#key lesson mat training

[diejager]

Welcome Home Cw: DARKFIC, implied murder, crime, death, killing, blood and gore, violent murder, praising, nicknames (kitten, pet), dark!reader, Ghostface!reader, stalking, tell me if I missed any.

Part 5

Simon left Johnny with a whispered promise to be back within the week, be it a day or four, he’d find himself back into the open arms of his scared and paranoid boyfriend. He loved how dependent on him Johnny had grown since you’d started playing with Johnny, following his command to scare and taunt and tease with your little dabs of personality. How playful you were, sly with your words and swift with your hands, exactly the way he taught you. Unlike him and Johnny, who were trained and built to be strong and dependable, taught in the mass and bled to be better —to learn from deaths and mistakes; you were sculpted by his hands, to fit a certain mould he had in mind when he first caught you, he made you who you were, every piece a constant reminder of his lessons. 

A rippling effect of hunger and possession followed wherever you went, the subtle letters you left on his doorstep, the notes and bloody prints on his kitchen island, the small shadow outside of his window or the pictures you’d occasionally mail to Johnny for entertainment. And when he was at yours, the clink of your bell, the padded steps of your socked feet, the soft lull of your voice, and the many scars his fingers and lips would run over. Simon’s body churned with frustration from the long months spent away from you, he missed the feel of your skin under his palm and the bites he left week prior (they were probably healed by now, pale scars in the places where he made you bleed and smooth skin where it was superficial), yet a dark hunger - a deep-seated need - hung over him, an itch at the back of his mind that made his fingers twitch and knee jerk to hold and knead something, anything —you.

He had to remind himself that success took patience, something that was thinning by the minute. Unfortunate months away from you, lost in the throes of pleasure and affection with Johnny while missing a part of him (he will fix it, he planned to), only to have to wait for you to pop your head through the doorway of his more reclusive home. Simon hadn’t told you he’d be home, he wanted it to be a surprise, to see your eyes shine and gleam with unbridled happiness the moment he stepped into the cooler house and jump into his arms like the good kitten you were.

But no, you weren’t—

His back tensed at the ringing sound of jiggling keys, he glanced at the open hallway, watching your slump unevenly from the heavy bags hanging from one shoulder, quietly dropping them with a relieved sigh. You moved around to lock the door behind you, the familiar click resounding in his ears while he silently admired you as if you were an exotic animal —you were in a way, a well-trained and beautiful pet. You hooked your finger under the heel of your shoes, gasping a small grin when you finally saw his boots, a matte black against the light mocha of the welcome mat.

Forgetting the bags of groceries, you haphazardly placed the keys on the drawer in your rush to find him, your feet padding loudly in the open hallway that lead to the living room, where he sat comfortably, legs wide and arms spread over the armrest, resting his chin on his scarred knuckles. He sat like a king, broad and powerful, just as he was one in the world he built for you. You whispered his name, wide-eyed and parted lips, mumbling his name like a prayer, worshipping his name as you took slow and gasping steps towards him, arms outstretched to call him forward. 

“Kitten,” Simon met you halfway, leaving his throne-like armchair to lock fingers with you, pulling you to his chest with a quick sleight of hand, spelling magic his hands and tongue. His fingers found themselves in your hair, gripping your nape in an arching hold and drowned himself in you, his rough lips devouring your grunts and pants, tongue lapping at the sweetness of your mouth.

He was proud. He was so, so proud of you. He read the most recent attack, a bloody and passionate murder that left the room drenched in blood and gore, no evidence, no hints, no leads to the killer. It was a parody of life in the cruelest ways; a new beginning in the start of death, welcoming it as one would greet life. Your art was on the front page of every daily mail, the lettering bold and calling, showing the world how beautifully cruel you could be when given the right study. 

GHOSTFACE STRIKES AGAIN

Investigators were called to the residence of Abigail Hutchinson after her boyfriend found her murdered in the living room of her house. No evidence were found in the crime scene, neither hair nor sweat from the killer. The Greater Manchester Police(GMP) investigators suspect Mrs. Hutchinson to be another victim of Ghostface, infamous for his erratic murders of ‘passion’. Investigators say that this murder fits Ghostface’s MO, from the level of violence to the picture left behind. Much is know of how he kills : seemingly planned and personal, still nothing is known of the killer. We don’t know the reasons behind the choice of his victims or the means of which he kills, but all we know is that Ghostface is willing to kill both young and old. No one is safe from him. 

He had read the article over and over, eating every little detail you left to taunt the failing department that was tasked to protect the region he lived in. You had taken life after life, and yet they weren’t any closer to finding you. You were meticulous in your work, careful to the point of paranoia about making a mistake, yet you never panicked. He’d instilled a calmness in you that others rarely had in such a situation, relying on your mind rather than adrenaline-fuelled instincts. 

He couldn’t have felt any prouder, a warmth bubbling in his chest as he held you on his lap, straddling him as he fed you praises. Your lips were plump and soft, easily swollen from just a few rough kisses that left you gasping and wanting, fingers clinging to the lapels of his jacket and grinding against his growing bulge for more. You nipped at his lower lip, teeth sinking into his equally swollen lip and bled him, your hands as needy as him in their wander, raking across his shoulders and down his chest all while you groaned his name.

“Si,” you moaned, slowly rutting against him, lids heavy and voice whispering yours pleas, “Please, Si. Haven’t I been good?”

He let out a pleased rumble.

taglist: @sae1kie @yeoldedumbslut @bvxygriimes @distracteddragoness @konigsblog @im-making-an-effort @daisychainsinknots @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @danielle143 @dont-mind-me-just-existing-sadly @tuttifuckinfruttifriday @notspiders @brokenpieces-72 @petwifed @aldis-nuts @randominstake @haven-1307 @shironasumi @sparky--bunny @bloobewy @cod-z @sweetnanah @evolutionarry @kaoyamamegami @cassiecasluciluce

“‘M proud of you. Now be a good pet and kneel, yeah? Let me show you how proud I am.” 

Part 7

[south-of-heaven]

Hi! Can I please request Rhonda/Reader/Shayna where the reader has always admired the incredible strength/talent of her partners but doesn’t have any fighting experience so they teach her some self defense so she feels a little safer when they are apart from each other?

Thank you so much as always!

Self defence || Shayna Baszler x Reader x Ronda Rousey

Summary: You've always admired your girlfriends strength and talent in combat sport. You have never done anything like that yourself but they decide it's time for you to learn some self defense.

A/N: Here are Shayna's actual self defense tips.

Admiring Shayna and Ronda for their incredible strength and combat skills has been a constant in your life. The way they move, the confidence in their every step, it's mesmerizing. And while you've never been one to step into the ring yourself, their expertise has always captivated you. Today, it seems, they've decided to give you a taste of what they're so skilled at.

You find yourself in a small training area, the mat beneath your feet a reminder of the countless battles these two have faced. Shayna and Ronda stand before you, their smiles warm and encouraging. You're not quite sure what to expect, but their presence is reassuring.

"Alright," Shayna begins, her voice firm but kind. "We're going to teach you some basic self-defense moves. Nothing too complicated, just things to help you protect yourself if you ever need to."

You nod, your heart racing with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Ronda steps forward, a reassuring hand on your shoulder. "Don't worry, we've got you."

The first lesson is about stance and balance. Shayna explains the importance of keeping your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. You mimic her, feeling a bit awkward at first. But as you adjust, you realize how these small changes can make a world of difference.

"Good," Ronda nods, giving you a thumbs up. "Stance is key. It's your foundation."

Next, they move on to some basic strikes. Shayna demonstrates a simple hammer fist, showing you how to use your fist for maximum damage when you land it in the nose of someone. You follow suit, her guidance helping you find the right rhythm and power behind your movements.

"Nice," Shayna smiles. "Remember, it's all about using your body's natural strength."

Ronda joins in, showing you a quick combination of a jab followed by a cross. It's a fluid motion that you try to replicate, feeling a surge of satisfaction when your strikes hit the target they've set up.

As the session continues, you learn how to defend against different holds and grabs. Shayna's instructions are clear and concise, and you find yourself quickly catching on. You can't help but feel a sense of empowerment as you learn how to break free from a grip or disarm an opponent.

After a while, Ronda steps back, looking at you with a proud grin. "You're a natural."

You blush, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Thanks to you two."

Shayna steps forward again, her expression softening. "Listen, we know this might be a bit out of your comfort zone, but we wanted to make sure you have some tools to protect yourself if you ever need to."

You nod, your heart swelling with gratitude. "I really appreciate it. And I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would."

Ronda laughs. "Well, we're not just fighters, you know. We're also great teachers."

Shayna chuckles, nodding in agreement. "And you've got a couple of the best instructors right here."

As the session winds down, you find yourself feeling not only more confident in your ability to defend yourself but also incredibly grateful for the bond you share with Shayna and Ronda. They've opened a door for you into their world, allowing you to glimpse the strength and resilience that defines them.

As you catch your breath, you glance at your partners, a genuine smile tugging at your lips. "Thanks for this. It means a lot to me."

Shayna and Ronda exchange a knowing glance before turning back to you, their expressions filled with warmth. "Anytime," Shayna says, "We're a team, after all."

Ronda nods in agreement. "And teams look out for each other."

You leave the training area that day with a newfound sense of empowerment and a heart full of gratitude. It's not just about the self-defense moves you've learned – it's about the connection you share with Shayna and Ronda, and the knowledge that you're stronger together, both in and out of the ring.

[empresskadia]

Not Who They Thought I Was

Encased in the scent of teenage sweat and echoing thuds, the crowd of fellow trainees buzzed with the energy of spectators at a gladiator match. John, at a mere 64 inches and 14 years old, was clearly the underdog against the taller, older Kelly, who relished her three-inch advantage with a smug grin.

They circled each other, their movements sharp against the rubber mat. Kelly, light on her feet and irritatingly confident, feigned a move to the left, only to whip her leg up in a high arc aimed at John’s head. He ducked, narrowly avoiding a foot to the face, the air hissing with the force of her kick.

"Kick his ass, Kels!" shouted someone from the crowd, their tone a mix of mockery and encouragement.

Gritting his teeth, John barreled forward, hoping to use his lower center of gravity to his advantage. He grappled with Kelly, his hands gripping her training vest, trying to throw her off balance. Kelly chuckled, a low, annoying sound, and wriggled free, shoving him back. She hopped back into her fighting stance, her smirk wide.

"Seriously, John? My grandma hits harder than that," Kelly taunted, laughter echoing from the surrounding trainees.The sting of her words spurred John on. He attacked again, this time with a flurry of jabs that Kelly blocked effortlessly. She countered with a quick one-two punch that John barely parried, each movement of hers precise and mocking.

The climax came abruptly. Kelly, with a deceptive lull in her onslaught, suddenly launched a brutal kick directly into John’s chest. The impact was like a cannonball; John was airborne for a moment, a human football, before crashing down off the mat, skidding across the cold floor.

The crowd erupted, cheering wildly for Kelly, who stood basking in the adulation, her arms raised triumphantly. "And that’s how you do it!" she crowed, soaking up the praise like a cat in the sun.John lay sprawled, the breath knocked out of him, his chest throbbing with pain both physical and prideful. Slowly, he pushed up on his elbows, the room spinning slightly as the noise began to die down.

Kelly strutted over, her grin unfading. "You alright there, or do you need a medic to kiss it better?" she asked, her voice dripping with faux concern as she extended a hand to help him up.

John’s face burned as he accepted her hand, pulling himself to his feet. "Yeah, thanks for the lesson," he muttered, the sarcasm bitter in his mouth.

Kelly patted his shoulder, her arrogance untempered. "Anytime, John. Remember, defense is key. You might want to work on that," she advised, her tone patronizing as she turned to walk away, still surrounded by admirers.

As the crowd dispersed, some patting Kelly’s back and others casting pitying looks at John, he stood silently, nursing his bruise and the sting of humiliation. He wasn't just sore from the hit; the public defeat cut deeper, echoing in the emptying room like a bad joke he was too tired to laugh at.

...

John slumped back against the stark, white walls of his Spartan dormitory, the space feeling more like a cell than a room. It was just him, his thoughts, and the relentless hum of the facility’s air system—a dull soundtrack to a duller evening. On the edge of his narrow bed, he fumbled with the old holo-projector, an artifact as out of place as his lingering hopes. The room was dim, lit only by the pale glow of the Spartan barracks’ overhead lights, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch across the floor towards him.

