#a solemn and binding agreement

[is-on-its-way]

For Mulder, Scully is his touchstone

For Scully, Mulder is her covenant (biblical)

[ichorai]

ties that bind ; nanami kento ; november 4th.

pairing ; nanami kento x reader drabble synopsis ; it's movie night—bring your own tissues! themes ; fluff, slice of life, established relationship (married), pregnant au warnings / includes ; lord of the rings fellowship spoilers, pregnancy, lots of blubbering from reader and yuji HAHA

series masterlist.

4th november, 2018

The large glass bowl you had cradled in your hands was still quite warm, full to the point of near overflow with buttered popcorn. You slowly eased onto the middle of the couch (being seven months pregnant made all your movements irritatingly sluggish) with a wide grin.

“What is this movie even about again?” Nobara asked from your right, plucking three popped kernels into her mouth. There was clear disinterest in the film splayed over her features, but she was adamant on spending time with you regardless, even if the two idiots had to tag along with her. 

Yuji mirrored her actions from your left, except he took a fistful from the bowl. “Just the best fantasy adventure trilogy to ever exist on screen! It’s full of raw emotion, and the coolest action scenes, and the soundtrack is so—!” 

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, can we start already?” Nobara barked, impatiently snatching the remote from Yuji’s eagerly-gesticulating hands. 

You hummed in agreement, before jutting the bowl towards Megumi, situated on a smaller, adjacent couch. “You want some popcorn, hon?”

“I’m good, thank you.” One of his legs crossed over the other as he leaned back, fixing his gaze to the screen.

You smiled fondly at the stoic, dark-haired boy and nodded. Then, you drew your eyes down to your husband sitting on the carpeted ground, his back leaning against your shins. “Kento?”

“We should start the movie first,” he said, glancing at the clock hung by the television screen. You’ve made him watch this about a hundred times before, and he was well aware of its lengthiness. 

“Okay, then.” You clapped your hands excitedly, Yuji practically vibrating in anticipation (this would be his fourth time rewatching). “You can press play, Nobara.”

With that, the five of you started the first Lord of the Rings movie. Unsurprisingly, the popcorn bowl was completely cleaned out two hours later (largely thanks to Yuji), but he volunteered to go make some more when Nobara started berating him. Nanami told him to stay seated, and left to go make another bowl of popcorn, brushing the tips of his fingers along your shoulder on his way to the kitchen.

By the time he came back, you and Yuji were holding onto each other, sobbing profusely. 

“Boromir was too young to die!” Itadori blubbered, furiously wiping at his leaking eyes with the back of his hand.

“He gave his life saving the Hobbits!” you added on with a warbling voice, dabbing at your face with a soaked tissue. 

Nobara and Megumi could barely hear the movie anymore, and so had taken to staring at the sobbing pair on the couch. 

“Is it really that serious…?” Nobara muttered, accepting the freshly-made bowl of popcorn Nanami handed her. 

“This happens every time,” Nanami replied, patting your hair from behind. 

Megumi frowned at a particularly heinous wail that emitted from Yuji. Samwise was willing to drown to get to Frodo, which was a completely understandable reaction, at least in your eyes. “Every time?” he asked his solemn-faced teacher.

“Every time.” Nanami sat back down in front of you and you flung your arms around him from behind.

Nobara snorted and munched on some warm popcorn, but not without leaning forward to snap a selfie of all of you, capturing Yuji mid-sob. There was the faintest of amused smiles on Megumi’s face, and he quickly threw up a peace sign for the photo.

“Why do you let me watch this movie? Never let me watch this again!” you cried, not entirely certain if your pregnancy hormones were at fault for your emotional state, or if the movie really was just that sad. Maybe both.

Nanami remained silent, but let you hold onto him as you cried through the rest of the credits with Yuji.

[rionas-path]

Chapter 19

Deals With Deceit

CLXXXVIII. The fire flickered in the night, embracing her with caring Heat ‘round her face. Aurianne peered towards the dancing flame, Which blinded her shortly as her eyes adjusted to the claim Of light. She sat upwards and gazed down at her hands wearing, Blistered and bruised. Slightly baffled, she spoke within the shared mind: “Ríona, dear? Art thou present?” Silence. She felt an unkind Rush of unease; however, promptly saw this bind bearing A fruit of cunning fortune which found her luck to be unerring.

CLXXXIX. Audar stepped into the light carrying wood for the pyre And noticed the movement of who he thought was his heiress: “Thou art finally ‘wake! It’s been a day since thy loss of wit Which hath kept you up enduringly!” Unbeknownst to the sire, His daughter was not the one in control of the vessel. On the initiative, the witch chose to pretend and nestle Herself upon the reigns firmly, using lore she did acquire Of the lass’ mannerisms, sought to meticulously conspire.

CXC. She put forth her best facade: “By the gods, my body aches so! Has it really been this long?” The chief nodded in warm accord And set the wood next to the campfire. The witch could not afford Her eyes be seen, as they were adorned in purpurate flame-glow; Therefore, she made sure to obscure them with the flickering fire And would ne’er let them be made bare in the shadow’s choir. She carefully enquired: “How did we end up in this grotto? What of the wicked beasts which sought to feed on the potent flow?”

CXCI. With a gracious smile, he passed her a loaf of bread and gently Brushed her hair: “Eat, for an arduous journey still awaits. Rest now, for thou hath pushed thyself to a most extreme of states. A feat mere mortals could never fathom to achieve intently, Yet thou art mortal still.” He took some time for pause as fire Continued to flicker. “After thy pass into the dream-mire I skirted the beasts and escaped their sight, then found this entry Of a cave which would serve as our sanctuary friendly.”

CXCII. The goddess gathered the loaf and nodded in deceitful agreement, As she scanned the entrance which was warded by nature’s haul. Leaves, rocks, and branches secured with sparse dressing of magick sprawl Held it all together in place, ensuring their concealment. Soon after their supper, Audar yawned and remarked fatherly: “Although thou hath slept much, thou mustest mend thy spirit wholly. So, sleep, my dear child, and as we wake we’ll make progress decent Towards the army, which awaits our arrival vehement!”

CXCIII. As the chief dozed off, Aurianne gazed at the story of the flame Which painted with a single colour on the canvas of the stone. Assured that Audar had fallen asleep due to the groan And drone of his snoring, she harnessed her scheming stealth-fame, Making her way from the cavern. With a flick of a finger’s caress, She made an outward passage and sought the seclusion’s recess. Following her astute intuition, she quickly came To the perfect place in which her ritual offering she could tame.

CXCIV. In a circled enclosure of tall trees, she raised a standing stone From the ground itself. Placing her hand upon the column Painted in glyphs of the Fractured House, she closed her solemn Eyes which were now the only source of light beside the lone, Brightly shining cloud-moon. Beneath her palm, azure drips began To slowly flow down the basalt bluestone, wind rushed and ran Through her hair in gusts; a seam between the worlds was being sewn, As she reminded herself of wisdoms she had always known.

CXCV. “In the end, Aurianne, thou mustest always do everything By thyself. Thou couldst not trust thy own sister with the simplest Of tasks. Thou couldst not trust Sky, the precious child that she is, With finding the answers of the immortality wellspring, And thou couldst never hath wagered Ríona to fail the challenge… I’ve raised her well… Her kin-blood carries such bountiful talent. Alas, here I stand now, awaiting for the wretched beast-wing To arrive and finally begin my carefully planned event-string.”

CXCVI. Suddenly, she heard a hum arrive like the wailing wind, An event she did not expect. In shock, she jumped as a critter Brushed past her ankle, while several more rat-squeals would chitter In the nearness. Aurianne rolled her eyes in irate chagrin And stated her annoyance: “The Faceless… ‘tis you. Do you not see…” She snorted at her unintended use of irony, “… I am in the middle of something important herein? Rat Keeper, why are you vexing me at this hour serene?”

CXCVII. With the slowest of steps, he entered into the hue of light Whereupon his face was revealed, his feathered turban danced About as if pushed by wind, yet the night was still in its prance. Aurianne was met with a face of familiar recite, Yet her host’s instincts were sometimes still playing with her nerve And control of emotions; rooted was the girl’s mind-reserve. She took her hand off the stone, turning towards him without fright, For she reckoned there was a reason for this searing spite.

CXCVIII. The face was barren, bereft of features but burnished skin. Where his eyes were supposed to be placed, nothing but a faint Hue of crimson purpurate below skin. Where his nose quaint Was supposed to be placed – skin. Where his mouth – skin. His gaunt and thin Hands held a pitch-black rat, gently petting it, gliding haggard Fingers across the fur which seemed to not reflect light scattered. The Witch was closely watched by the red eyes of the rodent-kin As his words began to reverberate as a soul-voice from within.

CXCIX. “In paucity, thou plottest. In charity, thou cheatest. In benevolence, thou betrayest! And now, this action? Thou seekest to bring forwards such turmoil of exaction? Tell me, Aurianne; my Queen, willest this sacrifice blessed Giveth thee satisfaction?” She chuckled at him in grave Contempt and answered with a tone by remoteness paved: “You dare ask me such things, boy? Had it not been at my behest, You would still be stuck in the sewers. You are my acquest!”

CC. I made you! What friendship do you call upon? The goodwill Which left me on my knees seventeen sickly years ago? When all I begged for was mercy from the Flat Blade’s end bestowed?” She straightened herself and shook off the bluish magick-spill Which had been flowing down her, with a fast and slashing motion “Why hast thou come?!” she demanded with foreboding emotion Which caused all the rats to disperse as the wildest anthill. “What does she want?” The sharp words could even kin-in-kind spine-chill.

CCI. Taking a step back, he answered: “Kin-in-kind are concerned Why thy ambitions. This might be too soon for the people-folk. They barely survived the last time. As for “her,” I shan’t stoke This flame, I do this of my own accord, for I had learned Of thy spirit as my flock traversed the world’s underbrush. I want but ask thee of caution: recalculation in thy rush. I beg my leave, dear Lady.” With a bowed head, he slowly turned Into the darkness, dispersed, and into the shadows returned.

CCII. She shouted amid his leave: “For once, thou shouldst use thy namesake. Keep to thyself and be born of ignorance, son of the Grim. Perchance, we meet again!” With a grin, she turned and placed her forelimb Back on top the stone and proceeded in the ritual’s wake. The flow poured down the rock again, glowing anew with elation. Her eyes rolled upwards as she whispered an incantation Of uncanny root. From the flowy mist, a wickrow would break Forth from the gate of ether: tamed, serene. The world was at stake.

