#amulet book 8

[wizardpink]

Thinking thoughts about these tags at work today.

[brudiza-spudnik]

ass cheecks.

[thejewitches]

Inspired by the age-old tradition of creating Jewish amulets, this stunning coin is inscribed with the Hebrew phrase "אדני ישמר־צאתך ובואך מעתה ועד־עולם", which translates to: "The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore." This phrase originates within the Book of Psalms (Tehillim), specifically Psalm 121:8. Psalm 121 has long been held as extraordinarily protective, hence its use on numerous amulets throughout the ages. On the front is "שׁדי" (Shaddai), an epithet of HaShem.

This amulet was inspired by two vintage Jewish amulets found in the Gross Collection of the Center For Jewish Art. After months of workshopping, Jewitches settled on a design that combined the Magic & imagery of both.

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[theplotmage]

Murder Mystery, Occult, Paranormal & Fantasy Prompt Ideas for Writers

1. The Cursed Amulet - A wealthy collector is found dead after acquiring a cursed amulet. The protagonist must uncover the artifact’s dark history to solve the murder.

2. Blood Moon Ritual - During a blood moon, a prominent figure is sacrificed in a forbidden ritual. The investigator discovers a cult trying to summon an ancient deity.

3. Witch’s Grimoire - A renowned witch is murdered, and her grimoire is stolen. The book contains spells powerful enough to alter reality.

4. Haunted Manor - Guests at a secluded manor start dying mysteriously. It’s said the house is haunted by vengeful spirits from a tragic past.

5. Necromancer’s Revenge - A necromancer brings people back from the dead to seek revenge on those who wronged him, resulting in a string of murders.

6. Sorcerer’s Apprentice - An apprentice sorcerer is killed during a magical experiment gone wrong. The protagonist must navigate a web of magical deceit to find the killer.

7. Alchemical Poison - A series of deaths caused by an untraceable poison leads to an alchemist who’s using forbidden knowledge.

8. The Phantom Assassin - A shadowy figure with supernatural abilities is killing off members of a secret society.

9. Demon Pact - A series of murders mimic those described in an ancient text about summoning a demon. The protagonist suspects a pact with dark forces.

10. Arcane Library - A librarian is found dead in a magical library where books can come to life. The books themselves hold clues to the murder.

11. Midnight Masquerade - At a masquerade ball, a guest is killed, and the murder is linked to an ancient ritual involving the masks.

12. Sacred Relic - A sacred relic is stolen, and those connected to its theft are being murdered by a guardian spirit.

13. Time-Worn Curse - An old curse reawakens, killing the descendants of the original cursed family. The investigator must break the curse to stop the murders.

14. Vampire’s Thrall - Murders in a town coincide with the arrival of a charismatic stranger who may be a vampire seeking revenge.

15. Elemental Fury - A mage controlling elemental forces is killing people who wronged him in the past. Each murder is committed using a different element.

16. Runic Inscription - Victims are found with runic inscriptions burned into their skin, leading the protagonist to an ancient prophecy.

17. Ghost Ship - A ship thought lost at sea reappears, its crew murdered. The investigator discovers the ship’s cursed history.

18. Puppet Master - An enchanted puppet is killing those who mistreated its creator, a deceased toymaker.

19. Celestial Alignment - Murders align with celestial events, suggesting a ritualistic pattern. The protagonist races against time to prevent the next murder.

20. Shadow Realm - Victims are being dragged into a parallel shadow realm, their bodies found drained of life.

21. Enchanted Forest - People who enter a forbidden forest are found dead, their bodies entwined with enchanted vines.

22. Murderous Djinn - A djinn, bound to an artifact, is killing people who come into possession of it.

23. Spellbound Love - A love potion gone wrong leads to obsessive love and murder.

24. Seer’s Vision - A seer predicts their own murder and enlists the protagonist to prevent it, but the future seems immutable.

25. Ritual Dagger - A dagger used in ancient sacrifices is rediscovered, and each person who touches it is killed.

26. Charmed Life - A person with a charm for eternal life starts aging rapidly and dies under mysterious circumstances.

27. Mystic Tattoo - A tattoo artist’s clients are being murdered, their tattoos turning into deadly curses.

28. Dragon’s Curse - A dragon’s curse starts killing those who stole from its hoard.

29. Mirror of Truth - An enchanted mirror reveals the darkest secrets of those who look into it, leading to a series of murders.

30. Ghostly Whisperer - A medium is killed by a spirit they summoned, who continues to haunt and kill.

31. Warding Sigil - A town’s protective sigil is broken, unleashing vengeful spirits on the townspeople.

32. Sorcerer’s Duel - A duel between powerful sorcerers results in one’s death, but the victor’s life is now in danger.

33. Forbidden Love - Star-crossed lovers from rival magical factions lead to a series of revenge killings.

34. Haunted Heirloom - An heirloom brings death to the family that inherits it, linked to an ancestor’s dark pact.

35. Shapeshifter’s Hunt - A shapeshifter is targeting a specific group, blending in seamlessly until the protagonist uncovers their true nature.

36. Arcane Academy - A student at a magical academy is killed during a spell-casting exam, and the murder is linked to a dark secret of the school.

37. Spectral Assassin - An assassin’s ghost seeks revenge on those who betrayed him in life.

38. Illusionist’s Game - An illusionist’s final trick results in real deaths, with magic and deception intertwining.

39. Golem Rampage - A golem goes on a killing spree, and the investigator must find its creator to stop it.

40. Philosopher’s Stone - A hunt for the philosopher’s stone leads to deadly competition and betrayal.

41. Mystic Caravan - A traveling caravan brings death wherever it goes, linked to an ancient curse.

42. Sealed Tomb - An ancient tomb is opened, releasing a vengeful spirit that begins killing those responsible.

43. Moonlit Beast - A werewolf’s attacks coincide with the full moon, but this werewolf is being controlled by someone with dark intentions.

44. Soul Harvest - Victims are found with their souls extracted, leading to a dark sorcerer seeking immortality.

45. Witch Hunt - A series of witch trials results in the wrongful deaths of innocents, whose spirits now seek vengeance.

46. Crystal Prophecy - A prophecy within a crystal ball foretells murders, but the seer is manipulating events to fulfill it.

47. Enchanted Theater - Actors in a theater troupe start dying in ways that mimic their cursed roles.

48. Dark Covenant - A secret society’s members are being killed off one by one, linked to a broken blood pact.

49. Doppelganger’s Curse - Victims are replaced by malevolent doppelgangers who are committing murders in their place.

50. Forgotten Sanctuary - An ancient sanctuary is disturbed, releasing an entity that begins killing those who desecrated it.

[iamnmbr3]

what are some really outstandingly written and creative hp fics. (please no wholeslae canon rewrites tho. AUs are fine).

Here are a few fics that I find to be especially outstanding and creative and well written.

Amulette d'amour by The_Carnivorous_Muffin, Vinelle (words: 58,092 | not rated | Tom Riddle/Alphard Black)

Tom is commissioned to repair a magical amulet.

Why I rec it: Listen. This fic is absolutely phenomenal. It has a fascinating and well developed exploration of wizarding society, brilliant and highly complex and multifaceted characterization, and very original and unique plotting. It's extraordinarily well written and is both thought provoking and dramatic as well as laugh out loud funny in places. It's not a fic premise or pairing I would ever have imagined but it's legitimately an outstanding piece of writing that will live rent free in your head.

At Your Service by Faith Wood (faithwood) ( words: 95,752 | rating: E drarry )

Hogwarts students are in danger; Harry is determined to save them all. There’s only one thing he knows for certain: Draco Malfoy is somehow involved.

Why I rec it: This is the closest to book 8 that I've seen. Stylistically it really recalls the feel and structure of the canon books and it has a lot of really cool plot developments and world building. It follows on nicely from the rest of the series and expands on whats there. It feels like a book 8 where drarry happens.

the pleasure, the privilege by asterismal (asterisms) (words: 19,901 | rating: M | Harry/Voldemort | CW: Horror, Extremely dark themes)

It begins with Vernon Dursley’s body, dead across the table. In which Voldemort is dosed with amortentia, and nothing is better for it.

Why I rec it: It takes a crack plot premise and runs with it and really makes it work in a serious way. This fic is DARK and very unique and creative in its plot resolution. It kept me on the edge of my seat and is incredibly innovative and dramatic.

Running on Air by eleventy7 ( words: 74,876 | rating: T | drarry)

Draco Malfoy has been missing for three years. Harry is assigned the cold case and finds himself slowly falling in love with the memories he collects.

Why I rec it: Brilliantly well done characterization and amazing world building and plot. The relationship and characters all develop so naturally and the writing is incredibly beautiful. It never feels rushed and yet you can't put it down.

Denude by Faith Wood (faithwood) (words: 4,172 | rating: E | drarry | CW: Underage)

This is a HBP AU. It's set a few days after the Sectumsempra scene and takes the story in another direction, asking the question: "What if the Sectumsempra scene had a greater impact on Harry and Draco?" Harry and Draco are sixteen. In medias res beginning. Non-linear storytelling.

