#a useful lovely pet that creates value so he cares for it and if something happens he would be upset about losing it and what it provides

[rauzagel]

I love how both Hope and Haarlep immediately identify us as Raphaels "little mouse". That's just what Raphael calls us. They know exactly who we are, which isn't really surprising since we're the final piece in his plan to get the crown, something he has planned for centuries. He probably can't shut up about it. I like to imagine Raphael pacing through the hallways telling all his debtors and anyone who can't run away fast enough about our adventures and what we're up to, basically bragging about his favourite racehorse that he put all his money on in this game he created. (bets with Korilla are canon, and he puts his money on us). Or maybe it's like a daily movie night thing. Raphael forces the entire House of Hope to gather in the portal chamber to watch our adventures through one of those portal mirrors, which he uses to stalk his prey according to Hope. Can you imagine how insufferable he must be if he gets the player to sign the contract?

Haarlep might know all about us anyway since his entire purpose in the House of Hope consists of spying for Mephistopheles, and preventing Raph from scheming to get the crown of Karsus by distracting him. It's all job relevant information and since so much depends on us, and the crown used to belong to Mephistopheles, it's likely not just Raph who has taken an interested in us. Haarlep probably passes all of Raphaels intel on right away. Meeting us must be quite exciting for him. Raphael has been watching and following this one person for such a long time and then one day they just walk into Raphs bedchamber. So many possibilites, but he also knows you're an actual threat, so he proposes the game to take you out. By killing Tav, he can stick it to Raphael by messing up his plans AND steal your soul from right under his nose, which is probably the ultimate insult in devil culture. Maybe he makes good on his threats and offers Raphael your soulless body as a plaything to put more salt into the wound, gifting him the shell of the asset he was cultivating for so long. If you're strong enough to resist, Haarlep won't risk attacking you and helps you instead. If nothing else, you're at least a chance of putting an end to this tedious spy mission by taking out Raphael and you might even save the world on top of it, which would also be in his interest. If he even believes that you can take on Raphael.

So he basically has the chance to kill two birds with one stone. He harbors contempt for Raphael so spiting him would be gratifying enough, but on top of it he's also just carrying out the orders of Mephistopheles, his real master.

[sweet-as-an-angel]

Giant! König Headcanons

Warnings: 18+, Creep! König, Perverted! König, König Owns a Cum Jar, Size Difference, Giant! König, Size Kink, Sadistic! König, Abuse of Power, Dub-Con, Cum Soaking, Attempts at Forced Impregnation, Implied Pregnancy, Voyeurism, Hostage Situation, Human Pet! Reader, Physical Violence, Human! Reader, Fem! Reader.

Giant! König captures you after he catches you sneaking around his castle, trying to loot something of value to take back to your impoverished village.

Giant! König immediately jumps at the opportunity to take you as his human pet, throwing you into a nearby jar and closing the lid, observing you like a spider beneath a glass.

Giant! König who, after deciding he wants to keep you long-term instead of turning your body into the sprinkles atop his ice cream, creates a more sustainable living space for you after discovering you’re not as durable as he thought (almost suffocating, dehydrating, and starving to death whilst being held in that damn jar).

Giant! König surprises you with a dollhouse of his own design: a door that locks from the outside, windows too small for you to crawl through, and walls made of a material too strong for your tiny utensils to burrow through.

Giant! König doesn’t take long to start using you for his own pleasure – almost like he has no other outlet; like he was just waiting for this opportunity to come.

Giant! König who, whenever he feels like punishing you, puts you in The Jar and stares you down whilst stroking his cock, gigantic even in comparison to other giants’. He grunts, berating you, telling you how he’d “Fill you with my cock if you weren’t so small – bet I could crush you with it if I wanted to.”

When he’s ready, he cums into the jar – all over you – thick and heavy, almost drowning you with just one spurt of his load.

He loves watching you struggle to keep your head above the viscous pool he’s trapped you in as you literally swim in his semen, looking up at him with pleading eyes, begging him to “Get me out, please!”.

He’ll often leave you in there without clothes to try and teach you a lesson. Until it turns into another reason – to breed you – which you accidentally sparked in him when you told him to be careful! You’ll end up getting me pregnant!

Giant! König can’t get your words out of his head, the primal urges he’s suppressed for so long unearthed by your pleas for him to spare you, if only once.

Giant! König knows he’s way too big to fit inside you, so this –  cumming profusely into a jar he’s encased you in whilst giving you no means of refusing his attempts – is the next best thing.

Giant! König gets off on the sheer size difference between the two of you  – the fact that you’re entirely dependent on him for your survival. Makes him feel like the kind of giant he’s supposed to be; strong and well-seeded.

Giant! König lays awake at night and fantasises about having a family, a far-off dream until you came along. It’s all he can think about as the image of you, his tiny wife, swollen to an almost painful degree as you bear his children, floods his mind, makes his cock twitch – harden. He resists the urge to relieve himself of this burden, preferring to save every ounce of his seed for you rather than wasting even a drop of it.

Giant! König who, despite his…questionable treatment of you, does try to treat you well. He lets you eat as much as you want, both because he knows you come from a poor background and because he has to keep you healthy to bear his offspring — especially since he knows they’ll be quite big compared to you.

Giant! König enjoys questioning you about your life before him, how humans work, what they do all day, whether the stereotypes of them all being lustful, pride-driven,  creatures are true.

If you validate any part of this stereotype, he’ll use that as an excuse to sink you in even more of his cum, to subject you to the task of sitting on his cock (horizontally, might I add) while he commands you to get yourself off by humping the shaft.

Man’s had no outlet for basicall all his life – he’s feral.

Giant! König loves to watch you while you’re tucked up in your dollhouse, observing everything you do. Humans are a rarity in the Giant Lands, so to have one in his home is a mythic occurrence.

Giant! König loves showing you off; he thrives on the reaction he gets when his friends see you. You’re, as stated before, a rarity in their parts, often used as a delicacy rather than a pet since humans aren’t particularly sturdy compared to giants, so managing to keep one alive is something of a status symbol in itself; the mark of a truly capable mate (hence captive humans are often given as courting gifts between giants).

However, König is also highly protective of you – especially after he caught Horangi (another giant he’d been showing you off to) goading you – harassing you – stroking his cock, telling you to “Lick the tip. Never felt a human tongue before.”

Needless to say, König never invited him around again after that.

Giant! König is, obviously, good with his hands and technical know-how. Thus, if his method of soaking you in his semen doesn’t work when trying to knock you up, he’ll create some unlawful contraption to make it inevitable.

Despite his size, König has managed to make a tiny glass syringe that he’s packed with his cum, holding you down easily with one hand as he presses the tip to your entrance, pumping you full of his seed.

He struggles to contain how the scene – the feeling – of you trying desperately to fight him off, to stop him from filling you, makes him feel. You have to watch the bulge between his legs grow as the feeling of being filled past full overcome you.

Giant! König does this as many times as he likes until he knows his seed’s taken, when you start showing. Which, considering how big his offspring will be, is pretty early on.

He definitely makes maternity clothes for you – comfortable garments that show the swell of your stomach as the weeks crawl by into months.

Giant! König loves bathing you, too. Especially after he’s covered you in his cum.

There’s something so intimate and gentle about it – a scarcity in the Giant Lands. Having something so small and fragile in his hands, knowing that he can crush you in his grip at any moment, makes him feel…responsible. Trustworthy.

Giant! König will never let you go, btw. You can try to run as much as you want, but he’ll always catch up to you, his human pet.

Reblog for more content like this! It helps creators like myself tremendously and it is greatly appreciated :-)

Masterlist Masterlist [Continued] Masterpost Modern Warfare AI Masterlist

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[lukislikecat]

Holy family of Au

I just came up with this au because these are my three favorite characters from The Owl House series. What if they became a family?

You know, this is a bad idea for King. He will serve as the collector's pet and best friend. Perhaps King and Collector can get along on some level But just like in the original series, he's clearly still Panicked and trying not to upset the collector, especially with Belos he was very careful with him because King knew Belos was something more formidable than the collector. Anyway, at least he's doing well As a pet dog in everyone's eyes, you don't need to worry too much about his fate

For Collector, this ending is not too bad, at least he is not deceived like in the original but it is also very bad because he is being led by a crazy kid. Collector plays the role of the son Belos's and is an active child, somewhat strange in everyone's eyes. He loves and considers King his greatest friend along with Belos. He always has an optimistic attitude Compared to before, he seemed to be more obedient to Belos because he had promised. He also knows how to value this "family" and if anyone hurts one of the members He will not show mercy to that person. Part of the reason why he's so Scary

Finally Belos or Phillip, this is a good ending for him. He was happy because his efforts over the past several thousand years had finally paid off. Although he needs time To adapt to the modern world. He's not too bad here in Au, after all he can feel a little affection.He was here after spending time with the collector and realized a little something called Trust, which is why he didn't betray the Collector. Also he found King and used it King to help the Collector out, he let go of convincing Luz and created the Grimwalker . He at least escaped a small part of his illusion and went with the Collector and king (at the Collector's request) to earth and Live .He used the idea of ​​being a family as a disguise and he acted as Collector's father. Now he has a stable job and has adapted to the human world.Surprisingly, he can get upset when his "family" encounters trouble and he will let the Collector deal with troublemakers as he wishes as long as it doesn't cross the line.

That is of course not all and this mental system is still very confusing but I will add more later.

