#i was in a struggle nation cause of making decisions

[hyunpic]

july & august 2023 with hyunjin

[genderkoolaid]

In 2014, the Gloucester county school board voted to ban Grimm, then 15, from using the boys’ bathrooms, even though he’d been living openly as a boy for months and using the restroom without incident. The policy turned deeply intimate facts of Grimm’s life into a media spectacle. With the ACLU, he sued to defend his rights to use facilities that matched his gender, launching a groundbreaking national case on bathroom access. Grimm became an LGBTQ+ icon, celebrated by Laverne Cox at the Grammys and interviewed by Whoopi Goldberg on The View. He eventually won a landmark federal decision asserting trans youth’s constitutional protections against discrimination. [...] And while Grimm became a civil rights trailblazer, the case did not secure him stability or financial security. The Pride parade invites have stopped coming, and like so many other marginalized trans people, Grimm has faced significant mental health challenges and struggles with poverty. He recently lost his housing, and is now facing homelessness. “I’m someone who has had worldwide visibility. I represent an outer crust of privilege most people will never see, and I cannot make ends meet no matter how hard I try,” he says. [...] Much of his family rejected him [after coming out], but many friends and teachers were supportive as he entered 10th grade as a boy and clearly more comfortable in his skin. He initially used a private nurse’s restroom, but it was inconveniently located; peers and staff noted his long bathroom breaks, leaving him alienated and humiliated. So the principal and guidance counselor agreed to let him use the boys’ restroom, and for two months, he had no issues. But gossip circulated outside school and on a community Facebook forum, where people posted vicious comments. Friends defending him online faced harassment. “It was the adults who made it a problem, because their mentality spread to their kids,” recalls Evelyn Hronec, another friend. “These were grown adults talking about a 16-year-old’s genitals. It was vile.” At school board meetings in 2014, speakers stood feet away from Grimm, misgendering him, asking questions about his body and transition, calling him names and demanding he be kept out of boys’ facilities in the name of “safety”. In one speech, Grimm pleaded for the opportunity to “use the restroom in peace”. When a man called him a “freak” and likened him to an animal, Deirdre lunged out of her seat, she recalls. “I was fighting for his life.” [...] In 2021, the supreme court allowed Grimm’s victory to stand, and the school board was ordered to pay $1.3m in attorney’s fees. Grimm, however, only got a symbolic $1. To secure damages, Grimm would’ve had to give the opposition’s lawyers access to his medical records to scrutinize the cause and extent of his emotional distress, a process he couldn’t stomach after years of fighting. The idea he’d have to prove his anguish was unbelievable to his mom, who can’t shake the memories of her son becoming suicidal. Grimm doesn’t regret moving on without damages. But he desperately could’ve used financial help – especially as the trauma of his childhood began to catch up with him.

[stuckyparty]

I really do think people are starting to realize the important fight is between us and the billionaires.

My mom, a longtime adherent of Everything Said on Fox News, actually used to be a thoughtful person who taught me how to vet my sources online and make my own decisions after thorough research and evaluation. The post-9/11 political scene changed her. And I see a bit of her old self come back every time I've spoken to her since the UHC CEO got shot.

Over Christmas I convinced her that nationalized healthcare and universal housing are worthy causes by framing it as, "That's the only way you get the working class out from under the thumb of our corporate overlords."

She initially started in with some means-testing response about drug addicts but I remember how to speak Evangelical Christian. So I said, "Well sure, a lot of unhoused people struggle with substance use. But who becomes unhoused in this country?" I gave several examples I knew she would have to agree with (veterans, foster kids who age out of the system, etc), and added, "Those people are sleeping rough because our system failed them in favor of lining corporate pockets. Jesus commanded us to care for the poor, not for the CEO of Amazon." And all of a sudden my Fox News poisoned mother was like, "Blackrock should be forced to give every vacant house back to the American PEOPLE so we can house the homeless!"

There's the mom I remember from the Before Times. And that's how Luigi Mangione saved Christmas!

[count-on-mi]

Crystal Snow (Mina)

A/N: Happy birthday to Mina! It's the repost of my old fluff by adding a smut part. An idol OC with the Mina, she's not the secretary anymore.

Like a wee, crystal star I should drift, I should blow   Near, more near,   To my dear Where he comes through the snow. “Snow Song” by Sara Teasdale

11 July, 2019 JYPE Building

Hello, this is JYPE.

This is an announcement regarding the status of Mina’s health.

Mina is currently struggling with sudden extreme anxiety and insecurity towards performing on stage. No exact diagnosis has been identified yet, and we are consulting with several medical professionals to verify the cause in detail.

After extensive discussion with Mina and members of TWICE, we have decided that Mina’s current condition requires additional treatment, professional measures, and sufficient rest. Along with this decision, Mina will not be attending the following schedule:

– TWICE World Tour 2019 “TWICELIGHTS”

Health of our artist is our top priority, so we will do everything possible to provide the best possible measures including medical treatment and sufficient rest for Mina’s recovery.

We ask for the sincere support of fans so that Mina can recover soon.

Thank you.

------------------------------------------------------

‘You promised me you won’t let Mina gets hurt! What are you doing?’ Your roar occupies the room, the others try their best to keep their breath as quiet as they can, not wanting to ignite you further.

‘I know, Y/N. But Twice is still growing rapidly, we cannot stop at this moment. Other girl groups are chasing their progress real quick, you know how Blackpink and IZ*ONE success this year. I am really sorry about Mina, but we just… I hope you can understand, Y/N.’ The tone of the CEO seems sad, but you couldn’t feel anything on his face.

‘No matter what, you should not make any of the artist overwork or get any injury. Is this what you call JYP Nation? A family? This definitely not a part of the core value of PD nim’s idea.’

‘Park Jin Young xi is not responsible for the management of the artist anymore, the core value he has maybe different with us.’ The CEO still answers in a tone that he seems really not care.

You cannot hold your manner anymore, you punch the desk loudly, ‘If you think we are not important, then I will not renew the contract with JYP after my contract expire next year, I can do nothing but this to protect me and Mina.’

‘Did you consider your members? Did you consider Mina’s career?’ The CEO does not take your threaten seriously. ‘Maybe you should calm down first before we discuss it again, we will announce you could not attend any schedule by this year. You should take some rest together with Mina.’

Days after Days, you are forced to see other members to participate the schedule, while you can do nothing. You could only spend more time with Mina, either at your home, or visiting the doctor with her. Mina is recovering really good under the accompany of you, she starts to smile again, she is no longer panicking when she is in the crowd. Although she still doesn’t know what you have sacrificed for her.

You have tried to have a date with her outside, but you found that even both of you are covered in mask and caps, it’s too risky if anyone find out that the members of the National Boy group and Girl group are secretly dating, the massive noises are going to torn Mina that have not been fully recovered from the depression. However, at the New Year’s Eve, you still decided to bring Mina go out as you know she has dreamt for the new year’s float parade for long time, she is just unavailable due to the tight year end schedule every year.

The snow has been continuously for 3 days, the whole of Seoul are covered in white, you believe that you and Mina will not be spotted on street easily as usual. You turn your head from the window back to the house, Mina has finished the LEGO car you bought her.

‘Dang, Dang.’ Mina sits next to you naturally, showing the LEGO she has just finished. ‘I finished it before we go out, can I get a new one?’ The way she speaks just like a kid asking for rewards from her parents.

‘Yeah, how would I reject Minari, right? Let’s get you a new year gift then.’ You pull her in your arms and kiss her suddenly, you hug her tightly despite she keeps hammering your chest, showing her protest. ‘I wanna have my new year’s gift first, can I’ Her bouncing chests show that she is still recovering from the fierce kiss. ‘Yah… why are you so naughty…’

‘I don’t know why I am so naughty when I am with you. Perhaps it’s because of love.’ You caress her face lightly, feeling her smile when she hears your confession. ‘You should get some rest before the parade, you must be tired from playing LEGO.’ You put Mina back on the couch and lay your head on her thigh. The silence in the house does not make you feel awkward, instead you are feeling safer than any time when Mina is next to you. The sleepiness slowly takes over your body from the cold, you slowly close your eyes and fall asleep.

You don’t know how long you have been slept, you wake up on her legs again. Mina seems to not notice your awake yet as the book of poems she reads is covering at your face. The smell of the cool cedar aroma surrounding you, all you can hear is the grinding sound of Mina turning the pages of the book from time to time, you just feel every minute is still and peaceful, you close your eyes again.

Mina finally stops after finishing the 11th chapter, she moves her neck to relax a little bit, lowering her head to take a peek of you. When she realizes you have woke up, she closes the book softly, and look at your features gently.

‘So handsome…’ She told herself, no matter how many times she watches you, her Y/N is still handsome.

‘Mina?’ Not hearing the sounds of turning pages, you open your eyes, then you meet her gentle sight with her smile.

‘I am here.’

‘Why did you stop?’ You return to her with a smile.

‘I miss you.’

You are shocked by her direct confession. ‘I didn’t know Minari is good at flirting.’ Seeing she does not refute, you take her hand with a smile and kiss the back of her hand. ‘Which chapters are you watching?’

‘The 11th, Sara Teassdale, “Snow Song”’

‘Can you read it for me?’

‘Sure.’ Mina nods as she smiles, her slim and long fingers open the book again.

“Fairy snow, fairy snow,

Blowing, blowing everywhere.”

“Would that I

Too, could fly

Lightly, lightly through the air.”

Mina studying a poem is always unexpectedly charming, her childhood in America allows her to have good understanding of the American pronunciation, meanwhile her Japanese accent makes it looks cute.

“Like a wee, crystal star

I should drift, I should blow.”

“Near, more near,

To my dear

Where he comes through the snow.”

The snow outside the window is still blooming, and even the occasional whiz of the wind properly matches the situation expressed in the poem. You look at the movement of Mina’s pink lips, her beautiful voice gently entering your ears. You feel so blessed for what you are having right now.

Happiness makes your heart begin to pop, so finally when Mina is finished, you get up and hook her neck. ‘Mina.’

‘Umm?’ She puts down the book.

‘We still have a few hours before the parade starts…’ You kiss Mina’s sideburns with a naughty smile. ‘How about we do something else first?’

Mina only knows what you mean when she feels your hand sneak under her pajamas, the cool touch of your fingertip is like a stone thrown into a calm lake, after stirring up the water named desire, the ripples of soft and indestructible layers appear. Your tender kiss moving from her bridge of the nose down to her lips, Mina’s slender eyelashes uncontrollably quiver with her floating heart.

The air gradually become enchanting, Mina feels herself in a trance that she is farther and farther from the shore, but she is not afraid of it, just…

‘Not here.’ Mina whispers. She only has a moment of clarity after the long kiss is ended, she pushes you away lightly, turns around her head to catch her breath, her ears are notably red.

‘Where should we go then?’ You smirk.

Mina stands up silently, does not uncover your rhetorical spice. She holds your hand, fundus with a faint smile, struggles for a moment but still decide to follow your words. ‘Bedroom, our bed.’

Hearing her answer, you do not hesitate anymore, and directly hug her into your room...

In the bedroom, the warm and soft light was shining on us, Mina was lying on my lap like a budding rose, her long black hair scattered on the snow-white pillow. The lavender silk nightgown that she wears barely covered her thighs, revealing her long and slender legs.

“Minari, what kind of reward do you want?” I tease her as I playing her toes

“Hmph~ you know it...” Mina pouted, but her eyes were so charming that they were going to come out of the water.

Looking at this beauty in front of me, my heart welled up with infinite pity. When I first saw her backstage, that shy and bashful girl seemed like yesterday. Now, she has become my very own angel.

I leaned down and kissed her pink lips, my tongue gently pried open her teeth and entwined with her little tongue, and Mina let out a sweet whimper, her hands unconsciously wrapped around my neck.

I ran my hands up her smooth thighs, sending shivers down her spine. When I touched the thin lace panties, I realized that they were already soaked with her juice.

“Mina is such a little slut, she's already so wet down there ......” I bit her earlobe and deliberately teased her with lewd words.

“Oooh... Don't say that...” Mina buried her face in my chest, her voice was as thin as a mosquito.

I took off her soaked panties and gently spread her legs. The pink clits were fully moisturized and trembled gently with her breathing. I dipped my finger in a little bit of nectar and applied it to her clitoris, eliciting a gasp.

“Y/N, come in ......” Mina twisted her waist, eagerly waiting for me to come in. But I didn't want to satisfy her so easily. I sat on my knees in front of her so she could see my bulge.” Want it? Beg me, Minari.”

“You're so bad...” Mina reached out and took my cock in her hand, gently stroking it. “Honey... Come on ......”

“Lick it for me first.’ I whisper.

Mina hesitated for a moment when she heard that, but she still obediently approaches my cock. She first carefully extended her little tongue and gently licked the tips, before slowly taking it into her mouth.

Seeing my thick rod being held by such a beauty, I was extremely excited.” Yes, that's it, harder ......”

