#and its an improvement from his last spouse

[vorestarr]

ascended astarion and vampire spouses

so I've been reading the dnd 2e manual "Van Richten's Guide to Vampires" for fic/game inspiration, and there's this really interesting chapter on vampire brides and grooms. after reading it, it's very clear to me that Astarion didn't turn Tav into a typical spawn, but into a vampire spouse, which are two very different rituals with very different outcomes.

the typical vampire spawn creation process is exactly what Astarion describes happening to him: a painful death, a painful rebirth into undeath, fighting his way out of his own coffin, and Cazador's complete control over him. this is described pretty clearly in the guide to vampires:

According to most related tales, a vampire can create another simply by killing a mortal either with its life-energy draining power (draining all the character's experience leveIs) or by exhausting the mortal of his or her blood supply. If the victim's body is not properly destroyed, it arises as a vampire, under the control of the creature who killed it, on the second night following the burial. [...] Most vampires remember the instant of their death and the nature of their killer, and understand immediately their new nature. Certainly their new hunger gives them a good idea of what they have become. They must immediately free themselves from their grave. either by breaking it open from within or by assuming gaseous form and diffusing out.

so that's definitely what happened to Astarion, but that's not what happens to Tav. after ascended Astarion turns Tav into a vampire, they can ask him what happened, and he describes the following:

Astarion: You are so beautiful... And you will be beautiful forever. Thank you for trusting me. Player: What exactly happened? Astarion: You were drained dry, and at the height of your delirium, I granted you one drop of my own blood. Things will be a touch different for you than they were for me when I was a spawn. I'm imbibed with unfathomable new talents. I am fairly certain I can extend Mephistopheles' blessings unto you. Player: Does that mean I need not fear the sun? Astarion: You need not fear anything. You will be stronger, swifter, sharper, but you won't be different. You were already perfect before. It's hard to improve.

for reference, this is how the guide to vampires describes the ritual for vampire spouses:

To actually create the bride, the vampire bestows what is known as the "Dark Kiss". lt samples the blood of its mortal paramour—once, twice, thrice—draining her almost to the point of death. This process causes the subject no pain; in fact, it has been described as the most euphoric, ecstatic experience, in comparison to which all ether pleasures fade into insignificance. Just as the subject is about to slip into the terminal coma from which there is no awakening, the vampire opens a gash in its own flesh—often in its throat—and holds the subject's mouth to the wound, As the burning draught that is the vampire’s blood gushes into the subject's mouth, the primitive feeding instinct is triggered, and she sucks hungrily at the wound, enraptured. With the first taste of the blood, the subject is possessed of great and frenzied strength (Str 18, if the character’s Str isn't already higher), and will use it to prevent the vampire from separating her from the fountain of wonder that is its bleeding wound. lt is at this point that the creator-vampire's strength is most sorely tested. He is weakened by his own blood loss, and also by his own rapture as the "victim" of a dark kiss. Overcoming the sudden loss of strength and the inclinations of lust, the vampire must pull her away from its own throat, hopefully without harming her, before she has overfed. Should the subject be allowed to feed for too long (more than 2 rounds), she is driven totally and incurably insane, and will die in agony within 24 hours. Once the subject has stopped feeding, she falls into a coma that lasts minutes or hours (2dl2 turns), at the end of which time she dies. Several (1 d3) hours later, she arises as a Fledgling vampire—and her creator's bride.

this to me sounds like what Astarion describes. he drains Tav almost dry, and at the very last moment, gives them a single drop of his blood. (also interesting reading this guide, the single drop avoids the problem of the vampire spouse being driven ravenous with hunger for the vampire creator's blood and attacking them. did Astarion know this and give them one drop on purpose to avoid that and Tav potentially being driven mad by it? or was he being selfish and this is just a nice but unanticipated outcome?)

i kept reading and there's a lot more interesting information about vampire spouses, but the most interesting thing I found related to the game was this:

Although there are some folk tales that describe the bride of a vampire as its slave, in much the same way that offspring are slaves, a bride is free-willed from the moment of her creation. The creator vampire does have great influence over the bride. however although this control is totally nonmagical. When a vampire is created in the traditional manner—that is, when a victim's life energy is completely drained away—the new fledgling instinctively understands much about the vampiric way of unlife, and about its own strengths, weaknesses* and needs. Not so the bride.

so basically, the vampire spouse is not tied to the vampire creator in the same way as a spawn (i.e., not able to be fully controlled) but is still extremely reliant on the vampire creator to teach them how to live as a vampire. the guide goes on to describe that some vampire creators may lie to their vampire spouse about the control or powers they have, in order to exert more control over them.

interestingly, if you ask Astarion if he can compel you the way Cazador compelled him, he doesn't give a straight answer, he just says this:

Player: Cazador could compel you - can you compel me? Astarion: Why would I need to? You're going to be wonderfully obedient.

to me, all of this says that Astarion was telling the truth when he told Tav that they would be different from him as a spawn, and also in emphasizing that they are not a spawn but a consort. he didn't create a spawn, he created a vampire spouse. he married Tav, and because of this Tav also retains their free will.

of course, Astarion doesn't say this. if he knows, he withholds this information in much the way that this guide describes, as a way for the creator to maintain more control over their spouse. but still, extremely interesting implications for the ascended Astarion romance, imo.

other interesting facts about vampire spouses from the guide to vampires:

the married couple has telepathic communication that can span miles -- so Tav and Astarion can potentially have a telepathic bond even after the tadpoles are gone. (another note, this communication has to be consensual both ways for it to work, so you can't just dig around someone's mind if they don't want it.)

the vampire creator is extremely jealous and possessive. (yeah lol)

their life forces are linked, so one suffering a great deal is felt by the other.

the bond can be broken, but the ritual to do so has to be initiated by the creator. to break it, they both spill their blood on the ground and allow it to mix. this dissolves all aspects of the bond (i.e., telepathy and linked life forces), but the spouse stays a vampire.

[blues824]

Hello! May I request twst wonderland first years or dorm leaders reacting to a kokushibo(demon slayer) yuu?

Feel free to skip if you like.

Have a nice day/night!

Gender-neutral reader with the Housewardens. Jichael Mackson is totally going to be the rip-off version of Michael Jackson from here on out. 

Riddle Rosehearts

He was honestly so relieved to see another rule-follower, but you were more severe than he was. You learned all 810 rules in the span of an hour, and you have threatened students with a fight when they broke them. You weren’t exactly loud about it, though. Instead, you just launched yourself at them.

Your eyes are definitely what he noticed at first, then the katana that was sheathed in its saya at your hip. You were not one to joke around, and neither was he. You both saw eye-to-eyes when it came to the rules, and you made sure that everyone followed them. It had gotten to the point where they were begging him to call you off before you left them with a black eye and a few cracked teeth.

Then there was your loyalty to not just him, but also the Queen of Hearts. Ever since being teleported to this world, you have found it hard to control yourself. It was because of him that you were able to find faith in humanity once again, and so you calmed down a bit. You hadn’t eaten anybody yet, just tackled them like a football player.

Leona Kingscholar

About as opposite as you could get at this point, because he disregards the rules. Because of your strength as a demon, you have the power to pick him up and hoist him over your shoulder as you drag him to class. His attendance record has improved drastically because of your efforts, so it counts for something.

He wasn’t exactly creeped out about your appearance. He honestly thought you were probably a spider or insect beast-person, but came to find out that you are a demon. He was rightfully wary of you, as he didn’t know much. However you explained that you had control over your urges and that if you wanted to eat him, you would have already.

You were quiet, compared to all of the other students, so he found himself able to nap around you once you got closer. You at some point swore your loyalty to him, so you were with him all of the time. You acted as a rather unorthodox knight/guard, and you became close with Ruggie because of it.

Azul Ashengrotto

You scared him, to say the least. It wasn’t your eyes, though. He has seen much weirder and scarier creatures in the ocean. It was your ability to turn him, Jade, and Floyd into diced fish within seconds because of your power as a demon. He had no idea what an ‘Uppermoon’ was, but the fact that you were #1 definitely did not slip his mind.

Because of your desire to follow the rules, you offered to act as a bouncer to the Mostro Lounge as long as you were compensated properly. He thought you wanted a human to eat, but you were just trying to make that bank. He agreed once the misunderstanding was cleared up, and damage costs were decreased because now there was someone to escort disruptive customers to the exit. 

The aura surrounding you was an unnerving calmness, and it really worked for your position. You honestly were annoyed by the contracts that were being made, and the line for you was crossed when Ace, Deuce, and Grim were all under them when they had an unfair chance. You held your sword to the cecaelia’s neck. The tweels weren’t even able to help because of how quickly you pinned them down.

Kalim Al-Asim

The only problem he had was how you were so quiet. He wanted to know more about you, so he liked to ask you questions as you answered them with barely enough words. You appreciated his efforts, as you can’t remember the last time someone really cared about you… not since your brother or even your spouse from however many years ago.

