#some of them are touched by this the others are abit offended because they were specifically designed and made for this war

[13ag21k]

Okay so I had this idea, what if Palpatine's plan completely backfired on him. The jedi love their clones so much that they refuse to actually fight the separatists XD they just always try to solve everything with as little bloodshed as possible and always try to negotiate and reason with separatist no matter how sticky the situation is.

I had this scene in mind where a separatist is threatening Anakin or Obi-Wan and they look at their men and respond with "how about peace?" "NO?" "We can negotiate" "violence is never the answer" no matter how hard the enemy tries to press them into using violence. Basically they do succeed most of the times at negotiating with them. The jedi are taught how to persuade anyone and in using violence as an absolute last resort for solving a problem. Their love for the clones saves the galaxy.

[akookminsupporter]

Hi Rosie. I'm the anon who compares Harry Styles and JK, again. I see your followers are saying no one said this or that about JK regarding wearing makeup or being stereotypical gay and are thinking I'm being patronizing and mayb malicious in explaining it. But actually I was responding to this post. It clearly said that they're also lgbtq and think JK is and he is stereotypical gay, and gave examples of it (makeup, being in touch with emotions, etc) in response to my first post where I said he was non-stereotypical. So I was responding to them and tried to give examples of what I thought was stereotypical and non-stereotypical. I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend anyone with that. I don't even like this discussion but I have seen it come up many times and it abit like saying he acts gay which is stereotyping well if you're going to pick and choose what falls under a gay stereotype, why ignore what falls under a straight man stereotype. That's what I meant. I'm actually a kookmin supporter. And some thing get twisted. Like saying he said he's not interested in girls, when he never said that or saying the members said he collects makeup. They actually said JK collects "women" skincare because he likes how they small, not makeup and they might have been trolling him since it was on a show where they were all trolling each other, with Jimin also saying the hyungs watch porn in the studio! If people identify with JK, see their experience in him, that's ok. My problem is in exaggerating and miconstruing things about him. https://akookminsupporter.tumblr.com/post/650397929676374016/actually-as-a-lesbian-the-anon-who-said-they

Hi anon, thank you for coming back and explaining a bit more some of your points.

This is the link of the ask anon sent And to which they are responding in their asks.

[randomsevans]

a stab to the heart

Captain weekly challenge

@captain-a-rogerss​

@optimistic-dinosaur-nacho​

@donutloverxo​

RANSOM X READER 

a/n : i know i write quite abit of angst but i couldn't help myself , even tho i try to write soft Ransom because i dont think he gets much love , but i just had to write him as the true arsehole he is .

You should know this day would come , why on earth did you fall form him ? ,Trust him ? Believe he would change for YOU !

This wasn't how today was meant to be , it was meant to be your anniversary , A year you have put up with  his shit but you did it anyway because you stupidly fell for him. You've dealt with it all his  shit show of a family ,his drinking , partying. Your voices which you should of listen to from the beginning . After all you should know to trust you gut felling , but your heart just over powered.

Despite all the times he would leave and you wouldnt hear from him for days , or his constant partying with his friends , knowing fine well theyd be girls all around much like it was before you , You trusted him , believed him . After all who are you to call the man you love , who says he love you and to trust him , who are you to call him a liar . 

but that was what he was . 

after all he is Ransom FUCKIN Drysdale . 

you had woken up by a soft pair of lip touch your cheek ,but it wasn't gental or sweet , it was rushed 

“y/n ! im leaving right , ill see ya soon “ Ransom husky morning voice echoed through out your room . Ransom may have said in a harsh tone , but you must of thought because it was so early in the morning and he probably didn't want to leave . After all today is you anniversary . But at least it was an improvement , in the past he would just get up and leave 

“okay “ you grumbled as you rubbed your eyes turning on your back , pulling the sheets with you as you opened your eyes to see Ransom pulling his brown coat over  his shoulder sorting out the collar . A small smile placed on your lips , as you were mesmerised by how lucky you were to have someone as hansom as him . “why dont you say ?” you said softly 

“i cant !” he snapped back , not in such a bitter tone , like he use with most , he has always been kinder to you but it was still enough for you to be slightly offend 

“umm okay “ you nervously said sitting up , “where you going ?“

he let out a deep sigh as his eyes slighted towards you in announce “out ! “ he snapped once again , until a small smug smile place on his lips “iv got something to take care of “ 

you nodded being as naive and in love ,you didn't dare question him further until a wide smile placed on your lips as you remembered what today is “im still seeing you later ya !” you  asked all giddy 

“uhhhh .. it depends on how today goes “ he let out a dry chuckle 

“oh okay “ you though maybe he was trying to wind you up he might have a surprise for you like you do for him , He does remember what today is doesn't he ?

ransom turned the door nob and opened the door , not even glancing at you . “see ya !” it was cold , nothing sweet about it. but before you could answer you heard him bounce down the stair , and soon after heard the front door open and close . 

