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impalementation · 4 years ago

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spike, angel, buffy & romanticism: part 3

part 1: “When you kiss me I want to die”: Angel and the high school seasons

part 2: “Love isn’t brains, children”: Enter Spike as the id

“Something effulgent”: Season five and the construction of Spike the romantic

Prior to becoming a romantic interest, Spike is everything I discussed in the last section. He is an id and a mirror for Buffy, he’s prone to both romantic exaggeration and cutting realism, and his liminality suggests ambiguity. But outside of “Lovers Walk”, the writing doesn’t actually delve too deeply into Spike’s nature as a romantic. If you stopped the canon at “Restless”, you’d probably think that Spike’s love for Drusilla was intriguing, but that the show hadn’t really gone anywhere with the implications of it, and for all you knew, that might not be an important part of his character anymore. So one of the most interesting things about season five to me, is that in this season in which the writers first consciously, deliberately decide to explore the sexual and romantic tension between Spike and Buffy, they also emphasize Spike’s romanticism more than ever. The choice to define Spike by his romanticism is a choice that follows naturally from everything established about his character, but it was also not an inevitable choice. Therefore, it’s a choice worth looking at in some detail.

Consider everything that “Fool For Love” establishes about Spike, especially the things that contradict what was supposedly canon at the time. It makes Drusilla his sire instead of Angel, meaning that he is sired by a romantic connection, and as a direct result of heartbreak. It makes him a poet living in the middle of the Victorian era, an age at odds with his previous ages of “barely 200” and “126”. Meaning that the writing specifically decides to ignore its canon in order to associate him with an era in which passions would have been repressed (rather than the Romantic era of the early 1800’s or the modern energy of the early 1900’s). Moreover, the episode reveals his entire aesthetic and personality to essentially be a construct. But most tellingly of all, it reveals him to be an idealist. Spike is not just a performance artist; he yearns for the “effulgent”, for something “glowing and glistening” that the “vulgarians” of the world don’t understand. In other words, he yearns for something bigger and more beautiful than life: something romantic. Later, he chases after “death, glory, and sod all else.” Spike may be a “fool for love”, who has a romantic view of romantic love specifically, but the episode is very clear about the fact that he is also a romantic more generally. When Drusilla turns him, she doesn’t tempt him by telling him she’ll love him forever. She tempts him by offering him “something…effulgent”. (Which, in typical Spike form, the episode immediately undercuts by having him say “ow” instead of swooning romantically). The fact that “Fool For Love”, Spike’s major backstory episode, is so determined to paint him as a romantic--and in particular, a disappointed, frustrated romantic--that it is willing to contradict canon to do so, tells you that this choice was important for framing Spike and his new, ongoing thematic role.

I’ve talked in the past about how season five is all about the tension between the mythical and the mortal--between big, grand, sweeping narratives, and the reality of being human. Buffy is the Slayer, but she’s also just a girl who loses her mother. Dawn is the key, but she’s also just a confused and hormonal fourteen-year-old. Willow is a powerful witch, but she also just wants her girlfriend to be okay. Glory is a god, but she’s also a human man named Ben, and finds herself increasingly weakened by his emotions. And Spike embodies this tension perfectly. He’s a soulless vampire with a lifetime of bloodshed behind him, but he’s also this silly, human man who wants to love and be loved. He wants big, grand things, but every time they are frustrated by a Victorian society, a rejection, a chip, a pratfall, or dying with an “ow”. Furthermore, his season five storyline is all about the tension between loving in an exalted, yet often selfish way, versus loving in a “real” or selfless way.

There was a fascinating piece a ways back that discussed how Spike’s attempts to woo Buffy in season five almost perfectly match the romantic narratives of Courtly Love. In the words of the author:

The term "Courtly Love" is used to describe a certain kind of relationship common in romantic medieval literature. The Knight/Lover finds himself desperately and piteously enamored of a divinely beautiful but unobtainable woman. After a period of distressed introspection, he offers himself as her faithful servant and goes forth to perform brave deeds in her honor. His desire to impress her and to be found worthy of her gradually transforms and ennobles him; his sufferings -- inner turmoil, doubts as to the lady's care of him, as well as physical travails -- ultimately lends him wisdom, patience, and virtue and his acts themselves worldly renown.

You can see for yourself how well that description fits Spike’s arc. He fixates on the torturous, abject nature of his love, and has it in his head that he can perform deeds and demonstrate virtue, and this will prove to Buffy that he is worthy of her. But despite Spike’s gradual ennobling over the course of the season, I think it would be a mistake to see the season as using the Courtly Love narrative uncritically, or even just ironically. The same way it would be a mistake to see season two as using the Gothic uncritically. Spike is as much Don Quixote as he is Lancelot. He is a character that deliberately tries to act out romantic tropes, giving the writing an opportunity to satirize those tropes, including the tropes of chivalric romance. In particular, the writing criticizes Spike’s (very chivalric) fixation on love as a personal agony, something that is more about pain--and specifically, his pain--than building a real relationship. Over and over in season five, he is forced to abandon these sorts of flattering romantic mindsets in favor of a more complicated reality.

So at first, Spike’s “deeds” tend to be shallow and vaguely transactional. He tries to help Buffy in “Checkpoint” even though she doesn’t want it (and insults her when she doesn’t appreciate it), he asks “what the hell does it take?” when Buffy is unimpressed by him not feeding on “bleeding disaster victims” in “Triangle”, he rants bitterly at a mannequin when Buffy fails to be grateful to him for taking her to Riley in “Into the Woods”, and he is angry and confused when Buffy is unmoved by his offer to stake Drusilla in “Crush”. While these attempts to symbolically reject his evilness are startling for a soulless vampire, and although Spike certainly feels like he is fundamentally altering himself for Buffy’s sake, none of it is based on understanding or supporting Buffy in a way that she would actually find substantial. Moreover, he lashes out when his gestures fail to win her attention or affection. He has an idea in his head of how their romantic scenes should play out, and reacts petulantly when reality fails to live up to it.

But these incidents of self-interested narrativizing are also continuously contrasted with scenes in which Spike reacts with real generosity, or is surprised when he realizes he’s touched something emotionally genuine. When Buffy seeks him out in “Checkpoint”, his mannerisms instantly change when he realizes she actually needs real help (“You’re the only one strong enough to protect them”), rather than the performed help he offered at the beginning of the episode. At the end of “Fool For Love” he’s struck dumb by Buffy’s grief, and his antagonistic posturing all evening melts away. He abandons his romantic vision of their erotic, life-and-death rivalry in favor of real, awkward emotional intimacy. In “Forever” he tries to anonymously leave flowers for Joyce, and reacts angrily when he’s denied—but this time not because he wanted something from Buffy. Simply because he wanted to do something meaningful.

This contradictory behavior comes to a head in “Intervention”, the episode in which Spike finally begins to understand the difference between real and transactional generosity. Up until that point, Spike has been reacting both selfishly and unselfishly, but he hasn’t been able to truly distinguish between them, which is why he keeps repeating the same mistakes. Although he touches something real at the end of “Fool For Love”, for instance, he goes on to rifle through Buffy’s intimates in the very next episode. And so “Intervention” has Spike go to extremes of fakeness and reality. He gives up on having the real Buffy, and seeks out an artificial substitute that lets him live out his cheesiest romance novel scripts. It’s important that the Buffybot isn’t just a sexbot, even if he does have sex with her. She’s a bot he plays out romantic scenarios with the way he played them with Harmony in “Crush”, allowing him to almost literally live within a fiction. But then he “gives up” on having Buffy in a way that’s actually real, by offering up his life. He lets himself be tortured, and potentially killed, for no other reason than that to do otherwise would cause Buffy pain. The focus is on her pain, not his. For the first time, he acts like the Knight he’s been trying to be all along. He performs a grand, heroic deed that causes the object of his affection to see him in a different light, and even grant him a kiss. Yet ironically, as part of learning the difference between real and fake, he ceases to press for Buffy’s reciprocation. Through the end of season five, Spike continues to act the selfless Knight, assisting Buffy in her heroism without asking for anything in return. Which culminates in his declaration that he knows Buffy “will never love him”, even after he’s promised her the deed of protecting Dawn, and even though she allows a kind of intimacy by letting him back in her house. He proves that he sees those gestures for what they are, rather than in a transactional light. The irony of the way Spike fulfills the narrative of chivalric romance, is that his ennobling involves letting aspects of that narrative go.

In a Courtly Love narrative, the object of the Knight’s affection is fundamentally pedestalized. The Knight himself might be flawed, but the woman he pines after is not. She is “divinely beautiful” and “unobtainable”, something above him and almost more than human. This is why it’s so comic that in Don Quixote, which was a direct satire of chivalric romance, Alonso Quixano’s “lady love” is a vulgar peasant farmgirl who has no idea who he is. (Think of the way Spike asks if Buffy is tough in “School Hard” or threatens to “take her apart” despite “how brilliant she is” in “The Initiative”, followed by scenes where Buffy is acting like the teenage girl she is. Or how Giles in “Checkpoint” says that Buffy has “acquired a remarkable focus” before cutting to Buffy yawning.). Although it’s true that Buffy is beautiful, and supernatural, and profoundly moral, she is also very human, and the writing is very concerned with that humanity. Season five in particular, as I’ve mentioned, is preoccupied with the duality of Buffy’s mythic and mortal nature. Thus it becomes significant that Buffy is assigned such a heightened role in Spike’s chivalric narrative. Just Spike is at once Lancelot and Don Quixote, Buffy is at once Achilles, Dulcinea, and a coming-of-age protagonist.

And part of the “lesson” of Spike’s arc is for him to see both sides of the roles they embody. One of my favorite things about the scene in Buffy’s house in “The Gift” is how adroitly it conveys the dualities of both Buffy and Spike with simple, but poetic imagery and language. Buffy stands above Spike on her steps, conveying her elevated role, and Spike honors the way her heroic status has inspired him by physically looking up to her as he explains that he expects nothing from her. But by expecting nothing from her, and promising to protect her sister, he also honors the fact that she is a real person with no obligation to him, and a younger sister she cares about more than anything. He also honors his own duality by at once making Knightly promises, and acknowledging that he sees through his former delusions: “I know that I’m a monster, but you treat me like a man.” In “Fool For Love” he tried to acknowledge the same duality of realism and romance, by declaring to Cecily that “I know I’m a bad poet, but I’m a good man.” But at the time, he was an innocent, whose desire to be seen, and whose romantic avoidance of “dark, ugly things”, left him unprepared to understand how Cecily really saw him (similar to Spike’s insistence in “Crush” that what he and Buffy have “isn’t pretty, but it’s real” just before Buffy locks him out). Spike is a character defined simultaneously by continuous disillusionment and dogged aspiration, which is why he makes perfect sense as a character to embody a season torn between the pain of being human, and the wonder of the gift of love.

Fittingly, the season ends with Spike’s most devastating loss of innocence of all. He fails to be the hero for Buffy or Dawn (note that Knightly language he uses on the tower: “I made a promise to a lady”), and he loses the woman he loves. He may have become more virtuous, but unlike in a chivalric romance, that virtue wins him neither Buffy, nor something flattering like “world reknown.” The climax of the “The Gift” is full of romance—a god, a troll hammer, a damsel on a tower, a heroic self-sacrifice, a vampire transformed into a Knight—but the end result is that Buffy is dead, in part because he wasn’t good enough, and all that he and the Scoobies can do is grieve. Stories got Spike nothing, even when reality finally lived up to them. It is a swan song to the myths of childhood, and on the other side of Glory’s portal, Spike and the other characters will have to confront a world where those myths have been left behind.

part 4: “But I can’t fool myself. Or Spike, for some reason.”: Buffy and Spike as a blended self

#romanticism series #s5 #gen #buffy #spike #this section is deliberately focused on spike's arc #but not to worry #the next one focuses on buffy's side of things and the role of spike's arc in supporting buffy's in the last three seasons #they just needed their own sections to breathe #btvs

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kaykay-13 · 3 years ago

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OKAY BUT LUKE CONSJDER OK GOD AU TIME

Chongyun is feared by mortals as a cold, remorseless God who exists no more than to derive pleasure from suffering alone. He brings carnage, destroys crops and sources of income, tear villages apart with lies and rumors and disappearances. Hes the thing parents warn their children about in their gently chiding stories, praying to keep them safe from this malevolent deity's wrath. An evil, evil creature, chongyun is..

