#he is also street smart and innovative

[dephoraowo]

Lan Wangji and a List of his Fanon Tropes

For some reason, Lan Wangji is also misunderstood by the fandom. Luckily, he isn't that badly misunderstood as Wei Wuxian is 😅. Here is a list to help you understand Lan Wangji, one of the best characters in mdzs, better.

List of Fanon Tropes:

Lan Wangji only loves once. Side note: This can apply to all the Lans.

Lan Wangji is repressed / struggles to express himself.

Lan Wangji has a speech impediment.

Lan Wangji adopted A-Yuan as his son.

Lan Wangji mourned for Wei Wuxian / played Inquiry for 13 years. (+ this, this.)

Lan Wangji saved Wei Wuxian in Nightless City because he loved him.

Lan Wangji learned how to be righteous from Wei Wuxian. (+ this, this, this, this, this.)

Lan Wangji wore mourning robes after Wei Wuxian died.

Lan Wangji is Chief Cultivator.

Lan Wangji loves Wei Wuxian, even more than his own morals.

Lan Wangji confessed to Wei Wuxian after saving him at Nightless City.

Lan Wangji cares about his own reputation. (+ this.)

Lan Wangji expects Wei Wuxian to return his feelings.

Lan Wangji is a stickler for all the rules.

Lan Wangji took Wei Wuxian to the Burial Mounds after Nightless City.

Lan Wangji isn't that smart.

Lan Wangji’s family approved of Wei Wuxian.

None of these posts belong to me. Please support those who have written the posts. As usual, if there are any more fanon tropes about Lan Wangji, please do tell 😁.

[dissapointu]

arcane readers with a s/o that has glasses?

Arcane characters interact with an S/O who wears glasses:

Jinx

Jinx would absolutely love playing with your glasses. She’d steal them and put them on, running around and declaring she’s “Doctor Jinx” or some wild new persona she’s invented. She’d probably tease you lightly, calling you “four-eyes,” but it’s always affectionate. If your glasses ever got broken, she’d immediately try to fix them herself—though her “fixes” might involve glue, mismatched screws, or unnecessary explosives.

Vi

Vi would think your glasses are adorable. She’d always gently push them up your nose when they start to slide or take them off to clean them if they’re smudged. “Can’t have my favorite nerd squinting,” she’d tease, giving you a quick kiss. If anyone dared to mock you for them, they’d have to answer to her fists. She loves the way they make you look—smart and sharp, just like her.

Sevika

Sevika would secretly find your glasses incredibly attractive, though she’d never outright say it. She might make the occasional dry comment, like, “You can actually see me now, huh?” but if anyone else even thought about saying something rude, she’d shut them down instantly. She’d also be practical—making sure your glasses are sturdy enough to survive the rough streets of Zaun.

Silco

Silco would view your glasses as a symbol of your intelligence and capability. He’d treat them with great care, always making sure they’re in good condition and subtly arranging for replacements or upgrades if necessary. Occasionally, you’d catch him staring at you, his gaze lingering on the way the frames sit on your face. He’d murmur something like, “They suit you,” in that low, velvety voice of his.

Vander

Vander would be endlessly supportive and gentle about your glasses. If you ever felt self-conscious about them, he’d remind you how much he loves them because they’re part of you. He’d love the way they make you look thoughtful and wise, and he’d always make sure they’re safe, especially in the rough-and-tumble environment of the Last Drop.

Ekko

Ekko would think your glasses are super cool. He might ask a million questions about how they work and if he can try them on. If they ever got broken, he’d tinker with them until they were as good as new—or even better, with some added flair. He’d love the way they make you unique and would never let you feel self-conscious about them.

Jayce

Jayce would find your glasses charming and sophisticated. He’d love the way they emphasize your intelligence and would often compliment you on how good you look in them. If you ever had trouble with them, he’d offer to design some state-of-the-art replacements—maybe even something with tech enhancements, because he’s always thinking about innovation.

Viktor

Viktor would be quietly appreciative of your glasses, seeing them as a reflection of your sharp mind. He’d notice every little thing, like when you absentmindedly push them up or adjust them while working. If you ever misplaced them, he’d drop everything to help you find them. And if they were damaged, he’d take it upon himself to design something sleek and perfect just for you.

Caitlyn

Caitlyn would adore your glasses and think they add to your overall charm. She’d occasionally straighten them for you or adjust them if they were crooked, all while giving you a sweet smile. She’d also make sure they were well taken care of, maybe even ordering custom pairs from Piltover’s best craftspeople. If anyone teased you about them, her sharp tongue would put them in their place in seconds.

[majestick-posts-op]

The Strawhats are all very smart once you think about it that its almost scary.

You got the obvious ones like Robin being a schoolar with tons of knowledge covering many topics as well as being a critical thinker, as well as Nami not only being a god tier navigator since the age of 8, but also having elevated street smarts.

Then you have Usopp, who is a jack of all traits who mastered multiple mediums such as art, snipery, botanics, engeniring and mechanics and was SELF TAUGHT until the timeskip. And Franky, who was tutored by a (fish)man who was given the title of best shipwrught in the world and managed to rebuild hinself after an usually fatala incident.

Sanji is sonething of a critical thinker too when he isn't h#rny, remember: he saved everybody back at Alabasta and Water 7 through wits alone. Jimbei is a mature and natural leader with an above average skillset too, both in general knowledge and helmanship.

Chopper is only 17 yet he is already at the level of fully trained doctors like Marco and Law, he can foud a cure for a terminal virus made by a former MADS member in less than a hour! And Brook isn't only a great musician (which takes both skill and smarts) but he also found ways to use his devil fruit in innovative new ways.

Even Luffy, despite everything, has great emotional intelligence as well as being a genius when it comes to his fight IQ, he developed all of his gears and trasformations by himself with minimal help with gear 4 only. And the "help" was only giving him more resources. He truly deserves more credit than he gets for his accomplisments and intelligence.

And even if you include Vivi in the mix she has great skills as a diplomat and politician and sports an unbelievable level or maturity for her age.

So yeah, everybody really is seriously smart on the Sunny.

Except Zoro he's a dumbass.

[kirarafelis]

Character biographies part 1.5 + art!

DUNCAN

Name: Duncan 

Likes: Wild events. 

Dislikes: His given daily schedule and responsibilities. 

Known for: Being the only one not interested in any sort of justice within his family.

Why TDI?: To get something new and different out of life.

Duncan comes from a long line of cops. His dad is a cop. His mom is a cop. His uncle, aunt, grandma, and cousins are cops. Unlike them, however, Duncan isn't that interested in that end of the spectrum; he'd rather get some enjoyment, and he's the type who probably shouldn't be trusted with any sort of authority anyways. So Duncan's parents decided to just throw random hobbies at him to keep him from doing anything too mischievous, such as but not limited to: fashion, knitting, and sewing. He's already gotten some warnings, which his mom had to talk out. He's also been put into boarding school after several school hops and pretty much well indulged by his dad to keep him from screwing up their family line reputation. Duncan doesn't necessarily care enough to get the full learning experience from boarding school, though, in his words, he'd rather do an "innovative, creative" break in to show his artistic skills than go through another art class. He also has street smarts and isn't afraid to use them. Despite his cocky nature, the therapists who have worked with Duncan will say he has potential and wants to do good for the world; it just isn't shown exactly through his exterior. When Duncan isn't being put through excessive work or lectures, he looks for ways to curb his boredom, like signing up for Total Drama Island. Duncan figured it couldn't be much worse than a day at boarding school. and, who knows, it could be fun to mess around there. It's not like he's doing anything else this summer.

GWEN

Name: Gwen

Likes: Hosting mold breaking parties from the norm with her little brother.

Dislikes: Following trends.

Known for: Putting beef bouillon cubes in the Community Pool

Why TDI?: To have a good time and the money would really help her mom.

The daughter of a single mom, Gwen was a latchkey kid who grew up taking care of her brother. That's cool with Gwen, because she likes helping out her mom and has tons of fun with her brother, too.

Like the time they put a bunch of beef bouillon cubes into the community pool. (At least the neighborhood dogs were happy!)

The only other thing that Gwen is REALLY passionate about is organizing parties. She believes they can be a substantial form of self-expression; she's been told plenty of her uniqueness for it, and she herself hopes to make the most norm-breaking party ever gain traction without having to go by a single trend for it. One day after all, the last thing she'd do is follow a trend. Maybe a Trent, but never a trend. (wink wink!) Although she's pretty popular for her parties, she is the loner at school. At the same time, she isn’t seen much with others; she spends most of her time instead watching and generating new ideas. But ask someone, and they will say that for a loner, she is a pretty rad one.

Gwen heard about total drama from her brother, and after looking into it, she decided it's just what she'd be looking for in an island retreat. Activities, fun, and relaxation.

Plus, if she wins the $100,000, it would sure make life easier for her mom. Gwen may seem tough as nails on the outside, but when it comes to her family, she's as soft as... well, a marshmallow.

GEOFF

Name: Geoff

Likes: Art, camping, and hanging out at the beach.

Dislikes: Parties that get too wild and shallow superficial people.

Known for: Always drawing in his free time at school.

Why TDI?: A experience different from the typical partying, if not that there’s camping.

Geoff grew up in a party town on the west coast. Spring break, long weekends, summertime—people came from all around to party in his town. So it's not a surprise due to the fact that Geoff isn’t exactly the biggest partygoer; he ended up coming across as an odd one out, or just quite literally an outcast. Now Geoff has seen, at a young age, how to really party. REALLY. He's the oldest of five brothers, but being the oldest also leads to the most responsibilities. Usually, when a party is over, he takes on the job of cleaning up the mess. (One time, almost the entire floor was flooded with fruit punch!) Now he doesn't hold any grudge against his brothers or parents for this, though; it is his duty as the eldest, but he isn't exactly happy about it either. And he thinks that at times the parties start to become too repetitive and similar. Even if Geoff says he hates the idea of doing parties entirely, thanks to his bohemian parents (who met, married, and conceived Geoff on a beach), Geoff still has chillaxin' party-hearty DNA in his blood, even if not apparent. He's the star quarterback on his high school football team, and they’ve scored plenty of wins, but the thing that truly highlights Geoff is his passion for art. A fair share of the cool kids are pretty interested in his art and hang out with him for it. He couldn’t care less about if they were “cool” or not, though; he’d hang out with anyone regardless of where they lie. Geoff's goal is to take a bit out of life and chew it until there's nothing left but seeds that he can scatter into the wind to start with a canvas all over again. His eventual plan is to become a professional artist who brings emotion and laughs with his works. He thinks that would be the most awesome career ever. He can't even imagine how great that would be, and he would definitely ace it, too. He wants to be able to make people feel together. Geoff also enjoys spending time at the beach or in the woods on weekends and sketching on his pad. Now, being real about it, Geoff wasn't exactly expecting to be on Total Drama Island this year; his brothers just thought he totally should give the show a try, so eventually he gave in and auditioned. He was surprised to actually be picked though he didn't actually expect to be spending his summer on a reality TV show. He doesn't mind too much, though; it might be fun.