He’s definitely a bit more fun than you were, as you want to stick to the rules and he didn’t mind bending them. It was his spontaneous idea of hosting a dad joke session that actually managed to put a smile on your face. They were just so horribly bad that you couldn’t help but smirk at one of them. Kalim let out a loud cheer as he hugged you and in a sing-song voice stated that he made you smile. 

This guy does not pick up on why so many people are scared of you. You smile as you shrug, telling him that you had no idea what it could be, knowing full well that people were afraid of your ability to wield your katana as well as you being a demon. It might be true that you hadn’t eaten anybody yet, heavy emphasis on the yet, but you were still a killer who had the blood of thousands, if not millions, on your hands. But Kalim didn’t need to know that.

Vil Schoenheit

Your eyes are definitely the first thing he notices, as well as your rather unique way of dressing. It kind of looked like a more traditional and… vintage?... version of the Pomefiore dorm uniforms. However, he does not judge a book by its cover, so he does ask you about yourself whenever you come to Pomefiore for something.

He tends to follow the rules, as it means that everything falls into a routine and nothing is left up to chance. You also follow the rules, but to a much more hardcore degree. You’ve tackled and fought people who dare go against the rules of the Fairest Queen’s Dorm and against Vil. He has had to tell you a few times to reel back in the aggression, but he understood that your training under Jichael Mackson caused you to be like this.

Honestly, as long as you don’t kill or eat anybody, you’re alright in his book. He enjoyed your company, as you were a good person to rant to because you listened. You’ve gotten to the point where threats alone are enough to strike fear in anyone, which is more than the actor can say for himself. You were in a position of power, which intrigued Vil because not anyone could do that in such a short amount of time.

Idia Shroud

You reminded him of a character from ‘Help! Jichael Mackson turned my sister into a demon and now I have to find a cure for her!’ Excuse him if he gets really shy around you because now one of his favorite demons was right in front of him… in the flesh. He thought you never would have noticed him, but it would be hard to not meet someone as extroverted as his younger brother, Ortho.

Yeah, the younger Shroud brother had walked up to you and scanned you, and you were very weirded out. However, it started a rather pleasant conversation between the two of you. You eventually saw Idia’s tablet, and you asked what it was. The cyborg explained that Idia had social anxiety, and you nodded before moving on with your day.

Anyways, when you both finally meet in-person for the first time, you thank him for creating such a person as Ortho, as he was the first true, respectable friend that you had made in your brief amount of time in Twisted Wonderland. Congratulations, the older Shroud brother is now passed out as his hair is burning bright pink. 

Malleus Draconia

Well, you both bonded over the fact that many people are afraid of you two. The only difference is that you wanted them to fear you, Malleus did not. During your walks underneath the moonlight, he asked about your story. He was not afraid of you, so you decided to spill the tea. You told him about your rank in your former master’s army, and how you were the strongest. The fae prince was so intrigued that he clung onto each word you uttered.

The pain you must have suffered not only in your human life but also your afterlife is incomprehensible. You told him about your brother and how envious you were of him, but he still cared for you anyways. Then seeing him pass away in front of you was absolutely heartbreaking and kind of Ctrl+Alt+deleted your emotions.

You became very loyal to Malleus, but not as bad as the others. You were someone he could confide in, while you tackled anyone who dared bring him harm. You’ve even thrown hands with Sebek for annoying you and you won that battle, and that made him erupt in pure, uninterrupted laughter. The way you were able to keep a dead-straight face after just made him, Lilia, and Silver continue laughing.

[misfitwashere]

The Big Picture: How we got into this mess, and how we get out of it. 

Capitalism is compatible with democracy only if democracy is the dominant partner. It was dominant from 1933 until 1980. Then hyper-capitalism took over, and finally gave us Trump. 

ROBERT REICH

DEC 27

Friends,

Donald Trump isn’t the cause of what ails America. He’s the consequence. The real causes go back four decades. 

Let me start with a bit of family history. During the 1950s and 1960s, my father, Ed Reich, owned a shop on the main street from which he sold women’s clothing to the wives of factory workers.

This time of year reminds me of his anxious dependence on holiday sales (and in the days after Christmas, the frantic returns). Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, he needed to earn enough to pay the bills and have a sufficient sum to carry us through the first part of the following year.

We weren’t rich but never felt poor, and our standard of living rose steadily through the 1950s and 1960s — as factory workers and their spouses did better and better.

This was an era when the income of a single factory worker or schoolteacher or baker or salesman or mechanic was enough to buy a home, have two cars, and raise a family.

FOR THREE DECADES after World War II, America created the largest middle class the world had ever seen. During those years, the earnings of the typical American worker doubled, just as the size of the American economy doubled.

Over the last 40 years, by contrast, the size of the economy has more than doubled again, but the earnings of the typical American have barely budged (adjusted for inflation). Most of the gains have gone to the top. 

In the 1950s and 1960s, the CEOs of large corporations earned an average of about 20 times the pay of their typical worker. Now they rake in over 300 times the pay of an average worker.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the richest 1 percent of Americans took home about 10 percent of the nation’s total income. Today they take home more than the bottom 90 percent put together.

Then, the economy generated hope. Hard work paid off. The living standards of most people improved through their working lives. Their children enjoyed better lives than they had. Most felt that the rules of the economic game were basically fair.

Although many women, Black people, and Latinos were still blocked from getting a fair share of the economy’s gains, the nation committed itself to changing this. New laws guaranteed equal opportunity, barred discrimination, promoted affirmative action, and expanded educational opportunity for all.

Today, confidence in the economic system has sharply declined. Its apparent arbitrariness and unfairness have undermined the public’s faith in it. Cynicism abounds. Equal opportunity is no longer high on the nation’s agenda.

As you’ll see in “The Big Picture” video on this page, recent American history can be divided into five periods:

1946-1979, we grew together. Almost everyone gained ground.

1980-2008, the great U-turn. Most economic gains began going to the top.

2008-2010, the financial crisis. The banks were bailed out but millions of Americans lost their jobs, homes, and savings. The experience revealed the gross inequalities of wealth and power that underlay the new economy. This caused widespread disillusionment with the system.

2010-2016, anger at the establishment. Both Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump emerged as anti-establishment candidates — although Trump’s anti-establishment persona was fake (and still is). 

2016-2050, the choice between oligarchy and democracy. The 2024 election represented a lurch toward oligarchy, but I believe Trump and his oligarchy will overreach, and we’ll choose a more robust democracy. 

***

WHEN MOST PEOPLE STOP BELIEVING that they and their children have a fair chance to make it, the tacit social contract begins to unravel. And a nation becomes susceptible to demagogues such as Donald Trump peddling the politics of hate. 

Many of the most vocal proponents of the “free market” — including Elon Musk, executives of large corporations and their ubiquitous lawyers and lobbyists, denizens of Wall Street and their political lackeys, and numerous multimillionaires and billionaires — have been actively reorganizing the market for their own benefit.

The consequence has been a market created by those with great wealth for the purpose of further increasing their wealth.

This has resulted in ever-larger upward distributions inside the market, from the middle class, working class, and poor to a wealthy minority at the top. 

Because these distributions occur inside the market, they have largely escaped notice. We tend to debate only downward “redistributions” that occur outside the market, through taxing the rich and transferring some benefits to the poor and working class. 

Musk and Trump want to reduce such redistributions. 

But the hidden upward redistributions inside the market are arguably larger.

This is why it’s so important that those of us who care about social justice speak out and explain what has happened. And why it’s crucial that Democrats focus on reversing the staggering inequalities of this era and getting big money out of politics. 

Otherwise, the only explanation most Americans receive for what has happened comes from Trump authoritarians who falsely blame immigrants, “socialists,” the “deep state,” “woke”ism, Democrats, Black people, women, and other countries. 

And the only agenda most Americans receive for remedying what has occurred is by backing Trump and Musk and their lurch toward fascism. 

My friends, the underlying issue is not the size of government. It’s whom the government is for. The fundamental choice is democracy or oligarchy.

[extra-v1rgin]

Is it too obvious when the kinktober kinks apply to me specifically 🙈

☆.。.:・°☆.。.:・°☆.。.:・°☆.。.:・°☆

Hinatsuru couldn’t get enough of Giyuu. She loved her other spouses but something about the new addition to their party garnered her attention. She loved watching him go through simple tasks or simply lying down at night.

Though of course there was nothing more she loved than kissing him. Giyuu was so shy and hesitant about any kind of physical intimacy. Currently he could barely put his arms on her body. He needed to be guided, hands manipulated until the sat on Hinatsuru’s hips. The touch was so light she could barely feel it.

Tomioka could only offer soft kisses that lasted a few seconds. Overtime his ability had improved but he still seemed hesitant to lean against another body. Even at night he curled up on the very edge of the futon, nearly ready to fall off.

Hinatsuru didn’t want to overwhelm him but she wanted more. The one time Tengen had mentioned sex Tomioka looked like he might run away all together. She’s seen his form, how his muscles shift when he moves. Giyuu is very obviously attractive.