You sighed , dragging your self out of bed , but still feeling good about the day . He was probably only winding you up . 

so you got up and got ready for the day , 

***************************************************************************************

some time had past , and you were becoming more anxious ,to know if Ransom was actual going to come , of course he would , but what kept him from  not spending the day with you again . Especial today of all days . 

you tried to ignore the little voice in your head doubting him , where could he be ? who is he with ? what is he doing ? did he forget ?

you hide those thoughts in the back of your head , as you reminded your self of the plans you had for him . But you still could not help the gut feeling that something was off . So as you made your way up the stair you rang Ransoms phone , it rang through and went to voicemal by the time you got to the top of the stairs , You decided to try one more time , and as you did you heard a ringing noise coming from your bedroom . You lifted your brow in confustion and headed into your bedroom , The ringing contuined , you quickely glanced around , to see what it was , It was then you saw Ransom phone , was laying on the floor , inbetween the door and your dresser . 

You let out a little giggle , at Ransom for being foolish leaving his phone . It must of feel out of his coat pocket . 

You shook your head picking it up from the ground , you chucked it on the bed , along with your phone and made  your way in to your wardrobe to get ready for  when ransom gets back 

It didnt take you long to get ready , as you had gotten dress , applied little makeup (gift above )

you frowned releasing the time , once again , but you sighed , trying to remain , calm , and have a good day . But as you turned to grab your phone , yu quickly remembered you have Ransoms

you titled your head in curiosity , maybe you could find out what he was doing , or maybe call one of his friend to see where he was . As you grabbed his phone , you suddenly felt uneasy , and no it wasnt your lunch . You suddenly felt guilty for going through his phone it felt like you were invading his  privacy . You nibbled on your bottom lip . Surely it would be fine , its not like he has anything to hide , right ?

so you opened up his phone , and went to unlock it , when you released you needed to enter a password , that you didnt know . You stranded there for a minted thinking with one hand on your hip covered by you silk black robe .Ransom was a very forgetfully person   clearly . So you had to think of something , he wouldn't forget , and it was then you tried his birthday . NOPE didnt work . And then you remembered four number that were more important to Ransom his card pin BINGO you were in . 

But your heart suddenly began to beat fast , now you were in his phone , what were you going to do now , its not like anyone know where he is . So you decided to go on to message and see who it was that last text him , maybe there needed him and thats where he went ? Maybe ? 

so as you pressed the little green bubble at the bottom of the screen , you were met with a string of conventions . Your brows raised , as you saw , random numbers , and anitionals  with little side notes in brackets . The top one was just labelled as J.S? (good when told  ) . You decide to click on it , as a wave  of anxiety  hit you  , 

you saw a short line of blue and white message back a forth  as your eyes bluurd one the words as your eyes become glossed over . while your chest tightend and you colsaped onto the bed . You heart sank , and torn all at once while your head become dizzy . You read through the text to make sure , your eye wernt tricking you 

J.S : Ransom , baby where are you ? you promised       

                          R.D : ill be there soon iv just got to finish up over here first 

J.S :kk ill be waiting 😉😘

                          R.D : oh i know you will be ! 

you  shaking lifted your hand , and click on another , and another conversation , that were just as similair some that had when on longer others that were shorter . Some were similar , a thank you and telling him to call them back . 

A small tear trippled down your cheek ,as you read through the message , you were even be able to find your own somewhere between a 11 digets number and a ALICE ? (decent) 

And you , You were simple save as y/n (err okay ?)

you felt anger rage through you , as you shot up from your bed . 

