#himlayan

[mrs-trophy-wife]

[popcornbutterfly]

[absurd-construct]

I need help tracking down gemstones. Well, a gemstone. Something pink and very hard. Got ideas?

-- Pink Rock anon

HIMLAYAN SALT BLAST

[wmab]

PALAGI

Pakiramdam ko, kahit na kaninong matatag na balikat pa ay hindi rin aakma ang aking ulo.

Sa'yo lamang nakahulma ang aking pag-iisip at ang aking mga tunghay sa malayo.

Kahit na kanino pa sigurong matatag na bisig ang umagapay,

hahanapin pa ring mainam ang perpektong lapat ng palad mo sa aking uhaw na kamay.

Himlayan ka na habambuhay ng mapaglayag kong malay.

Nakatatak nang marahil kahit na sino pa ang humagkan.

Tanda na ng aking mga labi ang pasikot-sikot sa kalsada ng sa'yo at sa'yo lang.

Memoryado na ang mga galaw, ang katahimikan, at maski mga hiyaw.

Kahit na sino pa sigurong boses ay tanging bulong mo sa 'king nagniningas-kugon na pag-asa ang pakikinggan.

At kung sirain man ng paborito kong kadiliman ang yong pangalan,

ay sa'yo pa rin marahil mananahanan.

Ikaw at ikaw.

Palagi.

Araw-araw.

.

.

.

Wag Mo Akong Bitawan (WMAB)

[aredibee]

Ngayon mo sabihin na MAHAL MO AKO habang buhay pa ako hindi kung kailan nasa himlayan na ako.

[art4life-department]

sa himlayan ng aking pagkabata (dencio, 2024).

[natural-mineral-water-guide]

Understanding Bottled Water: Packaged Drinking Water vs. Natural Mineral Water

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, a sip of water can transport us to tranquil landscapes or bustling cityscapes, depending on its source. Picture this: you're on a refreshing morning jog, parched, reaching for a bottle of water. But have you ever wondered about the difference between the bottled waters you choose? Let's embark on a journey to explore the disparities between packaged drinking water and natural mineral water, and why it matters for your health and the planet.

Packaged Drinking Water

Packaged drinking water, often hailed as the epitome of purity, undergoes rigorous processes like Reverse Osmosis (RO) to ensure it's contamination-free. Yet, this very process strips away essential minerals, leaving behind a liquid devoid of nature's goodness. Studies cited by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal the adverse effects of RO on both human health and the environment, with a staggering 74% wastage of water, a precious resource in itself.

Natural Mineral Water

Contrastingly, natural mineral water emerges from deep within the earth's crust, naturally enriched with vital minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This pristine elixir flows straight from the source to your bottle, preserving its innate purity and health benefits. While the packaged water market boasts over 6000 licenses in India, natural mineral water remains a rarity, with just 15 esteemed licenses.

The WHO Speaks: RO water detrimental to Health

When it comes to TDS, that is the total dissolved solids in the water, packaged water boasts an average TDS of 56 mg/L, far below the permissible limit of 2000 mg/L set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). However as per the latest rules of the FSSAI, packaged RO water needs to be enriched with a minimum amount  of calcium and magnesium.

Demineralized water, devoid of natural minerals, has become increasingly popular due to technologies like reverse osmosis (RO). However, the World Health Organization (WHO) cautions against long-term consumption of such water. Demineralized RO water lacks essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals play crucial roles in maintaining health. Their absence can lead to deficiencies and related health issues.Studies indicate that prolonged consumption of demineralized water can adversely affect kidney structure. The kidneys’ ability to filter waste may decrease, potentially impacting overall health. WHO reports highlight the higher risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with low-mineral water. Calcium and magnesium contribute to heart health, and their absence may lead to complications

Licenses and Trust

Brands like Bilseri, Kinley and Aquafina dominate the packaged water scene, promising purity through artificial processes. In natural mineral water big corporate brands include Evian owned by Danone and Himlayan. In contrast, homegrown gems like Aava Natural Mineral Water stand out, revered for their commitment to delivering nature's bounty in every drop. Trusted by renowned institutions such as Reliance, Adani,  and Oberoi Groups, Aava water embodies purity and trust, a testament to its unparalleled quality.

