#patroness of music

[internetcatholicism]

HAPPY FEAST OF ST. CECILIA

[bvidzsoo]

Marionette

The second star of Cosmically divine...

☆ Author: bvidzsoo

☆ Pairing: Kang Yeosang x female reader

☆ Warning: nudity, cursing, consensual smut, corruption kink, blood, violence, cutting off a hand, allusion to pedophilia (but he pays for it lol karma is a bitch)

☆ Word count: 8.6k

☆ Rating: nsfw

☆ Genre: Greek mythology, Yeosang is Aphrodite's son, forbidden relation

☆ Summary: Doomed from the beginning, your mother, Hera, only saw a weapon in you. If you had once thought she loved you, she proved you wrong the second she cast you away once you failed to kill her enemy's son. Yeosang, Aphrodite's dearest and most prized offspring.

☆ A/N: Hii, lovelies! Second instalment of this series is here, and I swear to God this is the last time I write it in one setting bcz my wrist is falling off currently lol. I really really like this part, I am so curious to hear what you all think of it ! I genuinely appreciate your feedback, and the ones you've left on the previous part legit had me giggling and in tears, I love you all! <3 The taglist is still open, so lmk if you want to be added to it. This is a small side note, but I've read not too long ago a Yungi story that is absolutely amazing and is a Greek mythology au, and whenever I'm writing a part for this series I get reminded of it, so, let me share it with you if you are curious to read it, it's so good!! I'll point out a few things before I let you read the story:

★ This is inspired by Greek mythology, but I took creative liberty and adapted it to my likes, so keep that in mind while reading, thank you! ★ Aphrodite is the Goddess of love, beauty, desire, and all aspects of sexuality ★ Hera is the Goddess of marriage, women, and family, and the protector of women during childbirth ★ Athena is the Goddess of war, handicraft, and wisdom and the patroness of Athens ★ Hades is the God of the underworld ★ Dionysus is the God of wine-making, orchards and fruit, vegetation, fertility, festivity, insanity, ritual madness, religious ecstasy, and theatre ★ Tartarus lies far beneath the disk of the world, under Hades' underworld, it's used as the ultimate of prisons, unpleasant and inaccessible ★ Elysian Fields is part of the underworld and is where the good go ★ Athenai are a group of women who followed and worshiped Athena ★ Dion is a village and municipal unit in the municipality of Dion-Olympos in the Pieria regional unit, Greece; it's known for its sanctuary of Zeus and its ancient city (definitely give it a visit if you're in the area!) ★ (Athens is the capital city of Greece) ocean divider; greek divider

☆ Taglist: @patchofblue @sthwaaberry @constipatedcorgi @holytidalwavechees3cake @cheolliehugs

@slowitdownmakeitb0uncy @hoeforsungie @madebysvt

༄ ҉ Series m.list ༄ ҉ 　★ previous star ★ 

            Right by the foothill of Mount Olympus and just a few hours away from the lively village of Dion, hidden in a little meadow of the evergreen forest, almost a day long walk from Lake Naia, lay the fun house of Dionysus. Men and women, Gods and Goddesses were welcomed here, scrutinizing and judgmental eyes turning into indifferent and lustful ones, whatever your heart desired a possibility to become reality if whispered to the right person or deity. Selfless and desperate men found solace in the caresses of nymphs that ventured down from Mount Olympus to the fun house, desperate to get away from the clutches of merciless deities that took advantage of them at the smallest chance given. Gods and Goddesses who were tired of the mistreatment enabled by their superiors and were in desperate need of a night where they could let go, often stumbled through the threshold of the fun house. Dionysus loved calling it a fun house because that’s what it truly was, a house that offered you whatever you had in mind when you thought of the word fun. It came in the form of alcohol, music, entertainment and dancing, but it also came in the form of wanton moans, desperate touches, and whispered climaxes. Whatever you had in mind, you’d probably find it at the fun house. The wine was unlimited here as long as you left something of yours behind and promised to return for another fun time, making you rather addicted to the feeling of adrenaline coursing through your veins as you anticipated your reward. Whether this was in the form of a beautiful nymph or innocent maiden, a hunky man that liked it rough or a young lad whose touch was soft, or perhaps the unlimited alcohol that intoxicated your mind and sometimes killed you before your time…it was all the visitors choice. Dionysus took great pleasure in watching the mere mortals crumble at his feet, and he loved it even more when he managed to break a deity beyond the point of madness.

Everyone here knew who I was. The empty jug lay next to my hand almost mockingly as my eyes bore into the table, head slightly buzzing and ears ringing from the loud music the few drunken musicians attempted to play. The harp had a beautiful sound if in the hands of someone that could yield it, but the one mortal that attempted to play it here made it sound borderline scratchy, fingers caressing the strings rather unprofessionally. Despite how crowded the fun house was, not a soul took it upon themselves to share a table with me, and I understood why. I wasn’t necessarily here for company, especially not that of a man, but it would’ve felt nice to lay my worries upon an ear willing to listen. I knew the sharp daggers secured onto the belt around my waist intimidated men, but I expected women to be more than willing to share stories with me. After all, it wasn’t a secret to anyone that I was part of the Athenai, Athena’s loyal followers, the leader of a cult that brought forth possibilities for women eager to become more than what their society instilled on them.

A rather young girl passed by the table, head hanging low as she clutched the large jug of wine to refill the thirsty men’s glasses, and I watched closely as she walked between the tables, pouring more wine for the one’s asking. She was young, too young for a place like this, but I figured her family was living scarcely and they needed every little penny they could get. Knowing the nature of the men that were so eager to frequent places as such, it came as no surprise when the young girl’s shoulder was clutched by a calloused hand, yanking her back violently. The girl’s eyes widened in panic as she looked up, clutching the jug to her chest as if afraid to spill anything. It was pure instinct by now to draw my weapons at the sight of a female getting harmed, and it came as no surprise when I felt my blood boil underneath my skin. The man that dared touch the little girl was laughing, gripping her chin and trying to force her to sit down at his table filled with six more men, all watching her with a predatory glint in their eyes. Athena has taught me her virtues, has passed her beliefs onto me, raised me as a strong and independent woman, one that would not sit idly by and watch an innocent soul get harassed, especially if so young. The cult of Athenai have sworn celibacy to Athena, and have sworn to protect maidens and women in dire danger until their last breath.

I moved stealthily, barely leaving a breeze in my wake as I stood from the table, eyes burning anyone that dared look my way, right hand gripping the handle of my most loved dagger. Hephaestus was a marvelous craftsman, every piece of armor was designed by Athena and myself, and then later on perfected and strengthened by him. I had great trust in my weapons and my abilities, having led a war by Athena’s side more than once. As I made my way towards the table full of vile men, the little girl’s body had started shaking as she struggled to fill their glasses with wine, the man that was holding her had his hand sliding down her fragile body. I tensed my muscles and willed my mind to remain focused, knowing that if I saw red right now, not even one man would leave this house in one piece. As a quiet and scared whimper left the young girl’s lips, my jaw clenched and I unsheathed my dagger, the other men sitting at the table finally noticing me as I came into their vicinity.

A wide smirk stretched onto my lips as I saw the terror in their eyes, and before they could alert their companion harassing the young girl, my dagger had long come down against the nimble skin of the man, the steel cutting through his flesh and bones, severing the hand he had on the table. The cry that left his mouth was gut-wrenching and it made everyone stop in their tracks, eyes wide as the lively music had cut off at once, the young girl jumping away with watering eyes as the man tried to stand and whirl around. But I just chuckled and grabbed his greasy hair, yanking his head back as I pressed my sharp dagger against his neck, making him suddenly become still. His chest was heaving and he had broken out into a cold sweat, whole body shaking as blood gushed out of his severed limb. I leered, leaning down close to his ear.

“You are in great luck tonight, my friend,” I hissed against his ear, his body reeking of alcohol and grime, “I cannot kill you unless you do something unforgivable, but that doesn’t mean I cannot teach you a lesson, you stupid mortal.”

The man had started sobbing, snot running down his nose and into his mouth as he tried to splutter out apologies, his companions frozen as they didn’t know whether to help him or not. I pressed my dagger just a little more against his skin, making sure to draw blood as the man cried out in agony again, making me grin widely as I released him, but not before banging his head against the table hard enough to knock him out. His companions jumped to their feet and rushed over to the passed-out man as I turned my head to search for the young girl, finding her cowering behind a woman that was silently crying. I wiped down the blood from my dagger onto the white cloth I had hidden in my pocket as I walked towards the two, motioning for the woman to step aside. She did so quickly, revealing the young girl to me. I sighed as I leaned down to be eye level with her, gently wiping her tears off her face.

“Do not cry child, you’re safe now.” I muttered to her gently, unlatching a satchel from my belt, “Take this and head to Athens tomorrow, take your family with you if needed. Pray to Athena tonight and tell her that her most trusted apprentice saved you from a vile man, ask for her blessings and protection.”

“Won’t she want something in return?” The girl’s voice was shaky as she reluctantly accepted the coins, probably the sum more than she’s ever made here at the fun house. I smiled and gave a pat to her head as I stood up straight again.

“You are a smart girl; Athena will like that.” I hummed, fixing her hair behind her head, tilting her chin up to look in her eyes, “If you wish to be strong and able to protect yourself, all you have to offer to Athena is a promise to remain a maiden, child, and she will have you. You’ll thrive under her cult and you’ll have a good life in Athens.”

Gratitude graced the young girl’s face and she bowed her head deeply, bending at her middle to go even lower, making me smile at her display of gratitude, “Thank you, my heavenly protector.”

I chuckled as I gave a last pat to the girl’s head, looking around the still deadly silent fun house. I grinned and took my leave, knowing that the mood would be ruined as I wasn’t welcomed anymore for the night. When I reached the door, I turned around and bowed mockingly before I was out of the crowded and warm house, welcoming the cool breeze of the summer night. As the door closed behind myself, the music picked back up and the chatter and shouts resumed like nothing had happened, and I took a moment to clear my mind. I headed to the corner of the house and leaned against its structure, sighing as I looked up at the stary night, wondering whether I should return to Olympus now, or head back to Athens myself. But something snapped next to me and the unmistakable aura of an Olympian God invaded my sense, forcing my body to remain alert as I gently clutched the handle of my dagger.

“No need for that, dear,” I slightly relaxed at the familiar deep voice, but failed to spot the figure in the pitch-black night, “I am not here to harm you—or any of the women you protect.”

“Then why are you here?” I snapped back, growing a little irritated that the God wasn’t showing himself to me.

“I’m here to collect a very dear soul.” The deep voice answered back, sounding amused at my irritation as the nauseating scent of tobacco filled my nose. Sometimes, I wondered whether Death was timeless, whether he could travel between times unseen and unknown to us. Even as deities, we couldn’t predict the future nor if we truly were everlasting, but there was a glint in Death’s eyes that held secrets nobody but him knew about.

“I didn’t kill the man, you don’t have to snitch on me—” His deep giggle cut me off, and there he was, finally, showing himself to me as he stepped out of the shadows. His body was clad in a midnight black suit, tailored to fit his body perfectly as if it was his second skin. He had cut his hair shorter sometime not long ago, and it stood up in a way that made him look like he didn’t belong amongst us. Hades’ sharp eyes were crinkled as he smiled widely, his front teeth crooked as the cigar hung loosely between his teeth.

“I’m not here for that man,” Hades chuckled as the cigar bobbed with every word he said, “he’s going straight to Tartarus. I’m here for someone else.”

I followed his line of sight as he gazed inside the fun house through the window, eyes settling on an old man who was smiling and chatting by the bar with a beautiful young woman, “He’s lively, but his heart has weakened. I hope he hasn’t forgotten about our little trade back when he was still youthful and handsome.”

“You love making trades.” I sighed under my breath as I watched Hades grin, then take a long drag of his strongly smelling cigar. I never dared ask where he got those from, I never saw anyone else smoking them. It felt like it was somehow beyond me and our times, like it was better if I stayed naïve. Hades was an enigma nobody could fully decipher; it was best if you didn’t ask many questions. He had a way with his words, he could easily trick you into trades and deals that were only beneficial to him. The tale of signing your soul away to him unassumingly was more common than not, and I appreciated my life, cherished it dearly even.

“That I do, indeed.” He hummed, sharp and dark eyes falling on me again. He also loved flirting with people that he wasn’t supposed to flirt with, “Still worshiping the lovely Athena?”

I snorted under my breath, crossing my arms in front of my chest as I leaned against the building again, “It’s what I was created for.”

“Ah, yes,” Hades hummed, taking a long drag of his cigar, smoke wafting up in the air around us, “my bitch of a sister sure loves sending out other people to do the dirty work for her. If only Zeus wasn’t such a man-whore—”

“You speak rather freely, Mingi.” I narrowed my eyes at the God of death, interrupting what was supposed to be his inner monologue.

“Of course, I do.” He chuckled upon hearing his real name leave my lips, throwing the cigar onto the ground as he stepped on it. I’ve seen him do that many times, yet I still haven’t figured out why he did that, “What? What are they going to do to me? Banish me? Chase me away? Kill me? Death is everlasting, my dear, just as birth is. Even when you will stop existing, I’ll be still here. I’m one with Gaea. Unlike many of our kin, I do not need to be worshipped to exist.”

That made me think, made my mind dwell on thoughts that they weren’t supposed to dwell on, “Are you saying we won’t always be here?”

“I’d love to chat more with you, my dear.” Mingi smiled mischievously, his eyes narrowing into playful slits as he stepped closer, caressing my cheek gently. He was perhaps the only man that’s ever touched me—the one I willingly allowed to touch me—his touch lacking the lust no other man could even as much so as hide, “But my old man really needs to go now, and Hera’s called for you.”

“Are you stealing Hermes’ job now?” I chuckled, patting his hand before I removed it, dusting my hands off.

“No,” Mingi chuckled, shaking his head, “I’d rather die then be the messenger of these bored deities that love beefing with each other for no reason.”

“Do you reckon why my mother is asking for me?” I raised an eyebrow as I chuckled at Mingi’s humor.

“No idea, but she looked beyond devious.” He sighed, slowly stalking towards the entrance of the fun house, Dionysus would certainly hate that there would be two deities tormenting his fun house tonight, “Perhaps has something to do with lovely Aphrodite.”

I hummed, nodding my head in goodbye as Mingi disappeared inside, leaving me alone in the darkness of the night. Well, off to Mount Olympus I was.

            And Mingi was right, my mother did summon me due to something concerning Aphrodite. The palace was brightly lit despite it being after midnight by the time I made it home, and my steps were silent against the marble stones despite how lightly I walked. Athena made sure teach me that. As I had knocked on the door of my mother’s bedroom, it opened up instantly and allowed me inside. She sat on her sofa, snacking on some grapes as her two servants fanned her with big leaves, looking stoic and avoiding eye contact at all costs. My mother’s mouth pulled into a wide smile upon seeing me, her eyes a bright color and glimmering under the divine light. I fixed my posture and bowed my head in respect as I walked closer to her, the armor I wore completely the opposite of her satin indigo dress.

“Daughter,” She cooed, her voice warm and loud in the confines of her bedroom, “it’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”

That was true, indeed, she only met me when she needed something from me. I wasn’t to any use for her unless she was sending me out to kill the people she didn’t like, or have tried to bewitch her bellowed husband. I have long come to terms with the fact that Athena was more of a motherly figure than my own mother would ever be.

“Indeed, mother, how may I help you this time?” I asked emotionlessly, resting my hand on the handle of my dagger as it brought me comfort.

My mother chuckled as she raised her hand, the servants stopping their actions, “Out.”

They wasted no time in scurrying out, and I watched as they bowed deeply to my mother then to me, and fled the room at last. My mother sat up, pushing her dark brown hair behind her shoulders, her satin dress falling down on one shoulder. She was a Goddess almost as beautiful as Aphrodite, Hera could have anyone she wanted. Many worshipped her and tried to whisk her away from Zeus, but she only had eyes for that tyrant.

“Well, now that it’s just the two of us,” Hera chuckled, her expression twisting into something sly, “I’m sure you’ve heard of Aphrodite’s children, my daughter.”

“I have.” I confirmed as I raised an eyebrow at my mother. I have even met a few, but they weren’t very likeable, much like their mother.

“What about Yeosang?” My mother’s voice dripped with venom, palms curling into fists.

“Mere tales whispered by naiads is all I know of him.” I answered, gulping when my mother raised to her feet, a deity easily taller than most men. She stepped off her pedestal and slowly approached me, hand extending as she cupped my cheek. Unlike Mingi’s tender caress, hers was cold and borderline painful.

“I have a very important mission for you, my daughter.” My mother’s eyes sparkled with a vicious glint, teeth showing as she leered, “Someone had spoken ill of poor Aphrodite and she wants the man dead. But we know she never directly dirties her hands, and instead sends one of her children. Yeosang is her most prized child, my daughter, I need you to go find him, and kill him.”

I withheld the snort that threatened to bubble past my lips, impressed by my mother’s ignorance and the irony of her words. Wasn’t she sending me out to take care of her dirty business? The hatred between the two Goddesses runs deep, the two never settling their differences and finding ways to torment not just each other, but those around themselves as well. I was raised to hate Aphrodite, by my mother at least, because Athena’s teachings taught me different things. I wasn’t supposed to hate no woman, nor Goddess, but my mother couldn’t know that. I was more loyal to Athena than to her anyway.

