#vail field | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

swords-of-a-soilder · 6 months ago

Text

The Healing Process

Chapter 13

Weakness

Forever lean forward as he watched his pocket watch tick, he was seated on his couch, hyperfocused on each tick of his clock.

He count the hour down in his head, fifty eight seconds till twelve am. Among the tick of the clock he feed the memories of his past.

He recalled the horrid sounds of his screams, fifty two seconds, Cucurcho's ungodly face, fourty four seconds; his pounding head ache, thirty eight seconds.

The ticks, he'd focus on ticks the ticks. Rciyhardlyson needed his father more than ever, Phil still needed his help and Cellbit was expecting better from him.

Twenty seconds, ten, nine, eight, seven,six, five, four, three, two... the clock froze short of one second, time stood completely still as silence filled his ears.

Suddenly a pair of red hands reached out from behind him, caressing his cheeks as they spoke with a sweet voice. "Forever, aren't you tired?"

Forever didn't question the voice, he's heard it before. Rather he often drown said voice out with the ticks of his pocket watch; right, his watch isn't working right now.

"I just know you're exhausted, don't you need to rest?"the voice asked again.

"I..I am.. extremely tried.."

"Oh course you are," The entity in appearance a woman in a red dress with a large vail, rubbed its cheek against Forever's while dangling the pill bottle in it's hand. "Go on, take a break."

Almost instantly, he accept the bottle fumbling with the child safety lid. He quickly pulled himself to reality, releasing his grip of the bottles. "What am I doing?" He asked himself

The entity climbed over the couch then sat itself in his lap, at an uncanny speedy. It pulled his face close to it's own, then rest his forehead against it's. "Don't you deserve a break?" It coed

Forever stared into the entity's eyes, Ruby gems staring back at him amongst the shaded appearance behind the Vail. "But people are depending on me.."

"You're so busy helping everyone, how often do they try to help you?" The entity debated.

"A few times actually," he glanced off to the other direction, deep in thought "there was the time when.. when I..why can't I.. remember?"

"Because it never happened."

"That doesn't..sound right?"

"Your friends just want to use you, they don't care about you."

"Surly not.."

"You haven't forgotten your privilege, have you Mr. President? It'd be rather easy for you to get any documents they need." The entity reminded, "Even better if they needs access to any restricted location."

"They wouldn't.."

"Can you remember a single time they help you?"

"..no..but.."

"Take a break, give yourself the freedom you deserve," the entity dangle the bottle into his field of vision, "take a pill, maybe four."

Forever accept the bottle once again, this time pushing down on the child safety lid. He poured himself four pill, then stared at them briefly.

"What's there to lose?" The entity double down. Forever gave in, swallowing the pills dry before slowly laying down. Slowly he feel into the effects, his muscle's relaxed as his mind came to ease.

Philza observed his phone is tense silence, anxiously awaiting Forever's respond to his message of self invitation. He was stood outside Forever's base, with Tallulah by his side.

He wanted to show his appreciation to Forever for assisting him, despite how hard of a time he's been giving them, Tallulah of course was already up and therefore wanted to visit Forever as well.

"He's not responding." Philza began, "Vitals says he's awake... He doesn't normally ignore me.."

Tallulah shoke her maraca instantly gain Phil's attention, "Maybe he's busy?" She signed

"Busy enough not to respond to me?" Phil asked in a sarcastic tone, as if the mer concept was unlikely. "I don't like this, let's go in."

Tallulah nod her head in agreement, then followed behind Phil as they made their way in Forever's resident. Painful awear of the silence, they search rooms after rooms looking for him.

Finally they found him semi-conscious on the couch, the pill bottle losly grasp in his hand. Philza sigh in disappointment at the sight in front of him, then approached Forever with Tallulah nearby.

"Tallulah, help me move him to the bathroom." Phil requested.

Tallulah assist to the best of her ability, taking Forever's legs while her father took his top half. They carried him into the bathroom, where she lost her grip and Phil his footing.

Phil caught himself with his elbow thus breaking Forever's fall by transferring the pain to Phil.

"Sorry!" Tallulah yelled in a harsh voice, Phil wave his hand dismissively then pull Forever upright as he observer his body.

He place his ear against Forever's chest, his eyes squint as he listens to his heart beat. "Tallulah, Can you get me the pill bottle?" He request

Tallulah agreed as she ran back to the room, meanwhile Phil lossen Forever's top to reduce restriction in his blood flow. He hissed at sight before him, the black goo like substance had spread to his chest.

soon Tallulah returned with the bottle, of which Phil observed the print on the bottle then sighed in relief. He slapped Forever's cheek repeatedly successful waking him up. Well wake might be the wrong word, "Forever how much did you take?"

Forever hummed in response before once again drifting into unconsciouiness, Phil slapped him again thus pulling Forever back into reality.

"How many?!" Phil doubled down, Forever weakly presented four fingers before passing out once more.

Phil observed the bottle once again, the instructions stating two pills twice a day put his mind at ease. He turn his attention back to Tallulah,

"He'll be fine, he just needs to work out his system." Phil informed , "I'll stay here to keep an eye on him, if he throws up he could chock on his puke."

Tallulah expression soften, Forever was like a Father to her, she couldn't imagine losing him; This was too close to comfort.

"You should go home." Phil's voice threw her out her thoughts, "I know you're probably tired, get some rest."

Before Tallulah could respond, Forever effectively distracted them both as he coughed up vomit.

Phil quickly flipped him around to the toilet, then pull his hair out his face allowing Forever to empty his contents.

Tallulah moved closer to Phil, she then sat next to him to indicate she had no intention of leaving. "Well if your staying." Phil began, "could you get Forever a cup of water?"

Tallulah nod then ran the kitchen, then returned with the request item. Phil instructed Forever in his semi conscious state to rinse his mouth and when he sucessed in such he rest In Phil's lap.

Phil rub his head as he hum a familiar tune, hoping he could at least bring some peace to Forever's soul. "Philza.." he finally spoke through his drunken State, "I.. I'm so sorry."

"Shh," Phil reassured, apologize in the morning, right now I just need you to be ok."

#qsmp #qsmp fanfiction #q!philza #q!forever #sugarduo #qsmp tallulah #@v@#the healing process

8 notes · View notes

sannasruins · 2 years ago

Text

blue haired girl

hado nejire x reader

warnings: growing apart, unrequited feelings, abandonment, non-descriptive self-harm, lesbians (the horror!)

a/n: there's a bit of time skipping in this, so i’ve labeled things as their verses in the songs and the years (1, 2, and 3A) + semesters of high school they took place in. is nejire adhd/autistic coded? i cant tell, maybe its because i see the way she is as my normal (adhd) that i cant tell. i'm basing her personality strongly off the wiki bc she really hasn't had that much air time.

word count: 2.9k

inspired by and based on tv girl's- blue hair

Verse 1 - First Semester 1A

You and Nejire met on your first day of high school, class 1A. Both of you had quirks that were more powerful than the rest of the girls in your class, assuming that the two of you thought that you were superior to them and were already looking down on them, they took initiative and distanced themselves from you at the start. This left the two of you with only two options, have no friends, be a lonely outcast for the foreseeable future, or become friends. Obviously, it was an easy choice, and it was nice that the two of you got along well, and probably would have become friends even if you weren’t put in that unfortunate social situation.

