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nymphea0 · 26 days ago

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Kurkans Mate.

The Beast And The Bunny.

Yan! Ishakan x Reader

Part 2.

Manhwa :약탈혼 / predatory marriage

/ 약탈혼 (완전판)

: Adult Manhwa (18+)

Author/Illustrations : Saha / Hera(Art)

Word Count : 2.34K Word.

Hello.. Neva again here, I hope you are well and happy and have a nice days

might have some bad grammars, correct me if there are any mistakes in the words in the story I wrote. Anyways i hope you all enjoys my story,love much.- Neva🦋🦋.

- Kurkans Mate Pt.1

It's been about 3 months since you lived with Esmera, you helped Esmera not only because she saved you, Esmera was also willing to take you in.

Your activities are very ordinary, not much different from how you spend your days in Antra village, looking for herbs and mushrooms and planting vegetables, and collecting firewood.

It's been 3 months since you last met an exotic-skinned man who was injured in this forest.

You sometimes think is this a good choice to save this man? Indirectly you also reveal your identity to the foreign man through your blood healing.

And from the bottom of your heart, you feel a very bad feeling, but you don't know what causes that worry.

Ishakan, a man from the Kurkans tribe, has an extraordinarily handsome appearance and abilities that are above average humans.

The Kurkans have no shame and are openly hostile to anyone they don't like, the Kurkans will kidnap those they consider to be their partners. Either by force or not.

The Kurkans tribe, is a tribe with the blood of the beast. Animal blood. For some of the continent's inhabitants, the Kurkans are barbarians.

However, on some continents, the Kurkans are also used as slaves, either sexually or just as guards. But slaves are still slaves.

Ishakan is one of the slaves of the nobles, freed by a princess from the kingdom of Estia, Princess Leah Von Estia.

At night in a brothel, Leah walks in wearing a robe and wig to cover her real hair, which is white as the moon.

Walking slowly towards a man with an athletic body covered in a black robe.

"So you are my bed partner?" The voice that sounded quite rough, it can be seen that this is the voice of a noble lady.

Ishakan who saw the princess, could only grin and guide the princess into the room that had been prepared.

Closing the door, then with one push Ishakan pushed Leah against the wall, causing her wig to fall off, her face flushed red when she saw how handsome Ishakan was.

"Why would a princess go to this dirty side of town?" Grinning slightly at Leah, with a voice that sounded seductive, Ishakan asked.

Leah gave explanation after explanation to Ishakan. Leah had no hope of living anymore, with the fact that her family sold her to a nobleman who was as old as her father, Leah could not accept her virginity being given to that nobleman!

Chastity is the highest honor in the kingdom of Estia, because it concerns the dignity and self-esteem of the family, especially a royal family, so Leah has a mission before she gets married, she will embarrass her family by removing her chastity.

Ishakan looked at Leah with a difficult look, on the one hand he didn't want to take Leah's chastity, and on the other hand he also couldn't let his savior suffer, even though Ishakan was sure Leah didn't remember him, because the incident was so long ago.

. .

Morning finally, the experts took Leah's purity, Ishakan negotiated with Leah, he would help Leah, although at first Leah really didn't trust Ishakan especially when she found out Ishakan was a kukrans!, a barbarian with animal blood.

A delegation took place between the Estia kingdom and the Kurkan kingdom, where this delegation included peace and an end to war as well as looting and slavery.

It has been about 3 months since Ishakan has worked as a Kurkan king, the case of the gyipsey that sold drug and sorcery and the case of the attempted release of the Estia queen who turned out to be a dark witch or as the sorceress

And it has been 3 months since he last saw his wild rabbit, you.

Ishakan still remembers the taste and smell of you and your blood. So much that Ishakan is looking for and exploring about your blood, a blood that can heal wounds!

The Antrabeth tribe, Ishakan only knows as a mythical tribe that is said to be a tribe that fights nature because their blood can heal every kind of wound and disease, as well as long life, a tribe that is loved by nature.

However, all of his efforts to find traces of the Antrabeth tribe were in vain, once the world was shocked by the appearance of soldiers carrying blood and a head with blue hair, the Antrabeth tribe became extinct.

The witches, kings and nobles, tried to drink the blood of the Antrabeth tribe, instead of getting long life and healing from the illnesses they experienced, they actually experienced very terrible conditions!

Their skin blistered with bumps all over their bodies that moved, until a nature witch discovered that the blood of the Antrabeth tribe would not work.

if the owner of the blood does not give consent to the blood that is drunk. Those who drink, take and kill the Antabeth tribe, the child of nature by force, they will experience the curse of 1001 nights, a curse where they will not die but also not live.

Closing the book entitled History of the Child of Nature, Antrabeth.

Ishakan sighed, grinning slightly, something inside him screamed very loudly since he met you, his animal instinct, the kurkans instinct.

If the Antrabeth tribe is extinct, then you are the only one left, Ishakan can't help but claim you, make you his mate!

'Tok'

Genin, Ishakan's aide who doubles as his right hand, entered the room while carrying several rolls of old parchment.

"Your Majesty, here are some carefully selected candidates for the kurkans queen."

Genin handed the scroll to Ishakan.

Ishakan just nodded and opened the scroll, several names of princesses and noble ladies were visible, one of them was Princess Leah Von Estia.

"Take it away, I have found my mate" with his deep voice Ishakan said while grinning.

Ishakan stood up slowly then looked at the genin and said.

"Prepare my horse, I will pick up my wild rabbit" laughed softly as he left his king's room.

Leaving the Genin who stared at Ishakan with goosebumps, every time Ishakan laughed there were only 2 conditions, 1 Ishakan was in a bad mood where usually Ishakan would return to the palace in a state of blood from his victims, and the second condition Ishakan was in a good mood, where every object of his pleasure would definitely end between happiness or... death.

Genin, who never believed in the god of the kurkans in her entire life, prayed to the old gods for the poor creature who managed to catch the attention of Ishakan, the strongest king of the kurkans in the history of the previous kings of the kurkans.

Ishakan with his stallion as dark as night moved almost more than 5 hours to the place where his wild rabbits were. Normally if he rode a horse he would need 12 days to get here, but because of his animal instincts which also led to his horse, what was originally 12 days, became 5 hours, strange but it's the kurkans we're talking about.

Ishakan with his sharp memory and navigation from your scent, of course he could easily find the forest where you live.

The same forest where Ishakan was injured and resting.

Looking around the forest, Ishakan with his golden eyes like an animal shone brightly as soon as he found the forest he was looking for in front of his eyes, Ishakan could feel the circulation of illusion magic around this forest.

Smirking softly, Ishakan then got off his horse, walking slowly but full of unstoppable enthusiasm, Ishakan entered the dark forest, as soon as Ishakan entered a thick fog covered the forest.

You, are helping Esmera make gingerbread cookies, and various other cookies.

You are currently not in the disguise of the 1 drop potion for your hair and eyes.

Esmera saw you who was right across the kitchen table could only stare in awe. Your bright blue hair shone brightly at night caused by the reflection of the moonlight, which was as bright and blue as the sky or aquamarine crystal.

But it wasn't just your hair that fascinated her, but your eyes were also very enchanting, as if your eyes were sky stars, a mixture of purple, blue, yellow and gray and there were small white spots around your eyes, like beautiful sky stars.

Sighing softly, Esmera continued to mold gingerbread cookies, while asking you who looked so enthusiastic about decorating gingerbread cookies.

"So excited, huh? Have you never baked before?"

You who were so excited decorating the gingerbread that now looked like a person but in a small and bald version, looked at Esmera and shook your head slowly.

"My family doesn't have much money, so every week we can only bake bread that lasts for at least 1 week.".

In Esmera's eyes you are like a very small, cute and weak kitten! A kitten that needs to be protected and kept safe from the cruelty of this world.

Before Esmera could speak again, the door of the hut was forcibly broken down by someone who broke in!

Esmera was as fast as lightning even though Esmera was old, Esmera was still a nature witch. Esmera placed you behind her, with a silver dagger in her hand.

Esmera's heart screamed in panic!, how could she not feel the ringing of her illusion magic when someone entered the forest?!. There were only 2 answers, one could be that this person had a low life force so that her illusion magic considered something harmless, and the second was a kurkans, kurkans are strong, more stronger the kurkans, more useless a magic is!, but how could kurkans be here? The desert oasis of the kurkans tribe takes at least 12 days to get here

Both you and Esmera look in horror at the entrance to the kitchen.

The sound of heavy footsteps can be heard getting closer to the kitchen.

You of course hold a kitchen knife in your hand.

Ishakan walks through each forest carefully, until he stops and sits sweetly on a tree trunk, looking towards the hut, Ishakan can see an open window, looking around the room, it must be the kitchen.

Grinning softly until he sees you taking a tray of cookies, your hair that he thought was brown, turns out to be as blue as the sky?!, oh by the old gods of the kurkans, Ishakan wants to come to you, claim you as his!.

You are so beautiful, so fragile and weak, so perfect for him!, his life partner!, his mate!.

With one kick, Ishakan came down from the towering tree, walking towards the door of his wild rabbit hut.

With one kick, Ishakan entered the house whose door had now been destroyed and fell to the floor miserably due to his powerful kick.

Walking slowly until he entered the kitchen, looking towards the corner of the room, where Ishakan was sure the old woman in front of you was a natural witch, because only natural witches used bone necklaces.

Esmera stared in horror at the figure not far in front of her, tall, with a black leather robe, and a long-handled sword, and a smell that reflected an animal, kurkans!

