#FatL

[creativelyspeaking]

ive had a mild crush on the same man secretly for a decade and i attempted to shoot my shot finally and failed. so whats next? walk straight into the ocean and never stop?

[maypoleman1]

15th August

Feast of the Assumption/ Marymass

Source: Novena website

Today is the feast of the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (traditionally known as Marymass) on which, in 45 AD, the mother of Jesus was alleged to have risen up to Heaven. The Assumption is not mentioned in the Gospels, which is sparing on the details of the Virgin’s life at the best of times. However, the cult of Mary became an important means by which the early Church could ease the transition to Christianity on the part of agrarian communities who still cleaved to earlier, matriarchal religions with powerful goddesses. In the twelfth century the Church confirmed Mary’s status as an intercessionary divine figure and she became an extremely popular subject of worship from that moment on. Walsingham in Norfolk became a major site of pilgrimage for Marian devotees thanks to a tenth century manifestation of Mary to lady of the manor, Lady Richeldis de Faverches. The promotion by the Catholic Church of Mary meant that the Marian cult was the subject of particular suppression by the English Reformation which expunged the feast from the Church of England’s liturgical calendar and destroyed the shrine at Walsingham in 1549, although it was restored in the 1930s.

In the Highlands the Assumption became merged with a first-fruits festival. Dried corn and sheepskin were fashioned into a bannock called the Moilean Moire or ‘Mary’s fatling’. The bannock was then baked, and distributed to the family by the father of the household. The family then sang songs in praise of Mary before they danced sunwise round the flames, before blessing their home by circling the house carrying the embers of the fire, in a ritual that arguably returned the Marian cult to its pagan roots.

[scripture-pictures]

[pupp0ccino]

My deepest apologies puppy nation , I haven't been active I've been absolutely exhausted this past month and haven't been drawring much...I'm just starting to get back up on my feet with art !!

Take these doodle dumps on both magma and ibis ...

Most of this is of my ship baby Opalite + her brother Theo by my bf @bonezonejpg (they aren't related by blood/magic they are siblings by marriage (bad sans poly, not step siblings they were already all together before they had kids)

Horrortale + a Lil doodle of my humanoid sona that someone compared to a frog/silly

And then a Lil concept comic of an idea i had with like horrorlust/bloodlust mafia au (nothing to do with canon underlvst...i changed his design and story so much that at this point it's my freaking femme fatle skeleton oc i do not like underlvst)

[doevademe]

Hi! I don't know if you've ever talked about this before. But I just like to ask about your thoughts on Percy and Nico's fatal flaws.

Are there other... more appropriate fatal flaws for each of them? Especially for Nico, I'm not sure holding a grudge has endangered his life more than his extreme devotion. (Or maybe I haven't paid attention to the books as much as I should 😅)

Anyway, I hope answering this ask isn't too troublesome for you ✨

Well, to answer this I kind of have to go a bit into what even is a Fatl Flaw in PJO, because... yeah, it's not just something that gets you in trouble elsewhere.

A Fatal Flaw is supposed to be that, Fatal, it's supposed to be the reason you die or doom yourself, but most characters in PJO haven't died, and sometimes their flaw is very much informed.

Like, putting aside that Percy's flaw sounds so much like a job interview flaw (I'm too loyal), it is pretty good for him. He will choose the people he loves over the quest, over Olympus, a 100% of the time, and I love him for it. It also causes him no end of trouble, and may even be the reason he dies, since he is also mouthy and eager to defend his important people.

Nico is another matter. In the whole series, he has never really been able to hold a grudge. In fact, his main arc in PJO is letting go of a grudge, so it isn't really a flaw he has. I'd argue that Bianca saying "Holding grudges is the fatal flaw of children of Hades" says more about her than about Nico (which isn't saying a lot, because Bianca is still very much a Satellite Character for him), but Nico is not like that. If anything, the trait that consistently gets him into trouble, that may kill him one day, is his desire to see the best in others. He places his trust in a 14 year old to protect his sister, he trusts a vengeful ghost that acts subservient, and he trusts his father when he says he won't harm the boy he has a crush on, because he sees the best in people. He wants to believe that they are friendly, good, and capable, and reality contradicting him crushes him each and every time.

It's sort of interesting that their flaws sort of make them complementary, in a way. Nico will think the best of Percy, will trust him unconditionally, and Percy will be fiercely loyal to Nico, put him before everything else. Because he needs to prove Nico's trust is not misplaced, and Nico's admiration and devotion in Percy keeps him alive.

[drconstellation]

The Golden Lions of Heaven

S2 has several prominent lion symbols in it, and at first watch they don’t appear to have anything to do with the main story line. But there are lions in both seasons, and they are all connected.

Lions are intrinsically linked with royalty, and are often called King of the Beasts or King of the Jungle. They also symbolize courage, nobility and strength.

Whenever lions appear in GO they are always coloured gold, which is associated with Heaven. Nearly all the angels have some bit of gold on them somewhere - unless they have just discorporated.

In Christian iconography Jesus is represented as a lion upon his return. When he was crucified he was a sacrificial lamb, but the Second Coming is a time when he returns to reign again. As a descendant of the royal house of David, it therefore seems quite logical to assign this symbol to the king of kings.

