#Journaling for Discovery and Delight

[enthusiasticallydawn]

Journaling Onward to Discovery and Delight

Today is the first day of the new year. There is no better time to begin writing a new chapter in the story of your life. Do you keep a journal? Are you one who loves to write, reflect and keep your memories tucked in notebooks? Or are you someone who has spent more time thinking about journaling, but can’t quite see the value of it? Or maybe you are one who has dabbled here and there with…

[t00thpasteface]

"i see so much drama on my dash" "i keep scrolling past so many bad takes on my dash" SKILLLLL ISSUUUUE. curate your experience. all i ever scroll past is cool fanart of my favorite characters, links to journal articles about recent paleontological discoveries, and photos of delightful ancient clay drinking vessels

[bonesandchalamet]

lessons in french- t.chalamet

pairings: timothee chalamet x reader

warnings: google translated French

a/n: first post on this account 😁 my main is @thatsdemko 🫶 feedback is always appreciated xx

“and how do I say ‘I love you’ again?”

“Je t'aime.” he says, mouth full of a buttery croissant you fetched from the bakery across the street. it’s your morning ritual, the boy who lives across town comes to your apartment and you get him “New Yorks finest croissants”— at least that’s how he puts it as.

your recent discovery was of his ability to speak a different language, French that is, and ever since you’ve been begging for lessons due to your upcoming trip to Europe. you could say New York public school systems failed you, as you barely remember a lick of the words he makes you repeat.

“and what about stop making a mess of my sofa.” you scowl brushing the pastry crumbs that scatter the cream colored seats. he mumbled a sorry as he finishes his last bite, a delighted moan escapes his lips.

“why the sudden interest in the language again?” he asks brushing his hands on his pants rather than using the crummy paper napkin that’s already wadded up and disintegrating from the butter of his hands.

“because I’m going to Europe in three weeks! I can’t look like an idiot.”

“certaines choses ne peuvent pas être changées.” he lightly giggles shaking his head watching your face scrunch up trying to dissect the sentence, but you fail. some things can’t be changed

you huff an annoyed sigh, arms crossed over your chest, “I wish I never bought you that croissant years ago.” you joke watching his acting skills come to life as he pretends to be hurt.

“now you’re just being straight up rude, amour.”

—

“so when a nice guy offers me a drink at the club what should I say?”

“J'ai un petit-ami.” the same buttery croissant fills his mouth, he watches you saunter across your tiny New York City living room. he admits, you not knowing any French is fun for him. it means he has all control of what you repeat back and what you write in your journal for the trip. this one might’ve just been the icing on the cake. I have a boyfriend

“J’ai un petit-ami? doesn’t that mean something else?” you question, head cocked to the side watching him shake his head in response as he swallows the pastry.

“nope.” he replies, reaching for the hot coffee you’ve provided him, he slurps the contents watching your pen move vigorously across the page. he thinks it’s cute how focused you are, he loves how close you hold the notebook to your face and how you spell out the words in a way only you will know what they mean.

“so are all French people assholes? I’ve been reading up on your people.”

he laughs, “my people?” he watches the red hue light your face, hands up in defense, “that’s what the internet says!”

he laughs once more telling you to never believe the internet, although he did play you into thinking the words “I have a boyfriend” mean something completely different, so maybe he is apart of that collective group.

—

“repeat it to me once more, amour.”

“Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?” do you want to sleep with me tonight

he chuckles a little to himself trying to find a serious tone, “that’s exactly what you should say to the cab driver.”

you chuck an orange at him watching his hands go up in defense as he allows the fruit to hit him the arm, two of you laughing, “this isn’t funny, Timmy! I leave in twenty-four hours!”

he watches you collapse against the cream colored sofa beside him, legs extending into his lap, “how am I supposed to order croissants for you across the world?” you bat your eyelids in an affection way, it’s your last hope to get help— the pastry was already the key to his heart. it gets him to do anything.

“what a dilemma that is.” he shakes his head, fingers tangling through his curls that fall in front of his eyes, “just don’t forget your notebook and you’ll be fine. do you remember how to order?”

“un croissant š'il vous plaît.” a croissant please

“tu est parfaite.” you are perfect

—

his phone buzzes in his pocket, it hasn’t even been a full day since you landed in Paris and you’ve been buzzing him like a mad woman. it’s his first time being in your place alone, he’s in charge of watering your plants. he notices you’ve left him money for his croissants and an extra key in case he misplaces the one you already gave him.

“bonjour mon ami how is Paris?” he picks up the phone plopping down onto your cream colored sofa and pressing speaker so he can listen and eat.

“did you know j’ai un petit-ami is I have a boyfriend?! you lied to me!”

he laughs, the familiar sound spreads a smile on your face despite your angry tone, it’s nice to hear him. even if you’ve been texting him, his voice is what you miss right now, “I guess you’re right my people are assholes.”

“damn right, chalamet! and I learned a little something from the bartender last night, tu es un connard!” you are an asshole

“Je t'aime!”

[lumosatnight]

23 Fic Recs 2023!

This year has definitely been a year. I've devoured so many wonderful fics by so many amazing authors. Thank you @hprecfest for the super fun rec categories and for some fic inspiration! Here are 23 fics that I read and loved in 2023 (although some are quite a few years older) ordered by ship.

🌼 - fluff | 💔 - angst | 🔥 - smut

—

💫 DRARRY ��

1. A post-canon fic

The Discreet Gentleman's Connection by pluto (gayrights420) [Drarry, E, 80.4k] 🌼🔥 I had the absolute pleasure of beta-ing for this fic, so when I say it is amazing, it truly is just that. Fast burn on the smut via Floo sex, slow burn on the in-person falling in love. Satisfying in all the best possible ways.

2. A fic that made me laugh

AITA for being "obsessed" with my childhood nemesis? by @rainstormradish [Drarry, M, 4.3k] 🌼📲 Draco on a reddit forum is hilarious just on its own, but the banter and formatting really bring this fic to life. Amazingly creative, had me in stitches!

3. A comfort fic

The Eighth Tale by @letteredlettered [Drarry, E, 12.0k] 💔⏳ An oldie but a goodie. I constantly find myself coming back to this fic and having my mind blown every single time. Time travel timey-wimey angst.

4. A fic with art

Dating Draco - A Visual Game by @itsphantasmagoria [Drarry, M, Video Game] 🌼🎮 This is a fic in video game form!! Amazing art and lovely story where YOU get to make the choices for Drarry's happily ever after.

5. A favorite series

The Journal of Dreadful Things by @lilbeanz [Drarry, G, 112k, WIP] 🌼📖 Hilarious, witty, AND COMES WITH ART!! Lilbeanz draws and writes a wonderfully delightful series starting from Draco's First Year. His characterization had me in hysterics. Book 4 is starting soon!

—

💫 COMMON SHIPS 💫

6. Fic with the hottest smut

Moonstruck by @prettyremus [Wolfstar, E, 3.8k] 🔥🐺 Found this gem while scrolling through the werewolf smut tag (don't judge me). I love the switch in dynamic with Sirius taming Remus's wolf through, ahem, rough sex.

7. An unreliable narrator fic

Sea of White by @dividawrites [Harrymort, E, 8.6k] 🔥🤍 Deliciously hot, creepy, and strangely sweet. Love their dynamic here, the unrestrained lust. Harrymort "die" and lose their memories, so, of course, then they bang.

8. A fic that made me cry

Far Apart, Far Away by @unmistakablyoatmeal [Hinny, minor Drarry, T, 1.6k] 💔💍 Infidelity angst has never been this good. I love the layers of emotion in this fic. Quick punchy sections that really pulled me in.

9. A Muggle(?) AU fic

Pleasant Hope by @ac1d6urn, @sinick [Snarry, E, 41.6k] 💔⛪️ Pastor Severus!! The angst, pining, and self-discovery in this fic is superb! I love the interwoven magic and detailed world-building of this little town.

—

💫 RARE PAIRS 💫

10. A fav amongst faves

The Last Trial of Peter Pettigrew by @sleepstxtic [Prongstail, M, 20.8k] 💔 🐀 Holy moly, this fic!!!! Is this my new favorite fic?? Possibly. The concept is brilliant, so creative and nuanced. The Peter character study using outsider perspectives is genius. Seamlessly balances canon and new scenes.

11. A pre-canon fic

Careless by @tax-onomic [Luther, E, 1.5k] 🔥🪞 Lucius/Arthur my beloved rare pair!! I am captain of the Luther ship, and Tax's fic hits all the right spots. The pining, the sniping, the prickly personalities with emotional vulnerability underneath! And all in the middle of a hot smut scene. Perfect.

12. A canon-compliant fic

Scottish by thepadfoots [Chedric, G, 749] 💔🌟 Lovely Cho character study focused around her Asian identity and the boy she loved.

13. A fic rated G (more like T though)

Lion-Hearted Girl by MinnieQuill (odainath) [Minmione, G, 4.5k] 💔🦁 I know the large age gap might scare some, but their relationship feels very organic in this fic. The setting is grim, but there is always hope in the darkness!

14. A fic rated T

You're So Vane by @patriceavril [Romelina, T, 6.8k] 🌼💄Romilda is so delightfully characterized, I was smiling through the entire fic. Angelina is the perfect foil (and love interest) to Romilda's attentions.

15. A rare pair fic (less than 2000 fics on AO3)

Snakeskin by @cntrl15 [Bellastoria, E, 3.7k] 🔥👠 Talk about a rare pair! Astoria/Bellatrix only has 2 tagged fics on AO3: this fic and the drabble I wrote based on it. But read this fic, and you'll see why I felt the need to write more in this universe.

16. A fest fic

Master of None by @nanneramma [Snormac, G, 5.5k] 🌼🧘 Severus is so wonderfully cranky, and Cormac is fine AF. The surprise pairing of 2023 that I never knew I needed and now I'm obsessed with!

17. An under-rated fic

Sun, Shadow, Shade by @naomijameston [Snuna, G, 700] 🌼☀️ Post-war fluff. Sunshine Luna is the perfect match for sullen Snape. A short and sweet fic for this underrated ship.

18. A canon-divergent fic

but somebody's gotta do it by nocturn [Pangulus, T, 920] 😄🧟‍♂️ This fic will make you say WTF but also huh, okay that totally works. The concept is WILD but Lyra executes it wonderfully. Pansy drags Regulus out of the inferi lake and they flirt a little while he gets de-corpsified lol.

—

💫 POLY SHIPS 💫

19. A dark fic

In his embrace by @loneamaryllis [Snarrymort, het!Snarry, E, 48k] ⚡️👀 Dark and dirty but so so good. A Voldemort Wins AU where fem!Harry is taken as prisoner. Snape's mindset as he tries to save her (and is forced to rape her) is so twisted and mesmerizing. Mind the tags!

