#encampment defense

[allthecanadianpolitics]

From Katarokwi Union of Tenants March 21, 2023:

The City of Kingston thinks that they can sweep homelessness under the carpet and evict people who are homeless from their encampments because they’ve provided a few (not enough!) high-barrier shelter spaces for (well-behaved) people to crash in. The moratorium on clearing encampments expires tomorrow on March 21 and the genocidal and illegal bylaw and ‘encampment protocol’ kicks into effect.

Only real, dignified, social, public, democratically-controlled, rent-geared-to-income ACTUAL HOUSING is a solution to homelessness. KUT will support and defend our homeless friends from eviction and will insist that no amount of low barrier shelter beds or sheds or aleeeping pods is enough to ’resolve’ the problem of homelessness.

Join us at a solidarity BBQ in the backyard of the Integrate Care Hub tomorrow, Tuesday 21st at 5pm. Bring donations of money, clothes, wood, smokes, batteries and whatever else you feel people might need.

[queer-reader-07]

just out here reminding myself that the core of my belief system is faith in the human story

[nando161mando]

UCLA PALESTINE SOLIDARITY ENCAMPMENT RIGHT NOW. THIS IS TRUE COMMUNITY DEFENSE.

[comrade-onion]

Advice to the Students

Student movements have often proved to be pivotal in bringing about radical change. From the Civil Rights movement, to anti-Viet Nam War protests as well as more contemporary examples such as Black Lives Matter and, of course, the ongoing student protests against the genocide in Gaza. One thing that all of these movements have in common is that they all faced and are currently facing vicious backlash from those in power, with riot police and even the national guard being sent on unarmed protesters, injuring and killing scores in the process.

In order to maintain this movement and to fight back against the crackdowns, the encampment and protest movements across the United States and the world will need to prepare, organize, and militarize.

Firstly, it is imperative that the protesters know that their action, no matter how peaceful, will be met with violence. And it is in these circumstances from which the necessity to defend themselves and fight back will arise, a series of tactics on resistance will be listed below, I hope they are of use and are accessible to any and all who need it.

Bricks: Bricks are easily accessible to the majority of protesters and can be used in a multitude of ways to disrupt and defend. Aside from the obvious uses, bricks can be alternatively used to build and alter structures in a way that slows down police or national guard advances with minimal violence.

During the Hong Kong anti-government protests in 2019, protesters utilized bricks to build small structures (such as the ones seen above) on roads and passageways. These brick roadblocks are extremely effective at slowing or even halting oncoming traffic. When these structures are hit by the wheel of a vehicle, "the block on top falls and helps buttress the other two."

Umbrellas: Umbrellas, if utilized correctly, can be a great defensive aid if protests become heated. They can be used to deflect against projectiles fired at you by police, such as tear gas cannisters, water cannons, and pepper spray. They can also be used in the construction of makeshift barriers and walls utilized by the protesting parties.

PPE: When attending a protest, encampment, or any form of civil disobedience, it is of utmost importance that you come prepared for it to go south. Police arsenals include a wide array of weapons and chemicals such as tear gas and pepper spray, and the site of the protest might be equipped with cameras that can later be utilized for facial recognition. Wear face and eye coverings to protest from pepper spray and gasses as well as to protect your identity. Always be ready to defend yourself in the case of physical confrontation.

Random Stuff:

• Makeshift barricades can serve as great protectice instalations at best, and serve as a way to buy time for yourself and fellow organizers at worst. In my opinion, they should be present at every encampment.

• Look out for one another, co-operate, and maintain order. From this point forwards treat your encampment as you would treat a small breakaway state. You are under attack, and only through planning and organization can you maintain order and safety for the members of your protest. Everyone needs to contribute what they can.

• Don't bring a knife to a gun fight, be ready for anything, rapid escalations at these types of protests are not unheard of.

Last but not least, this is in no way an incitement to violence. Merely a set of advice protestors can follow to defend themselves and their comrades in these turbulent and unprecedented times. Share this post with those who you think can benefit from it. Much love, solidarity forever 🇵🇸🏳️‍🌈🇿🇦❤️

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Ali Winston at The Guardian:

As the University of California, Los Angeles is reeling from a late-night attack on a student protest encampment for Gaza last week, attention is turning to the disparate group of counter-protesters who had rallied against the encampment in the lead-up to the violence, including during chaotic dueling rallies two days before. Many witnesses to the 30 April melee observed that the small group of assailants – many of them masked – did not appear to be students. More than 30 people were injured, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (Cair). Authorities are still working to identify the perpetrators, and have not made any arrests.

But researchers studying hate and anti-government groups have confirmed the presence at the counter-demonstrations of several far-right activists who have been involved in anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-vaccine protests across southern California over the past three years. Narek Palyan, an Armenian-American from Los Angeles’ Van Nuys neighborhood, was photographed on UCLA’s campus on 26 April amid a group of counter-protesters, and again on the evening of 30 April, hours before the assault on the protest camp. Palyan took part in several “Leave Our Kids Alone” demonstrations at school board meetings in southern California over the past year, where he was at times photographed making Nazi salutes. His social media history is rife with antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ+ posts. The Leave Our Kids Alone protests have cropped up at school board demonstrations, book readings and Pride celebrations throughout southern California, focusing anger from conservative parents on the recognition of LGBTQ+ identity and students in both curriculums and classrooms.

The demonstrations, part of a broader rightwing effort to sow unrest and undermine an alleged “liberal agenda” at US schools, have at times been marked by violence and drawn far-right participants from around the region, including people associated with local Proud Boy and Three Percenter militia chapters and fundamentalist Christian churches.

Manuk Grigorian, one of the organizers of some of the southern California “Leave Our Kids Alone” protests, was also present at the counter-protests at UCLA on 30 April. Grigorian frequently appeared on Fox News to discuss the school board demonstrations last summer, where he leveled false claims that certain public education districts were “grooming” children to develop LGBTQ+ identities. Michael Ancheta, a former mixed martial arts fighter who in the past associated with southern California Proud Boys and assaulted a journalist at a 2021 anti-vaccine protest in West Hollywood, was spotted among the pro-Israel crowd at UCLA on on 28 April, when pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian protesters staged dueling rallies near the encampment, and again on 30 April. Ancheta, who until recently ran an Instagram account under the handle “Antifahunter”, has been a frequent participant in the Leave Our Kids Alone demonstrations.

[...] The reason these counter-demonstrators are drawn to protests over the war in the Middle East, he said, was that they see them through the prism of a broader rightwing view that “traditional” societies and families are under threat. “Their animosity towards the campus demonstrations are part of this Christian far-right perspective that LGBTQ folks are threats to Christianity, and so are Palestinians or Muslims,” Cravens said.

[...]

Beyond UCLA, a number of far-right actors, including a violent white supremacist charged in connection with January 6, the founder of the Proud Boys, and a former member of the streetfighting Neo-Fascist Rise Above Movement have stood alongside pro-Israel demonstrators confronting Gaza solidarity encampments at universities across the country.