***********************************************************************************

And thats where you found your self now , just finished collecting all off Ransom cloths and things that he has left over . Watching them burn in the sink , turn to ash as you add to the glowing  flames as you pour the vodka you were currently sipping on , over the fire .  You turned facing away the kitchen isle as you lifted your arm as rubbed your eyes over your silk rob smuging your mascara . 

you looked down towards the cake that you had brought . You honestly dont know why tho .But you couldnt help but star at its delicate white piping around the edge and the swirls . It was kind of funny how you saw your self  in a cake . You was kind of like it before Ransom , sweet , and elegant  and now you were this A girl crying over an arsehole burning his cloths , after finding out he had been cheating . But you were surprisingly okay with that 

But the temptation was to much , you held to much rage with in . That you couldnt help but ick up a knive and stab through the cake  imagining Ransom face . With a harsh bang crumes where flying everway .You could help but laugh at your self , as you  took out your frustrations at on a cake . 

your anger , mixed with vodka made your turn into a fit of gigles that echoed through the kitchen . It was until you heard the openoing of the front door , you stopped , your face dropped as you griped the knive harder . 

“ha babe , i left my ... what the fuck !”

[oblivionlotus]

Mobile hc

Okay, I've done more research & am defo making it official. Leto has high-functioning autism, but is undiagnosed & unaware of it. You may not notice this at first or at all because neurodivergent people often "camouflage" their behaviours & are generally all different from each other to a degree, depending on personal experiences. In Leto's experience, their "stimming" & antisocial behaviours were thought of as "attention-seeking" & "rude" due to the time period they grew up in; thus these behaviours are subtle from years practicing repressing them. However they cannot change how they think or how they feel.

What you may notice with Leto are the following behaviours:

Their blunt attitude when interacting.

Excessive hand movements or fidgeting (tactile comfort-seeking) & lip chewing when concentrating or thinking.

Increased empathy for others but difficulty understanding the emotional needs of others.

Can only handle so much socialisation before needing to be alone for a time.

Depression.

Finds it difficult to express personal feelings (Leto has a good vocabulary but has difficulty using it in a way that accurately portrays their emotions; sometimes they will purposely avoid such discussions, or they will settle with a handful of words that may seem cold or distant to others).

They have trouble understanding some aspects of interpersonal relationships.

Focused interests (like re-reading mythology books constantly).

Anxiety when in an unknown/new place.

Dislike of large crowds (they're fine talking one-on-one with someone but is anxious when there's a gathering of people in the vicinity).

Occasional lack of facial expression or an expression that does not match with what they're saying.

More often than not, their voice is flat.

Poor social etiquette, such as staring/not blinking when speaking, difficulty holding eye contact with those they don't trust, etc.

Overanalyzing social cues/behaviour (should I/can I do this? What do you mean when you say x when you've done y & z? Reeling out your behaviour over the past few minutes when very confused).

When frustrated, they will get antsy/physically itchy & restless, and lash out or may want to escape the situation, curl up in a sulk & not want to be touched. This can happen when they feel overstimulated, usually due to a feeling of not being in control.

Is somewhat focused on the idea of being in control of their personal boundaries & surroundings. This means that while they are a touchy/overfamiliar person, they dislike that behaviour taking her by surprise (especially from people they don't trust) & will be "picky" over who gets to touch them or be physically close to them - they will let you know when you are allowed to do so. So if you spring a hug on them, they may be put off.

I'm choosing to have Leto undiagnosed & unaware because being neurodivergent isn't who they are nor does it wholly define them as a person. This is all just something I've picked up from their character & decided to make official, because it's an interesting writing challenge & abit of character diversity. There will be further posts about this as I research further & develop Leto.

I don't wish to insult or offend any neurodivergent people & will welcome any constructive criticism or advice. I hope my writing remains respectful & believable. Please do not use my writing as a means to self-diagnose or think that every neurodivergent person is like my character. This is not meant to be taken as a case-test, advocacy, or representation of anyone. Thanks.

[butch-bakugo]

Ok but Like this post gonna be long

The way some ace exclusionists talk about ace people in general like every single ace person looks the same, likes the same things, has the same opinions and that every last one of us is on tumblr is honestly fucking hilarious how wrong it is.

They act like they got the entire fucking asexual community figured out and because they are just " so knowledgable" on it, they have enough proof to satisfactorily make fun of it and judge every last individual in it. Tbh stepping away from both the inclusionist and exclusionist circle jerks has been so refreshing. I was both, ive been in both midsets tbh most of you are trash to other people and that's why im neutral.

