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danoscigarette · 2 years ago

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Eli Sunday x f!Reader NSFW Alphabet

A/N: Happy (Eli) Sunday everyone! Just a quick little informal thing - my first NSFW alphabet <3 Also I didn’t proof read this I just had to type out my Eli Sunday thoughts.

Warnings: breeding kink, corruption kink, religious topics, swearing, voyeurism, 18+

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

I don’t believe Eli is particularly the best at aftercare at first, not to say he’s bad at it but without some initial guidance he will probably give you a kiss and cuddle he will then roll over to sleep LMAO - It’s most likely because he is a little bit emotionally awkward and inexperienced. However, after talking to him about your needs he will 100% be down for it.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

Eli isn’t a person that comes across as someone who likes a particular part of himself; he’s most likely quite insecure about his appearance - HOWEVER I would say he likes his hands the most. If it’s not when he’s praying or using them in his sermons, he’s got them squeezing your flesh between his fingers 🙂 He likes that he can hold power over you (when he’s feeling a little more dominant).

There isn’t just ONE thing that he likes about you, but if he had to pic 2, it would be your breasts or your hips; he outs it down to human instinct (because man has got a “bit” of a breeding kink I swear to god) - he just loves your curves, there is something so fundamentally feminine about the way you walk or whenever you sit down your breasts squish together and Eli is just LOOKING (respectfully).

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

There is this big thing about having sex in the Christian religion and making sure that is with the purpose of procreating (take it from me, I went to a Catholic school asdfghjk) so in Eli’s mind he like to cum inside you at any given opportunity, the thought of getting you pregnant and fulfilling God’s will is a really big deal for him.

Although I will say, if he is in a particularly devious mood, he enjoys watching you swallow his cum - its all in your eyes you see. You would look up at him so lovingly as you take his load and he kind of just melts into you, he just really loves you.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

He loves when you dominate him, Eli is very much a switch but doesn’t like to admit that he has a submissive and breedable side to him. He especially loves it when you do this kind of “corruption” roleplay with him; so that could be anything like making him denounce his faith, saying you are his true Goddess etc - not that he necessarily believes in what he says, but its his submissive side that kind of enjoys the thought of sinning in the most personally destructive ways.

HE IS VERY POSSESSIVE OF YOU. Gets jealous easily if you speak to other men and he will make sure to let you know that when he is fucking you and calling you his over and over.

I also think that he loves to bring elements of your sex life to the church…but ill explain that more under the letter K…

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

Listen, it’s nothing new that we know this man is not experienced. He comes from a town with a populace of like…50 people? And how many of them are his age? Finding you was quite literally a gift from God. They know instinctively what to do, but other than primal impulses he has no idea - but he is certainly willing to learn! He makes it his absolute goal to learn your body, he sees it as a husbandly duty. Lets not forget he probably gets off to you taking the reigns and teaching him how to fuck you the way you like.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Usually it is missionary, again he’s not very experienced and even when he learns the ropes, he very much enjoys watching your face as you cum on his cock and when he is cumming into you. Eli enjoys feeling your bodies rub up against each other and its much easier to catch onto one of your nipples with his hands.

Okay, so it’s LIKE missionary but imagine a possessive Eli getting you into a mating press and begging you for him to cum inside 😮‍💨 when Eli is feeling extra feverish during sex, he will lift your legs up and make it his absolute goal to get lots int your pussy.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

Takes sex super seriously, like very seriously. Like there can be a few moments of just smiling and maybe even giggles here and there but Eli sees it as making love and that’s serious business. Not to say he is wooden, not at all he just won’t joke around or be goofy in the moment.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

You think they bother trimming back in the day? 🤨 but if I am honest, I feel like Eli wouldn’t grow that much hair down there as it is. He has medium length pubes and they are a dark blonde colour - maybe when ya’ll go to LA he learns the magic of grooming one’s carpet.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

Eli is quite an intense person so I shall split this in 3 parts (dominant, submissive, romantic). First his dominant side - he can be quite calm and controlled when he’s feeling a little more dominant, he is certainly more focused. As the Bible teaches the man should be dominant over his wife, he takes that as truth and tries to apply that same seriousness in this position.

His submissive side however… is so much more messier. I am talking loud moans and even sobbing, kind of messy. Eli Sunday? More like Eli Subday because when he subs, he subs hard.

In terms of romance I feel like being inexperienced he will try harder with you, especially before marrying you.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Did it every so often before meeting you, like an average amount. AFTER meeting you however he did it far more often. He’ll lowkey obsess over you and there literally nothing else to do in Little Boston so it was a way he could let off steam. After marrying you however he does it less, he much prefers to watch you..

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Okay so following the point in the last letter…I feel like Eli might have a voyeurism kink. Like consensually of course but imagine if you were in church and like you began stripping (putting on a show for your husband) and he just watches you.

Also previously mentioned, he has a bit of a breeding kink. Whether its just instinctual or a religious thing, he goes crazy at the thought of you carrying his child. He will most likely want to have many kids with you, so be prepared for that talk. When he is more vocal during sex he will absolutely tell you how much he wants to plant his seed into you - he will also take pleasure it watching it dribble out of you and using his fingers push it back inside.

A little bit of a freak I’d say, Paul said it himself he’s the most kinkiest so I am thinking he likes to receive and inflict pain - nothing extreme but slapping, grabbing and maybe a bit of biting. During the times of modest clothing, he would get so excited at the thought of seeing you at church covered in marks which no one got to see under your dresses - its like a dirty little secret.

Please, for the love of god degrade him and/or praise him because he will be weak at the knees - this also applies to outside of the bedroom. A compliment or a tease when you are just going about your day and he will be hard until you do something about it.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

More of a traditional man, the bedroom is where he prefers but he wouldn’t be against fucking in the kitchen whilst you are preparing dinner

When he has a bigger, more secure Church he will want to do things (not necessarily full on sex) in it because its totally sinful and that really falls into Eli’s corruption kink. He will of course pray for forgiveness from God but to be honest…he sees having sex with you as something holy so he doesn’t feel that much guilt SKSKKsk

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

For Eli, it is the subtleties that get him going - are you wearing red lipstick to church? You’ll get punished later. Biting your lip, humming whilst cooking dinner and even just being a little house wife he just can’t help but feel this way about you. The biggest thing however is if you whisper in his ear, oddly specific but I think he has sensitive ears and when he feels your breath it sends tingles down his spine.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Like I said before, no extreme pain because he loves the ever living shit out of you. Anything that involves deep marks and scarring.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

He wouldn’t have a preference, he probably is a bit intimidated with giving oral because sex education didn’t exist back then but it doesn’t mean he won’t do it. Because of his shyness I think he’d prefer to receive (just thinking about sucking Eli’s cock in his church after a service tbh).

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

Eli would change things up a bit, depending on whether he felt submissive or dominant. When he is on top, he will most likely want to take his time and go slow but hard. If he is feeling romantic for whatever reason it’ll be gentle and slow; like he will be inside you and watch your every expression as he thrusts into you. When he is submissive he will be more fast paced and a little clumsy, he just wants to make you feel so good so badly that he just kind of lets himself go.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

Prefers to have longer sessions with you, he sees sex as making love and he wants to take his time with it. He isn’t against however quickies if you are in the church, again not necessarily sex sex but a quick blowjob or handjob in the church helps him let off steam after a service.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

As a man with no prior experience, he will like to try most things that you are into, mainly because he wants to please you. The biggest risk is getting caught in church, but Eli has figured out quiet windows for the two of you to do the dirty.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

Hmmm this is a good question, he could either go for many rounds or just once. I feel that because he is a young man he could probably go for a few rounds before being utterly spent. As for how long he lasts…well at first as you can imagine he came very quickly. After learning how to control his urges he will last for a good while - he will never cum before you do and if ever he did, he would make sure you were satisfied.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

It’s the 1910s, there weren’t many toys back then and Little Boston is a remote town so no trade in sex toys. The closest thing that Eli would have readily available would be a silk scarf, maybe as a blindfold or to bind your hands together…or HIS hands together.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Eli isn’t one to tease, but he is one to GET teased. He isn’t good at sex talk (unless he’s in the moment) and teasing just isn’t in his vocabulary.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

This man is LOUD. So he will be more quieter when he is dominating, he is too much in his head and controlled until he cums, he will still let out a drawn out guttural moan as he paints your walls white. When he is submissive he will talk more, he will beg more and he doesn’t control his volume whatsoever. He gets so lost in the moment that he doesn’t consider neighbours.

The only time this man is quiet is in Church and even then he lets out a moan or two too loud.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

He will cum instantly if you start saying religious shit. Call him a prophet? Done. He just loses it. Reciting bible verses which can be interpreted as lewd and lustful really gets him going, its like he is seeing his own work through you (he is a bit self observed sometimes lets be honest).

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Average length I would say! 6.5 inches with average girth and a thick vein - certainly a mouthful! As its slightly curved upwards, it hits that special spot inside of you that just *chefs kiss*. I will say though this man has big balls, slightly bigger than average but not disproportionate compared to his dick.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Pretty fucking high, there’s nothing to do in Little Boston other than going to church and when he has his hands on you his drive just ASCENDS.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

At first if was very quick, going back to letter A, he will hug and kiss you but he will generally want to go straight to sleep - especially if it was intense. Later down the line though he will stay awake longer and longer, if you aren’t quite satisfied yet he will most likely fight the urge to sleep and carry on until you are finished. Something that will happen every time after sex (in the bedroom) is he will cuddle into you and be big spoon, whispering sweet nothings into your ear and the post sex chemicals turn into possessiveness. He ain’t letting you go any time soon, you are his and his alone and if he lets go he would worry you’d disappear.

#eli sunday x reader #eli sunday #paul dano #danocel #danonation #there will be blood

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mythical-song-wolf · 4 years ago

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Reminder to any newbies on Ao3!

Rating - Is basically the rough ‘age’ rating for that fic. Sort of like how certain TV shows are rated to be watched by a certain age group and above

M is for adults and probably has a lot of more serious things explored in it T is for teens and up, probably briefly exploring the same topics as M but at a lower scale General Audience speaks for itself. Explicit is for nsfw fics, not just porn but heavily graphic versions of the Mature label

Note: If a fic is not rated then it will auto set as if it’s M or E rated to be safe

Archive Warnings - The big Warning! Sign on the fic for things that are important

Fucking. Use these. Because these are the big TW! Sign on the fic to let people know and for them not to get shocked when it appears.

But if you don’t want to spoil your fic there’s the option to not archive those warnings. But do add those warnings in the chapter they happen in in the notes (in bolded font to catch the reader’s eye)

Due note the things that are part of the warnings are also additional tags as well

Categories - Types of Relationships In Story

F/F - Romantic or sexual between two women M/M - Romantic or sexual between two men F/M - Romantic or sexual between a man and woman Multi - Romantic or sexual between multiple partners or it has a mix of the first three Gen - FRIENDSHIPS, FOUND FAMILY, FAMILY, ETC! PLATONIC RELATIONSHIPS HERE! Basically no romantic or sexual relationships or it’s there but not the main enough focus for it to really matter Other - Literally just Other I guess

Also you can stack these tags atop each other so you can have it be tagged F/F, M/M, F/M, and Multi because oh its a soulmate AU fic that has them be in a poly relationship

Relationships - Basically what relationships (platonic and romantic) are in the story

First off, if it has an & Symbol between their names is platonic.

If it’s a / symbol its romantic or sexual.

Example: Peggy Carter/Steve Rogers = Romantic or sexual relationship Peggy Carter & Steve Rogers = Platonic relationship

I have seen,,,, too many fics made my youngling authors recently that mistag relationships,,,, pls read the info on the tagging since its RIGHT THERE but that’s why im also making a list on it and because im bored

wafdweasfds

Characters - Who’s in this?

Tag only the ones that actually appear and are relatively/heavily there for it. If someone appears for a bit or is mention just put them being mentioned in the additional tags.

For longer fics it’ll be hard to pin down, especially if you have a large cast of characters that have varying levels of importance. At that point you just hope and pray to whatever god you do or dont believe in that you tagged correctly

Additional Tags - Extra bits, ‘genre’, and things to expect without spoiling much

If you’re familiar with reading on ao3 you should know how this works, but since this list was made for the younglings on the site. It’s basically additional information. It’s more specific tags on what’s going to be in the fic

It can specify what Alternate Universe it’s in if it is at all, if it’ll have Soft Moments (Fluff tag) or if it’ll have pain and not joy (Angst with not Happy Ending, Hurt No Comfort), it also roughly specifies certain character details (such as Parental X Character, Protective X character)

[It’s also where the smut writers include (or at least should) what kinky shit is featured in the fic]

It’s also the rough open space authors type in to make unofficial tags that are the equivalent of reblogging something on tumblr with a reply you hide in the tags.

Final Info Bits

Remember to make sure your fic is set as Multichapter if you’re going to make it multichapter! So the reader knows if they’ll get more and bookmark that fic to see if it’s updated!

If you’re fic was inspired by someone else’s: 1. Make sure to get permission 2. Make sure to include it in the thing that it was inspired by X, I don’t mean in the notes or the summary but in the actual thing They ask “This work is a remix, a translation, a podfic, or was inspired by another work” Check that fucking box if it is and then follow the instructions So that if someone likes that original fic they can find yours to get another spin on it (Also maybe put it in the summary depending on how similar you make it from that fic shudders are the too many damn comments on my first fic)

This Work is Part of a Series

It’s like a book series in a sense, where this one fic tells one story, but the next fic in the series is set in a similar setting or has a similar theme to it Ex: A oneshot made for an event is part of a series of fics for said event so you can/should make it a series A fic about Person A & B getting together can have a sequel set in the same universe but now its Person A & B navigating married life or smth A oneshot made over a personally chosen theme like “the baking endeavors of Person A” or “Self Indulgent”

#ao3 #archive of our own #fanfic #fanfiction

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commemorators-pedebusiadmix · 3 years ago

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beepbeeprichiellc · 6 years ago

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Wild Flowers

Part 1, Part 2.

*Couldn’t help myself, not really a series but there I just loved this idea I had to do a part 3. I loved it, and fuck...it’s so sad.*

The weather had stalled out in between seasons. There was a blistering wind that came with the sunrise but faded by mid morning. Pumpkins-that Beverly had been so adamant about carving-were now withering on their front porch, their faces twisted and grotesque. All of leaves had almost all fallen, dying on the cold earth as a symbol of things yet to come. Stores were just now displaying their Christmas decor, making Richie shift in his own skin.

It had been six months since Eddie’s last letter.

Six months since he had seen that elegant hand writing, read the words that pored onto the paper and saw that faithful ‘love Eds’. He had known that this was coming, with Eddie’s company being on the move the soldiers had no time to write to their loved ones. Eddie had told him, warned him and yet there was a longing that begged to be tamed. There were news stories of platoons being captured and tortured by the enemy and every night Richie prayed that Eddie was safe.

Well, begged was more like it.

Things were tense in the house, his friends walking on eggshells around him. It was a wonder why they put up with his outbursts and frustrations, supporting him in any way they could. What hurt the most was that none of them truly understood the pain he was in, neither Stan or Beverly or Ben having to worry about the thing he did. Never worrying if today he would receive a call telling him that the love of his life was dead, or worrying that Eddie wouldn’t even bother to come to the farm if he did come back to the sates. Worrying about the body count coming in in waves, the horror stories soldiers told on the news, the fight to end this meaningless war.

Ben had left an hour before, needing to get to town before the grocery store closed so that Stan could finish dinner. The others were merely lounging around, waiting for his return with only the small hum of the news floating between them. Richie sat with his eyes glued to the names that crossed the screen, men who had died that week across the sea. After they were done he could breath again, not having seen his lovers name.

There were headlights in their front window, signaling his return and Beverly took it upon herself to meet him at the door. Her face twisted the moment the barrier was open, a question coming out in a hushed voice so that the others could not hear. What came next was Ben, followed by a unfamiliar solider who wore a thin and worrisome face.

Their guest had obvious seen better days, his hair shaved short as to expose a healing wound, his uniform worn and dirty as if he had walked cross country to get here. Even with all that it was the eyes that weighed him down, the darkness that swam in the grey pools was concerning and frightening at the same time. Richie looked at him, really looked and felt a sense of reality punch him in he gut. If this was what was coming home, what in the hell was staying over here?

“This is Bill, I found him in town asking around for you, Richie.” Ben explained, offering a sad smile. “He uh-he says he knows Eddie.”

“Eddie?” Richie repeated, his heart jumping into his throat. “Y-you know Eddie?”

“I-I do.” Bill stuttered out, sounding unsure of his own voice. “H-h-he was muh-my muh-medical officer. We w-w-worked to-ge-gether.” The stutter was bad, so bad that it was almost impossible to understand what he was saying. This left a sour taste in the air, a question that they all wanted to ask but knew it was not their place to do so. Bill must have sensed this because he added, “Suh-sorry about th-the stutter. I was ne-near a land mi-mined explosion and got sc-scrap metal in muh-my head.” His long finger pointed to the patched spot on the side of his head, “Th-they said I-I’m luh-lucky to be a-alive. Th-that if E-E-Eddie hadn’t been muh-my medical officer I wo-would be s-six fee-feet under.”

“Oh.” Richie whispered, taken aback by the information. “Okay, why are you looking for me? Is Eddie okay, are you here to tell me he’s-” But there was no finishing, no end to what he was asking because he was afraid of the answer that he would receive if he did say that faithful word. Stan’s hand was on his shoulder, supporting him and if it weren't for that alone, he would crumble.

“H-he was oh-okay the last t-t-time I saw him.” Bill said, understanding the question fully. “A-alive and f-f-fighting.”

A weight was lifted from Richie’s shoulders, making him feel a thousand times lighter. “That’s my Eds.” He mumbled, shaking his head and trying his best not to cry in relief. “He’s a fucking fire cracker.”

“I a-a-agree.” Bill replied, smiling. “I c-came loo-looking for you be-because of what E-Eddie had told m-me. He wo-wouldn’t shut up a-about you, about h-how amazing yuh-you were and h-h-how you b-bought this h-house for him a-a-and your freinds a-and fuh-fuck -” He laughed, the noise coming deep from within as if reliving a memory. “I d-don’t th-think I’v e-ever seen anyone s-so in luh-love.”

Richie didn’t know what to say. His face flustered in a mixture of embarrassment and pride. Eddie, it seemed. hadn’t forgotten him one bit. Even with a ocean separating them they were just as strong as before. “Is that what you came here to tell me? That Eddie loved me?”

“N-no.” Bill shifted his weight from one foot to another, awkwardly avoiding eye contact as shame covered every ounce of his face. “A-actually, I c-c-came here to-well uh-I j-just.” He let out a hot breath, his shoulders slumping in defeat as he muttered. “E-Eddie always t-t-told me th-that if I had n-no where e-else to g-g-go you and yuh-your friend w-would be th-there to he-help and as it t-turns out m-my brother was killed o-over in Vie-Vietnam. My p-parents d-don’t know h-how to d-eal with th-that and with muh-my st-stutter and th-they well-”

“Kicked you out.” Stan finished with pain in his voice.

Bill nodded, biting his bottom lip as to keep it from trembling. “Th-they well, y-yeah basically. S-so I remembered wh-what E-E-Eddie had told m-me and I buh-boarded a train from N-New York and w-w-well th-that’s wh-when Ben f-found me asking f-for yuh-you.”

“You are welcome to stay as long as you would like.” Beverly interjected, knowing that she was speaking for all of them. “A friend of Eddie’s is a friend of ours.”

Bill was beaming, his grin spreading the entire length of his face. “Th-thank you so muh-much, you h-have no i-idea how mu-much this me-means. I c-can’t-express h-how much-” The rest of the sentence ran away from him, his words becoming incomprehensible making tears build up along his glasses.

“It’s no problem, man.” Richie said, stepping forward and patting Bill on his shoulder in a brotherly way. “It’s what we do, we look out for one another”

“C-can you d-do one muh-more thing for m-me?” Bill asked, wiping at his eyes. “I kn-know it’s s-s-sounds stupid but E-Eddie t-told me you pl-played the guh-guitar? D-Do you m-mind if you p-p-lay for me? G-Guh-Georgie was learning when he-he-”

There was another shooting pain in Richie’s heart, understanding that Georgie was the brother Bill had lost in the war. He agreed instantly, accepting the interment that Ben retrieved from the other room. As Richie sat down the others took their usual place on the couch, Bill siting down at his feet like an anxious child waiting for a bedtime story.

When Richie played, the music took him away to another world. A world where he and Eddie had never been separated, where the war did’t exist and he was happy to live the life he chose. The notes floated into the air, creating a masterpiece with the tempo and tune. Richie began to sing, something he hardly ever did anymore. His throat was raspy and his tuning was off but the emotion that dripped from his lips was gut wrenching.

Beverly closed her eyes and leaned into her fiance who held her close. Stan was relaxed into the recliner, bobbing his head along with the music and Bill was weeping as he melted into the carpet. It was all wrong and so right at the same time. The only thing that would make this any better, any more sweet would be the missing boy who was still fighting in another country. Richie could feel his presence, feel his love that kept pushing him forward and rekindled his hope.

They would be together some day.

Someday, but not today.

Not tonight.

#reddie #it #it au #richie tozier #eddie kaspbrak #moodboards #contuination #not sure what i'm doing #not at all #hope you enjoyed it

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therealcalicali · 6 years ago

Text

CHAPTER 4: Vikings - Lillesøster (Little Sister)

Chapter 4 Warnings: Threats, Light Smut and Fluff

Word Count: 10500

Setting: Viking Era

Genre: Romance/Drama/Epic

Pairing: Ragnarssons x Reader, Alfred x Reader, Aethelred x Reader (No details because it would spoil the story)

Read Season 2: Here

Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 5 Chapter 6

Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13

Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19

Chapter 20 Part A Chapter 20 Part B

________________

“I did not care for your display at the docks.” An irritated Alfred finally said.

As he paced the floor of his chamber in the West Wing of Ragnar’s estate, the Prince seemed on the verge of shouting. You sat quietly in a chair, desiring sleep prior to your welcoming feast, however, you could not interrupt him. In the corner, seated quietly reading a book was Pippa, doing her best to not appear bothered by Alfred’s bad mood. Governess Yasmine had already gone to her chamber to rest as had most of the people who arrived with you to Kattegat. You truly wished your soon-to-be husband would end the argument so you could rest.

