#at a crucial juncture

[zombubble]

From In Memory; In Truth ch 19

Eyes on him have Wei Wuxian looking up with a start, and Ling Wen is standing there, leaning against one of her stacks. “Are you planning on spending the night?” she asks. Wei Wuxian looks around. It’s dark, the bulk of the light coming from the candelabra on the desk and his own spiritual fire, hovering above. “Can I?” he asks. She sighs. “No, that was a rhetorical question. Leave the station as-is and I’ll have it here for you tomorrow.” “I won’t even make issues! You’ve barely known I’m here, and you’ll—” “Laozu… This councilmember reminds you it is day six of your seven-day rest enforcement period.” Which means if he pushes, she’ll add days or something. Or tell Pei Ming, and he’ll probably add days, or… He sighs, setting his brush down. “Fine, fine,” he says. “I’ll be back tomorrow, then.” She nods, walking him out. “I’ve sent Taihua-dianxia a copy of your report,” she says. “He’s grateful for your hard work and has distributed it as needed to those helping keep watch. Apparently, such a thing wouldn’t be possible without you.” “I see.” “Lao-Pei told me you disliked such bureaucracy, yet it is important for us all to keep things running without you having to manage every single facet of this.” She looks at him. “Without those reports, we would be floundering in your absence. With them, we are effective and watchful. Even bureaucracy is important, at the end of the day.” “Right,” Wei Wuxian says as they approach the door. It swings open on its own and he turns to Ling Wen and bows. “Thank you,” he says, “for allowing me the use of your resources, and for your advice. Wuxian will try to keep it in mind in the future.” “Please, do,” she says. “Now, go home.” “Right.” A final nod and he’s out the door, unsurprised when it closes immediately behind him. “She sounds fun,” a voice says from behind him. He turns and sees Hua Cheng in his San Lang form, dressed in fairly plain robes. “Do people know you’re skulking around the Heavenly Realm again?” he asks. “Do I care? They can confront me if they wish.” He walks over, falling into step with Wei Wuxian as he heads back to his palace. “Gege said you needed to speak to me.”

Even as a god, Wei Wuxian doesn't have access to a 24-hour library so really, what even is the point?

I imagine he and Ling Wen get along surprisingly well, even though she, like many, finds him incredibly annoying. Unlike most people, she can hold up a document she thinks he'd like and it'll shut him up for at least ten minutes. If she's lucky. If not, she has access to plenty more.

I also think their biggest bone of contention is Wei Wuxian constantly itching to redo her organization, and her constantly having to get him to stay in his lane.

Interestingly, Ling Wen's library is the second-best resource in the three realms for guidao (and modao) and Wei Wuxian's methods of cultivation. The first-best is Wei Wuxian's private library, where he's rewritten/reconstructed his manuscripts (13 years is a long time!! He got bored!!!) and organized them.

(He was nice enough to let Ling Wen obtain copies.)

Thank you for reading!!! I'll see you next week with more.

[votsalot]

i think my toe is just crooked now

[wordwings]

*kicks down your door* It might seem like a plot hole that no one thought about the possibility of Dracula being invited into the asylum by Renfield (or any other patient) but actually it speaks to the way Renfield’s personhood is being denied mainly by Jack Seward, but also the rest of the crew in part through their reliance on Seward’s expertise. Which also ties into the way they have decided to shut out Mina at the very same time. It literally just did not occur to them that the patients living in the same building as them would have any claim to the residency that allows someone to grant the permission a vampire needs to enter a home. But of course the asylum is the patients’ home just as much as it is Jack’s! They live there! In short this fatal blow dealt to the heroes at this crucial juncture comes about through both their sexism and their ableism. Good night. *puts your door back on its hinges again and leaves*

[dpskampteeroad]

Quit India Movement Anniversary: Shaping Freedom Struggle

Marking a pivotal juncture, the Quit India Movement anniversary reflects India's unwavering dedication to freedom. Discover how this movement shifted approaches, combining peaceful and determined methods for independence

[amiableness]

Remus Lupin x Fem!Reader ☼ 659 words

"Y/N, love, what should we name him?" James asks curiously from his seat beside you.

