#Parley for the Oceans

[sheltiechicago]

Organic Architectures

The term ‘biomorphic’ is derived from two Greek words: ‘bios’ (meaning life) and “morphe” (translating as form). In art, it’s used to describe shapes that evoke naturally occurring patterns – like plants, living organisms and parts of the human body. Italian architect Niccolo Casas works in this space, collaborating with Dutch fashion-tech designer Iris van Herpen and environmental nonprofit Parley for the Oceans.

[onedigital]

Maroma, a Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya gana un lugar en los 50 Mejores Hoteles del Mundo 2024

Maroma, a Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya gana un lugar en los 50 Mejores Hoteles del Mundo 2024

LA TAN ESPERADA LISTA CELEBRA HOTELES EN SEIS CONTINENTES ALREDEDOR DEL MUNDO. Continue reading Maroma, a Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya gana un lugar en los 50 Mejores Hoteles del Mundo 2024

[charlotteswebbbbb]

"L'Arc de Triomphe Wrapped, artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude's last work, is being recycled by Parley for the Oceans, which will turn it into tents and sun shades for use during the 2024 Olympics and other events in Paris.

In 2021, L'Arc de Triomphe Wrapped saw the monument on Paris's Champs-Élysées shrouded in 25,000 square metres of silvery fabric tied in place with 7,000 metres of red rope.

Both fabric and rope were made of woven polypropylene, a type of thermoplastic, and intended to be recycled — a vision that is now being realised by the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation in collaboration with environmental organisation Parley for the Oceans." - Dezeen

[prattlinpeach]

St Thomas Day 5: Do it all Snorkel

Sounds like a fine offer, ok we will! Let’s Do It…All! Snorkel! The days started beautifully with a beautiful sunrise, not setting an alarm, yeah, I’d say beautiful! We had our next snorkel trip booked for 1pm, so we decided to head down to Charlotte Amalie first thing, to see what we could see and we saw! We were looking for a place for breakfast, specifically at the moment, some decaf coffee…

[jonofearth]

[jammechanics]

And. We. Are. Back! Jam Mechanics returns for season 2 with our first guest prompter (Our longtime collaborator and artist, ⁠@deepblueink2d⁠!). In our first episode back we reveal the fate of Jam Mechanics Mansion (Castle?) and reflect on the ocean that separates our two co-hosts Jam Mechanics is a podcast hosted by Matt (@narcissistcookbook) and Bug (@bughuntermusic) where we are challenged to write a song demo from scratch every episode.

If you'd like downloadable files for this episode (and the demos we showed off), ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you can go to our Bandcamp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pay-what-you-want to support us!

Our brand-new discord is here⁠⁠⁠

and follow us on Instagram, YouTube, etc! Please share the show (and our music) with friends!

-- SPOILERS FOR THIS EPISODE BELOW --

Challenge: Transatlanticism

BUG'S SONG Title: Agamemnon Lyrics: I am aboard the Agamemnon, we are laying down a line It's gonna cross the ocean floor, the greatest project of our time A telegraph from Newfoundland will reach the Irish Shores but by by the time this note arrives you will not love me anymore

I am aboard the Agamemnon, laying cables in the sea For the purpose of the president to parley with the queen As for me, I've got this letter that I'll send you in the morn but by the time this note arrives you will not love me anymore

You will not love me by the time you read this note You told me you would wait if I had to go I keep your photo in a locket to remind me of my home

but while aboard the Agamemnon I have so much time to dream of a world where I can reach you with no middle-man between And maybe when we're done I'll get my turn, as a reward but I never got that chance, now you don't love me anymore When I made it to Niagara, you didn't love me anymore

You will not love me by the time you read this note You told me you would wait if I had to go I think of you so often with no way to let you know

This is only the beginning, this simple cable in the sea Soon we'll have radios and satellites and waves we cannot see No one'll know the pain of loving one they cannot reach

I'd commandeer the Agamemnon and I'd sail it back to shore it's just a faster way to learn that you don't love me anymore so I'll keep laying this cable for the lovers not yet born so that they may never hear "No, I don't love you anymore"

MATT'S SONG Title: The Tollbooth Lyrics: When Britain's national health service was launched in 1948 it set sail in the wake of the second world war when the country's citizens the upper and lower classes both the rich and the desperately poor had served together, side by side and the ones who survived the horrors came home demanding to no surprise more

we did not fight, they said in our millions just for things to return to the way they were we didn't die they said in our hundreds of thousands just to save a country where the leading cause of death is poverty and perhaps for the first time in british history the aristocrats and the working class agreed on something largely that arming the nation and teaching them how to fight and die for what they believe in makes their demands somewhat more convincing

and so barely three years after the soldiers had come home on july 5th, 1948 the british health system was torn out by the follicles and rebuilt in a new vision that it would be free at point of service, that no one, NO ONE, would be turned away or trapped into debt by lack of personal means that it would be available to everyone who walked through the doors of a hospital or a GP's office and that the well off wouldn't be able to skip the queue this was radical beyond comprehension a truly universal healthcare system doctors across the nation barred their doors and hired personal security so sure were they that the empowered impoverished would storm their offices demanding medicine and aid only to find on that monday morning a polite queue of people in need who for the first time were able to receive the treatment they would have had since birth if they had been born into a wealthier family

the trouble is healthcare is one of those futureproof industries like plumber people are always going to need water and if you can fix their pipes you are, within reason, set for life and the hospital and the doctor's surgery are no exception people are always going to get sick they're always going to get injured at the very very least everyone has to be born and everyone has to die and you would be an idiot would you not if you had the opportunity and the presence of mind to not set up a tollbooth at the well-worn bridges that lead into and out of this life

i am being faceitious of course who thinks like this who is so calculating and cruel that they would look at the legions of dying and sick and feel not compassion but greed who would see not the faces of their own parents, friends and children but a sea of investment a captured market a well of bottomless profit

it would be inappropriate for me to delve too deep into the catacombs that are the American Healthcare System if you are listening from those shores, then you know better than i do how it feels to live in fear of a broken bone of a cough that won't go away of a necessary surgery or a birth in the family I have personally met people who were having to choose between treatment for a treatable disease and a slow death So as to have something to leave their loved ones in their will A meagre windfall, after all, is infinitely preferable over a cascade of debt Maybe, at best, you are simply aware of how lucky you are To not fear these things as many do The privilege of being able to treat mild maladies as the inconvenience they are rather than an existential threat

I bring this up only because The profit machine that is the american healthcare system Is hungry And needs to be fed There is no such thing as too much money There is no endgame in an investment portfolio Where you find the princess in the very last castle and the credits roll There isn't a kill screen where the arcade machine craps out and kicks you back to the beginning The score just keeps getting bigger and bigger, the numbers getting longer and longer, Separated by decimal points and letters and commas And when the numbers get so unwieldy that we run out of space, Eh, we'll just start printing the end of year reports in landscape The machine needs to eat And the painkillers and bloodied sheets of 333 million people could only satisfy it for so long Its eyes, inevitably, have turned east

And what do you think it sees? When you have broken your arm and are getting it cast at 3am When your parents start visibly ageing and wilting When your child gets a cough that won't go away Do you think it wants to help? Or do you think it wants to fucking eat them?