Natural Mineral Water is the best for you and the planet

Natural mineral water emerges as the epitome of purity and vitality, offering a holistic approach to hydration that extends beyond mere quenching of thirst. Unlike its processed counterpart of RO processed packaged drinking water, natural mineral water is imbued with a symphony of essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium, sourced directly from nature's reservoirs. This natural composition not only replenishes the body with vital nutrients but also promotes overall well-being and hydration balance. Moreover, the untouched purity of natural mineral water ensures that it remains free from the harmful byproducts of artificial filtration processes, preserving its innate goodness and freshness. From a broader perspective, opting for natural mineral water signifies a conscious choice towards environmental sustainability. By safeguarding natural springs and aquifers, we mitigate the ecological footprint associated with intensive water treatment methods like RO.

It's worth noting that natural mineral water holds the highest accreditation among bottled water varieties globally, underscoring its unparalleled quality and trustworthiness. In essence, embracing natural mineral water not only nurtures our health but also fosters a harmonious relationship with the environment, paving the way towards a healthier and more sustainable future.

In the quest for hydration, are we sacrificing our health and the environment at the altar of convenience? As we delve deeper into the bottled water narrative, one question begs to be answered: Is it time to rethink our hydration choices for a healthier future?

In conclusion, the choice between packaged drinking water and natural mineral water transcends mere hydration—it's a choice for vitality, sustainability, and harmony with nature. So, the next time you reach for that bottle, pause, and ponder: what story does your water tell?

[ohjinre]

Himlayan

Ikaw ang hangad paggising sa umaga

Tanging dasal sa tuwing kailangan ko ng masasandalan

Ikaw ang balikat na gustong iyakan

Ikaw ring dahilan bakit napapawi ang kalungkutan ng saya

Ikaw ang himlayan

Na gusto kong kayakap

Kapag kailangan ko ng pang-una, pakikinig na walang panghuhusga at dantayan sa panahong pasuko na ang katawan sa paglubog ng araw.

[panapanahonghinahon]

hindi na ako nakaabot para makapagpasa ng tulang may malayang taludturan, kaya ibabahagi ko na lamang ang isang pyesa na nilapatan ko ng iba'ti ibang mga imahe na kuha mula sa aking digicam. hala sige, basa.

imbitasyon sa himlayan

[lakanamihan]

Santa ng Kasalanan

Anne

Walang ulo ang bangkay ng kapatid ko nang inilibing ito, kaya iniukit na lang namin ang mukha niya sa nitso.

Itong puting marmol na ito ang naging himlayan niya walong taon na ang nakakaraan. Dito siya nagpahinga at namalagi simula noon. Naririnig ko pa rin sa aking tainga ang sarili kong mga iyak na parang ibang tao ang may gawa. Si Mary, tumatakbo papalayo sa akin; ang mga kamay kong nakabitin sa ere na nanggaling sa pagkakabitaw. Nararamdaman ko pa ang hapdi sa dibdib ko na parang bukas na sugat.

At higit sa lahat, ang sundang sa kanyang leeg.



Maagang pumasok si Mary dahil kasama siya sa mga mag-aasikaso para sa General Assembly ng bagong school year bilang miyembro ng SSC, kaya hindi niya kami kasabay pumasok ni Lilianne, ang bunso namin.

Sa aming tatlong magkakapatid, si Mary talaga ang pinaka-independent. May sariling mundo daw talaga ang mga panggitnang anak, kaya siguro ganun.

Hawak ko ang kamay ni Lillianne nang parahin ko ang tricycle. At kahit nakasakay na kami, hawak ko pa rin ang kamay niya. Paborito yata ako nitong batang ito at ayaw mahilaway sakin. Ilang taon din ang agwat namin magmula kay Mary. Ako, disi-otso, nasa huling taon na ng high school; si Mary na labinlimang taong gulang, at si Lilianne na edad sampu.