With a sharp voice full of alert Esmera asked.

"Who are you?!, what do you want from our little hut?!"

Instead of an answer, a laugh! That deep and rich voice was what laughed at them.

You who were behind Esmera were increasingly panicking in your heart, afraid and thinking that this person was an enemy soldier who was still looking for you!!

"Calm down woman, I'm only here to take what is mine, my mate"

That deep voice that sounded very arrogant... have you heard it before! That exotic skinned foreign man with golden eyes like an animal?!.

"You?!"

Loudly and pointing a knife at the figure you pointed at him with full courage.

Esmera looked at you confused, wondering if you knew this figure.

Ishakan he laughed, seeing you in the corner of the room, very small like a rabbit or kitten that was growling at him, oh.. his partner was so cute and fragile. So soft and weak, really in need of protection.

Ishakan gently opened the hood of his robe, revealing his handsome face, decorated with a wide grin showing a row of neat and clean teeth and some of his fangs.

"You remember me right? I came here to take what is mine"

Esmera, she immediately knew what this figure meant!

"Listen Kurkans! You can't take her as your mate! This child is mine, I found her first!"

Emsera ran while carrying a silver dagger in her hand towards this stranger.

But what Esmera fought was a kurkans, of course Emsera was immediately defeated with just one flick of the sword handle that Ishakan didn't even open!

Esmera fell unconscious on the floor.

You who saw Esmera, the figure of the witch and your savior was already on the floor, in a state of fainting caused by the stranger you saved.

You froze stiffly, not realizing that the stranger you saved was already in front of you!

Your chin was raised, your galaxy eyes met the eyes with the golden irises of the animal.

The stranger spoke in his deep voice.

"Don't we know each other, my wild rabbit?"

Chuckling softly while stroking your face and your bright blue hair, a stark contrast to his brown hair, so smooth like silk.

The man brought his mouth close to your ear, whispering in his deep voice.

"I am Ishakan, Ishakan Kurkans, Your life partner. Your mate."

You stared at this man named Ishakan in horror as he stared at you with eyes full of love, passion and animalism.

His grin was the last thing you saw before darkness descended upon you.

*Source Image : Pinterest

©️Nymphea0 2024 ,OG story, Project Dark Manhwa Character Series.

Tag list; @snowflakes666 @nerdygoateepeanut @blurryperrtymoonlight @luminethebest @scenicelixir @n4muqr @cannyyyyy @athena-roy @sirenetheblogger

Please dont steal my work, or use without my permissions, Always be good people Dear. Much love, Neva🦋🦋.

#obsessed #possesive #yandere #yandere male #yandere x reader #manhwa x reader #yandere manhwa #ishakan #predatory marriage #Ishakan x reader #Kurkans #Ishakan kurkans #yandere manhwa x reader #manhwa #nevaerah

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dandelionsresilience · 15 days ago

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Dandelion News - October 22-28

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles on Patreon!

1. Industrial wastelands to wildlife oases: Five nature wins that have actually worked

“[An archipelago in the Indian ocean] experienced a major whale comeback after signing up to a debt for nature swap[….] In Sri Lanka's capital of Colombo, local efforts have transformed what was once a rubbish dump to a wetland teeming with [wildlife….]”

2. Louisville launches America’s first 100% electric garbage truck fleet

““These innovative EV collection trucks will fulfill our trash, compost and recycling needs, reduce noise pollution, and include larger windshields to increase each driver’s field of vision and lower greenhouse gas emissions[….]” [The trucks are equipped with] audible devices that alert nearby drivers and pedestrians to compensate for their quieter operations.”

3. How a nearly extinct crocodile species returned from the brink in Cambodia

“By the late nineties, [Siamese crocodiles] were thought to be extinct. […] Today there are about 1,000 Siamese crocodiles in the wild[….] The first crocodiles were reintroduced into the wild in 2012 and they have begun breeding in the wild: over a hundred eggs were discovered in the forests in July, the most so far.”

4. Before his death, this conservative combat veteran filmed a PSA advocating for his transgender son

““Eric [“a conservative South Carolina U.S. Army combat veteran and father of a transgender child”] believed in the importance of freedom for trans kids — the right to live authentically and without fear,” [his widow] said. “He saw this not as a political issue but as a human one, recognizing that every child deserves the chance to thrive and feel whole.”” [Curator’s note: obviously, utmost condolences to Eric’s family; I’m including this as good news because it’s impactful to see a respectable member of the political party more often known for transmisia instead publicly advocating for his son’s human - not just political - rights]

5. Azores to create largest Marine Protected Area in North Atlantic – and a 'blueprint' for the rest of the world

““The Azores’ waters are a hotspot for marine life, hosting a third of the world's whale and dolphin species,[…” and harbouring] “cold-water corals and sponge fields that act as nurseries and feeding grounds for countless species, from deep-sea sharks to commercially valuable fish stocks.””

6. ‘It’s a big lever for change’: the radical contract protecting Hamburg’s green space

“Citizen power forced Germany’s greenest city-state into a binding agreement balancing housing and nature[….] The authorities signed an agreement with the citizen’s initiative to protect 30% of Hamburg’s land area – 10% as untouchable nature reserves and 20% with a looser conservation status – and ensure the share of public green space in the city rises over time.”

7. Behind the Scenes at the Federal Bee Lab Powered by Native Plants

“Once native plants reappeared at the lab, he says, the impact was dramatic. In the first year, many of the region’s 200 native bee species arrived in droves. [… B]irds Droege had never before seen on the premises began to turn up to feed on the native plant seeds[….]”

8. Atlanta neighborhood hired case manager to address rising homelessness. It's improving health and safety for everyone

“Michael Nolan, an Intown Cares social worker, is trained in an approach that emphasizes individual autonomy and dignity, recognizes that being homeless is a traumatic experience, and prioritizes access to housing. [… H]iring a social worker has enabled East Atlanta Village to resolve conflicts gently, through conversation and negotiation.”

9. Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nests Make a Remarkable Comeback in Greece

“As long-lived and migratory species, [loggerheads] contribute to the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs, which are vital habitats for many marine organisms. Their nesting activities also contribute to beach ecosystems and help promote biodiversity.”

10. Rapid genome analysis of a Whippet sighthound sets new standard for biodiversity research

“[Scientists] have sequenced and analyzed the complete genome of a Whippet sighthound in less than a week. […] Rapid analysis is increasingly important for the conservation of endangered species, [… giving] insights into their biological relationships, evolution and adaptations to environmental conditions.”

October 15-21 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

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goodgirl4daddy4evr · 8 months ago

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Okay folks so a woman and major organizer in the local kink scene assaulted me in a public restaurant in front of other ppl back in May 2024 and I lost all my friends. They all decided being connected with an assaulter was more valuable than our friendships. I've been working on building new support systems since then. I decided that while I'm working on my foundations, I will not be engaging in sexual intimacies IRL or online until next June of 2025. Happy Pride, am I right? So I'm posting for me, I'll chat non sexually if I feel like it, and I'll respond to erotica asks if I feel like it.

Do not try and get sexy with me, I do not care if we have in the past. Past consent does not demand future consent.

If ur not respectful of this or do not understand this 📵

If u miss this and try anyway 📵

If I wanna be sexy, rn it's just for me, okay? Be proud of me for even opening myself up to this at all. This is my space, I will do what I want with it.

Hi just some warnings and general info about the blog. There is sexual content about so minors/no age in bio will be blocked.

Some kinks that you may be interested in knowing may lie ahead:

bioessentialist ideology

misgendering kink (afab enby-> cis afab)

patriarchy kink

breeding kink

orientation play

religion kink

black supremacy kink

bimboifcation

dd/lg

infidelity kink

intox kink (weed, nothing else)

general dominance/submission dynamic

bondage

exhibitionism

cuckcake content

some very light cnc, I'm more into playful campy scenarios than forceful ones

If any of these things bother you please take care, including blocking if that's what's best for you.

I'm not really going to be posting/rb-ing anything other than text posts. This will mostly be an erotica blog with the occasional sfw spicy pic.

Things that I will not engage with and would prefer you leave alone:

adult diaper baby lovers (abdl)

anal play (giving or receiving)

blood play

degradation

breastfeeding/lactation kink

candle wax

guns, knives, other sundry weapons

sadism and pain play

watersports and scat

human toilet

human furniture

self harm

weight gain/fat fetishizing

Some things to know if you'd like to chat:

Identify your age somewhere

I will frequently be medicated if I'm online

This is a new side blog, the blog I follow from ends in 1003

Send me an erotica prompts as asks! If it turns me on enough, I'll write something up!

I'm in EST in USA and I have the freedom to leave the chat whenever. I'm usually just busy or going to sleep if I leave

I'm actually nonbinary and pansexual but I'm super into the idea of "being fucked into a straight woman" but uh, don't be a bigot

Don't be a bigot. It'll get you blocked

I'm far more leftist than most usually consider "politically correct" and I'm quite secure in my self attachment so I won't be "converted" to whatever ideology or religion you're peddling. Actual fascists will get blocked

I love praise and affirmative dialogue, spicy or not. I like support and being supportive in return

FRIES consent is everything. Freely given. Retractable. Informed. Enthusiastic. Specific.

