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sweetestlamb · 4 years ago

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Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These)

Summary: A deeper look into Gang-tae's dream sequence in "Rain on Me" as requested by my bb @emanmc24.

Author's note: This is not safe for work, around friends, public transportation none of that. Okay I warned you 😂😈 This is filthy nasty public motorcycle rain sex (Jae-su, bro please don't kill me it's only a dream.) My brain tried to do its thing with inner monologues (what's wrong with me???) But I snapped it back into focus and the majority of this is just gutter smut. It's GT's dream so he's a lot more dominant and unpinned than he was in ROM, he is literally living his fantasy so it's very different from the original story. Enjoy my pervy loves!! ♥️

p.s. I made the header so it’s not as amazing as usual but I have fun learning how to do new things here! I will definitely let the pro make the next one for the wedding fic tho lol (I didn’t want to bother you on such short notice @essantial)

The rain pelts against his chilled skin icy pinpricks making his bone ache and his heart pound as it pumps blood into the tired limbs of his body. Her arms are tight vices around his stomach, her hold so strong he feels as if he might shatter under the pressure. A sandcastle disintegrating beneath the powerful devastating crash of a tidal wave.

The motorcycle rumbling between his thighs begins to stutter, hiccuping and sputtering before it halts completely, he veers to safety on the side of the road.

"Alberto, please. Please not now." He pleads with the rebellious bike, stroking the handlebars in condolence. But his endeavors are fruitless as the motorcycle remains unimpeded by his suffering and it remains stagnant beneath him.

The arms clasped around his body suddenly loosen, as he feels the comfortable weight previously blanketing his rain tormented body shift away. Her voice is muffled by the cacophonous watery downpour that cascades from the heavens. But he is entranced by the vision of her, gesturing angrily in the rain.

Said rain has drenched every inch of her lithe enticing form, her pristine deceptively angelic dress soaked to the point of transparency, tempting black peeking through the material, she resembles a goddess with her thick dark hair, long and heavy draping over her shoulder in a wet tangled knot.

He stumbles back as her hands shove into him, finally close enough to hear the words of ire falling from those haunting lips, "How could you get us stuck out here! I don't want to freeze to death, do something!"

His own frustration flare up at her accusations, he didn't do anything, how could she possibly blame him for this mishap? He was just as disheartened and upset as she was, her anger was misplaced and he wasn't in the mood to deal with her agression.

He watches as her hands shoot out once more, their target his chest once more and instinctively he catches them, snatching them easily from the air and pinning them to her side. A quiet look of surprise blooms on her face, before her lips curl into a nasty snarl.

"Get off me." She orders, twisting away from his hold, he tightens his hand, yanking her closer to him defiantly instead.

Their eyes meet in an clash, her usual dispassionate gaze lost to a swirl of fire and brimstone, almost simultaneously both their eyes drop lower, the heat between them so searing, steams wafts off in soft bellows of smoke.

He pulls her ever closer, bodies plastered together, and once again she speaks this time mockingly, "Don't start something you can't finish, Moon Gang-tae." Biting his name out, the challenge evident in her tone.

He's infuriatingly tired of her mouth.

His lips slam into hers in a move that knocks her back, releasing her hands he grabs her waist, so small that he's almost able to meet his fingers around it. Feeling her so delicate and slight in his arms awakens the dark possession he fights so hard to keep locked away. He now feels the door blasted off the hinge as he presses his tongue into her mouth.

She whimpers under his intensity, thin arms looping around his neck and with a growl he lifts her, hoisting her high off the ground, delighted as her long legs coil around his torso like a slithering snake.

Grabbing the base of her neck in a move that screams domination, he kisses her deeper, leaving no space unexplored his tongue lapping at every inch of her mouth.

She writhes in his hold, elegant fingers scratching at the nape of his neck as she grinds into the burgeoning erection digging into her skin. Shifting her in his arms, he positions himself perfectly against her blistering heat and fucks into her, cursing all the layers that hinder their joyous converging.

Striding over to the forsaken bike, he leans over, depositing her on the saturated ground, she claws at him fighting to stay in his arms.

"Stop. Behave." He commands, watching the lust unfurl in her dark orbs as she stills at his words. Fingers twitching but submitting to his order.

Power surges through his vein as he slams into her, pushing her into the ice cold metal of the bike. Her back collides with the handle bars and her corresponding gasp of pain permits easy access to her mouth that he happily takes advantage of.

Her fingers dig viciously into the hard muscle of his abdomen, leaving harsh welts in their leave, he grabs her long braided ponytail tugging hard in retaliation, plunging deeper as her mouth opens wider from the pain. The rain pools in their mouth, their kisses a sloppy wet mess as they swallow the liquids filling their orifices.

Take her. Own her. Fuck her, now.

Those insidious thoughts compel him to break the battle between their mouths and spin her around, forcing her to arch over the handle bar, as he sidesweeps her legs open further.

"Moon Gang-tae!" He chuckles at the tinge of fear he hears in her voice, his fearless prickly flower, a thorny rose unafraid of being plucked, now quivering under his touch.

He leans unimaginably close, nose pressed against the wet skin of her nape, nostrils loaded with the scent of her hair, fresh magnolias infiltrate his senses and he breaths in deep. Gently he runs his nose along her skin, aimlessly until he reaches her cheek, its blistering red heat penetrating his cold.

"You talk too much."

With that indicative statement, he is a slow languid movement, bending until he's level with her uplifted ass, swatting at it and smirking at her indignant welp before catching the soaked cloth and whipping it out of the way, baring her round ass encased in thick high waisted panties.

The dark material has been teasing him all evening ever since he picked her up, and wrapped her in his jacket, enraged at the thought of anyone else seeing her this way; this sinful view for his eyes only.

Without a moment's notice, he peels the rain drenched material off her, momentarily struggling before victoriously sliding it down her luscious legs.

The torrential rain pours down in a massive sheet of ice water and the roads are lifeless and empty, all other living creatures venturing inside to hide warmth and comfort. He finds his own slice of heaven as he pushes a long digit into her dripping wet pussy.

"Ahh mmm ah!"

She cries out at the sudden invasion, drawing away from his fingers, walls tightening around his finger in contrary with her movement.

Plunging deeper he chases her, mesmerized by the visage of his fingers sinking into her center, inch by inch he digs deeper until he bottoms out, her folds unfurled and stretched around him.

Her scent is intoxicating and he compulsively lunges in face first, tongue following the trail forged by his finger. Licking at her petals, tonguing deep inside her flower, her nectar heady and thick on his taste buds.

Now she is a woman unleashed, heaving chest laid across the shaking handle bars of Alberto, as she uses it to support her hard thrusts back onto his hungry mouth, rippling on this tongue, unabashedly riding his face.

"Gang-tae, Gang-tae ah!" The honorific squeaks past her lips as he rams a second finger into her center and his patience wears thin, the heat around his finger swelling his cock up in anticipation. Ripping away from her he grips his own pants, heavy from moisture but with deft fingers he tugs them down his legs, hissing as the rain prickles at the stringent length dangling between his legs.

When he opens his tightly clenched eyes it's to an obscenely sinful sight.

Mun-yeong on her knees, gazing up at him from under hooded eyes those lashes sparkling as they catch raindrops. Her eyes are unwavering as she salivates, his cock the only thing in her line of vision.

"Do you want it?" He asks her darkly, already sliding his hand in to extract the heavy meat, it bobs out thick liquid pooling at the head. The rain does nothing to soothe or abide the heat emitting from him.

Like throwing a cup of water on a forest fire.

Forgoing a verbal reply, she peers up at him, mouth falling open in a clear invitation.

But he's adamant, "If you want it, I need to hear you."

Her eyes narrow but her tongue runs across the surface of her mouth and he has no doubts of her answer.

"I want it."

That's all he needs to hear as he thrusts into her waiting mouth, groaning at the wet tight soft fuck that surrounds him immediately. When her tongue curls around the mushroom head, he growls sporadically grabbing her hair for leverage as he fucks deeper.

Fuck. Fuck. Oh. Fuck.

She takes all he has to give and demands more, hands groping at his hanging testicles, pulled tight and vulnerable in her hands. She slurps around him, her face a mess from his juices and the rain.

She's the fucking prettiest thing he's ever laid eyes on.

He pulls free from her heat with a gurgling sound, filthy in his ears, as spit dribbles from her chin, she stares at him unashamed as she licks it all up, very last drop.

He smears his cock across her mouth, slipping against her cheek and gasping when she closes her eyes and leans into his dirty motion, letting him paint her face like an erotic paintbrush.

"Fuck me."

His eyes latch onto her eyes, they are screaming at him to obey.

"Please."

Brutally yanking her from the ground, he forces her back onto the bike, spread across the bars, her body limp and complacent.

Collecting the fabric of her dress, he pulls it up until it's a wad around her waist, the sight of her naked ass and her puffy lips peeking from underneath is the only incentive needed to send him plunging into her.

Her ear-piercing cry is lost in the howl of the wind and the boom of thunder off in the distance.

Slamming into her hard and fast, he loses himself in the sensation, tightening his hold on her waist to pull her back punishingly into his cock, he slams in over and over and over and over. Stamina never faltering as her tight grip invigorates him, he feels alive.

But it isn't deep enough, close enough, just-enough.

Pulling free, he ignores her shocked gasp spinning her around, before hoisting her up once more, front to front, her back curved over the bike and her legs wrapped around his waist.

Her arms reach around his neck too, the drunk desire he sees on her face as she sways in his embrace drives him to ram back into her. Their hips meet at the powerful blow, his cock piercing through her soft wet flesh ripping her apart and forcing her to mold around him, becoming something new, something exclusively his.

He wraps his muscled arms around her, smothering her as he thrusts up into her heat, her small body bouncing in his arms powerless under his barrage.

It becomes near impossible to move as her walls close in, constricting around him and he feels his release clawing at his belly, screaming impatiently as he thrusts harder, faster, longer, deeper.

And he feels it, it's so close, she's shaking apart violently in his arms, his name a sermon on her lips.

"Moon Gang-tae, Moon Gang-tae ah, Moon Gang--"

The world begins to fade around him, the rain evaporates, the motorcycle gone in a puff of smoke, he clings to her his heart racing but it's futile as she too fades to nothing.

He tries to hold on to the apparition but it's gone in a flash.

His vision blurs as he blinks awake, disoriented as he takes in his new location, before his breath is snatched from his lungs, a new heat curls around him, obliterating his dream which pales in comparison to reality. The reality of those dark eyes pinning him down as she slides down his length and strips him apart.

All he can do is hold on for the ride.

Maybe this is why they say be careful what you ask for.

#its okay to not be okay fic #its okay to not be okay #psycho but it's okay #ko mun yeong #moon gang tae #rain smut #MY gets rawed everywhere #I have no apologies #I am who I am

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orangegreet · 3 years ago

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No Minor Miracles | Chapter 5

War-Front Redux

A little reunion, a little madness, a little passion on the heels of a brush with death.

Aleksander saw the Inevitable now. He understood it. At least, partially.

When he grasped the tether that evening after hours spent collecting himself and setting his own expectations, it was with deliberate calm and confidence.

He pulled.

She didn’t answer.

He waited an hour but she still had not responded.

He poured himself a drink.

Standing at the window of his study, shoulders straight and head tall, he pulled again.

Minutes passed. Then several more.

No response. No twinge, even.

He swallowed the rest of his glass and set it down.

Cracking his neck to ease the tension, he straightened the buckles of his undercoat and then gave a real tug.

Nothing.

Nostrils flaring, his tossed the empty tumbler. It shattered in the fireplace.

Something flared inside him and looked around.

“…Alina…” his voice loses it’s commanding edge thanks to a wayward hopeful-uplift at the end of her name. He rolled his eyes at himself, his fingers rubbing against the skin of his forehead.

The raw and reopened hollow in his chest pulsed and he searched it for what he knew was also there. That imprint of her. Perhaps she would not come but her feelings were not as easy to hide away from him.

Could he sort out her emotions from his? He had never properly tried.

Seating himself back in the armchair he prepared to search the depths of his soul for the loose scraps of her.

He found an anger there. It was…odd to acknowledge. Anger he knew intimately, but the flavor of this was different. He could not place it.

It must be hers, nevertheless.

She was not coming.

He repeated this fact to himself over and over, forcing himself to come to terms with it.

The disappointment he felt was tempered only by his determination to meet her in a collected manner.

He resolved to give her space.

He tried again the next week. A hardy pull to the line as he leaned against his fireplace.

She did not answer.

Even if he tried he could not have stopped the whip of fury he hurled deep into their connection.

He burned for her to feel his displeasure. How dare she hide herself from him now?

She was hoping to drive him back into insanity, no doubt.

Aleksander forced a deep breath.

He would not succumb. She wanted to play him for a fool.

The continued silence he endured from her still had an added taste of her rage returned.

This was puzzling. Not having seen her for years—what could he possibly have done to earn this disdain?

Redirecting his efforts into war was reflexive. Months were spent wiled away on the war front.

The General was gifted in the field. The ability to think on his feet, to act with precision and merciless retaliation was honed by years of ugly lessons hard-learned.

His best ideas were born from the chaos of the destruction of battle.

It made sense that one such flash of brilliance would be sprung from this environment; his mind constantly worked in the background to resolve this issue with his petulant Sun Summoner.

How would he get the attention of a woman whose whereabouts were utterly unknown to him? One who refused to answer his commands and who responded to his displeasure with her own stubborn anger?

Pleasure. Raw and unrefined desire. Pressed into her very being by him. He would weave a Siren’s song into their connection and lure her to his side.

Honestly he was remiss for missing the obvious sooner. He had direct access to her emotions—enough that he could channel his own into her and light her up like a little lamp if he wanted.

She could ignore his summons as she pleased. Ignore his wrath.

She would not be able to ignore his lust.

It was a risk. Revealing the depth of his lust and his desire was admitting to an obscene vulnerability.

However, he had exhausted his options. He could not very well send her the debilitating ardor and affection he felt for her. She would hold that over his head for eternity.

He would not be dominated in that way.

A twitch of a manipulation to her emotions was not a bad concession. She desired him as well, anyway. Whatever ambivalence she wished to convince him of at this moment, he had experienced her craving for him in return. Had she not once gripped his hair to the point of pain while he drank from her trembling little cunt? He remembered with a surging heat through his body exactly what her lust-filled moan tasted like on his tongue.

This was simply a matter of reminding her.

In the safety of his tent and long after his men retired, Aleksander reclined on his bed.

