#the tricky thing is yesterday we were just children ; ( history )

[noliereyes]

ingénue | flashback 005

or, magnolia reyes shows the entirety of Panem what she’s made of, in more ways than one. ( flashback to the 72nd games ) | tw: death, tw: violence, tw: injections

Nolie stands in the wings backstage, watching Garnet wrap up his interview. Her hair is in a loose crown braid, magnolia flowers woven into her black hair, and her dress is a soft gold and white to match the delicate flowers, flouncing in layers of tulle and landing at her knees. She’s wearing soft berry-coloured lipstick that makes her somehow feel older and look younger, like a little girl finding her sister’s makeup. She stands steady beside Aphrodite, hands clasped behind her back in lieu of fiddling with the embroidery on her skirt. Enobaria is there too, watching from behind, hands behind her back. Nolie locks eyes with her, and simply nods. Her head is in the game, tonight.

Nolie had given up on being noticed by Enobaria a while ago. When she’d all but thrown a tantrum over her mentor refusing to watch her do all her tricks, refusing to shower her with praise. Enobaria’s words had only been “I’ll pay attention once you impress me”, and that had become the driving goal for her week. She just wanted to show her mentors that she didn’t make a mistake.

“Now, our next tribute is perhaps the youngest District Two has ever seen! How exciting!” Caesar exclaims to the audience. Nolie’s heart pounds. Showtime. “We might just get a peek at what junior training is like! We’ve heard that it was her older sister who was supposed to be here, but this little lady just couldn’t wait any longer! I love that!” he laughs. “Everyone, please give a warm welcome to little miss Magnolia Reyes!”

Nolie takes the stage with a smile, almost skipping as she left Aphrodite and her mentors to meet Caesar. The urge hits her to do a little twirl, so she does, staying perfectly in time with her steps, not missing a beat. “Caesar!” she squeals, bouncing right over to give him a hug. “It’s so good to meet you! I’m such a big fan,” she adds, sitting down in her seat. Just far back enough to let your feet dangle. Embrace the small. Sit up straight. Big smile. “And please, it’s Nolie to friends.”

“Well, I’m a big fan of yours, Nolie!” He exclaims. “Now, you might just be Two’s youngest-”

“Of all time,” she answers, cheeky, and grins when the audience chuckles. 

“Of all time!” Caesar repeats with a gentle laugh. “How exciting! Now, there might be some people out there, who think that a little thing like yourself might not be able to be as good of a tribute as, say, your beautiful mentor Enobaria! Why don’t you tell the crowd a little bit of what you’re made of?”

“Well, Caesar,” Nolie giggles. “Back home, I just love to dance and do acrobatic tricks. And, when I got better at it, I realized that I could be a Victor just like Miss Enobaria when I grew up! So I started learning how to fight, too. And it’s just as much fun as dancing.” Giggling this much was exhausting, but necessary.

Caesar laughs, and the crowd cheers, absolutely eating it up. “How wonderful!” He exclaims. “Now, you are quite small to be volunteering here, aren’t you? Why did you decide that this year…” he leaned in closer. “Was your year?”

“I just couldn’t wait anymore!” she says, hands clasped in front of her. Back in Two, Margot breathes a sigh of relief. Her secret is safe.

“We love that, don’t we?” Caesar asks, and what Nolie is doing is working. The crowd eats it up, squealing and cheering for the tiny Career. 

The dynamic is a difficult one to maintain, the ability to be both soft and hard, both ferocious and sweet, both vicious and youthful. Aphrodite went over it with her, over and over, the balancing act that Nolie tried so carefully to maintain. It’s not often that a District Two tribute is trained to be anything but ruthless, but Nolie needs to be. And it works. Against all odds, it works. 

“What do you think is your biggest asset, Nolie?”

“I can’t tell all of my secrets, Caesar,” she smiles. “But I can say that I’ve been working super-duper hard this week. And I can’t wait to put on a great show for everybody!”

“And you certainly put on a good show for the Gamemakers, I see!” Caesar adds. “A nine, Nolie, that’s incredible! Are you sure you can’t tell us any secrets?”

Nolie giggles, clasps her hands in front of her. “Well, I can say that I did a few flips and tricks, just for fun, of course. And maybe you’ll see them in the Arena, who knows? But other than that, no secrets!”

“I love that! Just a little tease,” Caesar laughs. “Now, Miss Nolie, our time together is nearly finished. Is there anything else you’d like to say to everybody watching back home! You can look right into that camera and say anything you’d like!” Nolie straightens her shoulders, smiles cheekily, and delivers her final words to the camera. Words that are repeated, over and over, by Capitol girls for the weeks to come.

“I just want to say to all the little girls out there in Panem, that if you work hard and try your best, you can be anything you want to be!”

Nolie finds herself a spot near one of the monitors backstage to watch Miles as he enters the stage. He's as confident as his sister upon his entrance, waving to the crowd with his warm, friendly smile. Chenille dressed him in an outfit with golden elements, the gold clips on his suspenders, a gold cuff bracelet. And pinned to his jacket lapel, a white magnolia.

“Miles Reyes!” Caesar laughs, grabs his hand in a firm shake. “It is sure a pleasure to meet you, after meeting your little sister! She sure is a great kid, isn’t she?”

“The best,” Miles says with a soft smile.

“When you volunteered,” says Caesar. “It didn’t feel like the usual District Two volunteering. It’s not something we see very often, siblings volunteering together. But I feel like this was different. Like a brother ready to protect his sister.  Would you agree, Miles?”

“Of course,” Miles says, his throat thick with emotion. “I love Nolie more than anything. It’s… when she volunteered, I had to go with her. To either protect her, or to come home in her place if she can’t.” The crowd lets out a collective sigh, heartbroken along with him.

Nolie turns and leaves with a throat choked up with tears. She can’t watch the rest.

Miles finds her eventually, curled into the space between her bed and the window. She leans against the side of her bed, staring out at the city. The second floor has a unique view, the ability to see things up closer, to see the skyline in the distance. Nolie’s pretty sure that even though Twelve has the penthouse, she’s got the best view.

“Hey.” Miles leans in, lays across her bed so his head is next to hers. “How are you holding up?”

“I’ll be fine.” Nolie keeps looking out over the city, but reaches pack to pat Miles’ head. “You did well up there. I caught some of it.”

“You too,” Miles adds. “I talked to Garnet. We’re locked for tomorrow. Plan’s still the same.”

The plan. The plan of getting as many tributes down in the first moments of the Games as possible. The idea made Nolie’s stomach turn backflips.

“Do you want to just sit for a while?” Miles asks. He pulls himself forward, moves to sit beside her on the floor and wraps an arm around her shoulders. 

Nolie nods, and they fall asleep there, Nolie tucked into Miles’ arm, two siblings. Just holding on.

Nolie wakes the day of the launch, heart pounding, hands shaking. 

She’s never been one to be scared of much before, so the feeling is foreign. Why are her veins made of ice? What is this ringing in her ears. 

Peculiar. Unfamiliar. Fear was not supposed to be a part of this. And yet, it’s there. 

She follows Miles, Enobaria, and Fell all out to the hovercrafts. It’s tempting to reach out, hold Miles’ hand, but she has to be mature, has to hold her own out here. I’ll pay attention when you impress me. And she does not cry. Not when the door opens and she says goodbye to her team, when the tracker is inserted painfully into her arm, when the hovercraft’s lights go out. 

If she’s going to do this, she has to let fear live alongside her. 

Chenille meets her in the catacombs, and helps her dress in a romper made of a breathable, stiff fabric, hiking boots with socks, and a little safari hat in District Two’s dark red palette ( an interesting fashion choice, but she’s in no position to complain ). Immediately, the wheels start turning in Nolie’s head. She wants to admire herself as Chenille braids her hair into two French braids down her back, but she’s also thinking. What kind of arena are they in for?

She finds out moments later, standing bravely, tall, hands on her hips as the platform raises her into the Arena.

It’s hot and dry, the ground below them consisting of hard-packed dirt with slightly dying grass scattered around the edges of the Cornucopia. The horn itself is large and rustic, and Nolie swears it looks to be carved from some kind of bone in addition to the wooden base. All around them are entrances into a lush, dense forest, with a river running across the Arena, shallow enough in parts to cross. 

Miles is four down from her, Gill from four is two to her left. Carina, the quiet blonde girl, is across the circle beside Elliana, and Garnet is a few down from them. The Careers have the upper hand on location. The countdown ends, and Nolie takes off running.

She finds another tribute, the boy from Eleven, and springs like a cat, throwing herself onto his back. Before the boy knows what even happened, Nolie’s got her arms wrapped around his head and she twists with a sickening crunch before he can even bite her.

Both of them fall to the ground, and she hates the way it feels.

She grabs the pack from his hands and takes off for Miles, her eyes on a tall girl from Five who is approaching Miles, too. Before the other girl can do anything to him, Nolie repeats the motion: up, wrap, snap. The girl falls to the ground and Nolie falls into a crouch behind her, hands shaking, and Miles stares at his baby sister in a mix of horror and pride.

“Damn, Tiny!” Gill shouts as he cheerfully beheads the boy from Three. “Baby girl’s got guts!”

Nolie positively beams amidst the chaos.

The Bloodbath ends not long after that, and the Careers stand inside the horn while the hovercrafts pick up the eleven bodies scattered around it. The blood stains the dirt and Nolie watches it, tries to stay calm as they set up a camp inside the horn. There are sleeping bags, and canteens, but not the kinds of weapons Nolie knows what to do with. Things like swords, bows, heavy things for heavy opponents.

It makes Nolie shiver to think of what they might need to defend themselves against.

It’s only about three hours into the Games when there’s a parachute falling from the sky. Elliana grabs it, tears into it, and then passes it to Nolie with a pout. “It’s not mine,” she whines.

“Why would anyone send you anything?” Gill shoots back, lining up his shot with his trident, practicing his aim.

“Fuck off, Gilbert.”

“You take that back,” he adds playfully, as Nolie opens the parachute, revealing a butterfly knife. Delicate, beautiful, exactly what she wants. Attached is a note that makes Nolie’s heart swell, that keeps a smile on her face for hours, that boosts her determination. The knife is exactly what she wants, but the note is exactly what she needs.

You impressed me. Use this well. - Enobaria

[argylemnwrites]

Fight or Flight - Chapter 8: Regret

Pairing: Drake Walker x MC (Riley Liu)

Book: The Royal Heir (canon divergent from the end of book 2)

Word Count: ~3500

Rating: R (language only)

Summary: Thirty one hours since The Walker Absconding

Author’s Note: Shall we even pretend there is a posting schedule at this point? Oh well, another chapter has arrived. This series follows the Walkers, their friends, and Cordonia as a whole after they flee the country with their daughter during Barthelemy Beaumont’s attempted coup. To catch up on this series, check out it’s masterlist. (link can be found via my bio - sorry, Tumblr is once again not putting my posts with links in tag searches)

Drake popped his headphones in, trying not to wake up Bridget as he pulled open a video on his new phone. He was also supposed to be sleeping, at least theoretically. It’s why Riley had gone into the bathroom a couple of hours ago - so that he could turn off the lights and it would be relatively quiet. If he slept now, after all, he would be able to drive through the night. But he’d been wide awake for the past three hours, and at this point, he wasn’t even sure if attempting to sleep was worth it. So he just laid in the dark, his daughter sleeping peacefully next to him. Thank god she wasn’t doing that whole sleep reversal thing she’d been doing last month, where she’d been waking up maybe a dozen times over night. Her being a good sleeper was maybe the one saving grace here.

Today had just been stomach churning since he’d left to go track down a car and supplies. He hadn’t known whether to be grateful or freaked out when he’d returned to the hotel this afternoon, and Riley had a list of things they needed to do typed up on her phone. While he was glad she no longer seemed like she was about to sink into a pit of panic, seeing her planning with this much intensity was just… strange. He couldn’t think of a time she had ever made such a detailed list. She always just adapted to the situation at hand. She never tried to shape the situation herself.

But between what she’d found in her “fugitive research,” and what Hana had told them when she called after the hearing, they were starting to come up with a plan. Hana had told them that Rashad was going to be sworn in as regent tomorrow and that Olivia was technically “investigating” their location at the moment. That as soon as Rashad took on the powers of king-regent, Olivia was going to disclose that Bertrand and Maxwell hadn’t “found” them at Lythikos, so she’d sent Hana to “check” that they hadn’t returned to Valtoria, but that she hadn’t found them there either. They were all repeatedly calling their old phone numbers as well, hoping to make the story believable when Rashad undoubtedly opened an investigation into their disappearance with Bridget.

But all this meant that arrest warrants could be issued as soon as tomorrow morning. The hearing wouldn’t take long, and no one was sure if Rashad would see things as a sign of an attack on all three of them, or if he would correctly deduce that they had made a run for it and willingly left the country with Bridget. Either way, their financial and phone records were likely to be subject to review. And that meant they needed to not be anywhere near Ioannina by the time of the hearing.

The issue was, they wanted to withdraw more cash before the investigation froze their accounts. This meant using the same ATM they’d been using one more time, at 12:01 am when it was a new day and they could withdraw their daily max again without giving anyone a new location to investigate. Then, it would be time to get in the newly-purchased hatchback and drive on to Xanthi, the city they’d chosen as their next stop. Small enough that no one would predict it as their destination, big enough that Riley, a woman of East Asian heritage who only spoke English with a still-persistent New York accent wouldn’t be immediately noticeable. Drake liked that it was past Thessaloniki as well. No one would guess they drove hours further into Greece than a city with an American consulate.

So, in preparation for that drive, Drake needed to be sleeping. Even after several years out of Manhattan, Riley still hated driving, and in all honesty, the thought of her behind the wheel in a country where she couldn’t read the road signs was not reassuring to Drake in the slightest. He wanted to be the one solely responsible for the driving. But that meant he should be napping now. But how was he supposed to sleep at a time like this?

In the past day or so, he’d gone from a very stable existence to literally plotting how to hide out from law enforcement. He’d embezzled money and bribed a used car salesman to look the other way and not require him to register the car for official Greek or Cordonian papers. He’d left the only home he’d ever known, not knowing if he’d ever get to go back. How could anyone sleep after a day like that?

So instead of sleeping, he was watching news coverage of Liam’s speech that he’d given only a few hours earlier. Speculation was rampant as to both why the vote of no confidence was called and as to who the acting regent would be. Who his daughter’s regent would be. Because for the past few hours, the 10 month old sleeping on the mattress next to him had technically been the Queen-Regent of Cordonia.

It was a strange feeling, knowing that going forward, Bridget would be listed as Queen-Regent Bridget in history books, her rule starting today. Liam’s request had kind of always seemed like simple bookkeeping before. Although Liam told the press that Bridget would remain next in line for the throne even if he had children of his own, Drake had always kind of assumed they would readdress the whole situation when Liam actually got married. It had seemed highly likely to him that Bridget would end up just being a temporary placeholder, someone needed to convey stability of the Crown until Liam had a kid or two of his own. And even if she had remained next in line for the throne, Drake never really thought he’d see her take on the title. She was only supposed to rise to that position after Liam’s death.

It was probably something he should have put more thought into, to be honest. But he hadn’t, at least not anywhere near enough. And now there was no great way to undo it. She was the queen-regent now. Abdication for her, as a minor with the title, would be a nightmare at this point. Even if her title was just through the Conclave, the steps that they would have to take to change things now, the support they would need from the assholes who just voted against them and Liam, well… Drake wasn’t counting on that happening any time soon.

He opened up the CBC app to watch another site’s coverage of Liam’s speech, but his phone started buzzing in his hand. The number flashing across the screen had a Cordonian country code, but it wasn’t Olivia or Hana’s burner numbers, which they’d already added to their contact list. This had to be either Liam or Maxwell on a new number. Taking a deep breath, he popped out the headphones and swiped to accept the call.

“Hello?”

There was a brief pause before Liam’s voice came through the speaker. “Hello, Drake.”

Drake didn’t know what to say. It was his turn to speak, but what do you say to someone you’ve known almost your entire life when they lost everything? When you’d let them down? After too many seconds, he finally managed, “So, you… uh, got our new numbers?”

“Yes. Hana and Olivia provided me with them.”

“Right. Well… good. You, uh… you should have our numbers.” Drake ran his hand over his face. He couldn’t be more awkward about this if he tried.

“Indeed,” said Liam, after a beat, “So, how are you all doing?”

“We’re okay, I guess. How are you?”

The pause was longer this time. “It’s been a long couple of days, Drake.”

The weight of that sentence settled over Drake, the guilt he already carried multiplying in that moment. “I’m so sorry, Liam.”

All Liam gave in response was a little hum of acknowledgement, so Drake kept speaking, trying to find some words that would make this better, that would make Liam see how sorry he was.

“We just couldn’t wait around, you know? We didn’t know how things were going to go down, and when Barthelemy started talking about taking Bridget, we couldn’t just risk that, and so we had to do something, right? And I know this leaves you in a tricky spot, but you’ve gotta know, I wish… I don’t know, that we weren’t doing this to you, I guess? But… it’s just fucked up all around, isn’t it?” Drake knew he was rambling, that he'd basically spewed out a whole bunch of garbage, but he just didn’t know what else to do.

“What do you want me to say, Drake? You’re right; the decisions you and Riley made have made things much more complicated for me. Are you looking for me to say that I don’t blame you? That I support this course of action?”

“What else were we supposed to do?” Drake asked. He could hear his voice raising slightly, and he glanced down, checking that he hadn’t woken Bridget, but she was still passed out.

“I told you back when you were trying to have a child that if it ever became too much, to inform me, and we would reserve the proclamation.”

“Are you really trying to tell me that in the middle of everything that was happening yesterday, it would have been a good time to pull you aside and ask to undo all that shit?”

Liam let out a sigh before he answered, “It seems like that would have been preferable to you deciding to commit treason.”

Drake slammed his eyes shut, trying to keep his temper in check. Liam was already dealing with a lot, and he didn’t want to make things worse, but his words were so frustrating right now. “We didn’t even know if you would have the power to undo any of it after that vote.”

“You could have at least waited until we knew the results of that initial hearing. At that point-”

“What if the justice had decided you had no power last night instead of today?” Drake interrupted. He saw Riley coming out of the bathroom and back into their room. She obviously must have heard him on the phone. He just shook his head, trying to reassure her as he kept talking to Liam. “That’s a big fucking gamble to ask of us, Liam.”

“Fine, then some middle-ground or compromise still would have probably been better. You have to know how ill-conceived this scheme you’ve agreed to is, Drake.”

“What would you suggest, then? Sitting around, just waiting to see if we got to keep our kid?”

“Of course not. But if you get arrested and extradited back here, you will absolutely lose custody of your daughter. I would urge you to consider that fact. Additionally, Rashad is not going to be interested in becoming some sort of surrogate parent to Bridget over the next few months.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better? That the man you have lined up as my kid’s regent has no interest in caring for her?” Riley mouthed “What?” at him from across the room, but Drake just waved his hand and shook his head again. He’d have to fill her in later.

“My point, Drake, is that Rashad would likely be very amenable to you and Riley staying with Bridget in the role as her caretakers and-”

“Stop. I’m not going to listen to that shit, okay? You know that’s not the same. You fucking know it, Liam.”

There was a rough sigh before Liam spoke again. “Fair enough. But you have to understand that you have put me in an awful position. And I’m just trying to find a way to minimize the damage caused by your selfishness here.”

“How is looking out for my wife and kid selfish?” Bridget squirmed slightly next to him as his voice climbed louder yet again. Riley must have noticed, because she scurried over and tucked her against her chest, muttering soothing words against the top of her head, trying to keep her from waking up.

“Did you think about how fleeing the country would impact anyone? Your citizens in Valtoria who no longer have a regional leader? The people of Cordonia who no longer have an heir to the throne? Your friends who have advocated for you and your family time and time again? No. You just left. You only thought of yourselves. That is the dictionary definition of selfish, Drake.”