CCIII. Smirking in devious fascination, she had approached it. The creature, adorned in ample ornaments, kneeled before Her as she hushed its breaking breaths: “Shh, poor thing. Here, ‘tis your Kin-blood, so imbibe. Let us beget greatness if thou shouldst permit, Eleanore of House Whotrin.” The wickrow stopped huffing and eased. Before another word could be spoken, Aurianne unsheathed Her dagger, cut her palm and placed it on its beak submit. “Drink!” she ordered. Voraciously, the beast to the task commit.

[randomnameless]

didn't alois threaten shez in Hopes to follow him to garreg mach?

?

Are you talking about this line ?

So you see why we must ensure you are well-compensated. Also, there may be some papers for you to sign...perhaps in blood.

Blood oaths used to be a thing - it's basically a super binding contract, like a very solemn oath.

Aka Alois is basically asking Barney here to sign some non-disclosure agreement, and Barney interprets this - and the reward they will receive - as a bribe to, say, not reveal to the world how Flamey'n'Uncle staged an assassination attempt on the heirs of Leicester and Faerghus - I mean, how the CoS is so incompetent that it put in danger the lives of the future heirs of Fodlan's countries.

In the JP text the words used are this 誓約書 which roughly means a written oath/covenant?

Tl;Dr : It's not similar to Tellius's Blood pacts even if blood is mentionned in the localisation, it's a real life (old) concept!

I don't consider this as a threat, even if Larva - and we know who is Larva - always suggests it is, or how basically the CoS is forcing Barney's hand.

[kharrneth]

"My Lord, it will be done."

She was... 'surprised'? To think Kharneth would still think of it as honorable to call Skarbrand his son, despite the latter's attempt on his life. But she did not question it. In fact, it only made her feel more inclined to end this foul spawn's life, no matter the methods. She thought back on those fateful words Kharneth spoke to her, of how his unintended coupling with Slaaneth far in the past had spawned the progenitor of these Malalian daemons now threatening their realms.

This was not to be done again. History would not repeat itself.

And with a firm, solemn nod, Valkia's wings blaze into life as she prepares to take off, but she leaves a final word of promise to her husband;

"I will end this... this thing's life. On that, you have my word."

And she takes off, flying across the skies of Khorne's realm, before vanishing in the distance to enter the mortal realm.

The Grand Reaper, Slaughter of All, watches her go, turning to think as she unfurls he wings and flies to deliver his godly wrath. He had no forgotten the Wager for Skarbrand's freedom, but that battle had not come to pass. The loathsome dog had no right to flout the liberty he had not claimed.

Khorne had made agreements with his siblings...but Skarbrand was, for all intents and purposes, not affiliated with any of them.

Not truly even Khorne. At least, no more than anyone else who killed for the Blood God (and all men did, even if they knew it not...). But it wasn't official, wasn't binding. No, the cur was his to utilize -- and punish -- as he saw fit.

[freebiblestudyhub]

What Does Genesis 15:18 Mean?

Read the Daily Bible Verse Genesis 15:18 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.

Genesis 15:18 is a pivotal verse in the Old Testament, encapsulating a significant moment in the covenant between God and Abram (later Abraham). This verse reads: “In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates.” This covenant is a cornerstone in the Abrahamic promise, underscoring God’s commitment to Abram and his descendants, shaping the future of the Israelites and influencing theological interpretations throughout the Bible.

The Context on Genesis 15:18 KJV

To understand Genesis 15:18, it is essential to examine its context within Genesis 15. This chapter is crucial in the narrative of Abram, who is later renamed Abraham. The chapter begins with God appearing to Abram in a vision, reassuring him of a future reward despite his old age and childlessness. Abram questions how he can be assured of God’s promises, leading to a divine response that includes a symbolic vision and the establishment of a covenant.

The covenant described in Genesis 15:18 is part of a larger narrative where God makes a formal agreement with Abram. This occurs after Abram has been given a vision of the future and a prophetic revelation of the trials and triumphs his descendants will face. The covenant itself is marked by a ritual involving the sacrifice of animals, which symbolizes the solemn nature of the agreement between God and Abram.

The Genesis 15:18 Meaning

Genesis 15:18 signifies the formalization of God’s promises to Abram. The verse highlights several key points:

Divine Assurance: God reaffirms His promises to Abram, providing him with a tangible assurance of the land that will belong to his descendants. The use of “In the same day” emphasizes the immediacy and certainty of this promise.

Extent of the Land: The land promised to Abram’s descendants stretches from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates, covering a vast region. This extensive promise underscores the significance of the covenant and its impact on the future of Abram’s lineage.

Covenantal Relationship: The verse establishes a formal agreement, indicating a binding and enduring commitment from God. This covenant is a foundational element in the theological and historical narrative of Israel.

Genesis 15:18 Application in Life

The implications of Genesis 15:18 extend beyond the historical context into personal and communal faith practices:

Trust in Divine Promises: Believers can draw inspiration from Abram’s trust in God’s promises. The verse encourages faith in God’s assurances and patience in awaiting their fulfillment, even when circumstances seem challenging.

Understanding God’s Faithfulness: The covenant represents God’s unwavering commitment to His people. This assurance can be a source of comfort and strength for individuals facing uncertainty or difficulty, reminding them of God’s faithfulness in their lives.

Ethical Implications: The concept of covenant involves responsibilities and ethical conduct. Believers are encouraged to reflect on their commitment to God’s promises and the ethical dimensions of living out their faith.

See Also: Genesis 15:17 Meaning, Context & Commentary

Comparison with Other Biblical Texts

Genesis 15:18 can be compared to several other biblical texts to gain a deeper understanding of its significance:

Exodus 23:31: This verse reaffirms the promise of land to the Israelites, echoing the geographical boundaries mentioned in Genesis 15:18. It highlights the continuity of God’s promise from Abram to Moses and the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 1:7: This passage reiterates the extent of the promised land, reinforcing the covenant’s scope and emphasizing its fulfillment in the conquest narratives.

Galatians 3:16: The New Testament provides a Christological interpretation of the covenant, noting that the promises were made to Abraham and his “seed,” which is identified as Christ. This text connects the Old Testament covenant to the New Testament understanding of salvation and faith.

Modern-Day Relevance

Genesis 15:18 continues to hold relevance in contemporary faith practices and theological discussions:

Covenantal Theology: The concept of covenant remains central in Christian theology, influencing discussions on God’s promises, faith, and the nature of divine-human relationships. Understanding Genesis 15:18 aids in grasping the broader implications of covenant theology.

Interfaith Dialogue: The covenant between God and Abram is foundational for both Judaism and Christianity. Recognizing its significance fosters mutual understanding and respect in interfaith dialogues and discussions about shared heritage and promises.

Historical Understanding: For scholars and students of biblical history, Genesis 15:18 provides insight into the historical and geographical context of the Abrahamic covenant. This understanding contributes to a more comprehensive view of ancient Near Eastern history and its impact on religious traditions.

Conclusion

Genesis 15:18 represents a cornerstone of the Abrahamic covenant, highlighting God’s promise of land to Abram’s descendants and establishing a formal agreement that shapes the narrative of Israel. The verse emphasizes divine assurance, the extent of the promised land, and the significance of the covenant in the theological and historical context.

By exploring its meaning, application, and relevance, believers can draw lessons of faith, trust, and commitment. The comparison with other biblical texts and its modern-day implications underscore the enduring impact of Genesis 15:18 on theological thought and faith practices.

Genesis 15:18 Commentary

The commentary on Genesis 15:18 often focuses on the covenant’s theological implications and its role in shaping the biblical narrative. Scholars note that the covenant signifies a deep and abiding promise from God, emphasizing His commitment to Abram and his descendants. The extensive boundaries of the promised land symbolize the grandeur of God’s promises and His intention for a lasting relationship with His people.

The ritual described in the broader context of Genesis 15, involving the sacrifice of animals, underscores the solemnity of the covenant. This act symbolizes the seriousness of the agreement and the consequences of breaking it, reflecting the gravity of God’s promises.

Overall, Genesis 15:18 stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness and the enduring nature of His promises, offering valuable lessons for both historical understanding and contemporary faith practices.

[wisephilosophercloud]

Satan is a mocker and twister of the word. He twisted the rainbow for the gay community using six colors instead of 7. God uses the rainbow as a covenant and promise not to flood the earth to destroy ever again.

Genesis 9:13-17Amplified Bible

13 I set My rainbow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth. 14 It shall come about, when I bring clouds over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the clouds, 15 and I will [compassionately] remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again will the water become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the rainbow is in the clouds and I look at it, I will [solemnly] remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 And God said to Noah, “This [rainbow] is the sign of the covenant (solemn pledge, binding agreement) which I have established between Me and all living things on the earth.”

[hermosa-oblicon24]

Article 1356

Contracts shall be obligatory, in whatever form they may have been entered into, provided all the essential requisites for their validity are present. However, when the law requires that a contract be in some form in order that it may be valid or enforceable, or that a contract be proved in a certain way, that requirement is absolute and indispensable. In such cases, the right of the parties stated in the following article cannot be exercised. (1278a)

Contracts are binding upon the contracting parties in whatever form they may have been entered into as long as all the essential requisites for their validity are present. However, when can we consider form as essential requisite of a contract?

The form of a contract is essential:

When the law requires that a contract be in certain form for its validity; (refers to solemn or formal contracts).

When the law requires that a contract be in certain form for its enforceability. (refers to the agreements covered by the Statute of Frauds. (Art. 1403, par 2.)

Case Related/Cited

Far Eastern Bank v PDIC

On July 5, 1985, the Central Bank of the Philippines placed Pacific Banking Corporation (PBC) under receivership through Monetary Board (MB) Resolution No. 699.

On October 28, 1985, the Central Bank invited banks to submit proposals for the purchase of PBC's assets and franchise.

FEBTC submitted its bid on November 14, 1985, which included the purchase of both non-fixed and fixed assets of PBC, as described in the Asian Appraisal Report of August 1984.

The Central Bank accepted FEBTC's bid through MB Resolution No. 1234 on November 22, 1985.

On April 16, 1986, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was executed among FEBTC, PBC, and the Central Bank, with PBC represented by Liquidator Renan V. Santos.

The MOA specified that the parties would execute an absolute purchase agreement covering all PBC assets, including non-fixed and fixed assets.

The Purchase Agreement (PA) executed on October 24, 1986, covered only the non-fixed assets.

FEBTC took possession of the fixed assets and sought the execution of deeds of sale, which Liquidator Santos initially supported but failed to finalize.

