#do they give them away for free to anyone who joins? do they sell them?

[mossattack]

babe wake up new merch just dropped

[seiya234]

21 grams lighter

that website, amirite? anyway can't fucking believe alex did it again.

----

“Uncle Dipper, the school said you had to sign this?”

“Me specifically?”

Hank frowned. “Well, an adult in our house.”

“You’re the first one we found,” Willow added.

Dipper picked up the paper, skimming it quickly and. Oh.

Oh my god.

“Mabel are you in here?”

As the triplets wandered off, task done, a head covered in googly eyes popped out the kitchen door. “Mmmyes?”

Dipper brandished the papers. “Do you remember MADD?”

“Moms Are Down with Drugs? Yeah. We had to do those worksheets, and go to that rally in the gym, and there was a dog in a jacket.” Mabel paused. “Also, I don’t think they actually knew what it meant when you say you’re down with something.”

“Okay, so MADD… but for selling your soul.”

The googly eyes, with impeccable comedic timing, all fell off of Mabel’s face.

“No.”

“Oh my god, there’s a pamphlet.”

By now, Mabel had joined him at the table. “’Soul Selling: Not Even Once!’ Oh. Oh Dipper, this is bad.”

He was trying to hold in peals of laughter. “I know!”

“I don’t think this is going to discourage anyone.”

“I know.”

“And look, they basically give you the directions to summon five different demons in the name of Not Doing That, this is really, really bad.”

“I̶t̷'̴s̵ ̸f̸a̷n̶t̸a̴s̶t̷i̸c̵!̴”

Mabel looked at him, just looked at him for a minute, sadness welling deep in her eyes.

“No. No it’s really not.”

------

Trillions.

A number that is truly incomprehensible, much less in the context of time.

There were souls that rotted in that stomach longer than the oldest rocks of Earth.

--------

[from the M.A.D.D. Brochure, 2285]

“So remember kids, selling your soul doesn’t just effect you. It effects every version of you! It is an indelible mark that will linger for eternity, never changing, never going away. Paths, choices, loved ones, all will wither in the face of the horrible decision that you made! Eternity is forever, don’t make it your fault!”

[penciled in the margins, a note: “so we aren’t going to talk about social inequality or systemic racism then are we?”]

------------

(the most eternal, sacred part of a being)

Dipper had been a demon for all of a month, if that, when he was offered his first soul. For a while, he… didn’t really do anything with them.

When he did, it was of course super traumatic for everyone involved but eh, that kind of went with the territory of everything that was happening in his life lately.

Point being, he never was sure why Bill kept everyone trapped inside of him, constantly screaming, constantly playing beach tunes to drown them out. No, better to eat them, get the power, set them free.

Like, obviously, not great to be eating souls in the first place, and yeah, yeah, he could tell, even ten thousand (ten million) (ten billion) years later who he had crunch munched through, but like, they were able to be out there living their lives! Doing stuff. Cycling back through.

Honestly. What had Bill been planning to do with them?

--------

For the first week after it happened, animals ran away from Mabel.

Not just cats and dogs but all animals. Flocks of birds would fly off at her approach, deer would get near the Shack and then run off, and Gompers disappeared into the woods.

After the bear ran screaming from her, Mabel put two and two together, and called Dipper.

“Is this forever?”

Dipper frowned. “What do you mean?”

Mabel waved at her body. “This.”

(it wasn’t fair, it wasn’t fair she was only 16/18/22/17, she didn’t mean for this to happen, she only wanted to live, he only wanted her to live, this wasn’t f a i r )

“Oh. Uh. Um.”

“Dipper. Just. Tell. Me.”

“Hold on.” He reached into his stomach, and pulled out something…. Ineffable.

It felt like every single cell in Mabel’s body was reaching towards it, she found herself walking towards Dipper’s open hand.

The demon looked at her.

“You can have it back.”

She was crying. When did she start crying? And more worryingly, why did it feel like this was the first real, true thing she had felt in a week?

He pushed the Ineffable thing into her chest, and Mabel sank to the ground, sobbing. She felt whole again.

She didn’t realize that she hadn’t been whole, not truly, not until now.

Alcor smirked. “Consider it… out on lease. I’ll take it back eventually.”

She should have challenged him on that. Should have asked him about that. Should have done a million trillion other things.

But Mabel was human. And scared. And so, so very young.

---------

(you were birds)

A young man with fluffy brown hair, mixing his blood with his sister and his new brother-in-law, making a promise.

(you were trees with roots entangled)

They made a family together, it was a beautiful family, they let him stay, stay when anyone else would have told him to leave.

(wherever we go next, whatever you choose, I will always be right there with you)

They fit, like spoons in a drawer, like yin and yang, salt and pepper, ketchup and mustard, literally a million different pairings you could compare the two of them to. They weren’t perfect but love doesn’t need to be, and shouldn’t be perfect.

(that’s done buddy)

One grave

(congratulations)

Another grave, but eighty years later.

(you chose Alcor instead)

[nightingale2004]

Severus's life if Tobias was an actual decent father and husband headcanons

When he finds out that Eileen and Severus are wizards, he takes a minute to take in the information (i feel like he is more the religious type) and even goes to church.

At first, he was angry that his own wife would hide that from him, but after much time and talking with a reasonable, open-minded, understanding priest, he went home and he and Eileen had a long talk.

He is a hard worker at the factory. He goes to work early but comes home late, and Eileen always makes him breakfast, lunch, and dinner and barely drinks but still drinks every now and then.

After Eileen told Tobias everything, he told her to educate him on the Wizarding world so he could have a better grasp of it.

After Tobias was educated on the Wizarding world, he did not like how relationships like his and Eileen's were looked down upon, which made him worried for Severus, especially when he got accepted into Hogwarts.

Severus still wears hand me downs but he does get some new clothes since they don't have a lot of money.

Tobias would be that husband and father that would glare or yell at someone who gave them looks or said/whispered something about them.

Tobias would not be afraid to fight somebody, magic or not. (YOU DO NOT MESS WITH THIS MAN'S FAMILY)

Whenever Severus comes back and he is acting different, he notices. He knows what being bullied looks like, and he talks with Severus about it

Tobias teaches Severus how to defend himself and shows him a couple of moves he learned in the military (the man obviously served)

Eileen would be more involved in Severus's life instead of being afraid.

When the "prank" happened, they immediately found out and gave Dumbledore h3ll for this. And they immediately pull Severus from hogwarts (but not before Tobias is about to give the marauders an old school a$$-whooping)

Eileen and Tobias transferred him to Durmstrang, where they kept a close eye on him (they are helicopter parents now, and u can't tell me otherwise)

Severus obviously noticed the struggle that his parents were facing, not just prejudice but the money struggle. So, growing up, he would always help his mom around the house, help cook and clean, and even sell some potions here and there. (He sells his potions to Tobias's work buddies)

Severus gives his dad potions to help his health and even casts a few spells on him to help him at work (Tobias even after all these years is still not used to it but is impressed by his son's brain)

When Severus graduated, a lot of potion masters wanted him, but he knew he couldn't afford it. So his parents both worked to scrounge him enough money to pay for his apprenticeship (severus helped, he's not letting his parents do all the work)

Severus's summer job as a teenager was helping out at either his father's factory or working at a bar

When Severus came out that he liked both girls and boys, both his parents weren't surprised. They found out a looooong time ago and had their time to process it. And they learned to accept him and his Sexuality in their own way.