With a practiced flick, John activated the device. A grainy, flickering image of his parents sprang to life, shimmering with the imperfections of old technology. They stood side by side, his father’s arm around his mother, both smiling with a mix of pride and a deep, unspoken sorrow.

“John,” his father's voice crackled through the static, trying to bridge the years and the distance. “You’re our special boy. So much talent... so much potential.”

His mother nodded, her eyes bright but brimming with tears. “You’re going to change the world, my love. We know it. We’re so proud of you... remember, you are destined for great things.”

The recording was a gut punch every time. It was like watching ghosts—ghosts who believed more in him at six than he could at fourteen. He sat there, staring at the looping projection, each pass a reminder of a time when he might have believed them too.

“Great things, right,” John muttered to the flickering images, his voice dripping with a bitterness that felt too mature for his age. “Sure feels like it, doesn’t it?” The snark was involuntary, a defense against the swelling tide of disappointment.

He looked around the room—at the walls adorned with medals and commendations, each supposed to signify success. To anyone else, these would seem impressive, but to John, they were just metal and ribbon—reminders that no matter how hard he tried, he always seemed to lag just a bit behind the rest, never quite good enough.

“Not special,” he confessed aloud, as if saying it might make it hurt less. “Just average. Just another teenaged supersoldier in a program full of actual prodigies.” His voice broke a little on the last word, the weight of his perceived mediocrity pressing down on him.

The holo continued its merciless loop, his parents' smiles now seeming almost mocking in their constancy. With a sharp gesture, John cut through the hologram, the image flickering out as he killed the power. The abrupt return to near-darkness seemed fitting—like the visual echo of his mood.

Lying back on the bed, he stared at the blank ceiling, letting the darkness wash over him. The quiet was oppressive, filled only with the echoes of his own thoughts and the ever-present hum of the facility. In this solitude, John wrestled with the loneliness that came from always being seen as part of a unit, never as an individual. His struggles, his doubts, his failures—they were his alone, shared with no one, understood by no one.

In the silence of his room, with the night pressing in, John’s thoughts spiraled. The hope and pride his parents had felt seemed misplaced now, naive. They hadn't known the reality of the Spartan program, the relentless grind, the constant comparison, the cold camaraderie. They hadn’t foreseen the isolation that clawed at him—a loneliness not even a room full of people could dispel.

“They were wrong,” he whispered into the darkness, a tear tracing a silent path down his cheek.

“I’m not who they thought I was.”

>:D all the bullying ufff

Rip John

You'll make it buddy don't worry

Kelly has my heart, I may or may not be falling for her too. I swear to god watch me make a Halo reloaded fanfic, just you wait, Helix.

[footballffbarbiex]

So, what is coming to Patreon from December is as follows -

From January the posting schedule should hopefully be: Monday - Wednesday are Patreon exclusives and early access to series days. Saturday - Sunday are Tumblr early access days.

During December though, we’ll be looking to have daily early access updates, with patreon exclusive littered throughout. 

Emoji Key:

❤️ - relationship   /    🥺  - crush   /   👶🏻- baby daddy   /   💦- smut     /      🫂 - soulmate or AU     /     🥀 - angst     /     ❄️ - winter   /     🍂 - autumn    /      🎃  - halloween   /    😢 - grief    /      🤰- pregnancy      /     ⚤- dark or cnc      /     🍆💼 - sex work     /       🍆 - one night stand      /       💶 - sugar baby     /      🔫 - violence

(please keep in mind that emojis on the series section may not apply to that chapter but do apply to the series itself. Each chapter will have it’s own warnings.)

You’re responsible for your own consumption, especially if proceeding to read a piece which has warnings not to your tastes.

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Normal: 

Alisson Becker. Making it up to the family.  👶🏻❤️

Andy Robertson. Playing with the kids at the side of the pitch  👶🏻❤️

Andy Robertson. Claimed You As Mine.  💦

Antoine Griezmann. Clairefontaine.   💦  

Antoine Griezmann. Give In To Me.   💦  

Antoine Griezmann. Riding Shotgun. Kink Bingo.  💦  ⚤    

Antoine Griezmann. Law Of Attraction. 💦  

Anyone You Want.  Adjust Your Halo.  💦❤️

Anyone You Want.  Marry Me.  🥀

Anyone You Want.  That Kiss.   💦❤️    

Anyone You Want.  The Illustrator.   👶🏻❤️

Darwin Núñez. Pretty Little P... 💦❤️ 

Darwin Núñez. Thigh riding.  💦❤️

Darwin Núñez. English Lessons.  💦❤️

Fernando Torres. Dropping him off at training ❤️

Fernando Torres. “i’ve missed you” smut 💦❤️

Fernando Torres. LFC UCL round 16 smut. in his jersey.  💦❤️

Fernando Torres. His physio has a little crush on him 🥺

Joe Gomez. 2 girls, 1 joey. 💦

Joe Gomez. Captain Joe 💦❤️

Kostas Tsimikas. Carrying Her To Bed.  ❤️

Kostas Tsimikas. Catching Feelings.  🥺

Thiago Alcantara. Thigh Riding.  💦❤️

Thiago Alcantara. Jealousy.  💦❤️

Trent Alexander Arnold. House Shopping.  ❤️

Virgil Van Dijk. Broken Rules. 💦❤️  

 Virgil Van Dijk. Aftercare.  💦❤️

Winter:

Andy Barber. Snowy Night In.  ❄️❤️

Antoine Griezmann. Snowed In.  ❄️❤️

Benjamin Pavard. Starry Night.   ❄️❤️  

Eric Dier. House Decorating Arguments

Hector Bellerin. Reunions.   ❄️❤️  

Jan Oblak. Tree Decorating. ❄️❤️

Jan Oblak. Being A Snow Grinch.  ❄️❤️

Kasper Schmeichel  Sweets.     ❄️❤️  

Kepa Arrizabalaga. Secrets.   ❄️❤️  

Kostas Tsimikas. Mistletoe Giveaway. ❄️❤️

Kylan Mbappe. Stars.   ❄️❤️  

Rodrigo de Paul. Christmas Eve Gift Exchange.  ❄️❤️

Ruben Dias. Snowflakes.   ❄️❤️  

Ruben Loftus Cheek. Winter Cabin Getaway. ❄️❤️

Ruben Loftus Cheek. Sleigh Rides.   ❄️❤️ 

Ruben Loftus Cheek. Snowman.   ❄️❤️  

Paulo Dybala. Snowball Fights.   ❄️❤️

Mats Hummels. Train Ride.   ❄️❤️  

Mats Hummels. Christmas Markets.  ❄️❤️  

Mats Hummels. Christmas Decoration.  ❄️❤️

Tyrone Mings. Wishes.   ❄️❤️

Virgil van Dijk. Christmas PJs. ❄️❤️

Autumn:

Antoine Griezmann. Candle addiction.  🍂 ❤️ 

Benjamin Pavard. Petting Zoo.  🍂 ❤️ 

Darwin Nunez. Pumpkin spice  🍂 ❤️ 

Eric Dier. Friendship date  🍂 ❤️

Hector Bellerin. Haunted trail (enemies to confessions)  🍂 🎃 🥺 

Jack Grealish. Halloween parties  🍂🎃💦🍆

John Stones. Telling scary stories  🍂🎃❤️

Leon Goretzka. Pumpkin patches 🍂❤️

Leon Goretzka. Trick or treat  🍂👶🏻❤️ 

Leon Goretzka. Telling scary stories 🍂🎃❤️ 

Leon Goretzka. Walking through corn mazes  🍂❤️

Leon Goretzka. Crisp mornings  🍂 ❤️ 

Marcos Llorente. Baking.  🍂❤️ 

Mason Mount. Watching scary movies 🍂🎃❤️ 

Mick Schumacher. Hot drinks and cuddles 🍂❤️

Reece James. Getting caught in autumn showers  🍂❤️ 

Ruben Dias. Halloween costumes 🍂🎃💦❤️ 

Ruben Dias. Walking in the fall air  🍂❤️

Ruben Dias. Pumpkin pie  🍂❤️

Virgil van Dijk. Visiting an orchid.  🍂👶🏻❤️

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Gains you access to the updates above, the availability to read over 100 Patreon only requests and fics that are already on there, request your own fics and have access to these bad boys when they become live and any other after:

Anyone You Want.  Partition.  💦❤️

Anyone You Want.  Full.  💦❤️    

Anyone You Want. Freak Me, Baby.   💦❤️  

Anyone You Want.  New Rules. 💦🥀

Anyone You Want.  Craving. 💦❤️

Anyone You Want.  The Realtor. 💦

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Dusan Vlahović . Small But Powerful.  Request 💦❤️

Dear Santa, Define Being A Good Girl.  💦

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Leon Goretzka. Release.  Request. 💦❤️

Leon Goretzka. You Thought I’d Forget?  Request ❤️

Leon Goretzka. 2 + 1 Request 💦

Nico Schlotterbeck. In My Head. Request ❤️

Rodrigo De Paul. Fake Madrid. pt 2  Request. 💦  

Ruben Dias Bragging Rights pt 2. Request. 💦❤️  

please note the ones in this section are not coming to tumblr.

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Antoine Griezmann Blank Space.  🍆💼  💦👶🏻❤️        

Antoine Griezmann. A Kiss From Death.🫂💦❤️      

Antoine Griezmann. For Your Entertainment. Mini series.   💦🥀    

Antoine Griezmann. Tear You Apart.  🫂💦❤️🥀        

Antoine Griezmann. Always. 💦❤️  🥀    

Anyone You Want So...Teach Me.💦  

Anyone You Want. Just A Taste. Vampire mini series. Patreon Only Series.   💦🫂    

Eric Dier.  Baby, Sugar. Patreon Only Series until completion.   💶💦❤️      

Federico Bernardeschi. Behind Enemy Lines.  (Unsure if Patreon Only Series)  🫂  🥀💦❤️🔫        

Federico Bernardeschi. Here Without You.   🫂💦❤️      

Mason Mount / OC / Ben Chilwell. Compersion.  💦❤️    

Mason Mount. The Heart Never Lies.  💦❤️    

Multi Players. Once Upon A Time. Disney tales AU. In the works...  ❤️  💦🫂      

Oscar Mingueza Lost In Paradise.  Kink Bingo glory hole series. 💦🍆💼❤️      

Oscar Mingueza. The Vow.🥀💦❤️      

Roman Bürki. HEA. 💦👶🏻❤️      

Roman Bürki. Remember Me.  🫂 🥀❤️      

Ruben Dias  Speakeasy. (Unsure if Patreon Only Series)  💦❤️    

To be decided who To Be Owned By You. 💦❤️    

[aquaticasart]

With a Heavy Heart - Chapter 3

<- Previous Chapter | Next Chapter ->

Summary:

After a disasterous mission, Raven demotes Li Ling from his rank as Operations Chief. He is placed under the tutelage of Drew, who is tasked with his re-training and assessing when, or if, he is able to earn his title back.

In his brash attempts to regain his lost position and pride, Li Ling stumbles into long-buried pasts, and comes to realise the terrifying depth to his unassuming teacher and the house he served.

CW:

Contains themes of emotional hurt, grief and loss, with mention of canonical character death, and use of organised crime-adjacent tropes.

Chapter 3

Li Ling’s life settled into a new, utterly mundane routine. His days were spent on endless Union busywork, stocking shelters, attending to patients in the various medical facilities, sorting reports from missions he could have easily done in half the time had he been there…

But his afternoons were spent with Drew.

He knew the training was explicitly designed to test his patience, and he wasn’t going to let them get to him that easily. Even with that in mind it was excruciating. True to his word, Drew was taking Li Ling through many esoteric martial art forms, but was only showing him moves, motions and exercises that crawled at a snail’s pace. Tai Chi and routine Taekwondo patterns were interspersed with meditation and yoga. Li Ling hated both, practically vibrating in place every time he was told to breathe in through his nose and out his mouth.

The only respite was the final fight of each day. After their training, Drew put his own cuff back on and they repeated the dance they started in the first session: land a hit, earn your arms. Unlike their first bout, however, Drew was talkative through their sparring session, providing running commentary on what Li Ling was doing wrong. Naturally, each attempt ended much like the first, with Li Ling winded on his back, with Drew providing helpful yet infuriating critique on what was better and what needed improvement.

And despite himself, Li Ling was trying to listen. He knew that the easiest way through this was to entertain and placate Drew and Raven until they were done treating him like a belligerent highschooler. He swallowed his pride, as much as it burned within him, and did the exercises and took the advice, but every time he thought he’d met or surpassed Drew’s lesson, the Jackal revealed another layer to his own skill and left Li Ling scrambling back from where he started.

