#it is only ancient because it is rare so it is amazing therefore it's still the same old magic but with a glint of the same old newness

[superconductivebean]

#1593: kind of a rant on the am

A video appeared in my feed. A Needlessly Thorough Look At HL. Very interesting, I though. This rant isn't directed at the video itself nor the author. I'm sighing at the narrative lead of the game, so, yeah.

I'm also going to be straight: I don't take Mоira's explanation for The CanonTM because it creates a lot of conflicting stances; the second paragraph will be self-explanatory enough, as it's obviously a speech needed for the press. Still.

What the video mentions:

Ancient Magic of the books was ancient in the sense it was rare, often forgotten, complex, or unfathomably dangerous.

Understanding it as existing somewhere on the meta level, aka something only the selected few can interact with yet it explains so a lot, means Mоira Squiеr perhaps understands abstract concepts such as Ancient Magic of the Books on the same level many redditors understood the concept of the Backroоms.

The Backroоm is the Sartre's nothingness. It scares us, because we expect an open field or an open space, like a well-maintained office or a parkin lot, or at least, them being not decrepit that it's obvious they have been abandoned, to naturally have people. Their absence, the quietness, the stillness of the air, all frighten us and sharp our senses.

We fear the vacancy of presence. We dislike being stranded—*alone*.

The Backrooms don't require monsters, almond water, battery packs and other useless items, nor they are a quest. The only thing needed is to realise you fear the inability to describe what you are seeing—to face the most primordial of fears that created us gods and demons.

The *feeling* of unknown that wants to be soothed by a fairy tale.

Ancient Magic, if you look at it like this, looses all charm and purpose and creates another Redditor's Backrоom.

AM wasn't created as an entity of its own—after all, the Backrоoms have few more settings which do work with the original premise. It was thought about as of a kind of an over-explanation and an over-complication for the sake of the…

I will try to explain most eloquently.

Was his ability to control others drawing an Ancient Magic?

When faced with something seemingly inexplicable, she pulls the card conspiracy theories enjoyers like to pull—the All-Explanation Mysterious Force Or Entity.

Ancient peoples build pyramids, but how, must be aliens. Ancient peoples built terrace farms, but how, must be giants. Architecture looks kind of same-y in different cities and towns, but how can it possibly be, must be Fomenko's "Tartаria".

I hope we see the pattern: Grindеwald was amazing and powerful, but how so, if not more wizards we know were, besides Tom maybe, so it must have been the so-called Ancient Magic and not his outstanding ability that made him the formidable wizards and enough power to potentially overthrow the Stаtute of Sеcrecy?

But it has been his skill. Tоm Riddlе was also amazing and incredible at magic. Olivаnders are amazing and incredulous at magic. Hаrry Pоtter, the boy who could cast without incantations, who fought the Dark Lord alone, was able to connect the wands with the rarest spell Priori Incantatum, was seemingly born into becoming a powerful and strong, combat-smart wizards—because he *was*. And the list goes on. Neither of those people had an all-mighty meta-planaric ability.

They all had skill. Trained, grown, groomed, and put to shine.

Calling it Ancient Magic means to disregard the effort, the study, and the dedication; it's equating skill with talent—as if it's an innate ability to be able to pull through challenge after challenge.

And so you lost it the moment you have introduced a very gimmicky kind of magic only the selected few could wield, of whom nobody remembers. Brilliant.

So how to fix it?

Maybe creating a disambiguation. Ancient Magic of Lily Pоtter's is Ancient because it is exceptionally rare. But Ancient Magic of MC's is Ancient because it is the ability to sense certain aspects of magic better than most—and by that I mean, be magick itself in the same way The Eldеr Scrоlls' protagonists are the avatars of Lоrkhan or the same way the Outsidеr picks his chosen.

The magic does not need to be doubled.

It is magical enough to manifest however it pleases.

Magic is magic. Only its manifestations are ancient or modern.

[alexanderlightweight]

Hello darling~

Prompt for you: Shifters!Malec going on a first date & scent marking?

— Saeth

why do my bf's prompts never let themselves be written in short doses? (because we talk about what they want and basically we both go down plotbunny shortcut and end up in a labyrinth of ideas)

ily even though this was only supposed to be like two scenes of dating and ended up so much longer and yes this will have to be added to but that's what writing wednesdays are for

<3 lumine

i hope reading this distracts you from pain for even a few minutes sweetheart and that you also enjoy it

-

in the shadow of a flame

There are few truly peaceful places in New York that Alec can find rest safely and without worry of interruption. 

The Halls of Refuge is one of the only places that is truly neutral in the entirety of New York and perhaps the whole of the East Coast.  It is an imposing building, beautiful and crafted from ancient stone steeped in magic and found in the quarries of the Spiral Labyrinth.  

Once one has passed through the entry ward you are then beholden to the rules of the Hall and therefore, fighting is not only discouraged but completely restricted.  Even the thought of violence could get you both kicked out and banned.

Alec isn’t pleased at the fact that the reasons he finds it peaceful are because most of his hunters either avoid it out of prejudice or had already been banned, but still, he finds himself also relieved to have a refuge, just as the name boldly states.

The Hall itself had been established at the end of the Uprising, something beyond mere empty words to try and seal the festering wound that has lingered in the shadowworld since before the Accords.  It’s been a place of safety for Alec since he was a boy, still training and lacking understanding of the world around him.

Alec is fairly sure that the only reason the hall exists is because its creator, Ragnor Fell had insisted on retrieving the books he’d lent the Clave before the Uprising and the Clave had refused to give them up for good.

Their own pride had played against them, the books now accessible to all and with very few nephilim actually bothered to venture out and study them.

Alec and Izzy were two of the few who did but after the last incident involving Izzy, a fey and a pile of nearly ruined books via bodily fluids — for once not blood — Alec found himself alone.

It was amazing.

The rooftop of the Hall, while developed for leisure, was rarely used during the daytime.  

Any vampires staying for the day in the Hall wouldn’t go near the sun and while the architecture was stunning, there were very few plants so the fae folk often preferred the educational greenhouses with rows of bark bound books and stone scrolls.

Alec also liked the greenhouses, but only when they were empty. Despite being a shadowhunter, once he entered the wardline, he apparently became approachable. 

Not by many, but by more than he knew how to deal with, especially when he had no idea why they were approaching him.

No one knew who he was here, names were often left unsaid or used in a carefree manner without attaching the weight of legacy and lineage. 

For someone who had lived in the shadows but often had a spotlight thrust upon him, it was familiar yet even more discomfiting when Alec couldn’t understand what was wanted from him.

Hence, while he would never take any book beyond the lilac and wisteria covered gazebos — the risk of sun damage to the books despite the spells on them kept him cautious — Alec liked napping on the sun hot stone with the heat of sol warming his fur.

His senses were finetuned enough that any disturbance or intrusion of his solitude and peace would wake him up in time to shift back without a risk of vulnerability. 

Or at least, that’s how it had been so far.

—

Magnus rarely visits Ragnor’s little library project in the daytime.  Not for any grand reason, but as a habit since he often sleeps during the day.  

Today, however, is a boring one and the night before has been uneventful, for once.  

Deciding to stretch his wings rather than portal isn’t even a conscious decision, not when Magnus aches to feel the the wind yield to the strength of his wings.

The rooftop — largely left bare by Ragnor as a courtesy for him to land — is occupied, but the presence is calm and contained and as Magnus gets closer, the scent entices him closer. 

Landing doesn’t awaken him, even as Magnus realizes that the abyssal lynx lying before him is a shadowhunter.

It’s as surprising as it is a temptation and Magnus deliberately lays near him, drawn as he is by the possibility of an unclaimed and hidden treasure now discovered.

Magnus doesn’t dare actually touch him, not yet when even in sleep he’s alert and wary.  Ears sway delicately in the breeze made from Magnus’ wings and yet, when most would startle and panic at the scent of a predator, he relaxes. 

His paws twitch in his sleep, making kneading motions in the air as his tail flicks back and forth and he remains asleep, undisturbed even in the shadow of Magnus’ presence.  

This could only happen if he found Magnus’ scent and magical aura as enthralling as Magnus finds his.

It’s easy enough to curl around Magnus’ newfound kitten, his form minute compared to Magnus’ own strength and size.  

Soon enough his kitten sleeps in the coiled embrace of a dragon.  

From nose to tail tip Magnus has formed an ouroboros, containing his treasure without disturbance, not willing to yet wake him.

It’s delightful to watch him sleep, to admire the sheen of black fur, glossy with health in the gleam of sol. Yet as the sun reaches its zenith, hot and bold in the sky without a pity for those under her piercing rays, Magnus grows concerned.

Surely a creature meant for the shadows and the dark is weaker, more sensitive to the brilliance and heat of the sun.  Without conscious thought one of his golden wings spreads out in a protective canopy, shielding his gem from the harsh rays.

It is a mistake.

—

Darkness wakes Alec up.

Despite the warmth still surrounding him, the light of the sun against his closed eyes is gone, which means it is no longer safe to rest when night is about to begin.

When he opens his eyes he finds that gold envelopes him even as darkness continues to surround him.  Not the abyss of the night, but the dark of confinement, the only light coming from what's keeping him trapped.

Alec should feel panicked, his hackles should have already been raised the moment a presence intruded on him and yet, even now, he’s surprised but unconcerned.  

The scent and power of whoever has entrapped him is equally comforting and beguiling. It’s hard to form cohesive thoughts when he wants to rub against the warmth radiating from what he can now recognize as golden scales.

Yet even as the idea crosses his mind, the scales are shifting, gold flickering as the sun is once again allowed to shine as a wing is pulled away.

Alec is still trapped in the coil of an ancient embrace and yet despite the fact that he could — and should — slip away into the shadows he finds himself shifting, despite the more vulnerable state of his bipedal form.

After all, even on two legs instead of four, Alec is a hunter.

As if waiting for him to shift, the dragon does as well and from where he’s sitting on the floor — no longer surrounded by warm, golden scales yet still feeling like he’s been caught in a snare — Alec can’t help but wonder at his own luck.  

“Was it too hot? I thought my wing might offer some relief.” 

Alec is surprised at the question, at the immediate regard for his well being and concern for his comfort despite being an unknown in a place a dragon rests.

“No,” and despite the fact that he could easily make up a reason, Alec finds himself telling the truth, “I come here for the sun and when it’s gone, I leave.”  That’s the best and safest answer he can give without lies or overexplaining.  

“A pity,” is all that’s said for a moment and then golden eyes narrow at him with a wicked gleam, “I was enjoying watching you dream, kitten.” 

Alec can’t help but glance up at the sky as he frowns, no matter that there is still time before dusk, it’s not worth it to try and sleep again for such a small period. It’s a waste but not one he can change. 

He deliberately ignores the heat on the back of his neck.

The last time he’d been called kitten was when he was a child in training, the instructor mocking him had never regained the use of his vocal cords.

Strangely, he doesn’t mind the term from the man before him.

“It’s Alec,” he finally offers, preparing to stand because while he might not mind it in feline form, it feels strange to be sitting when the dragon who watched him as he slept stands tall.

Footsteps sound; deliberate in their movement rather than soundless as Alec knows they should be. 

“And I’m Magnus, kitten.”

—

Magnus barely holds back the hungry trill that threatens to spill from his throat.  

He’s absolutely precious.

Large hands lined with callouses finally take Magnus’ own outreached hand as he pulls Alexander to his feet. 

“Let me make it up to you?” Magnus asks, a thrill in his veins as Alexander’s expression turns contemplative.  The pink creeping up his neck extends to his cheeks even as his ears twitch in interest.

“I can’t return the sun to its peak,” well he could, but that wouldn’t exactly get him what he wants, now would it. “But I can take you somewhere the sun is just beginning her reign?”

“Really?” There’s no shock or disbelief in Alexander’s voice, simply confusion. “ Just to make up for something that happened out of kindness?”  

If Alexander wants to think that Magnus’ mistake was out of kindness instead of greed, then all the better.  A small smirk forms on Magnus’ face and his eyes gleam even as he softens his voice.

“Well, I’m not being entirely selfless,” he lets himself admit and as much as he’d love to brush his fingers over Alexander’s cheek and let his scent linger there, he can be patient. 

When the prize is worth it.

“I quite like the idea of spending more time with you, Alexander. As lovely as you were to watch sleeping—” and Alexander’s ears fluff even as a scowl crosses his face at the reminder. “It would be even lovelier to get to know you.”

“There’s no guarantee you’ll like what you learn.”

“Well then, perhaps you’ll just have to let me watch you nap again, hmm kitten?”

—

Aoreatera is perhaps the only place Magnus can think of where the sun is newly risen yet still growing towards its peak this late in New York.  The beaches there are lovely and there are more than enough secluded coves that are warded away from mundanes because of the magical specimens found there. 

The warlocks born and raised in the cultures of their homeland are the ones to tend to and maintain these places, but entry is allowed when respectful.  Especially in Magnus’ case, when his mere presence often brings a new vitality. 

The balcony they arrive at is carved into the rock of the cliff itself, nothing but nature and magick were used to make and maintain this place.

Salt is thick in the air and perhaps so sandy a place isn’t the best choice when Alexander’s fur is so thick, yet Magnus has no regrets as Alexander’s eyes widen in delight and his face turns up to welcome the bright sun.

The food available here will be simple and must be self-foraged with a wild but thriving garden and a cove full of fat, healthy fish, most of them of magical varieties. It’s been a while since Magnus’ has refreshed himself like this, actually taking time away from the cloying and seeping feel of mundane cities.

Here, engulfed by wild and pure magick, entranced by natural beauty, Magnus is too tempted to deny himself and so he doesn’t.  

—

Alec isn’t sure what he expected when he let himself be guided through a portal, a balcony made of stone overlooking a cove full of rich and thriving tidepools isn’t it.  It’s real in a way that Alec hasn’t experienced since his last venture to the snow covered peaks of Idris.

He should be thanking Magnus, or asking what he wants in return and yet Alec has barely taken a few deep gulps of air and then he’s shifting.  It’s so much easier to enjoy the warm wind tugging on his fur, his tail coiling in the playful breeze, here than in New York.  The sun is glorious and the cliff without threat of shade except beneath the boughs of the large, lush trees and the air clean without the need of magical filtration.

He’s barely shifted before Magnus follows, a large, hot golden muzzle pressing against his side as if in comfort.  Alec’s allowance is taken as permission to an unasked question because a moment later, Alec finds himself being groomed.

Magnus' tongue is slick in a way his own rough one isn’t and yet heat presses down, smoothing his fur and permeating his muscles until he feels loose and languid.  Magnus’ scent is hot, less fire and brimstone and instead like the fierce heat of sunbaked stone. 

It’s not pure destruction but also the creation of new life, of ashes and then rebirth and it’s an intoxicating mix.  

He’s saturated in Magnus’ scent by the time the dragon is done and his fur is damp despite how hot Magnus’ breath is.  It’s without thought that Alec transforms, relaxed and with slowly blinking eyes he lets himself indulge in comfort so often denied. 

Magnus doesn’t stop, his tongue passing over the curve of Alec’s neck and lingering on the arch of his cheek. It’s unexpected but all Magnus does is chuckle, a deep rasping noise like the rumbling of an earthquake before his nose nudges Alec’s side and he inhales.

