#why am i fleeting with sergio

[aldyoli]

Heir to Love and Lies, the story where you know nothing, nothing makes sense, but there are hot guys and a mean female detective

You will understand NOTHING of the major plot, but they know that's not the reason your reading

That's it, that's Heir to Love and Lies

[lowermanagement]

Away Goals

The UEFA Champions League will no longer be using away goals as a tiebreaker.

When they are down to 16 teams remaining, they play what they call the knockout rounds, which is simply a 16-team tournament. Each round in the knockout stage is played in a two-legged format, meaning each team plays one game at home, one away.

On the face of it, this concept is weird to American sports fans who are probably thinking why wouldn’t they play an odd number of games like we do here, most famously the best-of-seven series used in baseball, basketball and hockey?

I guess one of the answers would be soccer has the potential for ties so you don’t necessarily need an odd number of games to decide a winner.

So the teams play the two games, if you win both, that’s easy, you advance. If you win one and tie the other, that’s also easy, you advance.

If each team wins one game, that’s not as easy, but it’s doable. Whichever team scored more on aggregate advances. For instance if you win one game 2-0 and lose the other 1-0, you advance.

Now, whenever the two teams are tied on aggregate--which could happen after teams each win a game or they tie both--that’s harder. They use a tiebreaker called away goals.

Whichever team scores more goals at the other team’s stadium advances. So if you win 1-0 at home and lose 2-1 on the road, you advance. The aggregate score is 2-2, but you had one away goal and the other team had zero.

I guess this is sort of arbitrary. If the tiebreaker was home goals, you wouldn’t have advanced, the other team would have. And I guess there is some thinking that scoring away is more difficult than scoring at home. But I am not really interested in that.

I am interested in the impact of the away goal tiebreaker because I think I am going to miss it. It brought something to the sport in fleeting moments that other sports get all the time: flipping a game from win to loss in a single moment, not just flipping from tie to win/loss.

There was magic in the away goal tiebreaker. Some of the most memorable moments in baseball, basketball or football come from this flip:

In baseball if you trail by a run with a man on base and you step up to the plate with two outs: strike out, you lose; hit a home run, you win

In basketball if you trail by two points and you attempt a three-pointer as time expires: miss it, you lose; make it, you win 

In football if you trail by four points and you throw a pass in the end zone as time expires: drop it, you lose; catch it, you win

Individual games of soccer don’t have these flips. If you trail by one goal and score, you tie. If you are tied and score, you win. If you are tied and the other team scores, you lose. Games can only flip from win/loss to tie or tie to win/loss on a single goal. They can’t flip from a win/loss to a loss/win without two goals.

But at the tournament level, games can flip on a single goal. If you lost the first game on the road 1-0 and are tied in the second game at home 1-1, you are in a losing position. But if you score one goal and take a 2-1 lead, you have flipped to winning position with a single goal because of the away goals rule.

It’s arbitrary but everyone knows it’s arbitrary before the game starts, so I’m not sure that’s a good enough reason to eliminate the rule. Because this arbitrary rule gives us large swaths of time in the second leg of knockout games where one team plays knowing if they don’t score, they’re out. And if they score, the other team is out. Those instances are so rare in soccer and are about to become even rarer.

Now the only way remaining for these flips to occur is the last game of a round robin competition. That is, the last game of a group stage in a tournament or the last game of the regular season. In these instances you need a particular result to advance or win the league, you can flip that result from a win/loss to a loss/win with a single goal.

For example, on the final day of the group stage in the 2010 World Cup, the USMNT needed to win to advance. They were tied in the waning moments, a tie effectively being a loss as that would have resulted in elimination. Landon Donovan’s goal in the final moments won the game, flipping the broader result from the game from failure to success.

Or on the final day of the 2011-12 English Premier League season, Manchester City needed to win to clinch the league. Tie and they finish 2nd. Sergio Aguero’s goal in the final moments flipped the game from a tie to a win, but the broader result flipped from failure to success.

So maybe to some, this is better. We will have drastically reduced the instances of these flips, but we’ve eliminated the arbitrary ones and kept the truly meaningful ones. We’ll see I guess.

