#an ode to the naming conventions of this show

[dunsbar]

tshirt that says

Poppa Poutine

&Small Fry

&Lerman Logan

&Donna Sweett

&Bret Weston Wallis

&Dodger Dickenson

&Barnabus B. Blossom

&Cousin Fester

&Brad Raybury

&Lizzo the Lesbian

&Aunt Cricket and Uncle Bedford

&Baby Teeth

&Gilda Snide

&Bitsy Smith

&Peaches N’ Cream

&Juniper and Dagwood

&Squeaky

&War Baby

&Bingo.

[intergalacticsouvenirs]

From Romans to Rectums: Thoughts on the Naming Convention in Mad Max

I think it’s fascinating how that meme about how often men think about the roman empire is materialized in the mad max world in different forms, but especially in their bastardized-latin naming convention. In my mind, it appears that post apocalyptic warlords were aware that modern society looked up to the roman empire, but they didn’t quite understand how the romans influenced us exactly. Nevertheless, the warlords (or their history men) did have access to niche knowledge such as ancient roman military strategy, enough to inspire the imperator and praetorian warrior position names. It’s as if the first history men did not keep any pre modern history on their skins, so they had to reduce the entire roman empire into fragments of ideals (for oral tradition). Such fragments of ideals would combine in weird ways to inspire these war-men to write the most beautifully grotesque poems that are their names.

In a world where words have more power, names are more than just biographical micro-poems, they are multi-used as tools as well. They could be guns pointed to your face like “People Eater” and “Toe-Cutter”, a quality seal of approval on a product like “Capable” and “Splendid”, an aggressive dog warning sign like “Furiosa” and “Mad Max”, and even a prayer amulet as in “Corpus Colossus”.

As a trend among warlords, a wacky wrestling stage name is a must for a strong branding. After all, the ferocious marketing of late capitalism and show business did not die with the atomic bomb, but rather thrived, mutated, and embraced nature, believe it or not. Darwin’s nature, not you tree-huggers’ nature.

The names of the two capable immortan brothers Rictus Erectus and Scabrous Scrotus reveal the real underlying obsession of all men: the penis. The penis is the axis mundi around which all revolves in the (mad max) world. But more than just about sex, the penis cult is about finding strength and courage in a hypermasculine god to mentally survive in a hypermasculine hell. In this context, the names of Immortan Joe's sons take on a deeper significance. Firstly, Rictus Erectus translates to something like grin and erection, as if Immortan Joe had hopped for a future full of pleasures for his son. It is also a very verbal wish for an offspring who can physically stand up by himself and for himself. Unlike his disabled brother Corpus Colossus, who received a magnificent name meaning body like a giant greek god statue, in fruitless hopes that his imperfections would also grow away. Scabrous Scrotus more explicitly describes a unique physical attribute, namely some scabby nuts. Scrotus could very well be a nickname, which would parallel ancient romans who would choose a cognomen (nickname) to be known by, like Caligula meaning “little boot”, Oedipus (greek) meaning “swollen foot”, and Verrucosus meaning “warty”, for example. Better would be if Joe had named his son after his own beat-up ballsack, in which case this ode to biological reproduction against the environment would be very on brand. I bet Darwin is grinning wide, in his coffin.

It is interesting to note that most people in the recent mad max world appear to be illiterate and uncultured, so most don’t even understand the meaning of these stupid Latin names, but just that they sound as important as they say they are. That means these men who have access to nuance are really “dressing up” for each other, like an internal joke with the bois. Three brothers named to sound like roman emperors, to rule over all the erected men, by his mighty phallus.

It goes to show how colossal and monumental… the roman empire was, that it would outlast even the best of modernity. And its shadow would still loom over humans like the mysterious milky way in the night sky.

It’s a shame that Miller’s hyper-poetry is not that accessible.

[gallawitchxx]

weekly tag wednesday!

i was tagged by a ton of cuties -- @darlingian @energievie @deedala @palepinkgoat @crestfallercanyon @francesrose3 @mmmichyyy @lingy910y & @juliakayyy! thanks cuties! i'm smooching each & every one of you on the cheek!

about me

name: bee age: 31 star sign: cancer your first language: english second language: french! i'm fairly conversational favorite lip product: chapstick the best food dish you can make without a recipe: tacos? tacos! if you drink tea, what kind?: english breakfast or mint if you drink coffee, what roast do you usually get?: as dark as dark can be! favorite thing to watch on youtube right now: tbh i don't really watch much on youtube these days? gallavichscenes probably lol favorite thing to watch on youtube in 2012: kiss compilations oops favorite item of clothing right now: a sweatshirt that says "come to the dark side, we have smut" favorite item of clothing in 2012: this hot little red dress that made me look like a bombshell

fandom

three movies you recommend: 10 things i hate about you, elizabethtown, lars & the real girl your favorite concert: my favorite singer of all time, during a snowstorm in nyc. there were only 35 people in attendance & he came down afterwards to say hello & take pictures, even though he's the most shy person of all time - it was amazing! have you ever unfollowed someone over a fandom opinion?: yes have you ever left a fandom because of the fans?: no the best tv show you watched last year: this one's really hard... it was a great year - either the bear or the final season of succession do you have a fancasting you just can't let go of?: i don't think so? even though i really loved tpz as alex in rwrb, i do wish they'd gone with a biblically accurate height difference & cast someone like michael cimino (love, victor) a ship you've abandoned: i don't think i've ever abandoned a ship! how willing are you to share your ao3 history?: omg it's a mess, but you can peek, sure do you have a fandom tattoo?(do you want one?): i have luna lovegood's radish earrings, an ode to hamlet & my favorite number in doctor who-like tally marks! & the rebel alliance symbol. oh wow, i'm a nerd! what fandom do you wish was bigger?: the last binding series by freya marske! especially hawthorn & ross, aka rawthorn my beloveds has a finale ever ruined a show for you?: same as chani - how i met your mother. terrible shame! also a bit game of thrones. it wasn't ruined, but i wasn't happy.

have you...

swam in an ocean?: yes ever been vegan/vegetarian?: no gone skinny dipping?: yes gone skiing?: no been to a convention?: many!

tagging @thisdivorce @steorie @heymrspatel @whatthebodygraspsnot @whatwouldmickeydo @metalheadmickey @gardenerian @howlinchickhowl @rereadanon @creepkinginc & anyone else who wants to play! xx

[alwayschasingrainbows]

Tangled Web Readalong

Chapter 1.2.

Aunt Becky, in my opinion, is written in a mocking way, as a caricature of all those nosy relatives that each one of us has in our environment. She is a typical aunt who, when there is an awkward silence at the Christmas table, will immediately seize the opportunity to stab the person sitting next to her, asking countless questions and expecting detailed answers. We, the readers, laugh at Aunt Becky's sarcastic retorts, but let's face the truth: each one of us has probably felt insecure in the company of a similar person at one time or another.

Maud's writing genius is best demonstrated while describing family scenes; she had a unique sense of humor and a sense of observation. Aunt Becky's party doesn't seem very pleasant: everyone falls victim to the sarcastic remarks of the head of the family; but everyone shows up anyway, each time.

I think almost everyone was intrigued by Aunt Becky's personality; she is undoubtedly one of the most interesting older women characters that Maud has created. I really liked her jokes and recalling family stories. A huge plus for the scene of applying rouge on the cheeks:

"It's no more than decent at your age," protested Ambrosine.

"Decency's a dull dog," retorted Aunt Becky. "I parted company with it long ago."

Then, Aunt Becky's reaction to Nan's makeup:

"Go upstairs and wash that stuff off your lips and cheeks," she said. "I won't have any painted snips around here."

It's a bit like Aunt Becky saying, "I'm eighty-five, so I'm allowed." Of course, this is pure hypocrisy, but it must be admitted that it is very funny one.

Speaking of Nan, her way of dressing should have resembled Ilse Burnley's, but it doesn't, not in the slightest. I have a feeling that Nan dresses to impress others, while Ilse dresses only for herself.

Nan's mother reminds me so much of one od Valancy Stirling's relatives: "Aunt Alberta, enormously fat, with an amiable habit of always referring to her husband as “he,” as if he were the only male creature in the world, who could never forget that she had been a great beauty in her youth" (Blue Castle),

vs:

"She was an enormously fat woman, with a rather deplorable penchant for wearing bright colours and over-rich materials, who had been very slim and beautiful in a youth." (Tangled Web).

Characters that caught my attention (and the quotes, describing them) are

Peter Penhallow

We know from chapter 1.1. that "had it not been for the jug, Peter Penhallow might to-day have been photographing lions alone in African jungles" (how delightful and wild!!!!).

In chapter 1.2. we find out that Peter is a free spirit and a nature lover: "Peter is here," said his sister Nancy Dark eagerly. "He's out on the veranda. You know Peter hates to be cooped up in a room. He's so accustomed to--to--"

"The great open spaces of God's outdoors," murmured Aunt Becky ironically."

Maybe it is me overthinking, but I can easily spot some resemblance to Barney Snaith; both men prefer open space and life wildness, surrounded by beautiful, untamed nature. They both seem to abandon accepted conventions and norms. Both of them do not fit into the quiet society of a small town, but seek experiences that other people cannot understand.

Gay Penhallow

She has some of Rilla's innocence and romantism in her! Gay seems as such a radiant, cheerful girl, who brings beauty and laughter everywhere she goes (very similar to pre-war Rilla). She resembles young Nan Blythe, too: Blythe by name, Blythe by nature. If Google is right, their names somehow match, too:

The name "Blythe" is both a boy's name and a girl's name of English origin meaning "happy, carefree".

The name "Gay"'s meaning: cheerful, joyful, merry".

Margaret Penhallow:

She just seems so sweet and kind: "her thin, sensitive face flushing pitifully and her peculiarly large, soft, grey-blue eyes filling with tears, went blindly to the first vacant chair."

Her description: soft, big eyes filling with tears, sensitive face reminds me a little about Aunt Laura from Emily of New Moon: kind, sweet, good-natured, but also rather weak and easily-bossed.

"Perhaps Margaret still wrote poems. A little shell-covered box in her trunk might know something about that. But the public press knew them no more, much to the clan's thankfulness."

Penny Dark:

"What's the matter with you, Penny? You're not as good-looking as you generally believe you are."

"He was a fat, tubby little fellow, with a curly grey beard and none-too-plentiful curly hair. As usual, he was as well-groomed as a cat. He still considered himself a gay young wag, and felt that nothing but the jug could have lured him into a public appearance under the circumstances."

He is exactly how I imagine Emily's cousin - Andrew Murray, or Emily's almost fiancée - Aylmer Vincent might look and act like, 30 years post series.

Moon Man (described in a separate post).

Uncle Pippin:

"Uncle Pippin shifted his wad of gum to the other side of his mouth and manufactured a cheerful lie instantly for the credit of the clan."

Chef's kiss!

[officevalle]

Chart-Topping Lyrics That Redefined Pop Music

Pop music has always been at the forefront of shaping culture and defining generations. Lyrics play a crucial role in creating these timeless anthems, helping them resonate with listeners across the globe. Certain songs rise above the rest, capturing moments in time and becoming iconic. In this article, we explore chart-topping lyrics that have redefined pop music, focusing on how they connect with audiences on an emotional and cultural level.

1. Timeless Quality of “Call Me by Your Name” Lyrics

Few songs evoke as much emotional depth as Call Me by Your Name. The call me by your name lyrics are a poetic exploration of love, longing, and vulnerability. The song’s lyricism is not just about expressing feelings; it invites listeners into a shared experience of connection.

The beauty of this track lies in its ability to convey universal emotions through personal storytelling. Its success is evident in the widespread acclaim it received, becoming a cultural phenomenon. The lyrics stand out as an ode to intimacy, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and cherish their relationships.

