#and also the 5 directions the water flows to.....

[soft-cristobalite]

The star 🎆

Okay soooo me and other artist from Ukraine made a collab and did the whole tarot deck!!!! You can check out other works here 🤭

[icewindandboringhorror]

... how am I meant to get any sort of restful sleep when it's like 85F indoors in my bedroom at NIGHT .. hhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[megumimania]

SUMMERTIME — nanami kento

synopsis: it’s nanami’s year to host the annual summer barbecue— but will it go as well as he planned?

warnings: nanami kento x fem!reader, gojo is a lowley a dick in this one, brief mentions of jjk 1st and 2nd years, fluff, nanami not trying to kill gojo for 5 mins challenge go!

author’s notes: heyyy im back from the dead! honestly life has been so busy but im glad to be back for now, im just cleaning out the drafts!

“please dont—” nanami calls out but it’s too late. the sound of his porcelain vase shattering on the ground cuts him off.

at this point nanami knew that this would happen. in the days leading up to the annual summer barbecue, you’d heard your husband whisper, yell and mumble every expletive in the book.

you know he didn’t mean to curse so much, it was just the stress of planning everything getting to him. it was also the fact that he often tried to separate his work life and his home life. he’d refused to do overtime when you had dates planned and he often booked days off to work around your schedule.

the separation between his home and work life made his life less stressful, knowing that you were kept away safe from the evil world of curses and jujutsu made the harder days more bearable.

“sorry nanamin!” the pink haired teen called out, flashing one of his usual smiles that could probably let him get away with murder. nanami waved him off seemingly unfazed.

at first things were going smoothly.

drinks were flowing, the kids were either playing or swimming in the pool and his fellow co workers were chatting away on the patio. for a second nanami could breathe until the smell of acrid smoke wafted in the air.

he forgot he left gojo on patties and hot dogs duty.

“gojo did you just burn the hot dogs and patties?” nanami asked calmly, simultaneously going over the relaxation techniques you’d taught him in his head. nanami wasn’t quick to anger by any means but when gojo came into the equation, it was almost instinctual.

nanami couldn’t throttle gojo in front of his colleagues and students. what kind of impression would that make?

he figured that they would understand nonetheless, almost everybody here had thought about doing the same thing, it’s just that he’d be the first to actually do it.

“nanamin this is no way to talk to your elders!” gojo berated him, shaking his head profusely for dramatic purposes only.

“i thought you’d know better manners than that.” gojo replied, feigning disappointment.

in any other situation nanami would apologise for his supposed lack of respect but when these words were coming from the mouth of a 28 year old, over powered man child, his comment was like water off of a duck’s back.

“i don’t care, you better fix this,” nanami replied, his voice low and threatening.

he did not want to disrupt the lively atmosphere of the barbecue because of one idiot’s mistake. he slipped some money into his hand, hoping that a few gojo free minutes would lower his blood pressure.

he spotted you talking to shoko and utahime by the pool, looking gorgeous as ever in your blue sundress. you were throwing your head back in laughter as shoko made a funny joke.

god you were still beautiful as the first time he met you at a party that celebrated the merger between the two companies you worked at.

he remembers it as if it was clear as day, whilst everyone was networking and socialising with each other, you stood off to the side of the room like a wallflower and from the way you kept zoning out whilst several conversations were happening in your direction.

he knew he found the one in you.

the only person who’s social battery drained faster than his. nanami was and still is forever grateful for the slight buzz that the complimentary champagne had given him, as it gave him the liquid courage to talk to you.

and now five years, a wedding and a beautiful home later, nanami still looked at you with so much love and affection as if everyday was the first day he met you. he was extremely lucky to have you in his life.

“i’m sorry ladies, i need to borrow my wife for a second.” he said politely as shoko raised her hands in mock surrender, giving him a cheeky grin. by no means did he want to pull you out from the conversation you were having, he was happy that you jelled well with his colleagues.

“she’s all yours nanami, don’t worry about it.” she patted his back playfully as her and utahime walked off in an another direction with their drinks in tow.

he knows he’s being awfully clingy right now, pulling you away from what seemed like a good conversation but he just wanted a brief moment with you before he had to deal with everyone’s shenanigans again.

in the back he can see nobara and maki hustle everybody in an intense game of poker, shoko and utahime purposely accidentally blowing smoke into gakukanji’s face to piss him off or to probably send him into an early grave.

“would i be a terrible host if i kick everyone out right now, hm?” he pulled you into his chest, your presence having a calming effect on him.

nanami could die here in your arms. in an instant the sensory overload he was currently experiencing was immediately quietened by just being here with you.

you rested your hand on his chest, the blaring testament of nanami’s love for you sitting pretty on your ring finger. the ring cost a pretty penny that nanami was all the willing to spend, even going the extra mile to buy lab grown diamonds for you.

“i think they’d be more understanding if you fed them first,” you joked, looking over at the grill that was currently missing from the action. “speaking of…where is the food?”

by reading his facial expressions, it didn’t take much to deduce that a certain white haired and blue eyed sorcerer had a role to play in all of this.

it was common knowledge that gojo wasn’t a good cook by any means. that part was really solidified last year when half the staff was out sick because he decided to experiment with his food on one friendsgiving evening.

“c’mon babe, chill out have a drink or two. you’ve been so uptight all day.” you suggested, offering him a reprieve from his host duties. nanami couldn’t say no to a pretty face like yours, especially when you were looking at him like that.

he eventually gives in, grabbing a bottle of beer from the cooler. it’s not his favourite drink of choice but he figured that it would do for the time being. nanami relaxes under your touch, his heart rate and breathing becoming more slowed and even.

you forget how much work aged him, even though he says that it’s the most fulfilling job that he’s had. the wear and tear of being a sorcerer definitely added years onto him despite him only being 27. a vacation is definitely needed for the both of you, a long one preferably away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

protests come from the partygoers who are eagerly awaiting the food. yuji and nobara proclaim that they’re gonna die without food that earns an eye roll from megumi, who has gotten accustomed to his friends dramatic tendencies.

gojo arrives on cue with a terribly awkward ijichi who profusely apologises for their lateness. nanami quickly gets up and helps put the bag of food away before telling ijichi to grab a drink and chill out by the patio. he feels bad that gojo made him work on his day off because lord knows after dealing with gojo 24/7, a break is definitely needed.

“you’re a lazy sack of shit.” nanami tells gojo as he begins to plate up the food for the kids, handing out plates to the kids as they come. gojo plays dumb, as if he wants to ruffle nanami’s feathers even more.

maybe it was a rich kid or only child thing hell, maybe it was a mix of both but as much as gojo claimed his childhood wasn’t like one of those “super rich, super spoiled kids”, it did show in his mannerisms and body language. for example his attitude towards the mundane like doing the dishes or laundry. someone was always doing something for him.

“what do you mean?” he asks, feigning ignorance. nanami wasn’t going to give him the reaction he wanted, choosing to be blunt as hell. someone had to bring him back to reality one way or another and unfortunately the task befell on him.

“you made ijichi come in on his day off, just to drop off some food.” gojo groans in annoyance. trust nanami to turn everything into a teaching lesson. it wasn’t his fault the food was heavy and in his eyes, this wasn’t work, this was merely ijichi helping him run an errand as a good friend does.

“if he didn’t want to go with me, he would’ve said something, right ijichi?” he calls out to the younger man, who stills at the sound of his name being called. he meekly nods, not wanting to be dragged into this mini argument between them both.

“still doesn’t change the fact that you’re still an ass.” nanami still relented much to gojo’s dismay. his expression changing once you came over, the hard lines on his face softening as he spoke to you.

gojo thought it was adorable as hell that nanami was a complete softie for his wife, a complete contrast from the stoic exterior he displayed on the field. he knew that deep down nanami had a big heart—it was evident in the way he always looked out for the students and the other sorcerers.

you placed a kiss on his cheek, poking fun at how red he turned from the moment before walking off, food in hand. gojo leaned in closer to make a cheeky remark but was immediately silenced with a burger being shoved into his mouth.

“shut it.” nanami muttered before going over to join you on the loungers. gojo was stunned, he was too busy trying to work his way through the layers of bread and meat to process what just happened.

nanami was too busy enjoying his time with you to care about what gojo’s next plan of action was. however he mentally drew up a scoreboard that brought a sense of satisfaction for him.

this week:

nanami 1

gojo 0

[artingstarvist]

TGCF Vol 3 (eng), Chp. 43 - 44 (First "Kiss") Part 1 / 5 (next >)

First part of the comic is finally done! I chose this scene because I know the donghua/manhua will almost certainly censor it and also I feel like there's a lot of beautiful but also inaccurate depictions of this kiss and I just wanna do the full scene justice, including Xie Lian's reaction on the beach. I'm trying to stay as close to the novel as possible but some dialogue will be slightly altered to fit the flow of the comic. I should have planned it to be more vertically oriented to fit tumblr better but hell I don't actually know anything about making comics.

CW for those who don't know where this is going: The next part of this comic includes relatively non-consensual kissing. The purpose is the exchange of air & to keep the smoke spirit from entering, but Xie Lian does struggle against it in the beginning. If this might trigger or upset you, don't read any further.

A direct novel excerpt of this scene is under the cut.

[comic panel numbers] [1] It didn't take long before his throat itched, and that cloud of black smoke was retched back out! [2] Xie Lian covered his mouth with his sleeve, coughing nonstop and choked by tears. [3] His mind raced to find another countermeasure. Even after the cloud of black smoke was forcibly vomited out, it still swirled about and relentlessly clung to his body. [4] Xie Lian pushed himself onto the windowsill, raised himself up, and leapt into the lake outside. [5, 6] With a splash, Xie Lian plunged deep into the heart of the lake. [7] He held his breath, crossed his arms and legs, and assumed a meditative position, letting his body slowly sink to the bottom of that freezing lake. Once his heartbeat returned to normal, he looked up and could somewhat make out the black fog swirling above, blocking off the surface of the water. [8] Once he emerged, he'd have to gasp in a deep breath, and in doing so, he would surely suck the child spirit into his stomach. [9] A grown man with a fulsome baby bump wasn't the least bit funny to imagine. [10] However, his leap into the water had only been meant to give himself some time to think. It didn't take long for Xie Lian to come up with a counterattack. [11] So what if I swallow it? I'll just swallow Fangxin right after. [12] He'd learned that trick when performing on the streets. [13] Although it might hurt, whatever -- as long as the child spirit could be captured. [14] With his mind thus made up, Xie Lian released his arms and started swimming upward. [15, 16] A muffled sound of sloshing water came from above, and suddenly a vast expanse of burning, vivid crimson red flooded his vision. [17] A tangle of winding raven-black locks obscured his sight, though nothing could be seen through the splashing water and schools of air bubbles.

[doormatty3]

Ocean Eyes: Chapter 1 (Orm Marius x Reader)

Masterlist Ao3

Ocean Eyes Masterlink

Summary:

[Orm Marius x Female Reader] [Orm Marius x You]

The ocean has always fascinated you - the ebb and flow of its water, the marine life in the sea and the wild and untamed beauty it exudes. Your attempts to explain this fascination have always fallen short. But when you meet Orm at the seaside one rainy day you find, that he just understands.  You offer to show him around since he is not from the city. And you are intrigued by his rather strange quirks and his regal demeanour.  After all, how could you not? When his eyes mirror the ocean itself, deep and incredibly blue. OR: You impress Orm with the surface world and he impresses you with his Atlantean cock

Wordcount: 4134

A/N: This is the first chapter for a (probably) 4-5 chapter fic

Also: Our boy Orm deserves some love so this happened.

Normally, you actually like water; after all, it’s an integral part of your life as a marine biologist. 

You’ve spent countless hours immersed in the briny depths, studying the mysteries that lie beneath the surface. In the embrace of the watery depths, you’ve unravelled the secrets of hidden ecosystems, marvelled at the kaleidoscope of marine life, and witnessed the symbiotic dance between predator and prey. The ebb and flow of tides, the rhythmic movement of ocean waves – these are the elements that typically elicit admiration and wonder from you. 

However, this affection for water does not extend to rain, especially when it chooses to make an unannounced entrance when you’re out for a walk along the seaside.

As the heavens open up unexpectedly, you find yourself caught off guard, the rhythmic pitter-patter of raindrops on the sand disrupts the usual symphony of your thoughts. A muttered curse slips through your lips, a reflexive response to the inconvenience of precipitation, and you hastily reach for your umbrella.

The once-clear sky, a former blue sphere, now cloaks itself in shades of grey, as you struggle with the umbrella, desperately attempting to shield yourself from the sudden downpour threatening to soak you through.

“Thank god,” you mutter under your breath when you finally manage to open the umbrella before being drenched. 

As you trudge along the wet sands, your now open umbrella in hand, the lack of shelter becomes painfully apparent. The vast openness of the seaside, which had promised freedom and expansiveness, now offers no refuge from the relentless rain. 

The sea, once a source of inspiration, now seems indifferent to your plight, its waves crashing rhythmically as if mocking the irony of a marine biologist seeking escape from the rain. 

Amidst the relentless downpour, your attention is drawn to a solitary figure at the edge of the beach. Despite the bad weather and the onslaught of rain, the man remains unwavering.

His gaze is steadfastly directed towards the open expanse of the ocean. 

Even from afar you can tell that he’s completely soaked, his blonde hair clings stubbornly to his head, and his clothes adhere to his form like a second skin.

Intrigued by the enigmatic scene, you find yourself pausing in your own battle against the weather, momentarily captivated by the man’s unwavering focus. The rhythmic cadence of the rain seems to fade into the background as you observe the drenched stranger.

Curiosity propels you towards him, each step accompanied by the squelching sound of wet sand beneath your shoes.

Instinctively, you move closer to the man on the edge of the beach, extending the canopy of your umbrella to encompass both of you.

He turns around, surprise evident in his expression, as if awakening from a deep reverie. It becomes clear that your approach went unnoticed, his focus entirely absorbed by the vastness of the open ocean. The sudden shelter you provide seems to bring him back to the present moment.

As your gaze flickers over him, you find yourself inadvertently appreciating the details of his appearance. His smooth skin contrasts with a well-groomed stubble, and his piercing blue eyes hold a hint of depth, perhaps mirroring the expanse of the sea he was lost in moments ago. Expressive eyebrows, a straight nose, and pink lips contribute to an overall attractiveness that stands out even amidst the dampness and the downpour - perhaps the rain even intensified this as your eyes follow the path of a raindrop as it traverses his forehead and nose, eventually dripping from the tip.

Despite the adverse weather, it’s evident that he takes care of himself. The rain reveals the contours of a muscular physique beneath his soaked clothes. A defined chest, broad shoulders, and sculpted arms speak of a physicality that has weathered more than just the current storm.

A quiet “thank you” escapes his lips, accompanied by the subtle curve of a smile that plays on them. As he holds your gaze, his blue eyes reveal more than words convey. There’s an intensity in his look, a depth that suggests the weight of unspoken thoughts resting behind those expressive eyes.

