#Mystics by alpaca

[tracle0]

Blood Moon

[dragons-bones]

FFXIV Write Entry #23: What the Future Holds

Prompt: on cloud nine || Master Post || On AO3 (coming in October)

A/N: Massive spoilers for the first half of Dawntrail.

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It is not until after the ascension of Wuk Lamat and Koana as the new Dawnservants of Tuliyollal, and the first botanists from across the salt arrive with a plethora of seeds and saplings to discover which will thrive in the sapphire shadows of Ja Tiika, that the events of the past moons finally settle in the minds of Bakool Ja Ja.

With hindsight, he is not proud of his actions, even if at the time he believed they were necessary to secure the future of Mamook and her people. He was cowardly and dishonorable, and a fool besides to release Valigarmanda from his prison. Soon enough he must gather the courage to apologize to the men of his retinue for his callousness, to Wuk Lamat for his derision, to the Yok Huy for his arrogance, and await their judgment.

But he will do so with the knowledge that a real man, a real leader, accepts the consequences of his actions.

His mother and a group of their farmers are deep in discussion with the Sharlayan botanists. There are tentative plans in place for which seeds will they need to plant over the coming seasons, observing which will thrive and which will wither and which may end up to invasive for safe cultivation. Bakool Ja Ja the Mighty does not even pretend to understand it; Bakool Ja Ja the Mystic is itching to get his hands on one of those Sharlayan books about aetherology as it relates to agriculture. But today Bakool Ja Ja is needed elsewhere, and his mother smiles at him and has him lean down so she may kiss the cheek of the Mighty and then the Mystic before she returns to the meeting and he leaves the autarch’s palace.

He thinks that his mother has not stopped smiling since the Rite of Ascension ended. He does not remember that meeting room ever sounding so lively. He does not know if the walls of the palace have ever had hope echo through them.

Bakool Ja Ja passes his father on his way through the city streets. The autarch is overseeing repairs to some of the houses, and Zereel Ja nods to him as he walks by, even offering the shadow of a smile. His relationship with his father is awkward, to say the least, but Zereel Ja…Zereel Ja is trying. Bakool Ja Ja is not the only one who must relearn a great many things, and while he loves and resents his father in equal measure for the pressures placed upon him, Zereel Ja acknowledges he has erred and has let go of (most of) his pride, accepting the assistance of the Dawnservants to revitalize Mamook.

He has always had a good relationship with his mother, but the prospect of a healthier one with his father is…odd. Odd, but good.

It is in Skydeep Cenote that he breaks.

Oh, Bakool Ja Ja has broken many times in the past moons, not the least of which was in this very spot before Wuk Lamat and her entourage in revealing the shame of the Mamool Ja. But as he gently, reverently lifts one of the many urns that litter the waters of the cenote and sets it on the stone pier, to be carefully packed for transport to a proper mausoleum, both the Mighty and the Mystic together realize he will never have to place an urn within these waters ever again.

He has the sense to first ensure the urn is safely on the pier, even as his breath rattles in his chest. Then he steps around the crates he has already filled, each with four urns nestled among dried grasses and shredded najool leaves and cloud-soft alpaca wool, and walks to the doors of the inner cenote. He leans against the wall just next to the doors, staring out across the great cavern, and slides down to sit on the floor with a thud. The Mighty gasps for breath and the Mystic’s arm trembles violently.

No more dead brothers and sisters and cousins.

No more lost generations who could have been warriors or artisans or scholars.

No more children unable to escape their eggs, no more potential healthy children forsaken for the infinitesimal chance of a blessing sibling instead.

No more love matches broken for a betrothal between Boonewa and Hoobigo, no more resentful brides and grooms, no more mourning mothers and fathers, no more desperation that surely this egg will make it to maturity, no more wails of grief echoing through their dying city, no more potters having to fill their shelves with funerary urns, no more undertakers processing through Mamook westward to Skydeep escorting wivre-pulled carts rattling with filled urns.

No more no more no more no more no more no more.

The Mystic cannot cry; Boonewa eyes are simply not capable of the action. Hoobigo eyes are, however, and the Mighty weeps enough for them both, even as the Mystic rests his forehead against his brother’s temple. They shake, and hiccup, and cry, and cry, and cry.

For the first time in Bakool Ja Ja’s life, the tears are not from stress or grief.

They are from deep, overwhelming joy.

The past cannot be fixed, and the ghosts of his people’s children will haunt him until his last day. But his people have a future. His people will have happiness, and health, and one day soon, there will be children running through the streets of Mamook. There will be still be sorrow, because sorrow is a part of life, but there will be happiness at last, and laughter, and love, and hope.

Bakool Ja Ja weeps and as he does, his heart lightens until it soars.

[the-mortuary-witch]

FAMILAR’S AND THEIR MEANINGS

ALPACA: stamina, duty, courage, intrigue, patience, and tenacity.

ANT: cooperation, strategy, hard work, change, resourcefulness, and balance.

ALLIGATOR: strength, protection, rebirth, adaptability, patience, balance, and wisdom.

BEETLE: transformation, protection, strength, good luck, creation, teamwork, rebirth, and adaptability.

BUFFALO: bravery, kindness, and strength.

BAT: mystery, foresight, intuition, transition, death, rebirth, new beginnings.

BEAR: power, protection, strength,, family, vitality courage, and health.

