#I WAS RESEARCHING SOMETHING FOR FLORENCE

[brother-emperors]

like, two years ago I was doing some writing for a comic where Lorenzo de’ Medici and Francesco de’ Pazzi would’ve had a 1959 Ben Hur-Messala lovers turned bitter enemies sort of dynamic, but the Medici Family-Roman Imperialism comparatives I was working into the subtext were a lot to unpack for a story that started because I think the Medici show sucks

[vaaaaaiolet]

Good thing your doctor's always on speed dial for your health scares, but can he help you out of this one?

gn / m, fluff, romance, hypochondriac reader, leon is your teledoc LMAO, denial of feelings / obliviousness, slightly ooc?? phone call transcript format in lowercase

word count: 1.2k // read on ao3

a/n: for @idyllcy + @hiya-itsamber :3

just a silly scenario i wrote in 2023 when those corny tiktok dual pov slideshows were a thing 😭 leon's dialogue is indented + in blue and nothing is proofread i fear

RINGING… [0:01]

[line connects.]

hi doc, I just wanted to call and tell you that I need to schedule an appointment tomorrow.

     that’s awfully soon, I just saw you last week. what’s wrong?

what’s wrong? more like what isn’t wrong. honestly, I think I’d rather just schedule the appointment and not waste more of your time. are you free at 4 tomorrow?

     my job is to ask you what’s wrong so I can fix it. cut out the middle man and tell me how you’ve been feeling. the poor receptionist needs a break anyway, flu season has her answering calls from her bathroom.

[nervous laughter.]

     are you in the bathroom?

…

     never mind that. do you have any new symptoms or have your old ones worsened?

this has to be against HIPAA or something, doc. I’m telling you, I’ll just call later.

[loud flushing sounds and tap water running.]

     I’m still waiting.

have it your way then.

     mhm.

I have so many symptoms, I don’t even know where to start. you know how I am about cleaning things and staying on top of my health. my chart last appointment was perfect!

     minus the minor cold you had, yes. has your cold not improved?

I’m not sure. the congestion and coughing’s all disappeared, but now I have really bad headaches. and hot flashes.

     headaches?

uh huh.

     what are they like?

they’re…weird. they start in my head, but they spread, like, everywhere.

     I see.

     can you tell me more about how they spread? is it one big headache or a bunch of little ones at a time?

they start in my temples and if I don’t take medicine for them fast enough, they move down to the bridge of my nose and into my cheeks. I swear I can feel these headaches in my chest.

and that’s when I get these hot flashes. like someone’s microwaving me on high, and I get dizzy, and out of breath, and-

     you get headaches in your chest?

in my chest! headaches aren’t supposed to do that right? it feels like my heart jumps. that’s not right, is it?

     [sounds of pen scratching on paper.]

but the curious thing is that I’ve had these symptoms before. they’re not new.

     huh? I thought they started right after your cold.

no no, it’s just that they go away when I have my appointments. I’ve been doing some research online and I think that right at the time you prescribe me my new medicine, they go away. it all lines up with the release time of the inhibi-

     you worry too much. I’m sure it’s not that; none of the medicine I’ve ever given you lines up with your symptoms.

oh.

     why didn’t you tell me this when you first started coming to our office? this is important information that needs to be added to your file.

but it really wasn’t that important-

     you don’t understand. I need your entire medical history to assign you the right medicine.

     I could have triggered some autoimmune disease, or, or, flared up more symptoms.

     god, I should have done the bare minimum and checked with your nurse. Florence, is that her name? I need to make some calls. I’ll call you right back.

hey doc? you’re starting to sound like me. don’t worry, I’m coming in for my appointment anyway tomorrow. you don’t have to get all military about it.

     you’re one of my first patients. I worry about you.

you do?

     it’s my job to worry about you. i quite like my job.

that felt nice to hear.

     it’s the truth.

the reason I didn’t tell you about it earlier is because I got a second opinion and I felt guilty about it. I felt like I was cheating on you, somehow.

     [laughter.]

     what part of your research gave you that idea? you don’t believe I can handle you seeing another healthcare professional?

it’s embarrassing! it wasn’t even a healthcare professional. it was my mom.

     your mom counts as a second opinion?

she’s licensed in all matters of life.

     I see.

…and the heart.

     that so?

she told me it was mmmfmmf [unintelligible].

     hm. I still need to hear about this incredibly important second opinion.

she told me I just had a silly crush. can you believe her?

     and she might have a point, you know. how did she come to that conclusion?

she totally dismissed my hot flashes and told me that it was normal. same with my headaches and what i’m definitely sure is a developing heart arrhythmia.

     that’s…interesting.

I get it, I thought the same thing you’re thinking right now. except she predicted a symptom I didn’t even have when I asked her.

     and what symptom would that be?

insomnia! I can’t even sleep anymore. I stay up all night in bed, thinking.

     and what do you think about?

to be honest, going back to the doctor’s office.

your office.

     my office?

yeah. whenever I go to your appointments, my symptoms go away. it would be stupid to bring up my mom’s theory during checkups, so I’ve never said anything.

     you’ve got to be kidding me.

     your master plan is to keep getting sick and showing up to my office for 20 minutes a month?

well, it sounds stupid when you say it!

     how long did you think this was going to last?

I don’t have a choice. it’s either this or nothing. 20 minutes with you taking my vitals is worth the aches and pains leading up to it because i feel so much better afterwards.

it just feels nice seeing you. i think it’s an environment trigger.

hey doc, you still there?

     tell you what, I think you’re going to have to get that second opinion.

why would I do that? didn’t I just explain to you why I can’t? you’re the only one that makes my mysterious disease go away, and besides, there’s no such thing as a second second opinion.

     listen to me. I can’t continue your current treatment anymore. it'd be breaking HIPAA to treat you like I need to because of the type of disease you have.

     and to be honest, I don’t think it has a cure yet.

are you serious? how much do I need to pay for treatment? what’s my prognosis?

[clattering of pens on desk and line breaks up briefly from movement.]

[quietly.] doc, am I going to live?

     [laughs.] you’ll live. I have no doubts about that.

well then, why can’t you treat me?

     I can treat you. it’s just that I can’t as your doctor.

you’re not making any sense.

     you’re still going to need to schedule that appointment for tomorrow, but it’ll have to be using a different phone number. call XXX-XXX-XXXX.

[furious pen scratching on paper.]

alright, and who am I asking for on the line?

     ask for Leon. and dress nice.

that’s required for the appointment?

     he has special conditions. it’s a quality of service thing.

…and you’ll be there with the doctor at the appointment?

     [light laughter.]

     I will.

okay, see you soon.

     take care.

[line disconnects.]

CALL ENDED WITH: DR. L. KENNEDY M.D. [14:45]

psst, find more of my work here!

comments and reblogs are very much appreciated <3 take care and i love you!

[lost-and-ephemeral]

Hi 👐 I have some ideas for our LDS Boys that could be interesting to see 😁 some headcanons for Boys x reader on vacation for two whole weeks (what destination they choose, how they plan this trip, what would they do, some sfw etc). Another one - Let's say the boys have a friend who has a crush on them and she interferes in their lives and tries to make reader jealous. How will they cope in this situation? Thank you ♥️

HCs: Vacation With Them

Pairing: Xavier x reader, Zayne x reader, Rafayel x reader (seperate)

Tags: fluff, established relationships

A/N: thanks for request ♡ i decided to write the first idea, but! later i'm planning to write the second one!

-`♡´- MASTERLIST -`♡´- 

Rafayel

As an artist, Rafayel often travels to other cities for various reasons. Sometimes he's looking for inspiration, sometimes his help is needed somewhere.

But a two-week vacation with you?

Just perfect.

Rafayel will personally handle the preparations for this trip.

He'll probably decide to visit a city with beautiful architecture that will "help inspire him". Like Rome, Florence or Venice. Or any other equally beautiful city in the world.

And have no doubt that he'll pick the best hotel he can find.

Rent a big room with a view on the most picturesque part of the city? Sure.

Especially if this will make you happy.

Will definitely take you to the sightseeing spots and tell you about their historical/architectural value.

Either he's very smart or he researched all this information on the internet before coming here. Just to impress you.

Rafayel likes to visit small cafes that have their own special (ahem, romantic) atmosphere. They don't have to be too fancy.

Loves to take you out late at night. You look magical in the streetlights.

Speaking of which, Rafayel always has his camera close to him. He likes to take pictures of you, being able to capture every special moment when your eyes shine with joy.

At the end of the day, he makes sure to cuddle with you in bed while listening to you talk about what you enjoyed the most that day.

