#of grace aka speaking to god

[shiningstages]

rereading marionette stars' observatory epilogue makes me want to add tikoh back to my muse list, but that's. so much. and cupitan.............but that's also so much.

[toddandersonn]

YOU CAN GET HIGH ON A FIRST KISS. YOU GET BY ON SWEET TEA AND GOD'S GRACES. YOU CAN LOVE LIKE A SINNER, LOSE LIKE A WINNER. NOTHING IS SHATTERPROOF. YOU CAN CRASH AND BURN AND COME BACK SOMEONE NEW. AND THATS WHAT I LEARNED FROM YOU

[sparklingblu]

Eroverse

Pt.6 - Resistance

ft. Karina

Family reunions can be awkward.

But none can rival this one.

Eros looks like he's going to throw up any moment - his face white as a sheet of paper. His eyes dart from Karina's face to yours. Then to the scattered naked bodies of the hunters and back to Karina's face.

“Answer me. What is this madness?”

Karina asks, the anger evident in her voice - brewing and crackling like a storm right there in the room. Her normally perfect features are twisted to a scowl that could melt any mortal into a puddle. If looks could kill, Eros would’ve been a goner five times over.

But you are now experienced enough to realize that the idol before you is indeed not an idol at all. You are not a mythology nerd but you have a vague picture of what Karina actually is.

The tingly feeling on your skin: check.

Looking like an idol: check.

Anger issues: check.

Yes. Definitely a goddess (both literally and metaphorically in this case).

“Uh….”

Eros, the literal god of love, who can make an army swoon with a wink, looks like a kid caught stealing candy. His face is pale, his mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air. For a second, you wonder if you should step in and help, but then you remember: this is Eros’s mess. You have just narrowly escaped being slaughtered by a goddess. You are not gonna try to relive the experience.

“Mom…I…” he finally croaks, his voice cracking like a teenage boy’s.

Karina’s expression darkens. “Don’t you ‘Mom’ me, Eros,�� she snaps. “Do you have any idea what you have done?”

Eros glances at you and Kazuha for backup. You give him a look that says Oh, no way, buddy. You are on your own. Kazuha seems to share your opinion but her eyes betray no emotion. You doubt even Eors’ most loyal angel is enthusiastic about dealing with an angry goddess. Especially not after what she has just gone through. Eros’s shoulders slump, realizing there’s no easy way out of this. He shuffles his feet, suddenly very interested in the floor.

“Look, it’s not that bad-” he starts.

Karina’s laugh cuts him off, sharp and humourless. “Not that bad? NOT THAT BAD? You don’t know what you are doing, Eros. You are tampering with powers you don’t understand. Stealing the helm of darkness? Doing…,” she eyes the naked spent body of Artemis aka Chaewon with disgust. “this to a daughter of Zeus? You are lucky you are not already in Tartarus”

“Mom, you don’t understand. I-”

But once again, Karina doesn’t give him a chance to speak. “And that mortal,” her gaze falls on you and you are suddenly made aware that being butt naked isn’t the best attire for a meeting with an angry goddess. In her elegant white dress, Karina may be otherworldly beautiful but the fury in her eyes is absolutely terrifying, like she can burn you to ash right on the spot. And there’s no promise that wouldn’t be the case. “has the mark of Asmodeus. The mark, Eros. Do you understand how dangerous it is? Or do you think this is another of your funny little party tricks?”

“Hey!” you protest. “I’m literally right here”

Karina shot you a look so sharp you instantly regret speaking. “Quiet, mortal. We will deal with you later”

You swallow hard and try to disappear into a wall. No such luck.

Eros raises his hands in surrender, backing up like a guy caught sneaking past curfew. “Okay, okay, I messed up! I get it, alright? But I have a plan”

Karina looks like she’s going to blow up, any moment. Her eyes, full of fury before, now seem to hold flames within. If it’s Eros’s nonchalance that sets her off or something else, you can’t be sure.

Perhaps sensing that things are going to get out of hand, Kazuha finally breaks her silence. “Your grace, ma’am Aphrodite, if I may-”

“Hold your tongue too, angel!” Karina snaps back and Kazuha gaze falls to the floor, silenced.

Lucky for you, though, because you no longer need to ask Kazuha which goddess it is again (that is, if she’s even in the mood to answer). Aphrodite, of course. It’s an easy guess,really. Who else is there aside from the goddess of beauty to take on the form of one of the top visuals of 4th gen? Even you, whose knowledge on mythology is pitiful, know that much.

Karina - no, Aphrodite - continues. “A plan?” She takes a slow, measured step towards Eros. The whole room suddenly feels hotter and you swear you are not imagining the goosebumps on your skin. She’s mad mad. “You mean the kind of plan that could unravel the balance of the cosmos, Eros? That kind of plan?”

Eros holds her gaze for a moment, then shrugs, forcing his usual smirk back onto his face. “When you put it like that, it sounds really bad ”

Karina doesn’t blink. “Because it’s really bad”

You stand off to the side, feeling like an unwanted extra in a godly family drama. It’s not everyday you see a goddess scolding her son like he’d forgotten to take out the trash - except, in this case, the trash might be something on a cosmic scale.

“So, give me a good reason Eros,” Aphrodite stops, exhaling sharply through her nose. “Or I will hand you to Zeus with my own hands”

For the first time since this whole thing started, Ero’s jolly persona is nowhere to be found. He seems to be contemplating, brows furrowed and lips stretched tight. The god of love has never looked this serious.

Finally, Eros lifts his eyes back upon Karina’s face. “Because we deserve better’” he says, and his voice, though quiet, is steady. “You deserve better”

Aphrodite’s expression froze, like she has not been expecting that.

Eros takes a step closer, his tone shifting - softer now, almost coaxing. You wonder if the ability comes with being a love god. “You were the first, mom. The first Olympian. The oldest. You were there before any of those old nutjobs were born”

The sky crackles with thunder at that, as if Zeus himself has heard Eros. And you are suddenly aware that the scenery beyond the glass has shifted - now displaying ancient Greek in its full glory, with its marble temples and bronze sculptures. The place looks eerily beautiful, deprived of people.

But Eros doesn’t seem to give two fucks about what the king of gods think, because he continues. “And yet, look where you stand now - beneath him. Beneath all of them,” his voice drips with venom. “Is that fair?”

Aphrodite is silent for a moment, then she lets out a weak chuckle. “This is crazy. You are crazy”

Nonetheless, Eros presses on. “What I’m doing….what I’ve set in motion…it’s not just for me. It’s for you. For us”

So that’s it, you think. Everything you have done so far, every near death experience you have survived; it’s all just for Eros to gain his mom’s approval. A desperate attempt of a wayward son for recognition. And you have gladly gone along with it.

You feel really stupid. But it’s too late to back out now. Because the power…..it’s addicting.

Aphrodite doesn’t speak. But she’s no longer furious, now. She’s interested. She’s listening.

Eros tilts his head towards you. “And he is the key”

You have a sudden horrible feeling that you are standing on the edge of something massive, something you weren't supposed to understand.

If Eros plans to dethrone the gods with your abilities, you doubt the outcome would be pretty. Sure, you can make goddesses and angels become your cocksleeves with your magical dick, but even that isn’t without a fight. You will literally have no chance against all the Olympians. And the mere thought of using your powers on any male god makes you shudder. Even your perverted mind has its limits.

Karina studies you as if she has read your thoughts, before turning back to Eros. “You are not the first to try” she begins slowly. “And you won’t be the first to fail. Lust can be a powerful weapon if you wield it correctly, but this? This is madness”

Eros doesn’t respond. For once, he doesn’t have a clever remark or a lazy smirk.

Aphrodite lets out a sigh. “Clean up this mess,” she gestures to the naked, spent bodies of the hunters and Artemis. “If anyone asks, I’ve never been here, got it? I’ll be watching, Eros”

And with a swish of her dress, she heads to the doorway she has come from. In an instant, the room erupts in a blinding light once more. Unfortunately, you make the mistake of staring too long and the luminous rays scorch your eyes before you shut them tight.

It takes a while for you to blink out the white spots dancing across your vision. But when you finally regain perfect sight, Aphrodite is gone.

Everything is still for a moment, before it’s broken by Eros’s voice.

“Well,” he mutters, running a hand through his hair. “That could’ve gone worse”

You don’t answer. You can’t.

Because now, the exhaustion is hitting you all at once. The battle in Artemis’s verse, the fatigue that follows the mark’s activation, the sheer weight of what you’ve been thrown into - it crashes over you like a tidal wave. Your body feels like lead, every muscle burning, every bone aching.

The world tilts.

You sway on your feet, gripping your side as your vision blurs. Someone - Kazuha? - says your name, but it’s distant, muffled, like a sound travelling through water. Your knees buckle, and the last thing you hear before the darkness takes you is Eros’s voice, sounding oddly far away.

“Guess we push him a little too hard”

And then – nothing.

♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎

After seeing skeletons and three headed beasts in your dreams for weeks in a row, you already know what to expect when you are beyond your consciousness. Or maybe, something far worse.

But this time, it’s different.

The material beneath you is soft, a stark contrast to the cold, hard ground you remember collapsing on. Blinking against the golden light filtering from above, you push yourself up slowly, your muscles still aching from…everything.

The room around you is massive, circular, its marble walls pristine and smooth, interrupted only by tall pillars that stretch towards a domed ceiling. It reminds you of Persephone’s chamber in the underworld, the only difference being its cold, dreadful atmosphere replaced by a cheerful one.

The air smells of salt and roses, an odd combination that somehow makes sense. Sunlight streams in through openings between the pillars, casting shifting patterns across the polished floor.

You look at yourself. Your body is still bare, but it’s not misty and see through like back in your visit to the underworld. So, you are not dead yet. That’s a relief.

But you have learnt that if something looks remotely safe or welcoming in this world, it mostly isn’t. So you try to be cautious. As cautious as someone who’s butt naked and defenseless can be.

You are starting to contemplate whether you should just go back to sleep when you see her.

Karina, leaning against one of the pillars, dresses in a different outfit now - a white tank top, perfectly fitted jeans, and sneakers that look too clean to have ever touched mortal ground. It’s nothing godly but her beauty never fails to shine through, betraying her divinity.

“You’re awake,” she notes, her voice smooth, unimpressed.

You sit up stiffly, wincing at the stiffness in your limbs. “Am I dreaming?”

“Sorta” She tilts her head slightly, regarding you like an interesting specimen. “I borrow your soul for a while”

You don’t really understand what she means but decide not to raise questions. Not out of fear but rather, the curiosity of why she has brought her here in the first place.

“I have come to offer you a gift,” Karina says, answering your thoughts.

You blink, unsure you have heard her right. “A gift?”

She hums in confirmation, but doesn’t elaborate.

You hesitate, sensing a trap somewhere in her offer. “Why?”

She doesn’t answer straight away. Instead, she studies you, her gaze sharp and knowing. And then, with the faintest of smirks, she says, “Because I feel like it”

No way you are buying that.

