#event: unity fair.

[teaganxnott]

where: unity fair; kissing booth. who: @alessandraesmee || alice.

Yes, Teagan was a model. Yes, Teagan thought much of herself. Yes, Teagan was confident. And yes, Teagan was a socialite. The difference between her and many of other pureblood princesses was that she was approachable and cordial — unless provoked. She enjoyed being out and about, being seen. She knew she was beautiful and liked others to see how stunning she was. Attention was given to her her whole life. What better way to give back to others who saw her than sitting at the kissing booth with the lovely Alice?

The line had slowed and she flung her hair behind her shoulder, letting out an exasperated sigh. “This was a lot busier than even I expected. If I’m not careful these plump money making lips might flatten.” She put her hand on Alice’s shoulder. “And most of these people …they’re the lucky ones.” Teagan leaned in and smiled. “They got two hotties here like sitting ducks just waiting on some action.”

[regulusx]

unity fair fundraiser eternelle’s elixir of refreshment, carkitt market regulus black & narcissa black (( @aurcralux ))

        so much had happened in so little time. if regulus had felt like drowning weeks ago, now he was just constantly underwater, where at times he was allowed to resurface before being pulled down once again. it was hard to breath, to move, to even see at times. there was so much happening around him, so many emotions and feelings, and he just wanted to scream. 

       still he had to go on with his life, for the sake of those around him, the ones that loved him, the ones he loved. he smiled and made small talk, and continued with his life, the reminder of the things he had done and why his life seemed to be going off the deep end burning on his forearm. and then it was his betrayal, a secret that very few knew, and who he was coming closer and closer to breaking down and finally telling the one person he had wanted to tell since the start. but he would never do that to narcissa, he would never place her in danger, no matter how lost he felt. instead he put on a smile before approaching her, not a big smile, narcissa knew him better than he knew himself, but one that would not raise any concerns.

       ❝hey cissy❞ regulus greeted his cousin before taking a seat across from her, ❝you having fun?❞ he asked with a teasing tone, he knew he should’ve hugged her, maybe kiss the top of her head, but he could not help but feel as if he might suck out all her happiness, he felt like a black hole, like a dementor.

[bloddysnow]

Summary: You are an emperor, and you have your own harem consisting of four consorts.

Pairings: Sub! Bottom! Zayne/Sylus/Rafayel/Xavier x Dom! Top! Gn! Reader

nsfw minors dni

They have different features and characters, each of which is a unique combination of beauty, strength and charm.

The first consort, Zayne was a skillful healer, known for his wisdom and insight. He was not only handsome, but also smart. His knowledge of herbs and medicines helped to keep you in good health, helping to stay full of strength and energy. He often gave you valuable advice in governing the state. He had a refined taste and exquisite grace. His outfits have always been made with elegance.

The second consort, Rafayel, has a passionate temperament and burning beauty. Something about him always makes him the center of attention in any room. He chooses the most precious fabrics and jewelry to emphasize his beauty. Rafayel spends his days perfecting the art of dance, demonstrating flexibility and ability to control his body. He was not only a talented dancer, but also a skillful musician. In the evenings, he plays the lyre, hoping to attract you with melodic sounds and his angelic voice. His talent was known far beyond the palace.

The third consort, Sylus is famous for his wisdom and deep knowledge of poetry and philosophy. Passion and temptation permeates his every movement and every word. His eyes burn with the fire of thirst, giving mystery. He is also a master of martial arts. His grace and dexterity delighted everyone who saw his training. He often quotes poems and philosophical thoughts, hoping to win your heart through mind and soul.

The fourth consort, Xavier is known for his innocence and sincerity. He wears light and bright outfits that emphasize his young beauty. Its beauty is emphasized by simplicity and naturalness. He likes to walk in the garden and pick flowers. He wants to attract you with his purity and innocence. His room is filled with the scents of fresh flowers and the soft light of candles since he every evening hopes that you’ll want to visit him.

They dress up in frank clothes that barely cover their bodies to better demonstrate the traces of your caresses - dark spots and red marks from love bites that cover their delicate skin with a marble pattern. Every sign you leave is considered a pride, and they do not hide them under their makeup, but show them out.

At public meetings, banquets, parties and most social events, your consorts properly stand right behind your back and will always accompany you. Their presence behind your back symbolized the unity and strength of the imperial family. They’ll hide their faces under face veil, leaving only their eyes open. Since childhood, they have been taught that their bodies belong only to the emperor, and this knowledge is deeply rooted in their minds. Because of this, they cannot get physical pleasure on their own, knowing that their purpose is to serve only you.

As an emperor, you are aware of the importance of fair and respectful treatment of your consorts. And you try to pay equal attention to them all, making sure that each of them feels loved and valuable.

Evenings in the garden with Xavier have become an oasis of calm and happiness for you. The garden has an atmosphere of peace and harmony created by the rustle of foliage, the singing of birds and the quiet murmur of the fountain. Xavier brings the book he chose in advance and sits on the soft grass under the shade of an old oak leaning against it. You settle down next to him, putting your head on his lap. His hands begin to gently stroke your hair. He opens the book and starts reading aloud. His voice, soft and expressive, fills the space around you. Closing your eyes, you enjoy every minute spent with him.

Sylus often asks you to practice with him. One of your rules was the following: if he wins, you will fulfill any of his wishes. He attacks quickly and deftly, trying to find vulnerabilities. You, in turn, fight back, always trying to keep a balance between defense and attack. However, despite his aspiration and skills, he has never managed to defeat you. You are always one step ahead. You know that the real goal of these trainings is not victory, but time spent together. And this ends with Sylus breathing heavily with his hands around your neck, feeling the warmth of your body. Your hands wrap around his waist, pulling him closer. His lips are warm, persistent, conveying all the passion that he may have been holding back for a long time.

Rafayel, dressed in light silk clothes, slowly goes to the center of the hall, illuminated by the soft light of candles. The sounds of darbuka and qanun begin to fill the space. Smooth waves run through his body, starting from his hips and rising up his spine. He skillfully uses his shoulders. His hands gently twist, repeating the curves of the melody, and his fingers touch the invisible strings, adding a touch of magic to the dance. His hips make graceful movements, synchronously swaying in the rhythm of melody. His body is the true perfection of beauty. Each muscle contraction, each movement emphasizes the ideal lines of his figure. The light of candles plays on his skin, creating a game of shadows and emphasizing every muscle. When he looks at you, it seems that time stops. His eyes are full of depth and passion, you can drown in them, forgetting about everything in the world. It's like they bewitched you, and you can't take your eyes off him. They reflect the whole world, full of mysteries and secrets that he is ready to share only with you.

In the majestic imperial palace, immersed in luxury and splendor, your life was surrounded by Zayne's care and attention. Not trusting the servants, Zayne personally followed every aspect of your daily life. It was his personal privilege and duty that he was proud of. Taking care of the emperor gave him some pleasure. He chooses your outfit for the day, also takes care of your hairstyle, skillfully styling your hair and giving it a neat look. He makes sure that consorts didn't bother you and asks you every night if you wanted to visit someone's quarters. Zayne takes care of his emperor with awe and love, trying to protect you from all possible troubles and worries. As a sign of gratitude for his tireless care and devotion, you often took his hands in your own and gratefully kiss them. Zayne was always embarrassed at these moments, looking away.

Their hearts are pounding in anticipation of your next choice, and each of them is eager to be in emperor’s quarters again. When they find themselves in your bed, their moans and screams become loud and passionate, breaking the silence of the night. It's not only an expression of their pleasure, but also a way to show others your closeness to them. They cry, clutching your cock buried deep inside them, and whisper through tears: "I'm y-your favorite, right?" Their voices tremble with emotions, and their hearts beat in the hope of confirming their uniqueness and love.

Their bellies become swollen from the amount of sperm inside their wombs. When you gently press on their stomach, white sperm flows out of their hole, and they whine, asking you not to waste it. Each of them dreams of giving birth to the first heir, who will strengthen his position in the harem and give him power and respect.

[xrodolphusxxlestrangex]

Rodolphus was at the Unity Fair only because he was told to watch what was happening and to report back; to keep an eye out and take notes. He was never one to say no to his assignments, particularly when it meant preparing. He was good at it. He was good at hiding and observing. There was a reason he was chosen for so many assignments.