All people have an innate human dignity and should be treated as such, so if I don't feel like you're understanding that it ain't gonna vibe

If you wanna do any chat where having me submit interests you, we should negotiate while not actively horny

I'm solo polyamorous so I'm not looking to actually help people cheat. That's wrong. I just really dig the fantasy of it

In case it wasn't clear, I'm absolutely not a raging bigot. I'm a pretty chill bimbo stoner commie interested in the liberation of all people. I just get really horny fantasizing about certain power dynamics real and imagined. But I prefer exploring them in safer pre negotiated settings. Also here in my text posts. There will be the occasional thirst trap too, not gonna lie, but it's mostly erotica here.

#pinned intro #sa mention

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themculibrary · 6 months ago

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Steve and Peggy (Steggy) Masterlist 3

part one, part two

Ain't Love a Kick (ao3) - roboticonography M, 33k

Summary: Steve wakes up after the crash to find his life has changed dramatically - the main change being, he's married to Peggy Carter.

A Lot of Issues (ao3) - linascribbles T, 66k

Summary: Peggy Carter is a Fashion Editor at Sakaar magazine. She’s used to juggling egos, drama queens and ridiculous assignments from her boss all the time. She's even used to dealing with gorgeous six foot blonds on the regular. But none of that really prepeared her for Steve Rogers, his fumbling charm, or the gorgeous way he blushes.

Steve Rogers is a graphic designer who only models to make ends meet. New York is the perfect city for that, but just as NYC's fashion word is prolific, it is also... bizarre. In his line of work Steve's gotten used to losing significant chunks of his dignity quite often (He has a photo album about it, lovingly curated by the one and only Bucky Barnes), but maybe, just this once, he could avoid making a mess of himself in front of that beautiful model on this shoot. No such luck.

Certain I'm Yours (ao3) - Spacecadet72 G, 1k

Summary: Steve wasn’t suspicious, at first.

The Howling Commandos are less than subtle in their attempts to matchmake Peggy and Steve using a gift exchange.

church bells ring, carry me home (ao3) - mybestgirl T, 18k

Summary: A how-to guide on getting Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter married: step one, bachelor party. Step two, wedding. Step three, honeymoon.

Coffee Talk (ao3) - indiefic G, 1k

Summary: Jack Thompson is sick of Peggy Carter thinking she can do whatever she wants.

Don't Miss a Moment (ao3) - agentofvalue T, 40k

Summary: The war has been over for years. After five years, Steve even came back from the dead. Peggy married him and that should be the happily ever after. But, they are still Captain America and Agent Carter. With them, nothing ever goes according to plan. Not even impending parenthood.

I Just Keep Falling For You (ao3) - BuckyWithTheGoodHair86 G, 10k

Summary: Steve is starting to make a habit out of unexpected falls and sticky situations. Fortunately, Peggy always arrives in time to get him out.

In Bourbon Veritas (ao3) - doctorhelena T, 3k

Summary: There were actually two beds. Peggy just didn’t seem interested in getting in the other one.

International Incident (ao3) - linascribbles E, 112k

Summary: Peggy Carter rose through the diplomatic ranks in the midst of the Incident and in her short career already stablished herself as a skilled and well-connected negotiator. Stationed in the Washington DC embassy, she's right on the front lines of the fallout of Project Insight. Governments get purged, new and unexpected doors open, and Peggy Carter is nothing if not resourceful.

As she gets plunged into a world of spies, mad scientists and superheroes, familiar faces start to pop up. Particularly one pesky Captain America, who seems to have no idea what international law entails and considers country borders mere suggestions.

in the heat of battle (ao3) - littlereyofsunlight M, 42k

Summary: “After this is over,”—and wasn’t that everyone’s favorite pastime, here in relative safety, playing After the War as though one could even pretend to make plans for a life, as though this blasted conflict hasn’t already completely changed everything in this world, forever—

Peggy Carter has always been a fighter.

Just In Case (ao3) - captaindoritoes G, 2k

Summary: Hope you enjoy this a bit of angst, a bit of comfort fanfic - four times Steve and Peggy share a kiss, just in case it’s their last one. Their love language is touch - in this essay I will -

Letting Agent Carter In (ao3) - cadkitten E, 4k

Summary: Steve is still learning to draw the human form and when he finds the perfect solution in his head, he's not sure he can actually ask for it in person. But he'll be damned if he won't give it a try.

Pin Curls (ao3) - SomewhereApart T, 3k

Summary: Peggy Carter has imagined how she’d feel at the return of Steve Rogers a hundred different times. Still, she's unprepared for the reality of him, standing on her porch on a Sunday afternoon.

She Wanted (ao3) - TriplePirouette E, 3k

Summary: Peggy wants to eat Skinny Steve alive.

The Shops on Shield Street (ao3) - fluffernutter8 G, 5k

Summary: Running a small business is already hard enough without someone trying to sabotage things.

Time and Again (ao3) - Beshter N/R, 163k

Summary: When an insane man who claims he can travel through time appears out of nowhere, Peggy Carter agrees to go with him to save the world, little expecting the strange new life she'd be stepping into on the other side.

We Still Talk (ao3) - roboticonography M, 9k

Summary: Newlyweds Steve and Peggy take a holiday to get away from it all - but the great outdoors might hold more challenges than they bargained for!

we were born to be national treasures (ao3) - meidui G, 1k

Summary: “I’m back,” he chokes out artlessly into her shoulder, into the soft dark waves of her hair and the spiced floral of her perfume. He stopped believing he would ever get to go home after the war a long time ago, or that there would ever be an after the war for him, but—

“Right on time,” Peggy whispers, her voice shaking, and Steve’s next breath breaks on a sob.

Where poppies grow (ao3) - beautifulwhensarcastic T, 1k

Summary: The night preceding the procedure Steve can't sleep, which leads him to a surprising, touching discovery.

you can count on me (ao3) - sokovianaccords (thesokovianaccords) N/R, 5k

Summary: A Christmas mission for Agent Rogers and Agent Carter brings some things to light

#themculibrary #masterlists #marvel #mcu #steve rogers #peggy carter #steggy #steggy masterlist

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lightgriffinsect · 9 months ago

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rick riordan supports israel and zionism

For reference, his statement reads,

"The only real solution is treating each other like equally worthy human beings, and negotiating a peace that allows all parties a chance to live in security and dignity, with hopes for a future that does not include bombs and rockets and gunfire. This means security and support for Israel, yes. It also means a secure Palestine which is allowed to get the international aid and recognition it needs to build a viable state. Do I think that will happen? Unfortunately, no. Humans are simply too selfish, too ready to blame "the other" for all their problems, too ready to dehumanize, though I also believe, perhaps paradoxically, that most people just want to live their lives in peace and have a chance for their children to have a brighter future. The problem is when we don't allow other people to have those same hopes and dreams - when it becomes a false choice of us versus them."

This has to be the whitest, most generic, most out of touch take I've ever seen, and it's extremely disappointing coming from an author who's projected such a progressive, welcoming image towards people of all groups. It's clear Riordan has not bothered to look into this issue at all, or if he has, he is too concerned with appearing inclusive to everyone present, even if that means tolerating terrorists and terrorism apologists.

(it's less surprising now why Samirah's characterization in Magnus Chase felt so wrong to me as a Muslim, but that's a discussion for another time.)

Do not buy from Rick Riordan. Do not stream the PJO series on Disney+ -- the BDS has already said to boycott Disney anyway. Pirate his work if you want to read it or don't read it at all.

From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. Israel is not a state and has no right to exist.

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reasonsforhope · 2 years ago

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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has galvanized Ukrainian society in many unexpected ways, but perhaps one of the most remarkable is how it has advanced the rights of LGBTQ people.

On Tuesday, in a move that would have been nearly unthinkable a year ago, a Ukrainian lawmaker introduced legislation in the country’s parliament that would give partnership rights to same-sex couples. This legislation, along with a prohibition against anti-LGBTQ hate speech abruptly adopted in December, reflects a sharp rejection of Russia’s effort to weaponize homophobia in support of its invasion.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said repeatedly that he attacked Ukraine last year partly to protect “traditional values” against the West’s “false values” that are “contrary to human nature” — code for LGBTQ people. Perhaps he hoped this would rally conservative Ukrainians to Russia’s side — it’s a tactic Kremlin allies have tried repeatedly over the past decade. But this time, it instead appears to be convincing a growing number of Ukrainians to support equality and reject the values Putin espouses.

Recent History

I could not have imagined the LGBTQ movement building such momentum when I first visited Ukraine as a reporter in 2013. Ukraine was then on the verge of consummating its long-negotiated “association agreement” with the European Union, a step Russian President Vladimir Putin bitterly opposed. As the deadline to sign the agreement approached, an oligarch close to Putin funded a campaign with billboards reading, “Association with EU means same-sex marriage.” Anti-EU protesters dubbed the EU “Gayropa.”

This effort failed to dissuade Ukrainians from a European path...

But the past decade has also seen Ukrainians standing firm in their commitment to democracy, and a growing understanding that this includes protections for fundamental rights.

There was an explosion of organizing by LGBTQ people in the years that followed the Revolution of Dignity, and some slow advances were made. But it’s been the stories of queer Ukrainians fighting and dying in the war with Russia that have truly helped other Ukrainians to see them as full citizens.

Pictured: Territorial Defense member Romanova shows a unicorn insignia, a mythical creature that has become a symbol of the LGBTQ community. This patch, which depicts a "valiant" unicorn breathing fire, has become the unofficial symbol of Ukraine's LGBTQ+ military.