Your mind races back to her confrontation with Eros, how she has despised his plan to dethrone the gods. “I thought you don’t agree with Eros’s plan” you say, watching her carefully.

Her smile doesn’t falter, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. She shrugs. “I didn’t say that”

That throws you off. “So you agree?”

Another shrug. “I didn’t say that either”

You stare at her, frustration creeping in. “That’s not an answer”

Aphrodite sighs, folding her arms. “No, it’s not”

She steps closer, stopping just at the edge of the bed. From this distance, you can see the way the lights catch in her dark eyes, how they shimmer like a vortex of jewels. She looks casual, relaxed even, but you can sense it’s all a mask to hide something deeper.

“You think the power you have now is impressive?” she asks. “That little trick you pulled on Artemis? That’s nothing”

You frown. “Nothing?”

She chuckles, shaking her head. “A fraction. A sliver. The barest hint of what you are capable of” Her assessing gaze hovers over you, like she’s imagining what you have become. “Right now, you are a candle in the dark. But given time….you could be a wildfire”

More power. That’s exactly what you are afraid of. If you have already developed the thirst for the mark, you wonder what will become of you if its power grows. Will you even be human?

You swallow hard. “And, you’re just telling me this out of the kindness of your heart, aren’t you?”

She smirks. “Oh, sweetheart. I don’t do anything out of kindness”

You don’t doubt that.

She steps back slightly, slipping her hands into the pockets of her jeans. “This gift I have planned to give you. It’s a taste of what to come”

You tense. “What kind of gift?”

She smiles, slow and deliberate. “A new ability. One you will unlock eventually. But I’m feeling generous today”

You don’t know if ‘generous’ is the right word. Whatever she’s offering, it’s not just for you. There’s something in it for her, too. There always is.

“What ability?” you ask carefully.

Karina’s smile deepens. “Let’s find out, shall we?”

And before you can react, she reaches out, pressing two fingers against your forehead.

The world tilts-

And everything explodes.

♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎

When everything stops spinning, the marble room is gone.

You blink. The soft glow of divine architecture is replaced by dim fluorescents of a….classroom. You find yourself seated in a chair of a location too familiar.

It’s the kind of room you have seen a thousand times before - rows of wooden desks, a blackboard at the front, a few motivational posters peeling off the walls. The faint scent of chalk and old textbook lingers in the air. Outside the window, the world is…nothing. Just an endless, swirling void.

You barely have time to process the shift before you hear the click of heels against the floor.

When you turn, your brain nearly short-circuits.

Karina is leaning against the teacher’s desk, arms folded, one leg crossed over the others. Only now, she’s not in her usual jeans and tank top. Instead, she’s dressed like every high school fantasy rolled into one - a tight white blouse, unbuttoned just enough to reveal her ample cleavage, a red plaid skirt that barely reaches mid-thigh, thigh-high stockings, and glossy black heels. She’s twirling a piece of hair around one finger, watching you with amusement.

You open your mouth. Nothing comes out.

She smirks. “Welcome to my verse”

Your brain is still buffering. “Your verse is a classroom?”

“For you,” she says, hopping up onto the desk and crossing her legs. “Unlike the others you have visited, mine is unique. Do you know why?” She leans forward slightly, her tits on the brink of spilling out from the fragile fabric. “It shifts and bends…according to the visitor’s deepest kink”

You stiffen. “That - that’s not true”

She raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Then why do I look like this?”

You have no answer.

Karina chuckles, tapping a finger against her temple. “Don’t be shy, sweetheart. The Verse doesn’t lie”

You swallow hard. “You - this - you are messing with me”

“Am I?” Her lips curve into something wicked. “Or are you just embarrassed that this is what your subconscious really wants?”

You are hard. So hard that it hurts. Your cock is rigid and springing up to its full length. With the lack of clothes, you have no way to hide your arousal. But you shove it down, trying to focus. “Why bring me here? What’s the point?”

Karina hums, swinging her legs idly. “I told you - I’m giving you a gift. But power is best awakened when you are completely in sync with your own desires” She tilts her head, watching your reaction carefully. “And nothing lays a person bare quite like this”

You want to deny her, try to compose yourself. But the truth is - she’s absolutely right. She’s pushing all the right buttons, using every buried fantasy of yours to her advantage. You know what’s coming next is inevitable, even with your lust hazed brain.

Karina slides off the desk with the grace of a predator, each step deliberate, heels clicking across the floor. Her eyes lock onto yours, and you find yourself rooted in place, unable to move.

She circles around you, like she’s sizing you up. Her fingers trail across your shoulder, down your arm, sending a shiver through your body. Her touch is light, teasing, but it feels like she’s peeling off layers you didn’t even know you had.

“You’re tense.” she whispers into your ear, her breath tickling your ear. Her hands rest on your shoulders, massaging gently, but there’s a weight to her touch that makes you weak. “You shouldn’t be”

You try to keep your breathing steady but it’s a losing battle. Her presence is overwhelming, seeping into your brain, clouding your thoughts.

“What are you doing?” you manage to ask, though your voice comes out shaky.

She chuckles softly, her lips brushing against the shell of your ear. “I’m just showing you what you are capable of.” Her hands slide down your chest, pressing lightly, and you can feel your resolve wavering, crumbling under her touch. “You have so much potential, so much power. But it’s locked away because you’re afraid”

“I’m not-” you start, but she cuts you off, spinning you around to face her. Your eyes instinctively fall on her plentiful tits, which are now on full display from this new angle.

“Eyes up here, honey,” she cups your face, forcing you to meet her eyes. “You’re afraid of the power inside you. Afraid of what you could become. Afraid of losing control” Her thumbs brush over your cheek, her touch light yet commanding. “But power is only dangerous if you don’t understand it”

Everything she’s telling you could be a lie. But you no longer care. Because all you crave now is more of this, more of her touch, her breath, her warmth. Her hand slides down , resting against your chest, and you feel your heart pounding beneath her fingertips.

“What do you want, really?” she asks, her voice a soft purr. “To be free of this? To understand it? Or maybe…” Her lips curve into a knowing smile. “To embrace it?”

Your mind is spinning, her words digging deep, unraveling desires you didn’t know were there. She rests a hand on your thigh, tracing idle patterns on your skin. Yet, her eyes never leave you, holding you captive.

“Stop fighting it,” she breathes, her voice a soft command. “Let go”

You feel the last shed of your resistance crumbles to dust. It’s intoxicating, the way she breaks down your walls, knocking them over like mere toys. And you finally relent, letting go of the fear, the doubt.

“Good boy” she praises.

And that’s when she crushes your lips with hers.

It’s not love. Far from it. It’s not affection either. But it’s equally addicting, something you want more the moment you have its taste, like an oasis in the desert. And Karina doesn’t keep you thirsty. She keeps on kissing you, letting you busk in the feeling of her silky lips, moist and soft each time they make contact with yours. Her tongue slips out to seek yours and you happily let yourself be found, intertwining it with yours, tasting her.

Her hand on your thigh isn't still either, slithering its way upwards until it finally reaches the hardness between your legs, gripping the base. You let out a moan against her lips, as her grip tightens. She can feel you throbbing. You are sure of it. She can feel how desperately you need her.

She gives you a single stroke, her fist around your length pumping a single time. And that’s enough to set you off.

Your veins flood with power. Your whole body is enveloped in gold. The upside down pentagon on your pelvis glows brighter than ever. And your cock, looks like it can destroy armies (literally).

Karina pulls back, though your lips still connect with a string of saliva. The scene turns you on so much that if it’s not been the mark, you feel like your cock would go numb from throbbing.

“And we are back,” she muses, studying your cock like it’s the most precious thing in the world. “Look at this beautiful thing”

“You are not affected by the mark?” you ask, surprised. Persephone and Artemis have become slaves to the mark’s power as soon as it activates. But Aphrodite doesn’t seem fazed. In fact, she looks mesmerized.

“The mark only punishes those who try to fight it” she says, now stroking your shaft in an agonizingly slow pace. “I embrace it”

She’s still admiring your cock with sparkling eyes. You are used to people cowering before the mark with fear or sometimes even disgust that someone worshipping it is such a strange sight. On the other hand, perhaps, you are content that someone finally acknowledges its power instead of treating it like a curse.

“Only a fool would reject something this…divine,” she mutters dreamily, her digits tightening around your shaft. “This hard. This….big”

She places a single kiss on your tip and you swear you can see stars. You can feel her breath on your skin, the phantom warmth that precedes what comes next.

“May I suck your cock, sir?” she asks, voice dripping with feigned innocence.

She’s fueling your fantasy. If the settings and the outfit aren’t enough, she has decided to roleplay too. A roleplay that’s too accurate to be a roleplay.

“You may,” you reply. You don’t know if you are in the position to give orders, but if she’s really getting into this slutty schoolgirl act, you decide you’d better too. Afterall, it takes two to tango.

“Thanks, sir” And with that, her lips part around your tip, swallowing you inch by inch until half of your shaft has disappeared into her wet warmth. Her tongue swipes at your slit and the moans spill from you before you can control yourself.

Karina pulls back, a glint of something like victory in her eyes. “You need me that bad, sir? Need that big cock in my pretty mouth?”

You can’t voice an answer. Your brain is too jumbled to string coherent words. So you give her a single nod.

“I thought so,” she says as if it isn’t obvious before she welcomes your shaft back into her mouth again.

You throw your head back in mind-numbing pleasure. Everything feels so….surreal. Her lips gliding along your veiny shaft, her tongue that darts out so often to taste your leaking slit, the loud slurping sounds she’s probably making intentionally to rile you up.

It's a mess. It’s filthy. It’s everything you want.

The goddess of love herself is blowing your shaft. Or rather, Karina, the dream woman of million fans, herself has your cock in her mouth. You doubt both are luxuries that just anyone gets to experience.

Maybe Karina is just doing this for her benefit. It would be downright idiotic to think that a goddess would blow your cock for free. But right now, your mind is blank, focused on the single blissful feeling of Karina’s mouth working your length.

A loud gurgle escapes her lips when she swallows your whole shaft, nose pressed against your pelvis. The sudden, constricting warmth of her throat is unexpected. But when a goddess deepthroats you, you don’t complain.

She locks her gaze with yours as she holds your cock captive in her throat. Seconds pass but she shows no sign of backing out, still as determined as ever to keep you trapped in her tight warmth.

As for you, each second passed is another step to utopia, wishing this euphoric feeling never ends. Let her keep your cock warm forever.

But your hope quickly crumbles when she finally releases your cock, leaving it drenched in her drool. A waterfall of saliva stains her blouse, rendering it transparent to the point you can see the slightest hint of her rosy nipples.

“Oh, look like I’ve made a mess,” she says casually, like getting drool on your clothes is a normal occurrence. “I’d better clean up, hmm?”

