#Lower Cathedral Rock

[sweetsaladpainterranch]

Challenges of Raising a 6 Month Old Demon

Lost Pacifier = Bad Time 😑

(Sorry that this isn't up to my regular standard, but hope you get a laugh out of it)

...

It was approximately 11:23 am at the Hazbin Hotel and the entirety of the building's demons were currently investigating every nook and cranny of their home. Among them included a very flustered Radio Demon, who sported a newly bloodied cheek with tiny fang indentions. He searched through the library, where he usually enjoyed reading horror stories to his daughter, and he sunk his shoulders in defeat when he came up empty. The sought treasure was no where to be seen and he could both feel and hear Evangeline's tantrum upstairs.

The morning had gone like any other; teasing the princess, trying to get a rise out of Luci, and mercilessly psychologically torturing the hotel's tenants. Normally his fawn, being a daddy's girl, clung close to him and merely kicked out her hooves from his arms or shadow portaled around him (and his victims). However, she kept her favorite cat pacifier even closer as she constantly munched on it to soothe her newest budding fangs.

And somewhere along the way, Alastor hadn't noticed that it had dropped somewhere before the irritated fawn began getting aggressive towards everyone in her path. At first he found it adorable when she tried to hunt Fat Nuggets and shred husk's hat, but quickly found her behavior becoming troubling. Your daughter had gotten a hold of his favorite cathedral radio in the library and tried to use it as a chew toy. The tall deer demon immediately picked her up to face his lecture, but, instead, was met with a wide maw of small sharp teeth closing in on his face before he could phase away.

His sharp hiss of surprised pain drew you into the room only to find your bleeding husband holding your daughter out as far as his arms would let him while the tiny deerling snapped her jaws at him. Her usual cherub face was twisted into an angry red sneer of black eyes and gleaming sharp teeth.

She let out a shrill cry and shook her little fists when you took her into your arms in an attempt to rock her into calmness. You looked at your husband questioningly and he shakily informed you that she had been fed and changed and he didn't know why Evangeline was so disturbed. You looked around (while once again using your aura to cancel out the baby's shadow portals) and noticed your child's missing accessory.

As soon as you pointed out the pacifier's absence, the Radio Demon's eyes immediately widened in understanding, and he promised to return with Evie's beloved pacifier. Before you could stop him, Alastor had already turned and left with a purposeful stride while you decided to return to the nursery with the fussy fawn.

The room was protected from Evangeline's portal magic so you could put her down without worrying about her portalling off to take another bite out of her father. You could feel the static rising from the lower floors as your husband searched the hotel, and you felt terrible that he most likely also threatened the guests to help him look.

With a tired sigh, you dodged the stuffed animals your child threw randomly in her growing frustration and opened the tall emergency cabinet. Within, there were different tools for various situations, like angelic weapons, holy water, rolls of mammon bills, and various magic tomes. All very useful, but you needed what was located in the small glass box at the top shelf, which was maybe the most important. With cautious reverence, you broke the glass seal and removed the precious device hidden within.

Several hours later, your poor, disheveled Alastor returned from the search with a triumphant smirk as he strutted towards where you sat, typing up a logistics report for Charlie. He held the found pacifier over your keyboard and awaited your praise for his exhaustive efforts.

"Great job, love! I'm very proud of you." you offered him with a pleased smile noticing the dust and blood that were smeared across his jacket. You could only imagine where he had found that damn pacifier.

"But...you see-", you were cut off by how Alastor's eyes shone with pride.

He smiled even bigger and began to walk himself to the nursery's quiet door, "I've no idea how you managed to endure Evagenline's tantrum for so long, but I shall fix everything!"

"Listen dear-" you tried to halt him, but he had already walked through the door and came to an immediate stop as he took in the room he believed his daughter was rioting in. There sat Evangeline, serenely coloring on the floor and cooing sweetly when she noticed her father staring at her in disbelief as she waved her pacifier in the air. Alastor could only cock his head a full 180 degrees in your direction as you slowly slumped in your chair.

"I... had Rosey prepare a spare in case Evie lost her main pacifier.", you said while getting up and wearily approaching the incredulous deer demon. "I tried to tell you before you ran off, Al, but you had already gone in a flash and I needed to see to the baby."

By the end of your sentence, Alastor had simply fallen over on his face in frustrated defeat and you bent to gently stroke his hair and ears. Evangeline had also seen to comforting her exhausted father by jumping on his back and also playing with his fluffy ears as she had seen you do.

He said nothing but you could swear you heard a soft purr emanating from your deflated husband.

***

Hey everyone, I know it's been a minute, but I'm trying to get back into the habit of writing every day, and what better than a recent happening within my own home. Somehow, I managed to lose my daughter's favorite pacifier and she threw the biggest fit, so I spent all that afternoon looking for it EVERYWHERE (even my mom's house). But my partner, the wonderful mother that she is, simply pulled a spare out of a cabinet as soon as I told her...I just went to take a nap.

😂😂

Get a partner that's always prepared for you to lose shit lol

-S.S.P.R.

[nyxyxx]

Godly Desires - Part 2 -

So yeah here's the second part. A little rough but the next few should get more interesting. I. II. III. IV.

As usual this story will contain yandere themes and religious themes so please proceed with caution.

"For you"

-

An apple? You blinked twice, confused. You hesitantly reached up towards the mitachurl's hand and took the apple in both of yours. After gazing at it for a while, as if looking for permission - you took a bite of the apple. It was delicious. It tasted so real it almost entirely discarded your belief that this was a dream.

You sat in the hilichurl camp there for a while, as they kept gifting you with seemingly random food and materials, but they seemed overjoyed with it regardless. It was an odd feeling. Despite the fact that they were known as dangerous monsters, they showed such kindness to you. You were almost compelled to just live among them for as long as they'd allow you to stay - but you knew you had to keep going.

You had to continue down the path, to find out how exactly you got here, and why. So, after a long time of playing with the hilichurls, you said your goodbyes, and they said goodbye too - or at least you think they were saying goodbye. You weren't exactly the most knowledgable on hilichurlian.

You walked down along the beach, trying to figure out where in Teyvat you could be. It didn't take very long for you to notice the tip of a very recognizable cathedral. So you were in Mondstadt. That made sense, you supposed. It was where the traveler first woke up, so it would make sense that you would appear here too - except you were on the opposite side of Monstadt.

It would take a while for you to reach Mondstadt just by walking, and you weren't even sure what you should do when you got there, but you might as well start now. You turned back towards the hills and kept walking, resting by trees when it got too dark, or hanging out in more hilichurl camps - where they always seemed to welcome your presence.

It was safe to say that you did not go hungry. Though, you could really use a change of clothes. They were starting to feel all gross. You luckily were by a lake, and well - you might as well take this opportunity to bathe and wash those clothes.

You were a little worried about being spotted, but figured you were in a quiet enough area that it was unlikely. Or if it were monsters, you had little fear of being attacked by them. So you carefully stripped down and submerged yourself in the lake, trying to adjust to the cold temperature of the water.

When you were finished washing yourself - you reached back up to the rocks to grab your clothes to wash them as well, only to find that they were gone. Wait...gone??? Panic began to set in as you realized that you were currently naked and stuck in some lake in the middle of nowhere. What were you going to do...?

You stared at the water for a while, tucking yourself as closely to the edge of the water as possible, as you just thought mindlessly over what you were going to do next. That is, until you heard a voice.

"Excuse me, by any chance do these clothes belong to you?" A voice called out, and you instinctively hid yourself lower into the water. "My bad, I don't mean to invade your privacy. I'll just leave these here." The man said, before you listened to his footsteps get more distant. You slowly lifted your head up to look, only to find the man in the distance standing behind a tree, facing the other way, waiting for you.