Except he isn't

Yun purposely shows up whenever there's misfortune and fixes it. He's a minor deity centered around good luck and prosperity, and just happens to be able to catch wind of imminent disaster before it strikes. Hes a kind, gentle soul who's just terribly awkward and a little afraid of mortals, no thanks to his reputation.

Yet despite how mistreated and mistrusted he is, chongyun still helps humankind in any way he can. He guides lost children and livestock home, repairs or draws attention to damaged village walls or secretive plots, and leaves ominous signs only to drive mortals away before natural disasters strike. Its a grueling, thankless job, and yet he still does it without a single regret.

You wanna know who causes all this carnage, though, and yet is absolutely revered? ( immoral ) XINGQIU BABEY.

XIngqiu is a incredibly strong, renowned deity of yin. He quite literally thrives off negativity and seeks to sow it wherever he may see fit. And yet he is cherished, songs of praise sung at his temples and feasts held in remembrance of his supposedly great deeds, because they're too foolish to realize he is the one who has caused these centuries of agony and despair and simply was given credit for what chongyun has done year after year. He probably both thrives and is disgusted with the needless, undeserving praises showered upon him. Foolish, foolish mortals. Harming those who help and worshipping those who have done them wrong in the first place.

But there's another reason he does all this, carefully plans disaster after disaster. And its because of chongyun.

It started as a fun little game, waiting for the weak, pitiful little god to break under the unrelenting hatred and turn his back on humankind. And yet, to his surprise, chongyun has never wavered. He's quietly handled everything without a single complaint, seamlessly weaving back together what xingqiu has torn apart.

It started for his amusement, clearly. But it slowly grew into a sort of curiosity, testing this strange man's limits, pushing every single button he can think of to make him crack like glass under pressure.

It went from entertainment, to a twisted curiosity, to infatuation-turned-genuine smitteness. Hes definitely not aware hes so absolutely enamored with this idiot little deity but over the years he's slowly grown more and more protective of him in his endeavors, watching to make sure no true harm is laid upon him.

And eventually, he yearns to meet him. To talk to this frustratingly lovely, endlessly devoted man like frost cold and light and gone within a single moment. Xingqiu tries to draw things out to give himself enough time to prepare a meeting, but chongyun always disappears before hes fully ready. Again and again he barely slips out of his grasp, dropping off the map before eventually returning weeks to months later to sort out another series of incidents.

What would happen, i wonder, if xingqiu finally, finally managed to come face to face with the subject of his desire centuries long curiosity?

YOU. HOW DO YOU HAVE SUCH GOOD IDEAS???

chongyun as earnest and straightforward. he doesn't even blame xingqiu for his deeds. "we're just doing our jobs," he says. "you bring misfortune and i correct your doings. without you, my powers would be useless. i should be thanking you instead."

chongyun is such a pure soul. xingqiu is simply dying to meet him, but chongyun has to rush along, because yet another place needs him. also that xingqiu spends too much time gloating and taunting chongyun to have a genuine conversation.

xingqiu just gnaws on his nail trying to find a way to get chongyun to stay. taunts dont work, neither do mere conversations — just how does he get chongyun to stay for a small chat?

#gods au!!!#xingyun #kk13

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elerondo · 3 years ago

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Headcanon | Rivendell and Celebrian

This headcanon is set in the timeline from S.A. 1697 to T.A. 2501, so it’s going to be very long. It is my attempt at the fullest account of Elrond’s priorities in that timeline, and his life and marriage to Celebrian. And the After.

PRELUDE After the initial crush that Elrond had on Celebrian, Elrond did wait more than 1700 years before proposing to her. Elrond did not want to subject her to a life of war and hardship with him when they’d only just met. Elrond loved Celebrian enough to let her go home to safety and a more peaceful life. But Elrond loved Middle Earth more, that he would sacrifice his personal happiness in order to protect and save the free peoples.

The dire costs of the War of the Elves and Sauron were echoes of the War of Wrath, where Elrond had seen the wrath of the dragons as a youth and the trumpets that eventually marred and sunk Beleriand. He was determined not to let Eriador reach that stage of destruction, and since few of the strangers in the Valley were well enough to engage in battle, Elrond was frequently at the helm of offensive measures against the forces of Sauron that sought to besiege Rivendell.

POST WAR OF THE ELVES AND SAURON When Rivendell was founded, it was basically filled with refugees and soldiers gravely wounded from the destruction of Eregion and Sauron’s conquest of Eriador. Simply put, Rivendell was functional at best, and a stinky shit hole of armour and blood at its worst. A stronghold with severely weakened military power. There was no Ring of Power to protect it yet, so Elrond took it upon himself to ride out and meet evil before it could come near. Frequently, he rode from the northern foothills of the Hithaeglir, to the south bordering the outskirts of Eregion, then east across the valley to the ford of Bruinen, and even further still to penetrate the forests to the west.

Even though Elrond wanted to beautify Rivendell with other areas like education, hospitality, music, etc, it remained clear to Elrond that his immediate and most urgent priorities had to be taking vanguard in most marches as his elves and men were recovering, returning home, or sailing West.

After Vilya was handed to Elrond and he was made Lord and Master of Rivendell, Elrond was at the peak of his power and strength. Loyal and following the passions of a war won, the coverage of Vilya stretched from the Men-i-Naugrim to the Coldfells to the Last Bridge to the meet of Mitheithel and Bruinen. It matched his initial marches, patrols, and more. Elrond purified the forests and straightened the roads, dealing death to the last of the fell beings out of the Coldfells, the East Road, and the Old Forest Road. Strongholds were built upon the Misty Mountains and the borders of Eregion to keep watch on the southern and eastern passages. Where the Ring could reach, there Elrond’s spirit was, working its inner machinations to keep it safe.

FALL OF NUMENOR Elrond took his marches very far south to keep the borders and to exercise his Crown rights. He tripled the patrols around southern Eriador. If there were any stray survivors, they must be verified clean and without evil before they could travel. Otherwise, they were caught and handed to the nearest City willing to let them stand trial. When the presence of the Crown Prince of the Noldor increased near the borders of Gondor, there were quite many mixed reactions. A certain pressure to observe decorum, for example, to stop everything one was doing to answer questions, possessions checked thoroughly, and weapons that were deemed stolen or machines of darkness were confiscated until further notice. As long as one saw the banners of Gil-galad, even from a distance, they were compelled to stop and obey.

MARRIAGE TO CELEBRIAN Elrond is not a free and easy leader. He is a leader who actively chooses to sacrifice his happiness, his reputation, rest / sleep / food, for the sake of protecting and aiding the people at large. Elrond’s version of taking care of himself was stretched until his limits threatened to break, then rest for a while. It was the equivalent of sleeping once a week.

I think that Celebrian would have heard a lot about Elrond and what he was doing, Elrond’s fame and infamy spreading far and wide over the Misty Mountains. On the other side of the land, Elrond knew his deeds and renown were preceding him. He had some fears that he wouldn’t be well liked, because who could understand the land’s emergencies as well as him? He didn’t think anyone could, not because he was arrogant or wanted to do everything himself, but he was the most endowed.

Celebrian would be the only person Elrond could be weak to without being judged, rejected, or told to change or stop what he was doing. With her, Elrond was that bit more comfortable in taking / asking for comforts, and sharing his griefs, resentment, the nasty stuff and not just his plans, counsel, the good stuff that was always dispensed to all without cost. Celebrian was the shoulder Elrond cried on, while he was the shoulder for the world. Celebrian was the person whom Elrond revealed all of his quirks and eccentricity to. It was Celebrian who really made Rivendell into a Homely House. Celebrian was the one who helped him fulfil his visions and execute the blueprints of his mind while he properly focused on keeping Eriador and Rivendell safe. With her in mind, Elrond took more care of himself because he did not want her to be worried about him. Elrond was the healthiest in the 1000+ years before the Angmar War.

ANGMAR RISING The split and existence of Rhudaur in T.A. 861 unsettled him and so Elrond frequently visited Arthedain in secret, debating upon many topics of potential insurrection and defense strategies. The chief of the matter were these: Both Rhudaur and Cardolan desired to possess Amon Sul, and Rhudaur resisted Argeleb who claimed to be High King over all of Arnor. Elrond was sensitive to the matters of kingship and the Palantir. For the lands of Men and the Palantiri to come under one king was better than for them to split into the hands of the wrong people. Celebrian understood that for Elrond to ally Rivendell with Arthedain, hostilities with the rest would be inevitable.

( my Angmar war timeline here where Elrond suffered a Morgul-wound at the end of )

THE WATCHFUL PEACE … is a deceitful name. It was more watchful than it was peaceful.

Rivendell spent the early years recovering from the 600 year war, especially Elrond - being the first of all elves to suffer a Morgul-wound, a large scar on his back with no recovery method yet. Elrond had to devise and experiment on himself, while he was suffering from it, before he managed to heal himself. However, the military never again rises up to any relevant standard in a war. A lot of commanders were lost, Elrond was weak and sick, and many elves succumbed to their injuries, grief, and they faded or sailed West.

Every year for the rest of Elrond’s life in Middle Earth, on the same week, the Morgul-wound brought Elrond searing and debilitating pain. He still could hold the power of Vilya over The Angle and the Misty Mountains, but the western forests and Coldfells were neglected.

Rivendell never ceases to send patrols across Eriador, despite Elrond being in an extremely bad shape and the vale was desperately short handed. Elrond depended on Vilya more, both to heal and to protect, as he would leave Rivendell defenseless except for the Kingsguard, while he sent aid and resources everywhere else. Celebrian was beside him every step of the way, going into a Post-war scenario in a huge piece of land called Eriador again. They really could not enjoy the quieter times at all.

Furthermore, before the Watchful Peace ended, evil again invaded Eriador. It was followed by Galadriel’s summons of the White Council.

CELEBRIAN ASSAILED, DEPARTURE TO THE WEST 46 years later, tragedy ended the marriage of Celebrian and Elrond. He would be officially widowed with her passing over the Great Sea. The greatest healer who ever lived could not save his greatest love.

He let her go when she made her choice to go. He did not force to stay her, it would be too cruel to her. Elrond chose to do what was right instead of what was kinder to himself. When she left, she tore half his heart and flesh along with it.

This trauma is one that Elrond carries with him. The darkening of the times did work to twist his sacrifice into guilt, into thoughts of ❛What if❜ he was stronger, more powerful, better, or enough. Because of how obvious it was that Celebrian’s assault was premeditated by Sauron to weaken Rivendell, Elrond would always blame himself for bringing her into his life. Perhaps he should have just continued hiding his love. Perhaps she would have been safe. Perhaps.

In Elrond’s lowest moments, he could not understand what was so good about Valinor. He could not reconcile Celebrian’s choice of Aman over him and their 3 children together. For all his wars and battles in Middle Earth, no army ever came from the West to aid the people. He has no good perception of Aman. Over time, Celebrian’s departure joined one of many gravestones that Elrond had to force himself to move forward from. It was the only way, force himself not to dwell on it, bury himself in work, in the forge, in planning. For his children, for all the people who depended on him, for the sake of unseating Sauron, Elrond had to move forward even if it was by crawling through the mud.

His love for her did dull, did become mixed with depression, and he feared to see her again if he sailed to Aman. Elrond fears that Aman might actually be better for Celebrian than him. The dilemma? Wanting Celebrian to be happy and healthy, but wanting it to be him for her and no one else. Elrond knew the solution to that, and the answer was: Not him. It is a fact that is so hard to swallow at times, that he has to leave the love of his life in someone else’s hands.

#lord of the rings #lotr #elrond #celebrian #tolkien #the hobbit #✵ ʙᴏᴛʜ ɢʟᴀᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴏʀʀᴏᴡꜰᴜʟ — headcanon

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skekheck · 4 years ago

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All About the Seven Clans: the Stonewood

THIS POST CONTAINS EVERYTHING I COULD FIND ABOUT THE STONEWOOD. SOME INFORMATION WRITTEN HERE ARE FROM OLDER MATERIAL AND MAY EITHER CONTRADICT STATEMENTS OR IS NO LONGER RELEVANT. I WILL DO MY BEST TO STRING IT ALL TOGETHER AS COHERENTLY AS POSSIBLE. IF THERE IS INFORMATION THAT I AM MISSING, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I’LL ADD IT!