There is also this paragraph from the Medieval Bestiary:

“In Christian allegory, the three main natures of the lion each have a meaning. The lion erasing its tracks with its tail represents the way Jesus concealed his divinity, only revealing himself to his followers. The lion sleeping with its eyes open represents Jesus, physically dead after crucifixion, but still spiritually alive in his divine nature. The lion roaring over his dead cubs to bring them to life represents how God the father woke Jesus after three days in his tomb.”

There is also an often misquoted line “when the lion shall lie down with the lamb,” but it’s not that at all. The full verse is:

“The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.” [Isiah 11:6]

It is referring to a time of peace that should come once Jesus returns. Somehow I don't think we are going to get that in S3.

The Two Lions in the Dirty Donkey

There are two large golden lions sitting on the ends of the bar in the Dirty Donkey. Because one of the underlying themes in S2 is about the Second Coming, even if its not obvious until the end, its fairly easy then to interpret these two as being connected to this event. The Dirty Donkey itself can be seen in several ways: a simple donkey that needs a wash, or a black horse. Both are relevant to referencing Jesus. In the former, Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem the first time to signify he came in peace, but the second time he arrives will be like on the back of the black horse of a conqueror come to rule. One lion for each occurrence.

The Lion under the lamp in Jimbriel’s room

While there is some argument for Jim’s character in S2 re-creating parts of the life of Jesus from two thousand years ago, such as the cleansing of the temple and facing temptation from demons. I think we shouldn’t also forget that this is also Gabriel the Herald, and he was doing some ominous heralding of doom at various points in S2 that in hindsight we can see were warning us about the Second Coming. So this lion at the base of the lamp Jimbriel is playing with has to alert us to Jimbriel’s connection with Jesus. (I will probably revisit and add/rewrite this one in the future, I think there is a bit more to it)

The Lion Rampant on Aziraphale’s Ring

At the end of S2 we learn that Aziraphale has been manipulated into going back to Heaven to run the Second Coming by the Metatron. In hindsight, its hard to see how he wouldn't be involved, somehow. What is surprising, however, is that this expert in prophecy didn't see it coming - but then he didn't expect to see Jimbriel arriving either!

Usually the first thing we notice about Aziraphale's ring is the stylized lion rampant on the shield. We know it's definitely a lion because it upright - if it was down on all four paws it would be referred to as a leopard. The upright tail tells us its on guard.

There are more elements to the ring that also add to the story here, it's a much more complex ring than Michael's. The crown on the top is a symbol of victory and sovereignty, and also a connection to God, who considered the "King of all." On either side of the shield are two stylized sprigs of laurel, reinforcing a picture of triumph and fame.

Then there are a fringe of feathers, banded in sharp triangular spikes. Feathers signify willing obedience and serenity of mind in heraldry, so I would tend to lean towards the former. The triangles represent celestial rays, so they reinforce his obedience to the will of Heaven.

You might think, "well this makes sense, Aziraphale is a Principality, he's a protector, that's why there is a lion," but I think it more complicated than that. It tells us something about both the past and the future at the same time. The purpose of the rings remain a mystery to us at the moment, in that we don't know why some angels have them and others don't, or if they have any function. Aziraphale has a tendency to touch his when he is feeling troubled or worried (its easy to miss if you aren't paying attention,) so perhaps it helps to strengthen his connection to Heaven somehow, or is a reminder of his duties.

There is another connection Aziraphale has to a lion, and that is through his past status as a cherubim in the Job minisode in S2E2.

As pointed out in this post, the pattern is stylized to represent the four wings that Cherubim are said to have, with a pearl in the center for an eye. These Cherubim also have four faces: an ox, an eagle, a lion and a man. Well, we sort of get all of those with Aziraphale at some point in the wider story. And the angel set at the eastern gate of Eden with the flaming sword was supposed to be a Cherubim, too. Yes, Aziraphale changed rank from Cherubim to Principality, we just don't technically know whether it was a step up or down...

The Honolulu Roast Lion

There is a lion you don’t see in S2 – the lion logo for the Honolulu roast coffee, mentioned briefly on a blackboard in the background of a shot inside the coffee shop.

The islands of Hawaii were a kingdom up until 1893, when a commercial coup took them over and allowed them to be annexed by the US. You can read more about it here. While the op in that post relates it the Eldritch Ball in S2E5, it still connects a lion to royalty.

The lion at the beginning of S1E1

Right at the beginning we have a lion as well – a real live lion! After Adam and Eve leave the Garden of Eden they meet a big lion out on the dunes. As Aziraphale and Crowley watch and talk atop the walls of the Garden, Adam confronts the lion with the flaming sword Aziraphale gave him and eventually kills the lion before he walks away with Eve.

What are we to think of this? I've see one op suggest that it was Aziraphale "throwing them to the lions" as his first act. To me it seems more like Adam has just slain God instead to gain their freedom.