You looked back to the ground and found your clothes returned, though in a slightly worse condition, but regardless, you hastily threw it all on no matter how wet they were going to get. Once you were done, you ran over to the man in the distance, who slowly turned his head.

"An animal must have stolen them," he began, "I was out for a walk and saw them on the ground by the grape vines. The animal must've left them there after it realized there was no food in them." He smiled.

You were sure you knew who the man was, but that suspicion was only confirmed when you glanced down, and saw the pyro vision hanging from his belt. "...Diluc?"

"Ah right, yes I'm Diluc Ragvindr, at your service." He seemed a little surprised that you knew his name, but internally, his mind was on fire. You, of all people, knew his name. He could barely contain his joy, although it was nearly impossible to tell from the outside.

"Oh. Nice to meet you. Thank you for helping me there." You said, a little taken aback. at your service? what did he mean by that? Regardless, you felt like you might as well thank him for helping you.

"Please do not mind it, I am only doing what should be done." He said, only showing as slight smile. "If you would like to thank me properly, how about I invite you for a drink?" He asked. He hoped you'd say yes.

"Oh sure. Lead the way then." You failed to notice just how exuberant he actually was that you agreed. It has been a while since you've last talked to - or even seen - someone, so you were a little bit lonely. You also figured that you could get some helpful information from him, so you might as well take this opportunity.

-

soon we're actually gonna get into the more entertaining parts but that's it for now. The next part is gonna have a lot more Diluc which is nice but also terrifies me I'm so not prepared to write him. Taglist @mmeatt; @iamapotatoe; @clavichordcleffa

[charmwitch]

wrote something about Samantha (knight) and Nirinel (witch)

N, "Oh hey, you're awake."

The world was dark, but there was only a small pause before the voice continued.

N, "I was worried you were seriously hurt. I can't fix you up if that were the case."

She knew that voice.

S, "Ugh…" N, "Hey, how you feelin'?"

The light was blinding, or so she thought. It took her a few moments to adjust her vision before she looked over at the direction of the voice.

S, "Uhm… kind of bad." N, "Yeah, if you're not expecting it, it's not great. But we made it out in one piece." S, "Nirinel?" N, "Yeah?" S, "Where… how? We were in the cathedral when…" N, "Oh yeah." N, "I'll tell you in a bit. You should take a breather first. It does come with some motion sickness sometimes." S, "…'It'?"

Samantha looked around, her surroundings quite unfamiliar to her. They were sitting under a rock, shaded from the red sun. Samantha had heard of this occurrence before, but had never witnessed it herself until today. Areas thick with memories, battlefields often come to mind in these situations, often caused such a phenomena. There was such an occurrence near the border of Belacuna and St. Helena, from previous land disputes before the countries had stabilized.

She turned to look at Nirinel, who seemed bored- if tired.

S, "We're not in danger?" N, "Nah. … Not that I know of."

Nirinel looked up, shielding her vision with her hand. Her wide-brim hat was on the ground next to her, it had been charred slightly in the monstrous encounter they had only just narrowly avoided. How did they avoid it, Samantha was still unsure. Her eyes scanned the flats. There were high walls off in the distance. She recognized exactly where they were- after all, it was she who brought them here down to the decimal.

N, "Water levels are lower than normal, though. See that? You can see the mariners."

She pointed off into the distance, Samantha rubbed her eyes to get a better look, but was confused. The flats had pockets of water, some with strangely shaped rocks peering out from the mud. Strangely shaped was perhaps an understatement, they were long and cylindrical, but rough and dull looking from far.

S, "Are those… tubes?" N, "Mariners. They're relics from the forty-year war. They're underwater boats." S, "… Why are they here?" N, "This area's usually underwater. Well, most of it. I used to come here to train my magic when my teacher wasn't around. He was never around, so that was quite often. He's so busy, so I would take it out on some of the rocks in this area. Got pretty spooked the first time I saw one of them, but they're harmless. In fact, they're pretty immobile at this state. Look, see?" N, "Anyway, it's the dry season. Sometimes they appear from the mud."

Nirinel looked over at Samantha, scanning her face for her mood. Her thoughts. She seemed curious, but still a little frightened.

N, "I guess I should tell you. You'd find out anyway. They're graves." S, "What? Wait, really?" N, "Yeah. They're not supposed to be. But if they're here, that means their crews are still in there." S, "Uhm…" N, "I'll probably inform The Society after we get back. I'm not skilled enough for that. I think Auntie Clem can take care of it pretty easily though." S, "… W-we're in a battlefield…" N, "Yeah." S, "…" N, "… Sorry. I, I didn't know where else to go. I panicked." S, "You brought us here? How? We're no where near St. Helena, are we?" N, "No, sorry." N, "Ah… this is hard to explain. I teleported us… here?" S, "…You can do that?!" N, "Hmn? I'm not supposed to. It's not magic. That's why you're also here. I was worried we might die, so I…"

S, "It's… forbidden, right? I've heard… mom talk about it." N, "Yeah, no one knows how it actually works. But if you're able to calculate a location fast enough and can access a terminal, you can do an instant teleportation. It's a bit more complicated with two people, but I was able to successfully find a point under the adrenaline. Accessing a terminal takes a lot of magic, I don't think that's the intended form, but if I can hack it I can handle it somewhat."

S, "That's-" N, "Mn?" S, "That's amazing! You did all that by yourself? It's because you're a math wiz, right?" N, "Aah, I wouldn't- I wouldn't call myself that." N, "Hehe." N, "You need to give coordinates pretty quickly and accurately. If you mess up, you can just get yourself killed or who knows what happens. No one knows. I figured it'd be fine, we were probably going to die anyway."

She pauses and looks away.

N, "Sorry I didn't ask you first." Samantha takes her hand. S, "You're incredible! Thank you for keeping us alive." N, "Haah. you can't just say that so casually." S, "I-I mean it.. I'm… thank you…" N, "…" N, "Come on, we should head back. It'll take a few hours though." She looks up. N, "-by broom. I mean. If I teleport again, I could screw it up. It's always a risk. … Sorry."

Samantha nodded, smoothing out her dress as she stands up, her balance a little off.

S, "I mean it. You're really amazing! Thank you for taking care of me, Nirinel."

Nirinel could only look at her for a moment before smiling.

N, "Stop that. You can thank me when we get back to town." S, "Oh, um." N, "What is it?" S, "Should, should we offer a prayer…" N, "Ah, for the soldiers?" S, "Y-Yeah… I… don't feel right knowing… they're just there…" N, "Yeah alright. We shouldn't stay long, they'll keep you here. They're still working, after all." S, "Still working?" N, "It's a military notion- Oh, right. You're a foot soldier. I guess you wouldn't know. Those lost at sea are considered still on patrol. Still working. They'll always be working until they're found. I heard about it on the radio. I couldn't sleep for days afterwards. Ghosts aren't a big deal for us, but it's still spooky, right? Imagine that. Being lost at sea for hundreds of years? No thanks. I'd haunt everyone."

Samantha could only nod before offering a small prayer and following behind Nirinel.

[aziraphales-library]

Do you have any fics where either aziraphale or Crowley (or both) are dancers?

We have a #dancing tag that you can check out. Here are some where one or both are dancers...

Taking flight by Sani86 (T)

Aziraphale is a first-year fine arts student with an eye for beautiful people. Crowley is a professional ballet dancer with the most perfect body he'd ever seen. A story about art, self-expression and friendship through thick and thin.

