#Roux's Real Life Adventures

[tbshorts]

The Best Panels of One Piece, Romance Dawn (chapter 1-7)

Full video scripts below the cut

Chapter 1:

What are the best panels in One Piece?

Chapter 1, being the very first one, obviously has quite a few contenders. Luffy's very first Gum Gum Pistol is an obvious one, setting the tone of One Piece's battles with its mixture of goofy and badass. Plus, god damn, even in chapter one Oda knew how to do an epic splash page.

I also like this panel, where Lucky Roux shoots a mountain bandit in the head. This too is a major tone setter, driving home the seriousness and danger of pirate life. The story up to this point mostly plays as fairly lighthearted comedy, and seeing the jolly cartoon fat guy casually murder a man shocks the audience a little bit. Despite the cartoony artstyle, this isn't a kiddy pirate adventure.

But the crown has to go to the passing of the straw hat from Shanks to Luffy. It's a panel that has only ever taken on more meaning as the story has gone on, and the symbol of the straw hat has taken on more and more importance. It represents the promise between Luffy and Shanks to meet again, Shanks recognizing Luffy as an equal, and it's the passing of a torch. That straw hat means something, and Shanks is passing it on to someone who he feels is a worthy heir to that significance. ��Romance Dawn” indeed.

Chapter 2:

What are the best panels in One Piece?

Chapter 2 is all about establishing Luffy's character now that he's grown up, and especially the scale of the odds he's up against. What does his dream to be king of the pirates really mean?

And this is where Oda shows his skill not just as an action and comedy artist, but as a storyteller. He introduces Koby the Cabin Boy, a character who mostly exists to contrast Luffy. Scared, self-defeating and cowardly, even his body language is Luffy's direct opposite.

When Luffy says he will be king of the pirates, Oda drops the angle down low, playing Luffy's chill, unaffected sitting posture against Koby's shouting. His arms are wide, foreshortening even out of the panel as the nervous boy tries to communicate the jaw-dropping scale of what Luffy has said he will accomplish. "Don't tell me you're after the One Piece"?

We feel the weight of Koby's astonishment here, the monumental nature of what Luffy has promised to do. The One Piece isn't a silly bed-time story for children, it is a real thing, and to go after it is to march to almost certain death. And the fact that Luffy is so casual about it, because he has accepted death, is not normal. Luffy is not normal, and Oda establishes this visually through acting in every interaction he has with Koby.

Chapter 3:

What are the best panels in One Piece?

Chapter 3 introduces Zoro with this amazing panel, which, given how much of a martyr he is for the crew and Luffy, WOW what a hell of an establishing shot. But it also establishes one of the great running themes of One Piece, which is the abuse of power, and the value of freedom. Helmeppo lords his status as a navy failson over the townsfolk, abusing his position and status in a way we will see villains in the story do over and over again.

And Luffy does what Luffy will always do to those who use their power in this way. When he learns that Helmeppo lied to Zoro, let him believe he would be free if he survived a month tied up, only to plan an execution behind his back…

This happens.

There are many reasons One Piece is a fun and satisfying narrative to follow, Oda's dynamic and exciting art is a big one for me, but the thing I love the most might the vicious delight the story takes in showing us the ruling classes getting the ass-kicking they so richly deserve.

Chapter 4:

What are the best panels in One Piece?

Chapter 4 gives us perhaps one of the weakest villain designs in the series, which is Axe-Hand Morgan. His obsession with power and control foreshadows many of One Piece's best villains, but… hoo boy, not Oda's best character design.

On a better note, though, we're getting one of the most important recurring story beats in the narrative, which is the effect Luffy has on people around him. Koby, who not two chapters ago was a cowering appeasing wretch, walks into the execution grounds to free Zoro because he can't stand to see the navy oppressing people this way. He accepted abuse from Alvida, but no more. Luffy changes the people around him, and the most important thing he does is set them free of their fear. He teaches people to pursue their freedom, even if it costs them their lives. He will do this many times throughout the story, and Koby won't be the last person who almost dies to chase the dream Luffy kindled in them.

Chapter 5:

What are the best panels in One Piece?

In Chapter 5 the obvious choice might be Luffy taking bullets for his friends in the nick of time, which is a very Luffy thing to do, but I think the best panel is something much quieter. We get a flashback to Zoro's backstory, and his rivalry with childhood friend and swordfighting prodigy Kuina, who is idly one of the most transmasculine characters in anime history.

The panel that strikes me the most in this chapter, though, is this one. It's just a little transitional panel, Kuina lying there, dead, with the words "humans are fragile things Zoro" hovering above. Oda uses crosshatching to just barely hint at the eye sockets under the cloth, which otherwise erases Kuina's face, erasing identity, erasing life. It's such a quiet and disquieting panel, such a matter-of-fact reminder of cold mortality in the middle of all Zoro's hotblooded shouting. It's a death that is so meaningless, and Zoro, in taking Kuina's sword with him, is trying desperately to make it meaningful. If he becomes the greatest swordsman in the world, then everyone will know that Kuina was his greatest rival.

I think it's the same reason so many One Piece fans want Tashigi to turn out to be Kuina in the end. Because the idea that people can just vanish from our lives, so coldly and so pointlessly… it's a scary thought to have.

Chapter 6:

What are the best panels in One Piece?

In Chapter 6, the easy answer, I guess, is the big epic Oda splash page of the Gum Gum Whip taking out a dozen Marines, but… I mean you know it has to be the introduction of the Three Sword Style. Dear Zoro, with his cool bandana and his intense looks and his tragic backstory… and here he is with a sword in his mouth.

This is the power of One Piece. Because on the one hand, this is stupid. This is objectively stupid. Holding a sword in your mouth is dumb, this looks dumb, this doesn't work, this is cartoon nonsense that doesn't make any goddamn sense.

On the other hand… this totally fucking rules. Oda presents it so perfectly with that hunched over power pose blocking ten swords at once, and the black bandana over his head, although I'll never forgive the translators for covering this much of the art over with sound effects. You miss the rope still falling from his body and the scabbards still in the air from Zoro unsheating them so fast. This panel bypasses every critical neuron in my brain, and speaks to the primal, stupid lizard and monkey part of my man brain that goes "ooooh, three swords cool!" And nobody does that like Oda.

Chapter 7:

What are the best panels in One Piece?

Chapter 7 sees our first parting of ways, with Koby remaining behind to enlist in the Marines. It's mostly an exposition chapter, a cool down from all the action with Axe Hand Morgan, but Oda once again uses what could be boring exposition to do good character building. Because Luffy and Zoro are pirates, they can't stay in a navy town, and as they leave, Luffy begins to spill the beans on how Koby was a cabin boy for a pirate, which might ruin his chances to enlist. And Koby, desperately torn up about saying goodbye to his first real friend… punches Luffy to shut him up. Which then becomes evidence that Koby isn't with them, isn't a pirate, so he can enlist.

It's the first moment Koby fully asserts himself, it's the first punch he throws for his dream as a Marine, but it is also a moment of revelation. However simple-minded Luffy seems, so straightforward and oblivious, here he reveals a deep understanding not only of other people but of the things they need, the push they need to find their courage. He pushes Koby's buttons to force him to commit to his dream, to force him to renounce piracy, and when Koby does… Luffy couldn't be more proud. And maybe a little smug.

[marshmallow-bg3]

Answering these questions from Dark Urge Asks: Past Life because I wanna talk about it! 2. The Urge itself was Bhaal's greatest gift, a testament to their lineage. But did they despise or delight in these violent urges, did it maybe even scare them?

I see the Urge similar to the Beast in VTM. It has its own (well, Bhaal's) agenda, boundaries, triggers and most importantly a much stronger self-preservation instinct than Roux himself. It would keep him alive no matter what. Roux can't kill himself (he tried), he would be turned into mindless feral thing like in the "piss yourself ending" epilogue for a few days as punishment. Roux can't in fact have risky (to him) sex. "No choking" is a real concern with him and he (well, the Urge) murdered Gortash the first time the man didn't take it seriously. Gamewise, I never let Astarion kill Roux while feeding, because in my canon the Urge wouldn't let that happen. Astarion would end up like Alfira. As for how Roux feels about the Urge, it's a love-hate relationship same as with his whole Bhaalspawn heritage. It makes him special among mortals and even among other Bhaalspawn - he likes that. It makes him a monster unworthy of love and life he craves - he hates that. 3. Bhaal can control his chosen and force the Slayer or actions upon them; did he ever force your Durge to do something against their will or would they obediently follow? Oh Bhaal certainly needed to force Roux regularly. Onto females for once: Roux has a bunch of Bhaalspawn babies somewhere out there which he refuses to take responsibility for or even think about. It's a problem for future Roux, or hopefully for some future band of heroic adventurers to deal with. Slayer is just another instrument of the Urge, reserved mostly to extreme life-threatening situations where overwhelming murdering force is required. Eventually Roux learned very well just how much he could push the limits and resist before Father took over. He was saving those "resist points" for when it really mattered, but the cost of gaining them was not resisting most of the time. Simple bloody math.

[direwombat]

HMMM what about 13 but instead of just Syb, what about all your FC5 OCs, please? - fourlittleseedlings

13. What are their views on sex?

adsf;lakjdfs ok gonna divide my answers by cult kiddos and non-cult kiddos because i have so many fc5 ocs (most of whom i don't talk about oops) all under the cut bc sex talk but also i have a lot of ocs so this is gonna be long lmao thank you this was a super interesting one!

CULT KIDDOS

jonah seed:

staunchly anti sex before marriage and anti-masturbation to the point where he gets kind of homoerotic about god. strongly believes in and follows the project's rule of celibacy and looks down on most people who have been marked with the sin of lust (ie, everyone except joseph). lowkey thinks john is going to hell regardless of the cleansing :/ has a lot of sexual energy and anger that's been pent up for all his life and tbh is probably very close to bursting by the time the deputy kills him.

augustine la roux:

ah. heh. well he has some catholic anxiety about it. i think he falls somewhere on the ace spectrum so there's the general inexperience and also the guilt of wanting someone like that and the fear that they won't return the feeling. then there's also the idea he has that lusting after someone and that lust isn't reciprocated then it's a sin, but also somehow asking if those feelings are reciprocated is him being greedy. all of these feelings just intensify when he falls in love with the Father :'(

benjamin shaw:

has no real strong opinions about sex. it's nice sometimes but it's not something he prioritizes in his life. he has no particular preference towards the gender of his partner and he and pratt start fucking on the down low not long after the reaping kicks off.

lizzie sinclaire:

(who for context, is seventeen at the time of the reaping and was younger when joseph started manipulating her) also believes that sex outside of marriage is a sin and is unlearning her belief that her attraction to other girls is a sin. but also she's young and doesn't have any relationship experience to have any views on sex beyond that.

valerie king:

valerie ended up joining the cult during the pre-montana days because joseph preached more love than she heard at home so she ran off when joseph was forced from her town. she's horribly repressed and awkward about sex. she flushes during the sermons preaching chastity and gets absolutely flustered by the young woman she's been tasked by the father to protect. her faith.

