#it was important for scientific reasons

[viaetor]

to do, in no particular order and as soon as i have more breathing time: 0) reply to messages!!! 1) make a masterlist post with all important notes and stuff regarding aethers lore (thank you sm riley for this idea i owe u my life), 2) update some tags, 3) make verses for these fandoms: soul eater, league of legends/arcane, bg3, kingdom hearts, modern (split into 2), 4) reply to some inbox things, 5) reply to threads so i can kill some people with feelings, 6) make a post about aethers weapon forms, 7) draw aethers appearance bc its gonna diverge from canon highly, 8) update carrd regarding my utter oc-fication of aether.

[hauntedbykeys]

Hey hey hey tazblr

do any of yall know which live show have Lup in them?

[mabaris]

alright so now that we’ve gotten some actual crumbs, it feels like it’s a good time to lay out my prediction for what da4 is going to look like. writing this in a letter and mailing it to myself

we are part of an underground organization formed from the ruins of the inquisition to stop solas from ending the world

meanwhile the wardens have been researching the blight/the location of the archdemons and discover some secret about the location of the black city/what is actually contained in it

we’re supposed to be shocked at the reveal that the evanuris are trapped in the black city and the maker doesn’t exist

the ancient elves were in control of some crazy mutating technology (like in hormak) and that was the original source of the darkspawn. the whole thing about them being from the deep roads and a dwarf concern was actually just a red herring, they’re just underground because they’re powered by lyrium and this has ALSO been an elf thing the whole time :)

anyway, now we need to Double Make Sure the veil stays up because the evanuris have something even worse cooking up in the black city and we need to prevent them from unleashing a super blight and destroying all life, and our job is to convince solas to give up, not because we disagree with his plan but because his actions will have unintended consequences. even if he doesn’t care about everyone else and wants to rebuild the world, he won’t even be able to do THAT because the super blight will kill elves too. so although we WERE enemies we will have to band together to defeat the greater threat etc. it will be optional to recruit him as an ally/advisor, or you can just fight him directly and take control of his forces

we will have to cross into the fade AGAIN and storm the black city directly to put a stop to whatever’s going on in there

[dravidious]

I really do appreciate the idea behind DeArrow but I really wish it had a block button because some of these people should not be writing titles. Like,

Is it really that bad to phrase a title as a question?

Putting more details in the title doesn't actually improve it

Jesus fucking christ your hyper-descriptive title doesn't even FIT!!

[batmanshole]

"you should get the co2 detectors in your home replaced op" first of all some people just have funny thoughts. second of all im convinced none of you passed grade 10 science because CO₂ (co2) is carbon dioxide. as in two. you are thinking of carbon monoxide. as in one.

you breathe out carbon dioxide ever day. carbon monoxide on the other hand, will kill you.

[ironmusicnight]

What is the impact of modern trends on the traditional significance of bangles?

Bangles have been an integral part of women’s jewelry for centuries, symbolizing cultural heritage, tradition, and beauty. They hold deep-rooted significance in various societies, especially in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and African cultures. Traditionally, bangles have been associated with marital status, prosperity, and religious beliefs. However, with the influence of modern trends and evolving fashion sensibilities, the perception and usage of bangles have undergone a transformation. Today, they are not only seen as cultural ornaments but also as contemporary fashion accessories that reflect personal style and individuality.

Traditional Significance of Bangles

Bangles have long been considered a symbol of femininity and grace. In many cultures, married women are expected to wear bangles as a mark of their marital status. For instance, in Indian culture, glass bangles in red and green are worn by brides as a sign of prosperity and good fortune. Similarly, in Pakistani and Bangladeshi traditions, women wear intricate gold bangles during weddings and festive occasions. Beyond marriage, bangles also hold religious significance, often being offered as gifts during ceremonies and prayers.

Additionally, bangles are believed to have spiritual and health benefits. In Ayurveda, wearing metal bangles, especially those made of gold, silver, or copper, is thought to enhance energy flow and improve circulation. The gentle tinkling sound of bangles is also considered auspicious and soothing.

Influence of Modern Trends

The advent of globalization and the increasing influence of Western fashion have significantly altered the way bangles are perceived. In contemporary society, bangles have become more than just a cultural symbol; they have evolved into a versatile fashion statement. Modern trends have introduced a variety of materials and designs, making bangles more appealing to a diverse audience.

