#truly she is the truest friend I have ever had in my life and I have never trusted anyone as much as I trust her

[mytardisisparked]

Y'know something, I have the best best friend in the whole world.

[horseimagebarn]

hello my dear friends welcome to the horseimagebarn weekly recap where every week i respond to all the cool tags asks comments and such things i received in the past week

i shall begin our recap with a request as i am planning to rework my tagging system for the horse emotions and i need your help to think of good ones here are the tags i have so far

joy - for happiness

whimsy - for the positive oddities and love of life

cursed - this is cursed

lament - for sadness

anger - self explanatory

sloth - laziness and comfort

love - horses that are in love

friendship - horse and some other being or beings displaying friendship

indulgence - indulging in food water alcohol drugs etc

intelligence - doing tasks that display intelligence such as human tasks

small - small or young horses

NEW! evil - evilness and villainy

NEW! unusual - this is unusual

NEW! vehemence - upset or disgust

NEW! styling - for all the well dressed horses

NEW! nonhorse - there is a nonhorse entity in the image

NEW! cute - i think this horse is cute

NEW! aquatics - the horse is in the water

NEW! regular - a regular and uncontroversial image of a horse

NEW! silly - the horse is acting in a rambunctious or goofy manner

NEW! greatest hits - my favorite horse images or the most successful ones on the tumblr platform

please let me know your feedback on this matter as these tags exist to aid you in your navigation of my blogs archive

anyway let us move onto our recap

this is the truest damn thing ive ever heard

i appreciate this compliment greatly my friend i am a massive fan of the beat poets ginsberg especially though he may be a basic choice is one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to shorter form writing i am deeply touched by your comparison

welcome to tumblr my friend i hope you have a wonderful time here i am touched to have had such an effect on you as to motivate you to make an account

hello friends i do not and never will accept ai generated images for this account i do my best to give every image i find a decent sized gander in an attempt to prevent ai images from being posted this account is dedicated to enjoying the true and real nature of horses and i feel that appreciation does not extend to fake horses that are an amalgamation of pictures of real life horses it feels unnatural and wrong to me to post fake horses

i quite like draft breeds i think they are beautiful and i love horses with thicker builds however i truly believe all horses are majestic and impressive creatures deserving of love and i do enjoy all of them

i would watch it i love horse media its so funny i myself think often of writing an adult animated television show about horses

i search pretty much everywhere you could think of and i type nonsensical phrases with horses in them until something of value is revealed to me it is a valiant hunt

im afraid i have never read any of his work do you recommend it

this is very good i love when people draw the horses you have much skill

thank you my friend i am always pleased to see your tags on my posts my girlfriend and i are indeed happily frolicking every day with joy and excitement in our hearts i showed her this and she said that was indeed us so your image choosing was accurate take heart in that for you have horse posted the horse poster

red dead redemption 2 is a very good horse game i enjoy it greatly my horses were named isabella and trophy and felt and wet blanket and i loved them very much

shoutout skippy

[maverickscorner]

Faber suae fortunae

Or (Quintus and) Maider's love story towards freedom.

Warning! Some heavy themes mentioned in this chapter.

Chapter 13

Woola was running, panting, alongside his friend Julio.

It was early morning, and he should have been in bed, but what he had learned was too important to stay under the covers.

Julio, who often lingered around the Imperial Palace, had learned that morning that a group of Praetorians was going to arrest Tenax and bring him before the emperor to punish him severely. Since, like many other children, he had received Tenax's help in a moment of need, he had immediately rushed to tell his friend Woola. He didn’t know the reason behind that decision, but they had to warn Tenax immediately.

—Julio, you go to Cala. Tell her Tenax is in danger and to meet me at his villa!

Julio obeyed.

And Woola kept running. He had to hurry.

***

Tenax woke up slowly, to the soft snoring of Maider.

The light was filtering gently through the shutters and curtains. It was morning.

Maider and Tenax were still naked, covered only by a light sheet.

She was hugging him, lying on her side, her head resting against his shoulder.

Tenax smiled.

The previous night had been one of the most beautiful of his life.

He had made love to the girl he felt he loved and who loved him. It was a totalizing feeling, and extremely different from the nights of passion he’d spent with street girls.

Perhaps, he thought, it was the first time he had felt truly loved. The first time he felt that nothing in his life had been in vain if it had led to that moment. To being with Maider.

She snored a little louder. Tenax chuckled. He adored that she was both funny and clumsy, and yet so strong, resolute, and fragile.

He loved her, yes, and he hadn’t told her yet. But he would fix that soon.

He brushed a strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear, and she made a grimace. She was waking up.

She yawned, cuddling closer to him.

—Good morning— Tenax said to her.

—Good morning…— she mumbled.

Maider opened her eyes, looked at him, and smiled.

They kissed.

—Did you sleep well?— she asked, stretching a little.

—Very well— he replied —I guess you’re a bit like my personal sleeping aid.

Maider laughed.

—I assure you I don’t do it on purpose.

—It’s a good thing. I’ve always had trouble sleeping, ever since I was little.

—Oh, never happened to me.

—I figured as much.

She shrugged, a little embarrassed.

—I suppose you’re referring to my snoring.

—I’ve heard worse.

—I know, but it’s there. Sometimes, at the Hur house, I would sleep with Sarah, my lady and best friend. Can you believe after a few hours, she’d send me back to my room because I snored?

Tenax laughed.

—That’s an exaggeration.

Maider appreciated his kindness.

—Thank you… Quintus. It makes me feel better.

He grimaced. Maider understood.

—Something tells me you’re not used to being called that.

—Only you can call me that— he said —It’s my real name, but also my slave name. The truest part of me, the part I had to suppress to become Tenax.

She snuggled closer to him.

—Do you want to talk about it?

Quintus sighed.

—I suppose I owe you that. You’ve always been honest with me, and I’ll be honest with you.

She kissed him.

—I’m listening.

—Alright. Well…— he hesitated —My story begins in Syracuse, Sicily, thirty-five years ago. My master was a wicked, vicious man, but very handsome. He was married but had many lovers. One of them was a noble girl from the area. A bit naive, I admit, and her parents were strict traditionalists. Anyway, the girl had an affair with my master and got pregnant. She got pregnant… with me.

Maider’s eyes widened.

—So…

Tenax nodded gravely.

—Yes, my master was also my father.

Maider felt her heart in her throat.

—But he…

Tenax took her hand to reassure her, though there was a hint of shame.

—Yes. But let’s take it slow, okay?

Maider nodded, and Tenax continued:

—You should know that until a few years ago, I didn’t know any of this. I thought I was simply bought as a child, the son of a prostitute and a drunkard, but… well, after discovering my master was also my father, and that noble blood runs through my veins, I sent a trusted man to Syracuse to gather information. He found my mother there. She’s just over fifty and still alive.

Maider gave him an eloquent look. Blue eyes met green.

—And no…— said Tenax —I haven’t had the courage to visit her in person yet. But that’s another story. Now, as I was saying… this girl, Aemilia, got pregnant with me. Her parents, my grandparents, tried to throw her out when they found out. She, naive but clever, told them she would keep me hidden from the world if they supported her. And that she would entrust me to my master’s care. After all, she had no other choice.

—And your master agreed?

—Aemilia convinced him. I was born a noble in one palace, and on the same day became a slave in another. Aemilia never heard from me again. I was told she tried to ransom me, but my master wouldn’t allow it. He needed slaves, and I was the perfect prototype.

Maider held him tight. Tenax appreciated the closeness.

—I was put in the care of a wet nurse, and my early years passed rather carefree. My master’s house was large, and there were many children. What I noticed was that my master, often distant and severe, was particularly and slimily sweet with some of the children. I didn’t care until… until his attention focused on me.

Tenax hesitated. He wasn’t sure how to continue. Maider gently caressed him, her eyes on him. She knew she was the first person he had ever opened up to, and she felt honored by all the love and trust he was giving her. At the same time, hearing about Tenax’s childhood made her stomach churn. Knowing what he had endured made her nauseous.