“Alfred, must you always be annoyed with me?” You asked. “No matter whom I am around, you find fault. You have known about Gunni since the day I met you. He is one of my dearest friends and I have always written--”

“That was then Y/N!” Your betrothed said as he stopped pacing. “We were children. But now, it is not proper for a woman and man to be such close friends.”

“What are you saying?”

Alfred walked over and knelt in front of you. Looking at your future husband, you were doing your utmost to keep yourself calm. How dare he think he could tell you whom you could befriend or not? Especially when you had known Gunni long before meeting him. Taking your hands in his, Alfred kissed them first before he finally felt he could say what he wanted.

“Please listen to me. You are going to be Queen of your own realm and also, my wife. It means between us, we are accountable to two kingdoms……two Christian kingdoms. No matter what, at the end of all this, we have to move forward with our lives in the proper manner. Will we remain on diplomatic terms with these people? Of course! But they are Heathens at the end of the day. Therefore, our two worlds can never coincide. Especially when it comes to your social circle. You carrying on as….close friends with them will also have to end.”

“Carrying on? Alfred, you behave as if you forget that my father is Ragnar Lothbrok.”

“Fortunately, your mother raised you and your Christian attendees did the rest.” He said. “You cannot possibly think our children will be exposed to these people?”

You were astonished by his candid disdain for the Vikings. Not that you were expecting Alfred to utterly accept them as equals – his Christian upbringing would never allow it. However, you were surprised that he thought so poorly of people who had helped you after your mother’s murder.

“I do not think you are being fair.” You said trying to stay very tactful.

“Listen Y/N, I love you. But I only find your father, Bjorn and Queen Aslaug agreeable. The rest……well, as I stated, I do not wish them to be around you.

There he went again! Telling you how you were to live your life and whom you could socialize with. Since you were still worn from the journey to Kattegat, you were in no mood to argue with him. Additionally, you were trying your best to do as Governess Yasmine had advised.

“Say something, my love.” A worried Alfred said - bringing your hands to his lips and kissing them.

“I am exhausted. Would it be alright if we finished discussing this after I have had some rest?”

Alfred smirked and nodded his head. Standing up, he took you by your hand and stated he would walk you to your chambers. As the two of you exited the chamber, Pippa followed. Your five Handmaids; who had been seated in the hallway; immediately trailed behind you as well. Alfred glanced at you a moment as if he had something to say but was contemplating whether to speak up or not.

“What is it?” You asked as the two of you continued on.

Pleased by your intuition, Alfred regarded you with admiration briefly before speaking.

“I have been looking at dates for our wedding. Mother said it should take place as soon as possible. Especially with all that is occurring.” He said – giving your hand a firm squeeze. “With impending war, I tend to agree.”

You gritted your teeth as you looked straight ahead. Truthfully, you were in no rush to exchange vows with Alfred, or anyone else for that matter. Still you kept your true opinion to yourself.

“If you believe it is best.” You replied.

Alfred regarded you with both relief and joy. He was thoroughly pleased that you did not fight him on the matter. As far as you were concerned however, you were merely playing your part. In the situation you found yourself; besieged by powerful men on all sides; you had to be smart if you were to have your freedom one day. When the two of you arrived outside of your chamber door, Alfred gave you a peck on your lips. As he caressed you cheek with his thumb, he looked over your expression.

“You need not worry about anything Y/N. I will take good care of you always.”

With that, your betrothed gave you one last kiss before leaving you in the hands of your attendees.

__________________

“Please take a seat Alfred.” A proud Ragnar said to his future son-in-law.

Alfred had just entered the War Room where his father, Ragnar, the five Ragnarssons, King Gunni, Floki, Rollo and Lancille all had been busily going over strategy for taking Arundel.

“Nice for you to finally join us…..your Highness.” Ivar said as he looked at the Wessex Prince with some disdain.

“My apologies. I was just seeing to my wife...”

“My sister is not your wife!” An annoyed Ivar interrupted with a slant of the head. “At least, not at the moment.”

The dark haired Ragnarsson did little to hide his disapproval of the impending marriage between you and the young Christian Prince. Floki looked at both the foreign Alfred and Ivar and gathered that the tension would only get worse over time.

He knew the youngest Ragnarsson probably better than most people and could sense jealousy emanating from his words.

“I am sure you all know Prince Alfred, son of Prince Aethelwulf here.” Ragnar said pointing the elder Prince.

He then introduced everyone else in the room formally since he wasn’t sure how much they had interacted at the docks.

“It is nice to meet you finally meet you in the flesh King Gunni.” Alfred said as he shook your friend’s hand. “Y/N had spoken well of you over the years.”

Gunni smirked since he could sense that your betrothed did not seem to like him much.

“Likewise, Prince Alfred.” Gunni replied. “She has also spoke allot of you and your brother Aethelred.” He added looking around. “Pray tell, is he here?”

“No he is not. He escorted our mother and King Ecbert back to Wessex.”

“Really? That is rather disappointing. I was hoping to meet him as well.” An amused Gunni said - smirking even more. He knew that Alfred was the type to keep any man far from you for his own selfish reasons. “I hope that he will grace us with his presence before we all step onto the battlefield. After all, it is easier to fight alongside people who one considers to be friends……is it not?”

“So it has been said.” Alfred replied with as he forced a smile.

Lancille looked at the two men and sighed silently. For your sake, he hoped that they could put away their egos and fight the war ahead as proper allies. He then thought to how he had been so curt with you on the docks after first being so elated to see you. It was wrong and he felt guilty for doing so. However, he did not want to accept that his heart felt something when he laid eyes upon you again after all these years.

You were no longer the child that demanded he be at your side at all times, you were a woman. He could not help feeling attraction despite knowing you were off limits. Thus, he thought it was best to avoid you so that his feelings would not betray him. Especially since he and Pippa had an on and off relationship of sorts. Lancille’s thoughts were interrupted by Bjorn’s voice asking for the floor.

“Lancille and I have received word from Sir Evertte…”

“Excuse the interruption Bjorn. Who is he?” Gunni asked.

All the other men nodded their heads in agreement to his line of questioning.

“My apologies. I should have clarified who he was in the grand scheme of things before I began. Sir Everette is the Princess’s former personal guard and now is head of her loyal knights and fighters.” Bjorn said as he took his place in front of the men and placed his hands upon the large oak table.

Ivar fidgeted in his seat as he bit his lip. As always, he had issues with Bjorn always taking lead at times such as this.

“Why should we trust the word of this Sir Everette fellow?” Ivar interrupted. “For all we know he may have become compromised by now and is giving us inaccurate information.”

Some of the others grumbled in agreement, apparently feeling the same suspicion. Noticing this, Lancille spoke up.

“You have my word that he is an honest and loyal man. He not only cares for the Princess as his sovereign but as a daughter. He would never betray her. I swear my life on it.”

Ivar smirked and gave him a glare.

“That is good to know. If this man ever betrays us, I know whom to kill first.”

“Ivar!” Ragnar said as he poured some ale.

Lancille scowled at Ivar but did not dignify his absurd statement by giving it reply. He knew that Ragnar’s youngest son detested him for some reason. It had always been that way since you were a child and nothing had changed over time. Though Bjorn and Ragnar had become fond of Lancille, Ivar still viewed him with great disdain.

“As I was saying…” Bjorn said. “Sir Evertte has confirmed that King Edmund of Assyria will back the Princess.”

“And by that, what does he mean?” Ivar asked not impressed thus far.

“It means men and ships. And if she so requires, he will provide coin as well.” An annoyed Bjorn replied.

“Was that so difficult?” Ivar said. “At least we all now are clear on what his ‘help’ will involve.”

“There is some bad news, however.” Lancille interjected as he looked around the room. “Queen Isadora of Caesarea and King Nigelle of Edom have allied with the Queen Regent. With the Arundel’s fighting force and the two kingdoms backing them, the battle ahead will not be easy. However, it is a winnable battle nonetheless.”

“What of King Gaiallard of Scythia? Has he given word either way?” Prince Alfred asked of Lancille.

“I am afraid he has currently decided to stay neutral. Perhaps he is hedging his bets. I think he wants to see which side will appear to be more likely to win after a few skirmishes before committing his men.” Lancille replied.

“Cowardly piece of Christian filth!” A disgusted Floki sneered.

Rollo and Ivar burst into laughter whilst some of the others cringed a little.

“Current company not included….of course.” Floki added with a great smile upon his face.

“It does not matter. We will win!” Rollo added before lifting his horn in the air.

“Exactly Uncle. It does not matter how many forces the rebellious Queen attains or who does not join the fray. All that matters is that we have the advantage strategically. Great plans can lay waste to great numbers. It will be a quick war.” Ivar said.

____________________

“Stop right there Lancille!” You demanded as you approached your guard and close friend.

He had been avoiding you since the docks and you were beyond fed up with it. You had assumed that when the two of your reunited, there would have been some emotional reaction from him. Not that you expected tears of joy or anything of that nature. Lancille was Lancille after all. However, you did expect him to behave as if he was happy to see you again. Instead, he persisted in being indifferent to the point that it almost offended you. How could he behave so nonchalantly about your return whilst you were eager to chat and laugh about old times? No matter. You would now get to the bottom of things.

“Yes, your Highness.” The continuously brooding Lancille replied – giving you a customary bow before looking to the ground.

“Go and wait for me by the entrance of the Great Hall. I wish to speak with him alone.” You said as you turned to your Handmaids.

The five of them exchanged apprehensive looks about your command but left the two of you alone nevertheless.

“I demand to know why you have been avoiding me!”

“I beg your pardon, Princess?”

“Do not toy with me Lancille. I will not be fooled by your pretense. You have been cold and distant, not to mention that you have intentionally been avoiding me all day. Why?”

Lancille’s brown eyes met yours briefly before he looked into the sky as the two of you stood in your father’s courtyard. Looking at you again he gave a slight shrug.

“I am sorry if I have offered you Princess. I assure—“

“Please desist with the Princess rubbish! In fact, I do not wish to hear any such formalities from you.” You interrupted. “You are my friend, well at least I assumed you were. But now...I find that you cannot be bothered to smile at me or even converse beyond a word or two.”

Lancille clasped his hands in front of him and regarded you. Though you waited, he offered no response much to your irritation.

“Nothing to say?” You said in a surprised tone.

“What would you like me to say Princess Y/N?” He asked. “If there is something you require that would make you happy, please feel free to command it. I am your loyal servant after all.”

The words that left his mouth hurt you to the core. Did he really tell you to command him? As if you needed to order a friend to be a friend?

“You know what I think Lancille?” You said as you held your chiffon skirts tightly with anger. “I…I do not think I shall be in need of you shortly. I will find another personal guard and move you to a position that enables you to be…..free from…..my bothersome presence.

Lancille looked down at the ground as you spoke but offered no resistance or interruption.

“Now if you will excuse me, I have to make my entrance at my welcoming feast.” You looked at him with hurt in your eyes. “Good Evening!”

As you marched away from him, Lancille finally took his eyes off the ground and watched you depart, utterly crushed by all you had said.

As he stood alone, Pippa approached. She had overheard the entire conversation despite not initially wishing to spy on you both.

“Why are you so distant with the Princess?” She asked a stunned Lancille who turned to face her.

“So you heard everything?”

“Forgive me for being so inquisitive. I could not walk away once I saw how upset she was.” Pippa confessed. “I do not understand how you could miss her while she was away but now that she is here, you behave as you could care less.”

“It is improper for me to be overly emotional with my sovereign. As a knight, my focus is on doing a proper job of protecting her. After all, that is what is expected of me.” Lancille replied. “Now, if you will forgive me, I have to meet Ragnar and Prince Aethelwulf before the feast begins.

He gave Pippa a chaste peck on the lips before he walked off leaving her mulling everything over. Despite his assertion, your Lady In Waiting knew better. She knew exactly why her lover was determined to avoid you. Of course! Pippa had first noticed it at the docks. Lancille was very much enamored with you.

__________________

It was evening time and the feast welcoming you home was in full swing in Ragnar’s great hall. Everyone was having a wonderful time as you sat with your wine mulling over everything in your head. You felt like a prisoner despite wearing the prettiest silk dress from Francia and your coif fitted with a costly silver and diamond diadem Aethelred had gifted you.

“My dear, you should be enjoying the evening. You look much too serious.” Governess Yasmine said as she worked on her third cup of wine.”

“I suppose you are right.” You replied, giving her an affection one-handed hug.

“Of course I am right…as I usually am.” She said with a chuckle. “Drink and enjoy yourself. None of these foolish men know your thoughts, my sweet Princess. As long as you play your part well, you will be fine. Remember this adage “An innocent maiden with a hint of the devil in her, no man can resist.” She winked. “Men are impulsive creatures and with your beauty, you can make any of them melt in your hands.”

“May I ask you something?” You said with a smirk as the wine began hitting your senses. “Why do you know so much about…you know….men?”

Governess Yasmine smiled devilishly before taking another sip from her goblet.

“I know so much because I used the men I ‘loved’ to work my way into high position within the Royal Court. You see dear, I was born to a poor family of potato farmers. Naturally, I had no hopes of ever being more than that. Imagine being the daughter of a poor farmer and then growing up to be the wife of one.” She shook her heard. “Blast that piss to hell, I said!”

You laughed for a good while to hear her blunt language. When you were a child, you had always thought of Governess Yasmine as being rigid. But as you had gotten older, she really began opening up to you more.

“That is amazing. But you are so cultured and well-learned?” You gasped. “How can that be?”

“Well it is true. Life was hard growing up. Sometimes we had good harvest and ate well, and other times, well………believe me when I say that eating radish and cabbage soup for weeks on end is torture. However, as I got older, I realized that men would look at me strangely. Often, they even bestowed gifts and coin to my mother for my sake. Of course she hid the real whereabouts of these things from my father.” She chuckled and took a sip of wine. “She always stated that a ‘relative’ had given us money to make ends meet.”

“What a shrewd woman. I rather like your mother.” You said as you took another sip of wine.

“As did I. Being the clever woman that she was, she sat me down one day and told me that I was a beauty, unlike my sisters. She then sternly advised me not to squander my looks on a poor man. “Use your god given looks to make men give you what you want.”

Your eyes went large a moment as you pondered what it could mean.

“Did she mean to lay with them?”

“Heavens no.” Governess Yasmine laughed. “You need not sleep with a man to make him do things for you. Only senseless women who lack the art of seduction and other deceits have to resort to that.”

You were confused. Despite your sheltered up bring, you knew that men loved copulation. No matter how religious they were or how high their station, you learned quickly that most were lustful.

“My dear, much can be accomplished through simple acts. Be it a passionate kiss, sultry flirtation, subtle touch or sweet words, they all work. However, if you really need to make them stupid, you can ‘handle the member’ or allow them ‘the lark’. Governess Yasmine said with a chuckle.

“I confess that I do know what ‘handling the member’ means…” You giggled – recalling what you had done with Aethelred. “However, I have never heard of ‘the lark.’”

Governess Yasmine looked around a moment, making certain that no one at the table was listening. When she was assured that the other women were not paying attention, she faced you again.

“It means to allow a man to put his penis in-between your breasts and reach his….release.” She whispered.

You instantly burst into laughter. It was one of the oddest things you had heard and made you laugh more as you pictured the act. As you sat amused by your Governess’s words, you felt a tap on your shoulder.

“Ivar.” You said as he took a seat beside you.

“Whom were you expecting? Your fragile Christian?” He smirked as he held his full horn towards you.”

“What is in there?”

“Try it.” He said as his blue eyes fixated on yours.

As you tried to take the horn from his hand, Ivar pulled it away. He shook his head as he eyed you playfully.

“I want to hold it for you.”

You gave in and allowed your half-brother to hold the horn to your lips. As you drank, Ivar’s eyes stayed on you.

“It is a new ale that father has been importing.”

“Well, I really like it. It is not bitter unlike most ales.” You stated once you had your fill.

Ivar sipped from his horn and smiled at you. His eyes soon fixated on your engagement ring causing him to roll his eyes.

“So they are rushing you to wifedom I see.”

“I suppose so.” You said with a reluctant smile.

“Are you happy to be marrying him?”

“Of course I am. Why would I not be?

Ivar scrutinized your facial expression a while before suddenly chuckling. Logically, you assumed it was due to him being drunk, but when he was done laughing, he leaned to your ear.

“You are a very terrible liar.” He whispered.

Leaning back to look at you, Ivar gave you one of his peculiar smiles as he took his horn to his lips. As you tried to sip your wine, you could not help but to burst into laughter at his silliness.

___________________

As you stood to go outside for fresh air, you looked around the great hall and realized that Christian and Heathen alike were having a good time.

Perhaps your welcoming feast would go a long way in bringing people together.

“If drink, food and music is what it takes to get both sides to get along, perhaps I need to throw a few feasts with my own coin.” You thought.

“Princess Y/N, it is so good to see you.” A very happy Runa said as she pulled you into an embrace.

Gunni’s elder sister, who was now twenty four, held your hands as she looked you over with excitement in her eyes.

“I cannot believe how long it has been.” She said as she took your arm. “Come, let us take a walk.”

“That sounds wonderful actually.” You replied with a giggle. “I am afraid I require some cool air to help me reduce the effects from the wine.”

As the two of you walked towards the exit of the great hall, you spotted the elusive Gunni and some friends not too far away. The young King appeared to be having a very good time as he and his acquaintances laughed rowdily.

“He has always been quite adorable when he laughs.” You thought as some old memories came flooding to your mind.

Before you turned away, Gunni’s eyes met yours. He did not come to you, however, he gave you a wink that captivated your heart. Noticing her brother’s flirtation, Runa pulled you towards the entryway with a smirk upon her face.

___________________

The following afternoon, you were relieved to get time alone with Gunni. Since some most of the men had gone to look at the ships Floki’s workhands were building, you forced your childhood friend to remain for your sake. After all, he was a King and had plenty of his own ship builders and ships.

“Why did you bring me here of all places?” You laughed as Gunni dragged you by your hand to the water’s edge.

The two of you had left your Handmaids behind in a meadow after you had ordered them to await your return. After all, you wanted to enjoy some private time with your Viking friend.

“Remember the first time Boe, Ubbe and I brought you here?” He asked as he reminisced.

“You mean the day I nearly drowned?” You laughed as your recalled the incident.

For some reason or another, you were too hardheaded to admit you could not swim when you were a child. When the boys had jumped into the lake, you had stripped and jumped in behind them. That was when you realized that swimming was not something one could do just by willing it. As you sunk, you had thought you were finished until you saw Gunni swimming towards you. He was the one who not only brought you to shore, but chastised you about lying. In the end, he and Ubbe eventually taught you how to swim so that horrors like that never occurred again.

Suddenly, Gunni began taking off his tunic as you sat down on the grass. Picking a daisy, you began to pluck it’s petals before you glanced up at him gain. When you laid eyes his toned and firm upper body, you smiled to yourself and turned away. Your shyness did not go unnoticed by Gunni who knelt down beside you –his long hair brushing against your face as the wind picked up slightly.

“Why will you not look at me?”

“I did. I am now looking at the flowers in my hand.” You replied still not daring to glance at his handsome face.

Undeterred, Gunni took you by the chin and turned your face upward.

“Come swimming with me.” He said.

“What? Have you gone mad? You laughed.

Since it seemed you were not willing to join him, Gunni shrugged and began removing the rest of his clothes. You were utterly stunned and could hardly move. Despite all your flirtations with Aethelred, you still were quite the shy girl. In spite of feeling butterflies in your stomach, you were curious to see how Gunni’s body was compared to your Wessex beau. As you snuck a glimpse of his nude form, the back of your neck flushed with heat.

“I’m going in without you my Christian Princess.” He yelled to you before diving into the cool lake.

You hesitated a while but you soon went and sat on the wooden pier to watch Gunni enjoy his swim. Of course, you enjoyed the view of your childhood friend rising from the water, long black hair clinging to his toned back.

Did you feel guilty for eyeing him in such a lustful manner? Of course not. After all, after seeing Aethelred’s body, you felt that the male form was to be admired as much as possible. As you sat on the pier, you decided to take off your shoes and hosiery so that you could put your feet in the water.

“No one could find fault in me merely putting my feet in” You supposed.

When Gunni noticed you unlacing the garters from around your calves, he swam over.

“Are you tempting me?” He said with a great smile.

“No I am not!” You replied.

As he drifted in the water, he watched as you removed your knitted hose before he moved in closer. When you eased your feet into the cool of the lake you gasped when you unexpectedly felt his hands caressing you calves and feet.

“Gunni!” You cried out as you laughed. “Stop it. You know how ticklish my feet are.

“Do I?” He asked playfully as he continued to tickle you.

“Please stop before I fall into the water.”

Despite your begging, Gunni persisted with a massive smile upon his face.

You hit his bare shoulder good-naturedly, but as you went to pull your hand back, he grabbed you by your wrist. Staring into your eyes with a serious expression, he placed your palm against his cheek. Instinctively, you began to caress his well-defined jawline for a while before hastily pulling your hand away. The manner in which you were holding back amused Gunni - his blue eyes staring at you with fascination. Bringing himself closer, he positioned his wet body between your legs, pushing your expensive skirts further upward in order to not get them wet.

Though you should have done so, you did not attempt to stop him. Gunni’s hands soon moved from your calves to your thighs as he kept his eyes trained upon yours. Though you tried to resist, you felt hypnotically drawn to him as his strong hands gripped your thighs harder. Before you knew it, you planted a kiss upon your childhood friend’s soft lips. Not to be denied a true kiss, as you tried to sit back up, Gunni lurched forward and captured your mouth passionately. His hands pulled you so close to his body that you nearly fell of the wooden pier you were seated upon.

You could hardly breathe as his kiss overwhelmed your very being. Kissing a Viking was comparable to kissing a bolt of lightning. Every thought left your head as Gunni’s mouth travelled from your lips to your neck, dragging his warm tongue against your flesh.

“We…..cannot….” You said, faintly protesting to prevent things from going further.

