#I am 3000% compromised

[coreius]

Tag drop 1.

[vonpharma]

ok, well, this is kind of ridiculous and sad, but the husband of one of the sicktember mods is now harassing me on my personal blog for giving some pretty lukewarm criticism of the event in the past few years. i have not picked fights with anyone or tried to incite any kind of ire myself, just been professional and upfront with how much it's sucked to fall out of love with my favourite writing event. i sadly deleted the more vitriolic response i got from them, but here is what they left on my post:

again, i cannot stress enough, i have not contacted the mods in any capacity! i have not left any tags on their posts, i have not interacted with them except last year to ask permission for a spinoff blog, all my thoughts & feelings have just been on my personal blog.

in 2022, i filled every prompt for sicktember, totalling at 92 thousand words total. in 2023, i did the same, at 118 thousand words. i adore this event, so much so that i complete it every year despite my busy work schedule. it has always been my absolute favourite--the accessibility of it, the community, the prep time, writing with people who love the fic trope as much as i.

i am not just some rando. i am not just some bad actor, here to incite drama. i am a fan of this event who has been consistently supportive and celebratory, using my large following to both plug said event and rope my many servers and friends into it. in fact, in 2022, my friends and i wrote more fills for our fandom than any other:

that is us. i counted, and only 4 of the fills in the aa tag are by people not in my immediate friend circle.

i love this event enough i have physical books of all our fills:

...and this isn't even all of them, this is just how many i could afford to make at the time. i don't know how to prove that i am a savant for this event, and a passionate supporter. not from day one, as i didn't know of it until 2022... but definitely for the long-haul.

it is really unfortunate that this is the response the fans of this event are getting. in my initial post i talked about how resistant to feedback the event runners are are, but now we are getting full-on attacks if we don't blindly worship every aspect of said event and kiss the event runners' feet.

a word to the wise: when you run an event, it is not so black and white. it is not just two sides, where one is "i am spending time and effort on this thing i love and how to best share it with others, so i do not owe them anything." and the other is "i must bend to the whims of everything my fellows ask!" there is nuance in the middle, where you can keep firm in your ideals, protect your free time, and still listen to what your community is saying. compromise is a wonderful skill to learn.

either way, sending your friends & family to pick fights with the disappointed or barely critical fans of your event on their personal blogs is wretched behaviour regardless. i am not interested in petty internet arguments with people. i am interested in making my feelings known with the hope that maybe something can be changed. whether that be that the mods loosen up to community feedback & try to open a dialogue, or some folks who feel similarly to me take it as inspiration to make their own sickfic-centric prompt event, or nothing happens at all--it doesn't matter.

but this is literally my personal blog. where i post my personal feelings. if you don't like them, ignore them, scroll past them, block me if you must.

i have 3000 words of sicktember prep in another window and wholeheartedly plan to attempt my best to stick to my record of doing every single fill and having a blast. but if another event comes along, and the mods of this one don't intend to change how they interact with their fans, it won't really be a contest where i go from there.

this is not a call for harrassment, please do not act unkind or bother anyone involved here, i'm just sad man. and i figure if people are gonna start attacking more outspoken members of the community, y'all might want their usernames to block.

as always, i will keep on writing for you guys.

[chaosheadspace]

Dreamling for Ukraine

Creator- @chaosheadspace (same on ao3)

Hello Dreamers, I'm participating in the fandom charity drive @dreamlingforukraine !

That means I'II be creating fanworks in exchange for donations for one of these charities which are providing relief for the victims of the war in Ukraine and the destruction of Kakhovka Dam.

What I offer: Fic in any shape and form.

Accepting prompts: YES. I am open to most prompts. Fluff, smut, angst, gore, most of it. Also things related to fics I've already written.

Won't make: Anything involving pregnancy or kids under 3. No noncon. Also, I've never written anything BDSM like but am willing to try if you can accept the risk of it not being good. I can share my more detailed squicks in DMs, and we can brainstorm a compromise if need be.

Suggested Donation Amount: 1€/$/£ or the equivalent in other currency per ~100 words. This means you can donate 10€/$/£ for 1,000 words or 20€/$/£ for 2,000 words and so on.

I accept offers for a minimum of 100 words and a maximum of 3000 words. Please note that i'm not a native English speaker.

Slots: 3 (this is open to change, depending on the length of the requested fics)

Expected turnaround time: between a week and a month, depending on the requested word count

How to commission me:

* I will be accepting donations until July 18th 2023

* Send a message here on Tumblr or on discord (chaosheadspace#2871), telling me what you'd like me to make for you.

* Wait until I reply. Do not donate until I confirm your commission! All money donated to charity is non-refundable.

* Once I confirm your commission, go ahead and donate. PLEASE remember to screencap your receipt and black out your personal details. You need to send me this to prove you've donated.

* Once l've seen your receipt, I'II start working on your project.

* I reserve the right to refuse commissions if l'm not comfortable with them or feel like l'm unable to accept them for lack of time, skill or any other reason.

[1863-project]

I just had a truly fascinating experience at work today.

We had a morning staff training regarding conflict deescalation. I was nervous, because the presenter informed us that at the end of the training there was going to be an exercise in which she was going to divide us up into groups and make us fight. I got anxious and worried it was going to bring up past trauma for me, but instead it was entirely different than what I expected and I learned something really interesting about how I interpret conflicts compared to my more neurotypical colleagues.

The presenter divided the room into two groups and presented what is known as the Ugli Orange Case, written originally in the 1980s. Each side of the room is given a specific set of information regarding these fictitious oranges. One side is playing a scientist at a pharmaceutical firm that has created a method of neutralizing gas from an old WWII bioweapon in the Pacific that will potentially disable and kill people if it goes off; time is of the essence. The other side is playing a scientist at a different pharmaceutical firm that has an inoculation that prevents a rare disease in newborns if their pregnant mothers receive the vaccination; again, time is crucial, as there’s an outbreak happening. These firms do not like each other, and there has been corporate espionage between them in the past.

Both of their solutions require a very rare fruit, the so-called Ugli Orange. There were 4000 grown in that year, and a seller in South America has 3000 of them. The negotiating scientists’ task is to compromise with each other despite the obvious distrust between the two firms. It’s an exercise in conflict resolution and communication - and, incidentally, reading comprehension, because they force both groups to read the case information very quickly.

What they don’t tell the negotiating groups is that the two scientists and their firms actually need different parts of the orange - the rind and the juice, respectively - and can share, and part of the exercise is about seeing if one of the negotiators will mention what is specifically needed so the other one realizes they need something different. Usually this does not happen.

My colleagues at the library interpreted this as a problem with interpersonal communication (and not being given enough time to really absorb the case details). I interpreted it a little differently - I saw it as a fatal flaw of capitalism. Capitalism inherently fosters a sense of competition instead of cooperation and actively produces these unhealthy situations in the name of profit - ultimately, this is two companies competing, and although they’re both trying to do something for the greater good, their prior competition has made it difficult for them to communicate effectively and share information for collaborative purposes. This would not have been an issue if they hadn’t been trying to outdo each other for profit in the first place.

I am really, really interested in the fact that I took a big picture approach and my co-workers didn’t. I saw the case as a symptom of a bigger problem, whilst they were able to approach it as an individual conflict. In a capitalist society, we are inherently forced to compete against one another for resources in the name of “success,” and I wonder if my status as a disabled person (autistic) is what shifted my viewpoint on this issue and is why I took away something different from it than my co-workers did.

(Either that, or it’s because my views tend to be pretty anarcho-socialist a lot of the time. But anyway.)

If anything, I think that this is a great example of how our own personal experiences can shape how we approach problems and what we see in them. My neurotypical co-workers saw a miscommunication caused by legitimate trust issues. I saw the situation as a symptom of a bigger problem, a system that actively encourages this unhealthy competition and is willing to sacrifice people’s lives in the name of profit, because as a disabled person that system has directly harmed me, as well as my friends. Everyone is going to interpret things differently due to their life experiences and personal beliefs.

[rjmenvs3000f23]

Blog Post 3

Prompt: What role does “privilege” play in nature interpretation? Please include your working definition of privilege.

Privilege has never been something I’ve given much thought to, and I think many people can resonate with this sentiment. To me, privilege means having an advantage over others and this is granted to some people at birth because of their cultural or socioeconomic classes. It means being able to go through life without much worry and being certain that at the end of the day you will have things your way. I am an Indian, first-generation immigrant, cis woman; in many ways I am privileged and in many ways I am not. My parents decided to immigrate to Canada when I was just 6 years old so that my brother and I could have the best possible opportunities for education and our lives. I am privileged in that aspect as they had to do the hard work for our family to become Canadian citizens. We live in Mississauga which is well known for its diversity, so I never felt like an outcast even when I first moved to Canada. 