Clan Index: Dousan Drenchen Grottan Sifa Spriton Stonewood Vapra

The Stonewood, once known as the Woodland Folk in ancient times, lived in the Endless Forest (or in other versions called the Dark Wood). Made strong and resilient from their environment, they were the perfect soldiers and constituted the majority of the skeksis army. While they were a warrior clan, the Stonewood were peaceful who valued gelfling culture and songs. Their hometown, Stone-in-the-Wood, was the site of major historical events throughout Thra’s history.

The Stonewood totem animal was the Fizzgig and their core elements were fire, the hearth, and keeping of the song and essence of gelfling culture. Their clan color was red, their sigil was beige and green with earthy tones, and their pennant color was red with green and yellow detail.

Characteristics

The Stonewood were some of the strongest and hardiest of all gelfling. They had an olive complexion with green or greenish-blue tinting. Like gelfling from other clans, Stonewood tints were visible on the face but were restricted to the forehead, temples, and around the the eyes. Hair was black, brown, or a mix of both with highlighted sections of blue and/or green. Styling was very minimal with some braiding and styled up in ribbons or clips, but were mostly kept loose. Eye color tended to be blue or various shades of brown. In the J.M. Lee book series, Stonewood wings came in a variety of colors. Shoni, Rian’s mother, had brown and red wings with two large black eyespots accented by other dapples of orange, gold, tan. Maudra Fara in this version had dark burgundy and gold wings.

Stonewood clothing was described to have browns and other natural foresty shades like greens and grays. They preferred to wear leathered armor over regular civilian clothes regardless of their profession. They were also known to carry light weapons on them at all times.

Lifestyle

Strength, courage, and hardiness were traits the Stonewood valued and emphasized, especially towards other clans. The Stonewood way was to remain put and endure so they grew strong and prospered. All of these values made them perfect warriors. But despite this, the Stonewood were very peaceful. Much like the Fizzgig, their totem animal, they only fought to defend themselves. There was a heavier focus on the community as well as culture and song.

The Stonewood had great respect for nature, but were also aware that they lived in one of the most dangerous regions on Thra. They understood that no gelfling was on top of the food chain and had to adapt to an eat or be eaten world. They favored a hunter-defender archetype: to understand the cycle of life and have the knowledge to protect oneself as well as their loved ones. But they chose to abide by the laws of nature and frowned upon things like hunting for sport.

The Stonewood Clan had the second largest population of all seven clans, only succeeded by the Vapra. Thanks to an abundance of resources provided by the forest as well as by other clans and the skeksis, their population flourished during the Age of Division. There were smaller Stonewood villages spread out all over the forest to compensate for the clan’s size. This process was difficult for them to accept as it went against some of their traditional values. The Stonewood were known to be slightly more advanced than other gelfling clans as they had sophisticated weaponry and armament to protect their homes with.

Daily Routine

A Stonewood’s day started off with the sound of clangs of blacksmith hammers early in the morning. The maudra and her elder council assigned daily tasks to all adult gelfling. Those whose jobs took them outside of the village said their good byes and departed early. The others that stayed met with their groups to discuss the day’s plan. Work continued until sunset when the clan’s hearth is lit for the communal supper with the accompaniment of a song or two. Lanterns full of firebugs were kept alighted for gelfling working nightshifts.

Aside from nightly songtelling, the Stonewood had other pastimes. The most notable of them were sports and competitions. Regardless of whoever won, all Stonewood showed great sportsmanship and encouraged one another. A popular pastime among childlings were Ipsy battles. During mating seasons, the otherwise peaceful male Ipsy would fight other males for the affection of the female. Childlings would collect Ipsy males and staged battles between them. When the battles concluded the childlings would return the unscathed Ipsy males back to the forest.

As a large industrious community, the Stonewood Clan had a variety of jobs. There were blacksmiths, woodcrafters, stoneworkers, firekeepers, gardeners, hunters, and a dozen other specialists. Unlike in most clans, songtellers were seen as integral to the Stonewood as other occupations. The clan had unique professions as well. One were wayfinders: they were responsible for helping travelers on their journey and kept them from getting lost within the Endless Forest. Sometimes, a wayfinder would spend days aiding a gelfling. Another was staba-senta or “wood watchers”. They were more keenly aware of the balance of creatures within the wood and were charged with maintaining and upholding it.

Stone-and-Wood Crafting

Inspired by their environment’s requirements for resilience, the Stonewood turned the trade of stone-and-wood crafting into an art. It was a highly sought out skill for its high difficulty and importance in fortifying the village. Stone-and-wood crafters were able to weave wood, trees, and stone together to create many homes for the clan. It took many trine to learn the skills and even more to execute them. A woodcrafter would spend their entire life growing wood into specific shapes. For stone cravers it took generations to shape a single rock.

Although some Stonewood used metal swords and the like, hunters and trappers preferred stone tipped spears and finely crafted stone daggers. Stonewood spears, their preferred weapon, were renowned for their durability and perfect balance.

Stone-in-the-Wood’s Famous Instrument Makers

Among Stonewood’s crafters lived one family who were famous for their instruments. They were often away from the village collecting materials from all over Thra. They built their instruments from ordinary materials like wood and stone, but also mixed unusual ones. Some items included melted crystal sand, Sifan driftwood, fine shards of bone, and hollow feathers. It was said that the materials used in these instruments invoked the voice of Thra itself. Among their instruments, their lyres were the most popular. Even the All-Maudra’s musicians sought them out for their unique sound. Despite being busy, the family took up apprentices so they too could create unique instruments.

Stonewood Legends: Jarra-Jen

Songtelling and folklore were an important part of Stonewood culture and they had plenty of songs about famous characters and legends to tell every night around the hearth. One of these popular characters was Jarra-Jen the Lightning Born who came from Stone-in-the-Wood. As his epitaph suggested, his birth was heralded by lightning. He was characterized as fearless, charming, and curious with an intensity only rivaled by the forces of nature. Whenever he returned home, he’d always brought treasure and mouth-full of stories from his adventures. Many of his stories were told around campfires and memorialized on the stone slabs found on top of Bolentor’s rise.

Some songs were created to explain the origins of things such as him being the one to plant all seven Great Trees. Others were meant to entertain or teach lessons, whether they were true or not. One favorite epic was called Jarra-Jen and the Horn of Thunder. After passing a series of tasks, Jarra-Jen defeated the tyrant Creghel and freed the gelfling he enslaved. Another song, which was more popular with younglings, was called Jarra-Jen and the Fizzgig King. It taught younglings from digging and accidentally disturbing hibernating fizzgigs during the colder seasons. Jarra-Jen accidentally steps on the Fizzgig King’s tail and was swallowed hole. In order to free himself, the hero tickled the inside of the king’s throat which expelled him. The sound effect of the king’s flatulence was left up to the songtellers to put their own unique signature on the song.

While Jarra-Jen was a Stonewood legendary figure, his tales were told and celebrated by other clans and regarded as a hero of Thra.

Stonewood Legends: The Hunter

For every hero there was also a villain and no Stonewood villain was as popular as the Hunter. He went by other names like Bone-Mask and Four-Arms, but many agreed that he was a bloodthirsty one-of-a-kind monster who loved hunting for sport and ate his prey whole. Stories about the Hunter were told to older childlings to keep them from wondering the forest at night, like the short song “Beware the Hunter”. Legends of the Hunter were found all over the Endless Forest and surrounding regions, even finding their way in Spriton and Podling stories. “The Hunter’s Knife” was a notable non-Stonewood myth sourcing the Mystic Valley as the Hunter’s birth place and the noises that came from it was his heart (which he carved out to continue his evil deed unrestrained) who desired to return to his body. Some songtellers, like Kylan, told stories featuring the Hunter and Jarra-Jen together.

Not many Gelfling believed the Hunter existed, but the legends were based on skekMal the Hunter. He was an outcast skeksis whose main hunting grounds were the Endless Forest and its surrounding regions. He was as bloodthristy and fearsome as the songs described him. So skilled was he in his profession that he remained undetected by most Gelfling, with the exception being the Dousan who guided him through the Crystal Desert. SkekMal’s prey didn’t usually include Gelfling unless under certain conditions as he, in his own words, considered weak and preferred stronger creatures. This was different in the book series as he hunted indiscriminately. He bathed in gelfling essence to mask his scent which made it easier for him to catch prey. He also prevented podlings from expanding outside of the forest and Spriton plains as he hunted them down and delivered some as slaves for the other Skeksis. Regardless, skekMal was always a terrifying force and feared by many even by his own kind.

SkekMal’s reign of terror finally ended at the Second Battle of Stone-in-the-Wood which was his (at least seemingly) first and last public appearance. Before killing Rian, his latest target, his other half urVa the Archer sacrificed his life in order to stop him. As the two were spiritually connected, skekMal died as well.

Diet

A Stonewood diet was varied which included meats from game caught by hunters and the many fruits, vegetables, and other edible plants growing in the dense forest. They would also purchase foods that couldn’t be grown or produced in the Endless Forest. Stonewood dishes were prepared near the clan’s hearth and were commonly roasted, baked, and seared. Food was served in groups and were noted to be jolly, hearty, and unforgettable.

Peachberries were one of the well known native fruits found in the Endless Forest. It had a sweet and sour flavor that was easy to pick. More dangerous to obtain fruits were that of the bluemouth. The bluemouth was a carnivorous plant that lures prey in with its sweet smelling nectar and were dangerous to Gelfling. The fruit of the Bluemouth Tree was considered a delicacy for that reason. The fruit of the arara (or screaming) tree was less dangerous. As a defense mechanism, it produced poison by screaming. It was deadly to smaller animals, but for Gelfling, it put them in a dreamlike daze. Other foods included merkeeps, a delicious tuber found in traditional Stonewood foods.

Stonewoods usually washed down their foods with a cup of cold water from the Black River. Other noteworthy beverages was the Stonewood Brew, a type of alcohol that trickled down from trees into a giant trough called the Brew Trough. Both natives and outsiders alike served themselves or each other with the cups stacked near by.

Stonewood Apothecary and Recreational Poisons

The Endless Forest had the most diverse flora and fauna, including ones that were venomous and poisonous. Stonewood apothecaries had an important role of supplying treatments and antidotes for a variety of inflictions gelfling received. And on the flip side, they found ways to use harmful substances for more benign ones. Even usually fatal poisons could be altered (through fire, water, or soil) and distilled into potable liquids. Plenty of these recreational poisons were traded among themselves and other clans.

One of the more involved distilling methods were from the poisons created by the arara tree. When produced in smaller quantities, it had a relaxing effect. Apothecaries got the help of experienced harvesters who stealthily picked the fruits off the tree before it had time to produce its signature scream. When given to the apothecaries, the berries were placed into bowls of water and the apothecary would scream in the perfect tone of the screaming tree. The berries would react and produced its slime which dissipated. It was later reduced into a measurable substance and bottled.

Stone-in-the-Wood, Hometown of the Stonewood

Stone-in-the-Wood was the main village of the Stonewood Clan. Like their namesake, they lived in shell and stone homes interwoven into trees. It was surrounded by mounds of rock and a lake that sat next to the Black River. It had sections for tourists and traders as well as private ones exclusive to Stonewoods only. The Crucible, the clan’s hearth, lied at its center with the Stonewood Great Hall beyond it.

The Great Hall was the home of the Stonewood Maudra. It had a large chamber where they held court. When a gelfling, or sometimes podling, misbehaved guards would send them into the Rascal Hole. It was a small jail held down beneath the floor of the Stonewood Great Hall and not too far from the maudra’s throne.

The village was the second largest gelfling settlement. It became a popular tourist and trading site as the village was a necessary stop to go anywhere in the Skarith region. Beyond that, Stone-in-the-Wood was believed to be the original home of the gelfling, making it one of the oldest gelfling civilizations. It was also the location of important historical events in Thra’s history.