Welcome to Burlesque by PrincessDianaArtemis (T)

Starry-eyed Aziraphale - just call me Azi - follows her dreams to California where she finds her spot amongst the dancers at Tracy's Burlesque Club. Along the way she finds more than just an outlet for her talent including the battling attractions for the bartender, Crowley, the threat of the club being sold, and the jealousy of the headlining dancer, Bee. Becoming a star doesn't mean losing yourself and Azi finds a way to have her cake and eat it too. Or the Burlesque/Ineffable Wives crossover we all need.

what a lovely way to burn by john1513, underthelinden (M)

Aziraphale and Crowley are two opposites in their respective worlds; Aziraphale is a well-known traditional dancer whose waltz can hypnotize, and Crowley is an up-and-comer in the lindy-hop rock-n-roll arena whose flips and jumps absolutely dazzle. They’re acquaintances, then rivals, but is there a chance they might actually get along once fate brings them together? Maybe they could learn a thing or two from each other, after all. Just maybe they’re not as different as they seem.

The Accompanist by MostDismalFeldsparkle (E)

Crowley is a principal dancer for a ballet company, approaching retirement. Aziraphale is the new pianist hired to play for the rehearsals and the academy.

I've Had No Love Like Your Love by Slow_Burn_Sally (E)

Crowley is an exotic dancer and a massage therapist Aziraphale... well, he owns a bookshop

Sanctuary by LeilaKalomi (E)

Aziraphale, raised by the Archangel Gabriel in Lower Tadfield's cathedral, meets a beautiful dancer on his first foray out of the church. When Aziraphale's furtive adventure ends in disaster, he gives up on ever venturing out (or seeing the dancer) again. He doesn't expect the dancer to need his help, and he definitely doesn't expect to fall in love—or anything that comes after. Based on Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

- Mod D

[themuseumwithoutwalls]

MWW Artwork of the Day (6/24/23) Umayyad Spain (Moorish, 8th-15th c.) Interior view: Great Mosque-Cathedral (8th c. CE) Córdoba, Spain

The building is most notable for its giant arches, with 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble and granite. These were made from pieces of the Roman temple which had occupied the site previously, as well as other destroyed Roman buildings. The double arches, pictured above, were a new introduction to architecture, and helped support the tremendous weight of the higher ceilings. The double arches consist of a lower horseshoe arch and an upper semi-circular arch. The famous alternating black and white voussoirs of the arches were inspired by those in the Dome of the Rock. They resemble those of Aachen Cathedral, which were built almost at the same time.

[wisteriaovermyhightops]

Holy (‘til you let me go) / Taylor Swift: same themes different outcomes. Rina is out but when Taylor sings about the same things it is a reach to label them as 🌈 themes.

Thesis lyric comparison:

But I left taking all the shame / what if I roll the stone away, they’re gonna crucify me anyway

I’m holy til you let me go / what if the way you hold me is actually what’s holy

✨

Heavenly, that was me / its hell on earth to be heavenly

A vision at 17 / the kind of radiance you only have at 17

Loves to read, loves to dream / I read about it in a book when I was a precocious child, I dream of cracking locks

You saw a light starting to shine / people throw rocks at things that shine

Wanted it only for your eyes / don’t put me in the basement, a diamonds gotta shine

Older and wise, God on your side / I sit and listen, I polish plates until they gleam and glisten, you’re so much older and wiser

(I paid for your life) / Bloods thick but nothing like a payroll

I was innocent when you said I was evil / I swept in at the rescue, the devil that you know, now looks more like an angel

But I took your stones and I built a cathedral / I could build a castle out of all the bricks your threw at me

Found my peace when I lost my religion / religions in your lips, even if it’s a false god

All these years I wished I was different / please, I’ve been on my knees, change the prophecy

Tried to pray the pain away / I keep these longings locked in lower case inside a vault

Just like you told me (but something has changed) / undo the destiny, you ain’t gotta pray for me, something different bloomed writing in my room

Came to shelter from the blame / I learned these people try to save you, cause they hate you

[miirshroom]

Mushroom Vision

I am going to attempt explaining how there is an entire vast segment of environmental storytelling in Elden Ring that is going unremarked upon. It isn't just about mushrooms. But that's where I first took notice, so that's where I will start in this post.

The above is the view from a mushroom on the entry ramp to Raya Lucaria, just above where the merchant is sitting. This was maybe my 3rd or 4th random stop back when I decided to appreciate the scenery from the point of view of the mushroom (for fun!). It is an example of perfect framing for elements in the far distance:

The North Liurnia Minor Erdtree

The Church of Vows

The Erdtree

But really, it's "perfect" framing of only the Erdtrees - the Church of Vows is blocked from view and hidden by a stone pillar with a quatrefoil symbol on it. This is a noticeable trend at many mushroom spots - it would be a great view...except there is a nearby tree or a piece of stone exactly in front of one element in the far distance. The perspectives seen from these mushrooms are missing the full picture. Rotating to the left on top of the same mushroom, there is also a perfectly clear view of the Bellum Gate in front of Mt. Gelmir.

Setting the scene a bit more, the ramp is heavily forested, populated by 4 packs of wolves (numbering 3, 3, 3, and 5 including the white wolf in the group lowest down the ramp), then the Isolated Merchant, a Trina's Lily, a corpse with 2 strips of white flesh, and right inside the impassible gate is a Bloodhound Knight guarding a corpse holding Celestial Dew. The sealed entry to the ramp is looking directly towards the Cathedral of Manus Celes.

Also, there is a second mushroom on the bridge which has a view of the Church of Vows restored, but instead this one is blocked from viewing Mt. Gelmir. The Church of Vows is directly aligned with Morgott/Mohg's Divine Tower. This mushroom is between the 2nd and 3rd wolf pack.

Paying attention to the mushrooms also calls attention to something else interesting. There are 4 stone viewing spots built into the ramp face - the two middle ones occurring at those two mushroom spots, one at the top of the ramp just before the 1st wolf pack, and one at the bottom of the ramp between the merchant and the bloodhound knight.

The lowest of these viewing points has a clear view at the Erdtree (nearest to the gate). Also from this vantage point the Liurnia North Minor Erdtree is in alignment with the withered Minor Erdtree in the Altus Plateau:

The highest viewing point near the top of the ramp has views of Mt. Gelmir, Bellum highway Gate, and the Wandering Mausoleums:

In the photos of the first mushroom (lower ramp) I placed more emphasis on the Erdtrees, as this is the view obtained by looking directly at the minor Erdtree. See below as rotated to face the pillar directly, which corrects for peripheral vision picking up certain distant objects that do not actually have direct sightline to the mushroom.

And like at the upper ramp mushroom, the transparency of the Erdtree is accounted for in what is visible from this vantage point. From the corrected viewpoint Rykard's Divine Tower is also completely obscured by the pillar and Morgott/Mohg's Divine Tower is not only behind the Erdtree, but also behind a conveniently placed rock spear. Rotating to the right, a clear view of Liurnia Divine Tower and just the top of the Isolated Divine Tower. Caelid Divine Tower is obscured by the Carian Study Hall, and Limgrave Divine Tower is exactly behind the steeple of a pillar.

So what does it matter exactly, that landmarks are blocked from certain locations? Good question! I am trying to understand this! It seems to me quite obvious from the framing of this one small corner of the map that care is being taken to craft these vistas in a certain way. Perhaps travelling up the ramp is telling a story in sequence. Perhaps there is one story told from the balcony spots while a second lens is placed on the story from the mushroom spots.

