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vesora · 1 year ago

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Hi Sora! Thank you so much for your advice and help! I’m sorry for the long post ahead, please feel free to ignore me if you find the post too chunky.

I checked out RealityWarpingg and saw a post that goes like this “And if right now, I could 100% drop my belief in the possibility of failure, success would be the only thing that I would experience for the rest of my life” and I kinda see what you mean by “If self is perfect and you are self then why wouldn’t everything be perfect”. I’m not sure if I’m understanding it correctly, please correct me if you see a problem.

It’s the self that gives the reality to the experience. I’m so afraid of letting the problem go because I think once I let it go, the body and mind will suffer from hell knows what problems. Back in loass, I always have this and that method to do to “fulfill” myself so that I think I’m working towards something, so the world won’t burn because of me doing nothing. All these thoughts were because I identify myself as the ego, the ego thinks she has to do xyz or the world will doom. But if I stop identifying myself as the ego, and start to know who the true self is, I just drop the problem, and it will disappear, like literally disappear, in the example I stated before it’s “dropping out of school doesn’t exist, everything is perfect because the self is perfect”.

This is my understanding till now, please correct me if I made a mistake!

Writing this down arises another two question:

1. so how would the problem be resolved? By the belief or the love the self has? Because Self loves all of her creations?

2. I remembered reading a post of Ada several days ago, I don’t remember the exact words, and based on my understanding I remembered the overall meaning as something like “you have to accept the worst situation that might happen to the you, have the courage to face what the ego fears”. I’m sorry if I misunderstood what her meant, please ignore it if you find this sentence ridiculous. Did she mean “only when we are open to accept the worst situation do we let go the ego”? Because if we don’t see ourselves as the ego, we won’t be bothered by the problem it’s facing, then the problem flies away because we don’t give it reality? Or did she mean “let the ego deal with the problem, it’s not my problem, let the ego suffer because it’s all just a dream”. I think this is not what she meant because this is duality, but I’m not sure of my understanding.

Thank you Sora, for your help and time! Apologies for the long post, I’m really bad at concluding my thoughts lol.

hello again love!

I’m so afraid of letting the problem go because I think once I let it go, the body and mind will suffer from hell knows what problems. Back in loass, I always have this and that method to do to “fulfill” myself so that I think I’m working towards something, so the world won’t burn because of me doing nothing.

Oh boy I get this! It is so incredibly scary to just surrender since we have been in a process of doing and controlling 'external' circumstances (which there has never been a process but we identify with there having been one). ND is radical whereas LOA is more to get something so if you want to just get something right now, I would suggest LOA just so you don't spiral. Any 'method' 'works'' as long as you know that you are not a human and that which you 'think' you see is an illusion and effectively, unreal and can be molded into a different thing at any given moment the Self decides. There are no facts at all, there is nothing that is static and stable, it depends on your will to accept yourSelf as the Absolute Authority you ARE. The character has no power because the character is an illusion. You can try changing from the outside world but the only reason it will work is if you know that circumstances start and end with You.

By Ada:

But if I stop identifying myself as the ego, and start to know who the true self is, I just drop the problem, and it will disappear, like literally disappear, in the example I stated before it’s “dropping out of school doesn’t exist, everything is perfect because the self is perfect”.

Yes, because the one who you think you are is in school just because you believe they are in school, therefore if you wanted a different experience you can easily get it because there is no one here but you. No other power but you. The world is only solid because you believe it is.

1. so how would the problem be resolved? By the belief or the love the self has? Because Self loves all of her creations?

The problem will be resolved because Self doesn't want to experience it anymore. Imagine this:

You are painting a beautiful scenery. You have alllll the colours you could have but for this painting you only want green. However, you have red in your hand. The green is RIGHT THERE for you to grab but you won't let go of the red. The paint doesn't have a mind of its own, the air isn't dictating which colour is in your hand, it is all YOU. You are struggling against your own Self, trying to grab green whilst your hands are filled with paintbrushes with red. Drop the red and grab the green paint. THERE IS NOTHING BUT SELF! There is no effort, just a conscious decision to stop identifying yourself as the paint but instead, as the painter. Then you go one step forward and identify yourself with every-thing because the reason that there even is a thing is because of You. In reality, Self is a total negation.

Did she mean “only when we are open to accept the worst situation do we let go the ego”? Because if we don’t see ourselves as the ego, we won’t be bothered by the problem it’s facing, then the problem flies away because we don’t give it reality?

Yes, because you are not afraid of it anymore. It is just a passing thought with no basis.

Read this - the following are not my words, the creators have been credited in the beginning of each section:

Neville:

I AM the believer limited by my beliefs, the knower defined by the known. The world is my conditioned consciousness objectified. That which I feel and believe to be true of myself is now projected in space as my world. The world – my mirrored self – ever bears witness of the state of consciousness in which I live. There is no chance or accident responsible for the things that happen to me or the environment in which I find myself.

The most difficult thing for man to really grasp is this: That the “I AM-ness” in himself is God. It is his true being or Father state, the only state he can be sure of. The Son, his conception of himself, is an illusion. He always knows that he IS, but that which he is, is an illusion created by himself (the Father) in an attempt at self-definition.

Now that you have discovered your I AM, your consciousness to be God, do not claim anything to be true of yourself that you would not claim to be true of God, for in defining yourself, you are defining God.

The visible world of itself can do nothing; it only bears record of his creator, the subjective state.

Lester Levenson:

God is All, God is Perfect, and if God is All and God is Perfect, everything must be perfect, and that leaves no place for imperfection or troubles - Lester

reality warpingg:

infinite.ko/infiniteko:

"Deciding to wake up as a different ego" How do you expect to wake up as something that fundamentally does not exist? Would it make sense to you if the ocean wished to wake up as a wave? Does a wave truly exist on its own or is it an illusory form the ocean takes on? What are both made of?💧

#nd #nonduality #law of assumption #nondualism #asks

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sleepynoons · 10 days ago

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DIE 4 YOU BY DEAN – kurapika kurta (hxh) x gn!reader, lovers to enemies!au + canon divergence!au, nsfw / 18+

genre – angst, horror word count – ~4,400 warnings – manga spoilers, graphic descriptions of gore/blood/human anatomy, murder, references to body dismemberment, violence, major character death, slight suggestive content, explicit language synopsis – kurapika's methodical, thorough, determined. there are very few things that can throw a wrench in his plans. for instance, he doesn't expect you to get in his way. at all. notes – i cannot stress enough how dark this fic is - like ao3 dead dove: do not eat level dark. please, please, please read at your own discretion. there's gore, graphic descriptions of said gore and the human body and blood. also, IN NO WAY SHOULD YOU REPLICATE THIS BEHAVIOR IN REAL LIFE. DO NOT MURDER PEOPLE FOR YOUR HOBBIES. the reader is a psychopath and does fucking horrifying things like killing people for the sake of their own interest. i do not romanticize this behavior, nor do i condone it in real life in any shape, way, or form.

Kurapika’s never been happier to see Yorknew City. He should be more alert, with all the people around him, hidden alleyways and towering buildings perfect hiding spots to attack him from afar, but really, he can care less. He defeated Prince Tserriednich, and he’s made it out alive from the Black Whale – he can finally rest, with his brethren’s eyes safely at his side.

He walks up to an apartment complex, a little shoddier and older than the rest. Entering a pin code, the entrance door slides open, revealing a shaky elevator, an antique otis with rusted hinges and grimy metal plating, orange instead of black from a lack of maintenance. He steps inside and presses the topmost button marked with an “R,” and the door closes with an ear-grating screech.

Despite its battered appearance, the elevator flies up, cables pulling and spinning with sturdy force and propelling him upwards to the rooftop. And surprisingly, there’s even a bell that chimes when the elevator comes to a staggering halt. The screech returns, followed by a clang as the elevator shudders in its spot, before the doors split apart. Kurapika scrunches his eyes as he’s hit with a gust of wind. From this height, he can barely see the ground, the crowns of people’s heads no different from dots of paint. He walks to the edge of the box, presses another button that is colored blue, and he hears metal grating against stone. He peers out to see an iron ladder attached to the wall on his left unfolding.

With his right hand gripping onto the door pocket, Kurapika kicks a leg out, propelling and swinging himself out of the elevator so that he can easily catch a rung of the ladder with his left. He steadies his feet on a lower rung and hoists himself upwards. It’s a short climb, and he leaps onto the roof of the complex when he’s close enough. There’s nothing here, except for a tall rectangular unit.

Just like the ladder, the unit is composed of metal walls to withstand the loud currents of wind. Shielding his face with an arm, he paces, resisting the force of being swept away, towards a side of the iron box where there’s a bolted door.

When he steps inside the unit, he sees you sitting on the ground before an easel. Your wrists and forearms are smeared with paint, colors a little stale underneath the glow of the cheap light fixtures around the room. Your hands are wrapped around a thick and wide brush, but you’re not using it, simply staring at the large square canvas sat in front of you. You’re intensely scrutinizing your work, eyes tracing the streaks of azure and black striped over white. It seems you haven’t noticed him, so he simply leans back against the door and patiently waits.

Kurapika probably stands there for at least an hour. It’s hard to tell time in a confined box with no windows, and he doesn’t want to check his smartphone. But it’s a restful, satisfying hour as he watches you diligently work, making a few broad strokes before sitting back down, repeating this process over and over and over again. It isn’t until you run out of paint and you pick up a large tube of azure that he makes his presence known.

You’re using oil paint, there are no windows, and you’re not wearing a mask of any sorts.

He doesn’t want to scare you, though, so he clears his throat first before saying loudly enough, “You shouldn’t use that in here.”

You still startle, shoulders jumping slightly at the sound of his voice. Your head quickly swivels around, and he sighs with a soft smile as you yelp in surprise. Before he knows it, you’ve dropped both the tube of paint and the brush onto the floor and are racing over, arms stretched out above your head.

He catches you with ease as you jump towards him, his hands resting at your waist and under your thigh like always.

“You’re back!” you shout. Kurapika doesn’t respond, simply burying his face into the crook of your neck and inhaling deeply.

He can smell turpentine, wood, and your shampoo. You wrap him in a tight embrace, leaning your cheek onto the side of his head, and the two of you stay like that, unchanging and unmoving for several more minutes.

But of course, Kurapika has to let you go so that you can clean yourself up.

“You can’t use oil paint in here,” he repeats as he brings you back down to the ground.

You gasp and begin to profusely apologize. “Oh, gosh, you’re so right! Sorry, Kurapika, I totally forgot! I just had this idea last night, and something in me just knew I had to use these new paints I got, and you know, since I –“

You continue to ramble as he gently guides you to the bathroom. He listens as he helps you rinse your hands, towels them off, leads you back to the living space, and sits down beside you in front of the easel. He enjoys the sound of your voice and your stories even more.

He’ll never say it out loud – not that there’s a need to because you both know –, but he loves you and your brilliant mind. The creative and childish wonder in his body has ceased long ago, but it’s not like he was that kind of person in the first place. But you (your ability to source inspiration from lingering glimpses of your dreams that are somehow at times as grotesque and tortured as his, the coffee shop you frequent every day, even the bare walls of this unit; the way you articulate your thoughts so cogently and transfer them through the languid motions of your palms and fingers as you guide the handle of a brush; the deep-set look in your eyes, because he knows you never stop thinking and imagining and dreaming) are so admirably different.

He feels so light-headed, lulled into delirium by fatigue, the soothing pitches of your voice, the gentle swipes of your fingertips against his forehead when you brush his hair out of the way, and this high sticks with him through the rest of the day. He doesn’t know how he does it, but it’s as if he’s stuck in a trance. The heat of the stove as the two of you cook dinner does nothing to stimulate him awake. If anything, he feels himself sinking deeper into this state as the two of you shower together, condensation and body wash sticking your bodies together, before tumbling into bed, your lips and slick smooth and tacky against his skin. You make his head spin in the most pleasurable and comforting of ways, and Kurapika thinks this is as happy as he can get in this life.

–

Kurapika stirs from the incessant buzzing of a phone. He squints at the light coming from the dining table and realizes that it’s a call from his. With a grunt, he pulls himself out of your hold, upset at the loss of your warmth, and pads over.

HIs annoyance dissipates, though, as soon as he recognizes the caller.

He hasn’t told you anything – you know nothing about his upbringing or his job or his ability to use nen or what he intends to do in the future –, so he has no choice but to slip outside, even if he knows you never wake without incessant prodding. But now that he’s less tired, he can think more clearly, and even in your presence, he can never be too careful.

“Melody, what’s going on?”

Kurapika thinks he’s lucky that the night is relatively still. He doesn’t have to scream just to have his voice heard.

“Kurapika.” Melody’s voice crackles through. “Are you in a good spot to talk?”

“Yes. Did something happen?”

“I know you’re exhausted, but I thought you would want to know as soon as possible.” Melody pauses, allowing Kurapika to brace himself, before resuming, “We looked through all of the prince’s belongings. We’re missing a set of the eyes.”

Kurapika thinks he’s been punched in the gut – no, actually, it feels as if his innards have been torn out of his body, and his tormentor’s holding them in front of his face, laughing hysterically at his shock and despair.

He doesn’t know how he does it, but he manages to croak, “How.”

“I counted multiple times, but there’s definitely one less than what you told me. I’m already looking into where the last set could possibly be.”

