#Buried | 4000-Year-Old

[xtruss]

Who Were The Tarim Basin Mummies? Even Scientists Were Surprised. The Enigmatic, Extremely Well-preserved Mummies Still Defy Explanation—and Draw Controversy.

— By Erin Blakemore | September 15, 2023

Hundreds of bodies have been excavated from cemeteries like this one around the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang, a region of Western China. Known as the Tarim Basin mummies, these people lived some 4,000 years ago—and their ancient DNA has yielded surprising insights. Photograph By Wenying LI, XinJiang Institute of Cultural Relics And Archaeology

Though they died thousands of years ago, hundreds of bodies excavated in East Asia’s Tarim Basin look remarkably alive. They retain the hairstyles, clothing, and accoutrements of a long-past culture—one that once seemed to suggest they were migrant Indo-Europeans who settled in what is now China thousands of years ago.

But the mummies’ seemingly perfect state of preservation wasn’t their only surprise. When modern DNA research revealed the preserved bodies were people indigenous to the Tarim Basin—yet genetically distinct from other nearby populations—the Tarim Basin mummies became even more enigmatic. Today, researchers still ask questions about their cultural practices, their daily lives, and their role in the spread of modern humanity across the globe.

How Were The Tarim Basin Mummies Found?

Buried in a variety of cemeteries around the basin as long as 4,000 years ago, the naturally mummified corpses were first unearthed by European explorers in the early 20th century. Over time, more and more of the Tarim bodies were unearthed, along with their spectacular cultural relics. To date, hundreds have been found. The earliest of the mummies are about 2,100 years old, while more recent mummies have been dated to about 500 B.C.

One of the most famous mummies found in the Tarim Basin is the Princess of Xiaohe, also known as the Beauty of Xiaohe. Named for the cemetery where her body was found, she is remarkably well-preserved even down to her eyelashes. Photograph By Wenying LI, XinJiang Institute of Cultural Relics And Archaeology

Who Really Were The Tarim Basin Mummies?

At first, the mummies’ Western-like attire and European-like appearance prompted hypotheses that they were the remains of an Indo-European group of migrant people with roots in Europe, perhaps related to Bronze-Age herders from Siberia or farmers in what is now Iran.

They had blond, brown, and red hair, large noses, and wore bright, sometimes elaborate clothing fashioned from wool, furs, or cowhide. Some wore pointed, witch-like hats and some of the clothing was made of felted or woven cloth, suggesting ties to Western European culture.

Still others wore plaid reminiscent of the Celts—perhaps most notably one of the mummies known as Chärchän Man, who stood over six feet tall, had red hair and a full beard, and was buried over a thousand years ago in a tartan skirt.

Another of the most famous of the bodies is that of the so-called “Princess” or “Beauty” of Xiaohe, a 3,800-year-old woman with light hair, high cheekbones, and long, still-preserved eyelashes who seems to be smiling in death. Though she wore a large felt hat and fine clothing and even jewelry in death, it is unclear what position she may have occupied in her society.

But the 2021 study of 13 of the mummies’ ancient DNA led to the current consensus that they belonged to an isolated group that lived throughout the now desert-like region during the Bronze Age, adopting their neighbors’ farming practices but remaining distinct in culture and genetics.

Scientists concluded that the mummies were descendants of Ancient North Eurasians, a relatively small group of ancient hunter-gatherers who migrated to Central Asia from West Asia and who have genetic links to modern Europeans and Native Americans.

How Were They Mummified?

These bodies were not mummified intentionally as part of any burial ritual. Rather, the dry, salty environment of the Tarim Basin—which contains the Taklimakan Desert, one of the world’s largest—allowed the bodies to decay slowly, and sometimes minimally. The extreme winter cold of the area is also thought to have helped along their preservation.

How Were They Buried?

Many bodies were interred in “boat-shaped wooden coffins covered with cattle hides and marked by timber poles or oars,” according to researchers. The discovery of the herb ephedra in the burial sites suggests it had either a medical or religious significance—but what that religion might have been, or why some burials involve concentric rings of wooden stakes, is still unclear.

Mummified corpses were first unearthed in the Tarim Basin by European explorers in the early 20th century. Their Western-like appearance and clothing originally led researchers to believe these ancient people were migrants from Europe—but DNA later debunked that theory. Photograph By Wenying LI, XinJiang Institute of Cultural Relics And Archaeology

What Did They Eat?

Masks, twigs, possibly phallic objects, and animal bones found at the mummies’ cemeteries provide a tantalizing view of their daily lives and rituals. Though most questions about their culture remain unanswered, the burials did point to their diets and the fact that they were farmers. The mummies were interred with barley, millet, and wheat, even necklaces featuring the oldest cheese ever found. This indicates that they not only farmed, but raised ruminant animals.

What Were Their Daily Lives Like?

The Tarim Basin dwellers were genetically distinct. But their practices, from burial to cheesemaking, and their clothing, which reflects techniques and artistry practiced in far-off places at the time, seem to show they mixed with, and learned from, other cultures, adopting their practices over time and incorporating them into a distinct civilization.

Researchers now believe their daily lives involved everything from farming ruminant animals to metalworking and basketmaking—helped along by the fact that the now-desolate desert of the Tarim Basin region was once much greener and had abundant freshwater.

Researchers also believe that the Tarim Basin residents traded and interacted with other people in what would eventually become a critical corridor on the Silk Road, linking East and West in the arid desert.

But archaeologists still have much to learn about what daily life was like for these ancient humans, including who they traded with, what religious beliefs they adopted, and whether their society was socially stratified.

Most of the bodies were found buried in boat-shaped coffins like this one, with the site typically marked by oars. This coffin is covered with a cattle hide, suggesting that the Tarim Basin people raised cattle and other ruminant animals. Photograph By Wenying LI, XinJiang Institute of Cultural Relics And Archaeology

Why Are The Tarim Basin Mummies Controversial?

The amazingly preserved mummies have long fascinated archaeologists. But the Tarim Basin mummies have also become political flashpoints. The Tarim Basin is located in the modern-day Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, land claimed by China’s Uyghur minority. Uyghur nationalists claim the mummies are their forbears, but the Chinese government refutes this and has been reluctant to allow scientists to study the mummies or look at their ancient DNA.

In 2011, China withdrew a group of the mummies from a traveling exhibition, claiming they were too fragile to transport. Some research about the mummies’ DNA has been criticized as downplaying the region’s distinctness in support of China’s attempts to assimilate Uyghur people. Just as more remains to be learned about the enigmatic mummies, their future as political and national symbols remains disputed too.

[lefteagleblizzard]

𝔖𝔱𝔯𝔢𝔰𝔰 𝔯𝔢𝔩𝔦𝔢𝔣

Mike Schmidt x male reader

Summary: After enduring an incredibly stressful exam, you finally breathe a sigh of relief as it comes to an end. Mike does everything in his power to help you unwind and relax.

Tags: Part 7 of this miniseries of Mike Schmidt x male reader. Age-gap (5 years) between you and Mike (reader is 20 years old). Male reader. He/him pronouns used towards the reader. Fluff. Slow paced smut. Top Mike. Bottom reader. Rimming (R receiving). Anal sex.

Suggested by a really nice person. Hope you like it and sorry it took me this long.

Words count: 4000

Can also be found on wattpad and ao3

Part 1-Part 2-Part 3-Part 4-Part 5-Part 6-Part 8-Part 9-Part 10-Part 11

You spent every night leading up to the exam reviewing notes, revisiting past papers, and checking your study materials for any gaps in knowledge. It felt like everything you'd learned had evaporated, leaving you with only vague recollections of concepts that once seemed clear.

Sitting in the exam hall, the quiet rustle of papers, the ticking of a clock, and the occasional cough or sniffle from fellow students only heightened your awareness. You found yourself hyper-focused on everything except the exam itself. It wasn't until the final minutes were called that you felt a burst of clarity, rushing through the last few questions with a determination you hadn't felt since the beginning.

Afterward, your body felt drained, as if the weight of your anxiety had been released all at once. All you wanted to do was collapse and forget about everything for a while.

You squinted against the bright light outside, blinking as your eyes adjusted to the late afternoon sun. The campus was buzzing with life. Students milling about, laughing, talking, some excited, others looking just as worn out as you felt.

And then, through the haze of exhaustion, you saw him.

Mike.

He was standing by his car, a short distance away, clearly trying to blend in, though he stood out like a sore thumb among the groups of teenagers loitering around the area. He leaned against the side of his old, beat-up car with his hands shoved deep into his pockets, his head tilted slightly down as if trying to avoid eye contact with anyone passing by. His posture was casual, but the subtle tension in his shoulders betrayed how awkward he felt, standing there in the middle of campus, surrounded by people younger than him.

He had always been a little uncomfortable around large crowds, especially when it involved people he didn't know.

Despite the awkwardness, the second Mike's eyes landed on you, his whole demeanor shifted. The tightness in his face softened, and his shoulders relaxed just a little. A small grin tugged at the corner of his lips. It wasn't big or flashy, just a subtle, tired smile.

He straightened up a bit as you walked toward him, though his hands stayed buried in his pockets, his eyes never leaving yours.

As you reached him, the familiar scent of his worn leather jacket and the faint smell of coffee lingered in the air around him. "How long have you been waiting?"

Mike shrugged, the motion almost too casual, like he didn't want to admit he'd probably been standing there for a while. His eyes flickered toward the students walking by, and he gave a small shake of his head. "Not too long. Though I'd get here early, make sure I didn't miss you."

You smiled at that, feeling a pang of affection for him.

"C'mon," Mike said, gesturing toward his car with a slight nod of his head. "Let's get out of here. You look like you could use a break."

You followed him to the passenger side, and he opened the door for you without a second thought.

The silence in the car wasn't uncomfortable. In fact, it was the opposite. You let your head fall back against the seat until you reached yours and Mike's home, your eyes half-closed as you watched the world blur past outside the window.

The house was quiet, with only the soft hum of the refrigerator and the occasional creak of the old floorboards underfoot. Mike sat on the bed, looking at you as you sank into the mattress with a tired sigh. He couldn't help but watch you, taking in every small detail of your stressed state, and yet somehow, to him, you still looked perfect.

His mind swirls with a mix of emotions. Relief that you were here, disbelief that you were with him, and something else, something deeper. It was the same overwhelming protectiveness he felt for Abby, the kind that made him want to shield you from everything bad in the world.