Overall, what I see are pieces of an environmental puzzle deliberately crafted at hundreds of locations. Just from mushrooms alone. But there is no reason to stop at mushrooms - I know that some people are already taking interest in the locations of Trina's Lilies and Miquella's Lilies, but has any attempt been made to really consider what is visible (or not visible) from their locations? The things that NPC's can see from their vantage points, the directions that corpses are looking and the items they hold, the view of the divine towers from rebirth monuments (previously discussed in a different post) all seem to be carefully planned. Rowa bushes are very frequently found in pairs, and at almost every location I've checked so far across Limgrave there will be something clearly visible from one bush that is just barely out of sight from the other.

For anyone wondering whether Elden Ring actually innovated on anything compared to Dark Souls? It's this. Literally - it's the depth of environmental storytelling.

[mikimeiko]

Day 15 - Brno (Czechia)

I do manage to wake up earlier than yesterday! I decide to go check out the (formerly) industrial part of the city, starting with a walk alongside the Svitava river: there's a footpath/bike lane that goes along an old rail track that used to serve the factories (mostly textile mills) built on the riverside.

It's very pretty but even with no direct sun the weather is still pretty hot (and humid today), and even in the shade of the trees of a small park on the way it's not pleasant enough to just stop for a while and read.

So I decide to make the most of my 24h ticket that will expire in a couple of hours and go to Stránská Skála, a rock formation just out of the city (there's a tram that goes there. I LOVE taking trams to places outside cities). I wasn't sure what to expect, but I end up hiking to the top following a gentle enough path through trees and fields full of flowers.

I'm sure the view would be better if it wasn't overcast, but on the other hand most of the path is out of the trees and it would have been very hard to walk in the scorching sun. For the entire time I'm there I only see a couple of people, but I guess if you live here you just don't chose a day like today to go on the rock.

(I love places like these, gentle hikes that most people can enjoy. I live in a superflat valley right next to the Alps, the hikes that are usually available to me are INTENSE. But I don't want intense! I want gentle, calm and beautiful. That's why I particularly enjoyed walking the coast paths in the UK, I discovered a love of hiking there that I never thought I would have).

In the afternoon the sky clears up, the humidity lowers and the breeze comes back: it's nice enough that I decide to check out the bit of old town I haven't seen yet (there are still parts to be seen! This city is big!) and the park that surrounds Spilberk fortress.

It's a beautiful park but it's literally all up hill, and most of the paths are quite steep. I sit on a bench reading for a bit, enjoying the atmosphere. Then I climb up a little more, and I'm rewarded with this beautiful view of the cathedral (I could very likely get better views from higher up but HAVE I MENTIONED HOW STEEP THE PATHS ARE?).

I pass through the old town hall and I'm reminded that I haven't shared with you the most beautiful dragon in the world!

When I took this picture there was a Spanish family there with a tiny kid, and the kid was like "a crocodile! No... a dragon!"

I go back for the last time to the beer festival, and have halušky with sauerkraut and smoked bacon. And a radler. And yes, SUMMER OF THE RADLER. I still haven't find one as good as the watermelon one from Vienna, but radler beats both beer and lemonade right now. (I tried lemonade yesterday, it was good but definitely too sweet).

I keep thinking this is my last night in Czechia but it's not! I'll be in Plzen tomorrow night! Still sad to say goodbye to Brno, though, I think it might be my favourite city in this trip.

[hermitcraftkinfessions]

kicks rocks... i miss my friends... both as in i miss them now and wish i could find em, and missed them back then..

ya see, in season 1 of empires i was already a deity, but my creator sent me off to live with mortals when i was a kid and never knew who they were.. but by the finale when i die i ascended to "true godhood" and met up with my creator, big fuck you to that guy.

after Afterlife smp came season 2, where everyone well. didnt really. keep their memories as they reincarnated in new bodies.. althrough oddly similar to the last ones, some changes tho, ofc. But like. I retained all my memories, cause I was still me, I died as a "mortal", sure, I ascended, but still had the same memories of my mortal life. Still remembered my friends, my lover, my family. And none of them remembered me :( But fear not, dear readers /silly

For I did not give up, and like any good god, I could shapeshift, so I used that to my advantage! Shapeshifting as animals, old people, children, even appearing momentarily as an actual god, similar to my s1 looks but taller and with more gold accessories, but I only pulled that last one in moments they were very out of it so they thought they just had a fever dream. Like right before bed or for a fraction of a second around holy places (the cathedral, etc) Oh yes I looked over them, interacted briefly, they were different people but they were also in a way still my friends. They were still in there, I swear.

I also- I remember when I met Scott for the first time I threw away the "small interactions", i straight up shapeshifted into a mortal farmer (pretty similar to my s1 me but less fancy) and introduced myself to him, in a natural way, ofc- we started talking and yknow yeah we mightve fallen in love, and eventually i mightve told him the truth and he mightve been upset and thought i just loved his past self and not him... which at first was true, but i did love him by that point! he wasnt the SAME Scott i used to know but he was just as lovely in his own way! and eventually im p sure he regained some memories, was still himself, but then he could rember. and yeah we made up and stuff but we had a bit of a fall out when he found out the truth at first.. oops...

also gods (of a ""lower"" ranking like myself-) maaay have had a rule set by older ones/higher ups abt not interfering much with mortals... which i kinda rlly broke just there... and eventually w others too.. oopsiessss... twirls my hair w guilty big ol eyes

also pix was. somehow. a human yet immortal?? so he dissapeared in season 1 before the finale but by season 2 was the same guy who had been a historian/archeologist for years and had seen a bunch of shit happen *himself*, so yeaaah when we met it was also super emotional cause he remembered me. What I shifted as when we first met? call me stupid, but for some reason it was a child(11-14), I could control it but also not- at times it just kinda came out. I stayed like that even after he told me he knew who I was and I told him abt ascending and allat... yeah.... does that count as god-age regression /silly

another empires mems ramble!

-🌙Pearlie (He/She)

interesting, i really don't know what to put here, mod ex is more versed in things of this caliber but they're asleep so its just me

-Mod hels

[houseofbrat]

Both matches will be happening at 9 pm (21:00) local time in France.

That's 8 pm (20:00) in the UK.

Far too late to fly home (even on a private jet) and eat dinner with the kiddies when the match is over.

No, instead the environmental activist known as William, The Prince of Wales, will be flying on a private jet back and forth to the match because there are not enough commercial flights from London to Bordeaux without staying overnight. (I didn't see any red-eyes from Bordeaux to London when I looked online.)

Same with Kate going to Marseille.

Gee, if the environment and lowering fossil fuel emissions were so important, then why couldn't both just fly to Marseille first on a commercial plane, stay overnight in Marseille, travel to Bordeaux, stay overnight in Bordeaux, and then fly back to London on another commercial plane? Even if only one person attended each match?

Is that plan too economical and environmentally friendly?

Yet, as I said before, it seems that Will and Kate want to keep one parent at home with the kiddos at all times. Somehow, that wasn't an issue nine and a half months ago.

Can't wait to see Kate rock her two-week-plus, post-partum body on Friday and Saturday. Will she be wearing a tight dress to St. David's Cathedral to show it off, and make sure everyone sees she's carrying more weight around her middle?

[seabreeze2022]

2023 Bahama Cruise, Part 26, May 11 Rock Sound, Eleuthera.

Nancy is trimming sails on our way up the west side of Eleuthera. The Puritans named the island Eleuthera in the 1700’s. Which is a derivative of the Greek word, “Eleutheros”, meaning Free or Freedom.

Saturday, filet mignon night. Thanks Dush and Kelly!

