#the raven cycle net

[evolutionsvoid]

For years, there has been debate and wondering about what truly is down there in the abyss. It is the never ending topic amongst sea folk, and the ceaseless, fruitless endeavor of researchers and philosophers. There is a world down there, no doubt, and the creatures down there share a familiarity with us that we find strange and unsettling. From the odd fish caught in nets, to the words of wisdom granted by the aquatic messengers that come to our shores, we know there is a faith below. What else can explain the Bishops and Monks? How else would you describe the carved trinkets of ambergris and whale bone, whose visage is alien yet exudes an aura of reverence? And then there are the visions, which some can easily cast aside as odd dreams or fits of fearful hallucination, but so many of these glimpses share similarities and the way the seers speak of it all shows that there is something more than mere imagination.

The abyss has a religion, it has its beliefs. So much so that there are even some folk up here on dry land who seek its teachings and wisdom. Yet, there is little in physical proof to show what this faith entails, what do they believe in, what do they preach? At night, upon the calm ocean, sounds of prayer and faithful chanting can be heard emanating from the deep, but these words hold no meaning to us. Even the script carved into the ambergris totems that have been collected elude translation, so there is much left as a mystery. However, there is something to their faith that is known, and cannot be denied. A figure that hangs above it all, whom we must assume all these prayers and offerings go to. Though no one has ever seen her in the flesh, the many carvings and artifacts that bear her visage cannot be ignored. And when those who come in contact with the abyss dream, they speak of her flowing form drifting through the endless blue void. To the beings that live down in the bowels of the ocean, she is their god. A figure of the abyss, of life and death, and the endless cycle that all living things follow: she is the Mother of Snow.

From glimpses in visions and study of found carvings, her body is shaped by death and decay. Flesh, bones, scales and rot are a part of her form, and so are the ravenous scavengers that feed upon them. She is born from the death of leviathans, and congealed of the countless piscines that perish in the vast depths. Yet, her deathly form shows no aggression, no malice. Her carvings show a reverent nature, slow and delicate. When they dream of her, they see her drift almost lifelessly through the void, like a floating corpse destined to be devoured. And to her followers, that is what she offers in her infinite kindness. From her body drifts the ceaseless marine snow that nourishes the world below. Her flesh is in a constant state of rot and decay, sloughing off in crumbling flakes that rain down upon her followers. Those who pray to her rejoice in her offerings, singing out in praises as they collect the manna from the sky. To the creatures of the abyss, life only exists because of their divine Mother of Snow.

The gentle drifting of rotted flakes are not the only things she bestows upon the faithful, as she can grant great bounties and feasts at times. Dead fish and ravaged corpses can fall from her hand down below, but the real miracles come when she beckons to the dying leviathans. It is said that when one of these great beasts of the sea is on their death bed, they will hear her song. She sings to those who are doomed and dying, calling upon them to follow her to the cycle beyond. The leviathans will answer, and seek out the kind Mother. Their journey ends inevitably with death, but it is believed that their passing is done in the exact spot where their corpses may fall upon the billowing cathedrals below. From their death comes a great feast, a great bounty of nutrients that shall feed the people of the deep for a good long time. They sing, pray and give thanks for the food, all while happily holding the knowledge that the time will come when their flesh will do the same. This is the nature of the cycle, where death feeds life, and life needs death. She is the embodiment of this, and her followers preach it to all who will hear.

While the Church is lenient on those who ascend from the abyss, able to use their similar acts of worship as evidence that the Church and its golden Ichor is truly divine, they do not speak much of the Mother. For all is fine and acceptable as long as their idol is held the highest, but the presence of this goddess challenges their position. In some sects, they refuse to acknowledge her existence, pretending it is all some silly sailor's story. Others claim that she is more symbolic of the offerings that fall from the hands of those above, where "foolish" abyssal beasts mistake the scraps of humanity as something godly. At worst, strict members of the Church see her as a blasphemous symbol, one that denies golden Ichor and the true gods that fall from the skies. Her song and offerings are twisted into malicious an deceptive things, luring people to their death. There are certainly a fair share of land-based depictions that show her as something wicked and vile. However, this vision of the Mother is often only held by those who stay far from the sea, never meeting its shores or sailing upon its waves. For the sea folk who live their entire lives near and upon the waters, they hold a different belief that they are sure to keep secret from the Church.

Spend enough time on the vast expanse of the sea, and you will learn some things that cannot be explained on land. When you rest upon the blackened waters at night, rocked to sleep by the gentle undulations of the waves, things may come to your dreams. Even those who do not make their living on the oceans can experience these odd visions, often triggered by exposure to its benthic artifacts and strange creations. Those who hold these carved tokens or cling to weapons made by abyssal hands can find themselves dreaming of an endless watery void, and life humming far down in its depths. It is through these strange dreams we have learned what we have about this strange underwater world, and it is also how we have seen the Mother of Snow, or more so, felt her.

There are no writings, no explanations to what she is and what she wants, and these dreams never have words to them. The abyssal creatures will chant and pray in tongues unknown, and those visited by the Mother will find her to either be silent or emitting her gentle song. She will give no words, no wisdom, so we do not know her intent, yet all who are visited by her are certain of what she is. They speak of kindness, of a serene calm that washes over them in these dream depths. They find peace in her presence, a feeling that often sends the speaker into tears merely thinking about. She says nothing, but they know of her love, there is no denying it. Her mere visage settles all fears and unease, and her song brings something that words fail to describe. It is a gentle and calming tune, leaving no doubt in why the leviathans follow her when the end comes. They find comfort in these final moments, an understanding that this shall end but bring forth something miraculous. Death will bring blessings to others, and your own essence shall continue on into the cycle, guided by her song and motherly presence. The beasts of the sea know this peace, and some who have encountered death upon the ocean have witnessed it too. When a ship is lost at sea, there are many horrid ways to die, but some who have been rescued have spoken of strange times where their pains and fears vanish. Of fellow sailors smiling as they sunk below the waves, of times where they let go of their rafts and supports so that they may be taken by the sea without fear. A famed tale speaks of rescuers pulling a survivor from a sunken ship, where all hands had been lost save for one. Despite this salvation, the lost man refused their aid and fought as they pulled him on board. He made attempts to throw himself back into the sea, weeping and begging to join the others. He heard her song and felt her arms, and he wanted nothing more than to find that peace.