[recentanimenews]

FEATURE: Crunchyroll Editorial Staff's Top Anime of 2020

  As we near the end of this ... very interesting year, we here on the Crunchyroll Editorial team are taking some time to reflect on all of the excellent anime that has aired this year. While there were plenty of reasons this year to be sad, stressed out, or worse, anime was there to help us through. Our editorial team has members all across the globe, and we came together to celebrate the anime that kept that fire of hope burning inside us all through 2020.

    This year, due to many different circumstances, I wasn't able to keep up with nearly as much anime as I would have liked to, but there are a few shows I managed to watch that really left an impact on me this year. The year started off with an explosion of color and imagination with Keep Your Hands off Eizouken! Anime is something so special to all of us and this series about three girls coming together and learning to animate captures the power this medium has to inspire us. Later in the year, we got the first half of Re:Zero Season 2. While it had some ups and downs, the episode that brought us Subaru's fleeting reunion with his parents was a high watermark for the year. Finally, My Teen Romantic Comedy Snafu Climax capped off one of my favorite series of the last decade with one of the most successful, emotionally resonant ends I've seen in a while. I'm so grateful to all of the creators who brought these stories to life for us in a year where we desperately needed them.

  - Cayla Coats, Editor-in-Chief for English regions

    There are too many cliched phrases to apply to 2020, but despite every hurdle this awful year had, the endurance of those who create our favorite shows was still present. Even in the best of circumstances, these productions are strenuous, but it’s thanks to the work of every animator and staff member who is part of the process that let us enjoy every show this year. For that, I cannot thank them enough. With that, here are the best anime I saw this year.

  Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! - While Eizouken is “an anime about making anime,” it’s far more about animation as an art form and the physical/emotional energy it takes to make ideas into something tangible. An intimate look into what drives artists and one of the truest presentations of “it takes a village,” Eizouken is a love letter to much more than anime as a medium, and a series that aims to share that inspirational magic between viewer and creator.

  Beastars - What Studio Orange continues to accomplish with 3D animation is nothing short of incredible, and an ever-increasing shining example of what is possible in the space. Along with the stellar visuals, Beastars’ intricate worldbuilding and story of opposite ends trying to understand each other was one of the most gripping and emotional dramas I watched this year.

  March Comes in Like a Lion - This year I found myself, perhaps like many others, finally checking out shows on my “to-watch” list. I can’t tell you why I chose March Comes in Like a Lion from that list exactly, but I can tell you that the 44 episodes of the shogi drama contain some of the best television I have ever watched. What starts as a series about navigating trauma and pain turns into a powerful journey of recovery and self-introspection of finding one’s path to happiness.

  - Kyle Cardine, Editor for English regions

    This year has been a complicated one, but it also delivered some great moments with anime. January started strong with Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, a series in which its protagonists unleash an overflowing imagination and creativity trying to create ... an anime! It's a great story of effort and struggle for something that seems almost impossible, and also allows us to know a little better how the mind of a highly creative person works — particularly the mind of Masaaki Yuasa, who directed this series.

  This year we also enjoyed Haikyu! TO THE TOP, the new series starring our favorite volleyball team, which showed us that no matter how many episodes go by, the series' passion and great characters do not decline at all. The evolution of the protagonists, the wide and varied cast of characters, and matches capable of keeping you glued to your seat in tension (only to finally get you excited and stand up screaming) make it not only one of the best series of the year but one of the best spokons in the history of anime.

  Finally, I cannot forget to recommend Golden Kamuy, whose mixture of historical facts, interesting vision of Ainu culture, charismatic characters, action, plot twists, and of course, memorable comical moments, put it in a very high position in the history of anime. It's a wonderful story that nobody should miss, as few anime manage to mix the seriousness, comedy, fiction, and story in such a masterful way like Golden Kamuy.

  -  <!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> Sergio Vaca, Spanish News Lead

    As a longtime comedy fan, my favorite anime series this year couldn't be any different. Starting in April, we followed Catarina's misfortunes in My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! while she tried avoiding the destruction flags in order not to be either exiled (or even killed)! Throughout the series, due to her unique charisma, Catarina gradually wins the hearts of everyone around her (and she won mine as well).

  On the other hand, we have Rent-a-Girlfriend's Kazuya ... Since I've already read Reiji Miyajima's manga, I knew exactly what to expect from it. If you like a good old rom-com (and also don't mind getting constantly angry at your TV), give it a shot. But seriously though, you will want to throw your remote on the TV several times. Be strong, resist.

