#karla bless you for taking all of those

[anxious-witch]

I apologize for spamming, but there are sm good videos I can't help myself 🙈

[oyesmendes]

wildflower pt4 - calum hood

a/n: this is just gonna be snippets of their lives from now on. hopefully u like karla and calum as much as i do!

summary: after a nasty breakup, Karla Rivera finds herself working as one of the new producers/songwriter for 5SOS. She had no intention to fall in love right now, but one conversation struck a chord with her. In between producing a smashing album and writing hit singles, Karla finds herself entangled in the arms of a man who she never thought she’d end up with.

He stands in front of a white door, almost similar to the one at the beach house. He’s biting his bottom lip, feet bouncing as he waits in front of the door with a bouquet of dahlias - her favourite flowers, in his hand. He hears her boots hit the ground as she rushes to the door, having gotten home a few minutes before he arrived. The door swings open and hits the wall with all the excitement flowing through her and they both grin - so wide that they physically feel their cheeks hurt. Karla is in his arms before he could even comprehend and she was pulling him into her apartment by the neck. They kiss, deep and loving, sparks flying across the room. Calum doesn’t even remember the bouquet of flowers that he was holding, now pressed to her back as he holds her tight in his arms.

“I fucking missed you.”

“I fucking missed you too.” He peels her away from him, finally handing the flowers to her. She takes a whiff and then leaves it on the counter before smothering him in kisses. He basks in the attention, feeling every inch of her body mould in to his - like two perfect puzzle pieces. He then remembers the song he had waited the entire week to play to her, wanting nothing more than to see her reaction in person. He pushes her off suddenly and she’s taken aback, almost hitting her hip against the counter.

“Oh I have something to play for you!” Calum says almost too excitedly. Karla opens two beer bottles as he sets himself on the kitchen counter, pressing play on his phone.

She hears the intro with the beautiful harmony and her ears perk up, she raises her brow at Calum who had the proudest look on his face.

I hear you callin' out my name

I love the sound, I love the taste

And I can see it in your face

You've got a side you can't explain

Karla grins when she hears his voice, bopping along to the 80s style music. When they get to the chorus her face turns a bright shade of pink, knowing what the exact words mean. Sure Calum insists it was up for interpretation but anyone could tell it was about her.

“So I’m your wildflower huh?”

“Was it that obvious?”

“Maybe…” She places herself in between his legs, and when Calum leans down for a kiss, she turns to her cheek just to get him riled up.

“Oh you seriously wanna be a tease, Rivera?”

“Try me, Hood!” Karla abandons her beer and bolts to her room, Calum following closely behind.

They somehow end up on the couch dressed in comfy clothes (Calum borrows her brothers sweats, though it was a little too short but he didn’t mind), with take out boxes strewn all over the table. It reminded them of the first night they met but better, now that they were alone with each other. There’s a romcom playing on TV but the pair couldn’t be bothered, their attention only on each other. He feels so attached to her, like she’s become apart of his life and then he starts to worry. The comfortable silence between them slowly turning uncomfortable as he’s left with his thoughts. He thinks about tour and how he’s going to be apart from her for long periods of time. Then he overthinks their relationship and how she would think of leaving him when things get rough. Calum doesn’t notice his hand dropping from her waist and his brows furrowing. But of course she does, she always has and always will. Karla knows about his habit of getting inside his own head too much, hell it happened twice already and they’ve only been together for less than a month. She’s patient, so patient that the rest of the boys think she’s a god sent when she spends almost two hours on the phone with him the second day she left the beach house, just to assure him that she would stay no matter what.

“You’re in there again.” She says, poking his forehead. It makes his face scrunch up and she giggles softly at him.

“I am” He admits it this time, knowing that she was right. Karla kisses his cheek and runs her fingers along his torso. She remembers how he said her touch brings him back to reality, reminds him that she’s still there. So she makes a deliberate effort to touch him, to have that physical connection. Calum closes his eyes and focuses on the contact of their skin, and he throws those thoughts out of his mind. He pecks the crown of her head and she knows he’s trying.

“Always gonna be here.” She reminds him, and he softly thanks the heavens above for creating a blessing like Karla Rivera.

-

“You nervous, petal?” Calum squeezes Karla’s hand as they make the short walk to Ashton’s place. It was the first time she was meeting the boys since the beach house, and this time with their girlfriends as well. From what Karla knows, the girls have known each other for years and are close as fuck. So to say she was nervous stepping into their group was the biggest understatement of the year. She gives Calum a tight lipped smile and nothing else, but he knows her, the anxiety was written on her forehead.

“The girls will love you, trust me. If the boys like you, I don’t see why their girlfriends wouldn’t.” They arrived at Ashton’s and let themselves through the gates. The rest of the couples had just arrived as well, all mingling with one another. When they notice Calum and Karla, all the boys cheered and clapped, teasing Calum as much as they could. Sierra was the first to approach Karla, offering her a big warm hug.

“You must be Karla!”

“And you must be Sierra.” She returns the hug, then proceeds to introduce herself to KayKay and Crystal. They were warm and inviting, and all four of them fell into conversation easily. The girls got to know Karla better, and even asks her to join them for girls night on Friday. They talk for what must have been three hours before all their boyfriends were beginning to get needy due to the lack of attention. Calum wraps his arm around her waist protectively, and traces her skin up and down while she was talking to KayKay about skin care or some topic he was totally disinterested in. She stops his hand from squeezing her side, which only sends KayKay into a fit of giggles.

“Calum Thomas Hood, I am trying to have a conversation here.” She scolds and he pouts at her, crossing his arms and sinking back into the couch.

They call it a night at around 1AM, and Calum was quick to pull his girl out the door. She shakes her head as he practically drags her behind him, until they’re out of sight from the house and he pulls her into his arms immediately.

“You’re such a needy boy huh?” She scratches the back of his neck as they both stand in each others arms in the middle of the street.

“I’m never bringing you out again. Only want your attention on me.”

-

Calum paces the room for the hundredth time, and Karla thinks the tiles on the floor are starting to thin out. He’s nervous and rightfully so, they were releasing wildflower today, along with the music video, and he also wants to tell the world about his girlfriend. Not that the fans didn’t already suspect anything, Karla was often pictured out with the boys, but more recently she was seen having lunch alone with Calum and that sent the fandom into a frenzy. They’ve managed to avoid the questions and rumours, but Calum wants to show his girl off to the world, and he feels that wildflower was the right chance.

“Babe, that tile on the ground is going to pop off if you keep pacing.” He pauses, looks at the floor underneath his feet and back at her before he sighs. Karla gets off the love seat and approaches Calum, cupping his face in her hands. She smooches him on the lips, making a faint smile appear on his face.

“All better?” He nods, then changes his mind quickly.

“But do you think-“

“No I’m not thinking.” She looks at him with sympathy, the worry lines prominent on his forehead, “Stop thinking, gorgeous. It’ll be fine, the song is amazing, and the video even better! You have nothing to worry about.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?” Karla questions, she’s making him a hot tea to calm his nerves.

“Are you not afraid of the hate?”

“Baby,” she hands him the pink mug which he accepts gratefully, “I’ve been pictured with more male artists in my life, speculations flying across the room like paper aeroplanes. My ex is Jonah Marias for goodness sake! I know what I’m getting myself into - a hot mess. But you’re worth every moment of it.”

Calum feels an overwhelming sense of relief from her words and he finally sits down with his tea. They wait for the release of the song, and soon the comments started rolling in after his post on Instagram.

@calumhood: This one’s for my wildflower. I hope you like it as much as I do xx

A picture of them from the beach house, the day after they announced their relationship to the boys. Calum’s face was pressed against hers, the smile on their faces couldn’t get any wider. Karla picks another picture, where Calum was grabbing her waist and threatening to throw her into the sea. She has Ashton to thank for catching such a moment. One last look at her caption, and she’s hitting post.

@karla_rivera: I guess I’m your favourite fantasy. Glad to be a part of this one, sweet pea <3

[tenemos-que-hablar]

“Are you seriously this cool all the time?”

(Macarena Achaga interview for InStyle Magazine, October 2019)

This phrase stuck in our heads when we stalked Macarena Achaga on her social media (that is, before an interview, we read, investigate, and we even get into those forgotten corners of the internet to know about the celebrities on our cover.) And we believe that this is the one question that many ask the Argentine actress...she answers it for us.

“I’m so excited, what did you think of the photos?” asks Maca about the photoshoot we did in Barcelona, ​​with the new collection of the Spanish brand “Desigual” (we love them, by the way). Precisely, she is an example of that (desigual), of originality embodied in a person; not only transcending from being a teenage entertainer in Mis XV, to becoming the actress whose character, along with Barbara Lopez, became the first lesbian couple on Mexican television in Amar a muerte, a telenovela written by Venezuelan Leonardo Padron and produced by Lemon and W Studios.

“I don’t want to discount any of my work because each of them has taken me to where I am now and shaped me professionally; I started with Mis XV and there I learned the importance of freedom at a young age. I am very grateful to have done it with maturity and that my parents always gave me the chance to make my own decisions; I constantly say that it’s better to regret the consequences of your own choices than to regret the ones that were decided for you. From a very young age, I faced and lived many things that, without knowing, would later give me the weapons to tell other people's stories and have empathy so that girls feel recognized.”

“That was the number one factor that happened with Juliantina; we were able to raise our voice for so many people out there who don’t have the opportunity to do so and who don’t have the freedom that I had. The transition in my career has been immense, but going through different experiences gave me the strength to go out and act. I do this because it allows me to be the voice of so many who don’t have one. Following what my heart says lets me do my job with a purpose,” confesses the artist who began more than 12 years ago in middle entertainment and today is one of the coolest faces on the small screen.

The growth that the Argentine has had has been tremendous, but she has also encountered unexpected challenges and obstacles. The industry is difficult, “as humans we are made to please. I think that it is one thing to pretend to fit in and quite another to want to belong. I don’t think it’s the same to fit in by changing who you are than to be with a group of people who are moved by the same things you are; however, I don’t look to change my way of being. I’m guided by the projects that align with my way of thinking. When I am old and I look in the mirror, I want to say ‘You did everything out of love’. I look to play roles that touch someone from a different point of view, but at the same time tell a message that I believe in.” And it’s precisely that, that she’s sure is how things are flowing and has been the success of her career.

She even told us a story of one of her castings, that she realized how the camera connects you to the audience, and because of that she is transparent with her acting and she feels that is part of the movement that is taking place with Juliantina.

Without a doubt, there are many girls, regardless of their sexual orientation, who have felt moved after seeing her performance as Valentina, who is part of a same-sex couple: “She encouraged them to speak without such filters. I don’t label myself and I want to convey that message. Of course, this opens up the conversation that you can have the relationship you want in the way you think it best; I think that these stereotypes and ideas that are so deeply rooted in society have finally begun to fall. I feel proud and responsible--even blessed--because so many girls have chosen me to be a voice that gives the message of equality and put it out there with the ideals of thousands of people. I am inspired by the change I see. As for the sexuality argument, it seems to me that it shouldn’t be a topic of conversation, not because it’s bad, but because it shouldn’t remain a taboo.” Macarena celebrates individuality and is sure that being yourself is the path to happiness, although she knows how difficult it is to translate into words.

And for the Juliantina fans comes a very important project: the movie that will take the couple to the big screen. Undeniably, it will mark a before and after in the history of Mexican television in which an LGBTQ+ couple transitions from a telenovela to a movie.

“It's beautiful to listen the community of women who are making themselves heard and who want to see the story that touched them so much. I thank God I was chosen to play it; it needed to be told. It is a romantic story, but above all, real. For me, it’s a response to the audience that’s socially responsible and their hope to see so much love and camaraderie. This opens a window for the world to be part of a turning point of love stories in general,” she emphasizes.

For her, it is important to go beyond generations, to reach entire families and that the audience connects with this moment of change. “It’s inevitable, urgent, and necessary that these issues are on the table, discussing important things requires courage. Talking about sexuality is uncomfortable, but it has to be done and we are opening the conversation. Recently, I had coffee with a fan from Brazil who told me that after a time of struggling, then seeing me on TV, and then on my social media, she realized that there was a life out there that she wasn’t enjoying. I want to end the prejudices and not have to explain, when many times you yourself are still discovering what is happening with you”.

Macarena is different, rebellious and breaking the rules since she was a child because she has a conscience that allows her to identify with what she likes and what she doesn't, although she admits that she couldn’t have accomplished it without the support of her family and fans who send her gifts, even from Korea, and make her feel special. 

“I like to break the rules and it’s important to learn how to say no and be an example without shame. End the excuses, give the answers from a place that comes from confidence in who you are,” she declares.

So yes, the answer is that Macarena is this cool, all the time.

--

Interview: Karla Jáuregui

Photos: Paola Vivas

Styling: Paulina Zas

[dailyaudiobible]

11/23/2019 DAB Transcript

Ezekiel 45:13-46:24, 1 Peter 1:13-2:10, Psalms 119:33-48, Proverbs 28:11

Today is the 23rd day of November. Welcome to the Daily Audio Bible. I am Brian. It's great to be here with you as we as…well…as we end another week and continue taking steps forward. So, we’ll go back into the book of Ezekiel. We’ve been reading from the New Living translation this week, which is what we'll do today. And then will move into the letter of Peter, first Peter, that we just started yesterday when we get to the New Testament. But first, Ezekiel chapter 45 verse 13 through 46 verse 24.

Prayer:

Father, we thank You for another week in Your word. And as the…the number of weeks…well it's been decreasing since we started this journey…but now we can count them pretty easily on our hands. And, so, we thank You for Your faithfulness to us and for the transformation that has been taking place since we set sail on January 1st. And as we say here on this week before things start to really really get busy for the rest of the year, we spend a moment of gratefulness. We are so thankful for Your faithfulYou’re Your faithfulness to us. So, we commit to being faithful to this journey until the end and to find out the things that You yet have to do inside of us before this revolution around the sun is complete. So, we thank You for another week in Your word and we look with anticipation, great anticipation for all that You have yet to do. We love You Father. We worship You and we pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com is the website and that is home base and where you find what's going on around here. So, stay tuned and stay connected. Of course, if you’re using the Daily Audio Bible app, most of these things can be accessed from within the app as well by pushing the drawer icon in the upper left-hand corner. But yeah, stay connected and stay tuned to what is going on around here as we move into this next season of the year, kinda like the final season where everything gets really really busy. So, let's…let's stay connected in any way that we can and in any way that that that we will.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, cannot possibly thank you enough, humble gratitude is the proper posture. We wouldn't be here at all if we were not in this together, if we weren't throwing logs on from time to time on the Global Campfire. So, thank you for your partnership. There’s a link on the homepage at dailyaudiobible.com. If you’re using the Daily Audio Bible app, you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner or the mailing address, if you prefer, is PO Box 1996 Spring Hill Tennessee 37174.

And as always if you have a prayer request or comment there are a number of ways to reach out. One of them would be to just press the Hotline button at the top of the app, the little red button at the top or there are number of numbers you can use. If you are in the Americas 877-942-4253. If you are in the UK or Europe 44-20-3608-8078 and if you are in Australia or that part of the world 61-3-8820-5459 is the number to call.

And that is it for today. I'm Brian I love you and I'll be waiting for you here next week, which is tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Good morning everyone this is JoAnn Marie from Southern California this is specifically for Karla. Today is November 19th and I just heard your prayer and request for prayer. Heavenly father I lift up Karla. Father, from personal experience I know that you are with her though she may not feel it. Father God I know that you love her and cherish her. Lord, I pray that your Holy Spirit will wash over this young woman. She’s right at the perfect place to receive your blessings. Karla don’t worry. Karla keep your eyes on Jesus. My friend used to say the saying, “fake it ‘til you make it.” So, grab your Bible, go through the Psalms and read them out loud. No matter if you believe it or not just do it. Heavenly father again I continue praying for Karla. Holy Spirit wash over her, hold onto her be with her. Father hear our prayers and comfort our sister in Christ who is crying out to you. Thank you that we can give you our burdens. Thank you that you’re hear every single prayer, that you catch every single tear and that we are not alone no matter how we feel. Your word tells us that you are with us. Your word is holy. Your word is true. You are not a God of confusion. You are a God of peace and calm. Father, we pray again in Jesus name. And Lord, we thank you for how you rescue us each day every day all day. Lord we love you and thank you for another…

Good morning Daily Audio Bible family I want to pray for the woman who called in today November 19th that at her wits and that feels like she can’t do it anymore, she can’t pray to God anymore, she’s lost faith in her relationship with the Lord. Her marriage, everything is crumbling. Mam, I prayed for you this morning. when I heard your prayer I got right on my knees to think of you because God was reaching to my heart for you. He showed me a vision of you being like spiritual gas tank pulling up to His heavenly station and your tank was on fumes and it was almost to the point where people had to push you into the gas station just to get to the tank. But I’m gonna tell you right now ma’am that God is coming for you in a mighty way. Ephesians 3:20, He’s going to do exceedingly great expect in things beyond anything you can hope, ask or expect. Jeremiah 29:11. You know that one well. He has great plans. So, I’ve been…I’ve been many times where you are before, feeling unloved, unworthy, unnoticed, invisible. God is coming through in this season to bring out his people who have been in the dark to bring them to the light. He is going to fill up your gas tank overflowingly full to the point where you can’t hold it anymore. So, don’t you dare give up because we’re praying for you, I’m praying for you, Jesus is interceding on your behalf. And He’s gonna come through right now at a time when you least expect it. Amen.