As he breaks the gaze and turns back to the open sea, his presence lingers, all-consuming, and you find yourself unable to simply walk away. Instead, you remain rooted in your spot, holding the umbrella over both of you.

The rhythmic rise and fall of the waves draws your attention, each wave pooling onto the smooth surface of the sand before dispersing like foam. The ocean, in its relentless dance, momentarily recalls its waters, leaving behind a glistening trail of wet sand in its wake.

As you stand there, sheltered under the umbrella, the tableau before you becomes a canvas of contrasts – the vast expanse of the open sea, the ephemeral beauty of the waves, and the tangible presence of the stranger beside you. The sound of raindrops on the umbrella becomes a quiet rhythm, harmonizing with the natural symphony of the seaside.

It really has been ages since you allowed yourself to simply take in the beauty of the ocean and breathe. The thoughts of work, responsibilities, and the hustle of daily life seem to dissolve, rendered insignificant in the face of the vast, timeless expanse of the open sea.

Under the shared umbrella, the ceaseless rhythm of the waves becomes a soothing lullaby, and the salty tang of the sea air fills your lungs with a refreshing breath. The worries and stresses that usually occupy your mind are momentarily eclipsed by the sheer tranquillity of the moment.

With each inhale, you absorb the invigorating sea breeze, and with each exhale, you release any lingering tension. The rain, which was once an inconvenience, now feels like a gentle cleansing, washing away the mental clutter that often accompanies the demands of everyday life.

Normally, your beach walks are just a way to clear your head with familiar surroundings but nothing more than that. So you sift through your thoughts and you ponder the possibility of having seen the man before but his regal demeanour and striking looks leave no trace in your recollections.

Breaking the comfortable silence, you voice your curiosity, “I haven’t seen you here before…” He turns to you, fixing his intense gaze on your face, awaiting your words. “Are you from here?” you inquire.

A subtle smile graces his lips, a fleeting acknowledgement of your question. His hand glides over his chin, tracing the stubble that accentuates his features. Your gaze follows the motion, noting the details - the thickness of his hands, the length of his fingers, and the neatly trimmed nails.

“No,” he begins, and as if sensing your curiosity, he offers a bit more insight, “I’m from far away. I’m… just passing through.”

Despite the cryptic nature of his words, you find yourself captivated by the mysterious charm he exudes. His subtlety and intensity draw you in, leaving you with a desire to unravel the layers behind those enigmatic blue eyes.

“Well then, it’s nice to meet you!” you express with a genuine smile. Taking the initiative, you extend a hand in introduction.

In response to your greeting, he graces you with a full-blown, toothy smile that illuminates his face. His eyes sparkle, reminiscent of sunlight dancing on water, and the skin around his eyes crinkles with the warmth of the expression.

You… want to see that more often, you think. You’d like to be the reason for that infectious smile, to be the reason behind the sparkle in his eyes, and to cast away the haunted look that seems to linger within their depths.

“Happy to make your acquaintance,” he responds, his hand enveloping yours with a firm grasp. As his long fingers curl around yours, a subtle current of electricity prickles at the point of contact, and you find yourself missing his touch when he drops your hand.

“I’m Orm,” he introduces himself.

“Orm,” you test the pronunciation of his name, and you catch the flicker of his eyes as they briefly lower to your lips.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard that name,” you remark, your curiosity piqued. 

In response, he shrugs, a somewhat sheepish expression crossing his features. “As I said, I am not from here,” he adds.

“If you ever need a tour guide, let me know,” you offer, extending a friendly invitation. His eyebrows raise in response, and you catch a glint of curiosity in his eyes. “I know a few nice places… some even provide a better view of the ocean.”

As a gust of wind swirls around you, the dampness of your clothes coupled with the cold air sends a shiver down your spine, and goosebumps emerge on your skin. The sudden chill causes you to freeze, the contrast between the warmth of the moment shared under the umbrella and the elements outside becoming palpable.

In contrast, you observe Orm, still drenched but seemingly unaffected by the cold.

The offer to be his tour guide hangs in the air, and for a brief moment, a subtle fear creeps in. Was it too forward? Does he wish to cut the conversation short, politely concealing any desire to decline?

A sense of relief washes over you as Orm’s response breaks the brief tension. 

“That would be nice,” he says, his eyes straying back to the expanse of the ocean as if lost in thought.

The soft pitter-patter of the rain envelops you both in a cocoon, creating a serene backdrop to the moment. Despite the logical inclination to seek shelter and escape the rain, something within you resists the notion of leaving. A peculiar reluctance binds you to the spot as if an invisible force tethers you to Orm’s calming presence.

Standing beside him, you feel a sense of grounding and tranquillity it’s a sensation that you haven’t experienced before - well, if you’re honest with yourself, you have felt it before. It’s the same feeling you get near or in the ocean.

Maybe it’s his eyes. His deep, blue eyes seem to hold all the mysteries of the sea, mirroring the tranquil rhythm of the rain and the timeless expanse of the ocean.

____

A few days later you see him again and you find yourself back at the same spot.

Today, the weather is vastly different - there’s no rain, and the sun graces the scene with its warm glow.

As you approach the familiar location, the memories of the previous meeting flicker in your mind. You wonder how Orm will look in the bright sunlight - he had already been a vision when completely drenched.

When he comes into view, you find that he’s even more striking than before, 

He is clad in a basic black shirt and matching slacks, the fabric sits snugly on his broad frame, accentuating the contours of his muscular body. The sunlight enhances the contrast, casting a play of shadows that dance along the lines of his thick body.

The blonde hair, now dry and therefore lighter in the sun, is neatly combed back, reflecting the sunlight like strands of golden thread, creating an almost ethereal aura around him.

His gaze is fixed on the sea again. With his head held high and arms folded behind his back, there’s a regal air about him.

“Orm! Hey,” you greet him, genuine warmth in your voice as you approach, happy to see him again. As he turns around to face you, there’s a radiant smile on his lips.

The sunlight adds a gleam to his features as he returns your greeting.

“So, what do you want to see?” you ask Orm, eager to tailor the experience to his preferences. “Have anything in mind?”

He responds with a gracious simplicity, “No, I leave that in your capable hands.”

You can’t help but feel a subtle warmth creeping across your cheeks because he really is rather sweet and charming.

So you clear your throat before speaking, “I promised you some nice places to see the ocean, so let’s do that.”

With a subtle gesture, you signal it’s time to leave, and you start walking with Orm following closely behind. As you set the pace, you observe him adjusting his strides to match yours, a small yet thoughtful gesture that makes your heart beat faster. It’s rare that a guy just does that without having to be asked.

He slips his hands into his pockets, seemingly unsure of what to do with them.

“We’re gonna have to drive a bit,” you mention, looking up at Orm, and tugging your lip between your teeth, “Is that fine for you?”

You gesture towards your small blue car and watch Orm’s gaze as his eyes shift from you to the car before nodding slowly, “Sure.”

As you lead the way, Orm walks behind you, and you notice a hesitation in his movements when you reach the car. He doesn’t do anything until you open your door, watching your movements. To you, he looks a bit lost, as if he’s unsure about how to open the door. But you disregard that thought, it is probably just your mind playing tricks.

As you both get into the car, the doors closing with a reassuring thud, you settle into your respective seats.

“If you need more leg space, feel free to adjust the seat,” you offer, considering he is taller than you.

 He meets your gaze with those striking blue eyes before nodding, “Sure, but I’ll be fine.”

Orm’s gaze wanders around your car, and you notice his eyes catching on the seashell chain dangling from the rearview mirror. His hand raises, and his fingers delicately trace over the hard exteriors of the shells. The gesture carries a certain intimacy as if he’s unravelling the stories embedded in each shell.

The image in your mind briefly diverges, envisioning those deliberate touches on your skin with the same care and intensity. You swallow dryly as you try to remember why you’re here - to show him some spots, to be his friend, not to fuck him.

As you start the car, the engine humming to life, you catch what seems like a subtle jump in the corner of your eyes from Orm. However, you dismiss it, attributing it to a trick of the mind or perhaps a momentary startle that often accompanies the sudden sounds of a car coming to life.

“Do you mind fastening your seatbelt?” you ask, your concern for safety evident in the request. Sure, he’s muscular and fit but in case of an accident that won’t help him much sadly.

Orm nods in acknowledgement, and his eyes meet yours as you secure your seatbelt before mirroring the motion.

He is rather strange.

_____

The drive unfolds in a quiet contentment, accompanied by the soft murmur of the radio playing music at a low volume. Orm, for the most part, gazes out of the window, seemingly lost in thought or captivated by the passing scenery. As the sunlight plays on his face, casting gentle shadows, you find yourself fascinated by the play of light, accentuating his features.

At some point you start humming, caught in the melody of a song and even sing quietly along. After a few beats you notice that Orm’s gaze is fixed on you now, an intensive look in his blue eyes as he studies you with a depth that makes you feel vulnerable.

As you become aware of it, a blush creeps across your cheeks. To your surprise, Orm responds with one of those sweet smiles before breaking eye contact and redirecting his attention to the scenery outside the window again.

“We’re here,” you announce to Orm, bringing the car to a stop. The engine’s hum fades as you turn it off, and you both step out.

You brought him to a medium-high cliff site.

The cliff, standing just a few feet above the ocean, is characterised by weathered stones, carved over time by the relentless touch of the water. It’s not a typical beach setting, but the raw beauty of the scene never fails to captivate you.

Below, the waves crash with a rhythmic symphony, their energy echoing against the stone walls in a natural percussion. Each surge sends sprays of seawater into the air, catching the sunlight like a cascade of liquid diamonds before dissipating into the sea breeze.

The sun, hanging high in the sky, bathes the entire scene in a warm, golden glow. It casts its warm embrace upon the waves, creating a dazzling display as the light interplays with the water that reflects the brilliance of the sun. The golden rays catch in the frothy crests of the wave.

A small path, worn by time and exploration, winds its way down the cliffside side presumably leading to a beach down below.

In the stillness of this remote haven, away from the clamour of the city and the watchful eyes of the world, the air carries a purity that is both invigorating and calming. As you close your eyes and inhale deeply, the crisp, clean air fills your lungs, creating a sense of tranquillity that is uniquely serene.

As you stand there a realization dawns upon you - you’ve never brought someone here before. Yet, as you stand there with Orm, the decision to share this sacred place with him feels instinctive, as if his presence harmonizes with the essence of the surroundings.

Deep within your consciousness, a recognition stirs, an understanding that his eyes mirror the tranquil beauty of this place. There’s an unspoken connection between him and the sea, a sentiment that resonates with the rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and untamed nature surrounding you both. It’s as if his very presence is an extension of the landscape - a kindred spirit to the ocean.

“Beautiful,” Orm’s quiet voice interrupts your reverie, prompting you to turn around and face him, finding that his gaze is fixed on you, not on the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you.

“Yeah, I come here to think - I just feel like I can breathe here,” you share, offering a glimpse into the personal significance this place holds for you. 

As you speak, you notice that Orm’s eyes remain glued to your form, not wandering to the sea. His intense gaze seems to linger on you as if captivated by something beyond the natural beauty of the landscape. You feel your heartbeat in your whole body and electricity coursing through your skin.

Orm steps closer his intense blue eyes never leaving yours. With a gentle touch, he lifts a wayward lock of hair that has fallen in front of your face and tucks it behind your ear.

The gesture is tender, a subtle connection that transcends words. The proximity and the soft touch create a moment suspended in time, the crashing waves and the untouched beauty of the surroundings fading into the background. 

Your breath catches in your throat, momentarily you forget to breathe as you feel his warm skin on your face.

You can’t help but notice the vibrant glow in Orm’s eyes. The sunlight catches in the deep blue hues, and they seem to come alive with a vivid intensity. His gaze, vibrant and open, mirrors the brilliance of the sun that bathes the surroundings.

At that moment, his eyes are a reflection of the untamed beauty of the sea, filled with depths and mysteries that seem to echo the vastness of the ocean. 

Orm’s proximity brings with it an enveloping scent that fills the air around you. It’s a fragrance that captures the essence of the sea, a symphony of the breeze, sea salt, and the unmistakable aroma of the beach. 

As you breathe in, the familiar notes of the sea transport you to the shoreline, the rhythmic sounds of the waves echoing in your mind. 

It is as if he’s water itself.

In the silence, with Orm’s hand gently cradling the side of your face, you notice the subtle movement of his Adam’s apple as he swallows. In a moment of courage, you decide to close the distance.

With a small, bold step on your toes, you reach for his lips, closing the gap between you and Orm. The kiss is a gentle meeting, a fusion of shared connection and unspoken emotions. The crashing waves and the sea breeze seem to hold their breath as if nature itself is pausing to witness this intimate exchange beneath the warm glow of the sun.

Orm’s response is immediate and enveloping. Instead of pulling back, he wraps his strong arms around you, pulling you even closer against his frame. The kiss deepens a mutual exchange that goes beyond words. The embrace is strong and intimate as if the crashing waves below have found their echo in the connection between you and Orm.

Time seems to slow, and the kiss becomes a shared moment suspended in the tapestry of the cliffside sanctuary. The scent of the sea, the warmth of the sunlight, and the touch of his lips create a harmonious symphony, blending with the timeless rhythm of the waves below. 

You feel Orm’s stubble against your skin. The subtle scratch of his facial hair becomes a grounding force, connecting you to the present moment, reminding you that this is happening.

It is as if your entire being comes alive.

Every touch, every nuance of the kiss, is a vibrant testament to the living, breathing connection between you and Orm. 

Breathless, you break the kiss, and as you look at Orm, he appears positively ravishing. The sea breeze plays with his tousled hair, and the sunlight casts a golden glow upon his features.

His eyes reflect a sense of wonder as if the shared moment was something extraordinary and beyond expectation. And then, with a captivating smile, he pulls back slightly, tracing his tongue over his bottom lip, savouring the taste of the kiss.

“That was unexpected,” Orm says, his intense gaze unwavering as he keeps his eyes firmly on you.

“Unwelcome?” you question,  searching for reassurance.

“No, I didn’t say that. It was most welcome,” he assures you with a warm smile, his eyes reflecting a genuine appreciation for the shared moment.

“It’s different from what I thought or expected,” Orm mumbles quietly, his expression turning thoughtful, the words almost lost in the hushed tone.

“What?” you ask, a hint of confusion in your voice, urging him to repeat himself since you didn’t quite catch what he was saying.

“Oh, nothing,” Orm dismisses with a subtle smile, as if choosing to keep certain thoughts close to himself and not to elaborate further. 

You lose your train of thought as soon as Orm reaches for your hand, giving it a subtle, reassuring squeeze, telling you without words that you shouldn’t worry about it.

Orm gently releases your hand, his attention drawn to the scenic surroundings. Taking a few steps forward, he moves closer to the edge of the cliff, where he peers down at the undulating water below. 

