flushing eyes of tear gas, and of course drinking.

Snacks! You'll be doing a lot of walking and/or running and need to keep that energy up. Trail mix, dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, crackers, jerky/meat sticks, fruit snacks, candy, etc. Think of it like packing your lunchbox for a field trip.

Eyedrops (teargas is a bitch)

Goggles (I bring my old snowboarding goggles)

If you are wearing a t-shirt or have exposed skin, put on fake/temporary tattoos. If you are brought into something and they say you were there, showing a picture of you with the tattoos, show them where that tattoo would be and how there’s nothing there. How would you get rid of a giant flower on your forearm in 2 days anyways?

Wigs fall under the same category as tattoos. The person they're claiming to be you has a blonde bob and you have green hair past your shoulders.It also makes it possible to go with a completely different color without the use of hair dye. This means if they try to arrest you later and try to prove it was you by taking your hair and testing for dye, it won't come back the way they hope. (Thank you @violetrosepetals for this addition!)

Hide your hair. I tuck my hair into my beanie since it’s short. If you have longer hair, try to do the same or tuck it into your shirt. Balaclavas are also a good choice, as they cover both your face and hair.

Power bank

Chargers

Helmet. Any is fine, my personal choice is a skating helmet since they’re rounder and can take more damage, but tactical is also good

Hand sanitizer

Gloves with hard knuckles (tactical gloves). These pack a good punch even if you don't have the correct form. Don't have those? Wrist guards for roller skating/skateboarding work kinda like that too. More of a slapping motion, but still hurt like a bitch. Extra points if they're all scuffed up from use and falls.

Bandanas. Somebody might need one for their face or hair, maybe you need to get dirt off somebody’s face, maybe somebody got injured. They’re great for anything and everything.

Cash (try to stick to cash, your card can be tracked)

Medications if you take them. If you get arrested or happen to somehow be away for longer than expected after the protest, it’s always good to have emergency meds

FIRST AID ALL THE FIRST AID (Tourniquet, Quikclot, chest seal, trauma shears, gauze, bandages, duct tape, and all the usual stuff you’d have in there)

Good shoes. Boots and sneakers are your best choices. Not heels, not platforms, not sandals. Good boots or shoes that won't come off your feet too easily when you run. Steel toed shoes are a great option. Your toes won't be squashed, but also it'll hurt someone a lot more if you start kicking.

Spare socks. Trust me. You can use them to stop bleeding if it comes to it, but also you can put rocks in there and boom weapon. Also if the socks you're wearing get wet.

As much covering clothing as you can handle. Plain jeans, plain hoodie, plain t-shirt, keep yourself as anonymous as possible. Black and baggy is best.

Photocopy of your ID, not your real one.

Sunscreen!

Make sure your clothes have pockets, even if you have a bag. You want everything to be easily accessible.

Do not wear contact lenses. If tear gas is used, that will make everything so much worse. Wear your glasses or go blind. If you have overly unique or identifiable frames, goggles are your friend here. Get some goggles that will fit over your frames, preferably ones that are tinted.

If you use mobility aids, cover defining features. Logos, brand names, colors, stickers, all of it. Take some old plain t-shirt and tie it around your wheelchair’s backrest. Wrap your wheelchair frame in cling wrap, then duct tape, or plain black self adhering medical tape. Cover stickers on your cane or crutches the same way. Electric chair? You have a little more work, but you can do it. Wrap it up. Same idea. Walker? Same thing. Cover. It. All.

If you are bringing a bag, make sure that bag is as plain as possible. No pins. No patches. No keychains. Except maybe a pride flag so people know which team you're playing on.

Scarf or keffiyeh if you have one. They have many uses!

Write a reliable phone number (of someone who is not at the protest with you) on your body. On the off chance you get arrested, that is your emergency contact.

Pocket knife.

Pepper spray/mace/bear spray

if you get tear gassed, shake around first before using water. Most tear gas is more of a powder and water has a high likelihood of just spreading it around. (Thank you @actually-a-bread-loaf for this addition!)

Tennis rackets also work wonderfully for chucking tear gas canisters back at those throwing them. Anybody asks, you're going out to play tennis with friends later. Baseball bats also work! (Thank you @azul-nova-24 for this addition!)

Anything you can throw. Soup for my family.

IF YOU CAN, LEAVE YOUR PHONE AT HOME

IF YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT WITH YOU, TURN OFF LOCATION SERVICES ON ALL APPS AND TURN OFF BIOMETRICS (FACE ID AND FINGERPRINT) SO YOU CAN ONLY UNLOCK YOUR PHONE WITH YOUR PASSWORD

COPS CAN FORCE YOU TO OPEN YOUR PHONE WITH YOUR FINGERPRINT OR FACE ID

MAKE SURE SOMEBODY KNOWS GENERALLY WHERE YOU ARE

If you see a potential or active raid, take pictures and note the time and location. Post online if you can, as well.

You have the right to remain silent. State that you wish to remain silent. Avoid giving information about anybody's immigration status. You have the right to refuse to sign anything before speaking to an attorney. You have the right to refuse searches of your car, your home, and yourself. Schools do not collect a child's immigration status.

I do not want to scare anybody, but this is what life is right now. That man does not care how long you have been a citizen of this country. If you are not a white, cisgender, heterosexual, Christian male, you are seen as less than by men in power. You are not less than. You are a threat to them, and they are scared. Keep it that way.

Even if you're not currently protesting, it's good to know this just in case. Things are happening very quickly, and there is a very high chance of it changing very quickly within the next four years.

Here's the link to my post on what to bring in terms of first aid.

If you cannot attend protests, that’s fine. Do what’s best for you. Even just reposting information helps.

This is an updated version of this post,

Updated January 27, 2025.

[madamemachikonew]

Hello, if you don't mind me asking, how do you think Pantalone would feel about his partner receiving a Vision?

HMMMMM.

Your mouth is agape as you look at the sparkling vision in your palm, its cold virgin glossy surface shining like crystal. Your stomach is in knots, your heart a mess of complicated feelings; what should be the happiest and most exciting day of your life is muffled in a shroud of abject dread. The trinket weighs heavily in your palm, like a tainted heart in the scales of Anubis.  

How will you be able to break the news to him?

The glowing core represented everything that he despised in the world; the recognition that had eluded him for all of his life. In spite of all of his efforts and ambition. And yet, it had tumbled, seemingly effortlessly and unbidden, into your hand of all places.

As you falteringly break the news to him, staring down at your empty hands, wringing them with shame, he forces a diplomatic smile that does not reach his eyes. The two of you are now different. And a fissure has now cracked through your relationship – one which threatens to bring down the whole edifice. Until now, the balance of power had always been in his favour. But now you hold something that his whole lifetime of wealth cannot buy.

His smile unwavering, he shakes his head in the face of your promises that you won’t use it – you won’t even wear it.

“I’m happy for you,” he says mechanically, rubbing your cheek with a gloved thumb, “You deserve it.”

Rising to his feet, he presses a strong, paternal palm to your head in congratulation - or perhaps reassurance – before planting a light kiss and then leaving, retreating to his study.

He replays the conversation in his mind. It seemed that your well-intended words had wounded him deeply. You had left the Vision in your room lest the sight hurt his feelings in some way. And yet, part of him wanted to know how such divine craftsmanship felt to hold and look at. Your pleading protestations with apologetic wide eyes that you had never actively sought such a thing and had no idea why a Vision would suddenly turn up only rubbed salt into his grieved heart; They had chosen you nonetheless, even when you had had no apparent desire to. And now you have more power than you know what to do with. It seemed almost malicious on their part to toss a trinket so close to his feet.

So why not him?

As much as he loves you, your achievements, though respectable, are quite simply not on the same scale as his own. Who could possibly be his equal? It was squandered on you. No! No, he doesn’t mean that and you must never know that such a jealous thought has crossed his mind in anger, even if you would understand and be sympathetic to his rage. Your merits are what he admires and loves. It is the very fact that you are not ordinary that attracts him to you. So why does his heart feel torn with thorns that the contemptible gods he abhors so much have bestowed this gift on you?

And what sort of deep-seated ambition have you harbouring that They had felt worthy of recognition?

That you have been holding in your heart in secret all this time.

He knows, deep down, that it was not a deliberate action on your part and that if anything, you’d give him your gift in a heartbeat. Or give it back if you could. And yet, a bitter taste fills his mouth at the idea that in spite of your best intentions, he will no doubt watch you grow increasingly at ease with wielding it, to the point that it will never leave your side.

He knows that he should be happy for you.

So why does he feel so utterly betrayed and resentful?

As the rational thoughts vie for his attention in the maelstrom of envy swirling inside, he thinks that perhaps your newfound talent could be of use to him somehow; knowing your unselfish nature, he knows you would feel too guilty not to share it. But it is not quite the same as wielding such a tool of his own, as meaningless as he keeps trying to convince himself that it is. All those times you had resolved together to go to war with Celestia now feel desperately hollow. Had you even meant it?

Perhaps the sting will dull with time, as well as the guilt for feeling this way. But for now, he will allow himself to wallow for the evening.

It’s not that he hates you.

It’s not that he isn’t proud of you or feels that you were somehow undeserving of this honour.

Just…why couldn’t it have been him?

[writers-potion]

Healing

Most religions have a form of healing magic - it may be called "faith healing" and "miracle".

Some healing magic is subtle, strengthening he body's own immune defences so it can fight off infections, cancer cells and hormonal imbalances. In such cases, this might not be considered magic by others.

Dramatic, sudden healings attract a lot of attention and will run into many ethical dilemmas:

What if the magician is kept in captivity to keep the king young, forever?

What if the magician is forced to heal armies that are doing terrible things?

What if the magician only heals those in power/ who can afford to pay them?

In modern society, it is possible for the line between healing magic and life science to be blurred. Magic might simply amplify existing medicines, or provide luck to surgens who are performing a particularly tricky operation.

Protection

Many people seek magical protection, and hire magicians to provide it.

A farmer might seek to protect his crops

A mother might seek to protect her offspring

A courtesan seeks protection from her lover's wives

A soldier who seek protection from attacks.

Methods through which it may be achieved:

Using an amulet, necklace, or other tools that must be carried

A mark or tattoo for protection

A circle or physical barrier surrounding the client

A blessing that wears off with time

A protection spell that can be memorized and used only once.

Talismans and Amulets

Talisman and amulets give magical enegy to the people who wear them. They are two different objects, so it's best not to get them mixed up if your story has both. The follow categorization is fluid:

An amulet gives general help, while a talisman serves one specific purpose.