“Is he going down to the mortals?” I questioned and pulled my head back slowly to get rid of my mother’s uncomfortable caress against my cheek. She hummed, giving me a scrutinizing look as her eyes took me in, a small grin spreading onto her lips.

“You’ve become a fine warrior, my daughter, I knew handing you over to Athena was a smart choice.” My mother sighed happily, eyes hardening at once, “You cannot fail me, my daughter, Aphrodite never lets Yeosang out of her sight, this is your one and only chance to kill him for me, do you understand?”

“Yes, I understand.” I bowed my head and my mother hummed, turning her back to me as she walked back towards her sofa.

“He’s in Dion, you’ll find him at the brothel in the East side of the village.” She sat back on her sofa, snapping her fingers as the doors opened instantly, the two servants rushing back inside, “And do not worry about recognizing him, you’ll know once you see him. He resembles Aphrodite a lot.”

And perhaps my mother hated that even more than the fact that Aphrodite was more beautiful than her. I didn’t worry about recognizing Yeosang, amongst mortals, an Olympian could be easily picked out in a crowd.

            Life in the village compared to the life of the Olympians was rather lamentable. Few people were well-off to live in spacious mansions that resembled the homes of the Olympians, as most of these mortals lived in humble and small cottages. But no matter how poor or rich, the nightlife in Dion never lacked as inns and brothels were overfilled with rowdy and insatiable people. I had disguised myself as a maiden of the village, a simple white dress that’s seen better days replacing the armor that felt like a second skin and brought me comfort. I felt exposed as my dark hair flowed freely against my shoulders and back, making me more vulnerable as anyone could easily grab onto it. The only time I wore it like this was when I bathed, in a battle you couldn’t allow anything to distract you. The sleeves of my dress were long, covering my arms as my two daggers were strapped tightly against the inner parts of them, I would never willingly bear myself vulnerable around anyone I didn’t trust.

Since I was disguised, nobody could tell that I was Hera’s daughter and Athena’s apprentice, making men boldly approach me and try to flirt their ways into bedding me for the night. I hated every single second of it, narrowly avoiding their touches and turning down their offers in a charming manner, not wanting to anger anyone and draw attention onto myself before I was done with what I was here for. The brothel was overspilling with people at the ungodly hour of the witches, and it turned out to be a hard task to find Aphrodite’s son, Yeosang. I didn’t know who I was looking for, but I would know upon seeing him. After walking around and watching the crowd carefully, I let the people push me towards the bar as I ordered a pint of beer for myself, leaning against the surface as I surveyed the crowd once again. The music was loud and the dancing people grew in number as others disappeared upstairs, occupying the empty rooms for mere seconds of pleasure. I had just taken a sip of the rather bitter beer, when an overwhelming feeling of warmth made me look up alarmed. I narrowed my eyes as I tried to pinpoint the direction it was coming from, my blood boiling underneath my skin as a weird sense of calmness tried to push through my alert disposition. My heart was racing and my ears had started ringing at once, and I knew the few sips of beer weren’t the cause of it. I was in the presence of another divinity. And upon realizing this, through the dancing people emerged an ethereal looking man.

The seemingly white glow that no mortal seemed to notice was almost alarming, coating his skin fair and making it glow as the softest and gentlest smile settled on his blood-red lips upon noticing me. Even from a distance, his eyes were gentle and warm in color, golden swirling around his irises as he graciously walked closer, hands clasped in front of him. Somebody crashed into him, but instead of screaming and pushing them away, he continued smiling as his lips moved slowly, probably reassuring the person that it was no problem. His hair fell around his face in a light brown curtain, framing his forehead and cheekbones as his nose was petite, his jawline sharp. My grip tightened around the pint of beer, suddenly my heart racing in my chest as the warmth I have felt previously only worsened the closer the deity walked. I found myself struggling to intake air, as if the man had his grip around my throat, refusing me the air I desperately needed. His smile only widened as I felt my legs weaken, the man now standing in front of me. His scent was sweet like honey and roses, overpowering the unpleasant odor coming from the humans.

“Another deity,” His voice was deep, unlike his soft features and what you’d expect to hear from him, “it’s rare any comes down to this brothel.”

“You’re here too.” I found my voice, completely surprised by how breathy it sounded. I gulped and took a quick sip of my beer, hoping it would help fix the dryness of my throat. The deity, Yeosang, watched my action closely, chuckling lowly as his lips pursed. The longer I looked at his face, the more I understood why he was Aphrodite’s favourite child. He was beyond perfect and gracious, well-mannered, and soft spoken. Perhaps if Aphrodite didn’t exist, he’d be Aphrodite instead. But nobody, no mortal or deity, could be prettier than the Goddess of beauty herself, and I noticed with mild surprise that Yeosang had a blood-red discoloration around his left temple in the shape of an almost heart.

“Are you here to satiate your vices?” His warm eyes shifted onto the beer again, and I chuckled, looking down at it too. I had to play my part if I wanted to kill him tonight, therefore, I lied.

“Some vices you can never fully satiate.” My expression was serious as my eyes bore into Yeosang’s, “I am tired of the fakeness of the Olympians, I want to feel something real.”

Something alluring flashed inside Yeosang’s eyes as he, too, leaned against the bar, reaching out for my pint of beer, “Mortals are fun little toys—until they start playing Gods and want to replace you.”

“Good thing we are irreplaceable, then.” I grinned as Yeosang chuckled, bringing up the pint to his lips. They parted slowly, his gaze burning into mine, a heated feeling suddenly encompassing my whole being. I have never felt that before, and suddenly I was nervous. Could it be that Yeosang was manipulating me somehow? All deities had powers to a certain extent, but his and mine were limited, we weren’t any major God the mortals ardently worshipped. I tried to reassure myself that it couldn’t have been him as he slowly lowered the pint from his lips, placing it back onto the bar.

“A deity like yourself certainly cannot enjoy that vile thing?!” Yeosang sounded almost appalled as he pressed his bony fingers against his lips, making me chuckle as I pulled the pint back towards myself.

“Someone as sophisticated as yourself would enjoy wine, I suppose.” Yeosang blushed as he hid his mouth with his hand, averting his eyes down to the floor. I smirked, feeling victorious as I raised my hand for the waitress to come over. She was quick on her feet, thankfully, and I swiftly ordered a glass of wine for my prey. My plan was perfectly working out, I didn’t think it’d be so easy to lure him into my trap. Perhaps Aphrodite shouldn’t have kept her precious son so sheltered, he was too naïve for his own good, and it would bring his downfall tonight. As Yeosang shyly looked up, I fixed my expression, trying to look as inoffensive as I could.

“I have always believed there is no point in hiding who we are,” I tensed as Yeosang suddenly leaned forward, invading my personal space as the waitress delivered his glass of wine, “after all, at some point people see through your façade. It usually falls when you think others aren’t watching you, even if it’s the slightest crack, somebody will notice.”

Feeling speechless, I could only watch as Yeosang smiled shyly and took his glass of wine, murmuring a quiet thank you before he took a tentative sip of it. My heart hadn’t stopped hammering against my ribcage ever since he walked over, and I could only pray to Athena that I wouldn’t start sweating now. There was something about Yeosang’s aura that exuded calmness but alure at the same time, and I found it hard to make sense of these new emotions surfacing in my body. Everything tingled and burned, suddenly finding his proximity not close enough, needing him to push me up against a wall and devour me. If Athena were to hear these vile thoughts, she’d be just as disgusted by them as I was. I tried to gulp down the nausea rising up through my stomach, and as I opened my mouth to speak up, a man tumbled into Yeosang. His wine was almost spilled, but he saved it last minute as he helped the man stand up straight.

“Oh,” Yeosang whispered, face lighting up in recognition, “old friend! I thought I have forever lost you to the crowd!”

The man reeked of every odor one could think of, yet Yeosang went and placed his arm around his shoulder, pulling him into his side. I watched with furrowed eyebrows as the mortal hiccupped, eyes half lidded as he struggled to stand up straight. The glass of wine was abandoned as Yeosang’s full attention was on the man, and I took a deep breath as I felt my pulse quicken even more. I took a quick glance around myself to make sure nobody was watching us, and then reached inside my dress, finding the hidden vial between my breasts easily.

“You abandoned me, boy!” The man’s words were slurred as he clumsily exclaimed, and I acted in a swift moment, pouring the poison into Yeosang’s glass unnoticed. My fist curled around the vial until I crushed it into small shards, the pain never reaching my skin as it instantly turned into dust. I watched the poison quickly dissolve in Yeosang’s drink just as the deity chuckled and looked back at me. My eyebrows shot up as I quickly smiled, hoping I didn’t look suspicious.

“This old friend of mine loves dancing,” Yeosang chuckled as he maneuvered the man around so that they stood side by side facing me, “I had to abandon him for a while.”

“Yes, you did.” The man’s head fell a little forward before Yeosang steadied him, making me wonder just how strong the deity was. His muscles were lean and not bulging as most Gods liked to look like, yet it was unquestionable that he was rather strong as he held up the man twice his size.

“Old friend, tell me something.”

The old man perked up as he tried to open his eyes more, “What, boy?”

“The young lady you introduced to me earlier,” Yeosang’s smooth voice turned slightly darker, subtly sneering. My eyebrows furrowed as the soft expression swiftly slipped off his face, “what have you said to her?”

“Oh!” The drunk man exclaimed, lips pulling into a drunken smirk as he looked at me, eyes raking over my body. I wished to wipe out my daggers and gauge his eyes out, but tonight I had to behave, “That lady cannot be compared in beauty to anyone else, she’s more beautiful than Aphrodite herself.”

The air seemed to freeze around us as my breath halted. Yeosang’s smile turned cold, eyes narrowing as he hummed, his grip on the man’s shoulder visibly tightening, “Hmm, I see.”

I didn’t know what to do as Yeosang turned his head, one eyebrow raised as if in question. I cleared my throat and averted my eyes as I instead grabbed my pint and threw back the remained of my beer. Yeosang’s eyes slowly shifted onto his glass of wine and he paused, then reached out and took the glass. I watched with a hammering heart as he raised it up to his lips, then slowly tilted the glass, the wine almost touching his blood-red lips.

“Drinking in front of your elderly without offering it to them first?!” The old man coughed a little, giving Yeosang a glare as if his respect had been broken. Yeosang froze, then I watched in mild alarm as he lowered his glass, shooting the man an apologetic smile.

“Where have my manners gone?” He shook his head at himself and the man hummed. I opened my mouth to interject into their exchange, but instead felt my jaw fall open in shock as Yeosang forcefully grabbed the man’s chin and yanked it open, pushing his head back by it, pouring the wine down his throat aggressively. I gasped as I watched the man gargle and try not to choke on the poisoned wine, my palms turning into fists as my muscles tensed.

“There, you can have all the wine.” Yeosang snickered, throwing the empty glass onto the floor, it shattering loudly as he slowly turned his head, tilting it to the side. My eyes hardened in an instant as I noticed the change in his demeanor, the serene and innocent look gone from Yeosang’s face as he smirked, leaning towards me, “Those who speak my mother’s name in vain shall be punished, right, Y/N?”

There hasn’t been a time before where a man won over me. I was trained for war, I have fought battles that took the lives of hundreds of men, I have slain men who have mistreated women and yet…a pathetic son of a Goddess had me fumbling in panic as he released the old man who had started heaving for air, clutching his throat. Yeosang stepped back and watched as I caught the old man, eyes wide as the poison rather quickly brought him to his demise. I didn’t know what to do as his body started growing heavier, and when I made eye contact with Yeosang, he was already backing into the crowd with a poisonous glint in his eyes and a vicious smirk on his lips.

He had won this game.

I felt anger surge through my body, but I couldn’t act on my desires to chase after the deity and have his head. And so, I played the part of my disguise as I released the man. Then, I opened my mouth and shrieked.

            The slap stung no more than a battle scar yet had to, and still, my ego was bruised beyond my body has ever been. I gritted my teeth as I refused to cower under my mother’s seething eyes. Something broke next to us and I jumped, not used to my mother’s hysterical displays. Now I understood why Zeus never tried to anger her, and yet still failed miserably each time.

“You wench,” Hera hissed, grabbing my chin and yanking my head forward, “You’re good for nothing.”

I tried not to snort as I looked down, avoiding eye contact. I have never failed before. I was more than good, but she was too blinded by her childish hatred for Aphrodite to actually notice that.

“You are a disgrace and an abomination!” My mother continued to hiss, her grip turning painful on my chin, “Look me in the eyes, you stupid wench!”

Fury licked under my skin, igniting my veins and making me tense my muscles and calm my mind as I yearned to reach for my dagger and push it through her nonexistent heart. I gulped and looked up into her eyes, remaining emotionless like Athena had trained me.

“You are not my daughter.” Hera hissed, leaning in my face, “I banish you from my home, you are never to step foot inside my temple and sanctuary. Perish from in front of my eyes before I turn you into nothing.”

She pushed me away like I have burned her, and I gulped, biting down on my tongue to keep myself calm and level-headed. I didn’t want to turn into nothing, that I knew. So, instead, I bowed my head and took off towards the door, grabbing the handle of my dagger for comfort, “And to think I nourished you and cherished you for nothing.”

My grip faltered around the handle of the door and something coiled in my chest as I took a deep breath, trying to talk myself down from what was about to come out of my mouth. I ripped the door open and chuckled, turning my head to look smugly at Hera, “Thank fuck I won’t have to see your stupid face ever again, you hysterical bitch.”

The scream Hera let out only made me laugh as I slammed the door shut behind me, fury making my body feel like it was on fire. That feeling was only ever present when I was in battle, and protecting women. I felt my whole being vibrate as I left the stupid home of Hera, steps hurried as I knew who to seek out for guidance. I will find Yeosang and I will kill him, Athena may you be my guide and protect me in my quest.

            Hunting came as second nature; I could do it even with my eyes closed. The ground of the forest was solid underneath my feet and the trees tall and offering shade from the blazing sun as I swiftly advanced towards the meadow. There was nothing in this world I couldn’t track and hunt down. Man, woman, animal, deity. Athena had let me know in a whisper where Aphrodite’s pond resided, a place that only her, her nymphs, and Yeosang knew about. The deity often came here to spend the hot days of summer cooling off in the ever-clear Pond of Beauty. Aphrodite had created it herself for her offspring and those that she considered worthy of her treasure. The pond resided close by the foothill of Mount Olympus, on the territory of the Gods and Goddesses. No human could come here, unless they wished for a painful death.

My bow and arrow lay snuggly in my hands as I held onto them tightly, eyes narrowed as I listened closely to the sounds of the forest. The meadow was just one step ahead, I was hiding behind the bushes and the tall trees, eyes surveying the area before I looked out onto the meadow, the pond vast and its water glimmering under the sunlight that fell directly on it. Sweat had gathered on my brows as I took deep breaths, remaining calm as I noticed ripples on the surface of the pond, a head covered in light brown hair slowly surfacing. My heart started hammering against my ribcage as I watched the deity swim around in the pond, a serene look on his face as he seemed to be glowing in the sunlight, his light brown hair turning almost as golden as the swirls in his warm brown eyes. He floated around graciously, his milky skin translucent as it made contact with the water and the sunlight.

I tensed my muscles and drew my right arm back, aiming my arrow towards Aphrodite’s beautiful creation. I closed my eyes for a second and took a deep breath, tuning in to the sounds of nature as I relaxed my body, preparing to release the arrow the second my eyes opened. I felt my body move slightly, align in the direction Yeosang was, and I sighed quietly, feeling the warm breeze caress my skin tenderly all of a sudden. The birds seemed to sing louder here, the grass seemed to brush up against my ankles gently, and the breeze carried a soft smell of pomegranates, honey, and roses. I gulped, feeling my lips part in another quiet sigh as suddenly my ears started buzzing, my skin jittery out of nowhere. My eyebrows slightly furrowed, feeling a little unnerved as my body grew warmer and warmer, flesh burning underneath the heavy silver armor. I gulped and willed my mind to focus, to let go of everything that served as a distraction, and opened my eyes as my fingers holding the string had started slipping, about to release the arrow aimed towards the mesmerizing deity.

But when my eyes opened, my body froze as if someone else was controlling it. Yeosang’s brown eyes shone golden as they bore into mine even at the great distance, and I felt my fingers tremble as I reluctantly lowered my weapon. I struggled to breathe as I felt my legs moved forward, guiding me towards the pond, away from the safety of the trees and the high grass. There was something very wrong as my skin burned and my heart raced, and I couldn’t stop myself from approaching Yeosang. His blood-red lips pulled into a faint smile as my hand raised to undo my bun, my dark hair falling down and fawning my back as I sighed in content. Another step towards him had me unclasping the silver armor from around my torso, my hands trembling as I couldn’t look away from Yeosang. I felt drawn in, mesmerized, and charmed. A madman would say it was witchcraft, but I couldn’t tell what was happening to me.

Yeosang’s lips parted as he whispered something I couldn’t hear just yet, and I felt my hands undo the bindings of my corset as it soon fell from around my body, leaving it bare for Yeosang’s eyes to drink in my exposed skin. I shivered and my arms got covered in goosebumps as Yeosang’s grin turned wider, beckoning me into the pond as he extended one hand. My mind was screaming at me to stop, to unsheathe my dagger from my belt and throw it at Yeosang, but instead, my body moved on its own as I undid my belt and then the bindings of my pants, stopping for a second to push down the garment after I stepped out of my boots.