NON-CULT KIDDOS

sybille la roux:

she's pro-sex and has had her fair share of it with a handful of partners of multiple genders. she's pretty open minded and is willing to try most things if it's something her partner wants to try. she found BDSM interesting but it wasn't something she'd really experimented with because of her trust issues. she never really thought she'd be comfortable on either end of a dom/sub dynamic but was proven wrong after accidentally stumbling into one with jacob. but she is a little ashamed of it. she never considered herself the kind of person to submit herself to someone like him (dominant. male. a little too much like her father if she starts thinking about it), and it's embarrassing for her that she's he gets her to act like that.

robin sherwood:

has a perfectly healthy relationship and perception of sex. is of the no-shame mindset and thinks it's fun! she prefers to have it with people she's formed some sort of romantic connection with but doesn't judge if other people don't feel the same as her. adventurous but not necessarily kinky.

joshua smith:

sees sex primarily as a means of stress relief. he doesn't do emotional attachment and is perfectly content with the fact that his sexual history is a long string of one-night stands.

kip nicholson:

i mean. he's an old gay rancher in rural montana. he's seen a few crazy nights in missoula and is confident enough in his own experience to firmly believe that he could probably fix john (and john is frustrated because he can't figure out which sin he wants to mark kip with). he's besties with addie and while he's not quite as Like That as she is, but he can keep up with her for sure. (occasionally flirts with xander but doesn't mean anything by it, he and addie just think its funny).

[styxisms]

General:

Muse Name: Violette Roux Age: 19 (verse/timeline dependent) Race: miqo'te (ffxiv), human (modern no magic setting), demi-human (all other fantasy verses) Class/Job: White Mage (ffxiv), influencer (modern verses), nurse (modern verses) Faceclaim: in game xiv model (xiv and other fantasy verses), Shikimori (anime), irl is Rosé.

Personality:

Positive Traits: empathetic, kind, charming, positive, determined Negative traits: fake, craves attention, absent minded, emotional, fragile ego, liar Skills: plays piano, makeup and fashion, healing magic (fantasy verses), combat abilities (fantasy verses), natural leader, medicine Likes: cute things, pink, getting attention, pastels, sweets, sweet boys and bad girls Dislikes: rude people, misplaced arrogance, injustice, not being the center of attention Summary: Violette is a kind young woman who lacks a feeling of belonging. Being adopted and brought to a place with few people her own race made her feel like an outsider. Despite her loving professor parents, Violette constantly felt unloved due to being abandoned by her birth mother to die. Due to this, she is obsessed with attention and being liked. Violette will be vague about herself to look mysterious, feeling bad about her rather milquetoast upbringing. She downplays her own intelligent to appear easier to engage with or cuter. Despite her parents both being scholars, Violette hated school and dreamed of being famous and a hero. Even her desire to learn how to mend came from wanting to be useful and adored. Deep down, however, she is just an insecure and lonely girl who does genuinely care about the people around her. She just has an intense fear of being abandoned. 𝐀𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐒:  pink fabrics, long hair blowing in the wind, white lace, a dusty mirror, crying when no one can hear you, smiling when you feel like dying, humming along with a task, solemn prayer, dancing to music only you can hear, hands grasping for something to hold

History:

Family: Magali Roux (adoptive mother), Basil Roux (Adoptive father) Biography: (Final Fantasy XIV / Default Verse. Other verses below.)

Violette was abandoned in the Twelveswood when she was very young. An elezen couple from Sharlayan studying the elementals and aether found her. Having recently lost her pregnancy, Magali (her mother) grew attached instantly. They took her back to Gridania where the Serpents began the search for her real family. They were never found. It could be assumed that they were alive, as no Miqo'Te bodies where found nearby. The couple adopted her, naming her Violette after her eye color.

They remained in Gridania for several years before they returned to Sharlayan because of her father’s family obligations. Violette was sad to leave, as she had become interested in understanding the whispers of the Elementals even as a child. Her parents tried to get her interested in academics, but the only thing she seemed to like in terms of classes was piano.

Violette grew up fairly normal. So she read a lot of stories about heroes. Through a lot of her life, she didn’t really belong anywhere because she was a miqo'te raised in a place without many of them. So she got picked on because of stuff when she was a kid. Her idea of her birth parents abandoning her in the woods to die really bothered her. So she is obsessed with being unlovable and abandoned. So Violette started acting. She started doing whatever she could to be the sort of person people wouldn’t want to leave.

She would be the cute flirty girl who was always cute and bubbly. She could be the dumb ditz. She just acted the way she felt would keep people interested in her. Once she got older and discovered people found her attractive, she started wearing attention-grabbing clothes (ahem) so more people would be interested in her.

So when she decided to become an adventurer and go back to eorzea, she did it SOLELY to become a hero and be loved by everyone. She had latent aetherial talent, and chose to heal because it would make her more useful and easy to care about.

Once she reached 18, she began to wonder about her purpose. She decided to venture back to Gridania to learn conjurery and help others. This desire was rooted in her need for approval and want to be like those in the songs and books. Heroes adored by all. Heroes that no one would ever abandon.

so when she ended up becoming a hero, she did exactly what she wanted. And everyone loved her. She didn’t start to change from this incredibly selfish goal until after ARR when she was betrayed. Then she started to become a REAL hero

Her role as a hero was one she was seeking, though reality isn’t as pretty as the songs.

Verses:

General Fantasy Verse: Follows basically the same beats as the fxiv one. Violette is a demi-human / cat girl. She has light and healing magic and is a traveler trying to make a name for herself.

Modern Verse: Violette is a young woman who is interested in going into the medical field. As much as she hated school, she is planning on going to nursing school. Despite this, she is also a rising star on social media as a model and content creator doing fashion/makeup/music videos under the name chat rose Depending on the setting, Violette could be in her final year of high school or in college. She often uses a "good witch" sort of aesthetic in her content. - Some notes: Violette is Korean but was adopted by two French parents after her birth mother abandoned her all alone as a baby. She knows NOTHING about her culture and is incredibly insecure about it. She speaks fluent french and english since her parents moved to america when she was very young. she identifies as French. - Violette is a master manipulator even if she isn't TECHNICALLY a bad person. She will behave in a way that she thinks will make people like her. - In verses where supernatural powers can exist, Violette is an actual white witch that can use magic to help people.

[thewisemankey]

Let's Talk about Netflix's One Piece.

So I, as a One Piece fanatic, wanted to take the time to put out all my thoughts onto Netflix and their live adaptation of One Piece. There's OBVIOUSLY spoilers for the show as well as the original manga/anime so it's all going under a cut. So spoilers for those who haven't watched this first season at LEAST. Now that formalities are out of the way...

I'll admit, I had my share of doubts and fears about there being a live-action adaptation of a series that I've followed for nearly 20 years and are so passionate about because of how it's helped me grow as a person. Especially when Netflix failed SO VERY HARD on other attempts with Cowboy Bebop and Death Note.

Over time though, with all the announcements, reveals, trailers as they came...I actually became optimistic and hopeful. Not JUST because of how involved Oda was, but I can tell this wasn't just another live-action adaptation for the flippin' SAKE of doing it. The more I heard from the cast and crew, the more I could tell this was a real passion project. So buying into the hype, I had to put past grievances behind and give this a chance to support it in hopes that it would be worth the time.

And by golly, even with high expectations, they managed to succeed in ways I didn't even imagine.

Going into it, I knew this wouldn't be a completely 100% accurate telling of the East Blue saga. Fitting 100 Chapters worth of story into 8 episodes would be difficult for ANYONE. But they managed to pull it off in their own unique way that would satisfy OP vets like me and newcomers alike.

There definitely were some surprises, of course. Like the fact some characters who someone like me KNOWS are still alive ended up dead. Nobody who's especially IMPORTANT but still an odd call here and there. Then there was the fact Usopp and Kaya actually KISS here! Like WHOA, that's not happened in the manga/anime! (Maybe not yet, but it could! At the end of the series...? Perhaps it was a confirmation that it would once we get to that point. Who knows.)

Casting was definitely on point. For pretty much everyone, really. Even with guys like Lucky Roux and Patty having a different skin color for this, they played the parts well enough for little changes like that to not matter.

If there's one thing that I would call into question however is letting loose the bomb about Garp being Luffy's grandfather so soon. Something that doesn't get revealed until nearly halfway into the series. That was pretty much a damn big deal when that secret blew the roof off of several houses. We sure people new to all things One Piece who may potentially start digging into the original manga/anime wanna know this so soon? Then again, that wasn't THE bomb that dropped when Garp's identity was revealed at the time. Hopefully we don't go TOO fast with secrets in future seasons.

Maybe there were a few lines spoken here or there that were cringe, but not like I was watching the god damn 4Kids dub all over again. Just had to remember that if there was anything odd or different about anything at all, Oda himself oversaw this and if he approved it, we all gotta approve it, too. And I can live with that.

All in all really, it warms me up knowing this adaptation has been so successful the world over and could potentially what leads to more people giving the manga/anime a chance when they're intimidated by the 1000 chapter/episode length. They can see what they've been missing, if they can't wait for Season 2.

And hopefully there WILL be a Season 2. Gonna need the most important character in my life to show herself. If you know me, you know who it is, especially if it ends up going into Baroque Works territory.

That said, let's set sail and get ready for the next adventure, for ALL things One Piece.

[harleyroux]

After years of deliberation, I finally booked my appointment and got my first ever tattoo. Naturally, I wanted a BioShock piece. I specifically wanted the mask that Cohen’s disciples wear, and my tattoo artist suggested filling it out with a Molotov cocktail- Silas Cobb’s weapon of choice. This is just the outline--color to come!--but I loooooove it. I love BioShock. I love Fort Frolic. I love the disciples. I love that this is finally on my body :D

Art & Tattoo done by vvxtattoos <3

[imdifferentshadesofpurple]

from the Anchors & Arrows series A Siren’s Agreement : Part 1

Pairing: Mark Tuan x Reader Genre: pirate!au; sea faring!au; fantasy au 

Royalty was always meant for royalty.  Water or land, it did not matter.

Those that wore the crown were destined for each other. 

That’s what you tell Mark on the deck of his ship. You try to convince him that once there was peace. 

Loyalty and love.

The look on his face as the sun bore down on him and his men was not the face of someone who believed. 

And why would he? He was raised to kill creatures like you. And now one comes to him and says everything he’s ever known is a lie?

You wouldn’t believe either.

Which is why you’re now 50 feet under water, staring into the cold eyes of the Sea Queen.

You mother.

It’s no surprise she came to find you. The waters were not always safe and your people were extra cautious when they knew the Milo was out at sea.

“Please tell me,” your mother growled, “you did not dare do what I think you did.”

Silence.

If possible, her eyes glowed an even stronger red as she neared you.

“If you want him to keep his tongue, you’ll answer me child.”

Even though tied up in the strongest seaweed, Mark looked regal and haughty, as if he wasn’t being held prisoner at the bottom of the ocean.