BRIDGETTE

Name: Bridgette

Likes: Strummin’ on her ukulele

Dislikes: People who aren't kind to Mother Earth

Known For: Her sense of humor and creativity

Why TDI?: To spread the message of cosmic love through music.

Bridgette grew up in a small west coast town, and it shows. She’s always enjoyed the simple things, from the rhythm of a waterfall down to the melody of a bird. She’s an expert at riding bikes too; she first learned to ride one before she could even walk! When she’s just on a stroll, though, she's kind of klutzy. She's done her fair share of lead-outs. (And they were all on foot!) Luckily, she's also got a healing touch. Bridgette's strongest attributes are her sense of humor and her creativity. She's a pretty laid-back, go-with-the-flow girl, and her best friend is her mom. They both love flowers, crystals, and everything else that is part of Mother Nature's beautiful bounty. Bridgette's mom is proud of her not only because she's a giving person, but also because she's also on the honor roll at school. She’s also considered pretty cool for her ukulele-playing skills. People will say she can play it in a unique way you don’t see every day. Bridgette signed up for Total Drama Island because she always tries to open herself up to new opportunities. She's already biked off a hill in Peru, helped build houses in a third-world country, and spent a summer making rugs in a monastery in Nepal. Bridgette's goal is to keep the vibe flowing in a good way. That's why she always uses her ability to make soothing music to raise money for charities. She can be seen on social media or performing on the street, but no matter what, she makes sure she stores the money to be put to good use for good causes. Bridgette hopes that her time on Total Drama Island will spread the message of music to communicate nature and cosmic love to a larger audience.

TRENT

Name: Trent

Likes: Collecting seashells as well as everything else the shore has to offer… in pairs of nine.

Dislikes: His dad telling him to become an accountant.

Known For: Being a cool guy.

Why TDI?: It sounded like a good way to spend the summer

Trent is a guy who is very interested in the ocean and he believes it has spiritual secrets if you look deep enough. That’s why since he could barely walk he’s been exploring the shore. In fact He’s proud to call himself the most knowledgeable kid concerning the local beaches. Eventually, Trent's goal is to have his own full fledged rockin’ artifact collection. Trent is also peculiarly good at surfing in edition to that all. Trent has never gone out of his way to "get" people to like him. He'd just rather chill and get a good view of everything going on in the world. He's a straight shooter who tells it like it is. He would never say he's the "cool guy." Trent is the kind of guy who gets girls and has the other guys admiring him. He's just too likable to hate. His surfing and scavenging skills seal his status as one cool compadre. In his junior high graduating class he was voted as "Most Mysterious and Irresistible." (It was later discovered that the Voting Committee was comprised completely of girls, all of whom dated Trent.) Despite his good looks and easy going matter, Trent is smarter than he's given credit for. Though his grades don't reflect it, his IQ is well above anyone's expectations, including his own. His Dad wished he would follow in his footsteps and become an accountant, to which Trent has four words... NOT - IN - THIS - LIFETIME! Trent auditioned for Total Drama Island because it sounded like a cool way to spend the summer...and $100,000 would make a nice funding for that scuba gear and other

Footnote: Wow, this was harder than it should’ve been for me to make… if I had to say out of all of them here, Geoff took the longest to come up with. Even then though I feel like I could do better tried as hard as I could though for right now anyways, anddd I’m hoping to not take as long with future batches. Also I’ll definitely draw very cool shots for Tyler, Courtney, and Lindsay later on the future as well even if I already did their biographies.🤩

[tabl3]

(my version) elite force intelligence ranked & explained

this is on a scale of 10, where 5 is the average

Chase: 10/10 (obligatory duh) intelligence is his whole gimmick. he has access to every bit of knowledge in the world, as well as being a master tactician and strategist, along with being a master in engineering/technology. the only spots that he sometimes lacks in are emotional intelligence and street smarts, but he's literally the smartest being ever created (besides Marcus)

Oliver: 7.5-8ish. he's the second smartest on the team in book smarts sense. he's second in street smarts and is very adept at technology/science. he's also decent with emotional intelligence in most cases (ignore the first part of the series lol) he's also maybe the least dense on the team, meaning picks up social cues easily. all-in-all he's plenty smart in every category which lands him a nice high number

Skylar: 7. while she isn't super book or street smart (specifically the latter) her battle strategy and tactic skills are insanely high (maybe rivaling Chase) she's also extremely technologically advanced because her people are. also going back to 1st point, she's like,,, at least 6 in terms of book smarts

Bree: 6. Bree is decently book and street smart (for being in a basement 15 years) assuming she had 7 classes in high school, I feel like she'd probably get like 4 B's and 3 A's, so above average. she's also innovative because she has to be with her bionics. also her experience gives her a leg up in strategy. she is semi-stunted when it comes to emotional intelligence sometimes, but she's good enough at it

Kaz: 4-4.5. he isn't book smart by any means, or good at strategy (besides "hey, let's blow this up :D) he hates science and technology because it's boring to him. but he's leagues above the others in street smarts terms, plus he is an excellent manipulator lol. he's not totally dumb (much smarter than he thinks) but he is lowest on the team

bonus:

6. Leo: 8. Leo had dogshit grades lmao, but that's because his intelligence lies in engineering and science. this kid is a prodigy. the people who rival his skills in inventing are,,, Chase, Giselle, Douglas, Marcus, Donald,,,, so,,, that says enough. he's also very street smart and emotionally intelligent. shout out the Dooley

7. Adam: 3. so surprising no one, blud is the lowest on the list. he's never needed to be intelligent with the fact that his bionics rarely require strategy and he's super OP. the only ones in the whole series that he couldn't solo w/o help of some kind are Krane, Marcus, Mr. Terror, and the Calderans. says enough p.2. the only person on the good side he couldn't crush is Skylar. (even though Bree and Chase are both smarter, faster, and more skilled than he is, if he had no attachment to them, he'd be able to outlast and destroy them) soooo intelligence isn't his schtick. he is however very well-adjusted emotional intelligence-wise for being in the basement 16 years. he's bad at showing feelings, but picks up others' pretty easily. he's also super perceptive of things no one else notices. he also isn't brain-dead and can understand anything on a basic human level. so he has some plusses, but brother just isn't one that needs smarts.

[nonbinaryeye]

Little Inventor

Written for @gortash-week

Day 1 - Inventor

Little Enver Flynn designs and builds a trap to solve a rat problem he has been asked to deal with. His parents are still not happy though.

Read on AO3

...

Baldur’s Gate is a wonderful place. Known also as Halfway to Everywhere, it is one of the largest city-states on the Sword Coast. This influential merchant centre, city full of commerce and opportunities, seems to be offering chances for a bright future to everyone. Or to be a bit more specific, everyone who had the luck to be born either wealthy merchant or Upper city patriar.

Enver Flynn is none of those. He is an unhappy miserable child but who could blame him for it? Lower city is a place of misery and whoever claims otherwise is a fool living in self-deception. 

While the better parts of the city are busy with trade, marketplaces overflowing with rare goods, luxurious fabrics, rare gems and exotic fruits here the streets are filled only with thieves, crooks and charlatans and one would struggle to buy fruit or fish that does not already smell of rot. While the songs of bards trying to make a coin are never falling silent in the Upper City, these parts of Lower City can enjoy only the sounds of crying orphans and sick beggars spreading their germs around in their dying breaths. And while on the other side the air is filled with the rich flavour of odours of freshly baked pastries and expensive perfumes and blooming flowers, here one’s nostrils will get hit only with smell of piss and decay and bodies that get washed only when it rains.

Enver Flynn always felt like there must have been some mistake. He could not really belong here; he could not really be meant for this terrible and unhappy place. He hates how people's faces contort with disgust or pity when they look down upon him as they do not really see him as a person but only as a pathetic poverty-stricken child.  Poor peasant whose only concern is how to survive till the next meal and how to protect said meal so some of the ever hungry rats do not steal it away.

Though right now rats for a fact are his concern. They were chewing on his father’s leather and people just do not desire to buy shoes with a rat's nest in it. And so as it is a tradition by now, whenever any unpleasant task appeared, Enver was the one assigned to it. What else was a child then a slave to fulfil any wish and whim of their parents, obediently bearing all screaming and beating and all the degrading tasks. And of course the entire time he needs to stay grateful that he was not thrown on streets yet.

One day. One day Enver will just leave without even glancing back and he will not return till he has enough money and success to rub into the faces of his spiteful parents. However that day was not today and so any plans and dreams of future greatness must take a backseat to the troubles with rats.

Whenever a problem is posed in front of Enver, no matter how much he wishes to be petty and ignorant towards tasks his parents throw at him, his brain simply cannot stop itself and starts offering solutions. Several ideas come to his mind almost immediately. There is no point in running around the shop or the attic hoping to run into some of those annoying pests nor just laying around simple traps. Even if they could afford to buy one, rats are unfortunately smart creatures, there is no point trying to approach the issue with methods already well known to fail.

The original new and innovative idea is needed and Enver is never lacking those. Coming up with possible answers to the problem is not the real issue. Getting the needed materials is the harder part. The nails he could “borrow” from his father’s workspace. He knew of a broken fence at the house that appeared to be abandoned and there he gained a few simple wooden planks. But he still needed some rope, or better yet a wire. Luckily he knew where fishermen hid their crawfish traps overnight.

