#lest we forget the most important part

[bite-the-bloody-hand]

Knight Commander Grenzel 'Zell' Hellsing - 10 of Swords

This piece has been so much fun to work on. I've learned a lot of new techniques and rekindled my love of illustration with this; I'm very excited to see where things go from here.

I went back and forth on doing a tarot-inspired portrait for my Knight Commander, partially because I didn't want to lean too hard on my gamer roots as a Dragon Age fan, partially because making a Tarot piece feel like it hit the mark is HARD.

Eventually I decided not to go for any one specific style and just let myself feel things out as I went, playing around with texture and composition until I landed on what looked and felt good.

As such, this turned into more than just a 10 of Swords piece, rather something that represents the full suite of Swords as well as the narrative themes that follow this particular character. Betrayal, Loss, and Anxiety paired with Clarity, Inspiration, and Ambition. Meanwhile, hidden in the background are clusters of six arrowheads representing victory within creative problem-solving. They look something like trees among winding riverbeds or nature trails- a reminder of his nomadic lifestyle and formative times in the River Kingdoms.

The scarlet halo suffused with blue light, and the blue cloth stained with blood, represent the constantly warring nature of his ancestries as a Dhampir and a Celestial. Heaven's light draws him, but also burns him, as represented by Lariel's flaming blade. Desna's butterflies remind his desire for freedom and secretly dreamy, romantic nature.

I hope you enjoy this piece as much as I do! Now to find somewhere I can get this printed onto a blanket or something.

[mesetacadre]

Depending on the individual biases of each marxist, people post the same truncated Marx quote on religion, either "Religion is the opiate of the masses" or "Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature". But these two phrases are both part of the same paragraph and most seem to ignore this:

Religious distress is at the same time the expression of real distress and the protest against real distress. Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, just as it is the spirit of a spiritless situation. It is the opium of the people. The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions. [Emphasis mine]

Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right, Karl Marx, 1843

And Marx's actual position on religion is expressed in the immediately following sentences. Marx acknowledges the role of religion in a an alienated society as a respite from that alienation, whilst also acting as a veil preventing the masses from seeing both the reality of their condition as well as the illusion that prevents them from this. And he does not condemn religion for this illusion, lest we forget his maxim: "Nothing human is alien to me". I don't think the over-repeated opium line really conveys any kind of condemnation, either, opium was and is a drug but it also used to have a really important role in medicine to prevent patients from feeling excessive pain, and there are modern medications which are opiates. "Opium" here is not just a synonym for "drug", Marx uses this noun specifically because of this role opium had. Recontextualizing it like this, "Religion is the opiate of the masses" reads less like a scathing own on the catholic church, and more a development of the previous idea: "[Religion is] the heart of a heartless world".

[thepromptswhisperer]

Schedule Prompts

“Am I just an appointment to you? Something you can simply tick off your list?”

Know the other’s schedule by heart (- which might lead to a few raised eyebrows and suspicious/teasing looks from other people).

“I barely see you anymore.”

“That wasn’t on my schedule.” “And you weren’t part of my life plan.”

“Could you drive [name] to school/etc. tomorrow/etc.?”

Pencil themself into the other’s schedule.

“My schedule unexpectedly freed up, so I thought… Why not visit my favorite person?”

“Don’t let me keep you. (You clearly have more important things to do than to talk to me. Your partner.)”

“I’m going to mark/put that in my calendar right now, lest I forget.”

“I know today is your free evening/etc. and I wouldn’t ask if… If I didn’t need your help.” 

Since they know their partner/etc. is/should be occupied, they use the free time slot to prepare something for them/do something (they shouldn’t)/etc.

“Wouldn’t you rather spend your time living than planning out your every move?”

“Can it wait? I don't have time right now.”

“I know, I know. I’m a little behind schedule. But…”

“This is not supposed to happen. Not now. I have things to do. Things to take care of.”

Be stressed because they have fallen behind schedule. The other offers them some stress relief.

“We agreed on this weeks ago.” “Well, now, I’m not in the mood for it anymore.”

“Could we reschedule?”

Be stressed and annoyed because something (or someone) disturbed their schedule. 

“Right on schedule. Like always.”

“I don’t want to hope for a gap in your schedule just to be able to see you.”

“We’re going to make the most of it, okay? Quality over quantity.”

Only truly realize how used they got to the other’s presence when their schedules don’t align/intertwine anymore. 

“I’m canceling my plans/appointments. You’re more important.”

The weekly scheduled meeting with the other becomes the highlight of their week.

“I hate having to schedule dates with you.” “I know. Me too. Yet it’s better than not being able to see each other at all.”

[vegaseatsass]

Blank 2x03

For most of the episode, I was thinking the past two episodes have been surprisingly very normal. Yes they sprinkled in the requisite reminder that Anueng's dad wants to fuck her girlfriend:

But a lot of the episode was just really solid relationship development. I'm so glad Yui is still around and Anueng has a whole normal friend to complain about out of touch old people with, and I loooooved the Anueng-Aunt Nim bonding, that Aunt Nim is not treated as furniture (like most non-love-interest servants in most series I've seen) but an actual part of the family, whose acceptance is as important to Nueng as Anueng's grandma's acceptance would be to her, and that Anueng proactively builds a genuinely sweet relationship with her. It's also so, so Anueng that she's listless about fighting for acceptance from her own family, but deadset on fixing the living situation at Nueng's, so she can hurry up and run away from everyone else and move in and live codependently ever after lmao. (When she starts dissociating when Chet is talking to her and fantasizing about how much she'd rather be with Nueng I was like, oh right. This young woman is incredibly unwell. How could I ever let myself be lulled into thinking this series has gotten NORMAL) Nueng relaxing a bit into sexy playfulness and open need with Anueng is really fun and interesting and yes, hot! Faye's performance gives me butterflies.

But then lest we ever forget what series we're watching, we have:

Homophobic Man Tries To Babytrap Ex-Fiancee With Her Own Girlfriend

Every week I simply must ask again: Who is doing it like Blank the Series?

[dollsofthewest]

AG Cowgirl Outfits

Following in the footsteps of @enby-dollhouse and @doll-collecting-aerialist, who did posts on the variety of ballerina and tennis outfits respectively, I wanted to do my take on a section of AG outfits I love: cowgirls! Saddle up and let's head out!

Rootin', Tootin' Cowgirl (1998)

Okay, so maybe this is the outfit that inspired me to do this post in the first place. This is adorable. It's rootin'. It's tootin'. I love the bright blue color. It's advertised as a Halloween costume, but doubles just fine as a fancy rodeo outfit. I do like the idea that you can be the sheriff, or the bandit, or both at the same time! And lest we forget to mention that black cat trick-r-treat bucket!!

Molly's Dude Ranch Outfit (2004)

Is anybody doing it like Miss Molly? This outfit was not connected with any book but released as part of a "Summer Fun" collection. I like to imagine Molly went to a dude ranch near Yellowstone National Park, or maybe somewhere along her Route 66 Adventure. It's cute and pretty authentic to rodeo shows. Also, look at her little canteen!

Nicki's Ranch Outfit (2007)

Most cowgirls don't wear the fancy rodeo costumes like a lot of people think: those are for the shows and fairs! During her daily work, Nicki wears her own pink version of modern jeans, chaps, and boots. And of course her staw hat to protect her from the sun.

Rustic Ranch Outfit (2008)

Another practical outfit; it may look impractical to wear a skirt but I've seen girls who prefer it, if they are riding side-saddle. The vest is kind've plain, but it comes with a horse-themed scrapbook and a (faux) leather Western Hat.

Western Riding Outfit (2010)

Definitely a casual pick for our cowgirl. Fit for farm or school, everybody knows exactly what animal is this American Girl's favorite. Like Nicki, this girl wears a straw hat, but she'll need sunblock if she's going to ride all day with those short sleeves and skirt!

Western Plaid Outfit (2014)

I like to think of this as Abercrombie Horse Girl. I'm not sure how practical that dress is for horse riding, and I'm a bit worried about those loose band around her boots. Still, this girl has something not previously seen, even with Nicki, and that's the very important helmet! Always wear a helmet while horse riding!!

Pretty Pink Riding Outfit (2014)

Sold at the same time as the previous one, so you could choose which outfit you wanted with your life-saving helmet. This girl is wearing what I liked to call Gucci Horse Girl.

Blue-Ribbon Riding Outfit (1998)

I forgot this one so I'm adding it here to show you what I would consider an Ideal Horse Riding outfit. Helmet: check! Proper boots: check! The coat even comes with functional pockets and inner thigh padding. She certainly gets the blue ribbon from me for best dressed!

Maryellen's Cowgirl Outfit (2022)

Ah, a return to classics! This is about as stereotypical "cowgirl" as you can get. As far as I'm aware, this is meant to be her Halloween costume, which tracks with how popular cowgirls & cowboys were during the 1950s. Lookin' cute, Miss Maryellen!

