#complimentary healing arts

[healingpendulum]

MY ETSY SHOP IS NOW ONLINE!

I’m heading into the New Year by offering two long distance healings on Etsy.  If you’d like to learn more, feel free to drop me a message.  I’m also open for more in-depth, personalized healing sessions, all of which can be done via phone or Zoom.  Watch this space and my Etsy for other products and always feel free to message me if you have any questions.

Love and light!

[good-beansdraws]

Fe Aspec Week Day 2: Friendship

An indulgent piece for today!!!! :') It's no secret the trio's friendship has always had a really special place in my heart, and I've been grateful for the taste of acceptance and contentment it brought me during (and long after) I played the game. To see them find the most caring and complete friendship in each other was truly inspiring.

Here's to all of us finding the people that make us "never long for companionship throughout the rest of our days" <3

[court-jobi]

Tagalong

((banner by me! I don't own Horikoshi's work OR the mindblowing art of @toshiimura))

Pairing: Midoriya x reader (retired by injury pro-hero fem!reader)

Words: 2.6K

Rating: T (18+ touches later on, to be safe~)

Warnings: Interrupted first time, heavy petting, established relationship, sharing a bed, honestly just Izuku in love and fluffy times commence in a hotel room.

Summary:

Joining Midoriya Sensei on his work trip -and yes, even sharing a bed for the first time- is medicine for you. The exchange of your passions has -and continues to be- an endless source of healing as you navigate life post-hero work. Each night away, you've danced into a settled calm with him; learning the rhythm of his habits. His sounds, his silences. When Izuku meets your gaze in the mirror, you read his mind loud and clear in how he emotes: he fawns, he sighs, then nods in the dearest way.

A/N: give me my sweet, simpering Deku, or give me death. Also by the way, yall are the best readers out there, thank you so much for all the love for my lil stories!

For my My Hero Academia Masterlist, check it out here!

Read on AO3

Life post-hero work was an adjustment for you… but you were starting to really get into the perks.

The lack of daily physical hardship holds the top spot on your list. PT? You can handle that on a rolling basis– the worst is behind you, and due to what you put yourself through which resulted in your injury, you’re out of official hero work for the foreseeable future- and in a way, grateful for the break on your muscles. You still retain your quirk, but can enjoy its thrills on a more recreational basis– your sweet boyfriend has even helped your healing by way of gentle exercises to keep things moving properly and get life manageable for you. 

Next would be the diet. You could certainly dip back into your baking hobby guilt-free now. You couldn’t get away from the hero world entirely -nor did you want to… but being able to settle into an agency office with an hourly job was also an incredible blessing. Late nights here and there were inevitable, but on the whole, you were able to greet and end your days with a steadiness of routine and safety.

Meeting Izuku Midoriya was the icing on your early retirement cake. Where you were tenderly finding your footing off the hero charts, Izuku held your hand to keep you upright. He didn’t lead or pull back on you– just came alongside you, so you didn’t fall too hard on the knees of self-doubt. He’s always so good like that. He knows your path because he himself shares it, and what a thing of fate that is.

New to you now though, is the general scope of free time you have. Not a forced flexibility due to the demand asked of an on-call hero, but you have paid time off. You have flex hours. You can work from home, if you so choose– so when you get the call that Izuku has been asked to hold a spot at the Sports Festival as the lead commentator, you are over the moon that you can answer with a wholehearted ‘yes’ when he asks you to come with him.

As if he’d be anything short of ecstatic, you truly believe the job was made for him. He’s got books upon books of hero research written by hand, and is essentially a walking Brittanica for Japan’s up and coming heroes, because of course he watches every other school’s sports fests in his free time so that his class can be the most prepared. Taking the role Present Mic once held when he was a student is a full-circle moment, and it's pretty precious seeing him in it. 

From day one, he’s a master of his craft, and from the couch you share in the observation deck with his co-teacher, Aizawa, you’re beyond impressed. You honestly wouldn’t be able to tell what department he was aligned with; he’s observant and complimentary of every students’ moves. You asked the pro hero hero beside you if this was the case when Izuku was younger, and he merely offered a sleepy,

“Intolerably, yes.”

But you see the lift of his cheek against his eyepatch and know that he’s secretly proud. 

The Sports Festival spreads over the course of a week now, as the culture surrounding the events available for support students to engage in has increased- to Izuku’s pride and joy. The training and feats of the heroes wouldn’t be possible without the other side of the coin, so he’s just as enthusiastic to hype up the developments of those courses as well. 

Watching your sweet Izuku -catching his eye when he looks back over to you and silently ushers you over to come watch an anticipated match-up of his kids off and on- is medicine for you. This entire exchange of passions has, and continues to be, a source of joy for you and is a treasured part of doing life with him. On that note, the event being held away from your district also grants you extended time to spend together that you normally wouldn’t, given the difference in your professional lives. Here, you’re locked in to five days and four nights of perfectly synced time– something you’ve not been able to do up to this point in your relationship.

Falling asleep and waking up together? This is the best thing ever.

On the first night, it hits your adorably flustered boyfriend that you’d indeed be sharing a room- and bed. That arrangement was something you’d registered the moment he’d asked you and were assuming he’d mentally (and spiritually) prepared for; but evidently it faced him the moment he stepped up to the counter to check in that Nezu had arranged you both to be together by default in the hotel block. 

But rather than falling on the trope of taking the armchair or sleeping on the ground like a middle school nervous nelly, Izuku was shy about it at first… but eager for the chance. The secret part of him finally let out some boyish excitement to find a bed big enough for you to actually share. You’d learned here that you both can spoon like you do on the couch, but you have so much room now. On both your parts, you’re a bit giggly and stiff at first- but settle in sweetly for the most comfortable night of your life.

By the second night, you both scoot into your room and -after a day of dancing around each other at more and more events- you’d be heard from the hallway: jumping into his arms and tackling him to the bed, filled with giggles and lots of kissing until you tangle up more willingly to sleep.

Night three, you’d both stayed out longer than you intended; catching up with some of the other instructors, which turned into essentially a repeat of the night you met. You take to talking up a storm on one of the hotel patios in a nerdy exchange of info-dumping and story-swapping that continues for almost three hours. You basically collapsed into bed the instant you got back, not even brushing your teeth out of exhaustion. Then by your fourth, you both are still so tired from the late night before and you flop on the bed, still in the sun-warmed clothes you set out in that morning.

It's so nice to be held by him- and it's torture to then look back up at each other. There’s definitely a softness found in Izuku’s face -as always, when it comes to your perfectly freckled sweetheart- but also something deep and personal. You want to ask him to shower together so badly and get rid of the day together- anything to add to this closeness you’ve been tiptoe-ing through all week. Worry over pushing him when he’s essentially on the clock keeps you from asking. This time, you still go about your rituals separately, only when you get out, you stay in a towel and shorts instead of full dressing down for bed.

When you're at the in-suite mirror doing your expedited, travel-sized skincare routine and Izuku stops by after he's out of the bathroom, he hesitates mid-step from trying to duck around you– and comes close, holds you by the middle. He stands shirtless behind you for the first time, showing you the scarring he carries in its fullest- no more tanks or undershirts hiding the worst from you. 

You’re as they say in the movies- incandescently happy.

“You smell so good,” he whispers. 

“You feel so good,” you answer. “Wanna go lay down?”

When Izuku meets your gaze in the mirror, you read his mind loud and clear in how he emotes: he fawns, he sighs, then nods in the dearest way. No sense in holding this darn towel up anymore, you simply turn in his arms, drop it, and kiss his surprise away with your reach up to his neck for a kiss. Your first of many, on this last night you could be wrapped up in your incredible boyfriend's arms with nothing but tender intentions on your mind.

Neither of you see a strong need for too many clothes under the sheets for this little foray into skin-to-skin contact, and enjoy a restorative makeout session. He's marked you up a bit, too, by all the harsh kissing he tends to do towards you (you low-key love this, since ‘that’s what makeup’s for’), and you especially appreciate how he plays with you perched in this arrangement.

You’re the first girl he's ever had topless in his reach– which is obvious from how he holds you in his lap nuzzling at your chest,

"Wow, y'r the moss'beautiful woman i'vever seen~"

From your previous talks of dalliances, you proudly keen over him, "I think I'm the only naked woman you've ever seen."

"-I've seen naked women."

You glance back to him, humored but flat, "Who."

Those green doe eyes flicker back up at you, oddly innocent as he quickly names his former classmate, who you’ve commonly heard referred to as Yaomomo, 

“Creati?” he tries to jog your memory, “i-it's part of her quirk, I didn't ev’r mean to look..."

Playfully suspicious, you test him, "Never had a feel?"

"I mean,” Izuku sharpens up a little to answer clearly, “She fell on me once, over in one of the training centers- and I wasn't gonna let her hit or head on something.."

"So a 'strategic catch'. Is that what we're calling it?" You sway your chest in front of him, feeling up his own, “I’m a horribly jealous creature, as you well know.”

He sinks and nuzzles gently at your pushed up chest- by his desire for lift. You’re playing with his painfully polite nature, of course- nothing but secure of your place with him.

"Not even once. Promise." 

