#Common Weal

[kaiserin-erzsebet]

I'll probably stop politics posting for a bit after this. But I will say, as someone old enough to remember very clearly:

This feels so much like 2016. The realization of what people are willing to support is the hardest part. Because truly, there's been so much available information and people still made their choice.

And speaking only for myself, this time it is harder to take the "just get through the next four years" mentality. We've done it once and there has been such a shift to the right anyway. The cycle of hoping sincerely that the majority of people will see the issues and vote for imperfect candidates to prevent worse is draining.

Left-leaning politics, now and historically, have rested on the idea that people will vote for the common weal, and with time it is getting harder to put faith in that idea.

This shows that 2016 wasn't an aberration to an otherwise functional system. That scares me and I think it should scare us all a bit.

[veganterrorist]

Vegan Primitivism (Veg-Primitive)

Related to but wholly separate from veganarchism (total liberation), vegan primitivism is a form of veganism dedicated to primitivity and strength. Focusing on a 'return to nature' ethos in combination with the raw physicality that a primitive lifestyle entails, this is a strength based return to man's roots, one where man lives in harmony and symbiosis with the natural world. Man was always supposed to live in harmony with mother nature, not exploit or take advantage of her. In order to defend mother nature from the agents of its total destruction it stands to reason that man must be strong enough to defend her with his life. Contrary to the typically non-violent and/or pacifist approach many standard vegans adopt, vegan primitives are ready for the violent defence of their ideals towards an oppressive, opportunistic population that seeks to dismantle the very foundations of the natural world, exploiting her until there's nothing left. Violence isn't the aim but there are few greater tools in your arsenal. If violence must be employed, this necessitates that one be as strong as humanly possible in order to defend yourself and challenge the oppressors which all too often face little opposition themselves. The only way to combat strength is through superior strength. The vegan primitivist's body is a well-honed tool—or weapon—used in overcoming any obstacle or ideological hurdle one may face. Intelligence, strength, and will, some of man's greatest traits, are of paramount importance, all in the protection of the natural world. Liberated from the exploitation of other species, we can then focus on peace and harmony, small communities, or 'tribes', of people that are united in the shared goal of a simple life, emancipated from the slavery of other species, and the promotion of life and liberty for the common weal and wellbeing of each tribe. There is no social media, no advanced technology, etc., no pollutants that would otherwise poison an healthy population. Outdoor activity like hiking and mountaineering, foraging, indoor activity like simple cookery and reading, and combat training, are then emphasised as hobbies and undertakings. There is joy to be found in simplicity and we need only choose to return to a simpler way of life to achieve this happiness and relocate our once human connection to mother nature and the natural world.

This is just a series of initial thoughts about vegan primitivism and I will expand on these as a practicable lifestyle and philosophy when I'm able to.

[cipher-the-sidhe]

I just!! Imagine them both meeting and bonding over being taught magic by these amazing celestial jesters! Being cared for and granted both live and power when everyone else they love is gone. I think they’d get along famously.

Rolling around in a sand pit of ‘Weal and Woe’ and ‘Double Toil and Trouble’ (by @pure-plum and @naffeclipse respectively) and screaming. Something about these two AUs drives me absolutely insane and I want to squish warlock!y/n and witch!y/n together like two marshmallows.

[the-eyeless-watcher]

hear my nonsense out

in the wiki it is stated that

"All godlike share one common function: They act as failsafes for the gods, who can elect to possess their bodies if they are killed or used as living batteries to empower the gods with their souls. With thousands of godlikes across the world, it's a potent reservoir of power. The gods think nothing of this potential mass sacrifice, believing theirs is the greater good."

so ummmmm, avowed? what if you are weal, weal canonically has no godlikes that we know of, and the dude is God of dreams, secrets, mysteries, and revelations.like this guy would have a great time fucking with himself by making him forget who he is when possessing someone. idk think about it.

[crazyunsexycool]

Val!!

The more I read about honey bee, the more excited I am to read her story!

Since Lotti can see the future, she’s the probably the first to know many things about bee. Can you just imagine everyone at the compound trying to bribe her some way into revealing anything about the little Rogers on the way?!!

Lottie would have a blast taking bribes but she wouldn’t say anything important.

Tell me something…

Warning: talks of baby, gender, pregnancy.

Nat:

“Hey Lots of Love.” Nat called out to Lottie as she walked past a common room. “C’mere a sec.”

“Hi auntie Nat.”

“Hi, Lots.” Nat smiles sweetly at her. “I have a question.” Nat says as Bucky, Sam, Clint, Wanda and Vision all sit around and listen. “Do you know what Steve and Y/N are having?”

Lottie gives her a cheeky smile and nods. “I see it.”

“Will you tell me?”