Probably fall asleep at the sound of your voice. But he can't help it, you soothe him very much with your presence. He's not doing it on purpose, so don't feel bad.

On "lazy days" likes to stay in the room with you, no going out for walks or anything. After all, you came here to relax.

Rafayel teases you all the time for different reasons, that's his nature, but in this atmosphere he seems to soften a lot. After all, even here you are his favorite sight.

When you point to something you think is beautiful, he keeps looking solely at you and says, "Yes, beautiful."

And then starts blushing like crazy as soon as he realizes exactly what he just said.

Even on vacation, he continues to make some scetches about your trip.

By the end of your vacation, he'll have a couple of drawings of you in his sketchbook. Like you sitting in front of the window with a glass of wine or reading a brochure while lying in bed.

Xavier

Let's face it, Xavier just needs a vacation.

This poor guy is ready to sleep even while he's standing because sometimes he spends days and nights without proper rest.

So a two-week vacation with you is just what he needs.

And it will be the most relaxing type of vacation.

You will prepare everything for the trip together, consider different options and choose the most suitable one.

It is best to choose a warm place somewhere by the sea. So both of you can relax and let go of all your worries.

Just imagine a hotel with windows that are facing the sea. Falling asleep and waking up to the lulling whisper of the waves. Right thing for a good rest, yeah?

During your vacation, Xavier's favorite thing is waking up next to you in this serene atmosphere.

Xavier loves it when you wake up before him (which is almost every morning) and gently caress his face or his hair.

He doesn't have to rush anywhere and can just enjoy your time alone with each other.

Especially when you look so beautiful in the morning sunlight.

Xavier could spend every day, from morning till night, in your arms. And it would be the real paradise for him.

Hold him, cover every inch of his face with kisses. As long as he doesn't have to put everything aside and rush to fight Wanderers, he's happy.

I think he wouldn't mind visiting cute small cafes either. The ones with a cozy and almost homely atmosphere.

When you're at the beach, splash water at him and get ready for a playful battle until he catches you and pulls you into the water with him.

Usually reserved Xavier will finally allow himself to fool around a bit.

Cherish this moment.

After that, he will 100% help you dry yourself.

Xavier wouldn't mind napping on your lap right on the beach. Even the sun won't bother him. His one and only sunshine is already with him.

He likes to watch sunsets with you. When you rest your head on his shoulder and talk about anything you can think of.

But even more than that, he likes to stargaze with you.

Spread a blanket on the sand and get comfortable next to him. Even if you fall asleep in the process, he can carry you to bed, don't worry.

The cool night breeze from the sea can't make you cold as long as Xavier is by your side. He'll keep you warm.

He likes to buy souvenirs so that even when you return home and get back to work, he can look at them and remember something nice.

Zayne

Zayne is a doctor, and that's the reason why most of the time he works until exhaustion. Even if it seems that he hardly gets tired, this is not so.

He needs rest as much as any other person do.

And a two-week vacation with you will be a breath of fresh air.

It's going to sound cliché, but Zayne wouldn't mind going somewhere a bit more colder.

Vacations aren't always about warm places, right?

A city like Reykjavik would be ideal, the nature of Iceland itself is so beautiful and breathtaking.

How about combining a vacation with hiking in beautiful places? Sounds good.

Even if you insist, Zayne will still do all the preparations by himself. He will select a city, a place to stay and make sure that you take everything you need. Especially warm clothes.

Don’t worry, he won’t force you to travel miles on foot in order to look at pure and untouched nature.

Most of the time, he won't mind walking around the city with you and popping into a couple of shops in search of local sweets.

Zayne is the type of person who puts both your and his hand in the pocket of his coat when you're holding hands. This way your fingers will definitely not freeze. And also he just doesn't want to let go

Sitting in warm and cozy cafes with you while drinking hot chocolate is something he loves the most. Your smile, your reddened from the cold cheeks. Just beautiful.

It's hard for him to show his care verbally, but his actions speak louder than any words, so he doesn't mind hugging you from behind to keep you warm.

Allows you to take as many photos with him as you want. And there's so much love in his eyes as you show him those photos.

He, too, prefers to fully enjoy his vacation and rest, not dazedly run back and forth. And that's understandable.

But that doesn't stop him from waking you up with breakfast in bed every morning. He says it's easier to keep track of your nutrition, but it really melts his heart to see how sleepy and happy you look at that moment.

It's a huge plus if the room you're renting has a fireplace.

In that case, you can spend your evenings warming up next to it while Zane sits behind and holds you in his arms.

He rests his forehead against your shoulder and lets himself relax completely. You don't have to speak at this moment, just gently stroke his scarred hands, hold them, showing your love and care for him.

He will be sure to keep a few photos from your vacation. Always. So that your warm moments together will never be erased from his memory.

[makingqueerhistory]

Hey I hope you don't mind me asking, but my library is planning on doing something about LGBT in medicine and I wondered whether there were some names you'd suggest to research? Or whether there were some websites or books to check out?

This is a great question! I have collected a list for you to check out:

Alan L. Hart 

Princess Vera Gedroitz 

Sir Ewan Forbes 

Florence Nightingale

Lou Sullivan 

Magnus Hirschfeld

The Institute of Sexology

Hopefully, this list gives you a good place to start!

[icanseethefuture333]

Celestial alignment: Pick a pattern in the sky

Messages to realign you with your soul path

Pile 1:

Shufflemancy -

Replay by Lady Gaga

JMK by Sango ft. Xavier Omar

Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine

Ten of Wands, Eight of Cups, The Magician, The World, & Three of Cups

There is a call for you to let go of thoughts that are holding you back. There is something about repetition here that is preventing you from progressing into the next chapter of your life. You could be taking on the burdens of other people as a way to help them. Your guides are urging you to please stop. You are constantly making sacrifices for others when they aren't doing this for you. Your lesson right now is to focus on making yourself the top priority. You are always putting yourself on the back burner. Some people here take care of their family members or work in the medical field. It's understandable to be worried and to care for your loved ones or other people, but who's be concerned about you? Who is making sure that you are alright or have what you need? If nobody is there for you, then you have to be there for yourself. Start making goals or a list of things you wish to accomplish. You need to realize you are worthy and deserving of what you desire, start dreaming again, pile 1. The universe is waiting and ready for your call and demand. Once you have faith in yourself, the universe will be ready to make your dreams come true. A journey of peace, abundance, and celebrations will be coming your way soon.

Summary:

Change your thoughts & way of thinking.

Practice mindfulness & work on releasing limiting beliefs.

Learn how to include self care in your daily routine

Set boundaries

Think about what your goals or dream are

Make a list or a vision board

Research information on manifestation or spirituality that aligns with your beliefs

Pile 2:

Shufflemancy -

Bruises by Kelela

Brain by Mariah the Scientist

Omega by SAAY

Seven of Wands, King of Wands, Wheel of Fortune, The Aeon (Judgement), & Nine of Pentacles

This pile gave me goosebumps when shuffling - You have a very intense aura and strong presence, pile 2! Something about having to "fight" or the "brain" being significant. I'm reminded of this wounded emoji: 🤕. You could suffer from past trauma or have a mental disorder. I had to rewrite for this pile because it didn't save and I felt so frustrated having to write for this pile again, but it made me realize that this is possibly how you feel in life. You are constantly having to work with difficult circumstances without seeing any progress of the outcome. There were a lot of struggles that you had overcome and I am reminded of movie The Truman Show. His entire life was just programmed for him and he was forced to live a life he didn't want for the entertainment of others just so they could have a TV Show to watch. So I feel like people found joy in your misfortune and suffering, which I am terribly sorry for. The thing is though that was in the past and you don't have to deal with these people anymore. You don't have to pretend to be this character that obviously doesn't resonate with you. You can create an entirely new life, new self concept, new everything for yourself. Think of who you want to be as an individual, not what other people have labeled you as or want you to be. You have to start realizing that you are free to do as you please. Life can be like a simulation and we could all be considered avatars, but we don't realize is that we are able to customize our reality in anyway we wish. You have the inner strength and passion but you are just stuck in this survival mode that is not serving you anymore. It is time for you to move on and your spirit guides are being stern with me right now but they're saying "take this shit seriously". If you have a dream or goal you know you wanna do, take action and stop complaining. Stop with the excuses, the self pity, and the martyr complex. Once you start asking the universe for help is when you can start to achieve your dreams. "It's like clockwork". I am seeing that you feel that you're running out of time in life to accomplish your goals but I am reminded of Maddy from Euphoria when she said "Don't worry, this is only just the beginning". Your "shift" or soul purpose has only just begun and time is ticking for real now. I am getting a vision of someone holding a bright lantern in a dark cave and they are like making a come hither motion with their hands. So I believe this is the universe and your guides saying if you need guidance and you are unsure what to do or where to go or how to even begin the project you wish to work on - Ask them. Once you start asking the universe for help shit is going to change in your life dramatically because your purpose is very significant and it is going to be for the better of society but you have to stop being in your ego and acting stubborn because it is not helping you or anyone else for that matter. I'm not saying you have to be some sort of holy messiah or the rebirth of Jesus Christ himself, but you are going to be someone who will make a difference in this world. As you embark on this journey, it is crucial that you pay attention to the signs the universe or spirit gives you. It is okay if you make mistakes but you have to be careful and aware of people or vices that will sabotage you in the end. So listen to your intuition and notice those gut feelings. I feel like people will be giving you your flowers in the future, that could mean you will be someone who has a certain level of status, or this means people will show appreciation or gratitude for your benevolence and charity. You have this gift or tool that the universe has blessed you with and you have to utilize it for the good will of others.