Inclusionists have a flawed mindset inherently. Inclusion is not king in a community intended for oppressed people. Your too forgiving, often young, impressionable and just want to be everybody's friend. You want to be accepting and that mindset is great but i dont think its a coincidence that you often over lap with people who find other things excusable. You were the group that was exclusively pro-map. No exclusionists touched that side. You often are fujoshis, anti-antis and other people who want to take advantage of young people to change the world to be more crime friendly, expecially towards pedophiles, rapists and incestors. Who want you to mindlessly nod your head to let whatever in because it makes you seem like a good soul. Its not good. Your not helping anyone and being nothing but a nodding smiling bystander who cant pick a side and is too busy hyperfixating on good omens or other shit made by deplorable people to notice people being killed in the streets.

Exclusionists are abit better but often too have a flawed mindset. They are critical and skeptical and it keeps them from supporting bad people which is good. They often keep a vigilant eye to make sure they know what they are consuming and arnt willing to let a single one of them get away with x-phobic behavior, that is, only in one place and thats aphobia. They often are too critical and are set in their mindsets convinced that anyone new is a traitor and they can only really ever trust their friends. Thats sad cause it means they've been hurt before by new comers, most likely more than twice. But being over critical can be a very dangerous path that usually starts edging on non-acceptance and into bigotry. Thats why its common amoungst transmeds and nbphobic people. Even though rare, can eventually lead towards incelic beliefs, all of it usually based on complete distrust of the individual in question and polical panic. Their paranoid and they lash out to hide it.

So your probably one way or the other and look at me and go " well lefty, your critisim is correct but if neither side is truely correct than what should i be?" The answer is to be factual and critical within reason and still be a good open-minded and kind person. There is a golden median but everyone is so passionate, facts dont see the light of day or are only shown on one side. If your offended by what im saying, your scared and distrusting. Ive been in both communties for a nearly equal long amount of time and i know pretty much how they function. Its cool if you arent ready to accept the toxicity of both of them and you laugh at this old cooke for being stupid cause your obviously 100% correct but you'd only be proving me right.

Both sides have inherent flaws and to ignore them is ignorance. But that's the thing. Everyone is so wrapped on if x group Really belongs here or not that nothing is changing. No one will step away and ask how to fix it. Its the same stupid arguement repetitively and usually results in the same stupid way. Someone says something outright bigoted or pointing out a flaw in the othersides logic and then someone completely ignores them only to point at them, not face the person but instead their followers and usually follow up with one of 4 responces. 1. A meme and nothing but shock, 2. A non-refute other than stating their opinion in a dif, bigger or colored tumblr font, 3. An actual informed responce with no sources or 4. Someone repeating something they read somewhere else with broken/unrelated links and opinionated guilt tripping and manipulating speech.

Its all about being cool to their followers and showing their full rainbow of rage to their rivals. If they appear unapproachable, uncaring and cool, people will be too afraid to approach them for fear of being shut down. They are popular but not because of them but because they reinforce the beliefs of a majority of their audience. They only like you because you are a safe place for their opinions and you are an echo. Your the cave walls that say exactly what they say and they like you. Once they hear too many things they disagree with, they will leave you. They will drop you like a hot potato. I know this feeling. I lived it bitch.

The way i see it, i have the most followers i have anywhere here. Upwards of 400. If they were to drop to 10 overnight, i would be confused and maybe a little sad but overall? Id still carry my own damn opinions and keep making posts like i always have. I dont want a false audience, even if it means more people. My opinions are my own and even though its really nice and validating to see that bit of what i feel is clarity beyond the tumblr haze of people with similar opinions, i still feel confedient enough in my own beliefs that even if they werent there, id still carry on. I want to be honest here. I wont pretend to like, support, hate or slander something just because its popular. Im old enough and mature enough to not give into to tumblr peer pressure. Many people do and that's why we see them lose themselves. I did at some point. But even though a mix of lesbian content and political opinions arent popular, its still what i wanted from this blog.