Mina gulped earnestly, making churning noises from time to time. Her technique had improved a lot since we dated, and she knew how to please me. Especially with her deft little tongue, she could always find my sensitive point.

I was enjoying her service while stroking her soft hair.” You are amazing, Mina... keep going.”

Mina sped up, making seductive snorting noises. Her hands were not idle, massaging my balls. Suddenly, she stopped and looked at me miserably, “Oppa... My mouths are sore…”

“Then let me help you relieve it” I smiled evilly and directly rolled over and pressed her underneath me.” Mina, I'm coming in.”

“Wait a minute... Condom ......” Mina looked around in panic.

“It's New Year's Eve, please” I say as I rub her clit with my tips.

Mina thought for a moment, but nodded, “Just today…Ah... So big... Slowly…” I immediately bury myself in her, and my thick shaft slowly pumped into Mina's already muddy pussy.” I tenderly kissed her earlobe, “Baby relax, I'll love you ......”

When the entire cock was fully inserted, I began to slowly thrust up and down. Mina's bottom iss warm and moist, the layers of tender flesh wrapped tightly around me, making me soothed beyond words. Her sweet moans could be heard with every deep thrust, like the most beautiful music.

“Do you like it?” I kneaded her tits, feeling them change shape in my hands.

“I Love it... I love you the most... Ah... Deeper…”

I increased my intensity, each stroke going straight to the end of her channels. At the same time, I leaned down and suck the tip of her reddish nipple. Mina's body shivered violently, and her walls clamps even tighter.

“Mina is sucking so tightly down there... Is she about to cum?” I teased Mina badly and accelerated the frequency.

“Ah... So good... Faster...” Mina hugged me tightly, her nails sinking deep into my back, nearly leaving ten wounds on me.

Looking at her slutty look, I couldn't help but lower my head and seal her lips, while my lower body's movements became more and more violent.” Ummm...” Mina was almost speechless, and could only make vague, indistinct whimpering noises.

I could feel the love juices gushing out of her body, and every time I hit her, there would be a “pop, pop, pop” sound of water. The bed sheets were already wet, but we couldn't care less.

“I can't... Y/N... I really can't ......” Mina begged with a sobbing voice.

“Scream louder... I love to hear you scream ......” I pushed hard a few times, and whispered in her ear, “Do you want it to be more exciting?”

Without waiting for her to answer, I pulled her legs and stood up. This position made my cock penetrate deeper, and Mina instantly fell into my arms. “Ah... This is too deep...”

As I walked, I pushed my waist up, grinding my cock back and forth in her pussy. “Do you want to change the place?”

“Uh... You can do whatever you want. ......” Mina was already completely conquered by me, her face was flushed, and she keep saying the obscenest words.

I put her on the desk and lifted her legs. The contrast between the cold desktop and her hot private parts made Mina shiver. So cold... But so comfortable... Y/N…”

I thrust up quickly, each stroke crushing her sensitive spot.” Tell me... What are we doing?”

“Making love... We are making love... Ah ......”

“That's not right... Say it again. ......” I gave her a vicious push.

“You are fucking me... Fuck me harder...” Mina was in a state of total ecstasy.

I was thrilled to see my normally innocent and lovely girlfriend say such vulgar things. ”Good girl Mina... Want more?”

“Yes... Minari wants more...” Mina wiggled her hips to meet my rhythm. I carried her back to the bed and grabbed one of her long legs and slung it over my shoulder. This angle allows me to enter deeper, and Mina immediately arches her back.” Oh god... It's inside... Y/N...”

I pumped while nibbling lightly on her inner thighs.” Minari's thighs are so delicious... So slippery...”

“Ah... Not there... It tickles... Honey, don't stop. ......” Mina grabbed my hair, her whole body was trembling slightly.

“Minari's getting tighter here... Is it time for another orgasm?” I blew hot air in her ear.

“Yes... It's coming again... Hubby gives it to me ......”

“Call me master... Beg me ......”

“Master... Please... Give me an orgasm...” Mina had completely let go of her reserve and was enjoying the pleasure of lust to the fullest.

I accelerated my speed and went to the bottom every time.” Baby... How's Master's cock?”

“Great... Master's rod makes me feel so good... Ummm… I'm going crazy...”

Looking at the girl in my arms drowning in lust, I felt a great sense of accomplishment. “Call me master again.”

“Master... My favorite master... Give it to me... Ah ......” With a high-pitched scream, Mina had her third orgasm of the day.

I also reached my limit, and after a few dozen final strokes, I pushed to the deepest and all of my thick essence shot out into her womb.

I collapsed next to Mina, gasping for breath as I caressed her body. This girl's skin was so smooth, like silk. Especially after her orgasm, her skin was tinted with a light pink color, which made her look even more attractive.

“Hubby... You're really great...” Mina nestled in my arms, her fingers unconsciously drawing circles.“That's because I have a sexy and cute Minari...” I pinched her nose.

“Hm... Just a smooth talker...” Mina rolled over and wrapped herself under the covers. I lifted the quilt and went in, hugging her from behind.” Honey, look...” I scraped the essence dripping from her clit and spread it evenly on her breasts.

“Ouch... So sticky ......” Mina tries to hide, but I hold her firmly in place.“It's a shame to waste it... It's all protein ......” I smiled badly and smoothed the liquid on my hand.

“I hate it... You always have a reason ......” Mina grumbled with a red face, but didn't stop me.

Looking at her shy face, I couldn't help but get hard again.” Mina... Can you still hold out?” “No... I'm a bit tired ......” She rubbed back, rubbing her hips against my erected rod.

It was a naked invitation, I rolled onto her body and was about to launch another new round.

“Wait a minute... I want to be on top this time. ......” Mina pushed my chest lightly, stopping my invasion.

“Yes, my Lord Knightess .......” I lay back cooperatively and looked at her expectantly.

Mina straddles me and sits down a little with her honey hole against my shaft. ” Ah... It's still this big …”

“If Minari feels uncomfortable, I can help.” I smiled badly and thrust my hips up a little.

“No... I'll do it myself…” Mina held my shoulders and started to slowly move up and down. Looking at her serious face, I found it both cute and erotic at the same time.

“Honey... Do you think I screamed well just now?” Mina asked while shaking her ass.

“Huh? What did you say?” I teased her.

“Nasty... You know what I said. ......” Mina's face was as red as a ripe apple.

“I don't know... What did you say again?” I cooperated and thrusted up a little.

“Ah... You're so bad...” Mina was so shy that she buried her face in the crook of my neck.

I took the opportunity to lift her hips to help her save her strength.” Minari rides so well, I love it.”

“Really? Then I'll try harder...” Mina got encouragement and accelerated her speed. I enjoy her performance and reach out to knead her bouncing breasts.” Minari's tits jiggle beautifully.”

“Nasty... Stop talking... Concentrate ......” Mina protested.

“Yes, Minari.” I smiled wickedly and pulled her closer, nuzzling her earlobe.

“Ah... You're so... I'll... I won't be able to stand it ......” Mina's voice started to tremble again.

“Where can't you stand it?” I asked.

“Down there... It's so numb down there... It's cumming”

I immediately sat up, held her waist and started to vigorously push upwards.” Cheer up, baby. Let's cum together...”

“Good... Together... Ah... Hubby... Give it to me... Give it to me!” Tears welled up in the corners of Mina's eyes.

“Here it comes... All for you, Minari!” I pushed hard, releasing all my essence again, synchronizing with Mina's orgasm.

We embraced each other and collapsed back on the bed, letting our sweat and body fluids intertwine. After a long time, Mina was able to get her strength back.

“Y/N... I love you ......” Her voice was soft but extraordinarily clear as she lay on my chest.

My heart skipped a beat and I gently cupped her face, “Mina, I love you too.”

Mina leaned into my arms and played with my still erected cock.” It's so strong today... Is it because of the New Year’s Eve?”

“Maybe... It's the first New Year’s Eve that we don’t need to work.” I scratched her nose pamperingly.

“It's only 8pm...” Mina surveyed my still-energetic little brother thoughtfully.

“So?” I raised my eyebrows at her.

“Honey... I want more...” Mina whispered as she came up to my ear.

“Really?”

“Of course it's true... It's New Year's Eve... And there are still sometime before the parade starts.” Mina has already started to tease me with her hands.

You underestimate the magic of love, when you and Mina arrive at the area of parade, it is approaching the end of the event already. You cannot see a single float on the street, although the crowd has not disbanded yet.

‘Sorry…’ You press the cap on your head and shake Mina’s hand with regret.

‘Umm? Why sorry?’ Mina turns her head at you, asks curiously.

‘We miss this year’s parade because of me… We may not have a holiday next year.’

‘But because of you, every single day of this year I feel so happy.’ Mina interrupts your apology, but you know she is not lying, her smile cannot be covered by her mask. She pulls down her mask a little bit to kiss your cheek and then put her arm around you. ‘Are you hungry? Should we buy some food before returning home?’

‘Sure.’ You happily hook back her arm and walk towards the night market.

Both of you are walking past the night market, the bags on your hands are becoming more and more, but you still cannot find the Taiyaki you are looking for. When you thought that you are going to be disappointed tonight, ‘There!’ Mina points to a red sign board at the end of the street, it’s a big Taiyaki sign that signals they are selling the snack that you have searched for all night.

You take Mina’s hand, walking faster to the shop, but you were soon blocked by two girls standing in your way.

‘Hi! Sorry! Are you Y/N Oppa!?’ One of the girls asked.

‘You must be Y/n Oppa right? We are your fans! We love you very very much! Can we get your autograph?’ Another girl says.

‘Ummm… yeah, thank you for your support.’ You hesitantly look at Mina, you have no idea when she has let go of your hands and waiting aside of you, don’t wanna spotted out by your fans. Her thin feature looks weaker under the streetlight, you don’t know why you would feel sad suddenly.

You take the pen that your fans give you, wanting to finish the little autographing session as soon as possible, so you can bring Mina leaving here. However, right after you finished signing for those two fans, more fans arrived and soon you are surrounded. ‘Y/N Oppa! I love you so much! You are so handsome!’

‘Thank you, thanks a lot for your support. I really gonna go now, happy new year and please keep supporting ADDiction next year.’ Until your hands start to feel tired, you finally decide to reject the newcomers, you give a bow and turn around to leave quickly.

‘Mina!’ You look around nervously, but you can’t find the figure of your love. You bit your lips regretfully, totally forgot you could contact her with your phone. You keep running on the road, shouting Mina’s name occasionally.

‘Perhaps Mina has returned to home already?’ You told yourself, not hesitate anymore and run to the direction of your home. Even though the light of the Taiyaki sign is still shining brightly, all you want now is to catch Mina on her way.

You get closer and closer to the Taiyaki shop, you find a familiar figure coming out from the store. ‘Mina!’

Mina could hear you calling right after she leaves the store, she looks at the direction of the sound, all she see is you are flying to her. Mina feels this scene is kind of familiar, she moves her lips, just trying to ask you did anything just happened, the next second she already feels herself hugged in your arms tightly.

No one knows how long did you two hugging, the warm sensation of the embrace magnified her senses, she dazed for a second, finally understand why the scene right now is so familiar to her.

It' s the scene of the 11th poem. Should she do the same thing as the poem for next?

'Can I kiss you?’ Mina did not even wait for your answer, she grabs your face and kisses you with a smile. Mina’s kiss is just like winter snow falling on shoulder, soft, cool and delicate. At the moment when the whole world is filled with snow, you suddenly recall the 11th poem from this morning.

At the last day of 2019, you once again determined that, Mina will be the only snow for the rest of your life.

I should fly to my love Like a flake in the storm, I should die, I should die, On her lips that are warm.

[hungee-boy]

Our House is Unsafe, Help Us Gain a New Start

Do NOT tag as #d*nation, #m*tual aid, #p*ypal, #c*shapp, etc.

My name is Ross and I'm the oldest child of my family, with whom I currently live with. Our household consists of me, my widowed mother, and my three younger siblings, the youngest being 16. My dad died suddenly in his sleep November of 2021 and since then we have struggled pretty much every day to keep ourselves alive and housed.

Our house, my childhood home, is a 3 bedroom mobile home built in 1990 and for as long as I can remember, it has always been hoarded and falling apart. Over the past few years, we've made significant progress in reducing the hoard and giving us space to live in, but still this is a 30+ year mobile home that is damaged beyond our capability to repair.

Problems that exist currently in our house include:

No working HVAC

Half of the house has no power

Weakened floors due to water and pet damage

Outdoor siding rotting due to plant growth and water damage

Major leaks in the covered porch's roof, causing immense water damage and mold growth

Drywall, ceiling, and flooring damage (our entire kitchen's floor is just plywood now due to damage)

So many other issues that I've honestly lost track

We, of course, originally planned to slowly fix whatever issues had come up, but our plans changed when we came across a deal to purchase a brand new 5 bedroom mobile home for a discounted price. Not only does a new house such as this give us a safe, secure, and clean place to live, but the additional rooms ensure that all of us have our own bedroom and that we have more space to live and work. Currently, me, my mom, and my sister all share the master bedroom, so obviously the concept of all of us having our own privacy is leading us to make this decision more.