1. Shift from Tradition to Fashion

Traditionally, women wore bangles in specific colors and materials that held cultural significance. However, today’s trends favor a mix of traditional and modern styles. Bangles are now available in acrylic, resin, leather, and lightweight metals, catering to the tastes of modern women who prefer comfort and style over cultural obligations. Women of all ages and backgrounds wear bangles as a fashion accessory, irrespective of their marital status or religious beliefs.

2. Minimalist and Statement Bangles

The trend of minimalism has influenced the jewelry industry, leading to the popularity of sleek, simple bangles that can be worn daily. Delicate gold or silver bangles with subtle engravings or charms are highly favored in professional settings, allowing women to maintain a sophisticated yet stylish look. On the other hand, chunky statement bangles with intricate designs, stones, or embellishments are commonly seen on fashion runways and red carpets, showcasing the versatility of this traditional ornament.

3. Customization and Personalization

Modern consumers seek unique and personalized fashion pieces, leading to a rise in customized bangles. Many jewelry brands offer engravings, name inscriptions, or handcrafted designs that add sentimental value to bangles. This trend bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, allowing women to embrace cultural heritage while expressing individuality.

4. Celebrity and Influencer Impact

Social media and celebrity culture have played a crucial role in redefining the significance of bangles. Influencers and fashion icons often style bangles in unconventional ways, mixing and matching different styles, materials, and colors. This exposure has encouraged younger generations to incorporate bangles into their everyday fashion, making them a trendy accessory rather than just a traditional ornament.

Preservation of Cultural Significance

Despite the influence of modern trends, the traditional essence of bangles has not completely faded. Many women continue to wear traditional bangles during special occasions, festivals, and weddings, keeping the cultural heritage alive. Additionally, designers and artisans are making efforts to preserve traditional craftsmanship by blending historical motifs with contemporary aesthetics. Handcrafted bangles featuring intricate carvings, ethnic patterns, and vintage designs remain highly valued in the market.

Conclusion

The impact of modern trends on the traditional significance of bangles is a testament to the evolving nature of fashion and cultural identity. While the symbolic meaning of bangles may have transformed over time, their relevance remains intact. Today, bangles serve as a beautiful fusion of tradition and modernity, allowing women to celebrate their heritage while embracing contemporary styles. Whether worn for cultural, sentimental, or fashion reasons, bangles continue to be an essential part of women’s jewelry collections, transcending generations and geographical boundaries.

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

Character Flaws and Their Meanings

Impulsiveness : Acts on instinct without careful planning. Perfectionism : Sets unrealistically high standards, leading to self-criticism. Indecisiveness : Struggles to commit to decisions or choose a path. Arrogance : Overestimates one’s abilities and dismisses others. Pessimism : Habitually expects negative outcomes in most situations. Cynicism : Distrusts the motives and sincerity of others. Overconfidence : Places excessive faith in one’s skills, often underestimating risks. Stubbornness : Resists change and refuses to adapt to new ideas. Jealousy : Feels envious of others' success or possessions. Insecurity : Experiences frequent self-doubt and a lack of confidence. Procrastination : Tends to delay tasks, often leading to missed opportunities. Passivity : Avoids taking initiative and relies on others to act. Aggressiveness : Responds with hostility or force rather than reason. Selfishness : Prioritizes personal gain over the welfare of others. Fragility : Is overly sensitive to criticism and easily discouraged. Egotism : Constantly focuses on oneself and one’s own importance. Defensiveness : Quickly rejects or rationalizes away critique or new information. Manipulativeness : Exploits others to fulfill personal needs or desires. Recklessness : Shows a careless disregard for potential risks or consequences. Resentfulness : Holds lingering bitterness and grudges over perceived wrongs. Distractibility : Finds it hard to maintain focus amid competing interests. Impatience : Lacks the willingness to wait, often spoiling opportunities to learn. Perfunctory : Performs actions in a mechanical, uninspired manner. Self-Doubt : Consistently questions personal abilities and decisions. Arbitraryness : Makes decisions based on whim rather than reason or evidence. Rigidity : Is inflexible and unwilling to consider alternative viewpoints. Gullibility : Trusts too easily, often leading to being misled or deceived. Obsession : Becomes excessively fixated on particular ideas or details. Aloofness : Maintains emotional distance, appearing detached or indifferent. Intolerance : Refuses to accept differing perspectives or lifestyles.

Writing Advice for Brainstorming

Mix genres and time periods: Experiment by combining elements from different eras or genres to create unique settings and narratives.