Desperately wanting to Jesus this is PG from NC. I’m calling to answer your question from Sunday, November 17. I’ll speak quickly. Yes, it’s normal to feel like you want justice, that you want all wrongs to be righted. It is. But it’s not the default for believers. We leave that to Christ. Now, you’re trying to control your words, your attitudes and your actions and that’s not really possible. James will teach us that though tongue is a wild thing that can’t be controlled, and we know that our facial expressions will follow words. But how do we do it? Well the good thing is that the word also says that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. And the good news is that you and I can build up our hearts and minds and train our Spirits. So how do we do that. DAB every day. Don’t just listen, read along, participate. The other thing is we build our Spirits, we train our Spirits by worship out loud. Don’t just hum, don’t just listen, do it out loud. The other thing is by thankfulness. Gratitude is an attitude, but thankfulness is an expression. Express thankfulness to the Lord every day when you get up and then when you lay back down. And call or text two people every day and thank them for something. The other thing is prayer. Now let’s be honest. God doesn’t need to hear a lot of what we have to say but we need to hear what he has to say. So, it’s a lot more listening than talking. But one of the things you can do is you can pray for those who despitefully used you but not conviction, condemnation all those kind of things. Pray blessings, pray repentance, pray mercy. Pray for their families. Bless them in every way. And in doing that you will build yourself up, train your spirit. Out of that abundance your mouth will speak, and your face will match it. Hey, this is PG from NC and just like Brian I love you and I’ll be here tomorrow.

Hey everyone, is Karen in St. Louis. I am asking you guys to please pray. My last besty passed away on Sunday, which was my birthday, but she is in glory with the Lord, no more pain, no more suffering. We had been friends for almost 40 years. And, so, if you would please pray. A couple of things. Her family are not believers and so she was actually responsible in kind of a weird way back when we had gotten out of the record business and then she was working part-time at a record store where she invited me to go to a church where this guy who was in the worship team that worked at the record store was bugging her to go. And I was ready to go because at that time I was in adult children of alcoholics and the Lord was really drawing me to Him. In any event, just pray that I would be a light in the darkness. I pray that the gospel would be given at her funeral. And then we also have a couple of friends that were in the record business with us. We’ve gotten reconnected with them through Facebook years ago. They are both very of evout…devout and radical atheists and in the course of the years they too both have cancer. So, if you would pray that I would be able to continue that relationship with them, that the Lord would be drawing them to him, and I just thank you so much for all of your prayers. And I want to pray for all of those that are dealing with extreme brokenness. It is so hard to see, and it can rock our faith, but God is faithful no matter what. Thank you, Brian. Thank you, Jill. God bless you all. Bye-bye.

Hey Daily Audio Bible, this is Micah in Awe. Today I heard Karla call in struggling with depression. You said you were heartbroken. The Scripture talking about the oil of joy came into mind. So, I looked up the Scripture. It’s Isaiah 61. I’m just gonna read it now. The spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor in the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, to grant to those who mourn in Zion, to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit, that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord that He may be glorified. So, yesterday I was studying hard words of Missouri. I’m a woodworker and I read that oaks are one of the hardest woods in Missouri because the way that they age. So, this is God telling Isaiah to tell us that we will be called oaks of righteousness. That means that we will stand firm. Just like to encourage you. Stay firm. Stay believing in the Lord. Stay reading the Scripture. God’s gonna deliver you from this and am asking him right after this. I’m praying for you that he pours out the oil of joy over your life. I’ll talk to you later.

Hello dear Hanging On this is Jeanette. I heard your prayer and I want to extend a hand…a hug from a fellow believer in Jesus. There’s been a lot of things that I’ve done that haven’t been in anybody’s interest in the past, but Jesus hasn’t left us even when we can’t feel his presence. He gives us the times to regret what we have done but he doesn’t leave our side. And, so, I want to step forward. My own mother has suffered this sort of loss, her first child. And I’ve been praying for her very much recently. And what the father showed me was Jesus being with her in that room where the abortion happened but the whole room was surrounded with Holy Spirit fire and Jesus accepted the spirit of that young child into his arms to be carried up to heaven. And He laid His hands on my mother’s womb and He said, “I forgive you, I love you, you are my child.” He was very angry at all the circumstances that had driven her to that sacrifice of the child to that situation that put her in such terror, and He covered her with His grace. And it doesn’t matter where you’re standing right now but I know that His grace is poured out for you in the very depths of His heart and the very depths of heaven call out that He loves you because He gave himself on the cross for you. And no matter where you go, no matter what you do there’s a child waiting for you up in heaven who will be in your arms. If you are in tears than just…

[helihi]

Farewell OITNB - The Good, the Bad, and the Dirty

So... Orange is the New Black ended. I binge watched the last season in 2 days, and I’ve got some thoughts. The last season was def better than we had ben getting for the past couple of years.

Beware spoilers ahead:

The Good

This season was definitely better than... IDK everything after season 5? One of the main issues of OITNB had, as the show progressed, was the writers addiction with throwing new characters into the mix, and although that makes sense in context, it’s a bad practice for a show.

I watched Chernobyl after it came out, and one of the characters, Ulana Khomyukl, is not based on a real person, but a group of people that actually existed and helped Valery Alekseyevich Legasov. Though being mentioned by named would have honored the real people, her character worked perfectly for a show. You can’t have a huge cast, not only because you don’t have enough screen time to showcase all of them and present them as 3D characters, but also because it will detract from the show’s substance.

Well, rest assured that the writers of OITNB didn’t make that mistake, they dialed back to the most of the OG cast to properly give them a send off (Taystee, Crazy Eyes, Piper, Alex, Nicky, Red, Lorna, Cindy, Daya, Aleida, Gloria, Flaca, María, Dogget, Caputo, and Figeroa), while also giving the better of the newest addition a coherent plot line ( Artesian McCullough, Tamika Ward, Karla, and Joel Luschek to some extent).

Though I have a section at the end for how I personally feel about each character’s story lines, I have to say Taystee’s, Caputo’s, and Nicky’s storylines are the best of the season. T and Mr. Caputo’s stories are interlinked, specially with Ward’s, but they retained the original message of the show: the penitentiary system is broken, fucked up, and it hurts people (+ it makes corporations money, thanks to season 4 onward).

I AM SO HAPPY THEY GOT RID OF BADDISON SO EARLY, I HATED HER GUTS. Part of the biggest clean up efforts from the writers, was getting rid of people who would interfere with a clean and tight end, which included killing Daddy off (I’m so sorry for her), beating the shit out of the most unanimously hated additions of season 6 and throwing her off, and giving most of Max’s characters a secondary role or a background role (let’s be honest Adeola should running the gang).

Huge thanks to Larry for doing something right in his life: he is correct about Piper, it’s almost as if the writers were aware of how the audience views Piper.

Though some storylines hit you in the gut, they do stay believable. A happy ending for everyone was not only impossible, but incoherent with the type of story they were telling. I do have to say I’m not happy about a couple, but we’ll get to that later. (See The Bad and The Dirty section).

You got 3 main story lines:

Ice: This includes the storylines for most of the Latin American characters (Gloria, Flaca, Maritza, Blanca), Fig, n Nicky. You can find my thoughts in The Dirty Section.

The broken penitentiary system: which includes Caputo, Taystee, Dogget, Suzzane, Piper, Ward, and Lorna. I believe this is the overall main theme of the show and the one which was developed the best and most believable. On one hand you have the people who have their hands tied and still try to do the best: Caputo (who gets some small victories, but loses everything because of #MeToo), Ward (who did her best, but wasn’t enough against the corrupt system and the capitalist philosophy that runs the company), Tayste (who got life even though she’s innocent, and never got justice for her friend, but found a way to move forward), Dogget (who was part of the circle of poverty and abuse, never got rehabilitated [which should be the purpose of prison] and killed herself after being berated again), Suzzane (who got locked in prison, though she didn’t belong there), Piper (through her parole experience), and Lorna (who never got the help she needed.

The Diaz Family: Daya, Aleida, Taystee, and Dogget to some extent.

I am so happy about the Poussey fund, and that it exist in real life. One of the things this show has done is show light on a lot of issues in the penitentiary system to people who really don’t care about it, or are ignorant about it. I hope this show has more impact than the fund. I hope it actually gives purpose to new activists, but that’s just wishful thinking.

This show peaked in season 2, but I feel comfortable, and satisfied with the overall ending of the show. Also, the cast is amazing. I hope they do great things in the future.

The Bad

Hey, u know what could really be fucked up? Yo-yoing with Taystee’s life for an entire season. I hated how the show painfully elongated her decision regarding suicide. It felt like the show was purposefully hoping to tug at your heart, and during her 2nd round of goodbyes I was like ‘either kill her already or let her be’, it really pissed me off. I understand that she was put in a horrible spot, but narratively, it felt like a cheap writing ploy to get you hooked.

Here I am, still hoping the most disgusting guards get fucking sent to prison, but of course that never happens. I didn’t like Pornstache little moment at the end, I don’t care if he’s not harassing more women any more, he is just like Barney from HIMYM in a way: hey I have a daughter now! I get it! WOMEN ARE PEOPLE. It just sends a bad message, and it actually doesn’t show them viewing women as people, because they are probably one of those hyper protective fathers who are just a residue of the ‘women are property’ ideology that men have with their daughters. They will assume every man is like they were, and they will hate when some guy ‘takes their princess away from them’. Also, Hellman can fuck off. I hated him.

McCullough and Daya are the top tier worst decision makers. I don’t like where the story took these characters, and I hate the writers trying to justify it. McCullough had the chance to make the right call and she didn’t why? Hey, have a flashback that actually connects with reality but feels like a justification. Daya’s life has always been a fuck up, but boi did they need a villain this season.

Why did they completely dropped Maritza like that? People have been saying it’s because the actress is super busy, but man. Give me 1 epilogue scene. Hell, even that lady that help Blanca in the ICE detention center got one!

Also, I watched some moments of season 1 and 2, and boy was this season not funny at all. RIP to the casting as well, the flashbacks weren’t that impactful when the character is supposed to be younger but it’s played by the same actor. Remember the earlier seasons?

The Dirty

Okay, I’m gonna say, I’m not 100% into the ICE storyline. It’s brutal, it has things directly taken from real life, but it also feels like a writer’s shock value wet dream. Instead of showing the horrible and unsanitary way women, men, and children are kept, apparently PolyCon, or whatever the company’s name is, actually has more ‘humane’ concentration camps. And yeah I’m calling them for what they are.

One one hand, the stories are realistic: Blanca, who gets fucked over, but it’s able to get a happy ending thanks for the help of her old and new friends; Shani, who get’s fucked over and sent back to a place where they will kill her; Karla who gets separated from her children, even though they have nobody in the US; Maritza, who didn’t know she wasn’t a citizen; the lady who got fucking raped entering this country. 

The whole ICE won’t let you get an abortion because they ‘care about life’ it’s like poetry, and real. The abortion debate is one the show kinda low key tackled, but nothing was better than that line.

FUCK ICE AND EVERYTHING IT STANDS FOR. FUCK EVERY EMPLOYEE AND PERSON WHO LETS THAT HAPPEN.

The #MeToo movement. Hey, do you remember when they killed Poussey, and how that was supposed to be a Black Lives Matters reference? But remember how the guard that killed her didn't actually represent any of the people who really present a threat to actual black people in real life? Boi, did they fuck up there.

Here it’s the same, well kind of, this is why this is in The Dirty section and not The Bad section: Caputo learned from it, and realized he did wrong. However, isn’t it kind of ridiculous how we’ve been shown actual monsters: rapists, abusers and people who harass in other staff members, but the one who got hit was the one the audience is more empathic towards? Couldn’t you have picked Hellsman, Pornstache, McCullough, or some of the previous guards?

‘I mean, he fucked up, but he’s not one of the bad ones.’

I know it was one of the final rectifying moments for Caputo, but are all the #MeToo jokes a little daft at times, specially considering what Dogget had to go through.

Character focused thoughts:

Piper - Imma be honest with you. I never liked Piper. However, her storyline for the season is completely in character and relevant. It shows the hardships of life after prison (though we've seen that before), and how fucking selfish and idiotic Piper is. Bless her parole officer, she told her how much of an idiot she is. Forgive me, but I don’t like her ending up with Alex. Zelda was the healthier choice, but it makes sense for Piper to choose Alex. God, I’m so glad I don’t have to deal with her ever again.  Though it’s true that her family was all repression and that conditioned her, after 6 seasons, you’d think she’d have learned her lesson how fucking privileged she is, but no. She’s still an idiot, I don’t care if she ‘got better’, she still choose Alex.

Alex - I feel bad for her. She’s got a lot of insecurities, issues, and she never learned how to deal with them. She fucked an officer the first chance she had. Her relationship with Piper will always be toxic, I’m sorry guys, but they are both deeply unstable. I’m happy she didn’t become Hellman’s victim, that was awful. I’m happy she's in Ohio. It’s safer for her that way, and she has friends.

Nicky - My girl, did they do you dirty. Though on one side I’m happy she took the mantle of ‘Mother Hen’, taking Red’s old role and showing how much she developed as a person and a character, I’m so sad that she lost her mother, her best friend, and her new love all in one season. She’s strong, the ending proves that, but I’m so sad she’s alone. I’m so sad that she believe she had done wrong to her family, but I’m happy she took Red’s advice, Lorna was too much. Regarding her plot line with Shani. I’m devastated. It was so cute, so honest, and caring. They deserved to be happy. This storyline shows you (in case you didn't know) how much of a good person Nicky is. I love you girl, I wish you the best.

Red - Another person that got fucked over. I am angry that this ‘dementia’ ending came out of nowhere. Am I dumb? Was it foreshadowed??? One one hand, there’s some people prefer this since it gives Red a peaceful ending. Her anger and bitterness will be gone, and she will have a peaceful death. On the other hand, Red will die not Red. She will disappear, and that’s just fucking dirty. I think this type of illness is tragic, and so painful to the person and to the people that love them. Thanks, I hate it.

Lorna - Is anyone else angry that her racism and her islamophobia gets a hard pass this season for some cheap laughs?  Lorna loses her son, her marriage, and we get a flashback of her disassociating and some of a background story of why she’s so hyper-fixated in marriage and children, but still that doesn’t change how sad it is to see her this far gone. From the moment you see Vinnie, you know that’s not going to end up well, or at least it’s what I thought. Lorna is unstable, and she never got or will get the psychological help she needed. But worse than that, they took everything from her, and left her like a shell of who she was. Her racism doesn’t get a pass though. It’s shameful that a child of immigrants would act that way, specially knowing the shit situation Shani is going through. Though the show tries to pass it off as ‘jealousy’ it was completely dehumanizing, and it never gets addressed. Nicky never stands up for Shani and puts Lorna in her place. Shame on the writers.

Daya - Ok, Daya has been ‘how to fuck up 101′, but originally, her story was sad, and you rooted for her. Her family was fucked up, the cycle of poverty, the toxic environment, her abusive mother and stepfather explained a lot about her. However, Daya’s only good choice in the show was give her baby over to Pornstache’s mom, other than that it has been bad choice after bad choice. If you thought getting addicted to drugs was a bad look for her, becoming a drug lord is worse. I still think Adeola was a better pick for gang leader, but the show runners had to do something for Daya. I thought they were gonna set up a new Carol and Barb relationship with Daya and her mother, but that was not the case (actually, Carol and Barb never get mentioned, which is weird). I really hope Aleida killed her in the end. She spent her whole life complaining about her mother, and she became someone worse than her. Pulling your younger sister into the shithole with you? Low. VERY LOW.

Aleida - We all hated you. In fact, despite some good deeds, you’re still trash. Aleida is an abuser, a cheater, and a liar. She can use the whole ‘providing for the family’ bullshit excuse like Walter White all she likes, but you can’t dismiss her pathological need to do illegal things and get it on with the worse men she could possibly find. Her flashback regarding her mother explains a lot about her childhood, and how an abusive and toxic environment can create more toxic and abusive people, but Aleida didn’t get better, Aleida continued the path she hated. She may have told her other to ‘fuck off’, but she became her. No, she never became the pimp of her children, you got to give her credit for that, but Aleida realized she was a bad mother, and still chose the easy road. I really hope she killed Daya. It’s not going to fix things, but GOD I NEED THAT.

Flaca - I’m happy were she ended. Though her character was always comedy relief, her relationship with Gloria and her time in ICE gave her a purpose. I hope she continues helping those woman, and becomes the new Gloria of her generation. I’m sad she didn’t truly get reunited with her best friend. Show Clitvak hell, girl.