Right now, we currently have $2,000 put towards the down payment for the new house, out of a $9,000 down payment. We are able to make payments early and we expected to be able to put money down every month, until my mom's job fucked her over and didn't schedule her for 6 weeks. This greatly put us behind not just on payments for the new house, but also bills and getting my mom's car insured and registered, as it's now a year overdue for both.

I'll do anything for this chance, anything if it means that my family and I can finally have a home we deserve, a home my dad would've wanted for us.

I'm desperate, we're all desperate, for a chance to live normally for the first time in our lives. Living in squalor is all I've known and the opportunity to escape it is honestly the only thing keeping me going right now.

I don't know what I'd do if I'm forced to live in this shithole another year, let alone for the rest of my life. So, please, if you have the means I'd forever be grateful if you donate. If you can't donate, then please share this. It would mean everything to me.

Links:

[PP] [CA]

Thank you if you read this, thank you if you share, and thank you so so much if you donate.

[dalishious]

Dragon Age: Origins is still great today, and you should give it a try

I want to preface this post with an important disclaimer: I am not about gatekeeping, and I think that ultimately, you should play or skip whatever Dragon Age games you want. If even after this post you feel like Dragon Age: Origins just isn’t for you, that’s fine! That doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the Dragon Age media you do want to consume, and it certainly doesn’t mean you’re any less valid a fan. But I personally adore Dragon Age: Origins to this day, and I would love to see more modern gamers give it a chance, despite it being from 2009.

It’s a great introduction to the world of Thedas

Dragon Age: Origins had the tall order of being the first in a potential franchise, yet it climbed those heights and beyond. It perfectly balances the need to explain the world setting and tell a story within that world at the same time, by organizing the plot into puzzle pieces. You, the protagonist, have to recruit different factions into your cause to save the kingdom of Ferelden, so each piece of the game has a different focus on those factions. It spoon-feeds the player information at an easy to understand and absorb pace.

Dragon Age: Origins also makes good use of codex entries for those of you who are big lore buffs and want even more information. Yet at the same time, it does not overly rely on the codex; all the most crucial parts of the lore that you need to know are included in your interactions with characters and plot.

The player gets to shape the story

The nature of those puzzle pieces also means that you have huge control over the story from start to finish, because the puzzle itself is shaped by you! The outcomes of each piece form the blueprint of the climax. The end of the game is reactive to the choices you make in the story throughout. (Mind you, a lot of those choices have been retconned in later games, but still, within the confines of Dragon Age: Origins itself, it’s still fun to see the outcomes of your decisions.)

The story itself is great

I would consider Dragon Age: Origins to have the most straightforward premise of all the Dragon Age games released thus far, with a strong identity linking the different main quests all together. You are a newly recruited Grey Warden, left to unite Ferelden against the big bad Blight after 99% of the Order within the nation is wiped out in a catastrophic battle. You may get caught up in dwarven politics, ancient curses, demonic possession, and plenty more along the way, but no matter where you find yourself, your motivation always falls back to that ultimate responsibility.

The characters are also great

Almost all the companions you’re able to collect along the way are very easy to love, or at least appreciate them for what they are.

Alistair is also a new grey warden. He is struggling with grief over the loss of his mentor, and the weight of having no control over his identity his whole life.

Morrigan is a witch who grew up isolated in the woods with no one but her abusive mother for company. Now she must learn to interact with others, and dependant on the player, perhaps even make a friend, lover… or enemy.

Leliana is a bard from Orlais, whose faith told her to assist the grey warden plight. But beneath the demure outward appearance, she has a much darker past she’s running away from.

Sten is a Qunari warrior who was taught that outside his culture, everything is backwards and nonsense, but he cannot return home until he has restored his soul by recovering his lost sword. Along the way, he may learn to appreciate or despise Ferelden.

Zevran was enslaved by the Antivan Crows as a child and made into an assassin. If the player can chip away at his nonchalant mask, they will find his past has left a lot more scars on him than he thought it safe to admit.

Wynne is a mage from the Circle who is struggling to deal with the nature of age, death, and life purpose.

Shale is a golem who was once under complete and total control by her former master, now learning what it’s like to be free, and wanting to uncover her forgotten past before losing that freedom.

Oghren is there too, unfortunately.

And the player character really feels like they are of your own creation. The choices you make, little and small, offer a lot to shape whatever kind of protagonist you want. Additionally, the benefit of starting the game with a different origin, and playing out that origin before getting recruited into the grey wardens, offers a lot of prompting to get into the roleplay!

The datedness can be easily upgraded with modding anyway

Do you find the combat clunky? There’s mods for that. Do you find the graphics too bland? There’s mods for that. Do you wish you could kiss Alistair as a man or Morrigan as a woman? There’s mods for that, too. Dragon Age: Origins is very easy to mod; most of them you just drop the files into your override folder and start playing. Otherwise, you use the DA Modder app for DAZIP files, which is also not that complicated.

A lot of people consider Skyrim to be dated without mods, too. I personally don’t think there’s anything wrong with appreciating the ability to mod a game, as a positive point.

If you want to play, make sure you use LAA though!

Large Address Aware is a must-have on PC for Dragon Age: Origins.

For GoG or EA App/Origin users: You can just run LAA like normal!

For Steam users: You need THIS first

[elkian]

Something I noted in the Hobbit that's started to rear its head in Fellowship is this:

Tolkien, again and again, stresses the importance of resting.

You have to rest. You have to sleep. Danger is on the way, yes, but it isn't here yet and you'd be better off being rested for when it comes.

You have to recover. You're wounded/starved/traumatized, you need to rest. Both Bilbo and Frodo's early journeys include months-long stays in Elrond's house.

And you have to eat. Things look grim, and having a full belly won't stop that, but it will make you better-prepared to handle it. Bilbo's journey and company nearly die from starvation in the Mirkwood, to the point that being taken prisoner by an unknown nation was a better prospect.

And yeah we can point at Tolkien's personal experiences (though idk if it's quite the same for when the Hobbit was written), but he's not wrong. You have to rest. Staying up for days on end to face endless danger is a great line in an epic poem from ages past, but in the here and now, you are mortal and you need. to. REST.

I don't have the language for it at the moment (I'm overdue for dinner myself), but I love that an integral part of being capable of heroism is being fed and rested. That you have to take care of yourself if you want to get anything done, and when the characters take care of themselves, it's never to the exclusion of others. Elrond and Beorn and so many others break bread with the companies, Farmer Maggot finds trespassers and once pleasantries are out of the way, he feeds them and gives them a ride and gives them a snack for the road (which is also part of a big in-joke, because the work contains multitudes).

I keep thinking of the bit near the end of the Hobbit, where Bilbo's part in the company becomes perhaps the most crucial it's been because he wants to go home. He wants to sleep in his warm, dry, soft bed, and he wants to eat food that wasn't designed to stay 'edible' for months on end, and he wants a goddamn cup of tea!

And over and over I think about him turning over the Arkenstone, which he himself coveted, and he says, out loud, without subtext, that Thorin will sit on his pile of gold and starve to death if nothing changes.

Bilbo's ability to be surrounded by fabulous treasure, appreciate it, and then consciously decide that having basic creature comforts and his needs met are better than the potential-but-not-yet-extent wealth of mountains of gold. Bilbo is referenced in the Fellowship, at the beginning, as someone who often spends his money and gives gifts and enjoys good food, as hobbits are wont.

Hobbits are almost joke characters in the setting, in these epic tales, and that is their strength. The Hobbit is appropriately named, because the company would have been doomed multiple times over without Bilbo, even if he is embellishing his memoirs. Gandalf correctly identified that the company would need someone who could, with serious determination, say, "gold is great and all but it needs to be spent or it's worthless". He needs someone who, when faced with a cold tomb of treasure and a hearty meal, will choose the latter every time, even if there's some hesitation or puttering around with the treasures first.

Hell, Bilbo gave up The One Ring and he did it twice in the Fellowship alone - once at the birthday party, and then at Elrond's house. Yes, he did some dubious stuff to get it and when he had it, but the fact that he gave it up and managed to stick with that decision is honestly absolutely incredible when we see people like Gandalf, Galadriel, and more struggling to restrain themselves. Gandalf all but begs not to be offered it, because he does not consider himself strong enough to give it up, or at least not before causing immense harm (this is implied, anyhow; I'm listening to the radio play version so I need to go back and check the narration in the text later).

(Also, I think it was very important for Bilbo to have his Moment at the House of Elrond - because it scared Frodo. And I think that's what knocked Bilbo out of his fervor - looking into the face of his heir, ward, adopted child and seeing fear, and realizing he was the source of it, and the Ring was not worth that to him.

And Frodo had only twice worn the Ring til now - neither time willingly - and this is an excellent wake-up call. He sees his pleasant-if-odd guardian turn into something horrifying and alien, a monster that covets the trinket in his hand, and he knows now exactly how that happened.)

The Hobbits are such wonderful protagonists particularly because they're about as far from classic epic heroes as you can get. Thorin and Aragorn are having Heroic Returning King stories happening one step to the left of our focal characters, who are preoccupied with whether they'll be able to eat tonight. The Hobbits regularly lend both levity and pragmatism to the party, and there's something very funny about the amount of "I'll do it, you can't stop me from doing it, but I am going to complain the whole time" that I've seen come up in the Fellowship specifically, though it was definitely there in the Hobbit.

[flipfliqyaoi]

Got any Mouse Kaboom and Sneaky Headcanons?

YES okay so, Mouse is a childhood friend of Flippy, he went through elementary in France(or whatever the equivalent town/nation in the htf universe is) and then transferred to the Happy Tree Town middle+high school, where he met the green bear. they were both bookworms so very often they hung out in libraries and doing homework n yapping together hehe ^_^ Being a foreign student he got kinda automatically outcasted and struggled to make connections with anyone besides Flippy — who was kind enough to stick by his side and give him a chance at forming a friendship throughout the grades. when they got out of school, Flippy wanted to enlist to escape the worsening financial situation (or living situation in general) that's going on in his family, and Mouse was DEVASTATED he didn't want to see his one friend just leave him like that and risking his life. He sort of tried to talk Flippy out of that idea like "dude are you sure? Are you sure? Like that's a pretty big decision you're making h.haha, like have you thought about it for long. do you think it's a good idea?" And the latter is just..... Dead set on wanting to genuinely go. Sooo Mouse sighed in defeat and was hesitantly like " ^_^.... hey um. Actually. how about I enlist too? Me and you, working together, sounds nice to have a familiar face in the military, no?"

This makes Mouse's death all the more tragic, knowing how the accidents Flippy caused led to him having his childhood friend's blood on his hands. yeowch !! And maybe feeling a type of overbearing guilt knowing he didn't firmly say no to Mouse's reason for joining the military in the first place. Joining cause your friend is too — that's... Definitely um. a choice!

For Sneaky: both Mouse and Flippy met him when they got to the military base — Sneaky is from a military family, generations had served before him and his parents wanted him to follow suit in that path as well. So yeah that's why he was there. Sneaky's got some obscure stories he occasionally tells when there's free time to just chat, which intrigues and humors the new buddies he met, forming a nice companionship around the trio. Sometimes he and Flippy just lie down and have deep talks in the middle of the night, pondering over their thoughts and regrets, they both cherish those moments where the illusion of peace was convincing enough they can just let their inner thoughts stream out about literally anything, almost without a feeling of worry. Flippy has tried to verbalize his doubts on the hatred against Tigers before towards Sneaky, since he felt safe enough to say something about it to him & Mouse, after he secretly had a sweet face-to-face interaction with a Tiger(s) who also didn't want to fight. Right before he got assigned the leader role in the Operation.

"Do you think this is really worth our time and effort?" "Well, I'd like to believe so. You know how those Tigers are." "m.. it's just that - I've never really understood why we're supposed to keep on hating them." "How so? Don't you read your history books? They're awful creatures, Flippy. You've read what they've done to species like us. We gotta make them pay for what they did." "I just think- doesn't this just feel all kind of pointless to you at any moment? like retelling the same story over and over again, thinking there would be a different ending. I don't know — It's getting tiring." "Are you trying to say the Operation is not necessary? Or are you just scared to lead it?"

andd like I said in another rant before (i think.), this COULD be a theoretical reason why he was clumsy in the mission. He didn't want to kill the Tigers after he realized they're like any other species. And that act of clumsiness costing the lives of his childhood friend and his pal basically fuckin' wrecked his mental state forever. All cause he had a moment of mercy for the enemy team, basically to him it felt like he just chose the enemy over his comrades. He's going to forever think that Sneaky and Mouse feel utterly betrayed by him, and. yeah it's a complicated thought process he's goin through :3......... Is this even coherent idk.

is it deathly obvious im a unicorn wars fan. sigh

[drdrizzey]

(possibility part 1) of Putting Arcane characters, events and politics into our world's perspective! (Because why not?)