Lottie purses her lips and tilts her head as she thinks it over.

“I’ll get you new headbands and bows.”

“Ok.” Lottie says and waves for Nat to come over.

Nat keeps a neutral expression as Lottie whispers in her ear. “A baby.” Lottie pulls back and gives Nat a mischievous grin before skipping away.

“What did she say?” Sam asks.

“I’m not telling.” Nat would never admit to being bested by a kid.

****

Sam:

“Hey Sugar cube.” Sam calls Lottie.

“Hi uncle Sammy.”

“I need to know something about Baby Rogers.” Sam says. “Who is Baby Rogers going to look like?”

“I can’t say anything.”

“I’ll buy you more arts and crafts supplies.”

Lottie thinks it over for a moment. “You buy me slime stuff?”

“Whatever you want.”

“Ok.” Lottie says and leans in, cupping her mouth with her hands. “She wooks wike her parents.” Then leaves with a smile on her face. Leaving Sam frustrated.

****

Wanda:

“You can’t use your magic auntie Wanda.” Lottie says as Wanda walks up behind her.

“Who says I was going to, munchkin?”

Lottie turns around to face her aunt. A look on her face that said ‘really?’. “I see it, duh.”

“Fine my very smart and lovely munchkin.” Wanda walks around the couch and sits next to Lottie, pulling her in to her side. “Do know what Bee says first?”

Lottie puts a hand over her mouth as if to let Wanda know she won’t tell her.

“Would you tell me if I promise to buy you a new dress?”

Lottie nods again, a small mischievous smile on her face. “She says a word.” Lottie hops off the couch laughing hard at Wanda’s pouty expression.

****

For weeks everyone on the team kept asking Lottie questions. Every single time she gave vague answers. Somehow she managed to get a bunch of new toys, clothes, arts supplies, candies and more. It was hilarious to watch the adults get frustrated. Eventually they all sat Lottie down to get to the bottom of the mystery.

“Lottie why haven’t you given us real answers?” Sam asks, he’s spent the most money since he wanted to get more information before Bucky.

“You no ask weal questions.”

“What do you mean we haven’t asked real questions?”

With a roll of her eyes and a smirk Lottie says, “Mama says you habe to be pacific if you want a good answuh.”

“Specific, sweet Angel.”

“Yeah, that.” Lottie nods.

“Fine,” Bucky sits up straighter. “Who will be Baby Roger’s favorite uncle, me or Sam?”

“What do I get?”

“What do you want?” Bucky asks without hesitation.

“I want you an mama to have anothuh baby.”

“Ok.”

“No way.” Both you and Bucky say at the same time. Your head whips around to look at him. “Peanut is barely a year old we aren’t having another baby yet.”

“But we will at some point. That counts right, Doll?”

“Nope.” Lottie says while getting up. “I no gibe more answers.” She says before leaving.

****

Honey is resting on the couch, a book in one hand and a drink in the other. She has her back against Steve’s chest as he also reads while a hand rests on Honey’s baby bump. The front door opens and Lottie runs into the living room. She’s giggling as she makes her way over to the couple.

“Hi, sweetheart. What have you been up to?” Steve asks, setting his book aside.

“Everyone was asking questions.”

“And?” Honey asks, her interest peaked.

“I no say anything. Uncle Sammy and daddy wanna know the most stuff”

“Good job sweetheart.” Steve chuckles.

Lottie looks up at Honey and then her belly.

“Go ahead.”

“Hi baby Bee.” Lottie places a hand over Honey’s belly. “Everyone wants to meet you alweady but I’ll be your bestest friend.”

She gasps when she gets a little kick as a reply.

[fred-the-god]

I return with AU time once again!

(sketchbook edition)

This is for my Sanders sides witch au that I've posted about before

I finally got inspiration for Logan and Patton(so they ended up in one post, and I drew them on the bus)

Logan is a witch with low amounts of raw magic, but a shit ton of knowledge. He might not have a lot of magic, but he knows how to use it well. Because of this he employs the use of a wand, and flashcard with spells. The use of a wand isn't too common, as it kinda looked down upon and seen as to much of a hassle/training weals that you're supposed to grow out of. But he's found it works really well for him

Patton is half human half fey, he doesn't have that much magic as far as he's aware, but he's able to affect people's emotions, and maybe more? He is supposed to look kinda frog-like because I love him being a frog and you cannot take that away from me.

Also "we have the same glasses" will forever be a cannon event in all my AUs.