Alina would not deny this, could not block it nor see it coming. She expected his rage, his resentment and wrath. She would not be equipped to guard against his lust.

He drew on the memories he had of her. Of her lips, of her fervor, her legs clamped around his waist, her thighs against his cheeks, the silk of her wrists enclosed in his hands when he pinned her to the forest floor and placed a tongue to her throat.

All those recollections folded into the same space which stored his future designs. The ones predicated on joining his body into hers and staying in her as long as he pleased. Stripping her down and filling her up again with himself, his body, his power.

Internally, he was accumulating his own ball of light as he knitted memory and fantasy into a single globe that cast tendrils of heat into his limbs.

The swell in his pants begged for attention but he ignored it for the moment, holding his concentration.

When he thought the thing potent enough, he released it, forcing it along his end of the tether and into their shared connection.

He did not need to wait long. When it hit her, he knew. The tidal wave of desire returned to him and on the heels of it, more fury than he had ever felt from her before.

Aleksander tugged. An incessant, needy pull at their connection.

She did not respond.

Under his direction, the Second Army took out camps across the enemy line, the Fjerdan permafrost was painted with wolf blood to draw out their masters and then drüskelle and Fjerdan soldiers alike were slaughtered with the ease of a plow anointing a field.

The dark mood harbored by the General made him vicious and on more than one occasion he left the confines of his tent to enter the battlefield where he personally ripped flesh from bone with disquieting pleasure.

Ivan and Fedyor monitored their General. Hesitant to challenge or even acknowledge the new state of his disposition.

Eventually the lack of intervention caught up with them.

The General, newly emerged from the blackened night with blood and victory splattered across his face, grunted in surprise as a Fjerdan wolf leapt from the shadow and latched to his shoulder. It was Ivan who stood in a panic-induced shock, frozen in place as he watched the attack.

Ivan, who lifted his hands to stop the beast, determined to crush the heart inside it’s savage chest.

Ivan, who in an inexcusable moment of complete ineptitude, forgot that his powers did not work on animals.

A sickening crunch came from the spine of his General before Fedyor stepped into the brawl to sink a blade into neck of the wolf.

Healers were called. The General lay quite motionless with a thready heartbeat. The wolf had snapped his spine and when the Healer knitted the bones back together, his eyes shot open.

Ivan watched as his superior stared into the empty snow beside him. He was muttering though Ivan could not make out the words.

After a few moments, his eyes closed again.

When the General woke, it was to a flurry of people around him.

Healers made their assessments, declared him mostly recovered and assigned him to bed rest. He fell in and out of sleep.

Ivan and Fedyor took turns keeping vigil.

Alina was there sometimes, sitting by his feet. His eyes closed.

When he opened his eyes next she stood at the end of his bed. He blinked a greeting at her. Something inside him warmed in her presence.

Though he could not keep himself awake. Again his eyes closed and he only hoped she would be there when he woke again.

A couple days passed before he had the stamina to keep his head held up and his eyes open. He found her seated on his bed, her hand inches from his.

At the sight of her, a smile twisted his face against his will.

He dismissed his lingering guests. Soldiers filed out, unsure if they should follow his orders given the state of him.

Everyone was gone save his sunbeam and the warmth was back. His eyes caught on her lips and he thought if he did not speak he might try to pin her down before she could disappear. He would capture her like a lightning bug in a jar and keep her as a trophy on his nightstand.

“My little Saint has come to call at last. Or…is this still a fever dream?”

He began to edge into a seated position and groaned. She glared at him.

“Are you in pain?” She asked.

He shrugged cautiously and adjusted his pillows for support. “Mostly healed now, I imagine. The rest will pass.”

When his eyes met hers, he found a fire in them. He could not hold her gaze; his brow furrowed.

He fiddled with his bed clothes, eventually pushing them off himself and stacking one leg over the other in repose, hands clasped in his lap to contribute to the picture of ease he was arranging.

“To what do I owe the visit, Alina?” He asked, business-like.

She scoffed. “You do not—I felt it, you fool. You. On the cusp of death. I figured I should come check you kept your pulse.” She spoke with derision in her voice. As if it was appropriate to arrive furious next to someone’s sick bed.

He sneered and looked away.

“Thoughtful of you to pay the courtesy then. However, I am very much alive as you can tell. If that is all, you can run along now—“

She cut him off, “In case you are too dense to pick up on this, I find your latest attempt to get my attention entirely deranged. I am disgusted by it.”

His composure dissolved into disbelief.

“My latest attempt?” He raised his voice at her, “You think I would cut my line at the edge of death just to lure you to my side?”

Her smoldering glare was unmoved. Plainly, she did.

“Am I so desperate for your company that I would gamble my life on a battle field in hopes that I could—what? Endure another five minute row with you across this—“ he gestured between them, “measly connection only to be abandoned by you for a few more years?”

Someone stirred at the tent flap at the sound of his raised voice.

He cast a wall of shadows around them, dense enough to muffle his sounds.

“Forgive me for thinking you would stoop to such depravity.” Alina stared at him, her tone dry, “Your prior attempts at getting my attention were quite dignified, after all.”

Then as if she could not stop the words from flying out of her mouth, “Constant attempts to pull me over, to force me to bend to your commands. And then when I did not answer—it was pathetic to think I would fall prey to some burst of carnal lust for you. As if what you have to offer me is so special.” The fire in her eyes flashed, “Your cock and your mouth are entirely replaceable, I assure you.”

He seethed through the sting of it. “Let us leave my cock out of it considering you have not yet sampled it yourself. And let it be known I tried appealing to your good sense and you would not comply. Was it so wrong to try and tempt your baser instincts?”

“I will not be called on like a dog. Beckoned to your side when you’re bored and looking for someone to torture.” Alina hissed.

He his anger tinged with confusion.

“I was not aware you found me so wholly undesirable. Forgive me thinking it, I must have been misled by all your physical advances in the past.”

She clenched her jaw and looked away. He thought he saw tears and felt even more bewildered.

Alina brushed her hands down her dress and began to get to her feet.

“Now I’ve satisfied myself of your survival, I’m leaving.”

“No.” Aleksander’s hand reached for her shoulder before she could stand. “Stay a little longer. Alina—”

She tried to yank out of his reach, her collar rolling away to expose her skin in the process.

His eyes caught on a cluster of yellowing bruises around her neck. Unmistakable in origin.

She stared at him with a flash of worry, pulling her collar back in place.

His breath seemed to have left him for a moment while his heart ramped up into a jarring pound.

He pushed a short breath through his nose, a rueful smile hung on his face. “Squirreled away a lover, have you? Adorable.” His tone was dangerous.

“You do not own my pleasure, Aleksander—”

“Enough of this. Whoever it is. Him. Her. I don’t care. End it.”

She doubled down, tipping her jaw up at him. “You do not own me, Aleksander.” She repeated.

“You gave yourself to me—“ He shouted, “You were made for me. I endured centuries waiting for you—“ They were both on their feet and his words were snarled as he shook her by her arms.

“I was made to be your balance,” she shouted back. “Not to be your pet. And centuries have done wonders for your maturity—behaving like a petulant child who sets aside his toy and then acts surprised that he’s lost it.”

Alina’s voice trembled with her anger and tears collected in her eyes again. “As if you remained some celibate monk in honor of me these last few years.”

He said nothing.

She shoved his chest, “Well? Have you?” She was screaming at him, eyes blazing and he was sure if they were together right now her light would burn him.

She pushed him again and he gripped her wrists. His chest throbbed and he squeezed his eyes shut against it.

Something clicked into place.

The pounding in his chest when he was with Inna for the last time. The pounding that was foreign to him after years of disuse.

Alina tried to jerk her wrists back but his grip tightened and he kept them, palms still pressed to his chest.

“Answer me—” she demanded, pushing him again where she had leverage.

Aleksander fell back a step. “You were there.” The change in volume made the words practically a whisper to her ears.

“Yes.” Alina growled at him, savage as the wolf who broke his bones, “Thank you, by the way, for inviting me to watch as you fucked some otkazat’sya woman as if your fucking life depended on it.”

Her breath was hot on his jaw even as he backed his head away from her challenge. “Was it good for you? Saints, you were desperate for it, I could tell.

“Then you insult me by trying to bring me back to you the next night after? You are pathetic. Petty.” She spat in his face.

He didn’t respond. He didn’t let her go. She struggled.

She could leave at any moment if she wanted. He tried to cling to the fact that she still had not left.

“Alina.” He held her palms to his chest with one hand and pulled her body into his with the other arm wrapped around her waist.

“No—“

“I swear I did not know. I did not mean to—”

She turned her head away and screamed again, “I don’t care I don’t care! I will burn you from the inside out when I see you again, Darkling. I will fill your eyes with the light of a noon-day sun and I will not stop until it comes bursting out of your mouth and scorches your tongue,” She promised. Her hands tried to conjure but he would not let go of her wrists and it would not work over their connection.

They both knew it would not work. She tried anyway.

“You will wish that wolf had snapped your neck and your back a thousand times over while I set your live body on fire with my power. You will burn up like a dry leaf and I will be the one who feels all the pleasure. Just me. Only me.”

Tears were streaking down her face and their eyes were locked and he did not let her pull away.

“I did not know, Alina—I would never have—” His voice was cooling to her temper and he kept a steady gaze on her, willing her to gentle.

The passion she contained never failed to surprise him. That she spoke with ease about eviscerating him should have unsettled him. Instead he found himself drawn deeper into her. The Light within her could strike him anywhere she pleased and he would reform again at her back. He would surround her greedily, his Shadow unable to do anything except press itself to Light. It could not detach. Shadow did not exist except at her mercy. He could accept this now.

“Do not lie to me, Aleksander. I saw with my own eyes. I saw how you touched her. I cannot stop seeing—”

“Wait. Please, wait.” His hand held tight to her wrists, keeping her in place as he crossed spotted his discarded kefta, still crusted with his blood. With a furtive glance at her, he reached for it and sorted through the pockets.

When he stood in front of her again, he held up the blue and gold scarf for her inspection.

“That is mine.”

He nodded.

She touched it and then dropped her hand.

“This means nothing to me. This is a distraction.”

He closed his eyes and sighed. “For a little while these last years, I did a thorough job of shutting you out. Letting you go again. It was not easy but it made not being with you more manageable. The day I called out to you—though, I swear I did not know that I did, this was returned to my room.”

Alina flicked her eyes to the scarf and back to him, distrust stubbornly clinging to her face.

“You must have left it in your room at the Little Palace. Seeing a real piece of you, proof of you after years of pretending you did not exist, undid me. What you saw—though I did not and would not ever have willingly invited you to view it—was me trying to shut you back out.” He shook his hair back and met her eyes.

“It did not work. Clearly. I will no longer pretend that it is a possibility, never again. You know what I am. You know what I want. I will possess you as I am doomed to be possessed by you and I will not be satisfied until I stake my claim for the world to see.”

Alina leaned in to him, eyes blazing in want as her fury was cooled by his words. He delighted in how quickly she whirled through emotions, delighted in persuading her.

“You will not skirt your punishment.” She said.

He leaned into her ear, pressing his lips there and whispered, “My punishment only promises your body will be next to me again.”

His hands wrapped around her hips. “I would take your fire and let it consume me if it brought you a hint of ecstasy.” Palms moved up her ribs and his thumbs brushed the sides of her breasts.

“There is nothing I would not do to bring you pleasure, Alina.” His lips moved to her neck. He grazed his teeth over her pulse.

His hands were closing in on her breasts; fingers long enough to curl around her ribs even while his thumbs circled over her clothed nipples. A soft moan fell against his chest. Her hands fisted into the black linen of his shirt and he smiled.

“You own my body.” He spoke into her jaw, “I will own yours and you will never want for anything.” Cheeks brushed against each other as she nodded. “I do not share, Alina.” Her hips pressed into his involuntarily. “I will keep you sated to the point of recklessness, insanity. This is my vow.”

His eyes looked into hers and as he sat on the bed, pulling her into his lap. The rigid peak of his clothed cock met her cunt and they both hissed. Aleksander watched as she rubbed herself over him in a slow slide.

He still had not kissed her. As if realizing it in that moment, Alina glared at him, grasping his jaw in her hand and reigning her lips upon his. Her hands kept his shoulders in place even as he fell back on the bed.

He matched her intensity, pulling at her face with his hand while his other adjusted her position back over his cock. The moan she exhaled into his mouth spurred him to lick at the seam of her lips until they opened for him.

They wrestled, rolling over each other a couple times before settling on their sides. Her hands explored his body and his sought the wetness between her legs and when his fingers slipped into her they shared a groan. Her mouth never left his. Aleksander pulled back only far enough to watch her eyes squeezed shut in blunt ecstasy while they panted.

She squealed and quieted and he kissed her lips and slowed his fingers, wiggling them in a test of her sensitivity. The answering smile was lazy.

When he brought his fingers to his tongue, she watched with half-lidded eyes as he made slow laps.

It was not prudent to tell him that she would have to re-do this orgasm when she returned to her body. She stored the memory of his fingers, covered in her slick and cleaned with his tongue.

The promise of insanity did not seem so objectionable.

“This is new.” He brushed his fingers over the glittering scales clasped around her wrist.

She blushed and withdrew her hand. He did not know for certain what it was but he had a strong suspicion.

“A gift, only.” She looked away from his eyes and kissed his jaw. The lie burned between them but he did not mind it. He played on her guilt, calculating that she would be reluctant to lie to him twice in a row.

“Alina, how is it possible that no one yet knows about the Sun Summoner? You bandy about using your powers—presumably anyway because rumors do emerge about you yet no one proclaims your existence with any certainty. It should not be possible.”

Alina shrugged with a secret smile and pressed her lips to his neck. “People believe what suits them best. You know this. The commoners want for a savior so rumors are born. Those in power want to keep it and therefore will not acknowledge a threat even when the evidence is delivered to their doorstep.”

It was casual, brisk even, the way she spoke of herself as a threat. Aleksander could not hide the surge of heat it brought on and descended to her ear where nipped and pulled like a hungry beast.

She laughed. A breathy, delighted thing and he smiled against her cheek. All else forgotten.

“Let me come to you. I need your skin against mine. I need your power twisted in with mine. I will have it.”

Her breasts pressed against his chest under the force of his hand at her back. The way her breath quickened was sign enough that she wanted it too. If that weren’t evident, the pull on their tether was so tight it was almost uncomfortable. His forehead fell to hers.

“N-not yet.”

He growled and she placed consoling hands to his face.

“We are dangerous, you and I. And I’ve told you before, I have business to take care of before I can come to you. I will in the end. I swear to you it is in sight, just…be patient for me. Believe me when I say you are mine and I am yours.”