Hanggang makababa na kami, magkahawak-kamay pa rin kami ni Lilianne. Nakasalubong namin si Ms. Anderson at sinabihang bilisan na namin dahil malapit nang magsimula ang assembly, at nasa loob na raw si Mary kasama ng ibang SSC.

Karaniwang araw sa karaniwang umpisa ng taon. Iyon lang dapat ang mangyayari. Hindi ko alam pero nag-iba na pala ang ihip ng hangin sa paaralang ito.



Academia de Sta. Magdalena ang pangalan ng eskuwalahan namin. Isang sectarian school sa isang sectarian government. Pinapalakad ito ng mga miyembro ng samahan na kilala lang namin bilang Kalipunan. Mula sa pinakamataas na posisyon sa gobyerno hanggang sa pinakamababang klase ng mamamayan, lahat iisa lang ang sinusunod na pamamalakad—ang pamamalakad ng Kalipunan.

Asul na palda at puting blouse ang kulay ng uniporme ng mga kakabaihan sa Academia. Sa mga kalalakihan, itim na pantalon at puting polo. Ang mga babae, maiikling hanggang babâ ng tainga ang haba ng buhok, sa mga lalaki, dapat ding maikli at malinis. Si Sta. Magdalena ang patron na sinasamba ng Kalipunan, ng mga mamayaman, ng mga magulang namin, at bilang ekstensyon, pati na rin naming mga estudyante.

Pagkatapos kaming kausapin ni Ms. Anderson ay dumiretso na kami sa covered court. Sinalubong ako ni Emma, ang classmate at best friend ko, morena at medyo maingay dahil mabilis ma-excite. Ang malaki niyang ngiti ang sumalubong sa amin.

"Anne! Halika, ni-reserve ko na yung upuan mo. Katabi ni TJ," sabay hila ni Emma sa kamay ko, dahilan para mahila ko rin ang kamay ni Lilianne.

"Tara, Lily, dun ka na rin umupo banda sa'min," dagdag niya pagkakita sa kapatid ko.

Sa upuan malapit sa exit kami pumwesto, katabi ko nga si TJ. Sabi nila may gusto daw sakin itong classmate namin na ito pero hindi ko naman maramdaman, kaya binabalewala ko na lang. Sila Emma lang ang natutuwa kapag tinutukso nila kami.

Maingay pa ang mga estudyante. Wala ang mga SSC. Napansin ko, sa paligid ng court, may mga taong nakahilera na nakatalukbong ng puting saklob ang mukha at ulo, nakasuot ng asul na polo at itim na pantalon ang mga ito. Lahat sila lalaki.

Maya-maya ay may babaeng tumayo sa stage kung saan dapat magsasalita ang mga speakers sa araw na iyon. Nakasimpleng pambahay na damit siya, lumang sando at maong na shorts. Maikli ang buhok niya. May hawak siya sa kaliwang kamay na hindi masyadong kita kung nasaan kami, nakatago ito sa gilid niya. Ang kanang kamay, may hawak na sundang, duguan.

"Malapit na siyang magbalik!" pasigaw na kinuha niya ang atensyon namin. Parang malapad na kumot ang katahimikan na bumalot sa lahat nang bigla itong bumagsak sa amin. "Kaya magsisi na kayo bago pa mahuli ang lahat!

"Nagpakita siya sa akin! Oo! Ang Diyos na Makapangyarihan! Isinugo niya ako upang ipakalat ang mensaheng paparating na siya! Kaya magbago na kayo at lumayo sa mga tukso—ilayo niyo ang bawat isa mula sa kasinungalingan ng mga taong huwad at palalo!"

Kasabay ng mga katagang iyon ang paglahad niya ng hawak sa kabilang kamay—ulo ng lalaki, kulay ube na sa namuong na dugo.

Iisa lang ang tumatakbo sa isip ko. Isa itong kaso ng spiritual psychosis. Habang lumulutang ang isip ko dahil sa mga nangyayari ay tuloy sa pagpapaliwanag ang babae.