[rosethornewrites]

T & G reading since 9/11

Finished

Teen:

parley, by cafecliche (reread)

“Hmph,” Jiang Cheng says, when Wei Wuxian is finally finished. “Here I thought you already took your bows on some dusty mountaintop.”

Wei Wuxian laughs halfheartedly. “It was more of a hill.”

“Whatever its height,” Jiang Cheng says, louder, “why am I expected to attend a wedding for two people who’ve already been wed?”

(Or: two times Jiang Cheng unintentionally saved the Wangxian wedding, and one time he meant it.)

Sect Leader Yao Has Died, by JiangChengLotus

“Sect Leader Yao was a great man-”

Lan Wangji snorted out loud.

All heads turned to him, horrified, and Jiang Cheng wheezed, tears coming to his eyes as he laughed at everyone else’s expressions. He could hardly care about his reputation at that moment.

Lan Sizhui and Jin Ling looked mortified, but they too were struggling to hold in their laughter. Ouyang Zizhen had to furiously bite his lip and avoid his father’s watchful gaze. Lan Jingyi was struggling the most.

Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang were covering their mouths with the back of a sleeve and fan, respectively. Lan Xichen was sighing, but his eyes were twinkling.

“My apologies for my husband and my brother.” Lan Xichen explained to the crowd in a neutral voice. “They are still processing this terrible loss."

~

(Or, Sect Leader Yao finally dies, Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji are overjoyed, struggle to keep straight faces at his funeral and strike poses next to his coffin.)

Murder, by snowberryrose (6 chapters)

In which Jiang Cheng lives up to his title

canon divergence from episode 28

To Our Eternity, by SZFiction

“Wei Ying.”

It processes slowly. The hint of gentleness in that tone, the slight hesitation. The dozens of other messages hidden in his name that, had he not known Lan Zhan down to his core, he would have missed.

His fear melts away. Even in the most vivid of illusions, he could not so perfectly emulate the sound of Lan Zhan’s voice. He’s here. He’s here.

General:

the future haunts the past, by sysrae

in which feelings about the parallels between Wei Wuxian and Madam Lan produced a poetry-adjacent chatfic

but I figured it out, then made my way back, by MichelleFeather (7 chapters)

It was an extreme, a desperate decision fueled by anger towards the entire cultivation world, a grief deeper than the deepest trenches in the ocean. The realization that Lan Wangji would now have to continue on living a second time without his beloved, where Wei Wuxian had died once again. Where, once more, his love had been taken from him by cruel, unrighteous men who thought they knew better, that they were doing the world a justice.

Lan Qiren had seen the state that his nephew had been in after Wei Wuxian’s first death, what Lan Wangji had done in his grief then, and he feared what Lan Wangji would do to himself if he was left alone with this repeated grief.

And the North Wind Carries My Words to You, by stiltonbasket

In which Jiang Fengmian, Wei Changze, and Cangse Sanren share ten years, five letters, and a lifetime's worth of friendship.

That's just my ghost, by FloweringSkulls

Wei Wuxian moves into a newly renovated house haunted by Lan Wangji. Who is a ghost. Obviously.

Unfinished

Teen:

journey of no envies, by spicymooncakes

When Wei Wuxian was expelled from the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, Jiang Yanli rushed to the Burial Mounds.

Nie Huaisang is content to be the useless second child his entire life. But for all his willful ignorance and indulgent cowardice, he worried for his brother. He then decided to visit an old friend.

Lan Wangji struggled using his words. But he yearned. He learned.

Wen Qing and Wei Wuxian encountered a series of strange curses in Yiling.

The different trails meet, and the paths diverged.

every world, every universe, by glitteringmoonlight

It is well-known that the resources offered by the great clans simply cannot be matched by smaller sects. The greater clans have the most renowned techniques and the best teachers. They have built their reputations over centuries, striving to be the best of the best. It is these clans that most young cultivators aspire to join, and so, they have their pick of recruits and are free to pick the best of the best. To anyone in the cultivation world, it is unquestionable that the great clans reign supreme.

It is, thus, quite understandable that even Wen Ruohan— a man largely known for being arrogant and unflappable— looks surprised at the announcement that the first place in the archery tournament has been won by the Head Disciple of the Tingshan He sect.

Or, Wei Wuxian is raised in Tingshan He. Some things change. Some do not.

Time Does Not Pass, It Continues, by Maze_VK

Chief Cultivator Wei Wuixan's favourite set of juniors (don't let anyone know, he isn't supposed to have favourites) are missing, and it is his duty to bring them home.

If he ends up creating an alternate universe where most persons remain untainted by the actions of others? Well, that's just a pleasant side-effect.

General:

Lies and Truth, by parodismal (🔒)

What happen if Lan Wangji decided to actually check Qiongqi Path after Wei Wuxian leave?

....

It leads to a domino effect towards a new Chief Cultivator

Is it a better?

Or worse?

Jaded, by Anonymous

When Lan Xichen asked the newly acknowledged Jin Guangyao to become sworn brothers with him and Mingjue, he thought the latter would jump at the chance. He himself was excited at the prospect of fostering better relationships between their respective clans and hopefully reconciling his two friends.

But in order to become sworn brothers, the three must take an oath to never harm each other in any way. And though the latter readily agrees, Lan Xichen had noticed his brief hesitation and the damage is already done.

The cultivation world is left reeling as the Lan Sect Leader gradually realizes that he has been a little too blind, and takes actions that will change the future as we know it.

[sigelfire]

Diego Luna and Cyrill Gutsch, founder of Parley

"Running down these streets with Eric Liedtke and Diego Luna feels like having millions of Ocean Warriors behind us. The two represent our two strongest partnerships: @adidas who joined us first as founding partner and believed in our vision when nobody did - who unleashed their innovation power to make it work. Our new partner @corona who explored with us remote places, and launching the '100 Islands 🏝Project'. Who empowers us with their thunderstorms of passion to shake up the beverage industry. The movement is exploding. And while the waters out there in the sea reach boiling temperatures - we are leaving the General Assembly Hall transformed. Jedi feelings grow. May the force decide to be with us."