Li Ling groaned as he fell clumsily out of the side lunge he was attempting to hold, balefully thudding his fist into the cheap foam beneath him in frustration.

“No need for irritation, Master Li Ling, that lunge was substantially lower and longer held than your previous attempt. I dare say you’re taking to it.”

Drew elegantly dropped down to a cross legged position next to Li Ling, allowing him to wallow unperturbed for a moment.  

“It’s the leg stuff, it’s always the leg stuff, I can’t tie myself into knots like that” Li Ling muttered into the mat.

“Flexibility is a key component to self-mastery” Drew said, unhelpfully. “Many aspects of everyday life are made vastly easier through access to your body’s full range of movement.”

To really rub it in, Drew effortlessly pulled his own feet into a perfect Lotus pose. He had mercifully discarded his leather shoes at the start of their session, though Li Ling suspected it was to maintain the polish over any restriction to his movement.

Li Ling pulled himself up to a seated position on the floor, sitting on his backside in an ungainly heap. He considered his teacher for a moment. The Jackal sat in his pose with perfect posture, his formalwear barely creased by the contortions they had both done during their session. It was maddening.

“…Look could you put on a t-shirt or something, this whole deal is kinda stressing me out” Li Ling said, vaguely gesturing over Drew. “Like, a pair of gym shorts or SOMETHING”

“As you wish, Master Li Ling. I had wondered if your aversions to upper body wear applied to others in your vicinity” Drew replied, cheekily. He couldn’t fool Li Ling with his businesslike tone, their few weeks together had taught him the subtle ear flicks that revealed something amused him.

“You just don’t look all that comfortable ‘sall” Li Ling responded meekly, making the hard decision to ignore the joke at his expense.

Drew’s head tilted slightly at this admission. Had no one thought to ask him about it before? For just a moment, Drew’s present and shrewd gaze seemed distant.

“As you say, Master Li Ling” Drew said after a suspended moment, snapping back to earth.

Li Ling looked at him, curiously. Drew unspooled himself from his lotus pose and raised his hand to the button at his neck. Meticulously, he slowly undid the shirt to reveal a tight-fitting white undershirt. ‘Was that so hard?’ Li Ling began to think to himself before the train of thought was cut mid-stream by Drew sliding the shirt off his shoulders.

Li Ling couldn’t contain his gasp, as several things struck him at once. For one, he noticed the solid build hiding beneath the tailored clothing. Drew was lithe but powerful with hard, visible muscle working its way throughout his exposed body.

As astonishing as it was, it was immediately dwarfed by the more noticeable revelation. Creeping out from Drew’s sleeves was a pair of beautiful sleeve tattoos. No, tattoo was the wrong word. The result resembled a tattoo, but it showed up proud in the short-pile fuzz of Drew’s arms. It was as if by some Esper power the inked skin underneath was influencing the colour of the fur.

A pair of long, twisting golden scaled bodies coiled around his arms, disappearing into his sleeve and sitting upon a field of stylised papyrus and lotus flowers. Vibrant violet butterflies peppered the design, with wings spread wide as they rested amongst the reeds. Not a single patch of fur sat untouched by intricate winding detail. The whole design was framed by solid gold lines tattooed around his neck and wrists like jewellery.

Li Ling couldn’t say anything, he was so caught off guard by the beautiful display. Instead, he sat perfectly still for the first time ever in Drew’s presence.

 “Thank you for considering my comfort, Master Li Ling. We shall now continue.”

Drew offered a hand down to Li Ling, and he took it, marvelling at the way the now visible muscles in Drew’s arm effortlessly carried the burden of lifting Li Ling to his feet.

“…and I shall investigate these so called ‘gym shorts.”

The bloodied figure burst through the door to the bar and everyone froze. His pure white and gold clothes were torn and stained dark from the storm that raged outside. His face was covered with an imposing mask of tarnished bronze stained to a dull green so dark it may as well have been black. A few people helped him to a seat and brought him a drink, his canine appearance marking him as an Esper. He waved away any offer of medical attention, commenting wryly that most of it wasn’t his. It wasn’t uncommon to see a beat-up Esper in a world of monstrosities, even less so in Shadow Decree territory. A kind soul went to start bandaging his arm anyway. He tried to push them away, but it was too late. They pulled away the remnants of his sleeve to reveal the coiling snakes, the lotus petals and the butterflies that worked their way up his exposed arm. A deathly chill went through the room before the very air started to hum with energy from multiple Espers readying themselves. They all knew what the symbols meant. They all knew who had sent him. The Reaper had come.

[stewardofningishzida]

Stephen Strange Meta-Fic Sequel Chapter 6: On Novices and Damage Control

Time for some proper magic lessons!~

TRIGGER WARNING: Language and a broken bone. It gets magically healed, though.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*When we wake up in our respective rooms, it’s surreal at first.  My mind hasn’t fully synced with the fact that we’re in an entirely different universe and actually at Kamar-Taj.  I know it, of course, but it takes a while for my mind to fully accept it.  After a few seconds of confusion, I get dressed just so I can be presentable when I exit my room.  We all have apparently been issued some sets of novice robes.  They fit well and permit free movement.  I look at myself in the mirror curiously before going into the hallway right outside of our rooms to wait for when my friends come out.*

Tear: *I come out of my room with a big stretch, still feeling a little sleepy, but I smile when I see Steward* Morning. I was wondering if you all got new robes in your closets too. It’s a bit uncanny how nice they fit. *I rub the palms of my hands against the soft fabric of the pants, absolutely in love with the outfits*

Me:  I suppose it’s safe to assume that they’re enchanted to fit well.  They really do feel good.  *I stretch a bit, still stiff from waking up.*

*PrettyWitch and Trix wake up next and meet us in the hallway.*

Me:  I suppose we should head to the mess hall.  With everything, we need to recover and hit the ground running, so to speak.  How are you feeling after last evening, Trix?

Trix: *she is still groggy but gives a weak thumbs up* I’m running at 65% but that’s better than the -20% last night.

Tear: That’s still lower than we’d like… Make sure you keep track of how you’re feeling throughout the day and don’t overexcert yourself, okay?

PrettyWitch: Let’s go eat. I’m starving!

*We go to have some breakfast and Wong finds us in the mess hall.  He rounds us up and we begin the first phase of our training.  Since we’re recovering, he teaches us Sanskrit, Sumerian, and a few other languages throughout the week to ensure we know how to read the spellbooks.  There are several reading assignments and we have daily exercise sessions for both fitness and to begin our mastery of the gestures necessary for spellcasting.  Though with Trix, she ends up being taught private lessons with Wong to gain better control over her abilities so she can use it more carefully to avoid migraines and loss of consciousness.  PrettyWitch and I are taken aside and whenever Stephen rotates with Wong between universes, he begins to train us so we can start to refine our own abilities as well.*

*A few days into the start of our basic training, Wong works with Trix to help her get her abilities under control so she can avoid blacking out and getting migraines.*

Wong:  First, you need to know how to detect when your abilities are and are not active.  Understanding that part of your abilities will be the key to learning how to control them.  

Trix: Well right now I can’t really tell if something is triggering my abilities unless it’s a headache. Before, it used to creep up on me but now it just wipes me out immediately.

*He listens intently.*

Wong:  Okay.  Sit down on your mat.  That way, should you lose consciousness, you will not injure yourself.  

Trix: *she sits on the mat and looks at Wong expectantly*

Wong:  Now, close your eyes and begin to meditate.  I will start to switch languages as I speak with you and I want you to tell me how you feel.  Every detail.  Keep your mind calm, clear, and still so that you only pay attention to your response to the shifting languages.  Understood?

Trix: Got it. *she closes her eyes and after a minute or so, her face begins to relax followed by the rest of her body*

Wong:  Good.  Breathe in slowly through your nose and 通過嘴呼氣。(Breathe out through your mouth.)  你感覺怎麼樣？(What do you feel?)

Trix: *she winces but doesn’t open her eyes* Did you just do it?

Wong:  Yes.  Please describe what you felt to me.

Trix: *she frowns* It almost feels like tinnitus does. But sorta selective? Then there’s pain in the front of my head, kinda between my eyes. I could still understand you, like you were speaking English, but now that I’m focusing on it it’s slightly…off. Like a subtle accent?

*He grunts as he listens.*

Wong:  Is your pain tolerable at the moment?  *He’s checking on you to make sure you don’t get incapacitated.*

Trix: *her eyes are still closed but she makes a face* I’m still good. After the fact it’s almost like…pins and needles? Like an early warning of a panic attack but without the panic.

Wong:  Very well.  We will continue, but I will stop the training session if it becomes too strenuous.  Again.  Meditate and tell me when I begin to transition.  I will not warn you 這陣子.  (-this time around.)

Trix: There. At the end.

Wong:  Good.  Continue to 探測 (detect) the difference.  This way, you know 每當 (whenever) your abilities are active or inactive.  Which words did I switch?

Trix: *she frowns* I couldn’t tell exactly what word in the second sentence was but there was one there. The second one was ‘whenever’?

Wong:  *Nods*  It is subtle, but with practice, you will figure it out more precisely.  We shall continue for a few more rounds and then you may rest.  

*After a few more practice rounds so Trix can detect when her abilities are active, Wong lets her rest to avoid causing a full-on migraine.  Over time, Trix can tell when she’s translating.  The next steps will be learning how to tolerate it better and after that, turning it on and off voluntarily.  For now, she had a decent session.*

*While the Avengers are working on sorting out our home universe, the heroes rotate in and out periodically to be more efficient and occasionally recharge so they aren’t too exhausted to keep going.  Wong ends up going to our home universe for a few days while Stephen comes back to his own universe to both check on us and recharge himself while helping us train.  It’s my turn for lessons and he needs to gauge exactly what’s going on with my abilities.*

Stephen (checking on us):  How are all of you holding up?  Wong hasn’t been too hard on you, right?

Trix: I haven’t been knocked out in days! *she smiles*

Me:  He’s making sure we’re up to scratch, so to speak.  A good teacher.  *I give a small smile.*

PrettyWitch: Yeah. He’s really patient with us, which I actually think is helping with my anxiety; I’ve barely had any intrusive thoughts since he started having us meditate daily.  

Tear: Physical training is still as hard as ever though *I chuckle as I rub my stiff arm muscles*

Stephen (raising an eyebrow at Trix):  How many times have you lost consciousness in the past week, kid?

Trix: Not too many but we found out the first night that books are now bad for my health. Otherwise it’s been better. No complete losses of consciousness other than the first big one!

Stephen (grim):  Wong told me about that one.  How’s progress on your lessons?

Trix: Doing good, I can figure out when he switches it up on me for languages even if I still hear it the same. I’m still kinda keeping to our group though or in my rooms to prevent any migraines on accident.

Stephen:  Okay.  Smart idea.  Wong will make sure you figure out how to control it better over time.  

Me:  How are things back at our universe?

Stephen:  Rough.  Stark almost got eaten by a kraken while checking the damage on the underwater cables.  Murdock’s been making some progress with various legal departments, but it’s slow.  He needs more resources to smooth things over with your various governments.  Cap has gotten some mixed reactions from people, but overall, he’s managing to calm most of them down.  Most of his work has been evacuating people from disaster areas and keeping mass hysteria from bubbling over.  There are some riots going on, but it looks like your families are all okay, at the very least.

Me (slight relief):  At least our folks are okay…Though it definitely sounds like the chaos is escalating.  You guys sure you’re okay?  *I look concerned for him and the other Avengers.*

Stephen:  We’ll be fine as long as we rotate and call for backup.  The X-Men are coming through to assist us.

Trix: We have krakens now?! *she looks delighted*

*He nods at Trix.*

Stephen:  Enormous and aggressive krakens, yes.  Stark had one hell of a time shaking off the one that got a hold of him.  Also, we’re pretty sure that the megalodons consider them a primary food source.  After Stark blasted the one that grabbed him, two megalodons showed up and started tearing it apart and eating it.

Me:  Holy crap…A whole new food chain’s forming!

Tear: I just hope Tony is okay after all that…

Trix: *a bolt of realization appears on her face* The Internet is absolutely going to suck with all of the conspiracy nuts going wild because they’re being proven ‘right.’

PrettyWitch: (I facepalm.) Dammit! Why did you have to say that!?