To bring you you up to date. We had arrived outside the Rock Sound Harbor, Eleuthera on Saturday and decided to anchor off of a long beach. Instead of going the last couple of miles to Rock Sound Harbor. Because there was a huge rain storm over the harbor. We had to anchor a ways off shore to find good sand to anchor in. We had good protection from the waves and a cool night with the winds.

Anchoring further away from land usually assures mosquito free nights. Rigged the boat for quick closing with multiple rain showers expected. Since the threat was rain and not mosquitoes, we remove the screens and added a draw string to the hatch handle. No need to go on deck half asleep, to lower the open hatches. Just pull down on the draw string hanging down into the cabin to close the hatch.

But the first day it was too windy for Nancy to paddleboard. I spent 3 hours making water, reading etc.

Sunday Nancy paddled to shore and I met her using the dinghy. We both walked the beach looking for shells. We found several Murex shells. Then snorkeled back to the boat. Very few corals of fans. So we made the decision to go anchor off of the settlement.

As we started walking up Fish Road, we came across some cute art work. There are so many abandoned houses in the Bahamas. Some over a hundred years old. Some only a couple years old, just never finished. This art work really brightened up the city. Using the abandoned house elevated it from being a blight to a beautiful object.

Just up the block, we ran into Warren who is the artist. He is recently retired from being a nurse in Nassau for 42 years. He has a passion for cleaning up his hometown. “Grand Ma’s” was his grandmothers ice cream store, but she has passed on. Now it is his art store. Warren dropped the wet paint brush he was painting with, to talk to us. Giving us a tour of his works. Super nice guy full of energy.

The dark round hole at the bottom of the photo is “Ocean Hole”. Number one tourist destination at Rock Sound. It is confirmed to be over 110 ft. deep. But rumored to be around 700 feet. Warren told us to take bread for the Snapper.

Apparently the Mangrove Snapper and Grouper were stocked in there by local fishermen as well as Parrotfish. The parrot fish died when the trees around the hole were cut down and fell in the water.

Dye was put in the hole at some point and it showed up in the ocean nearby. Proving that it is connected underground to the ocean and a new source of water. We walked around town for an hour and saw most of it, so back to the boat for dinner.

The next morning we walked to “The Boiling Hole” and “Cathedral Cave”. Passing by the beautiful St Luke’s Anglican Church built 1863. For most of the settlements we have seen on Eleuthera the old churches are built at the waters edge and not on top of the hills overlooking the town. Usually they are very prominent and the first thing you see approaching from the sea.

The next biggest tourist attraction is a ten minute walk out of town to the cave and Boiling hole (photo above). The caves are not the ones on the far shore. They are another 5 minute walk through the bush.

Luckily the old wooden ladder was not too rotten. Only a couple of steps had broken. Interestingly many mosquitoes hang just outside the cave. I was thinking the bats were not doing their job. But several species here are actually fruit bats that migrate, and have not acquired a taste for mosquitoes.

We were lucky the bats had apparently migrated back and were flying around in the cave. This cave has many large openings in the ceiling, so plenty of light. Actually no need for carrying flashlights.

On the way back we realized that there was an old cemetery that was completely abandoned and overgrown next to the road and beach. Such a shame. Again the graves are pointed east. Above is the only one with a head stone. Most were just mounds of rock. This one was 1905?

From the caves we walked 30 minutes across the island to the supposedly “pink beach”. Pretty, but no sea shells. Nancy took a quick dip.

Half way back, we stop and talk with Rose. She is feeding stay dogs called “Pot lickers”. She shared some hog plums with us. Nancy had already gone out into the bush and picked half a dozen mangoes.

The fisherman had come in with their gill net full of grunts. Each settlement has a dock with a covered stand for the fisherman to use while cleaning fish. We made multiple trips to the gas station filling jerry jugs with either diesel or gas. Our tanks are full and are carrying 12 gallons of diesel and 12 gallons of gasoline on deck. This may be our last place to fuel up before we make it home.

Cruisers rate the settlements by there grocery stores. Rock Sound has the cheapest grocery store that is fairly large. This was much more industrious then the settlements on Cat Island. Again most of the younger folks have moved away for jobs. When they retire they move back. This leaves a void of workers. That is where we see the Haitians getting a foot hold.

Honestly I must say, if you have never been to Rock Sound you need to go. If you have ever been to Rock Sound, you don’t need to go again.

Now that procuring fuel is going to be tough we are making a point of sailing more and motoring less. So we sail ten miles to the next settlement of Tarpum Bay.

S/V Sea Breeze.

[eriadav]

7 days Lemosho route on ultimate Kilimanjaro climb itinerary

Travel Company: DAV Safaris

Website: www.davsafaris.com

Email:info@davsafaris.com

Tel: +256757795781 or +256701412430

The Ultimate Kilimanjaro climb via the Lemosho route is a remarkable journey that showcases the diverse landscapes and ecosystems of Mount Kilimanjaro. This itinerary spans seven days, allowing climbers to acclimatize properly while enjoying the stunning scenery. Here's a detailed breakdown of each day on this incredible trek.

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Upon arrival in Moshi, you will be greeted at Kilimanjaro International Airport. After a brief transfer to your hotel, you can take some time to relax and prepare for the upcoming adventure. Moshi serves as a great base with its vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere. Spend your day exploring the local markets, tasting Tanzanian cuisine, or simply resting to ensure you are fully energized for the trek ahead. In the evening, you will have a pre-climb briefing with your guide, who will provide essential information about the climb, safety protocols, and what to expect over the next week.

Day 2: Lemosha Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

The journey begins with a drive from Moshi to the Lemosha Gate, which is approximately two hours away. Upon reaching the gate, you will complete the necessary registration and enjoy the first views of the mountain. The hike starts through lush rainforest, characterized by towering trees and vibrant flora. This section of the trek is relatively gentle, allowing you to acclimatize as you ascend gradually.

As you walk, keep an eye out for unique wildlife that inhabits the lower slopes, such as blue monkeys and colorful birds. The trail winds its way through the forest, providing a serene atmosphere. After approximately six hours of hiking, you will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, located at an elevation of around 2,780 meters. Here, you can relax, enjoy a hearty meal, and prepare for the next day.

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

On the third day, you will leave Mti Mkubwa Camp and continue your ascent toward Shira 1 Camp. The trail opens up as you exit the forest and enter the moorland zone, where you can enjoy expansive views of the surrounding landscape. This day’s trek will take about five to six hours, covering approximately 8 kilometers.

As you ascend to an altitude of about 3,600 meters, you will notice a shift in the vegetation. The moorland features unique plant species like giant lobelias and senecios, adapting to the harsher conditions. The panoramic views are a highlight of this day, with the looming summit of Kilimanjaro in the distance. Upon reaching Shira 1 Camp, take time to relax and acclimatize, enjoying the cooler temperatures at this elevation.

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Day four involves a shorter trek, allowing for better acclimatization. You will set out from Shira 1 Camp towards Shira 2 Camp, which is about five kilometers away. This section of the climb takes approximately three to four hours. As you make your way along the trail, you will experience a range of landscapes, from rocky paths to open grasslands.

The highlight of this day is the opportunity to explore the Shira Plateau. You can take a side trip to Shira Cathedral, a stunning rock formation with impressive views. This day is crucial for adapting to the altitude, so take it slow and enjoy the scenery. By the time you reach Shira 2 Camp, located at around 3,850 meters, you will have a chance to observe the stunning sunset over the plateau.

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

This day is significant for acclimatization as you will ascend to the Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp. The trek starts with a climb to the Lava Tower, which stands at 4,600 meters. This section takes about six to seven hours and covers a distance of approximately 10 kilometers.

