#originally followed a friend there to get away from shiva

[neriyon]

Oh hey I completely missed the notice for new EU DC lol

Soooo Light, Shadow and Chaos (missing "Order" lol). Love the world names tho! I'll be confusing Pixie and Faerie (and Titania and Titan) so bad haha ^^'' But Innocence sounds really cool! Maybe I'll have to send some wayward alt over.

[dailycass-cain]

So a few weeks ago I hit over 5,000 followers on Twitter. As promised, tonight I look into the history Cass has with Bruce Wayne and Barbara Gordon. By doing so I'll answer the question: is Cass more of a Gordon or a Wayne?

To fully answer this question we've got to start all the way to the beginning with "No Man's Land" the Batman event that introduced Cassandra into the Batman world. Though originally in the comics Cass didn't show up until midway into the event. The novel by Greg Rucka however-

--Cass is shown in the story early on.  The move plants the seeds of the bonds the two will share for quite a long time. Here's the section involving Cass from the audio drama based on the novel.

More so, it has to be understood that the novel is the first time Cass is called by her name, and it is Barbara who gives her it. As the comics only called her Batgirl or an agent of Babs at the time.

This bit is retconned later in Batgirl Vol. 1 with the name business being more associated with Cass making the connection that she and Lady Shiva share a similar first name and--

-- in Batman & Robin Eternal where David Cain is the one to give Cass her name.  

You could theorize the reason this was taken away was to further separate Cass from Babs (and we'll get to that portion) and balance the Shiva as Cass' mother revelation.

It should also be noted, Babs watches through NML and then realizes that someone has taken up the Batgirl mantle (Helena Bertinelli) and Bruce is okay with it. This sets off Babs as it wasn't given her approval.

When Helena makes three mistakes, she's sacked as Batgirl.  This is where Bruce enters our picture with Cass. It's this fallout that causes Two-Face to further try and heighten his power in NML by taking out Jim Gordon.

Leading to him hiring assassin David Cain and Cass being caught in the crosshairs as she saves the father of her guardian (Babs). It's thru foiling these two attempts and her method of ending the contract Two-Face put on Gordon that puts Cass on Bruce's radar.

With Bruce realizing he can't conquer NML problem on his own, decides he'll need the Bat-Family to fully assist him on this. However, comes the sacking of Helena as Batgirl.

The move is later retconned in "Batman knew what Helena would go and do" thus ensuring he didn't have to look out the area she was at. Plus conquer taking a stand against the Joker in the final month of NML.

But back to the Bat-Family gathering, with a new member a title had to be bestowed on her, and with Babs blessing, Cassandra Cain became the new Batgirl.

The next step in the evolution of both came with Batgirl Vol. 1 #1 as both Bruce/Babs were key to Cass's supporting cast in the comic. Bruce more the stern boss, while Babs the motherly figure that watched and helped her.

I think this distinction should be noted as well the fatherly aspect didn't really develop over in Cass's main book. Rather, Batman: Gotham Knights (but more on that soon).  

Instead um... 😶😶😶

Okay, I'm gonna talk about the "bat in the room" aka the thing mostly everyone just buries when it comes to Bruce being a father figure to Cass and that's well the latter having a MAJOR crush on him.

It's something the Kelley Puckett run doesn't focus on thankfully (more going onto boss and later parental). Dylan Horrock's run which followed however um... 

See the key to Horrock's was Cass coming to terms with her teen hormones, sexuality (both her own and seeing others lust after her), and how to properly deal with them.

In the end, she realizes how to deal with two (Kon she just wants to be friends with and Black Wind well-- he kind of dies). 

 Then there's Bruce. Who she feels maybe is jealous of all her suitors (he’s acting more parental at least overbearingly). And it leads to um.. moments like this in #50 which Babs theorizes.

Now it's known by Babs, that Cass does have a crush on Bruce. Something that's brought up also in Gotham Knight at this time period during the whole "Is Bane Bruce's brother subplot".

So this whole period has this um.. sketchy subtextual period.  However, it is also Batman: Gotham Knight that also begins to lay the foundation of Bruce to treat Cass like a daughter.

Likewise, Cass's interactions with Dick/Tim are here in this comic too (which I covered in their evolutionary relationship with Cass) where their bonds became sibling-like.   

 Here for Dick and here for Tim.

Though it's not like Cass just had thoughts for Bruce, as we learn creators in the late '04 to '05 period creators on both Batgirl/Robin thought of the pair as romantic interests (hence why you have A LOT of ship art from that period until '07 when a certain heel turn basically sank it until a little bit or revival in ‘11).

So yeah, Puckett era and most of Horrocks' run? Cass was a Gordon. Literally, she even thinks of Babs not as something more than just a sister in #25, but as a mother.

Likewise, Babs sees the warning signs that something is truly up with Cass throughout the whole Shiva subplot whereas Bruce is more, "She has to confront Shiva and get thru this phase." And Babs is all, "THIS IS GONNA KILL HER!"

ut as we know Cass still goes thru with confronting Shiva, even with Babs' attempts to sway her from doing so.

Regardless, Cass is more Babs' daughter from Puckett to Horrocks.

Where it begins to shift toward fatherly with Bruce and her becoming a Wayne? You can probably begin with "Bruce Wayne: Murderer/Fugitive" where four BIG events happen in Cass's life.

David Cain targets both Bruce and Babs. 

Cass learns Bruce is Batman. 

Cain's “motive” for targeting them both (he’s honoring a contract made by Lex Luthor. 

Cain surrenders to confess to the murder of Vesper Fairchild leading to his incarceration.

Why target both? Because David figures both turned their daughter against him. However, it is AFTER this Bruce develops his more um-- bat dickery approach to Cass but also the sketchy stuff. At least for Horrocks. This is where Puckett has Bruce be more parental toward Cass right after this event. 

So it's near the end of Horrock's run that we reach our impasse where it all diverges.  Because at the end of the "War Games" event, Babs was leaving Gotham, taking away her as a mentor/mother role to Cass.

The other being the loss of Stephanie Brown aka Cass's best friend. Two key supporting members of Batgirl Vol. 1 and Horrocks left the book because of it.

Still, he wrote the catalyst which would break Cass/Babs apart in #54. Something that I covered when talking about Cass's Dyslexia disability.

The reasoning is understandable as Cass was neglecting her lessons and well mistakes are made. But this moment is what leads to the two having a fractured relationship.

While later Batgirl writer Andersen Gabrych does lay the seeds to mend that relationship in #67.  Well, he didn't have to time to finish it. Nor did Gail Simone, writer of BoP either. 

Though he did showcase more how much Cass was the mirror to Bruce during this time period. 

Because basically, all this is happening right around...

The period of the end of Batgirl Vol. 1 and the beginning of Cass's "heel" turn. Though we can hate on the turn there is one moment within Robin #148 which has Babs reacting rocked with Cass "dying".

Likewise, we have in BoP when Misfit showed up in her intro arc wanting to be the new Batgirl and Babs snapping at Charlotte when "Cass" is brought up.

The thing is if we're gonna go on and say who truly made Cass fully a Wayne in the conscious mind. It would be Batgirl Vol. 2 #1-6 aka “Redemption Road”.

I get the "why" as it takes Cass FULLY into being a Wayne here. Bruce/Tim are full-on family mode trying to keep Cass afloat while writer Adam Beechen addresses the grand flaws with the main Bat Books and Bat-Family (aka Dick).

I get the "why" this is Beechen trying to cement Cass and giving her the direction the story was going with the character AT THAT  POINT.

That's not to say he disregards Babs' time with Cass though. As in the story, she helps aid Cass in her quest of revenge. Though again, David Cain attempts to take her out (this time more for what she does than for the secondary reason).

But it's clear by stories' end where Cass is going as a character. She's a Wayne.

I get it the "why" as Beechen was undoing the damage he himself accidentally wrought on the character during this time period. This was him correcting the great claws in the infamous period of '06 to '07. 

Aka...

This hot mess:

But as we know this is where Cass's journey with both ended abruptly as minds were made to put Babs' back as Batgirl and for Cass to be ousted from the role.

Except things went another route instead. Let's just say '09 was a rough period because DC was gonna DC.

Though when Cass was brought back. I'd be curious to know what Gail would've done if she was allowed Cass as she originally wanted during her "Brightest Day" run of Birds of Prey.

It's a little "what if" I wonder what would've happened if Grant Morrison and Fabian Nicieza hadn't beaten her to the punch and reinvented the character as Black Bat with a path being the Batman of Hong Kong and further seeding the brother/sister dynamic she had with Tim.

Because sadly that's where the trail ends for Babs/Cass in the Pre-New 52 era. Wayne portion though? “Gates of Gotham” by Scott Snyder and Kyle Higgins continued to build where Batgirl Vol. 2 left off.

This mini though never fully said aloud basically strengthens the bounds of Cass and her brothers. We get so many good moments in this mini with her, Tim, and Dick while also the first meeting she has with Damian.

I think unknowingly this and the New 52 is why mostly Cass is more associated with the Wayne side than Gordons. Because unfortunately right across the horizon was...

We all know how DC "handled" Cass during this era.

I think this is where the clear distinction was fully cast off here. Because DC thought by having Cass around it would negate Babs' return as Batgirl.

HOWEVER!!

It's never said during the Future's End: Batgirl #1  but it sure as heck implied that Babs went on an adopting spree taking in Cass, Steph, and Tiffany.

I think of it and three other stories as the last beacons of Cass being a Gordon.

Because two years after this Cass was reintroduced into the DCU. However with provisions. One of those was crystal clear: no history with Babs.

Why?

If you know the "age-old" DC rule of this era. To acknowledge or establish Babs back as a mentor/mother figure to Cass it would "age" Babs up. Certain folk at DC wanted Babs as younger not older.

So it's not surprising AT ALL that Cass never appeared in Batgirl Vol. 5 until the very end. Now it's not surprising given Babs was doing her own thing with creators trying to find the character's path in the Rebirth era.

Not to mention for Cass? She was branded more toward Wayne side in her new origin as she appeared during Dick Grayson's "first year" as Robin now and was retconned being the second child Bruce encountered and tried to protect.

Which led us to this glorious moment.

However, DC still didn't want to fully dive into this because again it would "age Bruce up". So "half-measures" were taken and Cass was a "backseat Bat-Family member" than the "inner circle" (Bruce, Alfred, Damian, Babs, Dick, and Jason).

That's not to say writers (Snyder and his student James Tynion IV) wanted that reestablishment with either.

Oh, it was literally throughout the Rebirth Tec era. Just in small doses until the very end. When we got the FULL shot.

Along with this additional nugget of Cass going off to be mentored by Babs. Though those looking in Batgirl Vol. 5 would find this instead:

And again continued to find that until the very last issue for some reason. A part of me always wanted to ask any of the writers of Batgirl Vol. 5 but...  just never felt the need given--

-- we got "an answer" aka the third bone tossed on the side of Gordon with Bryan Edward Hill's Tec run aka #983-986 where we got MANY nods to the past with Babs/Cass.

It's just before we got any more with the two the door kind of closed shut on this side tightly.

Oh sure, we got Batgirls and so much. But never once (sadly) does it feel like Cass is a Gordon or Babs is mother/mentor to her. It's more Babs feels like the out-of-touch older member of the trio who's trying to fit in with the youths.

The Wayne side on the other hand? Oh, Bryan Edward Hill's Batman & the Outsider run was ALL about reestablishing that thanks to a concerned mother (among other elements).

And that whole end reached its crux with the series' end, a certain someone getting fired from DC, James Tynion IV's Batman run, and Batman Wayne Family Adventures.

All of this mish-mashed together gave us Cassandra Cain Wayne. But what of the Gordon side? I feel it's important to understand that there is one graphic novel that realized the importance more of Babs had with Cass more than Bruce did. 

 Of course, I speak of Shadow of the Batgirl. Where Cass gets TWO mother figures in the series. Jackie and Babs.

Writer Sarah Kuhn showcases WHY Babs is so critical to Cass's origin more than Bruce is. Thematically, Kuhn realized elements that are just more poetic between the two and we have the closest thing to what Puckett originally established.

Kind why the work is so highly recommended Kuhn took all the stuff that worked, took out what didn't, and added her own spin to the material.

It really showcases why Babs is more a necessity to Cass than Bruce is. I mean sure Bruce has his positivities too as a parental figure. It just takes what NML was giving. The next Batgirl finding Babs and her giving the teen the life she so craved.

However, Babs/Bruce represents the two sides to what Cass craves so in the end, she is both a Gordon and a Wayne.

It's just that during the "New 52" one side got lost because it would "age" Babs up, while for Bruce it was light on the "Wayne" side.

Why you have more Wayne than Gordon. But even with the bias we have still gotten nods to the past.

That's not to say there is a current DC writer who fully understands BOTH sides to the coin. Just that she's never fully gotten the chance to. *cough* Mariko Tamaki *cough*

So there is my final say as to "Is Cassandra Cain a Wayne or a Gordon"?

[meowww-ffxiv]

To follow up on that shitpost but absolutely Canon Event where Theodore asked Meowdred if he was gonna consume him like Hraesvelgr did Shiva should he pass before Mordred...

That conversation was derailed, but after like 24 hours Theodore realized that Meowdred did tacitly say, yes, I would do that for you.

It was just like why Meowdred married him, despite clearly adoring G'raha and probably would enjoy a far livelier sunny-warm kind of household with him.

Theodore was very weird. He knew he was weird. Maybe it was all that religious trauma growing up, maybe it was the draconic aether in his veins, but he'd always been unhealthily attached to the imageries of Coerthan legends. Of Shiva and Hraesvelgr, not even in the saintly way that Ysayle described them; rather, Theodore was obsessed with the violence and possession and sacrifice and supreme heresy "Shiva the apostate" committed, to have fed herself to a great wyrm.

If Theodore had no courage, he'd pass it off as an "Oh so sexy teehee" kind of way. With a few pints in him, though, he could admit that it was the heresy and madness inherent to Shiva's actions as viewed by orthodox Halonic scripture and not... you know...

Or, simply put, not all kinks were sexual by nature.

The other part of Theodore's request was simply because he had lost many, many people. They slipped away from him. Some left, some were taken, but Mordred was also the person closest to Theodore in the past decade. Theodore, who was a) lazy and b) very reticent and poor at forming deep friendships, had watched that cat walk away from him two, three times. Twice in those times was Theodore informed in the aftermath that Mordred had nearly died.

So it was the thing about Hraesvelgr and Shiva, and the thing about Theodore not wanting to get ditched again--

He couldn't possibly ask which one Meowdred was trying to humor when he gave his tacit affirmative answer. Surely it was the latter...

But then Meowdred had also been the one to engrave lines upon lines of Halonic scripture on the suit of armor he forged for him.

So if there was ONE (1) person who knew exactly how freaky Theodore was about This Subject, You Know. It would be that cat.

Going back to the marriage train of thought -- Mordred married Theodore in specific because he understood that for a high-born young master in the society that Theodore was raised in, such a joining was a great affirmation of belonging, as well as something a person like Theodore was likely prepared for from birth. An act that was of sheer economical value to Mordred, no matter how high that value, would mean more for his friend, both socially and psychologically. A very succinct, powerful way of saying, "I'm not leaving you behind."

Although they did derail the original "bestie would you devour me? 🥺" conversation, Theodore realized that it would've been another concession Mordred made, without much reluctance, to the incessant fear he nursed of being left behind.

Because Theodore tended to be the one who followed Mordred around and diligently saw to his every request or demand, most people figured that he was the one who spoiled his friend, not the other way around. But when Mordred spoiled you, he spoiled you like he was your soulmate. He curled around the vulnerability you have shown him, and you were embraced all the more tightly for it.

This was something G'raha Tia also knew very well, having been treated to it often.