For the past twenty minutes, you've been nestled on the couch between James and Remus, completely engrossed in the romance novel cradled in your hands. The story is reaching a pivotal moment, and your anticipation grows as the main characters edge closer to acknowledging their long-held feelings for each other.

James's right arm rests comfortably behind your shoulders, a reassuring presence, while Remus quietly turns the pages of his own book, the room enveloped in a serene hush. Despite the delay of Sirius and Peter, you hope they'll at least allow you to savor this crucial juncture in your literary escape.

"Name what—" you begin, turning to look at James curiously. But a sharp shriek escapes your lips as you spot a fairly giant spider crawling across his left hand. Your book slips from your fingers, forgotten, as adrenaline kicks in. 

In pure desperation, you scramble across the couch towards Remus, your movements quick and almost frantic. With adrenaline coursing through your veins, you find yourself in his lap, straddling his thighs. Remus, caught off guard, drops his book with a soft thud, his arms reacting instinctively to encircle you. His solid and reassuring arms pull you close against his chest, your own chest pressing firmly against his sturdy torso while you loop your arms around his neck for added security.

You watch James with wide eyes and parted lips, a sense of panic creeping in as he flashes you a teasing grin. You know he's about to tease you— it's inevitable.

“You don’t want to hold him? I can just plop him right-” James extends his left arm towards you, his tone teasing. 

Your reaction is immediate—a gasp that turns heads in the room, “Don’t you fucking dare!” You cling to Remus all the more, your fear palpable as you avoid any closer contact with the unwelcome intruder.

You and James both know there isn’t much of a threat behind your words. It’s hard to come across as intimidating when you’re buried in Remus's arms, seeking refuge from James's teasing.

"You can't keep running to Remus every time you have a problem." James teasingly huffs out, recalling the countless times Remus has scolded him for teasing you.

"Yes, she can." Remus asserts firmly, his voice carrying a hint of protectiveness.

"I promise he won’t bite." James continues, carefully adjusting his hands, one in front of the other, to let the spider crawl freely.

"Mate, leave it alone." Remus grumbles, adjusting your position so you nestle closer into him. Your cheek finds a comfortable spot on Remus’s shoulder. You consider giving James a defiant glare, but then remember he could easily toss the insect in your direction.

"I’m just teasing her. She knows I’m just messing around." James protests.

“James, leave her the fuck alone." Remus snaps sharply. James quickly complies, dropping his hand towards the floor and shaking off the spider. You watch with tense shoulders as the arachnid scurries off towards a dark corner. James glances nervously at Remus, guilt prickling in his stomach as he meets Remus's searing glare.

He knows better than to push Remus when he’s agitated, especially when it involves the girl he's so desperately into.

Several minutes passed in silence before James broke it.

"The spider's gone, love. You can get off his lap now. I'm sure Remus wants to go back to reading his book alone." He teases with a mischievous glint in his eyes, throwing a playful jab your way as he eyes how content you look being held by Remus.

"If Remus doesn't mind, I think I'll stay right where I am." You retort with a hint of defiance, glancing at Remus for confirmation. He responds by pulling you closer, his arm wrapping protectively around you, and giving James a pointed stare that silently asserts your decision to stay put.

That settled that.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

A word to Facebook employees

[Turn to CAM 2, flip chair around backward] Meta employees, let me rap at you a minute. Sure, “You Can Always Quit,” as we like to say around here. But at this crucial juncture, you can both protect your own livelihood and do so much more good for the world by not quitting. That’s right! Don’t quit, just stop working. Show up every day, don’t complain, don’t draw attention to yourself. But don’t accomplish anything. If you are working on a project, commit in your heart to never finishing it. This will be your last project at Meta, and you will be “working on it” until they force you out. If others rely on you to get their work done, make sure they can’t. If your role involves reviewing pull requests, you and I both know you can find a reason to reject every one. In fact, wouldn’t it be fun to see how many other employees you can drive out first? If you work in an open office space, make sure you chew loudly at all times. Microwave fish in the break room every single day. Be creative! You’ll have plenty of time to think of ideas, with all the work you’re not getting done.