Izuku lays a little kiss on your freshly cleaned skin where your heart lies under the surface, and ends up moaning at how soft it is- and so, keeps peppering kisses to your delight, "Oh wow... Oh wow, you're soft."

His name leaves you in an unsteady sigh as you’ve been scratching through his hair until it starts feeling so sharp and heady that you grip onto his neck in need of more support.

He's working on some passes with his tongue around your nipple when he whisper-sighs up to you, 

"mmmm don't stop doing tha'..."

So you play with his hair at his request, and he adores every bit of you that’s in reach: chin to cheek to neck while being the most gently vocal you've ever heard him.

The minute you rolled your barely clothed hips up on his lap just once, he split his attention from holding your waist to him to smoothing over your thigh to encourage the movement.

He started a slinking lean as he did so, losing his absolute mind watching you in a daze, before something dull hit your window - followed by a kid’s call of 'Sorry!!' . You siphon all your attention at the noise in a wide-eyed look that matches his.

Sweetly enough, you noted how fast Izuku held you at the sound, like he was going into strict ‘protect’ mode at the clash of a frisbee.

But, out of danger and out of breath, Izuku simply fell back and palmed his face.

"ughhbyou feel'so good... Mdizzy."

The heat you’d felt simmering in you has died at the interruption, but your fondness sure hasn’t.

You giggled, lowering into his chest and gripping the covers over your shoulders to warm you up, "Good dizzy?"

Even with an arm over his eye, your boy chuckled brilliantly, 

"Very good dizzy, hon’. Whew. We uh– we better stop before they start bangin’ on the door next."

You carded through his hair more, self-assured he was still just as taken by you despite the hard stop. How he kept you to him while shuffling the covers over you both was proof he didn’t want you going anywhere. Once settled, he felt he could focus again and brushed your hair back for attention,

"Hi there, handsome~"

"h-hi~" Izuku echoed.

You kissed again, a good deal calmer at first, but growing like a steady fire. Lips roaming, claiming, and keeping you ever closer. Comfort and reclaimed eagerness tipped you over by his strong guiding hand, all in favor to continue to mouth along your clavicle again.

Then, at the first sound of your addictive moans, he detached- forehead to your sternum, watching the rise and fall of your sweet belly beneath him.

"Ahh..” Izuku’s little war with himself was adorable, “w-we should stop. For real. I can’t- that’d be mean."

“You said that,” you answer with mirth, “but I don’t think ‘Little Deku’ agrees~”

Izuku wheezes out your first, middle, last and retired hero title to the point of coughing before you take it easy on him. Poor, desperate thing, brought low by little tease.

You chuffed against his stroke of nerves kindly. 

"Yes we should, if you say so," You snaked a hand through his hair, "Thank the Maker we don't have to second guess the chemistry department, huh?"

Izuku laughed brightly, slotting himself atop you, between the legs so you didn't have to feel how semi-hard he was. Snuggling back down, your heartbeats held their own conversation, content to cool to a reasonable temperature and slow things down, together.

"I'm so glad you came here with me." Izuku spoke softly to your neck, "This time with you really does me so much good."

And you really have enjoyed it. Getting to see firsthand the place where much of his proving of himself started, this event forged a lot of bonds with the close friends he still has to this day. 

"I'm glad I did too," You kissed the hairline within reach and simply laid comforting scratches along his back. "It's gonna be hell to go back."

"You don't wanna go back to work?"

You threw pity into your voice, "I don't wanna give up this glorified sleepover, no."

You don’t mean just getting carried away with thin walls and thinner restraint. You mean the intimacy that getting out of town sometimes offers in a way nothing else would. The week has made you softer, more in tune to the rhythm of Izuku’s habits. His sounds, his silences. 

The dampened shyness you hold thinking about it floats across him, so he laid back onto your arm to look up at you, 

"We don't have to. We can still have them~"

"Yeah?" You wonder how, earnestly, and he smiles in kind.

"Yeah!” his answer radiates nothing but pure sunshine, “Whenever you want! I'll come over, and we'll cook, and have podcast nights and snuggle, and... and.."

He’s got a look now- one that teeters along the line of flirty and unsure.

"Snuggle?" you finish for him mercifully.

"Y-yeah."

"Vocal snuggles?"

"Stop it," Izuku hid in your shoulder, "don't make fun of me."

"I'm not making fun of you~" you turned and kissed his blushing cheeks, rubbing his shoulder slowly. "No more than I'm making fun of myself for sounding like a wonton Victorian who just caught sight of an ankle for the first time."

His laughter betrays how offended he is at the idea, "Stoooop…"

"Mmmm, I don't think I will!"

Time to take things slow.. that might top your list now. If it means more nights with your hero draped in your arms, then the promise of time spent under his attention beats out any other remedy you’ve found so far. 

[frodo-a-gogo]

Hey i just want to let you know your comic was the best depiction of relapse i have ever seen in media. Thank you so much for making such a relatable and healing piece of art :]

This is so kind i honestly barely even know where to start. Im grateful that ppl have been so kind about the work ive put out.a lot of ppl have been very complimentary regarding my portrayal of relapse in particular which is fascinating to me- for the record i have no experience w subatance abuse but a little bit with a smattering of mental health issues to which one might "relapse" and i brought those experiences and emotions to it. I suppose theres a significant overlap there. Thank you for the kind words and thank you for reading

[paperlovesadness]

Miles Kane & Alex Turner as the actual definition of Twin Flames

So I read about twin flames and couldn't get these two out of my mind while doing so. Because of how the article seemed to be specifically about them. So here we are. Miles Kane and Alex Turner fitting all 11 signs of finding your "mirror soul" / twin flame (based on this arcticle. Quotes taken directly) I linked most sources within the screenshots/images themselves. This post could go on forever - so I had to stop at some point. Still, welcome to my most unhinged post yet! Enjoy!

_________________

Definition: A twin flame is an intense soul connection with someone thought to be a person's other half, sometimes called a "mirror soul." It's based on the idea that sometimes one soul gets split into two bodies.

1. When you met, there was instant recognition

When you first encounter your twin flame, Spinelli says there will be an intense sense of attraction, recognition, and longing. "Meeting a twin flame often feels like home," she notes. "They feel familiar—an undeniably intense bond as though you have known them before."

____

[screenshot / translation from the lovely @i-m-a-leaf-on-the-wind's post / linked in the image] ____

____ 2. You're very similar

You and your twin flame may find that you have a lot in common as far as values, past experiences, and interests, Spinelli adds. "Both of you will find that your past story has a lot of coincidences and similar experiences."

____

____

And of course: similar taste in music, similar interests, similar goals & dreams & approach to life (still no wives / children? [Alex as the only one in AM] -> Oriented around their own lives/dreams/hobbies), similar sense of humor, kind of similar sense of style honestly (or complimentary) & tons more.

3. You complement each other

In those areas that you aren't similar, you'll find your differences complement each other, almost like yin and yang. Their shadow, for example, will be complemented by your light, and vice versa. And because a twin flame mirrors you, you're likely very aware of how your relationship highlights your shadows, and theirs.

I know they've probably spoken about this / shown it much more. But this post is long enough on it's own. I think we all see they match / complete each other very well with their differences. Very well shown in TLSP - their music and lyrics are normally disctinctly their own style - but they come together and those differences make up something really magical (aka some of my very favorite music). And overall in personalities - where Miles is much more extraverted, outgoing. More talkative in interviews, a charmer with tons of friends. A performer first and foremost. Alex is more of a self-proclaimed introvert, on the calm, quieter side. Didn't even want to be the lead singer - wanted to write and play. Seems to enjoy process/studio more than performing.

4. Your insecurities and doubts are amplified

"The purpose of your twin flame is to support and help you with your divine mission and purpose," notes spiritual author Shannon Kaiser. "So, often this type of relationship will reflect your problems and deepest insecurities so you can work through them to heal and grow."

so obviously we don't know much about their private conversations and such. But honestly the way their differences complement one another (more on that below) - the way they've been friends for years (and close ones - constantly in contact/visiting each othert etc.) and have mentioned they can talk to each other about anything in their lives and also what I take away from some of their lyrics; with all that I just know this is true. Also quite literally they do support one another beautifully in their journeys and purpose in life (which yeah. I believe in big part is music and art). Truly believe there wouldn't be a TBHC or The Car without TLSP influences. Same with Miles' new stuff. (Also TLSP in itself is to me - their most valuable work of all). Also Imma leave some Miles Kane lyrics here. Make of them what you will.

Miscommunication Tailored altercations Sing to yourself at night So come a little closer, dear You know I find it kinda hard to hear When you are whispering like that And you're diving in the deep The world at your feet An oyster but you can't break the shell We're sitting on the carousel, bang, bang My God, I know this all too well

So let me save you from yourself because

Caroline, you're living on the edge this time But it ain't nothing personal, no, no It's something that you need to know It's problematic cosmological

Take my hand And go and lead the life that you've planned 'Cause you're gonna be just fine My Caroline My Caroline

5. They feel magnetic

From the moment you met and still to this day, you feel drawn to them physically when they're near you, as well as magnetically, when you're apart. It's as though their energy is always with you, always wanting to be closer.

