#weaving association nets

[art-of-mathematics]

Perhaps some people might have a lot of fun with detangling this cryptic "brain knot clot" of odd metaphor soup....

"Geistesblitz" is German and describes an Eureka-Moment. I like this German word, because it contains the word "Blitz" - which translates to "lightning bolt" or "flash". This reminds me of the Lichtenberg figures.

Lichtenberg figures are branching electric discharges with fractal properties:

On this website is a great video/gif showcasing Iichtenberg figures burned into a wood table:

[please, everyone reading this, do not attempt to reproduce Lichtenberg figures; the amount of voltage needed kills]

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For the topic of non-linear/divergent thinking I found this German website helpful and well-summarized. (Unfortunately it is only available in German.)

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The alpha and omega in my drawing represent "point A" - the starting point of thought, and "point B" - the final thought. The branching plot between these points describes the "detours" into partially related topics to "point A/staring thought" - the core feature of divergent thinking. Often this kind of thinking appears merely incoherent.

In short, this branching plot just illustrates a non-linear train of thought, which disperses into many other detours of thought - that feed back - or loop back to the previous or main train of thought.

This is literally the behavior of a chaotic system.

[echantedtoon]

Mermaid Douma x Reader Oneshot

You would have luck attracting the clingiest of creatures.

This is a sorta connecting story to Ocean Deep but with two different Y/ns. A gift for @warringwarrioridiot on Tumblr. It's not gonna be very long but it's here for whomever wants to read it. If you need a refresh for what Douma looks like in the mer au he's a Fairy Wrasse mer and the link to the fish is below.

https://images.app.goo.gl/Mg9woLteiSKnU8MQ7)

taglist: @six-eyed-samurai @lavenderdrxp @jjamsbangtan @camilo-uwu @hopefulworld1

@shadyd3ar @amypop122 @azuredragonstrike

@mimisweetz @chaoticoperatorduckhairdo @staarflowerr

Remember if you want to be added to the tag list lemme know.

"You're here again?"

"Naturally, Darling.~" 

"Don't call me that."

The distant sounds of water sloshing around the body circulated the air and a coo Lik a dove would give their beloved.  The sun shown down brightly today too. The birds were chirping and a few cute critters were scuttling around your small space until the presence of the large predator drove them all away in fear of being eaten alive. A nuisance really despite the muscle and power that he exuded like a bolt of lightning ready to strike any moment. But he teetered between such things as a harmless calm puddle and the for mentioned lightning. 

You paid the creature behind you not an ounce of attention or fear despite the animals running for their lives. The strong straw at your hands busy being tangled within your grip as nimble hands weaved a wicker basket. Rose petals tickled your head briefly as you continued to work but did now only pause as claws weaved through locks of your hair. Only then did f/c eyes turn to finally look at the cold eyes.

Like fragmented stained glass they were. Pretty but glossy with nothing barely in there despite their beauty. Claws that could kill, and probably have killed, combing over the delicate locks in their hold. Petting you and slowly trailing down your face until the dangerous hand cupped your face 

"There. So beautiful.~"

"You've been a pain ever since I untangled you from the net you were in."

Another coo as the ocean dwelling creature leaned closer from the edge of the stream he now occupied. "So mean. I'd prefer to call it taking care of the woman I'm fond over.~ My sweet little plaything.~"

You should've just left him to detangle himself all those years ago but you being young and naive didn't heed the warnings of being associated with creatures no human should tangle with. Your eyes glossed over as a distant memory replayed in your head. The fateful day all those years ago that trouble started following you.

"...Who...W-Who ARE you?!"

"...Douma!"

"Are you going to eat me?"

"Maaaaybe. Maybe not. Are you going to stand there and stare at me?"

You felt your body feel cold and frozen just standing there staring at the ..beast?. creature? Before you. He stared at you with such glazed over colorful eyes. A beautiful cascading head of platinum blonde fell from his head as if the starlight colored it, and a just as beautiful colorful fish tail adored his lower half. You had just been wondering around by the stream and laid down for a nap after fishing unsuccessfully for a few hours now. Then you were woken up by the sounds of something big struggling along the riverbank to your left just struggling behind a thick bush leaning over the river. You assumed it was a beached fish or perhaps a deer that had gotten it's antlers stuck in the branches, however when you pulled the bush away you were shocked by what you saw. So shocked that you sorta..just went on numb autopilot staring at the boy your age struggling to untangle himself.

"I-....WHAT are you?! A-Are you a siren?!"

It was the boy's turn to pout tilting his head. "That's a harmful stereotype to assume I am one of the more barbaric types. Sirens and merfolk are two completely different beings. I wished you humans would stop mislabeling us."

Your eyes widened. "Y-Y-You're a merman?!"

"I'm glad you caught on. Now please stop staring. You'll draw attention to me and I don't need that right now."

You opened your mouth and closed it a few times before shaking your head and blinking. "H-How did you get here in the first place?!"

"I was being hunted by one of those..." he hummed tapping a blue tipped claw to his chin. "What do you call them? Monster hunters?" He waved a hand smiling. "Anyways- They're blaming me for a kraken's killings although I'm sure they don't care." He watched as you stared at him a little longer before a hand touched his tail all of a sudden making him look down towards you. "Well now- If you found me so irresistible you could've just asked me.~"

You didn't answer other than giving an annoyed look. Instead tugging at the knots on the tail (that actually felt surprisingly smooth but wet) but found that the thick knots were too tight to be broken and you didn't have a knife on you. The ropes were also tangled up in the lower hanging branches of the bush. That must've been how he got stuck. Unfortunately it looked too terribly tangled up to get out without cutting it either. You'd be unable to cut him out....But.. Maybe he could slip out? He watched as you shifted to his tail and grabbed the ropes around it.

"What are do-Oh!"

He yelped as you bluntly pulled his tail up by the ropes lifting half his body off the went muddy bank and pulled up. The ropes were tight on him. And he was pretty heavy! You grunted pulling at them eventually jumping up and down a bit and trying to hook your fingers under the ropes to try and get a better grip on the ropes- Until something gave. With a wet splat sound, his tail wetly slipped through the ropes and he landed on the muddy ground with a thud leaving you holding ropes in your hands. Douma hissed in lingering soreness that throbbed from his tail and groaned laying there.

You blinked at the ropes before tossing them aside and leaning over him. "Are you ok?"

"Incredibly sore but I'll live." His eyes turned back up to you, turning in such an inhuman fashion it made you jump that large smile still on his face. "But...you helped me?"

"I mean-...You were stuck. Was I not supposed to? If you wanted to get out yourself then sorry. I guess. I mean I'd want someone to help me if I was trapped somewhere. Wouldn't you?"

"I suppose so." He pushed himself to sit up on his elbows raising a brow and looking you over. "It's just rare a human would help someone like me willingly and not try to get something in return." He made a point to reach out towards the bottom of your dress but you took a large step back.

You shrugged and looked at him. "I mean you did need help. I'm not sure what else I would do with you."