Ulo ng doktor ang hawak niya. Doktor na palalo. Doktor na walang Diyos. Doktor na naniniwala sa siyensiya at kung anu-ano pa. Doktor na walang pinaniniwalaan.

"Ngayon, kailangan ko ng tulong niyo. Kailangan maligtas tayong lahat. At maliligtas tayo sa ating pananampalataya. Kailangan nating magkaisa..."

Masama ang kutob ko... Alam ko kung paano magpatakbo ang kalipunan. Hindi pa man niya sinasabi ay alam ko na ang hinihingi nila—isang alay mula sa amin.



Mary

Tumakbo si Mary papasok, malapit sa exit kung saan kami nakapwesto. Hawak niya ang anak niyang wala pang anim na buwan, at nang makita ako ay agad itong ibinigay sakin.

"Ate," maluha-luha siya habang ipinapasa sa akin ang anak. "Alam kong makasalanan ako. Patawarin mo ako sa lahat ng mga naging kasalanan ko. Huwag mong pababayaan ang anak ko."

Bumagal ang mundo kasabay ng pagbigat ng dibdib ko. Napuno ako ng takot. At lungkot. Nakita ko si Mary na pumunta kung nasaan ang babaeng may hawak ng sundang at ulo. Nakita ko kung paanong magmakaawa si Mary na siya na lang ang kunin, kung paano siya humingi ng tawad. Nakita ko kung paano nagsihiyawan at lundagan sa tuwa ang mga estudyanteng nailigtas ni Mary sa araw na iyon. Nakita kong itinaas ang sundang, puno ng natuyong dugo, para lang idikit sa leeg ni Mary. Matagal at nakakahindik kung paanong nilagare ang ulo ng kapatid ko mula sa katawan niya.

Hindi ko na naririnig ang hiyaw ko. Ang kapatid ko. Huwag ang kapatid ko. Bakit? Huwag ang kapatid ko...

Kulog na lang sa dibdib ko ang boses ko, hindi na tunog. Sa dagsa ng mga nagsisigawang kabataan, nandoon ako, yakap si Lilianne sa bewang ko, ang pamangkin ko sa aking dibdib, si Emma na nakayakap sa akin, pati si TJ, tuliro at bakas ang takot sa mga mata.

"Aalis ako." Gusto kong tumakbo at tumakas pero pinigilan ako ni TJ, at sabay turo sa mga nakapilang lalaking walang mukha sa gilid.

Hindi pwede.

Wala na akong nagawa kung hindi umiyak na lang. Tahimik na umagos ang luha ko, wala na ang mga sigaw. Humupa na rin ang selebrasyon. Umalis ang sugo ng Diyos, kasama ng kalipunan.



Ang mga mesiyas hindi batas. Sila ang mga tunay na alay na tupa. Sila ang mga isinasakripisyo ng Kalipunan. Isa lang siya sa mga ordinaryong babaeng ginamit na kasangkapan sa mga pagpatay.



Hindi na namin nabawi ang ulo ni Mary, dahil ginagamit itong pagpapatunay ng Kalipunan sa mga sakripisyong ginagawa nila. Ginawang tropeyo ang pagkakakilanlan ng kapatid ko, na hindi man lang nila mabigyan ng pangalan. Mga Ulo ng mga Makasalanan. Mga patunay na tinutubos ng Diyos ang mga hindi naniniwala.

Mabuting tao si Mary. Hindi niya dapat pagdusahan nang ganoon ang pagkakaroon niya ng anak sa murang edad. Anong parusa ang ipapataw sa tumubos sa buhay ng ina ng sanggol na walang gagabay at mag-aaruga?



Lily

Dumiretso na ako sa kulungan pagkagaling ko sa puntod ni Mary. Pagkatapos ng masalimuot na pagbalik sa nakaraan, kakaharapin ko naman ang mapait kong kasalukuyan.