“It had to be done. I apologize for my rash behavior but it was the only way and you are well aware of the circumstances Your Majesty.”

The hand on your cheek and the slap that follows surprises the Prince, you see it in his eyes as your head jolts violently to the side from the action. It stings, merfolk are not immune to pain, but it’s the flaring embarrassment that momentarily colors your pale cheeks.

Be strong.

You steel yourself fir what’s next, holding your ground as you face her once more. 

Your mother’s anger is boiling, water around her hot as she tries to reign her temper in. It’s just the three of you out in open water, the Milo unmoving above you as its crew members remain frozen in time.

When she had found you, she had sensed the magic and had come alone.  Unorthodox for a Queen but you know why, the reasoning behind the that decision. 

No one truly knew just how cruel she could be. How cruel she was.

Yes, she was an able ruler, one that thought of her people before even her own family. But beneath the strength and her ever wise decisions, there was a mermaid that burned like the sun with a heart filled with bitterness.

You were not her only daughter but you were the only one that would even dare to pull a stunt like this.

“I should chop off that tail of yours and leave you in the weed with your beloved prince,” she hissed. Pulling your face tightly between two fingers, she scowled and whispered, “You know critical times are right now Y/N. How could you even think about exposing your magic to a ship full of pyrates?”

The pain burned through you but you held your ground, held her gaze, until she let go.

“People are dying mother. Humans and merfolk alike. You know there must be a union. The magic must be passed in order for both species to survive. You’re sitting your throne just waiting for us to finally go extinct!”

She looked offended, backing away momentarily. “Waiting? Waiting? You stupid girl, I’m trying to fix our problem. I’m trying to save us without having to shackle ourselves to them!” She points at Mark, eyes wild. 

“You hate humans but we are destined mother. We cannot survive without them, and they us. We are running out of time.”

“So your idea was a Siren’s Agreement? Blood mixed with blood, a bond only broken in death. You give up your tail, your magic, and become a bride of a royal from the Empire for a year? That’s your freedom Y/N, the ocean.”

You turn to Mark and you watch him absorb the information your mother just disclosed. 

“A year does not compare to death.”

Your mother’s voice was sad. “Sometimes the year is death.”

Time is still frozen when your feet hit the deck. Mark’s crew remained unmoving, staring at the spot you both stood before disappearing. You take tentative steps forward as he examines his now suddenly dry garments. Your mother’s voice echoes around in your head until his breaks through.

“Explain to me what just happened.” You chuckle bitterly, “What, it wasn’t self explaining?”

“That was the Queen. Ruler if the ocean. And your mother.”

Your silence is all the confirmation he needs so he presses on. “You asked me, before she whisked us away, if I knew what a Siren’s Agreement was. Everything she said, was it true? The agreement includes you living on land as a human? A bride for whatever royal is willing to marry you?”

You wince at the way he says it but nod nonetheless. Your eyes meet his and your gaze hardens, “It would be a sacrifice I’d be willing to make for my people”

“And mine. Considering I’d be the royal in that little sentence.”

A beat passes. 

“Your mother is lovely princess.” “She is bitter,” you bite back, ”with good reason.”

“We are not meant to be friends, let alone spouses,” he replies, “my job is to kill you. You couldn’t possibly believe I’d accept a marriage proposal.”

You turn on him, “I know very well what your job is. But the magic gained in the union between our kind ad yours brings peace. It guarantees life. And loyalty.”

“Humans have peace.”

Time was starting to move, your mother’s magic ending. His first mate Eunwoo was freed first and his eyes widened at the sight of both of you. He moved quickly down the steps of the bridge, the rest of the crew reanimating. Your own magic moves through you as you inch nearer to the ship’s bow. Mark jolts forward as if to follow you into the depths, catching himself at the last moment.

“Humans have peace,” he repeats, just as Eunwoo reaches for his elbow. Your smile holds the same sadness your mother’s voice did, wind picking up and your legs returning to its shimmering tail.

“...then you’re not paying enough attention dear prince.”

And then you jumped, lost to the sea spray as the main deck comes alive again.

You don’t return home, can’t return and face her. Your plan most likely did not work and now you didn’t know what to do.

For now, you retreated to your sanctuary, a hidden spot in the outskirts of Ered you discovered when adventuring as a child. As the years passed and you grew older, you found yourself there more and more, the silence better than the self loathing at home. 

It held small trinkets of your youth, things collected from your time away from your family. It’s not like your own quarters in the palace but you feel relief when you settle on the ground, tucked away from your failures in the quiet beating of your own heart. 

You don’t know what your next step is, unsure if there even is a next step. You don’t even know if you can go home. Your siblings will have already heard of your treachery, no doubt exaggerated by your mother.

No, for now you catch your breath. Because as you lie in your hideaway, you realize whether or not your plan worked, you did the one things forbidden of you.

You gave a human more knowledge than any should hold. You told a human of magic.

The Milo reached Khotia quicker than planned, much to Mark’s dismay.

“At least there’s no fanfare,” Eunwoo grinned, stretching his long arms over his head. “If there was another parade, you would’ve sulked all through the feast.”

Mark would’ve replied with some crude remark but chose to only growl instead, shoving past him as he made his way down the dock.

He was back on land. And back to being a prince.

“Where are you going Your Majesty,” Eunwoo yells from behind him.

To Zemër.

Zemër, a tavern settled off the docks, was a pyrate’s favorite place to unwind once their feet hit solid ground. Run by Kiraz, a former Queen’s Guard, the four walls echoed with laughter, foul words and plenty of secrets.

The only reason it was still standing, besides the fact it kept the kingdom's unsavory in one place, was because Kiraz saved Mark’s sister one.

Sacrificed her sight but had the royal family forever in her debt.

It was too early for any real noise so when Mark entered, he was unsurprised to find her standing at the bar cleaning glasses. A waft of lavender and spices hit his senses as she turned towards him, snow white hair flying up with the movement. Her crimson lips curled into a grin as he sat himself in front of her.

“You are really early Your Highness,” she teased. Roux, her right hand man and in house giant passes just then, boxes piled high in his arms and a single nod sent his way.

“You know the Milo is quick,” he says, sending his own nod back tot he man as he disappeared around the corner. She tsks, shaking her head, enticing more of that scent his way. “Now you and I both know news of that siren has already reached shore.”

He clenched his jaw in irritation, “How far up shore exactly?” She shrugs, “Not far enough but it’s only a matter of time. The Mermaid Killer let a creature go free. Was she at least pretty?”

He thought back tot he encounter, back to your face as your mother’s hand collided with your cheek.

Yes, he thought. “No,” he said aloud.

“Learn to lie better Mark,” she replied, “I’m blind but your hesitation reads a mile away. I hope you can do better than that when returning home. Having feelings for a mermaid won’t sit well with your parents.”

“There are no feelings Kiraz, by the heavens. She’s a siren.” “...exactly.”

There’s silence, aside from the grumbling of a few leftover drunkards. And then, “You’re here for information.” He never came for anything else. He was only a pyrate out on the water. He slides his prepared payment her way, “I need to know the history of a mermaid’s magic.”

Kiraz inhales sharply, dropping the glass she held, the noise of it shattering bouncing against the inside of the tavern. Mark is surprised, she’s usually so terrifyingly calm, even more so when she grabs his sleeve and hisses to the back quickly, vanishing behind the curtain. 

When he emerges on the other side, she immediately turns on him, “She showed you her magic?”

He nods, cautious. “Not that willingly. It was in desperation. She wanted to know if I knew what a Siren’s Agreement was.”

“...you don’t. Or you wouldn’t be here.” “Kiraz, do not forget who you’re speaking with. We’ve done this dance plenty of times.”

She chuckles, bowing at the waist, “Of course Prince Mark. A Siren’s Agreement. Blood mixed with blood. And a year spent on land.”

Mark remembers the Sea Queen’s words. Sometimes the year is death.

“Why don’t I know about a mermaid’s magic?” Kiraz moves off to the side, cutting tape off inventory boxes. ‘Most likely hidden. There hasn’t been a union in years.”

“A union between a royal, mermaid and human.” “...yes. Long ago, a mermaid’s magic kept the land and sea prosperous. Trade was common, as was merfolk on land.”

He remembered your transformation, your legs.

“From your silence, I assume that’s how the creature caught your attention.” He didn’t answer so she continued, “It used to be harmonious. We thrived together. Royals from land and sea, joined in together and united in old, powerful magic.”

“Until?” She sighed, “A misunderstanding. Although, it depends on who you ask. Some not as kind as I consider it traitorous.”

“Traitorous.” “The Queen Aylin, wife of the great King Asriel. I assume you remember what your tutors taught you.”

He did. “It was a time of great peace. Their union brought the Empire together. It was said that the Queen’s kindness balanced, and tamed, the King’s temper.”

“And?” “And she bore six children before passing. The king was devastated.”

Her smile was discouraging.

“History lied. She passed, yes. But a mermaid’s magic is tied to the sea. And to the love they’ve chosen on land. Queen Aylin wished to return to the ocean to strengthen her magic. And she wished to take the children. She promised to return, for she loved her husband and her life in the Kingdom of Muiria, but she grew weak on legs and needed to grow strong.”

Laced with confusion, Mark asked, “But you said merfolk on land was common.”

“Ah, but she was royal. And Asriel was afraid she’d disappear, steal his heirs and the magic away into the sea spray. He grew paranoid, his council feeding his fears like a hungry beast.”

He knew in his heart what happened next. Murder. He killed her.

“...the magic didn’t pass onto the children?” When her magic died, so did theirs.

“The princess, the siren that appeared in front of me, she said I wasn’t paying enough attention when I told her humans had peace.”

“She’s smart, that creature. You can’t see past the bow of the Milo. The land is dying. The Empire is afraid. And you honestly haven’t noticed the receding water?

He hadn’t.

“Kiraz,” he said, determination coloring his tone. She grinned, “Yes, Your Majesty?”

“How do I summon a siren?”

You feel the summons, deep within your bones, as the water shifts around you. 

The magic calling to you is strong and for a moment, you think it’s your mother beckoning you home. When feet hit solid ground and the foam dissipates, you’re surprised to see Prince Mark and a woman you don’t recognize off to his right.

“Your Majesty,” you say calmly, honestly too tired to be on alert. You could only hope you hadn’t just been summoned to the sit of your own murder. 

“Princess. Kiraz told me you merfolk can only be summoned to a place if you accept the magic. So I’m a little...”

You sigh, “In all honesty prince, I thought you were my mother demanding I come home.”

He frowns, “You...she banished you?” “My mother is cruel but she’d never risk losing another child. So no, not banished. I simply have yet to return.”

“So she was pretty.” Your attention shifts to the unfamiliar female. Her stark white hair was free against her shoulders, past the small of her back. She was dressed in military style clothing, trousers tucked into long black boots and a form fitting but loose white tunic buttoned all the way up to her neck. Her fingers were adorned in all gold jewelry, rings of all sizes. Her red lips were curled into a smile and her eyes...