There might come a more cleaned up version in the future

[cangse-sanren]

Original show dialogue: 令君 你跟我 就不要说那些洪别人的客套话啦 我给了令君绝对实权 也就要给令君绝对的信任 宛若民间夫妻 互相谁没个小秘密小心思 但临大事 则能同甘共苦 肝胆相照 不独夫妻间该如此 你我之间 亦该如此

My version: Magistrate, we don’t need to speak politely like with others. I’ve given you real power, and I also give you my absolute confidence. Just as common husbands and wives keep little secrets or thoughts from one another, yet if large problems arise, they can then share weal and woe with utter devotion; not only should man and wife act thusly, but you and I should as well.

For comparison:

Viki subs: Lord Magistrate, you do not have to tell those polite formulas me as to other people. I gave you an absolute and real power. I also gave you my absolute trust. Just like commoners, caring about each other without sharing each secret or small issue, but in the face of great events, sharing joys and sorrows and being in perfect sympathy with each other. This is not only a connection between a common husband and wife but also between you and I.

YouTube subs: Minister, you and me don’t need those holiday words. I gave you real authority. I will give you absolute trust as well. Just like husband and wife, [w]e all have little secrets and thoughts, but when faced the important event we can go through together, trusting each other. Not only the husband and wife should be like that. We should be like that as well.

[loominggaia]

...Zareen Capital City was notorious for gang violence and gun crimes, so the mercenaries geared up as if they were on their way to slay monsters before hitting the streets. So many years of mercenary experience taught them to be ready for anything.

The locals were not as fearful it seemed, for everyone else on the bus was dressed in casual Zareenite-style fashions. Their clothes were made of synthetic fibers in vivid hues, bearing many different corporate logos. Dyed hair was common, and Zareenites seemed to prefer neon colors like electric blue and hot pink.

Evan ushered his crewmen into seats before taking the last one available, parking himself next to a dworfen father and his small son. The little boy was as round as a pot, wearing a t-shirt with a cartoon hoopsnake on it.

He stared up at Evan for a long time, marveling at his shiny steel plates and heavy blue cloak. Evan noticed the child staring and regarded him with a friendly smile. Only then did the boy feel comfortable enough to point to the sword sheathed at his hip and ask, “Is dat a weal swode?”

“Why yes, it is!” Evan replied with enthusiasm.

The boy smiled and added, “I wike yo armo! Awe you a bideo game?”

Evan cocked his head. “Er, say again?”

“He's asking if you're a video game character,” his father answered. “That's an impressive costume you got there, it almost looks real! You guys must be on your way to a convention, huh?”

“Ah, I see. This is not a costume, actually. I'm a mercenary, and my crew and I are on our way to visit a friend in your fine city,” Evan told him.

The man chuckled. “Oh, sure,” he said with a wink. “I gotta say, you got that old-timey accent down perfectly!”

-Excerpt from the upcoming story "ChroMight Technologies"

Evan is a bideo game confirmed!

*

Questions/Comments?

Lore Masterpost

Read the Series

[cursedreverie1945]

Was Heydrich Jewish? Honestly, it all depends on who you ask.

Bruno's father (Reinhard's grandfather) was a carpenter but had died in 1916. His mother married a mechanic named Gustav Süss.

Although he was not a Jew, Süss was a common German-Jewish name at the time. "The clear implication is that Heydrich senior was Jewish, and throughout his life Reinhard Heydrich sought to suppress details of his Jewish ancestry. "From his mother's gravestone he is said to have erased the suggestive middle name of Sarah."

Except, modern records show her name as Elisabeth Anna Maria Amalia Krantz

"His mother, Sarah Elisabeth Krantz, a Roman Catholic, was the daughter of his father's teacher, who was the director of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Dresden." - Spartacus Educational

According to André Brissaud, the author of the Nazi Secret Service (1972), Reinhard Heydrich's grandmother was Jewish. Once again, in modern history, there is no proof of this. Was the damn Moose able to erase history that well?

Author Adrian Weale, has pointed out that Heydrich had a serious illness as a child: "At around six months old he suffered an inflammation of the brain that endangered his life, and this was followed by a succession of other illnesses. To overcome this, his father encouraged him to take up as many sports as possible, including running, horse-riding, football, swimming and fencing."

Shlomo Aronson, the author of Reinhard Heydrich (1971) claims that when at school the other children taunted him about being Jewish.

Peter Padfield suggests that "Bruno was in appearance and manner just what many of the good citizens of Halle took to be Jewish." He goes on to argue: "Reinhard, an introspective lad who was at a vulnerable age at the time, was particularly disturbed and despite his father's denials wondered if this dark, rather comical, pushing figure did perhaps have Jewish origins, and become confused and resentful."

Supposedly, upon joining the German Navy in 1922 as an officer cadet, Heydrich became active in anti-semitic circles and told a fellow sailor: "the old Heydrich cannot be a Jew if his Reinhard is such a rampant anti-semite".