Adding the video. I know is well known, but I wanted to have it here:

+ Biggest size photos from the coverage of the campaign by Publimetro:

[narrans]

The Orion's Daughter : To Lands Beyond | Chapter 16 | Parley and Purpose

**~~~~~**

Chapter Sixteen | Parley and Purpose

**~~~~~**

Words could not describe the immense ship currently eclipsing the sun. I thought our ships in the neighborhood ports were massive, but this ship was on a whole other level. Yes, it belonged to giants, but there was a difference between hearing about the ships of the Orion and then seeing them in person.

Steele’s shoulders trembled almost imperceptibly beneath my momma and me. I didn’t know if that was merely because Steele was a little older or if he was wary and nervous for what was to come. Whatever the reason, I was prepared for nearly every scenario. Sure, I didn’t have my emergency bag, but all I needed was my sword and hidden dagger to start problem solving.

My momma reached over and held tightly to my left hand. I assumed it was because she liked the reassurance or that she needed the stability as we sat there perched on Steele’s shoulder, but neither of us spoke as we rode up to the Bennevis.

The ocean rocked and churned under the dinghy, feeling a bit like a bucking horse, as Steele stood and followed Wofur’s lead in standing and grasping the rope ladder that hung over the edge over the bow of the ship. As Steele grasped the ladder, two of the oarsmen leaned over and held the bottom of the ladder to keep it from twisting and pulling away from the ship.

“Allow us, Ser,” they said in almost perfect unison.

Ser? For some reason, I imagined the word capitalized and spelled with an “e” and not an “i,” but that was usually reserved for knights and officers.

Wait…

I looked up at Steele, glimpsing only part of his profile, as he kept his keen violet eyes affixed to the top of the ladder and the bow of the ship. An odd sensation crept over me as I braced for each step that he ascended.

Steele told me he was part of the military and that he studied warfare as well as some of the battles and strategies he used, but he never said where he was in the fray. Was he a grunt? A foot soldier? Or was he a knight? An officer?

I gazed up at Steele in awe.

There was still so much I didn’t know about him.

I decided to interrogate him about it later. For now, I kept my eyes wide open as Steele finally made it to the top. I glanced down and instantly felt a partial wave of nausea swirl in my gut. I haven’t felt something like that in a while, but looking down at the dinghy and the ocean from what was surely a lethal distance made me the slightest bit uneasy.

I didn’t let it show though. I swallowed dryly and turned my attention to the deck of the ship.

There was so much to see that I could have spent hours evaluating the scene before me. There were a few dozen deck hands scurrying around this way and that performing different tasks. Some of them were cleaning the deck. Others were checking the rigging. Others were swinging from ropes making sure the sails were being taken care of.

Regardless of what they were doing at the time, the moment Steele stood on the bow, all of them stopped what they were doing and turned to look at him. Silence settled over the ship and nothing but the occasional flapping sound of a tarp being jostled in the wind broke the veil of silence.

It wasn’t until the shrill scream of a whistle snapped the crew to attention that anything happened. I turned my eyes to the Captain’s quarters and felt my jaw slacken as I spotted someone who I could only assume to be the Captain and the First Mate, but this isn’t what caught me by surprise. It was the fact that they were both women.

The Captain, Tanna Aludor, wore a light blue frock coat that was the same shade as the vests of the crew members. She wore a tri-pointed brown leather hat that sat on top of straight black hair that fell right to her shoulders. Her dark brown eyes were that of a predator, ready to strike and sound off a command without hesitation. Her knee-high boots sounded heavy as she strode across the wooden planks toward Steele. Her movements were sure and determined, just like how Steele had taught me to be.

The First Mate followed immediately behind, a mousy looking girl on the outside, but a burning blaze in her green eyes. Her light brown hair was tied back into one long singular ponytail that flowed behind her with an unearthly flow.

As the Captain passed, all muttered, “g’day Captain,” and kept their heads bowed until she had completely passed them.

Feeling it was only polite, I dared to stand on Steele’s shoulder as he subtly fell into some stance that must have been “attention” and maintained it until the Captain was within arm’s reach of him. Her charcoal eyes flicked to my momma and me just for a moment, giving me just enough time to imitate the gesture I saw the other crew members perform and for her to recognize it before her eyes flicked back to Steele.

“Captain, permission to come aboard,” stated Steele in his native tongue, keeping his eyes straight forward without looking her directly in the eye. My heart pounded excitedly, getting to see everything firsthand.

Then, with her right hand, she bent her elbow up toward her shoulder, keeping her palm facing her. She did not put her arm down and said nothing for several seconds. Mesmerized, I watched as Steele’s eyes widened before he shifted ever so slightly and mimicked the motion, but he kept his palm away from him, not toward himself. Then, after a moment, he lowered his hand, and Captain Aludor did the same. Only then did the Captain speak.

“Ser, permission is not necessary for someone of your rank aboard my vessel,” stated the Captain. Steele smiled and shook his head in amused disbelief.

“I am retired, Captain Aludor. The ship is yours regardless of my once esteemed rank,” replied Steele softly. I could tell he was maintaining formality by the words he chose to use, but his tone was friendly enough to promote conversation. “Please, allow me to introduce my comrades - my hanai. This is Raina Toro and her daughter Terrilyn Lun.”

There was an instant spark of curiosity from the Captain as she looked to Steele and then to my momma and me. Once again, I gave the same bow as before, but I dared not speak just yet. I had suddenly been thrown into a new set of customs and I was not about to interject incorrectly.

I made sure to make eye-contact this time though, ensuring Captain Aludor that I was not going to be overlooked. Steele taught me about the importance of eye-contact, and I was not about to back down entirely. Respectful, but not submissive.

And she saw it.

There was a moment where I swear I saw a flicker of intrigue before she looked back to Steele.

“Well, I shan’t keep you long then, shall I. Please, will you join me in my quarters for a discussion?” asked Captain Aludor as she stepped to the side and gestured to the Captain’s quarters at the stern of the ship. Steele, glancing back once more at his friend, turned and nodded once. Captain Aludor spun on her heel and, without another word, began marching toward the stern. Steele’s footsteps were significantly quieter, him not wearing any shoes, compared to the Captain’s bold stride. Still, Steele commanded the attention of the deck just as the Captain had done.

It made me wonder more and more about Steele’s background. He told me stories, but never spoke of his rank. I never thought to ask because of how he told the stories. He always sounded like he was among the soldiers, with them and not above them. Was this how the Orion organized their forces? Or was this how Steele conducted himself?

I knew what I would be doing tonight.

The Captain’s quarters were simple but sophisticated. A massive window took up nearly the entire stern of the ship, letting in the scene of the ocean behind her. There was a cot, desk, oil lamps that hung from the ceiling, maps and charts showing the topography of the ocean floor as well as lines showing the tides and flows of the ocean. There were odd devices measuring distance as well as dials and devices that I had no inkling of what they could do. I stared at the map for a few moments, really taking in the scope of the entire world.