“I could be hideous,” you casually say.

Her laugh was loud, “I don’t need to see you to know you’re beautiful princess,” she bows, “Kiraz. Welcome to my establishment.

That name.

“Kiraz Brum. Famed warrior of the Queen’s Guard. You know, you’re a story we tell children to frighten them.”

Kiraz grins, “What an honor. I hope my name served its purpose.” “Children stay away from the borders of Khotia so...yes. I’d say it works quite efficiently. Now, if I could? Why have you summoned me? And how? How did you know the ritual?”

She shrugs, moving backwards to sit on a nearby crate. “The why is his department. The how? Let’s just say I picked up that little tidbit when I was still employed by the royals.”

You mirrored her action, sitting on whatever was nearest, which also happened to be a crate. “A story for another time. Well, Your Majesty? Twice in 24 hours is unique to say the least. What do you want?”

Mark, silent up until now, crossed his arms. “The last union between our kind was Queen Aylin and her human husband, the great King Asriel.”

You mood suddenly soured. “Great would be too kind an adjective.” “Would murderer work better?”

“Ah, I see. Kiraz has opened those eyes of yours. Yes. Your great King Asriel, deep within his own madness and paranoid, killed his queen. You see, a Siren’s Agreement is a partnership. Blood mixed with blood. To keep the peace, for the land and sea to prosper, a mermaid’s magic must remain strong. And to feed that strength, the time spent on solid ground must match the time in Ered. Each royal pair understood the terms of the agreement and continued to honor them until your great Asriel made it impossible for the merfolk to trust humans again.”

“The council convinced him she was a traitor taking his children and the magic he considered his,” Mark whispered.

He couldn’t believe it, not really. Everything he’s been told, been taught, to what end? Why hide history?

“Why not learn from those mistakes,” he asks out loud, “why enter into a war that they know will never end?

You watch him process the truth, watch his safe walls crumble around him. And for a moment, you mourn the last bit of his innocence that was slipping away.

“Not everyone enjoyed sharing solid land with the merfolk,” Kiraz reveals, “when Aylin died, the Empire saw it as a chance to return them to the Ered for good.”

Mark meets your eyes, “But something is happening now, that’s why you came to find me.” 

You nod, “The last of the  magic is disappearing. Both land and sea are suffering and will be beyond saving if you don’t join in the agreement with me.”

He frowns, “Why me? There are at least two princes in every kingdom.” Kiraz snorts, “But how many of those princes masquerade as pyrates six months out of every year since he turned 20?”

He glares and you can’t help but laugh, caching them both off guard.

“She has a point,” you hastily reply, “you know the water, thrive on it. Out of every prince of the Empire, I thought you’d be the best option to shackle myself to for a year.”

“Such flattery princess, what kind words.” “I do not want magic to disappear,” your tone growing serious, “merfolk and humans aside, the very foundations of our homes depend on it. I do not know about you dear prince, but I want peace. For everyone.”

The captain whistles, “Do it Mark, she’d be a better diplomat than you.”

Mark doesn’t reply back, just stares at you. Weighing his options before jumping into your crazy scheme. 

“The Empire would never allow it. You mother would never allow it.” “Then we skip the formalities. If you agree, right here in the storage room of a tavern, Kiraz can be the ritual’s witness.”

It’s madness and they’re both floored at the suggestion of a hastily done ceremony in the back room of Zemër but Kiraz speaks first.

“How do you know I know the ritual?” You shrugged, “I assumed. And I assumed correctly, yes?” “...I should stop underestimating you princess.” “A wise choice Captain Brum. Now dear prince, will you refuse my offer a second time?”

It’s all too quick, too hasty of a decision to be made without guidance. Mark knows what his family will do, what the council and people of Khotia would say. Things are not done this way.

But union to a siren, royal or not, was not done at all.

Not to mention his freedom as captain of the Milo. Was he really ready for a year of life on land?

“How do I know this isn’t a trick,” he challenged. “Oh by the heavens,” Kiraz started.

“No, you’re right. For a moment, I forgot our people are enemies. The outer fields of Khotia, just north of the small village of Dimelor. You’ll find the proof you’re searching for in order to believe me. It’s less than a day’s ride for two horses if the captain here wishes to join you. Once you’ve seen, you know how to summon me again.”

Mark’s jaw clenches, eyes narrowing. “And if you’re lying?”

You magic moves around you, shifting you back to your original form. The air smells of sea spray and before you’re deposited back into the Ered, you answer his last question.

“Then dear prince, you can have a princess’ tail.”

Dimelor rests nestled in the mountains, surrounded by green fields and humble homes. The smallest village in the kingdom, it grows produce which is shipped in bulk to the citizens of the main city.

Mark’s mother, the Queen Elinia, spent springs visiting the workers and their families, ensuring not only the health of the fields but the health of their caretakers. Sometimes, she’d bring Mark and he’d play, getting lost in the tall grass. The outer fields were large, housing the bigger vegetables and the man in charge, Lucien Elidior, always snuck treats to him as a boy.

They hug when Mark dismounts his horse Nova.

“You look well my prince, welcome.” Mark smiles gently at the aging man before him. “As do you Lucien. It’s good to see you. You know my associate, Kiraz Brum.”

“Captain,” Lucien replies, bowing slightly. Kiraz grins in return, bending slightly at the waist as well.

“Now what brings you all the way out here?” Mark starts his walk down tot he fields themselves. “I need to see the fields. Shipment is soon as I recall.”

Lucien’s demeanor changes suddenly, his cheery disposition becoming nervous. Mark senses the change right away, noting Kiraz does as well.

“Something wrong Lucien?” The caretaker seems distracted, eyes darting every so often to the bend around the corner.

“Lucien?” His attention snaps back suddenly, “The shipment was early my prince! There’s no produce to oversee. I’m sorry you and the captain came all this way for nothing.”

“I’m blind but even I know you’re lying Lucien,” Kiraz relies smoothly, tucking her hands into her coat as she steps around them both. Lucien tries to intervene but Mark catches his wrist, “Whatever you’re hiding, as your future king, you must tell me.”

The older man looks guilty but nods, following close behind the two. Kiraz is quick on her feet, rounding the bend and getting full view of the fields. When Mark hears her frantically call his name, he picks up his speed before stopping completely in his tracks.

“By the heavens,” he whispers, astonished.

The once lush green fields were barren, weeds in place of towering grass and patches of dry land where fresh produce once grew dotting the area as far as he could see. He couldn’t believe his eye. He remembered what it once was, the beauty that stood before him every time he came to visit. 

“It’s gone Kiraz, she was right,” he turned towards Lucien, “how is this happening? My parents...”

“They are aware Your Majesty,” he replied. “It started a week ago, slow decay from the northwest corner of the fields. We sent a report and your mother ordered us to harvest whatever we could and quickly.”

“Do we know why this is happening,” Kiraz wonders, even though she’s well aware of the magic and its steady disappearance. 

“We are unsure captain. The early morning workers noticed dying vegetables and before we knew it, we were losing almost half of our usual harvest.”

“The other villages,” Mark inquired, worried about the response. “Unaffected for now.”

Thank the heavens.

“My prince,” Lucien slowly began, “you should know. You were never meant to see this. Your mother made it clear you were not to be told.”

“Just me or all her children?” “...you alone.”

Curious.

“Kiraz, head back to Zemër.” “And you?”

“I need to have a word with the Queen.” 

He loved the palace growing up.

While others saw it as a soaring epicenter of power, to Mark it was home. 

Safety. Family. 

But as his 20th birthday approached, he found his home stifling, as if someone had sucked out all its air. The pressure was immense, especially being the eldest boy. His sisters were safe from the responsibilities of slaying mermaids. 

He lived and breathed it.

After his first kill, after returning home a murderous hero, the four walls he had come to love felt like they were slowly closing in. He spent time training off site, missing meals to sweat out his frustrations instead. Alongside Eunwoo, childhood friend turned right hand pyrate, he became at home on the waters of the Ered. His parents never questioned it, his mother’s only complaint besides his safety was how often he found himself away. 

Walking up to them now, regal on their thrones, he wondered what they’d say. He wondered if they’d defend themselves. 

“My boy! We heard you docked early and was curious to know when you’d show your face.”

His father King Laith was a strong man, not necessarily in stature but in every other way. Graying hair didn’t dim his bright smile, nor did it stop the charisma from overflowing. A deadly combination during negotiations. Mark smiled, letting himself get wrapped up in a hug. He threw his arms around the King’s shoulders, spying his mother still atop the dais. From her calm demeanor and calculated smile, he knew she was aware of his quick trip to Dimelor. His suspicions were further confirmed upon seeing Atlas, her peregrine falcon and spy, land on a nearby ledge.

When the two men broke apart, she comes forward, seeping motherly love.

“There he is, safe and sound.”

He lets himself be embraced once more, taking in her scent of lilies and orchids, eyes closing for just a moment.

“Hello Mother.” She smiles, this time a true mother’s smile, kissing his cheek. “It’s good to have you home. Your absence was felt, your brother would much rather spar with you than his aging father.” They laugh at the King’s expense and in moments like this, Mark feels like he’s home again.

The way home once was.

“I miss the Ered already but I cannot wait for my bed. The rest of our overbearing family?”

“Your sisters took a trip to Liaven and should return within the week. And the youngest is off in Muria for two more days overseeing the newly commissioned weapons for our army. We’ll be reunited soon.”

Mark nods and before he knows it, the King is whisked away to meet with the Council and he’s left with his mother and her damn bird.

“You’ve seen the fields.” It wasn’t a question.

Right to the point then.

“Why hide that from me?” “Who’s hiding? You’ve been at sea for almost a year. Getting messages to you is difficult. Plus, agriculture is not your concern.”

“When I am King it will be. And I’ve made aware you gave the orders to purposely keep it away from me. So I’ll ask again. Why?”

Her eyes are cold as they turn towards him. “If we’re in the habit of answering questions, you’ll answer mine first. You’ve never, in 7 years, let a siren go. And now one roams free instead of being spear headed to the deck of the Milo.”

“That wasn’t a question mother.” “Do not test me.”

He’d answer her, truly, if he only he himself knew the answer. Why didn’t he kill you?

“Feelings for a siren will get you killed.” “So will hunger if our fields remain barren.”

A servant arrived then, reporting that the Queen was needed. Good, he had grown tired of this conversation. 

“The crops will be taken care of. You’ll be back on the water soon enough so don’t let yourself get worked up over it. And as for the other issue. Find it. Kill it. Do not be weak now.”

Disappearing around the corner, Mark released a pent up sigh, shutting his eyes to try and stop a growing migraine. “Useless,” he said, the word echoing in the emptiness around him. His mother knew something but would sooner sacrifice Atlas than tell him. He knew it had to do with the magic and it wouldn’t surprise him if his mother knew all the deep dark secrets of the past.

But there was one that would tell him. The Queen would be furious but things were becoming more urgent the longer he was home.

“Mother is livid,” your sister says when she finds you wandering around. 