Severus is a potion master, has his own apothecary, and his parents couldn't be prouder. He also has a medical and chemist degree. (So if anyone needs a doctor, he's your guy)

When Eileen passed away, Tobias was distant from Severus, but eventually, he learned to be close with his own son again for his wife's sake.

Tobias and severus visit Eileen's grave every year on her birthday.

After Tobias passed, Severus visits their grave in his free time just to talk to them and tell them about his life.

Severus is happier, calmer, and less depressed but still our favorite Sarcastic sharptounged Slytherin

He wouldn't join the deatheaters unless they threatened his parents. He would protect them with his life

Hope you guys love this little headcanons. Enjoy

[demonic-radio]

★ what exactly do you think happened between Vox and Alastor?

Quite a few things.

Their friendship, which was quite possibly one of the strongest Alastor had ever had at the time, was built on a mutual understanding. A sort of 'click' that happens when someone just understands you, when conversation flows easily.

Vox and Alastor are each intelligent people in various different ways, leading to them easily keeping up with one another in conversation, observation, anything. Their different viewpoints lead to an interesting contrast that they each enjoyed, valuing one another's thoughts and opinions, even if their disagreements turned to fights on occasion. That's just what you get when you have two impassioned people arguing about things.

Alastor was, still is, and will always be an incredibly private person. He keeps people at a distance, even those he holds close. He keeps his cards close to his chest, keeps people guessing, and doesn't let anything slip. Something as simple as his plans for tomorrow is a bit much for him to share with anyone. He keeps to himself, and when he does engage with others, it's on his terms.

Vox, in contrast, is very public. He gives away his name, his number, his residence, all to sell himself to people. To get them to trust him, to buy into what he's saying, to win them over. Vox keeps himself in this highly controlled position with his attitude and his practiced words to make himself part of his sales pitch. He'd let anyone know what he's doing on Friday unless it was something explicitly private.

This didn't lead to too much clash. The both of them keep a lot of control over who they talk to, what they say, and how they present themselves. Alastor didn't mind having someone so talkative as one of his closest friends, not when Vox was so careful.

Vox understood that Alastor was private, and understood that Alastor wasn't going to volunteer information. When he did, Vox committed it to memory as soon as he could, knowing that Alastor wasn't going to offer it up twice. Vox also gleaned information from patterns. He got an idea of where Alastor lived long before Alastor had ever considered telling him, he learned what drinks Alastor liked from observing his orders, and plenty of other things. He never gave away how much he knew. Alastor was private, and liked keeping secrets. Vox knew it might cause a fight if he tried to act on anything he wasn't 'allowed' to know. He was quite good at it. Alastor liked having someone who paid such close attention to detail, knowing that Vox could order a drink for him from any location, while remaining unaware of what else Vox might have known.

Vox was always ambitious. Vox aims higher, wants something bigger, better, endlessly. When he reaches one goal, his sights are immediately on the next one. There's no victory, no end point, only growth, expansion, improvement, more and more towards greater things. This ambition is what drove him during his time in hell as he became an overlord, and it's something Alastor appreciated at the time.

As Vox grew into a more and more powerful figure, he wanted Alastor to be more involved. Alastor could get bigger and better things. He could move on from radio, hell, he could join the business partnership Vox was developing- he hadn't gotten a name yet, but perhaps something with a V and an A in it- and it would be their biggest success yet, for the both of them!

Alastor detested this ambition in the later years of their friendship. It drove Vox towards whatever was the fastest, the most modern, whatever trend there was. It drove him towards that partnership with Valentino, of all sinners, it drove him to keep moving on and leaving behind everything else.

Their time together had gone from drunken conversations at bars where they argued over AM vs FM or something similar to Vox coming by in flashy rides, somehow having known when Alastor was free despite the radio demon having explicitly avoided telling Vox anything about his whereabouts. Vox increasingly trying to sell Alastor on his grand ideas, like he was another mindless sinner to be sold into his growing media empire. Alastor didn't care for that mindless drivel. He didn't care for the prospect of this grand success being promised by the man who couldn't stay still, who couldn't seem to take 'no' for an answer anymore, who knew exactly what Alastor meant and refused to listen.

Vox had been determined to win Alastor over. He knew Alastor better than anyone, he knew he would succeed.

When Vox finally made his offer to Alastor to be partners, it was the final straw.

Alastor was far more harsh this time, putting his foot down on all of this nonsense. He didn't want Vox invading his free time, his space, he didn't want these demands for more and more of his time, his focus, his attention. Vox was tired of getting rejection after rejection when all he had ever done was try and adapt to Alastor's needs and wants, why couldn't Alastor see that this was the best for both of them?

The ensuring argument became a fight, and it was the end of their friendship.

As an aroace individual, I find it difficult to add romantic feelings into all of this, but, well, Vox's obsession wasn't subtle, and it's what drove him to trying to involve Alastor so heavily in the first place. He wanted a partnership, he wanted shared lives, he wanted reciprocation. He cared so much, and it seemed like Alastor didn't care at all anymore- if he ever did.

Alastor convinced himself later on that Vox had only become insufferable thanks to those pesky feelings of his, the ones that Alastor would never reciprocate. It makes it easier for him to brush it all to the side. He can dismiss the entire thing as Vox falling prey to those foolish emotions, and nothing that he could fix, nothing he could ever contemplate further.

TL;DR: Alastor and Vox are inherently different in their attachment styles, how they handle their personal lives, and their ambitions. Alastor keeps people at a distance, is a very private person, and only aims for personal success in what interests him. Vox keeps people close, is a very public person, and aims for the highest possible goal no matter what. They were never going to be able to maintain a truly close relationship.

I'm tired, so this is unedited. I will come back and look over it later, and when I do, I'll delete this portion of it. I hope my thoughts are coherent enough.

Ask meme response.

[mr-erster-carona]

INTRO

HI! I'm Race!

I'm a teenager don't be weird folks!!!

I'm 17!

From Lower Manhattan!

Dating Albert Dasilva! @youll-steal-anudda

Little brother to @go-west-young-man

Sells in Brooklyn at the Sheepshead Races!

Second in command of Manhattan!

I do smoke so sorry!

I am a dancer!

In a very one sided love triangle with Spot and Albert (send help I think he might kill Albert)

Send me asks! I'd love to chat an' goof off with you guys!!!!

Extra info + info about joining + rules under the cut

I will be running this account like a MODERN rp account, but I am actually a Racetrack fictive in a DID system!

I won't talk about system stuff here but I wanted to clarify I am ACTUALLY a Race and not just some dude so. anything I say is actually a verified Racetrack fact™️ and you can ask me about anything newsies related! ALL OTHER ACCOUNTS OWNED BY ME DO NOT MENTION OUR DID SYSTEM BUT THEY'RE ALL OWNED BY ME

CURRENTLY RUN BY A MODERN RACE FICTIVE!