Use "what if" scenarios: Pose unexpected questions (e.g., What if time travel operated on emotions rather than mechanics?) to spark novel ideas.

Draw from diverse mediums: Engage with art, music, or even scientific papers to inspire unexpected plot twists.

Embrace absurdity: Let illogical or surreal ideas guide you; sometimes the wildest thoughts lead to compelling stories.

Reverse clichés: Identify common tropes in your favorite genres and deliberately invert them to create fresh perspectives.

Incorporate personal anomalies: Transform your idiosyncrasies and personal struggles into rich, multi-dimensional characters.

Use mind-mapping: Visually plot your ideas in a freeform way to uncover hidden connections between disparate elements.

[archanasinghrathore]

The Importance and Significance of Bangles: Purpose, Scientific Reasons, and Cultural Value in India

Bangles are more than just decorative accessories in Indian culture; they embody a rich tapestry of tradition, symbolism, and scientific insights. Worn by women across various regions and communities, bangles hold profound significance that extends beyond aesthetics. Understanding their importance involves delving into their cultural, social, and even scientific dimensions.

Cultural Significance

In Indian culture, bangles are traditionally seen as symbols of femininity, marital status, and prosperity. They are often gifted to brides during weddings, signifying good luck and fertility. The sound of bangles clinking is believed to ward off negative energies and invite positivity into the household. Each color and material carries its own meaning—red symbolizes auspiciousness, while green represents fertility and growth.

In many communities, the number of bangles worn can have specific meanings. For instance, in certain traditions, a bride might wear a specific set of bangles, often made of glass or metal, to signify her new role and responsibilities. Additionally, the act of wearing bangles fosters a sense of identity and belonging, as different regions and cultures have their own unique styles and customs related to bangles.

Purpose of Wearing Bangles

The primary purpose of wearing bangles goes beyond decoration. In many cultures, they serve as talismans, believed to offer protection and bring good fortune. During auspicious occasions like weddings or festivals, bangles play a crucial role in rituals and celebrations. They are often part of religious ceremonies, where their significance is amplified through blessings and prayers.

Moreover, bangles can enhance a woman’s grace and beauty. The rhythmic sound they produce as one moves can add an element of charm and femininity, reinforcing traditional ideals of beauty. This aesthetic appeal further cements their importance in social and cultural contexts.

Scientific Reasons Behind Wearing Bangles

From a scientific perspective, wearing bangles may offer several health benefits. One notable aspect is their potential to stimulate acupressure points on the wrist. These points are linked to various bodily functions, and the gentle pressure created by bangles can improve blood circulation and relieve stress. The rhythmic movement of bangles can promote muscle engagement in the wrists and forearms, contributing to better strength and stability.

Furthermore, the materials used in bangles—especially metal—can have thermoregulatory properties, helping to maintain a comfortable body temperature in varying climates. This is particularly advantageous in hot regions where metal bangles can draw heat away from the body.

Importance in Indian Culture

In the broader context of Indian culture, bangles signify the essence of womanhood and tradition. They are often seen as an extension of a woman’s identity, representing her journey through various life stages. The act of gifting or receiving bangles during key life events, such as weddings or childbirth, strengthens familial bonds and conveys cultural heritage.

The importance of bangles can also be observed in their role in social gatherings and festivals, where they are worn with pride and joy. They serve as a visual representation of cultural values, embodying the beauty of tradition while adapting to contemporary fashion trends.

Conclusion

The importance and significance of bangles in Indian culture are multifaceted, encompassing cultural traditions, personal identity, and scientific benefits. From symbolizing marital bliss to offering potential health advantages, bangles are an enduring aspect of Indian life. As they continue to evolve with changing times, their core values remain intact, reminding us of the rich heritage and wisdom embedded in these beautiful adornments. Whether worn for aesthetic reasons or cultural significance, bangles will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who cherish their meaning.

[ravioliwings]

sorry I'm so annoyed at people not 1) reading actual studies 2) getting outraged at things they made up in their heads bc they didn't read the studies

[happyfeetfuryroad]

This is one of those Jimmy Neutron sodium chloride moments where I'm like. Really frustrated because some people who are in scientific fields choose to be pedantic for pedantry's sake and forget how human language works in the process.

