#Courageous Celibacy

[mothdust23]

An angel nursing a drink. Her holy robes are ragged and dirty, her beautiful features marred by scars older than the light tethered to her head. She can feel her halo ringing painfully in her feathered ears, telling her to stop, leave this place of sin, return to her purpose. Her eyes are tinged with the orange of the disk, but her natural purple shines through enough to stare daggers at the holy symbol.

"I'm tired."

But you have so many people to save.

"Then let me save myself first."

This is self harm. Leave.

"All I'm doing is-"

INDULGING. YOU NEED TO STOP.

"By the holy, do you EVER shut up!?"

The bar goes quiet. The bartender stares her up and down, his visual receptor glowing and flickering.

"You're not a bird, are you?" he says gently.

"Gee, what tipped you off?" she mutters back, taking another swig of liquid courage.

"..The, er, halo, ma'am."

"Right, this accursed thing." She glares at it, reaching up and trying to pull, yet it sticks like glue above her head.

ACCEPT YOUR PLACE.

"I must say, in all of my years of active service, an angel has never graced my establishment. Why are you here?"

"To get drunk, what does it look like I'm doing!?"

STOP SINNING

The robot gives her a pitying look, remotely signaling an early end to his shift as he sits down next to her.

"I've never heard of an angel who didn't like its halo." he says curiously.

"It's not just the halo, it's the whole thing. Celibacy? No earthly possessions? Giving up everything, spending every hour of every day saving strangers from sins that don't even exist!? I never wanted this!!"

BUT YOU SHOULD

With every word she gets angrier, holy light cracking the glass and turning the alcohol to water. She groans and tosses it at the ground, making the bartender wince.

"...then why are you an angel?"

"I WAS FORCED TO BE!! My parents, my whole family, everyone I grew up with- it was either I put on the damn halo or they.. t-they.."

She tears up. The robot puts his hand on hers.

"Shh.. I understand. Perhaps you didn't get to choose then, but you can choose now."

No

"..what do you mean?"

"...I was built as a soldier. Programmed to be a soldier. Spent the first 10 years of my life killing birdkind and skeletons and humans and even other robots.. now, here I am, working the night shift in a bar in the middle of nowhere."

Servos whir in his back as he relaxes, plates of metal moving into place alongside others. Faint light shines through the gaps.

"Sounds miserable."

"On the contrary, I have never felt more alive. I have a family now, a life. People see my faceplate and smile and talk about their day. I give back to them."

"...what's your point?"

"..It's never too late to change, I guess. I'm new to this whole helping people thing anyways, hahah."

Do not

He shrugs, seemingly smiling.

You need to be pure..

"Shut up."

Please..

"..."

An angel nursing her drink. Her halo shines a brilliant green, and her purpose has never been clearer. She's finally pure.

Purely herself, that is.

She's never been happier. New robes in sacreligious colors, no more makeup to hide the scars of her childhood. Maybe one day, she'll find her family, and teach them what she learned. For now, though.. she sits, and drinks, and allows herself to smile.

[tkwrites]

Good For You - Quinn Hughes x ofc

gif from @gabelandeskog

Title: Good For You

Author: Tory / @tkwrites 

Relationship: Pre-established: Quinn Hughes x Sarah Roberts (ofc)

Summary: Quinn and Sarah have a discussion about and decide to stop using condoms before putting that decision into practice. A question we’ve all been waiting for is finally asked.

Warnings: smut (18+ only), p in v, unprotected sex (wrap it up unless you’re in a consenting relationship!), cum play (sort of?), if I missed anything, let me know!

Word count: 4,900

Comments: I live! 

After two heavy snapshots, steeped in feelings, I’m back with some good old fashioned smut (with lots of plot, of course, because I am who I am). Thanks to the many Nonnies who requested this. I’d already started writing it when you sent this, but your asks challenged me to combine both your requests. I hope you enjoy, and it lives up to your expectations! If you did enjoy, please let me know by commenting, sending in an ask or reblogging! I love reading your comments, asks and suggestions! 

Anonymous asked: hey! Another request idea… I was rereading the fic about Sarah being overwhelmed before meeting Quinn’s parents and when they’re talking about the WAG jackets, sarah mentions that they aren’t official yet. Can we get fic of Quinn officially asking Sarah to be his gf? Seriously love readying your stuff! 

Anonymous asked: I love how much you actually show the communication between Quinn and Sarah, it makes it so much more real and overall I just love your writing ❤️❤️ I noticed how as their relationship progresses, they decide not to use condoms. Will we get to see this conversation in the future? I'd also love to see when they officially decide to be together with labels and all xxx

Good For You

A Quinn & Sarah snapshot

“Hey, Quinn?” Sarah called, walking up the stairs. 

“Yeah?” 

She found him on the suede couch, reading a book. 

Sitting at his feet, she smiled when he moved them into her lap. “I wanted to talk to you about something.” 

“Okay,” he put the marker in his book and rested it on his chest. 

Color flooded into her cheeks. 

“What?” he asked, unable to hold in a nervous laugh at her sudden blush.

“I just,” she paused to lick her lips, trying to screw up her courage. “I wanted to let you know I had an IUD put in last month.” 

“What’s that?” 

“It’s the most effective form of birth control. It’s pretty much as effective as celibacy.” 

He paused, unsure where this conversation was going. When she didn't elaborate, he asked, “So what did you want to talk about? Just that you have it?” 

“Well that and —” she knotted her fingers together, “since it’s super effective, and we’re only seeing each other and have been for a while, I wondered if maybe you wanted to…” she trailed off. 

Quinn got the feeling he was supposed to know what she was talking about, but he was clueless. “If I wanted to, what?” 

Chewing on her lip, she guessed it was time to just spit it out, “I wondered if we both get STI tested, and only if you want to, we could try not using condoms all the time.” 

He felt his eyes go wide. “What?” 

“I mean, only if you want to. If you feel more comfortable with condoms, that’s totally fine.” 

“Are you joking?” he asked, scrambling to sit up. The book slipped off him and fell to the wood floor with a sharp slap. “Of course I want to. Did you think I was going to turn down that offer?” 

“I don’t know.” 

He moved to kneel, crowding into her space. He could hear his heartbeat in his ears, feel it in his fingertips. “Can we try now?” 

A laugh split her mouth into a pretty smile, but she put a hand to his chest to stop him from leaning closer. 

“We need to get STI tested first.”

“I’m clean,” he said.

“As far as I know, I am too, but I would feel better if we both got tested, knowing neither of us has slept with someone else in quite a while.”

He looked crestfallen. 

“It’s not that I don’t believe you,” she hastened to add, “I’ve just heard horror stories of girls whose boyfriends didn’t know they were carrying something. Most STIs affect women, you know, and men just pass them along.” 

His eyes went wide, “really?” 

“Just another joy of being a woman.” 

“Thats bullshit.”

“Yep,” she agreed, popping the last letter. “So It’s not that I don’t believe you, but I really need that proof for my own peace of mind before I’d feel comfortable.”

“Yeah,” Quinn agreed, “of course. I’ll talk to Roman about it tomorrow.” 

“I’ll message my doctor,” she said with a shy smile, pulling out her phone. 

Logically, Quinn knew they needed to talk about this before anything could happen, but the thought that he might get to fuck her bare buzzed in the back of his mind so intensely, he wished she had waited until it was an actual possibility, even if that was impossible.

When he asked Roman about it between breakfast and video the next day, the trainer immediately went into crisis mode, “what kind of symptoms are you having?” 

“None. I'm just — I want to be safe.” 

He was going to tell him that the girl he was seeing — he was getting so sick of using that phrase — asked him to, but that seemed like it was putting all the blame on Sarah. While she did ask for it, he'd just never considered it something he should do. Now that he knew, he was more than happy to do it.

“You're sure? You can tell me, you know.” 

“I know. No symptoms. I’m just making sure.” 

Roman looked at him appraisingly. “Are you dating someone new?” 

Quinn was a bit surprised he hadn't heard about it. It seemed to him it was the only thing the guys chirped him about lately. 

“Yeah.” 

“Good for you,” he said approvingly. “Glad to know you're being safe.” 

Quinn felt a chagrinned smile spread over his face. 

“Well, I’m glad to know your girlfriend is safe at least,” Roman said with a laugh. 

How was it so easy for him to whip that word around? 

“Go to Doctor Jamison's after practice. I'll put in an order for you. They'll just need a blood sample.” 

The results took two days. By that time he was on the road. Thankfully, not for too long. Only one game.

He sent her a screenshot of the panel results. All negative, mercifully. He didn't expect to be positive, but he hadn't checked while he was with or after he broke up with June. 

She sent back a screenshot of her own test panel, also all negative. 

