#sb Lookout

[cactus414]

Showdown bandit and others!

[skittlewaffle]

someone 🅱️lease ,,.,

[wexhappyxfew]

Hey! I hope you’re doing well🫶🏻 I’m not sure if you remember my last message about Pauli and Hambone but I’m still so excited to read about them! I’m currently re-reading everything for any lil snippets of them (and because I’m obsessed with Silver Bullets in general) and I can’t WAIT to read about them at Dye’s party ahhh! Sorry I don’t mean to rush you at all as I understand you are very busy outside of writing but I just love them so much already😭😭 and there’s barely any Hambone content so I just hope you know I will be sat whenever that piece drops! If they have no fans, I am dead. Also a huge fan of Carrie and Dougie🥹 my babies. Thank you for blessing us with them!!

WHY HI AND HELLO MY ANON FRIEND!!!!!!

me reading (and rereading) this message:

first more than anything - thank you so so much for the well wishes!!! currently finishing up the semester (when i say i am in the pits of finals szn i am quite literally begging for it to be over i am so emotionally drained and just DONE). so, truly thank you! <3

IN OTHER NEWS - i think i do remember a message about some pauli x hambone fans out there??!?!?!?!!? forgive me and my worn-out brain, but i do, genuinely, remember there were some people out there excited for the pauli x hambone content and that means SO MUCH!!! i have two half-written one-shots for them in my writings that i am HOPING to publish over my month long break from school!!! i took off from the lab i work in as well and hope to spend the time cozied up and writing!!! <3

WHICH MEANS -> SILVER BULLETS WRITINGS ARE COMING BACKKKKK!!!!!!

genuinely have missed writing for the girls so much and though this semester would allow me some time to do so, but i fear it has not! BUT - now i get to go back, finish up a bunch of prompts i never got to and write more on some of our duos that we love!!! (and ofc the SB girlies as a whole, my icons!)

my sweet anon friend the rereading to pick out snippets of duos i haven't fleshed out yet entirely is so real. I LITERALLY DID IT LAST WEEK LMFAOOO. along with pauli x hambone, i have viv ratcliff and everett blakely writings somewhere in my writings THAT NEED TO SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY!!!!! and so - you're excitement? oh it means the WORLD to me! and DYE'S PARTY?!?!?! oh i have PLENTY of ideas and half-written scenes for that moment, from multiple SB girlies perspectives hehe!! (i'm actually losing my mind with excitement now and need to take an exam in 2 and 1/2 hours lmao)

OMG!!! no worries at all!!! i love getting to jump on here and see the sweet well wishes and messages from people! you've all been so understanding and kind to me in this chaotic and busy period of my life and it means so much, truly! i can't thank you enough!! just know it goes a long way and messages like these mean the world :)

'if they have no fans, i am dead' - anon....you are so real, you are wonderful MWAH!!!!! (truly this message has me EMOTIONALLL!!!! but it's okay! i'm just stressed lmfao. ANYWAY!)

AND YOU'RE A CARRIE X DOUGIE FAN OMFGGGG - seriously, anon you are so wonderful, don't mind my chaotic af reply of all caps and general excitement, it just means a lot!

BUT - consider me excited to get back to writing and thank YOU for the love on this sweet message - truly pauli x hambone have it ALL - banter, softness, angst (so so much angst), and humor and i LOVE IT.

THANK YOU AGAIN ANON!!! YOU'RE TOO SWEET!!!

[thesbarchives]

i'm back on this blog for once in my life

[thevikingwoman]

Meryta passes through Onokoro on the way to Riesen temple, and has a very good time.

Fandom: Final Fantasy XIV | Words: 4518 | Read on Ao3

Meryta Khatin x Tansui | After SB patch 4.3 | smut Rating: Explicit. SB 4.3 spoilers, mild Four Lords trial spoilers, Sexual content, casual relationship, Tansui being cheeky, Meryta too tbh, piv sex, oral, a bit roughness, aura head canons, confederacy headcanons, pwp

Passing Through

Meryta could, perhaps, have travelled by way of Tamamizu, but no matter how nice the kojin are, she does prefer staying above water. So, when she needs to go to Riesen Temple again, she finds herself in Onokoro.

And when she’s here, it would be rude not to pay a visit to Tansui. And Rasho of course. They are – allies, of sorts – with the Scions, and it would be discourteous to make use of their aetheryte without a greeting.

She finds Tansui on the docks, working on a small boat, painting its stern. He’s bare-chested, a paint streak on his shoulder where he has brushed against the boat.

“The Warrior of Light graces us with her presence. What doom do you bring now? Are there Garleans in your tow?”

Meryta barely stops herself from rolling her eyes. There is trouble if they don’t fix Koryu’s ward, but she doesn’t need to trouble the Confederacy with that.

“I’m just passing through, Tansui. And it’s Meryta, please.”

He grins, and turns to the boat and his paint.

“Alright, Meryta. Will you be staying a while, then, or does your errand demand haste of you?”

She looks at his back and his sunburnt shoulders.

“Perhaps I will.”

Tansui bends and washes his brush in the seawater. “I am all but done here. Did you give your greetings to Rasho already, or did you seek me out first?”

Heat rises in her cheeks, and she ignores it.

“I saw you from the aetheryte plaza.”

“Walk with me then.” Tansui bends to pick up his haori, folded neatly on the dock.

“Wait!” Meryta reaches for it, stopping his hands. Tansui raises an eyebrow. She runs a gloved finger across his back, below the sun-yellow paint. “You have paint on your shoulder – you’d ruin it.”

“Ah. Thank you.”

He kneels on the dock, and scoops the seawater in his hands, splashing it across his back, missing the paint entirely.  

“You missed,” she says, already kneeling next to him, unbuckling the fastenings of her armored gloves.

“Ever ready for battle,” Tansui shakes his head and grabs a rag from his bucket, dipping it in water. Her left glove lands with a clatter beside her, and she simply takes the wet rag for his hand, and wipes it awkwardly across his back. She does not linger.

“And ever helpful,” Tansui continues, eyes sparkling.

They both get up, she holding her glove in her hand, and him shrugging on his embroidered garment. She knows exactly how soft the silk feels against her skin, and fights the urge to look away, instead holding his gaze.

Together, they walk the dock towards the beach settlement, back where she came from.

“Let me put these away,” he gestures to his paints and brushes, “and then here is the matter of the tithe, of course. You better go see Rasho as I mentioned.”

“I already paid the aetheryte fee,” she grumbles.

Tansui laughs. “That is not collected for us. And I had rather hoped you would stay a little, to catch up if you have interest.”

His smile is bright, the sun reflecting off his black and purple hair. She remembers it, unbound and spread beneath her. This time, she looks away from him.