Devastation cannot even begin to describe what he feels.

As always, though, he needs to move. He cannot rest until all of his clan’s eyes have been claimed.

“Where are you?” Kurapika asks as he walks to the edge of the rooftop.

Melody sighs. “I’ll find you. Please, Kurapika, breathe.”

–

It seems, right before the Black Whale took its leave, Prince Tserriednich had made one last transaction. Though it’s not clear what he had received in exchange, he had sold a single pair of eyes to an unidentifiable individual.

The transaction was made online with a new user. Despite intense hacking and scavenging, none of Kurapika’s sources could find communication logs between the prince and this user, aside from the prince’s first and only message offering the eyes. That must mean whatever this person wanted to trade was so desirable that even Prince Tserriednich himself would buy it at the cost of two irreplaceable Scarlet Eyes.

Kurapika has been stuck in the same hotel room for days. He’s also been barely eating or sleeping. His haggard state must be significantly more worse than what he thinks because even his always disheveled master eyes him.

It’s been several days since Melody broke the news to him, and he’s made no progress since the discovery of the transaction. Any minute now, though, she should return from where the computer on which the account was made was located, and he’s praying that there’s some lead that he can work with.

The doorbell rings, and Izunavi gets the door on his behalf.

Melody can tell that Kurapika’s not up for any stalling, so even with a gentle cadence, she cuts straight to the chase.

“It was one of the computers located in the chemistry wing of a public library. I asked if anyone frequented there, but I was only able to get a list of high schoolers that attend a nearby school.”

“Interrogate them.” His voice is chilling. He can sense Melody and Izunavi tense at his demand.

His mentor’s the one to intervene. “Kurapika, they’re just kids.”

“You don’t know!” Kurapika yells. “There are children who are professional Hunters – hell, I became one at 17. You don’t know!”

“I already looked into them,” Melody speaks. He can hear the clicks of buckles being undone, no doubt Melody opening her flute case. “They’re innocent.”

He can’t hold back, seal, extinguish the curdling scream in his throat. “Then what do you expect me to do?!”

His anger is sedated by the warm and round timbre of Melody’s flute, a tune soft and slow, an adagio in the face of his collera. Try as he might – teeth piercing lip to draw blood, nails biting into calloused palm –, Kurapika cannot resist Melody’s nen, and he feels his body relax into the back of his chair against his own volition.

Melody does not sway despite Kurapika’s fury. She continues to inform him kindly and gently. “The others have decided to stay back to watch and follow any suspicious visitors. This might take a while, so I suggest” – she rests a hand on his shoulder – “you try to rest. Remember, Kurapika, breathe.”

It seems he’s always stuck in a limbo, the success of his singular, feasible goal always somehow managing to escape him. But Melody’s right. There’s nothing for him here, so he might as well go back.

–

While you know nothing about Kurapika, he knows quite a bit about you. He’s aware that you’re an aspiring artist , you have a distaste for green bell peppers, and you have a weird fascination with colors. In fact, concerning that last point, you’re very specific and precise with your colors. Kurapika’s no art aficionado, so he doesn’t get it at all, but for each painting, you spend most of your time constructing and mixing and swirling the exact palette of hues you plan on using.

This time, when he comes back, you’re on the bed staring at an open notepad and a large color palette in your lap while balancing a graphite pencil with an upwards quirk of your lips. You spot him instantly, so there’s no delay between Kurapika stepping into the room and you hopping onto him.

As always, you cheer. “You’re back!” You don’t comment on his appearance.

And as always, he breathes you in, smelling faint wisps of charcoal, eraser shavings, and laundry detergent.

“What are you working on?” he asks as the two of you pad over to the bed.

Before the two of you sit down, though, you twirl around with a beaming, excited look on your face. “Kurapika,” you yelp, “I’m holding an exhibit!”

He leans over to congratulate you with a kiss on the cheek. “Congratulations,” he says as he pulls away. He glances at the notepad, now sprawled on top of the covers, and says, “I’m guessing you’re drafting then?”

“Yes!” You begin to explain the theme of your gallery, something about how colors are perceived similarly, even by vastly different cultures. You explain how purples are usually associated with royalty, golds with wealth and prosperity, reds with sacrifice – it seems you’re very interested in the psychology that undergirds all of these relations. “It’ll be the central piece of the whole thing!” you exclaim as you gesture with your whole upper body.

“Will you let me come see the exhibit?” he asks once you finish.

You laugh, eyes closed and head thrown back. He loves it when you laugh like this – without a goddamn care in the world.

“Of course! When have I ever denied you?” you giggle.

After a bit, Kurapika excuses himself to take a shower. On his way to the bathroom, though, he passes by your oil paints. They seem a little flatter. He simply shakes his head, noting to remind you later to not use them inside again.

–

It’s quite rare for him to be at home while you’re out. And recently, you’ve been going out a lot, always leaving with a pep in your step, either going to speak with the exhibit manager or to a studio where you can paint without choking on fumes. There’s been no news from his colleagues either, so really, Kurapika’s never felt so aimless or restless in his life. He considered taking on a few brief missions, but he was sternly told off by Leorio to “just be.” Usually, he has no qualms about defying Leorio’s desperate pleas, but given that his friend really saved his ass on the Black Whale, he has no excuse but to listen to him for once.

Kurapika alternates between sleeping and reading books. He never realized how many books you had in this unit. Now that he thinks about it, this place is practically all yours at this point. He owns this place – bought it as a shelter – but had asked you to move in here out of concern for your safety. At the time, he was still hunting down the Spiders and was afraid they’d target you. But in this bleak, isolated space, you’ve managed to create a brimming sense of life.

Anyway, Kurapika comes across a row of environmental science textbooks you’ve stored in a cupboard meant for mugs and glass cups. He’s not surprised when he sees all the dog-eared pages and sticky tabs jutting out of it, but it’s strange that you’re reading such things. He never knew you were fond of science.

But there’s nothing better to do, and Kurapika would take any opportunity to learn more about you, so he thumbs through one of the textbooks, spending extra time chuckling over the pages you’ve practically made illegible with your penned annotations and doodles.

–

Melody doesn’t contact Kurapika until three weeks later. Basho had been tailing a man and arrived at a theatre four towns away. Apparently, during Izunavi’s and Melody’s shifts, they also followed separate library-goers to the same place. Though there was never a specific time or frequency at which these visitors came and went, they always sat at the same computer, reading up on the same topic of odorants. After some digging, it turns out the theatre is home to a collective of Fine Arts Hunters.

Kurapika wastes no time in reconvening with his colleagues at another hotel. After thorough investigations, he learns that, though the collective is large and a community for many musicians, artists, writers, and more, there’s a sub-group of members who’d go to extreme lengths to collect their desires, whether that be specific artworks or coveted tickets to ballet shows or even artists themselves. When he learns about this, a chill runs down his spine. Kurapika almost wishes that you won’t make it big, so you won’t ever be in such danger.

The next step then is to find the specific member who placed the transaction. Melody is more than happy to take on this infiltration mission.

“It might help me locate the Sonata of Darkness. I’ll report back soon.”

While it’s impossible for his anger to subside, even by the slightest degree, it’d be remiss of Kurapika to not feel immense gratitude and appreciation for his colleagues. Not only did he drag them into the succession fiasco, but he’s also now bringing them into his personal business. It’s almost ironic, really. Kurapika doesn’t like involving those that are important to him in personal matters, whether that be out of safety concerns or fear of betrayal, but it seems receiving aid once in a while can be immensely gratifying and beneficial.

Kurapika spends the next two days waiting for Melody’s return. As promised, she returns swiftly. Though she has no name, she is completely confident with her information.

“They’ll be at the exhibit.”

–

You don’t expect Kurapika to come home in the middle of the night. It’s not that you usually know when he comes home, but rather, you know he cares for you so much that he’d rather sleep outside than come back in the middle of the night with the risk of disturbing you, even though that’d never happen.

The unit is dark, aside from a single lamp that stands beside you. There’s also a stool placed next to your canvas, the largest that you’ve ever worked with, and your reference placed on top of it. It’s normal – and actually very encouraged – for artists to use references to aid them in their work.

You look at Kurapika’s frozen expression.

“Kurapika! You’re back!”

There’s no jumping into arms or tight holds on each other’s bodies or deep breaths of each other. You realize, then, scattered around you, on the floor, are several uncapped tubes of oil paint.

You scramble and fumble with your apology. “I-I know you said to not use oil paint inside, but you know, my exhibit’s in literally two days, and I’m still not happy with this painting, and –“

“Why do you have that.”

It’s not a question.

You can’t answer, regardless. You’re confused, so instead, you follow his line of sight to your reference.

“Oh, that?”

You drop your brush onto the ground, paying no mind to the smears of burgundy against the stone floor, and walk over.

You’re always mesmerized when you look at it. You mumble, feeling yourself entering an entranced daze, “It’s my reference. They’re really pretty, right?”

You have no idea what’s going through Kurapika’s mind. You’re no longer paying attention to him, so you can’t see the way his face contorts and distorts. You can’t hear the roaring in his ears or the pounding of his heart or the terrified, desperate, furious scream that is itching up from the pit of his stomach, up his esophagus, threatening to spill forth from his pharynx.

All you can think about is the red of these Scarlet Eyes you managed to get and how you want to replicate the same red in your painting.

“You know,” you whisper, hands delicately stroking the canister that holds the eyes, “I can never seem to get the right shade. But that’s because it’s not just red. There’s… gold, some flecks of hazelnut… For once, I can’t even describe a color with words…”

Kurapika swallows thickly.

In as steady of a voice as he can manage – which is not at all, so his voice just sounds low and is only a little louder than a grunt –, he grits, “Why do you have that.”

This time, you look up. Again, you don’t comment on his appearance. “I told you, it’s for my painting.”

“I didn’t know you were a Fine Arts Hunter.”

You startle at this. “Kurapika,” you gasp, “are you a Hunter, too? I didn’t know!”

“Answer the question.”

“Yes!” you chirp. “But just collecting is no fun, you know?”

“What do you mean.”

You shrug. “Well, I’m an artist, too, so I want to create the very paintings I want to collect! It’s a little weird idolizing those of my own kind.” You say the last part in a whisper, as if it’s some inside joke or reference that he’s supposed to be understand.

Kurapika knows he’s no damn artist. Now, more than ever, he’s glad that creative part of him, if it ever existed in the first place, is gone and dead.

“Why do you need those eyes.”

“You’re so interested in them. I can give them to you as soon as I’m done with them!”

He wants them now, but really, he wants them after prying it out of your cold, dead, rotting hands. Kurapika lurches forward, but you jump back in response.

“Hey! If you really want them, you can take them now!”

He lunges again, but you move away just in time again. This ferocious chase continues around the entire unit with you screaming at him to calm down while escaping his every attempt to catch you.

“Kurapika!” you yell, as you leap into the air, almost touching the ceiling of the unit. “I’m going to help calm you down, alright?”

He’s seething, but his combat instincts tell him to pay close attention at this very moment. “What are you going to do!” he shouts, frustrated that he’s missed you once again.

But before you can answer, Kurapika suddenly feels a sharp pain in his head, forcing him to still in his movements. You try to approach, but he backs away with every step you take, even though every movement makes him feel dizzier and dizzier. Eventually, he collides with the kitchen counter, where he can barely hold himself up.

“I’m a Transmutation nen user,” you explain. Kurapika doesn’t understand why your voice sounds so distant, as if it’s muffled by water or several compact cotton balls. But you don’t know that, so you continue explaining, “I can change the quality of air molecules, so I’m going to put you under for a bit.”

Kurapika can only manage to lazily look up at you. You’re chewing on your lip, guilt evident on your face. “That’s why it never really bothered me to use oil paints here because I studied how to neutralize the turpentine.”

That’s the last thing he hears before collapsing.

You scream in terror, running to catch him. But it’s too late as the side of Kurapika’s head collides with the sharp edge of the stone countertop. You hold onto his shoulders, preventing his unconscious body from slipping further down onto the floor, and you take off your apron to dab at the blood trckling down the lines of his neck and ears.

But that’s when you notice it. Or rather, that’s when it clicks.

You’ve always been annoyed at yourself for this, but Kurapika loves this about you. You’re so inconsistent, inspiration only coming in waves and bouts, but when it does hit you, you’re on a roll until you’re done. It’s frustrating, especially since becoming a professional artist usually necessitates having to consistently produce bodies of work to make a living, but it’s never been an entire hindrance.

Truly, though, you’ve never had as big of a revelation until now. You heave Kurapika’s body over to the lamp that is now lying on its side, most likely having been knocked over by your game of tag earlier. You swipe at his blood again, this time with a crumpled sheet of notepad paper, and you watch as the color blooms and spreads through the corner.

It’s not like you’ve never used blood, or the human body for that matter, before in your work. Now that you recall, the one who gave you the Scarlet Eyes made you create a series of artworks out of some dismembered body parts he had. You crinkle your nose at the recollection, having remembered how horrible of an experience it was given that man’s fetishes.

You come back to the thought of Kurapika’s blood, and you know that he’s what you need. Your artwork lacks the haunting depth of the red in the Scarlet Eyes, and no amount of blue or purple or brown can fix it. Kurapika’s blood, though, is already so vivid and striking against the cream of the notepad, and you have no doubt it will blend beautifully with the snow white of the canvas, as well as the other colors you already have painted on.