Of course he came across Alessandra. And what was she doing? Happily painting faces of anyone who showed up. Anyone. It made him sick. What made him even more such was seeing a paint brush in her hand. That was his domain. To see his disowned disgusting, supposed “sister” using something so carelessly made his blood boil.

“Stop with the niceties, Alessandra,” never Alice. With that he took the paint brush from her hands and broke it in half, throwing it behind him. “You need to fucking grow up. Stop playing with kids and do something worthwhile with your life for fuck’s sake.” His final words said slowly and with annoyance.

when: July 1982  where: Unity Fair  who: Alice and open!

Alice was enjoying the hell out of the fair. The Billie Lewis grant was a great cause, and Alice always liked the chance to hang out with new people. She’d been at the face painting booth for about an hour, now, and she was really getting into the swing of it. She typically liked pencils better than paint, but making art on someone’s face was one of the best ideas the muggles had ever had. Usually, that honor went to hair scrunchies, but Alice was reconsidering her ranking. She’d done sports team emblems, animals, rainbows. Some people wanted something subtle on their cheek, while others wanted their whole face decorated. Her favorites were the kids, who were just generally more creative than the adults.

For a while there’d been a steady stream of people, usually one or two waiting in line while Alice finished up whoever she was working on, but things had slowed down. Alice was close to conjuring up a mirror and painting her own face, just to fend off the boredom, when she caught a passerby’s eye. “You look like you could use a little extra sparkle. Fancy a paint job?” Alice waved the brush she’d been twirling between her fingers for added emphasis.

[aeth-eris]

Solar Return : Friendships (11th House)

Solar Return 11th House in Aries: You may find yourself drawn to dynamic and energetic friends who share your enthusiasm for group activities such as sports teams or adventurous outings, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared excitement within your social circle.

Solar Return 11th House in Taurus: You may prioritize nurturing and stable friendships, seeking reliable and down-to-earth companions who share your values and enjoy activities such as cooking or nature outings that foster a sense of groundedness and comfort within your social group.

Solar Return 11th House in Gemini: You may enjoy engaging in intellectually stimulating conversations and events with diverse groups of friends who share your love for learning and social gatherings, fostering a sense of mental stimulation and camaraderie within your social network.

Solar Return 11th House in Cancer: You may prioritize building close-knit and supportive friendships, seeking empathetic and caring companions who value emotional connections and enjoy activities such as movie nights or meaningful discussions that foster a sense of belonging and understanding within your social circle.

Solar Return 11th House in Leo: You may seek friendships that embrace celebration and mutual admiration, enjoying the company of enthusiastic and expressive friends who appreciate events such as parties or creative projects that foster a sense of joy and recognition within your social group.

Solar Return 11th House in Virgo: You may value practical and dependable friendships, gravitating towards friends who share your attention to detail and enjoy activities such as group projects or organized outings that foster a sense of reliability and productivity within your social network.

Solar Return 11th House in Libra: You may prioritize cultivating harmonious and balanced friendships, enjoying the company of cooperative and diplomatic friends who value fairness and social events such as group discussions or collaborative projects that foster a sense of unity and cooperation within your social circle.

Solar Return 11th House in Scorpio: You may seek friendships that encourage deep and transformative connections, finding solace in the company of loyal and trustworthy companions who enjoy activities such as deep conversations or shared experiences that foster a sense of emotional depth and trust within your social group.

Solar Return 11th House in Sagittarius: You may embrace friendships that foster open-mindedness and adventure, enjoying the company of optimistic and global-minded friends who appreciate experiences such as travel or philosophical discussions that foster a sense of exploration and open-heartedness within your social network.

Solar Return 11th House in Capricorn: You may prioritize friendships that embody stability and mutual respect, finding comfort in the company of disciplined and ambitious companions who value achievements and events such as group projects or networking opportunities that foster a sense of responsibility and shared success within your social circle.

Solar Return 11th House in Aquarius: You may enjoy fostering friendships that embrace progressive and humanitarian values, seeking the company of visionary and inclusive friends who appreciate events such as volunteer work or group activism that foster a sense of social impact and innovation within your social network.

Solar Return 11th House in Pisces: You may seek friendships that embody compassion and creativity, finding connection with empathetic and imaginative companions who value experiences such as art therapy or spiritual discussions that foster a sense of emotional depth and spiritual connection within your social circle.

[lunvrsims]

BOB'S BURGER LEGACY CHALLENGE:

I created this challenge after binge watching Bob's Burgers for the 39384 time. I'm hoping this challenge brings everyone joy just as much as the show does for me! Please feel free to tag me if you do use this challenge. Thank you!

OVERVIEW:

Step into the shoes of the iconic Belcher family and embark on a thrilling Sims 4 legacy challenge inspired by Bob's Burgers! With just $65,000 to start and a strict no-cheat policy, guide the Belchers through five generations as they build and maintain their family-owned restaurant. Navigate unique aspirations, quirky traits, and unexpected challenges while interacting with beloved background characters from the Bob's Burgers universe. Will you preserve the legacy of 'Bob's Burgers' and create a dynasty that stands the test of time? Get ready to grill, laugh, and make memories in this exciting Sims 4 legacy challenge!

OFFICIAL RULES:

Family Funds: Each new generation starts with only $65,000 in family funds. This limited budget reflects the humble beginnings of the Belcher family and adds a challenge to building their legacy.

No Cheats: Cheats are not allowed to advance the family’s goals or acquire additional funds. This rule ensures that the challenge remains fair and requires strategic gameplay to succeed.

Legacy Succession: Each generation must have a designated heir who will continue the family legacy. The heir must be a biological child of the current generation’s primary Sims.

Unique Aspirations and Traits: Each generation must have unique aspirations and traits for their primary Sims. Avoid repeating aspirations and traits across generations to keep the gameplay varied and challenging.

Income Goals: Set specific income goals for each generation, reflecting the family’s progress in building their business empire. Achieving these goals is secondary to fulfilling the main aspirations and goals of each generation.

Background Character Challenges: Incorporate interactions and challenges involving background characters from Bob’s Burgers into the gameplay. These challenges should add depth and complexity to the family’s storylines.

Maintain Continuity: Maintain continuity between generations by referencing past achievements, relationships, and challenges in each new generation’s storyline. This creates a cohesive narrative and builds upon the family’s history.

Family Harmony: Emphasize the importance of family relationships and unity throughout the challenge. Encourage interactions and activities that strengthen family bonds and support the overarching goal of maintaining “Bob’s Burgers” as a thriving family business.

Generation 1: Bob Belcher

Traits: Foodie, Perfectionist, Family-Oriented.

Aspiration: Master Chef.

Main Goal: Establish “Bob’s Burgers” restaurant.

Income Target: Achieve a net worth of $50,000.

Family Size: Three children (two girls and one boy). MUST start off with a preteen/teen and two children.

Bob’s Rules:

Bob must achieve level 10 in the cooking skill before his eldest child becomes a young adult.

Bob must maintain a positive relationship with Teddy, Mort, and Regular-Sized Rudy to gather local support for the restaurant.

Bob must participate in at least one cooking competition and win a prize before his youngest child becomes a teenager.

Generation 2: Linda Belcher

Traits: Outgoing, Music Lover, Cheerful.

Aspiration: Party Animal.

Main Goal: Establish a successful musical career.

Income Target: Reach a net worth of $100,000.

Family Size: Two children (preferably girls).

Linda’s Rules:

Linda must achieve level 10 in the singing skill before her youngest child becomes a young adult.

Linda must organize at least three community events, such as block parties or talent shows, before her eldest child becomes a teenager.

Linda must write and perform a song about the family’s restaurant at least once before her youngest child becomes a teenager.

Generation 3: Tina Belcher

Traits: Bookworm, Romantic, Goofball.

Aspiration: Bestselling Author.

Main Goal: Write and publish a bestselling romance novel.

Income Target: Attain a net worth of $150,000.

Family Size: Two children.

Tina’s Rules:

Tina must achieve level 10 in the writing skill before her eldest child becomes a young adult.

Tina must have at least five romantic interactions with different Sims before her youngest child becomes a teenager.