Maritza - I’m so sorry, baby. You deserved better, but your storyline is realistic, and there was no other way it could’ve ended. I wish we could’ve seen an epilogue scene with her. After all, she got sent to Colombia, where she knows no one. All because of a fucking piece of paper and a lying mother. ICE is so fucked up.

Gloria - I’m so happy she got released. Luschek can suck a huge dick, the least she could’ve done for her was let her have her happy ending. I feel a little cheated about her two elder daughters reveal, but I’m happy that after all she went through, she gets to be with her family. Of course Gloria would help the women in the ICE facilities, of course she would risk her freedom and happiness for other mothers. She made naive and bad choices in men, in economic tactics, but in the end, she redeemed herself and became a different person. I will forever be happy about the ending she got.

María - She’s a mixed bag. At first she’s like Daya, her love story with Yadriel made us all cry, and we all felt sad when he took Peppa away. However, turn’s out María is a cheater, Yadriel is high likely not Peppa’s bio dad and she never had the courage to tell him. I didn’t like her ‘bad girl’ phase, but I’m happy in this season she actually get rehabilitated. Caputo’s program made her realize she’s not just a victim, but rather a perpetrator as well. I know she’s not the best person, but she’s making a try. I hope she gets to be with Peppa when she gets out. I’m happy that she let Yadriel be happy, but then again, she was kinda a dick to Gloria until the last minute, sot here’s that bitter realistic flavor in your mouth.

Blanca - Honey, you are the person who deserved a happy ending the most. Though Season 6 fucked you over, you were blessed with Karla and things went your way for once. I can’t believe she got sent to prison for covering up for that fucking old lady. Blanca is a model, she went through hell when in ICE, she almost lost Diablo for good, and was in a very dark place before Maritza showed up. Though Maritza gave her her heart back, she was dumb enough to get a high over the phone number. SIGH. You deserved to be with Diablo, and though we don’t know how he got released, I’m happy she’s happy.

Taystee - I hated the yo-yoing regarding her suicidal thoughts. She wasn't going to get a happy ending. The system is broken and she’s another victim of it, but I’m happy she has an end goal, and she’s doing what she does best: finances, advice, and teaching. She got the best believable ending she could’ve gotten, and I love the fact that she’s there with Suzzane. She’s one of my favorite characters, and I’m happy she didn’t die.

Suzzane - I’m kinda mad they veered into Suzzane’s trial and conviction at the beginning, how they set up this conflict with justice and the system though her eyes, and then dropped it off for some comedic chickens. She doesn’t belong were she is, and her parents should do something about that, but that’s never going to happen. She has matured, and though she’s lost a lot, chicken therapy actually helped her, and she has a very good friend who will stay by her side till the end. I’m happy where she ended, and I hope she is still as bright in the future.

Cindy - Boy, Cindy. I kinda hated you after what you did yo Taystee, and though I have to say, she was put in a tight spot, I’m actually happy for her. From being comedic relief, to finding herself and her religion, to actually owning up to her mistakes. Cindy has grown a lot. I’m happy she will try to make her up to her mom and her daughter, I’m kind of sad she’s homeless. Wouldn’t that break her parole?

Dogget - She deserved better. We can all agree on that. Dogget was abused her whole life, by her mother, by her father, by her peers, by the men she liked. She killed people, became violent, and delved into drugs, but after 6 seasons she had sown so much development. I miss her moments with Boo, though I enjoyed her relationship with Suzzane. Nothing makes me sadder than Crazy Eyes placing and egg on her pillow after she has passed away. Like many inmates, Dogged could’ve been rehabilitated, and the system failed her. She never got her justice, and her rapist is still out there, free. She was made feel like shit by everyone, always, and though having her relapse is cheap, especially after all this time, it’s not unrealistic. That doesn’t change the fact that she deserved better.

Ward - She was too good for this world. From not being emphatic to the inmates to re-establishing her friendship with Taytee, Ward changed a lot. I hope she continues doing good for inmates as an activist. I’m sorry you never had a real chance.

Caputo - And the big bad man, became a ray of hope, a bastion of a redemption arc. He found a calling, love, and now a family. Joe, the ‘nice guy’ who got fucked by life and began to reset it, actually found the light after connecting with the inmates he was supposed to help. Caputo ay be the best written character in the show. I’m not a 100% happy with the #MeToo aspect, but that was the last learning chapter for him. I hope he finds a job, and he’s able to continue growing as a person. He’s going to be a great father.

Figeroa - Who could’ve guessed we’d stan the devil? It’s amazing how all it took was ICE for Figeroa to realize how fucked up the world is. I’m happy she’s deciding to adopt, and though I’m not sure if she’s going to be the best mother, she has grown a lot. I hope she helps people like she helped that woman at ICE. Thank you for not brining another kid to this fucked up world. You’re doing great Natalie.

Shani - She deserved better. Though a FGM storyline for a muslim is kinda stereotypical and awful. I’m glad the show actually tackled it through her relationship with Nicky. I’m so saddened by her ending, but then again, it was obvious from the begging. I’m so fucking angry and sad.

Karla - What was that epilogue for? Do you want me to hate life more? Karla might have the most realistic story out of everyone in ICE. Shit’s so fucked up, that ending scene was not needed. She deserves to reunite with her children, they couldn’t have ask for a better and smarter mother.

Luschek - Fuck him. His last act towards Gloria doesn’t redeem him. He fucked over every inmate who ever trusted him. His selfish, destructive, and toxic. He can rot in hell.

Anyways, I’m too typed out.

I overall give OITNB as a series a 5/10.

You have a very interesting concept with an amazing cast and characters that falls short to cheap writing and some terrible decisions from the producers.

I hope everyone in the cast continues to be amazing, and I hope more stories like this one are actually written.

I hope Netflix cancels 13 reasons why. Goodbye.

[jessica87blog-blog]

Places to Visit during Monsoon

As monsoon arrived, it is the much awaited season for every individual as the smell of first rain and the refreshing breeze is what we enjoy the most. Right from trekking to river rafting to campaigning, monsoon is a blessing for those bitten by adventures. Wondering which are the best places to visit in Mumbai during Monsoon? Then there are certain places which are proven to be the best for visits during monsoon.

Places to Visit in Mumbai during Monsoon

1) Marine Drive:

The beach is located in the center of Mumbai and hence is easily accessible by all means of local transportation. This is a 3 km long C-shaped road links to Nariman point to Babulnath, and is situated at the foot of Malabar Hill.  This is also known as Queen’s Necklace because the street lights makes the road looks like a string of pearls and create an illusion of a necklace.

If you are there during high tide then be ready to get sprayed from the waves that rise up energetically onto the road.

Nearest Station: Marine Lines or Churchgate.

2)  Gateway of India:

The Gateway of India is one of the most iconic places in Mumbai to visit and is one of the top attractions. One can enjoy those monsoon snacks through the street vendors. It is one the waterfront of the Colaba tourist district, opposite to the Taj Palace hotel in South Mumbai.

The Gateway of India is considered as a Symbolic Monument that represents the city of Mumbai.

Nearest Station: CSMT Station.

3) Aarey Colony:

A prominent place in Mumbai for milk production and its very big lush green area which also connects two parts of Mumbai as well as a home to few picnic spots where one can go for a nice ride.

It is spread across 3800 acres of forest land and attracts nature lovers the most. During Monsoon the entire place becomes a heaven on earth.

Nearest Station:   Accessible from Goregaon Station by auto rickshaw at a distance of 5 kms. Buses options are available too – Bus Nos – 326, 341, 450, 451, 460, 479

 4)  Sanjay Gandhi National Park:

One of the most visited National Parks in Asia situated on the northern part of the suburbs of Mumbai, India and spread over an area of 104 sq km. Around 2 million visitor’s visit this park annually. It has a long history dating back to the 4th Century BC. The park is beautified with a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is also called as Borivali National Park as it is close to the residential area of Borivali.  The ancient Buddhist hand cut Kanheri caves are a highlight of the park. During Monsoon one can visit and enjoy the weather early morning and can spend time with nature.

The gate opens at 7:30 am and closes by 5:30 pm and also provides monthly and yearly passes. A person is also allowed to use their own personal mode of transport, till kanheri caves by paying a nominal amount at the main (entry) gate.

Some Most Relevant Information:

·         Entry Fee: Rs.36 per person and Rs. 61 for Tiger and Lion Safaris.

·         Boat Ride Fee: Rs.30 per person.

·         Bus Journey: Rs. 5 per person

·         Shuttle bus: Rs.36 per person

·         Camera Fee: Rs.50

Places to Visit in Pune during Monsoon

Monsoon in India is a celebration nourished by rains. It is a very cheerful occasion for farmers and also for every citizen of the country as it gives a relief from the scorching heat. Just Imagine its raining heavily and you are in love with nature so you are on top of the mountains (trekking) and travelling to the best places in monsoon. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to visit in Pune during Monsoon. 

1.      Lonavala

Distance: 66 kms from Pune

The best time to experience the lush greenery and peaceful vibe of this place is during the monsoon. This place is a perfect combination for nature and adventure with treks of all levels, hiking and adventure sports.

Some of the stunning spots to check out – Bhaja caves, Bushi Dam, Karla Caves, Lonavala Lake, Tikona Fort, Pawna Lake.

 2.      Sinhagad Fort:

Distance: 35 km from Pune.

Sinhagad Fort was also known as Kondhana Fort earlier, which has an extravagant history with many battles and wars have been fought to own this picturesque site. This fort is 2000 years old and has been renovated by many rulers who have captured it.

Two Entrances: Kalyan Gate & Pune Gate.

Spots to check: Statue of Tanaji Malusare, Khadakwasla Dam, Hanuman Temple, Chatrapati Rajaram Memorial.

 3.      Kolad

Distance from Mumbai: 117 kms

 This is the most popular spot for people looking for a quick getaway. It is an instant paradise for adventure enthusiasts.  Kundalika river is 14 kms stretch of exciting rapids provides one and half hours of white water rafting.

Popular Spots to visit – Gaimukh, kolad Dam, Bhira Dam, Dholwai – pui Dam, Sutarwadi Lake, Tala fort, Kanal Avenue, Tamhini falls, Ghosala Fort, Kuda Caves.

 4.      Rajmachi Fort:

Distance from Mumbai: 99 km from Mumbai.

 A popular destination for nature lover, trekkers and travelers. It is in the Mid of Mumbai Pune route. One can get down at Karjat Station and catch a share Auto to reach Kondhane Village, from where one can start trek and can enjoy beautiful view of Kondhane caves.

[noficciondelacreole]

PANDEMIC MEMOIRS

WRITTEN BY KARLA GACIAS

The global impact of the coronavirus illness pandemic has been enormous. Anxiety, fear, and even panic spread as quickly as the illness. Many people are worried about their health and the health of their loved ones at this uncertain time. In this trying period, some people manage to find hope.

I recall the time last March 2019, all of us were excited because a new chapter of our lives will soon unfold. We were practicing our choir performance for the moving up ceremony. It was fun and all of us were exhilarated thinking about the new journey that awaits us. I remembered that Covid-19 was a hot topic on the news and it was just 1-3 cases of coronavirus entering our country. All of us didn’t take it seriously because no one predicted nor expected that a pandemic would happen to our world.

The news stated that there will be a 2 week lockdown. I was at my Tita’s home when the lockdown was implemented. It was alarming thinking that we can’t travel and get out of our homes. During the first month of lockdown, I didn’t feel how dangerous the virus was. I just felt like the news was exaggerating the reports and those who are weak, vulnerable, and have illness are the ones who were badly affected.

When I got home, the clustering was implemented. We have a store at the public market and there was a peak of customers at that time because the color-coding clustering was administered in the mall. The clustered barangays flocked to the malls so the people preferred to buy their needs at the public market. It was very busy at that time, so I spent most of my lockdown days helping in our store and I also got paid which was enough to take my puppy to the veterinarian.

It was terrifying to interact with our customers at the peak of the pandemic. Some customers wear gloves, some won’t talk to you, some don’t wear their masks carefully, and sometimes social distancing is not practiced. Even though it was tiring to work all day, we automatically took a bath when we got home.

No one expected that it would be a 2-year long lockdown. All of us are suffering in this time of the pandemic. Overthinking when will this end. The situation repeated till the day it started. Front liners are walking on a thin line risking their lives to protect and cure patients while thinking about the safety of their families at home. Some people are barely eating and making much money because of lost jobs and loved ones. Did this pandemic help you realize something? Did you change your perspectives in life when COVID-19 started?

Actually, many realizations crossed my mind when Covid-19 affected all of us. It made me realize that life is short. No one knows how long we will live. That is why spending our precious time with our loved ones is crucial. I also observed that many people have lost their jobs and businesses. It made me grasp the thought that choosing the right career and job is important so that when a pandemic or lockdown happens, you can still be able to earn and provide for yourself and your family.

Amid the pandemic, people never fail to show compassion and unity. Community Pantries circulated around the country to share their blessings and to be able to help those in need. It was heartwarming to see the good in other people. An act of goodness can be a big help to someone.

My family was blessed because we didn’t get positive from the virus. There are times when we feel unwell but we just did all the home remedies to avoid COVID19. Thankfully, it was not a serious illness and we quickly recovered from it. We only went out of the house if it was necessary and we followed the government protocols. We always practice social distancing and wash our hands to be safe and keep the people around us safe also.

After all, we cannot survive in this world or with this pandemic without the kindness and assistance of others. Front liners, vendors, friends, family, all of us need compassion to get through this. I am very thankful to those people. We all have a big contribution to end this problem. We should continue to follow the protocols of the government and think about the safety of one another. If these acts of kindness are put together, they will overwhelm and change the world. 

[bastardsunlight]

A blurb of what I’ve been working on for a “worst fucking timeline” AU for Drizzt

Briza, eldest of house Do’Urden, stood over the body of her mother, the entire household once more gathered for the ceremony of sacrifice to Lolth, their despicable spider queen. The former matron’s heart was still attached, and dripping, from the eight-legged end of the ceremonial dagger. A hush had fallen over the crowd as the witnessing Yochlol had appeared behind Briza, draping one of its horrific tentacles over her shoulder. The big female, in turn, held the heart aloft and communicated aloud so that the gathered throng could hear her.

“No more is Daermon N’a’shezbaernon cast out of the web of Lolth’s many blessings,” she dared, heaving the heart higher even as her mother’s powerful hand finally relinquished its grip upon her blood-spattered robes. Drizzt lay upon the sacrificial plinth, lavender orbs unfocused, seeing little that went on.

“To commit the same act as Matron Malice,” the Yochlol rumbled, eyes turning backward to consult its mistress a moment. Once more, House Do’Urden was caught in an eternal moment of anticipation, indecision and, most importantly, fear. This, the spider queen fed upon with zeal and vigor, conveying her response to her servant. “You have draped irony and deceit atop irony and deceit, and Lolth is pleased.”

The sigh that went out from the crowd was almost audible. But for Maya and Vierna’s presence on either side of the grand altar, hands on snake-headed whips, they might have cheered. As it was, however, the solemn silence returned, each drow knowing that the spider queen was not so easily placated. Her intended sacrifice lay still upon the plinth, drugged and worthless—as any  male might under the influence of the powerful drugs all clerics were taught to mix during their tenure at Arach-Tinilith.

“I have given the true offender to Lolth,” Briza ventured telepathically. The Yochlol seemed to chuckle at this, a wet sound, but grating too, and with an unearthly hollowness to it that made the other two high priestesses shiver. Briza held her ground.

“And what makes you so certain that the spider queen’s pleasure is absolute, hm?” Now the Yochlol was testing Briza’s devotion to their mutual mistress. The handmaiden knew full well Briza’s plans and machinations. These were the designs of Menzoberranzan, the chaos which fueled Lolth. Even such disorder had a certain order to it.

“Her ladyship desired my late mother’s seat on the Ruling Council and she held it, to little effect, and outside the spider queen’s favor for a year,” Briza explained, knowing the Yochlol already knew where she was headed with all of this, but willing—for the sake of her pride and that of her House (and it was her House now)—to continue with the proceedings as befitted a high priestess and a matron mother. “Meanwhile, I, Briza Do’Urden, have gained the spider queen’s favor. I have only hoped to elevate my sisters and all of Daermon N’a’shezbaernon to the favor I enjoy. Have I not been faithful to the spider queen?”

“You have,” replied the Yochlol without consultation. The handmaiden was appreciative, as was its mistress, with the double betrayal that had taken place. Even the spider queen herself appreciated a strong, willful male once in a while and if Briza’s plans for Drizzt were anything like what Malice had done to Zaknafein, house Do’Urden was one to watch, indeed. It was for this reason the Yochlol had not struck Briza down where she stood the moment she took her place as matron mother.

“Both sources of this male’s disobedience have been disposed of, given as gifts to the spider queen!” Briza shouted to the crowd. This was their cue to cheer, of course, and they did, Maya beginning another blasted hymn of praise to Lolth. They lamented, only a little, the loss of the Elderboy, but he had always been a burden to the females of house Do’Urden, from weak stock, and he was better off a drider—all the sisters agreed.