You make a mental note to check how blood reacts to oil paint. It shouldn’t change much in color or smell, you hypothesize, but you’ll have your friends look it up for you like always.

You lean down, kissing Kurapika softly on the lips.

In a loving, gentle whisper, you say, “You know, Kurapika? You’re always so kind and helpful to me.

Even in death.”

winter event masterlist

#hunter x hunter #hxh #kurapika #kurapika kurta #hxh kurapika #hxh x reader #hxh angst #kurapika x reader #kurapika angst #carrot cake!

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11queensupreme11 · 1 year ago

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Do you remember that platonic poseidon au where Percy is married to an Atlantic nobleman? well imagine this:

all the gods are eagerly awaiting the birth of the baby and when it is born they all collectively recreate that scene from "House of Dragons"

SPOILER ALERT !!!!!

that scene in which moments after giving birth to her first child, Rhaenyra is summoned to see the queen, Alicent asks if the baby has a name and then Leanor says the name (I forget what it is) Alicent comments that it is a strange name for a Valeryano (everyone knows that the baby does not have Valeryan blood, it is clear from the baby's appearance that he is not Leanor's biological son although he loves him very much), so Viserya just replies that the baby has the same nose as the father (HAHAHAHAHA)

just imagine Percy's first child is born with silver hair and small vine marks on his body, Percy's husband expects Poseidon to punish her as soon as he arrives in the delivery room and sees that his daughter was an adulteress but as soon as the Poseidon arrives, the husband is totally ignored since Poseidon is only interested in his daughter's health and in seeing his first grandchild, he picks him up and simply says that the Chrhonos genes are too strong to have skipped his daughter's generation and have reappeared in his grandson

In the second pregnancy, the baby born has black hair and red eyes, Poseidon just looks at the baby and says that he looks like his "father" even though the husband's hair is not even black and his eyes are far from red

In the third pregnancy, a child with pink-blond hair and slightly shiny skin is born, the justification is that this time the child took after Poseidon's own blonde, since this is the child who most resembles him.

the last child has green hair, all Poseidon says is that the child has the same face shape as his "father"

It's an open joke that the husband is not the father of any of Percy's children, it's an open secret and everyone knows the truth but if anyone even tries to suggest that Percy is an adulteress and deserves to be punished the person will be tortured by dozens of different gods

absolutely EVERYONE defends Percy's honor and is offended on his behalf if anyone casts a questioning glance at his children's appearance and powers

Does the first son spend a lot of time with Hades? well they are just a very caring great uncle and nephew pair, great uncle hades is just teaching his great nephew how to use death powers that "probably" skipped a generation

Is Beelzebub spending a lot of time with his second son? well the child showed interest in the art of research and as a good "friend" of percy he offered to teach the child about the best methods of torture research

Is Apollo always in the presence of the third son? well he is a really cool cousin who offered to babysit so that his LOVED niece has time to rest

Is Loki spending a lot of time with his fourth son? well this baby is the youngest and is very spoiled and mischievous, their personalities just "matched" and they are both just having fun together

Are the babies calling the children of Hades/Apollo brothers? children like them so much that they think they are related, oh how adorable childish "innocence" is

Are the babies playing with Odin's beard and calling Thor their uncle and grandfather? they are just affectionate nicknames

NO, THERE IS NOTHING SUSPICIOUS ABOUT THIS, IT DOESN'T MATTER if the children have similar powers to yanderes this is just a coincidence, you DARE insinuate that precious Percy is an ADULTERA!?!? HOW DARE YOU!!!! you must pay with YOUR LIFE!! The Gods sentence you to DEATH AFTER A LOT OF TORTURE

what do you think?

what do i think??? WHAT DO I THINK??? I THINK I FUCKING LOVE THIS LMAOO 😭💖💖💖💖💖

THIS POOR NOBLEMAN THOOO LMAOOOOO. while poseidon 1000000% accepts his grandkids and would never say out loud that he's aware that none of the kids are from the husband, he's still FURIOUS that the nobleman failed to protect his precious daughter from hades, beelzebub, loki, and apollo

(which is ridiculous cuz they're a bunch of insane all-powerful gods, what do you want this man to DO??? 💀)

I LOVE HOW EVERYONE'S ON PERCY'S SIDE TOO LMAO!!!!! SHE REALLY IS EVERYONE'S FAVORITE 😂😂 everyone is part of the percy protection squad/fanclub they won't accept ANY slander about her 😍

I ALSO LOVE HOW THE YANDERE DADDIES ARE SPENDING TIME WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE KID OMG THATS SO CUTE 🥺🥺🥺🥺

but the nobleman.... that poor guy.... he's literally just a 4x cuck now 💀💀

#👸🏻| asks #👸🏻| arsenic blues

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pen-and-umbra · 7 months ago

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do u think sephiroths redemption arc is possible?

(Spoilers & wall of text alert)

Sure, why not, anything is possible. Currently, only two things are certain. One, despite fan backlash, Square Enix continues to take creative liberties. Second, regardless of what SE does, some fans will be upset.

For better or worse, SE's handling of the Remake in this regard leaves plenty of room for a 180-degree turn on Sephiroth's case. The character's portrayal has steadily shifted since the original, which appears to have served the purpose of painting him in a sympathetic light. It begs a question: to what end? Crisis Core, Ever Crisis, and FFVII Rebirth all depict Sephiroth as a decent person, with Rebirth showing him influenced by Jenova during the Nibelheim massacre (as discussed here). Here hardcore fans like to bring up old Ultimania publications, citing that Sephiroth's will overpowers that of Jenova after falling into the Lifestream and learning everything there is to know about the Meteor/Cetra/Jenova. While how SE handles that episode in the Remake remains to be seen, it's worth noting that official lore is neither immutable nor free of contradictions on a variety of details, including seemingly important plot beats like romantic lines. Additionally, certain details diverge over the course of compilation. As a result, we've already seen SE absolve AVALANCHE as an eco-terrorist organization by shifting the blame to ShinRA in the remake. They've made changes to Rufus and President ShinRA's plotlines. We've seen them make extremely bold decisions regarding Gold Saucer that were unthinkable in the OG. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Whispers and the theme of "Changing the Fate" demonstrate SE's willingness to take drastic and controversial steps, sometimes diverging significantly from the original material. The point is, developers' previous statements aren't set in stone and are subject to change as FFVII project grows.

As previously stated, SE left some space for a turn, most likely on purpose, if they decide to take a risk. The Rebirth already explores the idea of Sephiroth as little more than a passenger after leaving the mansion. In addition, the entries on Jenova monsters we fight in parts one and two sufficiently expand on the scope of Jenova's mind-interfering abilities, which may allude to Jenova's larger role in the Remake. When combined with the Temple of Ancients hologram and snippets from Gast's journal Sephiroth quotes, it could indicate that Jenova has been "awake" and out of slumber since its discovery at the dig site, potentially manipulating Gast and the team behind the Jenova Project.

Therefore, the groundwork for introducing a villain more significant than Sephiroth may already be in place. Shifting the focus away from him and toward an eldritch cosmic terror should suffice, as the ambiguity about who is in control has already existed since the original script. The Nibelheim sequence from Rebirth played a role in this, as did the infamous ore/watashi pronoun switch. And despite appearing to be totally distinct, the outcomes of Sephiroth's goals (consume Lifestream and travel to a new Planet to be god) eerily mirror those of Jenova (consume Lifestream and travel to a new Planet, presumably to once again consume it's Lifestream, rinse/repeat). Incidentally, in the Temple of Ancients, there is a hologram suggesting a connection between Jenova and The Goddess from LOVELESS, so one has to wonder just who Sephiroth is taking after with that "to become god" complex of his.

Another thing to consider is that throughout the compilation, traditional methods of defeating Jenovaroth simply did not work. Sephiroth/Jenova returned after their defeat in OG, and if you consider the Remake to be a sort of sequel (that is, if you subscribe to the Remake!Sephiroth=AC! Sephiroth theory), Jenovaroth returns after Advent Children as well. Battling him does not appear to yield results or break the "rebirth" cycle, so perhaps a different approach is required. (This ties in thematically with the tagline "defying destiny").

Redemption arcs are often perceived as leading to a "happily ever after," but they can take various forms beyond this common expectation. A character's redemption can involve self-sacrifice to overcome evil, collaborating with the protagonist to bring about change, and more. Combined with the previous remark about the futility of conventional fighting methods, perhaps the way to defeat Sephiroth/Jenova for good is somehow linked to his redemption of sorts. To break the parasitic bond between the two, or to quench and release the spirit's anger. In some ways, this is what Aerith does to Kadaj in Advent Children, and the latter's "essence", cleansed by Aerith's Great Gospel trick, rejoins the Lifestream. Equally, the Gi subplot somewhat parallels the Jenova/Sephiroth situation, so SE is likely to implement a comparable strategy for a secondary plotline.

Speaking about the latest material in the compilation, Ever Crisis quite poignantly brings up the topic of breaking the cycle of hatred.

The latter pertains both Cloud & party (hatred toward Sephiroth, ShinRA), and Sephiroth himself in as much as OG painted him (hatred towards humanity for eradicating the Cetra and more). So perhaps the key to saving the world of FFVII is about showing compassion and acting out of mercy, not out of revenge.

Anyway, it is entirely speculative at this point.

Overall, a different role for Sephiroth should not be dismissed as a possibility as certain elements in the game suggest a potential twist related to Jenova. SE have proven that they care about their creative vision far more than about criticisms, so…no promises at the journey's end. Naturally, some groups of fans may strongly oppose SE if Sephiroth is sidelined or if significant alterations are made. On the other hand, there has been growing dissatisfaction since the first part of the Remake with Sephiroth being shoehorned as a boss fight so frequently that he becomes redundant as a "final big bad". While both perspectives are reasonable and offer valid insights into the situation, someone will still be outraged no matter what SE does.

From a personal standpoint, I maintain an open-minded approach. If Sephiroth remains a villain, that's fine. If he is revealed to have been Jenova's puppet all along, my world will not collapse. On the plus side, I'm excited to see Jenova play a bigger role. The entity is as fascinating as The Thing from the film, and the original failed to capitalize on all of its creepy potential. At the end of the day, it may be the case of familiarity breeding ambivalence: the game has gotten so old that I won't mind a new twist, even if all characters end up dancing to a hip-hop tune in the end. On that note, in a recent interview, one of the developers stated that they are planning the ending with characters being happy in mind, which is what I'd like to see after 20+ years. For the characters to discover happiness and peace. This includes Sephiroth. Finding a peaceful way to break free from Jenova and his anger once and for all.

👋 @pen-and-umbra

#sephiroth #ffvii ever crisis #ffvii rebirth #ffvii #ff7 #asked-and-answered@penumbra #ffvii@luv fandoms

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bakerstreetbabble · 4 years ago

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Granada TV Series Review: "The Resident Patient" (S02, E04)

"The Adventure of the Resident Patient" (from The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes) is a story with some macabre elements and a rather unsatisfying conclusion. It's yet another tale in which Doyle couldn't seem to think of a satisfactory manner of the murderers being brought to justice, and settled for a shipwreck bringing justice instead. (See "The Greek Interpreter" for more evidence of this technique.) The Granada adaptation, despite a little bit of acting that borders on melodrama, is fairly successful, I think. The main story is bookended by a couple scenes that are not in the source material: an opening at a barber shop, in which Watson attempts to use Holmes's own methods against him, and a humorous conclusion in which Holmes suggests a different title for Watson's story relating the events of the case. Sherlockian readers may be disappointed to see the barber shop scene replace the opening of the original story, which featured Holmes making some deductions about Watson's ruminations on the American Civil War.

One definite highlight of the episode for me was the scene following Blessington's suicide (spoiler alert!). Jeremy Brett excels in the somewhat lengthy (but immensely entertaining) sequence, wherein Sherlock Holmes prowls about the room, finding details missed by the police, allowing him to reconstruct the events of the previous night. Brett is fabulous, and the reactions of the other character watching him work are priceless.

There are a few other details that elicited a smile from me, such as the little whistle Jeremy Brett gives when he is told of Blessington's death, or the moment in which he tells Watson that he has sometimes feigned catalepsy to deceive someone. I think it's those kinds of little details that often make Brett's performance so enjoyable to behold. He inhabits the character of the great detective to an extent that very few actors have rivaled.

The performances of the actors who played Percy Trevelyan and Mr. Blessington (Nicholas Clay and Patrick Newell, respectively) I found just a bit too intense at times. As I mentioned above, they sometimes border on melodrama, but Brett and Burke serve to balance the overall tone of the episode.

I should probably also mention the exceedingly creepy scene that immediately follows the credits. Most of the Granada episodes I've seen thus far seem to insert a scene introducing the case, before bringing Holmes and Watson into the story. Some of these scenes work well, while others are simply confusing or bewildering. The opening of this episode falls into the latter category, in my opinion. Blessington's dream of seeing himself in a coffin does little to set up the story, and could easily be cut from the episode with no impact on the plot whatsoever.

Still, overall, despite a bit of confusion towards the beginning, the strong performance by Jeremy Brett makes the adventure pretty engaging. Maybe not one of my favorite episodes, but a worthy entry in the series, I think.

youtube

#jeremy brett #granada holmes #The Resident Patient #Youtube

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autistic-sidestep · 1 year ago

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From the sidestep asks: 21, 27 and 34 for sura?

under a cut to save everyones dashboards (sura uses he/she/they/it)

21. what is their philosophy? fake it til you make it. if you pretend well enough, you can fool everyone else. (jury's still out if sura will ever be able to convince itself that it's a human/person and not just a really good impersonation of one.)