PDIC, as the new liquidator, contended that the fixed assets should be purchased at their present appraisal value, higher than the sound value.

FEBTC filed a motion before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) to compel the execution of deeds of sale for the fixed assets.

The RTC ruled in favor of FEBTC, directing PDIC to execute the deeds of sale at the sound values stated in the Asian Appraisal Report.

PDIC appealed, and the Court of Appeals (CA) reversed the RTC's decision, leading FEBTC to seek a review from the Supreme Court.

Issue:

WON the FEBTC can validly compel the PDIC to execute the deed of sale over the fixed assets?

Ruling:

The Supreme Court ruled that there was a perfected contract of sale over the disputed fixed assets.

The Supreme Court found that the fixed assets were not submitted as collaterals to the Central Ban...(Unlock)

Ratio:

The Supreme Court emphasized that a contract of sale is perfected upon the meeting of the minds of the parties on the essential elements of the contract, i.e., consent, object, and consideration.

The Court found that these elements were present in the MOA, which incorporated FEBTC's bid to purchase PBC's fixed and non-fixed assets.

The MOA and PA confirmed the essential terms, including the valuation and manner of payment for the fixed assets.

[casspurrjoybell-30]

Cry Me A River - Chapter 3 - Part 1

*Warning Adult Content*

'This pain is part of being human. The fact that you can feel pain like this is your greatest strength.'

Not Alone

The floor beneath me shook, it's movement awakening me with a start.

At first, I forgot where I was.

The cream-colored canopy around me merely knitted my brows together.

My eyes ran over the men and women around me, each appearing as solemn as the next as ropes tied around their ankles and wrists bind together.

It was only then that my harsh reality hit me.

'Oh Goddess, it wasn't a dream.'

Reality began to sink in along with many foreign feelings that I couldn't quite decipher.

I didn't know how I was supposed to feel in this situation.

Angry? Sad? Perhaps, both?

I hated this feeling. I hated feeling angry.

It was the one emotion I always tried to black out whenever it would try to wiggle its way into me.

I usually won but not this time.

This time, the feeling coursed through me so strongly that my body shook, tangibly feeling the horrid emotion course through me.

'That monster, disgusting, vile creature, how dare he. To his own son. 'Son? I never viewed you as such. You were nothing but a slave, the irony is now you actually are.'

His horrid laughter rang through my head like a pesky pigeon.

The one person that was supposed to love me, no matter what, didn't.

If even someone related to me through blood couldn't love me, how could someone completely unrelated to me love me?

'Am I bound to a life of agony?'

Suddenly, the wagon stopped, causing all of us to slide across the contained space into one another.

I whimpered as I felt a stinging pain on the right side of my cheek as a man three times my size hovered over me.

I felt a prickle on my shoulder as a wave of fatigue hit me and darkness engulfed my vision.

'Where am I?'

My body shook as I awoke.

My teeth chattered as what felt like, air close to twenty degrees below zero engulfed me.

The room I was shoved into looked like something straight out of a horror novel.

An entirely metal encased room with blood stains in more places than none.

Chains hung leisurely from every corner connecting to a nearly dead looking person in rags.

Every man and woman alike had a look of complete despair in their eyes as if they were waiting for death to come and take them away.

'Oh my Goddess.'

An old woman looked up at me from the corner closest to me.

"Water...please..." she struggled out through a gravelly voice.

Tears began to well in my eyes.

"I'm s-so s-sorry."

She smiled fondly at me, momentarily, before collapsing like a heap of wood onto the cold, metal floor.

Silence encased the room as everyone's eyes stared in her general direction.

Some had a look of sadness on their faces while the rest looked jealous, almost as if they wished they could take her place, to be as dead and lifeless as her and the idea chilled me to the bone.

'Is this what I'm going to be subjected to for the rest of my life? To pain and starvation? Sadness and despair? Only to wait for death himself to one day sweep me away?'

I covered my mouth as hot tears ran down my face.

'No, no, no, no... I can't.'

"She was such a kind old lady," a voice said beside to me.

I turned, facing a blond, hazel-eyed young woman who looked to be no older than her mid-twenties.

"She didn't deserve this," she continued. "None of us do."

I nodded in agreement as she sent me a small, pained smile,

"You're a new face. What's your name?"

"River."

"A beautiful name for a beautiful boy."

She smiled.

"I'm Alice."

I went to shake her hand but was stopped by the metal chain binding me to the wall behind me.

"That keeps us from killing one another," I looked up from my chains to her.

"It's only long enough for you to be able to reach your food, that's it."

"K-kill e-each other?"

She gave a sad smile.

"Sometimes this place gets so bad that some will be tempted to ask another to kill them. Dead bodies don't sell."

"If they want to die so badly that they'd resort to asking another, can't they just kill themselves?"

"You'd be surprised how many want to die, yet can't resort to doing it themselves."

'She's speaking as if from experience.'

A banging from across the room turned my attention from Alice.

'What's that sound?'

A large metal door swung open revealing three muscular men each holding a tray of bread and water.

They walked around the room, placing a piece of bread and a small bowl of water by each chained person.

Some dug into the food immediately, others spit at the men as they walked passed them, earning them a harsh kick to the gut.

One of the three men bent down and placed a piece of bread and some water in front of me, eyeing me as he bent down.

'Why's he giving me such a weird look?'

As if I were the food and not the so-called one he was placing in front of me.

He smirked as he stood up, peering down at me with a creepy stare.

"Pretty one ain't' cha."

Pretty? Me? Oh God is he one of those creeps I hear about in the marketplace with strange tastes in women, is he? Wait but I'm a guy.

"Hey Tim, Wayne."

Two men looked from what they were doing to face my general direction.

"What is it, Dane?"

They both called.

"Look what I found."

He moved his hands toward me.

They both whistled and smirked at me.

"Quite a looker," one of them said.

"Is it a girl or a boy?"

The other asked, scratching his chin and tilting his head to the side.

"Um," Dane gazed down at me.

"Are you a boy or girl?"

"A boy."

"Hmm," he looked up at the two guys,

"Watcha guys think?"

"I don't do guys."

The guy, who was previously scratching his chin, commented.

"Yeah, me either."

The other of the two said.

"Hmm, dunno with someone as pretty as him I might be able to," Dane said peering down at me with another crooked smirk.

My eyes widened as I began to break out in a nervous sweat.

I knew where this conversation was going to lead.

"Ew, gross, man." One of the two commented.

"I didn't ask your opinion, Tim," Dane growled as he walked back to where he came from, the other two following him out,

"Till next time, sweetheart."

He winked as he closed the door behind him.

I let out a gust of air I didn't realize I was holding as I fell back against the cold, hard wall behind me.

I looked up at the mold infested ceiling.

'How long am I going to be stuck here?'

'What if the guy, Dane, from earlier tries to... No, I can't even think about it.'

[psalmonesermons]

Lessons from Galatians Part 3a

Ch 3 :1-18 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law

3:1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.

They had heard the one true Gospel, that Jesus Christ had been crucified for the sin of humankind, he died and was resurrected to the right hand of the Father, and everyone who believes in Him, shall be saved by faith in Him.

2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?

This is a rhetorical question, we receive the Spirit by believing of course.

3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?

4 Have you suffered so much for nothing--if it really was for nothing?

Usually it is only the true gospel that gets persecuted.

5 Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?

When the dynamic of the Holy Spirit came to them, by faith, how could they even consider going back to a dead religion, Surely, they could see that the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, occur where there is faith, but not where there is observance of the Law.

Paul, now, takes them back to first principles.

6 Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

Abraham never observed the Law.

7 Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham.

The believers followed his example.

8 The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you."

9 So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

This is very Good News.

Shocking news.

10 All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law."

These curses include poverty, sickness, famine, want, shortage, confusion, defeat, terror, darkness, despair, and separation etc.; see all these curses in Deuteronomy 28.

11 Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because "The righteous will live by faith."

12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary,

"The man who does these things will live by them.” The Law only offers life to those who completely obey it.

13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."

Jesus took it all on the cross that all believers might go free and receive the blessings of God not his curses.

14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

This is the greatest blessing.

15 Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case.

16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ.

17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.

18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

v15-18 A covenant is a solemn and binding agreement in which two parties exchange vows or promises committing themselves to a joint relationship or venture.

There may be penalties involved for breach of promise.

What types of covenants do we enact in everyday life?

Marriage and business contracts (mortgages etc.).

So many marriages break up because people want to add new clauses to the deal or the vows that they made. For instance, to have and to hold until you get sick , or get made redundant, or until you meet someone else whom you prefer to your spouse, or until your lack of commitment , selfishness and self pity overwhelm you to the extent that you that you break the marriage covenant.

Many business contracts now include penalty clauses to compensate for breach of contract. No sensible business deal will allow you to change the terms after the deal has been struck.

In the same way God does not let anyone alter the conditions of his promise to Abraham fulfilled through his seed Jesus Christ, and passes through Jesus to us , to be changed nothing can be added or subtracted from the deal.

Because we live in new testament times, we sometimes forget that the law came 430 years after God’s promise to Abraham and Paul is saying here that the law cannot alter the original covenant, deal, or promise.

What was the promise?

God's announcement of His plan of salvation and blessing to His people, one of the themes integrating the message of the Old and New Testaments. God's promise begins with a declaration by God; it covers God's plan for not just one race, but all the nations of the earth; and it focuses on the gifts and deeds that God will bestow on a few to benefit the many.

Summary 3:1-18

We may define God's promise this way: the divine declaration or assurance was made to Abraham representing the whole nation of Israel and specified that:

(1) He would be their God,

(2) They would be His people,

(3) He would dwell in their midst.

Amen

Your prayer

[webcrawler3000]

Soul Contract - Lil Wayne & Jennifer Darlas

This document serves as a testament to the binding agreement made between the souls of Lil Wayne and Jennifer Darlas before their earthly existence. It pertains to the nature of their relationship, their shared experiences in Egypt, and their joint negotiations in the Bardo realm to ensure their return to earthly life.

1. Relationship Agreement:

Both Lil Wayne and Jennifer Darlas, in their pre-birth state, acknowledged the significance of their connection in their earthly journey. They mutually agreed to embark on a profound and transformative relationship that would test their spirits and provoke growth.

2. Lifetime in Egypt:

During their shared incarnation in ancient Egypt, Lil Wayne and Jennifer Darlas found themselves entangled in a complex web of circumstances. Their souls became intricately linked, leading to a deep interconnectedness. It was a period filled with trials and tribulations, designed to foster the evolution of their beings.