She was a blunt girl, not really knowing when it was the appropriate time, if at all, to say something that she wanted to say. She often ended up saying things that were accidentally hurtful, though if you let her know, she would instantly feel remorseful and apologize incessantly. She wasn’t always sure how to make a joke, often her attempts falling flat, but she was bright, and cheery, and had so much knowledge that she longed to share. You couldn’t help but find yourself smiling at her as you listened to her ramble about the newest thing, she learned that week on national geographic.

One day, in the middle of your first year, she asked you how to be funny. You were taken aback, and asked her back, “you think I’m funny?” She nodded with a small smile.

You contemplated on how you should respond to her difficultly abstract question, “I don’t think that’s something you can teach.”

She looked down, her smile falling off her face sent a pang of guilt to your heart. You quickly tried to backtrack, “I think you’re funny though Hado! You’re constantly making me smile and laugh!”. Her eyes met yours, a furrow forming on her brow, you stammered on, “Maybe not everyone thinks you’re funny, but I think that’s true for everyone! You just got to find the people that do think you’re funny and like being around you… like me.” You held eye contact with her despite the bright flush that made its way to your cheeks, ask if you were trying to transfer your conviction over to her. She brushed off your almost confession with a giggle and a change of topic.

Chorus 1- Second Semester 2A

As you both aged, Nejire started to get more notice than you. Not that you were jealous, you being too enamored with her to care, no, you were just happy that she was getting the recognition you thought she so obviously deserved. It did sting though, when she would turn down your invitations for afterschool dates poorly vailed by you as hangouts. She needed to train though, she would say, and dismiss you with a “next time, okay y/n?”

Sometimes as you left the school building on your way home you would take the long way, past the training fields to watch her for a little bit, training with two boys from your class. You wondered why she didn’t ask you to train with her, to help her. You would never ask though, far too afraid of the answer that seemed to be pulling at the hem of your shirt, demanding your attention. She’s just focusing on training, it’s not like she suddenly stopped liking you. It’s not like she wanted to stop being your friend. It’s not like she was purposely ignoring you. Right?

Verse 2- Third Semester 1A

The two of you were sitting in a cafe after school, one that Nejire had shown you a picture of on Pinterest and said the two of you had to go for their cute specialty foods. You had gotten a parfait, the cream on top having been manipulated into the shape of a cat, Nejire got a jasmine tea latte, the art in the foam had her swooning and whipping out her phone to snap pictures of it in multiple angles as she told you about her Pinterest page’s aesthetic, you listened along, slightly confused at the idea of people posting on Pinterest like it was a social media but not questioning it. After she had taken enough pictures of both her and your orders, the two of you started on your treats, she took a long sip from her latte and when she placed it back down on the table, she had suddenly grown a distinguished mustache made of foam. It made you smile so hard your cheeks hurt, trying to keep your laugher a courteous volume to the other patrons was exceedingly difficult as she didn’t seem to notice her new facial accessory and was looking at you very confused. In spite of your shakes of laughter you managed to raise a shaky hand to point at your upper lip, signaling to her what you had found so funny. She raised a finger to her top lip, touching the foam and then pulled it back to see what was on her face. Realizing what she had done, her face blushed a warm pink as she quickly grabbed her napkin to wipe it away. You had finally calmed down and noticed that she had missed a little bit on the far edge.

“Nejire, you still have some,” you told her and pointed on yourself where it was on her, picked the napkin back up and scrubbed at her face, but on the wrong side.

“No, other side,” you specified. She again rubbed at her face with the now crumpled napkin but somehow still managed to miss the small smudge of foamed milk.

Not thinking, you rose and leaned across the table, before wiping the white away with your thumb. You sat back down, and without a thought in your head, licked it off of your thumb.

You noticed her face flush, even more than before, now a hot red; you realized the suggestiveness of what you had just done, and at the same time, felt an explosion of butterflies manifest themselves into your gut.

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, looking down with a slight smile on her face, and you reddened.

The two of you sat in silence for a while before she broke it.

“Do you think I’m pretty?”

You didn’t think before you responded.

“Yes.” You hesitated and then added on, “I think you’re really beautiful.”

The two of you fell back into silence.

The purgatory of not knowing how the two of you felt about each other was horrible, but the fear of rejection, not just of a confession but of you as a person, rejecting your identity, kept you in your place.

There really was no winning.

Chorus 2- First Semester 3A

It hurt, seeing her every day, but not being able to talk to her about anything and everything in the way that you had grown used to. She was part of the big 3 now, she was revered by everyone now, she was strong and kind and smart and now they were all seeing what you had from the start. It was selfish of you, you knew, but you wish they hadn't noticed.

She wasn’t being purposefully cruel in her withdrawal from you, she wasn’t doing it to be mean, she had just forgotten, she had just been stretched too thin and something had to go. It was still mean though, and it was still cruel.

You felt the loneliest now, so much so it was almost incomparable. Your days now spent in silence, and slowly falling into the motions. School, train, sleep, school, train, sleep, school, train, sleep. With nothing to break the monotony, life became dull, and you were sinking into a different kind of blue, not the blue of an eye like you did when you first saw Hado Nejire, but into the blue of the mind, getting darker, muddier, harder to see what’s in front of you.

You became more reckless, not in retaliation but due to a slow building and concerning lack of self-preservation. Often throwing yourself into dangerous positions with villains, jumping solo into fights, you had no probability of winning alone, asking for more and more hours at your internship. It kept it at bay for a little while, the numbness, but as with most things, it did not last. You feared you were slowly but surely becoming a shell of your former self.

You needed something more, you needed to keep yourself feeling, needed to keep yourself human, needed to keep yourself. So, you resorted to means you probably shouldn’t have. Flame, blade, burns, blood. You knew it wasn’t healthy, but it was something.

On an especially hot September day it was odd to see students wearing their long-sleeved winter uniforms, but not enough to raise many questions. One girl asked, “Aren’t you hot?”, but you brushed it off, explaining that you just ran cold. A bold-faced lie to anyone who knew you, but none of them did.

As you were working on your lesson book, Hado Nejire walked past your desk on her way to the front of the room, glancing down at you, maybe out of habit, she got a glance of lines of damaged skin, some already faded, but many varying degrees of red. She faltered in her step, double taking, confused as to what she was seeing. Not wanting to cause a scene in class or be caught staring, she almost seamlessly continued walking, and if one hadn’t been watching her, they wouldn’t have noticed her split second reel.

She stopped you by the door after class, and when you tried to scoot by her, thinking she wasn’t aware she was in the doorway, she blocked its entirety with her body, staring you down. She grabbed you by the hand and led you to an unused stairwell as you stumbled behind her hastened pace. You didn’t notice it at the time, but she was especially careful when grabbing you, fearing that she would take hold somewhere that would cause you pain, fearing to reopen possible wounds.