Ignoring your weak plea, he brought his face in front of yours – holding your neck in his large hand while brushing his nose against yours.

“Should I stop?” He whispered.

You could hardly say anything as you found yourself brushing your lips against his - your entire body weak and craving more. When you finally shook your head, Gunni claimed your lips again, this time with more passion. You moaned as he held your neck tightly, controlling every aspect of the embrace. Without a second thought, your legs wrapped around him – bringing his wet body against your firmly.

Responding to your embrace, Gunni buried his face into the side of your neck, giving it lustful, open-mouthed kisses. Your back arched as your threw your head backward, utterly allowing the carnal pleasure to wash over you. As he licked your from your neck to your jawline, Gunni brought his lips to yours again. Gasping lustfully, he brushed his lips against your cheek.

“I have dreamt of this for years.” He whispered.

“We….we better stop.” You timidly said, afraid to be his arms any longer.

You felt vulnerable with him and feared losing your self-control. His every touch made you crave more and you feared the voice in your head that kept saying, ‘let him take you here’. As you gazed at Gunni, you realized that the entire dynamic of your friendship had instantly changed. Not that he had not flirted with you since you were younger. However, by kissing him, you had muddied the waters further.

“What are you thinking of?” He asked with his lips curled into devilish grin.

“I…I.do not know.”

Gunni gave you a knowing smirk - very pleased to see you flustered. Never had he thought he would ever hold the Christian Princess he adored in his arms, especially after word of your betrothal had reached him. It was news that enraged him so much, that he had actually contemplated breaking alliance with Ragnar. However, being a perceptive and strategic man, the young King knew that he need not stay angry. As proud of a Viking as your father was, Gunni knew it must have been difficult for him to agree to wed you to a Christian.

However, the marriage was the best way for you to create the army you required. Since your friend did not believe you loved Alfred, he did not care to hold back his advances any longer.

“You….you are being too forward.” You said barely getting the words out.

You felt Gunni’s hands travel higher on your things since he did not care for your false protest – his fingers lightly grazing your flesh.

“Gunni!”

“Yes, Y/N?”

His hands soon rested on your hips as he held your gaze – never averting his deep blue eyes that were full of desire. You felt one of his hands slowly trace along your hip and finally… to your inner thigh – pushing back your silk chemise. The feeling of his hand so close to your womanhood made your breath catch in your throat as you tried your best to remain composed. With a devilish grin upon his face, Gunni deliberately stroked your vaginal entrance with his thumb as he continued to look at you. Your eyes fluttered in ecstasy as you let out a whimper. Pleased by your reaction, he removed his hand from between your legs and pulled you into an embrace.

“Did I make you squirm?” He asked before placing a kiss upon your cheek.

“Oh, be quiet.” You said as a shy smile crossed your lips. “We best return for my Handmaids before they grow bored and come looking for me.”

“I almost forgot about them.”

“Well thank God I have not.” You replied as you pushed him underwater.

Rising from the lake, he splashed you as his revenge for your actions. “Why you little imp! You have made me all wet!”

“In more ways than one if I am not mistaken.”

You glared at Gunni! Oh how you wished you did not have to behave respectability just then. Without question, you would have jumped into the lake and given him the sound beating he deserved for his naughty wisecrack. Standing up and fixing your chemise and skirts, you began to walk away.

“Hey Princess!” Gunni called out. “Do you not wish to remain for the show?”

“What show?”

“Me getting redressed of course.” He replied with a wink.

You turned your back to him and took a seat on the grass - heart still beating rapidly from the tryst. As you sat lost in thought, Gunni dressed up, all the while teasing you about not turning around to look at his body. When he had finished, he picked up his sheathed sword that lay next to you.

“Come my little Christian. Let us go and see how your servants are faring.”

“Thank you.” You replied as you took his hand. “And please desist from calling me that.”

“What?”

“Little Christian.” You said. “I am no longer a child after all.”

Taking your hand in his, Gunni laughed as the two of you walked side-by-side.

“I am very aware of that fact. You are most certainly a woman. He said as he eyed you mischievously.

“Gunni!” You sighed as you tried to walk ahead of him.

However, you did not get far. Wrapping his arms around your waist from behind, he placed his chin on your bare shoulder. His beard tickling you greatly.

“I know you will rid yourself of that so-called Prince soon enough. When that is done, you will become my wife.” He said with his mouth against your ear. “Is that so?”

“Yes.” He said with a smile. “Do you not recall what I said to you when we first met?

“I remember. You kept telling me that we would get married.” You said. “Things have not changed I see. You were as cocky then, as you are now.

“Thank you. And you play coy now, as you did back then.” Gunni said with a laugh. “See, you and I share the same temperament and sarcastic wit. That is why I have asked the Gods to give you to me.”

“Really?” You scoffed as he held you closer. “Heathen Gods would give a Christian woman to you, a Viking King?”

“Of course. They control all things.” He replied before sweeping you off your feet.

“Gunni! I can very well walk on my own.”

“I know. But this is much more fun.”

__________________

Two days later, on Ragnar’s estate, Gunni sat patiently as he waited for the other men to show up in the courtyard. As he sat at the great oak table, a thrall served him some mead. It did not take long for a solemn Prince Alfred; who had also arrived early for the impeding meeting; to join him. The two men acknowledge each other civilly.

“Good afternoon Alfred. It appears that we are the first to show.”

“So it seems…King Gunni.” Your betrothed replied as he shifted in his seat a little.

“Please, just call me Gunni……Y/N does.”

Alfred could not quite put his finger on it, but he was beginning to detest your friend despite your demands for him to get along. Your betrothed may have been a reserved man but he was also a man capable of intense emotions. He did not appreciate Aethelred, nor anyone else, thinking he was so stupid as to not notice their intentions towards you. As a thrall finished pouring him some ale, Alfred decided to speak his mind.

“If I may be so bold to ask, are you married?”

“No, I am not.”

“That is interesting.” Alfred said as he searched for his next words.

“Is it?” An amused Gunni asked as he sipped his mead. “I suppose you and my mother would get along quite well then.

Alfred gave Gunni a stern look signifying he was not pleased with the jesting.

“Do not be so serious Prince Alfred. It far too early in the day for that. Gunni said with a smirk.

“As I was saying. The fact that you are an unmarried man makes me understand things a little more.

“How so?” Gunni asked.

“Because, I now understand why you do not see a problem with being so close to another man’s wife.”

“And who is that man?” An amused Gunni asked.

Alfred eyed him a moment and pursed his lips. Looking away, he composed himself so he would not allow the young King to make him act out of character. Finally, he looked at your friend again.

“I am speaking of Y/N. As a single man, I suppose you cannot appreciate my issue with your familiarity with her.

“Well do not worry, Y/N is an upstanding Christian woman. You should trust her.” Gunni said with a smirk.

Alfred cut him another severe look. He did not appreciate the amusement that your friend seemed to be getting from the topic.

“I trust her. It is you I wonder about.” Alfred said. “To remain close to another man’s wife....it would be foolish.

“Well, I am a foolish man.” Gunni said with a huge smile.

The Wessex Prince glared at the Viking King as the tension between them became worse. Fortunately, Ubbe, Hvitserk, Sigurd, Bjorn and Lancille arrived at that moment and took their seats.

“Where is Ivar?” Hvitserk asked Gunni.

“I am not certain. We have not seen him as of yet.”

Lancille was holding a letter that had arrived from Arundel and was eager to divulge the contents. However, he knew he had to wait for everyone to arrive. As he took a seat near Gunni, the two men exchanged pleasantries. Because of you, they knew each other well and got along for the most part.

“How do you fare today, Lancille?”

“I cannot complain. I am just glad that we are almost ready start making some tactical decisions and assigning the garrisons.”

“I feel the same way. It will be a sight will it not?” Gunni said. “Heathen and Christian fighting side by side?”

Lancille gave a weak smile and nodded his head in acknowledgment.

Over the years, his hatred of the Vikings had diminished a little. Mostly because of his friendship with people like Ragnar, Bjorn and Gunni. However, his religious sensibilities did not allow him to ignore many of the practices he found garish and uncivilized. For example, human sacrifice and the fact that most of their ceremonies involved blood - human or otherwise.

“I think this war will help to alleviate a great many misconceptions on both sides. Either way, it will be interesting will it not?” Lancille said.

“I will drink to that!” Gunni said as he tilted his horn towards your guard.

As everyone was speaking, Ragnar, Floki, Rollo and Prince Aethelwulf finally approached. The men were laughing quite loudly about a vulgar rumor going around Kattegat. When they arrived at the table, they all exchanged pleasantries before Ragnar looked around.

“Where is Ivar?”

“That is what we would like to know as well.” Ubbe said as he sipped his mead. “It is unlike him to not be one of the first to appear for battle planning.”

“Perhaps he was with a woman and overslept.” Hvitserk said – causing chuckles and laughter all around.

“I doubt that. Knowing him, he is likely sulking somewhere due to not being in charge of entire war.” Sigurd said with contempt.

____________________

While everyone was trying to figure out where he was, Ivar was happily headed to give you a gift. As you stood in the garden looking at flowers, he approached with a smile upon his face.

Handing you a red velvet wrapped item, your half-brother asked you to take a look. Giving him a kiss upon his cheek first, you unraveled the velvet and saw the most intricate wrist cuff.

“Do you like it?”

“My goodness Ivar. It is really, lovely.” You said as you looked at the gold wrist cuff in your hand. “But you did not have to spend so much coin on me.”

“Of course I did. After all, you are one of the few people I actually like.” He said with wink.

You did not know why he felt the need to purchase something so expensive for you but it was quite a lovely piece of jewelry. The rune adorned cuff was very much a Heathen piece, however, you put it on anyway. As you slid it onto your wrist, Ivar blue eyes studied you with pleased contemplation. While you and Ivar conversed, Pippa was seated nearby with your five Handmaids busily reading.

“Y/N, what are you doing this evening?” He suddenly asked.

“I am not certain as of yet but I was thinking about watching a show with Runa.”

“Runa?” Ivar said as he eyed you. “You mean Gunni’s sister?”

“Yes.”

“Will he be there as well?”

“I do not think so.” You replied as you smoothed your dark green dress. “I assume he will be with you men at your private banquet tonight.”

Ivar pursed his lips he shifted his weight upon his crutch.

“Why do you like to spend so much time with him?”

“Pardon?” You asked, a bit confused by the question.

“I know that he is your good friend but what of me?” Ivar said. “You have not spent any time with me but you find time for Sigurd, Bjorn and Gunni.”

“Would you like for us to do something?”

He looked away a moment but then turned to face you again.

“If you do not mind, I would like that.” Ivar replied, suddenly becoming quite sullen.

“Of course I do not mind, my short-tempered one.” You said as you caressed his cheek. “After all, you are one of my favorite people in the world. Perhaps Sigurd will want to --”

“I do not wish for you to invite Sigurd along!” Ivar snapped. “I want it to be just you and I. He gets enough of your attention as it is.”

You held in a chuckle, utterly amused by the pouty expression your brother was making.

“Alright. Then it shall be you and I.” You replied. “However, you will have to find something for us to do since I know you do not care for shows.

“I already have something planned.” He replied with a smirk and a wink of the eye.

“Good.” You replied.

As he turned to leave, Ivar stopped and turned to look at you.

“Are you not coming?”

“Where?”

“To the first tactical meeting. Or are have you decided to not attend?” Ivar asked.

You shook your head, utterly confused as to what he was talking about.

“You mean to tell me that no one told you about it?” A surprised Ivar asked.

“No, this is the first I am hearing of any such thing.”

Ivar was somewhat upset that everyone would choose to leave you out of a meeting that had to do with your kingdom. Being a pure strategist, he felt that there were numerous things about Arundel that you could provide information on. No matter how insignificant, he liked to know as much as possible before going into war. Thus, he wanted you to participate so he could be as knowledgeable as possible. After all, Ivar had great plans for after the war and most of them had to do with Arundel.

“Well then. Here is your chance to prove me wrong.”

“Prove you wrong about what?” You asked.

“I once told you that you would grow up to be a puppet Queen who spent her time choosing pretty dresses while others made the hard decisions.” Ivar said. “So, will you resign yourself to needlework and reading while others make decisions without you or will you get your hands dirty?” He asked with a raised brow.

“My mother would never sit back and expect others to do all the hard work and neither will I.” You said. “Please, take me to this meeting.”

Ivar, who was happy with your decision, gave you a devilish grin as he cocked his head.

“Follow me Princess.”

____________________

As curly haired Dorian sat upon his horse in a massive open field, one of his Royal messengers came running.

The young King had just concluded some War Games with his team of knights and was in a celebratory mood since they had won. However, when he saw the expression upon the messenger’s face, his mood changed.

“What is it?” He snapped.

“King Dorian! Please forgive the intrusion but there is a letter for you from the allies.....of.......of Princess Y/N. Would you like for me to read it aloud now or--”

The messenger was nearly shaking as he held the letter in his hand. He averted his eyes knowing very well how the mention of your name sent the King into tangents, sometimes very violent ones. As the messenger held his breath, hoping he had not drawn the King’s ire, he mumbled a silent prayer.

“I do not need you to read it! Leave it for me in my study and I shall read it myself.” Your upset cousin said as he looked out over the distance. “And remember, the next time you interrupt my celebration, I shall have you flogged. Now go.”

Dorian had hoped that the years at King Charles’s court would have softened your stance on revenge. After all, the offer to marry him was never rescinded. However, he now realized that he would indeed have to go to war against you. The person he considered his best childhood friend and soul-mate.

_________________

“Please do not be so sullen my handsome King.” A female servant said. “Pray tell me what I can do to make you feel better.

Dorian was beside himself with both anger and sadness as the woman gently caressed his head.

The letter, that had been signed by King Ragnar, King Ecbert, King Gunni, King Ælla and King Edmund, not only indicated that war was indeed coming but that you were marrying Prince Alfred to solidify the alliance.

“I want you to get out!” Dorian shouted, finally having enough of his servant’s presence.

The woman left, despite wanting to stay. Since she had slept with the young King before, she had hoped that this night would be no different. However, he was in no mood for her sexual advances or anything else for that matter. His mind was utterly fixated on the impending war. After pacing for a few minutes, Dorian departed his chambers. With purpose, he walked to find the man whom he knew could provide the assistance he would require.

___________________

“King Dorian....” Lord Alfie said as he smiled at the young King. “How can I be of service?”

TAGGED:

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@captstefanbrandt @saladalpaca

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konowhore · 6 years ago

Note

hey! i’m soon going to start stanning ikon. any unhelpful guides or needed information recommended?

hi!!!! I’m so excited for you to start stanning!!! and I’m very sorry but this post is going to be long 😅—————okay, so, a few things you can watch to get to know them is iKON TV, which recently ended. It will help you get to know each of the members well.

They also have a show that is currently airing called iKON’s Heart Racing Thumping Youth Trip, which showcases their trip in Hawaii (I have yet to start it though because I’ve been so busy 😪).

you can also find some unhelpful guides to ikon on YouTube!!!—————here are a few facts about the group in general:

originally known as team b -> team b competed on the show ‘win: who is next’ but lost to team a, who is now known as WINNER

team b consisted of 6 members: kim hanbin, kim jiwon, kim jinhwan, song yunhyeong, kim donghyuk, and koo junhoe (yunhyeong and donghyuk were more recently added members by the time they were on ‘win: who is next’

team b was put on another survival show with three other trainees called ‘mix and match’ to see which 7 trainees would be able to debut as iKON

jinhwan, hanbin, and jiwon were set members of iKON

the three new trainees were yang hongseok, jung jinhyeong, and jung chanwoo

the original six members + chanwoo would eventually become iKON! (I believe hongseok and jinhyeong had to leave yg after?)

hongseok is now in Pentagon and jinhyeong is doing solo activities

recently started a world tour

their albums include: welcome back (first half), welcome back EP, single collection, new kids: begin, return

their new mini-album, new kids: continue, will be out on August 2!!—————and I guess I could give you a sort of unhelpful guide??

kim jinhwan:stage name is jay 1994oldestmain vocalwine momshort (5’ 5” / 165 cm) gets teased by the other members a lot for his height 😂looks like a cinnamon roll sometimes, but can kill youwants to be sexy 24/7narcissistic can speak Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, and a little Filipino quote(s):“let’s get f…ed up”“beat thE DROP YO”

song yunhyeong: stage name is song1995lead vocalvisual“dancing king”cooks for the members old school corny jokes and puns one of the neatest memberslikes things cleangets offended easily; doesn’t like to be made fun oflikes to tease the others though quote(s):“hello children~!” *waves*“let’s have fun tonight~”

kim jiwon:stage name is bobby1995main rapper born in Korea but grew up in Virginia the strongest in the group loves his Winnie the Pooh plushie basically the mood makertries to make everybody feel comfortable won smtm 3awkward with junhoe plays computer gamesvery chill is a meme quote(s):“…..iCe CrEaM” (this is just s lyrics because skdnsnsn)*insert gunshot noises while the guys go ‘doomba doomba’*

kim hanbin:stage name is b.i1996leaderlead rapper composes and produces iKON’s songseven helped with composing other songs like blackpink’s whistlevery charismatichas a little sister hanbyulcares about his members and wants them to do wellparticipated in smtm 3 with bobby but was eliminated quote(s):“nice tiMING!!!”“yaHOO”“despatito”“chanwoo!! jUnG cHaNwOOyAH”

kim donghyuk:stage name is dk1997main dancervocalfriendly and kind-hearted his reactions are PRICELESShis dancing is honestly so fluid and powerful and full of emotion out of all yg artists, yg’s daughter chose donghyuk as her favorite was an exchange student in Americacan speak English apparently he’s crazy for wine quote(s):“eoNEULBAMEUN rEADY TO DIE YEAH”

koo junhoe:stage name is ju-ne (because nobody can ever pronounce his actual name right)1997main vocal confident about himselfloud/noise pollutionconstantly singing bruce lee impressionimpressions in generalawkward with bobby (nobody really knows why?¿)very very sassyquote(s):“wazAHH”“blackpinK in your aREaHH~”“unbelievable”“jU-NE”

jung chanwoo:stage name is chan1998vocal maknaewas a child actor and modelfriends with chani from sf9 and moonbin from astro savage as hellyunhyeong’s twin monster one of the tallest members in the group alongside junhoe dimples!!! likes to tease the older members, mostly jinhwan and yunhyeong also plays computer games (more than bobby tho)future rapper 🤧quote(s):“chanwoo didn’t say nothing”“future” *insert chanwoo’s smile*“eEEeeehEeeeEH”—————unhelpful(?) facts:extra as fuck (every group is extra but….. please I can’t even with them they once embarrassed themselves at an award show when psy was performing 🤦🏻‍♀️)

dance!! kings!!!

have songs of different styles for everyone to enjoy

once got told to be quiet by their neighbor when they still lived in one dorm together and we’re celebrating 300 days as iKON

all decided to do the shoot dance for chanwoo’s part in Love Scenario for one stage

will sell each other’s souls for free food

covered ‘up and down’ by exid (it was ikonic if I do say so myself 😉)

humble and considerate kings!! did not take off their shirts, wore leggings under their skirts when they performed, and even had the show start at a certain time so their fans could pray in Malaysia for Muslim iKONICsliterally… nobody calls them by their stage names except for maybe bobby and ju-ne—————thanks for reading this far if you did 😅

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thewritingfox · 6 years ago

Text

Soulmates- Prologue part 2

Within the first week of Virgil’s fifth grade year there was the lesson on soulmates, delivered around the country at the same time. The teacher described it as “you and your soulmate will have a physical, emotional, and spiritual connection. Often times you may find yourself finding people who resemble your actual soulmate attractive. Each and every single human being has a different soulmark, and at birth they are catalogued so if certain people are having particular issues finding their soulmate, or for some other reason, they’ll have a place to start looking. As it is, any physical changes to your body they will experience. For you girls or drama students that means any makeup you wear can appear on their skin, any of you who doodle on yourselves may cause it to show up on their skin. If you get a cut or a scratch or break a bone… “Virgil subconsciously rubbed the spot on his arm where he remembered being in extreme anguish just a few years ago. “...they’ll feel you pain, though it won’t break their bone and it may not scratch them up. If something causes you to feel extreme emotions, they’ll be able to feel it too. It is most common, though exceptions aren’t uncommon, that when one soulmate dies, the other will as well. There have also been RARE cases where someone has more than one soulmate, though it is very rare.” All the other students were abuzz in the class and no one could stop fidgeting. Curiosity got the better of Virgil and he rolled up his sleeve to see the other’s had already started talking to each other.

Hi! My name is Pat! A light blue glitter pen wrote

Greetings Pat, I’m Ro! A dark red scrawl responded

Salutations both of you, I’m Logan. A standard dark blue pen

Wow! I didn’t think that this would work! Pat wrote.

So, who was the one that got hurt two years ago? Ro asked curiously

Oh that was me! I broke my arm climbing a tree to get my cat. Patton scribbled

Not to be rude or anything, but isn’t there supposed to be one more of us? Virgil watched as the one named Logan circled a spot on the bottom of where the symbols formed an almost diamond. He assumed it was in reference to him

Hi… Virgil...That’s all Virgil could muster in his purple pen before the prying eyes started to notice something odd about the shy new kid. Virgil shily rolled his sleeve back down, praying no one saw and that it would be ignored. But sadly he wasn’t so lucky. At recess that day some kids pulled him off the swing he was on and rolled up his sleeve

“Oh my gods! You have THREE soulmates?! Oh gods what a freak!!” Four kids gathered around him and started shoving him about, some even started hitting him. They didn’t even know his name yet! At the last second, one of the bullies jumped out of the way of catching him, causing him to fall and hit his head on the metal pole of the swings. Virgil’s vision went blurry for a moment and he struggled to stand up.

“P-please s-stop this.” He said barely above a whisper. One of the kids punched him and gave him a black eye. More fists would’ve followed, but the teacher called everyone inside to get back to class, and he walked over to her in a dizzy daze. It didn’t stop there. When the teacher wasn’t looking, the kids through paper balls at him with nasty messages written inside. Tears pricked at Virgil’s eyes but he refused to let them fall.