This is a powerful message I channeled from spirit: "Others who have begun early are merely the matches that were chosen out of indulgence, for candles & waxes, the faster they burn, the quicker their ashes will fall. The last one to be picked, is the match that is the resource for those in need of hope and warmth when faced with the darkness."

Summary:

Use your intuition

Release the version of yourself that is no longer serving you

Embrace change & endings

The end of a chapter means a new beginning

Rely on your inner strength & wisdom

Ask for guidance

Focus on what it is meant for you

"All that glitters isn't gold"

Pile 3:

Shufflemancy -

Lemon by N.E.R.D ft. Rihanna

Starface* by Jean Dawson

Screen Time by Epik High ft. HOSHI

The Tower, Four of Pentacles (reversed), Three of Wands, The Sun, & Four of Wands

The pile's energy instantly chirped me up and made so happy! Its interesting how the piles are always so unique in their own way. You could have been or are currently in denial with your circumstances. It reminds me of Hey Ya! by Outkast. Go take a look at that music video or listen to the song if you're unfamiliar with it. It's a fun happy song, but the meaning of the lyrics are actually quite depressing. You could have this mindset of: "Y'all don't wanna hear me you just wanna dance!". You could be someone who is pessimistic and a downer, always wanting to look at things from a more "realistic" perspective. Although, your spirit guides are asking you to actually change this way of thinking. I actually see that you have a really bright and energizing aura! You could be really funny, pile 3! Your purpose could align with having a good sense of humor or being a source of hope and optimism for others. You could be interested in working in the entertainment field. Once you get past this, you will realize how much fun life can actually be! Your past challenges could also be viewed from a more positive standpoint. For example, the situation might have been unfortunate, but did you learn anything valuable? Or was there any positive outcomes because of that said situation. Reflect on your life experiences and lessons to see where the universe actually might have helped you dodge a bullet or blessed you with protection or love. You could also attract new people into your life who will make you feel a sense of joy and gratitude. This pile just reminds me of a fun summer day, where people eat watermelon or have fun at the pool. Another song I'm channeling is Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff & Will Smith. You will be celebrating and having a good time with your loved ones in the future soon. I believe honestly your path for now is to focus on happiness and sharing love and light with others!

Summary:

Have fun!

Make jokes that uplift people's energy

Focus on the good vs dwelling in negativity

Try to make someone laugh or smile!

Make plans for the summer

Hang out with your friends or spend time with family

Your past struggles are why you're still here. You overcame a great deal and should be proud of yourself!

[canisalbus]

I love the idea of machete faking his own death and moving to Florence to be Vasco's bookkeeper/ accountant or something. I know it's basically just a fix-it au for your doomed by the narrative dog men, but it makes me happy.

Also I absolutely adore your artstyle! It's very distinct from other furry artists I've seen. Kinda like those drawings in medieval manuscripts. Also I love the effort you've put into making believable acting characters and making them work not only in modern times but in renaissance Italy as well! You must have done years of research on your setting for it to flow so naturally!

TL:DR, I love your dogs, I love your art, and I love your writing. I'm sending you virtual grilled cheeses and tomato soup

.

[corrodedcoffins-blog]

Celebrity crush

jack hughes x youtuber!reader universe

note: i love this one, it's just cute and short!

“Do we have to watch ‘Nowhere Boy’ again?” a very annoyed Jack asked his obviously excited girlfriend, before he continued, “We just watched it last month.”

“Yes. But that was a recreational watch, this is a watch for research.” the girl said, already pulling up the familiar movie, knowing Jack will cave, he always caves for her.

“What research do you have to do?” the younger brother asked from the kitchen, for one of his trips to get food, between playing his video game.

“So glad you asked Luke!” she said, turning her body to face behind her at the boy, her boyfriend rolling his eyes (as he usually does) his head falling into place on the couch cushion behind him, as Y/n continues, “It’s the end of the year, and with the end of the year comes my ‘crush recap’ podcast episode. It’s my favourite time of year!”

“I didn’t know that was why we were watching this! I don’t want to watch a movie were the entire time you just note everytime he does something hot!”

“That is not what I do.”

--

“Who are you taking notes on in this one.”

“Who do you think?” the girl says, giving her boyfriend an ‘are you serious’ look, as she turns back to the TV abd turning on ‘don’t worry, darling’

“What I mean is Harry Styles and Florence Pugh, so which one?”

“This is good for you, two birds one stone.” Y/n replied, impressed he remembered who was in the movie. But thinking more of it, she did not shut up about it in the months leading up to the movies release (and many months after the release)

“Good.”

--

Sitting in the living room, Y/n was recording a podcast. Both the boys were at practice, leaving the girl a good time to record.

“She is so hot! Ahhhhhh!!…. I’m sorry, the Julian Baker thing is really getting out of hand. But like I’m in love with her so I don’t know what you want from me.” Y/n mumbled, looking as if she just got caught red-handed. Which she had, she was just too busy to notice.

“Who-Wha-” Jack said, before giving up and walking into their shared room to get ready to shower off the practice.

--

As Jack walked into the living room, looking for his girlfriend he comes to find her sitting on the couch. Blushing. This was nowhere out of the realm of ordinary for Y/n, but never this much.

“Who has you blushing this much?” the boy asked, coming to look other the older girl’s shoulder, only for him to bot be able to get a look as Y/n quickly turns off her phone. Now this was weird, she never has a problem telling him who her celebrity crush this week is, so why not now?

“It’s nothing.”

“Why won’t you show me.” he questioned, pouting slightly in hopes of getting her to crack.

“‘Cause it’s nothing.” she replies, her eyes following Jack as he rounds the couch.

“Really?” he asks, in a rhetorical sense, bringing his hands to her sides where he knows she’s ticklish. Wary of his hand placement the girl responds with, “Yes. Really.”

“‘Cause I don’t think so!” He announced, bringing one hand to reach for his girlfriends phone, while the other begins to tickle the girls sides.

“No! Jack! Aghh, stop!” Y/n struggles out, laughing and trying to wiggy out of Jack’s grasp. Yet, she’s to late as Jack grabs her phone, standing from the couch and running into the kitchen. Y/n recovering then running after him.

“Me?! I made you blush like that?” the boys yells, rewatching the edit of himself that previously had his girl a blushing mess.

“Shut up! Give me that!” the girl says, back to being said blushing mess, while grabbing her phone from the younger boys hand.

“Aw, am I this weeks celebrity crush?” Jack teases, following Y/n out of the room.