It was suddenly very real. The idea of coming home to Sarah was even more enticing than usual. 

He’d fucked girls bare before, he knew the sensations that came along with it, but he’d never fucked Sarah bare before. He’d tried, and she’d insisted on using condoms. He wasn’t going to make her uncomfortable, and he wasn’t going to give up sleeping with her. If that meant he had to wear a condom, he’d do it. 

Now that the possibility of making love to her without one was on the horizon, he couldn’t get it out of his mind. 

Looks like we'll be coming in about 2, he texted when they got to the arena. They'd fly home right after the game versus Calgary. Want to just stay at my place?

Wish I could, she wrote back, but I have class tomorrow at 8. I'll come to yours as soon as I'm done with work, though. 

“What's wrong, Q?” Brock asked, noticing his crestfallen expression. 

“Nothing,” he said, shoving his phone into his bag. “Sarah's just got class tomorrow morning so I won't see her until tomorrow night.” 

“Man, she's got you whipped.”

Quinn rolled his eyes, playing off the comment. If he protested, he knew they would just chirp him about it more, and there was no way he was going to explain his excitement to Brock. 

When the next evening finally rolled around, Quinn found himself pacing, a nervous excitement buzzing through his whole body. He’d never felt like this before. As if anticipation had been winding him up for 4 days straight. 

He’d tried his best to burn off as much energy as possible on a run that morning, but that felt like years ago now. Adrenaline was coursing through him by the gallon. 

He heard the elevator ding, and his stomach leapt. 

Before Sarah could scan in, the door flung open. Quinn was standing there, cheeks already flushed. 

She couldn’t help it, she gigged. 

“What?” 

“You’re just really cute,” she said.

Pulling her into the apartment, he resisted the urge to pull her upstairs straight away. Cool. He needed to be cool.

“Cute in a good way, right?” 

“Yes,” she assured, leaning up to kiss him. “In a very good way.” 

All of a sudden, the enormity of the situation crashed on him. He and Sarah had had sex 73 times, but this felt totally new. A frantic awkwardness took hold of his mind. How was he supposed to start this? Just like every other time? Every other time, it happened so naturally.  

“Hey,” she said, grasping his wrist, trying to stop the overthinking she could practically see scrolling across his face. 

He blinked a few times and met her eyes. “Sorry. I’m so… I mean, I’ve never anticipated something like this for so long.” The words were falling out of his mouth before he really had a chance to think through them. 

“Yeah, I get that,” she said. “I’m not sure I have either.” 

“I don’t want to fuck it up,” he admitted. 

A soft smile took over her face. “Quinn, it’s me. We've already had great sex. This is just another step.” 

Nodding, he took a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds before letting it out. Excitement reared in his stomach again, waging battle with his nerves. 

“I do think we should talk about it, though.” 

“Didn’t we already talk about it?”

“I mean, I think we should talk about what we want.”

“What do you mean?” 

“Like, what we're looking for.” She moved to sit on the living room couch, pulling him down with her. “I want to make sure we talk about it before we're in the heat of the moment so neither of us do something the other isn’t comfortable with.”

Quinn had never been with someone who communicated as much as Sarah. “It’s a product of the dead parents,” she’d told him when he asked her about it once, “life’s too short to not have the conversation.”

He sat next to her, “okay, so what do you want?”

“I want to feel you fuck me bare.” 

The frank way she said it made his whole body ring.

“And I want to feel you come inside me.” It felt dangerous and exciting to say it out loud, but she couldn't get it out of her mind. 

“Really?” Quinn asked, voice lilted with surprise. 

“Yeah. I've been dreaming about it,” she admitted. For the past few weeks, it seemed every time she would dream of him, the feeling of him filling her was so vivid that when she woke, her underwear would be soaked, almost as if she'd orgasmed in her sleep. “I'm guessing that's something you want, too?” 

He nodded. 

“Is there anything else you want?” 

He opened his mouth, then paused. 

She nodded, encouraging him. 

“I mean, there is something but it’s not a huge deal.” He was pretty certain she would at least consider it, but history had him trying to not get his hopes up.

“Tell me,” she urged, resting her hand on his knee. “I want to do what you want, too.” 

“I want to come on you,” he admitted, the words coming out all in a rush.

Eyes widening, Sarah couldn’t quite stifle the laugh that squeaked from her mouth. “I’m sorry,” she hurriedly back pedaled, seeing the hurt on his face, “I’m not laughing at you, it’s just — with the look on your face, I was bracing myself for something super kinky.”

“June hated it,” he said quietly. “She didn’t like cum at all.”

“So did you just wear condoms all the time?” 

“No. She didn’t like those either.” 

Her eyebrows furrowed together, an incredulous expression on her face. “You can’t have it both ways.” 

Something inside him unknotted. 

“I mean, did she insist you come in a tissue every time or something?” 

“Most of the time,” he amended, “sometimes I could come in her, but never on her.” 

June reminded Sarah so much of the mean girls she’d known throughout her life: content to demand things of others, knowing their social currency was enough to purchase obedience to all of those ridiculous rules. Part of her wondered if June even disliked cum, or if she was just trying to keep Quinn under her thumb. 

“Well I don’t have a problem with either. I mean, I don’t really love a facial, but other places are fine.” She paused for a moment, thinking about how often Quinn asked her questions, willing to learn, so he could please her better, “and, I mean, if you’re really invested in coming on my face, we can do it. I just don’t want it all the time.”  

He felt his eyelids grow heavy and he swallowed thickly. “You’re sure?”

“Yeah. A relationship is a two way street. You deserve to get the things you want, too. ” 

The relieved smile he gave her in response made her want to slap June across the face. Quinn was so, so good — attentive and genuine and so willing to learn and please. She wanted to do the same for him. Besides, it wasn’t like Sarah had some kink for cum, at least she didn’t think she did, but feeling a partners pleasure in such a tangible way, always gave her a deep sense of satisfaction. 

“Is there anything else you want?” he asked. 

“No. You?” 

He shook his head.

“Alright,” she said, “I think we should go upstairs.” 

Quinn stopped trying to play it cool. He was too excited to play it cool. He grabbed her hand and raced up the stairs, glad that she laughed as she ran along with him. 

She threw open the door to his room. Sarah loved this room. It was in the corner of the building, and huge windows looked over the beautiful Vancouver skyline. The sun was setting, turning the harbor and city windows yellow and pink, casting their colors on the walls and spinning everything else in the room into gold. 

Before she could get too caught in the view, he was spinning her around, catching her mouth in a kiss that sucked the breath right out of her. 

Clothing was discarded, and they tumbled into his bed. 

They surged together and Sarah moaned. It was already so much better. 

Somehow, there was less pressure. He didn't have to think about pulling away to make sure they were safe. He could stay focused on her without any other worries. Why had he been so nervous? This felt, like she said, like the natural next step. 

When he pulled back to line himself up, Sarah pressed her hand to his pelvis stopping the movement. 

“What?” he asked, worried he'd hurt her. 

“We need lube,” she said. “Or more foreplay. The condoms you have have lube on them, so they slide easier. Without that I'm worried…” she trailed off. 

He hadn't even thought about it. “Which do you want?”

“I mean, I'm always game for more foreplay.”

Grinning, he leaned down to kiss her, rolling his hips against hers again. As their tongues tangled, she groaned into his mouth. 

“Tell me when you're ready,” he whispered in her ear before tracing his lips over her jaw and down her neck. He licked and kissed, while one of his hands fondled her breasts, working her up to those hitched little breaths and small moans he loved so much.

“Quinn,” she breathed, a few moments later, as her temperature spiked. He hadn’t shaved in a while, and his beard rasped against her skin. She’d never liked facial hair before him, but somehow, with Quinn, it was more arousing than painful. Probably because of what else he was doing. God, he was good with his mouth. 

Unbidden, but not unwelcome or unfamiliar, images crashed into her mind — Quinns head buried between her thighs, his magic tongue working her to a climax she knew would be mind melting. The fantasies made her desperate for him.

“I need you,” she gasped, feeling herself grow slick against the muscular ridge of his thigh he had wedged between her legs.

“I’m right here.”

“I need you inside me.”

Her admission made Quinn feel drunk with desire. Out of his mind with it. He pulled back and her hand covered his to help him line up.

Pressing into her was better than he’d imagined. 

She was so hot and wet and, “shit, you’re so tight,” he ground out, the words scraping over a moan. 

Now that the barrier was gone, the time spent waiting to remove it was well worth it. Her smooth walls hugged him perfectly. 

Just to feel the contrast, he withdrew to the tip, pulling a sharp breath through his teeth at the rush of cool air before he drove back into her warmth. His jaw dropped and he made some unintelligible sound.

Slick and slippery, his thrusts moved with her seamlessly as she rose to meet him again and again and again.

