#Deep Sea Fishing Gold Coast

[lightningmcqueen07]

Exploring the Best Gold Coast Fishing Charters for a Thrilling Deep Sea Experience

While many outdoor adventures are considered exciting, few can top the thrill of deep sea fishing on Australia's gorgeous Gold Coast. With such stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and favorable weather, the Gold Coast has quickly become a top destination for all fishing enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to cast your line for the first time, there are numerous options available to make your deep-sea fishing experience truly unforgettable. Let's dive into the best Gold Coast fishing charters that provide exhilarating trips into the vast ocean.

Why Choose Gold Coast Fishing Charters?

The Gold Coast offers the perfect environment with a range of charter providers to go deep sea fishing Gold Coast. The region is well-known for its rich biodiversity and full of species such as snapper, marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi. With a fishing charter, you will have access to good-maintained boats, skilled crew members, and good-quality fishing gear that ensure safe and productive outings on the water.

Best Fishing Charters Gold Coast

1. Gone Fishing Charters Gold Coast : Reliable and experienced, the GFC offers half day trips and extended deep-sea excursions. The fishing crew of Gone Fishing Charters Gold Coast are experts and know exactly the best spots to fish. All your gear, bait, and refreshments are provided at no cost to you in order for you to relax and enjoy fishing. There is both private and shared charters for both individuals, family, and groups.

2. Caught Up Fishing Charters: This charter service specializes in offering a personalized fishing experience. With a maximum of 10 passengers, the onboard crew ensures that every member receives individual attention and guidance. Caught Up Fishing Charters specializes in deep sea fishing Gold Coast trips and is particularly acclaimed for their catch-and-release practices, making them a perfect choice for eco-conscious anglers.

3. Top Catch Fishing Charters: Top Catch offers all the excitement of spending the day on the water because they have a fleet of up-to-date vessels. All their packages focus on the reef, pelagic, or game fishing, which most adventurers are looking for – this is a fight between men and the sea where all the adrenaline can be realized as one battles the big catch. Their knowledgeable team always welcomes guests with passion, hence sharing it with their every guest.

4. Gold Coast Fishing Adventures: The perfect charter for those anglers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience is Gold Coast Fishing Adventures. This bespoke fishing experience allows you to design the experience according to your specifications, whether you are seeking deep-sea fishing or fishing on shallow reefs. Their team has expert knowledge and makes sure that equipment is the latest in the field, giving anglers the thrill they have been craving for be they novice or seasoned.

Preparing for Your Deep Sea Fishing Adventure

Before embarking on your deep sea fishing goldcoast journey, it's essential to prepare adequately. Here are some tips to enhance your experience:

- Dress Appropriately: The weather can be variable out on the open ocean. Dress in layers and don't forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the harsh sun.

- Bring Snacks and Drinks: Most charters provide refreshments, but it is a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks to keep you refreshed throughout the day.

- Know the Essentials: Be well-informed about the local fishing regulations. Most charter companies will let you know what you can take so it is good to know anyway.

With its beautiful coastlines and abundant fishing grounds, the Gold Coast is a fisherman's dream. By opting for one of the best fishing charters Gold Coast has in store, you can guarantee a thrilling and unforgettable deep-sea fishing experience. Whether it is catching that trophy fish or just a day out in the water, the Gold Coast fishing charters will surely not disappoint. Don't miss the adventure here; grab your gear, book your charter, and get ready for a thrilling deep-sea experience on the Gold Coast!

[cushyfishingcharter]

Discover the thrill of offshore fishing with Cushy Fishing Charters! Our experienced captains and top-notch equipment guarantee an unforgettable adventure on the open seas. Book your charter today and reel in the excitement!

[stalkerofthegods]

Lady Aphrodite/Venus deep dive

Lady Aphrodite/Venus is Amazing and beautiful in soul and looks, graceful as a swan and as kind as a mother, I adore Lady Aphrodite/Venus as a worshiper and as a researcher, she is far beyond interesting, so please know that she is not any insults you may know, she is a powerful and wonderful goddess and a mother, and know she is not just her looks.

Herbs • anemone, daffodil, myrtle, lettuce , pomegranate, apple, rosemary fresh roses, vanilla, cinnamon, cypress, jasmine, the olive tree, narcissus, honeysuckle, the apple tree, the lime tree, Strawberries, Oranges, Pears, lotus

Animals• hare, turtle-dove, sparrow, goose, swan, horses, hummingbirds, cats, butterflies, bees, fish, hare. 

Symbols• Hearts, Seashells, Mirror, Girdles, Dolphins, Doves, Swans, Sparrows, Bees, Sea Foam, Pomegranates, Apples, Strawberries, Oranges, Pears

Colors • pink & red, rose gold , blue, green, white, gold, baby blue, pastel colors, Seafoam green, Aqua

Appearance in astral or general • many ancient artworks of her, depicted her with traditionally male features, like beards, along with traditionally female features, she can change looks many times, but no matter her looks she is the most beautiful alive.

Crystal• rose quarts, garnet, pearls, diamond, sapphire, aquamarine, opal, sea glass, silver, emerald, rhodonite, rhodochrosite, ocean jasper, morganite

Jewelry • pearls, rose gold, promise rings, diamonds

epithets of Aphrodite• Psytiros - whispering Aphrodite, epithet also is attributed to Eros, Euploia - a marine epithet to Aphrodite of easy sailing, fair voyage, Leaina -the Lioness, an epithet given to the Goddess by Athenian orator Democha, Praxis - Aphrodite of action, a statue to whom stood in the city of Megara, Peitho - as an epithet to Aphrodite, it describes Her a persuasive, Epiodoros - Aphrodite of bountiful gifts as She was titled by Greek poet Stesichoru, Argounis - shining Aphrodite, worshiped in Boeotia and likely associated with Dawn, Philomedes - Aphrodite of a lovely smile or smiling Aphrodite, Helikoblepharos - quick-glancing, or Aphrodite with an ever-moving eye, Polychrisou - rich in gold, rich in many golden gifts, Chrisopeplos - gold-clad, Aphrodite dressed in gold, Chrisostephanos -  Aphrodite wearing a golden wreath, Chrisanios - Aphrodite holding golden rein as Her chariot was often said to be fully made of gold, Nikêphoros- She is the Warlike, Areia- She is the averter of unlawful desires and actions, Apostrophia- She is one who blessed marriage and unions, Migôntis- She is the one who turns to love, Ourania- Heavenly, Divine Love, Pandêmos- Common To All, Epistrophia - She who Turns to Love, Nympthia Hêrê - Of Hera of Marriage, Symmakhia- Ally in Love, Pontia - Of the Sea, Kypria - Of Cyprus, Pothon Mater -  Mother of Desire, Chrysea- Golden, Aphrodite Urania (also spelt Ourania), Aphrodite Pandemos, Venus Genatrix, Peitho, - meaning persuasion, Philommeidḗs - "smile-loving", Cypris and Cythereia -  for her association of Cyprus and Cythera, Eleemon, In Athens, she was known as Aphrodite in kopois ("Aphrodite of the Gardens”, At Cape Clias, a town along the Attic coast, she was venerated as Genetyllis "Mother", Aphrodite Euploia - of the fair voyage, Anaduomenê - The Goddess Who Arose From The Sea, Ambologêra - The Ons Who Delays Old Age, Antheia - The Blooming One / Friend Of Flowers , Apotrophia - The Expeller ( Of Shameful and Sinful Desire), Areia - The Warlike, Kupria/Kuprigeneia - The One Born in The Island Of Cyprus, Despoina - The Rulling Goddess/ The Mistress , Genetullis - The Protectress Of Births , Nikêphoros - Bringer Of Victory

Cult epithets • Ourania (heavenly) , Pandémos (common to all) , areia (of ares, warlike) , hòplismené (armed) , Symmakhia (ally in love) 

Poetic epithets • Kypris ( of Cyprus) , philomeidês (laughter loving) , aphrogenia (foam born) khryseé (golden) Pothón Mêtêr (mother of desire) 

Names• Venus, Aphrodite, Harthor, Astare, Priyah, inanna, isis, Freaya,

Mortal or immortal • immortal

Zodiac • Libra, taruas

How to get closer • sign her hymms or dance in her honor

Number• 5

Courting• Ares, she is no longer married.