BUTTERFLY: metamorphosis, release, and higher consciousness.

COW: abundance, luck, and trust.

CAT: witchcraft, mysticism, good luck, prosperity, mystery, independence, and intuition.

CROW: transformation, mystery, foresight, change, death, creation, and spiritual strength

COYOTE: transformation, adaptability, intelligence, cunning, intelligence, and adaptability.

DRAGON: wisdom, power, supernatural power, strength, hidden knowledge, and protection.

DOVE: love, peace, transformation, and freedom.

DEER: kindness, transformation, sensitivity, intuition, and gentleness.

DOLPHIN: joy, transformation, wisdom, harmony, freedom, intuition, and a deep connection with the mysteries of the ocean.

DRAGONFLY: luck, intelligence, grace, and meditation.

DOG: loyalty, protection, transformation, guidance, fidelity, faithfulness, alertness, and love.

EAGLE: power, freedom, transformation, honesty, truth, majesty, strength, courage, wisdom, and power.

ELEPHANT: loyalty, power, wisdom, fertility, good luck, success, and experience

FOX: cunning, trickery, mischief, transformation, playfulness, and resilience.

FROG: transformation, magic clairvoyance, wealth, and abundance.

FALCON: strength, power, transformation, vision, freedom, and victory.

GRIFFIN: transformation, protection, wisdom, strength, military, courage and leadership.

GOAT: confidence, loyalty, and independence.

HEDGEHOG: protection, magic, healing, resourcefulness, protection, wisdom, and adaptability.

HORSE: strength, power, transformation, independence, freedom, nobleness, endurance, confidence, triumph, heroism and competition.

IGUANA: transformation, adaptability, magic, confidence, healing, awareness, and curiosity.

JAGUAR: power, transformation, magic, strength, ferocity, and courage.

KOALA: playfulness, transformation, gentle nature, calmness, harmony with nature, and adaptability.

LION: power, courage, transformation, courage, nobility, royalty, strength, stateliness and valour.

LIZARD: dreams, healing, and survival.

MOUSE: stealth, transformation, wisdom, resourcefulness, intelligence, and adaptability.

MONKEY: transformation, joy, mischief, loyalty, intelligence, community, and family.

MOOSE: strength, patience, and surrender.

MOTH: intuition, transformation, adaptation, love, and trust.

OWL: wisdom, intelligence, transformation, mystery, and protection.

OTTER: individually, joy, and flexibility.

PHOENIX: transformation, renewal, immortality, resurrection and life after death.

PIG: transformation, luck, prosperity, and abundance.

PANTHER: power, protection, transformation, mystery, and strength.

PORCUPINE: boldness, defence, and god nature.

PIGEON: group cooperation, resourcefulness, and freedom.

PENGUIN: endurance, survival, closeness, family, spirituality, resilience, and adaptability.

RABBIT: fertility, transformation, luck, gentleness, abundance, and prosperity.

ROOSTER: pride, bravery, and confidence.

RACCOONS: assertiveness, disguise, intelligence, and mischief.

RAT: stealth, protection, magic, riches, procreation, fertility, spirituality, knowledge, infirmity, death, the passage of time, enmity, and destruction.

RAVEN: mysticism, prophecy, insight, intelligence, transformation, and ancient wisdom.

SWAN: beauty, grace, transformation, innocence, peace, serenity, fidelity and kindness.

SQUIRREL: lightheartedness, preparation, and resourceful.

SPARROW: community, friendship, cooperation, and family.

SNAKE: healing, transformation, protection, fertility, rebirth, renewal and immortality.

SPIDER: creativity, fate, magic, balance, creativity, curiosity, wonder, and growth.

TIGER: power, transformation, courage, protection, vitality, strength and unpredictability.

TOAD: witchcraft, fertility, healing, abundance, renewal, vitality, and good luck.

UNICORN: spirit nature, innocence, transformation, purity, and power in Celtic mythology.

WOLF: strength, independence, power, loyalty, guardianship, teamwork and wildness.

ZEBRA: confidence, transformation, stability, balance, harmony, and unity.

[ckret2]

Hi! I think I found a typo in this chapter "makes it hard for him to relate to other..." I assume you meant "others"

I hope Gideon's parents don't mess up his childhood anymore than it has been. I think his friends would be able to help him out more than his family :( Maybe Bud should work at the alpaca farm too.

Do you think Gideon chose to open the tent of telepathy himself? Or has Bud been pressuring him into making money from the start? I think it could go either way depending on how the bolo tie really works. He'd still be pressured into stuff in a way though which sucks.

Not a typo actually, it was meant to be Joy trailing off mid-sentence: "makes it hard for him to relate to other [kids]," but she petered out mid sentence and switched to a statement that makes it sound like it's not Gideon who's at fault, it's the other kids ("And honestly, I think most of the children are jealous of his talents"). I might could edit that to make it clearer that that's her trailing off.

Even though she's the more passive parent, and even though she's clearly afraid of Gideon's temper, she's still one of his enablers. And one of the ways that manifests is in blaming other people for Gideon's failings.

Honestly I think establishing the Tent of Telepathy was little of both. There's a mention in the previous chapter of Gideon starring in his dad's car commercials when he was younger; I think that's how he got his start in the spotlight and learned how to weaponize being cute, doing stuff like this:

When he got the mystic amulet, it was a natural progression. First Gideon starts using it for "magic tricks," maybe to impress other kids; next his dad goes "now that's something, can you do one of those tricks in our next commercial?"; next the commercials turn out to be a hit, so Bud gets the idea to do live shows at the dealership—lure people in to see Lil Gideon do magic, then try to sell them cars while they're there.