That french guy on tiktok pointed out the sociopolitical implications in arcane, linking them with actual political events or politically engaged individuals and dynamics in France and in the US, and I couldn't agree more on a lot of things he says.

I won't cite most of the french politicians he named because it's not that relevant, but I will break down a few of his points and add up on them. I find the captions pretty tricky when it comes to translation so I'm going to use my bilingual powers for that one<3

Silco :

For starters, he points out the way Silco portrays the instances where left wing revolutionaries who purposely intended to fight against capitalism (piltover) ended up reproducing said capitalism at their own scale (the shimmer empire). On that I'd like to add the fact that Silco's actions keep entertaining this whole concept of "becoming the person you're fighting against". In wanting his nation of Zaun, protecting Zaunites, he actually ends up making their lives worse in many ways, creating addicts, and insecurities. The same way piltover uses Zaun for its own cause, Silco ends up doing the same with many Zaunites.

Vander :

On the other hand, Vander is more of a portrayal of people giving up on activism to protect their personal lives, the same way that would be the case with activists stopping their actions after receiving death threats, or people that were very active in their communities when they were younger but gradually stopped when their priority switched to their family and when they got the occasion on going back on it they simply didn't, but never gave up their initial morals and values, simply the will and ambition to put them into actions. It's pretty self explanatory.

Jayce :

Then, jayce would portray the kind of people who due to their heritage are fundamentally more left sided socially speaking, but are more prone to range alongside more right wing politicians and elitists as a way to grab opportunities whenever they show up, suddenly brushing off their background, not that they are ashamed of it, but more that they need they "have to" in order to succeed and meet the expectations people might have of him, or to "open more doors" for himself, constantly leaving a bitter taste to any of his success. To a certain extent it could lead to him feeling like the lines of his own morals are constantly blurring, the same way it's shown in the scene where due to his fatigue he tells Victor that Zaunites are "dangerous". It's not only due to his mental struggles and tiredness at the moment but also due to his exposure to very closet minded people on the subject, enforcing ideologies that he maybe wouldn't have had on his own. It doesn't take much for him to switch from one way to the other, making it hard for him to make concrete decisions sometimes.

Jinx and ekko :

Jinx and ekko are the manifestations of the consequences of sociopolitical conflicts. They are a result of it. That much is also pretty self explanatory especially with jinx being a woman and ekko being black, and them both being late teenagers, even with the matter of racism not being directly a subject in Arcane, it is something that speaks to us as viewers. They both unwillingly are stuck in a position where their communities (Zaun in this case) are being minimised and dismissed in a way and they struggle to make their voices be heard (the same way this is often the case in both feminism and BLM movements.) It's a clear overpoliticalisation, and even if it's not on purpose (since arcane has a brilliant way of normalising diversity in the best ways possible), the fact that they are who they are just makes sense to a lot of people and reminds them how activism can be in real life as well. Ekko and jinx also have very different ways of manifesting their engagements in their actions. You could as well see ekko like those people making smaller communities and associations for exemple.

Caitlin :

Caitlin could be a right wing from a very elitist and more conservatism oriented household who's racist but "I'm not racist! My friend here is black." Or "x is different." And thrives off claiming wanting to help people and helping getting "insecurities and street violence" off and making the (higher classes) people (her own community) feel "safer" by simply converting their ideas into socially threatening actions and opinions towards minorities. Sugar coating hate speech or justify cop violence, basically.

Vi :

Vi would be anyone who came from more precarious households or minorities and ended up switching sides, turning up against her own people. It's kind of a more extreme Jayce case in a way. (Which makes them an even more interesting pair when we have that in mind.)

There's actually so much more to talk about, I've added a lot of my own interpretations but he also says that Mel is basically Kamala Harris (which is a bit funny, it is accurate.) those are just most of the characters he talked about but I could easily think of other things to say for pretty much any arcane character, it's part of why Arcane is so good.

Also a French moment here, can I point out how great it is that a french studio got to make a show with so much political implications and will for revolution and change while France is currently in a pretty politically complicated state at the moment? (When is it not honestly? but you get it.)

There's so much more to talk about so let me know if I should go over more characters, everything and everyone is a bit political when you really think about it.

I'm a bit tempted to go over more stuff on the subject now))

[freetobee1216]

Hi I'm writing a Zutara fic and this is the first chapter

Warning, literally zero mention of Zuko yet, I plan for this to be the slowest of slow burns. Also I change cannon slightly, basically the events of the show take place over the course of 3 years instead of 6 month, just cuz I think it makes more sense.

Anyways, enjoy chapter one!

Chapter 1:

The wind ripped at her howling skin as she tried to manage the swelling gathering under her eyes. Far below, she could feel the crashing ocean waves of her element calling to her, screaming a familiar song that sounded like home. Pull yourself together she scolded herself, Aang was expecting her for dinner. Katara took one deep breath. Two. Three, and the emotions that moments ago were ruling her every action, telling her to run to where she belonged, ceased to exist.

Walking away from the cliff that overlooked the clouds swirling around the southern air temple, she stuffed the crumpled letter deep into her pocket. She could hear the sounds of meditation instruments coming from the gardens. Here, the newest air acolytes were coming to terms with their decision to turn their back on the life they once knew in order to follow the teachings of the Air Nation. A worth cause, a good decision, but that fact still couldn’t take away the sting of homesickness.

Raja, a girl from the southern tip of the Earth Kingdom, sat cross legged struggling to focus on her breathing. Her knee kept bouncing at an alarming rate and her eyebrows were so scrunched together that they looked like a unibrow. Katara waved to the girl and she sheepishly smiled back. Raja was sweet, only a year younger than Katara at 18, and the two had become fast friends in the month she had been here. Katara raised her eyebrows at her friend as if to say, need a break? Raja quietly looked at the rest of her group, specifically at Angi, the group leader, to see them all peacefully meditating. She silently stood up off the orange pillow and tip-toed to the path where Katara was waiting for her. The pair linked arms as they walked trying not to laugh and get Raja caught for playing hooky. When they cleared the corner and the music faded into the wind, they both broke into barks of laughter.

“You looked like your head was about to explode back there,” Katara said through her snorts.

“I honestly thought it would, I just can’t seem to get this sitting still concept.” Raja laughed back. “They’re doing that for the next hour, hopefully no one will notice I left.”

“I doubt it, wanna help me cook some dinner in the meantime?” Katara asked her friend.

“Yeah, anything other than that sounds good to me, what’s on the menu tonight?” She responded gratefully.

The pair went off to the vegetable patch to grab some ingredients then spent the next half an hour cooking together. Raja told her all about the drama with the new acolytes; who was just trying to rebel against their parents, who had already been caught hooking up, and who was out to steal her boyfriend. Katara laughed at all her friend’s stories, she had a way of imitating the others and embellishing just the right amount to make the story compelling. She was also aware of the many girls who joined the acolytes just to try and get closer to Aang, though she didn’t feel that pang of jealousy like she used to. She assumed she was just so desensitised to it at this point. Two and a half years of fending off pursuers and watching your boyfriend be absolutely oblivious to it, will do that to a girl.

“So, are you gonna pull out some master waterbending on the new ones to clear them off?” Raja joked as she chopped up carrots.

“Honestly? I don’t really care anymore, is that bad? O-or mad?” Katara contemplated while stirring the stew boiling beneath her making her face flush.

“Or wise?” Raja interjected adding in the carrots to the large cauldron.

“But, shouldn’t I feel something? You know just something more than nothingness?” Katara blurted out before she could help herself, these were thoughts that shouldn’t be voiced. Katara hid her face from her friend as she went to grab some herbs from the shelf on the other side of the kitchen.

Raja was quiet for a little bit before smoothing over with, “I think its fine, I mean it’s not like any of those girls are a threat to what you and Aang have, he loves you and would never cheat on you with some floozy.” She laughed out the last bit.

Katara swallowed and turned back to her friend with a smile and joked back, “Oh he’d never even dream of that, he knows he couldn’t take me in a fight if he did.”

The girls dragged the bulky cauldron filled with the vegetable stew out to the communal mess hall on the other side of the door. The room was already filling with hungry acolytes and Katara heard Raja curse under her breath. A stern looking Angi was stomping her way through the crowd that was gathering and making a beeline straight for Raja.

Raja sighed, “Well, I gotta go deal with her wrath, this is the third mediation I’ve skipped out of this week.”

“Wait, it was my fault, please let me talk to her,” Katara said, guilt spreading through her bones.

“Nah, it was my choice, I was looking for any excuse, don’t worry about it,” she said before skipping up to Angi. Katara could hear he start to apologize when she felt someone sneak up behind her.

The master bender was about to steal the water from her pouch and get ready to fight when she felt a pair of familiar hands cover her eyes. “Guess who?” the voice said. Aang.

Katara’s shoulders relaxed and she turned around to give her boyfriend a hug, “Hey Aang.”

“The stew smells great, thanks for cooking tonight! I know it wasn’t your night, but Sheejik wasn’t feeling great and I didn’t know who else to ask” Aang apologised.

“It’s fine, I like having something to do, should we grab a bowl and go to our normal spot?” Katara asked.

“Yeah, sounds great!” Aang said. Normally, they would eat in the mess hall with the rest of the air acolytes, but occasionally the two would sneak off to the private balcony downstairs that was build directly into the cliffside. It was beautiful, overlooking the other mountain islands in the sunset. It was a place where they could feel both of their native elements, the ocean below and the whipping winds around them. It had felt balanced, or well, it mostly did.

“The sunset is beautiful tonight,” Aang remarked. It was burning a bright orange that let into a salmon-like pink on the edges of their vision. The waves below perfectly reflected the light of the sun, and far to the east, dots are starlight where starting to breakthrough the periwinkle.

“Yeah, it is,” Katara said, being drawn to the last lights of the sun.

“Not as beautiful as you though,” Aang said softly.

Katara once might have blushed at a comment like that, but she was far too mature now. At least, that’s what she thought was keeping the heat from creeping up her neck. She did however paint a smile on her face and lean over to kiss his cheek, when she puled away Aang was bright red. “Thank you.”

“Have you, uh heard from Sokka?” Aang asked changing the topic.

Katara felt the letter in her pocked multiply in weight tenfold, “Uh yeah, you?”

“I got an awesome letter from him this afternoon, he’s been named Chief in Training! And he told me all about his plans to expand the Southern Water Tribe with the aid they’re getting from both the North and the Fire Nation. It’s really great what he’s doing down there,” Aang rambled on about things Katara already knew about.

She tried to hide her face by looking south towards her home, “Ye-yeah, I got a letter today too.”

“You don’t sound that excited,” Aang noticed.

“Well, I just, I don’t know Aang, it’s a lot of change.” Katara said, frustration beginning to build in her chest.

“But change is good Katara, it’s a natural part of life,” Aang tried to reason with her.

“I know that,” she snapped, then tried to regain control over her words when she saw his hurt face, “It’s just, it’s hard that all of this is happening without me.”

“All of it is happening because of you Katara, without what me, you and Sokka did, going to the Northern Water Tribe and getting them to care about the South again, stopping the war. Without that, this wouldn’t be happening.” Aang said.

“But it’s not fair! That’s my home, and it’s changing without me there! Am I even going to be able to recognize it when I return? What if the North takes over too much? What if I wake up one day and my culture is so different it doesn’t make sense anymore and I did nothing to stop it because I wasn’t there?” Katara yelled, her anger and confusion bubbling up to the surface.

“Katara, it’s going to be okay; you just have to trust in your tribe, they’ll find the right way,” Aang tried to reassure her, grabbing hold of her hand.

“It’s not about trust it’s-” Katara started pulling her hand away, but then she sighed. He doesn’t understand her anger, how could he? He has to put all of his hope into trust at the moment for his nation, or else there would be nothing left. He is trusting these new members from all over the world to find it’s way back to some semblance of the Air Nation and what he lost all those years ago. Looking at Aang, she sees the scared homeless kid from the iceberg, the pain that is still there hiding under the surface. She takes a deep breath and dissipates her anger, grabbing back hold of his hand; this isn’t something that is helpful for him to hear. “You’re right, it’s all going to work out, I was just being anxious. Of course, Sokka will figure it out.”

Aang smiled at her and leans in for a kiss, she closes her eyes and reaches within herself to try and feel how she used it, something small in her chest tried to wiggle its way out, but it feels as if it has been locked away. Their lips touch and she’s just going through the motions. It’s fine, she tells herself, this is just what happens when you’ve been a couple for a while.

The door behind them bursts open and a young boy no more than age 13 named Ren blushes profusely, “I am so sorry Master Aang to bother you and your girlfriend, but there is a reporter from Ba Sing Sei here and he wanted to get an interview about the progress of the Air Nation,” he blurts out in one single breath.

“Uh yeah, Katara do you mind?” He asks, still concerned about their earlier discussion.