Stephen: It will once Stark manages to get it up again.  Your various governments aren’t too thrilled with a group of “invaders” coming into their universe and it’s slowing things down.  We need to gain their trust and the proper authorization to intervene with your technology.

*I groan*

Me:  Good luck.  Sorry it’s this complicated.  Unfortunately, I don’t know much about legal stuff besides the basic laws we all have to follow, what was recently in our political news, and our three branches of government.  That’s about it.

Trix: *shrugs* I know politics but considering at least half of our national government is either crazy or publicly supporting the crazies, it’s been an entirely different ballgame.

Stephen:  We see what you mean now.  Steve is furious, but he’s being his usual polite self out in public.  It’s been…tense.

Tear: *I run a hand down my face, disappointed* Talk about a good first impression as a planet to a literal group of superheroes. Can I deny I come from that Earth?

Trix: Please for the love of god I hope I get to see Steve punch Neo-Nazis. I’ve been dreaming of this happening ever since they started showing their stupid faces.

PrettyWitch: (I hum, happily.) That’d be fun to see.

Me:  If he does, film it.  Please?  We’re so tired of them…We used to be more chill, but after all of the horrible things they’ve been doing and saying to people, enough is enough.

*He looks at us with concern.*

Stephen:  For now, girls, just focus on your magic.  We’ll keep working with what we’ve got and when you four have refined your skills, we’ll let you back in to help us.  Deal?

Trix: *mutters under her breath* at least watching the footage would help our spiritual side of things… *regular tone* Okayyyy.

Me:  *Smirking at Trix in silent agreement*  Got it, Stephen.  We’re doing our best.

Tear: Might take us a bit longer than it did for you, though *I twitch my nose, joking*

PrettyWitch: What they said.

Stephen:  All right.  Now, Steward, come with me.  I’m going to see what you can do.  *He gestures for me to come along and I go to follow him.  He looks at my friends.*  Keep up the good work.  *He gives them a small smile.*

*I walk with him to a secluded area of the courtyard.*

Stephen:  I see your “friend” is still there.  So, the first thing I’ll be teaching you is how to shield yourself from spectral entities.  That way, it’s more difficult for the more malicious spirits to hurt and attempt to possess you.  

*The ghost flips him off.*

*Stephen ignores him and looks at me.*

Stephen:  Okay.  First of all, you need to be more in-tune with the difference between the mortal plane and the spiritual planes.  I’ll help you discern them.  Sit down on the mat.

*I sit down and look at him.*

Stephen:  Now, I’m going to push your astral form out of your body.  I want you to relax and try to sense the presence of your physical body and the presence of the ghost.  Feel how different they are.  It’ll be easier on the Astral Plane at first, but as you get used to it, you’ll start to be able to discern them while in your physical body normally.  Understand?

Ghost:  Yeah, bitch.  Listen to Dr. Hippie over there!  I’m sure he’ll totally help you.  It’s not like you’re a neurotic dumpster fire or anything!  *He grins maliciously, knowing that he’s getting on my nerves.*

Me (scowling as I try to ignore the ghost):  Okay…I’ll do my best.  

*Stephen gets close to me and then strikes my chest, pushing out my astral form.  I’m disoriented at first and float just behind my body, drifting around slightly.*

Me (astral form):  Guh…This feels weird…

Ghost (grinning):  Perfect.  *He goes to try and enter my now-empty body to my astral form’s horror, but Stephen repels him with a disgusted look.*

Stephen (stern):  No.

Ghost:  Fuck you, I was just gonna have some fun.

*Stephen gives him a death glare.  The ghost backs off, seemingly realizing that he can’t actually do anything to me while Stephen’s holding him off.  I’m relieved.*

Stephen:  Try to relax, Steward.  Then, when your mind is calm, sense your body and the ghost.  Try to tell the difference in energy.

Me (astral form):  O-Okay…

*I do my best to meditate while in the astral plane and attempt to detect the different energies emanating from my physical body and the ghost.  What I notice is that physical forms emit a more powerful energy than a ghost does, like the solid feeling of a tree versus the sensation of gauze fabric.  A shout versus a whisper  Everything resonates with energy around all of us and AS us.  However, everything seems to have its own frequency.  It’s a bit overwhelming.  Stephen notices the look on my face.*

Stephen:  Focus, Steward.  You were in concert band, right?  Remember how you had to “listen down” to focus on a specific instrument playing in a piece of music so you could hear their role?  Think about doing that, but with homing in on the energies vibrating around you.  What do YOU feel like?  Your physical body.  What does HE feel like?  That ghost.  Focus.

*The metaphor helps me and I eventually tune in more properly.*

Me:  I…I think I’ve got it.

Stephen:  Good…Now home in on the energy of your physical body and return to it.  Feel what happens as you do.

*I do so.  When I go back into my body, I involuntarily shudder.*

Stephen:  Now, meditate and try to sense what you did in the Astral Plane.  You should feel some resistance.  That’s what we’re looking for.  

*It takes me a while, but I eventually figure it out.*

Me:  Okay…Now what?

Stephen:  That resistance you feel is the boundary between the physical plane and the spiritual planes.  In your mind, feel that boundary and visualize it as a wall between you and the ghost.  There is a door there and only you have the key to open and close it as you wish.  Mentally, you’re tuning into the energy of the boundary between planes and concentrating on it to make an energy barrier around yourself.  

*I sit there quietly and work on this visualization, taking in the concepts that Stephen is teaching me.  Meanwhile, the ghost is trolling me and currently saying anything he can to try and distract me.  Stephen lets him this time because he wants me to focus and actually make this new technique work.  After several attempts, I notice that I no longer see or hear the irritating spirit.*

Me (confused and relieved):  Did it work or did he leave?  *I’m hopeful.  It has been weeks since I had any semblance of peace and quiet.  At the same time, I’m exhausted from all of the work.*

Stephen (small smile):  Yes.  *He gets serious again*  However, you have to consciously keep it up.  Otherwise, you’ll be vulnerable again.  When you’ve gotten used to this technique, I’ll teach you how to refine it and cast a spell that shields yourself so you don’t have to constantly focus on it.  

Me (tired, but determined):  Okay…Thanks, Stephen.  Heh…Any chance you can teach me how to astral project myself so you don’t have to push me out of my body?

Stephen:  In your current state, we’ll put a pin in that for when your endurance for magic is better.  The Mystic Arts are highly taxing on those who practice them.  You’ll get there with time and dedication.  

Me:  All right.  

Stephen:  We’ll call it a lesson for now.  Go recover.  

*I thank him one more time and then get up to head to the mess hall so I can eat and then go rest for a while.  Stephen then goes to find PrettyWitch for her training.*

Stephen:  PrettyWitch, it’s your turn.  Come with me, please.

Prettywitch: Yes! Lead the way.

*He takes PrettyWitch to a private study room with various implements.  It’s small, but comfortable.  The lighting can be adjusted as needed.  There is a scrying basin, a crystal ball, a mirror, a deck of cards, and a collection of various relics that she isn’t quite familiar with yet.  Also, there are some incense sticks near a window waiting to be lit.*

Stephen:  Practicing foresight is a very finicky and personalized field of magic.  It was easier with the Time Stone, but with that gone, we had to resort to more primitive methods.  They aren’t always as precise as we would like, but we can still gain a fairly decent understanding of potential outcomes and figure out which scenario is the most likely to play out.  I brought a few different tools for you to use.  We’ll have you work with each of them to see which one is best suited for you.  Understand?

Prettywitch: Of course. *Picks up the card deck* I’ll start with tarot since I’m familiar with it. 

Stephen:  All right.  Do you need any adjustments to the environment or can you concentrate the way it is now?

Prettywitch: I’m good here. *She smirks.* This ain’t my first time at the rodeo. Just need to figure out a question I can ask the universe.

Stephen:  Very well.  I’ll let you be.  *He steps back to watch.*

*She begins shuffling the deck, doing her best to keep her eyes from looking at the cards. She thinks to herself, “Will my universe be okay?”, five times. Then she pulls out the cards that “speak” to her, forming the five card spread.*

*Stephen watches quietly, letting her concentrate.*

*She flips the first card; The Emperor. Second card; The Tower. Third Card; The Wheel of Fortune Fourth Card; Two of Cups. Fifth card; Death. She cringes seeing the Tower in the spread.*

Prettywitch: Shit!

Stephen:  Since this was your first encounter with this deck, you should have cleansed it first.  Cleanse it and do another reading when it is better attuned to your own energy and not whoever used it before you.  Cleanse it and then try again.  *He’s gentle, but makes sure to help her become more in-tune with the tools she works with.*  

Prettywitch: *Nods* Okay. *She does as Stephen said, gives the deck another two shuffles; one to cleanse it, and one to ask the universe the same question as before. Just like before, she shuffles the deck and thinks of the question five times, then pulls the cards that “speak” to her and creates a new, five card spread.*

*First card; Ace of Swords (Reversed) Second card; Strength Third card; Ace of Wands Fourth card; The Wheel of Fortune Fifth card; Death*

*She’s more relieved seeing this spread.*

Prettywitch: *Looks at Stephen.* Well?

Stephen:  All right.  Let me try.  If our cards coincide, then your reading was of a decent quality.

*He cleanses the deck and then performs his own reading. The cards seem to agree with PrettyWitch’s reading.*

Stephen:  Okay.  Then it seems your reading is sound.  Time will tell whether or not it was accurate.  *He gives her a knowing smirk.*

Prettywitch: *She smiles.* Well, now that the Tower’s no longer in the spread, let’s hope so.

Stephen:  I’ll introduce you to other scrying methods as the lessons continue so that you can be versatile.  However, for now, we’ll rejoin your friends.  Wong wants to make sure you can all fend for yourselves.  So, the afternoon is booked for combat training.

Prettywitch: Well, that’ll be fun. I haven’t sparred in ages. *Sees Stephen looking at her, befuddled.* I, uh…used to take karate classes, so…

Stephen:  We’ll test each of you to see where you stand.  Then, we’ll work on it from there.  How are you feeling?  Do you need more energy or are you okay?

Prettywitch: I think I'm okay. I certainly don’t feel drowsy.

Stephen:  Very well.  Let’s find your friends.  *He magically sends the scrying implements away and then opens the door to let her out of the room.  They go to find everyone so we can go to combat training.  We get rounded up and head to the courtyard.  Wong is waiting for us.*

Wong:  Regardless of your position, you still need to know how to defend yourselves both through magical and non-magical means.  Do any of you have any experience with sparring or any previous fights?

Trix: I slapped someone once.

Tear: None whatsoever. I only ever practiced fancy moves with replica lightsabers. *I give a little shrug*

Me:  I’ve learned some basic military tactics and advanced-level fencing.  Also, a bit of judo and karate.  Been in one actual fight where it got physical, but that’s it.  

PrettyWitch: I’m a first degree purple belt in karate, but it’s been years since I’ve practiced.

Wong (listening):  Very well.  Pick a partner and we shall direct you as needed.

Trix: Who’s the weakest person you have? I’m not much of a fighter or even just yoga *she chuckles awkwardly as she rubs the back of her head*

*We each get paired with another novice.*

*It turns out that I’m fast and precise, but the moment I face someone bigger and stronger than me, I can’t keep it up any longer and get overpowered quickly.  Trix is a bit hesitant and unsteady.  So, she needs a bit of work.  PrettyWitch is rusty, but quite capable.  Tear is just beginning.  So, she needs a bit of guidance and has to learn the correct defensive stances.  The two sorcerers watch us, quietly assessing our skills.  They have us try it out with a few other opponents to see how we react.  As we spar, I attempt to maneuver myself to throw my opponent.  Unfortunately, I put a fair amount of extra force behind my attack and as my larger opponent moves to defend themselves, I accidentally get launched and hit a column rather hard.  There’s a dull crunching noise as my collarbone gets fractured due to the awkward angle of impact.  I gasp for air when I feel the pain begin to radiate.*

Me (garbled):  Ow…

*Stephen goes to check my injuries.*

Stephen (now in doctor mode):  Fractured clavicle, non-comminuted.  Some bruising to the soft tissue…She should be fine in 6 to 8 weeks by non-magical means.