20. A thought-provoking fic

Icarus by @thistlecatfics [Millvansy, M, 20.0k] 💔🍾 War trauma, addiction, codependency! This fic is messy with emotions but has a strong, beating heart underneath. I am in love with Parvati as she deals with Pansy's addiction and Millicent's denial — three beautiful, imperfect girls.

21. A holiday fic

A Time, Dark and Divine by @moonflower-rose [Dronarry, E, 17.0k] 🔥⛱ HOLY FREAKING FUCK!! The sexual tension in this fic is off the freaking charts. Drarry seducing Ron while on vacation in Portugal. Sign me the fuck up!

—

💫 GEN 💫

22. A favorite fic under 5k

The Scrunchie by @saintsenara [Lightning Era Girls, G, 4.5k] 💖👭 Such a lovely look into some of the female background characters, all following the path of a single scrunchie. Lisa, Padma, Parvati, Hannah, Sally-Anne.

23. A fic with an ending I can't stop thinking about

Through the Middlegame by @sandervansunshine [Astoria & Peter, T, 6.6k] 💔♜ Devastating, heart-wrenching, tragic. 10000% would recommend. Kylee has already heard me screaming in the servers about this fic. If I could get a fic tattooed straight onto my brain, this would be it.

—

💫 BONUS RECS! 💫

A podfic

Plenitude by @wilfriede, written by eldritcher [Amelmione, M, 14 min] 💔🥀 Amazing voices, amazing music, amazing ambience. Wilfriede really brings one of my fav Hermione/Amelia Bones fics to life in this podfic!

A comic

War Prize by @mrviran [Snegulus, Reggiemort, M, Comic, WIP] ☠️🐍 The panels are awe-inspiring. I am HOOKED on this comic. The murder and the TENSION. Ughhhhh so good. I am so invested in Severus's arc!!

A self-rec (completely self-indulgent)

For I Have Found Salvation by @lumosatnight [Snarry, E, 7.1k] 🔥✝ My first time writing Snarry! Priest Kink, church sex, and blasphemous religious imagery. Priest Severus is oh-so-tempted by Teen Harry. So fun to write and even more fun to go back and read as a guilty pleasure.

—

⚡️ Want more fics to read? ⚡️

Try my rec tag: #lumosinthelibrary

Year in Reading, b-day oneshots, WLW Library

[jessread-s]

Thanks to the NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

✩🧚‍♂️🪡Review:

Fawcett saves the best for last with this thrilling conclusion to her Emily Wilde series!

Picking up where book two left off, “Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales” follows Emily Wilde and Wendell Bambleby as they seize the throne to Wendell’s long-lost kingdom and free it from its curse.

I absolutely adored watching Emily flourish in this final installment! With pressure mounting at the thought of becoming Faerie’s first mortal queen in centuries and a deadly curse threatening the realm, Emily, being the brilliant scholar she is, rises to the challenge and uses her skill-set to her advantage. I loved further immersing myself in Faerie and its lore through the tales Emily includes in her journal alongside her musings and research. As she draws upon faerie storybooks to find a solution (this time with the help of new friends and old), Emily makes one of her greatest discoveries yet—there is power in embracing yourself fully. 

I was captivated by the story and the way it calls back to previous books in the series. Fawcett masterfully raises the stakes, thereby quickening the pace, all while maintaining the cozy atmosphere readers know and love. To my delight, she also ups the romance in this one! I cannot get over how perfect Emily and Wendell are as a couple! I seriously am head over heels for them. Even when the two were separated, they still managed to fuss over each other, Wendell doing so via letter correspondence. I adored reading his messages, as they are filled with heartfelt yearning. Their good-natured banter, black cat / golden retriever dynamic, and their deep understanding of one another remain a highlight for me.

I am thoroughly satisfied with how this series wraps up, but also leaves the door open for more adventures! I sincerely hope more books set in Faerie are on the horizon, because I don’t want to say goodbye just yet!

Cross-posted to: Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads | StoryGraph

[mexicanpadfoot]

2024 Fanfic Journal

I tried, gimme a star sticker please ⭐️

Last year was fun because not only I joined the Marauders fandom and stopped experiencing happiness, I also tried my hand at being a ✨thoughtful journaling girlie✨ which obviously didn’t last long lol. But regardless of my lack of artistic skills, I sorta finished my calendar overview!

These are not all the fics I read, they’re only the long-ish ones (over 40k I believe) that could count as a book if someone asked me why I spend four hours a day reading. I read the fantabulous amount of 124 fics and books, mostly fics, during the year. Each square in the calendar represents a day, so I can recall how much I read that day.

Now for the Hall of Fame! 🪄

These fics are my personal crème de la crème that I either read or reread during 2024. I’ll go out on a limb and recommend every single one of them because they’re outstanding, pieces of literary perfection, holy scripture. Of course I just started out with the Marauders in 2024, but there’s also some S-tier Dramione in there. Here are the links, in no particular order because, how could I?

Chew me up but don’t spit me out by damagecontrol.jpg, Jegulus.

Stripper!Regulus and Sugar Daddy James? Latino James, who makes me feral? Black brothers angst? Gender discoveries, euphoria, found family, drama because of course, and also great smut? This fix was like if Nic waddled into my brain, wringed out the story I didn’t deserve but 1000% needed, and clicked post. Also the epilogue is in Jalisco, Mexico, where I’m from? Insane 20/10.

But what a way to go by R33sesPieces, Wolfstar.

I believe this is Crack treated seriously? ITS SO GOOD! Remus is a serial murderer, he marries nasty rich old dudes and offs them. His next target? Sirius Black, of course. Except Sirius totally knows and it turns him on? Murder attempts as foreplay should be added to the tags. It’s funny. It’s hot. It has idiots in love that are trying to kill each other. The side characters are up to no good either. It’s amazing. Also, Reese is a delight, their notes and answers to comments are so thoughtful and make me feel like I’m reading something my friend wrote.

Dear Your Holiness by MollyMaryMarie, Wolfstar, some Jily.

This fic gave me total Fleabag season 2 vibes. If that isn’t enough to sell you on it, Priest!Remus and Seductress-from-hell!Sirius should. The slow burn slow burns soooo good, there are discussions of religion, identity and doubt in a way that wrapped my little deconstructed from religion heart in a warm blanket, but it’s also half secret identity, half texting fic? It’s to die for!

Only the Brave by Solmussa, Jegulus, Wolfstar.

I don’t think I need to tell you about Only the Brave. It’s dark. It’s heart-wrenching. Regulus is a certified badass in this. James, as always, is a simp for that man. It has one of my favorite “Sirius finds out” in the whole universe. The characters feel like adults, like people, not just characters, you know? Incredible. I actively fight my tbr every day to go back in and reread.

Crimson Rivers by bizarrestars, Jegulus, Wolfstar, Dorlene.

I actually resisted reading this one for the longest time (five months is a long time, they said) because crossovers have never really been my thing. BOY WHAT A DISSERVICE. The Hunger Games is an amazing series and Harry Potter is not, but damn does Zar deliver. I really know my Hunger Games lore and still I was on the edge of my seat. I went through so much pain. It’s beautiful. Also, James with a knife kink? Hilarious.

Circle of the sphinx by SanguisDominia, Dramione.

A new pureblood terrorist group on the rise, a stuck Potions Mistress and teacher at Hogwarts Hermione, a secret society that protects its members identity with strange, obscure magic, vampires, grand balls and Hermione having to learn how to ride a broom? This consumed me for four days, I ignored all my other responsibilities. The reveals? The animagus secrets? That one murder omg iykyk?

BLOODY, SLUTTY AND PATHETIC by WhatMurdah, Dramione.

Holy shit this was hot. Bantery. Believable. Grown adult characters dealing with a shitty Marriage Law. But there’s also Black family magic going on, bribery, fuckery, Theodore Nott being a little shit, Neville being a badass Plant DaddyTM. It’s so fun, they even gaslight the press in this. 11/10.

Love and other historical accidents by PacificRimbaud, Dramione.

Time travel Regency(ish) AU! Wearing cravats! Pretending to be siblings! leeching off a poor old man Idiot 1 and Idiot 2 claim is their cousin! I ADORE the cousin with all my heart. Messing around with Time Turners! Scandalizing the ton! Broom racing! Petty Jealousy! Take your pick, it’s all done perfectly in this. I found it so dammingly endearing. I hold it close to my heart.

Divination for skeptics by OlivieBlake, Dramione, PottNott.

I’m a depressed bitch, humor isn’t usually my thing. This one made me CACKLE so much I had to get my inhaler. Best banter ever. Everyone is deranged in this. The PottNott is not what you’re expecting but also it’s exactly what you think you’ll get after reading a couple pages. Theo attempts to rob Gringotts just to get Harry’s attention. It has one of my favorite confession scenes ever.

Draco Malfoy and the Mortyfing Ordeal of Being in Love by isthisselfcare, Dramione.

Another classic I’ve reread so many times. Killer nuns, lycanthropy, toodling about the country side, human on mushroom violence. Also Brigitte got mainstream published? So proud of that girlie.

Final thoughts 🕺🏻

Im excited to do this again now that I’ve got an idea of what it actually entails, and now that I’ve read most of the very popular fics in the fandom. I’m having a blast reading smaller authors and discovering more amazing works. I’m delving into other fandoms also and reading WIPs with more hope and strength because damn it’s hard but also authors are the backbone of the community and they deserve to be hyped while they write, for free, for us!

This year I’ll be using erins_escapism ‘s fanfic tracker spreadsheet as well to document shorter fics I read as well. It’s incredibly well done, check them out on instagram if you’re curious!

I’d love any recs you’d like to share, specifically Drarry and wlw ships that are not Dorlene, for some reason I just don’t vibe with those two girlies. And if you see something too freaky no you didn’t, thank you very mucho.

Don’t like, don’t read, support creators, break a leg, you know the drill. I download most if not all of what I read so if you need help finding something or getting a file, send me a message :)

Love you, funny people on the internet that sometimes like what I post 🩷✨

[thecagedsong]

Okay, so I've seen a lot of complaints about the writing in totk, but I think the critiques are taking too narrow a view. Sure the arcs seem flat if you start from the point of Zelda and Link traveling below hyrule castle, but I don't think that's where you, the viewer, are supposed to start. You're supposed to start the story from the true ending of botw, and in doing so, the character arcs become not only beautiful, but complimentary and fulfilling. Spoilers under the cut.

Why should you start at the end of botw instead of the start of the game? Easy, because the game has to start in medias res, it's the nature of the game, but the story the game tells starts where botw leaves off.