“So good,” she breathed, reveling in the feel of him - every vein and ridge that had been smoothed by the latex covering before felt so prominent now and, “Quinn, you feel so good.” 

The praise went straight to his head.

“You feel so —” he broke off with a growl. “Shit, you feel so amazing, Sarah. I — I —” He babbled, nearly blurting that he loved her. He bit that back. This wasn’t the time for that. He wanted that to be special, not something spluttered in a lust-drunk moment. “I don't know how long I can last,” he admitted instead. 

God, he was something else. Flushed and flustered, eyes half hooded, body tight with exertion and control, he looked delicious. The fact that he wanted her this much made her chest feel full to bursting.

A moan escaped her mouth as pleasure washed over her face. Her eyelashes fluttered.

Just like that, he was done for. Cooked.

“I can't… I can't,” he stammered. At least he lasted longer than the embarrassing two strokes from their first time.

“Then don't,” she panted, rocking her hips into his. Her own climax building as the thought of him finally coming inside her brought her sensitivity to a peak. 

Groaning her name, he let his body take over, rhythm turning sloppy. 

As she watched, his eyes fluttered closed and with a final, powerful thrust, he sheathed himself to the hilt and let go. 

Feeling the very tangible result of his pleasure coat her walls made Sarah’s breath hitch. It only took a few more rocks of her hips before her body bowed, chest pressing flush to his as she pulsed around him, pleasure poured into her body. 

His mouth was open against her neck as he let out a sort of pained grunt.

Coming down, she melted into the soft mattress. 

His body followed hers, his weight pressing into her. He knew it was probably too heavy, but he couldn’t possibly hold himself up right now.

Quinns gasping breaths were crashing into her neck. Even though it didn’t make it any easier to catch her breath, she loved the solid weight of him on top of her.

Strength slowly returned to him and they both winced a little as he eased out. 

Flopping onto his back next to her, he groped for her hand. “Oh my god,” he breathed, once he had control of his voice. “That was incredible.”

“Yeah,” she sighed, pulling some breaths deep into her lungs.

After a few more moments of basking in the afterglow, she moved to get up. He tugged her back, “where are you going?” 

“I need to pee. I'll be right back, I promise.” 

He didn't shy away from watching her pad to the bathroom and then back to the bed. 

Halfway through their second round, he was determined to feel Sarah come undone around him when he wasn’t so sensitive from his own orgasm. Working his fingers to her clit, he traced gentle patterns over the swollen nub. 

A pleasured sigh left her lips. “Oh,” Sarah breathed, “that feels so good, Quinn.”

She had to take a moment to make her mind concentrate on one thing at a time. Anticipation coiled tighter in her belly as she focused on his gentle, deliberate touch, the heat of his body above and inside her, and then, the feel of his cock, which had been so dulled before, it almost felt completely new.

He dipped lower, gathering more of her arousal on his fingers to slip and slide over her bundle of nerves. 

He didn’t try to hide or hold back from how good it felt when she fluttered around him. Her name panted from his mouth. Only when he felt himself sliding too close to the edge, did he bite his lip to distract himself. 

Seeing Quinn hold on for her, trying to draw out her orgasm before his own, made tenderness swell within her. It mixed with the pleasure in her veins, bringing her closer to the peak. How the hell did June not see him this way? 

She gasped his name before admitting, “I’m almost there.” 

“What do you need?” he asked, wrenching his eyes open to look into her face. 

“Keep going, don’t stop. Don’t stop.” 

He shook his head. Never. He would never stop trying to please her like this and any other way he could. 

The steady rhythm he restrained himself into did its job, and she tipped over the edge. 

The coil in her belly finally shattering, her body seized up as pleasure fractured through her like lightning. His name flew from her mouth in a hoarse cry. 

Jaw falling open, he grunted his pleasure as her core sucked him deeper with every rhythmic pulse. God, she felt even more incredible. Sarah was already the best he’d ever had, and now, the sex had just gotten better. How was that possible? 

Gripping the sheets, he held on for her, moaning and muttering about how good she felt coming around him.

Sarah was mesmerized by him. His eyes were shut now, the skin around them taut, but his jaw was lax, nearly hanging open. His arms flexed, mountains and valleys of muscle on either side of her, straining with the effort of holding himself up. 

Electricity was still buzzing faintly through her veins, even as her high ebbed away. She couldn’t wait any longer to fulfill his fantasy.

“Come on me, Quinn.” 

Breath lodged in his throat and his eyes flew open, frantically searching her face. “You're sure?”

“Yes. I want you to. Come on me,” she repeated, running her fingers up her chest as an example. 

In a rush of want, he planked above her, quickly tugging on his cock, slick with her arousal, until he exploded, painting a sticky white line up her chest.

She seemed to preen under the assault, arching her back and moaning as if it was something she’d been waiting her whole life for. It was the hottest thing he'd ever seen.  

“Fuuuck,” he groaned as his limbs turned to jelly. 

He managed to lower himself on top of her without dropping, feeling his cum slick between their skin. 

“Holy shit, that was so hot,” he panted against her mouth. 

In a few minutes time, Sarah knew she'd be squirming for a shower, but for now, she felt extremely gratified with fulfilling this fantasy for him. She smiled, replaying the look of shocked elation on his face when she requested it.

Tracing her fingers up the bumps of his spine, she took in a deep breath and let it sigh out of her lungs, reveling in the weight of his body on hers. 

Finally catching his breath, he lifted his head, arching an eyebrow. “Where did all of this come from?”

“All what?” 

He traced a finger through the valley of her breasts, gathering some of his cum. “This,” he said, “your little exhibitionist streak when I came on you.”

“Oh,” she somehow blushed despite her flushed skin. “I wanted to be good for you. You’re so good to me all the time, I want you to feel that, too.” 

That simple statement, her admittance that she did it for him, made his head spin. How could he have ever thought what he had with June was love? He saw now how a love that met you half way blew her idea of love, which he knew now was more about control, out of the water. 

A few minutes later, Sarah’s sweaty, post-sex skin began to itch. “Shower?” she asked. 

“Snacks,” Quinn countered, his head still resting on the front of her shoulder. 

A laugh shook her chest, “shower then snacks.”

He supposed it could work.

A short while later, they were in the kitchen, and Quinn was having an argument with himself.

They needed to have a conversation, but it was terrible timing. He didn’t want her to think he was only bringing it up because of what happened that night. At the same time, he'd been thinking about it since before his parents' visit, when she'd brought up the WAG jackets. Now that his mom and dad had met her and approved, the only thing holding him back was his brother's approval. He wasn't sure he wanted to wait that long.

He was about to leave again, and the family skate was coming up after he got back. He wanted her to come, but he was so tired of introducing her as the girl he was seeing. Sarah was more than that, now. It didn’t fit anymore, and it was too damn long to keep saying. 

If they didn’t talk about it now, he worried there wouldn’t be enough time.

He glanced at her. She was wearing a shirt with a funny little cartoon of a fork and a spoon that said, ‘Spooning leads to forking’ along with a pair of matching shorts. Her thighs were bare and lovely in the dim light as she sat on the counter, eating a piece of cheese she’d stolen from the sandwich he was building for them to split. 

He put the top piece of bread on and decided he should just blurt it out. He didn’t think there would be a better way. The longer he waited, the harder it would be to bring up.

“What do you think about being my girlfriend?” he said, looking up.

Her hand paused on the way to her mouth, the cheese missing an almost cartoon-like bite  — a little scalloped half moon cut into one corner.

“Am —” Sarah paused, wondering if this was some kind of a trick question. “Am I not?” 

“No,” he said before his brain caught up with him. “No, you are, but I mean, like, formally?” 

Her head tilted to one side, “Of course. I’ve been thinking of you as my boyfriend for a few weeks now. Pretty much since you met Trav and the kids.”

A sigh breathed through him. 

“Did you think I was gonna say no?” 

“I don’t…I mean, I didn’t want you to think I was only bringing it up because of the unprotected sex thing.” 

“That is pretty terrible timing on your part,” she conceded, laughing. “It’s a good thing I…” she trailed off, stopping herself from continuing out loud. Why couldn’t she just come out and say it? So what if she was in her ridiculous pajamas in his kitchen? She’d brought them with her expressly because she thought they would make him laugh, and she’d been right. The delighted surprise that had escaped his mouth when he’d seen them was something she knew she’d treasure for a long time.

“A good thing you?” he repeated, hope ballooning in his chest. 

“It’s a good think I know you’re not just in it for the sex,” she said, lamely.

Quinn’s expression went from hopeful to distraught right before her eyes. “How could you think that?” he asked, his voice embarrassingly earnest.