The Historic Battles of Stone-in-the-Wood

Two historical battles took place in Stone-in-the-Wood. The first battle was also the conclusion of the Arathim Wars. When the Arathim were kicked out of their ancestral home by the skeksis for refusing to join the Alliance of the Crystal, they rebelled. The rebellion was a series of attacks throughout the Age of Division until thirty trine before where Age of Resistance series began. The First Battle of Stone-in-the-Wood began while Ordon and Fara searched for the dual glaive which was rumored to help end the war. The village was evacuated when the Arathim arrived with Maudra Vala and her warriors there to defend it. At first the Arathim had the upper hand, decimating the gelfling forces and inflicting a fatal wound against the maudra. She survived long enough to see Ordon arriving with the dual glaive. After killing several Arathim, he plunged his sword into an Ascendancy of Silk Spitters and drained them of its essence. Ordon promised to let the Arathim live if they stopped their assault on the gelfling. The weakened Ascendancy gave in and retreated from the village but promised this wasn’t the end. This event officially ended the Arathim Wars.

The Second Battle of Stone-in-the-Wood was the first major battle of the Gelfling Resistance. Stone-in-the-Wood previously had a failed assault on the skeksis in both the TV and book series where the Stonewood were thwarted by the skeksis or the Arathim. The survivors of that failed assault returned to join Rian and his small rebellion ready to fight the skeksis. There were casualties on both sides, including three skeksis and Maudra Fara who sacrificed her life protecting All-Maudra Seladon. But it also brought the return of Mother Aughra and unity of all inhabitants of Thra when the other six gelfling clans and their former enemies the Arathim proclaimed their support of the resistance. This was the gelfling’s first major victory fighting the skeksis.

Bolentor, the Pride of Stone-in-the-Wood

Also known as the Stone Tower, it was a large mount of rocks weaved together by vines, roots, and trees. The stone’s rise was where Stone-in-the-Wood was positioned. Its top was covered in talking stones featuring the dream-etched legends and folklore of the Stonewood Clan. It told of Jarra-Jen’s adventures, stories of Gyr the Songteller, and Aughra’s teachings. Strangely, many of the rocks that constructed the mound originated from other regions of of Thra like the Claw and Grottan Mountains. Speculation were all over the place from a giant moving the rocks there to being petrified droppings of an enormous bird.

A favorite theory came from the song called Maudra Melyff the Rock Singer. Though the gelfling in the tale was actually unnamed, many agreed that she fit the description. According to the song, the maudra was so lonely that when she sang the mountains were moved and offered their boulders to keep her company. A different version of this tale was found in the book series and the maudra was named Maudra Ynid the Tree Singer. Similarly alone, she wept at the heart of the Endless Forest and with the Cradle Tree’s blessing, stones multipled from the Earth and became Stone-in-the-Wood. She was also said to be the sister of Mesabi-Nara, one of the Drenchen’s first maudras.

The Stonewood had a name-day tradition that revolved around Bolentor and was considered a rite of passage. Younglings whose sixth name-day anniversary landed within the same season were sent to climb Bolentor without the guidance of adults with a chisel in hand. Once they reached the top, they found a stone and carved a sigil into it. That sigil became the sign of their name which was memorialized among hundreds of others before them.

The Crucible

At the center of Stone-in-the-Wood was the Crucible, both a monument and hearth. Like other gelfling hearths, it was the gathering place of the Stonewood during important occasions. It was where the maudra made her announcements and conducted ceremonies. Traders from other regions would come to the Crucible to be welcomed by the village.

Within the Crucible were dozens of swords and other weapons. It tied with a Stonewood tradition: whenever the clan returned from a battle, their warriors placed their weapons within the Crucible to be melted until there’s nothing left. It was the Stonewood’s way of leaving their aggressive acts and memories behind and go back to their normal lives. In some cases, the melted remains were used as other symbols. After Maudra Vala died, her sword was melted and forged into a crown. Her daughter and successor Fara wore it as a reminder of the battles that were fought, the cost of peace, and to never forget those who lost their lives.

It was one of many examples of the Stonewood’s relationship with their patron element fire. Gelfling from this clan were described to have “fire in their hearts and whose embers never died”. It’s no wonder that the Stonewood gelfling Rian was the one who lit the fires of resistance and sent out his message of rebellion through the Crucible.

The Wall of Destiny

The Wall of Destiny was a giant prophecy that foretold the end of skeksis rule. It was discovered by Jen and Kira when they stumbled upon ruins of a gelfling settlement. At least in the book series, its location resided within Stone-in-the-Wood. In that book’s version of the Second Battle, the gelfling defeated the skeksis through song and their combined singing formed the creation of the Wall of Destiny.

Another version of its creation happened when both Gelfling and Podling were taken as slaves by the skeksis. Dismayed, they looked into the fires of prophecy. Seven circles of seven Gelfling, (which totaled 49 Gelfling), laid on the hilltops at night. With magic their dreams were made into stone and the Wall of Destiny was created.

It told the Gelfling their quest: to find the lost Shard and heal the Crystal by the next Great Conjunction. However, the skeksis saw the prophecy too and feared the Gelfling would succeed. To stop them, the skeksis sent their Garthim and Crystal Bats to find and kill all gelfling. However, at least two survived: Jen of the Stonewood and Kira of the Vapra. Jen ultimately became the Gelfling foretold in prophecy that reunited the shard with the Crystal and ended skeksis rule.

Olyeka-Staba the Cradle Tree

The Cradle Tree was the Stonewood’s patron tree. It towered over all the others within the Endless Forest whose trunk was as wide as the Black River. It was the originator of all other trees and what the forest felt and heard was also heard and felt by the Cradle Tree. It was only a short distance from Stone-in-the-Wood and many gelfling visited it often. Stonewoods sat underneath the tree and hoped to hear its wisdom while others came to inspect it for illness as it determined the health of the entire forest. When one lied beneath it, they would experience a soothing sensation described as being cradled by one’s mother. “The Cradle Tree’s Lullaby” was a popular song sun by Stonewood mothers while rocking their childlings to sleep.

Like the other Great Trees, the Cradle Tree struggled to keep the darkening at bay. In the book series, the Cradle Tree was so sick with it that it displayed vivid hallucinations which preyed on the fears of the individual. Both Naia and Kylan went through this ordeal with Naia being haunted by apparitions of her brother and Tavra. It also attacked her with vines and roots until she was helped by Kylan. Naia was able to dreamfast with it and healed it of the darkening.

Relationship With the Skeksis And Other Clans

The Stonewood benefited from the influx of traders and visitors, but it reinforced clan-first mentalities. To preserve a sense of safety, stability, and culture, the Stonewood created public and private sections of the village. The clan was kind and friendly to any outsiders but would treat them coldly if they trespassed on private property, on accident or not. Besides that, they seemed the most susceptible to clan stereotypes, seeing how some were highly suspicious of the Dousan and ignorant of the Grottan. While the Stonewood believed they were tougher and sturdier than other gelfling, outsiders viewed them as aggressive and arrogant.

Being geographically the closest to the skeksis, the Stonewood were frequently called upon to be guards at the castle of the Crystal. In fact, they made up the majority of the skeksis’ army up until the late Age of Division. Plenty of Stonewood were elated to get their recruitment letters as it was seen as one of the biggest honors a gelfling received. Because of this, the Stonewood believed they had a more intimate relationship with the skeksis than other clans.

That ultimately created some resentment towards the Vapra. Many Stonewoods believed the skeksis were in error by choosing the Vapra as the ambassadors and leaders of the gelfling clans. It wasn’t a secret either as the Stonewood had passionate conversations about the topic. Even Stonewood Maudras would make mention of it while in the presence of Vapran representatives. These vents never went too far as they knew disagreeing with the Vapra was also a disagreement towards the skeksis. Such comments risked their reputation as well as access to resources and valuable supplies. Despite it being a well-known secret, the Stonewoods kept it to themselves.

Of all the clan relationships, none were more well known than the rivalry between the Stonewood and the Spriton. The severity of the rivalry were different between the TV and book series. In the timeline established by the Age of Resistance, the rivalry was seen more in childlings and didn’t go as far as name-calling and rumormongering. With a mix of the skeksis’ meddling and Stonewood’s overall competitiveness kept this rivalry alive. In contrast to the book series, however, was more serious. The Spriton were a warrior clan in this version and fought over territory with the Stonewood over the trine.

Legacy of Stonewood: Jen

Although most gelfling were wiped out during the Garthim Wars, their legacies were kept alive by their survivors. Jen was the son of at least one Stonewood parent and seemingly the only surviving member of his clan. He was rescued by urSu the Master who took him to the Valley of the Mystics and raised him in safety. On his death bed, urSu cryptically explained to Jen about his destiny. He was able to succeed in his quest with the help of Kira.

Jen seemed to know some small things about his heritage. He wore the Stonewood sigil on his clothing and was taught how to play the firca. urMaj the Cook attempted to make him gelfling food, but Jen noted it never tasted right It was possible that what Jen learned he passed it onto future gelfling civilizations and preserved what was left of gelfling culture.

Notable Stonewood Members

Rian: Son of Ordon and Shoni who lived during the late Age of Division. He was a castle guard who witnessed his girlfriend Mira be drained by the skeksis. Taking the only proof of the skeksis’ betrayal, he was marked as a traitor and wanted by the lords to keep their secret hidden. Rian started as well became the unofficial leader of the Gelfling Resistance. Like his father, Rian ended up wielding the Dual Glaive.

Ordon: A veteran of the Arathim Wars and the first wielder of the Dual Glaive. He was promoted to be a captain of the castle guards after his victory in the First Battle of Stone-in-the-Wood. Not knowing that the skeksis were the true perpetrators, Ordon personally requested to seek out Rian in the hopes of curing the supposed sickness that caused his “treachery”.

Maudra Fara the Rock Singer: The Stonewood Maudra who succeeded her mother Vala during the late Age of Division. She believed in strength and loyalty and did whatever she believed was necessary for her clan. She played a big part in the Arathim Wars as well as being the first maudra who challenged the skeksis when she learned about the truth.

Shoni: Rian’s mother and husband of Ordon who lived during the late Age of Division.

Jen: The seemingly last surviving member of the Stonewood Clan nearing the end of the Age of Division. Saved by urSu the Master, Jen was raised by the mystics so that he would fulfill his destiny of ending skeksis rule and save Thra.

Maudra Vala: A Stonewood maudra and mother of Fara. She lived during the late Age of Division and took part in the First Battle in Stone-in-the-Wood where she was fatally wounded.

Thriya: A songteller who lived during an unknown time in the Age of Division. She spent her entire life traveling all over Thra to learn about the cultures and songs of each gelfling clan.

Mythra: A book series exclusive character. She was the younger sister of Rian who supported him while he was branded as a traitor. She also took part in and survived the Second Battle of Stone-in-the-Wood.

Timtri: Rian’s younger brother who only exists in the book series.

Maudra Melyff the Rock Singer: Believed to be one of Stonewood’s first maudras. She was credited with the creation of Bolentor which would become the home place of the Stonewood. In some iterations she’s known as Maudra Ynid the Tree Singer and was sisters with the Drenchen’s first maudra.

Old Ari: An old songteller who lived during an unknown time within the Age of Division.