—Anyway— he continued —I grew up fast. I was nine years old, and along with another child, I became his pleasure slave. As I said, I was a beautiful child. I was so small, I… I didn’t understand the situation. I just wanted him to leave me alone. I started rebelling, and he began to beat and whip me. That’s where the scars you saw last night came from. The more I rebelled, the more he seemed to get excited. It was… it was terrible.

He hesitated, swallowing hard.

—I spent three years like that, then I planned to escape, along with another boy, Ursus. We set fire to his bed while my master was sleeping, and we killed him. I was eleven years old. The fire spread, and Ursus got trapped. I… I didn’t look back and managed to escape.

He took a deep breath.

—I learned that my master was my father from Ursus himself, a few years ago. My fellow torture victim had become a killer by then. I killed him before he could kill Cala. It was… a terrible time.

—It’s over now— Maider told him.

Tenax shook his head, deep in thought.

—I don’t know. I came to Rome as a boy, and I learned to fend for myself. Through beatings, thefts, and intrigues, I’ve gotten to where I am now. But I’m tired, Maider. I’m always on the edge, and if I fall, I risk being tortured or killed. I want… maybe I want a normal life. A house in the countryside, someone to love, and a few children. To be the father I wish I had.

Maider was moved. She kissed him.

—That’s a beautiful plan— she murmured.

Tenax melted into her touch.

—Would you like to share it with me?

She nodded.

—I love you, Quintus. Of course, I would.

He kissed her.

—I love you, too.

Maider cupped his face in her hands and deepened the kiss. Tenax responded with equal fervor, grabbing her by the hips and pulling her on top of him. They grew excited. Their hands roamed, as did their tongues.

Until they heard footsteps, right outside their door.

Then, an urgent knock.

—Tenax!

It was Claudia.

—There are three Praetorians at the door. They want you to follow them immediately, or they’ll enter the house and take you by force!

Tenax’s heart skipped a beat.

He remembered how he had treated Domitian’s protégés the day before, and his breath caught in his throat.

They had come for him.

Domitian had run out of patience.

***

Hi! Eli here. Another tense chapter, hope you like it. Let me know in the comments what you think. Thank you for your support!

Eli

[zombiejette]

BIG THREE TIME!! 🌙🔮✨

Hey there Non/Disney peeps! I know how much we all love to choose beloved characters that represent ourselves, whether its for personal or roleplay reasons, so I think it's time we expand this trend even further. I thought why not shake things up and combine this side of tumblr with my favorite form of self-insert...

Astrology!!

you know y'all want to. So what are your Big Three signs represented by animated characters?? I will start with mine:

☀️ SUN: Aries ♈️ 🐏

I know it's a bit on the nose, but I can't think of anyone more like the Ram than Merida. Stubborn, impulsive, firey, playful, passionate... it's all her baby. Even has the red-ass wildwoman hair. For me, she is most like how I behave on the surface, especially when I'm having a good time. She loves fiercely, plays recklessly, and isn't afraid of a bit of danger in the pursuit of living fully. Everything about her is loud, proud, and in your face- and just like the sun, you can't tone her down even for a second. Especially when she's angry. But that anger is a good thing too- it reminds us to stand up for ourselves, for the injustices we see, and to fight wholeheartedly for what's right. She shows us that our emotions are our greatest allies, and if you befriend them, they will help guide you towards your truest path. All this boldness and authenticity allows her to be a truly fearless leader, and one who isn't afraid of breaking traditions to do so.

🌙 MOON: Virgo ♍️🏺

Helga, for me, is the epitome of my Moon sign. She's no-nonsense, likes things to be efficient and effective, and is constantly scanning for problems to fix. She can also be intimidatingly scary and judgmental when she's pushed into a corner, and then all of those analytical skills can easily turn into weapons of mass destruction. But the more healed way it usually manifests for me is through her tough-love Mommy energy. She has a "right way" in mind, and knows what works and what doesn't. It's not that she's trying to be cruel, or too abrasive, but she sees when someone needs that push and won't hesitate to give them it. She's often the best person for advice if you don't mind being torn to shreds in the process lol.

↗️ RISING: Cancer ♋️ 🦀

Now if you were scared at all by the hard-headedness of my first two signs- fear not! My rising sign is here to make me less of a dick lol. Might be a controversial choice, but Genie is definitely a cancer rising. "You've never had a friend like me" is sort of an inside joke of mine, and it's because I truly seek to be the most authentic and loyal friend you've ever had. I'm not just here for a good time- I'm here to change your life! Emotional intimacy is the hallmark of this goal, and I love to really "see" someone, to bear witness to all their ugly and do away with the surface barriers society imposes upon us. I know how crushingly lonely it can be to feel like no one really understands you, or even tries to, and so my bleeding heart takes up arms against this strongly. The way Genie bends over backwards and selflessly grants wishes- even ones he didn't have to- and genuinely wants the best for Aladdin despite the sacrifices it costs him, is the heart and soul of what this sign is for me. Not that this is always a good thing- I've definitely given away way too much without proper boundaries and gotten burned by it- but the way I feel for someone's situation, and want to do everything in my power to make it all better for them, is what Genie and I have in common. The shackles around him often feel how this type of empathy feels too- knowing you care so much and so deeply about someone, trying your best to "poof" their problems away, but having to free yourself from helping them or else it will drag you down as well. It's a big lesson this sign often has to learn the hard way, and boy have I learned it. But still, when it's used correctly and for the right person- nothing feels better than knowing you helped someone feel a lot less alone in this crazy world, and made a positive impact on their soul.

So those are mine! Please reblog with yours, and let me know why you chose your characters! I love pop-psychology through animation, and just in general lol, but either way, it was super fun to do. 🥰✨

[busyasabbey]

Today (well, tomorrow) marks a year since I asked the most beautiful person, both inside and out, to be my girlfriend Emily, aka @moodymermaid3690

This has been my longest, most loving, most support relationship I've ever had. I knew from the day I told Emily I love her, she was the one for me.

I'm still not and never will be truly over the fact she loves me too omg 😭

We've known each other for almost 14 months now and we've not had a single fight. Not one!

We listen to each other, we support one another. We love unconditionally, peacefully and with patience.

We may have our flaws, but we're human. We may not be perfect, but we're perfect for each other.

I'm truly blessed and privileged to call Emily my best friend, my true love, my soul mate, my better half.

This year may not have been easy for both of us, but loving her has and will forever be the easiest thing.

She truly brings joy and peace into my chaotic life.

When life gets tough, that's when I love her even more.

I'm so proud of how we're growing as individuals, as a couple, and as a family.

Here's to one glorious year, my beautiful babygirl.

I love you so, so very much my sweet darling angel ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Thank you for existing and being the most wonderful soul, the most gorgeous face and the most beautiful, truest heart I have ever, and will ever meet ❤️❤️❤️❤️

(One of my absolute favourite pictures of my precious Pretty Princess, mostly because she's smiling and omg her smile just melts my freaking heart 😭😭😭😭)

[genevievemd]

A Conversation With His Father

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey, Alan Ramsey, mentions F!MC (Genevieve McClure) Word Count: 954 Rating: G Category: Fluff Trope(s): and they realize they’re in love

Summary: While visiting his father, Ethan comes to a realization. 

Warnings: 

A/N: Just some fluff to end your week. Set somewhere in September of 2020, so 3 months after E and G become official af! Enjoy. 

The sun begins to set as Ethan walks into the deck of his childhood home, smiling down at his phone as he texts Genevieve back. The plan had originally been for her to join him on this trip to Providence, but she’d been held back at the hospital, with concern for her new patient. She didn’t like the idea of being an hour away should something arise, which Ethan understood. Even if he was a little disappointed. 

Not just because he was excited to finally introduce her to his father as his official girlfriend, but  also because he loathed being away from her. Over the last year, Gen had become, not only his romantic partner, but also his best friend – as juvenile as that sounded – and the person he wanted to spend all of his free time with. It wasn’t something he’d ever had with a past girlfriend, and seemed to reinforce the notion that what he had with Gen was one of a kind. 

“For someone who hated texting…” Alan joins him on the deck, sitting at the outdoor table with two mugs of after-dinner coffee. 