2. Revolutionizing Pop with “Habits” Lyrics

When Tove Lo’s Habits (Stay High) was released, it brought a raw, unfiltered take on heartbreak and coping. The habits lyrics offer a glimpse into the complexities of human emotions, particularly how people deal with loss.

Unlike many pop songs that focus on glossy depictions of love or resilience, Habits dives headfirst into the messiness of reality. The authenticity of the lyrics resonates with anyone who has faced difficult times. This relatability helped the song become a massive hit, breaking through traditional pop conventions and influencing a wave of more candid storytelling in music.

3. The Anthemic Nature of “Youngblood” Lyrics

5 Seconds of Summer’s Youngblood is a perfect example of how energetic lyrics can fuel a song's popularity. The youngblood lyrics capture the volatility and passion of youthful relationships.

The track’s lyrics explore themes of love, betrayal, and reconciliation in a way that feels both personal and universal. The clever use of repetition and phrasing adds a rhythmic quality that makes it instantly memorable. Its chart-topping success is a testament to how the perfect combination of lyrics, melody, and energy can captivate audiences.

4. Breaking Records with “God’s Plan” Lyrics

Drake’s God’s Plan became an anthem of gratitude and empowerment. The gods plan drake lyrics delve into themes of faith, perseverance, and the impact of success. Drake uses his platform to express not only personal triumphs but also to acknowledge the community that supports him.

The lyrics’ simplicity and sincerity struck a chord with listeners worldwide, helping the song dominate charts for weeks. It wasn’t just a commercial success—it became a cultural moment, often referenced in memes, social media posts, and even charitable acts inspired by Drake’s own generosity in the music video.

5. Creative Inspiration from Music Band Names

Behind every iconic song is an equally iconic band. Choosing the right name can be as influential as the lyrics themselves. The significance of music band names lies in their ability to evoke curiosity, represent the band’s identity, and connect with audiences.

Names like The Beatles, Queen, and Coldplay have become synonymous with their music. The right band name not only sets the tone for their artistic journey but also adds a layer of intrigue, making fans want to dive deeper into their work. Exploring the evolution of these names shows how they’ve contributed to creating memorable pop music moments.

The Evolution of Pop Lyrics Over Time

Pop music lyrics have evolved significantly over the decades. In the early days, songs were often characterized by simplistic themes of love and joy. With time, artists began incorporating complex narratives, social commentary, and personal struggles into their music.

This evolution reflects changing societal values and the growing desire for authenticity in art. Artists like Drake, Tove Lo, and 5 Seconds of Summer have embraced this shift, creating lyrics that feel genuine and reflective of their personal experiences.

For example, God’s Plan incorporates gratitude and humility, themes that resonate with the modern era's focus on mindfulness. Meanwhile, Habits touches on mental health and coping mechanisms, reflecting society's increasing openness to discussing these issues.

The Cultural Impact of Chart-Topping Lyrics

Pop lyrics are more than just words set to music—they often shape and reflect cultural norms. Songs like Call Me by Your Name and Youngblood have sparked conversations about love, relationships, and identity. They serve as soundtracks to our lives, marking significant moments and emotions.

Moreover, chart-topping lyrics often inspire other forms of creativity. From fan art to social media trends, these songs leave a lasting impact on popular culture. Their widespread appeal transcends age, geography, and language, uniting people through shared experiences.

What Makes Lyrics Memorable?

Several factors contribute to making lyrics unforgettable:

Relatability: Songs like Habits resonate because they reflect real-life experiences.

Emotional Depth: Lyrics with emotional weight, like those in Call Me by Your Name, stay with us long after the music stops.

Catchiness: The repetitive phrasing in Youngblood makes it instantly recognizable.

Cultural Relevance: God’s Plan speaks to universal themes of gratitude and faith, ensuring its enduring popularity.

Symbolism: Great lyrics often use metaphors and imagery, adding layers of meaning that listeners can interpret in their own way.

The Business of Chart-Topping Lyrics

Behind every hit song is a team of songwriters, producers, and marketers working to create the perfect blend of words and music. Chart-topping lyrics are not just an artistic achievement—they’re also a business success.

For example, songs like God’s Plan and Youngblood were heavily promoted on streaming platforms, ensuring maximum reach. Social media played a crucial role in their popularity, with fans sharing snippets, creating challenges, and spreading the word.

The commercial success of these songs also highlights the importance of understanding audience preferences. By tapping into universal themes, these artists have ensured their lyrics stand the test of time.

Conclusion

The power of chart-topping lyrics lies in their ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level. From the poetic elegance of call me by your name lyrics to the raw honesty of habits lyrics, these songs have redefined pop music by pushing boundaries and exploring new themes.

As music continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the importance of lyrics in shaping the way we experience and remember songs. What are your favorite chart-topping lyrics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

[soulsanitarium]

HISTORICAL MOVIES ABOUT WITCH PROCESSES

🇩🇰/🇳🇴🇨🇿🇫🇮🇺🇸🇪🇸🇮🇸🇫🇷🇵🇱 From the best known to the least known.

The Crucible (1996) - based on the play of Arthur Miller. Miller likened the situation with the House Un-American Activities Committee to the witch hunt in Salem in 1692 (the love story is purely fiction). Other American films & series that are based more or less in to Salem trials are: The Maid of Salem (1937) & Salem Witch Trials (2002) with Kirstie Alley, Shirley MacLaine, Alan Bates, Rebecca De Mornay.

Witchfinder General - see my previous post.

🇬🇧The Devils (1971) based on the book of Aldous Huxley, loosely based on the historical events in France. The Loudun possessions, known in French as the Possessed of Loudun Affair (Affaire des possédées de Loudun), was a notorious witchcraft trial that took place in Loudun, Kingdom of France, in 1634. A convent of Ursuline nuns said they had been visited and possessed by demons. Following an investigation by the Catholic Church, a local priest named Urbain Grandier was accused of summoning the evil spirits. Polish 🇵🇱Matka Joanna od Aniołów, also known as The Devil and the Nun (1961) is an art Film based on the same book.

Kladivo na čarodějnice (Witchhammer) Dir. Otakar Vávra (1969), adaptation of Kaplický's novel of the same name about the Northern Moravia trials. It is drawing from original historical documents.

🧹This film is very provocative, but it also offers a bit of a view of the layers of society and political motives. Indeed, the film is considered an allegory for the Stalin’s political show trials. What was quite exceptional in this historical case was that lawyer Jindřich František Boblig z Edelstadtu sought mainly the Conviction of local wealthy burghers.💰

🇩🇪Mark of the Devil (1970) - only the location is real. Schloss Moosham (moosham castle) is in Salzburg , Austria 🇦🇹 The Zaubererjackl trials or Salzburg witch trials, also known in history as the Magician Jackls process, which took place in the city of Salzburg in 1675–1690, was one of the largest and most famous witch trials in Austria but the movie has nothing to do with this it is basically torture porn.

🇩🇰Vredens Dag (1943) - Day of Wrath is a 1943 Danish drama film directed by C.T.Dreyer. It is an adaptation of the 1909 Norwegian play AnnePedersdotter by Hans Wiers-Jenssen, based on a 16th century Norwegian witchtrial case. It might reflect also the Nazi occupation in Denmark.

The Basque word AKELARRE means 'the field of the he-goat' as well as 'witches sabbath'. 🎥Akelarre (2020) centers on the relationship between a judge called Rostegui and a group of teens suspected of witchcraft. In an attempt to evade execution, the six teenage girls decide to tell the judge what he wants to hear. Their leader, Ana, realizes that the judge is desperate to prove the reality of the sabbath.

Pierre de Rosteguy de Lancre or Pierre de l'Ancre (1553–1631), was the (56 yo) French judge of Bordeaux who conducted the massive Pays de Labourd witch-hunt in 1609. In 1582 he was named judge in Bordeaux, and in 1608 King Henry IV commanded him to put an end to the practice of witchcraft. However before that 2 noblemen from Labourd asked help from the King.👑

Total of suspects in the area was 5000 but there are no clear records how many was killed in local trials. In famous Logroño trials 6 people were burned alive, 4 women & 2 men, 13 died in prison.🔥 five burned in effigy. (and many toads 🐸 were hanged too)

Finnish film Tulen morsian (2016) Devil’s Bride, is partly based on research but the plot (love story) is fiction. Influenced by the Feminist-movement.

Did you know that before the famous Swedish witch trials ( in Dalarna - Mora) they started from Finland? 🔥In the 17th century Finland was part of Sweden 🇸🇪🇫🇮and at that time (in 1655) man called Nils Psilander was appointed to be an Åland island 🇦🇽district judge.⚖️ District judge Psilander was the man behind the only linked trials in Finland (a snowball effect that led to multiple death sentences). Demonological ideas such as the demonic pact, the sabbat, and the Devil’s mark come to the fore. Psilander’s university studies in Tartu, with its German teachers, help to explain his knowledge of these ideas. 😈 7 women (+1) were beheaded and burned in these trials.

🇮🇸 Myrkrahöfðinginn (1999) Dir.Gunnlaugsson

⛪️This witchtrial film is loosely based on the historical events in Iceland. The trial & the burning in Easter week 1656 in Skutulsfjörður, Ísafjarðarsýsla, of the two Jón Jónssons, father and son, from Kirkjuból for witchcraft against their parish priest Jón Magnússon. (Ellison 1994-97)

[softsnzstuff]

Sicktember Day 6 - Sick on Vacation

@sicktember Day 6

Prompt: Sick on Vacation / paired with an ask: Streamer Steve and Eddie at a convention? Steve has a cold but was insistent on coming to meet his fans, he even made little signed photo cards for the first few people. Eddie makes him wear a mask and follows him around, doting on him during the entire day. Has tissues, cough drops, and water for him 🥹

Fandom: Stranger Things, streamer AU

Word Count: 2.6k

CW: None

“Are you sure you don’t just want to cancel?” Eddie pressed.

Steve had been booked to come out to StreamCon in San Francisco this weekend to livestream, meet fans, and do a few panels.

Steve folded a shirt and added it to the suitcase, “No, Eddie, I told you already. The fans would be so disappointed and I already made snFF some signed cards for the first 25.”

“Steve you’ve had this stupid cold for like three days…” Eddie’s voice now tiptoed into concerned territory.

“Yeah snF, three days already it should be practically gone by thehhh-”

“Bless you!”

“HEH ISSSSH! Tisssssh! EHH’ktchEW!”

The last sneeze had been messier than anticipated. Eddie grabbed a couple tissues from the box and handed them to Steve who still had a wrist in front of his face.

“Christ Stevie, what am I gonna do with you?” Eddie scolded slightly, “You should wear a mask when you’re meeting fans since that was more than a little disgusting.”

“Already planni’g od it.” Steve mumbled from behind the tissues.

**

The next day, the boys were at the airport waiting to board the flight to SF. Steve insisted on lunch and Eddie insisted on Burger King.

“Smile Steve!” Eddie laughed as he snapped a photo with his phone.

Eddie tapped away at the screen for a minute and then held the phone at arms length to show Steve what he’d posted.

“Who’s sick, a streamer and coming to a city near you? If you guessed Steve and live in San Francisco - it’s your lucky day! Be prepared to wash your hands a LOT ! Steve is like. Super gross rn.”

“Great Tha’gks. Really captured m’by charmb…”

Eddie laughed as the worker called order 86 and they collected their food.

The four hour flight was pretty uneventful. Steve was asleep, restless against Eddie’s shoulder in business class. every now and then, the older of the two would reach over and pull the younger closer to him, rubbing his arm to comfort him.

The rest of their evening was filled spent checking into their hotel and going out to find some early dinner so Steve could rest before StreamCon started tomorrow. They settled on a small Mexican restaurant.

When they’d finished eating, Eddie noticed one of the waitresses staring at them. He chuckled and ushered her over with a smile.