However, I did face many hardships throughout my life, and being an Indian woman definitely has its caveats. One of the hardest periods in my life thus far was coming into university. I realized that the colour of my skin plays a lot more factors in my life than I had originally thought. It was difficult at first to adjust to the culture at Guelph, but soon I found my people and I found my place within the community. Coming to Guelph is what also allowed me to really get immersed in my own culture and learn how to actually appreciate it. In many ways I was underprivileged and that sucks, but to be honest I have so much to be grateful for in my life, so I choose to look at the positive sides of things.

To me, privilege plays a huge role in nature interpretation. My parents allowed me to grow my love for nature and animals and never discouraged me in trying to pursue an environmental career, and for that I am so privileged. When I was younger I always tried to convince my parents to allow me to get a cat or a dog as a pet, but they refused as we do live in an apartment. So as a compromise my parents got me hamsters, and I currently have one and her name is Peach Fuzz <3. In grade 12, I also had the opportunity to volunteer for High Park zoo where I essentially hung out with llamas and chickens at a petting zoo. I was allowed to venture into nature surrounding my area and my mom would accompany me and just listen to me talk about different trees, invasive species and wildlife. UoG also gave me opportunities to foster my love of nature and I get to take interesting and intellectually challenging classes like ENVS 3000. 

Privilege is not often talked about, or at least I try to avoid that subject as much as possible. But I am grateful for this opportunity to be able to reflect back on my life and understand how it has affected and nurtured who I am as a person today.

Here are some cutesy pictures of my hamster, Peach Fuzz btw :)

[vinceleemiller]

Compromises In A Killbox | 1 Samuel 24:1-3

Have you been exposed to or exploited by a compromise?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in Chapter 24 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Decisions That Make Or Break Leaders."

Yesterday, David escaped to the Strongholds of Engedi, and this week, our story in Chapter 24 takes place here. So let's settle in 1 Samuel 24:1-3:

When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, "Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi." Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats' Rocks. And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. — 1 Samuel 24:1-3

Engedi is a beautiful oasis on the west side of the Dead Sea. You can still visit this location today; it looks like it did in David's time. It is a natural and untouched region.

Engedi means "Spring of the Wild Goats" because the location features a beautiful natural, cold, freshwater spring that travels down a cavernous ravine opening toward the east. The source of freshwater attracted mountain goats, and in David's time, this area would have been covered in goats. Thus, Engedi is rightly named "Spring of the Wild Goats."

So David and his 600 men retreat to this location to escape Saul. The only problem with the area is that it was a kill box. Once you travel the ravine back to spring, there is no means of escape unless you are a mountain goat. The caverns were impossible to climb as they were rocky and dangerous. So David and his men have to resort to hiding in a cave, probably not one cave, but many since there were 600 men and hundreds of possible caves in this location.

This is the first time in our story that David is trapped and finds it impossible to run from Saul. David has been trying to run and avoid conflict with Saul, but now confrontation is inevitable. And wouldn't you know it, Saul has to duece. At least, that is what I would assume. If Saul has to take a leak, he is with 3000 men and takes a leak on the nearest rock, but that is not what he does. Saul enters a cave, lowers his pants, and squats to relieve himself. But out of all the caves in the Engedi, he happens into the one David is in. Coincidence? I think not!

David is in a compromising situation, but so is Saul. David is trapped, and Saul has his pants down. Now David has a decision to make, which we will see play out tomorrow.

All believers eventually find themselves on either side of a compromise. Either we have been exposed to a compromise, or we have been tempted to exploit a compromise. These moments test our integrity, beliefs, values, and, most importantly, our faith in an uncompromising God.

Believers don't make compromises. They live and lead without compromise. These opportunities come in many forms but usually appear as alluring shortcuts that promise instant gratification but steal lasting gratification. So when you feel pressured to compromise, ask yourself: What will my actions reveal about my relationship with God? Then, turn back to an uncompromising decision because any other decision would be a crappy decision.

#IntegrityMatters, #LeadershipDecisions, #FaithOverCompromise

Ask This:

In what areas of your life have you felt pressured to make compromises?

How can you resist the temptation to make compromises moving forward?

Do This:

Don't compromise.

Pray This:

Father, help me recognize the moments of compromise in my life and give me the strength to stand firm in my integrity. May my decisions reflect my faith in You and lead others to see Your unwavering truth. Amen.

Play This:

God of All My Days.

Check out this episode!

[transmhyra]

In Germany there's a Union Leader by the name of Claus Weselsky, he's the head of the second largest train conducter Union, and currently in negotioations for:

A 555 Euro per month raise

3000 Euros as a one time payment to offset inflation

A 35 Hour Week

Literally among his first actions at the start of the negotioations was to call in a members vote about whether they should hold an unlimited strike, and on the first day of negotiations call in a one day "warning strike", of course the train company, media and conservatives hate him for being "disproportionate" and I think that is beautiful. This is exactly how a union leader should be, not asking, not compromising, but demanding proper conditions and not giving a fuck, and I think that even though I only use public transit and am very much affected by the strikes.

I must add he in particular is also a member of the conservative party and has made some ableist remarks in the past (which he called a mistake later on) so I don't know what to make of him personally but as a union leader he's great

[frederick-dwyer]

The Top 5 Home Backup Generators to Keep Your Family Safe and Comfortable

The Top 5 Home Backup Generators to Keep Your Family Safe and Comfortable

Introduction

Welcome, my friends from Europe and America! Today, I am thrilled to share with you the best solution to keep your family safe and comfortable during power outages - home backup generators. As an expert in the energy storage industry with years of experience, I have come across various brands and models, but today I want to introduce you to the top 5 home backup generators that I recommend from the brand "Lucila Laster". These generators are reliable, efficient, and will ensure your family's well-being when faced with unexpected power interruptions.

The Importance of Home Backup Generators

Power outages can be a real inconvenience, causing disruptions in your daily life and potentially compromising your safety. Having a home backup generator is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that critical appliances like refrigerators, medical equipment, and heating or cooling systems continue to function, preventing food spoilage, health risks, and discomfort. Secondly, a backup generator provides a sense of security, especially during severe weather conditions or emergencies when power can be out for extended periods. Lastly, it saves you from potential financial losses by maintaining power supply to your home office or business, allowing you to continue working and avoid downtime.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Home Backup Generator

When selecting the best home backup generator for your needs, it is crucial to consider the following factors:

Power Capacity: Determine the wattage requirements of your essential appliances and choose a generator that can handle the load.

Fuel Type: Consider the availability and convenience of the fuel type, such as gasoline, propane, or natural gas.

Run Time: Assess the generator's run time on a full tank of fuel to ensure it can meet your power needs during extended outages.

Noise Level: Look for generators with low noise levels, especially if you live in a residential area.

Size and Portability: Depending on your space limitations, choose a generator that fits well and can be easily transported if necessary.

The Top 5 Home Backup Generators to Consider

1. Lucila Laster Model A-1500

The Lucila Laster Model A-1500 is a versatile home backup generator with a power capacity of 1500 watts. It is ideal for powering essential appliances like refrigerators, lights, and communication devices. With its compact design and quiet operation, it can be easily installed in small spaces or used for camping and outdoor activities. The Lucila Laster Model A-1500 runs on propane, ensuring a continuous fuel supply during emergencies. Its efficient fuel consumption and long run time make it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable backup generator.

2. Lucila Laster Model B-3000

If you require more power to support additional appliances, the Lucila Laster Model B-3000 is an excellent option. With a power capacity of 3000 watts, it can handle larger loads, including heating or cooling systems, computers, and sump pumps. The Lucila Laster Model B-3000 operates on natural gas, providing a convenient and continuous fuel supply. Its advanced engine technology ensures lower emissions and reduced carbon footprint, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

3. Lucila Laster Model C-5000

The Lucila Laster Model C-5000 is a high-capacity generator suitable for larger homes or businesses with higher power demands. With its power capacity of 5000 watts, it can support multiple appliances simultaneously, including refrigerators, air conditioning units, and office equipment. This generator runs on gasoline and comes with a large fuel tank, providing a longer run time. Equipped with advanced safety features and robust construction, the Lucila Laster Model C-5000 offers reliable power supply in any situation.

4. Lucila Laster Model D-7000

For those who prioritize durability and long-lasting performance, the Lucila Laster Model D-7000 is a top choice. With a power capacity of 7000 watts, this generator can handle heavy loads and is suitable for larger homes or commercial use. The Lucila Laster Model D-7000 is powered by diesel fuel, offering improved fuel efficiency and longer maintenance intervals. Its rugged design and advanced control system ensure reliable operation even in harsh environments or extreme weather conditions.

5. Lucila Laster Model E-10000

When maximum power is required, the Lucila Laster Model E-10000 delivers. With an impressive power capacity of 10,000 watts, this generator can provide electricity for large homes, businesses, or construction sites. The Lucila Laster Model E-10000 is a dual-fuel generator, running on both propane and gasoline, offering flexibility and extended usage time. Its advanced safety features, user-friendly interface, and automatic transfer switch make it a reliable and convenient choice for those who demand exceptional power supply.