Yeosang’s tongue darted out to lick at his blood-red lips, and I gasped as my feet came in contact with the cold water of the pond. I was bare in front of a man, walking towards him, offering myself up to him. What I was doing was forbidden, I would be banished and probably killed, but I couldn’t stop. No matter how much I wanted to, my body didn’t stop moving towards Yeosang. The cold water clung to my overheated skin and my heart pounded in my chest as I couldn’t feel the soil underneath my feet anymore. I was forced to swim further inside the pond. I wanted to stop, but my body wouldn’t until it reached Yeosang. My lips trembled from both fright and the cold, and the closer I got to Yeosang, the wider his grin got. He was preening at me, eyes flashing golden like his hair in the sunlight, and suddenly, I was face to face with him. I shuddered out a breath, chest contracting as I tried to yank myself far away from him, but suddenly the water felt like it had hands and had immobilized me to my spot.

“Y/N,” Yeosang’s voice carried amusement, eyes twinkling in the same manner, “it’s rude to impose on someone that’s bathing.”

I couldn’t find my voice, my throat had gone dry, my whole body was trembling. I couldn’t be seen bare by any man or deity, I had to kill Yeosang. I would be never forgiven if I didn’t, if he touched me…I would be punished for an eternity.

“Why are you here?” He raised an eyebrow, lowering himself under the water until his eyes and hair were visible only. I tried to calm my frantic heartbeat, to regulate my breathing once again.

“I’m here to kill you.” I hissed out, eyes hardening as Yeosang pushed his head above water, giggling.

“Without your armor, you’re nothing but a woman, Y/N.” My blood boiled under my skin, and I wasn’t trembling from the cold anymore, it was from anger. My jaw clenched as I glared at Yeosang, still trying to break free of this invisible spell he’s put on me.

“Is this where your mask slips and you show just how rotten you are at your core?” Yeosang’s head lulled back as he laughed, water dripping from his hair once he faced me again.

“You think I’m doing something to you,” His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper as his eyes darkened, just like at the brothel. He didn’t look innocent anymore, he looked menacing and dangerous, “but I am not. The pond brings out your deepest, darkest desires.”

Something coiled in my chest and I felt my cheeks heat up, mortified at what Yeosang was implying, “How dare you?! I am an Athenai, I have sworn to serve Athena. I have no such desires like the one you’re implying I have—”

I stiffened as Yeosang reached out, his warm fingertips softly touching my skin, “Then why is your skin ablaze? Why does your flesh sing to me to come closer? To feel you? To touch you? To devour you?”

I gasped as Yeosang swum uncomfortably close, palm caressing my cheek bigger than it, eyes boring into mine as I felt unraveled by the simplest touch, “Why do you want me to fill you up here until you’re a begging mess, until you have forgotten who you are?”

It felt like the sunlight was cut off and my neck was snapped into half, when, underwater, I felt nimble fingers trace the outline of lips untouched before, slipping between them and drawing out a sound that’s never left my mouth before, “Why does it throb for me?”

Yeosang’s lips brushed against my ear as I moaned loudly, head falling back when his fingers touched a spot that had the name of Gaea on my lips, praying to be forgiven for the sins I was committing, “Kill me with your bare hands, Y/N, and I shall grant you one wish.”

I whimpered as I finally felt released by the clutches of the water, hands flying out as I clung onto Yeosang’s shoulders, eyes screwing shut when the heel of his palm pressed harder against my core, massaging it in a circular motion, toes curling at the blinding feeling that had my whole body on fire like no battle could ignite it. Yeosang’s blood-red lips pressed against the vein pulsating in my neck, and I bit my bottom lip, trying to muffle the sounds I was making as he dipped his fingers lower, prodding at a hole I didn’t know existed before, “Yeosang.”

“Say my name, my goddess.” Yeosang growled against my neck, his teeth grazing my skin as I felt him grip onto my hip with his free hand, “Tell me how badly you want me dead.”

I moaned as one finger slowly slipped inside that hole, my mouth falling open in a loud gasp as I felt my muscles contracting, clenching down on his digit, “I shall skin you alive and deliver you to your mother myself.”

Yeosang moaned as his lips left my neck, eyes boring into mine as he faced me again. His hand from my hip slowly slipped down onto my thigh and he guided it around his own hip, flushing our bodies together as he moved his finger in and out, making my eyebrows furrow at the unusual pleasure that erupted in my whole body.

“If you do,” Yeosang whispered against my lips, gently biting my bottom lip, “I shall persuade Athena to forgive you for your sins.”

I gasped as the pace of his finger quickened, his thumb pressing on the bundle of nerves again, and his name echoed in the meadow as I cried it out loudly, body shaking from the overwhelming new feelings I haven’t felt before, “Oh, Yeosang.”

“I know,” He whispered, suddenly his finger gone from my throbbing core, and I whined as my eyes flew open, searching his face for an explanation. His golden eyes had glazed over and were a dark brown, his skin and hair not that bright anymore as clouds shielded the sun for us, almost as if they were shielding us from the eyes of the Gods and Goddesses themselves, “it’s overwhelming for the first time, but you’re doing so well for me, my goddess.”

He guided my other leg too around his hip, and I anchored myself against his lean body as I crossed my ankles behind his bottom. I could feel something hard and heavy press against my thigh and Yeosang smirked, pushing the hair out of my face as his lips pressed against mine featherlike, experimentally. My heart was beating fast, skin on fire as I felt the hard member line up at the entrance Yeosang’s finger had been inside previously, and I gulped, feeling fear for the first time in my life. No man, no battle, no war was scarier than the sin I was about to commit. But I wanted it. I knew now, I’ve always wanted it, I’ve just been repressing it desperately in honour of my oath.

“Yeosang, my god, take me.” It was a bare plea against his lips, and then they were devouring mine, coaxing them open as his tongue slid against mine at the same time as my hole was stretched open as the hard and heavy member seemed to split me apart at once, drawing out whimpers of pain as Yeosang’s lips tried to muffle them. I felt full, yet it wasn’t enough. It would never be enough as his hands gripped my hips bruisingly, guiding me up and down on his member as Yeosang whimpered, tongue tangled with mine as the painful sting in my core resided, but wasn’t as bad as it had been a second ago.

“Promise yourself to me and you shall live.” Yeosang’s low voice demanded as he mercilessly slammed my hips down, turning my mind into a jumbled mess as I was impaled again and again, wondering if the slice of my dagger would ever come close to this feeling.

“I am protector of maidens and women,” I groaned as a hand groped at my exposed chest, fiddling with the nipple, my nails digging into Yeosang’s back until they drew blood, “I will never promise myself to a man.”

“Then savor this feeling,” Yeosang hissed, and a yelp mixed with a loud moan left my throat as the next thrust was sharp, hitting a spot that had my hips moving more desperately on its own, trying to set a faster rhythm than the one Yeosang tried to set, “because Athena is on her way here, and when you leave this pond, you’ll be dead.”

My fingers slipped into his hair and I yanked on the wet strands, moaning as the new pace kept hitting that spot again and again, my mind wishing for nothing but to bring pain to Yeosang, “And you’ll be dying with me, my god.”

Yeosang moaned as I slammed my lips against his, painful and bruising as our teeth clanked together, noses pressing harshly against each other as I found it harder and harder to make sense of my thoughts as I had started succumbing to the pleasure completely.

Whether the promise of giving myself to Yeosang slipped past my lips or not, the clouds were witness to it, and Athena’s arrow would be the judge of it when Judgment Hour comes. Perhaps Hades would be sweet enough to let me reside in the Elysian Fields in the afterlife, “Does it feel real now?”

❱❱ Next star

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[pankowblues]

pairing: rafe cameron x reader

summary: rafe proposes to you in Germany

warning: nothing I think

word count: —

a/n: thanks to @rafecameroncoke for helping me choose which one to post since I wrote two versions of this also I might do this exact same thing but for my shy!introvert!reader

"Rafe, seriously, what are we doing here?" you ask, peering out of the taxi window. The cobblestone streets of Germany are lined with buildings that look like they've been plucked straight out of a storybook. You weren't complaining though you've always wanted to come here.

"It's a surprise," Rafe says, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Trust me, you're going to love it."

You can't help but return his smile. Rafe has always had a knack for surprises, and after five years together, you've learned to expect the unexpected. The taxi pulls up in front of a quaint little restaurant tucked away in a picturesque alley. The warm glow of candlelight spills out onto the cobblestones, and the smell of roasting meats and freshly baked bread fills the air. Your stomach rumbles, reminding you that it's been hours since you last ate.

As you step out of the taxi, a cool breeze whispers through the narrow street, carrying with it the distant sounds of laughter and live music. Rafe takes your hand, leading you towards the restaurant. His grip is firm, yet gentle, the same way he's held your hand through every challenge life has thrown at you both. You feel the anticipation building in your chest as you walk through the arched wooden doorway into the cozy dining room.

Inside, the walls are lined with shelves of fine wine bottles, and a small fire crackles in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the tables. The hostess, a friendly woman with a thick German accent, greets Rafe by name and shows you to a table that's been reserved just for the two of you. She leaves you with a knowing smile that makes you wonder if she's in on the surprise.

The menu is a delightful mix of traditional German dishes, and as you try to decide what to order, Rafe's gaze lingers on you, filled with a mix of love and something else. You can't quite put your finger on it, but it's definitely something special. The moment you lock eyes with him, your heart skips a beat. You've always felt safe with Rafe, but tonight there's something in the air that's both thrilling and slightly nerve-wracking.

As you both dig into your meals, the conversation flows naturally. You talk about your trip so far, the sights you've seen, and the memories you've made. Rafe tells you about the time he visited Germany as a child with his parents, and how he's always wanted to come back and share the experience with you. You laugh at his stories, the sound echoing softly in the romantic setting.

The evening wears on, and the restaurant starts to empty out. The music gets softer, the candles flicker lower, and the ambiance becomes more intimate. The waitress, who has been attentive all night, brings out a bottle of champagne with a knowing smile. Rafe's eyes never leave yours as she pops the cork and pours the bubbly liquid into your glasses.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box. Your heart leaps into your throat as he opens it, revealing a ring that sparkles like the stars in the clear night sky above. "I know we've talked about this before," he says, his voice steady but his hands shaking slightly, "but I wanted to ask you again, in the most beautiful place I could think of. Will you marry me?"

You can't believe what's happening. Your eyes well up with happy tears, and all you can manage is a nod. The words feel lodged in your throat, too precious to speak. Rafe takes your trembling hand and slides the ring onto your finger, the diamond glinting in the candlelight. It fits perfectly, like it was made just for you, which of course it was.

The restaurant goes quiet for a moment, and you realize everyone is looking at you. You blush, feeling a mix of embarrassment and excitement. The patrons erupt into applause, and the chef himself emerges from the kitchen, wiping his hands on his apron, to congratulate you both. The waitress brings over a complimentary dessert, a beautiful black forest cake with a single candle in the center. Rafe whispers something to her, and she smiles conspiratorially before lighting the candle and retreating.

He leans in closer, his eyes searching yours. "Make a wish," he says, and you know he's not just talking about the candle. You close your eyes, take a deep breath, and make a silent wish that the love you share will only grow stronger with time. As you blow out the candle, the warmth of the flame tickles your cheeks. When you open your eyes, Rafe is grinning at you, looking happier than you've ever seen him. You smile, feeling a new sense of pride in your fiancé.

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[serotoninbetweenpages]

Praise today, O Lord Apollo and Lady Artemis, rulers upon the Sun and Moon.

The Celestial Twins, on this date, join each other in the sky, shining upon us their divine light and presence.

Praise the children of Great Zeus and Leto;

Hail Lady Artemis, the oldest daughter, who helped her mother at birth. Godess of the hunt, divine virgin, patroness of girls, their childhood and innocence.

Hail Apollon, youngest son, born by his sister's hand. God of the plages and sickness. Patron of the arts, music and poetry.

May they raise their bows and guide us towards their light.

[kemeticdevotee]

Mundane devotional acts to various Netjeru

Clean your house/room in honor of Nebet-Het

Get physical exercise in honor of Sekhmet, Maahes and Ausar

Journal in honor of Auset, Ausar, Nebet-het (really a variety of deities)

Water your plants in honor of Ausar, Geb, Neper

Sunbathe in honor of Het-Heru, Ra, Amun, Atum or Heru

Moongaze in honor of Khonsu, Iah, and Djehuti

Read a book in honor of Djehuti, Nit, and Seshet

Do your makeup or skincare in honor of Het-Heru and Nefertem

Anything to do with music (even just listening) falls under Het-Heru, Ihy and Merit's domains.

Learn more about your ancestors in honor of Anpu, Anput and Wesir

Spend time with your cats in honor of Bastet and Sekhmet

Spend time with your dog in honor of Anpu or Anput

Play a lighthearted prank on a friend in honor of Set and Bes, you can also laugh with them as well.

Cook with your deities and offer it to them

Work on your mental health (such as going to therapy) in honor of Auset or Sekhmet

Anything art related is under Het-Heru's domain, however Ausar was said to enjoy music and Auset is the patroness of artisans

Anything physical health related falls under the domain of Auset, Sekhmet, and Serket

Weave in honor of Hedjhotep, Nit or Auset

Stargaze in honor of Nut

Lay on the Earth in honor of Geb

Celebrate achievements in honor of Heru, Nit, Sekhmet and Maahes

Study in honor of Seshet and Djehuti

Meditate on justice and what it means to you in honor of Ma'at, Sekhmet and Ra

Listen to silence in honor of Meretseger, Auset, and Nebet-Het

Stormwatch in honor of Set

Learn more about your deities associated animals and watch documentaries on them

Read about ancient Egypt and how the ancients practiced the religion, it is ALSO very important to read up on modern day Kemetism in Egypt and surrounding territories :)

Drink water in honor of Nut or Tefnut

Go out in the rain in honor of Min, Auset, Tefnut and Nut

This is by no means an exhaustive list, as ANYTHING you do can be religious if you interpret it to be so, these are just some ideas :)

I tried to include as many deities as I could here, because I know what its like to want to find information on a deity you're interested in just to find that there are almost no modern day Kemetic content on them, and its a bit of a buzzkill.

If you have any ideas, feel free to share in the comments!!!! :)

[lovelytreehugger]

As a cleric, I fell in love with Eilistraee. She's so loving and cares a lot about the drow. So here is an Eilistraee appreciation post.

Eilistraee the Dark Maiden

Godess of beauty, dance, freedom, hunting, moonlight, song, and swordwork.

THE MESSAGE OF EILISTRAEE

"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."

DOMAINS

Light, Nature, Life

CHANNEL DIVINITY

Preserve life, Radiance of the dawn, Charm animals and plants

FAVORED ANIMALS

Silver moths & Silver-striped tabby cats

FAVORED MONSTERS

Aasimar, Light archons, Lythari, Pixies, and Silver dragons

FAVORED MINERALS

Mithral, Moonstone, and Silver

FAVORED COLORS

Silver

Eilistraee;

was the chaotic good drow goddess of beauty, song, dance, freedom, moonlight, swordwork, and hunting. She was the patroness and protector of the few dark elves who longed to return to the surface and live there, at peace with other races, and to abandon the endless conflicts and intrigues that dominated the lives of most drow. She was often referred to as the The Dark Maiden, the Lady of the Dance, or Lady Silverhair, and sometimes The Dark Dancer, among other titles. Briefly, she was known as The Masked Lady, when her faith subsumed that of the Masked Lord Vhaeraun, her divine brother, while the Seven Sisters nicknamed her Darkfire of Love.

She was the daughter of Araushnee (later Lolth) and Corellon Larethian, a free-spirited and kind-hearted goddess, with a fiery streak in her personality. When, during her youth, a host of evil deities assaulted Arvandor (her home), Araushnee's treachery almost made her slay her own father. Even though she was cleared from any guilt, Eilistraee chose to share her mother's exile because she knew that the drow would need her light in the times to come. After the descent of the drow, Eilistraee tried to be a mother goddess to her people and bring them the hope of a new life. She fought to lead them back to the lands of light, helping them to flourish and prosper in harmony with other races, free from Lolth's tyranny and the conflicts that dominated their lives.

Hers was an uphill battle, however, as her power was little, and she was opposed by all the gods of the Dark Seldarine. But, despite having to overcome many hardships and setbacks, Eilistraee never gave up fighting for her people. In the 1370s DR, her conflict with her mother over the souls of the drow race ultimately led to Eilistraee's defeat and disappearance. It lasted for about a century, until the Second Sundering (circa 1480s DR), when Eilistraee returned to life and to her followers.

As an avatar, Eilistraee appeared as a drow female of glowing beauty. She was tall (9 feet/2.7 meters in height) and lithe, with graceful, strong limbs and a glossy, obsidian-dark skin. She usually appeared unclad, cloaked only by her ankle-length hair that shone with a bright silvery hue, and by motes of moonlight that were ever-dancing about her body.

Her face bore a certain similarity to that of her mother, Lolth, as it possessed delicately sculpted features and shape, but her eyes were large, with irises that held the shifting hint of blue of a moonstone, and expressive of her mood or emotions.