I post what i want to post and say what i want to say and im confedient enough in my opinions, beliefs and self that i dont rely on others to tell me how to feel. Thats not to say that im not open minded and vigilant to important issues that do not effect me such as racism, anti-semitism, transmysogny, biphobia, etc but it dosent mean i cant relate, understand and help dismantle the belief systems that people like me on this axis of oppression have created and be sure not to contribute to them.

In the end be vigilant and critical but dont be so lost in the negative you cant be kind and understanding.

[lyriumlotus]

Solabellan - {So... I’m a dancer}

(AO3)

It had been a few weeks since that day they first spoke to one another, and since that time, they had shared many other days speaking to each-other.

In the beginning, he had tried to politely offer to buy her coffee and breakfast, but she disliked the feeling of owing another, so instead offered that she would instead pay the next.

Sometimes they chatted non stop, other times they worked, or in her case studied, in silence, simply enjoying each others company.

Even when customers started to thin and enough seats were now available again, neither seemed to notice the going ons, around them.

And so, It had become familiar to her.

But one thing had been weighing on her mind in that time, and that was that he still had no idea yet of her current job. She suspected he assumed she was an exchange student or something, but she failed to have the courage to bring it up, since she would have to be truthful.

Would he so freely speak to her still, if he truly knew?

She didnt think it a shameful line of work, but that didnt mean other people didn’t also think so.

Especially someone who carried themselves with an air of pride about them.

He was a mix of expertise himself, partly, Scholar, partly Archaeologist.

Not many people in Thedas studied spirits.  So suffice to say, he juggled many fields of work, regarding them.

For there simply wasn’t enough people, in this line of work.

“People spend their everyday lives, unaware of an entire world living amongst their own.

Can you imagine it, spending an entire existence, only knowing half of what beauty the World had to offer it?”

“Some would also take great comfort in their shared ignorance of it too though, I think”

She mused, adding extra sugar to her already sweetened beverage.

“If the wool was suddenly pulled from their eyes, many would be angry..because change is hard, even a slow change, and they prefer to stick to what is familiar.”

“True enough...” He smiled.

“Before, you said Spirits could be of great help to our World.. Could you elaborate? I mean, aren’t they… metaphysical? If they cannot touch, then how can they-”

She motioned him to continue, because she struggled with the rest of how to explain

“Well.. “He began

“Think of it like this…

Imagine you are a physician,  and you have a patient, who’s wound is undetectable or worse, misdiagnosed?

From an outside appearance, you may not see anything wrong at all.

However, a spirit, could technically help locate that wound, or could correctly call out that mistreated infection. Mental illnesses are much the same, too.

If you are a Historian, and you believe you have correctly made an assumption based on the credible facts presented to you, A Spirit could help right any inaccurate materials by offering something so simple as a different approach you hadn’t yet considered.  

Spirits of sympathy, could help someone grieve after the loss of a loved one.

Spirits of justice, could help law officials make substantially less errors in the field of law. Could prevent less corruption from manifesting in law enforcement branches.  

There is just so much possibility we could achieve together.

And-”

His cheeks and the tips of his ears were flushed red again.

“What is it?” She asked.

“N-nothing… I’m afraid I have gone on too long again … But I believe you get the picture”

He remarked, clearing his throat.

“Well, I did ask...” She grinned. “I think it sounds wonderful….” a forlorn sigh following

“Do you, Or should I say ….. have you.. met any Spirits, Solas?”

“Many. There are numerous I consider to be dear friends.

For the most part, I speak more to them, than I do, anyone else..

Well.. with exception to you.” He chuckled.

“How do you… speak to them though? I mean.. Isn’t it difficult when they are incorporeal?” He thought abit on this.

“Some are more powerful than others. Some are more readily easy to find then others.

Occasionally a mage can detect their presence when they are nearby, but you usually need specific tools to strengthen and sharpen the area around you, to better communicate with them.

Others can only be found when you are in a dreamstate and can fully gain control of yourself in your dreams, in order to have some control over yourself there.“ He nodded

Leelas’ eyes widened at this idea “You can gain control of yourself in your own dreams?” “Of course” He acknowledged, matter of factly “Few ever try, and I do not wish to imply that it is easy by any means.

It can take a great deal of practice to do so, and benefits many people for a variety of reasons.”

“I wonder if I could do it then?...” She chuckled “Honestly some dreams I have are just downright bizarre~”

He cocked an amused brow “How so?”