“Will you give that one?” The Yochlol inquired this, knowing the answer to its own question. The corners of its melted candlewax mouth seemed to turn up a little with the strange, evil humor it shared in Briza’s mind.

“I will not,” she responded, “because he will serve Lolth under my roof as my weapons master.”

“And how,” the handmaiden chuckled, “do you propose to tame him where your mother could not? Do you dare ask for zin-carla?”

“Malice was weak,” Briza hissed, her voice magically enhanced to reach every ear, silencing the congregation. Zaknafein’s wraith had taken Drizzt’s hamstrings in the tunnels outside Menzoberranzan, but had been felled by the younger drow’s dual scimitars. Had it still been mobile, Malice’s death would have signaled its end as well. “I ask not for zin-karla, because I do not need it… I ask only for my blacksmiths to craft the finest pair of adamantine legs the city has ever seen.” Her ironic statement made the Yochlol chuckle, as it recognized that Drizzt would never see the city again, nor would it see him. Such was the way of the drow. Briza, meanwhile, gestured to Drizzt. “And, if he will not kill our people in service to our House and honor, he will teach others to do so and will not more shame Daermon N’a’shezbaernon with his blasphemy. I invoke my right as heir to Malice Do’Urden’s title to strip Drizzt of his name as my brother and regift it to him as weapons master, removable at my behest.”

Her eyes fell upon the blacksmiths of House Do’Urden, a pair of twin males, an anomaly and considered a blessing, had they been female. They were skilled, one at forging, the other at enchanting, but this was strange and perhaps beyond their abilities. If that was so, however, they did not let on and nodded solemnly, mumbling praises to the spider queen.

“Bring the sword,” she demanded. Vierna approached the dais soon after with a sword that Drizzt—who was just now coming out of the drug-induced stupor under which his sisters had placed him—recognized. In anticipation of the activities, the Yochlol’s tentacle receded from Briza’s shoulder to allow movement.

“Zak,” he mumbled weakly, bleary eyes focusing upon the blade which had once belonged to his master and father. The memory of Zaknafein defied his drow blood and heritage, crying out to be avenged, to be justified in his sacrifice. But what was this life without Zak, trapped once more in Menzoberranzan. The seclusion of the Underdark had driven him almost to madness, the Hunter within revealing itself to keep him alive, but to what end? His eyes snapped up to Briza, who now held the sword. “I will not serve Lolth and kill my people!”

“No,” she whispered almost sweetly, “you won’t kill drow… but you will serve the spider queen. Praises to Lolth! Blessings of the eight-legged goddess upon us all!”

Her shout came with the fall of the sword as she severed Drizzt’s legs just above the knee. She had drawn the ceremony out for this very purpose, so Drizzt would be conscious of his punishment, so he could feel the finely-sharpened blade slice through meat and bone and sinew with the ease. He did not cry out, however, biting back the urge to scream curses upon the spider queen. The Yochlol’s horrible, dark, empty eyes met Drizzt’s for a few moments as he once more lost consciousness. He could have sworn he saw laughter in those eyes, wicked, dark, evil laughter.

Maya and Vierna stepped forward to stem the flow of blood and toss the now-worthless legs onto the pile that had been Malice Do’Urden. No honorable tomb would be set aside for Malice. In her final years, she’d done naught but bring the disfavor of Lolth upon House Do’Urden and her remains would be, perhaps ironically, fed to the driders outside the city.

“Maybe Dinin will be among them,” Maya signaled to Vierna in the silent hand code of the drow. Vierna stifled a nasty laugh and returned to her place. They would be dismissed by the Yochlol and, if she would give it, her blessings upon their new matron mother. Briza held the title with or without the handmaiden’s declaration of it, of course; such was the way of the drow, but to be blessed into it was a much better way to begin one’s reign.

“Your sacrifices this day have indeed pleased the spider queen,” rumbled the Yochlol. “Go forth, therefore, Matron Mother of Daermon N’a’shezbaernon and take your rightful place among the ruling council. Know this, however, your daring has entertained Lolth but for the moment—if this male remains belligerent, her favor will fade.”

The beast receded into the braziers which blazed bright a moment and then went out entirely, plunging the chapel into utter darkness, as it had been before the assemblage. It was Maya who now led the cheers for her eldest sister. Briza would take them as her daughters, and now she was second in House Do’Urden, rather than third or fourth when the former Hun’ett matron had been masquerading as Malice’s eldest.

“All praise to the spider queen!” Briza’s response was both acknowledgement of the not-so-veiled threat and reminder from the handmaiden and part prompting for the throng to launch into one final hymn to Lolth as the top layer of the plinth upon which Drizzt was bound began to levitate and follow the new matron mother out of the chapel. Maya and Vierna followed, contemplating what this now meant.

The throng was struck by Briza’s boldness, but felt a strange, invigorating energy begin to flow through them. Too long had House Do’Urden been at odds with the spider queen and their coffers and morale were feeling the sting. Now, it was as if they—even the commoners—could feel Lolth’s favor laying upon them, fine as the strands of a spider’s web, seeping into their skin, wrapping about their hearts and bones, reminding them why they served her.

((So Drizzt’s legs are enchanted. He cannot leave the Do’Urden compound. Sort of a “well you didn’t want to and I KNOW I can’t force you, so now you cannot leave.” Briza takes him as her mate several times and he gives her five daughters, and two sons. After the second son, he will resist, fearing for the potential of a third. It matters not, however, because Briza has forced him to teach all her daughters his same techniques in battle and when the Time of Troubles comes, House Do’Urden is ready.))

[jasonpichu]

With a Flash of the Blade: Using Infantry Flash in a team

With the release of Legendary Marth comes an interesting, inheritable C skill: Infantry Flash. This is an interesting skill in the same vein as Infantry Rush before it, though I feel that Infantry Flash is harder to use in comparison. If you would like to take advantage of it on your own Legendary Marth, or are interested in using the skill in general, this post is intended to help spark ideas on using it to the best of it’s abilities.

SKILL EFFECTS & GENERAL NOTES

Infantry Flash grants Infantry allies within two spaces the Flashing Blade skill, which grants hastened special cooldown when the unit attacks and has more speed than their target. Infantry Flash (and by proxy, Flashing Blade) comes with a few quirks worth mentioning here:

It is a little more difficult to build a team around it, due to how much less applicable Speed can be in a team. As of this point, the best Speed buffing weapon is on Brave Lucina, who only offers +3 during combat, and only to specific users (Nohrian Summer weapons exist, but only offer 1 point of Speed - that’s barely anything at all). In contrast, there’s quite a lot of options for weapons that buff Attack, including both of the ones previously mentioned.

While everyone appreciates more Attack, making it an easy & safe thing to focus on, not everyone needs Speed. Sure, for some units, Speed is the most important stat in the universe, but many others don’t care, or even intentionally drop their speed. While this happens most often for Armor units, it’s true even in the world of Infantry. 

The good news, however, is that IF can be an effective alternative method to ensure more specials against foes. Because of the general value of Attack, using Infantry Rush/Heavy Blade can be harder to pull off, and make a team more reliant on buffs to do their job & push their Attack high enough it activates. In comparison, even units with middling speed can take advantage of Infantry Flash/Flashing Blade with less reliance on support, and it can be easier in matchups against bulky foes & armors, who often have beefy attack but very low speed.

This generally means the best users of Infantry Rush are offensive units, who can either immediately overwhelm & break through walls, or are just difficult to counter sweepers.

EXAMPLES OF USING INFANTRY FLASH

The following are examples of units that can work well with Infantry Flash, and although I feel these are strong examples of possible allies, I would like to emphasize that if you have someone in mind yourself, it might be best to just use it as guidance. I’ll try and also provide budget-friendly alternatives to things, so that those without a lot of money can still make it work if they want to.

Simple Upgrades

Ishtar: Lightning Flash

IVs: +Atk/Spd, -Def/HP

Weapon: Mjolnir

Assist: Ardent Sacrifice

Special: Luna

A: Swift Sparrow

B: Desperation

C: Odd Atk Wave OR Flexible

S: Speed +3 OR Quickened Pulse

With very little investment and nothing particularly hard to get, Ishtar can make great use of Infantry Flash. A base of 36 Speed, coupled with Mjolnir’s built-in Dashing Blow, her native Swift Sparrow, and a simple Speed +3 seal gives Ishtar 49 speed when initiating - this more than covers even the fastest of foes, allowing her more freedom in her Special choice. This is further helped by Mjolnir already having -1 Special cooldown. It’s similar to her native Moonbow, but Luna makes a great choice for this, due to being set to a cooldown of 2. This means that, should Ishtar outspeed her opponent, she’ll immediately be able to use Luna on her following attack, which can be safely guaranteed with Desperation and the health drop from Ardent Sacrifice. An alternative if you happen to have Infantry Pulse is to also give her Quickened Pulse - This will let her get Luna off on her first attack, and she can then build it immediately again with a second attack.

A +Atk IV is chosen to keep Ishtar’s firepower up, and is more effective if she has one or two Speed buffs for support, to ensure she can double even super speedsters like Karla or Brave Celica. The more self-sufficient she has to be, or the more you want to offer Attack buffs (including her native Odd Atk Wave), the better a +Spd IV is.

Legendary Lucina: Flash Back

IVs: +Spd, -Def/Res

Weapon: Thogn

Assist: Future Vision

Special: Luna OR Moonbow

A: Swift Sparrow

B: Atk/Def Link OR Desperation

C: Flexible

S: Speed +3 OR Attack +3 OR Atk/Def 2

Legendary Lucina is blessed with a strong combination of weapon and A slot, giving her an effective +8 to her offenses when initiating, as well as +4 to her defenses. This, coupled with naturally high speed (41 with a boon) means that she can also make great use of Infantry Flash.

This is best against physical units, so it might be best to try for -res in that instance & keep her Defense up. However, if Atk/Def Link is out of reach, Desperation’s an easy alternative. In that case, Moonbow’s a good idea. Luna is used otherwise under the assumption that Lucina will be hit in-between her volleys - which’ll happen probably, and can be protected against using a link. If you want to more safely attack dragons as well, an expensive possibility is to use Def/Res link to cover both defenses. The link’s thankfully easy to set up, thanks to Future Vision - if not using that, might be better to stick with Desperation.

Heavy Offense

(I mean, previous one was also heavy offense, but felt they deserved separate mention for how comparatively easy to build they are.)

Bridal Cordelia: Flashing Quads

IVs: +Atk/Spd, -Def/Res

Weapon: Brave Bow+

Assist: Reciprocal Aid OR Ardent Sacrifice

Special: Moonbow OR Aether

A: Defiant Atk/Spd OR Life and Death OR Death Blow 4

B: Desperation

C: Threaten Spd

S: Brash Assault OR Speed +3

This set can be done with any archer, but Cordelia gets a special mention for her balanced & high offensive spread. If you don’t have one but are interested in the set, there’s a few other potential users who are more obtainable, such as Setsuna or Klein, and it’ll also be good on Summer Gaius/Noire or Legendary Lyn/Lucina if you have them.

The idea here is simple in theory, but can be hard to pull off in practice. When an ally is low on HP (ideally 18 or less HP), Cordelia wants to give them her HP via Reciprocal Aid, or she can just heal them twice over the course of a fight with Ardent Service. This will knock her to 50% HP, activating Defiant Atk/Spd, Brash Assault, and Desperation all at once. Those who’re confident can also wait for one Ardent Sacrifice, and not worry about Brash Assault. This will guarantee Cordelia hits four times in a row with her Brave Bow, each time probably activating Infantry Flash. If this works, then you can go for two things: Moonbow, which will always go off every second attack, or Aether, which will proc on the final attack. Moonbow gives more opportunities to break through high defenses, while Aether lets Cordelia give herself back some life & do one large breakthrough. Either way, it’ll hurt a lot, to put it mildly. This can be a fun set to experiment with if you’re into high risk, high reward units.

Soleil: Flash Fire

IVs: +Atk/Spd, -Res

Weapon: Firesweep Sword+

Assist: Flexible

Special: Galeforce OR Moonbow OR Glimmer

A: Life and Death OR Swift Sparrow OR Dashing Blow

B: Chill Spd OR Hit and Run

C: Spd Smoke OR Atk Smoke

S: Quickened Pulse OR Speed +3

Another character with fairly light investment that becomes highly effective with Infantry Flash support. Soleil is a great native Firesweeper, and her base kit already makes her an effective user of the skill. With some extra skills from some common units, or more expensive stuff if one wants, she becomes highly capable of taking advantage of Infantry Flash.

Quickened Pulse (or Infantry Pulse), combined with her high base speed, Infantry Flash, and whatever you chose for her A slot, means Soleil will regularly get off a Galeforce immediately, since Infantry Flash will let her build it up after two attacks. This gives Soleil a lot of freedom when she first attacks - she can retreat out of danger, attack again, switch with an ally, whatever you need really. If Galeforce is too far away, either of the 2 cooldown specials work, since Soleil will still get them off instantly on her second attack. This can be combined with a different seal, as well.

Her A slot is a matter of preference and budget. Dashing Blow’s cheap, since she comes with it, and increases her Speed the most out of her options, but doesn’t help her attack power much. Swift Sparrow has the smallest boost, but is also the safest should Soleil not be able to fully escape after an attack. And Life and Death offers the best power compared to speed, plus doesn’t require spending a 5 star, but comes at the cost of her defenses should she get stuck with no way out.

Chill Spd is a good but expensive B that helps support her team & also makes it easier for her to get her doubles & activate Infantry Rush, but if that’s not available, Hit & Run or Drag Back works great with Soleil’s positioning. It’s a little weaker with Galeforce, though.

A smoke makes for a great choice of C - Atk Smoke’s good for budget purposes, but if you’ve got money and other IF users to support, Spd Smoke works too, to make sure nobody escapes the Chill Spd debuff. Otherwise, flexible, and her base Drive Res is perfectly fine.

Sweep Users

Felicia: Clean it up in a Flash!

IVs: +Spd/Atk, -Def

Weapon: Felicia’s Plate (+Eff/+Spd)

Assist: Flexible

Special: Glacies OR Iceberg

A: Fury OR Swift Sparrow

B: Windsweep OR Watersweep

C: Spd Ploy OR any other Ploy

S: Phantom Spd OR Quick Riposte

Felicia’s high base Speed makes her a good candidate, and coupled with some buffs, is capable of doing a couple jobs at once: mass debuffer and anti-mage.

Her unique weapon is preferred, and it’s your choice whether you go for the effect or speed refine. It’s worth noting that the Speed refine can be a more generally useful idea, allowing Felicia to more effectively proc Infantry Flash & Wind/Watersweep. Felicia’s choice of Special depends on the rest of her build - Glacies if you want pure Sweep or are running Effect refine on her plate, Iceberg if you want the anti-mage capabilities but aren’t running refined plate.

If you specifically care about the sweep, then Swift Sparrow or Dashing Blow, plus Phantom Speed, is the way to go. In this setup, since Felicia’s got at least 51 effective speed, she’ll quickly build up her Special on anyone while safely getting off her Def/Res debuffs, and applying Ploy debuff support. Since she only can attack once anyways, Glacies is better here, since it’ll always take two hits to get the special ready to fire.

However, by running Fury and Quick Riposte in her seal slot, Felicia can also still work as an anti-mage unit, intentionally baiting mage enemies and getting double attacks through Quick Riposte. Iceberg works best here when not using the effect refine, since the opponent’s attack will only grant 1 to her cooldown.  

Thanks to her high Res, Ploys are a good option, and fitting the theme here Spd Ploy is suggested. However, really, any Ploy skill can work instead.

Corrin-F: Flash in the Dark

IVs: +Spd/Def, -HP

Weapon: Dark Breath+ (+Spd/Def) OR Lightning Breath+ (+Spd/Def)

Assist: Flexible

Special: Moonbow OR Noontime OR Bonfire OR Luna OR Sol OR Aether

A: Atk/Spd, Spd/Def, Atk/Def Bond OR Dashing, Steady, Fierce, Sturdy, Kestrel Stance OR Distance Counter OR Fury

B: Quick Riposte OR Windsweep OR Guard

C: Res Smoke OR Spd Smoke OR Threaten Res OR Threaten Spd

S: Phantom Speed OR Quick Riposte OR Distance Def

Speedy tanks are a rarity, but they do exist. And while not considered as effective as their slower counterparts usually, in an IF team, this unusual combination of stats can stand out. And, in my humble opinion, Corrin-F is one such unit who’s in a great - possibly the best - position to take advantage of it. This will allow you to get an effective tank setup on Corrin with lots of special activations, without necessarily relying on the typically suggested but difficult to obtain Steady/Warding Breath abilities.

Corrin has two sets of choices for this: One, whether she wants to focus on her Defense or Speed for survivability, and two, if she should use Lightning or her native Dark Breath. Each one comes with it’s own needs and suggestions.

