#Woman in Modern Ornamentation

[thebotanicalarcade]

Das Weib im modernen Ornament (Woman in Modern Ornamentation), Tafel 3: Frühling / Sommer / Herbst / Winter (Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter) by MCAD Library Via Flickr: Julius Klinger (Austrian graphic designer, 1876-1942) 1902 color lithographs 32.5 cm (height) x 39.5 cm (width) Scanned from Klinger, Julius. Das Weib im modernen Ornament: ein Vorlagenwerk fur alle Gebriete des Kunstgewerbes Teil I. Berlin: Albert Brinitzer, Verlag fur Freie und Angewandte Kunst, n.d. See MCAD Library's catalog record for this book. intranet.mcad.edu/library

[stargazerlillian]

OMGGGG... MY GIRL... MY BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN ALL HER CELESTIAL REVERIE... MY EYES HAVE ONCE AGAIN BEEN BLESSED WITH ARTISTIC GREATNESS!!💕💗💕💗💕💗💕💕💕

@stargazerlillian's OC, Star!

[marzipanandminutiae]

Hi, this is a bit of a shot in the dark on my end, but I have a fashion inquiry (and I apologize if I sound ridiculous at all; I’m a bit at my wit’s end).

Is there a good way to research forms of casual Victorian garb? I feel like I’m going a bad route by inserting the word ‘Victorian’ into any search because it results in rather fancy things (or modern twists on such that are purchasable). Would it be wiser to site dates in search? Is this going to fruitless?

Sorry for taking up any time if this is out of wheelhouse. But if you do answer, I really appreciate it.

I'll do my best! Focusing on womenswear, because...well, that's what I know best. But if anyone wants to chime in about the gentlemen, please do so!

So, casual Victorian doesn't always read as Casual to us nowadays. Standards of casual clothing- that is, clothing one wears for everyday life when nothing special is going on -were rather higher than we have today.

This is an illustration of matchstick-makers in London's East End c. 1871, done by one Herbert Johnson. The women have their sleeves rolled up and aprons on, but when they leave the factory (rolling their sleeves down, adding hats to go outside- which most of them would have done; it was part of looking Respectable) they might be indistinguishable to us from any other women of the same era wearing not particularly bustle-y skirts. Some of them probably have on the commonplace Matching Skirt And Bodice dress format of the era; others have on blouses made from the same patterns as those worn by middle- and upper-class women.

Also note that they have on ribbons, chokers, earrings...they're just like us. They like wearing things that make them feel Put Together, even though they're doing one of the lowest-valued, most dangerous jobs open to women at the time. Because people have always been people, regardless of time or social class.

And for middle-class women and up, Casual might be even harder to distinguish from "fancy" to us today.

This is a mid-late 1880s day dress with a skirt length suitable for lots of walking, from Augusta Auctions. Could not tell you the social status of the woman who owned it, genuinely. Probably not the absolute poorest of the poor, but beyond that...this is a dress you could potentially wear to run errands. Even to go to work, if your job wasn't especially physical. Because. I don't know. It's a Day Dress. You wear it for day things. It's not especially formal, because then it would be made of a more delicate material and probably have a longer skirt (unless it was a Serious Dancing ball gown). Possibly also a lower neckline and puffed sleeves, if it was exclusively for the most formal events.

The idea that a dress was "fancy" just because it had ornamentation wasn't really in their cultural vocabulary.

Here is a group of women playing croquet in what looks like the early-mid 1870s. They're just hanging out! Having a good time! They're probably middle or upper class, but that's what they wear to chill outside with friends- to play a lowkey sport, even.

So yeah, it can be hard to map Victorian everyday clothing onto our "jeans and t-shirt" understanding of what makes an outfit casual. They had skirts and blouses for most relevant decades, but even those outfits often end up looking formal to us nowadays because of what I call Ballgownification- the idea that, since we only wear clothes that look even vaguely like what they had for extremely dressy occasions, we assume everything we see of their clothing was dressy.

(Someone please ask for my rant about Ballgownification)

Searching for "day dress," "walking dress," "blouse," "blouse waist," and "shirtwaist" (the last for the late 19th-early 20th century when that term became commonplace) might help. Best of luck!

[allywthsr]

DECORATING | (l.norris)

summary: you and Lando decorate your house for Christmas

wordcount: 1.6k words

pairing: landonorris x fem!reader

warnings: none!

notes: tell me your thoughts!!!🥹

advent calendar

”Lando, have you seen the third box of decorations?“

”Yes! It’s in the basement, next to the fourth and fifth box.“

You chuckled. Christmas was your favorite holiday and over the years, you collected a fair amount of ornaments.

”Can you get it?“

You were standing in the living room, surrounded by decoration and two boxes when Lando threw himself on the couch, where fir garland was placed. With an eye roll, he rolled on his belly and sighed, ” Can this woman stop obsessing with Christmas?“

”I heard that!“

He sat up and looked at you.

”Do you need to go all out this year?“

”Yes, Lando! It’s the first time in the new house and I can’t wait to see this place being in the Christmas spirit.“

You both recently moved into a house that you built in England, near his parents. It was a modern but cozy home, with high ceilings and beautiful light wood-colored details. It was your absolute dream house, and you were so thankful for Lando that you were able to live this dream.

But it was December and you needed the Christmas spirit with you. You had bought a lot of stuff for the new house when you went shopping alone, no one was able to stop you and before you knew it, the whole car was filled with Christmas decorations and your bank account was screaming for help, but it was worth it.

”I‘ll only get it when you bake me cookies today.“

With an arched eyebrow, you looked at him.

”What does Jon say about you wanting cookies?“

”Y/N! It’s Christmas, I don’t care what he says, I’ll run an extra mile tomorrow.“

”Fine, you‘ll get your cookies if you bring me the stuff and help me set up the trees?“

”Deal!“

He went and gave you a kiss, and slapped your ass, before he made his way down to the basement, to get the stuff. But yes, multiple trees. You bought three fake trees for the living room to put next to the TV, and you wanted to go all out, now that you had the space. Shortly before Christmas, you wanted to get a real tree and place it in the entrance, to create the atmosphere and get the smell of fresh fir.

While you waited for Lando to return you got a little reindeer out of the box in front of you and looked around the room for a place for it to go. The problem with your shopping is, that you buy and buy, without thinking about a placement for the things, so you struggle every year. The reindeer found a place next to the couch for now and next, you pulled out the Christmas wreath, which you placed over the fireplace.

Lando came back with two boxes stacked on top of each other and with a grunt he placed them on the ground.

”What did you buy? These things are heavy.“

”I bought way too much, I need your opinion on where to put things.“

”Let me get the rest and I‘ll help.“

”You’re amazing.“

”Tell me something I don’t know.“

And with that, he turned around to march down again.

Your normal blanket was swapped for a Christmas blanket on the couch, and in one of the new boxes you found all of your pillows so you replaced them, while you were at it. Now it looked so much cozier.

A few loose baubles were placed randomly on the coffee table, with some Santa and snowman figures. White and black cones, that looked like Christmas trees, were placed in front of the window since they were huge, and a garland made out of snowflakes was placed above them. The big Santa was placed on the shelf behind the couch, and a few other little decorations were placed next to him.

Lando came back with the last box and one of the Christmas trees, he put all the pieces on the ground and turned around to get the other ones.

He was a darling for helping you out that much.

You began with making more space for the trees and quickly vacuumed the space, so it would be clean. You brought the vacuum cleaner with you already, you knew how messy things would get with the fake snow and fake fir lying around everywhere.

The bottom piece was placed close to the fireplace, and you fluffed it out, making it look like a real tree with every layer you added. Eventually, you couldn’t reach the top layer and Lando came back to help you.

”You’re crazy for putting three trees up.“

”Maybe, but come on, we have the space, why not use it?“ He sighed, ”Oh, can you help me? I can’t reach the top.“

He took the piece and placed it on top of the rest, fluffing it out.

”It looks good.“

”Thank you, Lan.“

With a kiss to the side of your head, you continued to put up the other two trees, the fake snow on them, making them look like they were freshly chopped from the forest. Only that there was no snow in England.

”By the way, what are we doing for the outside? I want it to be full of lights and figures in our front yard.“

”We can go to the city later and look for some things if you want. We have nothing for the outside yet.“

You went and hugged Lando tight.

”That would be amazing Lan.“

You kissed his soft lips gently.

”Thank you for supporting my crazy Christmas addiction.“

”I‘ll support you no matter what, you know that baby.“

You snuggled your head in his chest and breathed in his scent. You loved his smell, it smelled like home.

”But let’s continue, angel.“

You nodded and kissed his chest one last time and let go, turning around to look at the mess of boxes and decorations.

”I want to put up the water church.“

The water church. It’s a church where some kind of liquid was inside and when you turned it on, glitter was flying through it, technically like a snow globe, but without the shaking. Ever since you bought it, Lando had been amazed by it and said it was his favorite piece, he loved putting it up and looking at it.

So you gave him the church and he put it next to his podium helmets that found a place on a shelf in the living room.

The dancing Santa was placed on a shelf in the hallway, next to the xxl reindeer and the snowflake that had fairy lights in it. These snowflakes were scattered around the whole house, in your bedroom, the bathrooms, the kitchen, the hallway…

You both placed the last few items wherever you and Lando found some space, you put the fir garland around the railing of the stairs and placed baubles all around. The stockings with your names and the names from both of your families were hung over the fireplace. Christmas Eve was spent at yours, so you didn’t want to leave anyone out. The only thing that was now missing was a mistletoe, somewhere random you always put up a mistletoe and it wouldn’t change in your new home.

”Where do you wanna put the mistletoe?“

”Maybe by the entrance?“

Lando nodded and got a ladder from the basement so he could put it on. Because you were lazy and didn’t want to drill a hole in the ceiling you took some tape to fix it on there. It‘s cheesy to put up a mistletoe, but it was a cute little tradition to put it up and it gave you a moment to kiss Lando whenever you wanted. Sometimes you would stand under it and call for Lando, so you both stood under it and had to kiss. Just as now, when Lando stepped down from the ladder he said: ”It‘s time for a smooch“, and pursed his lips, of course you couldn’t deny the offer and pressed a kiss to his lips.

Lastly Lando and you went shopping for some outside decoration. Lots and lots of fairy lights, a glowing Santa, a reindeer, a snowman, and a sleigh wandered into the cart, just like some candy canes and nutcrackers. Lastly, you bought some fir, for the columns in front of your house, as well as some lanterns and red bows.

When you arrived and everything was put up by Lando and you, after you both had two mental breakdowns and Lando had a rage attack at the fairy lights, it looked just like how you wanted it and you couldn’t be happier. The columns were covered with fir garlands, the red bows were placed on the wall, and the glowing figures stood in the garden, creating a sweet scenery. The candy canes were placed next to the path that led to your entrance door, where two nutcrackers were standing, and the lanterns were placed on the steps of the staircase in front of your entrance.

”Thank you Lando!“, you jumped into his arms, ”I don’t think that I would have the dream house with my dream decoration if it wasn’t for you.“

”Only what you deserve, baby.“

He hugged you tight and kissed your nose softly.

”But if you want, you can thank me in different ways than just a hug.“

[blueiscoool]

Archaeologists Unearth Ancient Mosaic of Winged Medusa in Spain

The stunningly preserved Ancient Roman mosaic floor was found at the Huerta de Otero site in the city of Mérida.

In both ancient and modern interpretations, Medusa is often known as a monster — a Gorgon with tresses of serpents whose stare turned men to stone. This version typically appears in children’s movies and fantasy thrillers, but her image hasn’t always been so awe-inspiring. In late June, archaeologists in Western Spain uncovered an Ancient Roman mosaic floor that depicts Medusa with tiny wings and flowing locks of hair, thought to have been used as a protective symbol.

The mosaic was found in the city of Mérida’s Huerta de Otero archaeological site. Ancient Romans established a colony there in 25 BCE named Augusta Emerita. Traces of its former inhabitants — including an amphitheater and a bridge — can be found throughout the modern-day city. “[The site] is of an exceptional nature due to the level of conservation of the ruins and, above all, the ornamental elements that decorate the well-preserved house: not only the mosaic of the Medusa but also paintings and sculptural motifs,” said archaeologist Félix Palma in a statement.

The Huerta de Otero location was excavated in 1976 but lay untouched for decades. Research picked back up in 2019, when the city employed professional archaeologists and students from its Barraeca II Professional School to explore the ruins. Since then, the team has uncovered an Ancient Roman defensive wall, a road, and the home of a wealthy family.

