#The Invisibles Omnibus

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

"...THE ENDURING MYTHOLOGY AND FAN LOVE AFFAIR THAT IS "THE INVISIBLES.""

PIC INFO: Resolution at 1500x2167 -- Spotlight on textless cover art to "The Invisibles" Omnibus by Grant Morrison, published in 2012 by DC Comics. Artwork by Brian Bolland.

"Exactly how close can a writer be to his or her own fictional story? Set aside William Burroughs for a moment. No, wait. Include him.

For fan-favourite scribe, Grant Morrison and his "The Invisibles" comic book series, the answer to that question is, seemingly, perilously close.

For Morrison, putting the main protagonist of his monthly periodical in jeopardy affected the real-life teller of the tale in profound physical ways. And that says nothing to the state of dwindling sales and an acute fear of cancellation. Writer and creation are one and the same, you see, and the panacea, beyond writing the protagonist in more comfortable confines?

A wankathon.

Yeah. You read that right.

And thus is the born the enduring mythology and fan love affair that is "The Invisibles.""

-- BIFF BAM POP!, "Say You Want an Invisibles (Climactic) Revolution," published August 22, 2012

Source: https://biffbampop.com/2012/08/22/say-you-want-an-invisibles-climactic-revolution-on-the-wednesday-run-august-22-2012.

[wickedzeevyln]

The Gift of Healing

We tend to lock it up inside, the ghost within in us. All pent up. We are desensitized and we tend to ignore the rattling chains bound to an unseen foot. We deny it ever haunting us, but it does. We call time to exorcise it from our system until it is purge into oblivion, but it has a grip on us. That’s what betrayal does to people, we are a breakaway resin bracing ourselves against a punch from…

[missadangel]

The Heart of Rome (Marcus Acacius x Ofc!Princess Reader)

All Chapters List

VIII. The Lust, Threat, Tension (+18, Smut, MDNI)

De omnibus dubitandum.

Everything must be doubted…

C.S.

The warmth of the morning sun hits your skin and wakes you up, freeing you from the torturing effects of the strange dream and bringing you back to reality. You hadn't opened your eyes yet, trying to start the new day happily by reliving last night's memories. You heard the first chirping of birds, then a cheerful rooster, then the murmur that you thought came from the small courtyard. Then you felt a gentle but insistent pressure between your eyebrows so you decided to open your eyes.

You were surprised to notice that Marcus had his index finger just above your face. Your head was resting on his arm so you lifted your head to look at his face, he was smiling.

"What were you dreaming about?" You felt his fingers tracing the contours of your spine.

"How did you know I was dreaming?"

"I was watching you sleep and your peaceful face suddenly changed. Was it a bad dream?”

It was not the kind of dream you'd want to talk about, especially on such a romantic morning. Despite all the unpleasant feelings, you smiled at him. "No, it was just a silly dream, I don't even remember it," you lied. 

“Hmm,” He seemed convinced. “How do you feel?”

You made yourself put the dream completely out of your mind to answer sincerely. "Reborn and grateful,” your cheeks burned as you remembered every single moment about last night.

“Reborn?”

“As if my life has just started now,” you explained." It may sound silly, but it feels like everything is better and new. The sky seems brighter, and the sun's light seems to give off a different glow. It's like my life has meaning now.”

A boyish grin appeared on his face. Every time he smiles like that, it blows your mind as if he wasn't the same man who days ago fought fearlessly in the arena, slaughtering gladiators. “Then I must be silly too, because I feel just like you.”

He leaned over and kissed you gently. Your hand went to his hair as you enjoyed this moment, running your fingers through it. You felt that the effect of your dream was completely gone now, Marcus' presence was like an invisible shield, keeping your worries and fears away.

Then, he began to kiss you more passionately, his mouth greedy and hungry for more. His hands move to grab you behind the waist and pull you closer to him. Your heart raced as you realised what he was doing. He pinned you to the bed with his muscular body, leaving no gap. His hands roamed from your hips to your legs, not hurried but eager. This time you opened your legs instinctively, without any concern but with a lot of desire. You could feel him smiling beneath your lips, his light breath through his nose caressing your cheek. You let out a moan of pleasure as he teased you with his touch, brushing against your walls. You clenched the sheets as Marcus' full length entered you roughly, sending shivers of pleasure through your body. He grasped your hand and guided it to his own neck, his eyes sparkling with desire. As his thrusts quickened, you instinctively found yourself digging your fingertips into the back of his neck and back, unable to resist the incredible sensation. Then, he swiftly changed positions, leaning against the head of the bed before pulling you in front of him, your breasts brushing his chest, and causing your back to turn towards the room so you were facing him. You gasped with delight at the sudden shift. He eagerly prodded himself at your entrance once again. This was completely new to you, and you opened your eyes in surprise and looked at him. He smiled mischievously.

"Each other's likes, remember?" he purred into your ear, his hot breath showering your cheeks.

His free hand moved to your hip, pushing you down as he led you on the awaiting shaft underneath.

"A new thing for you to learn, my love," he whispered again, his eyes alight with excitement.

You giggled naughtily. You wrapped your arms around his thick neck and gave yourself to him, feeling safe and excited. This time, it went smoothly. Your wet walls accommodated him with a slick sound while a deep groan was forced out from your lungs. Your back arched at the sight of his full length getting inside you once more, almost as if trying to ease the penetration. Exhaling pleasurably, he didn't waste time as he resumed moving, playing, licking, and sucking your breasts in the process. From this angle, he could push himself deeper with less effort, reaching your sweet spot with more precision and force. Your body bounced up and down at each thrust, eager for Marcus to have you even harder. But as this new position puts more pressure on your walls, on your sweet spot, you are overwhelmed by the sudden wave of pleasure and quickly reach your climax. As you moaned loudly, Marcus couldn't help but snicker and kiss you passionately. "So impatient?”

Your cheeks flushed, and you were pleasantly surprised that your body wanted more. You never thought you'd enjoy it so much that you'd want more every time. Was this lust? It was certainly amazing.

“Get ready for more, princess,” he cooed.

As if in approval, you felt your walls stretching with a pleasurable warmth. He gripped your hips tightly lifted and thrusted hard. He repeated, and then repeated again. He was almost at his limit, and he knew from experience it wouldn't have been long by now. But was determined to make you reach your climax once more. This time his strong fingers dug into your back down to your hips, his hot tongue running between your breasts as you took in short, sharp breaths, gasping when you felt his teeth on them. Soon he was combining his force with a faster pace. His loud moans became mixed with yours, like music in your ears.

A few more strong shoves, and he realized he couldn't hold back any longer, not matter how hard he tried. So he came hard with a wild groan which turns you on hard and thus brings you more pleasure. You threw your head back as he filled you with his warm liquid, sending you over the edge for the second time. As your breathing became regular, he kissed you again, this time adoringly. He broke the kiss, and pressed his forehead to yours, both of you still breathing heavily. "Now that you've completed your duty of pleasing your husband," his fingers slid down the curve of your spine, "Perhaps a hot bath would be a welcome treat, my lady?"

You wiped the sweat from your forehead with the back of your hand. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, General."

He kissed you one last time before getting out of bed.

Tullia and Norell had already prepared your bath, as it was the morning of the wedding night of their Dominus and Domina. The Balneum was filled with a warm, steamy atmosphere, gently blended with the subtle aromas of various flowers floating on the surface of the hot water in the tub. Marcus helped you in and then sat you on his lap. You were amused by the way he treated you as if you were going to run away at any moment. You wouldn't have changed the feeling of being in his arms for anything; it was so wonderful and simple, as easy and natural as breathing. It was as if your bodies had been created for each other by the God Prometheus.

The soft movements of yours caused the lavender flowers on the surface of the water to dance in unison. You picked one and placed it in your palm, leaning your head back against Marcus' chest and inhaling its refreshing and comforting scent. He gently lifted your hair and massaged oil into your neck with his strong fingers. As you relaxed in the tub, enjoying a blissful moment of tranquility, the only sound that could be heard was the soothing burbling of the hot water.

You suddenly felt you missed his voice and his face. It was a pretty unusual feeling, missing him even when you were with him. You turned towards him and offered to give him a massage, just as he had given you one. Your hands traveled over his broad shoulders, neck, and arms, stopping at the wound on his shoulder. It was not fully healed. You swallowed hard as you remembered how sharp the sword was that the gladiator was holding. He noticed your frown and smiled, wrapping his arms around your waist. "I've been hurt worse, so don't worry. Besides, you healed all my wounds completely last night and this morning.” He smirked.

His implication made your cheeks flush, and you smiled shyly. Marcus caressed your cheeks with his wet hand, which smelled like lavender. "You're so beautiful when you blush," he murmured.

You were sure your cheeks turned completely red when you felt him hard between your thighs, right under your hips.

He laughed. “I suppose that this is my way of blushing to you my lady.”

In one quick move, he grabbed you by the hips and lifted you up, pulling closer, causing some of the water to flow out of the tube along with the lavenders, splashing the floor.

Marcus seemed to be quite passionate, having you there, in the water. He didn't seem to tire at all; he was still as thrilled as ever. As strong and determined as he was in battle, he was just the same when making love to you. You wondered if there was a limit to his lust and how much you could keep up with it. This unfamiliar physical pace was so beautiful that you never wanted it to end, no matter how exhausted you felt afterward.

You didn't do anything different on the rest of your first day as newlyweds. Marcus had asked them to bring the food to the room, and you didn't really want to get out of bed with the sheets freshly changed. When he called you to the table for something to eat, you saw Mau at the entrance to the balcony. You realised how much you missed her and ran to take her in your arms. She was purring as she played with your damp hair with her paw.

“It seems like she's pleased to see you again,” Marcus said.

You turned towards him, curious to know what he thought about cats.

“You look like you've met Mau.”

“Mau?' Did you name it? You never cease to amaze me, my lady.” He laughed.

“I had a cat like her in Egypt, she reminds me of it,” you ran your fingers through her black fur.

“We became good friends in your absence,” he said, pouring wine into his glass.

You raised your eyebrows. “I didn't know you liked cats, General.”

Marcus took a sip of his wine. "It.. Mau, keeps our kitchen pantry rat-free. She's a hunter. I'm grateful to her."

You smiled at him, appreciating the softer side of him that he lets you see.

“Come now, sit, you need to eat some food.”

You nodded and put Mau down, she was meowing, she must have smelt the food on the tray. You took a piece of food from the tray, went to the balcony, and put it on the ground. She meowed impatiently and quickly ran towards the food and started eating.

“I'm getting jealous of her,” Marcus complained.

You let out a little giggle and moved towards him. Just as you were about to sit down in the chair opposite him, he stopped you with a flourish of his hand. “Here,” he said, opening his arms wide and pointing to himself.

As you stared at him with confusion, he reached out grabbed your wrist, and pulled you to him, and you found yourself sitting on his lap. You looked at him, batting your eyelashes. His dark brown eyes stared intently into yours, and you felt your heart flutter. “When you look at me like that with your long eyelashes, it feels like an arrow through my heart,” he said with his velvety tone. You blinked again, “Like Cupid's arrow?”

He laughed gleefully. “Like Cupid's arrow,” he repeated. He pressed his forehead to yours and kissed the tip of your nose. “Now, my lady, allow me to feed you.” He took a spoonful of food from the plate on the tray and fed it to you. As you swallowed, you realised how hungry you were. Meanwhile, he was watching you intently. Then you took a piece of bread and brought it closer to Marcus. “I should too, feed my husband, shouldn't I? Open up, General.”