“Oh my gosh, hi. Sorry I didn’t want to interrupt you guys but I’m a big fan of Steve’s streams.”

A huge smile crossed Steve’s face. “I’d shake your hand, but I’m a bit sick this week. What’s your name?”

“I’m Cassie! I’m actually coming to StreamCon tomorrow! I requested the day off MONTHS ago!” She exclaimed. She couldn’t be any older than 22.

“It’s so nice to meet you Cassie. I’ll see you tomorrow alright?”

The girl nodded enthusiastically with a “thank you”.

“Take care, love.” Eddie said. He was always soft with Steve’s fans. He popped into some streams every now and again - enough that the fans knew who he was.

Eddie glanced over to Steve who was coughing into his shirt collar.

“Let’s head back to the hotel. You sound like you need some rest.” Eddie suggested, Steve nodding tiredly in agreement.

**

Eddie woke up at 8am the next morning. Steve was still snoring beside him, so Eddie quietly left the bed and hopped in the hotel shower, letting the warm spray wake him up.

“Hey sleepy,” Eddie placed a hand on his boyfriend’s shoulder and kissed his forehead, “Today’s your big day.”

“Wha times’it?” Steve groaned.

“It’s almost 8:30.”

Steve groaned again, triggering a cough that Eddie didn’t like the sound of.

“Why don’t you take a shower. Might help with some of the congestion.”

Steve nodded sleepily and slowly got up, grabbing his outfit for the day and then heading into the bathroom.

The younger man turned on the water, stepped inside and breathed in the steam, immediately feeling the shift in his sinuses.

“AGKTchew! Tsschiew! Snfff SNF EHH’ktchEW!!”

He sniffled for a minute as he applied and then rinsed the shampoo from his hair.

“TSSSCHEW!”

On the other side of the door, Eddie winced. Steve definitely sounded worse for wear this morning. Thinking ahead, the long haired man had packed a small Fanny pack that had tissues and cough drops. He packed it away for the moment just as Steve opened the bathroom door, a small steam cloud billowing out. Steve emerged, drying his hair with a towel.

“-ssCHEW!”

“Bless you! How are you feeling babe?”

“Ummb..” He coughed, “Ndot great but uh… I’ll be okay.”he did up the top buttons of his shirt and kissed Eddie on the cheek.

Twenty minutes of hair drying, hair styling, and putting on rings (for Eddie), they were out the door ubering to the convention center. They were dropped off at the special backstage door for guests only.

“Hi Steve, Eddie! Thanks so much for coming. We’re just wrapping up the opening ceremony and people will be on the floor soon. I think we’re going to start with some photo ops if that’s alright?” The woman had a managerial vibe about her.

“Sure.” They both nodded.

“Alright, follow me please.”

She led them down a corridor that led to some double doors. She opened them and it led them out behind a curtained area where the photo ops would be held.

“I’ll have you guys in booth B for now. This is Tracy and she’ll be your handler for the day.”

“Nice to meet you guys! Everyone is so excited to see you, Steve.” Tracy was a mid 20’s Asian woman with an artistic air about her. She seemed lighthearted and fun. “So we’ve got about ten minutes before the attendees start lining up, is it okay for the photographer to get a few test shots?”

“Sure! I’ll just stand here?” Steve pointed at a tape ‘X’ on the floor. “Eddie?”

“They’re not here for me, man. This is allll you, big boy.”Eddie smirked and took a seat on a stool just out of frame, near where the attendees would be exiting.

“Alright Mr.Harrington, my names Greg and I’ll be the photographer. If you could just look right here for me… aaaaaaand big smiles!”

The flash went off, bouncing off the light reflectors all over the room.

“And one more please Steve.”

Once more the flash went off and Steve could feel a prickle in his nose.

“Heh-issssh! Hhhh heh’Tisssh!”

“Bless you! Sorry my lights can have that effect sometimes.” Greg joked. He was an older man in his 40’s and was very near bald but very friendly.

“Steve-” Eddie called over now that Greg was done with his test shots.

Steve walked over towards Eddie to see him wearing a Fanny pack and holding out a tissue. He choked back a laugh as he swiped the tissue.

“Is that a fandy pack Mudsond? Where?? Why???”

“It’s full of the good stuff for you today, don’t question it!”

Steve blew his nose and tossed the tissue in the trash can to Eddie, looking a little unsure of what to do with his hands.

“Are you looking for this?” Eddie asked, holding up an industrial sized bottle of hand sanitizer.

“Actually yeah.” Steve cupped his hands and held them out while Eddie squirted some into his hands.

“I’m on sanitizer duty for the fans now.” He smiled.

“Sorry to interrupt Steve, the attendees are lining up whenever you’re ready.” Tracy had left a few minutes ago and was now poking her head back through the curtain.

“Yeah, go ahead and send them in!” Steve resumed his spot on the X as two more volunteers filed in, one at the curtain to let them in, and the other by Steve to help get them in the photos.

A chorus of screams rang out as mostly late teen to early twenties girls came in, a few dudes in there as well.

“Oh my god STEEEEEEVE!! HES HERE!”

“Okay my love, you’re first.” The volunteer ushered her over to stand next to Steve.

“Hi, I’m Steve. It’s so nice to meet you.” He greeted her.

“Thanks for coming!! I know you’re not feeling well. Can I have a hug?”

“Sure.”

Steve wrapped his arms around the girl as Greg snapped the photo.

“Come get some sanitizer, darling!” Eddie called as she exited frame.

“OH MY GOD EDDIE!!” Eddie laughed as multiple girls screamed, only noticing him sitting in the corner when he spoke.

Steve managed to get through a a good twenty photos or so before his nose once again got the better of him.

“Hi! What’s your nahhh - IKT’chEW! Excuse me. What’s your name?”

Steve twisted to the side to sneeze and walked over to Eddie for some more sanitizer before returning to the X.

“Bless you! I’m David. I saw Eddie’s post,” the boy looked to Eddie who smirked, “how are you feeling?”

“I’ll level with you, man, I’ve been better, but I’m having such a great time meeting you all.”

The boy nodded and asked to recreate their characters’ poses from the game and collected his squirt of sanitizer on the way out.

Another 50 people come and go, a few of the girls in their 20’s asking Eddie to join their photo, which he happily does, throwing up the rock n roll hand!

“Ahhhhhh thank you Eddieeeeeee! Thanks Steveeeeee!” They squee as they run out, remembering to collect sanitizer from Eddie.

The girls leave and Steve turns away, pulling the neck of his shirt over his face.

“AK’tchEW! TsssCHUH! Snfff H’NYesshEW!!”

Tracy steps to the side, getting a message in her earpiece. “Steve they’re asking if you’d like a break before we start autographs?”

“I um- TSSSCHEW! Fuck!”

“I think a break would be great Tracy, thank you.” Eddie steps in, standing up and putting a hand on Steve’s back. He was doubled over gearing up for another couple sneezes.

Greg, taking use of his break as well, steps out to give them some privacy. The volunteers following.

Eddie had pulled some tissues out of his Fanny pack and held them up for Steve.

“H’MPTssch!” Steve’s chest expanded as he inhaled suddenly. “Hehh H’AESSSH!”

“Bless you! Damn. That sounded like it hurt…” Eddie handed off the tissues to Steve who started cleaning himself up.

“That’s because it did hurt.” Steve winced rubbing at his throat.

“Here babe.” Eddie unzipped the Danny pack and pulled out a cough drop for Steve.

“You’re the best.”

“Told you I had the good stuff.” Eddie winked and rubbed some sanitizer on his hands. “You want a hit?” He quirked an eyebrow at Steve who nodded and he squirted some for his boyfriend.

“Im gonna go wash my hands actually.” Steve said as he left the curtained area, Eddie in tow.

**

The table for autographs was behind a curtain, trying to give a little privacy, though both Eddie and Steve were aware it was slightly see-through. Fans were already lined up on the other side chatting amongst themselves as volunteers explained how it would work.

Steve was really thankful they had waters already at the table for him. He took a greedy swig and then pulled out the special cards he had made and signed for the first 25 fans.

“Stevie don’t forget-”

“Mask, right. I got it.” Steve pulled out a disposable surgical mask and slipped the loops around his ears.

“Good boy.” Eddie grabbed Steve’s head with both hands and pulled him in for a kiss on the forehead.

Steve rubbed his hands with some sanitizer before gesturing for Tracy to start letting them in. A controlled trickle of fans made their way behind the curtain, giggling with excitement when they could see them.

The first was a group of three girls - about 18. They were all cosplaying as their characters. Steve started signing some of their things, “Wow, guys those costumes are incredible. Did you make them?” He asked.

One girl nodded frantically, tears forming in her eyes. Steve glanced at Eddie, who made a sympathetic face. Steve reached across the table and took her hand. “Hey it’s okay, what’s your name?”

“Julia!” She choked out.

He looked up to get her to meet his eyes. “Julia how about I sign this for you okay?”

Her two friends shrieked. “She’s been watching your streams since you had short hair!!”

Eddie snorted from his seat.

“Oh Jesus…and you still stuck around? Well thank you for your support Julia it means a lot to me.”

“Ohmygodthankyou!” She screamed as her and her friends started to walk away. She turned to one and said “OMG IM NEVER WASHING THIS HAND AGAIN!!!”

Eddie cupped his hands around his mouth to make a megaphone, “PLEASE wash your hands! Steve is SO gross right now!”

Some of the fans chuckled, familiar with Eddie’s humor. Steve just elbowed him as the next several people slid through. Quite a few guys had the case of their game signed. A few had prop swords or costume pieces.

A bigger group of girls mid 20’s came up to the table and started chatting up Eddie while Steve finished signing for a little boy.

“Hey Eddie! We’re so glad you came too!”

“Who me? I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Eddie joked. “I’m just here to dote on my favorite princess.” He leaned towards Steve and smiled. Steve would’ve flipped him the bird if there wasn’t an eight year old and his mom standing in front of him.

“Thanks bud, you have a grehhh a great dayyy..”

“Here he goes again…” Eddie teased for the girls.

Despite wearing his mask, Steve turned away,“ihh’TKtchEW! hehh-NGK’tchIEW! snffSNF isssCHIEW!”

“Bless you bless you bless you.” Eddie opened his Fanny pack and handed a couple of tissues to Steve, who started tending to his nose using his mask as a shield.

The girls “awwww”ed at the whole ordeal.

“Sorry! How are you all doing?” Steve turned his attention from his nose to the girls in front of him while signing their things.

“Better than you it sounds like.” One of the girls said.

“We saw Eddie’s post yesterday. Just wanted to bring you these.” Another girl added, placing a small bag on the table.

“Aw you shouldn’t have.” Steve cooed, looking inside. He chuckled when he saw it was a box of tissues. “Thank you, I’ll treasure it dearly.”

“Looks like someone’s already got you covered.” The third girl glanced at Eddie who smiled.

“Great minds think alike, eh?” He reached out and gave the girl a fist bump.

Eddie motioned to Tracy to pause the line for a short break after these girls. Steve was wrapping up signing their fanart and handed each of them one of his special cards that he prepared.

“Thank you so much Steve! We hope you feel better!”

Steve clasped his hands together and smiled gently, “Thank you!”

He sighed and leaned back in his chair after the girls had left the curtained area.

“Think you’re up for another six hours of this?” Eddie asked, resting a hand on his shoulder.

“Mmmm yeah I think I’ll be alright.”

“Okay. I’m gonna get you some tea and come back.” Eddie stood up and gave the shoulder a squeeze.

Steve took another sip of water and cleared his throat before giving Tracy a tired thumbs up to resume the line.

“Hi! Nice to meet you guys, I’m Steve-”

[atomicblasphemy]

Blight Industries Board Meeting

I have some thoughts about that EE episode. Being myself I just couldn’t put them out in a sensible fashion, so I put on some crust in my headphones, amped everyone’s cynicism, and here’s the result.