“Quinn, I —” 

He cut her off, “I like so many things about you, Sarah. You’re smart and funny and you’re kind to everyone you meet, and you’re so dedicated to your work.” He was rambling now, but if she thought he was in this just for the sex? He would die of shame. 

“I like that you’ve never treated me like anything else but Quinn, and you’re always willing to meet me half way,” he said, his voice taking on an almost frantic quality as he tried to convey what she meant to him. “And I —” 

“Quinn.” 

The way she said his name made him stop short. 

“I’m sorry,” she said, her hand coming up to gently cup his jaw. “I was teasing. I know you’re not just in it for the sex. Someone who only wanted sex wouldn’t have waited four weeks to have it.” 

She had a valid point. 

“I’d love to be your girlfriend, Quinn.” 

Leaning in to kiss her, he felt as if someone had struck a match, setting his heart ablaze. 

Settling into bed, Quinn remembered he hadn’t told her yet. 

“Hey, my family’s coming in for the finals. They’ll be here on the 20th.” 

“Oh,” she said, obvious disappointment on her face.

“Is that not…okay?” 

Feeling her cheeks blaze, Sarah realized she hadn’t shared that expectation with him yet. “It’s just…my last final is that day and I’ve kind of been looking forward to you fucking me silly as a reward for finishing.”

His eyes went huge, “oh.”

“It's one of the ideas that's kept me going, honestly.”

“I could still do that,” he said, the words rushing out of his mouth.

“With your family in the house? I don't think so.”

“At yours then.”

“With my roommates there?”

He bit his lip. “We could get a hotel?”

“Because that's not weird when you have people, let alone family, staying at your house.”

“I’ll tell them to come a day later,” he offered. 

“Would they buy that without an explanation?”

“Would I have to give them one?”  

“I don't know. Would you? My family would want to know. You’ll have to make something up.”

“You don’t want me to tell them they can’t come on the 20th because my girlfriend finally finished her classes and wants to be fucked all night?” he teased. 

Giggling, she smacked his shoulder lightly, “I think I might die if your mom knew that about me,” she admitted, part of her mind still caught on the open way he used the girlfriend title. 

He laughed. “I’ll just tell them we have a late team meeting, or something so it would be better for them to come in on 21st. It’ll be fine.” 

Want more Quinn & Sarah? Check out the Snapshots Masterlist 

To read all my fics, check out the Fanfiction Masterlist

[thejournallo]

Explain the basic: Oils

Check out Part 1, which explains how to use the things down below. Disclaimer: All the things in this post are based on research and personal experience. As much as I could be a teacher, I suggest you find many resources for knowledge to develop your own experiences. Make sure you research the oils you buy/use because some oils can damage or hurt your skin in a really bad way. as well as some aromatherapy oils that can hurt your pet (if you have one).

Types of oils

Anointing oils — A sacred oil that’s blessed and charged and specially formulated for a specific purpose, usually for people.

Carrier oils — Vegetable and mineral oils that are used to help dilute essential oils that could cause skin irritation.

Condition oils — Anointing or conjure oils used to help relieve or improve someone’s condition.

Conjure oils — A dressing oil from an ancient practice usually African, European, or Native American traditions. Often found in Hoodoo.

Dressing oils — Specially prepared oil applied to spell and ritual objects before using them to sanctify, charge, and prepare them for use.

Essential oils — Volatile, concentrated oils, with the characteristic scent of the plant/flower they are from.

Ritual oils — Oils used to anoint candles, ritual tools, material, furniture, money, and other such items, and then use to anoint the body are often also called anointing oils.

Basic oils and their use:

Basil: Stimulates the mind, used in money-attracting oils, and encourages peace

Benzoin: Increases personal power and awakens the conscious mind

Bergamot: Money and protective rituals

Black Pepper: Protection and promotes courage

Chamomile: Meditation and inducing peace

Camphor: Purification and promoting celibacy

Cardamom: Energy to love and sexually oriented formulas

Cedarwood: Enhances spirituality

Cinnamon: Money and psychic awareness

Clove: Courage and protection

Coriander: Love and healing

Cypress: Blessing, consecration, and protection. Helps ease loss

Eucalyptus: All healing and purification.

Frankincense: Spirituality and meditation

Geranium: Happiness and protection

Ginger: Courage, love, money, and sexuality

Grapefruit: Purification

Jasmine: Love, psychic awareness, peace, spirituality, and sexuality

Juniper: Protection, purification, moon symbolism, and healing

Lavender: Health, love, peace, and consciousness

Lemon: Purification, healing, and lunar use

Lemongrass: Psychic awareness and purification

Lemon verbena: Love

Lime: Purification and protection

Lotus: Spirituality, healing, and meditation

Magnolia: Meditation, love, and psychic awareness

Myrrh: Spirituality, meditation, and healing

Neroli: Happiness and purification

Niaouli: Protection

Oakmoss: Attract money

Orange: Purification

Palma Rosa: Love and healing

Patchouli: Money, sex, and physical energy

Peppermint: Purification

Pine: Purification, protection, money, and healing

Rose: Love, peace, sexual desires, and enhancing beauty

Rosemary: Love and healing

Sandalwood: Spiritualty, meditation, sex, and healing

Tangerine: Sun symbol, power, and strength

Tonka: Money

Vetivert: Money

Yarrow: Love, courage, and psychic awareness

Ylang Ylang: Love, peace, and sex

As always, I will love to hear your thoughts! and if you have any questions, I will be more than happy to answer them! If you liked it, leave a comment or reblog (that is always appreciated!). if you are intrested in more method check the masterlist!

[adviceformefromme]

Hi! There's something that has been on my mind lately, I am currently 26. When I was 21/22, I moved in with my now ex boyfriend. It's was too fast for me to take that step but I was really eager to start a life with a person I loved. We only lived together for 7 months and one day he told me he needed a break, I moved out, the relationship was over and I found out later that he needed a break because he met someone else. I went to therapy, had support from my close friends and family and now, four years later, I am completely independent, I live alone, been celibate and single for 4 years and I live a very calm life, never been better. Some days, like today, I feel like this is a stigma that will remain with me forever and lower my value as a woman and I feel terrible and worthless. What's your take on this?

Hey sweetie, firstly keeping your legs closed and becoming inaccessible to any and every man makes you higher value - not lower. You are protecting your vessel from the energy of men you have yet to discern which takes time - so I would always encourage celibacy to the ladies.

So the independent solo life may be peaceful, is it 4 years of feeling pretty much the same? Yes, healing may have taken place but what next? My advice. Open Pinterest and create a vision board that fucking excites you. Like omg - if this was my dream life I would actually SCREAM!! It makes your heart beat at accelerated speeds, it energises you, it gives you hope, joy, almost scares you! These are your deepest desires. It might be a husband and one child living in a French Chateau, it might be moving to Bali and becoming a yoga teacher. Whatever it is there is a dream planted in your heart. It might have been shut away with all the pain from the past, you might just get along fine with no dramas, no people to deal with, no men to hurt you. But to live, to truly live, is to be brave, to be courageous, to take risks and to live pursuit your wildest dreams. No more playing small and safe, your next level is waiting for you xoxox

[rippleclan]

[Image ID: The title of the image/article is "Paleshade". Paleshade herself, a StarClan cat, stands under her name. She is a silver/gray and pale ginger tortoiseshell molly with bengal patterns, green eyes, and nettles in her fur.]

Guys, I've been so excited to talk about Paleshade. With the limited format of a clangen blog, it is hard to discuss all the details of Paleshade's life and the effect she had on the story. But now I get to share her life story with you!

Paleshade: 46 (at death), female, codekeeper, daring, great speaker.

Paleshade was born into a litter of three in AshClan to two elders. The birth was risky due to her mother's age and severely strained her mother's body. This would weaken her until she passed partway through Paleshade's apprenticeship. Paleshade was about two moons younger than Weedfoot, so the pair grew up together. From the moment Paleshade was old enough to comprehend her surroundings, she and Weedfoot were inseparable. They were a powerhouse duo that caused chaos through camp but were just charming enough to get away with it.

As apprentices, this friendship blossomed into a crush. That, combined with her mother's passing, made it hard for Paleshade to focus on her studies. She was good with her words, however, and excelled in trials. This would grow into a reputation as one of the best inquisitors/defenders in all the Clans. Her grasp of the code and her willingness to call others out meant that when she was assigned to a trial, she usually won.

Paleshade's skill allowed her to graduate at the same time as Weedfoot rather than with her littermates. She dramatically asked Weedfoot to be her mate as soon as their vigil was over, to which Weedfoot said yes. Together, they tore through AshClan, making friends across the Clans and having fun. As time went on, both Paleshade and Weedfoot saw issues in how the Clans viewed certain issues such as the forced celibacy of clerics, the negative attitudes around outsiders, and the over-reliance of violence to resolve certain issues. Paleshade and Weedfoot were the progenitors of the Ripple ideology and spread it through the other Clans.