UM... Do we even need me to even put any examples here? But ok, ok. Just a few little ones to not leave it empty

and then, for the being apart part, of course:

6. The relationship is tumultuous

Twin flame relationships aren't all smooth sailing, and actually, they're usually not. Being with a twin flame is like constantly being confronted by yourself, namely the parts of yourself you may not like. It can be incredibly challenging, but it's facilitating major growth for both of you.

Well there's:

which people say shows some tension between them (kind od agree) there's Miles' lyrics from his last two albums, which I am convinced are about Alex and could be taken as light diss tracks honestly. Either way - there've been theories about some tensions between the two around 2018ish? And maybe later. Seems like they've smoothed it out. But song lyrics can say a lot about potential hurt and love between the two. Also if you believe this twin flame thing is about romance - well then the fact they keep being in other relationships is the biggest thing (but still can't keep their hands off each other? potentially?) If you choose to see it as a deep platonic connection only - then just ignore the girlfriend-reference part above. For a bite-size example I'll leave you with some more Miles Kane lyrics here (I think these are most commonly & widely agreed upon to be about Alex). I'm gearing up to start doing some thorough MK lyric dissections / crazy theories soon!

You're walking around, your head in the clouds You're acting as if you're Mr. Johnny know-it-all Mister come and watch me fall

You're feeling alive, a Jekyll and Hyde You're riding the tides and everybody's just doing fine Leading that double life

I'll be right here, I'll see ya when I see ya I'll wait right here, I'll see ya when I see ya You're dancing with death in a bulletproof vest There's no other way to say it, brother Better watch your step Before all goes west

The king and the queen, the milk in your tea The partner in crime you only ever found once in life Don't let it pass you by

7. The relationship is very intense

There's a definite emotional charge between twin flames, says Spinelli, and they often develop quickly because you already feel so familiar. And as Kaiser adds, "Because you are so connected at a soul level, you feel things deeper together, which often makes for more intensity and passion."

I mean here's another one where we don't really need much material, do we? It's just there. And also previous quotes are examples for this one too. About how quickly they became the closest of friends: long conversations on the phone, sleeping at each others houses, getting to know each other's parents etc. And then they write music together (stating that if they met earlier they'd have been a band together for sure) and hop onto a plane to record an album in the French countryside, spending all their time together there. As still relatively fresh friends at that point.

I also needed to include this somewhere because I 100% also perceive Lennon/McCartney as twin flames - and think that this is where many of the comparisons between them lay (and also big part of why Miles & Alex can relate to the two on a deeper level) (we're not gonna talk about the sad ending for those two though. Okay? No).

-- And yeah. Also all that chemistry.

8. You keep coming back together

"The chase" is most definitely a part of the twin flame relationship. At some point, one of you may walk away, out of fear, anger—you name it. But you'll often come back.

"If you're in an 'on and off'-again-type relationship, it could be with your twin flame," Kaiser says. "You'll find that things just keep bringing you together in random ways. Could be months, years, even decades; you just always find your way back to one another."

+See: many of the other things already stated above - but especially under point 6. Also the fact they're in each others lives since they were pretty much kids and still after years chose/choose to spend so much time together, practically living next to one another at one point (Miles moving to LA partially for Alex) and talking about how they never do more than 2 months without seeing each other (and that's caused by big stuff, like tours). Also... I think if someone belives there's more going on bewteen the two then yeah... This seems like a description of what it seems like from the outside (with one of the bigger "on-agains" being around EYCTE era? And off- around TBHC / CDG album eras?)

9. Your connection feels divine

When you find your twin flame, there's a certain larger-than-life quality that likely feels divine or predestined.

"There is a feeling that you have been brought together by a higher power," Spinelli notes, and that creates a very strong bond between the two of you. (These can also sometimes be karmic relationships.)

See stuff from other points: esp. 1 and 2 I guess. All of them though. And just the way they read each others minds... But that's for the next point.

10. You have an almost psychic connection

You and your twin flame can likely communicate with just a glance, and you always know what the other is thinking. You may even feel each other's emotions or symptoms, Spinelli adds.

The way they finish each others sentences, connect via eye contact (like just glancing at the other and suddenly laughing knowingly?) all the mirroring and inside jokes. Yup. We all know all that, there's a lot. Too much. So just a symbolic amount of examples here.

___

11. They push you to be and do better

Because twin flames act as mirrors, they challenge us to do better, and oftentimes, your purposes are aligned in a way that pushes both of you to new heights. It's a very expansive relationship that promotes a lot of growth.

“Sometimes it can be a pressure being the fella in the band who writes the songs. Getting together with Miles I’ve got someone to bounce ideas off and that is something new for me. Also, it gives me somewhere to hide because he’s up there singing with me. In the Arctic Monkeys, there’s nowhere for me to hide.” - Alex As stated in another point - Miles is the more extraverted / loud / cheerful one, while Alex seems calmer, more reserved and on the serious-or-even-sad side. Well guess what - when they're together they balance each other out - and Alex is much more happy and outgoing. Even in interviews - which he famously doesn't really enjoy/do well in. (Take this from a fellow anxious/shy/quiet person. It's a GIFT to find a peron who opens you up this way). Miles also definitely gains a lot from Alex's presence and contrasting way of being.

I know that I could put so much more in here and it's driving me a little mad. There's quotes I have in my head but couldn't place and gave up on the search and stuff I probably just forgot too. But Imma let go of my perfectionism and leave this as is - because I believe it gets the message across. Hope you enjoy my insanity with me! XO

[girlfriendsofthegalaxy]

tuesday again 2/6/2024

some weeks it's really hard to come up with a snappy little bon mot to put here

listening

Barbarella, by a fuck of a lot of people. yes i DID watch this movie this week! this is the single catchiest theme song i have ever heard. i cannot link the actual opening credits scene bc tumblr will censor that shit SO fast. spotify

-

reading

Rebecca Roanhorse's Tread of Angels novella. this is an urban magic old west religious fantasy novella. VERY sangfielle friendsatthetable vibes, there's an old west mining town centered around the body of the demon Abbadon, which is being mined for its powerful properties. demons and angels have sort of interbred throughout the human population. there is some deeply nerdy catholic bullshit and i say that as someone who was in catholic school for fifteen years. actually let's just take Roanhorse's explanation

the setting and premise are not where the novella bites off way more than it can chew. the main character, a cardsharp, has a chanteuse sister being held accused of a murder and she's got 48hrs to prove her innocence. the time limit and general structure is good, and it uses its side characters wisely, there's just a fuck of a lot of them.

in general, this novella does not have the emotional room to make its emotional beats really count. for example, there was a second breakup with an ex after a night of passion that mostly just left me confused. more broadly, the main character has an oldest sister's selfsacrificing nature that has twisted into utter ruthlessness with regards to her sister, and i'm both impressed Roanhorse managed to convey that in so few pages and annoyed bc i really wanted to see more of that in way more detail. due to the nature of it being a novella, the series of escalating decisions she takes feel very jagged in their escalation. i hope that makes sense.

it's got really interesting ideas! i want to know more about the ideas! i wish this was a full book instead of a novella, so the ending hits a little better instead of a Well That Just Happened way. from this interview it seems Roanhorse also wanted it to be a full book, but it was sort of a "i need something short and sweet so i don't go insane while adapting my other book for TV" (which is very exciting!!!)

-

watching

really a bizarre set of films. extremely unemployed energy in this watchlist this week. largely composed of "what's on my letterboxed watchlist and also available for free on tubi, with brief forays into hulu"

Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013, dir. Chow). loved the overall visual design of the antagonists and the monsters, did not overall love this movie. it is a solid martial arts showcase and the first twenty minutes with freshwater JAWS are the most tightly plotted. it kind of flounders (lol) after that. can't find a gif i like.

INU-OH (2021, dir. Yuasa) genuinely healed my heart a little i think. queer (complimentary, not queer in the western massachusetts housing coop way) feudal anime glam rock opera. i am sooooooo picky about bad dads in movies as a driving force but this really soothed my daddy issues. stuck the landing on both storytelling and visuals.