“I’m sorry, but my family comes first. This isn’t fucking up for debate.”

“Well, some of us don’t have that luxury.”

Both Drake and Liam were silent for several seconds. Drake took a shaky breath, trying to get his emotions back under control. “Liam. I’m sorry. I really am. I never wanted to do this to you, and I know you are left cleaning up the pieces here, but I am not going to come back just for Bridget to get trapped inside the country and possibly taken from us.”

“Drake, don’t be so-”

“She’s queen-regent now, so no way we don’t get stopped at the border if we came back and tried to leave again, right? In fact, I bet we wouldn’t be allowed outside the palace with her, and that’s if we’re allowed to be alone with her at all-”

“Now you’re just being dramatic-”

“Am I? Because to me, it feels like you want me to come back and hang my hat on the hopes that Rashad needs a couple of nannies. I get the risks we are taking here. But at least we have a shot of staying together as a family this way.”

“Look, I understand that this is upsetting and frustrating. I’m upset and frustrated, too. All I want is to try and create a united front here. If we are fractured and divided, it is worse for everyone in the long run. We all want what’s best for Bridget.”

“You aren’t part of any ‘we’ here. She’s not your kid. You don’t get a say.”

The silence on the other end of the line was awful. Riley climbed onto the bed and leaned up against the headboard. One arm still held Bridget tight to her chest, but her free hand snaked behind him and rubbed soothing circles between his shoulder blades. It just did little to calm him. He didn’t know if more of his anger was directed at Liam, for presuming he had any say here, or at himself, for getting defensive when he was the one who had hurt Liam and put him in this position.

“I have never interfered in any parenting decisions you or Riley have made with regards to Bridget. In fact, I have given you both an unprecedented amount of freedom and control, knowing that it was an unusual situation. But it seems to me like we have nothing further to say to each other at the moment. You are unwilling to discuss the bigger picture here.”

“Liam, don’t-” Drake started, but Liam just kept talking.

“I understand why you’ve taken this course of action. But it is apparent that your priorities are only your daughter, whereas I need to focus on Cordonia as a whole. So, I think at this point we both need to just devote ourselves to those tasks and not worry about each other.”

It was a dismissal. A line in the sand. Whatever inner circle Liam had, Drake was no longer a part of it. He let out a sigh and swallowed roughly. “I am sorry, Liam. I just don’t know what you expect me to do here.”

“I don’t expect anything of you, Drake. You should just do what you feel is best for your family, and I will do what’s needed for our country.”

“Come on, it doesn’t have to be this way. I still want to help-”

“No offense, but a couple of fugitives are not likely to be a great resource to me at this point. This isn’t a punishment, Drake; it’s just the reality. We’ve both made the choices we needed to make, and now we both need to deal with the consequences. I need to remain focused on campaigning to regain my title, and I’m not going to have the time or energy to devote to aiding your run.”

“I’m not asking for your help, dammit. I just want-”

“What do you want, Drake? You don’t get to have this both ways.”

“I want… I want us still to be friends.”

He heard a heavy sigh before Liam spoke again. “Of course we are still friends, Drake. We just are headed in separate directions at this time, it would seem. You now have this number, though. You can reach me if you need to, and I will do the same.”

“Liam, I-”

“I wish you and your family the best; I really do. And if you change your mind, you can come find us in Lythikos.”

Drake closed his eyes. There was no salvaging this. Liam was boxing him out and closing the door. He was pretty sure having Liam screaming at him would have stung less. “Alright, I get it. Good luck with everything, okay?”

“Same to you. I really hope you don’t regret your decisions here and that you all can remain safe.” And with that, Liam ended the call.

Drake placed his phone on the bed and leaned forward, dropping his head into both of his hands. He swallowed several times, trying to break up the lump in his throat. He was very aware that although Riley seemed to be in a better spot than she was the day before, watching him cry over Liam was not going to instill much confidence. No need to make things more unsettled.

After a few moments, he took a deep breath and sat back up. Riley was staring at him, head cocked and eyes full of worry. He just shrugged and shook his head. There wasn’t much to say, really.

“Here,” Riley said, shifting forward and passing Bridget to him.

“I don’t want to wake her,” he muttered, but Riley continued, sliding Bridget into his arms before leaning against his shoulder, her hand slipping along his neck and her fingers threading through his hair.

“She’ll fall asleep in the car,” she said. Drake watched as his daughter blinked up at him, her face scrunched up like she was going to start screaming, but she relaxed and started to drift back to sleep when he pulled her against his chest and tucked his head on top of hers.

He just held her for maybe a minute, not saying anything. Riley was quiet as well, her fingers continuing to trace little patterns across the base of his scalp. Eventually, she tilted her head against his shoulder and whispered, “Do you want to talk about it or not?”

“No,” he breathed out, “not… not now.”

He felt her nodding, and her other hand settled on his knee. “Okay. Thank you, by the way.”

“Walker, it’s-”

“You don’t need to say it’s nothing. And I know you don’t want to talk about it now. So just… thank you.”

Neither of them said anything for a long while. They just sat there, trying to brace themselves for the reality of the next 24 hours. They would officially be under investigation and likely be charged with kidnapping of the queen-regent. This was the point of no return, far more than any decisions they’d made up until this point.

Oddly enough, Drake felt more confident in their plan than he had even before. As upsetting as his talk with Liam was, it had somehow helped him see why Riley was so reluctant to rely on anyone outside their family. Something about hearing Liam discuss the risks they would be facing in Cordonia as if they were nothing. As if living under the same roof as Bridget should be enough. As if they had time to wait for things to unfold. Well, it made it very clear that they saw what could be compromised and what couldn’t very differently.  

He wasn’t sure how long they sat there, but eventually Riley sat up next to him. “Did you get any sleep at all?” she asked as he turned his head to look at her.

“No, not really.”

“Well, we better get going then so we can get some coffee before we hit the road.” And with that she slid off the bed and started gathering their few bags of belongings.

She was right. It was time to move on. So he gently clicked Bridget into her new car seat and did one last scan of the room, making sure they weren’t leaving anything they needed behind.

“You ready?” Riley asked.

“Yeah, Riley. Let’s go.”

Permatag:  @walkerswhiskeygirl   @riley--walker  @bebepac @ravenpuff02 @oofchoices @octobereighth @drakewalker04 @kimmiedoo5  @mfackenthal  @thequeenofcronuts  

The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir: @ao719 @mskaneko @katedrakeohd @jovialyouthmusic @marshmallowsandfire @axwalker @kingliam2019 @sirbeepsalot @texaskitten30 @princessleac1 @ladyangel70 @dcbbw @yaushie

Drake x MC: @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria  @iplaydrake @gibbles82 @drakewalkerisreal @notoriouscs  @drakesensworld @drake-colt-lover-99

Fight or Flight: @masterofbluff @burnsoslow @bobasheebaby @shz256 @iaminlovewithtrr​

[letterboxd]

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LISTEN NOW: David Jenkins (Little White Lies), Tasha Robinson (Polygon) and Adam Kempenaar (Filmspotting) nominate their most magical Studio Ghibli moments in this new episode of The Letterboxd Show.

For all the ways that the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically altered the film industry, one coincidence that’s worked out extremely well for Studio Ghibli fans old and new is the roll-out of 21 of the famed studio’s films on streaming services.

It started in February for Netflix subscribers outside Japan and North America. Then in late May, HBO Max launched in the US with the Ghibli films as part of its offering. Finally, Canada got its turn with twenty titles available on Netflix right now, and The Wind Rises coming on August 1. For film lovers sheltering in place, the timing is as soothing as a nap on a Totoro’s belly; as wondrous as a Takahata sunset.

株式会社スタジオジブリ (Studio Ghibli) was founded in 1985 by directors Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki, and producer Toshio Suzuki, upon the success of Miyazaki-san’s 1984 feature, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Huge acclaim, an Academy Award, and growing fandom followed, but the studio has long shied away from making its catalog available for digital consumption, preferring the films to occupy a larger canvas.

And then, all of a sudden, Suzuki-san announced the digital streaming plan—starting with the whole catalog being made available to own (via download) last December. “We’ve listened to our fans,” Suzuki-san said at the time. “In this day and age, there are various great ways a film can reach audiences.” This turn of events has been a very big deal—both for long-time fans and Ghibli newbies—and we’ve run the numbers to prove it:

The above chart shows the daily number of entries logged on Letterboxd for each of the Ghibli films, and clearly depicts the February, March, April and late May spikes as groups of titles were released to the two aforementioned streaming platforms (and mini spikes coinciding with weekend watches).

The Ghibli films included in the streaming deals stretch over four decades of the studio’s output, and include big-hitters like the Oscar-winning Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle and the whole-family favorite My Neighbor Totoro. All of those films appear in the Official Letterboxd Top 250; Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service also made it onto a list of Letterboxd members’ top twenty favorite comfort films in a recent survey.

To get a sense of what this all means, we went to Letterboxd members Jake Cunningham and Michael Leader, hosts of Ghibliotheque, a podcast dedicated to the studio’s filmography, about the Netflix deal (“none of us could quite believe it when it happened”) and the clues Ghibli films offer us for how to have adventures inside our own homes.

Earlier in the pandemic, when we were all figuring out how to stay home, you hosted a joyous My Neighbor Totoro watch-along. What is it about the fuzzy, mythical creatures that feels so helpful right now? Michael Leader: In some ways, the world’s mum is in hospital right now. We’re all working from home. There’s the bit halfway through the film where the dad is trying to get on with his work in the study, and [his daughter] Mei is coming up and putting little flowers on his desk. That’s what everyone is doing right now, is trying to get on with their work whilst their kids are milling about, full of imagination and adventures.

With Totoro, I go back to a guest we had on the show, Helen McCarthy, who wrote the book about Miyazaki. And she described Totoro as something like “kindness and acceptance made furry”, and that’s really what it is. The idea of this creature being there for you, coming out of the surroundings that you live in, allowing you to not only come into a new space that you’re maybe scared of going into, but also dealing with tricky situations that you’re in.

You’re both deeply embedded in the London film scene, but the dynamic of your Ghibliotheque podcast is that Michael is the long-time Ghibliophile, while Jake is the novice. How did that come about? Jake Cunningham: Michael and I actually work together, and it came up that I hadn’t seen any of the films and then it happened to come up that Michael was one of the UK experts of these films and was having a go at me for never having watched any. This was the perfect opportunity to work on something with each other, and my ignorance has finally paid off, because all I need to do is watch the film and then I get this amazing history lesson.

Jake Cunningham with his ‘Only Yesterday’ poster, and with Michael Leader at the Ghibli Museum.

ML: It was really fun for me, because by that point—this is nearly two years ago now—I’d been writing about Ghibli on and off for almost a decade. There aren’t really many outlets to write about anime, Ghibli and animation in particular, in the monthly film magazines. Jake is the novice we can take through the library and invite people to join us on that journey. We have listeners who are so engaged, sending us comments every week. They had no idea how deep the rabbit hole goes.

That’s something that was personally for me quite important about the show. We want to show that this is one of the few studios that has ten five-star films. They had this amazing streak from the late 80s through the 2000s, just innovating on every film at the highest level, with multiple voices working in their own different worlds. We’ve really managed to show this whole world and invite people into it.

What did you make of the Netlix flex, and the subsequent explosion in Letterboxd activity around Ghibli films? JC: The graph is amazing! I was expecting a boost but not so big. They must be very happy with how well the deal has done for them. I think it’s a good place for Ghibli for sure. I want so many other people to be in the position that I was in two years ago. It is a whole world of pleasure to delve into for audiences.

I did think it was so funny that they spent fifteen years going “We’re never going to be streaming, this is never going to happen, stop asking us”, and then out of nowhere the announcement that they’re going to be online in two weeks! I think none of us could quite believe it when it happened, but what it’s meant is people are going back to the start of the podcast and listening along, because they can finally watch the films that they hadn’t seen before.

And it’s so exciting that people might watch Totoro, or Spirited Away, or Howl’s Moving Castle, these bigger tentpole releases, and that’s going to change their algorithm and they’re going to get presented with Isao Takahata’s My Neighbors the Yamadas or Tomomi Mochizuki’s Ocean Waves. The under-appreciated Ghiblis are suddenly going to get dragged out again.

ML: I’m really excited about it. It’s an interesting thing: it shines a light on what I think is more of a fandom problem, where something becomes rarified or scarce or special to a certain subculture, and that becomes part of its appeal. Sort of ‘Oh, Miyazaki doesn’t believe in streaming, he will never sell out’, and going on about how Netflix somehow cheapens it—but really they are completely accessible films that should be available in a mass market.

Also, and this is something we wanted to tease out in the podcast, they are business savvy. They’re not crazy geniuses who live in wooden shacks in the middle of nowhere. They’re a real company that needs to keep the lights on. There are so many ways to speculate on what this deal means. I think on the one hand they were happy because in the Japanese market they sell enough merchandise, they have a real home entertainment churn going, that they never really needed to do an international release.

There’s a really good book just out by Steve Alpert, who was their first international division lead. He was hired in the 90s to sort out their penetration into western Europe and America. Before the 90s, there were a couple of home entertainment releases and small theatrical runs, but they suddenly saw the business benefits in going global. In some ways I’m very happy for it because it’s a business deal that makes these films more available. They’ll always be special because they’re great films.

JC: The films streaming is extremely exciting, but something that’s gone under the radar a bit is that all of the music is now on Spotify. There are some of Ghibli’s shorts that you can only watch in the museum in Japan, but the scores for those films are now on Spotify, and everything is there. After having the melodies of some of these stuck in my head for months and months, you can finally actually go and deal with the earworm once and for all.

Is it possible for you to sum up for us the thematic essence of Ghibli films, and make a case for why Letterboxd members should introduce their children to the catalog? For me, in the context of the pandemic, it’s the corn on the window-sill in My Neighbor Totoro: the idea of presence despite distance; connection through gesture; the significance of nature. JC: It’s a lot to do with leaving things in an ambiguous space. Having kids watch things where there’s not a binary answer to everything. The studio moved away from the earlier films where a villain is a villain. In Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, it’s less clear what a ‘bad person’ is and what a ‘good person’ is. I think it’s important that kids are gonna see that. Even with something like Kiki’s Delivery Service, on the surface it’s one of their simpler films. Kiki goes on an amazing journey and she meets amazing people, and at the end, she learns about who she is and what she can do. I think in a Western kids’ film that would be the end note. But there’s that note at the end of the film where she says that she still feels sad, and she still feels homesick, but that’s okay and that’s part of being alive.

ML: I think Miyazaki’s real magic touch across his films is that he’s able to really look at the world through children’s eyes. I’m not the first person to say that. It tends to be one of the first things that people say about him. The magical things about My Neighbor Totoro are when they’re just walking through the house, cleaning the house, cooking together. And for Kiki, when she gets her own [apartment], sweeps up and cooks herself pancakes. It is just as much about the magic of the everyday, about the world that you can see around you, within the four walls of the home.

JC: Now that you say that, I’m thinking about Ponyo, a key scene where the storm is hitting, and Sosuke and Ponyo and Sosuke’s mum just hunker down in their house and they have a generator going and they make instant ramen noodles, and the mum slips in little bits of ham. They also have some honey tea. Even though he’s a fantasy filmmaker, and he makes grand statements about geopolitical situations, these are the sequences now which will play most poignantly to people.

ML: Ghibli offers escapism, right now.

We got a glimpse of the next Ghibli film, Gorō Miyazaki’s fully-CG Aya and the Witch (see picture below), via the online version of the recent Annecy International Animated Film Festival. What are your thoughts? JC: Regarding the new images, I’m not as petrified as some fans have been. On the podcast I’ve mounted my defence for Gorō’s Tales From Earthsea, which is very much the black sheep of the family, and I don’t think I’d be doing him justice after that if I didn’t stand in his corner on this one as well. Until we see the style in motion, I think it’s unfair to judge, but it certainly is… different.

Jake, are you now a true Ghibliophile, or are you still just following along with what Michael’s got you into? JC: I would say I am now. I could definitely bore people in conversations with production stories! A lot of people will, I’m sure, have seen a lot of the films, but doing the podcast is the only thing that would have made me watch all of them.

Michael, how proud are you of this achievement? ML: Turning Jake into a new Ghibiliofile is really something. When we went to Japan in November last year—we managed to find change down the back of the sofa, and take the team out and visit the museum, visit Studio Ponoc, who are the spin-off studio founded by veterans from Ghibli—the thing that made me most proud was seeing how excited the rest of the team were. I think just out of shot of Jake’s webcam is a poster of Only Yesterday that he bought in Japan. It’s the only thing he wanted to find, was an original 1991 poster of that. There’s a picture of Jake just absolutely beaming with this poster.

Related content

Our Letterboxd Show Ghibli Magic Moments episode, with Tasha Robinson, David Jenkins and Adam Kempenaar.

Little White Lies editor David Jenkins’ Letterboxd review of My Neighbor Totoro.

The Official Letterboxd Top 250

Letterboxd members’ favorite comfort films.

[dailyaudiobible]

08/15/2020 DAB Transcript

Nehemiah 9:22-10:39, 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13, Psalms 34:1-10, Proverbs 21:13

Today is the 15th day of August welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I am Brian it's great to be here with you as we seal another week up and continue to move forward because the only way is forward. And, so, this week, yeah, we live into this week and then it becomes a part of our history and we start over again with a shiny sparkly week that we get to live into. But now we are at the conclusion of the week so let's take that final step for this week. We’re reading from the English Standard Version this week and we’re back in the book of Nehemiah. Today chapter 9 verse 22 through 10 verse 39. And just by way of reminder we’re in the middle of a prayer, the law has been read to the people, great repentance is happening, a great revival is happening, and we’re in the middle of a prayer.

Prayer:

Father, we thank You for Your word and we are grateful again at the end of another week, we are grateful again that You have brought us this far. We’re still here. The days go by and they add up to weeks and we realize we’re still here, You are still sustaining us, You are still guiding and directing us. We…we would have lost it all, including our minds by now without You, and yet You are here Fathering us, being patient with us, helping us grow and mature. And, so, we acknowledge this as we end another week. You have been faithful, and You have given us what we need, and You have instructed us, and our role is to trust You. And, so, as we release this week, we trust You, and as we look into the new week, we trust You. There is no safer thing to do. There is no safer place to be. Everything else is in our own strength and we are not strong enough. But You are the most-high God our Father and we trust You. And, so, come Holy Spirit well up from within, lead us into all truth, lead us forward in the name of Jesus we ask. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com is the website, its home base, it's the home of the Global Campfire. So, be sure to check it out if you haven't. Be familiar with it.

The Prayer Wall lives there and a fantastic resource. Day or night no matter where you are in the world somebody's praying and you can always reach out and you can always participate. If you can't sleep, go there. Find out what people are asking for prayer for, pray for them. If the burdens of your life are keeping you up, maybe that’s a place to go and offer your story so that others might shoulder the burden along with you. So, that is a fantastic resource in the Community section. Check that out.

If you want to partner with a Daily Audio Bible you can do that at dailyaudiobible.com. There is a link on the homepage. My heart is full of gratitude as it is on a daily basis, gratitude and awe that, yeah, this…that we just have the gift of each other, that this can happen and that…that this is happening is overwhelming sometimes. So, thank you for your partnership. There’s a link on the homepage. If you’re using the Daily Audio Bible app you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner or the mailing address, if you prefer, is PO Box 1996 Spring Hill Tennessee 37174.

And if you have a prayer request or encouragement, you can hit the Hotline button in the app, which is the little red button at the top or you can dial 877-942-4253.