                                                       O: Good evening everyone and welcome to the Blight Industries board meeting of number...            

Ed and Em shoot glances at each other as confused about how they ended up there as when it happened for the first time.            

Al looks longingly at his workshop door.            

Amity glares.            

Am: Mom, can we try to have dinner like a normal family which, according to Merriam-Webster at least, we technically are? For once at least?            

O: That can wait, Mittens. Anyway, I called you all here to announce I shall be making some changes to our company. Namely, I shall change the job titles of the three of you. I’m still CEO, Alador still development, research and, well, the assembly line I suppose. As for you, Emira, Edric, you’re now in charge of security. I don’t want to hear about company secrets leaking out, okay? Mittens, you’re our new marketing department.            

Am: Marketing?            

Em: Seriously, mom?            

Od: Dearests, this is a meeting please use our appropriate titles.            

Ed: No no no no. They have a point. Okay, let me see if I understand your thought process. So, you’re the head of a company, right?            

Od: I don’t like your tone, Edric. But okay, I’ll humor you. Yes I am, go on.            

Ed: And said company essentially sells only guns.            

Od: Mhmm, what’s your point?            

Ed: And you think that the best way to convey that is by using your local annoyed teenage lesbian that half the time looks like she would be rather doing literally anything else? Is that a correct assessment, ma’am?            

Od: Oh, and I suppose you have a better idea?            

Em: Yeah, we do. ANYONE ELSE. We *frantically and repeatedly points her finger from herself to Edric*  could do this, I mean we tried to leak our sister’s journal just a few weeks ago so we clearly know nothing about keeping secrets. You could do it. I mean, no offense, but putting up a show seems to be your only useful skill because if this your idea of how to run a company, we... aaaaand now I’m suddenly starting to realize where we get our decision making incompetence from. Anyway. This guy *points at Alador* could do it if you just made sure to remind him that that’s what’s funding his little research. Heck, you could hire Luz. She’s pretty charismatic and just took a shot at the Emperor himself. I’m sure having someone like that vouching for our products would do wonders for our business. See? That’s how you make a half-decent marketing strategy. Besides, I hear Luz could use the money and I’m sure Mittens would be happy to have her working here.            

Am: Yup, normally I’d have other reasons but honestly I’d just be happy someone else is doing this particular job.            

Al: *woop there goes gravity* Why? I told you this wasn’t the best idea. Besides, we agreed, twice at least, that I would take care of the abominations and you’d be in charge of everything else *leans in closer to whisper conspiratorially to Odalia* I don’t like dealing with them *points at their very loving children*.            

Ed, Em, and Am: HEY!            

Al: *sighs* Listen to your boss, children.            

The children huddle closer, they are the conspiratorial ones now.            

Am: We’re gonna end up broke and starving, aren’t we?            

Em: Yeah, isn’t it weird though? I mean, you’d think they’d have found someone better to... sponsor by now. Apparently that’s not the case. Moreover, why do they, our parents I mean, keeping putting so many resources into product development then? And it’s not even like we’re branching out into new markets, making some groundbreaking products. Nope, just shinier versions of the old stuff.            

Am: Hum... Can either of you teach me how to write a resume?            

Ed: I... uh... was going to ask you the same thing.            

--------------------------            

Later.            

Em: Okay, let’s recap the recent events, shall we?            

Odalia and Alador were sat side by side in flimsy wooden chair at the factory’s storage area. Their children loomed over them with stern faces.            

Am: First off, you decided to entirely restructure the company, you know, the one with our name in it. And you did so by making all possible wrong choices. Especially putting me as the face and head of marketing.            

Ed: Then, secondly, when you realized that wasn’t working due to Mittens, justifiably I might add, wanting to do pretty much anything else with her time. So you two in a strike of parenting brilliance decide that the best way to deal with all of that was not to, oh I don’t know, hire some specialist or anything like that for the position and let her, and us, be teenagers like any normal parent would do. No, instead you think: “Hey, I’ll double down and alienate the one of my children giving me a hard time from the only people she seems to like.”            

Al: In our defense...            

Em: AND THEN, when one of said people decide to actually do something about, and in a very diplomatic fashion given the circumstances, mind you, you go ahead and try to commit murder in front of a large audience of potential witnesses. Granted, not a particularly morally upstanding audience given the type of products they were trying to buy, but still. Do you have any idea how many people would want a piece of you if you actually hurt the human? You have three of them standing in front of you right now.            

Od: Well, Emira dearest, you can’t argue with the numbers. Tonight’s sale was an astounding success.            

Am: And she still has her poise despite all the failures... Look, the three of us, we’ve been talking. We somehow are also part of the board, right? Moreover, we are, despite all evidence on the contrary, still employs of this company. So we put things through a vote.            

Ed: First off, we’re unionizing. And your first demand is better working conditions...            

Od: I’m not putting apple blood fountains in the factory floors. That’s off the table. I already told this Edric. The abominations take a surprising liking to the stuff.            

Em: We can discuss the specifics later. We have other topics at hand.            

Al: Okay, like what?            

Em: You two are out. Actually just you mom. We still need dad for development of new products and stuff.            

Od: WHAT? You can’t do this.            

Am: Let me rephrase what Emira said: you’re not CEO anymore. She is.            

Al and Od: EMIRA?            

Ed: Yes, Emira. I’ll be in charge of supply and distribution as well as any other duties dad still had besides research and develop. Mom, you’re the new Mittens. I mean, marketing. You’re in charge of marketing now. Just marketing and literally nothing else. I’m sure we won’t regret giving you this much responsibility. And, by the way. One mistake and we’re hiring Luz for the job. AND we’re giving her enough shares to sit at the board.            

Od: *starts chuckling while reaching for a small book in her vest* I can’t say I’m not angry at the three of you, but it is indeed nice to see you trying to take a more active role in the company. But there’s a big flaw to your little coup. You see, according to article 15 of the Blight Industries statute, Alador’s vote, as well as mine...            

Al: I’m voting with them, Odalia.            

Everyone else turns to look at him, wide eyed.            

Al: Look, I’m not ecstatic about this or anything. But at the end of day if Edric is taking half the load off my shoulders then I’ll have the more time in my workshop. And away from them. Odalia, don’t look at me like that, I told you the other day I was wanting us to develop magic powered air fryers. Now I’ll have the time for that. We can tap onto more markets this way, more money.            

Od: ... You’re sleeping on the couch tonight.            

Al: *sighs* How about Mittens, what will she do now?            

Am: Librarian. That’ll be my new job title.            

Al: We have no use for a librarian, Amity. You know that, don’t you?            

Am: I know. I’m not working here anymore. Gary had been telling me for some time about this internship opening. I start Monday. But don’t go thinking I’ll leave the board. I’m keeping my shares and besides, Ed and Em agreed to keep me as an adviser.            

Od: Oh look at our daughter, Alador. Going all out on that daily grind, making the minimum wage. Are you sure you can handle it, Mittens my dear?            

Am: Well, you paid me in passive aggressive comments and threats so far. I consider minimum wage a raise if anything.            

Od: Whatever you say... In any case. I suppose I’ll now be some sort of glorified secretary then.            

Em: What do you mean, mom?            

Od: Oh, right. You weren’t there at the time. We struck a big contract, big enough so we won’t need to worry about marketing for the foreseeable future.            

Em: What? HOW?            

Al: That uhh... That kid, what’s his name again? The new head of the Emperor’s coven. He came in after the sales ended, said we should go around building Frankenstein mercenaries, and that the Emperor would be buying all of our Thanos thingies aaand on top of that the state would fund all our future research.            

Ed and Em: Oh... Oh... Ohh Titan... Didn’t he get ahold of Eda’s portal? Mittens, we have to tell Luz.            

Am: *chuckles* Yeah, good luck with that, Emperor.            

Ed: I... Are you okay? Shouldn’t you be worried?            

Am: Eh... I mean... First things first. Yeah, I know he’s building an army to invade the human realm and yeah, I know we’ll be supplying the weaponry and that I should probably give Luz a heads up. But, you know. That’s pretty stupid of him when you think about it.            

Ed: What?            

Am: I mean, think about it. He is getting a supplier that he knows, for a fact, has a positive connection to his enemies. Meaning it would be in our interest - especially mine, you know, the other Blight with Abomination know how and the one closest to the one human living in the Boiling Isles, as proven today - to put some back doors in all the tech we’ll be selling them. Moreover... Sure humans don’t have magic but they make up for it in other ways. Luz was telling me about her realm the other day and... Well... Let me put it this way: we are not humans, meaning we are not covered by the Geneva convention. Best case scenario once Bellos opens the portal we, not them, become a colony. And humans don’t make a habit of treating their colonies with any decency. So, you know... Anyway. Worst case scenario, they’ll just start pumping napalm, anthrax, mustard gas, and all sorts of fun stuff chemical and biological weapons through the portal. Meaning we’ll die. Painfully. Heck, they can even make good on their anti-nuclear proliferation treaties and just throw it all here and make it go boom. Trust me, that alone will be enough to finish sinking the Titan.            

All the other four Blights look at her wide eyed.            

Am: Eh... But you know, I’ll go and tell Luz and Eda. Fir witchkind’s sake or whatever. So... See you guys later.            

Od: *shaking the shock away from her head* Oh... Quite a hurry to go and see Luz, aren’t we Mittens? *a sly smile forming* I’m sorry... I meant YOUR Luz.            

Ed and Em: Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Damn, missed the joke.            

Al just nods in agreement.            

Am: What are you people talking about?            

Od: Oh, it’s nothing really Mittens, my dear child. It’s just that, you seem to be rather attached to her, aren’t you? In a very weird way, but still.            

Am: Weird? Weird how? You’re talking non-sense.            

Ed: No, Mittens, the lady has a point. I don’t get your thought process tonight either.            

Am: I have no idea what...            

Ed: No, seriously. I mean, no need to beat around the bush here: you have a gargantuan crush on her. That’s plenty obvious to everyone here.            

Am: *blushing* No comments.            

Ed: Whatever, I’ll take that to mean you do. So, you see your crush up on the stage. She’s fighting dad’s Thanos thingy. Which, might I add, was being controlled by him. Seriously, what the hell, dude? Is this a way to meet your potential daughter-in-law? Anyway. She’s potentially in mortal danger. And your first thought is: I’m gonna woo her.            

Am: That’s... not what I thought...            

Em: Yeah, Mittens. Sure. That’s why the first you did was to turn around and start climbing the ladders.            

Am: I... They were fighting up there, I wanted to get to close quarters.            

Em: Nope. Not buying it.            

Ed: We were watching it all unfold Mittens, you started climbing the ladders before, long before, they were up there.            

Am: But... the crowd.            

Ed: Dispersed pretty quickly, and knowing Abomination magic, as you do, you definitely knew Thanos would have that effect.            

Am: I... But... I wanted to fight close quarters... and I wanted... the higher ground.            

Em: So... You are up in the pipes, and by then Luz and Thanos are already back in ground level. So you position yourself in the spot with the best lighting and a means for you to quickly climb down - I swear, I’m certain I saw you double checking to make sure you were positioned just right. Then you take your sweet time pulling your hood back up. And finally, then and only then, you go to Luz’s rescue by using your magic. And you do that before you climb down, meaning your magic has enough range, as we’ve all always known, to be effective without the close  quarters or the higher.            

Ed: Come on, Mittens. Just admit it. You wanted to do a super-hero landing in front of your crush. Come on...            

Am: I... Do you think it worked?            

Everyone, expect for Amity, looks at Alador.            

Al: I dunno, why are you asking me?            

Ed: Because somehow out of all of us you’re the one most likely to pick up that sort of stuff.            

Al: Right, and I’m also the one least likely to care.            

Am: I’M YOUR DAUGHTER.            