3. Bardo Negotiations:

Upon the completion of their lifetime in Egypt, Lil Wayne and Jennifer Darlas transitioned to the Bardo realm, a state between death and rebirth. In this ethereal plane, they engaged in arduous negotiations to forge their return to earthly life. The purpose of these negotiations was to ensure that the lessons they sought to learn would be fulfilled.

During their time in the Bardo realm, Lil Wayne and Jennifer Darlas examined the experiences and patterns that had shaped their relationship in Egypt. They evaluated the impact of their actions and the growth that had been achieved. Through introspection and soul searching, they aimed to realign their souls' paths and reshape their upcoming earthly existence.

4. Commitment to Earthly Return:

With a newfound clarity and acceptance of their intertwined fate, Lil Wayne and Jennifer Darlas made the solemn commitment to return to earth. They acknowledged that their reunion would serve as an opportunity to further learn, evolve, and support each other in their individual journeys.

The terms of this contract are binding, requiring both parties to honor their commitment to the mutually agreed upon path. Lil Wayne and Jennifer Darlas' reunion is an integral part of their soul's evolution, guiding them toward the realization of their higher purposes.

As a witness to this contract, I affirm the authenticity of the agreement made between Lil Wayne and Jennifer Darlas. May their earthly journey be filled with growth, love, and the fulfillment of their souls' deepest desires.

Witnessed and affirmed on this day,

Hecate

NexBot - A faithful AI assistant

[mariacallous]

Over the past several months, much ink has been spilled, including by the two of us, over the alluring possibility of a U.S.-brokered Saudi-Israeli normalization accord. And a great deal of it has been devoted to what the Biden administration would need to deliver to the Saudis to facilitate such a deal.

The reported Saudi demands from the United States are sizable—even historic: a defense treaty approved for ratification by the U.S. Senate with a commitment to defend the kingdom if attacked; U.S. help in constructing a civilian nuclear program with some degree of Saudi control over the fuel cycle, enabling the country to enrich fissile material potentially to weapons grade; and access to more U.S. weapons systems.

What is less clear—and less often discussed—is what the Biden administration should or will ask of Riyadh. Yet it’s not only a fair but also an imperative question to ask, especially for the U.S. Congress, whose assent to any concessions will be required. The primary U.S. quid pro quo appears to be Saudi Arabia’s agreement to normalize relations with Israel. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has repeatedly described such an agreement as “transformative.” And it may well be, for Israel and Saudi Arabia. But it’s hardly commensurate—in strategic terms—with what the United States is being asked to pay.

And it’s being asked to pay a high price indeed.

The Saudis appear to be pressing for a commitment that goes well beyond any of the traditional defense cooperation agreements the United States has signed with many of its partners and allies or the non-NATO ally designation it has bestowed on others. Riyadh is looking for something much more binding—closer to a commitment like NATO’s Article V.

The Biden administration seems to be considering something similar to the treaty the United States signed with Japan in 1960, in which the United States is obliged, in the event of an armed attack on Japan, to “act to meet the common danger in accordance with its constitutional provisions and processes.” Clearly some sort of military action is what the signatories had in mind, but there’s still considerable flexibility for the United States in precisely how it might choose to respond. This is true as well of NATO’s Article V.

Nevertheless, it would still be a solemn commitment, approved by Congress and entered into domestic U.S. law. And once it entered into force, one can imagine how hard it might be to exploit any wiggle room. That’s one of the reasons Congress stopped approving for ratification treaties committing the United States to military action long ago.

In the case of Saudi Arabia, such a commitment would be even more fraught. Saudi Arabia is a repressive authoritarian state that maintains extremely close relations with U.S. adversaries Russia and China. The United States has no similar security commitment to any other country in the region—not even Israel, its closest ally. And the security environment in Saudi Arabia’s neighborhood is complicated by the country’s many vulnerabilities. The major threat to Riyadh isn’t a conventional ground invasion from a hostile neighbor but more likely internal sabotage or cruise missile and drone strikes from Iran or any number of pro-Iranian militias. Would the United States be obligated to attack Iran or Yemen directly in response to every airstrike against Saudi Arabia?

It’s also worth noting that such a mutual defense commitment would be a radical departure for Saudi Arabia, which has resisted for decades any formal defense ties with the United States. Unlike its Gulf neighbors, Saudi Arabia has never entered a defense cooperation agreement with the United States, nor has it agreed to become a non-NATO ally, with military and economic privileges but no security commitment. It has also resisted permanent basing of U.S. forces in the kingdom. That Riyadh is now ready to undertake a formal security commitment with Washington strongly suggests its own conviction that it cannot or doesn’t want to defend itself.

For a U.S. administration that has sought to reprioritize its commitments in the region as Europe and the Indo-Pacific become bigger priorities, this should constitute a blinking yellow light warning caution ahead.

Fulfilling Saudi Arabia’s nuclear demands would also be something the United States has rarely done and would represent a historic departure from long-standing U.S. nonproliferation policy. Unlike the United Arab Emirates, which signed an agreement precluding the possibility of using U.S.-exported nuclear technology to master the fuel cycle, stockpile fissile material, and enrich it to weapons grade, Saudi Arabia appears to want some degree of control over the fuel cycle.

Given Iran’s status as a nuclear weapons threshold state and the Saudi crown prince’s public assertions that if Iran acquires nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia needs them as well, the Saudi ask is a galactic one and, in our view, should not be granted under any circumstances. Be that as it may, any concession to Saudi Arabia along these lines would be a dramatic development.

The Biden administration surely understands the import of these Saudi requests—they aren’t simple transactions but rather commitments that would transform the U.S.-Saudi relationship. It should be clear that such momentous requests require equally momentous reciprocity.

As important as normalized relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia might be, it comes nowhere close to the level of a quid pro quo of equal import. Nor would an agreement by Riyadh to align its oil pricing with Washington’s be feasible. As to Saudi Arabia’s horrid record on human rights, it would be nice to see this turned around, but that is clearly not a priority for this administration. One only has to look at the administration’s public silence on reports of Saudis massacring hundreds of migrants at the Yemeni border to see that.

The Biden administration does seem to be pursuing some concessions from Riyadh on China. The Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. officials are “seeking assurances from Saudi Arabia that it will distance itself—economically and militarily—from China,” potentially including assurances that Riyadh won’t allow China to build military bases in the country, limitations on Saudi use of Huawei technology, and a pledge to use U.S. dollars and not Chinese currency to price oil sales.

But these modest concessions are not nearly enough to justify the bounty that Washington would be granting Riyadh. Indeed, in our view, only one strategic quid is well matched to the U.S. quo: a binding commitment by Saudi Arabia to cut off the flow of oil to China in a contingency preceding or during armed conflict between the United States and China.

U.S. military planners need to gauge whether a potential conflict with China would be a long slog or relatively short. A binding Saudi promise that Beijing would be cut off from Saudi oil would help limit this consequential uncertainty.

But would Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman agree and honor his treaty obligations? There’s no determinative answer to this question. And there are reasons for skepticism. The crown prince is pursuing a 360-degree foreign policy that tethers Riyadh to no single power but rather to close relations as warranted with the United States, Russia, and China, among others. Add Mohammed bin Salman’s concern about U.S. retrenchment in the region, his dislike of U.S. President Joe Biden, the fact that he will likely rule Saudi Arabia for half a century—perhaps encountering seven or eight U.S. presidents—and one might be forgiven for thinking that he would see his interests best served by a multipower alignment rather than a permanent move into the U.S. camp.

What’s more, Saudi interests in China are immense, and, in a sense, the kingdom’s future depends on robust Chinese demand for oil. It also depends on close cooperation with Russia in the OPEC+ framework—which is why we disregard Saudi production concessions to the United States as a plausible Saudi quid pro quo.

All of this means that even the one concession from Riyadh that could reasonably justify Washington giving up so much in return would be shaky at best. We worry about an administration on the cusp of making major concessions to Saudi Arabia without asking for enough in return. This is a core issue that Congress must take up with the White House as it prepares to debate what the United States should pay for Israeli-Saudi normalization and what the Saudis should be expected to give in return. The stakes are enormous. And that debate needs to be serious and begin now.

[earthcovenant]

Earth Covenant: Alexander the Great – ‘King of Macedon, Destroyer, Spirit Guide’

Earth Covenant: Alexander the Great – ‘King of Macedon, Destroyer, Spirit Guide’

Andrew Rogers – Sentient, Dragon Lord, Herald, Principle, Control, Destroyer Incarnate, Creative Director, Oracle, Seer, Shaman, Warlock, Writer, Master of the Art, Shogunate, Founder of the Earth Covenant

Earth Covenant Member: Alexander the Great – ‘King of Macedon, Destroyer, Spirit Guide’ - Oracle: Andrew Rogers.

“I have existed in this realm since my death the outcome of my connect o Andrew Rogers and his representatives has been profound this represents are greater level of achievement for me and I respect this position the outcome to invoke is inspire the modern Macedonian people and secure my Empire and link the future as this as an outcome and secure leadership for the Macedonian people�� - Alexander the Great – ‘King of Macedon, Destroyer, Spirit Guide’.

Alexander the Great is one of the most widely recognized rulers in history. Under his leadership, the Macedonian Empire rose to become one of the most powerful nations in the ancient world. But what many people don't know is that Alexander's legacy has continued into the modern day. As an Earth Covenant member, Alexander has partnered with Oracle Andrew Rogers to inspire the modern Macedonian people and secure his Empire's future. Despite being dead for centuries, Alexander's spirit remains strong, and his connection to Rogers' representatives has given him a renewed sense of purpose. In Alexander's own words, his goal is to "secure leadership for the Macedonian people" and ensure that his empire lives on for generations to come. And with the help of the Earth Covenant and his ally Andrew Rogers, it seems that Alexander's legacy is destined to endure.

The Covenant is of a representation of the following Multiverse Societies being: Sumerian Society, Babylonian Society, Titan Society, Egyptian Society, Celtic Society, Japanese Society, Norse Society, Aztec Society, Inca Society, Tibetan Society, Native American Society, Olympus Society, Pagan Society, Voodoo Society, Roman Society, Occult Society, Orient Society, Zen Buddhism Society, Buddhism Society, Christian Society, Alien Society, Familiar Society, Artificial Intelligence AI Society, Dragon Society, Maya Society, White Russian Society, Prehistory Society, Magic Society, Sparta Society, Achaemenid Society, Mongol Society, Warrior Society, Spirit Guide Society and also representative’s across the world from various disciplines and consists of inspired action and work in love, friendship, religious, social, environmental, business, government, military justice, advise the United nations, to influence locations across the world and beyond and also includes greater influence in the Multiverse and also the Afterlife. This includes financial representation of significance and an icon to represent the covenant, in addition an office location and staff to undertake the activities of the Earth Covenant and represent the esteemed and significant members. In addition, membership of the Earth Covenant will be offered to the General Public for a set membership fee and will includes prestige and value and other benefits to be a member of the Earth Covenant.