There’s a deep pause as nature itself seems to hold its breath and then hot — as scorching as a brand — skin presses against his own and arms wrap tightly around his waist. 

“Cold?” Magnus teases, the question a whisper of lips on the shell of Alec’s ear.  They flutter involuntarily, one brushing back up against Magnus’ mouth as if begging for more.  

It should be a hopelessly embarrassing display — Alec hasn’t let himself be so controlled by instincts since he was a child — and yet Alec finds himself desperately wishing that Magnus isn’t offended, but pleased.

Teeth tug playfully at the ear pressed against Magnus’ mouth and then nip, fangs teasing at the tender skin under his fur before retreating.  A warm mouth presses against his jaw before Magnus’ forked tongue tickles the swell of his lips.

Magnus keeps going, his nose tucking behind Alec’s ear as he inhales before his cheek presses deliberately to Alec’s neck and he nuzzles.  

Alec is going to smell like Magnus, for days.

The only way to erase this kind of marking is with magical tonics and despite how practical that would be, Alec can’t imagine wanting to erase Magnus’ scent when he already mourns that it will naturally fade.

—

Alexander presses back, head tilting in an unconscious submission as he offers more skin for Magnus to scent.

It’s not a sly, careful maneuver but one that means he’s just as entranced as Magnus himself is and it’s as irresistible as it is delightful.

Magnus takes advantage, pressing himself closer and letting his hands finally wander, tucking his fingers under Alexander’s shirt until he can press his hands flush against warm skin.  

Every place Magnus touches he made sure to leave evidence of his claim.  When Alexander returns to the institute — which Magnus will allow despite his instincts demanding he hide his treasure away — it will be with Magnus’ claim lingering on him.

— 

A harsh ring interrupts the gentle symphony of nature as they sit next to each other, watching the tide and Magnus resists the urge to flick his tongue and let his flames consume Alec’s phone.

Even Alexander seems irritated, his face going from soft wonder and serenity to a cold, solemn mask that turns his vibrant eyes dark and serious.

It’s a change that Magnus watches with careful intensity, all of his senses focused on Alexander in earnest. 

“Summoned by duty?” Magnus asks, keeping his voice wistful and pushing down the possessive anger that emerges at the thought of Alexander being taken away by another's command.

“For once, duty can wait.” It’s said with a casual carefulness, a deliberate nonchalance even as Magnus can smell Alexander’s emotions warring, as if this is the first he’s ever allowed such a thing.

Yet he did, to stay longer with Magnus.

What a precious and delicious treasure that Magnus has found at last.

[citronsucre]

snow - white

On November 22nd of last year, being a traditional asian fashion enjoyer, I went to Musée du Quai Branly for the first day of the "Kimono" exhibition. I learnt that traditionally, brides in Japan wore white but not as a symbol of purity. In Asia, each family has its own colors. The bride wears white because she will be dyed in her husband's family colors. Since white is also the color of funeral in most east asian countries, we can see the wedding as the death of the girl and the birth of the wife.

I thought it was interesting how the use of colors is influenced by the environment and the culture and how big of a social and historical testimony it is.

White has always been the color of purity, a symbol deeply rooted in abrahamic religions and even shintoism. It is the color of light and the color of the dove that itself gave its color to peace. Sins, just like dirt, show better on white.

That is exactly because it is difficult to keep white pure that it became a sign of wealth.

In the Victorian era only the rich could afford to wear white since it was so hard to keep clean. In my opinion, light colors as a symbol of status is an idea that still exist subconsciously seeing the "old money" trend lately on social media.

In most levels at horse riding shows, a sport historically connected with wealth, there is a really specific dress code including wearing snow white pants. This tradition comes from the late 18th century in the United Kingdom. At the time, fox hunting was popular and wearing light pants while riding meant you could afford hiring people to do everything for you. I am not quite sure about racing and polo but these sports were popularized in Europe around the same time and by the UK as well therefore it would be safe to draw the correlation.

In addition to its relation to wealth, the terms "blue-collar" and "white-collar" seem to link white to social status and a certain idea of success as well. "Blue-collars" designated labour workers that had to wear dark resistant fabrics at work due to the harsh working conditions and their low incomes preventing them from washing it too often while "white-collars" designated those who work in the office wearing more delicate white shirts. Here, the gap created by the colors is not only financial but rely on social and educational background as well.

Although I mainly focused on white, it is not the only fashion tradition holding social value that exists. Depending on the era and area, colors and patterns have been used all around the world like a language of itself. In ancient China, there were strict codes concerning clothes and what each social class could wear. At some point, the merchant class could be even more wealthy than the noble class but because of these restrictions they would use wedding ceremonies as an excuse to flaunt their money, creating the most amazing garments hand drawing on the most-expansive-and-rare-dye dyed fabric the most detailed pictures.*

In today's fashion, thanks to technology, color would hold less value if it was not for the one we grant it because of the social codes we inherited. Just look at how they depicted the Capitole versus District 13 in the Hunger Games movies, or how the colors tone down in fashion shows and the jewelry disappears on red carpets during a recession. It is always fascinating to me how everything is connected especially art to its time.

(*) if you are interested, this is from an exhibition i went to about the history of China in Paris Musée des Arts Décoratifs but I think most of the pieces were lended by Musée national des Arts Asiatiques

[dairedara]

I found your account just for by that I follow the "Christianity" tag and you seem neat and cool; I have a question, what on Earth is the story behind you having such a complex and novel belief system? It's just, really kinda rare for people to "do their own research" to an extent of coming away with spiritual practices that look like a fancy salad with a bajillion different parts, y'know?

Hi!! Thank you for this question, this is a story I’ve been wanting to tell for a while now :)

I was raised in lukewarm Christianity— baptized Lutheran, went to church usually just for events or with non-denominational friends. Because I didn’t go to church regularly, my faith developed in a very individual sense. I have always felt connected to nature and seen it as divine in some sense, which I think influenced my pantheism later in life.

I had a crisis of faith very young. I went to an ultra-Christian summer camp with a friend, which was a lot of fun, but also basically my introduction to modern fundamentalist Christianity. There were sermons twice a day, between the swimming and the flag football, and I distinctly remember borrowing my friends’ “kid’s Bible” which had a bright pink cover because for some reason my dad’s KJV from the 70s was unfit. (I didn’t think much of that at the time, but now I do think that kind of radicalized me. I think that so many modern Christians are only ever exposed to the Bible through a specific lens, and therefore can only possibly come away with the interpretation of their pastor/denomination/youth group leader/translation instead of developing their own genuine, unadulterated view of the Bible.)

But anyway, our camp counselor took turns interviewing us, and when it came to me she asked me this question: when did you know you were saved?

I was nine years old, had absolutely zero life changing experiences under my belt, and was also incredibly devout. I answered: I always knew, because I was raised with the fact that Jesus loves me and he died for me. She wasn’t satisfied with this answer and kept pushing me until she gave up. The question greatly confused me, and when I came home, it triggered a chain reaction. I realized I couldn’t pinpoint a specific moment in my life that would explain my religiosity. I prayed for some sort of sign that I was doing the right thing and received nothing in response. I became, in essence, an atheist.

In middle school, I got my first tumblr account, and I learned about Wicca through that. I’ve always been interested in world mythology and I thought it was insanely cool and insanely right that people still worshiped the gods from those stories, although at this point the only pagan faith I knew of was Wicca, and for some reason I thought you could only pick two gods, one male and one female. Since I liked Celtic myth, I picked Cerridwen (Welsh) and Lugh (Irish). This lasted for like one week, and then I found out about Hellenic (Greek) polytheism, which felt much more right to me. I started doing a lot of research into reconstructionism (basically, using the tools available to us to replicate, as accurately as possible, the religion and religious practice of a person from one of these ancient polytheistic societies). Recon tumblr was very dramatic in the early ‘10s, it probably still is, and I was intimidated and amazed at the same time. Around this time I also got introduced to the theological debate scene and was really interested in the mechanics of belief.

A year or so into this, I had what was probably the most intense religious experience of my life. A whole-ass vision, during a time where I was awful mentally, and in the middle of a crazy thunderstorm. I won’t go into the details here, but it pivoted my path a little and I became interested in Roman polytheism. I built a relationship with the Roman gods Juno, Mars, Venus, Apollo, Jupiter, Minerva, and others. I also got super interested in the idea of religious syncretism that is pretty much exemplified by mid-to-late Empire religion, and encountered deities like Mithras, the Egyptian Isis and Osiris, and Etruscan deities. At this point I was a baby Latinist and experimented with composing my own prayers outside of the very proscriptive rituals in Roman tradition. It was a very comfortable and beautiful practice for that time in my life, and it grew into a very easy rhythm.

My shift to Celtic paganism was pretty sudden and intense. I felt very lost in my identity and began exploring the religious practices of cultures through my genealogical research. I always that Braucherei (Pennsylvania Dutch magic) was cool, as a PA Dutch person, but I couldn’t wrap my head around using the Bible for that kind of mystical practice. I explored Welsh paganism because I have some Welsh roots, and read the Welsh epic Mabinogion. This is a really fascinating work because it seamlessly incorporates indigenous tradition with a Christian framework. Unlike the Irish cycles, it’s not set in pre-Christian Europe. The characters believe in God, they make Christian oaths, and yet they have supernatural abilities and lifespans. The first branch is particularly of interest to me because the character of Pwyll is put into the medieval archetype of the God-honoring feudal lord, and yet he’s relatively unconcenered when he meets Arawn, the king of the Otherworld (also known as Faerieland, etc.). I then read the Irish Cycles, which do lean a bit more Christian-y because of the very strong monastic tradition in Ireland, but they’re no less cool and definitely struck a cord with me.

Meanwhile, in my academic life, I was graduating high school and trying to figure out what the hell I wanted to do in college. I’ve always wanted to do Classics, but I began to become super obsessed with Medieval Latin and the early church. My best friend’s family had recently converted to conservative Catholicism, of all things (this was incredibly weird for her), and asked me to go to Christmas Eve mass with her because her parents wanted her to go with them. I readily accepted because it was a Latin Mass, and it was a lot of fun for me because church Latin is very easy and I got to translate something other than Virgil and Livy.

I became really interested in trying to reconstruct what someone in the early British or Irish church might have believed. Christianity in Western Europe was not introduced in a particularly violent manner, unlike what we see outside of Europe or even just in Slavic nations. Indigenous traditions were not systematically erased. Instead, Christianity diffused throughout the culture. It is very likely that my Gaelic and Brythonic ancestors at some point worshiped pagan gods at the same time they honored Christian Saints. St. Brighid, after all, was either syncretized with or is a development of the Irish goddess of the same name– I, personally, treat them as a single entity and she has done so, so much for me. In modern pagan (and Christian!) spaces, Christianity and Pre-Christian traditions are treated as two completely separate, incompatible worldviews, but if that were really true, this transitional period wouldn’t exist. We wouldn’t have religions that draw from both like folk Catholicism or Haitain Voudoun.

My journey to pantheism was pretty easy, all things considered. While I was worshiping Celtic gods alongside venerating Saints and the Archangels, I was coming to terms with the fact that I did really and honestly believe in fate. In neopaganism or modern spiritual spaces in general, you sometimes see this idea of “the universe.” As in, everything happens for a reason, and the “universe” is bringing you certain things or taking them away. I kind of organically combined this notion of the universe with my belief that nature is divine (which I suppose could be called animism) and came out with what I think could be called Spinoza’s pantheist god. I never felt a moment that drove me to God because God is everywhere, and there is no separation, in my mind, between the mundane and the divine. Gods and Saints and Angels and even our deceased ancestors are intermediaries between it and us.

Here’s a list of some beliefs of mine that I didn’t mention specifically mention but I think are important nonetheless:

I believe God(s) exist because every single culture in the world has religious traditions of some sort and similar ideas of religious experience, even if those cultures did not ever interact. If we can trust our physical senses to determine reality (ex. I am touching my laptop so I believe it exists physically) then our spiritual experiences are real and valid.

The God of Abraham specifically made a covenent with the Jewish people and so “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” only applies to that tradition– I also do believe that Adonai/YHWH, based on anthropological evidence, is a member of the Canaanite pantheon and therefore no more or less “powerful” than any other little-g god. YHWH, in my opinion, is not the same entity as the pantheistic God, which encompasses him and then literally everything else ever.

The Bible is not inerrent but everything in there is in there for a divinely inspired reason, even if that reason is so we can understand past cultures and historical context.

Religion tumblr is very weird for me because I can’t tell if I fit into the Christian or the Pagan space more. Christo-pagans are not that accepted in the pagan community and the idea of fate or “everything happens for a reason” is very controversial. Obviously it’s confusing for most Christians, too. Feel free to ask about literally anything– my faith is definitely a Frankenstein’s Monster situation!

[qocsuing]

From History to Flavor: Maotai-flavor liquor in Food

From History to Flavor: Maotai-flavor liquor in Food Chinese cooking has always had a special place for Maotai-flavor liquor which is famous for its amazing history and unique taste. This iconic drink was born in the province of Guizhou, located in the southwest of China, and represents hundreds of years of continuous improvement combined with cultural traditions.Get more news about Maotai-flavor liquor,you can vist our website!

Historical Beginnings

Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) marks the birth time of maotai-flavor liquor when local craftsmen started distilling it according to ancient recipes passed down from generation to generation. Initially, this drink was made for royal feasts but during the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912) it gained popularity among people as it appeared on state banquets’ tables more often.

Production Process And Craftsmanship

Maotai-flavor liquor stands out because of its thoroughness during distillation. Fermentation is done using locally grown sorghum, wheat, and Chishui River water known for being pure and rich in minerals. Limestone caves serve as fermentation pits where earthy-nutty slightly sweet-flavored spirit gets aged thanks to them.

Culture Significance

It’s not only about taste but also about culture and what Maotai-flavored alcohol means. It can be regarded as a sign of respect or hospitality presented at weddings, festivals or business dinners. Moreover, Chinese traditional medicine includes this drink into recipes believing that it has certain health benefits besides being symbolically important for Chinese society.

Current Impact & Global Popularity

Recent years have witnessed growing recognition internationally towards Maotai-flavored liquors appreciated by collectors around the world who love rare things like these are considered to be. Many top chefs from abroad were attracted by its prestige which resulted in joint ventures with them bringing together old Chinese tastes mixed with modern culinary trends.

Serving Suggestions And Pairings

For a better understanding of all the hidden flavors neat room temperature should be used when drinking maotai flavor alcohol. In respect of food combinations, it can go well with heavy meat dishes such as Peking duck or light seafood and dim sums too. Therefore, those who like Chinese cooking will find great pleasure in experimenting with different matches while having this liquor that compliments each dish perfectly thus making it most suitable for people interested in Chinese cuisine.

Preserving Culture & Tradition

While China is going through a lot of changes there are still some attempts being made to keep up with the old ways regarding maotai flavor liquor’s making process so that its traditional craft could survive. The distilleries pay attention to every detail ensuring their products meet both modern demands and historic authenticity at once.

Summary

When you drink Maotai-flavored alcohol, you taste history, craftsmanship, and culture all in one gulp because nothing else embodies these three elements better than this Chinese national treasure. It is a living legend that continues captivating hearts not only inside the country but also abroad thus becoming an inevitable part of every menu dedicated to China and other cuisines around the world.