Wong:  …I suppose now is the time for you all to start learning some basic healing spells.  Come here and I will show you.  *He directs the group to observe his demonstration.*  To heal minor to moderate injuries, the spell and gestures are as follows.  *He shows the group.*  However, for severe injuries, you use this one.  *He demonstrates.  He uses the first spell to start healing my broken collarbone.  I can’t help but flinch as the bone fragments start to move back together.  It’ll take a few sessions to fully be healed.  So, he lets everyone have a turn.*

Trix: *she begins to attempt it but it doesn’t have nearly as much power as Wong had. More like a flickering candle than a campfire*

PrettyWitch: *Is a bit nervous she’ll fuck it up but goes for it anyway. The result is a small, fluorescent ball floating above her hand. She smiles and slowly moves her hand above Steward’s collarbone in small, circular motions, like she was manipulating energy or something. 

Tear: *I perform the motions for the spell, slightly worried I’m going to mess it up. So far, I’ve been slow on the uptake of the spells we’ve learned in comparison to the others, who are wide open to different energies by now. The healing spell feels warm in my hands, and its working method simply makes sense in my mind. I concentrate on Steward’s clavicle and will the spell to heal it, sharing that same warmth and care I feel resonating in my chest.*

Wong:  Hmm.  Keep focusing, Tear.  It seems you almost have it done already.  *He’s curious to see what happens next for some reason.*

Tear: *I push at the spell with a bit more strain at Wong’s encouragement, but a zing of pain seems to shoot back from the connection and straight to my own collarbone. I flinch but the pain dulls to a mere throb as quickly as it came, so I finish casting the spell and dismiss it once the energy grows colder around my hands* I… I hope that helped, even if only a little bit… *I can’t help but notice my spell didn’t last as long as the others’ did, so I sheepishly stand back to let Trix attempt the spell again while I discreetly rub at my collarbone*

Wong (holding up a hand to stop Trix):  Wait.  

*Oddly, I don’t seem to be in any more pain.  I’m calmer.  Though now Tear is cringing a bit.  Wong checks on Tear while Stephen carefully feels my collarbone.  It has completely healed.  Both sorcerers seem surprised.  Of the three women practicing the spell, it seems that Tear learned it the fastest.  I gingerly move my arm and it moves smoothly without any lingering pain.  I’m surprised.  Stephen and Wong look at Tear and then each other.*

Wong:  I think we figured out Tear’s natural proclivity.

*Stephen nods.*

Trix: That’s awesome!

Tear: Eh? *I blink, completely taken off guard* N-No, I just…I just did as you told us to do. You got the spell performed on you four times, of course it was going to work. *I chuckle, dismissing the idea with a quick wave of the hand*

PrettyWitch: Yeah but you learned it pretty quickly, love. You gotta admit.

Me:  Well, your following directions certainly worked.  *I grin at Tear and then gratefully look at the others.*  Thanks, guys.  I really appreciate it.  Also, congrats, Tear!  *I look genuinely happy for her.*

Wong:  Tear, you healed a fractured bone in one session.  That is not a novice-level achievement for a healer.  *He’s blunt, but subtly proud of her.*  You will begin your private lessons with me to refine your techniques starting tomorrow.

Tear: I-It isn’t? Eh!? *My brain seems to be struggling to catch up with the information. The spell certainly hadn’t felt so otherworldly*

Wong:  Now that this is settled, we should learn a few more basic healing spells for various ailments in addition to reviewing the basics of self-defense to reduce the incidence of injuries during training.

Trix: Gotcha!

Me:  All right.  Let’s do this!

Tear: This is so wild… *I mumble under my breath, a bit worried over the nonchalance with which Wong mentioned getting injured during training. I’m still confused about what happened with the previous spell, and I wrap my arms around my belly as it churns with nervousness*

PrettyWitch: *She looks over at Tear worried, though simultaneously envious her friend got such a cool power.*

*Wong drills us on the spells, even taking us to Kamar-Taj’s hospital wing for us to practice on some of the patients.  He watches us carefully to make sure we don’t botch the spells and accidentally hurt anyone.  Then, Stephen steps in to review the basics of self-defense with us.  After a couple more hours, the training session ends and we’re dismissed to go about our own business.  It was a very taxing day for everyone involved.  Also, now Tear has had to use a larger amount of magical energy for the first time and it shows.  Her healing spells were consistently effective and powerful but have taken their toll on her.  So, we help her to the mess hall for her first interdimensional meal.*

Trix: Welcome to the worst part of being magic now. Just close your eyes and pretend it’s sushi.

Me:  If you don’t think about or look at it too much, you can get it down quickly.

PrettyWitch: Yup! *She swallows her portion whole and chews on it, all the while pretending it’s grilled chicken as it slithers down her throat.*

Tear: We should at least be allowed to grill this on a barbeque or something… *I stare down at the wiggling stuff in my bowl* Well…I guess it cannot be worse than eating grasshoppers?

*We all end up eating some of the various interdimensional abominations since we all had to do spellwork today.  I wash my serving down with some tea.*

Me:  Ack…So, do we wanna study together or just call it a night this evening?

Trix: Honestly, we’ve been so focused on training and studying that I’m a bit burnt out. I know it’s absolutely needed but my brain is begging to rest and it’s not just because of the google translate feature. *she has snagged one of the tubs of ice cream from the kitchen to try and forget their multidimensional meal for tonight*

Tear: I’m still feeling oddly sick, so I think I’m gonna try to sleep it off… *The viscous texture of our meal was certainly a challenge to swallow. It’s now an entirely new challenge to keep everything in my stomach*

PrettyWitch: I honestly feel like grabbing a Stella and soaking in a bath with epsom salts.

Me:  Makes sense…Admittedly, I lowkey wanna learn astral projection so I can rest AND study, but it’s probably best that I don’t know yet.  We should all rest, I think.  I’m just happy to still have a functioning clavicle after all of that.  *I’m blinking slowly, half-asleep already, but trying to fight it.*

Trix: I’m guessing that astral projection is just gonna double your portion sizes. *she’s trying not to fall face first into her dessert from exhaustion*

Tear: Can’t believe I’m saying this, but seeing how I don’t have Stephen’s memory, I’ll take the extra servings of chopped alien if it means I can at least use astral projection to speed up our studies a bit.

PrettyWitch: I’d rather wait for Wong or Stephen to show us, personally.

Me:  Eugh…*I pull a face at Trix’s remark.*  Yeah…Let’s just go to bed.

*We head to the dormitories to rest for the night.  The remainder of the week goes fairly smoothly as we begin to learn the basics of magic.  During that time, Tear begins her private lessons with Wong to refine her healing abilities further.  However, the weekend comes with a whole different surprise in store.  At breakfast on Sunday, Stephen comes to find us with a tense look on his face.*

***To be continued***

[pbandjesse]

Today was so good day. It gave me a lot to think about. I slept better. Still pretty intense dreams but these ones were at least pleasant.

I got up a little later then I planned. But I still had plenty of time to get dressed and head out.

It was a little cooler today then I expected. But I was pretty cozy still. I decided to go to the North Ave McDonald's with the incredibly nice woman at the drive-thru. Which didn't take long but then I got stuck getting out of the parking lot and had to take a weird way through Penn station to get to 83. But I made it to the highway. And I got to camp exactly at 930.

Elizabeth and Alexi were pulling up at the same time. It was nice to see them.

I spent the first hour or so talking to Elizabeth about the plans for making the new training videos. She printed me the new lesson plans. We talked through all the dates through the summer. Some ideas about the different field trips. It was fun.

The conversation came up again about me being there full time. Elizabeth asked me if I would give up my other jobs. And I said I would think about it. Later me and Heather would talk about it a little more. And it is a lot more realistic then I think I thought. And like it's scary. And I'm so afraid of letting people down so having to break away from my other jobs is super hard for me to think about. But like. This could be really good?? I don't have details and nothing is set in stone. But it's for sure becoming more of a conversation. And that's pretty cool.

After me and Elizabeth talked I would drive up to the arts building. It was icy raining! It was interesting to see out in the woods.

I had some trouble getting my key in the lock. Like it wouldn't fit?? But I got it and started unloading the car. I also found 4 fill boxes of art supplies. Apparently Camp Spencer is no more and so they had gone to their location and got a whole bunch of supplies. So that was exciting.

Once I got everything I side I spent a little bit of time organizing the back of the car. Getting stuff in the storage box and shaking out some of the mats. Felt nice to make the car a little more put together.

Then I attacked the art building. It's to early to put things out but at least things are more manageable and it was nice to sweep and see my supplies. I also went through my storage box of personal stuff and found a little pill box I have been looking for so that was exciting for me.

It was still raining a bit. I decided to take a little walk to go to the lodge to use the bathroom. And on my walk back I stopped at the Ad-ahi, which is the small single cabin I want to take over. Basically my idea is that it would be where I would stay this summer and also be my office for field trips stuff. Kieran, the counselor, has been using it for a while but he didn't sleep at camp most nights last year. Heather and Alexi said it can be a conversation about me taking it from him. And like I won't be heartbroken but I would be excited to have the space. Fingers crossed.

I would spend some time writing out a script for the videos and thinking about supplies. And then I headed back to the office to talk to Heather about some supply ideas and she had me write out all the supplies we would need to buy for the Native American feild trips. It was good. Productive.

I talked to Elizabeth about some unreality/fiction stories I had been reading. And then Jessica called me. She asked if I was free to come to the museum today to cover the desk. I asked her to check with someone else first but if no one could I could rush there. Thankfully I didn't need to when Becca said she could do it.

I had my meeting with Alexi next. And I told her about the issues form last summer. Mostly stealing and weird selfish behavior. Also just the food stuff. Food made me so upset last year. But overall I was able to talk about a lot of positives. And showed her my lesson ideas and we talked about my thoughts about training and taking over the Ad-ahi. And a little about this fall. But that was not the focus. It felt good to talk about the positives but also get out my guilty feelings. About taking breaks and stuff. And Alexi made me feel a lot more secure. Saying she knows how good I am at my job and that's why so many places want me to work with them and I should create balance for myself. No one thinks I'm not working hard. Mad me feel good.

Once I was done talking to Alexi, I checked in with Heather and Elizabeth about coming back on Monday. And then I was out.

I decided I wanted a pretzel. The GPS took me to an Auntie Anne's inside of a Walmart. I didn't love this. I haven't been in a Walmart in like a decade. I don't like the lighting and it makes me uncomfy. Feels like being in a warehouse.

But I got in and found the Auntie Anne's which was inside of a subway inside of the Walmart.

And this is where I got very frustrated. Because I was behind a woman paying. There was another woman in line behind me. And right when I was about to order a guy stepped in front of me and started ordering. I pointed at him and just said no! It's my turn! And he glared at me!! Like dude. There is a line!! You don't get to just jump in wherever you want. It pissed me off so bad. I was extra nice to the cashier. And headed out.

I texted Jess and told her how much I hate Walmart. But it was fine. I was ready to go home.

I had a nice drive back. I decided to listen to the first episode of knowledge fight which was fascinating. And I had a good drive.

I got back here and brought everything I had in. James wouldn't be home for a little while. And while I was alone I had some candy and worked on an embroidery project and figured out setting up a background check tomorrow. I also sorted some stuff and it was a good day. I also got some eggs in the hardboil machine. And chilled on the couch.

James got home and I was happy to see them. We talked about Tex Mex for dinner l. And I worked on my embroidery for a little more. Eventually I got in bed to be cozy.

I tried doing some drawing on my tablet but I didn't feel inspired at all. I will keep trying but it was just uninspired by everything. I'll keep trying but at least I was doing something.

James had dnd tonight. And I would eventually take a shower. And get in bed. I have wet hair still. And now James is in bed too. But I am going to get up and dry my hair a bit and get ready for bed.

Tomorrow I have three needles programs at the musuem and I am training two people and I'm thrilled. I love training. I hope the group is great. And after I will go get a background check. Fingers crossed it goes easy and quick.

I hope you all have a good night tonight. Take care of each other. Sleep well!!

[nutritionfitness12]

Find the Best Fitness and Nutrition Courses in India

Introduction

The demand for educated fitness and nutrition specialists has increased in tandem with the recent explosion in the importance of health and wellness. Enrolling in top-notch fitness and nutrition courses can be a game-changer for people who want to improve their own well-being or who want to build a career out of encouraging better living. India offers some of the greatest fitness and nutrition classes that meet a variety of requirements and goals because of its rich legacy of holistic health practices combined with technological innovations.

The Growing Importance of Fitness and Nutrition

It's important to comprehend the significance of fitness and nutrition before delving into the specifics of the top courses in these areas in India. The foundation of general wellbeing is a healthy diet and fitness regimen. In addition to improving physical health, appropriate exercise regimens and well-balanced meals can raise energy levels, increase mental clarity, and improve overall quality of life. In order to maximize their health, more people are seeking professional advice as knowledge of these advantages rises.