Definitions are human-made and exist based entirely on their purpose in whatever context you're considering. The distinction between "blue as a result of the presence of pigment" and "blue as the result of texture" is relevant in some contexts, and irrelevant in others. It's like using months instead of years to describe a baby's age: useful and appropriate when you're talking to your pediatrician, mildly inconvenient to slightly annoying when you're talking to someone who was just trying to make casual conversation and asked how old your baby is.

Is it useful, in some contexts, to keep in mind that a blue object doesn't always contain any blue pigment? Sure, absolutely! But is it always appropriate to say "actually, such and such isn't actually blue"? Not necessarily! The way we colloquially assign colors to objects doesn't depend on the inherent physical or chemical properties of that object, but on what wavelengths end up hitting our retinas and send signals to our visual cortices. In that regard, our eyes don't give a flying fuck how that color was generated - the end result is what is meaningful in a general context. Otherwise, we could start being equally pedantic about iridescence because "actually, this substance doesn't contain a pigment for every single color of the rainbow, it's just an illusion due to its microscopical structure". Which doesn't really enhance our understanding of the world so much as it unfairly associates common parlance with ignorance.

And it really is unfair, when you think about it. Language is malleable, and definitions are context-dependent. Why is a scientist's first instinct to go "well akschwally," instead of holding onto that same curiosity that drove them to their field and asking themselves "why is it that some distinctions are acceptable in my field of study, but elicit a negative emotional response in some people outside of it?"? It's easy to dismiss the problem as "oh this society has a literacy problem" or "oh they're just being reactionary" or "oh how sad, they don't value knowledge the same way I do". But sometimes, maybe, it is you who still has some things to learn about how humans work. Give people the grace they deserve. Human curiosity isn't the exclusive intellectual property of the scientific community.

[ceramicbeetle]

i can’t stop thinking about this weird little storm chaser AU my brain dreamed up where bill&ted are the POV characters but crucially not the main characters but the problem is that I truly don’t know anything about storms and I worry I’m not smart enough to understand if I do start researching LOL

[us-enviro-comments]

The Public Comment Process (+ how to write effective public comments)

The US federal rule-making process is founded around the right to comment: the public's opportunity to publicly address the agency responsible for a decision. This right is enshrined by the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) of 1946 and reinforced by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970, which both require that citizens be able to take part in pre-decision communication with a federal agency.

Public comments are important for a number of reasons:

Agencies must consider all new information received during the comment period and address that new information before publishing the final rule; this includes revising the proposed rule.

A good comment can be the basis for a court challenge. If the agency does not adequately address the new information in the comment, they can then be sued and the rule placed on hold until the issues raised by the new information are resolved.

Advocacy groups and journalists often scour public comments to get ideas for their own comments and campaigns, and to contextualize proposed rules.

Submitting a public comment on proposed federal rules and regulations is not like commenting on social media, though. Substantive comments that require agency response are those that contain information pertinent to the actions proposed in the regulation, such as community impacts, scientific evidence, or other data. Non-substantive comments ("I don't like this!") don't require any response beyond maybe a "Comment noted."

Here's a brief set of tips from the Public Comment Project:

“The most valuable public comments are unique, fact-based, and succinct. The agency will have to sort through many identical form letters and expressions of personal opinion.  

Your comment can report on scientific evidence that opposes or supports the theory behind the regulation. Providing additional supporting evidence helps strengthen the agency's position by creating a stronger scientific foundation for their action.

Use an opening sentence to establish your credibility. State who you are and summarize any of your experiences that are relevant to the topic of the proposal.

You do not have to come to a conclusion or judgement regarding the entirety of the regulation, but you do have to clearly communicate the implications of the research you present. Avoid leaving it up to the agency to infer how research or data relates to the regulation. 

Check out the agency's mission statement and any statutes relevant to the regulation. Federal agencies' actions are driven by their mission and held to the standards dictated by statutes, so make your comment stronger by explaining how your information contributes to their mission.”

You can also find templates here: https://publiccommentproject.org/comment-templates

Sources:

The Public Comment Project https://publiccommentproject.org

Democracy in Practice: Public Participation in Environmental Decisions, Beierle and Cayford 2002

Union of Concerned Scientists https://www.ucs.org/resources/participating-federal-rulemaking

[newspeciespodcast]

A podcast? About New Species?

Hi Tumblr, i'm Zoe and I like to interview scientists about the species they find, identify, and describe.