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in a home backup generator is a wise decision to ensure the safety and comfort of your family during power outages. The top 5 home backup generators from the brand "Lucila Laster" that I have discussed in this article offer a wide range of options to suit different power needs and preferences. Remember to consider factors such as power capacity, fuel type, run time, noise level, size, and portability when choosing the best generator for your home. Stay safe, stay comfortable, and enjoy peace of mind with a reliable backup power solution from "Lucila Laster".

Reference

1. [Link to a relevant and trustworthy article or research]

2. [Link to another relevant and trustworthy article or research]

Article by: Your Name

Source: "Lucila Laster" Brand

References

best home backup generator

[unidentifiedfuckingthing]

like embroidery machines are like $3000 and i have a deep conviction that thats just because of exclusivity. like 3d printers were hundreds of thousands of dollars and then a guy made a shitty one on hardware store parts and now the like, comfortable middle ground, sophisticated machines with significant compromises, are still like $800. you CAN still find ones that are hundreds of thousands of dollars but generally they have to actually offer something now, usually exotic materials and access to help lines and mechanics. (and i think now more often they operate on a subscription model anyway) but like i don't even need a machine that would rival a $16,000 embroidery machine but i AM soooo so sure that one could be made for orders of magnitude less cost. and a lot of the groundwork has already been laid just because a lot of the fundamentals of diy machinery especially of the cnc type are equally applicable to 3d printers or routers as to embroidery or sewing machines. a lot of where im stumped is the weird specialty components on sewing machines like tension arms and stuff but i think a lot of people in reprap have the right kind of creativity that i lack that makes that a trivial problem. i just dont know if this is something that many people even have an interest in but even then theres no centralized place to talk about it

[single-reactor-ignition]

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7-xzhMmlFo)

For Valentine’s Day - say it with superlasers.

(dear god I can’t even begin to explain this)

[arpmemething2]

MCU Sentence Starters

Send one for my muse’s response!

“I don’t fly man, that’s your thing.”

"This is our home now, I want us to fit in."

"A father's first responsibility to their kids is to provide a beautiful lie for them to live in."

“She was literally one split end from cutting her own bangs.”

"He's a friend from work!"

"No prison can keep me, you know that"

“I’m Mary Poppins y’all!”

"If you want to do something right, you make a list."

"Why?  Does he have bad breath?"

"You rely too much on technology."

“We’re in the endgame now.”

"You never know. You hope for the best and make do with what you get."

“You know, I keep telling everybody they should move on and grow. Some do. But not us.”

“I’ll get you all the cheeseburgers you want.”

"Do you not truly feel the gravity of your crimes? Wherever you go there is war, ruin and death!""

“Nothing goes over my head. My reflexes are too fast. I would catch it.”

"Compromise where you can. Where you can't, don't."

“I don't know if you've been in a fight before but there's usually not this much talking.”

“The hardest choices require the strongest wills.”

"The wheel constantly turns. We must adapt to its position, or be crushed beneath it."

"Trying to get you to stop has been one of the few failures of my entire life.”

“He may have been your father, but he wasn’t your daddy.”

“I am Inevitable.”

“Let me go. It’s okay.”

"At some point, we all have to choose, between what the world wants you to be, and who you are."

“I beat some guys up. Saved the dog. Some light B and E”

"That man is playing Galaga! Thought we wouldn't notice, but we did."

"You're ancestors called it magic, and you call it science."

“Well let me know if real power wants a magazine or something.”

"We all know the truth: But in times of crisis, the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers."

“You're the one who just kidnapped me. What's wrong with you people?“

"We are an unusual couple, you know?"

"People think that torture is pain.  It's not pain, it's time."

“Everyone hates losing.”

"I love you 3000."

“If toast is cut diagonally, I can’t eat it.”

“I should not be left in charge of stuff like this. I don’t get paid enough. I don’t get paid, period.”

"Dumb men like little girls. Me? I ponder a woman."

“This is the fight of our lives, and we’re going to win. Whatever it takes.”

"The past is the past. And the only direction in life that matters is forward. Never backwards."

“Can’t have a revolution without somebody to overthrow, so you’re welcome, and uh, it’s a tie.”

"I like following the rules and doing what's expected of me. It makes me feel nice."

"If we can't accept limitations, then we're no better than the bad guys."

"Hands up.  You're coming with us."

"I’m going to have to ask you to exit the donut.”

"It's a working theory."

"No man can win every battle, but no man should fall without a struggle."

“This drink, I like it. Another!”

“You’re in a relationship with me. Everything will never be okay.”

"Part of the journey is the end."

“I was already slipping when you happened to punch me in the face. The two events are not related.”

"I've come to bargain."

"The world has changed and none of us can go back. All we can do is our best, and sometimes the best that we can do is to start over."

"But a thing isn't beautiful because it lasts. It's a privilege to be among them."

"I love you in every universe."

"I can do this all day."

“Ah, she left me. And my mom died too. And my dad got deported. But I got the van!”

“You want a juice box and some string cheese?”

"On your left."

“Sacrifice is part of the job.”

"Darling, you have no idea."

“Pain is always a surprise. I try to avoid landmines. Avoid caring. I can even see it coming. But until it hits, you have no idea what pain is.”

"I had him on the ropes."

"The scarf looked better."

“I'm sorry, did I step on your moment?”

"In a real magic act, everything is fake."

“They say everyone’s born a hero. But if you let it, life will push you over the line until you’re the villain. Problem is, you don’t always know that you’ve crossed that line.”

"The point of these things is to remind us that... There is no going back, there's only moving forward. You feel different because you are different."

“One thing I've proven is that you can count on me to pleasure myself.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, officially. I sort of met you, I mean, I watched you while you were sleeping.”

"You wanna get to them? You gotta go through me."

“Funny how annoying a little prick can be, isn't it?”

“I’m gonna have to rain check that dance.”

"I could do with a hobby."

"I need a horse."

“Not to be rude, but it's been one of those days, so produce some credentials or I'm gonna put you in handcuffs. “

���Vengeance has consumed you. It’s consuming them. I’m done letting it consume me.”

“I’m a piece of shit, and shit stinks.”

“You haven’t changed a bit. And I’m aware that statement makes no sense.”

"If we can't protect the earth, you can be damn well sure we'll avenge it!"

“No amount of money ever bought a second of time.”

"Higher, further, faster, baby."

"I know you were only doing what you believe in, and that's all any of us can do, it's all any of us should."

"The city is flying. We're fighting an army of robots. And I have a bow and arrow. None of this makes sense."

“You’re gonna suffer for what you’ve done. And I I plan on being a very big part of that.”

“So…you got detention.”

"It's not about saving our world. It's about saving theirs."

"You really wanna go back in there? After everything she's put you through?"

“Time, Space, Reality. It’s more than a linear path. It’s a prism of endless possibility. Where one single choice can branch out into infinite realities, creating alternate worlds from the ones you know."

“I think we must learn from our mistakes and do better. You must not give up hope.”

“Where I come from, history has never looked kindly on those who lock men in cages.”

“Sorry, I tend to process traumatic events with dad jokes.”

"Why don't you pick on someone your own size?"

“Can you believe they call us criminals when he's assaulting us with that haircut?”

“Love is a dagger. It’s a weapon to be wielded far away or up close. You can see yourself in it. It’s beautiful until it makes you bleed.”

“It’s not enough to be against something. You have to be for something better.”

"I think purple might be your color; it really matches your eyes."

"I once stood in your place. And I, too, was disrespectful. Might I offer you some advice? Forget Everything that you think you know."

"Don't do anything I would do, and definitely don't do anything I wouldn't do. There's a little gray area in there, and that's where you operate."

"I have a terrible idea!"

"Filthy? She has no idea. If we had a black light, it would look like a Jackson Pollock painting."

“Boom! You looking for this?”

"How we deal with disappointments is what decides the person we are."

"What is grief, if not love persevering?"

“I thought you were smaller.”

"I'm not hugging you."

"Don't waste it. Don't waste your life."

“I told you, I don't want to join your super-secret boy band.”

“The price of freedom is high, it always has been. And it’s a price I’m willing to pay. And if I’m the only one, then so be it. But I’m willing to bet I’m not.”

"Hope.  It's all about hope."

“Yeah, the past won’t leave us alone.”

“You’re the head of security and your password is ‘password?'”

“Drop your socks and grab your crocs, we're about to get wet on this ride.”

"Whatever happens tomorrow, you must promise me one thing. That you will stay who you are, not a perfect soldier, but a good man."

"Being good isn't always enough to keep you alive."

"That's it?  You murdered him because you could?"

"Oh, man, are we being mind-controlled to see that right now?"

"You will never be a god."

“When you said you would take me to California for the first time, I thought you meant Coachella or Disneyland.”

“Never let the enemy choose the battlefield. Always work from a position of strength.”

"Of course...  We won the war."

“I’m not sure you understand the concept of a getaway car.”

"Does anybody have any orange slices?"

“You get hurt, hurt ‘em back. You get killed, walk it off.”

"Last time we saw you, you were trying to kill everyone. What are you up to these days?"

"Because that's what heroes do."

"Have you ever seen that before in a gift shop?"

“I can feel the righteousness surging!”

