#umi copper

[emporium]

Behind the Meme: Complaint Tablet to Ea-nasir

In 1953, explorer Sir Leonard Woolley discovered and acquired the tablet from what is believed to be the ruins of Ea-nasir's home while on an expedition to the city of Ur. Several other similar tablets complaining about poor copper quality were also recovered, suggesting Ea-nasir frequently sent his customers poor-quality goods. The tablet is currently held at the British Museum.

A few of the most viral Tumblr posts about this meme: https://probablybadrpgideas.tumblr.com/post/171826102481/your-players-are-faced-with-an-ancient-sumerian https://brightwanderer.tumblr.com/post/645195882465230848/ea-nasir-is-that-you

Translation of the tablet:

Tell Ea-nasir: Nanni sends the following message:

When you came, you said to me as follows : "I will give Gimil-Sin (when he comes) fine quality copper ingots." You left then but you did not do what you promised me. You put ingots which were not good before my messenger (Sit-Sin) and said: "If you want to take them, take them; if you do not want to take them, go away!"

What do you take me for, that you treat somebody like me with such contempt? I have sent as messengers gentlemen like ourselves to collect the bag with my money (deposited with you) but you have treated me with contempt by sending them back to me empty-handed several times, and that through enemy territory. Is there anyone among the merchants who trade with Telmun who has treated me in this way? You alone treat my messenger with contempt! On account of that one (trifling) mina of silver which I owe(?) you, you feel free to speak in such a way, while I have given to the palace on your behalf 1,080 pounds of copper, and umi-abum has likewise given 1,080 pounds of copper, apart from what we both have had written on a sealed tablet to be kept in the temple of Samas.

How have you treated me for that copper? You have withheld my money bag from me in enemy territory; it is now up to you to restore (my money) to me in full.

Take cognizance that (from now on) I will not accept here any copper from you that is not of fine quality. I shall (from now on) select and take the ingots individually in my own yard, and I shall exercise against you my right of rejection because you have treated me with contempt.

Source: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/complaint-tablet-to-ea-nasir

[journeytothewestresearch]

I've heard that Wukong has a heart of gold (literally), as well as iron lungs, and a metal spine from being in Lao Tzu's furnace and eating molten Copper from Guan Yin and was wondering if this is true.

Monkey states that in ch. 34:

When old Monkey caused great disturbance in the Celestial Palace five hundred years ago and was refined for forty-nine days in the eight trigram brazier of Laozi, the process in fact gave me a heart strong as gold and viscera hardy as silver, a bronze head and an iron back, fiery eyes and diamond pupils (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 2, p. 131).

The legend of his adamantine body predates the 1592 JTTW. For instance, Sun claims the following in the early-Ming zaju play:

I plundered Laozi’s gold Pill of Immortality, and have endured so many alchemical transformations that my muscles are brass, my bones iron, my eyes fire, my pupils gold, my asshole lead and my prick is pewter (Ning, 1986, p. 142). 

Another example comes from the 13th-century JTTW. He is referred to as the the “Bronze-Headed, Iron-Browed King of the Eighty-Four Thousand Monkeys of the Purple Cloud Grotto on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruits” (Wivell, 1994, p. 1182). And the story ends with the Tang Emperor Taizong enfeoffing him as the “Great Sage Steel Muscles and Iron Bones��� (Wivell, 1994, p. 1207).

Sources:

Ning, C. Y. (1986). Comic Elements in the Xiyouji Zaju (UMI No. 8612591) [Doctoral Dissertation, University of Michigan]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

Wivell, C.S. (1994). The Story of How the Monk Tripitaka of the Great Country of T’ang Brought Back the Sūtras. In V. Mair (Ed.), The Columbia Anthology of Traditional Chinese Literature (pp. 1181-1207). New York: Columbia University Press.

Wu, C., & Yu, A. C. (2012). The Journey to the West (Vols. 1-4) (Rev. ed.). Chicago, Illinois: University of Chicago Press.

[thegigilwriter]

01 | “Danger & Star, Rooster & Angel” — Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Female Mitchell OC

Summary: 26-year-old Lucy Asa Mitchell did not know what was in store for her when she first bumped into Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw. After an instant mutual connection followed by a sweet whirlwind romance that swept both their feet, Lucy found herself being immersed deeper into Bradley’s world of the Navy, F-14s, and deployments. What she didn’t expect was finding was the answer to an elusive part of her past — the identity of her long-lost father.

Masterlist

Keywords/Warnings: Romance, Inaccuracies of the Navy and Marine Biology

01 | Koi No Yokan 🎐

1 year after Top Gun: Maverick

Sunday May 28, 2023

Bradley

It was a sunny mid-morning in San Diego, and Bradley Bradshaw and Natasha Trace were taking the Bronco for a drive down a palm-adorned boulevard.

“Thanks again Rooster,ˮ Nat grinned as she basked in the daylight of the open air. “SʼAlways nice takinʼ a ride in the olʼ girl.ˮ

“Quiet now,ˮ Bradley replied, mocking hurt. “Sheʼll hear you, you know?ˮ

Nat rolled her eyes playfully, untucking her shades from the hem of her tank top and covering her eyes. Seagulls flew overhead, the taste of salt was in the atmosphere, and a lovely shade of blue began to appear on their horizon. Bradley licked his lips and stepped on the accelerator. He reminisced to himself about the beaches in Okinawa from his previous deployment. Sure, they were great but there is something about the California coastline you canʼt just feel the same way about anywhere else.

“You arrived at your destination,ˮ Google announced. “The Umi Research Center. ˮ A crystal dome came into view and steadily emerged as this enormous limestone edifice that was akin to the Parthenon.

Bradley pulled up by the docks and Nat jumped out as soon as the Bronco was in park.

“Wanna come with?ˮ She asked him.

