#something about sun and moon as a duo and the moon searching the sun specifically

[torgawl]

another thing i forgot to mention that connects istaroth (astaroth → astarte → ishtar) to owls. the morning star stands alone in the sky, just before the sun rises, shining brightly in the east. it announces the coming of sun and light to the earth; basically, it heralds the dawn. i could include here an entire segment about diluc's lucifer (the morning star) parallelisms and the fact he's the personification of dawn, starting from his name, but won't since it's fairly obvious why he connects to this. i'll leave here a really good thread made by someone else that included all references. but the name of his fifth constellation, for example, is called "phoenix, harbinger of dawn". phoenix that appears in his elemental burst, nonetheless. there's also dawn winery's connection with the hexenzirkel and the fact diluc's birthday falls on "the night of walpurgis", a german festivity where witches gather to hold revels with the devil. and, of course, crepus delusion which is definitely unique and seems to be associated to god remains and abyss-like powers, or even alchemy (specifically, art of khemia since dottore was intrigued by it and we know he learned khaenri'ahn alchemy through studying scaramouche. but it's just an hypothesis). who knows if the third-party entity that saved diluc might also be related to the hexenzirkel (especially nicole)?! still, knowing the witches connection to the irminsul and khaenri'ah, it only makes me believe more that the owls are associated with the civilization or entities connected to it. be it istaroth, seelies, the hexenzirkel or something else.

addition (06/08/24): diluc's old voiceline used nightingales instead of owls!!! SINGING BIRDS.

'the shepherd and the magic bottle' likened the jinni (race created by nabu malikata, a seelie) to nightingales announcing death on a summer night.

summer night -> sommernachtgarten -> fischl. the description for midsummer courtyard talks about ancient civilizations and its trees (likely irminsul trees, like the ones seelies seem to be associated with and present in places like sal vindagnyr). the moon sisters were goddesses of music and seelies are known to have sang beautiful songs + the parallel to the hsr penacony quest with nightingales and ravens (both referenced in 'the shepherd and the magic bottle'), moon, fate, order, theatre and dreams/dreamscape. and the jinni saying "i'm a creation of the sky, yet also a creature of this world".

there's also diluc owning a book with an eight-pointed star on the cover (symbol that relates to istaroth, khaenri'ah and the abyss).

addition (07/08/24): diluc also has a cecilia garden.

cecilias only grow around the thousand winds temple. 'the thousand winds' is one of istaroth's titles, winds that venti originated from. in that sense, 'prodigal son' refers to venti's relationship with istaroth.

cecilias are also the shape of double triquetras. not sure what that symbolises but that's the symbol in the spiral abyss portal before we unlock it; it also appears in kaeya's 4th ascension passive.

diluc mentioned in the lore of "wings of concealing snow", nice!!

you know, i wonder if the owls in this story are connected to the underground intelligence network that contacted diluc in snezhenaya. his character story definitely refers to the "observer" as a third-party entity, considering diluc's distaste for the fatui, the abyss order and the knights of favonious we can rule all those options out of the way. the way they don't go into detail about it or even go as far as saying its name, mentioning how secretive they are, i assume they're not a group we've met/are aware as of yet.

going back to "wings of concealing snow" though, the story is very clearly about sal vindagnyr. the description separates the population, if i can call it that, in two different groups: falcons and owls. owls are described almost as if they were councelors while falcons are described as ambitious, with the desire to rule the skies.

from the information we have of sal vindagnyr, we know there's 3 important figures with higher hierarchy: the princess (prophetess and highly connected to the frostbearing tree), the scribe and the priest-king (the princess' 'father').

the princess was able to foresee the future - for example, she foretold what would much later happen with durin - and painted the murals we can still see in dragonspine. she was specifically called a lovely maiden and described as having beauty and skill that was thought to be as eternal and pure as moonlight. it's also relevant to point out the frostbearing tree was very likely an irminsul tree. if we know anything about symbolism in genshin is that moonlight, knowledge and the ability to foresee the future are all key-words that directly point to seelies. and we can parallel this princess directly to someone like sibylla, mentioned in remuria as advisor of god-king remus, who appears as a golden bee and who protected the irminsul where an ancient civilization was located in the abyssal depths. the form of these remuria bees are very akin to what seelies look like and there's also heavy implications she was a seelie. it would make sense that someone overlooking the irminsul tree in ancient dragonspine was also a seelie, or at least related to one somehow.

as for the concept of priest-kings, they're not something exclusive to sal vindagnyr. we've seen the exact same depictions of crowned individuals guiding populations in tsurumi island and the concept was also talked about in the "guilded dreams" artifact set (the set focuses on king deshret and a sumeru desert civilization).

i think it's not that crazy to think ancient civilizations had similar social foundations. the way seelies cohabited with humans, also learned from the chasm lore, implies they guided humanity in some way as divine envoys (words used in "flower of paradise lost", artifact set about nabu malikata). or, more specifically, advised civilizations' gods/kings.

the wings' description also goes on to talk about "birds of the land of the wind" and say the owls gained dominion in the absence of light while fledgeling birds stayed in their nests. this happened after the nail was casted upon sal vindagnyr and the darkness drowned the land (likely the abyss, in reference to forbidden knowledge). if owls and falcons are adult birds in this story, maybe the fledgelings refer to the basis of what would later become the mondstadt civilization. the line "the nestlings would never know who it was who saved them" followed by "the dragon ... would also be forgotten" imply the saviour of the people was someone who ended up being forgotten. as far as i'm aware, there's only one being who was worshipped in mondstadt and ancient civilizations like the one in enkanomiya who ended up forgotten, istaroth. so, there's that!! i also thought it was interesting that the owls that "once shone brightly in the darkness" would also end up with the same fate, although there's no mention they ever disappeared, which brings me to the next point.

"a flash of red flames would reveal his silhouette for but a moment in the darkness of the night, before he disappeared in an instant" sounds a lot like what the owls were like to the people of mondstadt. diluc also only started his darknight hero endeavours after he returned from snezhenaya, after entering the secret organisation and rising quickly in its ranks. and guess who, in the manga, wears an owl mask? an owl is also diluc's constellation and these are diluc and kaeya's respective voicelines in the section "interesting things":

coincidence that kaeya associated the owl with dragonspine? moreso, some of diluc's voicelines are very intent on judgement/punishment: "time for — retribution!" or even "lay waste to the wicked!" which parallels fischl's "no rest for the wicked...". fischl has also said the retribution voiceline in "summertime odyssey". these are interesting parallels because fischl from "the legend of the shattered halberd" and "flowers for princess fischl" has a red eye - auge de der verurteilung or eye of judgment/condemnation - and her mission is to observe and weave the threads of fate. fischl not only parallels kaeya but also king irmin, though it's still interesting this theme is also connected to diluc. but how does this connect to dragonspine? this is the ending line in the description of "wings of concealing snow".

whatever that "greater trial" is, it also implies some sort of payback towards celestia and/or the abyss. as for who are the "we", if not the seelies who got basically wiped out from teyvat, i can only think of the owls.

at last, i want to leave here the messages found in the scribe's box found in dragonspine that clearly belonged to the scribe in sal vindagnyr:

the first message shows resentment towards the skies (it almost sounds like tsaritsa's desire to burn the old world described in the cryo gemstone). the second message refers dust and wind which are very suspicious words considering they can be connected to concepts like alchemy, khaenri'ah and either the anemo god or the god of time. it also shows intent in finding imunlaukr (the hero from another land that left sal vindagnyr to fight what i assume was the abyss during the conflict). the fourth message directly states this person was the last to survive and that it made no more sense to keep watch (of what? the fledglings like the owls?), probably meaning this person left dragonspine. and, in the last message it directly references khaenri'ah's establishment and early days. could this person have fled to somewhere outside of teyvat, away from the gods, like khaenri'ah? this really isn't that surprising when we have in account sal vindagnyr and khaenri'ah share the same written latin-based language.