When he got home Miss Cici almost dropped the tray of medicine in her hands. “Oh my goodness! Virgil, what happened?!”

“S-some kids a-at school f-found out a-about my s-s-soulmates a-and th-they b-beat me u-up.” Virgil stuttered through tears. “Th-they p-pushed me around a-and made me fall a-and I h-hit my h-head on the p-pole for the s-swings. Th-then wh-when I asked them to st-stop one of them p-punched me.” Miss Cici wrapped her arms around the sobbing little boy.

“Okay Virgil, come with me into the kitchen, I don’t like that stutter one bit. It my mean you have a concussion.” She steered Virgil into the kitchen and sat him down on a chair and got to work tending to his injuries. She did a small concussion test and concluded he needed to see a doctor as soon as possible. Miss Cici, told Aunt Mabel that she was going to go run a few errands and she was going to bring Virgil with her to help out.

At the hospital it was confirmed that Virgil did indeed have a concussion and they weren’t sure how long the stuttering would last. They told Miss Cici to keep a close eye on him and to just give his brain time to recover. They gave him some pain medicine and sent him home. Miss Cici called her boss and told them that she’d be spending a few nights at the house to help the little boy with a concussion and that they could still clock her out at the regular time. When she finished that Miss Cici called the school to inform them of what happened. They said that they’d have the teacher collect notes and assignments for him for when he got better and that when he got back, they’d ask him about the students so that they could properly be punished.

Virgil spent three weeks at home doing almost nothing and he hated it. He felt so fidgety but Miss Cici wouldn’t let him do much of anything. She took good care of him though and he recovered half way through, but she wanted to make ABSOLUTELY sure. Virgil appreciated the break, but still had a mild stutter he didn’t want others to know about, so when he went back to school he avoided talking as much as he could. He drew out very detailed sketches of the kids that had started the bullying and they were suspended from school, but by then it was too late and the other kids started bullying him. Virgil worked hard to avoid them. Now at recess he sat near the teachers and read. In the cafeteria he sat as far from everyone else as he could. He spent his free time drawing and painting like he used to do with his mother.

He often looked at the photos of his mothers in the lockets. He wished so badly that he could talk to them. He ended up painting portraits of them which he showed to Aunt Mabel, which almost made her cry. She said they were lovely and hung them up above the fireplace on either side of a portrait of a young her and a man who must’ve been Uncle William. They all looked so happy. Virgil wondered if Aunt Mabel had just made empty threats, that she did really care about him, but was just scared of losing someone else she loved. He wondered if that’s why she always drank, but Virgil didn’t dare to ask.

Author’s Note: Thank y’all SO MUCH for the positive feed back, in less than 24hrs on my simple little story! Oh my lord it made me cry when I woke up to find even a few people who liked the story, I was SO happy! especially since I’m doing almost no editing at all (literally just fixing spelling mistakes and any grammar mistakes I spot)! I am so happy! Thank y’all a TON! I promise, I’ll have not prologue up soon

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endoftheroad1983 · 6 years ago

Text

The Trouble with Steve Part 2

Y/N quickly left the party for the nice peacefulness of the balcony. She quickly text Y/S/N back wonder why they would call at this time of night. It was another ten minutes before Y/N had gotten a hold of them. It turned out that Y/N's little nephew had gotten ahold of their phone. It was a good feeling that nothing bad had happen. She was free to return to the party. And Y/N went straight on to that. She didn't see Steve anywhere around but did notice that Nat and Bruce where hanging around the almost empty dance floor. Nat's eyes widen with happiness when Y/N showed up.

“What?” She finally question Nat, just as a server brought over a tray of shots. Without any question Y/N threw back two instantly. This night had to get better, she had figured.

“So what did you and Cap talk about?” She questioned.

“Nothing, my phone rang he got pissy and left.” Y/N didn't want to play the game any more, she just wanted to spend the rest of the night hanging out with close friends.

“Wait, what? That's it? Was it Oliver Queen calling?” Y/N could see the gears working in her eyes.

“No, it's was my s/b's kid prank dialling me.” You took a sip of your drink and went right back to Nat.

“Why does that matter?” A picture of Steve's scrunched up forehead came into view. Steve was in a mood before he approached them but seem to get worse when he found out Y/N gave him his number.

“Because he's jealous.” Nat didn't beat around the bush.

“How can he be jealous of a guy I meet not five minutes before you two shown up?” Y/N didn't want to think about it anymore. How can girls go for days cooing over a guy? It's exhausting just for Y/N to do it tonight. Steve had all night to talk to her and he didn't. What does that say about him?

“I can't answer that.” Which didn't help Y/N at all.

Just as the other guests where leaving Tony appeared again with Thor.

“Are you guys ready for some real fun? Then let's head to the game room.” Tony announced as the rest of the avengers had gather. Y/N looked around but Steve was no where in sight. So Y/N brushed it off. But before she could exit the room, Tony called out for her. He motion for Pepper to wait up for him as he jogged over to the door where Y/N was standing. He put a small, round hard drive in the palm of her hand.

“Could you be a dear and run this to Agent Reno, he is the night guard in the lobby. It's for Mr. Queen.” He said with a wink, “And hurry back, I have some fun things planned out for us!” He clapped his hands again and went to join Pepper by her side. Y/N nodded her head and did what she was asked.

The ride down and up the elvador was a very long trip but it was finally over and Y/N found herself with a glass of wine as she enter the game room. But it wasn't very long before Y/N stomach was in knotts. The avengers where sitting around a black cherry table. It seem to Y/N that they had a few guest joining them tonight. The two blondes that were talking to Steve was now seating on both of his sides on one of the couches. Nat notice her first and waved her over to seat with her. Pietro Maxmioff was seating there as well and moved a pillow for her to seat down.

“Thank you.” She smiled at him. This put Steve to the right side of Y/N profile. His forehead had crease again.

“So I'm glad that the phone call was nothing serious.” Bruce brought up across from Y/N. Thor and Tony also caught the conversation.

“Is everything alright Lady Y/N?” Thor voice boomed louder then she like. Y/N had a feeling this was Nat's doing.

“Yes, it's was my nephew that was messing with my y/s/n phone. So all is well. Thanks for asking.” Y/N smile at all of them and dare a look around the room. Confusion was in Steve's eyes as she quickly look past him.

Tony and Thor had many stories to share with them all. Earning many praises from Steve's girls. The night was coming to an end and Y/N disappear into the bathroom to refresh herself. The party was over but she was still planning to hang out in her room with a movie. Y/N tended to be a night owl. As she turn the corner to the game room she was hit by an awful sight.

Steve was kissing one of the blonde girls. Y/N was flabbergasted into a froze statue. The girl was extremely shorter then him so she had to pull him down to meet at her level. Well if that wasn't the nail on the head. Y/N decided it was time to give up for the night. She began to back out of the room and turn the corner when she ran right into Nat. The smile she wore quickly faded when she saw the look on Y/N face.

“Y/N?” And looked around the corner. A sharp inhale told Y/N that Nat caught the end of the kiss, “Wait here.” Nat order her. And she knew that Nat was storming over there that moment. Y/N didn't want to be here so she move to the elevator. The doors open and Y/N walked in and turn towards the game room. It was then that Y/N had caught Steve rounding the corner.

“Friday, shut the doors please. I don't want any company right now.” Y/N almost whisper out. Friday did what she had asked just as Steve was reaching the doors. A loud thump rang out as the elevator move up. It was Steve no doubt but why would he care?

Two seconds of thinking and Y/N asked Friday who was on her floor. As expected Steve had ran up the three flights of stairs to her room.

“Take me to the roof, and inform me when my guest is gone. Please don't let them know where I am. I need time alone.” Y/N head hung low as Friday agreed. She spent many hours on the roof until she given in to her sleepness. She found her way back to her room in peace. Steve have left her room a while ago. Y/N crashed onto her bed while still wearing her F/C dress and fell fast asleep.

An alarm on her phone began buzzing waking her from a deep sleep. Y/N grunted, surely she had just closed her eyes. She looked over to see that her alarm was reminding her that it was time for her morning training.

“That's not gonna happen today.” The reminder of training with Steve every morning was like a cut from a knife. Y/N flashed the memory of Steve kissing that girl, it made her stomach drop with sickness. “Definitly not going to happen.” She moaned as she call out to Friday that she was taking a personal day and wanted no visiters at that time. Unless it was a dying emergency, of coarse. Y/N snuggled back under her blankets and was out in seconds.

It was a set of rumbles on the door that woke Y/N out of her sleep. What time was it? Was the only thing on her mind. Her brain was as scatter as static on tv.

“Miss Y/L/N, Natasha is at the door.” Friday reported, “She is refusing to leave.” A very confused Y/N sat up. This wasn't the first time she had a personal day after one of Tony's parties. Without another thought about it and the constant knocking on the door.

“Let her in. Just make the knocking stop, please!” Y/N held her head, there was to much chaos floating around.

“What's up girl? Are you alright?”

“No, really hung over. I didn't think I drank that much.” Y/N lifted her eyes to Nat but instead they landed on Steve's. Y/N body froze as her heart was fluttering. She should have known. Her eyes dirfted over to Nat's.

“Is that all?” Steve asked her. It was the first time she had heard him that soft.

“Trust me, Rogers. You really didn't want me there training this morning. Did I even eat anything last night?” She questioned the last part to herself. The thought of food brought a pain to her stomach, “And it's not like I haven't miss training with you before.” No matter how raging mad her brain was she knew in her heart that she would always be friends with Steve.

“You miss lunch too.” Nat brought her back to the conversation. Again another pain rippled in Y/N stomach. Y/N put up her hands in defence.

“Please stop mentioning food, I'm sick not hiding.” Y/N wanted this game to end and to lay back down.

“I want to talk about last night, that's why I brought Nat. I knew you wouldn't let me in after last night.”Steve opened up honestly. Y/N heart began to pound when she remember she had avoided him in the elevator. The pounding of her heart grew louder in her ears and the nauseous she was feeling was threating to increase.

“I really can't talk about this right now, can we do it later when I'm feeling better? I just need to be alone!” Y/N snapped anger. Y/N climbed out of bed and moaned. She was still in her dress. She collected some sleep wear and headed for the bathroom without another word. She began to run a hot bath and sit near on the edge of the tub until she control her stomach. A few mintues later she heard the door shut. She said a little prayer.

“I swear I will never drink again, if you can just pull me through this.” Y/N look on the floor of the bathroom. She was half praying for the hangover to go away and half for the conversation she was going to have with Steve the next day. She took a deep breathe. First thing to do is work on feeling better.

The hot bath did wonders for her stomach and chills, Y/N immediately was feeling better then before. After brushing her teeth and towl drying her hair a bit. Y/N ventured back into her bedroom where she beelined it back to her bed. With her stomach settle her head decided it was a perfect time for a headache to start. She had never felt this bad before.

“How much did I drink?” Y/N question under her covers.

There was no answer except for a shuffle over by the window. Y/N became stiffed and focused her hearing. There was someone in the room with her. Y/N dropped her guard as she notice they weren't trying to hide their presents. Y/N lifted her head up and out of the blanket. The cold air hit her face sending new chills down her spine. Their eyes meet.

“Y/N?” Steve asked as he was sitting in her desk chair.

To be continue...

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selenium-drive · 4 years ago

Text

Stay Gold Chapter 2: The Search

Words: 6.8k

Series rating: Explicit

The thrill of the dogfight between the Mandalorian and the unfortunate bounty hunter who tried to cross paths with him, had worn off for The Child. The poor shape of both mutilated engines that were hanging on by a thread didn't make for the smoothest landing. It was very possible that once the engines were shut off this time, it would take much more work to get them started up once again. A simple flick of the emergency power switch would be useless at this point.

The beskar clad bounty hunter collected the now still and sleeping infant before laying it down on the cot. The Mandalorian stepped back slowly, eyeing The Child while it stirred peacefully in its sleep. It stilled once more, somehow nestling comfortably in the haggard, poor excuse of a cushioned mattress. The hunter quietly made his exit down the ship's ramp, setting off to find someone who would be able to provide adequate maintenance to the Razor Crest.

Three small approaching shadow figures caught his attention from the corner of his eye. He instinctively drew his blaster from his side and fired off warning shots in the direction he heard the multiple sets of footsteps emitting from. The electronic shrieks and metal feet pit pats of scattering pit droids hitting the desert floor caused the Mandalorian to cease fire. It was a bit of an overreaction on his part, but with his profession and newly acclaimed wanted status, it was more of an instinctual response. The screech of an angry woman sending threatening shouts his way however, was an illicit reaction well deserved.

"You damage one of my droids, you pay for it!" A slim figured, curly hair woman sauntered out of her office, hands balled into fists at her side. The large dusty windows looking into the landing bay made it easy for someone watching, to know full well it was a Mandalorian that was causing all the ruckus. Most people would cower in fear or scramble in the other direction at the sight of one of the legendary warriors. The fact that a tiny woman such as herself, bravely stomped over to the towering offender while chastising him loudly, caught him off guard.

"Just keep them away from my ship," Mando warned monotonously. The woman pushed past him, obnoxiously banging on every metal panel of the ship that looked out of the ordinary. She reluctantly agreed to making the repairs, but Mando knew her price was too steep and his pockets too empty. There was no other choice but to settle down for a bit on Tattooine and add finding work to his list of tasks to complete while he was there. He would wander from cantina to cantina if it meant finding a decent paying job. That would even give him the opportunity to ask around about the woman he was searching for. If things went smoothly, which they typically haven't been lately, he would succeeded in killing two birds with one stone.

"I'll get you your money," the bounty hunter promised. A Mandalorian's word was true. They abided by their promises and it was in their nature, no, culture to be dependable. Peli Motto, on the other hand, wasn't having it. Mandalorian or not, she was too no nonsense of a woman to give a damn about who or what you said you were. She frowned and rolled her eyes.

"I've heard that before." With a flick of her hand, she waved the other man off dismissively.

"Wait," his deep voice radiating through his helmets modulator stopped her from beginning her repairs. "I need to ask you a few questions. I'm...looking for someone."

Peli scoffed. "Why does that not surprise me? You know you're being a little demanding here, Mando. Depending on what you ask is gonna cost you more if you're not careful."

Mando suppressed a exasperated sigh. Instead, he turned his gaze back towards the battered Crest. "I'm looking for a woman."

"Well good luck finding one who will put up with you," Peli snorted.

"No," Mando corrected himself sternly, "that's not what I meant. I was told she would be on Tattooine. I don't know where and I don't have much to go by." Peli stared hard at him, waiting for him to further elaborate on who exactly he needed to find. "All I know is that she has black hair. She hides her face. Her eyes are-"

"Golden," Peli interrupted. Mando's head jerked back into her direction. His helmet tilted a bit to the side out of surpise that she possibly knew who he spoke of. "Yeah, I know who she is. Well, kinda. Don't know her name, don't think anyone does..." Peli trailed off, looking down at the pale desert floor with her eyebrows creased together. It was her turn now to stew over her words before she continued talking. Mando waited, surprisingly patient while she continued muttering softly to herself. Eventually, Peli lifted her hands up to him apologeticly after ending her long-winded, self-discussion. "Yeah, I've heard of her! Last I heard she's in Mos Entha. Not horribly far from here but it'll be a pain of a walk. That, or I can let you rent something for a price."

Once more, Mando kept his irritated groan strictly internal. Having a bit more actually reliable information to go by was a breathe of fresh air, something that didn't come too often. Still, he didn't care for the fact that Peli was trying to milk him for every credit he didn't yet have.

_________

It was much harder for Mando to keep a lower profile amongst the more populated city of Mos Entha. Portions if the street were bustling with commotion coming from the various spaced out marketplaces and traders. He could barely hear himself think over the aggressively bartering Jawas looking for their next high paying trade deal with merchandise that was more than likely not theirs. His fist involuntary clenched at the recollection of finding his ship torn apart and stripped by the pack of tiny annoying thieves, just days ago. They had the audacity to make him bargain for his own parts of the Crest. Luckily, Kuiil came through and helped him restore his ship to its state of normalcy and then some.

Mando got somewhat of a break from the overwhelming, deafening chatter erupting from the dense clusters of people. Every corner he turned, people would catch a glimpse of his shining armor and part out of his way quietly and effortlessly. Once he was out if sight, the echo of numerous voices picked right up back where it left off. Being around this many people in a more densely populated area than he currently liked, put the bounty hunter on edge. If he was to find this person, it had to be soon.

He wormed his way through the streets of Mos Entha and into one of the less crowded nearby cantinas. Once again, one by one everyone in the room fell silent once they turned to see who joined them. A few left, leaving their already paid for drinks behind, not even taking one last sip before slipping out the door once the Mandalorian passed them by. A few shrank defensively in their seats, praying to miraculously go unnoticed by the life form scanner embedded in Mando's visor. The bartender froze completely when he realized he was the unfortunate prey locked onto by the hunter's stoic, unreadable gaze.

Mando meant no harm, but of course no one else knew that. He effortlessly slid himself onto one of the barstools, slipping a hand into one of his pockets. The bartender's breath hitched and he let out a small tremor of fear. His posture relaxed some when Mando placed his hand on top of the counter then slowly removed it, leaving a what few handful of credits he did still have, in its place.

"I'm looking for someone," he began softly. His voice was just above a whisper, the modulator barely able to pick it up. It was just loud enough for the bartender to hear thanks to the stillness of the cantina. "I've heard she's here, in Mos Entha. A woman with black hair and golden eyes." Mando finished his sentence by pushing the credits in the other man's direction in attempt to entice him to speak.

The cantina employee didn't dare take the currency quite yet out of fear of angering the Mandalorian seated at his bar. "Y-yes. I know who you speak of," he croaked. "She's a-a mechanic at a hanger not f-f-far from here. B-but that's all I k-know. Promise." The man's voice cracked at the word "promise". Mando knew he was telling the truth. There was so much fear lacing those last two syllables that it was pitiful. He placed another credit on the table with the others, still maintaining eye contact with the poor soul who was subjected to his interrogation.

"Do you know her name?" He asked firmly. The bartender remained quiet. Mando doubted he knew seeing how no one else did around here. The bartender shook a bit more violently this time out of fear for telling the bounty hunter what he didn't want to hear: the word "no". Sensing his hesitation and out of a signal that it was okay to continue, Mando slipped one more credit on the countertop for the compliant man.

"N-not her real n-name. Around here, w-we all just call her...T-Tajana." Mando stared wordlessly in the direction of the bartender. He wasn't even necessarily watching him, rather just starting off while he pieced all the information together. After a few seconds for the hunter but what felt like an eternity to his prey, Mando said thank you and walked out of the cantina.

He looked around at the surrounding buildings, trying to see which one was the closest spaceport. From behind the protection of his cold, steel helmet, his eyes locked onto a massive, dome shaped tower.

He quickly strode towards the gigantic structure, pushing past anyone who dared stand in his way. It was still light outside but the end of the day would be drawing near shortly. Although his mind was set on finding the person Kuiil spoke of, he didn't dare forget the small green infant who was, hopefully, still sleeping peacefully on the Crest. He couldn't risk going back to check on The Child and then returning the next day to continue his search. Word would travel fast of a Mandalorian snooping around on Tattooine. That, and there must be some reason why this person doesn't show their face, some reason why they don't reveal their name. If there is by some chance a bounty on her, Mando didn't want to risk her catching wind that he was looking for her. He had come so far and couldn't mess it all up now. For all that it's worth, he hoped listening to Kuiil would be worth it. He had a strong trust in the man's intuition even though they had only known each other for a short while. The faith Mando had in the moisture farmer and the desperate need for another crew member, fueled the Mandalorian to keep at his search.

_________

The streets of Tattooine seemed especially loud today. The various market stands drew in large crowds of people, and a certain golden eyed female could hear the roar of the bustling crowd from the landing bay of which she worked. Clusters of sparks and heat blossomed from the burning metal situated in her delicate hands, glowing bright red and white under her touch. Wisps of smoke bounced off her aviator like goggles that protected her honey amber eyes, and tried to snake its way through the fibers of a black scarf that obscured the lower half of her face.

She set town her tools and dusted off her gloved fingertips on the baggy thighs of her maintenance uniform. Peeling off the gloves one by one, she set them in her back pocket and sighed. Although it seemed busy beyond the walls of her work station, it was a rather slow day today with not much work to be done. It was a bit of a cooler day today on Tattooine, which isn't saying much, but that still didn't stop a few beads of sweat from forming on her golden, caramel skin. She lifted her goggles back to their usual resting spot on the top of her head, then reached back to tighten her long, black ponytail. Her work for the day was almost complete; just a few wires to be arranged and pieced back together with a bit of soldering here and there. She was knowledgeable in the field of spacecraft maintenance, something she picked up on during her stay on Arvala-7.

The girl approached her workbench casually and began to stuff some of her unused tools into a small duffle bag. Her movements slowed when it dawned on her that it seemed...quiet. Rather uncomfortably quiet for how loud it was just a second ago. It was if all the chatter of the patrons outside had stopped all at once. She was just about to poke her head around the entrance to her landing bay when the she was interrupted by the rapid thumping noise of hasty footsteps rounding the corner.

The man in charge of the entire ship docking station appeared before her, crouched over and out of breath. "It looks like a bounty hunter heading is here," her employer whispered harshly. "A Mandalorian. Stay out of his way. I'll tell the others." He scampered off, making his way to the surrounding docks warning them of the same approaching threat. It's not that he cared about the wellbeing of his employees, not by a long shot. Some of his hires had questionable histories but their labor was cheap and fruitful. It would be a pain to replace them with how much business was brought in. He was mearly giving a fair warning to anyone who needed to bolt if they had to. Best to lose an employee for a day or two while they hid than lose them forever in custody.

There was no use in finishing the final repairs to the ship she was assigned to fix today. The amount of work left to be done was minimal. She didn't know for sure if she was wanted or who the Mandalorian was actually after. The fear of the repercussions of certain occurrences in the past leading up to her settling down in Mos Espa, made her realize it was best to hide. There was a reason why she hid her name and face from the public.

A few of her fellow workers had the same idea of fleeing. She followed the sound of their bounding footsteps that raced out into the streets. Some ran so fast that the air was thick in some spots from the amount of powdery dirt their boots had kicked up. She herself was quick, but the second of hesitation she had in the bay on whether or not to leave proved to be one second too long in her escape.