Today

Ukraine’s current LGBTQ rights debate is unprecedented; never before has a country under siege had such visibly out soldiers who have so few formal rights under their own country’s laws. LGBTQ rights supporters have successfully framed the question on same-sex partnership as whether Ukraine will recognize LGBTQ people as equal citizens, which has become the norm throughout much of the European Union, as well as North and South America. They are successfully flipping the proposition that, as one Ukrainian politician once infamously put it, that “a gay cannot be a patriot.” ...

“I actually think that the Russians did a good job in terms of raising awareness and changing attitudes towards the LGBT community in Ukraine,” Sovsun told me in an interview. “The more Russia insists on [homophobia] being a part of their state policy, the more rejection of this policy [there] is from inside Ukraine.”

The aspiration of many Ukrainians to join the European Union has also helped move more Ukrainians to become supportive of queer peoples’ rights, as Ukraine attempts to define itself as a European democracy in contrast to Russian autocracy. A study conducted last May by the Ukrainian LGBTQ organization “Nash Svit” and the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found nearly 64 percent of Ukrainians said queer people should have equal rights. Even among respondents who said they had a “negative” view of LGBTQ people, nearly half said they still supported equal rights.

The current push for same-sex partnership rights began with a school teacher from Zaporizhzha named Anastasia Andriivna Sovenko. In June, Sovenko registered a petition with Ukraine’s government demanding same-sex couples be granted partnership rights. It said simply, “At this time, every day can be the last. Let people of the same sex get the opportunity to start a family and have an official document to prove it. They need the same rights as traditional couples.”

Sovenko said she was inspired to file the petition after reading a story about different-sex couples getting married before one partner went off to war. It felt unfair to her that queer people couldn’t take the same step to protect their rights. Signatures quickly poured in, stunning even Sovenko herself...

Under Ukrainian law, the president is required to formally respond to any petition that gets 25,000 signatures, and the partnership petition quickly cleared that threshold. But in a sign that the politics of the issue remains complicated, Zelenskyy ruled out full marriage rights in his response, arguing that this required a constitutional change that could not be carried out under the rules of martial law. Instead, [Zelensky] punted to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, to examine the creation of civil unions. His language implied support, but he stopped short of using presidential powers to make it a reality.

“Every citizen is an inseparable part of civil society, he is entitled to all the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said in the referral."

-via Politico, 3/7/23

Notes:

While the fight is still ongoing, I can't underlie enough how massive this shift in public opinion is. Russia and Ukraine have generally been incredibly unsafe places to be LGBTQ, including in very recent history. This is huge, and it sounds like it will only get bigger.

This could also help bring about a wider sea change throughout Eastern Europe, which in general has a very pervasive culture of homophobia, often tied in with both religious conservatism and ethno-nationalistic conflict, though thankfully things have been improving significantly over the last decade.

#ukraine #ukraine war #putin #russia #homophobia #lgbtq rights #same-sex marriage #eastern europe #civil unions #volodymyr zelenskyy #good news #hope

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spacemonkeysalsa · 8 months ago

Text

Appetites

It's been five years since the Vampire Ascendant Astarion helped save Baldur's Gate. He has everything he ever wanted, and he's miserable.

Isolde is nobody, and has nothing. When given the option to become a vampire spawn, her response gives Astarion a moment of pause; “No. Thank you. I think I’ll just die.”

Read Chapter One on Ao3

or below the cut (this will be multichapter)

“Can I watch?” the Baron wet his lips, his eyes fixed on Astarion’s mouth. Isolated enough, in their little corner of the ballroom, that no one could overhear them. Especially not over the collection of minstrels gathering all the attention for themselves.

The question seemed to come from absolutely nowhere. One minute they were winding their way from one end of the ballroom to the other, discussing almost suspiciously mundane tedium; court gossip, not even the kind that could enable business. Cravats, last month’s parties, next month’s parties, the quality of lace.

Then “can I watch?” just like that.

“No, you fucking can’t ,” was what Astarion wanted to say. In control, he let out a slow exhale. The deal they negotiated was important. Not just to both of them, but to the city. He ought to at least fane respect. He briefly let himself become distracted by the sight of someone across the ballroom.

The Sharran Mother Superior had decided to take advantage of her standing invitation, though few people knew that’s who she was. Apparently, his gatherings were a convenient place to find new acolytes for the Lady of Loss. Or, that’s what she told him. Their eyes met and he raised his glass in greeting, but had no intention of approaching her tonight. They hadn’t spoken in a while. The last thing he remembered her saying to him was; “you used to be funny. ”

Still, the distant interaction gave Astarion a moment to seem disinterested in the Baron’s question, which suited him just fine. He finally floated back to his companion and lazily countered the hanging question with his own, “Watch? Whatever do you mean?” He took a sip of champagne, wondering if it was any good. He used to know those things. Used to have an opinion, always. Maybe opinions were part of being funny. He tried not to think about the implications, but it was getting to the point where every unsatisfying taste of life was a reminder; something was wrong.

No. No it wasn’t. Everything was fine. If it wasn’t, he could make it be fine.

“When you take her,” the Baron opened the clasp on his ring, surreptitiously taking a sniff of something inside. “I’d like to be there. I’d like to see it.”

Astarion did not shatter the champagne glass in his hand and drive the jagged glass stem into the man’s eye, because he was in control, and because he still had plans to fuck the Baron to exhaustion later. If the night took them there. But he did take a moment to feel the annoyance, hot and sickening in his throat.

Was he just too old and too tired for this new, hungry elite crowd? Was that the problem? Had he outgrown ‘the great and the good’ of Baldur’s Gate? He took a moment to really see the Baron. Human, like most of the patriar remnants who’d survived the culling and ‘new organization’ of titles in the last few years. He’d always be young, in a way, but the Baron was well into his adult years. He had children of his own, a household he ran like second nature and a series of trade routes that he’d made quite successful on the trackless sea. He was handsome, in that way that everyone of a certain privileged class could be. He dressed well, held himself with dignity. Not a single scar on his face. Ferdinand Joerum, the Baron De Cloyo, just a Baron, but savvy. He’d be useful, if Astarion let the relationship develop. But, like everyone, he’d die, and his stupid children would take over, and then they would die…

It didn’t matter. Not really. His takeaway should just be that cultivating a relationship with this particular Baron could be beneficial in the long run. He could afford to be slightly uncomfortable, if it meant securely their alliance.

And it wasn’t as though Astarion had never killed someone for an audience before. Should he indulge the man? “No, you fucking can’t , ” he muttered into his glass.

“What was that?” De Cloyo chuckled, like maybe he had keen ears, for an aging human male.

“Who is she?” Astarion raised his voice and fixed a smile. He didn’t usually ask those kinds of questions, directly, preferring to do his own clandestine investigation. But, he was impatient tonight, and it had been several months since someone just boldly came to one of his parties with a captive for Astarion to drain dry.

If he was going to acquiesce and entertain De Cloyo’s desires, he’d like to know the whole story. Was the patriar outsourcing his personal revenge to Astarion?

“Scullery maid. My wife dislikes her, told me to dismiss her.” De Cloyo fought a grin.

So, De Cloyo was just a pervert then? “You’re not even going to say the maid stole your wife’s jewels or something?”

“She might’ve done. Would that make a difference to you if she had?”

“It’s just that people are usually so intent on letting me know that they’ve brought me a meal of poor moral character. It doesn’t make a difference to me, but I was starting to think you were all intent on making yourselves feel better.” Astarion slid back into a playful tone with ease. “You want to watch the light leave her eyes and hear her plead for her mother?”

“Do you enjoy that part? Or is it just about the blood?”

Astarion’s vampirism had become an open secret in the past five years that he’d been gaining and maintaining his influence in Baldur’s Gate. It wasn’t ideal. It wasn’t the plan. Then again, what scraps of a plan he’d ever had seemed foolish now. There was only ever one plan that worked; maintain the status quo. Gradually, he’d slipped, he’d shown off a little too much. He did like to dazzle.

It didn’t help that his neighbors were so nosy.

Maybe he was reckless, but he could always just hold up a mirror, display his perfect reflection, walk out into the sunlight, and take advantage of the benefit of the doubt. Only a small handful of people knew the explanation behind those little tricks. He could even turn into animals in public without raising suspicion, thanks to a convenient rumor that he’d spent some time amongst the druids and unlocked latent wildshape abilities. Not even false, in a way.

But. His closest allies knew the truth. His very closest had been there to see it. And, unfortunately, they did not keep his secrets.

It wasn’t common, but it also wasn’t unheard of, for someone who was looking to ingratiate themselves to Astarion to bring him a gift: someone to kill.

Most of the time, when he investigated, it turned out to be an enemy of theirs, or an unwanted mistress, or lovechild, or a witness. Astarion somewhat resented being a guilt-free means of disposal for pariahs and poor wretches who crossed the wrong Baldurians.

Did he enjoy it though?

It definitely wasn’t about the blood. Not anymore.

He hadn’t felt hungry in years.

“I’d like to see what you’re like,” De Cloyo’s eyes comb over Astarion, perceiving every perfect piece of him “when you kill.” His amber eyes flooded with black, desire apparent in his ragged breaths. Absolutely a pervert, which wasn’t necessarily a problem, but Astarion knew to take him at his word. He meant what he said. It got more difficult to lie as lust took over.

“You want to see me lose control?” he murmured, wondering if De Cloyo would hear the patronizing edge that he couldn’t quite curb.

“Yes,” De Cloyo breathed. If he heard it, he didn’t care.

Astarion threw his gaze around the ballroom, suddenly more crowded and livelier than when he’d last explored their surroundings. Another group must have arrived while he was distracted. Did they have enough wine? He caught the eye of a serving girl, Allie, or Halie, whatever she was called. He beckoned her over.