“It’s Gen.” Ethan shakes his head, joining his father at the table. 

“Oh, I had no doubts about who it was.” His father gives him a knowing smirk, causing the tips of Ethan’s ears to turn red. 

“Right.” He clears his throat, putting his phone away and taking a sip of his drink. 

“How are things between the two of you?” 

“They’re great. Better than great, honestly.”

“That’s wonderful to hear. It’s nice to see you so happy.” 

“She’s amazing, Dad,” 

“I could tell that from the first time I met her. Genevieve his a rare bird.” 

“Mhm.” He hums in agreement, letting his mind drift for a moment and think about all the little quirks he’s come to know about her.  

The way she’s always humming some song and that more often than not a Taylor Swift song. How she dances when she eats something she loves, shifting back and worth in her seat and bobby her head with a soft little smile on her face. How free she is with her emotions, not embarrassed to cry at a commercial or tv show – how even a simple song can bring out such deep feelings. 

She was so kind, full of so much empathy. Even for those who have wronged her. 

The more Ethan has come to know her since that first meeting in a waiting room, the more he realized that Genevieve was truly one of a kind – a rare bird as his father had said. 

“So, you two are official?” Alan raises an eyebrow, eyeing him as he takes another long sip of his coffee.

“Yes.” He smiles back, happy. “We have been since June, so it’s been a couple months.” 

“About damn time.” 

“I know.” Ethan laughs, but then sobers up, looking down at his coffee. “Can I be frank?” 

“Of course. I’m your dad, you can always be open and honest with me.” 

He nods, still looking down for a moment before lifting his eyes back up to his father. “There are days when I look at her, and hate that I pushed her away and kept things platonic for so long, but… I realize that, had I not, I don’t believe if we’d have the friendship we do, outside of our romantic feelings.” 

He feels a slight sliver of anxiety, being so open and honest with his father after years of hiding his true feelings. But the only way forward in life, the only way to becoming whole and healed was to be open and honest. First with himself, and now with those he cares about most. 

So Ethan allows himself to feel that anxiety, that fear of letting others see the truest version of him, but he doesn’t let it stop him. He barrels through it, knowing the end results are worth the risk. 

“It feels juvenile to say, but, Gen is my best friend. I tell her everything– she knows my every thought and feeling, we joke and laugh and, it makes being with her all the better. I’ve never had that with anyone else.” 

“Not even Harper?” 

“No.” Ethan places his now empty mug down onto the glass table, leaning back in his seat.  “Don’t get me wrong, Harper has always been a friend, but this relationship, with G, is so different.” 

“You’re in love.” 

Ethan freezes for a moment, a heartbeat of fear at the thought, running through his body. But it goes away as quickly as it came. A smile spreading across his face. 

“I am.”

“Have you told her?” 

“God, no.” He laughs nervously. “The thought alone is still incredibly jarring. I’m not ready to tell her yet. Plus, I’m not sure if G is at that point with me, and I don’t want to put undo stress or pressure on her.” 

Though, his father may not know the secrets of Genevieve’s past, Ethan does. The heartbreak and struggled she’s had to endure. While he’s honored to know she trust him with that part, Ethan is all to aware of the wall that’s still around her heart. She is still cautious with him, and until Ethan knows that Genevieve realizes and trusts that she is undoubtedly safe with him, he will keep the depth of his feelings to himself. 

She was willing to wait for him, and now it was his turn to show her that same patience. 

“Well, from what I’ve seen,” Alan smiles at him, resting his elbows on the table as he leans closer. “I feel confident in saying that Gen loves you just as much as you love her.” 

“I hope so, Dad.”

A/N: Little does he know G’s had almost the same conversation with her sister lol Thanks for reading!

(tagging separately) 

[constellariums]

FFXIVWrite Day #2: Horizon & Wolchefant Week Day #2: Colors

Rating: G

Pairing: Warrior of Light/Haurchefant Greystone

Description: Haurchefant reflects on what the sight of Ishgard on the horizon has meant to him over the years as he prepares to depart on a new adventure.

Read on AO3!

The Holy See of Ishgard, for all its culture and comforts, was ever a sea of stone and slate. Before the Calamity, it rose over verdant forests and snowcapped mountains like a mythical city in the clouds, shining in the sun's rays like it sat among the heavens themselves, an otherworldly vision. Haurchefant had been amazed the first time he'd left its gates and saw it rising upon the horizon -- a stirring in his breast of deep pride and amazement that his people had built such a marvel, that he'd dwelt there his whole childhood and not known just how truly incredible an achievement it was.

Even after Dalamud had fallen and brought a seemingly eternal winter along with it, the sight of the capital from Central Coerthas still moved him. It may have lost some of its dramatic contrast against the lush, green forests, true; but if anything the Holy See appeared to him like the Heaven of Ice itself, pulled straight from Halonic teachings.

Yet it was simply heavenly in appearance alone -- a convincing guise, yet illusory just the same. As the years passed, Haurchefant found he much preferred to lay his eyes upon the inspiring vision of the city in the sky from a distance, rather than to walk the flagstones laid by the blood of his forebears, to feel the weight of a thousand years of history bearing down upon his shoulders. He didn't dare voice this to anyone, not even himself; he was a knight in service to Ishgard after all, the safety and happiness of his people his sworn duty and truest joy.

It was only when she appeared, eyes weary with grief but shoulders set with determination, softening at his interest in what had brought her here and regaling him with inspiring, thrilling tales of the people and places she'd found joy in and fought to protect, though she no longer remained by their side -- that he began to consider that the way he felt about his homeland might not be wrong, after all.

As he grew closer to her, infatuated, perhaps, as he was wont to become, with this Warrior of Light who fought for his friends and his people though she stood little to gain; he found himself indulging in daydreams of what it might be like to fight by her side in foreign lands. To see new horizons, to know their people -- to devote himself to their happiness as she did, though she was ever an outsider. He was an outsider, too, in his own way, even among his people; not a true highborn nor welcome among the people of the Brume either. What would it be like to belong as an outsider, to be a welcomed traveler, an adventurer whom the people of all places relied upon?

The more he knew her, the more he knew the trials and burdens which that life had brought her -- and the more he wished her to share them with him, so that he may help carry her load. And... and when she finally did, and wished for him to share his burdens with her as well...

It came as little surprise to anyone that the day the Warrior of Light finally left Ishgard behind, Haurchefant departed by her side, leaving its stone and slate behind, dyed in the golden colors of the rising sun.

"Is it sad, to be leaving?" she'd asked, holding his hand as they stood on the Steps of Faith, looking back at the city. "We can visit, you know -- will visit. I know it's not simple, but with all your family has done for me--"

He shook his head, smiling fondly at the gleaming towers, nearly ethereal in the light, feeling a sense of some sort of vastness spread through his chest. "'Tis strange. Ishgard has been my home, it is all I have ever known, and yet... this feels right. We are at peace, and the nation is in excellent hands... and there is nowhere else I would rather be than by your side."

Her small hand gripped his own tightly then, and he tore his eyes away from the horizon to look at her -- the face he'd come to know and love more than any other, who he'd nearly given his very life for, forsaking his duty to his own nation -- she was so beautiful in the dawn's golden light, and looked at him with such true affection it made that vastness in his chest catch alight.

She took both his hands in hers and closed her eyes, breathing in deeply, and he watched, curious. For a moment he nearly leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, thinking she was about to do the same -- but then her eyes opened and she graced him with a smile so radiant that the sight of Ishgard at dawn behind him was all but lost from his memory.

"Then let us call our chocobos and be off," she said, brilliant excitement glimmering in her eyes. "I can't wait to show you all my favorite places beyond these borders -- the beautiful forests of the Black Shroud, the desert sunsets in Thanalan... and, oh, I know you'll just love Costa del Sol! Warm waters, great things to eat, happy faces everywhere you look..."

The places she described did sound truly splendid, and he'd been so excited to finally see all the sights she'd long told him about... but now, standing here with her on the precipice of adventure, he found himself more excited than anything to do so with her.

"Then show me, my love," he replied, taking in a deep lungful of crisp Coerthan air, squeezing her hands in his, "I want to see it all with you."