And so far Gideon's having a blast with it, he's always been pretty comfortable with the commercials because it's just what their family does and doing the magic shows is fun.

But it accelerates from there. At some point, other "tricks" get incorporated into the show, starting with your garden-variety cold reading, then escalating to spying, and that takes over as Gideon's main act. Now he's not just a clever child stage magician, he's a child psychic. The shows become popular enough that it occurs to Gideon's parents that he could make real money off them rather than just using them to advertise cars—and like, Gideon's a kid, making money from performing sounds exciting to him, he sees no downsides.

Maybe Gideon starts getting some serious attention at that point. Maybe a TV station from Portland does a little feel-good news story about this small-town child psychic; maybe he gets invited onto a local talk show; and that's when the idea of the tent of telepathy and/or touring comes up.

At this point, Gideon's probably been around the amulet enough that it's started to corrupt him—now he's getting hungry for the power and influence his new celebrity gives him, now he's the one going to his dad saying he wants to do even more shows and bring in even bigger audiences. But that only speeds things up. Without the amulet, Gideon might have gradually gone down that path by himself; and his dad, certainly, would've kept looking for opportunities for Gideon to perform as a child psychic so long as Gideon still seemed like he was having fun with it.

And that, I think, is the saddest part of it: at the start, Gideon was having fun with it. Bud wasn't thinking "I can make money off my kid," he was thinking "wow, my son has a talent. He could be rich and famous before he's a teenager. If he's really lucky, he might be set to retire before he's an adult and the whole family will be financially comfortable; but then if he wants he could keep on performing as an adult. Think of the possibilities! Sold-out theaters! A permanent residency in Vegas!" And even though Bud acted as Gideon's agent, i figure his mom felt the same way.

A parent whose kid REALLY loves gymnastics might get them a gymnastics coach, send them to contests, and if they keep winning, help them train for the Olympics. A parent whose kid REALLY loves singing might record them singing, put their videos online, start talking to agents about helping their kid record an album if some of their videos go viral. Bud's kid REALLY loved performing for an awed audience and all the attention and admiration it got him, so Bud set up more shows, arranged for him to start touring, got a tent, produced merch...

Kids who eagerly dive into Olympic training for a sport they love often have it take over their lives, and when that dream is passed—you're not in Olympic condition forever—many don't know what to do with the rest of their lives and regret pouring everything into one obsession. Kids who go into the entertainment industry for a talent they love are entering a world where the talent is very frequently abused and exploited and everyone's scrambling to try to make a living, and children are even more easy to exploit. A parent can support or even push a child toward making their talent a career, and genuinely think they're doing their child a favor; and it can still be terrible for the child. AND it can still slowly creep into the parents themselves exploiting their child as it becomes easier and easier to just live off their income, even if that wasn't the initial plan.

And by the time Gideon was arrested, his parents had poured so much into his budding career that they need to restart trying to bring in a sufficient income outside of that.

Gideon's career wasn't awful & exploitative from the get go. He was an active participant, he understood (insofar as a child could) what was being asked of him and what he was getting out of it, he liked it, he wanted more. At the peak of the amulet's influence on him and during the months after it broke when its effects still lingered, he was calling the shots, he was in charge. And it's not like the amulet was mind-controlling him; that was Gideon at his worst, but it was still Gideon.

To an extent I think his parents still feel like he's calling the shots. Seeing your child as your breadwinner is a messed up position and somebody needs to shake some sense into his parents, but they didn't end up there deliberately. Like boiling a frog, they ended up there too gradually to notice.

[kali-lamb]

im 100% late for this but OH WELL BLOG RULES!!!! ---------------------------------------------------- Mod things [Talks like this] pronouns: She/They (demi-girl) names for mod: Mod, Green, Coi Be patient with me, i dont understand things well -------------------------------------------------- 1. one the -8% possibility PLEASEEEE don't get thirsty (I will cry violently) 2. Remember, none of my Lambsona is canon 3. because of my situation i often answer at night 4. remember this is an art blog too, i will random drop in lore, or me fighting Kallie again 5. This happened on my Sozo account, PLEASE dont put "go.fund.me asks" as questions. or any thing asking for help, i will only delete them because they do not belong on my Acc's 5. remember, we say some crazy stuff here. Swearing, Adult jokes and Cananblistic things are all said here. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