When Eilistraee spoke, her voice always carried a soft musicality that made mortals instinctively drawn to it. Such attraction didn't cloud their minds, nor was of magical origin—it was as simple as the sound of a beautiful song.

Overall, the Dark Maiden's appearance inspired utter awe and astonishment, as well as emotions so deep to move mortals to tears. Those who contemplated and listened to her felt as if they had found the answer to all that their soul ever longed for. However, upon her leaving, they would experience a feeling of deep loss, or even desolation, though only for a brief time (as Sharlario Moonflower and his son, Cornaith, felt when the Dark Dancer manifested to them, warning them of the dangers of Ilythiir).

Personality

One moment she was a carefree child dancing like a moonbeam or running like a silver wolf through the forest; the next moment, she was either as seductive as a siren or as serious as a dwarven god.

~ ARAUSHNEE, ON EILISTRAEE.

As a young goddess, Eilistraee was a free spirit with an unpredictable temper. Even as she matured, these traits never really left her: she had a fiery streak and was prone to wild action, especially in protection of her faithful when they were harmed. The evil that was inflicted upon—and perpetuated by—most drow caused a burning anger within her, one that could cause her to lash out, but she was comforted that some worked their way free of the Spider Queen's web.

Due to a history of grief and losses and to the suffering of her people, melancholy and sadness were deeply rooted in Eilistraee's heart. It was a hard battle to endure, one that could weigh her down. However, it had also taught her to search for and nurture beauty everywhere, even in places like the Underdark, where it didn't seem to belong. Eilistraee fought her melancholy by striving to bring hope and joy where there was sorrow so that no moment was lost to gloom and to make life flourish wherever she went. She learned to find happiness in peace and arts, especially music and dance; in simple things like seeing artists composing and performing, craftsmen at their work, and people doing acts of kindness. She especially took delight in helping the needy in various practical ways, with a soft spot for outcasts, and in blessing artists with sudden bursts of creativity and inspiration. Eilistraee valued love in all its forms, be it passion and dedication towards something or someone (nor in elvish), the act of deep and unselfish love (alurlssrin in drowish), longing (ssinssrig in drowish), noble sacrifice (lurraggath in drowish), lovemaking (raggath in drowish; arkhlavae in elvish), and love and loyalty towards one's family and kin (immaea in elvish). She knew all the elven and drow words for all kinds of love, and seeing lovers during tender moments made her happy. Among the Seven Sisters, this earned her the nickname of Darkfire of Love.

The Dark Maiden was particularly close to her people

Aside from providing practical help in their everyday life, she was known to offer comfort and support in various ways, including listening to them as they let out or vented their personal emotions and experiences. When the right time came, she also personally accompanied her followers who died in battle to their afterlife in a moving celebration known as the Last Dance.

According to Rowaan Vrinn,

Eilistraee didn't test her followers, as the challenges of life were enough of a test themselves. She valued the intent behind their actions more than the actual success.

Moreover, Eilistraee refused to act as a commander: she saw herself fit to give advice and help in practical ways, to uplift and make people flufil their potential, never order.

"The Dark Lady smiles on those who see the deeper beauty within."

~ LORDS OF WATERDEEP

Though focused on the drow, Eilistraee accepted folk of all races who danced along her path, who delighted in life and in the free-form expression of it in all its forms. She fought so that all races could live peacefully together, helping and accepting each other despite their differences, and strongly believed in the possibility of redemption for those who had fallen to evil, especially the drow.

♧

[aceofcupsbiggestfan]

Panathenaia

~ 23-30 Hekatombaion~

Meaning 'All-Athenian', Panathenaia celebrated Athena as the patroness of Athens. It was the premier festival of the year, sparking large celebration. Two versions of this festival took place, Panathenaia ta mirka (Lesser Panathenaia) and Panathenaia ta megala (Greater Panathenaia). Greater Panathenaia took place every four years compared to its annual counterpart. The only difference in festivals was that of scale and performance, with Greater Panathenaia marking the greater festival.

Part of the name sake of the month, Panathenaia based with a hecatomb throughout. Processions took place outside of Acropolis, a means to show the new peplos for Athena's statue. This weaving of the new fabric was held at Plynteria. The traditional blue and yellow would be taken to Athena in a ship. Everybody took part.

Kanephoroi (young women with baskets on their heads containing grain), Diphrophoroi (young girls carrying chairs), Thallophoroi (Old men bearing branches and young men in purple robe, and non-citizens proceeded to Athena's temple. Non-citizens often held cakes and honeycomb while freed slaves and non-Greeks carried oak branches. Daughters of Metics carried water jugs. Representatives of City-States throughout Attica brought armor and cows as offerings. The victors of the games were included in the procession.

The procession walked throughout many Attican cities most notably, Eleusinium, Acropolis and Propylaea where they ended. Sacrifices were completed with prayers. Sacrifices included several epithets of Athena including Athena Hygiaea, Athena Polias and Athena Nike. Each epithet was given something different.

Part of the festival highlighted the Panathenaian Games, similar to its Olympiad counterpart. The games held torch races to determine sacrificial fire, all-night service and meat meals for anyone, all at the city's pocket.

While the early games were for Athenians only, in 566 BCE the games were open to all Greeks. This was part of Panathenaia ta megala. In the annual festival Athenian-Only games persisted, the Greater festival offered the opportunity for others to join.

Later, musical competitions and recitations of Homer were added. The Iliad and Odyssey were popular choices as well as short-length poetry. Foot-racing, pentathlon, wrestling, gymnastics, boxing and pankration were observed in three male "age" categories: older men, younger men and boys. Chariot races were also added along with javelin-throwing from horseback and races for foals and full-grown horses.

Winners of the games were prized olive oil from Athena's sacred olive tree along with money depending of rank of winning.

Traditional Offerings:

Beef

Olives and Olive oil

Water or khernips

Oak branches/leaves

Hymns to Athena

Traditional Acts:

Games, such as running, horse racing and torch racing

Hymns and Offerings to Athena

Reciting or reading poetry, such as Homer

Wearing purple, yellow or blue

feasting with community

Khaire Athena! Happy Panathenaia! 🦉🏅🍃

[misschizuchi]

30 QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DARK URGE

2. Being a semi-popular bard, Durga had quite a few fans whom she had some intimate relationship with, yet barely any of them included actual sexual intercourses. That is because Durga found sex often being boring to her and got little to no satisfaction from it. Though she had one regular lover whom company she enjoyed greatly.

This man was a gnome, musical instrument maker by day, Bhaal cultist by night and a very loyal devotee of specifically Durga. It wasn't love between them probably, but he praised her and admired, while she found him cute, was flattered by his feelings towards her and, since he was a bhaalist, did not have any plans on killing him. Even more than that, it's safe to say, this gnome was her closest 'friend' until Gortash appeared in Durga's life.

That gnome was an obedient man, or rather looked like it from the outside. Soft spoken and with a kind look about him, he, just like Durga, was a good actor and pretty efficient killer, when there was a need. Though his feelings for the Chosen were ardent, he never showed jealousy, happily taking second roles in the life of his patroness if she found it necessary. His devotion lead him to his death however: he was not happy about Orin's ascent to the place of the Chosen One, and Orin wasn't happy about this loyal puppy of her sister just existing even, so she killed him without second thought. He knew she would.

Later Durga would see this face as her dream Guardian, but would not recognize him ever again.

[stardust-swan]

Can you explain who Lalla Malika is? When I googled the only thing that came up were articles about a princess with the same name

Lalla Malika is a Moroccan jinniyya (female djinn, or genie in English). She's the daughter of a King of Djinn and a patroness of beauty and luxury. According to some legends, she was a human princess once upon a time. She speaks French, loves perfume, fine clothes (especially multicoloured with gold embroidery), cosmetics, and the colours pink and purple. Her name literally means "Lady Queen."

She expects her followers to be well-groomed and stylish. Both female and male devotees are held to the same high standard of elegance - men must be clean shaven, wear new clothes and fine cologne. It's not a problem if you can't afford fine cologne - if you keep her in luxurious offerings, she'll provide economically for you. She also provides in other ways, being particularly well-known for keeping devotees out of prison.

She is a benevolent figure. Although she's powerful enough to do so, she never engages in attacks, instead choosing to withdraw her presence, leaving a void where there was once joy.

As well as beauty and luxury, she is also famous for being joyful. It's said that if groups of women giggle, it's because of Lalla Malika's presence.

She seems to be a bit of a Francophile. She speaks French, and some believe French is the only language she knows. If you want to build a relationship with her I would recommend speaking French to her, writing a letter or note to her in French, or trying to learn the language.

She is very flirtatious, sexually free, and loves handsome, charming, fun, well-groomed men - especially if they're married. She engages in sacred marriages and requires any man she's engaged to who's already married to get permission to continue relations with their wives or other women.

She manifests as a happy spirit who signals her presence by tickling people and brings joy with her. Her presence is also said to inspire romantic feelings and sexual attraction. She looks like a very beautiful woman wearing clothes embroidered in gold thread. Her hair sometimes appears long and sometimes appears short. Her favourite music is Gnawa - the Gnawa brotherhood do rituals to summon her, as do the Jilala brotherhood.

She lives in closets and armoires, and it's recommended to build a shrine to her inside of a wardrobe (which you fill up with fine garments, of course). I think a stylish dressing table could work if you have no wardrobe space though. Or why not dedicate a whole bedroom filled with beautiful things?

She loves henna. She prefers tree-fill henna over dot-fill designs, and is particularly associated with Fassi style henna, but any delicate style of henna that showcases the artist's skill and is delightful to the eye is adequate, especially if it's floral.

Her favourite colours are pink, purple, mauve and violet. Her favourite scents are sandalwood and oud. She loves loves loves perfume and perfume is a traditionally recommended offering to her, as well as luxurious, multi-coloured garments, henna, candles, and burning sandalwood. Other offerings I think (purely my personal opinions, not based in tradition) that she likes based on her love of beauty, luxury and decadence are fancy soaps (especially sandalwood or soaps coloured pink/purple), pretty jewellery, hair ornaments, fine and delicate sweets like chocolate, marzipan fruits, stuffed medjool dates, and petits fours, silk scarves, champagne, French and Moroccan pastries, cosmetics (especially luxury French makeup and traditional Moroccan bath products), flowers in her favourite colours, incense and candles in her favourite scents and colours, Moroccan style hand mirrors and trinket boxes, stones in her favourite colours like rose quartz, amethysts and pink opals, and luxurious, delicate fruits like champagne grapes, chocolate dipped strawberries, medjool dates, stuffed figs or apricots, caramelised apple slices (perhaps dipped in chocolate or nuts), fruit truffles, and candied fruits.

Things you can do to feel closer to her are: playing gnawa music (this performance on YouTube is in honour of her, there is actually quite a bit of devotional music dedicated to her on YouTube and Spotify), lighting sandalwood or agarwood (oud) incense or bakhour, speaking or learning French, organising your wardrobe, washing with sandalwood soap, making sure you are well groomed, wearing stylish outfits (complete with jewellery and makeup), getting henna done in delicate, intricate, beautiful styles, wearing clothes, jewellery or accessories in her favourite colours, multicoloured or with gold embroidery, and spritzing perfume.

She is a benevolent djinn who loves spreading joy and doesn't attack, so she likely wouldn't mind sharing altar space with another deity. She has high standards and expects beauty and elegance though, so make sure to make her altar beautiful and clean, offering new treats regularly.

Invoke Lalla Malika if you want to seduce, wow and captivate people, or want luxury and pretty things in your life ✨💗🩷💜

[mamamoon92]

Major Egyptian deities✨

Male

Aker – A god of the earth and the east and west horizons of the Underworld

Amun – A creator god, patron deity of the city of Thebes, and the preeminent deity in Egypt during the New Kingdom

Anhur – A god of war and hunting

Aten – Sun disk deity who became the focus of the monolatrous or monotheistic Atenist belief system in the reign of Akhenaten

Atum – A creator god and solar deity, first god of the Ennead

Bennu – A solar and creator deity, depicted as a bird

Geb – An earth god and member of the Ennead

Hapi – Personification of the Nile flood

Horus – A major god, usually shown as a falcon or as a human child, linked with the sky, the sun, kingship, protection, and healing. Often said to be the son of Osiris and Isis.

Khepri – A solar creator god, often treated as the morning form of Ra and represented by a scarab beetle

Khnum (Khnemu) – A ram god, the patron deity of Elephantine, who was said to control the Nile flood and give life to gods and humans

Khonsu – A moon god, son of Amun and Mut

Maahes – A lion god, son of Bastet

Montu – A god of war and the sun, worshipped at Thebes

Nefertum – God of the lotus blossom from which the sun god rose at the beginning of time. Son of Ptah and Sekhmet.

Nemty – Falcon god, worshipped in Middle Egypt,[18] who appears in myth as a ferryman for greater gods

Neper – A god of grain

Osiris – god of death and resurrection who rules the underworld and enlivens vegetation, the sun god, and deceased souls

Ptah – A creator deity and god of craftsmen, the patron god of Memphis

Ra – The sun god

Set – An ambivalent god, characterized by violence, chaos, and strength, connected with the desert. Mythological murderer of Osiris and enemy of Horus, but also a supporter of the king.

Shu – Embodiment of wind or air, a member of the Ennead

Sobek – Crocodile god, worshipped in the Faiyum and at Kom Ombo

Sopdu – A god of the sky and of Egypt's eastern border regions

Thoth – A moon god, and a god of writing and scribes, and patron deity of Hermopolis

Wadj-wer – Personification of the Mediterranean sea or lakes of the Nile Delta

Cite error: The opening  tag is malformed or has a bad name

Amunet – Female counterpart of Amun and a member of the Ogdoad

Anuket – A goddess of Egypt's southern frontier regions, particularly the lower cataracts of the Nile

Bastet – Goddess represented as a cat or lioness, patroness of the city of Bubastis, linked with protection from evil

Bat – Cow goddess from early in Egyptian history, eventually absorbed by Hathor

Hathor – One of the most important goddesses, linked with the sky, the sun, sexuality and motherhood, music and dance, foreign lands and goods, and the afterlife. One of many forms of the Eye of Ra.

Heqet – Frog goddess said to protect women in childbirth

Hesat – A maternal cow goddess

Imentet – An afterlife goddess closely linked with Isis and Hathor

Isis – Wife of Osiris and mother of Horus, linked with funerary rites, motherhood, protection, and magic. She became a major deity in Greek and Roman religion.

Ma'at – Goddess who personified truth, justice, and order

Menhit – A lioness goddess

Mut – Consort of Amun, worshipped at Thebes

Neith – A creator and hunter goddess, patron of the city of Sais in Lower Egypt

Nekhbet (Nekhebit) – A vulture goddess, the tutelary deity of Upper Egypt

Nephthys (Neb-t kha-t) – A member of the Ennead, the consort of Set, who mourned Osiris alongside Isis

Nepit – A goddess of grain, female counterpart of Neper

Nut – A sky goddess, a member of the Ennead

Pakhet – A lioness goddess mainly worshipped in the area around Beni Hasan

Renenutet – An agricultural goddess

Satet – A goddess of Egypt's southern frontier regions

Sekhmet – A lioness goddess, both destructive and violent and capable of warding off disease, protector of the pharaohs who led them in war, the consort of Ptah and one of many forms of the Eye of Ra.

Tefnut – Goddess of moisture and a member of the Ennead

Wadjet (Uatchit) – A cobra goddess, the tutelary deity of Lower Egypt

Wosret – A goddess of Thebes

Both male and female forms

Heh – Personification of infinity and a member of the Ogdoad

Kek – The god of Chaos and Darkness, as well as being the concept of primordial darkness. Kek's female form is known as Kauket.

Nu – Personification of the formless, watery disorder from which the world emerged at creation and a member of the Ogdoad

Ra (Re) – The foremost Egyptian sun god, involved in creation and the afterlife. Mythological ruler of the gods, father of every Egyptian king, and the patron god of Heliopolis.

Tatenen – Personification of the first mound of earth to emerge from chaos in ancient Egyptian creation myths

Anubis/Anput – The god/goddess of embalming and protector of the dead

[esotheria-sims]

And while his sister busied herself with art, Feanor was hard at work in the garden, reaping all those little seeds of romance he'd sown over the course of the past two rotations. After all, was spring not the season of bloom, blossoming romances included?

Today, he had his sights set on a particularly fragrant flower by the name of Lucian Elliott. The pair had first met at the performance Lucian gave for the royals a while ago. They bonded over their shared love for music, with the young bard making it obvious he appreciated the prince for more than just his taste in tunes. And although he'd initially been more interested in pursuing Lucian's patroness, Lady Danes, Feanor had since done a raincheck and decided to shift his focus on the artist rather than the art endorser.

He strategically invited Lucian to his home, leveraging the beauty of the castle gardens in spring to gain an edge in his romantic conquest. It proved a sound strategy - between the enchanting setting and the charming host, Lucian was completely and utterly smitten!

[bookshelf-in-progress]

A Song of Starlight: A Starfall Story

For the 2023 Inklings Christmas Challenge at @inklings-challenge, he's a story set and posted on December 28th--the Feast of the Holy Innocents.