"How do you think it went?" Mike asked, his voice a little hoarse from the long day. He could still see the remnants of anxiety lingering in your expression, though the worst of it seemed to have passed now that it was over.

"It went okay," you replied, your voice soft but tinged with relief. "I don't know if I aced it, but at least I didn't fail."

Mike smiled faintly, reaching over to brush a strand of hair away from your face. "I'm sure you did fine," he said, his tone reassuring. "You always do better than you think."

"Maybe," you muttered, still clearly uncertain but a little more at ease.

Mike let out a quiet grunt, the corners of his mouth tugging up in a small, tired smile as he laid back, letting his body relax into the bed. His hand, which had been resting on your arm, moved down slowly, absentmindedly tracing soft patterns on your skin. It wasn't intentional at first, just a natural gesture of comfort, but as the moments passed, he found himself more aware of the warmth of your skin beneath his fingertips, the subtle tremble that ran through you every time his touch lingered a little longer.

"When I was your age, I could barely keep it together for anything, let alone school. You're doing a hell of a lot better than I ever did." Mike said after a while, his voice low and thoughtful.

You turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "You went to college, right? You told me you were going before... you know, before everything with Abby happened."

"Yeah," Mike muttered, a little gruff, as memories of those years surfaced. "I did, for a bit. But I was a mess. Dropped out before I could make anything of it." He shrugged, his tone nonchalant. "Sometimes life happens, I guess."

You were quiet for a moment, processing what he'd said, before replying softly, "But you're taking care of Abby now. That's what matters. I think you've done more than anyone could've expected."

Mike smiled again, a little more genuinely this time. "You always know how to say the right thing," he murmured, his voice low. His hand drifted down your arm to your thigh, his fingers brushing over the fabric of your pants.

You didn't seem to think much of it, though, still lost in the conversation as you turned your head to face him more fully. "I don't know about always saying the right thing," you teased, "I almost caused a fight with your aunt at one point."

Mike chuckled, the sound low and tired, his breath warm as he leaned in just a little closer. "Yeah, but I liked that about you," he said, his voice softer now, his hand resting lightly on your thigh. "You always stand up for me, even when I don't deserve it."

"Of course. You deserve it," you replied quickly, almost defensively, which only made Mike smile more. His heart swelled a little at how earnest you were, how fiercely loyal you had been from the start.

As you spoke, Mike's hand drifted a little higher, his fingers now tracing light circles on your thigh, just barely brushing the skin beneath the fabric. He could feel the warmth radiating from you, and it was almost instinctual the way his body responded, his movements slow, deliberate, but still subtle enough that you didn't seem to notice right away.

He listened as you kept talking, your voice filling the comfortable silence of the room as you rambled on about the exam, your friends, and random things you'd seen at college. Mike didn't say much, just murmured responses here and there, nodding as you spoke, his tired eyes half-lidded as he watched you.

Without even thinking about it, he leaned in a little closer, his lips brushing against your cheek as you continued talking. You didn't seem to notice, too wrapped up in your thoughts, and Mike used that to his advantage, pressing soft kisses to your cheek, almost absentmindedly. The urge to be close to you growing stronger with each passing moment.

You didn't react much at first, though he noticed the subtle way your breath hitched just slightly whenever his lips lingered a little longer. He smiled against your skin, letting his hand drift further up your thigh, his fingers gently tracing along the hem of your pants.

He shifted a little closer, his body pressing lightly against yours as he kissed your cheek again, this time letting his lips linger longer before pulling back. It was clear you hadn't realized what Mike was doing, at least not fully, and that only made his heart race faster.

Mike shifted slightly, moving closer to you on the bed. His hand slipped from your leg to your waist, his fingers gently tracing the line of your hip. You were so warm, so soft, and he couldn't get enough of you.

You kept talking, unaware of the way Mike' thoughts were becoming less and less innocent. His hand slid up your side, his fingers brushing against the hem of your shirt, and for a brief moment, he hesitated. Was this too much? Was he pushing too far?

"How was your day? Did everything go okay with Abby?"

Mike blinked, momentarily surprised by the question. His mind had been so wrapped up in you that he had almost forgotten the rest of the day existed. "Yeah," he said slowly, his voice still soft. "Abby was good. She's been drawing a lot lately. She made something for you, actually.”

Your eyes lit up at that, and Mike's heart skipped a beat at the sight. God, you were so adorable when you got excited like that. It was little things like this that made him fall for you all over again, every single day.

"She did?" you asked, smiling widely now. "What did she make?"

Mike chuckled, his hand still resting on your side as he spoke. "It's a drawing of the three of us. You, me, and her. She was really proud of it."

You let out a soft laugh, leaning back against the pillows with a contented sigh. "That's so sweet. She's such a talented kid. I'm really lucky to be a part of her life."

Mike's chest tightened at your words. He knew how much Abby adored you, how much she looked up to you, how much she trusted you. It meant the world to him that you felt the same way.

Mike's kisses became more frequent the longer the conversation went on, his lips brushing against your cheek, your jawline, your temple.

"You're lucky?" Mike asked softly, his voice laced with disbelief. "I'm the lucky one. You're... I don't know how I got this lucky."

You tilted your head slightly, your cheeks a shade of red as you looked at him with a curious smile. "What do you mean?"

Mike's throat tightened as he tried to find the right words.

"You could be anywhere, with anyone. But you're here, with me. And I don't know what I did to deserve that." Mike told you, his voice faltering slightly. His hand moved up to your shoulder, his fingers gently squeezing as he looked down at you.

You looked at him for a long moment, your expression softening into something tender, something affectionate. "Mike, I'm here because I want to be. I'm here because I love you."

To Mike, those words meant everything. They were everything.

And at that moment, Mike couldn't hold back any longer. He leaned in, his lips brushing softly against yours in a kiss that was slow and tender. You kissed him back just as softly, your hand reaching up to rest on his arm, pulling him closer.

Mike's heart raced as the kiss deepened, his hand moving from your cheek to your waist, pulling you against him. There was something about the way you melted into his touch that made Mike's mind spin. You were his. You had chosen him. And he couldn't quite wrap his head around it.

His lips found your neck, pressing soft, open-mouthed kisses against your skin. Your breath hitched as you finally seemed to realize what was happening.

"Mike..." you breathed, your voice soft, a little hesitant, but not pulling away.

He didn't stop. He kissed his way down the side of your neck, his lips warm and gentle.

"Just relax," Mike muttered, his voice low and rough, as he kissed the sensitive skin of your collarbone, his teeth grazing the flesh just enough to make you gasp.

You were still, your breath coming in shallow bursts as Mike's lips moved up and down your neck, his hands now fully exploring your body with a slow, deliberate intent.

"You deserve it," Mike whispered against your skin, his lips brushing against your ear before he pulled back slightly to look at you again.

God, you were so handsome. He had thought it from the moment he first met you, but now it was different. Now he knew you, knew how kind and patient you were, knew how much you cared about him.

He wasn't in a rush. He didn't want to rush this. You were so precious to him, so important, and he wanted to savor every second of this moment.

Mike's lips found your collarbone, and he kissed his way across it, his teeth grazing your skin as he left small marks.

His hand moved lower, resting on your stomach, and he felt you tense slightly under his touch. But then you relaxed, your head falling back against the pillow as Mike pressed another kiss to your neck, this one slower, more deliberate.

As Mike's hands gripped your waist with a gentle firmness, he marveled at how perfectly you fit beneath him, as though you were made just for him.

His lips left slow trails along your body, his movements deliberate and unhurried. He lingered at your collarbone, his teeth grazing the delicate skin before biting down just enough to leave a mark. Your soft gasp in response spurred him on, and he grunted low in his throat as his lips traveled down your chest, nipping and kissing as he went.

You could feel the heat of his hands against your skin, the anticipation building as he slowly worked your pants down, his eyes never leaving yours. You turned around on your stomach to make it easier for him.

When your pants were finally off, Mike took a moment to just look at you. The sight of you, laid out beneath him, flushed with a mix of nerves and desire, was enough to make his breath hitch in his throat.

Mike's hands gently parted your legs, his touch firm yet tender, as he settled between them. His lips pressed softly against the inside of your thigh, leaving a trail of wet kisses as he moved closer to where you wanted him most.

He paused for a moment, his lips hovering just above you, his breath warm against your most sensitive area. The wait was torturous, and you bit your lip, barely able to contain the soft whimper that escaped. The sound of your need fueling him as he gently pressed his tongue against you, starting slow, teasing.

He took his time, savoring the way your body reacted to his touch. His tongue moved in long, slow strokes, exploring every inch of you with an almost lazy precision. He could feel the way your muscles tensed beneath his hands, the way your hips instinctively shifted, trying to get closer to him. But he was in control and he kept the pace slow, drawing out every sensation, every soft gasp that fell from your lips.

His hands gripped your hips, his thumbs brushing over your skin as he held you in place, preventing you from squirming too much beneath him. The taste of you, the way your body responded so eagerly, had him groaning softly against your skin, the sound reverberating through your entire body.

As his tongue explored you, he started to add a little more pressure, his movements becoming more focused. His lips wrapped around you as he gently sucked, his tongue swirling in deliberate circles. Every stroke of his tongue, every gentle graze of his teeth, was designed to make you lose yourself in the sensation. He just loved the way you reacted, the way your hands gripped the sheets in an attempt to ground yourself.

Mike slowly pulled back, his lips swollen and wet, his breath heavy as he looked up at you.

"Relax," he murmured, his voice low and rough, as his hands slid beneath you, cupping your butt softly. His fingers gently squeezed, his touch firm yet tender, as he spread you open, exposing you completely to him.

His tongue was on you again, gently circling around your entrance and moving in slow, deliberate strokes, gradually pressing deeper, pushing past the tight ring of muscle with a groan of satisfaction.

You couldn't hold back the moan that escaped your lips, your body arching slightly as Mike's tongue worked deeper, exploring you from the inside out. His hands gripped your hips tighter, holding you steady as he pushed further, his tongue curling inside you in slow, rhythmic motions. You could feel the heat building inside you, the pressure growing as Mike took his time, thoroughly preparing you.

His tongue moved in and out of you with practiced ease and an almost lazy precision, his exhaustion only adding to the unhurried pace. He was tired, yes, but the need to please you kept him going.