[clementiens]

i had to say goodbye to grunkle stan on friday, i already had a vet that does house calls, so he was in my lap already and he stayed in my lap the whole time. it’s been a really hard weekend and it feels like it’s going to be a really hard week too now that my partner is back at work.

he had an emergency appointment in early november, and i’d been waiting + worrying about something like that happening again, but it didn’t. eventually i started to suspect a kidney thing because of two other symptoms, but otherwise he was completely himself, but in december, the vet said it was actually his thyroid, so we medicated that and had a followup just over a month later this past tuesday the 7th. he kept losing weight and losing energy in the last couple weeks, we gave him an arthritis shot on tuesday, but on thursday night when he was in my lap it felt like it was just time. we had a good last day together friday where he spent most of it on my lap until and while the vet came.

i was originally going to have him cremated but i VERY strongly changed my mind a few hours after i gave him to the vet. i texted, didn’t expect a response until at least the next day, didn’t expect to get him back, but they texted back and i got him back the next morning! i was told (and had already figured) that he’d been in the freezer, and i got him back in a little zippered carrier bag that honestly reminded me of the carrier bag that i’d always used for him because he hated being put in a crate. my beautiful amazing supportive partner took me to lowe’s on saturday to buy a cooler, and supplies to build an extra tall raised garden bed, so he could decompose naturally. i found guidelines from the state that included how to do this without the medication from friday affecting the water table etc and did a little googling and got a drill and stuff and i finished building it on sunday. my partner and i buried him together and i’ve been able to sit outside with him a few times in the yard which has been really nice. 

my personal feelings about how i want my body handled when i die have changed a lot over the years and it’s turned into something that i feel pretty strongly about. it ended up lining up a lot with jewish burial traditions even before i started trying to reconnect and then i ended up feeling even more strongly about it. 

while i was getting my crow and embryo tattoos, the friend who was doing them told me about a crow that their friend had found and given to them to preserve. they did it, it was technically done fine, but it felt awful, so they buried the crow instead, and the feeling was gone. the way they described it was that the crow’s spirit was still in its body and it didn’t want to be there. i felt that way about grunkle stan, i didn’t want him away from me, and i didn’t want him cremated. obviously the first night was going to be the hardest but having him away from me felt so fucking unbelievably awful and painful after having been together almost 24/7 for eight years, on my lap all the time, following me room to room, around the room, into the shower with me, through all of my health stuff and medical transition and complications. having him back home, even though i had to run right back out to lowe’s for the cooler and everything, was such a huge relief. my partner compared it to sitting shiva while he was in the cooler in the kitchen while i finished building the bed. they’ve been taking really good care of me.

eventually i’ll take him out of the bed and clean him and put him in a pot with a succulent on top (or smth like that with small roots), and that way i’ll always be able to keep him with me, which i wouldn’t have been able to do if i had just buried him since we’re renting and realistically aren’t going to stay here forever. in the meantime we’re going to paint the bed and i’m going to add a top layer for some small flowers. 

i didn’t know what to expect when i took him out of the bag they brought him back in, but before they put him in the freezer for the night, they positioned him so it looked like he was curled up and about to fall asleep. i got to pet him again and hold him and his fur was just as soft as always even though it was cold. i’ve never held a pet once they had died before (or during), and it felt like this made it so my body knows now too, and it’s helped so much with those moments where i think i feel him jumping onto the bed or i’m waiting for him to bump against my legs. with pets in the past it was always like i knew rationally what happened but emotionally and in the muscle memory, they had just disappeared suddenly, and this was completely different and it’s felt a lot more gentle. after we buried him, my partner and i went for a walk, we came back, and i started automatically trying to place him (like i have every single time i’ve come home for 8 years, and usually i wouldn’t have to try very hard because he would always run up to the door), and instead of just feeling lost, i could place him again. and then i could go and sit with him, with the image of him in the garden bed and the feeling of him in my hands.

i miss grunkle stan so much and i’m always going to, he was a special cat, he gave me so much love, and i’m feeling really blessed and relieved to be able to also take care of him after death the way i want to. he’s my big baby boy and i love him so much

[jonfarreporter]

Print & Printmaking Isn’t Dead!

Like everything else impacted by the “digital revolution” printmaking and graphic arts has been curtailed by the desktop computer, or so it seems.

The Sausalito Center for The Arts (SCA) is proud to present the first Annual Sausalito Print Marketplace, a two day show and sale on December 9 & 10 from 10am to 5pm. “The event highlights some of the finest, most creative print makers of the Bay Area,” said SCA executive director Shiva Pakdel.

Along with Pakdel, Zeny Cieslikowski, serves as Print Marketplace Director and Don McCartney, serves as Print Show co -Director. Their collaborative efforts to put together this one-of-a-kind show in and of itself says boldly that, “print isn’t dead!” Especially printmaking and original graphic design as an art form. 

“You’ll see Woodcuts, Intaglio and Etchings which are just a few of the types of printmaking skills in this, the first all-print show in Marin County,” noted  Cieslikowski.

 “Even though print making and prints have been around for as long as 5,000 years, beginning in Sumeria, said Cieslikowski the Sausalito Center for the Arts (SCA) will be home to the first all-print show and sale in Marin County,” he reiterated.

Cieslikowski knows, most definitely this type of art form isn’t dead, it isn’t fading away. It’s still just as important and relevant, just in a different way. McCartney & Cieslikowski will be among the 15 artists displaying their work at the exhibit. 

“When you enter the SCA at 750 Bridgeway, said Pakdel you’ll not only see hundreds of works of art hanging and spread out on tables but you’ll meet and chat with the creative artists in a comfortable, relaxing and informal setting.”

Emphasizing that this exhibit and sale is an ideal opportunity to get an early start on the holiday shopping, she added. “While you savor a class of wine and munch on a holiday cookie you’ll learn about printmaking while shopping for that perfect holiday gift for yourself or for family and friends.”

“Many of the print makers in the Print Marketplace have exhibited their creative work in exhibitions all across the United States as well as in many foreign countries,” Pakdel said.

“The SCA is fortunate to be able to host this talented group of artists who will be exhibiting and offering their inspired prints, etchings, woodcuts, photographs, linocuts, monoprints and others,” Pakdel said.

The 17participating artists are as follows: 

Fawn Bailey, Monoprints

Peter Bazek, Giclée

Cara Brown, Giclée

Dan Cassidy, Photography

Zeny Cieslikowski, Photography

Dana Christensen, Giclée

Debra Maddox, Giclée

Don McCartney, Giclée

Michelle Mongan, Woodcuts, Monoprints

Cindy Ostroff, Etchings, Woodcuts

Martha Paulos, Linocuts

Andrea Pollard, Giclée

Connie Smith Seigel*, Giclée

M Kathryn Thompson, Giclée

Barry Toranto, Photography

Nita Winter & Rob Badger, Photography

Dana Zed, Intaglio, Etching

* (Carol Griffin will represent deceased artist)

Again, she also reiterated “this unique exhibit and sale experience is for two days only.”

Part of the promenade, 750 Bridgeway (cross street, Anchor) is within walking distance of the heart of Sausalito and the Sausalito Ferry. Golden Gate Transit stop is at Bridgeway and Bay Streets.

Admission is free. For more details, visit the Sausalito Center for The Arts website.

[prabhushriram]

WHY IS SAWAN CELEBRATED?

Reading time- 5 mins 

India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, where festivals hold immense significance. One such vibrant celebration is Sawan or Shravan, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Sawan is a festival of reverence, devotion, and spiritual rejuvenation. By observing the rituals, and puja, and following the steps mentioned above, devotees seek Lord Shiva's blessings, protection, and fulfillment of their desires.

This unique festival, observed during the monsoon season, carries a rich history, deep symbolism, and a special way of worshiping. In this blog, we will explore the origins, relevance, and procedure for the Sawan puja, as well as the steps to follow during this auspicious festival. 

THE ORIGINS OF SAWAN:

The origins of Saawan can be traced back to ancient Hindu mythology. According to the legends, when the gods and demons churned the cosmic ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality, a pot of poison (Halahal) emerged instead. This poison had the potential to destroy the universe. In order to save the world, Lord Shiva, the supreme deity, consumed the poison. To ease the burning sensation caused by the poison, devotees offered water from the holy river Ganga to Lord Shiva during the month of Sawan. 

RELEVANCE OF SAWAN:

Sawan is celebrated during the Hindu month of Shravana, which typically falls between July and August. This month holds great significance in Hinduism as it is considered highly auspicious. Devotees believe that by observing rituals and fasting during Sawan, they can seek Lord Shiva's blessings, protection, and fulfillment of their desires. The festival also marks the arrival of the monsoon season, which brings relief from the scorching heat and rejuvenates the earth, making it a perfect time for spiritual reflection and devotion. 

PROCEDURE FOR SAWAN PUJA:

 v Selecting an Auspicious Day: The first step in preparing for Sawan is to choose an auspicious day for the puja. Devotees often consult astrologers or religious calendars to determine the most favorable date.

 v Setting up the Puja Area: Cleanse and decorate a dedicated space in your home for the puja. Place a picture or idol of Lord Shiva and adorn it with flowers, incense, and traditional decorations. Usually, a fragrance like Sandalwood is dearly loved by Lord Shiva, as it cools down his rage and anger, and offering sandalwood to the almighty makes the devotee’s personality attractive and gets respect in society.

v Observing Fasting: Many devotees observe fasts on Mondays during the Sawan month, known as "Shravana Somvar." This fast is considered highly significant in pleasing Lord Shiva. One can either observe a complete fast or consume fruits, milk, and other light meals. 

v Offerings to Lord Shiva: Prepare a tray of offerings, including fruits, flowers, milk, curd, honey, and belpatra (leaves of the bilva tree). Recite prayers, chant mantras, and offer these items to Lord Shiva, expressing your devotion and seeking his blessings. 

v Ritual Bathing of the Shiva Lingam: Pour water mixed with milk, honey, and holy Ganga water (if available) on the Shiva Lingam. This act symbolizes the ritualistic bathing of Lord Shiva, as it is believed to wash away sins and purify the devotee's soul. 

STEPS TO FOLLOW DURING SAWAN: 

Engage in spiritual practices: Dedicate time for meditation, chanting mantras, and reading sacred texts related to Lord Shiva, such as the Shiva Purana and the Rudra Samhita.

 Visit Shiva Temples: Visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, especially the Jyotirlingas (the twelve revered Shiva shrines) or other prominent Shiva temples, and participate in special prayers and aarti ceremonies.

 Celebrate with Devotional Music and Dance: Engage in devotional singing and dancing, known as bhajans and kirtans, to immerse yourself in the divine energy of Lord Shiva.

  Observe Social Customs: Sawan is also a time for strengthening social bonds. Visit friends and family, exchange gifts, and participate in community gatherings, fostering a sense of unity and harmony.

 The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Built during the 18th Century, Kashi Vishwanath temple is said to be dear to Lord Shiva. Many Hindus believe that it is the temple where one can achieve salvation.

Inspired by the divine energies of Varanasi, Prabhu Shriram- India’s Best Agarbatti and Dhoop brings to you the “Shri Kashi Vishwanath Incense Sticks” from their “Incredible Temple Collection”. This Combo of 3 brings the pious spirit and holiness of Lord Shiva's abode into your home. This celebration fosters a deep connection with the divine and emphasizes the importance of harmony, love, and unity among communities. So, let us embrace the monsoon season with open hearts and celebrate Sawan as a time of spiritual awakening and divine

[laineystein]

I am doing my best to show my fellow Jew ahavas chinam and it often results in me biting my tongue but I couldn’t let this one go. And because the person above submitted this ask on Anon, they are a pseudo-person and therefore I’m allowed to say what I want because who knows who “they” even are.

So before I say what I want to say I should share the following, for context:

I am an Israeli Jew.

I was just released from IDF reserves, a majority of my time being spent on the ground in Gaza.

I spent half of my life in the US. I have dual US/Israeli citizenship.

I spent half of my childhood in Crown Heights (home of the Chabad movement) in a very frum community and all of my friends and family still in the US are frum Orthodox Jews.

I posted the Ruth Wisse video regarding the war of words. Maybe someone else did too. Good for them. They should. It’s a great video.

I’m going to do my best to tackle this as succinctly as possible but I am a Jew so apologies if this gets verbose. (That is the only thing I will apologize for here.)

Anon said - How about some resourceful people over there prevent Bibi’s insanities from coming true? Sorry we’re too busy fighting the ✨ actual fucking war✨. We’re too busy running to bomb shelters. We’re too busy sitting shiva for the friends we’ve lost at Nova/kibbutz/in Gaza, etc. We’re too busy helping the thousands of Israelis that have been displaced by this war find housing, clothing, food, etc. That’s the point. We are fighting the actual war. Diaspora Jews need to fight the war of words. Anon is doing the opposite by:

Equating Israelis with our government. It’s dehumanizing and also just unreasonable to think that everyone in Israel supports our current government. We don’t. Even if every single one of us did, that does not mean we deserve to die.

Telling us we don’t know that there’s antisemitism in the diaspora. Why in G*d’s name would you think that Israelis – JEWS – don’t know there’s antisemitism in the diaspora? Why do you think we’re all back here?! We had nowhere else to go. Try coming over here and deal with… I have. I did. Why do you think I came back to Israel? America, like all of the diaspora, is an antisemitic cesspool. I assure you, we’re very aware of antisemitism in the diaspora.

Literally mentioning the Chabad tunnels…why? WHY? Anon stated they know nothing about them and somehow thought it was appropriate to randomly toss that in at the end? Well I grew up right around the corner from 770 and I will happily educate you on that as well: a small subset of young, overzealous male Lubavitchers circumvented Chabad leadership to illegally build a tunnel and expand their place of prayer because they believe doing so supported the original mission set forth by the previous Rebbe. It’s an embarrassment to the Chabad movement as a whole and this action does not at all reflect on what is otherwise a joyous, kind community of Jews – the same jews that suffer the worst of antisemitic crimes in the diaspora because they are visibly Jewish. Jews that do not have the luxury of blending in the way you state that you can. Jews that did not, as you say, get slapped away with the realization that [their] privilege is conditional because they’ve never had that privilege in the first place. Their level of Jewish observance makes assimilation impossible and you feeding into antisemitic conspiracy theories that detract from the pogrom that happened on October 7th and discount the Hamas tunnels (that actual terrorists have used humanitarian aid and child labor to build, which enabled them to carry out the attacks on October 7th in the first place and are now being used to transport said stolen aid, continue to manufacture weapons, and house and rape our hostages while they use their own people as human shields) only fuels that same antisemitism in the diaspora you say you’re so plagued by.

Bottom line, if it’s so hard to stick up for your fellow Jew right now, you can keep your mouth shut. Maybe your war of words comes in the form of silence. Fight that war.

Breathe.

It is normal to feel pain, alarm, and sorrow, as we see what our world has turned into, as we hear what so many want to do to us. It wouldn't be human to feel any other way. I've been deeply involved in this issue for many years and truly did not expect so much of the goyische world to immediately go full werewolf on the thrill of seeing Jews tortured and massacred in high-res. Many of them are lost to us, and as far as I am concerned, there is nothing they could ever, ever do to regain my trust. They would never even think to give an apology, and even if they did, I would never accept it.

It makes matters all the worse that Israel - this age's morph of the reason to hate us - has for the last ~16 months been run by objectively evil and horrible people. A few of them have talked publicly about "encouraging voluntary resettlement" or claim to have held negotiations with African states. In all cases, less vile people from the same government have immediately denied those stories and said there is no such policy, no such talks, it is all just suggestions. When you have a government run by Internet trolls, criminals, and terrorist sympathizers, that is how they talk. There is no imaginable mechanism for any of this - it is impossible to believe any country would go along with it, or that it is taken seriously by anyone beyond whichever racist asshole is thinking out loud next to a reporter at that time. But even as idle blather, it is immensely dangerous. It represents a threshold we cannot cross. We cannot - as you said - "make that look good." The best we can do is recognize that this particular evil racist doesn't actually have the authority or method for doing it, he's just jerking off, the Attorney-General told them to shut up and stop advocating crimes.

There have been so many times when the world went utterly batshit about Israeli actions that were totally innocuous, about rumors that never even happened. I talk about it here all the time. Part of me is hoping that is an element of this case, even as I'm afraid, this time, it might not be.

And as I'm also afraid that things will get even worse for us if, as looks very likely, Trump wins next time.

So it is okay to feel utterly terrible about things.

And yet, we still have to breathe.

We are alive because Jewish people got through much worse times than these, with far fewer resources and allies than we have today. Everything we know, everything we worry about now, exists because even though They Tried To Kill Us, We Survived.

Confront reality - without despair. We are facing bad times and they may get worse, but we will get through them.