There was a furrow in your brow as you looked at her, wordlessly questioned why she had dragged you there. She turned your arm over, her hand still holding yours, and gently raised your crisp white sleeve, a gasp of dismay escaping her lips as her eyes raked over your battered arm. She dropped your hand only to quickly grab your other one, pulling the sleeve of that arm up too. You were watching her face as she grit her teeth at the sight, her eyebrows pushed into an expression you didn’t know, one you had never seen before even after all the years you had known her. Her head turned and her eyes met yours, weirdly, you thought, they were filled with tears.

“Why?”

This pushed some button you did not know you had, and an unexpected, hot rage filled you.

“What do you mean, Hado?” you did not spit her name, but she flinched as if it was filled with venom.

“Y/n…” she trailed off. You remained silent, seething.

“This isn’t like you, why would you do this?”

You didn’t answer her for a long time before sighing, “You wouldn’t know Hado, you haven’t spoke to me in well over 5 months.”

“I’m sorry, I-” her words almost a whimper, but you interrupted her.

“Please, don’t. I don’t think I can stomach it Hado, I think, whatever you’re going to say next, will only make things worse.”

She clamped her mouth shut, her lips in a pale line, and nodded tearfully, before choking out an “okay”.

Things didn’t change much after that, though she was more watchful of you, you could, at times, feel her eyes boring into you from across the classroom or training halls and fields, and you started feeling a little different, slowing down in your efforts to drive away the numbness, as the numbness seemed to seep away from you. Less and less, you found yourself feeling as if there was nowhere else to go with a knife in your grasp.

You also no longer prayed that she would make time for you, disillusioning yourself, and realizing that she was not perfect, though feelings as strong as yours don’t just simply disappear due to disillusionment.

Verse 3- Third Semester 3A

Her hair had been burnt off, now in a blunt bob, and what once had been marred and blistered skin was now just slightly tinged pink. It still hurt you to see though, quietly observing. She was different now, bolder, more self-assured, Maybe, you mused, something had been burnt off along with her hair. You were different now too though, you were better. You had sought counseling, speaking to the trusted hero you were interning under, and they helped you find and utilize resources to mitigate your mental health. You felt lighter, you were still lonely, but you were now a little bit more at peace with your solitude, and less afraid to put yourself out there, slowly becoming friends with the sidekicks at your internship who were just a couple years your senior.

Chorus 3- After Graduation

Sometimes you would see her on TVs in coffee shops, or in ads in magazines, though if you looked you could find yourself too, maybe not as often, but still there. Both of you were making a name for yourselves in the hero world.

You had started dating a pretty sidekick from your agency, she was one of the first people you had befriended when you started putting in the effort to get better, she had been there for you through many bad nights, and many more good ones. You really, truly loved her. And yes, sometimes you would miss your first love, but not in a way of current longing, but for a past. You would never leave your girlfriend though, even if you got the chance to go back, even if they told you everything would turn out the way you had begged and hoped and dreamt. Those were no longer your dreams.

It was in line at a coffee shop that you ran into her. She looked nice, more mature, gracefully slipping into her early 20’s, face less youthful, but still bright with a smile.

The two of you chatted as you waited for your orders to be taken, and continued afterwards, as you waited for them to be made.

She was direct in her flirting, touching your arm, complementing you, laughing a little too much at things that weren’t that funny. You did not reciprocate. 5 years ago, if she had been doing what she was doing now, you would have been over the moon, indescribably happy, but now, you didn’t feel much of anything at all. You were flattered, maybe a bit annoyed, but the feelings were so watered down, so muted that you could barely describe them as anything. You were happy to talk to an old friend though.

“We should hang out some time,” she told you after your orders had been picked up from the counter and the two of you started towards the front doors, “go on a little afterschool date like we used to.” She smiled and winked.

You politely smiled back at her and opened your mouth to reply, when your phone started going off, the ring tone you had affectionately assigned to your girlfriend, playing.

“Oh, sorry it’s my girlfriend, let me answer real quick,” not waiting for a response from Nejire, you picked up the phone.

“Hey love, what’s up?” You inquired through the phone.

“Are you almost home yet?”

“Yeah, I just picked up your coffee from the coffee place two blocks down.”

“Oh yay! Thank you baby, see you soon, I love you.”

“I love you too.”

You ended the call and turned towards Nejire apologetically, “Sorry about that!”

You exited the shop, Nejire holding the door open for you, and stood next to her on the sidewalk, close to the building and out of the way.

“Oh!” you realized you hadn’t answered her question yet, “yeah, it would be nice to hang out and catch up.” This time, hangout had no hidden meanings or crossed fingers. It was purely platonic. “I miss you,” she confessed. Your eyebrows shot up in surprise, you were really never expecting her to say that.

“I guess things ended up differently, not the way I wanted I mean.” she clarified. “It’s hard seeing you in the news, or in my fashion magazines, but not being able to see you in person anymore. I just… miss you a lot y/n, even though you’ve not gone anywhere.”

You hmm and nod, “you’re right, I haven’t gone anywhere. That was you, Hado Nejire. I’m proud of you, you're becoming a great hero.” You smiled at her softly. She stood, unmoving, looking at you, maybe waiting for something more, but you were no longer the person who would be able to provide that.

“Well, I need to get going before all this ice melts,” you shook the iced coffee in your hands, “or my girlfriend will have my head.”

“Oh, uh, okay” she stammered.

“Message me! My numbers still the same, if you still have it. You could meet my girlfriend too, I think you’d like her, she’s amazing.”

Nejire nodded, watching your figure as you walked away, bitter jealousy and remorse making their home in her sour stomach.

Hi! I know it may seem like I am romanticizing self-harm in this but I promise I am not. As it is something I have struggled with for many years I am just reflecting my own struggles and thoughts, and trying to represent a mental illness as what it is. That doesn't mean it is something you should do, and if you struggle with it and are tempted after reading, here are some healthier alternatives. Please do not hurt yourselves, lovelies.

#bnha x reader #mha x reader #boko no hero academia #my hero academia #bnha x reader angst #fanfic #bnha nejire #mha nejire #nejire hado #nejire x reader #nejire x you #nejire x y/n #hado nejire #bnha #nejire x f!reader #yuri fanfiction #yuri mha #tw:self harm

63 notes · View notes

chaoticpiglinwitch · 2 years ago

Text

Crow Father

Pronouns: He/They

Domains: God of Death, Travel, Fatherhood, Masculine Energy, Wisdom, Respect, Familial Love, Looming Protection, Construction, Communication, Hospitality

Epithets: “Father of Blossoms” would be called that in relation to being the father of Syren (God of the Seasons) or in spring time. They would spend time together during the spring and you can hear their laughter in fields of flowers.

“Man of Men” + “Angel of Death” was called this when talking about him with his wife, Kristen. While Kristen is the afterlife, Crow will guild the souls or the living ones that are close to death. Believed to give them comfort or justice in their last moments.

“Whisper of Crows”, “One of Watcher” + “Soldier of Death” These names were associated with him when he was with Blade and how they would assist soldiers in battle. Either by watching over them while they are unguarded, guilding the souls from battle, helping them gather supplies or guilding civilians to safety.