He smiled and opened his mouth. You watched as he chewed, your eyes wandering over his mouth and lips. It was a delight to watch.

While you two were enjoying your romantic lentaculum (breakfast), you decided to ask him about something that had been on your mind for a while. “If I may ask you something?”

“Hmm?”

“When I first came here, I heard you'd been married and divorced before.”

Marcus slowed his mouth movements as he chewed his food and locked his eyes on the food on the tray. You regretted asking that question when the joy on his face gave way to seriousness. He nodded with a half smile. “That's correct. It was an arranged marriage. I was young and dumb.” There was disappointment and sadness in his voice.

“What happened?” you asked softly.

He swallowed slowly, then took a fig from the tray and split it in half. “My father didn't want me to join the army. He thought he could prevent it by marrying me off. He wanted me in the senate like him.” He peeled the fig and fed it to you.

“But you joined anyway?” You asked as you chewed the fig.

“I had to. It was the only way I could stay away from this villa.”

You looked at him with a hint of surprise in your eyes. Marcus responded to your expression with a smile, gently touching your cheek with his hand. “I never loved her. I tried so hard to, but it just wasn't meant to be. As it turned out, she was already in love with someone else.” He slid his hand into your hair, his fingers stroking it slowly from top to bottom as if combing it. “I tried to satisfy my unhappiness on the battlefield, and my physical needs as a man. You can imagine where.”

Your stomach hurt, but not because you swallowed your food without chewing. Suddenly you felt a wave of jealousy sweep through your body. As if the fact that he used to be married didn't torture you enough, now you were sure you will be tormented by the thought of him sleeping with who knows how many women in the whore house. Yes, you definitely regretted asking him that question.

“Did I upset you?” He put his hand on your knee and rubbed it softly.

You quickly recovered your expression, forcing a smile.

“No,” you shook your head. “Please continue, I wish to know everything about you.”

He narrowed his eyes and read your expression, then sighed and continued.

“Well, when I found out she was busy with her lover while I was on the battlefield.” His eyes darkened to black. “I killed him.” His voice was sharp, making you tense. However, you kept your expression still, locked in his eyes. “I divorced after my father died, and I had no one left in the villa. I was alone, a soldier widowed at a young age.” He forced a smile.

“It must be so hard for you. I'm so sorry.” Your voice cracked.

He placed his arm around you and kissed you on the shoulder. "There is no need for you to be sorry, my love. Everything is in the past now." He smiled gently as he stroked your upper arm. “I consider myself extremely fortunate that the gods brought me you. You have not only healed me physically but also emotionally.”

Your heart began to race with excitement as his lips traced a path over your shoulder once more. 'My beautiful Aurelia,' he whispered in your ear, his voice full of love and desire. You inhaled the delicious scent of lavender from his masculine skin, and you felt your eyes closing of their own accord. You felt his lips on yours, right where they belonged. You wrapped your arms around his neck, and you didn't care that the fork in your hand dropped to the floor as he kissed you passionately.  Marcus put one arm under your legs and took you in his arms. Without breaking the kiss, he stood up and rushed to the bed, your giggles echoing through the room.

The soft glow of sunlight that filtered through the window gently roused you from your slumber. As you listened to the birds outside, you became aware that you had perhaps lost track of time. You hadn't left the room for a day except to take a bath. You were having some pretty intense, passionate moments, and you spent the rest of the time discovering your bodies and their needs. As you yawned, you realised you were still tired. All the sexual activity between you and Marcus had made you feel more tired than ever. Your muscles were a little sore as if you had run a long distance without stopping. But it was still so good, being in this room with him, cut off from the outside world, was the best feeling you had ever had or could ever have.

When you opened your eyes and saw Marcus's stunning face right next to yours, you felt your sense of fatigue dissipate. He looked so peaceful asleep, almost as if he were a little boy. As you listened to his breathing, you found yourself wishing for a way to make this moment stop. If only you could stay in this room forever, just the two of you.

You were surprised to feel a warmth and a purring near your feet and looked up. Mau was peacefully sleeping on the sheets, curled up next to your feet. You were about to turn away so as not to disturb her when Marcus's arm reached out to pull you back. You felt his chest against your back and he buried his face in your hair.

“Are you trying to run away, beautiful?” he mumbles, still sleepy.

“Of course not, I-” He tightened his arm.

"I'll find you, no matter where you go, my love." He smells your hair, tickles your neck.

“I'm sure you will, General, I have no such intention.” You turned to him. Mau was awake by your movements, she yawned and stretched then jumped down from the bed.

“So, we’re going to stay in this room like, forever?” You ran your index finger along his collarbone.

“My lady, are you already bored with your husband?" He enquired cheerfully.

"Of course not," you said, looking at him. "How about you?"

"That's not even a possibility. You make the most delicious love noises, whimpers, giggles, and at times, little mewls. Your sweet scent compels me. You drive me crazy. I'll never get enough of you."

You snuggled against his chest contently and inhaled deeply.

He kissed your head, right at the top. "I would love to. Believe me." He said, his warm breath caressing your forehead. "To stay like this forever. I wish that it could be possible."

"Me too," you murmured.

With your head on his chest, eyes closed, listening to his heartbeat, he plays with your hair, letting a few strands brush his face and lips. You're both savoring the moment in your own ways.

Then he sighs. “Another hot bath?”

You nod without lifting your head from his chest. He smiles and sits up in bed, his hands on your shoulders.

“I'll leave afterward, I have to go to the barracks.” He leans down and kisses you on the lips. “But not without having breakfast with my beautiful wife, of course."

“Sounds great.” You smiled.

After a very hot bath with Marcus, he told the slaves to bring breakfast to the room again. Just like yesterday, you had another romantic breakfast together. Then he had to get ready, so you helped him put on the burgundy tunic he usually wore under his leather armour.

"Are you sure about this?" Marcus asked.

"As your wife, I want to dress you, including your armor. Can you teach me how?"

He pouted and smiled. “Hmm, alright then.”

He took the leather armour and came to you. "Hold it carefully, it might be heavy for your delicate arms." You stretched your arms forward with a determined look on your face. Marcus suppressed a smile by pursing his lips and handed you the armour. You were surprised by the weight of it and almost stumbled. Why was it so heavy? Marcus laughed. "Are you alright, my lady? If you want me to help you-"

“I'll manage, thank you.” You didn't want to give up, you tried to hold it with all your strength.

"If you wouldn't mind, could you keep holding it while I put on the focalia (scarf) first?"As he wrapped the focalia around his neck, you realized that he was taking too long. Was he stalling?

"Marcus," you said with a little whine in your voice. He let out a little laugh and then came over to you.

"You know, you could really benefit from building up your arm muscles a bit. They're a little on the skinny side, don't you think?"

"Are you really comparing your muscles to mine? That's not fair, General."

He leaned forward to put the armour over his head. "You just need to be strong enough to protect yourself." He took your hands and led them to the side of his armour where the leather straps were. "Make sure to tie it tight," he demanded.

“Enough to protect myself?” You asked as you tied the straps with great care. You got this part just fine. Marcus took hold of the armour as you tied it and made sure it was fitted snugly against his chest.

"Yes, I've been thinking about it for a while."

You looked at him with one eyebrow arched.

"You need to learn to protect yourself."

“Protect from what?” You asked him as you tied the other side.

He turned his head towards you. "From any danger, my lady."

"I am reassured to know you will protect me, as my husband." You said, smiling at him.

He smiled back, but it seemed as though he was pondering something. You looked at him when you finished tying. "The leather strips are next, aren't they? I'll get-“

He suddenly took hold of your wrist and pulled you towards him. "I will protect you from all harm, Aurelia. I would never let anything happen to you. But, if anything were to occur to me, or if..." It seemed as though he was seeking for the right words. "I would never want you to be left without defense when I am not there to help." His voice trembled slightly.

It was torture for him to imagine you like that.

“Nothing will happen to you, Marcus, I won't let it.” You felt a pang of sadness at his words.

He smiled and embraced you, you rested your head on his chest, feeling the surface of leather underneath your cheek. You placed your hand on the medusa, your fingers tracing her eyes.

"It would be wise for us to be prepared for anything, though. I'll teach you.”

“Learning to fight? I’m sure I'll be a terrible student.”

He laughed at your expression and kissed you gently on the lips, lovingly.

“Well, as a General, I am a good teacher.” He said, breaking the kiss.

You pouted your lips. He caressed your cheeks with the back of his hand. Then, as he was showing you how to put leather strips on the shoulder, there was a knock at the door. Cato came in and looked at him in surprise.

“Sir?”

"Cato, my dear wife dressed me in your absence.”

Marcus leaned on the edge of the desk and stretched his arm forward as you tied one of the armbands.

"I'm apologizing for that, sir." He bowed his head.

"Have you completed the task I instructed you to do earlier?”

As you tied the other armband, you wondered what it was but didn't think much about it. It was obviously something to do with his work.

"Yes sir.”

“Good.”

"Here." You said, your voice brimming with joy as you finished tying it.

"Thank you, my lady. I feel safer now that you've dressed me with your blissful hands." He kissed your hand and then your cheek, making you giggle.

Cato seemed embarrassed and looked away.

Marcus cleared his throat and stood up. "Let's get going, Cato," he said, giving him a pat on the shoulder.

You also accompanied them as they exited the room. On your way down the stairs, you observed Norell sweeping the floor in the courtyard. When she saw you, she paused and bowed her head. Cato looked at Marcus as he descended the stairs. “Sir, if you'll excuse me, I have something to say.”

“Say it,” he said without looking at him, gesturing with his hand.

“I was wondering if I could start training with the troops as a real soldier now. Since my lady can help you with the armor.”

Marcus stopped and looked at him, a frown forming on his face. "A real soldier?" You think you're ready to join the army already?

Cato gave a little nod, looking a bit unsure.

Marcus gave a stern look and commanded, "Draw your sword!"

Cato was a bit confused at first, unsure of what to do, but he reached for his holster to draw his sword. But he was too wound up, his hand was shaking, and he had just reached for his sword when Marcus, with great skill, quickly drew his own sword and pointed it at his throat. "And you're dead."

“Gods!” Cato opened his eyes wide and took a deep breath.

You and Norell laughed at Cato's expression.

Marcus quickly sheathed his sword and punched him on the shoulder with his fist as if in a warning. "You can't even draw your sword properly. How can you join the troops and fight the enemy on the front line?"

He rubbed his shoulder. "I was caught off guard, sir. I apologise."

"We'll practice sword drawing today. Now, go and wait for me by your horse. Move!"

“Yes sir!”

You stepped towards Marcus as Cato left the courtyard. "That little rascal." He muttered.

"Aren't you being a little hard on him, General?"

"It's for his own good. He sometimes has a hard time keeping up, but he's a determined boy. I should pay a little more attention to his training now. I have been very busy with the other commanders lately."

You suddenly remembered what Julia told you earlier.

"Are you talking about your legates?"

"That's right."

"Do you have confidence in them?"

Marcus narrowed his eyes. "I'd be lying if I said yes, but why do you ask? May I know?"

"When I was staying at the Domus Severiana, Julia said something to me the night before the game." You swallowed as you remembered that moment. Marcus was listening intently. "She said there were soldiers in the Legates who could take your place if you lost the fight."