When all the materials are gathered he can start assembling them together. He still dislikes the task and that it was given to him. However there is some sense of satisfaction, a sense of meaning to be found, in crafting, in combining things together and creating something new. To his own surprise he finds out to feel till now unknown sense of satisfaction from his work. Even though his hands are clumsy, wire is bending strangely under his unskilled fingers, planks do not fully fit together and nails spread unevenly, he feels excitement over his accomplishment. What once was a vague fleeing idea now gained a physical form by his will it was born into world.

The construction looks ugly, like a child built it - because it did. A little tower of wood and wire with a bridge-like part to be positioned on the table. There will be a bit of food placed inside, his parents will surely not miss a slice of stale bread that is probably meant to be tonight's dinner. The rat will get in, its weight triggering a mechanism and the bridge will tilt down. And down the vermin will slide, down on the bottom of his little tower of wood and wire and also nails. The board at the bottom is covered in them. Sharp metal spikes waiting for something to be impaled on them.

He sets his trap. He waits. Eyes glued to it, crouch down a few feet away. He is quite good at staying still and quiet, an unfortunate skill obtained by every child of unhappy parents that tend to look for excuses for punishment whenever their own miserable life frustrates them too much. 

And he waits.

It always felt like the rats were everywhere. Trying to steal leftovers from his dinner, pulling out straws from his already thin mattress, gnawing at the corners of those few spare books their household had. But it is not as if he has anything else, anything more exciting awaiting him anywhere in his life…

And so he waits some more.

And as it always tends to be, only when he starts losing his patience, when he lets his eyes wander around the room without even realising he is doing so, only then he hears the click, his amateurish mechanism working as intended, and the sound of an animal in distress falling through his trap. Enver lets out a joyful giggle as there is usually not many things to be excited for and both catching an annoying rat and his invention doing what it was designed for is a good enough reason for little celebration.

When the initial thrill passes he smacks his tongue against the roof of his mouth disapprovingly – a gesture he noticed adults are doing sometimes when they are not fully happy with their work – and he is not fully content with the result of his work either. There is a pathetic sound coming out of the foul creature but it does not sound like a dying scream. The sound of rapid movement and scratching of the wall made out of cranky wooden planks suggest that the rat is still very much alive.

The mechanism luring the rodent in worked perfectly, so did the trigger that trapped the rat inside. But Enver never intended to just trap it, that’s why he wasted so many of nails on the bottom part of it. The vermin was inconveniencing him long enough, it deserves to suffer. Maybe next time he needs to let the animal fall from bigger hight. Or maybe the nails are too thick, he would need thinner ones. Maybe he should add another board full of nails that would fall down upon the creature so it gets crushed in deadly squeeze between them.

Well, it does not matter now. He will improve his trap next time. But to do so, he has to get rid of the current occupant, his prisoner, the creature he caught and which now was completely at his mercy. He wondered what it would look like impaled on those nails. And, well, he needs to kill the pest somehow anyway, no point just throwing it out else it will crawl back.

Enver removes the top part of his trap and takes one of the spare planks. He thrusts it down crushing the rat against the nails at the bottom of his creation. He enjoys the desperate little squeak the vermin lets out in its dying breath. It is satisfying for once to hold such a control over something and its life. Have a living being at his mercy. Holding its fate in his hands and deciding that the only fate it deserves is death. There is the sound of little bones cracking, there is the painful cry of the dying animal, there is a gleeful smile on Enver’s face and then there is also a scream.

Too focused on the task, he does not even hear his mother climbing the stairs and entering the room just to witness final moments of his triumph over the cursed rodent. Hard to say why she even came here right now. Was she wondering where her son is slacking off? Did she come up with a new stupid task to waste his time with, as the previous one might have already slipped her mind? Or was she here for a completely different reason as she is always happy to forget she even has a child.

“Enver! What have you done?” he does not really understand why his mother sounds so horrified. He turns to her pleased smile on his face as he is still just a child and a hope of receiving praise has not yet been fully beaten out of him.

“I’ve caught the rat!” he proudly presents his trap, his little invention he created all by himself. The crushed body of the pathetic pest impaled on nails is still twitching a bit. There is a little puddle of blood on the floor.

Enver Flynn does not understand where all the swearing and curses came from, why is he being pulled by his ear downstairs, why his mother in her fit of hysteria calls him a sadistic monster and why his father starts unbuckling his belt. He has just done exactly what they asked him to do. He caught the rat. He got them rid of one of those damned vermin. Is it not exactly what they wanted from him?

They do not seem to hear his word of explanation, they do not see his vision and the trap he worked so hard on the entire day it angrily thrown out of the window. And they never stop to tell him why, offer a reason for their hateful behaviour. They just scream and call him wicked and wrong and depraved. 

But they never say why. 

By now he takes those words as compliments. If they consider themselves to be the norm he would very much prefer to be deviant.  He will force them, he will force the entirety of Baldur’s Gate to see his potential, appreciate all of his never ending flow of ideas and brilliance. They all will be one day the rat crushed in his trap.

[myemuisemo]

Suddenly, Letters from Watson dumps us in the middle of the Great American Desert (part 1 of "On the Great Alkali Plain," 2/7/24). This is not anywhere I expected to be transported from London, and the contrast makes the Mountain West feel exotic for a minute.

The Great American Desert -- stretching from about Grand Island, Nebraska to the Sierras and pretty much the entire north-south length of the U.S. -- had become a thing of legend since explorers' accounts in the 1820s. When Dad and I drove across it in 2022, we talked about how incredibly daunting it must have been for emigrants seeking their land of milk and honey on the Pacific coast.

The way we went, out I-80, Nebraska shifts from green to gray as it rises toward the Rockies. After a while, the wind picks up as you go uphill into Wyoming. There's a lot of Wyoming, and after Cheyenne and Laramie (both of which would be small towns in most states), it's very, very empty. When we finally started the descent toward Salt Lake City, and the little valleys beside the road turned green with running water, it was truly like entering paradise.

Of course, in 1847, Salt Lake City was just barely being settled, as Brigham Young led his Latter Day Saints west from Council Bluffs, and its location wasn't part of the U.S. yet.

The Mexican-American war had started the prior year, 1846, and was still going. Spring-summer of 1846 saw the Bear Flag Revolt in California, followed by the U.S. just annexing the state. Gold wouldn't be discovered at Sutter's Mill until 1849, so while emigration to California happened -- the Donner Party made their ill-fated trip in 1846-47 -- it wasn't anything like the scope of movement along the Oregon Trail.

As far as I can tell, "Sierra Blanco" is not a real place. There's a Sierra Blanca in New Mexico -- which would fit with all the specific landscape, plus White Sands National Park in New Mexico specifically has alkali flats. Last time I drove through New Mexico on I-40, in late 2018, it was delightfully desolate, so I can buy that in 1847, it seemed completely empty, with even the native peoples avoiding some stretches.

Why anyone would be crossing New Mexico is a mystery, since neither Arizona nor southern California were much settled by Americans. There was some sort of wagon route across New Mexico used by U.S. soldiers during the Mexican-American War, so if I'd expect anyone to be about, it'd be the U.S. Army.

Utah, now, is downright famous for its salt flat, but that's west of the site of Salt Lake City.

Regardless, parties screwing up their trip to the west by taking an imprudent shortcut or mistaking the route was definitely both a thing that happened and, thanks to the Donner Party, a trope. Our haggard and starving traveler sounds about right.

Then he reveals a Plucky Innocent Victorian Child.

That "pretty little girl of about five years of age" is the absolute ideal of Victorian childhood, being perfectly behaved, utterly imperturbable, determined to see the best in all things, sweet, trusting, and looking forward to being reunited with her mother in heaven.

This kind of child is why Louisa May Alcott was seen as innovative for writing Little Woman about girls who worked on their character flaws. (This is also the ideal the March girls were being aimed at. Polly in An Old-Fashioned Girl comes closer, but even Polly would have been upset about being hopelessly lost in the desert with no water.) Contrast this with the street urchins that Holmes employs in his investigation, who are good enough sorts but scrappy, resourceful, and street smart.

Ordinarily, a Victorian child who was utterly sweet and pious would be a cinnamon roll, literally too good, too pure for this world, and thus would die beautifully but tragically before long. Being lost in the desert seems ideal for this, but --

She turns to prayer, and since someone must survive in order for this scene to be relevant,

Yes, darn it, I am on the edge of my seat to know what happens. I'm also grateful that crossing the Great American Desert in 2022 was a quicker process. I've been reading Carey Williams' old-but-interesting California: The Great Exception, which has a lot to say about how 19th century isolation shaped California's economy and power structure, not always for good. But that's neither here nor there -- I don't think we're headed to California.

[marcelllyn]

Unexpected proposal

I think I'm obsessed with Dean Winchester and I don't blame myself for that, because he's so… Maybe this will become a fanfic with more chapters, depending on my mood. Language: English (is not my first language). Synopsis: Colette is an old friend of Dean who is going through an identity crisis. When meeting Dean again at a diner, he ends up making an unexpected proposal. Warnings: Nothing but cute. Nasty review.

I was sitting there in a diner that smelled like old grease, drinking the worst coffee of my life. A cup of coffee and soggy toast with sour jam. Observing the people passing by on the street, every time a person in a suit or dressed in a work uniform passed by, my chest sank. Everything seemed so far from reality, as if I were a leftover piece of the puzzle of life. And let's face it, living off his father's inheritance wasn't going to be a good thing forever.

I needed a job, even though being a waitress, a store attendant, a dishwasher was getting repetitive, I wasn't able to keep a job, and I also couldn't finish any of the three colleges I started, money wasted.

Focused on the street, taking small sips of coffee, the world seemed to slow down when a black Impala parked in front of the diner. My memory wandered to simpler times.

I closed my eyes for a few seconds, remembering the memory of driving an old friend's Impala, the way his face looked disappointed when I scratched a little on his car. How could I fall madly in love with someone that day.

I opened my eyes, took another sip of that greasy coffee, -How must he be today? -I thought. I imagine that Sam, one of my few friends from school, must be going to college, now his brother, the feeling that even if he wanted to he would never be able to leave that life. Life I've always been interested in, ever since I met Sam eating alone in the cafeteria when he was twelve and invited him to my house for cookies almost every day after school.

When he and his brother disappeared after spending two months in the city, I remember being devastated and crying for a few weeks before I got over that I would never see them again. Well, I saw them again five years later when I moved away.