He continued to stare at you up and down before just silently flipping onto his stomach and you watched as he dragged himself across the short bank and into the water of the stream with a few water shuffling sounds. Blinking you continued to watch as his head reemerged a moment later and he looked at you.

"Never the less, thank you for your assistance. I would appreciate it if you don't tell anyone about our meeting. It's an inconvenience as it was just to escape the last time."

You huffed. "I don't think anyone would believe me even if I did tell them. I don't even believe this! I'm going to wake up from my nap and this'll all be a dream."

He chuckled. "Perhaps so...But still one good deed deserves another. What's your name?"

"My name is Y/n, Mr. Dream Merman. But I assure you that I don't need anything in return even from a dream."

He smiled wider. "Perhaps not." He then tilted his head. "...Are you married or engaged? Or do you already have a lover?"

"No. I mean you'd already know that being a figment of my imagination."

"Then I shall return to marry you once we're older. I'll be back to claim you then. Let this be my marriage vow to you."

"Ok. Mr Dream Mer-"...You blinked. "Wait. What-"

With a PLUNK sound, the head disappeared and you were left there stunned and staring slack jawed at the water. Whatever really happened just...gone. you continued to stare until you did the only thing that you could do in this situation. Go back to your nap, and sleep away the rest of this weird dream.

You had thought it had been nothing but a weird dream a silly teenage girl had. Until years later you were living on your own, with your own adorable cottage by the same stream and you were tending to the garden like you always did until a slippery wet creature decided to crawl up the banks-

"Y/N. I'M READY FOR YOU TO TAKE ME NOW?!"

You continued to stare at nothing lost in thought until two powerful arms wrapped around your and gently pulled your body into Douma's. His forehead dipping down to press against yours. F/c eyes deadpanned glanced at your shoulder.

"... You're getting my dress wet."

"Hmph! You Always have to spoil the moment."

"Will you let go of me if I did compliment you?"

"NOPE!~"

"Then suffer."

[1percentcharge]

Okay I’ve got a bunch of random spider facts for u (I am a humble collector of random spider facts). Idk how many of these u know already but hopefully u find some inspiration/spider motifs in them:

Some species of tarantulas keep frogs as pets.

Yellow garden spiders weave zig zags into their webs.

Of course there’s the red hourglass of the black widow (though some specimens have been shown to have the pattern repeated around the abdomen longitudinally (I know because my dad has one))

There’s also the violin shape of the brown recluse

Gladiator spiders weave webs into nets to throw at prey (they also have one massive pair of eyes surrounded by three smaller pairs and I think they look so cute)

Crab spiders (not to be confused with spider crabs) can look like various flowers like larkspur

Mirror spiders look like little disco balls

Diving bell/water spiders build nests, well, underwater using air bubbles

Jumping spiders have been known to wear water droplets on their heads (as well as just being the spiders imo)

Textile crafts are commonly associated with spiders due both to visual similarity and also Arachne

Like how human eyes glow red or cats eyes glow green when light is shone in them, spider eyes glow turquoise (very good thing to know when ur out camping in the woods)

Spider blood is also turquoise (for most species idk for all)

Jorōgumo is a spider yokai that can turn into a beautiful woman to lure men to their deaths and eat them (as well as being a real species of golden orb weaver spider)

Like scorpions, spiders glow under black light

Uhhhhh there are some species of fungi that can possess and kill spiders (like cordyceps) (tho idk if cordyceps is one of them). My favorite one is purpureocillium atypicola which turns its victims white and fuzzy-looking (if you ever saw those zombie spider clickbait photos from years ago)

Spiders georg

Wow, thanks so much for this list! I'll definitely use some of these hehe

[melanie-the-artful]

Genshin Character Names` Meanings Pt.3

*slams the door open* Bet ya didn't expect me huh? Yeah, I'm alive, and I've brought you Part 3. Took me certainly more time than I expected - partially because of school, partially because of procrastination, partially because of life... Well, whatever, Inazuma folks are here, have fun and remember I`'m not Japanese, I'm sorry if any of those are wrong, it will be nice if you correct me etc. etc.

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Kazuha | Consists of 万, which means «Ten Thousand» and 葉, which means «Leaf», «Blade of a plant»; Note: Not sure if it's connected, but sounds similar to word 風 (kaze), which means «wind» - Japanese Name 

Ayaka | Consists of 綾 meaning «Silk» and 華 meaning «Flower» and «Gorgeous» - Japanese Name 

Ayato | Shares the part 綾 (aya) with Ayaka, which correspondingly still means «Silk»,  and also has 人, which stands for «People» or «Humanity - Japanese Name  

Thoma | «Twin» - Swiss, Albanian and German Name

Yoimiya | Consists of 宵 meaning «night» and 宮 meaning «palace, shrine, temple» - Japanese Name 

Sayu | Consists of 早 meaning «Fast», «Young» and 柚, which means Yuzu (Japanese citron) - Japanese Name

Gorou | Consists of 五, which means «Five», «The Fifth» and 郞 meaning «Man», «Young Man» - Japanese Name 

Kokomi | Consists of 心, which means «Mind,» «Spirit», and 海, which means «Sea» - Japanese Name

Itto | Consists of 壱, which means «One», «First» or «Primary», while 仁 - «Humanity» and  «Kindness» - Japanese Name

Shinobu | 忍, means «Endure», «Bear», «Persevere»

Kirara | Consists of 綺 meaning «Silk with beautiful patterns» and 良 (repeats twice) meaning «Good», «Fortunate» - Japanese Name 

Chiori | Consists of 千 meaning «Thousand» and 織 meaning «Weave», «Fabricate» or «Knit» - Japanese Name 

Heizou | Consists of 平 meaning «Smooth», «Calm», «To Level» and 藏 meaning «Hide», «Accumulate», «Warehouse»

Sara | Consists of 裟, which usually stands for Kesa (Buddhist robe worn by monks) and 羅 meaning «Net», «Thin Silk» - Japanese Name 

Miko | Consists of 神 meaning «Divine Being», «Unfathomable» and 子 meaning «Child», «Young», «Offspring» - Japanese Name 

Ei | 影, literally means «Shadow» in Japanese; Note: While her name uses a different hieroglyph, I find it hardly a coincidence that it sounds similar to Japanese word 永遠  (eien), which means «Eternity»

Beelzebul | Comes from one of the seven deadly demons, representing gluttony and envy. It is believed it might be one of alternative names of Satan; Its name is also associated with Baal

Makoto | 眞, means «True», «Genuine» - Japanese Name 

Baal | Comes from King Baal, the 1st of Goetia Demons

Kitsune Saiguu | 狐斎宮, literally «Fox High Priestess» in Japanese

Chiyo | 千代, means «Eternal Prosperity», was a common male childhood name for the samurai class but is nowadays used as a female name

Sasayuri | 笹百合, Japanese for the Lilium japonicum, also known as the Bamboo Lily

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Originally I wanted to post it to the occasion of Raiden finally coming home (took her just some 2 years...), but I'm kinda late on that, so let's just say it's due to the occasion of me finally managing to drag myself to computer.