Marcus crossed his arms. "I think I have a guess." Then he put his hand on your shoulder. "I appreciate you letting me know," he kissed your forehead. "I need to take my leave now," his fingers ran through your hair. "Wait for my return." He leaned close to your ear. "I'll be looking forward to the night, my beautiful wife.” He gave you a wink and a smile, then turned and left the courtyard at a brisk pace.

You inhaled deeply feeling like you missed him already, but this was the only place you felt completely relieved. His home, your home. You turned towards Norell who was still sweeping the floor and seemed a little shy, so you went over and gave her a hug.

"I've missed you a lot," you said, stroking her ginger-coloured hair.

She was a little hesitant at first, but then she hugged you back. "I missed you too, Domina, I mean my lady, um, princess Aurelia.”

You chuckled. “Please, just call me Aurelia when it's just us.”

She nodded happily.

"Where is Decima?”

"She was feeding the chickens. Um, she told me everything, I'm glad you got her out of there.”

"It's good to see you've got on so well with her.”

A little later, Decima showed up in the courtyard. You called her over, held out your hands, and she held them. "How are you doing, my lady? Is the marriage going well?" She winked at you and gave you a quick look over. "You look a little tired."

You felt your cheeks burning, and Norell let out a little chuckle.

“Because you're keeping your Domina up, let me some rest.” You joked and sat down on the triclinium (couch) in the courtyard. Tullia came running over and looked at the girls angrily. You yawned involuntarily as you leaned on the couch.

"Don't you girls have any manners? Get your Domina something to drink now!”

Norell gave a gentle nod and poured you a glass of wine, which she then handed to you. "Here, my lady," she said, offering you.

"Is there anything else we can get you, Domina?" Tullia was quite a bit older than you, and you felt it would be inappropriate to order her around.

"No, thank you, Tullia."

"Once you've finished your rest, I would like to show you something, my lady," Tullia said. "The General instructed me to do so.”

You took a sip of wine and looked at her, your curiosity piqued. “Now that my husband has instructed you, first, I would like to see what it is.”

Norell and Decima exchanged glances, they must have known already. You took their arm as Tullia led the way.

“Now, tell me, what's going on?”

“You'll see in a minute.” Norell smiled.

"I'm sure you'll like it," Decima assured you.

Tullia stood in front of a door on the other side of the small courtyard where the kitchen was. She opened it and invited you with her hand.

“Please, come in, my lady.”

You released their arms and stepped inside. The room was modest in size, with an array of shelves, a desk, and a mattress. As you perused the shelves, you were amazed to find herbs, vials, tools, and other essential items for a medicus. On the table was a leather bag that seemed similar to one you had previously owned. Your face lit up with a beaming smile. "Did the General have all these items prepared for me?”

“Yes, they are all fresh and new, and will be replenished as you need them, my lady,” Tullia replied.

How much more can I possibly fall in love with this man? You thought to yourself, your heart brimming with love and admiration.

As you were looking at the shelves, observing the herbs, you noticed a smell that immediately caught your attention. It was the same smell you had heard before, the smell of that deadly dangerous plant. Decima reached for the shelf, but you quickly pushed her hand away. “Don’t!"

“It's hemlock, don't touch it.” You looked at Tullia. “Has anyone touched this plant?”

She opened her eyes wide. “Y-yes, one of the slaves-“

“Is that why he's sick?” Norell interrupted.

“Sick?”

"He hasn't been feeling well since yesterday," Decima explained.

"Take me to him," you ordered. "And put this plant in a jar, but hold it with a cloth, don't touch it with your bare hands.”

They nodded in agreement. Norell and Decima took you to the slave boy. He was in the east courtyard with the other male slaves. Fortunately, he was in better condition than you thought. You went back to your little clinic and prepared a mixture of herbs for him. Decima helped you and Norell took it to the slave boy to drink. As you went through the shelves again, organizing the herbs that needed to be stored and dried, footsteps echoed in the courtyard and one of the slaves hurried over to you. You could tell from the look on his face that he was about to say something you wouldn't like.

"Domina, a guard has arrived from the palace. He says you are summoned from Palatine Hill.”

Decima looked at you, but you were looking at the slave. It's only been two days since the wedding. What the hell was this?

"Please tell him that I am unable to leave until my husband returns." You placed the plant you had in the jar and closed the lid. The slave nodded and promptly exited the room and returned to the courtyard.

"Could it possibly be Emperor Geta?" Decima asked.

"I am uncertain, but it does not seem to be an urgent matter. I will speak with Marcus when he returns. I might visit tomorrow.”

At that moment, the footsteps from the courtyard were louder, and it was evident that the individual approaching was clad in armor.

"Princess, Emperor Caracalla requests your presence. I urge you to accompany me," he stated in a tone that was both authoritative and ominous.

You knew Caracalla well, so it seems likely that he would have given this guard clear instructions. You felt sure that he wouldn't leave without you. You took a moment to find your composure and then stood up.

“I'll be ready shortly. Could you wait outside?”

The soldier nodded and walked out of the courtyard.

“Are you sure you'll be back by the time the General arrives?” Decima asked. She followed you out of the room.

“I hope so. Can you give me a hand with my attire?”

She nodded, “I'll come with you, my lady. I can't leave you alone.”

Norell rushed to your side. “Let me help too, my lady.”

You remembered how she dressed you back then. “Yes, please.”

Now that you were a married woman (matrona) you had to wear the stola, which only married women and Vestal priestesses could wear. Your clothes and jewellery had already been brought and placed in Marcus' room.  As you got dressed with the girls' help, you thought about what Caracalla wanted. It was tricky to know what he wanted, and there were lots of possibilities. Norell put a light pink stole over your long tunic, with gold and pearl embroidery from the shoulder to the end of the sleeve which came up to the elbow.

She proceeded to wrap a palla (shawl) of a similar hue and design around your waist and over your head. You then held the ends in your hand and adjusted it by tugging a little. She proceeded to gather your hair to one side, braid it and pin it with gold-embroidered hairpins. She then placed a jewel on top of your head, which resembled a crown. You then became aware that you had missed her dressing you; she did it with enthusiasm and seriousness. Even more so than Geta's slave girl.

“Thank you, Norell."

She smiled at you, but her expression also conveyed a hint of concern.

“We should leave now, Decima. I want to be back before dusk.”

She nodded and followed you. As you exited the courtyard, you felt somewhat unusual being wrapped in this new dress, but you liked it. The guard was waiting for you by the carriage and helped you into it, after all the stola was long enough to cover your feet. Decima sat next to you, and you held her hand the whole way, as you felt more secure having her with you.

Upon your arrival at the Domus Severiana, the sun was nearing the horizon. As you entered the great courtyard, you first paid respects to the statue of your father. You were informed that Caracalla was awaiting your presence in the great hall. You said Decima to wait there, and headed with the guard to the long hall to meet your half-brother. It was not often that they were in the private hall, which was reserved for political and policy meetings. These meetings were only convened when something of importance occurred or when documents required stamping.

However, it is clear that Caracalla was more interested in that sort of thing, whereas Geta did not take it seriously at all. As you approached the imposing door of the hall, you looked around. Geta was nowhere to be seen. You had only wanted to see him, not the other one, but still. Two guards greeted you and opened the door for you to enter. Caracalla was standing in the center of the hall with a sword in his hand. He was looking at someone on their knees with their hands tied behind their back. When he recognized you, he opened his hands wide.

"Ah, my dear sister, you have made it. Come dear, come closer." Said with a gesture that includes all ten fingers.

"I'd like to know why you've summoned a married woman when my husband is not at home.”

Your eyes met those of the man on the floor, and you realized with a start that it was Gaius. His face was rather disfigured, with a noticeable amount of blood and bruises. That was rather unexpected. "It is an urgent family matter, something your husband doesn't need to be involved in," he said, in a somewhat abrupt manner.

"Why is Sir Gaius tied up like that? What's going on?"

"We will decide his fate. I have ideas that will be fun to execute, but I wonder what you think."

You swallowed, you didn't like Gaius, but Caracalla's 'ideas' were usually the most bloody and violent ones.

“You can't do this!” Gaius barked. “My reputation-”

Caracalla hit him with his other hand. “Shut up, you cunt! If you cared about your reputation much you should never have returned to Rome!”

Gaius grunted as he spat on the floor.

You were getting tense. “Why exactly are you doing this?” You asked him.

“Why do you think he wanted to marry you? Was it because he was in love with you? Why did he retain that letter? To usurp the throne, of course." He brandished the sword at his throat. "That is what he had always intended.”

He was right, Gaius already admitted it to you before.

"Whoever threatens me will face the consequences." He then pointed the sword at you. "That includes you.”

You gasped, and stumbled back. Then you heard the sound of the door opening.

"Are you insane? What the hell are you doing?" Geta rushed through the door and stood in front of you. "Brother, we're here for this cunt, Gaius. What does Aurelia have to do with this?”

"Cease your dramatics. We're just talking.” Caracalla growled.

“Point your sword at the traitor then, not our sister.” Geta barked.

Caracalla rolled his eyes and passed the sword to the guard next to him. Geta turned to you and gave you a hug, which startled you. He pulled back and smiled. “I missed you, sorry to call you over for a filthy rat.” He turned his gaze to Caracalla. “Our brother was eager to butcher his cousin.”

"You could have managed it yourselves, then. Why did you feel the need to summon me?" You crossed your arms, trying to maintain a calm demeanor.

"So what do you say? The game?" Geta asked Caracalla, his eyes alight with excitement.

"Yes, I want that! It makes total sense."

Geta turned to you, his grin widening. "What do you think, should our cousin set foot in the arena? Oh, it's just so much fun even thinking about it."

You observed Gaius's concerned expression. “ I wouldn't say it's fun since he can't even fight.” You said quietly, surprised at yourself for feeling a little sorry for him.

“It'll be when he finds himself before the tigers.” Caracalla laughed.

Gaius swallowed hard. You tensed up, too, remembering how big and fierce the tiger was.

"Can't you just kill him?" you asked, voice cracking a little.

But your brothers had already made up their minds.

"It's two to one, the decision's been made," Geta said.

Caracalla looked at the guards. "Take this one to the dungeon. He'll be lunch for the tigers in the arena tomorrow.” He laughed so loudly, his voice reverberating off the marble walls of the hall.

"NO! YOU CAN'T! NO!" Gaius wailed.

Geta watched him dragged roughly outside by guards. Then turned towards Caracalla.

“It's so hard to wait until tomorrow.”

Their laughter hummed in your ears as you focused on Gaius' protests and shouts, it was horrible to see a man punished like this, no matter what his crime was.

As the guards forcibly led him away, you turned your eyes Caracalla. "He is, after all, one of our blood, a member of the Severan dynasty. It is unlikely that news of his execution will be well received in Leptis Magna."

A self-confident expression spread across Caracalla's face. "I am the emperor, and as such I am entitled to act as I see fit. It is unlikely that they will dare to interfere with me."

"With us, brother," Geta looked at him sharply.

Caracalla forced a smile. "Yes, of course.” Then he turned towards you. “I told you you'd be a widow if you chose him,” he said with a smirk.

“But I didn't,” you said, unsure of the implication on his face.

"Oh yes, you chose the General, although he is not entirely without fault."

You felt a shiver run down your spine.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Do you truly believe that the reason he married you was entirely innocent?"

You turned your gaze to Geta, who was crossing his arms, his expression matching his brother's.

"What do you mean?" Your voice was trembling.

"Oh, our sister is unaware of her own significance," Caracalla muttered.

“I agree.” Geta snapped.