For a more independant Corrin, focus on her speed is recommended. With a Spd refine and boon, she’ll hit 40 speed, which coupled with 34 defense makes her difficult to one-shot. A focus on Def becomes more useful the more support she has for Speed, however, so either can work. Her native Dark Breath synergizes nicely with IF, as it not only increases Corrin’s durability by lowering the opponent’s Attack after combat, but also their Speed, making it harder to double her & easier for her to activate IF. However, DC + QR is still desired on her, so if you can’t get DC for her A slot & aren’t okay with her losing the ability to counter ranged foes, Lightning Breath is suggested. Just keep in mind Lightning Breath variants have less firepower, aren’t good choices for the Sweep B slots, and also suffer +1 Special cooldown.

Corrin’s special choices depend largely on her weapon choice. 2 cooldown specials are best with Lightning Breath & Dark + Wind/Watersweep, thanks to the +1 Special count - the specials will go off in a single round of combat, assuming Corrin gets hit once & has two attacks. Alternatively, they’ll be built up after one attack from a Dark + Sweep Corrin. If using Dark Breath + Distance Counter, then this opens up to a choice of the 3 cooldown specials to achieve the same effect. Aether will take a little longer, but will work for either breath choice assuming the opponent attacks once or twice, and Corrin gets both of her attacks via QR - she’ll always be able to fire it off on the second opponent who attacks her.

If using Lightning Breath, there’s a plethora of options for A slot that Corrin can consider. For one, there are many Bond abilities which can be used to safely boost two of her stats when near an ally - this is likely due to her wanting to be nearby for IF anyways. A boost to Atk and/or Spd and/or Def is recommended, so choose a bond that works for this. If you have no access to Bonds and are on a budget, Fury also works. If you have the budget, a Stance covering her desired stats allows for more freedom in positioning as well. Dashing, Fierce, Steady, Sturdy, and Kestrel Stance all are worth mentioning here. For Dark Breath, Fury or Distance Counter are recommended, though one can also use Dashing Blow for a simple A slot as well.

For her B slot, Wind or Watersweep lets her safely attack enemies & take advantage of her speed - this is especially good paired with her Dark Breath, as Corrin can then safely toss around all kinds of debuffs. If using Lightning Breath, however, Quick Riposte works better, guaranteeing doubles when enemies attack her. Guard’s also an option to protect Corrin from enemy specials, but will require running Quick Riposte as a seal.

Her C changes based on her weapon. A Smoke always works, but Res Smoke is better on Dark Breath, while Lightning Breath will want Atk/Spd Smoke to mimic Dark Breath. Threatens for these stats are just as effective.

Quick Riposte is great for Lightning + Guard or Dark + Wind/Watersweep builds, giving Corrins guaranteed double attacks during enemy phase, keeping her combat capable even when she can’t outspeed an opponent. Phantom Speed helps if QR’s in the B slot, giving Corrin more safety with activating IF, and her Sweeps if one is using her solely for safe debuffing. And Distance/Close Def are always applicable options.

WHO SHOULD PROVIDE INFANTRY FLASH

Now that we’ve gotten some examples of units who can actually make use of it, it’s time to consider who works as a giver of Infantry Flash. No sets this time, since it’s position as a C slot means the one giving it doesn’t necessarily need to have a build around it.

Legendary Marth

Obvious answer, but one that should be mentioned regardless: Marth is a great person to give Infantry Flash because he’s the unit that starts with it. If you don’t want to spend him & are strapped for materials to give him, it’ll be worth considering who can benefit from Infantry Flash that helps cover Legendary Marth’s weaknesses.

Units who don’t care about Speed

As mentioned before at the start, for some units Speed is the most important stat in the world, but others couldn’t care less how high their Speed gets. A unit with naturally low Speed, or who has exceedingly average Speed, makes for a good unit to give out the buff.

Some examples of low speed infantry units that could work include:

Dorcas

Adult Tiki

Nowi

Fae

Sanaki

Micaiah

Lilina

Units who want the Flashing Blade seal

It’s possible that, within a team you’re building, there might be competition between team mates for access to Flashing Blade. If this is the case, it might be best to identify who within that team is most likely to be running on their own, outside of Infantry Flash range. That unit should get the seal, and then provide Infantry Flash as a C, allowing for their team mates to still enjoy the benefits of it.

Examples of Flashing Blade seal users include:

Mia

Ayra

Anna

Karel

Legendary Lyn

Legendary Marth

That’s the conclusion of my list of suggestions and examples for using this skill. My hope is that it’ll maybe inspire you to try it out, it can be fun building a team around such a skill!

[karla-the-elemental-dreamer]

Hold Tight; I Will Be Back Very Soon

Hi guys, there is a lot happening in my life still. It's like I can't catch a break. But I must apologise to my followers for not giving you content that you deserve. Please stick with me; I am healing myself, I am going to fix this, and I will be back soon. And when I am back, we will 'make this place great again', and I will make sure the right people can see and ENJOY my content. And perhaps even if I am still going through adverse events this week, I will ensure to post some holistic Kingdom Hearts content by next Monday.

Only I have been staying away because yes, something did happen. But what you do not do is point fingers (which is unfortunately what I feel is happening from the other end). And this is why I am speaking up; because sometimes, being quiet in modern times means you admit or agree to something... I certainly don't, which is why I need to make hopefully one last statement, this time, to hopefully simply stand up for myself and nothing else.

As much as I find how the thing is being handled subsequently (and how I may be being labelled) shameful and disgraceful, I must remember the following. And this is perhaps a good lesson for anyone consumed by anger; to not let it get the better of them:

We can never truly know what someone else is going through, so we must tread with caution always. When someone wrongs us, let them be wrong, and focus on bettering ourselves. The more you 'point fingers' and make that person look wrong, that unfortunately only proves that they're right. So don't add fuel to the fire; don't feed the beast, which is why I'm trying to contain my temper. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't somewhat angered from the subsequent outcomes.

So for anyone (not my followers I wouldn't think) reading this and laughing at me, calling me a 'creep' perhaps, or a 'wannabe', or a 'princess'; I have no time for you. Your thoughts are your own affirmations or your own problems, and you can keep them to yourself (or at least YOUR circle) and not corrupt others with them. Stop the lies. But if the person reading this does not have the above thoughts, then you are welcome here and I do have time for you. I am much bigger and better than the above, and only the people who take the time to understand and know me will know my truth as a person. And this will certainly show when I finally get back to posting damn good KH-AU content.

If for some reason, anyone says 'this person caused me to lose my muse for some time'. or 'the new rules are because of them'.. Nope. Lie. You made that decision yourself; you decided to put your muse on hold; you made the decision to update your rules. Maybe my initial erroneous (not intentional... Erroneous) actions influenced it, but it is you who ultimately makes your own decisions. If I was a 'problematic/'toxic' person' towards you; this is your own decision and your own picture that you paint. We all make our own decisions in the end, because life is 10% what happens to us, and 90% how we respond to it. And we all paint our own pictures. Life and all it's people are each an individual rose that we all paint from different angles. Some see just the rose; some see the rose and the thorns; and the ones looking from underneath may only see the thorns but fail to see the rose. And the ones who only see the thorns likely encourage their friend to sit beside them, and so the friend will only see the thorns too.

With that principle in mind, here is my 90% response to the 10% that happened to me. If anyone comes across my blog and you're someone who feels lonely, marginalised, maybe 'misunderstood'/misheard by a lot of people, or you just have a genuine, and creative side, you are welcome here. You will not be turned away (unless you are a true concern, but I make sure to hear both sides of the story before determining that). There are no hard and fast 'rules' in my house, just human decency, courtesy and respect. You can PM me for someone to talk to, but you aren't obliged if that's not for you. Perhaps you're simply inspired by my KH content (when it returns lol!); so go ahead, like, reblog, comment, make an adaptation of my piece/s.

Before I lock myself into 'I can solve everyone's problems!'; no I can't XD. But if I can't help you, I will truly say it and not simply leave you hanging. If I want clear and genuine communication, that that's also what I need to give. And if for some reason issues do happen (because life causes 'em, otherwise we aren't alive), I would take measures to protect myself, but I will not go around afterwards, blaming you and shaming you to others. Because once again; treat others the way you want to be treated. Because when you create a blessing or adversity, remember it's not entirely your fault. 90% of you is responding to something that happened to you in your life.

I will likely not be going back to RPing because I don't want to make that same mistake again. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. And I don't work on 'terms and conditions'; I am not an item or a number; I am a human being. I am going to do what's best for me and so that means I am going to stick to my own devices and create content that says my name, says who I am. Because even in the past, I am okay when I create with other people, but what really makes me flourish, is when I can work on my own to unleash powerful pieces with no limits and compromises. So no more clipping my wings, no more dimming my light. Go wear a blindfold if you can't handle it.

And to make sure I am expressing this light properly, I'm going to do a little bit of cleaning up. Because we don't need to see the tainted shit I posted here when anger sometimes fed a beast. Maybe my vents had some good teachings within them, but if I really want to get an inspiring message across, I can post that message again in a separate context. However, I will be keeping this post though; because this a message of promise to my followers (present and future) as well as me standing up for myself to those who are here simply to 'scout for others (or themselves)' and to judge and shame me (if there is anyone; maybe there isn't). To the latter, you can buzz off because you are just wasting your time with such a pointless exercise when you could be off doing better things.

But like I said before, I will attempt to post something KH-y before next Monday (AEST). Only it may be a tight fit because I have inundated 😅 myself with a workload for a project that makes me flourish. Yes, I am my own boss with it (and remember I do extraordinary things when I am my own boss). And also, depending on the developments of my grandfather (dad's side) who was in severe pain last night, got taken to the ER this morning, and they did nothing about it... They just sent him home after 3 hrs, with no treatment. If anybody's curious, he's been on a surgery waiting list for 10+ months. So... Yeah. But I am trying to grapple my way back, and if I am to show others that I am the bigger one, then I need to be back, and prove it.

To my followers and if anyone on this planet believes in me, please bear with me.

- Love from Karla x

[jinalimarketing]

Most Beautiful Hill Stations Near Mumbai

Mumbai is feasibly the busiest city in the country and the hectic lifestyle here can leave you pretty overwhelmed at times. Gratefully, there are also fairly a few hill stations within easy reach of this great city which will provide you break from its chaos and traffic. While most of the Mumbaikars do not always get the time to go on a long vacation so these hill stations around the city are the perfect for a weekend getaway and the trip to these places every now and then will leave you refreshed to come back to the city and take up your work again.

Here are some of the hill stations near Mumbai which you must absolutely try out: -

1. KARJAT: -

Karjat is one of the greenest and most attractive hill stations in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. The best time to visit Karjat is during the monsoon season, when the hills are shielded in lush greenery and the waterfalls sloosh with all their might. This place is great for adventure activities like trekking, rappelling, white water rafting, valley crossing and many more adventure activities. Kondana Caves, Ulhas Valley, Bhor Ghat and Peth Fort are some of the major attractions in and around Karjat. Merely Karjat can be easily visited in 1.5 hours from Mumbai if you need a short break.

2. MATHERAN: -

Matheran is one of the closest hill stations to Mumbai and also is the one to throng if you are looking for some peace and calmness away from a fast-paced city. This beautiful hill station is a completely pollution-free zone and also one of the very few places in Asia that do not allow any vehicle to come in. Matheran have 33 viewpoints, amid which Porcupine Point, Louisa Point and Heart Point are the most unique ones. This attractive hill station is only 2 hours away from Mumbai which is ideal for a break any time.

3. LONAVALA – KHANDALA: -

Lonavala and Khandala are one of the most preferred getaways for most of the people from Mumbai and Pune. Both these hill stations are hallowed with lush green views, lovely waterfalls, crisp, fresh air and complete relaxation atmosphere. Mumbai to Khandala as well as Lonavala is about 1 hour 35 minutes by road and also perfect for a relaxing outing. The best attractions here include Kune Waterfalls, Lohagad Fort, Bhaja Caves, Karla Caves and Rajmachi Fort.

4. IGATPURI: -

Igatpuri is blessed with one of the most gorgeous natural landscapes in the region. Therefore, it is one of the favourite of nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers so far. Igatpuri has many forts in the surrounding area and is an ideal place for trekkers. One of the best places for rappelling and rock climbing is Igatpuri. One can seek peace and spiritual rejuvenation in the cool breeze with various scenic views. Also, Igatpuri is homebased to a centre of the Vipassana International Academy which is the largest Buddhist meditation society in the world which follows to the ancient method of meditation that is known as Vipassana. Other attractions in Igatpuri are Vaitarna Dam, Bhatsa River Valley, Tringalwadi Fort, Camel Valley and Kalsubai Peak.

5. LAVASA: -

Lavasa is one of the perfect for those who want to spend some quality time within nature surrounded by all the modern-day luxuries present within. This is a planned city in the lap of the Sahyadri Ranges which gives visitors uninterrupted views of the scenic ranges and the flowing rivers. There are various options for a plethora of adventure sports and exciting gaming zones. One can also enjoy indoor recreational activities at the Indoor Golf Recreation and at the Learning Centre.

6. MAHABALESHWAR: -

Mahabaleshwar is well known for its diverse flora and amazing landscapes. Lot of tourists visit this famous place and take a breathing space from their otherwise mundane life. This is the only reason that hotels in Mahabaleshwar are always packed to the capacity. One of the best things you can do here is go and visit the strawberry farms. The Strawberry Festival held in March or April is the must-thing that should be attended. There are many other major attractions in Mahabaleshwar.

7. PANCHGANI: -

A hill station which is surrounded by 5 hills in the Sahyadri Ranges and the old-fashioned town of Panchgani draws masses of holidaymakers on the weekends. It was used to be a summer resort for the British officers during the Raj. Panchgani is perfect holiday destination for Mumbaikars and people from other nearby cities because of pleasant weather, British architecture and abundance of trekking routes.

[fearofaherobrine]

Roleplay Server Log #316

“Azrael, Slenderman and the Birthday Pot”

-There's the faintest bit of rustling near the coop on Dawn's island-

[Samedi] Is startled and hops around in annoyance-

[Dawn] Is sitting on the porch taking quietly with Azrael-

[Sally] Peeks out through the bushes and giggles- Hi birdie

[Samedi] silent clucks-

[Azrael] I THINK WE HAVE COMPANY...

[Dawn] Hmm?

[Sally] Comes out, trying to pet Samedi-

[Samedi] Is walking away just quickly enough to not be caught.

[Dawn] Sally?

[Sally] - Huh?  Oh!  Hi!

[Dawn] Is Splender around as well?

[Sally] Shakes her head- No, Papa brought me

[Dawn] Wait... papa...?

[Azrael] SLENDERMAN.

[Dawn] Small shudder-

[Sally] - Uh huh!  We came to get his birthday present, but he said he'd stay down on the beach

[Dawn] Oh, the pot? Sure, it's all done. I'll get it. - She hops up to go  into the small  building by the house. It's quiet and some of the more freshly fired pieces are plinking merrily as the glaze crazes and settles.

[Sally] Looks at Azrael curiously- Are you Mort's papa?

[Azrael] STEPFATHER OF A SORT.

[Sally] - Oh...  Have you pet the pretty black birdie?  I got to last time I was here

[Samedi] Has calmed down and sits in the dirt, ruffling his feathers-

[Azrael] NO, BUT HE IS LOVELY. VERY LIVELY.

[Sally] - Yeah!  We can't keep pets other than Smile and Grinny at home

[Azrael] AH, I UNDERSTAND YOUR HOUSE IS RATHER... CHAOTIC. KEEPING ANIMALS WOULD SEEM A DIFFICULT PROPOSITION. I'M raTher FOnd of cAts.

[Sally] Tilts her head at the change in his voice- Are you okay?

[Azrael] little cough- RATHER THE OPPOSITE. A FEW CRUMBS OF FREE WILL TO ALLOW FOR MORE PREFERENCES AND CHOICES THEN YOUR AVERAGE ANGEL. A PRECIOUS GIFT FROM MY DAUGHTER.

[Sally] Frowns a little- I don't get it

[Azrael] ANGELS DON'T HAVE FREE WILL. WE ARE BOUND TO OUR TASKS.

[Dawn] Comes back with the pot and a bag full of paper- He makes it sound worse then it is Sally... getting to live virtually forever is quite convenient for someone who enjoys books as much as he does.

[Sally] - Oh, okay...  Can I pet the birdie again?

[Dawn] Don't you want to see your pot? - kneels and holds it out for her-

[Sally] Shuffles over to look at it-

-The pot is now hardened and has a pink glaze covering it.  The shell presses are a bit difficult to see in places but for a child's project it's fairly decent-

[Dawn] It came out a really pretty color-

[Sally] - Yeah!

[Slender] Has moved a bit closer from the beach, wondering what could be taking Sally so long-

[Azrael] Looks up, -  I THINK YOUR GUARDIAN IS FEELING IMPATIENT.

[Dawn] Sally? Are you feeling better since we blessed you?

[Sally] - Yeah, I still bleed sometimes though when I'm sad

[Dawn] Well you're still a creepypasta.

[Azrael] BLESSED BY DEATH WITH JUST A TOUCH OF DIGITAL. A LUCKY GHOST.

[Sally] - Papa's been really busy lately and with Splendy gone there aren't many people for me to play with lately

[Dawn] I thought you were free to come and go on the server? Doc said they had a whole village of children and several young dragons.