An amulet keeps harm away, while a talisman empowers the wearer.

An amulet is motly secular, while a talisman typically contains divine/angelic/spiritual energy

An amulet usually works for whoever that wears it, while a talisman is custom made for one user.

An amulet deflects negative energies, while a talisman attracts positive ones.

They are generally small objects that can be worn or carried. They have symbols on them which charges them with magical power.

In ancient societies, amulets and talismans were big business, with magician earning large sums by making and recharging them.

Guarding Against Harmful Magic

Using magic to harm or kill others is generally frowned upon. However, the magician may accept the job of hexing or cursing someone, given that they are paid well.

Hexes and curses

A hex is worked in cold blood, unemotionally. A curse involves intense emotions.

A hex lasts for a given period, then wear off. A curse may last a lifetime or even generations.

A hex is usually secular, while a curse often has a religious element (placed by or on behalf of a deity)

A hex is usually Low Magic while a curse may be High Magic

A hex is always worked by a magician while a cuse can sometimes be worked by a non-magician

A hex can affet an object or a person, a curse almost always affects a person.

Hexes tend to cause great nuisance, while curses bring long-term devastating harm.

Protection against magical attacks

The afflicted person may seek to undo the hex or spell, often at a high cost (even life)

Rituals may either aim to deflect other magical attacks, get rid of the attack, or send the spell back to the sender.

Sometimes, placing a curse or hex has a consequence to the caster, and this will deter a magician from doing it in the first place.

The client may pay to lessen the impact of a curse or seek drugs to ease their pain under it.

If you like my blog, buy me a coffee☕ and find me on instagram! 📸

[astra-ravana]

Bones In Magick And Divination

The long-standing tradition of using skulls and bones in magick dates back ages, yet it is a topic often overlooked in modern witchcraft, leaving many unsure of how to incorporate them. There are many excellent ways to use these mystical objects and their potent energy within your craft.

Some Ethics:

• Never harm an animal simply to obtain its bones for magickal purposes.

• It's best to find bones in nature or buy them from a trustworthy supplier.

• Remember to pay respect to the animal whose bones you are using.

Archetypal Energy

Because bones contain DNA they are not only spiritually, but biologically connected to the animal they came from and all its ancestors. This makes bones powerful totems and talismans that embody the qualities of that animal. This is important to consider when wearing bones or using them as vessels and guardians.

The House Skull

Bones and skulls carry a lot of protective energy. One traditional use for a skull was that of a house guardian. These skulls are usually given a place of prominence in the home and often adorned, painted or decorated. A ritual can be performed to invite the spirit of the animal back to use the skull as a vessel. A binding sigil can be used for this as well as to tie the spirit/skull to you and your home. Skulls are commonly stained red or black to embue them with more protective power.

Crafting

Bones and skulls can be used in creating magickal tools and crafts as well. Long bones and antlers make unique and powerful wands. Skulls can be mounted or hung. Smaller bones can be used to make things like witches ladders and chimes. They make powerful jewelry pieces and charms.

Bones In Spellwork

There are many applications for bones in spellwork including spirit/deity work, necromancy, and ancestral work. They carry the general correspondences of protection, healing, strength, stability, growth, life, and death. Bones are also used in baneful workings and binding. They can be used much like crystals. Each type of bone carries its own magickal properties and can be utilized in rituals, offerings, and as a component in spell jars/bags or poppets. They can be ground into bone powder for general purposes or burnt to bone ash for darker workings.

Bone Correspondences:

• Skull- Thoughts, power, divination, spirit, truth, higher realms

• Teeth- Communication, destruction, control

• Spine- Stability, strength, confidence energy

• Rib- Agility, shielding, abundance, vitality

• Arm- Harmony, balance, duality, physical interaction

• Hand/fingers- Skill, creativity, accuracy, progress

• Wrist/ankle- Flexibility, connection, fluidity

• Leg- Edurance, momentum, travel, change

• Foot/toe- Speed, stealth, balance, luck, prosperity

• Shoulder/hip- Structure, permanence, support, rest

• Tail- Secrecy, sudden events, change in luck, accidents/mishaps

• Claws/nails- Conflict, damage, persistence, defense

• Horns/antlers- Penetration, protection, determination, destruction, harm, nature(can represent The Horned God)

Throwing The Bones

Bones have have been used as a medium for divination for centuries, by many different people and belief systems. Today, it is unfortunately a dying art. It is still practiced sporadically, however and is referred to as osteomancy or curiomancy. Some practitioners choose to use only bones, while others include a variety of things in their kit. Some suggestions include:

• Charms

• Shells

• Coins

• Keepsakes

• Stones

• Toys/figures

• Items from nature

• Found objects

Once you have your items gathered, set to the task of assigning meaning to each bone/object. What feelings does it elicit for you? What does it make you think of? Write down your meanings in a grimoire or designated book. Find a bag or pouch to hold your 'bones'.

To cast your bones simply "shuffle" them around in the bag with your fingers, similar to shuffling a deck of tarot cards. Once you or the person being read are content with their thought/question, grab whatever is within your palm and cast them in a circular motion. For smaller kits, you may cast all your objects at once and use their location to interpret the message. Some read the bones in a spiral, while others use quadrants, rings, or even complex maps/spreads. You can use a cloth with a circle drawn on it or any symbols/design you feel appropriate. Each spread, style, and kit will be unique to its creator.

[qqueenofhades]

As someone whose country went through a brutal dictatorship, we still see the bleeding wounds it's left- even 50 years later. The idea of not exercising the right to vote is absolutely unthinkable to most citizens. Granted, voting is obligatory, but everyone I know does it voluntarily and enthusiastically. The discourse I hear around it in the US evidences a narrow perspective, which is so upsetting to see, especially within leftist spaces.

The right to vote is something every citizen must, sadly, defend. Most Latin American countries know all too well what happens when fascism and treason disguised as conservatism take centre stage. I hope it won't be too late when the people peddling anti voting crap to younger generations realise the harm it causes.

All around the world, the reason fascist authoritarian dictatorships of whatever ideology stay in power is precisely either because citizens aren't allowed to vote, the vote is outrageously rigged (think of the 99% margins routinely racked up in places like Russia and Venezuela) or they rely on repressing the vote through intentionally disheartening liberal, left-wing, progressive, or other similarly oriented voters, who often do much of the work themselves with constant internal attacks and purity tests and adopting the rhetoric of anti-voting propaganda in the name of purity. Despite all their populist claims to enact a monolithic Will of the People, all these anti-democratic authoritarian movements are terrified of a genuinely representative popular vote and will do anything to stop it, because it turns out that if you give them the choice, people anywhere in the world don't super like being repressed, extorted, and terrorized in the name of Ideology, and will give your tiresome fascist ass Das Boot.

In the American context, the Republicans have gone full masks-off illiberal authoritarianism and they desperately hate the idea of people voting, which is why they have filed endless lawsuits, passed endless restrictive laws, disenfranchised even their own voters, shrieked election fraud, and everything else to try to jerry-rig their position as extremist minority oligarchic rulers for life. Which is why it is befuddling, to say the least, to see people insist that voting doesn't work, it doesn't matter that much, it isn't an effective tool against fascism, it's Morally Wrong, or all the other idiot "justifications" they come up with. All you have to do is look at how fucking terrified the bad guys are of a minimally equitable electoral system (such as getting rid of the Electoral College, which would pretty much ensure a Republican never won the presidency again if it had to be selected by -- gasp! -- an actual nationwide popular vote). That's why I don't even buy into the "voting sucks and is the bare minimum" rhetoric that gets peddled as a sort of tempting carrot to get the recalcitrants to do it -- don't worry, you can still post your mean tweets about Biden and that totally is more effective! Voting is A BIG DEAL. Voting works. Americans don't realize this because they are lucky enough to never have lived in a country where it wasn't available to be taken for granted and therefore scoffed off.

Voting, having the right to vote, and the large-scale ability that it confers to change the structures of society, is a MASSIVELY powerful tool that has largely not been available to most people throughout history (and is still unavailable to a large chunk of the world today). That's why there were bitter and protracted battles to get women and African Americans the right to vote in America. That is why the GOP still particularly targets those voters today, because the simple act of exercising your civic franchise in your best interests (and therefore not in the MAGA TrumpCult's interests) is so terrifying to them. If it was meaningless, none of this would matter. But it does.

Here, Imma make it real easy for you. If you have any reason to think your voter registration is lapsed, inactive, or nonexistent, if you have recently moved and don't know your status or your polling place or whether you get a mail ballot or whether your evil DeSantis governor has recently taken you off the rolls, or if you have never done it before, or if you want to do one basic thing to oppose fascism today, click this simple link. Do it.

[the-weaving-cryptid]

Dirts & Dusts

Dirt and dusts are some of the easiest tools you can acquire for your workings. Here's a list of dirts and dusts that are common in southern folk practices.

If you intend to make your own powders, please wear a mask and proper eye protection. You don't want this stuff in your lungs and eyes.

Consider your local and federal laws before attempting to acquire dirt from private property.

Graveyard Dirt

Gathered from a specific grave or a corner of a graveyard, this dirt is typically gathered for two things: to work with the grave's spirit or to buy the dirt from the spirit for magic purposes.

Graveyard dirt is one of the most versatile tools you can have. You can use it for spirit work, protection, cursing, finances, love... Pretty much anything you can think of. Always offer something of equal value before taking it. You don't want an angry spirit following you.

Churchyard Dirt

Churchyard dirt is gathered from the yard of a church. This is best done on a Sunday since that is considered the "holy day" in Christian terms. Some old folk remedies call for churchyard dirt to ease some ailments such as colds or toothaches. For magic, churchyard dirt is best used for healing and protection purposes.

Bank Dirt

Gathered from the yard of a bank, the purpose of bank dirt it pretty self-explanatory. Bank dirt has been used to increase luck regarding finances and gambling. Common methods include sprinkling the dirt in your shoes or adding them to a sachet.

Police Station Dirt

Gathered from the yard of a police station, this dirt is also self-explanatory. You can use this keep the law away or to help bring the law down on a person.

Courthouse Dirt

Gathered from the yard of a courthouse, this dirt is typically used for the purpose for gaining a positive outcome from a court case.

Railroad Dirt

This dirt is gathered from a railroad, but if you want it to work it has to be a railroad that is still active. That being said, railroad dirt is best used for workings related to having people come or go, and to make charms for safe travels.

Crossroad Dirt

The crossroads are known to be a place of immense power. It's why so many workings call for visiting them. Crossroad dirt can be used for increasing luck, acquiring something you want, or removing an obstacle. Always pay the crossroads three of the most shiny dimes you can find before taking its dirt.