“Iʼll stay put,ˮ Bradley reclined his seat. “Unless this Sam guy, needs to be forcibly removed from the premises?ˮ

“Well in that case, I can handle it myself, canʼt I?ˮ

Bradley turned on the radio and tugged at his Hawaiin-print shirt to fan himself. He watched as Natʼs figure disappeared into the entrance of the building. His attention was then directed towards the sea and the pristine boats that thudded against the docks. Natʼs own sedan was in the shop, so she called in a favor from Bradley to borrow his Bronco. Since there was no way her wheel was to be steered by any other set of hands other than his, Bradley opted to be a personal chauffeur to Nat and her first cousin, Sam, for the day.

The heat of the sun was beginning to wear down Bradley, so he took his keys from the ignition and hopped out for a quick walk on the dock. The cool sea breeze helped soothe the sunʼs scalding presence. It was on days like this when his parents used to take him to the beach as a little boy. But thatʼs all what those moments are now—memories. He stopped to stare at the water. A lot of people like to say he looked a lot like his father, and he agrees. But on some days, it feels like the man staring right back at him was a stranger.

Thud.

Bradley felt something collide against his back, and heard a clatter of things falling against the wooden walkway and a small gasp. He quickly turned around and beheld two boxes filled with audio tapes and folders tipped on their sides, and beside them, a young woman rose to her feet.

“I apologize,ˮ she breathed out as her frame got on her knees and began to return the contents to her boxes. “Iʼm afraid I wasnʼt watching where I was going...ˮ

She was wearing a navy-colored bathing suit underneath a white, fitted, cropped tee-shirt, and a sheer floral shawl tied around her waist. Her feet were clad in copper-colored slippers, her wrists were adorned with braided bracelets, her right ankle with a dainty metal chain, and her neck with a cross underneath a string of little, iridescent pearls. Bradley did not even realize he was on his knees with a tape in his hand, for his eyes simply could not part from her face. Mahogany waves framed her lovely visage and her dark-caramel eyes were cast to the floor beneath them.

“Um... do you mind?ˮ She smiled kindly at him.

“Huh?ˮ

“The tape — in your hand,ˮ she pointed.

“Oh — uh... Sorry,ˮ Bradley scratched the nape of his neck as he reached the tape over to her. Their fingers met and so did their gazes. Bradley chuckled and she shyly looked away.

“Again,ˮ she spoke, as she put one box on top of the other. “I apologize.ˮ

“None needed,ˮ Bradley finally collected himself. “Those look quite heavy, need a hand?ˮ

“If you donʼt mind, please.ˮ She sighed. Bradley eagerly lifted the boxes in his arms.

“Lead the way,ˮ he grinned.

“Thank you,ˮ she replied as they proceeded to cross the dock towards the research center.

“I donʼt recall seeing you around here,ˮ the woman stranger spoke. “Are you new?ˮ

“Nah, Iʼm here with a friend whoʼs picking up a cousin who works here. Apparently, he just came from Antartica.ˮ

“How intersting,ˮ she mused. “I was just stationed there.ˮ

“Youʼre a researcher?ˮ Bradley raised a brow.

“You seem amused.ˮ

“I didnʼt mean to—“ Bradley blushed.

Her laugh resonated, it was as clear as a spring and as sweet as her eyes. It was the kind of sound you wanted to play on repeat.

“I was simply kidding. I know fairly well the distresses of a woman in a man's world... I just choose to make the most fun I can out of it.ˮ

Bradley chuckled.

“You make ‘em underestimate you, then you pull the ground from under their feet like a riptide.ˮ

She looked at him with great consideration.

“You just see right through me, donʼt you?ˮ she teased.

“I think you did, otherwise we wouldnʼt be talking right now. Which would be unfortunate, of course.ˮ

She laughed once more, and Bradley smiled as they stepped into the marble-floored foyer after a swipe of her card at the door. For a research center, this was far grander than Bradley had imagined from the outside looking in. Tall, corinthian, columns lined the limestone walls on either side. In every space, oil paintings of founders with solemn and peaceful expressions resided there. The glass dome above filtered the sun rays into iridescent shards of light that danced on the cylindrical and tremendous aquarium in the center of the room. It housed vibrant schools of reef fish and brilliant coral, all so dramatically composed to evoke in every beholder pure awe. Bradley whistled, head tilted skywards with a gaping mouth.

“Glorious, isnʼt it?ˮ She chuckled at his expression. “Wait ‘til we really get inside.ˮ

Bradley trailed behind her as they crossed the foyer and climbed up the steps just a little bit past the elevators. The space alone was fit to be a ballroom for a grand royal celebration. Shelves and shelves of books lined the limestone curved against concave walls except in the very middle where a tall, rectangular window allowed a picturesque view of the ocean. In the center of the circular facility, a behemoth, holographic globe floated above a ring of conjoined computers. The remaining space was lined with bench tables and plush chairs.

“Welcome to Umi,ˮ The woman stranger smiled.

“The lights on the globe,ˮ Bradley asked her. “Are those your other branches?ˮ

“Every light represents a team of researchers from all divisions, all around the world.“

“Impressive,ˮ Bradley nodded.

“Umi is that and everything else,ˮ She sighed, as she turned towards the elevators.

“You must love working here with that shine of yours and all,ˮ He mused as they waited for a lift up.

“I do,ˮ she replied passionately. “The sea is my first love.ˮ The elevator doors parted open and Bradley followed her in.

“Do you have anything youʼre passionate about, Mr.—?ˮ She spoke to him. “Iʼm sorry I should have asked for your name—“

“Itʼs Bradley, Bradley Bradshaw. And if I may know yours?”

“Lucy,ˮ the woman smiled at him. “Lucy Mitchell.ˮ

“Lucy,ˮ Bradley repeated. “Like light.ˮ

“What?ˮ

“Thatʼs what your name means,ˮ he told her. “Explains the shine.ˮ

“Do you know the meaning of the names of every woman you meet, Mr. Bradshaw?ˮ Lucy raised a brow playfully. “I hate to admit how clever that is of a way to disarm any of us women.ˮ

“Oh yeah,ˮ Bradley played along. “I read about one name every day from my dictionary, yours just happened to pop up recently.ˮ

“Is that so?ˮ She chuckled. “Then I should warn the others, ‘There is a serial flatterer on the loose with an intent to charm!ʼ“

Bradley laughed.