Lindsay Schubiner, the program director at the Western States Center, has been tracking this trend. To her, the activist presence is part of a broader rightwing effort to sow chaos and undermine democratic institutions. “These white nationalists, religious extremists and anti-democracy actors are political actors who are opportunistic and strategic – they have a goal of ratcheting up the temperature and escalating tensions between groups, and when there’s so much attention on a situation like the current crisis in Gaza, they show up,” Schubiner said. “We’ve seen attempts to co-opt and reframe the debate about the current war by characterizing pro-Palestinian students and faculty as un-American, which is incredibly troubling.” Gene Block, UCLA’s chancellor, has condemned the attack by “instigators” on 30 April, and Karen Bass, the Los Angeles mayor, has called the assault “abhorrent and inexcusable”. Bass likened the 30 April assault to the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.

The assault came after days of tension between camped-out students and counter-protesters at the Westwood campus. For days, counter-protesters turned up to the campus to confront the student demonstrators, with shouting matches occasionally erupting into scuffles. Aside from the rightwing school protesters, other extremist elements were documented on UCLA’s campus. On the weekend before the raid, photos emerged of a flag featuring the symbol the Jewish Defense League, a virulent Jewish supremacist organization founded by Meir Kahane that has committed “countless terrorist attacks in the US and abroad”, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. The JDL was formally delisted as a terrorist organization by Joe Biden in 2022, over protests from Palestinian groups.

Why are far-right groups disrupting campus protests for Palestine? To cause trouble and stoke their war on “liberal colleges.”

[aurenzo]

If my Americans (my D&D players) somehow found this: keep scrolling

Hehehehe your little warcouncil meeting in the tent with the archmage is getting ambushed by an army of aboleth thralls this session hehehehe

[ms-demeanor]

Can you tell me it'll be okay? And mean it?

Yeah. It feels like shit now and there's a lot to worry about, but there was a lot to worry about last month and four years ago and eight years ago and twelve years ago and sixteen and twenty and twenty four and twenty eight and on and on and on.

Continue to work locally, continue to help people, continue to speak up for what is right and protest what is wrong.

We all should be breaking unjust laws and taking care of one another because you don't survive things like this by being isolated and alone, you survive things like this by building networks and creating parallel systems and growing tight bonds with the people in your community (either physically or digitally).

Plan on helping someone get an abortion. Plan on lying to ICE. Plan on helping someone get hormones. Plan on defending an encampment. Plan on sharing information that is being hidden. Plan on potesting a pipeline or supporting forest defense. Plan on not crossing picket lines. Plan on helping your friends get their meds.

The US Federal Government sucks shit and is not here to help. But there are millions of people who want to help each other, and those are the people you should be focusing your energy on.

It's going to be hard, but it was always going to be hard. I believe in my community, I believe in the networks I've built, I believe in the ability of small groups to make change and I believe in you.

Don't panic about what's on the horizon, do something *today* that will make someone else's life better tomorrow and it will feel less like the world is falling down.

[willtheweaver]

Some locations and structures to include in your forest

Abandoned shrine

Alchemist’s lab

Ancient ruins

Army encampment

Battlefield memorial

Boathouse

Bridge, log

Bridge, stone arch

Bridge, suspension

Bridge, wooden beam

Causeway

Cablin

Cable car station

Cairns- grave markers

Cairns- trail marker

Cave system

Caved-in tunnel

Cemetery

Clearing

Campsite

Castle (robber baron or otherwise)

Collapsed building

Dam

Dirt track

Ditch, defensive

Ditch, henge monument

Dock

Dragon’s lair

Elven settlement

Fairy ring

Farm

Ferry landing

Ford

Fort, earthen

Fort, stone

Fort, wooden

Game trail

Ghost town

Guardhouse

Haunted ruins

Hermit’s hut

Hollow hill

Hunting lodge

Hunter’s hide

Inn

Logging camp

Manor house

Mine

Monastery

Outlaw’s hideout

Overgrown ruins

Potholes

Paved road

Portal

Quarry

Railroad

Rail station

Raised platform

Roadside grave

Sacred grove

Sawmill

Sky burial platform

Signpost

Stone circle

Summoning ring

Switchback

Temple

Tollbooth

Treehouse

Troll cave

Tunnel entrance

Turnpike

Village

Waterwheel

Watchtower, stone

Watchtower, wooden

Witches’ cottage

Wizard’s tower

Zip line

[ddarker-dreams]

Could I humbly ask for some chrollo crumbs please? 🙏 🙏🙏

"This sucks."

"Mm."

"Really, really sucks."

"You did give me that impression."

Chrollo nurses a flute of champagne while you take tentative sips of your own concoction. White rum, grenadine, and what you think may have been orange juice mixed with a lime wedge on the rim. Waiters walk to and fro with appetizers, ranging from pork belly to oysters. You make a face as one of tonight's guest hands their trash to one of the unfortunate workers, despite there being a trashcan two feet away.

"Not that I'm advocating for murder," you quickly add, to which Chrollo raises an eyebrow. "... Maybe something softer in that general area, though."

"Torture?" Chrollo suggests.

You stop mid-sip to prevent yourself from choking. "No, not that either!"

"Morality sounds awfully inconvenient."

This earns him a punch in the shoulder.

"Why am I here, anyway?" You sigh. "I can't blend in with these types. Y'know, don't look now, but that lady by the fondue— hey, I said don't look— she struck up a conversation with me about her properties. Plural. Said that a homeless encampment is bringing the value of one down. What do you even say to that? 'Thoughts and prayers?'"

"I thought it'd do you some good to get out, is all," Chrollo sets his now empty glass down on a waiter's empty trey. You stare at him expectantly until he tells them 'thank you.' "And it's always a treat to see you get all dolled up."

You ignore that last bit. "Does it not bother you? Seeing all these leeches flaunting their wealth, when you grew up the way you did?"

He shrugs. "Targets are target; I make no distinction between those you consider 'innocent' or 'guilty.'"

"... 'Targets?'"

"In a strictly metaphorical sense."

"Dear god," you pinch the bridge of your nose. "I should pull the fire alarm or something."

"Without an actual fire present? My criminality must be rubbing off on you."

"There are levels to these things."

"You missed your chance to be a defense attorney. I'd have liked to see you defend me."

"Hah! I'd be rolling the electric chair out of storage just for you."

"And you wonder why I brought you along," Chrollo smiles. "Who else am I going to have these enlightening conversations with, if not you? It makes the evening fly by. Hm? Where do you think you're headed? I had the fire alarms deactivated in advance, don't even bother."