The Medusa mosaic adorned the floor of this home. Depictions of fish, peacocks, and carefully tessellated patterns surround the artwork’s central figure: a human-like Medusa, her gaze turned to one side.

Although this image diverges from some contemporary renditions of the mythological figure, the mosaic’s winged version was common in Ancient portrayals of Medusa. While early Greek depictions of the mortal-turned-monster, cruelly punished for being raped by the god Poseidon, show her as grotesque, Medusa’s image softened by the time of the Ancient Romans. Beginning in the Classical Greek period, her face acquired more human attributes. It started to be rendered with symmetry and youthful beauty in the following centuries.

Other Ancient Roman mosaics featuring the head of Medusa have been discovered throughout Spain. Medusa again comprises the focal point of an Ancient Roman mosaic in a 115–150 CE work found in Rome, where she can be seen sporting human curls and a snake around her neck. A 1st-to-2nd-century ornament from a chariot pole shows a young woman with curly locks (although a couple of snakes still peer through her tangle of hair).

In Ancient Greek mythology, Perseus killed Medusa to avoid being turned to stone. Medusa, in her early terrifying form, was used as a protective symbol — “an image of evil to repel evil,” Madeleine Glennon writes in a 2017 essay for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The goddess Athena famously included a representation of Medusa’s severed head on her protective cloak or aegis. In Ancient Rome, her beautified image was still employed as a protective symbol, although the depiction shifted into a form more similar to a woman than a monster.

By Elaine Velie.

[whencyclopedia]

Enheduanna

The Akkadian poet Enheduanna (l. 2285-2250 BCE) is the world's first author known by name and was the daughter of Sargon of Akkad (Sargon the Great, r. 2334-2279 BCE). Whether Enheduanna was, in fact, a blood relative of Sargon's or the title was figurative is not known.

It is clear, however, that Sargon placed enormous trust in Enheduanna in elevating her to the position of high priestess of the most important temple in Sumer (in the city of Ur) and leaving to her the responsibility for melding the Sumerian gods with the Akkadian ones to create the stability his empire needed to thrive.

Further, she is credited with creating the paradigms of poetry, psalms, and prayers used throughout the ancient world which led to the development of the genres recognized in the present day. Scholar Paul Kriwaczek writes:

Her compositions, though only rediscovered in modern times, remained models of petitionary prayer for . Through the Babylonians, they influenced and inspired the prayers and psalms of the Hebrew Bible and the Homeric hymns of Greece. Through them, faint echoes of Enheduanna, the first named literary author in history, can even be heard in the hymnody of the early Christian church. (121)

Her influence during her lifetime was as impressive as her literary legacy. Entrusted by her father with great responsibility, Enheduanna not only exceeded those expectations but changed the entire culture. Through her written works, she altered the very nature of the Mesopotamian gods and the perception the people had of the divine.

Life

Enheduanna's name translates as 'High Priestess of An' (the sky god) or 'En-Priestess, wife of the god Nanna'. She came from the northern city of Akkad and, as Kriwaczek notes, "would have had a Semitic birth name on moving to Ur, the very heartland of Sumerian culture, she took a Sumerian official title: Enheduanna – 'En' (Chief Priest or Priestess); 'hedu' (ornament); 'Ana' (of heaven)" (120).

She organized and presided over the city's temple complex, the heart of the city, and held her own against an attempted coup by a Sumerian rebel named Lugal-Ane who forced her into exile. The Akkadian Empire, for all the wealth and stability it brought to the region, was constantly plagued by uprisings in the various regions under its control. One of Enheduanna's responsibilities in the region of Sumer would have been to keep the populace in check through religion.

In the case of Lugal-Ane, however, she seems to have been bested, at least initially. In her poem The Exaltation of Inanna, she tells the story of being driven from her post as high priestess and cast into exile. She writes a plea for help to the goddess Inanna requesting her to petition the god An for help:

Funeral offerings were brought, as if I had never lived there.

I approached the light, but the light scorched me.

I approached the shade, but I was covered with a storm.

My honeyed mouth became scummed. Tell An about Lugal-Ane and my fate!

May An undo it for me! As soon as you tell An about it, An will release me. (lines 67-76)

Inanna apparently heard her prayer and, through divine intercession, Enheduanna was finally restored to her rightful place in the temple. She seems to have been the first woman to hold this position in Ur and her comportment as high priestess would have served as an exemplary model for those who followed her.

Continue reading...

[levisfavoriteteashop]

HOLIDAYS WARMTH

summary: you meet levi's family for the first time during the holidays

content: husband!levi x female!reader, fluff, the ackermans being a happy family, modern au

note: sorry this is a bit rushed i hadn't enough time to write something very elaborate

word count: 1.2k

──────────────────────────────────────────

“Are you sure they’re going to like me?�� 

“Yes, dummy. They’ll like you.”

A happy christmas song was playing on the radio, resonating in the car’s stereo as the vehicle was speeding down the snowy highway. You were leaning against the window on the passenger’s side of the car, watching as the snowflakes flew in the air. The driver’s seat was occupied by your new husband, Levi. He was busy driving the car for the past hour, and reassuring you about your first meeting with your in-laws, a subject that made you anxious ever since Levi announced that you’d be spending christmas with his family. 

“But what if they don’t..?”

“Darling…” Levi detached his eyes from the road to look at you warmly. He reached to take your hand in his, keeping the other on the steering wheel. 

“Listen. My family will love you. Just like I love you” 

You rolled your eyes playfully, smiling and squeezing his hand. “Aw Levi, that means nothing, you’re saying that to comfort me. 

“Well is it working?” he grinned at you.

“Maybe it is” 

The car drove into town, as the two of you were getting closer to Levi’s childhood home. You were being quiet, calming your nerves. This was it, your first meeting with Levi’s parents. Levi became your husband a few months ago, and despite the fact that the two of you dated for a while before getting engaged, you never met Levi’s family. Levi grew up on the opposite side of the country, and he only met you because he had decided to move into your hometown, where the two of you went to college. 

For that reason, you only talked to your in-laws during video calls, but never in person. However, you wanted for it to change, and so when your husband proposed to spend your first holidays as a married couple with his mother, uncle and brother, you immediately agreed, despite the fact that this was making you nervous. Terribly nervous.

You got pulled out of your thoughts when your husband parked the car in the driveway leading to his house. It was a nice, two-story suburban house. Totally a place you expected Levi to have grown up in. Your man got out of the car and opened the passenger’s door for you, taking your hand. 

“Are you ready, love?”

“I…think I am.” you said, exiting the car. Your husband flashed a smile in your direction and went to pick up the different bags from the trunk. You took the moment to observe the house and to calm your nerves. It’ll be fine. 

You took Levi by the arm as the two of you walked onto the porch, knocking on the front door. You felt your husband squeezing your hand, a silent gesture of reassurance. Soon enough, the door was being opened by a beautiful woman. Levi’s mom, Kuchel.

She was a pretty woman with long, raven black hair and dull grey eyes, just like your husband’s. She wore a warm expression on her face, delighted to see her son and his new wife. 

“Hi mom,” Levi said with a soft smile. Kuchel smiled right back at him, bringing him into a quick and tight hug. You smiled at the sight, standing next to them. As soon as his mother released him, she turned to you.

“Hello! Welcome my dear, I am glad to finally meet you” her warm smile reassured you. 

“Hello, Mrs. Ackerman.”

“Oh please," the woman chuckled, “call me Kuchel. Please come in, it’s freezing outside.”

The two of you followed Kuchel inside the house, leaving your coats and bags in the entryway. The interior of the house was just as beautiful as the exterior: it was warm and cosy, decorated with different portraits and christmas ornaments. There were plenty of family’s photos, and you smiled at a picture of Levi during his childhood. Even as a little boy, he had that familiar grumpy look that you knew all too well. 

As soon as you stepped into the living room, you were met with the rest of the family: his uncle, Kenny, and his younger brother Furlan. You nervously followed your husband to meet the two of them. 

“Oh Levi, is that your beautiful wife with you?” Kenny asked with a grin, shaking Levi’s hand before smiling at you. “I’m Kenny, this brat’s uncle. Nice to finally meet you.” 

“Likewise! Levi told me a lot about you.”

“Oh he did, did he? I hope he told you the good stuff, eh Levi?” the man chuckled, flashing a teasing look toward his nephew. Your husband simply rolled his eyes playfully, ignoring the remark. 

Very quickly, you familiarised with his younger brother Furlan, who looked a lot like his brother. The four of you were comfortably installed in the living room, in front of the warm fireplace. Levi was sitting on the couch, one arm around your shoulders and Kuchel on the other side, while the two other men were comfortably propped in armchairs. The ambiance was merry and cosy, and you were slowly getting more confident and comfortable with the Ackerman family. The evening was passing by quickly, as you all ate dinner and talked, laughter and joy filling the house. You had to admit, you had grown fond of them very quickly. Your husband, throughout the evening, watched as you smiled and laughed with his family, and the simple sight of you all getting along warmed his heart.

“Oh, y/n, dear, I forgot. I had something for you.” you tilted your head, curious, as Levi's mother said those words to you, You watched her stand up from the couch and reach for a package under the christmas tree.

“For me?” you asked, your voice full of intrigue. You noticed that your husband exchanged a grin with his brother, which left you a bit confused. 

You smiled at Kuchel as she walked toward you, handing you a beautifully wrapped package. You looked up at her as she signed for you to open it. You proceeded with a little smile.

Your eyes widened as you carefully unwrapped the present. You were holding in your hands a red knitted sweater. It was big, warm and detailed. Not only dated, but your name was stitched on the front of the sweater. You looked up and saw your mother-in-law smiling at you warmly. 

“Oh dear, don’t look so surprised. I have a tradition to make these sweaters for each member of the Ackerman family, every year. And you, my dear, are a part of the family now.”

You were speechless, looking at the sweater in awe. It was beautiful, and you couldn’t believe that your mother-in-law welcomed you so warmly into the family. You turned to Levi, who was watching your reaction. He chuckled at the look on your face and leaned in to place a quick peck on your forehead.

“Aw, love…Do you like it?” 

“Like? I love it! Thank you, Kuchel…thank you everyone…” you said softly, the corners of your mouth turned up in a smile. Kuchel quickly leaned in to embrace you in a hug. 

“You’re welcome, dear. We are all happy to see you join our family in such a way.”

You were overwhelmed with all the love you were receiving. You came here dreading this encounter, fearing that the family wouldn’t approve of you. What a wonderful way to show you that you were wrong. In that moment, you knew you belonged. Not only as Levi’s wife, but you also had your place in the Ackerman’s family, and that was undeniably one of the best christmas presents you could receive.

[darkdevasofdestruction]

Being in a relationship with Enki Ankarian...

Being born with the Enlightened Soul, Enki was cursed and blessed with a restless need to constantly seek for new knowledge and secrets hidden away from the massive community of common folk. Such a trait had started manifesting within him at a very young age, as he was chosen to become a Dark Priest upon his and his twin sister’s birth. 

Despite their rather close relationship, they were pitted against each other, typical to such occult rites, and had to fight to death with ritual daggers. Unfortunately for him, Enki was born with a frail body, that only remained fragile due to his extensive overindulging in studying, and lack of going outside or doing any kind of physical activities - Thus, his sister easily overpowered him, her dagger on his neck, waiting for the final blow.

She, however, showed mercy that he was incapable of, and withdrew her dagger, stepping away, as the high priest masters glared gleefully at the ridiculously pitiful event unfolding before their very eyes.

Unable to accept defeat, Enki rose from the ground, as soon as his sister’s back was carelessly turned to him, and he stroke his dagger to her spine, watching with cold, empty eyes as she collapsed to the ground. The high priests seemed especially pleased with this and prepared for his ascension ceremony, where he resurrected his deceased sister into a ghoul, using the newly acquired skill of Necromancy. 

The cold, blank corpse of his sister brought a smile of satisfaction and accomplishment on his otherwise emotionless, pale face. 

After his ascension to Dark Priesthood, he left the temple grounds to learn occult on his own, in a dark pilgrimage. He began praying to Gro-Goroth as he began dedicating his studies to the knowledge of Old-Gods.

Enki travelled across the Western continent, learning about different Gods, deities, blood magic and all known sciences. His studies didn’t come without their merit, as he was rightfully acknowledged by the top scholars of modern times, being granted a pass to the great libraries of the Kingdom of Rondon, having the collection of all known history and science at his grasp. 