You had returned home after meeting with the Prince and Kiraz, avoiding places your family could corner you. You forgot that your youngest sister was annoying enough to find you anyway.

“I’m sure she is.. .And I’m sure she’s told you tall tales of  my adventures. But I’m too tired to answer all your burning questions Cathia.”

“Only one question. Was he handsome? They say he is, for a murderer.”

That stop you in your tracks, water growing silent around you. 

Was he? Handsome? It’s not like you were really paying attention. You were preoccupied with more pressing matters. Thinking back, you dig into your memories, pulling a visual of the Prince forward.

Strong build. Dark hair. Striking eyes. He didn’t smile in your presence but you assumed it wouldn’t be all that terrible.

“You could say that,” you casually reply, swimming forward. Your sister follows, looking utterly pleased, “Oh my, very handsome then. You’re blushing Y/N!”

You frown, palm against your cheek, “That is absolutely ridiculous Cathia. He is the Mermaid Killer. I did what I did to save our people, to save magic. Without a union, everything as we know it will die.”

“Wait. A union? What in the great Ered are you talking about?”

Surprise colors Cathia’s features as she pulls you to a stop to face her. “Mother said nothing about a union to that murderer!”

I guess she didn’t tell them everything.

“You have nothing to worry about, Mother stopped anything from progressing. And he shot it down anyway, I am a siren after all.”

You hoped that was enough to appease your little sister but you should’ve known better. Her expression turned irate, “You make it sound as if you simply proposed a union to a random individual and not the human responsible for most of our people’s deaths. The magic might be disappearing but I’d rather disappear into the mist than have you shackled to him.”

“I’d rather live. Mother also disagrees but alas, I made my move. There’s no reason for everyone, everything, to die. A year on land is a sacrifice I can make. If he had accepted.”

Cathia is about to strike back with a rebuttal when your blood runs warm, ceasing any words in your throat. You feel it, a steady thrum in time with the beat of your heart.

I’m being summoned.

Your sister couldn’t here once the ritual was complete, whisking her to wherever the Prince was. You became momentarily frantic as you felt the pull under your skin.

“I don’t want to talk about this anymore,” you quickly say, “just leave me be for now, I beg you.”

You can plainly see in her eyes she has more to say, biting her lip apprehensively. You’re hoping she drops it, almost shouting in relief when she agrees and makes you promise to return home safely. 

“And don’t you dare do anything rash,” she scolds. You could almost laugh.

“I promise. Now go on, I’ll be fine.”

It’s when she’s finally out of sight that the thrum is at its strongest, taking you away in the current and out of the Ered.

Mark’s grandmother, the former Queen Freya, lived high up in the Thelorian Mountains, away from the main court and the royal family.

He could still remember cllimbing the very same steps he was now, small legs trying to keep up with her as she ascended quickly. Freya was the only royal that supported the idea of siren equality, living in peace with other species. Her beliefs were considered radical, whispers in court starting up behind her back. Soon she retired to the mountains, commissioning a home away from judgement in and out of the palace.

Being out on the sea kept him from her much more than he would like, the journey to see her even father than the outer fields of Dimelor. 

“If you mother discovers you’re here, she’ll have headaches for days,” his grandmother yells, hands on her hips as she stands at the top of the stairs.

He grins, sprinting up the last few steps and into her embrace. “You’re not as in shape as I thought you’d be Yien,” she teased.

“We both know you’re in much better shape than all of us combined năinai.”

She pinches his cheek, “Flattery will get you nowhere boy. Tell me why you’ve come to see an old woman up in the mountains.”

She takes his hand, grasping tightly as they walk the path to the main house. Built under the cover titanic wisteria trees, Freya’s estate spanned most of the upper hills, the flattest parts stable enough to build upon. It was created to ensure the former Queen’s safety and comfort, away from the citizens that didn’t share the same views.

Tea was waiting when they arrived, liquid steaming as his grandmother beckoned him to sit. “So. Something has happened. What’s going on?”

“Năinai, what do you know about Siren Agreements? About a union between our kind and theirs, a joining of magic?”

Freya eyes her grandson. “You finally know about the fields.” Mark’s eyes widened, “You know about that?”

She laughed, “I might live up here like a recluse but I was once Queen. And many still follow me. Of course I know things. The question is, what do you know?”

“I know things have been hidden from me. And I know taking a siren wife may save our dying land.”

“...marriage? My dear boy, a union doesn’t need to be matrimony.”

What?

Freya sits back in her chair disregarding her tea. “A union between a siren and a human is a Siren’s Agreement, yes. Blood mixed with blood, a joining of magic. The siren must spend the minimum of a year on land in order for both lands to prosper.”

“But Queen Aylin and King Asriel had children.” “ Yes, six. But not all unions result in children. Aylin, after her year, realized she had fallen in love, and vice versa. Hence, a wedding. If you’re to join in such an agreement, it doesn’t mean gold rings on your fingers.”

Which means I can still be out at sea. I can still captain the Milo.

“How is it you know so much?” She chuckles, “A Queen must be aware Yien. Just because I’m up here and everyone down there has forgotten what sirens have done for us, doesn’t meant I have to as well.”

“Forgotten? What do you  mean?”

With a sigh, she crosses her legs. “Your tutors taught you nothing then. Truly. The real history they kept hidden so people would hate a species that were once our allies. Listen closely dear. Sirens are strong and yes, they can be dangerous. But once, a very long time ago, we lived peacefully. The land and the sea were thriving in harmony. When one needed help, the other came to their aid. A partnership. Love. Friendship.”

Birds chirped overhead, filling the silence between them both. Freya watched her grandson filter through the overload of information, a pensive look on his face paired with a frown set between his brows. 

“Sweetheart, why are you here? Or rather, how are you here? How did you come to be aware of all this? You, the famed Mermaid Killer.”

He scoffed with a hint of a smile, “It’s a bit of a long story. Which I think I’ll just show you to save some time.”

Her brows rose in surprise, “Now you’ve got my interest piqued. What do you need me to do?”

You’re high up in the mountains once the smell of the Ered dissipates. The sun is bright and warm against your skin as your tail transforms into legs. You squint, hand coming up to shield your ace as an astonished voice rings out behind you.

“By the heavens. Mark, she actually appeared.” You rise, on alert even in front of a familiar face. You’re hesitant, keeping a bit of distance.

“It’s alright princess. We won’t hurt you. May I present, the Queen Dowager Freya.”

The elderly woman next to him bows, “Welcome to the Thelorian Mountains Your Majesty.”

You bow as well. “Queen Dowager. I’m aware of your efforts towards peace with our kind. It is truly appreciated.”

She smiles, “You look like your grandfather.” Shocked, your heart skips. “Y-you knew him?” “Mmmhmm. He was a brave siren. And loved you deeply. His death was...hard.” “Yes, I dear say it was.”

You shake away painful memories and address the Prince. “You summoned me again which means you’re either going to kill me or...”

“The Dimelor fields, how did you know,” he asks, halting you mid-sentence.  “Magic. Always magic. You saw it then, your crops dying.”

He nods gravelly, “Yes. Barren fields where there was once lush green. It was unfathomable to comprehend.”

“You understand then, the severity of the situation.” “I’m beginning to understand everything. Which brings me to my next point: why did you tell me a Siren’s Agreement was marriage?”

You smile knowingly, “Why dear Prince, I never said anything of the sort. You assumed it was a marriage. Has it become appealing to you, marrying me?”

His cheeks color and his grandmother can’t help but let out a breathy chuckle. “Don’t be ridiculous princess, I made an assumption, that’s all. Like your mother said, being ‘shackled’ to me would be hell.”

“You’ve met the Sea Queen.” “Unfortunately,” he mumbled. turning to her.

She addressed you, “Is she still surly and stubborn?” “When was she not?”

The Queen Dowager laughs. “Minthe always believed the sirens were better off on their own. Her hatred of humans runs as deep as their hatred of her.”

“She has a valid reason.” “Yes, sadly she does.”

Your walls fall a bit, there’s something about the former Queen you feel you can trust. She senses it as well and smiles warmly. “My grandson called you here to accept your proposal.”

That takes you aback and your head swivels towards him, “The union? You’re agreeing?”

He reaches and scratches the back of his head sheepishly, “There’s things to discuss but...yes. For the good of our people.”

“I thought what you cared about most was captaining the Milo.” “My ship isn’t more important than my people, no matter how much I love the sea.”

“You said there were things to discuss.” He straightens in a very prince like manner. “Yes. If we are joined, even if it isn’t a marriage, I will treat it as such. And what’s mine will be yours. You will be safe on land for the year you are there. I know not of the ways things once were. But I accept your guidance in the things I must learn, if you accept mine.”

You blink once. And then a few times more. “That’s very mature of you, Your Grace.”

“I can be...when the occasion calls for it. Do you agree? Or have anything to add?”

“Not really. I’m just waiting for the part where you tell me how we’re going to tell our families. I assume they’ll be present for the joining.”

He doesn’t reply, exchanging a simple look with his grandmother that speaks a thousand words. You know what it means, you share similar looks with your siblings when your mother isn’t paying attention.

“We have no plans of telling our families. Your grandmother will be our only witness and my first appearance in front of the royal family of Khotia will be on legs.”

“I have a beautiful Khotian gown you can wear,” the Queen Dowager adds. “This is rash. Insane. Crazy. Unprecedented.” 

Mark laughs. “More rash, insane, crazy and unprecedented than showing yourself to a ship full of pyrates?”

Ugh, he does have a point.

You purse your lips but say nothing, instead turning to a more authoritative figure. But as if she read your mind, Freya simply throws her hands up. “I have no objection. I’d be happy to be your witness. And I will personally be there to hold your hand as you present yourself to Khotia.”  

“And might I remind you,” the Prince butts in, “you were just fine with the idea of hastily done ritual in the back room of Zemër, with Kiraz as the witness.”

“That was before you actually accepted. I didn’t think the great Prince of Khotia would join in a union without his family’s knowledge or presence.”

His grin is smug, “I am unexpected princess.” “Which means I should expect more of the unexpected.” "Exactly. So?”

You weighed your options. Just like your idea to board the Milo, this was a bad idea. There were too many obstacles and yes all this started because of you. You, who wants to save the sea and land, even with everything stacked against you. Now, you had a prince willing.

Now, something can be done. And both worlds don’t have to burn.

You meet the prince’s eyes, the question lingering there in his irises.

“So...a union then?”

It wasn’t a grand affair. Not that either of you thought it’d be.

The ritual was simple, albeit with a bit more blood than you remembered it needing. The Queen Dowager had tears in her eyes as she blessed the union, hugging you both at the end.

There was no kiss, no stares of affection, simply a handshake between you both. There was an understanding in Mark, a new look that washed over his face when his blood mixed with the magic. He was made of it now, his soul linked to the sea in a deeper way than being a captain.

He had wondered aloud, without even realizing it, “Does it always feel like this?” “Always,” you had replied, your own magic thrumming warm within your cold siren veins.