In most of the visions and dreams, the Mother of Snow is silent, drifting about with her flesh and form billowing in the current. It is said that if you see her, than blessings are sure to follow, raining down upon you like her own rotting gift. However, in the rare instances you hear her song, the sea folk would say that your time is coming. The end is near and she is visiting you to give you peace before it happens. Do not be scared, do not fight it. It is simply meant to be, with no cruelty or hate attached. On the ships, those who share the fact they have heard her will often gain a reverence from the crew, who will not fight them if they give an odd request. They will nod their heads and let them be, knowing that their end will soon be here. However, there will certainly be some subtle distance kept between you and the rest of the crew, who want to be sure that they too don't get swept up in your inevitable demise.

While the Church tears down her image and claims her a false idol, there are plenty of whispers about the Mother of Snow and our own gods. The humors and Godly Fluids that feed our world fall from the sky, carried to us by the corpses of the divine. And yet down below, another god sheds her own flesh to feed her followers. If this is how they thrive, then how are we any different? We all pray to the heavens for manna to rain down, for divine death that may bring forth life. We bow before great corpses, and feed upon our deities with reverence and respect. We both look to the skies and hope, wondering what hangs so impossibly high above our own heads. Are we truly separate in our ways? Are these not our fellow brothers and sisters in faith? Or perhaps, something more than we are willing to admit?

---------------------------------------

"Mother of Snow"

Here is a remake of an old piece of mine, a concept that I have always enjoyed: the Mother of Snow. Once I got going with FOI, I knew she would fit right in! Even then, I feel like she would fit in with all my worlds. I am really happy with how she turned out, which is good, because DEAR GOD SO MANY FISH TO DRAW!

[dichromaniac]

Ok I've had a minute and some dives into the lore. And here is the MOST coherent version of what I'm calling the "Unified Tree Theory" that I've been pondering since Calamity:

So according to Encyclopedia Exandria, the Luxon created the Primordials/Titans and also devoted itself into the cycle of rebirth/reincarnation in a very Buddhist sense of repeating life to reach a state of "perfection."

How absolutely tragic that a hubristic wizard lit some candles and said some words and not only "deleted" a god of death, but took over the MOMENT when the strings of mortality are cut and deciding to be the arbiter of what happens next. What a slap in the face to the Luxon's intentions for mortal life.

Atrophy and Blight are close enough words connotatively to definitely link Laerryn's spell to the name Atrophy, especially considering we're already on board playing cultural meme narrative telephone with language.

I don't think Evandrin ever chose to come "back" to the tree. I think a piece of him was caught in the runic net and never left, even if most of him was able to travel amongst the stars. We know Zerxus was not a paladin of a Prime Deity, but *of the people.* So assuming that Zerxus and Evandrin were both tapping into the same power source, i.e. the Luxon, it would be even more reasonable that the Luxon allowed for different aspects, versions, or pieces of Evandrin to exist in multiple places simultaneously.

(Probably useful info is that I firmly believe Evontra'vir is a language shift of Evandrin Alterra of Avalir in the vein of Gau Drashari -> Ashari -> Hishari; Avalir -> Savalir; Mt. Ygora -> Cathmoira)

(Ex. Otohan's Dunamancy backpack is the explanation for her Echo Knight abilities. Multiple versions, different place, Same time. But that's diluted, distilled, *stolen* instead of granted straight from the source. I don't currently see a reason why the Luxon itself would not grant more bespoke power directly.)

Also, I have a mighty need to rant about the fucking Trees

The Sun Tree: "Planted" by Pelor/Dawnfather, at the site of the battle between Ioun and Tharizdun, at Whitestone. Lvl 20 Oaths of Ancients Paladins can manipulate their physical form to be more "plant like." Additionally, we KNOW God's can change their champions into other forms/shapes but maintain the personality of the humanoid transformed. (Mace of the Black Crown, specifically, but it does seem all the Arms of the Betrayers used to be sentient creatures - and we have no reason to assume, other than alignment - that a Prime would not have this same power.)

Arbor Exemplar: planted by Melora/Wildmother at the "most desolate location in Exandria at the time" (according to Encyclopedia Exandria) and is *the sister tree* of...

The Seed of Rebirth: planted at the heart of the Abundant Terrace in Vasselheim. Described as the "sister" to the Arbor Exemplar...

Who can say these three trees are not champions? Whose to say the gods are not "reverse engineering" the deep, wordless magic of the Luxon and these three (if not more!!!) Trees are recreating a weaker version of the protection the Tree of Names offered.

And, to the point I set out to make originally, who is to say the Matron of Ravens did not, had not, or would not, manipulate the Tree of Names/Tree of Atrophy to bolster her own defenses, domains and sources of power? Ludinus did it with distilled dunamancy and otohan, why would the Matron, know Wizard, with all the power and perspective of a god, not do the same to this Tree?

[qyburn-in-the-black-cells]

Have you ever heard of Blodeuwedd? A not-woman from the High Medieval Welsh stories, The Four Branches of the Mabinogi or The Mabinogion. Blodeuwedd (Rhaenyra or Alys) was made from oak, broom and meadowsweet for Lleu Llaw (Daemon) warrior, magician and future king who’s tynged - fate, destiny - cursed on him by his mother was to never take a human wife (Targaryen incest). Foreseeably Blodeuwedd took a lover (Aemond or Myseria). To kill her husband they needed a net (Harrenhal itself), a black goat, a cauldron (Alys’ weirwood paste), a spear forged during Mass for one whole year (Valyrian steel) and he needed to be by a river (the God’s Eye). Lleu Llaw survived the attempt and killed Blodeuwedd’s lover. Blodeuwedd was turned into an owl, forced to be nocturnal “for it shall be [all other bird's] nature to attack thee, and to chase thee from wheresoever they may find thee (79).”