“Kind feathered Traveller” Would help others find their way if asked for help. He would help make compasses, maps and provide protection for wanderers and refugees. It was also a title used when he was paired with Blade

“Everlasting Resourceful Builder” He helped teach others how to build houses and communities, helping stand tall and strong. Not stopping to help all around with building big shrines and other mythical sites in the mythology. Builders and carpenters often would ask for his blessings when making things.

"Looming Welcome" In many towns and homes, townsfolk would have bird statues or decor around their living areas to both invite travellers and Crowfather's protection in. Guarding against harmful entities and welcoming all that needed or wanted shelter. They believed that shooing away or being outwardly rude to wanderers, strangers or birds was seen as a quick way to get CF's wrath and loss of his divine protection; and depending on how far it went it could cause loss of protection to the whole town.

Symbols/Mobs: Crows, Parrots, bird skulls, black feathers, black vail/cloaks, Short haired and/or black cats

Rules/Guidelines:

Chosen family (ppl who you choose to have in ur life) are what's important

Formality isn't a big thing unless your asking a favour of him (also depends on how close u are as well, the more time you spend with him, the more he will see u as family/protected one)

Respect is given not forced. In all relationships, he will help pick out the ones that can and will be trust worthy but also teach you the signs of it and test your skills.

Myths/Stories: Crow Father was worshipped as an all ever looming protector, believed that all crows were connected to him. He could be summoned quickly, (+ more to add)

Colors: Crow Father would wear items/colors that would remind him of his loved ones and would have a ever changing colorful wardrobe. When he would visit different places/seasons, he would dress for the time there. So he likes any color but his favourite colors are Green (likes darker tones), White, Gold, Black, Pink (Blossom specifically)

Crystals: Obsidian, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Red jasper,

Incense: Lavender, Rose, Cederwood

Plants/Herbs: Alvo, Daisy, chrysanthemums

Offerings: Any shiny things, Black tea w/sugar, any herbal tea, tea cakes, sweets, arts and craft, crow themed things, items that remind of his loved ones, anything you have made, bones, travel guides,

Devotions:

Vailing in honour of him,

Looking after nature,

Learn the importantance of travel safety,

Get a bird bath

Learn about children and advocation for them

Read a book/listen to audio book

Learn about something you know nothing about

Speck your truth and strive for equal respect

Listen to bird song

Wearing bird skulls (ethically)

Learn first aid and keep a kit in your car/home/bag

Meditate with him,

Sit outside and drink english breakfast tea with him

learn about masculine energy and practising it/learning balance

advocate for male victims and support groups,

Learn about crows, Crow merch hehe

go food shopping or donate to a food bank

Learn about construction and it’s safety,

Watching documentaries or mcyt

Going to school and asking him for safe travels

Do a diy project or watch building videos

Inviting him to your dreams

Journal about ur life, ur troubles, he loves to be a shoulder to lean on

Attendants: Kristen (Wife), Prime, Syren, Blade, Most folk in the pantheon

#minecraft magick #pop culture witchcraft #minecraft #minecraft magic #crow father #minecraft pop culture witchcraft #minecraft deity #work in process #pop culture deity #deity work #minecraft pantheon #pop culture magic #pop culture magick #grimoire

20 notes · View notes

eiseryn · 8 months ago

Text

Cyberpunk Ash~

Okay NGL he kinda looks like red Vail but I think he looks really good here????? Like 😳😳😳 I'm exposing myself but I guess I like 1 type of male face and I just draw it over and over again XD It's my same face syndrome cuz I can't draw anime men 💀💀

But hey I mean ??!?! He looks really good here so I guess that's a win right???

As you may have noticed I'm putting all my old ttrpg characters as NPCs into this cyberpunk campaign 😂 He is the group's on-field / combat medic :3 So he is definitely armed with a gun and I haven't decided his skills but he has to have first aid and medicine. Not sure how good his is, but he def has those!!! I love healers who are "I'm a healer but" ... all my healer PCs are like that XD

I really like how I translated his tiefling horns into some sort of head accessory :3 (notice how they glow!!!) I kept his reddish skintone because well,,,, let's just say he and his twin sister may have been experimented on in this au :3

Maybe I can finally reveal his twin sister Ember soon 👀👀👀 I'm having trouble with her colour palette but I already drew her portrait so soon hopefully???

#my art #my oc #ash #original character #oc art #oc artwork #cyberpunk ash #selenia campaign #oc #character portrait #cyberpunk coc #character art

4 notes · View notes

greatprotector-if · 2 years ago

Text

New Character

Victoryne/Valen/Vail is the only nephilim of your fellow royal knights, and they are determined to make one thing clear to you from the moment you meet—they hate your guts.

More specifically, they harbour a deep grudge against you for somehow being chosen by the crown themself to be their royal protector, despite your... rather severe lack of experience in the field. V trained their whole life to get where they are, so to have some random farmer just show up and steal their dream job from right under their nose? Infuriated doesn't begin to describe how they feel.

Few things in this world are certain, but there is one thing you can know for sure! V will always have you in their thoughts, wishing on your downfall.

(Or maybe you can change their mind about you. Because surprise! They are a RO!)

#the great protector if #interactive fiction #victoryne/valen/vail #i know i said no more ROs.#but v is different ok #my blorbo

40 notes · View notes

starqueen87 · 1 year ago

Text

Solomon Brown: First African American Employee at the Smithsonian Institution

Solomon G. Brown (c.1829–1906) was the first African American employee at the Smithsonian Institution, serving for fifty-four years from 1852 to 1906. During his time at the Smithsonian, he held many titles and performed many duties in service to the Institution. He served under the first three Smithsonian Secretaries, Joseph Henry, Spencer Fullerton Baird, and Samuel P. Langley. He formed a deep personal friendship with Baird which is evident in the letters featured on this page. He also served his community in Anacostia, a part of Washington, DC, and was a prominent advocate of African American progress.

"I have engaged in almost Every Branch of work that is usual and unusual about S.I.," Solomon G. Brown.

These words, written to Secretary Baird on August 12, 1862, encapsulate his long and eclectic career at the Smithsonian Institution. In 1902, he wrote a poem commemorating his fifty years at the Smithsonian —spanning the Institution's formative years. Brown, born a free man when slavery was legal in Washington, DC, joined the staff of the Smithsonian shortly after it was founded in 1846.

Born around 1829, Brown was one of six children. With the unfortunate death of his father in 1833, Brown's chance of attending school and receiving a formal education was over. However, Brown began working for Lambert Tree, assistant postmaster with the DC post office. It was in this capacity that Brown first met Joseph Henry, the Smithsonian's first Secretary. Tree detailed Brown to work with Henry, Samuel B. Morse, and Alfred Vail, while they developed the first magnetic telegraph that ran from DC to Baltimore, Maryland.