“Let me settle the tithe, then.”

They make their way up the beach, waves crashing, idly talking of the returned Domans, the many who have joined the Confederacy – and some of their number who left, to be reunited with their family. She wonders about Tansui’s family, but she does not ask. They pass a guard standing lookout at a rock, Tansui nodding at him. There’s a dead landjelly by his feet, and no more around. She keeps her hand on her katana just in case.

“And what of the viceroy? The former viceroy. All snuck and tucked in with the Domans?”

Meryta frowns, a bitter taste on her tongue. It seems he is not aware of the details of what happened in Castrum Fluminis.

“She’s dead.”

“I sense it was not a well-considered dispersal of justice.”

“Her brother – her step brother – goaded her until she turned into a Primal. At that point there was no option but to slay her.”

Something about it feels hollow, another day, another primal, but here in the sun she doesn’t dwell on it. She tells the whole tale – how Asahi had planned this, provoking Yotsuyu until she remembered her past, smuggling crystals under the guise of a gift. How he was killed too.

“I don’t think she deserved the end she got,” she says “Or the life she lived. I – see things, with the Echo, of people’s lives and past sometimes. It’s powerful and sometimes unpleasant, and I saw how her stepparents treated her, sold her away to a brothel.”

Something passes over Tansui’s face, something she can’t quite read. Anger replaced by grief or determination.

“We all get hands dealt to us we may not like, but it’s up to us to make of it what we do. She didn’t have to hurt that many people. Perhaps it was for the best. Tell me, what do you mean – you see things of the past?”

She tries to explain as best she can, how it’s beyond her control, seemingly at random and sometimes with headaches to follow. How it made her see enough of Yotsuyu’s life to feel saddened at the way it ended.

“I wasn’t sure sparing her was the right call, initially, and glad it wasn’t my choice,” she says. “But now I’m less certain, other than it shouldn’t have ended like that. She wasn’t going to hurt anyone.”

“You believed her. That she lost her memory.”

She nods, as they reach a shed. Tansui unlocks it to put away his paints and Meryta follows him inside.

“I guess the choice was taken from us – but I shall tell the Captain. Had he insisted, I would have slain her if no one else had.”

She regards him, defiant chin and eyes, and she’s not going to argue. His loyalty is unquestionable, bright and simple, and she respects all that comes with it. She nods in understanding.

“For better or for worse, it’s over now.”

“Aye – and I’m glad you made it through another fight.”  Tansui smiles, and in the darkness of the shed, he raises a hand to her face, brushing the hair out of her eyes. Something undefined changes between them, alone as they are here. “You’ve cut it.”

“I wanted a change.”

“It suits you.”

His hand is still on her face, and he buries it in her hair, pulling her close and then they’re kissing. The spark of desire she’s felt every time she’s run into him since Isari, every time he’s helped; flares and bursts into flame. The kiss is gentle at first, but it quickly turns demanding, Tansui’s tongue running across her lips and she yields to him, letting him in, their tongues entangled. He backs her against the table, lifting her up. The feel of him is intoxicating, and she wants more. She can feel him harden against her, and she’s wearing far too many clothes and armor and layers. Tansui kisses her throat, running the flat of his tongue against the scales there, and he pushes closer.

A jar of brushes clashes to the floor, tin clanging and the brushes scatted on the dirt floor. She gathers herself a moment, and he’s too damn handsome as he grins sheepishly, scratching his beard.

“Stay for dinner?” he asks.

“I should have time.”

“Perhaps I can also offer a bed this time.” Tansui winks, and leaves her to follow, her cheeks heating as she straightens her collar.

--

As the sun goes down, the confederates gather at the wooden platforms up above, under the stars. Tansui brings her there, sitting with him and Rasho and others at a long table. Hearty foods are served, grilled fish and rice and miso dengaku. The conversation is lively and loud and happy. It’s not every day they share a communal meal, Tansui tells her, but it is not infrequent. It seems this week has been especially profitable, the seas rife with ships. Not to mention the gil she dropped in Rasho’s lap earlier, while Tansui made sure they made space for her at dinner. She’ll call it dinner payment and be done, no matter how indignant Tataru will be of it. It’s her own money and she doesn’t have to justify her spending.

Now, she’s talking with a Hyur woman who recently joined, a former Garlean conscript. Happy and bright-eyed, the women tells of her day on patrol. She seems excited by her new life here, free and full of hope. Meryta wonders, if she’d left home through the Ruby Seas, if she’d ever made it to Eorzea, or simply stuck here, found the life of adventure she was seeking. No need to speculate – her travels took her elsewhere and there is little point in regrets or second guessing.

Tansui laughs at something Rasho says, and her attention drifts to him, from his dark eyes to where his thigh is pressed against hers. She doesn’t regret stopping by here now either.

After dinner, everyone seems to scatter in a rush of activity – a number of people start to clear away the tables and some leave for patrol, exchanging places with those coming back grabbing bowls of still warm food. Someone opens a bottle of sake, and someone brings out a deck of Triple Triad.

“I’ve hope you’ve enjoyed our hospitality tonight,” Tansui says. “And I hope you’ll enjoy it further.”

“I wouldn’t say no to a game,” she says, tilting her head towards the cardplayers, and winks.

“Here I thought I could offer your something better, in ways of entertainment.”

“And what may that be, Tansui?”

“Mayhap a tour of the lieutenant’s quarters.” He steps into her space, crowding her, and then shrugs with feigned indifference.

“A private tour, I assume?”

“Very much so.”

“Lead the way, then,” she says and sneaks her hand into his.

--

They pull off their shoes outside his door, and step inside. It’s a simple room in the larger dwelling, a kitchen area with a small table separated from the rest by a screen. A bed, a drawer, a washbasin and a mirror. A chair with pillows and more strewn on the mat on the floor, the room bathed in warm lights.

“Well, here we are. Not much, perhaps, but it’s mine.”

“It’s lovely.”  She drops her gloves on the mat, and turns to him, and takes him in, her eyes roaming over him, his cheeky smile and his broad chest. “I’m enjoying the tour.”

Tansui steps forward and kisses her, fierce and passionate. His beard scrapes against her lips, and she opens her mouth to let him in. He pulls her close as the kiss goes on, eager as if he’s been waiting all night to do this once more. She knows she has, and wraps both hands around his neck.

After a while he pulls back, and she chases him, wanting more, already pushing his garment off his shoulders, the very same accursed ones she saw from the aetheryte earlier, making her pause her trip. His skin is warm under her hands.

“Better get those off you before you poke my eyes out,” Tansui says, hands moving to the pauldrons, and true enough, she’s overdressed and over armored. The pauldrons follow the gloves in the pile on the mat.

“I was on my way somewhere,” she says, fidgeting with her belt.