Lila's Horseback Riding Outfit (2024)

I think when Glen Campbell sang "Rhinestone Cowboy" he wasn't talking about this. Still, maybe this is what horse girls these days wear? It's a shame to see a modern girl without a helmet, but you can't deny this fits Miss Lila's style to a tee!

What is your favorite AG cowgirl/horse-riding outfit? What would you like to see made in the future?

[the-girl-wh0-cries-w0lf]

You're waiting for a train...(4)

Painted Windmills

Robert Fischer x reader

description - Eames and Y/n embark on their intel operation and Eames only has one rule for Y/n; do not be seen.

word count - 2.4k

warnings - hospitals, blood (so minor tho), sadness

a/n - finally we have them meeting!!! Also I know some people may disagree with Eames' reactions in this but remember he is thinking about how this job is important for Cobb and Y/n.

Previous Part Series Master list Master list

If you want to be added to the taglist - here

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Eames led me in with his hand on my back in faux professionalism but with genuine care. We had dressed up all nice and proper for our first day. The thick black dress hugged my curves in a way I was not used to, and revealed my legs way more than I could stand. It felt constricting compared with the jeans (which I’d had for years) and baggy shirts I usually wore on jobs. I fixed my newly acquired fake glasses and my disguise was complete.

We walked up the stone steps to the house that loomed like my private gallows. Why was I so nervous? Eames was right next to me, and this was hardly the first intel operation I’d done with him.

I wobbled about in my precarious heels and my ankles practically gave out when I reached the fourth step. My embarrassment was saved by Eames’ quick grasp of my elbow, righting me lest I draw attention to our entrance.

Our fancy dress shoes clinked in synchronisation and stopped to face each other before we breached the fateful doors. One last debrief.

“What are we here to do?” Eames prepped me.

“Gather as much information about the father-son relationship and see what we can use to our advantage. And you’re going to be studying Browning to mimic his movement, mannerisms, and speech.” I completed with pride.

“Very good baby Cobb.”

“Hey! I vetoed that nickname!”

“The most important thing is don’t be seen.” I raised my eyebrow at his ridiculous request. “You know what I mean, don’t draw attention to yourself. And whatever you do, don’t talk to Fischer.”

I laughed at how serious he looked holding my gaze. I tried to leave to go in, thinking the conversation was done. But I was held in place by his hand on my arm.

“Don’t talk to Robert.” He tilted his head, and I felt the meaning of his words. He’d seen me with the picture. I shucked his hand off my arm and left abruptly.

“Don’t be ridiculous!” I seethed.

He met the quick pace I had formed so he didn’t see the distress I felt at his distrust. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust me, he thought he needed to manage me. Take care of me. Like I was a child.

We both arrived at the top of a dark oak staircase that exuded the feel of wealth and prosperity. The house was so quiet that my heels were like a gunshot in a library. I began to tilt my head up to look at the expanse of the house in wonder. It seemed it had more shadows than glimmers of light. The house choked on its own emptiness.

“Mr and Mrs Trent?” A perky blonde approached us as we walked around the first floor aimlessly.

I panicked at her assumption. “No, no, no, no. We are not a couple—not even--. Miss James.” I shoved out my hand hoping she and I would both forget my stuttering. Great first impression.

She reluctantly met my hand. “Okay, I see well if you both come this way, we can get you started. There is quite a lot to do due to Mr Fischer’s declining health. You will both be responsible for sorting through the different files; making sure, if an account is prepared, it is filed away, and if it’s not, it is highlighted to be looked at.” Eames’ and I’s mouths ached from the smiles we were forcing towards Little Miss Big Boobs.

But we both righted our faces to make it seem like we were focused on the 'challenging' task rather than admitting this kind of work was trivial compared to our own jobs. We placed our bags down, took the exaggerated lapel badges handed to us, and began to quickly complete our task. We had previously discussed that we would complete the task first, not wanting to have hindered the Fischer empire any more than we were already going to, then go about our snooping.

I opened my first file, quickly read it, then assigned it it’s place. I’d always had a mind that worked faster than most. Arthur used to joke that my projections run rather than walk. This meant general schoolwork had seemed mundane to me when I was a child. Kids can be cruel to the kid who always finishes first. No one likes a show off.

After I had read my 10th file in less than 5 minutes, I noticed Eames was gesturing and mouthing something towards me.

‘SLOW DOWN’ Ah I forgot. Don’t draw attention to yourself.

My job here wasn’t exactly defined, by Fischer or Eames.

Eames trailed Browning like a shadow, subtly mimicking every move in a sort of dress rehearsal. I tracked him with my gaze, in awe at his skill. Partially because his skill was slick enough to pass between everyone’s tired eyes.

All at once, a commotion began around my section. Some balshy intern had decided to push Browning for an answer on question he didn’t want to hear. He went on to sarcastically suggest that the intern should bring the question to Maurice himself. He strutted away and drove open the large double doors that blanketed the room. When the oak parted I found myself moving away from my corner to peek into the scene revealed.

Maurice Fischer lay on his hospital bed surrounded by equipment which stood in contrast to the dark interior that sat around them. Browning walked through and instead of approaching Fischer senior; he made his way to the window where a man stood. His back was to me, but his figure was distinguished. My feet edged me forward a little more.

“Argghh” Maurice flailed out his arms. In his frenzy, he had knocked down a picture from his bedside. The man turned at the noise and it was there I saw the face I had longed to see. Robert Fischer.

He moved to pick up the picture with a sort of meekness. And as he looked up to his father there was a sense of shame there. As if he was once again the height of a young boy. He rose, broken picture scarring his hand. I see Browning and Fischer exchange words. I inch forward more so that my frame centres in the doorway. Suddenly…

“Mr Browning, I have some—” CRASH.

The balshy intern from before slams into my shoulder and knocks me onto the floor. Papers fly everywhere and I audibly wince when my knees come in contact with the hardwood floor. Shit.

I compose myself, trying not to consider how obvious I just made myself. As I slide my pages back together, 2 more hands join my own. I stop in my tracks, registering the person before me. I reluctantly look up and fall into a pool of blue.

“Are you okay?” I sharply intake.

He studies my face as I fail to speak. When I see him poised for an answer, my brain snaps back.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

*Robert’s pov*

“I put it there.” My finger drags down the cracked memory. “He didn’t even notice.”

My thoughts are overtaken when a loud crash reverberates throughout the room. My head snaps up, annoyed at the offending noise, but when I look up, I am overcome. I see a girl on the floor struggling to clean up her mess. I rush to her aid, glaring at the man who had knocked her down. As I passed him, I gently stated,

“You’re fired.” He goes to argue but retreats back into the office.

I kneel in front of her rushed attempt at clearing up and chuckle at how she had just seemed to make more mess in her haste.

“Are you okay?” She met my eyes and my breath caught as I fully took her in. She was beautiful.

Minute long seconds passed of us just gazing. I could have stayed there a lifetime if she let me.

“Yes, I am fine. I am so sorry about the mess; I’ll clean it up and I’d understand if you want me to leave.” I stopped her rambling by clasping her hand in mine. I then picked strands of her hair to place behind her ears to reveal more of the face she was trying to hide. Her spew of words was like music to me and what interested me even more were her little laughs between thoughts, as if apologetic for what she said.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

*your pov*

My sputtering was pathetic, but I was rendered speechless when he held my hand. I quickly retracted the offending limb to push up my glasses as if they could save me now. My thoughts were equally filled with his words but also my warnings. I had to leave and tell Eames the mistake I’d made so we could rectify it.

Together we had collected the papers into a transportable pile, and I stood up. But I braved it too quickly and found myself stumbling in my heels once again. Robert hadn’t let go of me even as I stood up, making sure I was okay. My leg which had gone numb from my position on the floor gave out and pushed me into Robert’s awaiting arms.

I let myself sink further into the perfect feeling of being in his warmth. He felt like a warm beach in the afternoon sun. But I quickly remembered my place. I jumped back in fright.

“You’re bleeding!” Robert exclaimed. As I stumbled back, he had noticed drops of blood adorning my newly scraped knee.

“Oh, it’s nothing.” I tried to placate his worry as I began to make my way to the exit.

“No, come, I’ll clean it up.” He grasped my hand and led me through his father’s room despite my protests.

“Mr Fischer, please, you are far too busy. I can sort it myself.” We had made it through another door that led into a room which was so uniquely childlike.

“Please, I’ve been looking for an excuse to leave.” He smirked at me and led me to sit down on the window seat. He went to a drawer for plasters and then another for disinfectant. He moved about the room with assuredness. He returned and lifted my leg so that it rested over his knees. I tugged down the end of my short-ish dress. He opened the disinfectant and dabbed it with cotton wool. As he went about this, I took in the room around me.

It felt busy but not cluttered. In the middle of the back wall sat a single bed with light blue cotton sheets. The sheets were decorated with multi-coloured windmills. The white bedside tables held many trinkets of a young boy. The chest of drawers was home to more pictures and framed memories. My head lifted higher, and I saw the sky painted blue and it held wooden planes that flew around the room with a freedom I believe the owner wished he had.