As you approach the Lava Tower, the terrain becomes more rugged, and you will encounter rocky paths. The tower itself is a geological marvel, and spending time here allows your body to adjust to higher altitudes. After exploring the area, you will descend to Barranco Camp, located at 3,950 meters. The descent is important for acclimatization, and Barranco Camp is known for its stunning views of the Great Barranco Wall.

Day 6: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

On the sixth day, you will tackle the Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding ascent. This climb requires some scrambling and focus, but the effort is well worth it. Once at the top, you will be greeted with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. After navigating the wall, the trail continues toward Barafu Camp, covering around 13 kilometers over a period of six to seven hours.

Barafu Camp, situated at 4,600 meters, is the final stop before your summit attempt. Here, you will have time to rest and prepare for the night ahead. An early dinner will be served, and your guide will brief you on the plan for the summit day. Ensure you get plenty of rest, as you will need it for the demanding climb ahead.

Day 7: Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

The culmination of the Ultimate Kilimanjaro climb arrives on this day. You will wake up around midnight to begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak. The trek is challenging, with a steep climb to the summit at 5,895 meters. The first segment takes about six to seven hours, and you will be trekking in darkness, guided by headlamps.

The ascent is mentally and physically demanding, but the anticipation of reaching the summit keeps spirits high. As you approach the peak, you will witness the first light of dawn breaking over the horizon, illuminating the landscape.

Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, take time to celebrate your achievement, capture photos, and enjoy the moment. Afterward, the descent back to Barafu Camp will take around three to four hours. Once at Barafu, you can rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp, where you will spend your final night on the mountain.

Booking with DAV Safaris

To experience the Ultimate Kilimanjaro climb via the Lemosha route, booking with Dav Safaris is a wise choice. They provide comprehensive packages that include all necessary permits, accommodations, meals, and experienced guides who prioritize safety and comfort. Dav Safaris is known for its commitment to sustainable tourism and ensuring that climbers have an enriching experience without compromising the environment.

Their team is dedicated to helping adventurers prepare for the climb, from fitness recommendations to gear advice. With Dav Safaris, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trek up Kilimanjaro, allowing you to focus on the incredible journey ahead. Whether you are an experienced climber or a novice, their personalized service and expertise will enhance your experience on this iconic mountain.

[sandstonerocks]

The History of Sandstone Use in Architecture: A Timeless Choice

Sandstone blocks, a natural sedimentary rock formed from compacted sand grains, has been a popular choice in architecture for centuries. Its durability, versatility, and natural beauty have made it a timeless material that has graced some of the world's most iconic structures.

In this blog post, we will explore the rich history of sandstone use in architecture and how it continues to be a preferred choice for modern-day construction projects.

Ancient Civilizations and Sandstone

The use of sandstone in architecture dates back to ancient civilizations. One of the earliest known examples is the Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt, which was carved out of limestone but features a sandstone core. The Egyptians also used sandstone in the construction of temples, tombs, and monuments, such as the Abu Gorab Sun Temple and the Abusir Pyramids.In ancient Greece, sandstone was used in the construction of the Parthenon, one of the most famous examples of classical Greek architecture.

The Parthenon's columns, walls, and sculptures were made from Pentelic marble, but the foundation and lower steps were constructed using sandstone.The Romans also embraced the use of sandstone in their architecture. The Colosseum, one of the most iconic structures of the Roman Empire, was built using a combination of travertine, tuff, and B grade premium sandstone. The sandstone was used for the lower levels of the structure, providing a strong foundation for the upper levels.

Sandstone in Medieval and Renaissance Architecture

During the Middle Ages, sandstone continued to be a popular choice for ecclesiastical and civic architecture. The Gothic cathedrals of Europe, such as Notre-Dame de Paris and Chartres Cathedral, feature sandstone as a key building material. The intricate carvings and sculptures adorning these cathedrals were often made from sandstone.In Renaissance architecture, sandstone was used in the construction of grand palaces and villas. The Palazzo Pitti in Florence, Italy, is a prime example of Renaissance architecture that features sandstone. The building's façade is made from rusticated sandstone, which gives it a rugged and imposing appearance.

Sandstone in the Modern Era

As architecture evolved in the modern era, sandstone remained a popular choice for both commercial and residential projects. The Empire State Building in New York City, one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world, features a base made from Indiana limestone and B grade premium sandstone.In the 20th century, architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Kahn incorporated sandstone into their designs. Wright's Fallingwater house in Pennsylvania features sandstone terraces that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Kahn's Salk Institute in California features a central courtyard paved with sandstone, creating a serene and contemplative space.Today, sandstone continues to be a popular choice for modern architecture. Its natural beauty and durability make it an ideal material for both interior and exterior applications. B grade premium sandstone is particularly popular for its cost-effectiveness and consistent quality, making it a preferred choice for large-scale projects.

The Enduring Appeal of Sandstone

So, what is it about sandstone that has made it such an enduring choice in architecture? There are several factors that contribute to its appeal:

Durability: Sandstone is a highly durable material that can withstand the elements and maintain its structural integrity for centuries.

Versatility: Sandstone can be cut, shaped, and finished in a variety of ways, making it suitable for a wide range of architectural styles and applications.

Natural Beauty: The natural variations in color and texture of sandstone add visual interest and warmth to any building.

Sustainability: As a natural material, sandstone is an eco-friendly choice that requires minimal processing and can be sourced locally.

Cost-Effectiveness: While high-quality sandstone can be expensive, B grade premium sandstone offers a more affordable option without sacrificing quality.

Conclusion

The history of sandstone use in architecture is a testament to its enduring appeal and versatility. From ancient civilizations to modern-day construction projects, sandstone has been a preferred choice for architects and builders alike. Its durability, natural beauty, and cost-effectiveness make it a material that will continue to be used in the construction of iconic structures for generations to come.Whether you're building a grand cathedral or a modern office building, incorporating sandstone into your design can add a touch of timeless elegance and beauty. So, the next time you admire a stunning piece of architecture, take a moment to appreciate the enduring appeal of sandstone.

[fishrpg]

2024-08-13: Hex 13 (Wetland)

The slow-moving waters in the low marshes are juxtaposed with the bustling town on the higher ground in this hex.

Notable Feature: Settlement (Town of Mieville)

A series of earthen barriers encircle the town, which provide flood protection to the lower parts of the settlement. The town is larger than most in this sandbox, having a variety of shops, pubs, and even paved streets! However, the streets are paved by necessity, as they would become completely unusable during the rainy season.

Most of the buildings are made of brick or stone, and the largest building is a church in the center of town known as the Cathedral of the Holy Stone. The Cathedral is the seat of church activity in the sandbox, and it is also the primary source of power within Mieville. Because of the influence of the church, the town is reserved when interacting with outsiders, lest they be judged for associating with heathens (or worse).

Currently the talk of the town is regarding the death of Cardinal Yves Parmentier and who will succeed him. Although the cardinal's home church is located in another cathedral outside of the sandbox, there is talk that the local bishop, Gauthier Jullien, has a chance at becoming the next cardinal, and that could increase the Mieville's influence and notoriety.

Secret: Good Bones

Churches in a geographic area tend to have relics from a particular saint. In this area, the churches have relics from Saint Sebastien. Distribution of the relics is the responsibility of the largest church in the area (usually called a cathedral, even if they aren’t as grand as the ones back home). Record-keeping is somewhat lax in the church when it comes to relics, and all the churches of within the sandbox have a finger from Saint Sebastien listed as their relic without mentioning which finger it is. The individual churches are a little better, and do mention which finger it’s supposed to be.