They did this in botw. The game starts in the shrine of resurrection, but the story starts with Zelda's first journal entry/memory and the story is really about discovering your own fall and the rebirth that comes after destruction once hope exists in the light. The character arcs are about Zelda going from stubborn isolated powerless princess to conquering evil with the power of love. Link goes from the stoic knight that puts up with every expectation and falls to Link the amnesiac going at his own pace, at his own freedom, and succeeding.

The same way botw's story starts 100 years earlier, you have to start Zelda and Link's totk arcs from the true ending of botw. From the girl that had come to terms with her own powerlessness and sought to begin rebuilding from ash and the boy who fulfilled his one task, and is still choosing to use his freedom to help the dethroned princess rebuild.

The way Zelda is written is beautiful if you start from there. Because botw ended with her accepting that she had worth and duty beyond the golden power, and totk tells you how she showed that worth through service to her people. That girl that dreamed of being a scholar became a school teacher. That girl that had to fight so hard for her father's love and was convinced that everyone hated her own powerlessness? In her powerlessness she shared her knowledge with people and became loved for it. That girl who we left seeking the Zora, the only people that would remember her, when almost no one knows about the princess who was locked in the castle, is now known throughout the land. The girl that was missing for 100 years with only the sheikah remembering her, she disappears and the whole kingdom fights to find her.

The girl we saw walking away from the ruins of her home and her cage, listening to the distant goodbyes of her long-deceased loved ones, now has a home in Hateno where children run up to her house with just as much love screaming her name.

Now, in the middle of her arc, the start of totk, Zelda goes to confront the ghosts of Hyrule castle. In all her adventures in the time skip, Castletown and the castle are nowhere on the list. They are as destroyed as they were at the end of botw. BUT she has healed and grown, and is now strong enough, and ready enough to fulfill her duty, that she can return.

But she doesn't come back as it's princess, seeking to rebuild, she comes back as the archeologist, seeking to plunder its secrets. She hides the Champion's tunic there, (with a riddle involving light) and gasps in delight over all the archeological discoveries that had laid hidden beneath her feet all these years. She can handle the empty castle as a scholar.

But then she's in the past, and she's without Link, and she's meeting the people that established the kingdom she let fall to ruin. Zelda learns about the importance of being unified, as seen from her requests to the ancient sages, a central theme of totk. Zelda faces her own powerlessness when Mineru tells her there is no way back, and when Sonia begins to teach her control. Zelda immediately despairs over ever having the control and power Sonia wields, and it's the same frustration she had with her golden power when she was younger. But she asks for and accepts help this time (like she should have from Mipha in botw) and she gains control and power and it isn't enough in the past, but she knows how to make it enough.

Having united the sages, they watch her sacrifice in a sign of respect. The sheer ceremony of the moment is like nothing we've heard about what Zelda was like during the time skip. It isn't Miss Zelda the teacher that built a school in hateno, or Zelda the scholar that walked through Hyrule castle, it is once again Zelda the Princess making this sacrifice to swallow the stone.

It's meant to parallel the moment in botw where Zelda gets swallowed up by the Calamity. But you can see that she is surer of herself, centered, unafraid, and she does not ask Link to save her. She is not praying and looking back and asking Link to come save her. Instead, she tells him to save Hyrule. And it has meaning because she is also Zelda the scholar and Zelda the teacher and the thousand of other things we learn about her activities during the time skip. That is the hyrule she wants to save. That is the Hyrule she seeks to unite by asking the sages to bind their people to help Link in the future.

(She pressed the sword to her chest in a way that mirrored her stabbing herself, this time it is Zelda who died so that Link might live in the future.)

When Zelda tells Link that she's come home, you cannot say she has not changed from the homeless girl who had just learned to accept that her worth did not lie in birthrights and golden power. Zelda had learned her worth in the skills completely absent of any power, political or golden, but in the second half of her arc took up power and leadership again because that was what Hyrule needed of her. Because of the examples of Sonia and Rauru and because her fallen kingdom wasn't united and it needed to be. She is so much more complete than at the ending of botw, or even the start of totk. She has retaken the mantle of Princess, but she knows what it is about now and I don't know how else to say it if you aren't getting it.

Then comes Link, whose flexibility as the player has always required a less complex character arc, and probably deserves its own post, but I want to give it a quickshot anyway. Link leaves off botw probably still missing most of his memories, with the mastersword on his back, this time choosing to protect and walk with Zelda on her journey around Hyrule.

In the time skip, we learn that he sticks to her like glue. Princess Zelda and Link are perpetually paired by the people of Hyrule. Link barely even registers in people's memories without Zelda around, because he hasn't truly left her in all 5-7 years during the timeskip. He is known (again?) as 'Princess Zelda's loyal swordsman'. Is that a sign of him reclaiming some of his past life? Could be. What's important to learn about Link in the time skip is that he is no longer alone. Which is a big step from botw ending Link, who was always alone and had just begun traveling with Zelda again. From the rootlessness of botw, to saving Zelda, to making Zelda the place he always chooses to be, that's how Link's grown in the timeskip. He is no longer alone because he has Zelda.

He has someone worth fighting for now, he has memories of someone precious, someone he scours Hyrule to find. Link's freedom in botw was about discovering himself, but in totk, he is using his freedom to do everything to go to her. HE HAS A HOME NOW AND ITS CALLED ZELDA. Investigating rumors, walking into obvious traps, asking everyone and their dog about her. The goal of the game is to find Zelda. Bring her back.

And then you learn about Zelda's transformation. You see her crying. He pulls each of her tears and memories into himself. And this time it's Link asking 'do you really remember me?'. He has to take up Zelda's role and bring the amnesiac back to herself, give her back her memories. The job's not done because he found her transformed, she needs her memory back, it's not done until she's back and knows herself.

This arc is coupled with Link confronting his own failures. He was at the height of his powers when the demon king Zapped him and he let Zelda slip through his fingers. He failed her, just like he did before. And the people that do recognize him without Zelda all ask him where she is, and he has to admit he failed to them too, something he didn't have to do in botw.

But unlike botw, where he failed and the solution was to get strong enough not to fail/be strong at the same time Zelda is, in totk, the solution is to unite with allies. Unite the tribes, accept their help, and only then is Link and crew strong enough to take on the demon king.

It is only when he also takes up the mantle of Rauru and Sonia and unites Hyrule into a single force, it is only when he accepts aid from the past and pulls their vision of hyrule into the future, that he gets Zelda back. Zelda needed to learn how to take up being a princess again for the sake of Hyrule. Link needed to learn how to unite Hyrule for the sake of Zelda.

And though I would have liked Zelda to be a little dragonish, or Link to deal with being an amputee, it doesn't bother me that much because their arcs weren't about that. I don't think it makes the stories bad writing.

But you have to start from the true ending of botw to get that.

[prettyboysdontlookatexplosions]

medialog july 2k24

watched

the seven samurai - classic that holds up IMO!! like lawrence of arabia, one where you can see why basically every person to make a movie since cites it as a formative influence. lots of really beautiful shots but what really stood out to me was how human it felt - small scale but not in a way that means "minor," in a way that emphasizes that even the smallest of scales is everything to the people living it. every character feels so real and carries such a sense of a life lived, thanks to both the writing and the absolutely wonderful performances. it feels so empathetic and compassionate and warm even though it's ultimately a war movie - one of those movies where you get the sense a fundamental love for humanity is one of the animating creative impulses. also toshiro mifune, one of the hottest people ever to live, spends the back half of this movie, to quote nick, dressed like hercules with his ass hanging out and it's incredible.

tank girl - every single Look and Aesthetic in this movie is an absolute 100/10 and lori petty is a foul-mouthed delight, but wow was I not prepared for how much of this movie is about the discovery of a secret underground society of kangaroo people

read

megan whalen turner, the thief - a pair of friends of mine basically shoved this into my hands when i was at their apartment with the promise of great craft & an ending that goes crazy. the first in the series of six, this one is more or less a sturdy and fairly straightforward middle-grade adventure story, and while it was at times a little heavy on descriptions of the characters making their way across various types of terrain, overall my interest was sustained by a few things: a clean, deliberate writing style that washed me in nostalgia for the middle-grade classics of my own youth (which this could have been - it came out in 1996 - but somehow i never came across it); a setting deliberately out of any real historical time but clearly influenced in Vibes by (among other places) ancient greece, which contributed to the nostalgia; glimpses of a convincingly rendered mythology (and the fascinating choice, which continues throughout the series, to render the characters' occasional glimpses of the actual divine as more unsettling than anything else); and a wonderfully compelling set of characters, above all gen, the book's narrator and the series' central character (although not most of the books'), who as i said a while ago is a classic blend of clever, brave, and incredibly annoying to everyone he meets.

monique wittig, the straight mind - collection of essays by a french lesbian feminist/theorist i first heard of, to be very honest, because adele haenel was one of the panelists at an event at the local french bookstore and i wanted to see her in person, lmao. the first essay in the collection opens with a call to abolish the concept of sex, which is one of those claims i'm not sure i actually endorse or even fully understand but find really invigorating to read, all of which more or less applies to my experience of the collection as a whole (including the part where i was not sure i was always following it). i did particularly appreciate her interest as a writer (she was a novelist as well as a theorist) in language and the role it plays in upholding gender/the work of imagining a way to play a role in dismantling it. and i found her general rejection of "the myth of woman" quite bracing.

rick emerson, unmask alice: LSD, satanic panic, and the imposter behind the world's most notorious diaries - i heard about this book on an episode of you're wrong about before i stopped listening and it was in fact an incredibly entertaining and fascinating bit of light nonfiction about a truly bonkers episode in american publishing history. go ask alice is the obvious draw here, but a large chunk of the book is devoted to "editor" and professional liar beatrice sparks's follow-up, jay's journal, which emerson reveals to have, in fact, started as the actual diary of a suicidal teenager whose family entrusted it to her in the hopes that their dead son's pain might somehow be able to help other families prevent similarly tragic outcomes... only to have sparks expand his few dozen entries into a story of the absolute most insane satanic panic ground zero nonsense (this book predates michelle remembers!), but somehow leave in enough identifying details that everyone in the family's small mormon town knew exactly who it was about. truly truly monstrous and if emerson sometimes veers a little close painting sparks as a cartoon villain, it's honestly hard to blame him given how much time he spent contemplating this unbelievably heinous act.