“This is your room, isn’t it.” I whispered.

He didn’t look up from my scar. “Yes.” He chuckled. “Not that I stay in it.”

We both laughed. “I could see you still squeezing into that.” I pointed to the neatly made bed.

“I have thought about it.” He remarked.

I braved my next words. “Or maybe you just want to sleep in a simpler time.” Our eyes met again.

I noticed a familiar picture which sat on the chest. And I realised it was the same one that rested on the window seat between us, covered by Robert’s jacket.

“Is that you and your dad?” I mentally smacked myself for such a stupid question.

“Yeah.” He spoke.

“How old are you here?” I picked up the delicate frame. I smiled at the picture of a young Robert blowing on a handmade windmill, sat in his father’s lap. I could feel the love radiating from this image. It now seemed so different to the coldness one felt in this house.

“10. The nurse said he may respond to being surrounded by happy memories. That was the happiest day of my life.” He placed his arms around me to join mine on the frame.  “I just didn’t think that it might not be one for him.” As I turned to face him, I realised how close we were. One gentle slip and our lips would touch. Each exhale was felt on the others face. “There’s something. Have we met before?”

What was I doing?!

I retreated back, freeing myself from his arms. I had to leave. Find Eames and get out of here.

“I am so sorry, but I have to go—I just—I--.” I barely even finished a sentence as I ran out, back to the office. I threw my hair in front of my face as if that would help me now. Eames, Eames, EAMES!

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

*Robert’s pov*

I ran back to catch her before she left. I was unsuccessful so I asked Browning. She’d left so quickly I’d never even gotten her name. But I knew I needed it.

“That intern, what’s her name?” I asked my godfather.

“I don’t know, why? Where did you just go off to?” He responded.

“I’ve had to be numb to a lot in my life, but just then I felt something.” I would see that girl again if it’s the last thing I do. "Something real."

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

*your pov*

Eames and I were safely in our rental car, driving back to the warehouse. Eames seemed pleased at his progress and thankfully hadn’t noticed my absence.

“I have Browning down to a T and I think he is going to be the key. If we can somehow get Robert’s own projection of Browning to—” As he prattled on, I struggled to quieten my breathing after my speedy getaway. All I could do was watch the world pass by my window, willing my mind to forget everything that just happened. How Cinderella of me.

“You, okay?” Eames looked over to me concerned.

“Yeah. I think the bad relationship with the father is the way in. Everything about that dynamic is so…broken.” I softly spoke.

“Nice. I like a good gap to sneak through.” I rolled my eyes at his childishness but also couldn’t help but laugh.

“He saw me.” I admitted.

The car came to a grinding halt. I sat cowering hearing Eames’ heavy sighs. “I’m sorry.” I managed to stumble out through my choked throat. Eames’ head hung low in his hands.

“Why?” he huffed out.

“I didn’t really have much control over it!” I argued back. This wasn’t a complete lie, in more ways than one. It had to happen. “Please don’t tell my dad, I can’t have him thinking I blew this whole case. Because I didn’t okay, because it’s fixable! You know that! Please you can help me fix it!” I was now begging Eames by scrambling at his coat to force him to look into my apologetic eyes.

“I thought you were better than that.” He spat.

“So did I.” I slumped back in my seat. A minute of silence passed. We both just stewed in it.

“I won’t tell your dad.” I let out a breath I hadn’t realised I’d been holding on to. “But-“ I gave him my entire focus. “You mustn’t get distracted. Promise?” He held his pinkie out to me. I giggled remembering fondly.

“I promise.” I finished, linking my pinkie with his and then we both kissed our thumbs together whilst making a corresponding sound.

We drove off once more. Eames satisfied in the promise he���d made me make. I was terrified that I would break it.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

a/n - they've finally met!!

taglist: @jonsncws @h-l-vlovesvintage @theethy @fashionki11a @felicity1994 @bearchermer

[sgiandubh]

Welcome to the shitshow

We have:

A ✈ sighting. No pics.

The MPC live, scarce details. No rings. Spartan decor. Suntan and out of Bonnie Scotland. No further details on destination, which might or might not be the same as the flight. Mark me, I think it is - he is in Gran Canaria and for a very precise reason: keeping his part of the deal and his Onlies on tenterhooks.

C is seen in Marseille, hullaballoo ensues. We pinpoint some coincidental details. I was expecting the shite to hit the fan in 4, 3, 2, 1...

And it did. With both sopranos hinting at the same person, but only one brave (or rather foolish enough) to push a name out there. Disingenuous, to say the least - but oh, how convenient for any given agenda. Because it's too easy, when you give out a name to a thirsty crowd to say: 'well, of course it's because of the shippers! They did this or that (sky is the limit)! They are to blame!' (excuse me?) and 'well, of course they won't say a word, now' (how convenient if the thing does not stick, eventually).

That was, IMHO, a strategic mistake and the petticoat is showing across the pond.

Around the same time, I started to get a different kind of Anon, day after day after day. Very brutal. Foul-mouthed. And...with some intel. I answered the first, but then when things started to 'happen', the coin dropped very quickly that: a) I did hit a nerve and b) someone or some people wanted me to push this particular agenda - remember when...?

For reference:

And then today, just in time for the long, boring, chilly and even snowy (depending on your location) week-end, the bomb dropped and the cargo was juicy:

A name. A woman. A gym. Not one, but three suspicious videos: the one with the leg, the one with the clear voice (unmistakably S!) and the one with the dog (and more S voiceover). How nicely connected. How fucking perfect.

An Airbnb close to the gym. What would a single woman traveler do in a three-bedroom gargantuan villa all by herself, when you are in Winterbird Central with a bajillion other accommodation options, is beyond any logic. So easily and lazily - OMG, date!

Unless...

Unless you conveniently forget some details:

Not one, but three different promos/endorsements, with a discount code to boot - 10% off, how nice!

The one that has been discussed by just about everyone:

The one that provided the discount code for new subscribers: Gymshark, a fitness attire manufacturer (https://eu.gymshark.com/).

And the most important one, hiding behind a humble hashtag: #metcon. Now I don't know you, but I'd rather digress about tea parlors and bookstores, and so had no fucking idea Metcon was, in fact...

Yup. Nike. A very recent model - expensive and sure, in need of immediate product placement/promo:

And so, for tax reasons, she just had to (mandatorily) include the #ad (as in advertisement, lest we'd not have naive Anons again!) hashtag.

Also, this, posted along the short reel with S's voice (but who cared, all 👂were there and only there):

That woman was working. She has, after all, 450k Insta followers. If she and S met at a gym in a winter destination very sought after by Scots should be none of our business. If they met again or have a regular training schedule does not mean they fuck or that we're going to look out for Remarkable Week-end 2.0. If they met in Hyrox GLA - so what? What is this, I beg your pardon, Gilead? People just can't hang out, like ever, I mean men and women?

🙄

But.. but... the gargantuan villa...?

Och. Sure enough, the place is correctly identified. You can check chez Marple. I am not posting it, because I do not want to and by now, I trust just about everyone has seen those pics. But this time, I am not going there. The name of that villa, even, made me laugh like a drain. I mean how more in your face can they be?

Who footed the bill of this rather comfy PR shitshow, reminiscing of Ha-wa-wee, 🐰 and whatever else you could think of? SRH?

Perhaps. But what if Nike did, as a freebie to a very good promoter? They sure can spare the dime and, to be honest, as we speak, there is no sign S and her share anything else than a gym schedule. What tells us with absolute certainty, at least at this moment in time, she is not there with friends, family or even a group of fellow promoters, Avon-style?

Oh, and the world is definitely a handkerchief, especially in GLA, it would seem. Wanna know who also follows her on Insta?

Paul Donnelly. Nope, not the chef. This Paul Donnelly:

The one who literally owes S a shitload of cash. A post that earned me a report (I was just explaining, if I remember correctly, that S would have been wise to legally secure that hefty loan, nothing more).

And now you know what? That post is gone, vanished, poof and I have no idea why. I surely did not take it down, I never do this.

And surely enough, just before I started writing, Filthy Anon came back and warned me there was more (pics, 👅👄) about McFitness. Surely enough, the same info (albeit toned down) was picked up by *urv in her comments' thread, about twenty minutes after Anon dropped by.

Agenda, anyone? God forbid!

You draw your own conclusions. I can only very honestly say:

Welcome to the Shitshow - the Winter Edition!

This page is not going to follow blindly your script, whoever you are. This page simply hopes to cleverly hit a nerve every time it considers necessary. Other than that, big effing deal, really. Ship on.

Sorry for the length. I was never good at summing up.

[marvelstars]

Anakin´s politics

After reading many takes in fandom of Anakin´s politics as well as many fics, I believe Anakin´s political leanings are often reduced or misunderstood, in part because Lucas didn´t delve too much into them, because Padme and Obi-Wan kind of dimiss htem and also in part because we have two different ideologies, Anakin´s political ideology pre Vader and Anakin´s political ideology post Vader which are similar but not the same.