“Of course, send them in.” Katara says giving Ren a maternal smile, not wanting to make the boy any more akward than he already looked.

“Of course!” he squeaks out and turns down the hall. They can hear him say something to the other side of the door then pronouncing, “Right this way sir.”

A well-dressed man in his mid-20s appears at the threshold. He is wearing a traditional Earth Nation robe and sports the most fashionable facial hair in Ba Sing Sie, a well-groomed moustache and goatee. He gives a low bow in the way of greeting towards Aang, “Avatar Aang, it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Manu Sho and I have been writing for some time about the tireless efforts you have been making towards restoring the Air Nation with the Air Acolytes. It would be an honour if I could receive an interview with you.”

“Of course, come join us, Katara and I were just finishing our dinner, would you like a bowl as well?” Aang offered.

“That would be lovely,” he said and looked expectantly at Katara. “Oh, you must be Katara, Avatar Aang’s faithful girlfriend.”

Katara squirmed in her seat a bit but said, “Yeah, that’s me.”

“And you are from the Watertribe?” he asked gesturing to her outfit.

“Yeah, from the South, that’s where I first found Aang.” Katara said, feeling as though she was being looked at through a microscope.

“It must have been so nice for you to get to travel with the Avatar and learn waterbending from him!” He said joyfully.

“Oh, actually, I was Aang’s teacher.” Katara said, and edge entering into her voice. This wasn’t the first time she had to clarify this.

“I thought the Avatar was taught by Master Pakku in the North?” Manu said in confusion.

“Well yeah for about a month or two, but I was the one teaching him for almost 3 years,” Katara said haughtily.

“Yeah, Katara is a master waterbender!” Aang added in helpfully.

“Oh, I’m sorry I was misinformed,” the reporter said looking more like the uncomfortable one now. Good, Katara thought to herself. “Um, may I have some of the stew please?”

“Oh right, of course, uh Katara, would you mind grabbing Manu a serving?” Aang asked trying to smooth over the rough interaction.

“Sure,” Katara said through her teeth and crossed arms. She stomped back upstairs to the mess hall and grabbed Manu a serving, muttering to herself the whole time about blatant sexism and forgotten female narratives. When she returned, Aang and Manu were laughing together, talking about cabbages.

“Here you go,” Katara said shoving the bowl into Manu’s hands, then sat down next to Aang. Manu looked a bit unsure at Katara, but she was refusing to move. She had been helping with the efforts to rebuild the Air Nation just as much as Aang was. Katara stared the journalist down in a dare, he didn’t take the bait. Instead, he continued to ask about the progress from the last two years after the war ended. Both Aang and Katara answered his questions about the acolytes, the program they were following, the diet and efforts to restore traditional Air Nation vegetables in the gardens, the newest recruits, everything. It was going pretty well and Katara had calmed herself down now that Manu was actively listening to her. But then it happened; he brought up the idea of kids. This was something she and Aang had been avoiding speaking about ever since they got into a huge argument last month about it.

“The air acolytes are great, but when are you planning on hopefully producing the new generation of airbenders?” Manu asked bluntly looking between the two of them.

“I’m sorry what?” Katara asked her mood going south immediately.

“The new generation of airbenders, when will you be producing them?” he asked as if she were slow.

“Yeah, I heard your question, what I don’t understand is why you are asking it,” Katara snapped at him.

“Well, Ms. Katara, it’s an important question, the world is out of balance, we will be needing more airbenders,” he said.

“Well, Katara and I aren’t sure on the timeline,” Aang answered trying to be diplomatic.

“Aang, I do not want to discuss this publicly,” Katara hissed at him.

“You are a few months away from being 20 are you not? And the Avatar has just turned 18, that is a perfectly respectable age to start having children, especially because you will probably need to have a lot in order to get the new generatio-” Manu began.

“Okay that it, we are done here!” Katara interrupted grabbing his quill and scroll out of his hands that he was taking notes with and packing them into his bag, “You can go now.”

“But, I, uh, miss I am not finished,” Manu sputtered.

“Master.” Katara said.

“I’m sorry what?” He asked.

“It’s Master Katara, and you are dismissed,” She ground out, pulling the water from her pouch and getting into a defensive stance.

“Uh yes of course, Master Katara, Avatar Aang,” he said quickly bowing to them both and running off.  

Katara slammed the door to the balcony shut and let out a grunt of frustration. She then walked over to the balcony to put her head down onto the railing. Aang watched her quietly from the bench. “Katara, we need to talk about this.”

“What’s there to talk about?” she huffed moodily, still staring out at the horizon. The sun was almost completely set by now, just a small sliver of it that was reaching out towards her.

“I had a feeling people were going to start asking us this, that’s why I’ve been really wanting to talk about it with you, but you keep avoiding this,” he said gently, standing up to walk towards her and putting hand on the small of her back. “I could make you a necklace first if that’s what you’ve been waiting for, well I have been car-”

“No!” Katara said, protectively placing a hand onto her mother’s necklace and backing away, “No, I don’t want a new necklace.”

“Well, what do you want? We need to talk,” Aang repeated.

“But I’ve already told you how I feel about this. Yes, I want kids someday, sure, but on my terms. I’ve been acting like a mother since mine died, and I want my freedom Aang. I never got the chance to be young and, I’m just not ready,” Katara spoke feeling as if they had been here before. The moon began to shine above them as the sky went dark.

“But, when will you be ready?” Aang pleaded.

“I don’t know, I’m just confused right now and I can’t give you an answer. I… I don’t know if I’ll ever have an answer for you…” Katara trailed off.

“Katara, being a dad, it’s not only something that I really want, but it’s also a duty I have to fulfil. It’s my destiny to bring balance to the world, our destiny,” he said reaching to hold her hands in his.

“Well, I didn’t know that falling in love with the Avatar meant I would have to sacrifice so much!” Katara yelled in frustration dropping her hands out of his grasp.

“Sacrifice?” Aang asked, his voice cracking in hurt.

“Yes! This is a sacrifice! I don’t want to be a breeding farm for airbenders! Or give up my culture to serve another! Or lose myself in your projects!” Katara shouted, her anger getting the better of her. She was saying things that she had hid deep inside her soul, things she never wanted to tell him because she couldn’t bear the pain it would cause.

“I’m not asking you to do any of those things!” Aang yelled back at her.

“Yes, you are, that’s exactly what you ask of me every day, how do you not see that? Where am I in any of this? People don’t even remember what I have done, what I have given up already to bring peace to the world. Where is my peace?!” She couldn’t stop the hot, angry tears from spilling down her face at this point. Everything she had been holding in was spilling out of her in thunderous waves of hurt. Every breath was strained with emotion.

“I thought I was your peace, like how you’re mine.” Aang whispered, tears filling his eyes as well.

“I thought you were too, but…” Katara said and turned away from those eyes, so filled with hurt and betray. Her guilt was eating her alive. She sobbed inwards, crossing her arms over her chest as if she could hold herself together.

“I’m not anymore. Am I?” he asked, emotion welling in his throat.

Katara’s sobs turned silent now, but the tears wouldn’t stop. She couldn’t see out her eyes. Why was this so hard? What had happened? This place, once lovely, now was her prison. She cried, “I don’t know why you stopped, why I stopped.”

“Do you think I could be it again?” he croaked out.

“I don’t know,” she whispered back, staring at the dark waves below.

They stood there, her back still turned to him, silently crying for an interterminal amount of time. At one point, Aang reached out towards her, taking one step, but then stopped. His reach hung in the air for a full breath, but then he turned and walked away. Out of the balcony, out of the building, and took off towards the skies on his glider. She was left to drown in a bed of her own making.

That night, Katara packed a bag.

[raxistaicho]

It really bothers me when people claim Edelgard was taking advantage of Dimitri at the end of Azure Moon and used his attempt to reach out to her as a chance to try and kill him. And it makes me realize most people don't keep their minds open to other perspectives past their favorite house.

First, did anyone else notice WHERE Edelgard chose to throw that dagger? She chose his left shoulder. In a spot where the armor is thinner/weaker but not deadly. If she really wanted to kill him, she could have thrown it at his head which is completely exposed. Or, better yet, accept his hand and then stab him in the heart, neck, or stomach several times. Edelgard isn't an idiot. She would know where the killing blows would need to land.

Second, in Silver Snow and Verdant Wind, Edelgard makes it VERY clear that, once she loses, there is no way this war ends unless she dies.

This is literally what she says to Byleth when about to die.

Edelgard: It looks as though… my path… will end here. My teacher… claim your victory. Strike me down. You must! Even now… across this land, people are killing each other. If you do not act now, this conflict…will go on forever. Your path… lies across my grave. It is time for you to find the courage to walk it. If I must fall… let it be by your hand.

If she stays alive, those loyal to her will continue to fight. Those opposed to her would rise up against any leader that offers her clemency. The people of Faerghus are very set in their ways (even if Dimitri is more open to change than the rest of the Kingdom). If he let Edelgard live, it would have sparked another civil war within the Kingdom, while encouraging those who believed in Edelgard's cause to keep fighting. The war would never end.

On top of that, Edelgard already spent so much time locked up in dungeons and being treated as a prisoner when she was a child. If she accepted Dimitri's offer of peace, her future would see her locked up in cold, dark dungeons with the rats, potentially facing torture for the rest of her shortened life. Even if Dimitri doesn't want that, the people will demand it of him. The CHURCH would demand it of him. And he's made it very clear in other routes and supports that the Kingdom opposing the Church is bad for him and the people of Faerghus because of how entwined the Church's influence is in the kingdom.

Edelgard went into this war knowing exactly what was at stake and what her fates would be regardless of outcome. She knew what accepting Dimitri's hand would mean. So she chose to make the hard choice that he refuses to make; she ends the war she started by forcing him to kill her.

I love Dimitri, but I have to say it. He's probably the most coddled of the three lords. Yes, he's been through a lot and struggles with his mental health, but when it comes to making the hard choices as a ruler, he sucks at it. And Edelgard, and to a major extent Felix, are the only ones willing to call him out on it. Everyone else just stands by as he makes decisions that are, frankly, completely irresponsible of a man who has an entire nation he's supposed to govern and protect.

Yeah, people saying Edelgard was trying to kill him are a special kind of desperate. You had it perfectly: she was trying to convey to him that it had to end that way.

[beardedmrbean]

Daniel Penny was acquitted Monday of criminally negligent homicide in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-oldhomeless man with a history of mental illness whose final moments on a New York City subway train were captured on bystander video that set off weeks of protests and captured national attention.

The decision, on the fifth day of deliberations, came after the jury deadlocked Friday on the more serious charge of manslaughter, leading the judge to dismiss it. Penny faced up to four years in prison.

The anonymous jury, made up of seven women and five men, were told before they began deliberating that they had to come to a unanimous decision on the top charge of manslaughter in the second degree before moving on to consider criminally negligent homicide. But Judge Maxwell Wiley changed that order Friday after jurors twice sent a note saying they could not reach an agreement.

The judge had also instructed jurors to decide whether Penny’s actions caused Neely’s death and, if so, whether he had acted recklessly and in an unjustified manner.

Neely, a former Michael Jackson impersonator, had been shouting and acting erratically when he boarded a subway train in Manhattan on May 1, 2023. He ranted about being hungry and thirsty and said that he wanted to return to jail and didn’t care if he lived or died, witnesses testified. Penny, 26, a former Marine and Long Island native, placed Neely in a chokehold that prosecutors said lasted almost six minutes. 

A New York City medical examiner ruled that Neely died from compression to his neck as a result of the chokehold.

Penny’s attorneys told jurors that he stepped in because he believed Neely might attack other passengers and he intended only to restrain him until police arrived, which Penny also told police. They also argued that Neely was not killed by the chokehold and that it was impossible to measure how much pressure Penny had applied.

A forensic pathologist hired by the defense testified that Neely died from a combination of his schizophrenia, synthetic marijuana, sickle cell trait and the struggle from being in Penny’s restraint. But the medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Neely, Dr. Cynthia Harris, told jurors it was her medical opinion “that there are no alternative reasonable explanations” for his death and that those proposed by the defense were “so improbable — that it stands shoulder to shoulder with impossibility.”

During cross-examination, one of Penny’s attorneys, Steven Raiser sought to cast doubt on Harris’ testimony about how she and her colleagues had come to a unanimous decision as to Neely’s cause of death. Raiser suggested that they had failed to consider all the facts before making that determination.

He revisited that claim in his closing argument last week.

“I submit to you there was a rush to judgment, based on something other than medical science,” he told jurors.

The case divided people in New York — and beyond — in some cases along political and racial lines. Neely was Black. Penny is white. Some people viewed Penny as callous and his actions as criminal, while others said he was selfless in his attempt to protect fellow passengers.