ASSOCIATED NEWSIE RP ACCOUNTS:

@most-auspicious-manner - DAVEY (owned by me)

@go-west-young-man - JACK (owned by me)

@youll-steal-anudda - ALBERT

@pastramie-n-rye - HENRY

@table-the-palaver - LES (owned by me)

@slingshot-man - FINCH

@where-for-art-thou - ROMEO

@king-a-brooklyn - SPOT

@a-smilethatspreadslikebutt3r - CRUTCHIE

@one-for-all-and-all-for-one - ELMER

@last-in-line-for-the-tub-tonight - BUTTONS

@sos-the-bronx - SMALLS

@stillgot-myshirt-on - TOMMY BOY

@mo-delancey - MORRIS

@hey-look-its-bathtime-at-the-zoo - SPECS

@you-already-live-on-the-street - JOJO

Katherine removed from group due to personal issues. - KATHRINE (Katherine? I'm dyslexic idk!)

@think-about-seizing-the-day - SARAH (owned by me)

@my-father-runs-the-trib - DARCY

@proud2b-part-of-your-revolution - BILL

@graves-of-brooklyn - GRAVES

MODERN RP ACCOUNTS FEEL FREE TO CLAIM ME AS YOUR RACE I'D BE HONORED

Please note that sometimes the @ 's don't work right away!!

NEWSIES WE'RE LOOKING FOR;

BROOKLYN NEWSIES PLEASE

PLEASE BROOKLYN NEWSIES PLEASE GIVE US SOMETHING. GIVE US MYRON AND HOTSHOT BEGGING

LITERALLY ANYONE NOT LISTED (EXCLUDING OSCAR DELANCEY)

MIKE

IKE

Any other newsie not listed above IM BAD NAMES

don't introduce OC's!!! Causes conflict with pre-existing lore

____________________________________________

RULES

1. If you interact with another rp group IN THE CHARACTER YOU USE WITH US (whether it's 92 newsies, livesies of any kind, or modern newsies), we will assume you are no longer in ours. (This isn't to be rude, but it causes more conflict and we do not allow crossovers with other newsies universes as we can only have one of each existing character.) note that you can be part of other groups IF you are using a completely separate side blog

2. THERE ARE PRE-ESTABLISHED PARTNER PAIRS BETWEEN THE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER NEWSIES, CHECK WITH RACE BEFORE TRYING TO ESTABLISH A SHIP DYNAMIC BETWEEN NEWSIES WITH OR WITHOUT ACCOUNTS

3. DM FROM YOUR MAIN AND ASK TO JOIN WE'LL EXPLAIN CURRENT LORE AND INTRO SYSTEMS !!!

4. DO NOT JOIN WITHOUT CONTACTING ME FIRST!!! YOU WILL PROBABLY JUST BE IGNORED AND NOT ADDED TO THE LIST!!!

5. Characters MUST be 16-19 (excluding Les and Sally who doesn't exist but has been mentioned LMAO) and characters in relationships must be within one year of each other (16-17, 17-18, or 18-19)

6. do NOT call crutchie ANY variant of "cr-pple" I know it's lore and history accurate but it is not going to be used in the rp. The owner of this account is a cane user and prefers it not be used around them. Thank you!

7. Remember that some of the account owners are under 18 and some characters are under 18, be mindful about what you ask/say/do around everyone and ask before making any jokes/references!

8. Don't be weird to the characters, it will be reported to me and I will tell everyone in the group to block you.

9. IF YOU HAVE ONE CHARACTER ANF WANT TO MAKE ANOTHER remember to ALWAYS TELL ME before creating a new account for the roleplay, just so that I know who you are and don't assume someone random joined without asking (I am so so so fine with people having multiple rp accounts for this group AS LONG AS YOU LET ME KNOW FIRST SO I CAN GIVE THE THUMBS UP AND REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE ASSOCIATED WITH)

10. HAVE FUN!!!!

ANYWAYS LETS GOOOOOOO

[bitchesgetriches]

So this was commented on a promotional post we did for our sponsor, Acorns:

You do you, baby. Unfollow away! But you should know this:

We work really, really fucking hard to share financial, career, and adulting information through Bitches Get Riches. And that labor is rarely, if ever, compensated. 90% of what we do here, we do for free.

For years, the only way we got paid was through our Patreon. Of the tens of thousands of people who follow us on social media, most don't donate to our Patreon. And that's fine! We understand! Especially since we're specifically writing for folks who struggle with money, we totally get it. We never want to hide our best content behind a paywall or charge people who can't afford it.

But that's why we eventually started accepting a very small number of sponsors and affiliate marketing partners who we personally use. We're super picky about them, because we also do not like the idea of selling. However, if our followers can't afford to pay us $5 for providing them with information and advice, then we're going to have to get that $5 elsewhere. And sometimes that means accepting it from companies who want to sell their stuff.

Do you know how frustrating it is to have to monetize something you love? We LOVE Bitches Get Riches. It gives us so much joy and satisfaction every time someone writes in with a money win. We legit get so, SO proud of anyone who tells us our advice and research helped them become more financially secure. I wish we could always do it for FREE!

But our assistant can't pay her rent with nice messages from followers. And every hour Kitty and I spend working on BGR is an hour we can't spend making money in another way.

Labor deserves compensation. Even ours.

If you don't like the very, VERY occasional ad, then ignore them. Or, buy some of our merch. Or join our Patreon or send us some money on PayPal so we don't have to use sponsors anymore. Or, yes, unfollow. Just know that we're not going to take your feedback to stop "selling" on Tumblr. Because that's not fair to ask of us.

[randy-inks]

What if Lucifer can see deals that demons make with each other and what if the real Alastor is the shadow?

Story here:

Being the king of hell, and a fallen angel, Lucifer has abilities that no one else has. One of those abilities is being able to see the deals demons make with each other. Maybe it’s another punishment from heaven. He gave humanity free will, so he will be able to see humans willingly take away theirs for some kind of personal gain. Lucifer could never understand why anyone would do that, and he doubts he would ever will. He risked it all for them and for what? He’s stuck in hell forever, unable to fly around heaven and earth. He risked his own freedom for Lilith and Eve. Now Lilith is gone, and Lucifer is back to being a bird in a birdcage. At least he has his daughter, Charlie, with him. Speaking of which, she had asked him to join her and everyone for something about the hotel and Alastor. Honestly, the king’s mind went blank at the mention of Alastor the radio demon. Someone Lucifer would rather avoid at all costs. But to make his little girl happy, Lucifer went downstairs where everyone else watches Alastor talk about something. Alastor made some sort of snide comment on Lucifer being late. The fallen angel just rolls his eyes and immediately ignores Bambi. Alastor’s words were in one ear and out the other ear. Lucifer’s gaze slowly turns to Alastor’s shadow, who’s uncharacteristically sad. The more he looks, the more he realizes something. He knows Alastor has made deals, sinners selling their soul to him, but he didn’t realize Alastor sold his own soul. The more he looks, the more he comes to the cold realization.

The shadow is the real Alastor.

Somehow Lucifer couldn’t see the full details of Alastor’s deal, but he does know that Alastor isn’t in control of his body and is being forced to be a shadow. This made Lucifer’s heart skip a beat. He must find a way to give Alastor’s freewill back. Even if so far this fake Alastor has been a pain in his ass, maybe the real one is nicer? Lucifer doubts that, but it’s the least he could do for the poor sinner.

[cod-dump]

Time (another monster au fic)

———

Price hadn’t foreseen ‘non-human handler’ in his future. Two vampires, an insectoid, whatever the hell Nik was (a lycan of some kind?), and a demon? Definitely wasn’t how he thought his days would go. He especially didn’t plan on sort of adopting the vampires both being older than his grandparents. Well, Soap was. Gaz was much younger than that but still older than Price.