And yeah, I will cover surnames aswell, but I kinda decided to do it in a separate part - like, all surnames, since there are not so much in Genshin.

Well, it was nice to see or hear y'all, bye~

[thequeer07puss]

I recently watched OSP's video on Loki and something in it captured my attention: Red said that Loki's name (idk if it's an actual theory or smth) could mean "entangler" (which makes sense as a trickster god) but then she said that Loki could be a spider, which made me think of one other trickster god that is also a spider: Anansi.

Now welcome to me bullshitting my way through the mythology of both gods in order to make a very weird connection.

Spiders are associated with cleverness, weaving and skill (like how Athena is a wisdom goddess associated with weaving, but i can't bullshit 2 thoeries at the same time, we'll get lost). Anansi, thanks to that association is a very clever god who evicts a lot of bad situations through intelligence and help from others. Loki also has those elements of "clever bullshitting" which gets him into trouble because their mischief is way too much for others to handle. Right now you're thinking: "you're reading way much into this, they're trickster gods, that's what they do".

But spiders are also associated with entrapment, and entanglement, which is something that happens a lot to Loki (they get their mouth sewed shut by Ivaldi's sons, they get tied up on multiple occasions, they get trapped in a fishing net, and ultimately gets tied to a rock due to the killing of Baldr), where Anansi traps and gets trapped. Additionally, spiderwebs in some Scandinavian languages are referred to as Lokkenet (or Loki's net, according to Red), which reinforces this association to spiders.

Lastly, Anansi is a trickster god from the Ashanti ppl of Ghana. He is most commonly presented or associated with spiders. Loki is a Norse god whose og worshippers were pretty far from Africa, and couldn't possibly have access to this cool spider trickster. Unless...

The first members of the Homo Sapiens species originated in Africa, and the Proto-Indo-European people (from whom we get most of culture outside of Africa, East Asia and the Americas) originally migrated from Africa into the areas where they were culturally powerful, including the areas where the Norse people lived.

So according to this very wild stretch, there is a possibility that there was some kind of trickster spider deity that was worshipped very early on in human history and whose worship spread to the PIE people, who adopted them as one of their own, and that they brought over as they traveled, leaving behind other deities with similar characteristics (in another stretch of my imagination, this includes Neith and Athena, who are both associated with weaving, and in Athena's case, cleverness as wisdom) as their culture spread.

And as they settled into their definitive homes, they adapted and developed cultures of their own, but that are still ties to that "original" PIE culture, which brings us to Loki and Anansi, who are similar in this aspect of trickery, cunning and entrapment which could have happened when the PIE people and another ethnic group that would become the Ashanti were still close to each other and could sill share culture and gods.

Or...

This theory is just a very wild stretch fueled by lots of UPG and finding loose threads to tie together to hone my mind's ability to make logical connections and syncretise gods with similar-ish traits and that trickster gods and spiders are associated just because spiders are smart and Loki and Anansi have no connection whatsoever.

We'll never know.

[namesforwriters]

Mythology Inspired Names: Egyptian (fem)

Amunet ~ Egyptian, meaning "the hidden one."

Amunet is an Ancient Egyptian primodial goddess thought to have existed before the beginning of creation. pronunciation: ahh-muh-net

Anat ~ Egyptian, also spelled "Anant," "Anit," "Anthat."

Associated with war and hunting, she is also a goddess of fertility and sexual love. Pharaoh Ramesses II adopted Anat as his personal guardian in battle. pronunciation: ahh-naht

Astarte ~ Egyptian, also spelled "Attar," "Attart."

Largely a love goddess with some war associations, Ashtart was adopted into Egyptian faith but was originally a Seminitic goddess. Her Greek equivalent is Aphrodite. pronunciation: uhh-star-tee

Besna ~ Egyptian, very similar to "Beset."

A goddess of home security. Of safety of the home and within the home. Potentially another name for "Beset," the female version of the god Bes. pronunciation: bes-nah

Hathor ~ Egyptian, meaning "House of Horus."

A major goddess in the Ancient Egyptian faith, Hathor was associated with many things, including the sky, joy, motherhood, queenship, and dance. Literally the Ancient Egyptian concept of femininity. pronunciation: ha-thor, ha-tor

Hemsut ~ Egyptian, also spelled "Hemuset."

Sometimes a single goddess, sometimes a group of goddesses, all defined as the personification of fate. pronunciation: hem-suut

Heret-Kau ~ Egyptian, meaning "she who is above the spirits."

Very little is known of this goddess, but she is known as an attendant to Isis, as well as the guardian of spirits in the afterlife. pronunciation: hair-et-kaou

Ishtar ~ Egyptian, also seen as "Inanna."

A Mesopotamian goddess as well as Egyptian and Assyrian, she is very similar to Astarte but is also affiliated with political power and divine law. pronunciation: ish-tar, iss-tar

Isis ~ Egyptian, meaning "lady of the throne."

An incredibly important goddess in Egyptian mythology, Isis is the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus, and the Ancient Egyptian goddess of magic. pronunciation: I-sis

Kebehut ~ Egyptian, meaning "cooling water," also spelled "Khebhut."

The daughter of Anubis, she helps souls who have died by giving them water as they wait for the mummification process. pronunciation: keb-eh-hut

Ken ~ Egyptian, also seen as "Kiun."

Not much is known of the goddess Ken, other than that she is a goddess of love. This name is not as overtly Egyptian as most on this list. pronunciation: ken

Ma'at ~ Egyptian, meaning "she who is righteous"

The Ancient Egyptian goddess of order, justice, balance, truth, and harmony. Incredibly important and revered in Ancient Egypt. pronunciation: mah-aht, mai-yaht, may-et, muh-at

Mafdet ~ Egyptian, meaning "to leap, to jump"

The goddess of legal justice known for hunting down and killing dangerous creatures who threaten Ma'at, or balance. Often seen with the head of a cheetah. proununciation: Mahf-det

Mehit ~ Egyptian, meaning "north wind," and "guardian"

An originally Nubian goddess associated with the north wind and the protection of holy places. Also a war goddess. pronunciation: me-het

Meret ~ Egyptian, meaning "she who is beloved"

The Ancient Egyptian goddess of music, singing, dancing, and rejoicing. She maintains cosmic order through music. pronunciation: mehr-eht, mehr-iht

Neith ~ Egyptian, also spelled as "neit," "nit," "net."

A goddess of war, weaving, wisdom, and the cosmos, some stories show Neith as the original creator, who created the universe and all it contains, as well as governs it. pronunciation: nee-ith

Nephthys ~ Egyptian, also seen as "Nebet-Hut."

The goddess of water, mourning, night, darkness, protection, magic, health, and beer, Nephthys is often seen with her sister Isis. pronunciation: Neph-th-ihs, neph-th-ees, neph-t-hees

Pakhet ~ Egyptian, meaning "she who tears open."