[n1ght0f-nyx]

woven bonds pt 4

pert'ah x fem reader

you've struggled with sleep since you first moved in with your arranged orc husband, one night you find him awake in front of the hearth, drawing quietly

tags/warnings- arranged marriage, human female x male orc, gentle giant, your starting to develop feelings for big man

also feel free to request non-woven bonds related things that involve pert'ah or my other ocs (see my masterlist) i love writing for all these characters and seeing the mass of support ive gotten over the last month!

word count-1025

The fire crackled softly in the hearth, its warm, golden light flickering across the small room. You were curled up on the straw mattress, a blanket pulled up to your chin as you tried to sleep, but rest wouldn’t come. It hadn’t for weeks now—not since your father had sold you to this…orc. You didn’t even know how long it had been since you arrived in the orc’s encampment. Days blurred together in a haze of resentment and exhaustion.

You shifted under the covers, your eyes squeezing shut as you willed sleep to take over. But the soft, almost rhythmic scratching sound near the fire caught your attention. You opened your eyes and turned your head just slightly. Pert’ah was seated by the fire, his broad, muscular form hunched over something in his lap.

You studied him, curiosity tugging at you despite the cold distance you had tried to maintain. His rough features���large tusks, strong jaw, and dark green skin—were cast in soft shadows by the firelight. His long, dark hair was tied back, leaving his sharp, intelligent eyes exposed. He was so different from the human men you had known, yet there was something almost peaceful about him at this moment.

He didn’t notice you watching him as he worked. His large hand moved with surprising gentleness, guiding a piece of charcoal across the page of an old, worn book. The scratching sound was his sketching. It struck you as strange at first—an orc, known for their brute strength, sitting quietly by the fire, creating art.

Your gaze drifted to the rest of the room—his space, now shared with you. It was small but organized with care, wooden furniture crafted by hand and everything in its place. There were his weavings, hung neatly on the walls, adding splashes of color to the otherwise drab space. You had always kept your distance from him and his belongings, but tonight, your defenses felt weaker. Maybe it was the late hour or the quietness of the moment, but you couldn’t help but feel a small spark of curiosity.

Slowly, quietly, you rose from the mattress and tiptoed toward him, careful not to disturb the peace. He still hadn’t noticed you, his focus entirely on the sketch he was working on. You hesitated just a few feet away, unsure if you should say something or return to bed. Before you could make up your mind, his hand stilled, and his head lifted slightly.

“Why you awake?” His voice was low and gruff but not unkind. He still hadn’t turned to face you.

You swallowed, caught off guard by the question. “I…couldn’t sleep,” you mumbled.

He nodded, still looking down at his work. “Fire helps. Calm mind.”

You shuffled awkwardly, unsure how to respond. His broken English always made conversations feel a bit stilted, but you could tell he was trying. He always tried. Despite everything, Pert’ah had never been cruel to you. Frustratingly kind, even. Still, the bitterness of your situation gnawed at you, making it hard to accept any gesture of goodwill.

“What are you drawing?” you asked softly before you could stop yourself.

Pert’ah finally turned his head toward you, his expression unreadable in the firelight. He hesitated for a moment, then held out the book in your direction.

You took a tentative step closer, eyes darting down to the page. Your breath caught in your throat.

It was a sketch of you.

In the drawing, you were lying asleep, the blanket pulled up around your shoulders. It was a peaceful image, detailed and precise. The lines were soft, capturing your form with care. He had been drawing you without your knowledge, but there was no malice in the action—just quiet observation.

You stared at it, unsure of how to feel. His drawing was beautiful, but the thought of him watching you sleep, even harmlessly, made your skin prickle. “Why did you draw me?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

Pert’ah looked back at the sketch, then at you. “You are…here. In my life now. I want remember this. Peaceful moment.”

Your chest tightened. A part of you wanted to snap at him, tell him that you weren’t here by choice, that nothing about this was peaceful to you. But another part of you—the part that saw the care he put into that drawing—felt…something else. Something softer.

You didn’t say anything for a moment, unsure of what to do with this strange mixture of emotions.

Pert’ah’s gaze fell to the floor. “I sorry… if this upset you,” he mumbled, his shoulders slumping slightly.

“No,” you said quickly, surprising yourself. “It’s just… unexpected. But it’s—” You paused, searching for the right word. “It’s nice.”

He nodded once, clearly unsure how to respond to your hesitant compliment. The awkwardness lingered between you like an invisible barrier, but it wasn’t as heavy as it had been before. You glanced at the sketch again, still processing how gentle his work was despite his imposing exterior.

Without thinking, you reached out toward the page, wanting to take a closer look. Pert’ah, moving at the same time, reached to turn the page, and your hands brushed together.

The touch was brief, just the lightest contact, but it felt like a jolt of electricity had passed between you. Both of you froze. Your eyes flicked up to meet his, and you saw the surprise mirrored in his expression.

The air in the room seemed to still. Your heart thudded in your chest, and you didn’t pull your hand away. Neither did he. It was a simple touch, nothing more, but the warmth of his skin against yours lingered, refusing to fade.

Pert’ah was the first to break the silence. He pulled his hand back slowly, looking down at the book as if embarrassed by the moment. “I… make you new blanket,” he muttered, his voice quieter now. “Orc blankets warm...Keep you comfortable.”

You swallowed hard, feeling the tension settle back into the air. “Thank you,” you whispered, stepping back toward the mattress. Your hand still tingled from the brief contact, and you weren’t sure why it affected you so much. You shouldn’t care. You shouldn’t let any of this matter.

But it did.

As you lay back down, you glanced at Pert’ah once more. He had returned to his sketching, but his movements were slower, more hesitant. You could still feel the faint trace of warmth where his hand had touched yours. It was a small, fleeting moment, but it stuck with you, lingering long after the fire had burned low.

Maybe it was the quiet of the night, or maybe it was something else entirely, but for the first time since you’d arrived, you didn’t feel completely alone.

In the quiet darkness, your thoughts churned, and for the first time, you wondered if perhaps things might change—if maybe, just maybe, you could learn to see Pert’ah not as the orc who had taken you, but as the quiet, kind soul who had always offered more than you could give in return.

You weren’t ready to admit it to yourself, not yet. But something had shifted tonight, something you couldn’t quite put into words.

And for the first time in weeks, sleep came easier than before.

[magz]

Palestine related news summary from LetsTalkPalestine, May 1 to May 4, 2024.

[Ways to help, sources, and more: LetsTalkPalestine Linktree]

May 1.

(Instagram reel of UCLA protest. Includes footage of treating n washing a pro-palestine protestors' bloody head)

Day 208

🇨🇴 Colombia to cut diplomatic ties w/ Israel

•⁠ ⁠33 killed, 57 injured in the last 24 hours. Real number likely higher

⚖️ US lobbying ICC not to issue arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials, after Israel's threat to respond by retaliating against Palestinian Authority for sparking ICC investigation

🇫🇷 France denies selling weapons to Israel used in Gaza, claiming what's sold will be re-exported to 3rd countries via Israel, but did supply Israeli Iron Dome defense system

🇹🇷 Turkey set to follow Columbia & Nicaragua by joining South Africa's ICJ case against Israel

🎓 Zionist mob attacked Palestine protestors at UCLA w/ fireworks & pepper spray for 3 hours, police didn’t intervene (📹👆). Columbia & CUNY asked NYPD to raid & arrest 280+ student protestors. New encampments across UK, Tunisia & Canada

🚚 First aid trucks enter through Beit Hanoon crossing to north Gaza despite Israel's promise to open 1 month ago. Nearly half of aid convoys to north Gaza denied by Israel.