Helly was quick, ready to refill their glasses. It was a port. Perfect. Astarion took the bottle from her and shooed her away. “You first,” he told De Cloyo as he held the bottle to his lips, encouraging him to take a deep, long drink.

An hour later, De Cloyo was being poured into a carriage by his manservant, and Astarion was ready to have an early night.

Nothing had been accomplished, really. A waste of good wine. They were supposed to discuss real estate, but De Cloyo was too eager for debauchery to focus, which in times past, might’ve simply taken the evening in a new and much more fun direction, but Astarion didn’t have the appetite for any of it tonight.

It felt bleak in a way that weighed on him. Burnout, already? Gods. Barely five years into his glorious reign as the vampire ascendant, power still growing, network spreading out over the city, routine in a state of self maintenance. There was no reason he should be this bored of it already. And there was eternity to go.

He hoped.

Or, he hoped?

Maybe his nightly meditation would bring some clarity. It had been so much better, for a long time, after the city and his own life were no longer in immediate danger, but then… He entered his chambers and halted. They were occupied.

Oh. Right. The girl. The scullery maid that De Cloyo brought him to eat. He’d managed to forget about her completely.

She was a depressing sight, totally out of place amongst the sumptuous red and black decor. The room wasn’t really for entertaining, or for killing, for that matter. He had other chambers for those activities. But, it had been a moment since the palace hosted a doomed captive. Maybe Hilda or whatever her name was didn’t know what to do with her? And here she was.

The scullery maid cowered on the very edge of the chaise lounge pillowed with velvet and golden trim. It was one of the most comfortable pieces of furniture he owned, and she was perched on it like it was a jagged stone she had to cling to or else she’d fall to her death. The large silver-backed mirror against the wall showed her fists twisted behind her back, red and swollen where she’d pulled against her bindings. Her hair was matted and mussed, her cheeks wet, tears cutting through tracks of dust and dirt. Her clothing was ripped, falling off of her. She’d almost escaped, by the amount of mud on her skirts, suggested being wrestled to the ground—not to mention the red marks on her throat.

She didn’t react right away, when he entered the room, except perhaps to tense up, and then release with a tremble that threatened to turn into more exhausted tears.

The bite would be quick, as close to painless as death ever was. He wasn’t deluded enough to call it mercy, but it was as close to mercy as he was capable. Make it quick.

“I’m not going to beg for my life, if that’s what you’re waiting for,” she looked down at her stocking feet, filthy and bloodied.

Waiting? Had he been standing there long? “Apologies,” he fought a sigh, “I’m not myself tonight. I don’t usually allow enough time for begging.”

She shuddered, finally breaking into a sob. He might have ended her misery before she could say another word, but she swallowed, trying to turn away as her shredded dress fell off her shoulders, exposing her ample chest up to the stiff underbust, the bones of the cheap corset poking out. “Could I—would you permit me a little dignity? I’ll beg for that .”

She couldn’t very well do much damage, even with her hands free, so he obliged, retrieving Rhapsody from the sheath at his hip, under his waistcoat. She started, eyed the blade, but when he only cut the bindings on her hands, she relaxed ever so slightly.

He half expected her to lunge for the knife. That would have made for a fun few seconds, he thought idly, but she only flexed her freed hands and then righted her torn dress, still looking at him expectantly.

Still, he hesitated to do what he knew he was going to do. He stripped his waistcoat all the way off, removed the sheath and the dagger, tossed his things on the bed, some part of him still morbidly curious to see if she’d try to grab the weapon when he least expected. The chair across from the lounge wasn’t quite so comfortable—back too straight—but they were a matching set, and he figured if she was going to die, she could take the more comfortable seat for the moment. If she was going to die. He supposed… she didn't have to. De Cloyo would be upset, but that was assuming he ever knew.

Every breath that the girl took, she seemed to grow more nervous, like she knew each one was borrowed. So much so, he felt some strange, dark reassurance. He was right to kill them quickly. It was, in a way, something like mercy. At the same time, watching hope spark inside of her was intoxicating. Hope? Or was it dread?

Was this boredom cultivating some new sadistic fascination in him? It didn’t feel good, watching her work herself up like this. Actually, it felt awful. He wanted it to stop.

“Can you at least tell me why?”

Past victims had occasionally had the chance to pose this question, or a similar one. He wasn’t disposed to answer, because it had never occurred to him that there was a reason. Maybe it was something about the way she prioritized dignity over her very life. As though she knew one was already forfeit, so prized the other more. Maybe it was De Cloyo’s admittance that she hadn’t really done anything to wind up here. It was just bad luck. But, he didn’t want to tell her that. Was it bad luck that had condemned him? Sure, it was. But. It was more than that. It would be more than that for the scullery maid too. She’d found herself here because of cruel gods and a cruel master and… because he was who he was.

“Why what?” He heard his own voice, but for a moment didn’t recognize it. He’d spent a long time perfecting that voice, strange not to know it, even for two syllables.

“I suppose—why did he bring me to you? I know who you are. He talked about you.” She was rubbing her raw wrists, periodically checking her dress to make sure it was staying more or less intact and covering her, but for the first time, he caught a flash of something calculating in her face.

Perhaps she wouldn’t go for the knife, but she did have some plan. She had an idea of what to do, probably something desperate and stupid—but it ensnared his attention, as it was meant to, he suspected. “You think I’ll keep you alive if you tell me a bit about De Cloyo’s private conversations?” a paltry offer.

She shook her head, “I don’t think he said anything you wouldn’t already know,” she admitted, voice low, defeated for a moment before she took a sharp intake of breath, “you’re Lord Astarion. You’re a vampire, who can walk in the sun.”

“Yes, I do know all about that, in fact,” Astarion smirked at her. “But who did he tell?”

“Baron Horrold.”

“De Cloyo had Horrold in his parlor?” that was intriguing actually, “and no duel at dawn? How disappointing. I thought they despised one another.”

“That figured into the context of your mention,” said the girl, she paused to rub at her face, frowning at the dirt that came away on her fingers. “The master said you were his friend, that you’d kill for him. He threatened him.”

Astarion laughed shortly. Friend was a stretch, and killing a Baron was a little conspicuous. He’d hardly lay low that way. Astarion hadn’t killed anyone more important than a flaming fist or two since… He couldn’t force another laugh.

“As long as you’ll listen to me, you might as well know my name. It’s Isolde. I imagine you won’t remember it long, but if you’re going to kill me, I’ll permit myself to be petty and condemn you with its knowledge.” She still hadn’t managed to meet his eyes, but all things considered, she was steady, almost calm. Her voice didn’t give away her distress, and the tremble that had gripped her seemed to have confined itself to her hands, which she was now folding in her lap to try and steady.

He worried a question in his mind, briefly sure it was a mistake to even entertain the idea, but entertain it he did, and then he was captivated by it. Maybe his life had become so boring precisely because he hadn’t made a mistake in a while. “Isolde. The pleasure is all mine.”

“Truly?” she let the word slip, light and airy, and there was that strange, painful hope again. “I don’t want to die, in truth,” her tone stayed steady, she wasn’t breaking. “But, if it must. I would ask to understand. Something to ponder as I wander the Fugue Plane.”

“You master is something of a coward, I gather,” Astarion shrugged, his back stiff against the too rigid back of the chair. “His wife merely asked that you be dismissed, but he didn’t relish the confrontation, didn’t want the other servants speaking ill of him.”

She nodded, though Astarion had only guessed that about him, it seemed she agreed with his insight.

“And, he’s rather perverse. I think he was quite excited by the idea of your tragic disappearance, everyone wondering what happened to you, while only he knows. He has the image in his head, of your lifeless, bloodless body, prone, consumed, forgotten.”

A little moisture shone in his eyes, but still, she didn’t look up to face him or endure his gaze. “I really will be. He may well be the only one to think of me ever again, after the gossip settles.”

“He likes his little secrets.”

“Alright. Him, I understand,” Isolde sounded heavy when she said it, but the tears that had threatened to fall were gone. She’d bitten them back. “Why would you aid him? What do you get out of it? Besides a few quarts of low blood to sate your unimaginable hunger, I suppose.”

He wasn’t hungry. “That’s plenty.”

Her cheeks burned, but if it was rage she felt, she didn’t express it. Shame, maybe? Why?

He promised himself he wouldn’t feel shame again, but then he spent a few years living, building up a steady shimmering anger at every instance when he broke a promise to himself. Should he feel ashamed now? For what? Because he had no reason? He didn’t need one.

Isolde cleared her throat, swept her tangled hair aside and gestured to her neck. “Alright.”

“You’re really not going to plead?”

She didn’t say anything. She still hadn’t met his eyes, but her own sparkled again.

“Did that little ashen-haired servant girl bring you in here? She had other duties tonight, but she’s so tenacious. Seems she’s everywhere.” Astarion’s heart beat, and he hated noticing it. There was something of the lie in the way his body so perfectly mimicked a mortal’s after the triumphant return of the ‘arousals and appetites of man.’

“Alice?” Isolde furrowed her brow. “Yes. She told me it wouldn’t hurt much.”

Was that her name? “Do you know why she serves me?”

Isolde shook her head.

“She hopes I’ll turn her into a vampire spawn. And then, a true vampire. She’d been here a few months and I’ve done neither of those things. Maybe I never will.”

“But maybe you will?”

“That’s what she tells herself.”

“Spawn are under compulsion, aren’t they? They would have to do whatever you say?”