Alys and Rhaenyra exist outside of normal humanity and therefore human womanhood. Rhaenyra is a dragon rider and a Targaryen, closer to a god than a man, the mother of a draconic stillborn and if you believe the theory Targaryens mated with dragons, then closer to an animal as well (non-derogatory). Alys is a witch, a warg and a greenseer, both closer to a god, by way of the weirwoods, and an animal by way of her owl and especially because of the owl "Birds were the worst, to hear [Haggon] tell it….’Spend too much time in the clouds and you never want to come back down again. I know skinchangers who've tried hawks, owls, ravens. Even in their own skins, they sit moony, staring up at the bloody blue.’ (Dance of the Dragons).”

Daemon’s entire Harrenhal plot line is about dissecting his psyche and nightmares seeping into the day to hamper his attempt to make himself king. He’s forced to confront the “tynged” of victimisation by and perpetuation of the Targaryen cycle of incest - he currently cannot love or wed a human woman. In F&B his named partners when he takes Harrenhal are all visibly Valyrian and two are close relatives. After purging it in Harrenhal he takes the possibly (probably) non-Valyrian Nettles as a lover, presuming she shows up in the show and/or book Daemon had a similar experience to show Daemon. His closest shown non-familial or romantic relationship in HOTD is with Alys. Daemon struggles to see Rhaenyra and Alys for who they are even when they and Harrenhal tells him directly. He is no longer Rhaenyra’s god and she is not his priestess; she is no longer made for him. Alys’ first line is the harbinger of his death yet he treats her as a confidant and a subordinate; she is closer to a malevolent god, ready to turn on him with her lover when the time comes.

[liminalmemories21]

R & Z for the ABC Asks!

R - Which friendship/platonic relationship is your favorite in fandom?

I think I answered this before and my answer was Marjan & Paul. But, let's throw the net wider.

I love Hen and Chimney on 911 OG. I love the entire Super Six from RWRB in all it's combinations - I love the sibling relationships between Bea and Henry and June and Alex. I love Henry and Pez, and Nora and Alex, and Nora and June, and whatever shape the June and Pez and Nora relationship takes on any given day. i love the myriad combinations of the Raven Cycle - Blue and Gansey and Ronan and Adam and Noah and the ways they all understand different facets of each other.

I'm here for the ship, but platonic relationships are so special and so precious.

Z - Just ramble about something fan-related, go go go! (Prompts optional but encouraged.)

So here is a thing that is weird to me - the two fandoms I read most of at the moment (LS and RWRB) are canonical gay relationships. But, for the 20+ years I've been reading fic that has never been the case before (unless I was reading het - which is weird in its own different way).

I find it wild to go back and read old fandoms - not even like original Kirk/Spock fandom from the 60's and 70's, but like fandoms that are 10-20 years old and see the cultural shift in real time. You go back and read something like Due South or Sentinel and there is genuine reflected societal fear of being outed. You go back and read Stargate Atlantis or Generation Kill and realize that the repeal of DADT happened while the fandom was still active - there are so many fics about the repercussions of DADT, and what it meant when it was repealed.

DADT was repealed in 2010. Obergefell was 2015. Neither one of those things is that long ago. And, on the one hand they feel like yesterday, and on the other hand they feel like forever ago. And you can read the cultural shift through fandom, and that is both amazing and humbling.

[the-mortuary-witch]

LOKI

WHO IS HE?

Loki is the Norse god of mischief and trickery. He is known for his unpredictable and manipulative nature, which frequently involves playing practical jokes or pranks on other Gods, mortals, and giants. He is also the God of fire, and he has a strong connection to the underworld and the realm of the dead. Loki is often portrayed as a shapeshifter who can take on the form of various animals, including snakes, foxes, bats, and even horses. He is also often associated with fire, creativity, innovation, and destruction.

BASIC INFO:

Appearance: his appearance in Norse mythology can vary greatly, depending on the source. In some depictions, he is described as being a tall and handsome male figure with red hair and a beard. In other depictions, he is described as being a more feminine or androgynous character, with long and straight red hair, along with smooth and pale skin.

Personality: Loki is a clever and devious character, known for his ability to manipulate and deceive others with his cunning and wit. He is also known for his unpredictable nature, his tendency to get himself into trouble, and his proclivity for causing chaos and disorder. He is often seen as a trickster and a troublemaker, who enjoys creating disruption and chaos.

Symbols: serpents, wolves, ax, raven, masks, fire, Bjarken and Logr Runes, fishing nets, earthquakes, infinity snake and ouroboros, number 8, chaos star, runes that spell out his name: Laguz, Othala, Kenaz, Isa as well as the rune Hagalaz, and Helmet of Dread or the Helmet of Horror

God of: mischief, trickery, and fire

Culture: Norse and Germanic

Plants and trees: mistletoe, birch, common Haircap moss (Loki’s Oats), bentgrass (Loki’s Grass), cinnamon, dandelion, beech, blackthorn, elder, elm, ivy, juniper, mullein, thistle, mint, holly, cedar, juniper, elder, clove, patchouli, tobacco, willow, and yew

Crystals: jade, obsidian, sapphire, amethyst, garnet, citrine, black tourmaline, serpentine, carnelian, fire opal, black onyx, cat’s eye, xenotime, chrysoberyl, and labradorite

Animals: salmon, birds (crows, ravens, falcon, and vultures), flies, goats, flea, horses, wolves, serpents, foxes, spiders, and wasps

Incense: dragon's blood, frankincense, myrrh, patchouli, basil, cinnamon, pine, wild berry, rum incense, and anything sweet and musky

Colours: green, gold, black, violet, yellow, orange, and red

Numbers: 4, 8, and 13

Zodiac: Gemini

Tarot: The Fool, The Tower, The Devil, The Wheel of Fortune, Page of Cups, and Seven of Swords

Planets: Mercury and Venus

Days: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Lokablót, April Fool’s Day, Yule, Mabon, Samhain, Friday the 13th, the 13th of each month, and Lokabrenna Day

Parents: Fárbauti and Laufey

Siblings: Odin (blood brother), Helblindi, and Býleistr

Partners: Angrboda, Sigyn, and Glut

Children: Fenrir, Jörmungandr, Hel, Váli, Narfi, and Sleipnir (Odin’s horse)

MISC:

• Fire: Wagner combined Loki with Logi, the fire god, in his Ring Cycle. And ever since, Loki has been associated with fire and magic  in pop culture. There are some very iffy pieces of evidence that Loki might have had some historical connection with fire (e.g., the Snaptun stone and medieval folklore about the Ash Lad) but the scholarly consensus is “Nope, blame Wagner.” That said, fire, with its dual roles of creation and destruction, enlightenment and passion, is a pretty potent symbol for Loki even if it doesn’t have a historical basis.