In the soft glow of the sunlight, his features come alive, it paints him with warmth, casting a radiant glow that enhances every detail. The light highlights the slight tousle of his hair as the wind delicately weaves through it.

Orm turns to you again, his eyes reflecting a deep appreciation for the surroundings. “I can understand why you come to this place,” he says, his voice carrying a sincere tone. “It really is something special.“

You nod in agreement and offer a warm smile. “Are you hungry?” you ask because the rumble in your own stomach suggests it’s time for a meal. Orm seems to ponder for a moment, considering the idea, and then he agrees with a subtle nod.

Curiosity piqued, you ask, “What do you feel like eating?”

His response is straightforward. “I’d like a burger with fries and a Guinness.”

A grin spreads across your face as you reply, “I know a spot that serves good burgers. I’m not too sure about the Guinness though - but I’m sure you’ll find something.”

Orm nods in satisfaction and you suggest getting back to the car.

“Lead the way, oh guide of tours,” Orm says, his choice of words eliciting a snort from you at the quirky phrasing.

As you both settle into the car, you take the driver’s seat and start the engine. 

Without many words, Orm carefully places a hand on your thigh. 

Initially, it’s just the featherlight touch of his fingertips, but when he senses your ease, he gently lays his hand down, spreading his fingers to cover as much space as possible.

The warmth of his touch seeps through the fabric of your jeans, a searing heat that radiates from your leg, enveloping your entire body. Turning your head towards him, you find his gaze fixed on you and in response, you offer a warm smile.

[vitaminseetarot]

PAC Pick a Picture: Yes or No (or Maybe) 💚💙💜

Hey y'all, I'm back in time for the end of May with another pick a card reading. I thought that since it's been almost a year since my last yes or no reading, that now would be a good time to do my second one. Today, perhaps because of the last day of Mermay in part, I'm inspired by the colors green and blue (and some purple thrown in). I'll be using Mermaid Tarot for this reading. 🌎🧜‍♀️

Below, there are 12 images for you to choose from in a random color assortment, from left to right. Take a deep breath, pause, and relax all tension in your body before deciding what your question is. There are a lot of piles to choose from, so if you have a lot of questions, feel free to select them one at a time and read in any order you want.

Pile 1 - Hot Air Balloon Pile 2 - Peacock Tail Pile 3 - Plumbago Flowers (Light Blue) Pile 4 - Azurite Pile 5 - Grass Field Pile 6 - Lily Pad Pile 7 - Damselfly Pile 8 - Gentian Flowers (Dark Blue) Pile 9 - Blueberries Pile 10 - Blue Jay Pile 11 - Butterfly Pile 12- Mountain Bluebird

apologies for the misalignment in pics; this stock photo collage was initially for fun

Pile 1 - Hot Air Balloon

IX Hermit, 9 of Swords, 6 of Swords, XIII Death; 24 - Heal Thyself, 15. Adrift in Shallow Water

This pile is a No. You may be wanting to move forward with something, but the energy I'm picking up on is too closed inward and focused on the worst possible outcomes. You may need to detach from the situation if a decision is called for. Answers will more likely come to you when you are given the quietude and privacy needed to listen to your inner guidance system. It knows a lot more than it may let on, but you won't be able to hear it amidst the chaos.

"Take a few deep breaths and reconnect to your inner peace." This card is talking about using mindfulness to recenter the self. It is very difficult to make important decisions and move forward from a place of anxiety. Things are more likely to move in the direction you desire when you make plans from a calm and positive outlook. Once you're fully ready to move on, the tides will turn for you.

Pile 2 - Peacock Tail

4 of Pentacles, 4 of Cups, 6 of Cups, 7 of Pentacles; 13 - Awareness, 5. Change Direction With Ease

For you, this is a big Maybe. Your reading starts with two 4 cards which can indicate a state of stagnancy and lack of motion. With 6 of cups, you may be more focused on what's happened before than what could happen next. Remember that cycles don't always repeat themselves perfectly and giving something another go can reap potential success if you put in the proper dedication for it.

"You may be in for a surprise." 4 of Cups can talk about unforeseen surprises around the corner, so if you're able to keep your mind more ahead into the present and future rather than the past, you may be prepared to catch this surprise. This surprise could be the key to allowing things to flow through to a more desired resolution. Stay present for what's to come.

Pile 3 - Plumbago Flowers

XIX The Sun, XVIII The Moon, 3 of Cups, Queen of Cups; 7 - Clear Aura, 49. Be Insightful and Established

So this is a definite Yes with the Sun card coming out first! But then the Moon card popped up, which definitely surprised me. This combo doesn't often happen a lot! I think with this particular yes, you may be very excited to jump the gun and celebrate. But the Moon wants to remind you that as alluring as it may be to throw caution in the wind, it's important to keep your emotions leveled and even keeled. Your friends or community may also be affecting the choice or outcome; never mind their energy and stay true to what's in your own cup. Your intuition will guide you.

"Ground and realign your energy." Give yourself a clean fresh head start and look before you leap into anything. Lighten yourself from heavier energies. Make decisions from a place of solid reason rather than through the emotional frenzy that may surround you.

Pile 4 - Azurite

4 of Pentacles, Page of Swords, 2 of Cups, 5 of Pentacles; 14 - Grace, 42. Gentle Moderation

This pile is a very likely No. When I drew these cards, it was like rapid fire. All these cards came out at once. I feel there may be a lot of impatience, especially with the 4 of Pentacles. You may feel you've been waiting too long for something to come to fruition and you may be getting frustrated by the lack of results. With Page of Swords and 2 of Cups, I sense that there is an important lesson you must grasp before you can move ahead with this. It may have to do with communicating to your partner, friend, or coworker, or even asking for assistance.

"Take your time." Time is greatly emphasized in this pile. Before I drew this card and I saw Grace, I thought, "grace period." So you may be in or soon getting a grace period which will allow you to have the ability to ease back and think carefully about how you want to go forward. I get that it sucks when things don't show up when we've desire it for so long, but the cards want to remind you that you have more time than you think to get the results you're after.

Pile 5 - Grass Field

Knight of Pentacles, 8 of Cups, I Magician, 9 of Swords; 30 - Practical Intuition, 5. Change Direction With Ease

This pile looks to be a No, for at least this moment. This is something that may take a while to accomplish, but because you may be holding on to something no longer needed, it could be taking longer than necessary. The Magician card wants to remind you of your power to take control of the situation. Do not listen to the fears that disguise themselves as your intuition. Practical Intuition is about grounding your psychic energy into the material world. Remind yourself that your intuition works for you, not against you. When you're able to let go of old fears and worries, you'll be able to step forward with more confidence.

"It is a time to reconsider what you are wanting." Take some time to get clear on your intentions before you work your magic. The more you paint your worries as being realistic, the more likely they are to become real. Use your intuitive gifts for your benefit. You are not powerless in this situation. But it's ultimately up to you to change how this will all play out!

Pile 6 - Lily Pad Page of Wands, III of Swords, X Wheel of Fortune, 8 of Swords; 9 - Self Acceptance, 29. Empower Yourself

This pile is a Maybe because I almost took out the World card after 8 of Swords. I think with this pile, you need to take account of who you are and what you're capable of doing. You may get this sense that things are totally out of your hands and up to the universe to decide, but the cards are advising you to not default to that reasoning with this question. While it's one thing to recognize when things are out of our hands, this should not be confused with helplessness.

"Allow yourself to be the strong, beautiful person you are capable of being." I'm getting that some of you may be really harsh on yourselves when things don't turn out right. But resorting to negative self talk when things go wrong and positive talk about the universe when things go right, is an imbalanced way of perceiving this. You are powerful, and this situation can resolve itself in part thanks to your efforts. But you must be kinder with yourself to see this power first.

Pile 7 - Damselfly

XIII Death, XI Justice, XVIII The Moon, Page of Wands; 13 - Awareness; 3. In the Light of the Moon

This pile is a No. Something must be done away with here, something must be remain in the past. This is something that needs to occur inevitably, even if it's hard. Whatever it is, things seem to not be going to plan. Ultimately, this No will be in your personal favor, though it doesn't seem that way right now, because letting go will set things into better balance. You may be feeling lost with this, uncertain of how to proceed. But you are gently being guided to your next chapter in life. It's okay if you are feeling down right now, allow yourself to process the emotions (even if you're feeling disconnected from emotion) by doing what you find enjoyable to you as this all unfolds.

I find it interesting how the full moon shows up three times in this reading. I find this magically significant. Do you by chance work with lunar magic, or do you simply follow your emotional energy closely as the moon waxes and wanes? The number 13 appearing twice is also to be noted here. I'm getting that this will have to do with some kind of specific timing, like 13 days from now, or on the 13th of a month. Pay attention to your dreams for further insight and clues. Don't be afraid to shed the old to welcome in the new. Even if this doesn't work out, you carry so much magical potential in you that whatever comes next will be nothing short of wondrously transformative.

Pile 8 - Gentian Flowers

King of Pentacles, 2 of Swords, X Wheel of Fortune, King of Cups; 25 - Truth, 42. Gentle Moderation

This is a likely Yes, but there are signs of some wavering here. The message I channeled was to be true to yourself no matter what decision you may take. You may be dealing with too many conflicting opinions weighing in on something that may be important mainly for you. I'm getting practical needs vs. emotional needs. You must come to your own conclusions about how much you'll factor in one need compared to the other. If you decide both that are important, then you will need to figure out how to get the two needs to cooperate.

"Pressure from others or yourself can be released by renegotiating what you are trying to accomplish." One King to hold the wheel, the other to hold the compass. You are both the guide and the driver of this choice. Once you come to conclusions about what your personal Truth is, let that be your map to a more harmonious outcome.

Pile 9 - Blueberries

XII Hanged Man, 5 of Cups, Knight of Pentacles, XV The Devil; 29 - Nurture, 26. Where You Need to Be

This pile is a No. I'm getting a lot of nervous energy from this pile, I'm needing to take my time and breathe between each card. It may help for you to also take time out and breathe deeply. This could be something that has been stressing you out, keeping you in limbo. This is your sign to take it easy. Be gentle with yourself. You're being asked to see the difference between needing to be patient for things to manifest, and needing to rely on your own energy to overcome this. But you cannot use that energy if you cannot see it for yourself.

"Have faith the Universe will take care of a current concern by providing the best possible outcome for all involved." Just because something doesn't turn out now doesn't mean it won't be for later. You're on the right path, don't let this temporary situation sway you. In the meantime, your current focus needs to be on personal self care. You must tend to your garden and provide yourself with the healing you need to take on the things that are within your grasp.

Pile 10 - Blue Jay

2 of Wands, Ace of Wands, King of Swords, IV The Emperor; 21 - Shadow Treasures, 7. Dancing in the Rainbow

This pile is a strong Yes. You got what it takes to see this through. There is a passion lighting up from within you, and by keeping your head high and focusing on the outcome you desire, you will be given the tools you need to succeed in this. But all this won't happen on its own. You are being asked to do a majority of the work and organizing needed to pull this off. This may be a solo effort for the most part. But rest assured that you got the motivation and integrity to do it right.

"Break free from whatever you feel is holding you back." Your mind, the King of Swords, may try to freeze this fiery passion by giving you reasons that it isn't plausible or reasonable. But the 2 of wands says "this and more." Release the dichotomy of being rational and enthusiastic and embrace both, for they both have gifts to offer.

Pile 11 - Butterfly

8 of Cups, Page of Wands, King of Cups, Page of Swords; 3 - Strength, 5. Change Direction with Ease

This one is a soft Yes. It seems like there is something you need to work through first, however. You may be feeling like you need to hone in on specific skills or internal resources for the best results. You need to be confident in yourself that something must fall away if you want to begin a new with something else. Make peace with where you are now and see that you have an inner reservoir of talent and ambitions to tap into.

"This is a time for change, shapeshifting, or your soul's evolution." There is something telling you that the next stage to come will help you grow and become more well rounded. You've already mastered the art of staying calm under the tension of seeking greater and greater heights, now it's time to play into your passions and find new ways to learn and expand your knowledge.

Pile 12- Mountain Bluebird

Knight of Cups, Six of Wands, XI Justice, VIII Strength; 6 - Freedom, 11. Persistent Drive

This one is a strong Yes. Now is the exact time to make the move. Try to visualize or imagine your most desired outcome, first. Which one makes the most sense to you. Which one utilizes your greatest strengths? Which one gives you the emotional freedom to pursue your goals while abandoning all restrictions from the past that still try to tie you down? And, last but not least, which one recreates that joyful spark that lights up the dreams within you? Step out into the world and don't be afraid of a little bit of risk.

"See what you desire and move toward that goal." Be completely sure of where you want to go or want to do next. Set a practical target, one that you can easily see. Take a calculated risk, but don't get cocky or too brash. If all goes well, stay humble and pass the good vibes on.

This reading has not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or infection. Please ask your physician before going online.

2024, @VitaminseeTarot ™

[soberpluto]

Astrology Observations - Moon & Aspects (Natal)

Moon conjunct Mars will have a fit or athletic body almost by rule. They use this to gain more self-confidence. They tend to have a challenging relationship with their mother (they feel like they have to assert or prove themselves constantly before her). They too fight against their feelings, literally.

Moon in Capricorn are very skeptical people. They can be overly materialistic, and will be really attached to the father figure, for the good and the bad. The tendency to become workaholics is huge. Their mother is seen as ambitious.

Moon conjunct Sun people are very transparent. What you see is what you get with them. They easily find their place in life, as their conscious and subconscious mind work together towards a common goal. They also see their parents as a united and cooperative couple.

Moon square Sun, on the contrary, struggles to build a successful life project in their youth; they constantly feel torn between two sides of themselves. They feel their upbringing doesn't quite support the direction they feel they should take on (e.g. their parents don't approve their life goals / they need to find success away from home, etc.). They will see their parents as dynamic, but not being exactly in the same page.

Moon in Aquarius has a really hard time building close relationships because they feel much safer keeping their distance, even if consciously they desire intimacy with a partner. This changes for the better as time goes by, particularly after their 1st Saturn return, as they begin to understand the value of vulnerability.

Moon - Saturn harsh aspects are not easy. Usually, these talk about a stern relationship with the mother. They could've been deprived from nurturing and affection or were raised by much older family members. They could've been caretakers of others in expense of their childhood. This makes them really defensive towards others and punishing with their own feelings. Rejection is super triggering for them. They certainly are releasing karma around family matters.

Moon - Uranus harsh aspects create the worst of contradictions. People with these placements have the most difficult time rooting down and finding stability in life. Mother figure was seen as erratic, unpredictable and independent, an attitude that most likely created in the native a disorganized type of attachment, the most challenging to overcome. This means that they are avoidant and anxious at the same, a predisposition that confuses them and blocks emotional intimacy with others.