But, their youthful appearances have most certainly made him feel like they needed guidance even though they had far more life experience. Well, Gaz seemed to return the familial connection, at least. He would often come join Price in his office just sit and talk. It was nice having that connection since Price wasn’t in contact with any of his family, distant relatives or close family members.

“Cap… I have a question,” it wasn’t often when Gaz wanted to ask Price something.

He was smart, had seen more things than Price. He was also the type to try to figure things out on his own before asking questions (thankfully he doesn’t do this on the clock).

“Question? About what?”

“Well… Ghost.”

Price felt his heart beat quicken, he knew where this was going, “What about him?”

“Why is he here? He’s a demon, they don’t do this kind of thing. Especially not on their own free will.”

He could hear what Gaz was wanting to say. The thing he hasn’t about to actually say out loud, the thing this was all about. Laswell had the worst reaction when she had found out. Tears, yelling— The works. Nik was much calmer in appearance but Price could tell he was devastated.

Price knew the risks, he knew what he was getting himself into. It was his soul after all, he could do what he pleased with it.

“I… contracted him. He’s a mercenary, after all. He works for me, and when the job’s done he gets his payment… then he’s gone. That simple.”

Gaz’s jaw as clenched, a pain in his eyes that just pierced Price’s soul, “That’s a funny fucking way to call selling you soul to him.”

Price had years to accept it. He’s the one who summoned the Ghost to this plane, the one who offered Simon Riley’s corpse for him to root him here so he had a physical form. Price gave him rank, this human mask that he could wear. Whether he kept it when everything was said and done is uncertain. Price had feeling he could make a hell of a business off of it.

“I had my time to accept it, I don’t expect you to get it.”

Gaz couldn’t look at him, choosing to stare at the wall instead. The angle allowed Price to see the light glint off his eyes, giving away his inhuman nature. Gaz was much more emotional than other vampires. He remembers being human, he cares about humanity. He was stealing blood bags almost his whole vampiric existence before Price found him and recruited him.

“You don’t have to worry about anything, Kyle. When I’m gone Nik will be taking you and Soap with him to Chimera. Kate will make you two disappear and can go on to Russia.”

“That’s supposed to be comforting?”

“Russia does have the highest population of any non-humans in the world. Plus Chimera is nothing but non-humans.”

“Fucking- I don’t care about finding somewhere safe!” Gaz stood quickly, knocking his chair back, “You fucking sold your soul to a demon! You have a timer on your life!”

Price watches Gaz wave his arms around, tears pricking in his eyes, “You’re dying!”

Price sighs. He had accepted this himself, he knows his fate. Unless the demon themself decides to break the contract, spare the human who made it with them… Price’s fate is sealed. There has been some recorded incidents where demons completed the contract only to just leave, not taking their client’s soul. It is possible to survive, but making a demon genuinely like you to the point they let you keep your soul is near impossible.

Ghost was going to kill him in the end. Eat his soul in probably the most painful way possible before fucking off to do whatever.

“Kyle…”

“How can you be so fucking calm? Did you even consider how anyone else would feel!?”

“I made that deal a long time ago. Before I had anyone in my life worth living for. I do not regret sacrificing my life for the greater good.”

Gaz was shaking, now quiet. Price swallows before standing, going around to the vampire and pulling him into a hug. Gaz almost instantly clung to him, a quiet sob in his chest.

“I don’t want you to die…”

“I’m sorry, Kyle. I can’t change anything.”

“There has to be another way.”

“Heh, you know trying to cheat a demon out of a soul is dangerous. You know how dangerous Ghost is.”

Gaz pulls away, wiping his face, “Fuck… Yea, I do…”

Price felt dread in his chest. The first time in years he had to truly acknowledge what he had done. He felt like this after he told Laswell, after Nik, and now Gaz. Their emotions reminded him how deeply upsetting this was. But Price couldn’t take it back. He wouldn’t if it meant he would still be able to do it. Save this world from it’s own self-destruction… all at the cost of a single soul. What he’s doing wouldn’t be permanent, the rot would always crawl back. but at least his soul would buy everyone some time.

[bambamramfan]

Infohazards and Cults

I had a conversation recently about exposing people to cult beliefs in any form. In particular, is it risky to tell someone about a cult if that may lead to them looking up the cult and its writings, become convinced by them, and join the cult.

I wanted to organize my thoughts on the matter more because I both believe a) free speech norms are broadly correct in that they produce consistent benefits, and the negatives of them don't have as much downside as opponents think they do, and b) I do think some speech just has mechanistic effectiveness at luring people, and should be banned in as much as society can. Which is to say "99% of the time free speech is the right answer, and that 1% of the time it's more about how the speech is delivered, than its substantive content."

For example, the Securities and Exchanges Commission bans just going out and telling people "give me your money and I'll get you 100% returns in a year, no risk" - unless that claim is verified (accountants and audits) and accountable (you can be sued if the claim doesn't come true.)

Why do they do this? In the marketplace of ideas for Homo rationalus" some people would get fooled, lose their money, but then everyone else would learn not to trust shady investors without a solid reputation.

Except we know from empirical experience, this doesn't happen. No what happens is a lot of people who cannot afford to lose money, give all their money away, and go bankrupt. This hits so many people that most cautious people become afraid to invest at all, and the productive part of the investing economy withers away and dies. This is broadly considered a bad thing.

So, despite worshipping the "marketplace of ideas", the SEC bans you from saying things like that. The exceptions are either: you prove your projects and a lot of other things about your sale by registering with the SEC, or an "accredited investor can invest, on their own risk, because they aren't going to lose ALL their money."

So, cults.

I find the way cults recruit people to be one of these hacks. It doesn't matter what the substance is, or if there are convincing arguments against it - the ways cult recruit sufficiently exploit our brains that I do not think it should be legal.

We all know the "hard", later stage methods. Sleep deprivation. Heavy physical activity followed by exhaustion. Repeating certain things over and over and over and over again. Rationally speaking, the fact that someone said a monotonous line to you a hundred times should not make you more likely to believe it, but unfortunately, actually it does. A central dictatorial leader with power over every aspect of your life. And the old favorite, cutting off the person from anyone outside the group.

But I oppose even the "soft", outreach methods. Love-bombing. Convincing someone you understand them in a way no one else ever has. Introducing someone to a totalizing ideology they consume like a fiend. Even "someone just being so charismatic that they overwhelm your defenses, and then they try to sell you something."

Now, obviously we can't outlaw the individual techniques I just listed. On their own they are some very common behaviors unrelated to cults. But together or in the context of a cult, they should be illegal (this is a fuzzy distinction, but we can understand that "lying is generally legal, but in the specific cases of raising money it is illegal" and treat this the same way.

So I don't really worry about the spread of the mere information, such as a cult's writings. People may have some bad experiences from having read a website -> waking up in a group house at the feet of Dear Leader while the blockade is being set up outside, but I don't find that a consistent result, the same way personal indoctrination is.

Other things I have similar concerns about: gambling, su*c*de coverage, contagion events like described here , and at the very edge, ragebait. I don't have good ideas HOW to effectively ban these, but if I did I would want to enact that without worries about my normal support of free speech norms*. *[To be clear, there are many things that can be legal but rude to say, like I call people how they want to be called, and lose respect for people who don't. But I do not think "even if we talk about this subject I disagree with (fascism, HBD, lab origination, sexual degeneracy, apologetics for people who did seriously bad things) it will enter our discourse and take over despite any defenses. That just does not seem true.]