“Yet you found time,” he says, and deftly works the knots on her coat.

“I found time.”

The sashes and belts on her coat undone, Meryta places her katana next to where his lance rests against the wall in the corner. Her coat slips off her, and she’s no longer overdressed, and returns her attention to him, hungrily follows the trail of hairs from his belly down below the hem of his pants with her eyes. She wants to touch, and she does, sliding her hands down his chest, question in her eyes as she dips her hands beneath his pants. He’s half hard and she caresses him, as he nods and pulls her in for another searing kiss.

She slides his pants down his legs, and Tansui undoes her breast band, flinging it somewhere. Their hands are roaming, exploring, and he bends, his mouth on her neck, his hand on her breast. He caresses, mapping her skin under his hands, and so does she, tracing a scar on his shoulder, kissing where she can reach. A thumb teases her nipple and she whimpers, causing him to repeat.

“Gorgeous,” he says.

“Handsome,” she counters, and she kisses his chest, experimentally flicking her tongue over his nipple in turn. He lets out a low sound at that, so she does it again. His hand scramble on her back, and she wants – she wants him, and she want to taste and touch all of him.

She kisses a small scar on his sternum, white with age and almost invisible. He’s pressed hotly against her, his hardness enticing against her skin. Meryta sinks to the floor in front of him, kissing his belly, the top of his thigh, avoid his cock jutting out in front of him, tempting as it is.

“Meryta…”

“Yes?” She kisses his other thigh, and scrapes her teeth along it experimentally. His hips jerk slightly and she does it again. She looks up at him, his strong legs and solid shoulders, his handsome face above her. His eyes burn with desire, igniting her own.

“Something you wanted?”

She kisses the point of his hips, careful of the tips of her horns. His skin is soft all over, no scales to protect him. She ghosts her hand over his cock, then runs a finger up it, watching him twitch.

“Suck me,” he says, rough and demanding. She shivers and complies, engulfing the head of his cock in her mouth. She swirls her tongue around it, delighting in the groan she elicits from him.

Gripping the base of his cock with one hand, she takes him deeper, her hand preventing her from scratching her horns against his groin. His hands clench at his sides, before one strokes her cheek, the other landing awkwardly on her shoulder. She hollows her cheeks and sucks, moving her hand along with the mouth. Tansui digs his blunt nails into her shoulder, the pressure on her scales welcome. She moans around his cock, looking up at him, hopefully encouraging.

He moves his other hand along her horn to the back of her head, gentle like a question. She nods as she can, breathing through her nose and taking him a bit deeper, moving a bit faster with her hand and her mouth. Tansui groans and adds pressure on his hand. She feels hot, slickness pooling between her legs, trapped between the hand in her hair and the heaviness of his cock in her mouth. He pushes into her, moving his hips in a even rhythm, not forcing himself into her but holding her steady. Her own need grows with his loss of composure, with every thrust he makes into her mouth. Her cunt clenches and throbs, wanting him to lose himself in her.

“Meryta, I…” He gaps and tugs on her hair until she lets up, reluctantly letting him slip out of her mouth. She looks up at him, tall above her, his eyes glassy and breath coming in pants. He must be close, the salty taste of him on her tongue and she wants to continue, to swallow him down and have him come in her mouth, but she waits.

Tansui takes a breath and smiles down at her, caressing her cheek.

“There was something about a bed, I believe. I want you in it.”

She’s not opposed, not at all, the thought of being close to him excites her too, feeling all of him above or beneath her. She gets up and he kisses her, hungry and openmouthed and without restraint. She groans into his mouth or maybe he does, his hips stuttering. Arms sliding down to her ass, he lifts her and carries her to the bed, three steps across the small room.

He sets her on the colorful bedspread, running her hand down her torso, pushing her back. She falls willingly. Following, he caresses her breasts and she arches off the bed when he rolls both her nipples between his hands. Back in control of himself, he observes her, how she moans and gasps – his name too, which makes him grin. She files that away for later. He drags his hand down belly, pressing into her scales. She wants more, she wants him closer, and she’s tired of waiting, already so slick and wanting from sucking his dick. She pulls him down over her, but he resists and she relents.

“Eager,” he says, and runs a single finger down to her slit, to her wetness. She’s not ashamed of wanting, and barely stops herself from grabbing his hand and pressing it closer, harder. He has something in mind it seems, so she watches him, nodding and canting her hips.  

“Turn around,” he says, a bit fast and hoarse, and perhaps she’s not the only eager one. “Please.”

Scooting a bit up the bed she does, getting on her hands and knees, tail lifted. She wants him to see what he’s done to her. One of his hands finds her tail and she hisses in pleasure when he wraps his hand around it, when he presses his fingers against the base. It’s almost too much and she wants more. She wants to tell him, pull it, harder, but when she opens her mouth all she gets out is a gasp as his other hand wanders across her ass and he slides one finger into her.

“So wet,” he mumbles, and she slides her legs outwards and pushes back against him. She’s rewarded with another finger inside of her. It’s not enough.

“More. I need. I need you inside of me, Tansui.” She looks back over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of his handsome face, jaw slack and mouth half open. “Please, Tansui.”

“Since you ask so nicely,” he pants and he obliges, his cock pushing her lips apart, entering her wanting cunt slowly and gently. Much bigger than two fingers, it stretches with a pleasant burn and a moan tears from her mouth. She pushes against him, wanting to feel him, all of him, now.

“Meryta!” Tansui gasps, digging one hand into her ass, scrambling for a semblance of control. He holds her still, both hands on her hips. She wants to force him to move, but with a shallow breath she lets him have control, settling for an embarrassingly impatient whine in her throat, a flick of her tail across his body.

He fucks her, frustratingly slow at first, a measured, almost lazy pace that makes her ache for more. Letting him do so brings its own appeal, every single part of her body focused on him, her want climbing with every stroke until she is almost shaking.

Once Tansui realizes she’s letting him do what he wants, he releases the bruising grip on her hip, a short-lived disappointment when he grips her tail, his hand once again wrapping around the base of it. He tugs on it, pulling her back on his cock now, speeding up a little. Like this, she can’t reach him or tease him, she has to let him fuck her however he wants, and it leaves her desperate and quivering.

“Like that, do you?”

“Yesss, more, you can… more, I’m —"

He understands her, and grasps firmer, pulls harder, slamming into her. He grunts and increases the pace, but he doesn’t lose his control. She’s tethering on the brink as pleasure washes over her, a burning need for her climax that’s just out of reach.

“You feel so good,” he says, and he strokes her tail. She can’t help to push back now, gasping when he changes the angle of his thrusts.

“Tansui, I need –”

He likes his name on his lips, and she will say it as many times as she must.