“Iʼm surprised Iʼve kept up a conversation with you this long at all, to be honest.ˮ

“Now what makes you say that?ˮ Lucy cocked her head to the side.

Bradley wanted to say it was because Lucy Mitchell was beautiful and smart and young and hilarious and sophisticated despite the casual comfort her disposition exuded. That Bradley was old and truly awkward when it came to the really pretty girls that make him laugh. How he desired to so effortlessly make her know that she had a slot in his schedule for a dinner with him. Yes she was a stranger, but this entire interaction surely trumped any small talk he had over the previous online dates he set up and the lonesome evenings at the bar bench when women sauntered over to him to have a little fun for the night

Get off your perch and take the fucking shot, Rooster! He could hear Jake Seresin ringing in his ears.

“Lucy—“

“Lucy!ˮ

The elevator doors parted ajar once more, and in front of them, Nat and her cousin Sam were.

“What are you still doing here?ˮ Sam asked her as they stepped off the lift.

“I just remembered that we left some material on deck,ˮ Lucy replied as she gestured towards Bradley. “And this gentleman is helping me get them to my office.ˮ

“Gentleman, huh?ˮ Nat smirked as she leaned her elbow against Samʼs shoulder. She reached out her hand to Lucy.

“Nice to meet ya, the nameʼs Natasha Trace, but itʼs Nat for everybody.ˮ Lucy shook her hand.

“Likewise. Iʼm Lucy, Lucy Mitchell.ˮ

“I see youʼve already met my friend, Lieutenant Bradley,ˮ Nat had a Cheshire grin stretching across her face. Beyond Lucyʼs periphery, Bradley directed Nat a stern look. Nat quickly cocked her head towards Lucy.

“Sheʼs cute,ˮ she mouthed at him. Bradley raised his eyebrows in agreement.

“You must be Samʼs cousin,ˮ Lucy smiled at her. “He talks a lot about you.ˮ

“Aw, Sam!ˮ Nat cooed as she tucked her cousin under her arm and affectionally rubbed his hair. “My little cousin misses me that much?ˮ

“Only how annoying you are!ˮ Sam groaned. He was a young-looking fellow despite his age, a 23-year-old new grad looking like he just celebrated his 16th birthday. He was tall, lanky, and freckled. His dark and bold features are similar to Natʼs, but Sam’s looked a little softer around the edges, like a muted color compared to Natʼs natural exuberance.

“You—ugh.ˮ Sam struggled against Nat. “Must be Bradley, right?ˮ

“Nice to meet ya,ˮ Bradley confirmed.

“Donʼt let Lucy take those to her office,ˮ Sam finally escaped from Natʼs grasp. “Sheʼs been working non-stop in the expedition and I've been given strict orders that she shouldnʼt be here until next week.ˮ

“Oh come on, Sam!ˮ Lucy whined. “These are the mourning recordings! Weʼve never seen them sing like this! If Foster asks, just say I wasnʼt here!ˮ

“Sheʼll have my ass, that woman!ˮ Sam sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Lucy, go home. Compression Sickness is no light matter. Youʼre still recoveri—! You literally just went for a dive, did you?ˮ

“Perhaps,ˮ She replied nonchalantly. Sam groaned.

“Workaholic, huh?ˮ Nat remarked. “Listen, why donʼt you come out with us? Weʼre hitting the Pier today and catching a movie later. That way, Samʼs ass isnʼt grounded and I get a new girlfriend. Iʼm sure Rooster wonʼt mind, do you Rooster?ˮ

Natasha grinned at him smugly, as Lucy chuckled. They were both resigned to Natʼs insistence.

“Of course not,ˮ Bradley replied.

“That settles it,ˮ Nat smiled. “Meet us in the foyer.ˮ

They exchanged places, Nat and Sam towards the lifts and Bradley and Lucy towards the offices. As the doors closed, Natasha sneaked a quick wink in Bradleyʼs direction. In addition to that, her signature, ‘donʼt screw it upʼ look.

“I'm sorry about her,ˮ Bradley spoke as they walked the sun-lit hallways together towards her office. “She doesnʼt get to meet a lot of women in our line of work, and when she does theyʼre often not nice.ˮ

“I think your girlfriendʼs sweet,ˮ Lucy replied. “Sam thinks really highly of—“

“Sheʼs not my girlfriend,ˮ Bradley interjected.

“Oh,ˮ she closed her eyes briefly and shaking her head. “Iʼm sorry, I shouldnʼt have assumed. The both of you just seemed really comfortable with each other.ˮ

“Yeah we get that a lot,ˮ Bradley sighed, a wave of embarrassment washing over him at his premature response. “Sheʼs one of my best friends, thatʼs all. Weʼve known each other for over 15 years.ˮ

“Are you a naval aviator, yourself?ˮ

Lucy noted the swell in his chest and the small proud smirk that settled on his lips. “That I am.ˮ

They finally arrived at the office and Lucy promptly turned her key in the lock. The translucent door swung open and she quickly gestured towards the side of her desk where Bradley deposited the boxes.

“Thank you, Lieutenant.ˮ Lucy smiled.

“At your service,ˮ Bradley replied. As he bent down, she noticed a small, transverse cut in the inside of his left bicep. He was carrying them for much longer than she had anticipated and the upper corner of the top box must have done it. She opened the top cabinet on her table and retrieved a small metal box with a biscuit label.

“Those look good,ˮ Bradley remarked.

“Sorry to disappoint you, Lieutenant,ˮ Lucy laughed. “Iʼve already ate them all. You cut your arm, by the way.ˮ

“Oh would you look at that,ˮ he mused at the prickle of blood that began to emit. “The horror.ˮ

Lucy laughed again.

“Now, now,ˮ she played along as she ripped an antiseptic wipe open from its paper container. “This will all be over soon.ˮ

She pressed the wipe into his bicep. Her hands were dainty and soft and cool against his skin. He watched her eyebrows furrow just a little as she encountered a little resistance from placing a bandaid decorated with small, little fish— and regarded the way her tongue would poke from her lips. Bradley felt a searing heat in his chest and her touch had become so much more apparent to his senses.

