#Philia universe

[chloearit]

// discussion of csa and other potentially distressing things

One day I'd found myself alone with nothing to do. I noticed my father's old piano, off in the corner of the living room. It hadn't been used in well over a year, not since I played for him when I turned 14 shortly before his death.

I pulled it out of the corner and sat down in front of it. Started pressing some keys. Memories flashed through my mind. I started playing. After a couple failed starts I managed to play one of the pieces I'd learned almost without error. Then another. Then I just started playing freely.

I almost didn't notice when Nikita walked in the room.

I trailed off and turned to them.

They looked surprised. "You play? ... It sounds good."

"Just messing around... my father made me learn it."

They smiled and walked up to me. "You just keep revealing new skills I never knew you had."

"I didn't get to do much as a kid other than study."

Nika pressed a key. Then a couple more.

I joined in. "Father would make me play for him." I scoffed. "Not to make things weird..."

"Don't ever worry about making things weird," they muttered, tapping away at the keys.

"He made me undress, and then play. I think he got off to it."

"People get off to all kinds of weird things."

That made me pause. I stayed their hands. "How do you know that?"

"Long story." They returned to pressing keys.

"You should get a chair." I looked around the room.

They nodded, and quickly left to get one from another room.

For a moment, there was silence again. I felt Father's hands on my body.

The sound of a chair being pulled up next to me got me out of it. I made room and looked Nikita up and down as they sat.

"Do you know how to play?"

"No," they answered with a smile.

"I'll teach you."

I showed them some chords to play. They learned quickly. After a couple of repetitions, they started speaking while continuing to practice: "I had to find ways to make money after I got away from my parents. You meet a lot of weird people like that, and you hear stories. Obviously I got a lot of the creepier weirdos, but there's a lot of people who are just freaks."

"Like who?"

"One guy I heard of apparently makes his 'partners' play out elaborate death scenes with him. He comes every time without ever once touching himself. And then he just leaves. He's not a pedo though, just a freak, so I've never met him."

"He... acts out killing his partners?"

"No, no, he has them act out killing him."

"Huh."

"I kinda get it though, to be honest."

"What?"

"Have you never thought about what it would be like to get killed?"

I didn't respond. Of course I had, but... "Not like that."

They laughed. "You're so straightlaced."

"I don't think that's a word anyone's ever used to describe me."

"You're not a freak."

"You don't know that."

"What's your secret, then?"

"Huh?" I looked around the room, and paused. "Is anyone else here?"

"For real?" They smiled. "Just you and me."

I took a deep breath. "I get these intrusive... experiences sometimes. I don't know what to call them."

"Flashbacks?"

"No. They're not things that ever actually happened to me. Not like that." I shook my head.

"Fantasies?"

"Weird ones. Scenes of being... raped. Being a little kid and having horrible things done to me. And. I don't know... sometimes they don't feel all that bad? They feel almost nice. I don't... like it but I do... I do get off on it... is that... wrong?"

"Well, if it is, we're both marked for damnation."

"Huh?"

"Lu. You literally kill people for a living. I think that's more morally questionable than whatever you're worried about."

"But, I- I do it because-"

"Because of what they do, right? What they did to you, to me, to other children."

"Yes."

"Not because of whatever odd fantasies they might have. Because of what they chose to do."

"But what if I become like them-"

"You're stronger than that. That's what makes you different from them. You don't just give into your base urges. You care too much to ever hurt someone who's innocent."

"You don't know that."

"Using someone like that is an extremely callous, selfish thing to do. Every normal human recoils at the thought. That's why you're so ashamed of it. That's good. But you're not a bad person if you allow yourself to stop worrying so much about it. There's a big difference between an impure thought and an evil action. I think most people are very aware of where that line is, and they will never cross it, no matter how much they like to indulge in the fantasy. I've known you for a while now, believe me when I tell you, I don't think you would ever cross that line. But if you need my help to feel more secure, I'll help you with that."

"I think I'd appreciate that."

"It's your actions that define if you're a good person or not, and the impact you have on the world. You've helped a lot of people lead better lives. You're a good person, Lúcia."

// by Lúcia and Chloe

[luciacuervo]

did some thinking about my homeworld. the city I grew up was called Kel’radova, though I'm not sure we wanna stick with that cuz we didn't come up with it and I don't know what if anything it's supposed to mean. most people just call it The City.

it's a huge city state bounded by the sea on one side and desert on the other, with a river running through it, inhabited by many different people, but the native population mostly draws from arabian cultures, while the ruling class is disproportionately white people drawing more inspiration from italy, france and especially spain, and their influence means even a lot of the nonwhite and lower-class people have latinate-sounding names. it used to be an imperial subject of a now-dying empire at one point in the past but has been independent for centuries and while it hasn't officially claimed any greater territory has a lot of power in the region and the world at large.

it's pretty much the most advanced place in the entire world, especially in the realm of magic. a lot of the technology uses magic in some regard, and there are magical protection measures all around it that make any attempt to attack the city futile. most of the ruling class are powerful magic users of some sort, usually either hailing from bloodlines with powerful innate magic or family cults that serve a deity who has bestowed them with magic. my adoptive father belonged to one of the latter, while one of my mentors was one of the former.

the non-magical part of the tech is all mechanical, a lot of intricate clockwork and systems drawing power from the water or the sun. electricity is known about somewhat but mostly seen as a curiosity that only lightning mages dabble in to show off. there's no real combustion motors either, land vehicles are usually animal-drawn, but there's fairly advanced ships and even some airships. if you want to travel long distances quickly you use teleportation magic. lighting is mostly fire-based, but refined to be very efficient, or achieved by redirecting sunlight.

the city is built more or less circular, with a very dense center, levels upon levels and towers reaching into the sky, and several layers of defensive walls. sometimes waterways flow underneath buildings. towards the sea things stay pretty dense, with a lot of ships coming in and out, but towards the other directions things slowly get less dense and you see fields out in the fertile areas.