And she shook her head some acting serious  “Oh no.. we aren’t going down that road… Too awkward. Nah uh.”

Causing him to laugh in response “I see.” then added” However, I have some wonderful books on the subject of controlling dreams, I will happily find and lend them to you. If you would like?”

She perked up at this, nodding her head eagerly “Yes please!, dunno if they would work or not, but always worth trying at least!”

“Tomorrow then…” Solas promised. “And should you have trouble understanding any of it I can always lend my own personal expertise on the matter.”

……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

It was around midday when Leela found herself standing out the front of Elenas building complex.

The city was overcrowded. Further out where the richer people dwelt, it was better maintained, with proper schooling, markets, hospitals and guard facilities as well as everything else that went with it..

but down here was another story..

Half the time people referred to it as the slums. It wasnt ‘as bad’ as an actual slum. You could trick yourself into thinking the lower city was a nicer place, if you happened to not pay too close attention, or stuck to the places less likely frequented by its homeless people.

Half the reason she liked and frequented the library cafe in the first place, was because it was cosy and clean and encouraged free learning with books that anyone off the street could come in and learn from.

Building complexes like the one she lived in, and the one here that Elena lived in, were jam packed full, with people who weren’t good enough to live in the upper parts.

It wasnt uncommon to find families of 5 or more crammed into the one apartment.

Many people travelled to the Greater Thedas regions to attempt to make good on their educations or degrees so they could be accepted into the higher parts of the City, and be taken from out of here into a life of splendor.

However, it rarely worked out this way, because the requirements needed, were usually far too steep, and like most places. The less a government or council looked after its people, the more likely these ‘lesser offs’ would eventually fall into lives of crime or addiction to simply get by or manage their mental states.

She had dreamed of being a vet all her life just about,

but since travelling here, she no longer dreamt of leaving the lower cities,

because she hated and loathed ‘them’, the people who lived higher up.

Peering down on them with distaste and discontent.  Leela had heard them speak many times,

on transistors and image capturing crystal receptors.

They had wealth galore, and splurged on public grandiose displays of abundance whilst bemoaning the laziness and the poorness of the same people who filled and worked in their factories, keeping them running in the first place, for few coin.

As much as the wealthy spat on the lower, it somehow didn’t stop some of them frequenting their districts, in search of light entertainment or worse.

Instead, Leela had come to the decision, that ‘if she could, she would’ make a veterinary ‘here’ in the lower city regions, taking in and caring for the injured or orphaned beasts that wouldn’t survive these parts otherwise.

Elena lived an entire seven blocks up, and Leela passed many sorts on her way up the flights of stairs to get there.

Addicts, bored children playing, Tranquil castaways ( Magic-use was ‘forbidden’ in the lower cities unless you had access to a school and carried license. Penalty was severe. Instant ‘Tranquillity’, no chance of repeat offenders, but also limiting Mage users chances of making good livings for themselves, under the excuse that ‘it helped create less crime’ ).

Lifters trying to sell her stolen goods, or knock offs and the odd person on lute or singing for a couple coin to feed themselves for the night.

She finally reached the door, and knocked heavily.

“Who is it?”

A suspicious female voice called from within

And She responded

“Leela, present and accounted for!”  

To hear footsteps wander over, and the sound of clicks and flicks as Elena unlocked and unclasped the locks and chains that barred people entering.

A long face framed with thick black hair and brown eyes peered out at her, then narrowed.

“You… got the goods or what?”

Leela jokingly checked the coast was clear, then slowly slid the packet out of her jacket.

“Cream crisp chocolate biscuits..  just like you ordered Ma’am.”

A wink as she passed them through the door crack, to be checked.

Her friend made a show of checking them over carefully.

“All seems to be in order..  Alright Miss… You can come in...”

She stepped aside for Leela, whom entered quickly so they could lock up again behind them.

Her apartment was more or less one large room.  

A bed on the floor, small tub for bathing, a small kitchen stove and a mini fridge.

She kept little else, because break-ins could be common and there would be no point having too much here.

Most of the girls stashed their more valuable shit at the Red Lyrium anyway.

Since that was better fortified due to good protection spells and security measures.

Heck, even when one person had once stolen his way inside, past all of that, only to find himself face to face with Elion anyway, whom quickly disarmed and tied down the hapless burglar, keeping them there until The Boss arrived the next day.