I don't think I have more to say lol, ask and have fun!!! Kali talks like this <<Actions>> [Mod green talks like this] ----------------------------------------------------OTHER BLOGS [that dont belong to me] The one who waits "Narinder"- @ask-theredcrown House cat Narinder "Narinder" - @follower-nari-blog The Bishop of chaos "Leshy" - @ask-thegreencrown The Bishop of Famine "Heket" - @askthe-yellowcrown The bishop of pestilence "Kallamar" -@ask-thebluecrown The bishop of War and Knowledge "Shamura" -@ask-thepurplecrown the cult leader "the Lamb" - @askacultleader Ascended lamb "Lamb" @no-less-than-a-lambgod ---------------------------------------------------- Other friends and foes [I own the Sozo one] She of sleep @the-sleepydragon The little Poet - @askthe-littlepoet The bloodthirsty one "Bruno" @bloodthirstyanon The mushroom addict "Sozo" - @ask-sozo-the-ant The cannibalistic spider "Helob" - @helob-the-spiderMy brother "Sean" - @pbamoney (new acc. big dumb clear his old one on accident) Techinclly my Nephew!! "Tug" @tug6056 Our little brother "Yarnor" - @yarnor-the-timid-raccoon The mystic seller "???" - @themysticseller my friend! "flashbang guy" @flashbang-guy First dude i revived as goddess of life(?) "?" @spellcaster-dude The TV guy whos no longer in a tv...? "scanny" @scannys-back The nebula anon! "neb" @thenebulaanon Nebs Aunt "Andromida" @forgottenaunt-andromeda Another crown bearer (i believe) "Cotton" @ask-cottonofthefaith Cult Of The Alpaca "denny" @askdennycotl My baby Slugcat!!! "Salt" @salt-timid-slugcat What remains of the Anon Inc @whatremains-of-anoninc The taloring spider "alina" @spider-anons-tailor- shop My neice and nephew! "Astar and Willow" @fluffpuffsofwar My brothers partner "Darkwood Hunter" @ask-darkwood-hunter ---------------------------------------------------- More Art can be found here! Axel.Lovo/Kali-lamb ---------------------------------------------------- The blogs I own Kali - @kali-lamb (where you are right now) Sozo - @ask-sozo-the-ant (mentioned above) ----------------------------------------------------Information about the Lambsona AU i use

[so basically shes the lamb from a different dimension, like the goat. she somehow dimension hopped though and everything back home for her is gone now, so she stays. in her world they burned the lambs instead of beheading them. and her bishops/chained god are different] [Leshy = Soren (Snail)]

[Heket = linkino (lizard)]

[Kallmar = Abrey (Axolotl)]

[Shamura = Cinter (centipede)]

[Narinder = Asteria (Rabbit)]

[Aym and Baal = Strike and Bo (Rabbits)]

[The Goat = Somnus (still goat)] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW CHARACTER!!!: SOMNUS THE GOAT!!!!

SOMNUSS THE GOAT!!! every lamb needs a goat counter part!!! heres Kali's!!!! SOMNUS INFO He uses ASL so when hes talking its just him signing His text is Blue He's my friend MANGO's Lambsona, but she isnt on tumblr (parnets dont want her on tumblr) His death: he blew up. *Explosion. SFX* thats really it, also hes so eepy!!!

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[leiyahime]

I got my advent calendar!

I ordered it from stefiswolle.at it's the smaller version with 10g fibres in each bag since I don't have much time for spinning in december for work reasons.

The colourway is labelled as "mystic" and the manual sheet says the fibre mixture is 50% Polwarth/25% Alpaca/25% milk silk. I'm really looking forward to spinning it as i have never spun Polwarth before! It will be spindle work since i will be away for 3 days and i will not take my wheel with me.

[charlottedabookworm]

Dawntrail Day 1

spoilers up to: first lvl91 quest, after the msq split paths merge back together

original draft date: 28/6/24

scheduled release for: 26/7/24

early access time! planning on unlocking picto and then i'm leaping headfirst into the msq

*

okay the quest accept music

interesting

i like it

*

“You had me at ‘magicked painting’” lolllllll

*

….excuse me i didn’t agree to a job interview

i hate job interviews get back here you bloody moogle i-

*

“I’m uh- between jobs at the moment”

“My stick figure drawings are second to none…?”

pffft best job interview i’ve ever been on

*

furry little shites

*

okay i really do like the quest music

*

picto hotbars step up but subject to change

now msq time

*

Ali, love, that’s called jinxing it

*

shades triangle! we’ve heard about that before :)))

*

lolll poor wuk lamat gets seasick

*

oooo erenville lore

shetona from xak tural, doesn’t know his father and hey-

stupid crash i want to hear the erenville lore!

*

kay that shit is pretty af

*

i love erenville and wuk lamat you really feel the childhood friends who fuck with each other energy every time they interact its fucking great

“she’s technically royalty”

“just ‘technically’ ignoring me, then…”

*

Tuliyollal is huge and it feels so much fuller than previous cities

*

pffft

*

aight so Bakool ja ja is a twat and i don’t even care who wins as long as it isn’t him

his brother seems alright tho. less of a twat or maybe just a quieter twat

*

nevermind the mystic is just as much of a twat as the mighty is

the mighty is just louder about it

*

even all these expansions later it still sends a thrill of fear through me

*

ESTI!

ESTI IS DOING THE SPARRING SCENE WITH GULOOL JA HA FROM THE TRAILER

yessssss

love how we’re just smiling in the background

*

Esti is bigging us up!

love you esti!

*

elene’sh

erenviles name is elene’sh?!?! ir it is it a term of endearment like what gulool ja ja calls wuk lamat

*

erenville: this is the last chance for me to help you back out

us: flashback to raha

fucking hell i love that set would 100% be thinking of his husband in a time like this

*

genuinely appreciate that they gave krile the echo vision instead of us for once

sorry krile but i’m a little bored of it always being us that sees shit

*

holy shit the inn room

fuck it i’m moving to tuliyollal i live in this cabin now it’s mine sorry raha you’ll have to move out here

*

reached the quest split

experience tells me that one of these will be extremely traumatic and the other will be less so but maybe it’ll be a little less here? maybe? hopefully

please pelupelu don’t fuck me over this is my summer holiday adventure

*

so esti is gonna get utterly fleeced by the pelupelu huh

*

love that our first challenge is to approach a terrified alpaca

love rhat for us

poor wuk lamat

*

camping! Chilling out at the fire with all of erenvilles tent and stuff while waiting for wuk lamat!