“Alice does whatever I say anyway. But yes, that’s one appeal of having them.”

“Do you have a lot of spawn?”

“Currently, no,” Astarion almost interrupted himself to demand she look at him, but then noticed her eyes listing towards the decanter on the nightstand. He scoffed and gestured, “have a drink, why not?” he rolled his eyes. It wasn’t like he’d be in any position to enjoy it.

Isolde hesitated, but not long enough to annoy him. She passed his discarded jacket lying on the bed, Rhapsody shimmering on top. Again, she didn’t try it. Pouring herself a heavy glass, she downed the entire thing, then poured again. Nearly escaping, crying her eyes out and waiting for death in this overwarm bedroom had probably dehydrated her.

“Currently?” she swallowed, voice already clearer as a result of the wine. “You’ve had spawn before?”

“A few. All gone now.”

“Why?”

“I killed them.” Or they killed themselves, or got themselves killed. It was all the same really. His fault. “I killed them all.”

She didn’t seem surprised by that. She finished off another full glass of wine and said, “Poor Alice.”

“Yes. She is truly the victim here.”

But Isolde ignored him. “You didn’t make any of them into true vampires?”

“No. That would be a terrible idea. As I said, one appeal of spawn is that they have to obey me. A true vampire could do what they liked, and create spawn of their own that have to obey them, and it gets untenable before long. There are natural rivals aplenty, without designing my own demise.”

“What are the other appeals?”

“Hmm?”

“You said one appeal. You said it twice, actually. Why do you keep making spawn, just to kill them?”

“I like it when people do as I say.” He thought that much would be obvious.

The look on Isolde’s face could only be described as doubt. She frowned into the glass in her hand, half-empty with the last of wine from the decanter, now empty and discarded on his bed, next to his coat. Not much of a maid, then. “Even if they don’t have a choice?”

“Wouldn’t that just make it very simple?”

“Not if the point is for them to want to do what you say,” she finished her glass.

She might have something there, but he didn’t want to dwell on it, and in any case, Isolde wouldn’t let him.

“Maybe that’s why you keep killing them? Or is it the other appeal, the one you won’t say? You remain unsatisfied?”

“Well, yes.”

“But you keep trying. Maybe Alice will be different?”

She wouldn’t be, but Astarion wasn’t sure why he felt that way so immediately. “What about you, Isolde? Would you be any different?”

Her eyes widened, and she finally looked up at him, just a glance, then she turned away again. That same look of doubt, almost a pout, and her lip trembled. “Don’t tease me,” she said.

“I’m not,” and he realized he wasn’t. That sort of cruelty wasn’t exactly above him, but he was considering her. There was something resilient about Isolde. Clever. He’d turned someone for less than that.

“Before you were a true vampire… you were a spawn?” Isolde also knew how to ask the right questions. Maybe that was dangerous. Maybe dangerous would be a welcome change.

“I was never a true vampire,” Astarion corrected her. “I was a spawn. Then, I became a new kind of monster. My—I was never true .”

“What was it like to be a spawn? You had to do whatever… you had to obey?”

She was quick too. He hadn’t spoken that name, hadn’t even alluded to it in years, and in the moment he almost slipped, she caught it and then caught herself. She might not be the worst company, all things considered. “Yes,” Astarion conceded. “I had to obey.”

“Did you have to do things that you didn’t want to do?”

“Every day. Horrible things. I’m rather kind, in comparison.”

“Kind to the spawn you keep killing?” Isolde’s selective sharpness wasn’t off-putting, he found. Oh yes. He’d turn her. De Cloyo wouldn’t like it, but again, why did he have to know? She could stay here, tucked away. He could teach her, lead her. It would be different this time. Everything that had gone wrong with the others, it was because he’d been too permissive with them. He hadn’t controlled them the way that he should.

The hunger, the isolation, it was difficult to manage. If he didn't command them in all things, they hurt themselves, hurt others, and made themselves a nuisance. He knew all too well that the longevity of a vampire lord came down to their ability to amass power without attracting the ire or vengeance of any righteous heroes.

His erstwhile spawns had been allowed far too much freedom, too quickly. They weren’t ready. That was his failure. He’d be careful this time. He’d keep her close.

“I can be kind,” Astarion knew he wasn’t lying, but she didn’t, from that look on her face. “It’s a modest operation. Maybe I had larger designs at one time, but—the thing about grand designs is that they tend to… go horribly wrong and get you sacrificed in your own ritual. Well deserved. You wouldn’t be inducted into some cabal of ancient diabolical nonsense—you’d just live on. Forever. As one of mine.”

“Forever?” Isolde’s doubt was almost comical, she shook her head, but didn’t say what he could tell she wanted to say—some variation of the caveat that he could always just kill her once he was sick of her. Like he had all the others.

It would be different this time.

But, she wanted to live. He knew that for certain the moment she finally looked him in the eye. Maybe she’d resisted for so long because she suspected him capable of some passive hypnotism.

Her eyes were a lovely hazel. But, they would look good red. She did seem a little hypnotized, he thought, or maybe it was the three glasses of wine she’d downed on an empty stomach, or whatever De Cloyo’s people had given her to sedate her before bringing her here. Her shoulders relaxed. Her hands absentmindedly rose to fix her ruined dress again, she searched him with that gaze. She wasn’t a stunning beauty per se, especially not in her present, distressed state, but she had an appeal that was only enhanced by a bit of blood, sweat and anxiety.

He didn’t think he had to sell it much further. The choice was turn or die, and he’d made that choice himself a long time ago. One of the oldest memories he still had, thinking that it was really no choice at all. Of course she’d say yes.

“No.”

What?

He tried not to betray his surprise, sure this was some gambit. He just stared at her, waiting for her to reveal the twist.

“No. Thank you. I think I’ll just die.”

He wanted to laugh, but nothing came out.

Isolde crossed the room, the tremble visibly returning to her whole body as she approached.

Astarion stood, frowning down at her. He was wrong, then? That hadn’t been a will to survive that he’d seen in her? Or, if it was, it was the last flare before it went out. Outrage, disbelief. He couldn't settle on a reaction to perform. I think I’ll just die? Absurd. She was mad.

“I might try to run,” she confessed, and then added, “or, when I feel it happening—I might say I’ve changed my mind. Please don’t heed me. Just keep going until I’m gone. Truly gone. And don’t let me come back.”

He breathed in deep, and she mirrored him. For an instant he savored the taste of her in the air, even sullied and stressed, there was something fresh and savory and sweet in her scent all the same, like the berry bushes that stubbornly grew near saltwater waves. It almost made him feel hungry again, but not enough to look forward to killing her.

She shook worse than ever, crumbling a little. She leaned into him, holding him at the waist and he felt her waiver, like her knees were giving out beneath her. Her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt and tightened into fists. “Would you do one thing for me, first?”

He wasn’t in the habit of granting last requests, but in spite of himself, was curious to know what she’d ask for. Surely, she was hiding the knife behind her back, or something, wasn’t she? No, both her hands were digging into him, he could feel her desperately anchoring herself to him. And Rhapsody lay where he left it on the bed.

Isolde held his eyes as they came back to find her, “Kiss me.”

There was nothing fey, or arcane about her. Nothing remotely threatening, or hinting of subterfuge. She was just frightened and… very sad. He pitied her, almost refused her on principle.

He didn’t realize he still had those.

Astarion let her hold onto him, her heart racing like warren prey, her chest flush. He thought she’d probably fall if he stepped away. He lifted both hands to her face, ghosting along her jawline and pressing the blade of his thumb against her full mouth. She held her breath, and he waited until she had to release it before he leaned in and slowly stroked her mouth with his own, catching her lip on his fang and relishing the small moan that escaped her. When he pulled back, she wasn’t fighting not to look at him any longer, her wide, stunning eyes rested on his, she seemed strangely at peace, in spite of her frantic pulse.

Do something . He wanted to shout at her. Was she really giving up, just like that?

She embraced him, tight, hiding her face in his chest, spilling tears on his flesh, and bearing her throat at the same time.

All he had to do was lean in and let his teeth sink, the rest was second nature. His fangs traced their way to the throbbing vein, hardly protected by the thinnest softest skin he’d tasted. He sighed into her, kissed her neck softly, and pulled away.

Isolde stumbled. He’d been right to think she was relying on him to stay upright, because she was on her knees on the ground the moment he moved out from under her embrace. She blinked her eyes open, staring, questioning.

“I didn’t lock the door behind me when I came in,” his voice sounded toneless and lifeless. “Run.”

He’d been starting to think she was truly suicidal, and like so many others, was using him as a quick means to take inconvenient life. A life she didn’t have the energy to fight for, or end, any longer. But the moment he made it clear he wasn’t going to stop her from trying to leave, and wasn’t going to kill her, Isolde bolted.

It was a strange kind of feeling, watching her sprint from the room in a blur of torn fabric and wild hair. He wasn’t sure how he’d won, but the feeling was something like victory. Somehow, for both of them.

The only dark spot was the quiet moments that followed, as he embraced the sinking realization that he was alone and always would be.

#bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #astarion ancunin #baldur's gate 3 astarion #astarion #bg3 astarion #starts out fluff and angst #incomplete work there will be more chapters #appetites

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cavalierzee · 1 year ago

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Arrest Netanyahu For War Crimes

youtube

Belarra said. “Using Hamas as an excuse to murder thousands of Palestinian civilians, including children, is unspeakable hypocrisy on the part of both Israel and the countries that justify it.”