Heydrich has been described during this period as "a gangling youth over six feet tall, with very light blond hair, striking light-blue eyes set rather close and a beak of a nose dominating his long and equine face. He had a high voice and a bleating laugh, on account of which he was called the Ziege - nanny-goat."

So, WAS Reinhard Heydrich Jewish? Nobody knows. Honestly, he probably had Jewish family members. It wasn't that uncommon. Were they blood related? Nobody knows that either.

I hope he didn't. Not for any racial reason. No, somehow it makes it worse for what he did to the Jewish population if he was Jewish.

[fellow-weary-traveler]

Intendant of the Building Morals and Dogma - Chapter VIII

Part V The most striking feature of the political state is not governments, nor constitutions, nor laws, nor enactments, nor the judicial power, nor the police; but the universal will of the people to be governed by the common weal. Take off that restraint, and no government on earth could stand for an hour.

[1five1two]

Here is the core of evil, the burning hell without let-up,

The canker corrupting all things, Fafnir the worm,

Syphilis of the State, of all kingdoms

Wart of the common-weal,

Wenn-maker, corrupter of all things

Darkness the defiler

Twin evil of envy,

Snake of the seven heads, Hydra, entering all things

Passing the doors of temples defiling the grove of Paphos,

neschek, the crawling evil,

slime, the corrupter of all things,

Poisoner of the fount,

of all fountains, neschek,

The serpent, evil against Nature's increase,

Against beauty.

Ezra Pound

[theblackdahliaemporium]

Greek Deity: Hestia

𝓖𝓸𝓭𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓗𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓪

Hestia was the Greek virgin Goddess of the hearth, home, and hospitality. In Greek mythology, she is the eldest daughter of Kronos & Rhea. In her role as a protector of the family and political community, sacrifices and offerings were regularly made to Hestia at the hearth within each private home and at the town or city’s communal hearth. In some myths, the goddess voluntarily relinquished her place amongst the gods on Mount Olympus, swapping with Dionysus, because she prefers to withdraw form godly affairs and it sure of a fond welcome in any mortal city she chooses.

MEMBER OF THE TWELVE OLYMPIANS

ABODE: MOUNT OLYMPIANS

One of the 4 Wisdom Goddesses within you. Hestia is the Goddess of Meditative Wisdom.

“Hestia shook her head. “I am here because when all else fails, when all the other mighty gods have gone off to war, I am all that’s left. Home. Hearth.””

HESTIA IS THE GODDESS OF:

· House

· Home

· The family hearth

· The civic flame

· The state

· Family

· The sacrificial flame

· Domesticity

FAMILY:

· Parents: Kronos and Rhea

· Siblings: Demeter, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, Zeus; Chiron (half)

· Consort: None

· Children: None

ATTENDANTS:

· Nymphai

EPITHETS:

· Cult Epithets:

o Bulaea- Of the council.

o Polyolvos- Rich in Blessings

· Poetic Epithets:

o Aidios- Eternal

o Basileia- Queen

o Khloomorphos- Verdant

o Poteinotati- Beloved

IDENTIFIED WITH:

· Vesta (Roman)

· Tabiti (Scythian)

SYMBOLS & ATTRIBUTES:

· Symbols: Hearth, kettle or kettledrum, Modest head-veil, flame, cauldron

· Plants & Trees- Poppy, goldenrod, hollyhock, yarrow, angel’s trumpet

· Animals- pigs, cows, donkeys, cranes

· Scents: Angelica, Iris, Lavender, Peony, Amber, Frankincense, Chamomile, Myrrh

· Stones & Metals: Amethyst, Garnet, Gold, Silver, Brass, Quartz, Vanadinite

· Colors: gold, white, orange, red, lavender

· Planets & Days:

· Month: December

Offerings:

· Sweet wine, olive oil, food burned in fireplace, fresh fruit, domesticity, receiving of guests, milk, honey, tea, white flowers, candles, pottery, small kitchen antiques, pictures of family,

DEVOTIONAL ACTS:

o Donate to those who have lost their homes.

o Donate to food banks

o Spend some time by the fireplace.

o Read poetry or a book.

o Clean your house.

o Learn how to cook or bake.

o Learn how to sew, knit, crochet etc.

o Take care of your physical and mental health.

o Bake home-made bread.

o Set aside the first bite of your meal for Hestia.

o Host celebrations at your home.

Prayer to Hestia-

Hestia, Gracious Goddess who sits at the heart of each home, Who lives in the heart of each one who reveres you, Each one who holds you dear, Each one who turns to you for strength and harmony. Hestia, goddess most needful, goddess most serene, goddess most esteemed, the heart of the city is yours Great Goddess; within your realm are those who serve the state, who work for the good of all. Your blessings fall on the Honest, goddess, your wrath on the corrupt, on those who betray their trust for gain. Defender of the householder, Guardian of the hearth fire, Hestia, I praise and Honor you.