Since most people don’t visit more than one or two churches in an area, it’s not obvious that there might be a discrepancy with regard to the relics. If several of the relics are collected or otherwise documented, it will be obvious that either Saint Sebastien had more thumbs than the typical person, or at least one of these relics does not belong to Saint Sebastien. Bringing up the issue to the Cathedral without proof will result in being assigned some task of atonement, but providing proof makes the situation much worse. When proof of the Cathedral’s misdeeds is provided, the characters involved are banished from the church, excommunicated if they are members, and not welcomed in the town. Anyone who returns to the town after this and is caught will be publicly maimed by dropping melon-sized rocks on them until they are completely covered by stone. It does not usually result in death; that’s only if you’re lucky. Death means you have successfully atoned for your crimes against the church.

[ascendancy-echoes]

Chapter 25: The Invasion

Ismene sat in silence in the lower deck of the ship, no longer restrained and free to move about, but unable to escape. Oz and Belinay had made it clear they’d readily toss her overboard if she stepped out of line. If she wasn’t so furious, the rocking motion of the boat and the sound of the waves lapping against its hill would have lulled Ismene to sleep. Instead, quiet rage kept her awake as she fumed over the situation.

“We’re almost there, Izzy.”

Ismene looked up and glared at Russ. She wasn’t in the mood for more of his half-assed apologies. When he wasn’t inexplicably an expert in sailing and helping Silence steer the damned boat through the dark of night to Guardia’s shores, Russ had been checking on her and trying unsuccessfully to convince her that, despite them both being threatened, that Belinay and Oz had their best interests in mind.

Russ stood there, waiting for a response. When Ismene said nothing, he sighed and said, “Look, Izzy-“

“Shut up, Russ!” Ismene snapped. “I don’t want to hear any more fucking bullshit about how Oz and the others mean well. They’re taking us to our deaths, you know that right?”

“It’s not going to be like last time,” Russ protested. “The Elder and Bel are prepared.”

“I’m sure they’re prepared for their own survival, but the rest of us?” Ismene replied snidely. She suddenly sighed, her mood becoming somber. “Russ… I already lost my parents, I don’t want to lose you too.”

Russ frowned and said, “I don’t want to lose you too. That’s why we’re doing this.”

Ismene scoffed, but said nothing. She looked away from Russ. “Just leave me alone, Russ. If you can’t think for yourself for five fucking seconds and see Oz and Bel for who they really are, then I don’t want to speak to you or anyone.”

Ismene glanced up to see Russ looked like he was about to say more but he let out a heavy sigh and went above deck, leaving her alone with her anger in the dimly lit cabin.

~o~O~O~

Ismene was true to her word and said nothing the remainder of the trip across the channel. She said nothing to Russ when Nox and SIlence dragged her above deck and onto shore. Kallisto and Silence used their respective magics of shadow and sound manipulation to aid in the journey to the forests outside Guardia Castle. As the faintest light of the sun began to peek from the horizon in the predawn hours, the Mystics made it to the crumbling stone ruins of Manolia Cathedral. Several crates of food and water were awaiting them, as was Harkin, an imp Russ recognized from the general store and another Imp Russ did not know.

Harkin greeted Belinay and Oz, informing them of something. What it was, Russ couldn’t hear from where he was standing.

“We will set up camp here and scout around the castle,” Oz declared. “Once we have a good idea of how to ambush that human, Janus, we can infiltrate the castle and deal with the king and queen.”

Belinay said, “Now, I’ve gone over every record my mother kept on the royal family and their friends and while little to nothing is known about his past, Janus is our biggest threat since he’s the one who can see magic. I can confirm he has magical abilities just like us despite the fact he’s human. Likewise his wife and child had magic, as did the king and queen and their children, but I never saw any of them use their abilities. Based on Cephas’s older reports, the queen possesses ice magic and the king has sky magic, particularly lightning.”

Nox scoffed. “So we just need to kill them so we can reach the dreamstone?”

Belinay tapped her beak thoughtfully. “Temping as that is…. Zoradysis’s research into the ritual says that it needs a lot of magic… I have given it a lot of thought and Oz and I think it would be better to offer the humans as sacrifices to Lavos. We can incapacitate the adults with the batons and keep them captive with the shackles.”

“Any other humans, the children included, are fair game,” she added. “Either they surrender or we deal with them appropriately.”

“Russ, I want you and Nox to investigate the house that’s along the road to the castle,’ Belinay declared, handing them each a pair of shackles and a baton. “The last intel we had was that it belonged to the Ashtears. I need you two to find out if Janus is home or not. Try not to engage with him if he is present and report back in two hours.”

“What about the rest of his family?” asked Nox.

“Use your best judgment,” Belinay replied. “Eliminate any threats if you can do so safely.”

Nox nodded and gestured for Russ to follow. Russ hesitated for a moment. “What about Izzy?”

“As long as you do as you’re told, ‘Izzy’ will be fine,” Belinay replied coldly. “Now go. Once we have more intel, we will make our move against the humans”

Russ nodded hesitantly and followed Nox out of the camp and through the forest. Wordlessly, he followed Nox through the forest and across a dirt road into more forest. Eventually they came upon the two-story home in a large clearing. Russ could see a smaller, separate building behind the main house and a hedged garden next to the smaller building.

“Doesn’t look like anyone is home,” Nox remarked.  No sooner had he said that, than the door on the side of the house opened, and he saw a young human girl, tall but not quite an adult yet, with lavender hair come skipping out the door to the garden. A man’s voice called out for the girl to stay in the garden while he was upstairs doing some work. The girl called back, promising to listen to the voice’s request.

Nox and Russ could hear the door close. The girl remained in the garden as she was told. Nox pulled out a spyglass and peered at the house. From the windows, he briefly saw the blue-haired human that Belinay had warned them about. After a moment or so, it was clear that Janus was elsewhere out of sight within the house.

“Wonder if he’ll head to the castle soon,” Nox remarked. “The girl must be his kid.”

“I’d say she definitely is,” Russ remarked, pointing in the girl’s direction. Nox followed Russ’s gaze to see the girl tracing glowing lines in the air and producing a small flame in her hand before making it vanish as quickly as she had created it. Then a small flicker of ice that vanished quickly in her hands.

Russ found himself somehow transfixed by the girl as she continued to summon and dismiss the little flame in her hand. There was also something vaguely familiar about the girl but Russ was equally certain he had never seen her before. His thoughts were interrupted by a clicking sound.

“What are you doing?” Russ whispered, seeing Nox load his crossbow.

Nox aimed his crossbow, “Getting rid of a threat. Kid’s coming our way and Bel never said to spare the kids.”

“You can’t be serious,” Russ whispered loudly.  “She’s just a kid... We could just capture her.”

"Too risky that she'll scream for her dad before we can silence her," Nox replied as he raised the crossbow to aim it at Zarya. “This way is quieter.”

Russ didn’t know what he was thinking other than he wanted to stop Nox. He didn’t want this human child to die. He quickly reached for the crossbow and pulled it towards himself, causing Nox to misfire and send the bolt into a nearby tree.

“What’re you doing?!” Nox snapped as he wrestled Russ for his crossbow. “You idiot, we’re going to get caught by her.”

“I’m not going to let you kill her,” Russ snarled quietly. He grew angry as he and Nox wrestled for control of the crossbow. 

Suddenly, there was a loud crack, like thunder. Russ wasn’t even sure what happened until Nox slammed into the nearby tree. Russ could see the severe burns on Nox’s hands, the sleeves of his shirt were burnt and there was a deep burn mark on his chest. It looked like Nox had been struck by a bolt of lightning. Russ’s fur stood on end briefly, the air around him felt charged like a storm. Faint sparks of lightning arced briefly on the metal of the crossbow now at his feet. Russ felt a sickening sort of tingle in his stomach as the shock of what happened pieced together in his mind.