His fingers gently massaged the soft flesh, squeezing and kneading as his tongue worked deeper inside you. The sensation was overwhelming, the combination of his hands and mouth driving you closer and closer to your limit.

Finally, when he could feel your body trembling with anticipation, Mike pulled back, his lips swollen and wet, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. His eyes met yours, and the look in them sent a shiver down your spine.

With a low, tired groan, Mike leaned back slightly, his hands moving to the buckle of his jeans. His fingers working slowly as he unfastened his belt, the leather sliding through the loops of his jeans with a soft, familiar sound. You watched him, your heart pounding in your chest as he finally undid the button of his jeans, his fingers slow and deliberate.

The sound of his zipper sliding down filled the quiet room. His hands moved with laziness, pushing his jeans down just enough to free himself from the tight constraints.

His boxers followed, his hand tugging them down as he freed his aching length, already hard and heavy with need. You swallowed hard at the sight of him thick and swollen, the tip glistening slightly in the dim light of the room. Mike's hand wrapped around himself, giving a slow, lazy stroke as he positioned himself between your legs, his eyes never leaving yours.

For a moment, he just stayed there, kneeling between your thighs, his hand moving slowly over his cock as he watched you.

"You ready?" Mike asked, his voice rough and low, the exhaustion evident but laced with desire.

You nodded, your breath catching in your throat as you spread your legs a little wider, offering yourself to him completely. Mike groaned softly at the sight, his hands moving to grip your hips again as he positioned himself at your entrance. He paused for a moment, just long enough to let you feel the weight of him, the heat of his cock pressing against your entrance, teasing you with the promise of what was to come.

Slowly, almost agonizingly so, Mike began to push forward, his cock slipping past the tight ring of muscle with a low, guttural groan. The sensation was overwhelming. The way your body stretched to accommodate him, the way he filled you completely, inch by inch.

His movements slow and deliberate, wanting to make sure you felt every second of it. He could feel your body trembling beneath him, the way your breath hitched in your throat as he finally seated himself fully inside you.

"God, you feel so good," Mike murmured, his voice low and rough as he stayed still for a moment, letting you adjust to the feeling of him inside you. His hands moved to your waist, holding you gently but firmly as he leaned down, his breath hot against your neck.

He began to move, slow and steady, his hips rocking against yours with a lazy rhythm. He slid in and out of you with ease, the heat of your body enveloping him completely. Mike grunted softly with each slow thrust, his head dropping to the crook of your neck as he focused purely on the feeling of you around him. His warm breath comes in short, shallow bursts against your neck.

His hands stroked your waist, your hips, occasionally trailing down to your thighs as he continued to move inside you. The slow, lazy rhythm sent waves of pleasure coursing through your body, and you couldn't help the soft moans that escaped your lips with each thrust. Mike grunted softly in response, the sound of your voice driving him to push deeper, to take you harder.

His teeth grazed the sensitive skin of your throat, biting down gently just enough to make you gasp.

His hands moved lower, his fingers finding their way between your legs as he stroked you in time with his slow thrusts. The added sensation sent a shiver down your spine, your body arching beneath him as the pleasure built inside you. Mike groaned softly, his hand working you with the same lazy precision as his hips, his fingers stroking you in slow, deliberate movements that matched the rhythm of his thrusts.

Mike's breath was hot against your skin, his soft grunts filling the quiet room as he moved inside you, his body shuddering with each movement.

He was tired, his muscles aching from the slow, methodical pace he had set, but he didn't care. He wanted to make this last, to make sure you felt every bit of love and affection he had for you.

The slow, lazy rhythm started to shift the more the time passed. The pleasure building between the two of you became too much to ignore, and Mike's thrusts grew a little harder, a little faster, his hands gripping your hips more tightly as he buried himself deeper inside you. The soft grunts that escaped his lips became more frequent, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he picked up the pace.

His hips snapped against yours with more force now, his hands gripping your waist as he thrust deeper, faster, chasing the pleasure that had been building between you.

Mike groaned loudly, his head dropping to the crook of your neck as he thrust into you with more urgency. His fingers stroked you faster, more urgently, as he pushed you closer and closer to the edge.

"Come on," Mike muttered, his voice strained as he thrust into you harder, his breath hot and ragged against your neck. "I want to feel you come for me."

He groaned loudly, his hips snapping against yours with more force as he finally reached his peak, filling you completely.

The sensation of him filling you, the heat and pressure of his release, pushed you over the edge. Your body tensed, your breath catching in your throat as the pleasure washed over you, your muscles clenching around him as you came hard, your release coating his fingers as he continued to stroke you through it.

Mike groaned loudly as he felt you tighten around him, his hips stilling as he buried himself deep inside you, his breath rugged and uneven as he rode out the waves of pleasure. His body shuddered with the intensity of it, his hands gripping your waist tightly as he stayed buried inside you, his chest rising and falling with each shallow breath.

For a long moment, the only sounds in the room were your heavy breathing, the soft rustle of the sheets beneath you, and the faint hum of the world outside. Mike stayed still, his body pressed against yours, his cock still buried deep inside you as he caught his breath. His hands gently stroked your sides, his touch soft and affectionate now, as though he was grounding himself after the intensity of what had just happened.

Slowly, reluctantly, Mike pulled out, a low groan escaping his lips as he did. He collapsed beside you, his arm draping over your waist as he pulled you close, his body still trembling slightly from the aftershocks of his release.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice low and hoarse, still laced with exhaustion.

You nodded, your breath still coming in shallow bursts as you turned to face him, your body warm and heavy with the afterglow. Mike smiled softly, his tired eyes half-lidded as he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead.

The room was still warm with the heat of your shared intimacy, your bodies entangled beneath the sheets, bathed in the soft glow of the dimmed light from the bedside lamp. The air was thick with the scent of sweat. Both of you lay there, your breathing gradually slowing, coming down from the high, your bodies sinking into the comfort of the mattress.

Mike was next to you, his arm loosely draped over your waist, his chest rising and falling with heavy, tired breaths. His skin was still flushed, a light sheen of sweat covering his forehead.

You reached up to brush a strand of hair from his face, your fingers tracing the sharp line of his jaw, and Mike's lips parted slightly, his breath hitching at the gentle touch. There was a kind of awe in his eyes, like he was still in disbelief that someone like you was here with him. He didn't say anything, but he didn't need to. The way he looked at you said it all.

For a long moment, neither of you spoke. You simply lay there, staring into each other's eyes.

He didn't respond with words, Instead, he leaned in and kissed you, soft and slow. The kiss deepened, but it wasn't rushed. There was no urgency. It was all about savoring the moment.

You felt yourself sinking into him, your bodies molding together as the tension from before dissolved into a quiet, comfortable intimacy.

You felt the weight of exhaustion slowly pulling you under, your eyelids growing heavy as your body began to relax into the warmth of the bed. Mike seemed to feel it too, his arm tightening slightly around your waist as if to pull you closer. His hand gently stroked your skin, his thumb tracing lazy patterns across the marks he had left behind.

You were just about to drift off, your eyes fluttering shut as the drowsiness overtook you, when you suddenly felt Mike tense beside you. His body stiffened, his hand freezing mid-motion, and for a brief, disoriented moment, you weren't sure what was happening. You blinked, trying to shake off the fog of sleep, and turned to look at him, confused.

"Shit," Mike muttered, his voice low and strained, his eyes wide with sudden realization. "Abby."

It took a second for his words to register in your mind. Abby. The school. Mike was supposed to pick her up.

"Oh god," you groaned, the realization hitting you just as hard as it had hit Mike. "What time is it?"

His body jerked up from the bed as he searched for his clothes. He glanced at the screen, his face paling even more as he saw the time.

"She's going to kill me," Mike muttered, his voice laced with panic as he quickly pulled on his shirt, the fabric sticking slightly to his still-damp skin. "I'm so late."

You sat up, the sheets pooling around your waist, your own exhaustion forgotten in the sudden rush of urgency. Mike was already halfway dressed, his hands fumbling as he zipped up his pants, his expression a mix of frustration and panic. You couldn't help but smile slightly at the sight of him.

"Hey," you called softly, catching his attention just as he was about to bolt out of the room. You swung your legs over the side of the bed, still completely naked, your body covered in the marks that Mike had left on you.

He froze, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the sight of you, his gaze lingering on your naked and marked up body. His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, his eyes darkening with something you recognized all too well. For a brief moment, it seemed he was considering staying, the sight of you was almost enough to make him forget his panic.

"She's going to be pissed at you" you teased, standing up from the bed and walking over to him, your steps slow and deliberate. You reached out to cup his face, your thumb brushing over his cheek as you leaned in to press a soft, lingering kiss to his lips.

Mike blinked, momentarily stunned by the kiss, his lips still parted slightly as he stared at you. His eyes roamed over your body again, taking in the marks he had left on you, the way you stood there, so completely unashamed, so completely his.

"You look..." Mike's voice trailed off, and he shook his head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're perfect."

"So perfect" Mike murmured, his voice rough with emotion, his eyes still locked on yours. His hand reached out almost instinctively, his fingers brushing over the marks on your neck.

You leaned into his touch, your lips curving into a soft smile.

"Go," you said softly, your voice teasing but affectionate. With a resigned sigh, he gave in. He leaned down, pressing one last kiss to your lips, slow and lingering, before pulling away.

"I'll be back," he promised, his voice low and filled with affection. "Don't go anywhere."

You smiled, giving him a playful push towards the door. "I'm not going anywhere, Mike. Now go."

If you liked this story please leave a comment, I love reading them <3.

[damnfandomproblems]

Fandom Problem #5123:

Me after finishing a webnovel by a Chinese-American author: "I love this! Has the author written anything else?" *checks her page* "A short story! Must read this... Huh, this is weird. American white supremacists take their relatives' bodies, bury them in the middle of China and claim Chinese people were originally white? What was the author smoking?"

Author's note at the end: "I wrote this story because I believe this is the truth about the Tarim mummies."

Me, wondering what sort of craziness I've stumbled on: "Hang on, I'll google the Tarim mummies... Wait. The oldest mummies are 4000 years old? And this author believes they're a modern fraud?"

For pretty obvious reasons, I'm not a huge fan of that author's webnovel anymore.

[asteroidtroglodyte]

Hey, Young’uns

Will you do me a favor?

I want you to imagine Humans.