~taglist~

@inejghafawifesblog @dancerbailey3

[foursaints]

completely unrelated to the topic of this blog (dead gay wizards) but i wanted to know if you have book recs (not necessarily fiction) about catholicism and/or the middle ages. i know it’s VERY random but it’s always something that interested me even though i never really researched about it and i see you talk about saints (literally the name of tour blog) so i guess you are knowledgeable about that topic!! anyways thanks <3

okay i’m lightly stoned in my bedroom so i’m given to sentimentality but i smiled reading this… yes i CAN give you recs on those things

books

the myth and cult of the virgin mary, marina warner - longtime favorite. 100/10 could not recommend more.

woman defamed and woman defended: an anthology of medieval texts, alcuin blamires - really good collection of primary sources

lieutenant nun: memoir of a basque transvestite in the new world - autobiography of a runaway nun who lived as a man & swashbuckled <3

giovanni and lusanna: love and marriage in renaissance florence, gene brucker - combined scholarship and narrative. really beautiful

the nonexistent knight, italo calvino & the name of the rose, umberto eco are my fave literary fiction set at the time <33

articles / scholarship

“Negotiating for Agnes’ Womb”, Bastress-Dukehart

“Did Women Have a Renaissance?”, Kelly-Gadol

“Heretics, Martyrs, and Witches”, Alec Ryrie

primary sources / medieval lit

if anything at all read hildegard of bingen, julien of norwich, and margery kemp. <3 all timers

the heptameron, marguerite de navarre

sir orfeo, anonymous (trans. jrr tolkien)

the faerie queene, edmund spenser

the facetious nights of straparola, giovanni straparola

the ultimate ambition in the arts of erudition, shihab al-din al-nuwayri <- so so good

most of these are taken from the syllabus for a class i took called “perceptions of medieval and early modern women”. but i tried to include deep cuts and major favorites. I LOVE YOU MIDDLE AGES <3

[itsjustaninchident]

Hi

Could you do a imagine where the reader struggles with body dysmorphia with Charles or Arthur. Just him being there for her and comforting her. Maybe how he finds out

Charles Leclerc x Fem!Reader

summary: negative thoughts aren't supposed to be crowding your brain when you're going on a date and Charles is here to help with that.

warning/s: body dysmorphia, anxiety, low self-esteem, mentions of bullying, just nasty hater stuff, angst but fluff in the end, reader is very insecure, slight eating disorder (?), quite bad relationship with food

author's note: I am not very much educated on this topic but I did my research so I can somehow give justice to writing this and please always remember you're beautiful being you! Others' opinion of yourself does not matter, at the end of the day your opinion of yourself will always be more important and I hope if you're going through this you'll get the peace you deserve with your body! Slow steps still progress. 🤍 Please if I wrote something wrong in this kindly call me out. Sorry if it's long overdue I wasn't in my best state these days.

It was a slow Sunday morning for you and Charles. It was one of the free days Charles was away from the chaos of Formula 1 and he couldn't contain the excitement of getting you out on a date. Even though you always try your best to be with him when he's racing in other countries, nothing will still compare to days where he gets to spend it with you and you only.

You were both laying in bed too lazy to start the morning but the both of you knew you need to be prepared because of the long day ahead. Charles prepared a whole day of itinerary for you both in the beautiful city of Florence, it's your first time to be in this city and you couldn't contain your excitement.

Charles was nuzzling his nose to your hair seemingly content of just smelling your strawberry-scented hair for the day and he can't help himself but sigh with the feeling of you just relaxing with him. "I wish we can get to spend mornings like this everyday, mon angé." He tightened his grip on your waist, your back facing him but you can feel his smile as he basked in the morning glow in your hotel room. You can't help but agree to what he said, all the fancy restaurants, the expensive things, and places you can't even pronounce cannot compare to what you both are experiencing right now.

Moments like this are better than anything expensive in the world. Your heart fluttered of imagining ahead a morning with Charles where you don't get to spend one away from him. Just the raw morning greetings, the glow of sunshine cascading both of you as you try to get up and do the most mundane things yet you wouldn't trade it for anything extraordinary or expensive in this world.

"We should get up, I thought you have a full day for us to spend?" You faced him smiling, while he renewed his embrace not wanting to let you go. He smiled at the sight of your face, "You're so beautiful, good morning love." He muttered and kissed your forehead. You blushed, he has probably told you you're beautiful countless of times already but he never fails to release the butterflies in your stomach and make you flustered. "Well, you're gorgeous too." You said to him which earned you a blush as well. He buried his face into your neck seemingly shy from the earned reaction. You can't help but chuckle you wish you can capture this moment forever.

"As much as I want spending my mornings like this, I think we're gonna be late to whatever you planned for today, Charles." You said a-matter-of-fact. You started moving from his grip which he let out a groan of protest. "Get up, love. I'm hungry." You're not. In fact, you're planning on not eating at all for today. The statement made Charles get up from bed, he looks really glorious in the morning but well you can't stay in bed all day when there's a whole new place you wanted to explore waiting for you.

"Okay, then let's get ready. I'll get us pastries before we go. Maybe you can get ready while I'm out?" He offered, you just nodded already busy with planning your outfit as he kissed your forehead before storming off.

You got in the bathroom and did all your ritual. It wasn't long when you're out of the bathroom and started trying out the outfits you picked, not decided which you will wear so you decided to try everything on. The first outfit however, ruined your mood. You put on the pants but as you look at yourself in the mirror you weren't really satisfied with how you look. It was a nightmare really, all the negative thoughts coming in your head one by one as if to knock you all over, crashing the beautiful state you woke up to a while ago. You were not pleased, you hate yourself. You hate how you look, you hate the reflection.

It didn't help that you also saw those nasty comments from "fans" on your latest instagram post. All of the comments on your body, your weight, and your overall appearance. It all took a toll on you. Suddenly all the energy the sleep gave you was drained because of everything. You feel really exhausted just thinking about going out tonight and people seeing you in what seem like a very insecure day for you. You removed the pants and got back to your pyjamas, you're not one to sulk all day when a negative thing occur to you but today is not one of those days.

It seems like everything just came down pouring on you and drowning you from everything. You decided to just lay in bed, negative thoughts clouding your mind. Why are you not as perfect as the other girls you see on instagram? Why can't you be them instead? Why are you so ugly and unfit? Why did Charles even choose to be with you?

All those thoughts were disrupted when you heard the door click open. Your boyfriend entered with a big smile on his face. Seemingly, trying to tell you a story of what went when he bought you guys food. But he stopped talking as long as he saw your state.

He put everything he's holding on to the table, immediately walking up towards you. He's so worried upon seeing you, crying, your makeup ruined, hair still damp, in your pyjamas. He's never seen you in this state before. You guys started dating for a few years now but everytime you have a mental breakdown or an episode like this you try your best to hide it from anyone, even Charles. He kneeled in front of you, started wiping your tearstained cheeks, worry ever present in his eyes, he started fixing the hair covering your forehead. "Can you please sit up for me love?" He uttered gently, he doesn't know what's happening or why you're crying but he just knows you would open up to him when you're ready so for now he's doing his best to calm you down. It hurts to see you like this, fragile and small as if his heart is being pierced through by knives and torn into pieces.

He handed you the water once your sat up straight and facing him. He waited for your sobs to calm down and when you're quite calm he hugged you so tight. So tight that you can also feel your heart tightening. Warmth spreading through you, he didn't even say anything but it made you feel a little bit better. "You wanna lay down?" He asked now facing you. You nodded, you settled down and faced sideways. You feel a little ashamed now, realizing what happened and what he saw. But Charles didn't mind you facing your back from him instead he was spooning you, his arms secured slightly on your waist not wanting to let you go. He was kissing your head as he lightly caress your arm trying to bring you comfort.

"Is everything okay?" He attempted to ask you now wanting to know what's bothering you and how he can help you.

You were hesitant to tell him, no one in your life knows you're going through this. Plus the both of you never talked about anything related to this. But something in you is telling you that you should let him know to at least let out your burden, lighten what you're feeling, and overall just to be honest with him. This is a hard topic to open to anyone, especially to your boyfriend. You don't really know how he will react with it. Will this make it worse? Erasing all the doubts, you started formulating how you will tell him.

"I don't feel good about myself, Cha. I'm so unattractive, it's like I spend numerous amounts of time to look good but in the end I don't feel a tad bit of satisfaction with myself. It's so hard to look good at least. My body's not attractive and I feel like I'm not even doing enough to look good. It's like everything is just not right with me. I'm so tired of trying to look pretty and just fall through in the end whenever I look in the mirror. I hate my reflection and I hate myself for it. I can't help it." Tears started pouring out of your eyes once again, you feel Charles' embrace tightening once more. The little kisses stopped and you could hear his slow breaths. It felt good to let that all out but those lingering negative thoughts will never leave you still.

Charles wishes he can share your pain to at least ease what you're feeling. He didn't know you were feeling this way about yourself because if you would ask him who's the most attractive person he's ever seen the answer will always be you and he would never think in a heartbeat to say your name. If it's only possible for you to borrow his eyes and see yourself from his perspective maybe you would think otherwise, maybe your bad thoughts will disappear. "I love you, mon amour. I wish you could see yourself the way I do. I wish you knew how attractive you are. You're the person I want to see first the moment I wake up and the last person I want to see before I sleep. You're beautiful, you're gorgeous and I will run out of compliments to tell you just to let you know how attractive you are. And that's just even the bonus point because you're also kind, precious, you never forget to worry for anybody, you are so smart and you're my everything. You could wear anything or none at all–" You slapped him slightly making him and you chuckle the tense atmosphere slowly disappearing.