[homosexuality-at-its-finest]

You guessed, it's me again

How would the lords react to a very knowledgeable S/O who loves to learn whatever they can put their hands on no matter if it is a language or to wielding or dancing, THEY'RE READY. Oh and also they're really honest and have a booming laughter (Headcanons of course)

A/n: Welcome back my child, we're all back on our bullshit tbh. Thank you for the request, I fuggin love writing anything Resident evil

@rabid-d0g

Plot: Requested

Warnings: Chaotic Y/n, cussing, violence, that’s about it tbh

LADY DIMITRESCU

· She loves how knowledgeable you are, even if she can get envious that your knowledge surpasses her own

· She will buy you any book you could ever imagine, feeding into your curiosity and need to learn

· Alcina is often amazed by how quickly you learn languages, she watched you learn French in 3 days because there was a book you wanted to read

· When it comes to wielding weapons, Mother Miranda save her she’s terrified

· You’re so small and fragile and she doesn’t want you to end up hurting yourself

· That fear was ended in a rather ridiculous predicament of a Morticia attacking you, which caused you to scream while repeatedly whacking it with a sword

· You had tried to play it off smoothly, grinning up at your lover, but she’d seen everything and was cackling

· She’s the one that teaches you to dance, pleased by how quickly you picked up on it.

· You two now dance together almost nightly, the girls think it’s disgustingly sweet

· The first time she encountered your naive honesty was when you had anciently broken one of her favorite vases.

· She was used to the girls and maids alike lying to stay clear of her fury, but you looked up at her with red puffy eyes and a trembling bottom lip and admitted to breaking it

· She’s tried and failed in getting you to lie, you’re just so honest, and at times it can be infuriating when it’s a situation when the truth is best kept a secret

· Alcina adores your laugh

· She could be in the foulest mood, but as soon as she hears the booming, boisterous laughter the mood seemingly disappears.

· She will do anything to see you smile and hear your laughter, it makes her feel alive and full of love.

· Alcina overall loves you unconditionally, flaws and all.

SALVATORE MOREAU

· Salvatore loves how intelligent you are, the two of you constantly bouncing ideas off each other

· He may not be the same man he was before the Cadou, but he’s still a doctor and therefor is super smart

· He has a plethora of books for you to read, and if your eyes or head hurt from reading, he’ll read to you

· The fact that you can learn languages so fast baffles him, he’s asked you about it before, but only got a sly smirk and ‘a magician never reveals their secret’ in return

· He never doubted your ability to wield a weapon, the way you two had met was him finding you on his land violently bashing in a Lycan’s skull

· Though the idea of you having a gun did make him a bit wary, you wielded it like you were born with a gun in your hand, so he had no reason for concern

· So, the thing about dancing is Salvatore has two left feet, mans is awful at dancing

· You’ve seen him eat shit while he was walking on flat ground, let alone dancing

· When you taught yourself how to dance it was a solo thing, but he adores getting to watch

· He’s fascinated by your beauty, the way your body moves. Everything about you is entrancing to our favorite fish man

· When it comes to your honesty, it’s never bothered him

· He’s also naively honest, so if anyone wants to know info they immediately go to the reservoir

· Karl has asked jokingly what Salvatore’s nether regions looked like and you told him point blank much to his horror (he no longer asks joking questions)

· Salvatore at first was startled by your laughter

· It was so loud and sudden that it had taken him off guard

· Now it’s his favorite sound, your laugh is infectious and makes him laugh

· His favorite kind of laugh is when its booming laughter mixed with snorts, because those are reserved for his jokes alone, it makes his chest feel warm and full

· He’s a shyer lover to have, but once you’ve gotten through his shell you two are a match made in heaven

DONNA BENEVIENTO

· So, Donna knew you were smart from the start, so your intelligence has never caught her off guard.

· She’s the one that will never doubt your abilities and is almost never caught by surprise by the things you can do.

· You’ve recited an entire book from memory to her before and she didn’t even bat an eyelash, she knows her partner is smart

· When it comes to languages, she’s more curious than anything, asking how you can remember so many or how you can learn them so fast

· You explain to her that they just come easily to you and they just make sense, she takes it

· Her favorite language you’ve learned is ASL, you two use it when she doesn’t have energy to talk or use Angie to talk

· She will buy you as many books as you want, and will listen to you read them (Even if they make no sense to her) while she sews or works on her dolls

· She loves your voice and could listen to it for hours, it’s soothing for her to listen to you, especially if she’s having a bad day

· Donna supports you wanting to learn how to wield a bo staff

· She loves watching you train, even if it means getting up early to see you work out before you begin your training

· You protect the house itself now, no one has gotten into the house and survived after you taught yourself how to fight

· Donna loves dancing, but is shy when it comes to dancing when it’s in front of others, gently encourage her and she’ll teach you

· She’s a wonderful teacher, and you two could dance for hours, moving perfectly in sync. It’s hypnotizing to watch honestly.

· She likes that you’re honest, it’s nice to have someone in her life who doesn’t lie or who isn’t cryptic

· It’s like a breath of fresh air for her

· Your laughter? My god she blushes every time she hears it

· She loves your laughter, and can’t help but laugh along any time she hears it

· You’re the only person alive who’s heard her laugh, or can make her laugh

· Usually, she’s wary of loud sounds but you bring her out of her shell

· Donna is the most supportive lord, she’s never once doubted you

KARL HEISENBERG

· You two are a chaotic fucking duo who will bring the end

· Both of you are intelligent, bordering genius

· Karl lets you read all his books, which means you know just as much about metal, war and more

· He recruits you in his fight against Miranda

· You two speak in different languages all the time, mostly so other people can’t understand the confidential conversations you’re having, you can never be too safe.

· With your combined intelligence things at the factory go a lot smoother, and things aren’t as horrendous as they are in the games

· You guys still do some fucked up stuff, but all is fair in war, I guess?

· Karl is 1000% behind you in learning how defend yourself

· He even teaches you how to, and is offended and pouting when in your second session you knock him on his ass

· Even the Lycans are scared of you after seeing you beat one to death with your bare hands for destroying your blueprints.

· None of the other lords fuck with you, you and Karl give off a terrifying energy when you’re together

· You two don’t have much down time, but when you mentioned wanting to learn how to dance, Karl had taught you.

· He’d been quite the dancer in his day, and found that it was nice to have a dancing partner again

· It’s a rare thing, but when you two dance it’s very intimate, full of love and unspoken promises

· I think Karl would like your laughter the most

· Because you two live in a very scary and bland world where a war is building, so happiness is far and in between

· So when he hears your laughter it’s like a gift from the universe

· Any time he hears your laughter he tries his best to engrave it in his brain, eyes full of love and chest full of warmth

· I think overall you and Karl have the hardest relationship to maintain, but by pure love and respect for each other, it all works out

[phonixa08]

A light in the Darkness

☾︎ 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: fantasy au, fluff, a lil bit of angst

☾︎ 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Felix x reader

☾︎ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: slight mentions of murder

☾︎ 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: As you made your way to your favourite place at night, just to enjoy the peaceful silence, you quickly realized that you weren't the only one with that plan.

☾︎ 𝐚/𝐧: This is my first attempt here on tumblr so I can't promise anything but I hope you enjoy either way!♡︎

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ

Stepping out of your house and into the night you breathed in the now slightly chilly air which was usually warm in the midst of day. Sneaking out in the middle of the night became a habit of yours. The night was just so peaceful compared to the busy streets at the light of day where everyone seemed to be chasing their time, the stress being visible on their faces. With the silence of the night and the stars twinkling above you, you felt at ease, like all the burdens just have been lifted off of your shoulders.

Sighing, you made your way to the place you always went to at night- a pond in the woods. It somehow holds a magical aura to you, the way the water glistened in the moonlight and the trees forming an almost perfect circle around it, it was your safe place.

Your figure wandered between the trees, the leaves and branches crunching beneath your feet with each step you took, as suddenly something made you stop in your tracks.

"𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑠𝑢𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑒𝑑, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑, 𝑤��𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑠𝑜 𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑒𝑝, 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑐𝑘 𝑖𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒~"

Taken by surprise, you quickly hid behind the nearest tree, not wanting to be seen and startle them with your presence. What was this person doing here in the middle of the night? you thought, at which you smiled ironically coming to the realization that it was you, after all who always came to this place at ungodly hours. Deciding that you wanted to find out who's beautiful voice you just heard and because you couldn't hide here forever you carefully stepped out of your hideout but not without tripping over a branch, the noise being loud enough to signal the person that they weren't alone. Just great, I can't even walk properly without my face kissing the ground. "Who's there?" you heard a deep voice ask. Getting up from the ground and dusting off your jeans, you finally made your way to the pond.

Into your view came a boy around your age with blonde hair and dark eyes, his seemingly stiff posture loosened when he saw your "not - so-intimidating" silhouette approaching him. Even though you were a stranger, he could tell you meant no harm, let's just say this was his talent: reading people. In a way it was the same for you, not the reading people part, but you felt that you could somehow trust him. So you hoped your gut feeling wouldn't fail you, as you took a seat on the rock next to him. "Don't worry, I'm not planning on killing you." you joked, feeling the need to reassure him.

Although he had a sad look on his face, a small smile graced his prominent features as he eyed you. "I heard you singing, you know." you turned your gaze towards him. His eyes became bigger as a flash of embarrassment overcame his body. "I must've sounded so terrible, this is embarrassing." his words muffled because of his hands, covering his face. You on the other hand, looked at him, as if he grew another head "Are you kidding me? I hid behind that tree as an excuse to listen to your voice." Slowly he removed his hands from his face, looking at you in disbelief "Do you really mean it?" You gave him a small smile "I don't say what I don't mean. I really like your voice, I think it's unique, rare. It's deep but also very calming, like the sound of ocean waves." These words combined with the sincerity in your eyes made a blush creep up on the boy's cheeks. No one has ever heard him singing before, so this really meant a lot to him.

"I'm Felix." he held out his hand for you to shake. Smiling, you gently took it. "I'm Y/N." "So, what are you doing here if I may be so bold to ask?" he questioned. "The same as you, I suppose." Felix raised a brow "And that would be?" You shifted in your position, so your body would face him. "Running away from reality." You saw him turning his gaze towards the night sky. The moonlight highlighting his skin, making it glow and stand out from all the darkness around you. His freckles twinkling like the milion stars in the universe. He was beautiful, if you haven't realized it yet, you definitely did now. "Guess that makes two of us, huh." he whispered into the chilly air, letting out a sigh and you couldn't help but notice the broken tone in his voice. You stood up from the rock you've been sitting on and spread out a blanket that you stored in your backpack. As you laid down, you could feel Felix's eyes on you. "What are you doing?" a tint of amusement in his voice, as a smile was tugging at the corner of his lips. "Well, what does it look like? Might as well appreciate the stars when I'm outside." you deadpanned. Following your action, he laid down beside you. Turning your head, a grin appeared on your lips. A little company once in a while wasn't that bad.

After a while of just laying there and watching the stars shine in the darkness, your voice interrupted the calming silence. "I know I'm only a stranger you've just met and it's probably not my place to ask you that but... I've noticed the sadness in your eyes and something tells me that there's more to it. It's not something that can easily be fixed. So, if you want to talk about it, I'm here for you. But don't feel pressured, it's your choice after all." Felix debated if he should tell you what has been bothering him since he really couldn't make out how your reaction would be. This was a secret that needed to be kept as such and the boy was very aware of that. But he felt that he could trust you and honestly; he really wanted to get it off his chest. So, Felix sat up and took a deep breath "Promise me you won't freak out?" You just looked at him, confused as to why he would suspect that reaction from you but you gave him an assuring smile "I promise." The blonde stretched out his palm and after a few seconds you saw a pretty blue flame lighting up the darkness around you. It left you in awe and you couldn't believe what you were seeing.

There was a legend about an ancient folk called "Lumina", it's said they had special powers such as lighting up flames with their palms. They were superior in reading people-you could never fool them. The Lumina were an extremely peaceful folk, very empathic and loving, which made them stand out from the most people. Although you would think of these powers as a blessing, they were pretty much a curse. Other folks were jealous of the Lumina's perfection and used this, as a reason to murder them. That's why it's believed that the Lumina don't exist anymore.

Therefore, your amazement made itself visible on your face as you've realized that one of them was sitting right beside you. But instead of screaming out of shock, you slowly reached for his hand. "Can I? Is it gonna hurt me?" Felix quickly came out of his trance, stunned from your positive reaction. Shaking his head, he explained "No, it's only gonna hurt you, if I decide so." Touching the flame cautiously, you only felt warmth, it was truly intriguing. It warmed his heart, seeing how amazed you were. "You know, usually people are afraid of me and call me a monster if I show them my powers." You felt your heart shatter and looked him in the eyes, you could clearly see the pain in them. "Is that why you ran away?" you quietly asked. The boy nodded "It started when I turned 18. If I got too emotional my hands would form blue flames and hurt those around me, I had no control over it whatsoever. That's when I realized I wasn't normal, at first I thought something was terribly wrong with me. But after a lot of research-"" You've realized you're a Lumina." you ended his sentence.

With big eyes he stared at you "So you knew about them? There's almost no information, even in the internet." You nodded, a couple of hair strands falling out of place "Yes, but I love legends and this one is no different. So I've spent a lot of time doing research." You truly had the talent of surprising him, he has never met someone like you before. It sounded cliché, but right now, he thought you were one of a kind.

"Thank you for trusting me." you said. At which he only slyly grinned "Well, as a Lumina I can read people like an open book. Sooo-" you hit him on the shoulder. "You're a brat." The blonde fake winced and clutched his chest "Oww, right there." Before you could scoff at his antics, he quickly dropped his behavior, looking into your eyes and suddenly you felt numb under his gaze. "I also have to thank you." A few seconds passed before you spoke up, tilting your head. "For what, precisely?" He leaned in, his voice dropping a few octaves, whispering in your ear. "For being here."

Giving you one last glance, he stood up, dusting off his jeans, completely aware of the effect he had on you. "So, want to know more about my abilities or what?" Still in shock because of his duality, you blinked a few times as though by that your blush would go away.

Clearing your throat, you also stood up from the blanket, following him. "But only if I'll hear your singing afterwards." you pouted at him. "Whatever makes you happy." Felix responded while ruffling your hair.

[scottymcgeesterwrites]

Final Fantasy VI Review

Year: 1994

Original Platform: Super Nintendo (originally released as Final Fantasy III in the West)

Also available on: Playstation One (Final Fantasy Anthology), Game Boy Advance, Android, iOS, Steam

Version I Played: Game Boy Advance

Synopsis:

Terra is a slave used by the Gestahl Empire because of her magic powers. The Gestahl Empire seeks to hunt down espers (summons) and harness their powers too, effectively killing them. Terra escapes their clutches and falls into the hands of the Returners – a small band of rebels hoping to return freedom to the world.

Gameplay:

Final Fantasy VI doesn’t exactly add anything super-new to the gameplay unlike its predecessors. That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong or boring with it. It has an ATB system and each character, like in Final Fantasy IV, specialize in certain jobs. Therefore, each character has a special unique ability that no other character can perform.