It turns out there are new species of pretty much everything; mammals, lizards, and beetles but also flowers, deep sea worms, starfish, and even short-tailed whip-scorpions. There are so many stories behind these species too, from the ways that they are named (for Willie Nelson Songs, Warhammer 40k characters, and Icelandic presidents) to the places they are found (in remote Brazilian caves, on top of Mount Olympus, and even in their own backyards).

We also go on some fun tangents, including exploring naming conventions, a deep dive into weevils, and some bonus episodes (free on Patreon) where friends of the pod and I review cheesy horror flicks for scientific accuracy.

I want to help scientists share their work because taxonomy is important. Understanding evolutionary relationships is important. Conservation is important. There are a thousand reasons why the work of finding new species matters, and in these episodes, researchers share them all.

So join us! As we explore the biodiversity of our planet with the scientists who help us better understand it. Edited to add: Website: newspeciespodcast.net RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3a86c1f0/podcast/rss This podcast is on Spotify, Pocketcasts, Google Podcasts, Castbox, and Apple Podcasts.

[cosmicpuzzle]

Saturn ‎‧₊˚✩ 🪐✩˚₊‧in Houses

Saturn in 1st House

You have a serious personal manner and can come across to others as cool and reserved. Generally, you don't speak or act without good reason or intention. You are naturally prudent and careful, with good self-control and self-discipline. Your early life may have been difficult, with hardships or limitations to overcome. Yet, you have the power to achieve positions of prominence and responsibility in life through sheer hard work and perseverance. At times, you can be too serious and given to bouts of discontentment and gloominess. You tend not to suffer fools easily.

Saturn in 2nd House

Financial success and wealth comes through good old-fashioned hard work and effort. You find out from an early age that you get what you work for and that there are no free lunches. As a rule, you tend to be cautious and careful with regard to spending money and investing. Deep down, you have a fear of poverty, especially in later life and will take steps to make yourself as financially secure as possible. At times, you can be frugal and stingy.

Saturn in 3rd House

You are a deep and contemplative thinker, who is capable of profound thought and mental concentration. You have good reasoning powers and may demonstrate the ability for scientific thought or mathematics. However, you may lack intellectual confidence or experience disruptions in your early education. You are a serious person with little interest in idle chatter or light conversation. Relations with siblings or neighbours can be strained at times.

Saturn in 4th House

Your home and family life are very important to you; however there can be difficulties attaining domestic harmony and security. You may experience hardship in your place of birth, which is only alleviated by moving to another locality or country. There could be difficulties in your relationship with one or both of your parents, with the possibility of physical or emotional separation from the father in particular. Also, you may have to take responsibility for an aged parent. Personal wisdom comes with age and maturity.

Saturn in 5th House

Your romantic life has its challenges; there may be delays, disappointments and restricted opportunities in your love life, with experiences of emotional coolness and sexual dissatisfaction. However, attractions to those who are older or more mature can lead to stable and lasting relationships. Difficulties may be experienced in having or relating to children and there may be a tendency to be too strict or formal with them. Creative and social skills are acquired through effort and determination. Financial speculations should be approached cautiously.

Saturn in 6th House

You take your work seriously and are a stickler for correct procedure. You have little tolerance for shirkers in the workplace. At times, there can be difficulties with employment matters. If you are an employer, you may experience problems with staff, such as losses, deception and unreliability. You may experience health problems through inadequacies in your diet, or through worry or overwork

Saturn in 7th House

You view relationships with others seriously and realistically. You have a strong sense of responsibility towards others and desire fairness in your dealings with people. Marriage or significant partnerships tend to be stable and enduring. Equally, however, coolness or emotional remoteness within marriage can lead to difficulties, feelings of loneliness and separation. You may be attracted to others of a wide age difference to you. Possibly, a partner may be obstructive, critical and uncooperative. Opponents or enemies can be persistent and relentless; and legal difficulties may be experienced.

Saturn in 8th House

The financial affairs of your personal or professional partners are likely to be an ongoing source of concern or worry for you. It is possible that a partner may experience problems or struggles with money, or cause you personal financial difficulties. Tax matters or inheritances may be a burden and if mishandled could possibly result in legal action. Loans from banks or lending institutions may not be easily obtained.

Saturn in 9th House

You may develop a serious interest in higher learning, philosophy, law and metaphysical knowledge and diligently apply yourself to their study. You tend to have strong convictions, either for or against, spiritual and religious beliefs. Age and life-experience can bring wisdom, but this is dependent on your attitude and handling of life's challenges. You could experience troubles and loss through legal disputes and difficulties may be encountered during long distance travel.