Home Dirt

This dirt can be gathered from within your own property or another person's property. Home dirt is used more as a taglock. You could use it to lay down protection for the home, or you could use it for more malicious workings.

Red Clay & Red Brick Dust

Old folk remedies call for red clay to heal bug bites, rashes, and shingles. For magic purposes, red clay and red brick dust are used for pretty much the same things. They are best used for workings related to protection against witchcraft and bad luck.

[marinettesaltprompts]

Reality Check

Prompt By @ironicreality

Yet another “Adrien loses the ring” deconstruction. This time I’m tackling about a certain criticism about how Chat’s supposedly so incompetent that he could be easily replaced.

But the thing is whenever the plot doesn’t need to nerf him, Chat Noir’s actually the most solid fighter on the team. And that’s discounting how casually Ladybug uses him to stall Akumas as her most reliable and expendable tool.

Trying to replace someone like that might just be harder than handing over the ring to the boy she likes.

—

It starts at a Saltfic cliché so common it might as well be Lila being a bitch:

Ladybug decides she’s had enough of Chat Noir and demands the ring. Since it’s season four and Adrien’s too depressed to even bother resisting, so he just hands it over and walks away.

Fortunately for Ladybug, she’s already part way through a Salt-fic like “realization” about Adrien and her class, so she doesn’t really care about her former crush anymore. Instead she goes to Luka and gives him the ring instead since she’s sure that Luka will be a great fit for the ring! And so Chat Noir retires from the team, and Adrien leaves the miraculous behind permanently.

With his friendship with Ladybug long eroded, there was nothing else really keeping him going as a hero besides Plagg and a sense of duty. And both of those have been relieved from him.

But things don’t go as expected. Adrien for whatever faults he might have had was an excellent fighter, being *impossibly* athletic in his civilian form and having trained in fencing and martial arts at his parents command for years. A prodigy trained by the best tutors that money could buy. And that base of skills was something that he’d brought to the table as the Black Cat, something that Marinette having only seen Chat Noir (and very briefly herself, and not against a foe where she was actually tested) wield the ring failed to appreciate. So while things go fine at first with the Glaciators and Giant Babies Shadowmoth loves to reuse, the first time Shadowmoth stops fucking around and brings his Akuma A-game…

Luka gets more or less instantly destroyed in his first fight as a front line figher against a genuinely dangerous Akuma.

Marinette gets very confused. The same happens again and again. Every time Shadowmoth brings out an actually capable threat, the novice Black Cat can’t keep up. Forget leaving him to hold the line against the Akuma, he can barely *survive* with her help. It’s not really Luka’s fault even. He’s inexperienced with Plagg’s powers and doesn’t have a near-decade of martial arts training and athletics to draw upon, but Ladybug doesn’t realize that’s a factor yet. So she concludes that it “it’s just a compatibility thing” and swaps Luka back to the snake.

She goes hunting for her next Cat.

Adrien meanwhile has moped, mourned and accepted his situation. And now? Now he’s moved on cold turkey, everything about Ladybug and the Miraculous have been cleaned from his room and computer. It took a good bit of introspection, but he’s accepted that his feelings for Ladybug were an infatuation with someone that doesn’t exist anymore and probably didn’t in the first place. But his situation isn’t the same as before he wore the ring. He’s allowed out of the house now, he can have social contact and friends as Adrien. He’s still restricted in ways that no normal boy would be, but he has freedom that he’s left by the wayside to be Chat Noir instead of fully using and enjoying it as Adrien.

Well. Chat Noir’s dead now.

So Adrien finally gets to explore and live up to his potential in his personal life. His already impressive grades improve, he resumes some of his extra-circulars that he’s actually liked (Kagami won’t be beating *him* in fencing any more) and he gets to spend time with his school friends again.

At least as much as they can, ironically enough it seems like Nino and a lot of the others have other commitments now…

Meanwhile on Ladybug’s side, things aren’t going well. She’s tried replacement after replacement, but so far there’s no one who even comes close to matching Chat Noir’s old skill and strength. Sure, Chat had problems, but it’s become obvious that he wasn’t just an ordinary holder. But finally, Marinette realises where she might have gone wrong. And she has a holder in mind, someone with an uncannily similar background to Adrien…

She chooses Kagami.

Sure, Kagami isn’t always available thanks to her commitments and Loong won’t be happy about loosing his holder, but at this point Ladybug has to run around with a full team more or less constantly to make up for the lack of a capable Black Cat so only having to do that half the time is an improvement, and she can work without a Dragon if she has to a lot easier than without a Black Cat.

And finally, *finally* it works.

Kagami is just as fierce and formidable as Adrien had been, if less spontaneous, experienced and far less affectionate. There’s still a skill gap too, but that can be taken care of with time…

But there’s still just a few *minor* problems.

Firstly, Kagami and Plagg *do not* get along. The Kwami was already sour from getting passed around, but his and Kagami’s personalities mesh like oil and water.

And then there’s the way that Kagami just… *didn’t* respect her authority like Chat or any of her previous cats did. Or at least that’s how Marinette perceives it, in reality Kagami is simply far more likely to push back against Marinette’s plans, to oppose unnecessary sacrifices and *insists* on being treated with respect. It might not have been much of a problem when Kagami was rarely-used temp hero, but with her on call as much as possible and having to serve in the multi role bodyguard/tool/lone solider role the Black Cat was used for…

Well, things are different now. And Kagami *does not* take being needlessly sacrificed and disrespected like Adrien who had already been trained for compliance by his parents before he’d even touched the ring.

Ladybug is having to learn very quickly that there was *plenty* she took for granted with Chat Noir, and that really she was far from a great partner herself.

As for Adrien? Well it would be a lie to say that there weren’t things that he missed from being Chat Noir. But the price of those things was too high in the end, and things were better all round now weren’t they?

Everyone in Paris seemed to think that Ladybug was right to dispose of Chat Noir, even if it took a while for her to get a decent replacement. So it’s not like he’d had the city’s appreciation to lose. His personal life as Adrien had finally improved by leaps and bounds now that he could fully devote himself to it for the first time. Sure, the loss of (what had once been) his friendships with Ladybug and Plagg still stung, but he was working on getting new friends. He’d even started expanding his friend groups to more people than just Dupont. and with the new Black Cat finally picking up the slack there were no problems to really fear with Shadowmoth.

But while he’d made his peace with being a normal civilian, it seemed like there was one parting gift left from his time as superhero.

For one day he just happened to be hiding from the paparazzi, and by pure chance he came to an alley where Ladybug and the New Black Cat were arguing. He hides away quickly to avoid having to confront his former friend and his replacement, but he’s still close enough to overhear the argument.

Ladybug had apparently tried to leave the New Cat in the middle of a battle to go get another hero from somewhere else. The New Cat however had *refused* to just be left on her own against a team of Akuma, and had instead retreated because- as the New Cat bluntly tells Ladybug- even if *she could be brought back*, the Akuma team could take the ring from her corpse. A corpse that would be there because Ladybug’s orders would *get the New Cat killed for nothing*.

And Ladybug… has no counter for that. She instead sighs and admits that she made a mistake- and to Adrien’s surprise the New Cat doesn’t just accept the apology; she instead calls out Ladybug for having done this before, especially with her predecessors. And again, to Adrien’s utter shock Ladybug has to admit fault, this time with how she treated the past cats. And as the two continue talking, as Ladybug has to verbalize that she was wrong in how she *used* her past cats: something tight and painful in his chest that Adrien had accepted as normal finally releases.

[hpalloy]

Three Types of Toolboxes Ready to Offer Assistanceance

In the world of tool management, maintaining an organized array of equipment is critical. For entrepreneurs in the tool trade or hobbyists dedicated to DIY projects, the acquisition of diverse implements from HP Alloy Steels & Mill Store is unavoidable. However, the constant issue emerges when these instruments slip our grasp, either via misplacement or disarray, resulting in the loss of valuable time and effort when it is most needed.

For those relying on Hand tool kits Mohali, ensuring a systematic approach to storage and retrieval becomes paramount. Whether it's for professional use or personal projects, the efficiency gained from a well-maintained inventory can significantly enhance productivity.

To alleviate such hassles and increase efficiency, the purchase of appropriate tool storage solutions becomes critical. Enter the varied world of toolboxes, each with a distinct feature adapted to specific needs and preferences. Exploring the subtleties of these crucial containers reveals a plethora of possibilities, allowing individuals to make informed decisions that correspond with their organizational needs.

1. Exploring the Diverse Array of Toolboxes: A Comprehensive Guide

In the world of professional craftsmanship and home maintenance, there are numerous toolboxes on the market, each adapted to certain needs and tastes, with unique styles and functionality. We'll look at each category in detail, providing light on their distinct characteristics and applications.

Hand-carry toolboxes: They are highly portable and easy to travel between locations. The toolboxes are popular amongst an array of different experts in a variety of sectors due to their lightweight design, which makes them easily portable. Hand-carry arsenals come in a variety of sizes that range from modest to commercial, making them versatile enough to fit easily into garage areas or snugly beneath workbenches. Internally, they include deliberately designed compartments that enable for precise organization and arrangement of instruments, increasing productivity and accessibility during tasks.

Portable Rolling Toolboxes:

Portable rolling arsenals offer durability and mobility, making them an excellent alternative. These tool totes are made of high-density, durable polymers and come with strong wheels for easy movement. Movable mobility arsenals were ideal for individuals, builders, plumbers, as well as other people who require continuous mobility. They save energy and allow for smooth movement across a variety of work conditions. Whether traveling through home or commercial settings, these toolboxes act as constant companions, ensuring that tools are properly housed and easily available at all times.

Roll-Around Workbench Toolboxes are a versatile solution for carpentry, plumbing, and home maintenance needs.

Carpenters, plumbers, and homeowners all covet the Roll-Around Workbench Toolbox, which is a flexible cornerstone in the domain of tool storage options.

Certain variants of the Roll-Around Workbench Toolbox, renowned for their versatility, now include a height-adjustable desk. This revolutionary feature not only improves user comfort but also increases the utility of the toolbox, changing it into a dynamic workplace adapted to individual needs and preferences.

2. Investigating Different Materials for Crafting Toolboxes

Toolboxes are necessary companions in a variety of skilled endeavors, and they are made from a variety of materials to meet different purposes. Aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and plastic stand out among the market's possibilities, each with its own set of benefits and disadvantages. Understanding these materials enables users to select the best toolset for their personal needs and tastes.