And that's it for today. I’m Brian I love you and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Hey, family this is Dave from Colorado I was wondering if I could ask for some prayers for my nephew Richie. He is right about 40 years old and his girlfriend Tammy, they’ve been together probably like 20 years something like that. She was on a waiting list for several years for kidney, you know, attached to the dialysis machine and not really able to go too far from home, but she finally got the kidney and that was January last year and then, you know, things are looking better. She was able to go to the mountains for the day or go camping, you know, she was just starting to kind of enjoy life. Anyway, yesterday morning God decided to bring her home during her sleep. I guess I suppose it was painless but my nephew he is just devastated and so are her kids so if you could pray for them that would…that would be awesome. I appreciate that. And also, White as Snow, I heard your call last week and it sounds like not only you don’t have to struggle with all those doors anymore but kind of sounds to me like God opened one of them and got you in a little better position. Anyway, I just wanted you to know you’re going to be in my daily prayers now. You know, as a fellow truck driver I know what it’s like out there on the road. Anyway, I guess that’s it for today. I love you all family and I appreciate you all so much. We’ll talk to you later.

Good morning DAB family this is Rebecca from North West Arkansas. I’m calling to pray for Jude from Maryland that has gone to the hospital for COVID symptoms. You called in and you’re going to the hospital and you wanted to pray for other people and I just think that is precious and I just wanted to pray for you. Dear Father we pray right now that You would put Your hands on Jude, and that he would heal her completely, that You would give her Your Holy Spirit and the strength of Your Holy Spirit in her. Help her feel that and help her know that You’re with her. Be with her doctors and nurses. I pray that You would protect all the doctors and nurses that are taking care of COVID patients right now and that You would give them strength, give them what they need physically and help them have the rest they need. Lord I pray that You’ll also be with all the children going back to school and be with their teachers. I pray that You would protect them from this virus and help them to learn in a health and safe environment. Lord thank You so much for DAB and thank You for Brian and his family and all those who participate in making this a wonderful podcast. We love You and we thank You Father and we praise You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hello Daily Audio…Audio Bible family this is Theo I was led by God to this…to this site and to this Prayer Wall. Thank you, Pastor for everything that you’ve done. I’m new to this, just a few days old to this site, and I absolutely have fallen in love with it. Thank you for the brothers and sisters that have been praying for me since I’ve posted my prayer request on the Prayer Wall. And I’ve attempted to reach out to others that need prayer also. And just continue to pray for me for protection and healing. And I really need it. And I just want to say how much this has changed my life and my walk with Christ. And I just want to say that I appreciate everything that every…everyone is doing just loving and caring for each other. So, I just want to say thank you very much. And as I said in the Prayer Wall, a little bit of love and a lot of prayer goes a very long way and I greatly appreciate it. Thank you very much. God bless you.

Hi family at Shannon from Texas and I need some prayer today. I know God transcends time. S,o the simplest thing happened this morning and I am losing it because I feel like I’m just losing it because of everything that’s going on. I lost a credit card and I feel like the world falling apart. So, I know that this little thing is pushing me over the edge like this…I am just not doing well. So, I’ve been taking care of a sweet little six-month-old baby boy that screams constantly. I’ve been finding myself just getting angry over prayers that are answered and just hope deferred. So, please pray that I find that card and that I just…just for me overall. Thank you. Love you.

Hello Daily Audio Bible family this is Sunset Cindy in Washington I am a first-time caller. I just started listening to DAB and actually last month, July 17th and I am so thankful that my cousin, shout out to my sweet cousin for suggesting this. She could tell I was struggling with some, you know, loneliness and isolation and things that are happening during this COVID crisis that were in and out it’s so helping me to focus on other things, focus on the things of the Lord and give me an opportunity to hear His word and listen to people all around the world. It is astonishing the connection I feel with all of you. And I just wanted to pray for Valerie who’s also a new listener. I was listening today it’s August 12th. She is calling in to say she’s trying to catch up as I am also trying to catch up. I would love to catch up with all the rest of you. I know I’ve got a long way to go. It’s August and I…I…but I’m almost through January as well. So, I’m just praying for her. And also, Jude I heard you call in about going to the hospital and praying for your COVID symptoms that you would be well and 100% and all of the medical providers that are helping with this crisis. I would also like to have the family pray for my immediate family. I have a family member who’s in…extreme anxiety attacks are happening to his mental…you know it’s just really affecting him mentally…

Hi family this is __ in __ South Africa my message today is for Valerie. Valerie, I heard you call in today on August 12th and I just wanted to say welcome. I always get so excited when I hear a new voice on…on DAB and it’s just, yeah, it’s just amazing to have you as part of the family. So, yeah, 2 and ½ weeks you’re in there, you’re going and I just pray that God would...would sustain you and help you to…to reduce the number of ebbs that you mentioned, ebbs and flows, and increase the number, the amount of flowing daily hours of routine and with purpose. I’ve been listening to DAB for about 10 months. It’s just changed my life in so many ways. It’s just blown me away and just continuing to do so daily. It’s hard work listening and…and concentrating and I’ve been writing notes and trying…I’ve got hundreds of questions because the Bible is a tricky book but it’s just wonderful to…to be able to…to learn daily to be able to enjoy Brian’s incredible teaching and the way…his explanation of Scripture and I just pray for…for enormous joy for you and purpose and focus as you continue on this journey and pray for strength and comfort for you and, yeah, just once again thank you for phoning in. It’s wonderful to hear your voice and I pray that God would bless you richly on this journey. Lots of love. Bye.

[vortexofentertainment]

Can you do a hollstein fic of one of them having a family? Like the first 5 years! :)

Hi! So… I started writing this prompt and it was SO FUN and I decided to turn it into a multichapter fic instead of a one-shot. Thank you so much! And there will be more to come:)

Chapter One: The Birth

Carmilla never in her wildest dreams thought that she would be a mother. She also never thought that she would be human again, but here she was, standing in a hospital waiting room with a beating heart, pacing the floor with her wife as Laura rambled on and on about some nonsense to cover up the worry that was eating away at her.

“You would think that the vending machine in the maternity ward would be functional. I’m sure there are plenty of mothers that would love chocolate right about now and will they get any? No. Because the vending machine is broken and I just feel so sorry for them. They’re going through a lot of pain right now and-”

Carmilla stopped in front of Laura and rested her hands on each side of her wife’s face to get her to focus. Laura’s eyes met hers and she lifted her eyebrows a bit.

“Do you want me to go to the gift shop and get you some chocolate?”

“No,” Laura replied. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “No, I’m fine.”

“Good,” Carmilla smiled. She pulled Laura into her, wrapping her arms around her neck. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

They had been through it all. The classes, the home study, the background check (which was super tricky with Carmilla’s long, LONG, history of… well… being alive), counseling, finding a birth mother, and so on. Three years later and they were finally here.

They got the call around 3 a.m. Carmilla had jumped out of bed when Laura smacked her arm and told her it was time. They had been waiting for seven hours. Carmilla couldn’t comprehend what the pain of a seven-hour labor would feel like, and she had been killed.

“What if she changes her mind?” Laura asked in a whisper.

It broke Carmilla’s heart. Laura was so excited about all of this. Not to say Carmilla wasn’t, but Laura’s level of excitement always tended to exceed the normal person’s limit. She had done all the research and then some, read all the websites, talked thoroughly with the counselor, cried, screamed, and even gone a little crazy with the baby shopping.

“She’s not going to,” Carmilla answered.

She really hoped she was telling the truth. Once the baby was placed with them, they just had to wait for the mother’s revocation of consent period to pass. Carmilla was confident that the counseling for the birthmother and birthfather had prepared them. Even though Laura was more into the whole relationship thing with the birthparents, Carmilla had her sources to know whether or not they were trustworthy.

The soft chimes in the waiting room made her heart stop. It was honestly still a weird sensation for Carmilla but in a good way. She pulled away from Laura, both wide-eyed and nervous, to look at her.

“Does that mean?” Laura asked as she looked around the empty waiting room as if their baby was just going to appear.

“I think we just became mothers,” Carmilla said as Laura looked back at her.

She leaned forward and captured Laura’s lips. It was a slow kiss. One that was full of love and joy.

When Laura pulled away, Carmilla was immediately being pulled down the hallway and towards the nursery. She watched as her wife pressed her face up to the glass in anticipation. She couldn’t help but feel that she needed to capture this moment. So, sneakily, she pulled her phone out and started to record.

She watched as Laura’s eyes lit up and she turned to see the nurse bringing in a baby boy, wrapped in a blanket and setting him in a small crib with the name ‘Hollis’ written across it.

She slowly lowered her phone and instead reached out for Laura’s hand.

“That’s him,” Laura whispered. She sniffled a bit and wiped the tears away with her open hand. “That’s our baby boy.”

“Oh my god,” Carmilla exhaled.

She had never felt so much love in her body before. Every instinct she had was to protect that little life any way that she could. She would never, EVER, let anyone or anything harm him in any way. She would kill anyone who even considered it.

The nurse looked up and smiled at them. They had spoken briefly when they arrived, going over the plan and process one last time. She motioned for them to wait, and not a few seconds later she was standing next to Laura, inviting them inside the nursery.

Laura squeezed Carmilla’s hand, but she made sure to stay a few paces back. Laura was itching to get in there, the nerves were starting to seize Carmilla.

She watched as her wife bent over the crib with a smile.

“Can I pick him up?” Laura asked the nurse in a soft voice.

“Of course, just be sure to support his head,” the nurse answered. She looked at Carmilla briefly, probably noting the terrified look on her face. “You could take pictures if you’d like. This is a pretty big moment.”

Carmilla nodded, happy to take any sort of direction.

She pointed her phone at Laura as she reached down, ever so gently, and slid her hands under the newborn. She supported his head correctly, as Carmilla was sure she would, as she lifted him up in her arms.

Laura looked over at Carm with pure happiness. Carmilla had never seen her wife so joyful. It made the knot in her stomach twist ease just a bit.

“Come here,” Laura said quietly to Carmilla.

The nurse reached for her phone. “Here, I can take it from here,” she smiled politely.

Carmilla swallowed hard as she let the phone leave her hand. She took a step closer to Laura, wiping her sweaty hands on her thighs.

“Isn’t he perfect?” Laura asked, looking away from the boy for just a second to study Carmilla.

She was sure Laura could feel her nervousness and uncertainty. She had always had a knack for picking up when Carmilla was out of sorts.

Carmilla peered over Laura’s shoulder and at the little face that was looking back up at her. She knew that he couldn’t really see her. She was just a blob to him. But she could have sworn he looked straight into her soul.

His features were so small. His eyes were a deep blue. His hair was so light he looked completely bald. His nose was perfect and even the little red mark on his forehead seemed perfect. There was nothing Carmilla could pick out that she didn’t think was utterly and completely perfect.

“Do you want to hold him?” Laura asked, turning to Carmilla again.

Carmilla hesitated. What if she dropped him? What if she didn’t support his head right? How badly could she mess up this perfect little baby?

She searched Laura’s face, looking for any kind of indication that she doubted her abilities to be a mother. Carmilla couldn’t find it. Laura had that usual look of complete trust she got when looking at Carmilla. She would never understand what she did to deserve it.

“You’re going to be fine,” Laura reassured her. “Just hold out your arms.”

Carmilla did as she was told again. Laure gently put the boy in Carmilla’s arm. Carmilla felt her nudge the outside of her right elbow to support his head just a bit more. She eased it up until Laura’s hand dropped away.

“See?” Laura asked with a gentle smile.

Carmilla’s heart melted. Her insides turned to goo and her world seemed to stop spinning around only Laura. Suddenly she had two things in her life worth living for. She was holding her son. She was actually holding a baby that she would raise with her wife.

If someone would have told her three hundred some odd years ago that this would be happening to her, she would have laughed in their face. Not only did she not want children, but gay marriage was years in the future. On top of that, settling down was not in her original plan. Not until Elle, and then not again until Laura.

She couldn’t have been happier. She felt whole in a way that she didn’t think was possible.

“What are we going to call this little tyke?” the nurse asked while handing Carmilla’s phone to Laura.

Carmilla rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but smile. It took a lot of debating to finally settle on a name.

Laura wanted to name him after her father, Sherman, which Carmilla shut down quickly. She was okay with the Karnstein name not moving past her. It had too much of a gruesome history. But Laura insisted, and when Laura was set on something she usually got it.

“Silas,” Laura answered with a grin. “Silas Karnstein Hollis.”

**

“Laura, he’s fine,” Carmilla said for probably the thousandth time that day.

She watched as Laura tugged on the straps holding Silas in the carrier. He was fast asleep with a bit of drool hanging from his bottom lip. Laura, however, had been a ball of energy since they left the hospital yesterday to prepare everything at the house for his arrival.

Now, today was the day they were getting to take him home. He was only twenty-eight hours old and Carmilla knew there was a welcoming committee waiting eagerly for them to arrive.

“I think I’m going to sit back here, just to be safe,” Laura nodded as she looked at Carmilla.

“Perfect,” Carmilla told her. She looked at Silas one last time and then back at Laura who was gnawing on her bottom lip. “I’ll drive super slow, okay?”

“You better,” Laura warned her with a grin.

Carmilla leaned in to give her wife a short kiss on the lips before closing the backseat door and getting behind the wheel.

After adjusting her mirror, she slowly put the car in drive and eased on the gas.

Driving certainly wasn’t Carmilla’s strong-suit. Not as far as cars go. Put her on a motorcycle and she could drive for days. But a car? It was just too big for her. It made her uncomfortable. But she couldn’t imagine Laura getting behind the wheel right now either. Honestly, they probably should have called LaFontaine or Perry for a ride home.

She kept to her word and took it slow. Extremely slow. A thirty-minute ride turned into an easy fifty-five-minute ride with a lot of honking and swearing from surrounding drivers. Carmilla bit her tongue and stayed focused.

“Home,” Carmilla exhaled as she put their car in park in the driveway. She got out quickly and opened the door for Laura.

“He’s still fast asleep,” Laura said as she eased out of the car. She leaned back in to start undoing the car seat.

“I’m going to go on in and tell the others to keep it down.” Carmilla peered over Laura’s shoulder. “Can you handle this?”

“I got it, I got it. Just grab his bag from the front seat before you go.”

Carmilla smirked and did exactly what Laura asked her to do. When she walked into their house, she was greeted with a loud, “WELCOME HOME!” from all of their friends.

“That is exactly what I came to tell you not to do,” Carmilla mumbled.

She looked around her kitchen. Someone had taken Laura’s whiteboard and written ‘Welcome home, Silas!’ in big rainbow letters across it. Kirsch, LaFontaine, and Perry were all wearing party hats while Mel and Danny sat at the table by the cake.

“Oh, were we too loud?” Perry asked in a quiet whisper.

“Yes, he’s asleep and we’d like to keep it that way for now,” Carmilla told them all. She dropped his diaper bag to the side and was about to go help Laura when she turned and saw her wife walking into the room slowly.

“Here he is,” she said in that soft gentle voice Carmilla was starting to love even more.

The chorus of soft, “Awes,” was something that would have made her sick before. Now, she couldn’t be more proud that they were all cooing over her son. He was pretty fucking adorable if she did say so herself.

Laura placed the carrier with Silas still in it on the dining room table. Everyone gathered around him as Laura slipped past them all to Carm. She wrapped her arms around Carm’s waist.

“I guess they cleaned off my five-year plan,” she said as she looked over at the whiteboard.

“I think it was time for an update anyway,” Carmilla replied. She looked down at Laura who smiled back at her.

“Are you happy?” Laura asked seriously, searching Carmilla’s face for any sign that she wasn’t.

“Of course I am,” Carmilla answered. “I have you, I have our son…”

“Our son,” Laura exhaled as if she wanted to see how the words tasted in her mouth for the first time. “We have a son.”

“We do.”

“Do you think there’s really a point in making another five-year plan?”

“I think we’re on his terms now,” Carmilla chucked.

A tiny cry caused the group to disperse from around Silas. Their group of friends looked at the two mothers.

“I think our son is hungry,” Laura said as she let go of Carmilla and went to get Silas from his carrier.

“Our son…” Carmilla said to herself, with a smile creeping on her lips.

It really did have a nice ring to it.

[lightforgedeve]

The falls and the Faire.

Dear Journal,

Today was...a rather tiring day. I did some light training to get myself going for the day, i slept for two so can't get too lazy! Was having a nice lunch and Aursuna came by, i was so worried about her when i didn't get to see her last night. Oh! I didn't tell you about last night, well it wasn't very special. I was up a bit to get something to eat and just wondered to stretch, and i thought i heard Aursuna and Lyn'dara and i wanted to confirm some rumors i heard, but we got distracted and we ended up discussing about my new armor. I think it's fine, it's light, flexible. I'm not too hot in it, my reach is extended when i'm in it. I think it's very practical. I'm able to do larger movements in it too, it's perfect for practice. Anyways, so that was rather quick though as she had a meeting to get to. So not much about yesterday, after all had been resting the past couple days as i said. Back to today, she joined me for lunch, thankfully she didn't go on about my outfit again, i didn't want to get into the mechanics of it or admit that my mother took all my other armor when i got my newest set from her. This one i had to buy myself and i hope she doesn't find out, she'd be so mad at me if she found out i damaged the other one due to me being reckless in training. We spoke about some different things, here and there. It was a nice conversation. I don't think she trusts the Rangari prime very well, but i also think they are closer then they realize as it seems both are trying to look out for each other in one way or another. Well...least on Aursuna's end mostly, but she does that often with many people. Afterwards i went on ahead and got ready. For what you ask? Only the greatest event in all of history! The biggest thing i've ever wanted to try! CAMPING! Of course i've camped out on missions and stuff, but this is very different! It is a glorious trip one makes, scrapping down to the bare essentials and working on surviving in the vast wilderness of a world unknown! Or..well so i thought. It seems everything was already taken care of, we didn't need to make our sleeping space or clear the area. We just..went to the spot, unloaded and the most we had to do was catch our own food. Which was easy enough as we were by the water. Ah! And that water! It was sooo refreshing! A good few of us showed up, the High Vindicator Brutula was setting things up so as soon as he said that, i went down to my swimsuit and leapt in! I couldn't wait! It was all a lot of fun, it was nice seeing everyone relax and just have a good time together. I even got Aursuna on my shoulders to play a game the humans call, chicken. We went against the High Vindicator and Avatia, which surprised me. I thought Aursuna was going to win, she was getting some good pushes in, but Avatia managed to pull through and we went down! It was so much fun! And Aursuna has such nice soft skin. Then we all got together to play some other games. The first one was called, Truth, Dare or Drink. I was dared to kiss the High Vindicators arm, that was so very much weird! It was a fun game though, mostly everyone accepted dares, even the High Vindicator who was dared to let everyone call him by his name for a week! I tried it...once, i didn't like it, felt uncomfortable. I kept feeling like a looming death was over me after i said it too.  He seemed to be in high spirits which was very good to see, everyone seemed to have a great time. After the first game we played, two lies and a truth, the object of the game was to pick which story was true. Obviously i wasn't very good at it, everyone knew right away which one was the truth. Avati on the other hand was very tricky with her wording, it was sooo hard trying to figure it out. All in all, it was nice to learn a bit about everyone. Some moments got a bit sad on that, but they swung back around. Good food and good drink, some started heading off to sleep. Lyn'dara came rather late, but those that stayed up got her in on the game she missed, which was the first one. It was nice having her come in, i got to brag about Aursuna being on my shoulders, she didn't like that much. However, i was able to get Lyn'dara to finally get out of her armor, i mean who wears armor to camping?! Even the High Vindicator wore something more relaxed! Plus i think Aursuna would have liked it. I tried getting her to just confess her feelings for Aursuna, by daring her, i figured if she said it and got it over with maybe i could just move on. However, her skill in diplomacy has definatly been gained from Aursuna as they bother easily skated around it and made it seem like they just had a really good bond. I started getting really irritated at that point. I couldn't help it. I just have been getting so sick over all this. I spent the last couple days resting and really thinking things over. It really didn't help getting called Jealous by Alesundriel. Though she helped getting things in the open between me and Lyn'dara. Of course, Aursuna had left by this point. I don't really understand what jealous means, however i know it feels consuming. I don't like being called on it, because it feels like i've lost a piece of myself that i can't control. The idea of not being in control, i hate it. It's bad enough i've let myself go into being reckless during my last training go, i can't allow myself to fall into something like that. We were able to talk things out a good bit, and i feel a lot better doing it. We came to a good agreement and understanding i think. Plus, she's really cute when she cries. I mean...it's not good when she does it, i get a bit nervous, but i can't help it. I feel like she's the older sister at times as i look up to her, but then in such a moment when i have to help her up, i just can't help but think she's cute! She can be a bit of a crybaby, but that's why she has me! And i hope she see's it such way too, that she can be herself and cry whenever she needs to because i'll be there to help her! Today was exhausting, but i think i grew quite a bit today. So, i'm going to rest now. Good night! --------------