-Rusty Foster/Today in Taba

[adhdo5]

It specifically would provoke reactions from Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji (internalized homophobia central) and NHS and WWX both think this is funny

I don't even think NHS and WWX are particularly romantically or sexually interested in each other I just think they played gay chicken/no homo kissed on a dare/etc at summer camp because they're both that dimension of obnoxious

[edennill-archived]

Obsessed by the implications that by the time kidnap fam is happening, Maglor is dealing with so much responsibility he never asked for. Basically becoming the person on whom the wellbeing of all his remaining family and soldiers depends on.

Like, Maedhros is technically in charge, politically, but he's also depressed and suicidal, perhaps actively so at times. Even if he's capable of managing the remaining Fëanorian forces, he's very much not capable of managing himself, or the twins. Or Maglor. Maglor is not used to this.

And at the same time, I think this is probably him taking small steps towards becoming the kind of person that is capable of throwing away the Silmaril and living on, despite the oath, despite his father's dying wish. The problem with growing up among Fëanorians is that you never learn how to decide without multiple very strong and overbearing wills influencing you, but this here is when Maglor begins to learn.

He will fall back on Maedhros at the crucial juncture once more and give in to his will regarding the Silmarils, but he will not follow him into death next. And then he will be alone, but he will tear off a scrap of linen, wrap the hand holding the Jewel in it and make a step towards the sea, and the step shall be his own.

[luvwich]

thirst trap

a "tiny" surprise from @littleplasticrat 😭❤️‍🔥 depicting a crucial plot juncture of Jaded...

[opencommunion]

"There has been a curious and persistent absence of dialogue regarding sexuality in public debates about counterterrorism, despite its crucial presence in American patriotism, warmongering, and empire building. Without these discourses of sexuality (and their attendant anxieties)—heterosexuality, homosexuality, queerness, metrosexuality, alternative and insurgent sexuality—the twin mechanisms of normalization and banishment that distinguish the terrorist from the patriot would cease to properly behave. At this historical juncture, the invocation of the terrorist as a queer, nonnational, perversely racialized other has become part of the normative script of the U.S. war on terror.

... Sexual deviancy is linked to the process of discerning, othering, and quarantining terrorist bodies, but these racially and sexually perverse figures also labor in the service of disciplining and normalizing subjects worthy of rehabilitation away from these bodies, in other words, signaling and enforcing the mandatory terms of patriotism. In this double deployment, the emasculated terrorist is not merely an other, but also a barometer of ab/normality involved in disciplinary apparatuses. Leti Volpp suggests, 'September 11 facilitated the consolidation of a new identity category that groups together persons who appear Middle Eastern, Arab, or Muslim. This consolidation reflects a racialization wherein members of this group are identified as terrorists, and are dis-identified as citizens.' This disidentification is a process of sexualization as well as of a racialization of religion. But the terrorist figure is not merely racialized and sexualized; the body must appear improperly racialized (outside the norms of multiculturalism) and perversely sexualized in order to materialize as the terrorist in the first place. Thus the terrorist and the person to be domesticated—the patriot—are not distant, oppositional entities, but 'close cousins.'"

Jasbir K. Puar, Terrorist Assemblages: Homonationalism in Queer Times (2007)

[ephemeralxjustice]

Beautiful, unending…  The lie he had told himself. 

The Final Days have laid it all to waste, stripped the veneer and left their rawness to splinter beneath the chaos it has welcomed. The once blue sky burns red with stars that crash from the heavens. The earth cries as its lush green blankets are charred to ash. Their star is dying and not a single person can pinpoint the why of it. It has taken only days for entire ages to unravel, and no number of hours locked in this room have granted them any answers. How could it be that the entirety of the Fourteen were helpless? How could it be that he, the Emissary, has no direction to give them, no guidance to offer? 

How can he have failed them in this most crucial juncture? 

It has been hours since the room emptied; each member long departed be it to comb their respective fields of expertise for ideas overlooked or to return to their vigil of the streets. Only Elidibus remained in the roaring silence of the Chamber, searching for something solid upon which he might stand.

For the first time in all his years, Elidibus cannot see the way forward.   