• Red hair: Loki’s hair colour is never mentioned in the lore, and there are some illuminated Icelandic manuscripts in which he is shown as a blond or brunette. The fire god mistake mentioned above probably popularized the redhead image. (Interestingly, Thor is canonically a redhead.)

• Fishing Nets: in Gylfaginning, Loki weaves a fishing net while on the lam and hiding from the Aesir. (The story kind of implies it’s the first fishing net, although Ran is also credited with inventing them elsewhere.) Loki turns into a salmon to escape but ends up being caught with his own creation,

• Earthquakes: the prose epilogue to Lokasenna claims that earthquakes are caused by Loki writhing in pain when Sigyn leaves to empty her venom-catching bowl.

• Masks: while Odin, not Loki, takes the name of Grímnir (the masked one) in the lore, masks are a fairly logical thing to associate with a shapeshifter.

FACTS ABOUT LOKI:

• Name: Loki is named after the Norse word "loki," which means "mischief maker" or "trickster."

• Role: in Norse mythology, Loki is known as a chaotic and mischievous figure who frequently causes problems for the God’s.

• Relationships: the son of the frost giant Fárbauti and the giantess Farbauti, and is the brother of the Goddess Hel.

• Origin: he is a Jötunn or giant who is the son of the Jötunn Fárbauti, which means "dangerous strike."

• Associations: Loki is connected to the realms of chaos and trickery and is often seen as a troublemaker and instigator of conflict.

• Connection to Thor: he is the half-brother of Thor, and has several encounters with the god of thunder. In one famous example, Loki tries to trick Thor into drinking a powerful liquor called "Módrunar," which causes him to become extremely drunk.

• Powers: he is a powerful deity with a wide range of abilities, including shapeshifting, sorcery, illusions, and knowledge.

• Association with Trickery: Loki is closely associated with the concept of trickery, often utilizing his skills as a master manipulator to cause trouble for the God’s.

HOW TO INVOKE LOKI:

The best way to work with Loki is to respectfully is to approach him with sincere devotion and reverence. He is a God of mischief and chaos, so a certain level of humor is appropriate when working with him, but that doesn't mean you should take him lightly or treat his power with disrespect. To worship him respectfully, make an offering, either something tangible or a gesture like writing a poem or performing an act of mischief and chaos in his name. Be genuine and open in your intention, and don't be afraid to get a little mischievous yourself.

Some ways to works with Loki include:

• Doing things that embody his energy and traits, such as pranks or mischief

• Making offerings to him, whether physical or spiritual

• Creating a dedicated altar space

• Studying and researching Norse mythology, particularly his role in it

• Performing rituals and spell casting to seek his guidance and insight

• Meditating on his energy and listening for a response

• Performing acts of chaos and destruction

• Seeking to gain his protection through protection magic or rituals

PRAYER FOR LOKI:

"Great God Loki, bringer of chaos and master of deceit, I come to you seeking guidance and destruction. I offer my heart and spirit and ask for your blessing in this pray.”

"Thank you, Great God Loki, for listening to my words and walking by my side on this journey. I leave this altar/ritual space in your hands, and I ask for your protection and mischief wherever I may go. Hail Loki.”

SIGNS THAT LOKI IS CALLING YOU:

• Feeling a strong attraction or draw to his energy or presence

• Having repeating thoughts or dreams about him

• Feeling drawn to chaos or chaos magic

• You’ll start seeing his name everywhere – in books, on TV, online, etc.

• There might be a sudden change in your life, an unexpected sometimes painful change

• It will seem someone is playing tricks on you, particularly when it comes to your spiritual spaces like your altar

• Be wary of fires that are started in random places

• You might see his symbols or signs everywhere you go including the snake, spider, runes like Hagalaz and Isa, the Chaos star, number 8 or Ouroboros

• The TV show Loki or Marvel character might start popping up everywhere (yes I believe Loki communicates through this guise because it’s a form we know and understand)

• You might already have a connection with Odin, Loki’s brother

• Spiderwebs will appear in your space – in the home, workplace, or vehicle

• Loki’s sacred animals will appear as signs to you including the horse, fly, spider, snake, salmon, vulture, wolf, fox, etc.

• Experiencing signs of change or transformation in your life

• Feeling a sense of rebelliousness or mischief within you

• A sense of giddiness, playfulness, and light-heartedness after praying to him or meditating on his energy.

• Feeling of warmth or presence in the air around you.

• An increased sense of creativity, spontaneity, and a general desire to explore and experiment.

• Feeling a connection with nature or animals in a new or stronger way than before.

• Experiencing unusual or unexpected occurrences that seem a bit too strange to be coincidental.

OFFERINGS:

• Candles, especially black ones.

• * Incense: cinnamon, dragons blood, pine, wild berry, rum incense, and anything sweet smelling, musky, or a mysterious scent would be appropriate.

• Red flowers.

• Crystals, gems, or metals.

• Herbs: dill, ginger, mugwort, cinnamon, peppermint, mint, pepper, sorrel, vanilla, cinnamon, coriander, allspice, comfrey, nutmeg, heather, marjoram, clary sage, and lemon balm.

• Art or poetry.

• Toys, such as the ones you used to play with as a kid.

• Acts of chaos, subversion, or mischief.

• Flowers: daisies, roses, and lilies.

• Hanging mistletoe at Yuletide.

• Foods and drinks: sweet foods (mochi, pixie sticks, cake, chocolate with nuts or funny names, pastries, candy, etc), alcohol, spicy rum, mulled wine, coffee or other caffeinated/energy beverages, honey, and red fruits.

• Knives and daggers.

• Doing something you’re scared of (safely).

• Cinnamon.

• Lunar moth artwork/taxidermy.

• Cool leaves you find.

• Burn things (safely) in dedication to Him.