[Sally] - I can't make openings to get there.  I have to go with Splendy or one of the digital pasta's

[Dawn] But aren't you partly digital? I remember Doc consulting me on the code chicken they used to stabalize you.

[Sally] Shrugs-

[Dawn] I think you just need lessons kiddo. - she taps her chin theatrically- I think you should ask Cp. He seems to be the expert.

[Azrael] THE LARGE VIOLENT HEROBRINE?

[Dawn] I've heard he's actually quite good with children.

[Azrael] -raised eyeridges-

[Sally] - He's fun!

[Slender] Comes into sight- Sally

[Sally] Turns quickly, a large grin appearing on her face- Papa!- She runs over and hugs his legs

[Azreal] Fluffy his wings a little but doesn't get up- SLENDER.

[Dawn] Remembered that the pot was for him and quickly bagged it.

[Slender] - Hello old friend

[Sally] - Papa up!

[Slender] Reaches down with his tendrils to lift Sally up into his arms-

[Azrael] HOW FARES YOUR HOUSEHOLD? THEY HAVEN'T BEEN MAKING AS MUCH WORK FOR ME OF LATE. - there's just the smallest hint of a smile. He doesn't mind a little boredom.

[Dawn] Sits back down, but it's clear she's staying close to Azrael-

[Slender] - Quieter than I'm used too, oddly Locklear has been spending a fair amount of time in Sweden and EJ is still adjusting to his new diet

[Sally] Plays with the tip of one of Slender's tendrils-

[Dawn] Sweden? Isn't that where Markus is from?

[Slender] - I'm not sure who that is

[Azrael] HE IS ONE WHO SLIPPED OUT OF MY FINGERS BY THE WIDTH OF A HAIR. HE HAS ALSO ADOPTED SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU...

[Dawn] You haven't met Notch?

[Slender] - Ah, that name I have heard, isn't that the one CP has been wanting to kill?

[Sally] - Papa, I want Mr. Charlie

[Slender] Reaches inside of his jacket and pulls out Sally's teddy bear-

[Azrael] THAT CERTAINLY IS AN ELDRICH LITTLE BEAR YOU HAVE.

[Dawn] Oh, no no, the one Cp hates is an AI. This one is a real person who's now digital. He's stepped right into the role of dad for Cp and his little brother Stevie. From what I've seen he's got at least 90% of what he needs to handle the job.

[Slender] - I see, I had not been informed of that

[Sally] - What's Eldrich?- She hugs Mr. Charlie close to herself

[Azrael] FILLED WITH DARK ENERGIES. YOUR TOY IS VERY CLOSE TO BEING A TOTEM IN AN OF ITSELF. I THINK IT'S BEEN SOAKED IN BLOOD MANY MANY TIMES.

[Dawn] I think it's good for both of them. Especially since Markus's new powers curb Cp's pretty nicely.

[Sally] - Mr. Charlie usually comes on my hunts and everywhere else!

[Slender] - Somebody who can curb his powers is impressive enough

[Azrael] WELL IF YOU EVER WISH HIM TO BECOME SOMETHING MORE, It WouLd BE tHE wORk OF MomenTS TO waKE Him.

[Dawn] He's got a voice of command. He's the only other person I've ever met to have one.

[Slender] - Interesting

[Sally] - But he is awake!  He wakes up when I do and then we go to bed at night!

[Dawn] Shoots Azrael a look - He means like a tulpa, something that's... more.. well responsive? - She's flicking her eyes between Azreal and Slenders nearly equally impassive faces. It's obvious she's not good with kid logic.

[Slender] - Think of it like when CP makes his wither bigger, it's harmless when small, but can become very big and powerful for moments at a time when needed

[Sally] - Oh

[Dawn] Yes! I mean, yes. Like that.

[Azrael] AND PROBABLY MUCH LESS TROUBLESOME THEN THE THINGS YOU KNOW WHO MADE- It's obvious he's poking fun at Dawn-

[Dawn] Groans- Can we not?

[Sally] - Made what?

[Azrael] SHUFFLING BURLAP MONSTERS WITH RED EYES AND SCRAPS OF HUMAN SOULS INSIDE.

[Slender] This absolutely catches his interest- I've met one of those

[Azrael] HAVE YOU NOW? WE WERE UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT MOST WOULD RUN OUT OF ENERGY EVENTUALLY-

[Dawn] What?

[Slender] - I gave this one some energy so I could investigate it, plus it seemed willing to kill.  However it did leave the manor in search of revenge, and took something with it

[Dawn] Oh great.... Well at least she'll be hard to find. It's rather important to us that she stay alive.

[Slender] - Who are you referring to?

[Azrael] A DOCTOR WHO HAD A BRUSH WITH ME. SHE STOLE ONE OF MY FEATHERS AND USED IT TO MAKE SOMETHING... INDESTRUCTABLE... TO EXTEND HER OWN LIFE.

[Dawn] Karla is a human predator, that's what she is.

[Sally] - Papa!  I want down now please

[Slender] Puts Sally down with a smooth motion of his tendrils-

[Slender] - This woman, do you have any idea where she might be? The creation of hers which I encountered has... Gained something which might prove difficult for her to handle

[Sally] Has gotten close to Samedi and is petting him-

[Dawn] Looks at Azrael, confident that he could find anyone anywhere.

[Azrael] IF YOU CAN FIND MY ENERGY, YOU CAN FIND THE... THING SHE'S GUARDING JUST AS EASILY. YOU MAY FIND HER AN ALY ACTUALLY, THOUGH NOT RECEPTIVE AT ALL TO ANY DIRECT POSESSION.

[Dawn] Mutters - If we didn't need her, and if not for Ever...

[Sally] Tries picking Samedi up by the wings-

[Slender] - An interesting prospect, I'll have to see what I can do

[Samedi] Would make noise if he could and flops around-

[Dawn] Sally be careful! If you want to pick him up, hands under the belly.

[Azrael] jUST RemEMBER sHe is UsefuL To ME.

[Slender] Yes yes, but you also know how irritated She has been lately

[Azrael]  I SUPPOSE SHE'LL HAVE TO CONTENT HERSELF WITH DRIVING MORE HUMANS INTO MY TENDER EMBRACES?

[Slender] Would roll his eyes if he could-

[Sally] Is awkwardly holding Samedi, trying to hold Mr. Charlie with her arm-

[Azrael] smiles lightly- BUSY BUSY BUSY. BUT AT LEAST NOT PLAYING CAT AND MOUSE WITH ELDRICH HORRORS. THINGS CAN ALWAYS BE MORE IRRITATING THEN THEY ARE.

[Dawn] Gets up and gently corrects Sally's hold-

[Slender] - You have not spent much time with Teenagers, have you?

[Sally] - He's so soft

[Azrael] Points at Dawn - ONLY CHILD. PLUS THE SON IN LAW, OF SORTS.

[Dawn] Wry look- He's terrified of you. It's not like he's much trouble father.

[Azrael] Little hollow laugh-

[Dawn] At Sally- He is mostly fluff-

[Slender] Gives a mental burst of some of the more tame hijinks-

[Azrael] Gives a genuine laugh- YOU ARE RUNNING A CROSS BETWEEN AN ORPHANAGE AND AN ASYLUM AREN'T YOU?

[Slender] - Now consider that daily, it's no wonder She thrives there

[Azrael] ALL CHILDREN HAVE A TOUCH OF MADNESS...

[Dawn] Good thing I was already a teenager huh?

[Azrael] YOU'VE HAD YOUR MOMENTS. SCARED ME NEARLY TO ME A FEW TIMES. TAKING CHANCES AND WANTING TO SEE. FOR ALL THE TIMES I'VE TAKEN YOU FROM THE BRINK OF A DISASTER....

[Dawn] Chastened look-

[Slender] - Yes well my time is running short and you may have work soon

[Azrael] SHALL I NOW? -wryly- TAKING THE CHILDREN ON A FIELD TRIP? OR... OUT TO LUNCH?

[Slender] - There's a new entity, gathering those of insanity but not using them.  Zalgo doubts that they are letting them keep their humanity as he and I do

[Azrael] THAT'S A BIT TROUBLING... INSANITY IS SUPPOSED TO BE RARE. IT KEEPS THINGS IN BALANCE. THE PREY SHOULD ALWAYS GREATLY OUTNUMBER THE PREDATORS.

[Slender] - Yes but she's lost a good handful to the Doctor

[Dawn] But Doc is trying to help them. I know their methods are a bit odd, but they mean well.

[Slender] - True, but it upsets her, and she's gotten more picky about who she infect, she's infecting those she's more likely to get use out of

[Azrael] THEN I WILL KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THIS. IN THE EVENT THAT SHE MUST BE REMINDED OF HER PLACE.

[Dawn] It's still not right... posession is a terrible thing.

[Slender] - I would not consider it a full possession

[Dawn] If they're not being allowed even a semblance of humanity I certainly would!

[Slender] - The loss of humanity is usually decided by who takes them in.  I let them keep as much of it as they desire.  Some willingly give up all semblance of humanity, and those are the feral pasta's

[Dawn] Then if they choose to give it up, that should be allowed as well.

[Azrael] speaks in almost a normal voice - Even I haVe Come to underSTand the Value of frEE wilL.

[Sally] Goes up to Dawn- Where's Mort?

[Dawn] On the boat last I checked. He said there was a rip in the sail and went to patch it.

[Sally] - I don't know where that is...

[Slender] - Sally we'll be leaving soon anyhow

[Sally] - But I don't wanna go!

[Dawn] It's a hike up a sheer cliff anyway.

[Sally] Gets huffy and runs off towards the pottery shack, dropping Mr. Charlie accidentally along the way-

[Samedi] Flails around in her arms-

[Dawn] Sally! Be careful-

-The girl bumps a table and a large bowl falls onto the soft sand with fump-

[Dawn] Picks it up carefully- You almost broke this. Deerheart would have been really sad- The bowl is a bit cruder then the other things on the shelves, but the body glaze is a vivid golden yellow with little purple dribbles on the lip.

[Slender] Sighs and picks up Sally's teddy, brushing the dust off of him- Sally you know better than this

[Sally] - Deerheart?

[Azrael] Glides silently after them and stands there watching with a chuckle- KIDS...

[Dawn] Yeah. Doc's mate. Lady with the green hair and antlers? She made this.

[Sally] - I know her!

[Slender] Stands near Azrael-  I thought she was digital?

[Dawn] She was. Doc's been busy. Cp let hir loose from the digital realm and now xe's doing the same for anyone else who wants out. Two of the server spirits have already acclimated.

[Slender] - So long as they are well aware of what dangers there are specifically to them

[Dawn] From what I've heard they've been really careful. I think it's just a matter of having an extra bolt hole if they're in danger.

[Slender] - I see

[Sally] Is still a bit huffy-

[Dawn] Folds her arms- I think you play your cards right and you'll have more allies then you did before.

[Azrael] Angles one of his large wings out and tickles Sally with the tip of a feather-

[Sally] Giggles a little-

[Samedi] Annoyed wiggles-

[Dawn] Is somewhat baiting Slender into a staring contest. She's a bit bolder with Azrael there-

[Slender] Not breaking eye contact- Sally, put the rooster down, we need to get going

[Sally] - But Papa

[Dawn] Just smiles a little, there's a bit of black showing at the corners of her eyes-

[Sally] Puts Samedi down- Oh no!  Where's Mr. Charlie!?

[Azrael] Points to Slender's tentacles-

[Samedi] Makes a break for it-

[Sally] Hurries over- Mr. Charlie!

[Slender] Hands her the toy-

[Dawn] Well?

[Azrael] Oh STOP THAt. -

[Sally] - Papa, can we goplay?

[Slender] - I'm sorry Sally, but I still have work to do

[Azrael] HAHA, KEEP ME INFORMED SLENDERMAN, IF IT ISN'T TOO MUCH TROUBLE.

[Dawn] Grins- Did you like the tie at least?

[Slender] Narrows eye area at Dawn with a warning staticky growl-

[Dawn] Innocent- What? I thought it looked nice?

[Azrael] small groan like a creaking door - FORGIVE HER, SHE SUFFERS FROM A DEPLORABLE EXCESS OF PERSONALITY.

[Sally] Reaches for Slender's hand and takes it-

[Slender] - I will speak with you later Azrael

[Sally] - But Papa I wanna play! [Slender] Slight sigh- I'm guessing you mean not with anybody currently at the manor, very well, would you like me to see if one of the digital pastas can come retrieve you? [Sally] - Yes! [Slender] Sends a message to Masky to see if any of the digital pastas can come and take Sally- Hmmm, it would seem most of them are currently busy, but Herobrine did respond that his wife could possibly come pick you up for the time being... [Sally] - She's pretty...

[Dawn] Arily- You can use the tv on the shore if you want. Our friends know this place pretty well. And the beach is lovely any time of day.

[Slender] Sends of another burst towards his proxies- Herobrines wife should be here soon then

[Sally] - Yay!

[Slender] - You'll be good, correct?

[Sally] - Of course Papa!

[Dawn] Don't forget your bag Sally. - points to it sitting near the steps.

[Sally] - Oh yeah!- She starts heading towards it

-There's a rustling in the bushes as a massive blur rushes towards Sally-

[Sally] Shrieks as she's bowled over and then starts laughing-

[Smile] Is very happily standing over Sally, licking her face and arms-

[Lie] - Smile come back!

[Dawn] That is a gigantic dog.

[Lie] Comes into sight- Sorry Dawn, he decided to run through the portal ahead of me

[Slender] - Smile!

[Smile] Catches the tone of Slender's voice and backs off a little before sitting, his human grin broad as he looks around

[Sally] Is still laying on the ground giggling-

[Azrael] Turns towards Lie- AH. ANOTHER WHO CAME CLOSE BUT SLIPPED AWAY MORE THEN ONCE. -He goes to say her real name and then stops himself- LIE.

[Dawn] Playfully- Hey Lie. It's apparently dad day around here. Did you bring Markus?

[Lie] - No...  He's off mining...  Fuck Smile is fast...  And you are?

[Azrael] eyebrow- THE GRIM REAPER BY TRADE, BUT AZRAEL IS MORE RESPECTFUL.

[Lie] - Oh...- She's a little nervous now

[Smile] Goes sniffing around and finds a log which he then proceeds to drag into the clearing-

[Azrael] GOOD DOG.

[Dawn] It's okay Lie, he's just married to his job.

[Azrael] I BEAR NO ILL WILL TO THE ONES THAT GET AWAY INTIALLY, IT MAKES THE JOB MORE... INTERESTING.

[Lie] - I see

[Smile] Turns quickly and almost hits Slender with the log, knly to have it be stopped by his tendrils

[Slender] - That's enough Smile

[Azrael]  wryly - HOW FARES OUR SEMI-FEATHERED MUTUAL FRIEND?

[Lie] - Well he scared the shit out of me when he woke us up leading something away

[Azrael] THAT EXPLAINS WHY HE HASN'T BEEN AROUND MUCH. HE'S WATCHING OVER YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS.

[Lie] - Yeah, I'm just glad he's on our side...

[Azrael] HE IS ON NO ONES SIDE BUT HIS OWN. BUT HE DOES GET ATTACHTED TO PEOPLE HE OWES...

[Dawn] Well- coughs- Doc told me you had some luck draining Cp so he wouldn't freak out. Can I see the new flower?

[Lie] - Yeah, sure- She spawns the vampiric bloom

[Slender] Is watching Sally climb on Smile-

[Dawn] Wow... that feels... weirdly familiar?

[Azrael] Picks up the bloom in his long, skeletal fingers and cradles it gingerly. Suddenly he makes a strange face. - YOU MIXED YOUR ENERGIES WITH HERS? IT IS A BRILLIANT PIECE OF WORK, BUT STILL... BE CAREFUL.

[Dawn] Wait.... you? Oh geeze... if she didn't rape you or worse you got lucky.

[Lie] - I mean, it's not the only plant she's helped me with...  Plus she's cautious of CP

[Slender] Is curious about who they are referring to-

[Azrael] AS SHE SHOULD BE, THEY ARE BOTH ARCETECTS OF DEATH AND SUFFERING IN THEIR OWN WAYS.

[Dawn] snorts- I'm sure they could have a very interesting shop talk session.

[Slender] - I must ask, is this the woman you were telling me of earlier?

[Azrael]  YES. THE BLACK SUN. DR. EMMERICH.

[Dawn] It's the closest I've ever been to encountering an succubus.

[Lie] Briefly her mind flashes back to the last time she was over there-

[Slender] - My brother probably has her beat

[Azrael] CONSIDERING THAT YOUR BROTHER CAN SHAPESHIFT, YES. MOST LIKELY. BUT SHE ALSO HAS EVERY HORROR AND PERVERSION THE INTERNET CAN INSPIRE OR PROVIDE FOR AT HER BLOODSTAINED FINGERTIPS-

[Slender] - This is true, let us hope the two rarely if ever meet

[Dawn] Yeah... that would be bad..