The girls plunked themselves on the mattress, facing one another.  

The biscuits, opened and placed in the middle, and a bottle of cheap wine that was hidden under the mattress until Elena pulled it free and popped the cork to take a swig, then passing it to her friend.

Leela liked It here, since Elena always brought herself scented candles and would leave them burning most nights, making the room a sensational mishmash of aroma.

Vanilla, old oaks, lavenders, roses, wild flowers…

Elena had once told her this was how she escaped her every day, by pretending she wasn’t even here, but in some magical forest place far far away instead.

“So~ How are things with you and Marthaniel? Last time I came here, you seemed rather upset?” She asked carefully, popping a biscuit into her mouth.

“Meh… I don’t think we’ll work out really...”  Elena sighed. “He’s Law enforcement anyway… They don’t mingle with us people.. Gives em a bad name.”

“They sure don’t mind us when they come to watch us dance though..” Leela huffed.

“Its never good to mingle with them anyway.. but .. You deserve better, Elena.”

Elena bit her lip, a look of uncertainty written across her face, that pained Leela to see,

she lent over to touch her friends beautiful hair and tuck it behind her ears so she could cup her cheek   “I’m being serious here.. you ‘do’ deserve better. You know that right???”

“I don’t know...” Elena exhaled “It just feels like all my choices are wrong.. I mean, I keep making the same mistakes? How is that even possible? It -.. it feels like I’m being cosmically challenged, paying my karma or something maybe…”

She took one of the biscuits to nibble on, as her expression looked far away.

“Like.. Maybe in another lifetime I did something realll nasty and now I’m paying my just dues. Otherwise, how else can you explain it?”

“Love is shit.”  Leela answered abruptly, causing them both to break into a fit of laughter.

“Okay, seriously though.. “ She continued to Elena ”People can just be shitty… Most often then not people don’t intentionally go out of their way to make others miserable, but they can only think about themselves, what makes ‘them’ happy.. and sometimes…  its at the expense of ‘another’ persons happiness.  So you see, It’s not about you not being good enough for this douchebag or that asshole.. Its about finding the right one.. And you’ll know when you have, because their happiness will be your happiness and vice-versa.”

Elena smiled, passing the bottle over “You really think its possible?” “I sure do.. You’re still young El.. And lotsa girls and women around the globe go through this everyday, until the day they don’t” She winked.

“Hmm~” Elena smiled. “Thank you, I needed that.” “You needed what??

“Hope.” Elena laughed. “You’re always good at giving that to people.. it just rubs off you, dontcha know? “

Leela looked surprised but smiled quickly after, took a sip and passed it back.

“Anyway… What about you? You never talk about guys. So, What’s the deal with that? You married? Single? Taken? I thought you even had something for Elion once, I mean, you two are always together at work?”

Leela laughed at this and shook her head. “Of course I love Elion.. just… not quite like that...” A nod “….-and, I ‘was’ promised to marriage by someone.. when I was young” A quirked brow from her friend, caused her to add an “-Er” at the end.

“And this guy you are promised to? You are Dalish?, sooooo does that mean you will return to your people one day to wed him?” She asked looking worried

“No.” Leela answered.  “I left my people behind. Wanted to find and make something of myself here. And ‘Here’, isnt really what I imagined at all… but.. I don’t regret coming either. Had I stayed, I wouldnt have the same freedom to make my own path”

Elena listened intently as she snacked on more biscuits and wine. “But, was he hot? Or unattractive?” The important questions.

Leela shrugged, took another biscuit for herself “I don’t know honestly… I knew him when he was younger, so to me he just felt like a friend or a slightly older brother.. Couldn’t comprehend having to marry him.”

“Hmmmm” Elena contemplated. “And you don’t have a boyfriend, like.. at all? I mean you’re so pretty …  How do you not have guys falling over you????”

She shrugged again “I .. do have a crush on someone.. but it sounds so childish, doesnt it? A woman my age, having a crush on someone?”

“Ohhhhh~” Elena straightened “I don’t think so.. and you’re not ‘that’ old.. Sheesh~ Everyone has crushes! I even have one for the guy who sells me eggs.. “

They laughed

“Tell me more though? Whats he look like? Whats his name and how you know him?”

Elena was bopping up and down on the mattress like a child during the summer festival.