In 1852, Brown was hired as a general laborer by the Smithsonian under Henry. Initially, he built exhibit cases, cleaned and moved furniture for the Institution, and shortly became the supervisor of a small group of Smithsonian workers. While working, Brown developed a close relationship with then Assistant Secretary Baird, a naturalist and later second Secretary of the Institution. The two worked together until Baird's death in 1887. Baird trusted Brown implicitly and when out of town, relied on Brown to be his "eyes and ears" of the Institution. Brown and Baird frequently corresponded about the operations of the Smithsonian, city events, and their personal lives, sharing a wry sense of humor about life. From these letters we learn that Brown entertained visitors, handled the mail, made travel arrangements, performed clerical duties, and paid the household staff for the Baird family in addition to his other numerous Smithsonian duties.

Brown also wrote to Baird during the Civil War, reporting on the events occurring around DC and the effects felt by the Smithsonian Institution. He described the dangers to Baird's property and delays in communication from Washington. In 1864, Brown wrote of the Confederate march on the city and his own exemption from the military draft. These letters provide the unique views of a free, African American man on the progress of the Civil War as it raged around him.

Although he lacked a formal education, Brown was considered a Renaissance man. While working for Baird, he educated himself in the field of natural history. He illustrated maps and specimens for many of Baird's lectures, as well as his own talks on topics such as "The Social Habits of Insects," and delivered them to church organizations and civic groups. Not only did he excel as a naturalist, but he was an illustrator, lecturer, philosopher, and poet. Brown also read his poetry, which focused on religion and the social issues of the day, to local audiences and civic organizations. After Baird's death in 1887, Brown served as a clerk for the Smithsonian International Exchange Service, distributing scholarly publications around the world.

Brown's activities also reached beyond the walls of the Smithsonian. Within his own Anacostia (Hillsdale) community, Brown was viewed as a leader. Brown and his wife Lucinda hosted picnics for their local community, one of which was attended by Frederick Douglass. He was elected to the DC House of Delegates, served as superintendent of the Pioneer Sabbath School and the North Washington Mission Sunday school, and was a trustee of the 15th Street Presbyterian Church. He was committed to bettering education and gaining opportunities for African American citizens.

A man of limitless energy, Solomon G. Brown continued to work at the Smithsonian, write and draw, as well as serve his community until his retirement on February 14, 1906. Not long afterward, Brown died at his home on June 24, 1906. Over a century has passed, yet Brown's devotion to the foundation of the Smithsonian is still remembered today. In 2004, several trees were planted around the National Museum of Natural History in his honor.

#Soloman Brown #first african american #employee #smithsonian institution #who knew #learning something new #long article #good read #black history #african american history #read about him #reading is fundamental

8 notes · View notes

violettesiren · 9 months ago

Text

A lady red upon the hill Her annual secret keeps; A lady white within the field In placid lily sleeps!

The tidy breezes with their brooms Sweep vail, and hill, and tree! Prithee, my pretty housewives! Who may expected be?

The neighbors do not yet suspect! The woods exchange a smile,— Orchard, and buttercup, and bird, In such a little while!

And yet how still the landscape stands, How nonchalant the wood, As if the resurrection Were nothing very odd!

The Waking Year by Emily Dickinson

#emily dickinson

4 notes · View notes

foxglove-the-never-fairy · 2 years ago

Text

Fairy Names Pt. 2

Fly with you! It’s been a while hasn’t it? Anyway, I’m here for a second part of one of my most popular posts.

The first post listed fairy names that were used in the DS game “Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue” in the create-a-fairy section of the game. While the names provided were feminine, I have pulled all of the masculine fairy names from the original Pixie Hollow game. Some names are repeats from the original post, but I kept them in as I wanted to get this out as soon as possible. I hope you enjoy. Here’s the original post.