[Sources: Song of the Seven Gelfling Clans, the official Dark Crystal website, Shadows of the Dark Crystal, Song of the Dark Crystal, Flames of the Dark Crystal, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, the Dark Crystal Film, The Dark Crystal Age of Resistance: An Epic Return To Thra, The Quest for the Dual Glaive, Creation Myths, Author Quest: The Gelfling Gathering, Heroes of the Resistance, the Dark Crystal Bestiary]

#the dark crystal #stonewood #gelfling #all about the seven clans #my posts

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vajranam · 4 years ago

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The River Bank

Marpa the Translator

"Another rime, Marpa and his attendants went to take a walk along the river bank. Some hunters' dogs appeared chasing a deer, and the deer ran into the river and drowned. Marpa said, ''I will perform the transference of consciousness. Some of you go after the deer and protect it from the dogs. Some of you stay here by my body." Marpa then transferred his consciousness into the deer and brought the corpse of the deer up to the courtyard outside his house, leaving a trail of wet prints. Then the guru stood up and went there. While the guru, some disciples, relatives, and many ochers were looking at the corpse of the deer, the hunters arrived and prepared co butcher it. The guru said jokingly, "I found the corpse of this deer in the river. I don't want you to take it." The disciples and many people told the story of how the guru performed the transference of consciousness. Some of the hunters said, ''Well then, we ask you to perform the transference of consciousness where we can see it and then we will offer you the body of the deer." Some others said, "If you do this and we see it, we will offer other things in addition to the deer." So Lord Marpa transferred his consciousness into the deer and brought it through the gate into the courtyard. Then the guru stood up and said: Through the transference of consciousness kindly given by the guru, A requisite for the feast, a samaya substance That fulfills all needs and desires, Is found in this wish-fulfilling gem, the deer. And he said, ''While my consciousness inhabited the body of an animal, my mind appeared to be dull." After Marpa had done this, everyone there was filled with wonder and amazement. The hunters rejoiced and offered the corpse of the deer as well as other gifts. Many others entered the gate of dharma. In particular, Marpa Cha-se was present there and faith was born in him. He regretted his previous perverted views and deeds and made confession. He requested, ''You said that if one does not enjoy meat, liquor, and women, it is a disservice to oneself. lt appears to us that this is no differenr than what we do. Now, since you seem to possess some confidence, please tell us how this is.'' Marpa replied, "You do not understand. Therefore, even if you were to see deities in union, you would say this is the same as what you do. Though I enjoy sense pleasures, I have these confidences that I am not fettered by them." Then Marpa sang this song of fathoming realization and of the confidence that has totally mastered the dharma: I prostrate to the father gurus. By the kindness of the lord forefathers, When in solitude and at leisure, I meditate on nadi and prana. Exerting body and mind again and again, I meditate. Even when my elements are in turmoil, I have no anxiety. I have confidence in knowing this will heighten my practice. While asleep, I meditate on luminosity. Focusing appearances again and again, I meditate. Even when experiencing delusion, I have no anxiety. I have confidence in knowing this as unity. At the time of dream, I meditate on the illusory body. Expanding on appearances again and again, I meditate. Even when the dreams become discursive, I have no anxiety. I have confidence in knowing them as illusory. While enjoying sense pleasures, I meditate on the deity. Experiencing their taste again and again, I meditate. Even when seeing ordinary food and drink, I have no anxiety. I have confidence in knowing these as a feast offering. On the occasion of upayamarga, I meditate on another's body. Arousing bliss again and again, I medicate. Even when it appears to be mundane, I have no anxiety. I have confidence in knowing this as coemergent. At the time of death, I meditate on the ejection of consciousness. Practicing the ejection of consciousness again and again, I meditate. Even when the signs of death appear, I have no anxiety. I have confidence in knowing them as sampannakrama. At the time of death, I enter the pardo. The pardo is like a cloud or mist. Even when passion and aggression arise, I have no anxiety. I have confidence in knowing them as self-liberated. Thus Marpa sang. Unwavering faith was born in Marpa Cha-se and he requested teachings and abhiseka. Later he became a patron who rendered perfect service. At another time, a yak had died near the site of a feast where many people had gathered. When the workers were preparing to take the corpse away, Marpa said, "My share of the work will be to carry away the corpse of the yak.'' He then transferred his consciousness into the yak and brought the yak's corpse up to the courtyard. Then Marpa stood up and said: The essence of the dakini's body, speech, and mind Is the horse of nadi, prana, and bodhicitta. Urged by the whip of equal taste, The old yak crosses the dangerous passage. Because he achieved certainty in the transference of consciousness, Marpa became completely renowned as a siddha, undisputed by anyone. In the same way, he gave the supreme single transmission lineage of the profound instructions on the transference of consciousness to his son Tanna Dode.” ~ The Life of Marpa the Translator Seeing Accomplishes All By Tsangnyon Heruka Translated by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Nalanda Translation Committee "Marpa the Translator, the eleventh-century farmer, scholar, and teacher, is one of the most renowned saints in Tibetan Buddhist history. In the West, Marpa is best known through his teacher, the Indian yogin Nâropa, and through his closest disciple, Milarepa. This lucid and moving translation of a text composed by the author of The Life of Milarepa and The Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa documents the fascinating life of Marpa, who, unlike many other Tibetan masters, was a layman, a skillful businessman who raised a family while training his disciples. As a youth, Marpa was inspired to travel to India to study the Buddhist teachings, for at that time in Tibet, Buddhism has waned considerably through ruthless suppression by an evil king. The author paints a vivid picture of Marpa's three journeys to India: precarious mountain passes, desolate plains teeming with bandits, greedy customs-tax collectors. Marpa endured many hardships, but nothing to compare with the trials that ensued with his guru Nâropa and other teachers. Yet Marpa succeeded in mastering the tantric teachings, translating and bringing them to Tibet, and establishing the Practice Lineage of the Kagyüs, which continues to this day." https://www.shambhala.com/the-life-of-marpa-the-translator-908.html

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ffej16 · 4 years ago

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THEinc-HIM Daily Bible Meditation - February 15 - Full Text

FEBRUARY 15

PSALMS: 15, 45, 75, 105, 135

PROVERBS: 15

OLD TESTAMENT: 1 SAMUEL 1:1 - 2:21

NEW TESTAMENT: JOHN 5:1 - 23

PSALMS: 15

1 LORD, who shall dwell in your sanctuary?

Who shall live on your holy hill?

2 He who walks blamelessly, does what is right,

And speaks truth in his heart;

3 He who doesn't slander with his tongue,

Nor does evil to his friend,

Nor casts slurs against his fellow man;

4 In whose eyes a vile man is despised,

But who honors those who fear the LORD;

He who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and doesn't change;

5 He who doesn't lend out his money for usury,

Nor take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall never be shaken.

PSALMS: 45

1 My heart overflows with a noble theme.

I recite my verses for the king.

My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer.

2 You are the most excellent of the sons of men.

Grace has anointed your lips,

Therefore God has blessed you forever.

3 Gird your sword on your thigh, mighty one,

Your splendor and your majesty.

4 In your majesty ride on victoriously on behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness. Let your right hand display awesome deeds.

5 Your arrows are sharp.

The nations fall under you, with arrows in the heart of the king's enemies.

6 Your throne, God, is forever and ever.

A scepter of equity is the scepter of your kingdom.

7 You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness.

Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil

of gladness above your fellows.

8 All your garments smell like myrrh, aloes, and cassia.

Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made you glad.

9 Kings' daughters are among your honorable women.

At your right hand the queen stands in gold of Ofir.

10 Listen, daughter, consider, and turn your ear.

Forget your own people, and also your father's house.

11 So will the king desire your beauty,

Honor him, for he is your lord.

12 The daughter of Tzor comes with a gift.

The rich among the people entreat your favor.

13 The princess inside is all glorious.

Her clothing is interwoven with gold.

14 She shall be led to the king in embroidered work.

The virgins, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to you.

15 With gladness and rejoicing shall they be led.

They shall enter into the king's palace.

16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers.

You shall make them princes in all the eretz.

17 I will make your name to be remembered in all generations.

Therefore the peoples shall give you thanks forever and ever.

PSALMS: 75

1 We give thanks to you, God,

We give thanks, for your Name is near.

Men tell about your wondrous works.

2 When I choose the appointed time,

I will judge blamelessly.

3 The eretz and all its inhabitants quake.

I firmly hold its pillars. Selah.

4 I said to the arrogant,

"Don't boast;"

To the wicked,

"Don't lift up the horn.

5 Don't lift up your horn on high.

Don't speak with a stiff neck."

6 For neither from the east, nor from the west,

Nor yet from the south, comes exaltation.

7 But God is the judge.

He puts down one, and lifts up another.

8 For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup,

Full of foaming wine mixed with spices.

He pours it out.

Indeed the wicked of the eretz drink and drink it to its very dregs.

9 But I will declare this forever:

I will sing praises to the God of Ya`akov.

10 I will cut off all the horns of the wicked,

But the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.

PSALMS: 105

1 Give thanks to the LORD!

Call on his name! Make his doings known among the peoples.

2 Sing to him, sing praises to him!

Tell of all his marvelous works.

3 Glory in his holy name.

Let the heart of them rejoice who seek the LORD.

4 Seek the LORD and his strength.

Seek his face forever more.

5 Remember his marvelous works that he has done;

His wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,

6 You seed of Avraham, his servant,

You children of Ya`akov, his chosen ones.

7 He is the LORD, our God.

His judgments are in all the eretz.

8 He has remembered his covenant forever,

The word which he commanded to a thousand generations,

9 The covenant which he made with Avraham,

His oath to Yitzchak,

10 And confirmed the same to Ya`akov for a statute;

To Yisra'el for an everlasting covenant,

11 Saying, "To you I will give the land of Kana`an,

The lot of your inheritance;"

12 When they were but a few men in number,

Yes, very few, and sojourners in it.

13 They went about from nation to nation,

From one kingdom to another people.

14 He allowed no one to do them wrong.

Yes, he reproved kings for their sakes,

15 "Don't touch my anointed ones.

Do my prophets no harm."

16 He called for a famine on the land.

He destroyed the food supplies.

17 He sent a man before them.

Yosef was sold for a slave.

18 They bruised his feet with shackles.

His neck was locked in irons,

19 Until the time that his word happened,

And the LORD's word proved him true.

20 The king sent and freed him;

Even the ruler of peoples, and let him go free.

21 He made him lord of his house,

And ruler of all of his possessions;

22 To discipline his princes at his pleasure,

And to teach his Zakenim wisdom.

23 Yisra'el also came into Mitzrayim.

Ya`akov sojourned in the land of Ham.

24 He increased his people greatly,

And made them stronger than their adversaries.

25 He turned their heart to hate his people,

To conspire against his servants.

26 He sent Moshe, his servant,

And Aharon, whom he had chosen.

27 They performed miracles among them,

And wonders in the land of Ham.

28 He sent darkness, and made it dark.

They didn't rebel against his words.

29He turned their waters into blood,

And killed their fish.

30 Their land swarmed with frogs,

Even in the chambers of their kings.

31 He spoke, and swarms of flies came, ‘

And lice in all their borders.

32 He gave them hail for rain,

With lightning in their land.

33 He struck their vines and also their fig trees,

And shattered the trees of their country.

34 He spoke, and the locusts came,

And the grasshoppers, without number,

35 Ate up every plant in their land;

Ate up the fruit of their ground.

36 He struck also all the firstborn in their land,

The chief of all their strength.

37 He brought them forth with silver and gold.

There was not one feeble person among his tribes.

38Mitzrayim was glad when they departed,

For the fear of them had fallen on them.

39 He spread a cloud for a covering,

Fire to give light in the night.

40 They asked, and he brought quails,

And satisfied them with the bread of the sky.

41 He opened the rock, and waters gushed out.

They ran as a river in the dry places.

42 For he remembered his holy word,

And Avraham, his servant.

43 He brought forth his people with joy,

His chosen with singing.

44 He gave them the lands of the nations.

They took the labor of the peoples in possession,

45 That they might keep his statutes,

And observe his laws.

Praise the LORD!

PSALMS: 135

1 Praise the LORD!

Praise the name of the LORD!

Praise him, you servants of the LORD,

2 You who stand in the house of the LORD,

In the courts of our God's house.

3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good.

Sing praises to his name, for that is pleasant.

4 For the LORD has chosen Ya`akov for himself;

Yisra'el for his own possession.

5 For I know that the LORD is great,

That our Lord is above all gods.

6 Whatever the LORD pleased, that he has done,

In heaven and in eretz, in the seas and in all deeps;

7 Who causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the eretz;

Who makes lightnings with the rain;

Who brings forth the wind out of his treasuries;

8 Who struck the firstborn of Mitzrayim,

Both of man and animal;

9 Who sent signs and wonders into the midst of you,

Mitzrayim,

On Par`oh, and on all his servants;

10 Who struck many nations,

And killed mighty kings,

11 Sichon king of the Amori, `Og king of Bashan,

All the kingdoms of Kana`an,

12 And gave their land for a heritage,

A heritage to Yisra'el, his people.

13 Your name, LORD, endures forever;

Your renown, LORD, throughout all generations.

14 For the LORD will judge his people,

And have compassion on his servants.

15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,

The work of men's hands.