You don’t understand what she’s talking about until she starts unbuttoning her shirt. Each loose button reveals more of her milky, round globes, peaking around the white fabric. She gets the job done quickly but it’s not like there’s much button left to begin with. Soon, her blouse lays a crumple heap on the floor.

“Like what you see?” she asks, like that’s even a question.

You are mesmerized. You can die happily now, you think. She may not be the real Karina but she’s still….well, Karina. And a full view of her glorious tits, which have their own fandom, is a privilege.

“Yeah…..” your voice comes out a shallow whisper, unable to think of anything except tits, tits and tits.

“Thought so,” she says, standing up and for a moment, you have a horrible thought that she’s gonna leave you like this - wanton and desperate. It’s exactly the kind of thing Aphrodite would do.

Luckily, she’s not feeling cruel today because she gets right back into her schoolgirl persona. “Say, sir. What do you think about stretching me out with that big cock?”

“You don’t even need to ask”

At your reply, Karina settles on your lap, facing you as she slowly guides your throbbing shaft inside her short skirt, her hands coming to rest on the nape of your neck. You watch your cock disappear into her red clothing, until you feel a wetness connect with your tip.

“Fill me up” And just like that, she sinks herself onto your shaft. You both let out a moan in unison. Her, from being utterly stretched out and you, from the way her walls squeeze your length.

Neither of you move for a second, adapting to this new position of depravity. But it doesn’t last long as Karina starts to roll her hips slowly. Your hands instinctively rest on her waist, guiding her movements.

“Fuck, you are so big. Even bigger than Ares…” she groans. You have no idea who she’s talking about but hey, a compliment’s still a compliment.

“Come on. You want those tits, don’t you?” she urges, pushing those busty globes into your face. And you gladly oblige, latching your lips onto one of her stiff nipples.

“Mhmm fuck” she groans as you swipe your tongue at her rosy bud before moving on to the other and doing the same thing. You decide not to be too greedy for now, devoting yourself to tasting one of her milkers, sucking and licking.

She writhes and trembles at the attention you are giving her tits, but her hip action doesn’t waver. She’s still riding you steadily, letting you enjoy her goddess pussy each time your shaft splits it open.

“God, your cock feels so good. So fucking big. Nghh…” She starts to pick up the pace, literally bouncing on your cock now as you turn your attention towards her unattended nipple, enjoying it the same way you did to its predecessor.

This double pleasure, that comes from both her tits and her pussy, can’t be described with words. It’s something beyond human comprehension that you doubt any other mortal could have gone through this and survive.

Her walls squeeze you just right, as if it has memorized every vulnerable spot, tackling with a precision that leaves your mind swimming.

Each time her ass crashes down onto your cock, she lets out a guttural moan. Her huge tits are jiggling so much now that it’s now impossible to put your mouth anywhere near. So you stop trying and enjoy the view.

You feel your body tingling with power, like a nuclear reactor on the verge of exploding. The glow on your pelvis grows brighter until it bathes the classroom in gold. Nevertheless, Karina is relentless - fucking herself on your throbbing cock like a bitch in heat. Who knows goddesses can be so beautiful yet so filthy?

But even the chosen one has his limits as you feel yourself spiralling to the inevitable end of this insatiable lust. The faint tingly feeling on your cock grows stronger until it’s overwhelming and soon, you unravel.

For a moment, all you can see is white as you unload spurt after spurt of your vile seed into Karina. It just keeps coming, everything stored in your balls, spilling into Karina’s cunt as she shudders from her own release. A few grunts follow as Karina rides you until she’s sure she has squeezed out the last drop of your load.

It takes a while to gather your thoughts.

When your senses finally return, Karina has returned to her earlier position on the desk, with the same cross-legged posture. The only difference being her tits out on display and the steady droplets of your cum dripping from under her skirt.

“Well,” she begins, not a hint of exhaustion in her voice, though sweat beads her temple and her hair has become a crumpled mess. “There’s your gift”

You blink. Karina has promised you a new ability but you don’t feel any different.

Then you realize.

You don’t feel any different.

Usually, extreme exhaustion, like you have run a marathon, follows after the mark’s power subsides. But this time, you don’t feel any of the fatigue, the weariness. Then you look down and find the answer.

The mark is still there. It has not disappeared like before. It’s not alight with power but it still glows a faint gold. Does it mean you can control it now?

“The mark….” you mutter.

“Indeed, the mark,” Karina agrees, amused at your realization. “Pretty handy, isn’t it? You don’t need to keep passing out every time you use it”

She is, no doubt, correct. Not only that you haven’t passed out but a fresh surge of energy has started travelling through your body. Your breath catches in your throat as another wave of arousal overwhelms you, and your cock springs up instantly from its limp form.

Karina smirks at the sight. “Easy there, tiger. Or we might stay in this verse forever”

This power. It’s pure and absolute. There’s no more doubt. No more fear. You have embraced what you are.

You are not a god. No. You are something far better. Something a thousand times more perfect. In no time, those who call themselves the divines will cower at your feet. In fact, they already are.

You are snapped out of your triumphant thoughts by the rattling sound of the desk as Karina slides down. She approaches you in slow and measured steps, like you are a bomb which can go off anytime.

“I’m sure we will meet again, Michael,” Karina says, inches away from you now. “For now, farewell”

Once again, she presses two fingers to your forehead.

And you spiral into an endless void.

♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎

As abruptly as it has started, you find yourself back in your room at Eros’s place. The dim glow of city light filters through the rain-streaked windows, casting shifting patterns on the walls. Outside, New York sprawls endlessly, neon signs flickering, car horns blaring faintly in the distance. The scenery has shifted again.

The storm hasn’t let up either. Rain drums steadily against the glass, its rhythm oddly soothing. You half expect to feel the ache and exhaustion after you have landed face first on the floor but instead, your body hums with a quiet, unfamiliar energy.

You feel better than you have been in days. Better than you should.

Pushing yourself up from the bed, you flex your fingers, testing the sensation. No soreness, no aches. If anything, you feel sharper, like a blade freshly honed.

Suddenly, a chime pulls you from your thoughts.

You glance to the nightstand, where your phone screen glows softly in the dim room. A single notification sits at the top: a dark heart icon from the app you are too familiar with - the Ero app.

New ability acquired.

You snort, but the amusement fades the second you swipe open the screen and catch sight of the new wallpaper.

A bright, obnoxious Hello Kitty background stares back at you.

You sigh “Eros, you motherfuck-”

Shaking your head, you open the app - the same one that dragged you into this whole mess - and freeze.

It’s different.

Before, the Ero app was nothing more than a sleek, minimalistic portal. No menus, no settings - except for some occasional forewords about your quests. But now, the interface has shifted.

At the center of the screen is you. Or at least, a stylized version of you, shirtless, standing with an aura of gold swirling around you. Below it, your Profile is displayed, listing your Abilities in neat, glowing text.

Lust Epidemic. That must be the one which got the hunters acting like bitches in heat.

Domination. You are puzzled for a moment, then remember the mark you have imprinted upon Chaewon, turning her into your obedient slave.

And last but not least.

Endless Ardor. The one Aphrodite has granted.

And then, farther down-

You narrow your eyes.

A section labeled “Goddesses Conquered”.

The figures of Shuhua(Persephone), Chaewon(Artemis) and Karina(Aphrodite) are there, fitted in borders of golden hue. But the rest? Locked Silhouettes, dark and shadowed, their names blurred.

This looks like something out of an rpg game except that everything is real.

At the bottom, something else catches your eyes. A meter labeled Perfection.

It’s at 10%.

You stare at it, a strange unease creeping in. Perfection? What is that supposed to mean? And why does it feel like the app is tracking something you don’t fully understand yet?

Before you can think further, the door swings open.

Eros strides in, smelling like he has drowned in every perfume known to man, dressed in fresh clothes - ripped jeans and a loose button-down that hangs open just enough to be obnoxious. He grins like he owns the place. Which, considering this is his place, might not be far from the truth.

“Morning sunshine,” he drawls. “I come bearing a gift?”

You raise an eyebrow. “A gift?”

Eros steps aside and the angel enters.

Kazuha walks in, looking clean and refreshed. The wounds on her body are nowhere to be seen. She’s dressed like some kind of agent - fitted tank top, dark jeans, combat boots. Though you have to admit she looks insanely hot, that’s not what catches your attention. It’s what she’s holding.

A leash.

Connected to a collar.

Wrapped around Chaewon’s neck.

You are speechless. The once proud goddess of the hunt, stands on all fours, no different from a dog. There’s not a piece of clothing on her except for the collar around her neck. She stares at you with curiosity, but the fire in her eyes is gone, replaced by utter and complete obedience. Somehow, you get a feeling she’s awaiting an order.

Your order.

Eros chuckles, clapping a hand on your shoulder. “Congratulations, buddy. You have officially tamed a goddess”

♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎

This one takes quite a while because I have been procrastinating. Thankfully, I get into the mood for some mythological action again. Enjoy.

[vivwritesfics]

another one (cuz apparently im only on a roll at 2:36 am on a sunday morning) fernando (aka the love of my life aka the man of my dreams aka MY MAN) and idrc what it is like maybe hes ur bodyguard or dads best friend or best friends dad but i js NEED an age gap. thank you vivi.

I woke up thinking about this one lmao

Warnings: smut hints, age gap (the usual for this sexy old man lmao)

How did he let this happen? He knew it was a terrible idea, to let her tempt him into her bed.

But here he was, arms wrapped around her as she slept soundly. God, she looked so pretty, he thought as he watched her. Her chest steadily rising and falling as she slept, back pressed against his chest. His fingers were laced through her own, feeling every time she slightly flexed them in her sleep.

He looked past her, at the red numbers flashing on her alarm clock. Slowly and carefully, Fernando attempted to untangle himself from her. He wriggled his fingers from between her own and pulled back.

A cross between a whine and a groan left her lips when Fernando pulled away. "Where are you going?" She asked, voice croaky and her eyes not quite open.

He dropped a kiss onto her cheek. "I need to go," he whispered.

She turned in the bed to face him, the expression on her face furious. "Stay," she commanded. If he had been wearing any clothes, she would have grabbed his shirt to keep him in the bed with her.

Fernando looked past her, looked at her alarm clock once again. It was a risk, but she was worth it. "Five more minutes, Bichito." (Bug)

The minute he said it, she climbed her way on top of him, legs settling on either side of his hips. "Let's make the most of it, then," she whispered and dipped down, crashing her lips against his own.

***

Fernando watched as the daughter of the wealthy business man sipped her ice coffee. Round sunglasses covered her eyes and she had one leg crossed over the other. He couldn't deny that she looked good.

But she wasn't looking at him. That would have been unprofessional of them.

That didn't stop her from speaking to him. "What if I went on a holiday somewhere?" She asked and sipped at her drink. Although she wasn't looking at him, it was so damn clear she was talking to him.

"Where would we go, Bichito?" He asked, his gaze forward.

She shrugged her shoulders, and Fernando just about caught it out of the corner of his eye. "Somewhere private. Somewhere that nobody would bother us. Somewhere it could just be you and I."