You took a deep breath and forced yourself to calm down. "The General didn't know who I was when he met me. He married me because he fell in love with me."

Caracalla's laughter startled you. "Of course, I'm sure he did. We know of his plans with some of the legates. He hides himself well, but we can't be entirely sure. Has he told you about his plans? Perhaps you can find out for us?"

You crossed your arms, angry. "Oh so that's it, that's why you called me here. You want me to sell my husband out to you?"

Caracalla was looking you in the eye. 'Are you putting your husband before your family?' His voice was threatening.

Geta stepped between you and extended his hand.

'She didn't mean that, brother.'

You remained still. "General Acacius is my family, just like you. If he hasn't betrayed you all this time, he never will."

"He better not." Caracalla stepped back and sat back in his chair.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I must return home." You said and turned round.

"I shall accompany you," Geta said. You left the hall together. While you two walked by the fountain, he turned his head towards you. “Do not praise General Acacius in Caracalla’s presence,” he said in a stern voice.

“What?"

“Don't make him become a threat, that's all he wants.” He warned you.

You looked at him, his expression was so weird that you couldn't make sense of it.

“What about you? Don't you see him as a threat?”

“I may not like him, but I have no intention of killing him. However, I don't trust him either.” He smirked.

You were surprised that Marcus had the same opinion about him. Geta was many things, but he wasn't the dangerous one.

“One more thing. Don't take what he says about your husband seriously, I know he loves you, otherwise I wouldn't have let him marry you.” His eyes were on you, watching you intently.

You cleared your throat and averted your eyes. Geta inhaled deeply.

“I've missed you, it's so boring here in your absence and mother too.”

“Where is Lady Domna?” You asked, not out of curiosity, but because you sensed the sadness in Geta's voice and to change the subject.

“In Syria, I think. With the other members of the Severan dynasty.”

“Why did Caracalla send her away, anyway?”

“Mother, she wanted to marry him off. You know, the emperor must have a son eventually. I'm fortunate he's the older one.” He grinned.

“But he didn't want to marry?”

“No, not yet, I suppose. It's pretty annoying that he trusts Macrinus more than our mother.”

Just then Macrinus as if he heard his name being mentioned, stepped into the courtyard. He recognised you from a distance, greeted you, and hurried over to the big hall to meet Caracalla.

“I thought this was supposed to be a family meeting?” You said sarcastically.

Geta was watching him from a distance. “As I said, sister, Caracalla trusts him more than anyone.”

At that moment, you had a sudden insight. Gaius... Macrinus was the one who brought Gaius to Rome. He put him before the council, before Caracalla, even though he knew his purpose. Then when Gaius wanted to marry you, he became an open target. But why? What did he get out of all this? Suddenly, what he said to you earlier echoed in your mind.

‘You're not seeing the whole picture.’ You felt your body froze, or was he trying to clear his path to the throne? Could it be? Gaius was the likely choice if something happened to Caracalla and Geta. Now that that option is gone, who is his next target? You looked at Geta. Was it him?

“Why are you looking at me like that?" Geta asked in surprise.

Could it be that the reason he sent Julia was to get rid of Geta? You suddenly felt a loss of balance and could no longer feel your feet. Geta quickly wrapped his arm around you.

“Sister, are you alright?”

“My lady!” Decima ran to you.

“I'm alright,” you said, gently pushing Geta's arm away. He frowned. “I'm just a bit tired, I need to go home, please.”

Decima put her arm around your waist as you walked out of the courtyard.

‘You are going to attend the game tomorrow with your husband. Make sure you inform him.’ Geta reminded you.

You looked at him with a hint of apprehension as he smiled warmly. “Have a good night, sister.”

You felt somewhat uneasy about leaving him alone under the same roof as Caracalla, but you knew there was little you could do about it.

You took a deep breath as the carriage moved off. You knew that coming here would put a damper on your mood. You hated to be right. Decima held your hand tightly.

“Are you sure you're alright?”

You smiled at her. “Yes, I am.”

The coachman let out a loud swear word and the carriage shook violently. You nearly fell out of your seat.

“My lady, forgive me, but this silly boy jumped in the middle of the road.”

“Get back here!”

Another man's voice rang out down the street, followed by the cries of a child. When you popped your head out of the car, you were pretty mad at what you saw. The man was beating the boy viciously.

You got out of the carriage, and Decima was a little unsteady in her steps as she tried to keep up with you.

‘Stop! Stop it! Now!’ You shouted the man.

The man's eyes widened as he eyed you up and down. You lifted the boy up and put your arm around him, he grasped the fabric of your dress hiding behind you.

'Why are you hitting a little boy?'

'But my lady, he stole apples from my stall.'

You looked at the boy, who was ashamed.

'Decima, could I have my pouch, please?' you asked, holding out your hand.

She nodded and got it for you, handing it over. You took some coins from it and gave them to him, which was enough to buy a sack of apples.

'Thank you, Gods bless you, my lady,' he bowed his head, squinting at the boy, then turned and walked away.

'Are you Princess Aurelia?' the boy looked at you curiously.

You smiled at him and crouched down.

'Yes, I'm Aurelia. May I ask your name, young man?' You looked at his face. He was dirty and his clothes were torn.

'I don't have a name, nobody in the poorhouse has a name.'

'Poorhouse? Oh, you stole an apple because you were hungry then?' It was heartbreaking. A little boy doesn't deserve to live like this.

'No, my mother just had a baby, but she couldn't eat anything, so I was taking it to her because the baby was crying all the time, and mother's breast milk didn't come in.’

This upset you even more. You felt your stomach tighten and your eyes well up with tears. You took the child's hand. 'Let's get some food for your mother, then.'

The child's eyes opened wide in surprise. ‘Really? Are you going to pay?'

You gave him a smile. 'Yes, my little dove.'

Decima approached you hesitantly. 'My lady, maybe you should ask the guards to do it? It could be dangerous.'

'Why? They're just poor people.'

'It's dark now, the General might be upset if he-’

'Don't worry about that, Decima, we'll be back when we're done. He'll understand.'

Decima gave a little smile. 'How can you be so kind-hearted like this?'

'They're my people, so it's my duty to look after them.'

'It seems your brothers have a different view on this.'

You gave her a look, and she swallowed. 'I'm sorry, I didn't mean-

“No, no. You’re right, they don't care about these people at all.’

When you got to the Poorhouse, you almost wished you'd done what Decima said. Life here was a different story to what you'd find elsewhere in the city. It was pretty brutal, grueling and painful.  There were a lot of people here. The situation was pretty dire. This was actually an old ruined insula, but these people had taken refuge here, living on the street and on the cobblestones. When they recognised you, they all looked a bit surprised. The kids ran over to you, looking you up and down, tugging your dress curiously, and taking a good look at the food in your hand. The boys’ mother was lying on an old mattress with the baby, and, she was really surprised to see you. The boy told his mother what had happened, she started crying with happiness. You were able to feed these people today, but you didn't know what would happen tomorrow.

The guard who picked you up from the villa came running to you a little later.

“My lady, the coachman said you were here. Did these rats hurt you?”

He looked at them angrily and pushed a boy away with his hand in disgust.

“That's nonsense! Why would they hurt me?”

You looked at the children and smiled. Decima was handing them the apples you'd brought, and they were singing as they ate. You turned to the guard.

"Come with me," you commanded, beckoning him outside. “You are to bring food supplies here every week.”

“But, my lady, they’re just homeless and poor people.”

“So? Are you suggesting that they are undeserving of life?”

“No, I'm saying-“

“Do as I say and assign two men here. One to distribute food and the other to bring supplies. I will come and check on this place every week, do you understand me?” You spoke firmly and with conviction, and it seemed to work.

“Yes, my lady.” He bowed his head.

“Good, now take me back to the villa.”

The imperial carriage arrived at the villa in the late evening. Decima helped you out and, since it had been a long day, you were feeling pretty tired. As the carriage drove away, you stepped towards Tullia, who was waiting for you at the courtyard gate of the villa. She smiled in relief.

“My lady, thank Gods you arrived before the General returns.”

“He hasn't arrived yet?” You were surprised but relieved as well.

However, just as you were about to step inside, the sound of two horses galloping was heard from down the road. All three of you suddenly became tense and looked at each other with wide eyes.

“Aurelia!”

The General's voice was loud and it came to you like ‘now you're in trouble’. You turned to look at him, he jumped off his horse and came towards you, his face stern and curious. Cato dismounted from his horse and grabbed the harnesses of both horses.

Marcus looked you up and down. “Are you going somewhere at this hour?”

You swallowed, Tullia and Decima bowed to the General and went inside. Cato and the others headed to the corral to tie up the horses.

‘I, uh-’

Marcus wrapped his arms around your waist. “Or are you dressed so elaborately for me?” He smirked. ”No need, my love, you're so beautiful already." He leaned down and kissed you. “I missed you so much, today has felt endless.” He took your hand and pulled you inside with him.

“I went to Palatine Hill.” you suddenly said. "Caracalla summoned me."

Marcus paused in the middle of the courtyard, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. His expression became somewhat stern. “What does he want at this hour?”

“Can I tell you while we eat? You just came, I assume you must be hungry.”

"That is correct,” he said and turned towards Tullia. “Bring our supper to the room.” He then proceeded to lead you by the hand towards the stairs. His grip on your hand was firm and somewhat painful, indicating his tension.

When you got to the room, he released your hand and removed the holster from his waistband.

‘Allow me,’ you demanded and approached him. Marcus stood still, his dark brown eyes on you.

'He actually called me over, earlier,' you said as you removed the leather strips from his shoulders.

Marcus frowned. He averted his gaze as you undid the strings of his armour.

'What did he exactly want?'

'He's going to throw Gaius to the tigers tomorrow.'

He raised his eyebrows, clearly thinking but not seeming surprised. 'It's not the first time for him to throw someone before animals, but I wonder why his cousin?'

'They're expecting to see us at the Colosseum tomorrow to watch the game.' You extended your arms to the other side but he stopped you by grabbing your shoulders.

'Aurelia, I asked you why.' His brown eyes piercing yours. You blinked your eyes a few times.

“He stated emphatically that Gaius had betrayed him and coveted the throne.” He narrowed his eyes, dissatisfied with your answer. He knew you well and needed to hear more. “Also he said that's why he wanted to marry me – that he'd always planned it so."

He released your shoulders and his expression softened as you began to untie the strings of the other side of his armour.

‘He didn't say anything about me?’

You paused for a moment but kept untying. ‘He suspects you're up to something. But he can't be sure, so he asked me to rat you out to him.’

Marcus took off his armour with your help.

‘What did you tell him?’

‘I said that I can't do that, of course.’ You reached for his arm to take off the armband, but he grabbed your arm first and pulled it to himself.

‘You should have done what he said,’ he murmured.

You looked at him with wide eyes. ‘Marcus, how could-’

‘To trick him, my love. You must lie.’ He wrapped his arm around your waist.

‘I see your point. You’re right. I should've. I will next time.”

He smirked and squeezed your cheek softly. “You’re just so innocent.” He kissed your cheek then.

You smiled, but you couldn't help but feel a hint of concern deep inside you. "Marcus, you know how ruthless he is. Please be careful.”

"There is no need for concern. I believe everything is going as I predicted. I found the rat among the Legates who was spying for him and Macrinus. I will take my steps accordingly.”

"Is his intention to seize the throne?”

"Macrinus? I think so, but I'm not sure how to prevent him from making his move.”