16 They have mouths, but they can't speak;

They have eyes, but they can't see;

17 They have ears, but they can't hear;

Neither is there any breath in their mouths.

18 Those who make them will be like them;

Yes, everyone who trusts in them.

19 House of Yisra'el, praise the LORD!

House of Aharon, praise the LORD!

20House of Levi, praise the LORD!

You who fear the LORD, praise the LORD!

21 Blessed be the LORD from Tziyon,

Who dwells at Yerushalayim. Praise the LORD!

PROVERBS: 15

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,

But a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,

But the mouth of fools gush out folly.

3 The LORD's eyes are everywhere,

Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,

But deceit in it crushes the spirit.

5 A fool despises his father's correction,

But he who heeds reproof shows prudence.

6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure,

But the income of the wicked brings trouble.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;

Not so with the heart of fools.

8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,

But the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,

But he loves him who follows after righteousness.

10 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way:

Whoever hates reproof shall die.

11 She'ol and Avaddon are before the LORD --

How much more then the hearts of the children of men!

12 A scoffer doesn't love to be reproved;

He will not go to the wise.

13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face;

But an aching heart breaks the spirit.

14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,

But the mouths of fools feed on folly.

15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched,

But one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.

16 Better is little, with the fear of the LORD,

Than great treasure with trouble.

17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is,

Than a fattened calf with hatred.

18 A wrathful man stirs up contention,

But one who is slow to anger appeases strife.

19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch,

But the path of the upright is a highway.

20 A wise son makes a father glad,

But a foolish man despises his mother.

21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom,

But a man of understanding keeps his way straight.

22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail;

But in a multitude of counselors they are established.

23 Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth.

How good is a word at the right time!

24 The path of life leads upward for the wise,

To keep him from going downward to She'ol.

25 The LORD will uproot the house of the proud,

But he will keep the widow's borders intact.

26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked,

But the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.

27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house,

But he who hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers,

But the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.

29 The LORD is far from the wicked,

But he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart.

Good news gives health to the bones.

31 The ear that listens to the reproof lives,

And will be at home among the wise.

32 He who refuses correction despises his own soul,

But he who listens to reproof gets understanding.

33 The fear of the LORD teaches wisdom.

Before honor is humility.

OLD TESTAMENT: 1 SAMUEL 1:1 - 2:21

1:1 Now there was a certain man of Ramatayim-Tzofim, of the hill-country of Efrayim, and his name was Elkana, the son of Yerocham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tochu, the son of Tzuf, an Efratite: 2 and he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 This man went up out of his city from year to year to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts in Shiloh. The two sons of `Eli, Hofni and Pinechas, Kohanim to the LORD, were there. 4 When the day came that Elkana sacrificed, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: 5 but to Hannah he gave a double portion; for he loved Hannah, but the LORD had shut up her womb. 6 Her rival provoked her sore, to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. 7 [as] he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. 8 Elkana her husband said to her, Hannah, why weep you? and why don't you eat? and why is your heart grieved? am I not better to you than ten sons? 9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now `Eli the Kohen was sitting on his seat by the door-post of the temple of the LORD. 10 She was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD, and wept sore. 11 She vowed a vow, and said, the LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your handmaid, and remember me, and not forget your handmaid, but will give to your handmaid a man-child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come on his head. 12 It happened, as she continued praying before the LORD, that `Eli marked her mouth. 13 Now Hannah, she spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore `Eli thought she had been drunken. 14 `Eli said to her, How long will you be drunken? put away your wine from you. 15 Hannah answered, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I poured out my soul before the LORD. 16 Don't count your handmaid for a wicked woman; for out of the abundance of my complaint and my provocation have I spoken hitherto. 17 Then `Eli answered, Go in shalom; and the God of Yisra'el grant your petition that you have asked of him. 18 She said, Let your handmaid find favor in your sight. So the woman went her way, and ate; and her facial expression wasn't sad any more. 19 They rose up in the morning early, and worshiped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkana knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her. 20 It happened, when the time was come about, that Hannah conceived, and bore a son; and she named him Shemu'el, [saying], Because I have asked him of the LORD. 21 The man Elkana, and all his house, went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow. 22 But Hannah didn't go up; for she said to her husband, [I will not go up] until the child be weaned; and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide forever. 23 Elkana her husband said to her, Do what seems you good; wait until you have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman waited and nursed her son, until she weaned him.24 When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, and one efah of meal, and a bottle of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young. 25 They killed the bull, and brought the child to `Eli. 26 She said, Oh, my lord, as your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the LORD. 27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD has given me my petition which I asked of him: 28 therefore also I have granted him to the LORD; as long as he lives he is granted to the LORD. He worshiped the LORD there.

2:1 Hannah prayed, and said: My heart exults in the LORD; My horn is exalted in the LORD; My mouth is enlarged over my enemies; Because I rejoice in your salvation.

2 There is none holy as the LORD; For there is none besides you, Neither is there any rock like our God. 3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; Don't let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the LORD is a God of knowledge, By him actions are weighed. 4 The bows of the mighty men are broken; Those who stumbled are girded with strength.

5 Those who were full have hired out themselves for bread; Those who were hungry have ceased [to hunger]: Yes, the barren has borne seven; She who has many children languishes. 6 The LORD kills, and makes alive: He brings down to She'ol, and brings up. 7 The LORD makes poor, and makes rich: He brings low, he also lifts up. 8 He raises up the poor out of the dust, He lifts up the needy from the dunghill, To make them sit with princes, Inherit the throne of glory: For the pillars of the eretz are the LORD's, He has set the world on them. 9 He will keep the feet of his holy ones; But the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness; For by strength shall no man prevail. 10 Those who strive with the LORD shall be broken to pieces; Against them will he thunder in the sky: The LORD will judge the ends of the eretz; He will give strength to his king, Exalt the horn of his anointed. 11 Elkana went to Ramah to his house. The child did minister to the LORD before `Eli the Kohen. 12 Now the sons of `Eli were base men; they didn't know the LORD. 13 The custom of the Kohanim with the people was that when any man offered sacrifice, the Kohen's servant came, while the flesh was boiling, with a flesh-hook of three teeth in his hand; 14 and he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the flesh-hook brought up the Kohen took therewith. So they did in Shiloh to all the Yisra'elites who came there. 15 Yes, before they burnt the fat, the Kohen's servant came, and said to the man who sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the Kohen; for he will not have boiled flesh of you, but raw. 16 If the man said to him, They will surely burn the fat first, and then take as much as your soul desires; then he would say, No, but you shall give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force. 17 The sin of the young men was very great before the LORD; for the men despised the offering of the LORD. 18 But Shemu'el ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen efod. 19 Moreover his mother made him a little robe, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20 `Eli blessed Elkana and his wife, and said, the LORD give you seed of this woman for the petition which was asked of the LORD. They went to their own home. 21 The LORD visited Hannah, and she conceived, and bore three sons and two daughters. The child Shemu'el grew before the LORD.

NEW TESTAMENT: JOHN 5:1 - 23

5:1 After these things, there was a feast of the Yehudim, and Yeshua went up to Yerushalayim.

2 Now in Yerushalayim by the sheep gate, there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew, "Beit-Zata," having five porches.

3 In these lay a great multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water;

4 for an angel of the Lord went down at certain times into the pool, and stirred up the water. Whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was made whole of whatever disease he was afflicted with.

5 A certain man was there, who had been sick for thirty-eight years.

6 When Yeshua saw him lying there, and knew that he had been sick for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to be made well?"

7 The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I'm coming, another steps down before me."

8 Yeshua said to him, "Arise, take up your mat, and walk."

9 Immediately, the man was made well, and took up his mat and walked. Now it was the Shabbat on that day.

10 So the Yehudim said to him who was cured, "It is the Shabbat. It is not lawful for you to carry the mat."

11 He answered them, "He who made me well, the same said to me, 'Take up your mat, and walk.'"

12 Then they asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your mat, and walk'?"

13 But he who was healed didn't know who it was, for Yeshua had withdrawn, a crowd being in the place.

14 Afterward Yeshua found him in the temple, and said to him, "Behold, you are made well. Sin no more, so that nothing worse happens to you."

15 The man went away, and told the Yehudim that it was Yeshua who had made him well.

16 For this cause the Yehudim persecuted Yeshua, and sought to kill him, because he did these things on the Shabbat.

17 But Yeshua answered them, "My Father is still working, so I am working, too."

18 For this cause therefore the Yehudim sought the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Shabbat, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

19 Yeshua therefore answered them, "Most assuredly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise.

20 For the Father has affection for the Son, and shows him all things that he himself does. He will show him greater works than these, that you may marvel.

21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom he desires.

22 For neither does the Father judge any man, but he has given all judgment to the Son,

23 that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who doesn't honor the Son doesn't honor the Father who sent him.

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sandythereadingcafe · 4 years ago

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LOVER AWAKENED (Black Dagger Brotherhood 3) by JR Ward

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A former blood slave, Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful female from the evil Lessening Society. Bella is instantly entranced by the Brother’s seething power. Except even as their desire for each other begins to overtake them, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against her abductor drives him to the brink of madness. Now Bella must help her lover not only overcome the wounds of his tortured past, but find a future with her...

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olad-ki-bandish · 6 months ago

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Quranic Solution for Fertility Issues: A Path to Parenthood

The desire for children is a fundamental human aspiration. When couples face challenges in conceiving, it can be a deeply distressing experience. While modern medicine offers valuable solutions, many turn to spiritual practices for comfort, hope, and guidance. This article explores the power of Quranic verses and supplications (duas) in addressing infertility, often referred to as "Olad ki Bandish."

Understanding Olad ki Bandish

Olad ki Bandish is a term used to describe the inability to conceive or bear children despite apparent physical health. It's essential to differentiate between medical infertility and issues that may have spiritual or metaphysical dimensions.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. If you are facing fertility challenges, it is crucial to consult with qualified medical professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Quran: A Source of Healing and Hope

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, is considered a source of guidance, healing, and inspiration. Many believe in the power of specific Quranic verses and supplications (duas) to address various life challenges, including infertility.

Key Quranic Verses for Fertility Issues

Surah Al-Inshirah (Chapter 94):

This chapter is renowned for its uplifting message, promising ease after hardship. It's often recited for relief from distress and challenges.

Surah Al-A'la (Chapter 87):

Emphasizing the importance of pursuing knowledge and good deeds, this chapter offers hope and reassurance.

Ayat Al-Kursi (Verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah):

Considered one of the most potent verses in the Quran, it is believed to provide protection and ward off evil.

Surah Maryam (Chapter 19):

The story of Maryam (Mary), the mother of Jesus, is a source of inspiration for those seeking blessings of motherhood.

Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113) and Surah An-Nas (Chapter 114):

These chapters are often recited together for protection from evil influences.

How to Utilize Quranic Verses

Regular Recitation: Consistent recitation of these verses can strengthen faith and hope.

Dua (Supplication): After reciting the verses, make heartfelt duas to Allah, seeking His blessings for offspring.

Faith and Patience: Maintain a strong belief in Allah's mercy and wisdom. Exercise patience and trust in His divine plan.

Seeking Guidance: Consult with a knowledgeable Islamic scholar for guidance on specific verses and their meanings.

Additional Practices

Salah (Prayer): Consistent prayer strengthens one's connection with Allah.

Zakat (Charity): Giving charity purifies one's wealth and attracts blessings.

Fasting (Sawm): Voluntary fasting, especially on Mondays and Thursdays, is encouraged.

Seeking Blessings: Seek the blessings of righteous individuals, like Imams or respected scholars.

Addressing Psychological Well-being

The journey to parenthood can be emotionally challenging. It's essential to prioritize mental health:

Support System: Lean on family, friends, or support groups for emotional support.

Counseling: Consider seeking professional counseling to cope with emotional distress.

Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being.

Conclusion

The Quran offers a powerful source of healing and hope for those facing infertility. By combining faith, patience, medical treatment, and the consistent practice of Quranic verses, couples can find solace and support. Remember, Allah's plans are perfect, and His timing is always right.

Disclaimer: While many people have found comfort and relief through the recitation of Quranic verses, it's essential to approach these practices with sincerity and without any expectations. Ultimately, the decision to have children is in Allah's hands.