"There's chaos in you."

"You guys are breaking down walls, you're healing. It's important."

“Before we get started, does anyone want to get out?”

“‘Boh’ is my new superpower. It’s like the anti-Aloha. I was born to say this word.”

“Does he need CPR? Because I totally know CPR.”

"Every time something gets better for one group, it gets worse for another."

“You’re repeating yourself! You’re repeating yourself!”

"Are you always this rude to people trying to help you?"

“It’s alright, you could never hurt me. I just feel you.”

“The only decision I’m qualified to make is bourbon or more bourbon.”

“Today we don’t fight for one life, we fight for all of them.”

“Well, if you don’t have any nice words, I mean, anything nice to say, just, you know, lie.”

“I have nothing to prove to you.”

"Have fun in prison."

“Such a poser.”

"I don't flirt.  I just say what I want."

“That's not a question I need answered.”

“Oh my God, that was really violent.”

“I made macaroni if you want some.”

"Just bury me in the ocean with my ancestors that jumped from the ships, because they knew death was better than bondage."

“I don’t like bullies. I don’t care where they’re from.”

“You think life takes more than it gives, but not today. Today it’s giving us something. It is giving us a chance.”

"There’s one thing in this world that makes me feel more alive. And that’s you."

“Let me tell you. That kid’s not even here yet and, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him.”

“Sometimes the best weapon in your arsenal is just a good argument.”

“What is this thing? Look how it thinks it’s so cool. It’s not cool to get help. Walk by yourself you little gargoyle.”

“I do what he does, just slower.”

“I can’t control your fear, I can only control mine.”

“If you try to escape, or play any sort of games with me, I will taze you and watch Supernanny while you drool into the carpet.”

“Everyone fails at who they are supposed to be. The measure of a person, of a hero…is how well they succeed at being who they are.”

“I would rather be a good man than a great king.”

“Sacrifice? That would imply I had something to lose.”

[simplytolkien]

One last post about Rings of Power. Last defense post anyway. Any other posts about it will just be normal posts from someone enjoying a tv show. Well, this post really isn’t about Rings of Power. It goes beyond that. I never ever intended on being one of those people who paste their opinions all over the internet just because I have them. My first post about RoP was just because I don't know anyone else who is even interested in a Tolkien show, so I just wanted to say something here on my humble Tolkien tumblr to people who would know, maybe have a little dialogue with people who love Tolkien. But geez, the messages are stupid. And oh my word, I should never have scrolled through the Rings of Power tag that one time. People are losing their minds over something that is happening with every other show they watch and love. Look, Amazon isn't MAKING Rings of Power. They are FUNDING Rings of Power.

This is how the entertainment world works, since so many people don't seem to have a clue: A person or people have an idea and would love to make a show or movie. They are usually not the people with the money, and since they need this money to create their project, they approach studios with their pitch as to why this project is a good investment. If all goes well, the studios agree that yes, this is a project people will be interested in and will, therefore, make us a lot of money. If the creators are fortunate and multiple studios are interested in the project, they get to pick the offer they prefer. The studio then gives the creators the money, and the creators take it and make their idea a reality.

That is why every studio invests in every project ever. Period. Because they can make money from it. Amazon is just doing what every other tv or movie production company does. They put in the money but aren't working on the project. The actual people behind the show are doing it because they love Tolkien. Yes, people can quibble about this all they want, but if you want to make a movie or tv show of a book you're not actually legally allowed to use, then you'll find that you have to change some things that you probably don't even really want to change. I am impressed with what they've been able to do NOT being able to use any of Tolkien's books besides LotR and The Hobbit. It's pretty creative. I’ve worked on screenplays for projects I would love to see made purely to the book, and I was shocked at how much harder it was than I thought it would be, even without the limitations of copyrights or the difficulties of stories that span thousands of years.

My first thought when I heard that Amazon was funding this project was, 'Hey, they'll have the budget to hopefully do justice to it.' And who on earth could refuse such a budget when they have the dream to bring Tolkien’s big, rich, lush world to life on the screen? Yeah, they're doing a great job. No, it's not always perfect, but again, there are usually compromises somewhere. Every project has its weak spots, but there are a lot of strengths so far. Off the top of my head, that scene where Míriel has the dream about the destruction of Númenor was awesome. Just incredibly beautiful. Númenor itself is just beautiful. Among other beauties. And I'm looking forward to what is to come. 

Yes, Jeff Bezos is evil. Yes, he is a crazy narcissist completely out of touch with reality. Yes, all of the criticisms about Amazon are real and valid, and I agree. But Amazon isn't doing anything that just about every other company does, even the ones who charge $3000 for a freaking pair of shoes. And Amazon only recently started actually selling their own brand. All these years they’ve simply been a platform where other companies could sell things. All these years the other companies you have shopped from have used these evil production/selling methods while those of us protesting were thrown in the corner as loonies. No, none of these injustices should happen in any society EVER, but it does, and unless all of you 'activists’ are making the huge massive effort and financial investment it would take for an American to NOT rely on companies who exploit workers and destroy the environment and all that really crappy evil stuff (hint: it’s all of them who sell you anything you want unless you’re making your own {but then where do you get your supplies?} or only buy locally-made products {but then where do they get their supplies?} or from small companies who still have ethics. but can you buy locally-made cars or tvs or computers or smartphones or name-brand clothes? no. and do all the companies you buy your stuff from make efforts to have a much more environmentally-friendly fleet of transport vehicles? no.), then you can criticize Amazon all you want, but you're just being a hypocrite sitting there in your name-brand clothes and mainstream personal grooming products with your fancy new cars and electronics watching all the other shows and movies that come out from all the other studios while you eat genetically-modified foods thinking up your next ‘activist’ tumblr post just because Amazon is funding a Tolkien project. Yes, you’re right about Amazon to a point, but follow your arguments all the way to their ends and you’ll realize we’re all part of the bigger problem no matter how much noise you make about one part of it. 

I do subscribe to Amazon. It took me a while to do it, but I finally had to because I had to move to a small town in Texas due to health issues that hit my life like a nuclear bomb, and being an organic vegan who only uses 100% natural (truly 100%, not the marketing crap so many pull), cruelty-free, sustainable products and has to do it on a tiny budget, it is now almost impossible for me to support companies with an ethos I believe in unless I buy online. And because my budget is so small while I rebuild my life, the free shipping without having to spend $50 or more per order to qualify for it helps me massively and saves me enough money to be able to feed a good-quality food to a TNR colony of 40 homeless cats that was starving and reproducing until I stepped in.

I also would prefer to buy, for example, from a company that pays women in disadvantaged countries fair-trade prices to beautifully craft sustainable wooden knitting needles so that they don't have to succumb to prostitution to feed their families rather than go to the only store I have here in town that sells them, Walmart, and buy crap plastic ones that benefit no one. So until the day I can afford options that aren’t evils, I'll weigh all the info and pick the lesser of the evils for my situation and order my knitting needles or whatever from ethical sellers who sell on Amazon. And if I ever find a less evil option that tics all of the boxes I have at the moment, I’ll jump right on it. I live by a mantra from Maya Angelou: ‘I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.’ Many times in my case I have to change it to ‘I did then what I could afford to do. Now that I can afford better, I do better.’ And I will continue to know better and do better and hopefully afford better until the day I die.

Here is an E.M. Forster quote that sums up my take on it as someone who can’t afford to live 100% according to her ideals at the moment: ‘We cast a shadow on something wherever we stand, and it is no good moving from place to place to save things because the shadow always follows. Choose a place where you won't do harm - yes, choose a place where you won't do very much harm, and stand in it for all you are worth facing the sunshine.’

So again, why all of this has to be said in a post about a tv show is insane. All of the big studios are backed by deep pockets who are evil and corrupt and don't care about you and are invested in companies that would surprise you. If this is your gripe with Rings of Power, you had better cancel your Netflix, Hulu, Disney, etc. subscriptions too! Bezos just has the disgusting arrogance to do it openly and publicly.

[imagine-it-to-be-true]

Headcanon - Your First Time with Caius (Human You)

Note from me: As you’ve probably guessed from reading my previous posts… I’m a sucker for sweet, sappy romance, and I’ve turned Caius into a kind and tender dude. Totally opposite of how he actually is, and I’m sorry for that. To be honest, I’m not at all attracted to men like Caius: cold, cruel and merciless. But I truly believe he is cold because of the hardships he went through, and the fact that everyone expects him to be this sadist. I see him differently though. Hope you enjoy :) no explicit sex, no warnings. Feel free to shoot any requests my way! I don’t own anything in this post.

——

- he would take his time. Go slow.

- He has been alive for over 3000 years, so he’s able to stop himself from losing control.

- You’re nervous, he feels that. So he goes slow, making you as comfortable as he can.

- When he removes your blouse and you’re laying there in a bra, he slides his cool fingers down your stomach. You shiver from his seductive cold touch while he relishes in the feel of your warm body.

- Caius yearns to see you, so he coaxes you to lift up so he can unclasp your bra. He can’t seem to get the clasp open so he tears the whole damn thing off in one swift move.