Past lovers and flings • Anchises (a mortal in the past she dated), Adonis ( handsome young man killed by a boar (Ares in disguise), Dionysus, Zues (maybe), Hermes, Phaethon, Posideon, Butes, Apollon

Devine children • Phobos, Deimos, Harmonia, Eros, Anteros, pothos, hermaphrodios, (From the mortal Anchuses), Aeneas a mythical hero of Troy and Rome, and Lyrus/Lyrnus (From Butes), eryxs, Meligounis and several more unnamed daughters, Hymenajks, lacchus, priapus, the Charites, (graces: Aglaea, Euphrosyne, Thalia) (From Dionysus) Phobos, Deimos, Harmonia, The Erotes (Eros) , Anteros, Himeros ,  Pothos,  from Ares, Hermaphroditos, Priapus, from Hermes, Rhodos from Posideon, Beroe, Golgos, Priapus (rarely) (from Adonis), Astynous from Phaethon, Priapus (from Zeus)

Attendees • The erotes, Harmonia, Hebe, peithos, the kharites , Naiades

Regions• Cyprus; Kytherea, Corinth, Eryx in Sicly

Holiest shrine•  Paphos, island of Cyprus, (her birth place & seat of her mysteria) 

Other shrines • Temples throughout Greece and Asia Minor and ur moms house. Some places, most notably Sparta, Thebes, and Cyprus honored her as a goddess of war.

Parents • Ouranos Sometimes it’s said that she is the daughter of Zeus and Dione. And born from the severed genitals of the primordial god Ouranos.

Siblings • Aeacus, Angelos, Apollo, Ares, Artemis, Athena, Dionysus, Eileithyia, Enyo, Eris, Ersa, Hebe, Helen of Troy, Hephaestus, Heracles, Hermes, Minos, Pandia, Persephone, Perseus, Rhadamanthus, the Graces, the Horae, the Litae, the Muses and the Moirai.

personality• she isn’t intimidating at first, she likes not having already used products on her alter if possible, a clean, nice smelling alter.

dislikes• She does not like Medusa, she wants nothing to do with her for some reason, just what I’ve heard from people who worshiped Aphrodite and Medusa in close timelines

Diety of • Sex, libido, self-image, self-love, relationships, friendships, parent love and pet love, crushes, lust, procreation, seduction, pleasure, happiness, sadness, passion, stalking, ports, port homes

Home• Olympus and was living in the sea before Olympus

Hate• Boars, pigs. 

Likes• Faries, unicorns, butterflies, lacy & frilly things, music boxes, ballet, cars.

Roots• Greek, born near Paphos, on the island of Cyprus

Offerings • pastries, cakes, , olive branches,  dark chocolate, wine, apples, perfume, makeup, Pomegranate: said to be first planted by Aphrodite herself, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Figs, Watermelon, Sea shells, handheld mirrors/ beautifully ornate mirrors, makeup products, perfumes (sweet/sensual/seductive ones), skin/body care products, fruits, apples, lettuce, pomegranates, chocolates, sugar and cream, honey, wine (rosé or sweet-scented), sweetened rose tea, rose quartz, pearls, jewelry, roses, flower bouquets, statues of her sacred animals (ex- swans) ,  myrtle or myrrh incense, pink/gold/white candles, seawater, the artwork of her, devotional poems, self-care routines, ritual baths, have a rose garden that you can take care of in her name if possible, be supportive of women and the LGBTQ+ community. • olive oil, fruit, honey, chocolate, dark chocolate (she loves it) , Apples/golden apples, Mermaids, Jewelry, Cherries, Dolphins imagery, Perfumes, Cologne, Makeup, Combs, Affirmations/Affirmation Cards, Beach Sand, Sea imagery, Water, Love poems, Oyster shells, Pink Salt, Driftwood, Sea glass, Amenome/Roses/Carnations, Other flowers, Valentine's Day gifts, Teddy bears, Rose water, Eros/Cupid imagery, Cakes, (Dress up) Dolls, Chapstick/lipstick, Fishnets, Honey cakes, Undergarments, Hearts, Handheld fans, Pictures of loved ones, Condoms/lube(18+), Lingerie(18+), Undergarments(18+), Sex toys(18+), NSFW magazines/books/movie(18+) (AND I MEAN IT WHEN I SAY 18+, OR ASK HER!!), roses, Myrtles, Apples, Pomegranates, Honey, Chocolates, Cookies or cakes made to look like one of Her symbols (ex- hearts), Strawberries, Oranges, Pears, Bath Salts, Bath oils, Bubble bath soap, Scented lotions or fancy soaps

Devotional• light your favorite candle, put on your favorite lotion or perfume, put on your favorite piece of jewelry, put on your favorite article of clothing, enjoy a sweet treat, Sex magic, Glamour spells, Dressing up, acts of self care and acts of self- love, Caring for mental & physical health, Take a bubble bath,Spend time at the sea, Collect sea shells, Read Sappho poetry, Donate to LBGTQ+, Support sex workers, Have safe sex and learn about it, Stand up for yourself and what you believe in, Donate to woman programs and shelters, Do stuff to make ur self feel empowered and beautiful, Honor her kids and ares, watch a romcom, watch a regular romantic movie or show or read your favorite romantic story, Make plans with loved ones and friends or your lover in her honor, Treat yourself to something you enjoy, if you have a pet and they like to snuggle, snuggle or lay with them. Talk to them and tell them how much you love them (If able take them for a walk or a ride), listen to ocean/sea soundscapes, read up on all the many kinds of love, engage in an act of self-care, listen to love songs, listen to a devotional playlist for her, make a Pinterest board or playlist, or journal all of your favorite things and things that you love, learn about the different kinds of love, do things that boost your self esteem, be gentle with yourself, take it easy, etc, watch a ballet, read love poems, Dress up and selfies, Keep menstrual products on you (even if you don't bleed), Advocate for pro-choice, Give/accept compliments, Advocate for SA victims, Go on a date, Take yourself on a date, Do something nice for your partner, get a Manicure/pedicure, Flirt, Affirmations in the mirror, Drink wine, Advocate for proper sex ed (Including queer sex ed), Experiment with your style, Mirror scrying, Listen to sleep affirmations, Love letter to self/her/partner, Take a bath/shower,Go to the ocean/water, Finally give into that one kink (You know the one, 18+), do Masturbation in her honor (only 18+, I heard she’s not comfortable with minors doing it, but that’s between y’all, just ask her beforehand.), Practice safe sex (18+), Educate yourself on the porn industry, Support sex workers (TIP THEM, 18+), Have sex (18+), Get educated on consent/safe sex, Take nude/lewds (18+)

Holiday • on March 18, goddess of fertility day 

Season• spring 

Status• Olympian, major goddess

Music • Harry styles, Classical music, old love songs (50s & 60s)

Day• Friday 

Planet• Venus

Tarot• High priestess, the lovers, the empress, the star

Rituals • honored and invoked for love and fertility and beauty

Festivals • Aphrodisa, kinyrades ( summer festival) adonia ( mourning for Adonis, woman only) 

Fact• She was most worshiped during times of politics, Many people offered her Opiates, or did Opiates in her honor. opium-burners were often found at her shrines in ancient times, please do not do opium.

Prayer•

1• sing, sing, oh i sing to aphrodite who is most beautiful! she who stirs the passionof men & god alike! o, to she — i sing! golden goddess with soft lashes, golden goddess withsoft arms, i spin and sing and delight in the bright rose that is you. may i dance with your grace, lifted up as the foam from the sea as you were — may my smile be blessed with delight. golden-haired goddess, bless my tongue to be sweet as honey, bless my fingers to be delicate and swift, bless my steps so they may bound forth in soft beauty. glory to she — praise to she! goddess of ever golden smiles, of fierce beauty, of spilling laughter and delight. o! may i love as you love — may i delight as you delight! goddess, fill me with your beauty — may i shine & rise above the wrathful waters of those around me and delight, delight, delight in the glory that you have given to me! 

2•Golden Aphrodite

Lady of beauty and grace, Please give me the power to appreciate my body, Grant me confidence in my masculinity, Help me to feel your love within myself, and to express it outwardly as well, Lady Aphrodite, please hear my prayer, I sing your praises and offer you this incense

3•Aphrodite, guide me towards love. Help me discover it, receive it, embrace it, give it, celebrate it, honor it, teach it, and live it. Let love be the mark I leave, as your devotee, as a human being. 

4• Antheia 

Hear to me my call for spring to have sprung,Oh, sweet one scented of honey and nectar. Hear my call Aphrodite Antheia,As I harken a need for the sweet bloom. I crave the beauty of the opening flower, The sweet taste of its nectar upon my lips. Ah Aphrodite Antheia, Bring to me the joy of the fresh blooms. Let the petals cascade upon my body, Allow me the joy of the sunshine. Oh sweet one, Oh Aphrodite Antheia. Bestow upon me and mine, The gifts of the flowers fair.