After months of coaxing the woman guides Tomioka backwards onto the bed. Everyone else has gone shopping which means Hinatsuru doesn’t have to fight for his attention, not that she usually does that much fighting anyways.

Giyuu has lasted a solid five minutes which is usually the point at which he taps out. Right when Hinatsuru pushes her tongue into his mouth and her tits brush against his chest is when Tomioka backs away. The man’s face is red and flushed. He pants lightly and can’t seen to look her in the eyes.

“Giyuu-san.�� When she tries to move closer the man continues to back up right until he falls back onto the futon. “Can I give you a few more kisses?” She whispers right into his ear, warm and wet. Tomioka lets out a noise— not too embarrassing, a simple strained hum —a turns away into the pillow.

Slowly Hinatsuru cradles his back, not too close this time. Her hands rests on his shoulder. For a few minutes she doesn’t move at all. The woman can’t see Giyuu’s face but his breathing stays slow and even.

Eventually he turns around and glances at her through thick lashes. His face is still colored pink but it’s not fiery red at least.

Hinatsuru is quick to hover him. A soft hand cups his cheeks. “Can I kiss you again?” Her nose is already bumping against his.

Tomioka just hums and rises up ever so slightly to meet her. He moves at the same pace as before but Hinatsuru is hungry. She picks up right where they left off by sucking his tongue into her mouth.

With Giyuu still set on his back the woman’s body surrounds him. Her breasts are pulled down by gravity. One of her legs sits between his thighs. Hinatsuru’s hands are the only thing that stay careful, barely hovering beside the man’s hips.

“I love you so much.” She moves away from his lips. Her mouth stays careful but it’s still new territory. In between each kiss along his chin or neck there’s another whisper dipped in honey.

All at once everything becomes too much. Tomioka is trying to get the woman to stop but she can’t even feel his hands until it’s far too late. He’s faced with a curious look but all Giyuu can do is let out a choked noise and shake as he makes a mess of his pants.

As soon as Hinatsuru catches on she’s leaning back into the man’s personal space. Her thick thigh between his legs moves its position ever so slightly until it’s perfect for Tomioka to grind against. He’s mortified but the feeling is so magical that his hips move without input.

Hinatsuru is whispering something in his ear but the man can’t understand it. For a minute or two the entire world is fuzzy at the edges. When he comes back to earth Tomioka is considering changing his name and running away. He tries to move away from the bed but his partner easily slides a legs over his, attempting to pin him down.

No words are shared. Giyuu considers flipping the woman off of him but that seems needlessly cruel. Still he turns to cover his face, which is once more painted like a cherry.

“You’re so beautiful.” It’s an explanation Tomioka doesn’t understand but he tries to relax. Her hands pry his shirt open until one can slip through to pet his chest. “Why don’t you let me clean you up? I’ll treat you so well.”

He still doesn’t understand completely but his dick is trying its best to get hard again.

[ofduskanddreams]

Warmth Lingers in the Smoke

For @woibbelywobbegong. The request: Regency AU Azris with forbidden love where it's the last time the two get to see each other before something happens.

A/N: Though I recieved this drabble request after the deadline I set, I couldn't resist ending this lil event on an Azris note :) I hope you all enjoyed this drabble series, the masterlist is coming soon! Yes, this drabble contains a shameless RWRB reference and I regret nothing.

⁓In this drabble I said homophobia has no place in this, fuck historical accuracy we're only here for vibes⁓

Azris ✦ Rated T ✦ 783 words ✦ on AO3

Eris’s eyes are closed, but he is not asleep. The sheets underneath him are warm. The arms around him, the cheek resting on his shoulder, are warmer.

This place, right here, where Azriel’s heart beats mere inches from his own was once what terrified him most. To be in this place was all he wanted. To be in this place was everything he could never have.

Yet here, against all odds and sound logic, Eris lies. As he has during so many stolen moments before. 

Azriel is not asleep either. His breaths are soft puffs on Eris’s neck. 

Maybe if they don’t move, if they do not speak, they can make this moment last indefinitely. Maybe this thing that feels like the sun in his chest will be enough to change the flow of time.

It’s a fool’s hope. Delusion. It’s fingers scrabbling for a hold and finding none. It’s a pair of waxen wings too close to the light.

Eris’s fingers trace the knobs of Azriel’s spine, memorizing the topography of him, mapping out the well-known valleys where he’d prefer to linger the rest of his days and the ridges he’d gladly die climbing. 

Azriel tenses against him, a long exhale following. “I hate this.” He pulls closer to Eris, like he wishes to climb inside and make a home for himself within the cage of Eris’s ribs. 

Eris hasn’t told Azriel that he already has a place there. 

“I do too.”

“It’s unfair.”

“I know.”

In the morning Eris would leave for London and take up his rightful place as the new Lord Vanserra. His late father is scarcely a week in the ground but the man’s absence is already a marked improvement. 

“I’m being selfish,” Azriel mumbles, lips snagging on Eris’s skin.

“I wish you would be more often.” Ink-colored waves slip through Eris’s fingers like corn silk. 

Silence reigns for several heartbeats.

“We don’t have a ‘more often’ anymore, Eris,” Azriel whispers. Eris wishes he would yell.

Rage he understands. Anger he can handle. But this? He doesn’t know what to do with the regretful gentleness that Azriel’s handing him. It’s a fragile sounding thing, and yet it unbalances him, shakes his foundations with a bright surge of hope. 

Hope, the feeling Eris has forbidden himself. Hope, the very thing he dared not bring with him to Azriel’s cottage this evening. 

Hope. Eris extinguishes the flame as soon as it appears, but its warmth lingers in the smoke. 

“Azriel, I—” he breathes, but the air is suddenly thick and it catches in his throat. “Were there anything I could do to shift the strings of fate I would. But you know I need to do this for my family, for my mother.”

“You know I understand.” Azriel flattens a scarred palm over his heart. 

Azriel does understand, maybe better than anyone, Eris’s need to give his mother all the safety, security, and happiness he can possibly provide. It’s the least they can do for the women who did everything for them and did it while surviving their fathers.

Azriel understands because it’s the same reason he must remain on the Knight’s estate when Eris leaves. Though Azriel’s mother is a lady’s maid living in the manor and Azriel manages the family’s horses, he still can check on her daily here. Just as it’s Eris’s duty to find a spouse with land and title, to take up his father’s mantle. 

“Eris, I do not resent you for this. I don’t regret us. I… I needed you to know that.” Azriel’s voice is barely louder than the softly crackling flames behind the grate across the room. 

That fickle beating thing may reside in Eris’s chest but it belongs to this man beside him. Eris fears (desperately hopes) it always will. He doesn’t want anyone else to have it. 

“I don’t regret a single moment,” Eris tells him honestly, pushing up onto an elbow to look at him properly. 

Neither of them is particularly forthcoming about what they feel, but it seems as if the nature of this moment possibly—likely—being their last has torn down all the usual walls and left them bare. It’s right there in the unguarded hazel eyes blinking up at him. 

Eris cups Azriel’s jaw, stubble prickling his palm. “I will be forever grateful to have known you.” He swallows, but forces himself to complete the thought, “To have known this.”

And then he’s kissing Azriel like the fervor of their lips will mend his shattering heart. 

Love begets heartbreak. Eris knows this, has known since before they began, and was still hopeless against the fall. He never stood a chance—doesn’t think he ever wanted to.

✦ ✦ ✦

tagging: @ablogofsapphicpanic @damedechance @iftheshoef1tz @panicatthenightcourt @moonpatroclus @octobers-veryown @foundress0fnothing @krem-does-stuff @melonsfantasyworld @lady-riel @queercontrarian @asnowfern @valkyrieassassin @brokeneveningstars @catboyjamesbond @xtaketwox @itsthedoodle @areyoudreaminof @melphss @fieldofdaisiies @the-lonelybarricade

if you wanted to be added to or removed from my azris tag list just let me know in the replies!

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

What are your thoughts on the He Gets Us ads that have been taking reddit like an eleventh plague upon religious trauma subs?

I'm going to be generous and assume that it's a problem in Reddit's algorithm. But then, I don't quite know how Reddit's ad system works. If it's deliberate, than it's unacceptable to be putting it into those types of subs. I'd hope people were reporting them as inappropriate. Imagine ads for Tinder in a spouse-abuse recovery sub. Or Triple Whopper ads in a bulimia recovery sub.

I'm sure there'd be endless complaints if the "there's probably no god" ad was targeted into /r/christianquestions.

They lost their shit and called it offensive when it was simply posted out in the open in public space. It's not like billboard trucks were parked right outside their churches.

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jan/09/atheist-bus-campaign-asa

The advertising regulator has received almost 150 complaints that an atheist ad campaign, proclaiming "There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life", is offensive to Christians and other religions that believe in a single God.

"How dare you tell people to stop worrying and enjoy life?!? What's wrong with you, you monster?!?"