Fernando couldn't stop the smile from gracing his features for just a second. Somewhere it could just be the two of them. That sounded amazing. Actually, there was nothing more that Fernando wanted.

She finished her drink, ice rattling as she stirred them slightly. But then she stood and began walking away from the café. Fernando fell into step just a few paces behind her. If he had been a weaker man, he would have let that distract him. Would have let the sight of her walking, the way her hips swayed from side to side, to distract him.

But Fernando was used to it by now. After the first time she managed to pull him between her sheets, she did what she could to try and pull his attention while he was working. Out and about, Fernando kept it under control. But the moment they were alone, he had her pressed against the wall, lips desperate against her own.

And that was what happened this time. He got her back to the family own, got her into her room, and trapped her against the door, his hands exploring her body.

The body he knew so well by now. He knew every dimple, every curve, every mole like the back of his hand. He knew every inch of her.

And that was wrong. It was so damn wrong. Fernando was forty and she was at least fifteen years his junior. No matter how hard he tried to stay away, he just couldn't.

His forehead was against her own, fingers brushing against her cheek. "Mi amor," he whispered and kissed her once. "Mi corazón," he whispered again and kissed her again.

"Nando," she whispered, fingers moving through his hair before she hooked them over his shoulders.

He held her chin, thumb gently pulling down his bottom lip. A noise was released from her throat, a desperate one that had him chuckling. "I'll take care of you." His hands moved to her hips and he pulled her away from the door, laying her on the bed.

It was wrong, so wrong, but Fernando couldn't stay away.

[xoxochb]

Morning!

Can I rq Jason grace having to properly confront mr d at a dinner for dating his son (like the one from the Dionysus hcs/blurb it was awesome!)

Thx so much!

⋆·˚ ༘ * and how the blood rushed into my cheeks

warnings: none

pairing: jason grace x gn reader

your were a tad bit scared to say the least. you had arranged a dinner with your boyfriend and your father- aka a literal god

it had been jason’s idea, he wanted to tell your dad about how the two of you had been dating for a few months, and of course you agreed, you needed to get this out, but it was absolutely mortifying to think about how your father may react to the news

the dinner was set up at camp half-blood where your dad had been exiled to as punishment, and now you sit waiting with your boyfriend for your dad to arrive

you almost have a heart attack when he sits down and begins speaking, “you wanted to talk?”

jason speaks for you when he notices your worried nature “I did”

“about what?” the god asks

you turn to jason because it was his idea to do this, “well, bac- dionysus, uhm… I wanted to tell you that I’m dating your child”

for a moment you’re worried, very worried. your dad sits with a look of surprise, maybe he’s happy? or maybe he’s angry

“I knew it”

that was the least expected response

you don’t say anything. what on earth are you even supposed to say to that?

“I bet all my money on you two, I noticed it when you brought him to camp that first day. guess who’s getting fifty dollars today?” he laughs and takes a sip of his soda can

you let out a sigh of relief “you’re not mad?”

“of course not! he’s a good kid” he points to the boy beside you “but don’t think I won’t change my mind if you ever do anything to hurt them”

why did you ever think this was a bad idea?

[juniperdugong]

Perfection {Teaser}

No one has looked at you like that. With such admiration, such kindness. Taking in all your details and intricacies. Playing with a piece of paper and through it piecing together what was meant to be you. Eyes glancing back and forth with a smile. Oh god, why did the mortician have to have such a sickly sweet smile as he looked at your corpse? Why did your soul not leave when it was meant to?

Pairing: mortician!mingyu x corpse!fem!reader

Genre: Mortician!au, Horror!au || Fluff, Crack (simply bc this concept is not normal in the slightest babes), Romance, Angst(?)

Warnings: Mentions of death, corpses, and gore (Nothing in depth and nothing intended to disturb) || Necrophilia(?), It's more like Necro-romance, aka romantic attraction to a corpse. || Nudity || {Please let me know if there are other warnings you would like me to add}

Teaser WC: 518

Songs that inspired this fic

A/N: Hey, people...First fic and it's one based on all the different renditions of Frankenstein...Because of course, I would. My incessant need to write stories with insane premises is shining right now. If you listen to the playlist I hope you don't mind the mix of goth, rock, and folk. Oh lord, in my mind I just feel like Mingyu would be the type of hopeless romantic to fall in love with a dead person. I hope y'all enjoy!

Not proofread!

Series Masterlist

He was oh so gentle with you. The way he was careful with his movements as he heaved your stretcher onto the table. Your eyes followed him as he went ahead and gathered various things from around the room. Setting them on a table near you. A deep breath settled in him as he scanned your body. You felt vulnerable in this state, not much you could do about it but still. He got a clipboard and read through it. As he did he circled you, tapping gently at different parts of your body as he went along. Assessing your situation and what he would have to make "presentable" no doubt. Then he stopped. Pausing as he made his way back towards your head. Another sigh as he gazed at you. "You were so pretty. I wish we had met under other circumstances y/n." If a heart was in your body it would be beating so fast right now. His hand reached out and grazed your forehead. Is he moving the hair from your face? If you had working veins you would be blushing wildly. This is crazy. You've decided that this is crazy. Your soul for some reason has decided to stick to your body instead of following the heavenly trumpets towards the pearly gates of paradise. And here you were, prisoner in your own skin, unable to move or speak or do much of anything. And the only thing on your mind is the man who is preparing your body??? Oh, Christ. What the actual hell is happening? Also, why does it seem like the mortician is just as invested in you? Are morticians supposed to have organ jars in their preparation rooms? You suppose they do take care of those sorts of things, plus he's the professional in this situation, right? "The more I look at you…The more I wish…What am I saying?" he shook his head with a huff. Your eyes were open, not like you could willingly close them, but you were somehow able to see in this state. You could see the way the protective gown fell on his arm, very faintly outlining some sort of muscle. The way his breath caught on the mask, not shallowly at all either, a heavy breath. Almost like when he looked at you you had taken it away and he was grasping to get it back. The gloves that held snug to his big fingers, his warm hands, the ones that graced you gently with every touch. So caught up in memorizing his features you hadn't noticed that he was tracing your inner arm and staring right back at your lifeless eyes. "Actually, you might be perfect and these might just be perfect circumstances y/n…" he tilted his head as he said those words, gazing deeply at all of you, taking you in like some person at the other end of the bar. Why was he walking away? What did he mean by perfect? Is he walking over with one of those jars right now? Lord, you should've followed the trumpets…

{Right on time, just minutes after voting closed, let me know what you think, love you all!}

[pjohoo-reclists]

Percy Jackson & Neptune Fic Recs

A list of fanfics featuring the platonic/familial relationship between Percy Jackson and Neptune. Enjoy!

kept you like an oath by aadarshinah

Not Rated | 800 words | Complete

Percy Jackson & Poseidon, Percy Jackson & Neptune

Temporary Amnesia, Percy Jackson Needs a Hug, Flower Crowns

"You were born for a reason, Percy Jackson. Perhaps it was to remind these Romans of the power of the sea." Or: One universe over, a world exists where Percy gets 24 hours between being accepted into the legion and being sent to Alaska on the quest to free Thanatos. This has a greater effect than anyone could realize.

Daddy's home by IncompleteTh0ts

G | 1.2k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Neptune, Neptune & Poseidon, Hazel Levesque & Frank Zhang

Memory Loss, Camp Jupitar, Son of Neptune

Percy finally meets his father.

Fishing And Fishermen by orphan_account

G | 1.3k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Poseidon, Neptune & Poseidon, Neptune & Percy Jackson

Post-Son of Neptune

In the attempt to make the visit less awkward, Neptune- employed by Juno/Hera to talk to and make sure Poseidon is well- tells a cryptic story of Perseus's time in SON. Later he finds himself answering a prayer Aka: Uncharted bullshits their way into extending the storyline and narrative and finds themself actually liking its actions upon the story

Storm Drains by Phoenix_And_Thestral

G | 2.1k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Poseidon, Percy Jackson & Neptune

Short & Sweet, Bonding, Pre-Canon

He had not come here to speak to the boy. He really shouldn’t have stuck around as long as he had. Neptune had just thought to see him, to see what child Poseidon had borne after so long heeding the oath. He could tell the child would be powerful someday -- assuming, of course, that he lived that long. And yet, Neptune found himself sitting on the curb beside a storm drain, trying to convince the mortal child that there were great whites under the streets of New York.

bellow, bid our father rise by magdalenes (ariadnes)

T | 2.5k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Neptune

Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Camp Jupitar, Father-Son Relationship

The first thing his father ever says to him is, "Y'have a way of prayer, boy. Best be careful with those thoughts. Ye may be my get, but I'll leave you for the gulls to pick over just as quick."

He's Mine by PunkFlame

T | 3.1k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Poseidon, Percy Jackson & Neptune

Seafam, Powerful Percy Jackson, Ascension

"He doesn't belong to you." Poseidon spat, allowing his own form to burst from its bounds. Neptune laughed, "Any of your treasures, especially your treasured offspring, belong to me. He has been mine from the time he drew his first breath." Poseidon growled, the water around them beyond ice cold. "No. You will leave him be. Stay away from my boy." "I think not. You've had your chance, now it's my turn."

bloodtide by DragonflyxParodies

Not Rated | 4.5k | Last Updated May 23, 2024

Percy Jackson & Neptune, Percy Jackson & Kymopolia, Percy Jackson/Nico di Angelo

Non Canon Compliant, Past Genocide, Divine Retribution

There are no water gods in New Rome.

marked me like a bloodstain by aadarshinah

T | 5.5k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Poseidon, Percy Jackson & Hazel Levesque, Percy Jackson & Neptune

Temporary Amnesia, Father-son relationship, Powerful Percy Jackson

"Nice to see you're not letting losing that upstart Achilles' curse slow you down."

Perseus Jackson and dii Consentes by CarpePugna

M | 6.7K+ | Last Updated Oct 16, 2023

Percy Jackson & Jason Grace, Percy Jackson & Neptune, Percy Jackson & Lupa

Roman Mythology, Camp Jupitar, no sugarcoating the myths here

Life’s been pretty normal for Percy and Jason since they left the she-wolf Lupa and arrived at Camp Jupiter; but now, with tensions stirring amongst the gods, Jason and Percy must band together to protect not only New Rome but the rest of the world itself. AKA the Roman!Percy au that’s not very original since I’m plastering over canon with Roman legends instead. But I hope you like it all the same!