Barbarella (1968, dir. Vadim) WOW Jane Fonda was hot. this was both sillier and less porny than i was led to believe (if we ignore the softcore porn opening credits). however horny this movie was it was not brave enough to have some girl-on-girl action with barbarella and the evil empress, even though the evil empress never seems to actually learn her name and just calls her “pretty” or “pretty-pretty”. shoutout to the one fic on ao3 that rectifies this situation. certainly a piece of scifi history, i wish modern scifi was as brave with its theatrical set dressing, i think one viewing is good enough for me bc i cannot stop thinking about how all the women on set might have been treated.

john philip law popped up and i said out loud to my cat “hey i know him from cowboys”

Flower Drum Song (1961, dir. Koster) got conned into watching this by the hotvintagemen poll bc i wanted to see what james shigeta’s deal was, and if he did have a sort of ratpack sensibility as the propaganda described. he does! however this movie is unrelentingly awful. it is so so so slow. all of its comedy is racism-based. it feels like a three and a half hour two-VHS set instead of two hours. i like to think i have a stronger stomach for older media and am able to consider things as products of their times but this is my upper limit i think. one brief fleeting moment of cool production with this triple mirror effect

Dirty Dancing (1987, dir. Ardolino). we were trying to find something to watch on either peacock or hbo max, and when i said "oh i've never seen that" out loud my my best friend said "that's insane we're watching it". i did not hate this movie, but i feel like i missed some critical window of development in which i would have had to see this movie to really love it. i had sort of an abnormal high school experience and i am a smidge too old to relate to bildungsroman any more. but it was cute! it was fine! i think patrick swayze’s jawline could cut glass. this film was made after Roe v Wade (1973) and i feel like the backstreet abortion b-plot has done this interesting 180 from sort of a historical novelty to a real threat and terror again. fun!

that’s it for the watching section i promise

-

playing

im doing the thing where i play a game for ten minutes, put it down, and then pick it back up again, which is probably not terrific for the health of my elderly switch. but whatever. what have i been up to in breath of the wild?

not a ton of progress map-wise, but did make it up to zora’s domain.

i was planning on the camel being the first divine beast, to get that over with bc i had such a devil of a time in my last playthrough, but the thing about the desert is it’s really far away.

dicked around the dueling peaks stables for a while without managing to defeat that guardian and unlock that shrine. so it goes. i think i really need an actual guardian shield from one of the minor tests of strength shrines instead of a normie shield. this line and sidequest made me laugh— it wasn’t terribly hard to find this little cache but it was a tricky bit of gliding.

didn’t realize the horses don’t have that much vertical threat perception, just like real horses. this little band walked right under me and i failed to glide down and land perfectly on someone’s back, which did freak them all out.

i think my new favorite place in a game is this little grove clinging to the side of the dueling peaks. it felt very peaceful and cozy. nothing can get me up there and there’s more than enough room to make a little campfire and cook dinner and not roll off the mountain in a sleeping bag the middle of the night.

also fully kitted out my house bc i had a very successful mining expedition along dueling peaks. EXTREMELY forgiving and generous secondary opening area imo, thanks game

-

making

i started this glitch sampler pattern by tumblr's own mathysphere (not @'d bc this is a fuck of a long post) at the beginning of the pandemic, june 2020, while thinking "eh let's give this friends at the table counterweight thing a shot" got most of the way through both counterweight and this piece, put it down bc i was so annoyed with all the confetti stitches (random one-off stitches of colors that aren't anywhere near other stitches of the same color. i think i resorted to fraychek at several points in the rover square) and then put it down so long i had to throw it out during the great moth debacle, bc it was partly eaten.

here's what it will look like finished, and a link to buy the pattern

i think this time around i am a much better technical stitcher (the first crack at this i didn't know the loop method of starting, or pin stitches, or really any alternate endings except running the tail under the last few stitches). i usually stitch with three strands bc i like the look, but i think the loop method with three strands is overly fiddly. i have not picked up cross stitch since mmmm 2021, but any mistakes or unevenness in this will simply contribute to the glitch effect. i'm going to go back and backstitch the four "frames" and key portions of the sampler to highlight portions of the glitches (eg the yellow and blue centers of the spiral galaxy, the interior of the eclipse, perhaps add an antenna to the rover).

still not my tidiest back, but hey. it's going to sit in a frame and not have any sort of friction or extra force applied to it ever

i am really looking forward to framing this in a deep shadowbox, i have an idea about how to mat it with little melty cutouts for the drips at the bottom.

[subwaysurf45]

The Time of the Prey (Epilogue)

Summary: The younger sister of the most talked about princess in the kingdoms really can’t do much except smile and nod. When Natasha, your sister, finally goes to moves all of you to Shieldshire to marry her beloved Prince Steve you are left with your art, all alone. But one Knight took it upon himself to keep you company, and that company was all you needed to get through wedding season. Will that company last or will it be ripped away from the both of you? A war is starting and it seems targets are being made.

Pairing: Knight!Bucky x Princess!Reader

Words: 1k

Warnings: Fluffy fluff, wrapping everything up, Its over!!! :(

A/N: thank you so much for the constant love and support on this fic. I want to thank the people who waited an entire summer for this series, I hope it was worth the wait! I had so much writing for this AU and hope you enjoyed reading! I will be writing one shots and will be posting about sending requestions if you haven’t seen it already!!!

Series Masterlist      II      Series Playlist

SIX MONTHS LATER

In the depth of the winter you stood in front of you mirror, slightly tugging at your jacket to get it to sit just right. Your stomach was twisting and turning all morning, Bucky noticed how you couldn’t sit still during breakfast. It didn’t help that his feet gently brushed along your leg as you ate, his hand also holding yours whenever he didn’t need to cut his food. 

Beside you was a trunk, the same one you brought when you first arrived at Shieldshire. It was still scraped and dented around the edges but when you looked at those marks you remembered the journey, the love you created, and the moments you’ll remember forever; for better or for worse. 

Most handmaids would carry the trunk for you but you chose against that, handmaids weren’t as used in your castle than others you realized. You walked quickly around the small castle, making your way to the front gates and nodding to the guards as you passed by. Escorts weren’t your thing anymore unless it was Bucky walking beside you, and he was training young kids this morning. 

The small building off to the side of the castle had people of all ages walking in it, from the extremely poor to the Lords who lived within the castle. They all had their trunks clutched tightly in the cold weather, there was nothing warm about the Southlands. 

“Good morning,” you smiled as you walked in, seeing everyone setting up their stations. 

Everyone responded in their own manner, some looked up from their spots and others stayed quiet. You moved to the front of the room and faced everyone, setting down your trunk and opening it. 

Your easel and paint were quickly set up, people were blowing cold air on their complimentary warm lemon waters. You scanned the room and waited until everyone looked ready to begin, when most of them were ready you began to teach. 

“Today we are going to cover shadows,” your canvas faced the group of around fifteen, and using an inked quill you began to draw a circle, “we are going to draw our circle like so,” you faced the group and saw them all begin, “then we are going to choose where our light source is coming from, can someone tell me an example of a light source?” 

“The sun!” someone called from the back. 

“Wonderful,” you nodded with a smile, “another example is a candle, can you remember how the corner of the page closest to the candle or lantern is always the easit part to see?” people’s eyes lit up with understanding. In the beginning, it was hard to remember people of all different walks of life who joined your lessons to learn how to draw and paint. 

You had decided to start with quil and ink first before getting into paints because they were much harder for beginners to use, it also costed more to buy paint now because of the kingdoms coming back from the war. The Free Lands had faught against the Red River and combined the two kingdoms, now producing most of the realm's dye and fabrics. Lands disputes had fallen, the realm was healing but it came with a price. 

Not too long later the lesson was complete, people took their boards off of their easels and left the little space, making their way back to the castle or into the common wealth lands. People from Flea Bottom were slow to move back, you were in talks with your mother about cleaner water for drinking and bathing but it was a long and tiring process. 

Accepting you were an heir took a shorter time than expected, you were slowly falling in love with politics but those thoughts scared you. There was nothing you hated more than feeling as though no matter when you did you let some party down, not always helping everyone. Your mother helped you get through that easily, telling you stories of how she believe her ideas were for the greater good but ended up failing, blowing up right in her face. It didn’t ease your mind in the slightest but it was nice to know someone as perfect as your mother made mistakes. 

As you walked along the white fluff to head back to the castle, your feet trudged through the snow. The Northern Lands would go through a freezing over period which caused snow to grow to double the height of their houses, the Southlands got some but it only reached your ankle. 

You had talking a great a deal about staying put in the kingdom, part of you still wanted to visit the Free Lands just to see how their democracy was going. From word of mouth you heard it was smooth, no issues and laws were created faster. Part of you kept that in the back of your mind as you thought about your families line of succession - or lack thereof. 

You were dead set on not having kids, nothing was going to change that. No amount of royal duty could make you squeeze a child out of you, there was simply no world that would happen. Bucky was more than content with that, childbirth was a scary thing, if a mother had five children only two would make it to adulthood. You would always shiver at the numbers when it came to mother mortality, you were never going to take that risk. 

So, who would come after you? 

Democracy was coming and there was no way to stop it. 

“I honestly think you walking and thinking is the scariest thing in the world,” all of a sudden Bucky appeared in front of you, blocking you from walking into a wall, your nose almost smacking into the grey cinder blocks. “What is troubling you, my sweet?” 

You just smiled and shook your head, “Just royal stuff, succession and kingdoms and responsibility and-”

“You’re doing it again,” he commented, taking your hand in his and walking you to your shared room. You didn’t have to ask, he knew you needed a break. “You always do this,” as Bucky spoke to took a moment to admire him and much you missed seeing him in his royal clothes and not the ratty tunics, “you think and think and think, it never ends, you have to give that smart brain of your a day off- at least an hour!” Bucky laughed with you, squeezing your hand and leaning into you. 

“How was the training?” your hand pressed against your forehead, feeling how cold it was. 

“Cold,” Bucky laughed, “those boys don’t know anything about fighting in the snow, how much more they have to move and step, they’ll learn someday,” he shook his head, “do you want to get some soup and bread before we go to our room?” You nodded and Bucky found a handmaid, “would you mind grabbing those soup-bread-bowl-things?” the handmaid laughed, Bucky did as well, “do you know what I’m referring to?” 