The Lions on Crowley’s “throne”

There are two lion heads on the arm rest of Crowley’s “throne” (I don’t know what else to call it, really) in his Mayfair flat in S1. If I understand correctly, this should first be viewed as a homage to the US show Supernatural, as this chair is the exact copy of the one the demon Crowley in that show sits in, only his one is black. But if I’m to look at it in terms of GO symbology, my brain keeps going [error 503: Server cannot process the request due to a system overload; should be a temporary condition...] because I can’t quite believe what its telling me. And I should, because I’m the one running around touting a list that is now 22 items long for why Crowley was once a very powerful archangel and written a batshit-crazy meta on King Arthur themes presenting in GO. So I’ll just present my quandary this way: There are lions, they are golden, of course, so they are connected to Heaven, and a symbol of royalty – but they are being used by a demon in a residence paid for by Hell…(too.much.gold...! what were they thinking?)

Further reading: The Golden Lion by Cobragardens

[asteroid-gardens]

I literally love Eclipse (james x remus) sm

their relationship is so special, James love language is phyical touch while Remus is words so you can always see them next to eachother whispering sweet things

they are also both lovesick idiots, they will push eachother against walls of the castle like no one is watching

who wants some angst??(tw read with caution)

james is not ok, okay? he dosent know why, but hes not; maybe its the fact that everyone expects him to be someone that he's not or maybe its the pressure of being "golden boy james potter". maybe his mind just hates him. Whatever it is he hates feeling that way, the blade taunts him. The need to skip meals so he can stay fit. The breakdowns late at night so no one can hear him. He just feels auful all the time, but hes glad no one knows.

Remus knows. He can smell the blood, its coppery smell stronger on bad days. He can hear james cry late at night when he thinks he's alone. Most of all he can see whats going on even if the others can't, he can see how James distances himself for people and how he avoids meals, he can see the fatigue in his face when he smiles. It makes Remus feel awful, his best friend is in pain and he can't do anything. 

One night its all too much for James, he just cant do it anymore. He dosent want to live, and he's sorry. So he makes his way up the the astronomy tower, blood dripping down his fingers from the fresh cuts, he is hidden under the invisibility cloak so no one can find him. He planned everything- of course its not James without a plan- he left a stack of letters on top of his bed for the Marauders and two more in his chest for his mother & father. He leans over the railing of the tower to make sure that this fall will be fatle, it will.

Of course Remus followed him, the smell of blood was stronger then it ever was and James had left the map. He willed his legs to climb all the way up to the astronomy tower and what he saw was so horrible he could have cried right then. James was quietly sobbing standing on the railing of the tower, his entire hands were dripping with fresh blood. He looked like someone had stomped out his spark and now he was waiting for the final gust of wind to finish him off. Remus quietly climbed up on the railing next to James and intertwined their hands.

"James can you hear me?" he asked

that comment brought the shorter boy back down to earth and a look of panic crossed his face.

"If you jump in jumping too James"

"No, please no" he was pleading for Remus to leave him here and let him jump, Remus was not going to let that happen.

"Jamie please, i know your life feels awful and you feel hopeless but you have so much to live for, you hear me? So. Much."

"No"

The way his voice trembled made Remus want to buy a gun and kill anyone who has ever hurt the smaller boy, but he refrained- for now at least.

Remus couldn't let him jump, so he did the only other thing he could think of, he reached out and pulled James against himself into a hug, hoping to transfer every happy memory into the other boy.

Upon the contact James went limp and a sob shook his whole body, he allowed Remus scoop him up and jump off from the ledge and onto the stone floor. He let the taller boy pull him to the floor and he sobbed in Remus' lap like a baby. Remus didnt try to leave or call him pathetic, he stayed where he was, carding fingers through James' curls and whispering reassuring words into his ear. 

Remus dosent know when they both fell asleep, but it couldnt have been for more then a couple hours as the early sighs of dawn were just emerging. James was still asleep so Remus carried him down the thousands of steps until he reached their room. He put James into his bed and pulled up the duvet then turned around to go back to his own bed.

"Rem?" The soft whisper of James voice asked theough the curtains, "stay." James bloody arm -which remined remus to clean the cuts later- reached through the split in the curtains, flailing his wrist to find remus.

"im here fy haul." (my sun in welsh)

Remus crawled under the covers and immediately James wrapped his arms around the boys waist and cuddled in close.

"Thank you." Was the last thing James said before they both fell asleep. 

[twisted-kratts]

Twisted visages

Well, this one was coming for a bit, but uh, monster versions of the Twisted Kratts, based off this where the Twisted Kratts are just monsters hiding in human form that eat people that wander into their territory anyway TW; mention of death, cannibalism (technically), murder all below the cut

Now we begin this journey with a simple thing, the Wild Kratts are dead, they're not in this, it's unknown what offed them, but they're not alive but that's the point of what happens next, in being some creatures find them and drag their bodies away slowly assimilating them into their forms slowly becoming the Twisted versions of them, we'll start with this one first.

Mateo the stalking shark, was the first to completely assume a human form. Like the others, he modified a few aspects of his new form while also retaining some memories and knowledge from Martin. He hunts by waiting on the edges of bodies of water; anyone who dares get close will be dragged under.