Key Features of Top Fitness and Nutrition Courses

A few things to think about when searching for the best fitness and nutrition courses in india are as follows:

1.Extensive Curriculum: The greatest programs have a broad curriculum that addresses many facets of nutrition and exercise. This covers nutritional planning, nutrition science, anatomy, exercise physiology, and client assessment. Graduates will be able to create successful fitness programs and offer comprehensive advise if they have a solid understanding of these subjects.

2.Practical Training: In the realms of nutrition and fitness, real-world application is essential. Students can build practical skills and obtain useful experience through courses that involve internships, hands-on training, or practical workshops. The conversion of theoretical information into useful practice requires this experiential learning.

3.Expert Faculty: Lessons from seasoned professionals and business leaders typically result in better learning opportunities. Experienced teachers can provide insightful advice and practical viewpoints that improve student learning.

4.Certification and Accreditation: The course gains credibility when it is certified by an established organization. It guarantees that the curriculum satisfies industry requirements and that graduates are qualified for careers in nutrition and fitness.

5.Flexible Learning Options: Online courses, part-time programs, and weekend seminars are examples of flexible learning options that are helpful due to the wide range of demands that students have. People can manage their academics and other responsibilities using these solutions.

Exploring the Best Fitness and Nutrition Courses in India

There are many different fitness and nutrition courses available in India, and each has its own advantages. Here are some important factors to think about when assessing these courses:

1.Holistic Health Approach: The greatest programs combine cutting-edge nutrition and fitness science with age-old Indian wellness customs. In addition to offering a thorough grasp of health, this holistic approach is consistent with the rich Ayurvedic and yoga traditions of India.

2.Tailored Training Plans: A lot of excellent courses include customized plans based on particular interests, such functional fitness, weight control, or sports nutrition. With the help of these personalized tracks, students can concentrate on areas of personal or professional interest, developing their domain-specific skills.

3.Career Support and Networking:Job placement aid, networking opportunities, and industry connections are just a few of the career support services that are frequently included in the best fitness and nutrition courses. In order to start a lucrative career in the health and wellness industry, these materials can be quite helpful.

4.Innovative Teaching Techniques: State-of-the-Art courses employ cutting-edge simulation technologies, virtual laboratories, and interactive online modules. These techniques guarantee that students are knowledgeable about the newest practices and technologies while also making studying interesting.

Why Invest in Fitness and Nutrition Education?

Purchasing top-notch fitness and nutrition instruction has several advantages:

1.Enhanced Knowledge and Skills: The information and abilities required to succeed in the fitness and nutrition industries are derived from a strong educational foundation. This entails being knowledgeable about the intricate science of nutrition, creating efficient exercise regimens, and keeping up with emerging techniques and findings.

2.Employment Prospects: A graduate of a respectable fitness and nutrition program may choose to work in personal training, dietetics, sports coaching, wellness consulting, and other fields. There are many prospects for qualified workers due to the increasing emphasis on health and wellbeing across businesses.

3.Personal Development: Acquiring comprehensive knowledge in fitness and nutrition can greatly improve your own health and way of life, even if you have no plans to pursue a profession in these fields. It gives you the knowledge and resources you need to make wise decisions, establish your own health objectives, and lead a balanced lifestyle.

Conclusion

Selecting the top nutrition and fitness programmes in India is a big step in the direction of your professional and personal objectives. You can be confident that you get a top-notch education that will set you up for success by emphasizing extensive curricula, hands-on training, knowledgeable teachers, and recognized certificates. Whether your goal is to become a professional in this exciting area or just improve your own health, making the investment in high-quality fitness and nutrition education will pay off in the long run.

[pilatespower]

Mat Pilates  

If you frequently use Pilates therapy, it’s likely that you stopped utilizing all painkillers after around six months of regular use. We urge patients who are recovering to enroll in Pilates reformer sessions to hasten their recuperation.  Well, they're each accomplished on a yoga mat for the most part but there are some key differences between the exercise protocols. There are six key rules to Pilates, which are essential for getting probably the most out of every workout. Practising Pilates builds sturdy, flexible muscles with the power to manoeuvre quickly and the endurance to sustain sluggish strikes. You can search for lessons in and around your area - pilates doncaster. 

With its adjustable resistance and multifaceted train choices, it’s a full-body workout that caters to newbies and advanced practitioners alike. Whether it’s constructing power after an injury or focusing on power and flexibility for an athletic event, the reformer machine permits for personalization. From mat-based routines, Pilates evolved; the Reformer added resistance and flexibility, transforming workout routines for amplified results. Reformer Pilates makes use of a novel piece of apparatus referred to as a reformer machine.

This is the outcome of the core muscle tissue being activated earlier throughout expiration, subsequently by breathing out on the hardest exertion you will create the greatest help from your core muscular tissues.  If you are trying to enhance your core power, Pilates is a great type of train. It will help enhance deep core strength, muscle management & stability, posture and coordination while improving muscular endurance,' says Long. This is a key difference between Pilates and yoga, as many yoga styles incorporate areas of mindfulness and, meditation - Pilates Doncaster East.

This train will enhance the mobility in your upper back, fantastic to help enhance your posture. This exercise will improve mobility and strength in your upper back. Mat-based Pilates includes a core set of workout routines that primarily concentrate on strengthening and stabilizing the all-important core region. Pilates, in distinction to different forms of exercise, benefits the entire human system, together with the thoughts. To ensure that the opposite physique elements can transfer freely, it concentrates on the body’s center. For more information, please visit our site https://pilatespower.com.au/

[sandra-hippologic]

How To Start Clicker Training my Horse? 5 Tips to Start Right

Welcome to a new world of training, communicating with your horse and cultivating friendship in training. When you want to become successful in a (any) new skill, this is what I recommend as being a coach for the last few decades. #1 Learning a new skills asks for a Teacher Find a coach. Preferably 1 (one) coach/approach! Why am I mentioning this? When you seek out multiple teachers/coaches…

[karate121]

Fueling Your Karate Journey: Nutrition Tips for Optimal Performance

Karate classes demand peak physical and mental performance, and the fuel you give your body plays a vital role in your progress. In this post, we'll explore the significance of martial arts nutrition, focusing on how it can enhance your experience in Ghaziabad's best karate classes for both adults and kids.

Why Nutrition Matters in Martial Arts

To excel in karate, you need a well-nourished body. Proper nutrition supports your physical and mental capabilities, impacting your performance on the mat. Let's delve into how martial arts nutrition can elevate your karate journey in Ghaziabad.

The Three Key Elements of Martial Arts Nutrition

1. **Diet Balance:** The Foundation for Energy

A balanced diet is essential, providing your body with the necessary macronutrients and micronutrients. Incorporate lean proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables into your meals to ensure you're adequately fueled.

2. **Hydration:** Vital for Health

Proper hydration is often overlooked but crucial for maintaining endurance and focus during karate sessions. Remember to hydrate before, during, and after training to prevent fatigue and maintain concentration.

3. **Timing:** Maximizing Energy

The timing of your meals matters. Eating a balanced meal a few hours before training and a light snack an hour before class can sustain your energy levels throughout your session.

Nutritional Guidance for Karate Classes

1. **Pre-Class Nutrition:** Boosting Energy

Choose meals or snacks that provide sustained energy before hitting the mat. Opt for lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats while avoiding heavy or oily foods.

2. **Post-Class Recovery:** Replenishing Your Body

After a demanding karate lesson, replenish your body with a combination of carbohydrates and proteins. This could be a protein shake with a banana or a turkey and avocado sandwich.

3. **Hydration:** Essential for Performance

Stay hydrated during karate classes by drinking plenty of water. Consider switching to a sports drink for prolonged, intense workouts to replenish electrolytes.

Personalized Nutrition Plans for Ghaziabad Karate Classes

Consider consulting a nutritionist to tailor a nutrition plan to your specific needs, goals, and training schedule. They can also help navigate any dietary restrictions or allergies you may have.

Listen to Your Body: Intuitive Eating

While following general nutritional guidelines, pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness signals. Adjust your food intake accordingly, as your body knows best what it needs to excel in karate.

Consistency is Key

Incorporating healthy eating habits into your lifestyle takes time and effort. Consistency is crucial for reaping the benefits of a balanced diet, both in karate performance and overall health.

Whether you're a child or adult in Ghaziabad, martial arts nutrition is indispensable for success in karate classes. Embrace the power of proper nutrition to enhance your energy levels, endurance, and overall performance on your martial arts journey. Start this path to improving your karate performance with smart nutrition choices today!

[healthcoach95]

What is the main thing in yoga?

Yoga, an old practice that began in India, has risen above social limits and arose as a worldwide peculiarity. In the present quick-moving world, where stress and interruptions flourish, the mission for all-encompassing prosperity has driven numerous to investigate the significant lessons of yoga. At its center, yoga isn't only an actual activity but an exhaustive way to deal with fitting the psyche, body, and soul.

This article digs into the core of yoga, looking to unwind the fundamental pith that underlies its extraordinary power. As professionals set out on their yoga process, understanding this focal component becomes fundamental for opening the maximum capacity of the training.

As we explore the immense scene of yoga, from old sacred writings to present-day studios, it becomes obvious that there is a consistent idea winding through its different embroidery. This article tries to enlighten that string, directing perusers toward a more profound perception of what is the embodiment of yoga. Whether you are a carefully prepared yogi or a beginner venturing onto the mat interestingly, the bits of knowledge shared here plan to motivate and improve your yoga experience, cultivating an association with the key rules that make yoga an actual work as well as a significant and extraordinary lifestyle.

The Quintessence of Yoga:

At the core of yoga lies a significant way of thinking and a bunch of rules that reach a long way past the actual stances normally connected with the training. Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj," meaning association, embodies the agreeable reconciliation of psyche, body, and soul. The embodiment of yoga is tracked down in its old roots, going back millennia, as an arrangement of all-encompassing prosperity and profound arousing.

Fundamental to yoga's substance are its center standards, explained in basic texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These standards envelop moral rules (yamas and niyamas), actual stances (asanas), breath control (pranayama), tangible withdrawal (pratyahara), focus (dharana), contemplation (dhyana), and at last, illumination (samadhi).

Yoga is certainly not a simple workout everyday practice; an extraordinary excursion rises above the actual domain. The embodiment of yoga lies in chasing mindfulness, inward harmony, and a profound comprehension of one's association with the universe. By investigating these essential viewpoints, specialists tap into the immortal insight that yoga offers, encountering an all-encompassing change that reaches out past the bounds of the yoga mat and pervades each feature of their lives. Embracing the substance of yoga encourages an excursion of self-disclosure, self-acknowledgment, and a significant feeling of solidarity with the general cognizance.

Actual Parts of Yoga:

The actual component of yoga, exemplified in the act of asanas or yoga presents, fills in as an entryway to a more profound comprehension of oneself. Asanas are not only activities for adaptability and strength; they are a way to blend the body, psyche, and breath. The substance of the actual parts of yoga lies in the deliberate and careful execution of stances.

Appropriate arrangement and mindfulness during asana practice are central, as they work with the free progression of energy inside the body, advancing actual prosperity. The synchronization of breath with development, an essential part of yoga, changes the training into a moving reflection, encouraging a significant psyche-body association.

Past the actual advantages of expanded adaptability, strength, and equilibrium, yoga asanas act as an instrument for self-investigation. Each posture offers a chance for reflection, permitting experts to notice their considerations, feelings, and substantial sensations. Standard practice upgrades actual well-being as well as develops care, versatility, and a feeling of inward quiet.

The actual parts of yoga reach out past the mat, impacting day-to-day existence by advancing careful development and a cognizant way to deal with the body. As professionals embrace the actual components of yoga, they set out on an extraordinary excursion that stretches out past the outside appearance of stances, cultivating comprehensive prosperity and a significant mix of body and psyche.

Mental and Profound Parts:

Yoga rises above the actual domain, digging into the significant elements of the brain and soul. The psychological and otherworldly parts of yoga comprise a groundbreaking excursion towards internal harmony, self-disclosure, and profound development.

Contemplation, a foundation of psychological perspectives, offers a pathway to tranquility and care. Through different strategies, experts develop a quiet and centered mind, cultivating mental clearness and close-to-home prosperity. Contemplation fills in as an integral asset for self-reflection, permitting people to investigate the profundities of their cognizance and foster an elevated consciousness of the current second.