“Of course,” she smiled and walked away, heading towards the kitchens. 

Once you reached your bedroom you took off the gloves and jacket you were wearing, also helping Bucky out of the beige padded tunic he wore when teaching the kids how to fight. You had asked again about the training, especially one kid Bucky had a liking towards. “I don’t think you understand how great he will be once he reaches my age, the kid is ten and six and can already flip as he fights,” Bucky laughed as he sat on the edge of the bed, “there’s a reason the young ones call him Hercules.” 

You laughed as well, going to the door and grabbing the two bowls which were actuall bread, “I still am fascinated by these things, truely, I must meet whoever made them,” you passed one to Bucky, flicking off the crumbs that immediately flaked onto his pants. 

You both ate side by side, brushing against eachother’s shoulders as you leaned in. for the majority of the time you ate in silence but it was comfortable, just enjoying one another company. 

After a while you felt the hair on the back on your neck stand up, freezing where you were and looked over to Bucky who was already staring at you, lost in thought. You giggled to try and break the tension, “what?” you leaned into him. 

“For the life of me I can’t understand,” he whispered, “here you sit: an heir to a massive kingdom and allies with another strong contender and you do nothing to get the revenge of the men that hurt you,” he sighed and bit into his bread. 

You looked forward with a sigh, “I honestly don’t know,” was all you could offer on the surface but the answer was right there, “it always comes back to my father,” you looked over at Bucky who grew remorseful, probably kicking himself for making you think about your father, “he was always violent and agressive and harsh,” your spoon collected the last bit of broth that hadn’t seeped into the bread, “I want to be the opposite of him, which meant I must stay composed, I can’t be violent - I have to use my brain, something he never did.” 

Bucky hummed, “that does make sense,” he spoke with a full mouth but used the back of his hand to cover as he spoke, “you’re always so detailed like that, I love it.” 

You laughed, “one of us needs to hold eachother back from doing the irrational,” you began to bite into your bread. Bucky just looked at you and shook his head, smiling to himself. “Stop doing that,” you laughed and placed your bread down, wrapping your arms around him and pushing him to fall back, making him scramble to put his bread bowl down as well. 

“What are you doing?” he laughed as you rolled on top of him, “this is my thing!” Your arms stayed wrapped around his neck and you laid your head on his chest, feeling him slowly wrap his arms around you. “How are your scars?” the question seemed to come out of no where but you could tell he was feeling them through the dress. 

They were completely healed and at no risk for infection but the skin still sat with a bump, causing jagged lines to be left for the rest of your life. In the beginning you thought Bucky would try to avoid them as much as possible but he didn’t, most of the time tracing them or sneaking a few kisses in when you slept with your back to him. 

“All good,” you whispered and closed your eyes, “that feels nice,” you sighed as he gently slid his fingertips against your back, he continued to do so. Your body began to feel heavier and sleep crept up on you, pulling you deeper and deeper. 

“You are one of the good ones on this planet,” you heard from above you right before sleep fully washed over.

Thanks for all the love and reading, if you enjoyed don’t be afraid to reblog!

- Rambo <3

Taglist: tag list: @maybeimart @imtherain @jackiehollanderr @redneckstrash @tylard-blog1 @readingbooksanddrinkingtea-blog @linzc-reader @honeybunchesofbucky @sky0405 @striving4averagegirl @seybox @yaszx @happyt0exist @munsonette @searchf0rtheskyline @aya-fay @emi11ie @prettywhenicry420 @theluvcafe @whatsmylaneagain @sparkletash @learning-howto-be-myselfx3 @daydreaminglightly​ @desert-fern​ @wdyss​ @crazy4seb-chris​ @death-sonata​ @namelesssav

[zorilleerrant]

WIP game

Rules: You will be given a word. Share one sentence/excerpt from your wip(s) that start with each letter of that word.

Thanks to @batri-jopa for the word FISH.

“Formalized education is young when compared to the art of healing as a whole,” Wonder Woman says, in a way that manages to sound gracious, condescending, and complimentary all at once. (From the FTH story about Malik I'm still trying to title. Anyone have any puns on doctors or medicine?)

“It’s, it’s basically psychometry,” Saul said, “but…through shadows.” (From one of my installments in my superhero universe.)

“Someone who knew about the prophecy?” because that was, at last count, me. (From something titled no joke 'some demons and time travel' because I have nothing better to call it.)

Her eyes flicked to his hair for a second, checking to see whether it was charmed – gelled, not glamoured. (From an untitled project about the aftermath of being Chosen Champions of Magic as kids.)

I want to leave this as open as possible because for real this is such a cute game and everyone please tag me. That said: @wolfsbanesparks @hungry-hyena @striveattemptfail @sreppub @chaoticallyfluffy @im-not-buying-it-ether @elirium come get y'all writing prompt game

JUICE

[good-beans]

Tsumi's ask game: 2, 3, 4, 6 for Fuuta and Mappi!

Woo thank you so much :3 I promise I didn't go overboard but there were still a bunch so they're under the cut

2. favorite mv moment/frame?

This first one, hands down. Of course I love all frames of my little skrunkly (especially in his little knights outfit :3) but this moment in particular gave me chills. I could write a whole essay on how well Bring it On shows the melding of imagination/reality in a way that isn’t infantilizing. It’s not like a little kid getting carried away thinking of their fake stories, this happens to everyone – this has happened to me. Between the glitching and the beat in the music, this really gut-punched me with the feeling of letting yourself get carried away. Shoutout to the second one because it’s epic and I edited a lockscreen with it for a while. (extra shoutout to when he wipes the blood off his face ough I love that one too)

3. favorite non-mv official illustration?

the pv shot who said that. Lmao I actually really liked the 3rd anniversary art! It really captured that shit eating grin, and somehow maintains the perfect balance of making him look genuinely creepy/intimidating and still like a loser asdfsdf. In general he just looks real good in it :3 I know it’s like three tiny panels but I also love his Clock Over Orquestra look ;-;

4. favorite minigram episode/moment?

THERE’S SO MANY LOL I think it has to be the pause of silence as Amane makes fun of his height, but I’m so obsessed with the starry-eyed panel when he’s watching Yuno do cat’s cradle ;---; (eng versions from thinkin-bout-milgram)

6. favorite relationships with another character in the prison?

In general it’s Yuno, but a lot of that is from my own analysis/brainrot/fic writing 😭 I will never shut up about how his initial impression of violence was revealed to be in her defense, rather than his own aggression!!! They’re very similar and where they’re not, they’re complimentary. They are so special to me. If we’re talking mainly canon, it’s definitely him and Amane :’) Some parts are healthy and healing, some parts are fucking them both up more, but it’s all very fun and interesting. 

2. favorite mv moment/frame?

You’re making me choose??? You’re making me choose only one frame of my beautiful beautiful wife????

Seriously though, this one. I know it may be cliche as her Classic Frame but for someone who really relates to her “out of control” emotions and toxic positivity habits, it really hit hard!! It puts you in her victim's shoes, but still in the mindscape, and is just so unsettling and sad ;-;

3. favorite non-mv official illustration?

Definitely her birthday art! She’s so beautiful and happy in it <3 I love the dress, love the cake, love the flowers, it’s perfect! I enjoy her various anniversary art, but it always makes me sad seeing them try and paint her as creepy. I get it, but the whole point of her character is that there’s nothing literally creepy/mean about her ;--; (Referring to my previous answer, that's how you make her creepy. You put the viewer in her victim's shoes and make her just as cheery as always.)

4. favorite minigram episode/moment?

Her “I bet I could” because she Could!!! I believe in her 😤 It was such a cute minigram overall but after so much canon content of her struggling to keep up with what society/others expect of her I loved seeing her have some confidence in herself, even if it was silly :3 Ahh I also love her keeping up with Kotoko at jumprope! She may be small but she can keep up with the best of ‘em 💪

6. favorite relationships with another character in the prison?

Also Yuno lol! I love how much they care for each other, especially now that Yuno has been looking after her in T2 ;-; In general they make such a cool parallel – they both have crimes related to a partnership with a man, both pay attention to the picture-perfect ideal of a woman that society expects, but are complete opposites regarding honesty/masks. My secret little favorite is Fuuta, but once again that’s really all from headcanoned interactions and parallels 😅

[kurumeki]

When u get this u have to put 5 songs u actually listen to, publish. then, send this ask/tag 10 of your favourite followers✨️🎶

I was tagged by @phant0m-l0rd, thank you! ☜(ﾟヮﾟ☜)

I will list five songs that are stuck in my head lately, and that I simply cannot get enough of.

Black Sabbath / The Sign Of The Southern Cross From Sabbath's album Mob Rules (1981). This song is haunting me lately. Despite the title, it's not about religion really, it's not a reference to Christianity. Southern Cross, also known as Crux, is a constellation of the southern sky that is centred on four bright stars in a cross-shaped asterism. It's about realising how small we are compared to the night sky, and that life itself is much bigger than our what we experience here on Earth. Love Tony Iommi's heavy guitar riff and Geezer's complimentary bass. My favourite line from lyrics: Don't live for pleasure / Make life your treasure / Fade away.