*

i’m cackling-

*

oh fuck off and get some character development

This guy isn’t at fandanny or zenos level of ‘i hate you on sight’ but i really don’t like him

*

“There’s much less debate when I’m traveling alone” erenville i love you

*

“He lives and works in the House of Waters High, at the top of that large tree nearby”

turns camera

ah yes that tree the tree i climbed five minutes ago in search of a sightseeing spot found nothing and then leapt off to go back and do msq instead

that tree

Cool

*

“We have a two headed problem. Yes please hurry”

Erenville you are legit one of my fav characters i love you dude

*

i’m starting to really really hate bakool ja ja

like he was annoying before but the hatred is growing

i would seriously rather the warmonger first promise take the throne i am legit not lying rn

*

you fucking tell him (? Them? They use borh plural and singular when talking about the two headed mamool ja) ali

*

look i’m not a particularly enthusiastic person but we really should be doing something instead of just walking there

like dance a little alright? bop to the beat? something other than just strolling seriously along while all the hanu dance around us

*

annnd i'mma call it there for today got picto unlocked and to 81, msq is starting the 91 quests, and i've unlocked all the aether currents i can reach in the zones so far

[mikaharuka]

The Super Mega Word Search Post!

After my Find that Word... 4x (seriously?!) post last week, I figured I'd just sit for several days as the tags added up. And add up those tags did! I was tagged by 7 people over 15 posts for a total of 108 words!

So I simplified it to 3 words/tag... or at least that was the plan, until I noticed that all but four words appeared in one chapter - Azure. And not just that - I counted 43 of the 108 words within Azure alone!

So it turned into a flexing game - sue me lol

(the purple is special - see my reblog for my shame)

@mrsmungus - apartment, arch, autumn, burn, celebrate, christen, clasp, cold, curl, drift, dress, electric, forgot, honest, hover, humid, leave, life, likeness, mountain, never, river, sample, send, shimmer, snack, spiral, splinter, station, stifle, stroke, summer, sunrise/sunset, switch, take

@oceangirl24 - arrangement, behead, bless, breathe, buffet, build, cast, committee, dangerous, discover, draft, dressing, flash, fossil, go, hilarious, information, jealous, marine, merchant, pipe, poison, quantity, reason, second, seminar, sport, steel, undertake, visit, wardrobe, workshop

@tsunderewatermelon - choke, clung, creep, dangle, flick, gaze, gulp, held, hit, lay, moved, poke, prove, scratch, sneak, sick, stare, swung, touch, walk, watch

@alpaca-clouds - annoying, breath, hair, soup, tension

@danceswithdarkspawn - danger, feather, moonlight, relax, touch

@aohendo - assess, hazard, manage, mitigate, risk

@frostedlemonwriter - gross, love, still, tense, yellow

-

Your Words: bloom, current, energy, focus, heat, press, spicy

As for tags... eh, just the seven of you who tagged me. Beyond that, I'll leave the usual open tag for anyone else who is interested in this.

Obvious NSFW warning for Azure by default. The remaining four words are scattered across the other chapters of Apricity, like usual...

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[From Sapphire-12]

Annoying. Not being able to objectively or clearly describe anything was very annoying.

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[From Sangria-13]

“Pretty much. As you probably guessed, the government knows of the mystic world. They tried to control and manage that piece of land, but Il Centro quickly stepped in and shut their attempts down.”

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[From Midnight-14]

Mike took a deep breath and ran his eyes over the vampire’s form, critically assessing his features just as the man was so casually doing to him in turn.

Fucking hell, he really was an idiot. If the instability was related to Beau, then of course mentioning him ran the huge risk of worsening that instability. What a careless mistake.

-----------------------

[From Azure-11]

Bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and wolves among others made themselves known, adding themselves to the growing buzz.

Rather than the beaches he had hoped to see, instead lay an open field bathed in the bright moonlight.

They were seated in a circle around a fire by the base of giant cedar, speaking to one another, relaxed in a very intimate way they never were with anyone else. The scarlet aura cast by the leaves above and the cozy breeze brushing against everything like gentle feathers, created a warm and comforting current that swirled about them. Wanting to see what they were doing with the plants in hand, Beau carefully walked around the edge of the clearing.

He tried to move closer, but found himself frozen, held in place by a cool current swirling about him.

The tree line crept into the meadow until all earth, life, and sky was once again overtaken by the dark azure hollow.

The man before him now regarded Beau with relaxed posture, hooded eyes, and an alluring smile, a different sort of hunger painted across his face.

The azure light cast a cool tint onto already pale features, adding a sharp edge to what used to be warm gold eyes and blond hair, leaving behind harsh shadows across his face.

The man pushed off the tree and matched his pace, eyes darkening even further with each predatorial stride forward and each rousing gaze over his form. Beau was still a few yards away when his knees suddenly gave way and the man vanished from sight. 

Within seconds, familiar arms captured him from behind, pulling Beau beneath him, against a form he knew all too well...