Dear Journal,

Today i went to my first ever faire! Apparently it is something humans do now and again to raise money for various things. They gather people of all sorts and types to put up stalls with food and games. There's also competitions where you can win prizes. When i first arrived, there was some sparring, which is like Jed'hin but a bit different too as there is no ring to be knocked out of. However it was inside and it was so very crowded i started feeling a bit sick being trapped in so. I got a bit nervous. I felt like i was stuck on the Vindicaar again. Before too long however, Eveneah came to my rescue and offered we get something to eat. So i eagerly went out. We had a bit of trouble finding things, but she stayed close. I was worried i'd miss her, there were just so many people! So many were tall too and some short, people of all sorts were there. It was very overwhelming. I had not seen so many people in one place at once, even in the cities at least people are mostly moving about. Here however, everyone was all clustered in different groups, talking, laughing, playing games and eating. I didn't know where to start or finish for anything. We finally found some food, and i was able to try Pink Lemonade and a Funnel cake for the first time. The Pink Lemonade was not to my taste at all however, much too sour! Ick! However the cake was very yummy, mostly...i sort of ate it rather quick to get rid of the sour taste. I also got to watch my first, play. The play was about a woman from westfall who wanted all the fine things, her husband worked hard and got her all such things and took her to a ball. (I thought that was a toy a child plays with, however it seems to be some sort of formal gathering where people dance together and choose different partners). Her friend was a baroness (I think that's a title of someone who is wealthy) and lent her a necklace, but the necklace was lost! (I assumed it was because someone stole it) So the husband and wife worked very hard and sold everything they had to rebuy a new one, exactly the same for the baroness. Four years later they were in rags and poor, and the baroness spotted the woman in shock. And the woman told the baroness what happened, but she laughed and told her the one she lent her was a fake and that the woman wasted all her things for nothing and left. I couldn't believe this! I did not expect these turns of events! I thought the baroness and her were friends, so i thought she'd take pity on the poor woman and say something like, "Oh no! How could my friend fall so, thank you so much for working so hard to replace my necklace, you are such a dear friend, let me help you and your husband get back your home." It seems there was a lesson, as Eveneah explained, which was: to be thankful for the things you have. I guess Daisy wasn't happy with what she had and then lost it all, so i guess that makes sense. But poor Mister Smith! He was happy and he worked so hard! He didn't deserve that at all! Oh, also a play is a story that is "acted" out, as in rather then it simply being read. Someone is that character in the story and says and acts like that person. I was a bit confused by this and had many questions. Such as; why didn't anyone go and talk to those people? Or what's a narrator and why is it only Becky can talk to them? The narrator seems to know what's going on, so why didn't they tell Daisy and Mister Smith what was going to happen? Oh...maybe a narrator is a seer! I get it. Still so many questions! I asked a few to Eveneah, and she said she'd explain later but she didn't and i felt i had asked her about enough questions. I also got to adopt a goat! His name is Chip! Apparently adopting animals is the same as adopting children, i find that a bit strange. I was confused about how one adopts a animal, i mean, they should be free to live in their homelands doing whatever it is they do. However, i learnt these animals didn't have homes anymore or were hurt and sick from being out in the wild and couldn't survive on their own. I was thinking of getting a cow, as i thought a large creature would be a better companion compared to a small one. I can't tell you how often i misplace Marsuul. However, the two cows i was introduced to seemed to be a couple. I'm already in a predicament of being worried i'd ruin the chance for one couple, so i stepped away from that. They did both get adopted together however! So that made me happy. As i was called a goat in the past, i thought i'd get one, well..i mostly just wanted to look. I do see the resemblance, however, i can't see it as a bad thing. Goats are just so cute! I met two, Billy who was quite energetic which may have been hard to contain and Chip who was in a accident and became blind in his left eye, his tongue also sticks out and flops about. However he didn't let such things bother him! He still is happy and jumps around. He is a good reminder that no matter what happens, just keep moving and making the best of everything! He's really helped me feel better about some things. He really likes jumping around, especially on my bed. However, the Marsuul seems to be on edge with him. I was hoping they'd get along, but it seems the Marsuul is being a bit picky. Even now, he is wrapped about my arm, claws in my skin, tail hugging me tightly to the point where i almost can't feel my hand and just glaring at Chip. I think in time they'll get along, i just wanted the Marsuul to have a friend while i'm away as i can't take him to some places. I love him and don't want him getting hurt. Also, it seems Chip wont need a leash. Oh, that's a long rope that makes sure your pet doesn't go too far away. Eveneah explained that to me. Maybe i should get a leash for her for next time we go to the faire, that way i wont loose her! Ah anyways, so Chip loves to run around and jump, a lot, but he doesn't go far. He stays right close and often comes back and bumps his head in against me. Kind of hurt my leg a bit, but he's so cute! At the end of the faire, there were fireworks! They are so amazing! A bit loud, hurt my ears a bit. But the colours and lights of it are beautiful! They look like a exploding star! But..not as deadly. It was a nice way to end the night. I also learned that Eveneah loves them, i may have to pass such on to Aursuna, maybe it'll help with finding Eveneah a mate. Who knows? I hope there's more faires soon, i would love to be able to try the games and competions next time and watch another play! I hope this one has a nice ending. Ah! Chips asleep on my bed. Hm, maybe i can curl in somehow. Good night.

[cameoamalthea]

Drawn Child Pornography?: When is ‘Enjoying Garbage’ Illegal?

This post is academic in nature and does not constitute legal advice. This blog does not offer legal advice.

I explained in a previous post that fictional depictions if minors engaged in sexual activity are not legally the same as child porn, and not illegal in the United States. Simply put, there is no such thing as ‘drawn child pornography’ because the highest Court has decided that drawings and cartoons aren’t comparable to child porn. 

However, any adult material may be found to be obscene. Obscenity laws are complicated to explain, because even the Court has found it a bit tricky to pin down what makes something obscene.

“I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced within that shorthand description [“hard-core pornography”], and perhaps I could never succeed in intelligibly doing so. But I know it when I see it, and the motion picture involved in this case is not that.”

Since, “I know it when I see it” isn’t really a testable legal standard (and we can’t expect Judges to look at every bit of porn in the world to figure out what goes too far) the Court came up with “The Miller Test”.

Whether “the average person, applying contemporary community standards”, would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest,

Whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct or excretory functions[3] specifically defined by applicable state law,

Whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.[4]

18 U.S. Code § 1466A pretty much reiterates The Miller Test’s standard; but notes that obscenity laws apply to cartoon images of minors.

This law really doesn’t change anything, as something obscene would count as obscene regardless of whether it’s of a minor or not.

Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition

Established that drawn images of minors are not child porn, but it didn’t create not create an exception where any porn can be  found obscene unless it’s about minors. Drawn porn involving minors is treated the same as all other porn (except real child pornography which is banned), which is to say - it can be illegal if it’s found to be obscene. 

All 18 U.S. Code § 1466A does is make it clear that just because something is drawn or sculpted, it’s not exempt from being found to be obscene under the same standards as everything else.

So would porn of underage anime characters be illegal? Well obscenity is also complicated because it’s not a national standard or even a State by State thing. 

It’s a ‘contemporary community standards’ thing.

So the standards of the exact community where you live…

So those standards can vary in the same state. The community standards in Miami may be different than the standards in a small, conservative town in North Florida.

For example in Texas, (conservative community, could only appeal to the conservative 4th Circuit) a man was charged with Obscenity for manga that didn’t have images of minors, they just weren’t for kids. In Texas v. Costilla a clerk in a comic book store convicted on obscenity charges for selling 18+ manga about adults to adults.

The Prosecution argued “I don’t care what type of evidence or what type of testimony is out there; use your rationality; use your common sense.  Comic books, traditionally what we think of, are for kids. … This is in a store directly across from an elementary school and it is put in a medium, in a forum, to directly appeal to kids. That is why we are here, ladies and gentlemen. We’re here to get this off the shelf.”

That’s community standards. Any cartoon or comic book that’s not children should be considered obscene because cartoons and comics are for kids.

So anything can be found obscene depending on the community. But let’s look at some cases that involved drawn images of children. 

In United States v. Whorley – A reader is convicted for viewing and printing manga of a sexual nature on a public computer

It was lolicon, but it was also a public library. He was looking at graphic porn at a public library (which are frequented by teens and children who could probably notice what he was looking at on his computer) and printing it out.

Even if it wasn’t lolicon, that still wouldn’t have been socially acceptable. Legally, the community standards applied would be that of the local library. He also wasn’t reading manga, he was just printing out the porn bits.

The article @sourcethatshit linked about the case also notes: “ Whorley used a VEC computer on two earlier dates in March 2004 to receive digital photographs of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct, the U.S. attorney’s office said. The 20 obscene e-mail messages described, among other things, parents sexually molesting their children.”

So despite the Header “A 53-year-old Richmond man yesterday became the first person convicted under a 2003 federal statute that makes obscene cartoon drawings as well as photographs an illegal form of child pornography” which leads with obscene cartoon drawings, this “as well as photographs” is the important bit here.

(And while this case is the sort I hate reading unless I have to - reading graphic criminal cases and bloody personal injury cases are the worst, I’m going to actually read the case).

Ok - so this is not a case of Man arrested and charged for having child porn because of cartoons. It’s a case of man who was charged with having actual live action child porn and also obscene cartoons. He was also clearly a sexual predator from his search history. So not the ideal candidate for a Civil Liberties group to use to fight about whether the loli/shota porn should have counted as obscene.

This was a sexual predator who belonged in jail, so the appellate Court (which is a conservative Court, this arrest happened in Alabama) didn’t see reason for to reverse.

“Whorley’s history of downloading child pornography, which was not represented in the recommended Guidelines calculation because, except for the 1999 conviction, the prior conduct had not resulted in Whorley’s prosecution and conviction.   The court also noted Whorley’s repeated failure to abide by the terms of supervised release from his prior conviction, including continuing to access computers without the probation officer’s approval, numerous false statements concerning attempts to obtain employment, failure to obtain employment, failure to report to the Department of Rehabilitation Services, failure to report to the Offender Aid and Restoration Program, and most disturbingly, his presence at local malls and public libraries frequented by children in direct disobedience of his probation officer’s instructions.”

The dissent recognizes the some of the charges are “bullshit” and should be reversed, but the majority of the Court and the Supreme Court don’t really want to wage a war over freedom of speech in a case that would give an actual sexual predator less jail time.

I recommend checking out the dissent for a good explanation of what artistic value might mean legally. The arguments made in the dissent would probably more compelling if it was just a man charged with doing dirty role plays with other adults or buying bad cartoons. 

This was a child sexual predator, a repeat offender in fact, and they wanted to throw the book at him. (Seriously, fuck Whorley) 

The other case @sourcethatshit mentioned has a misleading title “Manga Collection Ruled “Child Pornography” by US Court” 

In Handley, he pleaded guilty. 

The Court didn’t rule on anything. The prosecution accused him of something and he pled guilty. There wasn’t any deliberation or ruling. There was man backed into a corner agreeing to be punished rather than to fight for his constitutional rights. 

The thing about rights and what’s illegal is just because you have rights doesn’t mean the police and prosecution will respect them, just because you haven’t done anything illegal doesn’t mean you won’t be arrested. 

Many people accused of crimes that did not commit plead guilty because fighting it is costly and can mean spending a long time awaiting trial before getting on with their life. Additionally, prosecution often uses the threat of harsher sentences to convince the accused to plead guilty. According to the Comicbook Defense League

“When Handley awaited trial, prosecutors did not distinguish between manga and obscene material. They prohibited him from viewing or accessing any manga or anime on the Internet, ordering anime video or written material, or engaging in Internet chat, the latter harming his ability to prepare his defense.

When Handley awaited trial, prosecutors did not distinguish between manga and obscene material. They prohibited him from viewing or accessing any manga or anime on the Internet, ordering anime video or written material, or engaging in Internet chat, the latter harming his ability to prepare his defense.

Handley was also forced to undergo mental health counseling.

…the government assumed an aggressive posture towards Handley, and ultimately he chose to plead guilty rather than face a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison.’

Given the Texas case was never successfully appealed and a man was sent to jail just for selling comic books that were 18 + I can see the logic in not fighting. The Handley case, to me, seems more of a case of a innocent man pleading guilty of a crime he didn’t commit rather than fighting for his Freedom of Speech while waiting in a jail cell for the case to be appealed. 

 I stand with the Comic Book Defense League in my belief that:

“Art is not child pornography. Art provides a safe place for individuals to explore culture, identity and ideas. Prosecuting individuals for possession of comics does not prevent or punish the sexual abuse of real people.

Manga and comic books are realms of legitimate speech that are protected by the First Amendment.” 

[huntertales]

Part One: Congratulations, It’s a Boy. (Two and a Half Men S06E02)

Episode Summary: Sam and the reader investigate a case about missing babies whose parents are being murdered, and upon working a crime scene, discover a baby boy. Dean is called to help after the reader and Sam are unsure of what to do. However, while taking care of the orphaned child, the reader and Dean discover something about themselves—they make decent parents.  Pairing: Dean Winchester x Reader Word Count: 4,210.

Previous Part | Supernatural Rewrite Masterlist

People would go to great length to keep people they loved safe. But, no matter what, tragedy can strike at anytime. And that was the tricky thing about life. Sometimes it can be casual and comfortable, settling you into a routine that almost feels a bit boring, and other times, it kicks you straight in the teeth from how brutal it could be. You can never predict when danger comes. Until you went on the road and started hunting, you lived a relatively quiet life. The only dangers of life you heard were from the news you occasionally watched and the stories the Winchesters boys told you on the occasions they stayed with you. Life was quiet, even a little boring back in the day. Now you spent your days hunting, and the nights by your lonesome. Or, if you were feeling desperate, slip into bed with someone you onced called your best friend. The lines felt a bit blurry of where you ended up with him after coming back from the dead.

You knew you had the options of going back to a life you knew before; a nice, cozy home with empty halls and an empty bed. But that wasn't for you. Dean decided that's what he wanted to do. He wanted to start fresh. Pick a new location to live that was miles away from the house that was left with broken furniture and specs of blood that Dean spent a few hours trying to clean up so Lisa wouldn't notice. She did, eventually. The woman didn't fuss over the broken lamps or stained carpet. It was just things, long as he was okay, that's all that mattered. Dean wished he could see things with the optimistic attitude like she had. But he cared. He looked at that little spot of blood over and over again every morning for three days everything that happened. It was a constant reminder of what kind of danger he was putting the people he loved in. And how easy history could repeat itself on him if he wasn’t careful enough.

He couldn't save you, he couldn't stop his brother from taking the swan dive. And the little spot of blood on the floor made him feel the same gut wrenching anxiety when he realized that Lisa and Ben were put in danger like this. The people he swore to protect, the people that he cared for as they had did for him. It could have been their blood he saw. Dean couldn't let history repeat itself on this family. So, after looking around, he found a nice neighborhood a few states away. And called to rent a house before he even asked Lisa. He couldn't be too safe, anymore.

+ + +

At the age of twenty-nine, you could have had a ring on your finger and a stable job with a degree in some major you went to college for along with mortgaging a house in one of the nice neighborhoods that you had been visiting over the past week. But their manicured lawns and newest minivans in the driveways couldn’t stop the happy families from facing a terrible danger in this quiet town. Something was going on here. Over the past several days you had been following the lead of couples being brutally slaughtered. But that wasn’t the worst of it. Each of them had been new parents of a sixth month old child. And each of them had disappeared without a trace.

You and Sam had been diligent on trying to track this case closely, hoping to find some lead at the next crime scene to figure out who this baby napper was. But you were too late this time. You let out a sigh when you stared at a flyer of the most recent victim of a sixth month old that vanished without a trace, his parents murdered in the house just behind you. The police had been here for the past hour, but even with the help of some fake badges and formal clothing, the detective working the case couldn’t give you any sort of new information from the previous cases that you had been working. It was like someone was sticking to the same routine. But leaving no trace to make a lead that was even the remotely bit useful for anyone.

“Where’d you find them, again?” You managed to take your gaze away from the flyer and to the detective you had been talking to for the past few minutes, hoping to find some new information.

“We found the parents upstairs. Pretty brutal.” He said, nodding his head to the house behind you with the yellow police tape blocking out any citizen that didn’t have a badge. You watched as his face grimaced as he began to recall the scene. You asked him if this could have been a possible break in, the detective shook his head at the theory. “No, alarm never went off.”

“Any leads on the baby?” Sam asked, his eyes lingering to the photocopied picture of the baby for a moment. The detective answered with a no, prompting the younger Winchester to appear worried as he furrowed his brow even more. “So, what do you think? You think it’s okay? Alive?”

The detective answered with an honest hunch, “I did yesterday.”

You let out another quiet sigh from how this situation didn't seem to show any signs of a happy ending. Any hunt with children always sent you on edge, and with the fact that you had several vanishing into thin air only made you feel more tense of what this outcome was going to be. If there was something menacing going on here, time wasn’t on your side. You thanked the detective for helping you and Sam out before you decided to see what the house could offer the both of you in terms of evidence that might help figure out what was going on here. But you were doubtful when you ducked underneath the yellow police tape and headed inside.

+ + +

You spent a good hour and a half going through every square foot of that home, scanning the rooms thoroughly with the EMF reader and keeping in mind for any traces of sulfur. Hell, you even kept an eye out for anything the police might have missed considering how the son of a bitch got into the house to murder the couple and steal a baby. But there was nothing. No emf, no sulfur, not even a broken window. Whoever this was just slipped into a place with the doors and windows locked. Maybe the victims knew their killer. But you made sure to cross off that possible motive early on. Nobody knew each other, the only thing they had in common were being parents to sixth month old children.

You and Sam headed out of the house a short while after you decided there was really nothing else here to look at, like the rest of the crime scenes, you left more confused and angry like before. You gave a smile to the detective you previously talked to and pulled out your phone, deciding to call Samuel and give him the frustrating update. "Hey. Sam and I have been all over this. No sulfur. No EMF. Hell, not even a drop of blood or fingerprints." You said, ducking below the police tape and following behind the younger Winchester. "I hate to say this, but I'm starting to think this isn't our kind of thing." "Four couples slaughtered in one part of the state within days of each other. That's four babies taken from locked houses. Damn it!" Samuel cursed underneath his breath over the line, probably because he was trying to work this new thing called a laptop he had an entire year to learn. But you couldn't teach an old dog new tricks. "Explain to me how any version of that is natural." "Honestly, wish I had some answers. This feels all sorts of wrong to me. And way too gruesome to be one of those Lifetime movies where a deranged woman befriends a pregnant lady and then kills her for the baby." You said, mindlessly speaking with a pop culture reference that made the man on the other line fall silent. "Never mind. I think it's safe to say this one might be for the police. Nothing screams monster...well, our kind, at least." "Okay, so either we've got monsters grabbing babies to make baby stew, or we've got a bunch of psychotic yokels grabbing babies to make baby stew. Either way, it's baby stew, which is bad." Samuel said, painting a gruesome picture that made you grimace at the thought of what might really be going on here. "Yeah..." You agreed with the older man as you slowly looked away from the house across the street and to your friend, who was standing on the sidewalk with a bored looking expression on his face. You furrowed your brow as you placed your hand over the receiver over the phone, all too tempted to call the younger man on his behavior. "Sam, am I boring you, by chance? Do you have some place to be?"