Saturn in 10th House

Vocational matters are of supreme importance to you, and you'll work hard to achieve your professional ambitions. You may experience obstructions in your career, but these can be overcome with perseverance and endurance. Your desire to attain success and positions of power and authority is strong and realizable. However, the potential for a fall from grace or a reversal in fortune is just as strong, if you abuse your position.

Saturn in 11th House

You can be a bit of a loner and sometimes feel uncomfortable in social situations. You tend not to make friends easily; however you have the ability to cultivate genuine and long lasting friendships through sincere effort and steadfast loyalty. You can gain through the patronage and goodwill of older and experienced benefactors. Take care that you don't fall victim to false or deceitful acquaintances.

Saturn in 12th House

You are an intensely private person, who needs frequent seclusion and time out from the demands and pressures of life. You work at your best behind-the-scenes and can be involved with institutions, such as hospitals, universities or government departments. In general, you tend not to be overly concerned with the need for public recognition, preferring instead a quiet and simple life if possible. You may suffer from inexplicable fears and anxieties, and possibly at the hands of false friends or secret enemies. On occasion, you can literally feel confined or restricted.

For Readings DM

[floridensis]

The Natives Nursery in Davenport, a founding member of FANN and now perhaps the oldest continuously operating native plant nursery in Florida, is under threat by the FDOT Turnpike’s proposed Central Polk Parkway East toll road extension. This road project threatens both the nursery and wild native plants, as described below.

YOU can help now by sending a quick email to Jazlyn Heywood, the Project Manager, requesting that FDOT consider only alternatives that eliminate any impact on The Natives Nursery and its adjoining conservation easement.

Jazlyn Heywood, P.E.
Project Manager, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise


jazlyn.heywood@dot.state.fl.us


407-264-3298


PO Box 613069, Ocoee FL 34761-3069

MORE DETAILS

You can read more about this road project here: https://floridasturnpike.com/turnpike-projects/featured-projects/central-polk-parkway-east-451419-2/

FDOT is considering four alternative routes for the road, three of which impact The Natives. Botanist Edwin Bridges has also noted the following impacts on native plants and habitat from the routes proposed:

Goes right through the only remaining population of the critically endangered species, Dicerandra modesta

Goes through a sloping intact (but small) very species-rich longleaf pine sandhill remnant

Is very close to the only subtropical mesic calcareous hammock in northern Polk County, which has a large natural population of the extremely rare Pharus lapullaceus

There are numerous conservation and scientific reasons to oppose this toll road mis-alignment, but also economic and cultural. Bok Tower Gardens has also raised concerns about the road project ruining the peace and tranquility of the Gardens by bringing noise, pollution and excess night-time light, as well as impacting a wildlife corridor the Gardens have worked for decades to preserve.

For over 40 years, Bill and Nancy Bissett, founders of The Natives and founding and longtime supporting members of our association, have been incredibly important to the establishment and growth of Florida’s native plant movement and our industry. Their children, Sarah Kiefer and Paul Abel, are managing the business now. So many restoration practices and rare plants have been brought to us by The Natives. Let’s make sure this immensely valuable small family business has a chance to continue into all our futures.

[22ayla21]

Their Children, Their Treasures

How the men of Amphoreus spend time with their children.

Mydei is not the type to just sit and tell children how the world works. He shows them. He trains with his eldest son, but he doesn’t turn it into a tough workout — more of a game, testing his agility and reaction. He can throw him a wooden sword, forcing him to catch it, and then laughs when he proudly declares that he has become stronger. He takes his time with his daughter. Instead of combat training, he teaches her observation: he shows her how to read facial expressions, discern lies, understand when a person says one thing and means another.

Sometimes, when the night is quiet and the palace is asleep, Mydei takes the children for a walk. His son walks alongside him, trying not to show that he is a little nervous about the mysterious atmosphere. His daughter sits on his shoulders, clinging to his hair with her tiny hands. They walk, talk about something insignificant, look at the stars. For the children, this is an adventure, for him, a rare moment when he can simply enjoy their presence.

He has small rituals that are dear only to them. Every morning when he is home, he always plays with his daughter, letting her sit on his lap while he drinks his pomegranate juice. She chatters, sometimes incoherently, but he listens, answering in short phrases, because it is important for her to be heard. He has a special tradition with his eldest son - they arrange small competitions, who can tie a belt faster, who will be the first to notice something unusual around. These are not competitions in strength, but simply a test of attentiveness and ingenuity.