Moon - Neptune aspects give psychic powers and immense creativity. They can perceive worlds beyond their 5 senses and will have a latent talent for psychology and mediumship. On the downside, the mother could've been overly idealistic and ungrounded, someone who they really can't pin down or trust upon; OR, highly spiritual and receptive, giving the child an ability to feel guided and connected with God. Sadly, they possess a higher risk of developing mental health issues when they leave their unconscious traumas or emotions unattended.

Wherever your Moon falls in your chart, you can expect uncontrollable sudden fluctuations. The key to manage these roller coasters is to see them as natural cycles, ups and downs in which you are meant to flow rather than dominate. Remember the Moon is connected to a karmic house, and the house it sits in represents a particular lesson for you to learn in this lifetime. If your Moon falls in the 4th, 8th and 12th (look out if it's in a water sign) and/or has contact with Saturn, this is a clear indication about major karmic release.

Thanks for reading! 😘

Written by @soberpluto

Book readings here! https://starintuitivehealing.etsy.com

[richarlotte]

Hair Removal Methods.

I was heavily inspired by a post I found on Reddit when making this post. I haven’t seen too many posts about hair removal methods on Tumblr, and I have quite a few asks in my inbox about that, so it made sense for me to make a small guide with tips, methods, and recommendations. If you want more information, product names, my sugar wax recipe, or just recommendations, please don’t hesitate to send me an email or just comment below for me to respond.

Shaving.

Cost: $

Speed: Average

Smoothness: Average

Discomfort: Low

Tips/Methods:

* Always buy men’s razors. They usually come with  sharper blades that don’t clog as much as the blades on women’s razors.

* I only shave using hot water and when I’m in the shower. The hot water softens the hair and makes it easy to remove, and the flow of the water prevents my razor from clogging.

* The direction you shave is important. If you shave against the grain (the direction opposite the hair points), you can get a closer shave, but you risk ingrown hairs. Shave with the grain on sensitive areas and do multiple passes if needed.

* I personally use shaving cream from EOS and products from Topicals to lessen ingrown hairs and clear up dark marks. Shaving isn’t my preferred method or hair removal, but when I’m in a rush, it gets the job done.

Best for your whole body, especially large and flat areas like your arms and legs. It's cheap and effective but often time consuming. If you want to maintain a perfectly smooth body, you’ll have to shave or touch up at least twice a week.

Nair/Chemical Removal.

Cost: $

Speed: Medium

Smoothness: Smooth

Discomfort: Low

Tips/Methods:

* There are many brands but the basic idea is you apply the cream to your skin, wait 5-10 minutes while the hair “melts" off your body, then you wipe it off. You’ll definitely need to shower after using Nair to remove any excess cream and to avoid burning your skin. I would say this is mandatory unless your specific brand says otherwise.

* The process will probably smell pretty bad. You'll want to wipe the cream and hair off with something disposable to avoid ruining your regular towels. I personally use tissue, you can use anything easily accessible.

* PATCH TEST BEFORE USE. These creams and powders are made from very really strong chemicals and can absolutely mess you up if you aren't careful. Everyone's skin is different, so put a little on your arm first, see how it reacts, then use it on a larger area.

Best For: Armpits and pubic hair. I find these creams are best at getting hard to reach or uneven surfaces that your razor might struggle with. This is also a good option if you are in a hurry or don't have the option to try the options below.

Epilation.

Cost: $$

Speed: Slow

Smoothness: High

Discomfort: High

Tips/Methods:

* Epilators look kind of like foil shavers you'd use for your face, but the end has a roller with tiny clamps that essentially grab hairs and pull them out.

* Personally I think these hurt like a bitch, especially the first time you use them. You can definitely feel each individual hair get pulled out of your skin.

* The main benefit of an epilator (and waxing, discussed below) is that you're pulling the entire hair out, root and all. This means hair in that area will grow back significantly slower than shaving. It also means that if you're willing to commit to a routine, each future use with the epilator will be less painful.

* I highly recommend icing the area before and after to avoid swelling. That being said, the area needs to be completely dry for the device to work.

* Epilator performance has always been pretty hit and miss for me. They're good at getting coarse hair, but will struggle to get fine or short strands. Again, you will likely need to make a shaving pass to clean up anything left behind.

* Additionally, if your hair is too thick or the surface is too uneven, the epilator can get tangled and stop functioning leading to a super painful situation. As with any of these tips, definitely test on a small area and see how it performs for you so you can get a feel for the length/thickness your device can handle.

Best For: Flat smooth surfaces, primarily your arms, legs, and torso. Some people really love epilation, others don’t. I think epilation is an acquired taste and it’s not my favorite method.

Waxing.

Cost: $$ to $$$

Speed: Slow

Smoothness: High

Discomfort: High

Tips/Methods:

* When you need to get 100% smooth there is no substitute. I love the way my body feels after waxing or sugaring and it’s what works best for me.

* I'll do my best here as a general overview but please watch some video guides before attempting this. I'll cover the two most common options I have experience with: soft wax, sugaring, and hard wax.

* Soft Wax: Hot wax is applied to the skin, then bandage strips are applied over. Once the wax cools, the strips are pulled off, taking the hair with them. This method is probably what you've seen in movies. They're good for getting rid of finer hairs, but unlike hard wax, you risk taking off your skin if you do it wrong. If you're trying waxing at home (especially for the first time), avoid this option. Despite the name, hard wax is actually much safer and what I recommend

* Hard wax: Hot wax is applied to the skin. Once it hardens, you peel the wax off by itself, taking hair with it. Since hard wax only bonds to hair and not skin it's a much safer option for beginners and does just as good a job removing hair as soft wax. This is what I use when I don’t have time to make my sugaring solution and I've never looked back.

* Wax is warmed in a... wax warmer! It's a little pot with a heating element, kind of like a croc pot. Hard waxes come in pellets that you dump in, soft waxes usually come with their own container that pops into the unit. Look for a wax warmer that can adjust the temp, not just an on/off switch. Most but not all have this feature. Each wax brand is different so you'll need more/less heat to melt it correctly, especially if you're doing a longer session where the wax can begin to solidify in the pot.

* Popsicle sticks are a cheap, effective way to apply wax. You'll want something disposable as it can get quite messy.

* Waxing, like epilators, will slow down your hair growth. This means the more you do it in the same area the less hair will grow back, and the less painful each subsequent application will be.

* Your hair needs to be a certain length for the wax to catch, so check your brand and plan accordingly. My professional technician has mentioned 1/4th inch is a good guideline for when to start waxing.

* As with every method on this list, please test on a small part of your body first. The wax will be quite hot (like getting into a hot bath) but not so much that it burns your skin.

Best For: any area you want super smooth or silky.

Laser Hair Removal.

Cost: $$$$

Speed: Slow

Smoothness: Depends.

Discomfort: High

Tips/Methods:

* Getting started will take some time and effort. You have to set up a consultation beforehand before even scheduling a session where you'll talk to the professional, ask any questions, then work out your plan.

* Laser hair removal is a process over time, not a one and done. Considering each session can cost hundreds of dollars, we are talking a huge investment. It cost me $800 over 4 sessions just for a small area on my lower body. For larger areas, we could be talking thousands!

* On that note, the total cost is going to vary a ton. Not only will each area be priced differently, but most places require you to book multiple sessions in a row or packages of X sessions you can choose to use over a year.

* The pigment of your skin matters a lot. Generally speaking the darker your skin the harder/less effective the process will be. There are different types of lasers available that may make this irrelevant but you'll definitely want to do your homework.

Final Thoughts.

What matters most is time. If you have the time to wax or shave your whole body, go to a professional for laser hair removal or pro waxing, or epilate yourself, then you’ll have much better results than someone who rushes through everything. Learning, investing in quality products, and then actually investing time into the hair removal process will get you closer to where you want to be without wasting as much time or money as you would leaping in blind or with no effort.

Richarlotte x

[mellosdrawings]

Sorry for the inconvenience but could you make a tutorial on how to draw Kalim please?

Alright, time for a Kalim tuto!

I'm gonna do a bit differently compared to the usual, because there is something interesting about Kalim and Jamil.

They are, quite literally, polar opposite even in design.

Long straight dark hair vs short fluffy white hair

Little dark eyes vs big soft eyes

Red and dark colors vs light and blueish colors

Fire motif vs water magic

Apart from the eyes, those are all things they have control over too. Things they can't decide for themselves (skin color, size) are similar, but things that partake in choices (hairstyles, colors) are completely opposite.

Think about it when you draw either of them. You might want to draw them with that opposition in mind.

I'm going to keep coming back to Jamil's design (since I draw him all the time he is my base reference when I draw Kalim. You can find Jamil's tuto HERE if you wanna compare)

0. Face's general shape

Not pictured here coz it's not as obvious seen facing, but I like to give Kalim a heart shaped face. High yet round cheeks and pointy chin. That's what gives him a cute side and makes him approachable (unlike Jamil who would be straighter and thinner).

1. Turban part 1

Unlike with other characters, we're gonna start with the main accessory here since it changes the shape of his hair. For that I suggest that you draw the ears first. His turban doesn't actually touch them, so place the vague shape slightly above it. Don't make it symmetrical, the left side should be higher than the left.

2. Turban part 2

Here you add the little left over from his turban. Make it go slightly further than the middle line to make it more natural. Once more, no symmetry. Keep the distinct left-right for Jamil, Kalim is more natural and imperfect.

3. Hair

Kalim has short fluffy hair coming from a point to the left. They all go toward the same direction. Keep your lines flowing, make soft waves. They tend to fork outwards at the end.

4. Turban part 3

I only close the turbans here, otherwise I tend to put the edges too close to his head. There is matter here between his hair and the actual turban, so keep it in mind. Don't draw the edges with straight lines. Remember: natural and imperfect. Add a little wave to make it look like a fold.

5. Bangs

Kalim's bangs can be separated in three parts, two framing his face and one at the center going right. His bangs are short. Just like for the top hair, keep it fluffy and cute.

6. Turban part 4, the bow

Yes, the turban is half of Kalim's design so we're still not done with it. Kalim has a cute bow to the side, so seen from the front you only see one loop and one end of the fabric. Make two vaguely squared shapes and add a little curve at the bottom of the upper square to shape the loop of the bow.

7. Feathers

We're almost done with the turban! Where Jamil had on feather to the right of his face, Kalim has two. They come almost from the ear, behind the bow, and reach slightly lower than his chin. Try not to draw them completely parallel (natural and imperfect!)

8. Eyes

Once more going to reference Jamil, but they actually have the same eye shape, with round lower lids and straighter high lids. The difference is that Jamil has lazy eyes (meaning his eyes aren't opened fully) while Kalim's eyes are more open. It gives him bigger, softer eyes.

The pupils are also huge, once more in complete opposition to Jamil's little pupils.

As for the eyebrows, Kalim's are very short but a bit wide. Make it about the side of his pupils, lower inside and higher outside.

9. Earrings

His earrings are 6 shaped with three chains falling from it. They're actually pretty long, going down to his chin. You can keep it simple.

10. Finish the face

Make him smile. Seriously, Kalim is smiling more often than he is not (while Jamil is scowling more than he is not). I make his smile all round, once more to accentuate the cute side. Most everything is round in Kalim's design, so don't hesitate to lean toward it. (Remember, he's based on the Sultan, a character whose character design can be surmised in one word: round)

Once more not visible from the front, but I give him a hooked nose just like Jamil.

11. Correct details and finish

Kalim doesn't have much hair at the neck but I give him a few strands just to finish framing his face. Add flourishes to the turban. You're done!

[grimoirey]

✨Basic Protection Magic✨

Protection magic is a practice aimed at guarding your energy, emotions, and sometimes even physical space from negative or unwanted influences. It’s rooted in intention, using various methods and tools to create a safe boundary around yourself. The purpose can vary, from blocking intrusive thoughts or negative energies to helping maintain personal clarity and emotional balance. Here’s a breakdown of the core practices often included in protection magic:

1. Grounding

Purpose: Grounding establishes a deep, stable connection with the Earth. It allows you to release excess energy, stabilize your mind, and feel present.

How-to: Imagine roots extending from your feet down into the earth, anchoring you firmly. Feel the Earth’s steady energy rising through your feet and filling your body, helping you feel secure and stable. This step is especially useful for dispelling anxious, scattered thoughts or emotions before moving into deeper protection practices.

Here's a list of psychic visualisations for grounding.

2. Centering

Purpose: Centering focuses your energy and awareness, helping you feel aligned and balanced within yourself. This step allows you to become conscious of your own energy and intentions.

How-to: Take a few calming breaths, drawing your focus inward to the center of your chest or core. Picture gathering all scattered parts of your energy into a single point, like drawing back pieces of yourself to make you whole. Centering helps you become more intentional, allowing you to direct your energy where it’s most needed.

Here's a list of psychic visualisations for centering.

3. Cleansing

Purpose: Cleansing removes any stagnant, negative, or unwanted energy that might be affecting you. It’s a refresh for your aura or space, ensuring that no old or unhelpful energy remains.

How-to: Visualize a gentle, bright light washing over your body like a waterfall, sweeping away any negativity or emotional residue. You can also use physical tools, like smudging with sage, bathing in salt water, or ringing a bell. Cleansing is often done before shielding to make sure your protective energy is free of any existing negativity.

Here's a list of psychic visualisations for cleansing.

4. Shielding

Purpose: Shielding creates a protective barrier around you to keep out unwanted energies while allowing positive energies through. Shields are highly customizable to your needs and can be reinforced regularly.

How-to: Envision a sphere, bubble, or layer of protective light surrounding your body, often in a color that feels protective to you (white, gold, or violet are common). Imagine this shield filtering out negative energies while allowing positive ones to flow in. You might also mentally charge it with a specific intention, like "This shield keeps out negativity and only allows positive energy in."

Here's a list of psychic visualisations for shielding.

5. Warding

Purpose: Warding extends protection beyond your immediate aura, often focused on safeguarding a physical space, such as your home, room, or workplace. Wards create a boundary that deters negative or intrusive energies from entering.

How-to: Place physical items imbued with protective intentions around the perimeter of your space—these could be crystals like black tourmaline, herbs like rosemary, or symbols like protective sigils. Visualize the entire space surrounded by a protective layer, affirming that no negative influence can cross this boundary. Some people repeat this as a regular ritual to keep their wards strong.

Here's a list of psychic visualisations for warding.

Using these methods in combination can enhance their protective qualities, creating a balanced, multi-layered shield for your personal energy and space. Here’s a sequence you could follow:

1. Start with Grounding – Connect to the Earth to establish a stable foundation.

2. Move to Centering – Focus your energy, bringing it into alignment within yourself.

3. Cleanse Your Energy – Clear any negative or lingering energies.

4. Set Up Your Shield – Visualize and charge a protective layer around yourself.

5. Establish Wards in Your Space – Place protective symbols, crystals, or other objects around your environment to maintain ongoing protection.

This order helps you set a strong personal foundation before creating broader protective boundaries around your space, or starting any magical working.