Her sprint came to a sudden halt. It was as if the air around her grew thick and heavy in a split second. Every muscle in her body told her to keep going, but every ounce of her instinct told her that would be a foolish decision to do so. The looming heaviness in the air caused her breathe to catch in her throat; every hair on her arm stood straight up.

"You there," a heavily modulated baritone broke out from the intense silence, "turn around."

It was a man's voice. It was unfamiliar to her, but also very hard and demanding. She sensed no hostility in his tone but something told her not to push him. She knew very little about Mandalorians, but had heard some impressive stories about their kind over the years. There was a reason why people panicked when one came near.

Every fiber of her being was torn between complying and running. She said nothing. The blood pumped so hard in her ears that it was nearly deafening, yet she could still make out the subtle clattering of beskar shifting behind her. The Mandalorian was growing impatient quickly from her lack of response. Before she could open her mouth to speak, he did so for her.

"An Ugnaught from Arvala-7 sent me. Perhaps you know who I speak of." The girl worriedly jerked her head in the direction of the intruder staring her down.

"Is he okay?" Her voice was strong and clear with a strong hint of concern underlying her words. If she was afraid, she did a damn good job of hiding it. A bit of relief washed over the Mandalorian at the sure confirmation that this is who he was searching for.

"Yes," he said bluntly. "He generously helped me locate a bounty and-"

"So you are a bounty hunter," she spat. She was small in stature, even more so in comparison to the intimidating man standing several feet away from her. "What do you want with me?" Her fingers twitched in the direction of her calf where unbeknownst to Mando, a sheathed dagger rested soundly in her boot. Her sudden aura of hostility and subtle movement dared not go unnoticed by the keen eye of the Mandalorian. His gloved hand instinctively darted a just a hair closer towards to his blaster, hesitating just over the handle resting on his side.

"I'm not here to collect you," he said calmly. "I'm here strictly for business purposes." The tension in the small woman's frame subsided a minuscule amount. She turned around completely to finally stare down the man who dared bring all this chaos to Tattooine. Not like it was the most peaceful planet to begin with, but it was still a bit better than some.

"If you wanted repairs, you should’ve brought your ship to my docking station just like every body else," she said boldly. Her striking honey colored irises scanned the blackened T-shaped visor of Mando's helmet, tinged with annoyance and still brewing with malice from his intrusion.

"I'm not here for your handiwork," he retorted. "There are other duties I'm seeking a crew member for, one of which I would like to address with you in private."

She crossed her arms and mounted her feet sternly in place. "If you have anything to tell me you can say it here. You've already scared the others off. And why me? Why not anyone else or Kuiil himself?"

"He didn't wish to live a life of servitude." Mando said coldly. His patience was running out and this girl was a bit too stubborn for his own liking. He had to return to The Child soon and didn't want to waste time with nonsensical bickering.

"What makes you think I do? I've done my fair share of time and I won't speak more of this," she hissed.

Mando stood still as could be. There was no getting through to her but with his face, or rather helmet, being known all throughout the galaxy as a wanted man, there wasn't a large selection of people he could choose from when it came to who he would trust to watch over The Child and maintain the Razor Crest. He wasn't even sure if he could trust this argumentative girl before him, but Kuiil's word was strong. He gave it one more shot.

"Kuiil said I could trust you but that it would be hard for you to trust in someone else. I'm not exactly asking you to," Mando began calmly. He paused to gauge her reaction and sighed when the scorned expression in her eyes didn't falter. "Listen, I need someone to help pilot my ship on occasion, along with doing any repairs as needed. I also...need someone to watch my foundling when I'm not around."

That seemed to melt the iciness of her stare. "You have a child?" She asked softly.

"Yes. He needs to be protected at all costs. I can even offer you the same." The girl appeared as if she was about to cut him off once more but a raised gloved hand from the bounty hunter silenced her. "I know there's a reason why you hide your face and why no one on this planet, not even Kuiil himself, knows your real name. You panicked when you heard a bounty hunter was here, even if you won't admit it, you did. So again, I'm offering you all of this along with generous pay."

Mando waited a good while for her to answer, but to no avail. Another surge of annoyance bubbled in his chest at him wasting his time on such a stubborn soul. He could have found a job and made the credits needed to pay Peli by now. Instead, he went through the trouble of tracking down this infuriating woman just to be ignored in the end.

Mando clenched his fists. "I need to know your answer soon. Repairs are being done to my ship in Mos Eisley. Once those are completed, I'll be leaving Tattooine." Even as he turned to make his leave, the woman said nothing.

His thin, torn cape made a sharp crack in the air from his sudden movement. He could feel her piercing stare on his back the entire walk out of the docking station, but she still remained quiet.

Mando grudgingly made his way back to Mos Eisley. It was the most unsuccessful day for him a quite a while. He hated leaving empty handed. He didn't even remember the last time he didn't complete a job successfully, even though finding the girl wasn't exactly a "job" per say. In the meantime, he had to find work. Doing something he was good at would make the day that much better, but it was getting late. As much as it pained him to stay stationary in one city for too long, he had no other option.

When he got back to the hanger, Peli was nowhere to be found. The suns on Tattooine were beginning to set, painting the sky in glorious rich hues of red, yellow, orange, and gold.

Gold.

Mando's mind flashed back to the woman that caused him a great deal of annoyance and inconvenience all afternoon. He let out a long, repressed sigh before retiring in the hull of his cherished gunship. He sorted through some of his belongings to look for something edible yet too pathetic to call "a meal". His supplies were running low, his ship was still a wreck, his pockets were empty, and he was just...tired.

Mando collected what bits of food he had, rationing out a tiny amount for himself and most of it for The Child. He opened the sliding door to his cramped sleeping quarters, gazing down at the tiny, sleeping foundling nestled up on the worn down mattress. He didn't want to admit it to himself, but the uneasiness he was feeling was that of feeling overwhelmed. It made him feel sick, weak, and pathetic.

Mandalorians weren't supposed to feel this way. This wasn't the first hardship of his life, nor would it be the last. The negative thoughts swirling in his mind began to dissipate when The Child stirred and glimpsed up at his caretaker. With a small coo and a smile revealing his tiny nubby teeth, Mando felt more at ease. He was doing all of this for the one little creature in front of him. That's all that mattered to him now. A new day meant for a new chance to make things better.

The Mandalorian woke later than usual due to a night of a whining, restless infant waking him up off and on. The Child had worn himself out late into the night and still slept heavily even when Mando prepared to depart the Crest for the day. Walking down the ramp leading outside, Mando caught a glimpse of Peli through the dirt coated office window. He shook his head when he noticed she was busy gambling away with her droids rather than doing anything productive. Already he was starting his day off annoyed again. He was planning on spending his time looking for work to cover the rather generous amount of credits he was to pay Peli for the repairs. The sight of her casually lazing around in return, irritated him so.

Venturing into the streets of Mos Eisley, Mando stepped inside the first open cantina he saw. It wasn't overly crowded, much to his liking. He gathered the same response he always does when he's in public; everyone stares, some flee, everyone's quiet.

"Hey, droid," Mando called out. "I'm a hunter. I'm looking for some work." The animatronic bartender cocked its head towards the bounty hunter.

"Unfortunately, the Bounty Guild no longer operates from Tatooine."

"I'm not looking for Guild work," Mando responded.

"I am afraid that does not improve your situation. At least by my calculation," the droid deadpanned.

Dank Farrik. Looks like his luck wasn't improving much more than from yesterday's.

"Think again, tin can."

The Mandalorian turned around slowly. He made eye contact, as much as he could through his visor, with a younger gentleman dressed in obviously new and unused bounty hunting attire. Both of his feet were resting up on the tabletop in an annoying, self-absorbed manner. His boots were relatively polished and dirt free, giving more of a glowing indication that he was green behind the ears in the world of hunting.

"If you're looking for work, have a seat, my friend. Name's Toro. Toro Calican."

The two men conversed not so quietly about a bounty Mando would be lending his assistance on. Unbeknownst to the pair, lurking several feet away and flush with the cantina wall, was the raven haired girl that so easily got under Mando's skin the day before. She eavesdropped as much as she could, catching bits and pieces of just who the target was and where she might be located.

Calican's ignorance was becoming too much for Mando to take seriously. When the scraping of a chair coming from their table echoed through the barren cantina, Tajana quickly retreated outside. No-one came after her once she slithered outside, the bright mid-day sun shining on her sun-kissed, tan skin. There was a metallic, smash sound coming from just before the doorway that made her jump slightly. Calican was the first to make his way out; the other bounty hunter wouldn't be far behind.

Mando slowly stepped foot out into the streets of Tattooine. His flawless beskar armor radiated the sunlight back into the eyes of anyone who dared look his way. He turned his head to look back in the direction from whence he came, failing to notice the woman he spent all day yesterday searching for.

"So what's our first job, Mando?"

Mando jerked back, his blaster drawn from his side in a few milliseconds. He pointed the weapon in the direction he heard his name come from.

"T-Tajana." He flinched at the way his voice came through the modulator; there was a bit of an uncharacteristic startled undertone that was very much unlike the skilled bounty hunter.

Standing in the shade to the side of the cantina door stood the woman from Mos Entha. Though her expression was mostly hidden, she frowned into her scarf at the disdain for the name the townsfolk gave her. Had it not been for her honey golden eyes and signature black scarf, Mando would barely have recognized her.

Her attire wasn't that of a dirtier maintenance uniform anymore. The only things remotely similar to how he first saw her included her black hair that was now tied into a messy bun with her goggles still resting on the top of her head like before, and she still had on the scarf that covered her neck to just below her eyes.

She eased herself off the cantina's wall, slowing making her way to walk in front of the Mandalorian with her hands up to show she meant no harm. He lowered his blaster some, but paused before putting it back in its holster when his eyes caught a glimpse of what appeared to be two sheathed daggers resting across the small of her back, and a blaster of her own resting on the outside of her thigh. She turned to face him, her piercing eyes staring right into his helmet's solid black visor.

"You can put down the blaster, Mando. I'm not here to hurt you, if that's what your wondering. I'm just here to take you up on your offer, albeit a little late." The bounty hunter stood still as could be, not moving a single muscle. She couldn't even see his chest rising or falling as he waited on baited breath for her to explain her sneaking up on him. Breaking his silence, Mando spoke up with his usual harsh and straightforward tone.

"How did you find me?" he demanded. Tajana scoffed and crossed her arms.

"You do know you aren't the most inconspicuous person walking around here, right? It's quite easy to find a Mandalorian in a haystack around these parts."

Mando bit his tongue once more. She wasn't wrong, which was another reason why he needed to finish his job with Toro quickly and leave Tattooine. She took his silence as a means to continue.

"I overheard your conversation with the novice hunter. I want in."

"Absolutely not," he said a little too quickly. "I can't have you getting in my way or slowing me down. I don't even know how much I can trust you."

Her eyes narrowed, that intense flicker of anger further intensifying the amber speckles in her stare. "You don't trust me, yet you offered to hire me to watch after your child? Can you explain that backwards logic to me?"

Mando slipped his blaster back into its holster. His temper was rising and he was on the verge of shooting something if he wasn't careful. "Kuiil gave me his word that you were a trustworthy option when it came to looking for a crew member. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt because I have much faith in the man's judge of character. What I don't trust, is your strength or decision making when it comes to battle."

Tajana relaxed some, closing her eyes and letting out a soft sigh. When they reopened, the smoldering hostility in her gaze was extinguished and when she spoke, her voice was much softer. "Then let this be my trial run for you. Let me show you I can defend your foundling when you aren't around, and that I can hold my own just fine."

Mando shook his head. "Not with this job. The target is too dangerous."

"I'm aware who you're after," Tajana countered. "It's Fennec Shand. If you're allowing some wanna be Guild member with no experience to join in on your hunt, then why not me? You'll definitely need my help."

He remained silent.

"I would appreciate some feedback here," Tajana remarked.

"I'm thinking."

"Don't hurt yourself, Mando."

Maker this woman knew how to get under his skin. He clenched his fists at his side for the umpteenth time since they crossed paths. "Fine! Fine. But if I feel you're any bit unsuitable for this hunt, if you get in my way at all, my offer for you is off the table."

_________

"Come, this way." Mando and his new partner made their way towards the dusty hanger where the Crest sat dormant. The repairs were coming along nicely, even nearly finished. There were a few fine tunings that Peli had to work on; small tasks that would’ve been completed had it not been for the no droid rule.

With a few touches of the controls on his gauntlet, Mando lowered the hatch leading into the aircraft. He took a few strides up the ramp, finally pausing when he noticed he didn't hear any footsteps following beside him. He whipped his head around, staring impatiently at the slightly younger woman that was supposed to be accompanying him. She stood there at the base of the ramp, glancing around at the newly refurbished exterior of the Razor Crest.

"So this is your ship, huh?" She asked, running a small gloved hand over the sand coated steel.

"Yes," he answered shortly. Tajana removed her hand, following up the steps to join the brooding hunk of beskar that stared her down.

"I've never seen one of these before. Looks like she's still holding up, even after the beating I'm assuming you put her through that landed you here? You should know older things require more care, Mando."

Again, Mando was silent. "Old" is a phrase he's heard numerous times that people used to refer to his ship. Granted, it was still much better than the "piece of junk" or "horribly outdated" he commonly heard. It didn't necessarily hurt his feelings when people degraded his ship, but it was still his home people were talking down on. The Crest was sturdy. Reliable even. It did the job and welcomed him back when he was done with his own. He didn't have the luxury of using a ship just as means to travel. It's where he lived. Mando didn't mind her word of choice to describe the Crest. A lot of memories and feelings of stability tend to come from things that have been around for a while. "Old" was just fine.

"Maintenance is part of what I'm hiring you for," he spoke up after a minute. "The other part is for watching the foundling."

When they made their way around the inside of the Crest, Tajana continued to take in her surroundings. She took note of where everything appeared to be: the entrance to the cockpit, an arsenal cabinet, the carbon freezing chamb-

The heavy thudding of footsteps caught her attention before she could map out the rest of the gunship. The metal flooring vibrated intensely when a charging Mandalorian rushed towards the exit. The smaller female was immensely caught off guard and did her best to step back out of his way. Mando's impenetrable armor slammed into her side, not so graciously knocking her against the hard gunship interior walls. She balanced herself and regained her composure from the bounty hunter's spontaneous freak out. Nursing her shoulder and arm, her attention was directed towards distant shouting back in the direction of the hanger's office.

Tajana pushed herself off the wall and cautiously staggered down the ramp with one hand resting on her blaster. She perked up upon hearing a woman screeching angrily at some poor soul. "You woke it up! Do you have any idea how long it took me to get it to sleep?"

"Give him to me," Mando growled. The iciness and hard tone in his words made a small shiver travel down Tajana's spine.

Peli saw right through his cold exterior. "Not so fast! You can't just leave a child all alone like that. You know, you've got an awful lot to learn about raising a young one."

"I'm well aware," Mando barked. "That's why I hired her." Without even looking, he jerked his head back towards the entrance of the Crest. Peli, still clutching the Child tightly, stood on her tiptoes to try to catch a glimpse over the Mandalorian's broad shoulders. She locked eyes with the girl making her way towards all the commotion. Turning her attention back to Mando, she grinned.

"Ah okay Mando! I see you finally found the girl you were looking so hard for." The bounty hunter went rigid.

There was a brief silence beginning to settle in the air before Peli began explaining the progress she made as far as repairs goes. Tajana tuned her out and instead, she focused her attention on the tiny creature wrapped in a brown burlap sack that was tucked in Peli's arms. She could make out large green ears, a wrinkly little forehead, and two big black eyes that stared right back at her with all the curiosity in the world.

"...You got a job, didn't you? You know it's costing me a lot of money to keep these droids even powered up." The last part of Peli's one sided conversation snatched her attention back to the adults in the room.

Tajana glared up at the taller man, golden eyes ignited by anger once again. "Did you hire me when you can't even afford the repairs on your ship?"

Mando loomed over her in a threatening fashion, yet the hostile girl didn't back down. "My current financial status is only temporary," he said in a low voice. "This job will pay a hefty sum, and there will be more to follow. I'm a man of my word. Don't doubt me."

There was a subtle annunciation towards the end of his warning. Mandalorians were some of the most dependable people in the galaxy. It always rubbed Mando the wrong way when someone dared to question the honestly of his word. The bounty hunter stared down at her for a few more seconds, just to make sure he got his point across before walking away from the trio.

"Calican should be here by now. Get a move on if you're still coming," he called out.

Tajana still had her feet firmly in place. She cast a glare over her shoulder at the receding figure of the Mandalorian.

"Don't let him boss you around," Peli said sternly. "Underneath all that shiny armor, he's still just a man." With a small nod, Tajana followed after Mando towards the doorway leading into Peli's hanger.

Mando stood silently as always next to two speeder bikes, one that had a younger, relatively handsome man perched on its seat already. He turned his attention to the approaching woman, giving her a not so subtle once over up and down. Tajana's eyes narrowed slightly. When she overheard the conversation between the two men earlier that afternoon, she knew Calican sounded like an arrogant prick from how high and mighty he presented himself. She only got a slight glimpse of him in Mos Eisley. Looking at him up close, she solidified the idea in her head that yes, he really was a tool.

"Well look here Mando, you got a lady friend tagging along?" Tajana bit her tongue and fought back an exasperated eye roll.

Mando circled the two run down speeder bikes, giving them a good look as well. Calican took Mando's lack of response and lackadaisical attitude towards the bikes as an insult. "Whaddya expect? This ain't Corellia."

Peli walked out carrying the Child to catch a glimpse of what the bounty hunter's were planning. Calican acknowledged her presence and nodded towards her before looking back at the Mandalorian.

"In case you didn't notice, we only have two speeders. Either someone has to stay, or your friend has to ride with me." He surveyed Mando's reaction with a sense of haughtiness. Once again, the lack of feedback from the hunter made Calican speak up in his place. "Looks like that settles it," Calican smiled. He scooted forward some and looked back at the golden eyed girl who still was staring daggers at him, if not more-so now. "Hop on and hold tight."

Tajana stood in place defiantly. "What makes you think I'm riding with you?"

Calican shifted in his seat nervously. "Well you can't ride with Mando. His armor weighs the speeder down enough."

Tajana stared him down even harder. "What are you insinuating, boy?"

Calican twitched more under the murderous intent in her gaze. "I just...I didn't mean it that...way." His voice was wavering and he looked over at Mando for help, a bit of fear nestled in his brown eyes.

Mando kept staring ahead at the endless sea of powdery sand dunes. His modulator didn't pick up on the small snort that he made under the heaviness of his helmet and on the outside, he still appeared as stoic as could be.

Tajana proceeded to mount the younger man's speeder, sitting down roughly on the small space behind his back. There was barely any room on the seat for the two of them on the typically one person vehicle. Calican jumped when he felt her arms tightly grip around his waist, more in a threatening fashion than for her safety. The sudden movement made the already slightly unstable speeder wobble under the weight shift.

“If you kill us, I’ll fucking end you,” Tajana warned darkly.

#the mandalorian #mando #mando x oc #mandalorian fanfic #star wars #din djarin #din djarin x oc #stay gold #star wars fanfiction #pedro pascal #din x oc

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kerahlekung · 5 years ago

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Din wants to rule by fiat...

Din wants to rule by fiat....

On Saturday, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had his maiden media interview. This was a public relations exercise. He is the prime minister, so such flexing is par for the course. He needs to build rapport among Malaysians anyway, given his use of the unsavoury “backdoor” to wrest power from Pakatan Harapan. But we will leave that discussion for another day and time. Now, in that interview, Muhyiddin said a lot of things. But I’d like to hone in on a few issues. His responses to these display how aloof and complacent he and his government have been since Malaysia went into a lockdown styled as the movement control order (MCO). Firstly, while acknowledging that the country is losing RM2.4 bil every day due to the MCO, he added: “This is my priority … let there be no terminations or layoffs, but then again these are businesses and if they are unable to sustain much longer, what choice do they have? It is not like they can hold to their workers as in normal times. They will be without a source of income used to run their operations or to pay salaries.” Maybe the good PM forgot to check with the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) about its latest findings on the effects of Covid-19 on the economy and Malaysians. Though the department, in its report titled Report of Special Survey on Effects of Covid-19 on Economy and Individual (Round 1), added the caveat that the figures should be interpreted with caution as they are not considered “official statistics … it can be used to support in reflecting the current situation.” That part, reflecting, could have served Muhyiddin and his government well. Here are a few of the report’s findings: a. The agriculture and services sectors registered the highest percentage of job losses compared to other sectors with 21.9% and 15% respectively. b. In the agriculture sector, 33% and 21.1% of workers from fishing and agriculture and plantations sub-sectors respectively had lost their jobs. c. 35.4% of employees in the food services sub-sector have lost their jobs and followed by transport and storage at 18.7%. d. More than two-thirds (71.4%) of self-employed respondents have sufficient savings for less than a month. e. 77.2% of employers and 82.7% of private employees have sufficient financial savings of up to two months. f. 69.7% of those working less than a year and 63.2% of those working between 1-3 years reported that their financial savings will run out in less than a month respectively. g. 25.4% of those working four to 10 years and 27.5 % of those working 11-20 years have sufficient savings of up to 2 months. h. The majority of the employees are unprepared if the MCO is extended except for those working in government-linked companies (GLCs) and multinational corporations (MNCs).

Prime Minister, even your own stats department is screaming bad news. People have and are losing their jobs. And in case you are unaware, some of these companies that have donated money to various Covid-19 initiatives have also taken the opportunity to cut staff salaries. Berjaya Corporation Bhd on March 20 donated RM1 mil to your Covid-19 fund. This is the same Berjaya Corp which a few days ago announced “austerity measures” due to the pandemic. This basically means salary cuts, the percentage of which is to be based on the salary range bracket, and a reduction of fixed monthly allowances. Sapura Energy Bhd’s chiefs Tan Sri Shahril Shamsuddin and Datuk Shahriman Shamsuddin also donated to two Covid-19 funds organised by media group The Edge. But this is the same Sapura that has initiated salary cuts across the board of 5% to 45% as well as “workforce rationalisation,” or the more crude word for that – layoffs. Sure, their defence will be that the C-suite has taken a 50% pay cut, but come on, what is 50% for a chief of whatever. The best part: these companies that have donated are still entitled to tax deductions. No tax breaks or such perks for their unemployed or now poorer staff. Some gallows humour here at the expense of someone’s sanity, but now we really know that a public health crisis can drag you down a notch, from your M40 dreams back into the B40 hole you desperately clawed your way up through blood, sweat and tears. But your T20 boss … he is none the poorer.