The pair did their best to keep their founding a secret as Autumnstar became more outspoken on the "dangers" of the new ideology, exiling a couple of their friends who dared to speak up. After the first exile, Paleshade and Weedfoot named their little group (at least the AshClan part) the Ashes in the Water, drifting to somewhere better. This tension grew over the course of a year, wearing on Paleshade. She relied on the determination of some of her friends, like Downdapple, to push on and believe she was in the right.

Eventually, the Ripple ideology formed into a cohesive separatist movement. The Ashes in the Water formally announced their intention to leave AshClan. They didn't expect their own friends and family to turn on them so viciously.

Eelgrowl severely wounded Paleshade during the battle, leaving her and Weedfoot as the only survivors. They were imprisoned within camp without medical treatment. Weedfoot worked hard to help her mate, as her wounds were not so severe, but she was no cleric. The pair expressed their love to one another each day as Paleshade grew weaker and weaker, until she fell asleep and never woke up.

Paleshade was overjoyed to learn all her friends in the Ashes in the Water made it into StarClan and their movement at last had the backing of their ancestors. Paleshade was proud to give Downstar a life for courage and guide RippleClan to their home. She's promised herself that she would work for RippleClan's security until Weedfoot finally joined her. She helps StarClan as a Judge, almost as a way to thank her ancestors for changing their minds, and because she gets to participate in more trials than ever before now.

In RippleClan (as of Moon 16), Oilstripe often sees Paleshade's spirit lingering near Weedfoot, occasionally whispering words of encouragement. While Oilstripe hasn't has the chance to talk to the Celestial of ideology herself yet, she knows Paleshade keeps an eye on her old mate and is determined to see her through her darkest moments.

[esther-dot]

"No. It was not courage. This one was dead of fear. You could see it in his eyes, Stark."- Bran(AGOT I).

"The poor man was half mad. Something had put a fear in him so deep that my words could not reach him."- Cat(AGOT I).

Jon and Ned noticed that Gared was terrified. Ned knew he was traumatized by seeing something. I do think Grrm wanted to be critical of NW system. Ned was doing right thing according to their world. Maybe there should be changes in rules like a trial before executing for desertion. Thoughts?

(in reference to this ask)

I’m back answering all my very old asks. Apologies @please-dot !

So, I answered that last ask without rereading the chapter, but your comments made me revisit it and Ned comes across better than I remembered. Actually, he sounds as responsible as he could be in the situation:

So I agree that not only was Ned doing the right thing according to their world (duty), he was trying to do it conscientiously. I've said before, I really don't think Martin intended us to be quite as critical of Ned as we often are. I posted a quote once about Martin’s aggravation that writers ignore the realities of medieval life. He said he wanted it to have teeth, so Ned, even though he is a lord, being constrained by his duty is a genuine reality in their world. He is flawed but upheld as someone with the right ideals, and knowing this is how it begins, Ned delivering the king's justice while Bran is instructed in his way of doing so which isn’t the Targ or Robert way, and that Bran will then end up king of Westeros, well, it makes you read this whole passage with new eyes.

All of this is certainly set-up for Bran to be the person who can administer justice, potentially an even more merciful and wiser version than Ned's, but I just don't know how much Martin will allow society to progress when he wants to keep things kinda realistic?

Will the Wall fall, forcing the Watch to take a new form? Rangers who have homes and families to return to perhaps? Or will everyone accept the continued threat of the Others and they're therefore able to fill the ranks of the Watch with volunteers rather than pressing people into service? We're shown not only how unjust that is, but how these boys don't understand what the vows mean for their lives, and that they can't resist the lure of love, family, so even if it's voluntary, the celibacy thing is a problem. So, reform? keep it but overhaul it? In post canon fics we write many variations of all that, but I've never felt like I understood how the problem could be handled in a Martin-esque way. Something better is in store, surely, but I’m not sure how dramatic a change he’s aiming for.

We do have the Watch as a “shield” and I’ve mentioned before that makes Ned and Benjen’s hope for the Gift to be a “shield” a potentially hopeful sign, but that was in thinking of the FF, and we have the Others to worry about so it all depends on how resolved you think that issue will be. If they’re entirely gone, maybe there’s no need for a Watch, if not…

And then we have the idea of an independent North to throw in there. If it is free, I don’t see how the Watch / the Wall doesn’t become their thing, and not only has Jon been thoroughly disillusioned and then killed, Sansa has realized some truth about it as well (and will no doubt learn more). If they are in positions of power, it’s hard to imagine things wouldn’t infinitely improve.

But then, I look at the less hopeful Jon endings, and think he was meant to be the person with the ideals who became disillusioned who might be able to reform it—a post canon purpose for him, the prospect of short adventures beyond the Wall (Martin had at one point mentioned the desire to write a post canon adventure for Arya, and somewhere I saw a comment that made it sound like he had potential ideas for Jon too), and with the whole sequel show now in the works, I wondered if GoT really did deliver his ending, the Watch still exists and Jon is the one wise enough/with the relationships to keep the peace between the Northerners and FF. 😖

I really can’t say. I find my ideal too simplistic and the alternatives entirely unsatisfactory. I need you to tell me what to think on this one 😅

[horizon-verizon]

In the sixteenth century, wives-even those of royal standing-were still expected to be subversive to their husbands, an idea that on a political level Elizabeth abhorred. The example her half-sister Mary, who, although queen regnant, had shared much of the burden of government with her husband (for instance, involving her realm in her husband Philip’s foreign wars, resulting in the loss of Calais in 1557, England’s last remaining possession in France, which came as a devastating blow to the English) loomed before her. Elizabeth was of stronger character than Mary, and was determined not to share her power in the same way. She was resolved to be the sole mistress of her realm. Staying single meant that Elizabeth could keep sole control of English affairs, namely government and religion. Elizabeth had a range of suitors from different countries. Her refusal to choose between them allowed her to keep her options open in foreign affairs, whilst at the same time this enabled her to play countries off against each other making her a strong negotiator. She remained the focus of all power since there was no apparent successor. By choosing not to marry, Elizabeth retained control over her personal and political life, ensuring that she would not be overshadowed or undermined by a husband, as was common for women, even queens, during that era.

I would argue that Elizabeth had already decided upon her succession that she would ‘live and die a virgin’ due to the various experiences of marriage she had already encountered within her immediate family. Her flirtations with Robert Dudley, the love of her life, early on within her reign were marred by the suspicious death of his own wife. This served as a reminder to Elizabeth how dangerous love could be, especially following her youthful “encounter” with Thomas Seymour (it was grooming and sexual abuse). Mary, Queen of Scots’ disastrous choice in husbands and the consequential loss of her throne and freedom also indicated to Elizabeth that a ruler, especially a female ruler, needed to be more careful in her choice of a consort. Elizabeth cleverly cultivated her image as the “Virgin Queen”. This persona served a dual purpose, on one hand, it reinforced her commitment to her country, portraying her as a selfless monarch who sacrificed personal happiness for the greater good, on the other hand, it elevated her to a near-mythical status, placing her above the typical human vulnerabilities associated with romantic relationships. This image bolstered her authority and made her a unifying figure for her subjects.

Elizabeth had to decide her priorities. There was no contraception in those days, and to risk an illicit pregnancy would have jeopardised her already insecure throne. A woman’s reputation was paramount, especially that of a queen who bore the title Supreme Governor of the Church of England. Marriage or celibacy were her only choices. Elizabeth was far too intelligent to compromise herself. The choice she made was courageous and revolutionary, and, in the long run, the right one for England.

Perhaps this ask is in response to this ask.

This was much of what I've been taught in my AP EU history class, glad to see it's been still relevant and accurate information!

This is also why I don't call Daemon "King Consort" in any iteration, whether reading fanfic or not. Even though I understand why people want to make Rhaenyra's "Queen" (regnant) position and title go "all the way" in meaning as "equal" in powers and meaning as regular kings. Was it unfair, yes of course, but not only is Daemon canonically a "Prince Consort", but this is a hierarchal patriarchal feudal society and they are not going to immediately adopt or conform most traditions and practices around the first acknowledged female ruler in her first few years or months of rule. Perhaps later when she rules for x amount of years and she accrues more power to change her husband's title, as men have done for their wives-consorts or were forced to. But that was comparatively uncommon/rare and thus more likely to happen for later queen regnants. thus it has a likelier chance of happening when the society itself has changed similarly to how Dorne did after years with Nymeria.