courtney summers, i'm the girl - the simplest way to describe this book is to paraphrase the author in some interview i can't remember as a story about a girl who confuses beauty for power because that's what the world has told her is true; it's emotionally rough but highly readable, and as always i just so admire summers' lack of interest in morality tales or lessons learned, her keen understanding that having a sixteen-year-old being groomed come suddenly and fully into a perfect feminist analysis of what's happened to her would make the book more palatable to some but ultimately be a betrayal of the character she'd created. summers has alluded in her newsletter to this book, loosely based on research about the epstein/maxwell case & the testimony of their victims, closing the chapter on the first arc of her career as a writer - eight thorny, painful novels about interior lives of teenage girls struggling with themselves and the world they live in - and it feels like a fitting capstone, one that both calls on the skills she's developed over the years and feels like it digs even more deeply than the project into an area of interest that feels fitting for an author who started writing YA in her early 20s and is now in her late 30s, namely, how to write a book that makes space for real empathy with a young person naive enough - some might say, and indeed some have said, stupid enough - to be well and truly taken in? (and i think one of the smartest things the book does is foreground early on how badly its protagonist doesn't want to be thought of as stupid, which is part of what makes her vulnerable and part of what makes processing the reality of what's happening to her so difficult.) also, despite the fact that romance has never been a huge or simple part of summers's novels, she's always had a knack for crafting a YA dreamboat love interest, and as someone who it turns out was figuring out her sexuality in her 30s around the same time summers was - it was great to see her do it again but this time with a girl :)

ted chiang, exhalation - my friend recommended me this because i was looking to read more sci-fi short stories but running into my perennial problem with sci-fi which is that frequently the writing is bad. ted chiang is pretty good! i liked how much he clearly conceives of or intuits that form & story are one and the same - almost all the stories in this collection take the form of a document that has some in-world reason to exist, which keeps the style feeling fresh and which he often uses to merge character work & sci-fi concepts in a cool way (as in a story with the fascinating premise that creationism is real but earth is not god's favored planet). it was unfortunate that the longest story in the collection was by far my least favorite, being both the most subject to sci-fi bland prose disease and focused on a concept it is impossible for me to muster interest in (the ethics of digital sentience... they're pictures on a screen...). the last story, the only other one written in the third person, suffered a little stylistically as well, but made up for it with an INSANELY good premise, which is that it's a multiverse story focused on a variety of psychological challenges people might have in response to learning for sure parallel universes are real - there's a support group for people addicted to checking in on their parallel selves! that's the most awesome multiverse concept i have ever come across.

evelline adams, astrology for everyone - astrology got less fun when the ratio started shifting of people viewing it as A Fun Pretend Thing to people taking it very seriously, but i do retain the same aesthetic appreciation for the particular kitsch of vintage astrology writing that i did when i borrowed this from my friend several years ago.

patrick radden keefe, rogues: true stories of grifters, killers, rebels and crooks - a collection of 12 of keefe's new yorker #longreads that i read because (a) i liked empire of pain, his book on the sackler family, a lot (b) i'm trying to get back into my library ebook habit to keep me away from Scrolling and hopefully learn some things and substantive-but-still-easy-to-read journalistic nonfiction is my favorite genre for this purpose because i don't feel i lose anything by reading it in 5 minute snatches while waiting for the train, and (c) his other books had all the licenses checked out. anyway this gave me what i wanted! i think my favorite was the one about wine fraud just because i think wine fraud is funny because anyone shelling out crazy money on wine deserves to be scammed so it's basically a victimless crime. the book closes with his profile of anthony bourdain, which is a really lovely read although incredibly sad in retrospect because bourdain comes across as so full of life and would die the year after it was published.

megan whalen turner, the queen of attolia - book two in the series, and everything is growing up a bit, as we shift from an adventure story to a war story, from gen's narration to an expertly deployed omniscient/shifting third, and from an irrepressible protagonist to one Truly Going Through It. this book kicks off strong by opening with a set of circumstances that permanently and painfully changes gen's circumstances, and the question of how he's going to process this and move forward drives a lot of the emotional suspense of the book. it also upends our understanding of a character introduced in the first book en route to an absolutely insane romance that shouldn't work but in its quasi-mythical context absolutely does. i tend to prefer hard copies for fiction, but starting here and for every book after i got to the end and went straight to the library app so i could keep going.

megan whalen turner, the king of attolia - THIS BOOK SLAPS SO HARD IT'S UNBELIEVABLE!!!! at first you're like, WHY is the narration primarily focused on some random no-name member of the royal guard we have never met before? but then you realize it's so that the entire book can be propelled by the dramatic irony wherein we, readers of the series, know gen well at this point and also know exactly how and why things went down the way they did at the end of the last book, but almost no one else does and (partly because of the ways he is annoying) many assumptions are being made... so a lot of the "suspense" in this book comes from, like, when is this new guy's understanding of gen going to start aligning with ours? it's soooo cool and something i don't remember reading in a series before (although i don't read a ton of series), and this book is, like, relentlessly entertaining on its way to its insanely satisfying conclusion, and also contains two of the most romantic paragraphs i have read in my LIFE despite the fact that the couple they center on barely appears together in the book.

megan whalen turner, conspiracy of kings - we catch up with a character from the first book who's been having a rough go of it and now needs to toughen up a bit in response to his circumstances. i think as a novel this is maybe the weakest of the set but as a character i love my sweet baby sophos so much i would have read 500 more pages. also contains one of the DUDES ROCK scenes of all time.

megan whalen turner, thick as thieves - this one picks up with a minor character from book two that i was happy to see again, because he really punched above his weight in terms of interest. it kind of combines the adventure-story of the first book with the dramatic irony as suspense of the third, and both the narrator and the central dynamic between the two main characters are delightful. this book has the least gen of all the books and i did miss him but it was funny how intensely his whole Deal hung over the circumstances regardless, and also despite the fact that the ending of literally all of these books so far has involved the reveal of some five-dimensional chess magic trick, so to speak, and thus i knew logically it was coming, i once again found myself so swept up that i was fully :O when it all went down.

megan whalen turner, return of the thief - an incredibly satisfying ending to the series, even if it left me sad that it was over! as was often the case with these books, it was, like, so satisfying that part of me almost felt like it should feel like cheating... but it didn't and i was just so happy to be there rooting for all my close personal friends. also the narrator of this one is a new character who is both physically disabled and nonverbal, and a) i thought that was generally pretty cool and the way the text engaged with people underestimating him was interesting and b) the descriptions of him as a kid being fascinated by triangles & numerical patterns was THEE most endearing thing i have read in my life.

listened

willow, empathogen - i don't know why willow decided to put out the best tori amos record since scarlet's walk? but i'm glad she did, because this album rocks! (and, like, seriously, if you're a tori person, you owe it to yourself to check this out - the influence is strong and undeniable, IMO, and on its own merits the album sounds gorgeous and takes you on a rich and textured sonic journey, even if you do maybe get the sense that being the very rich daughter of two incredibly famous millionaires in the entertainment industry is an impediment towards having all that much to say as a lyricist.)

other

anna di resburgo - my friend had an extra ticket to a short-lived production of this, the only surviving bel canto opera by a woman (recently assembled for performance from its discovery in some archive). it was only her second aria and as per the program notes kind of flopped, possibly partly due to its thematic similarity with another opera first produced around the same time by donizetti, by then an acknowledged master of the form while di resburgo was a novice (she had previously composed one opera, which has since been lost, and none after, although iirc she did some other composition) (also disclaimer that i know very little about opera, like just barely enough for all that to kind of make sense to me lol). anyway the work is uneven and (as my friend pointed out) oftentimes the music, while pretty and sometimes interesting, is at odds tonally with the plot - the plot is in theory quite dramatic with life-or-death stakes but for much of the runtime the music feels more suited to a farce - and the libretto is... not a piece of well constructed drama overall or scene to scene or line by line (there are some, like, accidentally comical exposition dumps along the lines of "father, do you remember that mysterious orphan that showed up on our doorstep all those years ago?"). but it was not without its highlights, and we agreed that as a second outing it showed promise we wish the composer had received support for the way men with similarly Just Alright second operas did.

inwood shorts - we went with some friends (actually the same friend as above) to see some shorts by local filmmakers at a place in inwood with an incredible view of the river featuring on that day an unbelievably gorgeous sunset and while nothing really wowed me a nice time was had by all & there was a big laugh in the crowd when the guy in a short giving a little "tour of my neighborhood" schtick said "for a while i lived in this place upstate called yonkers." :)

[affairs-of-dragons]

Chapter 3

Jinx, with the shard of eggshell tucked safely away, turned his attention back to the cavern. A restless energy thrummed beneath his scales, a familiar urge to explore, to categorize, to understand. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this place than met the eye, more secrets hidden within its depths. Unlike Sparks, who seemed content to stay within the familiar confines of the clearing and Lyra's lessons, Jinx craved the unknown, the challenge of discovery.

He set off through a narrow passage, his numerous pouches clinking softly with each step. The air grew cooler and damper as he ventured deeper into the cavern system, the luminous fungi casting an eerie glow on the rough-hewn walls. He passed strange formations – towering stalagmites that resembled petrified dragons, glistening pools of water that reflected the shimmering light, and clusters of crystals that sparkled like a dragon's hoard. He meticulously documented each discovery, making notes in a small, leather-bound journal he carried in one of his pouches.

He eventually reached a section of the cavern that was markedly different from the rest. The walls here were smooth and polished, almost as if they had been carved by hand. The air was warmer and drier, and a faint, sweet scent hung in the air, a fragrance that reminded him of… something. He couldn't quite place it.

He followed the passage, his curiosity piqued, until he reached a small, circular chamber. The walls here were lined with shelves, but unlike Lyra's archive, these shelves were filled with tools, gadgets, and strange contraptions. Jinx's eyes widened with delight. This was a treasure trove of mechanical wonders, a tinkerer's paradise.

He spent hours exploring the chamber, examining each item with meticulous care. He found gears and cogs, levers and pulleys, wires and circuits, all arranged in a seemingly haphazard fashion, yet somehow imbued with a sense of purpose. He recognized some of the items – tools he had seen Lyra use, gadgets he had read about in her books – but others were completely foreign to him, their function a mystery.

As he delved deeper into the chamber, he came across a small, secluded alcove. A soft, moss-covered bed lay nestled within, and beside it, a workbench cluttered with tools and half-finished projects. Jinx recognized the familiar scent of oil and metal, the comforting aroma of creation. This was his space, his sanctuary, a place where he could tinker and explore to his heart's content.

He settled onto the bed, exhaustion finally catching up with him. He closed his eyes, the shard of eggshell pressing against his chest, a comforting weight. He drifted off to sleep, his mind filled with images of gears and cogs, circuits and wires, and the strange, elusive pattern that seemed to connect them all.

In the flickering realm of dreams, Jinx saw glimpses of a world beyond the cavern, a world of swirling colors and shifting shapes. He saw Sparks, their blue eyes wide with wonder, their tail swishing excitedly as they explored a vibrant garden. He saw Lyra, her emerald scales gleaming in the sunlight, her amber eyes filled with a fierce protectiveness. And he saw himself, a shadowy figure lurking in the background, observing, analyzing, understanding.