RITUALS AND FESTIVALS-

o Typically invoked for matters concerning family, households, and the state.

o Rites at the hearths of public buildings.

o A common practice that she was respected by being offered the first and last libations of wine at feasts.

o In Naucratis, people dines in the Prytaneion on the natal day of Hestia Prytanitis.

Orphanic Hymn to Hestia-

"Queen Hestia, daughter of mighty Kronos, You dwell in the center of the home with your vast everlasting fire. you purify the initiated of these rites, Inspire endless youth, wealth, benevolences, and holiness. You are the dwelling-place of the happy Gods and the strong support of mankind. Eternal, many-formed, beloved, and verdant. Smiling, happy one, accept these offerings with kindness, Breath upon us weal and soothing health."

SOURCES:

o www.theoi.com

o www.Greekpagan.com

o www.Hellenicgods.org

o Ancient Greek cults by J. Larson

o www.teaandrosemary.com

[queenmarytudor]

Mary I's Fight For The Throne

16th July - Mary is optimistic

Lord Wentworth arrives at Framlingham "to avoid the appearance of breaking his pledge, clad in splendid armour", 1 along with other men including Sir Richard Cavendish.

Mary is told Sir John Williams has proclaimed her queen in Oxfordshire 2, and when she learns of Edward Hastings and Edmund Peckham's rebellion sends scouts back with rewards, "so that when they had returned they could let their own people know that their efforts and their loyalty expanded with such resolution and eagerness for their sovereign were very welcome to her Highness; that she was now protected by forces of ample strength and took sure hope, God willing, for a future victory, but that the enemy was too near for her to use their forces or assistance." 3

Mary also receives a letter from the Mayor of Thetford requesting aid from rebels, presumably Northumberland's men. She tells them in a similar optimistic tone that "the expectation is that the pride of the enemy shall in such short space be abated, that they of Thetford may be out of all doubt of their conceived fear." 4

Meanwhile...

Jane writes to Justices of the Peace: "Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well. Albeit that our estate in this imperial Crown whereof we be actually and really possessed, as may appear by our procIamaction, wherein our title is published, is not or can be any wise doubtful to all such our good and faithful subjects, as, setting blind affection apart, do in reason and wisdom consider the very foundation and ground of our tytle, with the great commodities thereby coming thorough God's providence to the preservation of our common weale and policy, yet for that we understand the Ladye Marye doth not cease by Ietters in her name, provoked thereto by her adherents enemies of this realm, to publish and notify slandorously to divers of our subjects, matter derogatory to our title and dignity royal, with the slanders of certain of our nobility and council. We have thought meet to admonish and exhort you, as our true and faithful subjects, to remain fast in your obedience and duty to the imperial Crown of this realm, wheerof we have justly the possession, and not to be removed any ways from your duty by slanderous reports, or of Ietters dispersed abroad, either by the said Lady Marye, or by her adherents, for truly like as the nobility of realm, our Council, our prelates, our judges, and learned men, and others, good, wise, godly, and natural subjects, do remain fast and surely in their allegiance towards us, ready to adventure their lives, lands, and goods, for our defence, so can a great number of the same nobility, council, and judges truly testify to all the world in saving of their conscience, how carefully and earnestly the late king of famous memory, our dear cousin king Edward the sixth, from time to time motioned and provoked them partly by persuasions, partly commandments, to have such respect to his succession, if god should call him to his mercy without issue, as might be the preservation of the crown in the whole undefiled English blood. And therefore of his own mere motion, both by grant of his Ietters patents, and by declaration of his will, established the successors as it is declared by our proclamation. And for the testimony hereof to the satisfaction of such as shall conceive any doubt herein, we understand that certain of our nobility have written to you at this present in some part to admonish you of your duties, and to testify their knowledge of the truth of our title and right. Wherefore we leave to proceed further therein being assured in the goodness of god that your hearts shall be confirmed to owe your duty to us your Sovereign Lady, who mean to preserve this Crown of England in the royal blood, and out of the dominion of strangers and papists, with the defence of all you our good subjects, your lives, lands, and goods, in our peace, against the invasions and violences of all foreign or inward enemies and rebels. Given under our Signet at o' Tower of London, the xvi'' day of July, in the first year of our Reign." 5

Jane shuts the Tower of London gates, and orders the keys sent to her. 6

Bishop Ridley preaches a second sermon against Mary on the streets of London. 7

In Cambridge, Bishop Edwin Sandys preaches against Mary, using a chalice and missal "which Sir George Howard with certain of the Guard had taken that night in M. Huddlestone's house where lady Mary had been a little before, and there had Mass." 8