B-b-b-but, there is the wage subsidy programme, you say? Well, according to journalist Haresh Deol, after calling up Socso, he was informed that the payment advice emailed was to show that the application had been accepted. The funds, however, would only be transferred in stages, “apabila Perkeso dapat dana.”

Secondly, there’s good ol’ Makcik Kiah and Pakcik Salleh. I wonder how they are doing right now? In his speech on March 27, Muhyiddin calculated that Mak Cik Kiah and family will receive cash support and savings of RM8,664 over six months or RM1,444 per month. But by now, they’d be worrying as they eat into their savings, if they have any. There’s no revenue coming in.

Goodbye, cashflow. And when the RM1,600 reaches them in two tranches, it’ll be too little too late. The Malay Mail has some good anecdotal coverage on the plight of hawkers, cafe owners and traders. Some good pieces include “No work, no EPF savings: Some PPR folks find money drying up as country goes into extended MCO” and “Traders: Closure of PJ’s Jalan Othman wet market could affect supply of fresh produce in Shah Alam, Subang, Damansara.” To think that Muhyiddin actually tried to get us to believe that he understood the plight of the everyday Malaysian when during that interview he mused about using Makcik Kiah and Pakcik Salleh as examples of how down-to-earth he was, including his use of the common greeting, “Apa khabar?” Oh yeah, anyone can go “Apa khabar?” behind a screen. The teleprompter won’t throw a fit. And, since xenophobia has reared its head once again, have we even talked about the legal migrant workers here, who amount to some two million, who have no income whatsoever during this period? They are the backbone of the country’s economic engines, since most of them ply their trade in construction, plantation and services. Didn’t the Ministry of International Trade and Industry announce yesterday that companies in selected services can resume operations as normal, you argue? Well, just like the barbershop gaffe, this edict is poorly thought through. Daycare, schools, and kindergartens are still closed due to the MCO. So where do parents send their kids too? Maybe if they had a domestic worker to deal with their bratty bunch, that’d be great. But how many have such privileges? Heck, it’s a luxury. These things Muhyiddin, MITI minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and even Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Aziz will never understand since they have domestic workers to clean up after them.

And, lastly, there is that one-day Parliamentary sitting in May, leaving any chance of proper debate and also implementation of a real fiscal injection out the window. Of course Muhyiddin had something to say about this too. At the interview, he said Malaysians were sick of politics and were expecting the government to tackle issues that they were facing. “The people do not want to talk about politics, they are sick of it. They want to know what the government, the Cabinet ministers, the administration today is doing to tackle the issues that they are facing.” But how is he going to do that when the big fiscal fireworks have to get parliamentary approval? Let’s face it, Muhyiddin wants to rule by fiat. Parliament is dead. And the elites will continue to sigh “Alhamdulilah,” “Hallelujah” and “Thank the Gods” while the rest of us will be left to lick our wounds and pray to the same gods to help us survive unemployment, salary cuts and, more importantly, the banks once the moratorium ends. Best of all, those of us taxpayers will try to eke out a living while begrudgingly paying our taxes to a government that doesn’t seem to care about us. That too is par for the course these days in addition to PR exercises. - Emmanuel Samarathisa

Politicians' arrogance revealed

by their MCO disregard...

During the coronavirus pandemic, the majority of rakyat have, by and large, adhered to the rules, but Malaysian politicians who openly defy the strict conditions just show that they consider themselves above the law and that the law only applies to ordinary citizens. When politicians misbehave, the nation loses all the trust and respect for them. Don't they know they should set a good example to the others? Breaking the law has only increased the people's ire and disgust of them. In a live telecast on March 18, Muhyiddin Yassin pleaded with Malaysians to observe the Movement Control Order (MCO) and desist from holding gatherings, going on holidays, or "balik kampung". He said, "...Just stay at home and protect yourself and your family." His plea had been made when it was reported that despite the MCO, bus stations were busy with people rushing back to their hometowns, while the police had reported that highways to the north, south and east were congested. Muhyiddin said the lockdown would contain the spread of coronavirus infections, and help control the number of people who could contract the virus. He also said coronavirus had an incubation period of 14 days, and that the symptoms might not show up for two weeks. So, why did the politicians who broke the MCO rules disregard this important message to keep the people safe and stop an escalation of infection? Many Malaysians have long since realized that the laws only apply to them and that many politicians break the rules. They have little faith in the system, and as one social observer said, "There are two sets of laws: one for the politicians, and another for ordinary people. A person who steals milk powder to feed his starving baby is jailed and fined. A politician who steals millions of taxpayers' money is allowed to escape scot-free. Where is the justice?"

On April 22, senior minister Ismail Sabri said 17,735 individuals had been arrested for violating the MCO. This is only 0.06 percent of the country's population of 31 million and shows that majority of Malaysians are observing the MCO rules. In contrast, a number of politicians from the ruling coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN) have openly flouted the MCO, including Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Samsuri, deputy health minister Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali, Perak executive councilor Razman Zakaria, and deputy youth and sports minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal. A minister invited people to record a TikTok video in her office, and the daughter of Umno-Baru president visited politicians in Putrajaya. Why are politicians and politically connected people allowed to visit one another? Wouldn't a telephone call do? What message does it send to the public? What does it say, when a single mother was given a 30-day jail term for violating the MCO but Terengganu MB Ahmad Samsuri will not get charged for the same offense? Photographs of Ahmad dining with former MB Ahmad Said have been circulated on social media. The former MB will not be charged. The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) has classified Ahmad Samsuri's case as "No Further Action" (NFA). No one is making excuses for the single mother, but did the magistrate consider the trauma that will be inflicted on the single mother's 6-year-old son? Who will take care of him during his mother's imprisonment? Why was she not given the same sentence as the MB? Justice should be seen to be dispassionate and impartial. When photographs of deputy health minister Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali and Perak exco Razman Zakaria having a meal with 18 other people in a tahfiz school in Lenggong were uploaded onto Facebook, there was a public uproar. There was no social distancing and the gathering was not essential under the terms of the MCO. The two were investigated and finally charged at a court in Grik for violating the MCO. They were fined RM1,000.

Many questions remain. Would these two and the others who were seen in the photographs have been investigated if not for the rakyat's condemnation? Few people are satisfied with the sentence, especially as these men should have led by example. They probably only apologized because their boss had seen how their behavior had angered the rakyat. In most other countries, people who hold senior positions in government and have committed serious breaches of the law have resigned because they have brought shame to their departments and their leaders. Elderly people who walked to buy food for their families were thrown into prison for breaking the MCO. A single mother was jailed, but two others who were present in court on the same charges were only fined. The sentencing seems very haphazard. Was each individual's circumstances considered? It appears that in Muhyiddin's administration, double standards and different punishments for the public and government officials are here to stay. Jail is reserved for members of the public, when by right government officials should have been more severely punished. As for the RM1,000 fine, one is reminded by the words of a former Umno-Baru minister who said RM2 million is like loose change for him. If Muhyiddin wants to make a difference, the hypocrisy and double standards must cease. - Mariam Mokhtar

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Bukan masa nak tolong Rohingya,

utamakan warganegara kita dulu...

Sindiket bawa 202 Rohingya di L'kawi minggu lalu Kenakan RM2,000 seorang. Menteri kata ahli keluarga sudah ada di negara ini perlu bayar tambahan RM13,000. Rancangan bawa masuk pelarian sudah lama dirancang. Perancangan membabitkan sindiket, ejen. Rohingya Myanmar ni bayar RM2,000 kpd sindiket di Cox Bazar, Bangladesh untuk sampai di sini ahli keluarga kena bayar RM13,000 kepada ejen jumlah dibayar ialah RM15,000 semuanya. "Kita akan terus buru sindiket terbabit" Menteri kata demikian pada sidang media di IPD Langkawi,selepas menyertai pemantauan perairan membabitkan APMM, Polis Marin turut hadir KSU KDN, Pengarah KDNKABCD, Ketua Imigresen, Ketua Maritim.

SIAPA DALANG DI SEBALIKNYA? Web rasmi KDN berkongsi modus operandi sindiket membawa masuk pelarian secara haram dengan bayaran sebanyak RM15,000 untuk 1 kepala. Kaedah Bayaran RM2,000 di Bangladesh / Myanmar dan bakinya apabila berjaya mendarat di Malaysia maka ahli keluarga sedia ada di Malaysia perlu membayar lagi RM13,000 untuk 1 kepala sebelum mereka boleh ambil ahli keluarga yg diseludup masuk. Bayangkan 1 kapal ada 400 orang maka RM15,000 x 400 = RM6,000,000 (RM6 juta!!) adalah satu perniagaan amat menguntungkan. Jika dalam 1 tahun sindiket dapat membawa masuk 10,000 orang maka bayaran mereka terima sekitar RM150,000,000 (RM150 juta). Tolaklah kos sewa kapal ikan, makan minum atas kapal dan kos diesel dan kos pelincir lain jika ada adalah 30% bersamaan RM45 juta maka ada baki RM105 juta untung bersih setahun untuk hanya 10,000 kepala sahaja. Syarikat MAS / Malindo / Air Asia pun tak boleh nak untung RM105 juta untuk terbangkan 10,000 penumpang sahaja. MAS yang mengangkut berjuta-juta penumpang setahun pun masih rugi RM791 juta pada tahun 2018.

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Hukuman menyeberangi sempadan Negara... 1. Jika anda menyeberangi sempadan Korea Utara secara haram, anda akan dihukum 12 tahun kerja pecah batu. 2. Jika anda menyeberangi sempadan Iran secara haram, anda akan dipenjara 100%. 3. Jika anda menyeberangi sempadan Afghanistan secara haram, anda akan ditembak mati. 4. Jika anda menyeberangi sempadan Arab Saudi secara haram, anda akan dipancung pada hari Jumaat. 5. Jika anda menyeberangi sempadan Amerika Syarikat secara haram, anda akan dipenjarakan sebagai pengganas. 6. Jika anda menyeberangi sempadan British secara haram, anda akan ditangkap, didakwa dan dihantar ke penjara. 7. Jika anda menyeberangi sempadan MALAYSIA secara haram, anda berpeluang tinggi untuk mendapat:

- Mykad sementara atau - Status PR Penduduk Tetap atau - Kad UNHCR untuk cari kerja - Lesen Memandu - Tempahan Kerja - boleh dapat Kad kredit - boleh buka akaun di mana2 bank - mendapat pendidikan percuma termasuk dalam bahasa Myanmar - Penjagaan kesihatan dgn kos minimal - jika anda wanita hamil boleh bersalin di hospital kerajaan - boleh jadi tauke kedai runcit. - boleh jadi bos bagi orang Melayu - boleh beli rumah - boleh beli tanah free hold - boleh dapat keistimewaan Khas Bumiputera jika anda Islam, berbahasa Melayu - akan dapat hak mengundi (jika ada Projek IC di kawasan anda) - boleh kahwin wanita Melayu lebih daripada satu - boleh guna nama isteri Melayu untuk pinjaman / bantuan bumiputera - boleh buang isteri Melayu dan lari balik ke Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indon - isteri Melayu akan tanggung pinjaman bumiputera - akan dibela parti politik Melayu /Islam,terutamanya UMNOPAS - boleh sertai kumpulan pengganas Salafi / Wahabi / Abu Sayaf

OSTB Conclusion : Jadi apa pula akan berlaku kepada kes-kes pelarian Rohingya yang mana kapalnya sudah selamat sampai di Malaysia tetapi 'ahli keluarga mereka' di sini tidak mempunyai duit baki RM13,000 itu untuk "membebaskan" mereka daripada sindiket seludup Rohingya itu? Takkan pelarian Rohingya itu akan dihantar pulang ke Cox Bazaar? No way. Sudah tentu sindiket seludup Rohingya itu perlu ada tempat sulit untuk 'penjarakan' pelarian Rohingya sambil menunggu ahli keluarga mencari baki wang RM13,000 untuk 'membebaskan' mereka daripada sindiket. Di manakah agaknya "kem-kem tahanan" atau "holding tank" untuk penjarakan pelarian Rohingya yang belum bayar baki RM13,000 itu? Apakah mereka akan di tahan di Ritz Carlton Langkawi? Saya rasa tidak mungkin. Apakah mereka akan ditahan dalam hutan atas bukit yang jarang di patrol oleh pihak berkuasa? Saya main agak-agak saja. And then kalau ahli keluarga pelarian Rohingya itu tidak mempunyai duit RM13,000 macam mana pula? Apa yang akan berlaku? Apakah mereka akan ditanam dalam mass grave pula? Just thinking of the possibilities ok.

Ataupun apakah mereka boleh minta pinjaman jangka pendek (short term financing) daripada persatuan atau organisasi tertentu yang terlibat dengan business seludup Rohingya ini? atau daripada kalangan mereka sendiri, yang sudah kaya raya di sini. Takkan dia pinjam duit daripada Maybank. Dengan kadar interest rate yang berpatutan untuk membayar balik pinjaman duit 'membebaskan' ahli keluarga mereka? You see folks, at RM15,000 satu kepala and 150,000 Rohingya in the country it adds up to RM2,250,000,000.00. Kalau tak tahu baca that is RM2.25 BILLION !! Katakanlah this figure is off by 90%. Say it is only 10% of RM2.25 Billion.That is still RM225 MILLION. That is a lot of money bro. From my knowledge of the Bazaar Ramadan corruption, it was only millions of Ringgit or tens of millions. Yet the corruption went all the way up up and up. This Rohingya human trafficking involves hundreds of millions of Ringgit. This has to involve really high, high people. Nak angkut dalam satu lori pun tak cukup. Kena angkut dengan kapal Rohingya yang besar sekali. - OSTB

Mau turun kat Langkawi dan Selayang...

cheers. Sumber asal: Din wants to rule by fiat... Baca selebihnya di Din wants to rule by fiat...

#Blogger

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nursetina · 5 years ago

Text

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay

AUTHOR’S NOTE:

This article or blog post contains general health information. Whatever medical information that may be found here is in no way a medical advise and should not be treated as such.

You must not rely on this article for medical advise or use this as an alternative to a licensed physician’s opinion. If you have specific questions about this subject matter, or any other health-related matter, kindly consult a physician.

If you are or think you are suffering from any medical condition, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Notwithstanding the fact that I am a registered nurse by profession, I am not ashamed to admit that there’s still a lot about the COVID-19 disease that I have to know much about. It is to be noted that this emerging infection is not as simple or as common as the influenza or flu virus, and the fact that it belongs to the same family of coronaviruses as the flu virus doesn’t make its understanding any easier.

Nonetheless, I won’t let this roadblock prevent me from sharing in this post more about the COVID-19 disease. In this time and age, we can always find for credible information on the internet, which will enable us to learn more about COVID-19, what’s causing it, and what signs and symptoms to look for. This way, we can use all available information to arm us with knowledge that will protect both ourselves and our loved ones.

What causes COVID-19?

The dreaded COVID-19, formerly known as “2019 novel coronavirus”, is caused by a newly discovered strain of coronavirus recently named as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or Sars-CoV-2. To date, there had been more than six 663,000 COVID-19 cases all over the world, more or less one hundred 142,000 recoveries, and more than 30,000 COVID-19-related deaths.

Previously, Wuhan, China was considered the “epicenter” of the Sars-CoV-2 infection in which experts had accounted a total of 81,439 COVID-19 cases, with 3,300 total deaths. Now, the United States of America has surpassed this record, with a total of 123,750 cases and 2,227 deaths. Here in the Philippines (from where I’m from), we have a total of 1,075 COVID-19 cases,

(To browse COVID-19-related statistics per country, visit Worldometer.com)

How can one get COVID-19?

Primarily, the Sars-CoV-2 virus, which causes the lethal COVID-19, may be spread through human to human transmission through any of the following means:

Close human to human contact (known as human to human transmission), when persons are less than 2-meter or 6-feet apart from one another.

Droplet transmission, which is thru respiratory droplets from an infection person’s nasal discharges; and/or

Aerosol transmission, which is through aerial droplets that are suspended in the air, particularly in enclosed areas (This new theory, however, is one of the probabilities being carefully examined by our medical experts.)

Notably, as most of those who had contracted COVID-19 in Wuhan, China were reported to have been exposed to their wet animal markets in the area, experts believe that Sars-CoV-2 is actually a zoonotic virus. This means, transmission can also be made from an animal host to human beings.

Signs and symptoms to watch out for

COVID-19 symptoms may appear within 2-14 days from exposure to an infected person or a contaminated surface. Medical experts urge anyone, who may be experiencing the following symptoms, to seek medical attention immediately and in order to be tested for COVID-19:

Fever

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Other symptoms such as:

Tiredness

Aches

Runny nose

Sore throat

Diarrhea, abdominal pains, and vomiting (may be present in the early stages of COVID-19 infection); and

loss of smell and taste, stomach aches, body aches, and nausea, loss of smell and taste, stomach aches, body aches, and nausea, which were all observed in some COVID-19 patients by specialists

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend anyone with the following emergency warning signs to seek medical assistance immediately:

Persistent chest pain or pressure;

Newly observed confusion or inability to arouse

Bluish lips or face (also known as cyanosis)

However, given the foregoing, one must likewise remember that not all persons infected with Sars-CoV-2 will present such symptoms. These individuals, who are “asymptomatic” may then be carriers of the virus to their families or communities. Thus, it is but more prudent to #stayathome and employ #socialdistancing to prevent contracting or spreading the Sars-CoV-2 to others.

COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses

COVID-19 signs and symptoms are quite similar to those of other common illnesses and diseases some of us might have experienced, such as common colds, flu, and seasonal/allergic rhinitis. Thus, it is important to somehow know their similarities and differences.

Accordingly, let me share with you WebMD’s, CTV News’, and Healthline’s infographics on this:

CTV News

Healthline

What to do?

Now that we have an idea of how this “unseen” enemy works, we can now take necessary steps to avert the spread of infection. As someone living in a COVID-19-stricken country, let me of impart, through this post, ways which our Department of Health had devised as health protocols during this time of crisis:

#1 Stay at home

The stay-at-home (#stayathome) directive of our government is not an empty order. By staying at home, social distancing is increased, consequently slowing the transmission / infection of Sars-CoV-2. As a result, surge in COVID-19 cases may be prevented; the government and health care system will be saved from having to deal with large numbers of citizens contracting the disease.

As I have mentioned in my previous COVID-19-related post, Philippines’ Luzon island is under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) until 14 April 2020. We are not allowed to go out of our homes UNLESS we are going out to buy or fetch our basic necessities. Eventually, what seemed to be an imposed measure among Filipinos had thereafter become an act of willingness on their part. As more COVID-19 cases are being reported everyday, it appears that Filipinos are having greater resolute to end this crisis and flatten the curve of this pandemic.

Nonetheless, if going outside would be unavoidable, make sure to:

a) Bring your own hand sanitizer or alcohol (if any) with you. A

b) Wear your own personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks and/or gloves.

c) Avoid touching your face while you’re out and about.

d) Make it a habit to remove your shoes before entering your house, spray it with alcohol (or Lysol), and put it away on a designated area.

e) Wash your hands thoroughly before going inside the house.

f) And finally, take a shower before joining your other family members at home. (In our household, this is the practice that we adhere to since the start of the ECQ period.)

Image by Mohammad Hossain from Pixabay

#2 Dispose of any personal protective equipment (such as gloves or mask) or PPE at a separate waste container.

Before having these PPE collected for disposal by your local waste or garbage collectors, make it a point to put them in a sealed bag for 72 hours. After doing this step, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly.

# 3 Do frequent handwashing.

According to the Philippine Department of Health, handwashing should last for 30 seconds. If you can’t keep track of time, it is always helpful to sing the “Happy Birthday Song” while washing your hands because this song’s duration is equivalent to the prescribed 30-second handwashing.

#4 Practice Social Distancing

As we discussed earlier, social distancing minimizes the chance of Sars-CoV-2 transmission, which consequently decreases your chance of contracting (or spreading) COVID-19.

For social distancing to be done effectively, make sure to allow at least a 2-meter (or 6-feet) distance from any person you encounter outdoors. This is the safe distance where you are most unlikely to catch respiratory droplets from others. But still, don’t rely on social distancing alone and make sure to protect yourself further by having your PPE on.

At this juncture, may those under self-quarantine (those separated from others and whose movements are resitricted in order to observe if they will become sick) be reminded to strictly follow quarantine protocols. Thus, if your department or ministry of health tells you not to go out of your home and/or mingle with people (yes, including your family members and loved ones), DO IT. And do it even if you are a politician or government official under quarantine!

You wouldn’t want to be spreading deadly diseases and be the cause of other people’s misery, would you?

#5 Be in the know

Who says fake news can’t kill you? From my experience here in the Philippines, many Filipinos panicked after believing unverified reports about COVID-19 and rumors about the government’s alleged plan of putting the entire Philippines under total lockdown.

At this day and age, we have google and the internet to look for credible sources of information about COVID-19 and our government’s measure to address this problem. zhenDon’t let rumors and trolls take over your life or give you the heart attack!

I will be updating all the information I included in this post, should there be newer developments on COVID-19. Until then, I pray that everyone be safe and well during this time of ourbreak.

xoxo,

Tina

If you like this article, feel free to click “LIKE” or post your COMMENT. If you want to read more about LAW SCHOOL TIPS, just click the “FOLLOW” button or follow me over my social media sites by clicking any of the icons found on my sidebar. God bless!

Fighting the “Unseen Enemy”: Flattening the Curve of the COVID-19 Pandemic AUTHOR’S NOTE: This article or blog post contains general health information. Whatever medical information that may be found here is in no way a medical advise and should not be treated as such.

