#freedom quest

[harmonyhealinghub]

Embracing Freedom: A Year of Liberation Shaina Tranquilino February 12, 2024

In the journey of life, each passing year brings with it unique challenges, triumphs, and lessons. For many, the concept of choosing a "word of the year" has become a powerful tradition. This word serves as a guiding beacon, encapsulating aspirations and intentions for the months ahead. In 2024, as the world continues to evolve and reshape itself, the word that resonates deeply with many individuals is "Freedom."

Defining Freedom: Freedom is a word laden with profound significance, transcending its mere dictionary definition. It embodies the essence of liberation, autonomy, and the ability to live unencumbered by constraints. A year of Freedom, therefore, beckons us to explore various dimensions of personal and collective emancipation. Freedom of Mind: Embracing a year of Freedom invites the liberation of the mind. It encourages individuals to break free from self-imposed limitations, fears, and doubts. This journey may involve introspection, mindfulness practices, and a commitment to fostering a positive and open mindset. As the mind expands, creativity flourishes, and the capacity for resilience grows.

Freedom in Relationships: A year of Freedom extends its influence to interpersonal connections. It encourages individuals to build relationships based on mutual respect, understanding, and support. This may involve setting healthy boundaries, letting go of toxic connections, and cultivating an environment where people feel free to express themselves authentically.

Financial Freedom: Economic empowerment is a vital aspect of personal freedom. This year, individuals may strive towards financial independence, breaking free from the shackles of debt and cultivating a secure financial future. Budgeting, investing wisely, and exploring new avenues of income can pave the way toward lasting economic freedom.

Freedom of Expression: In a world that values individuality, a year of Freedom urges people to embrace their authentic selves. This might involve expressing one's thoughts, beliefs, and creativity without fear of judgment. Whether through art, writing, or vocal expression, the pursuit of authenticity becomes a cornerstone of personal growth.

Social and Cultural Freedom: On a broader scale, 2024 as a year of Freedom can also be a call to engage with and contribute to social and cultural causes. It may inspire individuals to advocate for justice, equality, and the rights of marginalized communities. By participating in collective efforts, one can contribute to the broader pursuit of societal liberation.

Choosing Freedom as the word of the year is an empowering decision. It signifies a commitment to self-discovery, growth, and the pursuit of a life that aligns with one's true values. As we navigate the complexities of 2024, let Freedom guide us towards a year of liberation, breaking down barriers and unlocking the full potential that resides within each of us. May this year bring about a profound sense of freedom in all aspects of our lives, paving the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future.

[clouvu]

yknow what. *undooms your yuri again*

[nightclawduke]

"The Taboo of Negligence!" The Mountain Herb, one of the seven sacred montain flowers, truly captures the spirit of the montains. There shouldn't be any wyverns in this weather, so you may gather with ease. - Optimistic Lady.

[hana-bobo-finch]

i like zasp a lot

[eerna]

begging the Netflix ATLA crew to stop giving interviews, every day there is a new article inflaming the Internet and you can literally see the Sims relationship decline animation happening in real time

[silver-horse]

Merrill during The Last Straw ...  

[disgruntledexplainer]

Deltora, a subversion of fantasy tropes (or perhaps more accurately going back to it's roots)

@yellow-eyed-green-crocodile OK, here we go.

Deltora Quest is a children's book series. It consists of 16 books, though it exists in an expanded universe which contains another 12 books, not counting Tales of Deltora, Secrets of Deltora, and Monsters of Deltora (as well as the little-known extra book The Land of Dragons, which contains about half of what's in Tales of Deltora plus 3 additional stories which you can't find anywhere else).

The books were written during that time when Scholastic was doing it's darnedest to get kids to actually pick up a book and read. You know, the era of Animorphs, Secrets of Droon, and other books like that. Pre-harry-potter stuff. But deltora always stuck out as somewhat... odd.

For one thing, the setting. Deltora is a land absolutely INFESTED with horrifying monsters. we're talking lovecraft-level stuff. indeed, these things are so powerful that going toe-to-toe with them in conventional combat is laughably absurd. I mean, just look at this thing:

each of those little globes is a stomach the size of a PERSON. a sword ain't doin SHIT against that thing. and it wasn't even the primary monster from the book it came from. do you know what was? THE SAND IT'S STANDING ON. YES, THAT ENTIRE DESERT IS A SINGLE MONSTER.

there are also dark sorcerers, capable of, for example, turning an entire town into a fetid swamp in a split second, and deflecting any weapon directed at them. the main villain is a sorcerer of such incredible power that he makes zeus and odin look like chumps.

in order to defeat these creatures, the main characters are consistently forced to use their wits instead of their weapons.

but this isn't what I am writing this post about. every fantasy book has monsters of some kind. probably. no, what REALLY stands out about the Deltora Quest series is the BELT.

