#May they forever rest in peace and live on in our hearts and minds as the patron saints and gods of reptiles

[draconosaurus]

First cancer takes Technoblade from us, and now it takes Brian Barczyk.

FUCK CANCER.

[torukmaktoskxawng]

our paths crossing

Pairing: Tsu’tey x Avatar!Reader + Adopted!Spider

Summary: Tsu’tey is given a second chance at life, but not even Eywa could convince him to accept it. 

Word Count: 9k+

Warnings: single mom power, generational trauma, parental manipulation (tsu’tey’s parents suck), fluff

Na'vi words used: pa'li - direhorse, nivi - hammock, olo'eyktan - clan leader, ikran - mountain banshee, Iknimaya - Rite of Passage, marui - home, oel ngati kameie - I See you, taronyutsyìp - little hunter, teylupil prrnen - teylu face baby, niktsyey - food/leaf wrap, tsaheylu - bond, sa'nok - mother, Uniltaron - Dream Hunt, irayo - thank you, tawtute - human, tswin - queue braid, maitan - my son, sa'sem - parents, taronyu - hunter, tsahik - spiritual leader, tsakarem - tsahik in training, meresh'ti cau'pla - banshee catcher

A/N: This was heavily inspired by other Tsu’tey works written by @simps256 @byunpum @shu-box-puns and @little-box-of-autism on Tumblr, and @ AlexiHollis on Ao3

~~~~~~~~~

PANDORA, 2154+

Everything is connected, one way or another. From the tiny stem of a plant, to the pa'li that steps on it, and to the ginormous tree looming over it. Pandora is made up of various different sizes of networks, from microscopic to gigantic. Some are easier to see than others. The network of tree branches and roots is clearly visible, but there are small ones, not physically distinct, and Eywa can see it all as clear as day.

The same goes for two souls. When two Na'vi-- when two souls mate, they are mated for life. It won't matter if they met when they were children or if their paths meet when they are old and wrinkled. Two souls are still two souls, meant for each other no matter how or when they meet.

Tsu'tey, like all Na'vi, believed this to be true. Sylwanin was the soul meant for him, ever since they were children. However, Eywa had other plans in mind for the young couple and destiny tragically separated them, forever shattering their former entwined paths. Later in life, Tsu'tey finally accepted that all things happen for a reason, and perhaps in another life, Sylwanin would have been his mate. But in this life, Eywa protects the balance of it all and in order for Jake Sully to one day arrive and save this beautiful world, beautiful souls like Sylwanin would have to be sacrificed. Tsu'tey came to terms with this one day, weeks after the battle against the Sky People.

He had plenty of time to think about many things, lying in his nivi and resting from his injuries. As Toruk Makto, Jake happily took temporary command of the Omatikaya clan whilst their olo'eyktan healed from his wounds. It would be a long journey for Tsu'tey, but those who respect him and call him 'brother' were just happy he survived that fall and all those gunshots. At first, he was not as happy or even relieved. Why would Eywa deny him the chance to see Sylwanin again? As he took time to heal, he eventually mourned properly for the first time in years and was able to heal mentally as well as physically. Tsu'tey had finally managed to let his young love go, may she rest in peace.

In return for his loyalty and devotion, Eywa rewarded her olo'eyktan with a gift fit for a good man. However, it would be years before he graciously accepted it.

Tsu'tey was always aware of the other sky demons possessing Na'vi bodies. He had seen many over the years, especially when he was just a student in Grace Augustine's school. He had always found them strange and ugly and didn't hesitate to let Jake know how he felt about his appearance. Jake never took it to heart and eventually learned to laugh at such comments. Tsu'tey grimaced, almost hating the fact that Jake was getting used to him. The other dreamwalkers --"Avatars, brother, they're called avatars,"-- never really got used to him but they greatly respected him, especially after Tsu'tey allowed them to live among the Omatikaya once the rest of the Sky People were sent off-world. He had accepted these 'scientists' and 'avatars' into his village, much to Toruk Makto's influence, and so therefore, over time, Tsu'tey began to treat them all as part of the People-- his people.

As he accepted the sky demons, he also began to learn their names. One of which he was always aware of but had never bothered to learn her name.

Y/n was an avatar driver and a scientist. Even though she hadn't been on Pandora for long, she had been allowed to visit Hometree several times before its destruction, always tagging along when either Grace or Norm Spellman visited. She was part of the young group of scientists who had received an avatar before the battle against the Sky People that actively cut off the scientists' funding to make more, therefore she would be one of the last of them, as would Norm and Jake. In many ways, it was like watching the end of a species that would cease to exist once the avatars all died out. That is until children like Kiri and Lo'ak were born.

By the time Neytiri bore Jake their first son and had adopted Grace's daughter born of mysterious circumstances, Tsu'tey had begun to notice that Y/n was not just a random avatar who opted to stay on Pandora. She had also opted into becoming a mother.

It was safe to say Tsu'tey didn't know of Spider's existence firmly because the baby wasn't old enough to wear a mask and exo-pack yet, therefore he had never visited the village. It wasn't until the fierce olo'eyktan followed Jake to the functional biolab of Hell's Gate one day did he finally meet the next generation of Sky People. At first, Spider was strange to him. With a full head of yellow curls, pink skin, and a gummy smile, Tsu'tey gained enough willpower not to verbally comment about how the sky demons' offspring were even uglier than the avatars. Jake had asked him to be civil prior to this meeting, so he indulged his brother out of respect for Toruk Makto.

If Y/n had seen how put-off Tsu'tey was by her son, she didn't mention it. In fact, she barely acknowledged the clan leader, instead devoting her time to making sure her adventurous toddler didn't get into any trouble. Much to all the scientists' dismay, the child had learned to run before he could walk, therefore the attempts to baby-proof the whole place had been frantic and half-assed at best. But wherever Spider ran, Y/n was not too far behind him, always making a game of the chase and making the toddler laugh until his sides hurt.

From what Tsu'tey had learned, Spider is not Y/n's child by blood. The baby had been left behind when the Sky People left, too young for space travel. Everyone was positive that his biological mother was killed during the Battle of the Hallelujah Mountains, and as for his father... from vague descriptions, Tsu'tey had gathered who the man was and decided not to ask any further. Now, in replace of Spider's biological parents came Y/n. Even though the scientists were all more than happy to help raise the kid together as a village, Y/n had become his sole guardian, claiming that Spider should always have that one person to rely on before all others. She had gone on record stating that the boy needs a mother before a village and he shouldn't be treated as an object or a pet the Sky People pass around. No one questioned her, especially when shown how everything she does she does it for the boy and not for her own selfish needs. The scientists all proudly took the roles of aunts and uncles to the boy, but by all rights except blood, Y/n was Spider's mother. She fed and bathed the baby, clothed him, nurtured him, and sang songs to get him to sleep. Sure, she would let the other scientists help with Spider if she needed to take her avatar out for a drive, but she was determined to be Spider's family when no one had formally stepped up.

Even though he didn't realize it back then, Tsu'tey had come to greatly admire Y/n for her sacrifice and determination to raise a child all on her own. She didn't expect anyone to help and she took motherhood in stride. She acted as if she was always meant to be a mother and she had been waiting for this moment her whole life. After first meeting Spider, Tsu'tey wouldn't visit Hell's Gate for some time and didn't often think about the human child or his mother. It would be years before Tsu'tey is reacquainted with them, their paths crossing once more, and only because Spider was finally old enough to wear a mask.

PANDORA, 2163

Spider was nine years old when he first donned a breathing mask and ventured out into the vast world of Pandora, leaving the square walls of the biolab behind him. The scientists had made it into a whole celebration like it was his birthday, providing gifts of Na'vi-make and even a cake before he got too antsy and was ready to go outside. His mother was equally excited for him. Dawning her avatar, Y/n brought Spider outside after triple-checking that his mask was firmly in place. She first let the boy wander into the treeline a little bit to get the feeling of grass beneath his feet and let him try to climb the trees like the little spider monkey he was named after. He had struggled to climb the first couple of tries but managed to get the hang of it before Y/n took him on a ride aboard her ikran that she had tamed only a few years prior.

While Norm was able to gain a banshee not long after the war, Y/n had decided to wait out her training to become a Na'vi warrior due to raising a human child who couldn't go everywhere with her. Once Spider was old enough not to need his mother every minute of the day, she finally felt comfortable with occasionally leaving Hell's Gate and learning the ways of the Omatikaya. The start of her Iknimaya went smoothly due to the number of teachers she had, and eventually, she came home flying her very own ikran. Spider squealed and laughed from his bedroom window at the sight of the creature, already in love as if his mother had just brought a stray cat home. Y/n immediately sat her son down to gently let him know that an ikran is not a pet and demands respect and space. However, the ikran appeared more than happy to act like the family pet, curiously watching Spider from behind the window and resting right underneath said window whenever the creature wasn't out flying.

And when Spider was finally allowed to go outside, the boy and ikran finally got to officially meet. It was like watching a rescued animal find its forever home. Immediately cozying up and trusting the nine-year-old, the ikran allowed Spider to hug its whole face in his arms while jumping up and down happily. With excitement, Spider begged his mother to take him on a ride and finally, he got to learn what it was like to fly.

Y/n immediately flew Spider to the village so he can lay eyes on all the Na'vi for the first time. The People were happy to greet the child after hearing so many stories from his mother. The Omatikaya had grown to love Y/n and the other scientists as part of the People once they had begun to learn the Na'vi way and tame their own banshees, so when the Na'vi were finally introduced to Spider, it was like meeting the first grandbaby of the family! Everyone wanted to hold Spider due to the fascination of the fact he was still so small at his age, and the kid happily ate up all the attention. Through his excitement, he kept jumping between languages when speaking, but most of the Omatikaya were able to grasp the boy's words with ease and would respond in kind. Eventually, Y/n managed to bring her kid to the Sully marui without too many people resisting, and so Spider got to meet his best friends for the first time.

Jake and Neytiri excitedly welcomed Spider, hugging him and dragging him inside like he was a nephew who had been far away from home for far too long. Y/n followed them into the home, smiling fondly as Spider was introduced to Neteyam, Kiri, and Lo'ak. All three Sully kids were very bug-eyed and curious about this new friend. And for the first time since arriving in the village, Spider was suddenly shy with all the attention he was getting. He ran back to Y/n and hid behind her legs, nervously holding her tail while peeking at the kids behind his mask. The adults all laughed while the Sully kids continued to ask Spider questions until finally, he got comfortable enough to come out of hiding. Y/n and Spider stayed for dinner that evening after the kids begged their parents to let them stay so Spider could play. Once they got over poking and prodding Spider with interest, the two Na'vi boys and girl kept dragging him everywhere, frantically wanting to show him all their toys and favorite hiding spots, acting like he was leaving forever the moment he and Y/n would eventually step out of their home. The adults calmly remind the children that now that Spider is big enough to wear a mask, both he and Y/n would be coming back to the village as many times as they want, but that didn't convince the kids to slow down.

Tsu'tey was invited to dinner as well, but due to his responsibilities, he arrived late and could only stay for a little while. Y/n happily greeted him like an old friend -they had only met a few times over the years-, pressing her fingers to her forehead and lowering them in his direction, "Olo'eyktan. Oel ngati kameie."

Tsu'tey gestured in response out of respect but otherwise said nothing. Had he still been younger and just a warrior, Tsu'tey would've been able to help mentor Y/n during her Iknimaya trials. But due to being olo'eyktan now, he had to hand down those responsibilities to someone who had the time to do so, therefore his meetings with Y/n were far, and few in-between. As she was training, there were communal dinners where both parties were cordial to one another, entertaining small talk but otherwise keeping their respective distance. Y/n had become closer to Jake, Neytiri, and their growing family, therefore she and Tsu'tey saw each other more than usual but still in passing, like two ships in the night. Tsu'tey was like a teacher and an uncle to the Sully children, while Y/n was becoming to be a friend of the family. Now that Spider was in the picture, Tsu'tey had a feeling he had not seen the last of the mother and son.

If everyone thought Spider was shy meeting the Sully kids, they had not seen Spider meeting Tsu'tey. The boy immediately straightened his back and froze like a deer in headlights. Despite being shy and refusing to say a word, the human child looked at Tsu'tey in awe of him, recognizing his station as the clan leader of the Omatikaya. Y/n laughed and gathered her son up in her arms when he couldn't move, facing Tsu'tey so both Na'vi man and human child could get a better look at each other, "Spider, this is Tsu'tey te Rongloa Ateyo'itan. You've met before, but you were too little to remember. He is olo'eyktan. Do you remember what we say when greeting someone new?"

Under Tsu'tey's stare, Spider's hand shook as he brought his tiny fingers to the top brim of his breathing mask before lowering it in the Na'vi man's direction, speaking just above a whisper, "O-- Oel ngati kameie..."

The marui is silent and the boy waits with bated breath. To Spider's credit and everyone's amazement, Tsu'tey thinly smiled and made the same hand movement back to the child, "You speak very good, taronyutsyìp. Your mother and other caretakers have taught you well."

Spider's frozen shock had broken in exchange for a large, beaming wide smile, staring at Tsu'tey as if the man had just handed him the world. Y/n smiled at her adorable son's reaction and gratefully nodded to Tsu'tey before the moment was broken by none other than Jake's teasing, "How come you weren't complimenting me when I was learning, brother?"

"Because you were a teylupil prrnen who had to hold Neytiri's hand every step of the way," Tsu'tey was quick to respond but made sure to only speak in a hushed voice which only the adults could hear.

Neytiri playfully scolded Tsu'tey for his language and shoved a small niktsyey into his hands before he could leave, all the children confused as to why both Jake and Y/n were laughing to the point they had missed Tsu'tey sneaking out of the pod.