"And you would always look good. You can wear the most expensive makeup product or not wear any makeup at all and I would always feel like you're a goddess and how am I even so lucky to get you in my life? And that's not even all that you got, I was so fascinated by you not because of your physical appearance but because of what's inside your heart. I will never get tired of telling you how pretty you are whenever you feel like you're not. The world does not deserve someone like you."

You held your breath upon hearing his words. You can't help but shed tears again, this time because of love. You don't even know if it's possible for anyone to feel this much love in their heart that it feels like it's about to burst, little did you know Charles feels the same way.

You turned around and face him. And you can't help but smile as he renewed his embrace. "I love you, Charles." You muttered earning a smile from him. "I love you more, mon amour. You're the greatest thing that's ever happened to me." You buried your face into his neck as he tightened his embrace to you. "Maybe we could still have our date here, hmm? What do you think about watching your favorite movie and ordering your favorite food?" He offered, as he's slightly caressing your back. You nodded, you felt hungry after crying that much, the negative thoughts lingering at the back of your mind still but with Charles by your side you feel more at ease and ready to take slow steps to find peace with yourself.

While you guys were watching your favorite movie Charles suggested that maybe you should try and seek help from a psychiatrist. You took his word and nodded, once you're back in Monaco you will find time to get professional help. "I don't know what I would do without you." You said to him. "I think I should be the one saying that." As he kissed you while your worries slowly fades away.

[notyouraryang0dd3ss]

One thing that I personally find super frustrating about Taylor Swift is the way she plays into the myth of the "lone genius" artist. Without collaboration, nothing gets done; or, if it does, it's typically of low or inconsistent quality. And this is true in pretty much ANY field or discipline you can think of: scientific research, advocacy work, etc. The fact that Taylor considers herself above that and persists in selling the myth of her "lone genius" to fans honestly feels malevolent and arrogant to me.

It's truly ridiculous, at the end of the day, that people call her a "poet" and "genius songwriter" for doing everything on her own. I think it really showcases how little she understands when it comes to poetry as an art form. Most legendary writers and poets have multiple people look over their work and go through many stages of the editing process. One of the purposes of art is to communicate, and it's honestly hard to tell sometimes if what you've written has meaning and communicates well outside of your own brain. Peer review is ESSENTIAL for writers.

I think it's also very telling that she considers herself a legendary poet and actively plays into that mythology by circulating the fact that she's distantly related to Emily Dickinson. As someone who has loved and studied literature for many years, I can honestly say that Taylor Swift's closest comparative when it comes to writing is Rupi Kaur. Pinterest poetry, and nothing more. And she has the arrogance to compare herself to one of the most important poets in American literary canon!

I'm reminded of something I heard Hozier say a little while back (I'm forgetting now which interview) about people praising his lyricism as poetry. He essentially called those claims an insult to poetry, stating that there are structural rules in music (rhyme scheme, beat, etc.) that he adheres to that poets don't have to, and that poets can be much more experimental and revolutionary in form (at least when it comes to the written word vs. the sung word). Only someone who genuinely loves poetry would say something like this; plus, it shows that he thinks about the different impacts that form can have on art the messages it communicates. And this, coming from one of the best singer/songwriters currently working!

TS and Hozier aren't writing in the same genre, but I do think it's interesting to compare them as artists in their respective approaches to lyricism. When it comes to Taylor, I think she cares more about the aesthetic of poetry as an art form than the actual art itself. Her writing doesn't actively interact with the literary canon that inspired it, like Hozier's does (or other great lyricists, like Kendrick/Florence/Mitski/Elton). Her writing feels very hollow and devoid of meaning to me.

i just want to say your ask and analysis was so well written 😭 thank you for sending this in!

Completely agree that Swift's solo songwriting genius is a myth. Only 2/16 songs from TTPD were solely credited to her...which means 12.5% of the album is solely her own writing. That is not a songwriting genius. That's just a songwriter. She already knows her fans are completely sold and convinced on her songwriting genius so of course she would drag out her ancestry.com results and up-play her relation to Emily Dickinson to help sell the aesthetic of the album. Everything for her is another marketing strategy. She has no respect for poetry, let alone writing as a craft itself. If you view her behavior through the lens of another writer, it's absolutely abhorrent, but if you view it through the lens of another capitalist, it's absolute genius.

I love your Hozier comparison because Hozier is only 4 months younger than Taylor yet the quality of their lyricism are oceans apart. Hozier has proven himself to be a talented writer time and time again throughout the course of his career, and the best songwriters often know and understand the power of other writing mediums. (BTW I know what Hozier interview you’re talking about! Here it is :))

What makes a great writer is knowing the canon, and knowing other writing mediums very well. It's why the greatest songwriters incorporate canon not only of their own genre and medium but of other texts as well (I'm biased because I listened to Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights today and I know its an adaptation but still its relevant here). Intextuality is the foundation of a great work, and Taylor's work has none.

As the other anon(s) have pointed out, Taylor no longer makes music as art. She makes music for money. I don't think any artist who likes what they do or cares about what they produce would put out an album like that, with lyrics like that, and its content. At least Rupi Kaur's writing impacted poetry in bringing it into the mainstream; I don't exactly understand what ttpd could offer as a text or in pop culture.

TLDR: hozier makes music for people who eat it from the back and then handfeed you grapes afterwards. taylor swift makes music for white girls entering their first day of 7th grade send tweet

[brother-emperors]

Weird question maybe but genuinely how do you manage to read so much and actually Retain Information?

honestly it depends, some stuff slides right off my brain like water on a smooth rock, but history has been an intense area of interest for me since I was about six (american revolution babyyyyy, back when I lived in new england I used to spend my weekends going to reenactments and museums) and if something piques my interest, then everything related to that thing will forcibly take up space in my brain against my will. I did not care about the roman economy until crassus took over my life, and now there's about a century of roman history where I'm fascinated by the economy.

it's also extremely difficult for me to to keep focused on a singular train of thought (read about Caesar's march on Rome, immediately jumped to a book about the Siege of Florence, then jumped back to Trebonius and siege warfare), so when I read a book or start researching something, I have an open notebook near by and I'll jot notes/thoughts/whatever else down in it because I remember information with more clarity if I write it down by hand, especially because I struggle to retain information I read on a screen (I also don't remember notes I take on a laptop or on my phone, it's gotta be on paper) and when I'm done reading, I'll summarize the interesting parts down for my future self

[moonsun2010]

In August 1894, at the end of a month-long stay to research his embryonic novel, Bram Stoker wrote in the visitors’ book at the Kilmarnock Arms on the Aberdeenshire coast that he had been “delighted with everything and everybody” and hoped to return soon.

According to new research, though, the feeling was not entirely mutual. Stoker, a genial Irishman usually known for his cheeriness, was experimenting with what would become known as “method acting” to get under the skin of his new character, one Count Dracula.

According to his wife, Florence, everyone – including the hotel staff, and the locals – was frightened of him. He “seemed to get obsessed by the spirit of the thing,” she later said. He “would sit for hours, like a great bat, perched on the rocks of the shore, or wander alone up and down the sand hills thinking it all out”.

Imagine seeing a 6'2 well built guy stalking the shore daily, you can't even tell him to stop scaring the locals

Text is from this The Guardian article. Honestly that's hilarious, though witnessing it in real life is probably something different. "[A] genial Irishman usually known for his cheeriness" makes me want to see a photo of him smiling so bad... David Skal's introduction for the excellent Something in the Blood (highly recommended if you want to read more literary analysis about Dracula) states that "There are no photographs of Bram Stoker smiling." :(( and then just shows a photograph of Stoker having the same posture I slump into 10 seconds into an exam.

As for the last sentence "[Stoker] 'would sit for hours, like a great bat, perched on the rocks of the shore, or wander alone up and down the sand hills thinking it all out'", I've never read Twilight, but I imagine this is exactly how Edward Cullen acts like.

[yelenasdiary]

I’d love a flo x reader wlw series about wanting kids, picking a donor, and Flo being pregnant. I think a sweet birth story where Flo really depends on her partner would be cute and sweet! Bonus points for a fun cooking with Flo where she makes something she’s craving!

(I sent this to a few favorite Flo writers as well)

Cravings || Flufftober

Pairing: Florence Pugh x Reader 

Summary: Flo being a cute mess while pregnant

Fluff | 2.6K | Childbirth | Pregnancy Talk | Pregnancy Symptoms | 

AC: I don’t have children so my knowledge on IVF and IUI isn’t great, so I hope I didn’t stuff this up! I hope you enjoy otherwise! x

Flufftober Masterlist

It was late that night when Florence asked you if you’d like to have children. The two of you had just gotten home from Rose’s birthday party, Scarlett threw a party for those close friends and family but when Florence saw you playing with the young babies it made her heart melt and she couldn’t wait any longer to pitch the idea to you. 