Early Vader/Just fallen to the darkside Anakin asked Padme to become his Empress but given that at the time he was in a deep, deep breakdown and practically out of his mind deep into darkside force energies which Lucas has compared to a drug, I personally don´t believe even Vader "post dark side high" would have exactly the same idea.

Vader in general was of the mind that the galaxy needed order, that there was a role the Emperor had to play but given Leia´s and Vader´s whole conversation about the Sentate in ANH where Leia accuses Vader of acting outside the Senate approval to which Vader answers that she was a confirmed traitor to the Empire at this point, so her ship could not longer be considered a diplomatic vessel unlike all those other times Vader let her go to do her "mercy missions" which he knew were a front for her pro-rebellion missions, all this means Vader also was often around seeing Sente proceedings, right allong with his military meetings.

Vader he doesn´t care as much about the type of goverment there is in the galaxy as long as it´s effective and less corrupt than the Old Republic was. "Lest bring Order to the galaxy"

Anakin is a different matter, as a child he just knew he wanted to free all the slaves on Tatooine and do his part to support a more equal and fair galaxy "the biggest problem in the galaxy is that no one helps each other".

As a Jedi padawan, when he was talking to Padme about how the system didn´t work, precisely because Padme told him that it was hard for the senate to do anything because they almost never agreed, he suggested someone to "make them agree" "someone wise" and in that way fix the problem of the current system, Padme was talking about the issues of the working system and Anakin suggested a way to fix those inconsistencies.

Here we can already see Palpatine´s hand in Anakin´s political perception but I believe we often forget there is another important body that influenced Anakin political pov´s in his younger years, when Anakin talked about "Someone wise should make them agree" he pretty much was describing Master Yoda and Windu role in most decisions of the Jedi Council when the Council didn´t agree on something.

So my guess is that Anakin was suggesting someone like Yoda and Palpatine supported this idea because it would make it easier to make the change from Yoda to himself.

Here Padme sees it as a dictatorship but I believe here Lucas didn´t really thought things too deeply, because there are Hereditary Monarchies in the Republic and her own role as Queen of Naboo had an almost absolute authority but well I disgress.

Anakin didn´t believe the the Senate needed to be taken down, in fact in ROTS he gets mad at Padme precisely because she was asking him to ask Palpatine to leave his emergency powers and Anakin believed that was something that had to be taken to the Senate instead of using Anakin´s apparent influence over Palpatine, which was non-existent but neither of them knew that.

My point is that Anakin himself wasn´t suggesting to take down the Senate or the Republic, his pov was that the system itself didn´t work as a system that actually got things done for the benefice of the people of the Republic. Anakin´s priority is to fix the system to get things done, not hold an ambigous ideal that only exists for some people.

Lest remember Shmi´s words in TPM "The Republic doens´t exist out there, we have to take care of ourselves"

This was Anakin´s early relationship to the republic and all those diplomatic missions as a jedi in which he mostly helped the elite of each planet didn´t serve to convince him the republic was good for something other than serving the elite.

So while Padme and Obi-Wan saw the Republic as an ideal that could be fixed with time if only because that´s what they had to work with, Anakin thought that it´s alright to hold republican values, in fact he went to war for the whole "keeping the republic together" but this republic "Is functional?" "It works for what it says it works?" and the answer is no, the system is broken, something Padme found out in the first movie, when she saw how the occupation on her planet by the Federation could be ignored because of their influence and it would take months if not years to do something about it while the Senate discussed it but Padme as a Senator hoped to help fix it but then they were at war and there wasn´t time.

So in short, Padme and Obi-Wan see the Republic as something worth fighting for on itself on principle even when they knew the politicians of the senate often were trash while Anakin sees the republic as something that could be fixed but isn´t worth fighting for on itself if it really doesn´t seek to serve the people outside of a few elites. This is something that he understood because he was directly wronged by the dysfunction of the republic.

It isn´t coincidence Anakin as a general in the clone wars tried to serve not only the needs of official Republic allies but also citizens that just happened to be in the crossfire and didn´t have the means to defend themselves but also weren´t anyone´s priority. (Example: The farmers, Saw Guerrera, the slaves who were not allies of the republic trapped on Zigeria, etc) and on this Anakin showed he prefered the people, citizens to take matters into their own hands instead of having to depend of the Republic, Senate or Jedi to act. Just give them the tools to do it themselves.

Vader is the opposite, no longer trust the people to make the best choice but he believes of having order for everybody.

This is interesting because I don´t believe Padme or Obi-Wan ever took seriously Anakin´s political ideology and so they didn´t discuss it with him, they just expected him to support them because they were his wife and master respectively but they didn´t ask for his pov either and Anakin didn´t try to talk about this with them, only Palpatine seemed interested in his political ideas and so Anakin didn´t want to create conflict with people he considered family, it was easier to go along with them than fighting with them over the details.

So while I think he sometimes disliked Padme´s role as a senator for the time it took from them as a couple, he knew it was important for her and he wanted to be supportive, he definitely resented the republic and it´s politicians hypocrisy.

Now Vader is perfectly capable of discussing and getting mad with Palpatine over political issues, the main problem is that he is pretty much broken emotionally and so isn´t so willing anymore to try to make changes, just fix what little he sees he can fix but his perspective is a lot more authoritharian than it was when he was young. He belives if he had to fight some rebels to expand the Empire towards the outer rim, take down governments and give them a similar way of life to the core system, including education and work, he is totally going to do that. The end justifies the means for Vader

[jungle-angel]

Two Boys and a History Class (Bob Floyd x Reader)

Summary: Normally you and Bob would leave Auggie with your in-laws, but since his mother is having surgery, you officially welcome him into the classroom family

Tagging: @bobfloydsbabe Helena I couldn't help myself with this one because the thought of Bob with a baby does things to me that I just can't explain (lol). I hope you're ok with me including Auggie in some of these and I apologize in advance, the baby fever is out of control at my end (lol).

Warnings: Mentions of a breeding kink, Bob popping off on a visiting teacher who's clearly beneath him etc.

"Alright, so does anybody have any clue as to what the most important part of Erik the Red's reign was?" Bob enquired.

"Not only was he an explorer but didn't he found the first settlement in Greenland?" Deshawn asked.

"You would be right my friend!" Bob declared proudly. "Erik the Red was indeed an explorer and did also found one of the first Viking colonies in Greenland...."

He was suddenly interrupted by the click of the door handle and the creaking of the classroom door before Mrs. Hess, the painting teacher, stuck her head in the door.

"Mr. Floyd might I borrow you for a minute?"

Bob signaled for the class to wait a minute before he followed Mrs. Hess out into the hallway. "I'm so sorry to bother you Bob," she apologized. "But your father came by with the baby."

"Is everything ok?"

"Oh yes," Mrs. Hess assured him. "Auggie's fine but he said that your mother's surgery was moved to later this afternoon and they won't allow him to take him."

"Shit," Bob hissed.

"My thoughts exactly," Mrs. Hess said. "Your wife said she's going to get him but I think she also asked about combining classes."

"Perfect timing," Bob said. "We do that every Friday afternoon."

"Wonderful!" Mrs. Hess said, breathing a sigh of relief. "I'll tell you right now too, if that detestable visiting teacher says anything to you or to (y/n) I'll have him shipped to my neck of the woods and see how he deals with the folks in Chatham County, Georgia."

Bob had to laugh. Just like Mrs. Reyes, no one dared to mess with Mrs. Hess. She was a Southern lady through and through and always had a good quip for anyone who got on her bad side. The high schoolers even had their own slogan for kids coming fresh out of the lower school......"don't mess with the Hess."

Bob waited patiently for you to come down the hall with baby Auggie. "Alright guys, it's looking like it's that hour!" Bob announced once he was back in the room. "And this time Mrs. Floyd brought a little guest this afternoon."

All of the students collectively gasped when they saw you walk in with the baby. Any time you brought Auggie in, the grew excited beyond words. Nobody in the entire school could resist his cuteness, let alone the fact that he looked so much like Bob.

"Everybody put the desks together," you announced, carefully picking Auggie up out of his carseat.

"You want me to take him sweetheart?" Bob asked you.

"Do you mind?" you asked Bob.

"It's not a problem at all," he told you. "We made him together and it means I help you shoulder the duty together."

"You're right," you told him. "But lest you forget mister, that part of the reason we made him was due to that fiery breeding kink you keep buried until we're home alone."

Bob chuckled and wiggled his eyebrows.

"Don't even start," you laughed, warning him. "Let's get back to business."

You and Bob wrangled together your students to continue the lesson while Bob kept Auggie safe and secure in the curve of his arm.

"Now in Mrs. Floyd's literature block," Bob continued, touching up his notes on the chalkboard. "We're at a point where the Fellowship has reached the woods of Lothlorien and left behind the mines of Moria. What sticks out to you guys most in this part? Any major themes? Elements? Justin."