A Song of Starlight

Johannes had once considered Oskar Abel a friend. The bright young manager who ran the theater, concert hall, and opera house funded by the Diriks starfall had secured Johannes the audition with the symphony orchestra, where he'd risen to first chair and featured violinist in this Christmas season's concerts. Now, as the slim, balding young man sat stiff and stone-faced behind the paper-strewn desk in his wood-paneled office, he looked like nothing but a toadying, soulless businessman.

Through the cracked-open window, Johannes could hear the daily rumble of the city street--the rattle of carriages, the distant chime of church bells, the shouts of girls selling stardust and boys selling newspapers. An entire world unaware that this supposed friend had just sent Johannes' world crashing down.

In a low voice, Johannes asked, "What do you mean, dismissed?"

Abel straightened a stack of papers against the top of his desk. "Lady Diriks has ordered that your employment with the Diriks Symphony Orchestra come to an end."

"Now? Three days after Christmas? In the middle of concert season?"

"Our patroness saw no other alternative." Abel pushed up his wire-rimmed spectacles. "I'm certain you're aware of the theft of one of the stars from the chandelier."

"Aware? The entire orchestra's been talking about nothing else since Christmas Eve!"

"I'm afraid suspicion has fallen on you."

Johannes' blood ran cold.

The star chandelier had been planned as the crowning glory of the Diriks family's new concert hall. Their mountain starfall was the prime landing place for solara stars--the largest and brightest stars that gave off the purest white light--and the intricate silver chandelier would hold a thousand of them. Lady Diriks' own son had supervised the construction, cutting every facet of every star himself. The day before its grand unveiling, one whole star had gone missing. Lady Diriks was out for blood.

Johannes had never dreamed it would be his blood.

After the shock passed, Johannes' temper rose. "What does that have to do with me? I've never seen the star! I barely walk past the workroom!"

The manager polished his glasses. "I'm afraid the circumstantial evidence against you is strong."

"What circumstantial evidence?"

"Several witnesses maintain that you were the last one in the building before the star was stolen."

"I stay late every night. I'm the featured violinist! This could make my career! I can't practice at home when I've got two sleeping daughters."

"You have recently purchased notably more expensive clothing."

"One suit! That I've been saving up for since July! I can't play for an audience of starfall elites in my old Sunday clothes."

"Stardust has been found in your dressing room."

"Cufflinks!" As the manager's face twisted in confusion, Johannes explained, "I can't afford real star fragments. I bought glass beads filled with stardust. They look almost like the real thing, but they shattered the first time I fastened them."

None of his explanations had any effect on the manager's placid face. "Nevertheless," Abel said, putting his glasses back on his face, "until a more thorough investigation can determine the star's whereabouts, Lady Diriks has deemed it best that you not be allowed on the premises."

"And how do they plan to give the Christmas concerts? Who else is supposed to play my solos?"

"Lars Henning is quite familiar with the music."

"Henning!" Johannes spat. "He's the one who accused me, isn't he?"

The manager blinked and did not speak.

The delay, the hesitation--he might as well have said it aloud.

Henning had hated Johannes since the day he had been given first chair. Johannes had seen the contempt and envy in his eyes every moment of every day. Henning couldn't accept that a starcatcher's son could rise above a scion of one of the city's wealthiest houses.

Johannes snarled, "And he's believed because his father owns a starfall while mine only gathered the stars that fell on it!"

Abel straightened his spectacles. "I assure you that no individual witness had any effect on our patroness' decision."

It would have made all the difference in the world. Starfall stock held fast to their own.

Johannes felt like the floor was falling out from under him. His anger turned into desperation. He leaned over the desk looked into the manager's eyes. "Oskar," he said, man to man, friend to friend, "you have to help me. I've worked for years to get here. I have a wife at home. Children. They need me to bring in--"

The manager's face softened. "A man of your talent will find employment in another company."

Johannes barked a humorless laugh. "A suspected star thief? Accused by Lady Diriks herself? They won't let me near the footlights!"

The manager sighed, and for a moment, he looked almost human. "I'm very sorry, Vinter, but the decision is out of my hands."

If he were sorry, he would have done something. Instead he'd caved to their patroness' demands without question. The odious, spineless, toadying pencil-pusher. A man of business in a house of art. If Johannes shook him, his brains would probably clink like coins.

Johannes picked up his violin and stormed toward the office door. "That'll be a comfort to me when my children are in the poorhouse, I'm sure."

#

Johannes refused to slink out of the theater like a disgraced criminal, so he put on his hat, overcoat, scarf, and gloves with professional precision, took up his violin case, and strode through the main lobby of the Diriks Concert Hall. The silver chandelier sprawled overhead, its million arms curling like ocean waves. In the light of day, its thousand stars were shuttered in closed lanterns that could be opened with the turning of a single lever. The masterpiece of Lord Bastiaan Diriks himself. Johannes hoped he'd go blind from it.

A single star missing out of a thousand, and Johannes' life was destroyed--his dreams, his hopes, an entire lifetime of work. Johannes' father had nurtured his talent for music, working double shifts to pay for his music lessons and later, to cover the costs that came even to students who went to the music schools on a full scholarship.

You're made for more than the starfields, his father had said. Find a job where they don't search your pockets for stars at sunrise like you're a common thief.

Now here Johannes was, a rising violinist in a prestigious symphony orchestra, cast out for the theft of a star. He could have laughed at the irony if he'd had any heart for it.

Outside, the sky was bright but overcast, sending down a light shower of snowflakes. Carriages rattled past, horses' hooves clattering on the cobblestones. The sidewalks were crowded with the skirts of window-shopping ladies, their children gazing in awe upon the the beautiful theaters. Johannes had hoped to bring his children here someday to see him play. Clara was almost old enough to come. She and Dorit would stay home this year, but his wife Agathe had tickets for the front row on New Year's Eve.

He couldn't face them yet. Couldn't come home in the afternoon when they wouldn't expect him until after midnight. He couldn't go into a tavern or cafe. He didn't dare to waste money on dining or drinking, and had no wish for company who'd know his face and want his story.

So he walked. Up and down the streets of the cruel stone city that had once been the fulfillment of all his hopes. Past markets filled with the luxuries he'd never be able to buy his children. Past houses owned by people who didn't know what it was to struggle and scrimp and have all your dreams destroyed. Past towering churches that seemed to laugh at all his prayers.

Night came early this time of year, and soon the city was darkening to match his mood. The lampkeepers emerged to uncover the streetlamps and unveil the common yellow star fragments within. High above in the clear, cold sky, a million stars, white and distant, seemed to mock him. Johannes knew the old tales of stars falling down to make the fortune of the penniless, virtuous hero who stumbled upon the treasure. If those stories had ever had any truth to them, they were only fantasy now. Should the largest, brightest star in all the heavens fall at his feet, Lady Diriks and her like would see him thrown in prison for touching it.

Ragged urchins came out of the shadows to gather stardust that had fallen from the lamps, or to offer it as heat or light to passersby. Johannes took a pinch of warming dust offered by a dirty-faced girl, placed it in his gloves, and immediately regretted the eighth-krenin he tossed her. He was like her now--always had been, he supposed--living off whatever scraps the rich saw fit to spare him, and he could spare few coins now.

Children shouted as a carriage sped through the streets--large and glossy, with gilded scrollwork and four of its very own star lamps. Through an open curtain, Johannes glimpsed a woman in a red silk gown who wore a dozen colored star fragments as jewels in her hair. Late to the theater, no doubt.

Were Johannes still with the orchestra, he'd be tuning up now. About to play one of the finest symphonies ever written for a crowd of the city's elite--people who'd paid hundreds of krenins to hear him play.

Johannes' temper rose. Lady Diriks had money enough to keep the world's finest musicians as trained pets, and keep the music they played as a luxury for the rich. All these people in the streets around him--good-hearted housewives, grocers, seamstresses, lampkeepers, even dustgirls--could not dream of such wonders.

Johannes could give them the symphony--his part of it, at least. His violin was tuned, his fingers were trained. He could give these people music that the wealthy of the city spent hundreds to hear. If Lady Diriks didn't want him, he would give her music away.

Johannes strode into the pool of yellow light cast by the nearest star lamp. With brisk motions, he set down his case, removed his gloves, picked up his violin, and began to play.

#

Birgit rushed toward the shining pile of stardust near the lamp post. She knelt on the frozen walkway and tried to gather the glowing treasure into Mama's little clay jar. Mama said falling stardust was the cleanest--Birgit should have been here when the lampkeeper uncovered and cleaned the lamp--but maybe Birgit could wash it in the fountain near the church. She'd watched Mama do it a hundred times. Stardust floated, and she could skim it up with her cloak. Then she could take it to the glassmaker on 42nd Street. He was kindest and gave the most coins.

Birgit had to sell all the stardust she could. Stardust meant coins, which meant clothes and bread and maybe a bed. There was no Mama to get these things. Mama was cold and white and stiff, and Birgit was too afraid to go in the room with those open, frozen eyes.

The memory of this morning put tears in Birgit's eyes. She wasn't crying. She was too big to cry--nearly six years old. But with no Mama--there was no Mama--Birgit felt very small, and the world felt very big and dark and cold. The icy wind sent cold knives through Birgit's threadbare cloak. She huddled against the lamp post and felt too sad and afraid to move.

In the light of the next lamp, a man stopped. He wore a thick brown coat and had shiny black boots. The lamplight made him glow, like the angels holding stars in the big church. Birgit sat up and watched.

The man set a case on the ground and pulled out a fiddle. Then he began to play.

Birgit had heard fiddles before, in taverns and on street corners, but this fiddle sang as those fiddles never had. Its voice was sweet and soft, rich and pure, like angels or lullabies. It sang to the stars, its voice reaching, stretching, quavering, making Birgit think of being warm in Mama's arms.

The song became louder, faster, richer, warmer. It made Birgit think of dancing, of candles, of the big church on Copper Hill. The cold, dark world fell away. Birgit forgot who and where she was. She knew only the music, beautiful and bright, so real that everything else seemed like shadows. Her spirit swam, soared, and danced, following the song high and low, happy and sad, joy and sorrow and so many feelings that Birgit thought she might burst. Stars surrounded her, all sizes and colors, coming down from heaven to hear the music with her.

After eternity had come and gone, the song slowed and faded away, and Birgit was herself again--cold and alone, but no longer afraid.

The music was a warm and glowing treasure in her heart, a bright, beautiful secret that no one could take away from her. And on the ground, in the lamplight, was money. Big silver coins and little copper ones, sitting in and around the man's black case. The stars had brought it, Birgit knew. She knew the stories, had seen it herself. They had come to the call of the music and turned into money. Money that meant clothes and fire and bread for sad and lonely girls.

Birgit forgot to be tired and rushed toward the money. It had fallen from heaven, so it was free to take, just like stardust. She gathered handfuls of coins, holding them close against her dress.

And then a shadow blocked the starlamp, and Birgit remembered to be afraid again.

#

Johannes saw the stars surround him as he played. At Christmastime, everyone who owned anything with the faintest claim toward being a piece of star jewelry--whether it was a fragment in a necklace, a shard in a ring, or even just some stardust on a hair comb--would wear it on the street. The people that surrounded him wore stars in all colors and sizes, but he could barely do more than glance at them, because the music had him in its thrall.

When Johannes emerged from the song, he was surprised to see the coins at his feet. At first, he was ashamed--he, classically trained, being thrown coins like a common beggar. But that was what he was now, or would be. Once the story spread, respectable people might refuse to give him even coins.

A small, ragged form darted out of the shadows started swiping coins from his case. Johannes' blood rose. The dirty little urchin! Were the creatures everywhere? A plague, an infestation on this city, stealing food from his children's mouths.

Johannes lunged for the coins, prepared to fight off the thief.

The thief looked up, and they met, face-to-face. She was young. A child. As young as his little Clara--no, younger. With sunken cheeks, unbrushed brown hair, bony hands, fingers and nails blue from the cold. Her little gray cloak was thinner than his shirt. Her shoes, scuffed and tattered, barely fit on her feet.

She had nothing, this tiny girl, fighting for her life in the cold, hard city. And he, with a thick overcoat, new shoes, a warm house, and a violin worth a small fortune, had been prepared to fight her for a handful of krenin. Johannes was ashamed of himself.

As the child stared at him, frozen with terror, Johannes gathered a handful of coins and dumped them into the girl's lap. He placed a fatherly hand on her shoulder.

"Little girl," he asked. "Do you have somewhere to get out of the cold?"

#

Agathe, bless her, understood everything. She gave the child--Birgit--a warm bath and a clean set of clothes--Clara's smallest were still too large on her--while Johannes told her what he had gathered of the girl's history. Her mother dead just this morning--frozen to death, by the sound of it. She had no lice, thank goodness, nor signs of any catching disease, so they gave her a cot near the kitchen stove, after feeding her what they thought she could safely stomach of thin porridge and plain bread.

As Birgit curled up beneath a pink-and-white patchwork quilt, she looked something like a kitten snuggling before a fire, not so different from Clara at that age. She clutched the cloth bag full of coins--she insisted on calling it "star money"--to her chest like a rag doll

"We could take her to the sisters in the morning," Agathe said. "They'll know what to do with her."

"She may have family still living. I could make inquiries."

He'd have time to, now that he was not needed at the concert hall.

"I should have been playing onstage just then," Johannes said. "If I hadn't been there, what would have become of her?" He had a sudden vision of that little face, white and frozen in an alleyway, unseen by dozens of comfortably prosperous people passing by.

Agathe took his hand. "You had far more important places to play tonight."

Johannes looked down upon his wife, the lamplight giving her brown hair an angelic glow. He'd been so concerned for himself--his loss of status, the death of dreams--and so afraid of disappointing his wife and children. Yet his saintly little wife saw only the good this disaster had brought.

"What about tomorrow?" Johannes asked softly. "And all the days after? The story will spread. I may not get work with another orchestra."

"People know you," Agathe said firmly. "They ought to know that the man who'd take in a starving child would never steal a star. If they don't know it, you don't want to play for them."

"Who else can I play for?" Johannes asked. "We can't raise two girls off of coins from the street. I have no other trade."

"Talent like yours will find release. On another city's stage. As a teacher. Even if you only play at home, it will do some good in the world. Whatever happens, God will provide." She squeezed his hand. "It is nice to have you home at Christmastime for a change."

In the distance, church bells chimed the hour. Snowflakes fell softly outside the window. The white walls of the kitchen were bright and clean, the room warm and cozy. This was more pleasant than a practice room.

Boards creaked heavily in the hall, and two small, bleary-eyed girls in white nightdresses peered into the kitchen.

"Girls," Agathe cried, moving toward them. "What are you doing up?"

Clara and Dorit raced past her, their faces alight with joy. "Papa!" Clara shrieked, throwing her arms around his waist. Dorit pressed her face against his legs. Johannes crouched to gather them in his arms.

"You're home early!" Clara said as Johannes pressed a kiss into her hair.

"I couldn't spend another night away from my girls," Johannes said.

Birgit started awake, sitting upright and wide-eyed as she goggled at the riotous little intruders.

Dorit tugged at Johannes' sleeve. "Who's that?"

How to explain a dustgirl--unimaginable poverty and desperation--to such innocents? "She's a little friend who needed a place to sleep. I met her when I was playing my violin on the street."

Clara seized one of her Johannes' wrists and tried to drag him toward where his violin case sat on the kitchen table. "Can you play for us, Papa? We haven't had any Christmas music yet! You give it all to everyone else."

Johannes was startled. When was the last time he'd played for the girls? He'd spent so much time practicing at the concert hall lately, living deep within the symphony, that he hadn't considered how little music they had in their lives.

On the cot, little Birgit sat with tangled hair and dark circles under her eyes. Johannes told his daughters, "Maybe tomorrow. Our guest needs to sleep."

The girls broke into an outcry of, "No!" and "Please, Papa!"

To his surprise, one of the voices was a small, raspy one from the cot.

Johannes crouched beside the little dustgirl. "Would you like to hear some music?"

The little girl's eyes glowed with wonder, as if he'd just offered to do magic. "Please," she whispered.

Johannes clapped his hands against his knees. "Very well." He sprang to his feet and removed his violin from its case with a flourish. It glowed golden-brown in the lamplight, and seemed to be quivering--almost alive--beneath his fingers. He placed the rest between his chin and held the bow over the strings.

He basked in the glow of in his warm little kitchen, with snowflakes falling outside, surrounded by the shining eyes of his wife and daughters and one adoring little dustgirl. He was home with his family instead of hidden away in a practice room. A child who might not have survived the night was now warm and safe. What were concerts, accusations, and even Lars Henning's jealousy, compared to that? All troubles could wait until morning. For now, Johannes would be grateful.

With a smile, Johannes touched his bow to the strings and played a song about a Christmas star.