Aluminum Toolboxes: Aluminum toolboxes are widely favored for their excellent combination of strength and lightweight properties. The use of textured aluminum enhances grip and stability, reducing the likelihood of slipping during handling.

Benefits of Aluminum Toolboxes:

Lightweight Nature:

Facilitates ease of transportation and maneuverability, ideal for professionals frequently on the move.

Superior Strength: Despite its lightweight composition, aluminum exhibits remarkable durability, ensuring longevity and reliable tool protection.

Steel Toolboxes: Steel is a popular material for toolboxes due to its strength and durability, following aluminum. Metal tools are particularly well-suited to tough tasks or serious circumstances.

Advantages of Steel Toolboxes:

Steel, known for its toughness, outperforms aluminium, making it perfect for heavy-duty tools.

Steel is exceptionally resistant to harm.

The inside and external surfaces of steel toolboxes are powder-coated to protect them against corrosion.

Stainless Steel Toolbox

Stainless steel toolboxes, like their aluminum counterparts, attract a significantly higher premium. This increased cost is due to the use of an anti-rust steel alloy in their production. Furthermore, stainless steel toolboxes eliminate the need for additional anti-corrosion powder coatings.

Benefits

Stainless steel toolboxes have long-lasting durability.

They are resistant to corrosion.

They are extremely resistant to damage.

Maintenance and cleaning are straightforward tasks.

3. Portable Rolling Toolboxes: High-Density Plastic Solution

Portable rolling toolboxes are an excellent choice if you want a toolbox made of resilient, a high level of plastic and fitted with wheels. This style of toolbox is ideal for homeowners, plumbers, and carpenters who need to move their arsenal of tools frequently.

Plastic Toolboxes: Overview

Plastic toolboxes are corrosion-resistant, although they may not be the most durable. Nonetheless, they remain a popular choice among homeowners due to their low cost and lightweight design.

Key Advantages:

The lightweight structure allows for easy transit.

Transparent design allows for easy tool identification.

Comfortable and easy to transport, boosting the user experience.

Wooden Toolboxes: A Comparative Analysis

Wooden toolboxes, though less common among professionals, are often chosen for their decorative appeal. Yet, their practicality goes beyond aesthetics. Despite being heavier and less portable than other types, wooden toolboxes excel in heat insulation, offering unique benefits in certain environments.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right toolbox is crucial for maintaining an organized workspace. From portable hand-carry options for easy access to durable rolling toolboxes offering mobility, each type serves unique needs. Materials like aluminum, steel, and high-density plastic offer durability and corrosion resistance. Evaluate your needs and find where to Buy Hand Tool Sets Online that suit your requirements perfectly.

[prahacat]

theory on the fluidity of minds and souls

The first three acts of Asajj’s life. A how-to on finding yourself. Experimental prose, 1k words | Read on ao3

How to be a Jedi

(1) Don’t listen to the old man.

(2) Child, he says, don’t cry. Here on Rattatak, we are Jedi the best we can. Here’s how to be a temple to each other: brush the red dust from your face before you go to sleep. Brush the dust from his face too. Share the dirty water without flinching, like trusting him comes natural and easy to you. Teach him what to eat, cook for him stews of insects and herbs and if he won’t eat those, tell him you’re sorry, this is all you have. This is all anyone has. Sit and guard the fire while he sleeps; trust him to guard you while you do the same. When you move up north, don’t light a fire at night so the warlords won’t spot you.

(3) Learn to be kind.

(4) When they kill him

don’t rage

don’t rage

grieve

but don’t rage, don’t let it consume you

How to be a Sith

(1) Don’t listen to the old man.

(2) All men are liars. So are the women, so is everyone, but the men are more dangerous to you, especially the older ones. Never let him know (he knows anyway). Forget. Never look back. Don’t cry when he throws lightning at you; when you’re alone again, press your fingers against your temples to relieve the headache. Make the silence your friend. Ask questions, but don’t ask too many or the wrong ones; his anger will teach you which are the wrong ones. Watch out for his anger, but learn to watch out for his sharp-edged smiles too. If he offers you food or a weapon, take it; if he gives you a name, hunt them down. If he offers you a glass of wine, sit and drink and look for the lesson: which tool is he trying to shape you into? A blade, a shadow, a shield, a smoke bomb? Be grateful for what you have because he is offering you more power than he offered anyone else, because he thinks you can take the lessons and not fail, the way so many others did.

So this is how you will live: be wary of cups you haven’t filled yourself. Hide daggers everywhere: in your boots, under the folded cloak you use as a makeshift pillow, in your dreams. Keep the holoproj next to your bedroll, make sure it’s always charged, make sure it’s never muted. Here’s a list of essential things you need to have at hand at all times: spare energy cores for your saber, medpacs and bactaspray, stimcaf and sleeptabs, protein wafers in an osmosis pack in case you can’t swallow anything. It’s better not to stare at the stars for too long when you’re traveling. Navigation is all they’re good for. Be grateful for what you have. It’s really all you need: a place for the pain to go and a place to come home to. It doesn’t matter if they’re the same place, and if one day you should catch him pressing his fingers against his temples, pretend you didn’t see. Go skewer some boys instead. There’s that Jedi again: flirt, tease, smile at him with your dewberry-colored lips and painted eyes, so he knows you want to be here, you enjoy what you are. And if you suspect or know that he too has a list of essential things, and that his list is the same as yours, the same as everyone’s these days, don’t let on.

(3) Never forget to hate yourself.

(4) Don’t fall for the blade, it’s not your friend; it will take away everything you own. It’s very simple. He won’t protect you. You can’t protect them. Always expect betrayal; always expect loss.

And when that day comes

—it will inevitably come—

remember your grief and how it was a dull, useless knife to you.

How to be a ???

How to figure out what who you are

(1) Stay alone.

(2) Boil the water before you use it for soup. Strain it and collect the pulp, the gritty dark things you don’t know how to name. Everything tastes like ashes and dust, that’s all you know. Buy some soap and scrub your hands. If you wake with a start in the middle of the night, pressure crushing your chest and your breathing quick and ragged in the quiet of your room, remember to inhale, count to four, exhale, count to four. Lie still and watch the darkness shed from the light. In the morning, roam the markets, buy something against the headache, something to hide your face, something to scrub your hands. When you walk through the streets, pull your hood low. Tell the spice dealers to leave you alone, always stop after one glass of whiskey, tell the men at the corner to fuck off. There will be days when you wake in unfamiliar places; at least try not to have two of them in a row if you can help it. Watch the sunrise. Tell no-one about your past (they know anyway; probably). Always expect betrayal, always expect loss. Forget. Never look back.

(3) Learn to be kind again.

(4) Get some credits, buy a saber; any saber you can find, as long as it’s still alive. Hold it in your hand, gently, feel the worn hilt that has passed through other hands. Were they cruel? Were they kind? Maybe. Did they protect, did they kill? Who knows. It doesn’t matter to you.

Here’s what you need to do to make this saber yours:

calibrate the focusing ring, install a strong core, toss away the parts you don’t need, polish the metal often, swing the saber daily, trust your hand again, close your eyes, listen, be patient, feel how your crystal talks to you, feel it resonate, feel it hum, learn a new language.

Yellow is a good color.

It’s going to take a long time.

[gallifreyinstituteforlearning]

So, uhm.

Who’s Borusa? Whats his deal with Rassilon?

Who is Borusa?

Borusa was a high-ranking and influential Time Lord on Gallifrey, having served as a tutor to the Doctor (and others like the Master and Romana) and held important positions such as Cardinal, Chancellor, and eventually Lord President. He was a staunch traditionalist and an authority figure who valued power, stability, and Gallifrey's traditions.

🎓 Borusa as the Doctor's Mentor

Back when the Doctor was a young scallywag at the Academy, Borusa was the strict teacher trying to keep him in line. He was all about tradition, rules, and Gallifreyan superiority. He wasn't a fan of the Doctor's rebellious nature and often gave him a hard time (even when the Doctor saved Gallifrey from the Master, Borusa only gave him a 'nine out of ten' for it).

💼 Borusa's Ambition and Fall

Though Borusa started out as a respected leader, his ambition ultimately led him down a dangerous path. Obsessed with Gallifreyan tradition and convinced that he alone should rule Gallifrey forever, Borusa sought immortality. He orchestrated a massive plot involving the Doctor's past selves, believing that gaining eternal life from Rassilon would solidify his rule.

Unfortunately for him, it was all a trap. Instead of ruling Gallifrey for eternity, Borusa was imprisoned as a statue in Rassilon's tomb—stuck in stone but still with a consciousness, which is quite possibly the most disturbing thing that's ever happened, like, ever, in anything, and I'm still having nightmares about it.

💥Final Chapter

The story doesn't end there, though. During the Last Great Time War, Rassilon freed Borusa from his stone prison, though had no intention of giving Borusa his freedom—he needed him as a tool for his own schemes. Borusa's mind and body were constantly regenerated to predict the best outcomes in the war, suffering through countless transformations. He was eventually freed from this misery by the War Doctor.

Funnily enough, Borusa, who had once sought immortality for personal glory, finally found peace in death—choosing to sacrifice himself.

🏫So ...

Borusa started out as a strict, by-the-book leader and mentor, but his ambition drove him to seek ultimate power, which led to his downfall. He was eventually tricked by Rassilon and trapped in eternal imprisonment as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Related:

💬|👤👑Why is Rassilon everywhere?: Who Rassilon is and why he’s so important.

💬|👤🔥Who/What is Lord Burner?: Looking at the entirely fictional role of the entirely fictional Lord Burner.

💬|👤💂Who is Commander Maxil?: Looking at Gallifrey’s resident jobsworth.

Hope that helped! 😃

Any orange text is educated guesswork or theoretical. More content ... →📫Got a question? | 📚Complete list of Q+A and factoids →📢Announcements |🩻Biology |🗨️Language |🕰️Throwbacks |🤓Facts → Features: ⭐Guest Posts | 🍜Chomp Chomp with Myishu →🫀Gallifreyan Anatomy and Physiology Guide (pending) →⚕️Gallifreyan Emergency Medicine Guides →📝Source list (WIP) →📜Masterpost If you're finding your happy place in this part of the internet, feel free to buy a coffee to help keep our exhausted human conscious. She works full-time in medicine and is so very tired 😴

[storm-angel989]

OH MY GOSH! My req is a part 2 of https://www.tumblr.com/storm-angel989/761370788298424320/could-you-do-a-valentinos-daughter-where-shes?source=share ! I LOVE ALL OF YOUR WORK BTW!