Em: *taking a deep breath* Okay, lets pause for a second here. Ed, Mittens. Pat yourselves on the back. Come on, do it. Look, I’ll do it too. *begins  patting her own back in tandem with her siblings’ more tentative display*            

Am: Em... Why are we doing this?            

Em: For not succumbing to drugs and alcohol (shrewd ad campaigns on Twitter aside). *Edric and Amity begin patting their backs more enthusiastically, Emira turns to their parents* You know, you two. You should pat yourselves on the back as well. I mean, sure, we’ll need years of therapy to undo all the damage the emotional neglect the both of you show us has caused so far, but no one can say we don’t get plenty of variety.            

Al: Are you done being passive aggressive, Emira?            

Em: What can I say? I’ve learned from the best. *looks at Odalia, who just rolls her eyes*            

Al: *sighing* As for your previous question. The human seemed to be blushing as well. So my best guess is that Amity’s little... spectacle... did work.            

Od: See? And you dare say it was a bad idea to put her on marketing.            

Am: That’s because I had a reason to care when I was doing all that.            

Od: Ohh right, then what do you suggest I had done to make you care about our, emphasis on our, business.            

Am, Ed and Em in unison: Pay us for our labor.            

Am: I mean, seriously. You guys built a whole business model around Abominations: a.k.a. free labor. Sure you could afford to pay us, a.k.a. self aware creatures that are not (and I’ve checked this) Abominations, something.            

Ed: So... again to recap the day. Mom and dad lost their company, Bellos shot himself square in the foot. Hell, even this new coven head pretty much proved his lack of intelligence gathering competence by doing business with us. Today was a failure on every front. Even Luz when you think about it.            

Em: Luz?            

Ed: Yeah... She trusted... her *points at Odalia*.            

Em: Ohh...            

Od: HEY! I’m still your mother.            

Em: Nominally, maybe. Jury still out on that one. Anyway, that reminds me. I want all our financial books for the past five years i my desk, formerly yours, in two days.            

Am: I think my day was pretty successful. I have reason to believe my crush likes me back and I’ll know what a healthy professional and financial life looks like for the first in these 14 groolling and long years of existence. So things are looking up for me. Anyway... Are we done here?            

Am: I guess so, why?            

Am: Cool. Gonna head out.            

Em: Oh, going to let your Luz know of the Emperor’s plan and bask in her presence.            

Am: Emira, I swear in the Titan’s name that if you ever address her like that in front of her they will never find your body. But yes, that’s the gist of it.            

Em: Fine. Actually, wait up. Lilith is living there now isn’t she? I wanted to talk to her.            

Am: Lilith as in Lilith Clawthorne? Eda’s sister? Former head of the Emperor’s Coven? My former mentor? That Lilith?            

Em: Yup.            

Am: Why, pray tell, do you want to talk to her?            

Em: Wanted to hire her. We need a new accountant.            

Am: And you thought of her because...?            

Em: Lack of options?            

Am: I... You know what, fair enough.            

Ed: Hold up. I’m coming with. I don’t like being around them *points at Odalia and Alador*.            

Am: Sure.            

They leaving. Only Odalia and Alador are left in the room.            

Al: Wow.            

Od: I know.            

Al: Just... wow...            

Od: I know.            

Al: I don’t know how to process any of this. It happened all so fast.            

Od: I know.            

Al: Like... no sense of pacing at all.            

Od: I know, Alador. Titan do I know.            

Al: Almost as if everyone’s words were being written by an extra-dimentional entity that reaaally wanted to rant but didn’t want to put out their opinions in a more reasonable manner, and wasn’t even remotely concerned with making it sound like a normal conversation.            

Od: I know.            

Al: Anyway. We failed as people, didn’t we?            

Od: *sighing* I know.            

[informedinterest]

Mcsm| Toxic leaders, friendships, coworkers & peers

(The  ol         Or          der)

  1. Soren          Is shown to be a reasonable leader that cares about his crew a reasonable amount, helped by the fact that he shown to be about excessive age, unlike Jesse who’s age is ambiguous possibly committing tox to Soren from what could be a adventuring - young adult age to excess - see below,                                                                                              for how tha                                                                                          t affects the story,)

How      eve        r is hampered by a       unfortunate history of tox              That        left            it’s           mar              k            o             n            h            i           m,

- Jesse

  Soren does not remove Jesse from his property despite it causing seemingly distress to him

 - if Jesse acts kind (or if hearing anyone (particularly the order) responds kindly to him), Soren will react with disbelief, If tox, he will excuse it beyond any healthy measures ‘ha a joke…as what friends do,’

    Whe          n n           o jok            e             s             are                n’t               pain              f              u               l              ,

Then there’s this line,

     “I’ve found when you give people what they want they turn on you, they become resentful,” - Soren

    And              Scene,

Soren cower         ing      from         his     team         mates

Eligard & Magnus          Fake smiles          impl           ing there is something that’s         actually wrong  and we quickly find out           why

  (I’ll go over the particulars about why        Soren might not be excited to see         Eligard & Magnus on site in their sections        )

  Point being,

   It doesn’t take long before it goes       tox      at the      cave,

- Eligard (or whoever is left of the Eligard or/ Magnus pai        ring)  takes         a pot shot at          Soren                        ,          Gabriel, “is he always           like this, “

     Eligard/Magnus; you have            no idea,

    (When Soren goes out for a          break due to distress          & after          the death        of a      friend,)        ,

- Ivor immediately tries to take the reins        after makin         g the    main       problem        (And his main          fail         safe       back        fired)

   You can clearly see things going        tox       quic      k      ly

  (Then there’s the in famous Ivor scapegoat scene      showing that even back then       he was         tox,            )

   And the rest is just Ivor       bein        tox,

                                                                                 (Until Soren event gets away                                                                                                         good for him)

- Eligard

   - Largely           non-tox                    but is a victim and                an ena            bler of Magnus

        - Small pre- men             tion                ed bit of tox

 - Magnus

    - abs.            ball of                 tox

     - causes             argu            ments

     - never        contributes          any         thing positive to the            group

       - Small              bit                of                tox                 a                  s mentioned above

        - Explicit                abuse                   o                   f              Eligard,                  Implied               abuse                    of                 Soren

     - Gabriel-

      - Little              is known              abou                t               hi                 m,              That he seems pretty unaware of the toxic            dynamic,

       Apart from          Magnus‘s tendency to           insti           gate             And Eligard’s          ten          dency           to          ar           gue,

     - Ivor

      - with Magnus at least you could argue he could’ve originally intend to fill some role if you squint,      with some routes      But with Ivor you can’t               He was tox from the beginning,           Continued       to be tox,           Not a redeemable             quality                in             sight                  ,

                                                                      Overall the group is a                                                                         gosh darn mess

       New             Order               ~

- Jesse - Despite being a leader, Jesse seems resentful of his leadership and constantly makes up things - ideas on the spot that no leader would leave to the last minute and would’ve already planned in advance/have a general idea  of, showing how the game mechanic damages a actual good story

    - His first mission is a find the person mission, not unheard of for a supportive subordinate character. However as a leader, it can come off as unnecessarily authority assuming, if not handled correctly, which unfortunately it wasn’t 1) By having this occur after a ‘break up’ in which several members isolated, placing this around excessive age 2) most of the members are reluctant to get together

Resulting in Jesse coming up as nagging or irritatingly intrusive.

              As a leader,

              There are two main goals,

               (To be 

                considered 

                 a 

                good 

                 one)

                  1. Attention to 

                      th

                       e 

                       mis

                       s

                        ion,

                       - With the psychological benefits teammates receiving prop stimuli

                      Jesse constantly waffles, 

                resulting in reasonably irritated 

             re

          sponses

            fro

            m 

            hi

             s 

        team

        mates

                    2. Tending to your Team                        mates,                          Self-explanatory                                  

                                   Jesse                                               doesn’t                                            seem                                                to                                                   care                                            about his                                            team                                              mate                                               s                                             Until it reaches                                  the mandatory                                   spots, or (is believed) to go past critical (see Lukas “crying”                                                   and they                              refuse to move                                      until                                    he                             does,

                  The correct                        pro                         to                       co                        l,

                 Bein                          g                           constant               availability,                            to                        thei                         r                      lei                            sur                            e

                Care kept satisfactory                      and short                   without dragging the mission to a              stand                still

                     Despite, Jessie’s showing only the barest minimum of retention wit h  hi      s pe        t       pig, 

  How about he still has plenty of time micromanaging 

the          one          thing        you        don’t        want            to          do,

     An argument can’t break out without Jesse               interject

     Showing that he has no trust in his        team        mates to be able to resolve their own       conflict

   Then again it comes from the person who is the worst role model/sets the worst example

   Gettin            into a squibble             Wi         th           hi    s           subordinates/           (temporary)                co-leader               Lukas

        Fi                             gh                t                 in                g           over a           de             tect                 ion uni                t,

         Note               ,                        Well confrontations over a stolen role might get             phys             that             I am              not             den              y                 in                 g,

      (The above mentioned things leads it to                    (lean                      in                 Luk                 as‘                  s                favor

           Tha                      t Jesse is the one that stole the role   

              (Not helpful for the fact that Lukus acts like a                  spited leader                 Al                  l through                       out,                And has characterized              the he doesn’t stand up for himself

       (Even if wrong, Jesse is still reprimands a           sub      ordinate,                        ) - Lukas

     Likely the victim of Axle’s           Tox,

      Lukas falls into most of the pitfalls that           Soren does, not standing up for himself         and possibly leaving (even for a short time) when the tox gets too much - Olivia

     Pretty           non tox            Some implied self-esteem issues with her place in the group constantly asking questions to validify it             ,

- Axel

   - Openly scares his friends               and takes pleasure                 from distress

           - Humor doesn’t come from                      sad/                    Despair                     it comes from                            happi                 ness,

      - Almost literally cannot go five seconds without starting an argument or being tox            (Specifically towards             Lukas)                  ,

       Following the unfortunate theme of          green being tox     despite it being grow             t              h,

- Petra

    (Season 1)

     Tox

 - Expecting them to find her          despite not vibin’                              the loc                                  at                                    ion,

     demeaning

  - Threats of         violence

    “Not getting punched in the face              for saying that             right now,”                   - Petra

       Coercion

      General authority assumption

      Separation Jesse         from his friends,        friends          separating/or         hanging out with          other friends            on their own will is non-tox

      Authority assumption- entitlement to excess

       Promises             an          lies           are                  pret              ty         useless

    (Season 2)

- Petra

     - Tox

        - General Tox

            - demeaning

            - Guilt tripping

               - Friend ship

               - Adventures

               - Lack o.                   Adventures                - End goal - Jesse helps her find the llama and threaten/coerce Stella, who she also has a toxic manipulator/manipulated relation ship with (through likely      intimidation         as Petra knows that Stella          has a             thing           w/th         Jesse        and         two          on          one          num           er            ical,             ,

        After               all

                  - when it’s                   discovered that Petra is                         retiring to champion city

    - gas light               ed,             (-claiming things to happen that didn’t really happen,)

     - Petra’s guilt trip of the treehouse;

       “ we used to hang out in the treehouse                all the time,” - Petra

        Show it            or it didn’t happen

           - to our knowledge                    never happened,

              - Emotional                      Abuse/

                       - “Friends,”

  - Jack

       - Bit non-tox except for some                 snips               at Nurm

       - The general having to          ‘one Up’             everyone,

 - Nurm

  (Od.       d      take         on   senti    e    nce

nar     rat ive  

tox,

        Pretty clear except for                 (apparent)             put down on Jack’s naming                convention

- Romeo,  

   Pretty similar to            Petra,

General Tox

   General       Authority      Assumption

- Emotional            Abuse

     - Guilt tripping

- Logical      abuse

     - Gaslighting

- Physical       abuse

   - Acts of         violence

        - Destruction                of un          Account             able           pro.        per            ty,         (Dif      ferent         from      ac      countable)           ,

    All of above;

     demeaning

      coercion

   - Threats of           violence

    - Apparent            murde             r

    - Abuse              of           sub            ordin           ates      Should not be        redeemed

    Xara

      - Straight up kills            a person

          Radar-

          Refusal to             read              the             vibes                 aka               Several misdemeanors               worth of tox           for general obsessive behavior unbefitting, unhealthy              and unnatural                       of a                   sentient,

[rockislandadultreads]

Some Titles to Celebrate the Last Day of Women’s History Month

Visionary Women: How Rachel Carson, Jane Jacobs, Jane Goodall, and Alice Waters Changed Our World by Andrea Barnet

This is the story of four visionaries who profoundly shaped the world we live in today. Together, these women—linked not by friendship or field, but by their choice to break with convention—showed what one person speaking truth to power can do. Jane Jacobs fought for livable cities and strong communities; Rachel Carson warned us about poisoning the environment; Jane Goodall demonstrated the indelible kinship between humans and animals; and Alice Waters urged us to reconsider what and how we eat. With a keen eye for historical detail, Andrea Barnet traces the arc of each woman’s career and explores how their work collectively changed the course of history. While they hailed from different generations, Carson, Jacobs, Goodall, and Waters found their voices in the early sixties. At a time of enormous upheaval, all four stood as bulwarks against 1950s corporate culture and its war on nature. Consummate outsiders, each prevailed against powerful and mostly male adversaries while also anticipating the disaffections of the emerging counterculture. All told, their efforts ignited a transformative progressive movement while offering people a new way to think about the world and a more positive way of living in it.