the architectural style is mainly a mix of different mediterranean civilisations during the renaissance, combining ancient, medieval and early modern aspects. but there's also an area of the city with more eastern asian influences from more recent immigrants from farther away.

different cultural and religious groups being forced to coexist have made the city fairly socially liberal, most people are tolerant of others and things like homosexuality and gender-non-conformity are generally allowed to exist, even if they definitely aren't treated equal.

slavery is officially abolished but while it isn't recognised or enforced by the government, the amount done to stop it from happening regardless varies. what slavery does still exist mostly affects immigrants - humans and non-humans, both those who came willingly and people brought there against their will - rather than the native population. what native or white slaves do exist are usually women enslaved by their own families.

the government is made up of the city's most powerful families. amongst themselves they are organised more or less democratically but towards the common people they have basically absolute power, only held in check by each other and the desire to keep the city prosperous. the most powerful archmages serve as heads of state, with each of their families usually having close ties to a couple of the slightly less powerful families below them, from which they select their most trusted subordinates. servants are usually marked by their employer, and if caught out tend to be held for ransom rather than killed.

despite being very powerful mages, even the rulers of the city are decidedly not immortal and the balance of power is prone to shift any time one of them dies, and political assassinations are not unheard of.

[joaquinwhorres]

Philia ft. Caro Alvarez & Jas Lane

Jas climbed onto the bed, arms already wide open, and Caro crawled into them, hugging her friend tight. A sob shuddered through her body, only a small choked noise escaping, but it was enough for Jas to pull her even closer and lay her head on top of Caro's. "I knew I should have brought ice cream," she murmured. A broken laugh escaped Caro, and she could feel Jas smile.

from Tailspin part of the Motion Sickness Universe along with @bobfloydsbabe's Turning Tables. Jas is also from Helena's Turning Tables.

The 7 Types of Love for the 7 Days til Valentine’s ft. My OCs (2/7)

Tag List: @veetlegeuse @bobfloydsbabe @natrace @rae-gar-targaryen @hairringtonsteve @chrissymunson

[clubconsent]

#the way Harrow talks about The Body is sexual but pretty distinctly the relationship of a devotee and her god#(many traditions are fine with that being a little sexual)#(including xian mysticism a lot of those guys are like... when I saw God's face I came so hard I puked but I'll phrase it politely)#Harrow can have a girlfriend and still be an obsessed little nun#like how you can have a girlfriend and a whole friend group besides

@benegesseritofficial you get it

So Harrow confesses to Gideon in the pool, right.

And she tells Gideon she loves The Body. And seeing The Body--being in the presence of The Body--made her want to live.

And Gideon takes this to mean that Harrow can never love her, because Harrow, romantically, sexually, is fully consumed by the desire for The Body.

But . . . The Body. Alecto. The fucking life force that animates Earth. Harrow, who lived in a dark hole full of bones her whole existence, saw LIFE for the first time. The glory of a whole-ass planet packed into one being.

Did she want to fuck it? Yeah, kinda. You'd fuck the ecological majesty of our world too, I bet.

But it's still a pretty different kind of relationship! David Attenborough is probably as obsessed with this world as anyone, he still got married.

I'm just saying, I think Gideon has misread the situation. The ice lolly bimbo isn't a girlfriend, she's more like a spiritual calling.

[mimble-sparklepudding]

OC Questions on the Seven Forms of Love.

A little list of OC questions based on the seven types of love identified in Ancient Greek thought. Obviously this is a highly simplified presentation of some quite complex philosophical concepts from Classical History, intended more for the purposes of entertainment than education. I also left out Mania, which is arguably an eighth type of love (Obsessive), because I'm keeping it mostly positive in these tricky times!

Eros – Romantic, Passionate Love.

Is your OC romantic in the traditional sense? Do they enjoy giving or receiving gifts of flowers or confectionary? Or are there other courtship traditions from their culture of origin that are important to them?

How important is sex to them in a relationship? Do they see it as something essential to their happiness? Would they be able to remain in a monogamous relationship with someone they loved without sex?

How do they feel about public displays of romantic affection? Does it make them uncomfortable? How do they feel if a romantic partner kisses them in public?

Do they believe in love at first sight? Have they ever developed a crush or romantic (or erotic) fixation upon a stranger based on their appearance alone?

How closely is their opinion of their own beauty (or lack thereof) linked to their confidence? Do they see themselves as more or less worthy of love or sex based on how attractive they feel?

Philia – Affectionate, Platonic Love.

Does your OC have a Best Friend? If they do then how long have they known each other and how did they meet? If they don't then do they have a close group of friends they love equally? Or are they more of a loner?

Does your OC find it easy to make friends? Or are there barriers to them doing so? If so then are these due to issues of inclination, communication, or something else entirely?

What qualities does your OC most value in a friend? Loyalty? Shared sense of humour? Or something else?

Is your OC able to build close friendships with people very different from themselves? Perhaps in terms of culture, age or personality?

What is their most fervent wish for their best friend(s)? How far would they go to make it happen?

Storge – Unconditional, Familial Love.

Did your OC's parents love them unconditionally? If so then has this helped them feel confident as an adult? If not then how has this affected them? What were the conditions their family attached to their relationship?

Does your OC have children? If so then how fiercely do they love them? If they have more than one then do they love them all equally? If they do not have children then is this part of their future plans?

How far does parental approval (imagined or expressed) impact upon their current sense of self-worth? What might they sacrifice or attempt to achieve in order to ensure the approval of their parents?

Does your OC have any siblings? If so then did their parents have a favourite growing up? Has their relationship with their sibling changed in adulthood? If they don't have any siblings then do they perhaps feel they have missed out on an important relationship? Do they have any especially close friends who go some way towards filling that role?

Is your OC able to love without necessarily needing or expecting reciprocation or reward? Or are all their relationships to some extent transactional? Have they ever loved another person unconditionally, whether a child or another adult?

Agape – Selfless, Universal Love.

Does your OC wish to make the world a better place? How far do they see that as being their responsibility? What lengths would they go to in order to help achieve this?