Charles the Rage filled Tiger was the last to assume a human form, keeping Chris's knowledge as well, despite changing things himself, and his disdain for humans stemmed from Chris's memories affecting his already low opinion of humans, he's a ruthless hunter who goes after any who wander into the forest where he and the others live in.

Abigale the Persistent Raven, take Aviva's intelligence and just throw out the human sense of ethics like usual; she has the curiosity of a crow and the knack for building contraptions to ensare her targets, she was the second to assume a human form and was also the one who suggested they at least dress up to lower peoples guard around them.

Kita the fatle watcher, still the same, she helps Abigale set up traps most of the time, she's the 2nd to last to a human form and is rarely seen in her true form after doing so, she's the closest to acting naturally human after watching many of them in the forest, she stays in the background and lets the others hunt for her.

Jackson the Perfectionist Dragon, the third to assume a human form, took him a bit to get it to his exact wants; he doesn't hunt as much as Mateo or Charles do, but he only gets involved when they need help flushing someone out of somewhere, he has Jimmy's memories but didn't feel the need to bother trying to dig through anything unless it was during the times Jimmy was cooking or flying the Tortuga.

Adam, this guy is surprising to see here, but why is he here, well he basically tames these bloodthirsty little freaks into more or less "kill and devour every human in our home" to "Kill these people cuz they fucked with nature" he has his reasons for basically adopting 5 murder children.

This is about it. . . okay bye Have a lovely day

[1r0ng4t3z]

Mlp themed fatling!!!! Biscuit !!!! 15 USD again!!

[jclovely]

SNICKERS TIME....

IN OUR WORLD THAT IS SO SAD, WILL LEAVE YOU THE DETAILS, FOCUSING ON HOW CHILDREN AND GEEGEES (horses, dogs, cats, donkeys, any farm animals are made for each other)ARE LIVING HAPPILY TOGETHER.

Looking for the day when as explained in Isaiah 11:6 the Lamb would sit by the Lion and eat grass.

It's from Isaiah 11:6: The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. It's talking about the good days to come, when the Jews return to Israel and the Messiah comes.

SOON VERY SOON.

Amen.

👱🐎👱

📯👑📯

🇮🇱👑🙏

🙏💖🌺🦋🕎✝️👑🇮🇱🕊️📯🕯️🧡

[littlez78aka]

Balance

Previous Chapter

Although it was just the second day of training, they were already being woken up to start the day in the crack ass of dawn. The loud bell ringing loud and clear that Alia was thankful to have been awake before it went off. She'd hate to be woken up by the damn thing.

Sitting up from her bed she glanced over to the fellow girls that she shared the room with. She was already dressed having been awake while the others were getting out of bed to get ready themselves. Yet none of them really spoke to her besides a polite nod and good morning which she returned in kind.

Not that she could blame them for not conversing with her since she hadnt made any move talk to them either. The only girl she even said a word to was Mina who was nice enough to say good morning. But even that wasnt enough to start a casual conversation.

So Alia sat alone watching each girl move before her eyes landed on the form of the girl who ran until dawn last night. She hadn't moved from her spot in the bed but it was clear she woke up from the bell as she was curled into a ball holding her hands against her ears.

It was a sign there that she had really good hearing, something a hunter needed. From what Alia could recall when talking to Connie after dinner was the girl being from another village not far from theirs that was known for hunting.

So taking the first move, Alia got up from her bed and walked over to the curled girl. "I've got some ear muffs if you'd like them" She spoke softly to not startle the already startled girl. Sasha peeked her eyes opened to give Alia a confused look--her hands still covering her ears to ease the ache she had ringing in her head. "Huh?" Sasha muttered out as she glanced at what the girl was holding.

Alia opened her hand to reveal the makeshift ear muffs she made whenever things got too loud. it was made out of leather so it wouldnt do much to clear all noise but it was enough to muffle it. "Ear muffs" The blonde repeated lightly as she placed them beside Sasha's head. "As a hunter myself...good listening can be a helpful skill but a bad one with loud noises"

with that explanation she offered Sasha a small smile before she stood up straight to leave the dorm for their training. Though she didn't get very far since Sasha practically jumped onto her back after putting the small things in. "you're an Angel!" She shouted out nearly as loud as the bell that rang.

Thankfully Alia caught her footing as she caught onto Sasha's thighs so the girl wouldn't drop. The sudden excitement from Sasha and small mood swing reminded Alia of Connie. The girl couldn't help but smile as she glanced back to the chatting Sasha. "And smart! A beauty too! I need you to stay by my side forever!"

Sasha gushed out happily as she shook Alia's shoulders ever so lightly. The small ruckus between the two had the other girls watching with a bit of interest. How the two out of line girls from yesterday that was different somehow getting along.

"I think.." Alia started up causing Sasha to quiet down in an instant to hear her through the ear mufflers. "I think i'd like that" She finished off happy to have made a friend without Connie's help but at the same time similar to the boy in many ways. Maybe thats why it was easy to say such words.

Sasha with no warning jumped off Alia pulling the blonde into a tight hug. "Awesome!" She cheered out as she pulled back to get ready too. "Wait up for me! we'll walk together!" Sasha shouted back.