Freya offered a meal, the first on you had on land, and discussed what happened next.

“The transformation is quick, 24 hours until I trade my tail for legs.” “What of your family,” Mark asked in between bites of his food.

“I’ll say my goodbyes. They can’t know about the union before I step on land. My mother is strong. She can undo the union with her own magic and it will painful.”

“...painful?”

His grandmother chimes in, “You are joined now my boy. Blood mixed with blood remember? Undoing that will be like ripping apart your very soul.”

He swallowed, “Sounds like something we’d like to avoid then.” You had laughed, surprising everyone, before you quickly recovered and told them you’d be back the next morning.

Your  goodbyes were quick, but not as hasty, as to avoid suspicion. You didn’t know whether or not to be upset about the fact your siblings couldn’t feel the urgency in your hugs, as if you’d be back that night. Your mother wasn’t around, attending to matters of the sea. A part of you wanted to wait but you could feel that thrum of magic, scales prickling like human skin.

You were back on land before the 24 hours were up, holding tight to a bundle to clothes and towels as Freya led you to a room in her massive home.

“It will be an adjustment but I am here if you need anything. Do not hesitate to call for me.”

“Mother believed in handling things on your own.” Her smile was gentle, “There is nothing wrong with asking for help, Your Grace. We are family.”

Family.

“Thank you Queen Dowager, I will do my best to remember that.” “Oh my dear girl, I told you. Family. Queen Dowager is too formal. Năinai will do just fine.”

Your heart started to beat strongly for a moment. “...năinai?” “Grandmother. Now get some sleep my darling. Tomorrow, you shall be introduced to the world.”

Tomorrow. Tomorrow everything shall change.

“You’re nervous.” “Sweaty palms is a symptom of being nervous?”

Mark chuckles, adjusting the collar of his very prince like gold studded military jacket. “Yes. Sweaty anything is a symptom.”

“Then yes, I’m nervous. And I don’t enjoy sweating either. Human reactions are odd and frankly, disgusting.”

He’s grinning at you as your fingers fumble and you feel the crushing weight of the gown Freya loaned you. He’s surprised that you’re nervous, if he’s being honest. He’s only ever seen you stoic and strong, rarely letting any other emotions overtake you, a side effect no doubt of being raised by the Sea Queen.

The young woman sitting next to him was different, as if time on land was slowly transforming her.

Or she’s becoming more comfortable?

He decides to do something a little rash, taking your clammy hands in his. You’re alone in the back of the carriage carrying you to the palace, unmarked as to keep attention away, so he doesn’t worry too much about the gesture. You freeze for a moment but allow the comfort, taking a deep breath as your eyes follow the scenery outside the window. The ride seems an eternity and the silence between you both is adding to the nerves already threatening to overtake your whole self.

“Tell me about your family. What should I expect?”

He started running his thumb against yours absentmindedly, like his own mind was suddenly a million miles away. “They’re regal and serious when the occasion calls for it. My father is charismatic, kind. Mother is stern, protective. She will be the hardest to win over. My younger brother is adventurous. Full of mischief. My two older sisters are funny. Gentle. But cautious. A curse of being the eldest and female. I love them dearly.”

“The deck of the Milo would tell a different story.”

He smiles a bit, “I love them dearly. It’s the crushing responsibility that takes me away to the sea. I’m the oldest male.”

“And now shackled to a siren.” He’s still smiling. “Ah, yes. And you’re shackled to the land.” “Only for a year. Remember, the magic must remain strong.”

“Do I get to throw you back in the ocean like a goldfish? We should make a ceremony out of it, invite the whole kingdom out to the docks.”

You narrow your eyes, lifting your joined hands and bringing them back down against his thigh roughly, hitting him with the underside of his own hand.

“You throw me like a goldfish, I’ll drown the Milo.”

His scandalized look causes an eruption of chaotic giggles within the carriage before it rolls to a stop and there’s a knock at the door. The nerves hit you at full force and your mouth shuts, killing all noise.

“We’ve arrived, Your Majesty,” a voice rings out. “Oh by the heavens,” you whisper.

His hand is still in yours, giving it one more squeeze. “You’re going to be fine, don’t fall apart on me now. You’re royalty too. Breathe and let’s do this.”

There was a surge of confidence running through you as Mark rapped on the door, swinging open a moment later.

To your surprise, Freya appeared at your side. You knew she’d keep her promise to come but the relief at seeing her came at a bit of a shock.

“Are you ready, my dear?” Her smile was comforting, her finger entwined with yours calming your racing heart.

“No,” Mark suddenly said, adjusting his sleeves with a smirk. “She’s sweaty.”

You shove him before Freya pulls you both along to the side entrance of the palace. Servants start to stare and the walls echo with their whispers. The Queen Dowager leads the trio, your arm around Mark’s. Every step brings you closer in and you want to appreciate the four walls of the towering Khotian palace but suddenly, someone calls Mark’s name and you are faced with the entirety of the royal family.

You’ve been by your mother’s side atop a dais as she commanded her subjects. She was intimidating so you can clearly remember the looks your people would wear as they approached her.

You’re sure you’re making that same face at this moment.

The members of Mark’s family all wear identical looks of both curiosity and mild amusement. Except for his mother. The Queen of Khotia’s gaze alone could cause water to boil. Your grip tightens, wrinkling the fabric of Mark’s jacket. His fingers clasping over yours is an odd relief, balanced you as you made your approach.

“Mother?” The King’s voice was laced with confusion and what you’d later recognize as fear. Fear of his mother or wife, you’d never know.

“Hello, my darling. It’s been some time since I’ve graced these halls. Elinia, as radiant as ever.”

The Queen’s smile did not reach her eyes.

“Mark, this is unexpected. Who is...who is this lovely young woman?” Your breath catches. She wasted no time zeroing in on you. Mark seems completely calm next to you, ginning as if everything isn’t about to change.

“Unexpected indeed by joyous nonetheless! Mother, father and my dearest siblings...may I present Y/N...”

You brace yourself.

“...princess of the Ered. Daughter of the Sea Queen.”

The throne room seems to grow cold as ice as his words are processed by those in front of you. His grandmother seems amused but you’re waiting for the explosion.

“What in the heavens did you just say?”

Ah, there it is.

A/N: oof this one was a monster. It would’ve been longer but I figured, I don’t know, maybe ending it here would be a bit of fun. I have the very last line of this thing written on a sticky note in the notebook I wrote all of this down in. I wanted to go all the way but I realized I had other parts of this collab to write. So now I can leave it up to your imagination. And once this gets posted, I’ll post that last line and it can add to your thoughts of how it would’ve played out. She’s lengthy but I hope you enjoyed. Onto the next one. xx

[jammycooks]

My real-life Curry Dex recipe adventure from Pokemon Sword and Shield continues with Sausage Curry. Plus, I teach you how to make your own curry roux to make excellent homemade curry at a moment's notice. Watch it in action here.

Curry Dex Roux:

5 TBL flour

1 TBL garam masala

1 TBL curry powder

1 TBL chili powder

6 TBL coconut oil

Sausage Curry:

1/2 TBL olive oil

1/4 onion, rough chop

1 carrot, rough chop

1/2 Yukon gold potato, rough chop

1 garlic clove

3/4 cups chicken/veggie broth or water

Salt to taste

Sausages of your preference, preferably something a little sweet

Yellow rice, to serve

For Currydex roux: Combine all spices and mix with a fork. Set aside. Spray three small heatproof bowls with no-stick spray.

In a medium pot, whisk together coconut oil and flour. Cook over medium heat until a brick color is achieved, about 15 minutes. Whisk constantly but be carful, it’s very hot! After about 14 minutes turn off the heat and whisk to allow the roux to cool off a bit.

After about a minute, add all your spices and whisk cooking off the heat for about a minute. Then CAREFULLY place your roux in the small bowls, dividing it equally. Allow to cool on the counter, then refrigerate for 2 hours or until solid. Using a knife, break pucks out of the bowl, wrap in foil, and freeze until ready to use.

For sausage curry: In a small pot, sauté onions, carrots and garlic until lightly brown around the edges. Then, add broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook at a low simmer for about 25 minutes or until potatoes are cooked.

Add 1 disk of Currydex roux to the pot. Stir while cooking on low heat until the roux dissolves in the broth. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat. Season to taste. Fry up sausages of choice in a small non-stick pan until cooked.

To serve: Pour curry in a small bowl or plate alongside rice. Top with cooked sausages, and garnish with chives if you like. Serve immediately.

[hansgruberimagines]

How do you think Hans would be with a pregnant s/o? He rolls his eyes at the mention of a pregnant woman in Nakatomi but wouldn’t he be different if it’s his s/o?

My answer... is a mixed bowl. I'm of the belief that no, he wouldn't want kids. But that's just me. I always imagine him at least having disregard for the traditional family - we know very little about his background but going by his professionalism I'd assume he's running a criminal empire of sorts, especially from going by what we see of Simon Gruber and his involvement. He talks about the easy life on the beach, and while it may have some truth to it, he's too much of a schemer ever to give up the high stakes robbery. But would that stop him from wanting kids? Not necessarily. Speaking of Simon Gruber, we also know they have a troubled relationship, so who knows what that says of his wider opinion on his own family - again, would that necessarily translate as him never ever ever wanting his own family? Not necessarily, but if he does I can't imagine it being traditional, possibly some variant of Bonnie and Clyde, or alternatively someone to tether a morality chain and pull it from time to time. Although they're totally different in sooo many ways I'm sort of reminded of how Roux in Chocolat just sort of... shows up from time to time, and it's fine, because that's who he is. Soooo my own sort of kinda conclusion is that were he to become a father he would try in his way but he wouldn't necessarily be 'good' (who is though let's be real and cut him some slack). Anyway headcanons

- it would likely be a happy accident

- he would be protective as hell both of pregnant S/O and their child but possibly not very present physically in their lives, both because he's busy and to avoid endangering people he cares about. He does care, a lot, but as we know, he's cold until he flips to inferno.

- should they ever be threatened by his enemies HEADS. WILL. ROLL.

- obviously provides for top notch house, schooling, etc.

- on the occassion he is present he is tender with the kids if still a little distant and will probably cause some emotional damage because of it.

- "Um, Hans, sweetie, make sure to tell the kids you love them before you go, right?" "Is that not obvious?" "Uh. They're toddlers. They don't get subtlety yet" which is reader for "I love you but you're pretty dumb sometimes for a smart man"

(sorry not sorry entirely. Hans Gruber's Adventures in Emotional Intelligence/Fatherhood.)