During his intensive research, drowning in a copious amount of piles of books and paintings, swimming in an endless ocean of knowledge, when suddenly, he felt compelled to raise his head, for a single split second - But that was enough to feast his eyes on the radiant presence of a woman that seemed to glow with such an aura that was unfamiliar to Enki.

For some reason, this human made Enki want to approach her, to delight himself with that Sun-like warmth and gentleness, and never let go. His brain had gone hay-wire for that exact single second, and he imagined her Ascension, defeating even Alll-mer in influence and radiance, for she would be worthy of worship far and wide, a single Goddess above them all, be them New or Old alike.

Ha! What a fool he’s been, allowing himself to fall prey to a woman’s charm, as if he is alike any of those petty mundane wretches, much beneath them. Surely, there was nothing that she had, except for a pretty face, and long soft locks, and a dress so beautiful and embellished with rich ornaments and golden thread embroidery... And there he goes again, losing time with meaningless thoughts!

O, and how he wished she would stop living rent-free inside his head, just so he could return to his endless studying already... Alas, that woman was gracefully sitting on a velvety chair by the dimly lit window, adopting a relaxed yet incredibly elegant pose as she began reading some kind of large, dusty tome, so old that it was almost ripping apart at the seams.

Such negligence - She might her slender, delicate fingers, but surely, there was no way an uneducated idiot like herself would be able to handle such a frail book!

Fuming, he didn’t quite realise he came up with an unlikely scenario, just to have a reason to march up in front of the beauty and speak to her - Surely, if he was to approach her with his usual misanthropy, she would be compelled to hate him and would avoid him at all costs - What a brilliant plan!

“What do you think you’re doing, you brain dead vermin?! Books like this one are supposed to be handled with intensive care!” in his makeshift rage, he tried to look away from that adorably confused face of hers, or those glowing doe eyes, looking up into his dead eyes with such radiant vitality. He grabbed at her hands, and almost shivered lightly at how soft and soft they were, compared to his skeletal-like cold and clammy ones.

“Oh, forgive me, Sir, I meant no harm.” her voice was so princess-like, compared to his gruff voice, rough from lack of speaking, that he almost felt his whole body caressed with honeyed mead. “You see, I often come to these libraries and rehabilitate old tomes like this one. I either sew protective covers over them, or try to re-write them, so that more copies would be available for people to read. There have been numerous cases of books being destroyed or going missing, and there was no way of retrieving the lost knowledge.” that sweet smile applied some colour to his otherwise ghost-white face, and for the first time in his life, Enki felt his heart pounding in his chest, harder than that time when his sister almost killed him.

Slowly, Enki let go of her hands and peered down at the book’s covers - Indeed, the seaming was freshly done, and the gold thread was adequately holding together the hardboiled leather. Even the inscription of the title was masterfully done, so much so that he found no defect to complain about or scold her for. Which meant, he also had no other reason to keep in contact or speak with this woman - So what was he supposed to do?! He had no clue how to react in such a difficult social dilemma.

“I am glad that there are more attentive people like yourself, with a genuinely love for knowledge and books!” she chirped softly, radiating with kindness and warmth. “If there were more people like yourself, it would be so much easier to preserve all this precious fountain of knowledge and allow a wider range of people to access it.” “You’re delusional.” contrary to what he was truly thinking, Enki grumbled under his breath, the corner of his mouth turning upwards in a disgusted sneer. “You wouldn’t be the first to call me that!” her giggle seemed as tender as an angel’s embrace. “It’s quite alright though! I just do what I like to do, and if people can benefit from my work, then all the best!” he was speechless, from a variety of reasons. “Are you quite alright, Sir? You seem unusually pale. Are you feeling ill?” at the same time that the beauty reached out her hands to cup his cold face and feel him up, Enki’s eyes widened like a dead fish’s, and he violently retracted away from her touch, as though he was terrified of getting burnt by her Sun-like warmth. Not only that, but the tome from her lap fell to the ground with a thud and a large cloud of dust, which ultimately made them both cough. “I’m fine. Mind your own business, woman.” he grunted in between coughs, crouching down to get the book - Only to feel her hand underneath his own - Was it fate, that such a continuous string of intimate coincidences keep happening? Was he supposed to meet her? Was there truly a red string of destiny wrapped around them both, pulling them together? “Oh, forgive me, Sir.” she smiled softly at him, waiting for him to remove his larger hand from on top of hers. He didn’t, captivated and lost in her eyes. “You may take the book at home for studying, if you’d like. I can guarantee for you. You seem like a man who truly treasures knowledge and books.” “Stop calling me Sir, it’s annoying. Enki Ankarian.” he grumbled, snatching away his hand from over hers, before cradling the tome to his chest, as though it’s his most cherished possession.  “It is lovely meeting you, Mr. Ankarian.” the glare she received made her offer a sheepish grin. “Uh... Mr. Enki?” the glare got harsher. “Enki...?” his glare dissipated, replaced once again by a blank stare, and a weird sense of relief and content washed over him. “My name is Y/N. You must be having an Enlightened Soul, right?” Enki rose a questioning eyebrow - Was it truly that evident, even to somehow he just met for the first time? Still, he grunted a positive answer. “No wonder - Then, I have all the more reason to trust you with borrowing books from our library.” Enki couldn’t help but pick up on the odd choice of a possessive pronoun. “Good to know.” he mumbled under his breath. “Whose library is it?” “Loosely speaking, it belongs to the Kingdom of Rondon, but it was my family who founded it, long ago, and we’ve kept taking care of it, having scholars, maesters and priests over, leaving imprints of their knowledge here and what not.” the way she was speaking of her family and the library seemed to make her exceedingly proud and happy. “Do you have a Radiating Soul or what?!” Enki found himself blurting out without as much as any bit of consideration or a normal, social filter. But the woman before him didn’t seem to mind it, nor was she seemingly bothered by it at all. For a delicate damsel like herself, she seemed to be tanking his brashness and rudeness with an impenetrable shield of white light. “Oh, yes, you are correct! As expected of someone bright like yourself!” she seemed to be bubbling over with glee. No wonder he was immediately attracted to her, from the second she entered the room. People like her were born to have tons of people flocking around her like moths to the flame. How annoying.

Enki couldn’t help but glare at the woman before him, smiling so brightly, as though she’s never even heard of the horrors of the world, let alone experience them; A creature so pure, that the glimmers of hope sparkle all around them. This woman was the perfect opposite of him, so much so that he almost felt afraid of being anywhere near her. What was he supposed to do? What was he supposed to say? Such a situation went much over the parameters of his abilities and skills. 

“Will I see you around tomorrow also?” Enki’s breath hitched in his throat and his heart stopped beating, as soon as he heard that God forsaken question. “I have to return the book, don’t I?” he found himself successfully grunting a satisfactory answer. “Wonderful!” she chimed happily. “Then, it is time for me to return home and bake some cookies!” with his eyes bulging out of his sockets, and his jaw slightly agape, Enki felt his throat dry, wondering - What the hell has he gotten himself into?

From then on, almost on a daily basis, Enki would spent day in and day out at the libraries of Rondon, accompanied by that annoyingly beautiful woman, who captured his dead heart in such a weird way. 

You would bring over trays of snacks and cookies she made, along with tea, coffee, with small recipients with milk and honey for sweetening - Of course, you would drink the sweetest beverages, whilst he liked them black and bitter - And he has to admit, everything you made, was out of this world delicious.

His skin even started getting some colour, and his body wasn’t as skeletal-skinny, due to being unconsciously taken care of, to the point that you even invited him over at your rather lavish house, where he’d eventually move in, without much protest.

Years later, he still isn’t quite sure how the hell did he end up moving in so quickly and effortlessly - It all felt incredibly natural, and he didn’t even realise what had happened, until it was too late, and he had slept over in his own dormitory for over a month. It was a comfortable life he was living, with no restrictions about studying, nor the need to work ; Though, in a way, he did feel as though he was taking advantage of your kindness, which irked him enough into thinking of way to compensate you in some way.

Realising there was nothing that he owned, which he could offer you, he proposed to teach you offensive magic. He knew well enough that you were safe and sound in Rondon, and you were well versed in the healing arts to begin with, but there comes no harm in having ways to defend yourself, correct? His sister should have been taught that lesson sooner.

With unexpected patience, Enki would put you closer to him on the sofa, with a book on his lap and an arm around your waist, reading to you whatever he was interested in at that moment, and would explain everything in great detail, making sure you understand everything there is of interest about that said topic.

And when it comes to practicing blood magic of any kind, he will have you practicing, in a safe environment, on wooden dummies. Hell, he was impressed by how easily you picked up on his teachings, that he even muttered out a bit of praise! Wonderous achievement!

Enki finds great comfort in brushing your hair, and would take all the time in the world just playing with those soft locks, even idly braiding it or twisting it around, as a means of relaxing or de-stressing.

At some point, during the hotter times of the year, he would begrudgingly allow you to also braid his hair and style it in a bun - You wear the same hairstyles more often than not - Mostly at home though, where there’s no one else to see.

When he gets frustrated, he would absent-mindedly doodle random runes or symbols all over your hand or arm, before going out into the cold rain to cool himself and start over whatever he project he was working on.

Though he always hisses like a cat, he loves it when you kiss his cheeks or forehead whenever you pass by his study desk. He loves your touch more than he’d like to admit, and he loves the way your plump, soft lips feel against his own, capable of pulling him out of this world - But what he loves more than anything, is how small you feel in his embrace, as you cuddle or hug - There is no words being said, only swimming in the love and bliss, feeling each other’s heartbeat, reveling in each other’s warmth.

When you get intimate, he’ll always stay above you, cradling your head and peppering your face with tons of lingering kisses, going down to your jaw and neck. Every sound you make, every twitch of your body, only drive him crazy. He’ll take his time with you, slow and steady, long strokes, until you see stars before your eyes, and him in the center of your world. If you try to look away as you climax, he’ll lightly tug on your hair, inching your face to make you look at him and only him as you come undone in his arms.

He might not admit to it, and he’ll never ever admit to it, not even to himself, but he loves you as much as he loves studying. On the days you’re going out together, strolling through the busy cobbled streets of Rondon, he will keep his arm around your waist, glaring at anyone who’d dare look at you - And with your Radiant Soul, there were plenty of people attracted to you. No one could get anywhere close to his little angel.

Though he found himself happiest and most comfortable living with you, his studies were never neglected, to the point that he found himself despairing for having nothing more that he can learn - This empty husk, limited to the Earthly, can only get him so far. He had reached the limits of any human can achieve, and all because of his Enlightened Soul, he was unable to find any means of keeping himself under control. He was going crazy, and there was nothing even you could do, even suggesting going traveling abroad, that could calm him down from his insanity.

There was no satisfaction, nor fulfilment that he could get. He allowed the Dark Priests to crucify him on the statue, naked, in the middle of the city, ready to be taken to the other world by Alll-mer. There was no silver lining waiting at the end; The purpose of all humans was to liver under the cold sun that the Gods have set above them all. 

Just as the Priests were ready to sacrifice him, Enki saw a vision - He wasn’t sure if it was your desperate visage that gave him new thirst for living, guilty of breaking your heart, or that mysterious thing flashing in the corner of his eyes - Whichever the case, he understood his new purpose, and was ready to start anew, to flip a new chapter in this agonising life.

Once the Priests brought him down, you immediately ran up to him, wrapping him up in a blanket to keep his cold, clammy skin warm. You were ready to bring him home, cook him a warm meal, bring him a hot tea - But he was far too excited about this new prophecy that he was shown, this revelation that foretold a man meant for greatness, who will begin a new era for mankind - Why would he share the spotlight of the Gods with any mortal man, anyway?

Prophecies are only for those who are weak enough to bend to their sorry fates. Enki was hell-bent on finding this man and learning more about him and this so-called destiny of his. As far as he’s aware, this man is imprisoned in the notorious dungeons of Fear and Hunger.

He knew this was it - The stairway to his Enlightenment, and he was dead set on discovering all the ancient secrets that this stronghold kept, all to reach the ultimate understanding of the greater scheme of things.

No matter how much he wished to keep you at home and promise you that he’ll return in time for dinner, he couldn’t. Not only was it impossible for him to lie to you like that, but he was also unable of stopping you from joining him, no matter how many times he warned you that he might not be able to keep you safe during this mess of a quest, or even as much as say with certainty that neither of you will die. Still, you were persistent, and though you felt your body shivering with fear as soon as you reached the courtyard to the two entrances, you still didn’t back down - You were going to stay by his side, through thick and thin.