Dark gold eyes were far more metallic now, a strange fusion resulting in bright electrum, an almost cool white with a bright yellow tint...

The mere idea only added more fuel into the fire already building deep within him...

'You taste positively divine, lovely boy'

Shocked by the hoarse voice deepened by desire, Beau gasped again, allowing the man to take advantage once more and deepen the kiss.

Beau’s heart pounded even harder as a very familiar lust burned through his body, making him let go and submit to the onslaught, like a puppet with its strings cut.

He let himself drift away, knowing that he would never return to the gentle, peaceful man and softer, quiet dreams from before.

He mustered the last fragments of his willpower and turned his head away, just as the last of his breath was about to slip away from him.

A fingertip traced a familiar pattern just below and soon, a tongue took its place, burning trails of fire across Beau's skin with every caress.

Beau felt a sharp sting near the base of his neck, just above the Mandala, and withstood the sudden flashes of arousal and desire coursing through his body.

Beau slowly opened his eyes and looked up only to meet blood-red eyes staring back at him, heavily dilated in arousal.

Goosebumps spread rapidly and shivers rippled across skin newly exposed to the cold air. It felt empty, alone - something was missing.

Lost within the maelstrom of pleasure, Beau jolted sharply with a single touch, arching his back at the series of sharp twin stings along his inner thighs...

The sensations were all too much and yet still not enough. His voice escaped him, echoing for the first time that night as he frantically moved, desperate to soothe the itch sizzling beneath the surface.

At the same time, cool fingers continued dancing across his skin, stroking along his sides and toying playfully and roughly with hardened peaks before caressing his shoulders and arms...

Wave after intoxicating wave of blazing arousal stacked atop each other, spiraling away into the azure haze with no end in sight...

He desperately ripped his clothes off, fumbled around, and quickly located a half-empty tube and various other items he’d carefully snuck into his room.

"Contemplating the meaning of life," Mike murmured, staring off mindlessly into space.

Mike spoke up. “Even if you aren’t going to prom, wasn’t there some book store or game store you mentioned wanting us to swing by while in the city?”

Oh, right. With his mind otherwise preoccupied, he almost forgot about that.

That suited Beau just fine. He’d help Angela, Athira, and the others with their dress shopping for some time, then head out and swing by a few game shops. And if the Port Angeles bookstore he and Mike were slated to visit tomorrow evening gave them any leads in Seattle to check out, they could swing by those places as well.

He was thankful for his father’s trust as the card would prove helpful in Seattle.

When Beau entered the store for the first time with Mike, he was shocked to discover that the store also doubled as an occult shop, with various metaphysical items sitting in rows behind stationary and crafting supplies.

After the past month… no, two months, since school started, why was Harper giving them information so easily when the others had blocked them?

[daemonoferror]

Okay, I kinda have a theory that Tulip can't talk to animals, but instead is mystical. The thing in the church is something supernatural, not an animal, and that's why she can talk to it but doesn't speak to the alpacas. Also why she's compelled to go into the forest.

It'd make sense if the pastor was mystical and talk to animals, and he's confusing them because he's much more in tune with the tta trait and not mystic.

[the2amrevolution]

SKZ as Squishmallows - because I've lost control of my life/brain

I honestly started from their names, then nicknames, then things that sound like parts of their names. That Cris is a lamb (lambchops being one of Chris's favorite foods), Leonori is a mythical creature (mystic boy), Bindy is an encouraging walrus (bada kokkiri), Jim is an alpaca ("drama llama" Jinnie and the twerking llama/alpaca toy), the pig squishville vehicle (images of the terrifying Changbin hug pillow), Pompompurin coming up when I typo-d Seungmins name (his alt was Mo the sushi), and there being an I.N arcade game are all just delightful coincidences.

If you want the coincidence to get weirder, there's another version of Cris that got a different name. The two designs are identical (color difference is just lighting i think), only the tag indicates difference. That name? Berry.

[alpacaexpeditions]

Machu Picchu Inca Trail Tour: Experience the Journey with Alpaca Expeditions

A 26-mile journey across the breathtaking Andes Mountains, the Inca Trail highlights Peru's varied topography and extensive historical legacy. You will come across breathtaking archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna and Intipata as you travel along ancient stone roads. These sites provide insight into the sophisticated engineering and spiritual traditions of the Inca civilization.

The Machu Picchu Inca Trail tour is a must-do experience for tourists looking for a combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. The magnificent fortress of Machu Picchu is the destination of this legendary trip, which provides an experience of a lifetime. With the help of Alpaca Expeditions, you will set off on this remarkable adventure with knowledgeable direction and unmatched support.

The tour typically spans four days, with each day presenting a new blend of challenges and rewards:

Day 1: Begin your trek through the Sacred Valley, passing lush vegetation and serene riverbanks.  Day 2: Conquer the infamous Dead Woman’s Pass, the trail’s highest point, and bask in the panoramic mountain views. 

Day 3: Walk among ancient ruins and cloud forests, experiencing the trail’s mystical allure. 

Day 4 : Arrive at the Sun Gate at dawn, witnessing your first magical views of Machu Picchu. 

Why Choose Alpaca Expeditions?

Alpaca Expeditions is the premier choice for exploring the Inca Trail. Their dedication to quality, sustainability, and community engagement ensures a remarkable experience for every traveler. Here’s what you can expect: 

 Experienced Guides : Their knowledgeable guides enrich your journey with fascinating insights into Inca history and the natural environment. 