A rumble answered from his throat as his nails scratched at her yellowing love bites. Placed there by some unworthy set of lips and teeth.

Her answering laugh was uneasy.

“They are nothing, Sasha. Nothing to me. You will see.”

He forced himself to change the subject. Even speaking of someone else, someone who had access to the taste of her skin began to spin him.

“We are dangerous? You said just now. Because of the threat we make to the throne. Because together we are the rightful rulers of Ravka. You do mean for us rule in the end?”

She glanced away and he smoothed a thumb through the crease in her brow.

“Not just threats to the throne, no. Not just rulers of Ravka.”

He waited while she weighed her words.

“We are a threat to the world. I am a threat…”

Aleksander watched her lips, waiting for her to continue. She looked small and fearful.

He imagined her as a child, waking in the night from a bad dream.

“I have felt it…when we were together. The only time we were together,” she amended, glancing at him apologetically.

“Within my powers—when they mingled with yours, it was like…like a kind of certainty that if I wanted—” She twisted her face to look at him with the full force of fiery gold eyes, “If I wanted, I could break the whole world open.

“Split everything and everyone and the whole of the universe apart until all that was left was Light and Shadow. Just us. Left in the quiet of it all.”

His heart was racing.

Or perhaps it was the tether vibrating on the frequency of a humming bird's wings?

Both of their breaths became heavy and they sunk closer into the empty space between them.

Alina’s eyes rested on his lips and her voice was breathy again.

“It is ridiculous, isn't it? Thinking I could do that?”

He shook his head, surprised at his inability to string coherent words together.

“Not if you want it, no. If you want it, then it is simply a fact. A truth.”

“It is not what I want.” She whispered.

He nodded in understanding, sinking further into her.

“Is it what you want, Sasha?”

A smirk twitched on his face and then he claimed her mouth again. When he pulled her body over his, running his hands over the backs of her thighs as they opened around his waist, he thought he would not mind it.

If centuries of walking the earth taught him anything, it was how expendable everyone and everything could become, given enough time.

Her Light was creation itself. It lit up within him because where there was light, the shadows would cluster around it; to smother or to worship, he could not be sure. Though he knew it was her Light that began it all.

It would be fitting for her Light to finish it.

His little Sun, expanding around him, swallowing up the whole of the universe in her Light then falling back on him where he could surround her like a cooling Shadow shroud until she decided to burst forth to create something new again.

#darklina fic #darklina fanfic #darklina #aleksander morozova #alina x aleksander #alina starkov #smut #power dynamics #politics #angst #mutual pining #the grisha trilogy #grishaverse

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palmtreepalmtree · 4 years ago

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Alright, this one is long overdue for an anonymous friend who really wanted me to review The Healer. So after a short pause, here is another edition of

The Worst Movie on Netflix Right Now™

Heavy sigh.

Alright. Let’s talk about this one.

First off, I have to do some pretty serious content warnings, cause I know some people have been receiving some bad news recently and this review goes someplace you might not expect so, I love you guys, but please be aware that this review deals with: cancer, terminal illness, kids with cancer.

Now back to the bullshit.

This is basically a movie about a fucking dumbass dude who has trouble making obvious decisions.

SPOILERS AHEAD (are you new here?)

The main character Alec Bailey, begins the film as a total fuckwit. He lives in England (somewhere about) and owns a failing electronic handyman business that he calls “The Healer” (in the most pathetic stretch of narrative bullshit, but okay) and is in deep gambling debts to the Russian mob.

As our story begins, Alec discovers that he has a long lost rich uncle who makes him an offer: the uncle will pay off Alec’s debts if he agrees to live in Nova Scotia for a year. The uncle will make all the arrangements: plane ticket, work visa, place to live, etc. All Alec has to do is stay in Nova Scotia for a year.

OH NO! WHATEVER SHALL I DO?!? WHAT AM I GOING TO DO IN REMOTE NOVA SCOTIA FOR A YEAR AFTER ALL MY FINANCIAL CONCERNS ARE TAKEN CARE OF?

HOWEVER WILL I SURVIVE IN SUCH A HORRIBLE PLACE?11?!?

I BETTER THINK IT OVER.

*eyeroll*

He finally makes his decision after getting chased by mobsters trying to collect on his debts. ...like I said. He’s a fuckwit.

So he moves into this beautiful house in Nova Scotia. There’s no internet, which is a legit bummer, but his uncle has arranged a car for him to get to town. Seems like a pretty good gig. Even if it is going to be brutally cold come the winter months.

Well as soon as Alec arrives in town, everyone seems to know and be expecting him. He puts an ad out for his mechanical engineering services, again, under the name “The Healer.” Well........... that goes awry in ways you would expect. Suddenly, people start showing up requesting his physical healing services.

The thing is, the people from town seem to expect him to actually be a healer. They keep referring to a secret and to him being “the chosen one.” There’s no explanation for this.

Then there’s like... this whole weird interlude where Alec seems to kill the town priest, played by Jorge Ramirez (can someone please find this dude a good acting gig? my dude has decent comedic timing, he’s better than this shit). And Alec gets arrested. Even though the priest got up and walked away. All of this seems like a weird spinning of wheels before the actual plot. Like why is this happening. Why?

Eventualllllllly......... his uncle shows back up and fesses up (in the most elaborate way possible). People in his family have a gift. Every other generation, someone is chosen. And they have the gift of healing. Based solely on being near to someone who is destined to be saved.

The gift can only be activated around their 30th birthday (if this sounds unnecessarily elaborate, that’s because it is -- and I’m even cutting shit out like the secret basement and portraits on the wall, blahblahblah). The day after the birthday, the chosen one must decide. They can choose to accept or decline the gift of healing. Alec is given until midnight that night to make his decision. WILL HE BE THE CHOSEN ONE? WILL HE BE THE HEALER?!?!1?1

I mentioned that Alec is a fuckwit right?

*Hagrid voice* YOU’RE A FUCKWIT, ALEC!

*squints*

Annnnnnyhow. Alec goes to the town church where everyone is gathered at midnight (with thank you signs and a big round of applause) and he dashes their hopes. HE WILL NOT BE THE HEALER, NO! Even though it comes with no readily apparent downsides or costs. And he’d be able to relieve the suffering of others with no cost to himself. No, fuck it. He’s going to go home.

The town takes it pretty well, all things considered. The few people who had already been healed by being near him make speeches of gratitude. They all wish him a happy birthday and tell him he’s welcome to stay. Like these people are insanely understanding about him declining the gift of healing. INSANE.

It’s worth noting that we’re about halfway through the movie at this point and we haven’t met one of the main characters of the movie.

IN COMES ABIGAIL. Cancer kid extraordinaire. She is 14 years old. Her parents have driven 7 hours to see Alec. Their daughter is dying of terminal cancer, and all they want is for Alec to spend some time with her and give it a shot. But she’s a pretty self-possessed kid. She convinces the reluctant Alec to just hangout with her for the weekend to buck up her parents and give her parents some hope. She doesn’t believe in the healing, so no harm, no foul.

And finally we’ve hit the meat of our story. Will Alec be able to save Abigail now that he’s declined the gift? Will he regret it? WHY DID HE DECLINE THE GIFT!?1?

SPOILERS (really can’t discuss this movie without them)

It turns out, Alec had a brother who died of cancer. And they were incredibly close. In Alec’s words, “he was my everything.” But now he deeply regrets giving up the gift. Now he’s worried he can’t save Abigail.

You know what, man? Same.

SO WHY THE FUCK DID YOU TURN DOWN THE GIFT!??!?

Listen. Listen, listen. I don’t know a single person who has been touched by cancer who wouldn’t jump at the chance to have a healing gift. I mean, what the fuck. Death sucks. Losing someone you love from any kind of illness sucks. Especially when it feels even remotely too soon. And cancer is a particular type of FUCKING BULLSHIT. It sucks.

So it’s really fucking hard to understand why this FUCKWIT turns down the gift to begin with. Death and suffering is not abstract for him when this movie starts! So why we should feel sorry for his resulting anxiety, now that he has met someone who is directly negatively affected by his fucking BAD DECISION.

Anyhow, the rest of the movie is basically an exercise in how charming Abigail is and how much fun we can have with her before she goes off to die. Which like......... OH-FUCKING-KAY!

It should go without saying that this movie has a happy ending. The music swells where it should. The romance is consummated. Abigail is healed. All is going to be well with the world.

As a movie, this one has some weird fucking choices. First, all of the music cues in this movie are just wrong.�� “Faith” by George Michael is not a song about believing in something --- unless that something is having sex with someone who hurt you before. And the lighting in this film is so beautiful all the time, it looks like you’re in a fucking ciallis commercial, even when you’re in the freaking police station, wtf?

And last, the writing is just weird in places. Like why have the love interest lie about being a lesbian through 90% of the film? Why? It’s not a good joke! And It is COMPLETELY fucking baffling to me why the good news of this story is delivered off-screen instead of on-screen. If Abigail is going to be okay, why couldn’t she come back to Nova Scotia to tell him? Why couldn’t she deliver that news in person!? That’s just bad writing. What the fuck is that?

But whatever.

On the credit side, I think Oliver Jackson Cohen knows what he’s doing as an actor. He’s not Oscar-worthy yet, but I believed him. When he talks about his brother, I felt that. And that could not have been easy in such a fucking weird script.

But as much as I’d like to end this review right here, there’s more. Cause...

..........that’s not where the movie ends. Not entirely.

As the end music plays, the movie is dedicated to Paul Newman who established summer camps for seriously ill kids. And then we see images and videos of the kids all over the world enjoying activities at these camps.

And that’s where this critique stops. Sorta. Paul Newman was a legitimately good person. And his legacy of caring for sick kids carries on to this day, as was evident from all the footage.

But here’s the thing: healing as it’s depicted in this movie does not exist. But easing the suffering of others does. I wish this movie had been about that. I wish it had been less focused on miracles and weird family legacies and selfish fuckwits and more about the kind of healing that Paul practiced. But I guess that movie isn’t as fun, and it isn’t as hopeful and uplifting.

In the non-movie version of this story, Abigail Bryant died in 2014 at the age of 20. Her obituary still appears online. And it is still receiving comments and photos from cancer survivors and fighters, many of them who found her through the film. And they talk about how the movie touched them.

On that level, it doesn’t matter what I say here. It doesn’t matter that there are weird parts of this script or that healing like this is a fantasy. This movie does its job. It touches people. And if it inspires just a few more people to give money to help relieve suffering, then that’s all that matters.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Cancer Research Institute Hole in the Wall Gang (Paul Newman’s org) Serious Fun Children’s Network (established by Paul Newman)

#ptpt reviews #the worst movie on netflix right now #i guess #sorta #cw: cancer #sorry for the long post #this one was complicated

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isaacthedruid · 4 years ago

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Steven Universe’s Representation and Music: an informal essay

As the first animated Cartoon Network show created entirely by a woman, Steven Universe’s run lasted for five seasons, a movie and a sequel-epilogue series. The show was far from perfect and its fandom wasn’t the best either but there is something so special about a show that followed lesbian space rocks and a young boy saving the world.

More specifically Steven Universe is about a young boy named Steven, who is half-Gem, half-human who protects the town of Beach City from evil. Gems are a kind of alien who take on the form of pastel-coloured women, to better assimilate with the rest of the world.

Rebecca Sugar, the creator, explains her colourful characters in a behind-the-scenes promo:

“I always dreamed of making a show that would have this mix of fantasy and reality. So, I wanted to make these fantasy characters that enjoy being with Steven as much, if not more than they enjoy being fantasy characters. The characters aren’t perfect and that’s what makes them so great.”

Steven’s family are known as the Crystal Gems, a group of rebels who fought against their government thousands of years ago and now live on earth. Steven’s mom, Rose Quartz was at the forefront of the fight, she did extremely terrible things and when she gave up her gem—-so Steven could be born—-she was left unable to form a body ever again. Steven, with only his dad and three alien women, must attempt to fix her messes and deal with the repercussions of his mother’s actions.

One of the main mechanics within the series is known as fusion, in which two or more Gems become a single being who is stronger and more powerful. The fused form takes on the physical, mental and emotional aspects of those who are part of the bond. As mentioned and discussed many times within this blog, fusions are a physical embodiment of different kinds of relationships. And for a show starring a primarily female cast, they do not shy away from using this mechanic to tell queer stories.

So explicitly that in 2018, the show had the first-ever lesbian wedding in a cartoon. Of course, representation wasn’t always as accepted in Steven Universe. Just two years before the big wedding, higher-ups at Cartoon Network told Rebecca Sugar, they not happy with the multiple queer relationships, so much so that they were ready to threaten cancellation.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, she expressed:

“If this is going to cost me my show that’s fine because this is a huge injustice and I need to be able to represent myself and my team through this show and anything less would be unfair to my audience.”

Being LGBT herself, identifying as bisexual and non-binary, representation is important to her. For many queer people, especially grown-ups, they hope to see themselves represented in kids’ media today as they never had growing up. They want nothing more for children’s shows to say that being “different” or not fitting in with our heteronormative society is actually normal.

Within Steven Universe, you can find woman-loving-woman relationships, non-binary and intersex characters, woman-loving-non-binary relationships, asexual coded characters and basically every other letter in the acronym.

Rebecca Sugar even acted as the exciting force for LGBT inclusion within Adventure Time, originally working as a writer and storyboard artist before leaving to create her own show. She pushed for making the ex-romantic queer couple to be canonically part of the story and for it to not just coded into the dialogue.

A few years later, she returned to the show, multiple times, to compose over 20 songs that would air over the series 10-year-long run such as, “I’m Just Your Problem” which had lesbian subtext that would be confirmed later.

Some other iconic songs including “Fry Song“, “Remember You“, “Good Little Girl“, “Everything Stays” and even the finale song, “Time Adventure“.

Much like the show as a whole, there is something so special about the music she writes. In total, there were over 160 songs written for the franchise, some being short little tunes, no longer than a minute while others were full-blown musical numbers. No matter, all of them have their place within the show. Often when the character can’t express lines through speech, music is utilized to provide a more raw and poignant portrayal of their emotions.

Why Steven Universe is so widely loved is due to the music, as the overall story is not even close to perfect. Yet, everyone can agree on one thing, the music is unbelievably good. What is interesting is the different styles of melodies and backtracking used in the various songs, even more impressive is that every character has their own instrumental motif.