From the very second that you got in front of the dungeons, he could see your body trembling softly with fear, from the sheer malevolent and suffocating pressure that it emanated. Enki was unable of reassuring you with words, but he held your hand, guiding you blindly through the intricate hallways of the labyrinthine dungeon, though he had no idea where exactly he had to go. The only thing he knew was that he had to find Le’Garde somewhere deep underneath the dungeons, in the prison levels... Probably.

As torches would go out far too quickly, leaving you to stumble blindly through the place, you used a simple magic spell to create a ball of light in your palm.

In a place as decrepit and plagued such as the Fear and Hunger dungeon, even your Radiating Soul seemed to be greying and fading tragically.

It was thanks to Enki’s level-headed and composed self that you could feel relatively safe. That, and his almost unsettling Necromancy skill, which aided him in creating a small army of ghouls and skeletons to aid your journey to success.

The two of you first encountered an enormous prison guard, with rather disproportionate genitals, ready to tackle you and destroy you entirely. You were absolutely terrified, stunned and rooted to the spot - Thankfully, the Dark Priest and his powerful dark magic were able to quickly massacre the foe.

To calm you down, Enki cupped your face and planted a soft kiss on your forehead, whispering loving words until he could feel your bode relaxing under his touch, ready to go on with your long and perilous journey.

You scavenged various crates and barrels, finding food, armors and weapons useful for the future, though the two of you still relied on your own powerful magic, and the cannon fodder dead as meat shields.

You killed two dark priests, taking their soul stones and purifying talismans, sacrificing a man and raising affinity with Gro-Goroth, before unsealing the magic door using Counter-Magic and venturing inside where they found a Hexen and learnt Greater blood magic.

In one of the libraries, there weren’t all that many books of interest. Somewhere further along, you found a ritualistic circle painted on the ground with blood, over a carved up symbol of Gro-Goroth. You looked up at Enki, confused, as he studied the book on the pedestal closely.

“Gor-Goroth requires a sacrifice, doesn’t he? And Sylvian wants love. Alll-mer wants prayer, doesn’t he? What are we supposed to do?” you ask, looking down at the intricate circle. “Nothing. I’ll do a quick prayer for the God of Destruction, but nothing more. Get out of that circle right now, I don’t want to risk your safety.” he ushered you away quickly as he prayed, and took you out of that place immediately.

On a book shelf, somewhere up, beyond your reach, Enki found the renowned Necronomicon. With trembling hands and deep excitement, he dares to read the Black Book, and even learns the Black Orb spell. This new-found knowledge only seemed to further excite the Dark Priest, so much so that he smirked with deep triumph.

Probably one of the worst parts of the journey was traversing through the Blood-Flesh pit to get to the prisons and activate the elevator for the ground levels; Honestly, how in the world could such a disgusting thing exist, anyway? Everything was so fleshy, squishy, juicy and revolting, it made your skin crawl.

Out in the courtyard, you found a massive statue of Alll-mer, to which you begrudgingly prayed to, but funny enough, somewhere to the left of the courtyard, a huge orgy was taking place, with a bunch of naked people wearing only bunny masks. They were in a trance-like state, and the act seemed rather painful for the submissive one; It was absolutely terrifying to watch, especially as none were letting out a single noise. It seemed that love for the sake of Sylvian had completely gone corrupted. Seeing how uncomfortable it made you, Enki grabbed your wrist and took you away from there without another word. No Godly Affinity was worth your discomfort.

The next location you went to was the Mines, where you noticed a presence that didn’t seem to indicate any kind of malice. Though Enki was a little more weary, as he felt responsible for your well-being, you found yourself encouraged to step forward and introduce yourself. This man looked very similar to Enki, with long and well-kept hair, pale skin, and a dust-grey priest robe. There was something about his soul also, something familiar, that made you feel you could trust this man called Nosramus.

He, also, had an Enlightened Soul. No wonder you felt at ease in his presence. Enki, also, seemed to be feeling the same way. Nosramus revealed he is an alchemist and he lives in this God-Forsaken place. Unfortunately, he had to run away, as he had forgotten his kettle on. What a shame.

Stumbling around blindly through the mines, you had to battle a rather hostile Yellow Mage, though with some rather cunning talk from Enki, he retriever a rather interesting Talisman, before killing that ridiculous dancing foe.

After defeating the Salmonsnake and a ton of ghosts, passing by the cannibal orgy dedicated to Gro-Goroth, Enki summons a portal passage towards the bridge to Ma’habre, pulling you in with him along the ancient city. Somewhere up in the sky, you could see the ghostly silhouette of the four New Gods, who disappeared one by one, but not before a promise of reunion. You were sent back to the mines after that. What a peculiar manifestation of magic!

You went through a whole city of inoffensive yet rather creepy cave-dwellers before finding your way to attack a huge, armoured Knight and its phantasmal counterpart which blocked the path towards Nosramus’ laboratory. He seemed to greet you with open arms and a genuine smile on his face.

Enki asked him what his studies consisted in, and he claims he studies just about all fields of knowledge, like a true renaissance man would, like blood magic, deities, gods and what not, though now he’s most interested in nature and the heartbeat of the earth. Enki smirked a little, realising that such interest aligns with your own. He seemed rather light-hearted and jovial, joking around about having been around for an eternity, and that this dungeon is vital for his studies. Though, when asked about this particular man, he seemed vague, though he confirmed he must be a few floors below them, and they should hurry.

Emboldened by his affirmation, they returned to the Cave-Dwellers’ village and searched around for clues, until they found a rather intricate and particular artifact in the form of a cube. It was the Cube of the Depths. Unfortunately, as soon as they grabbed it, the otherwise peaceful Cave-Dwellers became hostile and started attacking them once spotted. What a shame.

Once escaped, they found themselves deep inside a rather terrifying thicket, chased around by poisoned mumblers, though here, they found a weird, large, bulbous thing like a chist, pulsating and throbbing. They destroyed it immediately, before going down a hole in the ground, reaching the Level 7 Catacombs and finding another such thing.

Unfortunately, just down that corridor, they found the prison cell where the Man of the Prophecy was being shackled. He was already long dead. They were much too late. They failed the task they set out to. How annoying.

Looking at each other, you and Enki exited the prison cell hand in hand, looking down in disappointment - There was no reason for you to be there anymore, was it? Alas, Enki’s path to Enlightenment was shattered in front of him. Mumbling a few curses, he was deaf to the sound of footsteps approaching. “Nosramus!” Enki was brought back to reality by your sweet voice gasping out the alchemist’s name.

The man seemed to have already guessed the one called Le’Garde was long dead. He must have thought he’d have had a much bigger role in the greater scheme of things, but apparently, not so much. Still, the seed of what he planted continues to grow and branch. Nosramus encouraged you to venture further into the darkness and figure out this enigmatic riddle for yourselves. With you thirst for success, Enki dragged you to a large stone gate, engraved with a variety of runes. He brought out the Cube, and the doors opened, to the Tomb of the Gods. Fantastic! This area looks to be from the distant past, how intriguing!

The Priest rushed with you through the many corridors of the Tomb, until you reached the outside; The darkness was hiding away the city, though with your magic, you could get a small glimpse of the odd architecture of this ancient city. It truly was a work of art and historical fountain.

A little unsure of what to do, you reach a Beacon, which seemed to react to the Cube. It grew taller by a few levels, glowing bright green, and suddenly, you and Enki were in Ma’Habre, now illuminated by the bright daylight. The two of you could only stare in shock and wonder at the sight before your eyes - Neither of you ever thought you would witness such a miracle. You were grateful to Nosramus for his guidance. That man knew so much more than he led on.

The Ancient City was wonderous to explore, and it felt almost as though you were sight-seeing, and you were just a newly-married couple enjoying their honeymoon vacation abroad; Though most of the time, you spent in the Grand Library was the most welcomed, as you found so many long-forgotten books to study. Of course, you found yourself stealing a few of them, eager to take them home, restore them, copy them and place them in your own Rondon Library, to benefit other scholars also.

When you were ready to leave the Library, you got attacked by something that you could only call a giant head with its brain out... And uh... An eye that looks awfully phallic.

After guarding from a headbutt and summoning a blood golem, Enki tries talking some sense to the God of Enlightenment... The great Enlightened Valeil became this weird, huge head. Bewildering. Though he didn’t seem to react to his words, a stream of ideas, concepts and questions fill your head.

“Among us... The new Gods... I am Valteil to the Enlightenment as Francois is to the Domination. Who is Torment...?” the voice inside your head asked. At once, Enki answered correctly, mentioning Chambara’s name. The boss took a good amount of damage. Whilst you kept using defensive and healing spells, the undead army kept attacking, allowing Enki safe space to speak and destroy the boss.

“The dark continent... Whence the darkness slowly leaks to the Western World... Where the day only shines... Eternal darkness and grey gloom... What is it called among the people of Europa?” Enki answered correct with his answer of Vinland, causing the Enlightened One a massive headache.

“We, the new Gods... Whilst still walking among men... Our fellowship, when did we embark on our journey to Ascension?” Year 809 was the correct answer, as expected of someone like your remarkable husband. Valteil’s right hemisphere and that ridiculous eye had been destroyed, and then his left hemisphere also. He remained a hallow skull.

“Alll-mer, the Ascended one... The last of the older Gods. What year marks the birth of his new self?” Year 0 was the right answer, of course, and with that, Valteil was defeated. The head of Valteil the Enlightened One falls down to the darkness from where it once rose. The millennia of wisdom and knowledge that is too much for a normal person to bear passes through your heads. You only get glimpses of what is waiting for you on the other side, but this information stream is too much for your mind to handle. Your head hurts, and you feel a little shaken up. You look at Enki, who’s clutching his head also, yet he seems completely ecstatic with the knowledge that something far greater has just started to change.

The cogs of Fear and Hunger have just began to rotate on a larger scale. You got the Enlightened Soul. Enki’s hand squeezed yours, and it was clear, he’s never been more thrilled than with this experience. For a brief second there, he wanted to regret embarking in such a dangerous adventure, yet now, he was pumped up and ready to learn more.

Traversing back through the intricate library, you found Valteil’s mortal body, strung up at the waist with a rope. He seemed absolutely depressed, saying that mankind has no hope, and that ascension was never the right path. Enki admitted he was also on the path of Enlightenment, to which he was warned not to be fooled by power or blinded by the golden throne. One must admit his own mistakes in order to grow, he said. There was, however, one amongst them who was right, though Valteil hadn’t expanded on that, leaving them with more questions than answers.

Enki found an empty scroll, on which he scribbled a request to Alll-mer, to be taught how to walk on water, so you could return back to where you killed the Salmonsnake and reach the other side of the mines. There, you were met with a menacing lizardman, and a bunch of humans strung upside down. They were skinned and mutilated. Seeing your horrified look, Enki held your hand and rushed through the mines, trying to shield your view from the atrocities.

You reached a sealed door, which Enki unlocked with the use of Counter-magic again, and inside, you found none other than Nosramus himself! What a coincidence! He asked about Valteil, somehow sensing they you met him. When Enki told him that he was regretting his past actions, the Alchemist seemed amused and intrigued. It was the first time he had heard about Valteil admitting his mistakes.

“Nosramus, forgive me for asking, but you were friends, weren’t you? You, and all the others.” Nosramus finds himself smiling a little wider hearing you speak. “Valteil mentioned one of his friends being on the correct path - That must have been you, right?” the Alchemist gave a nostalgic nod of his head, explaining that Valteil’s belief was that one could achieve Enlightenment with a snap of his fingers, if only he Ascended. Of course, a ridiculous idea, and Nosramus, to this day, is still bewildered to how easily his friend fell into that trap. The ultimate truth was just one, that there is no end to the path of Enlightenment. New information, new forms of science, new people, new worlds... The knowledge of the world keeps on increasing. How could you settle down thinking you are at the end of it all, he wondered rhetorically.

“We learn our whole life.” Enki found himself mumbling under his breath, his eyes wide with realisation. That quote made Nosramus smile with pride. Unknown to the alchemist, it was you who once told Enki that little thing, and now, to think some words could mean so much, could hold such value. Enki turned his head to you, and once again, amidst the darkness, he saw you radiating brightly - So bright, in fact, like a muse, like the Sun brightens up the whole world at once.

Nosramus then recommended that Enki sits on the golden throne to meet his reflection - Surely, there will be incredible insight and knowledge, especially of the New Gods, which he could learn. Still, he had to heed caution - If he truly was a scholar of sciences, he must only observe, not surrender to the lust of power, like those before him. Thus, the Alchemist offered him the Spirit Anchor.