I find the style of the game unique for its time because you can easily split the game into two parts. There's a pivotal point in the story that changes everything. The first half is a typical story-driven RPG. The second half is actually more open world. With a huge cast of characters, you are not actually required to end the game with all of them. The second half of the game offers a unique style where you can take on the final boss with what you’ve got, or hunt down the rest of the cast members and then take on the final boss.  

 Graphics:

This is the SNES in its prime. Character sprites are much bigger, and the world looks so much more detailed and vibrant. Shadow looked weird though. Sometimes you had to squint to discern what his face actually looked like. Other than that, the game looks great! It’s notable for utilizing more graphics power from the SNES in some cutscenes, and also when you fly an airship.

The PlayStation One version again has a FMV sequence that hasn’t aged well at all. Okay, maybe it’s a tad bit better, but that’s not saying much.

Story:

One of the biggest debates in recent Final Fantasy fandom is asking whether Final Fantasy VI or Final Fantasy VII is better. While I won’t get into Final Fantasy VII much now, it was always the most popular game in the series. It seems that in recent years, gamers have retroactively judged Final Fantasy VI as the best Final Fantasy game of all time.

I wish I had appreciated more when I was a kid. When I first played it then, I actually despised it. I was much more critical about stories back then. For whatever reason, I didn't think the world building was coherent. I also wasn’t used to Final Fantasy games by then.

I finished Final Fantasy VI about four years ago, and that time I was taken by it. I became enlightened and completely changed my opinion of it from sour to sweet. I wish I could erase my memory on playing it only so that I could experience it for the first time and appreciate it for the first time. I had already known most about what happened in the story, so I really wish I could experience the shock and awe of it brand new. Final Fantasy VI does things with its story that no other Final Fantasy game has done. It has drama, it has brevity, it has an amazing cast of heroes and villains. To date, it has the most playable characters in a Final Fantasy game.

The plot even incorporates a little opera that you sit through.

 At first glance, Final Fantasy VI seems derivative. There is once again an evil empire seeking to control the world, and there is once again a rebellion. People often make the parallel to Star Wars, much like Final Fantasy II. The name “Returners” doesn’t quite stick with me personally as the name of an epic rebellion. Final Fantasy VI also created the recurring characters Biggs and Wedge, a further nod to Star Wars.

But you have to look past the simple setup of a ragtag rebellion fighting an evil empire. First of all, the steampunk setting is one of the most original in a Final Fantasy game to date, and hasn’t really been revisited. The world dabbles in late 19th century architecture, with fine arts and opera. The empire is only beginning to realize the ancient power of magic, and combines it with technology to make “Magitek”, starting a sort of “industrial revolution”. The opening scene to this game is one of the most memorable. Terra, under the empire’s mind control device, in her magitek armor with Biggs and Wedge, trudging through the snow as the opening credits roll by, comes off as a real live-action movie.

 While the official creators say that there isn’t a main character, I still say it’s Terra. If not, she’s at least the most important. She propels the plot forward. She’s one of those rare great female protagonists in a video game RPG. She’s more than just “a strong female character”. She has depth as she tries to find her place in the world, and other characters, such as the thief Locke, try to help her.

 Also, just like Final Fantasy V, Final Fantasy VI has its own villainous goofball - Ultros.

He’s not quite as charming as Gilgamesh, but he acts in the same manner regardless.

 Each character has their own story – no matter how small or big. They’ve all lost loved ones, or suffered hardships, and the central theme about the entire game is really about grief and dealing with it even in the face of nihilism.

 Nihilism comes in the form of Kefka - Emperor Gestahl's court mage. Kefka did the whole nihilistic evil clown thing before Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight. Kefka retroactively rose to popularity, rivaling longtime favorite villain Sepiroth from Final Fantasy VII as the best Final Fantasy villain.

 Final Fantasy VI deals with heavy topics. I was shocked that it even dared to show a scene of attempted suicide. Things get dark. Really dark. But Final Fantasy VI deals the darkness with such elegance. I admire its ability to treat such heavy plots for basically children.

The ending to this game is probably the most epic out of any Final Fantasy game. I can gush with details but this is meant to be a spoiler - free review. I just have to say – E P I C. But the most admirable thing I just have to say is that it treats Terra’s journey with the utmost respect and tact. It doesn’t try to define her by having some hokey romantic subplot.

Music:

Another legendary score. Given the tone and atmosphere of the story, the score reflects something darker. Right away, the opening titles before you begin is accompanied by foreboding music. With the exception of battle themes, the story demanded that Uematsu put away most of his drumming and rock undertones for a more conventional, instrumental score with pathos. It sounds most like the score to an actual fantasy movie, very operatic and Wagner-like.

Shadow’s theme sounds inspired by typical Western movie fare, being that he is a drifter. In fact, Final Fantasy VI’s score is diverse in tones with its character themes, which is obvious once you think about where all the characters come from. Cyan’s theme has Asian influences. The theme for the Veldt, a stretch of wilderness, has a jungle beat. Then of course there’s the opera music. Many Final Fantasy concerts, such as Distant Worlds, play the opera about the fictional characters Draco and Maria. Kekfa, the villain, has a jovial but sinister theme scattered throughout. Terra’s theme is practically the main theme of the game, and it too is referenced throughout.

The end credits song is a whopping 21 minutes and 36 seconds. It goes through every single character’s theme and more. The entire soundtrack is 3 hours long. I don’t think any other game at the time had a soundtrack that long.

 Notable Theme:

 “Dancing Mad”

To me, Dancing Mad is Nobuo Uematsu's magnum opus. It is a sprawling 8-minute epic for the final battle.

Verdict:

A must-play. Any RPG fan will love this game. Any RPG fan SHOULD play this game. There’s nothing obnoxious or vainglorious here. Every subsequent Final Fantasy game tried to live up to its drama and scope, but with all of them falling short ever so slightly.

Direct Sequel?

No. Thank God.

[dapandapod]

A story of Catnip and Witchers

On Ao3 Here! 

Not sure what happened, but I had so much fun! I have no idea how tagging works, and I don’t know if they want to be tagged, but thank you so much for the prompt, I needed it! <3 

                  ~~*~~ 

There are many things that Jaskier is good at. He is very good at singing, he is a terrific lute player and poet. Depending on the amount of wine he consumed he might even give philosophy a new go. 

It is fun and all, but what he is the very best at is storytelling.

Now, to get yourself a good story you can either use your imagination (which is safe) or you can go out in the world (less safe), or, in Jaskiers case, find and desperately cling to a witcher (very unsafe). 

The latter is not a common practice and more often than not closely connected to death. Somehow Jaskier managed not only to stay alive but to befriend said Witcher. And honestly, there might be something more going on there. 

They don’t talk about it, they don’t talk to others about it, but there is this little spark whenever they are close. Which is another thing, because they usually are. Somewhere along the way Jaskier realized that he might even be in love with his witcher. 

A good story is usually kicked off with a drink, a bet, a contract, a pair of beautiful eyes. 

This story is kicked off with baking. 

It is a cold afternoon at Kaer Morhen, frost decorating all windows and even indoors the air has a bit of a bite in it. Jaskier was invited to stay with Geralt this winter, which is new. Pleasant, but unexpected. 

It was supposed to be pleasant in any way, but it is so bloody cold in this keep that Jaskier has started wearing his cloak at all times. Sometimes he wears Geralt's cloak too, just because. 

He soon learned upon arriving that the keep is mostly destroyed and therefore there are somewhat limited livingquarters in use. It doesn’t really matter, Jaskier and Geralt are used to sharing anyway. And it is so cold.

The other witchers staying at the keep, Eskel, Lambert and Vesemir, are a funny lot. Jaskier have only been here for two weeks, but he is starting to compare it to living with cats. Rude, antisocial and with a very specific kind of humour. It gives Geralt's behaviour some very needed context. It’s cute, really.

This afternoon Jaskier took it upon himself to do some baking. It is another thing he is very good at, and there is this new spice mix that he would like to try. 

The kitchen is steaming hot now from the ovens burning. His fingers are sticky from kneading the dough, and he is sweating just a little bit. When he brushes a lock of hair out of his face some of the dough on his hands sticks to his forehead. 

It is a messy process. Jaskier is not used to this kind of kitchen (really, it’s ancient) and when he finally gets the buns in the oven there is a lot of cleaning up to do.  Which is something Jaskier is bad at.

The actual story begins when Jaskier actually gets to serve said buns at dinnertime. They are eating in a study with a big fireplace, cozy with a thick rug and big bookshelves. Jaskiers lute rests against the wall next to a big plush chair that he claimed for himself since he arrived. Lambert sips wine from a goblet, smiling at the snarking around him. Jaskier chatters away as usual, with Eskel and at Geralt.

It is nice, the witchers are relaxed and appreciative of his baking. It feels great. Jaskier leaves for the kitchen for a moment (one can not simply have a nice time with an empty goblet) and when he returns there is something wrong.

To begin with, Lambert is sitting on the floor. Kneeling, in front Jaskiers lute, head cocked. Like he is listening to something he can almost hear.

Confused, Jaskier looks at the others around the table for answers. There are none to be had. If anything, Jaskier gets more confused. 

Eskel has taken at least three buns and is pressing it to his face, looking incredibly happy. He hugs them to himself, humming, stroking them and getting flour on his cheek and arm.

Vesemir looks up to see Jaskier, and gets the biggest smile. Jaskier never, ever in these two weeks saw Vesemir smile, not like that.

The older man gets up, stretching his arms out wide.

“My boy!” He exclaims, and hugs a stunned Jaskier. “Our little bard, I'm so glad you are back!”

“I uh, thank you?” Jaskier is perplexed, not sure if he should hug back. What the hell is going on? He settles on patting Vesemir awkwardly on the back, seeking help from Geralt.

And freezes.

Geralt is staring at him, intently. Unblinking, unmoving.

Jaskiers heart starts pounding. Geralt has that effect on him. It’s that spark again, crackling under his skin.

“Aaw, Vesemir, I want a hug! Hug me!” Jasker hears Eskel complain, and is finally let go.

“Of course Eskel, my little rascal!” Vesemir booms, and goes to put his arms around Eskels shoulder, buns and all.

Jaskier can’t look away. Not even when he can hear the telltale sounds of strings being plucked on his beloved lute. It doesn’t matter. Let Lambert have his fun. Are all four of them drunk? He never took any of the men present for lightweights, he’s seen how much it takes for Geralt to get sloshed.

Speaking of, Geralt still hasn't stopped staring at Jaskier. It’s like he’s never seen him before. Jaskier can feel a blush spreading, warmth spilling over his cheeks and ears, down his neck. Eskel and Vesemir still seem to cuddle with the buns, and something suspiciously like purring is coming from Eskel.

Geralt gets on his feet, and Jaskier swallows. He has no idea what to do, his heart is beating like crazy. Geralt walks up to him, still not breaking eye contact and takes the goblet out of his hands. He puts it on the closest surface, which seems to be a bookshelf, and then takes Jaskiers hand again.

It crackles, it burns, it makes his breath catch in his throat.

Geralt pushes past Jaskier, dragging him behind as he walks back out through the doors. As soon as the doors close behind them he crowds Jaskier against a wall.

There is barely a hint of amber in those eyes staring at him, pupils blown wide. Wait.

“What’s wrong with them?” Jaskier asks, voice all kind of breathy. Geralt lifts Jaskiers hand to his face, and presses his nose to his wrist.

“I think it’s that catnip you used in the bread.” Geralt replies, and takes a deep breath. It is almost like he’s smelling him.

“It’s not supposed to make humans react like that, though.” Jaskier protests weakly.

“We are not humans.” Geralt says, lips against the thin skin over Jaskiers wrist, and then seeking upwards over his palm and fingers. Breathing in deeply, eyes half closed.

“Our mutations make us react to the weirdest things.” Geralt adds, almost as an afterthought.

Through the door they can hear Lamberts playing, and he is singing now. He has a rather nice voice actually.

Jaskier is not sure what to do, what to say. If this is only the spice talking, he is not sure he wants this. Jaskiers heart is a tender thing.

“Is this your reaction to it?” He must ask, but he dreads the answer.

“No.” Geralt smiles, and it’s a wonderful expression. “My mutagens made sure I have a high tolerance. Bullshit, really. It’s so expensive to get drunk.”

Jaskiers mouth is dry, and despite the cold air around them he is burning. Geralt rarely talks this much, so he is definitely somewhat affected. His breath against Jaskiers hand gives him shivers down his spine. It takes all he has to not just cup Geralt's face, to not tread his fingers through his hair.

Geralt seems to read the question on Jaskiers face, and he really seems to be in a mood to talk.

“Apparently catnip gives me shitty impulse control though.” Geralt leans into Jaskiers hand, almost nuzzling it. It is really, really hard to breath. Under Jaskiers fingers, he can feel Geralt's warm skin, his stubble. Rough fingers almost twining with his own. It is a harsh contrast, burning skin and cold stone against his back. 

Geralt's eyes are back on him and a small sound escapes him. 

”I can smell it on you.” Geralt says. ”On your hand and on your breath.” He leans in, putting a big hand under Jaskiers chin and tips it up. His nose is touching Jaskier, just under his lower lip. He can’t help but part them a fraction. 

”I just want to lick it off.” He whispers, and Jaskier full on shudders. It is a true wonder his knees haven't given out yet. Geralt drags his lips slowly over Jaskiers chin, pressing his body closer. 

They are not kissing, not really. Jaskier really wants to lean in, but even more he wants Geralt to do it. To take that step. 

He looks at Geralt through his eyelashes. 

“Please.” He whispers. 

Geralt crushes Jaskier against the wall, both on his hands now on his cheeks, his neck, his hair. The kiss is hot, messy, everything Jaskier needs.

There is a crash inside the study, like a chair falling over. 

”I CAN HEAR COLOURS!!” Eskel shouts. 

”It's the lute and Lamberts yowling you imbecill!” Vesemir shouts back. 

Jaskier can’t help the small chuckle escaping him. 

”Maybe we should go to our room?” He suggests. Geralt all but carries him there.

The day after is the punchline of this good story. 

(The finish already happened three times during the night. But that part is for him alone.)

It turns out that Catnip not only makes witchers go haywire for a few hours. It gives them the worst hangover. Jaskier comes down the next morning, he feels the need to check on the poor souls he accidently drugged. Geralt is right behind him, in case they got mad about it.

It was not necessary. It was, however, amazing. On a pile on the floor Lambert and Eskel lie tangled up. They seem to have built a fort with the things in the room, and somehow they managed to get Jaskier lute up on the chandelier.

Vesemir sits on the plush chair like it's a throne, fast asleep. He hopes. He looks a little dead.

Geralt steps in, looks around and gets a devilish grin on his face. He takes a big book and slams it down on the table.

Three groans of protests erupt around them, and all three grab their heads as the pain sets in.

Now, the art of storytelling is how you tell the story. And to whom. Jaskier will never tell it within earshot of any witchers, just in case. Messing with men brought up by the school of the wolf and then compare them to kittens is perhaps not the best way to stay alive. Especially not when you are the bard who drugged them.

But then again, a good story is rarely safe.

[sophielovesbooks]

Sophie’s Dark Academia Rec List

In honour of my favourite genre, have a very personal, very subjective recommendations list!

-        The Secret History (Donna Tartt)

The obvious choice, a classic. In my personal opinion, it’s not perfect and there are better dark academia books out there, but it has massively shaped the genre and therefore deserves recognition. Also, the aesthetic is on point! Read if you want to get a feel for the genre or if you’re simply curious.

