#prince tiberias

[marecalshipper]

im sorry to say it but Maven Calore is the type of guy who would’ve kicked a dog

[imperatrice21]

Finally, after a month, the first chapter of part of my new Red Queen fanfiction series, 'From Shadows to Flames,' is out.

FIRST CHAPTER OF MAVEN DOESN'T BETRAY MARE FANFICTION:

🔗 Wattpad 🔗 Archive of Our Own 🔗 Fanfiction.net 🔗 Quotev

[baldwinivmybeloved]

↷　　🦋 Charper Two　　❜　　

The morning dawned with a faint golden glow, gently caressing the river where Xica washed King Baldwin IV's clothes. The water ran fresh and clear, carrying away the worries of the previous day. Xica was lost in her thoughts as her skilled hands scrubbed the royal garments. She was the only one who volunteered for this task, for she did not fear the leprosy that afflicted the king.

As she worked, Xica couldn't help but think about Baldwin IV. What lay behind the mask he always wore? Could he be someone handsome, with deep eyes and a captivating smile, or had the disease ravaged his face beyond recognition? She had never been able to see him clearly, and this uncertainty fueled both her curiosity and her fears.

After finishing the laundry, Xica headed back to the castle. On the way, she met her adoptive brother. Although they were not blood siblings, they had been brought together as slaves to the king of Jerusalem's castle. Their differences were evident; he was strong and silent, while Xica was thoughtful and full of life.

"Reynald de Châtillon is becoming more abusive," her brother said, his voice laden with concern. "Although he is not our owner, he constantly beats us and harasses the other maidservants."

Xica felt a wave of disgust and anger. "That man repulses me. If I could wield a sword, I would slit his throat without a second thought, but I know they would kill me instantly."

When it was time for dinner, Xica helped her mother and the other maidservants distribute food to Tiberias, Princess Sibylla, Guy of Lusignan, and Godfrey. While serving, her thoughts wandered to young Prince Baldwin V, who had had to leave due to his illness. She deeply missed savoring his food and personally bringing him his dishes.

She also thought of King Baldwin IV, who rarely ate with his family or officials, possibly to prevent anyone from seeing his leprosy-ridden face. This self-imposed solitude moved her, intensifying her curiosity and compassion for him.

After dinner, Xica retreated to the servants' quarters, where she locked herself in to write poems. She poetically reflected on love and whether she could ever stop being a slave to live freely with her mother and brother. She wondered if she had ever felt love for any man, remembering how many desired her body and tried to court her. Even Godfrey, with sweet words, had attempted to win her over, but she could only see him as a master.

Her thoughts wandered to King Baldwin IV. She had seen him few times, bringing dinner to his room or seeing him pass quickly through the halls. His presence made her heart inexplicably race, and his voice seemed deeply attractive to her. Any woman who could marry him would be very fortunate, Xica thought. That night she wrote several love poems to the king, but upon finishing, she hid them carefully. She knew that if anyone found them, her life would be in danger.

A memory invaded her, taking her back to her childhood in France. She recalled when her father taught her to use a sword and to read and write. Her life changed abruptly when they had to flee with her mother, or rather, the woman she considered her mother. This woman had previously been a slave of her family, but after her father's execution, they fled together and ended up in the castle of Jerusalem. It was a difficult time, but they were fortunate to be well-received and to live relatively well.

Before sleeping, Xica knelt beside her bed and prayed to God. She begged for her freedom, to be loved, and to experience true happiness. With each word, she felt like she was releasing a piece of her soul, hoping that someday her wishes would come true.

The night covered the castle of Jerusalem with its dark mantle, the stars twinkling as silent witnesses to the desires and secrets of its inhabitants. Xica curled up in her bed, her heart still pounding after her prayer. She closed her eyes, letting sleep take her away from her reality, if only for a few hours.

At dawn, the castle's routine resumed its usual course. Xica, always diligent, rose early and began her tasks. Despite her fatigue, there was an unbreakable determination in her, fueled by her secret dreams and hopes.

That morning, while Xica swept the great hall, she heard voices coming from the corridor. She recognized the deep voice of Reynald de Châtillon and that of other nobles. She stayed apart, trying not to draw attention. Reynald passed near her, and for a moment, their eyes met. Xica felt a chill run down her spine. There was a cruelty in his eyes that terrified her.

"It’s only a matter of time before something terrible happens," she thought, gripping the broom handle tightly.

She finished her tasks and headed to the castle garden. This was one of the few places where she found respite from the day's turmoil. She sat by a fountain, letting the sound of the water calm her thoughts. She closed her eyes and remembered the days of her childhood when she ran freely through the fields of France.

"Xica," a soft voice called behind her, interrupting her memories. It was her mother, who approached with a worried expression. "Are you alright?"

Xica nodded slowly. "I was just thinking about home… in France."

Her mother sat beside her and took her hand. "I know it's hard, daughter. But we have to be strong. Here we are together, and that is the most important thing."

Xica nodded, grateful for her mother's comforting presence. They spent a few moments in silence, enjoying each other’s company, until the sound of hurried footsteps alerted them. It was her brother, his face full of concern.

"Xica, mother, you must come quickly," he said, his voice breathless from the rush. "There are problems in the courtyard."

They rose immediately and followed her brother. Upon reaching the courtyard, they found a group of servants and slaves gathered in a circle. In the center, Reynald de Châtillon shouted orders and waved his sword disdainfully. One of the servants lay on the ground, injured and bleeding.

Xica felt a surge of fury. She wanted to intervene, but her mother gripped her arm, reminding her of the danger of acting recklessly. Reynald continued to rant, his face distorted with anger and cruelty. The servants, terrified, did not dare move.

Finally, Tiberias appeared, imposing order with his mere presence. "Reynald, that’s enough," he said firmly. "These people are not your toys."

Reynald shot a defiant look but stepped back, muttering curses. The servants quickly dispersed, helping the injured one up. Xica felt a knot in her stomach. She could not bear to see more injustices, but she knew she had to be cautious.

When everything calmed down, Xica returned to her tasks, although her mind was far from at peace. She thought about Reynald's cruelty and the vulnerability of her position. She felt a burning need to do something, to change her fate and that of her loved ones.

That night, after a long day of work, Xica retreated again to the servants' quarters. She sat at her small table and took out her parchments and ink. She began to write, not only love poems but also about the injustice she saw around her. Her words were her refuge and her form of resistance.

As she wrote, an idea began to form in her mind. Perhaps, through her writings, she could find a way to help others, to make her voice heard in a world that seemed determined to silence her. She carefully stored her parchments, aware of the danger she faced if someone found them.

Before sleeping, she knelt beside her bed again. Her prayers were more fervent than ever, asking not only for her freedom and happiness but also for justice and the well-being of those she loved. She promised herself that she would find a way to make a difference, no matter how small.

With this new determination, Xica closed her eyes and let sleep take her away. She knew the road would be arduous and dangerous, but she was willing to face it. After all, hope and love were the most powerful forces she had, and with them, she could endure any adversity that fate put before her.

Fragment of the poem Baldwin, King in the Distance Baldwin, king in the distance, hidden behind veils of distance and shadow, your eyes, though never seen, ignite in me a deep flame. Your voice, a whisper in the night, a melody that caresses my restless soul, could your words be the key to unveil the mystery of your heart? Though leprosy steals your face, your spirit shines with invincible strength, like a lighthouse in the storm, guiding me towards impossible dreams. In my solitary nights, your name is my solace and my prayer, and though I may never touch you, I hold you in every verse, in every rhyme. Loving you is my secret and my refuge, a love pure, expecting nothing in return, and as I write these lines, I dream of a day I may see you, beloved. Baldwin, my king and my sorrow, my heart belongs to you in silence, and as the moonlight fills my window, I pray for your freedom, as I do for mine.