~🧚🏻‍♀️🔥 Foxglove

First

Aaron

Ace

Acorn

Agate

Ajay

Alabaster

Alder

Alec

Aleron

Alex

Anchor

Andrew

Archer

Axel

Badger

Bailey

Baker

Bale

Banjo

Barclay

Basil

Benjy

Bert

Bevel

Birch

Boomer

Boone

Brock

Bruce

Brynn

Buddy

Burr

Burton

Buster

Calder

Casper

Cecil

Cedar

Chance

Chase

Chip

Clay

Cliff

Coal

Cog

Comet

Cosmo

Cote

Covey

Crag

Crane

Cyan

Dale

Dane

Darius

Darrin

Dawson

Decker

Deon

Devlin

Dewey

Donner

Drake

Dug

Dunn

Dustin

Dusty

Echo

Eddy

Edward

Elk

Emery

Erik

Ernie

Errol

Fennel

Fincher

Finn

Fir

Flint

Ford

Francis

Garnet

Glen

Gourd

Gourdie

Grove

Grub

Gull

Hale

Hare

Harris

Hawk

Henry

Heron

Hob

Jacob

James

Jasper

Jay

Kernal

Koto

Lance

Lark

Leaf

Lore

Lute

Lyric

Martin

Maze

Mica

Michal

Nadir

Nester

Oak

Ollie

Onyx

Otter

Peat

Pier

Pine

Quake

Quarry

Quinn

Rain

Ranger

Reed

Richard

River

Robin

Rook

Rusty

Rye

Sage

Sam

Scout

Sean

Seth

Shale

Shoal

Skimmer

Skyler

Spike

Spruce

Sterling

Stone

Tad

Teak

Thatcher

Thistle

Timber

Tiny

Toadstool

Tobey

Todd

Topher

Torn

Torrey

Vail

Valiant

Vern

Vic

Wedge

Wes

Wren

Wynn

Zak

Middle

Air

Almond

Apple

Aspen

Autumn

Badger

Bark

Beacon

Bear

Bitter

Brave

Bright

Brisk

Broom

Bumble

Candle

Cedar

Chilly

Citrus

Cloud

Cloudy

Clover

Cocoa

Copper

Cricket

Crow

Cub

Dapple

Dash

Day

Drift

Eagle

Elm

Evening

Falcon

Far

Fern

Fig

Fire

Fleet

Flicker

Foggy

Fox

Frost

Frozen

Funny

Garlic

Green

Hail

Hasty

Hawk

Hickory

Holly

Hurry

Ice

Ivy

Jelly

Jumpy

Lemon

Light

Lightning

Lime

Little

Lock

Lotus

Magic

Mango

Maple

Merry

Misty

Moon

Morning

Moss

Mossy

Mountain

Muddy

Never

Nickel

Night

Nimble

Oak

Orange

Otter

Parsley

Pear

Pebble

Pepper

Pine

Plum

Pollen

Pumpkin

Purple

Quick

Rain

Rainy

Rock

Rumble

Sage

Sandy

Sea

Shy

Silk

Slight

Snow

Sour

Speedy

Spider

Spring

Squall

Star

Storm

Stout

Strong

Sugar

Summer

Sun

Swift

Tangle

Thunder

Tiny

Toad

Tumble

Twisty

Water

Whiffle

Wild

Wind

Winter

Wrinkle

Last

Beam

Bee

Bell

Berry

Breath

Breeze

Bug

Button

Buzz

Chill

Chime

Cliff

Cloud

Clove

Crash

Curl

Dale

Dance

Dash

Dew

Din

Drop

Dust

Ear

Elbow

Eye

Feather

Field

Fig

Flame

Flap

Flash

Fleck

Flight

Flip

Flipper

Fly

Fog

Foot

Forest

Freeze

Fruit

Garden

Gem

Glade

Glimmer

Glow

Gourd

Grace

Griddlee

Gust

Heart

Hill

Hop

Horn

Hush

Jewel

Knee

Lake

Light

Lock

Loop

Lull

Meadow

Mello

Mint

Mist

Moon

Muddle

Muse

Newt

Noise

Nose

Peal

Pebble

Petal

Plume

Pond

Pool

Ray

Ripple

River

Roar

Root

Row

Ruckus

Rumble

Sand

Shadow

Sky

Smash

Song

Spark

Sparkle

Sparrow

Speck

Spirit

Splash

Spring

Sprite

Sprout

Stem

Stone

Storm

Stream

Stripe

Swamp

Swirls

Thistle

Thorn

Toad

Tree

Twill

Twist

Vale

Valley

Vine

Weather

Web

Whirl

Whisk

Whisper

Willow

Wind

Wing

Wings

Wink

Wish

#Disney Fairies #Pixie Hollow #pixie hollow online #fairy #fairy names #Tinker Bell #Tinkerbell

17 notes · View notes

sorryiapologized · 1 year ago

Text

This place had a heartbeat, in it's day. Vail bought the mountains, and nothing was the same.

This line catches me every time I play Paul Revere. It's an experience as exclusive to growing up in a small town as having at least one racist uncle and always running into people you know at the grocery store.

The place I grew up in isn't the place I visit as an adult. I cross the mountains and the wheat fields and drive down that same familiar hill, but nothing is the same. The people have changed. Maybe they've gotten more conservative, or maybe the politics of that town just bother me now in a way they didn't when I was a kid. The shape of the town has even changed. A car dealership popped up a mile from my house, acres of pine trees I used to run around in were carted off to make room for more duplexes. Even the middle school I hated was torn down years ago to make room for a nicer hellhole.

There was a heartbeat to my town that flatlined after the 2010s, after I grew up, after everything changed.

Even the house I grew up in seems to tilt in a different direction. It's still standing. My dad still lives there, but the marks on the wall I made, the plants in the yard I tended, even the back porch my childhood dog scratched up are all gone. My mom doesn't live there, hasn't since I was 11. Now my dad's new girlfriend places images on the wall. The aforementioned childhood dog is a pile of ashes in a mahogany box. Now they've got a $500 golden doodle imported from the midwest with not a thought behind his eyes.

I say I'm from here, but I'm not from the here that still stands. I'm from a place painted in pastel colors that sounds like the giggles of first friendships. I'm from a place that isn't plagued by wildfire smoke every August. I'm from a town where it snows on Christmas and the summer sun warms the lakes in July. My town feels like green grass under bare feet, the soft fur of a bouncing dog, and a cool breeze. It's not those new apartment complexes along the highway, it's the spinning view of the tops of trees as you spin in a circle with your head held back. I'm from a place that only exists in my memories. I will never be able to show it to the person I love. I cannot travel back to that place. It's gone. I hope someone else misses it. I hope someone else knew it the same way I did.

#hometown #homesick #noah kahan #paul revere #songs #20 something #coming of age #nostalgia #growing up #small town #when did everything change #i'm sorry #stick season #home

5 notes · View notes

sunnydaleherald · 2 years ago

Text

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Saturday, June 3rd

SENATOR: The vampire with a soul will play a pivotal role in the apocalypse. VAIL: And as a reward, will become human. SEBASSIS: A paranoid person might think you're trying to manipulate us in an attempt to fulfill this prophecy. ANGEL: I have no desire to become human. SEBASSIS: Oh, good. Then you won't mind signing that pesky future away. Through that document, the prophecy can be undone. Your signature there will remove any opportunity that you will ever earn your once-precious humanity. Will you sign it? ANGEL: Of course.

~~Not Fade Away~~

The Sunnydale Herald is looking for at least one new editor. Contributing to the Herald is a great way to get your Buffy on! Find out more here.

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

First Turn in the Spiral by Gabriel_Is_My_Guardian_Angel89 (Angel/Spike, E)

Guardian of the Night by Loki_Dokie_Okie (Xander/reader, G)

Sweet dreams are made of this by Bl4ckHunter (Warren, The Sandman crossover, T)

Flower in the Desert by InMyOwnHeadItGoesLikeThis (Willow/Tara, T)

Accidental Slumber by lokidokieokie (Giles/reader, not rated)

Guardian of the Night by lokidokieokie (Xander/reader, not rated)

Get Well by way2geeky (Spike/reader, not rated)

[Chaptered Fiction]

Dress My Body All in Flowers White, Chapter 28 by othellia (Buffy/Spike, M)

sunnydale anonymous, Chapter 16 by bodytoflame (Buffy/Faith, T)

Divide & Conquer, Chapter 37 by Removes_and_Cleans_Glasses_00 (Buffy/Giles, E)

The Wedding, Chapter 6 by Alwaysandforevermylove (Buffy/Faith, E)

Just Married, Chapter 3 (complete!) by AJ Fields (myfanfiction) (Xander/Anya, T)

Held Together, Chapter 7 by MadeInGold (Angel/Spike, M)

Moments that Make You: The Hero and The Princess, Chapter 5 by myheadsgonenumb (Cordelia/Doyle, T)

objects in the mirror are not as they appear, Chapter 2 (complete!) by BeatriceEveryTuesday (Giles/Jenny, T)

A Family Room at the Heartbreak Hotel, Chapter 5 by Julikobold (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Twice Broken, Thrice Burnt, Chapter 7 by ClowniestLivEver (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

The Neighbor's Point of View, Chapter 16 by the_big_bad (Buffy/Spike, PG)

Sparks, Chapter 6 by Dusty (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

The Saviour and the Slayer, Chapter 1 by OUATBuffyFanHere (OC Summers sister, Once Upon a Time crossover, FR13)

A Family Room at the Heartbreak Hotel, Chapter 5 by Julikobold (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Twice Broken, Thrice Burnt, Chapter 7 by ClowniestLivEver (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Float, Chapter 7 by Grief Counseling (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

[Images, Audio & Video]

Tattoo: the slayer Scythe by Lonely-Wasabi-305

Artwork: Spike "Every day I save you" by absentfather (worksafe)

Artwork: anya and giles study by williamprattz (worksafe)

Artwork: Faith and Sasha Waybright by tales-of-lellu (worksafe)

Icons: Willow/Tara by buffyversefans (worksafe)

Special effects: Angel S4 Spider Monster part 1 by Christopher Burdett

Special effects: Angel S4 Spider Monster part 2 by Christopher Burdett

Special effects: "No Face" ghost from Hellbound by Christopher Burdett

Artwork/sewing: Buffy hoodie by rattusrattus3 (worksafe)

Playlist: Buffy x Faith by super-rangers

Fanvid: If I Can’t Love Her - Roy Mustang/Spike/Kaz Brekker/Mr Darcy by Lauren Rogers