-        If We Were Villains (M. L. Rio)

Basically a newer, better The Secret History?? Plenty of similarities, minus certain problematic bits that were present in TSH. Amazing prose, incredible characters, absolutely worth the read. A prime example of dark academia! Read if you love Shakespeare and college settings and compelling characters and drama and just beautiful writing!

-        Black Chalk (Christopher J. Yates)

Also a fairly good example of the genre, but tragically underhyped. Darker than, for example, If We Were Villains. Set at Oxford! Will mess with your head. The characters are not necessarily likeable, but interesting. The writing is fairly complex. Read for a dark academia thriller which takes the unreliable narrator to an impressive new extreme (in a good way!)

-        Truly Devious (Maureen Johnson)

A rare YA dark academia book! Read for murder and mystery and a beautiful boarding school setting as well as a really likeable main character! Due to its nature less dark and somewhat less mature than most of the other books on this list, but if you’re looking for more of a quick and fun dark academia read, this is the one for you!

In a similar vain: The Vanishing Stair (Maureen Johnson)

Cannot actually vouch for this as I haven’t read it yet, but it’s the sequel to Truly Devious and I have heard good things.

-        The Secret Place (Tana French)

MASSIVELY underappreciated dark academia with (gasp) supernatural elements?! The most beautiful prose and funniest dialogue you will ever see. Incredible characters. Again, amazing boarding school setting and close group of female friends! (They will break your heart). Also murder. Also half of the story being told from a detective’s PoV. Read if you value good literature. Just. Read it.

-        The Likeness (Tana French)

Actually, maybe I was kidding before, maybe this book is the most underappreciated dark academia book out there? Either way, it’s my favourite. Within dark academia and within ALL OF THE BOOKS. This is it. The perfect novel. Characters that own my hearts to this day. Writing so beautiful that it had me sobbing uncontrollably on several occasions. The university it is set in is Trinity College Dublin. (Cue me being bitter that I don’t go there every single day for the rest of my life.) Very intriguing mystery, too. Hilarious dialogue. All the emotions. All the heartbreak. Just… I love it so much, okay? <3

-        The Lying Game (Ruth Ware)

Good, very good. Set in a boarding school near the ocean, but unfortunately, only the past tense story line is and we don’t get to see too much of it. Very interesting characters. Much heavier on the dark than the academia. Read if you’re looking for more of a classic murder mystery/thriller and are not too focussed on the academia. Also read for an interesting group of female friends.

-        The Basic Eight (Daniel Handler)

Very promising, but wasn’t my cup of tea at all. The setting is an American High School on the West Coast. The murder isn’t that much of a mystery. I’m mentioning it here because I know that other people love this book, even though I really didn’t. I would say don’t read, but see for yourself, I suppose.

-        The Lessons (Naomi Alderman)

Yes, okay, an interesting one. Set at Oxford, which was amazing. Interesting characters with interesting dynamics. I read it quickly and was quite entertained. But there were certain problematic bits (regarding LGBTQ+ representation and mental illness), so you’ve been warned. Not my fave, but I mostly enjoyed it while reading it.

 There are a few more dark academia books on my shelves, which I unfortunately cannot include on this list, as I haven’t read them yet. One of them is “The Lake of Dead Languages” by Carol Goodman. Another is “Brideshead Revisited” by Evelyn Waugh. Might edit this post later to add these and more. xx

UPDATE!! (With slightly longer descriptions this time, because people are actually reading this? Reblogging even? Wow!) 

-        The Lake of Dead Languages (Carol Goodman)

THE ALL-FEMALE DARK ACADEMIA NOVEL WE ALL NEED AND DESERVE…?? The setting is A++. An all-female boarding school in the Adirondack Mountains in New York! There is a lake that features so heavily in the story, it basically counts as a main character. Told from the PoV of a teacher who used to go to the school. There are two close groups of female friends, one in the present timeline, one in the past. Both have dark, dark secrets and both fit the dark academia genre so well! Also, heavy focus on Latin rather than Ancient Greek, which I have all the love for. This one is a gem, so give it a chance!

-        Brideshead Revisited (Evelyn Waugh)

An actual classic, as in… first published in 1945. And it reads like it. The beginning came with beautiful vibes! Our young boy Charles starting his time at Oxford, meeting a lot of pretentious people, including one Lord Sebastian Flyte, who Charles is suspiciously fascinated by. Sebastian is the biggest dork to ever dork, carries around with him an actual teddy bear named Aloysius, the absolute madmen?? But it’s all downhill from there, with alcoholism and war and depressing times… And Oxford only really features in the first half or less.

-        People Like Us (Dana Mele)

Another rare YA dark academia!! Features a group of Mean Girls who one day, when out at night to go swimming, find one of their classmates floating dead in the lake. Which is an excellent dark academia set-up, let’s be honest. Also, sapphic girls, incredible sapphic girls with really complex relationships! Bi main character! A fun and quick read, much like “Truly Devious”. More descriptions of the beautiful boarding school buildings would have been welcome, but at least we got a few! Anyway, go forth and enjoy this little beauty.

-        Party Girls Die in Pearls (Plum Sykes)

Umm… I barely even comprehend this book’s existence? Has a prime dark academia set-up with a murdered girl in Oxford, but I still somehow DNF’d it after about 20 pages?! The main character’s name is Ursula Flowerbutton, and if you think that’s quirky and funny… good for you, you might actually enjoy this book. But you’ll also have to endure descriptions of clothes, oh, so many descriptions of clothes! And for anything unique to Oxford that might make the book fun because only those who know will know… you’ll get a footnote. So actually, everyone will know, with zero effort. Definitely not for me, but if you want to read a glossy magazine style dark academia, knock yourself out, friend!

-        The Night Climbers (Ivo Stourton)

Breath-taking! A piece of beauty! Set at Cambridge (and the campus features heavily!), a main character reminiscent of Richard Papen, an intriguing group of new friends that he would do anything to belong with. Including… climbing the buildings of Cambridge at night? Without proper equipment, just with his hands and feet?? Honestly, out of the books on this list, this one is the closest in style and maturity and characterisation to The Secret History! The writing is absolutely gorgeous, the plot fascinating. And it’s dark academia that features a non-violent crime, which works surprisingly well. All in all: A STUNNER THAT FANS OF THE SECRET HISTORY SHOULD CHECK OUT!!

-        As I Descended (Robyn Talley)

A queer, sapphic Macbeth retelling?? Also a rare YA dark academia with strong supernatural elements?! The representation is on point, with two hispanic main characters, wlw, mlm and one of the girls in the main couple being disabled! The boarding school setting is also on point (and uniquely different as the school building is actually a former plantation in Virginia). This book is so different and so spooky! It wasn’t perfect and some say the retelling didn’t work 100% (I, personally, felt that the plot slowed down a bit), but the atmosphere is amazing and the characters are pretty cool, too!

Not to worry, my quest to find and read as many DA books as possible isn’t over. So this list might be updates again some time in the future! :)

[soulmanifestation0]

Soul manifestation 2.0 review : is it scam ?

Before we begin, let me state that I am an atheist, or at least that is what I believe; yet, like any other person, I believe in a higher purpose for life. Like many others, I searched for my higher purpose and inner calling but never found the appropriate answer until I discovered Soul Manifestation. After discovering and trying Soul Manifestation, I felt a lot closer to my mission than before.

(1) HOW DO I FIND SOUL MANIFESTATION ?

To be honest, I only discovered it a few weeks ago, thanks to someone who had posted about Soul Manifestation and their experiences on a Facebook group that I was a member of.

Now, my initial reaction was fairly typical, and I assumed it was a scam. After all, there are already plenty of similar programmes that teach you about Love (Law of Attraction), Physics (and one would think that religion is all about faith), the subconscious mind (I especially love this and the ‘Flow State'), and a variety of other topics that rarely help you figure out the exact Despite the fact that some of them helped me reach the pinnacle of my attention.

I asked a few questions to that person and a few others in the group who had also attempted Soul Manifestation before out of curiosity. I was still hesitant, but as an inquisitive writer who enjoys writing real reviews (and other things) about things that can help people, I decided to give it a shot, and here's what I learned. Of course, Soul Manifestation isn't sponsoring this review in any manner.

CLICK HERE TO GET IT NOW WITH SPECIAL DISCOUNT

(2) WHAT IS SOUL MANIFESTATION ?

Soul Manifestation is likely one of the best programmes for assisting you in discovering your unique soul path, but it can also teach you the secrets of attracting your soulmate and having a fulfilling and passionate relationship with them. Soul Manifestation will assist you in discovering your health and teaching you how to overcome health obstacles.

It will also assist you in breaking free from the shackles that bind you and prevent you from obtaining success and prosperity by throwing light on hidden reality, allowing you to follow your soul path.

(3) WHAT INSIDE SOUL MANIFESTATION 2.0 ?

I couldn't believe how much information was shared with me when I initially discovered this service. The number of practical, real-world tools included was astounding:

(1) Your Personal Soul Path Report

(2) your Vibrant Health Soul Code

(3) our Love and Romance Soul Code

(4) our Material Abundance Soul Code

(5) daily Guided Vibrational Meditation

(6)Alpha and Theta Wave Stimulation

(6) inner Child Work and Rediscovery

(7) tep-By-Step Guide To Building Your Dream Life

Guide to Visualization Mastery

Bonus #1: Soul Sleep Restoration

Bonus #2: Soul Affirmations

Bonus #3: Magical Signs & Numbers Handbook

Bonus #4: Melt Away Stress

Bonus #5: The Flow State

Bonus #6: Purify and Cleanse

60-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

Most of those supplementary tools are easily worth more than $40-$50 each, and they're all provided for free in this wonderful package.

You're probably still unsure if a programme like this will be beneficial to you...

And you're probably thinking if it'll make a long-term difference in your life.

(4) THE BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS OF SOUL MANIFESTATION

Now that we understand what Soul Manifestation is and what it provides, we can go on to the meat of the matter: the Benefits and Drawbacks of Soul Manifestation, which are as follows:

(1) BENEFITS

User-friendly: Because the Personalized Soul Report contains a lot of useful and intriguing information, it is a lengthy read. However, contrary to popular belief, it has been written in such a way that it is simple to read and comprehend. The action stages are considerably simpler to comprehend and put into practise.

Backed by historical evidence: As I previously stated, the historical component of the Soul Manifestation Report is pretty interesting and takes you back in time to both teach and authenticate its practise with original historical and ancestral knowledge

Speaks about all of life's big circles: Normally, products or programmes that claim to teach you about Soul Manifestation leave out crucial information, leaving you unsatisfied; but, with this soul Manifestation report, you'll learn practically everything because it provides significant information on all aspects of life. Health, relationships, and prosperity are all part of these circles.

Discusses the darker side of your soul: Life isn't all about light, and the soul manifestation report understands this. As a result, it also discusses the darker side of your soul. If you want to materialise your soul's wishes, you must first understand this portion of your soul.

One of the best aspects of Soul Manifestation Report is that it includes many success stories from people who have used it. There are several accounts of people who moved from being alone and unsatisfied to meeting a lovely partner and living a happy life while maintaining financial stability.

Yes, there is a money-back guarantee. You read that correctly: if you're not satisfied with Soul Manifestation Report, you can get your money back. Not only that, but they also provide a 365-day money-back guarantee.

(2) DRAWBACKS

Only available in book form: Your soul reading the report, as amazing as it is, is only available in ebook format, which is a bit difficult, especially if you want to bookmark some parts. Although, by printing a tangible copy of your report, you can solve this problem (which is equally frustrating).

Too much reading: If you are a person who rarely reads or reads very slowly, the size of your soul reading report will irritate you greatly.

(5) WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT IN THE SOUL MANIFESTATION ?

Your individual Soul analysis will reveal a number of impediments that are preventing you from achieving true progress. This one-of-a-kind Soul report will illuminate–

(1) PERSONALITY SOUL CODE:

You'll learn everything there is to know about yourself in your own Soul code. The section contains items such as blind spots, presents, and other obstacles to your achievement.

(2) MATERIAL ABUNDANCE SOUL CODE:

As the name implies, this section will assist you in uncovering secrets regarding money and other abundant materials, as well as achieving a life free of financial stress. You must now be thinking, "Yes!" after reading this. I'm going to make a billion dollars! Finally!”. Sorry, but you won't be getting them, as much as it would have been nice if you did.

(3) VIBRANT HEALTH SOUL CODE:

The Vibrant Health Soul section will assist you in better understanding and overcoming your major health concerns. In other words, it will assist you in living a physically happy existence. I know it sounds dramatic, but if it works, how can you call it stupid?

(4) LOVE & ROMANCE SOUL CODE:

Are you someone who has had a dreadful romantic life full with heartbreaks? Then this section will undoubtedly assist you, as it will show you how to build a deep connection with no compromises on love. In a nutshell, living the life of your dreams with a lovely companion by your side.

(5) HEALING POWER OF MUSIC:

Ha! We already know the therapeutic power of music, whether consciously or unconsciously, therefore we don't need a unique description. Music is so powerful that it may help you heal from past traumas while simultaneously filling you with joy.

(6) HISTORY OF ASTROLOGY:

I'm a history nerd, so this area piqued my interest because it includes material on astrology in the ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Celtic, and Mayan periods. Check out this area if you're a history nerd like me. You will not be sorry.

(7) THE VALIDITY OF ASTROLOGY:

This part is unusual in that it explains how astrology enhanced decision-making and business through scientific evidence.

THE FINAL WORD

was hoping to put this programme to the test and roast it if it was a hoax, but the Soul Manifestation Report turned out to be quite interesting and weirdly peaceful. Now that all has been said and done, it's time for the ultimate decision.

But first, let me address one minor nagging idea concerning Soul Manifestation: if you're wondering if it's a fraud, you may rest assured that it isn't (although I was hoping it was). If you give it a shot, I'm confident you'll see a difference in your life sooner or later.

I really hope that this review has helped you decide whether or not soul Manifestation is worth your time.

CLICK HERE TO GET IT NOW WITH SPECIAL DISCOUNT

[teenyfish]

Marine Biology Story of the Day #6:

Well happy belated 4th to my fellow Americans--all though, I don’t feel particularly patriotic this year (huh, I wonder why).  So I decided to take this time to talk about the biodiversity of this great continent to get my mind off of all of the bad shit that we are staring down right now.   

Today we are going to talk about the wonderful world American freshwater fish biodivesity. 

So, one geologic quirk of this continent is the eastern half is much “older” than the western half--the western half is still building up, creating the rocky mountains, whereas the eastern half has been worn down for millions of years--this means that freshwater fish have had semi stable rivers to live in for millions of generations.  This rivers are often separated by land, and only meet other bodies of water at tributaries and at the sea.  This allows fish to be separated for millions of years, and therefore spectate.  Which means we have a lot of cool freshwater and estuarine fishes. 

After I got my masters, my first job was as a summer hire on the juvenile striped bass seine survey at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

Basically, we sampled stations along Virginia rivers with seine nets, which basically collect fish in a “purse” along the shore line, with one person dragging the net out in the water, and the other holding the other end standing on the shore.  While this survey focused on Striped Bass, a popular recreational fish in the area, we got a chance to sample a HUGE variety of species.  

above: seine net at work. 

take a look at some of the colorful freshwater fish we collected:

Pumpkinseed and blue spotted sunfish (Top): these are both part of the sunfish family, which includes freshwater bass.  They are closely related to bluegill, a popular sportfish. 