[nectaric]

interview meme

——— character question sheet

▌real name: hades. ▌single or taken:  married to persephone. ▌abilities or powers: geokinesis (mostly the manipulation of gems and metals, though he is able to create clefts in the earth from which the dead often pour forth), pyrokinesis (minimally. can summon flames in a pinch), control of the dead (he can summon them even in the world of the living, and commands he gives the dead are immediately obeyed. he also has the ability to sense spirits, track them, and suck the literal life essence out of mortal souls to collect them), invisibility (thanks to his helm), as well as shit like immortality, increased healing, teleportation and transformation, telekinesis, etc etc etc

▌eye colour: dark brown, almost black. ▌hair colour: black, shoulder length, and pretty curly. (like a 2b)

▌family members: his parents are cronus & rhea, his siblings hestia, hera (twin), poseidon, demeter, & zeus. his children are zagreus, melinoe, & makaria. but he's also related to the entire pantheon of gods in one way or another. ▌pets: cerberus, of course! but he also has six finches he takes very good care of. and ghost chickens!

▌something they don’t like: people invading his personal space. he can withstand a lot, but he loathes being touched without his consent. ▌hobbies/activities: reading, watching and documenting his experience with films, the study of filmography, writing & playing music (playing piano, violin, and cello), visiting museums, art galleries, operas, and theatres. ▌ever hurt anyone before:  numerous times, though none so violently as pirithous & theseus. ▌ever killed anyone before: most certainly, though hades does not necessarily enjoy it.

▌animal that represents them: dogs mostly, but some serpents as well. ▌worst habits: self-isolation & self-loathing, hiding his emotions to the point of snapping, drinking, smoking, and self-harm. ▌role models: hera, zeus, and hestia. prometheus, kratos, and metis as well.

▌sexual orientation: bisexual. ▌thoughts on marriage/kids: despite the rocky start to his marriage, it is something that hades values immensely. in his youth, he did not believe that he would ever find love, particularly not one that lasted. when he was assigned to the underworld, he wrote it off even further - for who would ever willingly sign their life away to the underworld? in the end, it was not a choice he offered his wife - partially out of poor judgment, customs, and desperation, but also because he did not think there was any other way. discovering that persephone actually grew to love him despite his transgressions was everything to him. and kids are much the same; something he wrote off as an impossibility. something he longed for, surely, but doubted he would ever have because he refused to bear them. marrying persephone did not assuage those doubts, and despite wanting it so badly, he dared not suggest it. it was persephone who eventually came to him demanding children, and they found a way. being a father is the greatest joy in hades' life.

▌fears: deep-seated fears include losing his family, failing them, and abandonment. he's also really scared of heights though. ▌style preferences: hades used to dress far more formally; full suits, perfectly pressed, and whatever other formal fashions existed in every time period. all in black, all an attempt to appear composed and in control. getting sober meant exposing parts of himself he had once tried to keep hidden, and in doing so, became far more confident just being. which meant more comfortable clothing - still nice, most of the time, and he dresses up for fancy occasions. but he likes just wearing a t-shirt and jeans, with a nice pair of shoes and maybe a suave jacket. sometimes, at home, he even wears joggers. ▌someone they love: his children. which, naturally, feels like the obvious answer but it's one that's hard earned. he's always loved his children, deeply, but in the throes of grief found it very difficult to show melinoe and makaria any affection. he's tried very hard in recent years to rectify that. his love was always there, but dormant. now it blooms.

▌approach to friendships: friendships tend to happen to hades more often than not. he certainly tries to be friendly, and those he's already close with receive more obvious attempts at connection. but any new friends he makes are usually done so because others he knows encourage a relationship, or a person looks at him and goes YEP he's going to be my friend!! hades has the autistic rizz, people find his persona charming but only the right people

▌thoughts on pie: hades loves sweets, so he definitely likes pie. ▌favourite drink: hestia's tea. ▌favourite place to spend time at:  his living room at home, watching a movie with his family.  ▌swim in the lake or in the ocean: hades would pass on both, tbh, but if he had to choose it would be the ocean. ▌their type: hades has a thing for mouthy ones. he likes a little bit of talk back, he likes people who are sassy and outspoken, who don't take his shit - but he also likes people who are patient and kind. someone who will tease him ruthlessly for not understanding pop culture but then gently explain it to him, you know? ▌camping or indoors: indoors. get that man away from dirt, bugs, and the heat of the sun.

tagged by: @seaprofound tagging: you!

[selfshippinglover]

Cici friend! Tell me abt ur new guys 👀

HIIII COOOZYYY :DDD THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ASKIING AND IMISSED YOOOUIMMA GUESS UR REFRERING TO THE CIRCUS SILLIES YEAH?

Imma just list off random hcs about em cause not much is known anyways lol

Caine: (look at the silly <33)

~He reads as pan to me tbh

~They created all of the other npcs, the models that the humans take on, Bubble, the circus itself, and every creature that comes for their throats

~Is touch starved. Like yeah he and the moon had a thing but he's touchy with people on multiple occasions so I think he really wants anemone to hold his hand UvU

~Very lonely boyo. Created friends via the npcs, a pet/ second hand in Bubble, made the circus to inhabit, planned out adventures, figured out how to bring people to his pocket world, and lets them set the pace! Like, HE WANTS COMPANIONSHIP SO BAAAD TWT

~He loves compliments! Like, he took all his time and energy to create this world and everything around us like please tell him how good he is! He's unhinged but cares a lot and sets high standards for himself and his creations! (Also I didn't say it but that gives him blatant favoritism towards you automatically)

~Very theatrical! The guy lives like all the world's a stage fr and plays off everything as such! Always moving around, posing, and making every little thing he does a big thing that he puts all of his energy into! I find his passion really endearing <33

~Generally an artist and creative! Whether it's creating things in a Spore-esque sequence, choosing the color palettes and aesthetics for the world, or little things like placing objects in a room at jusst the right angle, he genuinely enjoys it :) Also he cares SO MUCH ABOUT COLORS AND CORRECTNESS LIKE DON'T DISTURB DURING THE CREATIVE PROCESS HE'S GONNA YELL DRAMATICALLY AND POOF YOU AWAY ABOUT IT SGJBSBJG

~Will do the pulling people out of scenes with the cane thing

~Man the bruises he could leave on a bitch with those chompers 🥴🥴🥴

~It would hurt to touch his eyes...but they feel squishy for SURE

Ragatha: (l-lesbean //// )

~YEAH SHE'S GAY FOR WOMEN FR

~She feels soft like a doll to the touch but with a kind of springiness to the texture. Especially her hair. Still is the softest of the gang though :)

~Very much a quietly pining in the background kinda gal but is also suuuper easy to make flushed so her crushes are pretttty obvioous(Jax teases her for it often)

~The person that adjusted best to the transition into the digital world since she's the most empathetic and readily accepting of what coping strategies do and don't work. It's not as if she's unaffected but she's adjusted rather well to deal with the situation and actively works to help others with it too :)

~Genuinely the nicest person in the circus gang. Looks to help others adjust to the experience, transitions them slowly and gently, offering support and guidance all the way through. If there's anyone here you can be sure to trust, it's her!

~But also helping others is a part of her coping with the world? Like, uses others stress to undermine and/or bury her own surrounding the situation. She tends to put others comfort over her own because of this. (Pomni basically left her to die and she accepted it so fast_

~When she does break down, it's mostly crying in her room. Not coming out for days. Eventually, she comes back out like nothing happened. Talks and plays along like usual but her footsteps steps are heavier. Or she's looking down at the ground when not distracted. spacing out if something makes her uncomfortable. The wear and tear comes out in the liddle things :(

~Really values anyone that takes time to get to know her, the things she likes, asks her how she's doing, invites her to adventures and the like since the group dynamic flips as well as the literal world around them are prone to flipping on a dime. The consistency really helps her feel more grounded :,)

~Isn't afraid to put Jax in his place but she also knows he's going to retaliate eventually so it really depends on the situation if she'll intervene or not.

Jax: (BASTARD)

~Bisexual that BASTARDIZES THE WHOLE COMMUNITY KDHAB

~ The fastest character in the entire show next to Caine. Though he's at his fastest when it's for a bit lol

~Doesn't actually straight up hate everyone but he's rejection sensitive and in a world where people just fuckin, turn into monsters?? Like, why get attached if that could just happen whenever. Also, why let others get attached to him since he could end up the same way? It's more like a damage control measure

~Same with his whole, "worst piece of shit ever thing" he's got going. He's definitely an asshole for the thrill of it but he does care about others! Watching his reactions to others(except Gangle atm) at slower speeds show more of a reaction and concern for them. He just snaps into hiding in at the drop of a hat

~Likes picking up random objects and either throwing them at others right away and/or saving them for later

~All his clothes are worn loosely cause he hates being restricted in movement. Makes him feel closed in :(

~Had a really bad breakdown when he first arrived. Isolated himself for awhile before deciding to adopt this more apathetic character to deal with everything

~Feels like a plastic stretchy toy texture wise

[mbti-notes]

Do you believe you can have healthy/developed use of functions and still be a bad person? Or would someone who is able to use their functions in a healthy and mature manner generally a good person, morally/ethically? I ask because I saw someone say that Hitler was an INFJ who used his functions well, and said that you don't need to have immature function use to be evil.

Sounds like something AI would say, lol. Perhaps you need to be more careful about who you listen to? As a writer, it's predictable that one of my pet peeves is hearing people throw around words with little regard for what they actually mean. In one short paragraph, I hear the words "healthy", "developed", "well", "good", "mature", "moral", "ethical" being used carelessly. You're asking me to examine word usage, so don't blame me for sounding pedantic.

What is the definition of "healthy" in psychology? A word can have many definitions, it's true, so the most relevant ones here are:

showing physical, mental, or emotional well-being

beneficial to physical, mental, or emotional state

Would a person who intentionally inflicts harm or intentionally causes negative consequences be exhibiting physical, mental, or emotional well-being? No. Would they be creating benefits to physical, mental, or emotional states? No.

What is the definition of "developed"? Depends on the context. One could argue "development" is a neutral word that simply suggests a change from one state to another, so you have to specify what exactly you're developing and for what purpose. In psychology, when we talk about "developing" mental faculties, it is implied that one is moving from a lesser state to a better state. Would developing functions for evil purposes be moving to a better state? No. Unless you're going to make the case that evil is better?