May 2.

(Instagram post, news update. The Israeli occupation has killed Palestinian Dr. Adnan Al-Barash.)

Day 209

• 28 Palestinians killed, 51 injured in last 24 hours. Note that the toll is underreported.

🏥 Dr. Adnan al Barash killed in captivity after IOF abducted him in Dec (📷👆)— 496 medical personnel killed in Gaza + 309 in captivity

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia arrests many for anti-Israel online posts, incl. an executive & media figure. Timing suspicious w/ reports of renewed normalization talks

• IOF attacks aid convoy, killing 1

🇹🇷 Turkey stops all trade w/ Israel after banning 54 exports to Israel

🇺🇸 US House pass “antisemitism awareness” bill using repressive IHRA definition of antisemitism despite antisemitism covered in anti-discrimination law. Why is IHRA definition problematic? See tinyurl.com/ynsfy8sx

• IOF airstrike in central Gaza killed 5, incl. a child

🪨 37m tons of rubble in Gaza, heavy contamination w/ unexploded ammunition & 800,000 tons of asbestos

🎓 Columbia & Emory University face federal investigation for anti-Muslim discrimination, reports of doxing & harassment

May 3.

Day 210

• World Press Freedom Day: Israel killed 100+ journalists since Oct 7 + holding 53 captive

• 26 killed, 51 injured in the last 24 hours. Note the toll is underreported.

• Israel attack on Rafah killed 7, incl. a mother & her children — the children’s bodies were shredded by the airstrikes

🇹🇹 Trinidad & Tobago recognizes the State of Palestine as West Bank & Gaza

🇬🇧 UK sanctions 2 Israeli groups + 4 settlers for violence in West Bank, warns of more sanctions if no Israeli action against settler attacks

• Israeli strike on Bureij camp killed 5, incl. a child

💰 UN estimates cost to rebuild Gaza at $40bn; more than post-WWII reconstruction

🎓 Goldsmiths University students in London win & obtain demands after occupying library — @ goldsmithsforpalestine on instagram for details

🎓 University encampments for Gaza go global spreading to 🇨🇦 🇮🇳 🇳🇿 🇪🇸 🇦🇷 🇯🇵 🇰🇼 🇱🇧 🇹🇳 🇯🇴. US crackdown w/ 2,200 students arrested

• Iran-backed Bahraini militia launches attack at southern Israeli port Eilat

May 4.

Day 211

✝️ Israel blocks entry of many Palestinian Christians to Jerusalem for Holy Saturday celebrations

•⁠ 32 Palestinians killed, 41 injured in Gaza in last 24 hours. Toll underreported

•⁠ ⁠IOF killed 5+ in 15-hour siege on Tulkarem (West Bank) & clashes with Hamas resistance fighters. IOF targeted fighters’ homes w/ women & kids inside, demolished homes trapping many under rubble

•⁠ ⁠Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 11 incl. 3 in bombings of tents in Rafah

•⁠ Head of UN WFP says north Gaza experiencing “full-blown famine” and it’s only a matter of time before south Gaza faces same level of starvation

🇫🇷 British-Palestinian @ dr.ghassan.as denied entry to France for Senate address as witness of Gaza Genocide as Germany put year-long ban on his entry to Europe (Schengen)

🇺🇸 88 US lawmakers warn Biden that Israeli aid blockade violates US ‘foreign assistance’ law

•⁠ IOF abducts 5 overnight in West Bank

🎓 Uni encampments spread to Switzerland, Ireland, Germany, Cuba & Costa Rica

[tzifron]

Reminds me of how the British blamed the Acadians for the Mi'kmaq resistance.

The crackdown on campuses offered a grim continuity: Police and other officials churned out all the same old excuses for quashing resistance. Most notably, their rhetoric relied on the predictable canard of the “outside agitator.” New York Mayor Eric Adams trotted it out as grounds for sending in an army of baton-wielding cops against the city’s students. And Deputy Police Commissioner Tarik Sheppard went even further on MSNBC Wednesday morning, brandishing an unremarkable chain lock — the sort of which I’ve seen on bikes everywhere — as proof that “professionals,” not students themselves, had carried out the takeover of the Columbia building. The bike-lock business quickly came in for rightly deserved mockery, but the “outside agitator” myth is no joking matter. In this current moment, the “outside agitators” conjured are both the perennial anarchist bogeymen or Islamist terror groups sending funds to keep student encampments flush with the cheapest tents available online. The “outside agitator” trope has a long, racist legacy, including use by the Ku Klux Klan. In the 1930s, the Klan issued flyers in Alabama claiming that “paid organizers for the communists are only trying” to get Black people “in trouble.” The allegation does double rhetorical harm by denying the agency and commitment of organizers themselves and suggesting that “outside” support from beyond a given locale or institution is somehow a bad thing. More recently, the canard has been hauled out in defense of movement repression in Atlanta, against Stop Cop City protesters who had made a national call for backup. And it was a common refrain for politicians nationwide during the 2020 uprising, as well as discourse around the earlier Black Lives Matter protests in Ferguson after police killed Mike Brown. Blaming outside agitators or interests always was a propaganda ploy and remains so now. The idea that Palestinian liberation struggle is a mere proxy for Iranian interests repeats the delegitimizing logic of the past. In fact, the Gaza solidarity encampments on campuses are student-organized and led, with Palestinian students at front and center, and a disproportionately large presence of Jewish students too. It is students, over 1,000 of them, who have faced arrest. It also happens that millions of people have called for an end to Israel’s genocidal war, and support for Palestinian liberation is not and must not be limited to the mythic and maligned terrain of campus activism.

[the-wayward-arc]

Iron Dragons were trained extensively by Yang to live off the land, that most things are edible...this kinda backfired on her and Jaune as Jaune has received reports of Iron Dragons not only eating local fauna but even eating the enemy Xenos. Iron Dragons are always on the move during campaigns as they are meant to shatter the enemy defenses and smaller bases to weaken enemy power during the pacification.

But when Remnant Soldiers and Knights would find Entire encampments wiped out by Iron Dragons they would find half eaten bodies or even bodies missing parts that were clearly cut off with a knife. Jaune has tried to reign this end but has had little success. The training Yang gave them is too embedded into their minds. This has unfortunately manifested itself as a flaw within the Iron Dragons when they became chapter as they are known to go into "Feeding" frenzies during really intense battles that wage too long in which they try to eat the still living enemy combatants.