He saw the pattern again, the intricate design that seemed to connect them all. It was on Sparks's pouch of seeds, on the shard of eggshell he carried, on the walls of the cavern, on the very fabric of this world. It was a pattern of creation, of connection, of belonging.

And then, the dream shifted.

The vibrant colors faded, replaced by a chilling grey. The playful shapes twisted into jagged edges, sharp and menacing. He saw a figure, shrouded in shadows, its form writhing with a silent pain that resonated deep within him. He felt a surge of fear, a primal instinct to flee, but he was rooted to the spot, his claws digging into the moss bed.

The figure turned towards him, its face still hidden in shadow, but its eyes… Jinx could feel their gaze piercing through him, cold and accusing. He wanted to look away, to escape the chilling scrutiny, but he couldn't. He was trapped, caught in the grip of the dream.

He woke with a gasp, his heart pounding in his chest. He sat up, his gaze darting around the chamber, searching for any sign of the figure, but there was nothing there. Only the familiar tools and gadgets, the comforting scent of oil and metal, the soft glow of the luminous fungi filtering through the entrance to his alcove.

He clutched the shard of eggshell tightly in his claw, its comforting warmth a welcome anchor in the unsettling aftermath of the dream. He was left with a lingering sense of unease, a feeling that there was more to this world, more to himself, than he had ever imagined. He was connected to Sparks, to Lyra, to this strange and wondrous cavern, in a way he couldn't fully comprehend. And he was no longer sure if he wanted to understand.

Lyra, meanwhile, had retreated to her own private chamber, a spacious alcove hidden deep within the cavern system. The air here was warm and dry, filled with the comforting aroma of herbs and spices. A small fire crackled in a hearth, casting a warm glow on the smooth, polished walls. Lyra knelt before a low table, her emerald scales gleaming softly in the firelight. She carefully arranged a collection of dried leaves and flowers on a flat stone, her claws moving with a practiced grace.

Tea time. A ritual she had carried with her through countless seasons, a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the chaos of creation. She selected a small, clay teapot from a shelf and filled it with water from a nearby spring. She placed the teapot on the fire, watching as the water slowly heated, tiny bubbles rising to the surface.

As she waited for the water to boil, her thoughts drifted to Sparks and Jinx. She had brought them here, to this carefully crafted haven, to protect them, to nurture them, to help them grow. But sometimes, she wondered if she had made the right decision. Sparks was so young, so vulnerable. And Jinx, she knew his brash confidence was masking a deep well of insecurity. The past… it cast a long shadow, threatening to encroach upon the fragile peace she had created.

She closed her eyes, a wave of weariness washing over her. She had seen so much, experienced so much. The weight of responsibility, of protecting Sparks from… that… pressed down on her like a physical burden. She wasn't sure if they were remembering, if the fragments of something lost, something painful, were seeping into their dreams, their thoughts, their very beings. She hoped not. She needed to protect them, to shield them from the echoes of a world they were not ready to face.

She opened her eyes, her gaze drawn to the swirling steam rising from the teapot. As she watched the steam dance and twist, she saw a fleeting image, a vision of a young dragon, its scales a vibrant yellow, its eyes filled with a boundless joy and curiosity. Flicker. A name whispered on the wind, a promise of warmth and light. A smile touched Lyra's lips. Perhaps there was hope after all.

But then, the image shifted, the colors darkening, the joy fading. She saw a figure, shrouded in shadows, its form contorted with a pain that resonated deep within her. A being, not quite dragon, not quite kobold… familiar yet unsettling. She could feel the weight of a past she couldn't escape, a past that threatened to unravel the delicate balance she had so carefully constructed.

She blinked, the vision fading, replaced by the familiar sight of the steaming teapot. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. She couldn't afford to dwell on the past. She had a responsibility to Sparks, to Jinx, to the future of their kind. She needed to be strong, to be vigilant, to protect them from the shadows that lingered at the edges of their world.

The water in the teapot reached a boil, its gentle whistle breaking the silence. Lyra poured the hot water over the dried leaves and flowers, watching as the liquid turned a deep, rich amber. She inhaled the fragrant steam, the soothing aroma calming her nerves. She took a sip, the warm liquid spreading through her, a comforting warmth that eased the tension in her muscles.

She closed her eyes again, focusing on the present, on the task at hand. She would protect them. She would guide them.

Sparks, nestled in a cozy nook within Lyra's archive, was engrossed in the leather-bound volume. Sunlight, filtered through a crack in the cavern ceiling, illuminated the pages, casting a warm glow on their scales. Their brow furrowed in concentration as they traced the ancient script with a claw, their tail swishing gently back and forth. The story of the First Hatching, of the creation of their world, unfolded before their eyes, filling them with wonder and a sense of belonging.

But as the light in the cavern began to dim, Sparks's eyelids grew heavy. They yawned, a small puff of smoke escaping their nostrils, and rested their head against the cool stone wall. The book slipped from their grasp, falling open to a page filled with intricate diagrams of constellations, stars that mirrored the patterns on the pouch of seeds, the shard of eggshell, the very walls of their world. Sparks's breathing slowed, their chest rising and falling with a gentle rhythm. They drifted off to sleep, the world of the book fading into the realm of dreams.

At first, the dream was a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and playful shapes, a whirlwind of sensations that mirrored the joy and wonder Sparks felt exploring the cavern. They soared through vast chambers, their wings catching the shimmering light of the luminous fungi. They chased playful creatures with iridescent scales, their laughter echoing through the tunnels. They curled up in a warm, mossy bed, a comforting presence watching over them, a gentle hand stroking their scales.

But then, the edges of the dream began to fray. The colors dulled, the shapes distorted, the laughter fading into a distant echo. The familiar world of the cavern dissolved into a hazy blur, replaced by a scene that felt both alien and strangely familiar.

Sparks found themselves in a dimly lit room, the walls closing in, the air thick with a suffocating tension. They were no longer a dragon, not quite. Their form wavered, shifting between scales and skin, claws and wings and… something else. They looked down at themselves, their vision blurry, their perspective skewed. They saw small hands, pale and fragile, clutching a worn teddy bear. They felt a wave of vulnerability, a sense of being small and powerless.

The scene sharpened, the hazy edges solidifying into frightening clarity. Sparks saw a young… boy? The boy was not quite dragon, not quite kobold, a creature caught between worlds. The young being seemed no older than six, curled up on a bed, his eyes wide with fear, his body trembling. The room felt cold, sterile, the air heavy with a suffocating dread.

A figure emerged from the shadows, its form looming large, its features obscured by the dim light. Sparks could feel its presence, its power, its menace. A wave of terror washed over them, a primal instinct to flee, to hide, to protect themselves from the encroaching darkness. But they were trapped, their body frozen, their voice caught in their throat.

The figure approached the bed, its shadow falling over the boy, engulfing him in darkness. Sparks could see the boy's eyes widen in terror, his breath coming in ragged gasps. They felt a surge of empathy, a deep connection to this unknown boy, a shared sense of vulnerability and fear. They wanted to reach out, to comfort him, to protect him, but they couldn't move, couldn't speak, couldn't even breathe.

The dream zoomed in, the perspective shifting, merging. Sparks was no longer just an observer; they were the boy, experiencing his fear, his helplessness, his utter despair. The figure loomed closer, its presence a suffocating weight. Sparks wanted to scream, to fight back, but their body was paralyzed, their voice trapped in a silent scream.

Suddenly, a loud CRACK echoed through the cavern, jolting Sparks awake. Their eyes flew open, their heart pounding in their chest. They scrambled to their feet, their gaze darting around the archive, searching for the source of the noise. They saw a large stalagmite, dislodged from the ceiling, lying shattered on the floor, its fragments scattered like fallen stars. Dust motes danced in the air, illuminated by the soft glow of the luminous fungi.

Sparks took a deep breath, trying to calm their racing heart. They were safe. They were in Lyra's archive. It was just a dream. But the lingering fear, the sense of violation, clung to them like a second skin. They glanced down at their dungarees, their face flushing with shame as they felt the telltale dampness. Their clothes were dry, but beneath them, their diaper was soaked, a testament to the terror that had gripped them in the dream. A tiny trickle of warmth escaped the diaper, a final, humiliating reminder of their vulnerability.

They looked around the archive, hoping Lyra hadn't heard the commotion, but the chamber was empty. They were alone. And the echoes of the dream, the shadowy figure…

The silence of the archive pressed in on Sparks, heavy and suffocating. The echoes of the dream clung to them, the shadowy figure, the sense of helplessness, the terror. They were alone, their small body trembling, their breath coming in ragged gasps. The dampness beneath their dungarees, usually a source of shame and anxiety, was now a distant concern. All they wanted, all they needed, was comfort, reassurance, a safe haven from the storm raging within them.

"Lyra!" they cried out, their voice a choked sob. "Jinx! Help!"

The words echoed through the cavern, a desperate plea for connection, for solace. They didn't care about appearing weak, about needing help. They just wanted the fear to stop, the shadows to recede, the warmth of another presence to chase away the chill that had settled deep within their bones.

They crumpled to the floor, their tail curled tightly around them, their body wracked with sobs. The tears flowed freely now, hot and heavy, blurring their vision. They whimpered, small, broken sounds that echoed through the silent archive. The fear, the shame, the vulnerability – it all poured out of them in a torrent of raw emotion.

Suddenly, a pair of strong arms enveloped them, lifting them from the cold stone floor. Sparks looked up, their vision blurry with tears, and saw Jinx, his crimson eyes filled with concern, his expression surprisingly gentle. He held them close, his body a warm, solid presence against their trembling form.

"Shh, Sparks," he whispered, his voice soothing, "it's okay. I'm here. You're safe."

He rocked them gently, his claws stroking their scales, his warmth seeping into their chilled body. "I love you," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "You're my favorite. I love you. You're my favorite." Jinx gently pressed his forehead to Sparks, whispering again. "I love you. You're my favorite."

The words, unexpected and strangely comforting, washed over Sparks like a balm. They clung to Jinx, their claws digging into his scales, their tears soaking his shoulder. They had never felt so safe, so protected, so loved.

Lyra appeared at the entrance to the archive, her amber eyes wide with alarm. She rushed towards them, her scales gleaming in the dim light. "Sparks! What happened?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

Jinx, without missing a beat, continued to rock Sparks, his gaze fixed on the hatchling's tear-stained face. "They had a nightmare," he said, his voice calm and steady.

Lyra's brow furrowed, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. She had hoped to shield Sparks from… something… to create a haven where they could grow and thrive without the burden of… something else. But it seemed her efforts had been in vain.

"Lyra," Jinx said, his voice firm, "we need to get Sparks cleaned up. Their diaper…" He trailed off, gesturing towards the damp patch on Sparks's dungarees.