What does it mean to use a function "well"? Competently? Effectively? If you define it as "competency" and you think competency means "being able to produce the effect one desires", then, ok, Hitler used his functions "well". But this would constitute a gross distortion of the word "well". One could argue "well" is a neutral word that simply suggests "accomplishing something at a higher degree", but then you'd have to specify what you mean by "higher". In psychology, "well" is meant to denote positive being/outcome. Would using a function "well" include using it for evil ends? No. Unless you're going to argue that evil is actually a positive state of being or that evil ends are actually a positive outcome?

Must I do this for every word?

Using Hitler as an example of "competence" is kind of laughable when you consider that it got him dead and disgraced. Or are we ignoring that part of his story? I think people give him too much credit. It was part him as leader, but also part groupthink, part victim mentality, and part social control that pushed German citizens to extremes. An argument that is often put forth about Hitler's psychology is that much of his behavior could have been overcompensation for his personal failures. I think there's something there.

Immature INFJs easily suffer from low self-esteem, easily feel invalidated or alienated, and easily get discouraged by reality. It is not uncommon for them to overcompensate for low self-esteem by becoming perfectionists and going to irrational lengths to prove their worth. It is not uncommon for them to overcompensate for feelings of invalidation or alienation by manipulating or controlling people's perception into liking, loving, or following them. It is not uncommon for them to overcompensate for their disappointments by trying ever harder to force reality to conform to their beliefs and values, after having deceived themselves into believing they know "The Truth". If Hitler is indeed INFJ, one could convincingly argue that he exhibits all these signs of being an immature one.

Compensatory behavior is unconscious and considered unhealthy because it sabotages long-term psychological well-being. It drives behavior from a primitive place of pain and suffering. It leads people to misuse their functions. Being able to get what you desire isn't the salient point when what you desire comes from a dark place and you don't even realize it. Being so unaware of the darkness of your desires puts you on the path to becoming the worst version of yourself. And that's why hurt people hurt people.

A mature person is self-aware enough to avoid being driven by unconscious forces. A mature person is self-aware enough to understand that being driven by pain and suffering is only going to cause more pain and suffering, which hardly produces a better world. A mature person is self-aware enough to understand that blame is not a healthy way to alleviate one's pain and suffering, so they are not inclined to blame parents, society, Jews, homosexuals, or whatever scapegoat is conveniently available to them.

[dutifullylazybread]

Get to know your Tav

I was tagged by @faerunsbest (thank you, friend!) and I am tagging whoever would like to do this too! :D I'm running on very little sleep right now, so I'm drawing a blank on who to tag! But I want to know all about your Tav, so join us!

While I do refer to my Tav as Tav for the sake of ease on tumblr, in-game, I named her Cassandra. I'm gonna continue to call her Tav for this tag though!

Her background is guild artisan--her mother made stained glass windows and sculptures, and her father was a barrel maker. She is versed in glassblowing and carpentry, because her parents introduced her to the basics. She spent several years working as an artisan with the artisan's guild in Baldur's Gate as well.

What is their:

Favorite weapon? Quarterstaff--especially Markoheshkir. It was a gift from Rolan, so there is the sentimental value attached, along with the magical abilities it possesses. Also she can use it as a bludgeoning weapon when pressed.

Style of combat? Ranged. She hates getting hit with anything. However, she isn't above using a dagger when needed, and she fights dirty with one--she will aim for any exposed flesh.

Most prized possession? A hunk of slag glass that her mother gave her. The slag was left over from a stained glass window that her mother was commissioned to craft, and Tav was enamored with the pigment combination that her mother used. So, with what she had left over, her mother created an apple-sized hunk of slag that marbled the colors together. Tav left this in her pack with most of her other belongings. Shadowheart held onto it until they reunited.

Deepest desire? Stability. She wants a place to call home that will remain her home if she chooses to adventure. She wants it to have a garden, a well-stocked library, and a kitchen with a crackling hearth.

Guilty pleasure? She loves reading smut. And she loves dramatically reading smut aloud. Will read it to Rolan while he is studying to see how long it takes for him to blush.

Best-kept secret? She thinks that she is a failure as a wizard.

Greatest strength? She would say her perseverance.

Fatal flaw? While she doesn't view vulnerability as weakness with others, within herself, vulnerability is unacceptable. She doesn't want to ask for help. Ever. And when she has to, she views it as a failing on her part.

Favorite scent? Old books, lavender, seed oil, and cypress

Favorite spell/cantrip? Shatter or Eldritch blast (learned it from Wyll)

Pet peeve? Meetings that could have been a letter correspondence

Bad habit? Is disorganized to a fault. Will forget she is holding something, and has no qualms in leaving her workspace a mess if she thinks that she'll come back and work on something more at a later point.

Hidden talent? Glass blowing

Leisure activity? Reading, gardening, and cooking.

Favorite drink? Almond brandy

Comfort food? Bouillabaisse -- a fish soup.

Favorite person(s)? While I think she cared deeply for everyone in her traveling party, prior to endgame, her favorite person was Gale. She enjoyed his sense of humor originally, and given that they both attended Blackstaff, they had a foundation to build a friendship off of. She valued him as a colleague at first, but those feelings ultimately turned romantic when he told a ridiculously horrible pun and she laughed (and snorted) for twenty minutes straight. She adored Karlach and they bonded over their shared experiences living in Baldur's Gate as children. They were also both orphaned, so they began to jokingly (until it wasn't a joke anymore) say that they adopted each other as siblings. Karlach started telling Tav "Taters," and when Tav found out what it meant, she hid in Gale's tent and cried happy tears for twenty solid minutes. AFTER the events of the game, Tav goes to live with Rolan and his family, and they quickly become her favorite people. Cal and Lia welcome her in and rib her like siblings would. She and Cal bond over gardening, and she and Lia bond while sparring with one another. She and Rolan fall in love, and with him, she permits herself to be vulnerable. And while they were both extremely oblivious and assumed that the other didn't feel the same way (so why bother confessing?), one thing leads to another, and a romance blossoms.

Favored display of affection? Physical touch. She loves being embraced, and she loves holding hands. Rolan will tuck her hair behind her ear. She also likes being bitten. A lot.

Fondest childhood memory? Watching her mother mix pigments for stained glass and swimming in the Chionthar with her friends. She also snuck into Ramazith's tower while it was abandoned (decades after Ramazith disappeared and prior to Lorroakan claiming it) and fell in love with the library.

Anything else you’d like to share? Prior to the events of BG3, Tav worked as a guild artisan. She specialized in glassblowing, and she used her wages to fund her arcane research. She fought tooth and nail with the heads of the guild to open a branch for artificing/working with enchanted items but came up against a lot of resistance. Had she not been abducted by mind flayers, she very likely would have continued with the guild until she got fed up with them skimming more than their fair share off of her commissions.

[luuurien]

Jeff Rosenstock - HELLMODE

(Power Pop, Pop Punk, Indie Rock)

With a luxurious studio and financial support from Polyvinyl, Jeff Rosenstock lowers the heat on his fifth studio album so gorgeous textures and catchy indie rock can take precedent. Despite HELLMODE’s shift in sound and resources, Jeff Rosenstock remains confident in his sharp-witted, reflective punk rock.

☆☆☆☆½

Jeff Rosenstock’s never made concessions to the music industry, even with Emmy nominations under his belt. The now 41-year-old musician has been a lynchpin in modern punk, from Bomb the Music Industry!’s rebellious power pop to his ska-punk collective The Arrogant Sons of Bitches fusing atmospheric and playful post-2000s indie rock with skank rhythms and melodic hardcore riffing, his solo career starting with 2015’s We Cool? taking those core values to even greater heights. But after over eight years of creating music on his own terms, Rosenstock took up the opportunity to record his next album at EastWest studios, a recording space best known for fostering the luxurious pop of Pet Sounds and I Will Always Love You, experimenting with echo chambers and studio trickery to give HELLMODE a distinct shine. It’s easily his prettiest album to date, replacing the blown-out mixing of 2020’s NO DREAM with glittery lead guitars and sugar-coated performances, HELLMODE Rosenstock’s answer to the past few years of lockdown and massive social upheavals. Where his last album sought respite in disorientation, HELLMODE aims its efforts towards Rosenstock’s privileges and paranoia to use them as fuel for the long haul. Rosenstock’s been fighting for independence and community since the start of his career, and expensive studio sessions have only served to heighten his message.

Despite the pristine mixing and catchy, melody-focused instrumentation, HELLMODE isn’t far from Rosenstock’s past albums: HEAD’s ferocious synth punk comes right out of the gate three minutes into the album; LIKED U BETTER nods to ska with its offbeat guitars and vocal chants; the seven-minute closer 3 SUMMERS is one of the loveliest songs in Rosenstock's discography; his use of EastWest’s resources to heighten the effect of his already fantastic power pop rather than try and reinvent it results in tamer but songs able to balance warmth and clarity with the euphoria rush of double-time rhythms and syncopated basslines. He also leans further into acoustic cuts and smooth indie rock to create distinct peaks and valleys rather than his usual barrage of killer punk rock, HEALMODE a sensitive singer/songwriter track allowing him to explore his new relationship with Los Angeles after relocation from his longtime home of Brooklyn, city rain and pine needles revealing a romanticism and gentleness rarely seen in his music, while something like the mellow first half of DOUBT slowly builds into its explosive final quarter, sludgy changes and one final crescendo into double time a glorious payoff from Rosenstock’s reserved and careful performance at the beginning. HELLMODE doesn’t use all the extra production polish and instrumental details to distract you from the core of these songs, Rosenstock instead keeping the music simple so all the extra effects stay exciting and fresh - he may be recording in the same studio that brought about Let’s Get It On, but he uses all those extra flavors sparingly.