[biggoonie]

MARVEL COMICS: THE WORLD OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW TPB

Written by JOE SIMON, STAN LEE, STEVE GERBER, DAVID MICHELINIE, CHRIS CLAREMONT, SCOTT LOBDELL, PETER DAVID, J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI, JOHN NEY RIEBER, ZEB WELLS, MARJORIE LIU, G. WILLOW WILSON, JIM ZUB & MORE Penciled by JACK KIRBY, GIL KANE, GENE COLAN, JOHN ROMITA JR., BUTCH GUICE, MARK PACELLA, RICHARD BENNETT, GARY FRANK, JOHN CASSADAY, TODD NAUCK, MIKE PERKINS, MIRKA ANDOLFO, SEAN IZAAKSE & MORE Cover by STÉPHANE ROUX The Marvel Universe has always reflected the world outside your window — from the moment Captain America charged into battle in World War II to the present day! Marvel’s characters face relevant and real-life issues alongside their extraordinary adventures — from grappling with alcoholism to participating in politics to celebrating diversity and everything in between! These powerful stories from Marvel’s 80-year history feature iconic heroes tackling heavy-hitting subjects including drug abuse, teen suicide, HIV, terrorism, school shootings and more. Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #97, HOWARD THE DUCK (1976) #8, IRON MAN (1968) #128, NEW MUTANTS (1983) #45, ALPHA FLIGHT (1983) #106, UNCANNY X-MEN (1981) #303, INCREDIBLE HULK (1968) #420, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1999) #36, CAPTAIN AMERICA (2002) #1, ASTONISHING X-MEN (2004) #51, MS. MARVEL (2015) #13, CHAMPIONS (2016) #24 and material from CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #2 and AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1999) #583. 320 PGS./Rated T+ …$34.99 ISBN: 978-1-302-92353-2

[marshmallow-bg3]

Durge ask game questions: general + post-nautiloid edition.

18. How does your Dark Urge feel about love?

Tragically (for him) Roux is a romantic person. He wants to love and be loved. He's in love with being in love. He craves connection, affection and intimacy. No amount of past trauma and gory murder can knock that out of him. In the end it's not the sick and depraved shit he has to do in the name of his Father but the mere loneliness of his role as Bhaal's cult leader that leads him astray. Can't bond with corpses. No wonder he fell for Gortash so easily. No wonder he fell for Astarion so easily. He can't help loving. 2. Did your Dark Urge have any romantic and/or sexual relationships prior to their illithid adventure? If yes, who was it with and what was it like? If no, how did they feel about being single? Plenty as a teen, before Sceleritas took him away, both romantic an sexual. Nothing serious, just your usual horny hormonal teen shenanigans. Less romantic and more sexual encounters after that, since his hunting techniques were not much unlike Astarion's, they really could compare notes on that. However seduction murder lost its thrills very soon and he longed for something real - well, at least a little more real than waking up with a fresh corpse every time - ever since. By that time Roux knew he was not allowed any kind of bond. Made him even more desperate for it. Relationship with Gortash was as real as it could get between someone in their positions. They never defined it or admitted their their feelings for each other. It was more sexual and somewhat domestic rather than romantic, but it was there and it was very important to Roux. Gortash was the closest person he ever had in his life, who knew pretty much everything there was to know about him and understood and accepted him in ways no one else did before of after.

[i-run-a-red-dwarf-blog]

(for the ask) Ace Rimmer?

oh fuck yeah

favorite thing about them

A bit cliche, but his general heroism! I really admire his selflessness and bravery. He puts other people before himself and, while an exaggerated swashbuckling hero for sure, he really is doing his best to help people and the universes he visits. Also I like how he doles out nicknames. 

least favorite thing about them

Short life spans. :( If I remember correctly, most Aces don’t last, what, ten years after they start the gig. Plus, they can’t go back to their home dimensions, which sucks. It makes me sad and I don’t wike it.

Also he seems like the kind of dude that everything he says is flirting and everything you say he interprets as flirting, which would be kind of fun at first but in the long run would get aggravating. Sometimes I just wanna say something witty, I don’t want people thinking I’m hitting on them when I’m not. Luckily (? or not?) visits from Ace seem to be pretty brief, so I don’t think he’d have enough time to get on my nerves. 

favorite line

Tie between “Say what you like about me, but I won’t hear a word against Skipper here,” and “My god, it’s me, only much more handsome!” I think these lines are very emblematic of that aforementioned selflessness and also I find his self-deprecating (but not self-loathing! It’s a fine line to walk) charming. I’m charmed. These lines always have me like “Fuck I like this dude”. Also kin on the Skipper line, I too won’t have any slander against my boy!!! 

brOTP

Ace and me. I wanna hang out with Ace so bad. New spin off series pitch: a doctor who style show where he picks up various companions and goes adventuring with them and the first main companion is me. I would also, however, be willing to just steal the Wildfire, I think I could talk Fiona into liking me. 

In terms of show characters uhhh He has almost all his screen time with Lister and they were clearly instant buds (and not just because Lister is predisposed to be fond of Rimmers wink wonk) so my instinct is Lister and Ace but I also think him and Cat play off each other really well so Cat and Ace.

OTP

To the shock of everyone who follows this blog, Ace/A Lister. Not necessarily our Lister, I think they’d be a fling at best, but I love love love the idea of Listers and Rimmers falling in love across universes.  I just like to think that Ace found a Lister out there (that probably didn’t have anything better to do if we’re being honest) that he can pick up and that they adventure together and also maybe they don’t get killed quite so quickly. Maybe because it makes my heart hurt to think of Aces being ultimately alone. 

nOTP

Ace/His original Spanners. Dude’s a lot of things, but a homewrecker is not one of them. I think he would respect Kristine and Spanners too much to interfere in that kind of thing, especially when it seemed like a really solid relationship.

random headcanon

He’s great with kids! Not just when he’s rescuing them or whatever but just general kids love being around him because like he wears aviators! he has a shiny flight suit! He’s basically a real life super hero! He talks funny! How cool is that! Also Jim and Bexley from his universe DEFINITELY called him “Uncle Ace” and having to leave the kids he basically considered his nephews behind was one of the rougher parts of going to a new dimension. Also, interacting well with kids was something he actually knew how to do prior to becoming a spacefarer, it was just a natural talent (and him probably wondering what his dad would do in this situation and doing the exact opposite.)

unpopular opinion

I don’t like his haaaiiiirrr. It’s VERY fitting to his character and honestly it’s not that I actively dislike the look (it certainly doesn’t set off my fight or flight response like SOME haircuts, let me tell you. [Looking at you manbun+ specific styles of beards and also waxed handlebar mustaches. I call these looks portland/physics major chic and I hate them. I also just kind of generally dislike most facial hair? Anyway veering off topic]) but I am biased against it for being straight hair. I love Rimmer’s somewhat unmanageable curls (as a curly haired person, most curls are at least somewhat unmanageable and I love them) and having those curls be a little floppy and looser and longer and relaxed would’ve been EXCELLENT and I was ROBBED grant naylor straightening a character’s hair when they’re like the better version of themselves is the COWARDS and TRAITORS MOVE. Also I would’ve been down for a prog rog show pony hairstyle but I can’t always get what I want. It still could’ve been floofy and full and luscious but it SHOULD’VE HAD CURLS NO I WILL NOT BACK DOWN ON THIS YES I AM BIASED.

song i associate with them

I got a list babey!

“Take my breath away” by Berlin because it’s obviously what was being spoofed in the Ace Rimmer theme by Howard Goodall (which is fantastic by the way) 

“Electric Lady” by Janelle Monae and Solange which is more about like the feel of the song than anything but also…when Aces are holograms…they’re electric people so…

“Here I go again” by Whitesnake and “Hundred Million Miles From Home” by Styx. Similar themes of being constantly on the road and isolated but also kind of in a kickass way. Kickass loneliness. That’s an Ace mood. 

and for our Rimmer as Ace specifically:

“Uptight Downtown” by La Roux, because uhhh it’s a bop and also deals with like..change and stuff. I’m very eloquent. 

favorite picture of them

It’s so hard to pick! He’s a very photogenic and also very silly character so there’s a lot of excellent pictures. So I’m gonna be self-indulgent and pick the pic that’s my icon! 

Side note about icons: I find it very funny that like 90% of Red Dwarf specific side blogs have some form of Rimmer as their icon. 

[drgreg]

The Future Of Medicaid Deloitte Insights

An superb FOUR data had been broken on the day. Our second Subject Music Performance Class was held recently on the 29 October. It was another good concert with some excellent performances by our musicians on a varied vary of instruments together with violin, flute, clarinet, French horn, trumpet, drum kit, xylophone and piano. This morning, for the primary time ever, our little Grade R pupils held a Graduation Ceremony to mark their move from Kingswood Pre-Primary to the Junior School.

To be ready to see the penguins and other birds species in there natural behavior ought to be accomplished at least once in your lifetime. An unimaginably experience- We had been whisked away into the magical world of albatrosses. Birdlife and MSC pulled off a tremendous, unforgettable journey. Incredible initiative to boost funds as nicely for Mouse Free Marion project. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, very nicely organised, simply amazing.

Unique tourism alternative that brought together like minded people from all round the world and showcased what South Africa.is capable of organizing. Great mixture of adventure journey and conservation. A actually Once in a Lifetime journey perfectly orchestrated by the organisers, volunteers, sponsors, and the assumption held by passengers that besides all challenges this TRIP would go forward. This occasion deserves to be recognised as the incredible effort to promote and encourage avitourism. BirdLife SA does sterling work not just for the birds, however for our environment of which we are part and parcel.

Would love to see more of these sorts of packages the place one can mix luxury lodging or even household lodging with spending time in nature guided by specialists and contributing by way of citizen sciences. BirdLife has done and remains to be doing so much for SA birdlife. The Marrion Island trip is one superb dr greg hough is solely one example. I sadly missed the 2022 sailing however went on an earlier four day MSC Flock at Sea cruise which was wonderful and afforded me a couple of species not seen on a 2010 Antarctic birding cruise. I’ll make positive to attend the following cruise and look forward to it with great relish.

Birlife are passionate in bird life conservation and safety of vulnerable fowl species. The Flock to Marion reveals how these projects go hand in hand in attracting and selling tourism each regionally and abroad. Our #WellnessWednesday blog this week comes from our studying help specialist Ms Ghida Bernard. Ghida offers us with a few examination ideas and methods to assist during exam time.

“To qualify, a patient should have a BMI of more than forty and might want to show that he or she has tried repeatedly and without success to achieve weight reduction through a variety of means. Patients must be older than 16 and youthful than sixty five. Suitable candidates should be prepared for lifelong follow-up, should be properly knowledgeable and motivated and have an appropriate dr greg hough threat for surgical procedure. Following evaluation, patient eligibility is confirmed by all members of the bariatric group,” explains Van Staaden. The outcomes of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgical procedure can convey about a lack of about 70% of the patient’s extra weight. Hough, who has been dwelling in Pietermaritzburg since November, listened to the sentencing proceedings virtually final week.

If you cannot donate your time, give your money to this worthwhile quest to make our planet a better habitat for all. The measurement of the ocean, the abundance of the albatrosses and the wonderful talks will stay as our memories of this particular cruise. To have had an opportunity to witness the Wandering albatross and the fantastic thing about the Southern ocean was a real blessing.

The celebration of his life is now more pertinent than ever. The yr during which the world stood nonetheless, driven apart by the covid-19 pandemic. The 12 months in which the world began to understand what actually issues.