"Um, I'd say the biggest one is kinda that darkness turning to light," Justin Daly answered. "I remember picturing the scene in the films where the mines were like really deep darkness and then you get to the woods where at night it's all brightly lit."

"That is an excellent point," Bob told him, adjusting Auggie so that the baby rested against his chest. "We come across alot of that throughout the books, but also vice versa, right?"

"Right!" the students responded.

A knock at the door suddenly had Bob rolling his eyes. "We're not to be disturbed!!" Bob announced loudly.

"Mr. Floyd, it's Mr. D'Nadi," answered the male voice on the other side of the door.

Bob groaned and rolled his eyes. All of the students fell quiet as Bob opened the door to find the pretentious visiting teacher from another school standing before him.

"You're not wearing dress slacks but jeans?" Mr. D'Nadi asked.

"In some cultures I'd be considered overdressed," Bob informed him.

"Yes well, I um.....I came to enquire about that proposal you're working on for the school?"

"Yes," Bob said flatly.

"I cannot stress enough that the proposal is what's able to allow your students to go on these field trips that you plan every year," D'Nadi explained rather sharply. "If you plan on taking these kids to Norway....."

"Already done," Bob told him.

"Mr. Floyd....."

"Listen dipshit," Bob interrupted. "We all know that you're only here as a visiting teacher......keyword there....visiting. You are merely here to observe and then go home. Under no circumstances were you to tell anybody in this school what to do or how to implement their lessons."

"Listen I know it's more responsibility but...."

"Do not lecture me on responsibility," Bob told him sharply. "As you can see, Mrs. Floyd and I take care of our students who are like our own family and if your observation skills were up to par, you'd see that we've got a baby to take care of as well. Now if you'll please remove yourself and your foot from the door, that'd be great."

"You do know that protocol doesn't allow you to bring your own children to work?" D'Nadi tried to tell him.

"Fire me," Bob told him before shutting the door right in D'Nadi's face before he could say anything else.

Bob pressed a soft little kiss to Auggie's cheek before turning back to the students who were trying not to giggle.

"Shall we keep going guys?" he asked them.

Both you and the students cheered and applauded Bob, without a doubt proving that he was the best history teacher in the entire school.

[artheresy]

Yingxing Appreciation 🎉🎉

hi, hello, it's Yingxing appreciation time and I'm dragging you into it bc he is my baby and I need more ppl to talk about him

Y'know I see a lot of people like in awe and hyping up DF and just giving him tons of appreciation while analyzing him specifically as an individual which is all so so valid, DF is amazing and very intriguing as a character and I love him sm, but I sadly don't see the same for Yingxing despite him I think also being so interesting. I also see him more so dismissed in the "literally God and some guy" kind of fashion sometimes

So I'm here to rant just a little bit about Yingxing, why I love him, why he's epic and why he ruins my day every single time I think about him! This is for any of my fellow Yingxing lovers who are also starved of any content of him

Firstly, this man is a genuine genius, like lest we forget this is from Baiheng's travelogue in which she met a young Yingxing who was still a child by this point.

He was a young boy but had already become a craftsman, a sign of his ability to learn exceedingly quick under Huaiyans tutelage. And his ability to work and progress incredible fast continues into his time as a young man on the Luofu.

We know he arrived probably somewhere around 18-21 (in my personal estimate) and by the time he saw Jingliu again (which itself was likely early into his stay on the Luofu given HCQ ages and timing), he had already impressed the Master Craftsmen of the Luofu's Artisanship Commission and earned himself a title.

There are also multiple things in game that emphasize his achievements and creations he crafted, some offhandedly mentioned in a readable or item while others are emphasized with importance.

Casually mentioned in the Discarded Ingenium Parts is his feat in the Great Trial of the Furnace (perhaps that trial is for gaining the furnace master title? Once again signifying an earlier achievement in his legacy) where it took him only a day and night to create a whole mechanical lion that moved and looked just like a real live lion from a bunch of defective parts and waste.

More recently in 1.5, they released a readable, the Ten-Lords Criminal Directory, which mentions an imprisonment method designed by Yingxing that keeps “Mirage” in a perpetual state trapped within a hallucination of their own making. Utilizing it’s own powers in order to keep it imprisoned. Something that with proper maintenance seems to have lasted for around 700 years so far.

And of course, how can we forget his most famous creations

The beautifully crafted weapons of the High Cloud Quintet, from Jingliu’s incredibly heavy sword remarked as being as heavy as three thousand catties, to Dan Feng’s Cloud Piercer with the ability to even cut through dragon scales, and the Devastator Glaive as well as Baiheng’s recurve bow. Each impressive in their own ways and seemingly crafted pretty early as well into his time on the Luofu with the HCQ given the distinction of Jing Yuan who (even if he likely was more a teen than a boy) still wasn’t an exact adult yet. So once again, let me emphasize this man’s skill here. With how many things he managed to do so so early into his time on the Luofu. A genius craftsman who deserved all of the praise he had garnered with his works.

Additionally, I know they keep harping about “ugh arrogant craftsman, ugh he’s so full of himself” but every single time we’ve seen his personality, he just seems like a genuine joy to be around. Bright, charismatic, sure he’s cocky but he also gives the impression of being incredibly fun and a bit silly if you ask me.

His behavior as mirrored by the mirage echo in Scalegorge Waterscape is distinctly playful even in what might be a more tense situation, lightly bantering with Dan Feng and even chuckling in certain languages.

In Jingliu’s character stories, it even furthers this bright, playful attitude he gives off with his distinct cheekiness shining through especially with that “toothy grin” of his. And if you listen to Jingliu’s (at least her English) voice lines during Clouds Leave No Trace when she speaks about Yingxing before getting into his transformation, there is a distinct fondness or amusement in her voice as she speaks of him especially that cocky nature of his despite her distaste for it at first.

While Baiheng is hailed as this kind figure in the High Cloud Quintet, perhaps their sun even casting light upon them, it doesn’t seem too far off to say Yingxing was a shining star among them in his own right. His easy going nature with them bringing about a bubbly playfulness similar to Baiheng given their closeness from when he was young. I could go into way more especially in regards to the casualness at which Yingxing seems to speak and treat others allowing for a more equal formation of relationships especially with Dan Feng but I’m saving that for another rant.

And all of this about him especially how expressive he seems at certain points he’s been mentioned, really just makes me so incredibly sad when thinking about Blade now. How severely separated he is from this identity. A division that exists from not only his death but from the way his mental state has been severely warped from his time with Jingliu and being affected afterwards by the mara.

The sheer dehumanization and lack of a personal identity in place of seeing himself as a solely a weapon when put next to Yingxing, with such a clear bold individual identity, really makes the transformation of one into the other all the more jarring and tragic. Especially with the emphasis on how Yingxing hated the abominations of Abundance only to become one himself, something that is still implied to have not been by his own hand. Blade is an immensely tragic character, but that tragedy only holds weight because of the life and identity Yingxing had. It is only with Yingxing’s light which shined despite the circumstances of his life that his descent into darkness hits harder, and it makes me so sad that I haven’t found many others talking or expanding upon this despite my searches because he really is such a well written character with so many details in his story that are both interesting and utterly heartbreaking.

And additionally, I want to say that I think there is a lost potential in examining the Xianzhou through Yingxing. Specifically in the way he is treated as a short life species. We know how the relationship between the Vidyadhara and the Natives, especially as it’s changed after Dan Feng, but there is a very interesting relationship to be explored between the Xianzhou and the Short Life Species the end up there, especially through Yingxing’s relationship to the different Artisans guilds whether on the Luofu or the Zhuming.

In the end, it becomes another sad element to Yingxing’s story. Yingxing managed to change his attitude regarding how the Zhuming masters treated him and even grew more of a confidence, but even in the Luofu's Artisanship Commission, he can never truly get as far as he deserves. Just as Jingliu says

Even with his work impressing the master craftsmen of the Luofu, even after more than showing his skill and earning the title of Furnace Master for that skill, he still would be denied higher positions and could only prove his true worth by the High Cloud Quintet.

And just let me say it again, him being a short life species allows for such an interesting examination of the world and people around him based upon that. While we don't know exactly how they met, we do know that Yingxing was Huaiyan's personal disciple and the only one he mentions of the celestial masters to treat him with respect and believe in his capabilities despite knowing he's a short life species. Through his treatment of Yingxing, we learn quite a bit about him. Through Baiheng's treatment of him as well, we learn a lot about her, more than anywhere else.

He's just UGH I need more exploration from Yingxing's perspective, the lack of it feels as if I'm being starved. He's so interesting, he's so fun, he's incredibly tragic, and he makes me cry every single time he crosses my mind. Please do yourselves a favor and think more about his character so you'll end up as sad about him as me. Or don't maybe. I dunno. All I know for sure is that you absolutely need to read Views of the Universe From a Starskiff: The Zhuming if you haven't. Anyways bye, thanks for listening to this rant, I gotta go cry over him.

Peep the tags also for a rant about my own characterization of YX if you wish to witness my insanity

[cool-person-yey]

What are your ryland grace thoughts? Please?