I want you to imagine the descendants of people living today. I want you to imagine that there are still Humans in 3000 years. No, 4000 years! Maybe they look different! Evolution, you know.

But: not an apocalypse.

I don’t want any wasteland. None of that. Shoo!

Maybe there was one? At one point? Sort of? It didn’t actually kill everyone, is the thing. Folks live in caves. Folks live on mountaintops. Folks live on boats. Folks eat all kinds of different things. Folks are crafty.

Folks survive.

And Mama, Big Mama Nature? She’s relentless.

And so the world didn’t quite End.

Can you see them? Try to imagine. The Humans.

Maybe they tell stories about us, but probably not. Maybe our relics haunt their world… but probably not. 4000 years is a long time.

Plenty of time for Fungus to learn to eat Plastic.

Plenty of time for topsoil to replenish.

Plenty of time for those ugly cities to get buried under nice forests. Time enough, even, for those forests to be Old-Growth.

I just…

I want you to imagine them happy.

So much Doomscrolling, these days. It’s not good for ya! Just because a story is grim don’t make it True! Grit and Cynicism do not have a monopoly on Truth!

Imagine happy people

4000 years from now

I don’t need to hear about them (although I’ll happily listen if you want to share, that’s fine). This is an exercise. For you.

It’s already real hard out there.

It’s ok to be a bit soft in a daydream

[shiorihyugawrites]

The Ballad Of The Magenta Witch

After centuries of solitude and betrayal, the enigmatic and powerful sorceress Mea finds herself drawn to the war-torn lands of Paradis. With her loyal, sword-wielding companion Goldfish Levi at her side, Mea arrives in the midst of a brewing conflict between the Scouts and Marley. Her flippant demeanor and extraordinary magic disrupt the regimented lives of Eren, Levi, and the other Scouts, sparking chaos, curiosity, and alliances that none of them could have foreseen. Amidst the clashing of titans and nations, a forgotten legend breathes life into a new chapter that will shape the fate of Paradis itself. Will the Magenta Witch be a boon to their cause or a force of beautiful destruction? (Eren x OC)

Chapter Eight

Eren sat on the edge of his bunk, his elbows resting on his knees and his hands clasped together. The activity in the barracks barely registered in his ears as his thoughts churned, all centered on one person—Mea. His green eyes stared blankly at the floor, but his mind replayed the night’s events over and over, particularly the moment when Mea had leaned in so close he could feel her breath on his skin.

He let out a frustrated sigh, raking a hand through his hair. “What the hell is wrong with me?” he muttered under his breath. Eren had never been one to dwell on romantic feelings; they had always seemed irrelevant, a distraction from the larger battle against Marley, Titans, and everything else threatening the island. Yet now, for the first time, he couldn’t ignore the strange pull he felt toward the Magenta Witch.

Her laughter echoed in his mind, her teasing tone, the way her magenta eyes seemed to see through every layer of him. It made no sense. She was over 4000 years old, for crying out loud. What could he possibly have in common with someone like her? Yet despite the absurdity of it all, there was something… familiar about her. Something he couldn’t explain.

Eren shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. Get a grip, he told himself. You don’t have time for this. She’s just messing with you, like she does with everyone. But even as he tried to convince himself, he couldn’t ignore the way his heart had raced when she touched him or the warmth in her voice when she called him “Handsome Green Eyes” or “Darling”.

“Eren?” Armin’s voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present.

Eren glanced up to see his best friend standing in the doorway, concern etched across his face. “You okay? You’ve been sitting here for a while.”

Eren hesitated before nodding. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking.”

Armin stepped inside, his perceptive blue eyes narrowing slightly. “Is this about Mea?”

Eren stiffened, his jaw tightening. “Why would you think that?”

Armin crossed his arms, a small smile playing at his lips. “You’ve been acting strange ever since she got here. And tonight… well… I came back outside and I saw you guys. It was pretty obvious something happened between you two.”

Eren’s face flushed, and he looked away, muttering, “Nothing happened.”

“Really?” Armin said, arching an eyebrow. “Because it looked like she almost kissed you.”

Eren groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Don’t remind me.”

Armin chuckled softly before sitting down on the bunk opposite Eren. “So, what’s going on? Do you… like her?”

Eren lifted his head, his expression conflicted. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I’ve never… felt like this before. It’s weird.”

Armin nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Well, she’s definitely not your average person,” he said with a wry smile. “But are you sure it’s a good idea to get involved with someone like her? She’s powerful, Eren. And we still don’t know much about her.”

“I know,” Eren said, his voice quiet. “That’s what bothers me. There’s something about her… something I can’t explain. It’s like I know her, but I don’t.”

Armin tilted his head, intrigued. “What do you mean?”

Eren struggled to find the words. “It’s like… when she looks at me, it feels like she knows me. Not just now, but… I don’t know, from somewhere else. It’s stupid,” he said, shaking his head. “Forget it.”

Armin frowned, but before he could respond, Mikasa appeared in the doorway, her expression sharp. “Armin, leave him alone,” she said, her voice firm. “Eren doesn’t need to be distracted by her.”

Eren glared at her. “I don’t need you telling me what I should or shouldn’t think about.”

“I’m just trying to protect you,” Mikasa shot back, her tone laced with frustration. “She’s dangerous, Eren. You know that.”

“She’s not a threat,” Eren said firmly, standing up. “She’s here to help us.”

Mikasa crossed her arms, her gray eyes narrowing. “That doesn’t mean you should let her mess with your head.”

Eren clenched his fists, his frustration mounting. “I can handle myself, Mikasa.”

Armin stood up, holding his hands up in a calming gesture. “Alright, let’s not fight about this,” he said. “Eren, just… be careful, okay?”

Eren nodded, his gaze softening slightly as he looked at his friends. “I will.”

As Armin and Mikasa left, Eren sank back onto his bunk, his thoughts once again turning to Mea. Despite his friends’ warnings, he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to their connection than mere attraction. It was inexplicable, almost as if some invisible thread was tying them together.

He lay back, staring up at the ceiling. Whatever this was, he knew one thing for sure—Mea wasn’t just another witch. She was something far more complicated, and he wasn’t sure he was ready for the answers.

The next morning, the sun spilled golden light over the training grounds as Eren stepped outside, the crisp air waking him fully. His thoughts were still tangled with memories of Mea from the previous night—her teasing, her near kiss, and that inexplicable pull he felt toward her. He expected to find her lounging on her floating chaise as usual, cocktail in hand, her oversized sunhat and sunglasses completing the picture of lazy decadence.

But as he approached, the scene before him made him stop in his tracks.

Mea was seated, not on her chaise, but on a simple wooden stool at a small table she had conjured. Her magenta hair fell loosely over her shoulders, and instead of her usual cocktail, she held a delicate porcelain teacup in her hand. A teapot sat in the middle of the table, steam wafting gently from the spout. Her posture was casual yet oddly elegant as she sipped the tea, a serene expression on her face.

Eren blinked, unsure if he was seeing things. Tea? Mea was drinking tea? His curiosity piqued, he made his way closer. As he approached, he noticed Captain Levi standing nearby, his arms crossed as he watched her with narrowed eyes.

“She’s on her sixth cup,” Levi muttered, clearly suspicious. “Sixth. No one drinks that much tea in the morning unless there’s something off about it.”

Goldfish Levi floated beside him, his fins twitching nervously. “You’d be wise to leave it alone, Captain,” he warned, his voice carrying a hint of urgency.

But Levi wasn’t convinced. His sharp gray eyes remained locked on Mea as she took another delicate sip, her magenta eyes sparkling with amusement as she noticed his gaze.

“Would you like to try some, Captain?” Mea offered, her voice lilting and playful. She gestured to the teapot with a graceful wave of her hand. “It’s delightful, I promise.”

Goldfish Levi immediately tried to interject. “Don’t—”

But Levi was already stepping forward. “Fine,” he said gruffly, reaching for the teacup she offered. He wasn’t about to let her get the better of him, not when her antics had been driving him up the wall since her arrival. And besides… he couldn't resist a good cup of tea. “If it’s so good, I’ll see for myself.”

Mea’s lips twitched as if she were holding back laughter, but she said nothing, simply handing him the cup with a flourish.

Eren watched the exchange with a mixture of fascination and dread. Something about Mea’s expression set off warning bells in his mind, but before he could say anything, Levi had already taken a sip.

For a moment, nothing happened. Levi’s expression remained neutral as he swirled the liquid in his mouth, his brow furrowing slightly. Then his eyes widened, and he immediately spat the tea onto the ground, coughing violently.

“What the hell is this?” Levi snarled, his voice rough as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

Mea burst into laughter, doubling over as tears streamed down her face. “Oh, Captain,” she choked out between fits of giggles. “It’s tea… with a little extra kick.”

Goldfish Levi slapped his fin against his forehead. “I tried to warn you,” he muttered, clearly exasperated.

Levi glared at Mea, his face a mixture of fury and disgust. “You spiked it with alcohol,” he growled.

“Not just alcohol,” Mea corrected, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Premium vintage, darling. Only the best for my tea.”

Eren couldn’t help but chuckle, though he quickly covered his mouth to hide it. Levi’s glare swung toward him, sharp enough to cut steel. Eren cleared his throat and tried to look serious, though his lips twitched with barely suppressed laughter.

“You think this is funny, Jaeger?” Levi snapped, his voice low and dangerous.

“Not at all,” Eren said quickly, though his tone betrayed him. His gaze flicked back to Mea, who was still laughing, utterly unbothered by the Captain’s wrath.

Mea waved a hand dismissively, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “Oh, lighten up, Captain. It’s not like it’ll kill you. If anything, it might finally help you relax for once in your life.”

“I don’t need your help to relax,” Levi snapped, setting the teacup down with more force than necessary. “You have a serious problem you ancient alcoholic.”

Goldfish Levi floated closer, his fins twitching irritably. “I told you not to trust her tea,” he said, his tone scolding. “She does this every time she brews something.”

“You let this happen?” Levi growled at his fish counterpart.

Goldfish Levi slapped his fin against Levi’s shin. “You’re the one who didn’t listen!”

Mea leaned back in her chair, sipping from her own cup as if nothing had happened. “You have to admit, it’s a clever way to start the day,” she said, smirking. “A little tea, a little booze—what’s not to love?”

Levi’s glare only deepened. “What’s not to love is you turning every moment into a circus.”