i actually went a bit more in depth about sal vindagnyr and imunlaukr on this twitter thread, if anyone cares, but i'm going to include here part of it. the name imunlaukr means "sword", being a direct reference to the god ullr - step-son of thor and the son of lady sif. sif was famous for her beauty and unique golden hair, said to be inherited by her children. genshin's imunlaukr went on to pass his name on to a clan in mondstadt that was known for raising brave and gifted warriors that fought hard and died young. the clan adopted their progenitor's viewpoint that combat was merely for the entertainment of the gods and as such would fight anyone and anything for the sake of fighting, as well as enact war tales. do you know who else is a sword, happens to be blonde and has connections to khaenri'ah? dainsleif, which translates to dáinn's heirloom. dáinn (or dain) means 'dead' and he's a character in norse mythology. most of the tales relating to him depict him as a dwarf or king of elves. hehe, break time to introduce fun facts about nibelung. the term in legend has usually referred to either a group of humans or a group of dwarves but the name in genshin is likely derived from richard wagner's four-part opera der ring des nibelungen "the ring of the nibelung", in which the dwarf (or nibelung) alberich creates a ring capable of controlling the world, using gold he stole from the rhinemaidens (or rheintöchter "rhine-daughters"). the conflict that arises over the ownership of this ring eventually leads to the destruction of the gods and their home. continuing with dainsleif, in myhtology, the sword is involved in a so-called eternal battle between kings, initiated by one man falling in love with and running off with another's daughter. dainsleif was forged by the dwarves whose god/king was alberich, and the sword was cursed with insatiable bloodlust and would not be able to be sheathed until it had killed and any wound caused by the sword would never be able to heal. maybe the connection between imunlaukr and dainsleif is a stretch - timewise, it wouldn't really make sense as dain seems to be exclusively from the eclipse dynasty but khaenri'ah was somewhat recent in the scribe's notes - but i really don't think the connection between khaenri'ah and sal vindagnyr is.

furthermore, dainsleif is called "bough keeper", a bough being a branch of a tree - like the irminsul. if you notice his design, one of his arms has blue lines akin to those in irminsul trees. blue lines also appear in his and pierro's mask. the introduction to his character is written by a self-proclaimed prophet and mentions the desire to see the skies burning - like the message in the scribe's box - as well as desire for atonement of bygone mistakes and mentions of alchemy (gold being the end goal as it's related to reaching the magnum opus and the philosopher's stone - elixir of life and immortality). the symbol the angel figure in dragonspine's mural is handing to the humans resembles a circumpoint, that can represent gold. it's also something that appears associated with rhinedottir in one of the videos about the hexenzirkel (which makes sense as she's such a proeminent figure related to the art of khemia and khaenri'ah, very much associated with the cataclysm).

not sure what the conclusion of all of this is but i don't think it's impossible this underground intelligence network and the owls might be something connected, directly or indirectly, to the person from sal vindagnyr that might have fled dragonspine all those years ago or even khaenri'ah. could diluc and kaeya work more closely together than we think? considering the third-party observer that rescued diluc is said to be from the north when that supposedly happened in snezhenaya, does this mean this north they speak of is beyond the land of the tsaritsa?

note: i wanted to make some type of connection to the book "anecdota septentrionalis" or anecdotes of the north, as the book not only talks about snezhenaya but also tells a very fantastical and non-sensical story that includes other nations but i understood very much zero about it other than the fact that north from where the major plot takes place there's a tall wall in the middle of the sea stretching into the sky with countless densely packed human figures suspended "and though they had neither bodies nor muscles, their forms could clearly be seen". whatever that means, so i can't really make any inference to what it beyond snezhenaya.

note 2: forgot to mention but owls besides being birds associated with wisdom, in sumerian, akkadian, and babylonian culture, are also associated with lilith. she was theorized to be the first wife of adam and is cited as having been "banished" from the garden of eden. it's just a fun fact if we think of seelies, divine envoys who are symbols of wisdom and guidance, that got punished by the heavens after their ancestor married a traveler from afar.

[wolfawaycamp]

Something with infected Kaitlyn maybe? <33 (best if she stays infected post-game and all counselors survive)

🐼 What if I told y'all this was based on a dream I had where this was more or less the intro to The Quarry 2? It's a sign, I tell ya!

Twelve-forty-two p.m. They were running late. Not good. Kaitlyn stared out at the water from the front steps of the lakehouse. They’d all agreed it was a worthwhile investment considering their…condition, but it was also quite isolated, which made for a long monthly road trip.

Sure, the sun wasn’t supposed to set for another four hours or so, but that didn’t stop Kaitlyn from running through every worst-case scenario in her head while she sat nervously awaiting the arrival of her fellow counselors.

Jacob strolled up and planted himself next to her. “Kait, I know that look. You’re getting antsy again.” She didn’t respond. “Hey, it’s probably just, I don’t know, typical New York traffic. People coming home for the holidays and all that.”

She looked over at her friend. “Yeah. Probably.” It could also be an accident, or maybe another attempted kidnapping, or god forbid one of the Hacketts found—

Thankfully, Kaitlyn didn’t need to finish that thought as she saw the familiar silhouette of Emma’s minivan pop up over the horizon.

“Party time!” Jacob grinned at Kaitlyn.

She rolled her eyes and strode toward the approaching vehicle. “You are probably the only person in the universe who gets consistently excited about exploding into a hairless mutt every month.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

She put one hand on her hip and glared at Jacob. “Uh, yeah. Because it’s fucking weird, dude.”

The van slowed to a stop a few feet away from the bickering duo, and it wasn’t long until seven familiar faces popped out, each carrying some sort of backpack or container in their arms.

“What took you so long?” Kaitlyn inquired, scanning the group. She knew her temper would be shorter than normal today, but she still felt she had the right to be a little upset.

While several of the counselors began transporting their luggage into the lakehouse, Abi rounded the van and plopped a large cardboard box down in front of Kaitlyn. “Hey, don’t be too mad at us. We brought some extras along. My idea.” She gestured toward the box.

Kaitlyn raised an eyebrow. “You went on a shopping spree?”

“Not exactly. I had these custom-made and today was the earliest we could pick them up. I’m really sorry it took so long.” Abi opened the box and revealed a brightly colored pile of woven fabric.

Kaitlyn grabbed the top item; it was dark green with a very loud yet charming pattern of fire-engine red bears prancing across it. She instantly recognized what these were supposed to be. “Ugly Christmas sweaters. Cute.”

“Aren’t they?” Emma hopped over. “That one’s Jacob’s. Mine’s the purple one with the stars on it, and yours—”

“Hey, hey, hey! Let’s save the gift-giving for when we’re all prepped for tonight,” Abi interrupted.

Ryan and Dylan had walked out of the house and approached the group, hands loosely linked together. Ryan spoke, looking slightly more on guard than normal, “She’s right. We’ve got an early moon tonight and I’m not sure I want to see what a ravenous Kaitlyn looks like.”

Now that he mentioned it, Kaitlyn’s stomach had been grumbling for the past few minutes. “Speaking of—” She spun around and entered the house, searching specifically for Jacob or Nick; they were tonight’s designated chefs. She found them unloading groceries in the kitchen. “How long’s that all gonna take to cook?”

Nick pressed a few buttons on the oven and turned to Kaitlyn. “It’s not too complicated; the sandwiches need to be assembled and then we’re just waiting on dessert. Hope you like sloppy joes and brownies!”

Kaitlyn tried not to get too excited thinking about it. “Sounds great! I’m gonna go over here now so you don’t have to see me drooling all over myself. Let me know when it’s done!” She wanted to do the rounds before getting too comfortable.