Aerosmith / Draw The Line Title song from their 1977 album. I'm still not very familiar with their discography, but it should be no surprise one of their early releases got me with the groove. The bass line is permanently stuck in my brain, I'm afraid. Classic Aerosmith song that never fails to rail me up to get some very much needed kick of energy.

Judas Priest / Victim Of Changes From their 1976 album Sad Wings Of Destiny. Another album that got me in when I kind of accidentally listened to other two tracks from this album, Dreamer Deceiver and Deceiver (youtube is amazing sometimes with suggesting you stuff). I've been enjoying my journey to the roots of metal, so Judas Priest is a must. Love their heaviness and of course Rob Halford's vocals, my queer icon!

Rainbow / Stargazer Listen. Liiisten. When I first heard this song last year, I seriously wondered under which rock I've been living so far, not knowing this monumental masterpiece. I heard it at the movie premiere "Dio. Dreamers Never Die" (2022) in the cinema and my mind was literally blown. It wasn't even the full song played in the movie, and I was already hooked, obsessed, my brain rewired. I came back home very late, and instead of getting ready to sleep because of work on the next day, I put the song on and... yeah. It's love for life. Ronnie James Dio is a vocal genius there, his emotional performance will always give me chills. Cozy Powell's drum solo intro will never not be iconic. Ritchie Blackmore's guitar solo will never not be a work of art. The song is from their second album Rising from 1976. And in terms of favourite lyrics... hard to pick just one part. Stargazer will forever be in my top ten favourite songs of all time, and I know it will be the same at the day I die, no exaggeration.

MORRIE / あとは野となれ山となれ Speaking of songs that have forever rewired my brain - MORRIE's ultimate masterpiece and "healing song" from his 1992 solo album ロマンティックな、余りにロマンティックな (Romantic, All Too Romantic). It wasn't a love at first listen, but it sure has this unique quality that touches your heart and sends shivers down your spine. This song had to grow on me, but I was completely gone for it, when I was able to hear it live in 2019 at Solitude show in Yokohama O-SITE. He performed it alone on stage, with just the electric guitar, and the arrangement was just slightly different and he used a lot of loop, but it made so much sense to me that version will forever live in my heart. The song is about being eternal, about seasons passing and us being part of the nature's cycle, from the day we're born till we die, and then when we're born again, in human form or not, only to die again and one day just become cosmos nothingness and everything at the same time. I had the pleasure to try translating the lyrics of this song and this part always moves me almost to tears: You can become the star    You can become the sea You can become the wind   You can become the sand And still find the way           To that place Of infinite dream within your heart

If you made it there and read through all of this wall of text - congratulations! Now, my tagged beloved mutuals are:

@mystical-glider, @crash-to-create, @vinidra, @thedevilinbloodminor, @quartzfrost, @ranuunculus, @rayinpixels, @angels-holocaust, @hattoririma, @yridenergyridenergy.

[vidavs-refectorium]

Chavez [Chaotic Player]

Chavez is a human man in his later twenties with light skin, short black hair in some state of disarray and a goatee. His hazel eyes sport wrinkles, and on more sleepless nights, dark circles underneath. Commonly adorned in a simple long black shirt with green pants and dark shoes. Should you look close enough, you might notice the healed scars atop his head.

His right hazel eye might appear off to some. This is because it is an artificial replacement. Often worn over the eye is a red-tinted visor that rests upon the ear. This a complimentary gadget to the new eye and its functions.

An inventor-slash-surgeon who taught himself, Chavez took an instant interest in Perim technology and biology upon receiving his transport code. Seeing the potential for multiple projects in the other world, he began collecting what tech, scraps of metals and coin he could, all the while familiarizing with Perim’s machines and bodies. As best as possible in this place where logic doesn’t quite adhere. Weeks later, he had the resources and necessities, including a forging machine, protective gear and surgical instruments, to open a cybernetics shop. After selecting and weighing sites, Chavez settled on a cellar beneath a forgotten UnderWorld City street. Knowing limbs are always flying in the land down under, Chavez offers replacement mechanical limbs at costs lower than they should be, but to where even the common citizen can afford an appointment. To get business started, Chavez anonymously sprinkled whispers of his services throughout the city, mostly in those halls of art and the carnival and bars. They slowly spread and UnderWorlders started to seek him for new arms, legs, eyes, even organs. In the months that followed, he earned a small reputation in the UnderWorlder capitol. Many of his customers come from UnderWorld Colosseum after battle gone wrong, factory workers who suffered industrial accidents, or creatures around the lava locations who weren’t careful enough. Faces widely known sometimes enter Chavez’s shop, such as the scar-ridden gladiator Zororr, who is also a recurring customer. With the income, Chavez buys new and better machines and supplies. Other times, he’ll treat himself to the entertainment to be found in UnderWorld City, having taken a fascination in the tribe’s chaotic, bloody culture. Sport matches in the Colosseum, haunting concerts and recitals, the Carnival of Confusion and its variety of activities not for the faint of heart. Every now and then, Chavez will scope out sculptures or other Gothic UnderWorld art as decor for the cellar. Come the height of the Second M’arrillian Invasion, things began to change for Chavez. His tribe facing an imminent clash with the Deep Ones, Barrath Beyond sought to upgrade his biomechanical body. Khybon was his original choice to conduct the procedure, but the inventor had been brainwashed during Phelphor’s sojourn at Chaor’s Castle. Ulmar was the backup, but the scientist and his assistant, Igrog were busy building something huge that wasn’t a Gigantroper. Having heard of Chavez, Barrath ascertained the location of the sublevel shop. Arriving during open hours, he described what he wanted and offered a handsome payment plus the essential materials, even notes and sketches for the upgrade. While it would be his biggest job by far, the money alone was enough to convince Chavez to perform the operation. He wouldn’t be alone as a curious Jiggorex, who caught ear of Barrath’s plans, arrived at the shop soon after and assisted with the upgrade. After chemically lulling the Ethereal into a deep sleep, they began. Several days of delicate, messy work ground by as Chavez’s skills and knowledge were put to their greatest test. The procedure presented one obstacle after the next as he and Jiggorex achieved the vision Barrath had illustrated. But he was no inventor nor surgeon himself, and some changes were made to make the dream a reality. Twice they slipped into Ulmar’s Lab to steal a required part he probably wouldn’t miss, according to Jiggorex. In the later phases of the upgrade, Chavez had to utilize the elemental properties of a mysterious alloy, one that Barrath only described as coming from a distant land. Supposedly, if manipulated correctly by a special pair of provided cudgels, as some jotted foreign phrases were chanted, Barrath’s head would ignite and be perpetually ablaze, without burning him alive. Throughout a series of trial and error, Chavez gained his first insights into a then-unknown civilization not on this continent or underground. However, he knew he wouldn’t get answers from Barrath, judging by the warrior’s refrain of details.

The end result was a success and Barrath Beyond was reborn. Now encumbered in impenetrable armor, the UnderWorlder is now one of the strongest soldiers in Chaor’s Army—and the upgrade couldn’t have been completed at a better time. The Infernal Trifecta would be lured from the capitol to confront Milla’iin and his minions at the Marsh of Murk, as planned by Aa’une. A legion of M’arr led by Phelphor, reinforced by Lord Van Bloot and his fellow defectors, then besieged the capitol from every direction, above and below. Amidst the chaos, Barrath Beyond used his enhanced power, speed and energy to combat the invaders. His counterattack dealt a heavy blow to Phelphor and Van Bloot’s forces, allowing several UnderWorlders safe passage out of the city. Chavez proudly observed his work in action from the cover of buildings and rooftops. He could officially proclaim Barrath’s upgrade as his magnum opus. But he knew he couldn’t spectate for long. Returning to his shop, Chavez ported his belongings by the armful to a secondary location in the OverWorld before the invaders reached his street. Days later, he heard about a hideout above the surface, where UnderWorlders who escaped the siege were staying. Tracking it down, Chavez found himself in OverWorlder territory. Approaching the hideout, simply a cavern near the obscure Rokarr Ravine, Chavez was nearly coded by a sentry until recognized as not brainwashed and not a threat by an intervening Jiggorex. Lead inside, Chavez saw Barrath, even Zororr among the escaped UnderWorlders. He then learned that Barrath had been promoted to General for his defense against the invaders, which was further satisfying to hear. With that, Chavez felt more confident his contribution would prove a great asset to the Tribal Alliance defeating the M’arrillians. When the final battle came, Chavez and the other human loyalists returned to Chaootic. Before leaving the UnderWorlders’ hideout, Chavez asked Barrath and Jiggorex not to tell the Trifecta--or anycreature for that matter--that he did the bulk of the upgrade, wishing to keep a level of anonymity in Perim. When Aa’une was defeated and the occupiers of UnderWorld City were driven out, Chavez ported back to find his cellar undamaged and free of enemy stragglers and traps. Relocating his things to the shop, business as usual resumed and with a hike in profits—hundreds of creatures needed replacements after the invasion. As Chavez’s shop regained life alongside the rebuilding city, it was revealed that Jiggorex had broken his promise of secrecy about the upgrade, but over an exception never considered. The satyr later visited Chavez with the informed creature, his friend Khybon. Well aware of the inventor’s accomplishments in battlegear and vehicle progress, Chavez was admittedly honored by his presence. Khybon inquired of the upgrade and how it was achieved. Chavez explained the steps taken, and how he overcame the obstacles that emerged. The UnderWorlder was impressed, and a rapport was established between the two. In the days since, Khybon on the uncommon occasion summons Chavez for small requests. Gathering something beyond his reach but easily within Chavez’s. Delivering information or gear to colleague creatures. Maintenance and feedback on the prototype automatons. Chavez is then paid in the privilege of picking discarded goods from Khybon’s Scrapyard—one creature’s trash is the human’s treasure. This generosity has helped Chavez improve his own shelf of equipment, and therefore the shop. The arrangement is nice, and Chavez expects nothing more, still wishing to retain a low profile. These relations with Khybon and Barrath are contradictory, but Chavez doesn’t see them as problematic. What would be problematic is Chaor learning of his existence and his work. While the Great Imp has become increasingly favorable of Chaotic players, Chavez is far from the common player. Chaor could condemn his services, but he could also approve of them. This path might drag Chavez into the UnderWorlders’ conqueror affairs when he wishes to remain neutral among the tribes, for the most part.