Why I rec it: Stylistically it feels like it could be taken out of book 6. The characterization and dialogue is so spot on and its very emotionally evocative.

Sparkling Cyanide by Asenora (words: 1,415 | rating: G | Gen | complete)

Tom Riddle had nothing to do with the death of Hepzibah Smith. Hokey had just had enough of being a slave.

Why I rec it: Amazingly creative world building and premise and characterization. It feels brand new and yet wholly plausible and right.

[for-the-folk]

So, You Wanna Know About?: The Evil Eye

The concept of the “evil eye” exists in virtually every culture worldwide, as do amulets such as the nazar and hamsa. It's a fundamental part of most folk groups' magic and culture, which is why we use it as a symbol for our server. But what do we know about this concept and the symbols and practices surrounding it? Let’s take a second and explore.

What Exactly Is The Evil Eye?

In simplest terms, the evil eye is “a curse transmitted through a malicious glare, usually one inspired by envy.” [1] It's believed that this glare can cause misfortune, illness, injury, death, and general misery. [3] Pregnant women, infants, young children, and animals are thought to be especially susceptible. [4]

The Evil Eye’s First Appearance

Historians are unsure of the exact date the evil eye and amulets used to ward them off were invented, however, we can find examples going as far back as ancient Mesopotamia. Texts have been found in Ugarit (located in modern-day Syria) attesting to the concept until roughly 1180 BC. [2]  According to Dr Nese Yildiran, “The earliest version of eye amulets goes back to 3,300 BC … The amulets had been excavated in Tell Brak, one of the oldest cities of Mesopotamia – modern-day Syria. They were in the form of some abstract alabaster idols made with incised eyes.” [1]

The Evil Eye Travels

Various things across history such as trade, travel, colonization, and immigration have caused the evil eye to travel the world. It spread through the SWANA region at first, but soon traveled to all continents worldwide: “[The evil eye has] occurred in ancient Greece and Rome, in Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions ... [and in] Indigenous, peasant, and other folk societies.” [4] Historians have found it difficult to trace exact lines of transmission of the idea, but it notably seemed to spread rapidly among the common folk or working class. [5] It wasn't long before its presence became known across all continents, though it has always varied across time and space. For example “In Roman times, not only were individuals considered to possess the power of the evil eye but whole tribes…were believed to be transmitters of the evil eye.” [6] This is very different from how the evil eye exists in the current regions of the previous Roman Empire, as these tribes no longer exist.

It Came With The Amulets!

One of the earliest amulets associated with the evil eye is the nazar. Its name comes from the Arabic “‏نَظَر‎” (naðˤar) meaning “sight,” with many other languages adopting this term or creating their own. [7] The blue eye-shaped bead most commonly associated with this particular amulet is “made of a mixture of molten glass, iron, copper, water, and salt, ingredients that are thought to shield people from evil.” [8] Its blue color may be because “blue eyes are relatively rare [in the SWANA region], so the ancients believed that people with light eyes, particularly blue eyes, could curse you with just one look. This belief is so ancient, even the Assyrians had turquoise and blue-eye amulets.” [9] A similar amulet adopted from the nazar is the hamsa, similarly originating in the SWANA region. [10] The two have become perhaps the most widespread and well-known amulets, though they are certainly not the only ones.

Evil Eye Across Cultures & Religions

NOTE: this is not an exhaustive list, but a jumping off point. 

Judaism: The evil eye can be found across various Jewish literature, from the Tanakh to the Talmud, and even books like Pikeri Avot. [11] It’s known best as the “ayin hara” which is Hebrew for the evil eye, though it may have different names across diaspora (for example, in Jewish-Spanish languages like Ladino it might be known as “Mal de Ojo”) [12] There are various customs to protect one from the evil eye across the Jewish diaspora, such as neckbands worn by boys for their brit milah, in the regions of Alsace, Southern Germany, and Switzerland just to name one. [13] One of our Jewish server members, Yosef, says “I'm Jewish and have been all my life ... my family is eastern European and we have gone to orthodox shul and (no) evil eye and other related symbols are prevalent in my family's practice along with the practice of my synagogues ... as such I constantly carry around the symbol”

Islam: The evil eye as a concept in Islam, known as the “al-ʽayn” is common. It's believed to destroy one's good fortune or cause illness. [14] Various phrases including “Mashallah” (God has willed it) are used to ward off the evil eye – “The imperativeness of warding this all too evident evil eye off is common among local communities. Not only did the absence of a “mashallah” tempt fate but it is also believed certain individuals have the power to conjure up the dark forces of the evil eye.” [15]

Italy: The evil eye in Italian is known as the “mal’occhio.” [16] In some regions, the cornicello ("little horn") is an amulet used to ward off the evil eye. It comes from Naples and it’s usually made of red coral and pepper shaped. [17] According to Antonio Pagliarulo, “some families, depending on the region of Italy from which they come, will pin the amulet to a baby's clothing either immediately before or immediately after his or her baptism.” [18]

Ireland: In Ireland, the evil eye is known as “Droch-shúil.” [19] There are a few various Irish folktales about the presence of the evil eye that warn of its dangers. One example is the tale of King Balor. The tale goes that “Balor was a king of the Formorians, the ancient inhabitants of Ireland (before the coming of the Tuatha Dé Danann). He is often described as a giant with a huge eye in the middle of his forehead. This eye brought death and destruction [onto] anyone he cast his gaze upon. He had gained this power from peering into a cauldron that contained a powerful spell that was being created by some druids. The vapors from the cauldron got into his eye when he looked inside which gave him the power of his deathly gaze. The most memorable instance of Balor using his eye is the story of his death at the battle of Maigh Tuireadh. In this famous battle between the Formorians and the Tuatha Dé Danann, Balor fell in battle at the hands of his own grandson, the pan-Celtic god Lugh, when he thrust his spear (or sling depending on the telling) through the eye of the giant. His eye was blown out the back of his head, turning his deadly gaze on his own men, destroying the forces of the Formorians. A piece of Dindseanchas (meaning lore of places) tells us that the place where his head fell and burned a hole in the ground, later filled with water and became known as “Lough na Suil” or “The Lake of the Eye”. Interestingly, this lake disappears every few years when it drains into a sinkhole. Local mythology says that this happens to ensure that the atrocities of the battle may never be forgotten.”  [20]

Germany: In German, the evil eye is known as the “Bölser Blick”, something that is cured by a variety of methods such as red string, prayer, salt, iron, and incense. [21]

Poland: In Poland the evil eye is called "złe oko" or "złe spojrzenie." [23] In some regions, they use amulets known as "czarownica" which are charms often made from herbs, metals, or stones, or specific gestures believed to ward off the evil eye. In many Polish homes, you might find them hanging on the walls. A ‘czarownica’ might also be a necklace with a pendant crafted from amber, which is believed to ward off negative energy. [22] There are also folk tales about the evil eye, such as “an archaic Polish folk tale that tells of a man whose gaze was such a potent carrier of the curse that he resorted to cutting out his own eyes rather than continuing to spread misfortune to his loved ones” [1]

Russia: In Russian the evil eye is called "дурной глаз" or just "сглаз." [23] Some Russians ward off the evil eye by bathing in running water, which carries the negativity away. Fire is also used, with young people jumping over a campfire to remove bad energy. Carrying salt or pinning the fabric of your clothing are also other simple ways to ward off the evil eye. [24]

Mexico: In Mexican culture, the evil eye (el ojo) is thought to be especially prevalent during November around the time of Dia de los Muertos, with children being particularly susceptible. There are various ways a child may get the evil eye such as from a stare of a drunk or angry person, or a person who is "caloroso," or overheated from working out in a hot environment such as under the sun or cooking over a hot stove. [25] Some may use an ojo de venado, or “eye of the deer” as a protective charm, which is only effective if “worn as an amulet around the neck at all times.” [26] As a quote from one of our staff members, Ezekiel: “I was raised in a very Hispanic area so we all wore evil eye bracelets most of the time woven from the flea market… In Mexico or some parts of Latin America, it is called El mal de ojo and it is believed that different colored evil eyes do different things.”

Rroma: The concept of the evil eye also exists amongst the Rromani people. For Rroma in Slovakia, the belief in jakhendar is prevalent, often being diagnosed and cured with jagalo paňi, or ‘coal water’ [27] Rroma in places like Brno are also thought to be particularly susceptible to the evil eye, leading to communities to find members to help protect themselves. According to scholar Eva Figurová, “This role, instead, is appointed to the village shepherd, blacksmith, or other person perceived by the community as gifted with the ability to heal, cure, and ward off the effects of negative forces, whether intentionally or not. Nowadays, among the Roma in Brno, the chanting of the zoči is a common ritual that does not require the presence of a specialist.” [28]

India: In many parts of India, people use a nazar battu to ward off the evil eye, or the buri nazar. [29] Other methods of warding off the evil eye include hanging a drishti bommai [30], mothers spitting on their children [31], or marking them with a black mark on the cheek. [32]

Ethiopia: In Ethiopian culture, the evil eye is known as the "buda." [33] It is thought to be wielded by certain people (i.e. metalworkers) and warded off by amulets created by a debtera, or unordained priest. [34]

Conclusion

This blog post only begins to touch the surface when it comes to the evil eye. The history across time and space is so expensive one can truly dedicate their entire lives to studying and still not know everything there is to know. We sincerely hope that we have provided some perspective and gave some jumping off points for further exploration.