[lilianasgrimoire]

The 5 Elements

Known as the five classical elements, they represent different aspects of nature and the universe. Each element has its own unique energy and symbolism, and understanding these can help you harness their power in your own spiritual practice. The Five Elements are Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. Each of these elements is associated with a specific direction, season, and energy. The elements are also connected to the four cardinal points of the compass. You may find that certain elements resonate with you more than others.   

Earth: 

The Earth element is associated with stability, grounding, and abundance. In spell work, you can use the Earth element to manifest material wealth, stability, physical body, and the natural world. The Earth element is often represented by rocks, crystals, and gemstones, as well as plants and animals. It is said to be the element that helps us connect with the physical world and our primal instincts. To work with the Earth element, you might choose to spend time in nature, meditate with crystals, or create an altar with natural materials. Some correspondences for the Earth element in spell work include: 

Crystals: Green adventurine, moss agate, and jade. 

Herbs: Dandelion, patchouli, and rosemary. 

Colours: Brown and green 

Astrology: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn  

Tarot: Pentacles 

Air: 

The Air element is associated with communication, transformation, intellectualism and creativity. It is associated with the mind, thought processes, and the realm of ideas.  The Air element is often represented by birds, feathers, and incense smoke. It is said to be the element that helps us connect with our higher selves and the spiritual realm. To work with the Air element, you might practice visualization, journaling, or perform a ritual with incense or feathers. Some correspondences for the Air element in spell work include:  

Crystals: Clear quartz, blue lace agate, and Citrine  

Herbs: Lavender, peppermint, and sage 

Colours: Yellow and white 

Astrology:  Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius  

Tarot: Swords 

Fire: 

The Fire element is associated with passion, action, and transformation. It is associated with energy, vitality, and courage. In spell work, you can use the Fire element to manifest passion, creativity, and transformation. The Fire element is often represented by candles, bonfires, and lightning. It is said to be the element that helps us connect with our inner power and the power of the universe. To work with the Fire element, you might light candles, perform a bonfire ceremony, or practice energy work. Some correspondences for the Fire element in spell work include: 

Crystals: Carnelian, ruby, and sunstone 

Herbs: Cinnamon, ginger, and yarrow 

Colours: Red and orange 

Astrology: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius 

Tarot: Wands 

Spirit: 

The Spirit element is associated with transcendence, the unknown, connection, and the divine. In spell work, you can use the Spirit element to promote spiritual connection, meditation, and transcendence. The Spirit element is often represented by prayer, meditation, and the void. It is said to be the element that helps us connect with the divine source of all creation. To work with the Spirit element, you might practice meditation, prayer, or engage in a spiritual practice that resonates with your beliefs. Some correspondences for the Spirit element in spell work include: 

Crystals: Quartz, selenite, and amethyst 

Herbs: Frankincense, myrrh, and sage  

Colours: White and gold 

Astrology: N /A 

Tarot: N/A 

Water: 

Water is the element of emotions, intuition, and healing. It is associated with the flow of life, the subconscious mind, and the cycles of nature. The Water element is often represented by oceans, rivers, and rain. It is said to be the element that helps us connect with our deepest feelings and the energy of the universe. To work with the Water element, you might take a ritual bath, work with divination tools, or spend time near a body of water. Some correspondences for the Water element in spell work include: 

Crystals: Aquamarine, Moonstone, Fluorite, Pearl, Opal 

Herbs: Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Chamomile 

Colours: Blue, Green, Grey 

Astrology: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces 

Tarot: Cups 

[ivylovesdogs-blog]

Autistic Obanai HCs (Part 1):

Sensory Profile:

I HC that Obanai has a ton of sensitivities that naturally just happened from young but his isolation and trauma as a child made it worse.

Visual:

- Generally tolerant of most visual stimuli

- Triggers: Bright lighting, direct sunlight

- Enjoys watching sunlight filter through translucent objects (eg. Leaves, fabrics, paper), water flowing in streams/lakes, grass swaying with the breeze, and watching Kaburamaru slither in wavy lines across grass.

- He also enjoys tracking or tracing lines and outlines of shapes, but he's particular that he doesn't like different line widths on the same picture/fabric (either all thin lines, or all thick lines). It also helps him to calm down during shutdowns or post-meltdowns.

- He was drawn to water breathing since he liked watching how water would flow or move with his katana. He also picked up demon slaying mostly through watching others training exercises or in battle.

- Direct sunlight is a general no and he would look down or let his hair shield his eyes. On bad sensory days, he gets massive migraines and sunlight becomes intolerable. Unfortunately he designed his residence around an open concept for every other day where he hates feeling trapped.

- He's very visually perceptive and would notice the slightest changes in people's appearances or the environment but not say anything because he thinks that everyone else noticed it, so nothing more needs to be said.

- Kyojuro did tell him that it's a unique, cool thing about him but Obanai doesn't believe it since er...Kyojuro tended to be on the other extreme end when they were younger.

Auditory:

- Very sensitive to sudden loud and/or sharp noises

- Triggers: Thunder, any of Tengen's parties, people shouting (especially when it's directed at him), metal clashing with each other, high-pitched talking or screaming (even his own), large group events

- When it rains while Obanai's on missions, he'll force himself to function and do what he needs to do, and then shutdown or meltdown (depending on how much thunder there was) when he's home.

- If it rains while he's home, he can't eat or do anything. He will usually hide under his futon, curled up into a ball, and press his fingers into his ears until it's over. The sounds of pattering rain on rooftops also trigger him along with the thunder but they're bearable on their own sometimes.

- Kyojuro in general used to be a trigger with how loud and exuberant he generally is. But having grown up together in the Rengoku house for a while, and with Kyojuro being his first ever friend/brother/peer, Obanai has learnt to tolerate it better and Kyojuro tries to speak softer around him as well!

- He's really scared of people with sweet-sounding, high-pitched voices as he usually associates it with women.

Tactile:

- He's sensitive to oily/sticky textures hence he doesn't like touching such foods or things.

- Triggers: Cooked rice, mochi, sudden touch from people or against wet surfaces, sauce, oil, basically anything oily and/or sticky, scratchy fabrics, tight-fitting clothes,

- He had art therapy when he was younger at the Butterfly Mansion. For the first 3-5 months, anytime he accidentally stained his hands or clothes with ink he would either meltdown, or not want to do the activity anymore even if his hands/clothes are wiped clean. It took him 6 months to tolerate continuing the activity even after his hands get dirty and he cleans them.

- He's also really picky about food as a result and only has very few safe foods. He also really hates food touching the sides of his mouth or outside his lips (especially when it touches his scars). When that happens, he would wash his face and wipe it dry before he can continue his meal.

- He's also very particular about the types of utensils used. He prefers bamboo or wooden utensils because even though they have that weird dryness to them, it's better than metal clashing together, or touching his face when it's oily, or in general coming near his face (it brings bad memories).

- Physical touch is difficult for him and he HATES being tapped from behind. Kyojuro used to do this a lot and/or pull him into hugs, but Kyojuro tries to do it less after Obanai explicitly explained to him and Obanai tries to tolerate it.

- Physical touch for medical reasons is also really difficult and he flinches a lot (especially when Shinobu doesn't warn him before touching anywhere) so he usually treats his own wounds unless they're bad enough to require medical attention and he passes out while Shinobu does her thing. It still drives him into a shutdown state though, knowing that a woman touched him while he was unaware and vulnerable but (he thinks) it's the only way.

- Surprisingly though (much to everyone's confusion including Obi's), Obi likes hugs. Not even the gentle air hugs, but the hugs that actually squeeze the life out of you like a toothpaste tube. They just need to be inititated on his terms and his terms only (Ruka and Mitsuri are the only people he would initiate it to).

- He would also wear his haori/robes/uniform until they are too small or literally tattered because he doesn't like wearing new clothes

- He also can't stand the feeling of clothes clinging to him from sweat so he always takes a shower immediately after he reaches home before doing anything else.

- When he gets new clothes, he would always wash and scrub the heck outta them because it helps to season the fabric. Same with new shoes as well where he would literally step and beat the demons outta them before wearing them for the first time.

- Any seams that catch him off guard literally made him cry as a child. As an adult, they still could but he suppresses it so hard that he crashes into a shutdown and rips the clothes off when he gets home.

- He likes soft fabrics like fleece or cotton and he feels comforted when he can rub or press them against his lips. It's also the reason why he doesn't like buying and wearing new clothes (thank goodness he doesn't do it often because he doesn't grow much) because it feels different which makes him uncomfortable.

- He also has a comfort blanket that Ruka gave him when he first came into the Rengoku home but he refused to take it with him when he moved out because "Demon slayers don't rely on such things."

Taste + Smell:

- He's not a big fan of salty or sweet foods and mostly eats plain foods. But he actually looves sour foods! It's why he likes Tororo Kombu!

- Trying new foods is also really difficult for him and he needs to see other people eating that new food around 5-10 times before he feels safe enough to try 1 bite.

- He also only uses bamboo or wooden utensils because the clanging/scraping of metal against each other, or the feeling when it's oily and it touches his lips (even worse if it touches his scars) literally makes him nauseous and gag

- He also takes very small bites with utensils that are technically child-sized as well because he constantly feels like he's being choked and gagged when he uses larger utensils or takes bigger bites

- Foods with strong smells also made him gag and leave the room as a child. As an adult, he tries to suppress it more and uses his hair to fan over his face to avoid the smells.

- He Hayes group meals with the other hashira and will usually make an excuse to leave early or escape up onto a tree

- His food range as a child was so limited (ie. miso soup + green tea) that his malnutrition got worse and he had to be hospitalized multiple times. The doctors at the Butterfly Mansion tried to put him on a diet but it backfired

- Ruka, Shinjuro, and Obanai's art therapist tried multiple ways to expand his food range but they only got as far as introducing tororo kombu and silken tofu.

- On bad sensory days, he can't eat even if his stomach cramps and burns with gastric pain and even swallowing medicine is hard. He tries to drink soup but he can only drink them plain without any ingredients added in.

- In general, he can force himself to swallow medicine if required but it takes him a long time of mentally prepping himself and breaking any pills into small sizes so he can swallow them without gagging

- Safe foods and drinks: Tororo kombu, miso soup, green tea

Proprioceptive + Vestibular:

- As mentioned above, Obanai loves hugs on his terms and only from Mitsuri and Ruka.

- When he can't get hugs, he uses his blanket and/or futon fo wrap it tightly around himself like a cocoon! He would stay in there forever if he could and the longest he stayed in a cocoon was almost 3 hours at one time. He would also rock side to side ever so slightly but he doesn't notice it.

- He only emerges when he's feeling too hot which doesn't happen often since he's usually cold all the time.

- He doesn't really notice it but he tends to pinch or squeeze his forearms when he's nervous and sometimes he'll squeeze too hard that it leaves red marks.

- Kyojuro notices it during hashira meetings sometimes and would give him a shoulder bump as a way of trying to initiate a hug without directly asking him. Obanai usually rejects though but Kyojuro would still give a gentle side-hug anyway when no one else is looking (Obi doesn't mind it)

- He likes Ruka's hugs but it wasn't always that way. So until he became more familiar with her, she would give hand squeezes or gentle taps on his arms. When she hugs him, she would tap his back or brush his hair out of his face along with rocking him slightly.

- He actually likes Mitsuri's hugs the most because she gives more deep pressure than a normal person in a hug which helps him to relax. She taps his back and rests her chin on his shoulder. Obanai also likes holding her hands because she holds his gently and her hands are always warm. After realizing he likes hand squeezes, she would sneak him some whenever she can.

- He's also very particular about only being hugged from in front as he doesn't like people touching his back without him knowing.

- He also HATES crowds. Hence, he would climb up trees to get away from people and rest with his back pressed against a branch or being curled up at some odd angle. It's comfortable for him but all the other hashira cannot decipher how it's possibly comfortable.

- Climbing trees also give him joint compression and exertion that he needs to regulate even if he doesn't realize it.

- Once he gets hugs, he can't stop. And he will constantly think of and crave for it to the point where it can make him meltdown. He can suppress the meltdown but once he gets home, it explodes. When he's alone, he will curl into his cocoon and press his forehead onto the ground while Kaburamaru coils around his hands and constricts gently.

- Unfortunately, his need for proprioceptive input when he's dysregulated means he would hit himself when he's in a meltdown state out of desperation, and it happened a lot when he was a child. Sometimes Kaburamaru can stop Obanai but sometimes he can't, so he would either sneak off to find Kyojuro/Mitsuri/Ruka or interfere as much as he can to divert the hitting.

These are my head-canons regarding Obanai's sensory profile so far and I'll slowly post more on other aspects of Obanai's autism and the way I think it presents so lemme know what you want to see next!

[imthepunchlord]

Which animals would fit the Creation-Destruction duality better in Miraculous?

Ok this is a little funny as I was just ranting away on Discord about how, through all my research on various animals covering myth, folklore, symbolism, ect.; in comparison to all I found, Ladybug was really kinda boring to pick as an important animal to follow and to be so major in the narrative.

At the core of it, it comes down to love, luck, and divinity (either as God's servant or God's cow). Through divinity you could tie LB to Creation, as God's often a creator, but even then, more often it's more divine intervention that actually creating. So between the two, Ladybug is the easier one to push out as the Miraculous Creator.

There's a few Miraculous in canon that could've worked for Creation.

Bee can easily fit out of the 5.

Bees are heavily tied to life. They help plants grow and thrive, which in turn helps with our survival, they build up their hive and community, and create honey that has healing qualities. Why, in Greek myth, honey is tied to Ambrosia, the nectar of the gods. And while bees are tied to order, they're also known to be adaptable. Alongside cats, bees are one of the animals that recognize there's a gain to working with humans (I believe they're the only animal that will straight up unionize if with an unfit beekeeper, straight up leaving them to go elsewhere).

Bees are also tied to the artistic side of creation, not just builders and crafting honey, but through their ties to Apollo, specifically the music aspect of him, where you have bees that hum and they waggle (dance). Creation you can also tie to interconnection with life that bees also echo, their whole thing is about being a big community that works together; they're also thought to be tied to the souls of the deceased, in Greece bees are thought to escort souls to the afterlife (and have made beehive tombs), and in Celtic culture, I've read they'll tell bees about their day and bees will deliver messages to passed on loved ones to keep them updated.

Bee probably really is my top pick for the alternative for Creation, cause so much clicks, so canon's direction with it made me very disappointed.

Of the Zodiac, that's Dragon and Rabbit.

The Chinese dragon is the opposite of the western, not just being a source of benevolence, but also being a creator, source of life, wisdom, bringers of fortune, and protection. There's a myth that dragons created paper and taught humans how to read and write, dragons would bring rain to water crops and feed life, and they will clash with the chaos bringing tiger to keep order, cresting a yin-yang balance in their fight, making equilibrium between order and chaos.