Hello ! Hello! Her dear author speaks, this book has been something very new for me, it is not the first time I write but I wanted to bring my works to this platform, mainly this one I hope you like it and I am open to any questions, suggestions or whatever I want you later, my mailbox will always be open

[maventheforgotten]

I hate so many characters in the Red Queen series. I understand it's a book (and these are fictional characters) and absolutely no hate to the author it's an amazing series, but on like a personal real-life I hate them. To anyone who doesn't want to hear how I hate a specific character, you can skip their part. Also understand these are my OPINIONS and understanding of the characters if you disagree you are free to tell me but understand I have the right to disagree with you as well.

Anabel Lerolan grandmother to both Cal and Maven and my absolute least favorite character. She makes me so mad mainly because she makes no attempts to save Maven from his mother. Anabel knew and saw what Elara did to Coriane and hated her for it but yet when Elara shows signs of doing the same thing to Maven she looked at Maven as Elaras son, not her grandchild who was being forced at such a young age to go through the same pains that caused the death of an adult women then has the aducaity to blame Maven for everything that happened.

Julian Jacos is next on this list for much the same reason. He saw what was happening but viewed Maven as the son of Elara instead of a boy who needed someone to step in much as his sister did. I understand why it would have been hard especially after Elara cut out Sara's tongue but even spending time with Maven making sure he understood he wasn't alone was all he needed to do. (This part goes with Anabel as well.)

Evangeline Samos just annoys me because I think she's a self-centered, selfish brat who can only get over herself when family or her girlfriends are involved. She did have some character development at the end but for me it was to late for her to be saved.

Mare Barrow is riding in the same boat as Evangeline but on a whole other level. I despise her to put it simply. In the beginning, she is obnoxious, self-centered, and blankly disregards the feelings of others for whatever she believes to be right. She also has attention seeking behavior and throws a fit when it doesn't go how she wants it. The main example I see of this is when Cal chose the crown. There has been a major debate on this sceen and what he was thinking but for my stand point I don't seem him chosing the crown just to be King but I see him chosing the crown to be HER king. When Cal tries to explain his reasoning to Mare, she refuses to accept and leaves. She had the right to be upset with his decision but not to claim she was not enough for him.

Tiberias "Cal" Calore VII I don't have much to say about. I don't hate him. I just felt he had a right to be added to the list. I think he's okay, and he's trying his best to be a good person despite what he grew up around. I don't like that he ignored the signs he saw from Maven and Elara's relationship, but he was just the prince and a kid for most of it, and at least he never gave up on Maven.

Tiberias Calore VI we didn't see much of but I have no love for him. He was depicted as a drunk and neglective father who was to caught up in the loss of Coriane to really pay attention to either of his sons and obviously favored Cal the son of his late wife. I do think he loved Maven he just didn't know how to be a father to someone that wasn't Coriane's son.

Elara Merandus is a bitch and I hate her. She was mentally abusive and hurtful to Maven from a young age. She manipulated his views of his family members and made him dependent on her and deserved her death. I don't have anything else to say on her.

None of this makes anything Maven did right or any less his fault. I'm just saying at all of these character except Cal and sometimes Mare want to throw all the blame on Maven. It's not just his fault- someone should have done something to help him before it got out of hand. This was all a rant I had to my friend and just felt like letting the internet know about. Remember these are OPINIONS- so it's cool to disagree but be respectful and know I didn't see the book the same way you did.

[whousestypewriters]

THE SILENT COURT

blurb:

a stolen throne, a girl with her eyes set on revenge, a prince fighting for his fathers approval and cream buns (thank you blaire).

six years ago the kingdom of nystra was taken over from the king and queen of ziivera after the royal family perished in a castle fire. they built the mourning kingdom back up and strengthened its resources, bringing peace to its ailing citizens in this dire time. king tiberias and queen annabelle have raised their children to be the next doting rulers of nystra hoping to re-build the legacy that the royal birnett family left behind.

except thats a lie.

my name is aurelia birnett, i am the leader of the slient court and i'm going to ruin king tiberias and his family for what they did to mine. i am the silent queen and i will get my revenge.

tropes:

enemies to lovers, found family, knife to throat, elemental magic, masquerade ball and more (i just cant remember them rn lmao)

[church-history]

Battle of al-Buqaia 1163 A.D.

(Battle of al-Buqaia, miniature by Jean Colombe from Sébastien Mamerot's book "Passages d'outremer")

In the Battle of al-Buqaia in 1163, the Crusaders and their allies inflicted a rare defeat on Nur ad-Din Zangi, the Emir of Aleppo and Damascus. King Amalric I led the army of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, together with contingents from the northern Latin states, a substantial body of pilgrims who had just arrived from France, and a force brought by the Byzantine governor of Cilicia. For the Christian forces, this victory only gave a brief respite from the sustained Muslim offensive.

(Emir of Aleppo, anon French illumination)

Nur ad-Din proved to be one of the most dangerous enemies the Frankish kingdom had ever faced. Starting out as Emir of Aleppo, he steadily increased his territory at the expense of his Muslim and Latin neighbors, until he gained the great city of Damascus in 1154. He seriously defeated the Crusaders at the Battle of Lake Huleh in 1157, but fell very ill immediately afterward. This event allowed the Franks a chance to recover and, with the help of Thierry of Alsace and an army of pilgrims, to capture Harim castle later in the year. However, an attack on Shaizar failed when Reynald of Châtillon, the Prince of Antioch, quarreled with the other Franks. Consequently, Shaizar soon became the property of Nur ad-Din. In 1158, Thierry and King Baldwin III beat Nur ad-Din at Butaiha, northeast of Tiberias. The year 1160 saw the capture of Reynald, who spent the next 16 years in Nur ad-Din's dungeons. In December 1161, the Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Comnenus married Maria of Antioch and this event gave Antioch a strong protector in the emperor.

(Knight of the Cross attacking Saracens at the battle of al buqaia, late 12th c. mural painting, chapel of Cressac, Charente, France.)

Both Amalric and Nur ad-Din soon became aware of the weakness of Fatimid Egypt, whose government had fallen into a state of decay. After the assassination of Caliph al-Zafir and a series of palace coups, Shawar seized power in 1162, was soon deposed, and appealed to Nur ad-Din for help. Neither the Latin king nor the Muslim emir could afford to let the other capture the rich prize of Egypt. Accordingly, Nur ad-Din sent his lieutenant Shirkuh with an army to support the Egyptian vizier.

While Shirkuh campaigned in Egypt, Nur ad-Din mounted an offensive in Lebanon. Following Latin policy, King Amalric took an army to support his northern vassals, Bohemund III of Antioch and Raymond III of Tripoli. Fortuitously, a large group of French pilgrims led by Hugh VIII of Lusignan and Geoffrey Martel, the brother of William IV of Angoulême, joined the king of Jerusalem. In addition, Konstantinos Kalamanos, the governor of Cilicia brought his Greek warriors to assist the Crusaders. Nur ad-Din was no match for such a formidable combination of enemies and his army suffered a defeat near al-Buqaia (located between Krak des Chevaliers and Beqaa Valley, in modern-day Akkar District, Lebanon). Both Muslims and Franks were impressed by the fighting qualities of the Byzantine soldiers. The negative result of al-Buqaia only made Nur ad-Din more keen for revenge.

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

15th April >> Mass Readings (Except USA)

Monday Third Week of Eastertide 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

First Reading Acts of the Apostles 6:8-15 They could not get the better of Stephen because the Spirit prompted what he said.