[lesbiannancytruther]

ronance circus au

okay guys... i know that this sounds a little crazy... silly if u will... but this au SPOKE to me and i must talk about it right now

for some basics of the au: the upside down does not exist, some ages are messed around with as in how old some of the characters are when certain events happen, and in the present day both nancy and robin are 22. also imagine this circus is cruelty free fuck actual circuses.

okay disclaimers out of the way lets get clowning

starting with nancy: imagine... u ran away at 14 with ur little brother from ur reagan stan parents because they suspected you were a lesbian after ur best friend died (they were right but still fuck them) and always thought your brother was a bit homosexual, they were gonna send you away anyways so you run off to indianapolis and encounter the fucking circus bro! at first them seeking help in the circus almost gets them sent home since this ragtag circus doesn’t want to be responsible for a missing persons report, but they see these desperate kids who just want to be themselves and they let them stay under the condition that they lay low.

originally it wasn’t nancy’s plan to join the circus, just earn some money doing small jobs so that she could support herself and mike, but being surrounded by the world’s miscellaneous treasures tends to get you to reveal any talents you have early. nancy is found to have insanely good aim. she hardly had to practice to nail darts, then throwing knives, then axes, then arrows, and eventually she’s nothing short of a sharpshooter. at this point she’s sixteen, and the circus unanimously agrees that they want her to join the show, but they want her to wear a mask to keep her identity somewhat a secret, and she readily agrees, because masks are cool and she gets to perform.

u thought i was only gonna give nancy one specialty but ur wrong. she’s too awesome for that. this thought was inspired by one thing: nancy using a fucking WHIP. that’s right, lion tamer nancy with a TWIST.

obviously nancy doesn’t want to mistreat animals, it was never gonna be an act she’d even remotely consider before an unseen chain of events. the lions give birth and she takes part in the process on volunteer basis and basically gets imprinted on by the cubs. a male and female, and they latch onto her like nobody’s business. they only let her touch them on a regular basis and eventually, when they’re old enough to, just follow her around. she’s always had a soft spot for animals and having lions follow her around is So Sick, so she accepts them with open arms and they grow up together. at one point, somebody suggests she makes an act out of it. she’s talented at showy whipcracking and has even messed with fire, why not put on a show and pretend to be a lion tamer? it goes off really well, nancy looks awesome and the lions like the attention, and this particular show of hers becomes a fan favorite.

also in general i think nancy is a bit of a different person because of this? as well as mike, she’s way more free with her feelings and who she is, i think she’s way more open to being vulnerable and expressing how she feels than she is in canon because she was freed from such an oppressive household and put into an environment that was nothing but self expression.

the lion’s names are vasir and shiva :)

onto robin! robin is also a runaway, but she ran away at 17 and it took her a few months to really end up with the circus after running away since she wasn’t questioned nearly as much as nancy and mike would have been. robin’s desire to run away is less her strange and dysfunctional parents but more hawkins, this oppressive monster of a small town that she can’t stand anymore. she can’t be anyone she really wants to be in hawkins without being ripped apart. think operation croissant but she sees europe as unattainable so instead she runs off to the big city nearby instead, living very small paycheck to very small paycheck before impulsively joining the circus as a stagehand after seeing they were looking for new help, desperate to travel.

she starts by operating the box office, selling corndogs, working backstage, selling merchandise, sweeping, all supportive stuff, but the career on it’s own isn’t super fulfilling. she actually loves the circus, all of the acts are mesmerizing and it’s probably one of the only places in the world where there isn’t any judgement, where she’s very tentatively herself. she makes good friends, slowly blending more into the performers circle than the other stagehands since the performers tended to be more eccentric. it doesn’t take long for her to be on a first name basis with everyone, except for one performer. the masked lion tamer, with a killer aim and a laugh that lights up a room.

robin has seen her multiple times of course, even been in group conversations involving her, but she’s never spoken to her directly and no one really mentions her by name, and it doesn’t take long for robin to notice that pretty much everyone is keeping something from her. it doesn’t seem malicious, but it’s definitely suspicious, and she settles on finding it out with time, because she’s just been offered to join the show as a background clown after showing interest.

safe to say robin excels, she’s insanely good at physical comedy and is always pretty eye catching for her seamless mesh of actual talent and genuine clumsiness. eventually she’s given more elaborate costumes and makeup and is given more time to solo, she figures out juggling and starts doing more skits in bigger segments of the show, which was actually pretty daunting at first but she quickly fell into it when it was clear people liked what she did.

okay this is so long i’ll get into the actual ronance bits in another post if people are interested???

[cresvalkyrie]

I'm gonna list down every plot divergences that happens in the Chroniclerverse, both major and minor. For Act 1, at least. There’s too many to count lol.

Major canon divergences: Alain survived Storm-9 with Crescent, and gains ownership of Kali with Artemis’s death. She later joins the Stormchasers with Crescent as her partner, with the only Pokemon she was allowed to keep being Tazer and Kali. After Hauyne defeated Rift Gyarados, Alain returned Kali to her original trainer (not that she realised it at the time).

Hauyne doesn't confront Jenkel during the Xen Lockdown. Instead, she beelined it to Amethyst Mines since she knew that's where Melia was heading and managed to intercept her, just before Crescent came to collect her. She was able to persuade Melia to join the Stormchasers, but volunteered to take the fall for Melia's "death" just so there wouldn't be a Rift Galvantula (much to their horror). The bait worked a little too well... since everyone fell for it, with various results. Zetta simply turned a wild Onix into a Rift Pokemon and sicced it at her, forcing her to defeat it solo. Ren and Venam were extremely pissed/betrayed and blew out; their friendship would've been irreversibly ruined if Alain hadn't intervened and cleared up the misunderstanding (while also chiding Hauyne for being an idiot and not defending herself).

Before she and Aelita left Sheridan Village, the Eldest secretly gave Hauyne a package. It contains only a worn-out book she calls the Enigmatic Journal, a white hand-carved flute and a Time Amulet. She later uses the Journal's contents to plan and map out her divergences more effectively, though she wasn't always successful. 

During the Blacksteeple arc, she managed to save Nancy by slipping her Elgyem Coeus’s Pokeball into her pocket and having it Teleport Nancy to the ship before Madame X could even touch her. Then, she held off Madame X by engaging her in a duel (one she was rapidly losing ground due to her inexperience in combat and only lasted this long because of her dirty tricks), buying everyone time to get onboard the escape vessel. She sustained a severe gash on her back, courtesy of Madame X, for her troubles and would have bled to death if her Healing Stasis hadn’t kicked in at the last second, putting her into a week-long deathlike coma. When she awakens, all that’s left of the injury was a large, hideous jagged scar stretched across her entire back.

Even though Nancy survived Blacksteeple, Tesla still offers them a room in the resort to stay in since they had nowhere to go until the battleship was fixed enough to make the trip to Akuwa Town. So the argument between her and Amber still happens, except a lot worse since Amber perceived it as an attempt to replace her and her father.  

When they were “invited” to the Church of Theolia, Hauyne physically wrangles Venam from following the girl to her grandparents’ TM shop, even breaking out of her usually quiet demeanour to yell at her. Because of this, the shop was never frozen (they still got the TM Magma Drift for free, as thanks for freeing the town from Angie’s tyranny) and they didn’t need the Magma Stone, resulting in Aelita never falling into a coma due to the effects of a Garufan curse.

Hauyne defeats Angie using Purgatory, a move she specifically made as a hard counter to her reliance on the Frozen Dimensional Field. She ended up being so pissed about it, that she tries to kill her by summoning icicles from the ground to impale her with as they flee the scene. She was so out of control that she began to fuse with her Rift Regice, beginning her metamorphosis into a nightmarish creature. It took both Kreiss and Hauyne to stop her, using a combo attack with his Froslass’ Blizzard and Shiva’s Snowgrave to seal her away in a coffin of Never Melt Ice.  

Hauyne tries to warn her friends about the rigged cooking show (which happens shortly after the trio returned from Kristilline) and tells them not to eat the food served there, but no one except for Aelita listened to her. So Team Xen abducted Melia and Amber, with her and Aelita fighting their way through hoards of Xen Grunts in an attempt to save them, but were subdued and knocked out cold by Madelis.

In Mt. Valor, Aelita went with Venam to rescue Melia at the summit, whereas Hauyne split off to rescue Tesla and Amber from imprisonment. She wounds up fighting Primal Kyogre, and only managed to win because the god was impressed by her resolve in the face of adversity and admitted defeat, unravelling the curse that kept them prisoner. However, he questions her resolve to walk her current path, and decides to test her by suppressing her powers with a spell (ignoring the fact that his ability Primordial Sea had already weakened her considerably). Despite this, Hauyne continues to make her way to the summit to confront Zetta and Geara.   

The showdown at the summit of Mt. Valor happens very differently, to say the least. With most of her powers deactivated, Hauyne was unable to fight at full force and struggled tremendously against the duo plus Griselda who was back for revenge. Even with Venam and Aelita (later joined by Nancy and Jenner) backing her up, she just barely seized victory against them by the skin of her teeth when otherwise she wouldn’t struggle nearly as much. Even so, she was able to prevent Jenner’s death... at the cost of Nim and Nancy’s lives; the latter jumping in and took a fatal blow from Griselda that was meant for her.

Following the brutal kill, Geara orders Griselda to maul Hauyne, much to everyone’s horror. Zetta was so aghast by the act of needless cruelty that he tried to stop his partner, but it was too late; everyone watched as the vengeful queen-turned-eldritch-dragon tore her enemy’s descendant apart into bloody pieces. Later, with Crescent’s guidance, she was able to resurrect herself and restore herself to full power, returning to challenge the duo once more after they had made quick work of Venam and Aelita in her absence and defeated them for good.

During the scene where Crescent turns Zetta back into a Solosis (after having Dranna wreck the teleporter and forced Geara to teleport back in its damaged, unstable state), Hauyne captured him before she could, and refused to hand him over. Even going so far as to send his Pokeball to a PC, where Crescent couldn’t reach, to make her point clear. They would have continued to argue if Hauyne hadn’t collapsed mid-sentence from overexertion and exhaustion, forcing her to put it on hold so that they could hurriedly carry her back to Teila Resort to recuperate.

Minor canon divergences: Hauyne fell off the S.S Oceana during the hijacking, got struck by lightning and nearly drowned if it weren't for Tesla's Talonflame fishing her out of the water.

Instead of a Buizel, the abandoned Pokemon at the docks of Oceana Pier was an Alolan Vulpix. She later becomes a core member of Hauyne's main team after she defended her from her abusive ex-trainer.

Hauyne's first meeting with Nim was technically at Venam's Gym: she somehow saw through her invisibility spell. When they actually talked in person, she tried to nudge her towards eating the souls at the Den of Souls so she wouldn't turn to stone and release the prisoners. Not that it worked, since Nim was scared off by the nightmares prowling the area before she could even devour a lost soul.

In the Carotos Base, Hauyne managed to rescue a Shadow Treecko from the room filled with tanks (also the room where Eli somehow trapped himself in a tank, and Sharon had to frantically bust him out). As it turns out, it was no ordinary Treecko: he was an artificially made hybrid created to serve as an ultimate killing machine until the Shadow Mewtwo project got approved and subsequently phasing it out, leaving him eternally frozen in time until Hauyne saved him.

Technically in this AU, Hauyne was the one who named the Shadow Mewtwo... because she accidentally called her Dranna since she was used to it. The Mewtwo ended up liking the name so much that she adopted it as her own, requesting that everyone refer to her as such from then on.

Alain has a Volcanion, who also happens to be the mother of the Rift Volcanion in Carotos Mountain. She... didn't take the news of her son's grim death well, though she was somewhat thankful for Hauyne putting him out of his misery after learning that death was the only mercy she could grant him.

During the Chrysalis Manor arc, Marianette twisted her ankle during the Dusknoir Maze trial. Hauyne ends up carrying her in a piggyback and somehow managing to outrun Dusknoir for the entire trial even with his magical shortcuts. Needless to say, Marianette was very captivated by the feat and wouldn’t stop gushing about it; she only paused to watch Hauyne heal her ankle with aura, then continued her ramblings.

Also in the same arc, when Hauyne visits Anju in her underground prison, the latter recognised her, called her by her birth name Artemis and expressed genuine surprise/relief/concern upon seeing her. After asking her about the outside world, she gives Hauyne her pendant and requests her to give it to her son and to tell him that she’s sorry, if she ever saw him again. She tries to convince Anju to come with her, but to no avail and Anju insists that she needs to stay here for everyone’s sake.

In the Goldenwood arc, Hauyne has a few panic attacks because of the townspeople triggering some unpleasant memories from her homeworld. Aelita had to drag her into Narcissa’s house because she was utterly incapacitated by panic.

When exploring the labs beneath Wispy Tower, Griselda/Giratina mistakes Hauyne for her ancestor Altair (who was one of the Aura Wielders responsible for sealing her away) and flies into a berserk rage. She tries to attack Hauyne without any input from Geara whatsoever, but was rebuffed thanks to Ren and Narcissa’s assistance.

Before she and Aelita left for Akuwa Town, Hauyne decides to take a detour back to East Gearen City to show Zumi the Drifloon she captured. This was when she met Erin in the library, who later stomps off in anger when she couldn’t find the reading materials she travelled all the way for. She later runs into her again in Gearen Laboratories, dismayed that she had missed the last train home and that she’s stuck here for the night. Hauyne offers to let her stay the night in the apartment Tesla loaned to her, since it was too late to make the journey back to Goldenwood Town anyway, which Erin reluctantly agrees to. Surprisingly, the two got on pretty well despite the strange circumstances of their meeting, with them going their separate ways after Hauyne saw her off at Junction Bridge.

During the Blacksteeple Castle arc, Hauyne had her Phantump Okiku serve as a messenger between her and Aelita. She brought her Cheri and Oran berries to help with the electric torture Neved put her through, with the occasional written messages encouraging her to hang on and that help is on the way. In return, Aelita has Okiku carry a message back to Hauyne to let her know that she’s okay.

When Emma arrived at Blacksteeple, Hauyne immediately recognises her as Melia... although she’s careful not to let it slip until they’re out of prying eyes and ears. It’s only then did she greet her warmly, much to her surprise.

How Hauyne defeated Madame X’s Yveltal was that she had all her team members out and attack it from all sides. This, in turn, serves as a distraction for the actual tactic: Okiku setting up Destiny Bond on the Yveltal from the shadows, then using Ally Switch to take the place of its immediate target so that she would be KO’d by the attack and taking the Yveltal down with her.

When traversing Aquamarine Cave, Hauyne briefly talks about the bioluminescence often seen around the village she grew up in during a conversation between her and Valarie. When asked about her home village, she clams up and refused to speak about it.

Tesla and Nancy hitting it off after their official meeting at Teila Resort. The two just bonded with each other, mostly as fellow concerned parents worried for their children. Which is largely why Tesla decided to adopt Hauyne after she lost Nancy on Mt. Valor, since she had asked Tesla to watch over her daughter should anything happen to her.

After receiving the badge and TM from Kreiss, Hauyne gives him Anju’s pendant and relays her message to him, adding her own regrets of not being able to save her. Kreiss then remarks of her uncanny resemblance to a girl he’s seen in an old family portrait, taken when he was still an infant, and inwardly muses whether she was the same girl... only to dismiss it before he could finish that thought and rationalised that she was probably a relative/descendant of that girl.

[margie-lovitos]

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE LITERARY WORKS OF INDIAN LITERATURE WITH ITS SYNOPSIS ND LEARNINGS:

RAMAYANA

THE PARABLE OF RETURNING LOVE FOR HATRED

THE PANCHATANTRA

THE DUEL BETWEEN THE ELEPHANT AND THE SPARROW

THE MAHABHARATA

GITANJALI

THE LION MAKERS

1. PANCHATANTRA

Panchatantra is a huge collection of fables originally written in the Sanskrit language. Each of the Panchatantra stories for kids has an associated moral. These morals are taught to kids through the plot and characters of the stories. Probably that’s why parents and school curriculum make sure that kids are introduced to at least some of these stories. Panchatantra short stories make for an interesting read.

2.THE MAHABHARATA

When faced with grey areas of decision making that affect a big number of individuals, Lord Krishna would have us think that we must remember that we are social as well as moral creatures and that we must make a decision that is best suited for the maximum number of our stakeholders. The Mahabharata is one of the greatest Hindu epics, and each character has something to teach us.

Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu's avatar, won the war by using every unfair trick in the book. His deceptions and deceptions helped the Pandavas win the war, but they lost far too much in the process. Hastinapur is the last destination.   

3. THE PARABLE OF RETURNING LOVE FOR HATRED

In a nutshell, the plot revolves around a robbery victim (probably certainly a Jew) who is found half-dead on the road to Jericho. A Jewish priest and a Levite refused to help, possibly fearing that it was a plan or that they would be plundered if they stayed. But it was a Samaritan (whom the Jews despised) who came to the rescue, administered first aid, transported the victim to an inn, and made arrangements for his care. A Jew in need was a neighbor to the Samaritan.

4.THE DUEL BETWEEN THE ELEPHANT AND THE SPARROW

Once upon a time, there lived a sparrow with her husband on a banyan tree. One afternoon, a wild elephant came under the tree unable to bear the heat of the sun. Unfortunately, all the eggs of the sparrow got crushed though the parents were saved. You have to find a way to kill that elephant. We need your help. The she-sparrow, the woodpecker and the fly went to the frog and narrated the whole incident. The next day in the noon, all the three played out the plan and the elephant was killed.

Lesson of this story is that Wit is superior to brute force.