I woke up from my trance of memories when the entrance bell rang. My eyes widened when I saw him, majestically well, adjusting his leather jacket, running his hand through his blond hair. I could feel my jaw wanting to drop, his beauty was always jaw-dropping, it's no wonder my sister already had it. My stomach knotted, maybe from the coffee, maybe from the spoiled jam.

Dean leaned against the counter, I wish I could go over there and maybe say hi, but at least I know if he remembers me, and even if he did, what would he talk about? My life hasn't changed much since the last time we saw each other. The only big change was that I was now more like some kind of current nomad.

I stared at the cup, I felt embarrassed that I didn't have anything innovative to say.

—I can not believe. — That charming and mocking voice took over me.

I pictured Dean, smiling like a fool.

— Colette Schmidt!, or rather, Lety! — He leaned on the table. — I could recognize you from a thousand meters away, with that huge nose.

I snorted and motioned for him to sit in the yellow armchair in front of me, and he did so. I could hug him, but I knew he was never a fan of hugs or touching in general.

I narrowed my eyes, taking in every point of her beauty.

— He's older. — I commented.

— And that's the first thing you say to an old friend? - He laughed. — I'm still at my peak.

— And when haven't you been? — My smile was big, he could make me smile like an idiot just by looking at me. — Where have you been?

— Around— His vague answer left me unsatisfied, I lightly kicked his calf under the table. — I was walking around with Baby, no big deal, you know.

— Is Sam with you?

— I'm going to see him at college, can you believe he's really going to college? — He said with a slight frown.

— Sam was always smart, you'd imagine. — I took a sip. — Hunting?

He wrinkled his nose and said:

— Do I need to answer? — He said with a harsh tone.

I shook my head.

— What is the name of the college?

—Stanford University. — He measured me with his gaze. — Did you let your hair grow?

— And I stopped straightening. — I could have run my hand through my curls if my hand hadn't been so greasy.

— It was very beautiful. What are you working with?

I swallowed hard, I shouldn't be ashamed to expose my situation to Dean, I mean, he could never judge, after all, he's not in a position to do so. But I was afraid he would look at me with disappointment, the same way he looked at me when he was teaching me how to drive and I scratched Baby by accident, that look was fatal.

— I'm not doing anything at the moment.

Dean groaned in pleasure when the waitress placed his plate of waffles and some fruit on the table.

— And why aren't you working? — He put a piece of strawberry in his mouth.

— I don't find anything that interests me, everything seems futile. Something common people do, you know? — I provoked.

— Have you ever tried being a stripper? — He smiled with his mouth full.

I let out a satisfying laugh, one that I had been holding back for a long time.

— You know that I wouldn't even be able to do it if I wanted to, you've already seen me dancing.

— As your prom date, I say that you, in addition to being the first person who made me wear a suit, were the first person who also managed to make me end up in the hospital for stepping on my foot.

— Imagine doing a twirl on a stick? — As soon as he said it, Dean started looking at the ceiling with a satisfied look on his face.

— And what lingerie would you be wearing, in detail? — His eyes closed tightly as he bit his lower lip.

I took the opportunity to grab a strawberry from his plate.

— A pair of Scooby-Doo panties, a bra with images of severed heads.

He glared at me.

— Ruined the costume, even though the Scooby-Doo panties weren't the worst thing. — He stuffed a forkful of waffles inside. —But the way you are, it's quite possible that you'll hit some innocent person in the face with your heel.

I tried to get another strawberry and Dean looked at me like a rabid dog and patted my hand three times. We were silent for a few minutes, his eyes narrowed. The silence began to become uncomfortable as he chewed like a hungry child.

— It's strange, seeing you like this, meeting you again after five years. — He commented.

— Yes, it's thinking that in the past, well, it's… Never mind. — He shook his head, shaking off his thoughts.

He knew where he wanted to go, but that whole thing should stay in the past.

— I haven't changed much other than my hair and some tattoos.

— That's not exactly what I meant. — His eyes widened. — Calm down, did you say tattoos?

— I made some. — I lifted the sleeve of my blouse. Showing a small tattoo of the Metálica band logo. — It's a little cheesy, but I really like the band.

His face turned white as if a ghost had just walked past me, which would be harmful if it weren't for Dean Winchester.

— Who are you and what did you do with the real Collete? — He held my arm gently. — You hated Metálica!

I smiled like a fool again. His hand wasn't exactly soft, but it was definitely a good session.

— I was very strange.

I let him finish eating, the closer he got to finishing, the more an emptiness began to appear in my stomach, a feeling of abandonment. I would rather never see him again if he were to leave on the same day, on the same morning. At least the last time, Dean knocked on my door at one o'clock in the morning with Sam to say goodbye. The second game was the one that hurt the most, after all they had stayed by my side for a whole year, but apparently their father had decided to leave the city in a hurry. He wiped his mouth on his napkin once he was done.

— Anyway, where are we going now?

My gaze lit up.

— What?

— Take a drive, talk until we get tired of talking.

He gets up, leaving an insulting tip, and we leave that disgusting diner.

♡

Dean then did something unimaginable, he opened the car door so I could get in.

— This is new. — I mocked.

— Don't get used to it.

I got in the car, it felt like time had stopped. Dean sat down on the bench and started the car.

— Where do you want to go?

— I have no idea. — I looked at the back seats. — Is that a pair of panties?

— I swear it's not mine. — He grabbed my face and turned it forward. — I didn't know I would have visitors today.

— Didn't you have time to hide the panties that your lovers leave as souvenirs? — I scoffed.

—exactly! — He put a tape on the radio.

— Wow, do you know it's the 2000s?

— Shut up. — Your hand covers my mouth. — I want to see where you live.

I looked at him suspiciously, he was always a mystery, he was never very open, but there are things that never change.

—Dean. — He said suspiciously.

— Don't be like that. — He pouted. — I just want to see your house, without ulterior motives.

I nodded.

♡

I guided him to my house, a small apartment in an area that looked like Batman would be murdered if he stepped foot in that place.

—No judgement. — I covered his eyes while I opened the door. — And take off your shoes.

— This hallway smells of so many things. — He mocked.

I opened the door and the smell of lavender entered my nostrils like a perfume bomb.

— Everything is so tidy. — He threw himself on the sofa. — A living room with a view of Gotham, a kitchen and a bedroom.

— I don't need much. I don't even spend that much time here anyway.

Dean got up walking down the small hallway, ignored the bathroom and went directly to my room.

— Cute room. — Throw yourself on the bed.

— Dean, those dirty clothes on my bed! — I mumbled, laying down next to him.

— Your bed is more uncomfortable than the seat in my car.

— The sofa is more comfortable, I admit.

He pulls me to him, I rest my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

— Ready for a question bomb?

—Ever…

— Is the rent up to date?

— Yes.

— Falling in love? Or a very close friend?

— No. — That was sad, all my friends were going away or dying.

— You don't have a job and nothing keeping you here, why don't you just leave?

—And where would I go?

— You could go with me to Sam's college and then see if he likes anything there.

I sat up in bed, blinking repeatedly quickly.

— You are crazy.

— I thought you already knew. — Laughed. — Seriously, your company would be good and I hate seeing how unhappy you look.

— Dean, it's been almost five years since we've seen each other and now you're asking me to give up everything I have to go traveling with you?

— You only live once, and, in fact, we could go without seeing each other for ten years and still, when we saw each other, it would be the same as the last time.

— But this is crazy. — I sat on the bed. — You're a hunter, and I have a life, an apartment.

— Lety, you have an apartment, but not a life, that's survival. — He snorted. — You know, fate, even if I don't believe it, may have made me go to that diner that smells of old grease just to meet you again.

— That was the biggest nonsense you've ever said to me.

— I know. — He murmured. - Accept my invitation?

— Promise not to hunt on the way?

— Only in case of emergency. — He sat down on the bed. — Speaking of hunting, do you still remember some of the things I taught you?

— Of course, it’s impossible to forget. — My body shivers with the memories. — I remember everything you ever taught me. — I murmured. — I need some time to think about your proposal.

— It just won't take long, I'm starting to get worried about Baby.

Jumping out of bed, he started rummaging through my closet.

— Where are there towels here?

— Third drawer.

He opened the third drawer, and looked at me with a mischievous smile.

— Stop looking at my panties!

While Dean took a shower, my mind worked on the possibility of going with Dean, but my rational side begged me to continue my mediocre life. How I wanted to say yes, but leaving all my comfort to go to another city and then being aimless seemed crazy.

The noise of the shower stopped, Dean appeared in front of me without a shirt, focused on putting on the belt of his jeans. My mind seemed to be stopping, his tattoo showed on my chest, I remembered that I have one like it on my chest. Through his pure influence.

— Have you made up your mind?

— Why do you want to visit Sam?

— Family thing.

— What am I going to do when I get there?

— There will be things, believe me. Don't worry so much.

— What kind of things?

His face fell and he sighed deeply.

— I'm just worried about not having enough money.

— Your father gave you a lot of money, I imagine, you'll manage.

I sighed. I wanted to go with him, I really wanted to. I loved his presence, it would be nice to spend time with him and Sam again.

— I think that's it. — I shrugged. — I will, but no sleeping with women in the car. I will not sleep on the same bench where you fornicated.

— The car is mine. — He mocked. — No driving, no eating in the car.

— But what if you're sleepy?

— Then I'll stop so we can sleep.

I opened a smile, looking at her belly, I felt a tingling sensation. Get rid of this feeling as soon as possible.

— Help me pack my bag, I’m terrible at organization.

— Unfortunately, as I'm going to drive, I have to take a nap. So, when you're done, let me know and make sure Baby is okay every five minutes, okay?

[zauns-evolution]

Intellegence

Oh man I was waiting all day to rant about this. All personal opinions and super biased towards Singed

In my opinion Singed is the smartest person in the show not because he is the most knowledgeable person, which personally I could argue he is, but because he has the most street smarts out of the main four or five if we include Ekko but Singed is more intelligent then Ekko and less street smart.

While Heimer, Viktor, and Jayce all are incredibly intelligent and all four specialize in different fields. Singed has intelligence in his early years to rival the greatest mind of all Heimer. Heimer is known as the catalyst of Piltover's most ingenious innovation and answered some of life's most enigmatic questions to the point Singed and Heimer is considered equals even before Singed extension of his life and banishment to Zaun. His intelligence is seeked out by all and his infamy is one of the greatest.