27. what qualities might someone appreciate about them? what would drive someone away? thoughtfulness. sura's REALLY bad at admitting things or showing affection outright, so he often does it indirectly, making observations or acts of service. like doing things w/o prompting and passing it off like it's not a big deal/just makes the most logical sense (see: mending their crew's clothing when they get damaged on the job/making suggestions about chen's new arm, etc.). they like knowing what makes people tick and having that proven right.

however, they also want that to be a one way thing; they can do the perceiving, but someone perceiving them? illegal. blocked. they also do a lot of lying and evasion to push people away (part of the self-destruction - cut them off so it hurts less for all the parties involved). there's a reason why sura stays away from ortega, cos they're acutely aware of how well ricardo can read them (+ the secret crush. tho it's rather hard to disentangle the resentment with if it's attraction or just nostalgic fondness that won't leave). sura can't retaliate the same way cos of the static, so they feel at a disadvantage.

chen is still a danger, but at least he's not immune to their telepathy. things aren't quite so loaded with him. chen's bullheadedness also means that sura's usual method of arguing and getting contrarian doesn't work on him. they're both very used to the same arguments and the counters from pre-hb, and now... they're both just too tired to keep doing it.

ig sura's also pretty loyal once they've made a strong enough connection too. she protects his team and trusts them to do the same in return.

34. are they nostalgic for their sidestep days or eager to move on?

very complicated. past-self rivalry equals any feelings of nostalgia getting quashed by frustration at his past-self being too naive/trusting. that's what got them into this mess in the first place. sura's sidestep self is always the benchmark ortega keeps comparing them to (like the present self is a ghost, and ortega's only seeing the negative space/absence of the old sura). the suranga that wore the sidestep suit, as far as they're concerned, died. and all of his principles went with him. sidestep almost feels like someone else. and it’s not like their current self will ever measure up to the sidestep that ortega remembers. it doesn't WANT to be that person anymore. in some ways, it Can't!

(this is also why a worst-case scenario would be ortega thinking it's a regene copy. lol, whoops, this just affirms all sura's suspicions that he only wants the wide-eyed idealistic sura before the trauma and the bitterness that followed him around like a puppy.)

they don't want to be in ortega's shadow, or be a sidekick, that's largely why they took up the mob boss role - so that they could prove to themself that they're better than him. and chen too, ig.

Something something some twisted logic that destroying the museum exhibit = finally proving she's better than her past self/getting closure? (spoiler alert it was not lol.) sura liked helping people as sidestep. and on occasion they still do it, just more selectively, re: rescuing the civilians at carter's place w/ chen. (50+ villainy/ruthlessness score aside... i think they might chalk those instances up as flukes, but that's just a lie to convince themself they're not still a bleeding heart.)

#oc: suranga fernando #ramblings #sura has like. 10 million neuroses. i'm still discovering more cos its only now this little shit is getting to open up #d say id want to study her but. uh. maybe a little insensitive given the farm lmao #thank you for sending the ask in punk <3

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starseedfxofficial · 1 month ago

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he Overlooked Secrets of Algorithmic Trading in Retail Sales The Overlooked Secrets of Algorithmic Trading in Retail Sales Welcome, my fellow trading enthusiasts, to a world where numbers dance, algorithms weave magic, and retail sales can be leveraged to gain an advantage in the Forex market. Now, if you're thinking, "How do algorithmic trading and retail sales mix like coffee and cream?" you're in the right place. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot more nuanced than your regular “set it and forget it” approach. Imagine, for a moment, that trading is like preparing an exotic dish. You need the right ingredients, timing, and yes—a touch of flair that only a few seasoned chefs (or traders) possess. Algorithmic trading is your ultimate recipe to tap into opportunities before they slip off the plate, and this piece will help you understand how to leverage retail sales data effectively to transform your strategies. But beware, just like buying shoes on sale you’ll never wear, blindly following retail data can lead you astray. Retail Sales - The Unseen Market Mover Retail sales data is like that secret spice your grandma used in her best recipes—everyone knew it was in there, but nobody really understood why it worked. Retail sales numbers are a strong indicator of consumer spending, and therefore, economic health. Most traders simply skim through these reports. But what if I told you there’s a way to dig deeper and find out whether consumers are buying just a new pair of jeans or fueling an entire retail wave? Why You Should Care About Retail Sales First off, let's get one thing straight: retail sales matter to algorithmic trading because they provide real-time consumer sentiment. And while I know ‘consumer sentiment’ sounds like one of those phrases financial analysts throw around to sound important, it actually means something significant when translated into trading terms. When retail sales numbers go up, consumers are confident—they’re spending, borrowing, and living their best lives. For Forex traders, this often translates to currency strength. If US retail sales are up, for example, expect the USD to show a bit of muscle. But here’s the kicker—algorithmic trading lets you leverage this data faster than any manual trader could ever hope for. Picture this: retail sales are released, and before Steve from accounting has even hit refresh, your algorithm has already placed a trade. Boom, that’s the power of this method. The Algorithmic Edge Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Algorithms don't just follow trends—they devour them and spit out signals faster than you can say “market volatility.” One nifty way to capitalize on retail sales data is to pair them with sentiment analysis algorithms. Here’s how: 1. Sentiment Scrapers & Retail Data: Sentiment scrapers use AI to comb through news articles, social media, and even quarterly reports. Imagine you just got the latest retail sales figures. Now, layer that with AI scanning Twitter for mentions of consumer enthusiasm. Your algorithm can identify if the market’s mood is in sync with the numbers and adjust accordingly. It’s like finding out if that trendy restaurant actually lives up to the hype—with data. 2. Momentum Strategy with Retail Spikes: There’s a classic mistake traders make—thinking every sales spike is a goldmine. Retail spikes can mean a temporary boost (like Black Friday), or a long-term consumer trend (like everyone suddenly becoming obsessed with staying fit). Momentum algorithms can differentiate between a one-time anomaly and a legitimate upward trend. If retail sales show a spike, but social buzz suggests it's just Black Friday madness, maybe hold off on that long position in USD/JPY. The beauty of this is that it’s all happening in milliseconds. Why Most Traders Get It Wrong (And How You Can Avoid It) Here’s the thing—most retail traders think algorithmic trading is only for the big players. They look at hedge funds and think, “Well, I don’t have an office full of quants in lab coats.” (Side note: I promise, quants aren’t always in lab coats.) But here’s the truth—modern tools have made algorithmic trading accessible even for retail traders like us. All it takes is the right combination of tools, data sources, and a touch of good humor. Take advantage of resources like StarseedFX’s smart trading tool. It’s like having a mini quant in your pocket (minus the coffee addiction). Not only does it provide automated lot size calculations, but it also gives you insights and order management capabilities—everything you need to make sure your trades don’t end up like that bad sitcom plot twist. Insider Tips for the Algorithmic Ninja Alright, let’s get serious about winning the algorithmic game with retail sales. Here are some ninja-level tactics that few traders know: 1. Pair Your Indicators: It’s always a good idea to use multiple indicators for validation. Combining retail sales data with indicators like Relative Strength Index (RSI) or moving averages helps verify whether consumer confidence is translating into actual currency strength. Picture RSI as your lie detector test—is that retail sales data actually signaling strength, or just putting on a brave face? 2. Backtesting with Context: Everyone backtests, but not everyone does it right. Use historical retail sales data in your backtests, but include the context—was there an economic stimulus at the time? Was a new iPhone launched that month? Understanding the context helps your algorithm avoid getting tricked by what looks like a pattern but is really just a coincidence. 3. Anticipate The Aftermath: Most traders react to retail sales, but the real winners anticipate. This is where machine learning comes in handy. Train a model to analyze patterns not just right after retail sales data, but for the following days or weeks. Imagine if your algorithm could predict the market's mood swings based on last month’s retail data. You’d be ahead of the curve, while others are still analyzing the initial report. When NOT to Trust Retail Data It’s easy to think of retail sales as the be-all and end-all indicator, but let me drop some truth here—sometimes retail sales can lead you astray. During times of rising debt, for instance, retail sales might be booming while the economy is teetering on the edge of a downturn. It’s the equivalent of someone spending big on their credit card before realizing their bank balance is, well, not cooperating. Combining Algorithmic Trading with Retail Analysis Here’s an advanced strategy: combine retail sales data with bond yields. When retail sales are up, but bond yields are also rising, you may be dealing with an inflationary push rather than real economic growth. Algorithms that account for both indicators can distinguish whether currency strength is genuinely sustainable or not. The Forgotten Strategy That Outsmarted the Pros Back in the day, before algorithms became household tools, traders used retail sentiment surveys combined with retail sales data to gain an edge. While everyone else focuses on the raw retail sales number, use algorithmic trading to analyze discretionary spending versus non-discretionary spending. What’s the difference? Discretionary spending tells you where the extra cash is going—if people are buying more luxury goods, it’s a good sign of confidence and currency strength. Read Between the Data So, what have we learned today? Retail sales can be a potent tool in your trading arsenal—when you know how to wield it. Algorithmic trading is the chef’s knife that lets you slice through the noise and get to the real heart of what’s happening in the market. But, as with any sharp tool, use it wisely. Sometimes, holding back can be just as powerful as making a move. If you’re ready to take the plunge and elevate your game, don’t forget to check out StarseedFX’s free resources and community—because every trading ninja knows the value of good allies. And let’s face it, the only thing better than winning trades is winning them with a smile on your face and a little bit of insider knowledge. Feel free to share your own stories of algorithmic triumphs or ask questions below—after all, the best traders aren’t just lone wolves; they’re part of a pack that helps each other get better. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated Read the full article

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captainmdhridoyhossain-blog · 2 years ago

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[ad_1] Every eye has a story to tell and as editors it's our job to grab the attention of the audience - it's the eye and you know that very well that one of the best ways to grab the attention to attract the attention is sharpness right and that's why we have portraits with Shallow depth of field and this firstly so that the audience directly looks into the face instead of focusing on the background hey there this is animation today I'm going to give you three ways to sharpen eyes in Photoshop all the ways are non-destructive and if it Doesn't make any sense to you you are at the right place why three ways again because there's three simple reasons number one how much time do you want to give your image - number two to what extent do you want to go in editing that Image to what extent do you want to go in bringing out the details and number three is very interesting how much your client paid you so sit down any further ado let's get started but before I start spoiler alert the last method will either plumb your mind or will make you Curse me saying that why didn't you tell that to me before I'm sorry about that but the first two methods are also very essential so make sure that you stay tuned so let's begin yeah alright let's begin so here we are in Photoshop and this is one of the stock photos that are Downloaded using this is free using the free plug-in called excels and this is one of the best plugins has ever used this plugin allows you to search through stock photos from inside of Photoshop and import them directly as a layer isn't that amazing guys if you want to Check it out do click on the link right here or here so I have made a video about it it's absolutely free guys they have not paid me as just I'm showing my love to the developer all right so this is the image - the first thing that you Need to make sure is that you convert your layer into a smart object to do that all you need to do you need to write it on it and click on convert to smart object I have already done it so that's why it's showing this symbol Let's make the lid a little bit bigger let's make this come nails bigger to make the sometimes we'll go right click on it and click large thumbnails I'm I was always a sign of large thumbnails alright so the next thing that you need to do is Zoom in to the ice once you zoomed in okay zooming in is very essential don't ignore that because you need to see how it's being sharpened once you zoom then go to filter sharpen mod sharpen all right so this is very smart form of sharpening so let's move the area where You want to sharpen the image now in this case it's the eye all right so what are these values let me quickly explain what these values actually mean and I would request you to play with these letters to get a better understanding of what they actually do but let me just Give you a brief understanding okay so what is the amount slider amount slider is the amount of sharpness as the name suggests the amount of sharpness that you need to apply to your image think of it like this the difference between the highest peak and the deepest Valley That's the amount and as you decrease the amount the difference decreases as you increase the amount the difference increases the difference between the highest peak and the deepest Valley now think of it like this the more the amount you have the more the depth your sharpness will have the more the depth Your peaks and valleys will have now what is the radius think of radius as the size of the texture if the radius is too low the noise is which is the smallest texture will be accentuated pronounced if the radius is little large objects bigger than that will be Pronounced if the laser radius is much larger or objects much bigger than that will be pronounced so so on and so forth all right so you need to find a happy place where the objects that you want to accentuate like the iris like the eyeball are more pronounced okay we'll Get to that