In Praise of Difficult Women: Life Lessons From 29 Heroines Who Dared to Break the Rules by Karen Karbo

Smart, sassy, and unapologetically feminine, this elegantly illustrated book is an ode to the bold and charismatic women of modern history. Best-selling author Karen Karbo (The Gospel According to Coco Chanel) spotlights the spirited rule breakers who charted their way with little regard for expectations: Amelia Earhart, Helen Gurley Brown, Edie Sedgwick, Hillary Clinton, Amy Poehler, and Shonda Rhimes, among others. Their lives--imperfect, elegant, messy, glorious--provide inspiration and instruction for the new age of feminism we have entered. Karbo distills these lessons with wit and humor, examining the universal themes that connect us to each of these mesmerizing personalities today: success and style, love and authenticity, daring and courage. Being "difficult," Karbo reveals, might not make life easier. But it can make it more fulfilling--whatever that means for you.

Women Heroes of World War II: 26 Stories of Espionage, Sabotage, Resistance, and Rescue by Kathryn J. Atwood

Noor Inayat Khan was the first female radio operator sent into occupied France and transferred crucial messages. Johtje Vos, a Dutch housewife, hid Jews in her home and repeatedly outsmarted the Gestapo. Law student Hannie Schaft became involved in the most dangerous resistance work--sabotage, weapons transference, and assassinations. In these pages, young readers will meet these and many other similarly courageous women and girls who risked their lives to help defeat the Nazis.            Twenty-six engaging and suspense-filled stories unfold from across Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Denmark, Great Britain, and the United States, providing an inspiring reminder of women and girls’ refusal to sit on the sidelines around the world and throughout history. An overview of World War II and summaries of each country’s entrance and involvement in the war provide a framework for better understanding each woman’s unique circumstances, and resources for further learning follow each profile. Women Heroes of World War II is an invaluable addition to any student’s or history buff’s bookshelf.

Glory, Passion, and Principle: The Story of Eight Remarkable Women at the Core of the American Revolution by Melissa Lukeman Bohrer

The heroism of the females of the American Revolution has gone from memory with the generation that witnessed it, and nothing, absolutely nothing, remains upon the ear of the young of the present day. -- Charles Francis Adams

John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin -- these are the names we typically associate with the American Revolution. But was American History solely written by men? Were there no influential women? No women who had an impact on the founding of America in its crucial, formative years, in its fight for independence? Indeed, there were -- although their contributions have been overlooked or ignored for over two hundred years. Until now. Glory, Passion, and Principle is an extraordinary journey through revolutionary America as seen from a woman's perspective. Here are the lesser-known stories of eight influential females who fought for freedom -- for their country and themselves -- at all costs. Whether advising prominent male leaders in political theory (Abigail Adams), using their pens as swords (Phillis Wheatley, Mercy Otis Warren), acting as military spies (Sybil Ludington, Lydia Darragh), or going to battle (Molly Pitcher, Deborah Sampson, Nancy Ward), these women broke free of the limitations imposed upon them, much as our forefathers did by resisting British rule upon American soil...and laying the groundwork for the United States as we know it today.

[himbowelsh]

valentines day alphabet  ( no longer accepting )

literally no one asked for this, i’m just doing this one to treat myself

A   :   AFFECTION.   how does your muse show affection?

He’s such an affectionate guy that it’s hard to pin down one way. Skip is physically affectionate with the people he cares for, giving it out almost absently; he’s generous with his time and with his money, putting effort into finding gifts for people he cares for. His primary love language, though, has got to be gestures. Skip loves being able to show people how much he cares. He’ll run errands, do favors, rearrange his schedule just so his friend doesn’t have to go to a party alone...  what really sets Skip apart from the crowd is the sheer lengths he’s willing to go to for other people.

B   :   BOUQUET.   does your muse like flowers? which ones are their favourite?

He doesn’t know the first thing about flowers, but damn him if he’s not going to try. Skip has a fixed idea of what “the perfect boyfriend” looks like, and chases that ideal constantly. It’s romantic to show up to your date’s house with flowers, so of course he’s going to do that! Except he got them for $5 at the grocery store, they’re bright purple and leaking dye everywhere, now it’s all over his suit, damn it  ----   he puts in the effort. That’s what counts.

C   :   CHOCOLATE.   does your muse like chocolate? which one is their favourite?

Like...  he’s not obsessive about it, but would he tackle his buddies for a pack of M&Ms? Absolutely. Without hesitation. Eating chocolate is great, but all the fun lies in obtaining it.

D   :   DATE.   what is your muse’s ideal date? where / who with / etc?

It needs to be something fun. Skip...  gets bored easily, and on dates he must keep himself entertained. He’d love to go out dancing, or to do something fun  ---  in the modern era, he’d love laser tag and carnival dates, just because of the raucous atmosphere. Skip can have a good time with pretty much anyone, but he loves doing fun things with his partner the most.

E   :   EMBRACE.   does your muse like hugs? what are their hugs like?

He’s such a great hugger. Skip gives big brother hugs  ---  the kind that seem to wrap you up, like they’re determined to protect you from the world, fierce and fond all at once. He pulls someone in close, pressing his chin against their head or shoulder, and rubs their back until they settle down. His hugs can be enthusiastic when the mood calls for it, but also really, really tender. 

F   :   FLIRT.   is your muse good at flirting? how do they flirt?

He’s such a friendly flirt. Which isn’t to say he’s bad, but, like...  half the time you can’t tell if he’s actually flirting or just being nice. He doesn’t have a lot of game, but Skip’s got the personality to make up for it. He’s just charming. A well-delivered pick-up line can make anybody laugh, whether it’s good or not. That’s his go-to move when flirting  ---  get someone laughing, start up a conversation, and get a feel of who they are from there.

G   :   GIFT.   is your muse good at gift - giving or do they struggle to get it right?

He’s very good at getting gifts for the people closest to him; people always drop hints, and he’s learned how to pick him up. If his sister wants a new makeup kit, he’ll get it for her; if his mother’s been needing new music to play, he’ll buy her a record. Skip likes giving gifts, regardless of the occasion...  but for casual friends, on birthdays and the like, he’s prone to giving gag gifts. If he can’t be certain it’s something they’ll love, he’d at least like it to be something they’ll laugh at.

H   :   HEART.   is your muse quick or slow to give their heart away?

Quicker than he means to be. Skip’s never been good at guarding his heart; he lets people in too easily, and is always quick to see the best in others. Yeah, he’s been stung by people he cared about before, so he should really know better...  but he’d rather have a hundred friends than five enemies. When he feels himself falling in love, he falls fast.

I    :   I LOVE YOU.   does your muse find ‘i love you’ easy or hard to say?

Honestly, it’s not something he gives much thought to. Once he’s fallen in love, it’s the easiest thing to say in the world. Yes, he loves them! Yes, he wants the world to know it! He’ll tell his friends. He’ll tell his grandma. He’ll tell the old guy at the convenience store who smells like socks. He’s in love with the most amazing person in the world! (He talks about his partner so much that his friends half-feel like they’re dating them too.) It’s just as easy for Skip to say it to their face as it is to say it behind the back. He says it so often that his partner becomes desensitized to it after a while...  but it sure is nice to hear.

J   :   JEALOUSY.   does your muse get jealous in a relationship?

He’s actually really decent about jealousy. While he’ll get protective if he sees his little sister talking to a man, he isn’t weird when it comes to his own relationships. So long as he trusts the guy, he doesn’t think they’d move in on his partner; and, of course, he trusts his partner to the moon and back.  If an interaction seems too friendly, he’ll keep an eye on it, but he’d never dream of snooping or interrogating his partner over it.

K   :   KISS.   is your muse a good kisser? why / why not?

Skip is a very gentle kisser. He’s careful in his actions, in the tender movements of lips against lips, because he’s so conscientious of his partner; any sign that they’re not enjoying it, and he’ll lose his nerve. It’s not that he lacks confidence, but Skip needs encouragement from his partner, egging him on and fueling into his passion; with it, he burns a steady flame. He’s playful with his kisses, making sure his partner isn’t holding onto any anxiety. Intimate moments like this, in Skip’s mind, should be fun, not overwhelming. He loves to trail kisses along his partner’s jaw and neck, murmuring praise between each breath as his hands explore their body as much as he’s allowed to.

L   :   LOVE.   who does your muse love?

Skip feels a very intense bond with his family. He and his siblings couldn’t be closer, and he’s felt responsible for his mother since he was a kid; she’s always looked after him, but he also looks after her. Skip also adores his friends more than it’s possible to say  ---  and the sheer amount of friends he has speaks to how much love he’s got to give.

M   :   MOONLIGHT.   is morning or night a more romantic setting?

He’s more in-the-mood at night, because Skip and mornings don’t really get along. Anytime before 8am, he’s just going through the motions of existing. His partner could tie him to the bed and shower him with rose petals, and he’d have trouble remembering it come afternoon. (He might fall asleep in the middle of the show.) Nights are a way better time for romance.

N   :   NAUGHTY.   what is your muse like in bed?

Skip’s got an adventurous streak. There’s not much he’s afraid to try once  ---  that includes positions, places, and kinks. While he doesn’t have a depth of experience behind him, he’s got a keen sense of movement  ---  the way his partner’s body shifts against his own, the way he grinds against them, the way their chest heaves and their limbs slide under his palms...   sensation is a big thing for him, and he can’t help noting each one during the act. They taste sweet, and smell like summer rainstorms, and when they moan his name it sounds like a prayer...  honestly, he gets riled up on the sensations alone. He’s an energetic partner, but will match his pace to suit his companion’s. While he can’t help being loud, he’s love a partner who could match him, or at least be a little verbal in bed  (again, he needs encouragement).  He’s a pretty firm switch, but is thrilled when his partner takes control. Getting a little rough drives him wild.

O   :   ODE.   does your muse have a way with words?

Well, he isn’t Shakespeare in love. He tries his best. Skip knows better than to write love poetry, and he’s got no talent with a pen, but...  he’s achingly sincere with his words. When he tells someone he loves them, there’s not a hint of artifice  ---  he just means it, with every cell in his body, and the truth radiates through his words.