Even with just a name by 60sec400 

G | 8.6k | Complete

Percy Jackson & Poseidon, Percy Jackson/Annabeth Chase, Percy Jackson/Neptune

Dark Percy Jackson, Good Parent Neptune, Roman Percy Jackson

Small snippets in a world where Percy chose the ocean. Neptune finds his son. Perseus Jackson has a quest for the glory of Rome and the glory of Neptune. Only, well, he's met another god. And that god wants him to find Annabeth Chase, the one name he's had in his head since he's woken up other than his own. aka. disconnected scenes that could exist in a son of neptune au

The Ascension of Percy Jackson ( as brought to you by Poseidon) by breakerfaith

T | 22k+ | Last Updated May 31, 2024

Percy Jackson/Annabeth Chase, Percy Jackson & Poseidon, Percy Jackson & Neptune

Ascension, Poseidon Loves Percy Jackson, Alternate Universe

Poseidon looks at Percy and decides " no you don't get to die" and focuses on turning Percy into a god.

[harleyspinn]

i reworked the noble hierarchy in westeros

i saw a tweet about this yesterday and couldn’t stop thinking about it. it said something along the lines of “i wish grrm had used more diversity in highborn titles bc everyone is just a lord.” while i think grrm said he did this on purpose to make it all less confusing, i had a hyperfixation on noble rankings a few months ago and started developing more nuance to this stuff once i fixated on asoiaf. because of the tweet i really Really wanted to share this but i do not have a public twitter account (thank god)

also i don’t like that the literal king of the continent is called “your grace” when that title usually refers to non-royal dukes / duchesses. yeah it used to be a monarch’s title but the term “majesty” is so much more dramatic and i Love that stuff !!! i used a combination of english and canon titles with a dash of russian influence

THIS IS JUST FOR FUN it’s completely self serving and i wanted to share it for anyone else who desires even more complication in this fuckin series Don’t Attack Me.

so yippee here is my personal opinion on how westerosi nobility should be addressed (under the cut bc long post). the heading is the reworked title and form of address, and below i have random notes and reasonings aka me infodumping

pm if you have any questions or want to contribute!!!!

King / Queen of Westeros - “His / Her Imperial Majesty”

i wanted this to be more commanding and imposing to really show how coveted and important the throne and its power is aka give more realistic purpose for people to want it so bad. i think grander titles can put that idea him to people’s heads (besides “it’s neat” or as daemon said “a big chair made of swords”)

the title king / queen is perfectly good but i think it should be reserved for only the sole person on the throne. in my made-up ending of asoiaf, dany is queen of the six kingdoms (the north seceded and is ruled by sansa like in the show, and they have a close political allyship) and abolishes male-favoring primogeniture.

she also does some other stuff but that doesn’t matter here

westeros is technically an empire but i don’t want to call the monarch the emperor or empress, so i used just the form of address. since it’s a lot of syllables, the full three-word title is only needed during introductions or the very first address of the monarch. afterwards, the person speaking to them can just call them “your majesty” or “majesty” or “my king / queen”

—

Spouse of the King / Queen:

Grand Duke / Duchess - “His / Her Imperial Highness”

again, i wanted the king / queen to be The Person In Charge (whether or not the actual person does the work they should lol) so their spouse is less powerful than them and therefore not called “majesty”

i wanted to change this title more drastically because of my made-up ending (where dany is queen) and how there would definitely be future female monarchs who marry men, and i think having the king consort be called King would be confusing to people who are used to having only male rulers. it’d mess with their little heads

a duke is a nobleman who rules over a duchy and a lot of them are royal. in a lot of european monarchies, the grand duke title holds a similar amount of weight as the grand prince or archduke (i think used only in austria, so i didn’t go with that one) and only less than the king / queen so i thought this was a good fit :)

THAT BEING SAID!!!!!! this is also a lot more syllables. i decided that culturally and historically, most people have shortened their reference to the king’s wife and call her the queen. in all formal situations she would be the grand duchess, but calling her the queen for ease of conversation isn’t treason

—

Widowed spouse of the King / Queen:

Grand Lord / Lady - “His / Her Imperial Highness”

this was a recent addition because i thought everyone calling alicent the queen in hotd was a little silly. she was the queen for some time and is now the mother of the current king (and queen) and i like that they call her “queen dowager” sometimes, but since she would have been called the grand duchess in this timeline, i adapted that into something that seems respected and important but matches the political power they hold (not very much)

like how the grand duchess is casually called the queen, a grand lord / lady is sometimes called the queen dowager or the queen mother (see next point)

there is an exception to this title: if the widowed spouse is regent while their child is underaged or unable to rule (ceresi after joffrey is crowned) then they are called the queen regent or the queen mother, but becomes grand lady after their child comes of age. another example of this would be aegon ii being crowned when he’s an adult, so alicent was never his regent, therefore she would only be queen dowager or mother

all of this also swaps to if there’s a male widow it’s all the same thing just made masculine bc i don’t know the nuance of gender identity in westeros

i don’t like this one as much but idk what else to call it lmao

—

Siblings of the King / Queen:

Grand Prince / Princess - “His / Her Imperial Highness”

similar reasoning to the grand duke / duchess. siblings of an active monarch are super important but are not the same as their spouse

concerning targcest: the more important title overrules the one they’re first entitled to. example: helaena is never a grand princess because her and aegon married before he was crowned. she goes right to grand duchess, whereas aemond and daeron (yeah.) are grand princes

importantly, this title stays the same if and when the sibling outlives the monarch. they keep it for their whole lives Unless they gain a more important one, whereas almost all other titles change as soon as the monarchs do

—

Children, Grandchildren, and Siblings-in-law of the King / Queen

Prince / Princess - “His / Her Imperial Highness”

sometimes simplicity is key. in my head, any augments to this title indicates a lowering in status (the addition of “grand” meaning that they aren’t in line for the throne anymore, and the addition of “lord / lady” lowering them to a further removed position. second one is coming up next)

—

Children-in-law and nephews / nieces of King / Queen:

Lord Prince / Lady Princess - “His / Her Highness”

these guys either aren’t blood related to the monarch or aren’t really in line for the throne. since non-royal nobility is still all variations of lord / lady to me, giving them this additional word kind of removes them from the main royal family

also taking away the full extent of the address by removing the “imperial.” they’re deserving of respect because of their relation, but are still more lowborn

the children-in-law of a monarch can keep their royal title(s) if they are widowed, but they lose them if they divorce

—

Great-grandchildren of King / Queen:

Great Lord / Lady - “His / Her Grace”

and so appears the title of “your grace”

i wish i didn’t have to come up with this one but people have kids so damn young in this world that the kids often have actual relationships with their great-grandparents. so here we go, a royal-friendly variation of the lord / lady title. they aren’t grand, but they are great

—

King / Queen of The North - “His / Her Majesty”

i like the idea of a free north. idk what the iron islands are doing and i haven’t thought about it enough to care yet

the north is not an empire, so they don’t get the addition of “imperial”

—

Spouse of the King / Queen of The North:

King / Queen - “His / Her Grace”

again, i just wanted to be loyal to grrm’s choice of address. and i don’t think the north would care as much as to who is who in terms of The Ruler, so sansa’s husband can be called the king

—

Widowed spouse of the King / Queen of The North:

Lord King / Lady Queen

they’re royal but they’re also not too politically powerful. same as the westerosi one. i just got hit with sleepiness so sorry if these notes fall off in terms of quality

they don’t have a form of address beyond “my lord / lady” bc the north is less formal

—

Siblings of the King / Queen of The North:

Prince / Princess

same as above in reference to the form of address!

i didn’t want to name it this for a while Only Because arya would not like being called princess. but it made sense for everyone else, so here we are

—

Children of the King / Queen of The North:

Prince / Princess - “His / Her Grace”

if there aren’t any kids of the king or queen, then the younger sibling that they name their heir is also called this. like when robb is king then bran is his heir bc he doesn’t have kids so he is called this when it’s just him and rickon in winterfell early in the series

—

Prince / Princess of Dorne - “His / Her Highness”

full respect to the dornish wanting to keep in their ways hell yeah

this also goes for the spouse of the ruler! the both of them are meant to rule in tandem because dorne is less exclusionary than the rest of westeros in this sense

—

Siblings of the Prince / Princess of Dorne:

Lord / Lady

dornish royal custom is more informal but i still wanted the family to be called something, so i mirrored the rest of the continent

—

Children of the Prince / Princess of Dorne:

Lordborn / Ladyborn - “His / Her Grace”

same as above!

—

Head of a Great House - Highlord / Highlady - “His / Her Grace”

this is basically a lord paramount. the primary house of a region (the old kings) is called a great house. i wanted to keep some of grrm’s titles so not much would reallyyyy have to change, but there’s basically no difference between a lord paramount and a vassal house and a lowborn one so here we are

the books refer to these people as “high lords” so that’s mostly where this came from. i also really like combining words that make sense to be combined! that’s why some of these new titles are Just altered versions of lord or lady

i want the highlords to be distinctly different from lower houses, so they have a simple form of address

—

Spouse and Siblings of the Head of a Great House:

Lord / Lady

yes both of these guys have the same title because they probably carry similar power and influence with the highlord

—

Children of the Head of a Great House:

Lordborn / Ladyborn

this is also inspired by the term “lordling” that’s used in the canon. once one of the children becomes a highlord, their siblings all take the lord or lady title

—

Head of a normal House - Lord / Lady

boring run of the mill yes yes let’s go

i don’t feel like making another category: the spouses of a head are also called a lord or lady. same thing

—

Children of a Head of a normal House:

Lordborn / Ladyborn

born of a lord. girl is lady born of a lord

—

MISC NOTES!!!!

knights are still Ser ofc

once a person is appointed to a role of importance, they themselves are obligated to the title of Lord or Lady. this doesn’t extend to their family members. in my mind, these roles are ones on the small council or a high steward. ofc if this person already has that title then they just keep it

instead of “my lord husband” (example), the royal family would refer to other royal family members as “my royal husband” or “my royal hand” if the hand of the king is another royal family member

if a highlady marries a man then the husband does not need to change his house / surname, but if a highlord marries a lady or ladyborn then she becomes “Lady [name] [house surname] of House [husband’s house]”

the daughters of a head can keep their lady title if they marry someone with no titles but they hold little power

widows of a head may also keep their title but them and their children hold little power after the passing of their lord

nieces and nephews don’t get titles unless they’re related to royalty

children born to a lady and a non-lord do not get titles

idk if this is canon but in my head all dornish bastards are legitimized if they are children of any royal family members

the introduction “of House [name]” is reserved for royalty, great houses, and the head of a normal house. everyone else who belongs to a lower house is just called “[first name] [house name]”

continued from above and similar to the informal address of a grand duke / duchess, royalty and nobles and such are still addressed without the “of House [name]” but only in informal settings or after being addressed with their full title

i probably said this, but titles of all house members change right as fellow members or lose titles (examples: if a head of house dies before their siblings the siblings return to their prior titles, often lordborn / ladyborn if they were also children of the previous head. same for widowed partners)

IF YOU READ THIS ALL THANK U I AM FUELED BY AUTISM AND EGGO WAFFLES

[angel4astraea]

𝑨𝑳𝑯𝑨𝑰𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑴'𝑺 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑳𝑰𝑺𝑻𝑰𝑪 𝑳𝑰𝑭𝑬 & 𝑨𝑭𝑭𝑬𝑪𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑺

alhaitham as a partner might be the most confusing thing ever. .