5•daughter of seafoam, goddess of beauty, aphrodite please hear my cries. please listen as i describe all the parts of me that are shattered & torn, please understand as i tell my stories of pain. aphrodite accept me please. aphrodite pick me up & help me mend myself for i am yours, thank you so much & so mote it be

6• Aphrodite rivals the beauty of the sun setting over an ocean's horizon as you stand on the shore, the water tickling your feet as it pulled in and pushed back out repeatedly by the waves.

Scents/Inscene •  Rose, wine, fresh roses, Frankincesne, Myrrth, vanilla, cinnamon, cypress, jasmine, cherry blossom, lavender. 

Other• images of things she’s associated with, jewelry, perfume, bath salts , scented lotion, seawater, seashells, sand, makeup, feathers, self care essentials. 

Links/websites/sources

 @khaire-traveler

 ephemeral-cryptid.tumblr.com

  @mars-and-the-theoi graffitiphilosopher.tumblr.com teawiththegods.tumblr.com

 @seleniangnosis

@melitheoidevotion

 @seafoamsister

 evilios.tumblr.com hearthcreation.tumblr.com orsialos.tumblr.com 

@hisfluer

I use resources, I do not own the info, and most deep dives have UPG (that I use in my work.) And I only take some information from sources. I am 14, this is my hobby, I am learning but I spent many hours and days on this, and I am always open to criticism. I have been doing worship for 5 years. Please know you can use the info, I do not sue, but I will take action if this work is used without permission and not put as a resource if used in any work. without permisson and not put as a resource if used in any work, for the public.

[itmeansiris]

The Solar System Legacy Challenge: Saying Goodbye Gen 1 pt.50

“Grown from the humble roots off the coast of Shih Sea, Tomarang is lively with local fare, community chaos, and legends of lore. Known for its tight-knit communities and sun-filled shared spaces, Tomarang is a lush landscape of possibilities. Come cozy up with nature or fish around for neighborly niceties and whim-simsical secrets. Whether you're flying solo or raising generations, the region offers a warm welcome to any multi-living lifestyle! Sul Sul De-Kah!”

The town Spirit and Jorden grew up, fell in love and raised 2 children. The town they sent their children to school and grew a business. Where they grew old and hung pictures of their grandchildren. The town where they ate at the local fare and sold produce on the weekend.

To Mercury, Tomarang was a small village littered with color and wonder. A village that had helped her learn to be kind and confident, giving, loving and nurturing. All the things the village had given to her parents before her. Now she had returned to say goodbye to what anchored her there.

When they arrive at the Tomarang funeral home & cemetery, M is immediately drawn to the new headstone that was already placed in the designated place for Jorden on the Medley Family plot. As she approaches she notices the hoard of cameras and fans standing beyond the fenced area. Word of her father’s death and her return to Tomarang had circulated quickly but she had begged for privacy. Seems she wouldn’t get her wish. The crowd did nothing to quiet her emotions. She couldn’t handle it anymore, she’d spent all morning trying to keep herself poised and in check, but seeing her Fathers name engraved across the shiny new headstone had broken her resolve. She set down Zohreh and released a gut-wrenching sob.

Kason joins her silently supporting her but understanding her need to get it out. He stands between her and the gathering crowd trying to shield her as his own emotions begin to rise. Jorden had welcomed Kason from the moment they’d met during Family day weekend all those years ago. He had deemed Kason, Mercurys moon* after they started dating and had even given him permission to ask for M’s hand in marriage. He gave him advice on raising the triplets and had even helped to name Zohreh. No one had ever needed to say it aloud, but Jorden was the backbone of their mixed families and everyone from the Gratz to the Medleys and all of Tomarang had lost a friend, a mentor, a husband or a father.

As they gathered themselves to head inside they notice Zohreh pulling himself toward his grandfathers headstone. He’d been practicing for weeks and had chosen this moment to complete his creep milestone.

Kason: M did you see him?

He asked as he wiped the tears from his eyes. M smiled with a fresh batch of tears coating her already red rimmed eyes.

M: I did. Maybe he knows. Maybe…he did it for his grandpa..

Kason: It’s a beautiful thought M, hold on to it. Let’s head inside.

The pews were filled with tenants, friends, neighbors and employees a like. In the front rows sat Winter and Peyton with their now 3 kids, along side Beckett, Spirit and the triplets.

The service commences and M tasked with giving the eulogy takes her place at the podium eventually. The casket a beautiful white with intricate gold detailing a daunting backdrop. She takes a deep breath and begins.

M: My delightful, quirky & remarkable father, Jorden Medley has passed and left our beautiful village hollow. My mother, brother and I are beyond heartbroken. We know how blessed & lucky we were to be loved by him. Now it’s up to the watcher to take care of him, and I know he’s earned his right to a peaceful rest. You can’t be called a daddy’s girl without the perfect father. Mine burned breakfast every morning, and took the training wheels off my brothers bike to soon. My father couldn’t sing and had two left feet. He lived for a decent cup of coffee he couldn’t make himself and often didn’t have a serious bone in his body. He taught me to keep my head in the clouds and to search or create things that no one could take from me.

She’s pauses. Takes a deep breath and continues

M: When we were kids my father built us a treehouse and then spent all his time teaching me about astronomy. Being named after the Planet Mercury at my great grandmothers request my father learned all he could about the planet and then passed it all down to me. One day he promised me a moon. At the time I didn’t understand, I thought all planets had their own moon and we just shared the sun. Until my father explained that because of Mercury’s small form and its proximity to the sun it doesn’t have enough gravitational pull to create a moon all its own. But he assured me everyday that I would be stronger than my small form and I would find my moon. Jorden Medley kept his promise and I was blessed with a moon, my husband Kason and a number of tiny stars that could one days be suns, my children. But what my father didn’t know is he was the strength in my orbit. He made it possible for me to keep the people around. My father taught me that I was stronger than the cosmos, and I could outshine the sun and have my own galaxy even if the world didn’t have it planned for me. My father spent his life teaching me to build a galaxy and now he is the brightest star in my orbit. For a moonless planet I was bless with the prefect star. We…will miss you daddy….

After the service the family gathers outside at the headstone after greeting friends and thanking them for coming. Outside the crowd of vultures hadn’t diminished. The family gathered around to say their final goodbyes.

They head back to Spirits house. It’d been a while since M had been to her childhood home. She’d seen her family often but normally they traveled to her considering she had the most space and the hardest travel with the kids. It felt like a bittersweet moment to be back. Once inside Kason starts to get the kids ready for bed with Spirits help. As they rally the kids Spirit notices M head for her bedroom. She watches her open the door painfully slow and then she steps in and closes the door behind her.

Inside M stops and takes a moment to gather herself. Stunned by how comfort she felt being in her father’s space. She could recall sneaking into bed with her parents at night. The familiar picture of her father sits on the nightstand on her mother’s side of the bed. She stares back at her father’s kind eyes. She never takes her eyes off the photo as she moves around to her father’s side of the bed (the same for years). She lays down on his pillow and stares at his photo until she’s eventually overcome with exhaustion as drifts off to sleep

*The planet Mercury IRL does not have a moon. Mercury has no moons. The planet's close proximity to the Sun makes having moons impossible, as the star's strong gravitational pull would likely pull them out of the planet's orbit.

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[probablyasocialecologist]

Pretend you are the sea. Pretend you are a life-filled veil of green and gold and black and blue covering 70 percent of the land and most of its mysteries. Some day soon you will choke on refuse. A growing knot of bottles and bags and tires and zipties and rubber duckies and microbeads and bright plastic bric-a-brac will catch fast in your throat, suffocating all life from your deep places. You’ll bloat like a dead thing, an albatross chick’s belly packed tight and stretched grotesque with all the indigestible junk you’ve been fed. And when the last coral has withered—when the final whale has sung her question to an empty abyssal plain and there’s not even a hagfish left to mourn her passing—you will rise primeval, stinking of pig effluent and rotting fish, mercury and motor oil, an entire undead ecosystem marching on the cities of the coast.

[krastbannert]

FFF #256 - color of the deep

Huh, this is a record for me, I think. It's only been two weeks since I did one of these.

@flashfictionfridayofficial

Prompt was Muted Colors, posted on AO3 as "color of the deep."

Is this the best thing I've ever written? Absolutely not. Was it fun? Yes, actually, it was, and I finally got to briefly describe what mermaids in this universe look like, so that was fun.