The otherworldly parts of yoga stretch out past strict affiliations, embracing all-inclusive rules that interface people to a higher cognizance. As professionals dive into otherworldly perspectives, they might investigate the idea of unity, perceiving the interconnectedness of all life.

Care, a basic piece of both mental and profound parts, saturates each feature of the yoga practice. It includes being completely present in the ongoing second and developing an intense familiarity with considerations, feelings, and environmental elements.

As professionals leave on the psychological and otherworldly elements of yoga, they open ways to self-acknowledgment and a significant feeling of inward harmony. These parts give an extraordinary structure to exploring life's difficulties, encouraging strength, and sustaining a comprehensive prosperity that stretches out a long way past the limits of the yoga mat.

The Job of Discipline and Way of Life:

Fundamental to the act of yoga is the interweaving connection among discipline and way of life. Discipline in yoga goes past the daily schedule of rehearsing stances; it reaches out into each feature of life, impacting decisions, propensities, and generally speaking prosperity.

The yogic way of life includes embracing rules that focus on equilibrium, care, and taking care of oneself. This incorporates keeping a sound eating routine, guaranteeing satisfactory rest and rest, and being aware of the brain's contribution through media and social communications. The comprehensive way to deal with the way of life in yoga targets adjusting one's decisions to the standards of the training.

Discipline inside the yoga practice itself is vital for receiving its drawn-out rewards. Consistency practically speaking, commitment to learning, and persistence through challenges add to physical and mental strength. The restrained yogi comprehends that the excursion is progressing, with each training meeting offering a chance for development.

Yoga's extraordinary power lies in the joining of these standards into day-to-day existence. A restrained way of life upgrades the impacts of yoga on the body and psyche, encouraging a more profound association with the training and its innate insight. As specialists embrace discipline and develop a yogic way of life, they open the potential for significant self-revelation, strength, and an amicable harmony between the inner and outer parts of their lives.

Tracking down the Central Thing in Yoga:

In the different scenes of yoga, finding the central thing turns into a profoundly private and reflective excursion for every specialist. The quintessence of yoga is not a one-size-fits-all idea; all things considered, it welcomes people to investigate and find their interesting way inside the training.

Finding the primary thing in yoga includes tuning into one's internal identity, figuring out private inspirations, and adjusting individual objectives to the more extensive way of thinking about yoga. It's tied in with embracing the adaptability of the work, perceiving that the most compelling thing might develop as one's process unfurls.

For some purposes, the primary thing in yoga may be actual prosperity and dominating testing stances, while for other people, it very well may be an excursion of self-disclosure, digging into the psychological and profound aspects. It very well may be an instrument for pressure help, a way to care, or a profound investigation.

As experts explore their yoga process, they are urged to consider what reverberates most profoundly with their being. It's tied in with being available to the multi-layered parts of yoga, understanding that the most compelling thing isn't an objective but a constant course of development and mindfulness. Whether it's the physical, mental, or profound perspectives that reverberate most, finding the primary thing in yoga, at last, enables people to get the greatest advantages from the training and coordinate its extraordinary power into their lives.

Normal Misinterpretations:

Amid the far-reaching prominence of yoga, a few confusions frequently cloud the comprehension of its actual substance. Tending to these misguided judgments is vital for cultivating a more comprehensive and exact impression of the training.

One normal misinterpretation rotates around the actual part of yoga, decreasing it to a simple arrangement of adaptable stances. Truly, yoga includes a comprehensive methodology that coordinates the physical, mental, and profound aspects, rising above the restrictions of a simply workout-situated view.

Another pervasive misconception is that yoga is only for the adaptable or profoundly slanted. Yoga is innately versatile, offering changes for experts of all levels and foundations. It invites people with differing levels of adaptability, wellness levels, and profound convictions, making it open to a wide crowd.

Some might see yoga as disconnected from their day-to-day routines, seeing it as a secluded movement. In opposition to this, yoga is a way of life that reaches out past the mat, impacting decisions in diet, rest, and everyday connections. It isn't restricted to a particular time or spot but instead, a coordinated way to deal with prosperity.

Dispersing these misinterpretations permits people to embrace the variety and inclusivity of yoga. By understanding its diverse nature, professionals can move toward yoga with a receptive outlook, opening its groundbreaking potential and encountering the genuine profundity of this old practice.

[passitonsg]

5 Proven Methods for Improving Your Typing Abilities

In our fast-paced electronic planet, typing is actually an important skill-set that everyone needs to expert. Whether you're a pupil, a professional, or merely seeking to boost your efficiency, learning how to type efficiently and quickly can create a substantial distinction in your work effectiveness. Fortunately, there are many online typing courses, typing tutorials, typing practice exercises, as well as flair typing practice tools that can easily assist you enrich your keyboarding skills as well as boost your typing speed. In this article, our team'll share with you 5 effective approaches that can help you learn to touch type and also enhance your typing skills free of charge!

These Five Tips Willpower Help You Type Faster

Technique

The first and most essential step to boosting your typing capabilities is actually to engage in constantly. Typing is actually a capability that demands muscular tissue mind, and the even more you type, the even more your fingers will definitely conform to the key-board's style. You may start with typing exercises for newbies or even explore online typing lessons that give a thorough typing training course. There are numerous free of charge typing tutorials accessible on YouTube that can aid you understand touch typing. One well-liked typing practice tool is actually the BBC typing dance mat, an involved website along with typing games and also exercises that can easily help you learn to type and enhance your skills.

Make Use Of Online Funds

The web is a gold mine of sources that can easily aid you enhance your typing skill-sets. There are actually plenty of free of cost typing practice exercises, typing tutorials, and also typing instruction courses offered online. You may access these information by means of internet sites like Typing.com, Typing Master, and Ratatype. Some platforms offer typing games that bring in keyboarding skill-set development enjoyable and engaging. Making the most of these online resources are going to help you learn to type totally free and also allow you to advance at your personal speed.

Discover Your Excellent Typing Environment

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[taughtdefense]

you remain laser-focused as you land a variety of different punches & kicks at the training dummy, each hit perfectly in-sync with the loud music that’s playing in your ears thanks to your airpods. you’re alone in the dojo right now, so your defenses are down. not completely, but enough to throw caution to the wind. your duffle bag is on the edge of the mat, which holds a towel, your water bottle, your car keys, phone & a copy of the dojo keys kreese gave you on the second day of his takeover, & of course your earplugs. you’d swapped those for your airpods, put on a playlist, & got to training. you'd picked up on kreese's training style like it was nothing, & he's told you that he's impressed with your fearlessness & ferocity, & your ability to think five steps ahead of your current opponent. kyler's become a frequent punching bag opponent during sparring, & you take him down with a few precisely-placed moves, in less than five minutes, every single time. he's not the best student in the dojo, & you usurping that title from him ( not that he ever had that title to begin with ) has seriously fucked with his head. in your opinion, he needed to be humbled, to be knocked down a peg.

he's been getting more & more frustrated by your clear superiority in strength & knowledge in karate, & his emotions makes him stupid. you don't have that issue; by that, you mean you don't have to deal with your emotions getting the better of you during fights. you'd flipped your humanity switch off a long time ago, the second you created this universe. only miguel, tory, cosima, ciro & scarlett have an idea of what you're actually like... but with the rest of the valley, you're closed off. robby is included in that second list, because you're determined not to repeat history with him. it's why you've kept him at arms length & have barely looked his way since he joined cobra kai. you're not pissed at him like tory & scarlett are, you're just... frustratingly uninterested, like you want nothing to do with him.

it’s been two hours since today’s evening lesson wrapped up for the day, & everyone — including sensei kreese — have packed up & left the dojo. it's dark outside. the dojo is nice & quiet, which is honestly how you prefer it. there's not any distractions nearby that could pull you out of training, & you'd even silenced your notifications. you don’t tend to train this extensively, or this intensely. but, you knew you’d be bored at home, stuck inside with the rainstorm that's blowing through the valley, & had some extra energy to work off. so, here you are. you're barely even sweating, & you're not even feeling the slightest bit of exhaustion. ( your nonhuman stamina comes in handy. )

when the dojo's doors open & quickly shut, you don't cast a glance backwards, although you can tell it's only @taughtpain. you could lie to yourself & say you're happy to see him, but you're not. you land another three kicks to the dummy's head in rapid succession, using a little more strength on the third & final kick. the force causes the dummy to rattle violently in place for a handful of seconds, which you ignore. you simply switch your stance, aiming a quick punch at its chest. finally, you turn around, holding his gaze for a split second before pulling an airpod out of your ear, walking over to your phone to pause your music. there's a handful texts from tory & scarlett, which you'd ignored in favor of training. you begin replying, barely even glancing up at robby, like he's not right in front of you. after you hit send on the reply in the group chat, you toss your phone back onto your duffle bag, rolling your shoulders.

❝ if you're looking for sensei kreese, you're shit out of luck. they left a while ago. unless you're here to train, you can leave. ❞ dismission, boredom, & disinterest line your words, & your face conveys this perfectly. ❝ or, you can stay here & wait out the rainstorm with me, since you're already here. i don't fucking care. ❞

[imaybelactoseintolerant]

Commander Luthal

Chapter Nine: The Force

Word Count: 3443

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Master Du’s theory proved correct. Her quick proficiency in Soresu was owed to a preference for meditation during battle that her people were known for—or, in her case, meditation during spars. She never felt more in tune with the Force than she did when she was sparring, but she hadn’t imagined it would be the key to using the Force the way that other younglings had learned.

It was easier to tap into the Force when she sparred and, even though the Jedi who had instructed her made it clear that no one was to implement Force techniques without proper training, approval and supervision into spars, Master Du had said to disregard what they had taught her.

“What you thought would become your biggest downfall in training to become a Jedi may yet become your greatest advantage,” Master Du said. The pair stood across from each other on a mat in one of the training halls, with only a class of younglings on the other end of the room practising Shii-Cho basics, “In situations where others may grow frantic, you will remain calm. Where they will fumble, you will be steady. In peace and stillness, perhaps your mind cannot reach for the Force as easily, but in chaos you will be serene. The Force is with you, and in times where others may struggle to find it, you will find it, ready and waiting.”

First came Force pull. Arwen had only ever managed it with sabers. In spars, her mind was already focussed, and to reclaim a weapon that had been taken from her was instinct. When she managed to do it inside the classroom, no weapons in sight, it took time and effort, and often yielded poor results, if any. Now she knew why.

During Soresu practise Arwen would reach for things that Master Du had placed around her; a rock, a string of beads, a piece of scrap metal, a datapad, anything they could find. The more she did it, the easier it got outside of spars and saber practice, if only a little. She still couldn’t lift anything bigger than her head though.

Then came Force push, and oh was that one of her favourites. It had come naturally, while Master Du watched her deflect bolts from hovering droids, “Push one of them.”

Arwen hadn’t even thought about it, hadn’t let herself think about how to do it or if she should wait for an opening. She’d kept one hand on her lightsaber and pushed the other one out, her mind reaching for the droid closest to her and sending it careening back into the wall.

Master Du had her implement Force push during their one-on-one spars, though she barely managed to push her back a foot, Master Du fighting her every step of the way.

“You won’t get better if I don’t challenge you,” Master Du said, the smallest of smirks on her lips. Arwen narrowed her eyes, a smile pulling at her lips as she tried to maintain focus. She pushed and pulled with the Force frequently, the droids coming and going easily, but against other people was where the difficulty lay. Master Du was of course difficult, but even other padawans and initiates in her advanced saber lessons were a struggle for her.

But, to her amusement, it seemed that her classmates had come to dread sparring with her. Now that she didn’t just rely on her lightsaber techniques to win, there was little they could do to put some distance between themselves and her. Force jumping might get them a few seconds, but she could push them out of bounds in mid air, or yank them back towards her a few feet while she closed the gap on foot. Add onto that her lessons in Soresu, and there wasn’t much anyone could do to best her now. She didn’t mind—the bigger the challenge she was, the harder her classmates fought. Those who weren’t yet padawans would certainly be the leading fighters in the tournament, and hopefully catch the eye of a few Jedi looking to take on an apprentice.

Soon came Force jump, though it was much harder to use than the other two techniques, and required using the Force and both pushing off the ground to gain unnatural height and using it to either slow or cushion the fall.

There was a slew of lightsaber techniques that utilised these Force abilities, but they were ones she was far off learning.