Regarding "He Gets Us":

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kerryadolan/2023/02/13/this-billionaire-is-a-donor-behind-the-jesus-focused-super-bowl-ads/

The group behind the Jesus-focused ads is He Gets Us, a limited liability company that says it’s an initiative of The Servant Foundation, a public charity and Christian foundation based in Kansas that last year launched a $100 million effort to improve the image of Jesus, as the Washington Post reported. One of the backers of the initiative is billionaire David Green, the founder of craft store chain Hobby Lobby, who is estimated by Forbes to be worth $14.8 billion.

I mean, he can spend his money however he likes, but it's weird that Jesus needs so much human assistance. Surely if he was real, they could just put him on TV. There's plenty of networks that would pay for the privilege. Why would I want to follow a savior and god who was that helpless? If he can't even convincingly exist, what's he going to do in the war against evil? (The evil he created.)

It seems like Xians are finally acknowledging the exodus - pun intended - of "nones."

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/Ad-Meter/buzz-meter/2023/02/12/he-gets-us-super-bowl-ad-commercial-jesus/11243476002/

In a September 2022 modeling, the Pew Research Center estimates that if Christians in the USA continue leaving religion at its current rate, Christians of all ages will shrink from the current 64% to “between a little more than half (54%) and just above one-third (35%) of all Americans by 2070.” The study also estimates that if current trends continue, those identifying with no religion will increase from the current 30% to “somewhere between 34% and 52% of the U.S. population.”

Also in the above USA Today article:

a group touting itself as a “movement to reintroduce people to the Jesus of the Bible and his confounding love and forgiveness.”

You know, forgiveness for things we didn't do, which nobody else did either. Except the crime of existing as a human.

The "Jesus of the Bible" is a pretty nasty piece of work. It's only with modern interpretation, editing, revision and cherry-picking that he's been refashioned into the "gentle Jesus, meek and mild" we are told about today.

The "Jesus of the Bible" is a racist, sexist, xenophobic, slavery-endorsing, anti-Semitic mobster. I suppose in a way I'm all for reintroducing people to that, so I can go:

And from the Forbes article:

The ad ended with the phrase “Jesus loved the people we hate.”

As has been made abundantly clear, "Jesus" doesn't care about humans. He doesn't care whether you hate someone or not. All he cares about is whether he hates them or not. And whether he hates you or not depends on what you give him. He loves people who idolize him, not people who are good, decent or moral.

What you want is irrelevant; he just wants you to join his enablers and flying monkeys.

Matthew 12:30

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

Luke 11:23

He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

Jesus doesn't give a shit about you until you grovel at his feet and feed his rampant narcissism. That is, he's pathologically incapable - at least as far as fictional characters are capable of anything - of genuine, benevolent, sincere altruism.

Mark 7:25-30

For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

Matthew 15:22-28

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

"Tell me you're a filthy dog and maybe I'll cure your daughter with my magic powers that cost me nothing to use as freely as I wish."

So, "Jesus loved the people we hate" isn't the selling point they think it is. Jesus loves Gerald Ridsdale and George Pell, for example. They'll join Hitler in heaven. On the other hand, he also hates the people we love. Such as my atheist parents; he regards them as "not with me" and therefore "against me."

Matthew 10:32-33

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

It's always about him. That's how narcissists operate.

"Jesus loved the people we hate" kind of blows the whistle on the whole "love the sinner, hate the sin" thing, though, huh? They're admitting they do hate "the sinner."

Remembering, of course, that Xian love is - like every cult - only for other Xians.

John 13:34-35

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

"My disciples" ... "love one another." There is no instruction for universal love, and obligatory love is a demonstration of not understanding love in the first place.

I'm not even sure who the ads are intended for. If you're already a Xian, why are they recruiting for a club you've already joined? And Jesus is clear: only belief is necessary for salvation.

And if you aren't already a Xian, why would these ads convince you of the existence of this storybook character in the real world? It seems to be the Xian refusal to acknowledge that people legitimately don't believe what Xians and the bible claim, and are just "angry" at or "hate" their fairytale characters.

Circling back, I hope, and am going to be charitable and give them the benefit of the doubt until I see evidence otherwise, that they're not being predators deliberately targeting the ex-religious subs, and that it's just the algorithm putting "topic = religion" together.

However, these are the same people who think that questioning whether any of it is actually true is a personal failing and moral flaw. And whine that non-believer blogs exist at all. All while $100m ad campaigns for their thing air on TV. The writing appears to be on the wall.

Next time you get a religious whiner, point out the "He Gets Us" campaign and tell them to either be consistent and condemn it, or else shut up.

[miloscat]

[Review] Avatar: The Last Airbender: Quest for Balance (PS5)

This show deserves better than this cheap and sloppy tie-in.

Peru-based studio Bamtang are the latest to be granted the Avatar licence, after making some decent kart racers for Nickelodeon. Quest for Balance is the result, and although it’s functional this revival game struggles to live up to the predominately Australian-made tie-in games that were contemporary with the show (and movie).

My expectations were quite high for this given the advances in technology since 2006-2010. But there are always other factors at play in game development, like budget, time, and the experience of the dev team, that are potentially lacking here. What I'm saying is the game feels cheap, from the bland level design to the simple combat to the abundance of rough edges.

Quest for Balance covers all three books of the original show... more or less. The six levels in each try to hit the major points while some episodes and events are skipped over; if you're lucky these will be summarised with a cutscene. But even the significant stuff is dealt with perfunctorily. I did like the side quests in the more hublike levels, with named NPCs and items to find that expand on the world a little bit, although it doesn’t amount to much.

The core gameplay isn’t too different from child/family games we have known such as the Traveller’s Tales Lego games. You explore a level, break objects and interact with interactables, get into fights, and solve some puzzles. Locking the fights into little battle arenas reminded me of the first two Avatar DS games, while the puzzles (maybe the strongest part of the game) recalled the third DS game. I still think I liked those better though.

These gameplay elements are often sectioned off, and the levels are mostly a flat and uninteresting sequence of rooms. There’s an inventory which I barely touched, and an upgrade system that incentivises finding goodies by improving your combat powers. I did get through most combat by just mashing with the most effective characters (Sokka and Toph as far as I could tell) but there is some depth when you’re not just getting stunlocked. Like most of the game it’s just let down by a pervasive clunkiness.

Co-op is available… most of the time. A fatal flaw is not letting a second player participate when the story requires a solo character’s involvement, as well as being unbalanced. That is, when the maximum three-character party is present, player 1 can swap between two of them while player two is locked to only one. These choices hamper its viability as a multiplayer experience (also, my spouse just thought the game in general was subpar and so left me to it).

I’d like to circle back to the cutscenes, as they represent the ramshackle feel of how the game is put together. A mere handful are in 3D, using the game models with some decent animation, which despite being prerendered can chug heavily when a lot of stuff is happening. Some are in 2D, going for a motion comic look but with distressing animated png warping. This includes a cute framing story where Iroh, Bumi, and Pakku are recounting the tale to a Ba Sing Se playwright. Others are brief in-engine dialogue scenes where the characters stand motionless. Or you might just have one of the aforementioned three recounters summarising exposition over a paragraph of text. Even with these various methods of varying levels of effort, they will at times neglect to properly set up the next gameplay portion. It’s frankly a mess.

I also have to mention the voice acting, which ranges from decent soundalike performances (eg. Katara or Toph) to… “an attempt was made”. As far as I can tell from a quick search of Behind the Voice Actors, the only VA that returned was Dee Bradley Baker for creature noises, and even his mastery in the field is undermined when you play one of the dull Appa autoscrolling segments and notice that they appear to have forgotten to apply any pitching down or treatment to his voice?? It sounds bizarre and unfinished. I do have to give the game credit for casting a higher proportion of actors of Asian descent though which is nice to see.

Let it be known that I 100%d Quest for Balance… minus some trophies like the one for completing boss battles hitless. In this janky combat engine and with the bosses as boring as they are, I couldn’t face it. But the game is just competent enough and revisiting stages is streamlined such that I didn’t mind going back for the side stuff, which is my favourite aspect anyway. On the whole though I can’t really recommend this game except to superfans; the old tie-ins are frankly of a higher standard and by virtue of having dedicated instalments for each season, do a better job covering the material on top of having more depth and variety. Plus the first one has an original story! This could have been a triumphant revisit of a beloved story, but it ended up a cheap cash-grab. Oh well.

[lumiereandcogsworth]

18

18. “Do you know you talk in your sleep?”

On Ao3!

—

Adam woke to the sound of a wardrobe door creaking shut. When his mind cleared just a bit more, he heard soft humming. It was a tune he recognized, one from the opera they had gone to the night before. Belle had been enchanted by it, unable to stop her smiling and gushing on the carriage ride back to the castle they were staying in. Adam had smiled, hanging on her every word.

“I know that song,” he said, rolling over on his side as he caught his wife’s attention.

Belle turned and grinned. “Morning, sleepy.”

“Morning.”

The sky was grey outside; not ideal for the last few days of the Italian portion of their honeymoon, but Belle was holding out hope for the sky to clear by the afternoon.