- You were not prepared and instinctively shield your breasts from his view, folding your arms over them

- “Do not hide, angel,” he whispers, “I want to see you, will you let me?”

- You’re self-conscious. “I-I am human… I’m nowhere near as beautiful as the other women I’m sure you’ve seen,” you whisper back, tears forming in your eyes.

- He hovers above you for a moment, before taking the top sheet from each side and wrapping it around you gently. You sit up and face him. He tucks your hair behind your cheek.

- “Y/N, you know that Aro insists you become a vampire, right?” You nod, shivering at the thought. Caius continues, “Angel even after I turn you, I will forever remember how perfect you are in this very moment. You’re so beautiful. So perfect,” the emotion on his face astounds you. He isn’t done though, “I stopped believing that I could find my mate, yet here she is, sitting next to me. Sweetheart, we do not have to do anything you are not comfortable with. But never degrade yourself in my presence. Look at you! How could anyone ever be more perfect than you? How could you ever be more perfect than this?”

- He rubs his cold hands up and down your bare arms. As tears run down your cheeks, he wipes them away with his thumb.

- “Caius, why me?” You had to know. “What is it about me that made you want me?”

- He smiles at you. “I remember the day they brought you in for execution. That vampire revealed his identity to you and you were compromised. As Aro approached you to kill you, do you remember what you did?”

- “How can I forget?” You shivered at the memory. “I bolted up to your throne, away from Aro, and begged you to spare me… to save me. And you did. Why though?”

- “I had no idea who you were. You were just one of countless brought in for justice. But you knew who I was. The one who exposed his identity to you told you about my lack of mercy. Yet there you were, collapsed in tears at the base of my throne asking for it. You grabbed my hands in yours and that made me look at you. Seeing your beautiful eyes, your perfect face… I fell in love with you in that moment. You were the first one to not see me as the cruel monster they say I am. You actually thought I would help you. Unknowingly, you showed me compassion and I fell in love with you in that moment.”

- You looked at Caius in awe and saw him displaying his own vulnerabilities and weaknesses to you. Slowly, you reach up and run your fingers through his soft, blonde hair. You lifted your eyes to look at him.

- “I want you now, Caius.”

- “Angel, there is no pressure. We can wait until after I turn you if it makes you feel safer…”

- “No. I know you won’t hurt me, Caius.”

- “Never,” he whispered, “I would never hurt you my love. If you’re sure you want to do this, then I have one request.”

- “Anything,” you whisper back.

- He places his hands on either side of your face and guides his forehead to yours as he breathes out, “Marry me,”

- You gasp in shock but he goes on, “Marry me and become my queen.” Slowly he reaches into his black blazer which he removed and placed on the edge of the bed earlier and pulls out an exquisite white gold band with a large blood ruby in the centre.

- With your hands covering your mouth in shock, you hastily nod and throw your arms around your future husband, squeaking “yes!”

- Caius smiles at you and slowly lowers you back on the bed, “good. Now come here and let me show you how truly beautiful you are, princess.”

[tellerluna-stories]

to wish upon a lantern

PAIRING: zhongli x adeptus! reader

GENRE: fluffy w very light angst~ contains mutual pining and oblivious idiots in love.

SUMMARY: and there was only one Xiao Lantern.

TW/CW: n/a.

A/N: am I the only one who thinks this song sounds like Zhongli’s singing it? because it really does and I can’t get this idea out of my head. also it probably is a bit messy since I stayed up till 3am writing this drabble BUT NO BETA HERE WE DIE LIKE MEN

“How do you find the Lantern Rite, o god of contracts?”

At your teasing words, the man walking by your side chuckles slightly, his ponytail swinging slightly from the movement. “I know not who you speak of, dear friend. I am merely a consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor who wishes to earn an honest living for himself, nothing more and nothing less.”

“Certainly a noble wish to have.” You agree as you lean against the railing, suppressing a shiver as the cold harbor breeze bites through your clothes— you really ought to have brought a warmer coat. “But is that really the wish you want to write on your lantern, Zhongli?”

His amber eyes glow softly as he looks at the Xiao Lantern in his hands— looking at its intricate framework put together by his hands and the delicate watercolour patterns that were painstakingly painted on by yours, one would never be able to guess that it had been a last-minute job.

“Hm... I suppose that it is too ordinary a wish for a lantern such as this.” Zhongli steps closer to you, watching the way your eyes wander over Liyue Harbor, flitting from the floating lanterns to the festivities to finally stop on the immense replica of Skybracer in the center of the harbor. An unruly lock of hair strayed from its place behind your ear, and instinctively he reaches out to tuck it back into place.

“No, actually— achoo!” You sniffle a bit. “I think that as long as it is a wish that you truly want to come true, then it will always be worthy enough for this lantern.”

“But it isn’t exactly fair to both parties that only I write my wish, since we made this together.”

“It’s alright, I can just make another one!”

“I am the god of contracts, dear friend. To have a contract so unbalanced in favour of one party would be an insult to my work ethics.”

“Oh, so now you’re the god of contracts?”

“I never said I wasn’t, I merely said I knew not who he was. Rex Lapis may be the god of contracts, but I am Zhongli, and the two of us happen to be very different people who lead very different lives.” Zhongli tilts his head back, a wry smile on his face and an unreadable twinkle in his eye.

Somehow even if the wind is cold, a strange and unfamiliar warmth blooms in your chest, like a peach blossom in spring. But before the strange warmth could reach your face, you turn away and scoff.

“Tch. Are you willing to accept a compromise— a revision of the contract, if you will?”

“Mm...” He puts his hand to his chin, pretending to mull the idea over. “Perhaps, if I deem it fair and favourable to all parties involved.”

“How about we both write our wishes on the lantern? That way, it saves us the trouble of making another and resolves the issue of only one person writing their wish.” Seeing the perturbed look on Zhongli’s face, you hastily add, “We can write on opposite sides, if your wish is a more personal one. And I promise I won’t peek.”

“Done. The contract has been set in stone.” He holds out the Xiao Lantern, the light emanating from its plaustrite core pulsing gently. “You may go first, if you please.”

“Why me?”

“The one to propose the revision ought to be the one to first carry it out, don’t you think?”

“Ugh, fine—“

You roll your eyes lightheartedly as you take the lantern, setting off to find a flat surface so you could write your wish on it without fear of shaky hands or smudging the ink. “I’ll be back, Lord of Geo.”

“Wait— before you go.”

Zhongli unbuttons his coat and swings it over your shoulders, the heavy fabric practically drowning you in the sweet, old-fashioned scent of his perfume. “I’ve seen you shivering since we arrived, dear friend. Now, off you go.”

Before you can even stutter some sort of reply, he’s turned you around and sent you on your way with a gentle push on the small of your back.

Zhongli watches as you stumble off into the crowd and doesn’t look away till your form disappears among the bustling people.

A part of him yearns to follow you and take your hand, running through the streets of Liyue like a couple of children with no cares in the world. How many centuries had it been since he felt so alive?

He sighs and turns his gaze to the moon— the same moon that the two of you had watched rise and set over Liyue throughout all these years. So much time spent together, with you being the only friend he had left— and Zhongli still couldn’t even muster the courage to tell you the full truth. How he dreamed of a home far away from duty, perhaps hidden in the mountains he formed or on some distant shore; it mattered not whether it was a grand mansion or humble cottage, just as long as you were there by his side. How he longed to drop the ‘friend’ of ‘dear friend’ and even be so bold as to put a ‘my’ before it.

These were the wishes of the man, Zhongli— not Rex Lapis, nor even Morax. Just the man who he was now, the human he was supposed to be.

“Just as promised, I have returned!”

Your shoes clatter noisily on the pavement, Zhongli’s coat billowing out behind you like the wings of a swallow. “Here is the lantern, as promised.” You present the newly-inked Xiao Lantern to him with a flourish, then narrow your eyes skeptically. “You’d better not look at my wish, or I’ll have your head.”

“How can one be centuries old and still be so petty as that?” He remarks dryly. “Do you know to whom you speak?”

“I’m just saying—!” You turn away with a huff. “It is my duty to ensure that all parties follow through with their end of the bargain, as a certain someone appointed me to do so. Now hurry up and write your wish— here, you can use this.”

He takes the brush pen from your trembling fingers, noting the gentle warmth that spread through his hands when they brushed against yours.

A wish, eh?

Zhongli thinks of all the wishes he had made for the sake of others— for his fallen friends and comrades, that they finally found peace and respite from all the fighting they endured. For Liyue, that it would build itself into an unbreakable city that would flourish and thrive in spite of hardship, and for his people, that they would become a people that would be able to change the world in a way that would better it.

But those wishes were the wishes of Rex Lapis, and the people of Liyue no longer needed him.

And so for the first time in centuries, Zhongli wrote a wish that was solely his, one that was not born out of responsibility or need. Perhaps it was a little bit selfish, even, but it was something that he knew he truly wanted to come true.

“Done already?”