[jimi-rawlings]

TOÜSSAINT'S OVERSOULS MANUAL

Spirit Unity Syncretism Oversoul with Technology, Education, Art, Books, Medicine, Fitness, and Food (TEABMFF) "Issä Spirit Unity Book Real Estate Dictionary Oversoul"

Expansive Mood (Disinhibition, Sensory Overload, XYY)

Posttraumatic Growth Ecstasy Spiritual Healing

Ecstasy Spiritual Healing Water Recovery

Is̈sa Patroness Oversoul (XYY and Schizoaffective Morning Star-Sun-Neptune Ruling Planets Spirit ESTJ Androgynous Type) (Art Financing/Sports Biologist)

Piërre Patroness Oversoul (XYY, MSTN, ACTN3, Mercury-Mars-Sun Ruling Planets Spirit ISTP Type) (Sensory Play)

Yves̈ Patroness Oversoul (XYY, Expansive Mood-Sensory Overload Morning Star-Mars-Sun ESTP Androgynous Spirit Type) (Virtuoso)

Chaärms Patroness (Oblong Face, Novelty-Seeking, Financial Worshipping Disorders, Poker Brain, Chess Decision Template, Insulin Sensitivity, Low Agreeableness with High Conscientious, Asperger's with Savant Skills, Disinhibited Bipolar 2, Grey Matter Brain, Borderline Personality Disorder; Morning Star-Neptune-Mars-Sun-Moon ISFP MBTI Leo Female Lucifer's Wife Ballerina)

GENOME EDITING

Type III (scores 14–20) sometimes mild burn, tans uniformly (golden honey or olive), Wavy Abbreviation: Surfer Black Hair, Grey Eyes (Green or Blue depending on Mood)

PRINCIPALITIES-EROTES ANGELS OF WAR AESTHETIC THEORY

Language

Principalities: Euphonic Arabic Script Art History Language; Association with Marriage, Sensory Play, Finance, Science, Auditory Aesthetics, Sassafras & Resveratrol, Impure Aesthetic Poetry, Romance Studies, Blue Zone Gastronomy, and Graffiti-Gambling Vulgar Euphonic Slang (Art Financing-Grassroots Language)

Psychology

Keystone Habits

Intrapreneurship Joint Venture Sales Pitch

Opportunity Cost with Intrapreneurship for Joint Venture Contract Meetings. The Eisenhower Matrix is best for addressing problems within companies; with these problems, use the Blue Ocean Strategy to create new markets.

International Events

Rugby World Cup, Davis Cup, Bocuse D’or, Laureus World Sports Awards

Athletics

Capture the Flag, Coup de Pied, Yoruba Jiu-jitsu, Volleyball, Artistic Cycling, Artistic Gymnastics, Rugby

Athletic Platform

Lacoste All-Court: Collagen Athlete (Elastic Force), Baseliner + Serve and Volley, Tennisology (Sports Biology), Stylistic Biomechanics, Tennis Anatomy, Toussaint Cosmetic Surgery (Lipodissolve-Full Body Etching with Hyaluronic Acid Fillers), et Grassroots for Paris Fashion Week

Music

Toussaint Bass: Shakespeare Impure Aesthetics Lyrics and Ballards Vocals-Mozart Effect Composition Melodic EDM; (Layered 808 Progression with Saw Pedal and Syncopated Percussion)

Central African Bathing

3 Shower Sebum Loss Prevention: Soap Moisturizer Bar with First Shower and Second & Third No Soap with Coco Butter-Musk Aftershave Balm Dry Off

Ibiza Tourism Grey-collar Game Theory Network

Ginseng Travel-health Parametric Insurance and Construction Trust Fund

Biogeometry Cosmetic Surgery

Full Body Etching-Lipodissolve and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers.

Medicine

Hydrolyzed Collagen-safrole Oil, Dextromethorphan, Cycloparaphenylene

Biomathematics

Biogeometry, Biomechanics

Decadence

marked by excessive self-indulgence and moral decay

“a decadent life of excessive money and no sense of responsibility”

Subjective

Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions

Precarious Balance

Precariously: If something is happening or positioned precariously, it's in danger. A glass could be precariously balanced on the edge of a table. If something is on the verge of danger, then the word precariously fits.

Semblance

Semblance is generally used to suggest a contrast between outward appearance and inner reality.

Phantasmagorical

Having a fantastic or deceptive appearance

adjective. having a fantastic or deceptive appearance, as something in a dream or created by the imagination. having the appearance of an optical illusion, especially one produced by a magic lantern.

Law of Polarity in Relationships

In any successful relationship that has an intimate connection and sexual attraction, there is polarity. What does this mean exactly? Polarity in relationships is the spark that occurs between two opposing energies: masculine and feminine. Gender does not affect whether you have masculine or feminine energy.

Second Reflection

Burden Aesthetics with Intentions

The Second Reflection lays hold of the Technical Procedures

TOÜSSAINT'S RIVER IN CASABLANCA FOR CASABLANCA MERINO SHEEP FARM AND CHINO CLOTH

The civilization of ancient Egypt was indebted to the Nile River and its dependable seasonal flooding. The river's predictability and fertile soil allowed the Egyptians to build an empire on the basis of great agricultural wealth; Egyptian Cotton Canvas and Poplin Shirt.

VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE (MEDITERRANEAN GASTRONOMY COLLECTIVE)

(Competitive Sensory Play) Armed robbery is typically motivated by the desire to obtain money, which is then often used to purchase drugs; however, some armed robbers engage in the crime with the intention of boosting their status within their peer group. Whatever the motivation, the act is classified as a violent crime, because armed robberies can result in injury and sometimes death to victims.

(Agreggator Model) Some common kinds of robbers include first offenders, persistent thieves and hustlers, drug addicts, habitual robbers, and skillful planners.

(Graffiti Art Galleries) Raiding is a military tactic or operational warfare mission which has a specific purpose. Raiders do not capture and hold a location, but quickly retreat to a previously defended position before enemy forces can respond in a coordinated manner or formulate a counter-attack. A raiding group may consist of combatants specially trained in this tactic, such as commandos, or as a special mission assigned to any regular troops. Raids are often a standard tactic in irregular warfare, employed by warriors, guerrilla fighters, or other irregular military forces. Some raids are large, for example, the Sullivan Expedition.

The purposes of a raid may include: to capture specific key persons; to gather intelligence.

(First Masterpiece) Principalities English: Euphonic Art History Language; Association with Sensory Play, Finance, Science, Auditory Aesthetics, Impure Aesthetic Poetry, Ecstasy & Wine, Romance Studies, Blue Zone Gastronomy, and Graffiti-Gambling Vulgar Euphonic Slang (Art Financing).

TOÜSSAINT'S BULLET CHESS INFLUENCED ART CURATORS (FARMLAND RENTAL PROPERTIES)

Preparation: The first step in creating such a good repertoire is to understand that memorization comes in a distant second to an appreciation of the ideas behind your opening moves

Prophylaxis*: In the game of chess, prophylaxis or a prophylactic move is a move that stops the opponent from taking action in a certain area for fear of some type of reprisal. Prophylactic moves are aimed at not just improving one's position but preventing the opponent from improving their own. 

Pre-Move: This is when you make your move *before* the opponent has taken their turn; Helps with Time, Creates psychological pressure

Tactical Vision: Tactics are maneuvers that take advantage of short-term opportunities. They can support your strategy and/or destroy your opponent's plan and ideas; Tactical and combinational themes must be mastered

Opening Game: A chess opening is the group of initial moves of a chess game. In addition to referring to specific move sequences, the opening is the first phase of a chess game, 

Middle Game: The middlegame in chess is the portion of the game in between the opening and the endgame, though there is no clear line between the opening and middlegame or between the middlegame and endgame. The theory on the middlegame is less developed than the opening or endgame.

Development: It is important to develop your whole Army. Note the word whole. Some players get a few pieces out and launch an attack. The necessity for quick development depends on the type of Center that exists. For example, if the center is closed, development is not necessarily a priority because the enemy pieces won't be able to break into your position. However, if the center is open, development takes on a great significance

Initiative**: The side that forces its ideas on a reacting opponent; Is making believable threats or responding to threats

Dynamic Advantage: A dynamic Advantage centers around temporary items like development, initiative, and more active pieces. Make sure you make use of this Dynamic Plus before the opponent catches up in development, the initiative runs dry, or you're active pieces are exchanged

Compensation: If you give up something (space, structural weakness, squares, material) and get nothing in return you are in trouble. However, if you give up the same imbalances (space, structural weakness, squares, material) in exchange for different types of imbalance you are said to have compensation for whatever it is you gave up

Material Advantage: A material advantage goes to the player who has more and/or stronger pieces.

End Game: In chess and chess-like games, the endgame is the stage of the game when a few pieces are left on the board. The line between middlegame and endgame is often not clear and may occur gradually or with the quick exchange of a few pairs of pieces. 

TOÜSSAINT'S PHARMACOECONOMICS

A pharmacopoeia, pharmacopeia, or pharmacopoea (from the obsolete typography pharmacopœia, meaning "drug-making"), in its modern technical sense, is a book containing directions for the identification of compound medicines, and published by the authority of a government or a medical or pharmaceutical society. Descriptions of preparations are called monographs. In a broader sense it is a reference work for pharmaceutical drug specifications. Although older writings exist which deal with herbal medicine, the major initial work in the field is considered to be the Edwin Smith Papyrus in Egypt, Pliny's pharmacopoeia. Pharmacoeconomics refers to the scientific discipline that compares the value of one pharmaceutical drug or drug therapy to another. It is a sub-discipline of health economics. A pharmacoeconomic study evaluates the cost (expressed in monetary terms) and effects (expressed in terms of monetary value, efficacy or enhanced quality of life) of a pharmaceutical product. Pharmacoeconomic studies serve to guide optimal healthcare resource allocation, in a standardized and scientifically grounded manner.

Cost-of-illness analysis (COI)

Cost-benefit analysis (CBA)

Budget-impact analysis (BIA)

Cost-utility analysis (CUA)

Cost-consequence analysis (CCA)

Cost-comparison analysis

Cost-minimization analysis (CMA)

Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA)

TOÜSSAINT'S WATER FILTERING SYSTEM

Activated Charcoal, Colloidal Oatmeal, and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)

LITERATURE ARTS BIBLE

The Manifesto of Futurism (Italian: Manifesto del Futurismo) is a manifesto written by the Italian poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti and published in 1909.[1] Marinetti expresses an artistic philosophy called Futurism that was a rejection of the past and a celebration of speed, machinery, violence, youth and industry. It also advocated the modernization and cultural rejuvenation of Italy. 

Institut Paul Bocuse Gastronomique: The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide to Culinary Excellence; Founded in 1990 by the great French chef for whom it is named, Institut Paul Bocuse is one of the world's leading culinary schools. Located just outside Lyon, the French gastronomic capital, it operates with advisory boards that include leading chefs from around the world (e.g., Daniel Boulud, Yannick Alleno, Juan Mari Arzak, Normand Laprise, Thomas Keller). With more than 1,800 photographs illustrating 250 essential kitchen techniques, this 720-page, slipcased volume addresses both motivated self-instructors and trained chefs who may occasionally want to refresh their knowledge of classic technique.

Négritude: Naissance et expansion du concept a documentary by Nathalie Fave and Jean-Baptiste Fave, first minutes online, with the interventions of Amadou Lamine Sall, Racine Senghor, Lylian Kesteloot, Jean-Louis Roy, Jacqueline Lemoine, Gérard Chenêt, Victor Emmanuel Cabrita, Nafissatou Dia Diouf, Amadou Ly, Youssoufa Bâ, Raphaël Ndiaye, Alioune Badara Bèye, Hamidou Dia, Georges Courrèges, Baba Diop; Maison Africaine de la Poésie Internationale. Shot in Sénégal in 2005, 56' (DVD)

Coffee and Cigarette Documentary This 11-vignette film focuses on the human interactions that happen while partaking in the everyday indulgence of coffee and cigarettes. Featuring well-known actors and other artists as themselves or some version thereof, the film highlights the nuances and subtle hostilities that can be a part of seemingly normal conversations. Bill Murray waits on the Wu-Tang Clan, Iggy Pop and Tom Waits get on each others' nerves and Jack and Meg White of the White Stripes discuss Nikola Tesla.

A creed, also known as a confession of faith, a symbol, or a statement of faith, is a statement of the shared beliefs of a community (often a religious community) in a form which is structured by subjects which summarize its core tenets. 

PRINCIPALITIES TOÜSSAINT'S MINK MILE VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE CREDO MASCULINITÉ 

Rejection of Past Africa for Romance Studies and Greco-Grigori Science 

Principalities Settlement on Mercury through Space Chakra

A Lion's, Kangaroo's, & Cheetah's Hearts and a pair of Eagle Eyes are added to Spirits

Virgo Births and Planet Realignment

Mutable Leo, Aries, Sagittarius Sensing Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Patronesses and Planet Realignment; 3 Per Zodiac Sign (Sensory Play Male ISTP, ESTP Androgynous Virtuoso Intrapreneur, ESTJ Androgynous Insurance Agent)

Chinos and Dufflebag Dress Code

Digimon: The Movie is the influence for TK and Kari Digiworld Shamanism (Technology Aesthetic for Patronesses)

Dark Arts-Martial Arts Army Civilian

Principalities-Erotes Aesthetic Theory

Construction Trust Fund Insurance Business Model

Real Estate Identification 

Cash is a Liability in Capitalism

Distorted Sensory Play for Wings Development

Spirit Unity Syncretism Oversoul with Technology, Education, Art, Books, Medicine, Fitness, and Food (TEABMFF)

Sociobiology (Socioeconomic Status Theory of Development; Sociocultural Theory of Development; Sociopolitical Theory of Development)

Gymnastic Rings

Olfactory Arts

Grey-collar Working Class Game Theory Network

GABA Hegemonic Masculinity Settlement Colonization

Psychology

Age 16 Group Home Passage of Living Like Your Father Is Dead To Become A Man (Exposure Therapy)

Gambling and Bankroll Magement

Gastronomy

Collagen Sports Science

Vice Script

Yoruban Jiu-jitsu

Military Equipment

Fertility

Why Principalities English has a Vulgar Euphonic Accent And Is Classified As An Art History Language (Written by Poets, and is Spoken by Kinaesthetic Learners)

Wine Casual Dress Code (Chino and Duffle Bag)

Keystone Habits

Wolves

Authors Of Scientific Theory

Heritage Assets

Mastering Dynamic Plank, Reverse Plank, and Hollow Hold

Bioeconomy (BioTechnology Central Hedge Fund-Game Theory Offshore Master’s Exchange Program)

Offshore Aquaculture Predators

Guerilla Fitness Routine

Orthtropics (Jaw Contouring, Mewing, and Masseter Silicone Chewing)

Bengal Cat Owners

Collagen-sassafras Oil BioGeometry Cosmetics Diploma

Nutritional Biochemistry Rations and Take-out

Media Studies

3 Sleep Cycle Naps Twice a Day

Aftershave Balm as a Body Lotion Replacement

30's is the most Important Decade in a Man's Life

Mineral Water Hair Cosmetics

Pearl Mouth Jewellery

Impure Aesthetics Poetry Theory

Sexual Healing Guide

Our Version of Shango's Heavens Belongs to Angels of War (Eros, Gadreel, and Issä)

Toussaint's Physique: Force-Velocity Systematic Calisthenics Contrast Superset Lower Half Influenced V-taper (Plyometrics for Cardio)

Pan-fried & Grilled Crab Cooking Competition Show for Shango

Shakespeare Adaptation Thrillers Screenplay

Vulgar Poetry and Graffiti Graphic Design

Having a Favourite Element on the Periodic Table.

How Eros gave us Dionysus as a Wine and Ecstasy Deity through Pothos for an Energy Drink Microeconomy

Tennis Streetwear during Youth and Wine Country Casual at the age of 18

Economic & Finance Exploratory Schools (5-18)

Mediterranean Games Economy International Event Insurance Business Model

Using Dark Arts for Venus and Mars as Ruling Planets

Andrology Research Video Essays and Online Articles

Toussaint-Nike-Jennifer Psychology Parenthood

Stacked Leucine Bedtime Drink for Hormone Release Recovery and Fertility Nude Sleep

Sensing Myers Briggs Type Indicator Sensory Play Art Schools for Information Processing

Replace Packaged Food with Smoothie Frequency and Nut Bottom Yogurts

Random Acts of Long Distance Food Poetry

The Davis Cup is French Settlement

2 Am Bedtime for After Hours Sensory Play

Coffee Pastry Sheets for Breakfast Pastries

Winter Point Break Gastronomy

Cigarillos-Ecstasy Expansive Mood Oversoul

FRANÇAFRIQUE HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN + RESVERATROL AND GINSENG + CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID + L-CARNITINE MICROECONOMICS ENERGY DRINK ECONOMY

Travel-health Insurance Sales Agent (Policy, Service, Premium Bought Farmland and Interest Gathering Assets)

Graffiti Cinematography Art Galleries

Acid Garden Streetwear Trade Shows

Sports Performance Center

Coup de Pied Courts (Grassroots)

Video Game Design

Graffiti Graphic Design Sister Company

Collagen Supplement Store with Research Insitute

Economic Forecasting Pool-Live Betting Board Game

Rental Property Farmland and Penthouse Artist Residency Grocery Store

Ibiza Primate Structure

Audio Engineer Red Bull Academy

Ecstasy Concentrate Pedology BioTech Research Institute

Fougere Skincare Manufacturing

Beach Festivals

Bape Corporate Education Art Schools

Gastronomy Tours

Create an Ecstasy Expansive Mood Oversoul for Art through Spirit-Type Syncretism

Opportunity Costs Theory: Opportunity costs represent the potential benefits that an individual, investor, or business misses out on when choosing one alternative over another. Because opportunity costs are unseen by definition, they can be easily overlooked.