“I want to have a baby” she said while looking into your eyes, a wide smile took over your lips before you covered her face with soft kisses, “me too” you replied. For the coming weeks it was all the two of you could talk about, both happy with the choice of Florence to carry the baby which led to appointments and looking through possible donors. Florence was so excited to be adding a new life to the world but most importantly she was looking forward to this next step in your lives. It’s no lie that she’s a big family-oriented person and you could see how wonderful she was going to be as a mother. 

Nights were spent looking through many donors as the two of you made a list of people you think we’re a good fit then from that it made for a long, long discussing on who to pick in the end. Florence did a lot of research before the insemination just to make sure everything was set and stone within her own body first. You of course went with her to every appointment and prepared yourself for any outcome as you didn’t want to miss anything, no matter how small. During this time, Florence cleared her schedule to give you both the best chances. She was stress free and full of excitement. 

Florence wanted to surprise you and did her best keeping her symptoms to herself until she was 100% sure. She managed to flip away for a doctor’s appointment, telling you that she was just popping to the store to grab some things for dinner and when she came home you were gone on a walk with Billie. The first thing she did was circle the baby’s due date on the calendar, smiling softly as her hand naturally stroked her stomach. 

“Honey, can you call Billie please? she’s making a little mess in here!” You heard Florence call from upstairs one afternoon. “Billie girl!! Come outside, I’ve got your ball!” you called back, you could hear the thumbing footsteps of the pup running downstairs with Florence following behind in a walking pace. “You put a shirt on her?” you looked up at the top of the staircase confused. “It was a little quote on it, go read it, it’s adorable! I had to get it for her” Florence replied as she made her way down the stairs. You called Billie over to you again and got her to sit in front of you, the shirt reading “Big Sister” with an envelope clipped to her collar, you took it off and slowly opened it. Florence wrapped her arms around you gently as you pulled out the 6-week ultrasound photo of a tiny bean like baby. Tears of joy filled your eyes as you stared the photo before turning in Florence’s arms and kissing her gently. 

“We have to wait another 6 weeks before we can tell anybody, but I couldn’t wait that long to tell you” She explained but you couldn’t care, you had everything you ever needed right there in front of you. 

----

You held her hair back when her morning sickness strike, rubbing the small of her back for comfort. When she was done, you’d grab the wet cloth from the countertop and wipe her mouth softly before offering her a glass of water and a kiss on her forehead, promising to be with her every single step of the way. By noon Florence was usually found lounged out on the sofa with a book that she could only read a few pages before you found her peacefully asleep. You grabbed a throw blanket from the guest room and covered her with it, making sure to place her book on the coffee table, safe from being damaged. 

Billie became more protective over Flo as the weeks went on, she wouldn’t leave her side during the night as she slept at Florence’s feet. You adored how protective she was, always at Flo’s feet while see cook and sitting patiently at the bathroom door for her to return. 

Telling her family was a big event, Florence threw a lunch and had the whole family over. Billie following Florence closely everywhere she went. Everybody could tell something was going on as the two of you failed to contain your excited smile and the secret soft belly rubs you give when nobody was looking. Florence loved whenever you stroked her stomach, she loved watching you fall more and more in love with the unborn child and how you’d whisper sweet nothings to her stomach. 

It wasn’t a surprise to you when Florence mentioned she’d like to have the baby in the UK. You both owned a holiday home in London for when Florence wanted to be home but was needed in London for whatever even took place. When a few more doctors’ appointments and check-ups Florence was given the okay to fly back to London for the rest of her pregnancy.

At 6 months, Florence had announced publicly about the pregnancy as she knew she wouldn’t be able to hide it for much longer. The two of you were showered with support and love from everybody, and her fans were just as excited as you were. 

“Darling, could you pretty please get me the ice cream and hot sauce?” Florence looked up at you as she laid between your legs as you both watched a movie on Netflix. “Hot sauce? Really?” you slowly shifted out from under her. “I’m craving it” she sat up, her hand resting gently on the top of her bump as you walked into the kitchen and grabbing the requested items. “Our baby is going to come out screaming for chilli” you joked as you handed your wife a bowl of ice cream and the bottle of hot sauce and giving her a kiss on the forehead. 

“Do you want to know what I had for lunch while you were washing Billie?” 

“Do I want to know?” you smirked. “Tacos, with tuna and peanut butter, absolutely banging!” she replied, her British accent thick. You laughed and shook your head, “that is disgusting!” Your hand gently stroked Florence’s bump, “you’re giving mama some odd taste buds” 

“Ooo, could you please get me some mangos? I could really go for some of them to dip in my ice cream” Florence looked at you with excited eyes. “Anything for you” you smiled softly. 

----

Sometimes at night before bed, Florence’s hormones would get the best of her, and you’d find her staring at herself in the mirror. “Baby, come to bed” you suggested, she turned and faced you with puffy red eyes. “Honey” you rushed to her side and gently pulled her into your arms. “I feel so yuck” she sobbed. “Oh baby, you’re so, so beautiful” you’d remind her. “You’re rocking this pregnancy” you added as she sobbed harder. “I saw the comments” she said as you wiped her eyes, “that’s all they are darling, just comments. They don’t see how beautiful you look in this moment right now and they don’t see how happy you are when you’re talking to our little garlic glove or when you’re cooking in the kitchen talking to them as if they can see what you’re doing. You’re carrying our baby, that’s something far beyond beautiful and if they don’t see that, that’s their problem because to me” you paused and kissed her lips softly, “to me you look beautiful every single second of the day” 

Florence kissed you once more, “I love you so much, we love you so much” she spoke as she guided your hand to her bump, “I love you both more than you’ll ever know” you replied. 

Each morning Florence would wake up in your arms as one of your hands protective rested on her pump, she smiled and placed her hand on top of yours. “You have the world’s best mommy, my little darling” she whispered to her baby bump. The baby kicked slightly at the mention of ‘mommy’ that woke you with a smile. “Go back to sleep, darling, it’s 5 am” Florence whispered before you drifted back to sleep. “We’ve gotta let mommy sleep, darling. I can tell you want breakfast” she whispered before gently getting out of bed. 

It wasn’t long until Florence was trying to hide the pain she was starting to feel in her lower back and her ankles, you knew she wasn’t sleeping the best and trying to find a comfortable position on the sofa was just as hard. While she was making lunch one afternoon you moved the TV from the guest living room and placed it in the bedroom so Florence could prop herself up in bed where she could get comfortable. But the only place Florence found true comfort was in your arms with one hand placed on top of yours as your thumb gently stroked her baby bump. 

“What do you think our little garlic glove is?” she looked up at you with a soft smile. “If I had to guess, I’m going to say a boy but I really don’t mind what they are because they are half of you and half of me and that’s already so special to me” you replied ignoring the true fact that there was a donor and you were thankful for them but to you, you spoke to the baby day in and day out, they knew your voice just as much as they knew Florence’s. “I hope they are everything like you and more” Florence brought your hand to her lips and kissed the top of your hand gently. 

---

At 8 months and her odd food cravings haven’t subsided. 

“Hey guys! I’m baccck!” Florence smiled into the camera as she starts to film a new Cooking with Flo. “Bit of an odd episode this week but I’m trying to prove to my loving wife, Y/n that tacos, peanut butter and tuna is actually really good!” she explained with a hand rubbing over her bump. You couldn’t help but burst into a laughter from the living room. “Darling, stop! They can hear you” Florence chuckled. “Baby, I don’t even your fans are going to agree that” you walked into the kitchen and sat behind the camera, “go on, show how great it is” you smirked playfully. 

“As I was saying” she turned her attention back to the camera, “This is something I have been eating all throughout my pregnancy along with ice cream and hot sauce” she adds. You watched as your wife paced around the kitchen making the worlds oddest combination of foods with a free hand on the small of her back for extra support. Even though you could see she was in pain, and you would rather her rest her feet, you admired her for how she embraced this whole experience. You loved seeing how in love she was with your baby from the start and seeing that love grow bigger and bigger by the second. 

“I’ve got my taco shells in the oven for 2-3 minutes at the most” she explained, “I have my orange juice in a wine glass because I can” she joked before taking a sip from the glass, you smiled as you watched on. “Once those shells are done, I’m going to grab my can of tuna and peanut butter” she spoke, you shook your head at the odd combination, trying not to think about how awful it would taste. Florence turned and looked at you after her first attempt to take the taco shells out of the oven. 