Hi friend,

I actually got this request twice! Consider this in response to this anon request as well:

“can we see a part two of Valentino’s daughter being addicted to drugs? Maybe he confronts her, has Angel dust tell her his about his own addiction to them from his time as human?”

Like I said the first time around, I lost my best friend to addiction and this subject can be a little tough. That being said I do hope y’all find comfort in this story- it was sort of cathartic to write. 

<3 Mandy 

Valentino had watched thousands of sinners and hellborn suffer through withdrawal. The shakes. The sweating. The sickness. The agonizing pain as every molecule of their body screamed for the very thing that threatened to kill it. He knew it well. Hell, addiction is what sent him down here, what sealed his role as eternal provider of highs and releases. The difference now was power- power that he gained as desperate souls offered anything worth having just for the promise of relief. Despite his sordid past, he took pride in providing his family with a lavish lifestyle while watching others wither away to nothing. 

As Valentino knelt next to his daughter, his hands carefully weaving her damp hair into a braid, the pang of guilt flooded through him for the first time. The thought that his career had led his daughter to suffer such pain was unbearable. For the first time in his afterlife, Valentino felt his control slipping. Despite his initial demand and Vox and Velvette’s agreement that she go to a treatment center, he instead decided to keep her home and allow her to detox under his watchful eye. It wasn’t like they were not equipped. His studio boosted a better medical office than most hospitals, and a doctor on staff twenty four seven. At least under his eye, he could be sure she was controlled. That she was safe. 

“Daddy, make it stop,” she begged. “Please.”

“I’m sorry baby, it has to work its way out of your system,” he replied softly. 

She groaned and laid down on the towel that covered the bathroom tile. He sat down next to her and gently stroked her hair. He hated seeing her like this, seeing her suffer through pain that previously didn’t phase him. With each passing second, he had to bite back flashes of his own former life. Of his own death, wrapped in the endless cycle of poverty and addiction. 

During her intake meeting, the doctor had suggested sharing with her his own battles. The story of his death. He refused on principle, despite Vox and Velvette’s encouragement. He needed to protect his daughter from that knowledge, from that former reality.  As he helped his daughter back to her bed, he wondered if there were others in his grasp willing to share their story. As he considered those who knew of her existence, his thoughts fell to one being. 

Angel Dust. 

“You sure you want me to share? It’s kinda gritty, Val,” Angel said as he lounged on the couch in Valentino’s office. 

“None of us gets a second chance down here,” Valentino replied coolly. “And I’m hopeful your story will scare her straight.”

“Val, I’m willin to try. But she’s gonna need more than a story to get her straightened out,” Angel replied. “I mean like, doctors and stuff.”

“She’s already down the hall, enrolled in every therapy the doctor suggested. Right now she’s going through detox,” Valentino responded sharply. “Angel, she’ll have every tool money can buy. But she needs to know what would happen…” he hesitated. “What would happen if those resources weren’t available. If they were taken away.”

“I mean, alright Val, if you think it's best. It’s your kid,” Angel answered with a shrug. “You wanna do this now?”

“Yeah. Follow me.”

Standing next to her bed, listening to Angel recount his past wasn’t a place Valentino ever expected to be. The grittiness of the conversation should have turned his stomach, but instead he focused on her. On her reactions.

“Roaches. Imagine, Reader, wakin up in some town you don’t know covered in a thousand little legs…”

“Okay! That’s enough, Angel, please. I get it,” she pleaded. “Daddy!”

Every inch of him wanted to pull Angel from where he sat and escort him from the room. To wrap his daughter in his arms and assure her that he would do everything in his power to make sure she never had that experience. But the bigger part of him knew she needed to be afraid. Knew she needed to think that Angel’s reality could be hers if she didn’t fight this battle. 

“Angel, continue,” Valentino said after a momentary pause. “She needs to hear this. Whether she likes it or not.”

[tani-b-art]

THEE IDA B. WELLS, the resistance of a Black American: Boycotting, migration, the international shaming of America and the importance of now using the lineage, ethno-term of Foundational Black American.

Wells’ two anti-lynching lecture tours in 1893 & 1894 in Britain had huge economic impact that doesn’t get discussed enough.

Not only did she encourage and practice boycotting, she also strongly urged the activism of migrating and traveled across the world to put the United States of America on blast!

“International shaming influences behavior—it’s one of the best tools to combat human rights violations. It imposes social costs. It embarrasses the target’s reputation and legitimacy and mobilizes domestic opposition in the target state and puts pressures on policy makers.” International shaming is social sanctioning. The objective of international shaming is to galvanize action in the form of tangible repercussions.

Ida went to London not once but twice and each time, she indicted America! Her activism absolutely put the country in bad standing with the UK. America’s reputation, status, security, esteem and recognition became devalued because of her! The ties between both countries went into yellow alert so to speak because of her campaign. Honestly would label Ida B. Wells as the original geopolitical moderator or geopolitical enforcer because she put both the target and shamer on notice.

I don’t think we grasp the vast significance of The Great Migration. The migration of six million+ Black Americans in a span of six decades held a lot of economic weight in consequences and power. The exercising of that citizenship practice was financial activism in and of itself. The Great Migration was this massive exodus of Black Americans from the US south to the north (and west and east) that transformed the literal landscape of American life. "By their actions, they would reshape the social and political geography of every city they migrated to. When the migration began, 90% of all Black Americans were living in the South. By the time it was over, in the 1970s, 47% of all Black Americans were living in the North and West." Our ancestors did this multiple times, in two waves (1910-1930, 1940-1970). Their migration away from the south had grave after effects on the white business sector of the south too. Their migration had dual implications -- one, it was for themselves, their families and their progeny in that it was for our people to gain their rightful place into the American dream they built within the country and the physical upward mobility was a movement of empowerment (financially, psychologically, bodily, spiritually) by rescuing themselves from the racial violence that was heavily accepted in the south and two, their actions would cause a ripple effect in that the white commerce of the cities all over would suffer financially as a result of them migrating out the south. I find it so courageous and selfless that many families also moved as support for their fellow community members, their next door neighbors (the solidarity of community was the reason why Ida even began reporting on lynchings because her friend and his business partners were lynched out of jealousy by a white mob). They stood in solidarity with one another by collectively departing their own homes and own cities, towns and states and left behind businesses as well. That takes so much fortitude and strength and faith and sacrifice to just up and leave what is all some of them had known. To just pickup and leave behind family homes passed down from generation to generation and leave behind a place that was home to them. They decided that all their capital in their spending, buying, entrepreneurship, intellectual capital, labor capital and population capital could be appreciated up north or elsewhere and they did just that and left behind wastelands for the racist white community to figure out themselves. The Great Migration was a permanent act of resistance. One that should be praised. One that should be repaired and compensated for as well because many were also forced to migrate from their homes from the white terror inflicted upon them, destroying their communities in the wake—there are countless white families today that have been passing down unearned and un-inherited homes, businesses and land that their ancestors violently confiscated from Black American families with the help of the government, police, politicians, military. Which is why they migrated. Why we practice migrating. The migration within our country - crossing city lines, zip codes, regions, parishes, counties and state lines shows the resilient nature of us.

Wells' usage of her voice to advocate boycotting and her intellectual, journalistic power to travel across the pond to shame America with their international economic partners was an extremely geopolitical success. She did something in a manner to leverage our community against the entire globe. She couldn't reach to the lacking human sensibilities, decency and morals of white America, so she re-strategized.

And her strategy was absolutely boss-mode! The offense and defense she played with our country and other countries is such a valuable blueprint to study. She played checkers, chess and it was all so tactical!!!

This brings me to how we as Black Americans are foundational to this country. I grasped this about a year or two ago but tucked it away not fully realizing the magnitude of it.

What Wells did while in Britain shows what having a governmental power in your corner means. Governmental power with the control to economically damage another entity that is inflicting harm on a disenfranchised group. Wells went to London with the precise intentions to give America an ultimatum. You don't want to stop lynching my people and I am exposing the violent, deadly act you condone to your biggest trading partners. She did it by appealing to what seemed to be the overbalance of human decency that the British had over America. Her urging to boycott as a response to lynching and also going out of the country to expose the domestic terrorism resulted in financial consequence and also helped to form The English Anti-Lynching Committee. What’s remarkable is that Britain has never been Black Americans’ native land yet Wells had that much righteous indignation for the ways Black Americans were mistreated that that alone was enough influence to galvanize them to action. A revolutionary!

In 2021, when Biden signed the Anti-Asian Hate Bill is when it instantly hit me that it's really all about money. The uptick of violence that Asian Americans began to experience was so quickly remedied by that administration that it was alarming to me. Here is where I understood that it is all about the monetary relationship ethnic groups have with our country. The swift response to creating and signing a bill into law showed to me that Asian countries gave an ultimatum to the US. "America, you either do something about this increase in violence to our people or our money goes." My city's mayor at the time in 2019 or early 2020 was quick to respond to the then unknown COVID virus with a statement along the lines of "Please continue to patron Asian businesses". It wasn't a first thought or major concern with health safety at all with what none of us knew of the virus, it was all about revenue and patronage. In real-time, I was discussing this in a group chat when Biden announced he was “cracking down on Asian hate”. The group chat member I was conversing with brought up the mass lynching of Italian immigrants in New Orleans of 1891. Their home country of Italy went as far as cutting off trade and diplomatic ties for about a year until President Harrison gave in to acknowledge it and appoint a special investigation. There's a "mother land" to phone home to when your new homeland participates in subjugating you and doesn't speak up about the atrocities you are experiencing. And America has a fear of losing trade partners that funnels and generates so much money into our financials that we did act out to find a solution to end the violence against these immigrant groups. THIS is something Black Americans do not have in our corner. A deck of cards we don't have in our possession as other groups have and have been able to use. There is no continent or country to back us up as a group when the oppression continues as other groups are able to do. There is no other country that we can appeal to to condemn America's acts of injustice upon us. Centuries ago, Wells had this international support from London but that isn't the case in contemporary times.

But because there is no other country to run to, to call on, to find sanctuary in, that isn't an option for us. We don't get to call on any country to penalize America when our country causes harm on us (by its white citizens or by the white racist controlled judicial system, health system, educational system, all the systems). There isn't a nation to tap on the shoulder to punish America when it does us harm. We don't have an Italy that can threaten America to do right by us or suffer the transactional consequences. There isn't a country to turn to to declare to America that they'll cease trade, that they'll cease the mining of their resources with if you don't do right by our fellow diaspora family. We can't do that because our country is America. Our homeland is America and for many that were here before colonization and long before it was “discovered”, it is our motherland. And this is why we are foundational to America. Rooted to America in totality. None of our ancestors immigrated here. Many were already here and many were brought here before the founding of this country (making them the only non-immigrant group here). Before the establishment of America. Long before 1492, 1526, 1619, 1776 and 1863. Our ancestors were the founders of America. We are Black American all the time—we don’t have anywhere to run to as a safe haven or sanctuary country and that is why we always remind America and make America live up to its creed.