One of many Egyptian goddesses of war, Pakhet is most likely a regional goddess. She is also known as the protector of motherhood. pronunciation: pah-kh-eht, peh-kh-eht

Perit ~ Egyptian

Perit is a minor Egyptian goddess. One of the many goddesses of the underworld, she is known for her words, which breathe life and strength into Osiris. pronunciation: pehr-iht

Re ~ Egyptian, meaning "sun," and the female version of "Ra."

The Ancient Egyptian god of the sun, Ra is also the father of many other deities. Specifically associated with the midday sun, when light is at its highest, Ra is one of the most important Egyptian deities. pronunciation: rei, ree

Ren ~ Egyptian, meaning "name."

The Ancient Egyptians believed there were many parts that made up the soul, one of which was the "ren," or the true name. The true name was essential to a soul maintaining its identity after death. pronunciation: rehn

Renenet ~ Egyptian, meaning "she who nurses," "she who fosters."

Renenet is the goddess of nourishment and the harvest. She also protects the pharaoh as they journey into the afterlife. pronunciation: rehn-ehn-eht

Satet ~ Egyptian, meaning "she who pours," also spelled as "satit," "satis," "sati," " setis."

Satet was known for protecting the southern border of Egypt as well as being the personification of the annual Nile flooding. Satet also sought to grant the wishes of those looking for love. pronunciation: sah-tiit, sah-teht

Sekhmet ~ Egyptian, meaning "she who is powerful."

Sekhmet is the goddess of war, fire, healing, medicine, and plague. Often seen with the head of a lioness, Sekhmet is closely associated with Ra. pronunciation: sehk-meht, sehk-muht

Serket ~ Egyptian, meaning "scorpion."

The scorpion goddess of healing, magic, and animals. She is known for helping to heal the venomous bites and stings of animals. pronunciation: ser-k-eht

Seshat ~ Egyptian, meaning "female scribe."

Seshat is largely the female personification of knowledge in Ancient Egypt. She is associated with science, writing, math, architecture, astronomy, wisdom, and building. pronunciation: seh-sh-aht

Shai ~ Egyptian, meaning "fate."

The deification and personification of fate in Ancient Egyptian mythology. Shay has been depicted as both male and female. pronunciation: shah-ee, shy, sh-ai

Tawaret ~ Egyptian, meaning "she who is great."

The goddess of fertility, women, childbirth, and the home. Her symbol was often worn by pregnant women, hoping for Tawaret's help as they brought children into the world. pronunciation: tah-war-eht, tau-reht

Tayt ~ Egyptian, meaning "garment."

The Ancient Egyptian goddess of weaving and fabric and textiles. She is also lightly associated with mummification, as she would help to wrap bodies in linens. pronunciation: tah-heet, tah-eet

Tenenet ~ Egyptian, also spelled "Tjenenet."

She is the goddess of protection, childbirth, and beer. Tenenet specifically protected the uterus during pregnancy. pronunciation: twen-ehn-neht, ten-ehn-neht

These name lists are intended to help writers and artists. There is no expectation of credit, and these lists aren't meant to be the end-all be-all lists of possible names. There are millions out there, and this is just for fun!

If you have a suggestion for a name list, or want to see something specific, feel free to submit a request!

And if you see something that is wrong (a pronunciation, a meaning, an origin), again, feel free to let me know!

[mollywog]

thanks for the tag! i’d love to hear about your arranged marriage prompt!

Thank you for the ask @notsocooljess!!

Arranged marriage prompt (honestly a lot of my WIP feature arranged marriages because I love the troupe) is what I’ve temporarily titled Laurel. I’ve been hoping to get the next snippet out for the past week, but am battling myself over wording.

Anyways -

There’s a section where I’ll briefly mention the other Victors sending baby gifts and I’m interested to see what you think each would send. Some initial thoughts:

District 1 - silver baby cup and spoon

District 3 - something electronic, maybe a white noise machine? Or the hand radio walkie-talkies?

District 4 - I associate crochet with District 4 because they weave nets and baskets and something about the crochet hook?

District 7 - hand carved cradle?

WIP File Game

[apocalypticavolition]

Let's (re)Read The Dragon Reborn! Chapter 26: Behind a Lock

I'm done doing anything but warning people who haven't read the whole Wheel of Time series not to keep reading.

This chapter has the Black Ajah icon because the gals are investigating their dirty deeds.

There were many more empty rooms than occupied in the Accepted’s galleries.

Another reminder of the Tower's slow decay. It's rather funny that it is a parallel of the land at large in its own way, since it's the diametric opposite of Rand.

“She was no Gray Man. She was tall and striking, with black eyes and black hair. You’d notice her in a crowd of a thousand. I have never seen her before, but I think she is Aes Sedai. She must be.”

Lanfear probably made her various weaves a little stronger than she intended to have Egwene this fixated on her still.

The library stood a little apart from the tall, thick shaft of the White Tower proper, its pale stone heavily streaked with blue, and it looked much like crashing waves frozen at their climax.

I wonder why the Ogier who built Tar Valon wanted to associate the library with blue waves. A warning of the forces that might someday wash what little knowledge the Tower preserved away if it failed in its mission?

Around the foundations of the library, lying flat to the ground in the shade of tall pecan trees, were other doors, both large and small.

At first I thought pecan trees being this far north was a little incongruous and wasteful of the Aes Sedai, but research tells me that they naturally grow almost as far north as Wisconsin, so I will allow it. I will note that they're an American plant though. Perhaps the Breaking was more thorough than any of us give it credit for, or perhaps at some point in the future they'll be moved across the sea... Either way, the Wheel's turns are broad indeed.

Elayne made a glowing sphere for herself at the same time, and the pair provided more light than two lanterns would have. “It feels so—wonderful, doesn’t it?” she murmured.

It's a miracle none of these girls went the route of the heroin addict.

She felt a lightning bolt form, or the potential for one, and nearly stumbled. She had never before channeled two flows at once; it did not seem difficult at all.

I'm legit surprised it didn't come up in damane training. Or perhaps the sul'dam can't handle that kind of thing? Something to keep an eye on.

I could open the lock myself, if I could see how the inside of it works. We will open it some way.

Elayne's the closest thing this trio has to a superego (sadly for third age humankind, prolonged exposure to chora trees causes the genes for emotional regulation to mutate so absolutely no one in the 1,000+ character cast is capable of being a straight example of a superego because those genes haven't mutated back yet), so naturally her approach to solving the puzzle is to solve it on its own terms: if she understood the lock, she could unlock it.

Letting the rest of the tirade fade from her awareness, Egwene touched the chain. She had learned more things than how to make lightning bolts since leaving Tar Valon. One was an affinity for metal.

Egwene, as eventual leader, is the team ego, so she thinks outside the box a little more but still accepts the challenge as presented: it is both lock and chain that keep her out so the clever solution is to attack the chain that most people would ignore.

