#and from what I've looked up the charity he founded was to find a cure for the condition a parent of his had specifically

[finsterhund]

the more time passes and the more I grow and mature as a young man the more I can actually articulate exactly why an internet celebrity targeting an indie game by "think of the children-ing" about comical violence on the level of the average looney tunes cartoon, subtle - likely unintentional- reinforcement of normalized ableism in society, and devolving into a tangent about how irreplaceable the nuclear family is (because the main character is implied to have a single mother) was so shitty. Then to go on and claim the game's fans were attacking him for pointing out that everything he said was a reflection of his own issues, even though his fans were the ones engaging in harassment.

[warabidakihime]

Invisible Strings Chapter 5

Characters: Uzui Tengen x Reader | Modern AU Synopsis: Sequel of Parallel Lines Content Warnings: profanity, smut, sleep paralysis, eventual violence, blo0d, slight manga spoilers (tho i strayed away from the original plot but yeh), can be a bit psychologically triggering for some so proceed cautiously.

Previous Chapter: Prologue Next Chapter: Chapter 2

-

Three days had passed since that unsettling incident, and everything seemed to be going well. Fortunately, you weren't plagued by those terrifying dreams anymore; at least for a while, they haven't been terrorizing you, and this is allowing you to catch up on much-needed sleep. Your productivity soared, and you felt on top of the world. With the Business Expo coming up next week, you were determined to ensure everything was flawless.

The entire team had been working tirelessly, often coming into the office on their days off, even though it wasn't required. Currently, you are in a meeting with the heads of each department.

Tengen stood at the podium, discussing the schedule for next week's event, while Zenitsu managed the slides for his PowerPoint presentation. Everything was about 90% complete, but they wanted to be thorough. After all, Shinobu Kocho of Hana Enterprise would be present.

Hana Enterprise and Hashira Corps were sister companies. Kanae Kocho had founded Hana Enterprise but stepped down as chairman, succeeded by her sister Shinobu, revered for her breakthroughs in curing terminal diseases. Hana Enterprise was Japan's leading pharmaceutical corporation, praised for its pivotal role in halting a global epidemic. Hashira Corp. was renowned for its state-of-the-art hospitals nationwide, with a particular focus on helping children, reflecting the founder, Kagaya Ubuyashiki's special affinity for them.

Both companies frequently hosted charity events, especially in remote areas, embodying their mission to spread love and compassion.

"This meeting has been adjourned," Kagaya announced, to your relief. After sitting for hours, your legs feel numb.

"Hey, like to dine somewhere?" Yushiro tapped your shoulder with an invitation, which you gladly accepted.

"Nice. Let's see if the others want to come along and what meal they're craving today."

"Sure."

You all left the conference room and returned to your respective departments. Yushiro went ahead while you stayed back to do something at your desk. After grabbing your wallet and saving your file, you dashed to the elevator to meet the team for lunch.

Tengen and Zenitsu said they'd join later, as they were summoned to Kagaya's office. The team agreed on Korean barbecue, and to everyone's excitement, Mitsuri offered to pay for lunch.

"Man, that conference was such a drag; I tried everything I could not to fall asleep," Yushiro grumbled, stretching his limbs.

"It's because they took so long to decide," Mitsuri explained, looking at the meat on the grill. "Sanemi-senpai and Iguro-kun couldn't agree on anything, and then there's Tengen, who kept adding fuel to the fire until Kagaya-san had to step in."

"That's the first time I've seen Tengen-san so agitated," you added.

"His arguments were valid though, as he was the one who came up with the program, but Obanai-senpai kept poking at him," Senjuro explained.

"They're just polar opposites, so finding a middle ground can be tricky, but Iguro-kun always means well," Mitsuri said, sometimes not understanding her boyfriend's point of view.

"Just another day at work, am I right?" you joked, making everyone chuckle.

"Yeah," they all said in unison.

"By the way, Y/N, did you make it home safely the other day? I didn't realize it was going to rain so heavily. You should've gone home with me." Yushiro turned to you, guilt on his face.

"Don't worry, I got home safely thanks to Tengen. He offered me a ride," you said, shaking your head.

"Really? That's great, then."

Nezuko's mischievous look made you nervous. "Speaking of Tengen-san, I've watched how he interacts with you; are you two...?"