“What do you need, Meryta. Say it.” He pulls on her tail again, and slams into her.

“I need you to touch me, please, Tansui!”

“Very good.”

He leans forward over her, covering her and reaches around her. His hand finds her clit, uncoordinated and messy but it’s good, pressure where she needs it. She collapses forward and he follows, kissing her neck, teeth scarping over her scales. He uses his new leverage to thrust harder, faster, his hand moving over her slippery clit, and she screams his name as she tumbles over her crest, her orgasm striking her when he bites down on her shoulder.

Tansui grunts and snaps his hips and shudders above her, his own climax fueled by hers as she still rides the waves pleasure. He falls completely on top of her, kissing her neck as she stretches out under him. He’s heavy and pleasant on top of her, his arms trapped beneath her. She doesn’t want to move, and she doesn’t know why she should.

Eventually, he rolls off her and they clean up and he returns to his bed to lie next to her. Their legs entangled he throws an arm across her, and they lie in silence for a while, enjoying the nearness of each other. She feels achy and tired in the best way, and almost ready to drift off to sleep, when she hears people – laughter, and someone beating at a table perhaps – from below them. She thinks of the tall wooden structure, dotted with doors. Living quarters for many of the pirates, all sharing walls.  

“I fear your comrades may have heard us. I’m sorry.”

“Us? You mean when you were screaming my name from the top of your lungs?”

Her cheeks heat furiously, and Tansui laughs. “I do not mind. It is hardly the first time I’ve had someone do that here.”

“Bragging, are you now?”

He just smirks at her and kisses her soundly.

“Do you mind, Meryta? That they know you’re here?”

She thinks on it for a moment. She likes the people here, when they’ve passed through, and how they’ve helped her and the scions and Doma, and she’s helped them. But she does not need them to put her on a pedestal, and she does not need to keep any secrets. There are no political implications of their second in command fucking her out of her mind. And she does not mind Tansui’s posturing; not when he leaves her boneless and satisfied.

“No. I don’t.”

They fall silent and shuffle, tired of her tail trapped under her she turns to her side and wraps it round his hip. Tansui runs his hand across her back, caressing her scales there, now idly wandering up and around and he pulls her a little closer. She yawns, glad that his pillows are soft enough for her horns to sink into.

“Sorry,” he mumbles, kissing her shoulder. “I suppose it’s my turn to apologize.”

“Whatever for?” she says, half asleep and wondering why he’s apologizing for his pillows.

He traces her shoulder, lightly brushing her scales. There’s a light soreness, she’d barely have noticed was it not for his attention. Ah. The bite.

“Mayhap I should have asked. It’s the kind of thing that is polite to ask for.”

She turns around and looks at him.

“You don’t strike me as overly polite in the first place – not to your neighbors either.”

He chuckles, and does look contrite.

“Ah, but –”

“I didn’t mind.” She’s never had a lover that was quite so forceful, so intense, and yet he understood what she needed. Taking care of her. “I liked it.”

“I shall keep that in mind, then.”  

His gaze is fixed at where he bit her, and she wonders if he likes leaving a mark, like he likes to hear his name spilled in passion. Suitable, somehow, that he should take what’s due, though she’d hardly call him selfish.

“That confident I’ll be back again?”

He seems to falter a moment, a slight blush on his cheeks, before giving a confident smirk.

“You did just scream loud enough to wake my neighbors, so perhaps it’s not too presumptuous.”

“It was all but happenstance I came by at this time,” Meryta says and smiles. She does not want him to feel too self-assured, even if warranted.  “A favorable one.”

“I’ll ask no promises from you, but perhaps another errand will take you here - violence in its wake or not.”

“Must you always say so?”

“You came into my life in strife and blood. Not that I’m unhappy you’re here.”

She frowns. He has the right of it, in a way, but it also does not feel entirely fair.

“I don’t bring it. I’ll go where the strife is. Where I’m – needed. I wish it wasn’t so.”

He nods and runs a hand over her cheek.

“Well - I’ll be torn then, to have you needed here.”

There’s something soft in his eyes and an undefined feeling rises in her chest. She ignores it.

“You never know – perhaps I’ll catch a break.”

“Glad I would be of that,” he says, brushing a lock of her hair away from her face.

She has nothing to say to that, hope and worry for Alphinaud gnawing in her gut, along with the possibility of an Ascian walking in Zenos’ skin. Hopefully Alphinaud will arrive safely and untangle the mystery and Thancred will bring them news. For now, she settles into his arms, content to let her worries fade as she slips into sleep.

--

She wakes early, the sun filtering through a curtain. Are there even windowpanes? She wonders just how many people heard her last night. No matter. She needs to get going, Genbu has waited long enough, so she slides from the bed to find her clothes, her armor. Tansui mumbles something, and looks at her bleary eyed.

“I need to go,” she says, biting her lips.

“Your important errand, I see.”

“Maybe I’ll tell you later.”

He waves his hand. “No need. I assume it will let us all safely conduct our operations, and not bring doom on the waters.”

“That’s the hope,” she says. “It’ll be fine.”

The light falls across Tansui, half covered by his blankets. Sleepy eyes regard her.

“Last night was fun.” She reaches to touch him, a hand on his cheek. “Thank you.”

He kisses her hand, stretches, and sits up to kiss her on her mouth.

“That it was. I should thank you.”

 “A mutual benefit.” She winks, and grabs her armguards, buckling them, and gets her katana. She looks at his well-worn lance next to it. There’s a notch on the blade. Someone should fix that.

“Take care you there, Tansui, on the waters.”

“You too, Meryta.”

She slips out the door.

[charlesandmartine]

Sunday 8th December 2024

Up with the kookaburras this morning to get ourselves into Airlie Beach bright and early for the boat trip around the Whitsundays. The sun was shining at 8am as we sat outside Woollies using their free WiFi along with all the other cheapskates! 26 degrees even at that time of the morning, and the forecast was good with a warning of high UV. Well, we had our creams, hats, and plenty of water. We passed the inspection and boarded the pickup bus, which arrived bang on time at 8.16 and the driver having checked our names on his list, proclaimed our presence as awesome. That made us feel so much better. Our fellow crew members were largely made up of people of a Chinese persuasion and immediately set about taking the necessary selfies.