Pagdating ko ay pinasadahan ako ni Hepe ng mga nakatakdang mangyari sa araw na iyon. Hapon ang oras kung kailan bibitayin si Lilianne, may ilang oras na lang ako para makausap siya.

Hindi ko alam pero halos mapuno ang isip ko ng amoy ng kalawang, malansang hangin ng mga selda, at mapanghusgang mga ilaw. Hindi ako pinayagang tumuloy sa selda ni Lilianne. Nakaupo lang siya sa bakal na upuan na nakakabit sa pader.

Labingwalong taong gulang na siya ngayon, gaya ng edad ko noong magsimula ang lahat ng ito. Pareho pa rin ng gupit niya noong mga estudyante pa rin kami. Hindi tulad kong humaba na nang humaba ang buhok hanggang sa bewang, minamarkahan ang bawat paglipas ng taon, ipinaaalala ang mga nawalang hindi na maibabalik pa.

Nakasuot si Lilianne ng mahabang puting damit, pinili niya ito at ipinakiusap na iyon ang ipasuot sa kanya sa araw na ito.

"Kamusta na, Doktora?"

"Lily, bakit? Nandun ka nung araw na 'yon. Nakita mong pinugutan nila si Mary. Bakit mo nagawang sumapi sa kanila?!"

"Hinayaan mo siyang mamatay!"

"Kung pinigilan ko siya, kayong dalawang bata ang mapapahamak!"

Hindi ko alam kung paano niya naisip na ang pagsali sa Kalipunan ang solusyon sa mga naging problema namin. Hindi ko alam kung paano niya naisip na makakahanap siya ng hustisya sa mismong mga taong nakikinabang sa kawalan nito.

"Nakinabang ka lang din. Iniligtas mo lang rin ang sarili mo sa pananahimik mo," sumbat ni Lilianne sa akin.

"Pero hindi ako pumatay ng tao, Lily."

Simula nang mamatay si Mary, nagkaroon ng kakaibang obsesyon sa kalipunan si Lilianne. Subsob ako sa pag-aaral sa kolehiyo at pag-aalaga sa pamangkin namin kaya hindi ko na siya masyadong naintindi. Lagi lang rin naman siyang hindi kumikibo. Inisip kong nagluluksa lang siya.

Pero nang ilang taon na ang lumipas, tuluyan nang lumayo ang loob namin sa isa't isa. Inisip ko na lang na tulad ko, sa pag-aaral na lang niya ipinapamanhid lahat ng sakit na hinding-hindi na mawawala pa.

Akala ko ganun lang. Pero isang araw, hindi na umuwi sa amin si Lilianne. Nalaman ko na lang na tuluyan na siyang sumali sa Kalipunan, at siya na ang pinabagong mesiyas ng mga ito. Hawak na niya ang sundang. Hawak na niya ang mga ulo. Ilang beses kaya niyang nadaanan ang ulo ni Mary? Ano kaya ang naramdaman niya nang makita niya itong muli makalipas ng ilang taon.

Sa mismong araw ng ika-labingwalang kaarawan niya ginanap ang unang pagtubos—ang una niyang pagpatay. Pagkatapos pa ng ikaapat na biktima bago siya hinuli ng mga awtoridad. Pakiramdam ko isa rin siya sa mga biktima. Walang ibang pangalang binitawan si Lilianne, wala siyang gustong isuko.

Pinili niyang saluhin lahat ng parusa.

"Ikaw ang uuwi, Lily. Hindi ko pwedeng dalhin ang bahay natin papunta sa'yo," giit ko. "Pero hindi ka umuwi. Kahit kailan hindi mo sinubukang bumalik. Wala akong magagawa kung ayaw mo na sa'min."

"Hindi mo ako iniligtas," sumbat ni Lilianne.

Kinuha ko mula sa bulsa ng pantalon ko ang litrato ni Marianne, ang anak ni Mary. Pitong taong gulang na siya sa sa larawan, mahaba ang hanggang bewan na itim na buhok tulad ko.