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fireturtlepagan · 6 years ago

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The gods and their (mostly) coffee/ chocolate-y beverage/ tea orders

Also what they are god off cause ~learning~

Achelois doesn’t like hot beverages or chocolate would like ice water with lemon though

A minor moon goddess whose name means “she who washes away pain”.

Alectrona any coffee is good coffee

An early Greek goddess of the sun, daughter of Helios and Rhode, and possibly goddess of the morning.

Amphitrite s’mores Frappuccino

Greek goddess of the sea, wife of Poseidon and a Nereid.

Antheia tea, just the tea, nothing in it

Goddess of gardens, flowers, swamps, and marshes.

Apate Extra chocolate milkshake

Goddess of gardens, flowers, swamps, and marshes.

Aphrodite a tall beverage. Doesn’t care what’s in it just likes the small cups. Drinks like 5 at a time.

Goddess of love and beauty and married to Hephaestus.

Artemis mocha

Virginal goddess of the hunt and twin sister of Apollo.

Até “this is bean juice” (black coffee)

Greek goddess of mischief, delusion, ruin, and folly.

Athena don’t care give me the caffeine (loves iced coffee most)

Goddess of wisdom, poetry, art, and war strategy. Daughter of Zeus and born from his forehead fully grown, wearing battle armour.

Bia doesn’t like coffee likes frozen hot chocolate or just chocolate milk is just milk an option cause if it is just milk

The goddess of force and raw energy, daughter of Pallas and Styx, and sister of Nike, Kratos, and Zelus.

Brizo Irish coffee

Ancient Greek prophet goddess who was known as the protector of mariners, sailors, and fishermen.

Circe “coffee as dark as my hatred for men”

A goddess of magic who transformed her enemies, or those that insulted her, into beasts.

Cybele southern sweet tea

The Greek goddess of caverns, mountains, nature and wild animals.

Demeter doesn’t like coffee much but will drink it on occasion prefers iced tea

Goddess of agriculture, fertility, sacred law and the harvest.

Eileithyia Caramel Frappuccino

Goddess of childbirth, referred to by Homer as “the goddess of the pains of birth”.

Elpis peppermint mocha

The spirit and personification of hope. Hope was usually seen as an extension to suffering by the Greek, not as a god.

Enyo that chocolate that’s like a shot of espresso or whatever

Minor goddess of war and destruction, the companion and lover of the war god Ares and connected to Eris.

Eos yes to all

A Titaness and the goddess of the dawn.

Eris Red Bull

Greek goddess of chaos, strife and discord and connected to the war-goddess Enyo.

Gaia homemade hot coco, your grandmothers recipe, the one passed down by the generations full of love and memories

The primal Greek goddess of the Earth. Known as the great mother of all and often referred to as “Mother Earth”.

Harmonia espresso au lait

The Greek goddess of harmony and concord.

Hebe hot chocolate-y milk

Goddess of eternal youth.

Hecate coffee with sugar

The goddess of magic, crossroads, moon, ghosts, witchcraft and necromancy (the undead).

Hemera chai latte

Primordial goddess of the day, daytime and daylight. Daughter to Erebus and Nyx (the goddess of night).

Hera just needs caffeine please (1 creamer 2 sugars)

Goddess of goddesses, women, and marriage. Married to Zeus and known as Queen of the Gods.

Hestia hot chocolate with either cinnamon stick or a peppermint stick

goddess of the hearth, home, architecture, domesticity, family, and the state. Also one of the Hesperides.

Hygea loose leaf tea, preferably locally grown

Goddess of good health, cleanliness, and sanitation. This is where the word “hygiene” comes from.

Iris iced matcha latte

Greek goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods. She is also known as one of the goddesses of the sea and the sky.

Mania likes watching milk mix into the coffee but not drinking it

Spirit goddess of insanity, madness, crazed frenzy and the dead.

Nemesis stealing it from Dionysus

The goddess of retribution and personification of vengeance.

Nike just a little milk in either

Goddess of victory, known as the Winged Goddess of Victory.

Nyx milk and honey

Primordial goddess of the night.

Peitho cinnamon hot chocolate

Greek goddess of persuasion and seduction.

Persephone iced white mocha with raspberry or strawberry

Goddess of vegetation and spring and queen of the underworld. Lives off-season in the underworld as the wife of Hades.

Pheme a latte

The goddess of fame, gossip and renown. Her favour is notability, and her wrath is scandalous rumors.

Rhea steamed milk with vanilla or hazelnut

Titaness and goddess of nature. Daughter of the earth goddess Gaia and the sky god Uranus, and known as “the mother of gods”.

Selene white hot chocolate with almond milk

Goddess of the Moon

Styx pumpkin spice

Goddess of the river Styx and a Naiad who was the first to aid Zeus in the Titan war.

Terpsichore honey latte

Goddess of dance and chorus and one of the nine Muses.

Themis like 3 gallons of espresso

Ancient Greek Titaness and goddess of divine order, law, natural law and custom.

Thetis tea with looooots of honey basically just warm honey water

Sea nymph, goddess of water and one of the fifty Nereids, daughters of the ancient sea god Nereus. Also a shapeshifter and a prophet.

Tyche Starbucks pink drink

Goddess of prosperity and fortune.

Aeolus unsweetened ice tea

Greek god of the winds and air

Aether steamed milk with cinnamon

Primordial god of the upper air, light, the atmosphere, space and heaven.

Alastor one sugar in tea or coffee

God of family feuds and avenger of evil deeds.

Apollo decaf

Olympian god of music, poetry, art, oracles, archery, plague, medicine, sun, light and knowledge.

Ares mocha Frappuccino

God of war. Represented the physical, violent and untamed aspect of war.

Aristaeus tea he made himself

Minor patron god of animal husbandry, bee-keeping, and fruit trees. Son of Apollo.

Asclepius all the tea or black coffee

God of medicine, health, healing, rejuvenation and physicians.

Attis just water please

A minor god of vegetation, fruits of the earth and rebirth.

Caerus nitro cold brew

Minor god of opportunity, luck and favorable moments.

Cronos peach tea with cream

The god of time. Not to be confused with Cronus, the Titan father of Zeus.

Crios decaf with cream and sugar

The Titan god of the heavenly constellations and the measure of the year..

Cronus vanilla Frappuccino with no coffee

God of agriculture, leader and the youngest of the first generation of Titans and father of the Titans. Not to be confused with Cronos, god of time.

Deimos earl grey tea with cream

Deimos is the personification of dread and terror.

Dionysus either like a tiny bit of coffee in a milkshake or espresso directly into his veins

An Olympian god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine, of ritual madness, religious ecstasy and theatre.

Erebus iced coffee with vanilla and milk

Primordial god of darkness.

Eros strawberry Frappuccino

God of sexual desire, attraction, love and procreation.

Hades vanilla latte with soy milk

God of the Dead and Riches and King of the Underworld.

Helios chocolate and peanut butter hot chocolate

God of the Sun and also known as Sol.

Hephaestus iced tea with lemonade

God of fire, metalworking, stone masonry, forges and the art of sculpture. Created weapons for the gods and married to Aphrodite.

Hermes matcha

God of trade, thieves, travelers, sports, athletes, and border crossings, guide to the Underworld and messenger of the gods.

Hymenaios cold brew

God of marriage ceremonies, inspiring feasts and song.

Hypnos doesn’t like the way caffeine makes him feel so he drinks decaf

The Greek god of sleep.

Kratos Oreo milkshake

God of strength and power.

Momus gingerbread latte

God of satire, mockery, censure, writers and poets and a spirit of evil-spirited blame and unfair criticism.

Morpheus peppermint mocha

God of dreams and sleep – has the ability to take any human form and appear in dreams.

Paean London fog with lavender

The physician of the Olympian gods.

Pan mint tea

God of nature, the wild, shepherds, flocks, goats, mountain wilds, and is often associated with sexuality. Also a satyr (half man, half-goat).

Plutus hot chocolate with caramel

The Greek god of wealth.

Poseidon chai

Olympian Greek god of the sea, earthquakes, storms, and horses.

Priapus black coffee or coffee with creamer

Minor rustic fertility god, protector of flocks, fruit plants, bees and gardens and known for having an enormous penis.

Thanatos butterscotch iced coffee

A minor god and the god of death.

Triton sea salt caramel Frappuccino

Messenger of the sea and the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite.

Zelus lemonade

The god of dedication, emulation, eager rivalry, envy, jealousy, and zeal.

Zues lil bitch juice

God of the sky, lightning, thunder, law, order, justice, King of the Gods and the “Father of Gods and men”.

#witchcraft #gods #greek gods #goddesses #pagan #associations

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basicsofislam · 4 years ago

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ISLAM 101: 5 PILLARS OF ISLAM: ALMS AND CHARITY: VIRTUES OF ZAKAT:

ZAKAT IS A COMPENSATION FOR SINS

As an outcome of His unlimited mercy, God accepts good deeds as a means of granting the servant proximity with Him as well as compensation for prior sins. The Noble Prophet (upon whom be peace) has personally emphasized how acts such as ablution for prayers, the daily prescribed prayers, the Friday prayer, Ramadan fasting and even walking to the mosque compensate for sins that were committed beforehand. Indeed, zakat is no different, as enunciated in the Qur’an:

God said: “I am with you; if you establish salat and pay the zakat, and believe in My Messengers and support them, and lend to God a goodly loan, surely I shall remit your sins, and surely I shall admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow.” (Maida 5:12)

The Messenger of God had made use of the subsequent words in accentuating the compensatory facet of zakat among other deeds: “Salat, zakat, enjoining good and forbidding evil is compensation for a person’s shortcomings towards his/her home, family and neighbors.”30

The Hadith “Protect yourselves from hellfire, even it be with half a date,”31 underlines the importance of sadaqa and zakat, even if these be a tiny portion, in making amends for a person’s wrongs, along with providing a shield against the torment of punishment.

ZAKAT IS A MEANS OF “DUA” (i.e. PRAYER OR GOOD WISHES)

Zakat, through various ways, acquires dua or good wishes for the giver. As stated in the Qur’an, it attracts the precious dua of the Messenger of God (upon whom be peace), not to mention the sincere wishes of the recipient. Angels join the person in offering these good wishes for the rich, from whom he has received a helping hand. The Qur’an’s advice to the Prophet (upon whom be peace) is, in fact, as such: “Take alms of their wealth so that you may purify and sanctify them thereby, and pray for them for your prayers are a comfort for them” (Tawba 9:103). The Prophet’s well-wishes for people desiring to offer zakat was, and is, renowned, as exemplified here: “O God! Treat them with Your mercy and accept their dua.” From time to time, the Prophet personally uttered the name of a Companion, such as Abdullah ibn Awf, for whom he prayed as such: “O Lord! Have mercy on his family and accept his duas.”28

To wish benefits from God upon providers of sadaqa or zakat is what comes naturally, as cursing such people is horrendously against human nature. Therefore pronouncing the wish “May God be pleased with you!” towards such people is virtually translating the feelings embedded in the heart. As noted before, the hadith, “Two angels descend each day; one of them praying ‘O God! Bestow prosperity on the wealth of those who are charitable,’ and the other invoking, ‘O God! Destroy the wealth of the miser,’”29 amplifies the attitude of angels during such circumstances.

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therovingstar · 5 years ago

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Like Flowers Aflame

Summary: “I took your kill.” He almost starts when she calls to him, turns her head, and meets his gaze across the distance between them, still poised as he is on the wide steps. He questions which strikes him first: her dark eyes, ringed by a fire all their own, or the mild smile playing about her lips. She shrugs a shoulder. “Sorry.”

Hien x WoL (pre-relationship), <2700 words, fluff and feels, mild descriptions of blood.

@ffxiv-writers

AO3 Link

It is pandemonium, still, throughout the city and beyond its walls. Soldiers, leaders, resistance volunteers; dozens cross his path without him once being able to put a name to a mien. ‘Tis little surprise; he and his are the foreigners here, and there is no one who would recognize his face anymore than he would theirs. There are exceptions, of course, in a precious few, but they are justifiably occupied with the small matter of their nation’s new freedom.