Steven’s motif is the ukelele as he is often seen playing the instrument himself, performing short little melodies and even writing the in-show version of the theme song. Additionally, Steven’s music uses a large amount of Chiptune synth, electronic music which is created using a programmable sound generator. Both instruments have a very childlike feeling to them, Chiptune especially as it is normally used in video game music like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, one of the main musical inspirations for the show. As Steven is the lead, most of the music has Chiptune somewhere in the score and fun fact, the first song in the show, sung by Steven, “Cookie Cat” was actually written on an old Gameboy.

Amethyst is very loud and fun, her motif is electric drums which is extremely reflective of her character. As she can be angry from convincing herself that she is not good enough to happy and giggling from pranking Steven, her instrument can be used in so many ways as she is not a simple character. No matter what, for the few songs Amethyst has on her own (or in the score), her drums provide such an interesting emotional response to the situation.

Garnet is a fusion, so her motif is actually the combination of two instruments. Ruby is a drumbeat as she is a fiery and loud character, she is chaotic while Sapphire is her opposite. Sapphire is calm and collected, she has ice-related powers and is represented by Synth music. The characters together have a perfect unity, expressed by Garnet’s synth bass sounds, she is the equilibrium of two very contrasting characters. The music associated with Garnet, uses primarily the synth bass but Ruby and Sapphire’s individual instruments can be heard throughout her music. All three instruments are also heavily representative as Garnet’s main dancing style is Hip Hop which clashing with others’ softer dancing styles.

Despite, not being alive during the show, Rose Quartz still has her own musical motif as she plays a large part in Steven’s growth throughout the series. As well as being in many flashbacks, she is represented with strings, more specifically, the violin. Rose’s story is rather sad which quite is visible within her associated music, yet, she was also an extremely powerful character as she led the fight against the Homeworld government. Her strength can be heard with strong uplifts and swells in the music. She is never seen playing an instrument unlike the rest of the main characters but one person who plays hers is Pearl, a character Rose was possibly in love with.

For the complex and beautiful character, Pearl, her motif is classical and swing piano. She is visually represented as a ballerina for a large majority of the series, dressed in a leotard, a small skirt and ballet shoes. Apart from Garnet, she is one of the calmest characters in the show. She is a perfectionist and is knowledgeable on many topics. She has a dark past and her fair share of trauma, all of this is wrapped up in her music. From her traumatic past with Rose Quartz, the violin had been heard throughout her music, yet, when she finally dealt with everything, the violin was lost. Swapped out for a new instrument, a bass guitar which she learned how to play at the end of the series. Pearl is a character who has been through a lot and her music reflects it. As she grew, her music changed with her, becoming her own instead of something built off of Rose’s.

My personal favourite song is “It’s Over Isn’t It?” which is this heartwrenching and emotionally painful ballad sung by a broken woman. Pearl was in love with Steven’s mom. Yet, the feelings were not mutual or at least ended being reciprocated as Rose left her for Greg, Steven’s dad. It hurts because Rose didn’t just leave her, Rose Quartz also passed away. As the song goes:

That they didn’t really matter until you I was fine when you came And we fought like it was all some silly game Over her, who she’d choose After all those years, I never thought I’d lose … You won and she chose you and she loved you and she’s gone It’s over, isn’t it? Why can’t I move on? … Who am I now in this world without her? Petty and dull with the nerve to doubt her What does it matter? It’s already done Now I’ve got to be there for her son

Without Rose, Pearl has lost her place in the world as all she ever knew was her. Yet, now she is left to help raise a half-human baby and go on with her life. It makes it more difficult as this baby is the product of Rose and the man that she left Pearl for.

Pearl doesn’t want to hate Greg, she is angry at him but she doesn’t have hatred towards him. They may not be the best of pals at the start of the series but in the song called “Both of You“ has Steven, finally, begging for Greg and Pearl to just talk to each other.

Why don’t you talk to each other? Why don’t you talk to each other? Just give it a try Why don’t you talk about what happened? … You might not believe it but you got a lot in common, you really do You both love me and I love both of you … I know you both need it Someone who knows what you’re going through

An interesting thing about this song is that Steven is this to them, the person with Rose’s gem is singing to the two people who fought over Rose. It makes me wonder if this could be Rose speaking through Steven to her two loved ones. Whether it is or not, doesn’t really matter to the overall story but it is a fun idea to look at.

Overall, these songs are a literal representation of dealing with ones’ emotions in a healthy way, something that Steven Universe actively tries to teach their younger viewers about.

To say Steven Universe is a good show only for its music would be a false statement, it’s one of the strongest aspects but without the story or the characters, the music would fall flat and not have any of its passion.

#isaac rambles #steven universe #lgbt #steven universe music #cartoons #cartoon network #rebecca sugar #cartoon review

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eddis-not-eeddis · 5 years ago

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I was tagged by @1stlieutenanttwitchy, and of course, I love music tags, so I must oblige.

Rules: we’re snooping on your playlist. put your entire music library on shuffle and list the first 10 songs then choose 10 victims. (Note: I don't listen to that many songs, as most of the music I listen to is instrumental, so most of this will be music, and not, strictly speaking, songs.)

1. Flight of the Silver Bird - by Two Steps from Hell.

This song starts out delicate and lovely and builds and swells into something powerful and even a little bit harsh by the end. I love it so much.

2. Where is Bernard - by The Sidh (I cannot link this one to a youtube video, but it is on spotify. I highly recommend it.)

Starts out with a gentle nostalgia, and works its way into something cheerful and uplifting. The tune is lively. I used to listen to this song every day when I worked back at home in the restaurant and danced in the kitchen when I swept. I listen to it whenever I feel hopeless and homesick.

3. Possibility - by Sarah Modene

A piano piece. It's very lovely, but isn't light or airy. It's well grounded, and starts out a little serious, but near the end it lightens up a bit, before become serious again.

4. Night Witches - by Sabaton

Okay, I LOVE Sabaton. There's a post floating around Tumblr about the all female 588th Night Bomber Regiment. Yeah, this song is about them. You should give it a listen.

5. Yuve Yuve Yu - by The Hu

Okay, it's time some of you were introduced to the epic glory that is Mongolian metal. This one isn't my very favorite of their songs, but it's a good one to start on. Mongolian throat singing is so unique and if you don't think it's just about the coolest thing you've ever heard, then I'm not sure we can be friends.

6. Byker Hill - by The Cottars

A mostly a capella rendition of a traditional English song about coal-miners.

7. Only Us - Miracle of Sound

I think this is a Game of Thrones song? I love it anyway.

8. Ida's Jig - by Daimh

A foot tapping jig. If fiddle music makes your heart happy, here's something for you. And if you like ullailian pipes too, than you're in for a treat. I practice playing the spoons and rhythm bones to this piece.

9. Perfect Time - by Maire Brennan

Maire Brennan is Enya's sister, and that's easy enough to hear. Her voice is similarly haunting. This song is beyond lovely, and has that beautiful, ethereal, fantasy feel to it that come from the perfect blending of vocals and music.

10. The Irish Meadow - by Gabrielle Aapri

A lively piano tune, bright and evocative. Gabrielle Aapri is one of my favorite pianists, all her music is so lovely.

I hereby tag @i-am-a-small-hobbit, @maysartcorner, @captaingondor, @dangerously-human, @rithmeres, @autumnhobbit, @thisbibliomaniac, @notentirelyunprecedented, @hobbitsetal and @soundlessdragon

#music

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thesunlounge · 6 years ago

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Reviews 223: Seahawks

Seahawks are perhaps my favorite producers, with the duo of Pete Fowler and Jon Tye making frequent and far-out excursions into the musical worlds I love most: phaser-blasted new age, sea-foam space music, ambient dream fusion, coastal jazz exotica, mystical dolphin drone, meditative saxophone prog, rainbow toned krautrock, and tropical lounge pop. They’ve been on a hot streak as of the last few years, starting with 2017’s Escape Hatch and Starways, which collected some of their most confident and focused sonic explorations, including the balearic pop masterpiece “Valparaiso” (and the equally breathtaking remix by Nick Mackrory). Then last year, Jon and Pete joined forces with vibratory healer Laraaji for Eternal Beams, an incredibly beautiful expanse of new age spiritualism and restorative rain magic. Now, Seahawks have released Eyes of the Moon on Cascine, an LP inspired by the Hopi Tribe and Sufi teacher Hazrar Inayat Khan that musically explores smeared out zones of aquatic space synthesis and meditative Mu-Tron Bi-Phase mesmerism, while also working in sea-blue guitar atmospheres, island breeze rhythms, psychedelic chill-out rituals, world jazz drifts (featuring the EWI wind-controller/synth), and dreampop sways wherein mermaid choirs and angel voices swim together through oceans of starlight. The artwork by Yoshirotten is also something to behold…an immersive and otherworldly visual experience featuring paradise panoramas of pink, purple, and blue and futuristic landscapes fading into granular hallucinations.

Seahawks - Eyes of the Moon (Cascine, 2019) In “Emergence,” phaser-waves wash over airy shaker rhythms and machine cymbal taps as Amy Gedgaudas flows over top with a quasi-stoned monologue…like some sort of spaced out god floating amidst clouds of every color. Angelic choral progressions and intergalactic pad orchestrations pan back and forth as their melodies uplift the soul, the whole thing evoking early 90s The Orb at their most zoned out and euphoric. The phaser motions suffusing the mix are heavily modulated as everything is slowly obscured into galactic ether, all while vague hints of palm-muted guitar tropicalia from Alik Peters-Deacon waft through synthetic approximations of intergalactic transmissions and satellite calibrations. The vibe shifts dramatically at some point as shadows move in, bringing with them a sensual darkness built from bass pulses, underwater EWI and saxophone ambiance, and vibrato smothered guitars playing themes for alien deserts, all while the cymbal and shaker rhythms continue their fantasy glide. Eventually the effervescent orchestrations and narcotizing choir ecstasies return...their sea-spray motions wrapping around the spirit as dolphin mystics cast spells of light. But the effect is all-to-brief, as the conclusion of the track sees the ominous energies returning, with sparkling idiophones and bubble-clouds of chiming treble swelling above smeared out sequences, enveloping bass currents, and haunted string synth swirls.

Flowers of static bloom within wavering bass motions at the start of the "Eyes of the Moon”, as marimbas are slowly sequenced through tropical dream patterns. Citizen Helene’s synth-shrouded voice flows like a warmly pulsing body of light in an ocean of ether as tranced out phaserwaves descend over the mix (reminding me of Experimental Audio Research in the process). Kosmische sequences flow alongside seaside idiophones and chiming tones ring out from eternal mountaintops as a pulsating throb emerges, built from hushed drum movements that flange and phase wildly. Crystalline tones create balearic tapestries of aquamarine, electronics mimic seabirds, tambourines jangle away, and squelching sequences build in strength while soft cascades of synthetic fire glide through new age drone smears, eventually leading to a coda of meditative static and ominous shadow magic. “Color Temples” follows with an interstellar samba shuffle that features woodblocks and cymbals dancing playfully over warm kick drums. Dan Hillman’s EWI-generated feedback streaks intertwine with Jake Calladine’s spirit guitar, all soaring leads and wigged out prog descents dazzling the mind. As the rhythms cut away, they leave behind a dreamscape of strangely flowing pad movements, with resonant trails and phaser streaks weaving dayglo mirages. And when the subdued exotica rhythms return, they are surrounded by slow motion vortices of heart-melting enchantment while gaseous leads hint at glorious melodies…like themes for cosmic castles and mermaid kingdoms obscured through foggy fx layers.

Rapidly revolving whirlpools of white noise move through amorphous bodies of dream synthesis in “Astral Echoes” while whalesong drones wrap around modulating brass pads. Faith House’s lonely cyborg voice drifts freely amidst blowing space winds and sad string fantasias while feedback bodies glow like an infinite web of gemstones. A playful arp moves through the mix only to be repeatedly overwhelmed by boiling bodies of electronic ether while sorcerous siren songs flow out from a mysterious island hidden within the sonic miasma. Dan Hillman's cosmic sax blends into the myriad layers of synthetic sound and as Alik Peter-Deacon’s sparkling guitars vibrate through the air, we flow into a smokey outro of twilight jazz enchantment and tremolo riff intoxication. Then in “Run Through My Mind,” schools of rainbow fish swim through static oceans and pan-pipes introduce a spellbinding synth arp that sometimes wavers and wiggles as if threatening to split into two…like some sort of synthesizer cell division. Pianos are smeared into an LSD dreamfog as smoldering waves of noise crash onto some interstellar shore and during a dramatic drop out, everything seems like it is being sucked backwards through a blackhole. After the resulting stretch of silence, triumphant synth chords reintroduce the sequential fantasy melodies while the body is overwhelmed by white light drone hazes and pearlescent clouds of meditative noise that swirl forever…these multilayered vortices obscuring melodic fever dreams and kosmische color crystals floating deep with the hallucinogenic space storm.

In “Over & Over,” swinging exotica basslines ride an energetic downbeat rhythm of pillowy kicks, shuffling cymbal sizzles, and woodblocks and rimshots ring-modulating towards a sunset horizon. The heavenly horns of Dan Hillman and Simon Dobson are stretched and transformed into intergalactic goo…their harmonizing leads, scatting breaths, desperate wails, and gaseous moans surrounded by psychedelic wisps of fusion synth soloing. Things sound as if beamed in from an alternate dimensions…the sounds spectral, faded, and vaporous. And as the song works towards big band climax, poppy old world brass harmonies waltz over bongo and conga cascades while sea-creatures breach and dance together on shimmering blue wave crests. Morphing and mutating waves of granular noise splash off of Alik Peters-Deacon’s romantic guitar meditations in “Dancing Inner Space,” with golden arpeggios and chords flowing on liquid vibrato currents. All around swell blistering clouds of noise-drone transcendence and the seaside percussion of Charlie Michael works into a fantasy jazz rhythm…this pitch-perfect balearic sway moved around by seaside fusion tones and ambient space drones. Breaths and voices lurk deep within the amorphous synth haze and at some point the track zones out completely, seeing starshine electronics, heavily effected saxophones, and diamond-toned clusters emanate from the center of the cosmos as hovering drones merge with purifying blasts of white light.