Tina must complete the “Write a Novel” milestone before her youngest child becomes a teenager.

Generation 4: Gene Belcher

Traits: Creative, Ambitious, Foodie.

Aspiration: Musical Genius.

Main Goal: Become a famous musician.

Income Target: Achieve a net worth of $200,000.

Family Size: One child.

Gene’s Rules:

Gene must achieve level 10 in the guitar skill before his child becomes a young adult.

Gene must perform at least three concerts at different venues before his child becomes a teenager.

Gene must compose and record at least three original songs before his child becomes a teenager.

Generation 5: Louise Belcher

Traits: Evil, Insider, Genius.

Aspiration: Chief of Mischief.

Main Goal: Uncover neighborhood secrets and maintain the family legacy.

Income Target: Reach a net worth of $250,000.

Family Size: Four children.

Louise’s Rules:

Louise must achieve level 10 in the mischief skill before her eldest child becomes a young adult.

Louise must complete the “Prank Day” tradition every year before her youngest child becomes a teenager.

Louise must uncover and expose at least three neighborhood secrets before her youngest child becomes a teenager.

BACKGROUND CHARACTERS:

These loveable background characters will add to your gameplay and make some of the challenges more interesting. They are not necessary to your gameplay but you can create background characters based off of these ones.

Teddy: The lovable yet clumsy handyman who frequents “Bob’s Burgers”. He could occasionally break things in the restaurant, requiring repairs or upgrades.

Mort: The owner of the neighboring funeral home and a frequent customer at the restaurant. Mort might ask for favors related to his business or need emotional support during tough times.

Regular-Sized Rudy: One of the Belcher kids’ classmates who struggles with self-esteem. He could require assistance with school projects or seek friendship with the player’s Sims.

Marshmallow: The local transgender sex worker who occasionally hangs out at the restaurant. Marshmallow could provide valuable advice or connections to the underground scene in town.

Jimmy Pesto: The rival restaurateur who owns “Jimmy Pesto’s Pizzeria” across the street. Jimmy might try to sabotage Bob’s business through various means, requiring strategic maneuvers to outsmart him.

Mr. Fischoeder: The eccentric landlord who owns the building where “Bob’s Burgers” is located. Mr. Fischoeder could offer lucrative opportunities or impose challenging demands on the Belcher family.

Courtney: A local musician and potential love interest for Gene. She could offer opportunities for collaboration on music projects or events at the restaurant.

Hugo: The local health inspector who frequently inspects “Bob’s Burgers”. Hugo might demand bribes or impose strict regulations, adding a layer of challenge to maintaining the restaurant’s cleanliness and compliance.

Tammy: A conniving classmate of the Belcher kids who often causes trouble. Tammy could spread rumors, disrupt family events, or interfere with relationships, requiring diplomatic solutions.

Zeke: A rough-and-tumble friend of Gene and Louise. Zeke could challenge the player’s Sims to physical contests or get into mischief that affects the neighborhood.

Ollie and Andy: Twin pranksters who enjoy causing chaos in the neighborhood. They could pull elaborate pranks on the player’s Sims, requiring quick thinking to avoid embarrassment or damage.

Gale: The eccentric neighbor who owns the art store next to “Bob’s Burgers”. Gale could provide bizarre yet valuable advice or involve the player’s Sims in her creative endeavors.

[gold-rhine]

Hello, you said you would change some things about mavuika in the archon quest. 👀 Would love to hear your thoughts on her. I liked her a lot and thought it was a great introduction to her character.

i generally liked her and as i said, im not commenting on bigger plot until i see what they're cooking, the problems i have is with presentation and dramatization

1.i think they should have made tournament a bigger deal. yeah, kachina can have central role, but we could have time to run around as traveler in between her segments and see other fighters, bc rn its like. oooooh nation wide sacred tournament!!! and then its kinda just kachina has 3 fights and thats it. fountain act 1 i think did better job at presenting opera and trials as gigantic centre of attention and being important for the entire country.

2.ode of resurrection failing to call kachina scene is good as plotpoint, but execution is very mid. idk if its my own audio, but it sounded to me that the ode as mixed very quietly contrasting to dialogue, as like background music. they should have BLASTED it, like they have insane piece of music, they should have utilized its power to the full. if you havent heard, please do. it gives me chills every time, except for how it was used in game. like. stadium is almost empty, you had like giant rows of seats with about 3 ppl on the row. hoyo fucking come on, crowd in some npcs. it should feel massive, not like 15 guys at a local village football match. and like. mavuika just walks off screen and then walks back like hey guys our resurrection failed. this moment has so much drama potential!

like. we're shown the CROWDED stadium. chorus rises. the sacred flame is growing bigger and bigger. chorus almost at its peak, blasting. mavuika is reaching to the flames, her own hair turning into fire. music at crescendo, flames are roaring sky high, and then WHOOSH purple abyss flash, flames flicker, almost going out completely, mavuika is thrown back, crowd is scared and flailing mb we have a momentary frame of seeing scared crying kachina in the night kingdom. much more obvious impact to emphasize what a big deal sacred flames are

3. mavuika giving up her power is another great plot beat that was executed super meh. like. nothing against iansan, but she's standing there looking at mavuika the whole time, like are you done with your traumatic event? was it very traumatic? mavuika is like haha im dying on the inside but its fine, lets go. no music, no fanfare, very little emotional gravity for how important this is.

instead it could be like. mavuika dismisses iansan, like, this is something i need to do alone. she's slowly walking up to the flames. ode of resurrection theme starts playing, but no chorus, its very somber version. natlan is about unity of ppl, no one fights alone, etc, but at this moment mavuika feels very lonely and deep down, scared. she doesnt know capitano doesnt fight weakened enemies, she's giving up what she thinks is her last line of defense, she believes in her ppl, but in this moment she feels powerless. her fair turns to fire, she reaches out, hesitant, music is a single wind flute playing natlan theme, and mavuika lets go of her power, fire draining from her hair slowly, she's visibly distraught, its a melancholic and quiet moment that lingers for some time. then she gathers her strength, puts on the brave face and goes to iansan to joke about taking photos, but she's allowed the moment of vulnerability, for the latter acts contrast to when natlan ppl will be coming together.

4.the moment when group is trapped in night kingdom and rescued is already good, but i think itd be insane if we had resurrection ode call back. like they just fell, the gap in the ceiling just closed, they are looking at each other in the dark, scared. natlan theme starts playing, very quietly at first, the chorus is barely audible, but as the cracks are showing on the cavern ceiling, it grows lowder and lowder, until the darkness shatters, we have that great shot of mavuika breaking the border between 2 worlds, and the chorus is finally able to reach the highest point, in contrast to how it had to break short of it the first time. and then the group is immediately AT THE STADIUM, crowded with all the people here singing. the mavuika shot already shows stadium behind her, lets just get there, have a wonderful call back to natlan people coming together and greeting them as heroes coming back, including kachina, who can finally be treated as a hero. like we can say its magic, time moves differently, whatever, its much more cinematic flow than the group wakes up at the random hill and has to waddle back to mavuika's room, and then like 20 minutes of info dump later we get stadium scene of praising kachina.

[regulusx]

         with a sigh regulus resigned himself to make the most out of his mandatory attendance to the fair, 'it will be good for the department if we are seen at the event' his boss had said, regulus was just relieved he had not been ordered to volunteer at one of the booths too. this he could manage, a fake smile since he had done since childhood, and pretended interest, he had literally being trained for it.

         had he not been so lost in his thoughts he would've seen the approaching incident, granted, andromeda had barely bumped into him, but now he was left with no idea of how to react.

         ❝it's alright, no harm done❞ regulus tried to sound nonchalant, he could not exactly use the same grateful and delighted tone as he did in his secret visits to his cousin, ❝everything okay?❞

Andromeda found that the events that the Ministry promoted were not exactly 100% reliable, there was a certain sense of distraction, pan et circus, if you will, and that left a sour taste in her mouth.

That being said, once Dora found out about the fair there was no way of not attending.

Dora was next to her mother, a treat in her hand, before some booth got her attention, and the child was running to it, Andromeda not far behind, "Dora, wait a minute!" she tried to get her daughter's attention and soon she was bumping to someone accidentally. "So sorry, my daughter..." she pointed and then turned back to try and catch Dora.