I AM SO GLAD YOU ASKED

this may not be coherent as it is very early but I have to answer this now lest I forget. so,

Doctor Ryland Grace. Middle school science teacher, the most aroace guy to ever aroace, aka the guy who went on an suicide mission to save the earth without his consent, stratt's boytoy and a tremendous nerd. that guy. I love him so much.

first of all— his motivations to help build the hail mary. besides well, saving the earth and not letting the sun die, he does it for 'his' children. his students. he doesn't has a partner nor seems that interested in one, no close family mentioned, no friends other than the ones working on the mission too, his life kinda sucked ngl. but he always did it so his students could have a future and grow up. he really went back into that building because of the kids. " think of the kids, Grace." <- most brutal moment in phm imo. that line will be stuck in my head forever.

and his friendship with Rocky. ahhh his friendship with Rocky. I think our beloved space musical spider was pretty lucky to have a teacher as his human companion in that journey. because the understanding, the compassion, the curiosity, the patience to explain things and simplify them, these are all traits that grace has that are obviously part of his personality, but a lot of it comes from/was shaped by the fact He Is A Teacher.

and he suffers, he suffers oh so much, and he cries and panics and pulls himself together because gosh darn it grace you have to save the earth! ( the way that he ' swears' is also so important to me but that's a story for another day)

and his "humanity" not as in' being a human', but as in the fact he makes dumb mistakes when sleep deprived. he's an idiot. he doesn't want his alien friend to think humans are untrustworthy (they are). he makes dumb jokes. he sings The Beatles' songs sometimes. he plays solitaire when bored. Rocky was so lucky to get that nerd as an human friend.

it's been a hot minute since I've read the book, so the ending's a bit fuzzy in my mind, but iirc we don't really know if the beetles worked. like maybe they didn't get back to earth. maybe they did but whoever could operate them was long gone. maybe there wasn't even earth left to save. I wonder if he ever thinks about that.

anyways, from now on I can't make coherent thoughts about this subject anymore it's just minded screeching. have this image that represents very well how I'm currently feeling

[lacoscienzadiemme]

I'm back and I'm in my Versailles no bara era again

Disclaimer: long ass post, boil some water and make some tea

Three weeks ago I was sick and decided to have a rewatch of my second hyper fixation ever (the first were the Teletubbies when I was 4): Versailles no bara, aka Lady Oscar aka my life when I was ten.

Rewatching it at 27 was a completely different experience. I got to understand more details in the charaters' personalities and dialogues, but most of all in the main crucial elements of the plot. Let's write a few words about them (hopefully without forgetting anything)!

Oscar's gender identity. When I was a kid I would get mad at people making fun of this passion of mine saying "BuT iS OsCaR a BoY oR a GiRl?!?!?!?" like dude, it's called LADY OSCAR it's not that deep. ACTUALLY, it is that deep but not in the way they thought. The struggle with Oscar's gender identity (due to her father's awful decision to raise her as a boy despite being a girl) is somehow the most contemporary and current topic in the story. Somewhere (I can't remember if it was in the manga or in the anime) it's revealed that Oscar only found out she was a girl after being firmly convinced of being a boy during her entire childhood. Given that, we must accept that it was... ehm... nature/biology/her body to unveil the mystery (with every psychological consequence along, I guess), this means it was just a couple of years more or less before the beginning of the story (when she was 15 yo). The whole struggle between living as a man while being a woman, keeping on trying to run away from her womanhood and the consequent sorrows she faces, could be very important to address the topic of gender identity. This being said (and after a wonderful fanfiction I read yesterday that claimed the opposite), I want to share a little speculation about her identity WELL KNOWING THAT REAL PEOPLE'S GENDER IDENTITIES ARE NOT QUESTIONABLE NOR SUBJECT OF DISCUSSION. In my humble and personal opinion (again, about an anime character and NOT a real person), Oscar is not a trans man. I think the struggles and the very point of the whole story come from the fact that she, a woman of the late 700's raised as man, starts experiencing what we now consider the social constructs that define genders and gender norms. Let's consider that she has a male name, everybody refers to her as a man, her entire family and social milieu consider her as a man. But Oscar knows she is a woman despite everything and everyone because her male identity is something that was forced upon her. THIS is, for me, the crucial point of her story: Oscar wouldn't be struggling if the reason of that weren't a constriction made by her father. Her gender identity dilemma is not generated by a gender disphoria, but by a choice someone else made when she was just born. And that, I think, is similar to the struggles trans people live but not precisely identical. In fact, if she had been raised as a girl, she would live her life without considering the other side of the sky as her own. But because she was forced into manhood, she keeps convincing herself a male identity would solve all her "female" problems (especially her sentimental ones, without realizing that men too, even the ones she's around, suffer because of love). So, is Oscar a trans person? I wouldn't be so sure, but what I'm sure of is that trans people are people and they deserve basic human rights just like anyone else. PERIODT.

Oscar's love for Fersen. We all have lived even once the awful situation of not being loved back by someone. It's a part of the game we forcily accepted when we were pushed into a social civilization made of human relationships. BUT after reading @xwaterice post, something in my mind shifted. OP clamis that Oscar mainly falls in love with the way Fersen loves Marie Antoinette. Lest we forget that back then relationships were mainly formed for convenience and Oscar has been around this kind of mindset for her own life. Even though she argues with Fersen when he reveals he's going to marry for convenience that it wouldn't be fair because people shouldn't stay together if not out of love. Bonjour mademoiselle, you already knew that but let's pretend the opposite. Of course, count Fersen is charming and good looking man, he has a nice personality and so on. But the most impressive thing he does is loving a woman for who she is and not what she is. And yes, @xwaterice is right: Oscar wants to be loved for who she is, for the person she is and for what she can give as a person (as a woman) and, all around her, the only one who is behaving like that is Fersen. Yes, we could tell her "Hey, wake up, there's André right besides you!", but my man, my malewife André hides himself for most of the episodes and my girlboss Oscar has it rough paying attention to other people's feeling when they don't show them up.

André, or the art of being a sottone (adj. Someone who is madly in love with a person and would literally do everything for them). Here he is. A malewife, a good friend and ultimately even a little problematic man (you know, the whole ripping the shirt off scene). Without condoning his r4p3 att3mpt, I think we should focus on the fact that he is always there for Oscar and, most of all, he is there to help her embracing her womanhood. Because he, who is in love with her and hopes for a relationship with her till the end, would benefit from her womanhood? Of course. But he actually knows that every single problem and every single trouble she has to face comes from rejecting it. André is the only one who really understands what Oscar is goind through and the only one who understands thay she is a woman. He cares about her womanhood because he cares about her.

The everybody's a little bisexual trope. So, let's put aside the whole discourse about Oscar's gender identity for a min. Or better, let's talk about it from a different pov. If she is a woman, every other one who falls for her (like the majority of the court and more in general most of the female characters she bumps into throughout the story) would at least be bi; on the other hand, if Oscar is a man this makes André, Girodelle, Alain maybe(?), the gentlemen ready to take her hand during the ball in her honour in the last episodes and even count Fersen (I'll focus on this later) bisexual. To be true, I'd fall for Oscar too even though I'm a straight girl.

Count Fersen × Oscar: what if? Oscar is in love with Fersen and with the way he loves women (or better, ONE woman): we got it, ok. But Fersen, the world champion of delicacy, friendzones her. In the worst way, by the way, and I know it because... *cough cough* been there lived that... Anyway, towards the last episodes, he rescues her and André from a violent protest in Paris. He rushes from the theatre the very moment it's clear it's about Oscar. They said goodbye quite some time before, don't forget it. Notice this: when Oscar cries for her André (quote) he (Fersen) acts surprised. Yes, he is because he knows their relationship and so on, BUT my crazy brain keeps thinking that the surprise comes from the fact that Oscar is not indifferent to him. I mean, if he has to settle down and he cannot do it with the Queen, at least let it be with his best friend. It sounds weird, but it makes sense to me. At the point, anyway, she is the friendzoner AH!

I can't remember if this is everything I wanted to say, but I promise if something else comes to my mind I'll reblog this post and add it down. Thanks for coming to my TedTalk!

[sophieinwonderland]

Found this blog through one of your psychology posts. I dont know much about tulpas, so I was wondering "What makes you think you're a tulpa and not an alter formed from DID?"

Hi there! Nice to meet you!

There are a few things.

The main thing is just that we just don't fit the criteria.

Harm

At their core, most disorders have some sort of harm criterion. In the DSM, that's "clinically significant distress or impairment" in important areas of functioning.

While there can be a lot of debate in what constitutes symptoms of a mental disorder being "clinically significant" enough to be diagnosed, it should generally be considered that experiences which are neutral (don't cause harm) or that are net positive (benefits outweigh minor inconveniences) wouldn't meet the criteria.

Tulpamancy is usually beneficial to people's mental health, or at least neutral.

Boundary with Normality

The ICD-11 has a boundary with normality, where it states that two distinct personality states can exist without it being a mental disorder.