You quickly shook your head no. "Doesn't he treat everyone like that?" You blushed as the others looked at you eagerly.

"No? He's very nice and friendly to everyone, but he's especially attentive towards you. Say, what do you think of him, Y/N?" Nezuko asked.

Caught off guard, you chewed your lower lip. "Well, from a junior's perspective, he's the best boss I've ever had."

"I'm not asking how he is as your boss; I want to know what you think of him outside of work. Is he your type?" Nezuko pressed.

"Why are you asking me this, Nezuko-chan?" you half-shouted, making everyone laugh. Your cheeks grew hotter.

"Just answer the question! Do you find him attractive?" she persisted.

"Y-yes, I mean, who wouldn't?"

"Fair point, but do you think he's handsome and attractive enough to date him?" Mitsuri interjected.

"...yes."

"Omg! I ship it! You'd look so wonderful together!" Nezuko exclaimed.

"Who is going to look good together?"

Tengen's voice cut through the air, freezing you in your seat. You stared at Nezuko with a horrified expression, silently pleading with her not to say anything.

"Oh, nothing," Nezuko mused.

Senjuro asked, "What took you so long?"

"I had to discuss something with Kagaya-san; I'm sorry." Tengen and Zenitsu took their seats.

"Are you okay, Y/N?" Zenitsu inquired, noticing your nervousness.

"Huh? Yeah, I'm okay. Don't worry about me," you assured him.

"Are you sure?" Tengen asked, his eyes filled with concern.

You nodded and smiled at him. "Yes, don't worry about me; eat; I'm sure you're hungry."

Tengen mimicked your smile and reached for the meat. "Okay."

You noticed Nezuko flashing glances your way, making you sigh in defeat. You smiled cheekily at her and mouthed, "Just eat your damn food."

Yep. It was simply another day at the office for everyone.

*

After lunch, you all decided to take a walk around the mall to help digest the barbecue you ate.

"Hey!" Nezuko called out, catching everyone's attention.

"What now?" Yushiro grumbled.

"That's the tarot lady I told you about," Nezuko said, pointing to a middle-aged woman shuffling her cards while talking to a customer. "Why don't we get readings from her?" she suggested, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"If you pay for it, why not?" Yushiro quipped.

"Oh, come on! It'll be great! Tengen-san, we still have time, right?"

Tengen nodded, intrigued. "Yeah, we actually have the entire day to ourselves."

"Then it's settled! Come on!"

You all eventually decided to follow Nezuko's wishes since no one could ever say no to her once she made up her mind. Her pleading eyes were impossible to resist. You approached the tarot lady and waited for your turn.

"What type of reading does she provide?" you inquired.

"She offers general readings, love readings, career readings, and past life readings. I told you about that one, right?"

"Hmm, I think I'll get that one too," you said, nodding.

"You believe in tarot too, Y/N?" Yushiro asked, still skeptical.

"I guess? I've never had a tarot reading before, so I'm not sure if it's real or not. It doesn't hurt to try, right?" You shrugged. You were intrigued by the idea of learning about your past life and possibly gaining some insight into your recurring dreams.

Tengen sat down on the little chair first, looking comically oversized on the tiny stool. You couldn't help but laugh to yourself.

"Good day, young man; what can I do for you?" the tarot lady asked.

Tengen thought for a moment. "I suppose I'll just take a general reading," he said.

The lady shuffled her cards and placed a few on the table, humming as she examined them. "It appears that you just broke a karmic link. Many people were surprised because that relationship seemed perfect. Its purpose in your life has been fulfilled."

"Yeah, I guess you could say that. I just went through a divorce not too long ago." Tengen chuckled sheepishly.

"But you won't be alone for long. I see a new connection on the horizon for you, and it's a former life connection," she said, shuffling her cards again and laying them down.

Tengen, initially indifferent, leaned in with interest. "Can you elaborate?"

"You two knew each other in a previous life. You’ve already crossed paths in this life, but barriers prevented the link from flourishing before."

Tengen subtly glanced at you, then back at the lady.

"It's a long-awaited connection; it appears there were many obstacles," she continued.

"Or maybe she was taken away by another dude," Zenitsu joked, unknowingly hitting close to the truth. Even Tengen couldn't help but laugh at the timely joke.