What an amazing place….

What adventures awaited the horizons sketched on that paper?

The Captain and First Mate maneuvered around the desk and sat, gesturing to Steele and Wofur to sit as well. Steele nodded politely before calmly walking over and taking a seat opposite the Captain. For several seconds, the silence returned when the Captain leaned forward in her chair, clasping her fingers in front of her calculatingly, and peered over at Steele.

“Shall I overlook the formalities and address the subject directly, Ser?” Captain Aludor asked, speaking in their homeland’s native tongue. Steele, leaning back in his chair and clasping his hands in his lap, nodded.

“I believe that would be the best course of action,” agreed Steele, smiling politely as he glanced over at momma and me to make sure we were comfortable before redirecting his attention to the Captain.

“Very well,” sighed Captain Aludor. “We are on the brink of war.”

At this, Wofur stiffened while Steele remained completely unblinking. I knew this silence, and it was a contemplative one. Steele was pondering something, measuring the tone and situation as well as events leading up to now. In a matter of moments, he responded.

“With Keonune and Laryuen?”

The Captain’s eyes widened in surprise. Evidently, Steele had hit the nail right on the head. But how?

“Your reputation precedes you,” stated Captain Aludor. “Zeto, please retrieve the documents.” The First Mate, who hadn’t uttered a word, spun on her heel and rummaged through a drawer by the desk, and emerged with a stack of papers as long as her arm. For someone of my height, it was easily eight times my height. She set them on the table in front of Steele, but he merely looked at them as First Mate Vela Zeto began her explanation.

“Ser, this is all of the documentation we have had over the past few moons. Events have been building to their current status, and if the trajectory isn’t altered, all Orion will be in all-out war within the next moon, if not sooner. The counsels have already begun… preparations….”

I didn’t know why, but Steele’s demeanor shifted ever so slightly. His shoulders tensed suddenly, to the point where my mother and I had to readjust to make sure we didn’t slip noticeably to the other Orion in the room. More importantly, I don’t know why the First Mate looked specifically to my momma and me as she hesitated in her words. The pause was more than her trying to find the right word. It was like she was being… cautions. Sensitive. Careful.

Steele glanced at the pile of documents before looking back at the First Mate and the Captain. He didn’t even bother reaching forward. He merely shook his head, a tired smile pulling his lips upward, before he addressed them.

“As I have said, I have retired, and my last encounter with the leaders of Keonune and Laryuen is far in my past. I am retired - exiled if we want to call it what it is - and far removed from current events. What insights could I possibly provide that you have not already obtained from these documents?” Steele asked. I listened to his diplomatic tone and his cool, level headedness.

“Ser, it was your diplomacy that broke through to both of these leaders. It was your negotiations that prevented what would have been the bloodiest warpath of our time. I’ve read all of your work and others’ evaluations of your battle tactics, and your actions that day alone saved countless lives,” piped up the First Mate Vela Zeto. Her eagerness and tone told me she was well-read about Steele.

Was he really so well-renowned?

“And I am certain you will be able to sufficiently subdue them once again. Meet their demands and be willing to compromise,” stated Steele. At this, Captain Aludor readjusted in her seat and lowered her clasped fingers.

“Ser, their demands are unable to be met. If you would review the documentation, you would see what they are asking for,” stated Captain Aludor.

“Pouring over documents is for the council members and scholars who are immersed in recent events. It is one of the reasons I have been content in living in exile, among other whys and wherefores. I have paid my dues, and now I wish to wash my hands of this,” stated Steele.

“Are you saying you would be willing to allow this war to proceed?” asked Captain Aludor, voice as stiff as her upper lip and the look in her eye sharp as a sword.

“As I said, I have been content living in exile. There are others far greater than I whom you can seek counsel from, but the solution you seek does not lie with me. I offer my sincerest apologies that I was unable to assist you and that your travels were not as productive as you intended,” stated Steele.

I looked to the Captain and the First Mate before catching Steele’s stern look. It was a look I knew from years of trying to wheedle favor from him. He was obstinate and it was practically impossible to convince him to change his mind once it was made up.

With a single, courteous nod, Steele pushed himself up and smiled politely at both the Captain and the First Mate.

“Thank you for considering me and for considering my counsel, but I’m afraid I am unable to assist. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Steele said and, with one last nod, turned to his friend, Wofur Otagun. “If you will escort me back to the mainland, I would be most grateful.”

I could see Wofur’s apprehension. It didn’t take much to see he was waiting for the Captain to give some kind of acknowledgement in approval. I glanced over my shoulder, suddenly realizing that I could feel my pulse in my neck. Were nerves getting the better of me? I could only hope I wasn’t shaking as I waited with baited breath for something to give between the others.

Then, as the Captain’s eyes met mine, I knew she had been bested.

“Well, thank you for your audience, Ser. I am sorry on behalf of our own counsels that aid was not provided sooner, and I am sorry to have waisted your time. We will be departing in the next few days, but you won’t have to worry about us breaking the Directive of Noninterference. I only ask that you think about the circumstances once more and consider all of the factors. Regardless of your final decision before we leave, we come and go in peace and as allies,” stated the Captain. She rose to her feet and once again saluted in that same foreign way, waiting respectfully for Steele to dismiss her.

With a relieved smile, Steele acknowledged her gesture before he turned and strode toward the door. I could feel him shaking beneath me, but kept my head held high in confidence. Steele would have a million questions to answer from me later, but right now was not the time.

We needed to be the united front we always were.

The other Orion sailors saluted as Steele passed, but the passing glances between him, my mother and I, and the Captain conveyed their disappointment that Steele was not staying aboard.

The voyage back to our homeland was uneventful and silent, but also tense. I could practically feel the confusion in the air. What was there to be confused about? If they wanted to force him back, they could. Was it imperative that he come willingly?

We touched ground as my questions formulated and swirled in my head, threatening to make it ache, and Steele disembarked from the vessel. I heard his sigh of relief as he took several steps onto land.

“Steele.” Wofur had stepped off of the vessel with Steele and had followed after a few paces, far enough away from the other sailors who had brought us to and from the ship for them to not hear. They continued to speak in their native tongue rather than the Common I grew up with. “Please, reconsider.”

“My friend, my argument has been presented and my evidence laid out. I do not know what else can be said about the matter,” stated Steele. Wofur, hanging his head and nodding ever so slightly, reached into his coat pocket and withdrew the documents that were on the Captain’s desk. I didn’t need to see Steele’s expression to feel the way his posture and energy changed at seeing his friend present him with these immense documents.