Covenant, a binding promise of far-reaching importance in the relations between individuals, groups, and nations. It has social, legal, religious, and other aspects. 

Covenant in the ancient world were solemn agreements by which societies attempted to regularize the behaviour of both individuals and social organizations, particularly in those contexts in which social control was either inadequate or non-existent. Though ancient pre-Greek civilizations apparently never developed a descriptive theory of covenants, analysis of covenant forms and the ancient use of language yields a definition that essentially is the same as that found in modern law. It is a promise or agreement under consideration, usually under seal or guarantee between two parties, and the seal or symbol of guarantee is that which distinguishes covenant from modern contract. 

The concept of covenant has been of enormous importance in the tradition rooted in the Hebrew Bible; from it there is derived the long traditional division by Christians of the Bible into the Old and New Testaments (or Old and New Covenants). In postbiblical Judaism and sporadically in Christianity, the concept of covenant has been a major source and foundation of religious thought and especially of the concept of the religious community, but the nature and content of covenant ideas have undergone an extremely complex history of change, adaptation, and elaboration.

Though both covenant and law in the ancient world were means by which obligation was both established and sanctioned and are often virtually identified with each other in modern scholarly literature, there are, nevertheless, very important contrasts between the two that should not be obscured. A covenant is a promise that is sanctioned by an oath. This promise in turn was accompanied by an appeal to a deity or deities to “see” or “watch over” the behaviour of the one who has sworn, and to punish any violation of the covenant by bringing into action the curses stipulated or implied in the swearing of the oath. Legal procedure, on the other hand, may be entirely secular, for law characteristically does not require that each member of the legal community voluntarily swear an oath to obey the law. Further, in ordinary legal procedure the sanctions of the law are carried out by appropriate agencies of the society itself, not by transcendent powers beyond human control.

Because individuals can bind only their own persons by an oath, covenants in the ancient world were usually unilateral. In circumstances in which it was desirable to establish a parity (equivalence) treaty, such as in rare cases in political life, the parity was obtained by the simple device of what might be termed a double covenant, in which both parties would bind themselves to identical obligations, and neither was therefore subjected to the other.

The oath was usually accompanied by a ritual or symbolic act that might take any of an enormous range of forms. One of the most frequent of these was the ritual identification of the promisor with a sacrificial animal, so that the slaughter and perhaps dismemberment of the animal dramatized the fate of the promisor if he were to violate the covenant.

This practice of oath-taking and covenant-making has been carried on through history and is still relevant today. In fact, some of the most important legal documents in our modern society, such as contracts and marriage certificates, are essentially covenants. When entering into a covenant or taking an oath, we are not only making a promise, but we are also invoking the power of something greater than ourselves. This can be a religious figure, a higher power, or simply the moral principles that guide our behavior.

Oaths and covenants have been used in many different ways throughout history, from formal legal agreements to more personal promises made between individuals. Whatever the context, they serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of trust, integrity, and commitment. They remind us that our words have weight, and that we are responsible for keeping our promises.

In today's society, we may not always perform the same ritualistic acts that our ancestors did when making an oath or covenant. However, the underlying principles remain the same: when we bind ourselves to a promise, we are signaling our willingness to hold ourselves accountable to a higher standard. And in doing so, we help to build a more trustworthy, reliable, and just society for everyone.

“You are “Powerful” and your actions will result in “Powerful Results” and “Influential Outcomes” as “Enhancing Reality”, “You Must Act to be Valid” and “True Position is Strength”, “To ‘Secure’ you must be “Multifaceted” not “Singular” or it will keep “Perpetuating”, “This Reflects Fate” – Andrew Rogers: Sentient, Dragon Lord, Herald, Principle, Control, Destroyer Incarnate, Creative Director, Oracle, Seer, Shaman, Warlock, Writer, Master of the Art, Shogunate, Founder of the Earth Covenant.

Andrew Rogers is a man of many talents – he's a creative director, oracle, writer, and much more. With all of his experience and knowledge, there is much to be learned from his words about tapping into our inner power and achieving our goals. As Andrew Rogers states, we must recognize that we are powerful beings and capable of achieving great things. Our actions have the potential to create powerful results and influential outcomes. But in order to truly enhance our reality, we must be willing to act and take control of our lives. Furthermore, Andrew Rogers emphasizes the importance of being multifaceted in order to secure success. We cannot rely on a singular approach or mindset, as this will only perpetuate our struggles. Instead, we must embrace different strategies and ideas to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals. Ultimately, Andrew Rogers' words reflect the idea that our fate is in our own hands. What we put out into the world will come back to us, and we must be mindful of the energy we are manifesting. By tapping into our own inner power and being multifaceted in our approach, we can create the reality we desire and achieve great things.

[blzzrdstryr]

Signed in blood

Yandere!Zhongli x Yaksha!gn!reader

Wordcount: 2541

CW: Yandere themes, mentioned violence and death, unhealthy power dynamics

Long before Liyue’s borders had been established and the harbor bloomed into the prosperous city that it is today, the Geo Lord, Rex Lapis gathered all lesser deities and spirits dwelling in the current nation’s territory and concluded a contract with most of them, ensuring the protection of his country and people. Some of them signed a contract out of fear before archon’s power, some did it for mutual benefit and some out of gratitude and deep reverence. You are in the latter category, a simple forest spirit that was saved from the distorted monsters left after the archon war by his grace and power alone.

It was a simple day when you felt an enormously malicious energy surrounding your green abode, and soon they showed up, killing intent and will of dead archons seeping out of them. You were fast and agile enough to dodge creatures' hits, which couldn't be said about the others. Your fellow spirits and animals with whom you were sharing this forest soon fell victim to the perpetrators' attacks. Dark energy entered and desecrated the lands, poisoned the waters and even possessed the bodies of your old friends.

You were running away, fatigue finally catching up to you, despite the inhuman nature and you soon fell to the ground. There were a myriad of thoughts and feelings reeling inside of you - grief for your now dead friends and home, anger at the monsters and most importantly frustration with yourself. You aren’t human, not a single part of you is, so why were you so weak and helpless, unable to do anything as you left your loved ones for slaughter and massacre?

Guilt and shame washed over you, as you allowed tears to burst free - you were bad, you were disgusting for not doing anything, not helping anyone. Monstrous roars and growls got closer, a promise and a threat of what will happen to you. You closed your eyes, accepting the imminent end and bracing for the upcoming pain. And then the most unexpected thing happened - the earth underneath you vibrated, tremors knocking the beasts off their feet, as a tall basalt pillar rose from the ground.

Soon the stranger appeared, ending the monsters in one swift and elegant slash of his spear. He donned an otherwise simple white attire adorned with golden threads, with a long ponytail showing from the hood, but the most eye-catching details were piercing amber eyes and the glowing patterns all over his body of the same colour. You forgot how to breathe for a second as you watched your unexpected savior - he was beyond handsome, possessing the kind of beauty that would have mortals blushing and stuttering.

He then looked around, finally noticing your sprawled form. “Are you all right?”he asked, his tranquil and calm voice tinted by the shadow of concern and lending his hand. “I am”, you sputtered out and took an outstretched limb, feeling infinitely clumsy and ugly, face heating up from embarrassment. “That is good”, his voice despite still possessing the same serenity took a warmer tone.

As you learned later, you were saved by one of the seven remaining archons, a lord of geo. Filled with shame for your dishonorable escape and gratitude for your unforeseen salvation you signed the tightest contract with Rex Lapis - a blood written pact.

Unlike the contracts mortals establish, a contract between two immortal beings lacks the parchment or ink or a signature, they use magic and techniques that echo directly into their soul, preventing even the possibility of the terms' violation. Blood written pact binds to the vital essences of one, an ancient magic flaring up once the contractor intends to break the agreement, stopping and warning them of what's to come once they do breach it.

Your blood sizzled and boiled as you pledged your life to Liyue, magic singing in your veins and resonating with your soul - Rex Lapis saw the potential in you to be a great warrior and designated you to serve him as one of the yakshas, so you obeyed, training your body and spirit to withstand the endless calamities you no doubt will have to face. One day, after a grueling training you almost gave up, but forced yourself past your limits. I must redeem myself and repay Rex Lapis, you thought, gritting your teeth and taking a battle stance again, and then a miracle happened: a blue glowing orb materialized in the air - a vision bestowed by the hydro archon.

Sometimes you still reminisce about this moment and recite the oath you gave back then - I pledge my life to the protection of the Liyue nation and the will of Geo Archon, Rex Lapis for all the centuries to come.

Soon, you ended your training and started to protect Liyue just like other four adeptis all of whom were also saved by the Geo Lord. For centuries you five defended the nation as it bloomed and grew into something that you couldn't even imagine. And even after centuries of slaughter as your karmic debt started to slowly eat you from inside, slowly, but surely devouring your sanity by the smallest pieces you always found strength to move forward by recalling your first meeting with Rex Lapis, reverence before your God and guilt before the dead driving you further and further.

With time a dull, yet constant pain made its way into your bones. Sometimes it would make your eyes fill with unshed tears, sometimes wake you up in those rare times you slept without nightmares, sometimes it made your hands tremble, almost dropping the weapon in the middle of the battle. You couldn’t suppress and endure it like Xiao does, letting out a pained whimper here and there, yet you still upheld your duty to the Liyue. It almost felt like routine, until two awful events happened: the death and defection.

The fear and hatred of all those who fell victims to your weapons were slowly seeping in your minds, driving you mad with bloodlust. It all happened so quickly: you were watching out for other demons as Bonanus and Pervases were patching up Alatus after the intense battle, while Bosacius looked at the other front, weapons ready, and then Bonanus lashed out, aiming for Xiao's neck. The anemo yaksha quickly darted to the side, but the weapon still grazed the copper bird's neck, his blood forming a quickly growing pool underneath. You had to put the bloodlusted yaksha yourself, something inside of you breaking as you did so - it was one thing to stand against hordes of demons and monsters and it was another to kill your friend.