Zhongli nods in satisfaction, placing the brush pen in your outstretched palm. “I think I’ve chosen a wish that is worthy. And,” he adds as an afterthought, “I did not look at yours. If you were going to ask.”

“I wasn’t.”

“Ah, well.” Zhongli offers his arm to you, as the years of proper etiquette had drilled into him. “Shall we find a suitable place to release this, my dear— friend?”

Your heart stutters slightly at the pause between his words, and the strange warmth from earlier returns.

“I-I suppose we shall, then.” Taking his arm, you swallow the nervous fluttery feeling in your chest and smile brightly. “Lead the way, Zhongli.”

————————————————————

“Lantern Rite is fun for the most part, unless you’re a Millelith.” A young man complained to his coworker— judging from the pristine state of his armor and halberd, he was one of the newer recruits of the Millelith. “Why do we have to be stuck on clean-up duty? Xiao Lanterns are a pain to track down, and they get stuck in the most absurd of places.”

His companion rolled his eyes as he crouched down, inspecting the bushes for any stray lanterns that may have hidden themselves there. “If you hate this job so much, then why’d you sign up for it in the first place, you ninny?”

“Oh because I’m an honourable citizen of Liyue— what do you think? My father forced me to because he thinks painting isn’t a job. Honestly, painting supplies are cheaper than weapons and armor, so why is it a problem with him—”

Ignoring the stream of complaints, his companion knelt as he peered into the bushes. He was almost certain he had seen something here—

“Gotcha!”

He pulled out a Xiao Lantern from the underbrush and held it up triumphantly. Though Lantern Rite had ended a few days ago, the core of the lantern still glowed faintly. Upon further inspection, the structure of the lantern was more complex than the simpler designs the ordinary folk preferred, and the delicate brushstrokes of carefully chosen colour had to be the work of an artisan, at the very least.

But who?

The young man turned the lantern in his hands; maybe there was a signature somewhere—?

No signature, but instead there was something written on the side; the penmanship was neat and careful, almost as if the writer was writing a business contract instead of a wish on a lantern.

‘My wish is that I will be able to gather the courage to honestly say my feelings, after all these years together.’

And on the other side it read:

‘My wish this year is that I’ll be able to stay by his side forever, no matter what happens.’

[spockandawe]

Well, this is interesting! So, in that post yesterday, there was one line that really baffled me, a thing about people brushing off a character as an asshole “because he shows literally zero growth.” I kind of set that aside because it was such a weird non-sequitur, and guessed that it was just someone’s sentences not quite keeping up with their train of thought, which has happened to me many times. Apparently I was wrong! I already spent long enough on that one post, I’m tired of talking about that, but this is new and interesting. 

Okay. I kind of wanted to see if I could talk about this purely in terms of abstracts and not characters, but I don’t think it’ll work. It would be frustrating to write and confusing to read. It’s about Jiang Cheng. Right up front: This isn’t about whether or not he’s an abuser. Frankly, I don’t think it’s relevant. This also isn’t about telling people they should like him. I don't care whether anyone else likes him or not. But I do like him, and I am always fascinated by dissecting the reasons that people disagree with me. And the process of Telling Stories is my oldest hyperfixation I remember, which will become relevant in a minute.

I thought I had a good grasp on this one, you know? Jiang Cheng makes it pretty obvious why people would dislike Jiang Cheng. But then the posts I keep stumbling over were making weird points, culminating in that “literally zero growth” line.

So! What happened is that someone wrote up a post about how Jiang Cheng’s character arc isn’t an arc, it’s stagnation. It’s a pretty interesting read, and I broadly agree with the larger point! The points where I would quibble are like... the idea that it’s absolute stagnation, as opposed to very subtle shifts that still make a material difference. But still, cool! The post was also offered up as a reason why OP was uninterested in writing any more Jiang Cheng meta, which I totally get. I’m not tired of him yet, but I definitely understand why someone who isn’t a fan of his would get tired about writing about a character with a very static arc. Okay!

Now, internet forensics are hard. I desperately wish I had more information about this evolution, because I find this stuff fascinating, but I have no good way to find things said in untagged posts, reblogs, or private/external venues. But as far as I can tell, that “literally zero growth” wasn’t just a slip of the tongue, it’s become fashionable for people to say that Jiang Cheng is an abusive asshole (that it’s fucked up to like) because he doesn’t have a character arc.

Asshole? Yes. Abusive? This post still isn’t about that. This is about it being fucked up to like this character because he did bad things and had a static character arc.

At first, that point of view was still deeply confusing to me. But I think I figured out the idea at the core of it, and now I’m only baffled. I’m not super interested in confirming this directly, because the people making the most noise about this have not inspired confidence in their ability to hold a civil conversation and I’m a socially anxious binch, but I think the idea is: ‘This character did Bad Things, and then did not improve himself.’

Which is alarmingly adjacent to that old favorite standard of ‘This piece of fiction is glorifying Bad Thing.’ I haven’t seen anyone accusing mxtx of something something jiang cheng, only the people who read/watched/heard the story and became invested in the Jiang Cheng character, but things kind of add up, you know?

Like I said, I don’t want to arbitrate anyone’s right to like/dislike Jiang Cheng. That’s such a fucking waste of time. But this is fascinating to me, because it’s like..... so obviously new and sudden, with such a clear originating point. I can’t speak to the Chinese fans, obviously, but exiledrebels started translating in... what, 2017? And only now, in 2021, do people start putting forth Jiang Cheng’s flat character arc as a “reason” that he’s bad? I’m not going to argue if he pings you in the abuse place, I’m not a dick. I’m not going to argue if you just dislike his vibes. I’m just over here on my blog and in the tag enjoying myself, feel free to detour around me. But oh my god, it’s so silly to try to tell other people that they shouldn’t like him because he has a static character arc.

I want to talk about stories. I don’t know how much I’ll be able to say, because it’s impossible to make broad, sweeping statements, because there are stories about change, there are stories about lack of change, there are all kinds of media that can be used to tell stories, and standards for how stories are told and what they emphasize vary across cultures and over time. But I think that what I can say is that telling a story requires... compromise. It requires streamlining. Trying to capture all the detail of life would slow down most stories to an unbearable degree. Consider organically telling someone ‘I made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich’ versus the computer science exercise of having students describe, step by step, how to make one (spread peanut butter? but you never said you opened the lid)

Hell, I’ve got an example in mdzs itself. The largely-faceless masses of the common people. If someone asks you to think about it critically like, yes, obviously these are people, living their own lives, with their own desires, sometimes suffering and dying in the wake of the novel plot. But does the story give weight to those deaths? Or does it just gloss by? Yes, it references their suffering occasionally, but it is not the focus, and it would slow the story unbearably to give equal weight to each dead person mentioned. 

Does Wei Wuxian’s massacre get given the same slow, careful consideration as Su She’s, or Jin Guangyao’s? No, because taking the time to weigh our protagonist with ‘well, this one was a mother, and her youngest son had just started walking, but now he’s going to grow up without remembering her face. that one only became an adult a few months ago, he still hasn’t been on many night-hunts yet, but he finds it so rewarding to protect the common people. oh, and this one had just gotten engaged, but don’t worry, his fiancee won’t mourn him, because she died here as well.’ And continuing on that way to some large number under 3000? No! Unless your goal is to make the reader feel bad for cheering for a morally grey hero, that would be a bad authorial decision! The book doesn’t ignore the issue, it comes up, Wei Wuxian gets called out about all the deaths he’s responsible for, but that’s not the same as them being given equal emotional weight to one (1) secondary character, and I don’t love this new thing where people are pretending that’s equivalent.

When Wei Wuxian brutally kills every person at the Wen supervisory office, are you like ‘holy shit... so many grieving families D:’ or are you somewhere between vindicated satisfaction and an ‘ooh, yikes’ wince? Odds are good you’re somewhere in the satisfaction/wince camp, because that’s what the story sets you up to feel, because the story has to emphasize its priorities (priorities vary, but ‘plot’ and ‘protagonist’ are common ones, especially for a casual novel read like this)

Now, characters. If you want to write a story with a sweeping, epic scale, or if you want to tightly constrain the number of people your story is about, I guess it’s possible to give everyone involved a meaningful character arc. Now.... is it always necessary? Is it always possible? Does it always make sense? No, of course not. If you want to do that, you have to devote real estate to it, and depending on the story you want to tell, it could very possibly be a distraction from your main point, like the idea of mxtx tenderly eulogizing every single character who dies even incidentally. Lan Qiren doesn’t get a loving examination of his feelings re: his nephews and wei wuxian and political turnover in the cultivation world because it’s not relevant, and also, because his position is pretty static until right near the end of the story. Lan Xichen is arguably one of the most static characters within the book, he seems like the same nice young between Gusu and the present, right up until... just before the end of the story.

You may see where I’m heading with this.