Rabbit in turn is tied to artistry and life. There is the Moon Rabbit who crafts the Elixir of Life; Celts tied rabbits to Eostre the goddess of spring, which potentially inspired the Easter Bunny, a bringer of food, fun, and new beginnings. And of course, rabbits are tied to creating a lot of life.

Of my OC Miraculous, that'd be Spider.

Spiders are the artisans of the animal world, creating webs, and inspiring weavers. They heavily represent interconnection and life (Indra's Web is the most iconic), and are tied to various creation myths and gods, like the Egyptian goddess Neith (creation, fate, weaving, destiny; mother of Ra, creator of the universe); and Grandmother Spider from Native American culture.

Honorable mentions, not having as much to them to really fit Creation:

Peafowl is tied to the Hindu goddess Saraswati who is tied to: knowledge, music, flowing water, abundance and wealth, art, speech, wisdom, and learning

Bull/Ox was thought to help teach humans how to farm and feed themselves, and helped ever since

The World Turtle who supports all life

Snake is a dual symbol of life and death, and thought to be a bringer of rain in some cultures; they're also tied to a Chinese creator deity Nuwa; snakes are also tied to various trees of life

For Destruction, Cat does work fine. Over all, cats are more tied to protection, magic, and love (especially maternal). But cats are efficient hunters, are chaotic, destructive, and unpredictable. So it's not a stretch for Cat to be Destruction, and Cataclysm does work for the pun too.

But there are other options that can work too.

Of the 5, Fox wouldn't be a stretch for it at all. While iconic for it's trickery, foxes are destroyers of order, control, and security, and some can lead to destruction of life. Tricking their enemies to death, devastating livestock; there are myths of eastern foxes possessing others and destroying livelihoods, devouring their life energy; foxes are also often tied to fire, which can be a devastating element.

Of the Zodiac...

Tiger is easily can fit, it has a more destructive association than Cat, being tied to danger, aggression, chaos, and war.

If Dragon is meant to represent all dragons, then it can apply for Destruction as well.

Snake can apply as it can be a devastating animal through venom, they're tied to death and vengeance, also snakes inspired a lot of villainous dragons (Python, Hydra, Nidhogg, sea serpents, wyverns, wyrms, cockatrice, basilisk); there's the devastating Medusa, and Ouroboros is tied to cycles of self-destruction.

Of the OC Miraculous...

There's Owl and Raven which are often a harbingers of death and are an ominous symbol. They're also tied to war.

Wolf is another promising one, as most myth and folklore ties it to villainy and destruction, the iconic Big Bad Wolf, who devastates livestock, and are known to be hungry and devouring.

[genshin-impact-updates]

"As Light Rain Falls Without Reason" Version 4.0 Update Details

Dear Travelers,

Below are the details of the Version 4.0 update "As Light Rain Falls Without Reason" and the update compensation.

〓Compensation Details〓

Maintenance Compensation: Primogems ×300 (60 Primogems per hour the servers are down)

Issue Fix Compensation: Primogems ×300 (please refer to the relevant compensation mail for more details)

〓Scope of Compensation〓

Maintenance Compensation: Travelers who have reached Adventure Rank 5 or above by 2023/08/16 06:00 (UTC+8).

Compensation must be claimed before the end of Version 4.0.

Issue Fix Compensation: Travelers who reach Adventure Rank 5 or above by 2023/08/16 06:00 (UTC+8).

Please log in and claim your compensation before 2023/08/19 06:00 (UTC+8).

Our developers will distribute compensation to Travelers via in-game mail within 5 hours after the update maintenance is finished. The mail will expire after 30 days, so don't forget to claim the attached compensation in time.

〓Update Schedule〓

Update maintenance begins 2023/08/16 06:00 (UTC+8) and is estimated to take 5 hours.

〓How to Update Game Client〓

PC: Close the game, open the Genshin Impact Launcher, and click Update.

iOS: Open the App Store and tap Update.

Android: Open the game and follow the directions on-screen.

PS5™ and PS4™: Highlight Genshin Impact from the Home Screen, press the OPTIONS button and select "Check for Update."

Please do not hesitate to contact Customer Service if you encounter any issues installing the new version. We will do our very best to resolve the issue.

〓Update Details〓

I. New Area

New Area - Fontaine

A story that has never been heard, a legend that has been forgotten, like a lost kingdom sunken beneath the waves, yearning for a bard to sing its drowned songs. Following the direction of pure currents, crossing wilderness, the depths of the forests and vastness of the sea of sand, arriving at the origin of all the waters of the continent.

At the top of the waterfall, in the depths of the capital atop the terrestrial sea, the curtain softly rises on the start of the adventure's next chapter.

In Version 4.0, the following areas in Fontaine will become available: Court of Fontaine Region, Beryl Region, and Belleau Region.

※ Completing the Archon Quest Prologue: Act III "Song of the Dragon and Freedom" will automatically unlock a Teleport Waypoint in the Realm of Farakhkert in Sumeru (If you have already completed this Archon Quest, the Teleport Waypoint will be unlocked after the update). Travelers can use this Teleport Waypoint to head over to Fontaine. You'll also receive the Primogem reward for this Teleport Waypoint when it unlocks automatically.

▌New Fontaine Mechanic

Fontaine's Blessing

A mysterious power that flows out from a statue to imbue you with the blessing of the Transoceanic Sourcewater.

Your progress will remain unhindered so long as you are moving through the lakes of Fontaine.

※ Currently, some gadgets equipped by characters cannot be used underwater. There is also an issue whereby after characters enter the underwater areas, the icons of the gadgets will not be displayed, which further prevents Travelers from switching to other gadgets through Quickswap. If you need to switch between gadgets, you can do it in the Inventory for now, or Quickswap to the gadgets usable underwater before you dive. This issue will be fixed in future versions.

▌New System in Fontaine

Fountain of Lucine

You can throw the Hydro Sigils you obtain across Fontaine into the Fountain of Lucine outside the Opera Epiclese to raise its level and obtain valuable rewards.

Satisfy any one of the criteria below to unlock the Fountain of Lucine:

• Reach the vicinity of the Fountain of Lucine

• Complete Archon Quest Chapter IV: Act I "Prelude of Blancheur and Noirceur"

Fontaine Reputation System

◇ Fontaine Reputation Unlock Criteria:

• Complete Archon Quest Chapter IV: Act II "As Light Rain Falls Without Reason"

• Complete the quest "Steambird Interview"

By interacting with certain NPCs in Fontaine, you will be able to accept requests to complete and increase your Reputation. As your Reputation Level increases, you will unlock various Reputation Rewards!

Expeditions, Daily Commissions, and other new content will also be added in Fontaine.

◇ Fontaine Daily Commissions Unlock Criteria:

• Complete Archon Quest Chapter IV: Act II "As Light Rain Falls Without Reason"

• Complete World Quest "Another Horizon of Adventure"

Adds the Fontaine Fishing Association, where Travelers can exchange for new items here.

In addition, there will be new Fishing Points and "Radiant Spincrystals" in Fontaine.

II. New Characters

"Spectacle of Phantasmagoria" Lyney (Pyro) (5-Star)

◇ Vision: Pyro

◇ Weapon: Bow

◇ A famed Fontainian magician who possesses great stage presence as well as gift of the gab. Audiences are enthralled by his exquisite skills, and they hang on to his every clever word.

◆ Lyney can enter a special Charge Level 2 when he aims his shot, which, upon hitting a target, can summon a Grin-Malkin Hat that taunts nearby opponents. If Lyney's HP is above a certain level, his Charge Level 2 will consume some of his HP, and add one stack of Prop Surplus. When the Grin-Malkin Hat is destroyed, it can fire off a Pyrotechnic Strike at a nearby opponent, dealing Pyro DMG.

◆ Elemental Skill "Bewildering Lights"

◆ Clear all current Prop Surplus stacks, deal AoE Pyro DMG, and cause the Grin-Malkin Hat created by Lyney to explode, dealing AoE Pyro DMG. The DMG will be increased according to the stacks cleared, and this will also regenerate Lyney's HP.

◆ Elemental Burst "Wondrous Trick: Miracle Parade"

◆ Lyney turns himself into a Grin-Malkin Cat that can move around quickly, dealing Pyro DMG to opponents along the path. When the Grin-Malkin Cat's duration ends or is actively canceled, Lyney will ignite fireworks, deal AoE Pyro DMG, summon a Grin-Malkin Hat, and grant himself one Prop Surplus stack.

"Elegance in the Shadows" Lynette (Anemo) (4-Star)

◇ Vision: Anemo

◇ Weapon: Sword

◇ A magic assistant of few words, her emotions are as inscrutable as any cat's.

Elemental Skill "Enigmatic Feint"

◆ Lynette flicks her mantle and executes an Enigma Thrust, dealing Anemo DMG. When Holding this skill, Lynette will enter a high-speed Pilfering Shadow state and apply Shadowsign to a nearby opponent. When this high-speed state ends, Lynette will approach the opponent with Shadowsign applied and deal Anemo DMG.

◆ Elemental Burst "Magic Trick: Astonishing Shift"

◆ Deals AoE Anemo DMG and makes a giant Bogglecat Box appear. The Bogglecat Box taunts nearby opponents and deals Anemo DMG to nearby opponents as well. When it comes into contact with Hydro/Pyro/Cryo/Electro, it will gain the corresponding element and additionally fire Vivid Shots that will deal DMG from that element at intervals.

"Yearning for Unseen Depths" Freminet (Cryo) (4-Star)

◇ Vision: Cryo

◇ Weapon: Claymore

◇ A reserved young man who is well-versed in diving. Beneath his distant, icy demeanor lies a pure heart bereft of all flaws.

◆ Elemental Skill "Pressurized Floe"

◆ Causes Freminet to enter Pers Timer state. While Pers Timer is active, when Freminet uses Normal Attacks, he will also unleash waves of frost that deal Cryo DMG and increase Pers's Pressure Level. When Freminet uses his Elemental Skill again, he will execute different sorts of attacks that deals Cryo DMG and Physical DMG of different strengths based on the Pressure Level of Pers.

◆ Elemental Burst "Shadowhunter's Ambush"

◆ Deals AoE Cryo DMG, resets the CD of Pressurized Floe, and enters the Subnautical Hunter mode. In the Subnautical Hunter mode, Pressurized Floe will receive a CD decrease and Freminet's resistance to interruption will increase. Additionally, in this mode, the frost DMG of Freminet's Normal Attacks will be increased.

Traveler (Hydro) (5-Star)

◇ Interact with a Statue of The Seven - Hydro to resonate with the Hydro element, and use a new Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst.

◆ Elemental Skill "Aquacrest Saber"

◆ Unleashes a torrent that can cleanse the world. Pressing the skill sends a Torrent Surge forward that will deal Hydro DMG to opponents it comes into contact with. Hold this skill to enter Aiming Mode and constantly fire off Dewdrops in the direction in which you are aiming, dealing Hydro DMG to opponents they hit.

◆ Elemental Burst "Rising Waters"

◆ Unleashes a slow-moving floating bubble that deals continuous Hydro DMG to nearby opponents.

III. New Domains

Domain of Forgery: Echoes of the Deep Tides

◇ Legend speaks of a time in the distant past, when the Sovereign of the Waters had not yet returned from confinement, there was another God King who dreamed of building a prosperous empire out of harmonious music atop the waves. But the great ambition of building a utopia failed to come to fruition, and the arrogance of humanity sunk into their depths along with their pride. The golden melodies long silent, only the cold music of the tides still echoes upon the remains of their grand altars.

◇ Unlock Criteria (satisfy any one of the criteria below to unlock):

• Reach Adventure Rank 16 or above

• Complete Archon Quest Prologue: Act II "For a Tomorrow Without Tears"

◆ Challenge the Domain to obtain Weapon Ascension Materials.

Domain of Mastery: Pale Forgotten Glory

◇ In the past, the great white armada that traversed the seas was Fontaine's supreme pride and glory, for the Mistress of Rivers and Oceans blessed her people with the authority and wish to conquer all the waters of the world. However, this lofty ambition was insufficient to overcome the laws of fate. To this day, on the brass masts are inscribed the words: "I have conquered the waves of the four seas."

◇ Unlock Criteria (satisfy any one of the criteria below to unlock):

• Reach Adventure Rank 27 or above

Complete Archon Quest Chapter I: Act I "Of the Land Amidst Monoliths"

◆ Challenge the Domain to obtain Character Talent Materials.

Domain of Blessing: Denouement of Sin

◇ Legends say that the first Lochknight concealed themselves in the remote wilderness with the Lochfolk, intending to use self-exile and rigorous training in an attempt to repay a sin fated to be beyond redemption. Now the land has long returned to deathly silence, with the long, chill winds still blowing through the deserted valley.

◇ Unlock Criteria (satisfy any one of the criteria below to unlock):

• Reach Adventure Rank 22 or above

• Complete the Archon Quest "Prologue: Act III - Song of the Dragon and Freedom"

◆ Challenge the Domain to obtain artifacts in the "Marechaussee Hunter" and "Golden Troupe" sets.

IV. New Equipment

1. New Weapons (Examples based on Refinement Rank 1)

The First Great Magic (5-Star Bow)

DMG dealt by Charged Attacks increased by 16%. For every party member with the same Elemental Type as the wielder (including the wielder themselves), gain 1 Gimmick stack. For every party member with a different Elemental Type from the wielder, gain 1 Theatrics stack. When the wielder has 1/2/3 or more Gimmick stacks, ATK will be increased by 16%/32%/48%. When the wielder has 1/2/3 or more Theatrics stacks, Movement SPD will be increased by 4%/7%/10%.

◆ During the event wish "Epitome Invocation," the event-exclusive 5-star weapon The First Great Magic (Bow) will receive a huge drop-rate boost!

Fleuve Cendre Ferryman (4-Star Sword)

Increases Elemental Skill CRIT Rate by 8%. Additionally, increases Energy Recharge by 16% for 5s after using an Elemental Skill.

◆ You can exchange for Fleuve Cendre Ferryman (Sword) and its Refinement Material at the Fontaine Fishing Association.

▌Forgeable Weapons

Finale of the Deep (4-Star Sword)

When using an Elemental Skill, ATK will be increased by 12% for 15s, and a Bond of Life worth 25% of Max HP will be granted. This effect can be triggered once every 10s. When the Bond of Life is cleared, a maximum of 150 ATK will be gained based on 2.4% of the total amount of the Life Bond cleared, lasting for 15s.

※ Bond of Life: Absorbs healing for the character based on its base value, and clears after healing equal to this value is obtained.

Tidal Shadow (4-Star Claymore)

After the wielder is healed, ATK will be increased by 24% for 8s. This can be triggered even when the character is not on the field.

Rightful Reward (4-Star Polearm)

When the wielder is healed, restore 8 Energy. This effect can be triggered once every 10s, and can occur even when the character is not on the field.