in a minute and reduce noise you don't have to focus on that for now all right so let's look at the first two values and how we use it okay let's look at the amount so first off when you and the smart sharpen increase the amount All the way to 500 okay now this might sound strange but that's what I mean now edit the radius what radius look good looks good to you so if you see look if the radius is 0.2 you see only the noise accentuated this is the pre section only the noise accentuated if You go a little bit further like 0.7 C still the noise is more prevalent now if I go ahead and increase it to like say for now it's giving me a good result how about if I increase it all the way to 12 now this is looking ugly why because Bigger objects are being accentuated I want smaller objects than that so you need to find a happy place in this case I think it's four point five because I already tried this image with that value four point three will also do but that's four point five now reduce noise now When you apply sharpness you have observed that sharpness along with it brings a lot of noise so reduce noise helps you counter that noise remove that annoying but here's the deal here's the catch the catch is that if you increase the radius noise slider the sharpness will also fade away it's Counterintuitive alright so if you really increase the reduce noise as you can see the sharpness is also going away okay so you don't want to keep the value too high because if you do so watch the sharpness is going away we don't want that to happen alright so let's look Let's try it with this valley see it's going away so we want somewhere around seven ten ish so around it's a good value I guess and once you're satisfied with this before clicking okay remember the amount was all the way to five hundred reduce the amount we don't want - much sharpness to around say how about this one a little more maybe alright click OK now this is not the final version of sharpness that you're going to apply to your image now click OK once you click OK you even have more control now this sharpness what what's this this Sharpness is applied all over the image now it's necessary that we control the places where the sharpness is being applied since in this case we want to apply sharpness to just I what do you think we will do to just restrict the effect just to the eye masking right and Since you see this is a smart object we will have a mask for the filter and this is a filter for the smart object a filter for smart object is gone smart filter have a look smart filter now click on that smart filter click on that white box press ctrl I it turns Black now the effect is also gone from all over the image now I want to apply the effect I want to make the effect appear only in those areas where I wanted to appear so that to do that all you need to do take a brush okay make Sure white color selected if it's any other color just click on this small icon just this resets everything if it's like red or something I'll give you a little tip just click on it it will reset everything if it's black and white the opposite way press X it will just You know switch things here and there all right take white and start painting over the areas where you want the sharpness to be there also make sure that you want to have the maximum sharpness in the iris pupil right and then you have the then you want to have The sharpness in the eyelashes you don't want to have too much sharpness in the eyelashes why because that will create an ugly halo effect have a look so if I apply sharpness here look how ugly it's looking at you're not looking natural alright so you want to apply little Sharpness in that area so full sharpness here right and don't you dare apply sharpness on the eye white so if you want to make somebody beautiful don't apply sharpness on the iyc as if you are creating ghostly feeling then an old man is staring wanna show wrinkles and stuff That may be the

case but in this you don't want to do that edges of the eyes yes you want a little sharpness there also eyelashes just a little sharpness to apply just a little sharpness decrease the slow to around 20 and start painting a little bit on the eyelashes Not too much right all right so so that's sharpening eyes using this method also after you do that let's together before and after first so this is the before this is the after isn't that amazing also don't go overboard the sharpen all right now if you think the effect of sharpening is Too much or you can do you can double click on this you see this little icon right these little sliders kind of icon click on it and once you do an option will appear and this option is really cool and just trying to say something till the loading finishes because this Is a large image all right so let's wait oh my god oh my oh my god oh my oh my oh my god oh my god baby let me love you can there's so many ways to laugh yeah mmm make you dance so many so watch this dialog box it's blending options smart Sharpen alright you can decrease the opacity of the filter right so if you if you think the effect is too much you can go ahead and decrease the opacity to the point where you like and there you go suppose you want the effect like 79 percent click OK and there you have it This method is completely SuperDuper non-destructive so whenever you might want to change the values you can always go ahead and double click on this smart sharpen and the values will again appear you can always tweak it later right so this is one of the cool features of this Alright let's cancel this and let's move on to the second method so alright let's delete the Smart Filters ok the second method is also quite interesting and it's also non-destructive so make a duplicate of this layer to do that press ctrl or command J this makes a duplicate So once this duplicate is also a smart object so it has to have a smart object all right then go to filter other high pass right then time the value of radius will be same as the value that we used in smart sharpen remember the areas that you want to Accentuate the size of the texture okay so for that image what's worth four point five all right if you are using this method for the first time then what you need to do you need to find the value where you find all the edges which you want to pronounce in other words if The radius is too low as you can see only you can see noise you don't want that and if it's too high you can see no details every picture that kind of blurry stuff so you need to find a place where it is all gray but the details That you want to accentuate all right so for this four point four four point five worked click OK and once you do that change the blend mode to overlay and there you have it this is the before this is the after now to limit the Effect only to the Aisne all you need to do you know that do the same thing click on the smart filters press ctrl I know that's the wrong method you guys are you guys get carried away so easily ok so why it won't work in this because In this the smart sharpen was a filter itself right in this we are leveraging overlay and filters at the same time so if I just use this smart filters this will kind of become funky let's do this let's try it this will become funky this is supposed to be make it funky why Because we are leveraging both filters and the overlay blend mode in this case that's the reason why we created a duplicate we want the effected duplicate to be applied only to the specific eye so make sure you click on this layer not the smart filter then create a mask Control eye and one of the ways one of the easiest way to create an opposite mask is that press and hold alt and then create a mask all right all right press and hold alt and then create a mask it will already generate a black huh so you Need not go create and control eye you get the idea all right then take a brush white color selected

start painting over it and there you go and you know what the advantage of this is if you want the extra two hundred percent sharpness all You need to do you need a cruddy need a copy sheet is layer and you have that you wanted to send sharpness if you want 300% sharpness copy it again duplicate it you have three hundred percent sharpness and that's the advantage that you have with high pass alright so let's Go back and move on to the third method let's delete all this now before I move on to the third method and this is the easiest method ever and this also gives an excellent results so you need not curse me I always save the best for the last Alright create a new layer this is very simple fairly simple create a new layer blank layer you remember we had an old friend if you are old Photoshop user we had an old friend called sharpen tool some of you might say why to use it it's obsolete let me tell you something the Reason why the sharpen tool is still there in Photoshop it's because the matte the algorithm has been improved amazingly and and you'll see how non-destructive it can go alright not actually but yes it can go non-destructive how select the sharpen tool select it okay don't curse me don't blame me this is Cool you will get that all right you have to do nothing create a new less we let the sharpen tool and make sure this is essential make sure protect details and sample or legs is checked and once they are checked and you are on the new layer Zoom in and just simply paint over the areas which you need to sharpen also make sure that you set a nice value for the strength think of strength as opacity or flow if you have 100% strength the strength of the brush will be hundred percent forty percent forty percent strength it's kind of Self-explanatory let sharpening less strength more sharpening more strength so I usually work with around like thirty five forty percent so that I can paint it all over again so I have a habit of painting it for quite a while so that you some areas I want to sharpen more some Areas I want to sharpen lists so I want to have a light brush so that I sharpen again and again on the areas that I want to sharpen more all right so sharpen on the areas where you want to bring out the details okay here maybe A little here okay let's do that let's increase the strength all right so that's pretty much it now watch the magic we created a new layer and this sharpness is on a new layer if you think the sharpness is too much decrease the opacity and fish you go and watch this If you're wondering what's in this leg just let's just turn off sit and watch the areas that we sharpened isn't that amazing all right so let's increase the opacity back to hundred and let's see it carefully the areas that we sharpen so that's how you sharpen eyes in Photoshop Now I give you three ways to sharpen eyes what's very smart sharpen high fast sharp until right now which one should you use well if you have a lot of time if you have a considerable amount of time to spend behind an image and if your client has paid you too much then No doubt you have to use smart sharpen because smart sharpen is the most advanced and the best sharpening Photoshop has to offer and it's with available with the latest versions of Photoshop it does give you a lot more control so it's completely non-destructive and it's just one Filters unlike hi Phil to where you have to make duplicates if you want more and opacity and stuff there are things that you have to do with it well next comes high pass now you want to use high pass when you're not working with a lot of Lists you want to use high pass then you don't want one too much complexity yet you want good results you don't want to mess with that amount reduce noise shadows highlights all those complex things that you have in smart sharpen you don't have to mess with best yet You'll get amazing results with high pass but also if you want to go beyond 500% sharpness you can

always duplicate your high pass layer and and you have it so high-pass is for everything but if you have too many layers in your image if it's a composite Then high-pass is not your way to go but you can always apply high-pass after merging the layers at the top now next comes sharpen 2 if your client has not paid you much and she's bargaining a lot and also at the same time if you yourself for your own images don't have Much time but you have to publish it on Facebook social media you want to do things quickly you quickly can go ahead and yet if you want best results amazing result the sharpening tool is really your way to go also if you are posting an online or social media nobody will Ever be able to notice whether you use high-pass sharpen tool or smart sharpen so that pretty much wraps up the session I hope this video was helpful if this was make sure to give us a like and also don't forget to subscribe to not just subscribe to combine Bell body so that You don't miss anything I'll see you guys in my next one till then stay tuned and make sure that you keep creating You You [ad_2] #Sharpen #Eyes #Photoshop For More Interesting Article Visit : https://mycyberbase.com/

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90363462 · 2 years ago

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xoNECOLE/Sex/All About Edging: The Ways Prolonging Pleasure Makes For Mind-Blowing Orgasms

Delmaine Donson/Getty Images

All About Edging: The Ways Prolonging Pleasure Makes For Mind-Blowing Orgasms

Spoiler alert: It's the determining factor for all earth-shattering orgasms.

Ashley Cobb

Oct. 28, 2022 05:00PM EST

Have you ever tried to stop yourself from having an orgasm…on purpose? I have and let me be the first to tell you how amazing of an experience it is. Edging is the practice of bringing yourself to the brink of orgasm without going all the way. Tension builds, pushing your mental and physical body to its edge—literally— delaying full gratification. I was introduced to edging by a past lover, who got a kick out of increasing my arousal without letting me orgasm. The buildup would literally make me feel like I was going to burst.

Think of edging like a rollercoaster. The orgasm is the adrenaline release you feel at the end of the big drop. As you slowly take the rollercoaster up toward the top of the hill, edging would be what happens when the rollercoaster climbs up for the big drop only for it to be a twist and turn instead. The buildup of anticipation is the difference between an amazing rollercoaster and a not-so-great one. The same holds true with edging, it's the determining factor for all earth-shattering orgasms.

What Exactly Is Edging?

The practice of edging has grown popular in the sexual health world as a form of “better orgasms,” however edging has been around for more than a half-century. In a 1956 paper published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, James H. Semans introduced the “stop-start method” to help people last longer before reaching orgasm. He suggests stopping sexual stimulation before orgasms, waiting about 30 seconds, and then stimulating yourself again, repeating until you’re ready to orgasm. On a more holistic level, edging can make you more aware of your own sexual responses both solo and with a partner, bringing mindfulness–a powerful tool–into the bedroom.

Having an orgasm for some women is easier said than done, but incorporating edging could make it less difficult to achieve. According to a 2014 study, women who masturbate are more likely to achieve orgasm during sex. 1 out of 96 women in that study reported it was easier to achieve orgasm during masturbation than partnered sex. As I say often, you have to get to know your body in order to know what arouses you. The best way to figure out what works for you is by trying out the edging technique during masturbation.

Masturbation provides the opportunity to get to know your own body better and what really sets it off when it comes to pleasure. Not only does it help increase the chances of having an orgasm, but including edging into solo play also helps to intensify them. OMGYes, a website focused on bringing attention to the female orgasm, reports that 66% of women who edge have longer, more intense orgasms.

The Benefits of Edging and Orgasm Control

Edging is also helpful for those who may prefer or need more time to get aroused. For example, people who experience premature ejaculation may find edging beneficial because it can increase the duration of sex before orgasm. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men last an average of 5.4 minutes before finishing during penetrative sex. In comparison, a2019 study found that it takes women an average of 13 minutes and 25 seconds to have a real orgasm—almost three times as long.

Edging can help partners get in sync. Increasing the duration of sexual activity can also change the dynamics by shifting the focus. When someone senses they are about to orgasm, they can change the intensity by slowing down, changing position, or stopping altogether.

Adene Sanchez/Getty Images

How to Practice Edging Alone

There are several ways to practice edging and you can go about it however you'd like. If you want to explore edging by yourself, I suggest using your hands or a toy. It’s important to keep in mind to move slowly, paying close attention to your body’s signals. When you feel like you’re close to orgasm, that’s your cue to slow down or stop completely.

The next step is to cool down and rest to a point where your orgasm won't take over. Try breathing deeply or running your hands over your skin. Let your body simply enjoy a different form of touch. Think about what brought you close to orgasm, and note how your body feels. When you’re ready, you can start again and go through as many cycles as you like.

Love vibrators? Experiment with different speeds and pay attention to how your body reacts.

How to Edge With Your Partner

Edging with a partner can involve hands, mouths, and toys. Talk about how to signal when one of you needs a break. It can be a word or a gesture, whatever works best. Experiment with changing positions or intensity when one of you gets close to orgasm. Switch from penetrative sex to touch, or from oral stimulation to using a toy. You can repeat this cycle as many times as you’d like. The more cycles you go through, the more blood will flow into your pelvic area. This helps build excitement and can lead to more powerful orgasms.

Another edging technique is tantric sex. Tantric is all about going slow, being intentional, and tapping into the energy between your partner's body to enhance the experience of sex. To try tantric edging, inhale slowly as you're about to orgasm. While inhaling, try to visualize slowly pulling the orgasmic energy from your vagina or penis upward toward your head. Then go back to providing that direct stimulation, repeating this process again and again. In tantra, this is believed to help you experience a full-body orgasm.

Whether you want to try edging alone or with a partner, remember getting to know your body is always a good thing. Plus, edging leads to more intense orgasms, and who doesn’t want more intense orgasms?