Captain Cook first sailed through the Coral Sea on 3rd June 1770 among a group of Paradise Islands that because this was Whitsun, he named these Islands the Whitsundays. There are 74 islands that collectively make up the Whitsundays group. Our destination was the largest in the group, Whitsunday Island, but first, we squeezed between it and Hook Island and moored at Tongue Point, Hill Inlet to climb to a lookout which gave the most amazing views along the island and to our afternoon stop, Whitehaven Beach. This beach is known as one of the most beautiful in the world. The sands are almost pure silicon, which squeaks as you walk upon it, but their most noticeable feature, of course, is that it will be one of the whitest beaches you will ever see. Once the Chinese paparazzi had completed their selfies and yielded the viewing platform to the next subsection of voyeurs, us, we were absolutely amazed by the panoramic views across the bay, across the low tide sandbanks of pure white silicon sand separating the multitude in colours of water lapping these shores. The artist would have struggled with his palate to fully represent the spectrum he was facing. The blues and greens sections would be fully exercised. From our vantage point, within pools set into the silica white sands, black dots of the breeding stingrays could be seen. The young Sealink staff appeared incapable of completing a sentence without using the word 'awesome', but maybe, used correctly, what we were observing was indeed awesome. I just can't use it.

Returning to the craft and lunch, we progressed to Whitehaven Beach for 2 hours R&R, and the opportunity to stroll and lie on the cool silicon beach. Surrounding this island are Green Turtles who come ashore to lay their eggs. Turtles lay their eggs in these sands. Buried for between 45 and 70 days, they incubate such that the eggs lower in the sand hatch as male, and those higher where the sand is warmer, are female. They say females are hot, males are cool.

The islands are managed and owned by the Whitsunday Islands National Park. We were given very strict instructions that nothing should be removed from the islands except photos, and nothing left behind except footprints. Clichéd perhaps, but nonetheless well intentioned.

We certainly left with many photos, but also with many memories of this extremely special place and somewhere we would encourage anyone to visit because it is SO beautiful and really has to be seen.

The Sealink Catamaran returned us to Shute Harbour, Airlie Beach, at 5 pm. It has been a brilliant day with the sun totally free in its trajectory across the sky, unencumbered with clouds it pursued its course, bathing us free of charge with Vitamin D. Benefits not available to the many desperate groups we became aware of that were blinking out to sea from the gloom of the trees along the top end of the beach. They had all the appearance of a hidden army.

Extremely satisfied, we climbed back into the Renault and returned home for a great deal of SB and nibbles.

Tomorrow promises to be a quiet day before moving on on Tuesday.

ps. As we sat drinking our SB tonight, we saw the bright light of the ISS cross 400 km above us in its low earth orbit in the night sky.

[redtoondevils]

I don't think that Vanessa really is a bad person in SB.

I don't think that Vanessa really is a bad person in SB. If anything, Gregory is showing himself to be a troublemaker. Then that of Cassie. I mean, yes she had quite the attitude on her.

And she treated Gregory with dis respect, and kind of abusive. That she locked him in, in her office, and gone to get changed into the Vanni suit, to stalk him. Likely, to spook him.

Still does not make it okay. Yet, on the other hand, she is doing her job. And she must of been a good police officer, especially how she appeared in the movie.

By the looks of things, she wasn't bad. She genuinely looked like a good woman, and is helpful. And eventually, we find out, that she has problems. A lot of people have problems of course.

In SB, she was helpful. Like the DCA, she has a dark side. Only difference is, is that she's human. So far, with what's happened in the main game, with the virus.

It also brings the worst out of them, too. And put it this way, let's reverse the roles between Vanessa and Gregory.

What if she really was on the lookout for Gregory, because of what he might be up to? Gregory is a strange kid, you'll find out that he's homeless as the end.

There's not much background for him, and his situation is sad. But the things that he can do, to get what he wants. He can manipulate that. He once baited Chica into the crusher.

And rammed Roxy with the go cart. Even though, the animatronics were on persuit with this boy. But, he still taken care of them, by his own hands. (Even if it's no other choice kind of thing.) He will do it, and he's going to do it brutally.

Overall, he is a complicated child. But, he will do things, even if it means to destroy the property. It's kinda scary for a kid to do.

There are motives of him, that are not clear as of yet. When he asks you what to, some of his requests are a little odd. How far can we trust this kid? I know, you would be referring him as the Mimic, that it was him that lured Cassie in.

That wasn't Gregory. I'm talking about, how he first met Vanessa. When he said, "No! No. I don't trust her!" there's a question. Why, doesn't he trust her?

She didn't do anything wrong to him, from the beginning as of yet. She did alert the other animatronics. But maybe, you got to ask. Perhaps she didn't know they were under control?

As Vanny, I thought that she was the master mind over every animatronic. From the base game. But then, when more games has been released showing more material about Vanny.

And also, with the Princess Quest mini game. It turns out, at the end of those comics that Vanny is also victimized too. I thought that she was all out psycho.

When Vanny has been revealed, as Vanessa by Gregory in the SB comics. It looks like, she looks just as scared, and confused just like Gregory.

And how she appeared at the arcade box, with the Glitch trap in her hand. And she squished him, and she was really large. What is Interesting with this Villain. Vanessa isn't really an all out villain.

It's like in a way metaphorically, that Vanny has been under control, and been through manipulation with Glitch trap. (I think.) That she's been looking for revenge for quite some time, and she finally got it.

And when she waved at the player. Stright away, you'll get both Impressions. She waved to you like to say, 'Good job. And I'll see you later!" Or "Finally! You found him for me! He's gone, goodbye I'm free now!" And Vanny is gone.

If that is correct, then there is a possible chance. That Vanny, as Vanessa is actually not bad. And was pretending to be evil, because Glitch trap was corrupting her. It isn't safe to say that she was Innocent.

She wouldn't after being reported of stealing kids. But, it is something to know that she is a villain, that has childlike lore about her. And finding out, that she had also been used.

[sb-asks]

The next day coming back from her missions as a decommissioner was already quite easy to remember. Blood on her lab coat and hands with a few bloody cuts she can't feel cause of her goddamn CIPA and either a rusty metal bat or worse, a Kris. She was an Indonesian and having a Kris with her always reminds her of home.

Taking the route back to her office to maybe clean the blood and fix her wounds, she spots the sticky note and checks it. "A what?.." She frowns slightly as she tilts her head when SB said her name is like a weapon. That was certainly new to her. She reads a bit more seeing Dr. Foal's and Erwin's name written there. That got her deep into thought. She wasn't the person to socialize THAT often so the names didn't ring any bells. She took out a new sticky note and snaps her dislocated shoulder back in place. She gave it a bit of a twirl before writing down with the ink and blood mixed together. "Huh. I never heard of them. I'm an antisocial person. Well except to you kid. -_-"

Thinking again, she write down an extra thing. "If I could I can maybe schedule to meet you. Be on the lookout." She then draws a small little eye on the note and stuck it at the lower spot so SB can get it. Yeesh she needs a chiropractor now. She got up gave her Kris a good spin before walking off once more.