Stephen was filled with grace and power and began to work miracles and great signs among the people. But then certain people came forward to debate with Stephen, some from Cyrene and Alexandria who were members of the synagogue called the Synagogue of Freedmen, and others from Cilicia and Asia. They found they could not get the better of him because of his wisdom, and because it was the Spirit that prompted what he said. So they procured some men to say, ‘We heard him using blasphemous language against Moses and against God.’ Having in this way turned the people against him as well as the elders and scribes, they took Stephen by surprise, and arrested him and brought him before the Sanhedrin. There they put up false witnesses to say, ‘This man is always making speeches against this Holy Place and the Law. We have heard him say that Jesus the Nazarene is going to destroy this Place and alter the traditions that Moses handed down to us.’ The members of the Sanhedrin all looked intently at Stephen, and his face appeared to them like the face of an angel.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 118(119):23-24,26-27,29-30

R/ They are happy whose life is blameless. or R/ Alleluia!

Though princes sit plotting against me I ponder on your statutes. Your will is my delight; your statutes are my counsellors.

R/ They are happy whose life is blameless. or R/ Alleluia!

I declared my ways and you answered; teach me your statutes. Make me grasp the way of your precepts and I will muse on your wonders.

R/ They are happy whose life is blameless. or R/ Alleluia!

Keep me from the way of error

and teach me your law. I have chosen the way of truth with your decrees before me.

R/ They are happy whose life is blameless. or R/ Alleluia!

Gospel Acclamation John 20:29

Alleluia, alleluia!

‘You believe, Thomas, because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.

Alleluia!

Or:

Matthew 4:4

Alleluia, alleluia!

Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Alleluia!

Gospel John 6:22-29 Do not work for food that cannot last, but for food that endures to eternal life.

After Jesus had fed the five thousand, his disciples saw him walking on the water. Next day, the crowd that had stayed on the other side saw that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that the disciples had set off by themselves. Other boats, however, had put in from Tiberias, near the place where the bread had been eaten. When the people saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into those boats and crossed to Capernaum to look for Jesus. When they found him on the other side, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’

Jesus answered:

‘I tell you most solemnly, you are not looking for me because you have seen the signs but because you had all the bread you wanted to eat. Do not work for food that cannot last, but work for food that endures to eternal life, the kind of food the Son of Man is offering you, for on him the Father, God himself, has set his seal.’

Then they said to him, ‘What must we do if we are to do the works that God wants?’ Jesus gave them this answer, ‘This is working for God: you must believe in the one he has sent.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[tazzmanian-devil]

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[niashaf]

☆Home☆

▪︎▪︎/▪︎▪︎/▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

"Hey, ever wondered why we're so adamant on trying to find Earth?"

That question seemed simple. I looked at Hestia.

"Well, I guess it's to help the Residents return to their home which would help overpopulation and maybe to satisfy our curiosity too?"

She smiled and nodded. We were sitting in the back of Heidy's pickup truck, surrounded by boxes of her recent harvest, my little brother Tiberias and my friends. Of course, not all of us were in the back. The girls, Hestia's friends were in the backseat. Hestia decided to sit there with me, a bit further away from us, of course. She says it's not very 'ladylike' to be sitting so close to guys. I think that was a nicer way to say we stink. Not like she could blame us, though.

We had just finished helping Heidy harvest her orchard and were heading to the night market. She's my caretaker and basically a second mother, so obviously I'm gonna help her.

The wind was strong as always. The afternoon warmth felt colder. It's always cold in Eclipsaris. Sometimes I would see a neighbour pass and we would wave. Sometimes an entire herd of goats would pass and it was like they were all trying to say hi too. Haha. I loved the look on Carl's face when one of the goats bleated at him. He's used to living in the city. I, despite being a prince, got to experience both worlds.

We made it there eventually and started to set up the stall. I'm glad the whole gang's here. Usually they would go home to their kingdoms but since it's a short break they decided to crash at Heidy's place. She didn't mind. She actually loved the company.

"The house is so empty and lonely without you two," she would complain. She's probably even happier that there's a lot of girls too. I don't know what they talk about but I hope Hestia doesn't drop some embarrasing moments mid-conversation.

Anyways, we finished setting up the stall and got all the products displayed. There were fruits like candyapples, tintberries, dodecafruits, and berries. Then there was also veggies and products made from the garden like loofahs, jams, cordials, candies and cookies. It's kinda amusing that Heidy makes a lot of sweet things but she's always nagging at us to eat healthy. Then again, the things she sells are healthy just sweet.

It was about four in the afternoon and we were waiting for customers. Some were already lining up so we got to work. Some handled the money, Kaden yelled at the top of his lungs to attract customers, and some were resting or exploring the market while waiting for their shift.

I was tasked with cashier duty. Nine kids and an adult is definitely not needed to handle the stall.

Why did I even have that thought?

Suddenly Heidy tasked the girls to go to her real store in town to handle customers there. We were currently in town square so the distance wasn't that long. Heidy went with them so what do us guys do while the ladies are gone?

"COME ON, COME ON, FRESH FROM THE BRACHES AND STRAIGHT TO YOUR PLATE!" That was the thing Kaden decided to yell at the market. Nico was stifling his laughs while Carl looked like he was about to burst.

Customers actually came and they bought a lot of stuff. The candies were the most popular. Unfortunately it was popular for Kaden too. I had to slap his hand away from the confectionery section too many times. Tiberias decided enough was enough and he tied Kaden's hands together.

Carl handled explaining whatever the customers wanted to ask. As an experienced individual, some people have the weirdest and most unnesscary questions for a fruits and vegetable stall.

There wasn't really much happening today. Just five guys trying to sell some stuff. Oh but after we closed the stall, we all went out to buy ice-cream at the shop. Really last minute by the way. Stores in this area close early. We watched cringe cartoon movies just to roast it while eating our tubs of ice cream. It was fun.

But there was a part that just... stuck.

While cleaning up, I managed to talk with Hestia. Mostly about how her day went. Tiberias watched us to make sure we weren't doing anything funny (of course we wouldn't but it's a precaution the parents put on us ever since they found out about the 'incident' at school not involving us of course).

"You know, I wanna be a star sailor."

"You do?" I asked.

"Yeah."

"I thought you wanted to be a lawyer."

"Eh, dreams change. But seriously, aren't you curious about what's out there? We found so much yet so little of our world let alone outside of it." She smiled a little when she said that. "Did you think about my question earlier?"

"Not really."

"Well, I find it... cute that we are trying to find Earth to help some aliens return home or at least let them know where home is. Doesn't it make you think what home really is?"

"You mean?"

"Residents have made a home here. Yet they have a home there too. I guess it's like us. Where we grew up is our home but then we get sent to boarding school and that became a home too."

"So... you're saying that home isn't a place? I've figured that out a while ago."

"Well... what makes a place a home then?"

I pondered that for a while. Tiberias was already dozing off on the table.

"If it's taking too long, I can answer," she said. "For me, home is a home because of a person. And right now, I feel at home."

She turned to me and smiled before dashing off. I didn't understand what she meant by that but there's a self-centered voice in my head telling me something.

Does she feel at home with me?

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

This is a little oneshot of my characters. Hoped you enjoyed! Feel free to comment on how I can improve! :>

[imjulia-andilikecats]

How would it be if Maven was the eldest brother? I'm really curious ����. Imagine him being crown prince but people would probably like Cal more because of his strategic mind and charismatic personality. The thing that I'm wondering is, how would Maven's personality be? How would that affect his relationship with his parents?

Jon: *moves chair 2 inches to the left*

Good question, I will now dump my mind vomit on you but in a sorta sorted kind of way.