Which is why we have to be so on code here in America, our homeland. So on code, that we've created a protective culture. Creating it was/is our way to insulate ourselves from the outside harms of those who were/are not of our lineage. Our protective culture was a response to the racist terror, discrimination and harm from the dominant white society. In our protection we created our own schools (HBCUs—(Mary Lumpkin, Mary McLeod Bethune) to educate ourselves. In Investing through founding and chartering Black owned banks (True Reformers Bank-Rev. William Washington Browne, U.S. Capital Savings Bank of Washington, Saint Luke Penny Bank-Maggie L. Walker, Unity National Bank). Why our great(great)-grands and grandparents and parents formed things like The Negro Motorist Green-Book, guiding Black Americans of the safe havens and sanctuary spots of Black-owned proprieties all over America. Our same great(great)-grand mothers and grandmothers were the baby-catchers of our matriarchs and built the community of doulas and midwives to ensure the safe births of newborns and mothers (Annie Mae Taylor-Jasper, Gladys Milton, Maria Milton). The Chitlin' Circuit was their entertainment network they created to give entertainers the freedom to tour and be safe while doing so. The inhabitation of the Great Dismal Swamp that was a refuge for our people who escaped slavery (Maroons). Established sanctuary cities filled with places that Black Americans occupied so that others could become a part of once they escaped for their freedom and founded freedmen’s municipalities—self-reliant, fully autonomous, self-sufficient, all-Black towns, cities and communities (Mound Bayou, MS,; Greenwood Tulsa, OK; Central Park, NY; Rosewood, FL; Sunnyside, TX; Brownlee, NE). We created the insular system of self health care. Healing and spiritual practices as well were/are protective measures. Through root work with faith healers, known as a traiteur or traiteuse down South, a Creole healer or a traditional healer (Ella Louise, Mary Stepp Burnette Hayden, Hermon Lee, Lucreaty Clark) and seers that imparted their therapeutic wisdom and acumen for both spiritual & physical breakthroughs on behalf of those who came to them for guidance, manifestation, deliverance. Making house calls too. What’s known as Black folk medicine was literally the beginnings of modern day medicine and these insular systems were the pioneers of the industry of hospital.

Self-care was also protective. They were so tapped in with their spiritual essence and clicked in and in tune with nature and plants that they knew what foods to grow in their own gardens and what minerals to combine to make concoctions to remedy ailments, injury and cure illnesses. Their healing intellect and expertise stopped plagues and diseases and many were rewarded for their life-saving by gaining their freedom as well as creating huge financial stability from their service (Biddy Mason, Dr. Jim Jordan). Our ancestors were the first unofficial doctors and biochemist before these industries were even a thing (Emma Dupree, Caroline Dye, George Washington Caver). “…the ineffectiveness of white medical traditions contributed to the reliance of the enslaved on folk medicine.”

From decades ago with The Harlem Renaissance to modern times with the Black American LGBTQ+community coming together to create their extended families within Ballroom culture. Formed not only to entertain and give space to creators in peace but to also protect and shelter one another.

We always innately had that protective spirit to survive and thrive and even help others. We had to come up with all systems and operations in order to protect ourselves from the anti-Blackness of living within our own country.

[to point out--Biden and his administration has yet to sign or pass the Anti-Black Hate Crime Bill, a bill dating back to 2015 that some federal lawmakers started making a topic in response to the Charleston massacre of nine innocent Black church members, the same bill that was readdressed to this admin after the Jacksonville massacre in 2023. As of today, we still lead in hate crime victims and are still massively targeted because of race but still no hate crime bill passed. He has less than a week left to fulfill anything Black American specific.; the midwifery network was so immaculate and efficient, it became trusted and sought out from white expecting mothers as well.]

The un-actualized, one-sided Pan African movement could've worked or is supposed to work in that way. There should be economic cells and enclaves as well as residential ones, educational ones and links setup all across the continent of Africa or in South America and the Caribbeans that act as bridges to link those of the diaspora to be able to traverse back and forth freely with provisions. Abroad those links should be in place but I have yet to see that they are. America has created a very exploitative, imperialistic relationship over many of these countries (continents) that makes this almost impossible to do but it is also worth mentioning that some of these majority Black countries and their leaders are also creating ominous relations with other countries that is very reflective of colonization years ago. Pan Africanism should be so established that when Black Americans suffer any injustice as a collective on such a large scale, the trading with Africa should temporarily cease until justice is served and until the constant injustice against Black Americans continue, then international transactions are put on pause. As was done here in America on behalf of South Africa to end apartheid—many Black Americans leaders, activists and athletes such as Rosa Park, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Coretta Scott King, Stevie Wonder and Arthur Ashe protested and were arrested for pressuring our own Congress to pass an act on behalf of South Africa. “By 1988, more than 155 academic institutions had fully or partially divested from South Africa, including the University of California, which withheld some $3 billion from the country. In addition, by 1989, 26 U.S. states, 22 counties and more than 90 cities had taken economic action against companies doing business in South Africa. U.S. groups also raised funds to help pay legal expenses for South African political prisoners and their families and organized boycotts of South African sporting events and cultural performances to show their solidarity with the South African people. Many U.S. churches also voiced their protest and found ways to apply economic pressure. The combined force of this decentralized group of American anti-apartheid activists finally pressured the U.S. Congress to pass the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, which imposed economic sanctions against South Africa until the government agreed to release Mandela and all political prisoners and entered into “good-faith negotiations” with the black majority. President Ronald Reagan vetoed the measure, but Congress overturned that veto and followed by voting for even more restrictive sanctions.” We forced our own country to take a stand for the systems of injustice in other countries.

But Black Americans can’t be the only group of the diaspora doing this activism. The sanctuary country can't only be the US for those who immigrate here. It can't be a one-sided, one-way movement because it doesn't help the collective. The Pan-Af movement to Black people who aren't Black American is foreign and quite frankly, is a movement they want to have nothing to do with. Another thing that is very noticeable is that when those who do immigrate here to the US, they have created their own enclaves with very distinct boundaries. Boundaries that make it very difficult and just outright impossible for Black Americans to become a part of. No matter that "we're all Black", many melanated immigrants do practice segregating and separating themselves from us. There are so many concentrated areas across the country where those of the diaspora that have come here have created and make it a point to not let us in. Black Americans are very welcoming (too welcoming to a fault) but that isn't reciprocated from other Black people within the diaspora. I honestly don't even know if any type of movement like this can really work. Sad to say, I think there are too many people of the diaspora that still have an attitude of "stay away from those Black Americans" so their idea of partnership with us is already non-existent and is hard to be successful — but the posturing of everyone else as deity and the quick willingness to partner with them is the complete opposite. Once again, delineation is very important -- why we are beginning to see Black Americans adopt the ethno-term of Foundational Black American culturally and are pushing for Freedman to become a distinct race/ethnic category for us. We are all Black yes, but we are still very different. There really isn’t a global Blackness in terms of how we have viewed it (not with the way Black Americans are so despised by other Black people in other countries). We don’t even view Black the same across the world. So, we aren’t all Black when it comes down to it. Especially not when you have some individuals with political power or influence attending hearings and town halls on reparations for Black Americans and they are opposed to it — and come to find out that they opposed it because they themselves are not Black American but of Black Caribbean and Black Latin (Afro Latino) descent but still melanated yet still undermining us. Not when we’ve had the first non-white President and Vice President oppose reparations for us. It makes all the sense now. Again, the hope I once had in the Pan African movement and global Blackness has dissolved and waned totally.

Even with a fractured legal framework that is directly against us, that's been forever, we are always staying right here, fighting our own country to apply its principles and standard of justice & freedom to us. We are always fighting to make our country stand in its democracy of our human rights. Reminding America to live up to the integrity it claims. The fight to always remain here in our motherland to replace the system of injustice with a real justice system for generations to come.

We have always resisted the mistreatment and have always stood up against the people and the system they put in place. Fighting in all American wars to battle for freedom (American Revolutionary War, 1812, Black Seminole, Civil War, WWs etc. — Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen), escaping slavery through self-emancipation and at times becoming spies once a war broke when those wars often times were incited because of the debate of slavery (Harriet Tubman, Ona Judge, Josephine Baker, Harriet Robinson-Scott, Mary Ellen Pleasant, Mary Elizabeth Bowser, Ellen & William Craft, Solomon Northup) rose in rebellion to the slavery with revolts (New York of 1712, Stono Rebellion 1739, Louisiana of 1811, Southampton Insurrection 1839), formed clandestine operations and networks on the course to liberating ourselves (Underground Railroad-coded messages stitched in quilts to guide those escaping for freedom [whether myth or not], Pattin' Juba), resisted presidential propositions to be expelled from the country, enacting movements (Civil Rights, Selma, Freedom Riders), becoming activists and staunch anti-slavery abolitionists (Sojourner Truth, Frances E. W. Parker, David Walker, Sarah Parker Redmond, Henry Highland Garnet, Peter and Sarah Mayrant Fossett) in the efforts to free their people long before 1863’s Emancipation and gained their own freedom and emancipated others (Jane Minor, Doctor Caesar), starting and participating in boycotts & protests (Baton Rouge bus, Montgomery bus), went on strikes that threatened to shutdown cities (Atlanta Washerwomen’s Strike 1881, Memphis Sanitation Strike 1968), self-defended as hoodoo (Julia “Aunt Julia” Brown, John the Conqueror) & voodoo (Marie Laveau) practitioners and conjurers — for good things on behalf of others and themselves & for righteous vengeance (Nat Turner), became martyrs by sacrificing their own lives and their progeny to no longer be under the chains of slavery (Anna Williams, Margaret Garner, Gabriel Posser) and suing former slave owners once their freedom was acquired (Henrietta Wood, Dred Scott, Belinda Sutton, Elizabeth Freeman) as well as implementing mass reparations plans for reparative, financial justice for slavery (Callie House, Rep. John Conyers, Dr. Claud Anderson). Y’all, we resist so much against the system of racism that they had to enact laws (Fugitive Slave Act) and even invent un-scholared, fictitious psychological disorder terms to counter our resistance and deviance to being enslaved (drapetomania).