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Featured image by Delmaine Donson/Getty Images

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sexydreamgirl · 3 years ago

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i’m gonna ask this here because I have less followers but I want y’alls opinion on what I should post next

how to manifest ANYTHING (might be short bc spoiler alert it’s just self concept and then methods, so i might have to make the post below first for that don’t know)

in depth on methods/ how to make manifesting fun

a guide to starting over/for overconsumption/etc (basically discussing the principles of the law and that sorta thing will be heavily based on neville’s teachings because like I said it’s a guide so I’m gonna go discuss the different facets of the law of assumption and I might even include some lecture summaries)

lecture summaries that I have continued to put on hold

anything else either about the law or Neville’s teachings

or I’m open to suggestions 😍 (my it girl post is not on the list bc I’m still undecided about when I’ll post it)

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miodas-dr-imagines · 3 years ago

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Korekiyo, Gonta, and Kokichi with an s/o who can't sleep

Okay I know that I said I was gonna write more last time but this time I legit mean it! School started on the 18th, which means my day is more structured, which means I'm more motivated to write!

It's been absolutely ages since you requested, Anon, but hopefully this can make it up to you!

Warnings: A pinch of swearing

-Mod Ibuki <3

❈ Korekiyo Shinguji ❈

“s/o, dear, is something wrong? I can feel you tossing and turning.”

You sigh. “It’s nothing. I just can’t sleep.”

Korekiyo is smart. Really smart. And he always seems to know what’s best for you.

This man will make sure you go to bed.

He wraps his arms around your waist. “Perhaps I could serenade you, if you’d like.”

You chuckle. “That would be nice, Kiyo.”

❈ Gonta Gokuhara ❈

He doesn’t know exactly how to help, but he’s trying his best and that’s all that matters.

Gonta is a very sweet person. :)

He would suggest pretty simple solutions, ones that everyone has probably tried before.

A glass of warm milk before bed, counting sheep ladybugs, etc.

You didn’t really think they would work, but the methods he suggests are surprisingly effective.

❈ Kokichi Ouma ❈

This fucker.

Every time you tell him you can’t sleep, his eyes light up.

So most nights, you both stay up super late playing video games, eating sweets, talking about who’s cute and who’s NOT cute.

Spoiler alert: Kokichi is by far the cutest. ^w^

You come up with pranks to pull on others and tell each other jokes, muffling your laughter with pillows and bunched up blankets since your neighbors are sleeping.

You’re probably going to regret staying up so late in the morning, but time spent with Kokichi is time well spent.

#danganronpa #danganronpa imagines #drv3 killing harmony #korekiyo shinguji #korekiyo shinguji x reader #gonta gokuhara #gonta gokuhara x reader #kokichi ouma #kokichi ouma x reader #mod ibuki

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suspicious-whumping-egg · 2 years ago

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I posted 15,547 times in 2022

That's 14,912 more posts than 2021!

609 posts created (4%)

14,938 posts reblogged (96%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@killorbekillian

@that-gay-jedi

@incoherent-introspection

@wizard-email

@wolfeyedwitch

I tagged 5,269 of my posts in 2022

#important - 625 posts

#obikin - 270 posts

#yep - 213 posts

#the sandman - 157 posts

#save - 140 posts

#whump art - 136 posts

#kenobi spoilers - 135 posts

#pride - 120 posts

#fave - 114 posts

#goncharov - 114 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#his whole thing it’s just a thing abt him and it impacts him but his arc isn’t focused on the “tragedy of disability” or anything like that

My Top Posts in 2022:

As per @painsandconfusion's suggestion im starting a picrew chain with this picrew! (Shea consider urself already tagged for the chain)

(they/them)

Tagging: @spookyboywhump @loki-the-mad @brutal-nemesis @b0amagination @galaxywhump

151 notes - Posted December 31, 2021

Betrayed, Part 2

If people rly like this I’ll make it a series! Continued from here!!

Supervillain frowned, shifting a hand to the holster at their waist. “As easy as that, hm? I don’t buy it. If those heroes put up with you for that long, you must have some kind of a backbone. You’re planning to betray me, aren’t you? No one likes a turncoat, little hero. You’ve already been double crossed once, there’ll be no one to look out for you if you turn on me.”

Before Hero could interject the stammering explanation that they simply just didn’t want to be hurt, Supervillain struck them hard across the face with their gun in a sharp burst of pain across their cheek.

“No one agrees that quickly if they’re not up to something,” they snapped. “We both know I have my methods to keep you in line— I could have you constantly chained up or strapped down, order Healer to keep you paralyzed until we build a bit of trust between us, break your legs so we have six uninterrupted weeks to see where your loyalty lies— I’d rather cut to the chase. You’re one to do so, I’ve noticed. Not like Superhero with their useless monologues.”

Hero shook their head weakly, trembling against the chains that bound them. It was too late to beg now, and they knew it. There was nothing else to do but hope the villain would make it quick.

“So I’m assuming a show of power might be best, nothing more,” Supervillain continued. “You’ve never been up against me alone, little Hero. I won’t hurt you if you become my protege, but you must understand my hesitance. For all I know, you could be a spy. Hell, they could have left you as bait, meant to be snatched up by my henchmen and planted right where you could get all the information you need.”

They paced the room, plucking a weighted baton from a rack of weapons against the wall. “Don’t try to tell me you’re innocent, that’s for me to decide,” they added coldly. They tossed the baton from one hand to another, testing its weight, before swinging it hard at Hero. It cracked hard against their side, right over the scar left by the healed stab wound, and Hero hissed in pain.

They soon lost count of the blows, as Supervillain rained a volley of hits over them, one after another. The pain was sharp and stinging with every strike, and they were blinking back tears after mere minutes.

At long last, the villain paused and stepped back to take a look at them. Other than the defeated look on their face and the fresh blood streaking their bare torso, they were the same— no signs of a cracking facade.

Supervillain nodded, content of Hero’s loyalty for the time being. They reached down to unlock the wrist cuffs, keeping Hero’s legs secured to those of the chair, and strode from the cell.

They let themself break down as soon as they were alone, burying their face in their hands and allowing their tears to fall in broken sobs until they gasped for breath. So it was quite a surprise when Supervilain tapped them on the shoulder, alerting them to their presence. The villain wore the twisted little grin that was only brought about by watching others suffer.

“Stop crying, you have work to do,” they snapped. “I want you to write down everything about those traitors that might help me— base locations, personal connections between team members, powers, weaknesses. You don’t know what I already know, so I can guarantee I’ll catch you on something if you lie. Give me enough information and I’ll consider your innocence.” They shoved a paper and pen at Hero’s face, then stormed from the room.