Flowing Purity (4-Star Catalyst)

When using an Elemental Skill, All Elemental DMG Bonus will be increased by 8% for 15s, and a Bond of Life worth 24% of Max HP will be granted. This effect can be triggered once every 10s. When the Bond of Life is cleared, every 1,000 HP cleared in the process will provide 2% All Elemental DMG Bonus, up to a maximum of 12%. This effect lasts 15s.

※ Bond of Life: Absorbs healing for the character based on its base value, and clears after healing equal to this value is obtained.

Song of Stillness (4-Star Bow)

After the wielder is healed, they will deal 16% more DMG for 8s. This can be triggered even when the character is not on the field.

◆ You can exchange for Weapon Forging Blueprints from Estelle in the Court of Fontaine by consuming certain amounts and types of materials.

▌Battle Pass Weapons

Wolf-Fang (4-Star Sword)

DMG dealt by Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst will be increased by 16%. When an Elemental Skill hits an opponent, its CRIT Rate will be increased by 2%. When an Elemental Burst hits an opponent, its CRIT Rate will be increased by 2%. Both of these effects last 10s separately, have 4 max stacks, and can be triggered once every 0.1s.

Talking Stick (4-Star Claymore)

ATK will be increased by 16% for 15s after being affected by Pyro. This effect can be triggered once every 12s. All Elemental DMG Bonus will be increased by 12% for 15s after being affected by Hydro, Cryo, Electro, or Dendro. This effect can be triggered once every 12s.

Ballad of the Fjords (4-Star Polearm)

When there are at least 3 different Elemental Types in your party, Elemental Mastery will be increased by 120.

Sacrificial Jade (4-Star Catalyst)

When not on the field for more than 5s, Max HP will be increased by 32% and Elemental Mastery will be increased by 40. These effects will be canceled after the wielder has been on the field for 10s.

Scion of the Blazing Sun (4-Star Bow)

After a Charged Attack hits an opponent, a Sunfire Arrow will descend upon the opponent hit, dealing 60% ATK as DMG, and applying the Heartsearer effect to the opponent damaged by said Arrow for 10s. Opponents affected by Heartsearer take 28% more Charged Attack DMG from the wielder. A Sunfire Arrow can be triggered once every 10s.

◆ The abovementioned Battle Pass weapons will be included in the BP Bounty in Version 4.0. Weapons in the current BP Bounty — The Black Sword (Sword), Serpent Spine (Claymore), Deathmatch (Polearm), Solar Pearl (Catalyst), and The Viridescent Hunt (Bow) — will still be available in the BP Bounty after the Version 4.0 update.

2. New Artifacts

Marechaussee Hunter (4-Star and 5-Star)

◇ 2-Piece Set: Normal and Charged Attack DMG +15%.

◇ 4-Piece Set: When current HP increases or decreases, CRIT Rate will be increased by 12% for 5s. Max 3 stacks.

Golden Troupe (4-Star and 5-Star)

◇ 2-Piece Set: Increases Elemental Skill DMG by 20%.

◇ 4-Piece Set: Increases Elemental Skill DMG by 25%. Additionally, when not on the field, Elemental Skill DMG will be further increased by 25%. This effect will be cleared 2s after taking the field.

V. New Main Story

1. New Archon Quest

Archon Quest Chapter IV: Act I "Prelude of Blancheur and Noirceur"

◆ Quest Unlock Criteria:

• Reach Adventure Rank 40 or above

• Complete Archon Quest Chapter III: Act VI "Caribert"

Archon Quest Chapter IV: Act II "As Light Rain Falls Without Reason"

◆ Quest Unlock Criteria:

• Reach Adventure Rank 40 or above

• Complete Archon Quest Chapter IV: Act I "Prelude of Blancheur and Noirceur"

◇ After the Version 4.0 update, Archon Quest Chapter IV: Act I "Prelude of Blancheur and Noirceur" and Archon Quest Chapter IV: Act II "As Light Rain Falls Without Reason" will be permanently available

2. New Story Quest

Lyney's Story Quest - Felis Fuscus Chapter: Act I "The Forgotten Thief"

Permanently available after the Version 4.0 update

◆ Quest Unlock Criteria:

• Reach Adventure Rank 40 or above

• Complete Archon Quest Chapter IV: Act II "As Light Rain Falls Without Reason"

3. New World Quests

◆ New World Quests: "Ann of the Narzissenkreuz" Quest Chain, "Ancient Colors" Quest Chain, "Aqueous Tidemarks," "Book of Esoteric Revelations," "Hey, This Isn't Pumpkin Soup...," "Another Horizon of Adventure," "Danger Lurks Everywhere in Fontaine," "In Expert Company? (I)," "In Expert Company? (II)," "A Certain Notice," "A Certain Trifle," "A Certain Stamp," "The Fountain Flows Again," etc.

VI. New Enemies

Icewind Suite

◇ A gift from the Fontaine Research Institute, it is composed of two pieces, Dirge of Coppelia and Nemesis of Coppelius.

At the climax of the performance, Coppelia will halt at the center of the dance floor and expose her spare clockwork component charged with ousia or pneuma, thereby drastically increasing the efficiency of her exertions. During this phase, extinguishing this energy by attacking with the opposing source will overload her, thus progressing the performance.

Located in the Court of Fontaine Region

Emperor of Fire and Iron

◇ An Armored Crablord that has survived for countless eons and surpassed almost all other Fontemer Aberrants.

The twin molten horns located high up on its body are Pyro-aligned organs that can unleash more vicious elemental attacks and grant it even stronger defensive capabilities. When the Armored Crablord unleashes certain attacks, its twin molten horns are closer to the ground. This provides for a great opportunity to use Elemental Reactions to remove the Pyro element within.

Located in the Belleau Region

Shatterstone Breacher Primus, Large Shatterstone Breacher Primus, Overgrown Breacher Primus, and Large Overgrown Breacher Primus

◇ Strange life forms that share nothing in common with any other land-dwelling creature.

In battle, they will enter a stressed state and unleash fierce attacks while under the protection of a Geo or Dendro shield. If the shield is broken during this period, it will cause the life forms to fall into a paralyzed state. Aside from the usual methods of using Elemental Reactions, attacks imbued with ousia and pneuma can also efficiently pierce the defenses of the Breacher Primuses.

Recon Log Mek, Arithmetic Enhancer Mek, Underwater Survey Mek, Underwater Patrol Mek, Geological Survey Mek, Nimble Harvester Mek, Area Alert Mek, Assault Specialist Mek, Suppression Specialist Mek, Annihilation Specialist Mek, Construction Specialist Mek.

◇ Machines created from the union between Fontaine's intricate device and special energy technologies.

Based on whether they are exhibiting ousia or pneuma energy signatures, they will operate differently in battle. When these energies are extinguished upon being attacked by its opposing energy source, it will induce an Overloaded state and cause them to lose energy, weakening their combat capabilities.

Blubberbeast, Hunter's Ray, Armored Crab, Hat Jellyfish, Bubbly Seahorse, Ball Octopus, Angelic Sea Hare, Sternshield Crab, Bubbler Seahorse, Cherubic Sea Hare

◇ Aquatic life forms that have embarked on a unique evolutionary track due to Fontaine's environmental factors.

Some of them are more aggressive and can unleash fiercer elemental attacks and possess even stronger defensive capabilities. If you use Elemental Reactions to remove their Elemental Shields, things should be easier to handle.

Tainted Water-Splitting Phantasm, Tainted Water-Spouting Phantasm

◇ Today, with the Oceanids extirpated from Fontaine, strange elemental life forms have appeared in the waters.

Enter stress state in combat and retaliate violently.

VII. Other Update Details

New Recipes:

○ Hotel Debord, Fontaine: Duck Confit, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Fontaine Aspic, Lasagna, Poisson Seafood Soup, and Fontainian Foie Gras.

○ Louis (NPC): Garlic Baguette, Fontainian Onion Soup, Fish and Chips, and Pate de Fruit.

○ Arouet (NPC): Ile flottante and Conch Madeleine.

○ World Quest Rewards: Tasses Ragout and Poissonchant Pie.

○ Fontaine Reputation System Reward: Steak Tartare, Fruity Trio, and Vessie Chicken.

○ Event Rewards: Fruity Smoothie and Fruity Duet.

New Character Specialty Dishes:

○ Lyney's specialty: Cubic Tricks

○ Lynette's specialty: A Leisurely Sip

○ Freminet's specialty: Seabird's Sojourn

New Achievement categories such as "Mortal Travails: Series IV," "Meetings in Outrealm: Series IV," "Fontaine: Dance of the Dew-White Springs (I)," and new Achievements added to the "Wonders of the World" category.

Adds some prompts for loading screens.

New Namecards:

"Lyney: Pretense": Reward for reaching Friendship Lv. 10 with Lyney

"Lynette: Earnestness": Reward for reaching Friendship Lv. 10 with Lynette

"Freminet: Progress": Reward for reaching Friendship Lv. 10 with Freminet

"Fontaine: Judgment": Reward for completing all achievements under "Fontaine: Dance of the Dew-White Springs (I)"

"Achievement: Orbits": Reward for completing all achievements under "Meetings in Outrealm: Series IV"

"Achievement: Mariner": Reward for completing all achievements under "Mortal Travails: Series IV"

"Fontaine: Wondrous Machine": Reward for reaching Reputation Lv. 4 (Fontaine)

"Fontaine: Big News": Reward for reaching Reputation Lv. 8 (Fontaine)

"Travel Notes: Primordial Waters": Reward obtained via the BP system

New Fontaine Reputation Reward Gadgets: Hydroculus Resonance Stone, Hydro Treasure Compass, Wind-Powered Wind Generator, and Crystalfly Trap.

Wind-Powered Wind Generator: Creates a temporary Wind Current in flight.

Crystalfly Trap: Consume a certain amount of Forging Ore to deploy. It will automatically capture Crystalflies when deployed in the open world. You can collect Crystal Core from it 7 days after deployment.

Adds some of the Harvestable seeds from Fontaine to the Seed Dispensary.

Inventory - Destroy Interface: 4-Star Artifacts can now be auto-added.

Increases Inventory limit for Artifacts from 1,500 to 1,800.

Adds Fontaine-related text into Midlander Billet origin descriptions.

Another 8 sets of Artifacts are available to exchange in the Mystic Offering system: Artifact Strongbox: Tenacity of the Millelith, Artifact Strongbox: Pale Flame, Artifact Strongbox: Shimenawa's Reminiscence, Artifact Strongbox: Emblem of Severed Fate, Artifact Strongbox: Husk of Opulent Dreams, Artifact Strongbox: Ocean-Hued Clam, Artifact Strongbox: Vermillion Hereafter, and Artifact Strongbox: Echoes of an Offering.

New Animals: Snow-Winged Goose, Darkwing Goose, Flatcrest Fulmar, Violetgold Angler Gull, Slate Umbrellafinch, Burgundy Umbrellafinch, Magenta Fantail Pigeon, Viridian Fantail Pigeon, Redcrown Finch, Bluecrown Finch, Chestnut Hunting Hound, Glittergray Hunting Hound, Amber Hunting Hound, Hydro Crystalfly, Leisurely Otter, Lady Poodle, Guard Poodle, and Gentleman Poodle.

New Fish: Streaming Axe Marlin, Rippling Heartfeather Bass, Blazing Heartfeather Bass, Maintenance Mek: Initial Configuration, Maintenance Mek: Water Body Cleaner, Maintenance Mek: Situation Controller, Maintenance Mek: Platinum Collection.

The Maintenance Mek can be converted to specific kinds of Character and Weapon Enhancement Materials at the Crafting Bench.

Adds Set 25 of "Paimon's Paintings" chat emojis.

New Function: Multi-Layered Map in the map interface.

New functions in the Party Setup Screen:

(1) Characters' entrance and idle animations

(2) In Settings > Other, you may decide whether "the background of the Party Setup Screen will change based on your current region." If this option is enabled, the Party Setup Screen will change based on your current region.

Gyroscope is now supported on the platforms below:

PC：DualSense™ Wireless Controller, DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller

PS4™：DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller

PS5™：DualSense™ Wireless Controller, DualSense Edge™ Wireless Controller

※ Travelers can find the Gyroscope settings in Settings > Controls while using a Controller to play.

Adds Global Illumination on PlayStation® and will automatically be in effect after the Version update.

Adds Global Illumination on PC devices with a Discrete Graphics Card with a VRAM of 4 GB or more. Travelers may enable it via Settings > Graphics.

It is recommended for Travelers on PC devices to enable this option when your PC specifications are above the minimum specifications below:

��� Minimum Specifications for Global Illumination:

Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit

Processor: 9th Generation Intel® Core i5™-9400F or equivalent

Discrete Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 1050 Ti or equivalent

VRAM: 4 GB or more

RAM: 16 GB or more

"Genius Invokation TCG" Gameplay Update:

New Character Cards: Qiqi, Lisa, and Albedo, and their corresponding Talent cards

New invitation duels and guest challenges added to the Player List.

New Action Cards: King's Squire, Golden House, Setaria, Where Is the Unseen Razor?, Joyous Celebration.

Adds the "Observe Duel" function:

(1) When a friend is in a Genius Invokation TCG duel in Single-Player Mode, you can see this on the Friends interface and observe their game in progress (if this friend is in Co-Op mode, you must first enter their world).

(2) In Co-Op Mode, if your teammate is in a Genius Invokation TCG duel, you can see this on the Co-Op mode interface and observe their game in progress.

(3) In Co-Op Mode, if two of your teammates are in a Genius Invokation Duel through team invitation, you can observe the duel in progress and see both parties' cards and Elemental Dice.

(4) You can respectively allow your friends or teammates in Co-Op Mode to observe your duels or forbid them to do so via Settings in the Genius Invokation TCG duels.

(5) When you are in a Genius Invokation TCG duel, you can select specific observers and remove them from the observers list.

Spiral Abyss

The "Nymph's Dream" and "Vourukasha's Glow" Artifact set rewards in "Domain Reliquary: Tier I," and "Domain Reliquary: Tier II" for Spiral Abyss Floors 9–12 will be replaced with the "Marechaussee Hunter" and the "Golden Troupe" sets.

Floor 9 Ley Line Disorder changed to:

• After a character triggers a Vaporize reaction, the Vaporize reaction DMG for that character is increased by 50% for 5s.

Floor 10 Ley Line Disorder changed to:

• Character deals 50% increased DMG to opponents affected by Hydro.

Floor 11 Ley Line Disorders changed to:

• All characters in the party gain a 60% Pyro DMG Bonus.

• All characters in the party gain a 60% Hydro DMG Bonus.

Updated the monster lineup on Floors 9 – 12 of the Spiral Abyss.

Starting from the first time that the Lunar Phase refreshes after updating to Version 4.0, the two Lunar Phases will be as follows:

Phase I:

Keen Moon

When a character recovers HP, that character gains 10% increased ATK for 10s. Max 3 stacks. Each stack will be counted independently. When a character loses HP, that character gains 40 Elemental Mastery for 10s. Max 3 stacks. Each stack will be counted independently. The effects from recovering and losing HP are independent from each other, and stacks are counted independently.