You were feeling a bit nervous that Marcus might be putting himself in danger. Macrinus was a dangerous and clever enemy. You were suddenly reminded of that dream you'd had. Your mother's voice echoed in your ears again. 'Think.' Could he be the real threat? To you? To Marcus?

Marcus was observing your face, “It bothered you, didn't it? Let's put that aside for now.”

Just then, there was a knock at the door and Norell brought your supper. 'Just the right moment,' Marcus said with a smile.

Once she left, Marcus turned towards you. "Let me help you out of that dress so you can eat more comfortably."

He helped you remove the palla and the stola, leaving you both in your tunics. You felt really relaxed.

"I'm going to have to get used to this dress; it covers me quite a bit," you said with a laugh.

Marcus smiled. "It looked good on you. I must say, though, that I prefer you undressed.”

He smiled when your cheeks flushed and pulled you closer, offering a kiss. Then he sat down next to the table and sat you on his lap again, which you got used to immediately because you liked it. You had eaten a little when Mau came running from the balcony and jumped on your lap. This caused you to reflexively pull your hand back, but you forgot that you were holding a glass, so the wine spilled on you and a little on Marcus. You looked at him with wide eyes.

“Apologies. Mau, look what you did!”

You took her off your lap, your white tunic was soaked with red color of wine.

“Too bad,” you mumbled, attempting to clean it with a cloth, but it seemed to be ineffective.

“I wouldn't say that.”  Marcus' eyes were locked on your breasts and nipples, which were on full reveal thanks to the wine. Like an open invitation for him. His breathing became heavy, and he supported you around the waist with one hand, lowering his head to your breasts. He was like a hunter approaching his prey. Your heart began to beat rapidly with a thrilling anticipation. As his prey, you stood still and waited impatiently for what he was about to do, closing your eyes. You gasped when his hot breath hit your wet skin, and you felt his tongue on your sternum, biting your lower lip hard. "Mmm, delicious. It is, without a doubt, the finest wine I have ever tasted." He smirked mischiveously.

You giggled and wrapped your arms around his neck. "I believe I have accidentally included myself on the menu."

His eyes met yours, and a spark of desire ignited in your soul. "I'm going to enjoy eating you.”

Then he kissed you passionately, hungrily. Meanwhile, Mau was enjoying the food on the tray, but you were preoccupied to pay her much attention. Marcus was holding you in his lap with one hand and undressing you with the other. His fingers were eager than ever, and in the process of undressing you, they ripped the fabric of your tunic. Which was a massive turn-on for you. Once you were completely naked on his lap, he stood up and hurried you to the bed, accompanied by your giggles.

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[olderthannetfic]

I've done some reading challenges before and I think they can be fun if they have a purpose: for instance, something like the Read Harder challenge, ones that encourage you to read from different genres or read more diverse books, etc. I have a sort of evergreen challenge where I encourage myself to read more books written by authors from different countries, and keep a spreadsheet of which countries I've "read." (I also do this with other kinds of entertainment like movies.) But it's definitely true that some of them just seem to be for the gimmick and aesthetic, and for people who prize quantity over quality of reading in a sort of commodity-fetishism (as they're prizing books as markers of intelligence over the actual experience of learning and expanding your world via reading). Like when the challenges start to be things like "read a book with an orange cover" that's where I start to roll my eyes a bit, haha.

I will say that while I try not to be a snob about reading, it does drive me nuts when I've had people lord over how many more books they've read or how many more pages when they're reading beach reads and YA and other easily digestible stuff whereas I'm reading stuff that is heavier. One time when I was working some crappy minimum-wage job in college, I was reading this big omnibus of all Jane Austen's works (because I was taking a class on her where I was required to read those, not that I wouldn't read Austen otherwise lol) on my break, and one of the other employees asked me how many pages it was and I answered and he was like "pfft, that's nothing, I read all the Harry Potter books in a week and they're more than that!" And I wanted to be like.... yeah, me too, dipshit. I mean, I didn't literally read them in one week, but when each one came out, I devoured it within a day or two like a lot of people did, despite it being 800 pages. Because Rowling's prose is really easy to gobble up like that. Not that Austen is impenetrable or anything (I don't think she is and I think that's precisely why she remains so evergreen popular), but she does require more effort than *that*, particularly when you're reading her work for a literature class where you're expected to write a paper analyzing it, so you want to linger to make sure you really deeply understand it.

I've read academic monographs that were 150 pages long that took me weeks to get through, and I've read 800-page bestsellers that I ripped through in a few days. Pure page length does not determine how long it takes to actually read something. I mean.... in fandom we should all be aware of this, how many of us have devoured some 100k fic in a night or two? As someone who has written some of those academic monographs myself and therefore is familiar with how word count tends to relate to book page length, I can verify for you that that is the equivalent of devouring a novel in the same time frame. But it's a lot easier to do that when you're reading relatively invisible prose and are invested in your OTP getting together (or whatever) vs. if you're trying to digest someone's very dry and convoluted argument about Foucault.

--

I just read all of Scum Villain in about five minutes, yeah. And it was great, but nothing to brag about as an achievement.

I've got this friend who goes on about reading sooooo fast but then admits to often rereading to catch things that she missed the first time. It came up when I was explaining how seldom I reread or rewatch anything. I tend to remember it far, far too keenly after one time through, and it just doesn't hit the same a second time. I still read pretty fast, but not that fast.

I don't think it's snobby to roll your eyes at people who clearly don't grasp the difference between different difficulties of reading and—this is key—who are trying to wave their dick at you about how great they are. They started it!

The time I do roll my eyes is when people think you should read mega hard prose in order to learn, especially in order to learn vocabulary or get faster at reading. That's not what the science says. (Apparently, the fastest way to improve on that kind of thing is to read mass quantities of faintly hard-for-you stuff, not stuff that's hard hard.) But to learn how to decode confusing arguments? Yes, absolutely.

I do wish people would put a little more effort into unwinding their own tortured syntax on Foucault though.

[jackalgirl-01]

Unlikely Allies (Infidget Discord Secret Santa 2023 gift exchange) [complete]

Sticky note/Author's note: Christmas/Secret Santa gift for mamma panda on discord

********

It was something unexpected to say at least, he knows that both he and him have different ideals on how the region will be ruled. The alchemist know this when he agreed to headed towards the warlock’s domain. The air is silents when he entrance the omnibus laid, the only source of lighting is through the opening of the broken windows of old castle. that once was inhabited by a royal family that seem to had kept the castle from decaying over the years, but now it sat in collecting dust and cobwebs that make the red wolf a bit uneasy. With the thoughts that there’s a possibly that there’s creatures within the castle’s walls make this place their home.

The cold stone floor and corridors guiding Gadget to reach his destination slowly and carefully avoiding any obstacles that were within his way that will cause any distribution to the invisible inhabitants. The deeper the alchemist walk within the castle the less light and windows seem to illuminate the area. The wolf was given clear instructions to find the warlock, pleased him to help him safe the innocents from his village from being attack by the tyrant king who lose his mind into madness from the power, wealth, and collection of magical artifacts in his collection. There was so much that the wolf can do to protective his village but fighting against the king’s advanced army isn’t one of them. There were rumors spreading that the warlock was once an ally to the king who betrayed him by stealing one of his price artifact. Letting greed clouded his mind costing him, his family and life, that the artifact he steal was either cruse or was posses by a demon that grant him magical abilities but at a price.

Some say that the artifact taken control of his body and mind becoming a puppet with no free will of it’s own, while other say it was a deal he made with a demon that made him lose everything he loved and cherished. Whatever the reason might be or that the rumors might be true the young alchemist had his quest that required to be fulfilled. He just hope that things are going to run smoothly when he come face to face with him in person.

The sound of the coven boiling is music to his ears and everything is going according to the warlock’s plan. He spent the entire of the day to hunt down items he needed for personal project that he been working on for months. Of course he had difficulties with the merchants to sell or trade the ingredients to him due to the rumors that keep floating around the region. It pay him no mind for whatever ridiculous lies the region inhabitants tend to believe in it doesn’t bother him one bit. Even now that they see him as a threat even fear him do to his powers and appearance, giving him his current reputation among the populate. And it couldn’t be help in anything form of verbal discussion to charge their minds otherwise and the jackal is fine by this outcome even tho he secretly wish to not terrific the children when he went into town.

The jackal warlock went back to his personal project and independent studies of witchcraft to help him prefect his own craft without anyway drawbacks. He already wasted time on letting his thoughts wonder without a care in the world almost forgetting about the coven. He went to his storage to grab the next ingredient on the list when he hear something or someone approaching towards his direction. Without hesitation the young warlock place the item down on one of his books and put on his helmet to hide his face and infidelity preparing himself to fight whoever or whatever decided to trespass in his home.

Gadget seem to be walking for ages given the amount of walking he have to do through the narrow passage that lead to an type of lab of some kind. The fire brighten the room with the coven still hot showing sign of usage and the owner is still nearby or in the room still. The young alchemist start to look around the the area cautionary avoiding touching anything of value. His leather belt holding his potions in place softly and quietly clack against each other and the surface of the something resealable as a table awhile the wolf search. The alchemist spotted wolf bane on top of an opened book of an spell of some type that peak his curiosity. Gadget was about to have an closer look at the contain when he feel something holding him back, preventing him from moving forward towards the area.

“That’s quite far enough! State your purpose here moral, and return back to your comfort home! If you’re foolish enough to not heady my warning, I won’t hesitate to kill you at this very moment!” a hash angering voice spoke right behind him, causing the red wolf alchemist to flicks in flight and almost drop one of his exiles that he brewed this morning before leaving on his journey. The red wolf slowly rise his hands up in form of surrendering or shown he isn’t an threat to the voice owner. Slowly the young alchemist turn around be careful not make any any sudden body movements that might be seen as him reaching an weapon.

When the wolf finally turned around, he was face to face with the person he was assigned to offer for help to protective his town. The target of all these rumors that may or may not be true with the warlock’s origins. The jackal warlock staring at him intimidating wearing his omnibus black and purple entire with his metal helmet and hands glowing an fade magenta. The alchemist stare at the warlock’s chest, then at the his yellow eyes covered with an red protective firmament of his helmet. The silent between them was fill of tension that even an drop of an pin is unwise to act between the two candida. Time seen to either move back and forward and either of them say an word to each other, until the alchemist find hos courage to speak up.

“S-sorry to in turd on your domain Mr. Warlock, but I’m here by orders of my village’s elder to request your assailant to help us. And I believe it’s worthy your time to hear me out first before killing me on the time.” Gadget say hearing that his own voice is still shaky from the tension in the room and the possible danger he’s in with a skilled an experience sorcerer in his prescient.

The jackal stare at him for few more second then cancel his prepare enchantment with the magenta glow slowly faded out of sight then slowly relax his stance still keeping his demeanor and glare toward him.

“Alright little wolf state your business, and I’ll deiced whatever or not I’ll let you continue to lived a happy cozy life that doesn’t involve me in your silly mortal’s screw ups or whatever the children say these days, messes, fucked ups? It’s doesn’t matter to me otherwise, please enlighten with your owe sad tale and I’ll give you an final judgment.”

The jackal take a seat on a nearby boulder without taking his glare off him while the alchemist regain himself and take an seat on an old rusty pail that was once used to fetch water from an nearby well or lake. That is now uses as an basket or an complete different purpose that the warlock might use in the future. Gadget steady himself on the small object and begin telling the jackal his troubling tale about the mad king’s lost of reality and his corruption affected his army to the point they have to do his dirty work. Also with the injustice and destruction he leave behind in his wake by each villages, cities, and towns he come across in his path.