First of all, how would Maven be the older Calore and Cal being the younger Calore play out?

In this timeline, Tiberias VI married Elara after she was selected in the Queenstrial.

Their marriage is very formal and loveless, but they don't resent each other (yet.) A year later, Maven was born. He was described as, "A small, pale child with striking blue eyes and a small tuft of dark curls sprouting at the top of his head. His face scrutched up in anger, sqealing at the hands of the midwife. The little prince only silencing once the Queen held him against her breast. "

The birth of his son brought Tiberias VI with satisfaction and relief. In addition, he could finally be with the woman he longed desired, which was Coriane of House Jacos.

It was a surprise to most of the people in court of the King's choice of consort. As Coriane was a simple beauty from a small house.

Elara did not appear upset with his choice of lover as they already have a son and heir. Seeing her as a toy for her husband to use and be bored of soon.

Coriane and Elara were rarely seen attending the same event or speaking to each other casually. Which was enough proof that neither women were fond of each other.

In less than two years, Tiberias VI and Coriane's love bloomed into a baby boy, named Cal Jacos. "Cal was a large, fat baby with cheeks as plump as apples, eyes as bright as embers and a laughter that echoed warmly through his mother's heart. The jolly child was filled with energy, his hands reaching for his father's fingers, a pround smile spread across his face."

Maven and Cal's Childhood

Crown Prince, Maven Merandus Calore, was four years old when he first meet his half-brother, Cal Jacos, who was only two years old at that time.

It was an amusing site, seeing the younger Calore follow his older brother. His chubby hands outstretched, excitedly waiting for a hug.

The young prince, awkwardly held his baby brother's hand, lightly shaking it in greeting. The awkward gesture made the young Calore chuckle in glee, wrapping his short, chubby arms around his older brother.

In response, Maven patted his head, not knowing what else to do.

Maven and Cal's childhood dynamic is something you would compare to a Leader and Follower relationship. Maven likes talking and telling people what to do and Cal was an obedient child,so he does what his older brother say, cause it makes him happy and it makes Cal happy.

Maven plans a prank on one of his teachers, he then uses Cal to do the dirty work. Since Maven was the crown prince and Cal was an adorable toddler, they only got a light tap on their wrists or no reprecussion at all.

Their relationship was not perfect but they were content.

The First Crack

As time passes, each boy started to develop their own interest. Maven under the guidance of his mother, has shown great understanding in court politics and is an eloquent speaker. Earning endless praise from his teachers and other lords and ladies in court.

Cal, although baring only his mother's name and held no royal titles, was still given the same lessons and training as Maven. Elara was not pleased with her husband's decision. Wasting time and resources on her son's little servant. Her disapproval echoed on her son, who was annoyed at his father for doing so and felt jealous that his father is more involved with Cal's education.

Cal is a fast learner. Quickly pick up the day's lesson and eagerly studying for the next. If he finds a lesson being challenging for him. He would approach his mother, his Uncle Julian and his older brother Maven for help (Maven likes being asked for answers, it makes him feel smart, but sometimes he would slam the door at Cal).

The Cracks Widen

Years past, both boys started to take on more difficult lessons, as well as physical training. With each honing their specialized skill.

Maven with his sharp wit and clever words. Could neutralize disagreements in court and set terms that were mostly favorable to him.

Cal with his strategic mind combined with his physical strength earned him praise from the other Silver elites and a satisfied nod from their instructor.

Even Prince Maven, never earned one or even a raised brow from him.

One day, Rane Arven wanted to see which was the stronger Calore. Maven insulted to be paired with someone younger and less experienced. Cal was nervous but eager, to prove himself.

Their sparing commenced, Maven taken on the offensive, throwing fireballs at Cal, nearly burning his little brother's brows in the process. Cal in turn, dodged each one with calculated steps, each move got him closer and closer to Maven, til he corned his older brother and burned his shoulder.

Maven fell to his knees with pain, his burnt suit sticking to his skin, adding to the scorching pain.

"Healer!" Prince Maven yelled to anyone.

But no one moved, even their instructor. Even Cal.

"Send me a healer! Are you deaf, Arven?" Maven hissed at his instructor, gripping his arm, covered in burns and was starting to drip blood.

"Did your little brother broke your legs as well, my prince?" Rane asked flatly

Maven fell silent. His pale cheeks turning a bright silver, as his looked somewhere else. "No."

"Then you can walk yourself to the infirmary, your highness." Their instructor motioned his hand towards the exit.

Maven stood with unsteady legs.

"Maven." Cal called out to him, his voice a laced with guilt. "Let me-"

Cal's sentence cut shot, as Maven turned towards him. Blue eyes glaring through his black curls, mouth twisting in a bitter snarl. They stared at the each other for a moment. Then Maven walked away.

"Cal Jacos." Cal looked up to his instructor.

"Yes?" His voice unsure, not knowing what to expect.

Rane Arven's usual plain face decorated with a half-smirk.

"Well done." His voice echoing through the training room. The echoes reaching Maven's ear.

Through the Years

As the Calore boys grew into their strengths. So was the distance. They barely talk to each other. Maven finding ways to prevent his brother from approaching him. Surrounding himself with his crownies from house Arven, Merandus and Samos.

Even if it was only Maven and Cal, the older Calore did little to hide his annoyance. Making snide remarks about his name, his mother and his strange uncle.

Cal, although hurt from his older brother's words, still hoped that they would still get along.

The Front

Both Calores were sent to Corvium, where they see first hand the on-going war between Norta and the Lakelands.

Maven having not much interest in war strategy, struggled in the Choke. To add insult to injury, he watched as his little brother charmed most of the soldiers and military personels with his brilliance.

His time at the Choke only made tolerable with the presence of his new found friend. Thomas.

However, due to the explosion caused by a Lakelander assassin. Prince Maven had to travel back to Whitefire palace. The king and queen, worry for their heir's safety.

Which left Cal in the front. As he grew into a fine soldier and a vital part in Norta's military strength.

Cal Jacos was given titles and medals for his contributions, but a letter was handed to him by a high ranking general.

Coriane Jacos, his mother, was gone.

The Final Straw

Consort Coriane's mysterious death cause a strong ripple of grief to those who loved her and was loved by her.

Cal stayed in his bedchamber for hours on end. Barely talking.

On the other hand, Prince Maven although was not close to the late Consort, he still visited Cal in his room. So he could talk to him, console his little brother. He knew how it felt to lose someone dear to him and that kind of grief broke him.

After so many years, they were together again, even for a moment.

A few weeks after Coriane's burial. The King held a small banquet with his family and close advicers.

Cal was seated closer to his father than the standard protocal. Which puzzled Maven and alarmed Elara.

Tiberias Calore VI, in honor to his beloved consort. The love of his life, annouced Cal Jacos' legitimacy before the small court.

In the king's drunken grief, he unknowingly severed the string he had with his older son and heir. Causing a stain in Maven's competency as future king and a power struggle between brothers.

Start of Red Queen Timeline

Over a year, since Cal becoming a legitimate son of house Calore.

The bond between brother was nearly gone. Maven shown blatant dislike towards his little brother. When they are alone together. Maven never fails to point out Cal's flaws, how gullible he is and comparing him to a lap dog who was eager to please.

In public events, Maven would pretend to be a loving and caring brother. Who under the facade of a perfect older sibling, still manage to deliver backhanded remarks that only Cal and a few of Maven's crownies would understand.

Maven's cruel words, his mother's death and his father's expectations slowly took a toll on Cal's self-esteem. Even with Cal being half a head taller than Maven and larger in built. He still moved quietly and carefully around him. Keeping his mouth shut, as he fear that he might say or do something that he might regret.