“I ask only that you read through the circumstances and see what may await us on the horizon. It is not just our lands they are threatening. You heard the First Mate, right? That preparations are being made?” implored Wofur. “For the sake of you and for your hanai, please just read through the documents and think about it.”

I looked up to see Steele’s features harden as if they were turning to stone.

“You would press me on this, my friend? You would bring my hanai into this?” Steele’s voice rumbled in his chest, making his shoulders tremble beneath me. I glanced from Wofur to the partial profile I had access to while glancing up at Steele. “Careful, Mossback, because your words sound dangerously close to a threat.”

Wofur shook his head in disbelief and actually scoffed, both of which made me bristle defensively. I knew it wasn’t my place to speak out, but I couldn’t just keep quiet any longer.

“You heard my father,” I stated firmly, using my firmest and most decisive tone as I spoke in their language. All eyes turned to me, and I realized I needed to remember my manners. “Please, do not trouble him with your issues further. If he says he washes his hands of this, then respect him and his reputation to heed his advice.”

Wofur straightened up ever so slightly as he looked at me. I wasn’t sure if he was trying to establish superiority by emphasizing his height with a stretch, but I found myself mirroring his movements to show him I wasn’t intimidated. It wasn’t until I caught the glimpse of emotion in his eye that a spark of worry ignited within my thoughts.

The look was almost of concern and pity.

“If he will not read the documents, then I ask that you do. Perhaps you will understand the urgency and insistence we Orion have in requesting his attendance,” stated Wofur. He stepped up to the edge of the cliffside and carefully set down the stack of parchments and reports. He turned and looked back at me before offering what I thought to be a curious smile. “I can see much of him in you, young one, and I can only hope you’ve adopted more than his fighting spirit.”

“She certainly has,” complemented Steele as he glanced to me, smiled, and then returned his gaze to his friend. “Thank you, my friend, for coming. If I do not see you again before you depart, know your presence filled my soul. It has been too long since I’ve seen a familiar face from home.”

The two of them shook hands before Wofur turned and departed.

I watched all of them become nothing more than specks on the horizon as their ship remained anchored a fair distance away from our land. Something about seeing those sails tied tight made me believe that we had not seen the last of them.

Steele, with a sigh, finally tore his eyes away from the horizon and turned to the documents. He rested his hand on them absent mindedly as he raised his other hand for momma and me to step on.

“Steele?” called momma as she stepped forward and carefully placed her hands against his thumb. His violet eyes were distant as he stared blankly forward. He was obviously deep in thought.

Rather than take the hand down, I decided to take an alternative route and, despite my momma calling out for me to not do it, turned quickly around and climbed down Steele’s arm and ran along his forearm to stand on top of the documents he seemed vaguely focused on.

Finally close enough to see the words scrolled onto the parchment pieces, I took a few steps back and let myself read the foreign tongue I had been taught.

Immediately, however, I almost wished I hadn’t started reading.

The very first document was a topographical map, and I recognized the territory instantly. It was our homeland, but more specifically a set of islands right off of the Eastern coast. For the most part, I had only studied this area vaguely and knew that the people there often supplied fish to the towns and to the inland areas.

The marks around it, however, were what made my blood boil.

The marks around the island had only one word – captured.

Captured? As in the land had been taken over? By whom? The Orion? Did this have something to do with those two territories the Captain mentioned earlier? Keonune and Laryuen? Why were they invading our land? What about this Directive of Noninterference thing? Were they not holding to it.

I glanced over my shoulder to see Steele’s eyes no longer focused on the parchment pieces, but on me. He was looking at me expectantly, as if he wanted me to speak first; and so I did.

“Steele, would it be alright if I read through these? I want to know what your friend meant,” I said. My request made Steele stiffen, but he nodded.

“Yes, of course. You do not need my permission to learn,” said Steele.

“And if I have questions?” I prompted, wanting to ensure I had his support.

“You may ask them, and I will tell you,” he stated. Those violet orbs of his barely glimpsed the map at the top of the page, and his eyes filled with mild regret and frustration. His sigh sounded like a distant gust of wind over the fields as he turned and leaned against the cliffs, shoulders sagging slightly.

I listened as my momma tried to console him, but I knew instantly that Steele suspected from the beginning what those documents I was standing on contained. The problem, however, was that I didn’t know, but I was about to learn.

I hurried inside to our home and gathered all of the candles and lanterns I could so that I could read uninterrupted for the rest of the night. Goodness knew it was going to be a long one.

~~~~~^*^*^*^*^~~~~~

Continue

Previous

Beginning

~~~~~^*^*^*^*^~~~~~

Book One: The Orion’s Factotum

[nmsc-market-pulse]

How Is Adidas AG Shaping the Shoe with Knitted Upper Market? Strategies, Innovations, and Developments

Introduction:

Adidas AG, a global leader in sportswear and footwear, is making substantial strides in the Shoe with Knitted Upper Market. Known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and performance, Adidas is leveraging its extensive expertise to revolutionize this sector.

This article explores how Adidas AG is influencing the market through strategic initiatives, emerging innovations, and recent developments in knitted upper footwear.

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1. Advanced Knitted Upper Technologies

A. Primeknit Technology

Adidas has pioneered the use of Primeknit technology in its knitted upper shoes, setting a new standard in the industry. Primeknit is a revolutionary knitting technique that integrates the upper material into a single, seamless piece.

Seamless Construction: Primeknit technology eliminates traditional stitching, resulting in a lightweight, flexible, and comfortable shoe. This seamless construction also enhances durability and reduces the potential for friction and irritation.

Custom Fit: The knit structure of Primeknit adapts to the wearer’s foot shape, providing a personalized fit and improved support.

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B. Enhanced Performance Features

Adidas integrates advanced performance features into its knitted upper shoes to meet the demands of athletes and active consumers.

Breathability and Flexibility: The knitted upper design allows for superior breathability and flexibility, ensuring optimal comfort during high-intensity activities. The breathable fabric helps regulate temperature and wick moisture away from the foot.

Support and Cushioning: Adidas incorporates specialized cushioning systems and support structures into its knitted upper shoes, such as Boost and Bounce technologies, to enhance comfort and performance.

2. Commitment to Sustainability

A. Eco-Friendly Materials

Sustainability is a core focus for Adidas, and this commitment extends to its knitted upper shoes. The brand is actively working to reduce its environmental footprint by using eco-friendly materials and processes.

Parley for the Oceans: Adidas collaborates with Parley for the Oceans to create knitted upper shoes from recycled ocean plastic. This initiative helps address the global plastic waste crisis while promoting sustainability in footwear production.

Recycled and Organic Fibers: The brand is incorporating recycled polyester and organic cotton into its knitted uppers, reducing reliance on virgin materials and minimizing waste.

B. Sustainable Manufacturing Processes

Adidas is adopting sustainable manufacturing practices to further reduce its environmental impact.