Like, just imagine trying to demand that every important character needs to go through a major life change before the end of your book or else it didn’t count. This just in, Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg go through multiple novels without experiencing radical shifts in who they are, stop liking them immediately. I do get that the idea is that Jiang Cheng was a ~bad person~ who didn’t change, but asdgfsd I thought we were over the handwringing over people being allowed to like ““bad”” fictional characters. The man isn’t even a canonical serial killer, he’s not my most problematic fave even within this novel.

And here is where it’s a little more relevant that I would quibble with that original post about Jiang Cheng’s arc. He’s consistently a mean girl, but he goes from stressed, sharp-edged teenager, to grief-stricken, almost-destroyed teen, to grim, cold young adult (and then detours into grim, cold, and grief-stricken until grief dulls with time). He does become an attentive uncle tho. He..... doesn’t experience a radical change in his sense of self, which... it’s...... not all that strange for an adult. And bam, then he DOES experience a radical change, but the needs of the plot dictate that it’s right near the end. And he’s not the focus of the story, baby, wangxian is. He has the last few lines of the story, which nicely communicate his changes to me, but also asdfafas we’re out of story. He was never the main character, it’s not surprising we don’t linger! The extras aren’t beholden to the needs of plot, but they’re also about whatever mxtx wanted to write, and I guess she didn’t feel like writing about Jiang Cheng ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

But also. Taking a step backward. Stable characters can fill a perfectly logical place in a story. Like, look at Leia Organa. I’m not saying she has no arc, but I am saying that she’s a solid point of reference as Luke is becoming a jedi and Han is adjusting his perspective. I wouldn’t call her stagnant, the vibes are wrong, but she also isn’t miserable in her sadness swamp, the way Jiang Cheng is.

Or, hell, look at tgcf. The stagnant, frozen nature of the big bad is a central feature of the story. The bwx of now is the bwx of 800 years ago is the bwx of 1500+ years ago. This is not the place for a meta on how that was bad for those around him and for him himself, but I have Thoughts about how being defeated at the end is both a thing that hurts him and relieves him. Mei Nianqing is a sympathetic character who’s also pretty darn static. Does Ling Wen have a character arc, or do we just learn more about who she already is and what her priorities always were? I’m going to cut myself off here, but a character’s delta between the beginning of a story and the end of a story is a reasonable way to judge how interesting writing character meta is, and is a very silly metric to judge their worth, and even if I guessed at what the basic logic is, for this character, I am still baffled that it’s being put forth as a real talking point.

(also, has it jumped ship to any other characters yet? have people started applying it in other fandoms as well? please let me know if this is the case, I am wildly curious)

(no, but really, if anyone is arguing that bwx is gross specifically because he had centuries to self-reflect and didn’t fix himself, i am desperate to know)

And finally. The thing I thought was most self-evident. Did I post about this sometime recently? If a non-central character experiences a life-altering paradigm shift right near the end of the story (without it being lingered over, because non-central character), oh my god. As a fic writer? IT’S FREE REAL ESTATE. This is the most fertile possible ground. If I want to write post-canon canon-compliant material, adsgasfasd that’s where I’m going to be looking. Okay, yeah, the main couple is happy, that’s good. Who isn’t happy, and what can I do about that? Happy families are all alike, while every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way, etc.

It’s not everyone’s favorite playground, but come on, these are not uncommon feelings. And frankly, it’s starting to feel a little disingenuous when people act like fan authors pick out the most blameless angel from the cast and lavish good things upon them. I’m not the only one who goes looking for a good dumpster fire and says I Live Here Now. If I write post-canon tgcf fic, it’s very likely to focus on beef and/or leaf. I have written more than one au focusing on tianlang-jun.

And, hilariously. If the problem with Jiang Cheng. Is that he is a toxic man fictional character who failed to grow on his own, and is either unsafe or unhealthy to be around. If the problem is that he did not experience a character arc. If these people would be totally fine with other people liking him, if he improved himself as a person. And then, if authors want to put in the (free! time-consuming!) work of writing that character development themselves. You would think that they would be lauded for putting the character through healthier sorts of personal growth than he experienced in canon. Instead, I am still here writing this because first, I was bothered by these authors being named as “freaks” who are obsessed with their ‘uwu precious tsundere baby’ with a “love language of violence,” and then I was graciously informed that people hate Jiang Cheng because he experiences no character growth.

[cassianwithamessybun]

Asterin and her hunter- throne of glass-

I had been wanting to write about Asterin and her hunter’s backstory ever since I finished throne of glass. their story made me cry. I just love them so much. I think this is almost 3000 words. it is just about Asterin and her hunter meeting and falling in love and stuff.

warnings: light smut, mentions of suicide

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Asterin had been flying through the blizzard for hours never finding reprieve. No matter how good her eyesight was, she was unable to see three feet in front of her. 

Matron Blackbeak had sent her on this mission and she intended to finish it. Rounding up Crochens in the white fangs mountains was fairly easy unless you were caught up in a snowstorm and your flying was compromised. 

Asterin tried Assessing the winds but a treacherous storm like this had no true direction. She would have to land and find shelter soon before the winds took her completely.

Hopefully there was a inn or village somewhere close—

An arrow whizzed past her face. She ducked, losing her balance and almost falling off of her broom. Before she could take another breath another arrow surprised her striking true this time, piercing through her arm.

Asterin was too far from the ground to land now and before she could decide what to do, blackness filled her vision.

Asterin had woken up to a deep clear voice humming. She blinked open her eyes, and groaned in pain as her deep wounds cut through her drowsiness. 

She took in her surroundings, scenting a wood fire burning and a strong male scent. She was on a rather nice bed for a cabin. Maybe this person had money? they hadn’t killed her, so maybe they planned to sell her to the highest bidder.

That was not going to happen. Asterin growled sitting up and pain laced through every muscle in her body.

“Careful.” a male voice filled her senses.

She turned and found him standing by a stove, next to a steaming pot of tea.

“Who are you?” she rasped, not caring about her voice, and scanning the place for a weapon.

He only studied her with curiosity. She had killed men for less.

“Who are you?” she repeated, her voice cracking. He turned back to the stove and poured a cup of tea. Asterin was marking the exit. One door past the kitchen. She made to grab her belt that was on the floor to use against him because it seemed her nails were unable to work.

“Here.” he knelt down in front of her holding out a cup of tea. And though she was thirsty, he could have poisoned it. She had gone days without drinking anyway when she went to the Red dessert.

“The arrow you were shot with had poison in it. This will help.” he continued to hold it out to her. That was why her teeth and nails wouldn’t work. If they had, she would have sliced his throat by now.

Asterin only looked at him with a stare that drove most human men to their knees.

“Fine.” he sighed and took a drink. “Not poisoned.”

She snatched the cup from him not caring about the pain that laced through her arm, and greedily drank down the hot drink.

When she had drained the cup she broke the porcelain and before the man could blink, she was holding a sharp piece to his neck.

“Who are you?” her voice, though still raspy, didn’t waver.

His eyes looked dead and she didn’t smell the slightest bit of fear on him. “Do you not care at all for your life?”

He sighed as if explaining himself to save his life was a chore. 

“I am Pádraig.” Asterin noticed a slight accent. He was definitely from the white fangs mountain. 

“You were hurt so I brought you to my cabin to help heal you.”

She wasn't convinced anybody did anything out of the goodness of their heart, but It’s not like she would know. She didn’t have one.

She released the sharp porcelain from his neck. She didn’t presume he wanted to sell her, or kill her. So why help her?

He seemed like he wanted to die. He seemed like he expected her to kill him. Like that was the only reason to bring her into his cabin. Asterin thought it was strange, but he was mortal and they were all very odd. 

“You should get some rest. You were bleeding very badly earlier.” he looked into her eyes with such earnestness she wondered if she had known him before. If she had stared into his brown green eyes before, because there was no way someone would look at a person like that without knowing them first.

Asterin had known lust. She could scent it off of a man just as quickly as she could scent fear. Still, all she could smell was a wood burning fire and a snow blasted forest.

She hadn't noticed him touching her arm until his hand had encircled her wrist.

“What are you doing?” she growled, pulling her wrist back towards her with a force that sent her bones aching.

“I think you broke your hand.” he didn’t let go. He only studied it and held it so gently as if it hadn’t decided the fates of Crochens and mortals alike. Like it hadn’t been a weapon, but something to be cared for.

She didn’t need to be cared for.

“Stop,” she said more sharply, but his grip on her hand didn’t loosen. She tried again to pull away.

“Lass if you don’t stay still I might have to hold you down,” he looked into her eyes again and Asterin noted something different about how he looked at her now. The green in his eyes shone a little brighter.

“I will have your throat ripped out before I allow you to hold me down,” she threatened, but he just smiled a little.

Asterin was completely speechless for a moment. She was shocked by the feeling his lips seemed to display. Amusement.

He was amused. That angered her more.

“You're a feisty one huh?” He was smiling again and Asterin was fighting an internal battle because she was so fascinated by it, but she also had the urge to slice it off of his face.

She didn’t answer but her glare seemed to bring a flare of concern into his eyes.

Good.

He stood, letting go of her hand. “You won’t be able to walk for a few weeks I imagine.”