Tumayo ako para umalis. Pero bago iyon, ay muli kong tinitigan ang kapatid ko, at namaalam sa kanya sa huling pagkakataon.

"Sana man lang naging masaya ka sa mga pinaggagawa mo. Sana masaya ka sa lahat ng mga kinuha mo, gaya ng pagkuha nila kay Mary mula sa atin. Sana nakaranas ka ng kapayapaan, dahil 'yan ang hindi na namin mararanasan dahil sa inyo."

"Sa kanya ka nagkasala, Lily. Sana naibigay sayo ng mga taong pinili mo ang hustisyang hindi niya mararanasan."

Iniwan ko ang kapatid ko sa seldang iyon. Hindi ko na balak masaksihan ang isa pang pagpatay sa isa ko pang kapatid.

Suko na ako. Kailangan ko pang bunuin ang mga natitirang araw ko sa mundo nang hindi nalalaman kung saan hahagilapin ang mga nawawalang tao, nawawalang koneksyon.

Hangga't hindi ko pa sila mahanap, hahayaan ko na munang lumipas ang mga susunod na araw.



Author's note: Napanaginipan ko to 😭 as in buong plot, pati yung pag-unfold ng story, pati mga dialogue. I felt a sense of hopelessness nung magising ako. Gusto ko i-try i-encapsulate yun kapag isinulat siya. I hope ganun nga yung naging effect.

[khajjiartourpackages]

Kullu Manali Rohtang Pass Tour Package

Tourism in Himachal Pradesh pertains to tourism withinside the Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh is well-known for its Himlayan landscapes and famous hill stations. Many out of doors sports which includes rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, iice- skating, and heli - snowboarding are famous traveller points of interest in Himachal Pradesh.Shimla, the nation capital, may be very famous amongst tourists. The Kalka - Shimla Railway is a mountain railway that's a. ”HelloVisit”. Shimla is likewise a well-known snowboarding appeal in India. Other famous hill stations consist of Manali and Kasauli.

Visit of Kullu refreshes the site visitors mentally and physically. The site visitors discovered themselves totally withinside the lap of nature. They discover the snow included bushes and peaks of mountains. Entire valley is complete of temples, lakes and diverse picnic spots which includes the locations for adventures sports and numerous types of games. Shimla Manali excursion package deal from Kalka via way of means of Car and Bus is to be had here. It is much less bloodless location and consequently human beings are allowed to head there for the duration of the year. Climate of the location may be very satisfactory and those from all over the global maintain to go to this location. Kullu is maximum placing town which may be very picturesque and appealing town. It is well-known for its warm springs and snow included hills.

Earlier this became regarded via way of means of call ‘ Kul- anti-peetha’ method a distance factor in which inhabitable location. The call of Kullu is having the location in historical epics just like the Ramayana, Mahabharta in addition to in Vishnu Purana. It is based via way of means of someone who became from Tripura and his call became Behangamani Pal. This place became unapproachable till India were given freedom in 1947. Government of India deliberate to assemble roads to attain there and helped the tourism department. To broaden the nation in order that it could appeal to the human beings of globalwide toward the nation

[wravelerforlife]

Best Winter Treks

With winter just around the corner, the Himalayan trails are ready to embrace trekkers with their snow-capped peaks and majestic views. Still, with so many alpine treks that the mountains have, it can become a bit hard to choose just one, which is why we’ve compiled a list of all the best winter treks to go this season. 

Kedarkantha Trek: The list of the best winter treks is incomplete without mentioning the Queen of Winter Treks which is the Kedarkantha Trek. With a staggering altitude of 12, 500 ft, the name translates to The “Throat of Lord Shiva”. The picturesque trails lead you to the summit from where you get to see the Black peak, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Swargarohini ranges. The trek comes under the easy to moderate category when it comes to the difficulty level which is why it is perfect for beginners. 

Har ki Dun: Literally translating to Valley of Gods, the Har ki Dun trek takes you through the oldest Himalayan trails of our country. It is believed that the Pandavas from Mahabharat walked on this trail when they ascended to heaven. From the meadows of Kalkathiyadhaar to the breathtaking views of the Swargrohini, The Har ki Dun trek offers both thrill and peace. 