“Baby” she pouted, “yes?” you smiled, “I can’t reach the tray” she chuckled. 

You got up from your seat and grabbed the oven mitt, giving Florence a gently kiss on the lips before pulling the hot tray out of the oven, “thank you darling” she smiled, one hand rubbing over her bump once again. You returned to your seat behind the camera and watched Florence finished up her odd craving. “Just place the tuna in first and then put a big scoop of peanut butter on top and that my darlings, is the world’s best snack!” she explained before she took a bite and hummed as the goodness filled her cravings. “Until next time, I want you all to try something completely different, unusual, something you think would be disgusting and give it a try, you never know! You might just enjoy it! I’m not sure when the next Cooking with Flo will be, as you can tell I have a lot on my hands right now” she chuckled, rubbing her stomach once again, “but I look forward to coming back with new videos! Stay safe guys!” she blew the camera a kiss and stopped the video. 

“Pass me one of those tacos, will you? Please?” you asked as she took another bite. Florence pushed the plate gently over to you, your stomach turned but you still took the taco and regretfully took a bite. Florence watched you chew with a chuckle, “it’s good, isn’t it?” she asked. You shook your head and swallowed harshly, “that was so bad baby, I’m sorry” you chuckled before reaching for her orange juice and downing half or it to get rid of the horrible taste. “Well, I’m proud you gave it a try” Florence smiled and continued to eat her new favourite snack. 

----

11:17pm on a Thursday night, Florence shook you awake, “darling, wake up!” she said as your eyes flickered, instantly your hand went for her bump, “what’s wrong baby?” you asked. “It’s time” she smiled softly, “my water broke” she adds. Your eyes widened at her words, and you shot up out of bed and grabbed the pre-packed bag that was by the door before helping Florence out of bed. 

You called her family and told them she was in labour. Florence reached for your hand to squeeze whenever a contraction would rush through her. The two of you had thought of a list of names for both genders, the nursery was almost complete, just missing the small baby to bring home. You were overwhelmed with nerves and excitement as it slowly became to hit you that you were going to be a mother within a few hours and that everything over the past year was more than worth it. 

“I love you” Florence would say after every contraction, “I love you so much, you know that right? so anything I saw is purely out of pain” she added causing you to chuckle, “I know mama” you smiled, kissing her lips softly, “I love you too” you whispered against her lips. 

At 2:03 PM on Friday afternoon, Florence gave birth to a healthy baby girl. She was born with fine hair, big beautiful eyes and little a button like nose just like Florence. She filled your heart with a love you knew would was possible, you held her for the first time and tears filled your eyes as the little bundle of joy slept peacefully in your arms. 

Florence woke up to find you rocking the baby gently in your arms, her heart grew bigger the longer she watched her wife and new-born and she knew in the at moment that there was nobody on earth that she wanted to share this life with other than you. 

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[gwydpolls]

Time Travel Question 25: Medievalish I

These Questions are the result of suggestions from the previous iteration.

Please add new suggestions below if you have them for future consideration.

The first person who suggested this one first was incredibly poetic in the notes.

[aleheartilly]

Calculated distances between cities in Final Fantasy VIII

So, since I needed some consistent references for some stories of mine, I thought "why not ask ChatGPT to calculate the distances between places in FFVIII?" I did, and I'm sharing the results for anyone who may be interested!

So, first off, the AI tried to guess the scale of the map and first it was a little too small (only 1000 km between Deling City and Esthar City). I tried with a planet diameter similar to Mercury's, and it got too big (like, 7 hours between Balamb City and Garden with a car running at 150 km/h). In the end, through some research and wild guesses, we managed to determine a planet diameter of 3052 km, similar to Europa's, one of Jupiter's moons. Of course, this was done just for fun, and I share it just for fun, so feel free to ignore it. Also, if you want specific calculations you can just ask and I'll try to provide them :) And if I forgot something just let me know!

Please note that distances are in km because that's the system I use.

Results under the cut!

So to do this, first I asked the AI how we should do the calculations. Then I used this map and to avoid uploading it since I didn't like the idea of the AI scraping it, I followed the AI's instructions and measured the distances in pixels. Then I asked it to calculate also the time needed for travels between places, telling it if it was to be done by foot, car (and if it was, for example, through a desert), train, or boat. For this calculation, Gardens have a diameter of 10 km, similar to the city of Florence, in Italy.

So here's what I got. Note that I tried to give some order to these results, but if you notice something strange just let me know.

Balamb Garden → Fire Cavern: 35.15 km; a car running at 60 km/h would need 35.15 minutes for this route.

Balamb Garden → Fire Cavern: 35.15 km; walking 25 km/day you'd need 1.41 days for this route.

Edea’s House → Deep Sea Research Center: 2464.57 km; a boat running at 30 km/h would need 82.15 hours for this route.

Balamb Garden → Trabia Garden: 278.67 km on land (I considered the docking points at Balamb City and the beach nearest to Trabia Garden); a car running at 60 km/h would need 4.64 hours for this route.

Balamb City → Trabia Garden: 1694.57 km by sea; a boat running at 30 km/h would need 56.49 hours for this route.

Balamb City → Timber (via underwater tunnel): 2072.47 km. For this one, I gave it the entry and exit points of the tunnel on the map. A train running at 250 km/h would need 8.29 hours for this route. The entire tunnel is 1182.34 km. For reference, the Channel Tunnel underwater part is about 39 km!

Balamb Garden → Balamb Town (via Alcaud Plains): 12.84 km; a car running at 60 km/h would need 12.84 minutes for this route.

Dollet → Timber (via East Academy, following the train lines as close as I could when giving it pixel positions): 1281.94 km; a train running at 250 km/h (which would be a typical high-speed train) would need 5.13 hours for this route. I think I also asked it to consider a 15-minute stop at East Academy (yeah I don't remember if I did).

Galbadia Garden → Its nearest train station (forgot if it has a name in-game): 82.85 km; a car running at 80 km/h would need 1.04 hours for this route.

Galbadia Garden → Deling City (following the train line across Monterosa Plateau): 1467.91 km; a train running at 250 km/h would need 5.87 hours for this route.

Deling City → Tomb of the Unknown King: 124.40 km; a car running at 50 km/h would need 2.49 hours for this route.

Dingo Desert → Deling City (following the visible train line): 1394.25 km; a train running at 250 km/h would need 5.58 hours for this route. I figured this one would be the route used to bring the party to D-District after the end of Disc 1.

Dingo Desert → Timber (via Lallapalooza Canyon): 1094.17 km; a train running at 250 km/h would need 4.38 hours for this route. I figured this would be the route followed by Squall's party when they split up for the Missile Base/Balamb Garden missions in Disc 2.

Dingo Desert → Missile Base (via Great Plains of Galbadia): 851.11 km; a car running at 150 km/h (because Selphie would drive that fast!) would need 5.67 hours for this route. Fun fact: when we tried the calculation with Mercury's diameter and the distance was enormous, I wondered if Selphie could drive at the Indianapolis 500 pole position speed - and it was almost 378 km/h for the 2024 pole sitter.

Fisherman’s Horizon → Balamb Garden (by sea with a boat moving by inertia with favourable wind): 159.75 km; the calculated speed for drifting was 10 km/h (which seems a little too fast for me), so it would need 15.98 hours for this route. I asked this for the drifting phase at the beginning of disc 2.

Trabia Garden → Shumi Village: 330.73 km on a straight line

Winhill → Edea’s House (by sea, circumnavigating Poccahari Island and Humphrey Archipelago; this was specifically done like this for a story of mine): 3224.10 km; a boat running at 30 km/h would need 107.47 hours for this route.

White Seed Ship → Fisherman’s Horizon: 207.60 km; a boat running at 30 km/h would need 6.92 hours for this route.

White Seed Ship → Edea’s House: 264.48 km; a boat running at 30 km/h would need 8.82 hours for this route (probably more to find where those *** are hiding).

Fisherman’s Horizon → Great Salt Lake (through Horizon Bridge): 2010.59 km. This is the distance Squall walked. It would almost 17 days of non-stop walking at a speed of 5 km/h! The entire Horizon Bridge spans over 3721.57 km.

Esthar City Center → Esthar Airstation: 47.19 km; a car running at 60 km/h would need 47.14 minutes for this route.

Esthar City Center → Lunatic Pandora Laboratory: 78.65 km; a car running at 60 km/h would need 78.65 minutes for this route.