Enki was a little too bewildered to speak, and could only watch as you embraced the Alchemist, thanking him for his kindness and benevolence is sharing such a gift with you. “Thank you for all of your help, Nosramus. Without you, I am sure, my husband would never truly be happy. It is through knowledge that he finds happiness - And I can only be happy, when seeing him like this. You have saved him from despair, and from himself. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.” the Forgotten One simply chuckled light-hearted, patting your head as though you were his little sister or daughter, reassuring you it wasn’t a big deal he was doing, before ushering you on your way.

Your radiating smile painted a little colour on Enki’s pale cheeks, and you excitedly grabbed both of his hands, dragging him back to the Blood Portal, so you could return to the Ancient City and continue your fantastic journey. You reached the back alleys of the city, and using a stone, you searched for a safe place to land. Clearly, you couldn’t trust the ghouls to hold a rope for you to descend, so you had to jump and land, albeit a little rough, on a small piece of safe land that reached inside an underground cave. Thankfully, Enki caught you, alleviating the pain of your legs.

This cave was filled to the brim with wooden mannequins and a weird machine which, when adding Enki’s blood, it... Created a human husk in his image. Now, you had a rather awkward Enki, looking with disgust and embarrassment at his naked clone, shamelessly prancing around the place. Your amused giggle only made him huff and look away, grabbing you to move along and exit the cave. 

Climbing up a ladder, with the clone following you, you found yourselves inside the Temple of Torment. The atmosphere was so thick and heavy that you felt compelled to leave for the moment and explore a little more.

You reached the Tower of the Endless, where you found a bed. Weirdly enough, you felt rather safe in this place, as though you could rest a little. You have been running around for so long, that perhaps a little shut-eyes was welcomed. Enki agreed, laying down on the bed, making room for you to cuddle into his side, resting your head on his chest, feeling his heartbeat lulling you into a deep, peaceful sleep.

However, weirdly enough, you met inside your joined dream, and you found yourselves in Rondon. Though confused, you found yourselves inside a brothel, seeing a mercenary speak to his prostitute wife about his future job and how he wants to provide for her - It was to rescue the very man they found dead. Next, you had to relieve the moment Enki tried to get himself sacrificed, to which the man in cause took you away, not wanting to have you experiencing such heartbreak a second time.

Walking further, you found yourselves deep inside the Oldegard forests, where you saw an Outlander mourning the death of his comrades who were massacred in a war with the Rondon knights who sought an artifact they found. The Outlander seemed to realise his wife and son were in danger, so he rushed to this barn, on a path soaked in blood and corpses. This man was defeated with the knowledge of his family’s death, and he swore revenge on the monster who did this.

Once the Outlander’s memory disappeared, you and Enki walked inside the barn, seeing a Skin Granny, which you had to fight and defeat through all of her phases - Thankfully, it wasn’t that difficult a fight, thanks to your greater magic proficiency and the many undead fighters shielding you two. Once defeated, you excited the barn, seeing a vision of Le’Garde, the man of the prophecy, speaking to one of his female knights rather cryptically. She seemed completely blinded with love for him, but he was simply using her.

As this memory, too, ended, you were engulfed in nothing but a white light, and a woman, Nilvan the Endless, appeared before you. She caressed her swollen belly, begging you to take her child to the darkness, to save the child, and thus, she offered you the Endless Soul. How amusing though, considering neither of you even encountered a child to begin with, but her soul was more than welcomed.

Refreshed and feeling stronger, mentally and emotionally, you and Enki smoked a little and ate well before returning to the Temple of Torment, ready for an arduous fight. As soon as you enter the Temple, a loud, echoing scream, like that of a man deep in anguish and agony, resounded through the whole place, sending shivers down your neck. It was the most terrifying thing you’ve ever heard, and you instinctively clinged onto Enki’s arm for some comfort.

Somewhere inside a long room, you found a weird torture mechanism, and with a heavy heart, you placed the clone on the hooks, ready to sacrifice the husk - Though Enki didn’t seem the least bit disturbed at seeing his own mirror image being tortured to the point of having his skin painfully ripped apart by the hooks, you couldn’t even bring yourself to look at it, your heart shattering as the skeletons kept rotating the wheels.

The Red Man continued shrieking loudly as blood streamed everywhere through the temple, and the deep pit was now full with blood, from which the Tormented One emerged silently. Defeating him once was easy, though the New God succumbed deep inside the pool of blood, as a terrible sensation filled you, as if something was about to happen that should forever remain unknown to human eyes. Thus, he emerged one again, in the middle of three spiky wheels of torment swinging around their axis. One by one, they jammed and destroyed the horrific wheels, and their suffering God, until they all sank into the pool of blood as quietly as when they rose from it. 

Though it was a terrifying sight and battle, you feel as if a millennia of torment just slipped before your eyes. You feel sorry for this tormented deity, though Enki not so much. Regardless, you gain the third soul, the Tormented Soul.

Thus, you return to the City Center of Ma’habre, ready to defeat the guard blocking your path from entering the Golden Temple. Inside the Temple, you found an older version of Francois the Dominating, and you engaged in a rather interesting conversation with him, who advised you on how to defeat his younger, more cocky self. After killing the last purple, throbbing heart, you return into the past of the Ancient City, using the Cube of the Depths, ready to defeat the last God.

You found Francois sitting on the golden throne, speaking down on you as though you were vermin or even less. Thankfully, with the use of the old Francois and some cunning speech, you were able to destroy his younger self’s ego enough to make him reckless and vulnerable and destroy him forever, taking his Dominating Soul.

Looking at the golden throne, you felt your body softly trembling, before shifting your gaze towards your lover. You threw your arms around him, bringing him into a tight embrace, confession your love for him over and over and over again, your eyes stinging with tears of sheer fear. Enki simply cupped your face and pulled you into a deep, loving kiss. 

It was the first time Enki ever truly told you ‘I love you’.

He tried to tell you he will return to you, but something caught in his throat, rendering him unable to promise something like that. Instead, he felt an electrifying feeling down his spine, and not even once did you break eye contact, as he slowly sat down on the throne of the New Gods.

A bright light engulfed you, and surprisingly, you found yourself in an incomprehensible dimension or world, transported by the throne. Enki was still sitting, while you stood in front of him, both of you deeply confused. Hand in hand, you and the undead army searched for a path towards... Who knew?

As you stepped in the middle of a bridge that separated two large bodies of lands, something started slowly rising from the green hue. Coiling, slimy tentacles were dancing above the green smoke, before the monolithic creature slowly rose from inside the green fog. You and Enki looked at one another, unable to properly comprehend what were you battling, yet you knew, the being before you had tremendous power. 

This creature was the Goddess of Life and Love, Sylvian. Tentacles slammed and swirled around in an erratic manner, damaged the protecting undead and blood golems. Suddenly, you noticed the creature growing a large tumor in a humanoid shape, and it was wriggling in pain.

With great difficulty, you managed to cut the four tentacles lashing out at you and the humanoid tumour, before finally descending back into the green smokes, letting you go in peace. What a relief. Battling an Old God took its toll on you two, and you needed a few seconds of respiro, smoking some opium, before finding some strength in your feet to walk forward and have... A New God, oddly resembling Enki, with a cage on his head, greeting you.

“Knowledge... It suffocates those who are not able to adjust to it. I could not bear the world with everything I’ve learned with the Enlightenment and my Ascension. It is said that ignorance is bliss and knowledge only enhances the pain. The only way for me to continue existing was to change. Knowledge changes one permanently. There is no looking back after a certain point.” the reflection of Enki spoke to him in a monotone voice.

That reflection was what he was to become. He felt great lust for power take over him - It would have been so easy to give in and learn secrets that are only whispered among mortals - But he came prepared, and had been warned about such lust; Not only that, a single look into your eyes was enough to remind him of his true purpose, his true happiness. He didn’t want to end up like Valteil, trapping himself in the corner, with nothing left to do but rot away, forgotten by the world. No, he was destined for so much more - Though a mortal, he felt content continuing his path towards Enlightenment with you by his side. 

You declined the Godhood and managed to step out of the plane of the ascended that was coloured by the green hue that radiated from the underground pits. It’s not like your ascension wasn’t without its merits, even if you withdrew at the last second. You saw the reflection after all and understood its intents. With newly found knowledge, he took the grand libraries of the ancient city as his own, and once he was done with a book, he would pass it on to you, to read, copy and restore, so that you could make your own Great Library of Rondon the most Enlightened one in the whole world. The Enlightened Library.

Thankfully, the library of Ma’habre already contained more information than one could digest in multiple lifetimes, yet lucky for you, Enki, with a little help from Nosramus, discovered the secrets of a prolonged life pretty soon.

You found out how the older Gods had left this world long ago. You had taken care of the New Gods that resided in the city of the Gods. Enki did not need Godhood to chase after the true Enlightenment. He did not need Godhood to become the most powerful mortal to exist. 

He already WAS the most accomplished mortal that ever was, and will ever be. 

And with your Radiating warmth, love, beauty and support, along with his new-found friend, the Alchemist Nosramus, the Forgotten One, life has become a truly happy bliss.

[thepotentialof2007]

Twenty thousand years ago, someone dropped a deer-tooth pendant in a cave in southwestern Siberia, where it lay until archaeologists excavated it in 2019. Now, researchers have caught a glimpse of its last wearer. After years of effort, Elena Essel, a graduate student at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (EVA), developed a way to extract DNA embedded in an artifact’s porous surface by sweat and skin cells. Her team’s analysis of the ornament, reported this week in Nature, shows it once adorned a woman whose ancestry lay far east of the cave.

“It’s the first time to my knowledge that we have a nondestructive way to extract DNA from Paleolithic artifacts,” says co-author Marie Soressi, an archaeologist at Leiden University. The technique promises a window into how, and by whom, ancient ornaments and tools were used. Human DNA gleaned from their surfaces could offer “new insight into cultural practices and social structure in ancient populations,” says evolutionary biologist Beth Shapiro of the University of California, Santa Cruz.

The EVA team found some of the ancient DNA came from wapiti, the species of elk whose tooth was used to make it. But some DNA was from a female modern human; its sequence revealed she was most closely related to people of the Maltinsko-buretskaya culture, known to have lived 2000 kilometers farther east near Lake Baikal—and who are among the ancestors of Siberians, Native Americans, and Bronze Age steppe herders. By comparing the DNA from both the woman and the elk with other ancient samples, the researchers dated the pendant to between 19,000 and 25,000 years ago.

The paper has come out just in time for a new field season, Essel says. She has a request for colleagues as they unearth new artifacts: “Please, please, please wear gloves and face masks if you want to look at the DNA of the people who were making these things and using them.”

In theory, such analyses are most promising for artefacts made from animal bones or teeth, not only because they are porous and thereby conducive to the penetration of body fluids (for example, sweat, blood or saliva) but also because they contain hydroxyapatite, which is known to adsorb DNA and reduce its degradation by hydrolysis and nuclease activity. Ancient bones and teeth may therefore function as a trap not only for DNA that is released within an organism during its lifetime and subsequent decomposition but also for exogenous DNA that enters the matrix post-mortem through microbial colonization or handling by humans.

DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06035-2

[johnwickb1tsch]

thoughts on helen wick and her backstory pre-marriage? 👀 (i have no clue how to interact to other people in english shshsbhdsj)

Evvvren!! I love this question. I'm sorry it's taken me a while to answer, I've been thinking about it.

I guess we know from the Wiki that she was a photographer? And I recall from the letter scene that there were artsy coffee table books stacked up, I think there was one on Alvaro Siza, he does very modern, boxy buildings (kind of like John Wick's house) -- I have come to headcanon now that it was Helen who was into that modern aesthetic. (I can't shake the feeling that it doesn't really suit John Wick. He likes classic muscle cars and Victorian children's books. Left to his own devices, I think he probably likes a bit more ornamentation, but it's easy to imagine him going along with anything Helen wanted when they were starting their married life together. 😭)

Something that slays me about Helen is that she seems kind of basic? And I don't mean that in a bad way! It's a adorable. The whole daisy fixation is just ridiculously cute, it's such a happy hippy flower child choice. And like, she's obviously SMOKING hot, yet in that dinner scene with John she's wearing that almost dowdy soft pink shirt with the long-short sleeves.

Look at these idiots in love...

It makes me think that she was so cool and comfortable with herself she didn't care. Zero fucks given. Like that woman must have had Personality. I think she was just a really bright light. Full of love. Strong. And she TEASED John Wick like no one else ever had. You can totally see it in the car scene at the beach, when they're holding hands over the roof of the car. And she's all "What are you doing, John?" in That Tone, LOL, I think she was good at getting John out of his shell and not taking things so seriously. I'm sure she knew he'd Seen Some Shit™ and made it her mission to help him let it go and live a happy life in his retirement.