[denimbex1986]

'Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan told the crowd at the film’s London premiere Thursday that the cast of his film had left and are “off to write their picket signs” as SAG-AFTRA prepares to go on strike.

“I have to to acknowledge the work of our incredible cast, led by Cillian Murphy,” Nolan said from the stage. “The list is enormous — Robert Downey Jr, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Kenneth Branagh, Rami Malek and so many more. … You’ve seen them here earlier on the red carpet. Unfortunately, they are off to write their picket signs for what we believe to be an imminent strike by SAG, joining one of my guilds, the Writers Guild, in the struggle for fair wages for working members of their union.”...

The Oppenheimer actors came into the Odeon Luxe theater and filed into a reception. One by one they came through the lobby. Deadline saw Florence Pugh and Emily Blunt leave before Nolan came onstage. All of the cast members Deadline spoke with declared their support for the strike action.

Speaking to Deadline on the red carpet earlier, Emily Blunt said that she and the other cast members would leave the event if the guild’s leadership officially approved a walkout. “I think right now we are just sort of — I hope everyone makes a fair deal and we are here to celebrate this movie. And if they call [a strike], we’ll be leaving together as cast in unity with everyone. … We are gonna have to. We are gonna have to. We will see what happens. Right now it’s the joy to be together.”

Oppenheimer also stars Cillian Murphy as the titular Manhattan Project leader, Kenneth Branagh, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett and James D’Arcy...'

[girlactionfigure]

🔅Sun morning - ISRAEL REALTIME - Connecting to Israel in Realtime

🔥FOREST FIRE - JERUSALEM.. near the Ben Zion intersection and the Beit Hanina neighborhood.

▪️BLOCKED ENTRANCE TO JERUSALEM BY PROTESTORS.. Demonstrators from the "Change Direction" movement handcuffed themselves to a display in the form of a ballot box and blocked the primary road entrance to Jerusalem. Police and firefighting team are working to remove the protesters.

▪️BLOCKED THE TEL AVIV HIGHWAY OVERNIGHT.. as has become the weekend custom, protestors blocked the Ayalon highway in Tel Aviv at night and were gradually removed by police.  Above at the Kaplan intersection, water cannon were deployed to break up the protest after they refused to disperse.  1 arrested, the police are also now handing out NIS 1,000 fines on the spot for illegal protest and refusing police dispersal orders.

▪️IT’S ALL POLITICAL NEWS.. The focus is moving to the domestic arena in Israel.  The balance problems of Israel’s many-party non-representative democracy are coming to the fore, with all the leadership types blaming each other for the current situation EVEN THOUGH MOST OF THEM have either been part of the emergency government & war cabinet, part of the coalition, or part of the previous government.

HERO SOLDIERS HAVE FALLEN.. Nachman Meir Haim Vakanin, 20, from Eilat, and Noam Batan, 20, from Moshav Yad Rambam have fallen in battle in the Gaza Strip.  May their families be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, and may G-d avenge their blood!

▪️US NEGOTIATING WITH IRAN.. Iran's representative to the UN confirms the reports of indirect contacts between the US and Iran in an attempt to achieve calm in the region. Contacts are made through the Sultanate of Oman. (( Well so far the US has given in on the ability to prepare materials for nukes, on funding of terror, on funds ceased due to funding of terror.  In the meantime Iran set up and armed regional terror armies and took control of 1/3 of world shipping, as well as building nukes.  Hmm, what can the US give them this time? ))

▪️HOUTHI UPGRADE.. US Central Command eports that the Houthis used a new and particularly dangerous ballistic missile for the first time.  More range, higher accuracy, higher ship damage.

♦️IDF CAPTURES long range rockets and rocket manufacturing facility in Jabaliya.

♦️POWERFUL IDF ATTACKS.. in Jabaliya, Gaza this morning.

♦️COUNTER-TERROR OVERNIGHT in Kalkilya and Shechem.  “Lions Den” terror group firefight with IDF troops, and al-Aqsa Martyrs in Kalkilya.  Several captured.

⭕ YESTERDAY EVENING’s HAMAS ROCKETS at Ashkelon was a BARRAGE of 10.  5 intercepted, 5 missed.

⭕ HAMAS ROCKETS at Sderot this morning, intercepted.  Last 

⭕ SUICIDE DRONE ATTACKS VEHICLE.. overnight military vehicle in Metulla hit by drone.  No casualties.

⭕ HEZBOLLAH rockets and suicide drones this morning, Malkia,  Dishon, Iftach, Malkia, Mevuot Hermon Regional Council, Ramot Naftali, Yir’on, Baram, Avivim.

⭕ ANTI-TANK MISSILES fired at Mt. Dov and at Arab al-Aramsha.

*******

🔅Sun afternoon - ISRAEL REALTIME - Connecting to Israel in Realtime

▪️EDITOR COMMENT.. For most of this war, the majority of Israeli politicians kept quiet and disagreements somewhat behind closed doors. And even segments of the public and activist groups kept a low profile.

Unfortunately that seems to be coming to an end.  

When we share reports on political statements, protests, and activist actions, we get a fair amount of negative feedback and accusations of bias.  We believe we are presenting a fairly balanced view, taking information from sources that lean both directions and trying to translate them (language and culturally) for our English speaking readers.

Since these political moves directly affect all of Israel, the war, and the Jewish people - we can’t ignore them.  

We do, however, try to limit political and activist reports to the main players and major events.  

▪️POLITICS: GANTZ TWEAKS TERMS.. National Unity MK Gantz adjusts his letter from yesterday - the return of the hostages is not an overarching goal but "a goal of highest priority”.

▪️POLITICS : LAPID CALLS.. Opposition Leader MK Lapid calls on Gantz to resign, he calls on Defense Min. Gallant to stay (as he says because he doesn’t want his deputy to take over).

▪️MASS MURDERER GETS SURGERY.. After Ichilov hospital on Thursday refused to accept the Hamas Nokhaba terrorist for pelvic surgery and he was returned to Sde Yemen, at the end of the week the security forces coordinated with the hospital for the terrorist's arrival and he underwent the surgery.

▪️ATTEMPTED TERROR STABBING - Abu Dis checkpoint.. A terrorist arrived at the "Kiosk" checkpoint located near the town of "Abu Dis" in Judea pulled out a screwdriver and tried to stab the fighters at the checkpoint.  Terrorist killed.

▪️HOSTAGE SHANI LUKE’S FATHER.. at her funeral “I ask all the people of Israel not to go to demonstrations. This is the fuel of our enemies.”

▪️JERUSALEM PROTEST.. that blocked the city entrance.  3 arrested.

▪️RA’ANANA TERROR OR MENTALLY ILL?  A resident of Taiba was arrested by a gym in Ra'anana threatening the exercisers and shouting that they should die "like Shahid". Arrested and police say will be transferred to professionals for mental health diagnosis.

♦️COUNTER-TERROR A-Rihiyya.. near Hebron, raid.

⭕ HEZBOLLAH ANTI-TANK fire at an IDF Hummer in Malikia, followed by artillery at the responders.

⭕ HEZBOLLAH DRONES, 2 rounds, Beit Hillel, Kfar Giladi, Kfar Yuval, Metulla, Manara, Ma'ayan Baruch, Margaliot, Misgav Am, Kiryat Shmona, Tel Hai, Dafna, HaGoshrim, Ghajar, Kibutz Dan, Shear Yeshuv, Snir, Avivim, Baram, Yir'on 

[genshin-projection]

wow wow wow ok ok ok ok

so im partway through the wardance event in HSR 2.5 and my mind is SPINNING

in particular finishing the most recent main quest with the Borisin, then hearing about Igor Haft of Belobog...

it's FASCINATING to me how the civilizations in HSR seem to not only follow a path that they value, but a path that they need and end up getting very little help from

belobog following the preservation because their small, impoverished planet is constantly under threat of death and destruction... such that very little is actually "preserved" with any success

the xianzhou alliance following the hunt to root out and eliminate their enemies without mercy... only for those same enemies to stir up trouble from within their own ranks, with the xianzhou luofu in particular failing to realize until two major disasters had already been set in motion. and even before then, considering everything implied with dan feng, i doubt this is the first time they've faced internal conflict like this

penacony following the harmony to ensure the happiness and unity of their people, only for what little harmony actually exists to simply cover up the turbulence and suffering belying every luxury... such that the order arose in the first place to deal with what the harmony couldn't, a thick undercurrent of inequality and divisiveness that plagued every worker, every poor soul that saw penacony as their safe haven, their last hope

that those desperate for preservation would come out with so little, with so many wounds. that those desperate to hunt down threats would be perpetually plagued by internal betrayals and setups. that those desperate for harmony, peace, and unity would allow its weak to suffer until the only option left is not prosperity but silence and preconceived "happiness"....

it's just fascinating to me how those following a path actually have the least of it. it's fascinating how the pathstriders of the preservation are on the brink of demise, the pathstriders of the hunt are under threat of ambush, the pathstriders of the harmony struggle to remain united and fair to their people.