this is the Belt of Deltora, a composite magic item formed from 7 gems, each linked to the power of the land, bound together by a belt made by a simple blacksmith who united the seven tribes of deltora and became it's first king. it is considered the single most powerful mystical object on the continent, and uniting it is Deltora's only hope for survival.

except from a generic fantasy perspective, it kinda sucks.

in most generic fantasy settings, the characters are attempting to accumulate magical power which they can use to engage their enemies directly in combat; alternatively, they may be trying to build a big enough army or something similar. but the gems don't work like that. lets take a look at what the gems can actually do, shall we?

the Diamond: Gem of Strength or Fortitude, can give physical strength, fortitude, and courage to the wielder, as well as the ability to cure diseases in the person who touches it. it punishes those who attempt to take it in a dishonorable manner with misfortune. It can allow the wearer to telepathically communicate with and heal Diamond Dragons, and a nearby dragon of it's type boosts it's power, and vice versa. it also has this weird synergy with the topaz where the topaz can summon the strength of everyone who believes in the wearer (in a metaphorical sense) and the diamond transforms that belief into physical strength.

the Emerald: Gem of Honor, dulls in the presense of evil or at the location of a broken vow, is a remedy for sores and ulcers, and is an antidote to poison for whomever touches it. It can allow the wearer to telepathically communicate with and heal Emerald Dragons, and a nearby dragon of that type boosts it's power, and vice versa. Note that out of all the dragons, emerald dragons are arguably the biggest and most powerful. It might have other powers as well, as it's potential isn't as well explored as the other gems.

Lapis Lazuli: Gem of Luck or Providence, protects the wearer from evil and brings good fortune. also may have some subtle effect on the weather, though that hasn't been confirmed. it is arguably the most powerful of the gems for the protection it provides, but the nature of it's power is ill defined, and certainly outside of the wearer's ability to control. It also allows you to detect the location of the Opal as if it were a compass, and is more powerful when in close proximity to it. It can allow the wearer to telepathically communicate and heal Lapis Lazuli dragons, and a nearby dragon of that type boosts it's power, and vice versa. If the opal has it's power boosted by a nearby opal dragon, the Lapis Lazuli's power is also boosted if they are close to each other.

Topaz: Gem of Faith, can allow the wearer to make contact with the spirit world during a full moon. the character can see ghosts, and sometimes the spirits of the hallowed dead (those who are in heaven) will appear to the character and given advice, those this is extremely rare. It also clears and strengthens the mind and protects the wearer from the terrors of the night (also ill-defined). It's powers are all strengthened during the full moon. It can allow the wearer to telepathically communicate with and heal topaz dragons, and a nearby dragon of that type boosts it's power, and vice versa.

Opal: Gem of Hope, has the power to give glimpses of the future and can enhance the wearer's vision, and it can also fill the wearer with hope for the future (which helps counteract the panic that the visions of the future often produce). It can detect the Lapis Lazuli like a compass, and is more powerful when in close proximity to it. It allows the wearer to telepathically communicate with and heal opal dragons, and a nearby dragon of that type boosts it's power, and vice versa. If the Lapis Lazuli has it's power boosted by a nearby lapis lazuli dragon, the opal's power is also boosted if they are close to each-other.

The Ruby: Gem of Happiness or Love, it grows pale in the presense of evil, or when misfortune threatens it's wearer. Can be used in conjunction with the emerald to fully distinguish between danger, evil, and vow-breakers, since their powers overlap a little. It wards off evil spirits (also ill-defined) and is an antidote to snake venom, and also apparently repels snakes and venomous creatures in general. It allows the wearer to telepathically communicate with and heal ruby dragons, and a nearby dragon of that type boosts it's power, and vice versa.

The Amethyst: Gem of Truth or Wisdom, changes color in the presence of illness, pales near poisoned food or drink, and guides the wearer toward sincerity, security and peace of mind (AKA calming the wearer when touched). It also boosts the power of Toran Magic. By A LOT. It allows the wearer to telepathically communicate with and heal Amethyst dragons, and a nearby dragon of that type boosts it's power, and vice versa.

True, this is a lot of variety in powers, but with the exception of the Diamond most of this is pretty useless in combat. Especially given that the sorcerers in this world can do things like call lightning down from the sky, or create and control thousands of soldiers made out of goo. And compared to the combat capabilities of end-game weapons of other setting? it's chump change. it should be noted that the gems DO NOT allow the wielder to control dragons, only telepathically communicate with them, meaning that the King of Deltora must still negotiate to get any help, and the Dragons are rarely cooperative, even in the face of their own extinction. The gems don't give you the ability to control the elements, warp space and time, kill with a thought, fly, or turn into a glowing giant (whatever the anime adaptation might say to the contrary).