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“The true beauty of the sea is only seen from beneath the waves.” - Kasoni proverb

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The first thing he notices are the colors.

Everything is distorted, muted, grayed out, like a film was placed over a lens.

It’s strange, he thinks. It’s a different world down here. It’s at once totally alien, completely against everything he has ever known, and yet…something feels so familiar. Not like home, but something so incredibly close that he can’t put a name to it.

He glances around, blinking against the water; the feeling of breathing in water, even knowing that whatever spell that Ilaera and Aris had conjured was working, was so alien, but it offered so much.

He’d never seen her home. Not really. Hakim had only seen photographs, and even then, only once. Rya almost couldn’t believe him when he told her that - she’d just stared across the poker table, her cards folded in her hands, mouth practically on the floor.

“Really, geezer? Of all the places you’ve been, you haven’t been down there?”

He’d just shrugged. He grew up in the desert, and not exactly near the coast, either - she’d seen his home, seen the desert and the stark beauty that lay hidden within.

“What’s it like?” he asks.

Rya had just paused for a moment, and closed her eyes, as if she was somewhere else, sometime else, almost.

“I’ll show you.”

(He can remember when he’d told her the same thing, what feels like a lifetime ago.)

It takes months, but finally, somehow, they end up in Kasoni, and she takes him to the reef she’d grown up on - it’s the exact opposite of the desert he’d born to.

Everywhere he looks, there’s life. He floats along with the current, barely kicking his feet, gazing on as fish dart in and out of the coral, a spectacle of shimmering, muted color that he’s never imagined in his wildest dreams. He can glance up above him, at the surface of the water, and even in the day it sparkles like starlight.

But what he can’t stop looking at is the colors.

They’re everywhere he looks.

Red and green and orange and blue and purple and yellow and a thousand other colors he can’t even begin to name, but all somehow dark and distorted. 

And yet, somehow, it’s the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen.

So many colors flash before his eyes as he clumsily kicks his feet, hovering over the coral, that he can’t help but stare, no matter what he tries.

They flash in front of his eyes, on the fish and coral and even in the water itself, somehow, and he barely even knows where to look.

A tiny orange and white clownfish pokes out of an anemone, stares at him for a brief moment, then darts back into the waving tentacles. A moray, mottled green and yellow, stares at him, lazily watching out of its little corner. A spotted grouper - a massive fish, almost as big as him, he thinks - darts faster than he could have imagined after an octopus that changes color even as he watches.

(Hakim can scarcely believe it.

All his life, he’d remembered color in the clothes and the glass of his village.

But here, deep beneath the waves in the reefs of Kasoni, color is everywhere.)

(If he could stay here for a thousand years, he would.)

Even Rya, somewhere in the distance, shines with color, the scales of her tail a glimmering gold and turquoise beacon in the distance. (She was whispering to something massive - a shark, she’d said, that she’d known when they were both just pups. )

(He never pretended to understand her.)

Hakim barely pays attention to her, though, even when she swims back to his side, darting around him with an unbelievable grace. He just stares at the colors all around him, at the iridescent light that shines down from above the water, at the way it shines on the coral and the fish.

(They’re muted and indistinct, and he knows that some scientist would say it’s because of the water, because it blocks the light and the colors this far down.

He’d tell them to come down here, and see for themselves, just how little that mattered.)

“How do you like it?” Rya asks him later when they finally, finally come to the surface, her smile bearing her sharp canines, her gills fluttering in the air.

(Maybe it’s just the spell that let him stay underwater with Rya, but somehow, even her face, still striped gold and yellow and with tiny fins on the side and back of her neck, seems just a little more colorful.)

(He’d shown her the desert, and the beauty that lived in the harshest place on Iera.

She’d shown him the ocean, and the most colorful world he’d ever imagined.)

Hakim just smiles as he thinks of the world of color below them, at the grayed out, muted world that somehow had more life than anywhere else he’d seen in his life.

(It was enough, almost, to make him believe again.)

“It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

[blueyinthebush]

deep dive - the beach

requested by anonymous

"the beach" is the 26th episode of season one, and introduces a lovely new location for the heelers to explore. it's never specified where along the gold coast this beach is, but probably somewhere like warana beach, which is about an hour's drive from brisbane and the perfect distance for a day trip. this one is a bit long, so i'll put the rest of the post underneath a read more.

a couple years ago a coastal pathway project began, in order to promote walking and biking through the scrub and wetlands along the beach. the project also addresses the prevalence of invasive species and aims to restore native vegetation. but enough about that, let's get into the bush!

an establishing shot gives a nice overview of the beach, which sits between a residential wooded area and the edge of the coral sea. what looks like a tuckeroo is visible in the foreground, a native australian tree that doesn't mind coastal conditions.

after the heelers spend some time enjoying the sand, we get a shot of an osprey, a common sight anywhere by water in australia and across the americas. these raptors are incredible anglers, with a recorded success rate of 70 percent! there are four subspecies of osprey, and the eastern osprey, the only one found in australia, is the smallest.

on the beach, bluey finds the shell of a tiger cowrie, a beautiful variety of marine snail that is prevalent across the indo-pacific region. the striking appearance of their shells has made them popular among shell collectors, although their numbers have suffered as a result.

bluey also encounters a flock of silver gulls. like other sea gulls, these birds are very successful scavengers, and often have no issues going up to humans for handouts. you can find these guys pretty much anywhere near water in australia and new zealand.

here's an interesting one! this is a pipi, a type of saltwater clam. they've been a source of protein by the native ngarriindjeri people for thousands of years, but are mostly used as bait for commercial fishing. they use their strong "foot" muscle to burrow into the sand. as filter feeders, they take in large amounts of water to suck up plankton. afterwards, the water needs to expelled, like the one bluey found is doing.

bluey also runs away from a consortium of light-blue solider crabs. unlike how they're animated in the show, this species is one of the few crabs that has evolved to walk forwards, not sideways. the males form large "armies" during low tide, similar to the group in the episode.

next, bluey encounters a moon jelly, a type of jellyfish identifiable by its large translucent bell and short tentacles. these jellies do have a sting (bluey does the right thing by approaching it with caution, as you should with any wild animal!), but it only causes very mild irritation in humans. moon jellies are the favorite food of many turtle species. since they look similar, moon jelly-loving turtles will often swallow plastic bags.

last but not least, a bird that's even bigger than bluey! this is an australian pelican, which hold the record for the longest bill of any bird. they use their beaks to scoop up fish and other animals like a fishing net. you can find them in every state of australia.

that's it! hope you enjoyed this first foray going into a whole episode. many thanks to the bluey wiki for this one, who have catalogued quite a lot of the animals in the show already.

[lethby]

Next summer ⍣ ೋ

Art by: しまも🍖 (@kshima_mo369) on Twitter

Pairing: Bachira Meguru x Mermaid! reader

Summary: A story where Bachira helps a mermaid in problems and they grow attached to each other because of their curious personalities.

"Haha! We got one!"

Two men near a little bay secluded from the quiet coast.

"Look at her scales! So shiny!"

Deep waters full of vibrant corals, home of many fish... and some mermaids.

A strong net imprisoned the mermaid, who fought against the force that was pulling her away from the sea. When a dirty hand went to grab her, she defended herself.

In this world, a mermaid's poison sold like gold, being the most powerful in the world. It was used for medicine and drugs, among others. It was very rare and very precious.

"Ah, careful! Did she stung you?" Panicked eyes stared at their companion.

However, as a mermaid, if your poison isn't deadly or lethal,

"Huh? What is this? It just felt like a little zap."

You weren't worth more than tuna.

"Really? We spent hours fishing for this?"

The mermaid still tried to resist against the tight ropes that held her hostage.

"I don't know man." The stung man ran a hand through his hair. "Maybe we can sell her scales or something."

"Forget it, the government is very attentive about anything that involves the mermaids' wellbeing."

"Let's just go home."

They both sighed and carelessly let go of the net, letting the mermaid fall unceremoniously on the sand. They didn't feel an ounce of respect for her as they left her under the burning sun to die. The mermaid didn't find any energy left to keep resisting and went limp.

Hell, she knew her poison was worthless. Even other mermaids made fun of her constantly, that's why she travels alone. But being treated like this by humans made what she had left of dignity to crumble.

Laughter and chatting echoed through the coast as a numerous group of friends arrived at the beach. They dispersed and played volleyball, swam a little, made sand castles... The usual activities in a summer vacation.

Then, a boy with yellow eyes wandered happily further from the group.

"Hey Bachira! Where are you going?"

"To explore!" He shouted back excitedly as he disappeared behind a bush. His friends decided to let the adventurous boy be, being aware of his curious and playful personality.