Sources & Further Reading:

Hargitai, Quinn (2018). “The strange power of the ‘evil eye’”. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180216-the-strange-power-of-the-evil-eye. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024. 

Pardee, Dennis (2002). "VIII. INCANTATIONS: RS 22.225: The Attack of the Evil Eye and a Counterattack". Writings from the Ancient World: Ritual and Cult at Ugarit (vol. 10). Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature. pp. 161–166. 

Ross, C (2010). "Hypothesis:The Electrophysiological Basis of the Evil Eye Belief". Anthropology of Consciousness. 21: 47–57. 

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "evil eye". Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Oct. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/evil-eye. Accessed 3 November 2024.

Gershman, Boris (2014). The Economic Origins of the Evil Eye Belief. American University (Washington, D.C.). Online resource. https://doi.org/10.57912/23845272.v1

Elworthy, Frederick Thomas (1895). The Evil Eye: An Account of this Ancient and Widespread Superstition. J. Murray.

WICC Authors, (2023). Nazar (amulet). https://wicc2023.org/nazar-amulet/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Williams, Victoria (2016). Celebrating Life Customs Around the World: From Baby Showers to Funerlan, p.344.

Lynn, Heather (2019). Evil Archaeology, p.167

Bernasek, Lisa. (2008) “Artistry of the Everyday: Beauty and Craftsmanship in Berber Art” Volume 2 of Peabody Museum collections. Harvard University Press. pg 12. ISBN 978-0-87365-405-0

Ulmer, Rivka (1994). KTAV Publishing House, Inc. (ed.). The evil eye in the Bible and in rabbinic literature. KTAV Publishing House. p. 176. ISBN 978-0-88125-463-1.

Jewitches Blog. “The Evil Eye.” Jewitches, 18 Apr. 2023, jewitches.com/blogs/blog/the-evil-eye. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Birth Culture. Jewish Testimonies from Rural Switzerland and Environs (in German and English). Basel: Naomi Lubrich. 2022. pp. 35–37. 

Evil Eye - Oxford Islamic Studies Online.” Archive.org, 2018, web.archive.org/web/20180825110529/www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/article/opr/t125/e597. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

“Mashallah: What It Means, When to Say It and Why You Should.” The National, 22 May 2013, www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/mashallah-what-it-means-when-to-say-it-and-why-you-should-1.264001. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

“Mal’occhio | a brief understanding (and offering).” Radici Siciliane, 17 Nov. 2020, www.radicisiciliane.com/blog/malocchio-a-brief-understanding-and-offering. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Melissi, Paolo. The Cornicello: A Traditional Lucky Charm from Naples. 18 June 2021, italian-traditions.com/cornicello-traditional-lucky-charm-from-naples/.  Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Pagliarulo, Antonio. The Evil Eye. Red Wheel/Weiser, 2023. ISBN 978-1-63341-294-1

“Irish Superstitions: The Evil Eye, Fairy Forts, and Lucky Charms.” IrishHistory.com, 14 May 2023, www.irishhistory.com/myths-legends/folk-tales-superstitions/irish-superstitions-the-evil-eye-fairy-forts-and-lucky-charms/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

“The Evil Eye.” Ireland’s Folklore and Traditions, 12 July 2017, irishfolklore.wordpress.com/2017/07/12/the-evil-eye/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Katharina, Anneke. “Boser Blick: Evil Eye in German Folk Magic.” Instagram.com, 2024, www.instagram.com/p/CrO8IIeLMgu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&img_index=1. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

Tobey, Julie. “The Meaning of the Evil Eye in Polish Culture.” Polish Culture NYC -, 7 June 2024, www.polishculture-nyc.org/the-meaning-of-the-evil-eye-in-polish-culture/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Haroush, Alissa. “42 Names for the Evil Eye and Where Did the Evil Eye Amulet Originate.” Alef Bet by Paula, Mar. 2021, www.alefbet.com/blogs/blog/42-names-for-the-evil-eye-and-where-did-the-evil-eye-amulet-originate. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Sorokina, Anna. “How Russians Protect Themselves from Evil Spirits.” Russia Beyond, 3 Nov. 2024, www.rbth.com/lifestyle/331213-protect-from-evil-russia. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Mexico, Na’atik. “El Mal de Ojo, the Evil Eye.” Na’atik Language & Culture Institute, 26 May 2023, naatikmexico.org/blog/el-mal-de-ojo-the-evil-eye. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

“The Evil Eye.” The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 1965, www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1965/10/the-evil-eye/659833/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Hajská, Markéta. “The evil eye �� Jakhendar” Factsheets on Romani Culture. https://rm.coe.int/factsheets-on-romani-culture-2-3-the-evil-eye-jakhendar/1680aac373 

FIGUROVÁ, Eva. Contemporary signs of magic in the everyday life of Roma minority in the selected areas of Brno, focusing on magical acts like “pokerování” and evil eye. In Individual and Society [Človek a spoločnosť], 2022, Vol. 25, Iss. 3. https://doi.org/10.31577/cas.2022.03.609 

Stanley A. Wolpert, Encyclopedia of India, Volume 1, Charles Scribner & Sons, 2005, ISBN 9780684313498

Kannan, Shalini. “Surprises and Superstitions in Rural Tamil Nadu.” Milaap.org, Milaap, 15 Apr. 2016, milaap.org/stories/surprises-and-superstitions-in-rural-tamil-nadu. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

John Abbott, Indian ritual and belief: the keys of power, Usha, 1984

George Vensus A. (2008). Paths to The Divine: Ancient and Indian (Volume 12 of Indian philosophical studies). Council for Research in Values and Philosophy, USA. ISBN 1565182480. pp. 399.

Turner, John W. "Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity: Faith and practices". A Country Study: Ethiopia Archived 2012-09-10 at the Wayback Machine. Thomas P. Ofcansky and LaVerle Berry, eds. Washington: Library of Congress Federal Research Division, 1991.

Finneran, Niall. "Ethiopian Evil Eye Belief and the Magical Symbolism of Iron Working. Archived 2012-07-12 at the Wayback Machine" Folklore, Vol. 114, 2003.

[tylermileslockett]

Medusa's Gaze (#6 in my "Quest for the Gorgon Head" series)

Part6:

With his winged sandals, Perseus flies over the sea finally coming to the barren lands of the three Gorgon sisters; the immortals- Stheno and Euryale, and the mortal sister-Medusa. Passing amongst the stony victims of animals and mortals alike, he stealthily descends deep into their lair where they sleep. Using Athena’s shield as a mirror, and invisible due to hades helmet, he quietly floats over to Medusa, rising his Adamantine sickle high for the death stroke. But she hears him! She awakes in rage, unleashing the full terrible power of her gaze upon the intruder!

In the oldest, archaic representations of the gorgon in Greek art (tombs, coins, breastplates, rooms,) the frightening head seems to function as an “apotropaic” symbol (protective amulet) to ward off evil, known as a “Gorgoneian". A fascinating aspect of the portrayal of the gorgon head in Ancient Greek art is that she uniquely portrayed as front facing, strikingly meeting the viewer’s gaze head on. While most other God’s and mortal character’s faces and bodies are shown in side profile views.

there are multiple sources for the stories involving Medusa. In Homer’s Odyssey, the gorgon is vaguely referred to as a frightening head from the underworld. In Hesiod's "Theogany,”(700 B.C. Greece)he increases the number to three sisters, with Medusa being a monster from birth who willingly lays with Poseidon, and resides in the far lands with her Gorgon sisters. It's not until 700 years later, in the Roman Poet Ovid's "Metamorphosis" (8 A.D.) that Medusa is completely reinvented as a beautiful mortal, and chaste priestess of Athena, who, after being raped by Poseidon in Athena’s temple, is cruelly cursed by Athena with snake for hairs and a stony gaze, and then exiled.

Like this art? It will be in my illustrated book with over 130 other full page illustrations coming in June to kickstarter.  to get unseen free hi-hes art subscribe to my email newsletter

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[concook20]

Wild Kratts Headcannon! (2)

Martin/Chris/Aviva/Koki/Jimmy Z

Crew: 2/5

Chris Fredrick James Kratt

Age: 22

Gender: Male

Sexuality: Bisexual

Birthday: July 19th

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Height: 5' 8"

Weight: 150 lbs

Body Shape: Fit, as if he goes to the gym

Favorite Color: Green and black

Verts: Ambivert, mostly extrovert though

Phobia: Nyctophobia (Fear Of Darkness)

Hobbies: Singing, rock or tree climbing, and reading books (books like Amulet, Bones, and classic books).