The lady made a few more predictions, and you were surprised at how engrossed Tengen became, especially when she mentioned his love life. You tried to maintain a neutral expression, ignoring the pang of jealousy inside.

Finally, it was your turn.

"I want the past life reading," you said, sitting down and glancing at the tarot reader.

"Let's see..." she said, shuffling her cards. "You lived a hard life in your previous life. Naivety was your weakness, and bad people exploited it. You tried hard to find true happiness, but it was taken away just as you found it," she explained.

Lovely.

I paid a lot of money to hear that I had a shitty life.

Awesome.

You almost laughed at the irony.

"Well, I'm hoping that in this lifetime I can attain real happiness," you half-joked.

"You will," the lady said with a smile, "but only if you break general curses."

"What exactly do you mean?"

She then probed the left side of your chest, near your heart. "There's a lot of blockage here, my child. You're still carrying anguish from your past life. Let me clarify this with more cards."

Tengen paid close attention to your reading, almost as if it spoke to him as well.

"I see a battle in your heart, child. Right now, you're vulnerable to darkness. Focus on healing your inner wounds. It will take time, but don’t be afraid to turn to your loved ones and your higher self."

"My higher self?"

"The Higher Self connects with the Divine; it's our best version, our future self. Have you been having vivid dreams?"

"Yes, I was going to ask you about that," you replied quickly.

She shuffled her deck again and pulled three cards. "Your higher self is trying to connect with you. Don't be afraid of the dreams. You're highly protected. The more you panic, the more you'll feed the darkness trying to engulf you. Carry protective crystals for good measure."

The reading felt like a premonition from a movie. You almost wanted to ask if she was trying to sell you something. You just wanted to know about your past life and how it led to this point.

Protection? Higher self? A battle?

You were too overwhelmed to understand it all.

"The more you tell me not to be terrified, the more I'm afraid," you chuckled uneasily, and Tengen stepped forward, ruffling your hair.

"Isn't that why she said you should rely on us?"

"Do you really believe this, Tengen-san?" Yushiro asked.

"I mean, whether it's a mythological entity or a jerk trying to hurt Y/N, you'd still help her, right?"

"I guess so..."

"You have amazing friends, my child," the tarot lady said with a motherly laugh. She unclasped her necklace and handed it to you. "It's laced with a protective spell. Wear it at all times."

"Are you sure you want to give it to me?"

"Of course," she said, nodding. "Is there anything else you want to ask?"

"No, I think I'm fine for now. Thank you for your time."

"Anytime, dear."

You all said your goodbyes, and after everyone else got there reading, you all walked back to the office. Everyone resumed their typical banter, but you were eerily quiet, and so you were staggering a bit behind on your way back.

"Are you okay?" Tengen asked, noticing you lagging behind.

You turned to him and then back to your feet. "I'd like to say yes, but no. I'm not okay."

"Would you like to talk about it?"

"Nah, I'm just a little shaken by that tarot reading. What battle was she referring to?"

"She said darkness is lingering in your heart, waiting to take over. You must purge your inner wounds to overcome it. That's a terrifying reading."

"True, I paid a lot of money to be told I had a shitty past life. You're lucky she said you won't be single for long. Excited to meet her?" You laughed wistfully.

Tengen brushed his hair back, making your heart race as you caught a whiff of his scent. You waited for his response.

“Well, I suppose you could say that. After all, who wouldn't want to meet someone so special, right?"

"But didn’t she say you might have already crossed paths with her?"

A chilly breeze blew through, making you panic as you wore a floaty dress. Tengen quickly wrapped his blazer around your waist, the close proximity making your heart race. You were worried he might hear it.

"I won't know until she properly presents herself, so for now, I'm free to like whoever I want," he said, tying the sleeves firmly to keep your outfit in place.

His words made your heart flutter even more.

His eyes pierced into yours, and it felt like his statement was directed at you.

Your lips moved before you could stop them.

"Is there someone in particular you're interested in?"

After fixing your dress, he tucked your baby hairs behind your ears. The two of you stood in front of the corporate building, everyone else having gone inside.

Tengen tended to you with an all-knowing smile.

"I'm not sure how else to answer your question, Y/N, if this still doesn't scream yes to you."

TAGLIST: @babygirl-panda19 @hypnocountrymusicfunnyfan @qdreamueen @exodarkwolf16 @vesta-ro

[etlunainmorte]

Part 3 - Nero

***

***

To your utter confusion, Nico was quiet all day. In fact, not a sound could be heard inside the house that one bright and sunny morning.