The case also spurred debates about safety within the city’s subway system and failures in addressing homelessness and mental illness, both of which Neely had struggled with.Jumaane Williams, a Black Democrat who is New York City’s public advocate, was among those who questioned why police let Penny go after questioning him at a precinct hours after Neely’s killing. New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also a Democrat, said Neely had been “murdered.” Prominent Republicans like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Matt Gaetz praised Penny and promoted a fundraiser for his legal fund, which has raised more than $3 million. His defense team includes Thomas Kenniff, a Republican who ran unsuccessfully for Manhattan District Attorney in 2021. Vickie Paladino, a Republican city councilwoman from Queens, attended last week's closing arguments in support of Penny.

Prosecutors did not dispute that Neely’s actions on the train scared many of the passengers or that he was on synthetic cannabinoids, which were found in his system. In her opening statement, Dafna Yoran, an assistant prosecutor with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, said that Neely had “demanded to be seen” and that despite his not having touched anyone and not having displayed a weapon or threatened to use one, many people in the subway car were frightened of what he might do.

She has said Penny’s “initial intent was even laudable,” but that he was reckless when he continued to choke Neely even after he posed no threat, including after the train doors had opened at the next station and passengers could exit. For some of that time, she said and video showed, two other men helped restrain Neely. One of those men testified that he believed Penny had held the chokehold for too long. At times, she said, he even ignored the pleas of bystanders to let Neely go. In her closing argument, Yoran said that “no one had to die” and that Penny was not justified in his use of physical deadly force.

“You obviously cannot kill someone because they are crazy and ranting and looking menacing,” Yoran told jurors in her closing argument. “No matter what it is that they are saying.”

She also said that Penny “could have easily restrained” Neely “without choking him to death.”

In his closing argument, Raiser prompted jurors to imagine that they were on the train the day Neely boarded “filled with rage and not afraid of any consequences.”

“With you sitting much as you are now in this tightly confined space, looking up at Mr. Neely,” he said. “You have very little room to move and nowhere to run.”

“Danny,” as the defense attorneys referred to Penny throughout the trial, “put his life on the line” and stepped up in the absence of police, Raiser said.

But Yoran challenged the portrayal of Penny as a self-sacrificing and benevolent subway rider. In her opening statement she said that Penny failed to acknowledge Neely’s humanity. She continued that thread in her closing argument, playing video of Penny twice referring to Neely as a “crackhead” in an interview with police and telling jurorsthat he never asked about Neely’s condition.

“There is something else that is glaringly missing from his statement. Any regret. Any remorse. Any self reflection,” she said. She added: “He never expresses any sorrow about the man’s death.”

During deliberations, jurors asked to rewatch bystander videos of Penny restraining Neely, responding officers’ body camera videos and video of Penny’s subsequent interview with two police detectives at a precinct. They also asked to rehear the medical examiner’s testimony about issuing a death certificate before Neely’s full toxicology reports were completed. They also asked for the judge to read back the definitions of recklessness and criminal negligence and to have the definitions in writing.

Penny chose not to testify. During the trial, which began Nov. 1, jurors heard from more than 40 witnesses — subway passengers who witnessed Penny restrain Neely, police officers who responded to the scene, a Marine Corps instructor who taught Penny various chokeholds, the two pathologists, a psychiatric expert and six character witnesses, who included two Marines, Penny’s mother and one of his sisters.

On Wednesday, Neely’s father, Andre Zachery, sued Penny accusing him of negligent contact, assault and battery that caused Neely’s death. The civil suit was filed in New York state’s Supreme Court, a trial-level court in New York state.

[hangmanbradshaw]

Rare personal post, under the cut (trigger warning re: death and grief and complicated family dynamics and a lot of sentimentality haha)

Today would’ve been my dad’s 60th bday. It’s only two years fresh so I never know what feelings to expect, but I was looking through old pics because of my cousin and smiling, and that’s good? He struggled with addition, and caused more scars than I’ll ever be able to talk about no matter how much therapy and EMDR I do, but as complicated as our family was, I love and miss him. There were so many good rays of moments in it, especially when I was younger. My teenage years were hell. The end wasn’t good. It’s all true. I never thought I’d be in my 20s being next of kin- making decisions about life support and planning funerals and burials and giving eulogies and writing obituaries and taking care of my grandparents, but I think I’ve found my peace with it. It hurts, but it’s bearable.

I keep thinking about the eulogy I wrote and gave, what I believe in my heart about loss after losing my best friend, my dad, other friends. They really stick with us? In so many ways we don’t always see. It’s not about moving on, truly it’s about just finding space for the rest of life too. Widening your heart to it. I watch Star Wars and I think of Andrew. I talk to his mom and we laugh. I get excited for football or hiking or going on an adventure and that’s my dad. All these pictures of him younger, healthier, playing football and bringing us to games, teaching my brother and me how to play, taking us white water rafting and horseback riding and hiking and camping over and over. Pictures of him doing it himself when he was younger. And it’s just like. I’m his daughter. He lives on in my life because I see those things in my life, and for that, I’m so grateful. I look at my life and that lyric is so true- There wouldn’t be this if there hadn’t been you.

My writing journey started about a year after he passed as art therapy. I realized I loved it. I met all of you, wrote IWTBY, wrote my novel now. I took myself to the Super Bowl and watched the team he taught me to love win. I took myself to a movie premiere, to Europe, to all these things he never got to do. To national parks he did visit. To parks he took us to. My brother and I are going to Austin this fall and staying out on a ranch like we did as kids. I live in a peaceful little apartment with a job that helps people and wonderful friends and all that pain and hurt led to it. Anyways, just a long, ridiculously sentimental rant to say I’m grateful for this little community. For my little life. It’s simple, and it’s mine, and I am forever thankful for it. For all of you and the love you show me, whether it be for my stories which truly have changed my life, or in general. I wrote that one shot last night, and immediately was blown away by the love y’all give it and me. If my little stories have made you smile, or feel something, it’s all I can hope for. I hope everyone who sees this finds their own peace, no matter how impossible it seems, truly. Keep your head up, keep finding the beauty and joy in the little things. In the sun shining and laughter with a friend and movies that make you inspired. With love, Steph 💙

[vulpes-z3rda]

Having The Archons Favor

a/n: Hello gaymers. Please take my peace offering of archon writings! As always I’ve tried to keep the reader as GN as possible :)

Being in the favor of Barbatos/Venti is a blessing as well as a curse. You’re revered by the people of Mondstadt like you’re a chosen one, the attention of it drives you insane sometimes. However, having the wind on your side at all times? You can’t completely complain. He sings you to sleep, holds your prayers to him above all else and blows away enemies if they so much as look at you. You pretend like you don’t see the wind vortex sucking up the hilichurls you ignored.

Having the love of the anemo archon means you get to experience seeing him in all his glory. He may have stepped down from leading but he’s more than willing to show off to you with his strength. 100% would use his whole “I can know songs that will be written in the future” thing to try and woo you it works. He protects you and worships the ground you protect in his place as the hero of Mondstadt. Also makes a song for you to carry on your legend after you move on from Teyvat.

Having the all giving love of Morax/Zhongli means having the people of his nation love you like you’re a national darling. You’ll find that suspiciously you’ll gain a golden shield that you know you can’t make yourself. He denies everything when you ask him though. The offerings you leave at his statues only further you in his graces.

Any deal you have to strike will always go your way, after all he’s the god of contracts for a reason. Whenever you have a pit stop in Liyue Harbour, you notice he always has enough money to pay for your meal and some drinks. Poor Tartaglia’s bank account. All in all, being held in high regards by the God of Contracts means an easy sailing journey for you in which you never have to worry about being exposed or being scammed.

Being in Beezebub’s/Ei’s favour would mean having your image burnt into Inazuman history for eternity. She makes sure Yae has a book about you in the publishing house because she feels like everyone should know about what you did for her nation. You went up against her and all of her ideals after all, to do that she wants your bravery to be on show.

You’re invited to Tenshukaku all the time for tea, she trusts you to sit in on every decision regarding Inazuma and you’re always invited to her Plane of Euthymia. She’s forever there to bless you with her damage boosting abilities to make your battles easier and she makes sure the remaining yokai know to leave you alone.

In all of Buer’s/Nahida’s wisdom, she graced you with favouritism like no other. The scholars don’t get it because they believe they contribute more to Sumeru but they don’t speak up cause they trust their archon’s judgement. You’re welcome to view all the archives she can readily access and she even takes you to Irminsul to get more in depth information whenever you require it.

She often times would speak to you through the Akasha terminal to comfort you or help influence any nightmares you may have been having during the nights. Her metaphors tend to become more based around you too which makes you giggle and others confused. She trusts you with everything and only really steps into fights when she truly thinks you’re struggling which isn’t often.

[yoonavii]

𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐈𝐀

Gladiator Prince! Eustass Kid x Reader

Story description: Y/n, a skilled ice warrior from the frigid kingdom of Nosta, and Prince Eustass, a ruthless gladiator prince hailing from the enemy nation, the Modora Empire. Their two nations have a long history of conflict and animosity. However, when a dire situation calls for a political marriage to secure peace, Y/n and Eustass find themselves bound together in a union neither desires. As they navigate the treacherous path of diplomacy, they must confront their own prejudices and the weight of their peoples’ expectations. Through adversity and danger, the icy walls between them slowly begin to melt, and they discover unexpected connections and feelings, transforming their initial enmity into a deep and passionate love of the ages.

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐎

In the heart of the kingdom of Nosta, the eldest members of each Nostian family engaged in a solemn tradition. With determined hands, they delicately unearthed buried vessels of fermented food from the snowy ground. The vases, each a repository of sustenance, had been carefully preserved, offering a lifeline to the families through the harsh winter months. This year’s harvest had been a challenging ordeal for the Nostians, as relentless snowstorms had battered the region without reprieve. The inclement weather had taken its toll on the land, making it nearly impossible to cultivate and gather food. As a result, the Nostian families found themselves grappling with the specter of scarcity, a challenge that tested their resilience and unity.

Amid the adversity, a glimmer of hope emerged from an unexpected source. The royal family and the council, recognizing the dire circumstances faced by their people, made a compassionate decision. They distributed a portion of their own supply of food to each family in the kingdom. This gesture of generosity transcended mere politics or duty – it was a lifeline extended from those in positions of power to those who struggled to secure their next meal. The significance of this act rippled through the kingdom. Families that had been grappling with hunger and uncertainty now found relief, their burdens temporarily lightened by the provisions provided by their leaders. The gesture carried a profound sense of solidarity, a reminder that even in the face of hardship, the Nostians stood together as a community.

as the snowy ground gave up its hidden treasures, you paced the length of the council room. The air within was thick with the wisdom of the elders – warriors, archers, and herbalists who held the weight of generations on their shoulders. Each one bore the scars of a kingdom’s struggles etched into their very beings. Restlessness gripped you as you grappled with the enormity of the situation. Your people’s history and suffering clashed with your own desires, creating a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The thought of uniting with someone from the empire that had caused so much harm was almost unbearable.

Turning to the council, you sought answers to the questions that consumed you. Your voice was a mix of determination and desperation as you posed the question that had haunted you, “Why must I go through with this marriage? How can we align ourselves with those who have brought us so much pain?” One council member, their face etched with the lines of wisdom, stepped forward to address your concerns. Their voice carried the weight of years as they explained the rationale behind the decision, “Princess, you ask a question that weighs heavily upon us all. Our land faces a dire predicament. The relentless snowstorms have stripped us of our harvest, and the specter of famine looms over us.”

With a steadying gaze, they continued, “The Modora Empire possesses the resources we lack – food that can sustain our people through the trying times ahead. We have negotiated a peace treaty, one that hinges on trade rather than conflict. In exchange for our medicinal herbs and remedies, they will provide us with the sustenance we so desperately need.” Their words resonated in the air, carrying both the wisdom of experience and the urgency of the present. The council member’s voice softened with understanding as they added, “This is not a decision taken lightly. We are bound by the duty to preserve our people and ensure their survival. The alliances we forge today lay the groundwork for a more secure tomorrow.”

As their gaze met yours, you felt the weight of their wisdom and the empathy behind their words. The complexities of leadership were clearer than ever – a delicate balance between personal convictions and the welfare of an entire kingdom. The path you tread was one that would test your strength, challenge your perceptions, and demand sacrifices that transcended individual desires.

——

In the dimly lit chambers of your quarters, you couldn't conceal your discontent. As maids attended to you, their delicate hands guiding you through the evening rituals, you grumbled softly under your breath. Tomorrow morning marked the beginning of your journey to a new life with the enemy prince, a path you had never envisioned for yourself. Amidst your private lament, one of the maids decided to break the tension. With a warm smile, she attempted to lighten your mood. "You know, Your Highness," she ventured, her voice gentle and reassuring, "that crown you received during your coming of age ceremony suits you beautifully. You'll look absolutely regal as you wear it."