Making her way to the end of the hallway, Kaitlyn pulled a set of keys out of her pocket. She stood in front of the door at the end of the hall for a moment; this was going to be their home for tonight, and things needed to be double- and triple-checked before she and her fellow lycanthropes settled down.

“Everything good?” Dylan’s voice called out from behind her. She would have been annoyed if it was anyone else, but he somehow managed to stay in her good graces during full moons. They’d been in sync with each other, more or less, since that night at Hackett’s Quarry.

Kaitlyn nodded, unlocking the basement door. “Yep. Only need to do a quick basement check and we should be gucci.”

“But are you ready?” he asked.

She met his gaze; he looked anxious, rightfully so. They were about to jam a bunch of bloodthirsty animals into close quarters. Not exactly the holiday vacation they’d pictured. “As ready as I can be. Are you coming with, or…?” She nodded toward the staircase leading into darkness. He shrugged and wordlessly followed her downward.

After they’d confirmed that every inch of their enclosure was working as intended, the two joined the group for dinner, which was followed by a lazy hour of catching up and gossip.

Laura’s watch alarm went off. Four o’clock on the dot. Kaitlyn sat up straight, tensing up as if she was being sentenced for a crime.

“Alright. Time’s up, guys. Let’s get going,” Laura said calmly.

The infected individuals one-by-one filed into the underground cages. Once they were all locked in, they collectively relaxed into their quarters.

“Damn. We never got around to giving out the sweaters,” Emma lamented from the spot next to Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn gave what was probably an unconvincing smile in response. “We’ll have plenty of time. After.”

Emma grinned back with a similar look of unease, but her words were sincere. “Deal. After.”

Kaitlyn supposed there were worse ways to spend her holiday vacation.

[theazkapack]

The Ceremony

Preparing for a ceremony is… hard.

Ashlen now thinks back on their time with their original pack and wonders how they managed to make it seem so easy, when they struggled to even find a rock that was shaped correctly to hold charcoal. Of course, in their old pack, everyone was born and raised Wild, and followed the Moon Rays to the most minimal detail, having had years to learn how to do it easily. Ashlen pack, instead, was anything but Wild, most if not all having lived with humans for a significant amount of time, with the exception of them and Mosra.

The she-wolf was also Wild, although not from the same territories as them, and they were unsure as to how much she knew about the Naming Ceremony. Ashlen hadn’t been that interested in the Moon Rays' ways, preferring to spend their time sleeping or hunting or scouting, barely interacting with their family, which now they regret, being unsure of how best to do this Ceremony, memories too hazy for them. They knew the Naming Ceremony for Adults, having done one as soon as they had been recognized as an adult in their old family, but they knew the ceremony for pups and wolves was different.

They would have to talk to Mosra, no?

They groaned, and let their face fall against the dirt, huffing annoyed at the leaves that cling to their face. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to talk to Mosra, they really did! It's just… Nobody liked Ashlen a lot here, and it wasn’t their fault! They knew how rude they sometimes came across, plus, the language barrier made it all the worse. They have been wanting to talk to Mosra and Jet, see how they had been adjusting to the pack life, if everything was alright, but Glawn’s siblings had been… an obstacle, so to say. Ashlen will be the first to admit that they don’t like Honsu, but they won’t say anything. They had seen how joyful Glawn had looked like when she had seen her siblings, and Ashlen didn’t want to dampen her mood.

They shook their head and got up, it was best if they didn’t postpone the talking too much, otherwise they would run out of will to do things and would fall back onto the “say nothing, do nothing” mindset once again. Fortunately, Mosra was in the den, having recently returned from a hunt, and they approached hesitantly, waiting for the she-wolf to notice them before saying anything. The other wolf was occupied trying to brush her fur, watching with critical eye the thin and tiny patch of moss she had managed to make grow, before flinching when she noticed Ashlen was nearby.

They tried to ignore the way they felt like curling up at the flinch, they knew Mosra was wary about them. Why did they feel so strongly about it?, and barked softly as a greeting.

“I was wondering if we could talk?” They said, careful to keep their body language soft and non-threatening.

Mosra blinked, confused, probably trying to decipher what they were saying, before nodding and standing up, following Ashlen as they guided the other back to the den, sitting down behind some big rocks to have an idea of privacy.

“I was wondering what you knew about the Naming Ceremony,” They said, waiting for the other to understand it before continuing, “My old pack was very close to the Moon Ray’s ways, but I didn’t pay a lot of attention to it, so I was curious as to what you know.”

“Hmm, we were more restrained, I think? They followed the up north ways, near the sea and snow.”

Ashlen paused, trying to understand. Mosra’s speech was similar to theirs but, it was more silent, although it was understandable, although a bit weird.

Language barriers, they thought drily, nodding.

“The Clouded Moon?” They offered.

“Yes!” Mosra nodded, “Naming ceremonies for tiny?”

“I only knew the name-change Ceremony,” Ashlen said, “I am uncertain how the pup’s Naming Ceremony is different. I remember that for name-change, it was grinded Arnica, but I think the pup’s one was another herb?”

“Black rock,” Mosra said, pausing before extending a paw and drawing on the dirt a waxing moon, and then, a full Moon, “Half for growth and change, Full is life and strength.”

Black rock? They tilted their head, black rock?

“Charcoal?” They said, sighing at the nod Mosra gave, “Alright, then. Is it a full night, no? I remember mine done in Sun, but it was done during the day because it was a counterpart to the original, right?”

“Yeah,” Mosra nodded, “Moon must See, for tiny’s ritual.”

“Alright, alright,” They paused, and then hesitantly offered, “Is there anything in particular you want?”

Mosra blinked, confused.

“I just—My branch was different, and I remember how to say it, but your way’s were different, and I don’t know if you want something in particular or anything, because this is also your pack now, and I want you to feel included.” They rambled, nervous.

Mosra looked at them, and, the best word to describe it?, softened, her body relaxing as she looked at them in appreciation.

“No,” She said, “Nothing special.”

“Alright, I’m uh, thanks for the help.” They said, watching with apprehensive eyes as Mosra nodded and stood up, leaving after giving them a final nod, returning to the side of Jet, the other wolf grinning and nudging her enthusiastically.

Ashlen sighed deeply, and tried to calm their racing hearts This… This was okay, this was going good, yes, this would turn out alright.

---

Gathering the charcoal was easy enough, and while trying to find a good shaped rock took almost an entire day, Ashlen managed to surpass most of the problems.

Mosra had offered to find and dry some moss patches, so the pups could be Named on them instead of the cold floor, so that was one item less to worry about. Unfortunately, now I was left asking and they were not looking forward to it. In the Naming ceremonies, if a pup one supposed to be done, one would have to ask the parents for the names, the names a gift from the parents, and the pack as a whole, to the pups. Which, supposedly, shouldn’t be hard but… these were Glawn’s siblings. How are they supposed to talk to Glawn’s siblings?! All of them hated Ashlen, and as much as it felt rotten to think so, they didn’t think Honsu even knew which pups were hers.

They sighed and tried not to whine, it didn’t do any good to just complain about it. But, they still took their time, trying to gather enough energy to deal with the siblings, before standing up and getting to work.

First things first, Ashlen tracked Glawn down, deciding to use her help so they could talk to the siblings. They specifically needed Clower and Honsu, which was harder than it seemed. Honsu barely spent time in the den, going as far as to prefer spending time outside than even sleeping during the night in the same den as her siblings and pups, which Ashlen didn’t want to say but it rubbed them the wrong way. And Clower was practically Honsu’s shadow, always behind her or Aursa, as if afraid of everything and everyone, which made Ashlen feel a little bad because they should try to help no?, but also annoyed them right now, since it meant Clower was nowhere in sight.