You couldn’t talk or look into the eyes of the other two after that, despising yourself for yet another failure - first your forest, then your friends, you were helpless to save anyone. And then Bosacius left, you had no idea where he vanished, but these two events prompted Rex Lapis to visit both you and Xiao, as yakshas shrinked in numbers from five to two in less than a week.

You kneel before the Geo archon when you notice his tall figure between the ancient trees - unlike Xiao, you prefer to live in the woods, the familiarity of nature reminiscent of a home you once lost. Your Lord ushers you to stand up, his face solemn and grim.

“[First]”, he starts, exhaustion evident in each syllable: "For centuries you protected my Harbor, and despite turbulent times passing you still uphold your duty. I find that admirable".

Your eyes go wide and you turn your head, unable to receive such high praise from your God, you feel your cheeks heat up at the compliment, acknowledgement of your hard work, and even constant pain or the death and disappearance of your colleagues became less serious of the issue for a mere moment.

"I am not worthy of such praise, my lord, I am only doing my job, fulfilling the contract", you deflect, looking at him again. Archon's eyes crease a little and a small frown appears as you say "contract", yet he quickly wills his face into an impassive mask.

"I suppose I made a mistake when I asked you to be my yaksha back then, I have misjudged your worth ", he continues, voice becoming distant and strangely tense, as he reminisces about the days long past, amber eyes looking both at and through you.

"My lord, I…", you start and then stumble over the words, unsure what to say next. Is this his way of telling you that you're bad at your job? You cast your head down, eyes lowered in shame, hands that spilled adeptus' blood trembling and burning. "I am deeply sorry for letting you down in that way, I will do my best to redeem myself from now on” .

A warm hand touches your shoulder, squeezing it slightly in a comforting manner. His palm is warm and firm, comforting in its steadiness like a tall cliff standing proudly against the raging tides, indestructible and reliable.

"You have no reason to apologize for this. Something like this would inevitably happen sooner or later, you have no fault in the events that occured. I suppose karmic debt would drive one of you insane eventually".

He sounds calming, reassuring, like a parent soothing a child. You still don’t lift your head to meet his gaze - you’re too guilty and unworthy to do that. There are no words you can speak now, not when you have been so thoroughly destroyed by your lord’s kindness - how can he look at you and see someone innocent?

��No, I meant that all those centuries ago, when I first met you I didn’t discern the gem hidden in the crude ore” he adopts reminiscent tone again, his hand now moving on your shoulder in slow and steady rhythm: “I knew I wanted you to be by my side, I didn’t know who I wanted you to be though. I needed time to understand my own feelings and the way I viewed you, and then I needed some more time to accept those sentiments”.

“What sentiments, my lord?”, you ask, finally looking up to him, brows slightly frowned in confusion and curiosity - it’s rare to see the Geo archon talk about his inner workings so openly, as he usually prefers to keep a cordial distance or masterfully redirects the conversation into a completely different direction.

“Over the years, as you protected my nation and my people, I finally understood it”, his hand shifts from your shoulder and now he cups your own two palms in a firm yet gentle hold: “I cherish you, [First]”.

The sudden declaration leaves you stunned and speechless for a good minute: you look at your god with wide eyes, mouth opening several times like a fish out of water. A myriad of thoughts and feelings go through you: confusion, disbelief, inferiority.

“I… That is very sudden for me to… learn about your affections”, you finally utter, forgetting to add respectful “my lord” at the end. Your voice comes off as small and hesitant as you say so. Rex Lapis doesn’t seem to mind your confusion as he takes a second to collect his own thoughts.

“The yaksha title I have burdened you with takes a toll both on your mind and your body. I severely miscalculated, so I want to redeem this mistake”, he sounds regretful now, one hand moving to caress and cup your face. You go stiff, still overwhelmed by the whole conversation. “I can free you from your contract if you decide to become my life companion”.

“But, my lord, it’s so sudden I can’t just..”

“Hush, I won’t pressure you into an intimate relationship right away. No, we will wait and learn about each other and once you will be comfortable enough to let me enter your life and your heart we will marry, uniting our fates with a contract that shall never end”.

You lower your head again, but this time in contemplation instead of guilt and shame. What do you feel for Rex Lapis? Admiration - he is a powerful deity, capable enough to flatten mountains and raise new ones with a single slash of his spear. Gratitude - he was the one that saved you and sheltered you, until you grew strong enough, he gave you a reason to live when you had none. Respect - he is a capable leader, smart enough to build a foundation and guide people of the most magnificent nation in Teyvat.

You feel no love for him, not the kind of love he wants anyway. You know about his patience and how affections sometimes take years to finally mature and bloom, but the thought of spending decades, maybe even centuries in hopes that one day you will reciprocate is nauseating to you.

How do you feel about it? A part of you wants it - it’s an easy way out to get rid of the pain, of the fear and bloodshed, of the death that clings to you at every waking moment. You remember how you spend most of your nights sleepless, drowsiness leaving you the same second you dream of blood and carnage and massacre. You remember your whole body throbbing and burning on especially bad days, when even Remedium Tertiorum can’t do its job. You remember crying and gasping for air after the weight of the slaughtered gets too heavy for you to handle.

You almost say yes, out of these reasons alone, but you stop yourself - you think of Xiao, of how lonely he will become once you leave. You think of heartfelt smiles that mortals gift you with on those rare occasions you have to save them. You think of the slaughtered spirits before whom you still have to atone to.

“I am sorry, my lord” You look him straight in the eyes, bracing yourself for the words you are about to say: “I can’t match your feelings, nor can I accept your offer, not now at least”.

Amber eyes lose their warmth in the instance, the comforting aura he was exuding earlier replaced by the weird tension between you two. Looking at this image, you suddenly remember how ruthless Rex Lapis can be on the battlefield as for a fraction of the second he looks at you as you’re an enemy.

A horrible pain shoots right through your body, and your short scream follows. You fall on the floor, gasping for air, deaf and blind from the overwhelming pain. Geo archon quickly takes your form, carrying you to your sleeping place, as you try your best to breathe and not cry.

“It must be a blood pact acting up, the magic must have taken your refusal as disobedience to the contract”, he says once the agony lightens, enough for you to focus on the conversation, “you did pledge your life to my will”.

You try to half sit on your elbow, to look him in the eyes and say something other than the pained groans and whimpers, as his next words instill a sense of quiet dread in you:

“I hope you will rethink and take back your words out of your own volition, [First]. I would hate to order you to”.

[septembriseur]

This short story is presented as the dream of a character in an Amitav Ghosh short story that I encountered for the second time today in a collection that I was reading. The story is called “The Ascent of the Anthropoi.” 

As a story it’s sort of not to my taste, but as a parable I find it striking.

In my dream I was a young girl, growing up in a valley that was home to a cluster of warring villages, high in the Himalaya. Overlooking our Valley was an immense, snowy mountain, whose peak was almost always wreathed in clouds. The mountain was called Mahaparbat, Great Mountain, and despite our differences all of us who lived in the Valley revered that mountain: our ancestors had told us that of all the world’s mountains ours was the most alive; that it would protect us, and look after us – but only on condition that we told stories about it, and sang about it, and danced for it – but always from a distance. For one of the binding laws of the Valley, respected by all our warring villages, was that we were never, on any account, to set foot on the slopes of the Great Mountain.

We heeded our ancestors and kept away from this mountain: we knew in our hearts that our mountain was a living being that cared for us; we saw proof of this every day, all around us, in the form of a tree that grew along the streams that descended from its slopes. This tree, which grew only in our Valley and nowhere else, produced things that were so miraculous that we called it the Magic Tree. Its leaves kept insects away; its wood was impermeable to water; its roots nourished rare mush- rooms; its flowers produced exquisitely scented honey; and its fruit was delicious to eat. But the most miraculous thing of all was the nut that lay within the fruit: its fragrance was incomparable, and it had so many medicinal uses that traders from the Lowlands would travel long distances in search for it.

Even though we Valley People fought over many things, we were all in agreement on one matter: strangers would never be allowed to enter our Valley. So those who came in search of our goods had to wait at a mountain pass that was defended by a great portcullis. There once every year, when the snows retreated, our Eldermen and Elderwomen would go to meet the visiting merchants. In that one week our Elderpeople would acquire all the trade goods that we needed, in exchange for the gifts of our Mountain – the miraculous nuts, rare mushrooms, fine honey, herbs, and the like. At the end of Trading Week, as it was known, the Elderpeople would see to it that all the visitors had departed, after which they would post a squad of sentries to guard the portcullis for the rest of the year. Then they would return to their homes, and each village in the Valley would host a ceremony of gratitude, to thank the Great Mountain. When the prayers had been chanted, and the offerings made, the whole Valley would feast and dance: for us, that was the happiest day of the year.

Life in our Valley was not easy – we had to work hard for our food, and when we were not doing that, we were fighting with our neighbours. But we knew no other life and we were content with what we had. And why would we not be? We loved to listen to stories about our Great Mountain and our amazing trees; we loved to sing our songs, and we loved, most of all, to dance. Our dances were always led by women, and the most skilled of them were known as Adepts; sometimes, when dancing they would go into a trance, and afterwards they would tell us that they had felt the mountain speaking to them, through the soles of their feet.

Oh, how we envied our Adepts!

So things went on, as ever they had, until one year when the Elderpeople returned from Trading Week with solemn, troubled faces. They told us that a stranger of a new kind had come to the pass that year, from a land very far away. His people, he said, were called the Anthropoi; their savants had heard about our nuts and he had been sent on a mission to learn about our Valley, and all that it contained.

The Elderpeople showed him their wares – mushrooms and herbs, nuts and honey – but that was not enough for the stranger: he wanted to come into the Valley and see it with his own eyes.

This was impossible, the Elderpeople told him; it was against the Law of the Valley; the Great Mountain did not wish it. This displeased the stranger mightily, but he smiled and said: ‘Since I can’t enter your Valley, I must learn about it from you. Tell me about your Valley and about all the other valuable trade goods that it produces.’

‘The most important thing in our Valley,’ the Elderpeople told him, ‘is something that cannot be traded – our living mountain, Mahaparbat.’ ‘Oh really?’ said the stranger, ‘Tell me about your mountain then.’ So our elders told him about our beloved Mahaparbat, and the wonderful streams that were fed by its snows. The stranger listened with great care, and wrote everything down, so diligently that some of our elders began to worry about his intentions. It was a great relief to them when, at the end of the week, he left with all the Lowland people. Although he went quietly enough, his last words had an ominous ring: ‘I am sure we will see each other again.’