~~~~~~~~~

That was indeed, not the last time Tsu'tey would see Y/n and Spider. The next time they visited the village was a week later, and Tsu'tey wasn't even aware of their presence until his evening tasks were disrupted by a small force running into his legs and hugging them tightly. Startled into looking down, Tsu'tey found Little Spider, not even standing up to the height of the chief's knees, clinging to his strong blue legs for dear life while beaming up at him through his mask. Spider laughed due to Tsu'tey's reaction and paid no mind to his mother when she finally arrived. Tsu'tey didn't even notice Y/n until she stood in front of him, looking guilty and apologetic.

"Forgive me, ma olo'eyktan. He didn't want to go home until he got to see you."

Her ears pinned back against her head, tail drooping as she stared anxiously at the usually fierce and stone-faced clan leader. She looked tired, likely from a long day of following her child everywhere while he went on these new, exciting adventures around the village and surrounding forest. Y/n had volunteered to take Spider and the Sully kids to the nearby river so they could play and let off some steam. Jake and Neytiri had gratefully accepted the offer, ready to have some time away from their children for the first time in years. One look at the female avatar and Tsu'tey could tell just how drained she had been from watching all four children who barely grasp the idea of being 'careful.'

Years later, Tsu'tey will not be able to recall what came over him, but in a split-second decision, he bent down and scooped the little human boy into his arms, much to Spider's delight who squealed and laughed happily. To no one's surprise, the pink-skinned child was lighter than a basket of banana fruit and didn't struggle when Tsu'tey lifted him up over his head until the boy was sitting on his strong, broad shoulders. Spider dutifully grabbed onto Tsu'tey's braids to stay upright, eyes widening in joy and wonderment as he looked around, seeing the world from a new height that Spider could only dream of.

Tsu'tey made no sound to acknowledge his decision, despite already clocking a few bystanders who had stopped to stare at their olo'eyktan in shock before he turned to Y/n, speaking as blunt and firm as always, "He has seen me. Now let's get him to your ikran."

Initially surprised, Y/n could only nod and obediently led the Na'vi man in the direction of the claimed ikran rookery. They walked in silence apart from Spider's ramblings, beaming and waving down at all the Na'vi they passed by. Tsu'tey stubbornly ignores the stares, keeping his head held high and his gaze ahead of him, still exuding the confident, proud walk of a chief without ever acknowledging the sky demon child sitting up on his shoulders. Spider wasn't bothered by his silence, still babbling about all the things he did today and excitedly exclaiming how he couldn't wait until next time. They finally walk up to Y/n's ikran and without a word, she formed tsaheylu and expertly hopped up into her saddle, bending down to accept Spider from Tsu'tey once the man plucked the kid from his shoulders. Taking this time to admire the handiwork Y/n put into making her ikran's saddle as she secured her son in front of her, Tsu'tey nearly made a fool of himself by staring and immediately shook out of his thoughts.

"Now, boy," Tus'tey spoke carefully, lowering his voice so as not to startle the child as he stepped away from the banshee, eyeing Spider with a stern expression, "Be good for your sa'nok the rest of the night. Do not give her trouble and do as your told."

"Yes, sir!" Spider puffed out his chest and dutifully nodded, excited to follow an order straight from the Omatikaya's olo'eyktan.

Y/n huffed in amusement before flashing Tsu'tey a small smile of gratitude, "Thank you, Tsu'tey."

"Get some rest, my friend," Tsu'tey firmly nods back, "That's an order."

To his internal surprise, Y/n laughs, and even though he was confused, Spider laughed with her. Tsu'tey didn't react to their laughter, every muscle in his face coming together to keep as firm and as serious as he could manage. He wasn't sure when was the last time a woman laughed at something he said. Normally, no one laughed at Tsu'tey, believing he was too serious and he was taken as seriously as one could manage. It wasn't as though he was trying to be funny, but it was like Y/n could see something behind his eyes that told her that at this very moment, she didn't have to treat him as the clan leader. Perhaps it was the way he called her 'friend' that made her realize that she didn't have to be so formal around him. Either way, he didn't plan on correcting her manners.