When she was thirteen, Arwen finally mastered Binary, or Droidspeak, and although she desperately wanted to keep the lesson slot open so she could practise with her lightsaber by herself again, she knew Master Du would be disappointed if she did. Instead, Arwen asked to double up on her independent studies, dedicating that slot to time spent in the archives doing research.

Between her progress she met with Anakin sporadically, usually less than once every two months, and the pair would spar and show the other what they’d learned, but between both of their lessons and Anakin going off-world frequently with Master Kenobi, there was little time for conversation.

Still in the throes of learning how to Force jump, Arwen grew… restless. Her classmates in both regular and advanced saber lessons no longer presented enough of a challenge to keep her advancing in skill. Enough to keep her focussed, always, but not enough that she ever felt she was at risk of losing for even a second. Master Du was a challenge, of course, but she could not spar with her master during lessons, and even after that Master Du had other obligations besides Arwen.

Despite her restlessness, Arwen tried to push it aside, telling herself she didn’t need a challenge, she just needed to keep busy. She threw herself into her independent studies with vigour, churning out research paper after research paper, making copies for Master Du and Master Plo when he returned to the temple. Kaleesh war tactics took up a good month, and she produced several detailed examinations of well-recorded battles, pointing out where some major faults had occurred, and the smaller ones that lead to a crushing defeat. Then she moved onto Echani armour and weapons, delving into the changes made over the last millenia and why they occurred, as well as preferred metals and the changes that were made to show the rank of military members. Then, she wrote an examination of several lightsaber techniques, taking information from her survey that she’d sent out long ago, and compiling information on reverse grip, double-bladed variants, and Jar’Kai—

Like clockwork, her mind tipped towards thoughts of Jar’Kai every time she stepped into the training hall. Now that would be a challenge; first she’d have to go back to Ilum, face another unpredictable and potentially dangerous trial, then make a shoto lightsaber, then she’d have to relearn almost everything about lightsaber combat since she’d arrived. Shii-Cho would remain the only thing about combat that she wouldn’t need to adapt, as it wasn’t suited for dual blades. Makashi was another story entirely—her proficiency in Form II would be nonexistent for at least a few months as she learned how to dual with two sabers, adjust her form accordingly, learn how to balance strength with concise and efficient movement when she’d only have one arm instead of two to power her strikes. Then there was Soresu, which she’d only partially learned, so that would be easier to adjust to—

Arwen was getting ahead of herself again, but she couldn’t help it. The more time passed, the more unsettled her mind and body got, her progress stagnating, and all she could think about was having another lightsaber. It wouldn’t be easy, but wasn’t that the point? Sparring was nowhere near as fun when she disarmed her opponent too quickly, and when she let them go on, it felt less and less like finding peace and serenity amongst the unpredictable, and more like fending off the same few moves on repeat, something mindless rather than something that made her focus.

Few people bothered to learn Jar’Kai—there was a lot of debate going back centuries amongst the Jedi about its usefulness, as well as reverse grip—so learning it was less traditional than learning the main lightsaber forms, and more unorthodox, in that it was learned mostly through studying old holocrons, utilising the Force, and understanding the lightsaber form it was incorporated into.

Any Jedi could pick up a second lightsaber and use it in tandem with their own, few could do it well, and even fewer made it their preferred style.

A challenge indeed.

When she managed to slip into a more meditative state when sparring with Master Du, she found herself wielding her lightsaber with one hand, just to see how it would feel. Usually she reserved one-handed for specific techniques that called for it, or when she was about to use Force push or pull and needed the free hand, so trying to keep her other hand empty felt awkward and strange.

She didn’t know whether to put her hand behind her back so it was out of the way, or keep it held out like she was about to use the Force.

“What are you doing, padawan?” Master Du asked at the end of their spar.

Arwen gave a weak shrug, “Just trying something.”

Arwen felt doubt creeping in on her. Hadn’t Master Kenobi said she had been too focussed on the physical side of lightsaber combat, and that it had been holding her back?

Arwen spent more time researching to off-set her thoughts about Jar’Kai, but now her mind jumped to when she’d disarmed Anakin and held two lightsabers in her hands. She hadn’t done anything fancy with them, just held them at Anakin’s neck, but she couldn’t recall it feeling uncomfortable.

She also couldn’t recall them feeling particularly comfortable either… then again, she’d been holding two full sized sabers, and shoto’s were made smaller specifically so they weren’t awkward or uncomfortable to use.

She was talking herself into it before she realised what she was doing, and quickly shut down the thoughts. Master Du had been patient with her, lenient and supportive of her drive to grow better with a lightsaber, but she’d always made it clear that a lightsaber was not what would make her a Jedi. Arwen didn’t want her master to think that was all she cared about, that she was incapable of focussing if she wasn’t fighting.

And so she kept silent, even as her focus waned and her attention span grew ever shorter. 

But it seemed like her best efforts were for nothing, Master Du sitting her down one evening after their Soresu lesson.

“You’ve been unfocussed lately, Arwen. What troubles you?”

Rather than look Master Du in the eye, she opted for staring at her brows, “Have I? Sorry, I didn’t realise. I’ll do better tomorrow—”

“Arwen.”

She bit the inside of her cheek, looking out the window of their shared quarters, eyes following the ever flowing Coruscant traffic in the distance, “It’s nothing important. I’m working through it.”

Her master hummed, “I thought you would say that, and usually I’d be inclined to listen, but this isn’t the first time I’ve noticed you drifting off during our spars. I almost struck you with my saber today—would have if I wasn’t being careful,” Arwen felt her skin flush red. She hadn’t even noticed, “This has been going on for weeks now.”

Arwen didn’t have the courage to tell her it was closer to months that she’d been stewing in her own mind.

“I’m sorry, Master Du,” she said, this time more sincere, her voice quiet, “I’ve been having trouble keeping focussed and—well, I… um… I can’t meditate about it.”

“Naturally.”

“And now I’m finding it hard to meditate during spars,” her master just hummed, waiting for her to continue, “It’s like my mind can’t settle properly. I’m calm, but I can’t really find peace.”

“You’re too restless, my young padawan.”

“I know,” she whispered.

“And do you know why?”

She bit down on her tongue, considering lying again. Jedi were not violent, they were not aggressive—so why was she at her best with a lightsaber in her hand and a slew of other initiates and padawans to spar against? But one look at Master Du’s face made her decide against it. If she couldn’t speak to her master, then who could she?

“I… I think it’s because I—” a lump suddenly formed in her throat, and she swallowed thickly, but it wouldn’t clear, “Master, I don’t want to disappoint you… do I have to tell you?”

Her master gave her a patient look, one Arwen felt she didn’t deserve.

“What does the Force tell you?”

Arwen sighed. Was it the Force telling her to get another kyber crystal, or was it her own mind? Or was that how the Force was telling her, by infecting her mind with thoughts of Jar’Kai and not letting her meditate? Or, more likely, was it just her own mind holding her back from using the Force because she’d grown too complacent with her skills?

Arwen found herself wishing she’d shown any interest, any inkling, towards becoming a Jedi Consular. Maybe then, with a green bead in her hair instead of a yellow one, she’d have an easier time interpreting the Force and meditating. Maybe she’d actually be able to meditate outside of spars without taking too long to settle, or needing a Jedi to help her.

Insecurity crept back in, a kind she hadn’t felt since before she’d become a padawan. Did Master Du really understand what she was getting herself into when she accepted Arwen as her Padawan Learner?

“It feels too easy, Master—sparring,” she forced the words out, looking away from her master, unwilling to see the disappointment she knew would be painted on her face, “I’m calm during them, but it all feels too predictable to be able to focus properly.”

“Ah, you’re bored?”

Her face flushed red again, ears burning, and her gaze snapped up to Master Du, “No! No! I’m—” she closed her mouth when she noticed Master Du’s faintly amused look, but it did little to soothe Arwen’s nerves, “It’s just not hard enough for me to focus—and I know that makes no sense, but that’s how I feel, and every time I try to meditate when I spar I just drift off, and fighting feels too easy now—”

“Deep breaths, Arwen,” Master Du said softly, though stern. She shakily did as she was told, face burning in shame, “Explain as best you can. Do not be afraid to tell me.”

With a deep breath, Arwen began letting it all out, letting her thoughts spill from her lips without much consideration, explaining her frustrations with meditation going back since she was just a youngling first admitted to the Jedi Order, how it had always been easier to focus during spars, and that Arwen thought she and Master Du had finally resolved the issue when she worked out meditating during spars came almost naturally to her. She explained her feelings as best she could, her relief at finally being able to use Force push and pull, something all the other younglings could do years before she could, and at finally being allowed to learn Soresu, then finally her stagnation. She’d come to a halt in learning how to Force jump, spars felt like little more than going through the motions, and without something to whether against, her mind had grown too complacent and unable to focus beyond the thought of a challenge.

It was clumsy and stuttered, but Master Du was patient, letting her air out her thoughts while she sat in silence. At the end, Master Du hummed, thumb and forefinger at her chin, “And what would constitute enough of a challenge to help you focus once more?” Arwen didn’t answer, “The Force works in mysterious ways, my young padawan. For some, it comes in visions. Others, in feelings. Some spend years in careful study and meditation, others travelling the galaxy. For some, the Force gives a clear purpose for a Jedi to follow, for others it gives only a guiding hand. For you, it seems the Force takes a more subtle approach, so you must be clear in your thoughts and intentions always. The longer you linger in this unfocussed state, the harder it will be to change. No matter how silly or even useless you may think it is to tell me what you think may help, or what’s distracting you,” she gave Arwen a knowing look that made her shrink back, “I would like you to tell me. Either it will help, or it won’t.”

“I want to learn Jar’Kai.”

Master Du blinked, her brows pulling together, “Jar’Kai?” Arwen nodded weakly, “Hm. Well, it’s not an easy thing to learn; you’ll have to relearn everything about Makashi, as well as what you know of Soresu. Though I suppose you already know that. I suspect that’s why it’s been bothering you so much,” she muttered, “And that’s another thing—I’ve got no skill in Jar’Kai. I don’t think I’ve ever tried to wield two lightsabers at once, and I’m afraid I’m not close with any Jedi who can.”

“Is that a no?”

“No,” Master Du said with a pointed look, “But I would like you to understand that this is not going to be as simple as learning a new lightsaber form. Jar’Kai isn’t even technically a form, it's a variant that’s applied to existing forms. There are no formal teachers, because most don’t learn it, so you’ll have to rely on holocrons most likely, and your own feelings,” Master Du levelled her with a stern look, and Arwen’s back straightened in response, “If you wish to learn Jar’Kai, then you have my approval, but,” she said when Arwen gasped, “You will need to go to Ilum first. If you do not come back with another crystal, you will not learn it. If you do return with one, then you will be responsible for sourcing holocrons and anything you will need to learn the techniques. You will continue in your saber lessons while learning Jar’Kai, and you will continue your lessons in Soresu while learning it as well.”

“Yes, Master.”

“I cannot impress upon you the importance that you take this seriously—if you think this will help you, then you must be the one to undertake this task and balance it with your other studies. I can’t have you falling behind in all your other lessons, do you understand?”

“I do.”

“Good. I will speak to one of the crèche masters or saber instructors about when the next youngling group leaves. You will accompany them.”

“And if I don’t come back with a crystal?”

“Then it was not meant to be, and you will need to find another means to meditate and focus your mind, and perhaps try again next year if you wish.”

Arwen spent the next few weeks no more able to meditate than usual, but hopeful. Master Du was clear that learning Jar’Kai was her responsibility, and a part of her relished in that trust that she had placed in her, that Master Du felt she didn’t need to hold her hand through every step of the process.

In the lead up to her second trip to Ilum she spoke to Master Nu about being allowed to study holocrons pertaining to Jar’Kai, as well as any information in the archives that might contain something useful. By the time she boarded the Crucible bound for Ilum she was decently confident in the sparse theory she had been able to find, and she made a vow—she would be the one to compile all information on Jar’Kai she could find. She would be the one to record the moves and techniques in the different forms, and she would be the one to write a complete theory on the topic.

It would take a long time, years, maybe even decades if she wanted to cover all of the lightsaber forms, and that wasn’t including Shii-Cho, where it couldn’t be effectively used, and Form VII, which only two people currently practised, to her knowledge.

But she would do it—that would be her goal, the perfect intersection of her interests and duties as a Jedi. Her love for combat and all it encompassed, and a Jedi’s obligation towards research. And, hopefully, her dedication to Jedi martial arts in both physical and theoretical form would gain her recognition from the Council, and she would one day be Knighted.