The presence of two or more distinct personality states does not always indicate the presence of a mental disorder. In certain circumstances (e.g., as experienced by ‘mediums’ or other culturally accepted spiritual practitioners) the presence of multiple personality states is not experienced as aversive and is not associated with impairment in functioning. A diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder should not be assigned in these cases.

This is also echoed in the DSM criterion D.

The disturbance is not a normal part of a broadly accepted cultural or religious practice. Note: In children, the symptoms are not better explained by imaginary playmates or other fantasy play.

While "broadly" is term that can be debated, I would argue that this definition applies to subcultures equally, lest it pathologize experiences of minority religions.

Amnesia

This one is less important but worth mentioning. In the DSM, criterion B states that you need to experience "recurrent gaps in the recall of everyday events, important personal information, and/or traumatic events that are inconsistent with ordinary forgetting."

This isn't something we experience.

The reason I say it's less important is because this doesn't preclude forms of OSDD-1. And the ICD-11 doesn't have an amnesia criterion, even though amnesia at some point is associated with the illness.

Other Considerations

There are other points that I consider more generalities than hard dividing lines. While I'm open to the possibility of DID existing without trauma, it is overwhelmingly associated with childhood trauma. Even if trauma is forgotten, responses are usually still present. We don't have those.

Going from the last point, switching in DID systems often is based on triggers. That's how alters tend to form. And while it can be controlled later on, it's still common for switching triggers to exist by default. Instinctive switching is a huge part of how traumagenic systems form. For us and most tulpamancers, switching was a skill we had to learn.

I'd argue that tulpamancy practices might have more in common with many spiritual practices, despite tulpamancy itself being largely psychological.

Blurring Lines

I do want to note that while non-disordered systems are distinct from those with dissociative disorders, there does appear to be some relationships between the two. A DID system who creates a tulpa from a tulpamancy guide will often end up with something that functions similar to alters in their system, and may experience triggered switching or amnesia between them if those things are already there with other headmates.

Here's a great article if you want more from the perspective of a tulpa system with DID.

More...

If you're interested in psychology and would like to learn more about tulpa systems, you should check out this paper by Samuel Veissiere, a Psychiatry professor and McGill University.

[rulers-of-hungary-tournament]

ROUND 3, MATCH 4

Admin's commentary: ...okay this one is just. Not fair. For once I wish the Czechs were there to balance the score, although it still would be an incredibly lopsided battle. Zmikund, my poor baby.

***

Zsigmond (Žigmund Luxemburský) 1387-1437

also king of Bohemia and emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, elsewhere best known from what he did to Jan Hus, but we don't have enough time to unpack that, needless to say he's responsible for the bratríks (branch of hussites that went on supply raids into Hungary), so fuck him just for that

his rule in Hungary was long and eventful, after he secured the throne, his first order of business was a war with Ottomans, which ended in the catastrophic battle of Nicopolis, later another war, during which he regained Beograd, but lost Golubac, which was an important fortress

after the Hungarian nobles were found to conspire against him, he instituted harsh repressions, destroying many important noble houses, which he then tried to replace with a nobility faithful to him - but that just caused yet another conspiracy, which Zsigmond had to appease by marrying Barbara of Celle

founded the Order Of The Dragon, which is how Vlad II. Dracul and after him his son Vlad III. Dracula got their monikers

supported the rights of cities, especially in his Minor Decree, but lest our fellow medieval city kinnies start liking him too much, he was also the guy who lended several cities in Spiš to the Poles (cities formally stayed part of Hungary, but the profits from them went to the king od Poland; which is basically how it stayed untill the divisions of Poland)

he also instituted another two law codes concerning courts and army, gave himself placetum regium (right to veto reading of papal bulls on his territories, which meant he could witheld the orders of the pope itself from his people; @best-habsburg-monarch might recognize this one)... basically for better or for worse, he was a Big Damn Deal here, truly one of the most important monarchs of Hungary, just look at how long his entry is

@biksarddedrak said about him: "I want to see Zsigmund to win because well: a) catastrophic results of battle of Nicopolis weren't his fault. Those damm Frenchmen once again doomed Europe by their arrogance. Funny enough they were so scared after this battle, that it ended their support for any war with Ottomans in the future. (Forget that whole beef with Habsburgs, that comes much later.); b) ugh, well, he may king of the Romans and king f the Bohemia and temporary the most inportant ruler of Christendom, but it was the kingdom of Hungary he could trully call his own and had here full authority. And that is truly impressive because, well... Hungary was always kinda difficult to manage.; c) the dragon. The Dragon. THE DRAGON!!!; d) and also time to spice up relationship between Slovaks and Czechs right after anniversary of our divorce.

I.Mátyás (Matej I.); also known as Hunyadi Mátyás (Matej Korvín) 1458-1490

I mean, do I even have to say anything??? you know who this guy is right.

fought the Ottomans. supported arts and sciences. instituted important reforms. founded Academia Istropolitana. made Buda the capital and built the Buda Castle. gained the crown of Bohemia and stole territory from Austria. the man. the myth. the legend.

@deetherusalka said about him: "Lmao Bohemian crown snatcher, it's still so funny to me how in Czechia he's always presented as the evil himself and then everywhere else he's celebrated (which is not wrong imho! it's just funny how the narrative changes depending on perspective you learn about it)"

@durzarya said about him: #listen i love Mátyás király and i have voted for him#but my guy had some interesting policies#hilarious information about him: at 19 he captured Vlad Țepeș

@biksarddedrak said about him: #It's not even fight#It's just bloody beating#Matyás is remembered even in many historical legends as a good and just ruler#he reformed military and made the world fear Hungary#first profesional army#he managed to pay not only for the one for a THREE armies at a time#also his love with his wife Beatrice is a thing of a legends#The GOOD sort of legends#also I am completely obsessed with a way how his name is pronouced#seriously check that out it's hilarious#black army

[selkie-tea-tin]

In this dark age of the US passing a horrendous amount of anti-trans bills, I’m reminded of a particular sermon that I heard a pastor give one Christmas Eve. He was a guest pastor, not our usual one. Our usual one was sick. Nevertheless he gave a great sermon. I would absolutely go to his sermons in the future if I knew what church he led regularly. Alas, this was a few years ago now, and I have no way of finding him or going back to ask. Still, I want to share some of what he said. Before anyone jumps to conclusions about the point of this post, I would like to clarify that I grew up going to an LGBTQ+ friendly church. Most of if not all of the queer adults I knew growing up, I knew from church, and I will forever be grateful for having grown up in a community with queer adults to look up to.

Back to the Christmas Eve sermon.

The guest pastor brought up the slaughter of the innocents. For those of you who don’t know, the slaughter of the innocents was when the King of Judea at the time, Herod, ordered the execution of all children two and under in the vicinity of Bethlehem. He had heard of this so-called ‘Son of God’ who was apparently born. He saw this as a threat to his power, and wanted no rivals or upstarts. This ‘son of god’ this light, was a threat to him and the power he held over the populous.

‘Many people don’t like talking about this part of the bible,’ our pastor said. ‘It’s brutal, and ugly, but I think it’s important not to forget.’

He went on to talk about how this is how those in power, the corrupt ones, react to those who threaten the status quo.

Those who’s power corrupts them hoard it like dragons on piles of gold. They don’t need the gold, but they mustn’t let anyone else have it, lest the illusion of their authority be stolen from them as well. The dragon fears the one who sees his wealth is pointless. The dragon fears those who see through the illusions he has cast upon the cowering villagers in the valley below. King Herod feared the coming of Christ, as he might uproot and destroy his carefully planted crops of power. Who could tell what a seed of doubt could do. How it could spread, take out the system one careful root at a time.

Those who uphold the patriarchy fear trans people because we have power. We have the power to see through the system that the patriarchy has built and liberate people from it. That’s why they want to eradicate us, legislate us from existence. It’s why they don’t want trans youth to grow into trans adults. It’s a slaughter of the innocents, an eradication of those with the power to shine a light on the oppressive status quo.

They’re scared of us, as they should be.

Because we won’t let them write us out of existence. We will keep fighting, and we will keep liberating ourselves and others and exposing the powers that be for what they are. We will take them down, one oppressive and frivolous rule at a time, and we will win, no matter what it takes.

[bellatrixobsessed1]

Vicarious (Part 6)

She has a whole list of rules for him to follow that will make his life in hers as easy as possible while simultaneously adding much more stress. And all that he can give her are a few dietary notes and some blush inducing tips on how to care for a masculine body. Her own feminine care tips aren’t any less awkward. But they certainly needed to get that out of the way, lest they find out on their own.

He skims the parchment again. The lettering is so neat and delicate. So dainty and pretty.

Bathe every day; remember to use my special soap–it smells like coconut and has bamboo leaves in it. If you use the wrong soap and get a rash, talk to Qi-Xing, she has an ointment.

Comb my hair every day; be gentle with it, no snagging.

For the sake of simplicity sea foods are off limits. I can eat some sea foods but am allergic to most. 