Family and Relationship

He was a daddy boy before, he used to try to be perfect for his dad, so he could make him proud, until he came out as bisexual, which made his dad angry and upset. He still hopes he could be proud in the future

He loves his mother, in fact, he learned how to cook when he was interested, where he isn't the best, but he still makes good meals, too. He loves spending time with her, whenever he take a break

He hates Christine, due to most of the time, she takes credit for stuff like cleaning, making coffee for their dad, and/or do her work, whenever Chris was the one who did those things, and even then, the two still hate each other

Susan and Chris are close, but they don't spend time with each other much, since Susan and Martin bond, and they hang out sometimes, but not all the time

He dated someone once in high school, a popular guy, until he dumped Chris for not liking a 'weirdo, who loves animals', which made Chris, somewhat, closed off on love

Chris and Aviva met around middle school, where they were science partners, until they hung out more, becoming best friends

The reason why Chris crawled to Martin instead of his parents, was because he actually loved Martin more than them, since he feels happier and safe around him, even wanted to be just like him when he was older, to the point the two began their dreams of saving animals

Facts For Chris

Chris wears glasses most of the time, even when he mostly doesn't need it.

Chris listens to Melanie Martinez, NF, or Billie Eilish songs, since most of the time, he relates to them deeply and other times, they're catchy.

I don't care how anyone wouldn't believe this, but this dude cheats in any games, like Uno or Mario Kart, no matter how hard or easy it is!

Chris has a teddy bear in order to sleep in the dark.

Chris used to be a nerd when he was a freshman, until he began to work out and wear different outfits, which got some attention.

Chris sings whenever he is alone, since he's still nervous about his singing voice, but even if he does, he is a very good singer.

Chris has ✨Autism✨!

Chris is a BIG fan of MatPats videos, even doing his own theories on movies, shows, or books.

That's all for now! If you have any questions, please comment down!

[ghost-in-the-machin3]

Trellis headcannon

I’ve had this head cannon floating around in my brain for awhile now. In book 7 there’s a shot where Trellis’s forearms look like they kinda burned. (Panel is on page 153 in book 7 if you want to look at it :3) Then in book 8 when he gets his new outfit, he has bandages on his arms. So I like to head cannon that during his scuffle with Emily in book 7 he got burned, which is why he has to wear those bandages in book 8. Taking them off to heal and look at them is quite painful for him, physically and emotionally.

Hello everybody! This is just going to be a little yap session and it has nothing to do with the head cannon, so if you don’t feel like reading you aren’t missing anything. It’s been awhile since I’ve posted anything because I haven’t had much time and have been burnt out. But I really miss posting and making things so I hope I can post more often :3. I know most of the things I have posted up until this point have been jokes, but I am an artist, too, and have a lot of more serious art and head cannons for amulet that I want to post about. I will also be making more shitposts too though, so don’t worry lol.

I am changing my name from maxamuletdidnothingwrong to ghost-in-the-machin3. I still love amulet and plan on posting a lot about it but I want to change my name because I may use this account to post about other things I like in the future. If you read this far, thanks for reading :3

[specialagentartemis]

you ever think back to a book/series that absolutely enraptured you, consumed your imagination, to this day you can still recite a poem you learned from it because this is a fantasy book of course there’s random poetry in it… the world was incredible, the set pieces inspiring… and then you look back as an adult and go. Oh that was lazy, derivative, and not very good actually, you just thought it was good because you were 8 and the protagonist had a magic amulet that let her talk to animals

[hbyrde36]

It's Only Forever

A final heartfelt thanks to @penny00dreadful for everything you do and for always having my back! 😘💜

R: Mature | WC: 5793 | | Ch 8/8 | Read on AO3

[Penny Art - Eddie's Introduction] [Penny Art - The Ball]

[SissayeRys Art Link]

Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7

Chapter 8: Home At Last

Eddie sighed dramatically as he stared up at the vaulted ceiling of his bedchamber.

He’d been tossing and turning for hours, unable to quiet his troubled, restless mind. 

After a lengthy walk around the castle grounds, and a conversation with Dustin that Eddie had so badly wanted to eavesdrop on…

He hadn’t, for the record, out of respect, but the temptation hadn’t been easy to resist.

…Steve had come back to the castle and said he needed to sleep on it. Saying very little else before retiring for the night.

Another practice in restraint, Eddie had sent up food, fresh clothes, and a basin of clean water to Steve and Dustin’s guest-quarters with a few goblins—the three Dustin had grown so fond of—rather than take it to them himself like he wanted. 

It would have been the perfect excuse to catch another glimpse of the other boy, but Eddie didn’t want to force his company when Steve had so clearly expressed the desire for time and space.

He was determined to stay on his best behavior, doing everything he could to prove to Steve that he was more than the act he’d been putting on. He’d even gone out to meet Argyle and Jonathan earlier, where they still waited at the bottom of the castle steps, and introduced himself. He let them know, in no uncertain terms, that he meant them no harm, that Steve, Dustin, and Robin were now his guests, and that they were welcome in the castle too.

The unusual pair, who inexplicably introduced themselves as brothers, took him up on the offer, and were even now sharing the last of the spare rooms in the castle.

Chrissy invited Robin to bunk with her. No surprise with the way Eddie had seen them looking at each other, after the two had already spent hours with their heads bent together poring over books and scrolls, giggling behind their hands whenever he walked by.

Eddie was happy for them, even if it meant that he was now spread out in the middle of his giant bed alone, with nothing and no one to distract himself from his own thoughts, or help him forget that Steve was right down the hall. 

So close, and yet completely out of reach. 

It wasn’t an outright rejection, or so he kept telling himself, trying desperately to keep hope alive in his heart. Steve was still there, after all. That had to mean something, right? But still, it was hard not to fall into the pit of despair. 

Because really, why on earth would Steve want anything to do with him now?

No matter how well they seemed to fit together. 

If it was just a physical thing, Eddie could have probably let it go, but he didn’t only appreciate Steve’s body, he was attracted to his fucking soul. 

Who he was at his very core.

And who Steve was, was kind and caring, loyal to a fault, but also quick-witted and catty, in the best way. He was, too, a bit conceited and cocksure, but he had the cunning to pull it off.

Most of the time. 

He loved with his entire being.

He was as brave and smart as Dustin had claimed, and absolutely everything Eddie could have hoped to find in a— 

Boyfriend? Lover? Partner? 

No word properly encapsulated all of what Eddie wanted from Steve now. None of them quite hit the mark of describing just how deep he’d fallen.

Giving up on the idea of sleep, Eddie got out of bed, wrapping himself up in a long black silk robe. 

He’d worn nothing to bed, never did unless Chrissy slept over, save for the necklace that made this life of his possible—the unusual pendant given to him by the last goblin king, a powerful amulet which allowed him to wield the powers of his position, now split into two halves of that formerly single whole.

He wondered if maybe he should have waited until Steve gave his final answer to make them, but he’d wanted Steve to know he was serious, that he meant it.

Forever.

Those twin rings resting against his chest bore much more than a physical weight. They were a tangible promise of either pain and heartache, or, the greatest happiness he’d ever know.

The castle was quiet when Eddie slipped through his door, padding up and down the long hallways on bare feet. Without meaning to, he found himself heading for the atrium, drawn to the place where he’d finally laid himself bare before Steve.

It was somewhere peaceful to sit and think, or to maybe try to stop thinking at all, but it was also a place he could go to feel close to Steve without actually bothering him.

Or maybe not? 

The space was full of shadows as Eddie entered, dimly lit with the soft flickering light of a few sconces dotted along the curved walls, and the only sound to be heard was the tranquil trickling of water into the central pond.

Eddie breathed deep, taking in the scent of night air mixed with the heady perfume of all the exotic flowers in bloom.

He was halfway around the room when he spotted someone sitting on one of the benches. The familiar figure’s head was tilted up to the sky above, admiring the glittering expanse of stars.

His back was to Eddie, but somehow he knew Eddie was there all the same. 

“Couldn’t sleep either?” Steve said without turning around. 

Eddie wasn’t sure if he should intrude or not, but Steve hadn’t told him to go, so hesitantly he approached, rounding the front of the bench just as Steve’s eyes fell to meet his. 

Steve wore a long white linen nightshirt that fell to barely mid-thigh, and Eddie tried hard not to think about whether he was wearing anything under it or not as he raised his eyebrows asking silent permission. 

Only after Steve nodded did Eddie sit down, careful to leave a polite amount of space between them. 

They sat together for a long while in the quiet dark, watching the night go by through the wide, open ceiling. It was impossible for Eddie to look up at the view and not think of their steamy rendezvous on the terrace, and wonder if Steve was remembering too.

It was again Steve who eventually spoke first, blowing out a long shaking breath before breaking the increasingly heavy silence between them. “You’d think after such a long and difficult day sleep would come easy.”

“I’m sorry,” Eddie whispered, and as the words passed his lips his heart fell, realizing he never really did apologize properly for what he’d done. 

“I’m so sorry, Steve. I tried to tell myself that I was just doing my job, what I was put here to do, and that was true to an extent but—” Eddie leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he let his head fall into his hands, cheeks growing wet. 

“I was—” he sniffled, rubbing roughly at his face before looking back up to meet Steve's eyes again, “—so angry, for such a long time. I resented my dad for abandoning me, for not trying harder, or at all, and I let that color my perception. I took it out on you, and you didn’t deserve that.”