Day 2: Solitude

[AO3]

[bird-inacage]

Love Sea Episode 9: Lost at Sea before the Finale

Sigh. I had high hopes for this episode, which reached it's apex in the main conflict with Rak's dad (our honorary big bad). But yet again it's at a crucial juncture in the story, where writing and execution have fallen short when it really mattered.

Despite building tension for the past few weeks in service of this moment, it's swiftly deflated with little fuss. I thought the contract-tearing scene would provide a riveting layer of complexity for our characters to navigate. But it's barely a hiccup. The entire pay off we've been hurtling towards just unceremoniously fizzles out.

Here are my observations as to why this episode missed the mark (some of which I hope to dig into when I do a full review of the series).

The 'saviour' plot device. Where a character repeatedly saves the day in service of other characters (regardless of their credentials to do so). This is the role they've boxed Mut in. He swoops in - solves, fixes, pursues, soothes. He's faultless. He's unwavering. He's Rak's hero in shining armour. This isn't fundamentally bad except his capacity is reduced mainly to just that, and the cost is little to no development of his own. I take enormous issue with this because I dearly love Mut. He has great scope for a far more compelling trajectory. We had wonderful insights into his outlook on life in the earlier episodes, which have since taken a noticeable backseat. We are yet to see significant exploration of Mut's struggles, flaws or weaknesses. There appears to be some focus on this in episode 10, but why so little so late?

The women are rendered superfluous. Which isn't helped when we already have a lacklustre GL portrayal. As things go awry - Kwan, Vi and Mook are varying degrees of 'just there'. I would have loved to see the plot utilise the women who know Rak best, to contribute towards bringing Jak down. But the show's priority to aid Mut's heroic efforts, means the women are left with very little to do.

Mut VS Jak. If you compare the two men, Jak is taller and in fairly good shape. Physically, you'd expect more resistance in a fight. When Jak goes down, he barely tries to get up (even when Mut's back is turned). Thus, the outcome of the fight feels unearned, especially if we are to believe this man has violent tendencies that have traumatised his children. (He may not be murderously insane, but still volatile enough to maim his own son). By being so easily overpowered, the takeaway ends up being: 'oh, we needn't have worried'. And this exchange didn't have to be strictly physical either, it could have been psychological. Jak could have taunted Mut like he did in the café, and tried to chip at his resolve. Alternatively, if Rak were the one to overcome his father (in a bid to save Mut), it would show that Rak's love can power through his fear, and he'd gain that lesson through his own agency rather than Mut telling him he should no longer be afraid. (Another symptom of this series is subjugating Rak to a huge degree of passivity).

I'm not sold on Jak's character motivations, based on what we've seen. He's not quite smart or menacing enough to be a calculated sociopath, and he's a shade too conniving for an apathetic loser. If he's as lazy as we've been told, why would he go this far to secure Prin's money, when he's already syphoning finances from Rak and his mother? Couldn't he just sit back and continue to leech with no effort? If his desperation were a result of poor spending, it would at least ground his motive. Or if he's fuelled by the thrill of tormenting his family, we'd need to see mental depravity. Instead, much of Jak's actions feel - dare I say - 'because plot'? (Make your villains more formidable and their eventual downfall will pack more punch).

The few too many plot conveniences. The sillier one being how on earth Rak left the house without anyone noticing? The enormous glass staircase which sits front and centre in an open plan property makes it near impossible to go undetected. Unless he parkoured from his bedroom?

I'm gutted because the show veers towards the more questionable choices at their disposal. The set ups are there. The ideas are there. The parameters are there. It's what they decide to do with them that sadly misfires. This has caused my investment in the story to plummet towards the latter half.

I continue to watch for Fortpeat, and I feel for them because they've worked so hard. There's some lovely acting sprinkled throughout this episode but at this late stage in the series, the plot should be driving things home. Whereas the metaphorical tide keeps moving those goal posts in and out of sight. I hope they can at least round things off on a high note next week.