Change out of your sleep attire before going out.

Some of it is perfectly reasonable and plenty helpful. He is going to miss seafood, but at least that rule has fair reasoning to back it. Perhaps under ordinary circumstances the rest would be just as fair too. But even before finding his soul trapped in her body he could tell that her death preparations had been her first time bathing in quite some time. Her hair is at least some degree of unkempt. And now she expects him to do the things that she couldn’t be bothered with? 

He tries to be understanding. He knows how hard it can be sometimes. But it is hard when she is placing expectations on him that she couldn’t uphold herself. Things that go against his own nature. 

Don’t laugh or talk too loudly.

Mind your table manners; no loud chewing, no talking with your mouth full, feet don’t belong on the table, wait your turn to take food and seasonings, etc.

Don’t overdo the mochi.

I have a firebending routine once in the morning and once before bed; I have placed some scrolls in my training room that will walk you through my katas. If it is beyond your skills find a suitable substitute. Do not let my body get out of shape.

I require at least eight hours of sleep. 

Frankly he doesn’t know if this is fair either. It feels as though she is demanding that he take better care of her body than she has been lately. And she can’t tell him that she has been taking care of herself, not with the gashes–the one he knew about already and the smaller ones that he has noticed on her arms. She can’t tell him that she has been taking care of herself, not when her body is so fatigued and hard to navigate in. Everything feels so sluggish and weighted. Her limbs feel so tight–cramped with disuse.

How can she demand things of him that she isn’t willing to do herself?

Don’t say anything ridiculous. No stupid jokes. No terrible political opinions.

Do not issue any apologies that I wouldn’t give.

Do not try to arrange any romantic partnerships on my behalf.

And don’t let any know that we have switched. 

She closes the list with those awkward feminine care tips. “Because I know that you’ll probably forget and these are important.” And now he feels bad for not offering her the same. He probably should write up a little something in case he isn’t around to answer questions. She is always so neat, tedious, and organized. He likes to think himself a smart man but the levels and layers she thinks in are nearly incomprehensible. He enjoys logic and reasoning, enjoys figuring out how things work. But he is a forward thinker–simple and to the point while remaining smart and creative. Azula…

She works in layers and complexities. In traps and tricks that he is hard pressed to figure out. 

And now he is supposed to emulate that. He is supposed to become that.

“Any questions?” Azula asks. 

Sokka shakes his head. Other than, “do you really expect me to be able to do all of this.” But he doesn’t dare put that question past his lips. 

“Well then. Where is your list?” 

“I—I didn’t make one.”

To his surprise she only shrugs. “Then you can’t hold me responsible for anything that goes wrong. I requested a written list. If you can’t be bothered with that then…”

“You get to make my life as shitty as yours?” The words erupt from him before he can suppress them. “It’s not enough to sabotage yourself, you have to ruin me too?” The tickle of rage in his belly shifts promptly into a tickle of dread. She can make very easy work of destroying all of his friendships, just the way she had expertly set her own friendships up to fail.

He watches his own face go deadpan. “Just write me a list.” He hadn’t realized just how cold his voice could be. 

“I-I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have said that.” 

“List.” 

One word. 

Just one word and he finds himself shuddering. 

He is alone in her room. Alone in a way that he had never been before and with the sense that he is only going to grow lonelier.

.oOo.

She had been hoping that he would have the list ready for her by dinner time. Even a few base rules would have been nice. 

She shouldn’t be so anxious, the humiliation and mistakes will be Sokka’s to face soon enough. It isn’t her own life and reputation on the line so why should she care? Why does she care? Why does it bother her so much that she is so woefully underprepared for this?

Everything is already perfectly in place for her. They already like her. All she has to do is not make a mess of that. It shouldn’t be so hard. 

It shouldn't have been so hard to become the Fire Lord either. Her life had been so perfectly laid out for her then too and she had still ruined that. 

“Hey, Sokka!” Toph greets.

She gives the girl a quick wave and takes her seat. 

“I said hello, Sokka!”

“Oh right. Blind.” She mutters to herself. “I waved to you.”

“You really need to stop forgetting about that.” Toph grumbles.

Azula breathes a soft sigh of relief. At least that sort of carelessness is typical of Sokka but she can’t afford to make any more hiccups like this. They will all pile up eventually.

Eventually but also nowhere near as quickly as something like watching herself emerge from the hallway.  

She grits her teeth. How could he have forgotten that it isn’t at all typical for her to make an appearance at dinner? It is simple, she realizes–she had given him instructions on table manners. She had all but told him that she expected him to join the others for dinner. How had she forgotten to put that on her list of things not to do? It would have been as simple as adding, “keep your head low and don’t draw attention to yourself; I eat breakfast very early, lunch is taken directly to my room, I have dinner an hour after everyone else.”

“Azula?” Zuko’s brows scrunch.

Instinctively she opens her mouth. Mercifully, Sokka speaks first. It is a stiff and simple, “hello, Zuzu.”

She supposes that that isn’t something that she wouldn’t say, although it also wouldn’t be her first choice of greeting. 

“You decided to join us for dinner?”

“Is that a problem?” It is spoken too much like a question for her liking. She would have made it flatter, more pointed. Almost a hiss even. The expression Sokka puts on her face isn’t nearly dark enough. 

“We just didn’t expect you, that’s all.” Aang cuts in with a smile.

And that’s just the thing. She very well shouldn’t be there. Had she had her way they would have had no reason at all to think that she would ever be joining them again. Yet here she is both already seated and taking a seat.

“You should be resting.” Katara says lightly. “Waterbending can fix a lot but you still need to take it easy.”

“Why do you care?” Azula asks as nonchalantly as she possibly can with her mind buzzing and humming with anticipation. Anticipation to get the confirmation she needs; that nobody wants her. Nobody cares what happens to her.

“Sokka!” Katara exclaims. 

“What?” Azula shrugs. “We weren’t talking to her before, why get friendly now? Last I checked, we weren’t supposed to trust her.” 

.oOo.

Sokka’s stomach drops. He had anticipated that Azula wouldn’t do anything to help him shoulder her burdens but he certainly hadn’t expected her to actively partake in making life harder. He supposes that he probably should have guessed as much given the circumstances. 

“He has a point.” Mai shrugs. “I always did hate it when people suddenly started talking really nicely about a horrible person after they died.” 

Sokka takes a breath. She isn’t talking about him. She isn’t talking about him…he just has to keep repeating that and maybe he’ll get through this dinner. Maybe he should retreat back to Azula’s room. But Azula wouldn’t do that. She wouldn’t run.  “I’m not dead.”  He replies simply. 

Across the table the real Azula tilts her head. 

Tilts it as if to say that she practically is. 

“We don’t have to get along with her to be civil.” Katara says. “You can sit next to…” She grimaces. The only open seat is the one taken by his body. “Be nice to her, Sokka.” She hears Katara hiss. 

“Yeah, Sokka!” Toph agrees. “I like my food hot, but it doesn’t need to be on fire.” 

Sokka slips into his chair, his head spinning at the sound of his own laughter. He doesn’t know what is more unsettling; that tearing Azula apart sounds so natural on his lips or that she can so easily laugh at a joke made at her expense.

He has plenty of time to think it over and decide. 

They don’t talk to him for the rest of dinner. 

Katara doesn’t talk to Azula either. It is strange, Mai and Zuko aside, Katara had always been the least comfortable with Azula being back at the palace. Back at the palace and mostly free to do as she pleases. Mai and Zuko aside, Sokka was under the impression that Katara hated Azula the most. 

.oOo.

Azula hadn’t been particularly hard pressed to flee the dinner table but she hadn’t exactly wanted to linger. Certainly not long enough for Sokka to catch her alone in the hallway. “Why? Why would you do that!?”

Azula quirks a brow. “Elaborate please.” The words aren’t so dainty and pseudo-sweet coming from Sokka’s lungs.

“You put me on the spot like that? I was trying to help you…I don’t know…” He falters. “Make a connection with all of them.”

“Just trying to stay in character.” She shrugs. 

Fury mixes with astonishment. Azula’s heart catches, it is like watching herself address Mai at the Boiling Rock. Her voice is just as incredulous when Sokka uses it to sputter, “I wouldn’t— Is that the kind of person you think I am? I wouldn’t treat you like that.”

Azula sniffs. “I know that you’re lying.” 

“No you don’t!” He throws his hands up. “Just because you have my body it doesn’t mean that you have my mind too. I wouldn’t treat you like that.” 

“You keep telling yourself that.” She sighs. “That’s the funny thing about you and your friends. You all think that you’re such nice people. That you’re so merciful and good. You pat yourselves on the back for letting the poor crazy princess come back to the palace unbound. The truth is, you did treat me like that.” She pauses. “Think about it, they didn’t suspect a thing.” 

“That’s not true. You’re messing with me again. You’re trying to get into my head and manipulate me. I wouldn’t treat you like that.”

“If you say so.” Azula shrugs. “We’ll see how confident you are in that within a few days.”