P   :   PARTNER.   what does your muse look for in a partner? looks / personality?

Skip needs someone he can connect to. Someone warm, emotional, who someone with understanding and empathy. He’s drawn to...  very bright people. He’s definitely want someone with a good sense of humor; he’d never be happy in a relationship with someone he couldn’t laugh with. Having fun, going on adventures, being a little stupid at times...  these are all things Skip values in a relationship, and his partner would have to be able to roll with that. He’d probably love an artist, someone creative, who has passions and isn’t afraid to talk about them. Somebody who can keep up a conversation  ---  communication is a huge thing for him in relationships, so he’d need a partner open to doing that. Someone who values family highly, with a deep capacity for love and a firm sense of self. And, of course, they have to have a great laugh.

Q   :   QUESTION.   would your muse ask the big question or expect their partner to?

He’d absolutely ask the question  ---   the real question is, how. Knowing Skip, he’s not going to settle for something conventional. Dinner-date proposals are played out, and he doesn’t want to put his partner on the spot with something too public. He might enlist his best friends to help plan, just to have people to brainstorm with; in the meantime, Skip would sow his seeds. He’s not a huge planner, and has all the subtlety of a drunk duck, so if he makes a plan, his partner will be able to tell something’s up. He finally concocts some wild plan with Penkala and Malarkey, springing it on his partner last minute...  and once they’ve finished doing a scavenger hunt or chasing squirrels in the park with messages around their necks, whatever the boys have come up with, he’ll drop to one knee with a look of extreme hope on his face. “I’ve wanted to ask this for a long time  ---  hell, probably since the minute I met you  ---  but now just feels right. Do you...  feel the same way?”

R   :   ROMANCE.   is your muse a romantic or a cynic?

He’s got a very strong romantic side that really only comes out once he’s “in love” with someone. Like...  he’s not always successful, but he’s very creative about it, and very enthusiastic. Yes, he did knock over the candles and accidentally set the food on fire, but wasn’t a romantic dinner a great idea? He likes being romantic, because doing things like that, putting on a show, feels like giving to his partner.

S   :   SWEETHEART.   did your muse have a childhood sweetheart?

He definitely had a few girls in the neighborhood with crushes on him, cause Skip was an absolute sunbeam as a kid...  but his true loves were both at home. Skip’s mom and his little sister both got the lion’s share of his attention growing up; he loved them both so much that romance never crossed his mind.  (That changed when he got to high school don’t worry, but it was fun while it lasted.)

T   :   TRUE LOVE.   does your muse believe in true love?

Sure he does. Okay, it’s not for everyone  ---  his parents sure didn’t have it, and he learned the rough way that high school romances are usually too flighty to be called love  ---  but it’s a thing, no doubt. It’s real for the people who want it, and who’re lucky enough to find it. That’s gonna be him...  one day, he’ll fall in love too.

U   :   UNREQUITED.   has your muse had their heart broken?

He had a few nasty breakups in high school. They never knocked him out for long, but definitely hurt, and he still carries the scars from them. Let’s just say, the words “we need to talk” set off some Kill Bill sirens in his head.

V   :   VALENTINE.   how does your muse feel about valentine’s day?

He gets weirdly enthusiastic about it. For Skip, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to impress. He’s always got plans  ---  as a kid, he made a point of being both his mom and his little sister’s Valentine every year. As he got older, he never lost the habit of double-Valentining. Now, he usually goes on double-dates with his sister. Does his V-day date really want to be hanging out with Ruth and her boyfriend of the week while Skip argues with the maître d' about dinner reservations he absolutely didn’t book last minute? Probably not, but he didn’t consider doing it any other way. Skip always wants to give his partner a good time, but he’s usually...  just a bit too much on Valentine’s Day. He’d be better off relaxing and just letting his partner plan something.

W  :   WEDDING.   would your muse get married? why / why not?

Absolutely! He doesn’t have to think about that one. Skip’s got a ring picked out in his head and is ready to walk down the aisle by, maybe...  the sixth-month mark? It’s not that he moves fast, he’s just very confident in his own heart. When he knows, he’s sure. Getting married has always been something he wants  ---   not having grown up with a stable family unit, he craves his own little slice of domestic bliss  ---  and as long as it’s to the right person, he’s ready to go.

X   :   XOXO.   does your muse use / like pet names?

With extreme glee. He loves throwing out goofy ones, just to see how his partner reacts, and will lay it on thick in front of their friends just to make people groan...  but in private, he’s fond of “baby”, “doll”, “sweetie”, and the very cheesy “lovebug”, which earns him well-deserves eyerolls.

Y   :   YOURS.   does your muse get protective easily?

Very. Skip doesn’t seem like a serious guy at first glance  ---  but he’s got an intensely protective side, cultivated from looking after his family since he was a little kid. He’ll lay it all on the line for the people he loves. No one messes with them. No one hurts them. Skip will take care of it, and he’s not afraid to get physical to do it. His go-to, of course, will always be to try and make nice first, see if a little friendliness can diffuse a tense situation...  but if someone lays hands on his loved one, all bets are off. No one would take Skip for a fighter until he throws that first punch.

Z   :   ZZZ.   how many people has your muse slept with?

Oh no, his Mama raised him right  ---   these lips don’t kiss and tell! (That’s a lie. He spent a full hour talking Malarkey’s ear off about an amazing kiss he had on a date once, until Malarkey wanted to smother him.) Honestly...  not many. He’s always been a popular guy, but that doesn’t automatically translate into “people want to take him to bed”. Skip’s been with three people. He’s not the type for sleeping around  ---   he takes sex personally, more than he really means to.

[anthonycrowleymoved]

my problem with neil

okay so i have a spare minute so i want to just talk about my main problem with neil and his presence on this site. reminder that this is a personal perspective and doesn’t reflect everyone in the fandom.

so. i don’t enjoy talking to the creators of media i consume. i don’t really know why, and a few of them seem like really nice people! but how i consume and interact with media, for me, is something very personal. i know a lot of people are VERY into talking to creators about their works, and that’s awesome. it’s cool that there’s often channels to discuss things with your favorite creators. but i’m probably never going to go to a convention or meet and greet, i probably wouldn’t even send people questions on twitter, because that’s not how i like to engage with media. and i know some people go, shall we say, overboard with invasive questions, but it’s cool when someone can talk about something they love with the person who made it. that’s just not me.

this is probably why i like this website and rarely, if ever, post anything on twitter. in general, there’s a lot less people on here contributing to the making of things i like.

and it’s not that neil’s on here that bothers me. really. it isn’t. because some people think that’s cool and i don’t want to ruin that. it’s that he doesn’t understand that when people mention his name, or something he’s involved in, it doesn’t necessarily mean we’re talking to him.

this has happened numerous times. it’s happened on one of my posts, hilariously. i’ll tag something with ‘g*od *mens’ (without asterisks) or just mention the phrase and he’ll like or reply to the post. which like. that’s FINE if the post is completely innocent or meta or whatever, but there are things i say that i do not want him to see. criticism (which i’ll get into) or something nsfw or whatever else. because i don’t want the creator of media i like to see every comment i have on said piece of media. which is why i go to such lengths to make sure he doesn’t, going so far as to NOT MENTION THE TITLE OF MY FAVORITE BOOK ON POSTS ABOUT MY FAVORITE BOOK.

and. oh boy. when you criticise him. or even just do something he doesn’t like. he understands how this website works and he knows he has a dedicated fanbase who WILL attack on his say so. so instead of ignoring a post or replying privately or whatever, he’ll reblog it and tell you what a horrible person you are. and then you’ll get attacked by his fans. i have seen this happen to one of my mutuals. i don’t want to say who, because it was a big thing at the time and i don’t want to have to bring it back up, but it was absolutely disgusting. and this is still happening. it was worse before the show dropped, because there was just less content, but it still happens. and i hate that.

and. like. maybe that would all be fine. maybe i could excuse it as an older dude who doesn’t fully understand the implications of his actions. but then you have this dedicated fanbase that need him to weigh in on everything. tag him in shit the creators of said shit don’t want him to see. and it’s just. it’s too much. which is why i just wish he’d quit interacting with the fanbase unless it’s for jokey reasons or it’s clearly a widespread question but he’s just weighing in for fun or whatever. like. i just wish he’d give us more respect, basically.

(if you @ neil in this i will quite literally come for your kneecaps)

[kalvincent]

Goblin Society Part 3: Governance and Relations

Nomenclature

Goblins rarely complicate their lives with unnecessarily long names. If a name is easy to pronounce, quick enough to shout in joy or anger, and be fun to say, then it's good enough. Some thought may be given to what words a potential name can rhyme with, to make songwriting easier later.

Because goblin naming conventions are so haphazard, it's common for goblins to simply pick their own names once they're old enough to speak.

Leadership

In most clans, a single leader controls those below them, with force or with cunning. But this control lasts only as long as the goblins are within sight of their leader. Followers can show utter devotion to a warleader one moment, and complete disregard for their rules the next.

More rarely, goblin clans can find themselves following a religious demagogue. While the head shaman's zealotry might prove infectious for a time, few gods can hold a goblin tribe's attention for long.

Relationships

A common expression goblins use to describe romance is "easy come, easy go."

While long-term monogamous relationships aren't unheard of or even that uncommon, most goblins enjoy short-term flings that burn out in a few months or a year.

Goblin courtships vary wildly by region, clan, and even by family, but typically involve giving the target of affection something of value every day until they accept or reject the suitor. What exactly qualifies as valuable also varies. One goblin might sing increasingly flattering odes about their intended, while another might bring gifts of food. Scavenged shinnies are a popular gift among even impoverished clans.

Relations

International politics between goblins and the larger folk is… tumultuous at best. But the relations between them and other small folk is just as bad.

Goblins have a reputation for pillaging and stealing from everyone within their ranging distance, and it's well-earned. Many clans rely on raiding to supply much of their resources, and that makes it incredibly difficult for other clans to form alliances with non-goblin settlements.

In peaceful times, goblins and halflings might bond over their mutual love of travel and storytelling. In less peaceful times, those halflings start looking like easy targets.

[recentanimenews]

JK Haru is a Sex Worker in Another World Author Ko Hiratori Discusses World-Building and Realism

Ani-Gamers’ light novel review podcast, the Ani-Gamers Book Club, so enjoyed the light novel JK Haru is a Sex Worker in Another World that I reached out to the author, Ko Hiratori, for an interview. JK Haru examines a number of traditional light novel conventions in a story about the experience of sex work in both the real world and in an isekai setting (that is, in a “transported to another world” story, for those still unfamiliar with the term). In this exclusive interview, I had the privilege of talking to Ko Hiratori about the novel’s creation and themes.

A full, in-depth AGBC podcast review by David Estrella and myself is available as a reward for $5 patrons on the Ani-Gamers Patreon.

Ani-Gamers: First off, would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

Ko Hiratori: Hello, my name is Ko Hiratori. My literary debut was the light novel JK Haru is a Sex Worker in Another World. I live in Hokkaido, Japan, and work in an office but write light novels as a hobby.

Ani-Gamers: What are some works that have influenced your writing? Things outside of literature are fine as well.

Hiratori: As a child I was into Doraemon instead of looking at picture books. When I became a student was when I started to read a lot. The books I can recall having a big impact on me at the time were The Grapes of Wrath, Fight Club, Ode to Gallantry, Franny and Zooey and Lord of the Flies. In Japanese literature specifically, Record of Lodoss War, The Decagon House Murders, Genocidal Organ, and Majin Gakuen.

There's lots and lots that I could recommend but those are just off the top of my head.

Once I started working I started reading manga a lot more. I like Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan, and of course masterpieces like Akira, Parasyte, and Dragon Ball. If something gets popular, I'll always want to read it.