♡ meeting the scholar and scribe of the akademiya wound be purely be for business at first. he's not the type to linger at cafes alone or for leisure often, same with any public place; he'd rather be working, at home where he can read or doing gods know what.

♡ alhaitham isn't known for his affection or anything remotely vulnerable, that's more kaveh's thing. for him, it was his wits and stone faced expression he wears everyday without a moment to breathe. most people i assume wouldn't try to flirt or touch up on him because he'd brush it off or tell the person off.

♡ however, after meeting quite a few times, i believe he'd be open to discussing things in the evenings at a cafe he's specifically used to. anything unknown will feel unsteady and cause him to have cold feet and tight lips. drinking is off the table alongside that, he'd rather keep his brain intact when speaking to a colleague or potential business partner.

♡ i believe that if you're more of an outgoing person like kaveh, he's only going to keep you at an arm's length away. he can't handle overbearing emotions, from what i believe. however if you're like him: composed, logical and possibly having ambitions that are reachable, he's more inclined to allow you into his mind when thinking.

♡ if you do manage to get on his good graces, aka having a good level of trust and reliance for when he needs intel, physical support or general knowledge on topics he hasn't quite covered, that's the beginning of his curiosity about you. he'll observe your actions, sayings and common habits. another thing is that he'll subtly note things he's learnt about you from others mentally. had a rough time with soandso? count yourself lucky because that person will scramble off when they get a whiff of you. somehow, alhaitham knows things better than you . . still.

♡ once he starts watching, he doesn't stop. he keeps a sharp eye on you like an eagle. even if you can protect yourself efficiently, he still feels the need to be on standby. it's almost like he's a shadow himself, lingering here and there where he predicts you'll be. alhaitham does dryly admit to this after a serious occurance happens (which includes eremites and the outskirts of sumeru city). though you might find it unsettling or nerve wracking, he finds his deeds endearing. he wants to make sure you're secure, protected and under his broad wing.

♡ though, if you get past that, he acknowledges that his feelings towards your are actually more than business partners or even friends. he isn't sheepish or anything alike, he states his mind clearly like usual with that monotonous voice. he'll sit you down and state the facts, the possible emotions he had pinpointed in his chest. following that, he'd ask you questions. was this okay? were you interested in this pathway? were you scared?

♡ he leaves the decision up to you, giving you enough space to comprehend what just happened. yeah, you could go off to kaveh and ask if he was genuine but of course, alhaitham would be in the house probably. so, you invite the blond to the usual cafe to get some more details. it's almost like an interrogation of the sort; asking kaveh about how alhaitham works, the deeper meanings between his words and so forth. to which, the blond reveals so much more about the attractive man.

♡ depending on how long you take, he'll keep the meetings relatively normal. alhaitham isn't one to be affectionate, as mentioned above so, doing it with someone he just dropped a huge bomb on? hell no. he might keep some distance though just in case of rejection. he's never had a partner, let alone someone he let in so easily in his eyes. it's an unknown territory he can't go in alone. . especially without you.

♡ if you do start dating the scribe, he'll take you out on formal dates at first. his income leaves him a comfortable amount of room to give you luxury. he's tense about it though, he doesn't know what to do and definitely doesn't want to be caught asking someone about how to love someone. he's figuring it out, be patient.

♡ he keeps this under wraps until you're both comfortable telling others. that could be a couple months up to a year at best. alhaitham isn't one for gossip flying around him about his own life. if he wants to keep it out of sight, he implies demands it to others who suspect something is happening.

♡ when you two come out to your friends, i 100% bet kaveh will be ecstatic, tighnari, collei & nahida will be so proud of him, and cyno will def make puns related to this occasion. but overall, everyone is content with the good match.

♡ after a while, he relaxes with the 'proper' dates and does more casual things. he feel comfortable enough going on walks with you, having nice meals outside, visiting all around sumeru and generally doing more lighthearted activities. one thing i believe he'd love to do is read you his books, petting your hair. it's unusual for others to comprehend what he's saying, especially since it's an advanced literature. but when he hears your soft breathing after falling asleep, i think he'd be the most content.

♡ he wouldn't think of starting a family with you until after the two year point. since it's his first relationship, he probably wouldn't want to rush anything. however, he knows he can support you and whatever children you two have/adopt financially. emotionally however, he might need more time to learn how to give affection to a person so small and without the years of being alive to grasp a basic idea of emotions.

♡ though, he wouldn't mind having a child or two. having too many scares him tbh. he doubts his own skills when it comes to human connection. but if you were to guide him gently and with practice, he'd become accustomed to it. . behind doors of course. he wouldn't bring up the topic itself until you two are past the two year point and are engaged.

♡ when it comes to being engaged, he'd ask after two years and give some thought into it. even though he isn't the sappiest person alive (like kaveh), he'd try his best to make it a night to remember. he'd plan everything and dedicate it to you. depending on which nation you're from originally, he'd add in some cultural things from your family.

♡ engagement would last a year-ish to two. he likes to make sure that this is the person he's binded to forever. when he figures it out, he makes sure the wedding has both cultures involved--which of course makes it lavish.

♡ when y'all are comfortable after the wedding, he'd be open to children. if you can't have children for whatever reason, alhaitham would bring up the topic of adoption. there are definitely orphans that need homes and it would pay off to see you smile, in his opinion.

♡ moving onto the bedroom topic. .

♡ i don't think he's a beast, he's more likely to be closed off to the idea of physical intimacy until he has faith that it's a safe space. yeah he can be cocky if he catches you taking in an eye full but that's about it until his first time.

♡ prob not all that kinky tbh. he might be a top and/or a power bottom. he's okay with you taking the reins when he's tired but that's rare.

♡ office sex. yea. especially when he's acting grand sage. dude is probably so stressed that he can't come home at a normal time to see you.

♡ speaking of, you two might've been caught a few times in office while going at it. some people are scared to enter or go near his office because it. most know to at least knock twice and call out his name to see if it's fine to come in but some don't.

♡ in conclusion, confusing man but good morals!

[urmultideadfandomperson]

Random Facts about Dahlia Rosenheim

(have a chart, too, inspired by @amber-of-tharaval :D)

Dahlia's surname is completely coincidental. V (the creator aka me, since that is my initial) just thought of the surname in the middle of a blackout in school. Assuming it was original, V takes Rosenheim as Dahlia's surname. One day, when she randomly searched up 'Rosenheim' in Google, she discovered it was actually an existing city in Germany.

Dahlia is unsurprisingly named after a flower. Her mother always loved flowers, especially dahlias. Therefore when Dahlia was born, her mother named her after the flower.

Dahlia's main occupation is a lawyer. She works in her own law office, formerly working under her uncle's law firm. She owns a rice business to invest money faster, advised by her mother.

Dahlia's income per month is 200K-300K. During harvest months, it can reach a million.

Dahlia prioritizes the things that she love such as her family and friends. But as a Christian, she always puts God first.

Dahlia once wanted to be a psychiatrist, knowing that mental health nowadays is completely overlooked by many. But she stopped achieving the dream when she discovered their monthly income.

People would most likely know her by 'Atty. Rosenheim' than her own name.

Whenever it came to the seven deadly sins, Dahlia's main enemy is envy. Her second is lust.

Dahlia was formerly twenty-two (22) years old. But due to her experience with past lovers, V changed her age to twenty-four (24) years old.

Dahlia is a huge Swiftie. Her favorite album is 1989 and her favorite song is 'this is me trying'.

Dahlia uses a lot of skincare products. Those are cleanser, moisturizer, sunblock, face mist, and cherry lip balm.

Dahlia's body is slightly chubby. She also has stretch marks.

Dahlia's breasts are lower than average. At often times, especially when in the beach, Dahlia feels insecure.

But then she hears from her friends with a bust that they suffer from huge breasts. Suddenly, she is thankful.

Dahlia's family is complete. Her parents are alive and well, and she loves her siblings with all her heart. They also have a pomeranian dog.

Dahlia has siblings! She is the eldest of them all. She has a younger brother named Ray (middle child) and a younger sister named Sapphire (youngest child).

Dahlia loves all animals, though she prefers dogs over cats.

Dahlia loves mathematics, and her intelligence in school is rather high according to her classmates.

Dahlia is a huge bookworm. She owns many novels in her shelf. Her favorite genres are fantasy and mystery. Romance is a subgenre for her.

In personality, Dahlia is in between extroversion and introversion. However, she leans more of being an introvert. Therefore her MBTI is INFP-T.

Dahlia likes to cook at times when she is by herself in RILM. She is especially proud when she cooks Filipino cuisines.

Dahlia is a huge sweet tooth. She loves to eat a lot of sweets.

Dahlia's body isn't entirely flexible. In fact, she is quite stiff. This can be noticed whenever she dances.

Speaking of dancing, it may not look like it but Dahlia loves to dance. She loves to imagine she is in a ballroom, dancing with grace and passion. She often laughs during dance practices.

Dahlia can play instruments. She is great at both the guitar and piano, though she much prefers to play the guitar.

Dahlia's guitar is inherited from her father.

Dahlia knows how to do Muay Thai. Muay Thai is a martial arts in Thailand, one of the most deadliest martial arts. Her father wanted to help her learn self-defense, and Muay Thai was perfect. In fact, Muay Thai is suitable for small people.

Dahlia's voice is mildly deep compared to other women. Her voice is also soft and gentle.

It is rare to see Dahlia angry. And if she is, beware not to push her buttons.

Dahlia is lowkey into science and technology, even archeology! She loves to see such historical items and new inventions that can help today's society.

Dahlia can fluently speak Filipino. She also once tried to learn Japanese in Duolingo. However, she stopped during her lesson in directions.

Dahlia learned Russian in Duolingo before she switched to Japanese. She cannot catch up with the information and difficult words.

Dahlia is often mistaken to be an earth sign due to her appearance. When in reality, she is actually a water sign. Her personality explains it all.

Dahlia, although she is very embarrassed and ashamed, Dahlia has higher than average libido. This is because (tw. implied early exposure) Dahlia's cousin introduced her to those things at a young age. Her cousin was still a vibe, though since they get along very well.

Speaking of the past lovers, Dahlia has four exes. Three of them were serious, and one was only a fling that lasted for only four months. (This will be elaborated in a future post.)

Just like most of the girls, Dahlia is a delulu.

Dahlia's face shape is a diamond, eye shape is upturned, lip shape and eyebrows are thin, and eyelashes are quite long.

Dahlia has a small circle of friends. Her best friend is Zarnaih Marchessa (Zarnaih belongs to @naihhhhe, my bestie <3)

Despite drinking milk everyday in the mornings (she prefers chocolate milk), Dahlia is still short in height. She always questions herself about this.

Dahlia's love languages are acts of service and words of affirmation. She likes to receive physical touch and words of affirmation.

Dahlia and V know each other. The character and the creator bond together a lot, making them close.