Fortunately, thanks the Stars, Aursa was nearby and told them Clower had recently come back, and was in their den. Ashlen waited outside, while Glawn announced their presence, not wanting to intrude on their packmate’s space. A few moments later the wolf appeared, looking confused, half leaned towards their den, clearly listening in for the moment their pups woke up.

“Hello, I am preparing for the Naming Ceremony and was wondering what names you have chosen for your pups?”

“I have chosen?” Glawn dutifully translated, showing the same confusion Clower had.

“Yes, uhm, in a Naming Ceremony the parents choose the name they wish to give to the pups, since your ancestors can have a Name rule or similar,” Ashlen shrugged, nervous, watching their friend translate.

The siblings talked among themselves for a bit, probably trying to discuss what Name Rule could their family possibly have, before nodding seemingly satisfied, and turning to look at them.

“They say they wish for the gold one to be named Ranica, and the brown one Duars” Glawn told them, and they nodded, thanking Clower for their time and leaving the wolf to go back to their pups.

The duo walked along, Ashlen making a reminder to not forget the names, and searched for Honsu. They managed to find her, when Night had already risen, and Ashlen paused, hesitant, a few meters before the den where the Gold and Red colored wolf had retreated to.

“Can you…” They paused, “Can you ask Honsu for the names? I don’t think she will be happy to see me.”

Glawn opened her mouth, as if to protest, before nodding and sighing, entering the den of her sister, while Ashlen waited outside, a good distance apart so it didn’t seem like they were intruding on the other’s space. The Moon had moved half a sprout, when Glawn reappeared, walking slowly towards the den they shared. Confused, Ashlen followed behind, wanting to ask what happened, but they could sense it was something meant for a private place, not in the shared space the pack had.

Glawn sighed, and curled up, looking almost sad one could say. Ashlen silently sat beside her, and waited, not wanting to press their friend into talking, as family matters were always a fragile thing to talk about.

“She… She doesn’t have names,” She said, at last, lamely.

“No names? Well, we can give her time to think of some if she needs it.” They offered, pausing at the dejected look Glawn had.

“No, she… She doesn’t care,” She admitted, as if in pain, “She told me the names didn’t matter.”

Ashlen reared back, their fur bristling from the shock, as they stared at Glawn.

“What?!” They yelped, “But—But!”

“I mean, our parents named all of us,” She shrugged, lifelessly, “So, she probably doesn’t want to since… you know.”

“But! But your parents named you because you all were siblings!” Ashlen said, shock fading to let apallement and anger start to bleed in, “How—That’s not an excuse!”

Glawn shrugged, and Ashlen burned with righteous anger, almost trembling from how strong it was.

How dare she?! They thought, angry, How dare she be so rude?!

To not name your own children, that type of slight was one to be answered with a fight and no less. They thought of the tiny pups, who stumbled behind their shadow and called happily at their sight, who would nap between their paws when they were resting, and the anger burned all the more brightly. How little did she care, how much contempt could one have against your own kin, to be so indifferent as to rob them of the blessing they deserved? The pups had been strong, had managed to survive their first season, had proven their right to be Known, and this was how she answered?

But maybe, a little voice in the back of their mind whispered, maybe she doesn’t realize the weight of it. She was captive raised, she does not know of the Moon Ray’s ways, what did you expect?

But even so, she shouldn’t do this!

They sighed, body slumping as they curled around Glawn, anger leaving their body and being left with only sadness inside. They couldn’t do anything, anyways, since they knew deep inside if they dared to confront the other, the small illusion of a united pack would fall right before their eyes. And they knew how much Glawn hated the fighting, they couldn’t make her choose between them and her family, sure, they have spent almost a year together but… That compared to the lifetime of living with your family? How could they compare?

Sleep evaded them, as they stared at the Moon hanging in the sky, wishing for this to be more simple, and for life to once again be joyful bliss, instead of this trap-filled path that they were on. The Sun rose, and they watched silently, curled around Glawn, hoping the warmth of their friend could warm the coldness that had nested on their chest. They watched her wake up, and went with their morning routine in silence, accompanying her until she stood at the edge of the pack’s den, where she would leave for her Scouting duties.

“Hey,” They called, having thought it over all morning, “Can you come with me a wind before you leave?”

Glawn nodded, mutely, and they walked back, towards where Jet and Lannel were standing guard, the pups already prancing and tossing around in the rising sun. The pupsitters perked up at their sight, and Jet barked softly in greeting, relaxed and happy to see them.

“Ask them if we can speak to them about the pups.” They said, watching Glawn communicate it to them. And then, hesitantly, “Could you ask them for names for Honsu’s pups?”

Glawn’s eyes widened, and she looked at them, before nodding hesitantly.

“If you wish, you can tell them about your Family’s Name Rule, so they can have an idea of what to name them.”

Glawn nodded, and returned to the conversation, the pupsitters appearing surprised but also touched by the request. They discussed it in low voices, and Ashlen turned their sight to the pups, huffing amusedly at the sight, watching the siblings wrestle around, yipping and barking in laughter as they chased the others around.

“Uhm,” Glawn breathed in, and Ashlen looked at her, heart aching at the sadness that gathered in her face, wishing they could wipe it away, “The sand one is to be Boray, for the Boreales and the Clay-like color of the fur, the red is to be Mushet, for the Mushroom-red of the coat and the Sunset, and the last one is Sharl, for the stars and the shell-colored markings.”

Ashlen nodded, and gave a small bow at the others, “Pass them my thanks?”

She did so, and smiled at them, “They say it was no problem, and they wish the names fit them well.”

“I’m sure they will,” Ashlen assured, and nudged her affectionately on her head, “You’re free to go now, thanks Glawn.”

“No problem,” She pauses, and then, in a soft voice she tells them, “Thanks Ashlen.”

They blink, and smile as warmth fills their body from paws to tails.

“Of course, Glawn, they’re pack,” They say, and watch her nod, and leave silently.

Being a lead is hard, they think as they watch the pups play, is hard and exhausting sometimes, but they think they’re doing pretty good.

---

The Moon is gentle, with her bright rays, and Ashlen watches their pack gather around, something like a proud fire resting inside of their chest, beating peacefully along their heartbeat.

The pups are wide-eyed, watching everything around, curious as to why the pack is all here, sitting on the soft dried moss bed that Mosra had found. Everyone is here, Glawn’s family to the left, followed by Jet, and then Lannel and Shivo to their right. Mosra is beside them, claws wet with the weird mix of grinded charcoal and water, as she waits for them to begin, and Glawn is on the other side, ready to translate what they say.

“Today,” They said, trying their best to appear calm and not show the nerves filling them, “We gather before the Moon, the bright witness, to Name the pups of Honsu, bright Chaser, and Clower, Silent Stalker, and make it know that we recognize their Strength and Will, having survived their first season, the hardest of them all, the Winter.”

Glawn’s voice is almost a background noise, as she translates to everyone else, nodding to Mosra, the she-wolf standing up and approaching, the moss that clings to her fur a bright green under the pale moonlight.

“Behold upon them, as know their survival, witness their win,” Mosra advances now, and carefully, starts painting a waxing moon on the pup’s forehead, the kids blinking but letting the older wolf paint their coat, “We wish upon them growth, and fortune, so the Wilderness may love them as it loves us, and may smile on their Fate.”

“And we wish them the strength to change and Adapt to life,” They continue on, watching Mosra draw the full moon on their tiny shoulders, “May the Moon always light their path, may the Moon hear them howl and may the Moon shine their fur with the fortune of untold stories.”

“Rise and Howl, and witness Duars and Ranice, may their Fate outlive us and be as bright as the Sun itself, children of Clower, the Silent Stalker, who never fails to find the food we need to survive.” They glance at the others, giving themself a second to enjoy it before they proceed, “Rise and Howl, and witness Boray, Mushet and Sharl, children of Honsu, Bright Chaser, who never gives up.”