As they rose into the sky on the pair of black chocobos he'd raised for each of them, quickly leaving the skies of Ishgard far behind them, Haurchefant couldn't help but notice that the new horizon which now stretched out endlessly before them seemed so much more vivid and colorful --full of hope and possibility -- than anything he could have imagined.

[one-thousand-and-one-fandoms]

I first watched Titanic when I was 6 years old. I didn't understand a thing, but it looked cool, I guess. Then, in middle school, my friends and I watched it at a sleepover and, like millions of preteens before us, thought Leo DiCaprio was dreamy as Jack and that Rose and Jack were the truest love ever to be found and we all wanted a relationship like that.

Now I'm twenty seven. And the 25th Anniversary came up. And I watched the movie again. Since my middle school days I've had my first love and my first heartbreak, and I've lost a lot of the friends I had back in middle school, I moved to a different country and got a new life; not unlike Rose did (except, of course, for surviving a historical shipwreck. I did not do that). And so, now my viewing experience was massively changed.

For starters, I realized that one of the underlying themes of the movie, brief as it is, is grief. Because one cannot think of the Titanic without thinking of the millions of lives lost that night. We know of some survivors, but the majority of people in the ship died and we will never know their names, what they liked or disliked, what their favorite food was, their hopes and ambitions for the future, their families, etc. These lost souls, in my interpretation of the film, are represented in Jack: at the end of the film, a wisened, older Rose retells his story and one of the members on board tells her: "We've never heard of a Jack Dawson before," and Rose, resignedly, replies, "No, you wouldn't have... now he only lives in my memory. I don't even have a picture of him." (I'm paraphrasing.) How many real people sank in the Titanic whose memory was forgotten by man?

Secondly, I realized that Jack and Rose's love story is beautiful in that it is brief. It embodies Carpe Diem. Live like there's no tomorrow, and for Jack there really wasn't. And isn't this something people love to criticize about the move? About how their relationship wouldn't have withstood the test of time as their class differences would have come between them? The truth is that we will never know what would have happened had Jack survived, but we do know how this relationship pulled Rose out of a very dark place in her life and taught her that she does have autonomy and she can make decisions even when they go against her familial and societal expectations. It helped her become her own person and grow as a result.

I remember my first love and my first heartbreak. Nothing quite as dramatic as Jack dying on the freezing water of the North Atlantic, mind you, but then it really did feel like the world was ending. Him and I stopped talking. As our friend group was very much intermingled, I ended up kind of isolated, mostly because I couldn't bear the awkwardness, and a few years later I moved and lost all contact with all of them. In a new country, I had to learn a new language and make new friends, find a new job and support myself all on my own for the first time. It was daunting. I can imagine Rose might have felt similalrly, on top of grieving her first love.

And that's the last thing I took from my latest viewing of the film. Life and love go on. Rose grieved and then found a new love, made a family and did all the things she wanted to do in life. She didn't let her grief consume her. And, contrary to popular belief, I believe she did, honestly and truly, love her husband and didn't just marry "some bloke" to honor her promise to Jack. I also underwent a period of adjustment and eventually met and married my husband a few years ago. It's not the same as my first love because first loves are always more intense and emotionally charged, but it is better in that it is more mature and more settled. Now my first love seems kind of childish in retrospect, but also tinted with nostalgia. I think the actress who played elder Rose portrayed this kind of feeling beautifully in her last scene.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Feel free to leave your own thoughts.

[inkedinfantasy]

My FFXIV Swap gift for @faunflower! It was really cool getting to learn more about Lou; I hope I did her justice! ^_^

Under the cut since it got kinda long: some Emet-Selch POV of the Rak'tika segment of Shadowbringers MSQ. 👀

Another day, another jaunt into the far corners of Norvrandt following in the footsteps of the Warrior of Light and his companions.

Not for long, of course. He was still quite unwelcome among their party, and while that might not ordinarily deter him, being confronted by the Night’s Blessed did. He was here to observe, after all, not share in their hapless conflicts with the First’s residents. And so he withdrew, content to watch from afar, at least until they managed to track down Rak’tika’s Lightwarden.

He had no doubt they’d find it, between the Warrior of Light’s uncommon tenacity and Lou’s…ambition? Audacity? Whatever you wished to call it. It was simply a matter of time until the lot of them could manage to put all the pieces together. For him, at least, all that meant was another exceptionally dull wait.

He watched idly as the Warrior and his friends ran hither and yon playing the good little ever-dutiful heroes. He wondered if Lou was regretting her insistence on traveling with them yet.

Probably not. Like called to like with this self-sacrificial adventurer sort, solving all the star’s problems with endless patience and enthusiasm. Most likely she was having the time of her life.

He certainly lacked the patience to even keep observing such things secondhand. He retreated further into the forest, nearer to the Viis village where he could doze off and await their coming once they worked out how to avoid being skewered by Ronka’s guardians.

It was just his luck that he was about to drift off when he spotted familiar figures in the distance, heading in the direction of the village. Just as expected, the Viis of Fanow did not suffer any trespassers to approach, descending on the group as soon as they’d trekked far enough into the forest.

The first warrior to attempt to land a blow met only Lou’s shield. The attacker leapt back defensively, spear still at the ready, but Lou made no move to counterattack, shouting something he couldn’t make out from his distance. She appeared to be attempting to talk the Viis down, a hand held out placatingly. The Viis warrior relaxed her stance minutely, sheathing her weapon entirely when the Miqo’te woman presented a seal they had surely gone to exhaustive lengths to acquire.

Their attackers appeased, they sheathed their weapons and continued down the path of azure flowers, approaching close enough now to make out what they were saying.

“‘Tis a boon to have a cooler head prevail, met so oft as we are with strife,” the Elezen man was remarking to Lou.

“A cooler head” wasn’t the phrase he’d use to describe the woman who’d tried to take on a Lightwarden singlehandedly armed only with a scavenged sword and a suicidal plot. Overconfident, perhaps. Rash, even. But level-headed? He scoffed to himself.

Still, progress was progress. Even as he watched them pass, he did not deign to rise from his spot, certain by now it would still be some time before they managed to accomplish anything of note.

* * *

Waiting, waiting, waiting. One of the truest curses of immortality in this shattered world was the sheer tedium of it, if you asked him. The Warrior and his allies had set off to traipse through yet more ruins, having pinpointed the Lightwarden’s location and lacking only the means to get there. Presumably, they had achieved something, if they were indeed the source of the brief fluctuation he’d felt in the Lifestream.

Half asleep once more as he was, he had neglected to note the quiet figures approaching until they were already upon him. A misstep, for all that there was naught in this forest that could truly pose a threat to him. He briefly lamented the futility of his search for even the most fleeting peace and quiet before opening his eyes to find a spear already at his throat.

“Who are you, and why are you here?” the Viis warrior demanded.

“Are you with the allies of Ronka?” another asked, a touch less suspiciously.

He glanced towards Fanow and smirked. “I suppose you could say that."

* * *

The mood was somber as he was marched into Fanow proper, the Viis declaring that they had apprehended him, taking him as an associate. The gunbreaker scoffed loudly at the prospect.

For his part, he merely took the scene in, eyebrow raised. “I needn’t be an associate to hear the clamor you’ve been raising all across the forest. What trouble have you gotten into this time?”

The quiet stretched on, nobody wanting to put it into words. Lou was the one that finally spoke up, explaining the whole story. The Eulmorans. The antidote. Their friend’s sacrifice.

Unfortunate, but hardly an unexpected outcome, considering the usual nature of their escapades. “I see. My condolences.”

“There was more.”

All attention snapped to the Warrior of Light, no one seeming to have expected him to speak up. He picked up the account where Lou had left off, mentioning the gale of wind that had come from the pit where their friend had fallen, explaining the spell she had saved herself with once before.

“How very interesting. I had thought I sensed a disturbance to the Lifestream just earlier.” He paused. “Only the once, mind you. Suggesting she is still adrift.”

At that faces fell once more, the brief spark of hope that had lit in Lou’s eyes dying out. As they knew well, if they had dealt with this spell before, locating one particular soul amidst the Lifestream would be an impossible task for any one of them, no matter their skill with magic.