“There we go,ˮ Lucy chuckled. “Crisis averted.ˮ Not quite, Bradley thought. Not quite.

A silence fell between them from the moment they left Lucyʼs office; to the moment Natasha elbowed Sam into the back seat with her (even though Sam wanted to call shotgun, but was then dismissed as Nat was playing wingman); to the moment they placed their orders at a nearby Shake Shack; to the moment they sat side by side through two movies at the theatre; and until now as they watched Sam and Nat board the Devilʼs Drop at Ruby Pier. It wasnʼt the awkward, painful kind of silence that say two middle school sweethearts would experience at a secret, last-minute first date as one or other try to make the first move. It was peculiar kind that was quite comforting.

Lucy tugged Bradleyʼs sleeve. He turned to her, very much endeared by this gesture.

“Wanna take a walk?ˮ She suggested.

“Might as well,ˮ he agreed. “Phoenix is an adrenaline junkie, sheʼs gonna try a couple of those kind of rides before sheʼs done.ˮ

“I feel bad leaving Sam,ˮ she frowned. “Heʼs terrified of dives, let alone those rides.ˮ

“I donʼt,ˮ Bradley kidded. “I get you all to myself.ˮ Lucy chuckled.

“Iʼm afraid I donʼt have a lot to offer with my companionship, Lieutenant, but I think those girls do.ˮ She cocked her head towards a herd of girls giggling in Bradleyʼs direction as they stared at him with glinting eyes.

“I gotta say,ˮ Bradley drawled. “Iʼm a bit offended that you think of me that way.ˮ

“How so?ˮ Lucy challenged with a smile.

“I think I can tell for myself the sort of woman I find interesting, little lady.ˮ

“And you happen to find me interesting?ˮ Lucy laughed.

“Very much so.ˮ

They stopped at a saltwater taffy stall as they began to cross the boardwalk. It was by far the grandest saltwater taffy stall on the Pier, decorated with exuberant colors and classy old-time fonts. The vendor was a short, Asian man in what appears to be his 50s, with smile lines and youthful eyes. His skin was the color of chocolate milk and his eyes were piercingly gray.

“Hello Manong,ˮ Lucy grinned at him.

The old manʼs eyes did not shift, but his lips broke into a great smile.

“Lucy!ˮ He exclaimed in a coarse voice. “How are you? Where have you been, silly girl?ˮ His English was perfectly American, but it did betray some intonations of his own mother tongue. Bradley watched as Lucy reached out her palm to his and pressed his knuckle against her forehead.

“Iʼve been well,ˮ she smiled. “I just arrived home today. Where is Victor? Have you been here all day?ˮ

“Now donʼt you worry sweet girl, I just came here for a short shift. Victor is at the hospital with Sherry. I think theyʼre going to have their third kid. His sisterʼs gonna pick me up in an hour.ˮ

“Itʼs the third one already?ˮ

“I know, Iʼm getting old!ˮ He raised his hands laughing as he proceeded to pack a bag for Lucy, working skillful behind the counter. “Youʼll have the usual one, yes? Now whatʼll your friend be having?ˮ

Bradley without having uttered a single word yet, stared at him. “Well, young man?ˮ

“Iʼll have the caramel swirls with raspberries please,ˮ Bradley replied. The old man chuckled as he got to work.

“This your girl?ˮ

“Manong!ˮ Lucy scolded, a blush quickly staining her cheeks.

“I tell you now that sheʼs a keeper!ˮ He laughed as he handed them their taffy. Bradley was ready to swipe his card, when the old man shook his head.

“On the house for sweet Lucy and her new friend!ˮ He said cheerily.

“Thank you Manong,ˮ Lucy smiled. “Youʼre a gem!ˮ

The old man waved at them as they walked farther down the boardwalk. Lucy gently opened her taffy, inhaling its delicious strawberry and vanilla fragrance before enjoying a pair of them. Bradley followed suit.

“That man was blind, wasnʼt he?ˮ Bradley asked her. Lucy nodded.

“Itʼs not just because of his age. His eyesight just suddenly began deteriorating,ˮ she explained. “His family is one of the oldest saltwater taffy makers in California. Victor is his eldest, and took over when his vision got worse.ˮ

“Iʼd say that heʼs one of the most clear-sighted people I ever met,ˮ Bradley said.

“I agree,ˮ she chewed on a vanilla taffy and covered her mouth as she spoke. “I didnʼt think he could tell that you were even there, much less a man. But he probably should never drive a plane, donʼt you think?ˮ

“Absolutely not,ˮ Bradley laughed. “But he did prove you wrong.ˮ Lucy gazed at him.

“That you, Lucy Mitchell, are indeed interesting.ˮ

They arrived at the near end of the boardwalk in silence. Lucy leaned against the railing, staring out into the ocean. The shards of rich light from the opalescent sky above glimmered all around them, and Bradley saw them dance in the irises of her eyes. Her tongue poked out from her smooth lips just as he had seen this morning. Her hair, like the sea before them, trembled at the wind. Then her gaze finally met his.

“I would say the same Lieutenant,ˮ she said to him. “If you spoke truthfully.ˮ

Bradley did not speak. There was a seriousness in the way she looked at him. He would wait for his turn.

“I am not a fickle woman or one who is easily flattered,ˮ she whispered. “But your words today meant greatly to me, and I canʼt help but think of your intentions. You say that Iʼm a riptide. That my passion shines through. Then you say that I am unexpectedly easy to talk to, and now you say that Iʼm interesting. But you’ve only just met me…”

“I donʼt want to you to misconstrue my intentions or yours, Lieutenant,ˮ she spoke bravely. “And I donʼt want to get my hopes up. But aside from all the things youʼve learned about me today, there is something else you should now... “

“Iʼm not one for casual relations. If someone must have me, then he must earn me first.ˮ

Lucy had fired the first shot.