5.GITANJALI

What I’ve learned about this is that no matter what happens we should thank and praise God with all our heart and soul by offering a song of praises.

6.RAMAYANA

Rama, the crown prince of ancient Ayodhya and an earthly incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, is the protagonist of the Ramayana. He is also the protagonist of the poem, which tells the epic story of Rama's mission. In this lesson, students will read an abridged version of the Ramayana and consider how parts of the story of Rama, such as the Epic Hero Cycle, situate it within the epic poetry tradition.

One of the things I took away from this narrative was that pride always comes to an end. It was when Ravana was a powerful warrior who had been granted immortality by Lord Shiva, but his pride led to his demise. The Ramayana teaches us about humility since Vibhishana, Ravana's modest brother, played a significant role in the evil demon's death.

7. THE LION MAKERS

Once upon a time, there lived four friends. Three of them were highly educated. The fourth friend was not educated but had lot of common sense. They decided to travel their neighbouring countries and use their skills there to get rich. It was the first chance to test their knowledge.

The lion roared and jumped to the three educated men. The lion had made a great feast of them. It left the place, very satisfied. The uneducated man climbed up a tall tree and brought the lion back to life with the will of god. He then went home safely.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE LITERARY WORKS OF HEBREW LITERATURE:

1.THE STORY OF RUTH

2. THE STORY OF JOSEPH

3. THE PARABLE OF TALENTS

1. THE STORY OF RUTH

This story impart that It's difficult to hope when life has dealt you a blow. It's difficult to have faith. But it's when things are the most tough that faith and hope are most needed. Start with a little faith in the moments when life feels like it's crushing you.

2. THE STORY OF JOSEPH

This story made me realize that God sometimes speaks to us in ways that are only meant for our hearing.

Joseph had a tendency to daydream. But it was also because Joseph shared his goals with his brothers that his brothers were envious. They did come true over time, but hearing about them caused a tremendous deal of discord and jealousy in his family.

3. THE PARABLE OF TALENTS

God always provides us with everything we need to do what he has called us to do, according to the Parable of the Talents. We might sympathize with the servant who earned only one talent, but in actuality, he received as much as a million dollars from the master and buried it in his backyard. He was provided with more than enough to meet the master's requirements.

God wants us to generate a return by employing our abilities for productive goals, just as the master wanted his employees to do more than passively preserve what has been entrusted to them. The servants were given enough to generate more; the same is true of the gifts that God has bestowed upon us.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE LITERARY WORKS OF PERSIAN LITERATURE:

1. THE RUBAIYAT OF OMAR KHAYYAM

2. HELL AND HEAVEN

3. THE SHAH NAMAH

4. THE PRINCE OF PERSIA

5. THE BEAUTIFUL QUEEN OF PERSIA

1.  THE RUBAIYAT OF OMAR KHAYYAM

This is an example of a lyric poem in which most of the subjects talks about life and love.

2.  HELL AND HEAVEN

My learnings in this story is that in life, we have two different groups of people . They can be the people whom can accept us for who we are and the other is what we call the bad influence to us and will able to tolerate our bad doings.

3.  THE SHAH NAMAH

This book is about human consciousness. This immortal quest tend to explain the truth and of justice.

4. THE PRINCE OF PERSIA

This story views about loyalty, brotherly love and doing the right thing. In life, It is necessary that we possess that attributes for us to be able to walk in the right decision and path.

5. THE QUEEN OF PERSIA

This story views that how feminism is important to the Persian. It emphasizes that Women can rule his kingdom and tells us that beauty should not make us boastful and so we will always remember that our past doesn’t dictate our future.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE LITERARY WORKS OF ARABIAN LITERATURE:

1. ARABIAN NIGHTS

2. THE FOOD OF PARADISE

1. ARABIAN NIGHTS

This story tells about Fidelity. As we can observe in the story, The attribute which is Fidelity is driven force that enable the two brothers to be together.

2. FOOD OF PARADISE

This story entails about how hope and faith rule the place in Religions and changes the beliefs of the people.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE LITERARY WORKS OF LEBANESE LITERATURE:

1. THE SAYINGS OF THE BROOK

2. SIMON WHO WAS CALLED PETER

1. THE SAYINGS OF THE BROOK

This books teaches us that life has lots of hurdles and or trials but we should not stop dreaming and continue achieving our goals and dreams in life.

2. SIMON WHO WAS CALLED PETER

This story  entails that we should have a close connection with God.To get closer to him, We should build a relationship and need to take necessary steps to move closer to him and follow his command.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE LITERARY WORKS OF CHINESE LITERATURE:

1.THE ANALECTS OF CONFUCIUS

2.WORKS OF CHINESE POETS LI PO, LAO TZU, PO CHU I , AND WANG  WEI

3.A LITTLE INCIDENT

1.  THE ANALECTS OF CONFUCIUS

This book tells us that we should be kind to the people around us and treat them well and anything you don’t want to happen to yourself, Don’t ever impose it to others.

2.  WORKS OF CHINESE POETS LI PO, LAO TZU, PO CHU I , AND WANG  WEI

3.  A LITTLE INCIDENT

What I learned about this story is that kindness lies in everyone’s heart. This implies on how kindness takes place in everyone’s life. 

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE LITERARY WORKS OF JAPANESE LITERATURE:

1.THE THIEF WHO BECAME A DISCIPLE

2.MADMAN ON THE ROOF

3. MY NATIVE VILLAGE

4. THE PICTURE OF WIFE

5. THE SPIDER’S THREAD

1.  THE THIEF WHO BECAME A DISCIPLE

This story tells about change because No matter how bad a person was, There is always hope that they’d change for the better. No matter how bad they were before , they deserve to have a scond chance.

2. THE MADMAN ON THE ROOF

This story tells about the perception of life, sanity and nature. This depicts that we should not be able to be insecure or get envy to others because all of us are unique beings.

3.  MY NATIVE VILLAGE

This story tells about that we should be observant, talk less and listen more to people. No matter where you are, You should always remember the place where you live before.

4.  THE PICTURE OF WIFE

This story tells about Women should be cared and loved for who they are and put a high respect for them even if she is already your wife.

5.  THE SPIDER’S THREAD

This story tells about  the state of mind of a person. This tells about compassion and salvation. This implies about hope and fragility.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE LITERARY WORKS OF KOREAN LITERATURE:

1.THE ZEN MONKS AND THE GOVERNOR

2. THE VANITY OF THE RAT

1.  THE ZEN MONKS AND THE GOVERNOR

This story emphasizes the practice of meditation as it could somewhat helps people to awaken  the inner  nature of a person, wisdom and also compassion.

2. THE VANITY OF THE RAT

This story tells on how our decisions affects our entire life. This somehow gives us on to decide our own ,especially in choosing the right person to us.

[thattimdrakeguy]

I’m writing this fic about the Batfamily and I’m afraid of writing them as OOC. If you are able to, could you please give some tips on each of the Batfam’s personalities and characteristics? To specify, Dick, Jason, Tim, Steph, Cass, Babs, Damian, and Duke are the characters I’m using. It would be really helpful! Thank you!!

This is a tricky question, because I don’t know the story of your fic to help you in any specific way. So if after this you wanna DM me for more specific help on how to work things out, I’ll be there to help you right away unless I’m doing something, but I have no plans.

I’m going to go from easiest for me to do to least easiest, because I obviously know Tim the best, but even then, it’s hard, because going off the character’s you are choosing, it’s set during the part of the timeline were he went OOC, but I’ll do my best just to say his general character so you can use that as a base for things. Like how he was developed in his origin and all that, and notable characteristics he’s had as he grew while still in character. With some that even if they weren’t around with some of those characters, would apply to them.

His is also going to be the longest, like way too long, because he’s a way more nuanced and complex character than anyone ever gives him credit for. So he takes a lot longer to explains by a freaking large margin. Like sorry if it’s too big, I just kept saying more as more came to mind because I feel like his nuances are what makes him interesting and easy to right. Once you get a hang of his nuances, and you get used to it, it makes it easier to put yourself into his mindset to how he works, which makes him easier to write as well.

(THIS IS AN INCREDIBLY LONG POST, AND I APOLOGIZE. I just really wanted to be thorough and give contexts to stuff. It’s less of tips and more of an overly long description of what I know about each character and what’s in-character and what’s not going off of how the character’s were developed to be, and not counting the out of character writing. So really sorry about this being so freaking long)

Tim:

Tim’s origin right off the back is having met Dick at a very very young age, I don’t think he could even strongly walk yet, so I’mma say three. He was instantly attached to Dick, he just admired him instantly just for giving him affection. He was his hero. But he was also there the day Dick’s parents died, which traumatized Tim and gave him nightmares for years. But being able to remember that night so thoroughly, he remembered a specific move that Dick could do that very few could, and that’s how he found out Dick was Batman, and logically, Bruce Wayne was Batman.

There’s a large misconception that as a little kid, Tim followed Batman and Robin around, but that was not the case. At least not physically and literally followed them around. Closest being when I believe he happened to come across Batman in his origin story, and purposely did his best detective work to figure out where Dick would be.

As shown several times but most strongly in his origin, but wasn’t as strong the more he went on, he’s sort of socially oblivious to what’s considered normal or not, or what other people are thinking of him.

For instance he just knocked on Starfire’s and Dick’s apartment, asked Kori (Starfire) if Dick was home because he needed his help, and when she said no, just bolted even when Kori asked his name. Just concerning the crap out of her. Even when he first met Dick, he just wouldn’t say his name because “NO TIME”, he just squirmed around place to place on his bike being completely oblivious of himself. In his first miniseries he searches up information on Clyde (a former government agent he saved and befriends) that he shouldn’t have, unaware that that’d obviously be crossing a line for some people. Even taking his girlfriend to a car show, where there was a lot of bikini models around, and it didn’t even occur to him what it’d look like he was there for. He was just genuinely bubbly to see the cars.

He doesn’t do any of those sorts of things out of malice, he’s always just presented as being incredibly oblivious of himself quite a bit. Most likely from not having his parents around that much as his childhood progressed, and typically just living in boarding schools, or with a nanny. So he didn’t really developed right as one interpretation, and another being (that was actually almost confirmed if it wasn’t for Tim getting a writer before another could say it) is that he’s on the Autism spectrum. Which is technically verified, as he has many symptoms of Asperger’s. But that isn’t technically canon, as it never got to be officially said. But it’s valid enough.

Tim’s main strength is his detective work, he also knows how to use a computer to his advantage. Many modern comics act as if Tim is a master hacker who could hack into anything. But he actually mostly used them for detective work, and small hack jobs, some of which he failed. He seemed to have learned more about hacking from Barbara, or at least some what implied, as Babs let him help her build a big computer, or something of that sort.

He also took karate as a kid, and is implied to have also taken gymnastics. It’s stated that he’s actually really good at gymnastics by Alfred in Tim’s origin, but his fighting skills, despite the karate lessons he had previously taken, isn’t as good as the others. Hence his staff, and having to be clever in how he goes about a fight.

How Tim operates as far as emotionally or mentally depends too. Sometimes he’ll go straight from the heart and get himself in trouble, but other times he’ll take his time to really plan something out for himself on the spot. It depends on how his emotions are at the time. If he was just picked on or beat up, he’ll be more agitated, and if something really really bad that happened, he just go so far in he just beats the crap out of everyone as bad as he can. As shown by trying to apprehend someone that shot someone he knew at school, or Batman betraying his trust (in an honestly out of character story). If he’s calmer though, or at least doing his best to be, he’ll use his brain more before he starts. I think his talents in planning have been overstated for ages, because while he’s good at it, he’s not exactly the greatest or overall good. Just enough to work fine enough to get the job done.

One of his biggest mental weakness’s, is his constant insecurity. Somethings that’s so constantly on his mind is letting someone down, rather it be Batman or his dad Jack, or even Nightwing, or his team. The reason why Tim acted so different and more of a seriously brooding personality in Young Justice, was because he was so insecure about not having powers that he thought he had to push himself to his limits. So he used some Batman leadership tactics, and fought harder than he ever fought before just to seem like he was even worth having around. When by himself though, it’s more of a sadness, an upset feeling in his gut. Tim has anxiety about things, rather or not he’s good enough. He’s not a super confident person when it comes to himself. He doesn’t think much of him.

One editorial person answering fan questions in the back of comics as they used to, even described Tim as meek. He doesn’t brag or think much of himself as super according to it.

He’s also stated and shown to be internally scared quite a bit, even shaking when he first got his own Robin suit. Another occasion saying the cold water might excuse his shivering. Which goes along with his anxiety.

Another thing about him that is more low-key and not as noticed, is how Tim, even though he clearly thinks of himself as a kid, heck even the letter column above says so, he has also said since being Robin he’s never had time to be a kid. But he is also still a kid.

As they specified his voice a bit more, he tended to use heck, Holy crud, dang, fudge, weenie, and even Pus Bucket (a reference to Ghost Busters) as his choice of cussing (if that even remotely counts).

And even if it’s not noticeable at first, is shown as having a secret teddy bear that he kept hidden under his mattress so I assume no one would see it.

He’s also a pretty innocent kid despite what all he sees. His mind doesn’t go to the gutter. He trusts people far faster than he should, even trusting Lady Shiva, the world’s most dangerous woman and know criminal right away.

Even Tim’s step-mother saying so out-loud. Showing that this is also the case in his personal life as well.

It also goes along with his social obliviousness. This stuff being rounded into not having any street smarts, which was a main theme for Tim directly in his first miniseries. As well as being naive.

Of course as life went on that wasn’t the case as much, but in the above screenshot, Dana (his step-mom) is saying that as Tim is already 16.

Tim in-general also being a super hero fanboy. As a kid he watched the news, clipped out the papers on them, collected, and even drew his own Batman art (and potentially) others to put on his wall.

Tim’s general behavior while socializing also depends on his emotions at the time. He’s normally very nice and friendly, when not super depressed or down on himself he’s bubbly. But he’s also still a kid, he can pout when he’s hurt, and passive aggressive to people he doesn’t like. Examples being, literally not listening to a jock that picks on his friends, an over-arrogant jerk he met in France, and even Steph because she kept being reckless and flirting with him when he didn’t like it.

Nothing straight up insults, but just generally passive aggressive, give them a clue he doesn’t like them very much even if it never worked. He just wants them to go away, unless they’re a straight up bully. Tim, if it’s no one he specifically knows that will invade his personal life, will beat up bullies. He really can’t stand a bully.

Another thing about Tim is that even though he’s an introvert typically, he’s also not very shy. A shy kid wouldn’t travel miles on a bike (and I freaking hope busses) to meet someone he barely knows because he believes in Batman needing a Robin. He also stands up to bullies, and unless he’s really uncomfortable could talk to about anyone. He even slept in only his briefs and undershirt in the house of someone he doesn’t know, with two people he also barely knows. With that example also probably adding up to the socially oblivious part of his personality.

As far as his relationships go, he canonically thinks of the Bat-Family as his family. Dick calls Tim his little brother, Babs treats Tim as her baby brother as well as acting like his/ Aunt/ Mom depending on the situation (I think Tim fell asleep on her couch after eating pizza while using his cape as a blanket and drooling. So Mom’s a stretch but still), Bruce is his distant but still father figure, Alfred is his grandpa (who he actually plays video games with), even Cass to an extent treating Tim as a baby brother as well.

He is very much the baby of the family. And Tim talks to them about personal stuff (bar Cass cause he was scared of her in the beginning), most of them from Alfred and Dick, to the mute hunchback in the Batcave Harold (who is a real character and I love him). He was always collecting advice from where ever he could get it.

He’s also intensely morally operated. He hates killing. He said he took an oath to let himself be killed before ever killing, getting PTSD from feeling responsible for a death, and even crying when he had genuinely thought Bruce killed someone.

As far as how he tries to present himself, he is constantly doing his best to take everything as seriously as he can, even shunning himself when he starts to stop taking things as serious, he wants to be seen as serious, trustworthy, and reliable desperately so he doesn’t let anyone down. He is constantly hard of himself, and is always trying to be what he thinks Batman wants him to be. Which is were a lot of his anxieties from. Even trying to think of what Batman or Dick would do because he regards them so highly. Even calling Bruce the great man he’s ever known I believe during one of his post-origin pre-Robin appearances.

He’s naive and oblivious of himself, as well as childish in some areas (I think his nanny yelled at him once for it), but overall what he tries to hardest at is taking everything seriously as possible, and using his brain as much as he can. He may not be the most mature, often actually handling situations very immaturely, but he does his best to at least seem like he’s mature, and to an extent he actually can be genuinely very mature, or at least as much as a naive oblivious child can be.

Dick:

This ones a lot shorter probably, because I don’t read him as much, but still have a good handle on him.