Fitting to HELLMODE's musical renovations, Rosenstock’s writing finds itself less anxious and detached, focused on the future and continuing to fight against systemic injustices despite how slow progress can be. WILL U STILL U opens the album with questions of commitment and forgiveness that permeate the entire tracklist, its overarching worries of how far someone can extend their understanding before needing to fight back (“Will you still love me after I’ve fucked up? / After I’ve shown I don’t deserve your trust / …And would you transcend time and space so you can punch my stupid face”) brought about in GRAVEYARD SONG’s calls for destruction and HEALMODE’s desire for simple, uncomplicated connection, but also in the exhaustion from watching the world continue to spiral in the exhilarating skate punk highlight FUTURE IS DUMB and HEAD’s fiery outpour of anger towards republican pundits and violence against protestors, Rosenstock aware of the resources and opportunity he has and the responsibility inherent to it. He directly speaks of that culpability in tracks like 3 SUMMERS and FUTURE IS DUMB, the acute awareness of how your privileges affect others and trying to do as little damage as possible making Rosenstock’s most electrifying songs to date, the same language and message he’s been pushing since the start of his career given a new frame of reference as he entrusts his music to carry those ideas further than he could alone. It’s no surprise, then, that despise HELLMODE being the most expensive album of his career, Rosenstock still released it entirely for free a day early on his Quote Unquote Records website, still championing for artistic independence even with all the other worries hanging over him - he may not be able to change the entire world, but still takes every small chance to do what he believes is right.

It’s easy to imagine any of HELLMODE’s songs slotting somewhere on one of his previous albums, but the album remains distinct in how its eleven tracks reign Rosenstock in together, a prettier and less overwhelming album from him than ever before that’s still unpredictable and fun. He uses the extra funding given to him by Polyvinyl how he wants to, creating some of the loveliest pop punk in recent years that’s true to him in every way, doubtful and comedic and full of energy with excellent musicianship to back it all up. It’s not particularly surprising hearing him sing about the music industry or relationships or capitalism, but HELLMODE engages with the fuller spectrum of Rosenstock’s emotions, exploring his convictions through both furious punk rock and contemplative fingerpicked guitar, his storytelling sent through more than the usual power pop and indie rock and coming out the other side with one of his strongest releases yet. HELLMODE is simple, but that’s why it works: Jeff Rosenstock’s always known his music’s purpose, and what’s here is no different. His explosive, existential calls to action remain necessary as ever, and a new coat of paint is all he needed to make HELLMODE this year’s premier rock album. If you’ve liked Jeff Rosenstock before, there’s everything to love about HELLMODE.

[i-can-even-burn-salad]

15 Questions, OC Edition

I was tagged by @dogmomwrites and it's been a while since I had one of those. Today I am choosing Breannan from Thorns :D

Last time it made its rounds, everyone I usually pester already did this, sooo this time... perhaps @poetinprose if you want to, and also Open Tag if anyone else does.

Are you named after anyone? "No. I picked my name. Or I... knew, I think? At first, we did not have names, not like that. When we learned about the concept, It took me longer, due to... It took me a while. But when I thought about it, it was like I remembered something. It felt right when I spoke it, so I kept it ever since."

When was the last time you cried? He looks at his hands, fingers wrapped tightly around a cup of tea. "A few days ago. I had a nightmare, and after that... It happens. Not as often anymore, but..." He puts the cup down. "It wasn't me. This time. That made it harder."

Do you have kids? "Our kind does not produce offspring in the way other races do."

Do you use sarcasm a lot? "I do not. I don't believe it is helpful to say something you don't mean if you don't want it to be understood that way."

What’s the first thing you notice about people? "That depends. If it's one of my kind, I would say their age. We don't age like other races, but there's a certain difference in the way we use the telepathic meaning behind the words we speak. A freshly awakened sapling feels different from someone who's older, had more time to learn to control it. Firstborn like me, we use it in yet another different way. Sometimes without words. It's... I guess it's hard to explain to a human." He gives you a quizzical look, perhaps gauging if you'd like an in depth explanation. You keep your face carefully blank, so he continues instead. "If it's a human or a member of one of the other races, it's the way they speak." His eyes gleam. "Even if they are speaking the common language, you can tell so much from the way they use or pronounce certain words. Especially if they're not speaking common very often. Small grammatical quirks, or including a word from their native language that does not exist in common. Human settlements near the coast, for example..." Well. That's going to be a full lecture, if you don't find a way to interrupt him.

What’s your eye color? He seems slightly confused by the interruption, so his answer is short. "Pale purple."

Scary stories or happy endings? "I do believe every story has value, and I read and gather as many as possible. It's fascinating to see how other races combine long forgotten events with superstition to create fables. The nature of many of those tales--often cautionary ones--does often mean they are scary." He pauses, his gaze on his bookshelves. "When I read for pleasure, I prefer a happy ending."

Any special talents? "No. I do not have the ability to wield magic, and I am not particularly strong or fast or anything like that."

Where were you born? "Our kind is not born like other races. All of us come from this very place." He gestures around, towards the window in the wall of his house grown from living plants. "Our parent tree in the Wilds."

What are your hobbies? "I study languages and history," he says. Considering his previous answers, you might have guessed that already.

Have you any pets? "I do not. Pets are not very common with our kind, and I do not think I'd have the time to take care of one." He sighs, adding quietly, "Or the attention span."

What sports do you play/have played? "I never did such a thing, and I don't think I ever will. My body would not do well with the kind of movement most of those require."

How tall are you? "Let me see. In human measurements, that would be... about 2,20m."

Favorite subject in school? "While I do enjoy teaching each subject, it's languages I love most. Our saplings' basic education only includes common, but I teach an advanced class on some afternoons, introducing those willing to further their knowledge to the native languages spoken by the other races."

Dream job "I'm a mentor." He hesitates just a moment too long before he adds, "I couldn't wish for anything else."

Good idea, so: The empty question template is under this cut!

Are you named after anyone?

When was the last time you cried?

Do you have kids?

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

What’s the first thing you notice about people?

What’s your eye color?

Scary movies or happy endings?

Any special talents?

Where were you born?

What are your hobbies?

Have you any pets?

What sports do you play/have played?

How tall are you?

Favorite subject in school?

Dream job

[blue-bec]

So I know a little bit about this (well the creation of the nuclear family bit) thanks to the Museum Studies I did (for fun, because I was bored, and it was great). The creation of the nuclear family as the ideal was to cast many other families as less than ideal. Communities like Greenbelt were built with strict rules regarding who could live there, heterosexual couples with up to four children:

"Race was not the only way that privilege was contained. For instance, formal restrictions, such as family size (IE: Italian-Americans had on average 8 children vs. the 4 limited by the Greenbelt selection process); Limiting the quantity of distinct units a family could occupy (many Immigrant family compositions contained several branches of a family tree under one roof), and finally denying all farm animals within the central housing area (Most immigrant families relied on small farm animals for daily sustenance). For whatever reasons, these hyphenated- American families were kept out of the Greenbelt selection process by the process criteria itself."

These beautifully built, luxurious by comparison to living conditions at the time, were only granted to a select few who met strict criteria. No relatives living with you (though they could visit), no same-sex couples, no animals beyond certain types of pets (and that was probably limited even further), no one else to help cover living costs or raising children work.

Because people who met this mold could access these luxuries, others wanted to do so as well. The nuclear family as the norm and expected was created.

Speaking of non-standard living arrangements, I come from a proud line of non-standard living arrangements. I am currently living with my two partners and one of my partner's partners. My mum grew up with her parents and grandmother all under the same roof (for a lot of my mother's early childhood). At some point my great-grandmother met a woman and fell in love, and she lived with her until her lover's death at almost 101. The lover's husband was in and out of their lives, as something that just was, but he ended up in a nursing home, not in my great-grandmother's care. The three of them travelled extensively together.

Live in the way that makes you happy. I have friends who won't live with partners because they value their own space, and friends who want to just live with friends.

it seems so strange to me that the only people it is socially acceptable to live with (once you reach a certain stage in life) are sexual partners? like why can’t i live with my best friend? why can’t i raise a child with them? why do i need to have sex with someone in order to live with them? why do we put certain relationships on a pedestal? why don’t we value non-sexual relationships enough? why do life partners always have to be sexual partners?

[he-who-writes]

“Dorian, was it? - Yes, ma’am.”

It felt incredibly strange to be so reverent to someone who was beneath him in status, but something about Meredith commanded respect. He didn’t know if it was the fact that she was in charge of the camp, her prowess in battle, or that she was so incredibly tall - why was it that these folks were all so much taller than him? - but there was this nagging feeling that he would end up in serious pain, or worse, if he wasn’t careful around her.

“Lysandre tells me you want to help us end this war. What is your plan?”

She studied the dagger in her hands, not once looking at the prince.

“Well, my…my father is certainly not a kind man but he’s not unreasonable. I want to prove to him that your people are not mere animals and that he’s ordered the murder of civilians. That every one of you killed leaves behind widows and orphans. That you’re just like us, really.”

There was a long silence, long enough to make Dorian uncomfortable to the point where he wondered if he had said something wrong. Had he accidentally called them beast folks out loud? He didn’t think so but he was suddenly unable to recall his exact words.

“I understand that your intentions are good, but you are going at this the wrong way,” finally said Meredith, her eyes leaving her weapon to survey the camp. “Tell me, Dorian, what is an animal?”

Taken aback, the young man hesitated before answering. “Uh, well, like foxes and…badgers and whatnot?”

“Does your family keep pets?”, the eagle-woman enquired, the feathers on her head raising and falling as she kept a watchful eye on a group of children playing by the pond.

“My sister has a dog and we have a few cats, yes. - Would you kill your sister’s dog?”, Meredith questioned bluntly. “What? No, obviously— - Why not? Is it not just an animal? - No, he’s her pet, he’s a nice dog, he’s part of the family, what kind of— - You see a mother fox and her kits on a forest path, do you kill her? - Pardon? Of course not, why would I do that?! - Is she not a mere animal? - Her kits would die! - Ah, so you understand that the fox’s life has value to her family, just like your sister’s dog is valuable to yours?”