At Natʼs insistence, she persuaded Lucy to let Bradley take her home instead of the taffy-manʼs daughter. To be fair, it was not too far from her apartment and the fact that Bradley got seven more minutes with Lucy was a bonus on account of Natʼs wingman game. She gave a thumbs up to Bradley before assisting a nauseated Sam from the backseat of the Bronco. Lucy and Bradley were once more enveloped in silence, but it was not as comfortable as it had been during their day out together.

“Hereʼs me,ˮ Lucy told him, hopping out of the Bronco.

Bradley turned the ignition off and walked her to the gate of her quaint, little apartment complex. Three rusty-colored brick buildings surrounded a small courtyard with flower gardens and a concrete fountain with small koi.

“I guess this is it,ˮ Lucy smiled. “It was nice meeting you, Lieutenant. Thank you for the ride home.ˮ

As she turned towards the gate to unlock it, all Bradley could think about was the shots he was too reluctant to take — both in the air and his life. So in that moment, in the crimson light of dusk, his fingers instinctively bound themselves around her wrist. She looked at him in surprise, her sweet, caramel eyes glowing in the sunset.

“This morning you asked me what I was passionate about,ˮ he told her. “Even if I did have the time to answer, I wouldnʼt have known what to say to you because as much as I love to fly and...play music—I donʼt— I donʼt think thereʼs anything I love like how you love the sea. I havenʼt found it yet. A-Anyways, Iʼm probably talking stupid right now, but all Iʼm trying to say is... do you want to help me find out?ˮ

“What?ˮ Lucy uttered in a small voice, stunned.

Bradley tried breathing, but suddenly found it very hard to with the thunderous beating in his chest.

“Will you, Lucy Mitchell, go on an official date with me?ˮ

Her silence made him quiver. Despite how clear her gaze was, there was no telling of the tumultuous thoughts that ran behind it.

“Is it because you felt bad for me? For what I said at the Pier?ˮ Lucy asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

“Not at all,ˮ Bradley insisted. “If anything, it just made my intentions for you clearer.ˮ

“I date to marry Lieutenant and I donʼt settle for less,ˮ she told him firmly.

“Is that supposed to scare me?ˮ

Lucy gazed at him considerably before speaking.

“Is this Saturday okay for you?ˮ

“You can have me by tomorrow,ˮ Bradley grinned.

“Wow Lieutenant,ˮ she chuckled. “Donʼt you think this is going a little too fast?ˮ

“Iʼm a pilot,ˮ he smirked. “Iʼm basically supersonic.ˮ

God, he loved the way she hid her giggles behind her dainty fingers.

“Alright then,ˮ Lucy spoke. “Tomorrow at 1400, come pick me up. Weʼll go to Sitaʼs on Newport Avenue at Ocean Beach and go from there.ˮ

“Itʼs a date,ˮ Bradley smiled.

“Goodnight, Lieutenant.ˮ

“Itʼs Bradley, for you.ˮ

“Goodnight, Rooster.ˮ

Bradley laughed again.

“Goodnight, Angel.ˮ

Fun Fact! “Koi no Yokan” is a Japanese saying, which means love at second sight. It is described as a feeling of inevitably falling for someone. Jump to their first date at 02 | Halo-Halos by Beach! DM to be tagged!

[necromancy-savant]

Speaking of, does anyone want to read the actual Ea-nasir complaint tablet?

"Tell Ea-nasir: Nanni sends the following message: When you came, you said to me as follows : “I will give Gimil-Sin (when he comes) fine quality copper ingots.” You left then but you did not do what you promised me. You put ingots which were not good before my messenger (Sit-Sin) and said: “If you want to take them, take them; if you do not want to take them, go away!”

What do you take me for, that you treat somebody like me with such contempt? I have sent as messengers gentlemen like ourselves to collect the bag with my money (deposited with you) but you have treated me with contempt by sending them back to me empty-handed several times, and that through enemy territory. Is there anyone among the merchants who trade with Telmun who has treated me in this way? You alone treat my messenger with contempt! On account of that one (trifling) mina of silver which I owe(?) you, you feel free to speak in such a way, while I have given to the palace on your behalf 1,080 pounds of copper, and umi-abum has likewise given 1,080 pounds of copper, apart from what we both have had written on a sealed tablet to be kept in the temple of Samas.

How have you treated me for that copper? You have withheld my money bag from me in enemy territory; it is now up to you to restore (my money) to me in full. Take cognizance that (from now on) I will not accept here any copper from you that is not of fine quality. I shall (from now on) select and take the ingots individually in my own yard, and I shall exercise against you my right of rejection because you have treated me with contempt.”

[umi-no-onnanoko]

🐚Sunday 26|05|24 🌊

Today I calmly tried to sort out the last things in the room that were still in disarray, I haven't yet understood whether I am tidy or mine is an organized mess, because I hate disorder, in some ways I need to have everything in order, but instead, there are moments when I'm super chaotic and disorganized so I don't know.

I then tried to read a little, but the migraine, ahimè, wouldn't let me.

I wasn't very productive, but at least I managed to wash my hair and not look like I went out like Samara, and I'm very satisfied with this new shampoo which makes the copper highlights stand out compared to the golden ones.

Little bonus is the ring with zirconia which I really like because it's not excessive.

-umi-no-onnanoko (@umi-no-onnanoko )

[harudnae]

Nae's Masterlist

I’ll fill this list as I cross-post my works on Tumblr for easier access. In the meantime you can find everything on AO3 !

🔓 My fics were locked for some time on AO3 but I always wanted them to be available for anyone so fuck it: they're fully accessible again, have fun.

Just don't feed them into an AI or I'll curse you to walk barefoot on Lego pieces every single day.