However cold Maven was, Cal never stopped hoping that they will be brothers again.

As Maven took on the role of his father's unofficial adviser. His focus gearing towards ending the growing rebel group that was slowly becoming a nuisance to the crown. His father, still in his druken grief, only cared for the war between the Lakelanders and invested more on his little brother's plans.

While Maven was busy trying to reason with their father. Cal was busy, going out at night to see the small red villages and bumping into a curious looking girl with stealthy hands.

How the First Book would play Out in this Dynamic

After Mare's shocking entrance. Mare was presented to the royal family. Tiberias wanting her dead and any footage of her erased. While Elara reasoned that Mare might be of use to them in the long run. Which spared her for now.

Maven chimed in that Cal should wed her, since he was the reason she fell in the shield in the first place. Cal only looked away, embarassed. While Mare glared at Maven for his suggestion.

In a short period, the young Prince Cal, started to develop deep feelings for Mare.

Mare felt attraction towards him as well, but knows that he can't find out that she is with the Scarlet Guard.

Maven and Elara are aware of her being part of the Scarlet Guard. Not because Maven pretended to be her friend. Elara simply read her mind and wanted to gather as much information from Mare, about the scarlet guard and newbloods.

If we are still going for a Love Triangle

Maven annoyed with his fiancée, Evangeline Samos and his father still disregarding his advices.

Prince Maven decided to take it out on his little brother, who was clearly smitten with Mare.

Maven pretended to befriend Mare, in the hopes of making his brother jealous because "he was given everything and he didn't deserve any of it."

Mare at first was cautious, given he was the son and heir to the throne and dislikes him, for his obvious resentment towards Cal.

But Maven played the stressed older brother, whose achievements gets overshadowed by his younger brother.

Mare understood the feeling all too well and they bonded over that.

Maven, overtime, started to appreciate Mare's spontaneous nature and he likes how genuine Mare is around him. He starts to see why his brother is attracted to her.

Mare and Cal got along well, and you know for a fact that they would sneak around to dance.

Mare likes Cal, enough that it made each letter, each Scarlet Guard meeting more diffucult to seat through.

Once the Scarlet Guard attacked, Mare quickly snuck away and went into hiding. After the damage done, Maven finally convinced his father into getting rid of the Scarlet Guard.

Maven would command Cal in organizing a search and arrest of Mare Barrow and other Scarlet Guard members. As well as secretly searching for newbloods like her, to turn into weapons for war.

Cal would then track down Mare, with the hopes of convincing her to leave the Scarlet Guard and come back to him.

Mare, Farley, Shade and the other newbloods manage to go as far as breaking into Corros prison where Maven held the newbloods. (No Silver Elites since Maven is the rightful heir in this timeline.)

Mare and the others manage to free most of the newbloods. However, Shade gets killed by Ptolemus and Mare gets capture, as she try to hold off the Sentinels while the others escape.

The conflict between the Calore brother rises, as the other would disagree on how their prisoner will be treated. Cal would prefer "talking" her out of being a rebel and Maven would threaten her for more information while having "tense" moments with her, since he is still attracted to her.

Mare on the other had will be stubborn and only hope that she'll get rescued soon.

[dfroza]

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures

for the 5th of december 2024 with a paired chapter from each Testament (the First & the New Covenant) of the Bible

[The Book of John, Chapter 6 • The Book of 2nd Samuel, Chapter 11]

along with Today’s reading from the ancient books of Proverbs and Psalms with Proverbs 5 and Psalm 5 coinciding with the day of the month, accompanied by Psalm 75 for the 75th day of Astronomical Autumn, and Psalm 40 for day 340 of the year (with the consummate book of 150 Psalms in its 3rd revolution this year)

A post by John Parsons:

"I feel like crying all the time. I don't want to die, I just don't want to live anymore, if that makes sense. I hate who I am, I can't change it though..." - anonymous teen in a discussion group

Dealing with the Demonic...

Though the Scriptures teach that the realm of the demonic exists, we encounter its presence most usually in thoughts and feelings that entice the soul to act selfishly and to entertain evil and self-destructive imaginations. That is where the battle begins. In the mind. The monster that tempted Eve in the Garden got into her head long before she bit into the fruit from the forbidden tree. And unless we are on guard against the variegated insinuations of godless insanity, we are liable to be under its influence as well...

You might think that demonic oppression is something extraordinary that requires the ministrations of an exorcist, but before such intervention may be necessary, the mind has been captivated by evil and deranged thinking. Such thinking may have its origins with a demon named "worry," or "shame," or "unworthiness" or "anger." Or they may come from rationalizations or excuses that attempt to console the ego. But a common strategy of the devil is to supply plausible ideas that are designed to deceive us and lead us astray.

Everyone is a theologian of sorts. The difference, however, is whether you are a good theologian or one who is swamped with muddled thinking about what is real. As C.S. Lewis once said, "Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason, because bad philosophy needs to be answered. The cool intellect must work not only against cool intellect on the other side, but against the muddy heathen mysticisms which deny intellect altogether. Most of all, perhaps we need intimate knowledge of the past."

The devil doesn't care if it is a "holier-than-thou" theology, or a murky mysticism of "absolute tolerance," or a smarmy disavowal of faith in God altogether --- he is equally pleased with the sensualist as well as the atheist, indeed, he is content with any distortion of the truth, for this enables him to "feed" his deluded ego as the "Prince of Darkness." His goal, however, is the same: to devour his victims in darkness and to enslave their hearts in a nightmare...

In a way, dealing with evil thinking is unremarkable. After all, the airwaves of mass media continually disseminate lies, disinformation, and godless thinking in countless formats and by various diabolical stratagems. Whenever we encounter the demonic affecting us, then, we should not panic or be scandalized, but must instead reaffirm the truth of God and resolutely submit to his will (James 4:7). Sometimes this means contradicting the lie by quoting Scripture, offering praise to the Lord, and asking our Heavenly Father for deliverance. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to command the evil spirits to silence their blasphemies and to cease their intrusions. If we find ourselves going out of control emotionally, we are giving ground to the devil. The best tactic is to stay calm and re-center our focus on the Lord who is always present. There is shalom - that is, healing, wholeness, and soundness of mind - as we regain awareness of the greatness and the beauty and the glory of our God.

[ Hebrew for Christians ]

========

Psalm 3:3 reading:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/psalm3-3-jjp.mp3

Hebrew page:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/psalm3-3-lesson.pdf

12.4.24 • Facebook

from Today’s email by Israel365

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

[ongole]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Mon April 15th, 2024 ... Monday of the Third Week of Easter, Year B

Reading 1

_________

Acts 6:8-15

Stephen, filled with grace and power,

was working great wonders and signs among the people.

Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen,

Cyreneans, and Alexandrians,

and people from Cilicia and Asia,

came forward and debated with Stephen,

but they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.

Then they instigated some men to say,

“We have heard him speaking blasphemous words

against Moses and God.”

They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes,

accosted him, seized him,

and brought him before the Sanhedrin.

They presented false witnesses who testified,

“This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law.

For we have heard him claim

that this Jesus the Nazorean will destroy this place

and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”

All those who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him

and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Responsorial Psalm

___________________

119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30

R. (1ab) Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

or:

R. Alleluia.

Though princes meet and talk against me,

your servant meditates on your statutes.

Yes, your decrees are my delight;

they are my counselors.

R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

or:

R. Alleluia.

I declared my ways, and you answered me;

teach me your statutes.

Make me understand the way of your precepts,

and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.

R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

or:

R. Alleluia.

Remove from me the way of falsehood,

and favor me with your law.

The way of truth I have chosen;

I have set your ordinances before me.