Thrusting the end of the prybar through the chain, Nynaeve braced it, then heaved with all her strength. The chain snapped like thread, Nynaeve gasped and stumbled halfway across the hall in surprise, and the prybar clattered to the floor.

Nynaeve is the team id and that's all there is to say on the matter because I'm afraid she'll start hitting me if I add any more.

Elayne frowned at her as if considering, then hung her light on the wall, too. Watching, Egwene thought she saw what it was she had done.

And of course the thing that makes this trio so dangerous on net is that they're capable of bootstrapping off of each other to a degree that I don't think any current third age Aes Sedai group can emulate.

“Tear,” Nynaeve said in a flat voice. Kneeling amid the clutter from the bag she was searching, she retrieved a scrap of paper she had already thrown away.

A collection of clues so blatant you'd almost wonder how Siuan missed them if it wasn't obvious that these clues didn't exist about twenty minutes ago.

“The Amyrlin,” Nynaeve said bitterly, “keeps her own counsel, and what matter if we burn for it!”

Oh look, it's Team Light's complete refusal to engage in anything other than complete paranoia about each other coming to bite it in the ass again.

“Unless they do not care whether whoever found this saw the trap or not.” Uncertainty tinged Elayne’s voice. “Or perhaps they meant it to be so obvious that whoever found it would dismiss Tear immediately.”

Or Lanfear is so high on her own supply that she forgets other people aren't drooling idiots. Actually I'll be slightly charitable to her. Four months ago she spent a few days with Rand while he was being a drooling idiot so maybe she's using his barely-resisting-her-Compulsion self as a barometer for the general intelligence of the Age.

Egwene squeezed the ring hard. Dreaming was closely linked to Foretelling; the future, and events in other places, could appear in a Dreamer’s dreams. “Maybe we will know after tonight.”

Occasionally when responding to bad films, critics quip that the characters are only doing the strange things they choose to do because they've read the script and have no other choice. Jordan manages to wrap this around to the point where his characters are outright planning on consulting the script to decide what to do next and it's glorious.

Next time: Egwene checks the script!

[mizukagami-takamagahara]

[Prototype Profile] Kokonoe

“Adept at crafting components, traps, and high-tech weaponry including rockets and lasers. She is proficient at weaving an escape-proof net of destruction on the battlefield that deals devastating damage.”

Time to take a look at what Kokonoe will be capable of in Entropy Effect! As with Hibiki, I'm not very familiar with playing as or against Kokonoe, so if any of you play her I would love to hear your thoughts on what we see in this video!

It's been a few days since my last Entropy Effect post, so we've gotten a lot more information about the game. I haven't decided how much of the game I'll cover, so I'm not sure what to share here... if you have any opinions on that, please do share with me!

Now, onto her gameplay.

The first thing I noticed was that her attacks look very elemental- though this may just be in my head. The first moves they show us in this video include this watergun-looking weapon that sort of reminds me of the freeze ray in her Armament No. 3 "Absolute Zero v.4.32" (236C.)

We also see her wielding fire, more generally through the explosions caused by her rockets, but also as a part of her Armament No. 9 "Aerial Powerdrive: Solid Wheel v3.37" (236B) which has been brought over for her Entropy Effect kit!

I guess Kokonoe's always been a bit of a subtle elementalist fighter, I just never realized it! I always associated her with her rockets and gravitons pretty exclusively. It's a cool thing to notice as a small connection between her and all the elemental magic Nine uses. I like it.

Speaking of returning moves, we also see her Armament No.5 "Banishing Rays v3.10" (22A/B) being used during her more advanced combos.

Each character showcased in these promotional videos so far has had a unique character skill shown off as well. At first glance, Kokonoe's seems to be her Exceed Accel, Armament No.11 "Full Metal Heavy Weapon v2.05."

However, the animation only includes the "rocket launcher strapped to her back" half of the attack, and it's aerial version only recreates the rockets, without the launcher.

The name of this ability in Entropy Effect is Armament No.11.1 v2.19 "Furious Decimator Avalanche." I really like this! It shows an attention to detail from the EE team that I appreciate; sampling the BB Armament No.11 move for part of the attack, creating a whole ability/skill inspired by it, and naming it as if its another iteration of the weapon that Kokonoe's testing/experimenting with.

We're definitely 3/3 with wins for the dev team on remixes of character's movesets with these skills, in my opinion. I'm looking forward to see what else they come up with.

[callblockerusa]

Unveiling Sensuality: The Allure of Fishnet Lingerie

In the realm of lingerie, fishnet pieces stand out as an embodiment of sensuality, confidence, and a touch of rebellious allure. Originating from the world of hosiery, fishnet patterns have seamlessly transitioned into lingerie, redefining traditional notions of intimate apparel. This article delves into the fascinating world of fishnet lingerie, exploring its history, contemporary appeal, and the empowering experience it offers to those who embrace its intricate, revealing designs.

A Brief History of Fishnet:

Fishnet patterns have a rich history that dates back centuries. Originally used in fishing nets and later as a practical material for hosiery, the distinctive diamond-shaped weave became synonymous with femininity and seduction. Over time, fishnet stockings gained popularity in burlesque performances and Hollywood films, further cementing their association with glamour and allure.

Transition to Lingerie:

The evolution of fishnet from a functional material to a symbol of seduction was a natural progression. Lingerie designers recognized the provocative nature of the pattern, and fishnet lingerie was born. Today, fishnet lingerie pieces go beyond traditional stockings, encompassing bodysuits, bras, panties, and even daring accessories, catering to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.

Empowerment Through Expression:

Fishnet lingerie is more than just fabric; it's a statement. Women who choose fishnet lingerie often cite the empowering feeling that comes with embracing their bodies and expressing their sensuality. The revealing nature of the pattern allows for a delicate balance between modesty and provocation, giving wearers the agency to dictate the narrative of their own sexuality.

Variety in Design:

One of the strengths of bodystocking lies in its versatility. Whether it's a classic pair of fishnet stockings, a daring bodysuit, or a subtle bralette, there's a wide range of styles to suit every taste. The openness of the fishnet pattern allows for creative designs, incorporating intricate details, lace embellishments, and strategic cutouts that accentuate and flatter the body.

Confidence and Body Positivity:

Fishnet lingerie embraces all body types, promoting a message of body positivity and self-love. The stretchy and forgiving nature of the material adapts to different shapes, ensuring wearers feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. The choice to wear fishnet lingerie is a celebration of individuality and a rejection of narrow beauty standards.

Pairing with Outerwear:

What sets fishnet lingerie apart is its ability to transition seamlessly from the bedroom to outerwear. Many fashion enthusiasts incorporate fishnet pieces into their everyday wardrobe, layering them under dresses, blazers, or oversized shirts for a bold and edgy look. This versatility further highlights the timeless appeal of fishnet lingerie.

Fishnet lingerie, with its historical roots in allure and its modern embrace of body positivity, has become a staple in the world of intimate apparel. From classic stockings to daring bodysuits, fishnet lingerie empowers wearers to confidently express their sensuality and individuality. As fashion continues to evolve, fishnet lingerie remains a timeless symbol of daring femininity, inviting individuals to explore and celebrate their unique beauty.