Gen

🏴‍☠️ Canon Universe

Gloom and doom - Rayleigh, after the war. (SFW, cw: angst & feels, hurt no comfort)

💕 Ships

🏴‍☠️ Canon Universe

Better late than never - Shanks x Buggy (SFW, suggestive ending)

Thin walls - Roger x Rayleigh, Gaban x Rayleigh (NSFW)

My king, my king, my, my my my - Shakky x Rayleigh (SFW, non-graphic mentions of sex)

Copper, Silver and Gold - A Roger x Rayleigh x Gaban series

Encounter (SFW)

Intimacy (NSFW)

Boundaries (NSFW)

Family (SFW)

Peeking (NSFW)

Waraibanashi (slightly NSFW, cw: character death)

Teamwork (NSFW)

🎥 Live-Action

Earning back the spotlight - Shanks x Buggy (NSFW)

🏙️ Modern AU

Candy cane - Smoker x Tashigi (SFW, suggestive ending)

Hot chocolate - Shanks x Buggy (SFW)

Purrfect - Zoro x Sanji (SFW)

⭐ Reader-Inserts

Sharing is caring - Roger x Rayleigh x F!Reader (NSFW)

Sleepyheads - Roger x Rayleigh x Gaban x F!Reader (NSFW)

Behind closed doors - Gaban x AFAB!GN!Reader (NSFW)

Great hair - Gaban x GN!Reader (SFW)

Zamalia - Gaban x GN!Reader (SFW, suggestive ending, cw: drug use)

Forbidden Fruit - Gaban x Rayleigh x Roger x F!Reader (NSFW)

Magnetic silver - Gaban x Rayleigh x GN!Reader (SFW, non-graphic mentions of sex)

An invitation - Roger x F!Reader (NSFW)

Cold feet, warm heart - Gaban x GN!Reader (SFW)

Careful - Roger x Rayleigh x Gaban x AFAB!GN!Reader (NSFW)

Warmth - Roger x Rayleigh x Gaban x GN!Reader (SFW)

🧭 X Marks the Spot - One Piece x Reader Zine

Double the sweetness - Rayleigh x Shakky x GN!Reader (SFW)

Who said information was the only thing worth trading? - Shanks x AFAB!GN!Reader (NSFW)

➡️ More canon character x reader fics available here !

✨ Roger Pirates Week 2023

Day 1 – Fun: Laughter / Song

The song that connects the past and present (Gen, SFW) Bonus 🎶 Binks no Sake - Nae version

Day 2 – Past: Farewells / Memories

Farewells -> Drunk mind, sober heart ? (Gen, SFW, heavy feels) Memories -> Promise (Roger x Rayleigh, mostly SFW with non-graphic mentions of sex)

Day 3 – Family: Home / Kids

Kids aboard (Roger x Rayleigh, SFW)

Day 4 – Surprise: Confessions / Stowaway

A gift for a smile (Shanks x Buggy, SFW)

Day 5 – Relax – Hot Springs / Banquets

(nothing, but it's alright I tried my best ❤️‍🩹)

Day 6 – Connections – Rivals / Allies

Umi no kotachi (Roger x Rayleigh, Roger x Rouge, minor Rayleigh x Shakky, SFW with non-graphic mentions of sex)

Day 7 – Free Day

Waiting for the News Coo (Gen, SFW)

Last update : 2024.10.23

[jackofthejones8]

"Tell Ea-nasir: Nanni sends the following message:

When you came, you said to me as follows : “I will give Gimil-Sin (when he comes) fine quality copper ingots.” You left then but you did not do what you promised me. You put ingots which were not good before my messenger (Sit-Sin) and said: “If you want to take them, take them; if you do not want to take them, go away!”

What do you take me for, that you treat somebody like me with such contempt? I have sent as messengers gentlemen like ourselves to collect the bag with my money (deposited with you) but you have treated me with contempt by sending them back to me empty-handed several times, and that through enemy territory. Is there anyone among the merchants who trade with Telmun who has treated me in this way? You alone treat my messenger with contempt! On account of that one (trifling) mina of silver which I owe(?) you, you feel free to speak in such a way, while I have given to the palace on your behalf 1,080 pounds of copper, and umi-abum has likewise given 1,080 pounds of copper, apart from what we both have had written on a sealed tablet to be kept in the temple of Samas.

How have you treated me for that copper? You have withheld my money bag from me in enemy territory; it is now up to you to restore (my money) to me in full. Take cognizance that (from now on) I will not accept here any copper from you that is not of fine quality. I shall (from now on) select and take the ingots individually in my own yard, and I shall exercise against you my right of rejection because you have treated me with contempt.”

(context: first ever recorded customer complaint)

Tumblr staff: ten options is enough for polls, right? No one needs more than that on a regular basis. The average tumblr user: Hey guys which element of the periodic table do you think is the most fuckable?

[itsbubbleteataro]

Okay I know this is something different from what I write on here (and I promise I'm working on both Paw Prints and Eraser Shavings, as well as The Radio Host and The Reporter, I'm just drawing blanks) I just need to clear writers block so I'm hoping this helps. Ps this is technically a backstory to one of my DnD characters :3

Flame into Powder

Warnings: angsty, guns, arson, gore

About; a cult runs into town, will they be over run by it, or will they submit to it?

NOT PROOF READ

The earth, cracked, a shade of copper crunches under her feet. Three tiflings standing shoulder to shoulder. Two having wings. One was an older gentleman, skin red as flame. Black hair pushed away from his face with white streaks sprinkled through it. His clawed hands on the two woman who stand shoulder to shoulder. His two devil like horns, twisting like a goat's before pointing up at the sky. Golden eyes watching the town below. Dressed in a fitted white shirt, his torn wings tucked into his back as to not take up too much space. Lose fitting pants and black boots, lightly covered in copper colored dust.

The woman on the right, his daughter. She looked just like him, same ruby red skin, same bright golden eyes and pitch black hair. Her horns, pointed up at the sky with no twists, a cowboy hat with holes cut out for the horns perched on her head. She too wore a white shirt, only it was much more lose fitting. Similar wings, almost bat like in shape were pressed to her back, hers unscathed. Clawed hands holding the other tiflings hand. Her legs adorned by tight fitting brown leather pants. Black boots matching her father's also covered in copper colored dust.

The third tifling was like one you would see anywhere, skin a deep blue. Horns a shade of black as well, twisting and pointing behind her. A purple wizard cap sitting proudly on her head. Dressed in white frills and a purple dress, her claws, painted gold, holding on to a staff that has burn marks littered about. Her dress falling down to her knees. Black ankle boots with purple bows decorate her feet.