Tsu'tey couldn't remember when they eventually flew away, back to Hell's Gate. He could only remember standing there like an idiot even after the mother and son were out of sight, their gentle, sweet laughter still echoing in his ears.

~~~~~~~~~

It became a sort of tradition. After a long day of being in the village, Spider would always escape his mother and run to Tsu'tey every time she told her son it was time to go home. After the first three times he did this, both Tsu'tey and Y/n just silently agreed to go along with it and indulge the child in his little tradition. Every evening Y/n and Spider were visiting the clan, the olo'eyktan could count on the young boy to find him like clockwork, then Tsu'tey will, again, lift Spider up onto his shoulders and follow Y/n back to her ikran.

Tsu'tey noticed that the mother and child were visiting the village more and more and he chalked it up to be because Neytiri had just announced that she was pregnant again. Everyone was ecstatic, especially the children. Knowing that a new baby was on the way, Spider could be spotted around the Sully marui almost every single day. The kid was in awe at the idea of meeting someone who was finally going to be smaller than him, at least for a little while. He also fully ramped the other Sully kids up, getting them to be excited for another little sibling, especially Lo'ak, who was ready to finally be a big brother instead of the youngest.

As tradition goes, the People would gift the expecting parents food and necessities in preparation for the unborn child. It was a good way to help Jake and Neytiri focus on their growing family and pay more attention to their three children instead of worrying about getting much-needed supplies ready for the baby. After Y/n explained this tradition to her son, Spider was determined to also present a gift to Jake and Neytiri, and who else could possibly help him with that but none other than Tsu'tey?

The olo'eyktan helps the boy, despite the nagging voice in the back of his head, and tries his best to help when he has the time. If Tsu'tey is not making his usual errands, he can be found with the human boy who practically drags him through the forest, looking for appropriate items to gift the Sullys. Y/n usually goes with them, never too far from her son, therefore she finds herself in Tsu'tey's company more than she ever has in all the years she's known him. And he doesn't appear bothered by it. In fact, he inwardly looks forward to these small adventures, feeling like a young warrior again who could freely leave the village without too many responsibilities weighing down his shoulders. Either Spider blindly takes the two adults through the trees without any idea of where he was heading, or he lets Tsu'tey take the lead, always excited for where the chief will take them now. The three of them do this for an entire week until Spider presents Neytiri with a beautiful bracelet with six, various different colors of beads to represent how many people will soon be in her family. Neytiri's smile was like starlight, so wide and emotional as she pulls the small boy into her arms, kissing the glass of his mask as tears stream down her cheeks. After Spider asks her why she was crying, she was quick to reassure him that they were happy tears and tells him how much she loved his gift, all the while Tsu'tey and Y/n are standing off to the side, fondly watching this scene take place.

It was an eye-opening moment for the usually fierce, stone-faced olo'eyktan. He had been standing so close to Y/n, closer than he had ever allowed himself to be with anyone, while they both watched Spider beam up at Neytiri and happily ramble about his adventures while finding the perfect beads for his bracelet. As the child explained that Tsu'tey and Y/n always went with him, even Neytiri looked surprised, glancing up at the two other adults with her ears flicking with interest. Tsu'tey swallowed and stood firm, trying not to appear nervous under the Na'vi woman's gaze.

Neither Spider nor Y/n noticed this brief interaction as the boy finally turns back to his mother and the olo'eyktan, remembering their presence and running toward them, cheering, "She liked it! She liked it!"

"I can see that," Y/n smiled, giggling as she bent down to receive Spider, picking him up in her arms without a sweat. Normally, it's a struggle in her human body to lift him up as he continues to grow, but as an avatar, it's like holding a three-year-old again. Oh, how she missed those days.

Still in Y/n's arms, Spider reaches for Tsu'tey, making grabby hands at the man who stood close enough for the boy to touch him. Tsu'tey nearly froze under the boy's attention, his own tongue betraying him when he couldn't find anything to say. It was too domestic, watching the way Spider looked for approval from both Y/n and Tsu'tey. Watching as both Spider's and Y/n's eyes land on him nearly takes his breath away, as if seeing the pair of them through rose-tinted glasses for the first time. And while standing so close, Tsu'tey can almost pretend, just for a moment, that Spider was not just any child, but his, the child wanting to share the events of his day as he had run to both Tsu'tey and his mother like they came as a pair, not just one or the other.

This was the first time Tsu'tey ever realized the gift Eywa was offering to him, but at the time was too cowardly to accept it. Taking one last look at the way Spider leaned his soft pink head on Y/n's blue shoulder, Tsu'tey looked away, purposely engraving the sight of those two small brown and gold pairs of eyes staring questionably up at him.

Even though there was no need to go out into the forest anymore, Tsu'tey still insisted on taking the mother and son out on adventures under the guise that it was time Spider learned how to gather and forage. Tsu'tey firmly stated that the boy needed to recognize certain plants before he could ever learn to become a hunter. Spider perked up at this idea, cheering and running to Neteyam, Kiri, and Lo'ak to brag about his upcoming lessons. Y/n appeared hesitant at first -call it a mother's concern- but eventually accepted the idea, happily tagging along so she could witness her son's first lesson.

One lesson became two, then three, then four, five, and six. Eventually, Tsu'tey had lost count of the number of days he had squeezed in time to teach Spider the ways of the Na'vi. It had been weeks, easily, and he had no intention of stopping. He was exhausted between his usual duties and his newly acquired student, but Tsu'tey would only have to look as far as Spider and Y/n's smiles to think it was all worth it.

Before he knew it, Y/n had fully completed her Iknimaya. After surviving the Uniltaron, she was painted and born a second time as one of the People. The whole clan was happy for her, and even Tsu'tey bore a small but genuine smile as he stood before her as her olo'eyktan and welcomed her into the Omatikaya clan, placing his arms on her shoulders as everyone else followed suit, creating an overflowing circle of Na'vi all around her.

With Y/n being recognized as a member of the clan, Tsu'tey feels a small barrier break between them. Something unspoken had come to light and before he could argue with himself, Tsu'tey had done something he hadn't done in a while.

His carving skills needed improvement after so many years of nonuse, but it was still a talent he possessed. The next time he spotted Y/n and Spider in the village, he boldly approached them without a second thought. Spider saw him first and excitedly ran to Tsu'tey, hugging his legs until the olo'eyktan crouched down to his height. Y/n walked up to them just as Tsu'tey held out his hand to the boy, "For you, Spider."

Spider greedily held out both of his hands with wide, bewildered eyes just as Tsu'tey handed him a simple but perfectly carved wooden pa'li toy. Spider initially stood there, shocked, staring down at the toy while Tsu'tey began to shuffle uncomfortably on his heels, "I understand if you think you are too big for toys--"

His backtracking was quickly interrupted by Spider lunging at him, throwing his little arms around the man's neck before practically squeezing the air out of him. Tsu'tey let out a gust of wind at the impact, unaware that the kid had that much strength in such a small body. It took a moment, but eventually, Tsu'tey began to awkwardly pat the boy on the back while Spider continued to hug fiercely.

Y/n was biting the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling and was failing miserably, the smile stretching far enough to make her facial muscles hurt. Tsu'tey bravely peered up at her and offered his best, closed-mouth smirk, despite still awkwardly holding the child in his arms. Y/n took a deep breath and was able to rein in the smile until it was small and gentle, clearing her throat to get her son's attention, "What do you say, Spider?"

"Thank you. Irayo, " Spider whispered into Tsu'tey's ear before finally pulling away, clutching the pa'li toy in one hand while his mother took the other. Slowly, they both walk away but would occasionally look back at Tsu'tey with those sweet, dazzling smiles that make Tsu'tey feel as though he had just lifted a mountain that was in the mother and son's path. After they disappeared into the crowd, he finally stood back up, stubbornly ignoring all the stares the scene no doubt caused before going about his day as normally as he could.

Once almost every week, Tsu'tey would have something new to offer Spider. It could be a toy, small bracelets, armbands, or even Na'vi child-sized clothes, Tsu'tey would make them all for the small human child. Spider's personal favorite was the small bow, already strung up and carved to his tiny size with equally small, harmless arrows. Over time, Spider was becoming more accustomed to Na'vi culture and started to wear his hair in beads and braids and continuously wore a loincloth. The Sully kids were eager to help Spider form his new style but it wasn't hard to get the supplies, seeing as though Tsu'tey had already provided Spider with everything he needed to complete the look. Each gift was more thoughtful and appreciative than the last, and each time, seeing the look on both mother and child's faces made Tsu'tey feel a thousand times lighter.

He thought he was being subtle, but that was far from the truth. Nearly everyone could see it apart from himself. He knew he had been a fool to believe otherwise when he was abruptly visited by his parents, cornering him in his own marui.

"What is this about you courting a demon?" His mother, Artsut, sternly asked.

"I am not courting anyone." He easily answered without hesitation.

"That is not what we heard. The People say their olo'eyktan has taken a liking to the dreamwalker they call Y/n and her demon child."

"Is that truly what the People say, Mother? Or is it just you?" Tsu'tey accused, eyes narrowed on her, "From what I have seen, the People love Y/n and Spider."

"Spider?" His father, Ateyo, repeated the name on his tongue and screwed up his nose, "What a strange name."

"This is not acceptable," Artsut shook her head, "You should have taken Saeyla as your mate when you had the chance. At least she is one of the People and she would have accepted you."

Tsu'tey nodded in agreement, but kept his face impassive, "Yes. She would have. But I will not have her and she will not have me. She is mated with Ka'ani now."

"You should have chosen her the moment Neytiri ran off to mate with a tawtute."

His eyes darken a shade of color and his parents are quickly reminded that they spoke to the olo'eyktan, one of said tawtute's strongest allies who was quick to defend Jake Sully after years of friendship, "You will not address Toruk Makto in such a way. And I do not want you to ever speak of Y/n as if she is not Omatikaya. She has learned our ways and had successfully completed her Iknimaya. In time, her son will follow her footsteps."

The sneer on his mother's face was potent as ever, "Do you actually believe that a sky demon can complete the task of becoming a warrior when he doesn't even have a tswin? Even if he were to be accepted as one of the People, he will struggle all his life and suffer without the means of bonding with the Forest, the animals, or even other Na'vi! You are olo'eyktan and your duty to the People also involves having heirs to succeed you! Raising this human child alongside this dreamwalker will end your line!"

Her voice had only ever risen higher until his father gently placed a withered hand on her shoulder. Artsut immediately silences herself while Ateyo turns to Tsu'tey, "Maitan. Tell us the truth. Are you courting this woman?"

Tsu'tey grits his teeth, staring both of them down, "I am not."

The words are bitter on his tongue, distasteful. What he would give to say otherwise and make his parents flinch as if in pain. His mother shook her head, her tone quieter but still accusatory, "Others have seen you gift the child many things. Do you think we are blind and deaf? We hear whispers, Tsu'tey. We hear that to win Y/n's heart is to dote on her son. You may not be courting the woman with gifts for her, but you are courting her with gifts for her son."

The marui grew in unpalpable silence. Tsu'tey remained quiet, unable to deny it, but kept his gaze sharp and locked onto Ateyo and Artsut. Ever since he became Eytukan's heir as olo'eyktan, he had learned to stop listening to his parents constantly whispering in his ears. He had quickly realized how poisonous they were, hungry for power, believing they know the will of Eywa better than anyone, even Mo'at. He had thought he had fed their thirst for power after becoming olo'eyktan, but that still wasn't good enough for them. For years now, they have shaped Tsu'tey's younger brother, Arvok, into their preferred image now that their golden son had chosen his own path without their consent. Tsu'tey wished his brother had learned to stop leading by their influence and start forming his own future, but has been unable to advise Arvok to do so, given how busy he is as the clan leader. On top of growing up in Tsu'tey's shadow until recent years, Arvok has no part of himself that their parents didn't twist and manipulate. Arvok was no longer his own person and it broke Tsu'tey's heart to watch from a distance, unable to save his brother from himself.

A wave of guilt washes over Tsu'tey but he strongly holds firm, blatantly refusing to let his emotions show, let alone in front of his sa'sem. He regrets not taking Arvok under his wing. He regrets taking time to be with Y/n and Spider and none to be with his own flesh and blood. Perhaps a small part of himself believed he could help his brother if he could help someone as hopeless as Spider, someone who couldn't truly become one of the People, just like his parents said--

'No. That is not you talking. Already they are trying to spin their words to make it sound like your own. Do not let them poison you.'

His own thoughts drown out all the doubt and regret and so Tsu'tey shakes his head to be rid of them with a deep, dark snarl, baring his fangs at his mother and father, "You forget yourselves. You forget your place. You are right about one thing. I am olo'eyktan, and I don't take orders from you. I will never listen to you or agree with you because every word that falls from your mouth is like a sharp blade in my ears. Your ways are of the past when I, your chief, aim toward the future. By the laws of our people, Y/n is taronyu, and Spider is her son. That is enough for me, and I order you to keep whatever you have to say about that woman and her child to yourselves from now on."

~~~~~~~~~

Despite holding firm against Ateyo and Artsut, Tsu'tey couldn't help but feel sour for the rest of the week about what was said in the confinements of that room. Their lecture plus Eytukan's teachings continued to ring in his ears, unable to let him rest. They were right that as olo'eyktan, it was his duty to find a proper heir to take his place and guide the People after he is gone. He could sire an heir or choose one from the clan, but he must choose wisely, nevertheless.

For years, Tsu'tey never worried about heirs. He was openly adamant in wishing Jake Sully to take his place should something untimely happen to him. Toruk Makto had sons and a daughter with possibly another on the way. At the very least, Jake's line of succession was secure if he was olo'eyktan.

But Tsu'tey was alone.

It didn't help that as olo'eyktan, he was still in need of a mate who would one day become tsahik. Mo'at has made it very clear to him, "I am not getting any younger. I will need at least three seasons to train a woman before she can become tsahik."

Neytiri was no longer tsakarem due to choosing Jake as her mate, and while Kiri was a good option for Mo'at to take under her wing, the young girl was still too young to worry about such responsibility. Tsu'tey was positive that Mo'at would rather have her granddaughter become tsahik over whoever he chose as a mate, but he was positive it was due to favoritism. Mo'at would rather teach family over a stranger, and Tsu'tey couldn't blame her for that. Her own legacy was shattered due to losing her first daughter and becoming estranged from the other, neither of who was capable of becoming tsahik like their mother one day.

The harsh reminder of Sylwanin made Tsu'tey's stomach clench with guilt and despair. He had moved past her death years ago, but at the idea of him finally moving on, the phantom pain returned to make him feel regret all over again.

She was meant to be his mate for life, and this all felt as though he was betraying her.

Tsu'tey let his feet take them to a destination, and they end up leading him to the Sully marui. Inside, Neytiri was alone since Jake decided to take the kids fishing with Spider and Y/n, her baby bump becoming more visible by the day. Looking up and recognizing Tsu'tey, she only held his gaze with a smug, all-knowing expression.

He scowled while walking further into the home, sitting across from her, "I assume you heard the rumors."

She shrugged, smirking, "I think everyone has heard or seen something or other. The question is whether or not it's true."

The man hesitates, unable to form the proper words he wanted to say. Here sat his young love's sister, someone who would know better than anyone how he feels because she suffers the same pain and loss every day. And yet... like Sylwanin, he felt as though he was betraying Neytiri as well, "I... I don't know."

Her gaze narrows at him, surprised and under scrutiny, "You don't know?"

"I thought I did," Tsu'tey confessed, his eyes only gazing at the small fire between them, "I was ready to take and bring both of them into my care."

"Then what's stopping you?" She carefully watches him as they sat in silence, letting it linger and simmer like the meat she had just hung over the fire. When Tsu'tey had yet to look up, Neytiri had discovered the answer on her own, "Sylwanin?"

Solemnly, he nods, "We were promised to each other. It is a promise meant forever."

Her posture relaxes, relenting whatever tease she planned on dishing him out in exchange for pity. Her words were gentle as she spoke, forlorn and sympathetic, "You were not mated yet, Tsu'tey, and it was many, many years ago. You are allowed to grieve, mourn, and miss my sister. But I think she would understand if you had fallen for someone else."

Leaning forward to the best of her ability in her condition, she reaches and grabs tightly onto Tsu'tey's hand. Finally, once his eyes met hers, Neytiri whispered, "She wouldn't want you to be alone forever."

She lets him think about what she said, turning back to the food she was preparing in silence. Neytiri lets Tsu'tey hide away in her home, stewing with his thoughts as the village moves on about their day around them. Before eclipse could even make an appearance, Jake and Y/n return with the children from their fishing trip. Looking up, both Neytiri and Tsu'tey take note of how exhausted all the kids look, especially Spider, who was passed out cold in Jake's arms alongside Kiri.

Jake smiles at his wife before turning to Tsu'tey to properly greet him, "Brother. I'd offer you my arm, but I kinda got my hands full."

"So I see," Tsu'tey huffed, slightly amused at the sight before his gaze flicks over to the woman standing beside Jake, "And how are you, Y/n?"

She appeared startled at the question being directed at her, but quickly covered it up with a soft smile, nodding down to Tsu'tey, "I'm alright, ma olo'eyktan. Thank you."