  And in this last quarter, as someone who absolutely loves bunnies, I cannot deny how happy I was when I heard Is the Order a Rabbit? was coming back for a third season (highly recommended for those who like cute stuff and coffee). It's so relaxing and fun to watch the day-to-day job life in the Rabbit House café, following all the characters as they play around through the streets and water canals from their small town inspired by Colmar, France — it's really a lovely place, it will be on your “fictional places I would like to visit” list. If you want to relax after a busy day at work (or school), this is the anime to go.

  - José Sassi, Portuguese News Lead

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  While 2020 as a whole was certainly improvable on many fronts, it also brought me the most positive of bamboozles: remakes of some of my favorite properties that are actually sequels in disguise. Not only did Final Fantasy VII Remake pull the rug from under everyone, but Higurashi When They Cry Gou repeated this feat just a half-year later and let me enjoy one of my favorite pastimes: Jokingly shaking my fist at the sky in anger and yelling a Japanese creator's name, be it Nomura or Ryukishi! Everyone who has had to suffer through more than 30 seconds of conversation with me knows of my fondness for the When They Cry franchise and after getting a new anime that might act as a bridge between Higurashi and Umineko (as of this writing, this is just a theory), I could hardly be more excited to see where this might lead in the future — maybe even a full-on Umineko reboot that finally lets me enjoy Erika Furudo shouting "<Good>" in anime form?! With Ryukishi becoming more and more prominent in the Japanese development sphere (he is currently working on an entirely new visual novel with renowned developer Key of Clannad fame and more of his works receive English translations like the recently released Iwaihime), I expect the next few years will be a promising future for 07thExpansion fans.

  Apart from losing it over singular frames in Higurashi's opening, I also very much enjoyed our very first Crunchyroll Original In/Spectre, with Kotoko's and Kuro's chemistry and the final battle being particular highlights for me (possibly because Kotoko fighting the internet itself not only reminded me of the debates in Umineko but also of my work as a community manager). If we manage to forget about reality for a moment, 2020 was a fantastic year for anime and I can't wait to see what next year has in hold for us (apart from, you know, more Higurashi episodes)!

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  - René Kayser, Public Relations & Community Manager, Germany

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  Despite the anime delays that occurred this year, the industry managed to come out with unforgettable shows. My watch list consisted mostly of sequels of my favorite anime which included Chihayafuru Season 3. It's difficult to categorize Chihayafuru as it's a distinguished series that defies the stereotypical themes, and this particular season saw big developments in terms of story and characters. It was a memorable and passionate journey told through an admirable trio.

  As for the anime that completely captured my interest this year, Golden Kamuy came back this year with Season 3. The power of narration along with an engaging and dramatic plot told through a unique set of characters made Golden Kamuy one of the best I've watched. Golden Kamuy is more than just an exciting series, but also a fulfilling experience, which Season 3 very much showcased.

  As for the newcomers, I myself am surprised that I've picked TONIKAWA as one of the best shows I've seen this year. I didn’t expect that I would fall in love with the show when I first saw it, however, I was absorbed the minute I started watching. It's a simple anime yet holds many beautiful and serene moments. Nasa and Tsukasa are both what I liked the most: they were like a cube of sugar in a warm cup of tea. I loved how clear and honest their relationship is and I can’t wait to see more of them.

  - Reem Ali, Social Media Coordinator & Editorial Lead (MENA)

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  This year has been peculiar, mostly for the negative reasons we know well. One of my solaces during 2020 was the wonderful anime that exceedingly impressed me. Ever since I found out about Jujutsu Kaisen, I immediately started looking forward to it since I love horror stories, especially if flavored with exotic mysticism. After the first episode, every feeling was confirmed and every detail of the series turned out to be a jewel. The characters are well defined and combined with a detailed and solid setting that looms in front of the audience. The Curses' character design is a masterpiece and shows all their temper, even before they start to act.

  I am also biased when it comes to Re:ZERO. I was waiting for the series to come back for a long time and I feared that my hopes would prove to be misplaced. A few minutes after the beginning of the first second season's episode, I found myself tangled by the unraveling events. It's been a crescendo ever since. Even though one of my favorite characters is missing in this arc, the storytelling kept me glued to that screen.