“What? No.” Sam mumbled, his face scrunching up from your sudden hostile behavior. “I get it, Y/N. We’re working the case. I’m focused as you are.”

"Good." You grumbled underneath your breath. You averted your gaze away for a moment to focus your attention back to the conversation with Samuel, but you couldn't help yourself when you made a remark about the younger Winchester's behavior that had been far different the past year from the man you had remembered from a life before. A year ago if he was working this case he was be focused, desperate to find some sort of answer to what the hell was going on here. Now he seemed distant, and more nonchalant than you were comfortable with. "You know, sometimes I wonder about you, Sammy."

“Sometimes I wonder about me too.” You looked at the man from the corner of your eye when you heard Sam whisper a comment to himself, but you heard every part of it. You let out a quiet sigh and finally brought your attention back to Samuel as you dropped your hand back down to your side to continue speaking.

"Well, all of us should go back over everything, see if there's anything we missed."  You suggested as you began looking around the outside of the home, curious to see if the police might have missed anything. You saw was mostly just a garden, the wife must have had a green thumb along with recently mowed lawn. But you noticed the sign for an alarm company, you felt a spark ignite in your head. "Hey, detective said the alarm in the house never went off.  Could you see if anybody else had a security system from Harper Caine Security."

"Yeah. Sure." Samuel agreed, but he sounded the least bit enthusiastic about it. "Any chance I get to hop on a computer.”

You let out a quiet chuckle and thanked the man for his help before ending the call. You shoved the phone back into your pocket and dropped the smile when you looked over at Sam. Nodding your head to the car, you followed behind him, knowing the both of you had your own work to do to figure out what the hell was going on here.

+ + +

A monster's work was truly never done, and neither was yours until you killed it once and for all. Samuel managed to find a perfect match with the same security company not too long after you had called him earlier in the day. There was another couple not too far away from the previous home you had visited. And conveniently enough, they happened to have a sixth month old baby at home. You and Sam decided it was your best lead to catch this thing off guard. In the dead of night, you narrowed your eyes as you leaned forward in the passenger’s seat to look to see the house across the street. The porch light was off and there was no light coming from any of the windows, which lead you to a few conclusions. Either the family was peacefully sleeping, or you were a little too late for the party.

Either way, you weren’t leaving this place until you were sure the baby inside was safe. You and Sam headed out of the car and stopped to make a quick stop to the trunk, making sure to bring the obligatory guns and flashlights for safety precaution. You didn’t know what, or who, the hell you were about to come in contact with when you stepped inside the house. Whatever it was, it wasn’t snatching another baby on your watch if you could stop it. You concealed the weapon into the back of your jeans as you cautiously looked over your shoulder, making sure there wasn’t any neighbors walking their dog at three in the morning. When the coast was clear, you and Sam began walking toward the house, and passing by the same security system that was nothing more than decoration at this point.

Sam did the honors of picking the lock and swinging open the front door. with ease. Both of you waited for a moment to hear any sort of noise that sounded like regular activity, or footsteps to the front door when someone realized it had opened. You were greeted with silence. Drawing out your gun and flashlight, you began to follow behind, quietly maneuvering around the house until you were greeted with the gruesome slight of what you were expecting to see. You winced to see the father sitting in his recliner, throat slashes with his shirt soaked in blood. His wife laid at his feet, she was flat on her back, probably killed after she saw her attacker and tried to make a run for it. However, what was far different from the other crime scenes were a trail of bloody footprints. You looked over at Sam and raised your brow in curiosity.  

The both of you did the next logical step; you followed the bloody footsteps to see where they lead. You walked into what appeared to be the dining room, but in a strange turn of events, the footsteps moved in two directions, straightforward and upstairs. Sam nodded his head to the stairs, deciding to go that route, leaving you alone to inspect the rest of the downstairs by yourself. Inhaling a deep breath, you set your eyes on the first door you had spotted to your right and decided to start there. Ever so slowly, you reached out your free hand turned the knob, all before swinging opening the door and got ready to aim. But there was nothing there. You let out the quietest scoff when you were almost spooked out by a broom closet.

Shutting the door, you began looking around the room again, wondering where a baby snatcher would be hiding. You looked over your shoulder to see there was a door open ever so slightly, and when your eyes dropped to the floor, you noticed the bloody footprints lead directly into the room. You turned your body around and got ready to open up the door even wider to step inside, but it seemed somebody didn’t like that. You barely made it a step before you felt someone place their hands on your chest and you went flying backwards, landing roughly on the floor and your gun went scattering across the floor.

“Sam—” Your first instinct was to call out the younger Winchester’s name to inform him that you had found the baby snatcher. But you were cut off when you felt a hand try to put his grubby fingers near your mouth to silence you. You retaliated by elbowing him in the stomach and swinging your leg up, kicking him at least a foot back and gave you enough time to shout, "Get your hands off me, you son of a bitch!"

You quickly grabbed the knife from your pocket and flicked it open, slashing it across the man’s arm when he tried to attack you again. A simple cut across the forearm made his skin start to sizzle from the contact of pure silver. Your eyes widened in a bit surprise from the reaction as you quickly got ready to stab him for good to stop this once and for all, but it seemed the creature didn’t want to put up a fight. You got back to your feet and watched as he scurried off. You were tempted to follow after, but you looked over at the room he came out of, wondering if he forgot something. There was no way to know for sure until you went looking for yourself.

You cautiously began to make your way into the kitchen as you opened the door and made your way across the wooden floorboards, trying your hardest to be quiet as possible, not sure if the man was working with a partner. Your grip around the knife tightened when you heard the sound of very soft clattering echo across the room, and to the laundry room nestled in the other side. It could have been a cat, it could have been another monster hiding. You quietly made your way over to the table from where the noises were coming from and dropped yourself to a crouch. You counted down to three as you positioned the knife, getting ready to attack. But what you saw when you lifted up the tablecloth was something of happiness, and a bit of despair.

“Hi there, cutie.” You were greeted with the sight of a baby boy, who appeared to have been fine when you took a moment to look him over. Your lips stretched into a warm smile as you quickly put your knife down and reached out to grab him. Cradling him in your arms, you began to rock him back and forth, quietly shushing him as you heard him beginning to start crying. You heard footsteps across the floor, and just a second later, you were greeted with Sam again...who didn’t look the least bit happy at what you were holding. “Congratulations, Sammy. It’s a boy.”

+ + +

This wasn’t good. Not good at all. But you didn’t think it would have required the help of Dean, Sam thought differently. You checked the rearview mirror every few seconds to see the baby was quiet as the younger Winchester raced down the empty highway. You had tried to tell him that Dean wasn’t going to take the bait and come out for this. He was out for good. The man had proved it when he packed up Lisa and Ben to another state, wanting to start fresh. Sam wanted to call his brother. The more help you had on this hunt, the better. You punched in the older Winchester’s new number and made sure to put it on speaker, not giving Sam a chance to talk while driving with an infant in the car. He rolled his eyes from your behavior.

“Sam?” Dean’s worried voice filled the car, he picked up after one ring.

“Y/N and I need your help. Now. We’re working this job.” Sam tried to explain the situation to his older brother, but the man didn’t want to hear it. And the younger Winchester wasn’t going to take no for an answer. “Look, I just need you with me on this. Okay?”

“I’m out. I’m staying out.” Dean said. "You've got Y/N. You should be covered."

“Please. She’s only so useful. Make an exception.” Sam nearly hissed at the man, not in the mood to have an argument over the phone. You tossed the man a dirty glare from his remark as he looked to the rearview mirror, spotting the same face that made him grimace and look back to the road. “Look, we’re thirty minutes away. And I will drive to your door if you don’t meet us.”

“What’s so nuts you gotta threaten a damn drive-by?”

+ + +

He honestly thought you were joking at first, but he was still going to meet you to see it with his own two eyes. You crossed your arms over your chest and leaned against the hood of Sam's car, watching as a pale tan truck began to slowly pull up to the dirt road all of you had agreed to meet. Dean didn’t seem the least bit happy when he got out of the truck to greet you and his brother so late at night. He walked forward to the both of you and asked where it was.

“Strapped down in the backseat.” You said, nodding your head to the back of the car. Pushing yourself to your feet, you followed behind as Dean headed to see this for himself. And all it took was one simple glance to see that you were right about what you said. There was, in fact, a sixth month old baby currently occupying the backseat while sitting in his carseat. The older Winchester didn’t seem the least bit amused from what was going on. You gave him a smile at what you dragged him into. “Welcome to the party, Guttenberg.”

+ + +

It was the next morning after Dean agreed to meet you and do this case, but there was a few things he needed to do before he could leave Lisa and Ben alone. You weren’t personally happy with the idea of dragging the older Winchester out into the field again when he had a family to take care of now. But you had to admit, with a baby now in your hands, you had to worry about its safety and someone constantly looking out for him. You hadn’t taken your eyes off of him ever since he came into your possession. While you waited for Dean to meet you, you peeked into the backseat window and waved at him, smiling when his lips stretched ever so slightly, showing off his toothless smile. Sam kept his distance, only giving it glances every so often to make sure it was still alive and breathing.

You looked away from the window when you saw Dean's truck finally pull up, meeting you again on the outskirts of town so he could ditch his truck for a few days. He grabbed his duffel bag full of clothes and headed forward. "So," He didn't waste any breath in getting down to business as he made his way to the trunk to stash his belongings. "What do we know about this thing?"

“Well, uh, it was fast. And it freaked when Y/N cut it with silver.” Sam explained the situation as he followed behind, knowing the information of this monster being affected by silver narrowed it down to about everything nasty out there. “We got a ghoul, a zombie, a shifter or about a dozen other things.”

“I don’t recall seeing babynapping in the profile.” Dean said. You scoffed underneath your breath and opened up the backseat door, knowing there was one thing he was right about. You made sure, yet again, the baby was secured tightly in the car seat. You smiled and began to talk to him in a cooing and soft voice. Dean looked over his shoulder to see that he was just staring at you with not much of an expression. “Well, feel free to speak up if you know anything.”

"That would make our lives so much better. Yes, it would. Huh, cutie?" You asked the baby as he began to smile ever so slightly from Dean's question. You let out a quiet laugh and reached out to quietly play with him, but you became distracted for a moment when you heard a quiet alarm going off. "Seatbelt, Dean."

"What am I in, third grade?” The oldest Winchester grumbled, not seeming the least bit happy when he was forced to take a safety precaution. “A car should drive, not be a bitch."

You were about to tell Dean to watch his language around the baby, but it seemed that he was rather amused. He began to babble quietly and made this littlest noise that sounded like he was trying to blow out air. “Crap.” You muttered underneath your breath, suddenly it hit you of how unprepared the three of you were. “We’re gonna need to get some supplies.”

“We have a whole arsenal in the trunk, Y/N.” Sam said.

“What? No, that’s not what I’m talking about.” You said, shaking your head. “Baby supplies.”

You watched as the brothers’ faces began to drop ever so slightly at the realization of how much harder this was going to be than you expected. Sam turned the car on and hit the gas, hitting the nearest store for whatever the three of you were going to need to keep this thing alive. You let out a quiet sigh and looked at the baby for a moment. He stared at you, and lucky for him, he had no clue of what the hell was going on here.  

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[progressivejudaism]

Hi. My Muslim friend is telling me that the torah is incorrect and isn't the full truth after I sent him the beautiful article about lgbt and Judaism. He also sends verses (samuel 15:3) to me saying that Judaism is disgusting. How can I explain that it isn't wrong and not disgusting?

Hi there,

Interfaith dialogue is an incredibly important task that all people of faith should take on.  As Jews, I believe that it is especially important to have conversations with our Muslim brothers and sisters.  And if you are interested, please join the Facebook group  “Jews and Muslims for Peace”, a wonderful page in which I am a moderator.

I would suggest sitting down with your friend and having an open conversation about why each of your religious traditions are important, meaningful, and help you to feel grounded in tradition.  Throughout this *little* post, I have included several examples of ways you can engage with your friend in a positive way, as well as some commentary on why he or she might believe the way that they do. I have also included some examples of inspiration from Jewish tradition that might be helpful in this conversation, as well as for any number of reasons!  I love being inspired by our Torah and tradition!

Yes, there are some really challenging parts of Jewish and Muslim tradition.  But we cannot look at certain texts in a vacuum, which it seems your Muslim friend did.  In the case of Sam. 15:3, “Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep,“ one must understand the context of this particular narrative and who the genocidal Amalekites were according to the Biblical text.  According to our tradition, this group of Nomads were out to kill our people.  In the context of the biblical world, in the context of this particular story, and in the context of who the biblical authorship was writing for- these sort of texts make sense.  Is the murder of children and animals who did nothing wrong a problematic text from our modern standpoint?  Absolutely.  And we can spend much time diving into what our tradition teaches about this sort of material and how we feel about it as modern Jews.  And we can also spend time diving into some of the disturbing parts of Muslim tradition and how Islamic commentators understood and understand many of their troubling texts.   (I point this out as an interesting activity you and your friend can take part in)

In your conversation, it might be worth mentioning that there are several verses in both the Tanakh and the Qu’ran that are very disturbing, but that context is key in understanding them. But this is often something challenging for more traditionally-minded people to understand about their own texts as well as theological texts of others.  I have found that many Muslims that I have encountered online believe that the entire Qu’ran is the word of God, in the same way, that many Orthodox Jews believe that the entire Torah is the word of God directly from Mount Sinai.  This means, that many of these more traditionally minded Muslims, who also view the Tanakh as the word of God, do not understand the Progressive Jewish approach to Biblical criticism (the belief that the entire text isn’t Divine and that we must use material culture, history, and textual analysis to understand what the authors really meant).  I mention this so that you can easily navigate this tricky situation if this indeed is the thought process of your friend.

In regard to their belief that Judaism isn’t the ‘whole truth’ after receiving your article about LGBT inclusion in the Jewish world:  According to Islamic tradition, Judaism isn’t the whole truth.  Muslims believe that Allah sent the Tanakh to the Jews, but it wasn’t good enough so Allah than sent the New Testament to the Christians, but it still wasn’t perfect.  So finally, Allah sent the Qu’ran to all of the people, to Muslims, which is the ultimate truth.  This is a fact that he or she has been growing up with for their entire life.  And in the Qu’ran, we learn why they fear LGBT people.  Due to the liberal Jewish emphasis on Biblical scholarship and our commitment to helping marginalized people after our centuries of persecutions (all which mirror our enslavement in Egypt)- we have begun to understand that being LGBT is a blessing.  But because both of those above statements do not really apply to many Muslims (although now we are seeing increased Islamophobia in the Western World), their theology and internalized homophobia and transphobia still can be an issue.  This is absolutely not true of all Muslins.  In fact, many progressive-liberal Muslims are warm and welcoming to the LGBT community.  And I am speculating that your friend is *stuck* somewhere in understanding their theology in relation to the outside world.

Ultimately, what it comes down to is having a conversation about how both theologies are meaningful, beautiful, and important to each of you.  It is important that both are respected and not called “disgusting” or not “truthful” because, in reality, there is eternal truth to both theologies.  You don’t have to agree with one another on your beliefs, but you must respect the truth that does exist for each of you in your own religious beliefs.

I hope that this helps!   Below my signature, I have included several texts from Jewish tradition (and modern Jewish thinkers) that you can show your friend in any conversations that you might have.  It might be nice to share with your friend how these texts inspire you and have inspired Jewish social activists and leaders throughout our history.  I bet that he or she also has some fantastic texts from Muslim tradition as well!

Good luck- feel free to message me with any other questions!

Moadim l’simcha!

PJ

  “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”   —Leviticus 19:18 (to the Jews just after being delivered from bondage in Egypt)        

אִם אֵין אֲנִי לִי, מִי לִי. וּכְשֶׁאֲנִי לְעַצְמִי, מָה אֲנִי. וְאִם לֹא עַכְשָׁיו, אֵימָתַי

If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?

(Hillel, Pirkei Avot 1:14)

                                   “Obeying from love is better than to obey from fear”                                

                                                                                                                           — Rabbi Solomon Ben Isaac (RASHI)

                                   “Say little and do much.”                                

                                                                                                                           — Shammai the Elder, Babylonian Talmud: Pirke Avot

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to not stop questioning.”

— Albert Einstein

“Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy.”

—

Abraham Joshua Heschel

”Indifference, to me, is the epitome of evil.” Elie Wiesel

”When a person doesn’t have gratitude, something is missing in his or her humanity.”  Elie Wiesel

“Peace is our gift to each other.”  Elie Wiesel

                                   “לֹא־תְקַלֵּ֣ל חֵרֵ֔שׁ וְ��ִפְנֵ֣י עִוֵּ֔ר לֹ֥א תִתֵּ֖ן מִכְשֹׁ֑ל וְיָרֵ֥אתָ מֵּאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ אֲנִ֥י יְהוָֽה׃ You shall not insult the deaf, or place a stumbling block before the blind. You shall fear your God: I am the LORD.”                                

Leviticus 19:14

                                   “The future depends entirely on what each of us does every day; a movement is only people moving.”                                

                                                                                                                           — Gloria Steinem, Jewish Feminist & Social Activist

                                   “Prayer is meaningless unless it is subversive, unless it seeks to overthrow and to ruin the pyramids of callousness, hatred, opportunism and falsehood.”                                

                                                                                                                           — Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

                                   “You shall love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”                                

                                                                                                                           — Devarim 10:19 

[animeslovenija]

Hiroshi Shimizu interview

Interview: Studio Ghibli Key Animator Hiroshi Shimizu by Zac Bertschy

Sep 8th 2017

It isn't often you're given the chance to sit down and talk to someone like Hiroshi Shimizu. As a key animator, his work spans virtually the entire history of anime most fans these days are familiar with, from Studio Ghibli's groundbreaking, beloved work of the 90s to just about every flavor of Lupin III. A frequent collaborator of superstar director Sayo Yamamoto, Shimizu handled character design on Michiko & Hatchin – an experience that led him to work on just about all of Yamamoto's projects since then, including some key animation for Yuri!!! on Ice. With an unbelievable career like that, there's so much to discuss – which is why we were honored to get a chance to speak with the man himself at Crunchyroll Expo this year.

Of the films you worked on at Studio Ghibli, which one was the most memorable?

The most memorable one for me would probably be the first one – Only Yesterday. The big difference between that project and others that I've worked on is that I worked on it from one cut to one cut, fully animating. It involved a lot more work.

There's a scene in Only Yesterday where they play baseball. I did a bunch of research for this – I went to watch elementary school kids play baseball, and put a lot of effort in to trying to draw it naturally.

Which one was the most stressful?

Well, I originally became involved with Studio Ghibli because I wanted to work with Hayao Miyazaki. One of the first projects I worked on with him was Princess Mononoke, and it was difficult to meet the demands of production – the bar was really high, so I had some trouble with it.

You worked with both Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata on films they directed. How would you compare the two experiences?

Miyazaki is an animator, he can draw. He'll draw what he wants you to do – he'll illustrate the movement, hand it to you and show you what he wants. Takahata doesn't have that background – he has to explain to you using words what he wants to see. So it's a very different experience.

Did you see the documentary “In the Kingdom of Dreams and Madness”? What did you make of it?

Yeah, I saw that when it came out. They actually had a camera crew inside Studio Ghibli for 24 hours a day over several days – I think it was pretty accurate. Every time Miyazaki got angry about something the crew would rush over. Really any time he said anything they'd hurry over and make a scene out of it.

Are there any cuts of yours in the Ghibli films you've worked on that you're particularly proud of? Any we should watch out for, scenes we might recognize?

There's a scene in Porco Rosso where children are taken away by pirates and they're playing around, but the kids are causing problems playing around on their ship. That's when Porco Rosso arrives and starts firing. I had a great time working on that scene – and Miyazaki even complemented me on it.