The three of them watching the sunset over the town.

The older man silently sighed, reflecting on the many year journey it took them to get here.

The three of them fled Avernus many many years ago, back when his daughter and her girlfriend were just little girls.

Avernus was a harsh land, located in the ninth circle of hell. They escaped barely. It took Calub risking his wings to save the three. They were so badly damaged that he can no longer fly.

It took them years to find this place, to build a house for the three of them. Caleb, Jessie and Umi have learned to not take this sunset for granted, the three of them having earned it.

The day turns to night right before their very eyes and the trio head home. Caleb starts on dinner, while Jessie and Umi head to their room.

Umi lays on the bed, legs in the air kicking as she looks again over a book. One of many that Jessie had stolen for her. Jessie sits at a chair, facing the bed, polishing her cherished revolver (think Smith and Wesson 357 Magum).

They spend their days like this, Jessie and Caleb doing work around the house or the farm while Umi worked on her studies as a wizard, writing to other wizards for help on occasion.

All was well until one day, when Caleb saw something strange in the town. Pointing it out to the two girls, a new large building had seemingly been built overnight. The three decided to walk into town, investigating the strange building.

The three weren't strangers to the town, Caleb going in for food and Jessie and Umi to meet with the few friends they have at a tavern.

Unknown to them they were being watched by the new soul in town.

The three walked up to the building, something grand like a church, one with a simple sliver spoon. Umi tilted her head, such strange imagery for a church.

Umi decided to look into it when the three returned home, walking slowly through the town, picking up a few things for dinner along the way.

They spent the week like that, Umi staying home, reading into it while Caleb and Jessie went into town to gather information. The three didn't quite trust the church. Soon, they had good reason not to.

Jessie and Caleb were in town, heading into the tavern, when they stopped dead in their tracks, looking up at the large old oak tree that stood tall and firm in the center of town.

Dangling from one of the branches was the mangled body of a Drow. Limbs missing, body bruised and broken, thrown hastily over one of the branches. Dangling from the neck, a sliver chain, at the end, a sliver spoon.

Clearly a message, to those who dare oppose.

The two went back early that day to share what they found.

Umi did not take what they had found lightly.

She insisted much to Jessie's dismay that they did some that that night.

The trio did nothing that night, much to Umi's dismay. They simply didn't have enough information to formulate a plan.

Little did Jessie know, that night would be the last night the three would be together.

Umi had slipped on her sliver ring for luck, the one that Jessie gave her when they started to date, then slipped out the window.

Jessie was the first to notice, waking up to an empty bed when she wanted to get some water. Caleb was the second, hearing sounds a fight from town. The two looked at each other and sprang into action.

Jessie grabbed her revolver while Caleb took his daggers, sliding them in their sheets around his hips. Jessie placing her revolver in its holster on the side of her hip. Her hat hastily placed on her head as Caleb goes to the shed, tearing a sheet off an early motorcycle. The two hop on, speeding to the town now ablaze with fire.

Umi was strong Jessie knew, but they had no idea what they were dealing with.

It wasn't long before they reached the town, fire burning around them, Umi standing on weak legs, holding her side, hunched over. Jessie ran up, checking her out quickly as Caleb focused down the person infront of them.

They were outnumbered, the three knew that, but they couldn't back out. Not yet. 

Hell broke lose figuratively, bullets being fired, daggers finding their way into people's flesh, spells being casted.

All was well, the fight somehow even. All up untill this figure, dressed in robes of black.

Caleb, standing under the the awning of one of the stores, was pulling his dagger out from one of the bodies. The figure, seeing this as an opportunity, fired a bolt of fire at the support beam.

A gargled yell left his body, as he was crushed to death.

Jessie was horrified. Already starting to back up. It was no better for Umi, who now had a dagger sticking out of her heart.

Her body, crumbled on the ground, her blood pooling underneath her.

The cultists, taking their leave, retreating back into the church.

Jessie falls to her knees, looking at the only two people she has ever loved, now dead next to her. She takes the gold ring that was around Umi's finger. She slips it onto her own, tears in her eyes. Her lover dead. She looks over at the rubble where her father lays crushed to death. Sobbing.

The smoke from the fires lit around starts to combine, forming a sort of demon.

The humanoid, a being made of smoke. Large glowing red eyes, long black hair, looks down at Jessie.

Extending a hand, and making a deal to her in Infernal,

"I know you want to avenge them, I can feel your pain. I can help. I will lend you my strength, and in exchange, after the cult has been destroyed, you will give me your body to use as a physical form. Do we have a deal, young tifling?"

Jessie shook his hand. She could feel this new power pumping through her veins.

The demon of smoke introduced himself is Falfor, before disappearing.

Jessie's revolver turns black, sliver accents swirling around the barrel.

It takes a while, but eventually, her father and girlfriend are buried in the backyard, graves dug and marked.

Jessie, standing alone, watching the town, eyes narrowed at the cult.

She will take it down someday, her loved ones sacrifice will not be wasted, even if it costs her body

[mckitterick]

translation of cuneiform tablet:

Tell Ea-nasir: Nanni sends the following message:

When you came, you said to me as follows: "I will give Gimil-Sin (when he comes) fine quality copper ingots." You left then but you did not do what you promised me. You put ingots which were not good before my messenger (Sit-Sin) and said: "If you want to take them, take them; if you do not want to take them, go away!"

What do you take me for, that you treat somebody like me with such contempt? I have sent as messengers gentlemen like ourselves to collect the bag with my money (deposited with you) but you have treated me with contempt by sending them back to me empty-handed several times, and that through enemy territory. Is there anyone among the merchants who trade with Telmun who has treated me in this way? You alone treat my messenger with contempt! On account of that one (trifling) mina of silver which I owe you, you feel free to speak in such a way, while I have given to the palace on your behalf

of copper, and umi-abum has likewise given

of copper, apart from what we both have had written on a sealed tablet to be kept in the temple of

How have you treated me for that copper? You have withheld my money bag from me in

it is now up to you to restore (my money) to me in full.