Hero’s unsaid words stuck in their throat, and they heard Supervillain bolt the door behind them with a heavy click. I won’t lie to you, I want them dead as much as you do. But they’d have to convince Supervillain with more than empty words. With no other choice, they began scribbling down every detail on their betrayers that they could remember.

~~~

Part 3 is out now! Link here

181 notes - Posted March 25, 2022

A not-so-gentle reminder:

If you are a TERF, support TERFS, or platform TERFS, get the fuck off my blog. Platforming TERFS (yes, including JKR) sends the message that you do NOT support trans people. You don’t get to pick both sides. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Nonbinary people ARE nonbinary, they don’t just identify as such. Transmeds can fuck themselves, and neopronouns are essential for all people to express themselves. Gender binaries are a social construct and true feminism, true EQUALITY; includes all sexes, gender identities, orientations, races, beliefs, and levels of ability. True equality doesn’t EXCLUDE.

212 notes - Posted April 20, 2022

Trope Talks: Forced Affection

Tw: intimate whumpers

Whumpers who force their whumpees to play along with their convoluted games of obsessive love. Whumpees who hate that they find it easier to act like they love their whumpers.

Whumpees who who kiss back. Whumpees who lean into whumper’s hand when their hair is stroked. Whumpees who return an embrace from their whumper because they’d rather have twisted comfort than none at all. Whumpees who picture their lover touching them instead of whumper, because otherwise the unwanted intimacy is unbearable.

Maybe they hate it, maybe they shove down the urge to fight every time they’re touched. Every time whumper whispers another sweet, possessive thing in their ear. It’s better than being hurt, so they force themself to endure. Maybe one day they do fight, and they’re punished so horribly for their defiance that they go back to silently upholding the facade of love. Or maybe they decide that the pain is better than the sickly sweet imitation of kindness. They‘ll take a dozen lashes, a hundred cuts, before they’ll accept whumper’s touches without fight.

Maybe whumpee can’t help but enjoy it. Whumper is despicable and they know it, but when they’re picked up bridal style and held to whumper’s chest, they’re too touch starved to care. They melt into every touch, silently pleading for affection because they’re so desperate to be loved that they can’t be bothered to be picky. Whumper’s twisted praise is a relief to them, they want to please whumper if it means being loved. They’ll be hurt either way, at least this way they can be comforted after the fact— even if by the same person who did the damage.

250 notes - Posted January 18, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Writing Characters with Chronic Pain and Disabilities

PSA: Writing characters with disabilities and chronic pain is great for representation, but I’m seeing harmful tropes and portrayals perpetuated in the way chronic pain and disability is treated in parts of the whump community. Abled people need to stop using chronic pain and/or disabilities purely for “fun and whumpy” purposes. To help address the (hopefully not ill intended) ignorance that likely causes perpetuation of hurtful tropes and harmful portrayals of disabled characters, I’m sorta writing a guide on what to do and not to do when you write a character who is disabled or has chronic pain. I am disabled myself (connective tissue disorder that causes chronic pain among other debilitating symptoms) but obviously all disabled experiences differ so take this all with a grain of salt.

What to do/what is okay to do: An injury causing chronic pain and that being just a part of a character, or a character who becomes disabled (or has been from birth). Their struggle is/can be obviously present and a significant part of their life BUT they must still be a rounded/whole character (background, personality, relationships, etc) if the narrative surrounding their disability was omitted. Writing characters with disabilities and chronic pain is good for representation! I’m not saying it’s bad to have chronic pain be caused by injuries for a character, including whump sustained injuries. A good example of a disabled character done right is Kaz from Six of Crows (Leigh Bardugo is disabled herself tho which obviously plays into why he’s done so well). Kaz uses a cane and has chronic pain caused by a wrongly healed broken leg. His pain and his cane are mentioned often throughout the novel and influence his life experience and perspective. However, his narrative doesn’t focus on his chronic pain: he’s not looking desperately for a cure, his goal is not to someday stop using his cane, etc. (These things are harmful tropes because they portray disability as something completely and totally bad, to be avoided at all costs). Kaz is a badass and competent character, as developed as the other (able bodied) main characters of the story, and his disability is one of many trait about him. If you wanna write a disabled character as an abled person, try to keep those kinds of things in mind (make them developed, make sure their narrative doesn’t focus fully around their disability even tho their disability can/could be a large part of their life, don’t use the “looking for a cure” trope as their whole motive, don’t present disability as a fate worse than death or similar.)

What not to do: What I’m sorta mad about is when someone writes a character who’s constantly suffering from chronic pain/disability and is written in a way where they’re constantly miserable from it and can never feel anything other than the constant sadness/pain their disability causes them. (Perpetuates the trope that disability is constantly horrible and sometimes creates the idea that a life with disability isn’t worth living- which is harmful because it creates the idea that people with disabilities can’t be happy/successful/etc unless they’re faking their disability). It is harmful when their pain or disability is their only trait and/or is only used to make them suffer for “fun” or whump (perpetuates harmful stereotypes around disability- gives the idea that it’s impossible to be happy/a successful person/etc while disabled or having chronic pain, makes light of disability.), Do not write a disability unrealistically and do your research to prevent from ignorance turning into harm. When a character is written disabled/in pain purely for whump, harmful tropes usually end up being perpetuated (the search for a cure trope, the idea that a disability is a tragedy and must be avoided at all costs, etc). Chronic pain is not fun, disability is not whumpy. If you want to write it, do it respectfully. Putting it as the focus of a whump story or as the only trait of a character, especially if you’re an able bodied person and just want to write suffering is not okay. Doing so mitigates and makes light of the real shit people with chronic pain and disabilities live through every day.

Abed people don’t clown on this post. Do not start discourse on this post.

564 notes - Posted January 2, 2022

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rebrandedbard · 4 years ago

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If you are still writing 14?

Okay so this one accidentally went from a drabble to an actual fic whoops. The cure is totally inspired by the Rapunzel fairy tale, spoiler alert, where the prince falls in the thorn bushes around the tower and Rapunzel’s tears fall into his eyes, curing him.

14. “Hey, I’m with you, okay? Always.”

wc: 4444 which is an awesome number I’m so happy lol

Robbed Blind

Someone botches a spell to steal Jaskier’s artistic vision and he’s cursed with blindness. Thankfully, he falls into the company of Ciri and Lambert. They journey safely to Kaer Morhen, but what could be the cure to his affliction?

She had found him, tripping over the strings of destiny, in Drakenborg. He’d been on his way to Oxenfurt when the curse took hold, and he had gone no further. Jaskier was haggard, gaunt, and looked quite worn. His hair lay flat from constant fussing. It was a habit Ciri remembered well from his visits, always combing a nervous hand through his hair before a performance. She had never seen it look so lifeless. He needed a mirror, she thought. She would soon realize that a mirror would serve him no purpose.

He was blind. He startled when she ran to him, throwing her arms around his waist. She’d been so relieved to see a friendly face that she’d run right into his arms, nearly knocking him from the stool in the corner of the tavern. Why should he not catch her as he’d always done? He’d been looking directly at her; she thought he’d merely not recognized her beneath the mud and hood.

“Let me go! Who are you? Stop—stop this now or I’ll give you such a wallop, I’ll—!”

“Jaskier!” Ciri cried, shocked. She flinched away from him as he elbowed her roughly against her temple. She rubbed the spot, standing out of reach.

Jaskier straightened up at once. “Is that—? Little cub, is that you?” he asked. He turned his head as if searching for her and reached out a hand, feeling the air. It was nowhere near.

Ciri took his hand. During their long weeks of travel, she refused to let it go again. She became his eyes, and together they started for Oxenfurt and the safety of its halls.

He’d woken up blind one day, he explained. No warning or explanation. The mage had told him what magic was at play. Someone had tried to steal his artistic vision and the enchantment had gone wrong, stealing from him his very sight.

“Is there not a cure?” Ciri asked.

Jaskier shook his head. “The mage said it was a botched spell. There’s no telling what will fix it, only that it must have something to do with artistic vision. The mage suggested it might be cured by the old methods: kisses and the like; gazing upon true beauty.”

He squinted and took her face between his hands. “I’m looking and looking at you as hard as I can, and I remember you were the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen when you were first born. So what do mages know? Have you become a pox-faced adolescent or scraggly Medusa? Ah,” he chuckled, “but you’d still be a fairytale princess in my eyes if you had the face of a basilisk.”

She laughed and squirmed out of his hands. “You were always very good at Blind Man’s Bluff. Do you remember when we used to play it? Back then, you were always stumbling; you aren’t stumbling as much anymore.”

“I’ve grown used to it, I suppose. But you are a princess—do you suppose a kiss from you might cure me? How are you with frogs? Ever wake a sleeping prince?”

“No, but we may try it. There’s magic in me of a sort, I know. Here, kneel a moment.”

Jaskier knelt on the dry road and closed his eyes, tapping the lid. “Right here. Give it a go,” he said encouragingly. “If it doesn’t work, we’ll practice on a frog and work our way up.”

Ciri kissed both eyes to be sure. “Alright. Open them. Do you see anything?”

She tried not to get her hopes up, watching Jaskier squeeze his eyes tight. He opened them, blinked several times, and gave her a sad smile.

“Not to worry, we’ll find a pond in no time,” he joked, trying to keep the mood light.

“Well! I go to find a cat and find a lioness instead. And a songbird. Must be my lucky day.”

Ciri put herself between the stranger and Jaskier, waving a large branch in warning. “Keep away,” she growled. “If you come any closer, I’ll scream.”

The scruffy man put his hands up and grinned. “I’ve heard what sort of screaming runs in your family. Trust me, I would rather not be around for one of them. Heard it knocked pretty boy flat on his back at your mother’s little Surprise party.”

Jaskier put a hand on Ciri’s shoulder. “Wait a moment,” he said. “I know that moniker. Geralt complained of it before.” He was quiet a moment, stirring up a memory. Then, he lit up, asking excitedly, “Did you say you were looking for a cat? A cat witcher, by chance?”

“Why? Find one up a tree?” the stranger pressed.

Jaskier patted Ciri’s shoulder and strode forward, extending a hand. “You must be Lambert! I’ve heard—” his hand buckled against Lambert’s chest, his stride clearing the distance too quickly “—oh, my apologies. I’ve heard about you before. I was hoping to see you under better circumstances if I ever got the chance. Or to see you at all, really. Damnable timing.”

Lambert looked at him, then took his hand. Ciri watched as the understanding settled in, for Jaskier was staring straight at the man’s forehead, a near lucky guess of his eye line. Lambert wore an expression of pity freely, knowing Jaskier could not see it, though his tone was light and cocky as before. “I always wondered what you saw in that sourpuss, following him as long as you did; now I know you didn’t see anything after all,” he joked.

Jaskier snorted. “It’s new.”

“Ah, so you’ve been blinded by love, have you?”

Jaskier flapped his hand until he felt the brush of Ciri’s sleeve at his side, then he tugged her forward and presented her. He cleared his throat, a tad flushed. “May I introduce Her Royal Highness, Princess Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, the Lion Cub of Cintra. Geralt’s child Surprise.”

Ciri tossed her branch aside. “You know Geralt,” she said.

“They’re brothers.”

Lambert sneered. “He got all the looks, Eskel got the talent, but I got the brains.”

“What little there were to be had,” Jaskier added.

“Oh, ho! You’ll fit right in at the keep, talking like that.”

There was a pregnant pause between the three of them. Jaskier nudged Ciri gently forward. “She’ll be safe there. And her wit is more cutting than mine.”

Ciri turned at once to protest. “But what about Ox—”

“And so would you,” Lambert cut in. “A dull knife and a dull wit can be sharpened, and I’d rather keep two knives in my belt than one, whatever their make. Don’t start that maudlin shit with me; you’re coming along.”

Jaskier opened his mouth to protest and Lambert raised a hand. Then, realizing how ineffective that was against one who could not see it, he recovered and smacked the side of Jaskier’s head to shut him up before he started.

“Come on; it’s a long and dull road we have ahead of us, and you’re my entertainment. I want to hear every embarrassing story you can supply. I’ve long run out of blackmail and I’m in need of fresh material. Besides, what better bait for a cat than a twittering bird? If you sing loud enough, we might pick him up along the way.”

They were all together in the great hall when at last he came. The figure stood in the doorway, a black dot against the stark white of winter outside. A pair of bags dropped with a thundering bang upon the floor, the sound echoing throughout the room, and the figure bundled up by the fire started awake in fright.

Jaskier patted the blanket beside him, made frantic by his sudden awakening. “Ciri? Ciri!” he called, for she had been asleep next to him what seemed only moments ago.

She paused only a moment to stare at the imposing figure in the light. Something in her shouted, compelling her to go to him. But Jaskier called for her in that voice wrought with panic once more. She flew from the circle of wolves to his side, abandoning her hand of cards, disregarding the man of destiny at the door.

“I’m here,” she said, taking his hands. “Hey, I’m with you, okay? Always. I’m not going anywhere.” She and the others looked at each other, looked at Geralt, and said not a word.

Jaskier settled and took a deep breath. “I heard something crash. I dreamed—but never mind that.” He sighed, pressing his head to their joined hands. “I’m sorry. I know it’s safe here. I’m just not used to you wandering off just yet.”

“I know.” She stroked his hair gently. It was soft again, though not as silky as before. Lambert and Eskel had drawn him a bath for the first time in a long while, but he had not his customary soaps and oils. He was … less bright, his appearance dulled with his mood.

Vesemir had examined him. Countless hours, the wolves had huddled together in the old library, trying to find a cure for Jaskier’s condition to no avail. As time went by, the reality of his situation weighed on Jaskier. He could no longer read his notebook, nor write his music to be remembered. Ciri read his notes aloud and studied the art so she might transcribe them for him, but it was obvious how he felt.

“I don’t want to be a burden,” he’d said.

And now he gave her that same false smile, the one that failed to meet his eyes. She missed the lines in the corners and wished they might come back. Perhaps they’d flown off with the crows, frightened of the winter snow.

“Go back to your game,” he whispered. “I’ll head up to bed.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” she offered.

He shook his head. “I know the way now. If someone will take me to the stairwell?” he prompted, raising a hand.

Ciri looked at Geralt. There was so little she knew of him—stories and songs … words spared in rumors and stolen from conversations where she lingered unnoticed to listen. What she knew of the wolf and bard she had pieced together with care. For all the tales Jaskier would tell, he would not disparage Geralt before her, and he would not tell the story of the dragon hunt. But dwarves talk. Stories travel and lesser bards would imitate the songs of greater. Witchers collect news of other witchers, and two adults would speak as adults when ale made easy speech. Jaskier had confided in Lambert those tearing words once flung at him upon the mountain. And thus she had put the final piece into place of the great mystery between them.

‘If life could give me one blessing…’

“Who will take him?” she asked. She kept Geralt’s eyes as she rose to her feet. “Who will take him into his hands?”

It was only the barest movement, but she swore she saw the wolf of legend flinch.

Jaskier sat up with a huff. “You make it sound so dramatic. Are we playing at a quest now? Very well, who is my knight errant? The princess has thus decreed a quest is in order: a quest up the perilous tower steps, my-my! Such a task!”

“I should think a white knight is the one suited best for the task,” Vesemir grunted. He shuffled his hand, eyes narrowed at Geralt.

The white knight in question let his cloak fall. He shook the snow from his arms and dusted them slowly, looking at each watching face in turn. His hesitation was clear. When none moved to claim Jaskier, he stepped forward cautiously. Without a word, he took Jaskier’s hand and lifted him to his feet.

Jaskier clapped an arm around his shoulder, hands patting the edge of his long hair. “Ah, thank you, Vesemir,” he said. His hand slipped from Geralt’s armour and he made a face, flicking his wet hand in the air. He prodded the armour curiously. “You’re soaked; I thought you said you’d sent Eskel for the firewood.” He prodded again and bumped against Geralt’s shoulder pad. He pinched it between his fingers, figuring out its shape. He hummed curiously. “What are you wearing? Did you go hunting?”

Geralt stared. Jaskier was not looking at him. Geralt looked at the circle of men by the fireside and there sat Vesemir in silence, watching. He was struck dumb. What … game was this?

“A knight needs a knight’s armour,” Lambert called.

Jaskier laughed. “Oh, of course. Such a soft touch; did you get all dressed up for Ciri? Have I woken in the middle of a game?”

Eskel tossed a card in the middle of the circle. “Yes,” he answered, “but we’ve just started on another, different game.”

“Very cold and calculated,” Ciri agreed.