[justajsworkshop]

man, i’m lazing in bed just letting my mind wander, and i was thinking back to when i was deeply neglected and hurt by a friend. i was in emotional agony. i thought i was gonna die with how much it hurt, and trust me, i’ve been through my fair share of shit. but this was just some other level of pain that i hadn’t ever experienced.

anyway, while i was curled up and soooobbing my eyes out in bed, i whispered in the depths of my heart how deeply and truly i just wanted a friend. a good friend! a friend who cared. a friend who was loyal. a good, good friend like i am a friend to others.

this was all before i found about the law. eventually, i moved on with my life, and somehow by a wild string of events, i ended up meeting my (now) best mate, and he’s really the friend i had always wanted for myself. better than i could have dreamed for myself at the time—better than i thought i was worthy of.

god hears you the first time. i promise. your desires want to be yours because it’s god’s desire to be whole and complete. it’s god’s desire for you to be whole and complete and to see and accept that you are already whole and complete because you are god, the greatest totality there ever was.

what if unity was the plan all along? and we’re just allowing that perfect unity into being as god and with god? please trust more in the miracle of your being and existence. it is a miracle you exist. wouldn’t it be wonderful if that was enough to guarantee your eternal fulfillment? because it is. absolute total fulfillment is who you truly are, always have been, and always will be.

it’s safe for you to trust in that. i know it wasn’t safe for you to trust in other people before. but who is more trustworthy than the ultimate promise keeper? the one who loved you enough to give you your I AM awareness, granting you everything you could have ever possibly wanted simply because you are?

while you may be in this world, you’re not of it. you are the lord, and there is no other. you are reality, and there is no other. you are perfect fulfillment, and there is no other. you are heaven on earth. it’s ok if you don’t believe it now. it’s ok if you don’t see it yet. because i promise it’s your destiny to realize the truth of your being. you wouldn’t be here otherwise.

[zapreportsblog]

May I request Ben or Garrett(or both separately) with a mate that lost her ability to walk in an accident. She's been in therapy and refuses to let them see or see her work with Carlisle on walking again. This is because the first time they will see her walk will be when she's walking down the aisle at their wedding(I can see em being so proud but also ready to catch her at a moments notice). Please and thank you!!

Ooh this is so beautiful

❝a day to remember ❞

✭ pairing : garrett x reader x benjamin

✭ fandom : twilight

✭ summary : Benjamin and Garrett are getting married to (y/n), what a day to remember

✭ authors note : this will mostly be fluff and I’ll divide it into 3 sections

✭ twilight masterlist

Benjamin :

The lush surroundings of the Cullen residence buzzed with anticipation as the family prepared for a momentous event — the wedding of Benjamin, the talented member of their coven, and his beloved mate, (y/n). The air was tinged with excitement and a sense of unity, as each member contributed to the preparations in their own unique way.

For weeks, (y/n) had been tirelessly preparing for this day. She had been through more than her fair share of challenges, having lost the ability to walk in a tragic accident. Determined to overcome her circumstances, she had committed herself to intensive therapy under the guidance of Carlisle. However, what no one knew was that she had kept her progress a secret from her soon-to-be husband, Benjamin, and the rest of the family.

In the days leading up to the wedding, (y/n) had quietly practiced walking with the assistance of her therapists. Despite the pain and the obstacles, her spirit remained unbroken. She pushed herself harder with each passing day, not only for her own sake but also for the surprise she had planned for Benjamin.

As the sun dipped below the horizon on the eve of the wedding, (y/n) took a deep breath and steeled herself for what lay ahead. Tonight, she would reveal her secret to her family, and tomorrow, she would astonish Benjamin with a sight he had never dreamed possible.

On the morning of the wedding, the Cullen residence bustled with activity. The family members were dressed in their finest attire, each eagerly awaiting the arrival of the bride and groom. (y/n), adorned in a breathtaking gown that shimmered like moonlight, moved gracefully despite the wheels of her chair. Her radiant smile belied the determination that fueled her every step.

As (y/n) rolled toward the gathering, she caught Benjamin's gaze from a distance. His eyes widened with a mix of surprise, disbelief, and sheer joy as he beheld his beloved's transformation. He stood there, rooted to the spot, his heart pounding as he watched her approach.

The assembled guests followed his gaze, their murmurs hushed in awe and admiration. The path before (y/n) felt both endless and exhilarating, each step she took a testament to her unyielding spirit and the love that fueled her desire to overcome.

With every step, the distance between (y/n) and Benjamin diminished, until at last, they stood before each other. The shimmering threads of her gown and the determination in her eyes were radiant, making the moment unforgettable for all who bore witness.

Benjamin extended his hand to (y/n), his touch gentle yet strong. Their fingers intertwined, and (y/n) finally let herself stand unaided, her steps steady and sure. A collective gasp swept through the crowd as they marveled at her triumphant walk, her journey of perseverance culminating in this remarkable moment.

The emotions that surged within Benjamin were indescribable. Pride, love, and awe swelled within him, threatening to overwhelm his senses. As he gazed into (y/n)'s eyes, he saw not just the woman he loved, but a living testament to the power of determination and the strength of their bond.

The ceremony that followed was a celebration of love, unity, and the unbreakable ties that bound the Cullen family. As the newlyweds exchanged their vows and sealed their commitment with a kiss, the cheers of their loved ones echoed through the air.

Benjamin held (y/n) close, their hearts beating in sync as they danced their first dance as husband and wife. His arms wrapped around her, providing unwavering support even as she swayed to the rhythm of the music on her own two feet.

Amid the whirlwind of joy and celebration, (y/n) glanced up at Benjamin, her eyes sparkling with happiness. In that moment, the challenges they had overcome seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the promise of a shared future that held endless possibilities.

As they moved gracefully across the dance floor, (y/n) realized that this was the moment she had been working toward. The journey to surprise Benjamin with her newfound ability to walk had been long and arduous, but the look of astonishment and love in his eyes was worth every step.

And so, in the midst of music, laughter, and love, (y/n) and Benjamin embraced the path ahead, united not just by their unbreakable bond, but by the incredible strength and resilience that had brought them to this extraordinary day.

Garrett :

Garrett, had found his soulmate in (Y/n). Their love had blossomed amidst the supernatural world they inhabited, but their bond went beyond the realm of vampires and werewolves. (Y/n) had faced a tragic accident that left her unable to walk, but her determination and resilience shone brightly.

As their wedding day approached, (Y/n) had been diligently attending therapy sessions, working tirelessly to regain her ability to walk. However, she had kept this progress a secret from Garrett, wanting to surprise him on their special day. She knew that the first time he would see her walk again would be when she gracefully made her way down the aisle towards him.

In the depths of the Cullen residence, Carlisle had been tirelessly assisting (Y/n) in her rehabilitation. His expertise in both medicine and vampire strength made him the perfect ally in her journey to walk again. (Y/n) had trusted him implicitly and confided in him about her wish to keep her progress a secret from Garrett.

On the day of their wedding, (Y/n) stood in front of a full-length mirror, her heart pounding with anticipation. She wore a stunning white gown that accentuated her beauty, and a veil that cascaded down her back, completing the picture of a blushing bride. Her legs, once confined to a wheelchair, were now strong and capable.

As the music began to play, signaling the start of the ceremony, Garrett stood at the altar, his eyes filled with love and excitement. He anxiously awaited the sight of his bride, unaware of the surprise that awaited him. He had always admired (Y/n)'s strength and determination, but he had no idea just how far she had come.