  For a long time, I didn't want to watch Dorohedoro because something about its style didn't sit well with me. But I fell in love after finally giving it a watch. MAPPA managed to portray a foolish but plausible world, filled with absurd, but believable characters. They can turn even the most weirdo plot set in a crazy place accomodating through the world of men, The Hole, and the world of the sorcerers. I got lost in Dorohedoro's urban landscape is filled with so many small details alongside the great Caiman and Nikaido.

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  - Francesco Ventura, Italian News Lead

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  Most of all, this year I remember the emotional roller coaster from watching Kakushigoto. Kouji Kumeta first shoots you witty gags in the Sayonara Zetsubo-Sensei style, mocking himself as the protagonist drawing obscene comedy manga (read Katte ni Kaizou to learn about the dark and incredibly funny past of Kumeta-sensei), and then tells the unexpectedly touching history of a relationship between father and daughter. Kakushigoto teaches a lesson for both little Hime and the audience: being sad is just as important as having fun. For me, this is the best anime of 2020. Although, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! came out this year, a farewell ode to the art of animation by Yuasa Masaaki. Surely my colleagues and many anime fans already love Eizouken and want to celebrate this series this year, so I better take this opportunity to tell you about the existence of the Puparia by Shingo Tamagawa. It is an independent animation created only by the passion, hard work, and talent that Eizouken celebrates. Take a break from the mainstream, find this anime on the author's channel, and enjoy every shot of this three-minute masterpiece.

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  - Azaly Zeldin, Russian News Lead

By: Cayla Coats

[berfometalpha]

Legacy of Eternity: Chapter 4 - Beyond the Sea and Stars.

With the occupation of sea city by the Strike Fleet New hope well underway with the young knight leading the reconstruction. Many citizens of the city had begun to return and rebuild their lives with the aide of the three factions that form the Strike Fleet. 

Despite the efforts of all three factions to ensure sea city’s major success problems seem to follow every corner of the young knight’s future dream of building hope for both worlds.

“Rex, What is the status of the city’s defenses?” Kent asked over the radio.

“The walls are secured Kent though the rail coil guns haven’t finished final installation yet but the dread Knight teams are keeping an eye on the surrounding borders.” Rex reported.

“Good I don’t want any surprises keep a constant sweep on the areas and report to me if their are any changes in the surrounding area.” Kent ordered.

Whilst the gunship flew through the skies the young knight worried deeply about the people of sea city when Fenix tapped his shoulder.

“My boy, what troubles you?” Fenix asked.

“It is nothing Uncle, their have been reports of massive armies heading to sea city and we are double timing everyone to make the walls as secured as possible... I was informed of two armies are already in reach of the city by night fall that is why I asked for as many reinforcements as possible... But my army and knights are too spread thin across Ren’veil...” Kent answered.

“Then what of your army already in Sea city?” Fenix asked.

“We are only 500 strong with 10 tanks at the ready and 2 dozen knight wolves strong... According to reports from our scouts our opponents will be around 12000 strong from the noble of the jagged mountains and another 21000 from the burning sands of the south... We requested for air support but none are available at the moment because of the conflict in Charriot prime!” Kent replied.

“This will be a problem... Then I shall stand with you child your mother will kill me if we left you under powered!” Fenix stated.

“Thank you uncle I pray that we can survive the night...” Kent replied.

As the gunships landed in sea city’s new Base of operations the Surging tundra many marines and Knights alike prepared for what is to come that night. Over 300 Marines came in to reinforce the Zerrohnians already stationed in Sea city the royal guards of the Iron wolves would need a day to deploy at least 40,000 battle hardened knights. 

All they could count was the strength of the men who are stationed and a bunch of farmers who are trained with a bow. 

“General welcome to the fight!’ The Marine saluted.

“I wont miss it trooper now tell me what of our defenses?” Kent ordered. 

The marine took the two inside the make shift tent near the wall as marine officers were scrambling to muster what defense they could. 

One of Kent’s advisors Marine Colonel Sergio Greyford a trusted advisor in his time during the academy a loyal and one of the best strategist he could ever assign to his army and a good friend of the Carmive brothers.

“General, Good to see your complete again... We barely have any time to prepare only machine gun nests and most of our tanks are barely without power.” Sergio reported.