Energy Efficiency: The company is investing in energy-efficient production technologies and renewable energy sources to minimize its carbon footprint.

Water Conservation: Adidas is implementing water-saving techniques in its manufacturing processes to reduce water consumption and pollution.

3. Innovations in Design and Aesthetics

A. Collaborations and Limited Editions

Adidas is known for its high-profile collaborations and limited-edition releases, which drive interest and excitement in the knitted upper shoe market.

Designer Partnerships: Collaborations with renowned designers and artists, such as Yohji Yamamoto and Stella McCartney, result in unique and highly sought-after knitted upper shoes that blend cutting-edge design with performance.

Seasonal Collections: Adidas regularly introduces seasonal collections featuring innovative designs and colorways, appealing to fashion-forward consumers.

B. Customization Options

Adidas offers customization options for its knitted upper shoes, allowing consumers to create personalized footwear that reflects their individual style.

Adidas Mi adidas: The Mi adidas platform enables customers to customize their knitted upper shoes with a variety of colors, patterns, and materials, providing a bespoke shopping experience.

3D-Printed Elements: The incorporation of 3D-printed elements in certain designs adds a layer of personalization and technological innovation to Adidas’ knitted upper shoes.

4. Expansion into New Markets

A. Global Reach

Adidas is expanding its presence in key international markets, driving growth for its knitted upper shoes.

Emerging Markets: The brand is targeting emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, where increasing disposable income and growing interest in athletic and lifestyle footwear are fueling demand.

Retail Expansion: Adidas is opening new flagship stores and expanding its retail network globally to enhance accessibility and brand visibility.

B. E-Commerce and Digital Strategies

Adidas is leveraging e-commerce and digital platforms to reach a broader audience and drive sales.

Online Retail: The brand’s robust e-commerce platform allows consumers to shop for knitted upper shoes from anywhere in the world, providing a convenient and accessible shopping experience.

Digital Marketing: Adidas utilizes digital marketing strategies, including social media campaigns and influencer partnerships, to promote its knitted upper shoes and engage with customers.

5. Focus on Consumer Experience

A. Enhancing Comfort and Fit

Adidas prioritizes comfort and fit in its knitted upper shoes, ensuring that they meet the needs of active consumers.

Adaptive Fit Technologies: The brand is exploring adaptive fit technologies that adjust to the wearer’s foot shape and movement, providing a customized and supportive fit.

Ergonomic Design: Adidas incorporates ergonomic design principles into its knitted upper shoes to enhance comfort and reduce foot strain during prolonged wear.

B. Customer Feedback and Innovation

Adidas actively seeks customer feedback to drive innovation and improve its knitted upper shoes.

Consumer Insights: The brand collects and analyzes consumer feedback to understand preferences and identify areas for improvement in its footwear designs.

Iterative Design Process: Adidas uses insights from customer feedback to refine and enhance its knitted upper shoes, ensuring that they meet evolving consumer needs and expectations.

Conclusion

Adidas AG is at the forefront of innovation in the shoe with knitted upper market, leveraging advanced textile technologies, sustainable practices, and strategic market positioning to drive growth and enhance consumer experience. Through its Primeknit technology, commitment to sustainability, and focus on design and performance, Adidas is setting new standards for knitted upper shoes.

As the market continues to evolve, Adidas remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of footwear design and technology, offering consumers cutting-edge products that combine style, functionality, and sustainability. With its global reach and commitment to innovation, Adidas is well-positioned to lead the way in the knitted upper shoe market and shape the future of footwear.

[www-surdashery-com]

www.Surdashery.com

adidas NMD_S1 Wonder Beige Shoes

These adidas shoes keep you firmly planted, even though they feel like you’re walking on clouds. A sock-like upper hugs your feet for ultimate comfort while encapsulated BOOST cushioning with midsole plugs returns energy with every step. This look is all about embracing what grounds you, even in the ever-changing city. Designed to inspire you to experience more, they’re get-out-there-and-go ready. This shoe’s upper is made with a high-performance yarn which contains at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic — reimagined plastic waste, intercepted on remote islands, beaches, coastal communities and shorelines, preventing it from polluting our ocean. The other 50% of the yarn is recycled polyester.

#sneakerhead #kicks #firstday

[captainkurosolaire]

Profile ~ Sinbad the Young

☼ Roots ☼

話 "Never again, will I fail her or anyone." 話 - Full Name: Van Gah'd Sinbad - Namesday: 4th Astral Moon of the 7th Sun - Blood Type: B - Patron Sign: Byergot, The Builder. - Gender: Male - Nationality: Ala Mhigan - Age: 22 Summers - Height: 6 Fulms 9 Ilms - Weight: 289 Ponze - Build: Bodybuilder Muscular, Defined. - Voice: ~ (Ref) - Debut Chapter: Parley of the Oceans - Ancestry: Orphaned - Race: Highlander - Clan: City-Born - Crew Role: Second Mate