Does your OC feel a spiritual connection to the world around them? Do they have a particular love for nature or living things?

To what extent does your OC believe in the value (or even existence) of true altruism? Do they see an unselfish concern for the welfare of others as being naïve or foolish? Or as a moral quality to which people should aspire?

Does your OC have a religious faith which emphasises the importance of a love for all people? If so then do they try to follow these teachings authentically? Or do they just pay lip-service to them? If not then do they follow a more martial or mercantile faith? Or none at all?

Does your OC find it easy to empathise with their enemies? Or do they see it as important to dehumanise them in order to combat them with sufficient determination?

Ludus – Playful, Flirtatious Love.

Does your OC have any particular favourite chat up lines? If not for themselves then perhaps ones they have suggested to a friend? How effective do these tend to be?

Is your OC particularly skilled at flirting? Have they had to practice this or does it just happen naturally?

How does your OC feel about one night stands? Have they ever enjoyed a night of passionate romance with a stranger? Is this something they are quite keen on recreationally? Or only something they might engage in under specific circumstances (such as the eve of a battle or after a difficult breakup)?

Who was your OC's first crush? How do they feel about it now?

What seduction techniques are most likely to be effective when it comes to your OC? Are there some things guaranteed to get them going? Or are they immune to such things?

Pragma – Committed, Long-Lasting Love.

Is your OC in a committed long-term relationship (or relationships)? If so then what has contributed to this relationship lasting so well? If they are not in such a relationship, then is this something that saddens them or which they regret?

What is the biggest challenge that your OC has had to overcome in a long-term relationship or friendship? What helped them get through this?

Are your OC's parents still together? To what degree do they look to their own parents as a model for their own ideal relationship?

After the initial fires of passion cool to some degree, what would keep your OC engaged in a relationship? Shared goals? Similar values? Or contented companionship?

What importance or value does your OC attach to marriage? Do they believe that it is important to make a public statement of commitment to another person (or persons)? Or are they more concerned about inheritance rights and security for their family? Or do they not see marriage as a necessary signifier of commitment and loyalty?

Philautia – Self Love.

Does your OC have a healthy sense of their own worth and value? Or do they see themselves as failing to live up to their original potential? Perhaps they are convinced of their own sinful or inadequate nature?

Does your OC believe that it is important to love themselves in the first instance? Perhaps in order to be able to give and receive love authentically? Or because they believe first and foremost in "looking after number one"?

Does your OC judge themselves by the same standards as they apply to others? Or are they sometimes hypocritical in condemning others for faults they also possess? Or perhaps they find it easier to forgive others for things that they cannot abide in themselves?

Which of your OC's qualities makes them the most proud? Do they think more people should be like them in this regard? Or do they quite like being rare in possessing it?

Has your OC always had the same opinion of themselves or has this changed over time? Have they learned to love themselves - perhaps with the help of others - as their journey progressed? Or have the consequences of their actions only served to erode their sense of self-worth?

[dollypopup]

I've been seeing so many bad faith takes from people who just. . .don't understand these characters or their love story, so here I am, taking them 1 by 1 lol

Let's start with potentially the lowest bar for Penelope

"I was rooting for Debling for Penelope!" aka: I didn't want Colin and Penelope to have their love story

Most of the justifications of this perspective come from the idea that an absent husband who leaves you lots of money and space for your hobbies is an ideal prospect. And you know what? You're right! For MOST women of the ton, this is an incredibly appealing proposition! That's why Cressida finds it so enticing. She wants what he can offer, a life away from her family (this is something she and Penelope have in common), a comfortable life in which she is alright with a lack of affection. I would argue most women on the marriage market during this time would agree. Marriage is a business transaction more than a fairy tale for them, for most women of this time, of the ton.

But Penelope is not most women of the ton. This perspective comes from a fundamental misunderstanding of her character. Her seeing marriage as a business transaction is her giving up on her dreams of being loved. People just assume that Penelope's greatest desire in life is to write Lady Whistledown, when this is absolutely not true. I even saw someone say that 'Penelope found her purpose'. But we know this is false

Because she says it herself. In Season 2, right after Colin talks to Marina and she calls him a boy caught up in his fantasies, the conversation is contrasted with Penelope, who tells him it's important to have dreams and fantasies, to be fanciful. And this *connects them*. It is the first truly open conversation we see between the two of them, and when he asks if she's found her purpose, she explicitly informs us what it is: Something that encourages her to be brave, and witty. Something that takes her far away from the watchful eyes of her Mama. Something that fulfills her.

Lady Whistledown is not any of those things. Lady Whistledown, sure, encourages her to be witty, but also encourages her to be cruel, to make painful decisions. Lady Whistledown does not encourage her to be brave, in fact, it only exists through her hiding and secrecy. And it keeps her beneath her Mama's thumb, as she is literally tied to the ton and it's going ons by writing it. No, Lady Whistledown is not her purpose. Writing is her passion, and I do argue that writing is ONE part of her purpose, absolutely!

But. . .what else?

Well. . . .love. Love and connection. *Love* is what inspires Penelope to be brave, Love and comfort with Colin encourages her wittiness, and Love is what will provide her an avenue for leaving her mum. Love is Penelope's greatest dream and desire. And I am NOT just talking romantic love here, but love of all sorts. Philautia (self love), Pragma (love of duty), Ludus (playful love), Agape (universal love), Storge (familial love), Philia (friendship), and, of course, Eros (romantic and sexual). Love with Eloise, Love in her family, Love and Respect in her community, and Love that is romantic and sexual in nature. Love with Colin.

But what Debling offers her is only one of those. He can only offer her a love of duty, respect in her community with a title, a pragmatic marriage with no passion, one in which she is expected to wait for him with fidelity as he lives his own passions, and she occupies herself with her own interests (so long as, very importantly, those interests do not make a fool of him, since he did, after all, dump her when he assumed she'd cheat on him when he was away) (cue me: 'is this your king????'-ing @ you all). I am flabbergasted that people would think Penelope would find happiness being alone and writing Whistledown as a married woman. . .when she did not find happiness being alone and writing Whistledown as a single woman. All that would change is her title, and that's not enough. She deserves better. She deserves more. She wants more.