American Eel (middle left): The only freshwater eel species in the eastern united states.  Are becoming threatened because they are sold on the Asian market as food fish--I will probably do an entire post about these guys later.

Sheapshead minnow (middle right): small baitfish, the males turn blue when it’s mating season.  They are also salt tolerant and are often found closer to the coast.

Channel catfish and madtom catfish (bottom): both native species are being out-competed by the blue catfish in this region. 

Because the rivers in this part of the country are so ancient, we also caught these prehistoric fish as well: 

Bowfin (right): This fish is the only remaining fish in the Order Amiiformes.  They are considered a “primitive fish” and they can actually gulp air if water conditions are too hypoxic. 

Longnose Gar (Left): Closely related to other gar species (like the massive alligator gar), these fish have armored platelets along their entire body and wicked sharp teeth.  And like the bowfin, they too can breath oxygen. 

Now, the sections of the rivers we sampled ranged from completely freshwater to almost full salt water.  These parts of the rivers are considered estuaries, and they include fish that can withstand a wide range of salinities, and stretch for hundreds of miles.  They are often prime nursery habitat for young saltwater species as there are less predators due to the variable salinity. 

Above: Map of the region sampled

 There are a few of my favorite estuarine fish:

Northern Puffer (top left): self explanatory.  Cute angri boi.

Spanish Mackerel (top right): these are very much offshore fish--we rarely see them this far inshore

Atlantic Spadefish (mid left): one of my favorites, they are so darn TINY when they are babies but they grow to be three feet long. 

Black Drum (mid right): Another saltwater sport fish that can grow to be 100 lbs in weight. They also grow the cutest whiskers on their chins. 

Blue Crab (bottom left): this one is a teeny baby, probably hatched that spring. 

Tautog (bottom right): another coastal sport fish, these guys like to hang around oyster reefs and are so colorful as babies! 

But these ecosystems are fragile--they are often in areas with high human population.  Climate change can screw up conditions as juveniles enter the estuaries--which can make them more vulnerable to mortality.  Invasive species are eating these young fish, and out completing other adults in the same niche.  Freshwater flow in these rivers is being limited, as we draw out more freshwater to feed our fields.  Oyster reefs are disappearing as fertilizer clouds up the Chesapeake bay and it’s tributaries.  And there’s always overfishing.  

So, this 4th, while we continue struggle to protect the human diversity that has actually made this country great, I hope you remind you that our amazing biodiversity needs protection too.  Our natural resources in this country are so unique, and they are quickly slipping through our fingers.  

As always, if you have any questions about the research, PLEASE do not hesitate to ask. 

[i-love-charles]

I don’t wanna ask you for too much but you did such a wonderful job with the last request that I would love to read a mini fanfic version of the Arthur Charles and Javier falling in love with a female friend. You wrote this so freekin good! It’s rare to get invested in something you read let alone watch these days. You’re very talented :)

[i’m sorry it’s taken so long, it took me a while to figure out how to lay this out, the alternative endings for Arthur are here and Charles here, enjoy]

History, Old & New

Notes: Fluff, Slight NSFW, Javier Escuella + Female Reader, Request, Mini-Fic

Wordcount: 1,813

His eyes followed your every move as you worked. Each bounce of your feathery hair, the rhythm of your delicate fingers, the swaying of your rounded hips with each step you took towards him. His heart pounded a panicked beat from beneath his prickled skin as you approached, bowl of hot stew perched across your palm, a freshly brewed coffee mug in the other.

He smiled sincerely as you placed the bowl on his lap, returning the genuine smile before sauntering off to serve the others as they completed their mundane chores - always thinking about others: a trait that he had always admired deeply about you, among a catalogue of many others.

Throughout all of this, he simply couldn’t remove his gaze from you as you chopped away at more vegetables; the sharp knife inching uncomfortably close to your delicate skin with each slam down against the wood of the chopping board. The anxiety was unbearable, and he silently prayed your beautiful frail fingers would remain intact before he mentally scolded himself for being so protective over a grown woman, but also for the feelings he had tried, and failed, to suppress.

After all, for the past few months, being so protective towards you became his nature - part of his makeup - and two other men at camp gave him good reason for it. With that thought his eyes sharpened into cautious slits, like the eyes of a sly snake about to catch its scurrying prey, and he drifted his gaze to the men in question. Each had their eyes planted on you, and he followed their line of sight to the curves of your body as his blood began to boil. Unlike him, other men rarely saw you for anything other than your looks. Your empathetic generosity, strong-will, many talents, beauty and charm - he took note of all of them, favouring each moment he caught a glimpse.

His mind wandered briefly as the stew on his lap cooled below him. He secretly liked to pretend you didn’t share a tent because you were close friends, or because you often hunted together and got back to camp late - you shared it because you were meant to be together in one way or another. The possibility that it could lead somewhere so beautiful gave him hope; if only briefly. Whether you even felt the same way back was still unknown. What if he confesses and it pushes you away? Into the arms of one of the others? Was it worth the risk of your friendship? Maybe you’d feel betrayed, like this whole time his aim was to get you in bed with him? No, it wasn’t worth it.

“Friend. Not lover.” He reminded himself under his breath with a solemn sigh, inaudible to those around him. The mantra brought a silent sorrow to his mind as he lifted the spoon to his mouth, pushing the bitter broth to the back of his throat to avoid its taste. Afterwards, he threw the bowl to the side of the fire, along with the other dirtied dishes, before making his way back to your shared tent - praying you’d return soon too.

Javier

The unforgiving rain paraded down around the wagon, splashing loudly against the boar skin canopy above you. Your eyes drifted to the muddied ground as it swilled around from the rains current, thanking God silently that you’d managed to find shelter from the harsh weather until it relented.

Your eyes drifted back to the man before you, his legs stretched out beside you as the soles of his boots rested firmly against the wooden walls of the wagon. Your own legs did the same, long dress resting down upon the curves of your legs as your feet reached beside him. The slight shadows from his dark finely shaped facial hair set against his brown lips, a lit cigarette perched beneath them as he listened to you speak.

“You’re thinking of the pyramids, Javi.” You giggled, drifting through the pages of your hardback ancient Egyptian history book. Your eyes delighted in the small glimpses of the cryptic hieroglyphs and puzzling wall paintings as each page flipped over; drifting in awe across the architectural masterpieces that monument the reigning of each pharaoh in all of their glory.

“So which ones the gato - the cat?” He questioned, correcting himself quick from his default Spanish - although you wished he wouldn’t, something about him speaking in Spanish made you feel comfortable, probably because he felt comfortable speaking it. Your head perked sideways at the question, clearly confused. “You know, the man cat?” His brows furrowed in playful frustration and chuckle escaped your chest at his words before it hit you what he meant.

“You mean, the Sphinx?” You managed through your laughter as you flipped to a painting of the monument in your book. He nodded, his face reddening. “Well…” you started, tracing the outline of where the structures nose should be. “…it was built for Khafre, an old Egyptian Pharaoh in the 2000 BC’s…” Javier’s eyes softened as he watched you babble on about the statue. Truthfully, he didn’t care very much, just cherished hearing you talk to passionately about things you were interested in. After all this time of being your best friend, your knowledge still never seizes to amaze him.

He brought his fingers to the cigarette and inhaled before pulling it away. “What happened to the nose?” He questioned, pointing at the missing outline.

The truth was, he had flipped through your book momentarily some weeks ago when he couldn’t get to sleep, also because he liked the thought of maybe one day impressing you with his knowledge. Therefore, knew a lot of these things already, just took quiet solace in hearing you speak so passionately.

He smiled as you explained, puffing contently on the lit tobacco as you carried on, the sound of the pattering rain complimenting your sweet voice. His eyes followed the flowing movements of your hands as you spoke, flailing them around as you told him to dramatic past of the ancient Egyptian peoples.

“Cleopatra was the last Pharaoh, probably the most well-known, too. Then came the Roman Empire.” You explained, closing the final chapters of the book together on your lap before placing it to your side. Your gaze wandered absent-mindedly out to the rain as the rest of your campmates huddled away in the other wagons and larger tents from the weather. A slight shiver racked through your body at the bitter cold and Javier responded quickly by lifting the poncho from around his neck before placing it gently around yours. The wool huddling lightly down against your shoulders and chest as you huddled into its warmth, and you sent a thankful smile his way.

His heart sank slightly as you quietened down, the unfamiliar silence taking over. His mind racks for a solution, anything to hear you speak again. “Want some?” He questioned abruptly, offering the cigarette out to you. He internally scolded himself, knowing full well you don’t smoke, but it was the first thing he could think of.

You were torn from your thoughts, turning to meet his gaze before shaking your head politely at his question. “You know me, Javi. I’m straight-edge. Boring.” You chuckled, whisking away strands of escaped hair from your eyes sheepishly at your confession.

His demeanour softened at your abrupt vulnerability. “You’re not boring, ____. You’re one of the smartest people I know, querida.” The familiar pet name and sincerity brought a warmth to your already rosy cheeks. He threw the cigarette out into the rain, the ash melting into the muddy ground.

“I mean-I know irrelevant things, Javi. Not the things that really matter, like sex-or kissing-don’t know a thing about that.” Your voice cracked slightly on the last sentence; cheeks now practically tomato’s. Part of you wanted him to teach you, the other part wanted to cling onto your friendship, and you fought indecisively with both sides in your head.

“I think you’re amazing.” He mumbled. Javier shifted silently near you, adjusting himself to the thick tension in the air, bringing a palm down to what he thought would be the wagon floor but instead was your cotton clad thigh. He let out a rushed apology before quickly lifting his hand away, bringing it to his lap - such a gentleman.

Your own hand reached out to his, bringing it back on your lap, clutching his fingers as they intertwined with your own. “Thank you, Javier.” You spoke softly. You watched his pouty lips as a flattered smile began to form at the corners. A moment of madness took hold of you and you leant forward, pressing your own lips to meet his softly and sweetly. You anxiously awaited a sign to stop, or for his lips to retrieve, but instead his tongue licked daintily against your lips, begging for entry. You obliged happily, bringing your own tongue to whirl against his passionately as you lifted yourself to straddle his thighs; moaning into each other’s lips as your centre came to press against his. The taste of tobacco and Pearson’s stew lingered on his breath at you fought with his tongue for attention.

He broke away suddenly, his arms caging around your hips to distance himself. His words came out breathless from his chest. “Wa-was that your first kiss?” You nodded sheepishly at his question, dipping your head slightly to shadow the blush across your plush cheeks. “Then-then we shouldn’t do this-not now at least.” His eyes sought your own to comfort you. “Not because I don’t want to-trust me, I really do- this is all I’ve wanted to months now and it’s been driving me loco, but we should take it slow. I didn’t even know you felt the same way, but I’m really fuckin’ happy you do.”

“Ok, Javi.” You say calmly, planting a sweet kiss against his before retreating from your position to sit beside him, head resting against his shoulder as you listened to the peaceful puttering and pattering of the raindrops. His arm wrapped your shoulder, clutching you closer than ever before, as if you’d run away given a moments notice.

“Hey.” He interrupted, reaching across you to retrieve the book once again, opening the last chapter. “You didn’t tell me how Cleopatra died.” He chimed, nudging you to continue. He lit another cigarette with a match strike against the heel of his solid leather boot before bringing the tobacco stick to his swollen pink lips.

“Well, there was a Roman general named Marcus Antonius, and they were madly in love…” Javier listened to you babble on contently as he sucked away at his cigarette, body perched against yours. Everything he’d ever wanted was right here in front of him, just for him, not Charles or Arthur, and the rain became an afterthought.

Charles [here]

Arthur [here]

[nadziejastar]

It's sad that they're trying to make Lea and Isa's duo into a trio by adding Skuld because Skuld is so underdeveloped that she barely counts as a character. All she does is hang out with Ephemer and neglect her friendship with Player. Maybe if she actually did things I'd be able to muster up some excitement over the idea of her becoming friends with my two favorite characters, but with the current situation she could be replaced with a cardboard cutout and no one would notice any difference.

Yes, thank you! This is a huge reason KH3 was such a letdown for me. I’ve heard people say that fans just got themselves too hyped up and their expectations were unrealistic. Nope, that’s not the case with me nor do I think that was the reason for most of the disappointment within the fandom. I wasn’t even overly hyped. KH3 just didn’t accomplish what it was supposed to. But more than anything, the characters were NOT treated with respect. That was my biggest disappointment.

Before KH3 came out, I was actually excited about KH4 and beyond because of the fact that we now have a pretty large group of main characters and they have so much potential. We wouldn’t have to focus on just Sora, Donald, and Goofy anymore. There are so many characters to develop and they all have solid personalities. We have the Destiny Island trio, the Wayfinder trio, the Disney Castle crew, and Lea and Isa. 

I have an attachment to all of them based on all the previous games and all the years they’ve been developed. I wanted to see them interact with each other once Xehanort was defeated and everyone was rescued. Not get dumped in favor of new characters. Of all the characters Lea and Isa could form a relationship with, Skuld is the WORST choice. There are sooo many more interesting characters to focus on. Lea and Isa could grow close to Sora, Riku, Kairi, Terra, Aqua, Ventus, Donald, Goofy, or Mickey! Yet, they’re getting shoved aside for Union X characters that you need to play a mobile game to be familiar with. Skuld wasn’t even included in the Back Cover movie. Even if you played all the KH remasters, you still won’t know who she is!

I’ve actually seen all the cutscenes for Union X and I agree with you wholeheartedly. The characters were inoffensive, but they all had the personality of a wet paper bag. Nomura said Kingdom Hearts X, as it was originally called, was not supposed to have a heavy focus on story. Nothing I saw gave me the impression that characters like Skuld or Ephemer were meant to be anything more than mobile game characters. They were there for the player’s avatar to interact with, to give him/her a voice, since he/she is silent. But they are ancient history and should have perished during the Keyblade War. 

Ehpemer comes from the world ephemeral, meaning “lasting a very short time”. The three Norns are the Goddesses of fate in Norse mythology and are described as deciding the fates of people. Their names are Urd “What Once Was” (Old Norse “Urðr”), Verdandi “What Is Coming into Being” (Old Norse “Verðandi”) and Skuld “What Shall Be” (Old Norse “Skuld”).

My point is that these characters seem more suited as background characters. They are part of the mythology and history of the Keyblade War. They are not on par with the established characters and are not suitable to be the new protagonists. Now they are being teased as the main focus for the upcoming plot arc. I think this was a big mistake on Nomura’s part. Hardly anyone is going to be excited for them. I’m certainly not. I feel like there is very little to look forward to anymore.

You’re right. Skuld has no personality. And to add insult to injury, since she’s Subject X now, Lea and Isa had everything stripped from them in order to prop her up. Skuld isn’t interesting enough to be introduced on her own, so she has to ride on the coattails of Lea and Isa and the human experimentation subplot. This is such bullshit. New characters should NOT come at the expense of old ones. Lea needed a sad backstory as a test subject, and he needed his friendship with Isa to be properly developed so his fight at the Keyblade Graveyard felt emotionally engaging (which it didn’t).