Mea raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. “Oh, Captain. If this is a circus, then you’re the ringmaster. Always so grumpy and commanding. It’s quite the act.”

Eren snorted before he could stop himself, earning another sharp glare from Levi. “Sorry,” he muttered, scratching the back of his neck. He turned his attention to Mea, who was now gesturing for him to come closer.

“Eren, darling, you should try some,” she said, holding up another cup. “I promise I’ll go easy on the vintage this time.”

Levi’s voice cut through the air like a whip. “He’s not touching that.”

Eren hesitated, glancing between Levi’s thunderous expression and Mea’s teasing smile. “Maybe next time,” he said carefully, stepping back to avoid Levi’s wrath.

“Suit yourself,” Mea said with a shrug, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand as she studied Levi. “You know, Levi, you’re far more entertaining when you’re annoyed.”

Levi’s grip tightened on the hilt of his blade, his patience clearly wearing thin. “And you’re far less annoying when you’re asleep,” he shot back.

Mea laughed, the sound light and unbothered. “Touche,” she said, raising her cup in a mock toast. “But you’ll miss me when I’m gone.”

“I’d miss a migraine less,” Levi muttered, turning on his heel and stalking off toward the training grounds. Goldfish Levi floated after him, muttering something about stubborn mortals.

Eren lingered, his gaze flicking back to Mea. She caught his eye and gave him a playful wink. “Don’t let him scare you off, darling,” she said, her tone softer now. “You’re always welcome to join me for tea. Or something stronger.”

Eren felt his face heat up, and he quickly turned away, heading toward the training grounds before he could embarrass himself further. Behind him, Mea’s laughter rang out, warm and melodic, a sound that lingered in his mind long after he was out of earshot.

…

Meanwhile, Hange was hunched over the table in her quarters, stacks of weathered books and scrolls surrounding her. Her desk was cluttered with parchment, ink-stained fingers, and hastily scribbled notes. She flipped through the pages of a particularly thick tome she had "acquired" from the Anti-Marleyan volunteer camp, the faint scent of old paper wafting up as she worked late into the night. The dim glow of a single lantern illuminated the room, casting long shadows that danced with every flicker of the flame.

Her mind raced as she pieced together fragments of information. The more she learned about Mea, the more questions arose. The Magenta Witch, as Mea was called, was an enigma. But now, with this intriguing new clue—Mea's possible true name, "Medea"—Hange's curiosity had reached a fever pitch.

She tapped her pen against her chin, muttering to herself. "Medea… Medea…" She leaned forward, scanning a section of the mythology book she'd pilfered. The title of the book, written in an unfamiliar language, had intrigued her immediately when she found it. It seemed to be about myths and legends from a country called Greece. Hange had never heard of Greece before, but it was clear from the illustrations and descriptions that it was a land rich in history and culture, with a heavy emphasis on magic and gods.

The text was dense, but Hange's sharp mind devoured the information eagerly. Her eyes darted across the page as she searched for anything about witches or the name Medea. There were passages about powerful magical beings, ancient rituals, and even the existence of enchanted artifacts. But nothing about a Magenta Witch or anyone resembling Mea.

“Damn it,” she muttered, rubbing her temples. “There has to be something.”

She was about to give up when her eyes caught a single word in bold at the top of the next page.

Jason.

The name leaped out at her, sending a shiver down her spine. Her curiosity reignited, and she began to read the passage eagerly. It described a hero named Jason and his legendary journey aboard a ship called the Argo. Jason, it seemed, had been tasked with retrieving a powerful treasure from a faraway kingdom—a kingdom protected by a witch. The witch, though unnamed, was described as a formidable sorceress, her powers unmatched by any mortal or immortal alike.

Hange’s brow furrowed as she read on. The text detailed how Jason had used trickery to manipulate the witch, convincing her to betray her own kingdom and aid him in his quest. The witch had fallen for him—though whether it was through genuine affection or some form of coercion wasn’t clear—and had ultimately destroyed her homeland to help Jason escape. The story ended tragically, with the witch exiled and condemned, her name erased from history, her deeds remembered only as cautionary tales.

Hange sat back, chewing on the end of her pen. “A powerful witch betrayed her kingdom for a man named Jason,” she murmured. “Could it be…?” Her mind raced with the possibilities. It didn’t explicitly mention Medea, but the parallels were uncanny. The kingdom described in the story, though unnamed, bore similarities to the mystical lands she’d read about earlier in the book. And the details about the witch’s unparalleled power certainly fit what they’d seen of Mea so far.

She flipped back a few pages, rereading the descriptions of the witch. While the book didn’t name her directly, it painted a vivid picture of her capabilities—conjuring storms, summoning armies of spectral beasts, and creating powerful barriers that no man or god could breach. Hange’s pen flew across her notebook as she jotted down everything she could.

“So… if this is her story, that means Mea—Medea—betrayed her homeland for Jason? But why?”

Hange flipped back a few pages, scanning for more context. The story didn’t provide much insight into the witch’s motivations, but it did describe Jason as a cunning and ambitious man, one who used his charm to manipulate those around him. Hange frowned. “So he used her? No wonder she hates him.”

Her thoughts shifted to the night Mea had arrived, drunk and slurring as she mumbled about “Jason” in her sleep and began to fight him in her while deep in her slumber. The Scouts had been baffled, unsure of who or what she was ranting about, but Goldfish Levi’s reaction had been immediate and stern. He had warned them not to mention the name under any circumstances.

And then there was the mess hall incident. Hange shuddered as she remembered the raw fury that had radiated off Mea when Eren said the name. The air itself had seemed to crackle with her anger, and her magenta aura had flared dangerously before Goldfish Levi managed to calm her down.

“It’s him,” Hange whispered to herself, her eyes darting back to the text. “Jason. He’s the key to all of this.”

She leaned back in her chair, chewing her lip as she mulled over her next move. Should she confront Mea about this? No, that would be too dangerous. If just hearing his name nearly set her off, then asking her directly would be like lighting a match near a barrel of gunpowder. But what other options did she have?

A knock on the door startled her out of her thoughts, and she hastily shoved the book under a stack of papers. “Come in,” she called, trying to sound casual.

Levi stepped inside, his sharp eyes immediately zeroing in on the cluttered desk. “You’ve been holed up in here all day,” he said, his tone clipped. “What are you working on?”

Hange grinned sheepishly, adjusting her glasses. “Oh, just some… light reading.”

Levi’s gaze didn’t waver. “Does this ‘light reading’ have anything to do with Mea?”

“Maybe,” Hange admitted, leaning forward. “I think I’ve found something, Levi. A story about a hero named Jason and a witch who destroyed her kingdom for him.”

Levi frowned, his arms crossing over his chest. “And you think that witch is Mea.”

“It fits, doesn’t it?” Hange said, her excitement bubbling over. “The destruction of a kingdom, the betrayal, the exile—it’s all too similar to be a coincidence. And her reaction to his name? It makes sense now.”

Levi’s expression darkened. “And what exactly are you planning to do with this information?”

Hange hesitated, the weight of his words sinking in. “I don’t know yet,” she admitted. “But I have to understand her, Levi. If we’re going to trust her, we need to know what she’s capable of—and what she’s hiding.”

Levi sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Just don’t get yourself killed, Four Eyes. I’ve got enough to deal with without you poking a sleeping bear.”

Hange smirked. “Noted, Captain. But you know me—I can’t resist a good mystery.”

She pulled the book back out, her determination renewed. The pieces were starting to come together, and she was closer than ever to understanding the enigmatic witch who had turned their world upside down. But one question still burned in her mind:

Who was Jason to Mea? And why did his name hold so much power over her?

Levi perched himself against the wall  in his usual no-nonsense stance and observed her quietly. He had no interest in books, but he was there to make sure Hange didn’t dive too deep into something she couldn’t handle—especially when it involved the enigma that was Mea.

“Find anything else?” Levi asked, his voice low but sharp.

“Patience, Levi,” Hange replied without looking up, a grin tugging at her lips. “Good research takes time.”

Levi rolled his eyes but didn’t press further. Hange flipped another page, her eyes darting across the intricate illustrations and faded text. Suddenly, she froze, her pen stilling mid-tap.

Levi’s sharp eyes caught the shift in her demeanor immediately. “What is it?” he asked, stepping closer.

Hange didn’t respond right away. Her gaze was fixed on the page, her mouth slightly open as if she couldn’t quite process what she was seeing. Levi frowned and moved to stand behind her, peering over her shoulder.

His breath caught.

The page displayed a detailed, romanticized portrait of a man. His golden blonde hair was perfectly coiffed, framing a face that was both handsome and regal. But it was the eyes that drew Levi’s attention—vivid green, piercing, and unmistakably familiar.

Levi’s jaw tightened. “Is that supposed to be… Jason?”

Hange nodded slowly, her fingers trembling slightly as she traced the edge of the portrait. “That’s him. The hero of the Argo Expedition... Jason.”

Levi’s voice was low, almost reluctant. “He looks like…”

“Eren,” Hange finished, her tone laced with disbelief.

The two of them stared at the image in silence for a moment, the weight of the resemblance settling over them like a heavy fog. While the golden blonde hair set the man apart from Eren, the rest of his features—especially the eyes—were strikingly similar.

Levi’s jaw tightened. “It’s probably just a coincidence.”

Hange tilted her head, studying the portrait more intently. “Maybe. But you have to admit, it’s… unsettling.”

Levi didn’t respond, his eyes still locked on the image. He hated coincidences, and this one felt too close for comfort. His instincts were telling him to be wary, but he wasn’t about to jump to conclusions without more information.

“Do we tell anyone about this?” Hange asked hesitantly, glancing up at him.

Levi shook his head. “No. Not until we know more. If we start making baseless claims, it’ll just stir up unnecessary chaos.”

Hange nodded, though her curiosity was far from satisfied. “I agree. Let’s keep this between us for now.”

Levi straightened, stepping away from the desk. “And don’t get carried away, Four Eyes. If Mea notices you’re digging into her past, she won’t take it lightly.”

Hange smirked, though her eyes still lingered on the portrait. “Noted, Captain. But I can’t just ignore this. There’s something here, I can feel it.”

“Feel it all you want,” Levi replied dryly. “Just don’t let it get us all killed.”

Hange traced the edges of the page with her finger, her thoughts swirling. The resemblance to Eren was undeniable, but what did it mean? And why had Mea, of all people, not noticed it?