Neytiri smirked, sparing one glance up at her husband before pretending to absentmindedly hum in thought, "Perhaps if you leave us Spider's spare mask, Y/n, you could leave him here for tonight and have at least a few hours to yourself?"

Both Neteyam and Lo'ak are suddenly wide awake, ears perking up at the mother's intention. Y/n paused, about to open her mouth when Jake beat her to it, "That's not a bad idea. He's already asleep and there isn't a reason to wake him," the female avatar turned to the male one, who's quick to reassure her, "I promise he'll be in good hands. And the kids would love to wake up in the morning to find Spider still here."

Again, the concern Y/n displayed on her face was about to voice her answer before Neteyam spoke up, keeping his voice sweet and soft, "Please, Aunt Y/n? Can Spider stay here tonight?"

Lo'ak chimed in, too, albiet a bit louder, "Can we have a sleepover? Pleeeaase?"

All the adults present quickly shushed the young boy when Kiri and Spider squirmed in their sleep but everyone relaxed when the sleeping children eventually settled back down. Jake moves further into the marui to gently place them down on the mats while Y/n turned around only to be met with two round pairs of pleading gold eyes staring up at her, both Neteyam and Lo'ak poking their bottom lips out for added measure.

Y/n snorts, playfully rolling her eyes, "Well, who could say 'no' to those charming little faces?"

Both the boys silently cheer and run in the direction of the other two sleeping children, anxious to join the growing cuddle pile. Y/n watches them go with amusement before she hands Neytiri the spare mask she always kept hooked around the belt of her cargo shorts, "I'll be back for him early in the morning."

"No need to rush," Neytiri smiled with assurance, "Just stop by for breakfast and you can take him home after."

Jake then proceeds to hand the single mother a throat mic and earpiece, "Just in case we need to contact you or you just wanna talk to him."

Y/n visibly relaxed a little at the lengths both Jake and Neytiri were going just to make her feel comfortable leaving her son with them. She dutifully nods and clips on the throat mic as Tsu'tey stands to meet her, the olo'eyktan tilting his head to the marui exit, "Let's get you to your ikran."

If she found his offer unexpected, she didn't show it and followed Tsu'tey out of the marui, unaware of the knowing look Neytiri was watching them leave with. Once they disappeared, Jake turned to his mate with a confused expression, "What was that about?"

Neytiri's eyes shine with a mischievous gleam behind those golden orbs,  "With any luck, by the end of the night, Spider will officially have a father and we will have our future tsahik."

~~~~~~~~~

Tsu'tey and Y/n mostly walked in silence back to her ikran, the beauty of the night slowly making itself known as eclipse finally arrives. Over the years, Y/n was used to how intense and silent Tsu'tey could be and no longer found these quiet interactions awkward. If anything, the silence was actually comforting.

They approach her ikran and Y/n busies herself by tending to the banshee, comforting the creature when it squawks indignant and trying to look occupied to calm her own nerves. It was possible her ikran could sense said nerves and continued to act belligerent. Eventually, Y/n turned back to the olo'eyktan and nods in gratitude, "Thank you, Tsu'tey. I'll be back again in the morning."

He only nods and so Y/n took it as a sign to take her leave as the silence lingers. Double-checking the straps of her ikran's harness, she swung her leg over the creature and grabbed her queue braid--

"Y/n..."

She looked up, "Yes?"

Concern clouded her mind as Tsu'tey's eyes briefly look away, unable to meet her gaze. His ears flick at the same speed as his eyes, betraying him of his nerves as he spoke, "Do you wish to be courted?"

Befuddled, her eyes narrow cautiously, tilting her head with curiosity. Perhaps she heard him wrong, "What?"

He took a deep breath to steady himself, straightening up to be the taller more regal olo'eyktan she had come to know him. His voice is suddenly more confident and formal as he finally looks up at her, "It would be a great honor, Y/n of the Sky People and of the Omatikaya, if you would allow me to officially court you."

Y/n could initially do nothing but sit there on the back of her ikran, frozen and dumbfounded. The silence that was once so normal and comfortable between them was now intense and tightly wound like a meresh'ti cau'pla. As the avatar woman replayed his words back in her head, she couldn't depict anything else from the proposal other than one singular word, "'Officially?'"

Tsu'tey nods while further explaining, "It was not my intention to let you believe I was only tending to your boy in the hopes of courting you, nor do I wish for you to believe that I expect something from you in exchange for training your son. Spider is a spirited child and he is lucky to have a wonderful woman for his mother. You and your son have shown me what it would look like to be a part of your family and now that I have a taste of it, I want to know more. I wish to court you not just in the hopes of being your mate, but one day-- if you and the boy will have me, I want Spider to one day look up to me as his father."

The confession was something Y/n wouldn't have expected in a million years. It wasn't as though she believed Tsu'tey to be too proud, but as the clan leader he had a reputation to uphold and a responsibility regarding the wellbeing of his people. Immediately her thoughts turned to what other Na'vi might think about their olo'eyktan taking a sky demon as his mate, someone who can walk in two bodies instead of one, an alien whose species would do unspeakable things to cheat death and go against everything Eywa stood for. She never took herself to be an insecure person, but Y/n couldn't help the fear she felt when thinking about what the Na'vi people might think about her son if she decides to allow Tsu'tey to adopt him. Sure, the Omatikaya act as though they love Spider now, but what about when they learn that their olo'eyktan's legacy depends on a boy born from the Sky People?

Despite her fears, she couldn't help but think about how much happier Spider has been around Tsu'tey and the village. Y/n thought about how the boy would suddenly become sad upon returning to the biolab and leaving his friends behind, or how when he adamantly talked, it was only about the Na'vi and the Sully kids and of course whatever Tsu'tey had taught him that day. Though Y/n and the other scientists have tried to teach Spider the ways of the Sky People with the proper education and history of their culture, the kid doesn't want anything to do with Earth and tends to stick with whatever he had learned from the Omatikaya. Over time, Y/n had told the other scientists to give it up, coming to terms that Spider didn't want to learn about where he came from, only about the home he had now and the friends he had gained. Y/n couldn't blame him. Tsu'tey was a better teacher than even Max or Norm when it came to the topics Spider wanted to actually learn about. Tsu'tey was patient but firm. Informative but vigor. On one hand, he would make sure Spider listened and held onto every word he said, but on the other, he was a good listener and would praise Spider for every achievement made in his lessons. Y/n remembered watching them with fondness, amused and delighted by their interactions. As often as she sees her son and the olo'eyktan together, the more she, too wished to see what would happen if she allowed herself to feel something for that man. The man who opened his arms out to selected Sky People, allowing them into his village. The man who took Spider under his wing despite the fact the boy was human and treated him with kindness and respect even though he didn't have to. Tsu'tey has every reason to hate the Sky People and the face Spider wears, but he doesn't, and what Y/n initially thought she felt was admiration for Tsu'tey was actually a growing love for him and his character.

But she had stamped down her feelings because she was afraid of getting Spider's hopes up. She couldn't afford to disappoint her son when he already adores Tsu'tey to no end. When Y/n opened her mouth, she whispered her own confession to the olo'eyktan anxiously waiting for an answer, "... He already does."

She watches as his eyes widen before she made the decision to hop back down from her banshee, closing in the gap between them as she took the necessary steps to stand right before Tsu'tey. She watched his eyes for a moment, looking for something, likely making sure he wasn't joking despite knowing he was the last person on this planet who would. She hadn't realized they were standing so close until she felt the warm air of his breath softly fanning her face, causing her to blink rapidly and clear her throat when her skin began to prickle into a soft blush. Ignoring her brief fluster, she allowed herself to slowly, cautiously lean forward and felt relief when Tsu'tey did as well. Their foreheads faintly touch until their movements became bolder, pressing closer until they were sharing the same tight space and combating the tense air between them. Leaning into him further, Y/n closed her eyes and basked in his embrace, "You really want this?"

His shaky exhale hits her face, her eyelashes briefly twitching but otherwise remaining closed as if afraid to open and see his expression. Tsu'tey's voice was less confident now and more breathless, unable to take in a full gulp of air in this woman's presence. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the closeness, even if only for tonight, he didn't care if it was selfish. He gently gripped her arm as he whispered, wanting to pull her even closer to him than possible, "Yes. By Eywa, yes."

Her lips twitched into a smile at the same time her heart lept in joy, "I accept your proposal."

Faintly patting his chest, she then pulled away, both of them opening their eyes and smiling shyly at one another. Y/n blindly backs away to reach her ikran, unwilling to look away until the last second, "I'll see you in the morning."

~~~~~~~~~

Also heavily inspired by illustrations called ‘our paths crossing’ by kening zhu

Lemme know if you would like a Part 2! I was hoping to write more for this but it was starting to get long, so you decide if it should continue! Also leave a request in my inbox but be sure to check up on the rules first. Thank you!

[artisofthandy]

Liam Payne; member of the iconic boy band One Direction and iconic singer and songwriter has unfortunately passed away from a balcony accident in Buenos Aires on October 16th 2024 at the age of 31.. and when the news were released, many fans, friends and family members were devastated… Liam was not only a amazing singer and songwriter but a brother to the many band mates of 1D and I’d like to say that while Liam may be gone, he’s not forgotten like many iconic singers and musicians and will live on forever in not only the work he’s produced with his band but the songs in our hearts, mind and soul.

Rest in peace Liam, we all will miss you dearly… (1993 - 2024)

[pentacass]

Sol: Now do the rest of the prompt list

my fandoms may change but my followers will forever be unhinged lmaoo thank you <3 here we go!! [prompt list]

4. Hiding/sneaking/hidden movement

“One with the shadows.” “They will never see me coming.” “Don’t miss me while I’m gone.”

5. Taking a short rest

“Rested and ready.” “I’ve had enough. Let’s move.” “That helped…more than I’d like to admit.”

10. Sending them to talk to an NPC

“Do I have to?” “Perhaps they’ll say something useful.” “A bit of conversation couldn’t hurt…much.”

13. Picking a lock

“Child’s play.” “A second is all I need.” “Lock, meet key.”

14. Looking at a globe

“Humbling, to be reminded how vast the world is, and how small we are.” “So much to explore…”

15. Looking at an astrolabe

“Are the other worlds as chaotic as ours?” “Wonder if I’ll ever get a chance to see them.”

16. Looking at a telescope

“Do not make me use that in the day.” “The stars look beautiful.”

18. Looking at a nonmagical lamp

“A lamp. Nothing more.” “I am not rubbing that.”

19. Noticing a trap

“Step carefully, or lose a limb.” “I can disarm that.” “Such shoddy handiwork.”

21. Comments/reactions near an Act 1 location

Emerald Grove: “A defensible position. Are its inhabitants capable of doing so, I wonder.” Goblin Camp: “This place reeks of savagery. But it can provide an army, if you know how to harness its strength…rancid as it is.” Rosymorn Trail: “Some views on the surface are worth leaving home for.” Underdark: “How I’ve missed the Underdark. A part of me will always regard it as home.”

22. Comments/reactions near an Act 2 location

First time entering Shadow-Cursed Lands: “Be wary. These shadows unsettle even my heart.” Last Light Inn: “A safe refuge. How long can it stand against such darkness?” House of Healing (surgical chamber): “Reminds me of the torture dungeons back home.” Moonrise Towers: “Be on your guard. We approach the heart of corruption.”

23. Comments/reactions near an Act 3 location

Rivington: “Chaos sowed, disorder blooms, opportunities abound. We should take advantage of it.” Lower City, Guild entrance: “The Guild’s a good source of information. Just don’t let them bilk you out of your coin purse.” House of Hope: “I’ve stolen from many, but never a devil. How exciting.” Bloomridge Park: “A peaceful place for reflection…at night, at least.”