[octopus-reactivated]

Whumpy potential of Aasimars

I was recently watching a video discussing how aasimars are approached in DnD, their abilities, origins and so on and how some problems could be fixed. For those who don't know, Aasimars are race of angelic aesthetic and are playable in Dungeons and Dragons.

In the video I was watching it was said that in a way "Aasimars are opposite of Tieflings". And since Tieflings are often considered evil by nature + dangerous +unwanted, it would mean that Aasimars are considered good and welcomed? Well, yeah, but it gave me whumpy ideas.

What if people welcome Aasimars because they are expecting "good guys who are helping us with our problems"?

I mean it's a good thing, right? People like them, so it's nice? But what if Aasimar can't take three steps without being asked to help someone with something? What if no one ever bothers to pay them back?

What if refusal to take care of someone's else business is considered rude and Aasimar person asking for help can do total 180° and start insulting one they hoped to get something from? What if any attempt of establishing boundary is considered as betrayal even if you just meet? What if Aasimar who is not helping everyone is called 'fake"? Think fantasy equivalent of "if you really liked art you would draw this for me for free"

What if people demand that Aasimar help them even with stuff that are against Aasimar's personal values? (Like: help me take revenge on this person or make this couple break off so I can steal my crush) What if people demand Aasimars to do the impossible and get mad when they don't get what they want?

What if body parts (hair, feathers etc.) of Aasimars are told to bring blessing? What if everyone tries to get their hands on some of them? Sure, cutting few of your hair doesn't hurt, but how many of them can you give before you go bald? What if some people don't ask and just rip off feathers out of wings?What if some are kept captive so their Masters can sell fragments of them?

(Speaking of which, wing whump)

What is Aasimars glow faintly and can't really hide? Really bad if Whumper is looking for them.

This also could be a starting point for backstory of many playable characters. Some could try to disguise themself to not be bothered, other could live away from all civilization, some joining a temple so charity time would be regulated from the top, some turning away from people and refusing to help anyone at all, some just accepting their fate and trying to please everyone (and doing surprise pikachu face when their party cares about their well-being)?

Aasimars are apparently one of least popular races to play and I think we could help it if we added some angst in worldbuilding

[teamtakagi]

Thursday Bangers 5/23

Sorry to those who reposted before. I did my math wrong for the date and it bothered me so much that I redid the entire post.

Free form a blurb or drawing based on the weekly lyrics prompt. It doesn't have to include the prompt just whatever you're inspired to write, write it! Then tag some friends so they can play as well. It doesn't have to be finished on Thursday just post it whenever you can (you have a whole week between Thursdays).

This week's Banger brought to you by @fiberpunk027 who suggested on of my favorite songs for use.

Thank you, @woundedsoul12 for tagging me. Tagging whoever wants to do this!

I don't know what I'm supposed to do Haunted by the ghost of you Oh, take me back to the night we met - Lord Huron

I struggled with this one because I need to save the angst for RRAU Weisshaupt, so I decided to write a prequel blurb featuring Jerran's father.

Note: Jerran does not know his father died; he thinks his father just abandoned him, so this is perfect fodder for anyone wanting to give Jerran +10 Psychic damage.

CW: Death, Blood

9:41 Dragon

Somewhere along the Minanter River

Oh, Maker. Oh, fuck. 

His stomach burned. Elian coughed; something wet and dark red landed on the ground in front of him. His vision of toppled caravan wagons – wagons he was supposed to protect – blurred as he collapsed to his knees, his sword clattering somewhere beside him. Boots kicked the weapon away and someone – a dark-haired male – bent over him with a smug grin. 

“Take the horses. We’ll sell them to our usual contact,” the stranger shouted in a Tevinter accent. Reaching down, he yanked hard on the hilt sticking out of Elian’s gut, spraying Elian’s blood onto the grass around them. Rubies glimmered from a stylized snake that decorated the weapon. “Make sure we got everything from the greedy bastards.”

All those scales are going to be a bitch to clean, Elian noted dispassionately as the man’s boot toppled him over onto his own blood. Gwynna had complained the one time he brought home a dagger with a decorative jewel. She’d preferred simple weapons. 

Gwynna. How he’d missed her. The way she smiled. Her laugh. The way her long dark hair tumbled down her back during their lovemaking. He’d lost his heart the first time he’d seen her cooking for the guards protecting her master’s caravan, and she looked over him with those gorgeous eyes.  

Maker’s Breath, they’d been as warm as the sun and golden as the wheat fields that they often passed. They’d danced with delight or turned stormy when she didn’t get her way. 

He’d seen the same fury in Jerran’s eyes when he’d left for this last trip. 

The boy was strong; he’d survive on his own. Elian felt a pang of regret for not telling him a proper good-bye. Jerran adamantly refused to continue his Dalish lessons, and Elian was forced to punish him before he left, snapping at him to stop sniveling. 

Standing with clenched fists, Jerran glowered as he received five switches to the back. All he’d had to do was to stay with the neighbor, but no – he’d wanted to stay in the empty house. More stubbornness than wit. 

Yes, Jerran would survive. 

 “Make sure all of them are dead.”

They must have finished looting the caravan. Elian struggled to suck air into his lungs, unable to pretend to lay limp. His hands shook as he fought to keep his intestines inside where they belonged.

A female with short blond hair leaned over him, the cold metal of her dagger resting against the skin of his throat. Elian closed his eyes. 

“Elian.” Gwynna turned to him, her sweet smile lighting up her face. “I was waiting.” 

“I’m sorry it took so long,” he choked out. 

She reached out her hand, stroking his cheek. He closed his eyes, leaning into the warmth of her fingers tracing his skin.

“Ar lath ma, vhenan,” he whispered.

—--

The mercenary sneered as she kicked the body into a nearby ravine and watched it tumble down to join the others. “Too bad the sucker had to fight. Could’ve gotten good money for him.”

“No matter. There’s a reason that elves are compared to rabbits. Always breeding.” Her leader stepped up, flashing a smile. “Keep this up and you’ll earn another star.”

Laughing at the joke, she scratched the back of the neck where a moon and two stars marked her skin. “You think?”

“Yep. Boss said that you’re a natural.” The man patted her back. “Come on. Drink's on me.”

The two walked back to their waiting horses, leaving behind smears of blood. The scavengers would take care of the rest.

[rajendra9660]

How to Sell Feet Pics in 2025

Selling feet pics has become a real way to make money online, and 2025 is no different. Whether you're looking for a side hustle or a full-time income, knowing how to sell feet pics the right way is key to success. Let’s break it down step by step, from setting up your profile to getting paid safely. 👉 Join The FunWithFeet Now

Why People Buy Feet Pics

Before jumping in, it helps to know why people even buy feet pics in the first place. Some buyers are into foot aesthetics, while others need them for marketing, modeling, or artistic projects. This demand makes it possible to turn feet photos into cash—if you do it right.

Best Platforms to Sell Feet Pics in 2025

There are plenty of platforms where you can list and sell your feet pics. Some of the most reliable include:

FunWithFeet: A dedicated site for buying and selling feet pics.

OnlyFans: If you’re comfortable with subscription-based content.

Instafeet: A private platform focused on feet content.

Etsy: If you’re selling artsy foot pics for digital or commercial use.