That's not how humans work, but more so, I think that (unless the fanfic writer makes it believable and measured and non-instantaneous, how we get to have a "King Consort") it buries the actions and efforts a woman and/or her supporters would have to take to make her later rule and authority to be able to change such a thing meritless and as if there never really was a need for a woman-ruler to need oaths and show how/why female rulers are reviled or dismissed as incapable of "properly" performing "proper" political action (thus depriving her of an "arc" that showcases political action). Ironically.

But bc it is fanfic, its intellectual conditions are totally the writer's, and I just ignore it if the fic is written well enough or very entertaining.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (July 4)

St. Ulric was born in 890 at Kyburg, Zurich, Switzerland. He died on 4 July 973 at Augsburg of natural causes. He was buried in the Church of Saint Afra.

He was the son of Count Hucpald and Thetbirga. He was related to the dukes of Alamannia and the imperial family of the Ottos.

He was a sickly child. As a boy, he was educated at the monastic school of Saint Gall and proved to be an excellent student.

He also served as chamberlain to his uncle, Blessed Adalbero, bishop of Augsburg.

He was ordained as Bishop of Augsburg on 28 December 923.

During his time as bishop, he built churches, visited from parish to parish, worked with the sick in hospitals, set a good example for his priests to follow, and brought relics from Rome.

His good works paid off in the form of improved moral and social conditions for both the clergy and laity.

When the Magyars plundered Germany, they besieged Augsburg.

Due to Ulric's courage, his leadership, and his ability to organize the resistance, Augsburg held firm until Emperor Otto arrived.

On 10 August 955, a battle was fought in Lechfeld, and the invaders were finally defeated.

Some legends say that Ulrich actually fought in the battle but that was impossible.

After 48 years as bishop, an ill and exhausted Ulric resigned his seat.

He handed the diocese over to his nephew — a move that had the blessing of the emporer but which the Synod of Ingelheim ruled uncanonical.

They charged and tried the aging bishop for nepotism.

Ulrich apologized, did penance, and was forgiven, the message of which reached him on his death bed.

A letter circulated for a while that indicated Ulric did not support priestly celibacy, seeing it as an unnecessary burden.

However, this was later proven a forgery, and Ulric had certainly enforced the discipline upon himself as well as his clergy.

Ulric was the first saint to be canonized by a Pope, which led to the formal process that continues today.

Legend has it that pregnant women who drank from his chalice had easy deliveries, thus developed his patronage of pregnant women and easy births.

The touch of his pastoral cross was used to heal people bitten by rabid dogs.

Ulric was canonized on 3 February 993 by Pope John XV.

[landsofaruin]

The Battle guild was founded by Knight Chevalier Vito Battaglia, renowned for his valor as a Chevalier and his clandestine affair with King Louis the Cruel, envisioned a new paradigm for the application of magic. He observed that the conventional approach of the College of Stygian Sorcerers, which primarily employed magic defensively, did not fully harness its potential in combat scenarios and had in many situations put the nation at risk. Vito's insights led him to pioneer a fusion of martial prowess and magical aptitude, giving rise to the concept of Spellswords within the guild. These Spellswords, or battle mages, were trained not only in the arcane arts but also in the art of war, blending spells with swordplay to devastating effect on the battlefield. Central to Vito's vision was the creation of the Fleur de Bataille, a revolutionary code of honor that departed from the strictures of traditional Chevalier ethics. While still embodying principles of courage, loyalty, and honor, the Fleur de Bataille notably removed the requirement of celibacy, acknowledging the multifaceted lives of its members. Under Vito's guidance, the Battle Guild flourished as a bastion of martial magic, attracting mages eager to explore the dynamic interplay between combat and spellcasting. This innovative approach not only elevated the guild's standing within Luvalon but also positioned it as an indispensable force alongside the kingdom's conventional military apparatus. As the Battle Guild grew in prominence, its Spellswords became revered for their versatility and strategic acumen, playing pivotal roles in decisive battles and earning accolades for their contributions to Luvalon's defense and expansion. Many would be hired as mercenaries all over Aruin.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Mahatma Gandhi leaving the British viceroy’s residence in Simla, 1945 © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis/Getty Images

* * * *

India Against Ghandi :: A Legacy Rewritten Ramachandra Guha

India against Gandhi — a legacy rewritten Seventy-five years after his assassination, the ‘father of the nation’ is a problem for Narendra Modi — but the country still needs his ideas

Just as Russia now officially despises Sakharov, so Modi's India hates Gandhi and lauds the man who murdered him. Ramachandra Guha: Born in 1958, a decade after Gandhi’s death, I grew up in an atmosphere of veneration towards the Mahatma. One of my great-uncles helped to edit Gandhi’s Collected Works; another founded a pioneering initiative in community health inspired by Gandhi. These familial influences were consolidated and deepened by the public culture of the time. Gandhi was the father of the nation, the leader of the struggle for freedom against British rule, whose techniques of non-violent resistance had won admirers and imitators across the world. It was largely because of him that we were free and proudly independent, and it was largely because of him that — unlike neighbouring Pakistan — we gloried in the religious and linguistic diversity of our land. In our school assembly we sang a 17th-century hymn that Gandhi was particularly fond of, which he had rewritten to reflect his vision of the India he wished to leave behind. 

Hindus saw God as Ishwar; Gandhi’s adaptation asked us to see him as Allah too. And it was to these lines that our teachers drew our particular attention.The first criticisms of Gandhi that I remember encountering were in a book I read as a student at Delhi University. This was the autobiography of Verrier Elwin, an Oxford scholar who became a leading ethnographer of the tribes of central India. Elwin knew Gandhi well, and at one time considered himself a disciple. In later years, while he retained his admiration for the Mahatma’s moral courage and religious pluralism, Elwin became sharply critical of Gandhi’s advocacy of prohibition, which he thought damaging to tribal culture (where home-brewed alcohol was both a source of nutrition and an aid to dance and music), and of his exaltation of celibacy, which Elwin thought damaging to everyone. 

In Amritsar in 2006, members of the Congress party place garlands on a statue of Gandhi to mark the anniversary of his birth Elwin’s strictures were mild, even timid, when compared with those of the Marxist intellectuals of Kolkata, whom I encountered in the 1980s when beginning my academic career. These scholars identified with the Naxalites, a band of insurgents who were inspired by Mao Zedong and who vandalised and destroyed Gandhi statues wherever they found them. Books were written arguing that Gandhi was an agent simultaneously of the British colonial state and of the Indian capitalist class; non-violence was presented as a cunning device to wean the masses away from the revolutionary path.

I had many arguments with my Marxist friends about Gandhi. I sought to persuade them that his adherence to non-violence arose out of a disinclination to take human life. I asked them to give Gandhi at least the qualified praise that Mao himself had bestowed on Sun Yat-sen, the first president of the Chinese republic, as creating a rudimentary national consciousness on which was built a superior socialist consciousness. On these subjects my interlocutors at least talked back, but our relations came to breaking point when I chose to focus my own research on a forest protection movement led by Gandhians, which the Marxists dismissed as a bourgeois deviation from the class struggle.

Those debates with Marxists shaped me profoundly, personally as well as intellectually. Yet recalling them here perhaps conveys a whiff of antiquarianism. For now, in the 2020s, the main attacks on Gandhi in India come from the other end of the ideological spectrum. For the past eight and a half years, the Hindu right has been in power in India, and Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and his commitment to interfaith harmony are anathema to it. While he is still officially the “father of the nation”, with his birthday a national holiday and his face on the currency notes, the public mood has turned hostile to Gandhi.To understand why Gandhi is increasingly unpopular in his homeland, one must go back to the circumstances of his death 75 years ago. Gandhi was murdered on January 30 1948 by Nathuram Godse, a member of a secretive paramilitary organisation called the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Founded in 1925, the RSS believed — and still believes — in the construction of a Hindu theocratic state in India. Its leaders and cadres insist that demographic superiority and the Indic origin of their faith makes Hindus natural and permanent rulers of the land. They have a particular suspicion of Muslims and Christians, on account of the fact that their religions originated outside India and their sacred shrines are outside India too.

[Financial Times]  :: [h/t Scott Horton]

[rahulblog89]

Hard work

Perseverance

Respect to family

Emotional restraint

Provider

Individualism

Assertive

Confidence

Healthy competition

Strength and toughness

Independence

Self reliance

Service

Intellectual curiosity

Working towards social justice

Physical fitness

Unselfishness:The art of thinking of others first and one's self afterward.

Self Sacrifice:The giving up of one's comfort, desires, and pleasures for the benefit of some one else.

Kindness:The habit of thinking well of others and doing good to them.

Friendliness:The disposition to make everyone you meet feel at ease, and to be of service to him if possible.

Honesty:The desire to give to every one a square deal and the same fair chance that you yourself wish to enjoy. It means also respect for the property and rights of others, the ability to face the truth, and to call your own faults by their right name.