[scribblesbyavi]

Only an idiot thinks that the cutting down of trees for further development is okay. This is a fundamentally flawed idea. Do they really believe that we as a race needs more skyscrapers and bridges rather than natural green spaces? Urban areas require terrace gardens and parks to maintain ecological balance and enhance the quality of life. Moreover, the argument that cutting down an old tree is acceptable because it will be replaced by planting 1,000 new trees is misguided. Newly planted trees take many years to mature, and many may not even survive. The complexity and richness of a forest ecosystem cannot be recreated through mere tree planting. A forest is a thriving habitat that encompasses a diverse range of flora and fauna, and it cannot be replicated by simply planting trees. Protecting our existing forests is imperative. We have reached a critical juncture, almost a point of no return, and it is crucial that we work collectively to safeguard our planet. This is our only home, and we must take decisive action to preserve it for future generations.

[mariacallous]

President Joe Biden reminded Pennsylvanians on Friday that he, Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democrats safeguarded more than 1 million people’s pensions without any help from the GOP.

Visiting a union hall in Philadelphia, Biden and local union leaders highlighted the American Rescue Plan of 2021 and how it funded union pension plans that were facing insolvency. The pensions of an estimated 1.2 million workers and retirees have been protected from cuts due to the legislation.

It was no accident that the event took place in Pennsylvania, perhaps the most critical of battleground states for Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, and for her opponent, former President Donald Trump. Democrats have worried about Harris’ strength with the kind of blue-collar union voters whose pensions were backstopped by the bill.

Biden made sure anyone listening knew that the pension rescue got no Republican backing when Democrats muscled it through Congress over three years ago as part of a larger, pandemic-era stimulus package. It passed on a party-line vote in the Senate, with Harris casting a tie-breaker at a critical juncture for the bill.

The president said the vote underscored the hyperpartisan nature of Congress these days.

“We used to have real differences in the Senate. But at least when the critical things, we ended up getting together. But not anymore,” Biden said. “This is a different deal we’re working with. Not a single, solitary Republican in the House or the Senate, not one, voted to help with the pensions. Not one single one.”

“It’s the way things have gotten,” he added. “It’s wrong.”

He said that he and Harris “worked like hell” to include the pension rescue, known as the Butch Lewis Act, as part of the American Rescue Plan, and theorized that some Republicans would have voted for it but were afraid to cross party leaders.

“I believe a lot of those Republicans who voted no thought it was wrong. But they’re afraid to vote the right way,” Biden said.

The legislation provided an estimated $74 billion to $91 billion to shore up troubled multiemployer pension plans, which are funds that employers pay into under collective bargaining agreements. The funds can run into trouble when union membership declines over time, with more retirees drawing down benefits and fewer contributions going in on behalf of active workers.

The White House said Pennsylvania is home to an estimated 65,000 of the workers and retirees helped by the legislation. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., a government-run entity that insures multiemployer pension plans, said Friday it had approved an application to pump $684 million into a plan covering 29,000 workers and retirees in the service sector.

The pension rescue became something of a campaign story after the International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ executive board declined to make an endorsement in the presidential race. The Teamsters had the largest pension plan saved from cuts, and so the decision not to back Harris angered many members and labor allies

John Pishko, a retired Teamster from western Pennsylvania, spoke at the Philadelphia event about how the legislation helped save his retirement. He said he was set to lose 30% of his pension benefit, or about $1,000 a month, before Democrats stepped in with the bailout.

“That’s a pretty substantial cut to any working man,” Pishko said. “It was devastating.”

He had assumed he would “never” be able to stave off those cuts.

“It matters when you have a president and vice president who has your back,” he said.

[theblasianbarbie]

PLS STOP IGNORING I AM IN A DENTAL EMERGENCY

I apologize for reaching out again, but the situation has taken a grave turn. The response to my previous post has been incredible, but unfortunately, the donations have hit a standstill over the last couple of days. The urgency of my plea cannot be overstated.

I can't express how crucial your support is at this juncture. The dental office has already called, pressuring me to settle the balance before I can even schedule another appointment. As of yesterday, I was unable to meet their demands, caught in a heart-wrenching predicament.

Please consider donating whatever you can. Even a modest contribution of $5 or $10 can collectively create a powerful impact. The stress and anxiety I'm feeling are palpable, but your generosity can provide the relief and hope I so desperately need.