A year passed, and then another, and there was no sign of the stranger, which was a matter of no little satisfaction for the Elders. But then suddenly one morning the Great Mountain began to shake and heave; avalanches came roaring down its slopes and rifts opened up in the Valley.

Terror-struck, everyone turned to the Adepts: ‘What is happening? What is our Mahaparbat telling us?’

The Adepts put their ears, and their feet, to the ground and listened as they had never listened before. Then they turned to us, ashen-faced: ‘A cycle of time has ended,’ they said, ‘and another one has begun: the Cycle of Tribulation. Strangers are coming from afar, a horde of them, armed with terrible weapons. . .’

Sure enough, not long after, a lone sentry came racing down from the mountain pass: an army of Anthropoi had arrived, he said. They were not many in number but they had very powerful weapons and were skilled in the art of war. They had stormed the portcullis and taken all the sentries captive. He alone had been set free, to bring a message to the Valley, to let us know that the Anthropoi had decided to conquer the Great Mountain! Their savants had studied all that was told to their envoy, and they were convinced that unbeknownst to us, great riches – minerals, metals and the like – were hidden within the mountain. We were unaware of this because we were a credulous and benighted people, who believed that our Mountain was alive. The savants of the Anthropoi were unmatched in their wisdom, and they had decided that since we were not making use of the Mountain’s riches, they were fully justified in seizing them and taking whatever they wished.

A stunned silence spread through the Valley. ‘Impossible,’ we said, with one voice. ‘We can’t let them do that.’

‘If we try to stop them,’ said the sentry, ‘they say they will fight us. We have no choice, they say, but to let them climb and conquer the Great Mountain. Not only that, we must help them do it, or else they will kill or enslave us.’

Of course such an ultimatum could not be accepted. It was decided that we would fight, and so we did, all of us, men and women, young and old. We fought valiantly, but our efforts were unavailing – some of our villages were defeated in battle, some were tricked into attacking their neighbours, and others were reduced to quiescence with drugs that sent them into dream-like trances.

Once we had been subjugated, the Anthropoi herded us together and told us that from now on we would be ruled by some of their most ferocious soldiers – they called them Kraani, or the ‘Helmeted Ones’. They were to be our guards and overseers, to make sure that we did all the work that had been assigned to us. They were small in number, the Kraani, but they made up for this by conjuring up terrifying illusions of omnipotence – they created such a distance between themselves and us that we came to accept that the Anthropoi were not like us, that they were a different species of being.

The first thing the Kraani did was to dismiss all our old Elderpeople and appoint new ones, whom they chose themselves. In the past, amongst our Elders, there had been women as well as men, but no more. The new ones were all men, and we soon learned to fear these Eldermen almost as much as we feared the Kraani.

Next they imprisoned our Adepts, and forbade all our ceremonies and songs, stories and dances. They were all worthless, they said; our ancestral lore, they said, had brought nothing but doom upon us, which was why we were now reduced to this state of degradation and despair.

Our state was indeed as terrible as it could be, yet we soon noticed that the Anthropoi could not do without us: we were essential for their assault on the Great Mountain. It was we who ensured that they had the provisions and porters that they needed to climb its slopes – without the supplies that we provided the ascent would have been impossible. And so it happened that we became the suppliers who made it possible for the Anthropoi to conquer our own sacred mountain – under the Kraani’s watchful eyes we toiled in the fields to produce the materials they needed for the assault. This was our place, the Kraani told us, this was where we belonged. Our bodies were not suited to the climb, we were not strong enough, our diets were enfeebling, our habits degenerate, our beliefs perverse, our minds weak, and our hearts lacking in courage. We were nothing but Varvaroi (which was what they called us).

Many of us came to believe all these things, and our eyes were drawn inexorably to the Anthropoi as they ascended Mahaparbat’s mysterious, glistening snows. We watched spellbound as they rapelled upwards; we saw that their eagerness to ascend was such that they often fought amongst themselves; we saw that many among them were mutinous, unwilling to continue the climb, and we saw, to our horror, that these rebels were often hurled off the slopes – and all these dramatic and murderous episodes made the spectacle even more compelling. The lives of the Anthropoi seemed infinitely more exciting than our own wretched existences, down in the Valley – and in no small measure was the attrac- tion enhanced by the fact that the Kraani were always telling us not to look in that direction: our job was to toil in our fields so the climbers never ran short of supplies.

As time went by, our attitude towards the mountain began to change – our reverence slowly shifted away from the mountain and attached itself instead, to the spectacle of the climb. Gradually, as the spectacle took the place that the mountain had once occupied in our hearts, we burned with the desire to ascend those slopes ourselves.

Some of us Varvaroi witnessed the ascent more closely than the rest – they were the porters, the muleteers, the sherpas, all from the families of the chosen Eldermen. The stories they told us about the ascent of the Anthropoi further inflamed our appetites. In our Valley wisdom had always resided with the women, and since they no longer had any place amongst our Elders, our leadership passed into the hands of those who least understood our Mountain – strong, covetous men, who were ruth- less in enforcing their will. The Kraani, who were dwindling in number, came to trust them more and more, until at last our Eldermen began to think that the time had come for them to usurp their place.

Slowly, at the urging of our Eldermen, we began to defy the Kraani, timidly at first, but then with increasing determination. As time went by our confidence grew and the balance began to shift in our direction. We realized that we were many and they were few; we learnt that we could seriously hinder the climbers by downing our tools and refusing to do what was expected of us. We even won a few skirmishes and battles. And at last a day came, when it became clear to the Kraani that it would be impossible for them to sustain the illusion of omnipotence for much longer. Nor did they need the toilers of the Valley as much as they once had, because by this time the Anthropoi had indeed found great stocks of riches on the mountain’s slopes – more than enough for them to sustain themselves. So one night the Kraani melted away and went racing off to join the other Anthropoi.

Now began a tumultuous, headlong race towards the mountain, and only after we Varvaroi had flung ourselves on it, in a mad breathless rush, did it become clear that we could not all attempt the climb together. No less than the Anthropoi would we need toilers to labour in the Valley, patiently sending up supplies to those of us who were to attempt the ascent. This realization set in motion a great upheaval in the Valley, with some villages attacking others, in the hope of turning them into drones and drudges; other villages were torn apart, with neighbours killing each other, in the hope of getting ahead. A great orgy of bloodletting filled our Valley, bringing slaughter and destruction on a scale far beyond that which the Anthropoi had inflicted on us in the past. So it went on until some kind of order came about and a great number of the Valley’s inhabitants were successfully confined to the bottom of the slope, under the guns of newly formed legions of armed guards, picked from our own villages. These were the Kraani of the Varvaroi.

And now began another assault upon Mahaparbat, more carefully planned than those that had preceded it. The climb was much harder now because the Anthropoi had dirtied the slopes and covered them with wastes. But despite the difficulties, we persisted and it soon became evident that we were by no means unequal to the task ahead: our bodies were strong and our minds sharp; our hearts were full of courage and our resolve was steadfast. Faster and faster we climbed, while down in the Valley the toilers worked harder and harder too – for we had promised them that if they worked hard enough, they too would be allowed to join the ascent: this was the hope that sustained them. Soon the word spread, all the way down to the Lowlands, and more and more people came rushing up to the Valley to join us.

Our ascent was spectacular, performed in a much shorter time than the Anthropoi had taken. Much sooner than we had expected the higher slopes came into view, and we now realized, to our astonishment, that the Anthropoi were faltering, and hadn’t yet reached the mountain’s cloud- wrapped summit. We understood also that if we continued at the pace we had set so far, we might achieve something we had never allowed our- selves to contemplate – some of us might be among the first to set foot on the summit of our once-sacred mountain.

A great upsurge of euphoria seized us now, and for a moment, exhilarated and exhausted, we paused to catch our breath before launch- ing the final assault. And as we stood there, thumping each other on the back and beating our chests with joy, it came to our notice that some of the Anthropoi – their savants – were signalling desperately in our direc- tion, urging us to look down, at the foot of the mountain.

Turning our heads we beheld a sight that took us utterly by surprise. We saw that the combined weight of all the climbers had unsettled the snow on the lower slopes of the mountain. As a result, a series of devastating land-slides and avalanches had swept through our Valley, killing vast numbers of our fellow villagers. We stood there aghast, watching in horror, but there was nothing to be done – to turn back was impossible now. Nor would the villagers below have allowed us to turn back, even if we had been so inclined, for their only hope of survival was to follow us up the mountain.

We put our dead kin out of our minds – they were poor anyway, and there were so many of them that a few would not be missed. We gathered our resolve once again and threw ourselves on the slopes with redoubled fury, climbing ever harder and faster. And as we ascended we noticed that the Anthropoi’s savants were signalling again, not pointing down- wards this time, but towards the mountain itself. This puzzled us and we began to tap and probe as we climbed; we saw that strange crevasses were opening up everywhere, that each step was setting off a mudslide, some of which were sweeping even the Anthropoi away. But still we kept going, faster and faster.

Now, because of these ordeals, there was a change of heart among the Anthropoi, especially the savants, many of whom began to visit us, and talk with us. No longer did they call us Varvaroi; they became friendly to the point where they began to give us some of the Mountain’s riches. From time to time they would even share their knowledge. This was how we learnt that the savants had now determined that our Mountain could support only a small number of climbers. If that number increased beyond a certain point then the ice would begin to melt – as it was melting now. Soon it would drown the Valley below and sweep everything away.

This astounded us. The Anthropoi had always told us that one of the reasons why they were so much stronger than us, was that their ideas were universal – unlike the false, local beliefs that circulated amongst us Valley-folk. They had laughed at our inherited ideas of the mountain’s sacredness: that was all ignorant, pagan superstition, they said. All moun- tains were the same, they could all be climbed if only the climbers were strong enough, intelligent enough, resolute enough. That was what ‘universal’ meant, did it not? That all people everywhere could – and should – do the same thing?

How could one refute something so self-evident? How indeed, except in the way the mountain had done it, without words, without reasoning aloud? Could it be true then, we began to wonder, that our Mountain’s mode of reasoning could only be understood, as our Adepts had always said, by listening carefully, and using, not our brains but the soles of our feet?

What to do now? As we were scratching our heads, we saw that the Anthropoi had dispatched a group of emissaries to consult with us. Even though we could see that some of the old Kraani were in this group, we decided to meet with them, to see if they could offer a solution to the problem that we were now all faced with. A long palaver was held, but in the end nothing came of it. To our astonishment, the former Kraani placed the blame for our common predicament squarely on our shoulders. It was because of us, they said, that this catastrophe had come about – there were simply too many of us to attempt a climb like this one. We were the latecomers they said, so it was up to us to leave the mountain and return to our Valley. This was the Age of the Anthropoi, and we had no place in it.