“Cold and calculated. So a snowball fight has become a snowball war, no doubt born of the most complicated strategies. Shame on the lot of you. You ought to let your elders warm themselves before sending them on tasks. You’re young; you’ve got legs,” Jaskier scolded.

“It was his idea,” Eskel replied.

Vesemir nodded, keeping silent as the game unravelled.

Jaskier looped his arm through Geralt’s and stood straight and tall in an affected manner. “Come, my good knight,” he said, “and let us bid good night to these slacking youths.”

He started to walk in the general direction of the stair, Geralt turning them with truer aim. Geralt looked over his shoulder at the others, frowning. This was not the sort of confrontation he expected when next he saw Jaskier. If he ever saw him. And here was his child Surprise in their midst without a word of greeting or explanation, and the bard, the two of them together and settled within the walls of the keep.

It was too perplexing for him to puzzle out. And Jaskier was acting strangely. Where were his speeches? Geralt had expected him to argue on sight, or else to pretend all was right and greet him, “Geralt! How good to see you,” or, “Fancy meeting you here,” and play off the mountain like it never happened. Or at the very least to ignore him. But to call him Vesemir and take to his arm? What joke was he playing at?

The answer came as Jaskier dodged the first step and nearly fumbled upon the stair. He clung to Geralt’s arm with a cry and his other hand shot out to grope the wall. He flailed for it, feeling his way from the step outward, then sliding his hand up the side of it. He turned his head, looked at Geralt and laughed. “I’m still not used to these uneven steps,” he said. “Give me time and I’ll be able to find my way around unassisted. By next week, I’ll be able to navigate every pool in the hot springs, then you four will never see me fully dressed again!”

Geralt raised a hand to Jaskier’s face. He rested a thumb just beneath his eye. They were as blue as ever, nothing seemed amiss, and yet …

Jaskier’s smile weakened. He closed his eyes and pushed the hand away. “I know the three of you are working hard to find a cure. I know the jokes fall flat. But I must make them. If I don’t … Vesemir, if I can’t make light of it, the darkness I see will be all I have left.”

He turned toward the stair again, hand firm on Geralt’s arm, the other on the wall. “Right then. Up we go. Just one at a time,” he said. He stepped tentatively forwards, prodding his foot before him until he nudged the base of the first step. “Got it. First is always hardest, isn’t it?”

They carried on. Two steps, three, one after the other slowly. They were uneven by design: a final defense against those who would try to invade their stronghold. The spiral stair favored those who walked it every day, gave advantage to the men who would be at the top, swinging their swords to fight back those who would dare trespass unwitting. It was difficult enough for any stranger with sight. With Jaskier, it was a quest in itself.

Midway up, Geralt thought to carry him. They were going so slowly; it would have been easiest that way. He nearly offered, but stopped. If he spoke, Jaskier would know him. He began to reach an arm out to simply lift him, but Jaskier fumbled once more, his knee hitting the step with a mumbled curse. And Geralt heard him muttering through his teeth as he crouched upon the stair.

“I will learn,” he hissed. “This will not stop me. I refuse to be a burden to anyone. Never again.” He touched his forehead to the step and Geralt put a hand to his back. He was trembling.

When Jaskier rose again, he did not take Geralt’s arm. He reached out and took hold of the wall on either side, arms stretched wide to hold himself up. He proceeded to climb the stair alone. When Geralt reached out to help, Jaskier waved him away.

“No,” he whispered. “We’re nearly at the top. Just let me do this much. Please.”

And Geralt let his hand fall away.

Jaskier reached the landing with a powerful stomp, expecting a final step. He breathed a sigh of relief and sagged against the right wall. Geralt followed behind and patted his shoulder. Small congratulations. From there, Jaskier walked down the corridor, tapping when he came upon a wooden door. He passed three, tapped each with his knuckles, counting. When he reached the forth door, he opened it. In this space, he walked with ease away from the wall. He flopped confidently upon the bed and rested a moment as one does after a long journey.

He shucked off his doublet and loosened the laces of his boots. He set these aside at the very foot of the bed where they might easily be found again. He undid the back lace of his trousers, paused, and inclined his head toward the door.

“Are you still there, Vesemir?” he asked.

Geralt did not know how to respond. He stood fixed in the doorway, but dropped his eyes to his feet modestly. After a moment’s wait, Jaskier finished undressing and climbed beneath the heavy furs. A memory stirred—that was not the final task of the evening. What was the last of their routine each night? What was left undone that made this finality seem so abrupt? Geralt realized it in the darkness of the room. He had no candle to blow out.

The truth struck Geralt sharp as a blade to his gut. He stole through the door, walking quietly toward the bed. He sat on the edge, the furs rumpled beneath him, and listened to Jaskier’s breathing. He was not yet asleep—would never be, so soon—but he did not stir.

Geralt took his hand gently.

Jaskier squeezed it back.

“I only wish that had not been the last I’d seen of him,” Jaskier whispered. “I try to remember his smile now. For all my poetry, I can’t remember it clearly. His smiles were so rare, but I don’t suppose you need me to tell you. Or perhaps you do. I don’t know if he smiled here; I know nothing his life in this place. Were you so fortunate that they were commonplace?”

Silent footsteps creeped up the stair. Ciri had waited long enough to follow. Geralt heard no sign of her under the ringing words of Jaskier’s speech. Though he spoke no louder than the breath of the wind, every last syllable echoed like a clap of thunder in his ears.

Jaskier slipped his hand free and turned on his pillow, hugging it close. “I wish I might at least see Ciri now, know how she’s grown. They change so quickly at that age. Does she look like her mother? Does she look like him? Destiny makes strange things of those it touches. She was beginning to look like him, I once thought.”

She saw him well enough, looking through the open door. She crouched behind the wall, listening as she always did in secret, for the things he would not burden her with.

“I always did wonder what you looked like. Geralt spoke once to me of his brothers, his mentor. You’re still stories to me in ways. I know you have long hair, grey with age. I know Lambert is shorn, Eskel is shaggy. I know your voices, your height, and a hundred other things. But do you share his eyes? What color is the armour you wear? How does the sun set over the mountainside? The carpets before the hearth—what pattern is woven there? What thousands of stories do you keep in that library? What do the monsters look like illustrated in the great bestiary?”

He buried his face in his pillow. His voice was muffled, but both Geralt and Ciri could hear the husk in it. “I won’t feel sorry for myself. It doesn’t mean anything—just idle curiosity. It doesn’t matter how the carpet is woven or if you wear brown shirts or red. I’ve seen a lifetime of sunrises and sunsets and stars. I don’t want them!” he barked. He writhed on the bed, his face falling from the pillow, stained with tears. “I don’t! I never needed them, not one! I don’t care—I don’t! None of them are important!”

Geralt rushed forward and took Jaskier in his arms. Jaskier struggled, beating at his chest, and refused to be coddled. “No!” he wailed. “Don’t comfort me, I don’t need it! I don’t want it! I will not be pitied!” But for his hard words, he clung to Geralt’s armour, sobbing against his shoulder. “It’s unnecessary. It’s just a bunch of poetry. Useless poetry and songs.”

Jaskier pulled away, Geralt’s hands trailing from his back to his shoulders as he sat up. Geralt held him there before he could retreat more. Before he could think twice of it, Geralt leaned in, his hands cupping Jaskier’s face on either side.

“Vese—”

Something warm and wet fell onto Jaskier’s lashes. He heard a shaky breath, felt the warmth of it upon his face. Another hot tear fell into his other eye and he blinked in surprise, for it was not his own. He sat perfectly still in shock, blinking the falling tears away.

“They were never useless,” Geralt said. “They were always important—all of them.”

Jaskier twitched, raising his head by instinct up to look at the man who held him now. “You were—!”

“I’m sorry. For not speaking before. For … not speaking then. After. And for saying what I did that day.” He wiped the tears beneath Jaskier’s eyes away, an expression of pain twisting his hollowed features. “If I’d not sent you away—I don’t know what’s become of you, but I might have—I could have tried to prevent it. You would still have your sight.”

Jaskier covered Geralt’s hands. “No, Geralt. This is none of your doing. You can’t—”

A loud bump from the hall startled him. Jaskier turned at once to look.

“Ciri,” he breathed.

Ciri had a finger to her mouth and was glaring up at a tall man. They both cowed back, being caught. Jaskier looked between them as Geralt’s hands slipped away. He stood, walking toward them. He looked at Ciri, gaping, their eyes perfectly aligned. Jaskier fell to his knees before her and took her hands without fumbling.

“Ciri,” he said. “You’re so … my good gods, you’ve grown.”

All were still as he reached out, touching her face as though she were made of glass. He smoothed her hair away, taking all of her in. He laughed, new tears falling as he pulled her close and crushed her in his arms. “You’re so beautiful!” he cried. He stroked her hair, cradling her against him as tight as he dared. “And you!” He looked up at the witcher in the hall, reaching out to him and taking his hand. “Which one are you? Say something now, quickly. Let me hear your voice and know you.”

“Eskel,” he answered. And then Jaskier was up on his feet, pulling him into another embrace.

“Eskel!” Jaskier cheered. “Eskel, you look even more heroic than I ever imagined! Oh, let me look at you. Oh, oh! Lambert! Vesemir! Where are you, come forward!”

He dashed into the hall, only to turn on his heel for another look at Eskel, for just one more eyeful of Ciri. Over her shoulder, he saw Geralt sitting there on the bed, his yellow eyes wide, the tears still clinging to his chin.

“Oh,” Jaskier whispered. “Oh, I see. I see.”

He walked forward, gliding a hand beneath Geralt’s jaw. He touched his eyes with his other hand. Carefully, he wiped the last of Geralt’s tears away. It dangled, a little drop at the tip of his finger and he brought it close. He closed his hands around it, cradled them to his chest.

Geralt stood slowly before him. And he smiled.

Ciri tugged at Jaskier’s shirt, her head turned away politely. She cleared her throat and said, “Jaskier? Lambert and Vesemir are on their way up. And you’re … well, you’re not at your most presentable.”

Eskel averted his eyes, his back turned to the scene, however touching. “You might want to get a bit more dressed. And quickly,” he added, for Jaskier was standing in his smallclothes.

Jaskier snorted. “All of you, turn away for decency’s sake! We’re having a moment, here.”

“And what about me?” Geralt asked. “Shall I look away?”

It was nothing but empty jest and Jaskier smiled. “No,” he replied. “No, you’re looking where you’re needed. But I suppose to be fair …”

He clapped a hand over Geralt’s eyes. He leaned forward, whispering against Geralt’s lips. “There. Now no one can see. No one … but me.”

There were no witnesses to that first kiss. It was a secret Jaskier kept for himself.

However, the second, third, and forth had quite a startled audience, as Geralt and Jaskier both fell deaf to the clatter of footsteps in the hall. Ciri took it upon herself to usher the others from the room, explaining on the way. After all, with the curse lifted, she no longer needed to be Jaskier’s eyes. His mouth, however, was currently occupied.

Send me a drabble prompt!

#my fic #drabbles #witcher #the witcher #geraskier #geralt of rivia #jaskier #cirilla fiona elen riannon #lambert #eskel #vesemir #I'd tag aiden but he's really only mentioned in passing #ew I came back to look at this and the scene breaks did not transfer over #fixed it now

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itsjustthechems · 4 years ago

Text

Musings on Danse's political/moral alignments

I saw a post mentioning how a lot of the Fo4 fandom associates Danse with current American conservatives. I disagree, and just want to ramble about my feelings on the subject.

Yes, he is a meathead asshole.

I totally understand taking Danse at face value and assigning him mentally to the "bigoted bootlicker" category. That's totally valid. Unless you travel with him extensively and pay close attention to his ambient dialogue, it's understandable to figure that's just how Bethesda wrote him.

Danse's backstory

To understand Danse's moral and political standings, we have to take a look at his origin story. As far as Danse is aware, he grew up alone in the Capital Wasteland. He was an orphan that scrounged for scrap metal and other junk, which he sold to get by. He had no known family, parental figures, or mentors of any sort. He had one friend, Cutler, who was around his age. The Brotherhood of Steel, much like the real U.S. military, preyed on people like this for recruitment missions. Teenagers of low socioeconomic status - hungry, lonely, desperate, unsure of their purpose. Of course Danse and Cutler would elect to join the Brotherhood, which promised them food, protection, somewhere to sleep at night, and above all else - camaraderie. During one of his affinity dialogues, Danse admits that joining the Brotherhood seemed like the only way to escape his situation.

The Brotherhood took advantage of Danse and other soldiers' naivety and lack of experience by instilling fear and hatred of the misunderstood (synths, ghouls, mutants) and using those negative feelings to shape their training. Dare to disagree with their belief system? At best, you would be disciplined. Verbally abused by the Elder and shunned by your friends and mentors. At worst, you'd be booted out - back to the Wasteland you had been taught to fear unconditionally. Back to starvation, radiation, poverty, and isolation.

After a year of service, Cutler disappeared on a mission. Danse searched for him for three weeks, finally tracing him to a super mutant hive. Cutler had been exposed to FEV and had become a super mutant. Danse killed him. He admits that he doesn't know if it was the right thing to do, but it was what he had been trained to do.

That was the first circumstance that really gave me a glimpse into the nuance of Danse's beliefs. Like...wait, he questions his oh-so-precious-and-infallible training?

Is he still a douche to almost all non-human NPCs? Yes. However, I don't think he knows how to be anything other than a condescending, militant, Brotherhood heavy. That kind of attitude is what got him promoted so quickly. It's what got him out of his bottom-of-the-pecking-order trainee position, where he had felt singled out by his superiors. He learned that bigotry and cold-heartedness were the only methods of survival and success in the Brotherhood.

His character arc

Danse is not meant to be a one-dimensional, blatantly bigoted character. If he was, I don't think Bethesda would have made him romance-able. In fact, that's why you can't romance him until after his character arc quest: Blind Betrayal.

Spoiler alert! On this quest, you find out that Danse is a synth. He had no idea, and has a subsequent identity crisis that leaves him suicidal. This is the breaking point in the struggle between his own innate morality and his Brotherhood training. His default stance is that he should be killed to uphold the Brotherhood's code — he even offers to do the deed himself to protect the Sole Survivor from disciplinary action (a true testament to the brutality of the Brotherhood — Danse would rather die than allow Sole, his best friend, to face Maxson's wrath). However, through charisma checks, you can remind him of his own humanity and convince him not to harm himself. This breakthrough leads him to recognize that synths are truly nothing to be afraid of.

After Blind Betrayal, he will agree with most dialogue options supporting synths. According to the wiki, any leftover dislikes regarding synth-related dialogue are glitches.

There are other moments in separate quests that reference his moral confusion — for example, he likes when you help Kent, who is a ghoul, but doesn't like if you flirt with Holly, also a ghoul (maybe that's just some jealousy, lmao).

He also dislikes when you give Virgil, a mutant scientist, the serum that will help him return to his human form. My personal headcanon is that seeing Virgil cure himself forces Danse to address the fact that he might have been able to save Cutler, but killed him instead, due to his Brotherhood brainwashing.

Evidence of Danse's fiscal/economic beliefs

Danse is a COMRADE. You heard me. This man's pussy pops for socialized medicine. When you walk through Milton General Hospital, he says: "Facilities like this were funded by privately owned corporations more interested in making a profit than helping mankind."

You heard me, this man hates capitalism. Behold:

"Vault-Tec built places like this to conduct unethical experiments on human beings. Just thinking about it makes me sick."

"It was corporations like this that put the last nail in the coffin for mankind. They exploited technology for their own gains, pocketing the cash and ignoring the damage they'd done."

"Private corporations like Vault-Tec ruined mankind. All that brainpower put to waste..."

"This is disgusting. I can't believe Mass Fusion dumped these barrels here. This is the perfect example of how environmentally irresponsible the ancient corporations behaved."

"This is exactly the reason that science never belonged in the private sector."

Ugh. Really gets me goin'.

Conclusion

He has several other comments that suggest he is generally anti-war, is very pro-education, shows appreciation for the arts, loves children and animals...several things that conservatives couldn't care less about. He reacts angrily to greed, assaulting or harassing any non-hostiles (including synths, ghouls, and mutants), turning your back on beggars, harming non-hostile animals, etc. In my opinion, he's a pretty stand-up guy once he completes his character arc.

Does he still love the taste of boots? Yeah, and he probably always will. :/

Bethesda did him so dirty by not finishing his character arc. The fact that he still gushes about the Brotherhood and acts as if he's still in their ranks after Blind Betrayal is pretty clear evidence that he's a generally unfinished character. I think he had the potential to become a more accepting, radicalized, philanthropic individual after recognizing the shortcomings of the Brotherhood's ideals.

But yeah. I love this handsome dumbass, and I personally consider him a comrade, not a conservative. Kudos if you read this far into my crazed ramblings!

#paladin danse #danse #fallout 4 #fallout #fo4 #blind betrayal #spoilers #tw suicide

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