R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

or:

R. Alleluia.

Alleluia

______

Mt 4:4b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

One does not live on bread alone

but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

_________

Jn 6:22-29

[After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.]

The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea

saw that there had been only one boat there,

and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat,

but only his disciples had left.

Other boats came from Tiberias

near the place where they had eaten the bread

when the Lord gave thanks.

When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there,

they themselves got into boats

and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus.

And when they found him across the sea they said to him,

“Rabbi, when did you get here?”

Jesus answered them and said,

“Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me

not because you saw signs

but because you ate the loaves and were filled.

Do not work for food that perishes

but for the food that endures for eternal life,

which the Son of Man will give you.

For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.”

So they said to him,

“What can we do to accomplish the works of God?”

Jesus answered and said to them,

“This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said,

“It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.

Acts

The movie “Cabrini,” shows Mother Frances Cabrini and her sisters fixing up a ramshackle building in one of New York’s worst slums so they can house and feed the desperately poor immigrant orphans they came to serve.  When they move to a bigger property, Mother Cabrini even digs s a well late at night.

These scenes came vividly to mind when I read today’s passage from Acts in which the apostles say that “it is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table,”

My first reaction was a snarky “Really???” We farm girls weren’t raised to think that hard work and helping others were beneath us. But prayer is important too.

We need  to ask iwhether service and prayer are mutually exclusive and whether one is higher than the other. What does Jesus teach us?

At the Last Supper he washed the feet of these same men who seem to think serving at table interferes with prayer – not the lesson I draw from that episode. On the other hand, Jesus told Martha to stop fussing at Mary for not helping because she chose to spend time with him. We can conclude that Jesus values both prayer and service.

Perhaps the best solution is to integrate prayer with service and to regard service as a form of prayer since most of us can’t turn work over to a community like the apostles did. I think of the years when I picked up my crabby, hungry kids and prayed for the pasta to cook faster. Sometimes I even remembered to offer up their bickering as I tossed the salad.

Starting your day with a quick morning offering of all your “prayers, works, joys and sufferings” is a great way to turn your crazy day over to God.  

Our lives need to incorporate both prayer and service. The trick is to find simple, workable ways to do this.

***

SAINT OF THE DAY

Saint Caesar de Bus

(Feb 3, 1544 – Apl 15, 1607)

Saint Caesar de Bus’ Story

Like so many of us, Caesar de Bus struggled with the decision about what to do with his life. After completing his Jesuit education he had difficulty settling between a military and a literary career. He wrote some plays but ultimately settled for life in the army and at court.

For a time, life was going rather smoothly for the engaging, well-to-do young Frenchman. He was confident he had made the right choice. That was until he saw firsthand the realities of battle, including the Saint Bartholomew’s Day massacres of French Protestants in 1572.

He fell seriously ill and found himself reviewing his priorities, including his spiritual life. By the time he had recovered, Caesar had resolved to become a priest. Following his ordination in 1582, he undertook special pastoral work: teaching the catechism to ordinary people living in neglected, rural, out-of-the-way places. His efforts were badly needed and well received.

Working with his cousin, Caesar developed a program of family catechesis. The goal—to ward off heresy among the people—met the approval of local bishops. Out of these efforts grew a new religious congregation: the Fathers of Christian Doctrine.

One of Caesar’s works, Instructions for the Family on the Four Parts of the Roman Catechism, was published 60 years after his death. He was beatified in 1975 and canonized in 2022.

Reflection

_________

“Family catechesis” is a familiar term in parish life today. Grounded in the certainty that children learn their faith first from their parents, programs that deepen parental involvement in religious education multiply everywhere. There were no such programs in Caesar’s day until he saw a need and created them. Other needs abound in our parishes, and it’s up to us to respond by finding ways to fill them or by joining in already established efforts.

***

【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: +256 751 540 524 .. Whatsapp】

[baldwinivmybeloved]

୨᭄ㅤ꒰ㅤCharper One . . ੭

On a cold morning, a young woman walked through the halls of the castle of Jerusalem. Her beauty captivated everyone who crossed her path, whether they were slaves, servants, or even noble knights. Sighs and admiring glances followed her every step.

"I'd love to spread those legs," commented a disheveled Templar knight. Beside him, his companion also observed the young woman with lust.

She stopped and cast them a look of disdain. "Oh, really? Well, I think none of you could have me unless you go first," she pointed to the knight's companion, provoking an argument between them. While they argued, she seized the opportunity to quickly escape, heading to the chambers of young Prince Baldwin V, son of Princess Sibylla.

Upon arriving, she was informed that the prince was bedridden and needed to be taken away for treatment. She felt a knot in her stomach. She had cared for the prince since he was a baby, more than Sibylla herself, who barely bothered to see her son. The thought of not being able to accompany him on his journey filled her with despair. As a lowly slave, she knew she didn't have the power to convince the ministers or Tiberias himself. She could only endure the pain of separation.

Hours passed as she carried out her tasks, but her mind was with the prince, dreading the moment he would be taken from her. She loved him like a son, despite not being his mother. Finally, she was called to the prince's chambers. He, weak and pale, smiled at her.

"I will leave soon. They say I am sick, but they don’t know what it is," said the little boy.

"Don't worry, you will get better, my little king. You have always overcome everything, you will be a great king," she replied, caressing his head tenderly.

"I wish you would never leave my side, Xica, but they say I can't take you. It's so unfair! When I become king, I will make you my queen," declared the prince with childish determination.

She laughed softly and calmed him. Neither Tiberias nor the princess understood the close relationship between the prince and the mulatto slave, discovered only due to the prince's illness. Godfrey, who was in charge of the prince's lessons, was aware of this bond. The farewell was brief but painful. Heartfelt mother and son had to part, leaving Xica without a reason to live. Her tasks became monotonous and meaningless.

How could it be possible? She saw the princess so happy without her son, while she, who had not given birth to him, missed him every night and day. She prayed to God for his health, questioning the injustice of the world and those who inhabit it.

With the departure of the young prince, the castle of Jerusalem seemed to have lost its luster for Xica. The days passed with overwhelming monotony, and every task she performed felt empty without the presence of little Baldwin. However, life in the castle continued, indifferent to her pain.

One morning, as Xica was cleaning one of the castle’s grand halls, she overheard a conversation between two ministers passing by. They spoke in low voices, but the mention of Prince Baldwin immediately caught her attention.

"They say the journey is proving more difficult than expected," commented one of the ministers. "The prince’s health is not improving, and some fear the worst."

"What do the doctors suggest?" asked the other, visibly worried.

"They’ve proposed seeking a remedy in distant lands, a cure they believe could save him. But it’s a dangerous and costly journey."

Xica’s heart raced. The thought of the prince being in danger and so far out of her reach terrified her. She knew she had to do something, anything to help him. Even though she was just a lowly slave, she couldn’t sit idly by.

That very night, Xica decided she needed to seek help. She remembered Godfrey, the prince’s tutor, who had always been kind and understanding with her. If anyone could understand her desperation and help her, it would be him. Determined, she made her way to Godfrey’s chambers, hoping to find him there.

"Who knocks on my door at this hour?" asked Godfrey, opening the door to find Xica, her expression a mixture of fear and resolve.

"Forgive me for disturbing you at this hour, Master Godfrey," said Xica, bowing. "I need to speak with you about Prince Baldwin."

Godfrey invited her in and listened attentively as she recounted what she had overheard that morning. His eyes hardened as he grasped the gravity of the situation.

"I understand your concern, Xica," he said finally. "And you’re right, we can’t just stand by. But this is dangerous and will require careful planning."