When she asks him 'Could you ever love me?' he responds with several long excuses that amount to: No. No, he could never love her. He is too tied to his work, he does not know her. He has been talking to her for a week and had maybe what? 5 conversations with her about it? 1 of which was comparing her to a dead deer mounted on a wall (and I'll try not to read too much into the metaphor of Women shedding their names, a death of their old selves in their society, to become a literal trophy holed up in a rich man's house) and another was in which she insisted she. . .loved grass? Come on, people. Have a higher bar for this character you claim to like so much.

Another conversation they share is very telling, in which he asks about her hobbies. She informs she enjoys reading, and he finds it quaint, charming that she enjoys romances. But he does not find that in any way comparable to his own work. Debling respects Penelope as most men in his society respect women: as a pretty bauble with which to decorate his life. Not an equal. He is glad she has a quiet interest that will keep her where he feels she belongs: in his home, tending to his fortune and assets. He explicitly states he doesn't want a partner who shares his passions, who enjoys the outdoors, but simply an honest woman who will tend to his lair estate.

What Debling offers her is a life of pragmatism and expectancy, and in many ways, loneliness. Penelope would surely cultivate friendships in this time, but in accepting his offer, she even says she has 'come to terms' with what he can provide for her. Not that she is happy, not that it is what she *wants*, but that she has come to terms with it. That she will be content. She will fill her days with love stories she will never live, and write about the day to day of a ton that does not accept her. Maybe, just maybe, she can even have a family, and she, like her mother, like Marina, like other tragic women in her society, will find happiness in her children, and not in her own life.

But why should she? Penelope? Penelope wants love. Penelope wants acceptance and tenderness and passion, and that's why I am confident in saying that Penelope has not, in fact, given up on Colin. Not her love for him, at least. Her love for him has not faded, remains evergreen: we see it when she reads his journal, when she stands in the sun after their reconciliation and feels at peace for the first time in the season, when she laughs at his jokes, when she asks him to kiss her. She has given up on one thing only: her expectation of him fulfilling that love. And that's what makes it so heartbreaking that they're both pining for each other, thinking the other does not feel the same. Because Penelope knows (and she is RIGHT) that her and Colin have something special.

This is heart vs. head, and honestly, not even Penelope's head wants Debling.

The people who say they were hoping he and Penelope would end up together, y'all are Portia. Your expectations for Penelope are that she should be happy with money and a title and an absent partner. And then, the quiet part is 'She shouldn't be holding out for love'. She shouldn't be holding out for dreams.

But. . .why not? Colin is in every single way an amazing person for her. And he's proof that she should have held out, that waiting was worth it. That it had always been worth it.

Because it is *Colin* who is the gateway to all those forms of love.

Pragmatically, Colin has money a-plenty. He's in good standing in his society, he's rich, he's attractive, and he comes from a wonderful family. Furthermore, even from season ONE Daphne said that Colin can make an interaction interesting. He makes Penelope laugh, he's a good dancer, he's adventurous and loves to travel. And most importantly, he'd love to travel WITH her. Whilst Debling is attempting to narrow her world, Colin, in contrast, wants to open it to her.

Since her and Colin met as children, much of the start of their love story for him was first universal, and then familial in nature. When first her bonnet flew into his face and he fell, he had no reason to be kind about it, but he was. He has a kind nature. But then as they became acquainted, and she had a connection to Eloise, it morphed from his universal love and good will towards strangers, to that of a family friend. The comment that he sees her as one of his sisters was harsh, but it's also not BAD that this is a kernel of their love story. It bred familiarity with them, and lead into a genuine friendship. And my god, I could talk about their friendship for days.

Colin has been an amazing friend to Penelope. He checks in on her, he writers her letters, he asks how she's doing, he offers her his hand to lift her up, he refuses to let her speak badly of herself, he's protective of her, he finds her funny, he seeks her out because he values her perspective. Colin adores Penelope, and the last two seasons have proven it in so many ways. Even in his pursuit to help her find a husband, this is a selflessness he offers because he cares for her. His goal is not to curry favor with her, his goal is only to uplift her. He only wants to see her happy. He holds her in the highest esteem and sees her in such a beautiful light. And that leads into her self love, because what Colin said to Penelope in Season 2 Surely if Penelope can see me this way, surely I can as well-- that rings true for Penelope, as well. Colin loves her so dearly and sees her with such grace, that she is then inspired to bring that inwardly.

Debling is the death of her dreams, and Colin is her dream in fruition.

But it is also risky, and it is also, in some ways, foolish. He's not a sure choice for her, but he's the BEST choice. He represents passion and tenderness, he is the love story of all her books and fantasies. Because what Marina said to Colin, that he is caught up in his fantasies: Penelope is, too. That's what makes them such a good match. And so with him, she blooms. With him, she feels brave, and is witty, and will come out from her Mama's thumb and her expectations. And what's left after Pragma and Agape and Ludus and Storge and Philia?

Well. . .. It's Psyche and Eros, isn't it?

So, at the end of it, at the 11th hour, when Colin comes to her and he is honest, and he is vulnerable, and he doesn't know she feels this love for him and has for so long, and he spills open for her, Penelope knows she doesn't have to simply be content.

She knows she can be happy. Fuck your low expectations, she *can* and *should* have a love story.

And the one she lives with Colin is such damn good one.

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Greek Words for Love

Agápē- (ἀγάπη) sacrificial, selfless, unconditional, universal love

Érōs - (ἔρως) lust; romantic, passionate, physical love

Ludus - (Latin lūdus, “game” or “play”; ερωτοτροπία, “courtship”) playful, noncommital love; may involve flirting, seduction, and casual sex

Mania - (μανία) obsessive, unhealthy love; reaches madness; may involve extreme jealousy

Philautia - (ϕιλαυτία) self love; modern equivalent: self-esteem (good) or hubris (bad)

Philia - (ϕιλία) friendship; affectionate love

Prágma - (πράγμα) enduring, businesslike, practical love; based on duty, obligation, or logic

Storgé - (στοργή) protective, kinship-based, familial love; patriotism, allegiance

Sources: 1 2 3 ⚜ More: Word Lists

[aroaceconfessions]

Feeling a bit philosophical here...