DEVOTIONAL ACTS:

• Challenge authority figures and shake things up

• Break rules and defy expectations

• Live a life of surprises and twists

• Explore your trickster side and have some fun with your mischief

• Embrace the shadow-self

• Let your inner child out (if not heal them first)

• Don’t take yourself too seriously.

• Be the devil’s advocate.

• Speak the truth and uphold it. This also involves speaking your mind about politics and issues.

• Express yourself.

• Indulge in art or create art. (Loki loves it when people dive deeply into their creative fire. He also rewards them for it)

• Live life to the fullest.

• Light a candle for him the moment you wake up and during bedtime. (I personally found out that he likes red and green candle but if those are not available, white can suffice).

• Burn some incense (cinnamon, sandalwood and dragon’s blood are some of Loki’s favourites but if he tells you otherwise, it’s okay).

• Stop planning and just be in the moment.

• Embrace chaos (and make it your bitch, as Loki would say).

• Cultivate a sense of mystery and playfulness.

• Be unpredictable and keep your friends on their toes.

• Push your boundaries and experiment with your boundaries.

• Break the norm and be yourself.

• Adopt a prickly succulent baby or an abandoned animal. If you can’t adopt, volunteer in shelters or be a foster paw-rent.

• Collect toys that you will both enjoy.

• Play board or video games.

• Cook meals and eat with him (cook whatever meal catches your fancy and then eat at his altar).

• Hoard jokes, puns and memes (VERY IMPORTANT! Loki loves his humour but in good taste. He seems to dislike and would often refute humor made in bad taste like triggering and racist jokes).

• Give without expecting anything in return.

• Share laughter with loved ones.

• Light a candle in his honour.

• Be kind to those who are outcasted.

• Wear a piece of jewelry that reminds you of him.

• Doodle.

• Watch a fiery sunset.

• Draw him and/or write to him.

• Smiling.

[sunsolarcompanyau]

How to Wire up a Solar panel Brisbane

The best solar installation companies offer comprehensive warranties and financing options. Blue Raven is a top pick with well-rounded warranties and multiple purchase options.

Wiring is one of the most important parts of a Solar panel Brisbane. In fact, according to Solar Power World, it is the first thing that fails in PV systems and it is often not covered by warranties. Proper wire management will extend the life of a solar energy system. It will also help troubleshoot issues and make it easier for maintenance workers to find problems.

Panels

Solar energy panels convert sunlight into electricity that can be used to power homes, businesses, and even large power stations. They are also being incorporated into next-generation cars and smartphones as well as being used to charge batteries.

Although the initial cost of a solar installation can be expensive, it is often worth the investment over time because of the substantial savings on utility bills. Combined with the ability to sell excess electricity back to the grid through net metering, this can significantly lower your energy costs and do good for the environment at the same time.

The type of solar panel you choose depends on your energy needs and the size of your home. Ideally, your roof should be south-facing and free of trees or other obstructions that may shade the panels and limit their performance. A solar installer will help you determine the best size and location for your panels. There are two main types of solar panels, monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Mono cells consist of a single solid piece of silicon, while poly cells are made from many individual shards melted together.

Inverter

Solar panels generate direct current electricity, but household appliances and the grid use alternating current (AC). The inverter changes DC into AC power for your home.

Inverters also monitor and record your system’s performance, such as how much energy is being produced. They’re an important component of solar-plus-battery systems, which can continue providing electricity during a grid outage.

There are a few different types of inverters available for residential solar panel installations. The best one depends on your home and system design. Some systems work best with string inverters, while others can benefit from power optimizers or microinverters, which perform the same function but at a panel-level.

Renogy offers a variety of high quality pure sine wave inverters that can help ensure clean and stable power for your electronics. The cleaner, smoother voltage output of a true sine wave inverter supports higher-wattage applications like newer TVs, computers and CFL light bulbs. It also supports a cleaner, more reliable connection to the grid.

Batteries

In a standard grid-tied solar system, any excess energy produced during the day goes back into the utility grid. However, when paired with a battery, the extra electricity is stored in the battery and can be used at night or on overcast days.

The battery type and capacity are important to consider. Flooded lead acid batteries are the cheapest, but require regular maintenance to check the water level and add water to prevent corrosion. Absorbent glass and lithium iron phosphate batteries are more expensive, but last longer with up to 7,000 cycles.

Home and business owners who want to minimize their energy consumption will benefit from a solar battery. Batteries are also an excellent solution for those who live in regions that experience frequent power outages and don’t receive full retail net metering from their utility. Battery storage is a key part of the shift to renewables and a global economy powered by sustainable energy.

Wiring

Obtaining the necessary permits, Solar Installation Brisbane, and getting the system activated are some of the most time-consuming steps. The process can take anywhere from two to three months from signing a contract to the end of construction.

It is recommended to use thicker solar wires because they will allow for a higher amount of current. It is also important to properly label and group wires with the help of cable ties or identification tags. This will reduce mechanical stress and will prevent anyone from tripping over or damaging a connection.

MC4 connectors are a popular choice for securing solar panel wiring. They are a snap to connect and they lock securely, making them ideal for outdoor environments. They are UL certified and the preferred connector method for most electrical inspectors.

Whether you’re looking to power your home, or a business, solar panels are an environmentally friendly way to produce electricity. You’ll save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

Costs vary depending on the location of your property, how much energy you use and whether you want to connect to the grid. The type of panels you choose will also have an impact on installation costs.

Cost

The cost of Solar Installation Brisbane depends on a number of factors. The type of panels you choose, the size of the system you choose, and the installation conditions all play a part.

There are three main types of solar panel technology: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Each type has a different efficiency and price point.

For example, monocrystalline panels will be the most efficient and will take up less space. However, they can be more expensive than other technologies.

If you’re on a budget, consider choosing a polycrystalline or thin-film system. These panels are less expensive than monocrystalline and can still be very energy-efficient.

Another factor that may affect the overall cost of your solar installation is whether you’re financing it or paying for it outright. Paying in cash can be more affordable but might not qualify you for tax credits and incentives. If you’re paying for it with a loan, the interest rates and terms will vary.