Sustainability and Ethics : Alpaca Expeditions prioritizes eco-friendly practices and supports local porters, providing fair wages and excellent working conditions. 

Comfort and Safety : From gourmet meals to quality camping gear, every detail is designed to make your trek safe and comfortable. 

The Alpaca Expeditions Experience 

Traveling with Alpaca Expeditions transforms the Machu Picchu Inca Trail tour into a seamless adventure:

Personalized Attention : Small group sizes allow for individualized care and a more intimate experience. 

Cultural Engagement : Connect with local communities and learn about their traditions through Alpaca’s ethical practices. 

Unforgettable Arrival : The moment you reach Machu Picchu after days of trekking is one of unparalleled accomplishment and joy. 

Start Your Adventure 

Alpaca Expeditions invites you to embark on the Machu Picchu Inca Trail tour and immerse yourself in the wonders of Peru. Book your trek today and experience the magic of this legendary journey!

For more Information

Visit us:  www.alpacaexpeditions.com

Mobile No :  (+51) 84 254278

E Mail Id : info@alpacaexpeditions.com

[mikaharuka]

@alpaca-clouds @mrsmungus @tsunderewatermelon

...it sure says something that all three of you immediately tied me to crystals, crystal sex toys, what crystals actually are and aren't, and the ridiculous tomfoolery and deep hellhole of research I fell down >.>

No seriously. Do you know how many hours - probably days of my life I lost to researching this stuff? I learned way more than I needed to know about what was and wasn't safe to shove up people's asses and other parts of their bodies??!! And I don't even know how the hell I ended up there! And the sketchy pseudoscientific stuff I found >.>

Needless to say, I was very careful to make sure that the 'crystals' I chose - rhodonite, rose-quartz, and obsidian - were relatively better...

And yes, I know obsidian is volcanic glass and not actually a crystal, but I don't care! Look at me in the eyes and tell me I should care about realism when I'm writing feels-trippy dream vampire mystic smut with who knows how many other mystic elements that I can't even list because massive-freaking-spoilers, thankyouverymuch!

...the things I do for my fics, I swear >.>

[unhinged rant over - tl;dr is that I know the OP's pain all too well lol]

So I wanted to know what kind of crystal could go in a wizard staff, right? so I googled “big crystal,” as one does, and got an Etsy ad for This

And as you all know I Am currently taking a geology class, so I am probably more emotionally invested in minerals than usual. But that is...very obviously not a natural crystal.

So I did some looking around on Etsy.

Now, these shops all seem to advertise to the “witchy”/“spiritual healing” type of person. And there are a lot of them. Crystals are a Big Thing on Etsy. And ALMOST ALL of them are obviously artificially cut into the same sort of prism with a triangular pyramid top, regardless of the actual sort of crystal it is supposed to be.

Even like, fucking, obsidian. Obsidian is volcanic glass, it doesn’t form crystals at all, it is not a crystal

I’m not throwing any shade at people who are into crystals for like witchy reasons, but it really seems like if crystals are spiritually important to you, you should know what a crystal is...right...?

[syeunko]

A sobering realization

There’s a lot of things I think am and also a lot of things I think I am not. Sometimes they are contradictory, but in my head this still makes sense, both can be true. I am not moody. I am, though. I am detail oriented. I am emotional. I am not emotional. I like attention. I hate attention. I am unfocused. I get hyper-fixated. I’m realistic, and literal, but also…fantastical?

Three weeks ago, I turned 28. I always thought I liked attention because of how much I love my birthday. But only this year have I started to accept I am uncomfortable with attention. I don’t know though. Everyone likes attention, to some degree. What is the line? 

These past 2 weeks, I have been working on systematic literature review data extraction, which is the bane of my existence. It is like it sounds - extraction - nitpicking and extricating the minutest of information into a huge rectangular spreadsheet made up of even more countless, smaller cells. If I ever thought I was detail oriented, I have been proven wrong by data extraction. Is observational period the same thing as follow-up time? What if a study has two potential study designs? How to read a Kaplan-Meier curve? 

As I was meandering along at a turtle pace, I finally got that aha moment where everything started making sense. Unfortunately, it came two days before the deadline, which prompted me into two late nights of working at a manic pace. If I get it now, though, am I detail oriented? 

A couple days ago, I saw a promotional interview clip of Kim Jiwon for her new drama. One of the comments read, “You can see the stars in her eyes.” It reminded me of all the book-isms I read growing up, with an abundance of characters having “a twinkle in their eye,” or kisses that felt like “exploding fireworks.” I don’t know if I expected beams of light radiating out of people’s eyes or heart palpitations so strong it felt like fireworks going off inside, but I didn’t get it. My first kiss was just a kiss (I blame books for expecting anything more) and only after looking at the dead, empty eyes in mugshots of serial killers do I see what twinkle-full and twinkle-less eyes are like. Other times, however, I'm over-romanticizing everything. I swear my powder blue alpaca knit sweater cardigan is magical and will transform me into a mystical lady that lives in a cottage on the moors of Finland. And then I look in the mirror and think it makes me look frumpy. I still cannot decide.