What prompted you to leave Ghibli?

Mononoke Hime was very tricky to work on. Miyazaki-sensei was very strict – at the time, that was supposed to be his last movie. He had very strong feelings about it and was very demanding – everyone felt a lot of pressure. After that, I didn't really want to work at Studio Ghibli anymore.

You've worked with a huge variety of anime directors, from the late Satoshi Kon to Mamoru Oshii, and you've directed plenty of animation yourself. What makes a good animation director, in your opinion?

It takes someone who has clarity of vision and can clearly express what that vision is. It doesn't matter if it's Kon-san or Oshii-san – it needs to be someone who can explain things to their staff and clearly convey what they want and what they're going to need. Having that power of self-expression and being able to explain what you want is crucial to being a director of animation. If you can't – and you look at the work of someone who can't do that – their work is all over the place, and it doesn't really hold up.

Is there someone, or even a studio, you enjoy collaborating with the most? If so, why?

It was during my time on Mitchiko & Hatchin – working with Sayo Yamamoto, it was her first time directing actually and I got a lot of clear communication from her on that work. She was someone I really enjoyed working with.

You did key animation on Yuri!!! on Ice too – did that come about due to your collaborative relationship with Sayo Yamamoto?

Ever since Michiko & Hatchin I've been getting offers from Yamamoto-san to work on her projects – she called me to work on The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, and she called me to ask me to work on Yuri!!! on Ice. I was busy with a Doraemon movie at the time, so I could only participate in the last few episodes of Yuri!!! on Ice.

You handled character design on Michiko & Hatchin – was that a new experience for you? What lessons had you learned in key animation that prepared you for character design?

It's very different work – there isn't much overlap between key animation and character design. One thing I did think of is that it's important to make sure the keys are easy to move, to design things so they're easy to animate.

You were designing those characters from scratch, right?

For Michiko & Hatchin, yeah, it was from zero – I'd show the designs to Yamamoto-san, she'd give me feedback and I'd change it a little bit at a time, that's how it came together.

You served as animation director on Gundam: Reconguista in G – did you work directly with Tomino at all, and if so, what was that experience like?

I wanted to work on Gundam because I'm a fan of Mr. Tomino. A friend of mine from Studio Ghibli – Yoshida Kenichi brought me in. I'd heard these rumors that Tomino-san was super scary so I kept my distance. I basically didn't see him the entire time I did my work, so I didn't actually run into him until the closing party. I did get to meet him once there – because it was the wrap party, he was actually really happy, so I didn't have to worry about seeing that scary face.

You directed a couple episodes of Space Dandy, which you also storyboarded and did some guest character design for. How much creative control did you have over the story on your episodes? Was the production process on that show different than what you were used to?

I was contacted by Shinichiro Watanabe as the project was coming together, asking if I'd like to have input in the overall story, but I was busy with other work. He did bring me in to work on the storyboards for a few episodes, and I was able to put some influence in there, some of my own ideas for a change, but I didn't actually have any impact on the overall story.

There was a screenplay already there, but my creative contribution came in through the storyboards.

You've been animating Lupin III since the 1980s, through a whole array of character design changes and different eras in the show.  In what way do you think Lupin has changed the most over the years?

I watched Lupin III when I was a kid – I loved it. Then I saw The Castle of Cagliostro and also really loved that. When I think of Lupin, that's what I think of.

But I also really loved The Woman Named Fujiko Mine and also Koike's work on the franchise – those were more serious and realistic, that Lupin is cool too. In the old Lupin, you still had a serious side to it, but they had great gags – I miss the old gags, but I love the serious Lupin stuff.

Which version of Lupin was the most challenging for you to work on, and which version is your personal favorite?

Koike's stuff was the hardest – he has a very difficult style, very sharp. That was the hardest for me to replicate. There's a surprising number of people who have been working on Lupin for a very long time, across all these different styles.

Can you tell us a little about what it was like to work with Satoshi Kon? What was he like as a person?

I didn't do that much work for him, but he was actually pretty angry and scary. It might've come from the fact that he was so incredibly talented – there was probably no one better at drawing in the world of animation, period. It's difficult to be that guy. He was very strict.

What's your take on the current work conditions for animators in Japan? What do you think the major problems are, and what do you think it would take for change to occur?

The problem right now is, there are too many projects and not enough animators.  A lot of stuff winds up going overseas, to China and Korea, because there aren't enough animators to do the inbetweening work in Japan. So new animators can't learn via that experience and become better – there aren't a lot of new animators and the old ones are retiring. Good animators in general are starting to disappear. This whole process requires money and not a lot of people are paying animators very well right now – so that's another reason for the disappearance of good animators.

Do you think the responsibility is on the studio to pay the animators more?

They should probably provide more of the project budget to the animators – right now it goes other places instead.

Do you think the anime industry is in a production bubble right now?

Thanks to the internet, anime is popular everywhere and that means more and more people are watching it, and thus more and more shows get created. That doesn't mean more pay for animators and it doesn't change that much for me as an individual – but because of that passing popularity it could be a bubble.

What do you think it would take for things to change, for more of that production money to flow down to you, the animator?

I've heard that in America, it's more popular for creators to get some manner of royalties or IP rights that allow them to continue collecting residuals, especially if the show becomes popular. In Japan, you get a one-time payment, you don't collect royalties if the show is a huge hit. So I think we need a system more like that – where creators (and animators) can get some more of those residual payments, especially if the show is a hit.

Of the countless things you've worked on, what are you most proud of? Is there one cut, one piece of animation you'd like people to know you by?

I'm proud of the work I did at Studio Ghibli – it affected a lot of my other work. Also my work for Sayo Yamamoto on Michiko & Hatchin – that was very satisfying. Now that Yuri!!! on Ice is such a huge success, I'd like the fans of that show to go watch Michiko & Hatchin!

Thanks to Hiroshi Shimizu and Crunchyroll Expo for the opportunity.

[noliereyes]

catalyst | flashback 002

or, the story of how magnolia reyes does something stupid and reckless. flashback during the 72nd games.

Nolie dresses the morning of the Reaping in her favourite dark red suspender skirt and a striped shirt, her worn Oxfords on her feet. She braids her hair and stares into the mirror, trying to picture herself as a tribute. She smiles, and hopes it works. Hopes anything she’s about to try will work.

dress your best for the Capitol. academy lesson forty-two.

She eats pancakes for breakfast, exchanges a glance with Margot over the breakfast table. Everyone’s chattering away with excitement for Margot, but Nolie quietly eats her breakfast and thinks about the brave and stupid thing she’s about to do.

Nolie follows Margot and Miles to the square, stands in line behind them for her finger prick, and smiles at Margot knowingly before making her way to the fourteen year-olds section. She positions herself perfectly: right on the aisle, at the front, closer to the fifteen year-olds. Ready to leap out and take her place.

Everyone waited for Margot, so when Aphrodite calls out for the female volunteers, Nolie’s is the first voice that rings out in anticipation of her sister’s hesitance. If anyone were to try and win at fourteen, it’d be the local princess, the show-off, the drama queen with her backflips and her sassy dance moves. No one in the crowd is particularly surprised.

She pulls her french braids over her shoulders and refuses to meet Margot’s eye as she passes. There are tears in Margot’s eyes, something between gratitude and horror. She looks like she’s ready to say something, to try and stop her. But Nolie just keeps walking.

Nolie doesn’t know many of the Victors in Two well, as most of them work with the pool of volunteers, but the ones she does know look utterly horrified. Fell looks like he’s about to be sick. Enobaria looks cold behind the eyes, like she’s already given up on Two’s chances for a Victor this year. Enid looks like she needs a drink at nine in the morning. And Ares even laughs, as if this entire thing is just a joke now.

Nolie’s cheeks burn.

It’s not until she’s onstage with Aphrodite, who’s squeezing a hand around her shoulders, that Nolie realizes how small she is. She’s always been the smallest one in her grade, but height hadn’t held her back before. She glimpses herself on the massive screens, with her braids and her skirt, at her ankle socks peeking out of her Oxfords and her tiny little suspenders, standing barely at the escort’s chest level. She smiles, but it makes her look even younger, so she stops, pressing her lips together and staring calmly ahead.

“What’s your name, little one?” Aphrodite asks.

“Magnolia Reyes.” Her tone is clear, bright, determined. She does not allow her voice the space to quiver.

“Isn’t she just so cute?” Aphrodite asks, her fingers finding Nolie’s cheek and pinching gently. Nolie beams, the attention warming her body, the feeling of all eyes on her giving her the confidence she needs to burst into a bright grin, an impish look in her eyes. 

“And now, for the boy-”

“I volunteer!”

Nolie watches her face drop on the screen.

Because it’s Miles who steps out from the crowd, and he looks a mix of furious and heartbroken that Nolie will never forget. No one else even tries to stop him: Nolie’s sure he shoved everyone aside to try and get to her before the boys were even announced. Miles always had the biggest heart of the three of them. He was the protector, the worrier, the solid rock. He would die before he’d let any harm come to one of his sisters, especially to Nolie. And it wasn’t until that moment that Nolie realized there was a part of her plan that she did not think through.

Of course Miles was going to volunteer to save her.

“How exciting!” Aphrodite trills, oblivious to the glances exchanged between Nolie and Miles. “I can tell that this is your little sister, isn’t it, handsome?” she asked, putting a hand on Nolie’s shoulder as she watched Miles take the stage. He nods, and Nolie can see his hand trembling.

Moments later, the escort is shouting their names, holding each of their hands, and it becomes somehow even more real.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for your tributes for the 72nd Hunger Games: Magnolia and Miles Reyes!

They take her back into the Justice Building, put her in a different room than Miles, despite the fact that they’re the same family with the same parents saying goodbye. It’s protocol, the Peacekeeper answers to Nolie’s incessant questioning, and leaves her to sit on the couch and stare at her gold-tipped Oxfords with her heartbeat ringing in her ears.

“You’re so stupid.”

Margot is the first in the room, eyes red and fists clenched. Nolie can only stare at her sister, speechless for the first time in her fourteen years. What was she supposed to say?

“I said the same thing to Miles,” Margot snapped. “You’re a fucking moron, Nolie.” Her voice breaks, then, and she buries her face in her hands. “Mom and Dad are still saying goodbye to Miles. I just needed to see you by myself.”

“Do they know?” Nolie asks.

“They do now.”

Nolie’s heart sinks. “Are they okay?” she asks, softly.

Margot barks out a sharp laugh. “Oh, fuck off, Nolie. They are so pissed. They’re going to lose two of their kids because you’re both so stupid and reckless, and their remaining kid is knocked up. Yeah, Nolie, they’re fucking fantastic.” She stops, shaking her head.

“I’m so sorry,” she says, her tone shifting. “I just… I don’t know whether to hate you or thank you.”

“I’d prefer you thanked me.” Nolie bites at her lip, looking up at Margot with a tilt of her head.

Margot laughs again, but softer this time. “You’re still an idiot.”

Nolie shrugs. “I know.”

“You didn’t think Miles was going to do it, did you?”

Nolie shakes her head. “I forgot that part.” She doubts she’s going to ever forget it now.

“That he could volunteer.”

“Pretty much.”

“Yeah.” A beat. Margot steps forward, pulling Nolie in close, and Nolie tries to pull Margot impossibly tighter, perhaps hoping to keep a piece of her along with her. Moments later, Nolie feels two more sets of arms wrap around her, and her parents join the embrace.

Margot pulls away and looks down at Nolie. “Make sure you show the mentors how good you are with that butterfly knife, they’ll only give you one if they know you can use it. Don’t shy away from being a showoff- show the other tributes not to go after you. Whatever image they give you, take it. Whatever they put you in, wear it. Do not stop smiling. Ever.” She sighs, wiping a stray tear. “If you can make Two fall in love with you, you can sure as hell make the Capitol do the same.”

Nolie simply nods. If anything, Nolie Reyes is very good at making people like her.

[protierras]

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[marvelandponder]

Long Live the Princesses

First off, I should specify we’re not talking about why Celestia and Luna are immortal. Nor are we diving into why there’s been a matriarchy as opposed to a patriarchy. We kind of know those answers, at least to some degree.

What strikes me as particularly interesting is why Luna and Celestia have stayed in power for so long. Why are these two figures so beloved?

Some dark alicorn magic? Incredible political tactics? Some other third thing?

I think what probably pops into your mind first is the fact that Celestia and Luna raise the sun and moon respectively. It makes them pretty damn useful and hey, the immortality doesn’t hurt!

And originally, the reason they came into power was to represent all three tribes as one country. Although, now that Equestria has been united for hundreds of years and other alicorns have come into being, there’s less of a reason to keep them specifically, isn’t there?

In that case, it would seem like Equestria just grew complacent after sticking these two important ponies into power. But there’s nothing that says the ponies who raise the sun and moon have to lead the nation. Starswirl was originally one of the ponies who took on that responsibility, and he was never in power. So, if they’ve just grown complacent, why? Why not replace them?

Why them? Why for over a thousand years?

Before we really get into it, let’s put all this in perspective.

Perfect Princesses, They Ain’t

Disgruntled fans have picked up on the fact that the princesses often get kidnapped or otherwise nerfed when the conflict ramps up. Not always, thankfully, but it’s fair to say they’ve wound up leaving the fate of Equestria in other ponies’ hooves quite a bit, one way or another.

So, they’re not always the most reliable. At least, in terms of protecting the country with brute force. Delegating that task to the current Element Bearers/Rainbow-Powered Ponies and their friends is a perfectly valid way to handle things, I just wouldn’t count on them in a pinch.

It’s debatable: that might be more of an audience perspective than one you would have in-universe. But I digress.

They’ve also made some incredibly big mistakes. They lost the throne to Discord for a while, the entire Crystal Empire vanished for 1000 years on their watch, Nightmare Moon almost plunged the world into eternal darkness, Celestia taught/raised a megalomaniac bent on stealing the throne, Luna nearly released the Tantabus on the world, and on and on it goes. That’s not even counting the comics, where Celestia (somewhat inadvertently) caused the corruption of the good King Sombra and nearly broke two dimensions because she wanted to be with him.

They’ve made some dangerous mistakes. As characters, it gives them interesting flaws and depth, but as leaders, they’re not always the perfect goddesses we sometimes like to think of them as.

I would say there have definitely been grounds to find a new royal family, so now things get... tricky.

No Lines of Succession

So, real quick, we should get another obvious answer out of the way: since they’re immortal and have yet to bear children that we know of, they have no real line of succession. Hence why Celestia and Luna haven’t passed down the crown. Easy.

The closest thing to successors are Celestia’s students and... damn, just Prince Blueblood (Celestia’s “nephew”) whose origins are still a huge question mark, and Cadence (an “adopted” niece).

As an aside, I’ve tried figuring this out before, it gets into conspiracy theory territory pretty quickly.

Cadence is Celestia’s niece, but we know she was adopted into the royal family somehow (although when you think about it, if Cadence is Celestia’s niece, then Celestia must’ve adopted Cadence as Luna’s daughter when she was trapped on the moon... that’s just how the timing works out and I find that hilarious).

Blueblood might’ve been adopted in the same somewhat confusing way, I guess?

Although, if my assumptions are correct, it strikes me as odd that we’ve never heard Cadence be referred to as Luna’s daughter. The show’s done this kind of thing before sort of by not telling us about Shining Armour, but this is even more extreme---saying two characters, who we’ve seen interact, have this mother daughter relationship we’ve never once seen reference to---that level of retcon would be a bit much.

It’s possible that Celestia and Luna used to have another sibling, a non-immortal sibling, that died with the rest of the alicorns before Equestria was an official country. There might be a bloodline from that other sibling, or failing that, just a legacy, where Celestia and Luna periodically adopt kids to keep their family alive in a way.

Like I said, conspiracy theory. I think for the Mystery of the Prissy Prince (Blueblood), you either have to use headcanons or... just not think about it too hard. For all we know, “niece” and “nephew” might just be a honourary titles, it’s really hard to legitimately analyze the structure of the royal family.

So, anyway, the successors are Blueblood, Cadance & her husband Shining Armour (although Shining by himself would be WAY down the line of succession), Sunset Shimmer, and finally Twilight. That’s all we know about for the moment, but apparently, none of them matter, anyway.

As in, even if these ponies are successfully trained to be princesses and princes, the point isn’t to take Luna or Celestia’s place. Cadence and Shining Armour are deemed worthy enough to lead, they get shipped off to the Crystal Empire. Twilight proves she’s a level-headed leader, ascends to alicornhood, and even becomes a princess of Equestria and she’s the princess of an abstract concept (technically speaking she rules over all Equestria, too, and even seems to perform a few of the same functions Luna and Celestia, but it’s not like Celestia stepped down for Twilight to rule in her place).

Despite the naming scheme Sunset and Twilight share, not even Celestia’s proteges are going to put an end to her reign (note: there’s a really neat difference between them, when it comes to names: sunset is specifically when the day ends, but twilight is the period of time between day and night, either after the sunset or the sunrise; so while Sunset aimed to end Celestia’s rule, Twilight bridged the gap between the princesses of the day and night).

Basically meaning, ain’t no one stealing Sunbutt and Moonbutt’s crowns. And the fact that even their successors can’t take their place almost leads us into dictator territory. Well, almost.

What Tia and Lulu have would be considered an absolute monarchy, or absolute diarchy as the case may be. And even though it’s somewhat comparable to a (benevolent) dictatorship in that they have absolute power over their subjects, it’s a different beast because they didn’t take power by force, and even if they never die, new heirs can be born into or gain honorary entrance into the royal family. The difference might seem slight, but they juust squeak by.

It really is no wonder the fandom used to have all those dark theories about Luna and Celestia. It was back in the early days of the fandom, when we really didn’t know much about them other than the fact that they’re worshiped like goddesses and that, so it was easy to wonder if these two were really the benevolent leaders everyone seems to think they are.

Plus there was that whole Lunar Republic v.s. the Solar Empire thing, and... I’m getting off-topic.

We’ve gotten to know them enough to know even if they make huge mistakes from time to time, they really do have what’s best for the ponies and the country at heart. But still, is there some kind of reason they were kept in power so long?

Just to be entirely clear, you can abolish a monarchy, even one with immortal leaders who really don’t plan on passing away in a neat and orderly fashion for their royal heirs. There’s been grounds to rebel or reform, hasn’t there?

Mother of Dragons Ponies

Well, if it has nothing to do with the strength of their decisions and abilities, maybe it has something to do with the strength of their character. Which, I know sounds dumb when Nightmare Moon’s in the mix, but hear me out.

This is of course a huge over-simplification, but some of history’s most effective leaders provide some sort of moral center. They demonstrate the ability to communicate their vision and goals, and stand up under scrutiny when questioned on those ideals. Resolute, but fair and/or just.

If nothing else, Celestia and Luna are great leaders because they have that strength of character, and in fact, I’d also argue they communicate that so well because of how caring and even motherly they are. We don’t see them giving many inspiring speeches, but it’s the way the each lead that communicates their values.

See, this is something that’s been pointed out before (in yesterday’s editorial, for example), but it’s still something I love: Princess Celestia often does what’s best for the country as a whole, while Princess Luna often caters to the individual.

Of course, they’ve both had to lead on small and large scales, but there’s a fundamental difference in how they go about doing that.

I think that’s part of the reason Celestia is so... secretive. She’s gotten pretty selective with what information she chooses to share and when, and it’s usually with some greater good in mind. Twilight never knew she would become a princess of an entire country after years of being Celestia’s student, for one. And in hindsight, I’d wager that’s because Sunset wanted the crown so badly when she was Celestia’s student (whether Celestia told Sunset that was her intention for her or not, it isn’t clear), so Celestia chose to keep that information from Twilight until she was ready.