I realize you asked about pre-marriage Helen. I'm guessing she was in the art scene in some capacity. I think she was cool, and not overly pretentious like so many artists are (can you tell I went to art school? LOL I can't staaaand that shit). I think she liked what she liked and didn't apologize for it, whether it was hippy dippy daisies, or an ex-mafia hitman named John Wick. 🌼🌼🌼

[charmandabear]

Christmas

Summary:

Sleeping in your childhood bedroom with your parents on the other side of the wall is probably the worst place to fool around. Bummer that you and Astarion struggle to keep your hands off each other.

Pairing: Astarion/f!Reader Rating: E Word Count: 1.6k Tags/Warnings: more smut than fluff, modern au, christmas smut, vaginal fingering, dirty talk, keep it the fuck down

Read it on AO3.

Thank you again to Idylla for letting me use their amazing art for the banner! Part 2 of 3(?) of Midwinter Nights! Definitely absolutely not based on a true story.

Midwinter Nights: Yule | Christmas | New Year's Eve

It's not that you were nervous to introduce him to your parents, but you certainly weren't free of anxiety.

But the second he turned on that Astarion charm, relief rushed your body. They were absolutely enamored with him, your dad almost alarmingly so. You had never seen him laugh louder at someone’s jokes, clearly vying to impress your partner.

He looked so cute helping your mom trim the tree, carefully placing ornaments according to her strict instruction. He indulged her desire to spread family gossip halfway through her second glass of wine. He would occasionally throw a smile towards where you were curled up in a cushy chair with a steaming mug of hot chocolate, flashing a cheeky hint of fang for your benefit. Your parents don't need to know about that yet.

You finally bade your parents goodnight and retreated to your old bedroom. They had converted it into a guest room long ago, but there were still hints of your childhood in it. The stuffed animals that adorned the bed, the old dresses hanging in the closet.

You turned out the lights and slipped under the covers next to Astarion, rubbing your cold feet against his even colder legs. You turned over to face him, basking in the sight of his skin glowing beneath the twinkling fairy lights.

“My parents really like you,” you said in a whisper, cognizant of them possibly hearing you on the other side of the wall. He rested a hand on the slope of your waist, thumb stroking absentmindedly.

“Don't sound so surprised, darling,” he chuckled. “You say it as though I don't know how to behave.” He punctuated the statement with a rakish grin, really driving home the point.

“Right, because when I think ‘Astarion’ my first thought is ‘someone you can take home to mother.’” 

“I'm certain I have no idea what you mean,” he said, and planted a chaste kiss on your forehead. You smiled and burrowed into his chest, excited to fall asleep and for morning to come.

You tilt your head up for one more goodnight kiss. He obliges, and his lips taste sweet, the hot chocolate still lingering. Your breath catches as he presses into your lower back with his hand, deepening the kiss ever so slightly. You snake your hands up around his neck, lightly running your fingers through his soft silvery curls.

If you were smart, you would have broken the kiss and turned over to go to sleep. Lying in your childhood bedroom with your extremely attractive vampire lover while your parents slept on the other side of the very thin wall was not the time or place to start anything.

But you are not a smart woman.

You pressed your body into his and relished in the breathy groan that escaped his lips. He slipped his tongue into your mouth, the taste of desperation and heat flooding your senses. You clawed at his back and neck, chasing every inch of his body and searching for relief from that mounting pressure in your belly. He slid his hand down your ass and hooked your leg around his waist. Beyond your control, a small voiced moan made its way out of your throat.

“Shhhhh!” He hushed you before trapping your lips into another kiss, effectively silencing you. You tried to swallow back your breaths, keeping them light and shallow to prevent any more noise from leaving your body. It proved harder when he caught your lower lip between his teeth, his fangs pricking the sensitive flesh without actually piercing any skin.

Your contrasting desires to satiate your hunger for him while also staying quiet enough to not be overheard were at war with one another. You pulled him on top of you with the leg around his waist and he drove his hips into yours, giving you the slightest hint of his growing arousal. You inhaled a ragged breath in between increasingly ravenous kisses, your hands desperately searching for more of him and his touch.

The mounting heat and pressure between your legs was starting to overwhelm you and you shifted your focus onto controlling your increasingly needy mewling. You buried your face in the crook of his neck in the hopes that it might absorb some of the sound. He didn’t make it any easier as he continued to slide his half-hard erection along your cunt, the two thin layers of fabric between you dampening with every passing minute. You clamped your teeth down onto the skin there, not biting so much attempting to use his shoulder as a gag. This backfired as the second your teeth made contact, he let out a sharp hiss as his hips bucked, setting off another groan that died in your throat.

Your knees fell open further and you could feel the outline of his length press into your folds. You tightened your grip on his shoulders, wincing as you tried to suppress the obscene noises threatening to escape. But you ached for more, the need for the relief his touch provided was starting to consume you. You grabbed the back of his head, bringing his ear in contact with your lips.

“Please touch me, quickly,” you begged in a sharp whisper, unconcerned with how pathetic you sounded. He pulled back and his red eyes glinted with mischief, an impish grin spreading across his lips.

“All right, but not a sound, understood?” he purred, and you clamped your lips shut as you nodded impatiently.

His touch was cool he trailed it down your front, sending a shiver through you. He slid his palm flat against your pubic bone, fingertips barely touching the top of your slit. Your mouth dropped open but you managed to maintain your silence even as your hips jerked into his hand. His opposite hand snaked behind your neck and he crushed your lips into his once again, swiping his tongue along your bottom lip. He dipped a finger between your folds and you could feel his lips curl up into a smile.

“Darling, is this just from me?” He clicked his tongue as he lazily swept his finger up and down your slick. “So eager.” You couldn’t respond, you only clenched your teeth as your hips cantered into his touch. His cool digit between your hot lips sent a shudder rippling through your body.

“You love it when I touch you like this,” he purred, and you immediately caught on to what he was doing. You would not last long with him crooning into your ear, never mind having an easy time keeping your voice down. His lips brushing along your ear made your breaths come high and hot, and you tightened your fingers in his hair.

“Look at you, coming undone,” he continued, unphased by the pain from you tugging on his hair. He gently circled your clit, just enough to tease you and not nearly enough to satisfy. You thrusted into his hand, aching for relief.

“You want it so badly, little pup.” You could feel the pet name on his breath tickling your ear and you swallowed the whine threatening to emerge. “You want to scream my name, but you can’t.” He slid a finger inside you, moving it excruciatingly slowly. You bit down on your knuckle as you tried to fuck yourself on his fingers, begging for more. You’re so rarely this quiet and you can hear the squelch of his fingers as they pumped inside you, and the extra sensory element made you all the more wild.

“If I give you what you want,” he looked down his nose at you and you could see the arousal in his eyes, “will you need me to make you stay quiet?” He was beginning to pant, too, his heaving chest rhythmically pressing into yours. You kept your lips closed tight as you nodded in desperation. He shifted his weight, clamping his free hand over your mouth and pressing your thigh up with his knee so he could get a better angle into your cunt.

He began to properly thrust his fingers into you, the crook of his thumb hitting your clit with every downstroke. His hand muffled your cries as they grew increasingly needy. You rocked into him and the bed began to emit a tiny steady creak. But you were so past the point of caring, all you needed was for him to give you your release.

“That's a good girl, let go, love,” he whispered roughly into your ear. His praise and encouragement were enough to send you over the edge, your hips rutting into his hand as your cunt clenched around his fingers. He rode out the waves of your orgasm with you, and you can feel his ragged breath on your cheek.

The two of you slowed, and before he even took his fingers out of you you were both listening intently for any sign of movement on the other side of the wall. When you deemed it appropriately quiet, you fell into a fit of giggles. Astarion pulled his hand out of you and dropped his forehead into your neck, shaking with silent laughter.

“That's a dangerous game you're playing, Ancunín,” you whispered, breathing not yet returned to normal.

“You were the one begging, you needy little thing,” he responded with a smirk, barely visible in the low light. You playfully shoved him off you and rolled onto your side, snuggling your back into him. He wrapped his arm around your waist, planting a soft kiss on your shoulder blade. You closed your eyes, praying there wouldn't be any awkward conversations at breakfast.

[mybeingthere]

Japanese Lacquer Combs - a special area of art.

Some 400 years ago, Japan took the simple hair comb and transformed it into an elegant beauty accessory that became a work of art. Japanese kushi (combs) became expressions of a woman's character, social class and marital status. Hair has become the field for Kanzashi (簪) - ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. The term kanzashi refers to a wide variety of accessories, including long, rigid hairpins, barrettes, fabric flowers and fabric hair ties.

The use of Kanzashi dates back to prehistoric times, originating during the Jomon period (12,000b.c.e.-300b.c.e.). During this time people would wear sticks in their hair because it was believed that a single stick had the power to ward off evil and promote good luck. Later on, during the Nara period (710c.e.-795c.e.) interaction with China brought actual intricate hair ornaments into Japan which came to be known as Kanzashi. Along with the hair accessories, the Chinese style of wearing one’s hair in a top knot became widely popularized. During the Heian period (795c.e.-1185c.e.) wearing Kanzashi was less common because women favored long free untied hair. However, during this time Kanzashi became the general term to refer to hair ornaments. Next during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573c.e.-1600c.e.) women again favored wearing their hair up, requiring the use of Kanzashi. In the Edo period (1603c.e.-1868c.e.), like many other types of clothing, Kanzashi began to be created in a large variety of styles. Most notably was the creation of Hanabira Kanzashi (Flower Kanzashi) in Kyoto, and Tsumami Kanzashi, a style of Kanzashi done in the Edo capital which is now modern Tokyo. Lastly, due to Westernization during the Meiji period (1868c.e.-1912c.e.) Kanzashi fell back out of style.

Maki-e - Japanese lacquer technique

Maki-e began in the Nara period (710-794) and developed uniquely in Japan. Maki-e is a technique in which a picture is drawn in lacquer and gold or silver powder is sprinkled on top before it dries to express the picture.

http://simitras-exquisite-things.com/.../Japanese...

[emby-m]

Ronald of Nice & Harper’s Muse

Fourth in the “Putting Alice into Nort’s Skin Lines” project

– But what stands out to this reporter is the role of the young scriptwriter. He is a character we all know, intimately or not, and one Mister Ronald of Nice plays often. Yet, Mister Ronald seems to wear such a duplicitous mask unevenly. This is not to say his performance – a thorough cad, playing with the ingenue’s heart simply to satiate his own ego – was not well-done. Ripples of dissent and displeasure rumbled through the crowd at his actions, and a hearty cheer came at his comeuppance – the sort of reaction only a professional might elicit. But no – it is to this reporter’s eye that Mister Ronald is too honest himself, too earnest and sweet-tempered. With the fresh awkwardness of a boy in his first social season, Mister Ronald is a treat to watch off-stage as well as on. 

-Harper’s Muse

Theatrical Critic

Design and backstory under the cut:

Setting/text notes:

Surprisingly hard to find period theatrical criticism, but tried to go for a William Winter writing about Edwin Booth vibe. It’s got a particular kind of flow.

An actor has to have news published about him, right…?

Harper's Muse would come from Harper's Bazaar (the women's magazine), then this idea that Alice would become Ronald's greatest muse...

Norton’s design:

I didn't have to change much, but i narrowed the tails on the beetle-back coat because that's a look

Continues to be interesting to me that Ronald still has a scar and yet the mask covers… the unscarred portion

Have you noticed that i love Norton who very prominently has a hat but I hate drawing hats on heads? Yeah i have too dw

Alice’s design:

A pretty blouse and skirt, for the working woman at the theatre…

From Dressing for the Occasion (1900s German etiquette guide for dress): For attending the theater while sitting in the gallery - a silk blouse and fair skirt; “modern” or contemporary hairdo with ornaments; light-colored suede gloves; patent leather shoes and openwork stockings; minimal jewelry

'Plain' and yet beautiful -- all the more eye catching for an actor beloved and yet struggling...