[anna-dreamer]

Сон Амариэ: a breakdown. Part 1

Sooo. Ever since that summer concert performance of Finrod in Moscow i've been obsessed with Сон Амариэ. I've thought a lot about strengths and hiccups of this song, and i really wanna talk about them. Full lyrics han be found here. Unfortunately, stupid Tumblr character limitation won't let me make it a single post so i will have to break it into several. Let's start with a common issue that can be conveniently summed up.

False semantic pairs (and other grammatical oddities)

There is a common problem in this song that if very typical for Finrod's lyrics in general. I am talking about concepts and ideas that are put into an associative pair but actually cannot form one due to a logical error. The first one we encounter early on, in the phrase Лес молчит, словно полк, лишённый короля. Now, granted, a king like Finrod is expected to also be a military commander, and it is natural for regiments to be led by him into battle and to lose their resolve and fall into silence when their king is suddenly gone. (Though i must say, here i read a weird subtext of 'disloyalty to the cause', as if someone is trying to rally this troop, but in response gets only silence. A really weird undertone to describe a still forest which it the only thing that is there to answer you - and it doesn't - when you call out a lover's name. But that might be just me. It's far more likely that Amarië invokes the imagery of Finrod's deeds in Endorë as she imagines them and feels a foreboding dread that he is not there anymore. Of course a forest can look as abandoned as a troop without a commander. It is, after all, a dream.) But still - it is plain that a pairing "regiment - king" is occasional and conditional. The most natural associative pairing for полк would be полководец, командир, офицер.

Чтобы верить, не нужны ни разум, ни глаза. Now, it is a beautiful sentiment that describes faith and trust against all reason and evidence. But there is still a problem, a case of misplaced metonymy! Разум (reason) is a non-material entity that is usually associated with a body part - a head. Глаза (eyes) is very much a material thing, it is a body part which corresponds with an immaterial sense - sight (зрение). The point being made in the lyrics is, in order to have faith, one needs neither to reason nor to see with their own eyes - or, in other words, one believes with neither their head nor their eyes. But the lyrics try to have it both ways, and it doesn't work. The author chooses to use разум instead of голова (or (иметь) глаза instead of видеть), and as a result we get a mismatch.

Ветви, словно руки, сплетают сеть. The logic in this metaphor is again faulty. True, we often compare tree branches to arms or hands, it's very common. (In Russian both arm and hand are called by the same word, рука.) But then this net thing creates a confusion. Branches indeed can interweave, and arms/hands (or rather fingers) can be interlocked. In Russian both these meanings can be expressed with cognate verbs плести, сплетать, переплетать, the root -плет- meaning 'weave'. The problem is that branches do not actually weave any nets of any material - they themselves intertwine in such a way that a net is formed. On the contrary, hands do weave nets, they are not a material, but an instrument for that. Again, there are two conflicting ideas in this sentence, and they cannot be combined into a functional metaphor. Now, i'm gonna add another entry, a bit of a different kind, that does not necessarily describe errors but still is worth mentioning.

В тьме и в свете я тебя по имени зову. A couple of things here. For euphony sake it is customary to use во not в when the preposition is followed by several consonants (во тьме). Here it is not so for the sake of rhythm. (Also it is worth mentioning just for completion sake that there are two words in Russian that both mean 'darkness': темнота and тьма. The latter, the one used in the song, carries more of an elevated, metaphorical meaning along with the literal one.) В свете is a curious thing, and it is a bit of a nitpick. I don't begrudge the author this form, in my opinion it is acceptable in a poetical work, but i feel it is still worth mentioning. The form в свете that appears in the song is actually a locative that is used not for material but immaterial entities. For carrying across a meaning 'in the light', 'being lit by light' one would say на свету or при свете. В свете is a form that belongs to a word that usually has a separate dictionary entry. It is свет as in 'world', '(high) society'. Here is an example from Eugen Onegin: when Tatiana's husband sees that Onegin does not recognise his wife, he tells Onegin, Давно ж ты не был в свете! Charles H. Johnston has it translated as "...you banish yourself too long from social life". Again, in our case this form comes to use for convenience sake and is used for poetical uniformity. Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

[theflytingfox]

I have been learning chain mail these last several weeks and I knew right away that I wanted to make a devotional piece for Loki.

I originally tried to make a bracelet but the closures are rather big and it didn't work out quite the way I envisioned. So, I opted for a choker style necklace in a byzantine weave.

The colors were chosen to represent the element of Fire which is an element I (along with many others) associate with Loki. The fish represents the story of when Loki left Asgard after the death of Baldr.

Alone in the woods, he created the fishing net and would oftentimes shapeshift into a fish in order to go unnoticed by those who were looking for him. While the story of what came after is tragic, this moment of when Loki was by himself, with his craft, and was alone in nature, was probably one of the rare times he found peace. That is what this necklace represents to me.

[storytimewithnova]

Shadows of the Butterfly: A Sinister Tale"

Plot Summary:

Miss Shona, along with her two brothers, finds herself in her quaint, old bed and breakfast. Instead of sharing the usual delightful stories with the children, she decides to weave a tale of intrigue, turning it into a sinister telenovela-style narrative.

Shona, the storyteller, delves into the enigmatic world of butterflies, particularly their significance in Japanese mythology. She explains that these delicate creatures can forecast both good and bad events in one's life, depending on their color. Yellow butterflies are seen as harbingers of success, while brown and black ones foretell inconvenient events. However, it's the white butterfly that truly captivates Shona.

As Shona's narrative unfolds, she delves deep into the white butterfly's dark side. Some believe that these creatures are connected to human souls, and harming a white butterfly could bring about bad luck. Shona's storytelling takes a chilling turn as she suggests that these white butterflies are not just innocent creatures but rather harbingers of doom, a symbol of souls seeking vengeance.

Japan is not the only place where such myths exist; other cultures, such as the ancient Greeks, Mexicans, Russians, Central Asians, and New Zealanders, all associate butterflies with the soul, and the white butterfly's sinister nature transcends borders.

As Miss Shona continues to spin her sinister story, she reveals that butterflies have different connotations in various cultures. In Germany, they are linked to witches who steal cream from milk churns and butter churns. In Ireland, butterflies symbolize young maidens and marital bliss.

With Miss Shona's eerie and captivating storytelling, the old bed and breakfast transforms into a place where shadows of the white butterfly haunt the guests, leaving them to wonder about the hidden meanings and mysteries lurking within the delicate wings of these seemingly innocent creatures.

Part 1: The Old Bed and Breakfast

The old bed and breakfast, nestled in a remote corner of the countryside, was Miss Shona's treasured family legacy. Its creaky wooden floors and antique furnishings carried stories of generations past. Miss Shona, joined by her two brothers, Keiji and Hajime, often welcomed young guests with open arms. But tonight, as a chilling breeze rattled the windows, the siblings had something different in mind – a sinister tale.