Dorian stared in complete disbelief at the series of questions he’d been asked, but the therianthrope wouldn’t let him not answer. She turned her piercing gaze to him, still holding her dagger, and insisted with a little hum that clearly meant he was expected to say something.

“I-I guess?” he stammered.

“And what about you, Prince Dorian, is your life valuable to your family? - I hope so? - Do you have children depending on you for survival or are you someone’s faithful companion? - Well, no, not yet but— - Then what, pray tell, puts your value above that of the mother fox, or your sister’s dog?”

For some reason, the noble felt trapped, like Meredith had cornered him just to toy with him before finally getting rid of him for good. She would slit his throat and abandon his body for the wildlife to eat, if she wasn’t hungry herself. Her large grey beak shone under the sunlight, like a sharpened blade, and her dark eyes bore into him like the dagger she was still holding. It felt like an eternity passed before she finally looked back towards the children.

“You are an animal, Dorian,” she eventually said. “Just like me. Lady Viridia created us equals, not above the fox or the badger. Every creature killed leaves behind loved ones stricken with grief. It is not because they cannot speak words that animals do not experience love and death. Crows have funeral processions, wolves bury their dead pups, pets mourn their owners. My heart aches for every one of my comrades lost. Unfortunately, I doubt your father will understand any of this.”

[susannatipsandtricks]

Susanna's Top 15 Best Valentines Day Gifts for Him (Your Special Man)

Best Valentines Day Gifts for Him: The Top 15 Best and Most Creative Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him in 2024 from Susanna's Desk

Valentine's Day isn't far away, so it's time to start planning how you're going to show your special man how much you care this year. Choosing the ideal gift can be difficult, but the proper one will bolster your relationship and express your love for him. You can make Valentine's Day 2024 the most memorable ever by following this comprehensive strategy. We'll discuss the significance of giving gifts to guys, how to choose a present that is specifically catered to his interests, and break down a variety of original and tried-and-true gift suggestions that are sure to impress him. From practical presents to exciting experiences, these are the top 15 best Valentine's Day gifts for him this year.

Why presenting Valentine’s Day Gift Is essential ?

Valentine's Day is undoubtedly promoted, but there's a good reason it's still popular: giving and receiving presents is a meaningful way to strengthen relationships and make people happy. This is particularly true for guys, who frequently value feeling unique just as highly as women do. It's not about feeling obligated to give your partner a nice gift; it's about demonstrating your concern. Giving your partner a Valentine's Day gift has several beneficial impacts on your relationship: - Shows You Care: Giving a gift displays effort and consideration, reassuring him that he's important to you. - Makes Him Feel Appreciated: Thoughtful gifts make men feel noticed and valued by their partners. - Strengthens Your Bond: Exchanging presents fosters intimacy, bringing you closer together as a couple by facilitating quality time. - Allows You to Get Personal: Finding a creative, tailored gift enables you to turn an obligation into a meaningful gesture he'll cherish.

How to Choose the Perfect Valentine's Gift for your special man?

Best Valentines Day Gifts for Him With so many gift options out there ranging from cheesy to overly extravagant, settling on the ideal present can be tricky. The key is keeping your partner's unique interests, hobbies, and personality front of mind as you brainstorm ideas. Follow these tips when deciding what to get your man this Valentine's Day: - Consider His Interests and Hobbies: Choose a gift that aligns with activities he already enjoys. Is he a sports fan? Get tickets to an upcoming game. Does he like gaming? A new console or laptop accessory may be perfect. - Focus on Sentimental or Experiential Gifts: Material things are exchanged often, but memories last forever. Prioritize heartfelt or exciting gifts like a photo book chronicling your relationship or planning an activity like a mini-golf outing. - Pay Attention for Gift Ideas He May Mention: Listen for subtle comments about something he'd enjoy owning to pick up gift inspiration ideas directly from the source. - Take Inspiration from His Style: Notice patterns in his fashion aesthetics. For example, if he always wears a particular color palette, a cashmere sweater in his go-to shade is a safe bet. - Set a Realistic Budget Beforehand: Determine what you can reasonably afford to allocate towards a gift to narrow down options. Remember, presents don't have to be expensive to be meaningful!

15 Best Valentine’s Gifts for Your Special Man

1. Custom Pet Portrait If your guy is a proud pet owner, a custom painting or drawing of his furry friend makes for an incredibly thoughtful gift. So much better than another pet toy or treat, a handmade portrait is a unique way to showcase his love for his adorable companion. You can find artists on sites like Etsy who will create a custom pet portrait in any style from minimalist to ultra realistic using a photo you provide. Prices range from around $50 to several hundred depending on the size and level of detail. Just be sure to order the piece well in advance of February 14th to ensure delivery on time. A personalized pet portrait is positively one of the most sentimental and cherished Valentine's Day gifts you can gift. Every time he looks at that framed illustration of his precious fur baby, he'll be reminded of your thoughtfulness. 2. Beard Grooming Kit If your guy is fond of his facial hair, treat him to a deluxe beard grooming kit this February 14th. Even men with shorter stubble need to properly maintain their manly mane. This Vikings Blade Beard Care Kit comes with Viking steel scissors, a boars hair brush, beard wash, conditioner, balm wax, and carrying case. The added handmade leather keychain ensures he'll always have his beard comb handy to tame stray hairs for date nights. Reviewers rave about the sandalwood scent and how soft this kit leaves their facial hair. This is the perfect practical gift for boyfriends or husbands obsessed with their beards! 3. Personalized Boxers