[hogwartslegacyreactions2]

Hello there, glad to see you again, quick question how would the students, Professors and villains react to MC having an army of puffskein's like 27-41 puffskein's?

A/N: PUFFSKIENS ROLL OUT!! wait, wrong franchise-undercut because EVERYONE is here

HLC REACT TO MC'S PUFFSKIEN ARMY

MC had enough to swarm even the toughest camp. No one could handle the mass of cute they commanded. MC felt more powerful than if they were controlling an armada of dragons. Forget a few dozen. MC has HUNDREDS of rolly polly puff balls. They breed rather quickly

SEBASTIAN SALLOW: He finds it hysterical! Watching MC command the flood of fur to overtake any suspicious encampment they come across is extremely entertaining. The enemies never know what hit them.

OMINIS GAUNT: He's not a fan of Puffskiens. He doesn't like their fascination with his nose. And for MC to willingly capture and breed so many of them is beyond him. He will never go inside the vivarium, even when invited.

ANNE SALLOW: She really likes hanging out in the vivariums. She can just lay down and be cuddled by hundreds of walking pillows. It's rather nice, as long as you wear nose plugs.

IMELDA REYES: Are they serious? No really, stop selling her this cock and bull story of puffskiens defeating wizards. She refuses to believe it until MC opens their nabsack and releases the horde. She has to escape them via broom.

NATSAI ONAI: She applauds MC's creativity. She is sure that the villains of the valley have many defenses against wizards, but who would expect puffskiens?

GARRETH WEASLEY: Unlimited puffskien fur. That's how he sees it. MC produces so much of the stuff, they could stuff a mattress.

LEANDER PREWETT: ...hhwat? This has got to be the single most insane thing he's ever heard of. A literal puffskien army? This will go down in the history books alongside the Bard that tried to teach trolls ballet.

AMIT THAKKAR: Are they sure that's actually safe? For them or the puffskiens? He knows the little things are pretty durable to magic, but they're not invulnerable.

EVERETT CLOPTON: He begs MC to let him borrow the nabsack to use in the Ravenclaw dorm. Why? They'll see.

POPPY SWEETING: This is a lot, even for her. Is MC sure they can handle this many beasts? They may be small, and relatively docile, but they can be quite a handful even in small groups. She does love the irony of poachers and dark wizards being defeated by them, however.

~~~

ELEAZAR FIG: He'll admit, of all the ideas MC has had, this is one of the weirder ones. As long as they're sure they can actually take care of all those beasts, he won't interfere.

MATILDA WEASLEY: MC is doing what with an army of what? Nonono, absolutely not. MC getting themselves into trouble on purpose is bad enough, but she cannot allow a student to run amok with an irresponsible number of beasts in their pocket. She will confiscate that nabsack until MC can use it responsibly.

CHIYO KOGAWA: She's impressed. No matter how small, magical creatures tend to have minds of their own. One has to be a pretty strong leader to maintain control over such a large group.

AESOP SHARP: As long as those beasts aren't running amuck in the castle, he doesn't give a niffler's ass.

ABRAHAM RONEN: He is endlessly amused by MC's depth for whimsy, even in dire circumstances. Fighting off villains with Puffskiens? BRILLIANT!

MIRABEL GARLICK: Oh dear, she hopes MC is able to care and feed for all of those beasts. That seems like quite a few to take care of.

MUDIWA ONAI: Is this...normal for British wizards? Seems a bit eccentric.

BAI HOWIN: That's one way to handle the poaching problem, she supposes.

DINAH HECAT: She'll have a drink with Sharp. This isn't any of her concern. MC is doing just fine. Calm down Matilda, honestly.

CUTHBERT BINNS: He never knows the goings on outside of his classroom.

SATYAVATI SHAH: She swears on the nine realms, if she finds ONE puffskien hair in her classroom, she's taking house points.

PHINEAS NIGELLUS BLACK: A student fighting dark wizards with puffskiens? Please, don't bore him with outright lies. He's too clever for those.

~~~

VICTOR ROOKWOOD: This is ridiculous!! It's bad enough he's losing territory and respect within the valley, but for his gang to be dismantled by bloody puffskiens!? It's embarrassing, to put it lightly.

ASHWINDERS: They're confused by the messages sent to them by Rookwood. "Beware the Puffskiens?" What's he going on about? They find out soon enough when the earth rumbles with rolling thunder as hundreds of fur balls descend on them.

POACHERS: Interestingly enough, puffskiens have been extraordinarily hard to find as of late. Perhaps they over poached the area and now they're gone. At least that's what they think, under they're buried under a mountain of fur.