“5th World Symphony” starts with tones of primordial creation…as if the birth of our universe is being told through a Mu-Tron Bi-Phase…layer after layer sweeping together through deeply hypnotic and vocal resonances. Lush e-pianos enter with bass chords floating the soul and high-up leads wandering through new age cloudrealms as tropical hand drums flow alongside the kind of intoxicating and fusion-leaning synthbass perfection that dominated Escape Hatch and Invisible Sunrise, all bubbling and bouncing lines exploring crystal caverns and underwater expanses. As ocean birds flit through rainbow hazes, we build towards a glorious climax of Phil Collins ethno-jazz led by double time cymbal patterns and paradise leads that swell the heart, all until the track breaks down into a cosmic slop of modulating sonic vapors and indescribable color radiations. When the basslines return, they now flow untethered from any beat and are thus transformed into a hypnotic dreamsequence leading a deep dive into some glowing star ocean. Everything seems increasingly obscured by purifying washes of starlight until suddenly, a swaggering slow motion disco beat emerges from the celestial void, bringing with it vibes of dubbed out dancefloor magic. Mystical flutes drift above tranced out synth repetitions while cymbals phase chaotically and piercing lasers background guitars that sound more like harps…their enchanting lullabies emanating from far below the surface of an eternal sea…each note rippling through the water and trailed by golden clouds of glitter.

(images from my personal copy)

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bowiebond · 7 years ago

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Gil x Fem!Reader - Hurts Like Hell, Darling

Requested: Nope, I just love angst, soulmate AU’s and Gil. I wanted to make this into a edit with the song Hurts Like Hell, just then I realised I can’t :(

Warning: ANGST

~~~ You had always sought out wonder. Your mother, Wendy Darling, always remarked on how alike you were to her when she was young.

As a child, your most recurring memory had been a simple one.

A beach. Sand like white gold between your toes, wind caressing your (h/c) locks and yellow sun dress; ocean blue and vast and the Isle always on the edge the sky like the island would fall off the edge of the earth at any moment.

Lastly, a red string. Tied tight around your forefinger that you would use to point out at the ocean that drowned the line of red thread. That’s where you met your best friend, a honey brown haired boy with observant hazel green eyes. He would come up to the shore and sit by you, both of your parents chatting amongst themselves.

He called himself Ben, Ben Florian. Politely, just as your mother had taught, you replied that you were (Y/N) (L/N). Back then, you had simply been two little children looking out into the ocean for answers to who they would spend their life with.

Questioning why your soulmates, your other halves, were so painfully far away when you were supposed to have fairy-tale lives.

~~~ At sixteen years old, you met Mal, Evie, Carlos and Jay. The most children of the most notorious villains. It was disheartening, yet at the same time, uplifting, to see Mal and Ben come together. To watch Jay and Lonnie dance around each other in a game of cat and mouse. To observe the blossoming love between Evie and Doug.

Even Carlos, who was born without a thread, seemed to find love in the form of a clumsy blue fairy who was also thread-less. They also shyly stepped around each other, Carlos trying to love a girl who was too oblivious. You hoped that they both had a happily ever after.

You had hoped that maybe one of the Isle kids that came along would be your soulmate, but you only got the bitter taste of disappointment.

At the end of the day, you did as you always did. You looked out your window, finger twirling around the red string absentmindedly and imagined what your soulmate would be like.

Who knew that Mal’s disappearance would give you the chance to find out.

~~~ Gil sat on the edge of the island he called his home, swaying legs dangling over the ledge as he stared out at Auradon. He looked down at his lap, smiling wistfully at the red string wrapped around his pointer finger as he pinched it between his fingers delicately. He can’t remember when this tradition started, but he knew he had been doing it ever since he was a young Isle boy trying to fit into his older brother’s shoes.

Gazing out at the future the string had promised him. A girl from Auradon. Maybe even a princess of his own he had been told about by rueful villains and disgruntled old hags. The idea made his chest swell with pride. Though he didn’t know her name, nor her face, he knew she’d be perfect for him.

Hopefully he’d be able to know soon, because at this rate, he’d never meet her.

“Gil!” Harry snapped Gil out of his trance, pulling the boy back up to stand. Harry’s red string was vibrant with connection, having already found his soulmate. The ruthless Captain and chilling first mate. It suited Uma and Harry.

“Seriously, out ‘ere again?” Harry rolled his black lined eyes, shaking his head in disappointment.

“I like it here. It makes me feel closer to her.” Gil smiled softly, brown eyes warm even as he took in the staggering distance between him and her.

“Give it up, Gilly. It’s for yer own good.” Harry waved away Gil’s fantasies with his hook. “It will lead ta nothin’ worthwhile, that’s for sure. Good just doesn’t love evil, Gils.” Harry said simply, though he did genuinely feel sorry for his friend. He’d be out of his mind more than he already was if he had never found Uma.

“Alright…Alright.” Gil sighed softly, taking one last look of longing toward Auradon before following Harry into the chaos of the Isle.

~~~ Gil was walking around the markets aimlessly. It was a usual occurrence for him. It’s not like big things happened on the Isle often anyway. The most fun Gil had in a week was poker with Gonzo and Jonas and arm wrestling with Lazar and Hans Jr.

Gil stumbled in surprise when a tug pulled on his finger. He spun around, expecting a random isle kid to be trying to snag one of his rings, but instead he found his string thrumming with a more vibrant red. He snatched the end and let it pass through his fingers as he followed it slowly. His eyes flickered about to every corner and hidey hole he could think of, which was a lot on a dreary place like the Isle of the Lost.

Gil’s heart jackhammered in his chest when his gut told him he was getting closer. He almost had her. His Auradon soulmate.

~~~ You huddled into yourself as you walked around the Isle streets, your dusty yellow leather outfit feeling tighter than it was in your anxious state. You’re on the Isle for ten minutes top and you’ve already lost your friends. Just great!

You felt a tug on your fingers and your heartrate skyrocketed just as you bumped into a broad man. You stuttered out a quick apology, stepping back in fear before you saw his face. He was handsome, with a boyish smile and golden curls, outfit dirty but flattering on his muscular body.

“I found you!” He broke out into a grin, making him look much younger than he had originally appeared. His words registered into your mind and you felt the air suck out of your lungs.

“You’re…”

“I’m Gil, your soulmate. I’ve been waiting for you since I was a kid, I’m so glad you’re here!” Gil said giddily, wrapping you in a strong hug without warning. You groaned in pain as his crushing grip and he instantly let you go. “Sorry. I’m just – I’m so excited. I never thought I’d meet you.”

“Me…Me either.” You breathed, looking up at him in awe. He was perfect, practically bursting with good vibes. “I’m (Y/N).” You put your hand out, the one wrapped in thread and he took it in his own. Instead of shaking, he bent down and placed a kiss on the soft skin of your hand.

“You’re a princess, right? I had always imagined what you’d be like.” He looked over your leather jacket and denim jeans. “Not exactly what I expected, but I like it.” He grinned, accepting the rough disguise with ease.

“I…I’m not a princess. Not really.” You licked your bottom lip nervously. “I’m just an ordinary girl from Auradon.”

“Either way, you’re very pretty.” Gil’s brown eyes were alight with happiness as he took in your features. Your cheeks heated at the compliment.

“You know, we don’t exactly know anything about each other, Gil. So…let’s start there, while I look for my friends?” Who were you to deny yourself a chance to get to know your soulmate?

“Oh, well, I really like eggs.” Gil hummed, one finger up as he began listing things. “I was raised a hunter, but I wasn’t very good at it, so my dad dropped me. I never finished Dragon Hall either, so I’m more strength than brains according to Uma.” You laughed, shaking your head in amusement.

“You’re very literal, huh?” You giggled. “Well, seeing as you told me a few things, I’ll tell you some things about myself too.” You looped your arm into his with a natural ease that almost surprised you. No wonder they were soulmates. They fit together like cream and jam. You began to walk with him as you spoken. “I was born in London but raised in Auradon. I spent most of my childhood by the shore of the coast. Searching for you.” You admitted with a giddy smile, leaning more into him. “My best friend happens to be the famous King Ben, and his lady, Mal, is the reason we met in the first place. He was also looking for her.”

“Wow, you know the King? Crazy. My dad hates the kid’s dad. Something about being a burly beast and wishing he had offed him when he had the chance.” Gil shrugged, throwing the comment aside. You paused, body freezing.

“Gil…If you aren’t a hunter, what do you do now?” You asked quietly.

“Huh?” He looked down at you curiously. “I’m a pirate, second mate actually. I know, I know, not what you’d expect of the son of Gaston. I get it all the time.” Gil waved his hand in front of him like it was nothing, but to you it was everything.

A son of Gaston and a pirate? You had been raised on the idea of pirates being brutes, cold and ruthless with nasty breath and pointy swords. Yet Gil was nothing like that. He was smiley and goofy, adorably honest too. To think you was a Gaston. Gaston was vain and brutish and cocky, yet Gil seemed the complete opposite.

You had to go. You had to find Ben and get Mal and go home. What would your mother think if she knew your soulmate was a pirate? What would Ben think if he knew your other half was a Gaston?

“I…I have to go.” You slipped your arm out from around his, backing away hesitantly, unsure of where exactly to go on an island you had no map to. “I’m sorry.” You turned onto the toe of your boot to make a run for it, but Gil grabbed your wrist before you could leave.

“Wait! Please, don’t go.” Gil begged. “I’ve always dreamed of meeting my soulmate. Of proving everyone who said you’d never come for me wrong.” Your heart fell through to your stomach, making you feel sick at the idea of pulling away from him. Gil slipped his hands off your wrist to cup your hand instead, kissing the uncovered flesh with warm lips. “Stay with me. Please.”

You swallowed thickly, biting your lower lip as you blinked back tears. You pulled your hand away from his, red string be damned.

“I can’t love a Gaston…Let alone a pirate.” You whispered, disappearing into the darkness of the Isle with soft thuds of boots hitting concrete and dirt. Gil’s heart plummeted in his chest, watching you go.

~~~ Gil walked around the markets slowly, dragging his feet sadly as he thought of your words, mulling them over in his head. It hurt every time he thought of it. “Sorry.” He said when he bumped shoulders with another, looking up. “Evie? Carlos? Jay? What’re you doing here?”

“Uh…”

“Come on, you remember me, right? Here’s a hint, my dads quick, he’s slick, and his neck is…” He gestured to his neck. “Incredibly thick?” He wanted to say it with more pep, but remembering his lineage wasn’t helping his mood right then.

“Gil. It’s nice to see you again…” Evie greeted tensely. Gil turned to the other guy with them, one he felt was vaguely familiar.

“Who’s this?” He looked at the brown-haired guy and noticed the yellow of a poster on the wall. He looked between the new guy and the poster, it clicking in his head suddenly. “You’re King Ben!” Gil said loudly. “Oh my god, you’re – you’re the king – “

“We have to go.” Evie pushed Ben ahead of her, Carlos and Jay following behind her on quick feet.

“Wait, you guys…” Gil frowned before he realised Uma would love this. “I’ve gotta tell Uma!” He jumped up happily, recent woes shoved aside as he raced to the fish and chip shop.

~~~ “Mal, Evie, Carlos, Jay!” You called in relief as you ran up to them. “I’ve been looking for you guys everywhere. Where’s Ben?”

“He’s gone.” Mal huffed. “Uma took him.” Mal’s eyes glowed a fierce green.

“Uma?” You questioned in confusion.

“She’s the daughter of Ursula. She now runs her own pirate crew on the Isle with Harry Hook and Gil LeGume.” Evie explained, sighing.

“Gil LeGume…?” You breathed in shock.

“One of three sons of Gaston.” Carlos filled in. You let out a shuddered breath, sadness coiling in your chest.

Gil was really a pirate it seemed…It was just never meant to be.

~~~ It was hard to look at Gil, his crestfallen face, so you avoided looking at him at all. You simply stood behind Evie and Jay, eyes glued to Ben. Your heart pounded in your chest, breathing shallowly in anticipation. You would get Ben back. Mal had this. Once you had him, you could go…It sounded easier said than done when your eyes connected with Gil by accident.

You swallowed thickly, casting your gaze down to your feet in guilt. Suddenly, your string tugged on your finger.

“No, not right now…” You cursed under your breath as Harry led Ben over to them for the trade. Suddenly, like a hard pull of a rope, you were tugged in the direction of Gil just as he was too. You tried to pull back, but Gil only got closer until you were inches apart between Uma and Mal, fingers touching from where the string had shrunken length wise.

It was quiet as they stared at each other in shock, hearts pounding. You looked away from Gil, trying to deny what was obvious when you saw Ben’s wide eyes.

“…Please don’t be mad at me…I didn’t mean for my soulmate to be a Gaston.” You begged, Gil’s fingers twitching to curl into yours. You couldn’t deny how good it felt to have him in your grasps. Ben shook his head.

“I’m no – “ “Enough!” Uma huffed, taking the wand as Ben was shoved into Mal. “It’s time to take down this blasted barrier.” She rose the wand high and chanted her own spell. When nothing happened, she yelled in fury, breaking the wand. Withdrawing her sword, the battle was on.

Harry pulled Gil from you roughly, growling at him. “Your soulmate just had to be a Darling, didn’t she?” Was all you heard before Carlos lead you away to Lonnie for a sword. You defended yourself against a girl in a loose grey and green outfit, blocking her attacks instead of lashing at her.

You jumped down the dock towards Ben who had been wrestled down by Gil, kicking Gil in the back.

“Leave him alone, Gil!” Gil turned around in surprise, not daring to raise his sword to you.

“(Y/N) – Woah!” Carlos swung under the rail of the dock above them and kicked Gil into the water below, cutting off your sentence.

“Gil!” You cried out, looking over the rail in horror. Was he okay? Could he even swim?

Gil’s head broke the surface with a gasp. Relief flooded your senses. A tanned hand grabbed your arm and you were dragged towards your escape by Jay.

“Come on, we gotta go!”

“Wait – Jay, let me go, please, let me say goodbye – “

“We don’t have time, (Y/N)!” Jay snapped, and you shut your lips. Looking back, you saw Gil climb back onto the dock, wet hair curling around his face as he looked at you.

An explosion of purple blocked him from view as the darkness of the tunnel enveloped you.

“GIL!”

~~~ Gil can’t remember running his fast in his entire life. All he knew was that he had to get to her before she disappeared for good. He couldn’t let the best thing in his life, even if it was a few minutes, escape him.

He didn’t want to lose his soulmate.

Gil skidded to a stop as he got to the broken bridge of the Isle, fingers just brushing the limo’s back light as it drove across its magic bridge.

“(Y/N)! Don’t go!” He shouted despite his ragged breaths, staring out after his vanishing future.

You spun around in your seat, tears already in your eyes as you looked out the back window before Jay could stop you.

“GIL!” You pressed your stringed hand against the window, finishing you could reach out and touch him. You cried out in pain when the string suddenly pulled taunt and cut into your finger. Gil fell back onto his hind as he clutched his hand, the red thread tightening painfully.

Suddenly, the limo hits the barrier and the pressure eases on both their ends. The limo passes through and the thread severs.

“NO!” They both yelled, clutching their hands and the string that hung limply between their fingers.

“(Y/N) – “

You hit Jay, again and again as he tried to get you to sit back down and comfort you. Sobs wrecked your chest as Gil disappeared from sight, nails biting into the back seats just as your teeth did to your lower lip, trying to stifle your tears.

“Why did he have to be a villain?” You whispered brokenly, falling back into Jay in defeat.