When the wolf his tale the jackal was deep in thoughts conflicting with himself to even help this young male soul to defended his home from his former boss. Yes, his former double-crossed snake of a ruler that hid his true intention from his dear royal innocents subjects. Of course his madness form and worsen from the after effects of the ruby’s power after prolong exposure and lack of care that fool never see it coming, and in the end he pay the prices but at the cost of innocents.

The warlock got up from his seat and silently went to prepare a few of his belongings that are esstanissle for this type of quest. And grab an empty old traveling bag and start packing the items in his bag. Then put everything in his lab to a stop, put out the fire, and cover the cauldron with an old table cloth, while the wolf watch in awe. The jackal have everything ready now and stare back at the young freckles face of his parnter who is awestuck.

“Alright, Alchemist, you have converse me to join forces with you, to stop the king from destorying your home. But I need something in exchange as an return for my services once this is all over. This is an fair and agreement for both parties involed. It could be anything that seem fits, for now let’s not worry about that, we have bigger protities to deal with.”

Gadget noded quickly in agreement already freedoming himself from his awestuck phase, he get up, dust himself off, and place the bucklet back to it rightful place. Then he look at the warlock without any fear displaying on his body.

“Alright we better hurry and get an move on then. Also, sir, I know tis is rude of me to not ask before but can I please know your name?”

The jackal looked a bit stunned by the wolf request and stare a him in confusation.

“My name? Whatever for lad?”

“You see sir, since we’ll be adverturing and working toghter for who knows how long, I think is best for us to call each other by a first name basics. since we can’t keep calling ourselves sir for the long run. Name’s Gadget by the way, an pleasure to make your appicences sir.” the wolf say smiling conflictly that his freckles seem to streches across his cheeks with his hands toward him to offer him a shake.

The warlock look at him for a moment and take the alchemist’s hand and shake it lightly with a soft grip to preventing his sharp claws from breaking the skin.

“Name’s Infinite, and it’s a pleasant to work and fight along side you young Alchemist Gadget. Now let’s solve our problemtic king’s problem shall we?”

[kierrasreads]

2023 Reads!

Thank you to everyone for joining me on my book journey! I'm looking forward to another year of good reads! If you have any recommendations, please let me know.

Without further ado, here are my reads for this year!:

Howl's Moving Castle, Castle in the Air, and The House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones

California Plants: A Guide to Our Iconic Flora by Matt Ritter

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Look Alive Twenty-Five by Janet Evanovich

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

I Am a Cat Barista (Volume 1) by Hiro Maijima

Koe no Katachi/A Silent Voice (Volumes 2-6) by Yoshitoki Oima

Karakuri Odette (Volumes 1-5) by Julietta Suzuki

Komi-san wa Komyushou Desu/Komi Can't Communicate (Volumes 23-26) by Tomohito Oda

Cannery Row by John Steinbeck

Horimiya (Volume 1) by Hero

Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku (Volume 5) by Fujita

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits (Volume 1) by Waco Ioka

Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono

Skip & Loafer (Volumes 1-3) by Misaki Takamatsu

Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san (Volumes 2-4) by Honda

Toshokan no Daimajutsushi/Magus of the Library (Volumes 3-5) by Mitsu Izumi

Blasphemy: New and Selected Stories by Sherman Alexie

Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami

Saint Young Men Omnibus (Volume 1) by Hikaru Nakamura

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

Insomniacs After School (Volume 1) by Makoto Ojiro

Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible (Volume 1) by Nene Yukimori

The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert

Twisted Love (Twisted #1) by Ana Huang

Wind/Pinball: Hear the Wind Sing and Pinball by Haruki Murakami

Under a White Sky: The Nature of the Future by Elizabeth Kolbert

Killing Floor (Jack Reacher #1) by Lee Child

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas by Megan Shepherd

Muffin but the Truth (Bakeshop Mystery #16) & Catch Me If You Candy (Bakeshop Mystery #17) by Ellie Alexander

A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, A Scandal in Bohemia, The Red-Headed League, A Case of Identity, The Boscombe Mystery, The Five Orange Pips, The Man with the Twisted Lip, The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle, The Adventure of the Speckled Band, The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb, The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor, The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet, The Adventure of the Copper Beeches, Silver Blaze, The Yellow Face, The Stock-Broker's Clerk, The Gloria Scott, The Musgrave Ritual, The Reigate Puzzle, The Crooked Man, The Resident Patient, The Greek Interpreter, The Naval Treaty, and The Final Adventure by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks (audiobook)

Gokushufudō/The Way of the House Husband (Volumes 1-3) by Kousuke Oono

Grand total: 90

[hcolleen]

I finished The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue yesterday. The ending was bittersweet and oddly right despite not being happy. I won't say more than that in case any one else wants to read it.

Today, I begin The Library Witch Mysteries (an omnibus of 3 books) by Elle Adams.

[s-------i-------g]

MAY 2024

Orbo's Odyssey | Ultros | Sephonie

Duckman

Robot Carnival | Blue Giant | Conner O'Malley Presents Stand-Up Solutions | Ghostwatch

The Titan's Bride, Volume 1 by ITKZ | Copra Master Collection, Book One by Michel Fiffe | Tekkonkinkreet 30th Anniversary Edition by Taiyo Matsumoto | Bone, One Volume Edition by Jeff Smith | Hellsing Deluxe Edition, Volume 1 by Kohta Hirano | Astro Boy Omnibus 1 by Osamu Tezuka | Atom: The Beginning, Volume 02 by Tetsuro Kasahara, Original Story by Osamu Tezuka, Concept by Masami Yuuki, Supervision by Macoto Tezuka in Collaboration with Tezuka Productions | Atom: The Beginning, Volume 03 by Tetsuro Kasahara, Original Story by Osamu Tezuka, Concept by Masami Yuuki, Supervision by Macoto Tezuka in Collaboration with Tezuka Productions | Atom: The Beginning, Volume 04 by Tetsuro Kasahara, Original Story by Osamu Tezuka, Concept by Masami Yuuki, Supervision by Macoto Tezuka in Collaboration with Tezuka Productions | Batman: Justice Buster, Volume 2 by Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi | Opus by Satoshi Kon | Yōkaiden, Volume 1 by Nina Matsumoto | I'm Kinda Chubby and I'm Your Hero, Vol. 1 by Nore | I Think Our Son Is Gay, Vol. 5 by Okura | King in Limbo Omnibus 1 by Ai Tanaka | Makinaphobe by Rafael Zaiats

Bcd by Basic Channel | Q 1.1 by Basic Channel | Phylyps Trak by Basic Channel | Enforcement by Basic Channel | Phylyps Trak II by Basic Channel | Octagon by Basic Channel | Inversion by Basic Channel | Q-Loop by Basic Channel | Make Me Love You (10th Anniversary Edition) by PVT | In the Blood by PVT | Ibb & Obb (Original Soundtrack) by Kettel | Myam James, Pt. 1 by Kettel | Atomic Tadley by Kettel | Dreim by Kettel | Cenny Crush by Kettel | Look at This! Ha Ha Ha! by Kettel | Narrowminded Split LP #2 by Hydrus and Kettel | My Dogan by Kettel | Whisper Me Wishes by Kettel | Smiling Little Cow by Kettel | Myam James 2 by Kettel | Re: Through Friendly Waters by Kettel | Unreleased 2002-2012 by Kettel | Wingtip by Kettel | Alcasa by Kettel |Dwingeloo Life Extension by Kettel | Blue Giant: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Hiromi | Voice by Hiromi, featuring Anthony Jackson and Simon Phillips | Der Lange Marsch by GAS | Khaptop Arc Phore by Oberman Knocks | Tales from the Crypt by Insync | The Bedroom Tape Cuts by Insync | Other Infinities by Claude Speeed | My Skeleton by Claude Speeed | Sun Czar Temple by Claude Speeed | Syra by TM404 | Acidub by TM404 | Bass Desires EP by TM404 and Echologist | Infiltrated EP by TM404 and Echologist | Telomic Ghost LP by TM404 and Echologist | In the Afterworld by Om Unit and TM404 | Geist by Forever Sound | A Line Drawn Freehand by Forever Sound | Unanimity by Abdulla Rashim | Asayita by Abdulla Rashim| Gizaw by Abdulla Rashim | Endasilasie by Abdulla Rashim | Radioactive Orchestra Remixed by The ZZZZZ and Abdulla Rahsim | Alem Maya by Abdulla Rashim | Aksum by Abdulla Rashim | For Those Who Strive by Abdulla Rashim and Sars | Ovigd Jord by Evigt Mörker | 2 by Evigt Mörker | 3 by Evigt Mörker | Konstruct 003 by Artefakt and Evigt Mörker | 4 by Evigt Mörker | Slukande hav by Evigt Mörker | Total Makt by Evigt Mörker | Krona by Evigt Mörker | 5 by Evigt Mörker | Enande Måne by Evigt Mörker | Två portar by Evigt Mörker | Takara-machi EP by Zadig | Re-Form EP by Zadig | P8 by Zadig | TTRXL by Zadig | Londinium EP by Zadig | Kern Space Adventures Episode #1 by Zadig | Kern Space Adventures Episode #2 by Zadig | Dragon EP by Zadig | The Stellar Hunter by Zadig | Lost Tape EP by Zadig | Kern Space Adventures Episode #3: Invisible Components by Zadig | Inlandsis by Zadig and Asymptote | Lost Tape No. 2 by Zadig | Gradient by Zadig | Digital Tracks, Vol. 2 by Zadig, Shaney, and Benabou | Lost Tape 3 by Zadig | Hummingbird by AF13, Jeff Kite, and Greg Leisz | Embera by Adriana Lopez | Anonymity of Grey by Adriana Lopez | Percepciones by Adriana Lopez | What We Were by Mod21 | Chapter 1 by Mod21 | Chapter 1 Epilogue by Mod21 | You Can't Escape EP by Mod21 | Into the Woods by Mod21 | When the Ice Will Break by Mod21 | The Matter of Time EP by Mod21

[fontlabs]

Invisible Killer Font Free Download

Introducing a new font family called Invisible Killer. This is a fancy and popular animated black typeface. TracerTong Fontworks took the charger for designing and launching it. This amazing typeface has come in only one unique style with true type features. It contains 43 unique glyphs and 91 characters. Its texture has a thick stroke and provides an invisible look. You can utilize this remarkable font for t-shirt printing, movie posters, game titles, special event cards, book covers, comic covers, cartoon posters, stationery, weddings, invitations, and several other places. It is structured in two stages in which you will see that the design is bold in the first stage. Later, he invisible the whole structure. We hope you’ll understand its capabilities now and make a great design right away. Invisible Killer Font Font Name: Invisible Killer Font Style: Fancy, Display, Typeface Font Designer: TracerTong Fontworks File Format: TTF License: Free For Personal Use Files: Invisible Killer (Truetype) These two aspects make it perfect and beautiful according to modern times. So, it is now ready to create a uniquely personal and commercial design that no one has ever created before. Sometimes, designers use fancy fonts in addition to basic fonts, such as movie posters, titles, and packaging. So, in this aspect, if you want to use it, you can. Moreover, this Invisible Keller font is free for personal and commercial use. Same as Habibi Font by Magnus Gaarde, BenchNine Font by Vernon Adams, and Pragati Narrow Font by Omnibus-Type. We are sure that you will understand this better now and will come up with awesome designs. Share it with other friends and if possible just comment on this wonderful font in the comments section below. Now you need to click one of the buttons below and download the typeface. Read the full article

[skull404]

[OMORI AU] VIRUS 404 MARI the virus 404 mari.

it's NOT canon of alphatale, GODVERSE

AU BY ME, SKULL404

Virus 404 is a skeleton with a dark gray jumper without a hood and a white top and bottom. The mouth looks like it's torn, and there's a blue pattern around the eyes, like an electronic circuit.

personality

Known for his talkative ways, 404 usually watches AUs or watches Basil, but he can't control his anger when he sees someone trying to get beyond him. Thanks to his perfectionist tendencies, no matter how strong he is, he has to be careful what he says before him.