Following the burning of Sawston Hall, the Earl of Warwick and George Howard argue. Fighting breaks out amongst their camp, and George Howard leaves for Mary "with 50 of the King's best horses." 9

Sources:

1. Vita Mariae Angliae Reginae of Robert Wingfield

2. Chronicle of Queen Jane and Queen Mary

3. Vita Mariae Angliae Reginae of Robert Wingfield

4. Acts of Privy Council, Vol. 4

5. The Loseley manuscripts

6. Chronicle of Queen Jane and Queen Mary

7. Spanish State Papers, 22nd July 1553

8. The Acts and Monuments, John Foxe

9. Spanish State Papers, 20th July 1553

[blackrose-ffxiv]

19. Weal

CW: Needles (non-hypodermic)

"If you do not stop squirming and whining I will give you something proper to whimper about." The chirurgeon threatened, fingers curling tightly around the wrist that he had pinned to the table. A small dining table where the remains of afternoon tea sat a short ways away growing cold in its neglect. Medical tools and tinctures scattered between plates and saucers. He gripped firmly enough that the points of nails manicured to wicked points began to bite into skin. "It is unseemly for a Knight." The title was spat as though it was a four-letter word.

The Knight forced himself to still, his gaze turned aside to avoid watching the other work. It was never pleasant and sometimes it was better not to know when treatment would resume. How many bells had this been dragging on for now? Barely even one, if the nearby chronometer was to be believed yet it had felt like an eternity.

"If you had simply come to me immediately, we could have avoided all of this. A fresh wound is far easier to treat than one already several moons' healed." Lebeaux continued to chastise as he lowered his eyes back down to his work. "Fixing or removing scars is so much more tedious and time-consuming than preventing them to begin with. I suppose painful as well, if your carrying on is anything to go by." He noted before he slipped another long, slender needle into the damaged skin along the taller elezen's skin and drew another quiet noise of protest from the impatient patient.

"I do not mind the scars. Is it not stranger to be a survivor of the War with only the one? It speaks of cowardice, of fleeing the field rather than risk injury..." Anselme countered carefully, turning to look back at the chirurgeon. As soon as he turned his head it was immediately turned aside again with the force of Lebeaux's backhand. While the strike itself smarted, it was the seething anger he'd seen in icy blue eyes before the strike that hurt far worse. He lifted a hand absent-mindedly to gingerly touch the weal already rising red and angry along a sharp cheekbone. The contact stung fiercely, but it was nearly a pleasant distraction compared to the pain when the chirurgeon resumed treatment.

"Why is it honorable to bear the evidence of your mistakes in your skin for all to see." Lebeaux demanded, directing searing aether into the needles lined up to create a precise point of focus under scar tissue. "Where is the glory in having to be reminded of your failures each time you catch your reflection in the looking glass." He continued as he worked. An argument they had time and time again without ever reaching common ground. The discoloration slowly burned out of the keloid to leave it matching the skin surrounding it, though the raised mark remained. Near-invisible save for close inspection or direct touch.

"Nonetheless, you yourself agreed to assist me however I may need. Are you intending to go back on your word." Lebeaux accused, suspecting the Knight was no longer listening as Anselme had lowered his forehead down to the table and begun banging his other hand slowly against the surface with his fingers clenched into a tight fist. Firmly enough to rattle teacups and silverware. "Stop that. Would you rather I dug the scar tissue out and sealed the skin behind it."

"... no." Came the miserable response, half muffled against the wooden surface. "To both." Slowly he picked up his head, trying to distract himself by changing the subject as he looked to his brother again. "I think you have mastered the technique. The coloring has not come back to any of the scars you have treated. Is it not already perfected? Are you intending to use it on-"

The question was left unfinished and more certainly unanswered, silenced by a firm strike to the other side of his face to balance the reddened skin. Indicating that Lebeaux would not be fielding any more questions. Anselme sank lower in his chair to rest his chin in the palm of the hand not currently pinned to the table. His palm digging firmly into a freshly-stinging cheek until it near made his eyes water. The familiar pain a welcome distraction from the burning in his shoulder as well as the ache in his chest.