Take cognizance that (from now on) I will not accept here any copper from you that is not of fine quality. I shall (from now on) select and take the ingots individually in my own yard, and I shall exercise against you my right of rejection because you have treated me with contempt.

The Bingham Canyon Mine is an open-pit mine in Salt Lake City, Utah. At 2.5 miles (4 km) wide and 0.75 miles (1.2 km) deep, it is the largest man made excavation in the world. It is also considered to have produced more copper than any other mine in history – more than 17,000,000 tons.

40.523000°, -112.151000°

Source imagery: Maxar

[songsinmyheadofficial]

Umi Copper - All (Music From Ballers // 4x04)

[journeytothewestresearch]

Sun Wukong's 500 Years in Hell

Chapter seven of Journey to the West (Xiyouji, 西遊記, 1592) ends with the Monkey King being imprisoned under Five Elements Mountain (Wuxing shan, 五行山). Many people forget that this was only half of his punishment:

[The Buddha told the guards that they were] to feed the prisoner with [hot] iron pellets when he was hungry and to give him melted copper to drink when he was thirsty (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 199). 但���饑時，與他鐵丸子吃；渴時，與他溶化的銅汁飲。

This hellish diet comes directly from Buddhist canon. For example, the Dīrghāgama (Sk: दीर्घागम; Ch: Chang Ahun Jing, 長阿含經; “The Collection of Long Scriptures”) states that these are respective punishments from the Hells of Hunger [Ji, 飢] and Thirst [Ke, 渴] (Howard, 1986, p. 131). For more info, see my previous article.

Shao (1997) explains that the term "Five Elements/Phases" (Wuxing, 五行) is used in JTTW and Buddho-Daoist doctrine to represent mortality. For example, Monkey complains to the judges of hell in chapter three that he is no longer subject to death since he has achieved the Daoist elixir, thereby breaking free of the five elements. His imprisonment beneath Five Elements Mountain and hellish diet are therefore clues that the Buddha is punishing Sun to a symbolic death and afterlife. [1] His subsequent release in chapter 14 can then be viewed as a symbolic reincarnation, which completes the cycle of:

death -> karmic punishment -> rebirth

Remember that the novel states time and time again Monkey was under the mountain for 500 years. Although internal story details suggest it was actually over 600 years, it's important to remember that 500 is used in Buddhist doctrine to denote a large number (Zhao, 2021, p. 126). So, maybe the novel was just implying that Monkey was punished for a really long time.

Note:

1) See chapter four.

Sources:

Howard, A. F. (1986). The Imagery of the Cosmological Buddha. Leiden: E.J. Brill.

Shao, P. (1997). Monkey and Chinese Scriptural Tradition: A Rereading of the Novel Xiyouji (UMI No. 9818173) [Doctoral dissertation, Washington University]. Available from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database.

Wu, C., & Yu, A. C. (2012). The Journey to the West (Vols. 1-4). Chicago, Illinois: University of Chicago Press.

Zhao, P. (2021). The Essentials of Buddhism: Questions and Answers (H. Fang, trans.). Beijing: American Academic Press.

[kellisuu-blog]

Pls fill my playlist:) update every Saturday (Japan Time)

https://open.spotify.com/user/kelli_su/playlist/3iBfgzblT5A4gkocB0GYgf?si=2ZtvfT-7QFy7BxiZlOBiAQ

[11passed11]

“If Aphrodite was a dime, shes a Krugerrand enchanted by an ancient shaman.  She gives me asthma, shes my practice, my habit, my maximum advancement, my reason, my fathom, she's my idea of what always has been. I sit here thinking why I cant stand this but already know what the answer is everytime she vanishes. To imagine her dancing every last time is how I manifested an addict.”

[iheartmoosiq]

Most days of the week, I’m dashing through hundreds of tunes, trying to find the gems. Sometimes, it gets to be robotic, particularly when nothing seems to stand out. Then, I hit that mother lode, that one song that makes me stop everything I’m doing, makes me sit straight up in my chair and gasp in wonder and joy. That’s what happened today with Umi Copper, a 24 year old singer songwriter and producer who was raised in Long Beach, California by his immigrant Togolese mother. Debut single All is a raw and emotive blend of soul, experimental R&B, and folk music, but it also sports a spacious drum and bass roll and orchestral swells that add to the multi-dimensional song’s emotive potency. Umi Copper’s voice is crisp and clarion. The sentiment it exhibits feels true and sincere, personal and genuine. Copper is said to have been experimenting and crafting his sound for the last 7 years working as an anonymous understudy for some of LA’s most innovative soul producers. Out of the shadows, Umi Copper arrives, and we are so ready to receive what he has to bless us with. For the moment, Copper has no Facebook and no Twitter... but you can keep up with him on Instagram, here.

[diamonddeposits]

FIND OF THE WEEK

Experimental  soul from LA based singer songwriter Umi Copper. All is  a passionately poetic slice of sweeping vocals set to a stunning score. Check the track from our Fink of the Week above!

[theheckisayogscast]

If it's not too much trouble, could we have a Littlewood for the UMY headcanons?

From this postSend me a yog

LITTLEWOOD1) Littlewood is a dryad who lives in a house near the city’s large park2) DESCRIPTION: He’s short and blonde, his eyes change colour with the seasons, as does the slight tint of his skin. Always has flowers or vines growing on him somewhere3) FRIENDS: Toby, Zoey, Rythian, Parv4) ENEMIES: Anyone who threatens the safety of his park5) ONESHOT: The sunrise in the city was always beautiful. Sitting under a tree and watch the humans of the city wake up was Littlewoods favorite thing since leaving his forest. The early morning dog walkers or joggers go past him, not even noticing him there.The light fog and the morning dew put his soul at peace. The way the sun shone on him through the clouds breathed life into his body, even in the chaos of the city.Sometimes he’d spend the whole day sat there in the park. The birds would sometimes come and sit on him and keep him company. Most people wouldn’t notice him. Any passing fae will give him a friendly smile, it’s only polite, as they are passing through his park. Some children would see him and look right through his glamour. He’d wave back at them as they were dragged along by their parents.The city was different than his home. He liked it.