Fair Play:Scorning to take unfair advantage of a rival and readiness even to give up an advantage to him.

Loyalty:The quality of remaining true and faithful not only to your principles but also to your parents and friends.

Obedience:Compliance with the wishes of parents or those in places of authority.

Discipline:That self-restraint and self-control that keep a boy steady, and help him in team work.

Endurance:A manly moderation which keeps a boy fit and strong and in good condition. {248}

Self Improvement:The ambition to get on in life by all fair means.Humility:That fine quality which keeps a scout from boasting, and which generally reveals a boy of courage and achievement.

Honor:That great thing which is more sacred than anything else to scouts and gentlemen; the disdain of telling or implying an untruth; absolute trustworthiness and faithfulness.

Duty to God:That greatest of all things, which keeps a boy faithful to his principles and true to his friends and comrades; that gives him a belief in things that are high and noble, and which makes him prove his belief by doing his good turn to some one every day.

Ahimsa (non-harming or non-violence in thought, word and deed)

Satya (truthfulness)

Asteya (non-stealing)

Brahmacharya (celibacy or ‘right use of energy’)

Aparigraha (non-greed or non-hoarding)

Saucha (cleanliness)

Santosha (contentment)

Tapas (discipline, austerity or ‘burning enthusiasm)

Svadhyaya (study of the self and of the texts)

Isvara Pranidhana (surrender to a higher being, or contemplation of a higher power)

[news1latest]

Sabarimala Temple: Tradition, Faith, and Devotion

Nestled amidst the verdant Western Ghats of Kerala, India, the Sabarimala Temple stands as a revered sanctuary dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. This ancient shrine is a profound testament to tradition, faith, and unwavering devotion, attracting millions of pilgrims from diverse backgrounds each year.

The Divine Legend of Lord Ayyappa

Central to the Sabarimala Temple's spiritual aura is the legend of Lord Ayyappa, also known as Manikandan. According to Hindu mythology, Ayyappa was born from the union of Lord Shiva and Mohini, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Raised by the King of Pandalam, Ayyappa is celebrated for his divine origins and his embodiment of dharma (righteousness), courage, and celibacy. His life and miracles are deeply interwoven with the cultural fabric of Kerala, making him a beloved deity among devotees.

The Rigorous Pilgrimage

The journey to Sabarimala, known as the Sabarimala Yatra, is a unique spiritual odyssey marked by rigorous observance and profound faith. Devotees, known as Ayyappa Swamis, undertake a 41-day period of vratham (austerity) before commencing their pilgrimage. This period is characterized by strict adherence to celibacy, vegetarianism, regular prayers, and the wearing of simple black or blue attire, symbolizing renunciation and spiritual discipline.

Carrying the irumudi kettu, a sacred bundle of offerings, atop their heads, pilgrims embark on a challenging trek through dense forests and steep terrains. The pilgrimage culminates in the ascent of the Pathinettam Padi, the Eighteen Sacred Steps, which can only be climbed by those carrying the irumudi kettu. This ascent symbolizes the devotees' spiritual readiness and purity.

Unique Traditions and Practices

Sabarimala Temple is distinguished by its inclusive nature, welcoming devotees from all walks of life, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. However, the tradition of restricting women of menstruating age (10 to 50 years) from entering the temple has been a subject of extensive legal and social debate, reflecting the ongoing discourse between tradition and modernity.

The temple's rituals are meticulously conducted under the supervision of the tantri (chief priest), ensuring that ancient customs are preserved. The temple is open for worship during the Mandala season (November to January) and on specific days according to the Malayalam calendar, including the first five days of each month.

The Essence of Spiritual Devotion

For millions of devotees, the pilgrimage to Sabarimala is a journey of deep spiritual significance. The vratham and the physically demanding trek are acts of devotion and penance, believed to purify the soul and bring one closer to the divine. The continuous chant of "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" (Lord Ayyappa, I seek refuge in you) throughout the journey reflects the profound spiritual connection and unwavering faith of the pilgrims.

While Sabarimala remains a bastion of spiritual heritage, it faces the challenge of preserving its traditions amidst the pressures of modernity and environmental sustainability. The large influx of pilgrims, particularly during peak seasons, poses significant ecological concerns. Efforts are being made to implement sustainable practices to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats, ensuring that the spiritual essence of Sabarimala is preserved for future generations.

Conclusion

Sabarimala Temple stands as a powerful symbol of tradition, faith, and devotion. The pilgrimage to this sacred shrine is more than a physical journey; it is a transformative spiritual experience that resonates deeply within the hearts of devotees. As they chant "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa," the spirit of Lord Ayyappa continues to inspire and guide, upholding a timeless legacy of faith and devotion.

[misseasybake]

Had a dream about writing a test outside while swinging on a seesaw. (Don't forget the vitamins to take vitamins). I didn't finish it, so I decided I still had time to finish it till midnight. After swinging on a seesaw a bit I decided it was time to go home. I went home (I was alone), showered, and at the end of the shower remembered I didn't finish the test. I was in a rush to finish it on time or the professor won't count it done, but when I went out of the bathroom I remembered a curse. It was connected to religion. So this is how it went down: I came out of the bathroom, remembered the curse, and saw a plate of chocolate chip cookies, it was half empty with visible crumbs and shaking as if someone just touched it in a rush, panicked, went to my sister's room to get the nun (I say the nun bc the nun was giving us the test. The nun is actually our professor, but I don't know how I figured that out). She was supposed to be lying on my sister's bed, but there was a white mannequin instead of a human body. I turned to the priest (the priest was not a part of the picture when I entered the room, but somehow I knew he'd be there when I turned to him), same thing. A white mannequin. I was kinda scared, it was night outside.

Ayooo ever tried dream interpretation with chatgpt⁉️

Your dream is quite intricate with various elements that could hold symbolic meanings. Let's break it down:

1. **Writing a test outside while swinging on a seesaw:** This could symbolize a sense of instability or imbalance in your life, perhaps related to your academic or personal pursuits. The act of taking a test suggests feelings of evaluation or scrutiny.

2. **Not finishing the test:** This could represent feelings of inadequacy or pressure to meet deadlines or expectations.

3. **Remembering the test after showering:** The shower could symbolize a desire for purification or renewal, but the realization of the unfinished task suggests unresolved stress or anxiety.

4. **The curse connected to religion:** This could indicate feelings of guilt or fear related to your beliefs or moral principles. It might also suggest a sense of being judged or punished for perceived shortcomings.

5. **Encountering the nun and priest as mannequins:** This could represent a sense of emptiness or lack of guidance in your life, especially in matters related to spirituality or morality.

Overall, your dream seems to reflect underlying anxieties or concerns about performance, responsibility, and spiritual matters. It might be helpful to reflect on these themes in your waking life and consider if there are any unresolved issues or areas where you feel out of balance.

Also, here's something I scribbled on my own:

"

Dream about Swinging In A Swing is a sign for your strong sense of morality and integrity. You need to move on with your life and stop thinking about your someone or something. You like being the object of desire. Your dream is an indication for your determination, direction and goal. You need to muster up more courage.

"

"

This is a symbol for cleansing yourself from the stress and troubles of the world. Letting go of anxiety and worry that keeps you from your true nature. It also suggests washing away your problems that keep burdening your life.

"

"

Dreaming of a nun symbolizes spiritual devotion, purity, and self-discipline. It may also represent a need for guidance and support in your life. Alternatively, it may indicate a desire for celibacy or a fear of sexuality.

"

"

Dreaming of a priest symbolizes spiritual guidance, faith, and morality. It may indicate a need for guidance or a desire to connect with a higher power. Alternatively, it may represent guilt or a need for forgiveness.

"

[ssouledout]

word vomit from da heart

☆ i'm in a season where i'm learning how to manage my time. as a freelancer. (that's wild)

☆ had a hard time accepting that i'm not living and going to live a "normal" life... it created a lot of doubt in so many areas of my life (my skills, where God is taking me, my relationship, everythingggg). but i've accepted it. and officially (i believe) surrendered it all to God. i feel the vertical typing this lol

☆ my confidence has grown so much as a person. the way God thickened my skin in the past year or so lol...... i still do silly self sabotaging things sometimes but i find it funny now. the past is the past and people are not defined by their sins. i know i'm not!!

☆ been doing youtube solo for about 1.5 years and it's been a riiiiide. announced my channel 7 months in and it took so long to build the courage to do that. today, i built the courage to use a tripod in public and i filmed a mukbang in a restaurant comfortably.

☆ slowly taking this youtube thing more seriously. being more intentional. sitting with God to get inspiration. rebuking fear so i can be open to inspiration. i want to get lost in my Father's presence and in creating... i created a schedule for this week and so far i've been sticking to it (it's tuesday) and i'm feeling so accomplished. feeling less lost and less overwhelmed.