“I can’t stop thinking about that song. It was so beautiful.”

“It was,” Adam propped himself up on his elbow. “We’ll have to make sure the sheet music finds its way over to our home.”

Belle chuckled excitedly. She was busying herself around the room, reorganizing new dresses and finding books on the shelf that she could read if the sky really didn’t improve. “How did you sleep?”

“Oh, well, I believe. Once I was able to drift off,” he added, rubbing his eyes. “Did you know you talk in your sleep?”

Belle laughed. “Papa has told me that before. I didn’t know I still did. Did I say anything interesting?”

“Nothing too coherent, unfortunately. It was entertaining, though,” he smirked.

“Well I’m so glad I could entertain you, then.”

Adam smiled in response at first, watching her intently. “Goodness, how do you have the energy this early? And why are you doing anything at all? Honeymooning is for rest and relaxation, darling. Preferably in the arms of one’s new spouse.”

Belle laughed as she set a stack of books on the desk. “You were sleeping! What was I supposed to do, lay there and wait?”

Adam shrugged. “Why not? That’s what I do when I wake up first.”

“You haven’t once woken before me.”

“How would you know? You’d be sleeping, in this scenario.”

“But wouldn’t I wake to you being awake?”

“Ah,” he put up a finger. “That’s the difference. When I wake up and see the love of my life asleep beside me in bed, I simply hold her closer and fall back asleep. But that’s just me.”

His wife laughed again. “I do that for a moment! I always kiss your nose and lay there for a minute more. But then my mind starts racing and I’ve got to get up.”

“Fair enough, I suppose. It’s nice to know you appreciate me at least a little.”

Belle smirked and rolled her eyes. “Yeah, only a little, though. So don’t get any ideas.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Adam replied, getting out of bed and walking over to her. “God forbid I have a wife who loves me.”

He met her at the desk, and she set her papers down and turned in his arms. He moved his hands to her legs and she quickly sat on the desk so he could step closer, hands falling to her waist.

“Well that would just be absurd,” she teased, arms reaching around his neck as they fell into a kiss, slow and easy, just as the rain started to pour outside.

[nokingsonlyfooles]

Eyes, Internets, etc.

Okay! I successfully ate in the Denny's without sunglasses today! Our nearest Denny's has, like, spotlights on every table. It has been really painful to eat in restaurants like that, and shop, but I am getting better.

It's still not super comfortable for me to read. I'm not a fan of my surgery results thus far, but a big part of that is I'm not getting much aftercare. "Will my eyes improve to the point that I can once again look over and read my spouse's computer screen, a social interaction I value a great deal?" I wonder. "Your appointment has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, please reschedule it," says the eye doctor. This is the one local person I've found who specializes in binocular vision dysfunction, whom I contacted after self-diagnosing. Nobody else had any idea why I was sick and in pain.

I'm an individual. I went into this with an obvious unique issue (my left eye impairs my binocular vision) and a bunch more less obvious (autistic, problems healing, multiple chronic health issues, etc) only some of which these people bothered to ask me about and then, like usual, they forget all this information and treat me like the default. "Hey, these eye drops don't work!" *crickets* "Yep, okay, back to doing my own research and buying shit off Amazon in case it helps."

But, I am improving. Me and my arsenal of OTC products which may or may not be helping but I'm getting real sick of my eyes not working so I'm throwing everything at the wall to see if it sticks. I'm going to try to get back to the feed and the social interaction. I've tried before and it hasn't been any fun, but now I can eat in the Denny's so we'll see.

The world moves on and stuff's been happening during my extended hiatus. Just to tick off two major things I would've written way more about: There is no justification for genocide, and wow, I gave money to con-artist and plagiarist James Somerton. One of these things is VASTLY more important than the other, but I have less of a personal stake in freeing Palestine. I think I've done all I can to back away from my country of origin and its propensity for letting a little ethnic cleaning slide when it's politically feasible. But I could've done better research on my donations.

I haven't been fucking READING much for the past couple years. Not, you know, books. It's been taking more effort for me to read books, even though I'm still probably reading just as much across various websites (and my own writing and editing). Well, it's still an effort, and I don't know if that's going to change much. Because, once again, I believed people when they said something would be easy to fix and improve my quality of life. I'm sure it's been easy for them, but it's never easy for me. Jury's still out on my "quality of life," which everyone is always very concerned with until it requires some extra effort on their part.

It might still be fine. It just won't be because doctors pay attention and care about me. It'll be because people generally heal and are fine. You can get away with a lot when human bodies are fairly resilient.

Last week, when I needed a refill on some goddamn heartburn medication that a gastroenterologist said I ought to take for the rest of my life to reduce my risk of developing cancer, my family doctor threatened to withhold it because... I haven't been in for a while. I've been back to the specialists I had to beg him to send me to, multiple times, and he has access to my records (and somehow missed my most recent blood work) but apparently he needs to talk to me about...?? I don't even know what, but I bet he'll tell me to take more herbs. ...If he doesn't altogether say he didn't want me to make a phone appointment, he wanted me to come sit in his office and deal with the lights and noise for some reason. We'll see.

I can't... There's not even a word for it, but I can't divest myself of this person and stop him from viewing my records and violating my privacy. Leaving your family doctor in order to not have one is not a thing Canada allows. Obviously, you want a family doctor! Especially if the only alternative is not having one at all! You need one! That may be the case, but this one is kinda low-key trying to kill me and there aren't any others. I would rather have a clinic OKing my prescriptions and sending me to specialists. At least they wouldn't pull bullshit like cutting off my heartburn meds because they might want an update on my thyroid which they should not require me to give them. Or, you know, if they did, I could at least go to another clinic.

This guy can't even remember how to pronounce my name. He's clearly reading it off a piece of paper every time. If and when I change my name and gender officially, I hope it either bothers him so much he fires me as a patient, or it kills him. Those are kinda my only options for getting rid of him. Wow. I'm praying for a guy's death and it's not even one of the ones doing the genocide - man, I'm selfish.

Oh well. This'll be another stressful week with more medical stuff, some of it unnecessary, but maybe I can get back to the feed tomorrow. And maybe I'll be able to draw without making myself sick soon. This too shall pass. I dunno if I'm gonna like where I end up after it passes, but it will pass.

Then I'll have a whole new thing to deal with.

[desiderium-eden]

Alexandre Pekronos of Volodymyrr

TW: light mentions of murder and war crimes

The Blood Emperor. The Throne of Madness. The Kroi Dyyavol. The one who near singlehandedly tarnished Navka's reputation to its current state. Dragged it through the blood and tears he'd leave in his wake until his very name became a curse. Always whispered if it couldn't be avoided altogether.

It wasn't always like this though. As a child and growing up, he was an ideal prince. Clever and intelligent, strong and competent. A prodigy whether it came to the sword, the books, or magic. And he was kind. A sweet and energetic child.

That changed as he grew up though. He got quieter. More withdrawn. The castle staff at the time would mention a shadow or darkness that seemed to follow him around. One that only seemed to get darker until ... one day ... he killed his father. Not just his father but all of the king's spouses and consorts as well as their children. Even a good chunk of his father's council. Forcibly took the throne for himself.

For the first couple of years, things went well. Alexandre implemented programs and policies that improved life in Navka. The descent was slow enough. He began becoming more aggressive with trade negotiations. Put more focus on the military. Started placing more troops at border stations. Muttering to himself about how he needed more. It needed to be done.

Production of animulla increased. And he began taking over nearby territories. Took wives and mistresses from each area he conquered. And he stopped at nothing to gain those lands and resources. Enslavement of those deemed as a threat. Killing those who were a bit too defiant. Either could be used as Navkan resources. He scorched the very earth. Poisoned the waters. Anything to get his way. Never satisfied.

Some of the most notable cases being Delos and Djilia. Both were pockets of land close to Navka which, through whatever means, were able to defy the enduring cold of the area. And he tore the very land apart trying to find why. Forced the people of Delos into servitude, bound by magical means of loyalty to himself and his daughter Navka. And eradicated the psirans of Djilia except for one. Neither went quickly. Or easily.

Both territories, much like everything he'd taken, had succumbed to the Navkan winters.

In the final years until his death at the hands of Melua (about 10 years ago), people would describe his behavior as increasingly erratic, volatile, and unhinged. Enough that he no longer left the kingdom. Instead, it was up to his younger brother, Vlasily, to handle talks, mostly disputes, with other nations. Castle staff, prisoners, and even citizens living in the nearby area were regularly disappearing. And there was this perpetual heaviness, something of a darkness, that fell over the capital. Suffocating enough that nobles in the area actually fled the city.

It disappeared the day the old king breathed his last. For the most part. Some, those known to be a bit more ... perceptive than most, will claim that brief moments of that same darkness can still be felt around the castle. Following close behind the children he'd left.

[princessjoyvibora]

Article 1398. An obligation having been annulled, the contracting parties shall restore to each other the things which have been the subject matter of the contract, with their fruits, and the price with its interest, except in cases provided by law.