Part 2: The Enigmatic World of Butterflies

The twins, Keiji and Hajime, herded the children into the dimly lit parlor. Miss Shona, her eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and foreboding, began to delve into the mysterious world of butterflies, with a particular focus on the elusive white ones. She explained how, in the rich tapestry of Japanese mythology, these delicate insects had the power to foretell one's destiny.

Part 3: A Dark Twist

As Shona's narrative deepened, she unveiled a more sinister facet of the white butterfly. She shared hushed tales about how some believed these creatures were not mere messengers of fate but vessels of souls. Harming a white butterfly, she whispered, could summon terrible misfortune. Her brothers, Keiji and Hajime, exchanged knowing glances, fully aware of the story their sister was crafting.

Part 4: Cross-Cultural Shadows

Shona's storytelling, enveloped in an unsettling silence, traversed borders and cultures. She drew eerie parallels to the butterfly's symbolism as the soul in different parts of the world. The ancient Greeks, she shared, referred to them as "petaloúd," signifying the soul or mind. This knowledge cast a haunting net over the tale, with Keiji and Hajime, captivated yet troubled, adding layers of tension to the room.

Part 5: The Darker Side Unveiled

The children's eyes widened with a mix of fascination and trepidation as Shona unveiled more sinister layers of the narrative. The white butterflies, she explained, weren't just innocent beings. They were harbingers of doom, symbols of souls seeking retribution. Keiji and Hajime listened intently, feeling the weight of the tale their sister was weaving.

Part 6: Global Parallels

The story took a turn towards the obscure as Miss Shona ventured into other cultures. She recounted how, in Germany, butterflies were seen as familiars of witches who crept around milk churns and butter churns, stealing cream under the cloak of darkness. In Ireland, they symbolized the young maiden and marital bliss, but Shona, with a knowing glance at her brothers, hinted at a more sinister interpretation.

Part 7: The Haunting Begins

With each word, the atmosphere in the old bed and breakfast grew more oppressive. Shadows on the walls danced with malevolence, and the air was charged with an eerie presence. The wallpaper's white butterflies seemed to flutter with an unsettling intent. Keiji and Hajime exchanged concerned glances as the room's atmosphere took on a haunting aura.

Part 8: The Sinister Revelation

Miss Shona's storytelling took a darker turn, and the children couldn't help but shiver. The old bed and breakfast had transformed into a place where the shadows of the white butterfly seemed to loom over the guests. Shona's tale had left a lasting chill in their hearts, and they couldn't look at white butterflies in the same innocent light ever again.

As the night wore on, the children retired to their rooms, but the sinister tale of the white butterfly lingered, casting a disconcerting shadow over the old bed and breakfast, a place where innocence had given way to eerie uncertainty. Keiji and Hajime exchanged worried glances, silently acknowledging the haunting atmosphere their sister had conjured.

Part 9: Midnight Whispers

After the children had retired to their rooms, the old bed and breakfast fell into an eerie silence. Only the occasional gust of wind, the rustling of leaves outside, and the distant hoot of an owl pierced the stillness. Miss Shona, Keiji, and Hajime remained in the parlor, shrouded in contemplative darkness.

Keiji, the elder of the twins, broke the silence, "Shona, that was quite the tale you spun tonight. Do you really believe in the malevolence of white butterflies?"

Hajime, the more reserved of the brothers, added, "Yes, it's fascinating, but aren't these just myths and superstitions?"

Miss Shona gazed at her brothers, her expression unreadable. "Myths often have a grain of truth, dear brothers. These stories have been passed down through generations for a reason. But whether they're true or not, the power of belief should never be underestimated."

Part 10: A Haunting Ambiance

The night crept on, and the atmosphere in the old bed and breakfast took on a surreal quality. The wallpaper adorned with white butterflies seemed to come to life, their wings casting eerie, flickering shadows. The floorboards creaked as if bearing the weight of a thousand secrets. A soft, ghostly whispering filled the air, almost as if the white butterflies were conspiring.

Part 11: A Midnight Encounter

In the heart of the night, one of the children, unable to sleep, ventured into the parlor. The room was enveloped in an otherworldly glow. The child's heart raced as they noticed the white butterflies on the wallpaper, their eyes gleaming like stars in the darkness.

As they drew nearer, the child felt an icy breath on their neck, and the white butterflies seemed to take flight from the wall, forming a ghostly figure in the dim light. It was a manifestation of the sinister tale told earlier, an embodiment of the white butterfly's vengeful spirit.

Part 12: Shadows of the Past

The child, paralyzed by fear, watched as the ghostly figure swirled in the air, whispering in a language that was both alien and familiar. It was as if the white butterflies were speaking through this spectral entity, seeking to convey a message from a forgotten past.

Part 13: A Silent Vigil

Back in the parlor, Miss Shona, Keiji, and Hajime were drawn to the chilling spectacle. They watched in stunned silence as the white butterflies danced in the moonlight. There was a sense of foreboding in the air, and a realization that the line between myth and reality had blurred.

Part 14: The Unsettling Conclusion

The ghostly figure, its purpose unclear, finally dissipated, leaving the child trembling and bewildered. Miss Shona, Keiji, and Hajime approached with concern, recognizing that their sinister tale had taken an unexpected turn. The room seemed to return to normal, but the air was thick with unspoken questions.

Part 15: Dawn's Uncertainty

As the first light of dawn broke through the curtains, the atmosphere in the old bed and breakfast slowly lifted. The child's encounter with the white butterfly's spectral entity remained a perplexing memory, one that would haunt their dreams for years to come.

Miss Shona, Keiji, and Hajime couldn't help but wonder whether they had awakened something beyond their control, or if the sinister tale they had spun had merely been a harbinger of the unsettling events that unfolded that fateful night. The old bed and breakfast would forever hold the secrets of the white butterfly, a symbol of both innocence and foreboding, where the line between folklore and reality was forever blurred.

Part 16: A Tangled Reality

In the light of day, the child's encounter with the white butterfly's spectral entity remained vivid in their mind. Miss Shona, Keiji, and Hajime gathered to discuss the bizarre events of the previous night. They couldn't shake the feeling that their sinister tale had somehow intertwined with reality, blurring the boundaries between myth and truth.

Part 17: An Unexpected Revelation

As they delved deeper into the mystery, they discovered a long-forgotten legend that told of a white butterfly's spirit seeking retribution for an ancient injustice. The entity had appeared because it sensed the presence of those who dared to dismiss its power as mere superstition.

Part 18: Uncovering the Past

Miss Shona, Keiji, and Hajime embarked on a journey to understand the roots of the white butterfly legend. They uncovered hidden diaries and old texts that hinted at a dark event from the bed and breakfast's history, a deed that had disrupted the natural order and left a lingering malevolence.