[pussydestroyer10110]

Jake Sully x Avatar!Reader x Neytiri

Chapter 8: Dragon Lady

Word count - 1.1k (not proofread)

Note: Sorry for the long hiatus! Exam season is finally over yippee and I kept seeing notifications of people liking the story so I kind of rushed this part out so sorry if I'm a bit rusty! Thank you all for sticking with me, love ya

♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡•♡

The entrance to the woven hut was shielded by a curtain of wooden beads, each small ornament varying from the rest with their marred surface coated by earthy paint colours of auburn and deep greens giving away their hand crafted status. The gentle breeze caused the soft whistling of some hollowed branches crafted into a wind-chime hanging out the front with each wooden limb clashing into the next with a small yelp. These touches were easily missed by an ignorant eye but to you, it gave you hope - hope that possibly the dragon lady inside had a keen eye that appreciated finer details, someone that saw value in everything.

Neytiri stepped in before you, her four lingered hand pulling back the aforementioned beads revealing Moat sitting in the centre of her large home, cross-legged and eyes closed. Ancient words fell from her lips as she prayed to the Goddess, not acknowledging your presence but she knew you all were there.

Neytiri didn't dare interrupt her mother knowing she held her religious beliefs as one of her utmost priorities, she held the beads open for you as she stepped aside, allowing you and her mate to trail in behind her. Hesitantly, you creep your way into the hut and huddled yourself mere inches from Neytiri as Jake followed suit and stood casually beside you.

The air was filled with a respectful silence from you three as you allowed the elder woman to continue her chant undisturbed, giving you time for your eyes to flit across the interior of this sacred place.

The theme of greens, browns and oranges didn't go unnoticed, they were everywhere: in woven tapestries on the curved walls; more beaded strings coating almost every surface and then finally painted on chests and boxes filled with all her possessions.

These colours were occasionally broken by stark whites strewn strategically in tribal swirls and points or by the kaleidoscopic colours reflected on the walls from the midday sun shining through colourful glass ornaments, holding hues of a muddy purple, bright yellow and a beautiful blue that was akin to the planets seas. Some of the boxes held clay jars filled with aromatic herbs and crushed pastes, their ancient medicinal properties almost incomprehensible to you with your experience of the modern medicine from back home.

Moat gently swayed in time with her chants, rasing her bangled arms every now and then and moving them rhythmically around her like a second nature, it was enrapturing to watch. The air was light around her, the open back of her home allowing the sun to stream in around her, painting her silhouette at your feet as it beamed and she beamed along with it.

Soon the chants slowed to a natural stop and her cat-like like eyes snapped open to reveal the yellow eyes that darkened to an amber towards the pupil. Her eyes flitted up, honing in on the figure of her daughter, Jake Sully and most importantly - you.

“This is dreamwalker?”

She spoke in her mother tongue, her question more of a statement as she already had her answer the moment she laid eyes on you.

Still her daughter gave an obedient nod in response while Jake stood still beside you.

You keep your head tilted down as you fight the natural urge to evade her prying eyes but out of respect you allow your gaze to meet hers. Her eyes were narrowed as she looked at you, no hint of a smile on her lips, now you knew where Neytiri got it from.

In a swift motion she was standing, steadily approaching you as from around her neck she plucked a hooked tooth from a strange necklace, its tip menacingly sharp. Stopping a bit before you she suddenly reaches out, pricking your chest with the tooth with no warning causing you to instantly flinch back in shock, your hand cupping over the pinprick on your chest as you subconsciously give her an unimpressed stare causing Jake to discretely nudge you and Neytiri to swat you with her tail.

Moat seems unphased as she runs the tooth over her tongue, the droplet of your blood being wiped clean from it, her eyes still trained on you as she reinserts the tooth back in its sheath and tastes the irony tang of your blood. Soon enough you fix your face to a more neutral one with the small hints of a terrified smile.

She tuts slightly before speaking again again.

“What are you called?”

She asks in her thickly accented voice.

You swiftly answer with your name, first and last before she repeats it herself.

Jake and Neytiri have yet to speak a word to their mother and mother-in-law respectively and she doesn't acknowledge them.

“My daughter and her mate seem to think there is some potential in you, that you were a friend of Grace Augustine.”

She states as if daring you to speak.

“Do you agree?”

She then asks, looking at you with a tone of curiosity.

“Grace believed my purpose was here and slowly I've begun to believe that too, I know you and you're people owe nothing to me in fact I owe you much more but I know that if you give me a chance, if Eywa gives me a chance I can show my worth in some way.”

You reason, pleading your case.

Moat waits a moment before giving a single nod of her head, an action to which Neytiri seems to let out a sigh of relief with then for the first time since your arrival Moat turns her gaze towards Jake.

“Jake Sully, you believe she is like you?”

She asks as if challenging him.

“I do”

He answers simply, respectfully.

“Daughter?”

Moat then asks, turning to face Neytiri.

“Yes mother, I agree with Jake”

She says with a small nod of her own.

Moat nods then after a moment she looks between Jake and Neytiri before training her eyes back on you.

“Very well, my daughter and her mate will teach you our ways just as he was taught, you will learn our language, our hunting, our culture, I expect you to learn quickly”

She says, her hands clasped in front of her.

You nod quickly, bowing your head to her slightly in respect.

“Thank you Moat”

You say gratefully, your eyes now gleaming with an unbridled excitement.

With Moats approval you now had a gateway into the culture experienced by very few outsiders, you had a chance of a new life.

[littlejuicebox]

Plumber’s Crack(fic) / Leaky Pipes

I wrote this for an April Fool’s challenge. You can all thank @vixstarria for influencing me and for this monstrosity coming from that one single tag. AO3 link here.

This is written to be intentionally bad smut. Proceed if you want psychic damage.

Pairing: Astarion x Female Tav

Summary: In a Modern AU, Tav is looking for an expert escort roleplay experience. She gets far more than she expected.

Astarion sighs as he pulls up to a small, ranch style-house with a bunch of flamingo— no, goose… what the fuck?— garden ornaments. He glances at the number over the garage – 401 Pink Clam Street; yes, this is the right address. He pulls down the visor and watches himself in the mirror as he attaches the stupid fucking fake mustache he has to wear on these house calls. Mr. Szarr said no one trusts a plumber without facial hair… what the hell is he on, anyway?

He cannot wait until he is able to quit. This was supposed to be a temporary gig. But now it’s been years, he’s still stuck in this seemingly dead-end job, and truly, everything about it makes his skin crawl. Toilets, clumps of hair in the sink, sticking himself in small, confined spaces… gods, it’s all horrible. He sighs and climbs out of the work van. Time to just… get it over with.

*

When Tav hears the knock on the door, her eyebrows crinkle. She glances at the clock atop her vanity. It’s eleven in the morning – they’re two hours early. Well, perhaps they’re really in character… don’t plumbers normally come at any other time besides the time they actually say they will? She asked for realistic roleplay this time, unlike what she got from the last crap escort she hired. She’s getting what she’s paying for, at least.

She opens the door and is shocked to see a ridiculously handsome man standing at the entryway. She knew escorts were attractive but– well, she hadn’t exactly expected a greek god in a plumber’s uniform. Turns out, she’s definitely getting what she’s paying for this time around.

“Are you Ms. Tav…” Astarion pauses as he stares down at the word on the clipboard. He lifts an eyebrow. No, that can’t be right.

“Pusey? Yes, that’s me.”

“Can you spell that for me, ma’am?”

Tav blinks. This guy is… really taking the part seriously. “P-U-S-E-Y.”

Astarion nods as he stares down at the form in his hand. Mr. Szarr spelled it wrong on the form, of course. He’s going to have to fix it before she fills out the bottom half at the end. He glances back up to acknowledge the woman; she looks like she’s about to go pose for Playboy at any moment. She’s gorgeous, he has to admit. “I’m Astarion, the plumber. I’m told you need some assistance with your rim holes?”

Tav giggles. It’s time for her to play along. She puts on her best sultry face as she says, “Oh, yes. My rim holes are… definitely in need of your expertise. Please come inside.”

Astarion steps into the house. It’s small, but well-kept and well-decorated. It seems as if she lives entirely alone. “Where is your bathroom, ma’am?”

“I’ll show you,” Tav responds as she begins to head down the hallway. “I apologize, it’s very, very dirty.”

They walk into the bathroom and Astarion looks around. It isn’t dirty at all. Was she making a joke? He puts down his tools, opens the toilet lid, and begins to examine the commode.

“Is it true that… plumbers are good at laying pipe?”

Astarion glances up at the woman. She’s leaning against the doorframe, the picture of seduction. Her silk robe is slipping off her frame; she’s wearing a thin nightie underneath. She really does look like a Playboy centerfold. He swallows. “Yes, ma’am… it’s definitely an important part of the job. Perhaps the most important part. No one wants a plumber that can’t lay pipe.”

“Are you good at laying pipe, Astarion?”

He swallows again and stands. This was… not usually how these things went. “I would consider myself an expert, yes.”

“Then why don’t you show me how good you are at it?”

She’s got him by the coverall strap before he can protest, and her lips crash into his with reckless abandon. She smells wonderful, she’s gorgeous, and she seems to be very into him so it does not take long for Astarion to reciprocate. They’re caught in an embrace in the middle of the bathroom.

Tav breaks the kiss, and when she pulls away, she cannot help but giggle. Astarion’s fake mustache is dangling half off his face.

“Fuck this,” Astarion growls, and he rips the mustache off before eagerly wrapping his hands around the woman. He lifts her onto the bathroom counter and begins hiking up her nightie; he notices she isn’t wearing anything underneath. She’s unclipping his coveralls; they drop down around his ankles.

“Snake my leaky drain, Astarion,” Tav demands, her hands coming to pull his cock from his tighty whities.

He’s honestly surprised by her forwardness. But he does as she asks and quickly sinks himself inside her. He doesn’t last particularly long; he’s a bit embarrassed, but it’s not like he’s ever going to see this woman again. He isn’t so inconsiderate as to leave her without finishing, of course… it just… takes a while. A long while. His hand starts to cramp toward the end.

When the two of them are finished, Astarion runs a hand through his hair and looks around the bathroom. Tav is still on the counter, her hair a mess of tangled curls; one of her fake lashes is falling off. Well… at least they were both wearing fake body hair.

He glances at his wrist watch. Shit– he needs to complete the job and get out of here; he has another assignment later this afternoon. He coughs and tries his best to return to his professional role. “If you… give me a couple minutes to finish up here, I’ll be out of your way, ma’am.”

“Oh… of course.” Tav says and she slips from the counter and tugs her nightgown back down. “Take all the time you need, I’ll be out there with your payment when you’re ready.”

After a couple minutes, Astarion exits the restroom. It took him a bit longer than usual because he had to fill out a new form with the proper spelling of the client’s name. Tav is waiting for him in the kitchen with a smile. “I need a signature from you here, Ms. Pusey.”

Tav obliges and signs the piece of paper. Then she pulls out her wallet. “How much?”

“Five hundred.” Astarion murmurs as he tears off her receipt and hands it to her.

She nods and pulls out six bills. “There’s an extra hundred, for you, of course.”

“Oh. Thank you, ma’am.”

She pulls him into another kiss. “You’re one of the best plumbers I’ve had so far. I might be… contacting your company for your services again sometime.”

Astarion smiles and nods. He sticks the cash in his pocket. He’s not quite sure if he actually wants to be contacted by her or not after this… somewhat embarrassing situation, but he appreciates the sentiment all the same. “I’ll be on my way.”

Tav walks him to the front door. Then she quickly hops in the shower to clean off the evidence of their tryst. When she returns to the kitchen, she sees a text from her landlord.

Ms. Pusey, I forgot to mention this earlier. A plumber should be by this morning, around 11:00 to fix an issue with your toilet we noticed on our biannual walkthrough. His name is Astarion. Please pay him for his services; we will reimburse you once you provide the receipt. Apologies for any inconvenience.

She blinks at the text message. Wait a second…

The doorbell rings. She leaves her phone on the counter. She rips open the front door to reveal… a large, muscular man, dressed in a plumber's uniform.

The man roams his eyes over Tav and smirks mischievously before leaning his arm against the doorframe and staring down at her. His voice is low and suggestive as he speaks. “Hello, Ms. Pusey. My name is Hal Sin. I’m told you have some leaky pipes in need of immediate attention?”

[justagalwhowrites]

Holly Jolly - Ch. 1: Jolly Old St. Nicholas

Joel takes Sarah to meet Santa and meets an overly friendly stranger in line. Chapter one of Holly Jolly, a modern no-outbreak AU TLOU fic.

Pairing: Joel Miller x Female Reader

Warnings: None really!

Length: 2.6k

AO3 | Main Master List | Next Chapter

Joel Miller had never been big on Christmas. 