Social Media (Twitter, Reddit, Instagram): Great for promoting and finding buyers.

Each platform has different rules and audience types, so testing a few can help you find what works best.

How to Sell Feet Pics Without Risks

The biggest concern for anyone starting is safety. You don’t want to deal with scammers or put yourself at risk. Here’s how to keep things secure:

Stay Anonymous: Use a separate email and social media accounts. Never share personal details.

Use Watermarks: Prevent unauthorized use of your pictures by adding a watermark.

Get Paid First: Avoid buyers who try to trick you into sending pictures before payment.

Avoid Direct Payments: Stick to platforms with built-in protection like PayPal Goods & Services or Cash App Business.

Pricing Your Feet Pics

Setting the right price is crucial. If you charge too much as a beginner, it might scare off potential buyers. Too low, and you won’t make much money. Here’s a general pricing guide:

Basic foot pics: $5-$15 per photo.

Themed foot pics (painted nails, heels, etc.): $15-$30.

Custom requests: $30-$100 or more.

Feet videos: $20-$200 depending on length and detail.

As you build a loyal customer base, you can charge higher rates.

Marketing Your Feet Pics Like a Pro

Getting buyers takes more than just uploading pictures. You need to market yourself properly. Here’s how:

Use Hashtags: On Instagram and Twitter, hashtags like #feetpicsforsale or #buyfeetpics help attract buyers.

Post Teasers: Don’t give away too much for free, but a preview can help build interest.

Engage With Buyers: Reply to messages professionally and set clear boundaries.

Run Promotions: Offer bundle deals or discounts to encourage bigger purchases.

How to Sell Feet Pics Without Showing Your Face

Many sellers prefer to stay anonymous, which is totally possible. Here’s how:

Crop or Blur Your Face: If you take full-body shots, make sure your face isn’t visible.

Use pseudonyms: Never use your real name when selling feet pics.

Avoid Personal Backgrounds: Take photos against neutral backgrounds so they don’t reveal anything personal.

How to Sell Feet Pics Legally

Yes, selling feet pics is legal in most places, but it’s always good to be informed. To stay on the safe side:

Be Over 18: Platforms require you to verify your age before selling.

Check Payment Rules: Some services have restrictions on selling digital content.

Follow Platform Guidelines: Each site has its own rules, so make sure you’re compliant.

Payment Methods That Are Safe

Never accept risky payment methods like gift cards or personal checks. Stick to secure options like:

PayPal (Goods & Services option for protection)

Cash App Business

Venmo Business

Cryptocurrency (if you understand how it works safely)

If a buyer insists on using an unusual payment method, it’s best to move on.

Common Scams to Avoid

While there are plenty of legit buyers, scammers do exist. Watch out for:

Chargeback Scams: A buyer sends payment, gets the pics, then disputes the payment.

Fake “Exposure” Offers: Someone claims they’ll promote you in exchange for free pics—don’t fall for it.

Overpayment Scams: A buyer “accidentally” sends too much and asks for a refund—only for their original payment to bounce later.

Real-Life Success Stories

Plenty of sellers make hundreds or even thousands per month selling feet pics. Take Lisa, for example. She started selling on Reddit with simple nail polish shots, made her first $100 in a week, and later moved to FeetFinder where she now earns over $2,000 per month.

Or consider Mark, who sells men’s feet pics in niche markets. He discovered there was demand, priced his pics competitively, and now makes extra income every month just by taking care of his feet and snapping quality shots. 👉👉 Start Earning on FunWithFeet Now

Final Thoughts

Selling feet pics in 2025 is a real way to make money online, but like any business, it takes effort. By choosing the right platforms, staying safe, setting fair prices, and marketing yourself well, you can turn this into a successful side hustle—or even a full-time gig.

If you’re thinking about giving it a try, start small, test different strategies, and stay consistent. With the right approach, you’ll find buyers who are willing to pay for quality content. Happy selling.

[talesfrommedinastation]

My Neighbor Doug on different locations in 'The Bad Batch'

So I did as was requested by my poll, and asked Doug what he called (and thought of) the various different places in which 'The Bad Batch' took place.

Need refreshers? Doug's interpretations of The Bad Batch: Main Characters

Doug's interpretations of The Bad Batch: Side Characters

Here we go:

--------------------------------------------------

Tipoca City: The Mall on the Ocean. You know it either smells really nice, clean and like fresh perfume, or it smells like ass and balls. It’s duty free, of course. Daddy Warcrimes totally plows the liquor section when Ryan-from-Accounting won’t stop annoying him and Daddy Rambo sprays on the sample Sauvage cologne to get the ladies. 

("I thought he was married?"

"He need the reassurance. Y'all know guys like him.")

Onderon: Damn-It-Jared’s Trailer Park. It’s where he and his goofy-assed hippie friends fire weapons and drop acid and scare the wildlife. It’s like Oregon, but stupid. Just like Damn-It-Jared. And Daddy Warcrimes comes down and murders civilians, because the man craves police brutality the way I crave a drink after watching the Saints lose. 

Saleucami: Tremor-Land. Look at this place and tell me you ain’t expecting giant worms and Kevin Bacon to pop out of nowhere. Also, Not-Wolverine’s wife gives me Reba McEntire vibes, trust me. They seem like a fun couple, I’d love to drink beer and shoot guns with them on a Sunday. 

(Cut and Suu = Not Wolverine and Not Wolverine's wife)

Pantora: Not-Quite-Austin. Its where young hot people go to get drunk, get into street fights and then leave. You know, where That Chick That’s in Everything gets into a motorcycle race with Daddy Rambo and then they look for the Gun Safety Muppet and Little Orphan Blondie is lost and I guess they sell Toaster Strudel at one point to the three eyed goat for cash?*

Meat Muffin, what in the hell did I just write? 

Corellia: Where-Anakin-Lost-His-Legs and Jorge’s Unemployed Sisters are collecting scrap metal for cash.

(“This is not where Anakin lost his legs!” 

“How do you know?”

“ I watched Episode III?! Did you?”

“Eh, they’ll update it, just watch.”)

(FYI, I wish Trace Martez and Tech had more scenes together. They would have been a cute nerdy couple)

Bracca: Planet Dump. Seriously, there’s a planet devoted to garbage. Is it New Jersey? It’s just creepy people floating around trash? Man, it’s like Thor Ragnorok, but sad. Think Valkyrie would show up at some point? Julio had a headache here and strangled someone, I get it, migraines ain’t fun. 

Ord Mantell: Great Value Cyberpunk. Do humans even live here? Well, Houma BBQ bitch and her ugly clutch of mutant boyfriends do. Her bar totally looks like someone practices eye surgery in the back like in Minority Report. 

Raxus: Space Country Club. Oh, this place nice and clean. I mean, dang, it looks like a gated community where everyone plays golf and is mean to their neighbors. I bet they have an amazing Christmas lights display but don’t allow ‘riff-raff’ to come in and bully anyone who doesn’t join their HOA. My sister’s in one outside of Miami, and it turned her into a bitch, trust me. 

Daro: Not-Quite-Fort-Bliss. I don’t get this place. It’s where Manny’s hanging out with other army guys but they don’t like him, even though he’s a good soldier? What the hell, the Empire is run by mid-level corporate dumbasses who think their online MBA makes them a god. 