So I think love IS an important part of being human (one of many). Know how the ancient greeks had seven different words for love? (Actually eight, but I'm leaving out obsessive love cause that shit ain't healthy):

Eros - romantic love

Philia - affectionate, friendly love

Agape - selfless, universal love

Storge - unconditional, familiar love

Ludus - playful, flirtatious love

Pragma - committed, enduring love

Philautia - self love

And I think it's beautiful, because it's not a ranking system. If you don't feel certain types of love, you don't have to 'settle' for the rest, because each type is still love and love is no limited recource. And an endless amount of love is enough to fill any life with happiness.

There are so many things to love - people, animals, nature, art, music, stars, rocks, your houseplant, your favourite tshirt, pizza, a trashy tv show. Yourself. It seems so silly that people think that, in this big world, someone couldn't find happiness just because their love isn't focussed on that tiny fraction of the universe that is made of human beings.

Submitted June 21, 2023

[tododeku-or-bust]

The Best of the Myrmidons/The Best of Papas

The next generation of Patroclus' family and this piece (this is my TSoA Philomela design; I hadn't come up with my new one for her yet. This is what she looks like now, which is more in line with this universe.) Born in Elysium, Philia's magical wreath matches his, and it floats around her curls! Her Papa gives the best hugs; if his heart still beat, he would use its loving rhythm to lull her to sleep.

Reference down below!

[chloearit]

// mention of self-harm

She ran off again.

I found her by the side of a river nursing a cut on her leg. It was bleeding, staining the water red. I set my bag down next to her and tended to the wound.

"Let's stop that bleeding quick, don't wanna have you faint again."

She watched me bandage her leg.

"I'm not weak."

"No, you're not." I smiled at her.

She looked at me.

"You're stronger than most twelve-year-olds I know."

She still didn't respond.

"Listen... I'm sorry. He shouldn't have said that."

"Why are you sorry, you didn't say it."

"Aya? You're not a burden. You're so young and you're already one of the most talented mages I've ever seen!"

"Yeah, who can't cast one spell without passing out."

"It's not just any spell, it's some pretty powerful stuff."

"I guess."

"You're a really smart and talented kid. You remind me of myself, honestly, when I was your age."

"I've seen the hits you can take - the hits you can hand out."

"And have you seen the spells I can cast?"

"Yes" The hint of a smile crept on her face. "At least you're better at healing than me." She looked at her leg.

"We've all got our strengths and weaknesses."

For a moment, she seemed lost in thought.

"Do... do you think I'm going to die?"

"What? Why would you say that?"

"I'm sick. You know that. Do you think it'll kill me?"

"The-" I shook my head "No, it's... not a disease. It's a disability. You were born with it, you'll live with it."

"So you don't think the fainting after casting a spell is dangerous?"

"No. Maybe. I don't know. I think you'll be fine."

"But you're not sure?"

"I... don't know how I could be. I'm not a doctor. But it's gotten better, hasn't it? I think your body just needs to get used to it."

Suddenly, she grabs my glove and pulls it up from my arm.

"Hey!" I stop her and pull it back down.

"Why do you have scars?"

"Huh?"

"On your arm. There's so many cuts. You always hide them, except when you're washing your hands."

After a long pause, I roll down the glove on my left arm and show it to her.

"Is this why you're so good at healing magic? You're always using it on yourself..."

"Yes."

"Why? Where do these cuts come from?"

"I... do it to myself."

"Why?"

"Because... I don't know. I just need it sometimes."

"To hurt yourself? Because you think you deserve it?"

Huh.

"Yes."

"I do it too, sometimes. Though not like this."

"You really shouldn't. I can take it, but you..."

"I'm not weak," she repeated, and I could have sworn just for a moment she had a self-satisfied smile.

"You're not. But you're not invincible." I ruffled her hair. "You're an elf, you may outlive me tenfold. Don't die before it's your time."

"I won't."

I hugged her from behind. Despite her age she was only slightly smaller than me. "The world will need you."

She grabbed my head with one of her hands and looked me in the eyes. "I think it needs you even more right now. Don't you die, either." Tears welled up in her eyes as she said that.

"I won't. I promise you, baby, I won't."

// by Lúcia

[spotsandsocks]

Fuck it Friday 💚🧡🩷❤️💜💙

Hello my friends, thanks for the tags @eddiebabygirldiaz @inell @repressedqueen @tizniz @loveyouanyway @loserdiaz

So today I’m doing something a bit different cos why not.. this week I got a comment on an older fic from ao3 user starspangledwriter (hello) that lead to a lovely conversation about the Buddie of it all and why they mean so much to me. The person I was chatting to suggested it might be nice to share here, so I am.

And also just to say this is what i think we writers love/hope for with comments, it’s not about wanting people to say nice things (which is obviously lovely) but having a chat about my beloveds and the story I created.

And speaking of the story… here it is if you want to check it out.

Fifteen Minutes 1.4k

“You look happy.”

Buck smiles at Eddie because he’s right, he is happy. He hasn’t been for a while but today he is, he might not have everything he wants but right now he’s happy to be in this place with these people.

He takes a deep breath and says that around his smile  “I am.” He scans Bobby and Athena’s living room takes in its occupants all chatting and laughing together. “Everyone I love is here.” He looks at Eddie expecting to see him smiling but he’s sees a frown instead. Eddie doesn’t look at him when he says,

“I didn’t see Taylor arrive. Is she here?”

Oh yeah that. He hasn’t actually told Eddie yet has he.

“Um no” he says casually. He can see Eddie trying to process that, he’s adorable when he’s confused.

“But you just said.”