LAYERED HANAEL CHAINS OF TOÜSSAINT-GADREEL

The Star of David

Virgin Mary Pendant

VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE BIBLE DE COELESTI HIERARCHIA

De Coelesti Hierarchia (Greek: Περὶ τῆς Οὐρανίας Ἱεραρχίας, "On the Celestial Hierarchy") is a Pseudo-Dionysian work on angelology, written in Greek and dated to ca. AD the 5th century; it exerted great influence on scholasticism and treats at great length the hierarchies of angels.

MALAGASY PRINCIPALITIES LANDSCAPING & GARDENING EXPO

Funding 

LMVH Distribution 

Layout 

Model off of an Amusement Park

Product

Horticulture is the art of cultivating plants in gardens to produce food and medicinal ingredients, or for comfort and ornamental purposes. Horticulturists are agriculturists who grow flowers, fruits and nuts, vegetables and herbs, as well as ornamental trees and lawns 

Sports Performance Facility 

Indoor Garden 

Wedding Host 

Photography Garden 

Food Court 

Restaurants: Upscale 

Farmer's Market 

Coffee Shops 

Cannabis Fields 

Rum Production Centre 

Corporate Meeting: Christmas and New Year's Parties 

Investor meeting spot

Diplomatic Events 

Shopping Centre 

Outdoor Concert Venue 

Theatre Arts 

Business School 

Member Banks Headquarters 

ISSF Olympic skeet: Qualifiers, Membership 

Running Trails: Street Art Stairs 

Ballet Academy

Diamond Bourse

Foreign Relations 

Fund Foreign Expos to Increase Diplomatic Relationship: Increase Tourism, Off-shore Companies, and Bank Accounts.

Cabana Club 

Water System: Experiment with Activated Charcoal, Colloidal Oatmeal, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) 

DIAMONDS TRAFFICKING

Debswana Diamond Company Limited, or simply Debswana, is a mining company located in Botswana, and is the world's leading producer of diamonds by value. Debswana operates four diamond mines in the eastern and central parts of Botswana, as well as a coal mine. Debswana is a joint venture between the government of Botswana and the South African diamond company De Beers; each party owns 50 percent of the company.

World Federation of Diamond Bourses Executive & Promotion Committee

The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) is an association of the world’s major diamond bourses and promotes the interests of the member bourses and their members. As the official organization of the international diamond trading sector, the WFDB creates a common set of trading practices in rough and polished diamonds.

Founded in 1947, the WFDB currently has 29 affiliated bourse members located in major diamond centers throughout the world. The WFDB encourages the establishment of new diamond bourses, and aids and supports bourses in their early stages. The organization also invites members of related diamond sectors – such as finance, retail, shipping and more – to join as associate members.

The WFDB Executive Committee: The Executive Committee directs and enforces the policies of the WFDB according to resolutions passed by Congresses and Presidents’ Meetings and has the authority to give them proper effect.

The WFDB Promotion Committee: The Promotion Committee makes recommendations to the Executive Committee in order to enhance the promotion of the WFDB on various levels, such as via social media, the website and more.

The WFDB Judicial Committee: The Judicial Committee is responsible for all legal matters relating to the WFDB, such as international arbitration issues. The Committee makes recommendations to the Executive Committee and the affiliated bourses to amend the WFDB Laws and Inner Rules.

The WFDB Trade And Business Committee: The Trade and Business committee makes recommendations to the Executive Committee concerning industry relations with financial institutions worldwide, lab-grown diamonds, Know Your Customer and the System of Warranties.

The WFDB Trade And Business Committee

The Trade and Business committee makes recommendations to the Executive Committee concerning industry relations with financial institutions worldwide, lab-grown diamonds, Know Your Customer and the System of Warranties.

Ideas: Luxury Goods Encrusted Items Investment Service and Auction; Example, Hermès Bag Investment System, Masterworks Underwriting Auction System Information Catwalks with models then bidding in a separate room with Video Replay for YouTube 

Industries to attach to: Offshore Banking, Insurance, Collateral

ABC Exchange (Alumina, Beryllium, Carbon): There are four types of precious stones: diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Each type has its own specific chemical and physical properties. Diamonds are made from carbon, rubies, and sapphires from alumina, and emeralds from beryllium.

THE DIAMOND STANDARD

Interest Rate Pegging, Environmental alternative to gold, Surplus item during Quantitative Easing, Low Interest Rates lead to spending and loans for investment which means buying and trading diamonds will balloon 

Mine Pairs: What Is a Currency Pair? A currency pair is the quotation of two different currencies, with the value of one currency being quoted against the other. The first listed currency of a currency pair is called the base currency, and the second currency is called the quote currency.

Diamond Mine Investment Group: Mines can create private Investment Groups. Items within Group, Diamond Retail, Panic Buttons, Time Opening Buzzer Entrance, Shatterproof Display Cases, Time Opening Safes, 2 Floor Stores System 

Diamond Trading: Industrial diamond manufacturing sectors, Capital Gains Taxing, Create Offshore revenue through trading. Blockchain is a volatile market for good liquidity, Vehicle Currency Low-Interest Rates mean the currency will be traded against other currencies, Shorting own currency to get foreign currency and exchanging returns for domestic currency stabilize the exchange rate and Currency Basket 

TUNNEL STRATEGY (OFFSHORE BANKING)

Purpose: Permanent Residence Card or Citizenship By Investment

$200k Deposit

$125k: 60/40 portfolio, 60% Fixed Income & REITs and 40% Blue Chip Stocks 

$50k: Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) and Term Deposits are secured investments. This means that you get back the amount you invest at the end of your term. The key difference between a GIC and a term deposit is the length of the term. Term deposits generally have shorter terms than GICs.

$25k: Spending Cash 

BNP PARIBAS FORTIS EQUITY FINANCING

Tax Deductible Charity: Ecological Preservation Real Estate & Natural Resources Development (Coffee and Tobacco)

Art Gallery/Diamonds Accessoires OTC Underwriting-Auction and Graffiti Cinematography

CONGOLESE SYSTEMATIC CALISTHENICS

Pyramid Sets with Systematic Calisthenics

CONGOLESE CONTRAST TRAINING

Isometric Hold, Dynamic Effort Method Lifting, Plyometric, 60 Meter Sprint or Vertical Jump, Intra-Set Stretching 

CONGOLESE CORE PYRAMID TRAINING

Isometric Hold-Isotonic Contraction-Cobra Pose (10 Seconds Hollow Hold/15 Bicycle/Cobra Pose, 15 Seconds Hollow Hold/7 Bicycle-Cobra Pose)

CONGOLESE PYRAMID MUSCLE ACTIVATION WARM UP

Ido Portal's Isometric-Mobility Squat Routine

Contrast Dynamic Hollow Hold

Wall Sit-Weighted Jump Rope

CONGOLESE RESISTANCE TRAINING EQUIPMENT

Pull-up Bands

Gymnastic Rings

Weighted Jump Rope

Weighted Vest (Rucking Specialization)

CONGOLESE SUPPLEMENTATION

Resveratrol/Soy Isoflavones (Hormones)

Leucine/L-Carnitine/Creatine (Stacked Muscle Growth)

Keto BHB (Fat Loss)

CONGOLESE WAVES

Bleached, Level 2 Temple Drop Fade, ≠ Head and Eyebrow Part, Pencil Mustache

Waves Products: Pomade, Wave Butter, Wave Shampoo, Sea Salt Spray

Shower Brush Method: Detangle Hair with Comb, Soak Hair for a Couple Minutes, Scramble Wash, Create Thick Lather and Shower Brush #1 Training Pattern, Create Thick Lather and Shower Brush #2 Training Pattern, Lather and Lay Down Pattern, Put on Durag and Rinse

When hair is dry use Wave Butter, Pomade and Sea Salt Spray

CONGOLESE HIGH SCHOOL CAREER

Lifeguard-Butcher-Pastry Chef Job Trio (Dōrifutoshīn Gran Turismo Trafficking, Streaming, and Sports Book)

Fougère Cultivateur

Law and Parenting Students

CONGOLESE GROCERY COFFEE CULTURE

Cold Brew

Java Tobacco

Coffee Flavoured Chocolate

Coffee Pastry Frosting

Coffee Breakfast Whipped Cream

Coffee Liqueur (Candles)

CONGOLESE WARRIOR FASTING

Doubled Up Meal Replacement Smoothies (Oatmeal, Spinach, Chia Seeds, Flaxseeds)

4 Hour Window (Pork, Seafood, Duck, and Polysaccharides)

7 Pm Workout for Sleep and Morning Recovery

VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE MAIN INSURANCE INCOMES

Hotel Vertical Integration Ghost Kitchen Clientele Grocery Stores

French Socioeconomic Status Development Immigration Multilingual Sensory Play Cooking Channel

Bape Art Corporate Education Curriculum (No Audition Course)

The pioneer was Société Générale de Belgique, the ancestor of BNP Paribas Fortis, which was founded in Brussels in 1822. It invented the hybrid bank, combining deposit management and corporate sponsorship, with Crédit Mobilier (founded by the Pereire brothers) soon following suit.

SONY DISTRIBUTION: Gran Turismo, Cyberpunk 2077, Ghost of Tsushima, Gundam Wing, Zoids, Sonic The Hedgehog, FIFA Trafficking and Re-sale Market

Jupiler Rugby Pro Union and Pro League

Barber Salons

As of 2023, the global chocolate industry is worth $127.9 billion USD.

Madagascar Vanille: The global vanilla extract market size was valued at USD 5.26 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 4.94 billion in 2022 to USD 6.29 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.52% during the forecast period.

According to the report, the global cheese market was valued at over 83.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2022, and is forecast to reach at over 120.2 billion by 2028.

The global rabbit meat market revenue amounted to $6.4 billion in 2017, picking up by 12% against the previous year. This is according to market research firm IndexBox, which also stated that the market value increased an average annual rate of +4.0% from 2007 to 2017.

However you serve them, duck eggs are an excellent source of nutrition. Their dark yellow yolk indicates that they hold more antioxidants, more omega-3 fatty acids, and 50% more vitamin A than chicken eggs.

Sephora is a leader in global prestige retail, teaching and inspiring clients to play in a world of beauty. Owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world's leading luxury goods group, Sephora has earned its reputation as a beauty trailblazer with its expertise, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. At Sephora, beauty is in our DNA. Our revolutionary beauty-retail concept, founded in France by Dominique Mandonnaud in 1970, is defined by its unique, open-sell environment with an ever-increasing assortment of products from carefully curated brands, featuring indie darlings, emerging favorites, trusted classics, and Sephora’s own, SEPHORA COLLECTION. Today, Sephora is not only the leading retailer of perfume and cosmetics stores in France, but also a powerful beauty presence in countries around the world thanks to its unparalleled assortment of prestige products in every category, unbiased service from experts, interactive shopping environment, and innovation.

VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE DJ RECUITMENT

Bassline Genre

Energy Drink

VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE HUMAN SPIRITS

Samuel de Champlain/Jean-Jacques Dessalines/Marcus Garvey (Samuel de Champlain Spirit Type Oversoul)

Alexander the Great

VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE MINK MILE WOMEN

Sephora Girls

Art Curators

Ballerines

KINSHASA CAPITAL STRATEGY

Primate State European Architecture Metropolitan Capitals

The Belgian banking system has long been known to be a sophisticated and liberal banking system. Standardized customer account numbers for all financial intermediaries are widely used, and internet and phone banking are well developed. There are no restrictions on the free movement of capital and regulatory requirements are minimal. There is a particularly wide and flexible range of loan products offered to companies, with no discrimination as to the nationality of the investor. There are also many options available when it comes to raising risk capital. Thanks to an efficient branch network, there is a large number of Belgian and foreign banks servicing the country. Due to the sheer volume of international business carried out in Belgium, more than half of all banking transactions are international financial transactions. The majority of Belgian banks also have an extensive international network based on strategically located branches in the main financial markets around the world. A number of the 106 banks located in Belgium feature prominently in the top 100 international banks. The combined assets of the three main banks (Fortis, ING and KB Group) amount to $370 billion. All credit institutions (banks and savings banks) operate under the same legal framework and are monitored by the same supervisory authorities. The Banking, Finance and Insurance Commission (BFAC) supervises the activities of financial institutions, including banks, investment funds, stock brokers, finance companies and holding companies. As a result of the deregulation of the banking sector in 1993, credit institutions have been able to offer all financial services, as defined by European legislation. The BFAC supervises the financial sector in close coordination with the National Bank of Belgium (Belgium’s central bank). The main bankcard used in Belgium is the Mister Cash-Bancontact debit card, issued along with a PIN number upon opening a bank account in Belgium. In order to open an account, proof of identity, such as a passport, is required. The Bancontact card can be used to withdraw cash at ATMs, and to pay for almost anything in Belgium, from a newspaper, parking meter, gasoline, or a loaf of bread from the bakery. Credit options are also available on application. All bank ATMs in Belgium accept the Bancontact card; some accept MasterCard, Visa and other credit and debit cards. The major credit cards are generally accepted in stores, restaurants, and hotels.

AgBank and Options Exchange: Since the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, ABC has been formed and abolished several times. On July 10, 1951, two banks of the Republic of China, Farmers Bank of China and Cooperation Bank, merged to form the Agricultural Cooperation Bank, which ABC regards as its ancestor. However, the bank was merged into People's Bank of China, the central bank in 1952. The first bank bearing the name Agricultural Bank of China was founded in 1955, but it was merged into the central bank in 1957. In 1963 the Chinese government formed another agricultural bank which was also merged into the central bank two years later. Today's Agricultural Bank of China was founded in February 1979. As the People's Bank of China began spinning off its commercial banking functions after 1978, ABC's focus on providing farmers with financial services increased.[10]: 225  ABC was restructured to form a holding company called Agricultural Bank of China Limited.[11] It was listed on the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges in July 2010.[12] Founded in 1973, the CBOE Options Exchange is the world's largest options exchange with contracts focusing on individual equities, indexes, and interest rates.

Bishop's College School or BCS is an English-language non-profit independent boarding prep school in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada for students in Grades 7 to 12.[2][3][4][5] Founded in 1836, BCS is the fifth oldest private school in Canada.[6][2][7] BCS has the highest endowment per student of any independent school in Canada.[8][9] Seven BCS people have been named Rhodes Scholars.[10][11] A royal charter was granted in 1853 from Queen Victoria for Bishop's College when BCS was the constituent junior division. The school was recognized as the "Eton of Canada" initially by the first Governor General of Canada, Lord Monck on a visit in 1864.[12][13][5] It locates at the heart the historic Eastern Townships and near New England. The school is recognized as a Quebec cultural heritage site in the Répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec.[14][15]

Grey collar – Workforce that is not classified in blue collar nor white collar. It is occasionally used to describe elderly individuals working beyond the age of retirement, as well as those occupations incorporating elements of both blue- and white-collar.

Gold collar – Refers to children of wealthy parents working jobs they normally would not be qualified for. Alternatively refers to highly-skilled professionals in high-demand fields such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and scientists.

JAVA ANGELINA FRANC (Central African Franc CFA): Petrodollars are crude oil export revenues denominated in U.S. dollars. The term gained currency in the mid-1970s when soaring oil prices generated large trade and current account surpluses for oil exporting countries. A currency peg is a policy in which a national government or central bank sets a fixed exchange rate for its currency with a foreign currency or a basket of currencies and stabilizes the exchange rate between countries. The global coffee industry is worth $495.50 billion as of 2023. The United States contributes $95.58 billion to this total, which is more than any other country in the world.

Athletics Training: The force-velocity curve is a physical representation of the inverse relationship between force and velocity. Understanding the interaction between force and velocity and their influences on exercise selection is vital for any strength and conditioning professional. For example, it is essential that a strength and conditioning coach understands the physiological and biomechanical differences between prescribing a one-repetition maximum (1RM) deadlift and five-repetition maximum (5RM) jump squats – as one will produce higher forces and lower velocities than the other. Failure to understand the relationship and its importance will likely lead to less than optimal training prescription.

Opportunity Costs represent the potential benefits that an individual, investor, or business misses out on when choosing one alternative over another. Because opportunity costs are unseen by definition, they can be easily overlooked.

Game Theory has a wide range of applications, including psychology, evolutionary biology, war, politics, economics, and business. Despite its many advances, game theory is still a young and developing science.

Meat Source: Wild game is surprisingly leaner, relatively higher in Omega-3 fatty acids, lower in cholesterol (due to the low saturated fat content), as well as devoid of steroids, antibiotics and other additives because of their natural origin and active ways of life. When compared to domestic animals such as cows and chickens, game meats have an average of 4.3% fat while their domesticated competitors typically have a fat content of 25-30%. Not just any fat either. We’re talking a lot less saturated fat (aka the bad fat) and a much higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (aka the good fat). Additionally, the protein, vitamin, and mineral composition of wild game stands to compete with its domesticated competitors, especially when it comes to zinc and iron. This is due to their natural diet of wild vegetation as opposed to grain and corn. (Wild Turkey, Deer, Duck, and Jackrabbit)

Alkaline D-Aspartic Acid Gastronomy: D-Aspartic Acid is an amino acid that is used to make proteins in the body and is a part of several metabolic reactions. One systematic review found that there was evidence of D-Aspartic Acid boosting testosterone levels in male animals. Some foods that are high in D-Aspartic Acid include: Poultry, Meat, Eggs, Dairy, Rice, Oats & Barley Donut Flour, Peaches, Dried Apricots, Nectarines, Cherries, Plums, and Bananas. The alkaline diet is based on the idea that replacing acid-forming foods with alkaline foods can improve your health.