Belarra went on to urge the Spanish government to launch “a petition to the prosecutor’s office of the International Criminal Court to investigate the war crimes committed in Palestine by Netanyahu,” as well as “those perpetuated by Hamas in Israel and occupied territories against the civilian population.”

We ask our partner, the PSOE socialist party, to work together to present on behalf of the government of Spain a petition to the prosecutor’s office of the International Criminal Court to investigate the war crimes committed in Palestine by Netanyahu, as was done recently in the case of the Spanish aid worker murdered in the Ukrainian war, as well as those perpetrated by Hamas in Israel and occupied territories against the civilian population,’ said Belarra, who also called for immediate efforts to protect civilians and negotiate an end to the violence?

‘The United States and the European Union are not looking the other way or acting in a neutral manner, they are encouraging the state of Israel in its policy of apartheid and occupation that seriously violates human rights,’ she said. ‘Using Hamas as an excuse to murder thousands of Palestinian civilians, including children, is unspeakable hypocrisy on the part of both Israel and the countries that justify it.’

“Old people, children, pregnant women, people with disabilities are just being deprived of their basic human dignity, and this is a total disgrace,” Lazzarini said. “The siege

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granulesofsand · 1 year ago

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Institutional Use of Numbers

🗝️🏷️ RAMCOA, mostly OA, institutional abuse, assigning codes

I am mildly concerned about institutions using numbers to identify people. Not necessarily if it’s just when you scan your ID or do paperwork, but when you’re called by your number and sorted by that number. When your number is placeholder for or more important than your name.

We have alters that came from schools and offices because they took that number as being given a new identity. We were used to having alters programmed by alphanumeric codes, so a few more were nothing new.

They were treated similarly in the schools, albeit to a lesser degree. They were taught not to respond to any previous name, punished if they didn’t recognize their number in a string or couldn’t recite it on command. They weren’t allowed nicknames, only the last four digits of their codes if it was a ‘private’ situation.

Our local public schools identified students with the acronym for the school system and their number. In classrooms, you went either by the number on your desk or the number on your computer depending on location. There were spreadsheets indicating which numbers were the same kid.

Our college identifies what you are with a letter (undergrad student, grad student, teacher, other staff) and your number. They make you write it differently depending on the circumstance and don’t tell you which is allowed. If you get it wrong, they proceed as though you took no action.

We used to be taken to labs, sometimes for legit ethical studies or experiments, and we were assigned a subject number we went by there. If there were multiple locations, you were labeled by your home center. Sometimes they specified age or sex.

It was (vaguely) the same as being trafficked? We weren’t treated with dignity or as people at all. Telling someone your legal name was risky and a sign of closeness, and sometimes you misplaced your trust and got hurt.

The public school mostly did PE drills to the point of causing long term damage, but they used military drills for obedience and uniformity too. The university won’t acknowledge you until you present your number, but so far we’ve never had a reason to refuse.

The labs would scold you or give you a time-out style discipline, or else assign you to an undesirable task, so long as they were operating under the law. Otherwise it might be straight up torture, needles or electricity or whatever else they had on hand plus their creativity.

It comes with an assumption that you’re less than, a different kind of person or even not a person. None of those places allowed negotiation over rules or practices, and all of them used some purposeful consequence to keep us in line.

Sometimes it’s convenient, but convenience should never outweigh humane treatment. Institutional abuse is organized abuse, and that should be enough to keep well meaning people out.

#ramcoa #tw ramcoa #did osdd #osddid #polyfragmented system #hc did #adaptive system #cdd system

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andarthas-web · 2 years ago

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Wakanda Forever? More like Wakanda WTF!

I finally managed to watch Wakanda Forever and....WTF WAS THAT???

Who thought it was a good idea to center the movie on two BIPOC communities, both of which are threatened by neo-colonial and capitalist western ambitions, going to war with each other, because one of them can’t come up with a better solution to the dilemma they’re facing than murdering a black woman? I mean....Namor is several hundreds of years old and apparently an experienced and good ruler. It’s pretty clear Riri didn’t even know what was going on and would never have willingly put Wakanda at risk (which makes it likely she wouldn’t have wanted to put Talocan and its’ people at risk either). Also, if Riri could invent something like this, sooner or later some other scientist will pop up who can do the same, because people who are gifted like that are rare...but by no means a one-time-only-in-all-of-human-existence. So no matter HOW she’s taken out of the picture, that’s only delaying the problem, not solving it. And FFS!!! If he wanted to keep her out of reach of western ambitions, keeping her in Talocan (if he didn’t trust Wakanda enough) would have been perfectly sufficient, no murder needed. Then there’s the bit about firing Okoye. WTF??? First of all, Shuri’s an adult and a princess responsible for her people, fully capable of making executive decisions on her own and EVERYBODY was aware that this was a risky mission beforehand. Hell, it wasn’t the first time Shuri did risky stuff in her life either. So yeah, punishing Okoye for not being all-powerful and not being able to pull an unrealistic Deus Ex Machina move to save Shuri, and especially considering that it is up to Shuri to decide for herself which risks and actions to take? Doesn’t make one lick of sense. It makes even LESS sense, considering that from all the people present, Okoye is the most qualified where it comes to getting Shuri back. And EVEN LESS SENSE that Ramonda’s anger comes from “having lost ALL of her family” when at the end of the movie, we learn that she has a grandson AND that she’s met him. Doesn’t he count at all for her? Btw, fridging characters in order to motivate others to grow and take action they wouldn’t have otherwise? A really tired old trope that robbed Ramonda of her dignity and power. Never mind that we already lost T’Challa in this movie and adding Ramonda on top of that was just adding insult to the injury. Then there’s this bit about “oh, I had the Kimoyo beads bugged” from Valentina Allegra de Fontaine? Please. Since when is western tech and knowledge even remotely on par with the tech of Wakanda / with the tech Shuri built? All within the few couple of minutes it took Ross to get to the scene to boot too. Without any kind of explanation on how the fuck they pulled this highly unrealistic feat off, this bit totally undermined the competence Shuri and Wakanda’s tech are supposed to have and it seems like an utterly unnecessary “ha ha, see, ultimately white people are better than you” gotcha moment.

Also, Namor is supposed to put his people first...but in the end, after sending a LOT of his people to die in the fight against Wakanda, he decides to just call everything off, after stressing how absolutely and utterly NON-negotiable murdering Riri was, just because Shuri decided to spare his life. Yeah, that’s hypocrisy of the highest order. Nevermind that somebody who witnessed / is well aware of the violence of white colonizers against BIPOC women and who is obviously still angry and upset about it, should NOT be willing to murder a black woman that easily and without second thought, let alone without a DAMN good reason and only after much, much soul-searching. Also, what did it get him in the end?

NOTHING HE COULDN’T HAVE EASILY HAD WITHOUT GETTING TONS OF PEOPLE KILLED ON BOTH SIDES. Riri is still alive and free (and not even been kept safe and out of reach in Wakanda, like Shuri suggested at first, but returning to her life in the US, where she will be at a higher risk of being abducted / forcibly conscripted by other powers). (Side-note: is it just me, or did her suit seem very shoddily animated when compared to Tony’s?) And Wakanda is now an ally? HELL, considering how isolated they were becoming on an international stage, they’d have probably been perfectly delighted to consider an alliance well before he started this whole shit-show. Overall, the plot of this movie makes NO sense and violates a lot of the characters’ integrity six ways to sunday, having them act like immature, stupid teenagers instead of the experienced, competent people they’re supposed to be. Somebody (or a lot of somebodies) took lazy shortcuts here in order to drive a plot forward that was all focused on a maximum of flash and bang and Celebrity Big Brother style drama instead of telling a meaningful, consistent story. Among the few bright lights here were Okoye, with Danai Gurira pulling off a small miracle to give the character dignity and depth despite the godawful script, Shuri, whose struggle with the grief over her brother’s death and with trying to find a path forward for herself really hit home hard, as well as Riri, who was fun to watch as she rejoiced in the tech she had created, but who was also willing to take on responsibility and do the right thing. And finally Nakia, whose heartbreak was still palpable and yet it was incredibly admirable and inspiring how she worked through that, nevermind how she was absolutely badass as she came to rescue Shuri and Riri, as well as M’Baku, with Winston Duke adding either a light-hearted or a serious note to the scene as needed. Sadly, overall, it’s not a movie I’m going to watch again and it was a huge disappointment.

#Wakanda Forever #Black Panther #T'Challa #Wakanda #Okoye #Shuri #Namor #Ramonda #M'Baku #Riri Williams #Ironheart

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bopinion · 2 months ago

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2024 / 36 - Abridged vacation edition

Aperçu of the week

“Human dignity is inviolable.”

(Article 1 of the Basic Law, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany)

Bad News of the Week

It is well known that life in Afghanistan is not exactly a paradise. The Taliban rule with an absolute power that interferes so deeply in people's everyday lives that it can safely be described as invasive. Now a new law of the guardians of morality is coming into force, which - of course - further restricts the lives of women.

Men are not allowed to wear shorts or to practice martial arts. And must grow a beard if working in public service. But that is nothing compared to the restrictions for women. They are only allowed to attend school up to the 6th grade, are virtually excluded from working life, must always be fully veiled and are not even allowed to leave the house without a male escort. Now even singing or speaking out loud is forbidden - with the threat of a prison sentence. Why? Because the female voice is seductive and men should not be tempted.

Ravina Shamdasani from the UN Human Rights Office in Geneva puts her horror at this development into words: “The newly passed law cements a policy that completely erases women in public life, silences them and takes away their independence by trying to turn them into faceless, mute shadows. That is intolerable!”