By then the other girls were already walking out leaving Alia to sit back down on her bed waiting just like Sasha asked. Things were already going well in this Journey. Alia smiled at the thought. Meeting new people. Making new friends. And learning to become better then what she was not just as a hunter.

---

The loudness of Shadis voice was never fatling as he shouted "It's aptitude test time so listen up!" He practically screamed at the top of his lungs the moment every cadet had gathered around the poles that had wires hanging from them. "There is no place for you here if you cannot perform! Fail and be shipped to the fields!" It would seem this time it wasn't by choice to go the fields.

Alia stood beside Sasha and Connie the pair hitting it off after a proper introduction from the blonde who was quiet as they yapped between each other. Watching as her fellow cadets get hooked and tested for their balance.

"It looks easy enough no?" Connie asked as he watched the the next four be lifted off the ground. Glancing between both girls he waited for an answer. Sasha was fast to nod as she rubbed her belly still basking in sweet deliciousness they got from breakfast. "Oh yeah"

The foodie girl answered as she thought about the mechanics of the whole thing which wasn't much because the clear objective was to stay balanced. "all you gotta do is not fall face first into the ground" She summarized with her hand grasping her chin as if she was being smart with her thinking pose.

Connie just snorted at the sight as he glanced to at Alia who has yet to answer. "What about you L?" He curiously asked after using the nickname he usually called her on a daily basis. Sasha turned to her as well seeing how Alia may have a better explained answer then herself. "You think it's gonna be easy?" She voiced out the same question.

Alia looked at the two shorter teens her age taking in their questions to mind because it was a basic thing on what they needed to do. 50 50 that if they failed they would be gone instantly. So it wasn't as easy as they made out to be.

"I think if you have a good grasp on how to move yourself you'll be fine" Her answer didnt really make sense seeing how everyone could move themselves by just moving. Though before the loud pair could question her the girl wrapped both arms around their shoulders. Leaning down so she was able to whisper into their ears."Think of it as hunting"

Since both of them had experience of the action they instantly stayed quiet to let her continue. Taking that as her cue she looked up to the closest cadet that was balancing well in front of them. "If you make too much noise you'll scare away the prey" Her voice was so soft in whisper that if she hadn't pull them in close they couldnt have heard her.

"If you move too slow and track them with old clues you'll loose them" The girl gripped onto their shoulders as she painted them the picture as if they were actually hunting. "You need to move as everything about you is one. Level everything to be exactly in tune."

With those few words she stood up straight again and spoke louder as she finished her explanation. "Not everyone can do that. Thats why i think you need a good grasp on how you move since you'll be in the air" Alia let go of their shoulders as she watched the same group now be unhooked.

It was their turn to go up next.

"I get it" Sasha let out a laugh as she ran towards one of the poles to get her turn in now that she had a good grasp on what to do. Connie did the same as he practically skipped his way to the next set of the poles. "I am so glad to have trained with you L!" His shouting caused others to look over at the once trio grouped out together oddly.

Alia let out soft chuckles at their excitement as she herself walked over to the poles though walking beside Jean as he made the same move. She hadn't noticed him until he spoke. "what did you say that got them all riled up?"

The sudden voice made the girl look away from her friends and towards where it came from. His question wasn't expected seeing how they've never even spoken to each other yesterday. "It's a secret" She answered lightly as she brought her finger up to her lips. Cheekily giving a soft shush that she wouldn't tell him. Acting way out of character then she usually would but then again she was changing by the day with this new adventure.

Speaking to people when she tended to be alone because it was all she knew with her hunting taking most of her time. Maybe...maybe with this she'd finally break out of her act like she broke out of her routine.

Jean raised a brow at her his interest spiking as a grin pushed up his face. The tips of his ears reddening as their conversation came to an end with Alia walking to her set of poles. He was starting to find her more interesting then the other girl that had caught his attention.

Not from her attitude alone but the way her sea green eyes shifted in a shade of green with her cheekiness. It was probably the sunlight but it wasn't as though he cared. Those eyes were just too beautiful for him to even fathom why they were changing shades.

---

It was safe to say that the trio had passed with flying colors from their first attempt earlier this morning. Even after all day practicing of movement they did well. Alia and Sasha more then Connie because they had been practically using the wires as a swing. Even going as far as making a challenge at their last round on who would be able to swing the highest.

Alia being the winner much to Sasha's disappointment.

"Come on L! You can't take my bread away from me" Sasha whined loudly as the three made their way towards the direction of where the dining room was. Connie although left behind a bit in his testing today had been content with his work compared to others he saw flat out flip upside down. The boy was still laughing loudly at Sasha's defeat.

Alia paid no mind to the whining because a bet was a bet and she won. Though instead of speaking on it she stopped as she looked off to the poles to see another set of trios practicing. Or rather Eren since he had been one of those to have flipped upside down. "Hey you think Eren will get the hang of it?"

Her sudden words caused both block heads to glance where she was looking since they were curious on why she was suddenly bringing it up. "I dont know" Sasha shrugged not really caring about it. Connie had a different view on it as he snickered. "wasn't he the one yapping about not being able to deal with the pressure yesterday?"