She leaned back in her chair, staring at the flickering lantern light as it cast shadows across the room. “Jason, huh?” she murmured to herself. “Who are you really? And what do you have to do with her?”

For now, the answers eluded her, but she was determined to find them. Even if it meant walking the fine line between curiosity and danger.

…

Later on, Hange and Levi entered the mess hall, the chatter and clatter of plates filling the air. The scouts were scattered around, eating and unwinding from another grueling day of training under Goldfish Levi’s relentless instruction. Levi’s sharp eyes immediately locked onto the most predictable sight in the room—Mea, draped lazily across Eren’s lap like a content cat, a drink in hand as she animatedly teased him about something.

What caught his attention more, however, was Eren’s reaction—or rather, lack of one. While he wasn’t entirely relaxed, he wasn’t stiff and uncomfortable anymore either. In fact, Eren leaned back slightly, his body language far more accepting of Mea’s casual closeness than Levi would have ever expected.

Levi frowned. That boy’s getting too comfortable.

Hange, walking beside him, followed his gaze. Her eyebrows shot up as she took in the scene. “Well, well,” she murmured. “Eren’s looking pretty cozy with her, huh?”

Levi scowled. “It’s worse than you think.”

Hange turned to him, curious. “Worse how?”

Levi hesitated, his mouth pressing into a thin line. He didn’t want to make a big deal out of this, but Hange’s insatiable curiosity—and her involvement in what they’d just discovered—left him little choice. Keeping his voice low, he muttered, “Last night, she almost kissed him.”

Hange froze mid-step, her eyes widening as she processed what he’d just said. “What!?” she screeched, her voice echoing through the mess hall.

The sudden outburst brought the entire room to a halt. Conversations stopped, forks hovered mid-air, and all eyes turned toward her. Mea lifted her head lazily from where she was resting against Eren’s shoulder, her magenta eyes sparkling with curiosity. Eren, meanwhile, stiffened like a deer caught in headlights.

“What’s going on?” Mea asked, tilting her head with an amused smile. “Something interesting, I hope?”

Levi shot Hange a glare so sharp it could have cut steel. “Nothing,” he barked, his voice firm. “Hange’s just lost her damn mind.”

Hange, still flustered, tried to recover. “Oh, yeah! Nothing at all. Just, uh… thinking about something funny I read earlier!” She laughed nervously, waving her hand dismissively.

Mea raised an eyebrow, unconvinced, but she didn’t push. Instead, she turned her attention back to Eren, who was clearly trying to pretend he wasn’t the subject of whatever had just happened. She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a playful whisper that was still loud enough for Levi to catch. “Eren, darling do you know what they’re talking about?”

Eren shook his head quickly, his face turning a faint shade of pink. “No idea.”

Mea chuckled, the sound soft and melodic. “Hmm. If you say so.”

Levi’s scowl deepened as he watched the interaction. Hange nudged him, her expression torn between amusement and concern. “Well, Captain, you weren’t wrong. She’s definitely got her claws in him.”

“It’s not funny,” Levi hissed. “He’s too damn naïve to handle someone like her.”

Hange sobered, glancing back at the pair. Mea was now teasing Eren about how stiffly he was holding his fork, while Eren mumbled something under his breath that made her laugh again. The whole scene felt oddly… domestic.

Hange leaned closer to Levi, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Do you think it’s because of the resemblance?”

Levi’s jaw tightened. “I don’t know. Doesn’t make sense. She hates Jason. Said she should’ve killed him when she first saw him. So why the hell would she be drawn to someone who reminds her of him?”

Hange chewed on her bottom lip, her mind racing. “Maybe it’s not the resemblance. Maybe it’s… something else. Eren’s energy, his determination—it’s a lot like Jason’s was, if the legends are to be believed. Maybe she’s drawn to that without realizing why.”

Levi crossed his arms, his frown deepening. “Or maybe she does realize and she’s keeping it to herself.”

Hange considered this, but before she could respond, Mea’s voice cut through the air. “Captain Shorty, are you just going to stand there brooding all night, or are you going to join us?”

Levi’s eyebrow twitched at the nickname. “Don’t call me that.”

Mea smirked, unbothered. “Oh, come on. You look like you could use a drink. I’ll conjure one just for you.”

Levi walked toward her slowly, his steps measured and deliberate. “I don’t want your damn drink.”

Mea feigned a pout. “So grumpy, as always. You should take a page out of Handsome Green Eyes’ book and learn to relax.”

Eren stiffened at the mention of his nickname, but Mea just gave him a playful wink, clearly enjoying his reaction.

Levi stopped a few feet away, his gaze hard. “Don’t think I’m not watching you, Witch. You can mess around all you want, but don’t forget why you’re here.”

Mea’s playful demeanor shifted slightly, her eyes narrowing just enough to remind everyone in the room of the power she held. “Oh, don’t worry, Captain. I haven’t forgotten.”

The tension in the room was palpable, and Hange cleared her throat, stepping between them with an exaggerated smile. “Well, this has been fun! But I think we should all finish eating before the food gets cold, don’t you?”

Mea relaxed first, her smirk returning as she leaned back against Eren. “Fine, fine. I’ll play nice—for now.”

Levi turned on his heel and headed for the exit, his cape swishing behind him. Hange followed, casting one last glance at Eren and Mea before lowering her voice to a whisper. “We need to keep an eye on them.”

Levi didn’t respond, but his grim expression said it all. As far as he was concerned, Eren getting closer to Mea was like walking a tightrope over a pit of spikes. It was only a matter of time before something—or someone—fell.

As Levi and Hange exited the mess hall, the tension they left behind seemed to dissipate, replaced by the lively chatter of the scouts. Mea wasted no time reclaiming her spot on Eren's lap, gracefully floating down as if it were her throne. Eren shifted slightly, clearly flustered, but didn’t make any effort to move her. Instead, his hands rested lightly on her legs, his fingers curling slightly as if testing the waters of their new proximity.

Mea noticed immediately, her magenta eyes gleaming with mischief. “Oh, Handsome Green Eyes,” she purred, threading her fingers through his hair. “Look at you, finally relaxing under my touch. Have I worked my magic on you already?”

Eren’s face turned an alarming shade of red, his eyes darting away as she leaned closer. “Mea, stop…” he mumbled, though his voice lacked any real conviction.

“Stop?” she teased, her lips curling into a smirk as she gently tugged a strand of his hair. “But you’re blushing so beautifully, Eren. I think I rather enjoy this reaction of yours.”

Across the table, Mikasa clenched her fists, her jaw tight as she tried to focus on her food. But her sharp gaze was fixed on the two of them, each flirtatious word and touch from Mea stoking her frustration. Mikasa had known Eren all her life. She had seen him grow from a determined child to a battle-hardened soldier, his focus unwavering when it came to their shared goal of survival and freedom.

But now? Now he was letting this witch turn him into a flustered mess. It was unacceptable.

Armin, sitting beside her, noticed the shift in her demeanor and immediately placed a hand on her arm. “Mikasa, don’t—”

Too late.

“Mea,” Mikasa’s voice cut through the room like a blade, halting the quiet laughter between Mea and Eren. All eyes turned to her, including those of Jean, Connie, Sasha, and even Goldfish Levi, who perked up at the sudden tension.

Mea turned her head lazily, not even bothering to lift herself off Eren’s lap. “Yes?” she drawled, her voice dripping with amusement.

Mikasa stood, her movements deliberate and controlled, but her fury was evident in the hard set of her jaw. “I don’t know what your game is, but it needs to stop. Eren has more important things to focus on than whatever this is.”

Mea blinked, her expression utterly unbothered. “Whatever this is? You mean me sitting here and simply enjoying Eren’s company?”

“It’s not just that,” Mikasa snapped, taking a step closer. “You’re distracting him. Manipulating him.”

Mea tilted her head, her lips twitching into a small smile. “Manipulating? That’s a strong accusation, don’t you think?”

“You need to find someone your own age,” Mikasa said coldly. “Leave Eren alone.”

Jean and Connie exchanged glances, both wide-eyed at the escalating confrontation. Sasha had stopped mid-bite, her fork frozen in the air as she watched with rapt attention. Goldfish Levi, meanwhile, floated higher for a better view, his beady eyes darting between Mikasa and Mea.

Mea, unphased, let out an exaggerated sigh and waved Mikasa off. “Blah, blah, blah,” she said dismissively, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “Are you done yet, little soldier? Because right now, you just sound jealous.”

Mikasa’s eyes flared with anger, and she took another step forward. “Jealous? Of what?”

Mea’s smirk widened as she leaned back against Eren’s chest, her fingers lightly brushing his jawline. “Oh, I don’t know,” she mused, her voice playful. “Maybe the fact that Eren’s attention is on me instead of you.”

“That’s not true,” Mikasa hissed, her fists clenching.

“Isn’t it?” Mea countered, her gaze sharp now, though her smile remained. “You’ve hovered around him for years, haven’t you? Protecting him, clinging to him. And yet here I am, barely trying, and he doesn’t seem to mind me one bit.” She trailed a finger along Eren’s cheek, making him flinch but still not pull away.

“Mikasa, stop,” Eren said, finally finding his voice. He pushed Mea’s hand away gently and glanced at Mikasa, his expression conflicted. “It’s not what you think. Just… drop it.”

But Mikasa wasn’t ready to back down. “Eren, she’s—”

The mess hall door burst open, cutting her off mid-sentence. A scout rushed in, his face pale and his breathing labored as if he’d run the entire length of HQ.

“Captain Levi!” the scout called, scanning the room before spotting Eren and the others. His panic was palpable, and the room immediately fell silent, the tension shifting from personal drama to something far more dire.

“What is it?” Eren asked, his tone sharp and commanding as he stood, gently easing Mea off his lap.

“Marleyan ships,” the scout said, his voice trembling. “They’ve been spotted off the coast. They’re heading straight for Paradis!”

The room erupted into chaos. Chairs scraped against the floor as the scouts leapt to their feet, their earlier arguments forgotten in an instant.

Levi and Hange reentered the mess hall, their expressions grim as they absorbed the news. Levi’s sharp gaze swept the room, landing on Mea, who was still standing beside Eren, her playful demeanor now replaced by a look of steely determination.

“Everyone to your posts,” Levi barked, his voice cutting through the noise. “Prepare for an attack.”