::proceeds to go on a rant about MBA Rob, his nephew, and the clowns like them::

Safa Toma: Tank Girl’s Home. It’s like Tatooine but fun and crazy. It’s where the Rhino that Sells Used Buicks and his pet iguana live and force people to race in used car parts.**. 

Pabu: Space Daytona. It’s nice, it’s pretty, but I kept thinking the Empire was going to nuke it at some point. Hey, Church Lady says it’s her home away from home…where’s her other home? New Orleans? Shit, that’s a thought.

Eriadu: Space New Hampshire. It’s foggy, got mountains, and filled with angry old white people who can’t seem to retire. You know Tarkin totally screams at waiters and lives to make the poor check out girls at Publix cry. Just like his bitchy daughter, Stepsister Beth. 

(Doug now headcanons that Tarkin is Emerie’s dad…which makes zero sense, but whatever.)

Ryloth: Space Arizona. Everything seems rich and nice and the women are vaguely hot, cool canyons and mountains and whatnot. But then dig a little bit and everyone’s rat-in-a-shithouse insane and there’s guns everywhere. I like Hera and her daddy, he’s cool. Like him riding his space motorcycle and flinging that spear at folks, more of him please. 

Weyland: Spooky Lab Land. It’s where Stepsister Beth and Ryan-from-Accounting have family reunions with her asshole dad, his bitch wife Laura, and the gang. They’re into science and not making eye contact with anyone because there’s shit in the lava lamps that might be humans. 

Serrano: Space Coeur d’Alene. It’s got pine trees and mountains, real pretty, but it’s easy to fling trash and bodies everywhere and every other person is Doomsday prepping. You ever been to Idaho? Real pretty, but real off, ya know? 

*= I was struggling to breath after this. What in 'The Witch' was he thinking?!

**= Millegi and his racer. I had to stop texting Doug for a bit at this point, I was cry-laughing so hard I couldn’t see. 

[proffbon]

The Fool and the Moon for the whole rookery >B)))

Hoo boy, here we go. Questions from the Tarot ask.

The Fool: Where did Rook's journey begin? What were they doing before joining the Veilguard?

I think I have the more detailed backstory posts about every Rook scattered somewhere around the blog so I'll just do shorter versions.

Mien de Riva: As a child he was a slave in Tevinter along with his mother. Due to Tevinter's favorite past time (political intrigue) their master was forced to flee the country but as he was quite the greedy and mercantile man he refused to adanbon his slaves when he could sell them for a bit of money. The master mostly made deals in border or trade towns so most slaves were taken as dock hands or cheap laborers but as there could be a chance that they would be bought back to Tevinter Mien's mother warned him to not show their relation and not react if she would be taken by someone from Tevinter. This, in her opinion, could ensure that at least one of them got out and would be dealt a better hand. Unfortunately, this was exactly what happened but Mien acted just like his mother instructed. Unbeknownst to him, the whole interaction was witnessed by a passing Crow recruiter. He noticed the boy's ability to act stoic despite circumstances and bought him out. When he offered for him to join the Crows Mien didn't see any other way but to do so. He's been part of the assassins guild ever since, slowly accumulating money from contracts to find and free his mother. Unfortunately by the time he was able to do so he was too late. The anger and grief over his mother's death is what led to the Antaam incident.

Varsch Thorne: Varsch was a member of the Warrior Caste in Orzammar. While being a great warrior he wasn't a great member of the caste, refusing to engage in politics or get married for an alliance. As any other warrior he often ventures into the Deep Roads and sometimes they would be accompanied by Grey Wardens. He looked up to the order, in his eyes their life was a much better version of his: fighting a good fight without having to worry about any of Orzammar's tradition-driven nonsense. One day he asked one of the Wardens to join and left Orzammar, giving up his caste. He then served as a Warden for the next 5 years until he was sent away and started helping Varric.

Ruquantriviel Mercar: Dissatisfied with his lot as a foundling elf growing up in a military family, Ruq left his home, enraged at his father for taking him in and subjecting him to this sort of living. He managed to find a Dalish clan that agreed to take him in. Because of his magical prowess he managed to become the clan's Second but although he was good at memorising elven lore and language, the Keeper noticed he was restless in his role. If he was to become the Keeper it would be his job to take care of their people and he understood that but it seemed that he was more worried about elves who were still in Tevinter. Not everyone was as lucky as him, he took all his father's attempts to make things better for him for granted and that thought twisted Ruq up. In the end he decided to come back to Tevinter to aid his people in ways he was more experienced with. For a time he was acting by himself, a lone elven ghost with vengeance painted on his face. But his actions lacked subtelty. That's why he was approached by the Shadow Dragons, and not just by anyone but The Viper himself. Ruq began working with the Shadows and he and Viper agreed on a lot of things but would still chafe on Ruq's methods. The Nessus jod was a breaking point on Ruq and Ashur's amicable but strained relationship, in no small part due to Ruq's explosive personality.

The Moon: How does Rook's past impact their values? Does their past come with any biases or blind spots they have to account for?

Mien de Riva: Due to his own past he has a bleeding heart for the downtrodden (slaves and elves especially). And there's a whole pile of issues stemming from the death of his mother like being particularly pissed at Solas for implying there could be 'acceptable losses' or his insistence on Taash patching up their relationship with their mother. The long and short of it - mommy issues. Despite also being quite rebellious and free-spirited he retained some of his slave-like qualities, that's not something one so young could shake off easily (and Crow training did not help). He sometimes acts overly servile to his superiors (which Viago hates) and goes into a mindset of being a 'tool' which leads to him disregarding personal safety.

Varsch Thorne: For a short time after leaving Orzammar Varsch was actually acting quite haughty towards 'surfaces' but being among the Wardens with their diverse backgrounds and constant reminders that he's a surface now himself quickly beat that out of him. Although he would still sometimes whine about how no one makes strong enough booze 'up here'. He also subconsciously acts more brotherly to Harding because she reminds him of his little siblings he took care of back home. And as it is known he is wary of all things related to magic.

Ruquantriviel Mercar: He only recently reconciled his conflict of being Tevinter as well as Dalish and elven so he often doubts if Tevinter is even worth the effort especially with the Venatori on the rise. He also won't admit it but he's still uncomfortable with living and sleeping in the forest. Not to the point of irritation but he would much prefer a humble city living to camping in the middle of nowhere.

[guilty-pleasures-and-dead-doves]

[Free Wolf, She-Wolf] Chapter 5

Chapters post

Chapter 4: Giving honor, giving away

[Chapter 5] Sex and Legacy

Normally, no one in Penguin Logistics talked about sex.

Mostly because none of them were having it, or seeking it out. No one brought back any boyfriends, or girlfriends, for the others to run into. No one made the time to sneak out and meet a lover kept secret from the others. Croissant had attended a male-stripper club a few times, but had thought better of asking any of the others to join her.

In fact, as the second employee after Texas, Croissant was indirectly responsible for the only actual, 'unwritten rule' regarding sex. After the one and only time that she make the mistake of offering to sell Texas a sex toy, it became tacit company policy that if any of them ever found someone else's toys or 'literature', they pretended they hadn't.

But with recent changes breaking the ice (and with their boss having stepped away to handle some kind of business), the friends finally started asking each other certain questions.

"What, none of us have been with a man?" Croissant demanded.

"Idol," Sora said, explaining everything.

"Sankta," Exusiai said, as though that explained everything.