In obligations to render service, the value thereof shall be the basis for damages. (1303a)

Annulled Obligation

-> restoration of -> object with fruits and price with interest -> except as provided by law

-> to render service-> damages

Villanueva vs. Chiong

(G.R. No. 159889 June 05, 2008)

FACTS

Florentino and Elisera Chiong were married in 1960 but have separated in fact since 1975. During their marriage, they acquired a lot situated in Dipolog City. Sometime in 1985, Florentino sold one-half western portion of the lot to petitioners for P8,000 payable in installments. Florentino allowed petitioners to occupy and build a store, shop and house on the said lot. Shortly after the last installment payment, petitioners demanded the execution of a deed of sale in their favor, however, Elisera refused to sign. Elisera then filed a complaint for quietitng of title while the spouses Villanueva filed for a complaint for specific performance. Florentino executed the Deed of Abolsolute sale but was annulled by the Regional Trial Court and ordered the petitioners to vacate the lot and remove all improvements therein. Petitioners sought reconsideration but the Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s decision. The petitioners contend that the RTC and CA erred in declaring the deed of sale executed by Florentino Chiong in favor as null and void and void as well as holding that the lot in question is conjugal property.

ISSUE:

W/N the subject lot is an exclusive property of Florentino or a conjugal property of the respondents.

W/N the sale by Florentino is valid without the consent of his wife, Elisera.

RATIONALE:

1.     NO, Florentino’s contention that the property relations between him and his wife Elisera dissolved because of his separation in fact from her is without merit. Under Article 178 of the Civil Code, the separation in fact between husband and wife without juidical approval shall not affect the conjugal partnership. Thus, the lot retains its conjugal nature.

2.     YES. In Villaranda v. Villaranda, the Supreme Court held that without the wife’s consent, the husband’s alienation or encumbrance of the conjugal property prior to the effectivity of the Family Code is not void but merely voidable. Article 166 of the same code necessitates both of the spouses’ consent for the sale to be valid. Citing Heirs of Ignacia Aguilar-Reyes v. Mirajes, it was held that the alienation must be annulled in its entirety and not only insofar as the share of the wife in the conjugal property is concerned.

JUDGMENT:

- Petition is DENIED for lack of merit. The decision of the CA is AFFIRMED.

[paolawdiary]

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 209

THE FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

TITLE IV

PROPERTY RELATIONS BETWEEN HUSBAND AND WIFE

CHAPTER 3: SYSTEM OF ABSOLUTE COMMUNITY

ARTICLE 93. Property acquired during the marriage is presumed to belong to the community, unless it is proved that it is one of those excluded therefrom. (160)

EXPLANATION:

This Article emphasized the rule on the Absolute Community of Property that properties acquired during the marriage form part of the absolute community of property. But, even if they were acquired during the marriage, if the other spouse or heirs of the other spouse can prove that it was acquired by gratuitous title, where no provisions exist that it shall form part of the Absolute Community, the same is exclusive, or if it ca be proven that the property is for the personal and exclusive use of either the spouse. The presumption applies regardless of the source of the fund used to acquire the property. What gives rise to the presumption is the fact that it is acquired by onerous title through labor, industry, or other valuable considerations, such as payment or money.

CASE DIGEST: Villanueva vs. International Appellate Court et. al. I G.R. No. 74577 |  December 4, 1990 | NARVASA, J.

FACTS:

Lot 13 was inherited by Modesto and Frederico Aranas from their parents, Nicolasa Bunsa and Graciano Aranas. Said lot was split up into two parts, one for the north and the other for the south (Lot 13-C), and given to Modesto and Frederico, respectively. The names of Modesto's two illegitimate children are Teodoro C. Aranas and Dorothea Aranas Ado. These two obtained a P18,000.00 loan from Jeusu Bernas, which was backed by Lot 13-C. The siblings and Bernas signed a Loan Agreement with Real Estate Mortgage in which they declared themselves to be the only owners of Lot 13. As witnesses, Raymundo Aranas and Consolacion Villanueva signed the paperwork. In their complaint against Bernas, Villanueva and Aranas claimed that they should be recognized as co-owners of the land because Victoria Comorro's will left all of her "interests, rights and properties, real and personal, x x as her net share from the conjugal partnership property with her husband, Modesto Aranas x x." In contrast, Modesto Aranas' will left Dorothea and Teodoro all of his interests in his conjugal partnership with Victoria, "as well as his own capital property brought by him to his marriage with his said wife.”

ISSUE:

Whether or not Victoria Camorro's last will and testament grants Consolacion Villanueva any ownership or rights to Lot 13-C and the improvements thereon.

RULING:

No, Consolacion Villanueva has no rights relating to Lot 13-C and its improvements. Comorro and Aranas' conjugal partnership property did not include Lot 13-C. It was the latter's personal, private property, registered only in his name and inherited from his parents. Whether he acquired the property after he married Comorroo is irrelevant because Article 148 of the Civil Code states that among other things, "that which is brought to the marriage as his or her own" and "that which each acquires, during the marriage, by lucrative title" are considered to be among the spouses' exclusive property. This is the situation with Modesto's purchase of Lot 13-C. Comorro never acquired anything from her husband, as evidenced by the fact that she passed just two years before Aranas. In order to establish whether an improvement is the property of the married couple as a whole or of each spouse individually, documentation regarding the date of construction and the source of funding is required in order to make a claim for the improvements made thereon. Villanueva did not provide any such evidence.

Source:

Family Code of the Philippines (2022); Judge Ed Vincent S. Albano , Ed Vincent A. Albano, Jr.

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1987/07/06/executive-order-no-209-s-1987/

https://chanrobles.com/cralaw/1990decemberdecisions.php?id=2834

[beforecreation]

It was simply too easy to convince her of his submission. If he were not confident in how little she thought of him, he would've assumed she had been sarcastic in her responses. But no, she truly believed that the god was simply tamed with a single confrontation, such a disgusting ego she had. He waits until a few minutes after the door had clicked shut for him to open his eyes once more, ears flicking as he heard steps trail away from his personal quarters, and it would be then that he would begin to begin his own schemes.

Slowly sliding himself off the comfortable, cushiony bed that had been provided to him, moves to one of the walls of his room, and places a hand against it in a moment of contemplation. It'd be easy to turn this valued kingdom to dust would it not? As easy as breathing, it was within his capability to reduce planets to nothingness, in theory, a kingdom should have been no question. All her subjects and all that she claimed as her own, gone in an instant. How delightful it would've been to have seen the reaction upon realizing what dreadful mistake she made!

He refrains however. Such a drastic action, had it gone as he had seen fit, would leave nothing but him to take her frustration out on, and he had no intention of being reduced to a punching bag for all eternity.... Though being reduced to a mere possession was no better. Pulling his arm back, he intends to explore his surroundings instead, this domain was hers to admire, but perhaps he could learn about things that would otherwise not escape the lips of his self-proclaimed spouse.

The easiest thing to do would be to swallow his ego and flee, unaware as to the consequences for escaping the domain of which he found himself in. Fortunately, running had been the last thing on his mind. He had already had his life tied to the life of another, serving as a weakness and a limiter for how he may go about his business, but not he had someone forcing him to endure their pain? It was one hindrance after the other, and he'd rather bite her head off about it than take a single bite of that promised wedding cake.

In a huff, he decides to follow the distance sound of blowing winds to lead him to one of the gardens within the kingdom. It had been a brilliant garden he had stumbled upon, one that was most likely suited to its queen's tastes. Appearances were hardly important to him at the moment, as the breeze of fresh air and silence that otherwise surrounded him enabled the feline an even clearer space to gather his thoughts, rather than being cooped up in a room with her visage everywhere he looked.

He had no allies here. Everyone must be thought of as a tool at best, and a pest at worst. The biggest pest of them all had brought her servants to manage her kingdom, he had no doubt. Hoarding and stealing had been her game, those that came before him must have had their will broken long ago- and yet he doubts she would ever be satisfied with what she had. Perhaps a true act of mercy would be to grind this place to a fine paste, for at least her citizens would be free of the influence of the queen that ruled over them.

It's a thought for later, other issues took priority.

Namely, the issue that he had no defense against her. It was something other than mind control or an attempt to gradually weaken him had been. What he had felt was almost unknowable in concept, and yet eerily warm when she had been so close to him. Her body would shatter, and yet only he would yell in pain. Was there enough time to discover the truth in only a few days?

He would huff to himself, it was quite the conundrum to be in, and it would be quite the chore to attempt to keep up a facade of compliance for anything more than the absolute minimum. His silver lining for the time being would be that he could drive her away simply enough- after all he had endured recently, not having to hear her voice or acknowledge her presence for a few hours would be enough to improve his mood and give him time to brainstorm ideas. With any luck, he won't see her for days, and if he did, he could easily play the part of the simpering fool yet again.

"I've never met a more exhausting person in my life," He mumbles to himself, "If karmic punishment did exist, I suspect even this would be far too great compared to my actions."