#community health nursing #COVID-19 #Enhanced Community Quarantine #health #health teaching #Lifestyle #Lockdown #public health #public health hazard #Public Service

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abahwrites · 8 years ago

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Broken.

(majorly inspired by Seether – Broken ft. Amy Lee)

Another uprising has appeared in London, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has forbidden any Overwatch activities during the revolution. The Prime Minister fully relied on the British Army, which quickly overwhelmed by the Omnic Forces who attacked the beautiful capital of England as quick as possible, killing many innocent, destroying many architectural wonders of England. It’s the 28th day of the uprising and Omnics knows no rest to eradicate humans once and for all. Aside from the London Uprising, the Overwatch also clouded by rumours and speculations that they couldn’t defend those who in need and is under investigation by the Petras’, in addition to that, another Overwatch official were murdered by an assassin, plus the Blackwatch itself is under investigation by the Japanese officials.

It’s stressed me the hell out. Jack cursed to himself as he watched Angela’s troop carrier dispatched to King’s Row to fend off the sporadic numbers of Omnics who attacking people and British Military alike. I’ll catch Angela as soon as I take care many problems here. He promised to himself as he began to look his archives and documentations on every mission.

There’s one thing that he always keeps to himself, a photograph of him and Angela when they first meet in the Swiss HQ. Ah, peaceful times… with the one and only lover of mine, Angela Ziegler. A doctor, a nanobiologist, a caring friend… the dearest one of all. Jack recalled. She’s too… soft to do anything harsh like I did in the army when I was eighteen. Jack worried about his lover who dispatched without him supervising her.

Upon arriving London, it was all chaos… dead bodies, blood, injured innocents… it was far more harsh than Angela thought would be.

“Mein Gott…” She prayed.

“Let’s get this over with, Angela. We could go home a little faster, and we all will be safe in the end.” Torbjorn uplifted Angela’s confidence.

“Thank you, Torbjorn. Let’s get this over with.” She said, readying her Caduceus staff and blaster to aid those in need in the heat of the battle.

As they stick together in the heat of the fight, many Omnics tried to shoot Angela as she served as the Overwatch leading medic and the only one who can fully-healed those who injured and make them able to fight in no time. Bullet casings were spent, blood spilt on the ground, and Omnic parts were scattered as they explode to pieces.

We’re surrounded…

Help us! The Omnics are too much to handle!

Ammunition is scarce… need reinforcements!

…We’re doomed…

The last part of the radio chatter is the most haunting moments of Angela’s life. It gets unforgettable and more haunting as she heard another chatter from the B Platoon.

… The tank won’t do shit against those anti-air defences! We couldn’t rescue those who inside the King’s Row!

... “A” Platoon, do you copy?!

…Bring the RPG! Bring the RP…

The anti-personnel team chatter was cut by an explosion from an Omnium bomb, the immediate effect kills all within its range… and this shook Angela like an earthquake. Her hatred, mixed with anger and sadness makes her do unmentionable things in the heat of the battle, killing several omnics with her Caduceus blaster that didn’t penetrate much of the Omnic armour plates. Her platoon is doing good within the fight and surrounded many damaged Omnic while Torbjorn slowly took their parts for his turret and giving these omnics a good fight. Haunted by worst possibilities that would likely happen to Angela, Jack began to slip out from the base and head to London by himself and went to search for Angela and the rest of the “C” Platoon, scattered around London. Getting themselves punched by the Omnics in the face, but they didn’t give a care and carry on fighting.

“Cadet Oxton, where’s Angela?!” Jack shouted to the first person that he encountered, the newly recruited Lena Oxton.

“Sir, she’s gone mad and now hunting every Omnic around the perimeter, and she’s below our surveillance,” Lena replied, telling all that happened in before Jack’s arrival. “She’s… nowhere to be found, Sir.”

“Why the fuck did you let that happened, Cadet?!” Jack forcibly grabbed Lena by her shoulders.

“It’s not my fault, Sir. It’s her anger which drove her to do such things.” Lena told Jack, holding her tears. “It might be dangerous… but before she left us… she said that… Angela loves you and beg for your forgiveness about her… madness.”

“Where did you last seen her, Cadet?” Jack said, worried about Angela… and his memories of her that’d be the last.

“She went to central King’s Row to fight and destroy a series of anti-air defences with D and F-2 Platoon, Sir,” Lena informed. “But, that’s what she told me, and after that… I don’t much know where she went, Sir.” She added.

“Led me to D and F-2 Platoon, Cadet.” Jack pleaded Lena to lead him to his angel.

“Roger that, Sir.”

They both stick together to seek Angela in between the King’s Row area while fighting the lesser Omnics and the damaged ones. It wasn’t easy for both of them without any vehicular support and heavy weaponry, but they managed to get into the central King’s Row and found Angela fighting two medium-sized, heavily armed Omnics.

“Angela!” Jack ran towards her as he shot the Omnics and saved Angela’s life while she’s getting herself healed by her Caduceus staff.

“Jack!” Angela shouted from afar while continue shooting these pesky Omnics.

“Are you okay? Are they hurting you so bad?”

“I’m afraid that they didn’t hurt me… Jack! Behind you!” Angela told Jack that she’s fine and immediately informed Jack that there’s an Omnic behind him, ready to shoot. Jack quickly draws his rifle and permanently shutting down the Omnic.

“That’s taken care… Angela!” Jack swept his sweat and told Angela the same thing happened to him.

It was too late.

A bullet finds its nest in Angela’s shoulder, penetrating through her bones, then another one finding its resting place in between Angela’s heart… permanently shutting her off… almost. Jack grabs her hand and holds it dear while it lasts.

“Angela, speak to me! Talk to me, Angela!” Jack’ eyes welled in tears, looking at the Dying Angel.

“I’m so sorry, Jack… I shouldn’t do that thing… I shouldn’t chase them… my anger…” She coughed blood. “My antagonism drove me like a beast… couldn’t contain it…”

“Don’t do this to me, Angela. Don’t do this…” Jack holds her hand, and in all of the sudden, Angela’s spark of life… went away, while she’s crying – begging for Jack’s forgiveness.

She was the last victim of the attack.

Nothing beats the last victim of a fight… nothing beats the hurt when you know that your lover is the last victim of war… against something so troublesome that makes you cumbersome and ruthless at the same time… raging about these attackers being… overpowered. Later that night, when the cremation team arrived, they couldn’t find Angela’s body and left Jack with nothing but her engagement ring and her dog tags. It was Jack’s sole memento of Angela Ziegler. A doctor, a nanobiologist, a caring lover.

It’s almost easy to forget those who died that didn’t matter to you, but it’s goddamn impossible to see… your half is torn apart… broken in pieces… as you walk the earth leaning to something unbalanced… to something you once knew, but it never fixed nor ever get together again. War is surely one hell of a hell, no one’s survived to tell the tale, even those who survived… the hell of it still lit up deep in their hearts.

Jack’s beyond broken at this point as PTSD and Angela’s belongings... succumbs his old age...

This goes to @kazoomiller and @ficfanstrikecommander and most importantly to all Mercy76 shippers out there. Inspired by the new skins and also the new comic. Cheers, folks!

#Mercy76 #Angela Ziegler #Jack Morrison #Overwatch #Writing #Fanfiction

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glopratchet · 4 years ago

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battle-words

Konchu collector "Ah, I have heard of your exploits many times before It is a shame that you are not here to see them though The Konchu are very strong and intelligent creatures and would easily take advantage of the situation if they could But as it stands now we have no one else in our area who can handle this problem other than yourself and me So let us work together to get rid of these pests once and for all! Bloodbath "I'm glad you agree We will be ready when the time comes The Collector leaves you alone with his words and you decide to leave him be until he gets back so you can go on about your business You don't think too much more of what he said but then again he probably was just trying to reassure himself that everything would be alright Operation: catch a gator While its no armor its light enough to not weigh you down and its tough enough to provide some protection, not to mention you've customized it a bit with some assorted straps and elastic bands for when you are holding multiple throwing knives You wake up early in the morning as you normally do and put on your favorite bush out After eating a quick meal of quality street you head out towards the sewer entrance that your clue led you to Bite your toungues these sewers will run red with all your blood After some tracking and information gathering you have found the home base of the reptile gang A rather large entryway to the sewer but certainly well watched, every time they see someone new coming into their territory they attack with intent to kill However since you arrived very early in the morning there are none along their part of the sewers Bite your toungues, Primal ponds crawling with rodents, water beset with lizards Slowly you slink along your path, ready at every turn With deftness beyond compare you avoid the gaze of serpents and evade the step of unrelenting crocodiles Activate upon entering the sewers: Snakes are awakening, hear them hiss Primal ponds crawling with rodents, Gator run and gun, bare hand beat 'em Smash and bash, don't forget T-Bone's bash You arrive at the underneath of a building connected to the reptile gang headquarters and the only way in since the nearest manhole is watched carefully Already holding your throwing knives in your hand you get ready to go in quickly Marking walls with your clues should've gotten us in J's heart Gator run and gun, Hunters heaven turns to hunters hell The sound of an alligator loudly snapped its jaw close to your ear, as you looked behind you thinking a gator had snuck up on you but there was nothing there except the darkness and shadows There was no time to investigate though as you were too busy trying to avoid the spotlight of security guards spotlight searching for intruders Rolling into a nearby alley without conflict, you decide to rethink your plan since wandering into their line of sight again would undoubtedly spell your doom Hunters heaven turns to hunters hell Posionous pair razors during night attacks, rally hordesies when light shows You could head further underground and try to find another way in that isn't as well defended meanwhile risking running out of oxygen, you could sneak back out of the sewers and try to enter through another entrance that isn't guarded as heavily or you could try talk your way in as one of the gang members Dive in deep, play a soaking wet; reptilian rep Posionous pair razors during night attacks, Cold blooded combo king of the wild Sneak or slay? Cold blooded combo, Newlywed game hunter heads deep inside young dragon's den Game on, choose your next step with care You spend the next couple of minutes carefully trying to peek out of the shadows to see if you can spot where the guards are before making your decision Well they aren't greenskins but they might as well be, sneaking in at this point seems really dicey Newlywed game hunter heads deep inside young dragon's den Dragon's tail stay still or trust? You decided since you were already this far that changing up your plans a bit was probably best You told your mentor Captain Jay about your idea and he just let out a few "yeah sounds good uh huh sure's" before ending the transradio communication which made you very worried Later in the night when the gang was winding down from partying and most had passed out you rowed your boat over to the shore just beneath the building Dragon's tail stay still or trust? Or d'oeurve with homies, Blackscales let down your hair The orange light of the nearby street lamps reflecting off the swamp water was the only natural light you had to see to row by so it's no surprise that you were significantly dismayed when you reached your desired location only to find that you had headed to a part of the shoreline that was not only still very well lit but alsohad multiple Blackscales sitting around drinking and singing raucous songs out of beat Or d'oeurve with homies, Dance with dragons bare their fangs; you can't crawl back, you must bust in Approaching the water's edge you did your best to keep out of sight slamming your oar into the soft muddy river bottom to propel yourself forward at a remarkable speed Dance with dragons, Glicaial grinder hacks dragon hide, Butch lets down Bi: Glicaial grinder hacks dragon hide, All you can eat gator and all you can drink blood; join us or be food J-Dog Muddy water splashes your face as you are about to make contact and then suddenly you hear someone close by shout "do you see that? quick as can be you hide under water waiting f or them to pass Nine hostiles, just gotta bide your time hiding in the fluid All you can eat gator and all you can drink blood; with ale and friends, wont be long now, they'll turn up the heat Take cover if you can, boat boy's got thename J-Hos You realise that it was probably Mo who woke everyone up and felt really bad about it You wait for another chance to get a free look at your surroundings before making a break for it when you hear "last call! Anyone else heading back to the dorms or doing an all nighter? Chasing tail with ale and friends, Claw clash bring unmatched force; you're hidden, but they still assess: You've been seen G-d blind 'em, like SHARKS Suddenly several of the Blackscales start making their way directly towards your location and you realise you've got 2 choices; reveal yourself and try to fight your way past them or wait there and try to explain yourself after the five minute interruption is over Only in AMERICAES! can anyone level up just by posting! Claw clash, Tiger-sharq flies high in sky, pecks black soul Fire special tonight: burn baby burn! J-dog Blackscales start going back to sleep "alright you lot make some noise if you want breakfast in the morning" Mo says and stumbles away towards the dorms leaving you with a perfect opening Option 1: Strike now, towards the dorms? More foes, but softer enemies Tiger-sharq flies high in sky, Rival clash never second rate; fight soft, land hard, mislead the dead Rival clash, bring winner's badge; hit now, types may clash Jat'hana You grab your oar again and quickly row away from the shore to avoid being seen by any late sleepers or early risers You have a clear shot at the patio AND you won't have to deal with any Blackscales on the way there! After landing and sneaking inside the Jones's residence you cross your fingers and pray that nobody saw you arrive Better play it safe than sorry Beast not quite busted, Brute force might win the day but stealth is the key for a reason so you'll need to proceed with caution Also, just found out that posting this will start replacing the numbers! Bible back, our faith grows strong; push up and in, word fist, rip out theirons WIN Brute force might win the day but stealth is the key for a reason so you'll need to proceed with caution Break head count, strikebone; powers play, swing share You're getting good at this hiding in plain sight stuff, Mo must have been a big influence on you Back when he first joined hordes of the dead he stashed his bike in a garage Perfect place for making sure no one saw you arrive Break head count, Break back outfox foe; steep overstrike, jack shall woe Wandering the halls you happen upon a staircase headed straight down and decide to follow it since chances are it might lead you to a good place to start looking (As good as anywhere really) Wyrm fights dumb- blood simplest tool; strike home quick, tongue venom fast J-Sle Slogging litres of water every day can really quench your thirst! Break back, Shiny penny warms heart without fire For-profit fun? The Lord and You agree! Door reads " Conference Room B" Not wrong, but not right either, the penny warms the gruagag's heart! Wyrmling wedge wend, weave blind web weak Taint tears tide, words ignite, shed shine scary oil slick slow sly sly snare Got it! Shiny penny warms heart without fire Capture writhecrunch, burn book splinter; all grain angels beckon, lost yell learn law Jonavor What kind of twisted language is this? Bend knee in greed, harsh brew heal hide Flog foe formed front, loot lash to stern fronted lord judge jury pledge connect prose torn Capture writhecrunch, Tail carve trust bud, moan luck trust; soften sneer gold hard sigh core sorn I give up! Sorry, trying to decipher this is giving me a splitting headache Guess you guys are better off not knowing what the shadows are up to! Tail carve trust bud, Break horns hang gold gloss; ghost glory on, tusk torque reign straightJat'hana You come to the end of a hallway and find a strange device that looks somewhat like an old phonograph This looks awfully familiar Pour open book pits vipers; play ride air ship shoe Jat'hanna Spin tails flip scroll; word ward up fierce dull goods Peering through the lens: things become much clearer! Break horns hang gold gloss; Break chest hit pots love; moot point ward, foot path ward, set thought lantern bright joy Are those jars of spiders and snakes? What kind of sick Pigpen created this mess! I'm half tempted to see what becomes of those poor mushrooms after they're agitated by all these live reptiles! Even at the expense of giving Vic a strokes, this whole thing reeks of Mo Break chest hit pots love; Mouth carve tour sway judge; dust oath law drop fix forge Might could be good to remember that last line Time to continue your search of the place Such glee creating this thing, can't believe no hoodlum dare touch! From one madman to another Jata, from one madman to another Find best pals pile heads troves; burn then bath bench boot steal crave sofa blend brew big bed hops Mouth carve tour sway judge; Top body carve wring bone; land gain belly, dumb hair glow dawn Any idea what any of this means? Join hidden flip tail bash; blood mud banks spray laugh stalk hairy cash hay sorry rash ash match grip hum friends Stay! Play! Fire burn gold bug house bricks Kids! Yep, sounds like kids enjoying themselves, and according to the next riddle, there's someplace fun to be had in here Top body carve wring bone; Lower body carve Grim quartet hook worm fence; hang land gain rail cart sparks sorry rash find shed splatter lash pits ash play, harness body taps play mash bring, flick mock toss prowl prowl gold bright, floss dance hum friend Peddle chips push grime whip hone; heel jay junk mock job coat plugs sky shine blue find lane learn downs know lanes ring rows best shoes! This is so odd Those poor kids are used as laborers Grim quartet hook worm fence; Fur fixation bust black pelt; coal fast lane star chuck spark junk tame mail Sow Fat chance mill knit brow; oil huge plug potash gold wrath pump token pink stink push shin pies raw coin Probably should get out of here before I make a mistake z shift roof bleat splat calm rash long lash mark; vow vowels wool shale blot soft coil, well well donge honk slope mound halt Stop what? Fur fixation bust black pelt; Lab parnters trump flash dash groom leash; sand fast burn flat drop ; (up) bulb loop snot vow pews fleece latch shank crown There are definitely two sets of tracks up ahead, and there's a fork just after where the tunnel splits into three paths It seems the paths continue in parallel for a short while, criss-crossing each other repeatedly before re-joining this main passageway at staggered intervals Lab parnters trump flash dash groom leash; Beyond brawn force ring rust dare dust site die; lip lock vow shadow rift bank vow hone hack cherry ridge lash cod hole flash grin fast This entire area all the way down the passageway and into the tunnels beyond has been dug through and clogged with these crustacean type creatures It's been stuffed with a very dense flesh that's toxic to humans, at least for long periods of time ---o--- THE END! Another Birthday, another little story, simple as that Beyond brawn force ring rust dare dust site die; Drops of Nausea has some pretty darn interesting sets of riddles leading to one, of four different endings, and getting there is half the fun Since there are multiple riddles ; (and their answers can potentially offer a number of outcomes) it's possible to get some insanely stupid results if you don't pay attention, mainly due to poor Jata Drops of Nausea has some pretty darn interesting sets of riddles leading to one, but which of us is perfect? waw that's different Never pegged you as a romantic but Oh! The story! Right! Anyway, this collection of riddles definitely wasn't one of the major breadwinners for the company ; (though back in earlier years it probably accounted for half of starting income regularly) It was probably the hardest one to do, conceptually There are a couple more of these adventured based riddle quests, but not many and none of the rest are in the same style I'm not following What about drops of nausea? *facepalms* Riddles? Nevermind That explains quite a bit actually Basically, he's a salesman with an over-active imagination and physical aspirations The individual releases rarely did that well, it was only when we bundled the trilogy together into one game that people seemed to really go for it Remember we did that With the othe rilogy games you worked on ; (on a much smaller scale obviously) Hell, combining all of your releases probably accounts for over half of our total income at this point OK, sure, but considering some of the stuff I've worked on lately, you'd think that they'd be able to rival these riddle games in terms of revenue if sold separately Right? I mean aren't there hentai games that are simpler than what ive been making for the past few years? (Sigh) The otaku market is a bit of a gamble at the best of times, and while some of these games are critically praised, they're not exactly titles that most people would buy given the choice ; (then again, 90% of everything is like that : Again it's tough to justify large expenditures of time and money to expand such a specific genre so you're saying that I'm going to be making these for several more years? Well we do have a steady base, and When they aren't harping on about their /guaranteed/ internal innovations or personal artistic vision ; (Though really, it's hard to argue when you have so many people who want the same thing over and over again), these guys are pretty easy to work with You get used to the foibles of the fanbase of a franchise

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latestnews2018-blog · 6 years ago

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The Greatest Crisis Of My Generation Is Now A Dystopian Game Show

New Post has been published on https://latestnews2018.com/the-greatest-crisis-of-my-generation-is-now-a-dystopian-game-show/

The Greatest Crisis Of My Generation Is Now A Dystopian Game Show

The most excruciating minute of the series premiere of “Paid Off” ― truTV’s new game show that offers contestants the possibility of a life free of student debt ― comes near the end, when Madeleine, a graduate of North Carolina’s Davidson College, walks up to the middle of the stage as the only player to make it to the show’s final round.

Madeleine, who is saddled with $41,222 in debt, has the chance to wipe it all away in an instant, should she answer eight trivia questions correctly over a 60-second period. Before the final round begins, the show’s host, Michael Torpey of “Orange Is the New Black” fame, stops to ask her what her dream life would look like if she were to magically rid herself of the tens of thousands she owes.

“Right now, I live in a tiny little loft apartment with my boyfriend and my dog,” Madeleine answers. “I would love to marry my boyfriend and move into a home with a yard.”

If “Black Mirror” is a dystopian glimpse at where society is headed, “Paid Off” is an even more horrifying peek at where it already stands. Maybe on another game show in another era ― say, the “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” of the early 2000s ― Madeleine would have dreamed of a McMansion, or a fancy car, or a trip around the world on a luxury cruise. But this is the United States of America circa 2018, and Madeleine is one of the more than 40 million Americans struggling to get out from under a collective $1.5 trillion in student loan debt.

For Madeleine and the millions of other people like her, just getting back to zero would be a reason to celebrate.

In 2014, truTV rebranded itself as something of a comedy outfit, a switch reflected in the channel’s slogan, “Funny because it’s tru.” With “Paid Off,” it’s clear truTV is testing the furthest limits of that concept. The show is packed with all the zany hallmarks typical of a network game show: the bright lights, the stylized lecterns, the studio audience ― it’s all there. In other words, “Paid Off” is supposed to be fun and funny.

But if “Paid Off” has any chance of becoming a hit, it will be for more sadistic reasons, however unintentional. That much is apparent from the top of the show, when Torpey tells Madeleine, “You have the most debt. You get to pick first.” No matter how gently Torpey puts it, he’s also clearly laying out the stakes for the three people across from him: Win or remain indebted.

Like it or not, this is the world we live in now: people’s pain being set to a laugh track for all of us to enjoy. “Black Mirror,” eat your fucking heart out.

The decision to develop a light-hearted game show around something so suffocating and personal as student debt seems an odd proposition. Watch the show, and whatever reasoning propelled “Paid Off” to TV doesn’t become much clearer.