Sure, Nero taught her to do useful things. He even taught her how to behave properly in front of his friends and guests. Not to mention the many, many hours he spent with her in order to teach her what he proudly called, some "world - class skills".

Despite all that upbringing, Nico sure had a big mouth to show, and that boundless energy to boot. She's still as rambunctious as the rest of her kind. And most importantly, she's still trying her very best, on a daily basis, to bully that poor newspaper boy who was always dropping by your house.

Needless to say, you've been so accustomed to living with these two, and you're so used to their noises and their quirks.

However, to your utter confusion, Nico was quiet all day. In fact, not a sound could be heard inside the house that one bright and sunny morning.

Even her tiny traces could not be seen.

For a small and energetic dog such as Nico, she sure tried her very best to not slather you with her saliva that same morning. And that, nonetheless, bothered you.

"Nico!" You called for the third time that morning as you got out of bed. "Come here, girl!"

You've waited for, at least, three more minutes, and when she still didn't come to you on your fourth call, you instantly felt the stab of loneliness come back to haunt you. Nero, who typically doesn't start his day - to - day routine without having a hearty and healthy breakfast with you first, was nowhere to be found. As soon as your hand felt the emptiness of the side of the bed where he used to lie on, you felt the negative emotions come crashing down upon you once more. It hurt, feeling so heavy deep down inside. It hurt when you tried to hide it from your boyfriend and from your small group of friends. It hurt when you insisted to smile for them to show that you're okay.

It hurt even more to wake up without Nero beside you.

He's,... your everything. His funny antics in and out of the battlefield made you laugh out loud. His boyish smile and his mannerisms made you smile a lot. His sweetness and his caring attitude always made your day, heck, even your whole week.

And with him gone, it hurt. It hurt so,... so much,...

"WOOF!"

Your eyes widened and your mood perked up a bit when you heard the familiar bark, and when you turned around to face the dog, you were so surprised to see her.

Well, seeing her sitting and wagging her tail like that was normal for you.

What you did find surprising about her was the (F/C) - colored balloon tied on her yellow leash.

Wait a second,...

"WOOF!" Nico barked at you once more, as if trying to tell you to come to her, and when you did, she hastily stood up and went outside the room. You tried to chase her but, before you could even grab her leash, you noticed a piece of paper lying on the floor next to your feet. And on the paper were some words written using some crayons.

Good morning, beautiful! The words read. And the only name that came up on your head was his.

It was Nero, and he was clearly up to something.

You heard Nico's bark once more. You looked up just in time to see her disappear around the corner.

Then, you found another piece of paper on the ground where the dog went.

Have I told you that, the message read. You picked up the paper and looked in front of you.

There it is again, you thought. Another note.

You are amazing?

Have I told you that,

Your smile can cure cancer?

Did they know that,

Your eyes shine like a million diamonds in the sky?

You giggled at the messages. "Oh, come on, Nero! How cheesy can you get?"

Despite the overwhelming cheesiness, you went on picking up the notes that were left on the ground on your way outside the house.

Did they know that,

Your laugh sounds like church bells?

Have they told you,

That you are the best friend anyone could ask or?

Have they told you,

That you are the best girlfriend in the whole wide world?

Did you know,

That this is not the only surprise I have for you?

You read the words, then you read them again. You looked up, and saw none other than Nero standing not far from the old tree where the orphans used to play hide and seek on. Except that the children were nowhere to be found. Instead, Nico was there standing next to Nero, still barking excitedly.

And Nero? He was holding his uncle Dante's old acoustic guitar.

"Good job for bringing her here, Nico!" Nero said as he scratched the dog behind her ears and gave her some treats. "Here you go!"

You shook your head and smiled as you made your way towards him.

"Is it Valentine's already?" You joked, fully anticipating the surprise he has for you. "And I thought you'd never use - "

But, you were not given the chance to finish your sentence as your boyfriend cleared his throat and positioned his fingers on the strings of the old guitar. He started plucking on the strings for a few minutes, opened his mouth, and started singing.

"With every - hey!"

"What?"

"You are supposed to sit down, (Y/N)."