Fanvid: Buffy the vampire slayer crashed Melrose Place (opening) by Soaps4Life

Fanvid: Spike and Klaus- My Way (Gary Oldman as Sid Vicious cover) by Bobblehead89

Fanvid: buffy vs Dracula 4K (Gods & Monsters) by Moon Child

Fanvid: BTVS | Help, i'm alive by WeCan Try

Music: Slayer - Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Cyberpunk Dystopia

[Reviews & Recaps]

angel "you're welcome" by elliebartlets

Conversations with Dead People by spikes-left-eyebrow

Video: Into the Buffyverse 1:1 Hellmouth by Biffs Werewolf World

Video: Did Buffy become a vampire? Season 1 Episode 10 review [Nightmares] by All Things Aida

[Search]

Fic search: looking for a BtVS Willow/Tara fic that was originally posted on the old Kittenboard by keliana856 via ao3fics-lost-and-found

Fic search: spike & Buffy living in Latin America because of time travel by mypalal8907

[Fandom Discussions]

Is Willow a bad person for getting with somebody like Kennedy? by Girl4Music

the state of buffy media makes me so insane by helpfulbug

Bangel v. Spuffy v. Fuffy in terms of episodes where they have scenes together by juanabaloo

Buffy Season 2, Episode 17 Passion Thoughts by linkspooky

any time i see art from the btvs comics by louisandjade

Angel signing letters with “A” instead of his name by oveliagirlhaditright

Buffy can always tell when it’s Angel or not by oveliagirlhaditright

the few times that Buffy and Willow really fight in BTVS, you feel it and it usually has such devastating consequences by oveliagirlhaditright

the mutiny scene [in Empty Places] by tuiyla

[About the Kennedy dislike] by tuiyla

when Buffy goes to kill Faith in Graduation Day, she changes into an outfit in Faith’s color palette first by witchothewest

angel’s photographic memory by angel-thoughts-dum

How is Spike, even with the posthypnotic trigger, more dangerous than Willow? by hero-adjacent

Giles likely got $52,000 ($1k a week) a year working for the Watcher’s Council by hero-adjacent

[What is Buffy doing during Angel S4?] by mayorsquid

Was Fred’s death unnecessarily cruel? by vampmogs

The Darla and Drusilla Season 2 Storyline should have been more developed by Billboard_1183

Anyone else hated that Angel was ready to die for Darla? by Sutech2301

Dawson's Creek references in Buffy could hint at how the Spike/Angel/Buffy triangle could eventually turn out by APixelPrincess

Why doesn’t The Initiative care about LA? by Eagles56

Xander [looking too old] by Speed-Zealousideal

Season 4 was The Worst. Season 3 was The Best by Billboard_1183

Flooded (episode 4, season 6) - What the hell, Willow and Tara? by dismustbetheplace

How could Angel have come back after being killed by Buffy? by RansieTheWitch

Do you believe there was ever a way Warren could have been redeemed? by mbene913

Out of all the characters, who has the best wardrobe? by DistastefulSideboob_

"I could smack ya so hard, your eyeballs'll switch sockets" by kipcarson37

Why does the master say 'my soul is your soul' when he's doing that ritual? by Boble123pop

Naive Buffy by moshmoshhh

Video: Buffy Fans LOVE It ... But ...: A Dissent on "The Body" - Did Season 6 Do Grief Better? by Examining Kubrick Philosophy Craven Nolan

Video: Buffy: The Many Ways To Slay by Black Diamond Lore

Video: Nightmare inducing "monsters of the week" | Buffy & Angel TOP 10 by 5ft Geek

Video: Buffy the Vampire Slayer - There Is No Fiction by The Law & The Promise

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

#buffy the vampire slayer #btvs #angel the series #ats

5 notes · View notes

cftragedy · 2 years ago

Text

Good Hamlet, cast thy nighted colour off, And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark. Do not for ever with thy vailed lids Seek for thy noble father in the dust Thou know'st 'tis common; all that lives must die, Passing through nature to eternity

Tyr doesn't remember his mother well. He had been young when she died, and trying to recall her now only drew up one face. Clara was seven years his senior but he'd grown up at her feet all the same. His brothers had cared for him, yes, but they were broad shouldered and thick headed and, gods bless them, they hardly knew what to do when tyr's hands fumbled with a blade or his body couldn't take a hit like theirs. Clara had been the one to encourage his strengths more deftly, seeing his affinity for strategy and planning, his knack for remembering which herbs did what, and encouraging that over pushing him to excel in the same way their brothers had. When they had buried their father, and Hagen took the throne, Tyr did not cry. He hardly knew the man. When Hagen himself died, still nothing. Tyr didn't allow himself to break. Hagen had a wife, a child, and his brother had a kingdom to rule in his stead. Where was the time for grief?

But now. He'd known, in a way. A sinking feeling at waking up undisturbed, an anomaly for his birthday, had been all but brushed aside until news swept through the castle. A princess attacked. A princess killed. He had known then. He had known, and he had refused. It wasn't true. It couldn't be true. No one would tell him, and deep down he knew, but stronger than that he would not let himself feel it. Clara was fine. She was fine, and when he got up the nerve to return to the Danish wing she would be waiting and she would laugh at him for worrying so much. She would be fine, because she had gone out into the field in the face of violence and plague and come home physically unharmed and for this reason some assassin in the night would not so easily overtake her. Clara had been through so much, more than she even told him, and this would not fell her. She was fine.

Tyr had never seen his brothers cry before. Misty eyes at the loss of their father, and then later of Hagen, yes. But those had been blinked away, nothing said of it. Even now, he's sure Steffan heard him rounding the corner because even though his eyes are red, any evidence of tears had been scrubbed away, and he just looked crushed. That alone would have been enough, but Aksel*. If Clara had been Tyr's confidante, dearest friend, and, when needed, protector, she was the other half of Aksel's very soul. The two of them had come into this world together, and now they would depart separately. The cracked, almost broken way he gasped for air, trying to steady himself as though he were not allowed to grieve such a loss, well. Tyr had never dealt with this. How did he fix this? He needed to fix this, but everything felt useless. What, would he reassure them? Of what? That she was in some better place? The best place for her was at home, in Denmark. Second best would be wherever they were. Either way, she was not any of these places.

Confronted with the grief now, unable to escape it, he does the only things he thinks he can. He flings open every window in the Danish wing, hoping against hope Clara finds some peace, is not confined to these strange halls in this strange castle in a land so far from home. He hopes the wind carries her wherever she must go from here, and he hopes it's warm there. Prayers seem futile now. He doesn't dare utter them. What good do they do now? One prays for safety, for health, for protection, and what does it get? A sister and a brother ripped away within a year of each other. A wife with no husband. A baby with no father. Brothers with no sister. It hurts. It burns. He's twenty-four years old and he went from four siblings to two. If he doesn't fling these windows open, doesn't tamp down his grief to make plans and arrangements, the same thing he's always done, he might collapse. Clara used to commend his attention to detail. The fact he's using that now to orchestrate her funeral should make him ill.