The fact that the German government wants to negotiate with the Taliban right now about the repatriation of rejected asylum seekers is at least as intolerable. This is, of course, a reaction to the completely exaggerated cries of the extreme parties that the allegedly excessive migration is the root of all evil. And, in my opinion, it calls into question the principle of asylum. Because the definition of “imminent threat to life” should also include the absence of fundamental human rights: a life that is not worth living is just an existence.

Good News of the Week

German democracy is celebrating its 75th anniversary. After the darkest chapter in its history, the Germans have created the foundations of a liberal, egalitarian society with a democratic basic order. With a classic division of powers in the legislative, executive and judicial branches, unshakeable principles of human rights, freedom and social participation as well as balanced federalism.

The Bundestag (parliament) and Bundesrat (representation of the federal states) are therefore celebrating their birthday. They look back on the past with satisfaction, but express concerns about the future. Liberal democracy is under pressure from authoritarian forces worldwide, says former Federal Minister of the Interior Gerhart Baum in a speech. At 91, he is also a contemporary witness and knows what he is talking about. Bundestag President Bärbel Bas commented: “We can overcome crises - despite tough controversies. Our democracy is strong and resilient against all those who want to harm it." If she is right, Germany can look to the future with confidence.

Personal happy moment of the week

My own children finally got to meet my sisters' children (from my youthful stay abroad in Canada 37 years ago). And it was as if they had known each other forever. I would be very happy if that would last - even across the Atlantic and across time.

I couldn't care less...

...that the US Republican campaign team feels disadvantaged that the film “The Apprentice” about the dubious rise of Donald Trump is now being released in US cinemas before the elections. The guy is already getting away with his delaying tactics in so many (even court!) proceedings that I'm pleased about every confrontation that actually takes place. And that confronts him with his infinite body of lies.

It's fine with me...

...that an international comparative study has now also confirmed the positive effect of a cell phone ban in schools. Researchers at the Chair of School Education at the University of Augsburg came to this conclusion and published their findings in the journal Education Sciences: a smartphone ban has measurably positive effects on the social well-being of pupils and on their learning performance. Our school has been doing this since the first iPhone. And is obviously right to do so.

As I write this...

...the - voted out - democrats in the eastern German states are trying to form majorities without the radical right-wing AfD (Alternative für Deutschland / Alternative for Germany). This party owes it above all to the very young and the very old voters to have become the second strongest (in Saxony) or even the strongest (in Thuringia) party in the state elections. Sometimes democracy has to act against the declared will of the voters in order to protect itself.

Post Scriptum

The summer of 2024 was warmer than ever before since complete records began in 1940. According to the EU climate service Copernicus, the current year as a whole is also heading for a record high. In the past, people would have been happy about “the nice weather”. Today, people are afraid of the next forest fire and water sources drying up. And we are still not prepared to do what is necessary.

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elisabethbabarci · 2 months ago

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LEADERSHIP

Leadership encompasses strong moral character, resilience, fortitude, and a vision to see beyond what is. It is effortless appreciation, gratitude, and respect for all that entrust them with governance, with deference to prosperity, peace, and unity. To build and enable progress, one must practice patience with incremental steps, strong ethics, and morality based on moderation.

One that embraces patience, self control, integrity, humility, and the ability to not permit emotions to override rational critical observation or thought, is able to remain impartial in all aspects of leadership. To remain modest admits praise and wealth, to maintain a common touch, and to balance humility and gratitude, for the ability to serve and protect. To view every individual with importance and salience, is to acknowledge that every human being is worthy of respect, dignity, appreciation, and recognition of the value for their gifts they bring, within the realm of society, whether it is political, social, economic, or spiritual. All which encompass society must at all times be taken with serious intent and mindfulness, to enhance coexistence and acceptance. To remain connected with matters while always seeking solutions to better enhance the lives of those that they represent, is paramount in good judgment, manners, and ethical moral behaviour. Those that remain neutral, impartial, and independent with their vision, are the change needed, while refraining from controversies that are ideological or detrimental in nature. Impartiality is mastering the art of conflict, as they seek peace in every aspect of their lives, while remaining humanitarian, rational, charitable, and altruistic in every pursuit. “Happiness given, is happiness received.” — Unknown. To view life beyond oneself, is true compassion, to move forward regardless of past experiences, to extract lessons and wisdom is ascension. To promote healthy environments, while reducing suffering, is to respect and honour all with integrity and a steady moral compass.

The ability to negotiate and mediate, to intervene on the behalf of the common good, to resolve, reconcile, or come to an agreement over disputes to mitigate tension and disruption, is a prime example of good ethical leadership, with the intention to enhance peaceful relations. When one intercedes or intervenes to actively listen to both opposing sides, demonstrates impartiality, good judgment, to seek common ground, to resolve concerns or habitual patterns that require urgent attention. When one is with the people, and not just merely posing as an illusionary stance of false humbleness, the society becomes stronger, coexists in peace, and there is an active mindset of high ethical values to promote inclusivity, tolerance, and respect. Intermediaries attentively focus on the needs, rather than the wants, and push aside greed or unlawful intentions to promote harmony, justice, and peace. When one leads with the heart, placing high value on love, support, and stability, the moral fabric of society enhances as it views itself as a family unit or one. To promote unconditional love is to view every human being as equal, united, seeing kindness and respect to one another as virtuous, and to honour all no matter of social position, to preserve and respect everyone’s legacy as everyone is integral, whole, and one. When society functions as a cohesive unit, it promotes mutual appreciation for one another as every level within society contributes to a peaceful environment, which encompasses open communication, deliberation, support, function, security, and a sense of belonging, When individuals are seen, valued, respected, and held in esteem for their accomplishments, they feel they are a part of a society that is one of openness, tolerance, belonging, and of mutual respect. A leader that enables others to prosper, has a long term vision of unity, balance, and universal interconnectivity.

To maintain self control, self awareness, and self reflection is the ability to regulate one’s impulses, emotions, thoughts, and actions, in spite of greed, distractions, or negative temptations that may tamper the integrity of the situation or the individual. When one always consciously decides to enact good moral rational judgment, while balancing personal feelings with impartiality, it enables one to see beyond what they are presented with, with the common goal of serving for all and doing what is for the highest and greatest good for those that they govern. When one masters the self, they master the mind. To not give in, and to stay true to your values or principles is of high esteem, and high regard for ones inner judgment, intuition, and wisdom within. When one evokes reason over passion, decisions will be made with clarity whereas, when one is ruled by passion or impulse, it leads to dysfunction, disharmony, and short term vision for the here and now. Building and fostering a future requires long term goals, patience, the ability to envision a future greater than what is presented at the current state or moment. To remain an active humanitarian, engaging in efforts to promote or protect human welfare, creates a strong foundation of respect, as every individual is honoured, valued, and seen as valuable, and that their ultimate happiness and prosperity is held in high regard. The ability to act and promote decisions to alleviates suffering universally, socially, economically, financially, represents an awareness of change needed to enhance the lives of others. To see another as equal or one, is to honour their traditions, stories, gifts, trajectories, and wisdom which leads to open transparency, as all are contributors and supporters of the common good. To protect and serve those in need, is to help those that have been affected by disasters, conflicts, tensions by enabling fundamental freedoms and rights, while being mindful to promote that basic protections are met such as shelter, food, and safety. To be conscious of others needs beyond oneself, is representative of an enlightened mind, with deference and respect to the collective good. Pursuing a greater purpose is an inspirational and motivational act, which promotes reflection, mindfulness and commitment to seek solutions for the improvement of the lives of others and the vulnerable, while encompassing great compassion and empathy for all, which enhances society by ensuring the moral wellbeing of the unit. To help those that have been displaced, ignored, and affected by trauma, promotes mental wellbeing, ethical practices, and the mindset to promote safe environments that encompass trust, reliability, love, support, and dependability.

It is imperative within a world of constant change to seek resilient methods to maintain adaptability, incremental evolution of thoughts, methodologies, and practices, and flexibility amidst obstacles and challenges. To be the change that one wants to see, is to make a difference. To engage in voluntary service locally, nationally, or universally is to create progress, and promote interconnectivity. To accept criticism without disregard, is to balance the mind with open reflective thought, for not all solutions have one remedy. With a caring empathetic nature, observe, actively listen to the needs of the collective whole, and act with moral integrity and vision. To maintain impartiality of non-judgment while remaining objective to reflect, deliberate, and seek peaceful resolutions, is one of virtuous intent, which implements actions without discrimination. When one evokes patience, it enables deeper understanding and knowledge, to balance just and rational responses. To evoke determination and willpower, enables one to allow their inner will to persist, as they navigate obstacles and challenges that push their physical and mental endurance to the limit. To encompass faith in oneself when the odds are stacked against you, to be resilient in mindset and persevere, which enables a tenacious human spirit and embraces self confidence, courage, and to be the light when all is dark. To act with balance, composure, wit, and an undisturbed mind, is what an inner spirit must keep in mind, when they travel the road less travelled. Embodying moral and ethical qualities, will enable one to become strong, courageous, and lead by example in all matters of the heart and mind. To be emblematic of perseverance, one must always evoke patience to overcome any setback that they encounter, for your inner guidance, methodologies, and legacy will set an example and imprint for the times to come. Achieve your true potential with integrity and unconditional love, while embodying patience and resilience, as your decisions will create a legacy and imprint of greatness. Be the change you wish to see, allow your inner light to guide you.

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