The doors at the back of the venue swung open, and (Y/n) took a deep breath, her heart fluttering. With each step, she felt a rush of emotions, a mixture of nerves and exhilaration. As she made her way down the aisle, every eye in the room turned towards her, their gazes filled with awe and admiration.

Garrett's breath caught in his throat as he saw (Y/n) walking towards him, her radiant smile and newfound strength lighting up the room. The pride in his eyes was evident, mingled with an overwhelming love for the woman who had overcome so much.

In that moment, (Y/n) knew she had made the right decision. She had wanted to surprise Garrett, to show him that she was not defined by her accident but by her unwavering spirit. As they exchanged vows, Garrett made a silent promise to always be there for her, ready to catch her at a moment's notice if she ever needed it.

Their journey together had been marked by challenges and triumphs, but this day symbolized a new chapter in their lives. They had faced adversity with unwavering love and support, and now they would continue to conquer whatever obstacles came their way, hand in hand.

Benjamin and Garrett :

The sun was just beginning to set, casting a soft glow over the small town of Forks. In a quaint, cozy house nestled amongst the trees, lived three extraordinary beings who were about to embark on a life-changing journey together. Benjamin and Garrett, two powerful and captivating vampires from the Twilight saga, had found their souls intertwined with that of a remarkable human named (y/n).

However, (y/n) carried a secret, one that she had been meticulously hiding from her loving mates. An accident had robbed her of the ability to walk, leaving her confined to a wheelchair. Determined to regain her strength, she had been undergoing intense therapy with the esteemed Dr. Carlisle Cullen, who had become like a father figure to her.

As the days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, (y/n) made remarkable progress. But she had made a decision, one she kept from Benjamin and Garrett. She wanted to surprise them, to give them a gift that would forever be etched in their memories. She wanted her first steps, the symbol of her triumph over adversity, to be taken down the aisle at their wedding.

The wedding day was fast approaching, and (y/n) couldn't contain her excitement. She had meticulously planned every detail, from the delicate flowers adorning the ceremony space to the soft, ethereal music that would fill the air. But the biggest surprise of all was yet to come.

While Benjamin and Garrett were aware of her therapy sessions, they respected (y/n)'s wishes for privacy. They knew her determination and strength, but they couldn't help but worry about her well-being. They were eager to witness her progress, to support her every step of the way. But little did they know that their first glimpse of her walking would be on the day they vowed to spend eternity together.

Finally, the day arrived, and the anticipation hung in the air like electricity. The ceremony was held in a secluded meadow, bathed in the soft glow of twilight. As Benjamin and Garrett stood at the altar, their eyes filled with adoration and love, they couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness.

The music swelled, signaling the arrival of the bride. Slowly, (y/n) emerged from behind the trees, her radiant smile lighting up the entire meadow. Her hand gently clasped her father's arm, who beamed with pride. But as she took her first steps, supported by her own strength, Benjamin and Garrett's hearts swelled with a sense of awe and overwhelming love.

Every step she took was a testament to her indomitable spirit, and as she made her way towards them, her mates couldn't help but be ready to catch her if she needed them. Their hands trembled with anticipation and pride, their eyes never leaving her graceful form.

Finally, (y/n) reached the altar, her eyes sparkling with joy and determination. Benjamin and Garrett stood there, their love for her radiating from their very core. As she took her final step, her mates let out a collective breath, their hearts bursting with love and pride.

In that moment, as (y/n) stood tall and strong, surrounded by the love of her mates, she knew that she had achieved something extraordinary. The surprise she had planned had not only surpassed their expectations but had also become a symbol of their unwavering bond.

As the ceremony continued, the love that was shared between Benjamin, Garrett, and (y/n) only grew stronger. Their journey had just begun, and they knew that together, they would face any obstacle that came their way. With each passing day, they would cherish the gift of love, trust, and the unbreakable bond that had brought them together.

And so, their story unfolded, a tale of love, resilience, and the power of surprises.

[eridanidreams]

WIP Wednesday

tagging: @bearlytolerant, @silurisanguine, @aro-pancake, @fangbangerghoul, @atonalginger, @aislingdmdt, @fshenkoescape, @ninjaofnaps, @lisa-and-shadow, @a-cosmic-elf, @thatsgoodsquishy0, @hockeydemon42, @fomagranfalloon, @violenceandviolets, @therealgchu, @staticpallour, @artemis-crimson, @genesisarclite and @constellation2330

from The Passage of Distant Stars

"You've got a cozy little nest here," Sam observed, as she pulled a charcuterie tray and a pair of Reserves from the fridge. "So why not stick around?"

She headed into the sitting area, handing him a bottle as she passed. "It's time. I've done what I came to do, and there's no real reason for me to stay." She put the plate down on the coffee table, sitting lightly in one of the chairs; Sam slouched onto the loveseat and stretched out his legs. "Constellation has the data they need, and those who were going have gone. The rest can chart their own course for this universe; I'd just be interfering."

"As if you weren't interfering already," he said drily.

Cait took a sip of her beer. "And you weren't? I wasn't the unidentified infiltrator that took down the Fleet in this 'verse. Was that you?"

He chuckled. "Guilty as charged." He turned his own bottle around in his hands for a moment. "Had some experiences a jump or two back; guess I've still got some pissed off to work out on 'em."

"I know that feeling," she said, entirely sincerely, though her own feelings about the Fleet had long since crystallized from personal rage something colder and more abstract. They were the same, every time—a bloody strand deeply knotted into the tapestry of the multiverse. They made the universe a worse place; for that, they needed to be stopped. "I have to confess to taking a great deal of satisfaction in taking Hope down. He's… greasy. Still haven't figured out how to keep him alive. Even if I disarm him, one of his own security manages to take him out."

Sam sighed. "Trust me, I've long since come to terms with that. I just keep hoping that one day I'll run into a version of him that's the person I used to think he was." He popped a piece of cheese into his mouth. "Damn, that's good. —So why the sudden reluctance to 'interfere'?"

Cait shrugged. "I'm not here to be a crutch. Sometimes there's already someone going after the First, or the Fleet, or the 'morphs—" while the details varied, those events had a great deal of 'weight' behind them, and they'd occurred in every universe she'd traveled through. "If I can stop the other Starborn from their meddling, I count that as a win."

"And no one has to die," he said, softly; grief welled up inside him, but she felt him choke it off reflexively. "So, you already know all about me," his lips twisted in a wry smile, "why don't you tell me a little about yourself?" He sipped at his drink, but his eyes were intent on her. "It's only fair, after all…"

"I suppose you have a point, at that," she agreed. "What would you like to know?"

"What brought you through the Unity?" he asked. "Doesn't seem like you lost someone…"

"No," she replied easily. "It was a near thing once or twice, I'll admit, but no. We chose it." Cait chose a piece of parmesan-wrapped prosciutto, swallowed, and continued. "We spent twenty good years together before we finally took the plunge. All three of us."

Sam made a considering noise. "We—Cora and I—didn't wait around." He snorted. "Doubt Lillian even noticed." He sighed, taking a longer pull at his bottle. "With Lila gone—there wasn't much keeping us there, you know?"

"I'm sorry," she murmured.

"Ah, don't be. Ancient history." She'd heard those words from Sams before, and they always hid a deep well of pain. "Cora—well, I don't think I have to tell you how special she was. Smart. Feisty." He looked up through the glassteel roof, out at the unwinking stars. "She's out taking the universes by storm, you know it." Cait nodded quietly—he wasn't wrong, but the happy, emotionally secure Cora he described wasn't the only version of their daughter out in the multiverse. "So why? Sounds like you had everything."

She tilted her head. "We're explorers," she said simply. "My Sam and I—we had that in common—that drive. That need to take that next step. We only stayed as long as we did for Cora—well," she gave a self-conscious little laugh, "and for me. I wanted time with them. We fell in love so fast—even though we spent a couple of years tracking down all the Temples—it wasn't enough." She looked down at her hands, then back up at her not-husband's understanding gaze. "My Coes were the best thing that ever happened to me. We poked our heads into Unity, right after Masada, but when I found out we'd have to go through alone… I couldn't do it. Not then." She grabbed her bottle and took a swig. "We always knew it was inevitable, but it took awhile for me to be ready."