His words were true to an extent. So Alia just grabbed onto Connie to pull him along faster to change the topic. They would find out tomorrow when their last testing would be. Sasha was quick to follow as she instantly started to plead again for Alia to let her keep her bread for tonight.

"A bet is a bet Sash! No take backs!" was Alia had to say as the three entered the dining hall. Connie was instant to laugh as he walked over to the line where they collect food was at just as Sasha made a groan at defeat. "Fineeee" The foodie teen grumbled as she fell in line with the shorter boy leaving Alia last to go behind them not that she minded.

Going back to her quiet state she just listened to the two in front of her rant and banter.  Her thoughts wondering off to what Eren would do to get past his block first before anyone else. She'd guess everyone would go to it in the next three years. It certainly wasn't going to be one block either.

But then again life came with blocks of walls all the time for a person to get past. The question was how the person responds to it. Everything about it made Alia think about her first block when she started hunting with her father. At least the first one she could fully remember.

~ 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 ~

"Ya need to learn how to breathe correctly if ya gonna use the damn bow" Egon grumbled as he stood behind the 5 year old Alia. Her bow small just for her size as he guided her arms to be stretched out correctly.

The two were in the back part of their house practicing. A few feet from them there was a target for Alia to shoot at as she was being showed once more what to do by her father. "there's no point in holdin yer breath" He stated back reminding her not to do it again.

Placing a hand over her chest he continued his rant. "Non of that fast breathin either you hear" His accent was thick as he crouched down to be at her height. All of his words going in one ear and out the other as she glanced away from the target and onto him.

The silent question was clear all over her tired baby face. "Come on Lia" he muttered as he let her drop her arms of the bow. Taking a free hand of hers he placed it on his chest much like how he had his on her chest.

"Look if ya control yer breathing it'll be easy as pie" Egon offered up in a lighter tone so she'd focus. "Now nice an' slow" He reminded her again as he slowed his breathing for her to match. After a moment of just feeling it he opened his mouth to say something but interrupted by the sound of a baby crying from within the house.

Then the sound of the door being slammed opened with Ludwig toddler body peeking out. "Papa! Ignaz woke up!" The toddler's voice higher in pitch as he warned his father of the woken baby. Egon sighed standing up straight as he replied. "im comin dammit! Give me a sec!"

Turning back to Alia the older man pointed his finger at her "Practice so yer ready for the hunt tomorrow" With those words he walked towards the house to take care of his youngest.

Now all alone Alia watched until the form of her father and brother was back into the house before glancing to the bow in her hand. Looking at it she sighed before glancing back at the target.

She didn't like training just for a hunt but the little girl knew that it was what her father wanted. What her family needed. So as the oldest she took it all even if it frustrated her. Getting back into position she tried her best to breathe like her father showed her. Slow and easy. Calm and collected.

As if the bow is apart of her. Pulling the string back she aimed at the target and shot. And with that she actually made it within the circle of the target. Letting out a squeal the little girl started to jump up and down from her accomplishment.

She did it!

~ 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 ~

By the time she came out of her thoughts Alia was already sitting down with Connie and Sasha sitting beside mid conversation. The now usual sighting for her from this whole entire day. But what caught her attention was the sight of Eren's bandaged head sitting at the back tables with his two friends.

Meaning he had fallen face first into the ground during his so called training much like Sasha's words this morning. At the memory she couldn't help but feel bad for the teen but it wasn't as though she could talk to him. Not yet. Glancing away from the teenager she came into contact with a familiar face she's been seeing since last night.

Jean.

The boy had turned away trying to act as though he wasn't staring and after a moment he glanced back at her curious if she was still looking. She was. At the double back Alia raised a brow at the small competition between them.

Jean flushed red again something he'd be doing for days if he continued off like this not that he cared as he stayed locked onto the green eyes he always was attracted to in his dreams. Though this time it wasn't just a fantasy but real always zoning back at him.

On the other hand Alia was finding this interaction amusing and if she had to be honest the attention was nice. It wasn't her family or her brothers but a pretty decent looking guy. A girl was allowed to have some fun even if this was training no?

Deciding it was best to end their little game for now she offered up a wink before turning back to her two friends ranting. Her smile soft as she entered the conversation. "dont act like i forgot about that bread Sash" She reached and snatched the dough rather fast.

Sasha let out a loud battle cry as she tried to grab it back though Alia was quick to bite into it. Her cheeks full as she laughed. The foodie girl let out another cry as she deflated against the table. Actual tears swelling in her eyes at the crime being shown in front of her.

Connie was the worse out the three as he laughed so hard he fell out of his seat. Clutching onto his sides as he fell back without a care. The two girls little fight being the funniest thing he's seen in days.

His decision to come here was hard seeing how sad his family had been with his leave but he didn't regret it seeing how he's seeing a side of Alia that wasnt shown often. And meeting a new friend like Sasha just felt right. As if they were all meant to be exactly where they were right now.

---

Alia stayed up late even after the bell rang to gather everyone up to their rooms. Walking quietly she left the small dorm that was filled with sleeping girls. Just in time she came out to see a group of four boys walking off to the trial inside the forest. One of them being Eren just the person she was going to seek for.