Isa needed to be Subject X to redeem him. Saïx didn’t have much of a “personality”. This was the whole point. He was never likable the way Axel was. He was rude, condescending, cold, and vicious. According to Axel, he showed no human emotion besides sneers and snide remarks. But he was Norted, for crying out loud! Saïx was not meant to be one of the protagonists. Isa was!! They threw away two amazing characters for this flat underdeveloped Union X one. Very foolish and shortsighted. it’s definitely gonna bite them in the ass.

Lea and Isa were always meant to be a duo. For some fans, it seems like only trios are valid, but that’s not true. SRK are Sky, Land, Sea. TAV are Earth, Water, Wind. Well, Lea and Isa are Sun and Moon—complementary opposites. I’ve heard people say that Skuld would be “Stars”. Well, I think Terra, Aqua, and Ven were meant to be the stars. Skuld is redundant and not needed to “complete” Lea and Isa. 

Even in canon, she is a stranger to them. They spoke to her a few times in the shadows and couldn’t even see her face. She had amnesia. They literally knew nothing about her and weren’t sure if she even existed after a while, yet now their whole backstory revolves around her. She doesn’t complement them at all or make them more interesting. She detracts from them.

On the other hand, Isa definitely complemented Lea and made him a more interesting character. That’s why I liked him. He provided Lea with someone to humanize him and to give him a poignant backstory. He gave Lea a goal while becoming a Keyblade wielder. And Isa’s chemistry with Lea was adorable. Isa was sarcastic and brought out a different side of Lea than Roxas and Xion did. They also had an actual history together. They went to school together, ate ice cream, and also played with a dog. Probably played fetch with the frisbee (aww).

Lea was closer to Isa than anyone else—period. I was much, MUCH more excited to see Lea and Isa’s past and their friendship get developed than the potential relationship they have with Skuld get teased. No, I’m not excited for them to be a trio and I’m not excited for Skuld to get in the way of Lea and Isa’s friendship and make it all about her. She seemed like she fit in better with Ephemer anyways. Also, I think Lea and Isa have waaaaay more personality than Skuld. They are both colorful characters with a lot of charm. She can’t hold a candle to them.

Leo Traits

Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac and has the Sun as its ruling celestial body. Bold, intelligent, warm, and courageous, Leo star sign is a natural leader of the Zodiac. Leo is an adventurer, seeking to balance an intense life of social obligations and travel with plenty of downtime to relax and luxuriate. 

A Leo is a typical outgoing and jovial kind of person. He has a big friend circle and likes to boss around. Appreciation and admiration are the two important things for getting close to a lion’s heart. He likes to be flattered and pampered.

Skuld just doesn’t fit in with Lea and Isa’s theme. They are Sun/Moon opposites. She’s a third wheel. In KH2, Axel didn’t have a lot of development. He was clever and cocky, but we didn’t know a lot about him, especially as a human. When they decided to flesh him out, they definitely decided to make him a typical Sun personality. I thought Lea was surprisingly cheery and positive.

Caring

At their best, the courageous Leo is strong, and has an amazing, protective attitude towards their friends. They care very deeply for those close to them.

He cares very much for his friends.

Optimistic

Leo is an optimist who is able to see the silver lining to life. They are optimists who are always able to find the positive side of any situation, and they prefer to revel in the good than dwell over the bad.

Even though Axel could be quite pessimistic, Lea was a natural optimist.

Kind

They are always willing to help out a loved one in need, and they will go to great lengths to make sure that those they care about most are happy. Leos have a compassionate heart, and they tend to be extremely kind and generous creatures.

He was always willing to help stray puppies.

Loyal

If there’s one thing that you can say about Leo with certainty, it’s that they are some of the most loyal people that you will ever meet. Leo is the bravest sign in the Zodiac, often doing whatever they are required to do despite being scared or in danger.

He is amazingly loyal. He always wanted to bring his friends back, no matter what. Even when he thought Isa tried to kill him.

Straightforwardness

Mincing words is not in the nature of a Leo. They speak their mind and like to express their thoughts clearly. Frankness is therefore, one of the biggest strengths of Leos. It is because of their straightforwardness that they are able to confront opinions and thoughts, they do not approve of, directly. This is also one of the reasons why they get things done fast.

He is very straightforward. He lied a lot to Roxas and kept secrets, but that wasn’t who he really was.

Faithful Partners and Good Friends

Leos are romantic and passionate lovers. They are faithful partners and exhibit extreme sensitivity  while in a relationship. This is also the reason why they are vulnerable to getting hurt. Thus, Leos need to find someone whom they can trust before they shower their love and kindness on that person. 

One of the special traits found in Leos is helping friends in need. Lending emotional support to friends in difficult times is a rare quality found in these people. It enables them to make lifelong friends. Behind all the aggression, ego and other domineering personality traits of a Leo lies a sensitive heart which cares for the dear ones. Leos take pride in protecting their close ones and would do so with all the energy and wit they possess. It is observed that the bossy exterior of Leos often eclipses their sensitive nature.

He is a wonderful friend, but has a deeper side, more sensitive side. All very accurate. 

Arrogance

At times, their dominance and confidence can be seen more like arrogance and conceit. Leo individuals ooze with confidence. They think that if they are the first to arrive at some conclusion, then they are right.

Lea was arrogant in a playful way. Like when he challenged Ventus to a fight. Axel was like that, too.

Inflexibility

They’re inflexible for other people, but they’re also inflexible for themselves. When they’ve made a commitment to something, they’re going to stick with it, regardless of how much they hate it.

Basically, Lea did whatever he wanted. Even Saïx said this about him.

Laziness

Though full of ambition and enthusiasm, Leo has to admit to a lazy streak and, given the opportunity, will take the easy way out, especially when a situation offers little fun or glory.

He likes to have fun.

Pride

This sign is represented by a lion, and as such, Leos are born with all of the pride and glory of the maned creature.

Oh yes, he is very proud.

Domineering

Leos have a hard time learning when to stop ruling and start listening. For this reason, Leos are extremely domineering and tend to overpower those around them.

Lea was the accelerator and Isa was the brake. Lea never listened to Isa, though.

Impatience

Impatience is one of the negative traits exhibited by a Leo. This trait of Leos get reflected in their habit to get things done fast. Impatience may lead to development of anxiety and restlessness in these individuals.

Axel never liked waiting around.

Jealousy

Leos may exhibit a possessive nature. This trait is closely related to the jealousy they exhibit. In fact, they are jealous because of their possessive nature.

Saïx was very jealous. But Lea probably had a side like that as well. He would not like it if Isa alienated him.

Cancer Traits

Cancer, the fourth sun sign of the Zodiac, has water as its element, is feminine, and is ruled by the Moon. This sign is represented by crabs, and similar to their nature, these people can be the sweetest and most sympathetic people at one moment, and turn into the most cranky and irritable ones the next.

Even though Isa was an NPC, he was not just “Lea’s friend”. He was certainly far more deserving of character development than ANY Union X character, that’s for sure. Isa seemed like he was more of a feminine archetype. Therefore, he is unlike any other male character in the series. I thought he was very refreshing and unique. He brought something new to the table. Also, based on the way Saïx acted, Isa was not just a cardboard cutout, either. He had interesting flaws to provide him with depth. Evidence suggests he was a typical Moon personality.

Moody

Cancer individuals are also known to have a moody attitude, especially whenever they are jealous. Normally protective and courageous, Cancer signed people could become very brooding and moody if they feel that their emotional needs are not being met. Cancer is all about needing emotional security and trust in a relationship, like all of us of course. But they take it to another level.

If a Cancer feels as though he can’t trust you or if he’s just an insecure guy in general, then his possessive and jealous side is going to come out in a major way. He’ll make snide comments about what you’re wearing and ask you questions about what you’re doing and who you’re with that can rival the time of being a teenager under your parents’ roof.

Man, dos this sound like Saïx or what? He was insanely jealous. While I think Saïx was a totally different personality from Isa, I still think he reflected much of Isa’s personality in him, due to having his memories and captured heart. In the novel, when Roxas was upset he pushed the wrong button, Axel said he knew what it felt like to have something be wrong and not know the reason. Based on the way Saïx acted, Isa sounded very emotionally needy towards Lea. I definitely think he’d be jealous if Lea didn’t spend enough time with him. He might be passive aggressive about it, too.

Unpredictable

Cancer, being a water sign, is very emotional and sensitive. They are very touchy, and can get hurt at the slightest provocation. It is this sensitivity, which makes them hide in their own shell, away from the world, to protect themselves from getting hurt. When they retreat into this shell, and refuse to talk to anybody, people may find them to be moody and unpredictable.

It doesn’t take much for them to go from friendly and outgoing, to totally introverted as a way of protecting themselves. And it can prove quite confusing and unpredictable to the people in their lives. Cancer needs a strong partner who can deal with his various sides and complexity. You never know what will trigger his moods and his evasiveness and his habit of being indirect makes you question if you ever really knew him.

Saïx could also be surprisingly moody and oversensitive once he began to awaken a heart. Axel had no idea why he suddenly started berating Xion and calling her a failure all the time. He wouls walk on eggshells to avoid upsetting him. It was probably easy to push the wrong buttons with Isa and he might not tell Lea what was bothering him right away. In the novel, Axel tried to get Saïx to open up to him by putting his hand on his shoulder, but Saïx brushed it away. This upset Axel and made him think how different things were between them. This said a lot about their relationship as humans. Lea had to put effort to get Isa to open up, but Isa was receptive to it.

Negative

Cancer people are ruled by the Moon, which is ever-changing, and thus they can have moods that can grow dark and darker. It’s common for people with this zodiac sign to struggle with low self-esteem and hold a lifelong grudge against someone. They are someone who sees the glass as half empty rather than half full.

Another trait being their lack of trust in people, they tend to have a negative outlook of life. They become prone to depression, and are unable to enjoy life. They can get hurt at the drop of a hat, and rarely express their resentment and anger.

I think this was why Isa felt like a burden on Lea and was down on himself a lot. Isa needed Lea to be the upbeat optimist for him. Isa was probably snarky and nitpicky with Lea, but in a more playful way. He was the brake, while Lea was the accelerator. This is also a dynamic unique to Lea and Isa. Axel had to be the mature and responsible mentor figure with Roxas and Xion. But with Isa, he was more playful and mischievous. Isa would scold Lea, but Lea never would listen.

Clingy

Cancer is a sign of fertile imagination and deep emotional needs. Cancer individuals are sometimes over-imaginative, which can get them in trouble. They will obsess over the situation until they have all of their answers.

Cancerians are very possessive about their relationships. They can be very clingy, and try to hold on to relationships, even after they have ended it. In relationships, they give much more and expect very little in return. Being emotional and sensitive, they are very easily influenced by their loved ones.

Yep. This is exactly how I think Isa was with Lea. Isa was very attached and gave his whole heart to Lea.

Suspicious

The empathetic crab is inclined to protect themselves. They only trust when they feel safe within relationships, often resorting to their inner world when they do not feel trustful or safe. He needs his moods and anxieties to be understood and if they’re not then he will retreat to his shell and come back out when he feels safe.

Definitely sounds like Isa. He was shy and couldn’t open up to just anybody.

Cancer Traits

Cancer star sign, the fourth sign of the zodiac is all about home. They are a nurturing and maternal sign. These people love their home and family more than anything else in this world. Cancerians are blessed with strong intuitive and psychic powers that help them judge people well. These people tend to be hard on the outside and soft inside. But they also have a tougher side to their personality.

So, Saïx exhibited all of the typical Cancer flaws. So, it stands to reason that Isa would also exhibit Cancer’s positive attributes, too.

Intuitive

Cancerians are known to be psychic, and can almost guess things before they actually happen. This comes from their highly developed observational powers. They can truly understand human behavior, and rarely forget things. All these make them highly intuitive and psychic.

This is a side of Isa we definitely never saw in Saïx. His scar is on his third eye chakra, which is the center of psychic awareness. It’s why he couldn’t see Xion or understand why Axel acted the way he did. It’s sad actually. A big part of his personality was shut down.

Kind

Emotional strength and intuition will always define Cancer’s top strengths and traits. This is emotional, but kind-hearted and compassionate personality type that makes for an outstanding friend.

I’m sure Isa was very kind and a wonderful friend, which is why Axel was so desperate to have a “best friend” to fill the void.

Emotive

Cancers are known for their traits like loyalty, their emotional depth, and their parenting instincts. Cancer individuals are emotional and intense; they are also extremely intuitive and compassionate. People belonging to this zodiac sign are highly emotional. Just like the crab that represents them, they are hard from outside, but very soft and mushy from within.

Isa scolded Lea a lot, but only because he cared. He was compassionate and selfless, like the Moon Rabbit. If there’s anything KH3 got right about Isa, it’s that he’d try to comfort an imprisoned girl and want to help her.

Faithful

Cancer is the most concerned with a secure and faithful relationship. Cancer individual loves home and family and is not happy unless they have deep emotional ties. Cancer is usually very nurturing and tends to take good care of everyone they care about.

Isa was serious when he said he’d never forget Lea. I definitely think Isa was the one who first gave Lea the WINNER stick, too.

Loving

Cancer individuals are very loving and caring. As the most sensitive sign of the zodiac, a Cancer does everything with love in mind and in the heart. Because of this, they are the most tender lovers.

Yes, I do think Lea and Isa were envisioned as a couple. Isa loved Lea. His Bunnymoon weapon has a rocket being launched by a heart. Lea also loved Isa, and this is why Axel was so depressed whenever he thought about how different Saïx was compared to Isa. Axel desperately missed feeling loved by someone. They had an extraordinarily interesting relationship. I don’t think Skuld adds anything except getting in the way and watering down their bond.

[and-then-there-were-n0ne]

Money has been essential both for building empires and for promoting science. But is money the ultimate goal of these undertakings, or perhaps just a dangerous necessity?

It is not easy to grasp the true role of economics in modern history. Whole volumes have been written about how money founded states and ruined them, opened new horizons and enslaved millions, moved the wheels of industry and drove hundreds of species into extinction. Yet to understand modern economic history, you really need to understand just a single word. The word is growth. For better or worse, in sickness and in health, the modern economy has been growing like a hormone-soused teenager. It eats up everything it can find and puts on inches faster than you can count.

For most of history the economy stayed much the same size. Yes, global production increased, but this was due mostly to demographic expansion and the settlement of new lands. Per capita production remained static. But all that changed in the modern age. In 1500, global production of goods and services was equal to about $250 billion; today it hovers around $60 trillion. More importantly, in 1500, annual per capita production averaged $550, while today every man, woman and child produces, on the average, $8,800 a year. What accounts for this stupendous growth?

Economics is a notoriously complicated subject. To make things easier, let’s imagine a simple example.