Her words were infused with sincerity, an attempt to offer some solace to a princess burdened with the weight of duty and sacrifice. The crown, a symbol of your status and responsibility, held a unique kind of elegance that complemented your grace and strength. Your grumbling softened, if only slightly, as you regarded the maid's kind gesture. In this moment of uncertainty and apprehension, a glimmer of warmth and camaraderie emerged. The challenges of the road ahead remained daunting, but the bond between you and your maids offered a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there were those who would stand by your side. You offered a gracious nod to the maid, appreciating the effort to lift your spirits during this challenging time. As the conversation continued, you couldn't help but think practically about the upcoming journey. Turning to the maid, you inquired, "Will all of my belongings be taken with me on this trip?"

The maid's expression turned thoughtful, and she replied with a tone of caution, "I'm afraid not, Your Highness. For safety reasons, it's best to travel light for now. However, once you've arrived safely at the Modora Empire, arrangements will be made to have more of your belongings sent to you." The consideration for your safety was evident in the maid's response. You understood the necessity of traveling with only the essentials for the time being. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainties, and the decision to keep your possessions to a minimum was a prudent one. You knew that, in due time, your familiar belongings would follow you to the new land that awaited. One of the other maids, as she helped in preparing you for the journey, made a suggestion. “Your Highness,” she began tentatively, “perhaps you could consider taking either your axes or your bow and arrows with you for the travels.”

As the maid made her suggestion, she glanced at the collection of weapons in your room. There, hanging on a wall adorned with trophies from your archery competitions, were your finely crafted axes and your prized bow and arrows. You surveyed the weapons with a sense of nostalgia. Each had its own history, its own story of battles won and challenges overcome. The axes, with their polished blades and ornate handles, were symbols of your strength and determination. The bow, a work of art in itself, had accompanied you on countless hunting trips and had never failed you in times of need. The suggestion to choose one weapon over the other gnawed at you. They were both extensions of your identity, and you couldn’t bear to part with either. After a moment of consideration, you made your decision with unwavering resolve. “I will take both,” you declared firmly, your eyes locking with the maid’s. “Even if I have to be discreet about it.” The prospect of sneaking these cherished companions along on your journey added an element of intrigue and determination to the preparations. It was a secret pact between you and your weapons, a silent promise that no matter what challenges awaited in the Modora Empire, you would be ready to face them with the strength and skills that had defined you as the ice princess of Nosta.

—————-

In the grand corridors of the Modora Empire’s palace, Prince Eustass’s steps reverberated with frustration. His mood was as turbulent as the storm clouds that often shrouded his kingdom. He had stormed out of the council chamber, leaving behind the imposing presence of the council members and their unsettling decree. Grumbling beneath his breath, Eustass navigated the labyrinthine halls of the palace. The news that the council had arranged a political marriage for him, set to commence as early as tomorrow, gnawed at his very core. He had barely returned from his military campaign, bloodied and wearied from the battlefield, only to be thrust into a situation he vehemently opposed.

His steps echoed through the marble corridors as he brooded, his mind filled with thoughts of the impending political union and the implications it held for his future. The weight of responsibility and expectation bore down upon him, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of resentment. As he continued to traverse the palace’s opulent halls, Eustass couldn’t shake the feeling that his life was spiraling into a direction he had not chosen for himself. The clash between duty and personal desires waged on within him, leaving him to grumble and seethe as he contemplated the uncertain path that lay ahead.

Amidst the labyrinthine halls of the palace, Prince Eustass’s sharp eyes caught a glimpse of a familiar figure. He called out to her, his voice carrying a hint of urgency, “Roxane!” But the glare that met his gaze made it clear that Roxane was in no mood for pleasantries. The General’s daughter remained a picture of resentment, her eyes hard and unyielding. The words exchanged in the council room still hung heavily in the air between them, a stark reminder of the tension that had escalated during the meeting. Eustass hurried to close the distance between them, his voice laced with a desperation to make amends. “Roxane, I promise you, I’ll find a way to override this political marriage,” he implored, his voice earnest and determined. However, Roxane’s response was anything but receptive. She maintained a cold demeanor, addressing him only with the formal title of “Your Highness.” Her words cut through the tension like a sharp blade as she declared, “I don’t care about the political marriage, or even you.”

Eustass was bewildered by her response, unable to comprehend the sudden change in her attitude. In a desperate attempt to understand, he reached out to grasp her hand, his voice softening with concern. “Roxane, what do you mean?” he asked, his gaze searching for answers. But Roxane didn’t linger. She pulled her hand away abruptly, her features frozen in a mask of resolve. Her words came out with a finality that left no room for negotiation. “We need to separate, Your Highness. Permanently. We can’t be together anymore.” With those words, she turned away and walked briskly down the corridor, leaving Eustass standing there, bewildered and hurt. The cold exterior she displayed masked the complex emotions within, and the decision she had just made had left both of them reeling, their connection severed in a heartbeat.

As Eustass stood there, his thoughts in disarray after Roxane's unexpected declaration, his loyal right-hand man, Killer, hurriedly caught up with him. Concern etched across his features, Killer asked, "Are you okay, Eustass?" But Eustass, consumed by a whirlwind of emotions, couldn't find the words to respond. Instead, he brushed off the question with a curt wave of his hand and a voice thick with frustration. "I need some time alone," he muttered, his gaze distant. "I'm going to my room, and I don't want anyone to bother me."

Killer could sense the turmoil within his prince, and he nodded in understanding, albeit with a hint of worry in his eyes. He watched as Eustass retreated down the corridor, his thoughts heavy with the weight of Roxane's cold rejection. The sudden turn of events had left Eustass reeling, and now he sought solitude to grapple with the emotional storm that raged within him.

—————-

As you entered your room, your gaze immediately searched for your journal. Among the few belongings you could take with you, this was one you couldn't bear to leave behind. While you would be living in the empire, you could at least document your experiences and thoughts in its pages. The journal, small and unassuming, held the potential to be a source of solace in the unfamiliar territory that awaited you. It was a private space where you could record your journey, your emotions, and the challenges you would face. Its pages were a repository for your innermost thoughts and a connection to the world you were leaving behind. With a sense of determination, you retrieved the journal and carefully concealed it within your chest binding wrap. It was a precious keepsake, a silent companion that would bear witness to the chapters of your life as you embarked on this unexpected journey, a small act of defiance against the constraints of fate. You offered Trafalgar Law a warm smile and gestured for him to sit, a silent invitation to a more casual conversation. He obliged, taking a seat at the end of your bed.

As he settled in, you let out a sigh, your expression turning slightly pensive. "Trafalgar," you began, your voice devoid of the formalities that usually accompanied royal conversations. "I must admit, I'm feeling a bit nervous about this journey to the Modora Empire. It's not just the political marriage, but the prospect of learning an entirely new way of life." You paused, your thoughts swirling with uncertainty. "I'll be expected to adapt to new traditions, new etiquette, and take on a role as not only the empire's new princess but as the future empress. It's a lot to take in, and I'm not sure what to expect."

As you shared your concerns with your trusted bodyguard, you couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability. It was rare for you to express your fears openly, but in this moment, Trafalgar's presence offered a comforting reassurance that you weren't facing this daunting journey alone.

Trafalgar Law listened attentively to your concerns, his reassuring presence a source of comfort. When you expressed your apprehensions about the journey ahead, he spoke with unwavering support. "Princess, you have my word that I'll be by your side every step of the way," he assured you, his voice filled with sincerity. "I will protect you, and if things take a turn for the worse, I'll do everything in my power to ensure your safety."

His words were a balm to your anxieties, but what he revealed next left you in a state of shock. "And there's something else," he continued, his tone grave. "I have an acquaintance, someone I knew from the Modora Empire." Your eyes widened in astonishment. You were well aware that communication with anyone from the empire, especially given the ongoing tensions, could be considered treasonous. The fact that Trafalgar had such a connection left you both surprised and curious.He went on to explain, "My acquaintance has already been sending scrolls of information about the empire via message birds. It's meant to give us a head start on what to expect, to help us navigate the complexities of the empire."

The revelation was both intriguing and unsettling. You couldn't help but wonder about the nature of this acquaintance and the valuable insights they might provide. Yet, it was a risky venture, and the stakes were high. As you processed this unexpected turn of events, you couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and caution, knowing that this connection might be crucial in the days to come.

©𝐘𝐎𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐈— Any sign/evidence of plagiarism made from outside this name will be dealt with by whatever means necessary. Legal action may occur if non fanfiction works are plagiarized.

[ceiling-karasu]

@sahbeetle3 @rei-does-stuff @sah-headcanons @weaselfactoryex

As promised, I have finished the story (complete with pictures within) based on these two squirrels, and the roasting of chestnuts for December.

Sunchal Darami and Bocho Darami

The infant would be joining the village in the spring.

After a hard pregnancy, it was unlikely that the mother squirrel would be able to leave the national hospital for an extended time as she recovered, perhaps for years. Already, rumors of the pup having been born with a much darker fever coat had been circulating, proof that his mother had struggled and persevered for as long as she was able. It was even speculated by the doctors that the brown color of the infant squirrel’s fur would last some time into adulthood. 

With the father serving with the hedgehogs in the Flower Hill self-defense force, it was unlikely that he would be able to assist with both at the same time, even if the hedgehogs assigned him to guard the hospital.

And that left Geumsaegi, the leader of Squirrel Village, to care for his little brother. Which was a problem.

Unlike the other squirrels in the village, Sunchal Darami and Bocho Darami already understood that there was no way Geumsaegi could care for an infant while also continuing to care for the wellbeing of the village. The golden squirrel was a fantastic leader, one who understood what needed to be done, and could make rational and tough decisions, but he was also a dutiful friend to everyone. One who would work himself to death trying to keep everything running and everyone happy, if he was not forced to step down.

It had started out as small arguments, but was slowly building up. Geumsaegi was half a year older than Sunchal and Bocho, but he had been a great friend and comrade regardless, encouraging them with a benevolent smile they could never get enough of. Alongside Juldarami, the group had done almost everything together, with the younger two even joining the older when he went off for his conscription. Their group had been a great team, one that had been highly praised by the hedgehogs in charge of overseeing their training. Not that they, as squirrels, would ever have to fight. No, that was the job of the militant hedgehogs and the great Uncle Gom. The bear alone was a tremendous force to be reckoned with, his might so far beyond compare, that the Weasel Unit would never try to attack their village while he was alive.

It was almost boring for sentries and guards with such great protection, but Geumsaegi had insisted, just in case. A few enemy scouts could still sneak in and try to cause mischief, after all. An honorable job.

But, since their given occupation was one set of designated sentries and guards, only one of them could help their friend out in his hour of need. Their desire for protecting the village was triumphed by the need to assist with the coming of the pup.

“I have known Geumsaegi for longer than you have! I will stay with him and help him raise his brother! I have siblings, after all.” Sunchal waved his hands in exasperation. In the distance, other squirrels had seen the argument forming, and had wisely decided to complete their own tasks to avoid the altercation between the two friends, standing only feet away from their rifles.

Bocho rolled his eyes. “Only by a few days. And you had OLDER siblings. They took care of YOU! You don’t know anything. I actually watched mothers take care of children while you were off playing.”

Sunchal flushed under his fur. “I won’t allow our beloved comrade to suffer from overwork, or give up the job he loves! I will serve as his right hand and help take care of his brother! …Unless you want to take shifts?” An attempt to diffuse the situation.

“You forget about all the small details that we would have to handle. Squirrel pups need stability in who takes care of them, so us taking shifts would only severely upset the child. The fact that you forgot this means I am far better suited to assist Geumsaegi than you could ever be,” Bocho barked.

No, one of them would have to be off their shift for an extended period, spending more time with their beloved leader.

But the quarrels had gotten louder, more disorderly, as the season shifted into fall, winter approaching. It was only a matter of time before they grew physical, especially since the rest of the village did not appear to see the problem that would affect them all in the coming years…

But Geumsaegi had had enough of the fighting, alerted by the other villagers, holding his head as his tail twitched in annoyance when he approached, just as Sunchal had grabbed the collar of Bocho’s shirt.

“Enough, both of you! You know we do not condone fighting in this village, especially not when you are supposed to be doing your tasks! Such actions are worthy of the weasels. What if Uncle Gom heard you fighting and rushed over to see this? He would be so disappointed in you.”

The two squirrels paused in shame, then turned again to argue.

Geumsaegi cut them off, softly, “I cannot give you differential treatment simply because we are good comrades. I will have to punish you like I would anyone else. You will be assigned to the early night shift until further notice.”

……………………………………………..

They had been on the night shift for so long, that the other villagers had simply begun calling them Yagansunchal Darami and Yaganbocho Darami. The first night shifts were necessary, but it was not favored. The first night shift lasted from just after most everyone else had gone to bed, but ended before anyone other than the next shift had risen. It was seen as a punishment in isolation, often used to force quarreling squirrels to make up with one another out of sheer proximity, if not force some introspection in loneliness. But this was no petty dispute. For the two former friends, it was a deadly serious dilemma.

As expected, the fear of their beloved Uncle Gom would keep most of the mice and weasels away, while the diligent hedgehogs would pick up any stragglers that tried to maneuver around him. They were lucky to have them as allies.