Anime I've enjoyed recently has been the Demon Slayer adaptation and A Place Further than the Universe. I don't really think I can write about any games at the moment. (laughs)

Ani-Gamers: Speaking of literature, isekai stories are pretty popular at the moment, aren't they? Although JK Haru isn't such a typical isekai story, what do you think the appeal of isekai is? Do you have an opinion on the genre as a whole?

Hiratori: Although there are a lot of things that have a boom period of popularity, I think the appeal of isekai is the fantasy of “I want to imagine a new world only for me,” and “I want to go to that world”. Maybe it's so resonant because it's a fantasy everyone has had at some point. “Next time, I'd like you to show me your world” kind of thing.

JK Haru is set in a world I wouldn't want to live in, but the point of that was to more or less follow the “classic” rules of isekai stories up until then. (laughs)

At the moment we're all coping with an unprecedented feeling of being cooped up. Don't you think that, at least for the time being, people who wish to go to a fascinating new world certainly aren't going to go away?

Ani-Gamers: That's the power of books, isn't it? Whatever is happening in your life, the power of imagination can help you escape.

Prostitution in Japan has a complicated legal status. Why did you decide to tell a story about this subject through an isekai?"

Hiratori: You need to understand that even in modern Japan there's many compelling reasons people might work at a fuuzoku such as poverty or becoming unemployed. It's not an issue with any kind of easy solution.

JK Haru is a story that takes place in a society of exaggerated male supremacy, but even so the reader is still able to sympathize with the women's circumstances. It's kind of a cheat, a way for Haru's strong heart to inspire the others in the story to work at making a better world. I wrote it with the intention that this would also be the hope of the reader.

Ani-Gamers: The sex workers in JK Haru go through a lot of horrible things but also have a lot of happiness. But a thing that really caught my attention was the use of contraception. Normally in fantasy and isekai stories the idea of contraception is ignored, or it just has an easy solution. But when Haru uses contraception, the reader is really made aware of her body, and it's critical to the overall narrative.

Hiratori: I did try to keep in mind what was normal for a fantasy story, but more than that I was conscientious of what felt real. Kind of like I was trying to please the readers who would be very interested in that sort of thing as well as the people who would want to skip over it. (laughs)

In the end it was another way to demonstrate Haru's strength and tenacity to the reader. I did kind of simplify the issue of contraception and venereal disease though. Although if I could get away with it I wouldn't think about either of them.

Ani-Gamers: When you were writing JK Haru, how much importance did you place on the real experiences of sex workers?

Hiratori: Actually, I didn't do a lot of research, but I thought a lot about the isekai setting and that of the shop, and thinking about how Haru would advance herself in the shop was an interesting process.

Oh, but the first time Haru takes Sumo to the second floor, I did some research into how a sumo wrestler has sex. Some readers expressed their gratitude at having found it very helpful that I had considered how people with very different bodies would have sex.

Ani-Gamers: There was a really fascinating contrast between Haru's appeal as a high school girl in a world where nobody has any appreciation for that, but Haru also felt a lot more realistic as compared to the “JK” character archetype. The character Chiba also made me feel Ah, yes, I've known this kind of person in the past.

Hiratori: Haru very much feels that being a “JK” is a large part of her identity, and she's determined to enjoy it and drag everyone she knows into performing that part of herself. Similarly, Chiba is desperately holding onto being an “Otaku” as his reason for living, the kind of person who won't ever consider the source of his fixations. The two are very similar, but because their outlook is so very different they won't ever be able to understand one another.

That being said I don't think most people have a very memorable personality when they're a teenager. I had a lot of fun writing those two, you've really given me nostalgia.

Ani-Gamers: Thank you very much for answering our questions. I'm really looking forward to your next book. Is there anything you've wanted to say thus far but haven't had the opportunity to?

Hiratori: Thank you as well. Up until now I've only really had people who read my stories on the web, but thanks to JK Haru a lot of people have had the chance to see my work. I'd love to write another book that people will have the pleasure of reading. But until then, thank you for all your support.

For even more JK Haru discussion, check out David and Inaki’s full podcast review on the Ani-Gamers Book Club!

JK Haru is a Sex Worker in Another World Author Ko Hiratori Discusses World-Building and Realism originally appeared on Ani-Gamers on July 31, 2020 at 5:19 PM.

By: Inaki

[x0401x]

Hi! Have you watch Litseners anime? What's your opinion on it?

Hi there! Yeah, I have.

It gives me mixed feelings. I liked the first episode. Sure, it was clearly very cliché, but it seemed to promise fun developments. Also, the whole production is ridiculously good. The animation quality is insane, the character designs are non-conventional and homages to real artists, the soundtrack slaps and there's literally only prominent and famous voice actors in the cast. All of this potential had me really hyped at first, so I'm fairly disappointed with how it turned out.

The problem, simply put, is the story. It's an interesting idea - though overused, it could be recycled in a new way and become a somewhat original work. The characters are also quite easy to like. Still, neither them nor the plot stick with you, and I think the one at fault for that is the omnibus narration. Just one episode isn't quite enough to flesh out the characters that star in each or the circumstances around them. They just come around through absurdly well-timed and unbelievable coincidences, and are gone before you can actually get attached to them. There's very little emotional value spared to their backstories, which is a waste, since they're heavy and mostly dark. The lack of information isn't limited to just that, though. It's everywhere. The dialogue is extremely vague at times, yet the characters seem to understand all of it, no matter how poorly explained things are. That leaves the viewers lost more often than not. We don't really get a good portion of whatever the fuck is going on, and most important of all, we're never given an actual reason to care about it.

There's also the whole thing with the theme of the series. It's obviously an ode to Ocidental music and there are references to it everywhere. That's the cool part of it, but it's also one of the biggest shortcomings. Sometimes, they do some out-of-pocket shit, like taking the faces of Beethoven and co., painting them with Kiss make-up and naming them the founding fathers of some prestigious music school. But in general, it feels like a series made by music nerds exclusively for music nerds. The references are never presented in a way that everyone (including people who don't have much knowledge of them) could understand them. It's like talking to a mirror. The show also takes elements from classic flicks and throws them into the mix, which would be awesome as long as they added up to the content, but this hardly gives way to anything other than more confusion instead. It all just keeps getting messier.

My conclusion is the usual: I guess anything and everything that has Jin as part of the creative team is always bound to make very little sense.

[bibliophileiz]

An Ode to Spoilers: How ‘shock value’ flies in the face of conventional storytelling

My name is Iz and I love spoilers.

One of my favorite books I’ve ever read is an epic tragic love story that ends with the lovers dead. The first dies suddenly and horribly, and the other is left embittered, hopelessly navigating his now empty existence until he too dies in an unmomentous scene that feels almost more like a sigh of relief than the gut-wrenching destruction of a character I spent 353 pages with by that point. 

Here’s the thing though: I knew all that was coming when I started Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles, because I know how Homer’s The Iliad ends.

I’ve read a handful of retellings of the fall of Troy, and I never expect them to have happy endings. (I was pleasantly surprised when David and Stella Gemmell’s Troy trilogy ended with two of the characters living happily ever after.) Same goes with any stories that take place during destructive moments in history -- The Other Boleyn Girl will end with Mary watching her sister’s execution, The Titanic will always sink, and any book you read about the Holocaust may be about hope, but it will also be about trauma. 

So let’s take it out of the context of history and into fiction. One of the most famous tragic love stories of all time, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, tells you in the prologue in Act I that Romeo and Juliet will die at the end -- presumably so that people who wanted a happy ending know to leave right then and come back when Much Ado About Nothing is playing. 

Shakespeare wasn’t the first or only storyteller to do this either. The audiences of Greek tragedies knew good and well Antigone was going to die for her loyalty to family and the gods. Even the muses in the opening of Homer’s The Odyssey kind of tell you what’s about to happen. Which suggests that in many of the most iconic and long-lasting stories in Western culture* the storytellers haven’t been too concerned with spoilers.

This is not what we’re seeing with storytellers today.  

Possibly because fans are now obsessed with getting online and talking out theories for what and how certain plots will play out, writers -- and TV writers in particular -- have become obsessed with “subverting audience expectations.” Some have even come out and said they’ve changed endings after fans correctly predicted their plans. Think about that for a second: audience surprise is now more important to some storytellers than having a plot-driven narrative.

There’s a scene in the CW show Jane the Virgin where, in a flashback, a precocious young Jane at her first ever book reading asks a romance author why she ended a particular book with the couple NOT living happily ever after. The author tells her love doesn’t always work out.

“Yeah, in real life,” Jane says. “But this is a romance novel. In a romance novel, they get a happily ever after, not happily until a mortar shell explodes just when Jean Luc’s finally coming home from the war!

“Everyone knows in tragedies they end up dead, in comedies they end up happy and in romance novels they end up together,” she later adds.

Of course the author tells Jane basically what head show writers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss told us about the end of Game of Thrones earlier this year: “Sometimes you need to subvert the ending for the element of surprise.”

The takeaway for Jane is that she has to read the endings of books first so that she knows what happens. This is something that comes up in other meta stories about storytelling. (In the 2003 movie Alex and Emma, Emma, played by Kate Hudson, tells professional novelist Alex, played by Luke Wilson, that she always reads the ends of books before deciding whether she wants to invest her time in the whole thing. Alex is flabbergasted. Also, I need to rewatch that movie.) 

Does this mean I think all TV shows, books, movies, etc. should be spoiled? No. But it does raise the point that audiences want to know they’re on the same page as the storyteller. I don’t want Rob Thomas to manipulate my emotions and make me think I’m watching a particular type of story only to blow Logan Echolls up in the last 10 minutes. I don’t want to read 10,000 pages and watch 7 seasons of a Jaime Lannister redemption arc that ends with him riding back to King’s Landing for a pointless death scene with the woman who sent him down the path of self-destruction in the first place. And I better fucking not have watched Kylo Ren oversee the massacre of a peaceful village at the beginning of The Force Awakens for The Rise of Skywalker to end with him banging Rey. Because those stories weren’t presented to me as the kind of stories that would have those endings.

If Game of Thrones the TV show had told us at the outset that this was the story of The Tragedy of Danaerys Targaryen, would as many people have been shocked, pissed off, bitterly disappointed in the ending to a show they’d spent literal years watching and being invested in? 

The other side of that question, of course, is: If Game of Thrones the TV show had told us at the outset that this was the story of The Tragedy of Danaerys Targaryen, would as many people have watched it in the first place, knowing it would inevitably end with Danaerys’ downfall?

Call me crazy, but I think yes. The show would still have been successful. Hell, I’d argue it would even have been better -- with everyone knowing the end, getting there is tighter. There are fewer false starts and unnecessary characters, the writers, actors and audience are all on the same page, that whole Dorne subplot probably doesn’t happen. With a general consensus on the destination, it all becomes about the journey.

And if we’re really being honest with ourselves, that’s what storytelling is actually about. Because I read 369 pages of The Song of Achilles, knowing damn well it wouldn’t end happily for Patroclus and Achilles but also getting to see how happy they were in the middle -- how their choices brought them to Troy to fight with the Greeks, even though they didn’t start the war themselves; how they spent 10 years making a life there together; how Achilles brought love to Patroclus’ life and how Patroclus kept Achilles human throughout the war. And instead of being a bitter love story, it was a beautiful one, and it was worth the ending.

Having an audience that understands the writer’s storytelling goals will always be better than leaving an audience shocked, angry, and confused at the wholesale destruction of characters they’ve invested in. Intentional storytelling will always be better than shock value.

*I say stories in Western culture because, unfortunately, I am not as familiar with stories in other cultures. (I know/have heard of some of them, but don’t know them well enough to know what the prologue says. Someone who knows -- does The Epic of Gilgamesh tell you at the outset that Enkidu dies?) But I’d be interested to know if some cultures care about spoilers more than others, and just generally would like to see more discussion on this whole topic.