~~~ It was like a hole in your chest, just getting bigger and bigger until it would swallow you whole. You knew the only thing that would fill that hole was Gil, but he wasn’t there anymore.

While everyone else was getting ready for Cotillion, you were hauled up in your room alone, curled into yourself as you touched the severed red thread delicately. Your tears had grown fewer since the limo, but they were still hot and painful as you took in what would once have been your future. It was now gone.

Forever. You would forever be without your other half. It was a cruel fate. What did you do to deserve this?

You jumped up from where you laid when the door opened, wiping your face clean of tears, but you probably still looked like a mess. Mal looked at you with pity, walking up to your bed to sit by you. She rubbed your back gently, and you threw yourself into the comfort of her arms to cry even harder. Your entire body shook as she squeezed you in a hug.

“I’m so sorry, (Y/N). I could never…I could never imagine losing Ben like that.” Mal petted your hair soothingly and you hiccupped a sob.

“I’m never going to see him again. Even the universe thinks so.” You sniffled pitifully.

“…Jay promised to take me back to the Isle if I couldn’t stand to stay another day.” You looked up in shock.

“You’re leaving? What about Ben – I – I can’t let you break your soulmate bond with Ben, I just can’t – It hurts so much, Mal, it’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before –“

Mal cut your words short with a soft ‘shh’.

“No, no, I’m not leaving Ben. I don’t think I ever could.” Mal admitted, taking your hands into hers. “I just wanted you to know that…That offer extends to you as well. If you really can’t stand another day with Gil…Jay will take you back to the Isle.” You hugged Mal tightly.

“Thank you. Thank you, Mal, thank you so much…”

“Just…Stay for the Cotillion at least. Like a goodbye party.” Mal looked sorrowful at the idea of you leaving, but you knew she would understand.

“Okay... I promise, I’ll come.”

~~~ As everyone danced along the soaked floor of the deck, you found yourself staring out into the dark ocean to the Isle of the Lost. Looking down at your red string, you knew you would take up Jay’s offer.

You loved your friends, but you knew your life wouldn’t be whole without the Gaston.

As the ruffled top of your loose yellow dress swayed with the breeze, you knew what your decision was. Across the sea, Gil was watching the TV, fingering his snipped red string. He saw her in the corner of the screen staring out at the Isle and smiled, hope filling his chest that he’d see her again one day.

~~~ “Are you ready to go?” Jay asked solemnly as you packed your things. You swallowed down your doubts and nodded slowly.

“This…This is for Ben and the others. To help them understand.” How could you say any of this without breaking? You had to write it down instead.

Jay took the note carefully, like it was a prized jewel, and nodded silently.

“Okay. I’ll keep good care of it.” He pursed his lips. “Let’s go, shall we?”

“We shall.” You stepped around him, bag over his shoulders as you both snuck to the limos. Once you were inside, you watched as your home rolled away. All your memories were disappearing behind you, and you couldn’t help but shed a tear.

To have what the universe promised you, you had to leave behind your history. It seemed like a twisted fate. You fiddled with your red thread, remembering why you were doing all this. Jay parked the limo on the Isle and you opened the door, breathing it the polluted air with a sigh. You wiped away your tiny teardrop with a finger and turned to Jay who leant against the limo, arms crossed and expression filled with sadness.

“Thank you, Jay. Really.” You hesitantly hugged him around the middle, letting him hold you close in one final goodbye. His thumb stroked the back of your head, cheek pressed against the top of your head. He turned his head just a fraction to place a kiss there.

“Be safe.” He murmured. “And if he ever hurts you, I’ll beat the hell out of him.” You pulled out of Jay’s arms and smiled up at him.

“I know.” You pressed a kiss of gratitude against his cheek, stepping back from him. “Goodbye Jay.”

“(Y/N), look!” Jay said in shock and you looked down at your hand. Before their eyes, the red string grew and disappeared behind a corner, bursting a brilliant vibrant red as it connected once more.

“Gil.” You breathed in awe, jumping Jay in one last giddy hug before running off to follow the string. Your feet pattered against the cold concrete ground, splashing puddles as you went. As you rounded your sixth corner, you saw him.

“(Y/N)!” You ran to Gil, the length of the string disappearing as you got closer. You jumped into his arms, the hole in your chest bursting with joy when he swept you off your feet, spinning you around in his arms in the middle of the market place.

As he placed you down, it was like everything had fallen into place.

When he kissed you, your hands cupping his face, you felt like the princess he originally thought you were.

You felt like his Darling.

I loved, and I loved, and I lost you. And it hurt like hell.

#descendants #descendants 2 #descendant imagines #gil x reader #gil #gil legume #x reader

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cosmicangel888 · 3 years ago

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When the Morning Is Elegance

Freedom, liberation, being of creative spirit and liberated soulful joy;

This is 5D!

No weightiness to make certain choices based on anyone, anything, any definition, or obligation to fit, to be, to mould yourself into anything outside your own inner realm of fantasy, discovery, excavation, navigation and self loving prophecy ~ this is 5D!

Transcending the negativity that bound you to what? Others stories, or perspectives about how and what life is, what and how you are along for the ride? You are here as a divine being of light, of Heavenly presentation for the inspiration and ignition of a new realm of potential; holding humanity and all life higher than any past moment or experience - the experiences, the wounds will trigger because you are powerful enough to heal it, love it, accept it; what you sow, what you reap, what you are is what you attract; so be it of good will, loving intention, all is purposeful and God is ever forgiving and unconditional - the infinite and the profound;

Live your best life,

Honour your highest path; Love who you are and love where you are at; it is the newer more expansive step, place, vibration that was utterly new than a moment ago, a new omen, a new dream, a new truth; this is evolution beyond limitation, lack, no sense of self; re-write, re-design; this is a powerful and loving new path; and a beautiful awakened earth, grids, oceans, omni essence of the most high awaiting your entanglement - and so be the blessing that you are!

Re-writing our human story so that all life, children, wildlife, all that is sacred and joyful the sacred Christ within activates, returns, uplifts, swells within you; whole, perfect, needed, required, and so very graceful in Its elegance. God is, you are. Love is.

And Jesus said; 'but you walk with the Heavens, this is far grander than anything, or anyone that thinks there is a lesser truth, or path for you' ~ and so be it,

Join me for personal sessions, classes, activations, vocational alignment, epidemiology, working the fields with Source classes; and simply falling in love with yourself and God; beyond the beyond!

Joanna

[email protected]

5D human-socio-altruistic re-write ~

DONATIONS - see our PayPal link here; paypal.me/JoannaLRoss * [email protected]

#respectforalllife

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cutmethin-blog1 · 7 years ago

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Distinctive Methods for Weight Loss

Such individuals can go for different alternatives like consuming less calories and medical procedure. Presently, abstaining from excessive food intake appears like a decent alternative until the point that you weigh out its upsides and downsides as per your circumstance. For somebody, it may be a decent method to get more fit as it is perfect with their schedule. A similar eating regimen may not work for another person in light of the fact that everybody is extraordinary. There are numerous reasons why an eating regimen may not be your go to alternative for shedding pounds.

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justanothercinemaniac · 7 years ago

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Epic Movie (Re)Watch #219 - Anastasia (1997)

Spoilers Below

Have I seen it before: Yes

Did I like it then: Yes.

Do I remember it: Yes.

Did I see it in theaters: No.

Format: Blu-ray

1) The prologue.

The very first few musical notes of the film’s score establish a key element which we will see throughout: a light and playful darkness which helps to accent the film. It fits the fairytale tone well, for that is what Anastasia is: a fairy tale. I’m not too familiar with Imperial Russia or the revolution which marked its end, but as I understand this film is FAR from historically accurate. I think that decision works well for the filmmakers, as making this more of a fairytale with fantasy elements allows for more room to play around (while also not being beholden to history).

Another reason the prologue works - other than setting tone - is that it establishes all the necessary backstory the film needs in a sleek and easily digestible way. We understand what happened to Anya/Anastasia, we understand Rasputin’s anger/motivations, we understand the pain that Anastasia’s grandmother will feel, we see Dimitri’s role in it all, everything comes through clearly. I like that.

2) Okay, question: Why does Rasputin only care about killing Anastasia and not her grandmother if he vowed to kill all of the Tsar’s family? Wouldn’t the grandma be a part of that equation?

3) Here is how it went the first time I saw this film:

[Music builds to a swell as we see St. Petersburg] Me [sarcastically]: “Oh GREAT, a song about how wonderful communist Russia is.” Lyrics: “St. Petersburg is gloomy, St. Petersburg is bleak.” Me [after a moment]: “Oh.”

4) “A Rumor in St. Petersburg”

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Whereas the prologue established the world of the past, this song establishes the environment the characters are currently in. We understand really quickly the stakes which motivate Dimitri, why he wants to get out of St. Petersburg, and just how much of a hubbub is around the rumor of Anastasia’s return. Beyond that though, the opening is an appropriate first taste of the film’s original songs. St. Petersburg is a big opening number befitting of a Broadway show (which this film now is) and is greatly enjoyable, much like the rest of the songs will be.

5) Anya/Anastasia.

When it comes to the performance of Anya (I’m just going to call her Anya moving forward since that’s what the film does), the credit must go in equal parts to Meg Ryan and Liz Callaway. As her dialogue actress, Ryan is Anya’s actress the majority of the time. The actress is able to infuse her character with warmth, humor, heart, strength, resilience, and a little bit of sadness all in a captivating way that fits the character design. But Callaway must get the credit she deserves as well, for she is able to take all of the qualities Ryan gives Anya’s dialogue and match it in her singing. This is no easy task, as sometimes having two performers doing voice and song CAN be distracting. But the pair blend beautifully and are able to support the character to the her fullest.

6) “Journey to the Past”

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As “A Rumor in St. Petersburg” acts to set up Dimitri’s motivations, “Journey to the Past” sets up what drives Anya. Her search for who she is, for who she was, and any family that may come with that. While that subject matter (Anya confronting the unknown) could be bleak, the song is wonderfully uplifting and inspiring. You ROOT for Anya because of it. You’re invested in her and honestly I think its the best song in the piece. I just love it.

7) I get “Frosty the Snowman” vibes from the ticket seller saying, “No exit visa, no ticket!” Is that just me?

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8) Dimitri.

With much less singing (and certainly less solos), John Cusack plays much more of Dimitri than Jonathan Dokuchitz. Dokuchitz contributions are crazy important and well done, something which he deserves due credit for, but it is Cusack who has the responsibility of developing Dimitri more. Cusack’s through his voice is able to expand on Dimitri’s lovable rogue quality, but when he develops into a much more caring person it seems natural. Cusack through his performance is able to blend these two aspects perfectly, showing Dimitri’s heart and vulnerability in an interesting way as the film continues.

9) “Once Upon a December”

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A hauntingly beautiful number, this tune always felt befitting of a ghost story to me. As at home in Phantom of the Opera as Anastasia. This is one of the songs which best demonstrate the dark flavors this film dabbles with and it fits perfectly with the rest of the soundtrack. Its wonderful, slightly creepy, and very fascinating.

10) The chemistry is great between Anya and Dimitri, specifically when they’re bickering. Their initial bickering is wildly fun to watch and it translates into trust, love, and respect much more than some live action film couples. It’s an important aspect to nail in getting the audience behind their relationship and the filmmakers do this well.

11) Kelsey Grammer as Vlad.

I like Kelsey Grammer in most things, and this film is no exception. As both the speaking and singing voice for Vlad, the experienced actor gives the rotund figure an incredible amount of life which helps us as the audience get invested in him. I just like it.

12) Hank Azaria as Bartok.

It’s Hank Azaria for crying out loud, what more do I need to say? The veteran voice over and character actor enables the lovable henchman to steal every scene he’s in. Bartok doesn’t even interact with any of the main heroes, just Rasputin, but that alone gives him enough comedic material for Azaria’s vocals to carry us away. All in all, it is an incredibly fun and entertaining part.

13) Christopher Lloyd as Rasputin.

Back to the Future is my favorite film, so having Christopher Lloyd in anything is a treat for me. His vocals as Rasputin are INCREDIBLE! He’s playful evil, having a ton of fun in the part which means the audience has fun too. Rasputin is a brilliantly entertaining villain (especially considering he’s stuck on the sidelines for most of the movie), with the physical humor brought about by his decaying corpse leading to some gross/great comedy bits! Rasputin is one of my favorite non-Disney animated villains of all time (if not my favorite). He’s great and has an incredible villain song!

14) “In the Dark of the Night”

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Lloyd doesn’t song this song, instead its performed by legendary veteran of voice over work Jim Cummings (Darkwing Duck, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Ed from The Lion King, Ray from The Princess and the Frog, and MUCH more). Cummings KILLS IT with his vocal work, making Rasputin both fun and threatening in the number. The tune is dark, epic, and evil throughout. One of the best villain songs in animation because - more than above else - the threat just amplified considerably. We understand Rasputin is not someone to mess with and this song establishes that in a wildly entertaining way. I love it.

15) The scene which best shows Anya’s and Dimitri’s chemistry has to be when they’re on the train.

Anya: “Dimitri, do you really think I’m royalty?”

Dimitri: “You know I do.”

Anya: “Then stop bossing me around!”

Vlad: “She certainly has a mind of her own.”

Dimitri: “Yeah, I hate that in a woman.”

16) I really enjoy this film, but one of the things in it I found odd is that the main protagonists go almost completely unaware of the supernatural elements which threaten them. Not until Anya and Dimitri face Rasputin at the end are they conscious of it. If I were to change one thing in the film, it would be that.

17) I always found this little bit of dialogue funny, because Dimitri does think Anya convincing people she’s Anastasia is a lie but we as the audience know better.

Dimitri: “You don’t know if it’s a lie! What if it’s true!”

18) “Learn To Do It”

The Pygmalion elements of the film could easily have been dull filler until we reach the end, but by condensing it to a charming and fun number Anya’s evolution into Anastasia is an interesting and integral part of the story. The number is one of pure joy, life, and entertainment, speaking to the relationship this trio develops on their long journey to Paris. It holds up against the other song quite well.