"Wonder what they're up to" She whispered to herself as she pulled the hood of her cloak up. Walking away from the cabinets she followed after them without much thought. Her curiosity getting the best of her along with her desire to help Eren.  If she got caught then to hell with it. She'd deal with it when the time came.

After walking behind them and listening onto their conversation while still being hidden from their view she stopped just behind a tree. Watching as they ended on the top of a hill with a breath taking view of the forest that surrounded a lake.

Reiner stood in front of the group as he took charge of the small conversation they had been having. "We'll take it from step one: Belt adjustment. By tomorrow you'll be an expert" The tall blonde spoke in confidence but reassurance as he glanced back to Eren and Armin.

"I know you've got what it takes. I can see it in you. Am i wrong here?" Reiner spoke with the same reassurance. "No. I wont fail. Thank you Reiner. Thank you" Eren smiled widely at those words as he answered the question.

Alia stood still for a moment wondering if should she step in or not because it seemed like the other two had it handled from the looks of it. So instead of interrupting she turned back and walked back to the training grounds. Feeling lighter knowing that Eren was getting help even if it wasn't her.

At her movement her hood fell from her head that the color of her hair had gained the attention of one of the boys who were at the top of the hill. Yet he didnt say anything as he listened to Reiner start the lesson for Eren. His curious gaze never leaving her form as she walked off.

He now couldn't help but wonder why she didn't step in to show her presence.

---

The tension was thick as everyone gathered for the last test for the teenagers who didn't past yesterday. Every cadet standing behind Shadis as he gave each teen their last shot. The last person being Eren as they watched him get hooked up.

Alia stood away from Connie and now Sasha for once as she watched the boy closely. Her arms crossed over her chest as she took her place behind the four main people who were eager to see Eren pass.

She wanted to see if they're little training session had worked or not. To see if Eren got over his block or stayed there staring. All her wondering thoughts halting as Eren shouted to answer Shadis's question of if he were ready. "Yes sir!"

And with that the order to continue started. Slowly Eren was lifted off the ground starting off rather good as he balanced himself correctly. Swaying just a little but not as much as he had been yesterday.

Standing up straighter, Alia, took a deep breath in as she watched along with everyone else the outcome on if he could do it or not. And...

HE WAS!

Instantly some of the cadets were cheering. Alia would've joined them if Eren hadn't swayed a little too much--falling backwards but he caught himself to not hit his head again. Just as fast the crowd went quite and he was begging to try again.

Not believing this was it, Alia stepped forward just as Eren was admitting his defeat after the order from Shadis's order. "Change Belts" At her sudden words everyone including Shadis had looked at her. Shocked at her voice since she rarely spoke to others that weren't her friends.

Ignoring the stares she looked at the teen that was still wearing his belt from his test. "Something must be wrong with his belt so change belts" her tone was harsher then before as she crouched down to Eren who was on the edge of giving up.

Reaching down she started to undo Eren's belt not caring of his comfortableness as she pulled the metal thing off him. Her sharp eyes narrowing as she lifted it up to take a closer look. "And it seems that im right" Alia glanced up to the man standing behind her.

Holding the broken belt she raised to his examination. "Its broken sir. So can he try again with the new one?" There was nothing but the wind being heard as everyone watched.

Sasha was gapping like a fish as she watched. Looking at Alia and then Eren, the belt, and Shadis who has yet to say anything. Connie was in a similar boat though his eyes were only on Alia. His childhood friend who was going out of her way for someone she didn't even know.

So many questions were running in his head but he'd speak on them later when he had the time. For now he was going to see what Shadis would decide because he knew more then anyone Alia's eyes were never wrong. One glance at page and she could remember word for word sentence of that page. A skill of hers that only she had from what he knew.

Jean was both furious and in awe as he watched. He was furious because Alia was helping the idiot of the century Eren. While in Awe at the confidence that Alia held to speak up and actually show evidence of her reasoning to support the guy.

It helped that her eyes were shifting with shades again. This time into a darker shade as determination washed over her face. This was his defeat against Eren being close to Alia but he'd simply just try harder to speak to the girl to get him closer.

"Give him the belt" Shadis finally spoke--holding the belt that Eren was once wearing as he glanced at Kasper for a moment then to the cadet who he was ordering. "Now Wagner" He ordered in a stern tone which made the cadet move fast to do so.

Alia was fast to stand up as she turned to Eren who was still on the floor. Holding her hand out she offered it to him. "One last shot" She stared down at the boy seeing the shift of defeat go to genuine hope that he'd be able to do it again. "Give it your best Eren"

Taking her hand he got up with her help "Thanks" he muttered before turning to grab the belt from the cadet. As he took the time to put it on, Alia stepped back and stood where she once was. Not even glancing towards the prodding gaze of one of the boys who was training Eren last night.

And with that Eren balanced correctly without any swaying.

Next Chapter

Sea Green Eyes Masterlist

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

21st August >> Mass Readings (USA)

Pope Saint Pius X

on

Wednesday of week 20 in Ordinary Time.