However…

He affected a put-upon sigh. “Very well, then. I’ll go and fetch her.”

The gunbreaker rounded on him immediately. “And just why in the hells should we trust—”

“You could get her out? Truly?”

Lou’s voice interrupted the man’s snarl, and a heavy, charged silence descended.

“I can,” he said. “An unambiguously helpful gesture as a peace offering, we can call it, hmm? What say you?”

This time, she hesitated, looking to the tense, unhappy group. “If we have the chance to save her, we should take it,” she offered softly.

The gunbreaker sighed. “I suppose we’ve no other options.”

“Splendid. Now, take this.” He summoned a small aetherial lamp with a snap of creation magic. “You’ll need to find a suitable spot with strong enough resonance with the Lifestream. This will glow bright and steady when you find one. When you do, all you need to do is whistle.” He held the lamp out in Lou’s direction.

Lou studied his face with a serious expression, brow furrowed and mouth pressed into a flat, wary line as she accepted it from him, their fingers just barely brushing as he handed it over. He offered her only a wry smile in return, and she brushed past him towards the village’s exit without saying anything more, the others following in her wake in equal silence.

It was only a few minutes before he heard her piercing whistle ring out, and he arrived to find the lot of them crowded suspiciously around the spot that she had chosen, watching his approach with distrustful eyes.

“Now then, some space, if you please.” He tapped into his power, reaching out for the familiar flow of the Lifestream, quickly latching on to a robust, smooth current. Lou had chosen well, it seemed.

He closed his eyes, his focus sharpening, deepening. With two Wardens absorbed, the Warrior of Light’s soul was already a veritable beacon, scorching and bleaching away the color of every other soul in his vicinity. Even for someone with his sight, it took no small amount of concentration to pick out any other tiny sparks of color amidst the all-consuming Light. Casting his awareness into the Lifestream dulled its brilliance ever so slightly, enough to pick out their Miqo’te friend’s soul and summon it forth.

She appeared in a radiant glow that near-mirrored the Warrior’s soul, the lights of the others’ souls like moths to a flame as they rushed forth at once to tend to her.

Withdrawing his awareness back to the physical realm, the small constellation of souls surrounding him winked back into sharper view, gaining definition, his concentration holding just enough to make them out.

He observed them, idly, and froze.

Just for a moment, a split second before he released the hold on his soul sight, he could have sworn he spotted a color that he had not seen for a long, long, time, a color he would have known anywhere.

His eyes snapped open, and his gaze immediately met blue eyes staring at him warily.

It had been Lou’s soul he was staring at.

She’d quickly turned her attention back to the others, but he still felt off-kilter, whatever inane, sentimental exchange they were having buzzing in his periphery without comprehension. If they would only be quiet…

“And is there anything you’d like to say to me?” he interjected before they could keep going on. “Some word of thanks, perhaps?”

He’d slid right back into lofty and irritable, wishing he could catch another glimpse of what he’d seen—what he thought he’d seen—through the overwhelming brightness of the Warrior’s aether.

The Miqo’te woman at least had the decency to thank him, though the conversation after that turned to the Qitana Ravel and Rak’tika’s Lightwarden. The Warrior and his companions set off back towards Fanow, none of them eager to remain in his presence, friendly gesture or no. Only Lou lingered, arms folded, staring resolutely at the ground with a pensive expression.

Unable to help himself, he reached for his soul sight once more, colors flaring to life in more distinctness with the Warrior’s distance. With this new clarity, there was no denying it. Her soul was the precise color of Azem’s, and seeing it again so near made his heart clench in icy shock.

“Thank you.”

Lou’s voice shattered his sudden crisis, and he realized she was staring at him again. He schooled his expression into something dry and composed. “Uncritical gratitude? I may faint dead away on the spot.”

“I’m trying to be polite, you know. I’m grateful you saved Y’shtola, and it means a lot to me—to us—that you’d offer.”

“Hmm, I’m not certain your friends would share the sentiment, but it is most heartening to hear, nevertheless,” he said, pressing a hand to his chest theatrically.

She scoffed, but hid the faintest hint of a smile.

* * *

And just like that, mere bells after unceremoniously pulling one of their own from the Lifestream, the Warrior of Light and his companions had felled another Lightwarden. No one could say they lacked dedication, to be sure.

He had expected that dedication would carry them out of the Qitana Ravel promptly once their business was concluded, self-righteously satisfied with a job well done and ready to start their hunt anew.

Instead, they continued deeper into the ruins.

Honestly. He’d spent an age painstakingly making his way through the decrepit tunnels snaking all throughout the temple only to find them lingering over a room of old murals. He could hear their conversation echoing off the stone well before he even entered the chamber, speculating about the age of the paint and ancient wisdom or some such.

Well. If they were so interested in history, he had a thing or two he could tell them.

And perhaps, if he were lucky, Lou would find the sound of it a bit familiar.

* * *

They’d taken the revelation poorly, as he’d expected they would. It mattered little. They could carry on in their hushed, concerned murmurs about the truth of Hydaelyn’s nature; theirs were not the thoughts he cared to hear.

Lou, in stark contrast to the others, had not appeared particularly shaken by the idea. “Primal” did not carry the same weight for her, being as she was a native of the First, he supposed. As the others carried on with their fretting, she had turned her attention back to the murals, staring at the crude, faded depiction of Amaurot on the wall, entirely absorbed in the image. Her expression was not quite recognition, but something near enough to it to encourage him.

Paying the others no more mind, he sidled up behind her. “Something catch your eye?” he murmured.

She let out a startled gasp and drew back. “Something catch yours?” she countered. “Skulking around like that?”

“Merely taking in the artwork.” He looked up at the mural she had been studying, examining it as if he had not seen it countless times before, as if he could not recreate it from memory. “Ah, the glorious city of Amaurot. When the world was whole, you could find no finer place on the star.”

“Is that so?” Her tone was skeptical. “Did you look?”

It was cheeky and presumptuous and such an Azem question that he nearly laughed. “Oh, you’d be surprised. Amaurot was my home, but circumstances led me to see more of the star than most.”

“Circumstances? Of what sort?” This had captured her attention, her tone holding a hint of interest, and that, too, was achingly familiar. He dared to push further.

“The circumstances were not a what but a who. There was…a dear friend of mine who was ever getting themselves into trouble, and would call upon me for aid wherever they might have been. They were a traveler, a representative of our people to the rest of the star.”

“That sounds wonderful,” she said, almost to herself.

“It was,” he said, far more quietly. His gaze remained fixed on the mural, but he could feel her watching him, truly examining him for the first time since they’d met.

“You followed us down here,” she said at last. “You went to the trouble of recounting the stories of all these paintings.” “I did,” he said. “And?”

“You want to remember. You want us to remember.”

He said nothing.

She sighed, a hint of disappointment in the sound. “If you would speak about the world as you remember it, would you tell me more of the places you’ve seen?” she asked softly.

The voices echoing off the cavern’s walls grew suddenly louder, the sound of feet scraping against stone approaching them. He did not need to turn back to feel the weight of several other gazes on him. He turned to face Lou instead, offering a small smile. “Perhaps later. It would seem you have other places to be.”

Her eyes darted past him to the others and back to his face. “I will hold you to that, Emet-Selch.”

They parted there, Lou exiting with the others without another word.

He lingered a moment longer, casting one last glance over each of the murals. The images had clearly been foreign to her, but she was full of questions after seeing them, which was almost more than he’d dared to hope. It was yet one more incentive to ingratiate himself to the Warrior’s companions, to see what might be uncovered should she continue to ponder.

He had spent countless lifetimes without so much as a hope of ever finding something like this. He could stand to wait a little longer.