19) The waltz between Anya and Dimitri is a key turning point in their relationship. It’s the most vulnerable they’ve been with each other up to this point. I like that.

20) Anya’s dream.

There’s a nice sense of heightened reality in the dream’s visuals which (with a unique color palette) helps make it feel beyond reality. While cheerful in appearance, mixing the scenes with Newman’s score means we understand there’s danger even before we see the monsters in Anya’s head. The way the film cuts between dream and reality also works well, as the flow of the scene is never disrupted. All in all, it just works.

21) Angela Lansbury as the Dowager Empress.

Our first encounter with the Empress in modern setting shows her off as grumpy, jaded, and impatient. But what’s important is that we understand WHY she’s this way. The audience sees the tragedy in her not only through the film’s prologue but also through Lansbury’s performance. That heartache is wonderfully present throughout and when it turns to joy at finding her Anastasia the effect is wonderful. But more on that later.

22) Bernadette Peters as Sophie.

A broadway legend, Peters actually objected to Sohpie’s curvy appearance since she herself had actually lost weight. Despite this, the actress (much like Grammer with Vlad) breathes a wonderful amount of life into Sophie. It’s hard to imagine anyone performing the charming and energetic character since she just feels so natural/alive. While relegated to the third act, Sophie is definitely a memorable part of the film and Peters’ performance is an important part of that.

23) “Paris Holds The Key To Your Heart”

In terms of how the tune serves the story, it stands to set up Paris as a location much like “St Petersburg” did in the opening with its titular city. But beyond that, it allows us to juxtapose how far the characters have come. This is it, their final destination, which results in a joyous night on the town. Anya is the happiest she’s been in a while and Dimitri has grown up a lot, ready to let go the woman he cares for so she can have what she wants. Like many of the others, the tune is wildly entertaining and just takes you on this wild night in Paris wonderfully.

24) The fallout between Dimitri and Anya when she finds out his INITIAL motivations is particularly heartbreaking, largely because those are no longer his intentions. For the first time in his adult life he’s actually trying to do the right thing, which creates incredibly high stakes for him (which we see when he freaking KIDNAPS THE DOWAGER EMPRESS! Also in how he turns down the reward for finding Anya). It’s a wonderful if painful moment.

25) When the Empress first meets with Anya she’s guarded and dismissive, which makes sense. It’s self preservation at this point. But that just means it is all the more wonderful when she realizes it IS Anya, that neither of them are without family anymore, and she can finally let herself be open to happiness. (Although, it’s kinda weird that all of Anya’s memories come back at once.)

26) If I ever go to a high school reunion (which I don’t plan on doing), I gotta use this line.

Rasputin [upon seeing Anya]: “Look at what the years have done to us. You a beautiful young flower, me a rotting corpse!”

27) I talked about this a bit more in note #16, but I wish Rasputin took a more active role in the plot. That there was more interaction between him and the heroes. I really like the action of the climax, where Anya and Dimitri go at it with him, but I wish I’d had a bit more of that in the film.

28)

Rasputin [thinking Anya died]: “Finally, the last of the Romanoffs dead!”

You know, except for her grandma.

29) I love happy endings which aren’t really endings (when they’re done like this, not so much when they’re cliffhangers).

Sophie [when she learns Anya and Dimitri eloped]: “Its a perfect ending!”

Empress: “No, it’s a perfect beginning.”

Anastasia is one of the more underrated animated films out there. It’s got all the hallmarks of a classic - great music, memorable characters, an awesome bad guy, strong voice acting, a strong story - but not nearly the following of Beauty and the Beast or Aladdin. If you haven’t yet, I would recommend putting in Anastasia.

#Anastasia #Anastasia 1997 #Don Bluth #Meg Ryan #John Cusack #Animated Movies #Epic Movie (Re)Watch #Angela Lansbury #Christopher Lloyd #Liz Callaway #Jim Cumming #Kelsey Grammer #Bernadette Peters #Hank Azaria #Movie #Film #GIF

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alexsfictionaddiction · 4 years ago

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Review: The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside by Jessica Ryn

There are few types of book that give me joy like stories of underdogs achieving their dreams and that’s exactly what I was expecting from this one. I’m overjoyed that this is exactly what I got!

Dawn Elisabeth Brightside has been escaping from her past for 22 years but when she is offered a bed at St Jude’s Hostel for the Homeless, her life is finally starting to look up. When the hostel faces decreased funding and potential closure, it’s up to Dawn and her new friends to save their home and the jobs of those who have given them a chance.

I learnt so much about the truth behind the UK’s homelessness crisis while reading this charming novel. Of course, I knew that it is a very severe social problem that is growing due to the pandemic, but experiencing life through the lens of the people actually living through it was a unique, eye-opening experience that I wholeheartedly thank Jessica Ryn for.

These characters are all of us and that’s something that was very much with me for a lot of the time I was reading this book. They’re not bad people or even people who have made terrible decisions. They’re simply people who have had tremendous streaks of bad luck or one or two devastating traumas. Homelessness is something that could happen to anyone extremely suddenly and this reinforced my desire to actively do something to help.

‘You can make anything happen if you hope hard enough.’

Dawn is an eccentric optimist with a lot of darkness and loss in her past. Her mental health and self-growth journey slowly unfolds over the course of the narrative and my heart swelled as good things slowly began to come her way. She works so hard to keep everyone else’s spirits up and I really wanted some of her light to reflect back on to her.

Dawn regularly has these little impossible fantasies and I admit that my own daydreams often get as big as hers too. These passages always made me smile and marvel at how she has managed to hold on to the ability to dream so big, despite the hand she has been dealt. The fact that she has these breaks from reality led me to immediately cotton on to the truth about one particular friend of hers. It’s a devastating twist when it comes out but I knew instantly that it was something that Dawn would definitely do.

There is also a romance in this book and it’s a very cute, easy-to-root-for one. I had no doubt that they would eventually get together and both parties thoroughly deserve each other. It’s a beautiful wholesome sub-plot built on friendship and genuine care that is the sugar on top of this wonderfully light novel.

The writing is studded with little gems of wisdom and I felt so uplifted on finishing it. It felt like justice had been served, that good things exist and it gave me an enormous amount of hope. Hope is something that is so precious right now and we need to drink every drop of it that we can possibly get. Read this book for a healthy dose.

‘You need to grab happiness whenever it comes past, otherwise it just keeps moving, leaving you cold and empty.’

#the extraordinary hope of dawn brightside #jessica ryn #up-lit #book review #review #books #bookworm

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gondalgroupofmarketing · 4 years ago

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Blue World City Awami Villas

Presentation:

Blue World City Awami Villas has made living in style simpler. It’s the other name of a loosening up desert spring. These estates offer a low-support private spot for smaller families. Settled in the peaceful premises of Islamabad, it offers a fairyland encompassed by a tranquil feeling. This rich and snappy move-in estate is brought to you by the Blue Group of Companies (BGC).

Designers:

Blue World City Awami Villas is a mark venture and being created by the Blue Group of Companies in relationship with other perceived temporary workers for the brief development and achievement of the undertaking. BGC has ventured on board over an excursion of articulated undertakings with this land venture.

Blue Group of Companies offer an awesome nature of private undertakings, Awami Villas is among those surprising ones. It would leave a dependable satisfying effect on the lives of the tenants of these manors.

The fundamental point of the BGC designers is to give an awe inspiring way of life at the degree of costs that is reasonable by individuals even from humble foundations. Individuals have grown high expectations from BGC and their regarded lodging ventures. This is a two-way trust.

The Blue Group of Companies has been building up the Awami Villas past the desires for the speculators with their elite experience and skill. It offers extravagance at low rates. Awami Villas is being set up to accomplish statures greatness in land improvement.

About Blue Group of Companies (BGC):

Blue Group of Companies dispatched its primary organization in 1998 from the city of Islamabad. At the outset, they conveyed the plan, design, and development administrations. With their untiring devotion and responsibility, they in a short time gained love from their customers and involved a sensible portion of regard and trust on the lookout.

In the wake of making incredible progress in the land business, the organization has broadened its portfolio by an extent of activities in various fields other than land. These incorporate home area related plan, design and development, IT administrations, and printing administrations. This expanded skyline offers an incredible degree of solace and comfort to the clients by offering them one-window arrangements.

Structure of Blue Group of Companies:

The rich and extended structure of the organization mirrors the elevated level of mastery that it obliges its clients. Following are the various portfolios under the standard of BGC:

Blue Bricks

Blue Properties

Blue Palms

Blue Technologies

Blue Media

Artimmix

BGC Blue Group of Companies

Shop Blue

(A Family Store)

Blue Technologies

(IT Solutions)

Blue Bricks

(Modelers and Consultants)

Blue Properties

(A Real Estate Buying House)

WPZ

(Conveyance L.L.C USA)

Brands Square

Artimmix

(An attire Brand)

Blue Media

(Your Media Partners)

Blue Palms

(New elements of extravagance livings)

Blue World City Awami Villas Location Map:

Blue World City Awami Villas is situated on an ideal spot in Blue World City lodging society and Islamabad. It is arranged on Chakri Road close to the recently expected Rawalpindi Ring Road building site.

Blue World City Awami Villas Location Map

Its area is additionally directly close to the M2 Islamabad-Lahore Motorway. As of late grew New International Islamabad Airport is a couple of moments’ drive away from the Awami Villas. The area assumes a significant part in the turn of events and achievement pace of any business or land venture.

This is the thought process that such a critical whereabouts were concluded for this classification of the best lodging society. The level of fast venture return is likewise fixated on the extraordinary areas of the private activities. Blue World Awami Villas is likewise situated in the close by region of numerous other lodging social orders and different tourist spots.

Blue World City Awami Villas Accessibility:

Blue World City Awami Villas is open in the accompanying manners:

Access from M2 Lahore-Islamabad Motorway

Access from Chakri Road

Access from Islamabad

Access from Rawalpindi

Access from Rawalpindi Ring Road

Access from capital shrewd city

Access from Adial Road

Access from G.T Road

Access from Islamabad Express Highway

Close by lodging social orders of Blue World City Islamabad:

Blue World City Awami Villas is found near a considerable lot of the primary tourist spots and local locations, referenced as following:

DHA Islamabad

Bahria Town Islamabad Phase-8

Mumtaz City

Top City-1

New Islamabad International Airport

Giga Mall Rawalpindi

Blue World City Awami Villas Location

Blue World City No Objection Certificate (NOC):

Blue World City NOC

Getting of NOC by any private society is its most noteworthy direness. This is additionally one of the main inquiries being brought up in the brains of numerous financial specialists. So we have uplifting news for you its properly gave No Objection Certificate (NOC) has been allowed by Rawalpindi Development Authority.

Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) had given the NOC for Blue World City Islamabad against Vide Letter No. RDA/MP&TF/F_PHS-PTR-10/148. At first, authorization was allowed by the concerned experts for 427 Kanal of Land. Afterward an application for additional obtaining of 5, 000 Kanal was submitted which after a boisterous cycle was endorsed in 2018. Presently the Blue City covers 5, 000 Kanal of land

We generally prompt our regarded perusers and clients that please before any acquisition of property, you should most importantly request an appropriately affirmed No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned improvement authority of that city.

Ground breaking strategy of Blue World City Awami Villas Islamabad:

Ground breaking strategy Blue World City Awami Villas Islamad

This general public was planned through a careful system. The most elevated global norms were thought of while it’s plan and improvement. The all-inclusive strategy of this general public is exceptional. Blue Villas are 3 Marla single-story manors with an installment plan of 5 years. This is 5, 000 Kanal lodging society.

Blue World City Awami Villas Sector

Local locations of Blue World City Awami Villas Islamabad:

Blue World City Awami Villas is a lodging society of inestimable level and on a vital area in Islamabad/Rawalpindi. It is separated into 4 stages and offers an extent of plots at low rates. These stages will additionally be separated into blocks.

Blue World City Awmi Villas Block

Territory of Blue World City Awami Villas Islamabad:

Blue World City Awami Villas range more than 5, 000 Kanal of land and is being created on top notch norms of foundation advancement.

Periods of Blue World City Awami Villas Islamabad:

This cutting edge attractive lodging society is isolated into four sorts of stages as follows:

Blue World City Awami Villas Phase 1

Blue World City Awami Villas Phase 2

Blue World City Awami Villas Phase 3

Blue World City Awami Villas Phase 4

Private Plot Sizes in Blue World City and Awami Villas Islamabad:

Plots available to be purchased and buy are accessible in Blue World City and Awami Villas at modest rates when contrasted with the degree of extravagance being advertised. Blue World City and Awami Villas has offered a few sorts of plots as follows:

Blue World City Awami Villas 3 Marla

Blue World City Duplex Villas 5 Marla

Blue World City 5 Marla

Blue World City 8 Marla

Blue World City 10 Marla

Blue World City 1 Kanal

Blue World City 2 Kanal

Papers Requirement for Booking in Blue World City Awami Villas Islamabad:

There is some prerequisite of the reports that will require while booking your fantasy property in Blue World City Awami VillasIslamabad. Following are the necessary archives:

2 Passport size photographs

2 Photocopies of NICOP (if there should arise an occurrence of abroad)

2 Photocopies of NADRA gave CNIC

2 duplicates of CNIC of your closest relative.

Booking Form

Booking Price

Costs and Payment Plans of Plots in Blue World City Awami Villas Islamabad:

Costs and installment plans for plots change with time and it relies upon various parts of the land market, for example, swelling and generally speaking rates in the land locale. Each stage is situated in a particular area and with included offices thus, and each stage is offering various costs of plots. Installment plans differ according to the classes of the plots.

At the moment 5 years installment plan is being offered by the Blue World City Awami Villas. Coming up next are the rough Awami Villas costs to give you a thought of rates. At nitty gritty costs, if you don’t mind get in touch with us:

Costs and Payment Plans of Blue World City Awami Villas single story:

The installment plan of private plots in the Blue World City Awami Villas single story for a 5-year installment plan is as per the following:

Blue World City Awami Villas Classification Price Discount Downpayment Downpayment at the hour of Construction 50 Monthly-installments Ten Half-yearly Monthly Installments

3 Marla (R) 2, 500,000 12,450 2, 200,000 110, 000 22, 000 77, 000

Eye-Catching Features of Blue World City and Awami Villas Islamabad:

Blue World City has executed each conceivable and arranged advance towards world-level foundation improvement of Awami Villas. The rules that were followed are applied by the high level land engineers. With such level turn of events, the Awami Villas is bound to be an effective people-driven private undertaking.