When he was a kid, it lost the magic pretty damn early. When your parents are just scraping by and are too proud to ask for help, the truth about Santa hits pretty young. From then on, it was just a constant reminder of what he didn’t have. Didn’t have parents who were willing to try to keep the magic alive for him and his brother, didn’t have a mother for his daughter, didn’t have a job that let him take time off to spend at home with her during the holidays. 

This year, it was the fact that he didn’t have the money to pull off Christmas at all. At least, not that he could figure out. 

“Daddy, look!” Sarah tugged on his fingers that were held tight in her sticky grip as they got in line, a sign that said “North Pole” over their heads. “Elves!” 

“Yes, Baby Girl,” he smiled down at her even though he didn’t much feel like it. “Elves, they’re here to make sure you’re a good girl while we wait in line.” 

“I’ll be good!” She said, first to him and then to a woman in peppermint striped leggings and a green felt dress. “I’ll be so good, I’ve been so good this year!” 

“I bet you have been!” The woman smiled before going back to counting people in line, ending with Joel and Sarah. He checked is watch - the band barely hanging on by a thread and the cheap plastic of the face chipped - and let out a small sigh of relief. They’d just made it, the mall closing in half an hour and the Santa line cut off time coming even sooner. 

“Wait!” There was a loud voice from behind him as the elf woman started roping off the line. He turned to see a woman who couldn’t be any older than him running toward the line, a girl about Sarah’s age on her hip. You all but skidded to a stop at the rope, the elf woman still holding the end of it. “Please, I’m so sorry, I got held up at work and it was just crazy tonight, can we still get in? We’ll be so quick, she’s so excited and I’ll buy the biggest photo package you have I promise.” 

The elf looked around and then lifted the rope. 

“Don’t tell anyone,” she smiled and gave the little girl a wink. “But only because you have been so good this year.” 

The little girl gasped as you set her down. 

“Aunt Cocoa, how did she know?” 

“Because she’s an elf,” you said, taking her hand. “Of course she knows!” 

Joel tried to not glare at you. You were wearing leggings that were covered in gingerbread men with a sweater that was the definition of an ugly Christmas sweater, green with tinsel and ornaments and lights hanging off it, a headband with antlers in your hair. He ground his teeth. 

Of course, it wasn’t your fault that it was only a week and a half to Christmas and he’d gotten fuck all done. And it wasn’t your fault that the only emotional energy Joel had was going to go toward making sure his daughter had a good night, not placating some childish woman. But damn, it sure seemed like you’d been dropped in front of him just to annoy him, the personification of all the forced cheerfulness that came with the holiday season right where he didn’t want it to be. 

“Aunt Cocoa!” The little girl by your side piped up. “Do you hear? It’s Rudolph!” 

You turned an ear toward the ceiling and smiled. 

“It IS Rudolph!” You said. “Now remind me, who is Rudolph again?” 

“He’s a reindeer!” Sarah piped up from her place at Joel’s side. He almost groaned. 

“Is he really?” You smiled down at her. “Who’s reindeer is he, do you think?” 

“Santa’s!” Sarah and the little girl you were with said at the same time and their faces lit up before they dissolved into giggles. 

“Hi!” Sarah smiled hugely, a gap where her front baby tooth had been just a few days earlier. “I’m Sarah!” 

“I’m Sharon!” The girl with you smiled back, also missing a tooth. “I’m five, how old are you?” 

“I’m five, too!” Sarah gaped at her, as though finding another child her age in line to see Santa was a miracle. “What school do you go to?” 

And just like that, they were off, chattering away in rapid fire, high pitched, little kid speak. You smiled at Joel, almost absently smoothing Sharon’s hair down, more like a parent would do than an aunt. 

“Hi,” you smiled at him as the kids babbled away to each other. Joel was pretty sure he heard the word Barbie from Sarah at the same time you gave your name. 

He frowned. 

“Thought your name was Cocoa.” 

“Oh,” you laughed. “Yeah, when Sharon was little - well, littler - I’d pick her up for girls’ day and the first stop was always Starbucks where I’d get a latte and she’d get a hot cocoa so I turned into Aunt Cocoa.” 

“Right…” Joel moved forward in line. 

“And what’s your name, Sarah’s… adult person?” You asked, smiling a little too broadly. There was glitter on your eyelids. Glitter. 

“I’m her Dad,” Joel said. “And I’m Joel.” 

“Good to meet you, Joel,” you just kept smiling. 

He was silent for probably too long before he realized he should probably respond. 

“You too.” 

Your smile fell a little but was still there and Joel turned to face forward again, Sarah still happily chattering to Sharon. 

The line, at least, was moving quickly and, as much as your syrupy tone and ridiculous outfit grated on him, Sarah’s patience for the line was far greater because Sharon was there for her to talk to. 

“So,” you were still smiling. How could someone smile that fucking long? Didn’t your face hurt? “These two seem to be getting on like a house on fire.” 

“Yup,” Joel said. The family in front of him stepped forward and Joel did, too. 

“Want to exchange numbers?” You asked. Joel raised his eyebrows at you and you stammered quickly. “I mean… you know, to try to get them together? Get some of that holiday energy out?” 

“If you want to give me her mom’s number,” Joel said, not especially wanting you to have his. 

You glanced down quickly at Sharon but she was laughing at something. Sarah laughed, too. 

“Well, I can’t…” you flinched a little. It was the first time he’d seen you not smiling like a maniac. “I’m kind of… Sharon lives with me?” 

You said it more like a question than a statement. 

“Right,” Joel said slowly. 

“So we could just trade numbers,” you smiled again. “Maybe the girls can go to a playground or something over the weekend?” 

The line moved again. 

“Sure,” Joel sighed, getting his phone out of his pocket and unlocking it. He passed it to you and you took it, adding your number. 

“Just going to text myself…” you said absently and then handed Joel’s phone back, the message still pulled up. You’d just typed “Santa Joel” with a little heart emoji after it. Joel was still looking at the screen when two messages from you showed up. One was a selfie - one you’d clearly taken another time, no glitter eyelids or antlers in sight - and the other just your name, followed by a heart emoji. 

“Smile!” You said and he looked up from his phone to see you taking a picture of him. He frowned and your face fell a little bit. “You know, for the contact picture?” 

“Right.” 

He looked down at his phone again. When you weren’t dressed like Christmas had thrown up, you were… pretty. Really pretty. Beautiful, actually, with soft eyes and a gentle smile. You looked like the kind of person people just wanted to talk to. Just the kind of person Joel didn’t need in his life.

The line advanced and Joel moved up. 

“Excited for Christmas?” You asked after the two of you had been silent for another few minutes and had moved forward more. 

Joel glanced down, making sure Sarah was still distracted. Sharon had pulled a small notebook out of her coat pocket and Sarah was looking over her shoulder, carefully reviewing the mass of stickers on the page. 

“Sure,” Joel said, not about to say how he actually felt about it with Sarah this close by. He looked you up and down. “Looks like you’re ready for it.” 

“Oh,” you laughed a little, looking down at the ridiculous sweater. “Yeah, I guess so! Anything you’re excited for?” 

The line moved. Joel could see the leg of the tripod the camera was set up on now, at least. 

“The food, I guess,” Joel said, even though that wasn’t really true, either. He usually got some cookie dough from the store so Sarah could decorate and Tommy had volunteered to host Christmas dinner that year but Joel was almost positive that it was going to be a damn disaster. His little brother could barely make mac and cheese, he didn’t see a full feast going well. 

“So good, right?” You said. “I love…” 

“Look,” Joel said, glancing down at the girls again. “Sure you… mean well and all but we’re getting close to the front of the line and I’d rather just stand here for the next five minutes, alright?” 

“Oh,” your face fell a bit. “Right, I’m sorry, I… right. Sorry.” 

You looked off to the side and Joel faced forward again. 

He almost felt bad for it as they neared the front of the line, but then he heard you humming along with the stupid Christmas song playing on the speakers overhead and he stopped. 

“OK!” The elf woman smiled down at Sarah. “Are you all ready to see Santa?” 

“Yeah!” Sarah beamed up at her. 

“Well that’s good, because you’re next!” She said, looking around the corner toward Santa. “Alright, looks like he’s already for you! Let’s go!” 

She lifted the velvet rope and Joel nudged Sarah forward, her face lighting up when she saw the fat, bearded man on his throne. She ran over to him and clambered on his lap. 

“I’ve been so good this year!” She said before Santa even got a chance to say hello. He laughed and helped her up. 

“I’m sure you have been,” he said. “And what’s your name? 

“Sarah!” She smiled her patchwork smile and Joel smiled, too. “I’m five, almost five and a half!” 

“That half is very important,” Santa nodded sagely. “And what do you want for Christmas this year, Sarah?” 

“A Barbie Dream House!” She said. “And a new Barbie and Ken to live there!” 

Santa glanced up at Joel who was trying to not freak out. A fucking Barbie Dream House? That couldn’t be cheap. Money had been tight since he’d bought the house a few months earlier. 

It was the worst house he could find in the best school district and he was still house poor as a result of the fucking thing. And, of course, after he closed one of his jobs fell through, so him and Sarah had gotten by on now maxed out credit cards for two months since buying the damn house had wiped out his savings. 

He’d just gotten paid for the most recent job the day before, a sharp relief when he deposited the check. He’d been down to $17.87 in his checking account, happy that there’d been a sale on some canned shit a few weeks earlier so the pantry was at least somewhat stocked. How the fuck was he going to afford a Barbie Dream House? 

Santa looked back at Sarah. 

“We’ll just see what we can do about that,” Santa said kindly. “Do you think you can keep being a good girl for me?” 

She nodded eagerly. 

“Then I’m sure you’ll have a very happy Christmas,” he said. “Why don’t you look at that camera, we’ll take a picture together.” 

Sarah sat up straight and smiled so big her eyes scrunched shut and the camera flashed. She jumped down and Sarah took his hand as they went to the booth to buy the pictures. 

“He was so nice!” Sarah said. “And he smelled kind of like the apple pie we had on Thanksgiving and I think he knows that I’ve been real good, Dad.” 

“He was nice,” Joel said, looking at the screen with the picture of Sarah on Santa’s lap and then the price list. “And I’m sure he knows how good you’ve been…” 

How was it $25 for a print out of a picture and a frame made out of fucking card stock? The whole damn season was a racket. 

“Just package A,” Joel said to the man dressed like an elf, pulling out his wallet and handing over his debit card. 

“Do you think he can make a Dream House?” She asked, holding onto his fingers. “How do the elves make all those toys, anyway?” 

“Well, they work real hard…” 

“I’m sorry sir, but your card was declined,” the elf man held Joel’s debit card out to him. “Do you have another card?” 

Joel’s chest got tight. 

“Can you try it again?” He said. 

“Already did,” the man said. “Twice more. It’s declined.” 

“Just…” Joel pulled his phone out. “One sec.” 

He opened his banking app and looked at his account. The check he’d deposited at the end of the day yesterday was there but still pending, funds not yet available. Fuck. 

He only had two credit cards, both of them were maxed out. He opened his wallet, hoping he had a $10 bill he’d forgotten about, then he could do $10 cash and the other $15 on the card… and nothing. Joel took the card back and put it in his wallet. 

“Do y’all keep the photos for a few days?” Joel asked. “I can come back tomorrow…” 

You were suddenly there in the doorway, Sharon in front of you. 

“No, I’m sorry sir,” the man said. “We wipe all the memory cards at the end of the day.” 

Joel took a look at the screen, at Sarah’s giant smile, trying to remember it. 

“Right,” Joel said, squeezing Sarah’s little hand. “Thanks, anyway.” 

Sarah, at least, didn’t seem to even notice, even though Joel wasn’t sure the last time he felt so fucking low. He couldn’t even afford to buy his daughter’s Santa picture, how the fuck was he supposed to make Christmas happen? With a Barbie Dream House no less?

“Joel!” Your voice was loud behind him and he turned to see you running toward him, a plastic bag printed with holly and candy canes held out in front of you, Sharon trailing behind. He frowned as you stopped in front of him, panting for breath. “Sorry, I’ve done more running today than I have all year! Anyway, this is for you.” 

You held the bag out and Joel’s frown deepened, taking it and looking inside. It was Sarah’s Santa picture in the stupid card stock frame and an ornament, the same picture encased in plastic. 

“It was a great picture,” you smiled. “You should have a copy.” 

“I’m not lookin’ for charity.” 

“Oh,” your face fell a little. “I wasn’t… It’s not… Just pay it forward when you can, OK? Merry Christmas.” 

You didn’t wait for him to respond, just taking Sharon’s hand and walking away. 

Next Chapter