Ability

1.Viralborn - his bones fly at an infinite + speed, disabling the manipulation of reality and plot around him. Bones are very deadly and damage enemy code

2.Prime Elder Virus - His virus is a powerful virus that can destroy almost any OMORI AU and is a powerful code pollutant that pollutes infinity dimensions. Damages the game engine, overloads enemy characters, and disables ability. His presence is absolutely erased after his exposure to the virus

3. Crimson Mastery - he can manipulate everything by bringing it to life. He can also use it as an attack, create new life made up of viruses, and in turn transform and destroy enemies

4.Code Shield - Marie has an invisible code form of shield. It exists near 404 and protects 404 from plot manipulation, reality manipulation, concept manipulation, death manipulation, existence erasure all types of manipulation. The 404 can also return the operations it has absorbed to the enemy if it wants

5. ERROR FEATHER - He can press the Black Feather button and once he presses that button, the enemy's story is completely over. Absolutely erases the enemy's presence in many aspects and all fiction and erases the enemy in the story.

6.Virus Blaster - his blaster rewrites the story so that once fired, the blaster immediately hits the enemy in reconstructing the story. One blaster attack destroys many dimensions beyond omnibus and costs many OMORI AU

7.Stairs light - a stair-like zigzag-like laser exiting his finger and the enemy being hit by the laser is deprived of all abilities. If the enemy whose ability was taken away is hit by the stair beam again, he will die immediately.

8.Absorbing Absolute Viruses

He can break the difference between dream and reality from a novelist's point of view and destroy Faraway with a virus that destroyed the headspace area. His virus manipulation is valid in all omorios and novels, and his enemies infected with the virus die immediately.

9.Anarchy VOID virus

He can infect the multiverse with a high-dimensional virus and destroy all the OMORI AU.

10.the meta-virus world.

He infects the virus with the concept of probability, twisting and destroying the definition of probability. Probability manipulated because of the virus always works in favor of virus404, taking the ability and power of other characters to manipulate probability. Probabilistic virus markers can also completely and absolutely destroy and absorb enemy plots.

His power can never be interfered with. He returns all hundreds of billions of harmful manipulations to the enemy, including conspiracy manipulations, and even infects them with viruses.

[mybucketsofbooks]

2023 Book Bucket List

I know this is more than 100 Books, like I mentioned in my first post, but I forgot about the Jim Butcher series “The Dresden Files” and realized I needed to add that, and then it was more.

Some of the books aren’t exactly typical adult reading, but they are books I wanted to read as a kid. Also, for the first time I’m actually doing this I wanted to make the process a little easier with books, and not struggle to read because I overloaded myself with classics. Enjoy the list!

1.      The Man with a Load of Mischief- Martha Grimes

2.      The Old Fox Deciev’d- Martha Grimes

3.      The Anodyne Necklace-Martha Grimes

4.      The Dirty Duck- Martha Grimes

5.      Jerusalem Inn- Martha Grimes

6.      The Deer Leap- Martha Grimes

7.      Help the Poor Struggler- Martha Grimes

8.      I am the Only Running Footman- Martha Grimes

9.      The Five Bells and Bladebone- Martha Grimes

10.  The Old Silent- Martha Grimes

11.  The Old Contemptibles- Martha Grimes

12.  The Horse You Came In On- Martha Grimes

13.  Rainbow’s End- Martha Grimes

14.  The Case Has Altered- Martha Grimes

15.  The Stargazey- Martha Grimes

16.  The Lamorna Wink- Martha Grimes

17.  The Blue Last- Martha Grimes

18.  The Grave Maurice- Martha Grimes

19.  The Winds of Change- Martha Grimes

20.  The Old Wine Shades- Martha Grimes

21.  Dust- Martha Grimes

22.  The Black Cat- Martha Grimes

23.  Vertigo 42- Martha Grimes

24.  The Knowledge- Martha Grimes

25.  The Old Success- Martha Grimes

26.  A Martha Grimes Omnibus- Martha Grimes

27.  Legend- Marie Lu

28.  Prodigy- Marie Lu

29.  Champion- Marie Lu

30.  All Fall Down- Ally Carter

31.  See How They Run- Ally Carter

32.  Take the Key and Lock Her Up- Ally Carter

33.  The Invisible Library- Genevive Logman

34.  The Masked City- Genevive Logman

35.  The Burning Page- Genevive Logman

36.  The Lost Plot- Genevive Logman

37.  The Mortal Word- Genevive Logman

38.  The Secret Chapter- Genevive Logman

39.  The Untold Story- Genevive Logman

40.  The Dark Archive Genevive Logman

41.  Magyk-Angie Sage

42.  Flyte-Angie Sage

43.  Physick-Angie Sage

44.  Queste-Angie Sage

45.  Syren-Anggie Sage

46.  Darke-Angie Sage

47.  Fyre-Angie Sage

48.  The Heist Society- Ally Carter

49.  Uncommon Criminals- Ally Carter

50.  Perfect Scoundrels-Ally Carter

51.  The Gift of the Magi-Ally Carter

52.  Go Set a Watchman- Harper Lee (I have read To Kill A Mockingbird about 100 times)

53.  A Study In Scarlet- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

54.  A Sign of the Four- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

55.  The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

56.  The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

57.  The Hound of the Baskervilles - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

58.  The Return of Sherlock Holmes- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

59.  His Last Bow- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

60.  The Valley of fear- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

61.  The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

62.  The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe- C.S Lewis

63.  Prince Caspian; The Return to Narnia- C.S Lewis

64.  The Voyage of the Dawn Treader- C.S Lewis

65.  The Silver Chair- C.S Lewis

66.  The Horse and His Boy- C.S Lewis

67.  The Magician’s Nephew- C.S Lewis

68.  The Last Battle- C.S Lewis

69.  Frankenstein- Mary Shelley

70.  Man in the High Castle- Philip K Dick

71.  The Missing: Found- Margaret Peterson Haddix

72.  The Missing: Sent- Margaret Peterson Haddix

73.  The Missing: Sabatoged- Margaret Peterson Haddix

74.  The Missing: Torn- Margaret Peterson Haddix

75.  The Missing: Caught- Margaret Peterson Haddix

76.  The Missing: Risked- Margaret Peterson Haddix

77.  Black Ice- Brad Thor

78.  Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood- Rebecca Wells

79.  Little Alters Everywhere- Rebecca Wells

80.  Ya Yas in Bloom- Rebecca Wells

81.  The Lady Has a Past- Amanda Quick

82.  As Old As Time- Liz Braswell

83.  The Looking Glass War- John Le Carre

84.  Close Up- Amanda Quick

85.  Storm Front- Jim Butcher

86.  Fool Moon- Jim Butcher

87.  Grave Peril- Jim Butcher

88.  Summer Knight- Jim Butcher

89.  Death Masks- Jim Butcher

90.  Blood Rites- Jim Butcher

91.  Dead Beat- Jim Butcher

92.  Proven Guilty- Jim Butcher

93.  White Night- Jim Butcher

94.  Small Favor- Jim Butcher

95.  Backup- Jim Butcher

96.  Turncoat- Jim Butcher

97.  Bigfoot on Campus- Jim Butcher

98.  Changes- Jim Butcher

99.  Ghost Story- Jim Butcher

100.                      Cold Days- Jim Butcher

101.                      Skin Game- Jim Butcher

102.                      Peace Talks- Jim Butcher

103.                      Battle Ground- Jim Butcher

104.                      The Law- Jim Butcher

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

THE ART OF AWESOME APRIL ACCUMULATIONS -- THE ART OF THE COVER PHOTO.

PIC(S) INFO: Part 1 of 2 -- Spotlight on the first handful of Tumblr Cover photos for the month and year of March 2024. Really awesome finds include:

The Incredible Hulk versus The Thing, partial cover art to "Fantastic Four" Vol. 1 #112. July, 1971. Artwork by John Buscema & Frank Giacoia.

A film still of American actors Ernest Borgnine & William Holden in the 1969 revisionist Western "The Wild Bunch," directed by Sam Peckinpah.

A gig/punk flyer for CRUCIFIX, ANTISECT, & KARMA SUTRA, performing live in the UK, on January 29, 1984.

Partial cover art to "The Invisibles" Omnibus by Grant Morrison, published in 2012 by DC Comics. Artwork by Brian Bolland.

MEGADETH/ MOTÖRHEAD-themed cover art to "Hard Rock" Comics issue #15, published June 1993. Artwork by Scott Jackson.

A film still of English actress Florence Pugh as the Princess Irulan of House Corrino, from the American epic sci-fi film "Dune: Part Two." Costume design by Jacqueline West.

Canadian recording artist Alice Glass of electronic music group CRYSTAL CASTLES, rocking a "Godzilla" (1998) T-shirt and swigging a bottle of Jack Daniel's whiskey, c. late 2000s.

DC's Swamp Thing by Simon Bisley, partial cover art to "Swamp Thing" Vol. 2 #102. December, 1990.

Sources: 13th Dimension, Flickr, X (formerly Twitter), hakes, Pinterest, eBay, Picuki, Biff Bam Pop!, various, etc...

[arg-machine]

Comics at machine HQ

It’s been a little over three months since the last Comics at machine HQ post was published and arg, having read several interesting titles since then, decided that the world was now ready for a new one...

…and so here it is, a new Comics at machine HQ post to start the year on an exciting and colourful note!

As usual, in between reading funky comics and listening to music, arg has also been working on some other projects, glimpses of which can be seen over at Instagram, where machine HQ maintains a presence.

Let’s move on now to the comic themselves, shall we?

Wham! Comics to start 2023 with... Well good reader, here are the comics/graphic novels arg has read and enjoyed in the last few months. All titles are arranged alphabetically, and related titles – or titles from same/similar genres – are listed in the Also recommended sections. Keep in mind that many – not all, though – of these titles are suitable for mature readers only.

“It is the early 1900s and the three Francœur children are struggling to survive in the slums of Paris. But their lives change forever with the arrival of a mysterious stranger from their father’s past. Countess Aristophania Bolt from the Kingdom of Azur claims she has come to help the trio, but between disturbing phenomena – tricks or sorcery? – and invisible threats, it is hard to know whom to trust…”

Also recommended: Resident Alien - The Book of Love, Aztec Ace - The Complete Collection, Evolution, Darwin, God, and the Horse-People, Trapped on Zarkass and Sapiens Imperium.

“Featuring brand new stories written by Garth Ennis – the mind behind The Boys, Preacher and war comics such as The Stringbags and Sara – the 96-page Battle Action special is full of excitement and thrills!

Ennis is joined on this landmark book, which captures the spirit and action of the ground-breaking and highly influential Battle and Action comics from the 1970s, by several veteran – and acclaimed! – artists.”