RANROK: What. The actual. Grogtash? He has seen and heard of wizards doing some wacky things to fight back, but this is a first. Even when his loyalists use dark ancient magic against the horde, their numbers are too great.

~~~

DUNCAN HOBHOUSE: Lives in constant fear of the puffskien invasion. He sees them in his sleep. Hundreds of long, hungry tongues come to eat his brain! If he sees MC in the corridors, he runs away.

[isagrimorie]

Speculating more on Agatha’s siphon powers spurred on by Agatha’s appetite.

I’m spitballing here but could it be possible the reason why Wanda’s Hex became distorted wasn’t because Wanda is “gone” but because Agatha is unconsciously feeding on the residual magic that comes from a Scarlet Witch spell?

It took Three years for the spell to lose its efficacy, enough for Agatha’s subconscious to nudge it from Nosy Neighbor to Detective Agnes.

In episode 9, Agatha told the Forest Witch that she and Nicky haven’t eaten in a while. On rewatch, it struck me how quickly Agatha siphoned the witches. She didn’t even let herself have one minute before she provoked them to attack her.

Instead she left the witches’ encampment with only a cup of soup, and seemingly, a peaceful, healthier Baby!Nicky.

Does Nicky also have some of Agatha’s siphon abilities?

When Nicky asked about why Agatha killed witches, Agatha said it was to survive. It sounds like a paranoid justification especially paired with Agatha saying, they would kill us.

“Us” and not just her. But Agatha and Nicky.

And then, Alice died because Agatha has been magick starved for three years and the sudden blast of magic must have been like water in the middle of a desert.

Or, a starved vampire getting fed with blood for the first time. And Alice wasn’t even enough for Agatha to top up.

Agatha telling Lilia she needs to restock is a lot more chilling now. Lilia survived a garden variety vampire only to encounter Agatha, a special kind of witch vampire hybrid. A succubus.

The only reason Agatha was able to switch off her siphon ability with Billy is because Maximoffs with Chaos Magic is a bottomless source of food. And, apparently siphoning from one Maximoff witch for a short time is equivalent to draining 4 witches at the same time.

It’s so fascinating and sad that Agatha’s source of ‘magickal food’ are her own fellow witches.

How is that going to affect ghost!Agatha? Is that siphon ability just limited to her physical body or is she going to have a different problem altogether and become a hungry ghost if she doesn’t get to feed?

*Magickally, I mean. Agatha does still need regular food. But it looks like food isn’t a complete meal for her.

But also, Agatha scarfing down thar corndog is such a great acting choice. Agatha is a person of many appetites and underneath that facade is a woman who always hungers.

I want to know more about the mechanics of Agatha’s siphoning / succubus powers work! Especially since its tied to her appetite, and now that as Jac mentioned in that House of R interview, apparently her ability has evolved into touch.

And that’s how Agatha absorbed Death’s powers.

It used to be just a defensive power, if she has a physical body again, she can just reach out and touch to absorb someone’s powers.

[k-nayee]

CHAPTER 12. ECHOES OF VALOR

❝In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak❞

Warrior M.List | Act Two

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˚＊˚✦ʚ♡ɞ✦ ・・✦ʚ♡ɞ✦ ⚔️・⚔️・⚔️・⚔️・✦ʚ♡ɞ✦ ・・✦ʚ♡ɞ✦ ˚＊˚

War on Troy: Year 1

Dawn brought the Greek fleet upon Troy's shoreline.

The sea was calm, its surface reflecting the fiery orange and gentle pink of the rising sun.

As the distant silhouette of the city of Troy loomed, towering walls casted long shadows over the lands—a fortress both intimidating and tantalizing.

Ships landed with startling efficiency as soldiers disembarked, their boots crunching against the sand as they swiftly began organizing into units. 

Banners unfurled in the morning breeze, the Ithacan emblem standing tall among the myriad of insignias of the Greek forces assembling.

You stood at the helm as the ship’s crew completed their final tasks. Beside you, Penelope’s gaze was fixed on the shoreline, her expression unreadable but her posture unyielding.

News of Ares’ fiery intervention and chilling promise to Agamemnon had spread like wildfire and silenced any talk about Penelope’s leadership or your role as Second-in-Command. 

Gone were the murmurs of doubt about a woman leading in war. Instead, the energy was honed in on the true enemy: Troy.

*･:*:★☽✧⚔️✧☾★:*:･*

Midday brought blood.

By the time the sun had climbed high into the sky, the battlefield outside Troy’s walls had become a crucible of chaos.

The Greek envoy arrived at the gates of Troy shortly after dawn, their demands delivered with the weight of inevitability. They asked for Helen, her stolen treasures, and the dignity of Menelaus to be restored.

The answer came swift and resolute: refusal.

From behind the walls King Priam’s messengers declared Troy’s defiance in no uncertain terms. They would neither return Helen nor yield to the will of the Greeks.

And so, the war began in earnest.

Greeks had charged with fervor, but the Trojans met them with equal force—their soldiers fighting with a tenacity born of defending their homes and families.

Clashes of bronze on bronze echoed through the air, a symphony of chaos punctuated by the cries of the wounded and dying.

Ithaca’s forces—joined by smaller contingents of Kefalonian and Spartan warriors—fought with unmatched ferocity, proving to be a sharp edge of the Greek assault.

Penelope stood at the forefront, her blade a blur of motion as she cut down enemies with ruthless precision. Her movements were calculated and fluid, each strike purposeful.

Beside her, you directed the soldiers with tactical brilliance, your voice carrying over the din of battle. “Hold the left flank!” you shouted, pointing toward a vulnerable gap in the Greek lines.

The chaos was relentless. A young soldier fell near your position, his hand clutching his side as blood seeped through his fingers.

Your stomach twisted as you caught his wide, panicked gaze. For a moment his face blurred, replaced by another from a distant memory—a boy from your village who had fallen to raiders years ago.

“Get him out of here!” you barked, snapping back to the present. A pair of soldiers scrambled to carry the injured fighter to safety.

Resistance was heavy but your forces pushed forward, inching ever closer to Troy’s walls.

By day’s end it was clear—the Ithacan forces had come the closest to breaching Troy’s defenses.

Respect bloomed where once there was doubt. Whispers of admiration spread among the Greek ranks, the respect for you and Penelope growing with each passing hour.

Dissent and doubt had no room in the wake of your triumphs.

*･:*:★☽✧⚔️✧☾★:*:･*

Evening brought a change in pace.

The Greeks regrouped, tending to their wounded and preparing for the next day’s assault.

You were near the encampment when Polites approached, his expression a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty. “Commander,” he began, addressing you, “there’s someone who requested an audience with head of Ithaca’s forces.”

You turned, your brow arching in question. “Someone?”

Polites gestured toward a figure standing at the edge of the camp.

He was striking.

He had russet skin that gleamed faintly under the setting sun, short tightly curled hair and vivid blue eyes that stood out against his complexion.

His armor bore a subtle retaining of the Greek aesthetic while being marked with flourishes that hinted at individuality.

The stranger stepped forward, a disarmingly warm smile on his lips as he gave a slight bow. “Patroclus of Phthia,” he introduced smoothly.

You narrowed your eyes, your mind rifling through your knowledge of Greek names and lineages. “Patroclus,” you repeated. “No name of importance comes to mind.”

Patroclus’ grin widened. “Caught me,” he admitted in an unbothered tone. “Allow me to clarify. I hail from Opus originally, though my time there was…cut short.”

Recognition sparked. Opus. The name and its connection came rushing back to you.

“Ah,” you said, your tone shifting to one of cautious understanding. “The exile.”

He chuckled with an edge of self-deprecation in his voice. “Guilty. Unsavory reasons and all. But,” he continued, his tone growing lighter, “I’m here for a good cause. Same as you I suspect—scouting potential dangers.”