[somerandom-person1]

Chapter 1 Book 1 Oc:Kenzo Kibutsuji

The night my mother was killed will be a night I never forget, I don't know who or what killed her but my idea was a Demon. After that day I would never forgive the demons for what they took from me. I traveled alone and made some money for 4 years. I got a temporary job until I heard demons were in this town. I would run from town to town when I heard signs of a demon. Wherever I went I had the feeling demons were following me everywhere I went after that night. Every night I would have nightmares that it was my fault my mother was killed that night. I would remember the blood all over the room. A month after I had run I grew to know my cycle. Run, hide, town, work, run. Town after town, day after day, month after month, year by year, I grew stronger, smarter, faster, so I would be ready for anything and I wasn't going to let anyone I loved die again. So even better I didn't let anyone into my life so I wouldn't feel any pain when they would leave. Until I came upon Kyobashi.

I woke up to the sun shining on my face as I awoke. I sat up tired as hell. I looked around my campsite still seeing my stuff just the way I had left it.

I ground feeling an ake in my back. “Urg remind me not to sleep on the ground without a comforting ground to sleep on,” I said groaning and scratching my head.

“Caw Caw.” My raven Chiko cawed as he could understand me. I found Chiko in the first month of me running on my own. He was trapped in a net, only a baby. I was awed by how pretty his feathers were. He had black feathers with white on the tips it looked like mist, his head was white. That day I saved him and he has stayed with me for the past 4 and a half years. “Caw caw!” He screamed.

“Okay okay, give me a minute I’ll go grab you some seeds,” I told him standing up. He flew up near my face flapping me with his wings. “Okay okay geez,” I yelled at him pushing him away. I got up and squatted next to my bag and grab a bag of seeds and poured some in my hand. “Here,” I told him. He flew onto my wrist and started to eat the seeds from my hand. “Happy now?” I asked him smiling. He fluffed up his wings and I knew that means he was. Once he was done he climbed onto my shoulder and waited as I packed up our campsite into my bag. I ate some berries and drank some water. I cleaned myself up before I put on my vest. After I was cleaned up I put my vest on and my pants and threw my bag over my shoulder. “Chiko, Chiko,” I called. He flew down from the trees and onto my shoulder. We started walking towards the next town leaving the fire buried behind.

The town we entered was a lovely town called Kyobashi.

There were many places I could work at and make money. But one little shop inspired me. A little market for the artist to make their art. “This good?” I asked Chiko. The first time I had Chiko I went to this cooking store Chiko would always try to get me away then one day he got me to leave and it was a good thing I listened. If I didn't I would be dead. The day Chiko got me to leave and we left everyone at that store I worked at was killed by a demon. Chiko looked at the store and then flew around it a couple of times. I watched him as he checked every inch of the place.

“That your bird?” a female-like voice asked. I looked to my right and saw a beautiful girl standing right next to me looking up at Chiko. She has black hair tied up with golden-brown bangs which hang loosely. She was wearing a red, sleeveless striped dress, ending mid-thigh revealing a cleavage secured with a black obi looking like there was kunai. She was wearing a pair of zōri with read straps. And she had this look in my eye when she looked back at me like she had some sort of liking.

I looked back at Chiko seeing him still flying around. “Yeah,” I answered. I lifted up my wrist. I whistles towards him, and he turned his head toward me and fly down onto my wrist.

Chiko looked at the girl and bowed spreading his wings. “Oh, theres no need for that.” She laughed

“Sorry I trained him to be polite to girls because he well can't talk,” I said scratching the back of my head.

“Well he is a very very pretty bird,” She said “and polite.” She gave Chiko a little pat on the head with her finger.

“Makio!” Screamed a girl running towards the girl in front of me. “You can't go running off without saying anything and talking to cute boys!” The girl yelled. Shaking Makios shoulder.

“Shut up Suma!” Makio yelled slapping her hard on the head. My eyes widen as I saw Suma fall to the ground whimpering. “Sorry about that,” Makio told me giving an angry look to Suma.

“It's alright,” I said. “I hear it all the time,” I said smiling and putting my hand behind my head. “Im Kenzo,” I told her.

“Makio. And the little shit here is Suma. And that girl over there is Hinatsuru.” Hinatsuru had black hair with a high ponytail. She was wearing a short, sleeveless lavender dress with an irregular square pattern of a darker color, which had a plunging neckline that exposes her cleavage and was secured with a red-violet colored obi where she presumably stored her kunai. She wore brown fishnet socks that reach up to her mid-thigh along with light-colored sandals with purple straps. As for Suma's black long hair lying down. She wore a short, blue sleeveless dress with a plunging neckline that exposes her cleavage, which is secured with a gray obi, where she probably stores her kunai. She wears gray ankle-length tabi socks and white zōri with blue straps.

“Ladies ladies leave this handsome boy alone,” Hinatsuru yelled at them running over. I looked at her and maybe was blushing a little. “I'm so sorry sir about them. I'm Hinatsuru by the way.” She told me

“Kenzo,” I told her. Makio picked up Suma from the ground.

“Maybe we should hang out sometime,” Makio said giving me a piece of paper. “That's where we live.” She added. She dragged Suma off while Hinatsuru followed them.

“See you around,” Hinatsuru said waving bye. I waved back and Chiko started to peck my head very hard. “Ow ow stop! I know what you're saying stop!” I yelled at him. Once he stopped we headed into the art store. When I was younger I really liked painting and drawing, I was good at it and how I earned some money in my home town.

“Can I help you with anything?” I turned around a saw a tall man with white spiky hair who was taller than me looked around 28 and was wearing some pretty fancy clothes. He had blue eyes that made him look so innocent.

“Oh, I was just seeing if I could make some paintings and sell them here?” I told him.

“Well, could I see some of your art?” He asked. I pulled out my sketch pad from my bag and handed it to him. I saw the amazement on his face at what he saw. He kept flipping through till the end. He looked up at me his jaw dropped. “These are amazing.” He said smiling. “Boy, what's your name?” He asked seriously, then handing me back my sketchbook.

“Kenzo, Kenzo Kibutsuji.” I answered taking back my sketchbook.

“Well, Kenzo I have an offer. You can work here and sell your art and have some customers, you can have your own office here. And I will give you 50% of the money you receive from customers and receive 50 coins a month. Deal?” He asked me. I thought about it for a minute.

“Ok, I will take the deal. But may I ask sir what is your name?” I asked him.