While Viktor, Jayce, and Heimer are still learning life Singed has lived it and knows to expect the unexpected. Viktor and Jayce are both considerably younger and have not yet gone through the trials and tribulations of life that Singed has and thus we continue to see them fumble when presented with hard choices. Jayce I'm sure I don't have to explain, he fumbled the council, he fumbled his family's legacy, he fumbled his relationships with Viktor and Heimer who cared for him most. He gave out Hextech weapons and then criticizes Viktor. I'm sorry but he's fumbling a lot.

Viktor is more out of naivety, he had not so much fumbled as his naivety has led him to where he is now. Not all bad definitely not anywhere near as bad as Jayce. But thanks to him people have died and now he was blinded by his need to save everyone and has killed a lot of people in need to lead an idealized world.

Heimer suffers the same disease. Heimer even after being betrayed by Jayce and leaving Piltover still has a delusion in the world and for me that was evident in the sneaking scene. Heimer thought he had to sneak into his own office after being kicked out of the council not Piltover not even the academy. But he feels the need to do flips and use signs without discussing them first. There's also the self exile because he was kicked off the council. His world view and trust in people was clearly broken he has a trusting heart and he sees the best in people and unfortunately that takes a toll on him.

Singed on the other hand I'm sure most would agree is either the second smartest or first smartest person next to Heimer. But the difference between Heimer and Singed is he has no delusions about his place in the world and he is the most adaptable of the three to get what he wants. He has also been in bad situations but instead of suffering he had made the best of bad situations. Using his banishment into Zaun to his advantage, instead of just lying low and keeping to himself he keeps himself employed to keep his resources and research flowing. When he is arrested he knows he can't take down the noxian guards. He assesses the situation and takes a risk. Cutting himself because of all the resources immediately available to him, Warwick was the only possible escape. When Jinx suddenly comes to free everybody Singed locked himself back up not out of some need to protect himself from what the noxians might do to those escape or even protect himself from warwick. We saw what Warwick did and Singed knows what he is capable of and that flimsy iron gate would do nothing to stop him. He locked himself back up because he knew someone would come looking for answers and he could use that person to re-cage his beast.

Singed is regarded as the only mind equal to Heimer. All thr younger people may have potential to surpass Singed and Heimer but they have not reached that point yet. The show runner clearly keep showing Singed's full range of intelligence by putting him in tough situations and having him take advantage of such cases. He is not planning everything 100 years ahead of time but carefully taking advantage of his bad luck by doing threat assessments, resource analysis, and how it could benefit him. The showrunners will clearly want Singed to be the ultra intelligent background bad guys. Some may argue hope is more intelligent then reality but I'm super biased so. Take everything I say in such light. I'm also not smart. If people want to defend their fellow smart boys let me know. All no hate to any of these characters they are all super great and honestly I'm hoping that there will be some confrontation between the bunch and the Ekko, Heimer, Jayce, possibly Viktor combo, will humble Singed and give him more motivation to develop his famous elixir that gives him regeneration like Warwick and speed like Jinx.

[idrisofficial]

🍐- Grace, Lennox, Mikhail

🍐  :    how intelligent is my muse overall?  are they smarter than the average person,  or less than?  are they primarily self-taught,  or did they acquire most of their knowledge in school?  are they more street smart or book smart?  

grace: she’s very smart, but moreover aware in how she’s smart. grace’s intelligence shines best in situations where she knows how to use her knowledge. she’s not afraid to experiment, and after absorbing all the information she is so voraciously hungry for, she has to have somewhere to put it or she will combust. she’s definitely book smart in how active a politician she is, she just has to be careful about how she them in order not to become suspect (kind of ironic to call this “street smarts” because of the context, but that is what it is). she’s gotten a lot better at that since natal died. for the most part she’s managed to craft her image among the court as someone innovative who acknowledges that innovation will not always be popular, but still swears loyalty to the crown. but her continued belief in natal’s innocence does raise eyebrows. that’s not a lack of smarts on grace’s part; she knows the effect it has, but she can’t bring herself to compromise her honor of natal.

lennox: lennox is generally regarded as one of the smartest nobles idris has ever seen. he deserves a lot of that credit, but it is also a lot of manipulation and attitude. on how he deserves it: he’s a fucking nerd who spends most of his free time reading, he’s a genuine intellectual interested in just about everything, he’s adaptable, he only ever wants to talk about what’s most important and seems to have an endless stamina for debate about it. on why he’s not as smart as his facade: he doesn’t know what genuine human connection is like and that hurts him, he refuses to understand things far from his own perspective, he disavows anyone he deems lesser than him, and most importantly he buys into the lie that he’s the smartest noble ever to live. a lot of his arrogance genuinely hinders his intelligence. in that way, he’s actually a lot less smart than grace, who he often rivals—grace also has somewhat of a superiority complex, but she acknowledges her ego. lennox doesn’t. he did his job a little too well.

mikhail: so glad you included him in this ask. mikhail lets other people think he’s not that smart because it benefits him for others to see him as a stupid slut. well ok no one actually thinks he’s that dumb. but he definitely sleeps around and he definitely isn’t an intellectual like lennox or kaia, so he doesn’t mind if people don’t see his aptitude until he’s already taken advantage of them. although it’s rare, mikhail’s parents did raise him, the secondborn, with the same expectations they had for his siblings. they wanted him to be supremely competent—and he is, when he bothers to care. most of the time he makes himself think, “fuck them, they’re dead now, i’m gonna live it up.” he did the required reading as a kid and was a great student. he understands how to run a kingdom. but even more than mikhail is a master of hedonism, he is a a master of people. that’s a huge part of why he acts as lennox’s representative when dealing with other nobles. especially after knowing them for so long, he understands what makes them tick in a way lennox just doesn’t latch onto. and if they underestimate him, so much the better. so much the more fortune he brings to his house.

[leyia]

𝐒𝐫𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐚’𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐧 (𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞)

Summary: working under Norm Spellman as replacement assistant for Grace Augustine’s position proved itself to be a challenging feat. However, having to babysit Sully’s children between shifts soon became an icky ordeal

Pairings: Lo’ak x Dreamwalker!FemOc

Reading time: approx 10min

Warnings/notes: y/n almost dies, ambient music, Quaritch Queen rage

You regretted applying for the internship.

After the war, the damaged outer lab was decommissioned by the SciOps staff. Only a select few were allowed to remain stationed to pursue research by Pandora’s outskirts. Among the recruited candidates, only you had resolved to stay (had you not fallen lovestruck by the studies of the exo-biosphere and it’s bioluminescent habitants)

Fifteen years had passed but your cute fascination for Na’vi culture never subsided. It was as if you were one with them, even going as far as initiating unit expeditions and adopting the different types of tribe dialects. Though this only rendered coworking with Norm all the less bearable, as he’d always nag about your resemblance with Jake back in the day. Maybe that’s why his kids were left in your care?

You majored in biochemistry, detained a botanist degree and was fully fledged in the arts of herbal mastery. So why under Eywa’s watch had you yielded into making your workspace a kindergarten ?

You knew the little quadrio since they were still unborn babies. Neteyam, Lo’ak, Spider and Kiri often visited the labelled "old shack" when playing beyond the depths of the Omatikayan Home Tree. At first, supervising them was no harder than taming a banshee (one Yovo fruit each did the trick easily). But growing up, they kept you company by asking all sorts of questions about humans-avatars-and common history

“Peu lu sat miklor reykol?” (What is that pleasant sounding music player?)

Lo’ak’s inquisitive scrutiny took you off guard, marvelled by your Bluetooth speaker playing a serene tune never heard before. Poking at the buzzing device, his ears twitched adorably and tail wiggled with vigour. The boy’s intrigue had you muffle a toothy chuckle, but having heard it, he shrugged back feeling embarrassingly naïve

“It’s a Handpan duo, street musicians from Earth” you explained while mimicking the use of the percussion instrument, laughing out loud

It was a calm humid afternoon, the weather forecast had envisioned heavy rain. Now used to the environment’s tropical climate, you were also familiar with Lo’ak’s solo visits. He’d frequently drop by on cloudy days, mostly to find shelter after arguing with his dad. At least it seemed to be his excuse to help around with your experiments. Little did you know, the kid would offer himself in a heartbeat as test subject, if you were willing to let him that is

You’d be lying to say you weren’t expecting him to visit every other day, over a cup of hot cocoa. It became sort of an unspoken routine. And today was no different, Lo’ak sat legs crossed over the central workbench where you were manipulating a panopyra sample. Behind your desk, Norm was relayed to monitor Grace’s avatar capsule while conversing with Kiri-Spider-and Nete. You only listened to the background chatter indirectly, too focused on the task at hand

“Did you know this zooplantae detains a primitive nervous system like no other? It has a sensory tissue and a saprophytic epiphyte lifestyle, typically growing attached to other flora high in the canopy. Truly fascinating…”Eyes glued to the little organisms seen through your microscope, you had almost forgotten a third party’s presence

“You’re so smart Leiya, our people only collect it’s liquid for healing drinks. At best, the stems are used for making nets, or for mating aphrodisiacs” you could tell he was attentively listening by the compelling response, sometimes even proposing intuitive ideas for practical innovations

“Lo’ak you’re flattering me, it’s only factual groundwork for my thesis. But thanks”

“Hey but didn’t you also create a Dreamwalker vessel? How can that be a minor detail?” Looking over your shoulder you noticed Norm’s hand gripping down at it, now gaining everyone’s attention

“Really?? Can we please see her?” Kiri’s head promptly perked up

“Wow auntie Ley, me too!” Spider too had flowingly joined the chant

“Um, I suppose so. However it’s not entirely functional yet. Her name is Te’Leylah” without any restraint you led their daunting eyes towards your own hybrid-bed.

Although before you could go into detail about additional repairs, external voices outside the lab cabin had aroused suspicion within (and enough for you to go check for yourself)

You were right for regretting working as an intern.