Part 19: A Confrontation with the Past

As they delved further into the history, they discovered that it was their own ancestors who had been responsible for the wrongdoing, a tragedy they had kept buried for generations. The white butterfly's vengeful spirit was a reflection of the guilt and pain that had festered within the family's lineage.

Part 20: A Final Reckoning

Miss Shona, Keiji, and Hajime decided to confront the white butterfly's spirit and make amends for the sins of their forefathers. In the eerie parlor, they performed a ritual, seeking forgiveness and offering restitution for the ancient injustice that had plagued the family for centuries.

Part 21: A Fateful Conclusion

As the ritual reached its climax, the room was filled with an otherworldly light, and the ghostly figure of the white butterfly appeared once more. It hovered for a moment, its eyes a mix of sorrow and acceptance, before slowly dissolving into the air.

The atmosphere in the old bed and breakfast finally cleared, and the white butterflies on the wallpaper seemed to lose their sinister intent. Miss Shona, Keiji, and Hajime felt a sense of closure and relief.

Part 22: A New Beginning

With the white butterfly's spirit at peace, the old bed and breakfast transformed. It was no longer a place of eerie uncertainty but a haven of serenity. The children who had heard the sinister tale could now look at white butterflies with innocence restored, and the bed and breakfast became a sanctuary where past wrongs had been made right.

In the end, the sinister tale of the white butterfly had been a catalyst for healing, not just for the family but for the restless spirit that had haunted the old bed and breakfast. The line between folklore and reality had been redrawn, and a new chapter in the legacy of the family had begun, one filled with hope and redemption.

[thousand-leaf]

trying.

“I want to be a writer,” I say over the sound of steam and metal and something rolling into the far corner of the room. A spoon maybe. No—a mixing bowl. Spoons don’t spin.

“That’s great.”

“I’ve been writing.”

Half of C.’s face is obscured by her mug. She lowers it and I watch her lick the edge of her mouth. A dry latte, she called it, and it sticks to her skin. “I hear that’s what it takes to call yourself a writer.”

“I’m not sure I’ll ever call myself a writer.”

“Isn’t that what you want to be?”

I nod behind my own mug. A cappuccino. Wet. “But wanting to be something and actually being something are two different things.”

It’s true that being less absolute and serious about my own self is a safety net I’ve been weaving my whole life. It started when I was young and first understood how it felt to be low. How terrible it is to be sad and jaded by any morsel of confidence. The shame associated with it. The transparency of it and the ease in which one can fall through it. I don’t let myself fall anymore.

She rolls her eyes at me—C.’s way of telling me my shit stinks.

“Anyway,” I say, stirring the spoon in my drink, “I’ve been writing.”

I’ve been writing, nonetheless.

“About what?”

I sigh, eyes fixed on my cup and the ring of coffee stains shaped like my mouth. My eyes flick over to C.’s cup. She’s a lipstick girl and I always find it shocking. “A lot of things.”

“How interesting,” she says, not interested at all. I expect another eye roll, but it doesn’t come.

“You can’t just ask someone what they’re writing.”

“I can’t?”

“No.” I fidget in my seat, frustrated by C. and the predictability of our conversation. “Sometimes we don’t know. Sometimes that’s the point of writing.”

“We?” she counters, smile blooming. “You mean you and the other writers of the world?”

“Me, a non-writer, and the other writers of the world, yes.”

This time she laughs. “Well, I’m glad to hear it. You writing, not writing, wanting to be and not actually being a writer—I’m glad to hear it.”

“I’m glad you’re so glad.”

She starts to fold her napkin into the bottom of her saucer. Time’s up. The quota has been filled. Our chat was entertaining, but now it’s dull and she's done with her dry latte anyway. I watch her throw her phone into her bag, the hard-shelled, parcel looking thing she slings around her shoulder like a piece of armor.

“I’ve got to run,” she says, but I know that’s not true. C. doesn’t run. “This was lovely. We should do it again.”

“Yes, of course,” I reply, standing up from my own chair. “Maybe next time I can tell you what I’ve been writing. Specifically, I mean.”

“That’d be lovely,” she says again and we hug in the space between two tables.

I shimmy out of the aisle. C. walks past me, turns around, and flashes a toothless smile. She’s out the door by the time I take my seat again, her shiny little parcel bag the last frame of her’s I see. I pick up the spoon capsized in my coffee mug and throw more words around in my head—all the words I was hoping to use, but swallowed down instead.

[honoringthor]

She thinks she’s hiding.

I associate spiders with Frigg and Loki. 🕷️🕸️

Frigg because she’s a spinner and weaver, like spiders are. She observes and is patient. (upg)Loki because some Icelanders refer to spiders as “Loki” I because their webs are like fish nets. Loki is associated with nets because he made one while on the run. Loki’s name may also mean “knot” or “tangle”. It helps that spiders are seen as tricksters in a lot of cultures around the world.

Source Loki

The local Seneca told of the 6ft spider Djieien who was killed by Hiawatha

Uttu is a Mesopotamian goddess associated with weaving. Thorkild Jacobsen suggests she was associated with spiders

Ananzi is an entity from Akan folklore who originated in Ghana. He’s important in west African, African American(Nancy/Aunt Nancy/Sis Nancy) and West Indian folklore. He is a shapeshifting spider. 🕷️Married to Okanore Yaa/Asa/Crooky/Shi Maria.

Si Apaec is. Moche god who looks like a hybrid of a spider, jaguar, and human. Maybe a primary god?

Arachne was turned into a spider for her hubris by Athena.

Areop Enap was important to the creation of the world according to the Nearu, natives of the Republic of Nearu, a small island country in the Pacific.

Spiders are related to Christmas in Eastern Europe, especially in Western Ukraine. It may have inspired tinsel. Non black spiders are lucky in Germany and it’s bad luck to destroy a web before the spider is out of the way.

Iktomi is a shapeshifting spider from the Lakota

Jurogumo are yokai that shapeshift into women to lure their prey.

Nanabozho is a shapeshifting Anishanaabi entity used in story telling.

Nareau is a creator from the Gilbert islands

Phalanx may be Arachne’s brother/lover who was turned into a spider, maybe, for their relationship

Kokyangwuti is a Hopi entity

Tsuchigumo is a Japanese derogatory term for indigenous rebels in Japan and a type of yokai that look like a bull spider hybrid.

Apparently spider fighting is a thing? People make spiders fight for entertainment.

Source

Mythological spiders on Wikipedia

Do you have any other mythological or folkloric spider info?

[nubsmojis]

Neopronoun symbols for the set loke/lokke/lokki/luki/lokiself

Derived from the word and name Loki meaning "knot, bend, and tangle."

Loke is a cobweb because the word means "spider" and Loki is associated with "spinning webs of lies."

Lokke is a fishing lure because "lokke" means "to lure" and Loki is the mythological inventor of fishing nets.

Lokki is curly, red hair because "lokki" means "curl."

Luki is woven fabric because "luki" means "to weave."

Lokiself has 2 variants. A horn to show the meaning "call" and "bend." A knotted rope to show the meaning "knot" and "tangle."