Without trying, he had conjured a lightning bolt and hit Nox point-blank in the chest with it. Now Nox was laying limp against the tree, eerily still. There was a sickening smell in the air and Russ started to feel dizzy as his breathing reached a frenzied pace. He had to get out of here but what was he going to tell Belinay or Oz? What was going to happen to Ismene and him?

Russ could swear he heard an eerily familiar voice urging him to run and save himself when a sharp pain struck his head. His heart began to beat loudly in his chest and his vision blurred to the point he saw stars. As quickly as the headache had come, it was gone. Russ shook off his headache and was shocked to see the girl standing in front of him. How long had she been standing there? Did she notice Nox was dead nearby? More to the point, how had she even seen them from the garden?

“Kitty-man is hurt? Are you okay?” asked the girl. She smiled brightly and proclaimed, “Don’t be scared!”

Baffled by the girl’s concern and words, Russ found himself unsure of what to do. The girl declared that her dad could help. Russ, still stunned about the current situation, was surprised as the girl grabbed him by the hand and began pulling him towards the house. How could she not be afraid of him? Russ had always been taught that humans feared and hated anything different from them and yet this girl was treating him with such concern and kindness, as if she didn’t care or know any better that Mystics and humans were enemies. Had her parents not taught her their own cruelty or hatred? Were they as hateful as everyone claimed?

They had to be; Russ rationalized. Only cruel monsters would have killed Ismene’s parents and left no survivors other than Cephas who had been lucky to escape.

As they reached the garden’s edge, Russ pulled from the girl’s grasp. He stood at the tree line and began to back away. The girl turned and frowned, asking if he was scared. Russ sighed and knelt down to look her in the eyes. The girl immediately averted her gaze but did not run. Russ spoke softly and urgently, “Girl, you need to leave. Go anywhere but the castle. Some very mean Mystics are coming and they won’t be as nice as me. You need to go somewhere safe, understand? You need to go now. Please trust me.”

All Russ wanted in this very moment was for the girl to be gone and not around for the coming events. He wished she understood and would just leave so his conscience could be somewhat clear. All he got in response was the girl tilting her head and looking at him perplexed.

“Please, just go!” Russ urged.

“Zarya?!” shouted a man’s voice.

The girl, presumably Zarya, stepped back from Russ and turned towards the source of the voice. Again, the man called out for her. Panic filled Russ. He wanted to disappear and be far away from here, but his legs refused to move. He felt his magic spark around him.

Suddenly, as Russ knelt there, his own pendant became covered in ethereal flames. Zarya let out a small yelp and jumped back. Her own pendant sparked and glowed as if reacting to Russ's.

Russ stood up, just as surprised by the magic emanating from their pendants. A swirling vortex of red lights and shadows appeared behind them. Zarya glanced at the vortex and then back at Russ, a look of concern and curiosity in her eyes.

Russ backed away from the vortex, terrified by its light. Small arcs of lightning jumped around him, causing Zarya to stumble back to the edge of the vortex. She looked at Russ with a terrified expression as some unseen force pulled her into the swirling light. As suddenly as the vortex appeared, it vanished, leaving no trace of Zarya.

Unsure of what happened, Russ stood stunned for a moment before looking past where the girl had stood and seeing a man with long, sky blue hair. Russ realized he was the human called Janus Ashtear and the man had a look of absolute fury in his eyes as he traced dark runes in the air and pointed at him.

~o~O~o~

Janus had hoped he could get some chores done while Lucca was out shopping, but his head had other plans. A migraine he had tried to ignore had grown too bothersome to leave alone so he took some medicine and sat down to rest. He knew Zarya would be fine in the garden. He could see her and it had been years since she had wandered off. Besides, Lucca said she wouldn't be long.

As he closed his eyes and started to drift off to sleep, Janus heard the faintest sound of howling wind which grew louder by the moment, followed by a loud clap of thunder and with that, the wind stopped. Alarmed, Janus sat up and looked out the window. He had a perfect view of the garden from where he had sat down and he could see that Zarya was missing.

Panicked, Janus got up and ran out into the garden and painfully bright morning light. He thought he heard a man’s voice shouting from the forest. Increasingly worried for Zarya’s safety, Janus called out for her. Getting no answer, he shouted for her again, making his way towards the voice he had heard. He heard Zarya cry out in surprise and he quickened his pace.

Janus came around an oak tree to see a Mystic standing in a small clearing mere feet from Zarya and a swirling vortex of red lights and shadows. Before he could react, Janus saw Zarya stumble back from the Mystic and fall into the vortex, vanishing from his sight as the vortex snapped shut and disappeared. Fear and rage took over as Janus began to trace magical runes to inflict pain on this Mystic for making his child disappear.

“Temnaya Molniya!”

The bolt of dark lightning flew at Russ. His shield went up in an instant, quicker than he usually could summon it. The bolt deflected off the shield and went off in a random direction.

“Return my daughter, now!” Janus roared.

It took Russ a second to realize Janus was talking about the strange girl that had approached him. Ice slammed against his shield, followed by fire. With all of his focus on his shield, Russ wasn’t sure what he could do against Janus. A feeling, almost like a voice that wasn’t his own, echoed faintly in his mind. Janus was a danger he felt like he had encountered before.

The girl had been harmless. Her father was another matter entirely. Russ didn’t know how he had summoned the lightning that killed Nox and he was afraid to drop the shield lest Janus successfully kill him.

Janus began to trace another rune when he suddenly clutched his head and started to cough and wheeze. Russ saw his chance. He pulled the baton off his belt. He ran towards Janus and swung the baton at him. Janus tried to block Russ’s attack but the moment the baton struck his arm, a painful jolt spread through his entire body as he felt his magic drain in an instant. He gasped for air and stumbled backwards before collapsing to his knees. Russ dropped the baton and moved quickly to shackle Janus from behind, unsure of how fast a human could recover from the baton’s power. He stepped back and glared at Janus as he caught his breath and took a swig of Ether from the pouch on his belt.

“Let’s get something straight, human,” he panted. “I didn’t do anything to your child. I’m no monster. I don’t know what happened. All I know she approached me… then suddenly a rift appeared after her pendant started glowing. She stumbled into the rift, then it closed. I had nothing to do with it.”

Janus said nothing, too angry and exhausted to speak. He refused to believe that this Mystic wasn’t somehow responsible for the Gate that appeared. It was impossible for Janus to forget the red Gate that Dalton had summoned all those years ago and he was certain that the Mystic had done something to create a similar rift.

Through the growing mental fog brought on by his migraine, Janus wondered why this Mystic just didn’t kill him now that he had the opportunity. He was bound and helpless yet this Mystic had made no move to harm him beyond whatever he had done to drain his magic. Instead, Janus found himself shackled and slumped against a tree while the Mystic paced and spoke frantically, presumably to himself, about their situation. As near as Janus could conclude, this Mystic was a reluctant participant in whatever was coming and was more terrified of angering his superiors and harm coming to someone he knew than he was of Janus. It was clear that the Mystic had made a huge mistake in fighting him and now, with their companion dead, they had no idea what to do.

[thorsenmark]

One Day in Yosemite National Park Just Isn’t Enough! (HDR) by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: A setting looking to the east-northeast while taking in views across the forested Yosemite Valley at Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park. I chose to work with Aurora HDR Pro to bring that complete setting in the image. I later exported a TIFF image to DxO PhotoLab 5 where I did some final adjustments with contrast, saturation and brightness for the final image.