When he pushed away a big leaf from a palm tree, he was met with an incredible sight. A bay surrounded of vegetation was hiding there. The clear water clashed against the rocks, making a peaceful sound. Despite this, when his eyes drifted where the sand was more prominent, being in the shore, he spot a laying figure. He walked closer to it, examining her with an inquisitive gaze.

'A mermaid?!'

His eyes fixated on the way the sun reflected on her (f/c) scales and her fins laid like silk in the sand. She had pointy ears and sharp teeth were noticeable in her features.

"Pretty..."

However, his mesmerized trance switched to a worried frown as he didn't see any movement from her, the net trapping her body. Just who is so cruel to do this? He tried to pry off the net from her with no avail. The movements made the mermaid drowsily awake as she saw someone else with her. She followed her first instinct and stung him to try and scare him away. The boy jolted away and held his hand.

"Hey don't zap me! I'm trying to help you!"

Although, seeing as the ropes didn't budge, Bachira went off to find a tool that could help him. He found a branch that was spiky at the sides and thought that it should do. He came back and stuck his tongue out in concentration as he worked.

The mermaid's thoughts wandered wildly. What did this boy want with her? What would he do to her? The idea of him taking her poison by force crossed her mind, but after her earlier failed display of abilities, she doubted it. Maybe he really was helping her after all.

Albeit that hopeful thought, her panic didn't decrease. Her quick ragged huffs made her cough harshly. Her skin was dry and her lungs burned with each breath she took. Thankfully, Bachira got the memo rapidly.

"Ah right! Water!"

He looked back and stared at the fresh water from the ocean. Thoughts as grabbing a bucket or making a small river crossed his mind, but in the end he opted to carry her there. She felt strong arms lift and bring her to the shallow waters. The rope scratched her irritated skin and she winced in pain. Bachira apologized softly.

'At least is better than drying off in the sun.' She thought.

She sighed as her body hydrated again, some water being splashed by the boy to wet the parts that stayed over the water level. After he noticed she was feeling better, he continued his task on freeing her. When he managed to cut down some ropes over her torso, she aided him weakly as much as she could with her arms.

Minutes that felt like hours passed and the net was finally cut down to the point he could take it off her with his hands. The mermaid felt as good as ever, no longer being caged in tight cords. She crawled to deeper waters and stretched, going for a quick swim of freedom right after.

Bachira hoped onto a rock near her and watched as she swam skillfully through the water. His eyes lighted up and a wide smile creeped his way to his face. It was a very beautiful sight indeed. He saw her come closer and crouched down on the rock to be more at her eye level. She raised her webbed hand in order to tell him something, but he high-fived her instead.

"That was awesome! You swim really fast!"

She deadpanned at the excited boy. That was... not what she wanted to communicate. She was growing desperate after many attempts of communication were misunderstood by Bachira, who innocently tilted his head. He laughed as this seemed to be a funny guessing game to him. She face palmed and went for another tactic. She raised both of her hands in a motion.

"You want me to wait here?"

She nodded enthusiastically. She really should have learned to speak human language. Before Bachira could say anything else, she quickly disappeared under the water.

Some time passed and she found him still sitting on the rock, whistling a small tune. She approached him and he saw her from his peripheral vision.

"You're back!"

She smiled and stretched her arms towards him, a beautiful shell resting on her palms. He leaned closer to look at it as she had an eager expression on her face.

"Is this for me? As a thank you?"

She nodded again and pushed her hands closer to him. He raised his hand to take the shiny object from her, a childish smile on his lips.

"Thank you, I love it! It's so pretty!"

She only widened her smile in response. They 'chatted' a little more until Bachira pondered it was time to leave. He got up and trotted in direction of his friends before stopping in his tracks and turning around.

"Will you be here tomorrow?" He shouted.

She gave him a thumbs up in hopes he could see it from where he was standing. She figured he did as he slightly jumped and waved her goodbye, making her raise her hand too. She dived into the colorful reef and swam happily among the fish. Maybe some humans weren't that bad at the end.

Bachira was spotted by the group while he came back, skipping along the sand.

"Welcome back. Did you find anything?"

He hid the gifted shell in his swimming wear's pocket.

"Nope." He smiled.

The next morning, Bachira got ready at max speed so he had time to read a book about mermaids he saw in the shelf in Reo's beach house last night. He found it and quickly opened it, eyeing it's contents.

He passed over all the poison market thing, thinking it was not important. The only thing he wondered is that if that zap from yesterday was it. Having heard a thing or two about the topic, he remembered that a mermaid's poison can be lethal, but very useful.

'I guess her poison is not that strong. Well, lucky me. I could have died.' A drop of sweat ran down the side of his face as he smiled nervously, moving on to the next page.

'Ah, mermaids' behavior and language. This could be useful.'

He read about a lot of stuff regarding body language and signs that indicate emotions, trying to keep all the information in his brain, as hard as that is. Really, this must be the longest time he ever sat in front of a book.

- Shells can be gifted to other mermaids or creatures as a way to express gratitude and/or friendship. The shinier and smooth it is, the more sentimental value it holds.

His smile widened at that information.

'Haha! I knew it.'

He took out the shell and caressed it with his thumb. He did thought it was very nice and lovely. His gaze softened while he felt all giddy in the inside.

"Bachira we're ready! Come down!"

He quickly closed the book and rushed downstairs where all his friends were. He couldn't wait to arrive at the beach and see if you were there, as you said.

When they set up everything at the private beach, Bachira snook out discreetly and went over to the little bay. Sadly, he did not find the mermaid anywhere, even when he called for her. He didn't let disappoint get to him as he was sure you'll come later; so in the meantime, he went for a nice swim. The water there didn't crash as hard as it did in the shore. Instead, it felt more like a quiet lake, all just for him to relax as he floated.

Truth to be told, the mermaid was there. She nibbled on the remnants of what was a fish. She waited amusingly for the boy to get closer to the center of the bay, planning to surprise him.

Just as he was starting to get bored of doing nothing, he felt a shocking zap on his side. He instinctively turned to that side wide eyed, not missing the way something emerged from the water behind him and threw itself over him, making him momentarily sink.

When all movement ended, he threw his head back onto the surface only for his eyes to directly meet (e/c) ones, full of joy and playfulness. A smile also made its way to his face as he hugged her tightly.

"You came!"

They almost sink again from the action, making her laugh loudly.

'God her laugh is wonderful.'

He pulled back with a fake pout on his face, making puppy eyes at her.

"That was really mean though. I thought we were over all the zapping thing."

She maintained her smirk as she snorted and raised her eyebrows, as if saying: that didn't hurt and you know it. That made Bachira squeeze her cheeks as he laughed at her attempts to escape his grasp. This was not welcomed by her as she brought her fins closer to sting him yet again. Turns out that, much to his dismay, this would be a common thing between them.

"Hey!"

She quickly went underwater given the opportunity and flicked her tail strongly, making a considerable amount of water to splash at the boy's face. She peeked from the water and chuckled at Bachira's expression.

Their splashing game continued for long. She was obviously winning by far, but that didn't mean it was less fun. She swiftly made a quick turn and Bachira's eyes lighted up like a kid who got candy.

"Wow! Can you do any tricks?"

'Do I look like a scenario dolphin.' She wanted to retort.

Bachira saw right through her snarky gaze and sulked slightly. He was getting good in reading her thoughts thanks to the information on that book.

"Pretty please?" He asked behind clasped hands.

She glanced at his expectant eyes and gave in, taking a moment to think. He watched her dive into the water, but he wasn't prepared for what was about to come. The next thing he knew, her body was flying above his head, having elegantly jumped and her scales shining under the sun. Bachira was nothing but amazed as she came out of the water again, a sheepish smile on her lips.

"Wow... Wow! Do it again, do it again!"

They spent most of their time playing and having fun together without a care in the world. Eventually, their laughs died down and they grew tired. Well, more like she got tired; the boy still had plenty of energy left. Despite that, she finally convinced him to take a rest, swimming to shallow waters. When the water level was knee-high, they came to a stop and sat down. He dropped on his butt and she laid face down, them being in the perfect zone between land and water.

He looked at her as she enjoyed the way the soft waves brushed though her body, carrying cool waves with them. His eyes drifted downwards to her gleaming scales and he felt hypnotized by them. His attention was also caught by the way her fins flowed with the water's movement. But, could you blame him? He's never seen a mermaid this close, let alone befriend one.

"Can I touch your tail?" He smiled.