Phase II:

Gyrating Moon

When a character recovers or loses HP, that character gains 40% increased All Elemental and Physical DMG Bonus for 3s.

※ The above Spiral Abyss update will take effect from September 1 at 04:00 (Server Time).

〓Adjustments & Optimizations〓

● System

Adds the function to view artworks of "Enemies of Note" in Archive > Living Beings > Enemies and Monsters.

Adjusts the mission objectives of the different phases of the "Stellar Reunion" event and reduces the difficulty of missions. The total score obtainable during the event remains unchanged (this adjustment applies to Travelers who activate "Stellar Reunion" after the Version 4.0 update).

Optimizes selection logic in the Artifacts and Weapons interface: after selecting an Artifact or Weapon to view or enhance, when returning to the previous interface, the Artifact or Weapon you initially viewed or enhanced will automatically be selected.

Adjusts the number of Teleport Waypoints required to unlock the achievement "Descending Into the Depths of Desolation." The original total number of Teleport Waypoints required to be unlocked is 16, and is now adjusted to 18 (if the achievement has been completed, the completion status of the achievement remains unchanged).

● Genius Invokation TCG

Adjusts the reward rules and reward display for Genius Invokation TCG: Heated Battle Mode. For each of the first 3 games you complete, you can receive 1,000 Lucky Coins (a maximum of 3,000 Lucky Coins can be obtained ).

● Audio

Optimizes certain interface sound effects in "Genius Invokation TCG" matches.

Optimizes the Korean and English voice lines for some quests.

Optimizes the character sprinting sound effects.

Optimizes certain interface sound effects when using the controller.

●Other

Optimizes the display accuracy of the Wind Glider on mobile devices.

〓Genius Invokation TCG Balance Adjustment〓

Adjusts the cost of Elemental Dice required for Support Card "Jade Chamber": the Elemental Dice cost required will be adjusted from 1 to 0.

Adjusts the cost of Elemental Dice required for Equipment Cards "Broken Rime's Echo," "Wine-Stained Tricorne," "Witch's Scorching Hat," "Thunder Summoner's Crown," "Viridescent Venerer's Diadem," "Mask of Solitude Basalt," "Laurel Coronet," "Capricious Visage," and "Thundering Poise": the Elemental Dice cost required will be adjusted from 2 Dice of the same element to 2 Dice of any element.

Adjusts the cost of Elemental Dice required for Equipment Cards "Blizzard Strayer," "Heart of Depth," "Crimson Witch of Flames," "Thundering Fury," "Viridescent Venerer," "Archaic Petra," and "Deepwood Memories": the Elemental Dice cost required will be adjusted from 3 Dice of any element to 2 Dice of the same element.

Adjusts the cost of Elemental Dice required for Equipment Cards "Vermillion Hereafter" and "Shimenawa's Reminiscence": the Elemental Dice cost required will be adjusted from 3 Dice of the same element to 3 Dice of any element.

Adjusts the cost of Elemental Dice required for Equipment Card "Ornate Kabuto": the Elemental Dice cost required will be adjusted from 2 Dice of any element to 1 Elemental Dice.

Adjusts the cost of Elemental Dice required for Equipment Card "Emblem of Severed Fate": the Elemental Dice cost required will be adjusted from 3 Dice of any element to 2 Dice of the same element.

Adjusts the effect of the Event Card "Thunder and Eternity": this Event Card can now convert all of your Elemental Dice into the Omni Element.

Adjusts the effect of the Event Card "I Haven't Lost Yet!": this Event Card can only be used once per Round.

〓Version Update Known Issue〓

There is an issue in Genius Invokation TCG whereby when you have 0 Elemental Dice before the Action Phase begins, you would still be able to abnormally play the Event Card "Covenant of Rock" due to the Omni Element generated by the Equipment Card "Gambler's Earrings" after the Action Phase begins. (Under normal conditions, "Covenant of Rock" will not be playable as you have more than 0 Elemental Dice at this time.) This issue is scheduled to be fixed in Version 4.1.

There is an issue whereby some enemies in the water and some characters in swimming mode are unable to take DMG from Electro-Charged Reactions in certain water bodies. This issue is scheduled to be fixed in Version 4.1.

〓Bug Fixes〓

● Quests

Fixes an issue with the Story Quest "Where Lies the Path Home" whereby Nahida's location was abnormal.

Fixes an issue whereby there was the possibility of encountering repeated options or objectives when carrying out the Commission Quests "The Gourmet Supremos: Foodie Quiz," "Good Sign," or "Akademiya Q&A."

Fixes an issue with the World Quest "Garcia's Paean: A Gift of Compatibility" whereby there was a small probability of abnormally triggering character teleports and the NPC Kaia may erroneously disappear.

Fixes an issue whereby the objective "Follow Kaeya" in Kaeya's Hangout Event is unable to be completed under certain circumstances.

● Enemies

Fixes an issue whereby the Boss "Guardian of Apep's Oasis's" aftershocks of the apocalypse attack could not deal DMG to some characters under certain conditions.

Fixes an issue whereby some special effects of the Boss "Stormterror" would abnormally disappear under certain conditions.

Fixes an issue whereby the opponent "Abyss Herald: Frost Fall" had a small probability of not regenerating HP normally when leaving combat.

Fixes an issue that prevented the enemy "Iniquitous Baptist" from generating a shield after unleashing the Elemental Ring ability under certain circumstances.

Fixes an issue that caused the enemy "Cryo Samachurl" to not fall off properly after his ice pillar was destroyed.

● Characters

Fixes an issue that prevented Lumine from quickly performing the 1st hit of her Normal Attack and Charged Attack after performing the 5th hit of her Normal Attack.

Fixes an issue whereby there was a chance that Icewhirl Brand generated by holding Eula's Elemental Skill would fail to deal DMG to target enemies.

Fixes an issue whereby after adding Nahida to the party for the first time, holding the Elemental Skill could cause the character and camera to be positioned abnormally.

Fixes an issue whereby when the Frostflake Seki no To released by Kamisato Ayaka's Elemental Burst was blocked, it had a small probability of not dealing DMG even if it hit enemies.

Fixes an issue on mobile whereby when some characters sit on a high-legged stool, the character model would display abnormally.

Fixes an issue whereby Fischl would stand on water abnormally after casting an Elemental Burst under certain conditions.

Fixes an issue whereby under certain circumstances, some characters may trigger the special effects of water ripples while walking on land.

● System

Fixes an issue that caused a white line to appear abnormally on Yaoyao's Constellations interface.

Fixes an issue whereby in the Character interface, when switching from Ganyu's interface to multiple secondary interfaces (such as Talents, Artifacts, or Weapons), there was a chance that the character movements could be incorrect.

Fixes an issue whereby the pre-selected Conversion material selection state would be reset when using a controller to carry out conversion with the Crafting Bench.

Fixes an issue that caused the maximum number of Weapons or Artifacts that can be selected (by dragging them) in the Inventory to be displayed incorrectly under certain circumstances.

● Genius Invokation TCG

Fixes an issue in Genius Invokation TCG whereby when the Character Card "Eula" gains Grimheart, the DMG value indicated in the Elemental Skill description will be abnormally stated as "Deals 4 Cryo DMG" (the actual DMG dealt is as intended, and is 5 Cryo DMG).

● Audio

Fixes an issue whereby the audio effects of some quests were not controlled by the voice-over settings in the game.

● Other

Fixes an issue whereby Sorush could switch to other characters abnormally when flying under certain conditions.

Fixes an issue whereby the grass in the landscape was not displayed correctly under certain conditions.

Fixes an issue that caused flying birds to abnormally fall under certain conditions.

Fixes some text errors in certain languages and optimizes text. (Note: Related in-game functions have not changed. Travelers can view the changes in different languages by going to the Paimon Menu > Settings > Language and changing the Game Language.)

Text-related fixes and optimizations in English include:

◆ Unified the term "Hilichurl Shooters."

◆ Optimized some inconsistencies between certain voice-over lines and what is displayed in Archon Quests, Story Quests, and World Quests.

◆ Optimized certain UI of the Serenitea Pot.

◆ Optimized the text in certain Namecards.

*This is a work of fiction and is not related to any actual people, events, groups, or organizations.

"PlayStation", "PS5", "PS4", "DualSense", "DUALSHOCK" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

[screenmobile]

How to Stop Water from Pooling on a Patio?

So, you've got a patio—your little slice of the outdoors where you sip coffee in the morning, grill burgers on the weekends, or just stretch out and soak up the fresh air. But then it rains, and suddenly, you’re dealing with puddles, mud, and maybe even some slippery spots. Not exactly the relaxing vibe you were going for, right?

Water pooling on a patio isn’t just an eyesore—it can lead to structural damage, mold, and even safety hazards. The good news? You don’t have to live with it. Whether you're dealing with minor puddles or a full-on mini lake, there are plenty of ways to fix the issue.

Let’s break down why this happens and, more importantly, how you can stop it.

First, Why Does Water Pool on Your Patio?

Before you grab a shovel or call in the pros, it helps to understand what’s causing the problem. Here are the usual culprits:

Poor Drainage – If your patio isn’t built with a slight slope, water has nowhere to go.

Soil Settling – Over time, the ground beneath your patio can shift, creating low spots where water collects.

Clogged Drains or Gutters – If water isn’t flowing away properly, it’s bound to find a new home—on your patio.

Paving Material Issues – Some materials absorb water, while others cause it to pool on the surface.

Surrounding Landscape – If the area around your patio doesn’t allow for proper drainage, water can back up and collect.

Alright, now that you know the why, let’s tackle the how.

Quick Fixes for Small Water Puddles

If you only have minor pooling in certain areas, you might not need a major overhaul. Here are some quick solutions:

Sweep It Away (Temporarily)

If water is just hanging out in small puddles, a broom or squeegee can push it off. Obviously, this isn’t a permanent fix, but it works in a pinch—especially after a light rain.

Drill Drainage Holes (For Concrete Patios)

For concrete patios that hold water in specific spots, a few well-placed drainage holes can help. Use a masonry drill bit to create small holes in low areas so water can escape into the ground below.

Apply a Waterproof Sealer

Some patio surfaces absorb water, worsening the pooling problem. A waterproof sealer helps by repelling water, making it bead up and roll off rather than soak in.

Long-Term Solutions to Stop Water Pooling

If your patio regularly turns into a wading pool, it’s time for more serious solutions. Here’s what you can do:

1. Adjust the Slope

Water needs a path to flow away. Ideally, patios should have a slope of about 1/4 inch per foot leading away from your house. If yours is flat or slopes the wrong way, you might need to:

Resurface with a sloping layer of concrete

Use a self-leveling compound (for minor adjustments)

Rebuild sections of a paver patio to create proper runoff

2. Install a French Drain

A French drain is essentially a gravel-filled trench with a pipe that redirects water away from problem areas. It’s a great option if your yard naturally collects water, and it works well for patios that are set lower than the rest of the yard.

3. Add a Drainage Channel

If water tends to collect at the edge of your patio, a channel drain (also called a trench drain) could be the answer. These are narrow drains set into the patio surface, directing water to a more suitable drainage area.

4. Replace Solid Surfaces with Permeable Pavers

Solid concrete or stone patios don’t let water pass through, leading to runoff and pooling. Permeable pavers (like gravel-filled grids, porous bricks, or spaced-out pavers with drainage gaps) allow water to soak into the ground instead.

5. Improve Gutter and Downspout Placement

Sometimes, the problem isn’t the patio—it’s the water coming from your roof. Check if your gutters and downspouts are directing rainwater straight onto your patio. If they are, adding downspout extenders or rerouting them can help.

6. Landscape for Better Drainage

If your patio is surrounded by heavy, compacted soil, water won’t drain properly. Consider:

Adding gravel or river rock around the edges for better absorption

Planting water-loving plants (like ferns, hostas, or native grasses) to help absorb excess moisture

Creating a rain garden—a landscaped area designed to collect and slowly absorb runoff

What If You’re Building a New Patio?

If you’re in the planning stages of adding a patio, designing for proper drainage from the start will save you a ton of headaches later. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Pick the right material – Permeable pavers or concrete with drainage gaps are best.

Ensure a proper slope – Even a small incline (1-2%) makes a big difference.

Plan for drainage – French drains, gravel beds, and downspout placement all matter.

When to Call in the Pros

Some drainage issues can be tackled with a bit of DIY effort, but if your patio is sinking, constantly flooding, or affecting your home’s foundation, it’s time to bring in a professional. A contractor can help with:

Regrading your patio or yard

Installing a full drainage system

Lifting or replacing sunken pavers

Addressing major erosion issues

Final Thoughts

Water pooling on a patio isn’t just annoying—it can lead to bigger problems like mold, cracks, and foundation damage. Whether it’s a simple fix like sealing the surface or a bigger project like installing drains, there’s always a way to get rid of those puddles for good.

Need expert help? If you're in South Bend or the surrounding areas, Screenmobile of South Bend can help with custom patio solutions, including enclosures, screens, and upgrades that enhance your outdoor space—without the water mess.

Don't let rain ruin your patio—get the right fix today!

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Study reveals that most widely used herbicide in Brazil increases chance of infant mortality

Applied especially to soybean crops, glyphosate may have been responsible for more than 500 infant deaths annually over the last decade

Glyphosate accounted for 62% of herbicide use in Brazil between 2009 and 2016, and it was especially used in soybean production. In 2017, it represented 30% of global herbicide use. It is estimated that since the 1990s, following the creation of seeds resistant to this substance, the use of this product has increased around 15-fold. Furthermore, according to Data Intelligence, the use of glyphosate on crops is expected to grow 800% by 2025. In this context, a study by Fundação Getulio Vargas found that this herbicide has effects on human health and identified an increase in infant mortality in locations close to where glyphosate has been applied.

The study indicates that between 2000 and 2010, there was a 5% increase in the infant mortality rate, which corresponds to around 503 deaths per year, among infants whose mothers lived close to where glyphosate was applied, more specifically, in the path of water flow carrying the substance applied to crops into rivers, streams and wells. The period analyzed in the research coincides precisely with the time when there was a sharp rise in the use of glyphosate.

Despite these indications found by the scientists, Rudi Rocha, a researcher at Fundação Getulio Vargas’ Sao Paulo School of Business Administration (FGV EAESP) and co-author of the study, says that this figure probably underestimates the overall effect of glyphosate use on human health.

“There is concern about the subclinical toxicity of these substances on people in general, who are not subject to direct exposure, but exposed to low concentrations through ingestion of contaminated water or food,” the researcher explains. He also points out that this type of intoxication is just the tip of the iceberg, as pesticides like this are capable of causing a wide range of asymptomatic effects at very low levels of exposure, which do not produce obvious signs and symptoms.

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