Recombinant infiltrators were lurking right outside your office, and it was no other than the human colonists based at Bridgehead. You knew fairly well news of new cryoexported deployments from home weren’t because of the lack of crew agents here. What you feared was a second invasion, potentially capable of fuelling another war. Even so, nothing was for certain

“May I help you gentlemen?” Your voice had cut through the overgrown grass: through your exopack mask, and turning five sets of heads. Uncomfortable wouldn’t begin to describe the situation

“Hm, yes. We’re going to be direct darling. Have you ever heard of a man named Sully? We’d love to have a friendly conversation with an old comrade. Since you seem to work here, I’m sure you have a vague idea” A sturdy soldier (Quaritch) strode forward, looking down on your petite frame

“I’m sorry, I’m only an intern who’s temporally on stay. I’m not sure to be of help, as this lab has been rusty before my commission…” you were aware lying was futile, but only buying time. No way these rugged guys hadn’t thought of forcibly raiding the place.

“I don’t think you quite understand, lady. Do we look like fools? it’s either you spit it out or we make you.” Another trooper (Lyle) exclaimed impatiently. The threatening didn’t faze you, but their weighing artillery surely did

“As I said, I’ve only crossed wild Prolemurises or Shimmyflys, no Na’vi or humans for that matter” there wasn’t any hesitation detectable in the response, though your body language spoke volumes. Cold sweat drew down your collar as they nonchalantly approached closer

“Oh really? I think you’re a bad liar… Lads, immobilise her” following their captain’s order, your limbs were fastened together by yellow wristbands. Slipping an acute wince pass your chapped lips

“Should’ve used that nasty tongue of yours more wisely. You leave us no choice but resolving to harsher methods, missy” With that, the group’s soldiers seeped through the ground vines and into the shack. Leaving behind their boss on watch

“Um, chief the area is NSTR (all clear). What do we do?” Mansk, a tattooed bull of a man darted out moments later, scratching his nuke awkwardly. Thankfully, you assumed the kiddos must’ve escaped safely with Norm ; sighing in relief

“We might have cheap thrills extracting information from our new hostage, while we’re at it. DrLey this is your last chance” By the looks of the situation, Quaritch was loosing patience. In fact, it was only a guess that his child-like temper stood by a thread

“You mean through torture? Commander, we might be mistaken-” the subordinates agreed in unison on the matter, though it only made their superior grip and pull pack your hair violently. Exposing along the way in his brisk motion, a freshly sharpened blade to your nape

“Go ahead, I’m all yours. You’ll never find them anyways, heh” a fine line of blood was slowly festering from the cut, stinging, but you had already surrendered

“So you do know... Alright, let’s hear it pretty girl”

*ptish* spitting right in his face, you surely didn’t miss, smirking innocently

??! “YOU LITTLE-”

“Eat your own medicine @&*$%#!!”

“In that case, I won’t regret teaching you a lesson…B R A T”

.

z

Bz

Bzz

Bzzt

BZZT.

Faintly battering lashes, you slowly regained consciousness, only without an airmask, bathed in the humidity of your own blood and chocked for air. The rogue attackers fell quiet. Your ears merely caught up to inaudible grunts and cries, before reaching out to your damaged phone

Norm’s name appeared pressingly ringing on the fractured screen. However, dizziness overwhelmed your strength to respond

Pandora's toxic atmosphere was known to be unbreathable by humans, due to the high concentration of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. This deadly mix causes lethal reactions : including burning of mucous membranes, followed by death within minutes due to cellular oxygen deprivation.

The stars almost seemed to be welcoming you with open arms, softly taunting to join them, beautifully arranged in the steep blue of sky. They nebulously appeared so close you could almost touch them

“This is it” giving into the weight of your tired eyelids, they fastened for a long night’s sleep. Only to be shaken up by a frantic grip, which brought you back

“LEYIA ! C’mon, DON’T YOU DARE GIVE UP ON ME…Wake up PLEASE !” It was recognisably Lo’ak’s anxious roar that echoed through the clearing. He had came back with help from the Omatikaya hunters to shoot down the presently struggling invaders. Though it was too late to hope saving you, as your lungs were already charred by toxins and internal organs began to rot

“I won’t let you go out this way, we have no options but to resort to the vessel. Forgive me” He then turned to rush right towards the lab, shielded with Neteyam- Kiri- and Spider’s protection. Little Tuk had to sit this one out, but behind Jake’s back she was shed from the raining downfall of bullets and arrows

Inside, Norm was already preparing the capsules for transfer. Tension was at it’s climax : manipulating this type of tech in a hurry could cause him irreversible errors of piloting dysfunctions during reeducation, or more plausibly cut off branches of neuro-connections if done without caution. In other words, the chance for the emergency connection being rejected was at high risk

Splotches of scarlet blood began covering the floor as the large gash on your neck widened. Loa’k pressed on as tightly as he could manage, but your face was loosing it’s tint with minutes

Feeling your head spinning, everything went black after that

“Leylah ? Can you hear me ?”

.

“Dr was it a success ?”

..

“Woah take it easy now ! Uh, how are you feeling ?”

. . .

“Leylah ? LEYLAH !”

“Huh? Ugh, mh- my head hurts”

Both sighed by the sight of you in motion and silently thanked Eywa for blessing this new birth

“I’m blue…” you exclaimed bewildered. Getting a first time feel for your body was an experience in itself, but you weren’t quite sure what to think of it. Looking back at Lo’ak, he gingerly placed your cool hands onto the warmth of his skin and locked in with your shimmering gold eyes

“You’re just like us now. Like me,

Welcome Home.”

[regina-cordium]

literally nobody asked for this, but if i’m not bringing half-baked daemon aus to every fandom i’m vaguely in, literally what is the point of me

things to keep in mind:

I literally have the daemon forum open in another tab. this is essentially stream of consciousness. virginia woolf who?

mostly based on livesies if only because that’s the one i’ve seen the most, but there’s some touches of 92sies (aka Sarah Jacobs is here because I love her and it’s pride month, this is my lesbian agenda)

Literally only two characters have canon ages (Jack at 17 and Les at 9). The actors in livesies are obviously a lot older than the actors in 92sies so i’m kinda like. averaging the ages out lmao

that being said, a lot of the kids’ daemons wouldn’t be settled so i think this will just focus on the ones whose would be

also i don’t know the name of all the newsies i didnt get sucked TOO deep into the fandom in 2012 or 2017, so i’m playing catch up like a full decade later, pls be gentle with me

OH ALSO probably no daemon names bc i tend to put a fair amount of research into the names and i don’t have the brain cells for that right now lol

ANYWAY

JACK -- francis “jack kelly” sullivan. loyal, warm, welcoming, protective, friendly, flirty, desperately wants to be selfish but knows in his heart of hearts he can’t. street smart but maybe not too book smart. clever, quick thinker, dreamer (”i can’t spend my whole life dreaming/even thought that’s all i seem inclined to do”)

His daemon’s a blue jay, for sure. look at those core traits:

socially flexible extrovert -- out going, loyal to his boys but still open to new friendships/connections (he looked at davey and went “oh im gonna be his best friend.” was ready and willing to work with the other boroughs during the strike. the charismatic leader who makes everyone feel welcome and listened to

aggressive/confrontational -- my man started a strike. duh.

bold/adventurous -- his whole santa fe thing, wants to DO THINGS. i had more words to say here but they have abandoned me.

resourceful/innovative -- decided to start a strike after, like, 10 seconds of thinking. after flirting with katherine, his whole “today we stopped the scabbers, tomorrow we stop the wagons” speech (i definitely misremembered the first half). though he Does have to be bullied into it, he does know each step the strike needs to take, and knows how to do it even after plan a fails. the whole once and for all/using pulitzer’s own fucking printing press to print the children’s crusade?? c’mon man, who would’ve thought of it

shrewd -- observant!! sees what’s place in front of him and immediately knows how to work with it. looks at his boys and knows immediately what they need!

communicative -- okay, he has A Little trouble with this, but he’s also a 17 year old boy. they’d rather die than communicate. HOWEVER. he goes himself to speak with spot conlon and the brooklyn newsies, aka the most important allies they’ve got. turns davey’s big/expressive words into those the other newsies would understand (jack would’ve explained what auspicious meant. i know he would’ve)

status-orientated -- i’m interpreting this differently than i’m probably meant to. i think he’s more status AWARE. he knows who to go after for the biggest impact. he knows the leaders of the other boroughs and how to sweet talk them. he knows that going after weasel and the delanceys ultimately accomplishes nothing and he has to go straight to the top, etc etc

DAVID -- davey jacobs. one strong breeze away from a panic attack. SO good at hiding it. yknow the song razzle dazzle from chicago, that’s essentially “if you’re really good at making people think you know what you’re doing, they won’t stop to consider you’re full of shit” that’s kinda davey. he’s the most educated of the newsies and uses that to his advantage. talks himself out of trouble, which would be better if he hadn’t talked himself INTO the trouble in the first place. one day, like, 2 years into him being a newsie, race stops and is like “hey. do we even know davey’s favorite color?” is so good at letting people think they know all about him without actually giving away the actual deep knowledge of himself. he’s so tired. he’s not the group mom, he’s the exhausted uncle who was asked to babysit for a day that turned into him adopting the fucking kids.

okay, i’m torn between two, but I think caracal is my ultimate decision (the giant otter shrew was my other choice, if anyone cares)

socially tolerant introvert -- he’ll step forward as the co-leader of the manhattan boys during the strike, but by god is gonna have a panic attack about it later. he understands it’s important, though, that he put the idea in jack’s head and that jack relies on him to be the brains to his brawn. besides, it’s not hard to stand up for the newsies when he genuinely likes the kids (yes, even albert. it surprised him, too). after the strike, he’s perfectly content to let jack go back to sole leader and race back to second-in-command

adaptable -- went from schoolboy to newsie to strike leader in less than 24 hours. he showed up for his first day of selling papes. went to bed. showed up for his second day. saw the prices went up. made the mistake of saying the word “strike” around jack. suddenly is running a strike. and my man Did Not Falter

sensing/aware -- knows exactly what to say to boost the newsies (”seize the day”, anyone?). he can take stock of a situation in, like, .02 seconds and know how to move from there

communicative/expressive -- he’s called the walking mouth. need i say more.

confident/assertive -- during “world will know” he joins jack up on the scaffolding to get the chalk from the guy who writes out the headlines. when jack’s aggressiveness didn’t work, davey stepped up and talked the guy into stepping aside. just because he’s anxious doesn’t mean he doesn’t know how to project confidence (it helps that the newsies all have his back and hype him up)

opportunistic -- like. literally everything that happens. something or someone stumbles, he steps right up and takes over. jack scabs? well, fuck him i’m the leader now. also during “watch what happens (reprise)” when jack is like “joe’s a jerk/he’s a rattlesnake” davey is IMMEDIATE with the “you’re right!/and you know why a snake starts to rattle?” like “oop jackie said something i can use against him! haha!”