Lyra blinked, momentarily startled by Jinx's assertiveness. She was used to being the one in charge, the one who provided comfort and care. But Jinx, despite his usual brashness and cynicism, had stepped into the role of protector, his empathy and tenderness surprising even her. "A towel," Jinx continued, his voice taking on a decisive edge. "And warm water. And something soothing… lavender, perhaps? And a fresh diaper, of course." He looked at Lyra expectantly, his crimson eyes unwavering.

Lyra, momentarily thrown by Jinx's unexpected authority, simply nodded. "Yes, of course," she mumbled, turning to gather the requested items. She couldn't deny the efficiency with which Jinx had taken control of the situation, but a part of her felt… displaced.

Jinx, meanwhile, gently laid Sparks down on their moss bed and began to unbutton their dungarees, his claws surprisingly deft. He whispered soothing words as he worked, his voice a calming presence in the midst of Sparks's distress. He reached into one of his many pouches and pulled out a small, smooth stone, polished to a high sheen and faintly warm to the touch. He placed it in Sparks's paw, its comforting weight a familiar anchor.

Lyra returned a moment later with the requested items, along with a small, soft object that resembled a pacifier, crafted from a pliable resin and filled with a sweet-smelling nectar. As she approached, she noticed the stone in Sparks's paw and her eyes widened slightly. She recognized it – it was a piece of polished amber, a relic from a time long past, a time before…

She pushed the thought aside, focusing on the present. She knelt beside Sparks, her movements brisk and efficient, taking charge of the situation once again. She gently took the stone from Sparks's grasp, replacing it with the pacifier. Sparks instinctively latched onto it, their sobs softening into gentle whimpers, then popped it into their maw.

Lyra, with a practiced hand, quickly changed Sparks's diaper, her touch firm but gentle. She then helped them into a looser set of clothes, her movements efficient but not unkind. As she finished, she noticed Jinx watching her, his expression unreadable. She met his gaze for a brief moment, a silent acknowledgment of his unexpected competence.

Sparks, lulled by the warmth of the pacifier and the soothing scent of lavender, drifted off to sleep, their breathing finally evening out. Lyra and Jinx watched over them, a shared sense of concern and protectiveness filling the silence of the archive. Lyra, with Sparks finally settled and sleeping peacefully, turned to Jinx, her expression a mix of gratitude and a touch of… something else. Resentment? Perhaps. She wasn't used to sharing the role of caretaker, especially not with Jinx, who usually seemed more interested in analyzing data and tinkering with gadgets than offering comfort and affection.

"Thank you, Jinx," she said, her voice carefully neutral. "Your assistance was… unexpected, but appreciated."

Jinx nodded curtly, his crimson eyes unreadable. "Of course, Lyra," he replied, his tone formal. "It was no trouble at all." He paused, his gaze lingering on Sparks for a moment, a flicker of concern crossing his face. "I trust they will be alright?"

Lyra nodded, her voice regaining its usual authority. "They will be fine," she said. "Just a bit shaken. They need rest."

Jinx inclined his head in acknowledgement. "Then I shall return to my duties," he said, turning to leave. "If you require any further assistance, do not hesitate to call."

Lyra watched him go, a wave of conflicting emotions washing over her. She was grateful for his help, truly, but she couldn't shake the feeling that he had somehow usurped her role, that he had encroached upon her territory. She was the protector, the caretaker, the one who provided comfort and guidance. But Jinx… he had shown a tenderness, an empathy, that she hadn't expected. And Sparks had responded to him, had found solace in his embrace.

She pushed the unsettling thoughts aside, focusing on Sparks. She gently lifted the hatchling, cradling them close to her chest. Sparks stirred slightly, their pacifier falling from their mouth with a soft plop. Lyra chuckled softly and replaced it between their lips, a soothing gesture that calmed their whimpers.

"There, there, little one," she murmured, her voice soft and reassuring. "It's alright now. You're safe."

Sparks, still half-asleep, nuzzled against Lyra's chest, their small claws gripping her scales. "Lyra?" they mumbled, their voice thick with sleep.

"I'm here, Sparks," Lyra replied, her voice a low rumble that vibrated through their small body.

"I… I had a bad dream," Sparks whimpered, their eyes fluttering open. They looked up at Lyra, their blue eyes filled with fear and confusion.

Lyra's heart ached for them. She gently stroked their scales, whispering soft reassurances. "It's alright, little one," she said. "It was just a dream. You're safe now."

Sparks clung to Lyra, their small body trembling. "It felt so real," they whispered, their voice barely audible.

Lyra nodded, understanding dawning in her eyes. "I know, little one," she said. "But it's over now. You're here with me, and I won't let anything hurt you." Sparks closed their eyes, their breathing gradually evening out as Lyra continued to rock them gently. They felt safe in her embrace, their fears fading away.

Lyra sat there for a long time, cradling Sparks, whispering soft lullabies, her own anxieties simmering beneath the surface. She had created this haven for them, this sanctuary from the shadows. And she would do everything in her power to protect them, to shield them from the pain, the fear, the echoes of a world they were not ready to face. But a nagging doubt crept into her mind. Was she doing the right thing?

But then, she looked down at Sparks, their small body nestled against hers, their breathing slow and steady. A fierce protectiveness surged within her, a primal instinct to shield them from harm, to nurture them, to guide them. She might not have all the answers, she might make mistakes along the way, but she would never give up on them. She would be there for them, every step of the way, offering her love, her support, her unwavering belief in their potential.

She opened her eyes, her gaze filled with a newfound determination. She would not let the shadows consume them. She would not let the past define their future. She would help them create a new path, a path filled with hope, with joy, with the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

[rippersz]

hey!! first of all 'to people watch one person' is heavenly and always such a pleasure to read ♡ i have a request which, may or may not make sense, but i'll just blame it on college and lack of sleep.

i'd love to see Larissa and reader in the "i'm in love with you, and it's terrifying" kind of scenario. yk Larissa likes having control over her life, and the reader just makes her absolutely weak. i'll leave the specifics up to interpretation, tbh do what you will with it ❣️

𝘼𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Cinnamon.

That was the scent that filled her lungs; that swirled around her head like a cartoonish fog; that made her eyelids flutter with delight.

Cinnamon. Cinnamon and rainwater and Lily of the valley. That’s the first thing Larissa noticed about her - the perfume, the remnants of her baking, the walks she took through the forest. It clung to her clothes, it laid itself upon her hair, it followed her like a plague Larissa wished she could contract each day. Such a simple thing… a simple thing that became noticeable. A simple thing that led to the discovery of other simple, noticeable, things.

Like bubbling laughter and soft skin. Like precious curves and a bright smile. Like perfect posture and searching eyes. So beautiful…. So enchanting… it made Larissa stumble. It made her mind trip over its own feet and scramble for something to grasp on to. And her heart was, of course, the nearest organ to catch. And thus, the nearest organ to dangle from - by a very very thin thread.

‘All these years, focused and undistracted. And now this…’ Larissa’s thoughts resembled a tornado as she relaxed into her seat at the Weathervane.

After a few hours spent chaperoning and checking up on some of the kids, the principal knew that she just needed a break. Her aching feet agreed and eventually decided to take her for a cup of coffee - thus allowing the chance to stew over a previous realization. Oh yes, a realization that was thoroughly messing with her way of life.

Earlier in the week, during a night spent in bed with a worn journal open in her lap, Larissa Marie Weems realized that she had feelings. And not just any ‘feelings’ - not just the type of feelings where one experiences butterflies or smiles at the sun and thinks of the object of their affections oh no no no no. Larissa Weems was feeling love. Love! Her, of all people, of all professional figures and wonderful role models, falling into love.

And with a normie, on top of all of that!

It felt like sacrilege… even though the normie was kind. Even though the normie was kind… and smart… and knew exactly what to say. Even though her smile rivaled the moon’s glow and her laugh could be heard above Heaven’s symphony; even though said symphony could never compare to the sound of her voice; to the way she said Larissa’s name- ‘La-riss-a’- with so much softness and so much appreciation that it made the shapeshifter want to melt into a puddle of never-ending love. Love, love, love. It sounded like a damning mantra, and yet at the same time it sounded like a prayer. A declaration. Something she wanted to scream from all of the rooftops in the world.

“I love you!” She wanted to yell. “I love you and I’m so bloody scared that loving you will ruin me!”

‘Because it just might.’ Larissa thought to herself. It just might.

For as she said- years upon years of being the upstanding principal that she was; of taking care of her students and faculty and keeping the traditions alive; building Nevermore’s personality and popularity back up from where it had been stamped into the ground. All of the dedication that she had - the late nights, the weeks where she barely ate, the times where she had to count to ten in the bathroom and let the world come back to her… all because she was busy. All because she was doing her job. Making everything right. Making everyone happy.

She made it through all of that, and yet still- still!- she was defeated by love in the end.

That was her number one weakness she supposed. The one thing her enemies should be aware of and use to take her down: the love she had for others. The love she held for her students, her faculty, her friends, her alumni. The love that she came to hold for one woman in particular. A normal woman… with no supernatural capabilities and no ties toward Nevermore at all… a lovely woman that looked at Larissa and didn’t see her as intimidating or too feminine or a toy for one’s sick pleasure. A woman that smelled of cinnamon, rainwater, and Lily of the valley - a woman that liked to bake gingerbread cookies all year round, no matter the season; a woman that enjoyed taking walks in the woods and running her hands along rain-kissed leaves; a woman that sprayed her perfume on each morning and reveled in the fact that it was her ‘signature scent’ (as she always called it). And the kindness that ran through her was infectious - it lit Larissa up like a Christmas tree every time she got to see her.

But that was, unfortunately, not so often. For what on Earth would the esteemed headmistress of Nevermore Academy have to do with a little post office clerk? A young woman that ran the front desk of Jericho’s post office, who spent her time around letters and boxes and stamps and different prices for this, that, and the other… what could she possibly want with someone like Larissa Weems? A ‘hardass’ as some claimed; a woman that was secure in herself and her job but apparently not in her heart. Just another one of those people with a facade - though for her, it was doubled. She was no gorgon or werewolf or vampire, so to anyone else she looked normal. Just another woman going about her day - but the itchy need to be something or someone else every once a while constantly pushed against the surface of her skin. The girl at the post office, that sweet young woman, knew that. Well, more specifically, she knew Larissa was Nevermore’s principal. So she knew she wasn’t normal. She knew she wasn’t like her.

…Yet she still smiled at her anyway. She still greeted her with a wave and a kind word and the kind of bright eyes that made Larissa feel special. And that sweet young lady, with her soft looking hands and unique way of dressing and the way the curve of her jaw met her ear and ran from her ear to the slope of her neck and- well- to put it simply so she didn’t get carried away, Larissa knew she had stumbled upon treasure.