———————————————————————————————

SB had watched and watched all day to see if they could catch their pen pal coming to their chamber. Of course, their attention span was next to none, so they got bored and went to take a nap. When they woke up, after battling with themself on what to do, they went and checked the door again, lightning up as they spotted the note.

To be honest, her claim of not knowing the two doctors quite confused them. Their whole life surrounded the two. Still, they reasoned, not everyone knew everyone. Everyone’s lives were different. SB was a little proud of themself for using what had been described to them as critical thinking. It felt nice being smart.

‘Be on the lookout.’ SB read. They looked up, as if just then they’d see her, or maybe she was watching. They felt a little excited to

(Unfinished cause I’m tired and accidentally posted it gimme a sec :>)

[springlock-suits]

Some fun little tidbits that didn't really fit with the longer lore rambles about my version, but felt too short to get their own posts

.

William Afton: ADORES the circus and clowns. Absolutely collects those clown porcelain dolls you always see at thrift stores. If he never met Henry he probably would've just been a professional clown or something

I don't mean this in a rude way at all and I will not be accepting clownslander at this time

Phone Dude: there are SO many I could give to him but Furby Customizer speaks the most to me right now

Henry Emily: ignoring his love for animatronics, he also really liked arcades! Arcade cabinets and games of all of sorts. I do not know his opinions on pinball however

Also liked murder mystery games n movies. But ah. I think he might have stopped liking those

He would enjoy camping I think. I can imagine him being good at survival in the woods and such, but hm can he fish?

Michael Afton: Would love animal jam. And of course loves those TV drama shows. Actually just for that I'm gonna give him a hc based on my great grandma who loved tv operas, he collects fancy dishes and likes apple themed things. Would have a tiny dog if he trusted himself to take care of it properly, Helpy is a good tiny dog substitute

Mrs Afton: Very much enjoyed dancing and ballerinas. When William was buying clown dolls he would also be on the lookout for ballerina dolls or figures to give her. She definitely owned like at least one ballerina music box

.

Fun fact! In my lore Springtrap named himself that, and wasn't given an "official" name by Fazbear Fright's staff. However Peter (phone dude) liked to call him Wallace

.

I'm thinking that Evan witnessing William's springlock failure definitely played a part in his fear of animatronics. Because I've already put that before the bite in my lore's timelime

.

I know it wasn't really meant to be seen as this but-

I take the fnaf 2 phone calls (first night specifically) as implying the 87 location is the first to have walking/freeroam animatronics, at the very least the first to let them leave stage while open

Foxy go go go is generally seen as before that, being in '85 location most likely. So it's fun to imagine that the foxy running is just a guy in a suit who's about to have a terrible day

.

It's not strictly important when or why. but Elizabeth and Mrs. Afton died at the same time in my au, and it was at least before the baby animatronic could even be considered

This is because I removed Sister Location from my lore. And I'm not sure what to do with Elizabeth now. If anyone helps me come up with a good idea, though, I'd definitely consider bringing her back! I miss her </3

She'll still have to die around the time she did in canon though, so yknow

.

Evan and Elizabeth collected My Little Pony together, and later would've collected Ips too

.

"Tell us about Vanessa!"

Right off the bat I can tell you my Vanny and Vanessa are the same person! No weird secret double confusion like what sb did, they're the same!

While I'm still not sure if Security Breach exists in my au, Vanessa is definitely staying anyway! I'm determined to squeeze her in somehow, she's so much fun to work with ^v^

(I wonder if I can work Glamrock Springbonnie into my version's Security Breach somehow. I'm definitely gonna try >:)

The hardest part about adding vanny (and security breach as a whole) is that my version of William isn't nearly as determined to kill kids as canon, I think the first dip in old man consequences' lake wouldve stopped him. BUT! He STILL hates fazbear ent, so now I'm imagining that instead of possessing Vanny to kill kids, his ghost(?) just tries to convince her to try and close the place down. Causing mechanical failures and breakdowns and such. I think that'd be fun ^v^!!

Less of murder and more of shenanigans

Also also, bonus fact. William is definitely bothering Vanessa specifically because she looks like Elizabeth. Vanny and Jeremy are both characters he sorta mentally adopts because they remind him of his dead children

[thesoulbox]

.STUFF ABOUT ME.

Whoop!! Hello!! This is just some basic info about me and the such, as well as some other things I'd like you to know!! If you have any questions feel free to ask!

Name: Maple/Reese/Sol

Pronouns: She/He/They

Hobbies:

Writing / Drawing / Animating / Painting / Reading / Roleplaying / Gaming

Fandoms:

FNAF / TWD (Game + Show) / Warrior Cats / The Office / TLOU / DBH / Adventure Time + Fionna And Cake / TOH / Amphibia

As of recent I have been incredibly hyperfixated on The Office and FNAF (specifically Security Breach)

---------

How long have you been on Tumblr?: I've literally never used it before but I've had an account for a little while for reading stories and such, I honestly have no clue what I'm doing :)

What are your socials?: I have a YouTube, an Instagram, and an AO3 account! I also have Discord but I'd rather keep that personal! Here are some links below!

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

AO3 ACCOUNT

INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

Are writing requests open? Yes yes yes!! I'm thinking of making a fnaf sb oneshot book, so feel free to send in story prompts! (Extra points if its a Gregory and Freddy duo prompt or something with Gregory, Cassidy, or C.C ^^)

Is the art on your account yours?/May I use your art? All art on this account is mine unless stated otherwise! If you would like to use my art/catified designs that's fine! Just please provide credit!!

Will you do requests for other fandoms? I don't mind doing requests or prompts for different fandoms in my fandoms list! Just please note that I most likely will take longer on them due to my own inability to stay focused on something that I'm not hyperfixated on!!

What are your boundaries? I will not tolerate any kind of nsfw content nor will I create anything of the sort, I am willing to write graphic content (violence-wise) and I don't mind writing darker topics, just please do not take requests too far. Constructive criticism is allowed, just please be gentle!!

As for my personal boundaries, please do not pester me over requests or story updates, I get demotivated really easily and being harrassed doesn't help matters any. I'd prefer it if you used tone tags whilst talking to me, I struggle with tone in text!! My anxiety is a menace and I tend to freak out and panic over simple topics like, discussions of heart issues, discussions about death, pet loss, etc. If a conversation is becoming too much I will let you know, all I ask is that you respect my boundaries 😭(also please do not bring up nsfw shizbiz in my messages, it's just yuck.)

Do you accept questions/ideas? Yes of course!! Feel free to send it in the ask thingy or in my messages!!

Do you have OCs? SLAPS DOWN A BIG ASS BOOK OF TRAUMATIZED CHILDREN. You called? I'll occasionally post art of them, so keep a lookout for that! I'm also willing to answer questions about them as well! :)

How long have you been writing fanfiction? I've technically been writing fanfics since I was 10?? But they were self inserts and they were really bad, I used to write x readers when I was 11-12 but I eventually stopped writing fanfics to write my own stories. I'm just now starting up again on AO3 after a 3 and a half year break!