Wednesday of week 20 in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the feria (Wednesday))

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Wednesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Ezekiel 34:1-11 I will save my sheep, that they may no longer be food for their mouths.

The word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, in these words prophesy to them to the shepherds: Thus says the Lord GOD: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who have been pasturing themselves! Should not shepherds, rather, pasture sheep? You have fed off their milk, worn their wool, and slaughtered the fatlings, but the sheep you have not pastured. You did not strengthen the weak nor heal the sick nor bind up the injured. You did not bring back the strayed nor seek the lost, but you lorded it over them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered for the lack of a shepherd, and became food for all the wild beasts. My sheep were scattered and wandered over all the mountains and high hills; my sheep were scattered over the whole earth, with no one to look after them or to search for them. Therefore, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: As I live, says the Lord GOD, because my sheep have been given over to pillage, and because my sheep have become food for every wild beast, for lack of a shepherd; because my shepherds did not look after my sheep, but pastured themselves and did not pasture my sheep; because of this, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: Thus says the Lord GOD: I swear I am coming against these shepherds. I will claim my sheep from them and put a stop to their shepherding my sheep so that they may no longer pasture themselves. I will save my sheep, that they may no longer be food for their mouths. For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will look after and tend my sheep.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

R/ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; Beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.

R/ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side With your rod and your staff that give me courage.

R/ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

R/ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Only goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.

R/ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Gospel Acclamation Hebrews 4:12

Alleluia, alleluia. The word of God is living and effective, able to discern the reflections and thoughts of the heart. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 20:1-16 Are you envious because I am generous?

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

-----------------------------

Pope Saint Pius X

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Wednesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading 1 Thessalonians 2:2b-8 We were determined to share with you not only the Gospel of God, but our very selves as well.

Brothers and sisters: We drew courage through our God to speak to you the Gospel of God with much struggle. Our exhortation was not from delusion or impure motives, nor did it work through deception. But as we were judged worthy by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, that is how we speak, not as trying to please men, but rather God, who judges our hearts. Nor, indeed, did we ever appear with flattering speech, as you know, or with a pretext for greed – God is witness – nor did we seek praise from men, either from you or from others, although we were able to impose our weight as Apostles of Christ. Rather, we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children. With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the Gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 21-22, 25 and 27

R/ For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

The favors of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.

R/ For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.”

R/ For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him, That my hand may be always with him, and that my arm may make him strong.”

R/ For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him, and through my name shall his horn be exalted. He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior.’”

R/ For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation John 10:14

Alleluia, alleluia. I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 21:15-17 Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” [Jesus] said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[scripture-pictures]

[banana-with-a-bow-tie]

In Ezekiel 39:18 we read: "Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan." Does this now tell us to drink blood which is otherwise forbidden in scripture? Also, I noticed that the Hebrew/Greek word translated as "mighty" can also mean "heathens".

Another example to translate this verse: "You shall eat the flesh of giants and drink the blood of the princes of the earth. Rams and young bulls and he goats; and all the bulls are well fatted."

So does this have to do anything with cannibalism?

9 times out of 10, the answer to the question “what does this verse mean” can be found by reading the context. Who is speaking in this verse? Who is he speaking to? What has he been speaking about?

Ezekiel 38-39 is God foretelling an attack on Israel by an alliance of nations where he will divinely intervene to save Israel and bring judgment on the wicked so that the world will know He is God. The text talks about the fallout of that judgment being so massive, it will take 7 months for Israel to finish cleaning up the bodies. Look at verse 39:17

“As for you son of man, thus says the Lord GOD, “Speak to the birds of every sort and to all the beasts of the field, gather from all around to the sacrificial feast I am preparing for you, a great sacrificial feast on the mountains of Israel, and you shall eat flesh and drink blood.”

God isn’t talking to people here. He is going to command the scavenging animals to clean up the decaying bodies of the people He judged. Rather than getting buried with honor, part of their judgment is to get eaten like roadkill. They attacked His people thinking they would be conquerors but instead died in shame and guilt.

[thesquireinvictus]

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

[hiswordsarekisses]

“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight is in the fear of the Lord, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears; But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, And faithfulness the belt of His waist. “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea. “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious.” It shall come to pass in that day That the Lord shall set His hand again the second time To recover the remnant of His people who are left, From Assyria and Egypt, From Pathros and Cush, From Elam and Shinar, From Hamath and the islands of the sea. He will set up a banner for the nations, And will assemble the outcasts of Israel, And gather together the dispersed of Judah From the four corners of the earth. Also the envy of Ephraim shall depart, And the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not envy Judah, And Judah shall not harass Ephraim. But they shall fly down upon the shoulder of the Philistines toward the west; Together they shall plunder the people of the East; They shall lay their hand on Edom and Moab; And the people of Ammon shall obey them. The Lord will utterly destroy the tongue of the Sea of Egypt; With His mighty wind He will shake His fist over the River, And strike it in the seven streams, And make men cross over dry-shod. There will be a highway for the remnant of His people Who will be left from Assyria, As it was for Israel In the day that he came up from the land of Egypt.” Isaiah‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬-‭16‬