[maremote]

🏴‍☠️🦜MONOLOGUOLYMPICS FINAL ROUND🦜🏴‍☠️

1/4: Idelle vs Max

ldelle, to Anne, 408: "You killed a friend of mine. Her name was Charlotte... and you did it for reasons that had nothing to do with her. There were men knew that would've killed you for me. I wanted to ask them. Had the money. But Max refused. I couldn't tell then if it was... because she was afraid of you. Wouldn't have blamed her. I was. Or if it was something else. But I respected her wishes. Obeyed when she said we'd protect you despite what you'd done. Do you know why? Because despite the world reminding her every day of her life that she's undeserving of being given anything by it, that she was unworthy of what little she'd managed to take from it... despite all of that, she never believeda word of it. That woman has been fighting the whole goddamn world since the day she was born. She's a breath away from winning that fight. For whatever reason, she wants to share the spoils with you. And you'd walk away. You killed my friend. I wanted you to know that."

Max, to Anne, in 408: “I remember when I first met Eleanor, how stunned I was. A woman who spoke the way she did, who had no fear of the world or the men who reigned over it. When I became her lover, I watched the decisions she made…and resolved to learn from them. When I became her rival, I watched the mistakes she made and resolved never to repeat them. But at the end, when I felt I had surpassed her in every way, it seemed as though there was something she was still trying to say to me. Surrendering everything she had sacrificed so dearly for, because it would have come at the expense of the one she loved. She was trying to tell me, I just could not hear her, about what is truly important. I said no to Marion Guthrie's plan… despite having no alternative and at the risk of losing the entire endeavor because I refuse to situate a man in a position where he might interfere one day with my ability to repair things with you. You are the bravest person I have ever known. The truest person I have ever known. And I betrayed you and it sickens me. I am so sorry for working so hard to protect the wrong things. For failing to see that there is nothing important that does not include you.”

polls tagged #bsm81

[hehefanfuction]

Two Mouses In Love

Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse were strolling hand in hand through the enchanting Magic Kingdom, their hearts full of love and joy. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the vibrant Disney castle, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of cotton candy and popcorn. As they wandered through the bustling streets, Minnie couldn't help but marvel at the beauty surrounding them. The twinkling lights, the laughter of children, and the sounds of music that floated from every corner created a magical atmosphere. "Mickey," Minnie began, her voice filled with affection, "remember when we first met?" Mickey smiled, a sparkle in his eyes. "Of course, Minnie. It was a day that changed my life forever." They both reminisced about that special moment when they had locked eyes, their hearts instantly recognizing their soulmate. "We've shared countless adventures together," Minnie continued, "but what I treasure more than anything is our unwavering love and support for each other." Mickey nodded, his voice filled with gratitude. "You've been my rock, Minnie. Through thick and thin, you've always been there by my side, cheering me on." As they walked through the park illuminated by the gentle glow of the lanterns, they approached the iconic Cinderella's Carousel. They took a seat on the ornate carousel horses, and the ride began to swirl around. "Minnie," Mickey said, his voice filled with tenderness, "you truly complete me. When I'm with you, I feel like I can conquer anything." Minnie blushed, her smile radiant. "And you, Mickey, have shown me what it means to be loved unconditionally. Your kindness and compassion have touched my heart in ways I never thought possible." As the carousel spun, taking them on a whimsical journey, Minnie and Mickey's love grew stronger with each passing moment. From their first date at the enchanting Beauty and the Beast restaurant to their moonlit strolls through the picturesque gardens of Epcot, every memory they shared was etched in their hearts. They laughed as they recalled their mischievous adventures in their Clubhouse, where they solved mysteries and brightened the lives of their friends. Together, they were the epitome of love and friendship, inspiring happiness wherever they went. As the evening drew to a close, Mickey and Minnie found themselves in the heart of the park. They stood beneath a sky illuminated by countless fireworks, their bright colors dancing across the night canvas. Mickey took Minnie's delicate hand in his, his voice filled with emotion. "Minnie Mouse, I love you more than words can express. You are the light of my life, my forever partner in adventure." Tears of happiness filled Minnie's eyes as she replied, "Mickey Mouse, you are my truest love, my best friend, and my happily ever after. I am forever grateful to have you by my side." In that magical moment, beneath the bursting fireworks, they sealed their love with a kiss. The sky erupted in a breathtaking display of colors and lights, as if celebrating their love story alongside them. The love between Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse was a love that would endure the test of time. Through every obstacle, every triumph, and every magical adventure they embarked on, their love would remain as timeless as the enchanting world of Disney itself.

[pendragonthegreat]

Oh and also nevva! We all know how kleenex feels abt her but im curious how you do :>

ok lets go

My first impression of them:

again its hard for me to remember but i definitely never disliked her

When I think I truly started to like them:

weirdly enough when i read elli's before the war. i just made me think so much more about how she was just an abandoned little girl and everything that she did with sd made so much sense

A song that reminds me of them:

ahh i'm so bad at doing character songs i can't really think of anything ;;

How many people I ship them with:

we all know ajanevva and well that's it. she didn't get to meet many characters in fact she didn't even meet aja. so i got nothing

My favorite ship of them:

the aforementioned

My least favorite ship of them:

well her and sd i guess. i mean i think their relationship is worth looking into but i'm not fond of the idea of having a romantic side to it

A quote of them that you remember:

"i'm not a villain, courtney. neither is saint dane." ^^ i just like the way dufris delivers this line in the audiobook

Your favorite outfit of them:

i know the fit isn't actually described but i have always loved the idea of her 1930s dress when she's on first earth. i have a vision for it but i just made it up

Your least favorite outfit of them:

no answer . i think all of her outfits that actually get described are pretty good at least in theory

Describe the character in one sentence:

she did nothing wrong

What’s the first thing you think about when thinking about the character?:

the scene where bobby figure out she's telleo (it rules)

Sexuality hc:

lesbian

Your favorite friendship they have:

oh no she doesn't have any friends . well i mentioned this before recently but for her hypothetical friendships i think she would be friends with kasha but i couldn't explain why

Best storyline they had:

book10 (the reveal that she saved the exiles still makes me insane)

Worst storyline they had:

ohh i wish i had an answer but i think she is just a very well written character

A childhood headcanon:

this is kind of sad but i always imagined she was close with her father

How do you think they were as a kid? (Like, were they shy, noisy, wild, etc):

i think she was probably quiet.. in the sense that she was always observing the people around her and learning from them

The most random ship you've seen people have with them:

i think i've seen people ship her with bobby before

A weird headcanon:

not really weird but i think she would really like chocolate

When do you think they were at their happiest?:

to be honest i'm not sure she was ever happy

When do you think they were at their lowest?:

when her mom didn't come back home (starts crying everywhere) guys talking about nevva is so sad.

Future headcanon:

i will always believe in my heart she went to the black and met her father again

What do you think is a secret they have that they never told anyone?:

like. her true feelings. she's such a secretive person (remember the quadruple life she had on quillan) so i think she keeps her truest feelings hidden so deeply not even she knows all of them

When do you think they acted the most ooc:

again i think she is just so well written. i have no answer

When do you think they were being "themselves" the most?:

probably right before she dies help why is she so tragic

If they could meet a character from another show/movie/etc, who would be the most fun for them to meet?:

i know i used a sylo character in the last ask too but olivia from sylo

The most unnecessary thing they ever did?:

ehh i still have no answer here

How do you think they would be as a parent? (and if they are a parent, how do you think they would be if they weren't?):

oh gosh she would try so so hard to not repeat to mistakes of her mother perhaps to the point of being overprotective or smothering... i would hope she's go through a good amount of healing before becoming a parent though

The funniest scene they had?:

this is the only funny moment i can think of

i just laugh at the idea of sd being like embarrassed because nevva's breaking his character he has to keep in front of bobby lolol

[chettasia]

★ L’appel du Vide ★

When the chilly breeze blew in 1997 at Istanbul, exactly on the 14th of February, a lady was born beautifully. She was never close from being an ordinary woman, however, for everything she does has always been extraordinary since the very beginning. Her rosy cheeks, her lips, and her doe eyes truly depicted her parent's happiness back then. That sweet baby later will be given a name as Blanchett Anastasia de la Cruz by her parents which suited her divine beauty.

Her father is a native Philippines man named Thomas de la Cruz. He was met her mother, Catherine Ongkowidjojo—a native Chinese-Indonesian woman, when they were working together at Istanbul during winter in 1993, in an oil company to be exact. They got married and blessed with a beautiful daughter named Natalie Clarencia de la Cruz right after their wedding anniversary, 10 May 1994.