If one of the servants or courtiers looks at his children too appraisingly, he silently gives a look that makes the blood run cold. After that, no one dares to say anything unnecessary to the children. If a son comes to him with a question that is difficult to ask out loud, he never ridicules him. He does not say "you are still small", but calmly explains, because he knows that if not him, then someone else will give an answer, and it is not a fact that it is the right one. If his daughter gets tangled in ribbons or can't fasten her dress, he silently helps. His rough fingers can undo intricate knots with no less dexterity than they can handle a weapon.

The son has almost gotten used to the fact that his father rarely talks about his feelings. But he notices how he always puts his hand in front of him if someone comes too close, how he discreetly straightens his cloak, how he puts food in front of him first. And his daughter... She is his little princess, and he doesn't even try to hide it. He picks her up in his arms without saying a word if he sees that she is tired. If she plays with his hair or jewelry, he simply allows it silently. When she reaches out to him to take her, he never refuses. Mydei does not say loud words. But his children know that there is no one who will protect them more.

Silence at home? Not in their family. When Anaxa has free time, he organizes intellectual discussions, where each of his daughters tries to prove her point. Usually this develops into a heated argument, and he, sitting with a cup of tea, calmly observes and only occasionally throws out provocative questions, forcing them to think even deeper.

"Theory without practice is meaningless," says Anaxa, and his daughters immediately find a reason to prove this in practice. "Scientific disasters" regularly occur in the house: self-igniting mixtures, strange bubbling solutions or a device that was supposed to make life easier, but almost destroyed the kitchen.

Anaxa comes up with logical riddles that his daughters must solve using reasoning. Sometimes he does this on purpose in everyday life: he hides things, leaves encrypted notes or deliberately draws false conclusions to see if they will notice the mistake. If the evening is quiet, he sits in a chair, his daughters on either side of him, each with her own book. The elder reads serious literature, the younger something more daring and provocative, and Anaxa just smirks, seeing how their reading tastes reflect their personalities.

Despite all their intellectual development, they remain a family. Sometimes Anaxa allows his daughters to braid his hair (even if he pretends that he is not interested), sometimes he himself makes things for them that seem completely unrelated to science - beautiful jewelry or unusual objects that carry a hidden meaning.

Anaxa rarely speaks openly about his feelings, but if his daughters face difficulties, he is always there. When they achieve success, he simply looks at them with a barely noticeable smile and says: "I had no doubt. After all, you are my daughters."

When his first son was a baby, Phainon still hoped that his child would be calm, obedient, and perhaps even gentle. He imagined reading to him, teaching him high ideals… But as soon as the baby learned to crawl, the house turned into an arena of chaos. And then came the second. And now Phainon has two little whirlwinds that run around, fight each other with toy swords, and turn everything upside down.

Phainon may be a hero, but when his two sons jump on him from the couch with battle cries, he sincerely wonders if it is his destiny they are trying to overthrow. They use him as a living arena, clinging to his arms, tugging at his hair, and demanding that he play battles with them, which he invariably loses.

Phainon still reads them ancient Amphoraean legends, hoping to instill nobility and greatness of spirit in them. He sits with a book, telling stories about great heroes... and his sons listen with bated breath. And then one of them suddenly asks:

"Dad, if you were an evil god, would you lose to us?" Phainon exhales heavily.

Although he would never admit it, Phainon loves to tidy up their tousled hair. When they are little, he gently combs it, sometimes combing it with his hands. Later, when they grow up, he continues to do it mechanically, and when his sons begin to complain, he only smiles with a note of melancholy that they are growing up too fast.

When his sons begin training, he becomes a strict mentor. He teaches them to take blows, to think strategically, not to waste their strength. But if one of them hurts another or behaves dishonestly, his gaze becomes icy, telling them that they must be strong not for the sake of destruction, but for the sake of protection. And they remember this for the rest of their lives.

Despite the chaos, he loves it when his sons, tired of playing, crawl to him and fall asleep next to him. At such moments, he carefully covers them with a blanket, looks at their faces and says with a slight smile, almost in a whisper: “But I wanted a daughter…” But there is no disappointment in his voice – only warm affection. Phainon is a father who wanted a little princess, but in the end got two little whirlwinds who make his life chaotic, but happy. And even if they turn the house upside down, he would never trade them for anything in this world.