Her head turned in his direction and the question pondered in her head. Even when it registered in her brain, it still felt strange for her, as no one has ever asked that. Nonetheless, she still complied because she trusted him. Her tail was draped along his lap, startling the boy at first before he drew his hand near in a testing motion and caressed her tail gently. When he got no reaction from it, he continued doing so. Her scales were soft and slippery and her fins felt like nice fabric under his fingers.

A shudder ran down her spine at the nice feeling, legging her muscles relax. No one has ever been this affectionate to her, so this was new. Having nothing to do, she moved around and went to feel his legs as well. After all, she's never touched human legs before either.

When both of their curiosities met at the same time, they found themselves in a rare but nice quiet moment, just enjoying each other's company.

Like that, they spent the morning and soon the clock ticked until noon. Somewhere in between, they went to where you could barely touch the ground with your feet and got to know the other about various things. However, they were interrupted by a distant voice.

"Bachira, we're going to eat! Where are you?"

"Coming!"

He turned around but didn't find the mermaid by his side. Instead, he felt her fins glide through his legs in a way of saying goodbye as she took her leave. Bachira noticed something being placed in his hand and brought it up to inspect it. It was another shell.

Happiness and excitement flowed through his veins as he got further away from the bay, fastening his step to meet with his group. Boy, he was loving this summer vacation.

Like that, they spent most of the summer time. Between laughs, zaps, and splashes; a month passed and they grew impossibly close. In Bachira's bag stood proudly a pile of shiny shells of all colors and shapes, having kept every single one of them. Sometimes, the boy got her one too just to see the wide smile that would appear on her face. Sneaking out and maneuvering through dense vegetation to meet her became a routine for him, surprisingly not getting caught. The same could be said for her, as she swam through the reef everyday in hopes to see him.

One day, they were playing tag. Bachira cheated from time to time and ran to the dry sand, not wanting to always have it because of her always catching him instantly. Nonetheless, he would eventually come back when she begged for him to do so, promising she would go easy this time. That was a devious lie that he always fell for in one way or another as she jumped on him to tag him the moment he stepped on the water.

One of these times, Bachira deflated and sat on the famous rock in thought, feet still soaking in the bay. The mermaid felt slightly bad as she swam closer, thinking it was because of the game. Despite that, she still wore a victorious smirk that said it all.

'Tired of losing yet?'

"Don't get too full of yourself."

She wanted to laugh but couldn't get herself to do so when she heard the uncharacteristic weak chuckle that left his lips. She looked at him and saw his thoughtful expression, eyes barely duller that usual as they hid a foreign emotion behind them. She started to become worried and crossed her arms above his thighs, resting her head on top to look at him. Bachira snapped out of his trance and started at her. After a few seconds, he squeezed her cheeks with a small smile.

"What's with the long face?"

She was unbothered and reached her index finger to boop his nose.

'You.'

She smiled at the way his eyes crossed to look at her finger then at her, rosy pink covering his cheeks. He let her face go and faked a small smile.

"It's nothing really. Just thinking."

She raised her eyebrows, clearly showing that she didn't buy it. However, he didn't let her insist more as he changed the topic.

"I just noticed I haven't asked you your name!"

Her eyes slightly widened in surprise and she retracted her finger. Well, at least that was something she could say. Bachira heard her literally bubbly voice for the first time as she told him her name.

"(y/n)"

"(n/n)? That's a cute name! I'm Bachira, but you heard it before."

She deadpanned as he didn't understand half of it and said it wrong, but she didn't have the heart correct him seeing the now true, happy smile he wore. It was contagious. She chuckled along him and, when the laughter died down, they were left in complete silence. Bachira fiddled with her hair before parting his lips.

"I have to go back home soon."

So that's what it was. She looked up at him from his lap with an unreadable expression. Moments passed and, when Bachira started to grow anxious, she propped herself up in her arms before giving him a hug. He quickly reciprocated it, hugging her waist close and pulling her out of the water fully to let her sit in a more comfortable position in his lap. Without a word, their embrace tightened. This hug wasn't playful nor lively like the other ones, but it was still as welcoming as ever.

"I'll miss you." He whispered into her wet collarbone as he pressed his head there, which she responded by nuzzling her face on his shoulder.

They sat on the rock enjoying each other's warmth not wanting to separate. Her nose scrunched up when stray hairs tickled her face as they pressed their cheeks together, courtesy of Bachira. Their hearts beat in unison under the blazing sun.

She eventually pulled back after some restriction because of his strong hold. She signaled him to wait with her hands as she dived into the water, disappearing in sight. He began whistling waited for her on the rock, his gaze softening as this moment felt similar to their first interaction ever.

She came back clutching something in her hand, which she placed on his hand that pushed against his chest, the tips of her ears red. He tilted his head and watched her amusedly, but in a blink, she wasn't there anymore. He panicked as he didn't get the chance to say goodbye.

However, that thought was quickly dismissed as he felt something zapping his ankle, making him stand up by reflex. He saw her emerging from the water at the distance before his smile enlarged.

"Will you be here next summer?" He shouted.

She gave him a thumbs up and he responded with a little happy jump. He waved her goodbye, making her raise her hand too. She dived into the colorful reef and swam happily among the fish.

Bachira turned around and trotted in the sand and trough the vegetation. He opened his palm and his face went red, his heart skipping a beat. There sat a beautiful coral of reddish tones. His eyes, wide in realization, squinted closed as he widely smiled. He traveled back home with a happy mind.

'Until next summer, (n/n).'

- Mermaids can also gift a coral, this meaning love and affection. The redder the coral, the more sentimental value it holds.

I have nothing to say except this was very sweet to write.

I had much more scenarios with a mermaid reader but decided to shorten it for it not to be too long.

I tried 3rd person pov here and I'm having a love-hate relationship with it.

Listen to music often, Lethby ༊*·˚

[kariachi]

Sorry, got another wher fic in the head.

This time a bronze and not quite a camping trip.

~~

Once upon a time, long before the dragons had settled in his caldera, before he had faced down against their bright golds to keep his pack in place, his name had been Cunesk. He’d had fifteen bright, beautiful years with his Mecunea before illness had taken them, from the weeks following his hatching to the heartbeat that never came, and then had shed the title. What, after all, was Cunesk without Mecunea? A creature consumed with his grief, who lingered in it like they had always asked him not. Better to keep the name safe in his heart, to become instead bronze Woo.

It was what the babes had always called him.

“Woo! Woo, watch!” As if he ever stopped. At the top of what could be politely termed a cliff, especially when you were young and so small as a human, a cluster of his wards stood waiting. Thiya was at the very edge, bouncing on the heels of her feet as she waited for the swing of his tail in the water that meant he was paying attention. She launched herself at the signal, fell in an inexpert dive into the deep, dark waters beneath. Woo waited, tense, for a heartbeat before her head crested water again, laughing heartily as she swam to him. “Did you see?!”

He sent a wash of affirmation over her, tongue washing the sea from her braids in a single swipe as she scrambled, with some difficulty, onto his back. Shouts came from the cliff, quieting as he turned his focus back and bugled warning to the children jostling at the top. Them he sent a sense of danger, and some disappointment, until they calmed. They were good children- all of his children were good, and always would be- returning to some semblance of order quickly enough.

He settled his head onto his paws as Thiya started calling on others to jump, nestling herself between his wings where she could be carried along if he had to leap to the rescue. She would move no nearer to his far side, he knew and trusted. The children all were old and trustworthy enough to stay in the small bay his great length enclosed, he would and had never brought any there otherwise. There were things in the waters of Pern, great and hungry, but any along the coast hesitated to take on a bronze, and so as long as they strayed no further out than his back they would be safe.

Even if many insisted on leaping from what to them seemed vast heights.

One by one they took the plunge, Woo tensing with every one that hit the water and relaxing as each sputtered back to the surface. With each one the calls for the others grew louder, until all that was left was the few too scared or too sensible to follow suit, the heckling of their creche-mates as they took the path back down to the water silenced with Woo’s stern disapproval upon their minds. It was only childish teasing anyway, tossed aside quickly in favor of splashing games and races from wher to cliff and back.

This had always been his favorite treat to give the children- human, dragon, wher alike. Oh, all old enough to come had seen the open water, splashed in it if they hadn’t yet swum, but there was a thrill, he found, in coming out in the dark of night. Of finding their way with just the light of the full moon, roasting small fish and spidercrabs over bonfires, spooking each other with the safety of him just a shout away. And when, without fail, energies flagged, they could child by child make their way onto his back, and fall asleep to his easy gait back home. When the morning came, they would wake up safe and warm in their beds, like it had all been a pleasant dream.