24. Lines said in the Morphic Pool or High Hall

[Morphic Pool] “The Netherbrain lies ahead. Steel yourself - it will not go down without a fight, but oh, what a fight we will give it.” [High Hall] “The final battle awaits us. If we live, let it be in victory. If we die, let us go in a blaze of glory.” [How are you feeling?] “I feel good. I feel alive. My blood sings at the thought of battle, and my blades ache to dance once again. Even if these are to be our last moments, I shall live gloriously until the end.” [Ready to be a hero?] -laughs- “I am not a hero, and never will be. I live for the thrill of victory, not the accolades it brings. But you will be the city’s hero, and I shall be proud to call you friend.”

25. Party banter with Astarion

A: “Your eyes are more receptive to sunlight with that tadpole, aren’t they? Why do you still complain so much about it?” S: “I hate the sun.” A: “Come now, must you insist on being a soggy little blanket all the time?” S: “And I hate you. I tend to kill the things I hate.” A: “What, do you intend to kill the sun?” S: “One day.”

26. Party banter with Gale

S: “You mentioned you would go somewhere remote if you were ever to leave us, Gale.” G: “Yes, I did say that. What brought this to mind?” S: “Any chance I could persuade you to detonate the orb at Menzoberranzan’s gates?” G: -weary chuckle- “Assuming that I would find myself in such desperate straits…no. The point of heading somewhere remote is to prevent needless casualties.” S: “That city deserves it, but I suppose it would be a pity to lose you in such an endeavour.” G: “Ah, you do care.”

29. Party banter with Lae'zel

L: “Your ferocity on the battlefield is impressive, drow. It is a pity that you fight like a coward.” S: “Of course you take issue with my methods.” L: “You have proven your ability as a warrior, yet you waste it skulking about in the shadows. It is unbecoming.” S: “Let the gloryhounds be bait as they wish. I will take my kills while you take all the hits.” L: -scoffs- “You should not take pride in being fragile.”

30. Party banter with Shadowheart

SH: “You look unsettled by the shadows, Solistre. Now I’ve seen everything.” S: “These shadows are unnatural. I question your wisdom if you are not unsettled by it.” SH: “My Lady protects me from the ill effects of her curse. I have nothing to fear.” S: “Nothing to fear, yes - until Shar no longer has use of her little pawn.” SH: “Your barbs mean nothing to me. My immunity is proof of Lady Shar’s favour.” S: “You close your eyes and revel in blindness. Perhaps your ‘Lady’ took more than just your memories.”

31. Party banter with Halsin

H: “Are there drow druids in Menzoberranzan, Solistre?” S: “Worship of Lolth takes precedence in the city. Reverence directed anywhere else is…frowned upon.” H: “I see. So, none at all?” S: “None that I know of.” H: “Ah, well. I was just curious what are the common forms a druid would shift into in the Underdark...”

34. Party banter with Minsc

S: “Boo was watching me sleep last night, Minsc. Tell him to stop it.” M: “Oh? I apologise for his rudeness. It is most unusual. Boo! You will stop watching Solistre sleep!” B: -explanatory squeaks- M: “Ah…I see. Boo says you smell like a drow we once knew, someone who tried to hurt him once. But, even though you smell bloodier, he says you are to be trusted.” B: -more squeaking- M: “And he thanks you for handling him gently despite the surprise last night.” S: “Whatever. Just stop watching me.”

36. What are some situational dialogues they would say when something happens to another companion or you talk to them while in a quest-specific location (such as commenting on Karlach’s heart, Elminster visiting Gale, visiting Cazador’s mansion, etc)?

“Shadowheart did well to defy Shar. It will hurt deeply, but she cannot stop moving forward. Her former family will be hunting her now. Let us ease her burden, and make their lives difficult.” “Karlach looks much happier with her heart fixed…even if partially. She is too liberal with her hugs now, but her smile is a light amid this Shadow Curse.” “When a god tells you that suicide is one path to redemption…that is a good sign to stop listening. Gale has proven an intelligent man thus far. He will find another way. He must.”

37. How would they respond to a player character prompting them with, “Tell me about yourself”?

-tired scoff- “Very well - let us put your foremost questions to rest. Yes, I am from the Underdark - the city of Menzoberranzan, in fact. Yes, desperate circumstances forced me to the surface, and no, I will not elaborate. I am not a spy for my brethren or the Spider Queen, nor am I a threat to you - for now. I do not ‘like’ the surface world; it is merely where I live now, and I have no strong feelings about it. Save for the sun, perhaps. That wretched thing could do my eyes a favour and explode someday.”

38. If a player character asks them to consider consuming tadpoles or using the Astral tadpoles, how would your Tav/Durge respond?

“Have you lost your mind? A tadpole nests within our skulls and you think to consume another? Power or no, the consequences will be brutal - mentally and physically. Nothing it can give us is worth the cost.” [Persuade Success] -slow, heavy sigh- “Fine. Power always comes at a cost, but if it helps us survive, then… -glances away- I suppose I have nothing left to lose.” <a/n: regretful, depressed>

39. If romanceable, what lines would they say if a player character prompted them with, “Can I kiss you?”

“Why don’t you come here and find out?” “I’ve been thinking about you all day. Come here.” “You’d better, before I wither without your touch.”

40. If romanceable, what would they say if a player character asks for a “last kiss” at the Morphic Pool/HIgh Hall?

“No better excuse, hm? But then, you never needed one. Come here.” [kiss happens] “I have always fought for battle itself, to find the most vicious fight worthy of taking my life. But today, and every day after, I shall fight to see the next sunrise - with you, for you.”

[mental-health-and-jesus]

9-28-2024 | Bible App Their Verse of the Day | Matthew 16:24

‘Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.’ Matthew 16:24

#Bible - Verse of the Day | Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬

‘For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.’ ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬

Bible App | Philippians 4:1-23

Rejoice in the Lord 🙌

‘Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. I urge Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have labored with me for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.’ 4‬:‭1‬-‭9‬

The Generosity of the Philippians 🫂

‘Now I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction. And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.’ ‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭20‬

Final Greetings 👋

‘Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those from the household of Caesar. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.’ ‬ ‭4‬:‭21‬-‭23‬

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[sshadowritestoriess]

if u do angst: may we please have Rama, despite the miraculous loving relationship with his dear human reader, being hit with the reality of the mortality of their partner, what he does to cope with it and how he deals with the inevitable loss from natural/unatural causes (i sowwy i wanna HURT) tysm!! ;w;

Aw nooo 😭 I hope I did this one some justice

Ramattra and Morality

“Our lives are short, will you share yours with me?”

When he had asked, the sappiest he had ever been, he had mostly spoken in assumption that he would sooner be forced to shut down by human hand before ever finding out if he even had a lifespan.

But years into his cause, and years into this war he had waged, he was seeing his dream become fabricated before him— slowly, but it was there. And he had hope

You were always there beside him, by some miracle you decided to stay, and he knew you were probably the one thing keeping his sanity tethered to the earth— the one thing preventing him from ensuing mass genocide in his agonizing hunger for justice- no, revenge.

And with you he was seeing his goal come to fruition, a world where omnics could live in peace. He could see an end to the fight

But then he thought, what would he do after? Could he settle with you if the world would allow it? Would that be his life from then on?

And what of you? Is that what you wanted? Would you stay with him still, for the rest of your life?

It dawned on him then, a harsh realization that stung and boiled like ignited oil in his chest. He became awfully aware of the taught wires in his throat, the placement of his vocalizer wrapped safe within them. He would lift a hand to his neck, his mind practically spinning with thoughts of you growing older, and older, until you weren’t there anymore

You would not last forever. He knew this— he had said that from the beginning. But you— You would not last. And that scared him

It continued to bother him for months, though refusing to talk about it.

It was obvious something was wrong, and this made things seem a little off for some time. He was already so kind and gentle with you as your partner, but then he suddenly became sweeter? Gentle gestures became somewhat touch-starved, he’d hold you closer. He was more passionate in nights he spent pleasing you, and far more intense and attentive to whatever you had to say— all as if it would be your last.

It was overwhelming, and you had demanded several times to know what was wrong. But he would lie, and lie again, until you finally turned your head from him and he recognized disappointment.

And so he caved, and his hands would shake as he reaches toward you in a rush to explain. “I do not want you to die.”

It broke your heart, and his. His processor was burning the more he spoke about it, every word he spoke felt forced and stuttered— his vocalizer defensively attempting to restart in the midst of every sentence— and his fans were loud as he tried to stop himself from having an internal meltdown. He could not stop shaking.

This behavior you recognized as crying, for an omnic. You’d never seen him so frantic, you’d never seen him cry.

You could only assure him there was still so much time left for you both, that he had so little to worry about for now. What time he spent in his head agonizing over the passage of time, was time taken from appreciating what he had right now.

He would have sighed and agreed, you were right. But it was so hard to let go— a fatal flaw, of his. He could never just forget.

But he took your words to heart, and as always he took them seriously. Things returned to normal, relatively, but he remained far more eager to spend time with you

He reached a point of hoping that he would not outlive you. How privileged you were as a human, to enjoy life knowing roughly how much time you had to live it. He had no idea. He didn’t want to live forever

He had experienced more loss than most people have on the planet. Approaching a breaking point that not even he knew if he could recover from, how much time and healing it would take if he lost one more thing dear to him

You would get over his death far easier, he believed. And he could happily go to rest knowing you were safe and loved— this was the death he began wishing for

This imaginative dream was what put him at ease. Deciding that, in a handful of decades, he would ensure his passing before yours. Morbid, but it helped. After reaching this decision he could be truthful in saying he felt fine, when you asked. No more lies

You had said he had more time, and he believed that

But unpredictability was a bitch of a factor, and he had lost you so much quicker than he was prepared for. He had just been ridden of his paranoia, and now everything has suddenly slammed on its breaks and shattered him at his very core

An ambush, masses of explosives that wiped out most of his forces, hundreds of his omnic brethren lost in the fire

But he did not search for any familiar metal bodies, he passed the unmoving forms of friends and dared not reach for them. He went straight to you. He collapses to his knees and pulls you into his arms— but he knew better than any other model of omnic what a dead human looked like.

And even while he knew, and stared into a lifeless gaze that would not recognize him, he still shook you and demanded you to wake.

Even while his dream crumbled around him, his ideal vision of the world for his brothers and sisters fading back into nothingness, he still held tight to your body in a grip that would have squeezed the air from your lungs. He wanted you to tell him that he was hurting you, he wanted to hear your voice tell him to calm down, he needed to hear that you were still there

But this treacherous grip that he would never have done to you on a day that you were breathing, evoked no such reaction. He was holding nothing but a body in his hands.

You were a death so wholly undeserved, yet there was nothing he could do about it. There was no way he could have prevented this outcome

But when his comrades finally found him and pried him from your bruising husk, guiding him to somewhere safe, his mind spiraled toward all the possible ways he would have stopped this from happening

He’s pretty sure he hurt someone. Several of his people, actually, for tearing him away from you. He remembers hearing screaming, likely his own.

And then he would be wordless for days, leaning into weeks. He could not lead what was left of his movement. So it moved on without him

He died, too, to the rest of the world: The last ravager lost in a successful ambush on the Null Sector. One human casualty.

He was thankful he had such loyal allies that would carry on his efforts. He could not bear to lose anymore— he had so little left. So Ramattra would disappear for quite some time

But he would eventually resurface from a long period of silence, going first to find the last being who still cared for him, Zenyatta. The monk would only find the shell of what his brother once was, weakening by the moment, struggling to find a purpose for himself

Zenyatta might have known of you, but never met you. Through his brother’s haunting grief for this human, he could easily guess what you might have been like, if deemed so ‘perfect’ by this broken ravager

Zenyatta’s wisdom and company kept him afloat. It was a long road to finally accepting his partner’s death, but from him Ramattra would soon learn to think that you wouldn’t wish for him to suffer in your absence.