In the new millennium of 2000, Tasia's parents decided to move to Indonesia since Mr. Thomas had mutated to another new company's branch office, which located in Jakarta. Mrs. Catherine can't deny that but obeying her husband's will. She made a promise within her heart, that she will raise her two daughters with love and take care of them as best as she could.

"I feel blessed to have these two beautiful daughters here,"

Both Natalie and Anastasia attended in the same school, British School Jakarta to be exact, since at that time, their parent couldn't find any better school for foreigners like them. They grew up together and were known as iconic siblings at school.

Natalie won several prestigious awards due to her outstanding talent as a violist and already had her own concert at 18, while Tasia—or Taca if you're close enough with her, still focusing on finding what she wants the most in life. As a teenager, she experienced many episodes of identity crisis since she felt like lived under her sister's shadow.

Unlike her sister who more focuses with her talent development in arts, Anastasia devoted her heart and soul to learn more about science. She adored space and planets since she was a little child. When her friends want to have a latest Barbie for their birthday, she wanted a telescope instead.

"... I want to see how the stars collide in front of my eyes,"

But dream is still a dream. Unfortunately, as time goes by, she needed to obey her parent's will and burried her childhood dream deep, somewhere deep inside her psyche. She understands that everything is temporary, sometimes we need to give up something to have another better.

The little Anastasia now already became a fully grown up lady. Living her best life as a Psychologist and freelance model. Her life is getting much more better after she met Gijsbern, the love who offered her the whole world she never expected before. A ring is perfectly decorated her ring finger, as a form of the truest feeling from her fiancée.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ❦

Footnote by Silke-Klåra:

Silke-Klåra has decided to use Ruby Jane as her muse to channel her thoughts through words. Ruby Jane herself was born in Seoul on January the 16th, 1996.

It is prohibited to steal any assets from Silke-Klåra since both Anastasia and this blog were never made as a free-source for everyone. We should respect each other's art instead of stealing it, aren't we? Though this is just a mere writing, but me, myself, considers this as my work of art.

I must clearly declare that anything that Anastasia does have no affiliation with BLACKPINK, YG Entertainment, or any other significant parties and made zero profit nor ever monetizing any action, be it in the past, present time, or even later in the future.

With much love and kisses,

Silke-Klåra.

[kurt-wagner-official]

Post #32: UXM Annual issue 6 and UXM issue 168

Full disclosure: this annual, along with God Loves, Man Kills, destroy the timeline of the series. Between the presences of Scott, Logan, and old Illyana, the scenes at the mansion, which they weren't using before the Brood Saga, Xavier not being in a coma like he was at the beginning of that story, Ororo's costume, and a million other little references and clues, there is no place for them that truly works. The best I can come up with is that the Ororo scene in issue 168 is actually a flashback to right after the Brood Saga, and the rest of that issue is after this annual and that graphic novel. I have spent hours trying to figure this out and that's the only way that makes doesn't leave plot holes. Anyway, moving past that: Bob Sienkiewicz, the artist who drew the first Dracula story, is back for the follow-up in this annual. Rachel van Helsing, a vampire hunter from the Tomb of Dracula series, is tracked down and killed by Dracula, who she thought was dead. He turns her into a vampire under his control. At the mansion, Kitty gets a letter from her parents saying that they're getting divorced. She's devastated and very angry at them and at herself for not stopping it. A few hours later, Ororo, who thought she was free from Dracula, has a dream about killing her friends and going to him. When she wakes, she flies off to confront him and break his hold on her. Unknown to her, Kitty is also under his control, and goes after Peter. Peter is writing a history thesis for Xavier, which I believe is the one single mention in the entire series of him being an actual student. She attacks him, and we cut away to Dracula's castle, where Dracula breaks her will and regains control over her. He wants Ororo to steal a book- the Darkhold, a very important Marvel artifact- with a spell that could destroy all vampires, the Montesi Formula. She enters the castle, which is guarded by security that Rachel and her friends set up. She's attacked by Kitty, who has Peter under her control and claims she wants to restore her sire Dracula, and by two security guards with guns, and runs for her life, captured again by Dracula. He puts her under an illusion of being back in Cairo watching her parents die, and when she wakes she finds herself in a coffin. Scott, Logan, and Kurt arrive to save her at the same time as Kitty and Peter, who are still acting strange, and a big fight breaks out that moves across Dracula's castle. Ororo corners Rachel, who begs her to kill her, but she won't. Kitty finds the book and begins to read the spell, but Kurt stops her. It's a book of evil and using it could claim her soul. She reveals herself to be not Kitty, but Dracula's daughter Lilith possessing the young X-Man. Rachel finally breaks Dracula's hold and joins the X-Men's side, but Dracula causes a cave-in that destroys the castle and gives him an escape. Rachel doesn't want to live as a vampire, and asks Ororo again to put her out of her misery. Logan says he'll do it, and he stakes her while giving her a hug. Lilith leaves Kitty's body and says that Dracula's hold over Ororo is truly broken. Logan and Ororo mournfully watch the sunrise, trying to find comfort in what feels like a hollow victory. Overall, this annual was pretty good, but probably my least favorite so far. I think annuals should feel bigger and more blockbustery than a normal one-off story, and this one was just a little underwhelming compared to the first Dracula story. Also, I haven't read Tomb of Dracula, but I'd hate it if a series I read had a happy ending that was then destroyed in a guest appearance in another book. If you put those publishing problems aside, though, this issue did have some great art and a lovely Logan moment at the end.

Issue 168 starts with Kitty yelling "Professor Xavier is a jerk!" which is the truest sentence I've ever seen, although here she's talking about one of his more rational decisions, demoting her to the New Mutants. Illyana basically tells her to shut up cause it's not that big a deal, which kinda tracks for someone who spent her life in hell. They head off for Stevie's dance class, unaware they're being watched by the dragon who saved Kitty on Sleazeworld. Elsewhere in the mansion, Logan is taking some time off to be by himself. As he and Kurt, who's driving him to the airport, get ready, they discuss Kitty. Logan says children have always been soldiers in war, Kitty's proved herself, and they can't keep a mutant out of danger if they try. Kurt agrees but sees both sides of the argument, saying that her relative lack of formal training in her powers could lead to liabilities in the field. In the Danger Room, Lilandra is coaching Xavier, who's trying to relearn to walk. Since losing his legs, he'd been telepathically turning off the nerves in them to avoid the pain. Now that he has a new body he doesn't have to do that, but the phantom pain carried over so he's in immense pain when he uses them. Most of Xavier's arcs have been about his relationship with the X-Men, and he's usually a shitty person in those stories, so he's been desperately needing a story about his own struggles to get some more audience sympathy. Lilandra tells him that she'll have to leave soon to take her throne back from Deathbird, and asks him to come, but he says that he blames his being off planet last time for the Dark Phoenix incident, and he can't neglect his duty any more than she can. At the studio, Kitty is too angry to focus, and Stevie says the same thing Illyana said: suck it up and act like you deserve your spot back. Sub textually, Kitty has equated losing the X-Men with her parents splitting, and since she can't do anything about the latter she wants to fix the former. She tries every approach she can think of, but nothing seems to work. Meanwhile, Ororo takes a walk in the snow and takes flight, but for the first time, she can't control the wind or her internal temperature, and she falls to the ground shivering. Across the world, Scott visits Lee Forrester. He tells her that his father is going to introduce him to his grandparents, who he lost memories of in the accident that separated them. He says he hopes they like him, which is such a sad thing to worry about. Lee asks if he plans to stay, and he avoids the question. Kurt is also having a romantic reunion, with Amanda in her apartment. Back at the mansion, Kitty is still frustrated with Xavier, and decides to walk it off by investigating a strange lifeform that the mansion scanners picked up in the tunnels. She finds her dragon, who she names Lockheed, and a few surviving Sidrian hunters. Their energy beams interfere with her powers, so she uses Logan's training to take a few out until Peter arrives and helps her. Xavier is impressed with her performance, and offers to reinstate her provisionally. In Alaska, Scott has left Lee behind to meet up with Alex and Christopher at the airfield waiting for a plane that'll take them to their grandparents. They're all shocked when they meet their pilot- Madelyne Prior, who looks exactly like Jean. This was the first downtime issue in a while, and it's another one of my favorites. Kitty gets most of the focus, and once again she responds to change by lashing out. Eventually she'll get to know the New Mutants, and some of them will be her best friends, but right now they're just "the X-babies," a symbol of her being left behind by her family. The uniform she used to be proud to wear is now standard issue for the class, and she feels like her role in the X-family is being taken away from her. At the end of the story, she hadn't really learned anything, and neither has Xavier, which fits his pattern. She has regained some of the self confidence that's been waning over the last few arcs, which is good to see. What's most interesting to me is how she seems less affected by the Brood trauma than the rest of the team. I think it speaks again to how her greatest fear is change. She's said in the past that she's okay with the danger of being an X-Man, and what really terrified her last arc was the realization that she wouldn't die as a member of the team, but as a Brood. Now that her eventual fate is back to what it was, she's much more focused on fixing this latest change in her life. Peter and Kurt get very little to do in this issue, and Logan gets only a little more with the brief exchange about his need for space. After a physically and emotionally exhausting mission, he needs to ground himself back on Earth and in his identity. We'll see how that turns out in his miniseries that's about to begin. Ororo is having a similar problem, although it's only hinted at here. Scott, now home safe with more family than he ever dreamed, is forced to grapple with his commitment issues and self image, which is complicated by the appearance of Madelyne. It's a struggle that's been a long time coming, and it all comes to a head in the Paul Smith run.