You studied him. His demeanor was charming (almost too much so), and yet there was something in his stance—a subtle tension, a readiness—that contradicted his casualness.

“And what danger,” you asked slowly, “led you to seek us out?”

Patroclus’ eyes gleamed with amusement. “None yet. But I make it a habit to meet the competition.”

“Competition?” Your voice was flat, your expression carefully neutral.

Patroclus gestured broadly toward the battlefield. “As Second-in-Command of the Myrmidons,” he explained. “It’s only polite to meet our counterparts, wouldn’t you agree?”

You let out a soft hum, your lips curling faintly. “How polite of you,” you said dryly. “I’ll be sure to let my Captain know of your…courtesy.”

Patroclus inclined his head, his smile never faltering. “Please do.”

A tense silence stretched between you as the weight of his words settled. Polites shifted uncomfortably beside you, his eyes darting between the two of you, uneasy with the charged atmosphere.

The air seemed to hum with unspoken tension as you sized each other up—a battle of wits and will conducted in silence.

Finally, Patroclus broke the silence with a lighthearted chuckle. “I must admit,” he said, “the tales of Ithaca’s Second-in-Command hardly do you justice. But…” His eyes narrowed playfully. “You’re far more guarded than I anticipated.”

Your smirk sharpened. “And you’re exactly as insufferable as I expected.”

Patroclus laughed, the sound light and genuine. “Fair enough. It seems I’ve chosen my sparring partner wisely.”

Polites cleared his throat awkwardly, clearly relieved the exchange hadn’t escalated further. “Shall I…leave you to it?”

“No need,” you said, your eyes never leaving Patroclus. “We’re done here.”

Patroclus’ grin didn’t waver. Just as he open his mouth to respond—

“____.”

You turn at the call of your name to see Penelope striding toward you with purpose.

The scarlet fabric of the cloak she wore shimmered faintly in the sunlight, the gold cuffs in her war braids glinting with each step as she came to stop beside you.

Her expression was unreadable, but her presence was unmistakable—regal, commanding, and impossible to ignore.

“Is everything all right?” She asked, her sharp eyes cutting toward Patroclus who was already watching her.

He straightened, a glimmer of mischief in his striking blue eyes. He offers a light bow. “Based on the cloak and sword, I presume I have the honor of addressing Queen Penelope of Ithaca?”

Penelope’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, her demeanor unchanging. “State your name and purpose,” she commanded.

The man huffed softly before giving a more formal bow this time. “Patroclus of Opus,” he said smoothly. “Second-in-Command to the son of Peleus, Ach—”

“Patroclus!”

A loud booming voice interrupted. All heads turned to see a figure bounding toward your group.

He was tall—commanding, though not quite Godlike— with tanned skin that spoke of countless hours under the sun. His golden-blond hair caught the light, falling in a wild yet somehow deliberate cascade over his shoulders.

Broad shoulders and rippling muscles that spoke of dedication to combat, his ruggedly handsome features held a boyish charm that made his grin seem almost mischievous.

“There you are!” he exclaimed, clapping a heavy hand on the other man’s shoulder. The force of it would have staggered anyone else, but Patroclus remained steady, his expression softening in a way that felt far too familiar.

You recognized that look—it was the same fondness seen often exchanged between Odysseus and Penelope.

“Patroclus,” the golden-haired man continued, “you’ve been holding out on me. Ithaca sends troops to the war and you neglect to mention the company they’ve brought along?”

Patroclus gestured toward you and Penelope, his smile quirking at the corners. “May I present my captain—Achilles of Phthia. Captain, these are the leaders of the Ithacan forces—Queen Penelope and her Second-in-Command.”

Achilles wasted no time taking stock of his audience. His piercing gaze swept over Penelope first, lingering on the red cloak draped over her shoulders. Recognition flickered in his eyes as he took in the sword at her hip—a symbol of Odysseus’ legacy.

Then his attention shifted to you, and his grin widened into something wolfish, sharpening as though he’d stumbled upon an unexpected treasure.

“So,” Achilles began, his voice carrying a blend of humor and confidence. “This is what Odysseus sends in his stead—a Queen and her second. A bold move even for him” He huffed with a shake of his head. “Though I must admit it’s not a disappointing one.”

You raise an eyebrow, your arms crossing as you regard him with an air of detached amusement. “Flattery will get you nowhere, son of Peleus,” you quipped.

Achilles chuckled, undeterred by your boldness. “Flattery? No, that was simply an observation.”

“She’s sharp.” Patroclus notes as if to back up his captain’s words.

Achilles laughed again. “A rare combination isn’t it? Ithaca clearly has an eye for talent. Though I’d wager you’re not just talented, but dangerous too.”

You snorted unimpressed. “Careful Achilles. You’re getting dangerously close to sounding like a poet.”

“Oh I leave the poetry to Patroclus,” Achilles replied smoothly, casting a playful glance at his companion. “But even he’d agree you’d inspire quite the verse.”

Patroclus hummed thoughtfully as though contemplating something. “She’d make a fine muse,” he mused, his smile turning sly. “Or perhaps...more.”

“Indeed.” he agreed, his gaze moving to you briefly before he shifted his focus to the group as a whole now.

“Many of the men have expressed their...let’s say astonishment at women leading troops into war. Though I say if they’re so easily unsettled,” he shrugs, “perhaps they shouldn’t be here at all. Brawn and strength aren’t the only qualities that matter. We warriors value strength, wit…and beauty.”

His eyes moved to Patroclus, lingering for the briefest of moments. The faintest trace of a smile softened his features—a moment between the two men.

The fleeting exchange didn’t go unnoticed by you even in its subtlety. It was clear to see their dynamic was more than mere camaraderie; it carried a weight of affection and trust that transcended the battlefield.

Achilles returned his attention to the group, his smile growing once more as he added, “After all, even audacity itself can be far more lethal than brute force.” His gaze drifted back to you, his expression both teasing and appraising. “Wouldn’t you agree?”

You tilt your head as you regard him. “Perhaps. But audacity can also be a weakness if misused.”

Patroclus glance at Achilles. “I like her already,” he said, the words carrying a hint of genuine admiration beneath the jest.

Achilles’ eyes sparkled as he leaned slightly closer as though sharing a secret. “So do I,” he said, his voice dropping just enough to make the words feel intimate despite the company.

Polites, who had been silent until now with a steadily darkening expression, suddenly cleared his throat loudly. His lips were pressed into a thin line as he gave Achilles a pointed look. “Perhaps you should focus on the war at hand, not Ithaca’s forces.”

Achilles turned his attention to Polites, his grin never wavering. “Ah the watchdog,” he teased. “Fiercely protective I see. Admirable, truly. I can respect that.”

Polites bristled slightly but said nothing.

You suppressed a laugh. “Polites calm down. They're harmless.” you said lightly. “For now.”

“Harmless?” Achilles repeated with mock offense, his hand pressing to his chest. “You wound me. I assure you my intentions are entirely noble.”

“Entirely,” Patroclus echoed with a sly grin.

Before the exchange could continue, Penelope stepped forward, positioning herself squarely between you and the two men.

Achilles blinked. His grin faltered for a split second before he recovered, the edges of his smile softening into something more genuine.

“Ah,” he said, inclining his head slightly. “Apologies my Queen. We didn’t mean to overstep, simply admiration I assure you.”

Penelope didn’t waver. For a moment the tension between her and Achilles seemed to hum in the air, a silent understanding passing between them.

You, meanwhile, fought the urge to smile at her protective stance.

Achilles and Patroclus’ flirtation might have been harmless—even entertaining—but Penelope’s subtle display of possessiveness was undeniably gratifying.

“Tempting,” you said dryly, letting a faint smile tug at your lips. “but I think I’ll pass. My place is here.”