For men with exceptional humor who want to make their partner laugh, customized boxers make for an extremely amusing Valentine's Day gift! Take an ordinary pair of underwear up a notch by adding any silly saying or inside joke only you two understand. My Pair underwear allows you to design completely custom boxers with text printed right onto the waistband and legs. Simply submit your phrase of choice and voila - one of the most hysterical and unique gifts he'll ever receive. Just imagine his reaction unwrapping a special message in his own handwriting reminding him to send you memes or buy milk! 4. The Big Activity Book for Couples Finding new and engaging activities to do together as a couple can be challenging amidst hectic schedules. Gift quality one-on-one time this February 14th with The Big Activity Book for Couples - a book bursting with prompts for fun games and conversations tailor-made for twosomes. With sections covering everything from intimacy challenges to trips down memory lane, this book facilitates productive bonding for pairs in any stage of a relationship. Expect insightful prompts like "Name three small quirks your significant other has," thoughtful questions like "What do you love most about our relationship?" alongside more playful content like drawing renditions of each other. Reviewers praise this book for sparking new levels of connection through laughter-inducing interactions. The spectrum of light hearted to substantial content ensures endless hours of quality entertainment and communication. 5. Personalized Acrylic Song with Photo For boyfriends or husbands who truly enjoy music, a customized acrylic display featuring a special love song alongside a picture of you two will strike the perfect emotional chord this Valentine's Day. Simply provide the song details and photo to the seller and they'll create a sleek acrylic block like the example shown here. Visualizing meaningful lyrics and reliving beautiful memories every time he glances at this acrylic piece is sure to make his heart overflow with love. He can proudly exhibit your custom creation on his office desk or nightstand as a daily display of devotion to his spectacular sweetheart! 6. Screen Magnifier for Smartphone If your special someone is very active on his phone, a screen magnifier that clips onto his device is an extremely practical tech gift he’ll get daily use out of! This hands-free magnifier works like a projector to enlarge videos, images, games and other content 60% larger right before his eyes. He’ll relish no longer squinting to see details in photos or gameplay. The durable aluminum build ensures longevity and portability. Whether he uses his phone to binge Netflix on the commute or text friends, he’ll appreciate the enhanced visual clarity this nifty magnifier provides with the quick snap of a clip. 7. Custom Star Map For sentimental guys, a custom star map that recreates the exact constellation alignment on a special date in your relationship makes for an incredibly unique and romantic gift. Simply input a meaningful date like when you first met, your wedding day, or when you moved in together. The seller will create a beautiful artistic rendition of the authentic night sky view from your location on that special evening. As you gaze up at the same stars shone on your cherished memory, you'll relish reminiscing on the serendipitous events that brought your lives together under the dazzling expanse of the galaxy. This affordable and personalized decoration will adorn your shared living space with cosmic energy! 8. What I Love About You Fill-in-the-Book Searching for a way to articulate the magical feelings words can’t adequately capture? Gift an elegant fill-in-the-blank book specially designed for chronicling all the qualities, quirks and traits you admire most about your beloved this Valentine’s Day. The prompt-filled pages provide thoughtful sentence starters like “I love how you always _” and “I love that time when we _” allowing you to transcribe pages of cherished memories and beautiful reflections on why your bond is so special. Once complete, this book becomes a heartfelt scrapbook encapsulating your unique love story in your own writing to cherish for years. Feel free to add Polaroid pictures of your happiest moments stuck between pages for extra nostalgia! This is both the most thoughtful sentimental gift to give and receive - a tangible reminder of the magical moments that make your partner fall deeper in love every passing day. 9. The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small Has your relationship fallen into a predictable routine? Break free from the mundane and embark on exhilarating new exploits together using the memorable missions outlined in this interactive bucket list journal. bursting with 1,000 hand-illustrated activities spanning cooking classes, adrenaline adventures and intimacy challenges, this guidebook provides a lively new activity for up to three years of weekly date nights! You'll gain insights into your partner's dreams and interests as you bond over checking items off your shared wish list. Reviews rave this bucket list journal injected much-needed excitement, leading to endless laughter and inside jokes. Stop dreaming about that European getaway or hot air balloon ride and finally experience the thrill! 10. Engraved Wallet Card Insert For devoted partners wanting to keep a piece of their soulmate close even when apart, this stainless steel engraved wallet insert allows men to store a meaningful photo safely in their pocket. Laser cut to perfectly fit within a credit card slot, you can upload any cherished snapshot scaled to size alongside a special quote or message engraved across the surface. Imagine your husband unraveling this sleek metal card to uncover your smiling face each time he grabs his wallet to pay for coffee or gas. It's bound to prompt the same heartwarming rush of love every single glance. Whenever business trips or long days leave you missing your better half, you'll find reassurance knowing your soulmate can literally keep you at their side even when miles apart thanks to this perfect personalized gift. 11. Talk, Flirt, Dare! Fun and Romantic Game for Couples In the mood to heat things up in the romance department? Gift an exciting, interactive card game designed specifically to tap into your adventurous sides through provocative prompts tailored for couples. This game features 100 prompt cards in three naughty categories: Talk, Flirt, Dare. "Talk" cards spark intimate conversations like "When did you first realize you liked me?" Flirt cards facilitate playful banter and seduction prompts to ignite the spark. Dare cards really turn up the steaminess with adventurous challenges you must complete, no matter how risk! Reviewers describe side-splitting laughter evolving into increased intimacy. This game's anything-goes attitude eliminates inhibitions, empowering you both to reveal secret fantasies and sexy sides like never before. Consider this the key to your most unforgettably steamy Valentine's day yet! 12. Hand Massager Help your honey relax and self-soothe sore muscles with this revolutionary OPOVE M3 Pro handheld massage gun equipped with 20 speed levels and 15 interchangeable massage head attachments to target every body part. Featuring ultra quiet operation and intelligent force sensing technology that auto-adjusts pressure intensity, he can blast away knots or gently knead tense spots for the ultimate calming at-home massage experience. Use the convenient LCD touch screen to toggle between 5 preset massage modes specially designed to condition different muscle groups and acupressure points. With an ultra-powerful battery that facilitates up to 10 hours of usage after a 2 hour charge, he can melt away daily stress anytime, anywhere. Give the ultimate gift of comfort and relief with this must-have, do-it-yourself massage therapy tool - because you adore him from head to toe! 13. Movies Scratch Off Poster Allow your cinephile partner to uncover a beloved movie memory and display the nostalgic poster with this wonderfully unique scratch off movie poster. This clever 12 x 16 inch glossy print features a grid containing the titles of 100 classic films from every genre imaginable. Simply scratch off the black film to reveal the iconic movie artwork hidden underneath. Whether you share a favorite flick you bonded over during initial dates or he wants to exhibit an all-time greatest hit like The Goonies or Pulp Fiction, the element of surprise combined with the flood of fond memories emerging makes uncovering the mystery movie a thrill for any film buff. Hang beside your TV to inspire exciting movie night picks or proudly exhibit his favorite find as eye-catching living room wall art. This affordable decor is bound to facilitating endless reminiscence on the stories and scenes that make movies magic. 14. Mini Indoor Fireplace Combat the midwinter chill by creating a cozy oasis right in your living room with a safe, smokeless tabletop fireplace that sets the mood with the warm glow and ambient crackling sound effects of a real wood-burning fire minus the mess, odor or upkeep. This mini electric fireplace heater by Pure Enrichment delivers powerful heat coverage up to 400 square feet using energy efficient infrared quartz bulbs and an adjustable temperature setting that reaches a maximum of 90°F for effective supplemental warmth. The faux flame and ember visual effects lend a authentic fireplace vibe. Its compact size at just 11.8 x 7.1 x 6.3 inches occupies minimal surface area while creating maximum ambiance. Reviews praise its ability to transform any room into a relaxing sanctuary. Give the gift of hygge with this modern miniature fireplace perfect for countering dreary weather and making long nights in feel extra cozy. 15. Date Night Dice Struggling to decide fun at-home date ideas that satisfy both your interests? Add spontaneity to date nights with this set of thoughtful dice featuring inventive date prompts across categories like food, entertainment, intimacy and conversation starters. Simply take turns rolling the dice printed with prompts like: - Cook dinner wearing only aprons - Recreate our first date - Slow dance to our song - Reenact a movie scene - Give each other massages - Play "Never Have I Ever" The variety ensures endless possibilities so you'll never repeat the same date! With many prompts facilitating intimate connection through laughter, bonding and affection, reviewers rave this game alone enlivened their entire relationship dynamic. Give the gift of everlasting date night inspiration with these clever dice guaranteed to banish boring nights in!

Most Creative Valentine's Gift Ideas

If you're searching for truly unique Valentine's Day gifts that offer an exceptionally memorable experience your partner has surely never received before, explore these five over-the-top ideas hailed as some of the most creative on the market this year. 1. Portable Espresso Machine For the coffee connoisseur, this mini battery-powered espresso maker allows crafting barista-quality beverages anywhere thanks to an integrated pressure system delivering up to 120 psi of force for rich, full-bodied flavor rivaling specialty shops. Weighing just over 1 pound, this gadget packs easily in bags for camping trips, workplace power-ups or whenever you'd fancy an expertly extracted shot of espresso, americano or macchiato sans electricity. Reviewers describe sublime drinking experiences free from acidity or bitterness. With the ability to freshly grind beans and customize beverages using included accessories like a milk frothier and brewing glasses, you'll savor endless cups full of sublime, smooth flavor expression suited to every palate courtesy of this portable powerhouse! 2. What I Love About Us Journal Sentimental couples will adore reflecting on poignant relationship memories and articulating magical feelings beyond words with this guided journal designed specifically for soulmates. Spread across 150 framed fill-in pages, discover thoughtful prompts and creative challenges facilitating deeper intimacy: - Detail your "meet cute" origin story - Describe quirks you find adorable - Recall your most hysterical inside joke - Design dream dates based on favorite activities Once completed by both partners, this album becomes a scrapbook-style dedication professing all the reasons why your bond is so uniquely special. Feel free to get scrappy with decor by adding photos, ticket stubs or pressed flowers between entries! 3. Concrete Tabletop Fireplace This miniature tabletop fireplace forged from solid smooth concrete oozes mid-century modern charm while emanating a warm, welcoming fireplace glow anywhere lacking a traditional hearth. Fitting elegantly on desks, countertops or open shelving, the smoke-free electric flame provides mesmerizing ambiance perfect for igniting romance on cozy date nights without triggers allergies. Delight in altering the double-sided fireplace's brightness using the included remote. Handmade by a small business using durable, high density cement, reviewers praise this functional decoration for instantly elevating living spaces with an extra dash of cozy character. Give the gift of everlasting hygge this Valentine's Day! 4. Read the full article

[lucianodevries]

Balancing Business and Philanthropy: Luciano de Vries’ Impact on Animal Welfare

The next venture from international entrepreneur Luciano de Vries isn’t about making money. In fact, it can’t make money. Instead, the man responsible for building a string of successful businesses across Europe and the Americas is turning his attention toward a new kind of project. 

With the help of local experts, de Vries plans to start a new venture that focuses on animal welfare in his adopted hometown of Lisbon, Portugal. 

With a mission to improve the lives of animals and better educate people about the best ways to care for their pets, the project will combine de Vries' personal passion for animal welfare with his business acumen. And, hopefully, it will make a difference in the lives of pets across the country. 

A Desire to Help

Unsurprisingly for someone who wants to fund a new animal-focused nonprofit, de Vries and his girlfriend are big fans of four-legged friends. 

For years, dogs have been a near-constant in de Vries’ life, often accompanying him at the office or waiting for him at home. So, when de Vries and his girlfriend decided to settle down in Portugal, they made sure to find a place with the kind of outdoor space that would allow their dogs to play. 

But once they settled into a routine, they were struck by culture shock. 

While many pet owners they encountered shared the couple’s love and passion for dogs, they also discovered wide-ranging opinions on the role of dogs in society. Some people they met saw dogs as lesser life forms, good only for their ability to provide value to human endeavors through their ability to function as guards or police helpers. 

“We noticed when we arrived, that the animal welfare here is a bit different,” de Vries said. “In the Netherlands, and I think it’s the same in the USA, pets become a part of the family. People treat them very well. Here, in Portugal, they are used for guarding. They are usually kept on a short leash in the sun without water.”

It was an attitude de Vries wanted to change. Luckily, that’s what he does best. 

Since his early 20s, de Vries has built a career around discovering an unfilled need in a market and quickly finding a way to supply it. That’s how he created successful companies across a variety of industries, from event planning to transportation. 

So, when he discovered that more people needed to learn about animal welfare, he went to work. 

“I started to investigate what I could do to help. We went to the local shelters because my first idea was to start a shelter myself, but I needed to get information. So, I went to one of the biggest shelters and one of the best shelters around my area, and it taught me a lot of things,” he said. “They pointed out to me that there's a new shelter about three minutes from my home that was just being built. So, I asked them how I could help, and, of course, it was money. But I didn’t want to give just one-time money. I wanted to start working with them to make their operation better. They wanted help with how their team was functioning. They wanted to learn something from us so they could generate more money or more quality leads, or more marketing.”

Leading by Example

Of course, it takes more than simply providing funding and business advice to make a difference. True leaders, de Vries said, set an example. That’s how he handles leading companies like Bayswater Capital, and how he keeps himself close to what’s happening with animals. 

When he’s not at work, de Vries is virtually always surrounded by dogs. With the help of his girlfriend, he keeps a roster of foster dogs - in addition to the two dogs that are permanent members of his family.”

“We always take new foster dogs into our home. We just welcomed our sixth and seventh dog in the last three months,” he says. “We take care of them because they're abandoned and in the shelter, they mentioned that there are not a lot of people with a big love for animals in Portugal, so the attention they got was minimal. That's not because of the shelter itself, but because they lack people and funds to give these dogs the space and affection they need.”

Luciano de Vries believes that spreading the word about animal welfare - how dogs and cats can enrich human lives by lowering stress levels, increasing positive feelings, reducing loneliness, and extended life spans - can benefit people in Portugal and across the globe. 