They tilt their head and howl, hearing everyone soon join them, the song they cry out a melody that Ashlen is sure to always hold close to their heart, a melody that sounds like family, like a Pack is meant to be, united and Strong before anything. And then, tiny and shaky, five new voices join their Howl, the pups tilting their heads and Looking at the Moon, giving their voice and joining the Pack’s Song.

The Howl feels as if it lasts forever, and then, it dies down, softly, like a dove perching on a branch. They watch their pack, and grin, happiness filling them inside in a way that makes them feel as if they could float away with the wind in any second.It feels magical, in a way any ceremony for the Moon Ray is, and Ashlen feels so happy that they can share this with their pack, watch them delight at the almost unnatural light of the Moon above their heads, at the way they grin and laugh, their eyes filled with wonder and amazement, a sight Ashlen will forever treasure.

They look at Mosra, and nod, both wild wolves feeling kinship as they watch their captive-raised packmates experience the delight that being a wild Wolf means. Ashlen can taste the change in their mouth, of bitter losses and sweet new opportunities, and they wish this marks a new beginning.

The Moon is bright above, and the pack celebrates the Naming of the pups.

[findasongblog]

More album releases by Find A Song artists!

Vancouver Sleep Clinic - Onwards to Zion

Vancouver Sleep Clinic released his debut project to critical acclaim in 2014 when he was just seventeen years-old. Now--following years of major label purgatory and a concerted effort on Bettinson’s part to reclaim his music for himself--Vancouver Sleep Clinic releasef its transcendent sophomore album, Onwards to Zion, written during a period of isolation in Bali with his friends in the fall of 2018. In a purposeful departure from his forays into electronically driven song construction, Bettinson wrote much of the album on a $100 nylon guitar bought at one of Bali’s only music stores. “I’d started getting used to making three-and-half-minute songs with a beat and a hook—but the thing is that I don’t really come from making beats,” he says. “I used to busk: that’s where I came from. The whole direction of this album changed for me once I realized I wanted to put the focus back on guitar again.”

Despite the relative simplicity of its origins, Onwards to Zion bears a distinctly collagic sonic palette, encompassing everything from ethereal atmospherics to psychedelic synth tones to hazy samples of ’60s jazz-pop records. Not only a return to the self-reliance of Vancouver Sleep Clinic’s early material, Onwards to Zion also marks a deliberate tonal shift from his multi-part project Therapy 1 and Therapy 2 in 2018 “The Therapy songs mostly came from a place of frustration—just me complaining about the situation I was in back then,” says Bettinson. “When I sat down to think about the new album, I realized I don’t want my discography to reflect bitterness: I want to put something positive into the world. So even though it’s got some darkness, and it’s a bit of an emotional rollercoaster at times, the album is very much coming from a place of love. I’d love for it to leave people feeling re-energized, and ready to just keep pressing on in their own lives.” (press release)

Dylan Perkons- The Healing Day

A collection of richly orchestral songs that tell the story of an experienced songwriter finally stepping out to record under his own name.  Perkons has spent his career working on various projects, honing his craft both on the road and in the studio, so while The Healing Day is his first solo outing, it represents a much longer journey.

Perkons knew early on he wanted to work with producer, Jonas Bonnetta of Ontario folk-outfit Evening Hymns, and had the privilege of recording at his secluded Port William Sound in Mountain Grove, ON. The woods were the perfect backdrop for an album that required, above all else, space.  While the album was largely performed by Perkons and Bonnetta, The Healing Day also features a handful of Canadian indie mainstays like Michael Feuerstack (Snailhouse,The Luyas), Pietro Amato (The Luyas), Edwin Huizinga (The Wooden Sky), and Lisa Conway (L CON).  

The album draws influence from Canadian folk songwriters that have come before him and while Perkons’ familiarity is comforting, he uses it as the foundation for his atmospheric indie-pop. The opening instrumental track feels like dawn, bringing listeners immediately into the woods before Perkons’ deep baritone breaks in, beginning the album’s tellings of imperfect, but meaningful, love. The songs move through relatable despair, knowing sometimes love must be set free in order to grow.  There are also moments of reprieve where it is easy to imagine an audience singing along to the chorus in “Love Like Mine”. The album finishes with “Halfway to Winnipeg” where Perkons cultivates hope in the midst of self-deprecating sincerity.

The Healing Day is best described as layered. These are earnest, well-crafted songs, brimming with strings, french horn, electric piano and a plethora of synthesizers, creating a distinctive universe for the listener, one they will want to visit over and over again. (press release)

Foreign Television - Foreign Television

Foreign Television is the solo project of Francis Allen, a musician from Wales, UK, currently based in Moscow, Russia. This is the new, self-titled album, which will be released on October 21st, 2019. All songs are written and recorded between 2016 and 2019 by Francis Allen. Bands that have Influenced Foreign Television's sound include: Teenage Fanclub, Red House Painters, Radiohead, Mew, American Football, and The Smashing Pumpkins. The first Foreign Television album, 'Youthless', came out in 2013. The project was started in 2011, having released 4 instrumental albums as 'Snowmobile' between 2007 and 2011. The most noticeable difference between the two projects was the introduction of vocals and a new style of songwriting. A song off 'Youthless' (Olympic Christie) is going to be featured on 'Waking', a game coming out on Xbox in the next couple of months. (press release)

Portland - Your Colours Will Stain

Portland is the creative brainchild of musician and songwriter Jente Pironet. Sometime during the misty autumn of 2015, Jente collected a huge amount of song material, without a specific end purpose. Over the years, the songs were refreshed, adapted, rewritten and eventually gathered together and poured into a new creative receptacle by the name of Portland, a nod to the home of the late Elliot Smith.

After a short period of experimentation, Portland gradually began to patent a dreamy and melancholic pop sound. The lyrics are loaded with melancholy and nostalgia and the song structures are very recognisable and apt.

While Jente was completing his studies as a singer and songwriter at the PXL Music college in Hasselt, first-year student Sarah Pepels wandered down those same corridors one fateful day. The two shared the same student house but more importantly they shared the same interests and ideas about music. The ‘musical soulmates’ found each other and Portland soon became a duo. The song material was revisited and it quickly became clear that Jente and Sarah’s voices were a wonderful match. Along with Gill Princen on electronics and Arno De Bock on drums, Portland continued the search for their own sound.

The group had big ambitions from the start and set the bar high. They took part in Humo’s Rock Rally in 2016 and two years later they signed up for De Nieuwe Lichting. This Belgian radio competition run by Studio Brussels allowed the band to take a big step forward. They were crowned one of the three winners and the debut single ‘Pouring Rain’ became an unexpected success on streaming platforms. The next records ‘Lucky Clover’ and ‘Expectations’ showed that Portland meant business. The songs are all rich in dynamics and melody, while Jente and Sarah’s harmonious voices really strike a chord. A club tour sold out quickly and, in the summer of 2019, Portland was able to cross both Rock Werchter and Pukkelpop off their bucket list.  

Over the rest of the summer, the band worked on their debut album with producer David Poltrock (MIA 2019 for Best Musician). While yet another heatwave raged outside, sweat was literally dripping from the walls in Poltrock Palladium (Poltrock’s own studio in Brussels) and in the DAFT studio in Malmedy too. More than 100 songs and separate ideas were carefully weighed up. There was plenty of experimentation with rhythms, types of sound and structure as some songs were split up and then put together again.