He would never be the same. But he would try and find happiness again, for you, believing his brother’s words true.

[electronicclowncollector]

Chapter 4.5: Stingue: The musical

(Authors note: Little mini chapter i made while I was bored. it's not chapter 5 because it's so short and happens right after chapter 4. shoutout to @lilacharbour for the idea, couldn't have done this without her help)

On Rogue’s way home from school, he suddenly stopped as Sting put a hand on his shoulder (Rogue blushed).

“Heya Rogue, wanna walk home with me? We are next door neighbours after all.” Sting said with a smile of his reflective shiny teeth. Why had rogue never considered this option? It was a completely new idea, since every day Rogue made sure to walk on the opposite side of the road to Sting so it was something entirely different to walk with him.

“Yeah, sure…” Rogue replied, cheeks as red as the red dragon that I mentioned in the last chapter.

And so they began to walk home, Sting was talking about his friends and the Sabertooth club, while Rogue was busy thinking about dragons, or books about dragons, or about Sting. Then Sting brought up Bickslow, “Bickslow is such a chill dude, he gave me a bunch of money for free without me even asking for it. He may seem really mean to people sometimes, but all you gotta do to gain his respect is to Strike Back.”

“Strike Back?” Rogue asked, perplexed.

“Strike Back. I’ll sing you a little song to explain it.”

Sting cleared his throat and began to sing beautifully

“Your odds are slim,

The walls are thin, cavin’ in

But there is still a way, you see -

In just 1 mere percent of chance there’s possibility

I won’t sit back, and accept the hand we are dealt,

A fate that’s thrown out by someone else

There is a future I can see

One I hope you’ll share with me

Strike back (go excited)

Get them out of your way,

(You don’t care) if along the- Oh wait, wrong song, my bad.

Bring it on ‘cause I’m just gonna grow up in the battle EY

Pushin’ (past) the limit – I’m still burnin’ with fire

An’ for our future, I am fightin’

I gotta drown this nightmare

And ain’t nobody gonna stop me

Forget the past – ‘cause we’re livin’ in the present 

I ain’t scared of my past – and now in fact,

Forever I’m screaming out for my pride!

Now I never wanna see you cry

I will be screaming till you find the way 

I’m never falling down,

I will be soaring straight on through my destiny!

Now I gotta keep your smile bright

I’ll give my everything to find a way

I gotta burn off the pain, for you and me

So now the rest of me can rest in peace

Now I’ll Strike Back

Inside my mind,

I pound the wall one more time

With all of the bitter pain I feel 

I don’t care what my chances are,

I will never run in fear

Today the rain will continue on

And it’s all I know but never will wear me down

When there’s still a future I can see

There’s still future I can see

One I hope you’ll share with me

Yeah we’re head-to-toe in daybreak

Soldiers, follow me now!

Don’t you ever stop, we pay it back in spades right

In a flash, (in a flash) we wanna hit that playback

This is the time, to keep on living through the misery

Struggle – Sorrow

They’ll disappear like bubbles

But no one can extinguish my own eternal candle 

I’m screaming out for your pride!

This fire burnin’ in my heart

It will keep lightin’ up to part the way

Nobody can blow out my fire – It’s destiny

I’ll rise above it, all eyes on me

There is no time to hesitate

I won’t lose sight of it – I’ll make a way

Don’t blind your eyes, if you’re lost on the way!

Not gonna lie, I’m gonna be your light

So take my hand!

 Ey, what are we living for? 

I live – for – this –####

We gotta stand up and go with the pride

It’s like the run rising way over the clouds

We gotta stand up and go with the pride

It’s like the run rising way over the clouds

Now I never wanna see you cry

I will be screaming till you find the way 

I’m never falling down,

I keep on soaring straight on through my destiny!

I gotta keep your smile bright

I’ll give my everything to find the way

I gotta burn off the pain, for you and me

So now the rest of me can rest in peace

Now I’ll Strike Back

This fire burnin’ in my heart

It will keep lightin’ up to part the way

Nobody can blow out my fire – It’s destiny

I’ll rise above it, all eyes on me

There is no time to hesitate

I won’t lose sight of it – I’ll make a way

Don’t blind your eyes, if you’re lost on the way!

Not gonna lie, I’m gonna be your light

So take my hand!

Oh yeah by the way that last part was metaphorical don’t actually take my hand”

Rogue blushed bright red and frowned with disappointment. Was Rogue unworthy of Sting’s attention? Did he not deserve to hold his hand? What a dumb question, of course he didn’t, Sting was amazing, he was a sports ball enthusiast, a singer, what next?

“Well, it seems like we’re finally home, see you tomorrow for Saber Tooth club Rogue!” Sting said with a wave as he turned away. Rogue blushed and waved too as he left.

[tangenkanashrine]

I'm so sorry

I"M SO SORRY THIS DAMN ONESHOT IS TAKING FOREVER- I WROTE LIKE 2000 WORDS ONE DAY AND JUST STOPPED?? Now I'm at 3000 but it's almost Halloween and I want y'all to see something before then. So uhm... TAKE SOME SNEAK PEAKS-

“The war’s over, but our story isn’t.”

“It’s over, the war with Muzan is over, finally. All the humans turned into demons, all those demon slayers who risked life and limb to defeat Muzan, everyone who was killed by them,  lost and forgotten in history as heroes… They can all rest, everyone can rest. We’re free from demons, there’s nothing more to fight. We can all rest and live in peace…” The thoughts linger in Tanjiro’s mind as he lays down in silence. The moonlight, once brought fear and sorrow to everyone he knows as now brought relief and comfort. The night could now be comforting, he thinks. Though, the memories will never go away, spending night slaying demons and almost dying will haunt everyone alive- maybe those who are dead too.  

It shines through the window and into the room, a very beautiful color clashing with the colors of the room. The room he’s used to all too well, many white sheet beds all clean and tidy. Some people were still recovering, most other rooms filled as well. He was left with few slayers that survived and suffered wounds that put them into much longer sleep. As long as they were breathing, they were still left here hoping to wake up. Tanjiro had done such and by him, on the other bed was Genya Shinazugawa.  He has met Genya exactly 2 times now, their first mission together and when training with the Hashira. 

Tanjiro has always been fond of Genya, their first meeting he was determined to befriend Genya and he did. Learning he could simply eat a demon’s body part was fascinating to him, so cool! He thought, secretly, he may have a crush on the black haired boy. The way Genya could get so defensive so quickly, How Genya would get so blushy when he’s embarrassed or with girls and how handsome the older boy is. That wasn’t his concern though, he had to focus on killing Muzan and turning his sister back into a human. So he never spoke up.

He also had similar thoughts of Kanao, finding himself in love with her after his mission with the once Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku. She was swift, how she would easily grab a cup and without hesitation throw it right at his face was a good surprise to Tanjiro.  Kanao’s kind heart hidden by her trust in the coin, Kanao’s confusion at most things despite it being considered common knowledge for many and how beautiful the girl is. 

Maybe he falls in love too fast, but that wouldn’t matter to him. 

Tanjiro’s first priority was his sister and turning her back into a human, love was the last thing on his mind. Now that Nezuko is human, he has to recover and learn to live half blind with one arm. With Muzan gone and the corps disbanding there was still recovering that needed to be done, he won’t push on more issues to his crushes. They have enough on their plate. 

Genya, he still needs to wake up, his brother is worried sick and they need to do some consulting with each other. Kanao, she runs the butterfly mansion because the Insect Hashira died during the battle and has to navigate with Kaburamaru- a snake she’s never met who was once the Serpent Hashira’s, Obanai Iguro. They need time to adjust and adapt to their new lives… 

Tanjiro’s unsure of what to do, his thoughts linger on the war, his journey, his family, his friends and the two black heads with amazing hair styles. He turns himself to Genya’s bed, the boy resting covered in no wounds or bandages. He recalls what the Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa had explained about their battle. 

Their fight was with Upper Moon 1, Himself, his brother, the Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and the Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima. They fought long and hard against him, Muichiro saved Genya’s life one time but was unable to return the favor as they both were cut in half in different ways. Awful, disgusting, Tanjiro couldn’t bear the thought. How Muichiro wanted to live and talk about anything but demons, he left horrible knowing Muichiro’s wish was never granted.  As Genya was dying, cut in half and slowly blowing away into ashes- Sanemi managed to capture one of Upper 1’s fingers and shoved it into Genya’s throat. He ate it but his regeneration took a long time, his body passed out after swallowing so Sanemi had carried him out, handed him to some Kakushi and continued the battle against Muzan.

Genya’s body was intact by the end of the fight but he never woke up. He was breathing fine, maybe his inside needed to heal? It was unsure but everyone refused to give up on him, just like with Tanjiro. 

Tanjiro recalled back to his time, his short time becoming the demon king possessed by Muzan. The thought still frightens him, what he could’ve done to everyone and what he did do. That will always haunt him. Nezuko holding onto him screaming his name, Inosuke almost killing him but giving up because he was Tanjiro, Kanao risking her life to inject him with what they used on Nezuko and everyone else… Everyone didn’t give up because they cared for him. It hurt his heart but he felt loved at the same time, it hurt but at least now they were safe. 

The scent of the room was of old blood and his friend's scent. Inosuke, Zenitsu and Nezuko all choose to sleep in the same room on one bed. Quoting the 3 as they said in unison, “We’re not leaving Tanjiro's side.” even if almost everyone persisted. It’s not like they had anywhere else to go but there were other rooms instead of sleeping next to possibly dead people. As to not take up too much space either they’re all currently cuddling on the one bed across Tanjiro’s. Looking back at the 3, Tanjiro chuckled, he greatly appreciated them. 

Inosuke was underneath like a rough bed for the two, if he laid on top he could kill them both. Shockingly, he slept a lot more curled up and onto the pillow then spread out like everyone thought. Nezuko was using Inosuke’s legs as her pillow, lightly curled up hugging Zenitsu like her teddy bear. Zenitsu was shockingly taking up the most room, one arm was wrapped underneath Inosuke and his other arm hugging Nezuko like his teddy bear. Ow, Zenitsu’s arm is not going to be ok in the morning. They fell asleep together peacefully, Tanjiro remembered their little fight about how they’d sleep on one bed until they agreed to this, he found it adorable. They all wanted to stay in the room with him but they all refused to take up so much space in case it was ever needed, how thoughtful. Oh how he was lucky to see they all lived....

[blue-hedgehog]

So, I don’t even know how to put it into words, before what Maya recently said I knew very little about Liam, haven’t heard much of him since the release of LP1, so in my head Liam will forever be his 1D version, I’ll remember him with his curly hair, his wide smile and puppy like energy, how fundamental he was for the band and it’s sound.

His death is a little too personal for me, he made mistakes, like very concerning ones but he deserved a chance to recover and learn, to take responsibility of his own actions while sober, in a more coherent and healthy state of mind where he could make up for it. I wish he could have got to know the feeling of stepping out of the misery hole, to look back and say to himself “I made it” and get a new chance at happiness and doing things right, just how many people who struggles with their mental health ,like myself, have done.

I’m mourning the boy I used to love, who was a pivotal part of my teenage years and therefore of who I am as a person now, who was still somewhere inside that man who grew to make questionable decisions, who after all didn’t deserved such a lonely and turbulent end. Despite his last actions we’re allowed to mourn him, there is a time and place for everything and right now this fandom needs closure, you don’t have to support a late person’s actions to mourn them, to ache for them the way many of us are doing right now.