With coin and resources abound, Chavez intends to open a second shop. Attending the Memorial of Tangath Toborn, he learned about the hero’s home, the Spiritlands. Chavez made the connection with the place and the mysterious alloy Barrath possessed, and now knows where else to offer his products. While at the ceremony he met Kara, a gothic player around his age who is also interested in the faraway realm. Together, the two have since sought leads to the location of the Spiritlands, eager to learn their secrets. Meanwhile on Earth, Chavez blueprints additional replacements for himself. Feeling that treading Perim will become more perilous in days to come, plus feeling dissatisfied with his current self, he is sure of another round of replacements but takes his time—you cannot rush a good piece of art. Well, unless you get really lucky.

"My clients aren't really picky about the designs of their replacements. Not usually. I like it when they are though, I appreciate the challenge."

“What’s one thing this profession has taught me? Oh, boy. Well, I’ve learned a lot down here. One that comes to mind right now is how surprisingly lax UnderWorlders are towards us. Like, I was expecting way more aggression from clientele, but a lot of them are pretty friendly. I know part of it has to do with not scaring the guy who’s making you a new arm or leg, but lately, creatures’ attitudes towards humans, even in the UnderWorld, they’ve improved.”

”Have I ever been attacked on the job? Is that a trick question? Of course I do, it’s UnderWorld City. So, the moment you get any sort of income going in Perim, you should invest in self-defense. Obviously, the CodeMasters don’t let us bring our own.”

“What made you consider pursuing the job? Oh boy, this is taking me back. Well, first, I wanted to become a doctor as a child. A regular doctor. Then, I took an interest in cybernetic parts. When I was eight or nine, my family and I visited a relative in the hospital. There was this other patient with a new prosthetic leg. Brand new stuff. It captivated me. My parents scolded me for staring at the patient, but that’s when I took an interest in cybernetic limbs and organs. Then somewhere down the line, that and being a doctor mixed together and well, the rest is history. I couldn’t really do it back home, but Chaotic. Never thought I’d get my chance through a card game. Or whatever else it is. Not complaining.”

[forestdragoncat]

About Argenta's last party, aka "The Jewelled Wings"

@dujour13 So, turns out there is a lot of text, so there will be a post after all!

So, in addition to information from this ask:

Argenta met them approximately 3 years before the start of Wrath on some dungeon-delving mission (the other 3 members formed a party already, Argenta was being solo), and those people decided that they totally should have that "Pale Visage" in their group. She agreed, because why not, she travelled in parties before, just didn't get attached to any of them. Then, when Argy got kidnapped, those 3 goodies saved her from a criminal band (which she angered while working for another gang some time ago), and she was like "Wot?" and "Oh, so a nice thing happened to me. So, where is the catch?". And to her bewilderment she found none, her new party just were that nice! Very suspicious still, but also... curious. So, they traveled for years, had a lot of adventures together (my headcanon is that Argenta is a 6-7 level adventurer at the start of Wrath), and were the bestest friends ever. Argenta actually changed her style during that time - before she was wearing dull clothing with a big brown cape (she is still wearing its fragment), because she tried to be as unremarkable (and not-rich) as it is possible with her overall appearance. And her stylish black and gold coat was a gift from her friends and a symbol of not being afraid to be noticed (a little more info here). She also started wearing a few bracelets under the sleeves, not counting the rainbow beads on the portrait (can be seen on OT3 art).

The Pale Visage and The Sunchaser (nicknames of Argy and Isari) were a complimentary pair of companions, the pessimist who sees everything that can (and will) go wrong (so it could be prevented), and the optimist, who will keep the high hopes in others, save them from despair and continue to lead onwards.

And then a few month before the Kenabres invasion the party got a mission from the mayor of some not very big Ustalavic city, that included sightings of restless undead near ancient underground mausoleum that were too close to the city for its inhabitants comfort. By the mayor's words, it was just a bunch of zombies and some wraiths, nothing more, and the payment was modest, but good.

So the party prepared for the task and went to the dungeon. There were indeed zombies and wraiths, and the party was victorious, but then they discovered that said undead weren't the only types of undead here.

No, there also was a Whole. Freaking. Lich. Well, maybe not a completely whole lich, since he wasn't looking very good even for undead, but still. LICH.

Of course a party of 4 6-level adventurers is no match for such an encounter, so the lich did a negative energy blast that knocked out Cinty and Chaedan, but bypassed Argenta (because she is a dhampir) and only staggered Isari. So the Sunchaser, being the, as Argenta would put it, heroic leader dumbass, told the Pale Visage to get other 2 members out of here while he distracts lich, and collapsed the dungeon with a powerful fire blast after Argenta flied up the stairs.

The 2 unconsious team members were still alive when exhausted shaman got to the surface, but she was never good with healing or positive energy in general, and their emergency healing wand was out of charges (and nobody noticed beforehand, because of course).

And while Argenta was trying to find a spirit of life to lend her their healing powers, the bard and the arcanist passed away. With the two broken hearts (the shaman's and the spirit's) came a lot of anguished screams, gross sobbing and ugly crying.

And that wasn't the end of the story - the last member of the party, aka Argenta herself, did return to the city to collect bounty (because if everything else went absolutely awful, she at least have to get the money, for… something, or... or... even demand a payment for ressurection!), and then she found out that the mayor KNEW about the lich, but didn't tell the Jewelled Wings because a) He was afraid that they wouldn't take the job and b) Because he was being a greedy bastard and didn't want to pay extra. So Argy in a fit of tranquil rage killed him on spot and then run off without grabbing any payment, and also left behind her favourite glaive. And then she was aimlessly wondering the lands of the north Ustalav, before Areelu got her hands on her and began the experiment with Nahyndrian crystal in Kenabres.

[sawasdeespa]

Discover Tranquility at Thai Therapist Spa Near You

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding moments of tranquility and relaxation becomes essential for our well-being. Enter Thai Therapist Spa, a haven of serenity nestled right in your neighborhood. Whether you're a local looking for a rejuvenating escape or a traveler seeking a wellness retreat, this spa promises an unforgettable experience infused with Thai hospitality and ancient healing traditions.

Embrace Authentic Thai Healing Therapies

Step into Thai Therapist Spa, and you're transported to the heart of Thailand. The aroma of lemongrass and jasmine fills the air, and the soothing sounds of traditional Thai music welcome you. The ambiance alone sets the stage for a transformative journey towards inner peace and rejuvenation.

At Thai Therapist Spa, authenticity is key. Trained therapists, well-versed in the ancient art of Thai massage, offer a range of therapies tailored to address your specific needs. From traditional Thai massage, which combines acupressure, stretching, and rhythmic compressions, to herbal compress treatments and soothing aromatherapy sessions, each treatment is designed to restore balance to both body and mind.

A Sanctuary of Relaxation

The spa's tranquil environment is designed to cocoon you from the outside world, allowing you to fully unwind and let go of stress. Soft lighting, plush furnishings, and carefully curated decor create a serene atmosphere conducive to deep relaxation.

Before your treatment, indulge in a complimentary herbal tea infused with local ingredients, further enhancing your sense of well-being. After your session, linger in the relaxation area, savoring the feeling of tranquility that envelops you.

Exceptional Hospitality

What truly sets Thai Therapist Spa apart is its commitment to hospitality. From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, you're treated with warmth and care, just like a cherished guest in a Thai home.

The staff are not only skilled therapists but also gracious hosts, attentive to your every need. Whether you have questions about the treatments or simply want to chat, they're always ready with a smile and a kind word.

An Oasis in Your Neighborhood

Convenience meets luxury at Sawasdee Thai Therapist Spa, conveniently located in the heart of your neighborhood. No need to travel far to find relaxation – simply step inside and let the journey begin.

Whether you're looking for a quick escape during your lunch break or a leisurely afternoon of pampering, Thai Therapist Spa offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate your busy lifestyle. Treat yourself to a well-deserved break without straying too far from home.