focused/patient -- literally wwhr again!! jack is being bitter and refusing to help and davey’s like “well, i’m gonna go win a strike soooo”

a lot of the implied/negotiable traits fit really well too

KATHERINE -- katherine pulitzer plumber. could’ve let her father pave the way to her future, but went and got it for herself. refused to let herself stay in the social pages. hell, she decided she wanted a CAREER and WENT OUT AND GOT IT despite it being 1899!! (”a girl? it’s a girl! how the hell? is that even legal???”). smart as a whip (davey fully believes she’s smarter than him, and he’s right!)

i do kinda like the idea of her having one of those prissy-looking white cats with the long hair, mostly because the kat/kitty jokes would be hilarious. however, katherine herself isn’t prissy, so i ultimately don’t think it’d work.

she would be a black-billed magpie (although i think an argument could be made for black-winged kite)

extroverted/socially flexible -- she’s a reporter, she’s gotta be out there making friends and shaking hands. she’s literally friends with other children of newspaper tycoons AND the newsies. nobody is wrong as a friend

opportunistic/adaptable -- it’s not said How she first hears about the strike, but it’s safe to assume it’s her father. she bursts into jacobi’s deli and is like “hi i’m covering your strike now, good luck getting rid of me.” she saw an opportunity to FINALLY get out of the social pages, and by god is gonna grab it with both hands

confident -- i mean, look at her. katherine knows who she is and what she wants, and she doesn’t really give a shit what everyone else thinks

proactive/short-term planner -- listen. she’s confident, she knows what she wants. i NEVER said she thought out all the steps before hand. she’s just VERY good at making people believe she’s got it all figured out (much like davey)

manipulative -- okay, this is another one where i’m definitely not taking it the way i should. BUT. i mean. she’s a reporter. what reporter hasn’t twisted some words (”a little hyperbole never hurt anyone”)

cooperative -- literally working with a small army of newsies to spread their cause

perceptive -- again. reporter. She Sees All. yknow how moms always convince their kids they have eyes on the back of their head? that’s katherine. mush is convinced she knows when he’s lying. she doesn’t, but he overcompensates for it that it becomes obvious

again, a lot of the inferred and negotiable traits also fit

RACETRACK -- racetrack higgins. this lanky motherfucker.  he’s jack’s second in command so i do think he’s one of the older newsies, mayyyybe 16? i think he was only like 13 in 92sies, but meh. canon is a toy box and i’m a destructive toddler. i really like the headcanon going around that he’s a wiz with numbers and just assumes everyone else is too. he’s a bitch (affectionate) and sarcastic and literally doesn’t even sell in manhattan, but he’s ride or die for his boys.

his daemon is a raccoon, and he was furious when he settled (i. did not mean to type he, been having a lot of trouble typing today, but yknow what fuck it race has a male daemon. fuck you thats why) like. “people already see us as literaly garbage, why the fuck did you have to settle as a raccoon are you fucking kidding me?”

independent -- again. his second-in-command of the manhattan newsies, yet sells every day in brooklyn.i cannot for the life of me find it, or even remember Which actor it was, but one of the guys who played race said that he does his own thing and doesn’t keep himself stuck in manhattan (really takes “we goes were we wishes/we as free as fishes” literally)

socially flexible -- again, will make friends with kids from other boroughs (fully unrelated but i have not spelled boroughs correctly once in this post, shoutout to spell check lmao), while still being loyal to manhattan. might be a little in love with a newsie from brooklyn, who knows! not him! definitely doesn’t know that for sure!

conflict-avoidant -- look. he’ll roughhouse with the guys and get in stupid squabbles with other newsies and throw a punch or two when he absolutely has to, but he’s not a fighter. much like davey, he prefers to talk his way out of the trouble he talked himself into. he wasn’t immediately on board with the strike, seemed like a lot of trouble for AT BEST no change

intuitive/curious -- look, a man doesn’t walk across an entire bridge every day because he’s not curious about what’s going on in other places. he’s jack’s eyes and ears, because he’s just a fucking nosy little shit who wants to know everybody’s business

adaptable/opportunistic -- yall sensing a theme here? (”got a feeling ‘bout a headline/i’ll make up a headline/and i’ll say anything i hafta”). after jack scabs and fucks off, he has to step up with davey. really wish there was time in the movie OR musical for a scene about it, but davey needed support and race was right there to help

unambitious -- look. he’s pretty sure he’s only jack’s second because he’s been there the longest. he doesn’t know why jack picked him otherwise. he’s not gunning for leadership, he’s perfectly happy with where he is and what he’s go

SPOT -- sean “spot” conlon (yes i know sean is kinda a fanon name. i like it). the man, the myth, the legend. the reason everyone’s so scared of brooklyn. abrasive, rude, violent, looks out for his boys first and himself second, didn’t beat the shit out of race for selling in his borough.

i typically give assholes with hearts of gold pitbull daemons bc i think it’s funny, but like. pitbulls weren’t considered “bully” breeds in 1899 (i have a rant abt dogs being called “bully” breeds but i’ll keep my mouth shut) and idk what would’ve been. he definitely has a canine though.

this is a bit of a different analysis, because i’m using both the daemon forum AND wikipedia to get the time-appropriate facts, but i’m feeling english bulldog

in historical record, bulldogs were used for bull-baiting (which is insane. these small ass dogs baiting LITERAL BULLS. they really just did Whatever in the past, huh). they were athletic, with powerful jaws, high stamina, and short fuses. modern bulldogs are, uh. a little goofier and decidedly less athletic. poor spot. at least a lot of traditional domestic dog traits still apply

playing fast and loose with the core traits from tdf here, but self-assured/confident -- did yall see “brooklyn’s here”? my man has the cockiest grin i’ve ever seen in my LIFE

stubborn/determined -- sticks to his word of waiting to see if jack would fold before getting brooklyn involved in the strike (and he was right!! jack fucking folded!!). once he makes a decision, he sticks to it. it’s fucking impossible to change his mind (race finds it charming; hotspot finds it makes him wanna bash his head against a wall)

under the overview section on tdf, the “social” and “stress” sections fit very well. while spot has the WORST rb and comes off as cold towards others, he cares DEEPLY abt brooklyn and puts their needs first, no matter what. he’s loyal and caring to those who he claims as His

he’s thick-skinned, adaptable, and willing to forgive jack once jack comes back with a plan and a new fire under his ass

i just processed giving the kid named SPOT a dog daemon. god i’m hilarious.

CRUTCHIE -- Charles “Crutchie” Morris. i honestly don’t know what daemon he’d have!! he’s kind, loyal, understanding, an eternal optimist. he also lets himself get stepped over, lets others take advantage of that kindness. stands up for everybody but his damn self.

WAIT okay actually, i think an african wild dog would be perfect

social extrovert -- he’s so friendly!! he likes making other people smile, he’s always there to hype his friends up, he’ll do whatever and talk to whomever he has to to help his friends

conflict avoidant/passive/tolerant -- look. he talks a big game (”y’see this mister pulitzer?!”) but he knows he’s not a fighter. jack’s the brawn. he’s willing to let bygones be bygones. maybe roughhouse with the guys a bit, but nothing intense or serious

determined/hardworking/ambitious -- people look and talk down to him because of his disability, but he doesn’t let that stop him. he’s out selling every day with jack, he’s right out there with everyone during the strike. he doesn’t let anyone stop him from whatever he sets his mind to

cooperative/caring -- i’m putting these two together because i think, for him, they’re hand in hand. he has a massive heart; he cares SO MUCH and wants his friends -- his family -- to be safe and happy. like i said, he’ll work with whomever he has to in order to insure that happens

people pleaser/doormat -- let crutchie be mean 2023!!!! he’s always looking out for the others, he doesn’t have any left to look out for himself!!!!

uh. this got longer than i thought it would it’s 5 am so i hope this all makes sense and also it’s not gonna get buried away because i’m posting at such an awkward time lmao

F U C K i just realized i didn’t even get to sarah. augh. i’ll inevitably end up making another post abt this bc of what i’m like as a person, so i’ll talk abt her then sorrrrryyyyyyy

[elshells]

OC As Animals Tag

Thank you for the tag, @autumnalwalker, this looks like a fun one! Check out their post here.

Tagging @bitchin-beskar, @e-klair, @tisiphonewolfe, @dragonedged-if, @outpost51, @talesfromaurea, and anyone else who wishes to participate.

Rules: Choose any Oc/s and pick an animal that relates to them and why. You can also include images or drawings of your own but don't have to.

Agent Ace

Sophia - Hyena

It took me awhile to think of a good match for her personality, but a hyena ended up being the perfect fit! Sophia is street-smart and highly adaptable to any situation. Her wits and courage are what make her such an accomplished agent, and she won't shy away from a challenge. At the same time, she has the capacity to be affectionate. While her job doesn't allow her many chances to connect with her family, she is protective to the point of being impulsive.

Harley - Fox

Foxes unfortunately tend to be associated with more negative connotations of deceit and trickery. However, I choose to view them as crafty and clever, which is exactly how I feel about Harley! She's incredibly smart, focused, and determined in every aspect of her life, with an innovative streak as an inventor. And like her sister, the hyena, which are in a completely different family from foxes but don't think about it too much, she's good at improvising on the fly, although she's more likely to avoid trouble if she can help it.

Janus - Panther

This was the first animal that popped into my head when I thought of Janus (and honestly, black cats in general). Graceful, elusive, powerful, and absolutely thriving in his environment, there have been times where I've even described his movements as cat-like on page. Adaptability seems to be a big theme when it comes to my characters; he faces problems head-on and depends almost exclusively on himself, considering himself a leader and a visionary.

Jade - Otter

Another easy one! Jade is the embodiment of everything an otter represents—outgoing, confident, fun-loving and utterly adorable. She's full of energy and highly motivated, sure that there isn't a puzzle she can't solve. That kind of wisdom and creativity are what make her so compatible with Harley, and their relationship is the mere image of otters holding hands in their sleep.