✯ Core✯

- Alignment: Story-Dependent - Sexuality: Hetero - Marital Status: Engaged - (10) - Personality Traits: Aggressive, Imposing, Dominant, Straight-Edge, Tough, Blockhead, Egotistical, Fighter, Champion, Macho. - (0-6) - Most Potent Qualities: Soldier, Bodyguard, Fighter, Tough, Young, Caring. - Quirks: Hard-shell softest interior. Cannot refuse cute animals. He'll practically melt when alone with an animal. He's a soft-heart when away from others. One of those people who wear sunglasses indoors. If you get through the density, that is not just the overcompensating body, but stubborn mind as well. You'll have a valuable-endearing friend who'll listen to any plight and beat-up any problem you've got. Is a straight-up soldier dog. He's wearing unusual shoes always, that are so painfully-deterring from his outfit or attire. Instead of combat-boots, he'll wear rain-boots. - Weaknesses: Like most alpha-believed man, the moment things go array, they crumble harder than any other. Feeling completely vulnerable and useless. One duty failed is worth thousands. He puts himself on a pedestal pressured, not just by his society, but all. He cannot afford to appear weak by any sense. He must be an example; a cut above. Internally he's soft like jelly with his true-friends, and animals or critters. - Appearance: Meat upon meat, burly and masculine and chiseled by granite putting the Twelve to shame. Sinbad carries himself in high-regard, otherwise it'd be piss-poor reflection to his lass. Often cologne with the most top of the line, highest-quality. Clean with the right rugged-edges and groom, he atypically sports-shades to give off that 'big deal' touch. Carrying himself like a Legend in the Making in presentation. An absolute-total-package and unit. To thrive in this sea-world, he's still got to be more and command an even more vast presence. - Scars: The Brand of Y. - Tattoos: None. - Piercings: None. - Primary Residence: Worldly Finder - Wealth: Has piles of troves and claimed multiple from other low-rate pirates, but a great sum. - Achievements: Is Undefeated against rival Pirate Captains in parleys. Defeating even his longest idol and current Captain, he watched in the stands take on a Noble of Ishgard and cried seeing that Order's Shield can be broken, an orphan teen grew up into a man that day from inspiration. The Youngest Pirate in history to survive Six-Layers of Hell and be victorious even unconsciously. Sinbad stands for everything all other kinsman don't. Self-controlled, Disciplined. He's Straight-Edge. Doesn't have any vices, bad indulgences. Is set on paving his own path. To become the next role-model of the seas. Has a work-relationship with sponsorships from Aethertap (All Natural Purified Water) to Gruff & Rough (Razor company) - Influence: Has an admirable wanted bounty for 27,000,000 Gil actively at an early-age. Hence has attained the title "The Young" Lifetime-highest-ranking in the 5 Star HVSTC/SN Top 1000 Wanted List, #485 / D Rank. - 5 Foods: Meat, Meat, Meat, Meat, Icecream. - 5 Drinks: Meatshake, Chocolate, Banana, Water, Aethertap - Profession: Rigging, Boatswain, Lifting, Hauling, Dueling, Wrestling, Brawling, Pit-fighting, Street-Fighting. Fencing, Delinquency, Mercenary. Thievery. Plundering. Pillaging, Diplomatic. Breaking Necks, Changing Lives, Lifting Weights. Bodybuilding, Skirmishes. - Hobbies: Animal Fundraising, Kennel Caretaker, Wildlife Rescuing, Making Stuffies. Kid Toymaker, Building Miniature-Replicas. - Experiences: Brawling. Wrestling. Rigging, Fencing, Ship Pillaging, Plundering, Battling, Parley, Skirmishes, Fighting. - Favorite Color: None - Language: Eorzean Fluent - Prior Mentors: Self-Made.

❤ Relations❤

Crewmate’s Dream & Loyalty Mission: Avenge his woman's pride alongside himself, survive the impending bloodiest War. Dismantle, conqueror, burn down the entire Nation of Omonga. Relationship w/ Captain: (OOC Commentary) Sinbad idolizes the grizzly-older Seeker sharing their scrapper backgrounds. Dedication to spit and spew against what's ethical, to stand unconventionally and stand up for not just yourself but hoist loudly your freedom's flag. He held no mentor, or parental guidance to teach him how to be a man. But by just looking at the Sun. He was inspired and basked and came into his own. It started with that littlest bit of confidence. Then... The Sun dissipated, lost and thought gone forever when needed. Hurt and abandoned there is nothing like a scorned-fan, they go from the greatest admirer; to the most venomous hater. He lashed and antagonized when it peaked the glimpse of resurfaced. How dare that Sun hide masked behind the shadow's cloud! A claimed victory became his own he crushed that incomplete Sun. Yet he too was incomplete, unsatisfied, not dazzling or burning and felt truly high in the orbit, lacking experience at being the victorious, the moment you are held-high, you're merely the ultimate target to the giant's who were meant to eclipse the skies, those which; tower and stand above all lifeforms. ☝ Allies - (Major Supporters / Family / Friends) Unlimited Stoneworks Trade Captain: Biological Brother who's was slain by Klethera who was more wicked, cowardly. He distanced himself from that. Mendi Flowers: His Fiance Wild Crew ☟ Antagonists - (Rivals - Enemies) YORE & The Bloodbrand Mount: N/A Pets: Several fostered-puppies and wolves, all nursed back from neglect or injuries by himself.

❀ Prowess❀

Job: Underground Boss

"Sinbad's" Move-Set

Self-Explanatory: Punch, Kick, Gouge, Groin Hits, Elbow Strikes. Judo Throw: Uses an opponent's momentum against them. Guillotine Choke: Why did you let him get that close? Rear Naked Choke: There's no referee. Sumo: Becomes nearly unmovable in stance. Powder-Keg Punch: A strong-arm punch that feels like you were in-proximity of an explosion. Wrestling: Pins his opponent's or disarms them, controls the battle. Brawling: Stands his ground, and just one, two, combo's, until the other person isn't moving. Heavy-Grappling: Throws his opponent's around like they're trash bags; which they typically are. Adrenaline-Fighting: Classical when is busted-open, fights with no qualms of most injuries until it's too late. Tough Skin: Many equate Sinbad's skin to be like that of a shark especially when his muscles are tensed. Enhancer: Sinbad fortifies his muscles and manipulate the testosterone with his aether, becoming an unnatural monstrosity with zero-regard of proportions, hellbent to crush, doing so will mess with his nerves, joints, increase his risk of heart attacks. Afterwards his muscles and body deflate severely gaining more flab, suffering body tremors. Everything that has to be physically reconditioned. This requires an insane work-ethic, dedication an utter-drive. At any reason he were to lose that mental-resolve, fortitude, he'd begin suffering. Therefore Sinbad even if wheel-chair bound will curl a dumb-bell and push limits, lifting away his problems and slam down protein. Proficiency: Revolvers, Shotguns, Hand to Hand, Grappling. Signature: Hulking Tackle: Charges at his opponent with full-velocity, and sheer power, to absolutely break his opponents in half. Typically breaks their spine on contact, or knocks them into a new timezone from their concussion. ~ Finishers ~ Limit Break: N/A

⚝ Equipment ⚝

Main Arms: Bare Fist' Giving Dem Hands. Person's Container: Brass Knuckles, Small-Wrist-Rope, Gil Sack (15k) Switch-Knife, Luxurious Watch, Shades, Eye-patch, Bubble-gum. Athletic-tape.

[aruanizine]

🌊˗ˏˋWandelust Charity Reveal!ˎˊ˗🐚

Our chosen charity reveal for this project is …. *drum rolls🥁* Parley! Parley is a non-profit environmental organization funded 11 years ago to combat plastic in Armin's beloved oceans!

��: carrd ✧: twitter ✦: instagram ✧: curious cat

[whiskyblog]

Talisker Whisky Wilder Seas X Parley

For this limited edition bottling, Talisker has teamed up with the non-profit environmental organisation "Parley for the Oceans" to protect and restore more than 100 million square metres of natural marine space. With every "Wilder Seas" - a special bottling in a bottle made from 100% recycled glass - Talisker supports the organisation with 3 euros.

Cask type : Hogsheads, finish in XO Cognac casks

[jvzebel-x]

"And so the Hawaiians look at all of nature as important, and they look at the signs of nature as messengers coming from their family who has passed on. Signs come in rainbows, double rainbows, odd forms of clouds, they read the roll of the waves and some of the waves are signs that they look at, you know. Those are things that the Hawaiian needs to be aware of in order to fulfill its connectedness to, you know, to its ancestors that have passed on.