Nero gestured something with his pouty lips and noticed that he was pointing at the swing right in front of him. He wanted you to sit there as he played the guitar.

Feeling satisfied when you finally did what he wanted you to do, he shrugged his shoulders and breathed through his nose.

Then, he finally began singing.

With every appearance by you, blinding my eyes,

I can hardly remember the last time I felt like I do.

You're an angel disguised.

And you're lying real still,

But your heart beat is fast just like mine.

And the movie's long over,

That's three that have passed, one more's fine.

You admitted to yourself that Nero doesn't have the best singing voice in the world but, you, sitting on the swing as he serenaded you with one of your favorite songs as a couple,...

... it really felt like,...

Will you stay awake for me?

I don't wanna miss anything,

I don't wanna miss anything.

I will share the air I breathe.

I'll give you my heart on a string.

I just don't wanna miss anything.

Your hand automatically went to your chest, clutching it as your heart twitched with the emotions that you tried really hard to hide from him, of all people. You wanted so much to throw yourself at him. How you wanted to cry your heart out and shout at the top of your lungs until you have no more tears left to cry. You wanted so badly to just let your emotions take over your system as Nero sang the song for you.

But, then again, you can't. You don't want to.

And how could you? Not when Nero clearly tried his best to surprise you like this?

Of course, he noticed everything! From your tired, bloodshot eyes, to the huge, dark bags under them. To your ever declining appetite, to the way you must've trembled when you tried to suppress the sobs every night.

He,... noticed everything.

You don't want to give in to your emotions but, then again, how could you not?

I'm trying real hard not to shake, I'm biting my tongue.

But I'm feeling alive and with every breathe that I take,

I feel like I've won, you're my key to survival.

And if it's a hero you want I can save you, just stay here.

Your whispers are priceless,

Your presence is too so please stay here.

Nero's smile did not vanish and his voice did not waver as you finally allowed your shoulders to slump, and your emotions to take over you.

With one hand on your mouth, and your eyes slightly closed, the tears,... finally came flowing out,...

Will you stay awake for me?

I don't wanna miss anything,

I don't wanna miss anything.

I will share the air I breathe.

I'll give you my heart on a string.

I just don't wanna miss anything.

Say my name. I just want to hear you.

Say my name. So I know it's true.

You're changing me. You're changing me.

You showed me how to live.

So just say. So just say,...

That you'll stay awake for me.

I don't wanna miss anything,

I don't wanna miss anything.

I will share the air I breathe.

I'll give you my heart on a string.

I just don't wanna miss anything.

With a few more skillful plucks of the guitar strings, the song finally ended.

And you? You're still crying, yes.

But, at the same time, you were giggling like crazy.

The tears were still falling, yes.

But, at the same time, somehow,...

... you no longer felt sad.

And this made Nero chuckle as he scratched the back of his head.

"That good you cried?" He asked.

"What,... did I just see?" You playfully questioned with a smile as you wiped your tears with the sleeves of your knitted sweater.

"Ah, I was practicing for the Red Grave Charity Concert." He told you. But, of course, you knew that was a lie. "So, what do you think?"

You sat up straight, inhaled through your nose and exaggeratedly breathed out. "I think it's too cheesy."

"Cheesy?!"

"Yes!" You declared at the top of your lungs. Then, you stood up, went towards him and placed your arms around his neck. "And I love it so much."

And before Nero could even complain, you peppered his face and his soft lips with little kisses that made him laugh. He pulled you closer and wrapped you in his arms, not wanting to let you go.

"I should really put up a band next time." He said as he smiled beneath your kisses.

"I won't allow it."

"Why not?!"

"Because you'll get too many fangirls!"

"Aren't you just being jealous?"

"So, what if I' am?"

"HEY, ASSHOLE!"

The two of you looked just in time to see the all - too familiar Devil May Cry Fortuna branch van screeching and careening towards you and only stopping when it was only mere inches away from you, effectively scaring the dog away.

"Hey! Have you still not learned how to drive? You're gonna get us killed!" Nero screamed as the Artisan's head popped out of the window. "And you scared Nico away!"

"If I hear the name of that mongrel again, I swear I'd cook her in a steel pot together with that electric chicken!" The real, human Nico scolded, and when she saw how close you and Nero were, her face contorted in utter disgust. "And, eww! Flirtin' so early on in the morning? Get in the car already! We're so damn late for the Charity concert!"