“How did that happen?” Kent asked.

“We caught some spies who managed to somehow disable our tank’s energy supply they slashed them sir... We can only repair two and the quick fixes but they are not battle worthy... We are on our own...” Sergio reported.

“What of our artillery and even the ships at the port?” Kent asked.

“the two heavy cruisers are already hard at work sir... They already sunk 4 air ships and 3 sea ships... They wont be able to help us as of right now.” Sergio replied.

“DAMN IT ALL! OF ALL TIMES WHY NOW!!!” Kent shouted as he slammed his fists to the table.

“Calm yourself child... Remember your lessons and they shall guide you to what you need to do.” Fenix said as he tapped his shoulder.

The young knight took a deep breath and remembered the path to the north of sea city was covered with rock and stone stronger than any steel making the path near impossible to pass through.

He ordered 5 of his knights to block the pass and set up as much explosive traps as they could before returning. That should delay the army of the north by a few hours a day if luck was on their side. 

With so little time left the marines and what knights are available trained and equipped the villagers and farmers with their armor and weapons. Due to the ID recognition scanner built into each armor and weapon it had proven difficult for the engineers to over-ride it. With so little time left to prepare only 200 suits of armor and weapons were readied before night came.

New hope base had sent what men they could and none more could be spared though hope among the citizens of the city started to wane. As he stood atop the wall waiting for the enemy of his city to come hope came to him and his people in the most unlikely manner. 

As he readied his armor and his weapons thrummed in anticipation to taste battle once again. Rex and the rest of the team rallied to the top of the South gate as this shall be the second battle they shall see.

“Boss, everything is ready we are all lock and ready to rock!” Clayton said with his chain gun to his side.

“““sigh”“ Glad to hear it Clay but I am worried for this battle if only I had not sent  most of our men and knights to the far corners of Ren’veil then maybe we can stand a fighting chance!” Kent said. 

“Boss, everyone here is on edge... If you are losing hope then everyone else will lose hope...” Clayton said as he sat next to him.

“Right, the big idiot is right we all took an oath before we left he academy that we will stand together... And everyone here agrees to it fully... We are with you friend!” Marky added. 

“Sorry, I know i might sound pathetic right now but... I prayed to Faith and to the three gods that peace can finally come to Ren’veil.” Kent said.

“We can’t count on help coming in any time soon... New hope is too far off to send help to us... At best we can do is to buy time for more reinforcements... What else can we do here my friend...” Rex replied.

“Then all we can do is to give them all hope...” Kent said courageously.

Kent stood from his seat with courage returned to his heart as he saw many adventurers from the west of the city had come and many more arriving to the city.

Rex played the radio all across the city to give the people hope and everyone who stands ready to fight.

I try to see the good and the bad in each individual and see promise as my father and my mentors taught me. Even in the darkest of times we hold to each other for support to fight against the darkness that lingers in our hearts. 

Should we let the temptations of others linger in our hearts then we may fall from grace. That may come to pass one day but that day shall not come so long as we have our brothers by our side and our family in the other. 

Though this land may not be our own but her people welcomed us despite some of her children trying to take what should not be owned by one... 

Here me Knights and marines of the Dragon-wolf we stand here this day to defend her people once again... She had welcomed us with open arms and now her children wish to claim this land that belongs to the people... 

I come not as the lord of Sea city nor as the lord of the fleet I come to all as a brother of the people and here I shall stand with all who oppose the coming threat.. 

WHAT SAY YOU KNIGHTS OF REN’VEIL!

Many moments later the sound of clashing metal and roars could be heard all across sea city as many of the knights and marines cheered and rallied to the will of their leader. 

Rex and the others took off their helmet and tapped him on the shoulder as the civilians in the city lit torches as they made their way to the port where they shall be safe.

“Boss, If I can say it and I know you hate that word... Today your no knight... Now you are a hero to everyone else..” Clayton said with a smug look on his face.

“Right... Clay... Sound us off...” Kent ordered.

“Will do Boss man!” Clayton saluted.

As he grabbed the Howl of the sleeping Dragon a war horn made for the Zerrohnian marines signalling the call to battle. 

Marines across the city blew the horn of battle as they like their knight brothers ready to stand together until death or dawn shall come.