I think he’s a character very few always write correctly, because they ride too much into the friendly, compassionate guy. Which, compassion being his main motivator in how he goes about as much as he can, and he’s incredibly friendly, he’s also a very angsty and angry person deep down.

He’s a perfectionist, a trait fics tend to give to Tim more, but actually belongs to Dick. He gets really hard on himself when he thinks he messed something up badly, having nightmares over it, he doesn’t like himself when he messes up something badly. And even if he’s not a naturally angry person, when he is angry, he can be VERY VERY angry.

And until Batman writers in the early 00s started it, I wouldn’t even had considered him all that chatty. He had some jokes in him, was very light hearted when not in distress or mad, but as he was developed by Marv Wolfman, who basically created the Dick that has remained the base for him ever since, he was relatively a generally calm guy when he wasn’t emotional.

He was polite, a charming guy, the type of person you want to bring home to your parents basically. He dressed well. Did his best to keep people accommodated. 

He wasn’t a goofy, constant jokester that’d talk your ear off or keep begging for hugs. 

He’s not that kind of guy. He’s just a gentlemen.

He’s also not that much of a thot. He’s a “wait till it’s right” sort of guy when it comes to sex.

He’d do anything in the world he could to make sure his friends felt right too, and that they were okay.

But all this doesn’t mean he’s not just a one note personality. Depending on how bad he feels like he messed up, he’ll distance himself from people, stop caring as much about his appearance, get more violent and mean. He also doesn’t take well to Batman’s nonsense, he’s probably the person he got specifically mad at the most. He didn’t like the way Batman went about stuff after a while. He had complicated feelings towards him.

Despite people nowadays just thinking of Dick being Batman’s son officially, adopted, end of. That wasn’t exactly their relationship. Dick had a complicated relationship with Bruce. Part of him looked at Bruce as a big brother, and another half a dad, and he wasn’t even adopted, just a ward. Something that Dick was actually quite insecure about, till apparently he got adopted as a grown adult man (which I dunno is true or an edit, but I’ve seen it somewhere).

Dick’s relationship with Tim is pure big bro baby bro. He was very protective of Tim, calling him the closest thing to a brother he ever had, and little brother, before they were ever even officially brothers. He’d push Tim out of the way in times of big trouble, make him stand back, ruffled his hair all the time, and loved teasing him. But when they started off, Dick just sort of thought Tim was a weird annoying kid, given that Tim was acting so screwy during his origin, Dick really didn’t know what to make of him, but the closer they got, they got very very close. Dick cared a lot about Tim a ton once they got accommodated. Tim would even call Dick on the phone just to talk to him about anything from his day to his problems. Tim could count on Dick to help when ever he could. Tim was Dick’s dweebie baby brother who he took care of when needed. Even teaching Tim how to wash clothes personally since Tim didn’t have a clue. 

I don’t think him and Jason really had a relationship. He gave him a number to talk about stuff like Robin angst, and a few pics show they hanged out at least once or twice, but nothing suggests they were close. It seems like Dick was hard on himself, because Jason died before they could get close. After the Red Hood, Dick’s just kind of a-- dick to Jason, and Tim was too, but I don’t consider that in-character. Neither Tim nor Dick would be even remotely okay about the killing, but I can’t picture them treating him like he’s a joke and less than trash. Too much emotional baggage there. Tim would be distant to Jason, and Dick would be uncomfortable and conflicted. That’s my guesses on a more accurate relationship.

Dick’s always had a really big crush on Babs ever since he was a kid to the point they were stuck in a small area together and Dick lost dignity over-- I dunno, puberty effecting him. There’s no way I can put that that’s comfortable. But Dick has a crush on Babs, that got put into a romantic relationship both ways when they aged down Babs, but for some people the relationship is relatively gross because of the age gap, and feeling the need to age down a character like Babs, who just looked at Dick like a kid, to just date him. It’s complicated, and I dunno enough about them besides that exactly. I’m not the guy to ask on that.

He doesn’t have a proper relationship with either Duke or Steph, but it doesn’t seem like Dick’s ever been the fondest of Steph. And Duke’s new, and they only ever been around each other in fan service moments. So I don’t think he has a real actual relationship with Duke.

Dick and Cass despite I don’t think ever being shown much together, also had a sweet relationship. With Dick doing his best to make sure his sister (before she was adopted, but Dick treated her as one nevertheless much like Tim as Dick’s baby brother) was comfortable, acting goofy, and to  me coming across as if he’s always really wanted a sister. But they weren’t super close, but there’s enough there to say that they easily could become close.

Dick and Damian was mentor mentoree, and to a large extent Dick was Damian’s father figure as Bruce was dead. As written by Damian’s creator, Dick didn’t seem to like Damian at all in the beginning, but as Dick could realize and understand his responsibilities more, they did gain a closer bond. Dick would put Damian in line (besides when bad writers were too afraid to make Damian seem like he’s in the wrong fully), sometimes even the hard way, and could be very proud of him. They aren’t big bro little bro like how some current writers act for pandering purposes. But they did grow to be close, even if Damian’s naturally really emotionally distant. Dick always wanted the best for Damian, even if he couldn’t always handle it the right way or knew what to do. He was a guy in his early to mid 20s with the responsibilities of reraising a 10 year old kid that was raised and abused by a cult, who can blame him.

Damian

I’m kind of just getting Damian out of the way, because to be frank, he’s been a really crappily written character since his origin, because he personality just absolutely switches between every writer, and he’s just so badly written that way.

But I’ll go off of what I believe to be what his writer wanted, since that’s the most accurate you can get.

Damian was raised and abused in a cult. That dictates a lot of how he thinks.

He was not close to his mother (which is out of character for Talia, and they later switched that after the reboot, but to be frank if Talia was always in-character Damian wouldn’t exist as we know him. He’d be a total different person and character). And he seemed to despise the way his dad goes about things. He seemed very indifferent and had his mood set to angry in general when he first met.

Which made it all the weirder when an issue later Damian seems to want his parents to be together, despite making it clear he doesn’t even like or think much of either one of them at all.

He was also very entitled, because despite being treated as an experiment some of the time, he was also treated as a prince the other half of the time. He thought the world was his, and he deserved everything.

He nearly killed Tim because he thought he deserved being Robin, as Tim was just adopted and not a “real” son. Seemingly he thought that was what he had to do to have his dad accept him and treat him as he thought he should.

He also seems to think he’s above Jason as well.

He’s also shown as sexist and homophobic.

He was brash and reckless about everything. Had a talented in just about everything just because of how he was raised, and goes off on his own to do stuff, because I assume he thinks everyone else holds him back.

After Dick though, Damian learned to not be a murderer (which I also think he might’ve learned before cause he wants to live with Bruce, It’s a little weird and not given enough time to actually be developed fully in an easy to digest way. Which is another reason why I think he’s such a poorly written character), also more reserved, and reckless.

As he was originally intended, he was very tall and not cute. His height being around 5′2 to 5′4 at age 10. Meaning he was an inch taller than Tim was at 13 when Damian was 10 off of that first one, and only an inch shorter than Tim at the age he  met him, where Tim was 17 going on 18. It may not be drawn that way, but you also have to remember this is 00s and beyond era DC Comics were Tim despite being described as looking 12 got drawn as big as Dick sometimes. Don’t always use the art to go off of certain information. I say he wasn’t intended to be cute, because there’s a scene were he was at a gala, where a woman clearly wanting to gold-dig Gotham City’s most eligible Bachelor Bruce Wayne by getting close to her son, but she immediately backed away when she saw him.

Which sounds harsh, but Damian’s also basically the “anti-Robin”, he was everything a Robin wasn’t meant to be and he was intended to just die and that’s it. Hence why he was with Dick to keep the Batman and Robin dynamic intact, just in reverse. As you can see, they completely forgot what made Damian interesting when his character gained some consistency with his creator.

Damian’s development was that he grew a actual caring heart even if he still carried the generally same personality. He was dismissive of people, sexually harassed Steph, was generally anti-social-esque. 

And honestly because every writer after (even the one everyone seems to think is his best writer, which I massively agree times a billion and infinite more) just kept reverting him, again and again, even when they wrote stories with character development, it was gone again. And applied a whole bunch of traits that aren’t like Damian in the slightest, so if you pay attention. Ya can tell Damian’s not Damian, he’s literally not even a shell of his self. They just painted another one to look kind of like him, and even then they don’t do that because he freaking looks completely different some of the time. They botched him so much.

But that was the main thing about Damian. 

I think one reason he got close to Dick and no one else was because Damian from his origin (no matter how poorly written they showed it), always wanted to have a proper parent. Which it seemed he could never have. And Dick grew to serve that purpose, as Dick was the one teaching him lessons, and making sure he was actually safe.

But of course later on DC Comics literally forgot everything that was letting him slowly become a better character. So that sucks.

I partially came into this fandom because of Damian. So when I actually got to read him, I was so freaking miserable after. I genuinely wanted to like him so bad, even voicing that to people I was chatting too as I read the comics, but I literally just couldn’t see why anyone cared for his comics. I don’t think any of them are fully well-written.

But it did help me grasp what Damian’s suppose to be like as I could tell what he’s suppose to be and not suppose to be, much like how I learned about Tim’s actual personality vs the one writers that don’t care about him write.

Steph

Just doing this one to get a more negatively centered one out of the way, because I struggle to find any personality traits I deem actually likable when put under context.

Because she’s full of her self, reckless, cynical, more or less sexually harassed Tim, kissing him against his wishes (and before ya say Tim did that first. it’s a little less offensive when Tim didn’t do it sexually or romantically. That was just for a dumb trope. A reward kiss. It’s still gross, but it’s a different context that’s less directly offensive), goes behind people’s backs sometimes, can be emotionally abusive, and shows signs of physically abusive.

So I don’t exactly find her super likable. And her spot in the Bat-Family was so contrived, that often nowadays I just don’t pay attention her anymore, but in fairness a lot of that’s just cause she has crazy stans that start fights that were barely there, be hypocritical, and group bully folks. So it’s relatively hard for me to wanna look at her these days.

But to be more specific before she seems like an actual freaking demon woman or what ever. Some of that doesn’t come across as bad compared to what it could be. Besides the emotional abuse, that was just a thing and the comics and people just elected to ignore it even though that was written by her creator.

She’s reckless in a way where she clearly doesn’t have proper training to make sure no one or herself gets hurt. She’s been shown causing herself to get hurt or underestimate stuff. She also doesn’t listen to people that know more about what they do, and she usually relies on luck to get by.

She’s full of herself, because she more or less says she’s an adrenaline junkie, and might just be beating up bad guys because she finds it really fun and exciting. She likes the thrill. And tries to put a title of super hero on herself sometimes, because she tries to seem heroric as she does it. She also does it to make up for her dad, which is more admirable, but behavior wise and focus wise it’s more pinned on her just being an adrenaline junkie.

She also just constantly just flirt with Tim even when he didn’t want it. Which is what sexual harassment is. She also kissed him for her own satisfaction twice, once nearly getting them both killed cause people were shooting at them, and another as them and other people were close to freezing to death because they were stuck under snow. That kind of behavior able to be under sexual assault given the context for her kisses was just for herself. Even the time she tried to say it was to make up for Tim’s reward kiss, she quickly makes it obvious it was just because she’s very sexually attracted to him.

She also just nearly lets criminals die a lot because “What’s one more life”, and seems to not care much for the lesson of not killing, specifically her dad. Like she still has the moral standard not to kill, but compared to the others it’s not one she takes as serious. She learned her lesson on being cynical, but it’s still ingrained in her personality.

I also have a whole very long post on why her relationship with Tim doesn’t work, and how she was abusive. I don’t feel like going over that again but that’s a thing.

Besides Tim she has no real relationship with the others besides Cass, which is another relationship I don’t fully understand, because Steph borderline insults her, and Cass thinks she gets in the way so much she just fractures Steph’s jaw to knock her out. They gave them some admittedly cute moments, but it’s never felt right to me. Always felt forced and pandery, but it’s a thing. They’ve played tag each other, and talked about how both of their parents are abusive.

She also had one with in Batgirl, but the best I can describe that is, she helps Steph so she doesn’t hurt herself, and she can be pretty gruff sometimes, but is also caring. it’s just kind of a been there done that sort of thing.

A lot of Batgirl is sort of forced. Bat-Family has reasonable criticisms of her, writer does something to make them more unlikable so readers still like Steph, Steph proves them wrong, they respect her. It’s a formula for a few stories in her Batgirl run.

People have also said her and Damian have a sibling relationship, but I don’t agree with that. Damian sexually harassed her and kept looking at her boobs. Damian had a crush on her, but he was also a stubborn entitled jerk to her. Steph just got back at Damian by making him dress as a normal kid to embarrass him, and when she saw Damian never played before got him to jump on a bouncy castle. Besides generic banter that’s about it. And given Damian’s personality, they never did anything like that bouncy castle thing again. It’s a really big stretch to call that sibling-like. And even the stuff you could stretch is still doesn’t pay attention to the Damian talking about her boobs constantly thing. Parts of it was just pandery, as a lot of that Batgirl run was.

So I don’t overall have a good opinion of her. She’s perseverance and doesn’t give up, and won’t take no for an answer, but given the context it’s not in a good way besides saving Tim’s and others lifes a few times.

Babs

Despite having read her a lot I don’t know her a lot, because she’s typically always the other character in things. The lady that gets the information.

So I only know a few things about her.

She has the perseverance and won’t take no traits, but in a more positive context. She has no use of her legs but that doesn’t stop her from fighting crime and helping people.

She’s a serious, and mature personality. Every case is very seriously to her, besides a few Tim got into because they were just very goofy.

She can also joke a lot. She has a very teasing personality in her as well. Especially with Tim, she seemed to find Tim really cute and loved teasing him.

I pretty much only have panels of her and Tim besides a rare few maybe, cause as I said she’s mostly a side character helping out.

I have read Birds of Prey but that was possible a year or two ago, and I didn’t really pay attention so I’m not as sure.

She’s very leaderly, and will direct the traffic so to say. She’s a magnificent detective and hacker. Stands up for herself. Inquisitive. Her mind always seems to be thinking of the next thing to think about.

She’s a character I can’t talk about as well without it being one dimensional.

Cass

Cass is another character I don’t have the best grasp on but been trying to learn because she’s probably my second favorite Batkid even if I don’t understand her as strongly. But I do get a lot of her basic personality, and a bit of the nuances, even if I’m not ultra confident on it yet.

She’s quirky, she knows how to tease, but she can also be a bit objective based unless she’s bored it seems, like she does watch TV, but when she has a goal she will not stop until the goal is done. She’s a fully compassionate person as well, she sees little kid needing help, she helps little kid.

Also given her upraising she can be more socially oblivious than anyone else, even Tim. She’s walked around an apartment she was sharing with others butt naked. I think she accidentally flirted with Babs (not a shippy thing, it’s a, Cass said a thing she didn’t understand thing), because she couldn’t tell the difference between a platonic thing and cheesy romantic thing as she watched TV. 

She doesn’t always listen. She will just beat by her own drum unless she believes in something someone else said more.

Given her mind wasn’t raised to be socializing, a lot of this stuff makes sense and is kind of obvious when you think about it.

Cass can also be very stubborn when she has a goal, even when it’s against someone else’s wishes.

She’s mostly been a loner by herself, but she has grown to seem to genuinely like having company around to bond with.

She’s been shown being protective of Tim. Literally carrying him out of a fight zone.

Babs’s is more or less her mom.

Dick and Steph’s I’ve described before.

Distant with Alfred, but Alfred will occasionally drop by to help out. They’re still carrying if they aren’t as connected as others.

Not gonna lie I can’t remember her relationship with Bruce.

But that’s some of the basics and slight nuances of Batgirl. I’m still in the early part of learning about her. So I’ll probably understand her more later on. I genuinely really like her though. I like how she isn’t a one dimensional character like some writers make her out to be. She’s genuinely really fun to read.

Jason

I actually know Jason quite a bit because I made a big long post about his time as Robin (post-crisis only, not counting the scripts written before the 80s reboot, or anything inconsistent).

He’s anti-authority, angry, cusses, smokes, violent, murderous tendencies, aggressive, but also has a genuine heroic spirit, is appreciative of the opportunities he was able to have, loved being able to learn especially, had insecurities, and a lot of his violence was in the name of being a more aggressive way of justice. He’d never hurt an innocent.

A lot of this is explain by the fact he was raised on the streets more or less.

When ever he got especially violent was because of a bad guy hurting or killing an innocent or committing abusive acts of any sort. He probably seen a lot of bad stuff on the streets and doesn’t handle it.

He’s pretty decently cynical because of thinking that’s the best way to deal with it.