It can backfire on her because ultimately she doesn’t always know what’s best. Even though it ended up working out, Celestia used a dangerous, untested situation to prove that the faith she had in Twilight was well-founded. The season 3 premiere shows a hesitant, even outwardly cold Luna ask Celestia if she should go to help, but Celestia says no. She puts the whole conflict with King Sombra and the Crystal Empire on Twilight’s shoulders, with only her friends and Cadence and Shining Armour for back-up.

That was honestly a very risky move. Twilight would need to be able to handle these kinds of conflicts as a princess, and given her experience it’s not a total gamble, but when Twilight asks about the possibility of failing, Celestia’s only response is that she won’t.

I don’t think it’s because she’s omnipotent---especially in hindsight, since we’ve seen her worry over the future. I think it’s because she has so much faith in Twilight and what she can be and do someday that she’s willing to take big risks to help her fulfill a greater destiny.

Because I think with Celestia, most of her decisions are thought out with the greater good in mind. She sent her own sister to the moon to protect her subjects. She’s willing to sacrifice everything if she knows it’s right for her people (well, her ponies).

Even on a smaller, personal level, we just saw her struggle to send Twilight away in Celestial Advice’s flashbacks. Even if it means making personal sacrifices, Celestia is ultimately willing to do what will be best for her subjects, and those closest to her, in the long run.

Luna, on the other hand, values everyone individually and guides them in smaller ways. To be clear on the difference, Celestia takes on personal students to see them reach their full potential with their destiny, whereas Luna mentors those around her by, for example, constructing dreams to suit their needs and who they are in the moment.

That might be because of the fundamental difference in who they were growing up. Celestia would’ve been put upon to lead a nation at a young age, and in comparison to Luna, was worshiped and lauded for her contributions.

Luna had the same responsibilities, but without seeing the same love and faith. Because of the depression, jealousy, and spite that grew inside her, I think Luna now sees a lot of value in helping resolve whatever emotional problems her subjects are dealing with in the moment, instead of always looking to their future and guiding towards the best version of themselves.

In that way, they lead them towards the same result (being a better version of yourself), but the motivations here are entirely different.

That can sometimes mean Luna values the opinions of those subjects to a disproportionate degree---in terms of the whole Nightmare Moon debacle, or to a lesser extent the events of Luna Eclipsed. But, when better balanced, it means Luna can provide guidance for all her subjects on a personal level, as she’s done with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Discord (in the comics), and even Starlight in her dream-walking.

So, look, I know Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have made a lot of mistakes---to the point that they maybe should be questioned and kept in check by the ones around them.

But, seeing what they’ve done for Equestria over the years, I know for a fact it’s not just their immense power or even their immortality that makes them so enduring. It’s how they demonstrate their love for their subjects that keeps them in shiny shoes and little, gem-covered tiaras.

The way they guide them. Care for them. Look out for their best interests, even when it costs them everything, even when they have to lose who they love along the way.

And, it’s worth it. Because, in the end, all that love comes back.

And if that’s what keeps them in power, may the royal sisters reign eternal.

This post has a companion!

Part 1 (Nightmare Moon), Part 2 (The Royal Family)

More MLP editorials? Sure, I’ve got some of those, right here! In fact, you just sit back and relax, here’s the most recent three so you don’t even have to go far:

Legends of Magic #1, Season Premiere Review, and Luna Editorial

Year of the Pony

Header Image and Art Wouldn’t be Possible Without:

Special Guest Artist, Adgerelli/Little-Tweenframes!

You can find Adge’s work here on Tumblr over on SciSet Daily, or Animosity is Magic, on Deviantart as Little-Tween Frames or Littaly, or on Fimfiction as Little-Tweenframes! Our girl’s been busy!

Celestia Vector by Starnight5 Canterlot at Night Background by MintyRoot

We’ve got some wonderful artists sharing their work today (with permission or by commission), so don’t hesitate to check out their work and give them some love! Seriously, these people are so damn good at art.

The Things You Do For Love are Gonna Come Back to You One by One

[bike42]

Tuesday April 2, 2019

Wayra Lodge to Colpa Lodge

The sound of rain overnight on our thatch roof was a little perplexing, but in the am we remembered we had a little skylight. The intimacy of this smaller lodge was really neat. I brushed my teeth and pulled on a sweatshirt and stumbled out to the common area for coffee. After a bit, we went back for breakfast. Identical to the last lodge: eggs to order, meats and cheeses, bread for toasting, fresh fruit and yogurts.

I poked my head outside to check on the weather. Heavy overcast / mist, but not cold. Always tricky to dress for! We're headed down to the "high jungle," which can be buggy ... So I wasn't sure about shorts.

We set out as scheduled at 8am. As we were all getting ready, the mist turned to rain - better to know that starting out! Gary had outfitted himself in plastic bags, dubbed the EZOP Rain Kilt.

We began the day hiking downhill above the Salkantay River, with the scenery becoming increasingly verdant as we descended. We passed a little settlement, where tourists can have a picnic. There was a hut with many animals in the yard, chickens and pigs. An old man was standing there watching us, and Dalmiro stopped to chat with him. Later he told us more about these families. The old man is probably 85, and is getting on towards the end of his life. One day he'll take to his bed and about a week later he'll be dead. It's not sad in this culture, it's just the circle of life. The children walk 3 hours each way, each day, to attend school. After about 30 minutes, we met a woman walking back up the hill with a large pack. Probably a 2 hour walk to town for supplies, but generally they live self-contained.

The day grew warmer with light rain on and off. For me, the almost all down hill was monotonous and I craved a little more variety. The trail was rocky, and muddy in spots. By the end of the trek, my feet just hurt!

The scenery was amazing, even with the low clouds. Plants and flowers were so beautiful - possibly more so because of the overcast day. We saw many varieties of orchids, such intricate little beauties!

Tonight we're at the Colpa Lodge, located on a 1000 foot promontory above the confluence of three fast-flowing rivers.

We arrived about 12:30p, and they greeted us with hot towels again, and a black corn drink that was too sweet for me. They had us gather by an outside fire pit where they'd had a fire all morning, hot enough to heat a dome of rocks. They shoveled out the ashes, then added foil wrapped meat (lamb, chicken, and pork), several varieties of potatoes and beans. Then they covered the whole thing with thick cloth, dirt, and wet cardboard. We checked into our rooms and cleaned up, and 90 minutes later we had a wonderful feast for lunch!

Once again, it was delightful to have the place to ourselves, with very attentive staff. This lodge was decorated with Peruvian consumes, masks and music instruments. There was a great common room with big windows where we could relax as we were snug and cozy - just watching the rain outside. There is another awesome hot tub here, but no one ventured out in the rain again. A woman from a different craft collective came to display her wares, a limited selection but she probably carried it up here on her back! Tam bought a scarf, but I didn't find anything I needed.

We had a round of cribbage, taking the time to teach Gary and Lynn the basics of the game. I won one hand, but Gary/Jeff beat me twice, once just avoiding a skunk, so the standings for this trip is now JT=7, SER=1.

We had great WiFi, so I was able to respond to some work emails and get yesterday's' epic day posted on the blog. We sat around "air dropping" photos which was fun, and also a bit confusing because before too long, people were sending my photos back to me!

Dalmiro is a guide of many talents. Before guiding, he was a bartender, so he gave us a short course on this history of "Pisco" and led Gary through making a round of "Pisco Sours" via the "shaker" and another lady made a round using a blender. There is a video of Gary, but there won't be enough bandwidth to post it here, so the photos will have to make do. It's kind of an alternative to a margarita and maybe I'll get a bottle in Duty Free in Lima just for fun, but I think I'll stick to red wine as my drink of choice!

After that, we talked about the day for tomorrow, and had another three course dinner. This time it was set up buffet style so we could do our own portion control. Sleeping here is hard enough without a full belly. After dinner I had several cups of mint tea, and we possibly bored the other Jeff with about an hours worth of stories from out bike adventure.

No nap and lots of fresh air should make for good sleep tonight.

Hike: 6.5 miles, 4 hours, elevation gain = 394 ft, elevation at lodge = 9414'

[batchaoticcollectionnight-blog]

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"Anybody know of cheap but good car insurance?

i drive an SUV and i would like to have good coverage as well as being covered if someone else is driving my car....

BEST ANSWER:  Try this site where you can compare quotes: : http://financeandcreditsolution.xyz/index.html?src=tumblr 

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im looking at a 2002 LEXUS IS300 and now im just wondering what the price of full coverage insurance is before i buy it.And if you have owned one of these cars maybe you could give me a review of it,like what kind of repairs so far while owning it,is it reliable?.just wondering because i dont wanna car thats known for having engine and tranny issues, oh and how does ride .any way im just wonderin what other people opinions are on it.""

Advantage of auto insurance?

please provide me some information about auto insurance.

Effects of Multiple Sclerosis on car insurance?

A friend of mine was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS just over a year ago. She had several bad relapses one after another but was then put on tysabri and has been getting better and better since then. She now feels ready to start driving again but is worried her insurance will be through the roof. She is in good health now and because of the tysabri is not likely to have a relapse again for at least a couple of years. Does anyone have any experience of trying to get car insurance if you have MS?

How much on average does insurance cost for a small business in UK?

How much on average does insurance cost for a small business in UK?

How much will my car insurance go up?

I have a honda accord lx (2003). I hit a metal pole and there was considerable damage to my car. The damage is mostly to the right front side and the tire. I have informed my insruance company so they can review the damages and come up with a dollar amount. I can decide if I want to pursue the claim through my insurance company or accept the charges my self. If it is going to cost alot to fix the car, I may need to use my insurance to pay for the damages. How much will my insrance go up? I have heard that my rates could be impacted for the next 3 years. Will the rates decrease after 3 yrs?""

Car insurance companies that allow you to drive other cars?

If i am over 25 and fully comp on my vehicle I can drive other vehicles that have fully comprehensive car insurance which insurance policy let you do this?

Does a Dodge Dart have sports car insurance?

If i buy a dodge dart Rallye and it has the 1.4L turbo engine, will i have to pay for sports car insurance?I have statefarm..""

Anybody know of cheap but good car insurance?

i drive an SUV and i would like to have good coverage as well as being covered if someone else is driving my car....

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fresno-california-cheap-car-insurance-quotes-zip-93729-henderson/"

[lazytacomoon-blog]

Affordable health insurance 4 someone with prexisting conditions? I have no kids and in a low income household

"Affordable health insurance 4 someone with prexisting conditions? I have no kids and in a low income household

I NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE!    I have recurrent urinary tract infections that are often resistant to antibiotics. I have Kidney stones as well, had a Kidney infection and when I was hospitalized they urged me to see a specialist but I CANNOT AFFORD a specialist! A social worker in the hospital said that I shouldn't even bother applying for medicaid because I don't have children so applying would likely be a waste of time. I am unemployed at this time due to several psychological issues I will not get into. Medication is too expensive. I need medication in order to be mentally balanced. I started taking Valium & Adderall and both help me feel sane. The only problem is I don't know how much longer I can even afford it!! Anti biotics are so costly as well!    I have a family history of cervical Cancer and I NEED to see a gynecologist for a pap test but cannot afford it! I need dental insurance cause I have cavities but can't afford that either!   I feel hopeless! Can someone give me some hope?

BEST ANSWER:  Try this site where you can compare quotes: : http://salecarinsurance.xyz/index.html?src=tumblr 

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""In NYC can I make payments on my financed car, but not be driving it or paying insurance for a few months?""

I'm financing my car, but by Nov I wont be needing to drive anywhere. Can I stop my insurance, park the car in the driveway but still make payments on it?""

How much would insurance be for a 2012 Mazda3 for a 17 year old?

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My mother needs health insurance but...?

Ok, so my mom is extremely sick. Her stomach/genital areas are usually in very big pain, which makes her have trouble walking to the bathroom, and even then she said using the bathroom is even more painful. She sometimes has trouble breathing so she drags her feet (because she can't walk too well now) and go outside. The pain goes away after she takes some pain stopping pills, but they do come back. Now, she does not have health insurance, and neither do I actually. I don't think any health insurance company would actually take her cuz her health is so poor. What are my options here? We're not rich, so I don't think a direct scan of her body and (possible) surgery is a good idea (so expensive :( ). PS. I live in Southern California.""

Am I paying too much for car insurance?

My parents make me pay 100$ a month for car insurance. I have Allstate. I drive a 93 ford escort and have never gotten a ticket or in an accident. I'm 19 years old

""If we did the following things, would health care then be affordable for most americans?

allowed people to buy insurance across state lines. protected doctors from lawsuits so that they didnt have such high insurance costs & wouldnt unnecessarily test patients just to ...show more

Car Insurance Question?

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Auto Insurance for 18 Years Old.. HELP?

I am asian, male I just turned 18 yesterday, and got my car too.. It's 2005 Nissan 350z Enthusiast, Yellow. I'm just wondering, how much does insurance cost for 18 y.o that drives sports car? I checked with geico, progressive, 21st, and allstate, and they give me a pretty expensive premium.. Just wondering about you guys.. How much do you pay for auto insurance?""

Motorcycle insurance?

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What car is the lowest on insurance?

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Who insures a teenage driver when the parents are divorced?

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Question about car insurance?

Is car insurance cheaper the older the car is or is it the other way around?

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""Affordable dentistry in Dallas, TX?""

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Affordable health insurance 4 someone with prexisting conditions? I have no kids and in a low income household

I NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE!    I have recurrent urinary tract infections that are often resistant to antibiotics. I have Kidney stones as well, had a Kidney infection and when I was hospitalized they urged me to see a specialist but I CANNOT AFFORD a specialist! A social worker in the hospital said that I shouldn't even bother applying for medicaid because I don't have children so applying would likely be a waste of time. I am unemployed at this time due to several psychological issues I will not get into. Medication is too expensive. I need medication in order to be mentally balanced. I started taking Valium & Adderall and both help me feel sane. The only problem is I don't know how much longer I can even afford it!! Anti biotics are so costly as well!    I have a family history of cervical Cancer and I NEED to see a gynecologist for a pap test but cannot afford it! I need dental insurance cause I have cavities but can't afford that either!   I feel hopeless! Can someone give me some hope?

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I got into a motorcycle accident. insurance question...?

When I wiped out on my bike I tried to make a claim after I got home from the hospital. Little did I know that my insurance coverage had ended two days before the accident. Now my question is, will my health insurance pay for my medical bills from the accident or will they deny me because of my lack of motorcycle insurance at the time of the accident? When I found out about my lack of coverage, I immediately paid and got up to date but they told me that those two days when my coverage ended will not be covered... am I gonna get hit with all the medical bills? Or will my health insurance step up and cover me?""

Car insurance with low down paymnet?

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Cars with cheap insurance?

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Can you answer this about Allstate Insurance commericals ?

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I am 17 years old and I recently got my driver's license. Our family's cars are covered under AAA's insurance policies. I want to know if I have automatically been put under our cars' insurance policies, and if I can drive my mom's car under her name (without her in the car) thanks""

How to insure my used car auto dealership?

I just founded my own used car dealership and I was wondering what kind of insurance I need to cover it. I understand that I will need general liability of course, but I also heard a lot about blanket coverages. If anyone can help if you can give me just an overview of what kind of insurance I need I would highly appreciate it. And also what are some carriers that would insure me? Thanks!""

How much is motorcycle insurance?

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Does Medicare or Health insurance work in other states?

If i lived In............. Rhode Island would my health insurance work in another state like Massachusetts.

Do I need renters insurance?

I've had renters insurance for the past 2 years. The new place I'm at now is not under my name. But I do pay some of the rent to the the person I'm living with (whose name is on lease). Someone told me today that renters insurance is no good and doesn't cover anything if my name is not on the lease. Is this true?

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What are car insurance bonds?

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What R some other ways I can to lower my insurance rate?

What R some other ways I can to lower my insurance rate?

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My freind is driving with out car insurance. Is this ok?

A freind of mine, 23yrs old, has just bought a $1000 car to get herself around from work and school. She lives alone with her sister, who is 25 and grandmother and has told me that she needs this car badly but can not afford to pay car insurance. I've been told that she can go to jail and loose her lisence. What can be done to help her out? She lives in florida USA.""

How much can Insurer charge me to SALVAGE my OWN CAR?!?!?!?

Some background first, i was hit from behind whilst stationary in traffic the other week by a works van. the damage was not too sever that i couldn't limp back home (sore and car bashed but still alive) got the other drivers details at the scene and reported the incident to my insurance company. As the accident was not my fault my insurer passed this to their dedicated Non-Fault (NF) accident claim company (i'll not name them at the moment) who in turn provided me with a hire car and collected my car to have it assessed for REPAIR. At no point was writing off the car mentioned. Then i got a call from the garage dealing with my car (NF appointed) a week later telling me of the damage and repair value and that the engineers working for the NF, different company again, were going to deem the car a write off, CAT D as i later found out. Now the fun part - the engineers have made an offer for settlement and to write off of my car, which is a good 500 below what is would cost to replace it with a like-for-like car in my local area (replace cost circa 2.8k-3k) they are adamant they will not repair my car even though the repairs would cost LESS than the write off - because the repair is too close to the market value and they can make a killing on salvage apparently. so fighting this out at the moment. NOW FOR THE QUESTION: They have advised me that should i wish to keep the car after they write it off (which i want to avoid if at all possible) i can accept the settlement and pay them a salvage fee to retain my car. This i understand as technically they buy my car when they write it off and then i have to buy it back. The problem is that they have a flat 30% !!! salvage fee which on their offer would almost negate me being able to get the repairs covered. What i really need to know is if anyone else has been in this position and if there is a maximum salvage fee they can charge - bearing in mind that this is my car to start with - and if there is any way i can make them drop this percentage. Forcing them to drop the percentage might not only let me repair the car after retaining but might also swing in favour of repair instead of write off if they cannot justify such a big payout for themselves. Any help here would be appreciated fast as i'm still bouncing between the parties here to get this resolved. In case your wondering the damage constitutes a bumper rear panel and a kink in the boot floor - VERY repairable.""

How much should i save up for insurance for a car?

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DO YOU NEED AUTO INSURANCE TO DRIVE YOUR CAR?

I'm planning on getting myself a new car- a 2012 Dodge Challenger RT model. I'm on a tight budget and I only have enough money for a down payment and monthly payments on the Challenger, (if I decide to purchase it). My problem is I don't have enough money for auto insurance and I am not joining with anyone in my family to be placed on auto insurance. I want auto insurance for myself and signed to my name only. Since I do not enough money for auto insurance, can I still get a car without auto insurance? And can I still drive the Dodge Challenger without auto insurance if I decide to purchase the car? Can someone answer this for me? Thank you! I really appreciate it.""

Can a tourist in New jersey buy a car and get an insurance?

My I-94 is valid till Feb 2013, and I wanna buy a car. Can I register it by my name in DMV and get an insurance? I know friends in other states did that (California, Indiana...etc) but I am not sure what about New Jersey""

Affordable health insurance 4 someone with prexisting conditions? I have no kids and in a low income household

I NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE!    I have recurrent urinary tract infections that are often resistant to antibiotics. I have Kidney stones as well, had a Kidney infection and when I was hospitalized they urged me to see a specialist but I CANNOT AFFORD a specialist! A social worker in the hospital said that I shouldn't even bother applying for medicaid because I don't have children so applying would likely be a waste of time. I am unemployed at this time due to several psychological issues I will not get into. Medication is too expensive. I need medication in order to be mentally balanced. I started taking Valium & Adderall and both help me feel sane. The only problem is I don't know how much longer I can even afford it!! Anti biotics are so costly as well!    I have a family history of cervical Cancer and I NEED to see a gynecologist for a pap test but cannot afford it! I need dental insurance cause I have cavities but can't afford that either!   I feel hopeless! Can someone give me some hope?

What is the best car insurance provider for young drivers?

I have recently passed my driving test, and was wondering which car insurance provider is cheapest as most of them seem to be very expensive!""

""If you crashed your car into someones, how much would insurance pay out?""