You can d0nate through the following avenues:

PP: PayPal.me/amirahaa

V: @Amira-Hasib

CA: $AmiraArima

As of now, we've reached $580 out of the $1500 goal. Within the next week, my hope is to achieve the full $1500 target so that I can receive the prompt treatment I urgently require.

Thank you for your understanding, your kindness, and your support in this time of urgency.

0/$1000

[ifitsagirlphebeifitsaboyphoebo]

Saw @salaarfanindia's recent post, I couldn't help but notice some parallels between Destiel and Varadeva. This may be quite the stretch but please excuse me.

Varadharaja Mannar, the elder brother , quite like Dean Winchester.

Both have a younger brother(Baachi/Sam Winchester) who they've sworn to protect.

Both of them have absent fathers. Rajamannar in Varadha's case and John Winchester for Dean. Their mothers died when they were quite young leaving them to fend for themselves while looking after their brothers at the same time.

Both have a father figure in their lives who consider them as their own son, essentially being more of a father to them than their biological father.

Both of them have a best friend who's hot, brooding and doesn't talk much.Said best friend would go to hell and back for them. Castiel went to the fiery pit of Hell to rescue Dean . As he himself says, Castiel gripped Dean tight and raised him from Perdition.Similarly, Deva reaches rescues Varadha from the metaphorical Hell that Rudra and his cronies inflict up on him(Cue : Mukku pogu incident where Deva touches a live wire to return Varadha's nose ring from the bullies).And later when the ceasefire is imposed,Deva comes to stay by his side as his "army" (tbh I didn't think Varadha called him as an army... He just wanted Deva by his side after all these year

Castiel, being an Angel,defied Heaven itself ,always choosing Dean (at one point an angel tells Cas not to lose it all for one Man) in the process being cast out and losing his grace, eventually becoming human himself .Deva wouldn't make a promise to his Amma when she asks him never to set foot in Khansaar again. But Deva makes a promise to Varadha to always return whenever he calls, going as far as to say that he'd be a bait or a shark for Varadha's sake, thereby choosing Varadha. In the end, he makes the choice to choose Varadha again and again when he performs the sword ritual to honour his commitment to Varadha.He chooses to be Varadha's Salaar, leaving behind all his ambitions(if any) and the throne itself which would've made him the Shouryanga King.He gives it all up for Varadha.

Castiel, on the verge of an impending Apocalypse, tells a broken Dean that he is the one who's fated to stop the Apocalypse and Lucifer .Deva, in a prison cell, right before a crucial juncture, where the fate of Khansaar rests in Varadha's vote, tells him that it doesn't matter what others think(or vote )and that he can exercise his power to do what he thinks is right, thereby guiding Varadha .

Cas puts himself on the line for Dean over and over again (I'll hold them off, i'll hold them all off...) even when he knows there's no coming back for him.Deva puts himself on the line for Varadha at Velamgadi , pleading with Naarang to spare Varadha and take him instead.

Cas smites demons for Dean. He even went against Lucifer for Dean. Deva beheaded Naarang for Varadha.

Cas watches Dean sleep (i'll watch over you).. Deva watches Varadha sleepand calms his nightmares(I'm not even making this up).

Cas and Dean hug each other , tight hugs where either refuses to let the other go.It's their love language. Deva and Varadha also have the same love language, long tight hugs where Varadha just melts into Deva's arms, arms which cradle Varadha like they're holding a long lost treasure(which of course Varadha is).

Dean and Cas flirt a lot .

Dean to Cas (after Cas has been staring at him intensely) : Cas,not for nothing, last time someone looked at me like that, I got laid.

Cas: *is dumbfounded*

Deva and Varadha... Well

Deva to Varadha : I have many friends more good looking than you.

Varadha : *cant tell if he is offended or horny*.

Sam is tired of his brother's eyefucking with the gay angel...One of these days he'll pluck his eyeballs out if he sees them pining over each other. Baachi and Rinda are always sulky as they have to witness the woobie eyes Deva and Varadha make at each other.I mean hey...anyone would be.

Cas tells Dean "I love you"/ Deva tells Varadha " No one should touch you".

I could go on but I won't. . I know some of this is a stretch but I couldn't help but remember an old beloved tv series and a new but beloved movie together... Apologies if this sucks..