Samuel Greedy, a shrewd financier, founds a bank in El Dorado, California. A. A. Stone, an up-and-coming contractor in El Dorado, finishes his first big job, receiving payment in cash to the tune of $1 million. He deposits this sum in Mr. Greedy’s bank. The bank now has $1 million in capital. In the meantime, Jane McDoughnut, an experienced but impecunious El Dorado chef, thinks she sees a business opportunity – there’s no really good bakery in her part of town. But she doesn’t have enough money of her own to buy a proper facility complete with industrial ovens, sinks, knives and pots. She goes to the bank, presents her business plan to Greedy, and persuades him that it’s a worthwhile investment. He issues her a $1 million loan, by crediting her account in the bank with that sum. McDoughnut now hires Stone, the contractor, to build and furnish her bakery. His price is $1,000,000. When she pays him, with a cheque drawn on her account, Stone deposits it in his account in the Greedy bank. So how much money does Stone have in his bank account? Right, $2 million. How much money, cash, is actually located in the bank’s safe? Yes, $1 million. It doesn’t stop there. As contractors are wont to do, two months into the job Stone informs McDoughnut that, due to unforeseen problems and expenses, the bill for constructing the bakery will actually be $2 million. Mrs McDoughnut is not pleased, but she can hardly stop the job in the middle. So she pays another visit to the bank, convinces Mr Greedy to give her an additional loan, and he puts another $1 million in her account. She transfers the money to the contractor’s account. How much money does Stone have in his account now? He’s got $3 million. But how much money is actually sitting in the bank? Still just $1 million. In fact, the same $1 million that’s been in the bank all along.

Current US banking law permits the bank to repeat this exercise seven more times. The contractor would eventually have $10 million in his account, even though the bank still has but $1 million in its vaults. Banks are allowed to loan $10 for every dollar they actually possess, which means that 90 percent of all the money in our bank accounts is not covered by actual coins and notes. If all of the account holders at Barclays Bank suddenly demand their money, Barclays will promptly collapse (unless the government steps in to save it). The same is true of Lloyds, Deutsche Bank, Citibank, and all other banks in the world.

It sounds like a giant Ponzi scheme, doesn’t it? But if it’s a fraud, then the entire modern economy is a fraud. The fact is, it’s not a deception, but rather a tribute to the amazing abilities of the human imagination. What enables banks – and the entire economy – to survive and flourish is our trust in the future. This trust is the sole backing for most of the money in the world.

In the bakery example, the discrepancy between the contractor’s account statement and the amount of money actually in the bank is Mrs McDoughnut’s bakery. Mr Greedy has put the bank’s money into the asset, trusting that one day it would be profitable. The bakery hasn’t baked a loaf of bread yet, but McDoughnut and Greedy anticipate that a year hence it will be selling thousands of loaves, rolls, cakes and cookies each day, at a handsome profit. Mrs McDoughnut will then be able to repay her loan, with interest. If at that point Mr Stone decides to withdraw his savings, Greedy will be able to come up with the cash. The entire enterprise is thus founded on trust in an imaginary future – the trust that the entrepreneur and the banker have in the bakery of their dreams, along with the contractor’s trust in the future solvency of the bank.

We’ve already seen that money is an astounding thing because it can represent myriad different objects and convert anything into almost anything else. However, before the modern era this ability was limited. In most cases, money could represent and convert only things that actually existed in the present. This imposed a severe limitation on growth, since it made it very hard to finance new enterprises.

Consider our bakery again. Could McDoughnut get it built if money could represent only tangible objects? No. In the present, she has a lot of dreams, but no tangible resources. The only way she could get her bakery built would be to find a contractor willing to work today and receive payment in a few years’ time, if and when the bakery starts making money. Alas, such contractors are rare breeds. So our entrepreneur is in a bind. Without a bakery, she can’t bake cakes. Without cakes, she can’t make money. Without money, she can’t hire a contractor. Without a contractor, she has no bakery.

Humankind was trapped in this predicament for thousands of years. As a result, economies remained frozen. The way out of the trap was discovered only in the modern era, with the appearance of a new system based on trust in the future. In it, people agreed to represent imaginary goods – goods that do not exist in the present – with a special kind of money they called ‘credit’. Credit enables us to build the present at the expense of the future. It’s founded on the assumption that our future resources are sure to be far more abundant than our present resources. A host of new and wonderful opportunities open up if we can build things in the present using future income.

If credit is such a wonderful thing, why did nobody think of it earlier? Of course they did. Credit arrangements of one kind or another have existed in all known human cultures, going back at least to ancient Sumer. The problem in previous eras was not that no one had the idea or knew how to use it. It was that people seldom wanted to extend much credit because they didn’t trust that the future would be better than the present. They generally believed that times past had been better than their own times and that the future would be worse, or at best much the same. To put that in economic terms, they believed that the total amount of wealth was limited, if not dwindling. People therefore considered it a bad bet to assume that they personally, or their kingdom, or the entire world, would be producing more wealth ten years down the line. Business looked like a zero-sum game. Of course, the profits of one particular bakery might rise, but only at the expense of the bakery next door. Venice might flourish, but only by impoverishing Genoa. The king of England might enrich himself, but only by robbing the king of France. You could cut the pie in many different ways, but it never got any bigger.

That’s why many cultures concluded that making bundles of money was sinful. As Jesus said, ‘It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God’ (Matthew 19:24). If the pie is static, and I have a big part of it, then I must have taken somebody else’s slice. The rich were obliged to do penance for their evil deeds by giving some of their surplus wealth to charity.

If the global pie stayed the same size, there was no margin for credit. Credit is the difference between today’s pie and tomorrows pie. If the pie stays the same, why extend credit? It would be an unacceptable risk unless you believed that the baker or king asking for your money might be able to steal a slice from a competitor. So it was hard to get a loan in the premodern world, and when you got one it was usually small, short-term, and subject to high interest rates. Upstart entrepreneurs thus found it difficult to open new bakeries and great kings who wanted to build palaces or wage wars had no choice but to raise the necessary funds through high taxes and tariffs.

That was fine for kings (as long as their subjects remained docile), but a scullery maid who had a great idea for a bakery and wanted to move up in the world generally could only dream of wealth while scrubbing down the royal kitchens floors.

It was lose-lose. Because credit was limited, people had trouble financing new businesses. Because there were few new businesses, the economy did not grow. Because it did not grow, people assumed it never would, and those who had capital were wary of extending credit. The expectation of stagnation fulfilled itself.

- Yuval Noah Harari, The Capitalist Creed in Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

[cooldragon96]

An Ogre Love Affair

Here it is! The Shrek/Twilight crossover that absolutely no one asked for! I added in a bunch of bullshit so it would make sense that shrek and edward existed in the same universe. Heavily inspired by all of the twilight fanfiction I read at 14 years old xoxo

Genre: fluff

Wordcount: ~1800

Shrek was at another of the Cullen’s infamous parties – the perks of being a non-human creature. Bodies sway in front of him in a variety of clothing – short dresses and bright shirts. The Cullens had just come back from another battle against the newly evil Volturi and were celebrating their victory. Shrek had been part of the mission, in the safety of his own home in Far, Far, Away. The Cullens would often write him to ask about battle strategy, never asking him to actually join the fight. The Volturi had learned of Far, Far, Away, and believed the creatures that lived there would expose the magical realm to humans. Their plan was to eradicate all magic beings other than vampires and werewolves, as they believed the others were too wild to be controlled. The Cullen family fought tirelessly for a little more than a year to protect a land they had never visited, had hardly heard of before the Volturi planned their execution. 

Shrek stopped dancing with his friends and walked over to the bar for another drink. Leaning on the bar was the amazing Edward Cullen, a glass of whisky in his hand. His eyes have been Shrek all night yet he still hadn’t said anything. It wasn’t a secret that the relatively young vampire was anxious to date again after his divorce with Bella. She broke his heart, but years had passed and he knew he deserved love again. 

The bartender hands Shrek another glass of coke – more than one glass of alcohol was not a good idea, especially around Alice Cullen who had been trying to play match maker for him for nearly a year now. Shrek tended to become aggressively flirty when drunk, and really wanted to sleep around less. He was newly divorced, just like the Cullen vampire, and was trying to get out of his phase where he slept with anything that would give him a second glance. Shrek wanted to move on, to have a stable and healthy relationship with another creature. Edward just so happened to catch his eye.

Shrek gives the vampire a smile. “You gonna stand there staring at me all night, or are you actually going to ask me to dance?”

Edwards cheeks flush red, which should have been impossible considering he was dead and has no blood. “Ummm…” Edward struggled to answer him. He had been intently watching Shrek the entire night, because Shrek was the one person other than Bella whose mind was completely closed off to him. He had to rely on conversation and body language to determine what the ogre was feeling, which was a challenge for him. 

“Caught red-handed staring I’m afraid, Cullen,” Shrek laughs, taking a sip of his drink.

“I’m sorry,” Edward murmurs in that frustrating way he does, moving away from Shrek and towards the rest of the party guests. Shrek sighs, staring into his coke. With his large ogre head and inability to talk sweetly to shy vampires, he figured he’d be alone for a long while. 

“Damn, what did you do this time Shrek?” None other than Shrek’s best friend Donkey stands on his hind legs in the place of the bartender, a furry eyebrow raised. How a creature with hooves was supposed to make drinks no one knew, but would not risk the wrath of his fire-breathing wife by asking questions.

“I asked him if he was going to ask me to dance.” Shrek don’t take his eyes of off Edward who was now standing next to his siblings Alice and Jasper across the room. They were whispering furiously, in the way that vampires do. “I must have scared him off, the alcohol must have made me too cocky.”

“You didn’t scare him, you ogre,” Another voice had joined the conversation. Shrek turned and saw Emmet, another vampire of the Cullen clan. Emmet was actually closest to Shrek of the vampires. His large stature and friendly nature reminded him of an oversized Donkey that also wanted to suck his rare, Ogre blood.  

“Every time we would write to you in Far, Far, Away he would anxiously wait by the window for your returning carrier pigeon. Whenever we throw an event like this, he pesters Carlisle about whether or not you’ve RSVP’d, or if your invitation has even made it to you. He likes you, he just didn’t expect someone like you to like him back.” Emmet and Donkey laugh, seeing that Shrek still hasn’t stopped looking at Edward.

“Like him back?!” Shrek’s ogre voice feels all too loud over the music as he spins to look at Donkey and Emmet. His glass clinks back aggressively onto the bar surface, often times Shrek forgets his own strength.

 “Of course I like him back! Why wouldn’t I? He’s gorgeous and funny and loyal and has beautiful golden eyes and sparkling skin and-”

“Maybe you should tell him that yourself, you dumb ogre,” Donkey laughs, gesturing behind the ogre with a hoof.

Shrek’s stomach drops. His cow-sized heart began to beat faster, his hands perspiring, and if his skin wasn’t green it would be reddening rapidly. He turns on his heel, seeing golden eyes that appear lit from within. 

‘Words. Say something to him!’ Shrek’s inner monologue screams. But he can’t, he’s uncharacteristically speechless.

Edward smiles, the action lighting up his vampire face. “You gonna stand there staring at me all night, or actually talk to me, Ogre?”

Shrek take a deep breath, shaking his head. “I believe that was my line, Cullen.”

 From the corner of his eye he can see Donkey and Emmet walking away, giving the two some privacy but staying close enough to hear their conversation. 

“Edward, call me Edward.” The vampire holds out his hand for the ogre to take as slow song bleeds from the speakers. His smile is now a full-fledged vampire smirk. 

Shrek nods, letting himself be lead to the dancefloor by the taller creature. He wanted to pull away, to run out the front door all the way back to Far, Far, Away. The last time Shrek had slow danced was at his wedding with Fiona, and even that had been a trainwreck. To slowly dance with his crush in front of all of his friends and allies? A nightmare. 

Edward watched the emotions run across the ogre’s face. 

“Do you know how to waltz?” The vampire murmured. Shrek shook his head and looked down at his large ogre feet, embarrassed. 

“I guess I’ll have to teach you, then,” the old vampire responded, a smirk on his pale face. 

“Right, you're gonna want to place both of your hands just above my waist.” 

Edward instructed the adjacent ogre. “Not that low.” He smirked, pulling up the hands Shrek had wrapped around Edward’s buttocks. The fire beneath Shrek’s cheeks raged as he cursed his uncoordinated hands for groping the vampire in the middle of the dance floor.

“Now we're just gonna slowly step back and forth within rhythm to the song, okay? Nothing too tricky, you’ve got this,” The ogre simply nodded with the same blood rushed cheeks as Edward placed his arms around Shrek’s thick green neck. They swayed together for about two songs before Edward laid his head on Shrek’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry I walked away earlier,” Edward murmurs in the ogre’s ear, gently tightening his hold on him as they continued to waltz. 

Shrek felt a chill down his fleshy back. He’d imagined being this close to the vampire before, but he had never thought it would actually happen. “Walked? You ran, Cullen, with full vampire speed. Fled the scene like a criminal.”

“I was asking Carlisle to put on a slow song for us.” Edward lifted his head, staring down at Shrek with his smirk. “Besides, I was a criminal really, after what I heard from Emmet and Donkey it sounds like I’ve stolen your heart.”

“Oh…” Shrek struggle to maintain coherent thoughts as Edward led him around the dancefloor. Shrek struggled to think of a clever response, his previous playboy attitude seemed to have disintegrated once the vampire’s arms pulled him close. 

“Not so cocky now, Ogre?” Edward murmurs again, spinning the couple around with the grace only a vampire could have.

“Whoop! Get in there, Shrek!” Donkey calls from the other side of the dancefloor with his dragon wife. “Careful, Ogre, he’s still a vampire.” Donkey, as per usual, burst the romantic bubble that surrounded the two creatures. 

Shrek takes Edward’s hand, leading him onto the balcony. “Let’s leave that ass in here.” “Be safe!” Donkey yells after them both.

Shrek shakes his head, laughing and leaning on the balcony rail. “You should have told me you liked me sooner, Cullen.” 

“Well…” Edward runs a hand through his red-brown hair. His muscles ripple through the thin fabric of his shirt. “I didn’t think you’d like me back, Shrek. You’re amazing.”

Shrek laughs in disbelief, taking Edward’s hands in his own and staring him deep into his vampire eyes. “Edward Anthon Masen Cullen, I’ve liked you since I first saw you all those years ago.”

“You first saw me when I was in battle,” Edward sighs. “Killing other vampires.”

“Killing the enemy, Cullen.” Shrek takes a step towards Edward, his confidence slowly returning. 

“It was still killing a living creature, Shrek. No matter how many people my actions save, I still mourn the deaths of those I must kill,” Edward shakes his head, eyes clouding over. Shrek knows he’s thinking of the lives he’s ended protecting Bella, the woman who broke his heart and left him. 

“Don’t forget, vampire, you also saved Far, Far, Away, therefore you saved me,”

 Shrek whispers, taking another step towards the vampire and squeezing his hands gently. “I wouldn’t be here without you. Do you remember when the Volturi said that all storybook characters were a threat to their way of life? And that all of Far Far Away should be burned in order to keep us from being known by humans? You didn’t have to risk your life to battle ancient vampires for a bunch of strangers, but you did. And I tried my hardest to stop myself falling for you afterwards, but it didn’t work. So here we are.”

Edward doesn’t say anything, holding the ogre’s gaze. Shrek’s gaze falls to the vampire’s lips just as his falls to the ogre’s.

Shrek chortles in his ogre way, a smirk forming on his green lips. “You gonna stand there staring at me all night, or are you actually going to kiss me, Cullen?”

Edward laughs quietly, as a vampire does, dipping Shrek to the side with his vampire strength. His gold eyes sparkle as he winks. “I thought you’d never ask, Ogre.” Edward places his death cold lips against Shrek’s, the sound of applause sounding from inside Cullen mansion.

fin x