Also recommended: The EC Archives - Gunfighter, Volume 1 and Super Spy.

“Crime noir masters Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips present yet another original graphic novel starring troublemaker-for-hire Ethan Reckless.

In the wake of the 1989 earthquake, Ethan takes a trip to San Francisco to search for a missing woman. But almost immediately, he finds himself going down a path of darkness and murder in a case unlike anything he’s faced before…”

Also recommended: A Taste for Blood and Cover.

“The Forest is a graphic novella told via twenty-five singular illustrations, without words, of which only Swiss artist Thomas Ott is capable. A young boy sneaks away from a family funeral and sinks into the forest depths, where he confronts man's greatest fear and must choose his path.

Drawing with a technique called scratchboard, where a white surface is covered with a black layer and scratched away, Ott creates images out of negative space to harrowing effect. In Ott's hands, the medium becomes the perfect vessel for his eerie, horror-imbued morality tales.”

Also recommended: Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog and Joe Golem Omnibus.

“When world-renowned Italian journalist Roberto Saviano put pen to paper at age 26, he’d change laws, expose widespread corruption, put his own life at risk, and save countless others…

Gomorrah, his ground-breaking international bestseller, exposed the inner workings of the Italian mafia and placed Saviano under direct threat which has necessitated 24-hour police protection to this day.

Joined by award-winning cartoonist Asaf Hanuka, Saviano shares his deepest thoughts and experience of life in Naples, where he witnessed the power and violence of the mafia first hand.”

Also recommended: Tephlon Funk, Gost111 and Golden Rage.

“Nigerian brothers SHOBO and SHOF, present New Masters, a ground-breaking blend of science fiction, adventure, drama, and vibrant Afrofuturism.

In a striking vision of West Africa under the thumb of alien colonizers, a motley crew of outcasts find themselves caught up in a power struggle for control of an ancient artifact with immense power.”

Also recommended: Dark Blood, Luna, Star Wars - Tales from the Rancor Pit and Judge Dredd - The Complete Case Files, Volume 40.

“After a hold-up gone wrong, Slick finds himself deep in the red with local mafia boss Rex. But that’s not the only thing setting them at odds: they also have their sights set on the same woman, the beguiling Caprice. She’s engaged to Rex and headlines his club, where she thrills the nightly crowds. She’s off-limits, but Slick has never been one for limits. And he has unfinished business with Caprice, who was once his own sweetheart before the war pulled them apart.

After all these years, there’s no love lost between them, but that doesn’t mean the old spark isn’t alive… And now, they’re playing with fire. Taking inspiration from the Hollywood noir films of the 1950s, Enrico Marini delivers a gritty graphic novel combining crime, love, jealousy, and betrayal.”

Also recommended: The Stranger - The Graphic Novel and Scars.

“Follow Professor J.T. Meinhardt and Mr. Knox as they pursue ne'er-do-well creatures of the night! Backed by the dauntless vampire hunter Ms. Mary Van Sloan, the heroes pursue vampires, werewolves, and other horrors that even they are hard-put to name or explain. The only thing that's for certain is that the strange truths these adventurers uncover are seldom what they seem!”

Also recommended: Dark Ride, The Collector and Bone Orchard - Ten Thousand Black Feathers.

“After twenty years working on film and series shoots, Benoît Cohen is drained. His enthusiasm gone, a desire to stop writing and put down the camera takes over. In the city for a year, he still wonders about how best to absorb the rich diversity of the cosmopolitan metropolis, settling on a simple idea: he will become a taxi driver.

Behind the iconic Yellow Cab, behind the fantasy of freedom and independence, behind the faces of his thousands of passengers, Benoît discovers a world to which he is a stranger. He dives into his new life with the idea of turning it into a screenplay for a future film, but the material he collects from this social experiment marks him deeply, leading down unsuspected paths.

First, the administrative maze that leads to the taxi driver's license. Then the world behind the scenes. And finally, the prejudices that surround the profession and lead customers, cops, and the entire city to look at it-quite randomly-either with indifference, kindness, or aggression.

The project transforms into an autobiographical novel interspersed with reflections on the creative process, and with the help of Chabouté, it is now a sensitive, deeply human graphic novel with breathtaking illustrations that pay vibrant tribute to New York City.”

Also recommended: Salamandre, When Everything Turned Blue, It's Lonely at the Centre of the World and Sunburn.

machine HQ’s Retro Pick! And now, here’s a brand-new section: machine HQ’s Retro Pick!

“Sophie Bangs was a just an ordinary college student in a weirdly futuristic New York when a simple assignment changed her life forever. While researching Promethea, a mythical warrior woman, Sophie receives a cryptic warning to cease her investigations.

Ignoring the cautionary notice, she continues her studies and is almost killed by a shadowy creature when she learns the secret of Promethea. Surviving the encounter, Sophie soon finds herself transformed into Promethea, the living embodiment of the imagination.

Her trials have only begun as she must master the secrets of her predecessors before she is destroyed by Promethea's ancient enemy.”

And that, good reader, brings us to the end of this list! Visit The Apocalypse Project [on twitter and on tumblr], and stay tuned to machine HQ blog…

Header image features artwork from Disney’s Uncle Scrooge comics and from Sam Keith’s The Maxx books.

Things to do... Meanwhile, check out how a certain entertainment industry has been plagiarizing music from all over the world and copying foreign films too, for so-called “fame and fortune”. And the plagiarism doesn’t end with just music and films: it extends to – and is rampant in – other fields such as graphic design, too! Just follow the links… and prepare to be shocked!

[dicejail]

Games/chunks of games I have somehow ended up with print copies of include:

5e (all 3 core books, one adventure I'll never run, and the Ravnica and Dragon books because I am a menace to myself and society) 4e (just the tiny essentials one that you can't make characters with) AD&D 1e (just the DMG for curiosity purposes) Council of Wyrms (just the booklet with the lore bc this shit's literally unplayable) Planescape (POD reprint of the AD&D version, I need to read this still) Apocalypse World 2e Old School Essentials (advanced fantasy version) Werewolf: the Apocalypse (all editions and an absolutely obscene number of sourcebooks) Vampire: the Masquerade (Revised, I think when the game I'm in finally ends I'll never touch it again tho) Mage: the Ascension (Revised, been trying to read it for years but not succeeded) Hunter: the Reckoning (ditto) Demon: the Descent (I'll never run it bc it's too paranoid for me but I find the concept fascinating) Chronicles of Darkness (Whichever edition they started calling it Chronicles and it finally got its shit together) Werewolf: the Forsaken (2nd edition where it got good) Fate (Core, Accelerated, Condensed, and a bunch of other books) I used to have a copy of Shadowrun 5th edition but I gave it away... Blades in the Dark (Someone play this with me someday) Scum & Villainy Dungeon World Monster of the Week (This is fun, my character was basically Venom but an unlucky compsci major and an escaped lab experiment) Savage Worlds (Mostly, we used it to try to play Earthdawn once) Microscope Follow (by the Microscope guy) Light (The totally-not-Destiny rpg, except I edited it to create a version where I replaced all the non-Destiny words with Destiny words and printed it because I am a monster) Remnants (little known mecha game that I custom printed my own omnibus copy of, will never run it, will remain fascinated with it) Monarchies of Mau (you know, the alternate Pugmire core) 13th Age (Of all the words of mice and men etc etc) Over the Edge (the new one) Cortex Prime Marvel Heroic Roleplaying (at least I think that's what it's called, it's the one that ran on the previous edition of Cortex, my friends and I used it to play a Mass Effect hack) West End Games D6 System (VINTAGE) The Ultraviolet Grasslands Troika (this is bonkers, I wrote a character class once where your character is an entire group of tigers) The One Ring (It's good and very haunted) Forbidden Lands After the Bomb (you know, the thing Palladium did with furries after they lost their TMNT license) Dragonstar (it's a setting for 3.0e, it's great, I'll never play it) Immortal: the Invisible War (a truly magnificent unplayable disaster of an early 90s game, 100/10 what a mess) Justifiers (If you thought After the Bomb was a weird, niche, oddly furry pick you ain't seen shit)

I thought I had a sensible number of games but no.

No I do not.

And I've still got some kickstarters due to roll in nebulously in the future.

(...If anyone wants to talk about any of these I'm probably down.

[spilledreality]

James on Habit

Riderless cavalry-horses, at many a battle, have been seen to come together and go through their customary evolutions at the sound of the bugle-call. Most trained domestic animals, dogs and oxen, and omnibus- and car- [p.121] horses, seem to be machines almost pure and simple, undoubtingly, unhesitatingly doing from minute to minute the duties they have been taught, and giving no sign that the possibility of an alternative ever suggests itself to their mind. Men grown old in prison have asked to be readmitted after being once set free. In a railroad accident to a travelling menagerie in the United States some time in 1884, a tiger, whose cage had broken open, is said to have emerged, but presently crept back again, as if too much bewildered by his new responsibilities, so that he was without difficulty secured.

Habit is thus the enormous fly-wheel of society, its most precious conservative agent. It alone is what keeps us all within the bounds of ordinance, and saves the children of fortune from the envious uprisings of the poor. It alone prevents the hardest and most repulsive walks of life from being deserted by those brought up to tread therein. It keeps the fisherman and the deck-hand at sea through the winter; it holds the miner in his darkness, and nails the countryman to his log-cabin and his lonely farm through all the months of snow; it protects us from invasion by the natives of the desert and the frozen zone. It dooms us all to fight out the battle of life upon the lines of our nurture or our early choice, and to make the best of a pursuit that disagrees, because there is no other for which we are fitted, and it is too late to begin again. It keeps different social strata from mixing. Already at the age of twenty-five you see the professional mannerism settling down on the young commercial traveller, on the young doctor, on the young minister, on the young counsellor-at-law. You see the little lines of cleavage running through the character, the tricks of thought, the prejudices, the ways of the 'shop,' in a word, from which the man can by-and-by no more escape than his coat-sleeve can suddenly fall into a new set of folds. On the whole, it is best he should not escape. It is well for the world that in most of us, by the age of thirty, the character has set like plaster, and will never soften again.

If the period between twenty and thirty is the critical one in the formation of intellectual and professional habits, [p.122] the period below twenty is more important still for the fixing of personal habits, properly so called, such as vocalization and pronunciation, gesture, motion, and address. Hardly ever is a language learned after twenty spoken without a foreign accent; hardly ever can a youth transferred to the society of his betters unlearn the nasality and other vices of speech bred in him by the associations of his growing years. Hardly ever, indeed, no matter how much money there be in his pocket, can he even learn to dress like a gentleman-born. The merchants offer their wares as eagerly to him as to the veriest 'swell,' but he simply cannot buy the right things. An invisible law, as strong as gravitation, keeps him within his orbit, arrayed this year as he was the last; and how his better-bred acquaintances contrive to get the things they wear will be for him a mystery till his dying day.

[simplifiedemotions]

Her heartbeat is an untameable, erratic thump in her chest, and she exhales slowly in a vain attempt to claw back her control against its desire to break down.

“And if the Thralls resist?”

“The owner lifts their wand, command the spell, and the nerve agent embedded in the chip activates. It’s like a fast-acting poison that can kill you in minutes.”

“The spell?” she asks hollowly.

“Mors Omnibus,” he whispers softly, looking clearly disgusted as the incantation leaves his mouth.

“Death to all,” she translates, and the room tilts, an invisible poison filling her lungs as she tries to draw in breath.

Read More: The Perils of Biology and Magic