If his past success is any guide, the new venture will be massively successful. 

###

[runningthroughpetalfields]

Journal 7/27/2023-12/13/2023

(from Notes app)

27.07

- [ ] I can create my world of flowers, trees, love and happiness. I can be anything- I just need to do it.

31.07

- [ ] My mom holds onto everything. She doesn’t get over things

01.08

- [ ] I feel like I’ve been feeling burnt out lately because I’ve been processing decisions (like doing my Master’s degree that I didn’t care about and moving to a random city), relationships, etc. recently and it’s been exhausting but I’m learning a lot. I’m really trying to listen to myself and what I’m feeling and trying to figure out what I want now more than ever, instead of letting things just slide by/not considering my needs in my decision-making process. I’m working on trying to be more connected with myself and putting my voice first, not expectations of how I should be first.

- [ ] And with that work I’m tired, I’m low energy and I’m feeling a lot more than before. I still feel like I’m not feeling every single thing, but I definitely have opened up to feeling more. And with that, I have to process more.

03.08

- [ ] I think I’m too tied up in what my parents think of me and what I’m doing. For that reason, I think I will lesson my contact with them maybe once I start a job just so I can have space from their (sometimes just perceived) expectations. I got a Management degree thinking it would impress them and I fully regret getting that degree now. Wasn’t something I was really interested in.

03.08

- [ ] “I am enough to fight for. I am worthy of good things. I am worthy of fighting for the good things in my life.”

06.08

- [ ] DPDR- Depersonalization-Derealization disorder: what I’ve been struggling with for the past couple of months (and before that, in Fall/Winter of last year). It has been ebbing and flowing but overall I think it’s getting better. (Or I’m just getting used to it) but I think it’s getting better because I’m not getting upset by it as much.

13.08

- [ ] I like that I’m impressionable and keep myself open to new ideas and experiences.

14,08

- [ ] I’m trying to figure out who I am- my needs, my wants, my values- because I feel like I did my Master’s degree to make my parents happy/for their approval and I don’t feel fulfilled with that decision and am trying to figure out what to do with my life and consider what I want, the most.

- [ ] I’m trying to connect with myself because I haven’t for so long.

- [ ] I need to center my wants and needs.

14.08

- [ ] “A mind too active is no mind at all.”- Theodore Roethke

- [ ] I have been overthinking/having racing thoughts from the moment I wake up til I finally fall asleep for the past few weeks. I really do feel like my mind doesn’t work anymore/I feel out of it from all the overthinking and dissociating.

22.08

- [ ] “Do what intrigues you, explore what interests you; think mystery, not mastery.” - the Artist’s Way- for filling the artistic well

- [ ] I think I go into a freeze response because when I was a kid and my parents were fighting, I needed to react as little as possible and hide my discomfort so that I could protect myself and feel like I was staying safe.

- [ ] Maybe I felt lonely in high school when my siblings were off at college, etc. and I was the only kid in the house.

24.08

- [ ] I had so many good cat neighbors in Freiburg. Lots of cats to pet

- [ ] I think it’s so easy for me to he in a relationship with someone/to have fallen into so many relationships because I love people as a whole so much. And I want people to feel heard and appreciated. But I just haven’t set standards for myself, until now, where I’m currently trying to figure out my standards. But like I think so many people deserve to feel seen and heard and I felt like I could provide that and I did provide that- but not always for people with whom I was compatible or who I really liked or who really liked me. I have given way too many people chances rather getting to the root of what I want and need. I have wasted time and energy on so many men. I’m trying to focus on giving experiences to myself and spending time with myself and loving myself now.

- [ ] “Tell your friends the things you want to hold back from telling about your romantic relationships. Your friends will help you protect yourself and are there for you. Your friends will hold a microphone to your intuition.” - Mel. Also about listening to your intuition about things you think aren’t right about your relationship that you feel to scared to tell your friends but you need to tell your friends. A good friend will fight for you and support you.

- [ ] I didn’t say so much of what toxic shit Justin was telling me and how poorly (and sometimes scary) he was acting towards our relationship. I held that all in and it ate me up inside. But I should’ve told my friends. Instead, I would try to justify it. But really, my friends would’ve been there for me and would’ve helped me see how toxic and unhealthy the relationship was. Of course, Justin isolating me from my friends due to his jealousy and deep insecurity preventing me from spending a lot of time with my friends and maintaining my friendships well.

26.08

- [ ] Mom says “family is everything” and yet she eroded any relationship my siblings and I had with our father growing up by badmouthing him, giving us negative details about their marriage, and generally making dad seem like the horrible person, and me, in-turn, thinking my mom was a basically perfect parent until I went to therapy in Freiburg and my therapist said my mom manipulated her kids and emotionally abused us so that she felt loved by us, since she didn’t (and doesn’t) feel loved by my father. That’s so fucking sad.

31.08

- [ ] “Are you letting yourself down?” -Queer Eye

- [ ] It took me three months to finally write and send an email to my former employer’s HR person asking for my job reference (and providing bullet points of tasks I did in the role). If that doesn’t show the state of my summer…I was stressed out (still am) convinced that this person hates me and most people who worked with me at the Karls hated me. I thought about writing that email almost every day for 3 months, never being able to convince myself to do it. Doubt and fear have really had tight grips on me recently:

3.09

- [ ] Create a life that you would be happy living

- [ ] “You can savor anything you find pleasant…all you have to do is approach it with slow, mindful gratitude, rather than seeing it as an item on a to-do list that you have to check off.”- Laziness Does Not Exist

- [ ] - even taking Ruby to the park to chill and read a bit is stressful to move myself to get myself out of the house to do. Then once I’m there, I really appreciate it. I need to work on taking a more mindful approach to nice nature chill moments like this

- [ ] “Savoring is the process of deeply and presently enjoying a positive experience” - Dr. Devon Price recommends savoring to find joy and meaning in life

- [ ] Oof, I do a lot of these

15.09

- [ ] On moving out of Karlsruhe and to Freiburg: I want more for myself

- [ ] “Breathing and being” - TikTok squirrel

- [ ] I feel like I’m holding myself back. From trying new things/doing things that scare me (starting tiktok/insta for castles, developing my film and diving deeper into my photography, applying for jobs -especially in Freiburg-, etc.)

21.09

- [ ] After getting through wanting to kill myself at the end of 2022, I decided that I need to prioritize my friendships and time spent with loved ones. They’re one of the most valuable parts of life. I wanted to develop my friendships and embrace the love I give and receive in them. Literally, life is nothing without friends. I’ve also wanted to prioritize my time out in nature, because being in nature makes life worth living for me. I want to work more on that prioritization from now on.

28.09

- [ ] “A lovely gate provided”

01.10

- [ ] Teo is enabling Julien by being his friend- he’s a fucking misogynistic asshole and she knows that. I judge her for the company she keeps.

13.10

- [ ] In the past, I’ve dated men I’ve felt sorry for. I’ve pitied them

- [ ] Anna Linemann has put a microphone up to my intuition calling me out when I was upset because I thought Diego didn’t want to date me and she said “you just told me a couple of months ago you didn’t want to be in a relationship for a while” - and this is so true and I’m very happy she spoke up and supported me that way. I am not in a position to be in a relationship right now (I am hoping to see Diego casually, but don’t necessarily have to become his partner- although I think I might want to) and so I want to express that to Diego and it really is okay if we just date casually right now/in the near future.

24.10

- [ ] One of those days where I feel like I’m underwater and I can’t access happiness.

- [ ] Went to a secondhand shop and it was hard for me to interact with the “real” world. It didn’t feel real/there was a wall between me and it.

30.10

- [ ] Good prescribed iron last week after a bloodtest revealing low iron levels which is means for an anemia diagnosis. It feels really good to have that confirmed- especially because of the extreme tiredness I’ve been feeling the past few months. Fatigue is a top symptom of anemia and I feel like fatigue has been preventing me from doing so much recently. I have felt absolutely plagued by it. I really really hope the iron supplements help out with that. It’s exhausting to feel tired all the time. I also have been having heart palpitations while I’m just sitting chilling which can be a symptom of anemia.

31.10

- [ ] Mom would vent to us about dad as we were kids (and still does) and that was unfair to us.

04.11

- [ ] The universe of you

05.11

- [ ] Yesterday Diego and I had our picture taken at the dino ride at Europa Park and I made peace signs with my hands and he said “It’s like that photo of us at the chalet (the one from my first trip there and we’re on the couch together), except this time I leaned in 🥺” (cause I made fun of him for looking like he was keeping as much space from me as possible in the original pic- he had a gf at the time). It was so cute of him

- [ ] He thought it was cute how nervous I was going up the big coaster with him

13.11

- [ ] What is a life that I don’t feel like I have to run away from? - Self Experimenting, tiktok- in brainstorming how I want my life to look like in 6 months

- [ ] “The world is your stage but no one is watching. Make mistakes…they don’t mind!”

- [ ] Diego put his arm around my shoulder and held me and I leaned my head into his chest and he rested his head on mine and I rested my hand on his thigh as we watched Portlandia together on the train from Zürich to Basel

20.11

- [ ] I’m sick of the apathy (depression)

- [ ] I can’t access happiness again and I fucking hate that

23.11

- [ ] My mom lives in the past with the things she talks about. She doesn’t express excitement for the future, just anxiety and frustration.

- [ ] “Do little things to make you proud of yourself. Those things build on each other.” - Melanie Hamlett

- [ ] I changed for the worse when I was with Justin.

- [ ] “Replace scrolling with learning”

24.11

- [ ] My mom used us to regulate her own emotions, instead of her partner or her friends, and still does.

- [ ] It’s hard for me to fully enjoy visiting home because every time I have to reenter the toxic hellfire that is my parents’ relationship and it’s hard to stay calm.