“Minato Suzuki.” He answered. He held out his hand and I shook it. “You’ll start working here in a week. Or early whenever you're ready.” He told me handing me a piece of paper. “My address if you have any questions.” He told. I nodded and I walked out of the store and started to look for somewhere to stay. Luckily I already had some paint stuff so I wouldn't have to worry about buying much. After a long time, I finally found a nice place to stay temporarily but with that high price of money, I might stay here. After I got a room I walked upstairs and walked passed a room with screaming coming from it and I recognized that scream. I knocked on the door.

“Be quiet someone here!” Screamed a girl from inside. Makio opened the door with flour all over her.

“Hey again,” I said smiling.

“Caw!” Chiko screamed.

“Oh hey, Kenzo what are you doing here?” She asked

“Im staying right across from you guys. For now though.” I said,

“What was that last part?” She asked,

“Oh nothing,” I told her

“Oh, it's you. Nice to see you again.” Hinatsuru said to me. She had a mixing bowl in her hands mixing some batter.

“What you guys making?” I asked looking in the bowl.

“Makio! Introduce me to this boy you have been talking about for the past hour.” Suma whined shaking Makio.

She growled at Suma and started cursing at her. “You bastard shut the hell up!” She slapped Suma on the back of the head so hard that she fell to the ground. I caught her before she fell on the floor helping her up. “Come in,” Makio told me pulling Suma away. Their house was super pretty. The walls were painted so beautifully I couldn't look away from them. The were many paintings of a forest all over and of the three ladies.

“Eat this,” Makio said shoving a dumpling in my mouth. “How is it? It's my own recipe.” She told me. My eyes widen and my heart filled with happiness and joy. I thought that the whole world was a safe space and nothing bad would ever happen. I don't know what I looked like but I imagined myself with wide eyes and sparkles coming out of my eyes and a rainbow rose behind me.

“Well, how is it?” All three of them asked. I snapped back to reality and finished chewing.

“It is amazing. You should sell this you would earn a lot of money Makio.” I blurted out.

“Thanks, Kenzo.” She said,

“Do you want to stay for dinner?” Suma asked

“No, it's alright,” I told them “I was going to unpack my things and get settled.” I told them.

“Ok if you need anything come to us,” Hinatsuru told me. I nodded as I walked out the door and to my room. I unlocked the door and looked inside. There were 4 rooms to what it looked like. I kitchen, a tatami room, a bathroom, and a pretty big bedroom. I set my bag down on the table as Chiko flew around the house checking every room.

“I think this place will be ok,” I told Chiko as he flew into the kitchen. I set my clothes out in a drawer in my room and my sketch pad on top of it and took my shoes off. I looked at a picture I kept with me at all times ever since I was 3. A picture of me and my mother. I looked at it and put it in my sketch pad so it straightens out. I walked out and started to make some ramen for myself. I tied my hair back and put an apron on and started making some ramen. Chiko flew on my shoulder and watched me. I smiled and got some of it in a spoon and allowed him to try it. He smiled and poked my head with his beak.

“Ok ok give me a second let me finish this,” I told him. He kept pecking me until I opened the cabinet in which I left the birdseed in. I took a handful and grabbed the thing I made where a cup is attached to my should and Chiko could sit on it while he ate his food. As soon as I was done I put it in a bowl and grabbed some chopsticks and opened a window. I sat on the edge of the window and started to eat the ramen. Every since I ran away from home I forgot how to be a normal person so I did things my way of life. I didnt listen to any way of how I should change my life, and how I should do it. I watched people pass by and look at me confused as they walked by. I looked down and saw this kid he looked so skinny. I grabbed a coin from my pocket and dropped it down into his lap. He looked at the coin and then up at me. I smiled and waved at him. He smiled back and grabbed the coin and ran off telling all his friends that they could eat.

“That was nice of you.” I heard a voice ans turned my head and saw some lady on the wall hodling onto one of the rails. She was a young woman with a pale complexion and large, compound-like eyes that lack pupils, only a haze of gradient purple, making her eyes appear similar to those of insects. She had black wavy hair that fades to dark purple, styled at the back of her head into a flat yakai-maki bun, fastened with a white, turquoise and light purple butterfly ornament. She has center-split, ear-length, voluminous curtain bangs that flow down to frame the sides of her face, with two slightly thinner chin-length locks of hair in front of her ears below them. Shinobu is short in height and has been described as having a small and weak-looking build, but she had one Nichirin blade. “Just helping some kids out they shouldnt suffer this much. And I have some coin to spare.” I told her. I tossed her a coin and she caught it. She smiled.

“You are kind. May I sit?” She asked me. I nodded and I made room for her. She sat down next to me. “Hard tp hang up there on a rail thats about to fall off.” She laughed. She looked at me and stared at my hair. She gently held some of my hair. “I know this type of hair style.” She said. Chiko flew up to her and started to caw at her because he thought she was hurting me.

“Hey its ok.” I told him. She let it go and he calmed down. She pet his head and offered him a piece of fruit I have never seen before. He liked that fruit and rubbed his head against her hand and climbed my arm and onto my shoulder.

“He is a lovely bird.” She said petting his head. I smiled and looked at the sunset.

“You’re a hashira right?” I asked her. She nodded.

“Shinobu.” She told me

“I have heard about you before my mother used to talk about you,” I said smiling and looking at the groups of kids running around chasing each other.

“Your hair color it looks exactly like an old friend of mine.” She said. She then thought for a moment. “Wait are you Kenzo?” She asked.

“Yes, why?” I asked her.

“I knew your mother very well, me and her were best friends. We both grew up together training to be hashira. Until she met your father. He was a good man but very shady. I never like him but your mother fell for him and ran away with him from our home town and soon I did too. She would send me letters telling me about you. But one day I was called to go to her home. When I found out she was dead I offered to take care of her son, you. But they said he was taken by the demons. I knew that wasn't true. Your mother told me how strong you were. You are pretty famous in your home town. You should go see it again.” She told me. All of that made me a little happier to know I have someone to talk to about my parents. We sat there for a few minutes in silence until I heard a very loud scream and a group of kids ran with their parents running away. It was night time but the city lit up so I could see ahead of us. It was a demon.