He let out a soft chuckle. "So what are you looking for, if it's not someone you lost?"

"Answers," Cait replied without hesitation. "I'm about as hard-nosed a rationalist as an Enlightenment education could make." He chuckled again. "I refuse to believe that Unity is some deific, mystic force. I think it can be understood." The timer beeped. She stood, adding, "I think it wants to be understood."

[chelseaknoo]

𝓐 𝓻𝓸𝔂𝓪𝓵 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓵𝓮

Kyle x reader x stan

Pt 3

Plot:The elf king Kyle just proposed to you, and you excitedly accepted. Now you’re going to have a wedding, but there’s one thing.. his friend, the knight Stan marshwalker, has a crush on you and wants you to be his wife. WHO WILL YOU CHOOSE?

Waring:sexual content

Y/n sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor as she replayed the events of the evening in her head. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for accepting the elf king Kyle's proposal. It wasn't fair to him, and it certainly didn't help the fact that his friend, Stan, had a crush on her. She sighed heavily

Just then, Kyle poked his head through the doorway, a small blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Hey, sweetheart," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He walked over to her and gently kissed her on the cheek, his lips lingering there for a moment before pulling away.

——-

The morning sunlight streamed through the palace windows, casting a warm glow across the room as the elf king Kyle and the beautiful elf maiden y/n lay in bed, their hearts still racing from the passionate night they had just shared. They had decided to announce their official wedding date to the kingdom, and so they rose early to make the journey to the throne room. As they dressed in their finest attire, Kyle couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation building within him. He knew that their union would bring peace and prosperity to the land, and he couldn't wait to make y/n his queen.

The throne room was filled with people as they gathered to hear the news of their impending nuptials. The elves, fairies, and other magical creatures cheered and applauded as Kyle and y/n ascended the throne, their love for one another radiating from every pore. The elf king smiled warmly at his soon-to-be bride, taking her hand in his and looking deeply into her eyes. "My dear y/n," he began, his voice rich and full of emotion, "I am honored and humbled that you have agreed to be my wife. Together, we shall rule this kingdom with love, compassion, and wisdom. Our wedding shall be a celebration of not only our love, but of the unity between our people. I vow to cherish you always, and to make you the happiest elf in all the realms."

As y/n listened to Kyle's heartfelt words, she couldn't help but glance over at the corner of the room where Stan stood, his expression a mix of anger and despair. She felt a pang of guilt deep in her heart, knowing that her decision to marry Kyle had crushed Stan's hopes. She wished there was some way to make things right for him, to let him down easy, but she knew that her feelings for Kyle were too strong to ignore.

During the celebration, as the feast was laid out and the music began to play, y/n found herself searching the crowd for Stan. She wanted to talk to him, to at least explain why things had turned out the way they had. As she scanned the room, she finally spotted him at the far end of the hall, standing alone by one of the massive tapestries. Her heart ached for him, and she longed to go to him, to offer some sort of comfort.

Deciding that she couldn't put it off any longer, y/n excused herself from Kyle's side and made her way through the throng of revelers. When she reached Stan, she put a hand on his arm, feeling the tension in his muscles beneath her fingers. "Stan," she began softly, "I need to talk to you."

He looked at her, his expression unreadable, and nodded wordlessly. Together, they left the main hall and made their way through a series of deserted corridors until they found a secluded garden courtyard. The sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows above, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the flagstones as they sat down on a stone bench.

Before she could talk Stan kisses her on the lips and y/n kisses back. Her heart skips a beat as their lips connect, their kiss passionate and desperate. As they pull away, she looks into Stan's eyes, searching for some sign of understanding or forgiveness. "Stan, I-" she starts to say, but he cuts her off with another kiss, this one even more intense than the first. She melts into his embrace, returning his kiss with equal fervor. Their hands roam over each other's bodies, seeking out skin, seeking out comfort.

Stan reaches around to the back of y/n's dress and unzips it slowly, revealing her lacy undergarments and stockings. He gasps at the sight, his hands trembling as they slide up her back and unfasten her corset. As it falls away, she breathes easier, the confines of her formal attire forgotten in the heat of the moment. He leans forward, kissing her neck, her collarbone, before moving his hands to her breasts, squeezing them through her delicate lace bra. She moans, arching her back into his touch.

He pulls back, looking into her eyes, his own glassy with desire. "I wanted to be the one to see you like this," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "I wanted to be your first kiss, your first lover." She reaches up, tracing his jawline with her fingertips, feeling the stubble there. "I'm sorry, Stan. I never meant to hurt you."

As their passionate embrace continues, they become oblivious to the sounds of laughter and music drifting in from the distant hall. With each passing moment, their desire grows, consuming them like a fire. Stan pushes y/n back against the cold stone wall of the courtyard, his lips finding hers again in a deep, hungry kiss. One of his hands cups her breast over her lace bra, squeezing it roughly through the fabric, while the other slides down her hip, tracing the lacy edge of her thong.

She gasps into his mouth as his fingers find their way beneath the fabric, teasing her wetness. She moans his name, arching her hips towards him in need. He groans, his lips trailing down her neck to her breast, suckling hungrily as he continues to tease her with his fingers. She clutches at his hair, urging him on, wanting him to make her feel wanted, needed.

Stan's tongue darts eagerly, teasing her, driving her wild. He slips a finger inside her, feeling the wet heat of her arousal. Her muscles clench around his finger, and she gasps, her hips bucking against his touch. He presses a finger against her clit, circling it expertly, as he continues to lick and suckle.

Stan pulls back, his breath ragged as he looks down at her. His eyes roam over her body, taking in the sight of her exposed skin, her lace undergarments and stockings. He reaches down, gently pushing her thong to the side, revealing her wetness. He groans, leaning forward to taste her, his tongue darting out to tease her folds. She cries out, her hips bucking against his face as he explores her with his tongue.

The sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows casts a kaleidoscope of colors across the courtyard, painting their skin in a spectrum of reds, blues, and greens. She runs her fingers through his hair, urging him on, lost in the sensation of his mouth on her. Her body trembles with pleasure, and she arches her back, pressing herself deeper into his mouth.

Stan pulls away, his chest heaving as he looks down at her. He unbuckles his belt, unfastens his pants, and lets them fall to the ground in a heap. His erection springs free, and she gasps at the sight of it, her mouth going dry. He steps closer, his hands on her hips, and positions himself between her legs. He guides his erection to her entrance, and she feels the head of his cock press against her wetness.

With a groan, he thrusts forward, burying himself inside her. She cries out, arching her back as he fills her completely. Their hips meet in a rhythmic dance, his long, hard strokes matching her desperate need for release. He kisses her, his lips demanding, his tongue thrusting deep into

Her nails scrape down his back, leaving lines of pleasure-pain as she digs in. The sensation of being so close to him, feeling his skin against hers, makes her even wilder. She wraps her legs around his hips, holding him tightly as he pumps into her.

Stan groans, his eyes closed tightly as he focuses on the sensation of her body moving beneath him. He knows he won't last much longer, the pleasure building up inside him like a fire. He kisses her neck, sucking gently on her skin, his hips moving faster as he tries to prolong the inevitable.

Her nails scrape down his back, leaving lines of pleasure-pain as she digs in. The sensation of being so close to him, feeling his skin against hers, makes her even wilder. She wraps her legs around his hips, holding him tightly as he pumps into her.

Stan groans, his eyes closed tightly as he focuses on the sensation of her body moving beneath him. He knows he won't last much longer, the pleasure building up inside him like a fire. He kisses her neck, sucking gently on her skin, his hips moving faster as he tries to prolong the inevitable.

Her nails scrape down his back, leaving lines of pleasure-pain as she digs in. The sensation of being so close to him, feeling his skin against hers, makes her even wilder. She wraps her legs around his hips, holding him tightly as he pumps into her.

Stan's movements grow more frantic, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he nears the edge. He pushes deeper, harder, determined to bring them both release. The sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows casts a kaleidoscope of colors across the courtyard, painting their skin in a spectrum of reds, blues, and greens. She arches her back, her head thrown back, her eyes squeezed shut as the pleasure builds inside her.