☆ grateful for prestagon. not sure how long they plan on keeping me. it was an immediate hire from lola (elaine's friend) and they pay $40 an hour + $20 gas. so that's $100 for 2 hours of my time. amazing. they are working on giving me more hours. excited to see what other doors will open this year

☆ remember when i said i felt like something big was gonna happen? like spiritually.. globally... that might happen this year. and soon. great things for God's children and not so great things for those not in God's will. feeling the vertical

☆ struggling with celibacy. bf has been so busy so we don't see each other often and although i miss him it's probably good for us so we don't fall. God's been checking me lately that it's me that needs to work on this.

☆ i measured myself today and my measurements blew my mind.. esp that i've been snacking way more than usual lately (i hardly snack these days, so it's still controlled snacking, but a lot of it). my waist is itty bitty compared to when i first started and i'm shocked. i have abs (& flabs). booty and thighs are growing. i actually like working out now fr fr.

☆ idk what marriage is going to look like with monte's music career. but if this is where God wants me, i have 0 to worry about. been in a continual state of surrender lately

☆ God is my biggest fan and cheerleader. my biggest encourager. he shut me up in the middle of prayer last week while i was venting about the bullet point above lol. he interrupted me with immense peace, i had nothing left to say haha it was funny

☆ i want a better relationship with my parents. having to build that as an adult in a filipino household is something else.. but God is softening all the hearts in this house. including mine.

☆ my family loves monte. that makes me incredibly happy

[vivekkumar66335]

bramacharya abstinence helps achieve better in all aspects of life

In Ancient Indian society, Brahmacharya was practiced by those who SEEK  higher levels of thoughts & wisdom.      The important aspect of Brahmacharya was to avoid random / scattered / basic-animal level thoughts   to more thoughts of of higher levels / higher evolution. Yoga is stilling the fluctuations of the mind  - http://holisticyou.de/?p=1043&lang=en .   Those who practised Brahmacharya were able to increase their power to think, memory, and other physical and mental abilities.   

Though anyone could practice Brahmacharya, people seeking wisdom usually had an exclusive system wherein the practice was imposed through Gurukul type discussion and obedience with Gurus, strict system by which Men and Women were told to control  their random thoughts and to achieve more focus / single-mindness .  Such training for single-mindness helps a person to use the human life to experience more out of life, rather than mere basic animal-like feelings, 

Ancient Indian society used to keep young boys and girls in Gurukul during their teenage, adolescence stage till they become more mature, single-minded & balanced in their thoughts.  Such clarity and sharpness of mind helps in making these Brahmacharis become better teachers,  rulers, Professionals in whatever field they choose in future.  Besides the children of those who had observed Brahmacharyam tend to be more focussed and  single-minded also. 

Ordinary persons who have wavered thoughts and basic-desires are sometimes desperate that they are not able to achieve single mindedness, such ordinary persons are often jealous of better capabilities of Brahmacharis.

 Dhanvantari had taught all the details about Ayurveda to his disciples, they enquired about the keynote of this medical science. The Master replied, “I tell you that Brahmacharya is truly a precious jewel. It is the one most effective medicine–nectar indeed–which destroys diseases, decay and death. For attaining peace, brightness, memory, knowledge, health and Self-realization, one should observe Brahmacharya, which is the highest Dharma. Brahmacharya is the highest knowledge; Brahmacharya is the greatest strength. Of the nature of Brahmacharya is verily this Atman and in Brahmacharya It resides. Saluting Brahmacharya first, the cases beyond cure, I cure. Aye, Brahmacharya can undo all the inauspicious signs.”

Practice of Brahmacharya gives good health, inner strength, peace of mind and long life. It invigorates the mind and the nerves. It helps to conserve physical and mental energy. It augments memory, will force and brain power. It bestows tremendous strength, vigour and vitality. Strength and fortitude are obtained.    The eye is the window of the mind. If the mind is pure and calm, the eye also is calm and steady. He who is established in Brahmacharya will have lustrous eyes, a sweet voice and a beautiful complexion. 

By the establishment of continence, vigour is obtained. The Yogi gets Siddhi or perfection by attaining perfect mental and physical Brahmacharya.   Brahmacharya helps him in gaining divine knowledge and other Siddhis. When there is purity, the rays of the mind are not dissipated. Focussing of the mind becomes easy. Concentration and purity go together. Although a sage talks a few words only, a deep impression is produced in the minds of the hearers. This is due to his Ojas Sakhti (supreme of the seven Dathus ), which is conserved by the preservation of semen and its transmutation https://www.planetayurveda.com/ojas/ 

A true Brahmachari in thought, word and deed has wonderful thought-power. He can move the world. If you develop strict celibacy, Vichara Sakti and Dharana Sakti will develop. Vichara Sakti is the power of enquiry. Dharana Sakti is the power of grasping and holding the Truth. If a man persistently refuses to yield to his lower nature and remains a strict celibate, the seminal energy is deflected upwards to the brain and is stored up as Ojas Sakti.  Thereby the power of the intellect is intensified to a remarkable degree. The intellect becomes sharp and clear by continence. Continence increases infinitely the power of retentive memory. The strict celibate has keen and acute memory even in old age.

A man who has the power of Brahmacharya can turn out immense mental, physical and intellectual work. He has a magnetic aura around his face. He can influence people by speaking just a few words or even by his very presence. He can control anger and move the whole world. Look at Mahatma Gandhi! He had acquired this power by constant and careful practice of Ahimsa, Satyam and Brahmacharya–non-violence, truth and celibacy. He influenced the world through this power alone. Through Brahmacharya and Brahmacharya alone can you get physical, mental and spiritual advancement in life.

It is worth repeating that a true Brahmachari possesses tremendous energy, a clear brain, gigantic will-power, bold understanding, retentive memory and good Vichara Sakti. Swami Dayananda stopped the carnage of a Maharaja. He broke the sword with his hands. This was due to his power of Brahmacharya. Jesus, Sankara, Jnana Deva and Samarth Ramdas were all Brahmacharins.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (January 21)

On January 21, the Roman Catholic Church honors the virgin and martyr St. Agnes, who suffered death for her consecration to Christ.

Although the details of Agnes' life are mostly unknown, the story of her martyrdom has been passed on with reverence since the fourth century.

On the feast day of the young martyr – whose name means “lamb” in Latin – the Pope traditionally blesses lambs, whose wool will be used to make the white pallium worn by archbishops.

Born into a wealthy family during the last decade of the third century, Agnes lived in Rome during the last major persecution of the early Church under Emperor Diocletian.

Though he was lenient toward believers for much of his rule, Diocletian changed course in 302, resolving to wipe out the Church in the empire.

Agnes came of age as the Church was beginning to suffer under a set of new laws decreed by Diocletian and his co-ruler Galerius in 303.

The emperor and his subordinate called for churches to be destroyed and their books burned.

Subsequent orders led to the imprisonment and torture of clergy and laypersons, for the sake of compelling them to worship the emperor instead of Christ.

Meanwhile, Agnes had become a young woman of great beauty and charm, drawing the attention of suitors from the first ranks of the Roman aristocracy.

But in keeping with the words of Christ and Saint Paul, she had already decided on a life of celibacy for the sake of God's kingdom.

To all interested men, she explained that she had already promised herself to a heavenly and unseen spouse.

These suitors both understood Agnes' meaning and resented her resolution.

Some of the men, possibly looking to change her mind, reported her to the state as a believer in Christ.

Agnes was brought before a judge who tried first to persuade her and then to threaten her into renouncing her choice not to marry for the Lord's sake.

When the judge showed her the various punishments he could inflict – including fire, iron hooks, or the rack that destroyed the limbs by stretching – Agnes smiled and indicated she would suffer them willingly.

But she was brought before a pagan altar instead and asked to make an act of worship in accordance with the Roman state religion.

When Agnes refused, the judge ordered that she should be sent to a house of prostitution, where the virginity she had offered to God would be violated.

Agnes predicted that God would not allow this to occur, and her statement proved true.

Legends say that the first man to approach her in the brothel was struck blind by a sudden flash of light, and others opted not to repeat his mistake.

But one of the men who had at first sought to make Agnes his own, now lobbied the judge for her execution.

In this respect, the suitor obtained his desire when the public official sentenced her to die by beheading.

The executioner gave her one last chance to spare her life by renouncing her consecration to Christ – but Agnes refused, made a short prayer, and courageously submitted to death.

St. Agnes, who died in 304, was venerated as a holy martyr from the fourth century onward.

She is mentioned in the Latin Church's most traditional Eucharistic prayer, the Roman Canon.