27.11

27.11

- [ ] Diego said we don’t have to beat around the bush referring to us showing that we’re seeing each other at the chalet this year. Excited to cuddle with him and kiss him there 😊

29.11

- [ ] My mom mentioned that she doesn’t leave my dad because he would be alone. A. Maybe he would be; maybe he wouldn’t be- she can’t predict that. And B. It’s not her fucking responsibility to “make sure” he’s not alone. That’s such a cop-out and it puts her in the position of making herself a martyr. It’s so frustrating. I think she’s projecting, because she fears being alone if she left him.

01.12

- [ ] I felt abandoned the night I went to Freiburg to get support from Teo in September

- [ ] I wish someone would’ve asked younger me how I was feeling after my aunt and grandparents dies. Absolutely no one was there to support us emotionally during that time. My mom was overwhelmed herself and both of my parents don’t know how to handle their emotions.

- [ ] Me pushing down my feelings/not expressing my opinions on things when I’m in people-pleasing mode might come from my dad telling me that “others have it worse” and “there are kids around the world suffering” whenever I would be upset as a kid. And now I absolutely loathe and try not to show being upset in front of anyone a lot, except when I’m with my close friends and I’m so upset that it’s dire.

04.11

- [ ] What does future Anna need from me today?

09.12

- [ ] I wanna have my own back instead of being upset with myself/disliking myself

- [ ] I’m not sure my mom was able to emotionally support us kids ever.

10.12.23

- [ ] I wonder if my concern and OCD obsession with whether or not my mom will be safe/die is because my mom made it our job as kids to be concerned for her and to support her emotionally.

- [ ] I want to work on self-advocacy

11.12

- [ ] The other night about a month ago I had gone to a little game night after frisbee practice that was in way too brightly lit room in some random building with. I ended up sitting with only Germans at my table, which I think was a mistake. And that night I don’t think I had ever felt so foreign in Germany as I had in a long time I approached the games differently. Someone made fun of me for miss hearing something in German, and I just overall couldn’t connect with the people I was playing with, and I felt like such a fucking outsider and it was so weird because one of the coaches was surprised that I was German, I mentioned that English was my first language and they were like oh I didn’t know like where are you from and it’s just weird to be at a point where in some cases like at a game night or like when maybe there’s not too deep of conversation or too complicated conversation. I can disguise myself as maybe being German, and that’s wild, but that happened the night that I just felt like such a fucking foreigner, who didn’t belong, and I just couldn’t integrate myself with these people playing the games and I love boardgames, but after I left the party, I just cried it -really hurt me.

- [ ] There’s just such a profound loneliness with living abroad and having to put so much extra effort into every relationship and friendship you have in every way of interacting with people and I know that shows this I completely chose this, but sometimes I forget how hard it is, and those reminders can be very painful.

- [ ] I think it also felt extra bad because I had joined ultimate frisbee. Not only to do something with my body is a good distraction for my thoughts, but also to feel sense of community and to make some friends and although I have made some quasi friends through frisbee that was during the first course. And the second course I really didn’t make new contacts and everyone felt more serious about the way they took the sport versus the first course felt more like people were just trying out something new is less competitive and so it just hurt because this was me pushing myself out of my comfort zone to do a sport with mostly Germans in a sport that I’m not necessarily good at. I’m just trying out And I just didn’t feel motivated anymore to keep going to practice after that night cause I didn’t want to see the people again.

12.12

- [ ] This past weekend I kissed Diego in the woods in the middle of the night in each other’s arms standing under the stars and it was so sweet

13.12

- [ ] It is so stressful being around my parents because they so clearly loathe each other and are so disrespectful to one another.

- [ ] My dad would compare me to my siblings when I would do something wrong, saying “your siblings never did anything like this,” which in turn made me always feel like there was something wrong with me. I still carry a lot of shame about myself to this day and hide my true self from a lot of people for fear of judgement or being seen as weird. My feelings of shame about myself also contribute to my low self-esteem.

[veliseraptor]

do you think it's possible to elaborate on your xy's head on xxc's knees thoughts or 👀

okay I'm going to try though I am concerned I might just end up sounding slightly insane.

so basically...I have a lot of feelings about the applications of, like, animal metaphors to Xue Yang specifically, and the ways in which they both have a tinge of...accuracy? to them, and also the ways in which they fall right in line with the continual dehumanization that is part of what fucked him up so bad. and I think they're something that he both resents and leans into - Xue Yang knows people see him as something animal (or worse, thanks Song-daozhang), and it both makes him angry and also is something that he will actively play up. it makes people nervous and also makes people underestimate him. which, sometimes Xue Yang wants to puff himself up like (watch this) an angry bird to make himself look bigger, but other times he's perfectly happy to play dumb if it gives him an advantage.

all this being said, then: I think I've gone on record before about the ways in which Xiao Xingchen, relatively uniquely (with the exception, I think, of Jin Guangyao and even that is...complicated) treats Xue Yang like an actual human person. and that, I think, is genuinely one of the things that knocks Xue Yang off his feet, because that really is huge. being cared for - even loved - not just for his use or skills but because he is a person who has intrinsic value...goes a long way.

thus: Xue Yang's domestication arc, wherein he's (at least partially) domesticated because someone isn't treating him as something at best animalistic, no ulterior motives, and the language here is important because, of course, domestication is language used specifically for animals.

so then I look at that art of Xue Yang on the ground resting his head on Xiao Xingchen's knee while Xiao Xingchen is sort of petting his hair and it's like. there's implications to that pose! there's a dynamic that's created there of subordination and submission, alongside affection and (with the positioning of his hands), a little bit of possessiveness. have you ever had a dog do the lean into your legs when you're petting them? that's kind of what it makes me think of. Xiao Xingchen's touch looks very light, but the position of his hands is such that it could also be holding him down. and then, at the other end of things, Xue Yang's eyes are open and staring directly at the viewer, and his expression still looks dangerous to me.

it's just this great combination of, like...Xue Yang as tamed/owned by Xiao Xingchen, by choice, but...barely. or partially. or only when it comes to him.

and look. just. when it comes to a certain flavor of xuexiao at least: feelings about the fine, fine leash Xiao Xingchen has on Xue Yang that's only there, that only holds, because Xiao Xingchen never, or almost never, pulls on it. domestication that only works because it isn't about taming something animal. submission that can exist because Xiao Xingchen behaves as though it doesn't.

not sure this arrangement of words makes any sense at all. maybe I just should've typed "ahhhhhhhhhhhhh xuexiao specific dom/sub dynamics where xiao xingchen isn't entirely aware that it's happening, also animal metaphors and xue yang's humanity" and left it at that

[thevindicativevordan]

Opinions on Luthor's right-hand woman Mercy Graves.

Good time to talk about her given she's being set up as an important character in upcoming DC/Superman storylines.

Much like Harley Quinn and Livewire, Mercy was created for the DCAU but proved popular enough to eventually make her way into the mainline DC Comics. Her main role is being Lex's personal assistant, which covers everything from typical assistant duties like organizing his schedule and driving him around, to ordering assassinations and running Lexcorp when he's been temporarily locked up yet again for his supervillain activities. Why she's so loyal to Lex in the comics is unclear, her animated counterpart was a street ruffian that Lex took in after being impressed by her attempt to rob him, but it hasn't been established if that holds true for her comic counterpart as well.

Other than being Lex's loyal number 2, Mercy usually doesn't get much characterization or focus, explaining why adaptions of her tend to vary widely. Since the New 52 she's been Asian in the comics, something that has spread to some adaptions of Mercy too (DCEU, League of Super-Pets), while other adaptions keep her as white (Arrowverse, Tomorrowverse, Young Justice), or making her black (Titans). Sometimes she display something of a snarky streak, dropping deadpan jokes at her boss's constant schemes to kill Superman or acquire more power, but other times she's an obedient servant who executes Lex's will without complaint.

Tynion was the one who brought her back to prominence in the comics recently for his Hell Arisen mini. He wanted someone for Lex to talk to and bounce ideas off of, and that to me is Mercy's purpose narratively speaking. She's not his conscience, if anything she's one of his biggest enablers, but she's there to call attention to flaws in his logic that he misses because he's an egomaniac. Lex keeps her around mainly for that purpose, but I can see two other reasons for why he values her. The first is that she is the model for what he wants the rest of humanity to be like, he uplifted her and made her life better, and in return she is unquestionably devoted to him. In Mercy he has an example both of what he can do for others, and what he expects from them in return. Makes for a nice contrast with the Clois relationship, Clark's female counterpart is his equal (and in the area of reporting, his superior). He loves Lois for her independence and personality. Lex's female counterpart is his subordinate who doesn't ever step outside the boundaries he sets, even when Mercy does push back, it's only within the limits of insubordination that Lex will tolerate.

Secondly I think Lex does want one of the "little people" on hand for him to grandstand at. Justifying all the evil actions he takes as being for the greater good of humanity is easier to do when you've got one of those humans nodding attentively, and helping him achieve his goals. If it's gotten to the point where even Mercy is balking at following Lex further down the road to hell, that's a sign Lex has abandoned even the pretense of caring for anyone besides himself. Losing Mercy wouldn't stop him from pushing forward, but it would rob him of his most valuable underling, the one who keeps his most potent weapon at peak efficiency: his mind.

Coming up Mercy is going to be at the center of the DCU for a bit. Lazarus Planet seems to be giving her the cyborg powerset of the animated Young Justice incarnation. She's involved in the Kal-El Returns crossover, helping Lex achieve his objectives. Williamson is also going to be using her during his Superman run, she'll be in charge of Lexcorp while Lex is locked up. Aside from her change in status quo, I want to know more about her current comic incarnation's background and personality. What drew her to Lex in the first place? Why does she follow him? Is it just for the money or something more? Be a shame to not answer those questions while there's all these eyes on her. Mercy is an interesting and excellent henchwoman, and it's good to see that kind of character making a comeback.