It made her  chuckle.

“Alright!” She cleared her throat “So there’s this guy… goes by the name of Solas, and … I had eyes for him the moment I saw him”

She sighed dreamily, crossing her feet infront of her and resting her elbows on her legs to prop her chin in her hands.

“He has these blue eyes.. You’d never believe unless you actually saw ..

They look stormy when hes in a bad mood, like whenever someone calls him up and he has to leave for whatever.. They can also become lighter and vibrant when he smiles and laughs

….and ughhhhhhh, he’s just so gorgeous to look at.. and his voice.. is so smooth and downrigtht lyrical. It should be a crime to sound and look that good!”

Elena giggled in the background, “but.. have you told him you like him? Does he know?”

Leela shook her head “Havent even found the right time to tell him I’m a dance girl yet.. And.. I dunno if I would want to risk losing the chats we have, if I made it awkward like that”

“If he was bothered by something like ‘that’, then trust me girl, he ain’t worth it” Elena remarked.  

And she knew the girl was right.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

Sure enough, by next Morning, Solas was awaiting her at their table with a pleasant smile to his face and a few books in his hands. “Miss Leela, I wasn’t sure you would show today”

Leela sat, placing her own textbooks aside and yawned with a hand covering her mouth

“Excuse me.. I may have had a little too much of a late night I’m afraid...”

Spying the books suddenly she asked

“Are those the ones about controlling dreams?”

He nodded, handing them over..

The covers felt old. The top one was wrapped in some kind of green velvet, the word :

‘To walk the Fade’,

titled across it.

When she opened the book up, she could see delicate pages, and she turned a few pages with care.

The writing flowed like lyrics and the illustrations were a plethora of colour.  

“How.. old.. is this book exactly?”

He tilted his head thinking “A few centuries. Give or take?”

She gulped, looking up at him

“I-Is it really okay for me to lend these? They look like they belong in a museum...”

“They do.” He chuckled

“Wait, what?” Leela froze

“They are currently on loan to us from the Museum” He commented “The Fade, or dreamstate as we often call it, is where many of pirits choose to remain..

Therefore it covers our field of expertise and hence, the museum had to loan it to us, for research purposes.”

“oh...”

She goes to push it back in his direction , but he declines

“I trust you will take care of it, and return it when you are done… Also the book is quite big.. So please do not feel pressured to read the whole thing...” He replied with a clearing of his throat.

“Even I myself sometimes fell asleep while reading it”

“Good to know” she laughed “I might keep it at my workplace though, under lock and key.. because I wouldnt leave the house with this thing in it unless I get robbed..”

“Oh?” His ears pricked “What kind of work do you do?”

Her heart sank suddenly ans she sat the books gently down on the table. Oh ohhh.. really set herself up for that one.. “Um. Well.. I...Its ...I actually.. err”

She stuttered looking down in embarrassment and trying to come up with a way to phrase it right,

and he was quick to pick up on the general discomfort.

“I apologise. You do not need to tell me if you do not wish, I was only curious.

He finished with another smile.

“Actually I’m a dancer!” She blurted out, much to his surprise.

They stared at each other in silence for a moment, until he laughed and shook his head.

“It is of no surprise”

“What do you mean?” She asked, almost offended.

“I mean judging from the manner in which you carry yourself, of course.. You move with such an ease and fluidity to your step, it is hard not to notice”

“So, you are suggesting I am graceful?” She blushed, foolishly. Willing herself not to take it too strongly to heart.

“No. I am declaring it.” He responded, chin tipped high in that manner he always had about him.

whellllllllllllppppppppp, There went her heart, racing way ahead of her again.

She lifted her cup to her lips to finish her coffee

“Perhaps one day I may come watch you dance?” He asked

And she spat her drink. Fortunately enough for her, it only went back into the cup.

He didn’t seem to notice.

“Really? I.. I mean….”

Holy Makers Balls, He was bold, wasnt he? “Certainly. There are many styles of Dance that are made up of difficult numbers and are remarkably well composed with exceptional flow of movements when done right by a dance company.. “

Wait a minute.. that sounds like Ballet?.

He thought she was talking about a different kind of stage dancing altogether.

She exhaled and struggled to find the words to correct him.

Well, that was a kind of a big fail…. Leela thought to herself.