When the grief settles in, it will settle as anger. Rage will burn white hot under his skin and he will want to scream and break things and slit the throats of everyone who had anything to do with this. He will speak in hushed tones of returning to Denmark, alone. He will go with Clara. He will go and he will see to it she rests peacefully, and he will make a promise only she will know. He doesn't know if anything will come of it, if it's just pain and anguish guiding his words but it almost soothes the ache in his chest to wish damnation and brimstone and anguish on whoever has done this. It doesn't bring Clara back, though. He'd like that more.

#death tw #murder tw #grief tw #{ if i don't go to hell when i die i might go to heaven || tyr musings }

4 notes · View notes

bigscaryd · 1 year ago

Text

It's the shape of a lighthouse, and you can see the beacon some nights, but you can see it some days, too, just a flicker drowned out by the sun. Most unusual is how far it is from any coast, or any lake to large to swim across, or even a river more worthy of that name than "stream." It's up on a hill, and you can see it for miles, but no one dares ask the strange old man who it's a beacon for or how it was simply there one evening, shining it's light across fields and plains, not a ship or boat (other than the little rafts and dinghies the townsfolk used for fishing in midsummer) within three days' ride.

But Bel's house is right in the sweep of the beam, and their grandfather built it at just the right angle that, on nights when the beacon is lit, it comes through every window and every gap in the boards or thatch. The whole family, from Bel's parents down to their littlest sister, sleep fitfully, enduring dawn after dawn after dawn. They grow weary and sloppy, and the farm suffers, which means the sheep and the pigs and chickens all suffer, and one day, Bel's aunt, the one who keeps the garden and spins the finest wool, who, when she goes to town, walks with a trail of whispers and glances, calls them over.

"Bel," she says, "you don't keep the sheep like Lem does or slop the pigs and chickens or butcher them like Vail does. You help everyone but you don't quite fit. I thought you might take from me, and maybe one day you will, but someone needs to go to that lighthouse and speak to that daft old man."

"Daft?" Bel asks, confused that their aunt, always so careful to never talk anyone either up or down, means. "If he's daft, what will talking do? And what will me talking do, daft or not?"

Bel's aunt smiled then, a smile of sudden surety, "The right questions, those, foolish as they are. 'Daft' for the obvious reason, putting a lighthouse out of sight of the sea, and 'you' because I was right -- you could easily be mine if I didn't know well you weren't, or if I hadn't delivered you from my own sister with my own hands. None of your siblings nor my sister nor your father are right for this, and me going, well, I'm not a ram, and he's not a ram, and that's not really a good metaphor at all, but it's close enough. He's far enough that I didn't need to stomp up on the first morning, and I'm not inclined to do it now. So go and ask. Ask nicely, though."

Lighthouses are an underrated form of wizard tower. A grey-bearded old man spends all of his time tending to a light that must never go out, for if it does it will bring disaster? What else could that be?

50K notes · View notes

smptnow · 1 year ago

Text

QC Kinetix Unmasked: The Dark Side of Commercialized Regenerative Medicine

The healthcare industry, renowned for its potential to bring relief and healing, occasionally witness the emergence of practices that prioritize profit over patient well-being. One such case is that of QC Kinetix, a chain of clinics offering regenerative medicine therapies, often at a steep price. A closer look at their operational tactics, pricing strategies, and patient feedback reveals a concerning emphasis on revenue generation over evidence-based, patient-centric care.

The Business Model: High Stakes, Questionable Practices

QC Kinetix presents itself as a revolutionary provider in the field of regenerative medicine. Launched in 2017 in Charleston, South Carolina, by Justin Crowell, Tyler Vail, and Dr. Richard Schaffer, the franchise promised innovative, non-surgical solutions for musculoskeletal pain. However, beneath the veneer of medical advancement lies a business model riddled with aggressive sales tactics, inadequate medical assessments, and a workforce often lacking the specialized expertise the field demands.

The franchise's rapid expansion, spearheaded by CEO Scott Hoots, raises the first red flag. With a background rooted in fast-food franchising rather than healthcare, Hoots oversaw QC Kinetix's explosive growth from nine corporate clinics with $8 million in sales in 2020 to a staggering $27 million in revenue in 2021, as the number of franchise locations burgeoned. This aggressive scaling, reminiscent of retail rather than healthcare, suggests a priority of quantity over quality of care.

Pricing Outrage: Paying Top Dollar for Dubious Treatments

The financial burden on patients seeking treatment at QC Kinetix is hefty. An invoice analysis reveals not just exorbitant charges but also a cookie-cutter approach to patient care. For instance, a patient seeking help for foot neuropathy was handed a one-size-fits-all treatment plan with no personalized diagnosis or consideration of the patient's unique medical history, such as a significant spinal issue evident on his MRI.

The proposed treatments, including plasma therapy, PRP injections, A2M, and prolotherapy, were scheduled in rapid succession, with little regard for medical necessity or evidence-based practice. This 'conveyor belt' approach to treatment, coupled with the need for more specialist oversight (procedures are often performed by mid-level practitioners rather than doctors), highlights a reckless disregard for patient-specific care. Instead, the focus appears to be on maximizing revenue through a high turnover of standardized procedures.

Misleading Science and Celebrity Endorsements

Compounding the issue is QC Kinetix's promotion of their treatments as scientifically backed, often without substantial evidence. Their claim of safety and effectiveness for musculoskeletal injections lacks solid grounding in comprehensive medical studies. This gap between promise and proof is further widened by the FDA's caution regarding stem cell treatments, with severe restrictions in place due to ethical concerns and reports of patient hospitalizations.

In a classic move of commercialization over credibility, QC Kinetix has partnered with NFL legend Emmitt Smith to promote their services. While celebrity endorsements are not inherently problematic, they can create a veneer of legitimacy and efficacy where the scientific foundation is shaky, potentially misleading patients into believing these treatments are universally recognized and endorsed by the medical community.

Financial Strain and Franchisee Discontent

For those investing in a QC Kinetix franchise, the financial commitment is substantial, with initial fees and ongoing costs that include royalties, marketing fees, and more. However, the return on this investment is uncertain at best. The franchisor's income primarily hinges on equipment and supply sales to franchisees rather than patient care outcomes or clinic success. This revenue model, detached from actual patient service, coupled with numerous franchise resales listed on platforms like BizBuySell, signals franchisee discontent and a shaky financial foundation.

Patient reviews paint a similarly dismal picture, with numerous accounts of subpar treatment experiences, unmet medical needs, and financial exploitation without tangible health benefits.

Ethical Considerations and the Way Forward

The case of QC Kinetix underscores the ethical quandaries arising when healthcare is treated as a mere commodity. The company's focus on rapid expansion, high-volume sales, and aggressive marketing overshadows the foundational medical principles of patient safety, informed consent, and individualized care.

Patients seeking relief from chronic conditions deserve thorough, evidence-based treatment plans administered by qualified professionals, not salespeople. The healthcare community and regulatory bodies must advocate for stringent oversight, ensuring that entities like QC Kinetix prioritize patient well-being over profit. Only then can trust be restored in the sectors of regenerative medicine and healthcare franchising.

Nelle Kyzer

1 note · View note