A while back, Junwon showed me this new game Frase, where you solve an anagram. Theoretically, I should’ve loved this game from the get go. The first time I played it though, it was really hard. I felt defeated. (How come Junwon got it faster than me? I should be better than him.) So I quit. In Boston, I started playing with him again and coincidentally got the answer faster one of the days. I’ve been playing since (lol). Last night, I got the puzzle right in 21 seconds, got a subsequent adrenaline rush, and felt on top of the world. Then I felt slightly perturbed. How come I’m so back and forth, up and down, am and am not, yes and no with everything?

Flighty. The word is flighty. I am just flighty :(

[mixamorphosis]

Blog post and linked up tracklist [HERE]

Tracklist

Nick Mackrory - Zulu - (Colona Records)

Scientific Dreamz Of U - Mystic Revelation Of Science - (Bokhari Records)

Ford Inc. - Delirium - (Throne Of Blood)

Cetranger - Spear Words - (Vernal Records)

Farbror Resande Mac - Drakryggen - (Is It Balearic?)

Jonny Nash - Phantom Actors - (Melody As Truth)

Gunnar Haslam - Ajapajapam (Version) - (L.I.E.S)

Mugwump - Doobie Shine Trouble - (Subfield)

Gaussian Curve - Impossible Island - (Music From Memory)

Cass. - Forest + Deer - (Emotional Response)

The Unknown Cases - Masimbabele (Justin Van Der Volgen Remix) - ([Emotional] Especial)

Stratus - Axis - (Aficionado Recordings)

Mushrooms Project - Obsession - (Uber)

Holy Other - Yr Love - (Tri Angle)

Baby Alpaca - Sea Of Dreams (Turbotito Remix) - (Music For Dreams)

Len Leise - Ryoshi's Garden - (Aficionado Recordings)

Eddie C - The Touch - (Red Motorbike)

Download available via [Hearthis]

[choquequiraotrekoperator1]

Exploring the Mystical Heart of Peru: Cusco Adventure Tours

Nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Cusco is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. It's not just a destination; it's an adventure waiting to happen. Cusco adventure tours offer a unique and exhilarating way to explore this enchanting region, and in this article, we'll delve into why Cusco should be at the top of your adventure travel list.

The Gateway to Machu Picchu

Cusco serves as the primary gateway to one of the most iconic archaeological wonders in the world – Machu Picchu. Adventure seekers from around the globe embark on a journey to this legendary Incan citadel. The classic Inca Trail trek, which typically takes 4 days, is a thrilling way to reach Machu Picchu. Along the way, you'll hike through breathtaking landscapes, explore ancient ruins, and gain insights into the history and culture of the Incas.

Alternative Treks for the Adventurous

While the Inca Trail is undoubtedly remarkable, Cusco offers a variety of alternative treks for those looking to avoid the crowds and experience something off the beaten path. The Salkantay Trek, for instance, takes you through diverse terrain, including lush jungles and high-altitude passes, before culminating at Machu Picchu. If you're seeking a true wilderness adventure, consider the Choquequirao Trek, which leads you to another impressive Incan site often called "Machu Picchu's Sister."

White Water Rafting in the Sacred Valley

For thrill-seekers, white water rafting in the Sacred Valley is a must-do activity. The Urubamba River offers a range of rapids suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. As you navigate the river's twists and turns, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including towering cliffs and lush greenery. This adrenaline-pumping adventure is sure to be a highlight of your Cusco journey.

Mountain Biking in the Andes

Cusco's rugged terrain and scenic landscapes make it a haven for mountain biking enthusiasts. You can explore the Sacred Valley on two wheels, riding through picturesque villages and along ancient Inca trails. Whether you're a novice or an experienced rider, there are biking routes to suit all skill levels. It's an excellent way to immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty while getting your adrenaline fix.

Cultural Immersion in Cusco

Adventure in Cusco isn't limited to physical activities. The city itself is a treasure trove of culture and history. Take a stroll through the charming streets of Cusco, known for their well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant markets. Don't forget to visit the awe-inspiring Sacsayhuamán fortress, a testament to Incan engineering prowess.

Andean Cuisine and Culinary Adventures

No adventure in Cusco is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Try traditional dishes like ceviche, alpaca steak, and quinoa soup. For those with an adventurous palate, consider tasting cuy (guinea pig), a delicacy in Peru. You can also take part in cooking classes to learn how to prepare these delectable dishes and bring a taste of Cusco back home with you.

Connecting with the Andean People

One of the most rewarding aspects of Cusco adventure tours is the opportunity to connect with the local Andean communities. Homestays and community visits allow you to immerse yourself in their way of life, learn about traditional farming techniques, and participate in cultural activities. It's a chance to forge meaningful connections and gain a deeper understanding of the region's rich heritage.

For More Info :-

Vilcabamba Machu Picchu

[pjsgames]

🕹️ Throwback Thursday! 🕹️

Ah, the golden memories! Remember when we dove into the vibrant world of Torchlight II? From its spellbinding visuals to its captivating combat, this gem of an action RPG took us on epic journeys, making countless nights feel like mere minutes!🔥

Every dungeon crawl, each enchanted weapon, and those charming pets (who wouldn't love a ferocious little alpaca by their side?) - all brilliantly woven together, creating an experience that truly stood the test of time.

If you're yearning for a taste of nostalgia or if you missed out on this classic, fear not! Journey back to the mystical town of Torchlight and face the darkness once more. ⚔️✨

👉 Dive in or rediscover the magic: https://pjga.me/tl2pc 👈