He was also moody, but after his upbringing that’s to be expected, and unlike what some thinks, Batman was actually understanding and did his best to help Jason back even if he didn’t get it as first.

Jason isn’t a villain, he is a pure anti-hero, he wants to help, he loves to help, when he feels like he should help he does. He just has his own way of doing it that lots don’t agree with.

When he became the Red Hood, all of this stuff just became amplified because of the traumatic event he went through and the feeling of not being avenged and abandoned again.

Where as before he’d nearly kill people, he outright does now with even left empathy. He had a sack of decapitated head once just so other criminals knew he wasn’t playing around. 

However his moodiness came out in different ways. He was actually a very calm, chill personality as the Red Hood, until his traumas got poked at, where he’d go back into his angry bitter ways, but to a more unstoppable way. He’d be more violent, more angry, more inconsolable, more unstable.

As the Red Hood, he is a very far ahead planner and tactition. People always call Tim the planner, but to me Jason is the planner and tactition of the group. He had a large plan that took a while to do, but caused him to accomplish a lot in a short time. Tim does it in the moment or moments before and does a fine enough job, but he isn’t a good leader. Dick is a good planner tactition and leader, but it can also just be shortly before he does something. Jason thinks very far ahead and how people will react and think, how to get under their skin, what will piss them off, what will give him what he once etc.

When he’s not unstable, he’s calm and collected, and is always trying to get under people’s skin. Not in a large over the top way, but just a bit. In an almost charming sort of way. A sly way. He pokes buttons when he’s calm and collected.

As to be expected his relationship with the Bat-Family is complicated. He’s mostly just in the Bat-Family almost purely because of his past in it, more than what he is currently. He’s more of a loner type that will get help when needed, but until the New 52 said otherwise, he’s not much of a team player as he mostly works by himself.

Bat-Family wants him to get better, but at the same time I think they recognize it’s gonna take a lot for Jason to get better, and since Jason is dangerous it creates a lot of overwhelming feelings. Bruce is upset at himself and is almost grieving Jason all over again, Dick has regrets he never had a chance to know him till then, and Tim’s relationship has been so varied and never really felt right, I’d say  most likely Tim would be scared of Jason, and upset at him. Jason was a Robin that killed. Going off of how Tim reacted to thinking Batman killed, he’d probably be genuinely miserable at the thought of what Jason became, and be distant from him.

Jason is sly and hard to read unless he’s emotional.

Duke

Duke is the hardest to say anything for, because he’s the newest, most obscure (even tho he is gaining quick prominence), and so therefore has less to go off of. Not helped by a lot of writers making him very two dimensional at best a lot of the time.

He is a natural leader, a dare-devil, very willing to put his life on the line at any time, and passionate and almost stubborn about helping people. He wants to save people, and he’s always wanting to help, because he wants to make his neighborhood a better place.

And that’s almost all I can say, because having read his mini-series he doesn’t have many character traits, and WE ARE ROBIN, where he was introduced and I got that from was short lived.

He’s only with the other Batkids when they really wanna pander, so I can’t even accurately say anything, and the few times you could make a guess it’s not in-character for the other. So he’s just hard to tell. Besides Cass.

I think he’d naturally get along with Bruce, Dick, and Tim, and he’s shown being closest to Cass in the Outsiders series. Considering Cass a sister I believe. They console in each other, care about each other, worry about each other, and look after each other. That’s the closest relationship he has.

But it’s hard to say a lot for him.

AGES:

To be blunt I can’t say with full accuracy because there’s so many inconsistencies plus reboots.

But I’ll go into oldest to youngest, because some don’t realize some ages.

Dick, was 21 when Tim was 13

Jason was 18 when Tim was 15

Cass is the same age if not older than Jason

Steph is two years older than Tim

I believe Duke is around the same age as Steph

and Tim and Damian’s ages off of that is pretty obvious.

--

Sorry this is so freaking long, but like I said, just DM me. I’m about to watch a movie, but I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. I at least hope this helped some, and if it’s too long, just message me because it’ll probably be less overwhelming then.

[galahadwilder]

Hey! I'm following you for ML stuff, but I finally figured out you were into Batman as well, took me awhile. Do you have any advice on where to start for people who want to get into it? I just want to know which Robin is which when I read fanfiction hahaha. Thank youu

So the first thing to know is that there is no single Batman comic that will explain the entire Batfamily, because there are so many of them that the Manor must be running out of bedrooms by now. The second thing is that I’m not great at figuring out a starting place—a lot of comics are sort of aggressively mediocre and I can’t exactly tell the standout ones from the bad. Anyone who has any suggestions for anon, feel free to comment with them!

(In terms of fanfic recs: read literally anything by @unpretty. They are a wizard. Their fanfic is so good it has literally won awards.)

Now, a brief introduction to every member of the Batfamily that I can currently remember—save Alfred and Batman, who I am assuming you already know.

The Robins

Dick Grayson (Robin I, Nightwing II, and Batman IV). Richard John Grayson was a former child acrobat, member of the flying Graysons, and the first child adopted by Bruce Wayne. He is a human disaster of a Hufflepuff who makes terrible life choices, leaves his Nightwing costume on the floor of his apartment where literally anyone can see it, and doesn’t know how to cook anything but cereal. Despite his terrible lack of self-sufficiency, actually gives amazing life advice and is the heart and soul of the Batclan. There are villains who are willing to kill to protect him.

Jason Todd (Robin II, The Red Hood II, Red Robin I, Batman III). Jason Todd is the ballsiest Robin, having met Batman while attempting to steal the tire from the Batmobile, and, upon being confronted by the Goddamn Batman, decided the best course of action was to attack him with a tire iron. Jason is passionate and impulsive, but also extremely studious and intelligent. Well-liked despite his abrasiveness. He is the first Robin to die in the line of duty; when he came back, he and Bruce had a falling out over not killing the Joker, and now their relationship is rather shaky. Jason uses guns and has moonlighted as a crime boss in order to better control Gotham’s criminal element from the inside, which works mostly because he has nerves of steel and the ability to spin stunningly convincing bullshit at the drop of a hat.

Carrie Kelley (Robin II.5): See “Elseworlds and Future.”

Tim Drake (Robin III, Red Robin II, Drake I, Batman Beyond II): Tim has the greatest intellect of the Batclan; however, unlike Barbara (see “Batgirls”), Tim’s wisdom score is through the bloody floor. He figured out Batman and Robin’s identities on his own, and after Jason died he walked up to Bruce and basically told him “I know who you are and I’m Robin now,” which... worked. Tim is the least physically gifted of the Robins, but he makes up for it in detective skills and tactical intelligence. He was the only Robin to still have living parents outside of the Batfamily, though they were murdered soon into his career. He dropped out of high school and was acting CEO of Wayne Enterprises for a time. He has crippling depression and is implied to be suicidal.

Stephanie Brown (Spoiler I, Robin IV, Batgirl III): see under “Batgirls.”

Damian Wayne (Robin V): Damian is the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul, and was raised—unbeknownst to his father—by his mother and grandfather to be an assassin, as well as to be the best at literally everything (for context: despite being a young teenager, he technically holds multiple unaccredited PHDs). However, this stunted his social development, so he is rude and abrasive almost constantly, though he has been getting better and his closest friends and family can see that he’s covering for a superiority/inferiority complex a mile deep. Damian has a constant need to prove himself and has taken up his father’s adoption habit, though he prefers animals. Animals are better than people.

Duke Thomas (Robin ??, The Signal): Duke Thomas was the first metahuman Bruce allowed into the Batfamily. Originally decided to take on The Riddler by himself at the age of... seven or so? Eventually joined a collective called “We Are Robin” and fought crime, unsanctioned. After his parents were driven mad by Joker Venom, Bruce took him in. He now fights crime in the daytime, unlike the rest of the Batfamily, using his nebulously-defined extrasensory abilities to augment his Batfamily training.

The Batgirls

Barbara Gordon (Batgirl I, Oracle I): while Tim may be the most intelligent member of the Batclan, Babs is the all-around smartest. Her intellect is damned high, and unlike most of the Batfamily, Barbara is actually capable of making good decisions. She just... decides not to, most of the time. Barbara is the daughter of Commissioner James Gordon and was the first Batgirl; she lost the use of her legs when Joker shot her in the spine, but refused to take a backseat in the Batclan’s war on crime and became Oracle, hacker extraordinaire who directs the activities of every single vigilante in Gotham from her clocktower lair. She has since regained the use of her legs and reclaimed the Batgirl mantle, turning Oracle into a living AI.

Helena Wayne (Batgirl I.5, Huntress I): see “Elseworlds and Future.”

Cassandra Cain/Wayne (Batgirl II, Black Bat I, Orphan I): Cassandra is the daughter of assassins Lady Shiva and David Cain, and had what is hands-down the worst childhood of the entire Batfamily (her father would shoot her in the leg, and if she flinched, he’d shoot her again). She was raised without spoken words, and as a result the language centers of her brain are more adapted for body language than words. This gives her a kind of combat clairvoyance where it’s nearly impossible for a human combatant to surprise her. After her first murder, she swore to never again take a life, and joined the Batclan to atone. I personally believe that she is Bruce’s favorite child and the true heir to the mantle of the Bat.

Stephanie Brown (Spoiler I, Robin IV, Batgirl III): the daughter of Arthur Brown, a criminal known as Cluemaster, Stephanie became a vigilante specifically to oppose her father and then just had a bunch of mission creep. She is brash, sarcastic, and reckless, but has oodles of passion and natural talent. DC editors hate her, so she ends up screwing up or getting pushed aside a lot, but she is much more competent than she appears and is extremely good at getting people to underestimate her.

Others

Kate Kane (Batwoman I): Kate Kane is Bruce’s cousin, dishonorably discharged from the military under “dont ask don’t tell,” though this has likely been retconned thanks to DC’s sliding timescale. She is actually specifically not connected to the Batfamily, being more of an auxiliary member by her own choice—as a military woman, she dislikes their methods and considers them sloppy. She uses guns, has her own rogues’ gallery unconnected to her cousin’s, and is extremely competent.

Jean-Paul Valley (Azrael I, Batman II): Jean-Paul believed himself to be an ordinary college student, but was in fact a genetically modified super-soldier created to punish the wicked through the use of magic and advanced technology. He eventually broke his conditioning thanks to Batman and joined the family, even taking over for Batman briefly after Bane broke his back. (This proved to be a terrible decision.) He fights using powered armor and enchanted medieval weaponry.

Harper Row (Bluebird I): I know very little about Harper except that she is openly bisexual and uses hilariously oversized sci-fi guns.

Claire Clover (Gotham Girl I): a metahuman with Superman-like abilities; however, the more she uses them, the faster her lifespan burns away. Last I checked, she was working with Bane for some reason to do bad things to Batman. Don’t know why. She’s odd.

Lonnie Machin (Anarky I, Moneyspider I): may or may not be the son of The Joker. Lonnie is a genius Anarchist, but not of the “bomb-throwing” variety—in fact, he detests bombers. Briefly acted as Tim’s Oracle, since, thanks to extensive neurological self-modification, he’s one of the few people in Gotham who is actually more intelligent than Tim is.

Helena Bertinelli (Huntress II, Batgirl briefly I think?): daughter of a crime family that got wiped out by a rival crime family. However, she didn’t know her family was mafia, and as a vigilante in Gotham ended up trying to operate under Batman’s rules. Wasn’t very good at that—she’s a bit too vicious and brutal, despite her attempts to rein herself in. Uses crossbows primarily.

Elseworlds & Future

Terry McGinnis (Batman Beyond I): the definitive future Batman. Thanks to Amanda Waller and superscience shenanigans, Terry is the biological son of Bruce Wayne. He wears a highly advanced batsuit that is closer to powered armor than a costume, which gives Iron Man a run for his money. Unlike Bruce’s obsessive preparedness, Terry’s skillset lies in improvisation.

Carrie Kelley (Robin II.5): the Robin of the dystopian timeline of The Dark Knight Returns. It’s been a while since I read DKR, so I don’t remember much about her.

Helena Wayne (Batgirl I.5, Huntress I): Bruce and Selina’s daughter from another dimension.

[glenngaylord]

OUTFEST 2020 FILM REVIEWS:  The Rest Of The Fest

As the curtain closes on another Outfest, this one presented under extremely unusual circumstances, I sit in awe of the filmmakers and of the staff who put together not only a great group of films, but managed to creatively bring them to its audience online and at drive-in screenings.  Typically, you find yourself having to choose one film over several others, but with this new format, you have a great chance of seeing everything you want.  In past years, I found myself lucky if I saw 15 films.  This year I saw 23 features and 4 shorts programs out of the 160 on the schedule.  

As it’s impossible to get full reviews submitted for everything while the festival is still chugging along, I wanted to write capsules of the remaining films not covered at TheQueerReview.com .  Please visit the website for all the other reviews I wrote as well as those by my colleagues.

THE OBITUARY OF TUNDE JOHNSON ★★★★★

Melding a Groundhog Day-style concept with police violence against black people, this stunning film could not be more prescient and emotionally overpowering.  A black gay teenager relives his moment of murder over and over again, with slight shifts in the narrative taking us to someplace unexpected and earned.  Director Ali LeRoi directs his first feature as if he’s been doing it all of his life and has interpreted Stanley Kalu’s ingenious script with a great cinematic approach.  Gorgeously framed, beautifully acted, written, and directed, this is one of the most powerful films of 2020.

TWO EYES ★★★★★

I can’t form sentences here so I’m gonna vomit out words:  Instant classic. Glorious. Set over three centuries seamlessly melding a triptych of stories about gender identity.  I’m a blubbering mess.  Fantastic and very funny last line.  Travis Fine is a very gifted filmmaker who screams love child of Terrence Malick and Kelly Reichardt.  Heartbreaking. Inspiring. Unforgettable.  Montana is so beautiful.  Barstow is not.  A perfect film for anyone who wants to find their place in the world. I wouldn’t complain if TUNDE and TWO EYES both received Best Picture Oscar nominations.  

DRAMARAMA  ★★★★

Theater nerds rule in this incredibly endearing, early 90s set film about a group of high schoolers discovering themselves in one night at a ridiculous Murder Mystery-themed party.  Hilarious script, vivid and wonderful performances, and the opposite of a “Coming Out” movie in the best possible way.  Jonathan Wysocki has given us The Breakfast Club for air-kissing, mid-Atlantic accented freaks and geeks. 

CICADA ★★★★

What happens when a traumatized, bisexual man who has more sex partners than any standard montage can contain slows things down to concentrate on one kind but also traumatized young man?  This elliptically told film has a fun, flirty side but carries its heaviness with great ease.  A terrific feature debut for director/writer/editor/lead actor Matthew Fifer. 

THE STRONG ONES (LOS FUERTES) ★★★★

From Chile comes this sexy, moving story of two men at cross purposes who form a beautiful bond.  Set against some stunning scenery and mining the chemistry between its two leads for everything it has, I am half-jokingly calling it Brokeback Andes.  It’s so much more than that trite, hackneyed comparison.  

MONSOON ★★★1/2

Director Hong Khaou’s followup to Lilting sets its sights on modern day Vietnam as Henry Golding’s character visits to find a suitable place to distribute his mother’s ashes.  It’s a terrific mediation on a gay man finding a sense of belonging in a place he’s never been and Golding proves himself to be a subtle, compelling actor.  Perhaps a little too quiet and reflective, the film makes up for what it lacks in narrative drive with its awe-inspiring cinematography and immersive qualities.  

P.S. BURN THIS LETTER PLEASE ★★★★1/2

What an unexpected surprise.  Michael Seligman and Jennifer  Tiexiera’s documentary about a treasure trove of letters dating back to the 1950s brings us into the world of drag queens from almost 70 years ago.  With many of its subjects not only alive but in fine form telling their stories and the dishiest voiceover readings ever to grace a film, I was not only thoroughly entertained, but I didn’t expect to weep like Laura Dern at the end.  Oh, this is so so so so good. 

MINYAN ★★★★

Eric Steel’s feature debut has its own unique tone and a star making performance by Samuel H. Levine, a spitting image of a young Al Pacino/Sylvester Stallone hybrid.  With its 1980s Jewish Brighton Beach backdrop, this powerful yet subtle film about a young man coming to terms with his sexuality as well as his place within his religion, it’s a stunning debut.  Ron Rifkin is stellar as Levine’s charming grandfather and Alex Hurt (William Hurt’s son) has his father’s intensity.  Fantastic, lived-in production design which feels like its decade without resorting to the usual candy colored tropes and a evocative score makes this a memorable experience.  Reminiscent at times of On The Waterfront, this film puts a fresh new spin on a coming of age tale and finds so many moving moments from first sex to an elderly gay couple hiding in plain sight.  A must-see. 