Steve was quiet for a long beat, until slowly, ever so slowly, he raised a hand, reaching out to brush away a stray tear from Eddie's cheek.

Eddie’s breath hitched.

“You did what you thought you had to do. If anyone can understand that, it’s me.” 

“But—” Eddie started to argue but Steve’s fingers drifted down his face, letting the same thumb that had dried his tears now rest against his lips, gently silencing him.

“Hey,” Steve whispered, his steady gaze piercing, demanding Eddie’s full attention with that single soft word. “I don’t regret it. Any of it. I'd go through it all again. It’s like you said, without all this I never would have come here. I wouldn't know that I was capable of so much more than what my parents wanted for me. I wouldn’t have met Robin, or Argyle, or Jonathan. 

“Or you—”

Steve let him go, and before Eddie could mourn the loss of his touch, Steve was moving closer, the lines of their legs pressing together as he gathered up both of Eddie’s hands in his own, lacing their fingers. “And I'm sorry about your father. I’m sorry if he ever made you feel for even one second that you weren’t worth fighting for. Because you are, Eddie. You’re worth everything.”

Their faces were suddenly so close, Eddie hadn’t realized he was leaning in until their noses nearly brushed. 

“Steve?”

Eddie didn’t even know what he was asking but Steve gave the barest of nods, and in the space of a blink they were kissing. He wasn’t sure who had actually closed the distance between them, but it didn’t matter. The second Steve’s lips touched his, Eddie was as lost in it as he had been that very first time. The rest of the world simply fell away, narrowed down to warm hands gripping tight, and desperate tongues sliding together.

He was left gasping, drowning in desire as Steve ducked to kiss down his neck, nipping and sucking at the sensitive skin. Then Steve’s hands were gone, leaving Eddie untethered for a terrifying moment, until they wrapped around his waist instead, lifting him up and over until he straddled Steve’s lap.

Eddie’s robe fell open with the movement. All that was left between them was the very thin cottony fabric of Steve’s nightshirt, leaving no more question as to whether Steve had anything on underneath.

He… did not, and that knowledge, along with the air hitting his suddenly bare front, set Eddie’s blood on fire.

Steve continued his assault on Eddie’s neck, grinding his hips up as his touch began to wander south, caressing Eddie’s ass and thighs.

“W-wait—” Eddie forced out, pulling back, and pulling his robe back around himself as best he could.

Steve’s brows pinched together in concern. “What’s wrong?” 

“I don’t think I can do this if it’s only for tonight.” Eddie smiled down at Steve sadly, leaning in to press a chaste kiss to his forehead. As much as he wanted this, it would make it all the more painful if—and let’s face it, when—Steve decided to leave.

“I’m not rushing you to make a decision. I told you to take all the time you need and I meant it, but I don’t want to know the taste of your body if I'm going to have to say goodbye to you tomorrow.” He tried to slide off of Steve’s lap but found himself pinned in place by the other boy’s unwavering grip. 

“You won’t have to,” Steve said, his voice a little strained, but steady.

“Do you mean..?”

“Yes, I'm saying yes.”

Eddie’s heart leapt, hope threatening to bloom in full, but still he cradled Steve’s face, tilting it up to look for any sign of doubt there. “Are you sure?”

“I’ve been sure since almost the moment you asked.”

“Oh, I see,” Eddie’s face spread into a wide, wild grin as he wound his arms around Steve’s shoulders. “You’ve just been enjoying knowing I was going crazy then?”

“Maybe,” Steve smirked, pecking him on the tip of his nose. 

“Brat.”

They kissed again, and as much as Eddie tried to hold back it wasn’t long before he found himself filling with heat, the same heat he saw reflected back at him through Steve’s half-lidded eyes. At this rate Steve wouldn’t even get to see the inside of Eddie’s bedroom, their shared bedroom now, he supposed, before finding their pleasure together here, out in the open in the center of the castle. 

Eddie couldn’t wait to show Steve all that they shared now, from his favorite parts of the Labyrinth, to the fun they could have with the powers they both possessed. 

“Wait—” Eddie broke the kiss and wrenched himself back, panting, pressing a hand to Steve’s chest when he tried to chase after him.

Steve groaned, letting his head fall with a light thunk to the back of the bench. “You’re killing me here.”

Taking far too much pleasure in torturing them both, Eddie cackled, leaning back to untie the cord around his neck. He pulled, letting the two rings slide off the end to land in his palm.

“Oh,” Steve breathed, sitting up a little straighter.

Eddie picked up the gold ring with his other hand, raising his eyebrows in another silent bid for permission.

With wide eyes Steve bit at his swollen bottom lip, offering up his hand. 

Eddie slipped the ring into place.

It was a perfect fit.

Without hesitation Steve plucked the remaining silver ring from his palm, and in an infuriatingly good impression of Eddie’s own mannerisms, raised an eyebrow.

And oh, was Eddie going to enjoy taking him apart later. 

He flipped his hand over, offering it in the same fashion Steve had, and felt everything—his past, present, and future—click into place as Steve slid the silver ring home. 

Home.

The castle had never felt like a place he was meant to be, but now, with Steve’s solid form beneath him, holding him, and the people they both cared about most sleeping peacefully upstairs—

Yeah, home sounded about right.

Miraculously, they did manage to make it to Eddie’s—their—bed before their mutual displays of affection went too far.

And when the morning came, as though it had been some sort of premonition and not a wild fantasy, it was exactly as Eddie pictured.

Far too distracted with learning the curves and planes of his love’s body, Eddie hadn’t thought to close the drapes. He’d been half asleep, drifting in and out while basking in the afterglow of round two, but at the first sign of sunrise he forced his eyes open to watch the soft golden rays of early sun, shining in through the wide windows, dance over Steve’s sleeping form half-hidden beneath the bed sheets.

Which was a crime, frankly. 

After seeing, touching, and tasting every square inch of him last night Eddie longed to make a royal decree that Steve should be nude at all times.

Though he suspected as an equal ruler Steve would probably veto that idea.

Which was probably for the best, uncomfortable working conditions for the goblins and all that—and the fact that their friends probably wouldn't appreciate it much.

As Eddie watched Steve began to stir, rolling over so the light now fell on his bare face and chest. A truly magical sight even without the rings they wore.

Hazel eyes blinked open slowly, a syrupy sweet smile spreading over Steve’s face as he gazed up at Eddie, reaching for him, tucking a clump of frizzy curls behind his ear.

Eddie leaned into the touch as Steve lingered to caress his cheek, nuzzling his palm before turning his head to press a kiss in the middle of it.

“Everything alright, baby?” Steve asked, his voice sounding more than a little wrecked and not only from sleep.

Eddie shivered at the memory, and it might have had him considering a round three if he didn’t know how tired they both still were. Instead he settled himself back down, nestling his head in the crook of Steve’s neck, and resting his hand in the middle of his chest, fingers raking through the soft swath of hair.

“Yeah, sweetheart. Everything is perfect.”

It turned out the rules Eddie had spent so much time and energy worrying over, afraid that if he broke them it might somehow break their realm all together, were more like loose guidelines.

With Robin’s help, Chrissy was finally able to put more of the pieces together, and it seemed that Eddie, and now Steve and Eddie as one, could do basically whatever they wanted, and had the power to back it up. 

“Within reason, of course,” Chrissy had warned.

Most importantly, They could take Dustin home, secure in the knowledge that they could bring him back to the Labyrinth to visit whenever he wanted. 

Steve had agreed to give the boy one more day—to play with his friends, get to know Robin, Argyle, and Jonathan, and to say a proper goodbye to them all before returning to the real world. Any longer and it would be even more of a mess to clean up with their parents, Steve was sure.

“How will we keep in touch with each other?” Dustin asked Steve, as they, along with Eddie, Chrissy and Robin gathered in the atrium, the place everyone agreed would be the best point in the castle for traveling between worlds. “I guess it’s too much to hope cell phones will work between realms so we can text and facetime?”

Eddie hadn’t really thought about that. How would they communicate with Steve’s little brother to make plans for the future? Popping in on him randomly could prove tricky.

Steve turned to him with a frown and concerned eyes, and that simply wouldn’t do.

“Don’t worry, um, I-I’ve got just the thing,” Eddie stepped around Steve, rubbing a comforting hand across his lower back before crouching down in front of Dustin, where the younger boy sat on one of the thick velvet floor cushions.

“Here,” he said, holding out his hand, empty one second, and the next cradling one of his oft-used crystal balls.

Looking both awed and dubious, Dustin carefully took it from Eddie’s hand. “B-but I don’t have any magic.”

Right. 

Okay, no problem. 

There’d been no spell to follow when Eddie created his and Steve’s rings, but he’d wanted it enough to make it happen. This was no different. He could do this. 

Leaving the crystal in Dustin’s grip, Eddie covered the boy’s hands with his own, and let his eyes fall shut. He thought of love and family, and the desire to stay connected no matter the time, distance, or circumstances. The desire to see and hear those most dear. He remembered the determination Steve had shown in his effort to do whatever he had to to get Dustin back, had that feeling fill him and the ball, let it shape the magic. 