Are there any certain requests you want? Anything FNAF SB related would be an absolute godsend. like I said before, I am absolutely stuck on it LMAO

Will you share stories/headcanons/art here? I will be sharing my stories on ao3 here, as well as some little character headcanons I have! Along with some catified refs of them because I can't draw a human for the life of me. I will also be sharing oc art and animations here but don't expect too much of that LMAO

--------

But uhh I believe that's all! I can't think of anything else but if you have any other questions, just message me! Dont make it personal though or I'll hit your kneecaps with a shovel!! I can't wait to learn more about you all, have a lovely day! <3

[sholangagaga]

Cast of Glamstars' Ruin AU! As you can see, Jaime and Abbie got redesigns since I last drew them here since I changed some things up since Ruin was originally announced. Oh how time flies!

Bonnie and Foxy still look the same as they did back when I drew them here, since I really enjoyed their designs and didn't see a reason to change it. However, I WILL be doing a full redesign of the OG Glamstar cast. Ever since I first created them back when Security Breach came out, I always felt my OG designs were very. . .lazy. and I've honestly grown to hate them. So, be on the lookout for a SB cast drawing in the near future!

Fredbear's Diner Cast | Sister Location Cast

[cactus414]

Inktober 2019 with Showdown Bandit — Cornucopia

Day 13 ← | Day 14 | → Day 15

[PROMPT LIST]

[backformores]

shhhhh 🤔 i will not start a atz sb! (I will not give in)

🤭🤭🤭 i am on the lookout for hj urls............ if i find one its over for u hehe

[moneyallthetime]

Money-Making Apps For Stay-At-Home Moms

Money-Making Apps For Stay-At-Home MomsHey there, fellow stay-at-home moms! Are you on the lookout for ways to boost your income while juggling household chores, school runs, and playdates? You're in the right place. Today, I'm thrilled to share some fabulous money-making apps that can help you earn extra cash without stepping out of your home. Whether you're a remote worker, freelancer, side-hustler, or an online entrepreneur, these apps are designed to fit seamlessly into your busy life.Why Money-Making Apps?First things first, why should you consider money-making apps? The answer is simple—they offer flexibility, convenience, and endless opportunities to earn. You can work around your schedule, choose tasks that suit your skills, and often get paid instantly. Plus, they're a great way to test the waters if you're considering a more significant career shift or just looking to supplement your family's income.Top Money-Making Apps for Stay-at-Home Moms1. SwagbucksWhat It Is: Swagbucks is an all-in-one reward app where you earn "Swagbucks" (SB) for completing various tasks like watching videos, taking surveys, shopping online, and even playing games.Why I Love It: The variety of tasks means you can pick and choose what you feel like doing. Plus, the points add up quickly, and you can redeem them for gift cards or cash through PayPal.Pro Tip: Focus on higher-paying surveys and daily goals to maximize your earnings.2. TaskRabbitWhat It Is: TaskRabbit connects you with local tasks that people need help with. These can range from assembling furniture to running errands and even virtual tasks like data entry.Why I Love It: The flexibility is unbeatable. You choose the tasks you want to take on, set your rates, and work on your schedule.Pro Tip: Specialize in a specific type of task to build a reputation and get repeat clients.3. RakutenWhat It Is: Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a cashback app that rewards you for shopping at your favorite stores. You simply shop through the Rakuten app or website, and you'll earn a percentage of your purchase back.Why I Love It: If you're already shopping online, why not get some money back? It's like getting paid to shop.Pro Tip: Use Rakuten for all your online purchases, especially during sales or holiday seasons, to maximize your cashback.4. PoshmarkWhat It Is: Poshmark is a marketplace app where you can sell new and used clothing, shoes, and accessories.Why I Love It: It's a fantastic way to declutter your closet and make some extra cash. Plus, the community is super supportive.Pro Tip: High-quality photos and detailed descriptions help your items sell faster.5. UpworkWhat It Is: Upwork is a freelancing platform that connects businesses with freelancers in various fields, from writing and graphic design to virtual assistance and programming.Why I Love It: It's perfect if you have specialized skills and want to take on more substantial projects. Plus, the platform handles all the payments, so you don't have to worry about chasing clients.Pro Tip: Build a strong profile with a portfolio of your work to attract high-paying clients.6. InstacartWhat It Is: Instacart is a grocery delivery app where you can earn money by shopping for and delivering groceries to people in your area.Why I Love It: If you enjoy shopping and have some free time during the day, this can be a fun way to earn extra cash. Plus, you get to keep 100% of your tips.Pro Tip: Shopping during peak hours can lead to higher earnings.7. Survey JunkieWhat It Is: Survey Junkie pays you for sharing your opinions through surveys. It's straightforward and can be done at any time.Why I Love It: It's a no-brainer way to earn extra money while watching TV or waiting for your kids at their activities.Pro Tip: Consistently check for new surveys to maximize your earnings.8. FiverrWhat It Is: Fiverr is a global online marketplace offering tasks and services, referred to as "gigs," starting at $5. Services range from digital marketing to voiceovers, and everything in between.Why I Love It: You set your prices and earn money from your talents and skills. It's perfect for creative moms looking to monetize their hobbies.Pro Tip: Offer packages with different price points to attract a broader range of clients.9. AcornsWhat It Is: Acorns is an investment app that rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change. It's an easy way to start investing without significant upfront capital.Why I Love It: It's a set-it-and-forget-it way to grow your savings effortlessly.Pro Tip: Link all your spending accounts to maximize your round-ups.10. EtsyWhat It Is: Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade, vintage items, and craft supplies. If you're crafty, this is the perfect platform to sell your creations.Why I Love It: It's an excellent way to turn your hobby into a business. Plus, the platform is user-friendly and has a massive audience of buyers.Pro Tip: High-quality photos and unique, well-made products are key to standing out and making sales.ConclusionMaking extra money while staying at home has never been easier, thanks to these innovative apps. Whether you're looking to declutter your closet, share your opinions, or use your specialized skills, there's an app out there that can help you achieve your financial goals. Ready to get started? Choose an app that resonates with you and start earning today. And remember, every little bit adds up. Happy hustling!If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with other moms looking to boost their income. Let's build a community of financially empowered stay-at-home moms together! Read the full article

[thenewdeadseascrolls]

Judges 10: 15-18. "Getting Laid."

Yah was not too pleased with the Israelites for allowing themselves to be mounted. He tells them to fuck off. Then the Israelites cry out again and Yah, swollen with grief, agrees to help them. War between the Israelites and the Ammonites, persons who have habituated apostasy and turned it into a way of life begins.