Spinach: Specifically, researchers led by Maria Parr — a professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at the Freie Universität in Berlin, Germany — examined the effect of ecdysterone on athletic performance and muscle strength. EcdysteroneTrusted Source is the main compound in spinach extract. It is a phytosteroid — that is, a steroid that occurs naturally in plants and belongs to a class called phytosterols, which are “structurally similar to cholesterol.” Previous studiesTrusted Source in mammals have shown that ecdysteroids have a wide range of beneficial effects. In the 1980s, researchers dubbed ecdysterone the “Russian secret,” following suspicions that Russian Olympic athletes were using it as a performance boosting supplement.

Salmon as Unsaturated Fat Protein: The fatty-acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are a family of transport proteins for fatty acids and other lipophilic substances such as eicosanoids and retinoids.[1][2] These proteins are thought to facilitate the transfer of fatty acids between extra- and intracellular membranes.[3] Some family members are also believed to transport lipophilic molecules from outer cell membrane to certain intracellular receptors such as PPAR.[4] The FABPs are intracellular carriers that “solubilize” the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA), transporting AEA to the breakdown by FAAH, and compounds that bind to FABPs block AEA breakdown, raising its level. The cannabinoids (THC and CBD) are also discovered to bind human FABPs (1, 3, 5, and 7) that function as intracellular carriers, as THC and CBD inhibit the cellular uptake and catabolism of AEA by targeting FABPs.[5] Competition for FABPs may in part or wholly explain the increased circulating levels of endocannabinoids reported after consumption of cannabinoids.[6] Levels of fatty-acid-binding protein have been shown to decline with ageing in the mouse brain, possibly contributing to age-associated decline in synaptic activity.

Cathedral Basilica Tax Deductible Charity

BNP Paribas Fortis Offshore Mariculture Division (Cote d'Ivoire, Seychelles, and Madagascar)

Sports Performance Centers (Sports Biomathematics and Intrapreneurship Joint Ventures)

Aether is an award-winning climate tech startup based in New York City's fabled Diamond District. Aether transforms air pollution into valuable goods and materials. From pollution to solution, nothing to something. By pushing the boundaries of product design, manufacturing technologies, and craftsmanship, the company is paving the way for a more beautiful and enduring future for both people and planet. Founded in 2018, Aether has raised over $21M in funding to date and is growing quickly.

Drug Slang: “Chocolate” is used as a euphemism for cannabis in the song: “And my car smells like chocolate”, as well as the line: “Now you’re never gunna quit it / If you don’t stop smoking it / That’s what she said” — 1975

JEWISH HABIT BUILDING FOR KIDS

Extinction is the learned inhibition of retrieval of previously acquired responses. Fear extinction is a significant component of exposure therapy in the treatment of fear memories such as those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can be used for experience.

Money Lessons

Money Jars: Give $100 for every 5 book reports, then divide among jars. $10 Tithe (opened at the end of the month), $10 Giving and Offering (opened on Sundays), $10 Saving (opened on special occasions), $20 Investing (only opened when full), $50 Spending.

This teaches multiple personal finance skills, Motivates independent reading, Teaches oral and presentation skills, Build the habit of gathering information when they are young, and Builds a Corporate Executive mindset; Instead of having this system with chores which creates an employee mindset this teaches kids to be in control of the information they use to get money

After the first trial runs this should be viewed as passive income for your Children.

While balancing school and at-home book reports; this simulates and exposes them to the similarities of having a job and starting their own company

VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE DŌRIFUTOSHĪN TRADEMARK

Grey with White Logo Tires

Gold Chrome Rims

WELFARE FRENCH GASTRONOMY (PANTRY & RATIONS GROCERY SHOPPING)

Crème Fraîche Tomato-Peanut Soup (Sautée Veggies-Broth Layering) with Challah Bread & Pan Fried Salmon

Skin On Pomme Puree & Pan Fried Salmon

Haitian Macaroni au Gratin (Sunday Meal)

Congolese French Toast Roll Up (Turkey and Cheese with Jam)

Mason Jar Overnight Oatmeal

French Vanille Blueberry Meal Replacement Smoothies 

Eggs, Sausage, and Hash Browns Breakfast

French Vanille Extract-Cinnimon Crème Fraîche Chocolat Chaud Angelina

Gâteau au rhum

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Cinnamon Rolls

Chocolat Oatmeal Cookies

Salmon

Tomato Soup

Yukon Potatoes

Challah Bread

3 Block Cheese

4 Boxes of Conchiglie

Milk

Butter

French Vanille Creamer

Heavy Cream

Buttermilk

Flour

Roasted Garlic Chicken Broth

Olive Oil

Celery

Carrots

Sweet Onion

Basil

Roasted Herb and Garlic

Mint

Equipment: Mason Jar, Saucepan, Toaster Oven, Panini Griddles, Slow Cooker, Pot, Fruit Ninja Blender, Cup Cake Pan, Frying Pan, Baking Pan, Cutting Board, Colander Bowl, Whisk, Tongs, and Spatula

CONGOLESE SENSUAL VIRGINITY

De Coelesti Hierarchia Raves, Planetary Intelligence, Parking Ticket Free Brabus Dealerships (Angel Status), Pool Access Lifeguard Summer Competitions, Ecstasy, Synth Drum and Bass, Graffiti Cinematography, Undergarments Shopping, Oral Sex, Masturbation, Dirty Dancing, Sexting

MANDELA PRISON SYSTEM

Gastronomy Course (Crème Fraîche Chocolat Chaud Angelina; Panini Challah Turkey and Cheese French Toast; Crème Fraîche Tomato-Peanut Soup)

Lifeguard Training

Barber Landlords Course

BLITZ GRIGORI COVENANT

Slogan

J'Cartier, Je cours après les vœux de champagne

Subjective

Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions

Bleu et Gris Sprezzatura Gastronomie 

Precarious Balance

Precariously: If something is happening or positioned precariously, it's in danger. A glass could be precariously balanced on the edge of a table. If something is on the verge of danger, then the word precariously fits.

Grey & Decentralized Markets

Semblance

Semblance is generally used to suggest a contrast between outward appearance and inner reality.

High Socioeconomic Status & Tattoos

Phantasmagorical

Having a fantastic or deceptive appearance; adjective. having a fantastic or deceptive appearance, as something in a dream or created by the imagination. having the appearance of an optical illusion, especially one produced by a magic lantern.

Socioeconomic Status Development Immigration Multilingual Sensory Play 

Law of Polarity in Relationships

In any successful relationship that has an intimate connection and sexual attraction, there is polarity. What does this mean exactly? Polarity in relationships is the spark that occurs between two opposing energies: masculine and feminine. Gender does not affect whether you have masculine or feminine energy.

Second Reflection

Burden Aesthetics with Intentions; The Second Reflection lays hold of the Technical Procedures

Tattoos

PARDICÉ MINUIT

[patrothestupid]

a Kind Stranger gives Patro a ticket to a live performance recreating the youtube video "Unexpectancy Part 3, but Every Instrument Is Metal Pipe Falling Sound Effect", How is he effected by attending this event?

I love this music but I got sensitive hears ! Also taking pipe on my nose hurt, oochie !

[coffeestripes]

So, about Yautja gods and deities...

My motivation for drawing passed away but i want to keep posting stuff

Okay everybody hear me out, no idea where this info came from BUT the Yautja spanish wiki has some curious stuff about their deities and gods (Yep, of course Cetanu and Paya are here) and i just wanted to share this. Is weird because far as i've seen no other wiki has this information besides the Catalan one. Neither of those two has citations so is a pure mystery the sources, enjoy~

The thing i wanted to do is just try to translate the descriptions. If someone wants to do fixes then dm me the clean text and the credits would be under the title!

Cetanu: The supreme deity of their pantheon, described as the black warrior who wins all battles, Death. The ambition of every honorable yautja is to have a life that imitates the nature of this deity and brings them closer to him. It does not have a defined form and for a yautja in combat it can present itself as a brother, a prey, a human or an accident to reach its side. He has a dual nature: “The benevolent”, dressed in black armor with ornaments and golden eyes, rewards the fallen with honor by taking them to the other world; the other is “The Destroyer”, a deformed yautja with four arms and six fangs who takes the souls of the fallen in disgrace to devour and torture them for eternity. The use of camouflage, visors and long-distance weapons has a religious meaning for the yautjas since it is a way of getting closer to Cetanu, who sees everything, kills without being seen and without touching. Every yautja upon reaching adulthood swears to overcome the first murderer despite the fact that they are all aware that they are destined to fail. He is represented with a six-pointed star and is the protector of the enforcers (I think, the wiki said “árbitros”, meaning referees)

Lil-ka: Goddess of life, motherhood and revenge. She is also called Paa-ya (Well, Paya), and is the ruler of the gods and with a dual nature just like Cetanu her partner. As Mother Lil-ka, the benevolent aspect of her, she possesses a motherly and beautiful appearance, dressed in heavy and graceful robes; As Lil-ka the Avenger, she wears armor and pursues those who break the laws, dragging them down for punishment. Her symbol is a circle.

Dto-hult'ah (Forest/jungle/woodland + spotter/lookout): The god of agriculture, earth, and quieter emotions such as patience, devotion, and contentment, is also the patron of the visual arts, such as carving and painting. Dto-hult'ah appears as a Yautja dressed in a kind of kilt, carrying a backpack and with his arms wrapped in climbing plants. He is Kayana's mate and father of the Horde. His symbol is the leaf of a vine.

Kayana: The goddess of war, fire, passionate emotions such as anger, love and obsession and also the patroness of dance and music. She only wears a loincloth and a small breastplate, but many times she appears naked, always wrapped in fire. She’s the mother of the Horde and the daughter of Cetanu and Lil-ka. Her symbol is a flame.

Mara'khen: God of storms and artisans. The first son of Kayana and Dto-hult'ah and who has the least demonic nature. He has four arms with a different weapon or tool on each. His symbol is a sword.

Guan Nrak'ytara (Night / Guardian): Goddess of dreams, air, change and sudden inspiration. She was a yautja who learned the secrets of fire, medicine, and weapons and taught them to his comrades in primitive times after overcoming three tasks given by the gods, thus achieving godhood as well. She appears as a winged Yautja dressed in a loose-fitting robe and attached to a demon. Her symbol is the breeze.

Ju'dha-sain'ja (Water / warrior): God of water, deluge and weather. He appears as a Yautja dressed in a robe of shining scales. He has long, flowing fins growing from his back and webbed fingers. The appendages on his head are always dripping and his symbol is a wave.

Mab'ii'tang: Hero punished by the gods with immortality for demanding what was not his, since the greatest honor and glory of the yautjas is to die fighting to impress Cetanu and gain a place of honor in the afterlife, being immortal is condemned to never receive his prize nor will his soul rest.

The Horde: Kayana's thousands of demon children. The nigthmares. They are often at the service of Cetanu and Lil-ka to bring justice to those who have broken the laws. They occasionally break free to cause trouble. They often spy for Kayana. Many wander the physical world telling stories and interfering mortals affairs

[cuiizhu]

Helios Rising Heroes - In the Pink!

Not Mark Time, Forward March! - Leonard Wright Jr. Card Story

Junior: ~~~♪

Junior: “Groovies” really are the best after all★ Definitely the pinnacle of rock bands……hm?

Junior: (Over there is Sage, and……)

Junior: (M-m-ma,,,Marion….!) 

Sage: Thanks, Marion-kun. 

Marion: Yeah, I’ll be going then. 

[Marion walks off]

Sage: …..Eh, is that you over there, Junior-kun? 

Junior: !!!??

Sage: ? Did you need something from me?

Junior: N-no!? Not in particular!? 

Sage: Is that so…? Well I was talking to Marion-kun just now, and you did come up as a topic. 

Junior: EEEEEHHH!!?? M-marion…..about me….? 

Sage: You made a playlist and sent it to me the other day, right? We were talking about that. 

Sage: That got me a little interested in music, so I asked Marion for some recommendations. He’s the only other person I know who loves music. 

Junior: So that’s how it is….. Marion’s recommendations….. I’d sure like to hear that……. 

Sage: Should I tell you the songs he just told me? 

Junior: Would you really!? 

Junior: ….No, actually, I shouldn’t.

Sage: Are you sure?  

Junior: I want to know so badly… but, I’ll ask Marion to tell me himself….

Sage: Aah, that kind of thing. Junior, you’re a fan of Marion, right? 

Junior: Fwah!?

Sage: Could it be that the reason you skipped grades in the Academy was because you admired Marion….? 

Junior: N, nnnnn-no, that’s wro–, there’s no—

Sage: That’s so cool, Junior-kun!

Junior: Eh…….

Sage: Everyone has people they admire, but I think actually following their footsteps is pretty difficult. You must have put in a lot of effort. I think that’s really amazing. 

Junior [blushing]: Th….that…… 

Junior: …… I guess so…..? 

Sage: That’s right! It’s nerve-wracking to talk to someone you admire, but wanting to talk to them anyways…I totally understand that feeling. 

Junior: That’s right~ My nerves always get to me…even if we get the opportunity to talk, I don’t even get to say a third of what I want to…

Junior: I still get nervous even just talking to him…. Ahh, I wonder if he would approach me first…..

Junior: No, I shouldn’t entertain such convenient scenarios—

Sage: Pink…..

Junior: Hm? Pink?

Sage: Ah….if you don’t like this kind of thing, feel free to ignore it, but…..

Sage: Junior’s lucky color today seems to be pink. If you try wearing it, something good may happen to you. 

Junior: Lucky color? ...Is this like, fortune telling? 

Sage: Yup. This is all I can really do, but I hope it can help you even a little bit ♪

Junior: ……

----------------------------------------------------

Junior: (Fortune telling huh~...... I’ve never really thought of it before, but it shouldn’t hurt…. so maybe I’ll give it a try?)

[door slamming and Junior’s footsteps]

Junior: (Mmm, but pink is… pink, pink, pink—)

Faith: Ah, Ochibi-chan. You’re back huh. 

Junior: PINK!!!

Faith: Eeh….?

Junior: Oi, Shitty DJ! Lend me those headphones for today!

Faith: Huh? I don’t want to. Why do I have to lend them to you? 

Junior: You only wear them for fashion anyways! I’ll put them to good use! 

Faith: No, what kind of absurd argument is that…

[door slamming and more footsteps]

Dino: I’m homee~ Ah, you’re both back too. Good work on the patro–

Junior: PINK!!!!!!

Dino: Uwaah!? What is it, what is it!? 

Junior: Dino! Lend me that belt today! 

Dino: B-belt? Again, what is….? 

Junior: Well, Dino is all pink…. Would it work to just bring you around….?

Dino: What what what!? 

Faith: Hey, Ochibi-chan. Did something happen to you a while ag—

[door slamming]

[Jacqueline runs around]

Jacqueline: It’s bad, terrible, horrible-nano~~~~!

Dino: Jacqueline!?

Faith: Just calm down…. What in the world happened? 

Jacqueline: It’s terrible-nano….. Jacqueline, seems to have gotten lost again-nano……

Faith: Aah….what, that’s it? Someone contact Jack or Marion—

Junior: PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Faith: Eh, wh–Ochibi-chan!? 

Junior: Hey, you! Lend me your ribbon for today! 

Jacqueline: I can’t-nano. This is the precious ribbon that Marion-chama gave me-nano. 

Junior: Gh…that’s right… I’m jealous….no, actually that…!!!!!

Jacqueline: Does Junior-chama like ribbons-nano? If so I could lend you another one ♪

Junior: Can you really!? Could I get the pink one! 

Dino: W-what happened…Junior…..

----------------------------------------------------

Marion: You really helped me. Thanks for looking after Jacqueline. 

Faith: No, she kind of landed here on her own. 

Jacqueline: Marion-chama, thank you for coming to pick me up-nano~

Marion: Jack and Nova are also worried. Shall we head back? 

Junior: ………

Marion: ….Ah, oh yeah, Junior. 

Junior: !?

Marion: Did you make a playlist for Sage? 

Marion: He was praising it so much I got a little curious. If you don’t mind, could you send it to me too? 

Junior: Eeeeeh—!!!????

Marion: As a thank you, I could also share some of my recommended songs. Though, it’s all classical music so I don’t know if it’s quite to your taste…..

Junior: Awawa…..awawawa, awawawawa….!!!!!

Marion: …..Is that a no? 

Faith: Aah, no, no, that’s an, “Is that really okay, Marion!? I’d love to!”, is what he said. 

Marion: Huh, couldn’t tell. 

Marion: Well, feel free to contact me again when you feel like it. I’ll get going, then. 

Jacqueline: Bye bye, Junior-chama! Jacqueline will also look for a cute pink ribbon~ 

[bloop bloop bloop] 

[door slamming]

Faith: Aha, Ochibi-chan, you’ve been recognized as a Ribbon buddy. 

Junior: Amazing…..

Junior: SAGE IS AMAZING!!!!! YOU DEFINITELY ARE THE PINNACLE OF FORTUNE TELLERS—!!!!

Event Story || Sage Cardsto