“Can you feel it?” Eddie whispered, for Dustin’s ears only.

“Yes,” the boy breathed, his words coming just as softly. “It feels like Steve. How I feel when I think about him.”

“Good,” Eddie said, opening his eyes. He released his hold on Dustin and stood, reaching down to ruffle the boy’s hair. “You tap into that and look into the ball whenever you want to see or hear him, and if you hold it up to your lips and talk he’ll be able to hear you too.”

“What about Steve? What if he needs me and I don’t know it?”

“We have other crystals. I gave you Present, but there’s still Past and Future up my sleeve. I’m sure I could tweak them somehow.”

“There’s also this,” Chrissy said, pulling a large leather-bound book out from behind her back. She offered it to Steve. “I found it the first time Eddie left me alone in the library.” 

“What is it?” Steve asked, carefully cracking it open and thumbing through what, at first, looked to be empty pages.

“As far as I can tell, it’ll show you just about anything. Movies, television shows, real events. All in writing, obviously, so I hope you’re a reader, including writing a story in real time of what’s happening à la The Neverending Story… kinda?”

Eddie sputtered. “I’ve been asking you what your secret was for years, and Steve waltzes in here and you tell him in a matter of days?!”

Chrissy stuck her tongue out at him and shrugged. “Sucks to suck.”

Steve was still flipping through pages, eyes flying over the words as they appeared while he smiled to himself. He flipped a few more as Eddie watched, until his face abruptly fell into a deep frown.

“Shit, Dusty,” he said, snapping the book shut. “The police were at our house. Mom and Dad filed missing persons reports. They think we were kidnapped or-or murdered, or something. We need to get you back there, now.”

Steve handed the oversized tome back to Chrissy with a nod of thanks, and turned to face Eddie. “How do we do this?”

“Together,” Eddie replied simply, reaching out with his ringed hand to take hold of Steve’s. “Dustin, take our other hands, so we’re all connected.”

The younger boy rose, uncharacteristically quiet as he slipped the crystal ball into his pocket and joined them. 

“Be careful,” Chrissy said, blowing a kiss in their direction. 

“You better bring him back in one piece, Munson,” Robin added, coming up behind Chrissy to wrap arms around her waist. 

Eddie knew he was going to regret telling her his full name. 

With Eddie steering, and honestly not having much more practice with this travel magic than anyone else, they landed together in the same spot Eddie had entered the first time—Dustin’s window. 

Which of course was not big enough to hold all of them. The three crashed to the floor, off balance, banging into Dustin’s desk, and loudly knocking over several empty cans of Mountain Dew in the process.

In seconds footfalls began pounding up the steps of the house, headed their way.

Eddie lurched to his feet, helping Dustin up before grabbing for Steve’s hand, a question poised on his lips, but Steve shook his head before he could even ask. 

The plan had been to just leave Dustin in his room and go, so Steve wouldn’t have to deal with his mom and stepdad. Dustin was prepared with a whole story about how his older brother had run away, and how he had gone off to find him and got lost, but it seemed Steve had other plans now. 

“Stay here,” Steve said, pressing a kiss to the top of Dustin’s head, “Love you, bud. We’ll see each other again soon,” before crossing the room in a flash, flinging the bedroom door open and marching out into the hall with Eddie following close behind.

“Steven?!” A woman, Steve’s mother, gasped, slowly making her way towards them from the other end of the hall, a man who could only be the infamous stepfather Gary lumbering behind her. “What on earth—where have you been? Is Dustin—” 

“In his room, safe and sound,” Steve answered calmly.

“Was this your doing?” Gary asked, with the sort of attitude Eddie desperately wished to wipe off his face the old fashioned way.

“Yes,” Steve admitted. “It was an accident, but I’m sorry we were gone so long. Don't blame Dustin, it was all my fault.” 

“Where have you been?” Steve’s mother asked. 

She, at least, looked mildly concerned and relieved to see her son.

“I-I’ve been—” Steve took a deep breath, and reached back blindly for Eddie’s hand. He gave it, coming to stand next to his sweetheart. “I’ve been miserable. I’ve spent my whole life lying to myself, listening to the two of you and your bullshit. I went along with all of it because it was easier than sticking up for myself, and figuring out what I really wanted. But I know now. I've learned more about who I am, and who I want to be in the last forty eight hours than I was ever able to under your roof. I found where I belong.” He glanced over at Eddie, smiling and pulling him into his side.

Eddie wrapped his arm around Steve’s waist possessively, staring the dumbstruck couple down with unwavering eye contact.

“I’m leaving,” Steve went on. “Moving out.”

“With him?” Steve’s mother squeaked.

Steve’s jaw tightened as he replied. “His name is Eddie.”

“Steven, you cannot be serious about running off with this… this… freak!”

Steve bristled at his side but Eddie threw his head back and laughed. Some things never changed, no matter how many years had passed. He wasn’t even wearing one of his elaborate costumes, he’d put on his own old clothes again in an effort to blend in, on the off chance they were seen. 

“Oh Gary, if you’re gonna flirt with me at least wait until your stepson is out of earshot,” Eddie purred, raising his eyebrows. “Not to mention your wife.”

Steve snorted.

Gary, aside from being so angry he was rapidly turning purple, did his best to ignore him, addressing Steve only. “Your mother and I won't allow you to throw your future away like this!”

Which only made Eddie want to poke at him more. “With all disrespect, Steve is an adult. He’s eighteen and legally you have no power over him.”

Steve’s parents had no power over him in any sense of the word, actually, but Eddie figured that knowledge was best kept between himself, Steve, and Dustin.

“Fine,” Gary snapped, “but Steven, if you walk out that door now don’t think we’ll let you come crawling back when this miscreant kicks you to the curb. I will not have you waltzing back into our lives to corrupt Dustin.”

Steve seethed, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides as the lights above their heads began to flicker. 

Eddie rubbed his cheek along Steve’s shoulder, urging him without words to stay calm. 

Thankfully, while they glanced up at the fixtures with furrowed brows, Steve’s so-called parents didn’t seem to understand what was happening right in front of them. 

Typical.

Steve took a deep calming breath before he spoke, the lights returning instantly to normal. 

“I—we, will see Dustin as often as we like, and you will not try to control him the way you did me. He’s smarter than all of us. He doesn't need you to tell him who to be. You let him live his own life or so help me you will not like the consequences. And I’ll know, trust me on that.”

Gary grit his teeth, but turned and stormed off without another word, smart enough to know when the battle was lost. 

Steve’s mother just stood there, watching silently as Steve pulled on Eddie’s arm, leading him to his bedroom. 

Steve had started to pile things Eddie assumed he wanted to keep on the bed, when his mothers voice came from the doorway.  

“Where you’re going, you’ll be happy there?”

Steve’s shoulders stiffened for a moment but he turned to look at her, face pinched in confusion. “Yeah.”

She nodded, wringing her hands in front of her looking down and then away as she spoke again. “Make sure you pack your coat. You know you get cold so easily.”

Every part of Eddie itched to protect him, to step in and tell this woman that Steve wouldn’t need a fucking coat where they were going, that Eddie would give him whatever he needed—whatever he wanted. Hell, that Steve could take care of his own fucking self! 

Until he saw the way Steve was looking back at her, the way his face had softened, a bit of the tension in his shoulders easing as he did. 

And Eddie thought, maybe it wasn’t about the coat at all. 

“I will. Thanks, mom.”

She looked up, eyes swimming and moved for a second as though she would go to him, but stopped herself, giving her eldest son a tight-lipped smile before turning to go, heading for Dustin’s room.

“You okay?” Eddie asked.

Steve gave a small nod, clearing his throat. “How should I..?” He asked, gesturing at the small mound of possessions he’d collected, mainly clothes but also a few books and photos, and a shoebox full of small items rattling around inside. 

Eddie took Steve’s ringed hand, connecting them just as he had before, knowing now how much stronger they were together, and raised his free hand high in the air. With a simple snap of his fingers everything on the bed vanished. 

Steve sucked in a breath. “I’m never gonna get used to shit like that.”

Eddie laughed, squeezing his hand. “Home?” 

Steve shuffled his feet, looking suddenly almost more nervous than he had been in facing his parents. “Actually, I thought maybe we could take one more stop, if you’re up for it?” He stepped away, digging through the drawer of a small desk until he pulled out a scrap of paper, hastily scratching something out on it before handing it over.

It was an address. 

Eddie’s head snapped up. “W-what… How did you—” He knew that address. Had it memorized since he was five years old, just in case.

“When I was reading Chrissy's book. I thought about him, what you told me about him, I mean, and It appeared.”

Eddie swallowed hard. “He’s still there? H-he’s alive?”

Steve took the paper from his hand, tucking it into his pocket before wrapping him up in his arms, pressing their cheeks together. “He’s in his 80’s but still kicking. What do you think?”

“Yeah,” Eddie let himself melt into Steve’s comforting hold. “Let’s go see Uncle Wayne.”