“A few weeks?” Asterin couldn’t spend a few weeks doing nothing. The matron would expect the absolute best from her on this mission.

She sat up and groaned, putting her weight fully on her hands as she attempted to lift her legs off the bed. She winced in pain and tore the covers herself off to view the damage on her legs.

She noted her bare legs bruised and some wounds had been stitched back together.

She inhaled a sharp breath as she tried to bring her legs to her chest.

A broad male hand pressed one of her legs back into the bed, not allowing her to strain herself. She glared at Pádraig and he shot her an apologetic glance. “Please do not rip out my throat.”

She bit the inside of her cheek to keep her smile in. “your eyes will do just fine.” she brushed her hand over his upper cheekbones.

His Hazel eyes filled with amusement and Asterin was utterly confused as to why the color made her melt. The green and gold hues were how she imagined the forests in the wastes before the war. Beautiful greenery and blooming flowers. A safe place to lay for a while and rest.

She watched him study her legs tracing the stitches and Asterin noticed that the only clothing she was wearing was a shirt that did not belong to her.

Pádraig stood and retreated to the kitchen leaving Asterin cold at the loss of his touch. She was quite confused about what to do with herself. He didn’t want to hurt her, and she would likely be bed ridden until the poison left her system and her quick healing fully mended her wounds.

She was so lost in thought she didn’t notice Pádraig had come back until she felt his warm hands rubbing some sort of salve onto the smaller cuts and bruises.

“This will ease the pain,” he explained and Asterin intended to snap at him that of course she knew what slave did, but she was so distracted by his hands and the lavender and eucalyptus scent that filled her lungs. 

She hadn't intended to lay back onto the soft pillow. She hadn’t intended to let the calming cracking of fire wood soothe her into a deep sleep, but when oblivion was pulling at her eyes she felt safe enough to submit to it.

Weeks had passed and Asterin had spent them in Pádraig’s bed healing while he brought her food and water and applied salve whenever she was in discomfort.

Astrien was confused on why he was doing this, but she did like being treated and taken care of. It was strange, but she became accustomed to him speaking softly to her, distracting her when she tried to stand a day too early and ripped her stitches. She had of course been in worse pain and the Matron had told her to walk it off.

She couldn’t help the oily feeling that stained her soul. Was she becoming weak?

No. Surely her body and mind were just tired. At the end of the day she knew who she was.

Asterin Blackbeak. A weapon. A witch. A being who was never distracted by the heart. Who never had one.

“I am going out to hunt,” Pádraig’s voice sounded soft in her ears.

“I’m coming with,” Asterin decided, standing on perfectly healed legs. Well, almost healed. The poison was out of her system fully but she still had a few hours before her fae side fully healed her.

He gave her a long look, “no.” he said simply as if he could demand anything from her.

She crossed the cabin floor and reached for her clothes, putting on her leathers as she said again, “I’m coming with.”

He sighed and shook his head strapping a bow to his back. “You are not fully healed.”

Asterin didn’t respond, only continued to pull on her boots and grab her baldric of knives, strapping it across her chest.

He stepped closer to her and Astrien didn’t retreat one inch. “Your legs are not fully healed.” his brown eyes flared gold so quickly Asterin thought It may have been a trick of the light, but there was no sun during the winters in the white fangs.

Was he mortal? She hadn't scented anything else other than the mundane pine and snow off of him.

“I’m coming.” she started for the door. She had already missed days of kills. The Matron would be disappointed when she returned.

Pádraig just sighed and followed behind as she walked off into the snow blasted forest.

Asterin had been tracking a group of Crochens before she was injured. She might be able to pick up their scent again.

She walked silently through the forest and so did the man behind her. She could barely hear the crunch of snow and ice under his foot.

Stealthy, she thought. She would have to watch out for that.

After the full day of hunting she was unsuccessful in finding the Crochens scent. Pádraig was carrying a weeks load of game, while she was empty handed.

When they made it back to the cabin he had announced that she was going to make dinner. Astrien busied herself by searching for an iron wood tree to carve a new broom stick.

when she returned the smell of stew made her empty stomach grumble.

“You are beautiful,” Pádraig muttered before sleep took him.

Asterin had been staying with him for a month and a half now, helping him hunt while she carved her broom.

She knew she should be hunting for Crochens and spending more time working on her broom so she could leave. But this man in front of her was preventing her from doing anything else other than being with him.

Many men had called Astrien beautiful before, but the comment had never made her feel as beautiful as it did coming from Pádraig lips. His lips that were now slightly parted breathing in and out evenly. Astrien knew she could watch him for the rest of the night, but she needed her sleep.

They had been sleeping in the same bed for a while now, trying to conserve heat in the cold winter nights. Even though Astrien ran hot and rarely felt the bite of cold, she… she liked being held.

She had never been held like this before. Not by her mother, or any lover she had ever had. She knew what it meant. She knew how disappointed the matron would be if she found out Astrien had been subject to these human emotions, but Astrien couldn’t stop herself as they filled her chest.

“So the witches used to live in the wastes?” Pádraig asked, sitting next to the fire on an especially cold afternoon.

Asterin nodded, smiling. “That is our home, but the curse the Crochens created prevents us from returning.”

He nodded and looked down for a moment contemplating. “Well, until then this can be your home.” he looked back up at her smiling. “It can be a place to lay and rest for a while,” he continued. “A place of peace.”

Her smile widened, but sadness started to cloud her vision. She wanted this to be her home more than he could understand. There wasn’t another place on this earth she would rather be. And it wasn't a good thing. It made her chest ache and her eyes grow wet.

She didn’t feel her tears, only Pádraig thumb brushing them away. 

“What's on your mind?” his voice was so soft, Astrien thought she might die if she never got to hear it again. She knew she would die if she never got to see him again.

Instead of answering, Asterin gently brushed her lips against his, hoping he understood what she couldn’t voice. The more you spoke of your fears the more real they seemed.

Pádraig returned her kiss with the sweetest pressure that had Asterin melting into his touch.

She had never been kissed like this before. With this much emotion guiding their lips, creating passion that was all consuming.

Asterin dragged her lips over his cheek and down his neck, feeling especially hot even in the winter chilled night. His answering groan told her he felt the same.

Her wandering hands had found the edge of his shirt and pulled it over his head. Asterin had assumed he had a nice build from hunting and the way his shirts always looked tight around his shoulders, but she never could have braced herself from seeing him without a shirt.

His pale freckled skin was all hard cut lines showing off how brutal he could be. Asterin thought it was strange how in contrast his body was with his soul. While his lean stomach had defined sharp lines his words seemed to be made up of all the softness in the world.

Asterin pulled him into another kiss that made everything other than them cease to exist.

Pádraig tore away from her mouth and picked her up with unwavering strength as he brought her over to the bed. 

Their clothes came off despite the cold that was of no importance to them anymore. Nothing else was other than this feeling Asterin couldn’t yet voice.

When teasing touches turned into hard thrusts that had Asterin moaning and gasping for air she knew what she felt. When the passion exploded, clarity washed over her as she studied Pádraig breathing heavily above her.

His hazel eyes flared gold as they met with her own. He leaned down and placed the sweetest kiss on her lips whispering, “I love you, Asterin.”

He kissed her and they were once again swept up by the devotion their bodies moved against each other with.

When they were both utterly spent, Asterin was lying on his chest listening to his soft voice, and heartbeats.

“The week before I found you in the woods,” he started, fingers trailing up and down Asterin’s spine. “My brother passed away.”

Asterin looked up at him then, but his eyes were focused on the wall. “My mother was a healer. She had magic in her veins.” that explained his eyes, Asterin thought brushing her thumb over his cheek in a soothing motion. Encouraging him to continue talking.

“I tried to heal him, but–” his voice broke. “But I didn’t have enough power.” he paused and took a deep breath, and Asterin didn’t know her chest could hurt this bad from seeing someone else in pain. But it threatened tears in her eyes. 

“His loss hurt so much, I was so consumed with grief. The day I found you in the forest I had planned… I had planned to end things.”

A tear fell on Asterin’s cheek. This man, this wonderful light that could never be replicated almost burned itself out.

Asterin shook her head in disbelief, the tears preventing her from forming coherent words.

“But then I found you,” he smiled up at her, wiping away her tears. “And you gave me a purpose, Asterin. You saved me.”

He leaned up and kissed her tear stained cheeks, and that was when Asterin felt it. Her heart. She did have one after all. Pádraig just had to turn it on for her.

And for the first time in Asterin’s life she voiced the words that threatened to destroy her. “I love you,” she whispered through her tears. “I love you,” she repeated, the words giving her strength.

Admitting the feeling was unlike she had thought it would be. Love was never a weakness, it was a strength. And it didn’t just save Pádraig but Asterin as well.

—-----------------

Let me know if anyone wants a part two when all the sad stuff happens. I just didn’t think I could write it today without crying my eyes out, but if anyone wants me to I will power through. Anyway I hoped you liked it!

side note: I want to also write more stories about the throne of glass parents like Elide’s and Aedion’s parents.