I hope Simon Cowell, TMZ and all those fuckers out there go burn in hell.

I cant process the fact “the boys” are now four, that I never got to experience them live as a band and now I’ll never get to see Liam live on his own when I was so close to attend his concert in my country before it was cancelled a couple years ago. Every 1D memory will now forever be filled with sadness and an overwhelming feeling of emptiness, his voice and many lyrics will make our hearts ache for awhile and even forever, the experience listening to 1Ds music won’t be the same.

I’ll miss his puppy eyes.

Never thought I’d go through this before my hair started graying, and I really hoped getting to see all of them growing older, settling, to hear from all of them that raspy tone only age can give.

I hope he’s finally getting the peace he so much needed and that his friends and family can also mourn him in peace. I also wish Maya peace of mind, she’s a victim and doesn’t deserve the hell peoples already giving her. My thoughts are with Liam’s baby, so he never gets to see those gruesome images of his fathers body and the things people said upon his death. That kid deserves a good and happy life, the one his father couldn’t have.

Take this as a hug if you need it, take your time, let yourself mourn however you need to and most importantly remember you’re not alone, you can ask for help, you can improve and heal, you can be happy, remember you’re loved and you’re important, that you’re strong and it’s never late for getting out of the hole. Like we say in my culture “there is no bad which can last a century and there’s no body which can stand it”

Finally take care of yourselves out there and (I never thought I’d be saying this) rest in pice Liam Payne, may you find in death what your life was missing.

[rainroses45]

Collapse into me (Sully family x reader)

☾description: You are Neteyam's twin sister who is trying to learn to deal with your unprocessed grief ☾a/n: tried writing fluff and failed to finish it in time so here is sad fanfic to help me process what the movie put me through ☾song inspiration: Sea, swallow me

 You didn’t scream or sob. Your pain was horribly discreet, but as as persistent and almost quiet as bleeding from an unstitched wound. There was no time to spend over the loss of your brother. Everyone let out their wails, their screams, their frustration over the loss of Neteyam - but you stood still. You stayed intact, holding on to the false allusion that your other half was still being whisked away in tide, that he still is laughing at your remarkable memories. 

    Maybe it was your fault? Who was pointing the finger at you? Did you even see the bullet? Why did you let him take the gun? Should you have been the one to stay behind? So many questions floated through your mind as you stated out into the sky. You felt lost. Lost as in the sense that you couldn’t tell the difference between breathing and letting go. 

   Your parents handled your brother’s death better than you could. They let the grief wash over them, surround their everlasting reality, guiding them through the stages of living without that certain someone. Sure your dad felt like he was no longer deserving of the title of being a father, but he will get over it - he always manages to do so. 

  Your mother prayed, she prayed at sun rise and sun set, it was like clockwork. Her tears still held the twin of the ocean, but her eyes will soon day glow, for like a sun she never manages to stop shinning. 

  Kiri, in spite of everything that has happened still manages to persevere on with her day. Neteyam left a scar on her heart that will never be banished away. She does not know that at night I can hear her soft sniffles as she told the moon her troubles, and prayed that her brother rest in everlasting peace. 

   Tuk was too young to experience the full objective of it all. She would ask us constantly when her loving older brother would show up, and how is it possible he was allowed to be gone for so long. We all simply batted our eyes at her not daring to inform the little girl about death of her brother. 

  Lo’ak, oh sweet disconsolate Lo’ak, he never stopped to ask himself what he did right, always looking at what he did wrong. His days were filled with solitude and remorse for his older brother. He would wake up in cold sweat calling out for him, begging,pleading with him to come back. To stay with him and never leave his side. You would always comforted him in the shadows, gently hiding him from the public view so he may grieve in peace. He needed to grow and learn how to not hold onto the past, and learn that the future is forever changing, but his bleak mind made it hard for him to escape. 

Fortunately for him there was you, the one who stood intact for the family. Who was not allowed to mourn for their brother without having to take care of others. They never questioned as to why you lied awake, ready at any moment to soothe them after a nightmare. Your heart ached in pain for your brother. The memory of the life leaving his eyes was imbedded into your mind and soul. No one asked you if you were okay, if you needed a shoulder to cry on - no they expected you to act just like your brother. 

   The setting of it all caused the feeling of suffocation and darkness to cloud your thoughts. It’s been days since he has returned back to Eywa, but to you those memories of him were so fresh and clear it tormented you. 

You shuffled out of the marui, careful not to wake anyone as you made your way to the cold isolated beach. The moon gave off a spotlight to help guide you through the swaying platform of the pathways. 

How could you take up the role of being the eldest? He was suppose to guide the clan to the next victory, he was suppose to live to tell his children one day about the battle we faced, but he is gone. And every time you remember that small detail, you cry out to the world. How could they take him from you?! How could they take your brother?!

   You kneeled down at the beach and let out a silent scream in agony, your hands filled with sand began to turn purple from the tight grip. You cried out to Eywa in pain, so you could let it all out before putting back your mask. 

You looked back into the endless ocean of death and thought “maybe some children are simply born with tragedy in their blood.” 

[aheathen-conceivably]

My dearest Zelda,

I write to you once again with happy news. Although the seeds were planted in 1918, women now well and truly have the right to vote in our beloved England! No one is as ecstatic as your sister Virginia, who never backed down from a fight for the cause.

The suffragette party hosted a grand rally in London to celebrate the victory and they invited Virginia to speak on her achievements in philanthropy. They also arranged for her to tour the city from one end to another, speaking to crowds at universities and union halls about the wins gained and what has yet to be achieved.

After the lecture tour, Virginia and Wally stayed in the city’s university district to look at townhouses. You see, Virginia has also agreed to the women’s political and social union’s offer to run their alms hours in the city.

Unfortunately, this means that she and Wally will be moving to London full time. I will be so sad to see them go, but I know that the city offers so much more for brilliant minds like your sister and her dear Wally than a small town like ours ever could.

But nonetheless life here in Henford remains full and happy. We have had an entire slate of birthdays recently, but it still seems as though it were only yesterday that Annabelle and the twins were born.

Now they can all move about the farmyard or through the Brambewood on their own. I fear that Summer and your brother may give them too much freedom in this regard, but with their own wild spirits, I cannot say that I am much surprised or even in any way disappointed in their choices as parents.

While I do love Olivier and Wally with all of my heart, I must admit I have thought so much of Rosalie, Annabelle, and your Violette these last few months. Your grandmother Adelia once jested that the Darlington name has long been afflicted with the curse of the girl child. As I now grow old, I will admit that I once wished for a boy, only because I thought his choices in life would come easier than they have for you, Virginia, and even my Rosella, would she have been with us long enough to make them.

As I think now of this supposed curse, with the world widening before us and the freedoms we have increasing by the year, I am filled with nothing but hope for each of my young granddaughters, that they may reap the fruits and gains that were so hard fought for them by the woman of the last generations. I feel at peace knowing that they shall have the lives they deserve, and that I may live out the rest of my days seeing them grow into women that will make us all proud.

Forever your loving mother,

Florence Darlington

[hiswordsarekisses]

“PRAYER FOR PRODIGALS

Father, as we consider your word and the gracious provisions you have made for us to choose to remain under the protection of your wings, to draw near to you and be transformed, to seek you and find you, to hear your voice and obey… God, we thank you for choice.

But, we know so so many struggle to grasp the realities beyond the flesh. So as Dad’s today God we ask you for the help our children and dear ones need to be able to grasp the heavenly realities (and this includes hell). May they realize how brief and fleeting life is Lord. We pause now in trust you are helping that sink into their spirits right now…………

Father, we ask that you would restore seared consciences.

Father, we ask that you would instill faith into carnal minds.

Father, we ask that you would put the fear of God (beginning of wisdom) inside of them

Father, we ask that you would send the Holy Spirit to convict them

Father, we ask that you would remind them of and open their hearts to your incredible LOVE for them.

Father, we ask that you would supernaturally dispel the lies cast into the battlefield of their minds in Jesus name

Father we ask that you would block and silence the voice of the liar in their lives.

Father, your word says that you give to each a measure of faith. We ask that you would establish that faith in their hearts.

Father, we ask that you would help them recognize the source of truth. The truth shall set them free.

Father, we ask that you would allow these precious ones to exchange the lie for the truth.

Father, we ask for mercy on their behalf, that on the path of this life they would find themselves in encounter with you that shakes them free and sets them onto the path to life.

Father, beckon them like only you can. Help them realize Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and the only way to you.

Father, disable the oppressive power of sin in their lives. Crush its addictive nature. Fill the voids and insecurities and pains they are trying to fill with all the wrong things.

Father, we ask that the flesh would not govern their minds any longer. We ask that by your grace the Spirit will be given governance of their mind. Prodigal son "came to his senses."

Father, as you helped us and continue to help us on our path toward you. Please help them in ways and places and circumstances we have no ability to help in.

Father, bring your prodigal Israel home.

Father, bring our prodigals home. Home is where the heart is. Home is where forever family is. Home is where we have shelter and peace from the barrage of the enemy. Home is in the shelter of your wings. Home is where we can find rest for our souls.

How we long for them Lord. We love them Lord. We forgive them Lord. We need them back home.

Lead us in the way everlasting Lord Jesus. We choose LIFE! We choose Christ!”

- Shad Gates

[uselesslilium]

[listen on Youtube] [listen on Spotify]

A mix I started like, over two years ago, and only just now have finally completed. :') I may finally know peace.

Track list and lyric samples under the cut:

1. Like the Dawn - The Oh Hellos I was sleeping in the garden When I saw you first He'd put me deep Deep under so that he could work And like the dawn You broke the dark and my whole earth shook

2. Garden Boy - Boy Blue And you've got a face like an ocean So blue, like a fountain pure The last time there were this many flowers in one place It was Eden

3. Big Black Car - Gregory Alan Isakov You were a phonograph, I was a kid I sat with an ear close, just listening I was there when the rain tapped her way down you face You were a miracle, I was just holding your space

4. Parachute - Ingrid Michaelson Won't tell anybody that you turn the world around I won't tell anyone that your voice is my favorite sound I won't tell anybody, won't tell anybody They wanna see us fall, they wanna see us fall down I don't need a parachute, baby, if I've got you Baby, if I've got you, I don't need a parachute You're gonna catch me, you're gonna catch if I fall

5. Rewrite the Stars - Greatest Showman It's up to you And it's up to me No one can say what we get to be So why don't we rewrite the stars? Changing the world to be ours

6. What I’m Trying to Say - Stars I am trying to say What I want to say Without having to say, "I love you"

7. Friends With You - the scary joke Here's to you and me And the crumbling infrastructure no one else can see The end result of my own reckless impulsivity Could you spare a sec to talk to me?