Though if she were being entirely honest with herself, it was the kind of treasure that the pirates found in an action-comedy film that left them cursed after they touched it. Like ancient gold that they draped upon their necks and realized later was the exact reason why they failed at their mission. Larissa did not have a mission, but she did have a heart. A big heart to pump blood and love throughout her body; but with that big heart, she had done herself a disservice over the years. Turns out that repressing romantic love during a time of strife was a terrible decision and would only lead to a future in which ‘emotionally stunted’ became her middle name. But that wasn’t something she wanted anymore. That wasn’t something that suited her. Not when the woman with glowing eyes and pretty cheekbones said hello to her - and not when she went out of her way to drive to Jericho and see said glowing-eyed woman, even if there was no mail to attend to.

Even if-

“Larissa!”

Blue eyes shot up, leading to a lot of blinking as her staring contest with the coffee cup in her hands ended abruptly.

‘Ah’, the principal then thought to herself, ‘Speak of the angel and she shall appear.’

And there she was indeed. Walking over to her table with a smile on her face, looking every bit like a child born from sunshine and starlight. It took every bit of willpower left in Larissa’s body to keep her from springing up and rushing forward to envelope the gorgeous darling in a hug. Thank goodness the mixed scent of cinnamon, Lily of the valley, and rainwater followed her as she took a seat in the booth across from Larissa.

“Long time no see, huh?” She sounded a bit out of breath - and looked it too, with a heave in her chest and a darker blush across her cheeks and the tip of her nose. Goodness, the sight was so endearing that the principal felt a smile melt onto her face without any hesitation at all.

“Indeed- it has been quite a bit, hasn’t it? How have you been?” In reality it had only been two weeks, but because Larissa was too damn nervous to ask for her phone number, it felt like a century.

“Good, good! All the better for seeing you,” and then she winked and Larissa felt her heart squeeze at those words. “How have you been?”

“I- good as well, yes. I apologize for not stopping by earlier, I assumed you were busy.” And that was true - she did think she was busy once she looked through the window and saw the line nearly out the door. But aside from that, she was also nervous. Larissa had been described in the past as overbearing, she didn’t want to be that way again. Not to the beautiful woman in front of her. The same woman that leaned back in her seat, waved a hand nonchalantly, and ‘psshtt’ her comment away.

“Rissa, you know I always have time for you. No matter what. I don’t care if I’m- I dunno- drowning in letters! I’d still make time for you.”

Larissa felt the breath in her lungs dissipate while her heart pressed to her breast. It begged, itched, clawed to run free. It ached within her chest, wanting to spill into her coffee and onto the table and make itself known to the angel. Because to say things like that to a woman like her was dangerous. It was- it was dangerous and reckless and silly and utterly utterly terrifying. To give Larissa Weems hope, to tell her that you wanted her company and that you’d make all the time in the world for her, was a one way ticket to finding your own name etched into her heart. Perhaps that was the result of a life filled with denied emotions and relationships that lasted only a month or so… or it was the most realistic honest side of Larissa anyone could be privy to. Because deep down, she knew she was a romantic. And she knew that falling for women was like a second language. And she knew that allowing herself to fall for the post office lady with her honeyed words and sublime smile was a risk.

Unfortunately, she had become a bit of a daredevil recently - and risks seemed to be a frequent thing she dabbled in.

“Rissa?”

…

“Babes? You there?”

She blinked, then cleared her throat quickly as the angel came back into her vision. She looked concerned, waving her hand a little bit with a small nervous smile on her face; and Larissa nearly jumped out of her skin at the sight of it.

“Yes! Yes, yes, apologies. I was merely lost in thought. I’m sorry for worrying you,” she gave her a sweet red-lipped smile.

“That’s okay, happens to the best of us,” the young woman replied warmly before she leaned forward and reached across the table to rest her hand on Larissa’s, “you alright?”

‘No,’ she wanted to respond immediately as the woman’s warmth seeped through the fabric of her glove and ran itself right into her veins, ‘no, no, I’m not alright. I’m not alright at all. I’m not alright because I’m in love with you and I have absolutely no idea what to do about it. Goodness I’m not even sure if there is anything that can be done. Because how do I forget someone like you? You with your- you with- ugh you know you are absolutely terrible. Did you know that? That you’re plaguing me? Making me think of you nearly all of the time? Are you doing it on purpose? Am I going mad? It’s about time… I’ve spent this long maintaining my sanity, one would think Wednesday Addams would be the thing to push me over the edge but no. It’s you. Gorgeous, precious, you. And what am I to do about it? Absolutely nothing. Because you’re ‘normal’ and I know that if I told you that you existed in my dreams, you’d send me right back to Nevermore. Yes, you’re an accepting woman, but that doesn’t mean you want me like I want you. And I want you. Trust me when I say I want you. And trust me when I say I’m terrified of that. It has been so long since the last time I’ve wanted, and now that I do… now that I do, I’m unsure if I can allow myself to give into it. Mother did always say that wanting anything led to disappointment; I do not think you will disappoint me, I merely… fear… that I will disappoint myself. And I don’t want that, darling. I don’t want that. I just want to love you. I promise I do. But… well. There’s simply too much to say, isn’t there? There’s simply too much to admit. And I don’t want to ruin your Saturday.’

But she couldn’t say that. No, she couldn’t say any of that. So instead she just smiled, turned her palm over, and squeezed the young woman’s hand.

“Of course I’m alright. You’re here, aren’t you?” And once Larissa watched the way she grinned, handsome and adoring, she knew she had made the right choice.

‘Seeing your happiness in person,’ Larissa thought to herself then, ‘is far better than only seeing it in my dreams. And that has to be enough.’ It has to be.

Otherwise, Larissa wasn’t sure what she would do. And that? That was perhaps the most terrifying thing of all.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Thank you for being my first request dear anon! I hope you like it; I made the love interest purposefully vague. I have some more requests to do now, but leave some more if you’d like! - Ripley x

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

[thegreenhordes]

The room is dark, the flickering of a fading candle the only source of illumination. The tiny flame casts the faint shadow of a looming figure, tall and thin even as he sits- Null, the Stranger, he who came from nowhere and keeps his secrets close to his chest. A sound floats through the room, his lab and library. His quill glides across the parchment of his research journal as he muses over his discoveries. One long ear twitches as his writing comes to an end. Null stares long and hard at the paper with his one eye, his gaze sharp. He is unmasked, a prominent scar across his muzzle on display. He does not know that his privacy is breached in this moment, does not know that you are watching, again. A sigh escapes him. "No matter the progress made, it never feels like enough," Null mumbles to himself in a frustrated, defeated tone. "But it Has to be enough..." Opening the curtains to glimpse outside Null's thoughts screech to a momentary halt. Annoyance becomes his cardinal emotion now as he stares down the body laying in the road. Only its' hind quarters are visible from here, but the trail of still red blood tells him this was recent. Likely within the past hour. "Damn it- Another one? Fresh too..." He muses "Better clean up before it attracts strays." Green magic floods the dark of the room as the medical drawer is opened and a bandage wrap pulled out. Null carefully begins to wrap his legs, bitten and sporting tiny streams of blood. Then, he moves to his right eye, placing a medical patch over the dry, empty socket. Finally he reaches his torso, riddled in bites. They bleed still like his legs, but much in the way scabs bleed when peeled- Null has long adjusted to the repeated scabbing of his bites that never fade. "The number of infected grows ever larger, I fear my research is getting me nowhere." A light flashes from a broken mirror- just his magic catching the glass? "Should I alter course? Take the risk and seek audience? No. No, not yet... I still have time." A tiny voice interrupts him from beyond the door. "Null?" Asks Penny. "I'm coming, I'll be there in a moment." When Null opens the door he must bend down slightly to walk through, just enough that his horn doesn't catch on the door frame. Penny is waiting right outside the room, and positions herself as close to him as she can get as she cranes her neck up to look Null in the eye. She whines, the tiniest pout on her face. "You were in there aaaaaaall day! I ran out of snack rations." He hears her stomach rumble, and finds it safe to assume she's been hungry for a little while. A tiny bit of self loathing strikes him before he shoves it away. "How tragic." He tells her in a monotone voice, though he gives her the tiniest of smiles to reassure he means well. Penny shuffles on her front hooves a bit as sudden excitement shines in her eyes. "Ooooh can you make me some Cream of Wheat? Please Please Please!" His young charge begs, her two-toned eyes staring into his very soul. She's long learned that Null has a hard time saying no to her, and uses it to her advantage often. Null begins to walk around her, his hooves making nearly no noise as he moves. "Oh Alright." He says, his smile widening as Penny squeals in delight from behind him. She rushes ahead and towards the Kitchen. "Yaaaay!" The Filly cheers as she vanishes from the hallway. [Always there, always watching. What happened to him? You've doomed them all.]

[enthusiasticallydawn]

The Best is Yet to Come (Day 1)

Today is the official first day of our Fall Into Journaling journey. Each day for the next 21 days at 12:01 AM there will be a new prompt for you to respond to in your journal-Why on earth that time? At some point while planning it seemed a brilliant idea to me, but really now that we are here, I’m thinking …why, Dawn? Anyway, here we are at the onset of our journaling journey, and I want to…

[thekristbr]

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries

By Heather Fawcett

Genre: Fantasy

Tl;Dr: 5/5

Synopsis: An epistolary story about a professor who travels to an isolated mountain town to study the Fae for her encyclopedia, but she learns about love, friendship, and community along the way

CW: Mild violence

Review: (Minor Spoilers)

5 Star TL;DR: believable and charming characters, a grumpy yet completely endearing MC, and a strong use of the journal format.

I found this book so immersive and charming. Scientific discovery as an ongoing narrative theme was relatable (as a scientist) and stayed relevant throughout without being grating. The other themes of coming to trust and rely on others and the importance of community, grew in intensity over the story. In that way, we were able to watch Emily’s heart soften and the world open up to embrace her. This is a slow paced fantasy, so we mainly get to watch Emily coming around to the idea of making friends and building meaningful relationships, alongside the magical action.

Emily was complicated and nuanced in such a beautiful and honest way. Although it is not confirmed by the author, Emily reads as autistic. I’m not autistic, so I can only speak from my outside perspective, but it felt real and not heavy handed (please let me know if I am way off here!). Because Emily was so realized, I found it easy to relate to her and root for her.

The Fae mythos was well thought out and integrated into the story. I don’t have a background in the Fae, so maybe I missed a few inaccuracies (ie. me not realizing that changelings are often used as a harmful allegory for transness, oof). However, as a package, the light magic system and fae mythos were compelling and fun to read about.

The romance was a big hit! Wendell and Emily are complete opposites, yet they function as perfect complements to each other. I love the level of tenderness that Wendell expresses for her and the resolute and pragmatic honesty that Emily brings in return. I was kicking my feet in delight. But remember, dear reader, I am a silly little goose.