No, what the gems allow the user to do is: keep a level and clear head, detect potentially dangerous situations, and heal people of ailments.

but here's the thing; given what I said about the monsters in deltora, any of the spectacular kinds of magic would be pretty much useless. The Shadow Lord is beyond anything any mortal is capable of fighting; he has integrated his twisted will with the spirit of half a continent, and has experimenting with new and more twisted kinds of magic for thousands of years. Frankly, even by the standards of most "dark lords" like Sauron, Melkor, and Galbatorix, he is unimaginably powerful. a direct confrontation with him is laughable.

so then, why is the Belt considered one of the most powerful objects on the planet?

Well, because what it grants isn't power.

it grants FREEDOM.

freedom is defined as "the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that, and so perform deliberate actions on one's own responsibility. By free will one shapes one's own life. Human freedom is a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness[...]" -Catechism of the Catholic Church section 1731

in other words, Freedom, properly defined, is not the ability to do what one wants; that is power, not freedom. Freedom is the ability to do what one NEEDS to do. Freedom to protest. Freedom to preach. Freedom to worship. Freedom to defend oneself both physically and legally. These are freedoms.

Now lets look again at what the belt enables one to do. It allows one to clear and calm one's mind and strengthens one's will, heals, protects from certain kinds of danger, and allows one to heal others. These are not powers, they are FREEDOMS.

oh yeah, and I forgot one more of these freedoms:

WHEN ALL THE GEMS ARE PUT IN THE BELT TOGETHER, THEY PRODUCE A MAGICAL SCREEN WHICH BANISHES DARK MAGIC AND THOSE WHOSE SOULS ARE TAINTED BY IT.

it is not combat power, but it is a power FAR GREATER THAN ANY COMBAT POWER COULD EVER FEASIBLY BE

In a sense, this subverts normal fantasy tropes by going back to its roots. When JRR Tolkien wrote the Lord of the Rings, he wrote a book about simple working class and middle class people defeating an evil by DESTROYING POWER (with a One Ring being a kind of stand-in for power itself in all it's forms). yet, it seems that every writer since has taken a look at his work and gone "look at all this cool world-building and monsters and magic! but the protagonists and themes are kinda lame. I KNOW, i'll REPLACE those complex and nuanced themes with EDGY GRIZZLED WARRIORS AND POWER-HUNGRY SORCERERS, and make the story all about CONSOLIDATING AS MUCH POWER AS POSSIBLE TO DEFEAT SOMEONE WHO HAS ALSO CONSOLODATED AS MUCH POWER AS POSSIBLE, BUT IN AN EVIL WAY. sometimes they even have their characters performing actions which are completely morally bankrupt (razing cities, killing civilians or surrendering enemies, etc), and justify it because "main villain is worse". because in other words, most fantasy writers decided to completely rip off all of tolkien's world, down to the very creatures that inhabit it, but HORRIBLY INVERT the themes

Meanwhile, Deltora seems to do the opposite. It doesn't copy Tolkien's world. there are similarities; the Shadow Lord is kinda like Sauron if you squint a little. but the world is populated with plenty of creatures that don't line up at all, and even those that are similar are only superficially so. meanwhile, Emily Rodda (the author) took a look at Tolkien's themes, smiled and nodded, and proceeded to ELABORATE UPON THEM. The kingdom of deltora fell because the rulers detached themselves from the needs of the common man and physically separated themselves from them out of cowardice. the shadow lord twists and destroys nature to produce his horrific experiments which mirror in many ways modern genetic engineering. the battle is won not through force of arms, but through planning, cleverness, and uniting the tribes under a common cause.

there are other things, like how each gem corresponds to one of the seven virtues, or how so much emphais is put on using logic to solve problems, and similar things, but this post is long as it is, so i'm going to stop here.

[tahopo]

the qunari… bioware is fucking going to hell 😐

[awake-my-oceans]

One thing that is fun to watch across the Archon Quests is the Archons’increasing disregard for the Thrones.

Mondstat: Venti tells us with a tight smile that Celestia may not be as lovely a place as we thought

Liyue: Zhongli goes an awfully long ways to get out from under Celestia without breaking his contract with them

Inazuma: This is admittedly speculation, but I read Ei’s Everything as “I saw what happened to Khaenri’ahs attempt to defy Celestia and the abyss, and Inazuma cannot afford that. Let’s shut down Inazuma and remove dangerous ambition so that when Celestia properly wakes up, no one can attempt a fight with Celestia.”

Meanwhile

Sumeru: Nahida goes “Before you try backing me into a corner, please consider that I can and will destroy my gnosis to see what happens.”

Fontaine: Focalors goes “I can and did destroy my gnosis to see what happens. Also I took out the Hydro Throne bc y’know what, if I’m going to offend Celestia then I’m gonna Commit.”

Natlan: Muvuika actively climbs onto the Pyro Throne as a human mortal, going “Gonna borrow this for a moment, need it, thanks!”