The brightly lit stage has an almost cartoonish feel as the three debt-ridden contestants stand near an image of Lady Justice; meanwhile, Torpey appears in front of a vault, presumably there to represent the contestants’ prospective financial freedom. If that doesn’t get the point across clearly enough, the words “Paid Off” appear in black-and-green on the walls and floor. Animated dollar bills rain down the set’s digital screens.

The actual game part of the show comes off as a slapdash afterthought. There is little innovation here, and a lot it is wholly derivative. It’s three rounds, mostly comprising trivia, some of the either-or variety with a bit of “Family Feud”-style guessing in between. Categories include “Finger The Masters,” “Sick Burns,” “2 Fast or 2 Furious” and “Goodfellas or Thomas & Friends.”

The questions are so basic (can you name “the ‘-ology’ that studies illegal activities and the people who commit them”?) that you realize early on what separates “Paid Off” from a show like “Jeopardy.” Here, testing your intellectual rigor isn’t really the point.

Torpey does what he can to reassure those of us at home struggling with student debt ourselves that he’s laughing with us, not at us, during the admittedly ridiculous affair unfolding on-screen. At the top of the first episode, which aired Tuesday, he relays his and his wife’s own struggles to rid themselves of her student debt, which they were only able to do after he booked an underwear commercial earlier in his career.

He made this show for those out there still struggling with debt, he says. And hey, no contestants are punished for wrong answers. In fact, everyone leaves with at least $1,000. After one contestant’s elimination, he receives a card meant for Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) that says “Keep It Up,” which Torpey wants the audience to sign. (Warren is a well-known advocate for student loan debtors.) Another was told to make a call (almost undoubtedly fake) to Congress before he departed. At the end of each episode, Torpey implores viewers to call their representatives too.

But watching the greatest crisis of my generation play out in the form of a half-hour comedy game show feels, if not wholly exploitative, too bizarre to ignore. The corny drum rolls, the sound effects, all of it makes you wonder whether this show will go on to humiliate a debtor or two before all is said and done. But then again, what’s a momentary loss of dignity compared to the prospect of waking up with a clean financial slate?

“Paid Off” works hard to keep the mood light, so much so that at times you forget what’s at stake for the people on stage. That is, until you see Nico ― an education major from William Peace College with $17,350 in debt ― throw his head back in frustration when he loses out on a once-in-a-lifetime chance at total debt relief in the first round. He’s a good sport, but what’s really underneath that smile?

The same goes for Jay, who looks to the sky and prays (semi-jokingly) at the start of the game, only to bow out in the second round. In one particularly questionable bonus segment, a man in the audience with $36,538 in debt to his name is invited to punch a wall multiple times while circus music plays in the background, earning him $1,000, a melon and a sandwich. What, exactly, is fun about this?

If you’re feeling kind, “Paid Off” could be described as a PSA masquerading as a good time, the sort of thing freshman life-skills teachers throw on when they’re feeling lazy on a Friday. Or, you might describe it as a freakish example of capitalism owning itself. After all, we’re watching three grown adults grapple with the fact that this impossibly idiotic show is their best hope of solving the biggest economic problem in their lives.

As depressing as it is to watch the whole ordeal unfold, it’s also difficult not to wonder whether “Paid Off” is destined to be canceled and forgotten ― or to be the first of many. We already live in a GoFundMe world, where only those lucky enough to go viral get help with their insurmountable bills. So why not tack on a “Wheel of Fortune” for medical debt? Or a “Family Feud” for foreclosure? Hell, I’d even watch a “Deal or No Deal” for child care costs.

By the time Madeleine steps up for her 60-second shot at a clean slate, she has already won $3,600 and is all smiles. But that doesn’t make it any less agonizing to watch her as the lights dim and the clock starts. It doesn’t make it any more bearable when she doesn’t realize Denver is the “mile-high” city that legalized retail marijuana and that Dr. Dre’s full name is Andre Young.

And it certainly doesn’t make it any easier when the clock stops, and Torpey has to inform her that she came up one answer short of answering eight correctly. If only she had known the answer to that Jane Goodall question. Oh, well. Maybe next week’s finalist will successfully climb out from beneath her debilitating pile of Navient-managed debt.

It’s not all bad though. Torpey informs her that she still won $24,211, enough to cut her student debt by more than half. “I know it’s not everything,” he says to her.

“It’s a lot,” she replies.

They hug, and Madeleine seems happy. After all, not everyone is lucky enough to win a student-debt game show on truTV.

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benrleeusa · 6 years ago

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[Eugene Volokh] Candidate for Oklahoma Legislature Sues Over Sealed Mystery Libel

Carl Parson is running in this month's Republican Primary for the Oklahoma House of Representatives (District 8), as the one candidate challenging the incumbent. Two years ago, he ran as well, unsuccessfully.

During the 2016 campaign, Don Farley apparently wrote a letter to the local Chamber of Commerce that Parson thought was libelous, so Parson sued for libel. Political candidates are generally free to do so, though to win they have to show that the speech was a knowing or reckless lie and not just a careless error. Besides damages, Parson also seems to be seeking an injunction ordering Farley not to say anything about Parson; Parson's complaint states, in relevant part (emphasis added),

Plaintiff alleges that there exists a likely probability of success on the merits of his claim for libel and/or false light; that irreparable harm and injury to Plaintiffs business reputation, and public confidence will be denied if an injunction is not granted; that it will not prejudice the Defendant to order him to refrain from any further statements about the Plaintiff; and, the public policy of Oklahoma as specified in [the statute defining libels] prohibits such defamatory statements and publications being made as alleged herein by the Don Farley.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays judgment against Defendant Don Farley for damages, punitive damages, costs, temporary and permanent injunctive relief, and any such other relief as this Court may deem just and proper ....

That sort of injunction would not be permissible, but perhaps a narrower one, that would only ban repetition of statements specifically found to be libelous, might be permissible.

Of course, all this one might lead an observer to ask: What is this alleged libel that would lead the candidate to seek such a mighty remedy? Is it really libelous? Might it be opinion rather than a factual assertion? Might it be an accurate factual assertion? What does the decision to sue over this reveal about the character of the plaintiff?

But the observer in this case would be frustrated, because the libelous allegation has been sealed by order of the court. When Parson's lawyers filed the lawsuit in Oklahoma state court, they moved to seal the attachment to the complaint that contained the alleged libel. The state court agreed, and when the case was removed to federal district court (because the parties are citizens of different states), the federal court inherited the seal. Now later documents in the case, such as defendant's motions to dismiss and to compel, and plaintiff's exhibit to his response to one of defendant's motions, are sealed, too.

Such litigation in the dark is generally not allowed in the American court system, especially as to such central matters in a case. The same is true of libel cases, which are almost always litigated without sealing. Yet in recent months I've found several libel cases that have been partly or even completely sealed, and I'm trying to get them unsealed. I blogged in November about my motion to unseal in one such case; the court recently granted that motion, and I hope to write more about that soon. Just today, I sent in a similar motion to unseal the material in Parson v. Farley (thanks to my student Jenny Wilson for her help with it), seeking an expedited decision because of the impending election. Here is the heart of the argument:

When a political candidate is publicly criticized, and responds with a libel lawsuit, members of the public naturally have an interest in learning more about the case. Is the claim legitimate, or not? Is the alleged libel best characterized as an opinion or a factual assertion? If it is a factual assertion, is there evidence to support the assertion? If plaintiff is asking for an injunction suppressing the defendant's future speech, is the request justified?

In nearly every libel case litigated in this country, citizens—and journalists who write to inform citizens—can begin to answer these questions by reading the open court record. But in this case, the public cannot effectively analyze any of these questions because the sealing order blocks access to the speech that underlies the case.

Of course, the primary responsibility for answering these questions belongs to this Court and a future jury. But as Richmond Newspapers, Inc. v. Virginia, 448 U.S. 555 (1980), makes clear, the public need not blindly trust judicial processes based on secret records. "People in an open society do not demand infallibility from their institutions, but it is difficult for them to accept what they are prohibited from observing." Id. at 572. "A result considered untoward may undermine public confidence, and where the trial has been concealed from public view, an unexpected outcome can cause a reaction that the system at best has failed and at worst has been corrupted." Id. at 571. This is true not just of access to in-person proceedings, but also of access to court records. See Section II below. And access is particularly important in this case because the plaintiff is running again for the Oklahoma House of Representatives (as he had been when the allegedly libelous statement was made in 2016), and he will be on the ballot in the June 26 primary.

Proposed intervenor Eugene Volokh is a law professor who writes for the Volokh Conspiracy, a prominent legal blog hosted by Reason Magazine (http://www.reason. com/volokh). He would like to have access to the full record in this case so that both he and members of the public may better understand (1) the plaintiff's allegations that the defendant had libeled him, (2) the basis for the plaintiff's apparent request for the extraordinary remedy of "order[ing the Defendant] to refrain from any further statements about the Plaintiff," (3) the defendant's arguments for why he should prevail, which appear to be set forth in his motion to dismiss or for summary judgment, ECF No. 46, and (4) the full basis for this Court's Apr. 3, 2018 order, ECF No. 56, rejecting the defendant's sealed motions to compel, ECF No. 47. And Volokh anticipates that members of the public may be interested in just what allegations would prompt a candidate for office to try to suppress citizen speech, by punishing the speech with a damages award and forbidding future speech using an apparently extremely broad proposed injunction.... The public has a common law and constitutional right to access these records; the Letter is the basis for the complaint, and the other sealed filings articulate the parties' competing legal and factual arguments....

[I.] A motion to intervene is the proper tool for third parties to challenge a sealing order, and Volokh has Article III standing to intervene

"The courts have widely recognized that the correct procedure for a nonparty to challenge a protective order is through intervention for that purpose." United Nuclear Corp v. Cranford Ins. Co., 905 F.2d 1424, 1427 (10th Cir. 1990). The same is true of sealing orders. "[P]ermissive intervention under Rule 24(b) is an appropriate procedural vehicle for non-parties seeking access to judicial records in civil cases." Flynt v. Lombardi, 782 F.3d 963, 967 (8th Cir. 2015); see also, e.g., SanMedica International v. Amazon Inc., 2015 WL 668022, *2 (D. Utah Nov. 2, 2015).

And Volokh has standing to intervene to unseal records, just as Harvard law professor Rebecca Tushnet was found to have such standing to intervene to unseal records in SanMedica. Were it not for the sealing order, Volokh would be able to "gather information" from the full and unredacted version of the complaint and "disseminate [his] opinion on it through [his] blog." Id. at *3. This "is a sufficient allegation of injury in fact," id., and it also shows redressability, because unsealing the document would "make information public and redress [Volokh's] First Amendment injury," id. at *4—since the letter in the complaint "would be made public if the court granted [his] Motion to Unseal," Volokh's "injury is likely redressed by a favorable decision." Id.

Because this is a case seeking the unsealing of a document, rather than seeking to vacate a protective order, Young v. Glanz, 2018 WL 1588026 (N.D. Okla. Mar. 31, 2018) is not on point. When an intervenor challenges a protective order that restricts the speech of the parties, lifting the order might not redress the intervenor's injury: Perhaps none of the parties would want to talk to the intervenor even in the absence of the order. Indeed, that was the basis for this Court's decision in Young—the intervenors did not show redressability, partly because they did not offer evidence of a "party's willingness to disseminate" the materials to them. Id. at *7.

But here, Volokh is seeking access to the court record. An order lifting the seal would redress his inability to access certain documents, because he would get the documents directly from the court file, regardless of the parties' preferences. SanMedica, 2015 WL 668022, *4.

[II.] The public has a presumptive right to access the Letter, the defendant's motions, and the plaintiff's affidavit attached to his response to one of those motions

"A party seeking to file court records under seal must overcome a presumption, long supported by courts, that the public has a common-law right of access to judicial records." Eugene S. v. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of N.J., 663 F.3d 1124, 1135 (10th Cir. 2011). In addition to this common-law right of access, there is also a First Amendment right of access to court documents in civil proceedings. The Supreme Court has expressly held that there is a First Amendment right of access to criminal trials, Richmond Newspapers, 448 U.S. at 573, and courts have concluded that "the justifications for access to the criminal courtroom apply as well to the civil trial." Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. v. FTC, 710 F.2d 1165, 1178 (6th Cir. 1983). "[T]he First Amendment does secure to the public and to the press a right of access to civil proceedings." Westmoreland v. Columbia Broad. Sys. Inc., 752 F.2d 16, 23 (2d Cir. 1984); see also Matter of Continental Illinois Securities Litigation, 732 F.2d 1302, 1308 (7th Cir. 1984) ("the policy reasons for granting public access to criminal proceedings apply to civil proceedings as well"). "Public access to civil trials also provides information leading to a better understanding of the operation of government as well as confidence in and respect for our judicial system." Publicker Industries, Inc. v. Cohen, 733 F.2d 1059, 1071 (3rd Cir. 1984).

This right extends to "pretrial court records" as much as to trial proceedings. Mokhiber v. Davis, 537 A.2d 1100, 1119 (D.C. Cir. 1988); see also Lugosch v. Pyramid Co. of Onondaga, 435 F.3d 110, 124 (2d Cir. 2006) ("there exists a qualified First Amendment right of access to documents submitted to the court in connection with a summary judgment motion"); Republic of Philippines v. Westinghouse Elec. Corp., 139 F.R.D. 50, 56 (D. N.J. 1991) ("[p]ublic access to court records is protected by both the common law and the First Amendment"). The Tenth Circuit has not yet ruled on whether such a First Amendment right of access exists in civil cases, see United States v. Pickard, 733 F.3d 1297, 1302 n.4 (10th Cir. 2013), but the body of precedents from other circuits—indeed, the view of every circuit that has passed judgment on the question—counsels in favor of recognizing such a right.

In any event, whether under the common-law right of access or under the First Amendment right of access, Volokh is entitled to access to the documents in this case. "Parties should not routinely or reflexively seek to seal materials upon which they predicate their arguments for relief, particularly dispositive relief." Lucero v. Sandia Corporation, 495 Fed. Appx. 903, 911 (10th Cir. 2012). A complaint, by definition, is material on which parties predicate their arguments for relief, Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(a), and the sealed Letter was attached to the complaint. Without the Letter, the plaintiff's libel claim would not exist. "A complaint, which initiates judicial proceedings, is the cornerstone of every case, the very architecture of the lawsuit, and access to the complaint is almost always necessary if the public is to understand a court's decision," FTC v. Abbvie Prods. LLC, 713 F.3d 54, 62 (11th Cir. 2013)—and the Letter, as the basis for the supposed entitlement to relief in this case, is a key part of that cornerstone.

The right of access also extends to defendant's motion to dismiss, plaintiff's affidavit attached in his response to that motion, and likely to defendant's motion to compel. When exhibits or other documents "directly bear on a dispositive issue," "a strong presumption of public access applies." Fish v. Kobach, 2017 WL 4422645, *5 (D. Kan. Oct. 5, 2017) (so holding as to "exhibits at issue in this case [that] were attached to the motion for summary judgment"). The documents here offer the public an opportunity to understand the plaintiff's and defendant's versions of events, and to understand the court's decisions to deny the motions to dismiss and compel. They are "materials that formed the basis of the parties' dispute and the district court's resolution," and the presumption of openness therefore applies to them. Baxter Int'l Inc. v. Abbott Laboratories, 297 F.3d 544, 548 (7th Cir. 2002).

The nature of the plaintiff's request for relief strengthens the presumption of access. The plaintiff is apparently requesting a permanent injunction that would order the defendant "to refrain from any further statements about the [p]laintiff."

Such an injunction would almost always be improper: "[A]n injunction must be specific about the acts that it prohibits," and may prohibit, at most, unprotected speech, such as libelous statements. McCarthy v. Fuller, 810 F.3d 456, 461 (7th Cir. 2015). Indeed, the Seventh Circuit in McCarthy reversed an injunction precisely because of its "excessive breadth," given "that it order[ed] [defendant] to take down his website, which would prevent him from posting any nondefamatory messages on his blog; it would thus enjoin lawful speech." Id. at 461-62. But even if this Court may ultimately decide to craft a narrower injunction, the plaintiff's request heightens the public's interest in seeing what could possibly lead a candidate for public office to seek such a drastic remedy.

"[T]he First Amendment goes beyond protection of the press and the self-expression of individuals to prohibit the government from limiting the stock of information from which members of the public may draw." First National Bank of Boston v. Bellotti, 435 U.S. 765, 783 (1978). Because of this, "an injunction against speech harms not just the speakers but also the listeners." McCarthy, 810 F.3d at 462. The voters in the plaintiff's district, who have a First Amendment right to listen to criticism about their political candidates, would be especially harmed by such an injunction. And this strengthens the presumption of openness because "mistakes in civil proceedings may be more likely to inflict costs upon third parties"—here, interference with their First Amendment rights to consider allegations about political candidates—"therefore meriting even more scrutiny." Grove Fresh Distributors, Inc. v. Everfresh Juice Co., 24 F.3d 893, 897 (7th Cir. 1994). "If the charge is proven accurate, the public should have access to that information; if the charge [is] unfounded, the public should be made aware of that fact as well." Anderson v. Home Ins. Co., 924 P.2d 1123, 1128 (Colo. App. 1996).

[III.] Plaintiff's claimed injury to his name and reputation are not sufficient interests to overcome the presumption of openness

Before the public's First Amendment right of access may be infringed, "it must be shown that the denial is necessitated by a compelling government interest, and is narrowly tailored to serve that interest." Globe Newspaper Co. v. Superior Ct., 457 U.S. 596, 607 (1982). Even under the somewhat less demanding test applicable to the common-law right of access, "the public's right of access . . . is presumed paramount." Ramirez v. Bravo's Holding Co., 1996 WL 507238, *1 (D. Kan. Aug. 22, 1996), and anyone supporting the sealing of a case "must articulate a real and substantial interest that justifies depriving the public of access to the records that inform our decision-making process." Helm v. Kansas, 656 F.3d 1277, 1292 (10th Cir. 2011).

Such an interest has not been articulated here. "[A]n effort to avoid embarrassment or harm to the reputation of parties . . . is certainly not a compelling reason to grant a confidentiality order." Daines v. Harrison, 838 F. Supp. 1406, 1408 (D. Colo. 1993). "[I]njury or potential injury to reputation is not enough to deny public access to court documents." In re Neal, 461 F.3d 1048, 1054 (8th Cir. 2006); see also Doe v. Public Citizen, 749 F.3d 246, 269 (4th Cir. 2014) ("We are unaware . . . of any case in which a court has found a . . . bare allegation of reputational harm to be a compelling interest sufficient to defeat the public's First Amendment right of access. Conversely, every case we have located has reached the opposite result under the less-demanding common-law standard."); In re Southeastern Milk Antitrust Litigation, 666 F. Supp. 2d 908, 915 (E.D. Tenn. 2009) ("neither harm to reputation . . . nor conclusory allegations of injury are sufficient to overcome the presumption in favor of public access").

Part of the reason why reputational harm does not justify a seal is that the danger of reputational harm is commonplace in court proceedings—yet "the asserted interests for sealing cannot be generic interests that would apply with equal force to every case." United States v. Apperson, 642 F. App'x 892, 903 (10th Cir. 2016). It is true that, if the allegedly libelous statements are included in public court documents, the media might report on those statements when reporting on the case, and this might further injure the plaintiff's reputation. But that is equally true in "every case," except perhaps in the few where the libels had already been very broadly publicized.

Under plaintiff's theory that "he would be irreparably harmed by additional publication of the Letter and its contents but for" the sealing order, virtually all libel cases would be litigated with the key underlying allegations kept secret. If reputational concerns justified secrecy, any defamation plaintiff could demand secrecy, which would leave the public in the dark as to just why courts are being asked to restrict speech.

Indeed, the same reputational arguments for secrecy could be made not just by libel plaintiffs, but by defendants in a wide range of other intentional tort cases, who might seek to seal plaintiffs' allegations for fear of "irreparabl[e] harm[]" to the defendants' reputations. And of course some criminal defendants might then prefer to have all the allegations against them being tried in secret as well. Yet the First Amendment and common-law rights of access to court records forbid that.

[IV.] This motion should be considered on an expedited basis, because of the impending June 26 primary, in which plaintiff is on the ballot

Volokh requests that this Motion be considered quickly because the state legislative primary election is scheduled for June 26, and the plaintiff will be on the ballot as the incumbent's only challenger. Residents of Oklahoma's 8th House District, especially, have a right to access the Letter and other sealed documents because those documents may help them determine whether or not they want to vote for the plaintiff. And Volokh has an interest in disseminating information about the case in a timely fashion, while it is especially newsworthy. (His plan is to write about it on his blog at the Reason Magazine site, and also alert local media as soon as his article is published.)

"The newsworthiness of a particular story is often fleeting. To delay or postpone disclosure undermines the benefit of public scrutiny and may have the same result as complete suppression." Grove Fresh Distributors, 24 F.3d at 897. And "any First Amendment infringement that occurs with each passing day is irreparable"—"delay itself is a final decision." Nebraska Press Ass'n v. Stuart, 423 U.S. 1329, 1330 (1975); see also, e.g., Travelers Prop. Cas. Co. of Am. v. Las Vegas Township Constables Office, 2013 WL 3975664, *11 (D. Nev. Aug. 1, 2013) (granting—one day after filing—an emergency application to intervene and unseal filed by a media entity covering ongoing pretrial proceedings).

Volokh would have filed this motion sooner had he known about the sealing order or this lawsuit, but he did not learn of the case or the sealing order until late in the evening Tuesday, May 29, when he ran a Bloomberg Law query and this case appeared in the search results. Declaration of Eugene Volokh, ¶ 4. He then realized on the morning of Friday, June 1 that plaintiff is running again in the 2018 primaries, and that there is therefore an urgent need to get the documents unsealed. Id. at ¶ 5. He then submitted the motion to this court by next-day delivery on Monday, June 4....

Conclusion

Volokh has a First Amendment and common-law right to access the court record in this case, which includes the Letter, the defendant's motion to dismiss, the plaintiff's affidavit attached to the response to that motion, and the defendant's motion to compel. Without these materials, Volokh and Volokh's readers cannot fully analyze the controversy in this case. And the plaintiff's desire to conceal the allegations against him cannot justify the seal. For these reasons, Volokh asks that the sealing order be promptly lifted.

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