Pangarchulla Peak: At a staggering height of 15, 010ft, the Pangarchulla trek offers stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Chaukhambha, and Hati Ghori making it one of the most epic Himlayan treks. The Pangarchulla trek falls in the moderate-level category which means it requires some effort to reach the summit and hence proper preparations are essential.

Kuari Pass: At an elevation of 12,516ft, The Kuari pass trek takes you through some of the hidden Himalayan hamlets like Tugasi, Guling, and Khullara where you get to take a glimpse at the lifestyle of the locals of Uttarakhand. The trek offers scenic views of the Pangarchulla, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda, and Nilgiri mountain ranges making it one of the best winter treks.

Chadar trek: The frozen river trail that challenges even the most seasoned trek is one that is obviously on the list of adventure enthusiasts. At an elevation of 11, 100ft, the Chadar trek takes you through icy surfaces and makes you witness frozen waterfalls making it the perfect trek for the ones who wish to experience the essence of winter in all its glory. 

If you’ve been waiting for the winter season especially because you wanted to traverse your way through snow-capped mountains, then this is your time to shine.

[amongstvipers]

STARTER for @himlayan​

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         Five years ago, Elia had promised herself that she would never be taken off guard by her husband again. Thus, when news of his victory over Robert Baratheon had reached her own ears, she had spent weeks lost in her thoughts as she grappled with each potential scenario of what might occur next. In a way, she had expected that he might return with a new mistress. After all, he had started a war over Lyanna Stark. What was to stop him from keeping her with him now that he was King and her betrothed was dead by his own hand? Elia had steeled herself for such a scenario. So much so that she hadn’t even flinched when Rhaegar and Lyanna Stark had arrived in King’s Landing together. It was only when she caught sight of the small bundle in the girl’s arms that the initial alarm set in, followed swiftly by humiliation and a deep anger that burned through her at a rate which would put her husband’s Targaryen ancestors to shame. 

        How she had felt then couldn’t remotely compare to how Elia was feeling now. She could practically hear her heart drumming in her chest as an unsettling feeling swelled within her heart. A cold sweat broke out on her forehead and her knuckles to turn bone white as she gripped at the balcony with a strength she had only known herself to possess when she had brought her children into the world. For a moment, she could only stare wide-eyed at the two children below her as the younger boy quickly overpowered his half-brother in the play sword-fight. Little Jon giggled in delight at his victory while Aegon merely pouted at the younger boy from his place on the ground, although he quickly jumped back onto his feet and demanded a rematch. Both boys were far too engaged in their little spat about whether they should attempt another round to bother paying any mind to the adults gathered around them, even as a cacophony of applause and congratulatory messages for Jon filled the courtyard. Elia, however, couldn’t ignore how the words, which had no doubt been whispered in secrecy since the day that Lyanna and Jon had arrived at court, were now being openly spoken.

                                                   “That boy is truly Rhaegar’s son.”

        This was precisely what she had been afraid of from the moment Rhaegar had returned with Jon and Lyanna. The history of the Blackfyre Rebellions had been as present in her mind then as it was now. She had known since the moment she had married Rhaegar that prejudice against her Dornish blood would always cause the rest of the realm to view her children as outsiders rather than heirs. Perhaps Rhaegar had willingly ignored how precarious Aegon’s position as his heir truly was when introducing Jon as his new son, an inadvertent rival to Aegon’s claim. One without the Dornish ancestry the bigots of the realm were so opposed to. But Elia wasn’t about to endanger her son’s birthright the way his father had. It was for this very reason that she couldn’t recall having spoken more than a few words to Lyanna Stark in the past five years. Instead, she had elected to ignore the younger girl’s attempts at friendship and dejected looks when Elia had refused to entertain such notions. However, in spite of the cold demeanour that she had forced herself to adopt for Aegon’s sake, Elia’s anger had only ever been directed at Rhaegar’s behaviour and oversights, never at Lyanna nor her son. How could she be angry at the Stark girl when she herself was still a child? Thus, even if she had never acknowledged him publicly, she hadn’t been able to bring herself to deny Jon the opportunity to interact with her own children as the three of them grew up together.