SHIVA BABY ★★★★

Writer/Director Emma Seligman must have studied Rosemary’s Baby quite a bit with this angsty story set mostly at a memorial service.  Rachel Sennott is fantastic as a young lesbian who moves from one cringe-worthy moment to the next in an attempt to avoid as much conflict as possible.  The great supporting cast includes Polly Draper, Fred Melamed, Dianna Agron, Molly Gordon, and Jackie Hoffman, all note perfect.  Less a comedy and more of an emotional horror story, Seligman knows how to make the best of a cramped space and throw up an endless variety of obstacles.  You just want Sennott’s Danielle to get her goddamned bagel with lox and cream cheese, but the fates have something else, something better, in store. 

COWBOYS ★★★★

Steve Zahn gives a career best performance in this moving story of a father with mental health issues and his trans son escaping into the Montana wilderness.  Sasha Knight makes an impressive debut as Zahn’s son and Jillian Bell expertly walks that fine line between villain and empathetic character.  Its comparisons to Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid are not coincidental.  Not perfect by any stretch, it may feel fairly conventional, but it’s tackling a vibrant subject matter.  Extra points for giving Ann Dowd a role where we don’t hiss at her. 

BREAKING FAST ★★★

Solid romcom with a Muslim backdrop, this very tight, deceptively simple script provides just the right amount of sparks between its charming leads, Haaz Sleiman and Michael Cassidy.  While structurally not breaking new ground, the entry point into a world we don’t see enough of on screen coupled with food porn for days makes this a fun, funny, goes down easy delight.

ASK ANY BUDDY ★★★1/2

Q: Daddy!  Daddy!  What were the 70s like down at the Piers in NYC?   A: Oh shut up and watch this movie.  

An experimental collage of vintage gay porn and archival footage from the disco, pre-AIDS heyday gives this film a mesmerizing, museum installation quality.  While technically without a story, you feel like you’ve gone on a journey nonetheless.  Would pair well with William Friedkin’s Cruising. 

DRY WIND ★★★1/2

Slow cinema meets voyeuristic gay porn in this one of a kind Brazilian exploration an arid small town, a workers’ union crisis, and a man obsessed with the Tom Of Finland drawing come to life who motors into his life.  Overlong and a little too obtuse as it goes along, it’s worth watching this Alice In Wonderland takes a quaalude, gets a very hairy back, and has a lot of sex in the dirt. 

NO HARD FEELINGS ★★★★

This year’s Teddy Award Winner at the Berlin Film Festival, Faraz Shariat’s film uses its backdrop of a refugee camp in Germany to tell the story of Iranians and Irani-Germans searching for a better life.  Its three leads bring a spark and youthful energy to a story with devastating undercurrents.  A wrenching glimpse into the emotional effects an oppressive culture has on its people, yet told with a driving pulse. 

LILY TOMLIN: THE FILM BEHIND THE SHOW ★★★

A look behind the scenes as Lily Tomlin and wife Jane Wagner workshop their legendary 1980s Broadway show, The Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life In The Universe.  It’s great to see these two at the top of their game and get a glimpse of their creative process, but this documentary is almost devoid of incident and feels more like a sweet gift to the fans than a fully realized film. 

SHORTS: WHAT A BOY NEEDS ★★★1/2

A mixed bag here of people searching for excitement, I found a couple of gems here nonetheless.  Not to take away from the shorts I don’t mention, I want to single out two exceptional films. Ruben Navarro’s Of Hearts And Castles looks great, has a beautiful vibe, and shows us a lovely connection forming right before our eyes.  Kiko’s Saints proves highly original as we follow a female Japanese artist on assignment in France become obsessed with a gay couple who have a lot of sex on the beach.  Combining animation with fairly explicit sex, I loved seeing the male gaze from a female perspective. 

THE CAPOTE TAPES ★★1/2

I love Truman Capote. I grew up at a time when smart authors found themselves on talk shows and were treated like superstars.  I’ve read his books and always have been in awe of his ability to be himself.  Featuring never-before-heard tapes of Capote’s friends being interviewed by George Plimpton, unfortunately, I don’t think this repetitive documentary gave me anything all that new.  It’s still touching at times and for the uninitiated, this is a great overview of his life, but I was watching the clock. 

OUT LOUD ★★★1/2

A moving look at the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles as they prepare for their first public performance.  With its ticking clock storyline, director Gail Willumsen expertly interweaves storylines of its founder and members.  As such, you really learn what’s a stake and what it means to them.  I was lucky enough to see the chorus perform David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust a few years ago and basked in the power of its mere existence…and was also ridiculously entertained. 

TWILIGHT’S KISS (SUK SUK)  ★★★1/2

This quiet charmer form Hong Kong shows us something we almost never get to see on film - two elderly gay men meeting and falling in love.  The fact that both have been married to women doesn’t stop them from exploring their feelings.  A little to gentle by half, I still was in awe of this rarity.

[wesleyhill]

The Voice from the Whirlwind

A homily on Job 38:1-11, preached at Trinity Cathedral, Pittsburgh, on the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 2021

Our Old Testament reading today is taken from the book of Job. Many scholars consider Job to be a literary masterpiece and its poetry the most beautiful in the entire Hebrew Bible. In light of that, I’m going to read our text again from the King James Version, which does better than most any other version at capturing the grandeur of the language.

 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. 4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? 9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, 10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, 11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

This portion of Job comes from the very end of the book. In the thirty-seven long chapters that precede it, we have heard the story and the voice of Job, as well as the rebukes of some friends of his that have come to visit him.

Let’s recall that story so that we have the context for the portion we just heard. Job is a kind of Everyman character, a timeless figure. He does not seem to be descended from Abraham; he is not an Israelite. He is from Uz, some faraway city, and he is described as “the greatest of all the people of the east” (1:3). We might picture a wealthy sheikh with a palace and a retinue. His city and his lifestyle are meant to transport us into a sort of fairy tale setting (and remember — as C. S. Lewis and the Inklings remind us — that doesn’t mean the story is any less true! To be swept up in a good fairy tale is to be forced to grapple with something true about us).

One day, according to the story, an accusing, adversarial angelic figure makes a proposal to God in his heavenly court. He claims that Job only worships God and lives a virtuous life because it’s easy for him to do so. “But stretch out your hand now,” the adversary tells God, “and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” And God gives the adversary permission to take away Job’s family (his ten children are all killed), his wealth, and his health. And Job’s response is to continue, through it all, to worship God: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (1:21).

At this point in the story, three friends of Job travel from far away to see this greatest of all men reduced to sitting in an ash heap scraping his inflamed skin with a shard of pottery. For seven days they simply sit in silence with Job (as Jews to this day practice sitting shiva with the bereaved), “for they saw that his suffering was very great” (2:13).

But then, for the next thirty-five chapters of the book, Job howls out his innocence in poem after poem, speech after poetic speech, and his three friends remonstrate with him. They rebuke him for his arrogantly supposing that he can call God to account, and he retorts, “Miserable comforters are you all” (16:2). Back and forth it goes. So many words. So many “vain,” “windy words,” as the poet calls them at one point (16:3, KJV; NRSV).

And then, out of a storm that overwhelms all the words, the LORD finally speaks. Job had earlier wished that the day of his birth had been shrouded in darkness, but God turns that wish around and asks Job why he has shrouded everything with ignorant speech: “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?” Then the LORD declares that He intends to question Job: “Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.”

And then comes some of the most memorable imagery in the entire book. I encourage you to open your Bible at home and read the passage again later, slowly, and pay attention to the striking imagery and metaphors. The LORD asks of Job:

You who are so full of opinions and recriminations, where were you when I was hoisting the rafters of the universe? Where were you when I was taking a plumbline to the Milky Way? Were you there, Job, when the roar of exploding galaxies sounded like a thundering choir of praise? Were you there when the ocean’s water broke, and I wrapped the sea with clouds like a mother wraps an infant in a warm blanket? If you know so much, Job, tell me, were you there? Because I was!

The LORD goes on like this for four whole chapters, giving Job a tour of all the wonders and terrors of creation.

And it’s at this point many readers have felt that the book of Job is at its least convincing. Here is Job, in psychological and bodily agony, crying out from the depths, “Why me?” And God’s answer is… to talk about oceans and stars and ostriches and crocodiles, as if merely asserting His power as the Creator were enough to put an end to honest, gut-wrenching questions, as if God were saying, “Shut up and just look at how much bigger and stronger than you I am.”

That’s a common interpretation that people have of our reading for today, but I don’t think it does justice to the text. Because God isn’t silencing Job so much as He is inviting Job to see in a new way. The LORD is not simply cataloguing His creatures for Job, as if He were curating a nature exhibit. Job has been trying to relate to the LORD as if He were a contractor; the LORD is trying to tell Job that, from the very beginning of creation, He is a covenant-maker. The LORD is reminding Job that back behind and underneath Job’s calculus of guilt and innocence; deeper than tit-for-tat human schemes that would supposedly sort out all the rational, moral reasons for why things happen in the world the way they do; beyond all this, at the heart of everything there is an unending, un-endable generosity, a light that can never be extinguished, an unfathomable source of life and goodness and wisdom. This isn’t merely some impersonal source of inspiration or fortitude that will get you safely through grief and out the other side; this ceaseless gift comes from the presence of the LORD Himself, the God who addresses Job, who speaks with Job, who seeks Job out precisely in his pain and loneliness. Beyond all deserving or undeserving, the LORD comes to Job. The LORD reveals Himself. Job is not given a platitude; he encounters a Person. The LORD is there — in majesty and mercy. And ultimately, in repentance and trust and hope, Job says to God, “I had heard You with my ear, but now my eye perceives You. Therefore, I recant and relent, being but dust and ashes” (42:5-6, NJPS). Job has not had his questions answered, but he has met the One who made him — the One who will open a future for him beyond all deserving or comprehending, the One who asks not for comprehension but for humility and trust.

Some of you may have seen Terrence Malick’s film The Tree of Life from ten years ago. It was nominated for multiple Oscars and struck a chord with many Christian viewers in particular. It opens with a blank screen and the words from our reading, the words that the LORD speaks to Job: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth… When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” The movie follows the story of a family with young children in Waco, Texas in the 1950s. I don’t want to spoil it for you (if you haven’t seen it, I encourage you to), but I will say that tragedy of the most awful kind strikes this family, and throughout the film, the characters return to that haunting question God asks of Job, “Where were you?” — except, in the film, it is the people who say it to God, rather than God who says it to them. Where were you?

Astonishingly, the movie tries to visually depict God’s speech to Job by taking a full 18 minutes — roughly an eighth of the entire film — to show the unfolding of creation, from the big bang to the emergence of dinosaurs. It sounds bizarre, but it’s extraordinary to see. One minute you’re watching one ordinary family in Waco in the 1950s navigate ordinary human sorrow, anger, remorse, and longing, and the next minute you’re watching nebulae and planetary rings and cell divisions. At the same time that you’re seeing one particular family’s life play out in all of its quotidian drama, you’re seeing the dazzling, awe-evoking origin of all life.

Where were you? the characters ask God.

The answer to that question that the LORD gives to Job is, in essence, “I am here, and I was here before you, and I will be here ahead of you. I am here, speaking to you, addressing you, seeing you, knowing you, redeeming you. I, the Maker of heaven and earth, am the same God who draws near.”

One scene in the movie takes place at a funeral, in a church. The text for the sermon is the same one we have heard this morning. And you can hear the priest say (and by the way, in real life, the priest in the film is an Episcopal priest who helped write the words he would perform!), “Is there some fraud in the scheme of the universe? Is there nothing which is deathless? Nothing which does not pass away?”

And at that point the camera slowly pans away from the character sitting in the pew listening, who has endured and will endure so much grief in the course of the story — the camera pans up to a stained glass window where we see the LORD of Israel who spoke to Job — the LORD as a human being, the man Jesus, bound with ropes, crowned with thorns, looking out from the glass with eyes of grief and unceasing love, ready to give His life for the world He had made.

It is He whom Job meets. It is He who is alive and here with us today, who speaks to us, who feeds us with His own Body and Blood.

Amen.

[thehuntersmoondiscord]

Here’s the masterpost from the Hunter’s Moon Fairytale Retelling Event, hosted on the Hunter’s Moon Discord Server.  You can find the entire collection HERE, or look below for the break down of each entry. There’s a variety of FairyTales, Ratings, and Pairings.  (Banner by the amazing @foxymoley/ @foxymoleyarts) 

Yeh Fitoor Mera, Maine Badla Re Mera Naseeb by @christopher-lightwood-my-heart

Summary: Magnus finds a wounded Royal while wondering in the Brocelind forest, and love blossoms. But, fate intervenes. Magnus now has to go against fate itself to bring back his love. Tags: AU-FairyTale, Royal Alec Lightwood, Good Parent Asmodeus, Happy Ending Rating: General Pairing: Malec

Chromatic Heart by @miss-shiva-adler

Summary: When an intel gathering mission yet again goes awry, android Alec goes to the only place he knows where he can be safe.Hunter's Moon Fairy Tale Retelling 2020 Pinnochio Tags: Fairy Tale Retellings, AU-Cyberpunk, AU-Robots & Androids, Android Alec Lightwood, Medtech Magnus Bane, Wire Play, Nipple Piercings, Nipple Play, First Time, First Kiss, What is love?, Mutual Pining, Overstimulation Rating: Explicit Pairing: Malec

The Prince and The Snake Charmer by @dmcanonymous

Summary: Alec never put much thought into mundane fairy tales. Now he's stuck in one and the only one charming enough to get him out of it is Magnus Bane.A retelling of a Norwegian fairy tale with a Shadowhunter twist. Tags: AU-Fairy Tale, Lindworm Prince, Snakey!Alec, Magnus to the rescue, Fluffy, snek!Alec Rating: Teen Pairing: Malec

Of roses and ice (The Snow Queen) by @brightasstars

Summary:  An old demon spreads across the land pieces of an evil broken mirror, affecting the hearts and minds of all who come in contact with it. Years after the creation of the mirror a piece of that old glass touches Magnus. Magnus is taken by the Snow Queen. A heartbroken Alec continues to search for his friend, until he finds him. Tags: Retelling of the Snow Queen Rating: General Pairing: Malec

Love At First Sass by @aria-lerendeair 

Summary:Alec Lightwood is the crown prince of Idris and he has been ordered to find his future husband or wife at the ball tonight, to protect the kingdom. Magnus Bane is the warlock under a spell by his father - sent to make the prince fall in love with him so his father can seize control of the kingdom of Idris. They meet, they tease, they sass, they save each other, and maybe fall in love at first sight along the way. Tags: Love at First Sight, Happy Endings, Fairy Tale Inspired, Cinderella Inspired, BAMF Magnus Bane, BAMF Alec Lightwood, Prince Alec Lightwood, Asmodeus is a Dick, Warlock Magnus, Alec is a disaster gay in any universe, First Kisses, The omamori is even more magical, Engagements, Dancing, Protective Magnus Rating: Teen Pairing: Malec

Glowing in the Dark by @hoonstarlight (ColorfulWarlock)

Summary: In front of them, there is a big house made of sweets. There is smoke spiraling from one of the chimneys and a strong smell of caramel in the air. All Lightwood siblings start to salivate, and again it’s Max the first one to break the spell. He runs towards the house and without thinking pulls a big lump from the wall made of chocolate cookies. He eats it right away and moans. Izzy and Jace soon follow, and Alec feels helpless again. OR, A dark Hansel and Gretel retelling nobody asked for. Tags: AU-Fairy Tale, Dark Fairy Tale Elements, Fairy Tale Retellings, AU-Hansel and Gretal, Fusion, Implied/Referenced Drug Addiction, References to Depression, Pyromania, Cannibalism (not really graphic but its there), Alec Lightwood Deserves Nice Things, Emotional Manipulation, Magic, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Blood, Gore Rating: Explicit Pairing: Malec

Sake Of The Song by @shadowhuntersnonsense (Krit)

Summary:  Jace has lived his whole life alone in his tower, unable to fly. His only company the birds, and his father. Until a mysterious stranger arrives. Tags: AU-Fairy Tale, Rapunzel Elements, Wingfic, Canon Compliant Child Abduction, Imprisonment, Jace Wayland Plays the Piano, Simon Lewis Plays the Guitar, Violence, Fluff and Angst, Broken Bones, Eye Trauma, Humor, Implied/Referenced Rape/Non-Con, Happy Ending, Romance, Implied/Referenced Abuse Rating: Mature Pairing: Jace/Simon, Jace/Valentine

Clary and her Figurehead by @foxymoley

Summary: A retelling of the original Little Mermaid story in which Clary eschews a life above the waves and finds a beautiful ships figurehead in her cave of treasures. Tags: Little Mermaid Elements, Minor Character Death Rating: Teen Pairing: Clary/Izzy

True Love’s True Form by @tobythewise

Summary: Jace thought love was only true in fairy tales. Meant for someone else but not for him. But love was out to get him. That's the way it seemed. Disappointment haunted all his dreams! But then he met Raphael and Simon. Now he's a believer. OR A Shadowhunter retelling of Shrek Tags: Inspired by Shrek, Shrek References, Shrek AU, Humor, Fluff and Humor, Getting Together, True Love’s Kiss, Blood Drinking, Hurt/Comfort, Rescue Mission, Sassy Raphael, Everyone is Sarcastic, Mentions of Self Harm, Happy Ending, Daylighter Simon, Daylighter Raphael Rating: Teen Pairing: Raphael/Jace/Simon

a lean wind flays by @faejilly

Summary:The beginning of the end, or the end of the beginning? Magnus and his mother and a handful of magic beans. Tags: Jack and the Beanstalk, Tragic Backstory, Canonical Character Death, Canon-Typical Violence, AU-Fairy Tale, Angst Rating: Mature Pairing: General (Magnus & Magnus’ Mother)

[inviouswriting]

The World in eyes I wish to see

Wedding story redone. After spending some time messing with some things in game. I found I really like the Ala Mihgan gowns.