Self-sufficiency is also an act of resistance in our food and cuisine too. Transforming the leftover, undesirable foods given into Soul Food that sustained us. Fed the entire plantation from each other to the slave masters and mistresses themselves (shrimp and grits, gumbo, fried chicken, red beans & rice, collards, chitlins, pig feet, hush puppies, Black eyed peas, barbecue, mac and cheese, cornbread). Not only did Soul Food sustain us by providing the nutrients we needed but the cuisine’s certain staples also stand to cure us and is symbolic for wealth and prosperity and to ward off evil spirits. Nutritional watermelon that’s associated to us gave us financial security at the ending of the Civil War and post-Emancipation. Our people would sometimes negotiate informal contracts with their owners to cultivate and sell their own crops on designated plots of land on the plantations they worked on. As watermelons were easy to grow, they became a popular choice. The newly freed Black Americans continued to eat and grow watermelons and sold them to generate income for themselves. A lot of our folks made a grip of money from selling watermelons! A cash-crop that gained them wealth. Watermelon is a symbol of freedom (liberation) and self-reliance for us! Hush puppies were used to distract bloodhounds off their trail when they were escaping. The culinary prowess in turning survival into art is resistance just as well. The Black Panther Party’s free breakfast program was an act of survival and resistance by feeding the young so they wouldn’t go hungry throughout the day to be able to effectively learn while in school—nourishing the minds and bodies to be the next generation.

There’s also resistance in the innovation and creation of our languages (Kouri-Vini, Tutnese “Tut”, Black American Vernacular English) to use as secret, coded barriers to go unrecognized against our oppressors and most importantly, to teach and learn spelling and reading when it was forbidden to us—and of it was discovered that we could, punishment followed, hence, the secrecy of these languages. In our naming practices too. Our parents uniquely created our names. “Black naming practices, so often impugned by mainstream society, are themselves an act of resistance. Our last names belong to the white people who once owned us. That is why the insistence of many Black Americans, particularly those most marginalized, to give our children names that we create, that are neither European nor from Africa, a place we have never been, is an act of self-determination.”

The desire and demand to educate themselves and others outweighed the punishable laws of not being permitted to read. And educators taught others to read and write clandestinely (Mary S. Peake, John Berry Meachum, Frances Ellen Watkins, Susie King Taylor). Defiance!

In our beauty also is resistance and rebellion. From headscarves to Afros! Because of the Tignon Law of 1803 that intended to somehow hide the beauty of our matriarchs by forcing them to cover their hair, they creatively made the very head wraps, headscarves and handkerchiefs elaborate and stylish!

Resistance in corrective actions to counter the stereotypes & exclusions by showcasing our beauty, talent and dignity through creating our own art. We created publications (JET magazine, Ebony, Essence, Fire!!, The New Negro, Negro Digest, Chicago Defender) illustrated radical cartoons within them (Jackie Ormes, Leslie Rogers, Jay Jackson) and wrote pieces, essays in them (Alain Locke, Wallace Thurman, Countee Cullen, Claude McKay, Gwendolyn Brooks), and record labels (Motown), founded their own media to platform their people (Don Cornelius, Bob Johnson, Cathy Hughes), fashion & fashion brands (Zelda Wynn Valdes, Maxine Powell, Dapper Dan, Ruth Carter, Daymond John), motion pictures and film industry (Oscar Micheaux, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Tyler Perry, Spike Lee, Julie Dash, Kasi Lemmons, Robert Townsend), authored books to preserve our culture (Toni Morrison, Octavia Spencer, Zora Neale Hurston, Ernest Gaines) and sculpted, painted, textiled, printmaking, photographed and quilted to redefine and reimagine ourselves (Faith Ringgold, the women of Gee’s Bend in Nettie Young, Harriet Powers, Ernie Barnes, Augusta Savage, Elizabeth Catlett, Kara Walker, Gordon Parks).

Resistance in our musical anthems as protest to challenge injustice and instill pride, often at the extreme detriment of their very lives by being targeted (Billie Holiday “Strange Fruit”, Nina Simone “Mississippi Goddam”, Edwin Starr “War”, Marvin Gaye “What’s Going On”, Sounds of Blackness “Optimistic”, Michael Jackson “They Don’t Care About Us”, James Brown “Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud”, Public Enemy “Fight The Power”, Sister Souljah “The Hate That Hate Produced”). Singers and musicians stood against the institution of not only American racism, segregation and helped to fund movements but abroad against the Nazi regime and performed at integrated venues and were arrested because of it (Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzie Gillespie, Mahalia Jackson, Marian Anderson). Defiance.

Resistance in sports in showing solidarity to expose the injustice and mistreatment of Black Americans by their acts of defiance and boycotting (Tommie Smith, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Venus Williams, Serena Williams).

Black actors, actresses, writers, poets and playwrights were falsely placed on the Red Scare list and activists and leaders were listed in illegal FBI projects as “threats” and many were assassinated simply because they demanded America to treat us as human beings and wouldn’t keep quiet about it (Lena Horne, Paul Robeson, Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, Lorraine Hansberry, Malcom X, Martin Luther King, Medgar Evers, Fred Hampton, Fannie Lou Hamer, Darren Seales, Deandre Joshua). Resistance.

They pioneered their ways into the entertainment industry that was set from the beginnings to denigrate us and defied the Hollywood machine becoming first in many ways by showcasing their immense gift of acting and beauty (Hattie McDaniel, Della Reese, Teresa Graves, Dorothy Dandridge, Vanessa Williams, Diahann Carroll, Denzel Washington, Whoopi Goldberg).

Resistance in not allowing our musical genres to continue to be hijacked by always creating records and albums to showcase the limitless gift (Linda Martell, Whitney Houston, Mickey Guyton, Darius Rucker, Prince, Tina Turner, Little Richard, Beyoncé, Rapsody).

From Margaret’s martyrdom, to Callie’s mutual assistance/self-help organization, to Nat’s slave revolt, to Ida’s efficacy of international shaming. We have always resisted the conditions through uprisings, rebellions, revolts, fighting, boycotts, strikes, protests, migration, creating our own networks and international shaming. From laundresses, to athletes, to journalists, to abolitionists, to artists, to filmmakers, to authors, to doulas. Resisting has always been our method of disrupting the system of our oppression and our resistance worked as a form of getting back our agency!

All ways we've always sought and gained freedom by refusing to accept the subjugation through our resistance. We've even stood up against the injustice on behalf of others militarily (Colonel John Charles Robinson), self-enlisting despite the discriminatory practices to keep us out (The 6888th Battalion) to help others in other countries in their fight for their own liberation and even resisting by rejecting potential forced enlistment when wars were not warranted at the huge risk of their own livelihood, reputations and careers (Muhammad Ali, Eartha Kitt).

Historically, morally and culturally, the spirit of resistance is always what we possess.

...there aren’t too many incidents or events of this happening for us. Where the same has been done for Black Americans. At this point in time, we need to just face reality and know this. Only WE will fight for us.

For every ancestor of ours that gained their liberation all on their own and freed others…resistance!

For every ancestor of ours that said, “No” to presidential propositions of sending them to to foreign land after emancipation…resistance!

For every ancestor of ours that relocated to new territory through their action of migration in solidarity for one another against the terror inflicted upon them…resistance!

For every ancestor of ours like the revolutionary Ida B. Wells that didn’t back down to being threatened with death and harm for going to a whole ‘nother country to internationally shame America…defiance & resistance!

Us presently being here here today as their descendants alone is resistance!

I'm absolutely beginning to understand why the term Foundational Black American is being used by more of us. Because our direct lineage ties are here. We are the only non-immigrant group in America. This is our land. Our motherland. What is America today only is because of our ancestors--their unpaid, endless hours of brutal labor, intellectual capital, physical power and ingenuity literally built this country up. They created American culture with their innovative minds, made America the powerhouse it is, made America the standard. We are the architects of culture - here and all over the globe. The architects of politics because every inception of policies and laws were because of us. Our ancestors built this country! Their being has watered the tree of America. America doesn’t exist without the presence of Foundational Black Americans. “We gave birth to ourselves. We forged a new culture of our own.” Our ancestors—They are the founding of America, therefore, they are the foundation of it. Making us Foundational Black Americans as their descendants. That is our ethnic group. And there is so, so, so much pride in our lineage and bloodline! I am proud!

In the lyrical words of Beyoncé, “My family lived and died in America. Good ol' USA. Whole lotta red in that white and blue. History can't be erased.”

The lineage has always existed. Our HERITAGE has always been here. Our ROOTS and CULTURE are right here, in the United States of America! We KNOW WHO WE ARE!

Foundational Black American.

[cinnamontails-ff]

Writing Interview Tag Game

Thank you so much for the tag @roguishcat ❤ I love getting to chat about these things.

When did you start writing?

I know this sounds cheesy, but the answer is probably as soon as I could hold a pen. My grandma still has stacks of little stories I wrote (and illustrated ...) when I was a kid. Very cute, but I'm glad I gave up on drawing in the meantime.

I've been writing on and off ever since, but it wasn't until I was in my mid twenties that I decided I'd actively pursue a career in writing. I wrote a few original novels, none of which were ever successful in the world of traditional publishing, then got into fanfiction as a way of rekindling my joy. Once I'm done with my current fic, I'm ready to try with traditional publishing again. Maybe it'll work this time, maybe not, but I guess the bottom line is that I'll always write in some capacity.

Are there different themes or genres you enjoy reading than what you write?

I really like stories that are a little unsettling. Not horror, per se (I'm a coward), but those underlying creepy vibes, especially when they come wrapped up in beautiful language and actually end up culminating in something cool toward the end of the story. "Uprooted" by Naomi Novik comes to mind, "The Devil and the Dark Water" by Stuart Turton, and "Portrait of the Pale Elf" by @larvasmoon.

Is there a writer you want to emulate or get compared to often?

Terry Pratchett is the person who first sold me on the English language. Prior to his books, I'd never seen anyone use English in such a fun, cheeky yet poignant way, and it's definitely something I find myself emulating (all while hopefully putting my own spin on it). I have been compared to him a few times and it's always made my day.

Oh, and I guess Stephen Sommers because people compare my fic to "The Mummy" a lot. Which honestly, is just as flattering.

Can you tell me a bit about your writing space?

At my desk, with a mechanical keyboard. Not because I'm a hipster but because I have absolutely destroyed my laptop's keyboard and then the shop where I'd buy the replacement keys stopped selling my model and I refuse to replace the whole laptop.