[Sally] Is hanging onto Smile as the dog runs around the clearing-

[Lie] Is a bright red and staying silent-

[Azrael]  gestures to the flower- MAy I?

[Lie] - Uh, sure

[Azrael] Tucks it into a pocket that wasn't visible until he opened it on the outside of his robe. It peeks out of the pocket with it's own quiet menace.

[Slender] Glances at the position of the sun- I really need to be going, are you certain you are alright with taking Sally?

[Lie] - Yeah, she can come hang out with us for a bit

[Sally] - Wait!  Papa, you have to take your gift!

[Slender] - Well then bring it here

[Sally] Slides down off of Smile and grabs the bag, bringing it opver to Slender who takes it-  Here you go Papa!  happy birthday

[Slender] Ruffles Sally's hair a little before pocketing the gift- I'll open it when you come home, alright?

[Dawn] Oh! Lie can you give something to Deerheart for me? Mort fired the bowl she made. - She goes to fetch it from the table and holds it out to her-

[Lie] - Oh, yeah, I can do that.  I've got a couple of errands to run first out here though

[Sally] Yes Papa!

[Slender] - Azrael, I assume I'll see you relatively soon?

[Azrael] MOST LIKELY....

[Slender] Nods and then teleports off to where he needs to be-

[Lie] Visibly relaxes some-

[Azrael] Ruffles his wings a bit- DeMONs... So DRAmatiC.

[Dawn] Chuckles-

[Lie] - Honestly, the less I have to deal with him the better...

[Smile] Goes to sniff Azrael-

[Azrael] Puts a gentle finger on Smiles forehead and moves him back - HE'S RATHER... OLD FASHIONED. -ghost of a wink

[Lie] - And terrifying

[Sally] Goes to climb onto Smile again-

[Azrael] I WAS ABOUT TO DISCUSS YOUR RECENT HIJINKS WITH DAWN. IT'S FORTUNATE I WAITED.

[Dawn] What do you mean?

[Azrael] I DO NOT LIKE HIM READING YOUR MIND. - turns to Lie- IT Was... AMuSinG ESCORTING YOUR MOST RECENT KILL INTO TOTAL OBLIVION. WELL DONE.

[Lie] - Ah, you mean...

[Azrael] Oh yES, THe LitTLE HarveStmAN. HIs FURy bEfore BEing SnUFFed lIKe A CaNDLE bY The ReAl THIng WaS MOSt AmUsING. HiS VIctIMs WeRe Also GivEN A ChanCe To AssiST. YoU CAn thaNK MY DaughtER For That BiT Of Cruel JustiCe.  

[Dawn] You mean? He's gone?! Good job!

[Lie] - Yeah, I mean, limbs and such were lost to his sword, we might have completely lost Stevie if CP hadn't been thinking so quickly...  And Dawns curse did make it harder for him to kill others until we got to him

[Azrael]  AH NOT THAT. THOUGH THAT WAS HELPFUL. - his skeletal grin seems to fill her vision for a moment. - WITHOUT HER PIECE OF FREE WILL I COULDN'T HAVE PULLED SUCH A PETTY STUNT TO SEE JUSTICE DONE PROPERLY.

[Dawn] Blushes-

[Lie] - What...  Exactly did you do?

[Azrael] I LET HIS VICTIMS RETURN FOR A MOMENT TO HELP TEAR WHAT SCRAPS OF SOUL HE DID POSESS APART.

[Lie] - Oh, I'm guessing that was after my husband punched his head off?

[Dawn] Now that's a haymaker-

[Azrael] OH YES. I WOULDN'T DREAM OF RUINING YOUR FUN.

[Lie] - Okay then.

[Smile] Suddenly takes interest in a scent coming from the jungle-

[Dawn] Makes a very 'OMG dad stop' face where only Lie can see it.-

[Lie] Tries to bite back a laugh-

[Sally] - Smile what is it?

[Smile] Starts growling-

[Dawn] You might not want to let him run in there....

[Lie] - Smile?  Come here boy

[Smile] Continues to growl-

[Sally] Gets off of Smile and runs over to Lie-

[Azrael] musing- I ThiNK I'M A BiT GraTeFul fOR Your ActiONS In GeNERAl. Be AT EASE.

[Dawn] Yeah. Crazy creepypastas make a lot of extra work. Keeping them busy is useful.

[Lie] - Yeah, a lot of them have calmed down since coming to the server

[Dawn] And I'm betting battling Harvestman wore everyone out...

[Lie] - You have no idea, CP and I haven't even had celebratory sex yet, plus he's currently busy teaching his brother how to use his new powers

[Azrael] THAT WAS CLOSE, AN AMPUTATIONS WIDTH FROM LOSING IT ALL.

[Dawn] Oh man...  new powers? Is Stevie a Herobrine now too?

[Lie] - No, he's not a brine, and he's gained ice powers so it makes sense for CP to teach him since he won't get frozen over

[Azrael] AND THE BROTHERS UNITE AGAIN.

[Dawn] That's good news actually.

[Lie] - Yeah, it's been a long journey for them both

[Dawn] So.... will you be bringing Stevie irl then?

[Lie] - I...  I don't know...

[Dawn] Kinda hard to have family outings otherwise.

[Azrael] Oh HUsH

[Lie] - I'm pretty sure that might turn Stevie's girlfriend into a nervous wreck

[Sally] Looks at Lie- Miss Lie?  I'm thirsty...

[Dawn] Do you want something to drink kiddo? I've got Oj, tea and milk.

[Sally] - Orange juice!  Orange juice!

[Dawn] I'll be right back then. - heads into the house-

[Azrael] Sits back down on the steps. Even seated he's huge, and his wings arch gracefully over his back.

[Lie] - So, Slender mentioned Karla?  What's his interest with her?

[Azrael] HE'S ECOUNTERED ONE OF HER CREATIONS AND WAS CURIOUS ABOUT HER. PROFESSING TO WARN HER OF A DANGER SHE ALREADY KNOWS QUITE WELL.

[Lie] - I don't think she'd take well to him suddenly appearing in her place

[Azrael] NEITHER DO I. AND I SUSPECT SHE WOULD ATTEMPT TO FIGHT HIM IF HE WENT ABOUT IT TOO ABRUPTLY. SHE IS.... A FORMIDABLE SOUL.

[Lie] - Maybe I should give her a heads up...

[Dawn] Comes back with a cup of orange juice and gives it to Sally.

[Sally] - Thank you- She begins drinking while drawing lines in the dirt with her feet

[Lie] - I just thought of something...  What would the fruit of Karla's tree do to somebody like Sally?

[Dawn] Ummm....

[Azrael] GIVE HER MORE ENERGY, MOST LIKELY. I DOUBT IT COULD BRING HER BACK TO LIFE THOUGH.

[Lie] - It was just a random thought

[Sally] Finishes the juice and holds the cup out to Dawn- Here you go

[Dawn] Thank you. Anyone else want anything?

[Smile] Looks back at Dawn, finally ceasing his growling- Food?

[Dawn] I don't think I have any dog food, but I know there's some burgers left over from last night?

[Lie] - Smile you just had like four steaks, I think you've had enough food

[Dawn] Ah.

[Azrael] Is easy to read. He's a cat person. 100%

[Lie] - Well, we should be going, but it was nice catching up with you.  Doc probably would have called to tell you about what happened with Harvestman if they hadn't left their phone out in the real world

[Azrael] IT WAS NICE MEETING YOU AS WELL. WELL.... IN A SITUATION THAT DIDN'T INVOLVE BUSINESS.

[Lie] - Yeah, alright, come here Smile, we're leaving

[Smile] Trots over to Lie-

[Dawn] Tell Doc to call me once they get the phone back, okay?

[Lie] - Will do- Waves goodbye and leads them back down towards the tv- ALright, we just have a couple errands to do first.  You two okay with that?

[Sally] Nods-

[Smile] - Toys?

[Lie] - If you're good

[djsaed]

At this hour just thinking; in life, in how fast it happens, where we are today and tomorrow we don't know. In everything that we are going through worldwide with this madness of the pandemic, it has really affected me personally so much, I miss so many things, however I am enjoying others. Different feelings, for example: I share more with my husband, who I love so much Orlando Rivera and with my son, who is my angel in this land Orlando SaedDj, however I miss my grandson Eyden, his sister Kamyla, my daughter-in-law Karla so much Michell Rubert Rivera, I miss my productions and the productions where they invited me to act, I miss soooo rehearsing a Work, a Zarzuela, TO THAT PUBLIC THAT I LOVE AND RESPECT SO MUCH, that audience that I consider already family and have no idea how much we actors are them. we love you. How much I miss my brothers, Hector Mendez and Eduardo M. Guillermo, those fellow actors who become family after each play, I know that theatrical bustle is strange, besides that being so busy you don't have time to think ... however later the death of Antonio (my son, my firstborn, my great love, my angel from heaven) a nightmare that is still fresh in our minds that although it continues to live, it is never the same, because that nightmare or experience has taught us to tell each other more of a thousand times how much we love each other, I want to tell you that at home we are now together almost 24/7 and every moment we tell each other; Thank you, I love you, you are important to me, we laugh at almost everything, we hug each other, that is, we show each other so much love ❤, that we seem perhaps crazy .. but yes, we are crazy so crazy that we LOVE each other SO MUCH, AND WE EXPRESS IT AT ALL TIMES And it's not that we weren't like that before, it's that now we go overboard. Friends take good care of yourself, be happy, have a good time, this will pass and soon we will get up and continue with more force, I for my part tell you that I love you, I miss you, I bless you and I thank you so much ... soon we will be together again. Remember that we are on loan in this world and we never know when we will have to leave, so be happy, always help others, https://www.instagram.com/p/CELl6Q-pH2b/?igshid=1pd18ebypdl8m

[floreshka13]

We would like to thank everyone who sent their well wishes, those who travelled from outside of Cebu, and all those who took their time off of their busy schedules to celebrate our special day with us. And thank you most especially to those who were involved in making the event a successful one.

Our loving parents, Engr. Fernando E. Alcontin and Mrs. Cecilia O. Alcontin and 2Lt. Rafael M. Policarpio Sr. PAF (Ret.) and Mrs. Natividad Policarpio and my eldest sister, Mrs. Michelle P. Carillo, for being mama’s proxy in walking me down the aisle. 💞

Our generous principal sponsors, Mr. Eduardo S. Cabo and Mrs. Isabel A. Cabo, Engr. Rogelio L. Obeso and Mrs. Lydia B. Obeso, MSgt. Buenaventura M. Juanir PAF (Ret.) and Mrs. Delia T. Juanir, MSgt. Joselito S. Mondala PAF (Ret.) and Mrs. Resurrecion I. Mondala, and TSgt. Nelson M. Tragura Sr. PAF (Ret.) and Mrs. Victoria B. Tragura. 💞

Our handsome and generous best man, Dr. Rolly Gerard B. Obeso who sponsored our dessert buffet. 😄

Our stunning maid of honor, Ms. Veronica Concepcion O. Viñan, CPA who was unexpectedly teary-eyed and who made me cry with her simple yet very heartwarming message during the program. 😭

Our good-looking groomsmen, Mr. Ariel A. Obeso, Mr. Archie T. Obeso, Mr. Carlo A. Obeso, and Mr. Rolan Dennis B. Obeso. 😊

Our gorgeous bridesmaids, Ms. Justine Kay J. Cadag, Ms. Jensine Yvonne A. Oyo-a, Ms. Alpha Pamela B. Bonghanoy, Ms. Agnes E. Seldura who all looked fabulous that day. 😍

Our supportive secondary sponsors, Candle - Mr. Leonides E. Alcontin and Ms. Charmaine O. Alcontin, Veil - A2C Rolando E. Petallar Jr. PAF and Mrs. Dulce Marie P. Petallar, and Cord - Mr. Kingsley T. Obeso and Mrs. Ivy Rose P. Obeso. 💞

Our cute bearers, Ring Bearer - Karl Andre P. Mondido, Coin Bearer - James Andrew P. Carillo, and Bible Bearer - Zac Hendrix E. Aurelio. 💞

Our lovely flower girls, Oana Lucienne A. Obeso, Hanameel Eugenie B. Obeso, and Krystelle Dawn T. Horfella. 💞

Those who took part in the offertory, we will no longer mention you one by one because we might miss some since there were a lot of you but still, thank you. 💞

To Sir Carlo Abaquita of Unique Weddings and Events, the number one wedding planner and coordinator in Cebu, we wished for a minimalist and simple yet elegant wedding and unfailingly, you made our wish come true. We were so honored that despite your very busy schedule, you really found time to be with us at the church and at the reception venue. To Carlo’s angels, Miss Arcelli, Miss Karla, Miss Agnes, Miss Haycee, and Miss Niana for assisting us during the planning and preparation stage; to Sir Geof and Miss Rizza for the inputs in our prenup shoot; to Miss Kendoll and Miss Kim for dolling us up during our prenup shoot; and to Miss Chanel Jacob, Miss Charisse, and Miss Em-Em for taking care of us on the actual wedding day. From the hotel at 6am to the church and finally to the reception venue which ended at around 9pm, you made sure that all our needs were taken care of and made everything smooth and organized. We have heard nothing but compliments from our guests. You guys were all amazing! A happy bride is indeed a #CARLOBRIDE and I am very proud to be one. 👍👏💞

To Josef and Christine all the way from Czech Republic for the wines for toasting, Lim Urvan for our guests service van, Rayne’s Kitchen for the team’s breakfast, South Point Food Express for the team’s lunch, and to the people behind the projector, projector screen, and technical support team, thank you so much. 💞

To Ivan’s fellow architects and college friends, to my college friends, to our airport friends, and to the school teachers, thank you all for coming. 💞

To Cabo, Ordoñez, Juanir, Lim, Cadag, Mondala, Tragura, Valdez, Sta. Rita, Jalang families, and to all other guests we forgot to mention, thank you so much for your presence. 💞

To Alcontin, Obeso, Policarpio, and Sabarre families, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, inlaws, and all our extended families, thank you so much for all the overwhelming love and support you have shown to us and for sponsoring the three lechons. 😆💞

And most of all to God Almighty for always blessing us more than we could ever imagine. We could not have done it without Your favor and grace. We are always and forever grateful to You for everything and for the opportunity of sharing this magical day with all the people we love. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! 🙏❤️

Dress Up: Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino

Church: Sacred Heart Parish

Reception: Beverly View Events Pavilion Glass House

Officiating Priest: Fr. Felipe Bacalso, SJ

Event Planner and Coordinator: Carlo Abaquita of Unique Weddings and Events

Photographer: Love and Light Studios

Videographer: Team Panda Films

Gowns and Barongs: Something Borrowed, Something New

Bride and Entourage Robes: Something Borrowed, Something New

Bride’s Makeup: Jonas Borces

Bride’s Hair: Sharisca Lasala

Entourage Hair and Makeup: Dexa May Pulvera, Armaine Rivas Ruiz, and Chix Navales

Florist: Floral Touch by Chaty Archival

Church Choir: C3-Core Singers

Bridal Car and Entourage Coasters: Chierz Matarlo

Event Host: Jen Rodriguez Ramos

DJ/Music Spinner: Jan Ramos

Lights and Sounds: R.A. Audio Pro Lights and Sounds

Cake: Cupkeyk N Art Patisserie by Jeah Bequilla Baron

Dessert Buffet: KayDy Cakes

Cocktails: Ferdinand Alexis Montelibano (Chef Alex Montelibano)

Invitations: CDI Designs

Photobooth: I Pic U Photobooth

Ivan Ray ❤️ Mary Flor

10/05/2019

#FLOReverwithIVAN

[5hfanfiction]

Where My Heart Takes Me - v

The next scenario plays out two different ways.

After Lucy makes that dramatic sound using the door, Lauren just smiles her carefree smile that although Camila rarely sees, has made the top of the list of things that take her breath away.

Lauren lifts one hand up and caresses Camila’s cheek and the brunette swears she’s never felt anything as gentle before. Not long after, the merchant is kissing her again and Camila, a firm believer that blessings shall not be taken for granted, kisses her back. The kisses are light at first, Lauren seemingly testing the waters with Camila but since the lady doesn’t plan on stopping her and instead also snakes her hand up and wraps it around the green-eyed’s hips, Camila feels her deepening the kiss, her tongue sneaking into her lips that the brown-eyed grants.

“If I had known kissing you would feel like this, I would’ve kissed you sooner,” Lauren manages to detach herself from the kiss for a moment and whispers to Camila. If Camila’s heart has been beating erratically due to their contact, Lauren’s words send it going haywire.

She wants to hear more words along those lines but Camila thinks it’s not the right time so she whispers back, looking straight into the green eyes that have turned gray, “Stop talking, Lauren. Just kiss me.”

And it seems that their roles have reversed and Camila is the master during that moment because Lauren quickly follows suit. Her hand that was formerly in the brunette’s cheek, travels to the back of her neck and pulls Camila in to kiss her deeply again.

The hand that is in Camila’s nape starts massaging and she cannot help the little moan that escapes from her lips. Lauren’s other hand reaches Camila’s hips, clearly emboldened by the sound, bringing their bodies closer.