[foxwitzc]

I don’t recall any time in my childhood years when my mother, Chinyere, paid any major bill. Not rent. Not school fees. Not hospital bills. Nothing substantial. She wasn’t featured prominently on the outward financial appearances of our family’s wellbeing. But she held down the moral, emotional, psychological and spiritual forte. We depended solely upon the meager salaries of my dad, who was a traffic warden till he retired. Asides the brief time my mom was a teacher, she was basically a house wife, and ran a basic shop for a time. But my sweet mom held the family together in ways that are hard to explain in words. I tear up whenever I remember how my mom would stay up worrying about everything; my dad, us, and how we’d survive in a cold world where all the odds are stacked up against poor kids.

My mom was the moral compass of my entire extended family. She was the salt of the earth. A sweet selfless soul who took everyone as her friends and brothers. She never really had money for much. But she gave everything in lightheartedness and good cheer. She was so intelligent and had recommendations for enjoyable books for everyone. In fact, it was my mom that first sparked my interest in literature, and introduced me to the first books of Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka, etc. And that’s the most outstanding thing I remember my mom for. Apart from her being my mom, and inspiring me to become a professor. (I’m yet to be, though)!

But, what still breaks my heart in good ways is how my dad, till today, still attributes every success he has had in his life to my Mother. He’d talk about how she gave him 5 amazing sons, and helped him to raise them. My dad would detail how my Mother helped him to build his bungalow in the village. And I’d sit there and wonder; how?! She never had any money. In fact, the only money I ever got from my mom, I “took” it from her purse! Repeatedly.

It was from my dad’s mouth that I heard that most of the food we ate all our lives, it was my mom that provided! She’d save every penny she got from her basic trade and add to whatever my dad gave her for upkeep, and somehow we never really starved! And, six years after her demise, her husband still says; every blessing I’ve had in my life, it’s her, and I’ve married my wife in this life, and I don’t want another.

This is my truest Proof that love doesn’t cost a thing but a good, kind Heart. And when I hear men say what women have to do or prove In order to be lovable, it just makes me laugh. There are no long lists for love. There are no supersized standards to what Is real. Just meet a reflection of your soul in love, and just let it happen. That’s all it takes to be happy in love.

This is what I took from my parents, and their marriage. And what I hope to replicate in mine. Always.

They struggled, I witnessed all that. And I participated in it, as their first son. They fought sometimes, I saw a few tears, I shared more than a few with them. But from the evolution of my consciousness till the last day of my mom’s life, I saw that she was truly loved by her husband. And till date, whenever I listen to my dad talk, I know that it’s possible to love someone wholeheartedly. I know that it’s possible to carry only one heart to the grave!

This stays closest to my heart. No matter what anyone says about love, you don’t need to do too much for it to be true.

You only need to meet a reflection of your soul in love, and just let it happen.

[melaniachesme]

Flow of Loving

Sorrow and despair rising like an angry tide, I wept. If only my tears could be as angry as that tide, I could have saved myself. I could have harnessed this power into something magical but that is never the case. Magic is not real and there are no heroes. I was certainly not a hero. Under that hot sun, sitting on the crumbling earth of the shore, I felt the true weight of emptiness. None of my muscles were strong enough to bare it and it was then that I walked into the sea, letting those weary bones float on the surface of the current, completely vulnerable to any way the waters chose to go. Through Love and Loneliness, I have lived more days than I ever wished to. 

From all that has been lost, my own blood and insides—they still seek to take more. I am pouring myself dry despite already being an empty cup and where I keep finding the wine to fill their glasses, I do not know. There is not a warmer savior than Death and his arms would embrace me in a way no man ever had; safe and certain that I will no longer be harmed. Death’s hands are the only ones who have not hurt me. It was there resting upon the waves and counting the stars as they bloomed in the night sky that I found peace. No longer under the will of anybody else, no longer anything but myself. Truly free, truly individual, truly alive. 

It was there in the arms of other women that I learned love; a friend, a sister, a mother. It was not a prize to be bought or a trophy to be displayed but a calming flame in the middle of the snowiest night. A roiling heat that could not be extinguished in the face of freezing ice sickles. Love, bold, would stand in front of envy, hatred, delusion, and misfortune with her chin titled up proudly. Unafraid and desperately alive, she would always conquer the lands with a gentle fury that left the people tingling up the spine and seeking comfort in their lovers limbs. Love would teach joy, laughter, and wisdom—she could reveal any secret hidden away and her secret was that in her truest form, nobody would be scared of what you have concealed. They would take those long-harbored pains and bring them into the sun, patching up the wounds left behind before leading you into the safe throes of a sweet-tempered life. It will taste like cherries and pine.

When there is nothing left but rubble and embers, Love will still stand there waiting for you. She is always there, hiding amongst ashes, leaping at her first chance to be seen and heard. Love is not unlike a song from a bird, chirping into the wilderness with fervor that he may be picked and grateful when he is given such a fate. So many souls have thrown disrespect on Love’s name, saying she causes suffering and grief, but I believe those ones have simply never known anything else, so they cast their doubts. Love is the salve rubbed on your burns as well as the clouds shielding your eyes, a mighty protector armed with sword and song to fight your battles, and ease your mind. Suffering and grief is caused when Love slips away, ripped from you during the strongest of storms; alone and desolate is the new home for you once you have lost her. Sometimes, it is your own foolishness that chases her away. Foolishness and malice is a betrayal to Love, an insult which cannot be forgiven easily when she has so graciously come to you. Hatred is not the opposite of Love; Loneliness is. 

Cloaked in the scent of rot and mildew, Loneliness drags you into her dark caverns, eager to finally have guests in her home. What she is is not her fault; she was bred to be this way. Centuries of isolation, stagnation, anguish. All of these things came together in the darkest underbelly of our would to create the plague of being alone; a fate worse than Death. Within Death, you have peace for there will be no more sickness and no more tribulations. Within Loneliness, you feel her smothering desire to be Love. That slick, oily desperation for companionship that clings to your skin. The times in her cave are times I like to forget despite my own faults being the reason for my presence. This is another thing people do not like: facing their own flaws. 

At last I feel my body falling beneath the surface of the waves. My eyes have long since closed after naming the constellations and I dream of what Love had given me; of what my foolishness drove away. Just as there are no heroes, there are no monsters but ourselves and the stories we conjure in our minds. Perhaps that is the problem, our own power. As the tides claim my body, I float above all that is earthly and familiar towards the other suns that gleam in the sky. I feel hope that I may meet Love again.