They landed, hand-in-hand on the crumbling front porch of a dilapidated old trailer.

The place hadn’t been much to look at in Eddie’s youth either, but now it was quite literally falling apart. The whole park seemed to have fallen into disrepair, mostly abandoned save for Eddie’s beloved uncle’s home.

Afraid to lose his nerve Eddie knocked on the door the moment he had his feet securely under him, heart pounding as he listened to the sound of someone moving around on the other side. 

The ancient door creaked open, revealing a wizened old man in a moth-bitten flannel. He was completely bald now, but still sported a short beard, white these days rather than the salt and pepper of Eddie’s memory, but there was no mistaking those kind, if piercing, eyes.

“Eddie?” Wayne gasped, looking at him as though he was seeing a ghost.

Somehow Eddie hadn’t thought through the fact that he hadn’t aged a day since he last saw the man in front of him, and that was going to require some sort of explanation, assuming the shock of it didn’t give him a heart attack first.

“Long time no see, Uncle Wayne.”

“No kidding,” the gruff man huffed, making a visible effort not to let his mouth hang open. Wayne glanced from Steve to Eddie and back again before shaking his head, mumbling something to himself as he shrugged and stepped back into the house. “You boys better come on in then.”

Eddie didn’t move at first, he felt frozen and so unsure, but then Steve was pressing a hand into his lower back and he remembered he wasn’t alone. They followed Wayne inside and it took everything in Eddie not to break down and cry. The place was just as run-down inside as out. 

“I can’t believe you still live here,” he said, looking around at the peeling wallpaper, barely hanging-on paneling, and the thick layers of dust on almost every surface.

“Refused to move,” Wayne explained, leaning heavily on the old formica countertop in the kitchen, his eyes tracking Eddie’s every movement. “Even after everybody else left. I—your dad told me you ran off, and to be honest I was happy you did. But I knew you might need family one day, and I was afraid if I left you wouldn’t be able to find me. I never gave up hope.”

The tears Eddie had been fighting off won out, running in thin lines down his face.

Wayne took a wobbly step towards him, voice breaking as he spoke again. “I missed you, Eddie.” 

Eddie let out a sob, surging forward to wrap him up in a hug. Wayne was both shorter and thinner than he remembered, but there was still strength in his arms when he gripped him back.

“I missed you too, old man. Every day I missed you.”

They held each other for a long time, until Eddie’s tears slowed and Wayne could stand on his own again. 

The older man pulled back, eyes all for Steve now, giving him a narrow eyed once over. “Now—Eddie, you gonna introduce me to your boy here? And maybe explain to me why you look the same as the last time I saw you even though it’s been nearly forty years?”

“Right,” Eddie mumbled a breathy laugh escaping his throat. “Um, this is Steve.”

"Hrmph,” Wayne hummed, still squinting at Steve. Honestly Eddie wasn’t sure if the man’s eyesight was going or if he was trying to appear somehow intimidating. Knowing Wayne, it was probably a bit of both. “Steve, huh. You love my boy?”

“Yes, sir,” Steve answered quickly, his hand coming to rest again on Eddie’s lower back.

“Sir—” Wayne drew the word out, thinking, then gave a single decisive nod. “I like ‘im.”

All the breath whooshed out of Steve’s body at once, as though he’d been holding it, worried about his reception. Eddie bumped their shoulders together.

“As far as the rest goes, It’s kind of a long story.”

“Sorta figured,” Wayne grunted. “No matter, I got time.”

“Wait,” Steve said, his hand gripping tight to Eddie’s side now as he spoke softly in his ear. “How about we show him instead?” 

And If Eddie wasn’t already head over heels that would have sealed it for him. He leaned in, pressing a kiss to Steve’s cheek, infusing it with every ounce of love he felt for the other boy in that moment.

“What do you say old man, you wanna come and live with me and Steve?”

Wayne didn’t answer for long enough that Eddie was afraid he might refuse, but after a long pause his face spread into a familiar smile. “I’d love that. Let me just get my jacket and we can be on our way.”

“Don't you wanna bring anything with you?” Steve asked.

“Nah, this junk don’t mean nothing. I got my boy back, that’s all I need. Where are we headed anyway?”

“Back home, to the castle,” Eddie grinned, knowing the reaction that was likely to get. 

It didn’t disappoint. 

“Castle?!” Wayne shouted, loud as a gunshot.

Eddie and Steve shared a look, giggling as one. 

“You’ll see.”

Eddie took Steve’s hand and together they held on to Uncle Wayne to make the journey home, so much easier now that the final weight Eddie had been carrying around for so long had been lifted. After decades of mourning everything he thought he’d lost, only to find so much more in return, he was more than ready to begin this new chapter of his life, and make up for a little lost time. 

Stay tuned for a look into Steve and Eddie's happily ever after in a new spicy sequel one-shot coming this winter!

Permanent taglist(open): @penny00dreadful @pearynice @hitlikehammers @bookworm0690 @wonderland-girl143-blog 

@goodolefashionedloverboi @themagicalari @awkwardgravity1 @rocknrollsalad

Fic taglist(open): @strangererotica @paintsplatteredandimperfect @xegany @devondespresso @3vilpurpl3d0t

@ravenfrog

[themonsterundermystairs]

skyrim mods for pride month!

these are some queer mods i use. if you know any others, please share!

1. LGBTQ Hold Banners & LGBTQ Pride Guard Armor Retexture

Technically twwo separate mods, but they work best together, since you will get the same pride flags for each hold. (links: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/58526 & https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/62402)

2.  Queering Skyrim - The Children of Azura (Trans Lore) &  Queering Skyrim - Blueflower Necklace &  Queering Skyrim - Lavender Menace Necklace

These mods add amulets for wlw, mlm and trans pride. The trans one also adds a lot of lore, in the form of books and letters. (links: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/41145 & https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27733 & https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27079)

3. Simply Gay Letters

Adds a lot of gay letters. They reveal that quite a few characters are gay.

(Link: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/26423)

4. Gender Neutral Clothes

These mods make clothing gender neutral, meaning women can now wear pants and men can wear dresses.

(Links: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/47037 & https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/49898 & https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/53067 & https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/77468 & https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/34320)

5. Pride Capes

Allows you to make pride capes and give them to your followers or wear them yourself.

(Link: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/51876)

6.  Handicapped Citizens- Mihail NPCs and Followers (SE-AE version) (''disabled'')

This mod adds NPCs with disabilities and at least one of them is gay.

(link: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/63235)

(Tip if you use it together with the pride guard armor:

1. go to [whatever your pride guard folder is]/textures/armor/stormcloaks.

2. Find the file stormcloakscuirasswhiterunf.dds and copy it.

3. then go to [whatever your handicapped citizens folder is]/Textures/Deepening Elements of Skyrim/Handicapped Citizens/Whiterun Guard.

4. Paste your pride armor and agree to replace old file. if you don’t do that, you will have one guard who wears vanilla whiterunarmor)

7. gore

a follower who will respect your nonbinary identity. you can give him top surgery scars.

(link: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/85298)

8. redcap

a riekling follower that just got a pride patch!

(link: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/73441)

9.  Top Surgery Scars Overlay - SE

If you want your character to have top surgery scars, this is the mod for you.

(link: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/48654)

[petratherrock]

Ok. Decided to draw this frame of basically the Stroud-verse today. I don't have the time or energy for 31days of pain so here I go with my own Stroud-tober prompt

The Bartimaeus trilogy, Lockwood and co., and The Notorious Scarlett and Browne

If you know what some of these refer to from his three books series, well, then, you know lol. I k some of em are prolly a little too obscure

1. Leather jacket

2. Briefcase

3. Hunting knife

4. Burning house

5. Haunted locket

6. Boat

7. Rapiers

8. Trainers

9. Comic books

10. Rifle

11. Potted lavender plant

12. Feather capes

13. Shining boy

14. Boots

15. Ethnic masks

16. Albert Browne

17. Amulet of Samarkand

18. Biscuits

19. Straw hat

20. Ceramic ducks

21. The Skull

22. Necktie

23. Apples

24. Trolley

25. Thai food takeaway

26. Doughnuts

27. Quill Kipps

28. Goggles

29. Candles

30. Thick books

31. Teapot and cup

[galebrainrot2024]

Gale x Tav Enemies to Lovers Part VIII/8

I'm cooking with gas now folks, I am locked in so I hope you enjoy this journey - if I have enough juice I'll try to extend it through the entire game arc.

Content Warning: Bullying, Anxiety, Language, Herbs (lol)

“Fucking finally,” Karlach huffed, dropping a majority of their belongings and rations. Without her, Lae’zel and Shadowheart, Tav wasn’t sure they would have made it to the Underdark. The men were utterly useless in this regard and so was she. She had many strengths - strength was not among them. “I’m not sorting through what’s what so come and find your own things. Gale what’s for dinner? I’m starving. No… I need to lie down.” 

“As always, I am deeply in your debt my good Lady,” Tav watched as Gale bowed to Karlach and collected his things from her then winked,  “I’ll be sure to make your favorite.” A pang shot through her - not one of desire or even anger. 