'Your Colours Will Stain’, Portland's debut album, brings together 11 tunes that demonstrate perfectly who Portland is. From stylishly arranged and dreamy indie rock (‘Lady Moon’, ‘Ally Ally’) to funky, danceable electropop (‘You Misread Me’) to pure piano ballads (‘Pearls’). From grand and epic (‘Expectations’) to shamelessly poppy (the irresistible ‘Killer’s Mind’) to fragile and intimate (‘Moonlit’). And sometimes all at once (the overwhelming ‘Deadlines’). But in every song there's these two voices, two incredible voices that pull on all the heartstrings. With ‘Your Colours Will Stain’ Portland has created a mature and confident album, one that ticks all the boxes and shows a band that's ready for the bigger stages. (press release)

Manic Carbon - The Sun Is Gone & The Moon’s Off Too

Manic Carbon is a band risen from the ashes of yesterday's internet. Its members, spread between four cities and two continents, met on a long-dead music forum in the mid-2000's. Today, they make music by sending tracks back and forth, building and improvising on each other's ideas. "The Sun Is Gone & The Moon's Off Too," the band's debut album, is a nostalgic journey that descends from the slick, brooding opener "Enter the Dreamhouse," to the sunshine pop of lead single "The Reset Era," and the sublime cloud rap of "Gimme the Dream Touch" and "Talker." The record grows darker as it progresses, ending with the fearsome and haunting "Palindrome," where vocalist Moral Reef raps from a place of nightmare. The album is sure to please fans of Superorganism, Animal Collective, Toro Y Moi, and Brockhampton. (press release)

[cryogenichusk]

Best Of 2018

Can I just not comment on the year overall and get to the good stuff? Cool.

Here are our top albums of 2018, in alphabetical order, with a few honorable mentions and a mix to download that cherry-picks a song from each of the listed albums. Cheers!

Actors - It Will Come To You Full kudos and props to Aversionline (who have been doling out primo reviews, resulting in many purchases since the early 2000s) to keying us in to this one... in fact he said it best, “Thoroughly impresses with its cinematically synthwaved brand of forlorn-yet-danceable post-punk that wanders through an early-2000's Interpol type of take on such influences; plus a lush, modernized air of darkness that brings individuality to Actors' approach.”

The Body - I Have Fought Against It, But I Can’t Any Longer This Portland duo continues the expansion of their sound, going beyond avant-noise-metal-experimentalism and further into electronic realms. The addition of female vocals on multiple tracks, ranging from angelic to war cries, along with carefully placed stringed instrumentation, expand their sonic palate even further. Post-future primitivism at its best.

Candy - Good To Feel Metallic hardcore that’s short, sweet, and to the point (oh, and pissed off). Most reviews/reviewers are really patting themselves on the back as they specifically codify the various genres/scenes this record touches on... However, the most telling thing: this album is nine songs in 18 minutes.

Convulsing - Grievous Admittedly, this is the album on our list, we still need to spend more time with (the average song length is about eight and a half minutes - usually that puts our guard up fast)... but it’s been captivating to see the balance between the visceral heaviness (and speed) when delivered with deliberate, unfolding song structures (RIYL: Ulcerate). 

Del Judas - Deity Dark, gothy rock/americana - not unlike King Dude’s earlier releases, but with higher production value and delivered with more impassioned vocals, like from some of the acts of the 80s that crossed over from this style into pop culture (e.g. The Cult, The Church, etc.)

Harm’s Way - Posthuman Metallic HxC that brings the meathead grooves, perfect for working out. Heavy.

Holygram - Modern Cults Drab Majesty didn’t put out a record in 2018 (booo!), but here’s the next best thing. Holygram add a little tweak to the gothy-dancy-yet-mopey post-punk/new-wave motif but introduce a little lightness via shoegaze washes ala White Lies or The Weekend.

Immortal - Northern Chaos Gods Zero innovation has never been more welcome. Icy black metal from the masters, no Abbath - no problem, with just a touch of the classic and anthemic mid-era Bathory. There might be a slight dose of monotony throughout the album as a whole, but when the nostalgia of this sound and style hits, it’s easy to be forgiving.

Jaye Jayle - No Trail And Other Unholy Paths Rustic Americana from the frontman of Young Widows. Vacillates between “dusty ‘ol west” and “noir movie scene with protagonist looking out the cab window driving by a rainy city and grimy neon lights” - each modality is weary and searching.

Jesus Piece - Only Self When there was a face we wanted to melt this year, the song turned to the most was “Punish” from Jesus Piece. Pitch perfect late 90s/early 2000′s metallic hardcore channeled through a modern lens (and yea, yea, some reviews will probably mention the latter half of the record experimenting with more noisy, doomy songs - they’re cool too).

Kælan Mikla - Nótt Eftir Nótt Icelandic trio that nails the coldwave balance, sometimes teetering into dance territory, sometimes pulling back into melancholic pop, often reminiscent of Ladytron (who we love).

King Dude - Music To Make War To Shouldn’t be a surprise to see King Dude on the list at this point if you’ve been following along for a few years... Also, not surprising: our pithy “review” of his new album... which is the broken record quip of his previous few albums, i.e. “A continued expansion of his sound, blah blah blah...” Dark occult rock with dashes of highly niche sub-genres (e.g. garage, gothy confessional, proto-pysch rock, etc.)

Our Place Of Worship Is Silence - With Inexorable Suffering Bestial blackened death metal that sounds feral and unhinged. Cavernous bellows, but tight and crisp guitars that can crunch as much as provide disorienting dissonance. It’s hard to put into words, but these guys are really doing something unique that is nuanced (at least to those who listen to batshit crazy metal regularly), and checks a lot of disparate boxes simultaneously.

Secret Cutter - Quantum Eraser Biggest surprise of the year. No real reviews or fanfare, just a recommendation or two from a reliable source. But wow! What a great sound and style here: blending downtuned simple, noise-rock riffs, think Unsane trying to play sludge, with flashes of adrenaline in monochrome. There’s something about the dry sounding production and drone-influenced riffs, which are oh-my-god heavy while being angular and repetitive, that gives the whole package a concrete tone and feel that’s very unique.

The Soft Moon - Criminal By this point, The Soft Moon should need no introduction, he’s one of the premiere acts of modern darkwave/post-punk. This go ‘round sees his formula augmented with some more industrial and psychedelic flourishes.

Thou - Magus You’ve already heard all about “The Summer Of Thou” in 2018, these NOLA avant-sludge masters released three EPs, a split, and this: their magnum opus all within the span of several months. That’s a lot to take in, hell, this album is a lot - almost impossible to take all in one sitting, but they’re really operating in a league of their own at this point. It’d be one thing if it was the heavy music alone: but knowing the songs grapple with deeper issues of existentialism, individuality, and philosophy make it resonate deeper.

Tomb Mold - Manor Of Infinite Forms Grimy deathmetal with no novelties or frills outside of nostalgia for the glory days of deathmetal’s arrival in the late 80s/early 90s. This notion is further cemented with an absolutely NAILED production job.

Unravel - Eras Of Forfeit Beefy, thick death metal that sees these Aussies meld the Swedish HM-2 sound with added muscle and heft. Muscular grooves, impressively burly vocals, and tempo changes galore. Plus, with 11 songs in 23 minutes, there’s absolutely no filler to be found. Also that Dan Seagrave cover art is FIRE.