“I want you,” Camila hears Lauren say. Right then, Camila forgets the other two dozens or more people just outside the room or that Mani and Ally might think something’s amiss if they stay in there too long than usual and all she can think about is that she wants Lauren, too.

As an answer, Camila drags her lips from Lauren’s lips, bringing them down to her master’s pale neck, leaving tiny kisses and nipping lightly when she finds the pulse point. Lauren takes the hint and not long after, Camila is being guided toward the office table, her behind hitting the wooden furniture and she finds herself being lifted slightly to sit on it.

Lauren lifts the hem of the brunette’s dress, her fingertips grazing the skin underneath, going higher until Camila feels it on the middle of her thigh and another moan comes out of her lips and she starts to feel the interior of the room getting hotter.

In reality, though, Camila is reprimanding herself for the thoughts that her mind has travelled to, shaking her head internally at the absurdity and disrespectfulness of her lascivious imaginings.

She takes a step away from Lauren. The green-eyed still seemingly dazed by the kiss that Lucy has witnessed or probably still in shock that her former lover saw what she saw. Camila can’t really figure it out.

All she knows is that there is something about the kiss that feels foreign to her. It’s not her first time, she’s kissed one girl many times before but the stirrings within her makes her feel like this is a new experience to her. And definitely the first instance she has felt the need to make their contact go further than mere kissing.

She instantly feels guilty though and cannot summon the courage to look into the green eyes atop the sweetest lips she’s tasted so she averts her eyes down, one hand touching her own lips as if she cannot believe what she just did.

She steps back one more time, putting more space between her and Lauren. “I-I will be going outside. Ally and the other ladies might need my help.”

Without looking at Lauren still, Camila then steps out of the room into the presence of their patrons and goes back to work as if nothing peculiar just happened.

Throughout the next hour, Camila stays feeling awkward, laughing half-heartedly at the other girls’ jokes, making comments she knows are appropriate for the kind of conversation they are having, and attending to new guests that come into the diner.

When Dinah arrives a little later, her usual warm smile adorning her face that greets them, she feels more at ease. She has been good friends with Ally and Mani from the start but there’s a pull that Dinah has to her that makes her feel closer to her than the others. It probably has something to do with the fact that they have the same familial background, both of them having come from noble families, or that Dinah knows and understands the reason she is there but either way she is grateful that she has someone like her.

The already cheery atmosphere, having lightened immediately when Lauren’s friends saw Lucy walking out of the diner, grows even cheerier. Dinah always brings this contagious energy whenever she visits that the other three anticipate and welcome every single time.

“Good morning, everyone!” Dinah gives them all the royal treatment, as Camila likes to call it, she only has experience like that before in their royal circle (not that she ever has any outside of it before that), and touches her cheek to each of them.

Thankfully, to Camila’s delight, as she doesn’t want to let the other girl notice anything, Lauren comes out of her office just a few minutes later. Of course, Dinah also greets her enthusiastically.

Camila is in the process of dodging another unnecessary assistance from Liam, one of the two male hired helps on the diner, when she hears the blonde speaking to Lauren. “Lauren, can I borrow Camila here for the weekend?”

From her peripheral vision, the brunette sees the green-eyed look at her, as if considering the question.

“Or for Sunday, at least.” Dinah adds. “I can see she has some good sense of style, and I’d like to ask her advice for the upcoming ball.”

Camila looks down at her wardrobe, a simple gray dress with matching black shoes, it doesn’t look horrific but it’s a far cry from the style the lady is describing. When she left their manor, she was in a hurry and convenience was the utmost of her priority so bringing her most stylish dresses had been out of the question, and when Lauren, in her kindheartedness, had offered to buy her a few items of clothing, she had been reluctant to accept let alone choose ones that she knew would cost a lot. So Camila deduces, either Dinah has too poor of a taste (which she highly doubts seen the woman always arrives in the place well-dressed), she’s simply joking or exaggerating, or the lady is referring to her previous style as Lady Karla. Camila thinks it’s the last.

“Will you need her to stay the night or just the entire day?” She hears Lauren finally ask.

“Oh, no. I know you won’t want her to be away for too long, it’ll most likely be until mid afternoon at the latest.” Dinah explains.

At that, Lauren finally nods her affirmation, Camila sees as she also finally looks at the raven-haired having overcome the worst of her awkwardness from earlier.

“Awesome,” the blonde claps her hands in pleasure at the answer she receives and moves on to sit at the stool near Normani.

Camila goes back to focusing on her task when she’s once again broken out of it by what she hears Dinah say.

“Hmmm… Something’s different with you today, Lauren. Want to share?”

The brunette once again looks at the merchant discreetly and sees her dismiss the comment with a wave of her hand. “You’re being funny. There’s nothing different with me. Just the same old Lauren.”

_____

Dinah comes to pick Camila up just after she has eaten breakfast with the Jauregui siblings and when she has finished helping Taylor out to do the dishes. The brown-eyed expects them to head to the boutiques to pick out dresses but the carriage enters an estate and stops infront of a huge manor and the blonde alights from it just as the door is held open by the footman, so Camila knows she expected it wrong.

When the large doors of the manor are opened, they come inside a vast entryway with maroon carpet adorning the floor and a huge golden chandelier hanging at the ceiling. From where they are standing, Camila can see through each door on her side that the same colors dominate the the interior. The place is boasting of extravagance and affluence but it’s nothing that she hasn’t seen and lived before.

After thanking the footman, Dinah leads the way to what the brunette assumes to be the living room. Camila falters in her steps, though, when she sees a curious-looking woman seemingly in her forties or fifties staring at them by the threshold of another room. Dinah obviously feels her action as she looks back at her and realizes what she has noticed.

“Oh, hi, Aunt Leilani.” Camila feels Dinah’s hand wrap around her wrist as she sends out the greeting. “This is my friend, Camila. Camila, this is my aunt, Leilani.”

The woman just continues to stare at them, a single blink of her eyes is the only indication she has heard what Dinah said.

“Is she mute or something?” Camila asks out of curiosity when she is sure the lady is out of earshot.

They head out into the porch overlooking a gorgeous wide garden where a table is being set for them by the maids, obviously Dinah has instructed them well in advance, before the blonde answers her question. “No. That’s just how she is.”

Dinah takes a seat and she follows. “Uhm. Is she like that with her husband, too?”

“No husband,” Dinah answers. Just then the maids come back with tea, bread, and cookies. “Thank you, Mel and Rose.”

Camila also mutters a ‘Thank you’ and waits for the servants to leave before she voices out her next question. “To her kids?”

“Nope. No kids, too. I’m not really sure how she was before or if there was a man she has taken enough liking to to consider marrying, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was none because I’ve been out in the society for a couple of years and I’m still yet to meet a man worth spending more than a few minutes talking to. The heavens know this social status is one of the most overrated things in life. But she’s been like that since I can remember. Probably got tired of this house and all the knitting she does everyday and created a world of her own.” Dinah explains lengthily.

Camila just nods in understanding.

“But she’s harmless, though. Just weird but she will not hurt a fly.”

Their conversation go from the manor house to Dinah’s and Camila’s childhood to the food. After a while when Camila finally considers the likelihood they won’t be doing any shopping today, she asks her friend. “What did you need me here for, really? I thought we were going out to buy dresses but obviously, you’re not thinking about any of that so–”

Dinah dismisses her with a wave of her hand like the chore is a joke and resting it atop her chest like she is affronted. “No. Did you think I’ll need any of that? Not to boast but I most likely have the best sense of style in all of Scotland and even in London from what I’ve seen in all of the balls I’ve attended.”

Camila just chuckles having been kind of used to her friend’s antics by now and admittedly agreeing mostly about what she said.

“But you can probably rival me on that. You’re gorgeous.” Dinah adds quickly, that familiar playful smirk still on her face. She then takes a sip of her tea and assumes a more serious expression before looking at Camila. “Kidding aside, I brought you here to offer to take you in. I know how difficult it must have been for you to adjust to your current life right now so I figured I can help you out. You can be my head maid or assistant or something.”

In all honesty, what Dinah just said is far from Camila’s mind but it doesn’t take away the fact she is deeply touched by her concern. She reaches out her hand to lay over her friend’s and smiles. “Thank you, Dinah. In a very short time you have been one of the best friends I have ever had and I’m very grateful I have someone like you who cares for me. I have never really thought about that, really. And, yes, my life now is very different and it was hard at first and thank you for caring enough to offer the help. But I’m content now with what I have being under Lauren’s care. I like my job and the place I work in.”

Dinah smiles in response, accepting her answer. “Alright. I know you’re in good hands with Lauren. But, in case, something happens or if you ever change your mind, the offer still stands.”

Camila smiles wider. “Thank you, Dinah.”

_____

It’s another busy day over the diner. Lauren is not sure if it’s the eroneous employees she has over another venture who happen to irate her very early in the morning, or it is just one of her off days, or the stress is geeting to her, or Liam has just been overly annoying lately but she can’t shake off her annoyance over him.

She tries not to let it show, of course, the young man hasn’t done anything worth scolding except wear his disarming smile all the time and at everyone. And, yes, most of all to Camila but it is not worth the effort to chastise and she knows she’ll be out of place for her to call him out on being jolly.

She deduces it must be because of the weather.

As she goes through the inventory book, she sees in her peripheral vision Liam offering to carry a small pitcher of water for Camila that the girl is bringing over to a table. Most of the help needed from the man has been taken care of just a few minutes ago and she thinks that the most logical course of action is for him to rest but, no, he uses that time to walk over to the brunette, to carry a liter of water she’s sure the other lady is very capable of carrying just to be dismissed, much to Lauren’s pleasure, by said woman.

A minor commotion comes to the entrance of the diner, signaling another customer and she sees the face of the woman that has now become a nuisance to her, Lucy.

Lauren chooses to ignore her, like her former lover isn’t walking toward her, and goes back to perusing the data infront of her to only gaze back up when she hears steps beside her, a few feet away. Camila has come to get a tray of food. Not that Lauren is keeping an eye on her or anything, but this time what the brunette is carrying, she knows is more than what she can handle.

“Lauren -” she hears Lucy say just as she quickly sprints out of the chair she is occupying and moves to go to Camila when the plates begin to clutter from her tray.

“Hey,” Lauren says quietly as she holds out a hand to steady the tray that, thankfully, Camila manages to balance with her help, and another hand goes to rest behind the small of the brunette’s back just as she sees Liam walking to them, no doubt to offer another help. She knows it’s unnecessary and she can give space to Camila and step back and take off her hand behind the brunette’s back but she doesn’t. Instead she stays right there, and her voice might have been a lot gentler and sounds more intimate when she says just as brown eyes look up to meet her green ones, “Be careful.”

*** It’s also on wattpad: litaddict02

[theghumakkads]

Adventure Tourism in India: Growth, Activities & Destinations

Adventure freaks are growing in India and so are the adventure related activities. Also, this is increasing interests in its expertise courses. According to a report published in Travel Week, The Adventure Tourism Industry is growing worldwide at a tremendous rate of 46% by 2020. While in India, which is still unexplored by the International adventure freaks, is also expected to grow at a good pace.

Adventure Tourism Industry In India

backpacking According to experts from the Tourism Industry, there has been a shift in the willingness of Indians to look beyond their usual list of holiday destinations. Thanks to some places like Rishikesh, Ladakh & Uttarakhand’s wilderness for developing the taste of Adventure Tourism in India. We should also thank producers of some Bollywood movies like Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara, Jab Harry Met Sejal & Ye Jawaani Hai Diwani.  As they have redefined the definition of travelling among Indian youth. 

According to the ministry of tourism in India, adventure tourism is rapidly growing in popularity as tourists now seek different kinds of vacations. In order to promote adventure tourism in India, Government of India is planning to open some additional peaks in the Indian Himalayas to position it as one of the top Adventure Tourism destinations. The Government has also cleared opening of 104 additional peaks in Jammu and Kashmir ( Leh Area). Top Adventure Activities to Enjoy in India With the presence of Satpura Range, Vindhya Range & the great Himalayas India have 7 mountain range & uncountable numbers of rivers including Brahmaputra, Kaveri, Ganga & Narmada. India has 21.53% of its area i.e 7,08,273 square kilometre covered with forest. Which shows the scope of adventure tourism in India.

Bike ride Now you don't need to look out for New Zealand, Australia and Nepal to experience adventure. Although India is never less an adventure experience!! Now we can also look for places with adventure activities in India. Here is a list of top adventure activities to enjoy in India: Rafting

White-Water Rafting Rafting tops the list of adventure activities in India. The session started with the white water rafting in Rishikesh which is an absolute adrenaline junk. Brush out yourself amidst the rough water with your adventure-mystic group. India is blessed with great natural rivers which becomes the source of water adventure in India. Some places for rafting- Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh, Manali, Pahalgam, Coorg, etc. Kayaking

Kayak Boats This activity is the best way to explore the world from a different view. Not only excitement of adventure, it also provides a new meaning to your life. Know yourself and the nature on yourself. Take out your kayak and give out a chance. Kayaking is very good to go at Kerala Backwaters, Goa, Kundalika River (Maharashtra), Rishikesh and Kali River in Uttarakhand. Skiing

Skiing A popular winter sport which came from western culture but a great source of rejuvenation. Now India has become a popular skiing destination in winters even for International travellers. You can go for skiing India- Auli, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Solang Valley and Kufri.  Rappelling

Rappelling Also known as Abseiling, is another heart-throbing fun activity. Descent down your fears too with such an activity. India is gradually entreating into a rappelling destination. Coorg, Kondana Caves (Maharashtra), Jogini Waterfall (Manali), Madhe Ghat (Pune) are some common rappel destinations in India. Skydiving or Paragliding

Paragliding Be friends with the flying activities too. Do not just stare at the birds, feel like a bird rather. Bring out the thrill in your life and drop down the fear. India is gradually turning into the home to skydiving and paragliding hub.  Places you can find skydiving or paragliding are- Mysore, Aamby Valley (Maharashtra), Pondicherry, Bir Billing, Kamshet, Ranikhet, etc. Hot Air Ballooning

Hot Air Balloon Ride A soft-core adventure activity for a bird-eye view. Relax with your partner amidst skies in the hot air balloon. You can go hot air ballooning in Lonavala, Hampi, Udaipur, Pushkar and Agra. Trekking

Backpack Trekking Trekking or walk to mountains is not only about adventure. For me, it gives the sense of meditation. Those long walks amidst nature's serenity help to attain the peace of mind. Reach the summits of your thrill and peace together. Challenge your stamina on those mountains. Major parts of state Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir and Sikkim are known for trekking. Also, there are treks to do in Western and Southern regions. Check out the best trek routes in India- 55 Great Treks To Take Up In India. Caving

Caving Tour It is a quirky activity to discover the natural caves. Exploring caves and finding ways through it without harming self and cave is another adrenaline junkie. Caving too is a discovering term in India. Adventure in India is taking another step through such activities. Fulfillment to explore your caving desire can be in major regions of Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. Some other cave tours to take up in India are- Ajanta & Ellora, Bhimbeteka, Elephanta Caves, Karla Caves, Varaha Caves, Badami, etc. Wildlife Safari or Bird Watching

Wildlife Safari This is a fun softcore adventure activity. If you like to stare at the activities of wild animals or birds chirping, then this is of a kind. Jeep Safari, Elephant Safari, long walks and patience are your adventure activity. Ranthambore National Park, Jim Corbett, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Bharatpur, Bhigwan, Pangot, etc. can be your destination. Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing It is the adventure sport better known to be as natural gymming. Chill out with your hand and feet goals. Also, rejuvenating parks are promoting rock climbing through artificial climbing walls. Some places for rock climbing in India are Savandurga (Karnataka), Pythal Mala (Kerala), Parvati Valley (Himachal Pradesh), Shey Rock (Jammu & Kashmir), etc. Snorkeling or Deep Sea Diving

Snorkeling Another speculative activity which is done underwater is snorkeling or sea-diving. Play in with big colorful fishes. Explore the life within those deep waves. Places to explore deep sea diving in India are- Andaman & Nicobar, Goa, Pondicherry, Lakshadweep, Tarkarli, Netrani, etc. Cliff and Bungee Jumping

Bunjee Jumping Although both of them are a different sport but requires a bag full of guts to jump off a height. As free fall is the real adrenaline junkie. Not a thing for a soft-hearted person. Test out yourself on cliff and bungee in Rishikesh, Hampi, Bedaghat (Jabalpur), Goa, Lonavala, Jagdalpur, Diu, Bangalore. Cycling and Motorbiking Another adventure activity which is a growing interest in India at large extent. Ride it out for unending thrills. Biking and Cycling groups are exploring India with all their passion. Different landscapes of India is attracting biking and cycling trips with all twists and turns. Although all parts of India are great for cycling and biking trips, some common biking routes are- Lahaul-Spiti, Leh-Ladakh, Goa, Sikkim, Puri-Konark.

Mountain Biking Adventure is a soul trip. Thus, it is an answer to all our fear. Shout out your group of buddies for a roller coaster to your life.  Read the full article