Mecunea, Woo thought in the late hours, always, as he let the other workers of the creche relieve him of his cargo, would have been delighted to see it.

[gumnut-logic]

John spun the polished wooden wheel of his ‘bird and relished as she responded ever so smoothly. The waters weren’t the blue of the deep oceans but they had their own beauty.  His right eye acknowledged the green-tinted turquoise, but his mechanical left eye saw so much more as it skipped across the spectrum in pure reflex. He couldn’t help but be captivated by the beauty of the world around him in such a rainbow of technological advance. Even seeing through the steel glass of Five’s forward ports.

Travelling this close to the coast also provided much spectator sport for the various different fish in the area. Gordon would no doubt be cataloguing in his lab.

The thought of Gordon was in itself somewhat depressing. His frogman brother continued to blame John for what had happened to Alan.

Not that John had any argument with that assessment. He was to blame, but it was unpleasant to see his brother suffering.

To see them all suffering.

Scott had dashed John’s hopes of their father’s assistance, but now the Commander was back on board, John could finally take some action.

Preparing his Thunderbird for long distance travel at speed was something he enjoyed and took great pride in. Virgil may be the mechromancer in their family, but John had his own skillset. His ‘bird kept them all safe and hidden. She served as their base as they travelled the seas and, on rare occasion, she could even crawl ashore.

But for the majority, she was simply their home.

Even when Gordon left food scraps on the floor.

Again he was thinking of his younger brother.

A sigh as he angled to dive a little deeper to avoid one of the newer steam crafts with a much larger draw than the older ships.

“John?”

He startled as Eos strode onto the bridge.

“What do you think of this arrangement?”

He stared at the automaton. She had obviously been into Virgil’s spare parts locker again. His engineer brother would likely soon appear outraged yet again. But this time it appeared she had had a little more success is finding what she was seeking.

Unfortunately, the result required John to avert his eyes. His artificial eye whirred in its socket, flicking through the spectrum until it settled back on normal sight. “Eos, if you so choose to wear an anatomically correct body, you will need to clothe it.” While she was still the deep gold of brass and the silver of steel, she had obviously taken some time to form the metal into a good simulation of the feminine body. “Mere decency requires it.”

“Really? I shall take that as a compliment.” The metal woman actually spun on the spot, cackling. Yet again John found himself questioning his past choices.

He hadn’t drunk a drop of alcohol in the year since waking up with a hangover, one cursed by god, to realise he had invented, in his drunkenness, a creature that had nearly seen the death of all of them.

Scott was still wary of Eos and the automaton kept well away from the Commander fearing he may tear her limb from limb out of spite.

John doubted he would. He had given his word, after all. But it didn’t hurt to have a little threat in the creature’s life if it helped keep her under control.

And then there was Virgil.

It was always Virgil.

The mechanic become engineer born mechromancer was the centre of all of this. John had suspicions that perhaps his brother’s fingers had been involved that night. Virgil had been as drunk as he, yet took no blame for what was obviously an artificial life form.

Spark lit fingertips were capable of many things. His brother had proven that with Gordon.

Memories of those early days still kept him up at night.

Their fish brother should have died. Both legs gone, innards messed up enough that he couldn’t feel what he had lost.

But he had survived long enough. Long enough for Virgil to craft in metal. Enough for his brother to lay those sparking hands on that broken body and do whatever it was he had done.

Scott refused to speak of what happened and he was the only one with the pair of them at the time. All that John knew was that their eldest brother had had to carry Virgil from the room and that the mechanic had been laid up for over a week afterwards.

But Gordy was breathing.

Their brother clung to life long enough for his broken body to heal. He would never regain his legs, but Virgil soon fixed that as well.

Gordon’s gait was very recognisable as his mechanical limbs propelled him smoothly wherever he wanted to go.

Virgil refused to talk about it anymore than Scott, and Gordon claimed he did not remember.

John was caught between his need to know and the blessing of still having his brother.

The brother who currently hated him.

“John, why aren’t you looking at me?”

“Because you are indecently dressed, Eos. If you choose to sport a female body, you will need to cover it.” He toggled a number of switches, checking the communication relays he had launched into high altitude on approach to New York the previous week. The mechanisms were high enough to be hidden from all but the most sensitive instruments, ie. International Rescue’s, and yet still provide the necessary connections with London and the sister cities of their agency network.

“What is the point in that? How will I show what I’ve created if I have to cover it up?”

“Become a seamstress.”

She paused at that and tipped her head to one side. “That is an interesting thought.” Another pause as she obviously processed the concept. “I will need fabric.”

“Speak to Virgil.”

“Oh.”

Her tone was entirely suspicious. “What?”

“Um, I don’t think Virgil likes me at the moment.”

He frowned. “Why?”

“I may have borrowed something I shouldn’t have.”

“Borrowed?” He tried not to sigh. This was a far too familiar story. Apparently, John would need to delve into his supply of Jamaican coffee again.

“Acquired.”

“Can you put it back?”

“Not really. It is bolted on here.” He looked over in reflex and was rewarded a view of her metal posterior.

He shut his eyes and hoped their detector equipment would warn him if he was going to hit anything. “Eos, please put some clothing on.”

As if to emphasize the moment, there was a sudden bellowing roar that had a distinct baritone to it from elsewhere on the ship.

In response, Eos scuttled out the door, very much the automaton more than the graceful woman her new shell claimed she was.

Another sigh.

Apparently, he had two brothers who now disliked him.

The sooner they started on this expedition, the better.

-o-o-o-

[fatelcved]

does cyrillo have a favorite place in the world? does he like sunsets or sunrises more? does he actively seek out romance or does he avoid it? how does his space look like? what memory does he revisit most often?

unprompted | @metrictita asks about cyrillo!

does cyrillo have a favorite place in the world?

he loves the sea! he grew up in a port town, so he has a lot of nostalgia for beaches and the ocean. if we want to get really specific, then i would have to say the first house cyrillo owned with his wife, which laid on the southern coast not very far from the dreki's land. it was a little fishing town with few people, but it's where he met his wife and had his daughter. the place itself was modest, but the scenery was beautiful and the memories were precious; he hasn't returned to that town because he fears his memory of it won't hold up, or perhaps he'll find that his home no longer exists the way he remembers. kinda like in that thread we're writing :' )

does he like sunsets or sunrises more?

hmm, i think he likes sunsets more bc as a boy, he didn't have time in the mornings to appreciate sunrises bc he was either helping his father with work or sleeping. but sunsets always signaled the end of a tiring day, and the way the different shades of orange and pink would turn the clouds and sands the same pretty colors never failed to dazzle him. i think the same can be said for cyrillo now -- he hardly has time in the mornings to appreciate a sunrise, but he can find a little time to stare at a sunset in the evening and take a breath.

does he actively seek out romance or does he avoid it?

cyrillo somewhat avoids it? but if it happens, he doesn't necessarily resist it. he tends to more so feel out the other person and how serious they really are about him because he has a demanding job. if someone can't compromise with him or understand that his job is kinda?? his " baby, " then the relationship won't work out in the long run. protecting and advocating for vampires has been cyrillo's reason for existing for over a century, so it'll be a big issue if the other person can't be on board with it. that being said!! he does tend to discourage advances if he thinks they stem from superficial interest, but if there's a deeper connection, he won't fight that. he'll just approach it with care and a lot of thought.

how does his space look like?

weeping at the thought of it bc cyrillo's work clearly bleeds into his personal spaces like his bedroom. stacks of documents occupy his bedside table and desk; tomes about politics and customs in different countries are on his bookshelves rather than fictional novels; and ultimately, his space ( work or personal ) is messy and chaotic. the only reason it keeps a semblance of organization is because kaiya comes in after him and tidies up, knowing it'll take a weight off of cyrillo's shoulders if she does. decoration-wise, cyrillo is partial towards dark woods, rich colors, and minimal ornaments -- gold and silver lose their luster if they're flaunted everywhere. you'll also find artwork from various parts of the world ( quite a few depicting the ocean ) lining the walls of his manor but a surprising lack of any idols. cyrillo prefers to keep bias towards any one god to himself as he feels religion should be kept separate from the ideals of his coven and work. his actions are dictated by morals and not by the gods.

what memory does he revisit most often?

we sure are digging deep, huh :' )) honestly, i have a feeling that cyrillo tries to stop himself from dwelling too much on his memories bc he knows how easy it is to be swept up in the nostalgia and the following melancholy. he can never go back. he can yearn as much as he wants, but that will never change. still, i think he revisits one of the nights prior to his joining the army? or maybe prior to being caught after deserting the army? regardless, it's just a simple moment with his family. it's eating a dinner of fish caught in the river near town and vegetables bought at the market with his family, talking as if the world wasn't in shambles. it's eating apple tarts for dessert, and watching his little girl's face light up because it was her favorite. it's feeling his wife hold his face in her hands once their girl is asleep, and it's hearing her tell him it's going to be alright. no matter what comes next. it's torture to return to that day, but he goes back to it time and again because it's one of the last memories he has of them all together and so happy. it's the last memory he has of feeling safe. not that he feels unsafe now, per se, but cyrillo can't relax really. he can never assume anyone's intentions are simply good, can never go anywhere unprepared for the unexpected. he can't rest like he could then. i'm rambling a lil now but :' ) you asked the question vee :' ))))

[lightningmcqueen07]

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[piqulsky]

“On the coast of Talarian deserts and steppes flows a Lhaga Strait - a Strait of Flowing Gold. They say that before the dwarves travelled deep below the surface and discovered first gold ores, the sparkling lumps in the colour of the sun have been fished out by travelling nomads. The story became true, when the rumours reached foreigners.