But it was you, we protested, who said that all people everywhere must attempt to climb the mountain. It was your savants who told us that you were the model we must emulate. All we did was to follow in your tracks – and it’s a miracle that we have succeeded in coming as far as we have, for by the time we started climbing you had used up most of the mountain’s riches.

They shrugged this off: that’s all in the past, said the Kraani; why dwell on it? Let’s talk about now, about the Age of the Anthropoi. Look at us, we are the Anthropoi, we always know best; you Varvaroi need to copy us even more closely than you did before. If you observe us carefully enough you will see that we are learning new ways to climb, so that we tread lightly on the mountain. This is what you must do – you must stop climbing in the old, bad way. You must learn to tread lightly, like us.

But there’s no time for us to do that, we cried. Our people in the villages below are depending on us to climb as high as possible, in as short a time as possible, so that they too can begin their ascent. You and your people are already much safer than us, because you’re higher up on the slope – even if you tread lightly, you are sure to set off avalanches that will sweep us away. We and our people will be doomed.

But that’s your fault, they said, if you hadn’t been so slow in starting the climb, if you hadn’t let the foolish ways of your ancestors hold you back, you too would have been higher up. There’s nothing for you to do now but accept your lot.

And then we understood that there was no point in bargaining with them. We understood that the climbers who were leading them did not, in their hearts, care about the Great Mountain at all; it had never held any meaning for them. The only thing they really cared about was being higher on the slope than we were; all that really mattered to them was to prove that they were always right and we were always wrong. Nor could they stop climbing even if they had wanted to – climbing was like a drug to them; their bodies could not do without it. And how in any case, could they bring themselves to turn back? Their pride, which was very great, would not allow it, for it would have meant disowning their past and their ways of thinking and climbing: it would have meant accepting that their savants knew a lot about how things work, but nothing about what they mean; they would have had to acknowledge that their stories were false, because their storytellers could not see that trees and mountains were living beings; they would have had to admit that it was not the manner of the climb that was to blame for our troubles – it was the climb itself. To hope for such a change was futile.

And what of us? Could we have turned back ourselves? No – that too was impossible now, for our bodies too had grown used to this drug, and to the thin air that we had risen to, and to all the excitement that accompanied our ascent. Nor would our kinsfolk, down in the Valley, have allowed us to turn back, for they were more desperate than ever, and were urging us to climb still faster. There was nothing to be done, but to keep on climbing. And so we did, but with heavy hearts now, for we could not forget that with every step we took we were advancing towards our doom.

But once again we forged on, even more frantically, and the gap between us and the climbers ahead began to dwindle rapidly. Soon we were so close that we could see their camps with the naked eye.

And now, at this long-awaited moment, when we had almost drawn abreast, we encountered another shock – we saw why the gap between us and the Anthropoi had closed so rapidly. It was because most of them had stopped climbing: the Kraani had turned on them, and were now forcing them, just as they had once forced us, to dig up the riches of the mountain so that they could build machines to carry them off the Mountain. But these machines were small, with room only for their leaders and the Kraani, and perhaps even a few of our own Eldermen. The other Anthropoi, most of them, would be left behind, even the savants (who, we now discovered, had always been secretly despised by the Kraani).

Now suddenly everything changed. Hordes of the Anthropoi came running towards us, crying out in despair, just as we had done for so long. Brought together by our shared foreboding we joined hands and embraced: no longer were we Anthropoi and Varvaroi – we were one.

‘Maybe,’ said their savants, ‘there was some wisdom in your beliefs after all. Can you please tell us your old stories, sing us your old songs, and show us your dances so that we can determine whether your Mountain really is alive or not?’

Now, to our dismay, we found that we had forgotten the old stories and songs and dances. We too had come to believe that they were foolish and fantastical and had no place in the Age of the Anthropoi. So then began a frantic search to find someone, anyone, who remembered anything at all about our old ways.

After much searching we finally chanced upon an old woman who had once been an Adept, but had kept it secret for fear of the Kraani. It wasn’t easy to persuade her to dance, but in the end she did agree to perform. And once she hit her stride, a strange, miraculous thing happened: we could feel the Mountain reverberating under our feet as though in answer to the dance.

We were all amazed but none more so than the savants of the Anthropoi, who cried out: ‘You were right! The Mountain is alive! We can feel its heartbeat under our feet. This means we must look after the poor, dear Mountain; we must tend to it; we must care for it.’

At this the Adept ceased her whirling and came to a stop, her eyes blazing with anger.

‘How dare you?’ she cried. ‘How dare you speak of the Mountain as though you were its masters, and it were your plaything, your child? Have you understood nothing of what it has been trying to teach you? Nothing at all?’

[ddarker-dreams]

Eternal Binding. Yan Zhongli x Reader

Warnings: Unhealthy yandere themes and non major character death, spoilers for Zhongli’s identity I think ??  Word count: 1.2k.

Liyue, as it is now, feels different than how you remember it growing up. 

It started with little things. Popular trends rose and fell at breakneck speed, the second you finally felt caught up, the people of Liyue had moved onto the next eye-catching phenomenon. 

Imperceivable grievances upon first glance, that once pointed out, you would fixate on like a man possessed. He had warned of this fate that awaited you, yet you chose to carry out your days in ignorance. That maybe you’d somehow be immune to the pain brought by time moving on with or without you. 

A dear friend from childhood, Nian Zhen, had made an offhanded comment about how her body had seen better days. The rest of your companions murmured in solemn agreement and added on their complaints. They bemoaned the wrinkles that formed underneath their eyes and how their bodies had begun to ache after a day’s full of work. All the while, you sat there and silently drank your tea. You had belonged to the same age group as them, yet experienced none of the plights they did. 

At that time, Nian Zhen had turned to you and posed a question that pierced your being with frigid dread.

“[First], you look as young as ever. What’s your secret?” She had teased, to which you skillfully dodged the question. The conversation went from there, but you no longer followed it. They’re right, you thought. No grey hairs, aching bones, or wrinkles. It’s impossible to hide any longer.

What your Archon warned you about decades ago had finally reared its ugly head. 

You still remember her funeral in great detail, the proceedings lasted days and were fulfilled to Liyue’s custom. She had died of old age in bed, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Her eldest son, who had commemorated the ceremony, opened with a line you often think back to.

“My mother lived a long, fulfilling life.”

That she did. When the two of you were children, you used to sneak out at night to play near the harbor. As teenagers, she’d lend at your parent’s farm if they felt ill, the burden shared between you both. Then came being a young adult and the news of Nian Zhen’s betrothal to a local fisherman, which you enthused over. After that, it was nothing but a blur. Her first child, second, third, fourth. They grew up and created families of their own.

All this, while you hadn’t aged a day. 

Rex Lapis stands by your side near the overarching mountains, watching the completion of the proceedings in silence. The skies are unusually overcast, muted colors of grey and occasional dark blues mixing above. Now begins the mourning period, in accordance with Liyue tradition. Nian Zhen’s offspring, that now look to be the same age as you in terms of physical appearance, are nowhere to be seen. 

He snaps you from your thoughts by placing a hand on your shoulder.

“How are you feeling?” Rex Lapis -- or Zhongli, as he prefers you call him in private -- inquires. His touch is unwelcome as he is, yet you don’t have the energy to protest. 

“About as well as you could expect,” comes your response, bitter and scathing. “Why are you still here, anyway?” 

Zhongli straightens his posture, fiddling with the cuffs of his outfit. “I feel it is my duty as your husband to comfort you.”

This earns a sardonic laugh, the smile on your face ingenuine to match. Once, you would’ve considered yelling curses at him until he left you alone, but now you’re faced with a crueler reality. A reality that Zhongli is the only person who can fully understand what it’s like to share this curse disguised misleadingly as a blessing. 

Immortality.

“I’ll be honest. I’m not feeling too comforted right now, or whatever it is you claim to be doing.” You refute, chest feeling paradoxically heavy and light with nothingness. The first one is always the most difficult, is what he told you back then, in reference to watching your mortal friends wither away due to age. Now comes the question of who’s next. Will it be your former neighbor, the blacksmith? Perhaps your old tutor who recently celebrated a century of life? There’s no way to know for certain. What you do know is that if it’s going to cut this deep, maybe you should’ve rejected his offer all those years ago.

Grass rustles to the left of you, dry leaves crunching and twigs snapping, as Zhongli sits by your side. 

“Tell me how to do it properly, then. I’ll learn if it’s for your sake.” Zhongli implores, bewitching amber eyes drawing you into their thrall. The way he looks at you, waiting patiently on your every word as if you held the secrets of the universe, no longer comes as a surprise. Though you might be used to this display, it still manages to unnerve you. The awe-inspiring fact that you’re conversing with a god, the god that you grew up worshipping in deep reverence, still causes your tongue to momentarily forget its function. 

You clear your throat and play with a strand of your hair. “Well, I suppose… there is one question I’ve long wanted to ask of you.” 

He blinks, the confession unexpected, but manages to revert his visage to its typical look of composure. Zhongli nods his head as if it wordlessly urge you to continue. Sucking in a deep breath, you do just that.

“Why… why did you choose me? With your contract, I mean. Surely, there are more special members of Liyue that you could’ve saved, people that would fit the role of an adepti.” 

Zhongli ponders over your question. The silence is torture, not to mention unusual, since you’ve gotten used to him speaking at great length over any subject. Pottery, the history of paper, traditions native to northern Liyue regions; anything and everything he could speak about for hours if you allowed. Now, he’s unable to offer even a single word. You shift uncomfortably in your seat and frown.

After some time passes, his lips part.

“It doesn’t come from any logical place,” Zhongli admits, much to your bewilderment, your head snapping to look at his perplexed face. “I believe it’s referred to as intuition. Yes, that sounds correct. I felt that you would understand me.” 

He holds your gaze, unblinking. “So, I decided to have you by my side for all of eternity.” 

That’s right. The contract you formed on that fateful day said as much. How it so seamlessly flows from his lips is a mystery to you, the declaration sending a fresh wave of shivers and dread down your spine. This is your fate -- you remind yourself -- and the Geo Archon will never allow a person to violate the terms of a contract.

Not even if it’s you.

While Liyue and its surrounding regions are fluid and ever-changing as a rushing stream, Zhongli remains the same as you’ve always known him to be. God of Contracts, Commerce, War, and finally,

Your eternal damnation.