Texas explained, "Everyone in Columbia knew that my father and grandfather would kill them. Everyone in Siracusa knew that my godfather, Alberto Saluzzo, would kill them."

Croissant nodded in understanding. "And I've always gotten my hands on good enough toys that I've never seen fit to take a risk with a dude before I get a binding contract."

"Can we finally talk about that?" Exusiai said. "I've looked for another one of yours for a year, and I haven't found it yet."

"Later; I want you to explain a little more. I've heard some things about sankta, but I'm not sure I've got the right of it."

"Oh, yeah. Sankta can have kids with anyone like you can, but only two sankta can produce sankta kids. And my kids are gonna have their own guns one day."

"Yikes. And sankta only have the one city-state in the world, right? Does that sort of thing break one of those all-important 'commandments' I've heard about?"

Exusiai laughed and shook her head. “No, Laterano doesn’t have laws against miscegenation. Sankta who have children with elders or ancients are as rare as sankta who don’t have children at all!”

She turned to Texas. “Bison wouldn’t seem like such a good idea if you knew for a fact that any kids you had would be born deaf and mute, right?”

The other girls at the table blanched. Sora asked, “Your empathy thing, right? Is it really that bad?”

“Our small population isn’t the only reason you see so few sankta outside of Laterano. It’s actually really scary to leave home and feel like you’ve gone deaf because no one around you is making a ‘sound’. And at the same time, it’s like no one can really ‘hear’ you either.”

She laughed at herself. “We think we’re ready for it, because Laterano has so many liberi. But it’s not the same at all! We have no idea how much Lateran liberi adapted to live with us until we meet a foreign liberi.”

“Like how?”

“Hmm. I think Lateran liberi make more noise; they talk a little louder, tap their feet, knock on walls. Unless they’re trying to be sneaky, they want to let us know when and where they’re around, without halos. That may be why we sankta started doing the same, to return the courtesy.

“Also, they look you in the eyes more, and make bigger expressions. Big smiles, big frowns, big gestures with their plumage. It’s a real shock to meet the first liberi who doesn’t try at all to let you know how they feel.”

Croissant spoke up. “Y’reckon yer own big smiles were a way of returnin’ courtesy? Instead of relying so much on yer halos that you all ended up as flat-faced as Texas?”

Texas reacted not at all, which sort of proved the point.

“Huh,” Exusiai said. “It’s weird to think about, but yeah. I suppose that’s possible.”

She and Croissant returned to their drinks and cake for a bit.

Texas had, as her taciturn usual, already eaten her fill. She sat back in the loveseat she shared with Sora, playing with the idol's hair. Sora leaned into her, content.

Exusiai looked the two of them over, and waved her fork in their general direction. “I don’t know often these sorts of thing happen outside of Laterano, because it’s one of those things elders and ancients don’t like to talk about. Sankta would have a harder time hiding it from other sankta, so most who try don't even bother."

Croissant asked, "Do the halos mean it tends to work out, more?"

Exusiai shrugged. "Like I said, who knows how often people try and fail at this out here? But even among sankta, it doesn't always work out. Even so, extra arrangements aside, most everyone tries to get married and have kids.”

"Social pressure?"

"There's some of that, unless everyone knows you've got some sort of traumatic reason.

"But it's not just that. We all grow up knowing exactly how few in number we are compared to all of the liberi and lupo and forte in the world, and how our reproduction works.

“We all grow up reading about how the mighty Gaulish empire seemed invincible, until it got into war with just one other empire. Then two other empires used the opportunity to attack Gaul, and it fell. Laterano isn't even an empire; we're just one city-state.

"We want to survive, as a people. We want to share and pass down to others what was shared and passed down to us. It's something unique and special to us, and that's a precious thing, yeah?"

"Yeah," Texas said. "Legacy is a precious thing."

Croissant said, "No offense, but I wouldn't have thought you'd say so."

"My name stands for a lot, and most of it bad. But not all of it." She reached around Sora, holding her close as she picked them both up out of the loveseat. Her friends saw that Sora had fallen asleep.

"Either way, it's the only name I have. It's mine. Even the bad is history to learn from; to teach. And the good, I can pass on. I can build on." She turned to put Sora to bed.

Exusiai nodded. "Legacy isn't just what you can inherit…”

Texas finished, “It's also what you can leave behind."

====

Chapter 6: To have and to hold

[mysteriouswolf]

Hi :3

Hey! Glad you somehow found your way here throughout this chaotic hellsite :D

I typically go by Mysterious or Raven, I'm a minor, and I use she/they pronouns

I mainly post about Hermitcraft/life series, but here's a bunch of my other interests as well :D

Mcyt (lil bits of dsmp, qsmp, empires, Xlife, + some others)

Alice Oseman (Heartstopper, IWBFT, etc)

Brandon Sanderson (Skyward, Cosmere, etc)

Percy Jackson

The Owl House

Good Omens

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Kipo And The Age Of The Wonderbeasts

Persona (though I've only played 3-5)

Epic the musical (I was peer pressured by @royallygray /j)

Writing

Music/guitar

Reading

Art in general :3

The art in my pfp is by @kaereth and the art on my header is by @chrisrin!! (both amazing artists that you should totally go give a follow to)

DNI if you're homophobic, transphobic, or plan on spreading hate to people here.

If you are my mutual, I will probably tag you in a lot of tag games, lil things I think you would like, etc, so if you don't want me to tag you please send me and ask or message me!! Also, I don't tag every single one of my muts in every tag game, and I don't have any sort of system to how I choose, so if you see I didn't tag you in something IT DOESNT MEAN I DONT LOVE YOU I PROMISE (and feel free to join in anyways!!)

Please do not send me asks for donations for reasons here:

I am likely to block you if you do, as I have now clearly stated that it is against my boundaries.

Under the cut are: tags I use, some encouragement + love, some of my mutuals, and just general nonsense.

Tags (that I sometimes use) :D

#mysteriouswrites- All my writing (including stories, fics, poetry, etc)

#mysteriousanswers- My answers to asks :D

#mysteriousdraws- My art + sketches

#rambling- my silly lil random posts

#fave- MY MOST FAVORITE ART EVER THAT I THINK IS JUST AWESOME AND GO FERAL OVER

Some love for anyone who needs it:

I love you. I don't care if I've never met you, we were made from the same things as the stars, weren't we? That in of itself is beautiful- I will love you with the same mysterious adoration I have for the stars, and I just want you to know that I care about you. And I know sometimes things seem like they'll never be better, that it seems the entire universe is against you, but I'll always be on your side. You've got this. And I'm proud of you, no matter what you've done. Things get better eventually, I know they will- and it sucks waiting for things to come around, especially if they keep going down. But the sun has shone before, and it will again. And even in your darkest times, the stars are still shining their light into your soul to push you forward.

I love you. Stay strong.

Some of my mutuals who I love very dearly and would die for:

@royallygray The most amazing lovely creature to ever walk the stars and I love them to death <3

@charbeloved The person who I would literally sell my soul to, another glorious human who's remarkable

@geodetojoy Someone who I'd absolutely love to just run away into the forest with and never find our way back out again

@emmaestrella Another lovely silly human who's just incredible

@izoexa you are. so cool. just. vibes. yeah. :]

@t4tgempearl Juneeeeee (you will always be june to me) you're also just. super cool. probably who I've been muts the longest on this list :D

I love you all <3