The garden was relaxing, and good for his emotional state, but it had nothing he sought for an advantage.

Perhaps he'd go attempt to look for a library in an attempt to find history on this land, or its ruler in a moment. But for now, he simply took this time for himself, eyes closing as his tail freely flicked from side to side as he enjoyed these fleeting moments of solitude.

She stood at the foot of the bed, her gaze fixed on him. She hadn’t laid a finger on him; her followers and husbands had been given strict orders to strip him bare, cleanse him, and dress him anew before ushering him into his new chamber. This was his sanctuary now, a place he would call home for eternity. There was no alternative; escape was futile. She knew he would try — everyone did at some point. Some bolted the moment they were HERE, while others plotted and schemed, seeking a way out. 

But escaping her grasp was a fantasy, one that would never materialize.

“How could I possibly resist watching my dear husband sleep so soundly? You’re finally home, and to call me a pervert, you cheeky little thing!” She playfully wagged her finger at him, a warning that she would not tolerate such insolence. There were many things she could overlook, but this was not one of them; he needed to mind his manners now more than ever, or he would face her wrath. “Are you excited for the big day? I hear the wedding cake is the largest they’ve ever made!” 

Her eyes sparkled with delight; what was a wedding without a sumptuous cake to savor?

She nodded, admiring him as he sat there, all innocent and perfect, gazing back at her. Just like the others, she believed she had broken him. She had anticipated a tougher battle, given his strong will and formidable power, but in the end, everyone succumbed. If they didn’t break, they perished; it was as simple as that. Yet this one was different — she wanted him to thrive for a long time. His heart was extraordinary, and that was why she was willing to bend the rules just a little.

In the heart of the world itself, nothing compares to the moment when a husband expresses his admiration for his wife. "Thank you for your kind words," she replied, her heart swelling with joy, a smile lighting up her face. "I don’t expect much from you, just to be yourself when the time comes, to be able to perform on our wedding night and the moments I wish for you in my chamber afterwards." With a playful wink, she lingered at the edge of the band, her fingers dancing along the frame, teasing the sheets. 

She hoped he had enjoyed a restful sleep, for in just a few days, they would be united in a wedding unlike any other—a grand celebration, the biggest she had ever envisioned. Marrying someone like him was a rare treasure, and while she felt a twinge of guilt about the whirlwind of marriages that would follow, she knew this one would always hold a special place in her heart. She doubted she could ever surpass the joy he brought her.

"I’ve heard the tales of bad omens and misfortune that follow a bride and groom who cross paths before their wedding," she continued, her gaze drifting thoughtfully. "But you needn’t worry; I’ve vanquished those superstitions. I’ve burned down the kingdoms of doubt, so they no longer hold sway over us. Still, it might be wise for us to keep our distance until the big day." Her eyes flickered to the side, contemplating the implications. Despite her formidable power and unpredictable nature, she could be easily swayed, especially if someone wielded her passions against her.

“Who will take you on a tour?” If she were to depart, who would guide him through the castle, the throne room, the gardens, the maze, and the baths? She had so much to showcase, and she wanted him to see it all. As he gazed down, stepping back, she moved gracefully, her bare feet gliding over the ground as she retreated toward the door. The mention of his heart sinking into despair made her eyes widen momentarily; she couldn't bear the thought. 

All she desired was for hearts to brim with pure love, nothing less.

With a slight bow of her head, she turned to leave, just as he had requested. She stepped out of the room, leaving him alone. He could venture out and explore if he wished, but if he dared to escape, crossing the kingdom's boundaries would mean certain doom—his heart would burst, and life would cease. She had no desire to witness the aftermath of such a mess; the expressions of those who had failed to escape were etched in her memory—an unsettling blend of shock and agony. 

Experiencing a heart's explosion was not a pleasant way to meet one's end.

[supplementnews]

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[rosa-salas-perfumes]

Top 5 Date Night Scents For Men

Your choice of smell may make a big effect on a date and leave a lasting memory. A carefully chosen scent not only improves your own style but also gives your spouse a unique olfactory experience. Planning a perfect date night involves meticulous attention to every detail, from the venue to the outfit. However, one element that often goes overlooked is the power of scent. 

The right fragrance can leave a lasting impression and enhance your overall appeal. The top five perfumes for a date night for guys are provided by Rosa Salas Perfumes, known for their wonderful fragrances. These smells, which range from fresh and alluring to sensual and enigmatic, are guaranteed to create the ideal atmosphere for a romantic evening. 

071- Alpha 

Alpha brings a truly unique combination to the table, a masculine fragrance combining floral notes with woody essences and a heart of musk. It’s dark, intriguing, and decidedly modern, and makes a great fragrance option for a guy who puts a good deal of effort into his appearance. If you’re looking for something that’s manly, but still elegant, Alpha is your go-to.

The top note of lavender adds an interesting floral, as it’s earthy and soothing but not as flowery as the others, while the middle notes of iris and pear bring about a light, fragrant playful element that’s dulled down by the addition of ambrette, with its gorgeous smoky notes. The base notes of vetyver and cedar tie the whole combination together, creating an interesting woodsy cocktail.

One thing you’ll notice about Alpha is how warm it is, how when you spray it on and wear it out the woodsy notes develop over time, adding their unique warmth to the longevity of the fragrance. Alpha stands out as one truly inspiring fragrance.

037- Raiz Noir 

Raiz Noir is a masculine woody-spicy and truly seductive noticeable fragrance that you would love to wear on a date or a casual meeting.

This fragrance starts with a burst of cardamom, saffron and nutmeg sheen that sits atop the subtle mandarin and neroli. The florals appear not too long afterwards (rose and jasmine); orange blossom ‘blooms' and adds a soft fruitiness, and a moderate presence of pine-like mastic bitter resin gum. Finishes with a  pleasant, woody-sandalwood-ambery-vanilla accord. 

Blended perfectly not to be overpowering, if you like getting compliments then this is one for you!

081- Hendon

Possibly the most addictive fragrance you could add to your collection! This fragrance surrounds the wearer in a true fragrance spectacle, a bubble of sufisticated accords that will for sure get you compliments. This fragrances has been truly blended to perfection with the type of ingredients not found commonly in our competition. Wearable all year around , we can quite confidently say this is one of our top 10!

Top notes: Orange, Apple,  Bergamot, Jasmine

Heart Notes: Violet, Geranium, Lavender

Base Notes: Birch wood, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Cardamom, Vanilla

029- Black Tie Inspired by Tuxedo

Black Tie is pure elegance in a bottle, everything about a black tie affairthe glamour, the excess, the magic of the occasion you love captured in a rich, mysterious fragrance. Perfect for both men and women, its dark and rich and unapologetically sexy, an absolute must-have to make you red-carpet ready no matter where youre headed. The top notes comprise an intriguing blend of floral violets, zesty lime and coriander, while the middle notes hearken to the traditional blends of yore, combining rose with lily of the valley and an unexpected dash of spicy black pepper. Things darken when you get to the base notes, with the unmistakable essence of ambergris, sensual patchouli and creamy vanilla. Black Tie encapsulates all the fine details of a special occasion, from the rich fabrics to the high sheen glosses to the sound of heels hitting pavement. A perfume this special should be the last thing you put on before leaving, whether it's for the most formal of occasions or to add some elegance to your everyday get-up.

Top notes: Violet, Zesty Lime and Coriander

Middle notes: Rose, Lily of the Valley Spicy Black Pepper

Base notes: Ambergris, Patchouli and Vanilla

304- After Party 

Get lost in the After Party, a sweet and ultra-complex blend of citrus and wood notes. Your senses are immediately greeted with an uplifting combination of lemon and peach with a bit of floral rose giving aromantic quality. Lingering notes of amber, muguet, and musk deliver depth and complexity to round out the body while dark wood tones complete the base. A light vanilla base adds a delicate touch of sweetness that perfectly ties this mysterious scent together.

Top notes: Lemon, Peach & Rose.

Middle notes: Amber, Muguet & Musk.

Base notes:  Woody notes, Musk & Vanilla

Have you joined the Rosa Salas Perfumes private member's Facebook group?  

There you will be able to discuss and get recommendations from other Rosa Salas customers and fragrance enthusiasts that already tried their fragrances.

[dubiousduskwight]

40-Year Training Montage 4

Taking unreasonable amounts of responsibility for canonical lore events.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Offices of the East Aldenard Desert Development Project, Ul’dah

Ten Years Later

“As far as your role in construction, development, and future management, you’ll be acting in a silent role.” Cotter went over the contract line by line, giving as quick a summary as he could while leaving no room for doubt. Verad had never been much for contracts, and part of the reason Corwin’s payments had been delayed so long was Verad’s own tendency to leave just one detail missing that allowed purchasers and employees to request more coin. This fellow was good, though, he had to admit. He could have used, and never would have been able to afford, such a man.