Honorable Mentions:

Dead Can Dance - Dionysus Cold Cave - You & Me & Infinity Daniel Avery - Song For Alpha Mausolei - Horizont and Vorposten

                               Cryogenic Husk #82 - Best Of 2018

1) Holygram - She’s Like The Sun 2) King Dude - Velvet Rope 3) Jaye Jayle - As Soon As Night 4) The Soft Moon - It Kills 5) Actors - We Don’t Have To Dance 6) Del Judas - Of Love And Death 7) Kælan Mikla - Draumadís 8) The Body - Nothing Stirs 9) Thou - The Changeling Prince 10) Convulsing - Beaten 11) Jesus Piece - Punish 12) Our Place Of Worship Is Silence - Chronicles Of Annihilation 13) Candy - Good To Feel 14) Harm’s Way - Human Carrying Capacity 15) Secret Cutter - Trampled By Light 16) Immortal - Called To ice 17) Unravel - Carcinogenesis 18) Tomb Mold - Final Struggle Of Selves

[apsbicepstraining]

11 Gifts For People Who’d Definitely Rather Be Sleeping Than Exchanging Presents

Have you ever noticed that spotting the perfect gifts for people who love to sleep is almost too easy? You know the friend we’re referring to here, don’t you? She’s readily the sleeping knockout of your crew who precisely #CantEven with Monday through Friday mornings. She’s the BFF who you wouldn’t blink twice at if you assured her filming coffee through an IV to get her through 8 a. m. seminars and late nights at the power. Any endowment that has to do with her bedroom, nighttime wardrobe, or a wind-down number is one she’s going to be grateful for because, for her, sleep is life, and she can’t get enough of it( who can ?).

Plus, if you think about it, a better night’s sleep is just one of those stuffs everyone acknowledges, but rarely get enough of. Just because your giftee are likely to be lazing in couch late into the morning doesn’t inevitably mean they’re get the quality sleep the average human needs to function. In fact, if your friend is clocking in over six to eight hours of sleep every night, their bodies might be trying to overcompensate for a lack of a good rest. Therefore, as far as I see it, the most generous knack you can give them is an supplement or two to either a) better their space or b) prepare their body properly for sleep. Here are a few ideas to help you get the job done.

1A Sleek Sleep-Tracking Watch

wesoo

Wesoo K1 Fitness Watch and Sleep Monitor, $29.99, Amazon

Fitness trackers are still a thriving trend in wearable tech, but have you detected this one major upgrade recent examples have installed in their machine?

According to a new report issued by the sleep experts at Sleep Cycle, Americans’ sleep character has declined in 10 percent from 2016 to 2017( ouch ). I have a hunch that the matter is might be why technology brands are questioning trackers that not only weigh your stairs and calories burned, but that likewise observe your sleep tone metrics.

Wesoo’s band is a bestseller on Amazon with a 4.5 virtuoso rating and unique sleep layout that truly does it all.

2Their New Nightcap

Lipton

Lipton Herbal Supplement Bedtime Bliss, $4.38, Walmart

Obviously, your girl has to was changed to decaf eventually if she ever wants to fall asleep.

Remind her by knack this doze-inducing sip from Lipton that blends chamomile leaves, mint, and orange peels to ease you into a cozy sleep state “like a lullaby in a cup.” Slip a Barnes& Noble gift card in her holiday placard, and you’ve only place her up for the sweetest of reveries.

3A Comfy Pair Of PJs

Adore Me

Sleepwear Set in Christyna, $19.95, Adore Me

I cannot be the only being haunted with cozy, holiday-themed pajamas. This season, Adore Me has expanded their merchandise with a ton of his-and-her styles to choose from, but the Christyna style is hands down my favourite of them all.

For some reason, black, white, and crimson plaid only looks like pure Christmas to me. Plus, the mount is made stretchy for optimal comfort and with cotton for all the snuggly experiences.

4An Aromatic Bath Bomb

Lush USA

The Big Sleep Jelly Bomb, $8.95, LUSH USA

If your giftee religiously takes showers before slipping into something comfy and hopping into bed, Lush’s newest sleep-inducing bomb is about to be her brand-new favorite bathroom accessory. It’s the perfect formula to relax her body and mind, as notes of lavender, neroli, and chamomile smells transform her bathtub into an aromatic soak.

5A Soft Blanket To Snuggle Under

Bed Bath& Beyond

Madison Park Ruched Faux-Fur Throw, $39.99, Bed Bath& Beyond

Who couldn’t use a gargantuan fling covering to sleep in throughout the winter months?

Madison Park’s blanket is made from 100 percentage faux-fur, boasts micro-fur for extra warmth on those freezing nighttimes, and it’s too vast enough to share, so perhaps she can finally stop hogging the handles when you sleep over.

6An Overnight Mask To Deepen Their Beauty Sleep

Too Cool For School

Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack, $20, Sephora

Beauty sleep isn’t a story, dames. When you sleep better, you feel better, and when you good, you good. Determine how that works?

Chances are, your sleepy friend likely clocks in the recommended six to eight hours of sleep each night, which signifies her skin is likely brightening, but there’s always room for improvement, right?

Too Cool For School’s overnight mask will enhance her skin’s recuperation cycles/second with superfood ingredients and natural enzymes. Plus, it smells like pumpkin, and I can’t suspect a better lane to fall asleep than with the scent of pie all around you.

7An Artistic Diffuser

Saje Natural Wellness

Aromaart High Tide Ultrasonic Diffuser, $84.95, Saje

Essential oils for sleep are super classy right now, but it doesn’t definitely sounds like the cult is fading anytime soon. Trust me, I’m not the type to talk up the trends if I haven’t done the research myself, and diffusers are a must for bedroom.

TBH, diffusers can be super ugly and cheap-looking, but this Saje model is the prettiest slouse of functional decoration I’ve ever seen. The beautiful structure was designed by San Francisco artist Heather Day, and was inspired by the healing powers of the deep, blue ocean. So much zen, so many aromas to lull your giftee to sleep.

8A Soothing Candle

Primal Elements

Primal Elements Tahitian Vanilla Two Wick Color Bowl Candle, $19.90, Amazon

Doesn’t this candle search good enough to eat? I can guarantee my 9-year-old niece had no suggestion just how lovely this candle was going to see my accommodation flavor when she gifted it to my husband and me last-place Christmas, but this decadent flaunt is still igniting shining, and veiling our home with the smell of sweet vanilla 12 months ago.

You don’t necessarily necessitate critical lubricants to rehearse aromatherapy, and if your bestie has a sweet tooth, this yummy-scented candle from Primal Elements will have her dreaming of sugar plum fairies year round( not kidding, it’s good for 60 hours of blaze hour ).

9Go Old School With This Digital Alarm Clock

Peakeep

Peakeep Battery Digital Alarm Clock, $12.99, Amazon

I don’t have to tell you that smartphones are low-key ruining our lives, especially in the bedroom( and no, I’m not referring to your libido ). No problem how much person or persons sleeps, the blue light that gleams from your cell phone is messing with your sleep hertz, but what’s a girl to do when her exclusively the ways and means of an alarm is via smartphone?

Be the best friend you are and buy your sleeping grace a digital alarm clock. This old school model from Peakeep has a snooze option, so she knows how squeeze in a few extra minutes of shut-eye if and when she wants. It’s likewise a “smart nighttime clock, ” which necessitates it has sensory daylights that alter a subtle blue at night.

10A Sleepy Supplement

Sun Potion

Sun Potion Organic Ashwagandha Powder, $36.99, iHerb

Adaptogens like ashwagandha are another social media trend that’s actually making a difference in how they were are slumber. This is definitely the perfect endowment to all persons who you know has wanted to try adaptogens for themselves, but couldn’t commit to the pricy buy.

Trust me, I recently set Alaina Sullivan’s moon milk recipe for Bon Appetit to the test when I was convulsing and altering through an horrid couple of darkness, and I was genuinely affected by just how relaxed I experienced by including ashwagandha to my nightcap. Your giftee will love the combination of the powder’s sleep and overall health benefits.

11Slippers They Can Sleep In

Out From Under

Out From Under Scruffy Slipper Sock, $16, Urban Outfitters

If your BFF takes a lot of heat for wearing slippers to bunked, offering a pair of Out From Under’s scruffy slipper socks tells them you’re on their area( or, at the very least, won’t judge them for it ).