Mea’s eyes narrowed, her magenta irises glowing faintly as she glanced toward the exit, already sensing the faint ripple of energy from the approaching ships. “Well,” she said, her voice calm but edged with steel. “It seems the fun’s over. Time to see what these Marleyeans are made of.”

Eren glanced at her, his own expression hardening. “You’ll fight with us?”

Mea smiled faintly, the playful witch replaced by a formidable force. “Of course, darling. I wouldn’t dream of letting them hurt you.”

As the scouts scrambled into action, Levi’s gaze lingered on Mea. Despite his mistrust of her, he couldn’t deny that her power might be the only thing standing between them and destruction.

And for the first time, he found himself hoping that she truly was on their side.

~

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[ancestorsalive]

‘The ‘King of Stonehenge' - the grave of the Amesbury Archer is one of the most important discoveries in Europe. Found near Stonehenge, the burial is over 4000 years old. It is one of the earliest bell beaker graves in Britain.

The archer was 35–45 years old when he died and placed in a wooden chamber beneath a low mound.

His left kneecap was missing which would have caused him to have a bad limp. As a result, he had a straight left leg that swung out to the side while walking, and he likely experienced constant pain from a bone infection.

Tests on the enamel of his teeth indicate that he grew up in central Europe, but it is unclear how long he lived in Britain. He likely spent his childhood in the Alps region, specifically in Switzerland, Austria, or Germany.

The discovery of the Amesbury Archer is significant because he is the first example of a powerful elite. His grave contained an unusually large number and variety of objects.

They include five beaker pots, 18 arrowheads, two bracers (archer’s wristguards), four boars’ tusks, 122 flint tools, three copper knives, a pair of gold hair ornaments, and a cushion stone.

The gold and copper metal objects are currently the oldest found in Britain. Many of the other finds have strong continental links. Although he was buried with archery equipment the presence of the cushion stone suggests he was a metalworker.

Metalworking was a new skill and he may have brought this technique with him to Britain. This knowledge could have made him a powerful man explaining his wealthy burial.

In continental Europe metalworkers’ burials were often very elaborate.

You can see this amazing chap in Salisbury Museum, Wiltshire, England.

- Source: Rural Historia

[1hoverman0k]

(discovering designs for a wrench buried underground in 4000 year old ruins) the implications are fastening

[zerogate]

The role and use of cannabis in human culture is hard to underestimate, its use probably going back 10,000 years or more. We know for certain that it was grown in China and used in textiles since around 4000 BCE; inscriptions from the Zhou Dynasty (700–500 BCE) show that its effects as an inebriant plant were well known from that age onward, to culminate in a very explicit reference to its sacred powers.

In the Zhouli, a collection of ritual lyrics from the third century BCE, we find mention of fields of sacred hemp. Multiple sources suggest its effects and properties were well known. In addition, “the use of Cannabis as a hallucinogenic drug by necromancers or magicians is especially notable. It should be pointed out that in ancient China, as in most early cultures, medicine has its origin in magic. Medicine men were practicing magicians.” It was used to “communicate with spirits and lightens one’s body.”

In Taoist sources of the fifth century CE, we find mention of its use, mixed with ginseng, by necromancers to gain the power to foresee and make predictions about the future. Interestingly, a distinction is made between the medical properties of the nonpoisonous parts of the plant, used for prescriptions, and the ones containing the active principles, employed for magical activities:

Worthy of note is the work of the famous physician T’ao Hung-ching, of the 5th century A.D. In his Ming-i pieh-lu, he noted the difference between the nonpoisonous seeds [ma-tze] and the poisonous fruits [ma-fên]. Of the latter he said, ‘Ma-fên is not much used in prescriptions [now-a-days]. Necromancers use it in combination with ginseng to set forward time in order to reveal future events.

A later work, the Chêng-lei pên-ts’ao by T’ang Shêng-wei of the tenth century, contains a detailed description of the effects of the ma-fên. Even in this case, we find an appreciation of its medical properties paired by seemingly supernatural qualities:

Ma-fên has a spicy taste; it is toxic; it is used for wase diseases and injuries; it clears blood and cools temperature; it relieves fluxes; it undoes rheumatism; it discharges pus. If taken in excess it produces hallucinations and a staggering gait. If taken over a long term, it causes one to communicate with spirits and lightens one’s body.

[...]

Archeologists made a singular discovery inside the so-called Yanghai Tombs, in the northwestern Chinese region of Xinjiang: a small lidless basket was found placed near the remains of a forty-year-old Caucasoid male, together with his horse-riding equipment, bow, arrows, and musical instruments. A detailed study determined that the basket contains cannabis leaves, fruits, and shoots dating from 2,500 years ago. The funerary objects buried alongside the individual led scholars to identify him as a shaman:

The funereal objects in his tomb were richer than those in the others, which demonstrates his special status. Together with the musical instrument and the Cannabis, which are unique among the Yanghai Tombs, the shamanistic status of the deceased becomes all the more apparent. Due to its apparently prolonged use as a pestle, the inner surface of the wooden bowl containing Cannabis had become smooth, and one side became perforated. The Cannabis was presumably pulverized with a mortar before being consumed for psychoactive purposes. Thus, we assume that the deceased was more concerned with the intoxicant and/or medicinal value of the Cannabis remains…. The deceased, presumably a shaman, may have been mainly concerned with the ritual of communication between the human and the spirit world. The gift of Cannabis may have been to enable him to continue his profession in the afterlife.

[...]

The intoxicating qualities of hemp resin are mentioned in the Zend Avesta (around 600 BCE), while its use as inebriating incense is attested among the Assyrians since the ninth century BCE, enabling us to map an area stretching from the Middle East to eastern Asia where the drug was known and used for medical and ritual purposes.

In India, as already mentioned, its association with religion has been attested to for some time. In the Atharva Veda (between 1200 and 1000 BCE), it is mentioned as one of the five holiest sacred plants, addressed by the worshippers with special prayers: “The five kingdoms of plants, having Soma as their chief, we address; the darbha, hemp, barley, saha—let them free us from distress.”

[...]

It is especially relevant to mention the presence of cannabis in The Garland of Jewels of Yoga, attributed to Nagarjuna. This tantric text comments upon the effects of using cannabis as an effective way to confuse one’s enemies, making them believe they are the prey of evil spirits.

-- The Oxford Handbook of Global Drug History

[painwillpass]

the best feeling in the world is using your inhaler and immediately coughing up the 4000 year old malevolent and wicked spirit that was buried deep within your chest cavity

[peacemore-springs]

Is Dildo Use Really Only 40,000 Years Old?

The first dildos were made of stone, tar, wood, bone, ivory, limestone, teeth, and other materials that could be shaped as penises and that were firm enough to be used as penetrative sex toys. Scientists believe that a 20-centimeter siltstone phallus from the Upper Palaeolithic period 30,000 years ago, found in Hohle Fels Cave near Ulm, Germany, was used as a dildo. Prehistoric double-headed dildos have been found which date anywhere from 13 to 19,000 years ago. Various paintings from ancient Egypt around 3000 BCE feature dildos being used in a variety of ways. In the Middle Ages, a plant called the "cantonese groin" was soaked in hot water to enlarge and harden for women to use as dildos. Dildo-like breadsticks, known as olisbokollikes (sing. olisbokollix), were known in Ancient Greece prior to the 5th century BCE. In Italy during the 15th century, dildos were made of leather, wood, or stone. Chinese women in the 15th century used dildos made of lacquered wood with textured surfaces, and were sometimes buried with them. Nashe's early-1590s work The Choise of Valentines mentions a dildo made from glass. Dildos also appeared in 17th and 18th century Japan, in shunga. In these erotic novels, women are shown enthusiastically buying dildos, some made out of water buffalo horns.

Dildos were not just used for sexual pleasure. Examples from the Eurasia Ice Age (40,000-10,000 BCE) and Roman era are speculated to have been used for defloration rituals. This is not the only example of dildos being used for ritual ceremonies, as people in 4000 BCE Pakistan used them to worship the god Shiva.

Many references to dildos exist in the historical and ethnographic literature. Haberlandt, for example, illustrates single and double-ended wooden dildos from late 19th century Zanzibar. With the invention of modern materials, making dildos of different shapes, sizes, colours and textures became more practical.

[annebaron383]

Ancient Egyptian Boats: Vessels of the Nile

Egyptian boats so important at the Egyptian state and population are the examples of the early sea engineering. Navigation was a vital activity of early civilisations, and inspirational and functional objects transported by boats included people, goods and dieties along the river Nile, being the heart of ancient Egypt.

The first Egyptian boats were built about 4000 BC the boat makers used mere bundles of reed stems as their material. These boats were portable, briefly built, and nicely adapted to net fishing and short coastal trips or even river cruises. When trading and traveling requirements increased, they started constructing boats out of acacia and cedar woods which were stronger for long journeys.

The supremacy ofsvships evidently exists already by the Middle Kingdom (around 2000 BCE), but still Egyptians use only wooden boats equipped with sails. The boats of these people were specially designed and had a structure of the hull built using ropes tightly lashed instead of nails. This construction made the boats to be strong enough to handle some of the river current force. The boats they used were light, had large square sails for use in capture the wind and could also used for oars.

Religion had a closer relationship to boats in Egypt than in other areas. It was thought that they conveyed souls to the other world, like the boat of the sun god Ra undertook journey throughout the day and in the netherworld at night. It also included funerary boats meant to be used in the after-life, which where buried near the royal tombs.

The most known of all is the Khufu Ship which was found about in the precincts of the Great Pyramid of Giza in 1954. A 4600 years old boat of a length of 43 meters indicates theجوی(identity) high degree of utility of ship for the ancient Egyptians.

The items of this category represent both functional and spiritual aspects of Egyptian society and prove just how important the Nile and the boats were to them.

[head-post]

US state governors call on Biden and Trump to tackle migration crisis

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick harshly criticised President Joe Biden in an interview with Newsmax on Tuesday, linking a recent violent crime committed by illegal immigrants to the administration’s immigration policies and calling on Trump to directly confront Biden during the upcoming presidential debate.

On Prime News, Patrick spoke about the recent horrific crime in Texas that victimised a 12-year-old girl, Jocelyn. He said:

She was just a 12-year-old cellist out on the street. They asked her for directions, and they allegedly then took her. We have them on camera, took her to a bridge. They tied her hands behind her back. They tied up her ankles. They stripped her… Raped her. And then they strangled her… And then they dumped her in the river like she was just some rag doll.