I need a sense of quiet when I write. Usually, I write early in the morning before I go to work, and it's honestly my favorite time of the day. It's dark and quiet, I'm all alone, and the day still feels so fresh and full of possibility. I cannot write in public; I find it too distracting. Occasionally, when I'm very in the zone, I'll edit at work but it's never quite as productive.

What's your most effective way to muster up a muse?

Go and hunt that bitch down. I know many people love romanticizing their craft and if it helps them to light scented candles or play aesthetic playlists - go for it! For me, the most powerful tool is routine. Knowing that every morning I will sit down and I will write, whether I feel like it or not. Sometimes I drag my feet the whole time, sometimes things click into place and suddenly, I'm having the best time ever. But I will always put words on the page and for me, there's no better feeling than having written (past tense).

Are there any recurring themes in your writing? Do they surprise you?

You probably know this, but I really, really love stories where a regular guy/gal saves the day. It makes me so happy to see the evil vampire lord taken out by the mousy accountant, the fountain pen striking harder than the sword. I think it's because I like to read about real people. People that you could have met in real life, that seem simple on the outside, but have all this strength locked up inside. It's why I dislike stories with picture perfect beauty goddesses that always have the perfect quip, always take out their opponents with 1 blow because they're just that special.

Normal people are special, too. You just need to look a little harder to see.

What is your reason for writing?

I believe it was Brandon Sanderson who said "Stories are like real life but with the boring parts removed". That has really resonated with me. I think the beautiful thing about stories is that they can portray very real issues and conflicts in a way that is infinitely more satisfying because it's all been arranged just so. It can give you closure, it can make you see something in an entirely new light without feeling confrontational. It's like a really, really good conversation with the author and I hope that's what my writing feels like as well.

Is there any specific comment or type of comment you find particularly motivating?

Two things. I love when readers point out specific lines they enjoyed and I love it when they tell me they reread my work. The term "comfort read" makes me particularly happy because that's exactly how I reread my favorite stories as well.

How do you want to be thought about by your readers?

I think the most important part to me is that my stories feel real. I dislike pretentious, over-the-top writing where you can tell the author is trying super hard to sound clever or sexy or just drowns you in heaps of cheap, undeserved drama that never leads anywhere. With my stories, I want things to feel earned. Natural. Maybe you wouldn't have made those choices, but it makes sense that these characters would have and now we're looking at the very real consequences of their actions.

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a writer?

Character voice, specifically in 3rd person limited. My favorite type of narration because I love getting into a character's head and making you see things through their eyes.

How do you feel about your own writing?

I think every writer struggles with their confidence here and there. I've gone through so many cycles in the past 1.5 years, it's kind of crazy. Going from constant failure in the world of publishing to writing your very first fanfiction just for fun and then having it blow up out of nowhere, all these people showering you in praise, only for the vast majority of them to disappear immediately afterward is a lot to process. We write for ourselves, yes, but as a writer, you can't help but take reader responses to heart. Fortunately, I've never let it influence what I write or how I write; it really only affects my mental state. I know what I like to read and those are the stories I am going to tell, whether they're successful or not.

Aww, this was fun! Tagging @larvasmoon @davenswitcher @pickel182 @karinamay @pouroverpaloma ❤ ❤ ❤

[maverickscorner]

Faber suae fortunae

Or Maider's love story towards freedom.

Chapter 10

Tenax watched Maider write, captivated.

Although he was mostly illiterate, and secretly very ashamed of it, he understood that it wasn’t the Latin alphabet.

-What language is that?

-Aramaic- Maider replied. -It was the language I used to speak with my father and my adoptive family. It’s easier to communicate with them this way.

-And also more discreet- Tenax observed.

She smiled at him.

-Not that I’m revealing any great secrets. I’m just telling them that I’m well and safe. That I’m free, in short.

-Got it. And in how many languages do you know to read and write?

-Four, but I’m fluent only in Aramaic and Latin. The others… let’s say I get by.

-That’s still quite a number.

-Yeah. You’re looking at a girl who received an aristocratic education.

Tenax chuckled.

-The best one around.

-You can bet on it.

Maider finished writing. She had noticed how Tenax was watching her, interested, and had guessed that he didn’t know how to read or write. Although they had grown quite close, she still didn’t feel ready to explore parts of him that Tenax preferred to keep hidden. She wanted to discover every side of him, but in due time. She, with her impulsive character, would force herself to be extremely patient with him. She cared for him. Tenax deserved it.

Maider let the ink dry. Then she rolled up the parchment, tied it with a string, and handed it to Tenax.

-The destination is the Ben-Hur house in Jerusalem, on Temple Street.

-Alright. We’ll head to the market soon; we’ll meet Porthos there.

Maider looked surprised.

-The market? Isn’t today a holiday?

Tenax realized he had made a mistake. He was used to making decisions without considering anyone or anything. But now there was Maider, and he cared about her. Maider had a decision-making power, a voice, and even the ability to change his decisions.

"Way too much power, but I can’t do anything about it".

-Yes, you’re right. But at Nundinae, in the heart of Rome, there’s also the most important market of the city. People from all over the empire come to sell everything: from food to tools to clothes...

-Hold on, did you say clothes?

Tenax stopped. He nodded.

-Yes, clothes. There are…

Maider’s eyes lit up. Tenax couldn’t even finish the sentence before she burst out like a flood:

-Oh, please, let’s absolutely go! I’ve saved up some money from working at the tavern, and I’d really love to buy a new dress! Claudia was so kind to lend me her old ones, but in Jerusalem I had a whole wardrobe of my own, and here I only have two or three used dresses, and... Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful, but...

Tenax stood up, walked around the table, and stood beside her, gently placing his hands on her cheeks.

-Maider?

-Yes?- she said, captivated.

-I understand, it’s all fine. We’ll go buy some new clothes. You don’t need to overwhelm me with words every time. I care about you. I like seeing you happy. Alright?

She nodded. She hugged him gratefully.

-Thank you, Tenax. I like seeing you happy too, for the record.

Tenax pulled back a little to meet her gaze. They kissed.

-When I’m with you, I get pretty close to it- he confessed -But at the market, we’ll need to be very discreet. No one knows you’re free, nor that there’s something between us. I’m a very... controversial figure, sometimes despised. I care too much about you to let someone hurt you because of me.

-It won’t happen- Maider said -We’ll be discreet. I’ll be discreet. We’ll pretend I’m still your property.

-So be it. Go get changed, then. We’re leaving in ten minutes.

-Alright, my lord and master...- she said, bowing to him with a wink.

Tenax blushed but hid it, watching her slip out of his embrace and head towards her room.

He shook his head.

"You’ll be my undoing".

And he couldn’t be happier about it.

***

The Nundinae market was truly immense.

Maider was immediately captivated, bouncing from one stall to another with enthusiasm. The vendors, charmed by her exuberance, offered her samples of various foods or let her feel how soft the fabric of dresses was or how smooth the metal surface of various tools was.

Tenax watched her with a smile he couldn’t erase, even though he knew it would be more convenient to do so.

He only stopped smiling when he saw people on the street recognizing Maider.

-Hey, look, it’s Maider!

-Yeah, it’s her!

-It's the girl with the most beautiful voice in Rome!

-The one who sings at Tenax’s tavern!

Tenax sighed. Maider’s popularity was growing visibly. It wasn’t that he wanted to keep her chained to him, but he cared about her and worried for her. The word “fame” didn’t necessarily align with “safety.” He had seen it with Scorpus and with himself.

He saw Maider approaching him with her usual smile, and his mind lightened immediately.

-Tenax! That stall has some beautiful pans. You have to come see them; I’m sure Claudia would love them!

-Oh, yes!- said Claudia, joining them with shopping bags in hand. -Claudia would absolutely love them!

Tenax rolled his eyes. He took a small pouch of sesterces from his belt and handed it to the women.

-Alright. Just don’t spend it all, okay?

Claudia and Maider struggled to contain their excitement and, arm in arm, headed for the stall.

***

In the center of the market, there was a square with several stalls dedicated to food. People drank and ate while seated at wooden tables. In one corner, a small group was playing rhythmic music.

Before Tenax could stop her, Maider recognized Reilo among the group and ran to him.

-Reilo!- she exclaimed.

The young man smiled at her from afar and waved. The two greeted each other warmly. Tenax stayed at a distance, keeping an eye on the situation. From time to time, someone would acknowledge him, bowing their head and murmuring "Aedile Ludi". He responded with a polite nod, but nothing more. He had already given Maider’s letter to Porthos, asking for the utmost discretion.

The group stopped playing; Reilo and Maider spoke with the other musicians, discussing something unknown to Tenax. He grew nervous.

“I've never known a girl more stubborn than you, Maider...” he thought. He had told her to be careful, and she...

-Good morning, citizens of Rome!- Tenax heard her saying from the musicians’ platform -How about having a little fun?

Everyone turned towards her. Many recognized her and applauded.

Maider counted to four, then the group started playing a particularly rhythmic tune. She clapped her hands, and the crowd followed. Many stood up.

Maider began to sing.

-My baby wants a tunic, she’s been asking me all night long...!

Tenax’s eyes widened. He looked around as the song continued. People started dancing.

-One, here comes the two to the three to the four...!

Tenax scanned the area. The praetorians at the edges of the square watched the crowd without concern, chatting amongst themselves and occasionally glancing at Maider. Tenax clenched his fists.

-Everybody at the bar getting tipsy!

The crowd was having the time of their lives. People danced together, happy and carefree, to the infectious rhythm of the music. This was Maider’s magic.

Tenax relaxed his muscles, trying to enjoy the moment. He was probably worrying too much, but he would have to talk to Maider seriously after the performance. He always became incredibly nervous when he couldn't keep the situation under control, and it was time to tell her, because sometimes, perhaps due to the carefree nature of her personality, she acted quite wild.

And yet, he couldn't be too angry with her for it. He cared about her mostly because she was different.

Even though her difference, in a city like Rome, could be very dangerous.

***

Further back, on the opposite side of the square, a group of Jewish slaves watched Maider with disgust.

-It’s her- one of them said -The girl from the Hur household who now performs for these damn Romans.

-Another woman of our people prostituting herself for the favor of the oppressors- the eldest said.

-And worse, she sings and plays songs from our folk tradition, but translates them into Latin!

-What should we do, then?- asked another.

The old man seemed to think for a moment.

-She must be eliminated- he said -Or God will pour His wrath upon us.

The other men nodded, and the group withdrew into the shadows.

***

Hi everyone! It's Eli. Things are starting to happen! Hope you like this new chapter. Let me know in the comments what you think. Hugs and kisses ❤️

P.S. This is the songs Maider sings ☺️