Okay, this is a lot or information about her. This is enough for now. She has more, but I guess this will be good. Thank you for reading!

[cilil]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬… 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞﹖﹖

We know Mairon as the dark lord in spiky black armor, witchy black robes and all the nice evil-looking stuff, but I believe he's also made excellent use of the color white, especially as Annatar in Eregion and Zigûr on Númenor.

White is seen as a balance between all colors and has thus been associated with both simplicity and perfection. It often symbolizes cleanliness, purity, innocence, elegance, grace, divinity, beauty, clarity, possibility, hope and goodness; on the other hand, it can also be associated with sterility, coldness or distance (source) and YouTube apology videos. Overall, it tends to be seen in a more positive than negative light (pun intended).

Another interesting tidbit to note is that the banners of the Host of the Valar were also white:

But the host of the Valar prepared for battle; and beneath their white banners marched the Vanyar, the people of Ingwë, and those also of the Noldor who never departed from Valinor, whose leader was Finarfin the son of Finwë. (Silmarillion)

I believe this detail is particularly important for Mairon's Annatar persona, since he was posing as an emissary of the Valar. A lot of art depicts him in white and golden robes which I like a lot; it basically screams "I am a divine being coming to your aid" and creates a false sense of security due to him wearing the colors of his enemies and their allies, trying to appear as one of the "safe" Ainur. He also doesn't hide his Maiarin nature and instead deliberately uses it to legitimize his supposed mission, present himself as an authority and pretend that only he knows best.

Perhaps part of the reason why some wise Elves were wary of Annatar was precisely because he appeared too bright, too pure, too perfect; some of them have met other Maiar before, both in Valinor and Middle-earth, and due to their vastly different personalities and natures it's likely that not all of them would have leaned this hard into the "We are the Holy Ones" (for those who don't know, "Ainur" means "Holy Ones") aesthetic.

I believe Mairon made use of the color white again on Númenor for his Tar-Mairon/Zigûr persona for similar reasons. The Númenóreans were also aware of his Maiarin nature and humans are famously more impressionable than Elves, so the image of this beautiful, elegant, graceful, wise, holy angel man works even better against them. What may have aided him additionally was that Eönwë had appeared on Númenor before, as a benevolent guiding figure and representative of the Elder King, and due to the color of the banners and his position, it's likely that he wore a lot of white (alongside Manwë's blue) and that this detail then made its way into depictions of him.

Mairon knew of course that, generally speaking, he had more to gain as a "bright lord" than as a "dark lord". People are more likely to listen and follow when they believe you have good intentions. Thus he had to overcome his little "image problem" of very much being known as a dark lord, an evil spirit, a fallen Maia; and by once again adopting the divine aesthetic of Valinor he created a mental dissonance between what the people of Númenor heard in tales about him and what they saw with their own eyes and gradually replaced their old image of him with a new, carefully curated one. I like to think that he once again opted for lots of white and gold and also took a good look at Númenórean Eönwë fanart depictions of Eönwë to copy a few details.

Additionally, Mairon could have used white to symbolize the enlightenment brought about by his religious revelations (aka lying to Ar-Pharazôn by saying that Eru isn't real and was made up by the Valar to scam people while Melkor is the real God and will totally make them immortal). It also seems deliciously cruel to use the color of hope for a cult whose purpose it is to destroy the hopes and dreams of Númenor forever and bring death and destruction upon the land and its people.

And aside from symbolism, I also think Mairon enjoys the sight of fresh red blood splatters on pure white fabric. It's just... very pretty and aesthetic, you know? And such a shame it was so often nearly invisible on his black robes...

@sauron-kraut look I finally wrote it all out xd

Thanks for reading! ♡

taglist: @asianbutnotjapanese @a-world-of-whimsy-5 @blauerregen @bluezenzennie @destinyeternity1

@edensrose @elanna-elrondiel @i-did-not-mean-to @just-little-human @melkors-big-tits

@melkors-defense-attorney @numenhore @urwendii @wandererindreams

[eddieisashifter]

MEET ME IN MY PJO DR

NAME - Azrael Edmund "Eddie" Crowley

AGE - 14 yrs (as of TLT)

GENDER - Non-binary (he/they)

GODLY PARENT - Thanatos (Cabin 15 is shared between Hypnos and Thanatos)

ABILITIES: Umbrakinesis (including manipulating shadow energy, shadow travel, cloaking, and the ability to summon wings), Life force manipulation via touch (aka draining and refilling the life force of living things) minor medium abilities (speaking with and seeing spirits of the dead), minor dreamwalking

BEST FRIENDS: Annabeth Chase and Percy Jackson (<3), Nico di Angelo, Clarisse La Rue, Thalia Grace, Ambrosia "Eden" Crowley (twin!)

"I didn't die at twelve, guess I'm here till ninety-three."

BACKSTORY:

It's hard enough to be a forbidden child of the Big Three, try being impossible. Thanatos, as the personification of death, is unable to create life, and therefore, unable to have demigod children. But, after falling in love with a certain witch from Vermont, Thanatos took it upon himself to try.

By trading souls for souls, life for life, two children came to exist. The twins of death—Ambrosia and Azrael. Their existence defied every law of nature, of life and death, and that attracted the gods attention—and not in a good way.

Due to their unstable powers, the twins were forced to be taken to Camp Half-Blood sooner than most, as their control over the forces of death made them dangerous to mortals. But, on the journey, the twins were attacked and Ambrosia fell protecting the other—supposedly.

I always felt out of place at Camp Half-Blood. It was never to do with other kids. They found me odd or off-putting at first, but I made them warm up to me. Being a child of Thanatos comes with a certain stigma. People look at you like you the harbinger of the apocalypse. You could sulk and be moody about how no one understands you, or you could actually do something about it. Dismantling stereotypes takes one step, and the rest will come in time. For now? I do my best to help unclaimed kids find their place at Camp. I help those who aren't taken seriously because their parent is a minor god find their voice.

People are still scared of me sometimes, and I get it. People are scared of the unknown, and death is the biggest unknown in mortal life. But, I'm dismantling stereotypes one person at a time. Not just for my benefit, but for all demigods at Camp Half-Blood.

Appearance Moodboard

Magical Weapon

Ειρηνευτής (Eirineftís) - "Peace Bringer", Stygian Iron, rotate ring 360 degrees to turn it into scythe mode

PLAYLIST:

(DON’T FEAR) THE REAPER — BLUE OYSTER CULT GILDED LILY — CULTS UNSWEETENED LEMONADE — AMELIE FARREN BRUTUS — THE BUTTRESS EVERYBODY DIES — BILLIE EILISH IT’S CALLED: FREEFALL — RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE BALLAD OF A HOMESCHOOLED GIRL — OLIVIA RODRIGO TEENAGERS — MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE NO TIME TO DIE — BILLIE EILISH THAT’S LIFE — FRANK SINATRA CHOKE — I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME DIE WITH A SMILE — BRUNO MARS, LADY GAGA

"If I can't find peace, give me bitter glory."

[sparrowsupportgroup]

religious symbolism with both ais and leander -

Basically these two fucking weirdos, Ais and Leander, are like God in their own way. They anoint “sinners”(the sinners being people drinking from the Seaspring, joining the Groupmind vs. the people joining Leander’s Bloodhounds) through “blood offerings”(aka drinking from the Seaspring or craving your name into wood and joining the Bloodhounds)

Both Ais’s and Leander’s concepts having references to blood is interesting because blood is symbolically seen as LIFE. By taking an blood oath(Leander) or drinking blood(Ais), you’re essentially absorbing a new life within you; when you take the blood offering, you’re being purified and made anew

Interpretation of blood offerings from The Old Testament - From the perspective of Christianity that everyone is a “sinner,” the forsaken people that drink from Ais’s Seaspring and the lost people who join Leander’s Bloodhounds are like sinners who take the blood (aka the life) of the victim, which is the source of atonement that said sinner is looking for, in hopes of finally achieving a holy union with God

Both can change lives like a God would, they both have religious connotations - Leander’s whole design/lore touches on his powerful magic, Christianity, God, the Virgin Mary, and priesthood. The fact his cult gang is called Bloodhounds is so interesting because God was frequently called The Hound Of Heaven by Puritans because God will relentlessly pursue an fleeing lost soul in order to force them into accepting His Divine Love and Grace. This is similar to how Leander slowly wore down the bartender and got her to crave her name in wood and join the Bloodhounds and his slow yet persistent wearing down of Mhin

The religious symbolism is more subtle with Ais but it’s there - joining the Groupmind is preceded by drinking from the Seaspring for a “miracle” guided by Ais, in which the drinker’s trauma and identity is washed away, similar to how one’s sins is washed away during a baptism, how Ais calls MC Sparrow and biblically, sparrows represent God's love and care for His creation, as well as the importance of humility and trust in God's provision/plus there’s this gospel song “His Eye On The Sparrow”(heavy eye imagery with Ais)/his “blood in water” concept makes me think of how drinking blood of Christ in Christianity signifies His human body and death and eventual resurrection, and the heavy blood-and-water imagery in the Bible that speaks of both the purification powers of water and the sacred price of blood that represents Christ’s martyrdom is similar to Ais being able grant the forsaken a miracle(cleansing power of the Seaspring) but it comes with a terrible sacrifice(losing your sanity/identity and being in a Groupmind). Ais is a martyr in the sense that he’s a host for Ocudeus and is responsible for “curing” the people that come to him for help

[hyakinthou-naos]

So I’ve seen a lot of posts lately from other people on whether or not minors should be devotees and I’m curious your thoughts on that?

Khaire Anon,

Thank you for your question! This is a more serious and somewhat touchy topic in the community, so I am going to attempt to answer with grace and kindness.

Also, please also be aware that while these are the opinions of both myself and The Temple, neither is a religious authority and our word is not law.

With that being said, the short answer to this question is that - yes - I believe that minors can be devotees. So long as they understand what being a devotee means, and willingly consenting to said relationship.

(The following might seem like a silly analogy, but bare with me.)

When someone is a minor, they can consent to romantic relationships with others. These relationships are different than those of their adult counterparts, but they can still be validly classified as relationships/dating. However, minors cannot consent to engagement or marriage until both parties are of legal age.

I personally believe that religious experience and devotion/devotee-ship functions similarly.

When a minor is a devotee to a God/Deity - it may seem to the adults around them that they're not a "real" devotee (whatever that means). But just because it looks different than adult devotion, and just because there are limitations on the minors devotional practice does not make their experiences wrong or less legitimate within its own context.

There is some additional nuance to this subject that I will elaborate on below the fold.

Some Context:

I was raised Roman Catholic (my mother's family has been Roman Catholic for as long back as we can trace) and before I even knew how to speak I was attending mass. I didn't enjoy church as a child, but I was forced to go. I then became devoutly religious for a few years in my early teens before I symbolically left the faith. I say symbolically, because until I was 16 I was forced to attend mass as well as take Catholic Confirmation Classes.