The Israelites begin staging in what is called Mizpah, "the watchtower of hidden hopes."

Verb צפה (sapa) speaks of covering, whether a literal covering of an item with an overlay like gold or the figurative covering of watchman's surroundings by his watchful gaze. In cognate languages this verb also means to hope.

Noun צפיה (sippiya) means lookout post and noun מצפה (mispeh) means watchtower. Noun צפוי (sippuy) means plating, noun צפית (sapit) means rug or carpet, and noun צפת (sepet) refers to the plated capital of a pillar.

Verb צוף (sup) means to flow or float on top of something else. Noun צוף (sup) describes a honeycomb, or rather the structure of hexagonal cells upon which honey floats. Verb צפה (sapa) means outflow.

Verb צפן (sapan) means to hide or store up. Nouns צפין (sapin) and מצפון (maspon) describe a mass of predominantly static wealth. Noun צפון (sapon) means north, as for unexplained reasons the Bible considers the north a place of gathering. Noun or adjective צפוני (seponi) means northern or northern one.

Verb שפן (shapan) isn't used in the Bible but in cognate languages it means to hide. 

The expression of this hope is called Gilead, "the fountain of testimony." Jewish people have primary knowledge of how to read the Torah and speak directly to God and the angels through the oracular system called the Numbers in English. It is indisuptable.

The following Four Directions explain how Gilead this underground water source is the key to surviving war on the surface of this world and achieving victory over the forces of tyranny and darkness:

15 But the Israelites said to the Lord, “We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.” 

16 Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the Lord. And he could bear Israel’s misery no longer.

17 When the Ammonites were called to arms and camped in Gilead, the Israelites assembled and camped at Mizpah. 

18 The leaders of the people of Gilead said to each other, “Whoever will take the lead in attacking the Ammonites will be head over all who live in Gilead.” 

v. 15: Rescue us now. = Read the Shema Prayer.

The Value in Gematria is 9472, טדזב‎ ‎, tadzeb, "get laid."

Getting laid is a Tania "stipulation" for observing the Shabbos.

v. 16: Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the Lord. The Value in Gematria is 4524, דהב‎‎ד‎, dhabd, "remember what it was like to be a slave?"

v. 17: When the Ammonites were called to arms and camped in Gilead, the Israelites assembled and camped at Mizpah. Fundamentalists must not camp in Gilead. Fundamentalists take slaves. They become truly Jewish or they must be forced out.

The Value in Gematria is 4684, דו‎חד‎ , "report!"

The Report is Ishmael, "I hear, I understand, I obey...I am not a slave. I am not the son of slaves, my son shall not be a slave."

v. 18: The leaders of the people of Gilead said to each other, “Whoever will take the lead in attacking the Ammonites will be head over all who live in Gilead.” The Value in Gematria is 8684, חו‎חד, "A single law."

Shabbos must be observed. There must be an end to the blood drinking and there must be an excess of peace and surplus of food:

"The root שבע (sb'; now spelled as שׂבע (sb') and pronounced with an s) means to be sated or satisfied with food. It's used literally for people who have (or don't have) enough to eat (Hosea 4:10) or drink (Amos 4:8), but also for the earth sated with rain (Proverbs 30:16), a sword drinking its fill with blood (Jeremiah 46:10).

Our verb is also used for fillers other than food: Harlotry (Ezekiel 16:28), plunder (Jeremiah 50:10), an observation (Isaiah 53:10), the goodness of God's house (Psalm 65:4), sons (Psalm 17:14). And also it may denote an excess: of honey (Proverbs 25:16), tossing (Job 7:4), poverty (Proverbs 28:19), shame (Habakkuk 2:16), and the list goes on."

Getting mounted like a beast of burden and getting laid are at odds with each other. Slaves get mounted, freedmen get laid.

[charlesandmartine]

Sunday 21st April 2024

The phone next to our bed rang, and I made stabbing attempts to locate the receiver. Good morning Charles said a scratchy voice, it's half past six, breakfast is at seven. I gradually became aware that this was not general information designed to satisfy a mild curiosity but instead to instill a sense of urgency to respond, react and present ourselves in the dining area ready to start a fresh day of exploration. Stumbling into clothes we obeyed without a murmur. Life looked much improved after a strong coffee and Eggs Benedict!

Shamwari Game Reserve has been going for some 32 years. Previously the land had been used for farming cattle and sheep. The only exotic animals would have been wart hogs; aggressive in their own way way. Clearly any native animals had long ago been moved on; successful cattle rearing not mixing well with predatory species. Over the years Shamwari has been reintroducing native animals to this area, and gradually the reserve has grown in size. It is owned by a Dubai conglomerate who are sensitive to the aims of the naturalists wanting to protect and grow threatened groups. One such group is white and the more endangered black rhinos. Even within the safety a game reserve provides, poachers will infiltrate and steal the horns so valuable on the black market. This constant war now employs AI technology to monitor 24/7 each rhino successfully thwarting many perpetrators. Population figures are highly sensitive and never published for added protection. They know overall which species are available in the reserve because they put them there, but numbers and where there are at any one time is where the mystery lies and what occupies the ranger's mind. Today we have seen lion, white rhino, zebra, African buffalo, giraffe, elands, kadu, vervet monkeys, red hartebeest and loads of birds. The male lion had made a kill this morning and will be satisfied now for the next 3 days. We are told he would not turn another opportunity down but equally will be happy to sleep and relax for 18 hours a day until Wednesday. Nice work if you can get it!

After a tapas lunch we were all set to explore some more, this time looking for cheetahs and leopards.

The search started around 14.30 and we soon saw elephant, more white rhino, eland and oryx but no cheetah. We stopped for drinks and nibbles. Other rangers were also on the lookout for cheetah but nothing. Then Raymond our ranger saw cheetah tracks; some going up the hill, and fresher ones coming down. Next there was a radio call to say one had been spotted. We leapt back into the Toyota and headed towards the sighting. There in a clearing were two brother cheetahs lying in the grass, stomachs swollen and the remains of a kill next to them. An unfortunate kudu had been outrun. This was a very fortunate spectacle since we not only saw two cheetahs, but also saw them after feeding. An absolutely perfect end to the safari day and just as the sun was going down. Both animals continued to look nervously around. They are predators but they are also prey to others; lions, leopards.

We were amazed at just how close we could get to these wild animals; just feet away from us.

Our Toyota Landcruiser returned us to base for a braai (South African BBQ).

ps The braai was great. We had pork ribs, chicken, oxtail, couscous, aubergine and bread type things. It was delicious. Loads of SB to was it all down. This place is amazing and the staff are so friendly and helpful.