I’m a fan of this creamy-colored duo, specific because they’re subtle enough to wear with roomy Uggs on really cold days.

The post 11 Gifts For People Who’d Definitely Rather Be Sleeping Than Exchanging Presents appeared first on apsbicepstraining.com.

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[apsbicepstraining]

11 Gifts For People Who’d Definitely Rather Be Sleeping Than Exchanging Presents

Have you ever noticed that spotting the perfect gifts for people who love to sleep is almost too easy? You know the friend we’re referring to here, don’t you? She’s readily the sleeping knockout of your crew who precisely #CantEven with Monday through Friday mornings. She’s the BFF who you wouldn’t blink twice at if you assured her filming coffee through an IV to get her through 8 a. m. seminars and late nights at the power. Any endowment that has to do with her bedroom, nighttime wardrobe, or a wind-down number is one she’s going to be grateful for because, for her, sleep is life, and she can’t get enough of it( who can ?).

Plus, if you think about it, a better night’s sleep is just one of those stuffs everyone acknowledges, but rarely get enough of. Just because your giftee are likely to be lazing in couch late into the morning doesn’t inevitably mean they’re get the quality sleep the average human needs to function. In fact, if your friend is clocking in over six to eight hours of sleep every night, their bodies might be trying to overcompensate for a lack of a good rest. Therefore, as far as I see it, the most generous knack you can give them is an supplement or two to either a) better their space or b) prepare their body properly for sleep. Here are a few ideas to help you get the job done.

1A Sleek Sleep-Tracking Watch

wesoo

Wesoo K1 Fitness Watch and Sleep Monitor, $29.99, Amazon

Fitness trackers are still a thriving trend in wearable tech, but have you detected this one major upgrade recent examples have installed in their machine?

According to a new report issued by the sleep experts at Sleep Cycle, Americans’ sleep character has declined in 10 percent from 2016 to 2017( ouch ). I have a hunch that the matter is might be why technology brands are questioning trackers that not only weigh your stairs and calories burned, but that likewise observe your sleep tone metrics.

Wesoo’s band is a bestseller on Amazon with a 4.5 virtuoso rating and unique sleep layout that truly does it all.

2Their New Nightcap

Lipton

Lipton Herbal Supplement Bedtime Bliss, $4.38, Walmart

Obviously, your girl has to was changed to decaf eventually if she ever wants to fall asleep.

Remind her by knack this doze-inducing sip from Lipton that blends chamomile leaves, mint, and orange peels to ease you into a cozy sleep state “like a lullaby in a cup.” Slip a Barnes& Noble gift card in her holiday placard, and you’ve only place her up for the sweetest of reveries.

3A Comfy Pair Of PJs

Adore Me

Sleepwear Set in Christyna, $19.95, Adore Me

I cannot be the only being haunted with cozy, holiday-themed pajamas. This season, Adore Me has expanded their merchandise with a ton of his-and-her styles to choose from, but the Christyna style is hands down my favourite of them all.

For some reason, black, white, and crimson plaid only looks like pure Christmas to me. Plus, the mount is made stretchy for optimal comfort and with cotton for all the snuggly experiences.

4An Aromatic Bath Bomb

Lush USA

The Big Sleep Jelly Bomb, $8.95, LUSH USA

If your giftee religiously takes showers before slipping into something comfy and hopping into bed, Lush’s newest sleep-inducing bomb is about to be her brand-new favorite bathroom accessory. It’s the perfect formula to relax her body and mind, as notes of lavender, neroli, and chamomile smells transform her bathtub into an aromatic soak.

5A Soft Blanket To Snuggle Under

Bed Bath& Beyond

Madison Park Ruched Faux-Fur Throw, $39.99, Bed Bath& Beyond

Who couldn’t use a gargantuan fling covering to sleep in throughout the winter months?

Madison Park’s blanket is made from 100 percentage faux-fur, boasts micro-fur for extra warmth on those freezing nighttimes, and it’s too vast enough to share, so perhaps she can finally stop hogging the handles when you sleep over.

6An Overnight Mask To Deepen Their Beauty Sleep

Too Cool For School

Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack, $20, Sephora

Beauty sleep isn’t a story, dames. When you sleep better, you feel better, and when you good, you good. Determine how that works?

Chances are, your sleepy friend likely clocks in the recommended six to eight hours of sleep each night, which signifies her skin is likely brightening, but there’s always room for improvement, right?

Too Cool For School’s overnight mask will enhance her skin’s recuperation cycles/second with superfood ingredients and natural enzymes. Plus, it smells like pumpkin, and I can’t suspect a better lane to fall asleep than with the scent of pie all around you.

7An Artistic Diffuser

Saje Natural Wellness

Aromaart High Tide Ultrasonic Diffuser, $84.95, Saje

Essential oils for sleep are super classy right now, but it doesn’t definitely sounds like the cult is fading anytime soon. Trust me, I’m not the type to talk up the trends if I haven’t done the research myself, and diffusers are a must for bedroom.

TBH, diffusers can be super ugly and cheap-looking, but this Saje model is the prettiest slouse of functional decoration I’ve ever seen. The beautiful structure was designed by San Francisco artist Heather Day, and was inspired by the healing powers of the deep, blue ocean. So much zen, so many aromas to lull your giftee to sleep.

8A Soothing Candle

Primal Elements

Primal Elements Tahitian Vanilla Two Wick Color Bowl Candle, $19.90, Amazon

Doesn’t this candle search good enough to eat? I can guarantee my 9-year-old niece had no suggestion just how lovely this candle was going to see my accommodation flavor when she gifted it to my husband and me last-place Christmas, but this decadent flaunt is still igniting shining, and veiling our home with the smell of sweet vanilla 12 months ago.

You don’t necessarily necessitate critical lubricants to rehearse aromatherapy, and if your bestie has a sweet tooth, this yummy-scented candle from Primal Elements will have her dreaming of sugar plum fairies year round( not kidding, it’s good for 60 hours of blaze hour ).

9Go Old School With This Digital Alarm Clock

Peakeep

Peakeep Battery Digital Alarm Clock, $12.99, Amazon

I don’t have to tell you that smartphones are low-key ruining our lives, especially in the bedroom( and no, I’m not referring to your libido ). No problem how much person or persons sleeps, the blue light that gleams from your cell phone is messing with your sleep hertz, but what’s a girl to do when her exclusively the ways and means of an alarm is via smartphone?

Be the best friend you are and buy your sleeping grace a digital alarm clock. This old school model from Peakeep has a snooze option, so she knows how squeeze in a few extra minutes of shut-eye if and when she wants. It’s likewise a “smart nighttime clock, ” which necessitates it has sensory daylights that alter a subtle blue at night.

10A Sleepy Supplement

Sun Potion

Sun Potion Organic Ashwagandha Powder, $36.99, iHerb

Adaptogens like ashwagandha are another social media trend that’s actually making a difference in how they were are slumber. This is definitely the perfect endowment to all persons who you know has wanted to try adaptogens for themselves, but couldn’t commit to the pricy buy.

Trust me, I recently set Alaina Sullivan’s moon milk recipe for Bon Appetit to the test when I was convulsing and altering through an horrid couple of darkness, and I was genuinely affected by just how relaxed I experienced by including ashwagandha to my nightcap. Your giftee will love the combination of the powder’s sleep and overall health benefits.

11Slippers They Can Sleep In

Out From Under

Out From Under Scruffy Slipper Sock, $16, Urban Outfitters

If your BFF takes a lot of heat for wearing slippers to bunked, offering a pair of Out From Under’s scruffy slipper socks tells them you’re on their area( or, at the very least, won’t judge them for it ).

I’m a fan of this creamy-colored duo, specific because they’re subtle enough to wear with roomy Uggs on really cold days.

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