[wonder-worker]

Late medieval and early modern people were increasingly more creative in their reactions to official and elite discourse; hence the crown had to adjust to this new reality to show concern with dialogue. Although the surviving proclamations about wars, truces, and peace treaties do not show special appropriations, the very fact that they were widely distributed shows a willingness to engage in an interaction. In the Yorkist period they were ordered at least four times between the 1460s and 1470s, and in 1471 the truce with Scotland was alleged to be ‘for the weal’ of both realms. More successfully, the old popular title to the crown of France was frequently used to secure taxation, despite the occasional failures. In parliament, the government argued in 1474 that the problem of a great number of ‘disbanded soldiers’ after the late civil wars could only be solved by an expedition to France—which had been the key to success of past monarchs, even Henry VI who was a notable example of failure in that regard. This rhetoric ensured the initial granting of funds by parliament and became a central part of William Worcester’s Boke of Noblesse in 1475—a mirror of the commendable English past in France since Edward III. Henry VII attempted the same strategy between 1489 and 1492, with relatively limited success. Similar vocabulary was repeated in 1502, when Henry was urging his people to take action against the Turks, and in 1514–15 when peace was agreed with France. Even proclamations about the intercourse of merchandise in the 1490s made clear the shared concerns between commons, merchants, and the government. The increased resistance to war levies should not necessarily imply that the title to the crown of France became unpopular but that the dialogue also increased in that respect, and the ‘negotiation’ occasionally proved fruitful to the commons—such as in 1525. All these measures, therefore, might well have sounded quite responsive and self-explanatory as they offered news that justified the extraction of taxation, lengthy negotiations, the mustering of troops, and both failed and successful military expeditions.

The crown also echoed various public concerns about economic and social issues which were likely to cause murmuring among the people. In 1464, Edward IV decided to solve the scarcity of coins in the kingdom, stating that although seditious language was being raised, anyone who had reasons to think the measure was not ‘for the common weal but rather a loss and hurt, [should] come before him and his council and show them’. Such readiness to engage in dialogue is again evident in his skilful claims that he would ‘live upon [his] own resources’ in the parliament of 1467— an echo of the manifestoes of Jack Cade’s rebellion in 1450 and the Kentish men in 1460. In July 1483 Richard III allegedly responded to the ‘clamor, grugge, and complaints’ that people in England were raising against the difference in the value of the Irish coins—an issue which would be raised another three times in the 1490s. Another great concern was with the availability, or more importantly the scarcity, of grain. The enforcement of statutes against illegal trading of grain was particularly addressed in 1491 as being a policy aimed at the ‘common weal’ of the subjects, then similarly several times in Henry VIII’s reign. Mendicancy was treated similarly, as it was commonly believed that beggars carried the seeds of revolt, spread rumours, robbed and murdered the people, and meant the decay and ruin of the commonwealth. The enforcement of local jurisdiction, especially in suppressing extortion, was likewise propagated as part of the ‘advancement of the commonwealth’. Consequently, by responding to such popular concerns, the crown was not only echoing the voices of the people but also legitimising them.

-Wesley Corrêa, "Political Dialogue, Exchange, and Propaganda: Or, How Yorkist and Early Tudor Governments Managed Public Opinion, c. 1461–1537", "Loyalty to the Monarchy in Late Medieval and Early Modern Britain, c.1400–1688"

[thefisherqueen]

Letters from Watson's The Sussex Vampire it is this evening! Such an itriguing title. A vampire? Really?

“You are right, Watson. I bet Watson glowed with pride at those words

The world is big enough for us. No ghosts need apply. Ok I love that

“Cheeseman's, Lamberley. Where is Lamberley, Watson?” “It is in Sussex, south of Horsham.” Holmes sometimes really treats Watson as a walking atlas or newspaper. I don't think that Watson minds

It was one of the peculiarities of his proud, self-contained nature that though he docketed any fresh information very quietly and accurately in his brain, he seldom made any acknowledgment to the giver. Ok, maybe he does mind

indeed the matter is so extraordinarily delicate that it is most difficult to discuss Really delicate this time, or delicate like a student trying to cheat again?

The lady was very beautiful, but *steels for racism and misogyny*

Twice the wife was caught in the act of assaulting this poor lad in the most unprovoked way. Once she struck him with a stick and left a great weal on his arm. This was a small matter, however, compared with her conduct to her own child, a dear boy just under one year of age. On one occasion about a month ago this child had been left by its nurse for a few minutes. A loud cry from the baby, as of pain, called the nurse back. As she ran into the room she saw her employer, the lady, leaning over the baby and apparently biting his neck. There was a small wound in the neck from which a stream of blood had escaped. A violent and biting wife. So, some real vampire-like behaviour then. Not what I expected

To him it seemed as wild a tale as it may now seem to you. He knew his wife to be a loving wife, and, save for the assaults upon her stepson, a loving mother. Why, then, should she wound her own dear little baby? He told the nurse that she was dreaming, that her suspicions were those of a lunatic, and that such libels upon her mistress were not to be tolerated. Believe her, idiot!