They founded a city on both sides of the strait and named it Drahma. The newly secured sea passage caused the gold to flow between satchels of the city’s rulers. The City of Sun and Coin is governed by ten people, whose power is dependant on the possession of a Talar, a magical coin supposedly forged from the gold discovered in Lhaga. Whenever a Talar passes through the city gates, every brick of the city wall tolls like thousand bells, announcing the return of one of the rulers.

It is unbelievably easy for travellers and foreign merchants to forget about cruel and complex politics of this trading metropolis when they wander through the warm and colourful squares filled with stalls at the Golden Market. The most unique and extravagant clothes, the most elaborate artworks and exceptional spices - everything can be bought in this heart of trade.”

- extract from “Powers of the World” by Hugo Monthero.

[spidermilkshake]

Ancardia's Unusual Animals--The Great Iceworm

Classification: Beast (mollusc)

Habitat: Arctic and Anctarctic seas, concentrated under consistent areas of sea ice.

            The Great Iceworm is a gargantuan species of seaworm which until recent Ages was scarcely researched due to its difficult and remote habitat. The second largest of all of Ancardia’s invertebrates, the great iceworm spends its entire lifecycle in the icy waters of the two polar zones of Ancardia’s seas, depending upon the rich biomass of the oceans below and close to permanent sea ice. It is known to be particularly common in the very southernmost ranges of Sostuniland, where many tens of thousands of square miles of sea ice remain throughout the summer and the density of large calved icebergs remains high throughout the year, but they do also occur in significant populations under the northern ice cap to the far north of Tvearban’s coasts. Like many of the ocean’s largest creatures, it is docile to most other creatures, only feeding on the smallest of lifeforms in its environment. The majority of a great iceworm’s diet is krill mixed with larval crabs and fishes, supplemented by various somewhat larger invertebrates such as basket stars, polychaete worms, and sea spiders. Several species of large amphipods have evolved seemingly to live only on the dead tissue and parasites that afflict the great iceworm, and so you will seldom find one of these huge creatures swimming without an entourage of several dozen to several hundred palm-size red and gold primitive crustaceans.

            While the worm itself is not particularly aggressive, it is possible to startle it which brings on the danger of such a huge animal responding by a defensive thrashing. Its mouthparts are relatively small, but still large enough for bites to be injurious to humanoids, and if directly attacked it will not hesitate to retaliate. Most of the danger from great iceworms comes from their boreholes in the sea ice layer in order to periodically breathe air, which are as wide as the worm’s body itself (usually 2 to 3 meters in diameter) and have been known to very lightly freeze over or have loose snow blow into them, creating a brittle thin area that is not immediately obvious as an environmental hazard. Dropping several meters into below-freezing water in such situations is almost always fatal even with assistance in escaping the frigid water, and so Sostunians living and working around sea ice often are careful to bring walking poles to test the areas along their route for hollow sounding ice and unusually-placed deep, loose snow.

            Great iceworms are extremely large, and vary in size depending on their age and the density of food supply they have encountered so far. Most adults measure a minimum of 14 meters in length as either younger individuals or those in areas with less abundant plankton life, but can also reach astounding lengths of 25 or even 30 meters. The average length is closer to 20 meters, though as newly-hatched larvae they begin life as only about 5 centimeters in length. Great iceworms breed whenever they encounter abundant krill for longer than a few weeks at a time, and can breed multiple times in a year (though this is very rare), and will either seek out a mate or undergo parthenogenesis if a mate is nowhere to be found. Eggs are laid in masses on the underside of sea ice, in bundles of 20,000 to 40,000 at a time, though most will be picked off by various sea life before hatching. A larval great iceworm grows exponentially in its first year, usually reaching several meters very quickly. Before reaching adult size, juvenile great iceworms are subject to predation from a number of sharks, other large worms, seabirds and seals. Great iceworms are not known to die from old age, their population mainly being controlled by parasite numbers, predation on larva and eggs, and scarcity of food.

[manorinthewoods]

When I arrived to Arkis Rock, on the very outskirts of the continent, it was barren.

The isle is quite remote. It lies just beyond the Bastion Archipelago, safely ensconced in a position of complete strategic irrelevance. Though it was quite large for an island, the population, when I arrived, was a few hundred, concentrated in two fishing villages on the coast. The island was dominated by crags and forests, with a small mountain in the center where I was to make my castle.

It was exile, no doubt about it. I was too high-ranking to be tossed out like a common criminal, but that was cold comfort, this far from the mainland. There was almost no trade. The villages were impoverished. The villagers were growing inbred, for want of fresh blood. I and my retinue were the first outsiders they had seen in decades, aside from miscellaneous bureaucrats and officers who lived some way up the island.

The only thing that could have saved me was luck. And luck I had... for some measure of it.

The island had no economic potential. I could have perhaps attempted to open a mine, but without the assurance of something worthwhile in the rock I could not do so in good conscience. The soil was poor. The wood held no value for shipbuilding.

But then there was a book.

The official who owned it said that he had taken it from an older fishing family, whose health and fortunes had declined rapidly over the generations, in lieu of taxes, which they could not provide. Supposedly once they had been wealthy - the whole isle wealthy - but the money dried up. But there were no records which recorded the source of this fortune, nor memories remaining in the town of those days.

The book was unassuming. The paper had been manufactured from local reeds, and tore easily under my hands. Pages were missing, or ink smeared. Half of the whole, perhaps, was illegible or destroyed. And yet, in what remained, I found something quite curious.

The book bore reference to some old reef off the coast. Supposedly, if one sailed to this reef, and threw a sacrifice to the waves, one could draw something from the deeps. The pages describing what it was were missing, of course, but the effects were outlined clearly. One could extract youth and health, knowledge and power. And gold. And fish.

So I rowed out to the stormy seas, and threw a black cat into the water, and the next day, a chest washed up on the beach.

The chest alone could be worth a fortune. It was eerily ornate, covered in oceanic iconography and engravings of strange and coiling things in the deep. There was a starfish on its front, and gold framing the whole structure of the thing. The stone was a bleached white, like limestone, only incredibly dense. A chisel could not scratch it, nor pry the lid off, until I approached.

Perhaps what could have been inside was some terrible book, teaching dark rites one is not meant to practice. Or a trident, woven of enchanted gold, ominous, with seafoam green blood twisting and warping along its engravings. Or it could have just been gold, ever so much gold. But none of these were what was inside.

What was inside was a thing, which could open the lid of its own accord when I drew near, a thing with eyes and tendrils and beaks, and far too many teeth. And it chirped, a terribly discordant noise, in no tongue of man, no tongue my ears could even hear. And I bled, and I understood, and I began my work.

Honestly, I don't regret it much. When you look at it from a greater perspective, our lives are... insignificant. There are places men cannot dream of, heights that cannot be reached except with blood spilled. And though my acts were perhaps reprehensible, they were not unclean. I am purer than I have ever been.

And no matter how great an army you muster, to march upon my fortress, you cannot think to claim my life. For before it mixed its blood with mine, entered through my heart and filled the hungry void, I had already finished my door. And although I could have waited, stood at the threshold just long enough to look you in the eyes as I ascended, I am not a fool.

You will not find me here. But you may find my grail. And your army has quite a lot of fresh blood in it. And I have no doubt, at this point, that you know how to reach me.

You offended a high ranking noble and got reassigned to the remotest location possible. Two years later and this 'banishment assignment' has resulted in you becoming fabulously wealthy.