“I know what I said.” He replies also not looking as he confirms the news that Taylor is not here and that he’s worked out he doesn’t love her. There’s a pause, he can’t resist a quick look at Eddie so he catches it when it finally clicks.  Eddie says  “oh”  and Buck sees a smile flash across his face like quicksilver before he wipes it away. There and gone again, so quick Buck might have imagined it. He’s pretty sure he hadn’t though. There’s another moment of silence before Eddie asks the question good friends are supposed to in these circumstances.

“You ok?”

“Yup like I said everyone I love is here. I’m perfect.”

He should probably distract Eddie or he might get interrogated as to why he’s broken up with his girlfriend and that’s a conversation he’s not keen to have. He doesn’t like lying especially to Eddie and any explanation as to why he did what he did is going to reveal more than he’d like.

He can practically hear Eddie thinking, his mouth opens and he just knows the next sentence is going to start with why so Buck jumps in.

“Did you know the Ancient Greeks thought there were 7 types of love.”

Eddie’s expression changes instantly and settles into something softer as he says “No Buck I didn’t, but I guess I’m about to find out huh?” He thinks Eddie looks quite happy about it. No one else looks at him like that when he’s infodumping. It makes him feel warm all over.

“Well” Buck twists towards Eddie and leans in without thinking.

There’s philia that’s family love so like how I feel  for Maddie and Chim. Bobby and Athena too really and Hen. That’s for the people you love and trust cos you know they’ll always be there for you.

Eddie nods.

“All of  us have kinda got agape; that’s universal love for others, it’s why we do what we do, help people.”

And like Hen and Karen they’ve been together for years so they’ve got pragma that’s long lasting love, it’s just there warm and steady. But they’ve got eros too, that’s you know,  desire and stuff.”

Eddie chuckles “I guess Bobby and Athena have that if the firefighter role play is  anything to go by.”

“Eww I just told you they’re like my parents, why would you do that to me. It was bad enough first time round.” He shakes himself to clear the image and Eddie laughs.

“What else? That’s only five.”

He carries on “Well there’s ludus” he’s hoping to skim over the last two “that’s about sex without commitment, just for fun.” He doesn’t say that’s what he had with Taylor and that was why he’d ended it. He doesn’t say he wants something different from life now and that he’d thought he could find it with her but he'd been wrong.

Eddie purses his lips and nods “ok” that seems to be it, Eddie seems happy to move on from that one too.

“And there’s the love parents feel for their kids that’s called storge.”

“So what I feel for Chris and what Bobby feels for you?”

He can feel his cheeks heating “You and Chris yeah, for sure”  he looks over at Bobby, it’d be nice if Bobby felt like that. His thoughts must be written all over his face or maybe Eddie’s just good at reading him.

“I think he does” Eddie says gently, Buck shrugs the colour high in his cheeks.

“What about you and Chris?” Eddie asks. Buck hesitates, cheeks getting pinker by the second. He doesn’t know how he’s supposed to answer that. Which answer Eddie wants. He risks a look at him, he looks the same, smiling fondly. He waits and when Buck doesn’t answer he says “You're allowed to feel it you know, say it, if you want to.”

“Am I?” All his doubts are on show.

And the rest is on ao3 🩷

Tagging for FIF if anyone wants to share anything at all!

@hoodie-buck @monsterrae1 @shortsighted-owl @bi-buckrights @fiona-fififi

@rogerzsteven @bekkachaos @thekristen999 @ronordmann @hippolotamus

@stagefoureddiediaz @spaceprincessem @underwaterninja13 @wildlife4life @exhuastedpigeon

@weewootruck @giddyupbuck @honestlydarkprincess @elvensorceress @jesuisici33

@daffi-990 @diazsdimples @steadfastsaturnsrings @theplaceyoustillrememberdreaming @actualalligator

@rainbow-nerdss @shipperqueen6

[puppy-phum]

PuenTalay + 8 Types of Love ↳ PatPran version [x] by @dimpledpran ♥

"Joobjang once told us we travel between universes to learn something. For me, I learned about love. I was someone who didn't believe in love. I never even thought of having someone in life. But then universal traveling brought Puen to me. And he paints my life pink forever."

ludus | eros | mania | philia storge | pragma | agape | philautia

[jake-whatthefisgoingon-kiszka]

This is mostly an indefinite place for me to plop fics I read that I liked so I can find them later to reread. I have not read much so I am always open to fic recommendations!

*most if not all of these works are for 18+ readers only. Please read the tags for each work

✨Highly recommend

𝓙𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓚𝓲𝓼𝔃𝓴𝓪:

Bound by @gvfgal

Bootleggers and Wildflowers by @writingcold

Roommates by @daisyful-gvf

A Lovey Promise: part 1, ✨part 2 by @jakescaravel

1+1=3 by @scarletvanfleet

I Wanna Be Yours by @lipstickitty

Bound for Earth by @vanfleeter

Pretty Girl by @miradors

𝓓𝓪𝓷𝓷𝔂 𝓦𝓪𝓰𝓷𝓮𝓻:

Show Me by @vanfleeter

✨Strawberry Wine by @frozenlight-gvf

𝓢𝓪𝓶 𝓚𝓲𝓼𝔃𝓴𝓪:

A Cabin in the Woods by @asacredthebread

Wallflower by @concreteburialplot

𝓙𝓸𝓼𝓱 𝓚𝓲𝓼𝔃𝓴𝓪:

Endless Summer by @anthemofgvf

✨Iced Chai Universe by @gracev0609 *includes x Danny

𝓢𝓪𝓷𝓷𝔂:

But You Look So Cool by @ofthecaravel

Autumn in Vermont by @hyperfixated-gvf

Fire/Fear by @hyperfixated-gvf

It Takes Three to Tango by @spark-my-nature (f/m/m)

✨Brandy by @ofthecaravel

✨Heaven in Time by @ofthecaravel

To the Hunter From the Prey by @stardustbarbarians

I Was Born to Love You by @gracev0609

Slow it Down by @ourtearsofrain

𝓙𝓪𝓷𝓷𝔂:

Scream For Me by @satans-helper

Keep Going by @sinners-go-to-drink-the-wine

✨Cabin Fever by @i-choose-the-road

𝓙𝓸𝓷𝓷𝔂:

✨Philia and Pragma pt.1 & pt.2 by @scarletvanfleet

[shalomniscient]

ARCHIVE ENTRY #4: AMATORY

"An Aeon that presides over the Path of Adoration. Known by THEIR devotees as the Pandemos, or 'one who is common to all people', they are the personification of 'love', having ascended an unfathomable amount of time ago after realizing the 'truth' of life." - Loading Screen: Amatory

◆ Name: Amatory ◆ Title: Aeon of Adoration, The Lover ◆ Path: The Adoration

Amatory is a fanmade Aeon in Honkai: Star Rail, representing the Path of Adoration. THEY are known to be among the kinder Aeons, and by virtue of the broadness of THEIR path, often has a hand in the dealings of mortals. It is rumored that THEY even walk amongst mortals at times, and was once a key figure on the Astral Express until Akivili's untimely disappearance.

◆ Appearance Amatory often appears in the form of a feminine human, with iridescent skin and long, pink hair. THEY are dressed in a loose, white robes resembling an ancient Greek chiton, the hem lined blue with doves embroidered in gold thread. THEY wear a crown of gold laurels as well as various pieces of golden jewellery, including earrings and a necklace. THEY sit upon a seashell throne, and in THEIR lap is THEIR familiar, Peristera, the drake-dove.

◆ History -> Ascension An unknowable amount of time ago, a (suspected) human on the planet of Agora ascended to Aeonhood and became the Aeon of Adoration, after realizing the 'truth' of life.

-> Swarm Disaster The range of Amatory's influence is unknown during the Swarm Disaster, though it is noted that Peristera the drake-dove fiercely and successfully defended Agora from attacks from the Swarm. It is assumed THEY watched, alongside Xipe and Aha, as Qlipoth stripped Tayzzyronth's power and sealed the other Aeon.

-> Present Amatory is noted to be active in the current time, hiding their divine form to walk amongst mortals. This information has been confirmed by the Aspects of Adoration, as the Sanctuary of Kitheryia remains empty.

◆ Followers & Factions -> Agora, Planet of Doves Agora is the birth planet of Amatory, and the foremost seat of THEIR following. The planet is known for its romantic, dreamy atmosphere, with permanently pink-hued skies thanks to a specific concentration of minerals in the atmosphere and the angle of Agora to its sun. Agora is also known for it's stunning beaches, which are also popular pilgrim destinations due to the belief that Amatory gained THEIR enlightenment whilst standing on the shore of one of Agora's beaches, part of THEIR body submerged in the sea-foam. Agora is blessed with mild weather across the planet, thanks to the direct influence of its Aeon.

Temples to Amatory are scattered across the planet, tended to by Devotees. The largest temple complex, the Amatopolis, is also the name of the planet's capital city. Amatopolis is the residence of the Aspects, and the location of other universally famous sites, such as the Museum of Peristera, The Sanctuary of Kitheryia and the Akropoils to Akivili.

-> Devotees of Adoration The Devotees of Adoration are the primary followers of Amatory, and are found in the largest numbers on Agora, although they are also well distributed across the universe. The Devotees can choose to be active participants upon the Path, tending to Amatory's shrines and temples, or they can choose to be passive participants simply by loving and being loved. To Amatory, loving is quite the same as worshiping.

-> Aspects of Adoration The Aspects of Adoration are Amatory's six chosen Emanators. They are chosen by the Aeon as role models, in a sense, to each specific branch of 'love'. Hence, the six Aspects are Agape, Eros, Philia, Storge, Philautia, and Xenia. Each Aspect has their own hall within the Amatopolis, branching off from the temple's main hall which leads to the Sanctuary of Kitheryia. The Aspects are functionally Amatory's high priests and priestesses, and offer advice on behalf of the Aeon to pilgrims and devotees who visit the temple.

-> The Dove Poets Society Contrary to its name, the Dove Poets Society does not solely consist of poets. Instead, the Society is open to all manner of creatives, including artists, writers, sculptors and many others. Joining the Society is not too dissimilar to joining the Genius Society; to do so, one must draw the gaze of Amatory THEMSELF. Creatives who use love or themes of love as their muse are blessed with a dove-feather pin, and are later cordially invited to Agora by administrative devotees. They are then given free lifelong board and housing, subsidized by the Devotees, and are allowed to pursue their art without worry.

As a result of this, many famous and popular works have been produced by the Society. They can all be found within the Museum of Peristera, making the museum a must-visit for those interested in the arts.

-> Peristera, the Drake-Dove Said to be the beloved companion of Amatory, Peristera is a legendary, almost divine beast blessed by the Aeon THEMSELF, and tasked with eternally protecting Agora. The drake-dove resides within the Sanctuary of Kytheryia, ever-slumbering until danger rouses it, or its master returns from THEIR journeys. Several proposals were made by the Intelligentsia Guild to access the Sanctuary and collect biological samples from Peristera; all these proposals were promptly rejected by the Aspects, citing the sanctity of the Sanctuary as Amatory's home, not to be entered by mortal bodies unless invited by the Aeon THEMSELF.

Although Peristera's awakenings usually herald danger, it is often followed by a frenzied scramble by Devotees eager to get their hands on some of the drake-dove's fallen feathers. Much like Qlipoth's Divine Amber, Peristera's feathers are sacred items to the Devotees and followers of Amatory. However, these feathers fade over time, and as a result are often cast in gold and made into jewellery such as bracelets, anklets, armbands, crowns or earrings to preserve them. They are said to bring love to the life of the wearer, hence their popularity.

Developer Notes:

I'm worldbuilding out here like I'm a part of the HSR Writing Team LMAO this OC isn't even playable but I feel like I've fleshed them out the most out of all my OCs lsdfhjsdlfjsdjlf. But frankly I'm surprised and Aeon of something like love doesn't exist, given how (not to get too into philosophy) central it is to humanity or arguably consciousness in general.