I stood up on the widow rail and bowed my head at Shinobu. If she knew my mother she would know that meant thank you. She nodded back. I jumped off the window rail and landed in the middle of the street. I looked at the demon. He was around 60 feet away from me.

“Kenzo Kibutsiji. You’re coming with me.” The demon told me. I felt like I was gonna pass out. This demon knew my name. I looked back up to find Shinobu but she was gone. I looked back to where the demon was and he disappeared. I quickly pulled out my Nichirin blades and looked all around for this demon.

“Those were your father's Nichirin blades once,” The same voice from behind me. He had swords as well and he pushed all his weight on them. I crossed my blades and pushed back. “Your father wants you back Kenzo.” He yelled at me. Pushing more and more weight on me.

“How do you even know my father?” I asked pushing my weight on him and getting his swords off me. It pushed him back a lot but he stayed on his feet.

He looked up at me with a sad face. “That's right you don't know!” He yelled laughing like a crazy maniac. “Your father is the Powerful King of the Demons! And your his heir. He has sent me to retrieve you and make you a full demon.” My eyes widen. My father a demon. Did that mean I was half-demon? “Your only a little bit demon. You wouldn't survive on your own. So you're coming with me-.” He was laughing and screaming until a large Nichirin Sword sliced through his neck, slicing his head off. He gasped as his head fell off his body and his body fell forward. The figure behind him was tall and very muscular. He had a headband that had the words "Tengen" on it, and thats when everything went black.

[dirtycrows]

GANSEY — The Dream Thieves

“While I’m gone,” Gansey said, pausing, “dream me the world. 
Something new for every night.”

Maggie Stiefvater

[loremmorning]

"But he had spent several years chaining his fears and wasn't ready to unhook their leashes just yet."

The Raven King, Maggie Stiefvater

[selwynkane]

Noah Czerny, The Raven Cycle, Maggie Stiefvater

Stepping forward, leaning over the hood of the car, Ronan pressed his fingers to the windshield, and while they watched, he wrote: REMEMBERED.

[henessy]

@ravencyclenetwork​ search: minimalism ✧ . * — ronan lynch

ronan was broken; ronan was fixable; ronan had a soul.

[gryewaren]

@ravencyclenetwork’s search: consult the cards – blue sargent: yellow

          ↳ “Today, Blue thought, is the day I stop listening to the future and start living it instead.”

[etherealnik-archive]

@ravencyclenetwork​ promo // the dreamers

     “I never lie,” Ronan said. He frowned disbelievingly. This felt like a more bizarre scenario than anything that had happened to this point. “Wait. You thought — it was never gonna be you and me. Is that what you thought?”            Kavinsky’s expression was scorched. “There’s only with me or against me.”Which was ludicrous. It had always been Ronan against Kavinsky. There was never any possibility of with. “It was never going to be you and me.”      “I will burn you down,” Kavinsky said.      Ronan’s smile was sharp as a knife. He had already been burned to nothing. “You wish.”      Kavinsky made a gun of his thumb and finger and put it to Ronan’s temple.      “Bang,” he said softly, withdrawing the fake gun. “See you on the streets.”

[qyburn-in-the-black-cells]

Have you ever heard of Blodeuwedd? A not-woman from the High Medieval Welsh stories, The Four Branches of the Mabinogi or The Mabinogion. Blodeuwedd (Rhaenyra or Alys) was made from oak, broom and meadowsweet for Lleu Llaw (Daemon) warrior, magician and future king who’s tynged - fate, destiny - cursed on him by his mother was to never take a human wife (Daemon and Alyssa.) Foreseeably Blodeuwedd took a lover (Aemond or Myseria). To kill her husband they needed a net (Harrenhal itself), a black goat, a cauldron (Alys’ weirwood paste), a spear forged during Mass for one whole year (Valyrian steel) and he needed to be by a river (the God’s Eye). Lleu Llaw survived the attempt and killed Blodeuwedd’s lover. Blodeuwedd was turned into an owl, forced to be nocturnal “for it shall be [all other bird's] nature to attack thee, and to chase thee from wheresoever they may find thee (79).”

Alys and Rhaenyra exist outside of normal humanity and therefore human womanhood. Rhaenyra is a dragon rider and a Targaryen, closer to a god than a man, the mother of a draconic stillborn and if you believe the theory Targaryens mated with dragons, then closer to an animal as well (non-derogatory). Alys is a witch, a warg and a greenseer, both closer to a god, by way of the weirwoods, and an animal by way of her owl and especially because of the owl "Birds were the worst, to hear [Haggon] tell it….’Spend too much time in the clouds and you never want to come back down again. I know skinchangers who've tried hawks, owls, ravens. Even in their own skins, they sit moony, staring up at the bloody blue.’ (Dance of the Dragons).”

Daemon’s entire Harrenhal plot line is about dissecting his psyche and nightmares seeping into the day to hamper his attempt to make himself king. He’s forced to confront the “tynged” of victimisation by and perpetuation of the Targaryen cycle of incest - he currently cannot love or wed a human woman. In F&B his named partners when he takes Harrenhal are all visibly Valyrian and two are close relatives. After purging it in Harrenhal he takes the possibly (probably) non-Valyrian Nettles as a lover, presuming she shows up in the show and/or book Daemon had a similar experience to show Daemon. His closest shown non-familial or romantic relationship in HOTD is with Alys. Daemon struggles to see Rhaenyra and Alys for who they are even when they and Harrenhal tells him directly. He is no longer Rhaenyra’s god and she is not his priestess; she is no longer made for him. Alys’ first line is the harbinger of his death yet he treats her as a confidant and a subordinate; she is closer to a malevolent god, ready to turn on him with her lover when the time comes.

[grishae]

@trcedit: event 1 - favorite gang/group ↪ the gangsey

“Friendship of the unshakeable kind. Friendship you could swear on. That could be busted nearly to breaking and come back stronger than before.”

[litreadersnet]

hello! welcome to litreadersnet, a network for literature lovers of any genre and time period. we’re currently looking for new members and we can’t wait to get started. 

want to join?:

+ must be following the net

+ must be following the high king of the noldor and the dean of the school of evil

+ fill out this form

thank you all and we can’t wait to see everyone!