So we cannot separate ourselves to the trees, we cannot separate ourselves from the waves and the ocean, from the clouds and its cloud forms, from the mountains and the hills, the animals from the limu, to the pipipi, to the kūpe‘e, you know, to the manō, to the pueo, to the ‘i‘iwi, to the ‘o‘o, all of these are all signs upon which we had better be aware of, because it is through them that we get messages from our ancestors."

"Oh yeah, sharks do. Sharks, the significance of a shark, especially with the niuhi, the tiger and the white shark, they were compared to as chiefs. Kamohoali‘i, who was the brother of Pele, was a shark. That was his form, his other kinolau or his other form was a shark. Because of the ferocity. The same kind of attitude of absorbing and taking all with no consciousness to end result, the main thing is to consume. The same attitude is compared, comparing the shark to love. It’s all consuming. To the point where one cannot think consciously to what is being done. And so the Hawaiians have a saying:

Kūpau wau i ka manō ka manō nui ka manō nui kūpau wau i ka manō.

And it means, “I am finished to the big shark, all consumed by the big shark, I am finished.” It doesn’t mean he’s dead because the shark bit him. It means he is so deeply in love that he doesn’t know how to think, you know? So shark has that other side of its attitude that is used by the Hawaiians to describe the all consuming idea, without consciousness. And that is funny that the Hawaiians would also compare that to love. But they did that because they knew nature. Hurricane ‘Iniki, all consuming, it has no bearing on who’s the chief or who’s the commoners, you know. It’s all consuming. Hawaiians understood that, and they used that kind of proverbial idea, and I just use that to illustrate the insight and connectedness with nature. But in relation to the shark, that is how it is really used."

x. Parley Kanaka'ole, "Hawaiian Waters: House of the Shark"

🦈

[weiwithwords]

Waverider's Origin

It wasn't the waves that got to Seza, though they tossed his ship around with the disregard of a toddler chucking antique glassware. It wasn't the dark either, though it strangled his vision like a garotte around the eyes.

No, it was the cold. The cold of the maelstrom bit into Seza's bones, marrow-deep. It made him want to turn himself inside-out and set himself on fire. He almost would have, if he'd known how.

Instead, he plunged his hand into the leather pouch hanging from his hip. Felt the glass-smooth bone of us clacking in the dark. Whispered a prayer. And drew.

It was a good draw. It was a draw fragile with desperation, but veined by the spark of hope. It was a draw that reminded us of a certain filigreed porcelain bowl, before we'd been left to rot in the Emperor's vaults: delicate white shot through with twinkling gold. A good companion during the Emperor's court games, if a bit stuck-up. We had been sad when we were parted.

Maybe that's why we gave him the Noodles.

Our keeper whipped the tile out and raised it to the sky in a white-knuckle fist, roaring defiance against fate. We liked that too, so we spiced up our show with a bit of flair. Our creator would have been proud. Ilyenwe had ever been the showman.

The lurch of the waves stilled so suddenly Seza had to grab the starboard bannister to keep from falling over. The thunder slammed into tombstone silence. A single sunbeam pierced through the stormclouds and alighted on our keeper's fist, condemning the rest of the world to shadow.

With wonder, with reverence, Seza opened his dripping hand, and saw the tile he drew.

The Bowl of Noodles. It was a part of us rich with history. We still remember the feeling when this part of us had been carved, the smile on our maker's face as he etched loops and whorls and steam-curls wafting up. We had used it to build lifelong bonds, shatter hatreds, pacify nations. Once, the Emperor had discarded it in a game during her parley with a neighboring conqueror, giving her opponent the winning hand. That one discard had averted unimaginable bloodshed.

Our keeper felt warm now, and we felt warm through him. It was a warmth as rich and deep as a noodley bone broth melting through the dead of winter.

Seza leaned over the bannister and saw a single, massive eye gazing up at him, a lens of hellish red lighting the depths like demonfire. It spanned as large as the Emperor's Tower Clock, whose ticking had been a nation's heartbeat. The eye oozed hunger and power and everything beyond human comprehension.

And though Seza's veins ran thick with fear, his courage ran thicker -- not through our will, but through his. And we knew he was fit to wield us.

The eye was lidless, so it could not blink. But much later, when Seza recanted the tale of this moment in retirement, he would swear how he saw her blink -- just the once, ponderously slow and bereft of malice, the way a cat blinks when it wants to know you better. This recanting drove the bards wild, and they composed a thousand verses to mythologize the moment.

We were there. There was no blink.

But there was a flash. It was a flash ponderously slow and bereft of malice, long as a masterwork strand of hand-pulled noodle. It was the flash of curiosity, a flash reflected in Seza's own eyes. Fear has many killers, and curiosity is among the foremost. And so it was that when the eye surged up to surface, Seza's courage stayed unbroken, and he smiled.

We felt a profound kinship with the creature when we saw her fully. She embodied much of us: the Albatross and the Overgrown Wall and the Rabbit's Eyes and the Mortar and Pestle and -- of course -- the Sea Monster. But more than that, she reminded us of who we were, the place from which we'd come. The strength of this connection ran deeper than the understanding of any human who had ever wielded us, deeper even than the understanding of our maker. It ran as deep as ocean trench and namesake. It ran as deep as bone.

Seza reached out to touch her. He felt the slime coating her dark green scales. Fear lurched inside his chest, but curiosity lurched harder. And so it was that Seza stepped up the starboard bannister and onto her.

He almost slipped. Almost. Perhaps we used the Hairpin to steady his feet. So what if we did? He was the one who freed us from the Emperor's vaults after she had died; surely we owed him that? Besides, what would the world have been without Seza, Waverider, Leviathan Tamer, Explorer of the Onyx Isles, the One With A Sea Dragon Beneath His Heel?

If you ever meet him, don't call him that last one. Their relationship was far friendlier than that. Trust us, we would know.

-----

This short story came from a game of Artefact I played with a friend of mine. Artefact is a meditative story game designed by Jack Harrison. You play as a sentient magic item bearing witness to the fullness of time, exploring themes of patience and isolation in a fantasy setting. Even though it was originally designed as a solo journaling game, it's pretty fun to play with friends!

We decided we were a legendary mahjong set with different tiles representing different aspects of esoterica. Here's a list:

The Tattered Sail (disease)

The Arrow -> The Albatross (gender norms -> breaking gender norms)

The Rabbit's Eyes (death)

The Overgrown Wall (isolation, solitude)

The River Delta (organization, smoothness)

The Black Moth (peace)

The Sea Monster (the unknown)

The Plow (domination)

The Bowl of Noodles (friendship)

The Hairpin (protection)

The Mortar and Pestle (strength)