So what are Holmes and Watson going to do this time? Interrogate this vampire lady? Deduce and remove the perfectionally rational and existing thing that suddenly makes her want to drink her baby's blood? I really can't see where this story is heading

P. S. I believe your friend Watson played Rugby for Blackheath when I was three-quarter for Richmond. It is the only personal introduction which I can give. “Of course I remembered him,” said I as I laid down the letter. “Big Bob Ferguson, the finest three-quarter Richmond ever had. Fanfic writers really ran away with this, avidly pointing to Ferguson as Watson's first crush on another man. I can't really blame them

Holmes looked at me thoughtfully and shook his head. “I never get your limits, Watson,” said he. “There are unexplored possibilities about you. I love this. So easy to picture Holmes looking at Watson like he is a beautiful, ever interesting puzzle

I had remembered him as a long, slab-sided man with loose limbs and a fine turn of speed which had carried him round many an opposing back. There is surely nothing in life more painful than to meet the wreck of a fine athlete whom one has known in his prime. His great frame had fallen in, his flaxen hair was scanty, and his shoulders were bowed. I fear that I roused corresponding emotions in him. “Hullo, Watson,” said he, and his voice was still deep and hearty. “You don't look quite the man you did when I threw you over the ropes into the crowd at the Old Deer Park. Oh my. There was really some History between those two

“I gather that you did not know your wife well at the time of your marriage?” “I had only known her a few weeks.” Still wild to me, that it was common to marry someone you barely knew at that time

“I fancy,” said he, “that I may be of more use at Lamberley than here. It is eminently a case for personal investigation. If the lady remains in her room, our presence could not annoy or inconvenience her. Of course, we would stay at the inn.” They are going on a country trip, staying at an inn, again :)

“Did she give no explanation why she struck him?” “None save that she hated him. Again and again she said so.” “Well, that is not unknown among stepmothers. A posthumous jealousy, we will say. Is the lady jealous by nature?” “Yes, she is very jealous—jealous with all the strength of her fiery tropical love.” Evil stepmother trope, but racist as well *groans*

Still can't figure out where this story is going and what Holmes is planning to do

“For God's sake, what do you think, Mr. Holmes? It may be a mere intellectual puzzle to you, but it is life and death to me! My wife a would-be murderer—my child in constant danger! Don't play with me, Mr. Holmes. It is too terribly serious.” Good that Ferguson says those words aloud. Holmes, are you listening?

Again she turned on me those glorious eyes. “He loves me. Yes. But do I not love him? Do I not love him even to sacrifice myself rather than break his dear heart? That is how I love him. And yet he could think of me—he could speak of me so.” “He is full of grief, but he cannot understand.” “No, he cannot understand. But he should trust.” Don't tell me her intentions were good, and those two children were the ones who were... possessed, somehow? And that she tried to help them? I'm lost

“Fancy anyone having the heart to hurt him,” he muttered as he glanced down at the small, angry red pucker upon the cherub throat. It was at this moment that I chanced to glance at Holmes and saw a most singular intentness in his expression. His face was as set as if it had been carved out of old ivory, and his eyes, which had glanced for a moment at father and child, were now fixed with eager curiosity upon something at the other side of the room. Following his gaze I could only guess that he was looking out through the window at the melancholy, dripping garden. *inspiration is striking* I have a theory! Do wasps live in the garden? Was the baby stung by a wasp, and did the lady try to suck the poison out, and maybe beat them away with those sticks as well? Though that does not explain the partly paralized dog

Your wife is a very good, a very loving, and a very ill-used woman.” Ferguson sat up with a cry of joy. “Prove that, Mr. Holmes, and I am your debtor forever.” “I will do so, but in doing so I must wound you deeply in another direction.” Hm. My suspicions are now on the older son. And no wasps. Something stronger, intentionally given

Ferguson clearly saying he's not interested in hearing Holmes' reasoning, only his conclusions, yet Holmes simply can't resist

“Did it not occur to you that a bleeding wound may be sucked for some other purpose than to draw the blood from it? Was there not a queen in English history who sucked such a wound to draw poison from it?” Good, I was at least somewhat right. Still curious about what and who

A South American household. My instinct felt the presence of those weapons upon the wall before my eyes ever saw them. It might have been other poison, but that was what occurred to me. When I saw that little empty quiver beside the small bird-bow, it was just what I expected to see. Not fair. The readers couldn't see what Holmes could see, you literally can't know this

“Now do you understand? Your wife feared such an attack. She saw it made and saved the child's life, and yet she shrank from telling you all the truth, for she knew how you loved the boy and feared lest it break your heart.” “Jacky!” I knew it. Quite terrible, though, to write his disability as a motivation for this attacks

I liked the start of this story. The rest seemed a bit rushed, the elder brother as the villain in this story could use a bit more foreshadowing. I also really missed desciptions of Holmes and Watson sleeping in the same inn room and going on countryside walks together