The street development is in progress. These are covered streets with the measures of 40 ft, 60 ft, 80 ft, 100 ft, and 120 ft. wide. Cleared walkways will likewise be introduced on the sides of these streets to remove the drive of people on foot. These walkways likewise give a wonderful and cultivated look to society.

Streets are fitted with streetlamps, billboards, and feline eyes to encourage the workers in the day and night.

Blue World City Awami Villas has no match in Pakistan since it is offering global principles and proficient essential utilities, for example, power, gas, and water in a shrewd mechanized way.

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spicecapadespresentedbyps · 7 years ago

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Play That Funky Music, Skate Boy: A Guide to Selecting Music for Your Fics

Hello YoI Friends, Fans, and Ficcers! We have teamed up to help you overcome the roadblock in your fic writing process known as music selection. You want Victor and Yuuri to paint their feelings all over the ice, but you also want your fic to be realistic. You might be sitting at your computer wondering, is it this frustrating for real life skaters to choose their music? (Yes. The answer, is yes.) But we are here to help!

Who are you people? Who exactly is “we?” And why are you qualified to make this post?

We are PoetSnoreate and LittleLostStar. Poet Snoreate runs the SpiceCapades (aka this blog), your destination for all the info you need to write a more accurate skating fic or, if you just want to know more about figure skating. A former competitive skater and sister to a current skating coach (codename: Toepick), PoetSnoreate grew up in and around the sport of figure skating.

LittleLostStar is the author of fan-favorite story Setting Sun and ten other Yuri on Ice fic gems, including the new fantasy AU We are Wanderers Still. A human treasury of music genres, styles, and artists, she incorporates her knowledge into her fics and generously helps other authors in their search for the perfect piece to write to or, in this case, write about!

Both of us are friendly and you can stop on by our blogs to follow us and say hi!

Note: PoetSnoreate wrote this intro. And every word of it is true.

Let’s delve into the hows, whys, do’s, and don’ts of music selection under the jump!

Section 0.1: (I’ve had) the time of my life, +/- 10 seconds

Programs have a time limit. If you exceed this time limit, you will be penalized, and eventually asked to leave the ice. The time limits are as follows:

Men’s/Ladies Short Program: 2:50 Maximum.

Men’s Freeskate: 4:30 (+/- 10 seconds)

Ladies’ Freeskate: 4:00 minutes (+/- 10 seconds)

Most of the time, especially with classical music, the piece will have been edited down to fit these time constraints. You do not have to personally edit your chosen piece for the sake of your fanfic. Please trust LittleLostStar on this. She spent four hours fretting over how to cut up Tchaikovsky’s “Slavic March” before her beta editor stepped in to shut down that malarkey.

Section 0.2: Slow. Now Fast. Now Faster! Slow Again. Fast Again! Oh my god faster! Whew. (or: Your routine needs structure) (or or: This is not quite what they had in mind when they told Chris to practice the rhythm method)

Music is carefully selected based on the program for which it is being used. Short programs are often skated to more uptempo music, because it is easier to sustain high energy for a shorter program. Freeskates are often performed to slower pieces.

You will see variations in mood/tempo in both programs. Short programs often follow this structure: fast music, slow music, fast music, and into a big finish! Free programs often follow the opposite: slow beginning, big middle, heart-wrenching (or uplifting) slow ending to a moving crescendo! These are typical structures, but not a rule, per say. Skaters have different strengths, weaknesses and their programs will be tailored to what they can do best.

Section 0.3: Sing, Sing, Sing! (Or not to Sing, Sing, Sing...No, seriously don’t use this piece)

In the old days of skating, only instrumental music could be used, which is why skating is often associated with classical music. Then, the ISU deemed that music with vocals would acceptable, so long as the vocals were acting like an instrument. Think of your favorite film score in which a choir “Ooohs” and “Aaaahh’s” dramatically during the big climactic scene. That’s what we’re talking about.

When Ice Dancing became really exciting in recent years, the ISU moved to allow Ice Dancers to use music with lyrics. After a few years of this, they finally capitulated and allowed skaters across all disciplines to use music with vocals. So now, anything goes (including the score to Anything Goes!) within reason, that is.

This means no music with explicit lyrics. I can’t find out if this is a set rule, but no one has pushed this envelope and I don’t think anyone will for a while. I’m sure if you choose your favorite rap song, judges will frown upon your choice (unless it’s from Hamilton. Everyone loves Hamilton, and so they should). A pair team from France used the 50 Shades of Grey soundtrack, but none of the songs they chose were graphic or used “bad” language.

Now, what sorts of songs should you pick, and from which genres?

Section 1: Classical (or: You have no fucking excuse to use Swan Lake for the billionth time)

Because skaters could only use instrumental songs for so long, certain pieces of music have become so ingrained in the sport that they’re impossible to get rid of, like that creepy uncle at a family reunion, only with powdered wigs. Skaters have lots of terms for these pieces: “classics” (if you like them), “Old Warhorses” (if you’ve been around awhile, just like them), or, if you’re Toepick, “Skate Bashers” because they make you want to bash your head in with the nearest skate after hearing the same piece of music for the umpteenth time at a competition. Note: this is a little hypocritical, as Toepick has, in fact, used two of the aforementioned “Skate Bashers” in her career.

I prefer to describe these overused pieces as “Boomerangs” because they cycle back. Generally, every season you’ll see a few skaters performing differently choreographed programs to the same overused piece. Or, there was that one year where six different skaters in the Junior Ladies’ bracket were all doing Malaguena.

Here’s a short list of overused classical music: Swan Lake, Carmen, Malaguena, Claire de Lune, Romeo and Juliet (both versions), Nessun Dorma, Firebird, Sing, Sing, Sing! Tosca, Scheherazade. Rhapsody in Blue, that one piano concerto by Rachmaninoff

Now, what do Swan Lake, Carmen, Claire de Lune, Romeo and Juliet, Nessun Dorma, and Rachmaninoff have in common, besides overuse? They’re all from the Romantic Era of classical music. To quote from Wikipedia: “In the Romantic period, music became more expressive and emotional, expanding to encompass literary, artistic, and philosophical themes.” If you’ve heard classical music that’s big and emotional and full of feelings, it’s probably Romantic. Beethoven is an excellent benchmark to show the evolution between the rigid, mathematical High Classical era and the more fluid Romantic era, since his career spanned both. Contrast the first movement of his first symphony, which is tight and precise (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2VKpV9im8g) with the slow build and huge emotional swells of the second movement of Symphony no 7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgHxmAsINDk .

Romantic Era music is popular for a reason; it’s emotional, varied in tempo, and almost always stunningly beautiful. And the nice thing about it is that there are dozens of Romantic composers, including Chopin, Brahms, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, and many many more. You can start with some of the big names and try to find their lesser-known pieces, or fall down a Spotify Related Artists rabbit hole and find someone entirely new. And if you’re not sure at all where to start, here are a few of LittleLostStar’s suggestions:

Chopin, Piano Concerto no. 1, II. Romanze – Larghetto https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIackkOX2BU

Dvorak's Symphony no. 9, second movement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOX15agZ3-0

Smetana's "Ma Vlast": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Lvvjsg8_xI

pretty much any portion of Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKX0ef1TZWA

Shostakovitch’s piano concerto No 2, second movement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHpmHhi1Rxk

Debussy's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWmUfIhAukU

Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Fantasia on a Theme for Thomas Tallis": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIhZbvlCjY0

Section 2: Movie scores which are not “The Mission”

Movie scores are amazing, and people don’t always give them enough credit. While there are certainly more than a few films with non-memorable scores (cough EVERY MARVEL MOVIE cough), think of all the films whose music has permeated our culture: Star Wars, Jaws, basically anything by John Williams. After classical music, film scores are an easy place to find emotional music for skating, but there are some pieces--such as “Gabriel’s Oboe” from The Mission--which are also far too overused.

There are movie scores such as Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Mask of Zorro which were only popular in the skating community for a short time. While they saw overuse during this period, they never quite made Skate Basher status and are fun and refreshing when they resurface with a bright-faced new skater. Others, like the soundtrack to Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and the 1960’s Romeo and Juliet theme have produced some of the coolest programs known to skating history. But those programs inspired other programs, which inspired other programs, and thus have relegated themselves to the ranks of the overused.

If you’re interested in going for the big emotional swells via cinema, here are a few options:

The one piano piece everyone adores from Amelie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hprOTiv3fU

“Transformation” from Beauty and the Beast (1991)*: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH9RTuaUL8k

“The Heart Asks Pleasure First” by Michael Nyman from The Piano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsQBKr_x-P4

From John Powell’s stunning How to Train Your Dragon score: either “Test Drive” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5N3q68e7OQ) or “Coming Back Around” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbbsCTafRNw ). The latter, in particular, has a really great buildup that would be suited for Yuuri’s stamina, since it gets very energetic right at the end.

“Define Dancing” from the Wall-e score: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-7LIojfezw

“Transformation” by the Bulgarian Women’s Choir from Brother Bear, that Disney movie you don’t remember: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S9csXngPNg

And if you’re feeling daring:

Junkie XL’s score for Mad Max: Fury Road was a furiously energetic jolt of adrenaline. A song like “Brothers in Arms” would be a very bold choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xllG3fSUAOw

The Chemical Brothers scored a frankly excellent film called Hanna from 2011, and it has no shortage of bizarrely awesome electro songs, but “Container Park” is the best: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBmwcuLa1as

*LittleLostStar has no idea why we suddenly need to specify the year of this film’s release because there has never ever been another version of the best Disney film ever made and we needn’t speak of this matter again and also this is her favourite film of all time, so if you use “Transformation”, please let her know, because she’s probably going to read your fic and squee.

Section 2.5: What about Broadway tho?!

Don’t worry, fam, we gotchu.

As a current (not-so) starving actor (PoetSnoreate) and a former theater kid who once had dreams of being the next Idina Menzel (LittleLostStar) we would be remiss if we did not include the third most popular source of music for skating--BROADWAY!

Before lyrics were allowed, the sweeping scores to classic shows were brought to life on the ice by talented skaters. Sometimes so much so (in the case of West Side Story) that they became Skate Bashers. Rogers and Hammerstein were also a popular choice, The King and I and South Pacific were/have been fairly popular, but have yet to reach Skate Basher status. Other popular musicals that are on their way to becoming Skate Bashers include Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables...and let’s face it, if we have to see someone skate to “Bring Him Home” one more time, we’re going to be le miserable.

(Get it?! Le miserable? Is this thing on? *tap tap*)

Here are some fun options from people who are not Andrew Lloyd Webber:

“You Can’t Stop the Beat” from Hairspray (note: the linked version here is from the 2007 film, which absolutely blew the Broadway version out of the water in my opinion): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjOXwuBQT1o

“King of New York” from the film Newsies (or the Broadway remake): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmPnz4g9HGQ. It is an excellent replacement for your more swing-adjacent Skate Bashers like “Rhapsody in Blue”

And while we’re at it, stop using “Sing sing sing” and use the finale from Chicago instead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luef1H24hU8

Print off a list of the major songs from Wicked (everything over two and a half minutes that doesn’t include the Wizard, because all his songs are the worst). Pin it to the wall and stand a few feet back. Throw a dart. Congratulations, you’ve got a piece from Wicked. They basically all work.

While we’re on Stephen Schwartz, selections from Hunchback of Notre Dame would be super baller: “Bells of Notre Dame” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4COfl8DMB8) and “Heaven’s Light/Hellfire” for some real AF energy contrasts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eODy_sHpjaQ

“A Piece of Sky” by Barbra Streisand, from Yentl. Ask your parents, kids. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s8NpVhwgnA

Section 3: Yes, you can use modern songs. No, Tswift probably won’t let you use hers.

While programs that are more “traditional” still tend to score better, more and more skaters are making bolder music choices; they’re picking older pop hits, songs from classic singers, and even current chart toppers for their programs. This most recent season featured programs to 1980s classics like “Sweet Dreams Are Made of This” by the Eurythmics and “Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie. Elvis may have left the building, but he showed up at the ice rink. Electro Swing is another popular choice; Caro Emerald crooned her way across several disciplines to create some interesting programs with the genre. Currently, most skaters will only select modern music for one program and keep the other in the more traditional vein.

Wacky, wild, and fun music (including disco and techno) tends to remain the purview of the Exhibition...along with the best choreography. Skaters every now and again will insist on skating their exhibitions to overused songs such as “Fields of Gold,” “Arms of an Angel”; but most of the time, the exhibition is where we get unforgettable programs like the infamous “Sex Bomb.” And the time Joe Johnson skated with a slice of pizza on his head.

Skaters don’t personally have to pay copyright to use their music, but they do have to turn in the names, titles, and composers of their pieces ahead of the season, so that rights can be secured by arenas (in their home country) and then by their Federations/other arenas where they’ll be competing. It’s a very convoluted process, and we don’t know the exact details of it (sorry). However, this is why you often don’t see skaters skating to the new big thing, because they have to be ready ahead of time with their selections, and also because programs take time to prepare and perfect.

While LittleLostStar was all set to provide a list of suggestions, the truth of the matter is that if you think a song will work, it’ll probably work! There are videos out there of routines set to “Umbrella” by Rihanna, “Cheap Thrills” by Sia, and “Hand Clap” by Fitz and the Tantrums. Johnny Weir’s routine to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” famously inspired Yurio’s ice slide heard ‘round the fandom in the “Welcome to the Madness” EX. So, really, go wild.

...Okay, she can’t help herself, here are some suggestions:

“Paradise” by Coldplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G4isv_Fylg

...okay, and also “Fix You”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4V3Mo61fJM

“All These Things That I’ve Done” by The Killers. Bonus points if you perform it in a blood-stained shirt and camouflage pants, and double bonus points if it’s a pair skate with someone dressed in a sexy nurse’s outfit. Sextuple billion bonus points if you understand that reference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZTpLvsYYHw

“Some Nights” by fun., which is bombastic and wonderful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQkBeOisNM0

A classic for a reason. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFWDGTVYqE8

“I Am Chemistry” by Yeasayer is one of the best songs ever, with one of the goddamn weirdest music videos ever, and would make a really interesting FS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XzqCUbiPc4

The Final Movement

We hope you’ve enjoyed our handy and comprehensive guide to choosing the music for your YoI fic.

As always, our asks are open!

#yoi #yuri on ice #fic help #iwritevictuuri #littleloststar #askthespicecapades #learn about skate bashers #don't use swan lake #for real

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