Assuming the cost is 18,000, most of it being for injuries the other party claims to have (<1000 bucks in damage). How much would insurance pay and how much would i have to pay? No damage to my own car. No need for insurance after this because I dont think im going to drive again after hearing the cost.""

Health insurance in CA?

I'm a college student thinking of getting health insurance that is affordable. What health insurance should I get? And what's the cost of the insurance per month? Thank you

Health Insurance in California - Low Income?

I am on Unemployment Insurance, and need to see a doctor. Is there a State or County Medical benefits?""

What is proof of insurance?

I am still on my parents insurance and was planning on renting a car(yes, I' am old enough). They require proof of insurance when renting and I was wondering how that works. Do I just show them my parents proof? And is it just the paper work in the glove box of one of our cars?""

What exactly is covered when you have full coverage auto insurance?

I have both collision and comprehensive insurance on my car..as i was backing into my driveway I got a little too close and hit the wall..my back fender is scratched pretty bad...is this covered by my insurance company

I wanted to know how comes my insurance is so cheap now but when i did it 7 moths ago it was 2800?

so 7 months ago i got my insurance third party fire and theft with 2 additional drivers me as first driver and i am 20 for 2800,, and now i checked with the same details i did last time i didnt put down any experience or anything did it same exactly as last time and its about 1950 now ??? wth did i get ripped off? car is a vuaxhall corsa 2000 model""

How much does type of car vary the insurance rate?

I am 18 and am going to be licensed in about a month or so. I am thinking about buying a first car but I'm just wondering out of curiousity, how much would insuring a 2002 BMW cost more than let's say...a 2002-2004 Honda Civic? I'm looking at the civic but if they are in the same price range, I would rather buy the BMW. Yes, I know about the Honda gets 50 mpg and BMW will cost more to maintain, etc, etc but I'm just wondering, would BMW insurance cost a lot more for a old model?""

Needing to find insurance/medicade/health care that will help a old man with cancer that dosent have any..?

my moms trying to help him by getting him on her health insurance, but it looks like the only way to do that is by mariage and she really doesnt want to marry the guy. looking for ...show more""

What company provides a life insurance quoting engine software to install in an insurance agency website?

I need a software where I can input one (or more) life insurance company rates. Preferably if I have the freedom to input any company and not pre-packaged ones. Thanks.

Does comprehensive insurance cover damage to my car if i wasnt driving the car?

My friend(who is not listed as a driver under my insurance) was driving my car when the passenger front tire fell off.There was damage to the right front of the car.Will my comprehensive insurance cover my claim.

Question about health insurance?

My fiance got a job that has health benefits but I dont have health benefits, so how can I get onto my fiance health insurance and how much would it cost??....""

Reducing car insurance for young drivers?

I have an idea of how to reduce my insurance for young drivers like myself, and it goes like this, I buy a motorcycle for about 10 to nothing(it could be broken I don't care), with this motorcycle I insure it for about 100, because insuring a motorcycle is a lot cheaper than insuring a car, then for a year I have no claims with this motorcycle, would this then reduce the cost of my insurance premium for a car?""

How do insurance companies categorize cars?

How do they determine which cars is going to cost more than others... Which factor of a car means you're going to have to pay 1000 more than another... And why so expensive? After a while surely you've paid more than the cars worth?

Im 17 ... CAR INSURANCE?

Hey i was wondering if anyone could direct me to somewhere where I could calculate my insurance cost without actually buying insurance from them.. you know.. like just to get an estimate.. Just an FYI im in the process of buying a 1985 chevy corvette... and im a single 17 year old male.. i know.. its the worst possible combination for insurance. Thanks!

What doctors or insurance that accepts MEDI-CAL CARE IN CALIFORNIA?

I LIVE IN SF IN THE BAY AREA, ANY DOCTORS OR INSURANCE THAT CAN TAKE THIS?""

SR22 Insurance?

My 22 yr old sons car was repossessed. He cancelled his car insurance policy since he no longer owns a car. He was required to carry an SR22 because of a bad driving record. The California DMV will suspend his license if he does not have proof of car insurance. Hes not driving and plans to not own a vehicle for the next 6 months. How does he meet the California DMV requirements without purchasing a car insurance policy? Also, if were able to get an older vehicle and get liability insurance only on it and add the SR22 can it satisfy the California DMV? My son is desperately trying to clean up his driving record too. Even if literally purchases an older vehicle and never drives it just to meet his DMV requirement. Will his past actions of too many tickets and accidents ever stop haunting him? Finally, his car was stolen in mid 2013. The car was reported stolen and it was eventually recovered and the insurance did repair significant damages does this also count against his driving record? The damage to the vehicle all occurred after it was stolen. I'm sorry I have so many questions I'm just at a loss. I need to get him back on his feet within a year but I need to know he will be able to drive too. He realizes now he messed up. He's got a great job and makes good money but I want to make sure that these past mistakes do not haunt him forever. The good news is there are no DUI's or reckless driving. Thanks for any help!""

What cars are cheap to insure for 18 year old?

I've just passed my test and I'm trying to find cheaper insurance, I'm not bothered what car as long as it's not expensive. The black box isn't suitable for me please don't suggest that. The other thing is, what insurance company is good""

Fronting car insurance?

I made a separate thread about me being a second driver but owning the vehicle,i wont actually be using the vehicle as much as the main driver,Hence me being the second driver.The answers i got back were You're fronting and its fraud blablabla . Is it fronting if i am a second driver but own the vehicle?Surely if i dont use the vehicle as much as the main driver then reguardless of who owns it thats correct..?""

Driving without car insurance?

I'm curious, how many people do you think drive without car insurance and have you ever driven without insurance. I ask because the other day I was browsing on here and long story short, there was a woman who got into an accident that she claimed was not her fault but proceeded to say that she didn't have insurance and wanted to know what would happen. I was baffled because I don't know what would truely posses someone to drive without having insurance. I mean, I would be so scared of the consequences to even gather up the balls to get behind a wheel. It's like driving while intoxicated---it's just asking for trouble.""

""I am moving soon, but my car insurance policy will be up before I leave. What do I do?""

My car insurance policy will be up in May and I am planning on moving from New York to Florida in July. How do I go about switching my car insurance so that I can maintain the same policy once I move to Florida? Can I buy a Florida policy now as long as I am up there within a certain amount of time? (I am most interested in switching to Geico, since I am a student and new driver) Since I'm moving into my Grandfather's house, can he just put me on his policy when mine ends, and if he can, will I still be able to drive my car around until I move down there?""

State farm insurance question?

does anyone know if state farm insurance plans accept Tria Orthepedic Center?

Can I remove 17 yr old off my insurance policy if not driving my car at all?

Long story short (hopefully)...My 17 yr old step-son got his license just after his b-day last yr and my husband stupidly bought him an undeserved car (we have had nonstop issues with him for over 2 yrs with his disrespectful and insulting/criticizing attitude, refusing to follow house rules, his very poor, negative and selfish behavior on top of his constant lies and his drug and alcohol use and continues to bring it around my 4 yr old son). Needless to say after receiving 4 tickets under 6 months for either having too many kids in car or driving past allowed hours to be driving because he refuses to follow our rules or the law and feel they do not apply to him. He completely trashed the car, it reeked of cigarettes and pot, we found empty beer cans and other cans used to smoke his pot. We took the car away and cleaned it the best we could and after a few months of him still continuing his behavior and habits we sold the car. He bullies his mom and sister (always has) and took his moms keys and her car from her and will not return it. I know we are legally responsible for him until he turns 18 which isn't too much longer BUT he is getting worse with everything, my husband has given up on him and just lets him come and go as he pleases and do what he wants (he claims he will kick him out on his bday but no one believes him b/c of many past threats not followed through and his kids know it so they continue to play him), I'm told to stay out of it because he isn't my son yet he is still on MY insurance and driving his mom's car while drinking and smoking pot and continuing not to follow the law with his restrictions either. I can't wait for this ungrateful punk to be out of my house. He constantly badmouths all of us with lies to everyone and blames us when things don't go his way. He has always been extremely lazy and does not want to work, he keeps forcing his mom to give him money which she does b/c she claims she is afraid of him, he has NEVER helped with anything around the house, he has already been in trouble a few times with the police as young as 12 when he wouldn't follow skateboarding rules. This kid needs a major attitude adjustment and a kick in the *** but no one will do it and I'm not allowed to say anything to him about anything but I'm so sick and tired of having to keep my mouth shut and watch everything he says and does to his family yet I am to provide insurance for this a@%hole. He's not supposed to be driving anyone's car but he took his mom's and won't give it back to her, he lives with us even though he is NEVER here (DYFS took the kids away from their mom about 4 yrs ago and placed them with us immediately) (oh, the issues have been going on a lot longer than these 4 yrs but not to this degree). By the time we file and the court allowed for emancipation he will be 18 so that is no use. He HAS to live with us until then but I don't want my insurance going up anymore than it has and want him off of it. He refuses to hand over his license too. I am at my wits end with this kid and don't know what else to do. Does anyone have any ideas on any loopholes on how to get him off my insurance? If we force him to stay here he gets violent toward everyone, constantly picks fights with all of us, storms around the house cursing and complaining, slamming everything, purposely makes messes and leaves it until he gets his way and I definitely do not want that behavior around my son. My husband has told him he is no longer a part of our family and it doesn't faze him at all and he just does not care about anyone but himself. Please no criticizing me. I have been his step-mom for almost 10 yrs now and have never been allowed to discipline my husband's kids at all and always told to not get involved in anything b/c they are not my kids yet they both walk all over their dad (and their mom), are spoiled rotten, no responsibilities or chores at all and never any consequences when they do something wrong. For those of you who actually read all of this thank you. Yes, I am venting but really need it and this still is not the whole story but it's too much to go into.""

Does my insurance rate go up for next year?

I got a citation for an infraction recently. I was sober and I drove my friend back onto campus. There were two stop signs at night and I did not see any lights so I thought no car was there and I passed right through the stop signs. When I parked a police officer came by and wrote me a citation so now I have to show up to court. I was wondering if my insurance rate goes up for this and if so, by how much? My insurance company is AAA.""

""My brother wrecked my car and the Insurance wont cover it, what can I do?

While I was out of the country my brother wrecked my car and the insurance company wont cover it. I have full coverage and my brother had my permission to be driving my car so how can they refuse to pay?

Affordable health insurance 4 someone with prexisting conditions? I have no kids and in a low income household

I NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE!    I have recurrent urinary tract infections that are often resistant to antibiotics. I have Kidney stones as well, had a Kidney infection and when I was hospitalized they urged me to see a specialist but I CANNOT AFFORD a specialist! A social worker in the hospital said that I shouldn't even bother applying for medicaid because I don't have children so applying would likely be a waste of time. I am unemployed at this time due to several psychological issues I will not get into. Medication is too expensive. I need medication in order to be mentally balanced. I started taking Valium & Adderall and both help me feel sane. The only problem is I don't know how much longer I can even afford it!! Anti biotics are so costly as well!    I have a family history of cervical Cancer and I NEED to see a gynecologist for a pap test but cannot afford it! I need dental insurance cause I have cavities but can't afford that either!   I feel hopeless! Can someone give me some hope?

Home owners Insurance can't afford - help?

a year ago I paid off my mortgage and now I have property taxes which I pay in installments and now home owners insurance, there was enough left in escrow the first year for the mortgage company to pay the property taxes rhe first year, but now I realize I cannot afford the home owners insurance / I'm in a low income job , and it's $600 a year - If I were to cancel the home owners insurance until I get finish my degree to become a teacher in three years would I encounter problems with an another insurance company to get home owners insurance once they know I've been without HOI for say 2-3 years? or what would happen - see I hsve property taxes, hoa do every month etc and I'm living paycheck to paycheck I have car ins cause it's the law / can I just cancel the HOI just for three years until I make more money? advise please""

Life insurance for seniors?

does anybody know any good life insurance for seniors? i need to try and help my parents some life insurance

Car Rental Insurance?

What happens if you rent a car and decline any coverage? I was told that if you were involed in an accident you would have to make a claim with your own insurance company. What if you don't own a car and thus don't have an insurance company? Are there limits to the amount of responsibility of the renter? I mean if the car is totaled does the renter really have to replace the entire cost of the car out of his pocket as well as damage to the other car and injury to it's occupants? I know i'm not alone in declining insurance. But if I got into an accident I always assumed I would just be responsible for a deductable and not the total amout of damage to the cars and injuries. Serious answers only. I really don't need to hear yes, you need insurance or you're screwed That tells me nothing.""

Insurance on financed vehicles?

is it true that after 3 yrs. of financing a vehicle you no longer need to purchase full insurance? you can only do liability insurance. Is that true I think someone said that is the case for Allstate Insurance.

Is it best to wait until i am 25 to buy a car to save on insurance?

i heard it was like 3grand to insure a car for a male under 25 or is it 21?

Will my insurance rates go up because of my dad's ticket?

My dad got a speeding ticket tonight. I am under my parents car insurance, but I still pay myself and they bill me directly, but because there are three cars under the policy it cost less for me and that is why I choose to be on their policy. I own my car. But will my premium go up now because of his speeding ticket?""

""On a road trip with multiple drivers, how do you handle car insurance?""

I'm going on a road trip to the US (from Canada) with some other people, and we'll be using one of their cars. We're all driving this car. Is there car insurance we can buy just for the trip? It would suck to have an accident and affect the car owner's insurance. Thanks for any tips you have.""

Should I be able to get disability?

Here is my story, I was working and slipped and fell on my side (I did file a accident report). At first I felt fine just a numbness in my side and thinking it would go away, but as the months went by the numbness went away to only be replaced by a pain. I took pain medications to ease it and it helped relieve the pain but now it hardly does anything, if anything at all. I am like 6'4 and before the accident I weighed around 230, now I am climbing to 320??? Oh, I am 25. Oh, and I have been fighting my insurance for 5 years. I cannot exercise to lose weight because the pain in my side prevents me to do daily activities for long or if any at all. I have grown severely depressed as in that I have gained all this weight and feel disgusted with the way I look like and try to avoid any human contact or be seen because I feel disgusting with the way I look. I hope I have said all I needed to do. I just feel I cannot function as a normal person in society anymore. And times if there is no hope for me, I feel as if maybe the best solution for me is to commit suicide because I just feel so much like a freak to the world now.""

On average how much does it cost to insure an apartment building?

I am looking into purchasing 2 triplex apartment buildings. They are both brick buildings built in 1990. Both have been maintained fairly well and have a really good price on them. Now I am trying to find out on average what the cost of insurance would be. Just wanna be sure that it will be well worth my investment and not a sink Hole I have already checked taxes, utilities, and of course viewed the apartments. Now I just need some figures on Insurance. Thanks for any and all help.""

Can I call an auto adjuster for a quote and then not use them?

Car value (Kelley Blue Book) about $4200-4500 (just bought it a couple of months ago for $5K). Older car, low low mileage. Seriously excellent condition, fancy wheels, no similar cars close to the low mileage anywhere near $5K within a 200 mile radius. Body work $5K est from body shop. Do I bother calling insurance company to send an adjuster out, or should I just fix it myself and save the insurance cost hit because they will total it anyway? If an adjuster gives an estimate am I then bound by their decision, which seems as if it will be to total the car? If they look at it will they raise my insurance even if I fix it myself? I am not sure what to do!""

Health and life insurance?

im needing to look into health and lfie insurance for myself, and was wondering where to start? What is everyone using? i need something reasonable and something where i dont get the run around with!! Any help appreciated!""

On homeowners insurance .. What is the difference between Replacement cost and Acutal cash Value? what pays mo

What pays more and what is the least expensive?? please some one explain to me in detail.. Does my home need to be insured with the market value???

What insurance company should I use if I am 18?

I don't go to school but I am starting college in the Fall. What is a relatively reliable but cheap auto insurance company that I can use?

Does anyone know the best way to get insurance leads?

i'm looking for a way to get insurance leads, I would rather own software myself as appose to paying for an individual leads, can anyone tell me the name of a some good software? thanks in advance!""

Should i have the right NOT to buy health insurance?

i could have saved close to $4,000.00 in the last 29 months by not having insurance""

I was speeding 16 mph over the limit and it is my first offense. how much will my fine be?

I am 17 and I was driving my parents car, under their insurance. how much do you think my fine will be? and will my parents insurance rates go up if I go to the court date, plead guilty, pay the fine, and go to traffic/driving school?""

What would be the approximate cost of insurance on an 2004 Acura TL for a 17 year old boy?

What would be the approximate cost of insurance on an 2004 Acura TL for a 17 year old boy?

THE ULTIMATE CHEAPEST INSURANCE?

What insurance company is THE cheapest? but has great coverage or provides the same services as other insurance?

""What are car insurances rates just for liability insurance in reno, nv?""

What are car insurances rates just for liability insurance in reno, nv?""

How much is pilots insurance ?

First of all is there such a thing as pilots insurance, if so how much is average""

What would be the best liability car insurance for me?

I just turned 17, I live in Alabama. I have had liability insurance before but i was on my dads. now i want to get my own. but when i had insurance before with State Farm i had to have it turned off. Now i need to know which company with liability would be best for me. I did get one speeding ticket before when i had insurance but that was like 6 or more months ago. Now im in Drivers Ed at school so i should get the insurance discount for that. So what would be the best and cheapest insurance for me. And will there be any fees or anything form me getting it turned off before?""

Why don't health insurance companies compete on price like car insurance companies?

I was watching TV (something I rarely do) this weekend, and I noticed a fair number of car insurance commercials from various companies. They were touting their high level of service and low prices, and urging consumers to investigate and switch to their company. How come this doesn't appear to happen with health insurance? Is it because employers, rather than the actual people insured, shop for insurance in many cases? Is it because auto insurers are allowed to compete more freely across state borders? Are the basic expectations different when it comes to health insurance? Or, does competition already exist in the health insurance industry but the product is so much more expensive no matter what? Serious answers appreciated. Thanks.""

Is full liability auto insurance the same as full coverage auto insurance?

Is full liability auto insurance the same as full coverage auto insurance?

Cheap Car Insurance - Please Help?

Hello in June I will be 17 years old! Obviously like all 17 year old males I want a car! I'm not massively fussed about the car as long as it doesn't cost to much! Today I have been looking at cars such as; FIAT CINQUENCENTO Perodua Nippa EX and a few other cars bellow 1l I live in Northamptonshire and my postcode is NN1 *** on comparison websites i cant find insurance for less than 3500 when that is miles out of my price range! If anyone knows any insurance sites or extremely cheap cars to insure for 17 year olds then please reply to this. Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks

Best Insurance Price I Could Get?

I'm looking at buying my first own car in the next few months/year. I'm currently 17 but will be 18 soon, straight-A student, looking at a 1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD. Progressive quoted me $147, which seems ludicrous to me (they'll have the value of my car in less than four years!), but I know I'm young - and young drivers get in a lot of wrecks. I'd just like to know what you all think is the best affordable insurance company that still offers pretty good coverage, and if there's anything I can do to further lower my price besides good student and safe driver discounts.""

Affordable health insurance 4 someone with prexisting conditions? I have no kids and in a low income household

I NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE!    I have recurrent urinary tract infections that are often resistant to antibiotics. I have Kidney stones as well, had a Kidney infection and when I was hospitalized they urged me to see a specialist but I CANNOT AFFORD a specialist! A social worker in the hospital said that I shouldn't even bother applying for medicaid because I don't have children so applying would likely be a waste of time. I am unemployed at this time due to several psychological issues I will not get into. Medication is too expensive. I need medication in order to be mentally balanced. I started taking Valium & Adderall and both help me feel sane. The only problem is I don't know how much longer I can even afford it!! Anti biotics are so costly as well!    I have a family history of cervical Cancer and I NEED to see a gynecologist for a pap test but cannot afford it! I need dental insurance cause I have cavities but can't afford that either!   I feel hopeless! Can someone give me some hope?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/burlingame-california-cheap-car-insurance-quotes-zip-94011-mia-hobbs/"