“A shame,” Achilles mused, his tone still light. “But I suppose Ithaca’s finest must remain loyal.”

Patroclus’ smile lingered as he glanced between you and Penelope with a knowing look. “Loyal indeed,” he murmured, stepping back slightly as though recognizing the unspoken dynamic.

Penelope’s presence seemed to shift subtly beside you. She gave Achilles a pointed look, her own smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Perhaps you should focus on your captaincy rather than Ithaca’s Second-in-Command.”

Achilles chuckled, bowing his head slightly in acknowledgment. “Noted my Queen.”

As the two men took their leave, Polites shifted awkwardly beside you, his expression caught between irritation and something unknown.

“Don’t pout Polites,” you teased, nudging him with your elbow.

“I’m not pouting,” he grumbled, his arms crossing defensively.

But you caught the way his sight lingered on the retreating figures of Achilles and Patroclus, his brow furrowed as though weighing their intentions.

*･:*:★☽✧⚔️ BONUS ⚔️✧☾★:*:･*

The battlefield was chaos—clashing swords, guttural cries, and the metallic tang of blood hanging thick in the air.

Dust and smoke stung your eyes as you surveyed the fray. The lines of Ithacan soldiers, intermixed with those of other Greek allies, surged forward in disciplined waves against the Trojans.

You darted between soldiers, your movements sharp and purposeful as you directed formations. Penelope's orders had been clear and you ensured they were executed with precision.

Yet, as you maneuvered through the thick of the fight, it was impossible to ignore the two figures who always seemed to gravitate toward you—Achilles and Patroclus.

“You should consider stepping back for a moment,” Patroclus quipped, his tone light even as his blade cleaved through a Trojan soldier. “Can’t have Ithaca’s finest getting scratched now can we?”

You threw him a pointed glance as you wipe sweat from your brow. “Ithaca’s finest has survived worse. Worry about yourself Patroclus.”

Achilles, a few steps away, dispatched another enemy with terrifying efficiency. He turned toward you, his expression uncharacteristically serious.

“The battlefield is no place for hesitation,” he said, his voice carrying over the clamor. “But when it’s you, it’s hard not to act.”

You rolled your eyes despite your heart giving an involuntary lurch. “I don’t need protecting,” you replied sharply. “I’m here to fight, not be coddled.”

Achilles’ lips quirked into the faintest smile. “Noted.”

Despite your irritation you couldn’t deny that their presence had its benefits. Their skills in combat were unparalleled, and their instincts—apparently overprotective when it came to you—were razor-sharp.

Still, you felt a twinge of annoyance each time they deflected a blow meant for you or inserted themselves into your battles.

Like now.

A Trojan soldier charged at you, his spear aimed with lethal precision. You sidestepped smoothly, your own weapon arcing toward him.

Before you could strike, Achilles’ shield slammed into the man, sending him sprawling.

“I had that!” you snapped, glaring at him.

“I’m sure you did,” Achilles replied, not missing a beat as he turned to engage another foe.

Nearby, Patroclus dispatched the last of a small group of enemies before turning back to you. “You’ll thank us later,” he said, offering a cheeky grin. “When you’re not nursing a wound.”

You shot him a glare but said nothing, instead throwing yourself back into the battle. You didn’t need them to shield you; you had proven your capability time and time again.

And yet their attentions never waned, their protective instincts flaring whenever you were within reach.

Later, as the battle waned and the Greeks regrouped, you found yourself at the edge of the camp away from the bustling soldiers, sharpening your blade near the fire.

“You’re always so focused.”

You look up briefly to see a thoughtful Patroclus taking a seat beside you before returning to your work. “Focus keeps you alive.”

Achilles appeared not long after, dropping onto the other side of you with his signature grin.

“You know too much focus is no good right?” he said teasingly. “Come join us for a drink. Or a sparring match. Something to remind you there’s more to life than war.”

You raised an eyebrow, not even glancing his way as you continued your task. “And you think drinking or sparring with you will help me relax?”

Patroclus chuckled. “Relax? No. But it might make things more interesting.”

“Interesting isn’t what I’m aiming for,” you replied dryly.

Achilles pressed a hand to his chest, feigning hurt. “You wound me.”

“Not yet,” you shot back.

“So much fiery, so much bite...” Patroclus leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You know there’s always room for one more.”

The whetstone stilled against your blade as you turned to meet his gaze.

“For what?”

Achilles smirked, gesturing between himself and Patroclus. “For us. Imagine it—Achilles, Patroclus, and the legendary second of Ithaca. A trio unlike any other.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, but before you could respond a shadow fell over the group.

Penelope stood there, her arms crossed and her expression unreadable, though the sharpness in her eyes spoke volumes.

“Am I interrupting something?” she asked, her tone calm and edged with steel.

Achilles and Patroclus exchanged a look before the Prince gave a shrug. “Simply in need of her insight,” he said. “We’re planning an attack near the western ridge. We believe her strategies have proven…effective.”

Penelope’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I’m sure my Second-in-Command has more pressing matters than aiding you with your skirmishes,” she said coolly.

Achilles met her gaze evenly. “Of course,” he replied, though his tone held a hint of challenge. “But perhaps a brief consultation wouldn’t hurt.”

You suppressed a sigh, sensing the tension between them. “I’ll take a look,” you said, stepping forward to diffuse the situation. “But only briefly. We’ve got our own plans to finalize.”

Patroclus’ grin widened as he pulled out and handed you a small sketch of the ridge. “We knew we could count on you.”

Penelope’s eyes burned into your back as you studied the map with displeasure practically radiating off her. She didn’t say anything; the slight tension in her posture told you everything you needed to know.

Before you could dwell on the thought, a distant horn broke the peace, its mournful note slicing through the quiet camp causing any ease from earlier to evaporate.

An Ithacan runner emerged from the shadows, breathless and wide-eyed. “My Queen, my Lady! News about a truce! A duel has been arranged—Menelaus against Paris. They say it will decide the war.”

You exchanged a sharp look with Penelope while Achilles and Patroclus straightened.

“When?” she asked, her voice steady despite the tension thrumming in the air.

“Right now,” the runner replied, his chest still heaving. “The Trojans—”

Another horn blast cut him off, louder and more urgent this time. Moments later Polites sprinted into view, his face pale and his voice hoarse. “Menelaus has been shot!”

“What?” you demanded.

“Pandarus,” Polites spat, his disgust evident. “He broke the truce. The Gods…Athena—they say she manipulated him. Menelaus is wounded.”

Patroclus’ face darkened, his lips pressing into a thin line. “How bad is it?”

“Not fatal,” Polites assures him. “But it’s enough to shatter the truce.” He hesitated, his gaze flicking to the ground. “This...will not end quietly.”

Achilles’ jaw tightened as his hands curling into fists at his sides. “Fools,” he muttered coldly. “A duel meant to end the war and they couldn’t even hold to their own terms.”

You glance at Penelope, the unspoken decision passing between you in a heartbeat.

“All right then,” you said, gripping the handle of your sword. “Polites, ready the men. We march at first light.”

Penelope nodded. “Send word to Diomedes and the others. We’ll need every fighter we have.”

Achilles didn’t wait for further instructions. “Patroclus with me,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. “If war is what they want...” His words hung ominously in the air unfinished.

The Opuntian-born firmly nods before following Achilles into the shadows.

Now buzzed with activity of preparations for battle, fires burned brighter, casting long shadows over the Greek banners rippling in the wind.

The time for calm had passed.

War was about to reignite.