Patrick stressed the brutality of the crime and its connection to border security. He noted:

If I’m the president, I just bring it down to Thursday night. Because on Thursday… she will be buried on the night of the debate. And I would look to the current president in the eye and say, we’ve had a girl raped in New York. We’ve had a mother of five killed in Maryland, and we’ve had a 12-year-old beautiful little girl tortured to death at the hands of people who are only in this country because of you.

He criticised the current administration’s actions on border security, sharply contrasting them with the policies of former President Donald Trump. Patrick stated:

People of America need to know the horror of the animals that are crossing the border. If 10 million get in 15 million at one percent, that’s 100 to 150,000 vicious criminals that are in this country attacking women and children, raping them, and killing them. And that needs to be front and center. It’s all on Joe Biden.

Patrick also continued:

Does the left have no heart? Does President Biden have no heart? Do they have no shame? Are they so cowered by the leftists and George Soros that they just allow this chaos to continue and see people die and have no empathy, sympathy, or concern for the parents or for this little girl? It makes me sick.

He also addressed liberal media stories about immigrant crime rates, excusing these people by claiming they commit crimes with less frequency than Americans. Patrick said:

Whenever they say that, it really infuriates me, he said. And, you know, one of the biggest judases on the planet is Michael Steele, the former chair of the RNC, who literally said on MSNBC this week, well, that was just speaking of Jocelyn. That was just one out of 11 million, just one. How about if that one is your daughter, your granddaughter, or your friend’s daughter, just one?

Discussing the situation in Texas, Patrick emphasised the effectiveness of action at the state level:

We had 3 to 4000 people a day crossing illegally because of Biden’s policies… In December, we went in there with our barbed wire… National Guard troops… state police, and now it’s less than ten people a day.

Patrick concluded by underlining the need for stronger action on the part of the federal government:

President Trump in his last term… finally… had that border secure. We did not have criminals with ankle bracelets raping little girls… So, the Trump administration knows how to fix the border. The Biden administration has blood on its hands. I’d take it to Biden Thursday night, and I would shame him.

Read more HERE

[the-reality-revolution]

Ancient Civilizations - The Silurian Hypothesis

It's called the Silurian Hypothesis. Basically, it states that human beings might not be the first intelligent life forms to have evolved on this planet and that if there really were precursors some 100 million years ago, virtually all signs of them would have been lost by now. It might seem obvious that we'd see the signs of such a civilization — after all, there were dinosaurs 100 million years ago, and we know that because we've found their fossils. But they were around for more than 150 million years. That's important because it's not just about how old the ruins of this hypothetical civilization would be, nor how widespread it was. It's also about how long it was around. Humanity has spread across the globe in a remarkably short amount of time — over the course of about 100,000 years. If another species did the same, then our chances of spotting it in the geological record would be a whole lot smaller. For decades the archaeological community labored under the theory that human civilization began after the last Ice Age. The theory conjectured that, prior to that time, humans were no more than primitive hunter-gatherers incapable of communal organization or sophisticated abilities, and it was only after the last glacial period—following the melting of the 10,000 foot thick ice sheets that covered much of the northern portion of the world’s continents—that our human ancestors began to develop agriculture and complex economic and social structures, sometime around 4000 B.C. Archaeologists therefore theorized that the first cities did not develop until about 3500 B.C. in Mesopotamia and Egypt. Contemporary discoveries have dramatically transformed those theories. Modern research has unearthed buried civilizations and discovered submerged cities one after another—archaeology and anthropology now reconstruct an unsuspected antiquity of man—fresh discoveries prove all history false and paint a canvas of stunningly mysterious dimensions. What if ancient civilizations existed. What would it mean? Let's discuss it.

[gaykarstaagforever]

We talk about the Ancient Egyptian religion like it was a monolith, but most of the renditions we have of it come from either royal or at least royal-adjacent sources. So of course it seems to center on very wealthy people being empowered by the Sun and the Nile to maintain universal order through seasonal rituals.

But what did the person making the sandals believe? Did the guy who worked at the brewery care about Horus and Maat and how bodies were oriented when they were buried? Like I assume the kid who fed the Apis Bull probably believed Ptah was real at least. But did they pray to him? Osiris and Isis were popular enough to be exported as pan-Greco-Roman cults, so we can assume they at least were popular with soldiers and other mobile upper class people.

But did the lady minding the vegetable stand know anything about the soul's harrowing journey with the Sun along the nightly realm-hours of the Subterranean Nile? Was this stuff part of the basic, predynastic folk religion that became this massive 4000-year-old mass cultural thing they dutifully kept going against all the odds? Or was this just ancient priestly turbo-nerd stuff?

Because if you were a laborer working on the Luxor Temple in the hot Egyptian sun 14 hours a day, I have to guess you might have a very different perspective on whether that blinding white bastard in the sky is a noble king who loves you as his child.

[jaipurtaxitour]

7 Famous Offbeat Rajasthan Experiences

7 Famous Offbeat Rajasthan Experiences

Few people are familiar with Rajasthan's many features, including its vibrant desert resort, Kathputlis, and palaces. Yes, we are in Rajasthan looking for unusual attractions and experiences. Try to look beyond the imposing palaces and ancient forts the next time you visit any of Rajasthan's magnificent cities to uncover the hidden stories of the villages and towns in the most unique way.

The villages of Rajasthan are home to hundreds of years of fascinating traditions, many of which will be lost with the older generation.

The harshest part of Rajasthan's summers, which last from April to June, see daytime highs of 48 C. If you are planning a summer trip to Rajasthan, consider visiting Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh, or Ranakpur. The weather is pleasant, and the scenery is breathtaking. In other cities, the weather is ideal for wandering outside in the early mornings and late evenings, but otherwise, it is best to stay indoors.

Here is a few amazing Tourist of Rajasthan:

1. Rural Udaipur · 2. Ride on Marwari horses · 3. Hot Air Balloon Jaipur · 4. Ghost Hunting 5. Mandawa · 6. Kumbhalgarh Fort · 7. Camping in the Golden Desert

Suggested Tour: Jaipur Mandawa Tour, Delhi Jaipur Pushkar Mandawa Tour, Rajasthan Tour Package,

Here are a few incredible Rajasthan experiences:

Rural Udaipur

If the old city of Udaipur, with its open drains and swarms of "hello madam" touts, is a turn-off for you, retreat to Mountain Ridge Homestay, nestled on a wooded hill away from town. Also see: Best Places to Visit in Udaipur

Piers and his team have lovingly and tastefully built this as your gateway to rural Udaipur, with its stunning mountain views and quaint tribal villages.

Ride on Marwari horses

Pure-bred Marwari horses arrived in Rajasthan with the Persians, and their numbers are dwindling as quickly as the state's royals' wealth. Landowners continue to raise these horses in small villages throughout the Pali district, and they are proud to be great riders.

Horse races are no longer held in these parts, but visitors are welcome for a rural ride. I'd never ridden before (except as a child in a tourist trap), but I had to wear my leg and headgear for a few minutes crash course, holding my reins and almost trotting like a pro!

Take a hot air balloon Ride. In Jaipur

The best way to explore the beauty of Rajasthan's desert cities and rustic old towns is to ride in a hot air balloon. Imagine gliding effortlessly across the Pink City and admiring aerial views of Jaipur's grand Amber Fort.

These excursions last about an hour and will provide you with the most exciting experience! This is the best time to get into adventure mode and fly 4000 feet in the air to treat your eyes like royalty! Pushkar hot air balloon rides are also not to be missed. Suggested Tour: Jaipur Sightseeing Tour

Also Read: Best 8 Offbeat Places to Visit in Jaipur 

Ghost Hunting

The mysteries of spirits and ghosts! Rajasthan is rife with unsolved mysteries and intriguing stories. Much is buried within the ancient Havelis and palaces of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, and other cities. The old walls and high ceilings are etched with terrifying tales from a bygone era.

Stories from Kuldhara's old ruins, Brijraj Bhavan, Jagatpura, and Bhangarh are among those that are both terrifying and incredible (in their own way). What follows are some colourful tales that people still believe.

  Mandawa

Mandawa, a small but beautiful town in Rajasthan's Shekhawati region, is located in the region's center. Mandawa appears as a mirage in the deserts. Mandawa is well-known and admired throughout the country for its magnificent vintage forts and havelis. It provides the tourist with an insight into past cultural and social practices.

Mandawa is now referred to as an Open-Air Art Gallery’ because of these paintings. You can also enjoy camel riding in Rajasthan which is one of the most exciting things to do.

Recommended Services: Jaipur Taxi Services

  Kumbhalgarh Fort

The Mewar region's highest, nearly invincible, and most formidable fort is only about 50 kilometres from Narlai. Rana Kumbha built Kumbhalgarh in the 15th century, and it is Maharana Pratap's birthplace. This magnificent fort attests to the Rajputs' valour and how even the mightiest Mughals were unable to take it on their own!

The 13 Aravalli Mountain peaks guard the fort of Kumbhalgarh. There are 360 temples within the fort's walls. Kumbhalgarh Fort is 700 years old but still in good condition, making it one of Rajasthan's hidden gems.

  Golden Desert Camping

If gazing at the stars and the endless sky is your favourite pastime, imagine doing so while lying on your back in desert silence. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan's Golden City, is well-known for providing such life-changing experiences. A number of tour operators in the city are organising camping in the middle of the desert, as well as bonfires and cultural activities.

You should go on camel rides and watch the sunset. It simply appears magical and sumptuous. Camping in the sand dunes is the best thing about Rajasthan, especially when they are Sam Sand Dunes, and it is perhaps the most unique way to experience the beauty of this region.

[english-history-trip]

A team of specialists from the universities of St Andrews, Reading, and Newcastle carried out the investigation of the site, which is a mound on Bodmin Moor, located in southwestern England. It consists of a rectangular bank of earth and stone formed with 56 standing stones, some measuring up to 1.8m, which are either leaning, recumbent or partially buried. It’s protected by Historic England, which listed it as an early medieval animal pen from around 1000 AD. However, there had been some speculation that due to integrated standing stones, the mound was much older.

The team used a technique called optically stimulated luminescence, or OSL – the date the mound to the neolithic period making it around 5500 years old – 4000 years earlier than previously thought. OSL is used to date when sediment was last exposed to light, prior to burial.