It did lead to many boring nights as it grew colder. It had been a relatively warm winter, especially for near the end of December. It was made cold by the animosity the two held, having missed out on the winter solstice celebration a few days before, where the entire village had roasted some of the stored chestnuts together. Other than quiet insults, they had refused to speak for some time.

Something shifted in the storehouse as they passed by, the sound lingering to their ears, as if the building itself was settling. Or, someone was trying to move through it quietly, yet failing. Yaganbocho moved in through the door to for a brief check.

“What, too cold for you?”  Yagansunchal sneered, his own breath forming in the air as he chased the other in, “the next shift is only a few hours away, can’t you endure without having to go inside? Or are you planning to skip your shift to go and roast some chestnuts for a snack?”

“Shut up, I heard something, and now I have to go check to see what fell over. Might as well stack it back up so our comrades don’t have to do it in the morning. Besides, something else might fall over if we don’t fix it now,” Yaganbocho retorted.

A sandbag, prepared in case of flooding, had slipped off the top of the pile and landed on the floor. “Well, go ahead then! Pick it back up!” Yagansunchal gestured, wondering how a sandbag could have slipped so far away from the rest of the pile. He wrinkled his nose at the empty sacks nearby, yet to be filled by the surrounding sand, sure to leave a hard-to-clean mess on the floor.

Yaganbocho struggled for a moment alone, unable to lift the heavy bag by himself. “I wish you would help, but I guess you are incapable of assisting with something like this,” His tail repeatedly brushed up against the other’s legs.  

“Ugh! Hurry up!” Yagansunchal moved to lift the sandbag into place, the two needing to stretch out to place it on top, pausing to look at the unfamiliar gun on top, adorned with a Weasel Unit decal.

Another shifting behind them, and they were too defenseless to warn the village about the group of mice emerging from behind the other shelves.

Guns discarded, the squirrels had been shoved into the emptied sacks and dragged away into the night. They knew better than to make any noise. What would happen if an unarmed villager thought they were fighting and ran out to simply yell at them? Someone else might get hurt. And surely, either Uncle Gom or the hedgehogs would stop the mice before they were carried too far away from the village?

But later, slightly battered, huddled on the ground, surrounded by clubs and the muzzles of guns, they wondered if they should have called for help after all.

“We don’t have to hurt you too much,” The head mouse began in his threatening speech. “We know that the hedgehogs have an observation post near the lake, and it contains some documents that we would like to get our hands on. If you just show us the way there in the woods, we can get the documents and leave you behind relatively unharmed, maybe even for their next patrol…”

Yagansunchal could only blink back tears, hoping the mice would not notice them, nor the tremor in his voice, “Why would we know where the hedgehogs have any posts? They patrol around the entirety of Flower Hill, including our village, why would we know where they go?” Yaganbocho moved to huddle against him for support, shivering, then gave a low growl and moved away. The sense of comfort leaving frightened both of them, yet neither willing to throw away their pride.

“If the hedgehogs have an outpost near the squirrel village, I would think you should know about it, given that it is in your territory, and you should be able to lead us to it. Unless your leader keeps you in the dark?”

“Why would it matter to us if they had an outpost?” Yagansunchal’s genuine confusion appeared to alarm the mice at first, until they began to snicker in amusement.

“Isn’t that odd? We, of the Weasel Unit, know that your hedgehog neighbors have important outposts around Squirrel Village, as well as other villages. Do you not find it suspicious that your neighbors have a military outpost close to your homes in order to watch you? Would you not like to know what they are plotting against you?”

Yaganbocho blinked in confusion, “But the hedgehogs are our allies and close friends. They have always watched over and protected us while we went about our lives. Why would they plot against us?”

In the beams of the flashlights, some of the mice began to look at the squirrels with what appeared to be pity, “You have a highly militaristic neighbor, who patrols in your territory, possibly spying on you, and you are not even concerned that they may try to take over and make you their servants?”

“Shut up! Flower Hill is not like you! Our friends would never betray us like that, so don’t try to convince us of treachery! Besides, it would be a huge security risk for us to know about any staches or outposts, someone could get snatched and forced…to…” Yaganbocho blanched in realization, gesturing around him, “THIS!”

The group of mice shifted their guns, glancing at each other, “Are you really naïve enough to-”

The peals of the Village alarm bells echoed through the forest, squirrels glancing at each other as they realized that the next shift must have investigated their absence when they had not reported in on time, sounding the alarm when they found the scene of the attack. Weak searchlights lit up the sky, turning towards the area around the forest.

The mice began to shout in alarm. The leading mouse gestured for the two squirrels to move in front of them, expression unreadable. Hostages in case they were caught. 

It was not long until they reached the lake blocking their path, ice glistening despite the heavy cloud cover. “They won’t expect us to cross here. Keep them in front! They should be able to lead us around weak spots in the ice, and then they can lead us through the uncharted area on the other side,” the leader of the group snarled.

“We need to go around! It is not nearly cold enough to fully-” Yaganbocho’s protests were cut off with a hard smack, forcing him to crash into the ground, as his companion jumped out of the way in accidental surprise. They glared at each other for a moment, before they were both dragged upwards and forwards.

Their luck ran out towards the very center of the lake, thin ice finally giving way under the squirrels leading point, plunging them under the surface of the freezing water.

They had both known they would fall through at some point, already fully prepared to hold their breath and brace for the shock of the freezing cold, resisting the urge to gasp. As if it was natural, they shed the gloves and outer coats that would simply become waterlogged and drag them down into the depths, where the ducks might find their bodies in the spring. They had all learned this from a young age, before the hedgehogs had begun putting signs up around thin ice, as well as during conscription, allowing themselves to calmly float back up to the surface. The only regret was that none of the mice appeared to have fallen into the hole with them.

“Shit! Leave them behind, we don’t have time to deal with hypothermia! We need to go.” The mice sprinted back the way they came, an easier path presenting itself without having to deal with the further splintering ice.

But they needed to save themselves, and quickly. Yagansanchal dragged himself out first, briefly standing in a panic to try and get his bearings, before lowering himself to his knees to better distribute his weight. An echoing distress squeak behind him, and he turned to see Yaganbocho struggling to climb out of the hole, almost sliding back. “Why are you not out yet? They didn’t hit you that hard!”

“Th-the bullets!” The bottom dropped out from Yagansanchal’s stomach. He had not heard the mice shooting at him, but it they had, and the other squirrel had been hit…he leaned over, half dragging the other squirrel out of the hole to have a look.

In Yaganbocho’s hands, preventing him from crawling out himself, were the bullets from his rifle, and small pouch of extra gunpowder. They would need something to help start a fire, or at least create a loud enough sound for a rescue, after all.

They crawled flat along the ice in the opposite direction of the mice, fleeing into the distance. There was a mountain where they were headed, as well as a forest. Surely, they would be able to find a small cave, and some dry enough wood to start a fire and fend off the upcoming hypothermia. Their lives depended on it.

…………………………………………

Even through the cold, in the dark, it had been easy enough to recognize the Flower Hill symbol on the rocks, sticks placed in a way that would not draw attention to outsiders, but was a simple military code for the observer that there was something in the area. A small cave, entrance hidden. Possibly supplies.

Yagansunchal and Yaganbocho dropped the few dry sticks they had in shock.

They had found the hedgehog outpost.

No one was occupying it at the moment, but there were signs that something large had been moved out recently, and suggested that whoever had been manning it was likely to come back. Firewood already sat in small pits, with a small pan on top of another stack of wood, meant for cooking. A crate and a barrel sat in the corner.

Quickly, shivering violently, the two squirrels stripped off their wet clothes, changing into what they managed to find in the barrel, laying their own clothes on rocks to let them dry. Tarps were removed and wrapped around themselves to help generate warmth and keep the heat in.

The crate held chestnuts and a lighter.

Normally, it would be dangerous to light multiple fires in such a small cave, even if the entrance was open. There was always the risk of suffocation from too much smoke if they fell asleep. But they were not planning on resting. It would be dangerous to do so when entering hypothermia, as well as when they had no idea if the enemies would return for them. The axe next a stack of firewood should help at least one of them escape, if they could figure out their location in the dark. Normally, one would cover the head to keep the warmth in, but perhaps it would be easier to stay awake if the head was uncovered? Their ears had fur, after all.

They would not be able to soak the chestnuts before throwing them on the pan over the fire. As one usually did. That would take too much time. Their numb fingers would not be able to score the tops, either, but that would just make them a bit harder to peel with their strong teeth. Either way, getting some warm food into their stomachs was sure to help them through the rest of the night. Chestnuts would not take long to roast on a hot fire.

Sitting away from the flames to avoid catching the tarps ablaze, the two former friends moved closer to each other, hands and tails nearly brushing. Silence.

“This whole argument is stupid. We are so stupid.” Yagansunchal broke the silence.

“Ah…? Yeah…”

“What the hell are we fighting over? We never even thought to ask Geumsaegi if he had a plan for taking care of his little brother. We should have just asked him directly, since he probably made one the moment he heard.” Neither of them had asked, wanting Geumsaegi to think they were proactive in offering their help.

The hands finally connected, squeezing tightly after not feeling each other in so long.

“I-”

“I’m sorry,”

The apology was given at the same time, and accepted immediately, the two friends snuggling closer.

“Do you know what’s funny?” Yaganbocho began, “I have definitely seen another squirrel sneaking in through Geumsaegi’s back window at night, several times. I thought it was him at first, and he was out trying to get some work done, but Geumsaegi himself opened the window a few times. I wonder who it is?”

“It’s Juldarami! I got close enough to see since I was curious,” Yagansunchal chirped.

The two began to giggle. In hindsight, Juldarami had been as close to Geumsaegi as they had been, and the two had been spending more and more time together.

“What do you think about the hedgehog that also sneaks in through the window? Do you think he is only bringing him reports from Commander Goseumdochi about enemy troop movements and plots?” Yagansunchal asked.

Yaganbocho leaned in conspiratorially, “Oh, of course not. It’s Scout Goseumdochi, He and Geumsaegi were not discussing enemy movements, I can tell you that.”

“What? You peaked?” the other whisper screamed, grinning.

“No, I saw a hedgehog enter the village and thought I should greet them and report if need be. I saw him go behind the meeting hall, but when I went to follow, I heard noises, so I peeked around and saw them. they were not attending to business, I can tell you that.”

“All three of them, huh? And here I thought Juldarami was getting closer to Mulori,” Yagansunchal mused. “At least. I did until now, since I have seen her drop the hedgehog off at the village.”

 Yaganbocho giggled, “She is such a good comrade, helping them get together. Possibly covering for Goseumdochi if he is sneaking off. I am sure he would love assisting in taking care of the pup as well!”

The chestnuts began to brown, a sweet and nutty smell filling the cave, bringing extra warmth, promising deliciousness.

…………………………………………………

“Hello! Is there anyone in here?”

A voice cut through the darkness outside of the cave in the early morning. A rich, strong, voice of a being who had promised to always protect the squirrels, and come find them if they were lost, fulfilling his oath.

“Uncle Gom!” the two squirrels rose from the log, shuffling to meet their savior.

“Sunchal? Bocho? Comrades! Are you alright?” Their beloved Geumsaegi, moving forward to further wrap them in warmed blankets, checking for injuries. A scouting party of hedgehogs stood behind him, one moving to collect a data disk hidden under the earth in the cave. A hedgehog at the edge of the clearing waved to a duck, who flew to report to the other ducks circling the lake.

Neither squirrel could respond, simply plunging into the embrace of the village leader, finally releasing the tears from the ordeal the night before.

………………………………………………

It was indeed Juldarami who had been chosen to help raise little Bamsaegi, staring up at the crowd that often surrounded him with big, brown, inquisitive eyes.

“Are you still sure that you do not wish to be moved back to the day shift?” Geumsaegi asked.

“Haha, we may have grown a little too accustomed to the schedule…” Yagansunchal muttered.

It was true enough. Their sleep schedules had been reversed after spending so long on the night shift. It would be difficult to move back.

“I think we know how to maneuver in the village at night best of anyone by now, especially since we have memorized who usually does what in the middle of the night. I think switching out squirrels for the shift may actually be dangerous since a new pair would miss something that we would not. We are the best for the job!” Yaganbocho explained, raising an eyebrow as he hinted at knowing about the nighttime visits.

Geumsaegi’s ear twitched in surprise at the mention of the two knowing what everyone did at night, sharing a sly glance with Juldarami, who grinned and shrugged.

It was not as if they would not see any of their other friends. It was easy enough to wake up for a short time in the middle of the day to assist in the harvest or a festival.

But they had had a close call with the mice. Clearly, they were planning something, probing at the security of Flower Hill for weaknesses. Who knew when they would try and attack next? Days, weeks, even years down the line? It did not matter. The moment the enemies finally made their move, they would be ready to properly report the danger, for the good of everyone in the village.

Geumsaegi appeared quite pleased, smiling at their determination. That was all the encouragement they needed.

They would always be together in the village, one mind, all the time.