Max - Owl

This was the toughest one by far, but in the end, Max as an owl just makes sense. Logical and highly critical of himself, he never makes a move until he has all the facts, absorbing knowledge like a sponge. His plans are meticulous and well-thought-out, as long as he keeps a clear head. While he prefers to keep the peace, he has a hidden strength and potential as a badass fighter.

[this-is-azrael]

how does one apply for a position at the boring company

The best way to apply for a position at The Boring Company is to visit their website (boringcompany.com) and click on the “Careers” page. From there, you can explore the available job openings and apply directly.

is elon musk involved in the hiring process at any of his umbrella companies

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what type of people work with elon musk

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is there a place for someone with a street smart understanding of engineering and applied sciences withing Elon musks companies and what would that position be called

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An Applied Scientist typically has a background in engineering, physics, computer science, mathematics, or other related fields. They may also have experience in research and development, as well as experience with data analysis and problem-solving. is applied scientist a title associated with a college degree

Yes, an Applied Scientist is typically associated with a college degree in a related field, such as engineering, physics, computer science, mathematics, etc. cool, thanks ttyl

No problem! Have a great day! Data and Moriarty team up with the Emh and Wesley Crusher

Data and Moriarty team up with the EMH (Emergency Medical Hologram) and Wesley Crusher to explore a strange anomaly in space. They must work together to solve the puzzle and ensure the safety of the Federation and its citizens. and the safety of all life including the borg and species 8472

Data and Moriarty team up with the EMH and Wesley Crusher to explore a strange anomaly in space. They must work together to protect all life, including the Borg and Species 8472, and ensure the safety of the Federation and its citizens. what is the best episode of star trek the next generation

It is difficult to choose just one episode as the best of Star Trek: The Next Generation, as many episodes are beloved by fans. However, one of the most popular and critically acclaimed episodes is “The Best of Both Worlds, Part II”, which aired in 1990. The episode features the return of the Borg, a powerful and dangerous race of cybernetic beings, and their mission to assimilate the entire Federation.

What would you like to talk about next

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how much oil was used in 2022

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101.5 million barrels of oil is equivalent to 4.3 billion gallons. how many gallons is 4.3 billion per day over the course of one year

4.3 billion gallons per day over the course of one year is equivalent to 1.57 trillion gallons. what is the volume of 1.57 trillion gallons

The volume of 1.57 trillion gallons is approximately 6.36 trillion cubic feet. what is the total mass of the earth relative to 6.36 trillion cubic feet

The total mass of the Earth is approximately 5.97 x 10^24 kg, which is significantly greater than the volume of 6.36 trillion cubic feet. how much greater is the total mass of the earth relative to 6.36 trillion cubic feet

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when focused through a lens what temperature is the focal point of the sun

When focused through a lens, the focal point of the Sun is approximately 5,500 degrees Celsius. in farenheit this would be

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[bestatruesentiment]

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True Sentiment Integration True Sentiment effortlessly integrates these advanced systems into your home or business. Their team ensures that your lighting setup is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Say goodbye to manual switches and hello to the future of lighting.

Sustainable Lighting Solutions

Demand for Energy-Efficient Options

As California pushes towards a 100% clean electricity future, the demand for energy-efficient lighting solutions has never been higher. LED fixtures and solar-powered lights are leading the charge in this eco-friendly revolution.

Beautiful and Eco-Friendly Designs

Sustainable lighting doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty. True Sentiment offers a range of designs that are both environmentally friendly and visually stunning. From elegant pathway lights to solar-powered spotlights, there’s something for every taste.

Client Testimonial

“Jesse proposed lighting plans for the front and back areas and gave us a thorough cost list and he even utilized some of our existing lighting to save us money. We are so impressed with the results!! Everything is on an APP and we can control zones in our yards and dim the lights when needed. He even came back at night to assess the lighting where we actually added a couple more!! We are so pleased with Jesse and his professionalism and knowledge and artistic vision. Highly Recommended!” says HM Winegar.

Influencer Spotlight

Featuring Emily Henderson

California-based home design influencer Emily Henderson is renowned for her stunning outdoor spaces. She uses landscape lighting to create ambiance and highlight architectural features, making her a perfect example of how lighting can transform a space.

Creating Ambiance

Emily’s approach to lighting is all about creating a mood. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook or a lively entertaining area, the right lighting can make all the difference. Her designs show that lighting is not just functional but also an art form.

How You Can Do It Too

With guidance from True Sentiment, you can achieve a similar look. We offer personalized consultations to help you choose the right lighting fixtures and placements to create your dream outdoor space.

Local Connection

Case Study: Transforming a San Fernando Valley Home

True Sentiment recently transformed a San Fernando Valley home with their expert landscape lighting. The before-and-after photos speak volumes about the impact of professional lighting.

Community Impact

These home transformations don’t just benefit the homeowners; they also enhance the entire neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal. Proper lighting can increase property values and foster a sense of community pride.

The Best Landscape Lighting in San Fernando Valley

Innovative landscape lighting is more than just a trend; it’s a necessity for creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces. From smart lighting systems to sustainable solutions, the possibilities are endless. True Sentiment is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your home or business shines brightly all year round.

Are you ready to transform your outdoor space with the best landscape lighting in the San Fernando Valley? Contact True Sentiment today for a free consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, more beautiful tomorrow.

[21astor]

Say Hello to luxury apartments portland oregon

Meet Robert Ball

Robert Ball is synonymous with luxury residential apartments in Portland, a reputation built on a foundation of hard work and dedication. His passion for renovation and real estate began nearly 25 years ago.

Journey to Portland’s Contemporary Luxury Apartments in Portland

After refining his skills in purchasing and rehabilitating small properties, Ball acquired his first apartment building in Portland’s Nob Hill District. With substantial effort, he transformed the 1920s-era Sara Ann Apartments into a Class A apartment community, achieving the highest quality rating for a property.

Becoming a Leading Developer in Portland

Following the success of the Sara Ann Apartments, Ball’s passion for revitalizing aging properties only grew. He has since completed six high-profile projects in the heart of Portland’s downtown, including the stunning 21 Astor.

By merging classic architectural character with modern design, Robert Ball and his team create refined, luxurious living experiences that honor the rich histories of their neighborhoods. Several of Ball’s ventures are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Introducing 21 Astor

Now, let’s focus on the highlight — the 21 Astor community and its 27 impeccable units. Residents benefit not only from decades of residential development expertise but also from a deep-rooted philosophy of service, style, functionality, attention to detail, and excellence. Here’s why 21 Astor stands out among other best apartments in portland oregon:

Prime Location in NW Portland

Situated just steps from the renowned NW 23rd Avenue in the Nob Hill District, 21 Astor’s LEED-certified homes boast an impressive walk score of 97. Residents have easy access to Portland’s top coffee shops, restaurants, major grocery stores, boutique shopping, banks, houses of worship, and local health-support businesses.

Meticulously Curated Features and Amenities

Building Features:

- Timeless red brick exterior

- Controlled access and exterior call box for guest admittance

- Statuary Carrara marble slabs and 24k white gold Bisazza “cut-tile” mosaic in the lobby

- Neoclassical designs

- Ground-floor restaurants and storefronts

- Private balconies for street-facing apartments

- Nearby public transportation options

Community Features:

- On-site, indoor parking

- In-house management services

- Reserved storage spaces on each floor

- Bike storage and maintenance areas

- Pet-friendly facilities including a washing station

- Package acceptance and holding

Exquisite and Spacious Apartment Homes

Robert Ball Companies understands that an exceptional community must be complemented by exceptional apartment homes. 21 Astor seamlessly merges functional and sophisticated elements to create ideal living spaces for the contemporary Portlander.

Portland’s downtown area is a prime location for those seeking the Best Luxury Downtown Portland Apartments for Sale. These residences offer an exceptional living experience with sophisticated designs, top-tier amenities, and stunning city views. Buyers can enjoy spacious layouts with modern finishes, gourmet kitchens featuring high-end appliances, and luxurious bathrooms with premium fixtures. Many of these apartments include floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and smart home technology. Residents also have access to exclusive amenities such as rooftop terraces, state-of-the-art fitness centers, concierge services, and secure parking. Centrally located, these apartments provide seamless access to Portland’s vibrant cultural scene, acclaimed dining, upscale shopping, and a wealth of entertainment options.

Additionally, Portland is witnessing a surge in luxury apartment developments Portland, each offering a blend of style, comfort, and convenience. These developments are characterized by innovative architectural designs that complement Portland’s eclectic vibe. Prospective residents can choose from a range of floor plans, from sleek studios to spacious multi-bedroom units, all equipped with high-end finishes and contemporary features. The amenities are tailored to enhance the living experience, including fitness centers, rooftop lounges, co-working spaces, and pet-friendly facilities. Located in some of Portland’s most desirable neighborhoods, these developments provide easy access to the city’s best dining, shopping, and entertainment, making them ideal for those seeking an upscale urban lifestyle. Meanwhile, Nob Hill Apartments Portland Oregon continue to attract residents with their charming blend of historic architecture and modern amenities, offering a unique and luxurious living experience in one of Portland’s most coveted neighborhoods.

Apartment Floor Plans:

- 2 Bedroom luxury apartments Portland: Ranging from 933 to 1,165 square feet, these units showcase large living and dining spaces, pass-through style bathrooms (with the master including a stand-up shower and double vanity sinks), and large walk-through closets. Bedrooms are located on opposite sides for maximum privacy.

Apartment Features:

- Crisp, clean, modern designs and fixtures

- Wrap-around kitchens with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances

- Breakfast bar seating

- Lofty ceilings

- Conveniently located stackable washers and dryers

- Air conditioning

- Quartz Carrara countertops and shaker cabinets with ample space

- Tiled bathroom floors and tiled shower/tub surrounds

- Food pantries and linen storage

- Extra storage lockers available

Experience the Extraordinary at 21 Astor

With only 27 units, our dedicated team ensures that every resident feels truly at home. Our goal is to cultivate an upscale experience that perfectly complements how you live, work, and play.

Are you looking for a place in Portland that offers something extra, both inside and out? 21 Astor’s luxury apartments near the Pearl District provide an unprecedented levelof comfort for those seeking a refined living experience in NW Portland.

The leasing agents at 21 Astor would love to hear from you! Connect with us to learn more about Portland’s newest luxury apartments.