"Alright! Shut up already! And don't talk about my Nico like that! She's still smarter than you!"

***

❤ You can find Part 1 here. ❤

💙 And Part 2 here. 💙

***

💙💙💙

***

[wearepaladin]

In the game Quest for Glory: Shadows of Darkness there is a theme book "HERO: The Journal of General Job Adjusting: Issue IV" that has a Mr. Mannerly column for Paladin advice. The second letter has a reply that talks about the difference between The Laws of the Land and The Rights of the Individual and which a Paladin should hold higher. It is listed under Letters and can be found at the Quest for Glory wiki. Reminds me of the 'Lawful over Good' or 'Good over Lawful' discussions I've seen.

Its also funny as it is accuract

Ask Mr. Mannerly -- The Paladin's Answerperson by Magnifico Mannerly, P. D.

Dear Mr. Mannerly,

I am one tough dude. My favorite sports are Dragon Erasing and Barbarian Bashing. I'm a card-carrying member of the E.O.F (Eternal Order of Fighters) and a three-time winner of the annual Village Pillage belt. I'm listed in "Who's Who in Mercenaries, Freebooters, and Fortune Hunters". I'm always ready and willing to rescue a maiden or save a city, providing the price is right.

So if I decided to pursue a career as a Paladin, what's in it for me?

-- Hands Sollo

My Dear Mr. Sollo,

There are many advantages to becoming a Paladin. The ability to sense danger and emotional currents gives a Paladin a real edge in avoiding embarrassing accidents. The magical aura of the "Flaming Paladin Sword" can affect even the most ethereal of enemies, once you have received such a sword from another qualified Paladin. "Healing Hands" will frequently be useful in the event of serious injury, although it does draw upon your stamina to use them. "Protection from Magic" will aid you against those nasty offensive spells when you have built up enough Paladin Points to use it. And there's no doubt that "Honor Shield" will help you deflect the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune when you have gained enough honor to use it. Once again, the Paladin earns the ability to use these spells through the exhibition and accrual of honor and can just as easily lose them through dishonorable acts.

However, I'm not certain that pursuing a career in Paladinhood is the ideal profession for you. Considering the fact that a Paladin must be trust- worthy, helpful, truthful, cheerful, thoughtful, lawful, honest, pure, and brave, you might find it difficult giving up your scoundrel status. Plus, since a Paladin does good deeds from the goodness of his or her heart rather than for the monetary reward, your income level would drop significantly. You are probably better suited for pursuing a profession as a Politician rather than as a Paladin.

Dear Mr. Mannerly,

I am a damsel in distress. I have fallen in love with Persifal, a young Paladin. He's cute and very sweet, but he's forever breaking dates to go off and banish demons or restore the true heirs to various thrones, or so he says. What's more, the last time we went to the Harvest Ball together, he caused a terrible scandal and much gossip by dancing with the widow of the exiled ex-ruler of this land. As I'm sure you realize, it is forbidden to even speak with her, let alone dance, and besides, she looked positively ghastly in her old dress. I thought Paladins were never supposed to break laws and have to always be good! Instead, he disobeyed the new king's edict and embarrassed me in front of everyone, just because he thought the law was unfair and the widow looked unhappy. (She looked repulsive, actually.) Does this mean Percy isn't a real Paladin, and has been lying to me all this time about his "good" deeds?

-- Bothered and Bewildered

Dear Miss Bewildered,

Allow me to reassure you, Percy sounds like the perfect Paladin. Many people are confused by the "Paladin Code of Ethics".

A Paladin is bound by Honor to do what is Good rather than what is lawful. If the Laws of the Land interfere with the Rights of the Individual, it is the Paladin's duty to support the Individual's inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And who better to judge this than the True Paladin?

However, life with a Paladin is not an easy thing. If an Ogre family moves into the neighborhood, your boyfriend will be there first with the welcome wagon. After all, you can't judge an individual by racial stereotypes. You'll be continually surprised at just what gets invited to dinner at a Paladin's house. Paladins are forever being called away in the middle of the night on house calls to cure the ills of neighboring kingdoms. And Paladins are forever giving away their allowances to charity. All in all, if you want someone who is a good provider, dependable, there when you need him, and socially acceptable, you are better off marrying the garbage collector than a Paladin.