With a groan, he thrusts deep, his hips bucking as he releases himself, filling her with his warmth. Her muscles contract around him, and she cries out, her body shuddering with the force of her own orgasm. He holds her tightly, his movements slowing as they both catch their breath. The air between them feels charged, electric. She can feel the weight of his gaze on her, and it sends a shiver down her spine.

They remain locked together for what feels like an eternity, their bodies still joined as one. The sounds of the courtyard fade away, replaced by the pounding of their hearts and the rush of blood in their ears. Finally, he pulls out, his erection spent, and stands, offering her a hand up. She takes it, blushing as she realizes how exposed she must feel, naked and wet from their passionate encounter.

—————-

The morning dawned with the sunlight streaming in through the stained-glass windows of the tower bedroom, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the Kyle's muscular chest as he slept peacefully beside you. feeling the familiar weight of his arm draped across your waist. It had been a whirlwind courtship, with him proposing only a few weeks ago, but you couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of love and belonging in his arms.

As you began to awaken further, the events of the night before flooded back to you.

Stan had been so charming and persistent, his hands roaming over your body with such familiarity. He had made you feel wanted, desired. He had made you forget, even for a moment, about your love for the elf king Kyle. But in the harsh light of day, as you lay there, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. You knew you couldn't keep leading Stan on like this.

Deciding that it was time to confront the situation, you rose quietly from the bed, careful not to wake the sleeping elf king. Slipping into a robe, you made your way to the bathroom, hoping that a pregnancy test would provide some clarity. As you urinated into the cup, your heart raced, a million thoughts running through your head. What would you do if it was the elf king's child? If it was Stan's?

When you finally saw the words "Pregnant" staring back at you, you felt as if the world had been turned upside down. You didn't know what to do, or who to tell. You knew you couldn't keep this secret from Kyle, but you were terrified of how he would react. You wrapped the test in a piece of toilet paper and quickly returned to your room, trying to calm your racing thoughts.

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

Andrew Doyle asks: Remember when the pride flag made sense?

Remember when the pride flag made sense?

It was designed by an American Artist called Gilbert Baker in 1978. It was originally an eight-stripe rainbow but was soon refined into the six-striped version that was the norm for many decades.

At a time when gay people couldn't hold hands with their partners on the street, this flag served a useful purpose. It meant that you could easily find gay pubs or other places where no one had to pretend to be something they weren't. The rainbow symbol was a simple and effective concept that conveyed positivity and unity.

And then some activists came along and said hang on a minute, why are there no black or brown stripes in the rainbow flag? See, for some reason they were under the impression that the gay flag was a literal representation of the range of skin colors that are acceptable in the community. And so we got this.

Okay then, I mean, well, there weren't any white stripes in the original one either. But most people understood that it was symbolic with that we were all included already, irrespective of our race.

But then after this, trans activists came along and said, why aren't we in there? So we got this one. And this was the chevron with the pink white and blue, which was based on the trans flag.

But surely this eyesore couldn't get any worse, could it? Well, it could, because activists were then concerned that it was excluding intersex people, so they added this symbol.

Okay, it's getting a bit out of control now. But then last year, some bright spark added a red umbrella to represent sex workers.

Now, if you thought this was getting out of hand, last year then we had Microsoft. They designed a new version to incorporate all the other multiple sexualities and genders that have been invented over the past few years. Let's have a look at that.

I mean, what the hell is it? It looks like a space ship going at warp speed through a Care Bear's bum hole.

Identity politics in its current form is an ever expanding beast. Pride used to be just one day. Then it was a month. And now Pride events have been scheduled all the way from March through to September. As one sign in a shoe shop pointed out Pride never stops. If only it would.

The initialism as well that's expanded too. First we had LGB, and then it became LGBT, then LGBTQ, then LGBTQIA. The Canadian government currently favors 2SLGBTQIA+, although even its prime minister finds that a bit of a mouthful.

Similarly, Pride started out as an important protest against injustice. When the original Pride March took place in London in 1972, homosexuality had only been legal for five years, and the prospect of gay marriage or even an equal age of consent, seemed impossible. Only 2000 people turned up to these protests.

But by contrast, the Pride parade in London in 2022 attracted over a million. And of course, most of those people aren't even gay. It's become a family day out, a huge party.

And what's so wrong with that, you might ask. And that's a fair question. If people are celebrating and having a good time, that's great. Except that's not necessarily what's going. Increasingly, gay people no longer feel welcome at Pride. I spoke to a representative from a lesbian group on this show last year who had been moved along by police when trying to protest at Pride. But isn't Pride meant to be a protest, not a party? What's going on?

The answer is that pride has been hijacked not once but twice.

First by avaricious multi-billion dollar corporations who are able to pose as virtuous by posting the pride flag. Only, they don't do it in the branches in countries where homosexuality is still illegal. After all, you wouldn't want to fly the flag anywhere which might actually make a difference.

I'm old enough to remember that corporations were certainly not celebrating Pride quite so openly before section 28 was repealed in 2003, or before the age of consent was equalized in 2001, or before the decriminalization of homosexuality in Scotland in 1980. So, these corporations' commitment to LGBT rights apparently only manifests itself when it's likely to make them a profit.

And then there's the second hijacking. See, whereas the original Pride was about agitating for equal rights for gay people, it's now been taken over by activists who are obsessed with group identity and who believe that gender is more important than sex.

That's why the British library, to celebrate the advent of pride month this week, posted a thread on Twitter about the sex life of fish, and how some species have been known to change from male to female.

I mean, what's that got to do with Pride? Why have Librarians seemingly forgotten that human beings aren't the same as fish? Now, they've since deleted those tweets, because well, you know they're bonkers. And although we might laugh at that kind of nonsense, the ideology it promotes is actually rather sinister, particularly for gay people.

See, in her book, "Time to Think" by Hannah Barnes, she found that between 80 and 90% of adolescents referred to the Tavistock pediatric gender clinic were same-sex attracted. Studies have long confirmed a correlation between gender non-conformity in youth, and homosexuality in later life. At the Tavistock, staff used to joke that "soon there would be no gay people left." Somehow the medicalization and sterilization of gay people has been reframed as progressive.

Even Stonewall, the UK's foremost LGBT charity has redefined the word "homosexual" on its website and promotional materials to mean "same gender attracted." Its CEO, Nancy Kelly, has claimed that women who exclude trans people from their dating pool are akin to sexual racists. There's been an intense resurgence of old homophobic tropes online from gender ideologues that believe that "genital preferences are transphobic" and that lesbians who don't include men in their dating pool must be suffering from trauma.

Gay rights were secured by recognizing that a minority of people are instinctively attracted to members of their own sex. And the new ideology of gender identity rejects this notion entirely, and actively shames gay people for their orientation.

So, when you see this flag, try to understand that many gay people consider it to be a symbol of opposition to gay rights, Women who are concerned about their rights consider it a symbol of misogyny, because it promotes an ideology that denies the reality of sex-based oppression, and yet most people, gay people included, haven't even noticed this transition from the pro-gay rainbow flag to this anti-gay imposter.

And that's because it all happened so quickly, and activists are playing on good intentions of a public who don't want to be seen to be on the wrong side of history. Well, I would suggest that upholding the rights of women and gay people and protecting gender non-conforming children and opposing the hypocrisy of corporations is the truly progressive approach.

Anyone who spends any time on social media would have seen that homophobia is clearly on the rise. It's coming from the reactionary elements of the right, who are now holding gay people responsible for sexualized drag shows for children, and the proliferation of sexually explicit books in school libraries. But of course, they've fallen for the trick. This isn't gay people. That's gender ideologues who've convinced everyone that the LGBTQIA+ movement is one big happy family, when it isn't.

And we know this because homophobia is also on the rise among gender ideologues themselves, who frequently go online to tell gay people to kill themselves. Some of them have said that they celebrate AIDS as a good thing. And this isn't just a few mad activists, there are thousands of examples of this if you've got the stomach to look them up.

So whether it's coming from those who consider themselves right wing or left-wing, anti-gay sentiments are back in fashion. And the best way to combat this is to remind everyone that that Progress Pride flag, and the corporate orgy that accompanies it, is not in the interests of gay people.

And if it's too late to reclaim the original Pride flag, we can at least ditch the new one.