This will be in Trust. (whenever I update it)

Mentions of specific characters

@windup-dragoon​ - Kirishima, @whitherliliesbloom​ - Illya, @meepsthemiqo​ - Meeps, @candideangel​ - Angelique, @maiden-born-in-snow​ - Shuri~

Aymeric x Kiya

no smut all clean but long.

Aymeric is the type to wake up even when the sky is still dark out, habits he has formed from being Lord Commander. He often is greeted to the sight next to him, his beloved curled against him still asleep and probably worn out from their night together.

He has a sense of pride when he wears her out, often he gets to see her as she wakes up. He guesses not too long from then, the way she seeks his affection or warmth. Slowly Kiya’s eyes open and the first thing she sees is him looming over her.

Kiya registers his expression is soft and at ease. She felt sore in the right spots, and returns the kiss pressed onto her lips. Aymeric feels good about the day, and with it so early he wonders if something can be done. It was a few days after the liberation of the city. Everyone was in high spirits, specially while planning all the rebuilding and what to do.

Aymeric takes Kiya’s hands in his and tugs her up to sit with him. He winds his arms around her while lifting the blanket up to cover them. He had thought long and hard about his options, and breathes them out under his breath.

“Let’s get married today.” Aymeric feels Kiya’s head whip up, and grimaces when her head hits his chin, and Kiya winces but eyes him wide while rubbing her head.

“What did you say?” She questions him, wondering if she heard right. They had been trying to plan for an Ishgardian style wedding for months. To hear him deviate and want to get married then and break traditions again. Aymeric meets her stare after rubbing his face from where her head bumped his and a stern and serious look to his eyes to let her know he isn’t joking about it.

“Let’s get married. Today.” Kiya’s eyes are wider, he can almost see the way her lenses expand in excitement.

“I thought you wanted an Ishgardian wedding?” She counters.

“We can still have one, for the people there who won’t be able to visit and attend on the sudden. I have put thought into it, and I rather not wait any longer. If you will. Please?” His eyes soften at his plea for her to say yes to this opportunity.

“Of course! I’m just a little surprised that you want to. Are you really sure to me? Eep!” Kiya is tugged down and faces Aymeric over her with his hands on either side of her head.

“You know the answer to that already my love. I did ask you many moons ago. My feelings have not changed, and I want to be able to marry you while everyone is around us. Friends and such. The alliance leaders are all here to officiate and bear witness. The friends you fought with, and their loved ones. Why not?” He tilts his head to the side, and Kiya finds herself unable to turn him down with how he makes her feel so well loved.

“Okay! Let’s do it then!” She earns one of his brightest smiles he can muster and him leaning down to give her a full kiss. He peppers her in many kisses, till he is certain her mind is spinning with emotions.

“What do we even wear?” Kiya murmurs getting his attention again.

“We’ll ask some people. I’m sure General Raubahn, Mistress Lyse, or M’naago know something. Shall we dress for the day and get started then? Hopefully by sundown you and I can be sealed together.” Aymeric presses his forehead to hers, and cradles her head with his hands behind her head holding her still as he lingers kisses.

“Aye!” Kiya smiles at him, and gets another kiss before he gets off of her and starts to look for his clothes that were tossed around in their hurry to feel each other the previous night. 

Kiya lazily dresses in her hailstorm outfit preferring it for the desert climate, and for what it meant to her as a parting gift from Shiva and Ysayle. She eyes Aymeric’s back how well toned he is her eyes lingering over skin till he turns his head to catch her stare with a smirk.

“Hmm... if you keep staring we might not make it out of this tent.” He chides her teasing. Aymeric would love to indulge, but if they were to have a ceremony by the end of the day, then they need to get to work in talking to people.

Kiya sticks her tongue out at him for the amused chiding, and wiggles her tail extra knowing he’s watching her back. They spend the rest of the morning discussing ideas, Kiya would check with a few friends of hers who know how to score fashion and wears. 

Aymeric gives her a long kiss before he goes about his own side to prepare. The first person she encounters in the morning is Lyse, just the person she needed to find, she was from the area originally and would know traditions.

“Lyse!” Kiya calls to her, and the blonde beams a smile to her.

“Hey, Kiya. What are you doing up so early? Thought you were with Aymeric.” A little bit of a tease in her voice enough to make the miqo blush and cough.

“I was this morning. He proposed something today.” Kiya fidgets with her hands, something she does when she is trying to find her words. Lyse knows it is a little more serious and changes her tone a bit.

“Hmm? What did he propose?” 

“To get married today! He figured it would be the right time with everyone in such high spirits.. but..” Kiya trails off and tugs at her clothes.

“All I have is black wears.” The plight of her black mage side, she always dressed the part.

“Oh? Oh! You need something to wear! Say no more! I have something for you then. Give me a bit to go find it!” Lyse was already darting off to go back to her place, to find what she wants in order to help her out.

Kiya talks to several others of the alliance, the women more than happy to officiate. To seal the two. She had met up with Aymeric and shared news of her findings while he told her of good news himself in able to have more unexpected friends in Estinien at behest of Shuri’s persuading. 

Aymeric gives her a lingering hug, lifting her just enough off the ground a few feet. They part ways again, Kiya being whisked off to be slightly glamored up. Every girl she had fought to liberate the place with was in a special room just before the Royal Meganerie. Kiya sits in the middle of her friends as they figure out how to help her hair with the aid of Jandelaine. 

“Should it be down? or up?” Shuri settles on helping figure this out, with Kirishimi off to the side. Illya and Meeps rummaging through Kiya’s clothes to find something. Not black. The cotton tights she normally wears was snagged and dyed white. Lyse enters with a specific box in tow with Tataru presenting it to Kiya.

“This was my mothers. It would have went to Yda, then to myself. But I don’t see myself marrying anyone anytime soon. And you have done more for us than we could even dream. I hope this works for you, all I ask is you keep it white. Aymeric has the match to this from my father. Surprisingly it fits him.” Lyse lets Kiya open the box to an Ala Mhigan gown, Kiya’s eyes widen knowing it means a lot to the woman.

“Are you sure?!? It means so much to you.” 

“And I know marrying Aymeric means a lot to you. The first wedding should always be special, and well.. I think this is special enough.” Lyse smiles when Kiya accepts it.

“Ohhh, now we know what to do with your hair.” Shuri and Kiri both grin at this present and tug Kiya back with Jandelaine’s help to put the miqo’s hair into a neat ponytail. She looked clean yet elegant to be marrying someone. Keeping the blue on her lips, and painted heart. 

When Kiya wears the gown, it was a bit bigger on her, but fitting. She felt comfortable and hugged herself knowing it means a lot to Lyse giving it to her. The girls clamor to dress themselves up with the ceremony only hours away.

Kiya finds herself outside the room, wandering the edges of the garden. Feeling butterflies in her stomach, and nerves starting to settle in. She stares in front of her and spies Aymeric just on the edge of the pool to the water. He turns his head feeling eyes on him, and smiles at Kiya. He looked fitting in the identical gown and with black pants and boots while she donned eastern shoes and tights to fit.

“Aymeric, shouldn’t you be getting ready?” She teases him, and meets him in the center. Their hands finding each others.

“I am ready, what about you? I thought it is bad luck for a groom to see a bride before the ceremony.” He brings her hands up to place a kiss on her fingers.

“Then you best close your eyes.” Kiya reaches her hands up and covers his face after he placed his kisses.

“We’re really about to do this?” She questions as she fits into his arms, finding comfort in them as she has for many moons now.

“Aye. Excited?” He takes her hands and leads her around the garden, overseeing the decorations, though the garden hardly needed adding onto with how beautiful it was. Kiya was descending a set of stairs following Aymeric.

“I am excited, but a little scared too.” She stumbles and is caught in his hands. Aymeric leans forward enough and prods at her nose smirking at the expression she makes before she laughs.

“My love. Are you feeling pressured?” He questions. Wondering if it is too much on her shoulders with the idea of being married so fast in a day versus the months of planning for Ishgard.

“No, no. Not scared like that. Scared in... uncertainty. We’ve talked for months about this and now..”

“We’re doing it sporadically.” He finishes her sentence understanding where she is coming from now. He also smiles understanding her feelings in the moment. They both bask in the quiet together him tugging her into his arms again and lifting her till her feet dangle.

“Would it be too forward if I asked for a pre-wedding kiss? Our last one as just fiancées?” Aymeric sets her down and tilts her head up towards his.

“No, it wouldn’t be too forward. I’d love it in fact. Just don’t smear anything. The girls would be cross.” Aymeric smiles against her lips as he presses a chaste kiss.

“Then they should be glad to not witness what will transpire tonight then.” He gets a little nip from her. Aymeric presses his palm to her cheek, and Kiya does the same little moments of intimacy between them. 

“There you are! Hey! Save the affections for the ceremony!”  Kiya snickers at the slight indignation in Tataru’s voice catching the two lovers. Kiya gives an apologetic peck to Aymeric’s cheek before she slinks off to mingle with some people before they meet again. Aymeric finds Estinien overlooking a side of the garden.

“Who would have thought you’d continue to break traditions Aymeric?” The elezen men exchange glances mutual grins.

“I seem to be doing that quite a bit.” Aymeric adjusts the gown on himself finding it a little loose, surprised that it fits so well. 

“Seems to fit you well, now the hard part is maintaining that marriage.” Estinien spies his own beloved across the yard. He almost misses the shocked expression on Aymeric’s face, but is met with a slightly stern look.

“Make time for her, and remember why you married. I know you tend to get busy with your duties, lest you forget why there are many men who are unmarried or have been left.” It was a warning to keep her happy. Aymeric knows better than to ever see Kiya’s face stricken with tears beyond happiness. 

“Aye.” They exchange grins knowing the other was speaking from the heart. As the ceremony was about to take place, Kiya stands in the center of the garden with Aymeric across from her. They take the others hands and lock their fingers together then kneel down together. Aymeric holds her close to himself and Kiya clings as if her life depended on it. Their friends gathering around from Angelique playing soft melodies for the atmosphere with Raha next to her. Shuri leaning against Estinien, and Kirishimi leaning into Hien.

Nanamo stands next to Kiya and Aymeric on one side, Merylweb on another, and Kan-E-Senna opposite of Nanamo, Lucia on the ending point. They too follow Kiya and Aymeric’s lead and kneel down with everyone taking a hint at the gesture. This was to be on the same ground as all and everyone.

They stay in silence in a moment of mourn for those that can’t be there with them. Those they lost, that set them on this journey and path. Senna breaks the silence her voice being the right one for the tone of events.

“How far we have come, from memorials of the fallen, to celebrating love. We have gained so much since Ifrit. We have also lost a lot since the Calamity. From banquets, to wars, to tyranny being uprooted. Kiya and her friends saving our lives from old and old habits. Till she was presented in front of one that changed her very being. At the time a freshly appointed Lord Commander Aymeric.” Aymeric’s face tints a little at that memory, he was new to it all. He keeps his face pressed to Kiya’s forehead, and she can feel him smiling while Senna addresses them both.

“I feel I have said enough, if you two have vows you wish to seal here.” Kiya nods and smiles up at Aymeric when he pulls his head back to look at her as she speaks up.

“Aymeric, you’re so much more to me than just a person to love. You were there when I had no one, lost everyone I knew and loved.. After that day, when my name was scorched from accusations. You... believed me... you and Haurchefant…” Aymeric tugs her closer into his arms seeing tears dot her eyes at the memory that still haunts her.

“You gave me a home when mine scorns me, when mine treats me as though I am dead, even after all the victories. Most of all, you became a rock for me after The Vault... after we lost so many we couldn’t save.. who saved me, saved us.” Estinien’s eyes downcast to Shuri at those memories before he was taken over from Nidhogg rubbing her back idly.

“Aye, a lot has happened since our impromptu meeting in the Intercessory. Who knew I would have found my love for life there. From living a life of old constantly fighting dravanians, to suddenly not having a war, to rebuilding my homeland to finding you. I remember full the day you sought my comfort. Distraught to lose a brother to both of us.” Aymeric pets the side of Kiya’s face loving as he speaks to her.

“A steady relationship bloomed from that, till we sought the other out for more comforts, and little chess matches to get to know each other better.” Aymeric glances over to Alphinaud who sits well with Illya hugged in his arms. His gaze also drifts to Kirishima who gives a fleeting smile while half using Hien as an armrest next to her before side hugging with him.

“You changed my life entirely. I don’t think we’d be here if it weren’t for everyone around us. Most of all, your trust in me. I am honored now to be able to from this day forward have you sealed to my side.” Kiya smiles at his words, and feels the sincerity in his eyes.

“I could say so much more, but I want to spare some endearments for the Ishgardian wedding we will be having too.” Aymeric nuzzles her face with his assuring her this isn’t everything he wants to say. Nanamo sees that this is where they’re going to leave their vows together.

“Then it would be my delight and honor to seal you two together for eternity and may you both walk in the light of the crystal together. You may seal your bond with a kiss.” Aymeric smiles and leans into give Kiya a modest kiss for the public till Estinien pipes up.

“Come on, I’ve seen you kiss her better.” He gets a jab in his sides by Shuri and Meeps. Aymeric laughs earning Kiya to snicker till he really kisses her and pushes her down to the ground. This earning cheers, Kiya remembers not to tarnish the gowns given to her and Aymeric. They come up, and he lifts her up into his arms as he stands prompting everyone to follow suit.

Kiya is set down onto her feet, and led by Aymeric over to the pool of water they were gazing at earlier. They’re followed to the outer edges while the two of them wade up to their shins and take a first dance with each other in a light waltz. Angelique taking a cue to play a song for the two. Those that had someone to dance with danced lightly making the place filled with love while the newlywed couple get lost in their world together forgetting the cold at their feet. 

Aymeric lifts Kiya up into his arms when the song comes to a close and claims a kiss. He lets her feet dangle again, enjoying being able to lift her with such ease. He sets her down parting from the kiss but feels a tug on his arm and with his strength he raises Kiya as she holds onto one arm. She gives him such an endearing look, while he gives a proud smirk at her amazement in his strength.

She knows his strength and has felt it. When he waves his hand in front of her, she playfully bites his hand earning a raised eyebrow. She knows he’ll retaliate later.

As quick as everyone was there, they disperse leaving the two to themselves. To go enjoy a reception and festivities. They would join soon, needing quiet with each other before resuming more with friends.

“I can’t believe you bit me.” Aymeric eyes her, and Kiya smirks wild at him.

“Like you haven’t bitten me.” She feints a pout only to have Aymeric catch her face in both of his hands to pinch her cheeks light.

“In my defense, my biting you was in the heat of passion. Yours?”

“Curiosity!”

“Curious for what?”

“See what you’d do.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Aymeric snags her and lifts her to give her another kiss. The sun was starting to set casting a golden hue over them. Kiya returns the kiss, and holds tight to him.

“Aymeric… I love you.” It is her first time saying it from being married. It softens his heart more, and Aymeric tugs her closer to him.

“I love you too, Kiya.” 

“We’re finally married..” Kiya breathes out under her breath. 

“Aye, not so scary is it?” Aymeric earns a nod out of her. He tugs her hand with his.

“Come now, let us join the others. Then so I can thoroughly take care of you later. I owe you for biting me.” Kiya’s eyes widen a bit and she looks away sheepish again. She takes his hand and lets him lead her. To start their lives together. Based on Trust and love.