        Perhaps that had been a mistake and she was to pay the price for it now. 

        Shooting the whispering observers a sharp look, Elia did her best to reign in the scowl that was threatening to creep onto her lips. Her body recovered faster than her mind and before she had even realized it herself, the maester was letting out alarmed reminders of her health as her feet flew over the stones of the Red Keep in an attempt to reach the children as quickly as she could. A snort quietly made its way past her lips. As if. She had survived both Rhaenys and Aegon’s births, Rhaegar’s repeated humiliation, and a year spent as his mad father’s hostage. Did they really still think that her health would be what killed her, when she had spent her entire lifetime managing it herself? 

        A beaming grin broke across Aegon’s face as she came into view, but the excited greeting he had only half gotten out turned into an affronted cry as Elia clasped a chubby little hand from both Jon and Aegon into each of her own before promptly dragging both boys out of the courtyard, ignoring how the observers’ whispers only grew more fervent at the sight of her taking Jon away.

        “Mother!” Aegon’s whine fell on deaf ears as the grip on his hand only tightened when Elia felt him attempting to squirm out of her hold. While Jon had gone dead silent the moment Elia had grabbed onto his hand, Aegon continued to struggle the entire time it had taken for his mother to flag down his Septa and pass him onto her. It was only when she had started to make the trek towards Lyanna’s chambers with Jon in tow that she caught sight of the unsettled, questioning gaze in his grey eyes and it cut through the haze of panic and regret that had been clouding Elia’s head since the moment Aegon had fallen on his behind.

        Elia’s footsteps slowed to a halt as the beginnings of guilt trickled in for what she was about to do. Frowning, in one fluid motion she had crouched down before the boy instead, whose eyes immediately avoided her own as he now shuffled in discomfort in response to the unprecedented action from her. Briefly, Elia found herself once again searching for any trace of Rhaegar amongst the Stark features only to reach the same conclusion as she did each time that she looked at Jon. This time, Elia squeezed his hand gently as a soft smile worked its way across her face.

        “It’s almost time for your trip to Winterfell, isn’t it?” She reminded him kindly. Immediately, at the mention of Winterfell, the stiffness appeared to dissipate from Jon’s body as he now met her eyes. With a shy smile, he sent a little nod of affirmation in her direction. “Shall I take you back to your mother, then? She should be done packing by now.” Completely relaxed now, Jon nodded once more and happily gripped onto Elia’s hand as he practically skipped down the halls alongside her. Upon reaching Lyanna’s closed door, Elia felt her own body grow rigid. Each year, when the time came for the annual trip to Winterfell, it was usually the other way around. Lyanna would always bring Jon for an awkward, yet civil goodbye, while the children would hug and proclaim how much they would miss one another. However, it was quickly becoming apparent to Elia that perhaps that was another mistake. As Jon eagerly knocked on his mother’s door, Elia let out a nervous breath and prepared herself for what was to come next.

[dvarapala]

❛ name one hero who was happy. ❜ from Gloss!!!

the song of achilles // @himlayan (gloss)

udyati takes this very seriously. the redhead has asked, and an answer she shall get. even if it takes forever. (udyati doesn’t have forever, but gloss does, doesn’t she?) 

“i will try, on one condition: can you really create earthquakes and affect local eco-systems? i, um, i’ve heard whispers.” nevertheless, it’d be super, duper cool, she thinks, if gloss could.

then again, even if gloss couldn’t, it didn’t make her any less cool in udyati’s eyes.

“urmila and lakshmana,” udyati hums and finger guns at gloss. she’s thought long and hard about this and is finally satisfied with her answer. “he went into exile, she went to sleep for years on end. but she woke up, and he came back and they reunited.” as far as she knows, anyway. “boom. one happy hero.” hopefully she’s not wrong about this...