Experience the Magic of Thai Therapist Spa

In a world filled with distractions and demands, carving out time for self-care is essential. Thai Therapist Spa offers a sanctuary where you can press pause on the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with your inner calm.

Discover the transformative power of ancient Thai healing traditions, unwind in a tranquil oasis, and experience the warmth of genuine Thai hospitality – all without leaving your neighborhood. Treat yourself to the gift of relaxation at Thai Therapist Spa and embark on a journey towards rejuvenation and well-being. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

[lemontreehotel]

Spa and Wellness: Relaxing at Lemon Tree Hotel in Amritsar

When you think of a relaxing escape, what comes to mind? Perhaps a tranquil spa, soothing massages, and a luxurious environment. At Lemon Tree Hotel in Amritsar, guests can experience all of this and more. The hotel offers a comprehensive spa and wellness program designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. Let's explore the various ways you can unwind and recharge at Lemon Tree Hotel in Amritsar.

1. Signature Spa Treatments

At Lemon Tree Hotel in Amritsar, the spa offers a range of signature treatments tailored to your needs. From aromatherapy to deep tissue massages, guests can enjoy personalized experiences designed to alleviate stress and improve overall well-being.

2. Holistic Healing

The hotel's wellness experts combine traditional techniques with modern approaches to offer a holistic healing experience. Guests can choose from a variety of therapies, including ayurvedic treatments and reflexology, to enhance their physical and mental health.

3. Tranquil Ambiance

The spa at Lemon Tree Hotel in Amritsar provides a serene environment for relaxation. The calming decor, gentle music, and soothing aromas create an atmosphere conducive to healing and tranquility.

4. Fitness Center Access

In addition to spa treatments, guests can also take advantage of the hotel's fitness center. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the fitness center allows you to maintain your workout routine and stay active during your stay.

5. Pool and Sauna Facilities

For those looking to relax further, Lemon Tree Hotel in Amritsar offers pool and sauna facilities. Take a refreshing swim in the pool or unwind in the sauna to relieve stress and invigorate your senses.

6. Expert Staff

The spa and wellness center at Lemon Tree Hotel in Amritsar is staffed by experienced professionals who prioritize your comfort and satisfaction. They guide you through your treatment options and ensure you have a memorable and relaxing experience.

7. Tailored Wellness Packages

Lemon Tree Hotel in Amritsar offers tailored wellness packages to suit individual preferences and needs. Whether you are seeking relaxation, detoxification, or rejuvenation, there is a package for everyone.

8. Post-Treatment Refreshments

After your spa treatment, you can enjoy complimentary refreshments to rehydrate and replenish your body. These are specially crafted to complement your wellness experience.

9. Spa Etiquette and Tips

The spa staff will provide you with guidelines and tips for making the most out of your experience at Lemon Tree Hotel in Amritsar. From what to wear to how to prepare, you'll receive personalized recommendations.

Conclusion

Lemon Tree Hotel in Amritsar offers an unparalleled spa and wellness experience that caters to your every need. Whether you're a seasoned spa-goer or new to the world of wellness, the hotel's facilities and expert staff will ensure you leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Make the most of your stay and indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience at Lemon Tree Hotel in Amritsar.

For reservations or inquiries, contact Lemon Tree Hotel at +91-8670256632. Treat yourself to a spa day and discover the soothing world of wellness at Lemon Tree Hotel in Amritsar.

[agent4justice]

Food for the Thoughts

Don't be too proud of what you have achieved, or your arrogance will stunt your growth.

#kawkawblas

ctto

Despite all the unpleasantries and conspiracies, we are after all casualties of a vicious, evil empire that almost destroyed our world. We can only heal if we forget and forgive all the tragedies that befell us. As long as we are whole and sane, the rest of the tangible things doesn't matter.

Let us take a moment of silence and thank our higher power that our lives and the world that shelters us were spared and generous enough to afford us even a brighter future.

I also want everybody to be rid of guilt and actually thank all that without you, I wouldn't be the person I am today. Everything happens for a reason, so take this milestone as a mark of realization that only if we are united can we be strong.

We almost lost our world due to our lack of awareness, insight and responsible lifestyle.

Let our slogan be "Love and help one another"

#kawkawblas

ctto

Only love begets love. The real love you will ever realize is something that comes to you without being conquered (subdue) but from the attraction your heart radiates and from the appreciation of what you are as a person.

#kawkawblas

ctto

One thing good about life is that it offers us new beginnings each day we wake up - a chance that could change the course of our life. Never give up on life.

#kawkawblas

ctto

THE THREE MAJOR FAITHS

All the 3 major faiths branch out from Abraham and should be blood brothers but why do their scriptures suggest getting rid of each other. Something is wrong with these faiths, seriously.

What did Religion really do to our world with all their beliefs? They separated us all, cultivated hatred, and made it chaotic when they all believe in the same God.

We should have more faith in love that is connected to us humans and represented by our heart than religion who speaks about Gods and beliefs that are mostly manners.

Let us only believe that what must matter are things complimentary to ourselves; like helping each other a real the source of abundant graces that will surpass that from Gods in numbers.

#kawkawblas

ctto

NEVER EXPECT, NEVER BEG, NEVER DEPEND, OR YOUR LIFE WILL ALWAYS BE AT THEIR MERCY,

#KawkawBlas

CTTO

ctto

HAPPINESS IS CONTENTMENT. YOU WILL NEVER BE HAPPY IF YOU ARE NOT CONTENDED.

NEVER TAKE SIDES

Never take sides. Sometimes those who you think are holy can be the most evil entity. Evil beings always take the best cover as if they were saints if not gods. Your utmost concern is your self not others, or you will regret ending up suffering from their sins not yours. Winning your favor will never make you gain only them regardless which side you choose.

Only you can make your destiny, and not even gods. Gods will be considered offenders if they hurt your future or killers if they end your life whenever they claim your faith is in question.

Do good, be contended, be righteous, give love and be kind so nobody will ever question or accuse you with whatever you do only then you become breakable.

#kawkawblas

ctto

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP

Symbiosis is an art of life giving. All living creatures in our world is dependently interlinked to each other to sustain life and no one knows where this chain stops - killing one is like killing our world. Our life is what that makes this world breathe.

#kawkawblas

ctto

[kuppar]

Jade Roller 101: How to Use This Ancient Beauty Tool for a Modern Glow

Jade rollers have been making waves in the skincare world, hailed as an ancient beauty tool with modern-day benefits. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to mastering the art of jade rolling for a radiant, youthful glow.

Understanding Jade Rollers

Jade rollers are handheld devices crafted from smooth jade stone. Originating from ancient Chinese skincare practices, jade rollers have stood the test of time, thanks to their natural healing and balancing properties.

How Jade Rollers Work

The magic of jade rollers lies in their gentle massage action. When rolled across the face and neck, the smooth surface of the jade stone stimulates blood flow, promotes lymphatic drainage, and enhances the absorption of skincare products.

The Anti-Aging Power of Jade Rollers

Say goodbye to fine lines and wrinkles! Jade rollers offer a non-invasive solution to combating the signs of aging. With regular use, they help improve skin elasticity, reduce puffiness, and promote a youthful complexion.

Choosing the Right Jade Roller

Invest in a genuine jade roller for optimal results. Consider factors such as size, shape, and additional features like a double-sided design. Quality matters when it comes to skincare tools.

Incorporating Jade Rollers into Your Skincare Routine

Make jade rolling a part of your daily skincare ritual. Apply your favorite serum or moisturizer to clean skin, then roll the jade roller in upward and outward motions. It's a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Cost-Effectiveness of Jade Rollers

Compared to pricey skincare treatments, jade rollers offer excellent value for money. A one-time investment can yield long-term benefits for your skin, making them a budget-friendly option for anti-aging enthusiasts.

Testimonials and Reviews

Don't just take our word for it—countless users swear by the transformative effects of jade rollers. Real-life testimonials attest to smoother, firmer skin and a radiant complexion after incorporating jade rolling into their routines.

Tips for Maximizing Results

Enhance the benefits of jade rolling by pairing it with complimentary skin care practices. Cleanse your skin thoroughly before rolling, and consider incorporating facial exercises to boost circulation and tone facial muscles.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Dispelling myths about jade rollers is essential. Contrary to popular belief, jade rollers are gentle on the skin and pose minimal risk of irritation or damage when used correctly. They're suitable for all skin types.

Safety Precautions

To ensure a safe and enjoyable jade rolling experience, clean your roller regularly and avoid applying excessive pressure. If you have sensitive skin or underlying skin conditions, consult with a dermatologist before incorporating jade rolling into your routine.

DIY Jade Roller Recipes

For the DIY enthusiasts, homemade jade rollers offer a natural alternative. Combine ingredients like aloe vera gel, green tea extract, and essential oils to create your own skincare masterpiece.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Choose ethically sourced jade and support eco-friendly brands to minimize your environmental footprint. By opting for reusable skincare tools like jade rollers, you're contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, jade rollers are more than just a skincare trend—they're a timeless beauty tool with undeniable benefits. Incorporating jade rolling into your routine can help you achieve a radiant, youthful glow without breaking the bank. So why wait? Embrace the ancient wisdom of jade and unlock the secret to ageless beauty.