He knows the feeling well. He should be with his own, miles away across the seas. And yet…

Lyse was a beacon in red, waving them down in the crowd. “I saw her earlier,”she said, “helping the other healers. Then I heard she went up top.” The young woman pointed above her head, and he followed her finger to the top levels of the Ala Mhigan palace, gleaming white and smoky gray against the blue, early evening sky.

“For what reason?” Yugiri asked. Lyse shrugged.

“Something about sussing out the aether in the atmosphere? Making sure that primal doesn’t show back up, presumably. We’ve already removed Zenos’ body. Guess it’s a precaution.”

That was all he needed to hear.

“My lord, where are you going?” Yugiri called to his back. Hien looked back over his shoulder, offering a bracing grin.

“To retrieve our hero, of course.” And before anyone could respond, he rallied himself and disappeared back into the bedlam.

He should be with his people now, or at least crossing those great waters to return to them. And he will be, come the definitive end to this day of revolution. But first…

The Gyr Abanian sun begins its descent in earnest as he traverses the residents’ quarters and approaches the palace. It paints everything in shades of orange and gold, from the stone buildings to the cargo wagons to the dented armor of Garlean machina and the torn uniforms of Alliance soldiers. For a moment, one can almost ignore the carnage of the day, so effective the dusk is at casting it all in gilded hues. It makes him yearn for the sight of the Ruby Sea at such a time, when the waters are burnished with a fire to rival Hell’s Lid.

How surprised he is, then, when he enters the palace under cover of chaos, climbs the staircase, and steps foot onto the shore of another kind of sea entirely.

There is a garden aflame. Hundreds, thousands of them, pink and red and white blossoms swaying as if from the tips of candle wicks under a breeze that teases his cheeks and the white fur lining his collar. Water gleams in golden pools bordered by white marble and teeming with green leaves and lotus.

It is beautiful, a landscape painting turned reality, and made a portrait by the lone Raen woman standing at its center, still as a sculpture.

But first, I wish to find her. See her, speak with her. Just for a moment.

What a ruler he is.

“I took your kill.” He almost starts when she calls to him, turns her head, and meets his gaze across the distance between them, still poised as he is on the wide steps. He questions which strikes him first: her dark eyes, ringed by a pink fire all their own, or the mild smile playing about her lips. Odzaya shrugs a shoulder. “Sorry.”

Hien blinks once, perhaps twice, before he bursts with a laugh.

“Aye! I suppose you did!” He approaches, his steps light, and stops several fulms away from where she stands bracketed by blossoms. “‘Tis fitting, I think.”

She looks surprised. “Truly?” Skepticism coats her gaze and tone as she turns in his direction.

“Truly,” Hien confirms, and crosses his arms, considering. “Zenos yae Galvus took much from me, certainly, but I am hardly the only one. Every Doman, every Ala Mhigan, every person who lost a home or a loved one or a livelihood to the Empire’s greed and his supposed ennui…they all deserved a chance at his head.” His gaze finds the place where the man in question’s body fell; his spattered blood still shines unnaturally jewel-like under the evening sun on the marble, as well as the petals of nearby flowers. Beautiful in the most morbid of ways. He grins suddenly, and looks at her. “My heart warms knowing that you thought of me, however.”

“A brief thought as he attempted to eat me, yes,” she admits, half sarcastic. Hien chuckles.

“Conqueror of Bardam’s Mettle and proud samurai I may be, but I know well that my skills paled in comparison to the man who felled my father, renowned swordsman that he was.” His grin widens. “I could not have hoped to defeat Zenos with my blade any more than a farmer with her hoe or a merchant with his silver tongue.”

“Give yourself a touch more credit, ‘Fire Walker’,” Odzaya replies, a thick purple brow lifting as she smirks. “You would at least do better than the merchant.” Hien guffaws, and her expression turns curious. “Speaking of silver tongues, whose was it that convinced you to come all the way up here?”

“I looking for you,” he answers easily, “of my own volition. Lyse mentioned something about your doing aether surveillance.”

Odzaya shakes her head. “Nothing so pedantic; I’ve not the tools on hand, nor the patience to use them. I was merely satisfying my own paranoia, more than anything.” She shifts back to her previous position of facing the far end of the gardens, and Hien follows without thinking, unwilling to resist his own curiosity. Soon, they both stand on the site of the Garleans’ last stand, where Zenos’ primal – Shinryu, he overheard it called – was previously bound. “Here is where it is most concentrated,” she tells him. “Feel it?”

He does, slightly. Sees it, as well. A strange thickness to the golden air as it enters his nostrils, barely visible undulations of sickly green at the edges of his periphery. A taste on the back of his tongue, just this side of bitter. He cannot hone in on any of it, distant sensations that they are and try as he might, but it makes his skin itch, his lungs reluctant to expand for what they may suck in. He looks beside him to find Odzaya’s eyes closed, her nose lightly wrinkled. Little doubt she senses more, for better or worse. “I will say,” he begins, crossing his arms, “I am glad we have not to compete with such creatures in Yanxia.”

“Mm,” Odzaya hums in agreement. “Be glad they’ve taken so much to these lands, instead.”

Hien thinks, then grins. “Ah, but then we have no Warrior of Light, either. Perhaps it would be a fair trade to deal with the occasional evil being knocking down our doors, to have one such as yourself in our regular company.”

She snorts once, and her smile, having disappeared beneath her concentration, returns. “Selfish.”

“At times,” he replies, and grins wider at her profile. “As we all are.”

They share silence, then, but for the wind through the blossoms and the gentle trickle of water. If he strains, he can hear the din down below, but up here, they seem separated from it all. It reminds him of the Azim Steppe’s plains, where malms of grasses stretch into infinity. Where one could seemingly chase the horizon forever and never encounter a soul.

He misses it. Here, however, with her, it feels as if a small fragment of the feeling has returned to him, even on this foreign soil located on the other side of the world. A power she gained as khagun, her connection to the land allowing her to carry its essence with her? Or merely a power she has all her own and over him, to conjure fond recollections of those days that were as fraught as they were halcyon?

“On the Steppe,” Odzaya begins suddenly. Hien mildly startles, thinking for one impossible moment that she read his mind. Then she continues. “There is a belief, that to interrupt a hunt is to interrupt fate. It is a sacred bond, that of two souls opposed. Predator and prey, seeker and sought. A matter to be left to the gods and the gods alone.” She opens her eyes and shrugs lightly. “A silly thing to consider perhaps, given what soil we are on and my extensive record of solving others’ problems. But…”

“But?” he encourages.

“But unlike those others, who gave me their blessing to act in their stead,” she says, and looks up at him, her sun-red gaze keen beneath the clean cut of her braided bangs, “you did not. And I recognized the desire in your eyes when we fought together in the Naadam and in Doma. To meet blades with those to stole so much from you. Regardless of your chance at victory.”

I see. So that is her quandary, then, and why she has brought it back to the fore, despite his assurances. Hien sighs, thoughtful, and absently rests a hand on the hilt of his katana. “You are not wrong,” he answers honestly. “A large part of me longed to meet the man on the battlefield. Partly for my father, as well as my countrymen. But also for the sake of my own pride.” He huffs once in amusement at his own foolery, and his thumb plays with the catch, teasing a release of the blade. “Would I be able to hold my own against the warrior no other has? T’was a question I could not help but ask myself, however ridiculous.”

“I took away your opportunity to find out,” Odzaya says, her gaze somewhat regretful. Hien laughs aloud.

“Fret not, my friend! Regardless of our blades never meeting, I received my answer well from the ‘hunt’ I witnessed between the two of you.” He takes his gaze to the palace’s tower and surrounding spires, a broken beacon still smoking in the aftermath of their duel. “I could scarce imagine besting the man, let alone a beast of the magnitude he became.” He sobers, and his smile gentles. “No, I am content to have had you there in my stead, and the stead of all those who suffered from his deeds.” He faces her fully, then, and makes a show of bowing low. “Just as it was my honor to have you at my side during my country’s liberation, so it is my honor to have had my personal hopes met by your hand.” When he straightens, only to be met with her widened gaze, he grins broadly once more. “I daresay you are performing your role well. ‘Tis a khagun’s duty to fulfill the wishes of her people, no? And from what I’ve gathered since arriving here, you have many outside of the Steppe.”

To his surprise, the woman scoffs lightly. “As if they would know the title.”

“I am here, yes? And Lyse, as well as a contingent of the Xaela who chose to take the journey here in your name.” He thumps a fist to his armored chest in a warrior’s gesture. “We will inform them.”

Odzaya shakes her head emphatically. “Keep the knowledge to yourselves, if you please. The last thing I need is more unnecessary ceremony. They already make too large a matter of me on this side of the world.”

“Can you blame them?”

“Yes,” she replies bluntly. “And you and Lyse for making it worse if you talk.” When he merely shrugs in answer, she narrows her eyes and angles herself toward him once more, her mouth pursed. He notes the medic’s uniform she wears, identical to the one worn by others he saw about the field but for the extra padding about her torso and arms, her armored boots, and the white and red cloak clasped at her neck. An attempt to make her abilities known, perhaps, while still blending in. Frankly, it fails. She still stands out like a lone lantern in the dark, not just for her scales or the vibrancy of her hair, but for the understated grace and power with which she carries herself. Like the blooms around them, he reckons, his eyes absently finding them; far hardier than they look, for all the epic battle that just took place here put them through. Even the ones that bore the brunt of Zenos’ bloody collapse have sprung back up in a way the warlord definitely did not, bruised but otherwise unscathed, and no less beautiful.

His gaze returns to her, and his smile, for a moment, turns inward. “Fitting,” he says again, this time as a murmur to himself.

“You said that,” Odzaya replies. He forgets about those keen horns sometimes; even Yugiri still blindsides him with all she manages to hear. “Still thinking about it?” she inquires.

“Just wondering what it is like to face a dragon in combat,” he says, in effort to cover his momentary daydreaming. To his surprise, she answers immediately.

“Hot and messy,” she states with all confidence, as if it is a knowledge she is intimately acquainted with. “And terrible-tasting. The blood gets everywhere.” She absently licks at the thick width of her bottom lip, and Hien splutters before he can control himself.

For every substantial thing he learns about her, like her gift for healing or her war-torn past or her casually rubbing shoulders with some of the most prominent figures on either continent, it is the smaller things – the fact that she sharpens the decorative edges of her staves and adores children and has apparently tasted dragon’s blood – that set his heart racing for reasons he is not quite yet willing to ponder.

“I suppose we’re done here. You did come to retrieve me, yes?” Odzaya makes the first move for the rooftop’s exit, her cloak billowing briefly outward with the abrupt spin of her heels. Hien comes back to himself with a small shake of the head, and she lifts a brow. “Are you alright?”

“Aye,” he says, pasting an easygoing smile on his lips. “Perhaps it is the aether, along with the hectic events of the day. My attentions seem to be scattering themselves.”

“You did come a long way,” she replies, and pauses, turning to face him once more. When next she speaks, her voice is softer. “Thank you, for the record. For doing that. Coming.” Hien’s smile widens.

“I said I would come,” he says with gentle conviction. “T’was a promise, yes?” Odzaya shrugs.

“Crossing an ocean is a long way for a promise, especially for a king with a country.”

“I could not well leave my khagun to do battle alone,” he half-jests. “A small difference we ultimately made, but it was a difference, still. And it was the least I could do for what you did for me and mine. And what you have done now.”

It is practically nothing, for all that she has done for him. A hundred years he could spend in attempt to repay her, and he fears he would still fall short. It says something, he thinks, that he still wishes to try.

“Well, you have my gratitude,” Odzaya says, and lifts herself briefly onto her toes, her head lowered just enough for her locced bangs to cover her eyes. A gesture of shyness, he inexplicably recognizes, having seen it last on the Steppe, when her family made such a fuss over her return to their midst. The realization brings that earlier inward smile to his face in full, blatant force before he can stop it.

“As you have mine,” he returns. Their gazes find one another again, and when she returns his smile, it is warmer than the sun on his face.

He dares to think he would cross another ten oceans, just to bask in its heat as he is now.

A hundred years. Ten oceans.

Small prices to pay for her eyes upon him.

#hien rijin #hien x wol #final fantasy xiv #final fantasy 14 #ffxiv #ff14 #odzaya malaguld #otp: starry-eyed #storytime #reposting to try to get these tags and links to actually work

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