So for the majority of my childhood and adolescence, I experienced what I call "Compulsory Worship" (aka Involuntary Worship).

With that being said - onto the nuance:

In the Hellenic Polytheist Community, as well as the Pagan Community at large, there seems to be the mindset (in some people, not all) that minors cannot consent to or have religious experiences.

I think that mindset is very dangerous, and swings to the opposite end of the spectrum from Compulsory Worship, into Religious Infantilization (aka Age Based Religious Infantilization).

If a person, be that they are a child - a teen - or an adult, wants to explore and experience religion then I believe they should be allowed to do so (as long as they are being safe, respectful, and kind).

When it comes to the topic of minors become devotees to a God/Deity - I think there is some grey area. I do subscribe to the common belief that minors cannot consent to the same things as adults - but that isn't to say that minors can't express and experience consent.

In my opinion, I believe that if a minor feels that they want to dedicate a part of their life to a specific God/Deity that they should be given the space to explore that type of relationship and commitment. However, I do not think that minors can consent to lifelong devotion and I do not think that minors can make oaths to The Divine.

At the end of the day, whether we agree with it or not, minors are going to engage with religious ideologies, concepts, and traditions. We can either help them and be a part of that process, or we can leave them to flounder on their own.

I think it is a much better use of our time to help these individuals explore these topics safely as opposed to shunning them or trying to control them without empathy.

But again, these are all just my thoughts and opinions, and I'm not the boss of anybody.

Thank you again for your question anon, exploring this topic through my answer was really enjoyable.

Eirene - peace and farewell,

- Aön

[cryptgrrrl]

The Top Fighters in Westeros and Essos: A Bloody Ranking

Ah, A Song of Ice and Fire—where swords sing, blood flows, and warriors become legends. Forget politics and honor; in this world, your legacy is carved with steel and savagery. Let’s rank the best of the best, the ones who make wielding a Valyrian blade look like an art form.

1. Ser Barristan Selmy – Barristan the Bold

The blueprint for legendary knights. Barristan is chivalry, skill, and grace personified. Even in his older years, he fights like a wine that’s only improved with age (Dornish, of course). He’s undefeated, unbroken, and the gold standard of swordsmanship. If The Winds of Winter takes him from us… well, let’s just say we riot.

2. Ser Arthur Dayne – The Sword of the Morning

Arthur Dayne wasn’t just a knight; he was the knight. Wielding Dawn, the most mystical sword in Westeros, his combat skills were the stuff of legend. His final stand at the Tower of Joy is proof that even gods can fall—though never without a fight. And honestly, we all wish Dawn would make a comeback.

3. Daemon Blackfyre – The Rebel Prince

Daemon didn’t just fight; he owned the battlefield. With Blackfyre, the ancestral sword of House Targaryen, he led a rebellion and became a walking symbol of ambition. Even centuries later, fans are still waiting for his legacy to resurface (hello, Faegon theories).

4. Jaime Lannister – The Kingslayer

Before he lost his hand, Jaime was a prodigy. His speed, precision, and sheer talent made him a force of nature. Sure, he had some ego (and incest issues), but his fall and rise as a different kind of warrior prove there’s more to Jaime than golden curls and Lannister arrogance.

5. Oberyn Martell – The Red Viper

Fighting was an art form for Oberyn. His spear was an extension of his charisma—deadly, beautiful, and unpredictable. His duel with Gregor Clegane? A masterclass in vengeance and, unfortunately, hubris. Oberyn may have fallen, but his legend burns just as brightly.

6. Khal Drogo – The Horse Lord

Drogo was raw power. No armor, no strategy—just unstoppable dominance. Whether on the battlefield or in single combat, he embodied the untamed savagery of the Dothraki. Short reign, but long-lasting fear factor.

7. Sandor Clegane – The Hound

Brutal, primal, and relentless. Sandor doesn’t fight with finesse—he fights to survive, and that’s what makes him terrifying. Beneath the gruff exterior is a man grappling with morality, but let’s not forget: he’s a nightmare with a sword.

8. Gregor Clegane – The Mountain

Gregor isn’t a fighter; he’s a weapon of mass destruction. His sheer size and strength make up for what he lacks in skill (aka all finesse). The guy’s an unrelenting force of chaos, and honestly, he makes most enemies look like ants underfoot.

9. Brienne of Tarth – The Maid of Tarth

Strength, honor, and unmatched determination—that’s Brienne. She doesn’t just fight to win; she fights for what’s right. Her victories over Jaime and Sandor speak for themselves, and her journey from mocked outsider to knight is nothing short of legendary.

10. Syrio Forel – The First Sword of Braavos

Syrio was poetry in motion. His water dancing style was elegance and deadliness combined. Though his time in the story was short, his influence on Arya—and the fandom—has lasted long after his tragic end.

Honorable Mentions:

Bronn: a cunning sellsword whose exceptional combat skills stem from a combination of street smarts, strategic thinking, and a ruthless disregard for his own safety.

Robert Baratheon: Took down Rhaegar at the Trident like a boss.

Jorah Mormont: Experienced, loyal, but not quite top-tier

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What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Who would make your top fighters list? Let’s argue like Westerosi lords—without the swords, please (or with them, if you’re feeling dramatic). 🗡

[specializationisforinsects]

On Names, Meaning, and Self-Determination

aka ✨✨I woke up wondering about the significance of the name Anthony at three am and I'm now certifiably insane ✨✨

Good Omens is undeniably a queer allegory, and also at the heart a story about self-determination and free will. I think I’ve discovered something related to these two things that I haven’t heard anyone talk about, and it’s making me loco.

Choosing one’s own name is a very queer (often trans but more broadly queer) action; a way to assert and affirm one’s identity, often in opposition to a power structure that existed in a previous iteration of one’s life - our hero does this several times. Let’s take a closer look:

(Disclaimer: I’m using he/him for Crowley here for clarity and because the show and book often do.)

Starmaker [???] -> Crawly

We get to see Angel!Crowley, popularly called the Starmaker, in the opening shots of season two. Whatever the Starmaker's name was, he's insistent at several times throughout history that that is no longer him:

"I knew the angel you were." / "The angel you knew is not me." "You were an angel once." / "That was a very long time ago."

I love that the narrative never tells us what Angel!Crowley's name is - and I hope it bears out in season three. That's not him, and quite clearly he doesn't want to be (mistaken for) that angel ever again.

When we see him again, (chronologically) Crawly is now fallen from grace, a serpent demon, introducing himself to Aziraphale on the wall of the Garden of Eden after all that business with the apple. This is pretty clearly a callback to Genesis 3:14:

And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

(Even though...chronologically...I think he had that name before tempting Eve.)

Crawly -> Crowley

In Golgotha, he cites Crawly as "too...squirming at your feet-ish" which again is not him (except for some *cough* situations into which I will not delve here) anyway

The shift from Crawly to Crowley is a subtle one, just a few letters. It speaks to me of a quiet rebellion against Hell, not changing so much that it attracts a lot of attention, but nevertheless rejecting the role Hell has cast him in.

[sorry my gifs suck so bad. It's quicker to grab a snippet than find someone else's better gifs.]

Aziraphale is surprised by this, but not unpleasantly so.

Crowley is making it clear he will only go along with Hell as far as he can. He doesn’t use their name for him, he’s not fully on their side. He still sees himself as a demon (unforgivable) but he’s taken some of his power and agency back. He won’t go blindly along with either Heaven or Hell, he’s asserting his independence.

(I don't know much about the meaning of this name, other than the fact that it's an Irish surname. Doubtless, there's some connection to Aleister Crowley. It's also apparently a maritime logistics company that will "Build and Operate the First Fully Electric U.S. Tugboat". Good for them!

It also reminds me of crows. I have a soft spot for bad boys who model their image after corvids as a defense mechanism.)

Anyway, part II. This brings us to the part that I woke up at three am thinking about.

Crowley, Anthony J.

"The famous Mr. Crowley!"

Here's what we’ve (fandom) spent a lot of time focusing on:

“What's the J for?” / “Just a J, really.”

Here's what I propose we focus on instead:

“Antony?” / “You don’t like it?” / “I didn’t say that! I’ll get used to it.”

Anthony. Why Anthony?

Anthony's not a name that appears in the Bible, but there are a few historical Anthonys we may know…

Marc Antony

(Most of this is pulled directly from wikipedia.)

Marc Antony was one of the Second Triumverate, a group of three men who ruled Rome after the assassination of Julius Caesar. Politically there were a lot of power struggles between them, and Antony married the sister of one of the other men (Octavian) in the triumvirate, as a kind of peacekeeping political move. However, Antony’s territory included Egypt and the young queen Cleopatra.

There were a lot of wars and sieges - I’m not gonna pretend I understand it, but basically Antony was hanging out in Egypt with Cleopatra and Octavian consolidated power in Rome, and started a smear campaign against Antony.

He argued that Antony was a man of low morals to have left his faithful wife abandoned in Rome with the children to be with the promiscuous queen of Egypt. Antony was accused of everything, but most of all, of "going native", an unforgivable crime to the proud Romans. Several times, Antony was summoned to Rome, but remained in Alexandria with Cleopatra.

Going native?? Where have we heard that before?

Octavian and other Roman Senators believed that turning the hostilities towards Cleopatra as the villain would gather the most support from Romans for war. […] Octavian's publication of [Antony’s will (alleged)] which named Antony and Cleopatra's children as heirs and directed his burial in Alexandria, was used as a political weapon in Rome to declare war against Cleopatra and Egypt as a whole. Octavian, now close to absolute power, invaded Egypt in August, 30 BC. With no other refuge to escape to, Antony stabbed himself with his sword in the mistaken belief that Cleopatra had already done so. When he found out that Cleopatra was still alive, his friends brought him to Cleopatra's monument in which she was hiding, and he died in her arms.

Oof. Choosing their own side under pain of death.

St. Anthony of Padua

Okay I’m not religious, and I'm tired of spending time on catholic websites but here are a few bullet points I found to make me scream

Saint Anthony is known in Portugal, Spain, and Brazil as a marriage saint, because legends exist of him reconciling couples.

Saint Anthony of Padua is known as the patron saint of lovers, often prayed to for meeting one's soulmate or finding lost love.

Pope Leon XII referred to him as “the saint of the world.”

Anthony

We don’t learn about the name “Anthony” until 1941, meaning that Crowley chose it for himself sometime after 1862 and before 1941. During a period of separation from Aziraphale after one of their bitterest arguments, he picks a human name for himself.

So, finally (jk this was first, but…)

I looked up the meaning of the name Anthony and (allegedly) it means “highly praiseworthy” or “priceless one”.

Take a minute.

The implications of this being a name he’s chosen for HIMSELF??

That maybe he hopes Aziraphale will call him??

That, to my knowledge in the show, Aziraphale hasn’t called him??

In conclusion

(I made myself crazy with this, please scream with me a little bit? I gotta go take a shower and wash the catholic websites off.)