Overall, I would recommend this to everyone, but especially people who like the Fae, light fantasy, or sweet romances.

[arissaamr]

Week 3: Single and Sassy: My Journey of Self-Love and Adventure

Hey there, lovely readers ✮ !! Yesterday, I found myself in a cozy café, sipping a latte, when I couldn't help but notice the couples around me—holding hands, sharing sweet glances, and laughing over their pastries. One of those charming scenes made me go "aww" and stirred a little pang of longing, right? Trust me, I've been there! But here I am—happily single and thriving despite never having been in a relationship! You might wonder why I chose this path, and the answer is simple: I'm on a vibrant journey to love myself, chase my dreams, and embrace all the adventures life offers. So, grab a cozy seat, and let's dive into the hilariously relatable ups and downs of my single life!

Loving Myself First

Being single gives me the precious opportunity to focus on myself. I've realized that I need to cultivate a deep love for who I am before I can truly love someone else. I relish my alone time, whether binge-watching my favorite shows, diving into a good book, or enjoying a quiet evening with tea. Recently, I decided to embark on a solo trip to a nearby park. Just me, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the soft chirping of birds. In those moments, I felt free and at peace, discovering the joy of my own company amidst nature's beauty.

Chasing My Dreams

My ambitions are front and center in my life right now. Being single allows me to dedicate my time and energy to achieving my goals. I'm passionate about my studies and career aspirations; this is the time to invest in my future. Late-night study sessions and early mornings planning my path forward have become the norm. Each small victory makes me feel more empowered, proving I can build a fulfilling life alone.

Adventure Awaits

Adventure is a crucial part of my journey as a young person. Recently, I decided to try painting by numbers—something I've always found intriguing. Filling in each section with vibrant colors brings me a sense of relaxation and joy. It's a delightful way to create something beautiful while allowing my mind to unwind. I've completed a few canvases, each reflecting my mood and creativity. I also keep a journal to document my painting journey and the little life lessons I learned.

Building My Value

Being single has taught me that my worth isn't tied to being in a relationship. I strive to be a person of value—a "beauty with brains" who can stand firm and confident. I invest in myself by learning new skills or engaging in meaningful conversations with friends and family. Each day, I remind myself that I am enough and celebrate my achievements, both big and small.

The Journey Ahead

So, while I see couples enjoying their romantic escapades, I embrace my singlehood with open arms. I'm focused on self-love, adventure, and personal growth. Being single isn't a limitation; it's a chance to discover who I truly am and what I want from life.

Who knows what the future holds? One day, I'll find someone to share these adventures with. But for now, I'm savoring the freedom of being young and single, ready to explore the world and fall in love with myself.

✮⋆˙Heartfelt Reminder ✮⋆˙: Embracing self-love is essential for personal growth and happiness! Being single isn't a limitation; it's a fantastic opportunity to discover who you are, chase your dreams, and create a life you love. By focusing on your happiness and well-being, you're enriching your life and preparing for meaningful connections down the road. Remember, the journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance is the most incredible adventure of all, and I'm so excited to share it with all of you!

As I navigate this exciting chapter of my life, I'd love to hear from you! What are your own journeys of self-love and adventure? Have you embraced the joys of being single, or do you have tips to share for making the most of this time? Let's connect in the comments—I can't wait to hear your stories and insights ♡♡!!

[sarkariresultdude]

Stanford University A Pillar of Excellence

 Stanford University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California, is synonymous with instructional excellence, groundbreaking studies, and international impact. As one of the world’s leading establishments, its "outcomes" span various dimensions—instructional achievements, research breakthroughs, societal contributions, and pupil effects. This article delves into the multifaceted outcomes that outline Stanford's unprecedented popularity.

Stanford University Result 

Academic Achievements

Stanford continually ranks among the pinnacle universities globally. In the latest rankings with the aid of institutions like QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE), Stanford has secured pinnacle positions for its academic excellence, innovation, and studies contributions. Notably, Stanford excels in fields such as pc technological know-how, engineering, commercial enterprise, law, and remedy. These results testify to the university’s dedication to fostering highbrow growth and pushing the boundaries of understanding.

Notable Programs

Graduate School of Business: Stanford GSB is renowned for generating leaders in international industries. MBA graduates constantly file for excessive starting salaries and professional delight, reflecting the college’s rigorous curriculum and strong alumni community.

School of Engineering: Often taken into consideration as the backbone of Silicon Valley, Stanford’s engineering programs make contributions notably to technological advancements. Fields like artificial intelligence, bioengineering, and sustainable electricity are key focus areas.

School of Medicine: Stanford Medicine is diagnosed for its modern studies and healthcare innovations, such as contributions to cancer remedies, genomics, and vaccine development.

Results in Rankings

QS Rankings 2024: Stanford is ranked #three globally, highlighting its studies output, educational effect, and agency popularity.

THE Impact Rankings: Stanford ranks the various pinnacle 10 universities for its contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including great schooling, climate movement, and enterprise innovation.

 Research Breakthroughs

Stanford’s reputation as a studies powerhouse is unrivaled. Every 12 months, the university secures billions in study funding from government agencies, private corporations, and philanthropic donors. The effects of this investment take place in improvements that shape industries and enhance lives.

Key Areas of Impact

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: Stanford researchers have pioneered AI technologies that affect sectors like healthcare, finance, and self-sufficient systems.

Biotechnology: Discoveries in gene modifying, CRISPR generation, and customized remedy underscore Stanford’s role in advancing lifestyles sciences.

Climate and Sustainability: The college’s Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability drives studies in renewable electricity, climate alternate mitigation, and conservation efforts.

Metrics of Success

Research Funding: In 2023, Stanford acquired over $1.Ninety-three billion in subsidized studies investment.

Publications and Citations: Stanford scholars post drastically in high-impact journals, with research mentioned hundreds of thousands of times globally.

Nobel Laureates: Over 20 faculty individuals and alumni have been awarded Nobel Prizes, reflecting the groundbreaking nature of their work.

 Entrepreneurial Success

Stanford's entrepreneurial atmosphere is considered one of its maximum amazing outcomes. As the birthplace of companies like Google, Apple, and Tesla, the university fosters a spirit of innovation that extends a long way beyond its campus. Programs just like the Stanford Entrepreneurship Network and access to resources in Silicon Valley offer students and schools unheard-of opportunities to release ventures.

Entrepreneurial Metrics

Startups Founded by Way of Alumni: Over 39,000 agencies had been started out by using Stanford alumni, generating trillions in annual revenue.

Venture Capital Funding: Stanford-affiliated startups entice sizable assignment capital investments, with the college constantly rating as a pinnacle manufacturer of funded marketers.

Economic Impact: Companies founded by Stanford graduates collectively hire hundreds of thousands of human beings internationally, making widespread contributions to the global economy.

Student Success and Satisfaction

The results of Stanford’s educational philosophy are glaring within the achievements of its students and alumni. The college offers a rigorous yet supportive environment that encourages creativity, critical questioning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key Outcomes

Graduation Rates: Stanford boasts a 94% graduation rate, one of the maximum amongst U.S. Universities.

Post-Graduation Employment: A marvelous 91% of graduates steady employment or pursue advanced studies within six months of commencement.

Alumni Impact: Stanford alumni encompass Fortune 500 CEOs, influential policymakers, award-triumphing artists, and leaders in nonprofit sectors.

Enhancing Student Experience

Diversity and Inclusion: Stanford is devoted to constructing a various scholar body, with over 45% of college students figuring out as minorities.

Scholarships and Financial Aid: The college offers a need-primarily based resource to over 70% of students, ensuring get right of entry schooling for talented individuals no matter their economic historical past.

Global Opportunities: Programs just like the Bing Overseas Studies Program permit students to gain global exposure, getting ready them for international careers.

Contributions to Society

Stanford’s impact extends beyond academia and enterprise; its results resonate globally via tasks aimed at addressing societal challenges.

Social and Environmental Impact

Sustainability Efforts: Stanford’s campus is a model of sustainable layout, presenting initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, conserve water, and sell green power.

Public Policy Influence: Stanford’s Hoover Institution and Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies produce studies that shape public policy on problems like cybersecurity, global health, and governance.

Community Engagement: Through carrier-learning programs and volunteer tasks, Stanford college students contribute lots of hours annually to local and worldwide groups.

Measuring Broader Impact

SDG Contributions: Stanford ranks exceedingly in metrics related to health, training, and innovation, reflecting its alignment with global desires.

Partnerships and Collaborations: The university collaborates with companies like the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN), and main nonprofits to cope with urgent international demands.

 Challenges and Areas for Growth

While Stanford’s results are overwhelmingly wonderful, the university acknowledges demanding situations and areas for improvement. These include:

Affordability and Accessibility: Despite its beneficent economic aid packages, Stanford faces complaints for its excessive training charges.

Mental Health Resources: As with many elite establishments, the pressures of educational existence can affect scholar well-being, prompting calls for more desirable support offerings.

Sustainability Goals: While Stanford leads in sustainability, reaching carbon neutrality via 2050 stays a protracted-time period venture.

[a-mossy-journey]

Welcome to A Mossy Journey: Exploring Nature's Beauties

Greetings, fellow explorers of the natural world! I'm thrilled to embark on this mossy journey with you, delving into the enchanting tapestry of nature right here in my small town in Serbia. Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush forests, my town is a heaven for nature lovers, where every corner holds a secret waiting to be discovered.

In this blog, we'll embark on expeditions through the verdant landscapes of our town, uncovering hidden gems and marveling at the wonders that Mother Nature has graciously bestowed upon us. From tranquil woodland trails to babbling brooks and meandering Danube river, there's no shortage of breathtaking scenery to explore.

But our journey doesn't stop at mere sightseeing. Here at A Mossy Journey, we believe in immersing ourselves fully in the natural world, embracing its beauty and learning from its wisdom. That's why we'll also be diving into the culinary delights that my surroundings offer, with recipes inspired by the seasonal abundance of local flora and fauna. Get ready to tempt your taste buds with dishes crafted from foraged ingredients, each bite a celebration of the earth's bounty.

And let's not forget the age-old tradition of herbal remedies and natural healing. My town is overflowing with medicinal plants and herbs, each with its own unique properties and powers. Join me as we explore the ancient art of herbalism, learning how to harness the healing energy of nature to heal our bodies and souls.

But perhaps most importantly, A Mossy Journey is about community. It's about coming together to celebrate the beauty of our town and the wonders of the natural world. So I invite you to join me on this adventure, to share your own stories and discoveries, and to connect with like-minded souls who share a passion for all things green and growing.

Together, let's embark on a mossy journey unlike any other, as we explore, discover, and revel in the magic of nature .

Until next time, happy trails!

A Mossy Journal🌲