Xica awaited his next words anxiously, hoping for an immediate plan of action. However, Godfrey sighed and continued, "Sometimes, the best course of action is patience. The doctors are doing everything they can, and while we want to help, we must trust in their abilities and in fate. I know this is difficult for you."

Xica felt disheartened, but Godfrey wasn’t finished. "You are a smart and brave young woman, Xica. In these difficult times, you must find ways to keep your mind occupied and strong. Here," he said, approaching a bookshelf and taking out an old book and some scrolls. "Take these. This book is one of my favorites, and the scrolls contain exercises and texts that can help distract your mind."

Xica accepted the gifts gratefully, though a part of her felt disappointed at the lack of a concrete plan to help the prince. "Thank you, Master Godfrey," she said, trying to hide her disappointment. "I will do as you suggest."

"Trust that we are doing everything possible for the prince," added Godfrey, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "And remember, the knowledge and wisdom you gain now can be of great help to you in the future. Keep your mind and heart strong, Xica."

That night, Xica retreated to her quarters with the book and scrolls. As the moonlight illuminated her small room, she sat down to read. Godfrey’s words echoed in her mind, and although she still worried about the prince, she found some solace in the pages of the book. Each story and exercise on the scrolls was a temporary escape from her pain and a reminder of the importance of patience and wisdom.

Over time, Xica began to notice that her nights were less lonely and her days less monotonous. Although the prince remained in her thoughts, she now had something else to hold on to, something that gave her hope and strength. She knew that, in some way, her love and devotion for Baldwin would continue to guide her actions, preparing her for the day she might reunite with him and perhaps save him.

While Xica was absorbed in reading her book and working on the exercises from the scrolls that Godfrey had given her, she heard firm footsteps approaching her room. She looked up just in time to see her mother, a strong woman of African origin, enter with a severe expression on her face.

"Xica," her mother said firmly, "what is this I hear about your worries for Prince Baldwin?"

Xica slowly closed the book and stood up to face her mother. "Mother, it’s just that… the prince is very ill, and I fear for his life. I feel like I must do something to help him."

Xica's mother approached and took her hands, her dark eyes filled with a mix of concern and love. "Daughter, I understand your concern for him. I know how much you care, but you must remember your place in this castle. It is not your responsibility to get involved in these matters. The doctors and nobles are handling it."

"But, mother, he needs all the help he can get," protested Xica, her voice trembling with emotion. "I can't just stay here doing nothing."

Xica's mother sighed and looked at her with a gentler expression. "Xica, I know you have a big heart and great devotion to the prince. But you must not be so dramatic. He will get better, trust in that. Your life should not revolve around him. You must find your own path, your own strength. Worrying all the time helps no one, especially not yourself."

Xica lowered her gaze, feeling chastened but also understanding the wisdom in her mother's words. "I know, mother. It’s just that… I feel so powerless."

Xica's mother gently lifted her daughter’s chin, making her look into her eyes. "You are not powerless, Xica. You have great strength within you. Use that book, those scrolls. Learn, grow, strengthen yourself. When the right time comes, you will know what to do. But for now, you must trust and be patient."

Xica nodded slowly, feeling a slight weight lift off her shoulders. "Thank you, mother. I will try to follow your advice."

Xica's mother smiled and hugged her tightly. "I will always be here for you, my daughter. Do not forget that. Now, go back to your studies. Knowledge is a great weapon, and someday, you may need it more than you imagine. You who can read and write, coming from where we do, must keep it a secret. We do not know what they might do if they discover a slave is literate."

Xica returned to her chair as her mother left the room. She felt a mix of emotions, but her mother’s presence and words had given her a new perspective. She opened the book again and began to read, determined to strengthen her mind and spirit, preparing for whatever challenges fate might bring her.

As the pages turned under her fingers, Xica found a renewed sense of purpose. She knew that, although she could not be by the prince's side at that moment, she could prepare herself for the day when her help might make a difference. And, in time, that preparation could be the greatest act of love and devotion she could offer.

[allyear-lff]

LFF2023: The list of films

I should have started from the beginning, so to understand this blog read my mission statement back in 2021 when I thought this was a great idea :-D and then feel free to peruse my reviews of the films, all listed below, and from the previous 2 years as well.

I will link to my musings about each film from here as I progress and I hope to refine them as I revisit them in the future, apologies about the silly mistakes, I am writing of the cuff mostly on my free time, away from my job that has nothing to do with film.

Any comments and suggestions can be done to my twitter X account @allyear_lff ( https://twitter.com/allyear_lff ) and I believe comments are open here in Tumblr.

(Full list of films to be added when published)

20,000 Species of Bees

All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt

All of Us Strangers

ALLENSWORTH

Àma Gloria

Animal Kingdom, The

Animalia

Anselm

Apolonia, Apolonia (HBO Max Spain)

Asog

Baltimore

Banel & Adama (BFI Player)

Beast, The

Behind the Mountains

Bikeriders, The

Birth/Rebirth

Black Dog

Black Pirate, The

Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry

Bonus Track

Book of Clarence, The

Book of Solutions, The

Boy and the Heron, The (late addition)

Bride, The

Buckingham Murders, The

Bye Bye Tiberias

Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg (billed as Anita in brochure)

Celluloid Underground

Chasing Chasing Amy

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Close Your Eyes

Cobweb

Common Sequence, A

Copa 71 (available as "Copa 71, the lost Lionesses" in BBC iPlayer from June 2024).

Croma Kid

Daaaaaali!

Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano

Dancing Queen

Dear Jassi

Deep Sea (3D)

Delinquents, The

Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World

Dupes, The

Earth Mama

Echo, The

Eileen

End We Start From, The (Curzon Home from March 2024, BFI Player)

Eternal Memory, The (BBC iPlayer, available at least until Feb 2025)

Europa

Everything Worthwhile Is Done with Other People

Evil Does Not Exist

Fallen Leaves

Fancy Dance

Fingernails

Fire Through Dry Grass

Foe

Foremost by Night

Four Daughters

Gasoline Rainbow

Gassed Up

Girl (BFI Player)

Going To Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project

Goldman Case, The

Goodbye Julia

Gush

Haar

High & Low - John Galliano

Hit Man

Hoard

Holdovers, The

Housekeeping for Beginners

How to Have Sex (Curzon Home)

Hypnosis, The

I am Sirat

If Only I Could Hibernate

Indésirables, Les

Inshallah a Boy

Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell

In Camera (Mubi UK?)

In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon

It can’t be that nothing that can be returned

Kensuke’s Kingdom (BFI Player)

Kidnapped (UK: Curzon Home Cinema)

Killer, The

Killers of the Flower Moon

Kitchen, The

Klezmer Project, The

Last Summer

Late Night With the Devil

Little Girl Blue

Lost Boys, The (Curzon Home, BFI Player)

Lost in the Night

Lubo

Macario

Maestro

Mambar Pierrette

Mangosteen

May December

Memory

Menu-Plaisirs Les Troisgros

Mission, The

Molli and Max in the Future

Monster

Music

Nature of Love, The (BFI Player)

New Boy, The

Nightwatch – Demons Are Forever

NYAD (Netflix)

Occupied City

Omen

On the Adamant

One Life

Only the River Flows (BFI player as of Dec 2024)

Our Body

Paradise Is Burning

Peasants, The

Peeping Tom

Penal Cordillera

Perfect Days (late addition)

Pigeon Tunnel, The

Poolman

Poor Things

Pot au Feu, The

Power Alley

Practice, The

Pressure

Prince, A

Priscilla

Queen of My Dreams, The

Queendom

Ramona

Red Island (Curzon Home Cinema, BFI Player)