We are the who, what and where of healthcare. Eight former sufferers of a Port Elizabeth medical specialist have laid criminal complaints against him — six of sexual assault and two of rape. Update your listing Manage your itemizing at your individual time and comfort through the use of our on-line self-service portal.Lost your password? Click right here and we'll ship your login details to you. Eight former patients of an Eastern Cape medical specialist have laid felony complaints against him — six of sexual assault and two of rape...

[harleyroux]

Happy Halloween, Boos & Ghouls! My uber talented friend, Kim Boyko, invited me to do this super spooky cover with her. Make sure to give it a ‘like’ and subscribe to her channel- she puts out amazing music and your life will be better with her in it.

Enjoy!

[rhianna]

ContributorAbbott, David P. (David Phelps), 1863-1934 ContributorCarrington, Hereward, 1880-1959 ContributorLang, Andrew, 1844-1912 ContributorRobert-Houdin, Jean-Eugène, 1805-1871 ContributorTrain, Arthur Cheney, 1875-1945 ContributorWoodward, P. H. (Patrick Henry), 1833-1917 EditorHawthorne, Julian, 1846-1934 TitleThe Lock and Key Library: The Most Interesting Stories of All Nations: Real Life NotePart 1: Detective stories from real life Part 2: True stories of modern magic ContentsP. H. Woodward Adventures in the Secret Service of the Post-Office Department An Erring Shepherd An Aspirant for Congress The Fortune of Seth Savage A Wish Unexpectedly Gratified An Old Game Revived A Formidable Weapon Andrew Lang Saint-Germain the Deathless The Man in the Iron Mask The Legend The Valet's History The Valet's Master Original Papers in the Case of Roux De Marsilly M. Robert-Houdin [After whom Harry Houdini named himself] A Conjurer's Confessions Self-Training "Second Sight" The Magician Who Became an Ambassador Facing the Arab's Pistol David P. Abbott Fraudulent Spiritualism Unveiled A Doctor of the Occult How the Tricks Succeeded The Name of the Dead Mind Reading in Public Some Famous Exposures Hereward Carrington More Tricks of "Spiritualism" "Matter through Matter" Deception Explained by the Science of Psychology Anonymous How Spirits Materialize LanguageEnglish LoC ClassPN: Language and Literatures: Literature: General, Criticism, Collections SubjectFiction SubjectParapsychology SubjectDetective and mystery stories CategoryText EBook-No.2031 Release DateJan 1, 2000 Copyright StatusPublic domain in the USA.

[drchristineputnam]

M/M romance recs

Here’s a list of my favourites! Organised by genre, with very broad summaries. All of them have HEA, all the m/m romances are the central ones. 

Names in bold have POC protagonists, names in cursive have disabled protagonists (be it physical disability, mental illness or chronic illness). In series with multiple couples, it’s usually one or more.

Feel free to ask me about triggers for any of them!

Historical:

Soldier’s Scoundrel by Cat Sebastian

Disabled regency war vet aristocrat decides to hang around a self-proclaimed ex-criminal helping those who need help. Said ex-criminal tries not to be charmed, ends up catching feelings instead

The Lawrence Browne Affair by Cat Sebastian

Confidence artist grows a conscience and angers dangerous people, so he needs to pose as a secretary to a scientifically minded, but eccentric Lord. Really beautiful portrayal of people on autistic spectrum and anxiety.

The Ruin of a Rake by Cat Sebastian

Posh and straight-laced gentleman has to help a famous scoundrel aristocrat to restore his image after a raunchy novel supposedly based on his exploits gets published. Contains ridiculous amounts of adorable kittens, tasty pastries and also wonderful portrayal of chronic illnesses

Sins of the Cities by KJ Charles

Trilogy set in victorian London, during the horrible London Fog of 1873. Three wonderful and diverse couples (one is half-indian with dyspraxia, one is non-binary, one was born with partial arm, one is near-sighted), murder mystery, fake mediums, lost earls, intrigue! It’s so good 

Wanted, a Gentleman by KJ Charles

A delightful and frankly hilarious regency romp through British countryside. An unlikely couple of men need to travel to Gretna Green to save a young girl from potentially dangerous marriage. One of the protagonists is a black ex-slave merchant and the book touches upon his experiences (very respectfully!)

Society of Gentlemen by KJ Charles

A Society of gentlemen who like other gentlemen, centered around Lord Richard Vane and his friends and acquitances. Set during the radical uprising during the Regency, it has everything- friendships and families, sedition, intrigue, bookstores and good wine, valets being the mightiest strategists and amazing lovable radicals. This trilogy is honestly my favourite thing EVER.

Think of England by KJ Charles

Wounded during the Boer war, seemingly because of treason and betrayal, Archie Curtis sets off to a countryside mansion to get to the bottom of the matter. Completely unprepared for the task, he teams up with Daniel da Silva, the elegant jewish poet, who is much more capable than he seems. Absolutely delightful <333

HISTORICAL PARANORMAL

Whyborne and Griffin series by Jordan L. Hawk

The adventures of a shy sorcerer linguistic nerd, his detective husband, the most badass lady archeologist (the actual love of my life) and more, as they save the world from otherworldly beings bent on destroying it. Will make you cry about found families, strong and wonderful friendships and broken people finding strength in each other. Has magic, archeology, monsters, reluctant travels, lesbian warrior fishes and the best ginger cat in the world.

Hexworld series by Jordan L. Hawk

Turn of the century New York witch detectives and their familiars must fight to uncover a conspiracy plan to change the world. Really amazing worldbuilding, the magic system is very cool and it will make you furious about the treatment of familiars. The familiars are, generally speaking, fucking hilarious.

A Charm of Magpies by KJ Charles

Filthy-mouthed dominant earl falls in love with a stubborn and heroic wizard, together they create magic. A lot of people want that magic though, and it gets ugly. First KJ book I’ve ever read and I fell in love instantly. Has two more books set in the same universe with different protagonists and those are also amazing. (Rag and Bone is the one with black protagonist)

A Death by Silver by Melissa Scott and Amy Griswold

University-era friends need to figure out their confused emotions, while investigating a murder that brings out bad memories. Very good and soft, with even a better sequel

Downtime by Tamara Allen

When in London for a case, FBI agent gets sent back in time to Victorian London. While there, he finds out magic is real. Decides that since he’s there anyway, might as well investigate who Jack the Ripper was. Very sweet and soft

Restless Spirits by Jordan L. Hawk

A medium and a scientist bent on proving said medium to be a fraud get chosen to be in a contest to prove which side is better. They end up having to team up to save lives of people around.

The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal by KJ Charles

Journalist and writer Robert Caldwell has been a close friend and lover of ghost hunter Simon Feximal for years and has been chronicling their adventures. Now, he finally writes the true story of their life together. Warning: this book will absolutely ruin you for years to come. You will be a mess whenever you think of the book and you will enjoy every second of it.

Green Men by KJ Charles

Set in the world of The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal. Only few years after WW1, Britain is still recovering from the war. Having lost an entire generation of youth and most of the sorcerers the country had, those left are completely unprepared for what’s to come. Wonderful characters, the softest romance I’ve read possibly ever and beautifully melancholic. Best KJ book, in my opinion.

CONTEMPORARY

Shadow of the Templar by M. Chandler

FBI agent and his team are tasked with catching a famous international art thief, they end up kinda sorta accidentally adopting him instead. One of the funniest series I’ve ever read, honestly.

Cut&Run by Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban

The incredible adventures on an unlikely pair of FBI agents go from enemies to lovers. Includes serial killers, undercover luxury yacht trips, tiger trafficking, drugs, marine buddies and one of the genuinely best character developments I’ve read. Warning, the first book is a bit shit. The rest is absolutely incredible though.

The General and the Horse-lord by Sarah Black

Retired ex-military lovers need to figure out what to do with their relationship, now that they’re civillians. A soft look at older gay people still figuring out their sexuality.

The Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic

Neil Josten is on the run from his mafia murderous father and gets signed up for a professional college sports team, while people are still after him. It’s a really powerful emotional journey, but contains a large amount of a very triggering content, so be safe please.

 CONTEMPORARY PARANORMAL

THIRDS series by Charlie Cochet

FBI like team consisting of shifters and their partners must investigate conspiracy and threats against the new shifter population. Ridiculously hilarious at times, absolutely heartbreaking at other.

Deep Magic by Gillian St. Kevern

A story steeped in welsh folklore, with beautiful mermaid princes and knights who will save them. Shows the power stories have to change our lives. Plus it’s free so what are you waiting for?

Psycop series by Jordan Castillo Price

A medium detective and his partner investigate a series of supernatural crimes. People are horrible, corporations are horrible, ghosts are horrible and lbr, everything is kinda horrible, but it gets better.

Wriggle and Sparkle by Megan Derr

The adventures of Lynn the Kraken shifter and Anderson the unicorn shifters, their detective careers, and their life together. Honestly adorable. And when I say adorable, I mean sparkles-on-rainbow-filled-cupcake kind of adorable. Also, Lynn’s gender-presentation is fluid and it’s absolutely wonderful.

FANTASY

Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat

Prince gets betrayed and sent as a slave to his sworn enemy, they end up working together to save their countries and fall in love. The best enemies to lovers example. Has amazing and complex politics, unreliable narrator and great worldbuilding. You’ve probably already heard of this book, but if you’re worried about triggers, please ask someone who actually read it, because there’s a lot of misinformation flying around.

Nightrunner series by Lynn Flewelling

The fantasy series of your dreams. There is ancient evil being revived, war is coming, everyone is bisexual and the kingdom is ruled by an ancient line of warrior queens. Everyone is wonderful and charming, characters are complex and the story will make you laugh and cry.

The God Eaters by Jesse Hajicek

Western-style world, where gods are reborn as humans, and one of them tried to control the whole world. It doesn’t go exactly as he planned.

Lord of the White Hell by Ginn Hale

Teenage genius inventor gets accepted to a prestigious boarding school in enemy territory. His room-mate might be demon-possesed and there’s some evil magic lurking around.

Champion of the Scarlet Wolf by Ginn Hale

Somewhat sequel to Lord of the White Hell. Disgraced noble travels to a faraway country, where he saves an injured dog. Turns out the dog isn’t just a dog, magic is everywhere around them and there’s a witch war coming.

Fairytales Slashed vol. 1 by Megan Derr

A collection of gay fairy tales. All kinds of stories with all kinds of characters (my favourite one is the one with the jester <333)

Dance with the Devil by Megan Derr

Adventures of half-ghost detective, his demon husband, imp partner, witch colleague and a vampire. Really cute and intriguing, with mysteries and conspiracies.

Dance in the Dark by Megan Derr

Set in the same universe as Dance with the Devil (there’s an entire series). Human son of a dracula becomes a detective, moves out to the city to help others, and gains a lover who only visits him in the dark.

The Rapier Brothers by Megan Derr

A collection of short stories centered around swordsmen. Three different couples, three really cute stories. Love it.