Obviously, Amatory is heavily inspired by Aphrodite, as referenced by both their sacred animals being the dove, and their ascension occurring while they were submerged in sea-foam, similar to how Aphrodite is said to have been born from sea-foam, in certain mythological accounts. And the whole love thing. -> You could argue that the Paths of Harmony and Adoration could collide, and honestly, I too can see it happening. Though I would counter and say 'love' is less clear-cut lawful than Harmony; if we're sticking by the Ancient Greek themes, we look no further than the story of Troy, or the response of Demeter to Persephone's abduction. This could turn into a whole back and forth, but truthfully, I'm just here to fuck around and play with HSR's worldbuilding so I'm not going to get into too much discourse about it LMAO. These are MY delusions and I call the shots 😌😌😌

Agora as a planet and culture is heavily based on Ancient Greece. I felt inspired after running around in AC: Odyssey's discovery mode. Say what you will about the game, but as an open-world exploration enjoyer it is SUCH a treat.

Peristera is named after the eponymous nymph who was transformed into a dove by Aphrodite and made her sacred animal. Although Amatory's Peristera is also a dragon, because I'm a sucker for dragons. Appearance wise, it looks a lot like Cinderella from Burn the Witch [image below].

Making a neka for Amatory was hard as fuck, mainly because they end up looking too human and normal and not as godly as I'd like, but I guess they can get a pass because Nanook looks pretty normal too.

Neka of Amatory, as close as to what I can envision in my brain:

neka link: https://www.neka.cc/composer/11939

[atherflame-theconcubus]

Important announcement in the undercut. This is a long..

OK, so a lot has been going on so I’m just gonna say this now. Between the false harassment document, a document from a year ago that’s now just getting traction again, and then an anonymous person seemingly spreading it around from malicious intention. The community genuinely sucks.

Sucks considering I literally just came up with two different alternate universes yesterday that I do not plan on keeping (if anyone wants them, I can give you some rundowns on them)

I’m not abandoning my friends from the community, and I will keep interacting with them with the AU that I’ve already gotten built up upon a lot, and I will hopefully at some point talk about the other AUs for the community I have already listed on my pinned post, and possibly write for some of them over on my A03 account, but I will not be making any more, nor do I want to interact with this community anymore.

As someone who was formally in the buddies community (for a brief rundown on that community, a group of a bunch of children, deciding to get together to make death threat videos to another child who happened to be making troll animal abuse videos that got way out of hand and has a lot of genuinely problematic stuff, including philia, porn, incest, porn, and Loli art. All of which I have unfortunately seen, and become desensitized to) I never thought I would say this, but this community is worse than that one. Because even with how toxic they all are, that community is mostly children. Heck the biggest person in the community/founder of it is possibly 12 right now.

I would sooner go back to that community and apologize to people who accused me of harassment then ever wish to have a positive thought about the sun and moon show community. The community really is that bad.

And I stress this a lot because most of the people perpetuating the harassment in the bud community are children, who most likely don’t know any better. All the people perpetuating the harassment in this community are adults. And people are labeled as harassers, just standing with victims of horrible people.

All in all. This community somehow managed to take the crown for the most toxic community I’ve ever been in. And that is a lot consistently that this community would not be worse than the hate community.

And the biggest reason I say that is because despite me leaving the community and barely interacting with any of it which actually has decent content and is giving us a story with all the characters buds has, I can still make alternate universes and have fun while doing it there. If I make an alternate universe here I have to fear the big blog or other people trying to pressure me into including incest in it.

All in all. I’m saying this, but I hate this community more than the buds hate community. And I can consistently compare it to a cult.

If anyone is getting into this community from the Gacha community, I have recommendations on blogs you should avoid as they will willingly harass you for just trying to stand by people who are sent inappropriate artwork for just liking family dynamics

Dana-the-control-brain

Cephalon ghost

Witchy

Alexandraisyes

Ayyy-imma-ninja (mainly because she’s been standing by and letting people be harassed by her friends for just standing up for victims of harassment from people sending them Gore and corrective rape porn )

Pixelchills (I still genuinely do not want to believe that they actually participated in that fucking document, especially after I tried to clear a situation and keeping them from getting dragged in. I genuinely can’t look at their content the same anymore )

Shattered-sparks (they are someone who I trust, however, I currently now have conflicted feelings because of a document recently shared. I have yet to read it and I would like to trust my friend saying that since the document shattered has improved, however, I’m aware of the fact that everyone would be comfortable with them.)

A-Voice-For-The-Victims (I understand what they’re trying to do, but the way they’re going about it, at least from how I can see it, is only hurting everyone. They’re dragging something that should’ve been dead a long time ago on for longer than it should be because a random anon purposely dug up a year old document, and from what they said, they’re gonna continue to be a stalker. I get what they’re trying to do, but they’re just going about it in the worst way possible) (extra edition here, they just pulled a manipulation tactic. That is another reason why I do not feel safe with them in tsams community.)

My overall experience in this community was fun in the beginning because I got dragged into it by good people, then in the midpoint, I got scared about shipping my comfort ship because of the aforementioned family dynamics in the show, But a bunch of big users in the community have managed to make me hate a community for a show I already disliked.

I also want to skate this right now before I end the post.

DO NOT HARASS ANYONE I MENTIONED. IF YOU DON’T LIKE THEM JUST BLOCK AND GO ABOUT YOUR DAY.

Extra little addition due to something that happened that I’m gonna keep mostly private, the only people outside my friend group that I am interacting with in the sun and moon show community are the role-play blogs, as generally speaking I am 90% sure they are safe people interact with, plus it’s just fun seeing the chaos that goes down over there.. what has been stated above still applies.

[oscconfessions]

do you think objectum would be illegal in object show universes. do you think it would be like something Philia. do you think people would say "inanimate objects can't consent!"

sorry I just has too much thoughts

.