Esthar City Center → Great Salt Lake: 1157.87 km; a car running at 50 km/h would need 23.16 hours for this route.

Esthar City Center → Tear’s Point: 188.76 km; a car running at 55 km/h would need 3.43 hours for this route.

Esthar City Center → Sorceress Memorial: 227.37 km; a car running at 50 km/h would need 4.55 hours for this route.

Esthar City Center → Esthar Medical Facility: 98.67 km; a car running at 60 km/h would need 98.67 minutes for this route.

Esthar Airstation → Lunatic Pandora Laboratory: 101.53 km; a car running at 60 km/h would need 101.53 minutes for this route.

Esthar Airstation → Great Salt Lake: 1122.55 km; a car running at 50 km/h would need 22.45 hours for this route.

Esthar Airstation → Tear’s Point: 138.71 km; a car running at 55 km/h would need 2.52 hours for this route.

Esthar Airstation → Sorceress Memorial: 181.61 km; a car running at 50 km/h would need 3.63 hours for this route.

Esthar Airstation → Esthar Medical Facility: 112.97 km; a car running at 60 km/h would need 112.97 minutes for this route.

Lunatic Pandora Laboratory → Great Salt Lake: 1075.36 km; a car running at 50 km/h would need 21.51 hours for this route.

Lunatic Pandora Laboratory → Tear’s Point: 211.64 km; a car running at 55 km/h would need 3.85 hours for this route.

Lunatic Pandora Laboratory → Sorceress Memorial: 284.57 km; a car running at 55 km/h would need 5.17 hours for this route.

Lunatic Pandora Laboratory → Esthar Medical Facility: 177.32 km; a car running at 60 km/h would need 2.96 hours for this route.

Great Salt Lake → Tear’s Point: 968.11 km; a car running at 50 km/h would need 19.36 hours for this route.

Great Salt Lake → Sorceress Memorial: 956.67 km; a car running at 50 km/h would need 19.13 hours for this route.

Great Salt Lake → Esthar Medical Facility: 840.84 km; a car running at 50 km/h would need 16.82 hours for this route.

Tear’s Point → Sorceress Memorial: 94.38 km; a car running at 55 km/h would need 1.72 hours for this route.

Tear’s Point → Esthar Medical Facility: 233.09 km; a car running at 55 km/h would need 4.24 hours for this route.

Sorceress Memorial → Esthar Medical Facility: 221.65 km; a car running at 55 km/h would need 4.03 hours for this route.

And that's all folks! Hope it was interesting enough.

[elejah-wonderland]

_elejah au

Love is in the Air

_tvd fanfic_Part 1

a/n: this is a light-hearted, romantic little story.

*

New Orleans

"I am all packed" Elijah said to his sister Rebekah on the phone.

"Why Rome?" the blonde asked.

"I just had this idea for my next book. And I need to go there to get the feel of the city, do some research at the archives." Elijah said.

"So, it's going to be another murder mystery with historical background?!" Rebekah stated.

"Burning Wings was such a great success and now they want me to write a sequel," Elijah said, "and a couple of nights ago I had a dream that kind of set this idea in my head to put the plot in Rome."

"Well, I hope it will not all be work- after your divorce you have done nothing but work."

"I plan to take time off and enjoy the city. Stefan is gone with Valerie to visit his brother and his wife Rosalie in Amesterdam and I got his apartment for a whole month." Elijah explained.

Rebekah sighed a little as her brother mentioned her ex-boyfriend Stefan Salvatore.

"I am sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned him."

"It's ok. I just- it will always be hard cuz- you know - I messed ut up and now- ok- right. When is your flight?" Rebekah asked.

"Tomorrow morning. I will call you when I get there." Elijah replied.

"All right. Have a great time. And try not to just work." Rebekah said and with a little bye and Elijah's promise that he will also take time to enjoy his holiday, they hung up.

Pressing the search button, the latest articles with the news popped up. And the picture of the woman he had met ten years ago as he visited his sister, who was studying in the prestige old private  Mystic Falls College for liberal arts, now stared at him.

His eyes smiled seeing the photo, which was clearly from one of her premieres as she was a famous actress.

And then he saw the article headline.

Elena Gilbert rumored to be secretly engaged to Mason Wood.

Elijah sighed a little and not reading further, swiped the page off and went to a subject he was interested in.

*

In Florence, Italy

Elena walked in her hotel room followed by her personal assistant  and manager, Jo Parker.

"Thank God today was the last day of the shoot. Can you please reschedule everything  for at least a week?!" Elena said."I am so going away and I don't want to know about anything. Please."

"All right. So, what shall I book you? Bali?"

"No. I already made my own arrangements." Elena said.

"What? I didn't want to ask - but - are you seeing  Mason again?" Jo asked.

"No. Well, we hooked up again- and that's all" Elena replied waving away with an insignificant huff.

"Right. Do you want me to say something about the non-engagement? It's all over the internet"

"No. Just leave it. It will blow over. Especially when they soon see him with Erin." Elena explained.

"Erin Lindsay? Seriously?" Jo now asked.

"A couple of days after our hook up I saw him with her all lovey at the same hotel." Elena said followed by a little sigh.

"Oh, sweety - you still thought that -"

"Yeah- I kind of thought that maybe the hook up would be - but things were over with us ages ago- I don't know why I  thought that there - and I am not even in love with him really - anyway, enough of it."

"Where are you going?" the manager asked.

"Rome." Elena replied.

"Rome?" Jo was surprised.

"Yes. And I am going incognito. I got Francesca's keys to her apartment. I need to get away from everything and everyone. Take a week off- maybe two." Elena replied.

"Ok. I have something for you to read. Liv is still negotiating to get the rights to do a movie, but it's nearly in the bag and Tristan is very interested in producing this," Jo now got a book out of her bag, adding,"it's a historical thriller and you would be playing Angel, she is a 15th century librarian, who investigates a murder involving an ancient curse. The book was No.1 everywhere!"

Elena took the book and looked at it, muttering,"Elijah Smith?" and then turned the book around. The face on the back now made her heart jump.

"Interested? The book is really good - there are so many twists and turns - I could not put it down till I finished it. There is a very ambiguous cliffhanger at the end - and apparently there is going to be Burning Wings 2- Elena?"

"Ha? What?" Elena now snapped out of her momentary daze.

"Interested?"

"Yeah" Elena said breathing in a gulp.

Jo smiled a little, gathering why Elena got a tad bit taken in.

"He is such an eye-candy, right?"

"Yeah" Elena said and put the book down on the table.

"What's up?"

"Nothing," Elena replied, "ahm- I want to go shower and I think I will hit the bed."

"All right. I will see you at breakfast? Shall I rent- a- car for you?"

"Yes, please. Thanks, Jo. Sorry, I am just so wasted."- Elena now said rubbing her neck a bit.

"I know. Don't worry. Ok. See you in the morning." Jo said and then taking her bag from the chair left the actress's room.

As the door clicked on the way out, Elena now shot a look at the book, flashing back to the past.

Flashback

Ten years back

"May I?" Elijah asked politely for the seat on the bench.

"Yes" Elena said removing the books so the man could sit down.

"Maybe it appears odd that I want to sit here though the other bench over there is empty, but it's too exposed on the sun and it's such a great shade here under this oak" Elijah said as he sat down.

"Yeah- it's crazy hot today," Elena replied,"and it's only May"

Elijah's eyes now descended on one of the books - "Roman Tragedy", and then a guide book on Rome. "Ah, Rome - such a great city."

Elena now swayed her look from her book she was reading.

"Have you been there?"

"Yes, last summer. With my sister Rebekah and my brother Kol." Elijah replied.

"Rebekah is your sister?"

"Yes. I am here to meet her. And she specificly said  - to be at the White Oak Tree. She is running late. You know her?" Elijah explained.

"We are in the play together." Elena replied.

"Oh, really? She didn't say anything about it. Is she any good?"

Elena nodded a little.

"Not that great, ha?"

"She is, and she could be excellent, but she seems not to care that much. Ok, I shouldn't  saybanything really."

"Oh, you're ok. She is my sister and I love her, but I know what she is like. She excels only at things she really is passionate about, and if she is not - well, she can be superficial."

"Yeah" Elena slipped.

"She wants to be a designer, she told me and I saw some of her designs - and they are amazing. Her show is the evening. But I guess, you know that?!" Elena said.

"Yes, that's why I am here." Elijah now said.

He then saw Rebekah approaching and he stood up. And just before he went to his sister, he turned to the brunette, introducing himself, "I'm Elijah."

"I'm Elena." the woman said.

_to be continued