It was jealousy. She scoffed, rolling her eyes at her own behavior. Don’t be ridiculous, she chided, Karlach is your friend and Gale is allowed to talk with whomever he pleases… they’ve been spending a lot of time together… besides, you know who Karlach fancies and it’s certainly not Gale… you have no right to be angry after Astarion… 

Her stomach twisted uncomfortably and she turned away as hot bile rose in her gut. She shook it off and began to unpack her things. 

** 

The Underdark. She had studied its existence extensively in her time at Blackstaff and was both horrified and fascinated by its unfamiliar terrain. Their instructor would pull at the fabric of the Weave to make intricate conjurations of the Underdark’s dangerous creatures, wild mushrooms, and native fauna. Some was so startling to her that at the time she was plagued with night terrors. How embarrassing it felt to have night terrors as a teen. It had been engrained so deep that the fear still dug at her skin and she felt the surge of fight or flight acutely.   

Gale had been in that class with her. 

That grounded her a bit, the memory of his ‘know-it-all’ attitude getting him a severe bind. Gale had famously confused the Duergar and Drow and when their instructor, Flhem, tried to gently correct him, Gale persisted. What Gale didn’t realize at the time was that other than Flhem being an expert on the Underdark, Tav’s father was also an expeditionist there. 

She was intimately familiar with the Underdark and had an insatiable curiosity for it. The obsession took hold when she was wracked with panic that her father wouldn’t return from a journey. Tav turned to her fixation on learning in order to soothe her nerves. If she learned everything she could, she could imagine every possible scenario and outcome so she couldn’t be surprised. 

A wave of guilt rose in her when the rest of the memory unfolded. After Gale’s soliloquy, Tav tapped on his shoulder (he was sat in front of her) and she said smugly,  “Gale… I thought you were smarter than that,” all while pulling at the threads of the Weave to manifest replicas of the Duegar and Drow, “Or did you miss the readings? If you look to page 27...” She said while the class held its breath, “there are a number of distinctions between the two races… height being prominent among them.” As she spoke the final word, the two conjurations stood before the class and Gale flipped to the page. She inhaled deeply when she recalled the look on his face when the entire class - including Flhem - burst into laughter. Have you always been so cruel… you wretched thing… the memory weighed heavily on her, and she fingered her amulet. 

He hadn't even said anything in retort. Gale had just quietly shut the book and had turned to look back at her before he left the room. The look he gave was one she would never forget. It made her sick.

Suddenly she felt something graze her back and she jumped, swinging her arm to strike. 

Astarion’s hand caught hers and he rose a brow. A grin spread across his face. “My, my, somebody’s on edge this evening."  Tav huffed, her entire body rigid from the start. She shut her eyes and took another breath to steady herself. “Oh,” Astarion said more seriously, “Are you alright, Darling? Can I get you something?” 

Tav tilted her head curiously. Astarion? Going out of his way to ask something nice? Assuming she heard him incorrectly, she said, “Nothing a bit of Hafling Root can’t fix.��� 

“Oh?” He said in a sing-song voice, “Looking to get a little stoned this evening? Far be it from me to keep you from your appetites. Ugh,” he straightened his shirt, picking a piece of lint off his sleeve. “I wish I could still experience that. I’m afraid I’d need an entire field to feel a damn thing. Enjoy for the both of us,” he looked at her and brushed her cheek with the back of his hand, his voice low. “Maybe I’ll join you, still.. keep you company.”  

Tav felt the familiar rush of arousal flood her when Astation’s hand brushed her cheek. Although they had little in common and she wasn’t sure if she even trusted him, biology was a strange experience. In that same moment, her eyes locked on Gale’s - his gaze an abyss that was almost wild. The same one that made her sick all those years ago.  

She took a sharp breath and neither she nor Gale blinked. She fell into the void of his eyes, hypnotized. Had he cast hold person on her? Astarion’s voice pulled her abruptly back into her body, “Well.. you know where to find me.”  

When Tav turned back to look for Gale he was gone. 

[ciagent8]

is anyone noticing how 2024 and late 2023 revived the 2016 fandoms

-hazbin hotel was finally released

-fnaf movie

-bendy movie

-sonic x shadow generations, knuckles series, 3rd sonic movie..

-the fucking amulet comic series, yall remember that? YEAH. FINAL BOOK RELEASED FEB 6. ITS BEEN 8 YEARS.

there is definitely more but i dont remember fully so feel free to keep adding to this

[anoopsiedaisie]

My Fionna and Cake episode 7&8 tangent

Lets start it off with the score. 20/20 it was fantastic. my stupid theory post will happen eventually, and I will ABSOLUTELY TALK ABOUT PETRIGROF

The star - Cake thinking Fionna was upset cause her fling died was silly, Fionna was clearly upset before about the candy people. The fight with the vampires was funny but intense, I love how Cake and Fionna care a lot about eachother. Also why does Simon know what holy water taste like. Pb and "Star" was so cute, and I was so right when I talked about us getting more Bubbline on tiktok (Tiktok account is not linked anywhere btw) The vampire world is super sad though, cause they had really been eating for so long, that a potential thousands of people died. Marshall and Gary really lit up the episode from the sadness once again, Gary's tangents of his candy kingdom are so cute. AND HIS HAMBO THINGY IN HIS CAR. Marten and baby Finn are so cute, I wanna legit cry cause HES MEANT TO BE A GOOD DAD BUT HES SO STUPID IN THE OG UNIVERSE. Also imma say this now, Prismo gets in trouble for breaking the rules once and ignoring a few beeps, BUT Scarab ignores several beeps and his entire job and doesn't get in trouble, that boss better have a good reason. Second date (potentially) and Marshall already introducing his boyfriend to his mom, damn. Marshall's mom matches og Hunson perfectly somehow, duche parent club. And Marshall's little blush of embarrassment from his mom acting all weird infront of Gary. Billy's corpse is messed up, like reall messed up, and the reminder of how tall he is is also crazy. I was also wondering the entire time if Pb was human in this universe until she bit off half her arm basically. The Star's outfit is so good, but I wonder how she turned into a vampire now, maybe she was bit in front of that worlds Simon's body and thats why she screamed at something. Already long section so I'll end it here with, I LOVED THIS ENTIRE EPISODE, Huntress dying was sad though, and Gary Marshall kiss was adorable. Closing thought of this episode, Bubbline but toxic yuri. Jerry - Simon and Betty better get a happy ending or I will legit be so sad, they love each other so much, and Betty just legit became part of a god over her Fiance once celebrity crush. I love how gorgeous everything is in this show, Orbo is also a funny character. I feel like someone could narrow down where things and places they go in this Lich's wish universe it'd seem fun at first then spiral though. Simon does NOT know how to draw though get this man an art class. The tree house being naked though, all its leaves gone. Lich's wish to kill all life, really just unironically killed ALL life, down to plants. Fun little references to old episodes, and including one that revolved around Ice king, hmm. Also I wonder the age gap between Betty and Simon, I like to see it as they're like a year apart but Simon just skipped grades cause hes a smart cookie. Also Simon had slides ready for people to be loud, HE WAS READY. Nerd girls in love. I am also guessing Bmo has been alone for awhile now, at least since season 5ish times since thats when the Lich would have made this wish. All the references in Ice King's junk from the melted ice kingdom. Ninja guide books, kunai, vhs tapes and the camera, the pink diary, his bed has the wishing amulet that Gunter used to break bottles. I was RIGHT

Fionna see's how unhealthy Ice King was, and changes her mind and wants him to not become this sad sad man again. Simon would genuinely be such a sweet and wonderful parent, he loved taking care of the babies in the baby universe, and he sees Fionna get happy when he tells his story with Betty and keeps doing it to keep her happy. Neddy is also guaranteed dead, already obvious but the candy kingdom doesn't have the juices being produced. Bmo has done a lot in his isolation, a lot of stuff is changed or moved, I feel so bad for bmo. But the lines "Help me zip up my bra" and "Ooo, butt stuff" Wow. The Simon and Betty stuff makes me so happy, they're so cute and I love them, they need to have a happy ending or I will be so sad. The lesbians ever, I love these lesbians, let the lesbians be happy. Simon struggling to say he loves her is so CUTE. Poor Bmo, I feel so bad, but he was probably so sad being alone, sad in someway. Petrigrof moment was so cute and adorable please, I want them so happy, they deserve to be happy. Now for the bombshell, Jerry. The Lich's wish monkey paw aspect is that he gets depressed and has nothing to do now that all life is gone. Billy's body decomposing as the Lich parasites it. SO, imma theory my reason for the portal finally opening to GolBetty, either it was because the Lich was used as the battle and influenced it in a way to allow it to finally work, OR Betty's wish to keep Simon safe truly included the crown being worn. Like the crown really did trigger GolBetty like "BITCH, NO" or the third that makes probably the most sense, The Scarab was literally about to kill Simon and go against what Betty wants, meaning she is going to interfere. I saw someone say that GolBetty likely wont remember Simon and this could cause something. BUT I REALLY HOPE THEY DONT DO THAT, I WANT THEM HAPPY SO BADLY