Nevertheless, he knew everything he was being told, and his attention wandered around the office. Project Development Management sounded impressive, and he certainly had an office in a taller building of the city to show for it, but Verad wasn’t sure if a tall office was the same as a high one in this case. But the room was richly appointed, with desks and chairs of wood sourced from the Near East; shelving bearing bric-a-brac from lands far afield of Eorzea, some from as far as Othard; a rug the head of the Weaver’s Guild must have overseen personally; a good window with a clear view of the Ul’dahn rooftops and night sky; and a portrait of a young woman Verad assumed to be a relative or spouse, looking down beatifically upon both of them as Cotter explained exactly Verad’s situation.

He couldn’t recall ever having been so comfortable while being told exactly where he’d gone horribly wrong.

“Of course, once construction is complete, the harbor is opened, and we start receiving dividends – which, I assure you, will be substantial based on the company’s estimated rate of returns, you will be able to disburse those funds as you see fit. Without your statement otherwise, we will continue to reinvest them into your original stake, which I would personally recommend for at least another year, to ensure a higher return.” Cotter spoke with a matter-of-fact tone as he offered his advice, perhaps unaware of the implications. No, that was unlikely, thought Verad. How could he manage it without knowing it? “And, to be clear,” Verad said before Cotter could move on, “The estimated initial construction time is two years?” “Barring any delays. Lord Lolorito has no patience for craftsmen who dally and soak up coin, and this project has his personal interest, so it may even be completed ahead of schedule by a few moons.” Cotter paused, regarding Verad with mild brown eyes and an expression both cautious and reassuring, as if to say the trap was not that bad. “It won’t be wasted, I promise.”

“Good to hear. Verad leaned forward in his seat, resting his elbows on his knees. “What will the company do in the event they come under budget?” He felt it was a doomed question, but it was his last hope.

“I can’t speak beyond a passing guess,” said Cotter, “But based on the estimates we’ve received from stonemasons and carpenters so far, likely we would put that into improving docking mechanisms at the new harbor. Everything would be done to ensure an attractive location for larger ships. More ships, more revenue – for the company and yourself.” “And the donors,” Verad muttered, his voice hollow.

“And, eventually, the donors,” Cotter agreed. He sighed, and turned the next piece of the contract. “I am sorry, Mister Bellveil, but it’s not feasible. Certainly not with what we might have if we are under budget.”

Verad said nothing. There was no point. They’d been over it at length, but only once the money was donated, of course. The Silver Bazaar was fundamentally a poor fit for a complete refitting and renovation. It was high on a cliff face, and the waters leading up to its docks were shallow. While money could be spent carving out new paths up and down the cliff to haul incoming cargo, the effort needed to deepen the natural harbor was beyond any reasonable expense, even a great one. Far better to use the location at Vesper Bay, where the elevation was lower and the harbor was deeper.

He hadn’t known that at the time, of course. Not when he’d gone house-to-house at the Bazaar, hat in his hand, head bowed. Few had wanted to speak with him, for all felt that when his uncle had surrendered himself to the Brass Blades, that Verad should have taken the punishment that was rightly his. Relations were tense even when he was working to pay off Corwin’s debt. Now that he had passed, and so too Esmond eight years prior, the little Duskwight one of their own had brought out of the Shroud might as well have never existed. There was only an ingrate and a layabout.

It hadn’t mattered. Verad had borne the chilling looks and slammed doors and refused to relent until they listened: he could bring trade back to the Bazaar. He could make them all wealthy again. There was a project to improve the harbor, and he’d been contacted with an opportunity. He could put in most of the costs, which were not cheap, but if they could offer the remainder then all their fortunes would improve.

And somehow, whether because they saw his plea in earnest, or longing for better times, when the buildings in the Bazaar weren’t in constant need of repair, the docks always empty, and the stalls filled with vendors and customers, he’d gotten through. They’d scraped together emergency savings, sold treasured tokens, and worked themselves to the bone. For any merchant of even moderate wealth it wasn’t the greatest sum, but it meant they’d invested, paying in coin and hope alike.

And then Verad had handed it over and been given a clearer understanding of the nature of the harbor to be improved. It was all very clear, very much endorsed by the Sacrarium. If he’d read it more carefully, or given it to someone who could, perhaps he could have seen the trap, the inability to back out, but he had never been very good with contracts.

Only a sennight had passed since he learned the truth. He hadn’t yet told the residents yet. They’d been patient, assuming matters still needed to be negotiated, but every time he spoke to them he could see their anticipation, and it only grew. Soon, he’d have to cut it down.

“I’m not...unsympathetic to their situation,” Cotter said, trying to fill the silence where Verad had only sat, slumped forward. He mimicked the Duskwight’s pose, resting elbows on his desk, fingers folded together under fine velveteen gloves. “It’s as the contract says: once the returns come in, the dividends can be used freely. If you were to disburse them -” “They don’t want charity.” Verad’s neck lowered, getting a good look at his knees, and the pattern of the rug beneath his feet. It was a very lovely design, but he couldn’t assess its quality well. “They were almost all born in Thanalan, and they were raised in it. They want to make prosperity with their own hands, not have it doled out to them every moon.” “There will be ample opportunities for employment at the harbor once it reopens, of course,” said Cotter, his tone mollifying. “You want a town’s worth of independent merchants and craftsmen to take a wage? From Lolorito? It’s as I just said: wealth from their own hands. And more than that, they want the Bazaar as it was, full of people. Working elsewhere won’t give them that. And you’re not going to bring that back, are you?” Cotter sighed, pushed himself into an upright sitting position, and pinched the bridge of his nose as if to clear his head. “No, but I do understand. We all want to see our loved ones as they were, after they die. But resurrection is beyond us. Mister Bellveil, the contract is set, and the Company is being as kind as it can afford. If they have a lean two or three years, they are used to it, and if they hate it when you give them coin from their investment, I have no doubt they will still take it.” “I’m dubious of that.” He glanced out the window. It was a fine evening, and Menphina hung high and clear in the night, her loyal hound trailing behind. Dalamud seemed strangely crimson in hue this evening, but Verad paid it no further mind. Some trick of the weather.

“You know,” he said, each word spoken slowly, but with no real care, “I had thought, tonight, that if I couldn’t negotiate this a little more favorably, I might kill you.” He had expected Cotter to panic, or be angry, or look confused. But it seemed being in Project Development Management required a cool head. “Did you now?”

“Mm. I thought, perhaps, that taking matters into my own hands and slaying one of the project heads might bring everything under greater scrutiny. Maybe they’d get their own money back, if nothing else.” Facing Cotter, his gaze was flat and even, no real spark left in bright green eyes. “Would they?”

Cotter thought for a moment, placing one hand under his chin, and looking up at the portrait on the wall. “I don’t think so. Your own part in the contract would be void, of course, and since the contributions are all under your name, I suspect the Order would transfer your investment to the Company’s care as a penalty. They wouldn’t see even half a gil. And your own life would be forfeit, of course.”

“That doesn’t really mean much, anymore,” said Verad, smiling ruefully.

“Perhaps not,” Cotter admitted with a shrug. “Do you still want to do it?”

It was still possible. He’d been disarmed before he entered the office, perhaps because Cotter had suspected something, but he still had his bare hands, and the window was wide enough that a person could be thrown from it. Verad was not a strong man, but he was fast, and hard enough from all his time on the road, and he suspected Cotter wasn’t any stronger.

He looked away from the desk and up at the portrait. The woman, whomever it was, seemed very kind. She had a nice smile. “No, I don’t think so. What do I need to sign?”

Cotter turned to the last page and pushed an inkwell and quill towards Verad. “There you are. Would you like some advice, first?” Verad didn’t respond as he took the quill in hand and looked over the last page of the contract. It was nothing more than a formalization of a commitment he was already doomed to make, as far as he was concerned. When he remained silent, Cotter pressed on.

“Go ahead and be their villain,” he said. “The town’s trade is dried up, with or without the project. Give them someone to blame that isn’t them. Vesper Bay will be built one way or another, but at least they can console themselves in a little profit, as long as they can blame you for tricking them.

“They already think ill enough of me,” Verad scratched out his name on the last line of the contract. Cotter took it up in both hands to review it. “Perhaps, but they’re not sure, yet. Or they’d have given you nothing. Now you can make them sure. It’ll be better to hate you than to curse themselves, don’t you think?” Finding everything to his satisfaction, he put the papers down again. His smile was not unkind. “Go back to your caravan, and go to greener pastures. The Shroud, or Vylbrand. Try to force open the gates of Ishgard again, if you like. Let them learn the bad news from somewhere else.

“In a few years, you can return, and then they’ll get your returns, and we can see how they feel about it. But you’re a merchant, and you’ll always be somebody’s enemy. Why not them?” It was appealing. It also absolved East Aldenard of blame from at least some of the Bazaar residents if Verad took it for them by his absence. He was being offered a very convenient villainy. He shrugged, saying nothing more, and left. Scorpion Crossing wasn’t too far along with his wagon, and if he took a route through Black Brush, he could avoid running into anyone who might ask any more of him.