8. Are You Hurting the One You Love - Florence and the Machine Are you hurting the one you love? Bite your tongue until it tastes like blood Are you hurting the one you love? So many glasses on the tabletop Are you hurting the one you love? You'd like to stay in heaven but the rules are too tough

9. The Knife - Lauren Aquilina Thank you for the knife The knife in my back Almost took my life Now it's in my hand And I'll use it like you used me Cut you off and feel no cruelty 'bout that

10. Hurts Like Hell - Fleurie I don't want them to know the secrets I don't want them to know the way I loved you I don't think they'd understand it, no I don't think they would accept me, no I loved and I loved and I lost you And it hurts like hell

11. Francis Forever - Mitski On sunny days I go out walking I end up on a tree-lined street I look up at the gaps of sunlight I miss you more than anything I don't need the world to see That I've been the best I can be, but I don't think I could stand to be Where you don't see me

12. All the Trees of the Field Will Clap Their Hands - Sufjan Stevens And I am throwing all my thoughts away And I'm destroying every bet I've made And I am joining all my thoughts to you And I'm preparing every part for you

13. This is Love - Air Traffic Control It's pathetic, I know A jealous fool who won't let go If I was sorry for my actions Would I ever stoop so low? Got no reason to live And I've got nothing left to give you But my love, love, fuck it, this is love

14. Oleander - Mother Mother You stood beside Me when I Was out of my mind I broke the glass And you were there To sweep it aside And if you leave me Rest assured, it would kill me

15. Hardest of Hearts - Florence and the Machine There is love in your body but you can't hold it in It pours from your eyes and spills from your skin Tenderest touch leaves the darkest of marks And the kindest of kisses break the hardest of hearts There is love in your body but you can't get it out It gets stuck in your head, won't come out of your mouth Sticks to your tongue and shows on your face That the sweetest of words have the bitterest taste

16. Oceanographer’s Choice - The Mountain Goats Thought I'd finally beat the feeling back It all came back today And then we fell down And we locked arms We knocked the dresser over as we rolled across the floor I don't mean it when I tell you That I don't love you anymore

17. Everything I Love is Broken - The Airborne Toxic Event Isn't it strange how the seasons just pass? While you're lost in the farce of the past And you always said you were so tough Then you fell and I watched you give up But you were lonely too You were lonely too

18. I, Carrion (Icarian) - Hozier Once I had wondered What was holding up the ground I can see that all along, love It was you all the way down

19. I See You - Phoebe Bridgers I've been playing dead My whole life And I get this feeling Whenever I feel good It'll be the last time But I feel something When I see you now I feel something When I see you

20. Sick of Losing Soulmates - dodie What the hell would I be without you? Brave face, talk so lightly, hide the truth  'Cause I'm sick of losing soulmates So where do we begin? I can finally see you're as fucked up as me So how do we win?

21. Francesca - Hozier I would not change it each time Heaven is not fit to house a love Like you and I

22. Everything Stays - Olivia Olsen Let's go in the garden You'll find something waiting Right there where you left it lying upside down When you finally find it, you'll see how it's faded The underside is lighter when you turn it around Everything stays right where you left it

[theprayerfulword]

October 04

Isaiah 45:3 I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, am the God of Israel.

Hebrews 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

John 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Romans 8:37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame [the enemy of God] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

May you have no desire to roam or wander, but to come to the Lord with every situation, finding Him to be a safe haven, a peaceful refuge, a sunlit meadow, the source of all you need, your treasure, your most cherished possession, that you may find rest in Him, strength for the day, peace in your thoughts and quiet confidence in your heart. Jeremiah 2

May you return to the Lord, Who is merciful, Who will not remain angry forever, acknowledging your guilt of rebellion against Him, for He will give you shepherds after His own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3

May you call the Lord “Father” and follow after Him in trust and obedience, for He will gladly treat you like favored children, giving you choice blessings, the most beautiful inheritance. Jeremiah 3

May you come daily, closer, to the Lord your God, in Whom is your salvation, turning from the idolatrous commotion of the world, which is deception, and turning with your heart, in a truthful, just and righteous way to the Lord, for He will bless the nations and in Him they will glory. Jeremiah 3,4

May you break up the unplowed ground of your rebellious will and do not waste good seeds among the thorns, but circumcise your heart, genuinely dedicating yourself to the Lord and getting rid of everything that hinders your commitment to Him, to prevent His anger from blazing up like a flaming fire that no one can quench. Jeremiah 4

My child, when you come before Me to intercede in prayer, know that you are entering in the Holy of Holies in spirit, into My inner chamber, drawing near to Me as I sit in My robes of judgment on My throne of authority. Understand that you are in the presence of the awesome majesty that is greater than all of creation and the brilliant, pure holiness that outshines the brightest source of light man can know, penetrating beyond the posture of humility and the words of submission to the purpose of heart and motive of mind. Do not think to bring personal agendas for religious rubber-stamping, and do not seek approval of pet projects. Empty your hands of your own works, clear your thoughts of your own rights, cleanse your heart of your own desires before the threshold. The flesh has no place in the eternity of My presence. As you enter into My presence through the washing of the Word, by the atoning of the Blood, bearing only the sacrificial gift of a humble and yielded spirit with the incense of a chastened and repentant heart, I will give you the burden to intercede for. As you bend your will to align with Mine, I will use you in prayer, in devotion, in mercy, in good works that I have planned out and created you to do in spiritual warfare and intercession. I will make you fruitful and productive in your going out and your coming in. But you must be willing to leave that in which you glory outside of the Holy of Holies, and enter with nothing but an emptiness and a hunger for Me to fill. You must bear only My glory before men as you go forth by the leading of My Spirit to heal the brokenhearted and bind up the wounded, shining like the eternal city not made by hands, situated on top of a hill. My own right hand and holy arm will obtain the victory in all I send you to do.

May you possess the faith in Christ Jesus and the love for all the saints which spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that you have received, which is bearing fruit and growing since the day you understood God's grace in all its truth. Colossians 1

May God fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding, that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience and joyfully give thanks to the Father Who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1

May you know God, resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game, Whose Name is great in the land and Whose dwelling place is established, where He broke the power of the weapons of war and pronounced judgment from heaven, causing the land to quiet itself in the fear of the Lord, for His wrath against men brings Him praise and the survivors of His wrath are restrained. Psalm 76

May you fear the Lord and the King, not joining with the rebellious, for sudden destruction will be sent upon them from the throne and the heavens, and who can predict what calamities will occur? Proverbs 24:21-22

[yermes]

PAC 🧸

Hi! So heres my current dilemma. I got so many new stickers because I ordered art from a friend and they gave me some stickers and I got a free sticker from dutchies and now I don’t have my moms car window to stick these on and idk where to put them. Putting value in permanence when nothing is permanent not even us is silly yet I want to put it somewhere where I can be reminded of my beautiful friend or that coffee that almost made me shit myself. I often get nostalgia around this time of year where when I was young I associated my phase of life as something almost unchanged something stable and now idk whats going to happen tmrw or the day after. HOW ARE WE DEALING WITH LACK OF PERMANENCE IN OUR LIVES

Pick a meme

Pick a card

Cruelty 🔥

Nine of swords, Mars 2. Gemini, Yesod through air

A crueler aspect on this question is the existential dread which follows and this card seems to captivate the cruelness of thinking. While in the end there is nothing. You think and worry for the future and upcoming phases like its your damn day job but I am here to tell you this. You are more than a flesh suit with feelings. No one is truly gone till every last memory and every last piece of effort you put in to make the world better is gone. And if you leave before I, I will keep you alive. And fuck depending on what paradigm you believe in you could still fuck with your relatives when ya dead lmaooo. Do not dread on nothing being permanent embrace it and celebrate it.

Temperance (reversed) 🌊

Daughter of the reconciles, Samekh, support, marriage of fire and water and continuation of the lovers card, Capricorn ruled by Saturn, and Scorpio ruled by Mars

Reversed means we are getting the discombobulated side of the marriage between water and fire. There is disunion, conflict of interest, and a lot of hostility. Since this is kind of a deeper topic I can imagine your thoughts on this may be very half baked at this point which is what may be causing this. While you are now is very real. As you exist right now at this moment is very real. And as you existed when you were 6 still exists and is also very real it just may not exist in a physical state. The complexities of this question may be worrisome at the moment but its okay to have some discord in your life at times and you do not need to know everything right now. Just do not fight the process of learning.

Peace 🗽

Two of swords, Moon 1. Libra, Chokmah through air

Your undirected ideas of this topic is put to rest you now have a pretty good beginning and end to this conversation. A big part of this card is a compromise between the soul and mind. While the mind may be racing at a topic of which may be difficult to comprehend in your heart you have come to peace with it and can put your free stickers anywhere without any anxiety of weather or not you will see it again because life is all about the different phases and journeys not about the small physical keepsakes because nothing will stay forever anyways.

Six of pents (reversed) 💴

Lord of material success, Tiphareth, Moon in Taurus, 10°–20°, Angels Nemamiah and Yeyelal

A big part of this card in reverse is being “purse proud” and prodigal. Aka only being concerned about wealth with lack of concern for whats around physical wealth and spending money like theres no mother fucking tomorrow. Like us. Wealth isn’t permanent. You may be living in a very carefree and or careless state at the moment and wasting your resources but with all due respect homie while your physical existence may be impermanent you still need to think about tomorrow, your impact, and all the little nuances that go into existing. Your wealth isn’t permanent, your existence isn’t permanent so MAKE IT COUNT.

[lunchtimebedamned1997]

A journal entry of a truly fucked (fictional) man

An excerpt from the diary of Sebastian L. West (A character from my WIP series, Ashland Bites, CW: He's a simp)

(Please forgive the messiness of these quick sketches, they're all the art I have of him currently <3) ...

The taste of her skin - my god, I can't forget it though the memory has faded.

It's the cruelest kind of torture, to know something, to covet it, but to not be able to live solely within your own memory.

To only ever be able to regain it by not only the miracle of her forgiveness - but added requirement of the unlikely return of the feelings she once held for me.

How am I supposed to live knowing what I know of her? Knowing the depth of her soul and the luscious sounds and smells and tastes of her pleasure?

To not feel her against my lips, my tongue, wrapped around me in what must be a truly holy embrace.

Gods what I wouldn't do to have her back.

I can't think of a single thing.

I'd kill myself if it'd make her forgive me, forever rob myself of a future chance if it meant we'd be at peace with each other.

I have never known a creature more divine.

I wish she'd get over what I'd done - that she could, for even the barest, briefest moment understand that it was all for her. Even if it's not how she would have wanted things to go. Yes, I'll admit some of it was my ego, my pride - but how could I call my devotion love if I went to her destitute, with no real skill or craft fit for a man of low station. [Redacted] didn't want a man. Didn't want a husband, but her family demanded it. Our friendship and mutual lack of interest was a light in the dark of my shallow former torment. I know it was the lying, the deceit, more than anything that grated against [Redacted] - I knew it was of value to her, honesty, but I was willing to betray her trust if it meant having my Cecilia.

I knew it wouldn't truly hurt [Redacted] beyond the lie itself. And I could have never known the wound it would cause to my love. That both would want me dead so swiftly - I try to convince myself it was the heat of emotions, too soon an opportunity after the awfully timed reveal of my play.

Perhaps the universe forgives me for my follies even if they do not. I've been granted an eternity to chip away at her hurt until I am allowed a chance to make it right.

I am convinced, especially and increasingly over the last few decades of testing the waters of interest with others, that Cecilia is the only person in the world for me. That I will never love another.

I loved none before her, and i will love none after.

Even if she hates me for the rest of our lives, if her disdain stretches to the brink of eternity, I will love her still. I do not need her to love me to know she is the finest person to ever grace the Earth.

I do not need her forgiveness to feel that she is the beginning and end of my heart's wants.

I will wait - if ever death comes to greet her, I will slaughter who or whatever called him forth, and then I will join her in whatever awaits us, heaven, hell, the blank nothingness. There is no world without her light; even if I'm kept behind a curtain, if she is alive the light filters through.

How many journals must I have filled now with my aching?

Every time I see her my mouth opens and I am lost. My mind blanks, and any pretty words I may have written here evaporate between my tongue and the air, leaving me with only the most foolish, stupid things that only increase her dislike of me.

My only comfort in her hatred, beyond the proof of her continued existence, is the pure radiance of her rage.

An emotion so ugly on others, only highlights her beauty. Not as much as the peaceful bliss of comfort and trust I was once blessed to witness, but gods, its close enough to feel as though I am the chosen of a most generous god.