Red Rooms

Robot Dreams

Room in a Crowd

Royal Hotel, The

Rye Horn, The

Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus

Sacred Cave, The

Saltburn

Samsara (Curzon Home)

SCALA!!! (BFI Player)

Self-Portrait: 47 KM 2020

Settlers, The (MUBI)

Shame On Dry Land

Shayda

Shortcomings

Shoshana

Silver Haze (BFI Player)

Sky Peals (BFI Player)

Slow

Spectre of Boko Haram, The

Starve Acre (BFI Player)

Stolen

Stopmotion

Stranger and the Fog, The

Surprise film: Ferrari

Swan Song

Sweet East, The

Taste of Mango, The

Terrestrial Verses

That They May Face the Rising Sun

They Shot the Piano Player

This Is Going to Be Big

Tiger Stripes

Together 99

Tótem (Curzon Home from January 2024)

Tuesday

Unicorns (late addition, Rakuten UK from August 2024, BFI Player )

Unmoored

Vincent Must Die

Wilding

You Can Call me Bill

Youth (Spring)

Zone of Interest, The

[catolinewsdailyreadings]

Monday of the Third Week of Easter

Readings of Monday, April 24, 2023

Reading 1

ACTS 6:8-15

Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyreneans, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, accosted him, seized him, and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They presented false witnesses who testified, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law. For we have heard him claim that this Jesus the Nazorean will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” All those who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30

R./ Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord! or: R./ Alleluia.

Though princes meet and talk against me, your servant meditates on your statutes. Yes, your decrees are my delight; they are my counselors. R./ Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord! or: R./ Alleluia.

I declared my ways, and you answered me; teach me your statutes. Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds. R./ Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord! or: R./ Alleluia.

Remove from me the way of falsehood, and favor me with your law. The way of truth I have chosen; I have set your ordinances before me. R./ Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord! or: R./ Alleluia.

Gospel

JN 6:22-29

[After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.] The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left. Other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks. When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.  For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.”  So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”

[doyouknowthisbook-poll]

FINAL RESULT: The majority of voters haven’t read this book before and didn’t like the excerpt posted. 😔

Red Queen is a 2015 young adult dystopian fantasy romance novel written by writer Victoria Aveyard. From Wikipedia: “In a year known as the New Era, people are divided by blood—those with Red and those with Silver, the latter of which have supernatural abilities, which in their society make them superior, wealthy, and nearly gods, opposite to the lowly, impoverished Reds, who work as servants to the Silvers and are often conscripted, usually after their eighteenth birthday if they had no job or apprenticeship, into a war between the kingdoms of the Lakelands and Norta. The story follows seventeen year old Mare Barrow, a Red, who accidentally displays electrokinetic powers against a girl who would eventually become the crowned prince Cal's intended bride. Mare is captured, but because the king fears of an uprising should a Red be discovered to have supernatural powers, Mare is engaged of Tiberias' second son, Maven, given the name Mareena Titanos, and a cover story: the daughter of a Silver general who died on the battle field and was adopted by the Reds at the war front. Mare feels torn as she realizes she is in love with Cal, her betrothed's brother and the future Silver king.

Red Queen has been generally well received. The Guardian gave the novel four stars. Vilma Gonzalez of USA Today described the novel positively, revealing that ‘Aveyard’s compelling debut is richly imagined, addictive, chilling and suspenseful. She breathes new life into her own unique Game of Thrones story enlivened by exciting, character-driven plot twists that have me clamoring for more. This scintillating tale of betrayals and blood-spattered crowns is not to be missed.’ However, Grand Forks Herald's Cassidy Anderson stated ‘Ultimately, this book was over-hyped. It's still a fun read as long as you are not looking for anything with a lot of depth or meaning to it.’

Red Queen has three sequels: Glass Sword, King's Cage and War Storm. Red Queen won the 2015 Goodreads Choice Award for Debut Goodreads Author and was nominated for the 2015 Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction.”

Do you know which book this is from?

Please reblog the polls, but KEEP IT SPOILER-FREE to make people read the excerpt with an open mind 💖📚 Title and author will be revealed after the poll's conclusion.

Note: Tumblr wouldn’t allow alt text for some reason, so for this poll, the alt text is below the read more.

Kilorn will find me anywhere I try to hide, so I keep moving. I sprint like I can outrun what I've done to Gisa, how I've failed Kilorn, how I've destroyed everything. But even I can't outrun the look in my mother's eyes when I brought Gisa to the door. I saw the hopeless shadow cross her face, and I ran before my father wheeled himself into view. I couldn't face them both. I'm a coward.

So I run until I can't think, until every bad memory fades away, until I can only feel the burning in my muscles. I even tell myself the tears on my cheeks are rain.

When I finally slow to catch my breath, I'm outside the village, a few miles down that terrible northern road. Lights filter through the trees around the bend, illuminating an inn, one of the many on the old roads. It's crowded like it is every summer, full of servants and seasonal workers who follow the royal court. They don't live in the Stilts, they don't know my face, so they're easy prey for pickpocketing. I do it every summer, but Kilorn is always with me, smiling into a drink as he watches me work. I don't suppose I'll see his smile for much longer.

A bellow of laughter rises as a few men stumble from the inn, drunk and happy. Their coin purses jingle, heavy with the day's pay. Silver money, for serving, smiling, and bowing to monsters dressed as lords.

I caused so much harm today, so much hurt to the ones I love most. I should turn around and go home, to face everyone with at least some courage. But instead I settle against the shadows of the inn, content to remain in darkness.

I guess causing pain is all I'm good for.

It doesn't take long to fill the pockets of my coat. The drunks filter out every few minutes and I press against them, pasting on a smile to hide my hands. No one notices, no one even cares, when I fade away again. I'm a shadow, and no one remembers shadows.

Midnight comes and goes and still I stand, waiting. The moon overhead is a bright reminder of the time, of how long I've been gone. One last pocket, I tell myself. One more and I'll go. I've been saying it for the past hour.

I don't think when the next patron comes out. His eyes are on the sky, and he doesn't notice me. It's too easy to reach out, too easy to hook a finger around the strings of his coin purse. I should know better by now that nothing here is easy, but the riot and Gisa's hollow eyes have made me foolish with grief.

His hand closes around my wrist, his grip firm and strangely hot as he pulls me forward out of the shadows. I try to resist, to slip away and run, but he's too strong. When he spins, the fire in his eyes puts a fear in me, the same fear I felt this morning. But I welcome any punishment he might summon. I deserve it all.

"Thief," he says, a strange surprise in his voice.

I blink at him, fighting the urge to laugh. I don't even have the strength to protest. "Obviously."

He stares at me, scrutinizing everything from my face to my worn boots. It makes me squirm. After a long moment, he heaves a breath and lets me go.

Stunned, I can only stare at him. When a silver coin spins through the air, I barely have the wits to catch it. A tetrarch. A silver tetrarch worth one whole crown. Far more than any of the stolen pennies in my pockets.

"That should be more than enough to tide you over," he says before I can respond. In the light of the inn, his eyes glint red-gold, the color of warmth.

My years spent sizing people up do not fail me, even now. His black hair is too glossy, his skin too pale to be anything but a servant. But his physique seems more like a woodcutter's, with broad shoulders and strong legs. He's young too, a little older than me, though not nearly as assured of himself as any nineteen or twenty-year-old should be.

I should kiss his boots for letting me go and giving me such a gift, but my curiosity gets the better of me. It always does.

"Why?" The word comes out hard and harsh. After a day like today, how can I be anything else?

The question takes him aback and he shrugs. "You need it more than I do."

I want to throw the coin back in his face, to tell him I can take care of myself, but part of me knows better. Has today taught you nothing? "Thank you," I force out through gritted teeth.