. . . And as interesting as all this is, it’s also frightening. Venti, Zhongli, and Ei all lived through the Archon War. They all saw Celestia at its full strength, and they are scared. Not despairing—not by a long shot—but scared.

Nahida, Focalors, and probably Muvuika never saw that, and they are on the edge of, or actively launching off of, a very, very dangerous cliff. Because when Celestia awakens—what are they going to do?

[deer-with-a-stick]

I love how all of the companions' stories revolve around autonomy and I love how some of the romances show the whole "I love you for who you are"

Don't love how so many people are misinterpreting them though

[shivunin]

I know it's just what the slaver enemy type is programmed to say, but I have very strong feelings about the ones during A Bitter Pill telling the others to "keep the pretty ones alive."

Like. If you're Fenris, already at your limit in what you can handle emotionally today, and you hear the ones who'd drag you back to a fate worse than death saying that about the few friends you've managed to cobble together in your sparse years of freedom...man. I've been thinking about this for days and I don't have any sort of conclusion here.

[shiningstarr15]

Vanweek Day 1- Freedom

Woohoo first day of vanweek! Really wanted to play around with the lighting of the sun just engulfing her with the wind blowing. I also just love her hair down, it’s so beautiful (as is she 😭)

Happy Vanweek Yall 💜💜🐰🐰🔪🔪👑👑

@vanweek2024

———————-

Bonus sketch hehe

Expectation vs reality 😬

Trust me, as someone with long hair, this is what’s actually happening lmao 😂

[xbuster]

Defending Koichi Sugiyama is insane because even if you’re okay with the rape and war crimes apologia and laughing at the suicide rates of LGBT people in Japan, as a Dragon Quest fan you should still hate him for intentionally making the OST for Dragon Quest XI midi so people would have to pay to go to his concerts and hear the orchestral score

[hsslilly-blog]

What kind of things do Hunt and Claire agree on as they plan to have a kid?

Like hypothetically, if your parents are a famous movie star and director, you’re gonna naturally be curious about film and tv. So maybe they say, like, you can be in the school play if you really want to, but we’re not letting you work as a child star

i think most of their conversations about it revolve around this exact topic. this ended up too long, i'm so sorry.

claire has lots of anxieties about being a mother: it is something she wants to be ("eventually... one day... in the future") but she feels very insecure about it. sometimes she thinks she's not cut for it. i think claire just fears repeating what both her parents did to her when she was a child. "planning" a child feels very weird to her, and i think it is a topic of conversation she Avoids (just like she Avoided the topic of marriage.) this is a theme in claire's character: for someone who demands clarity from her partners, she sure likes avoiding topics she finds uncomfortable. and, well, hunt does not.

so these conversations are not something she can escape from. i think it takes a while for hunt to figure out if: 1. claire wants to marry; 2. claire wants to have a child; and then, finally 3. how this is going to happen. at first claire says they shouldn't plan at all, that things are going to work out just fine. hunt tells her this is absurd. she says it's not fair to the child to have everything set in place before they're even here! hunt asks her if bringing a child into the world without any preparation is any fairer. as always, conflict moves them, so this is when they start having a productive discussion.

(it takes her a while but claire eventually understands that "planning for a child" is different from "planning their entire life ahead" and that her parents were complex individuals.)

as a former child star, claire would be terrified of putting her children in the same situation. the stress and pressure of it all, plus her dynamics with her parents (and her mother's fixation on her acting career) greatly defined her person. and she's a bit weirder because of it. i believe hunt shares her sentiment; he's more than aware how ruthless the industry can be for adults, let alone for children.

there are two things they agree very early on: their children may be interested in any art form (or whatever else they may like), but they're not going to pursue it professionally until they're old enough to understand what it means; and that the less exposition the better. the public wouldn't know grace's face until her 10th birthday. does baby #2 have a name? who knows. i think this is true of their relationship prior engagement as well.

most of all, i think they just want the kids to have a normal childhood. neither of them had one. they want the kids to explore who they are, try things out, make mistakes, etc, without fearing judgement (from them, or from others.) <- these are two overly critical people, and they know what criticism does to your soul. they don't want that to their children. so being kinder and accepting the babies as they are is also something hunt and claire agree on. learning experience.

i also believe they'd try to be present for their children. claire had her whole situation with her parents (one was Not There, the other one was only there when she was acting), and hunt had a very lonely childhood. so they agree on trying to be less weird about work. not easy for either of them! this is when claire has her... crisis. it does work out in the end. i think they're a happy little family.

[fischiee]

carwash siblings carolina dyeing her hair red to be less like their mother, wash bleaching his hair to be more like their family

[squelchbug]

v7k fans we all already unanimously agree that hugo is cringefail and loserboy now kindly hop on the train that nuru is just as insane and reckless as yong