With the marines prepared for combat Marky took his sniper rifle as he saw movement in the south a 300 meters away from the city gate.

“Marky what is it are they here already?” Kent asked.

“No sir... We got back up! It’s... Lady Aisha and Lady Arra as well... With a whole load of adventurers.” Marky replied.

“Wait... Aisha and Arra here?” Kent said outloud.

The young knight Jumped down from the top of the gate as Aisha and a group of over 57 B ranked to S ranked adventurers came to sea city.

“My Ladies why are you two here?” Kent asked.

“Is it not obvious... we are here to help you Kent.” Arra said.

“I don’t understand I thought you two will remain in New Hope to defend the entire town?” Kent said.

“The village is already well defended and the pesky nobles wouldn’t even dare to invade our town... With my Mom and dad there they won’t stand a chance...” Aisha said with pride as she puffed her chest.”

“Right, I welcome any aide that may come... Thank you my ladies for coming to our aide.” Kent said as he knelled before them.

Aisha stuttered when Kent himself the lord of a city kneeled before the adventurers of many beginnings. It had been long since the young knight had smiled like never before not seen in years after the trial of the Hell’s gate that tore his mind apart.

Many of the adventurers took to the walls and some to the gates with many mages and priestesses ready to provide support to the soldiers and tend to the wounded. They stood behind the walls while Knights of the Dragon-wolf stood outside the gate ready and waiting to test their mettle in glorious battle.

With only minutes left before the battle begins Kent looked to his team who stood atop the wall with their weapons at the ready Genji with his shield blade gauntlets itching to battle. 

“Rex I will leave the defense of the wall to you... I will be in the front lines with the Iron-wolves.” Kent ordered.

“I am sorry my lord... We request that you stay atop the wall... The people look to you as a leader and the lord of this city... you must not be killed!” Knight Captain Odin requested.

“I understand but I will not let you all fight alone...” Kent said.

“We can hold our own my lord we will cleave through their numbers and if their are any that get pass us... We leave them to you and the rest of our brothers my lord.” Odin explained.

“Good say Boss Knight Cap... Because here they come...” Clayton said.

Night was upon them as hundred or even thousands of torches lit the valley ahead of them. Thousands of iron foot march upon the grassland rows upon rows of soldiers and mercenary’s moved with spears, and swords within their grasp ready to lay siege upon the city.

Knights of the Iron wolves ignited their claws eager to battle the night became dead silent as the sound of hurdling boulders passed through their heads and destroying most if not all the houses built already.

“So it has begun...” Kent said.

“ARROWS INCOMING!!!” Rex shouted.

“Take cover!” Kent ordered.

Everyone took shelter behind the side walls as marines opened fire at the soldiers that charged towards the wall. The Knights roared and howled and began to cut and chop the soldiers tried to breach the city. 

“Marines Fire at will!” Rex orderd.

“All Archers take aim and fire!” Aisha shouted.

She called forth a spell called sylph wraith a spell that enhanced the travel speed of any object with wind magic and the strength of the bows become double for a short duration and can only be used for a short time.

Many archers fired back at the desert soldiers and killed only a few while the marines supported their marine brothers from the safety of the wall.

The Desert soldiers managed to pass the knights who held the line as they brought siege ladders to bare upon the city. 

“LADDERS!” Rex shouted.

“Marines switch to melee combat!” Kent ordered.

“It feels like we are going old school huh big brother.” Genji stated.

“Yeah, the last thing we need here is old fashioned 20th century music, and then some huh?” Clayton said as he kept firing his chain gun.

“Less talking more shooting!” Marky stated to the two.

“HERE THEY COME!” Kent shouted.

As the Desert soldiers placed their ladders Kent joined the battle as he and many other marines tried to cut down the ladders. The more they cut down the more ladders were hoisted back up half of the marines kept shooting while the others tried to keep the ladders off.

“Marines two prong formation brawlers up front gunners at the rear cover each other... adventurers if it gets too risky fall back to the city plaza our tanks will be their to cover your escape!” Kent ordered.

“We ain’t going nowhere Kent! We are here to help you and so we will.” Aisha shouted.

“I’m not asking!” Kent replied.

As he had his back against Aisha they fought together as more and more of the desert soldiers started to come in droves. The marines were slowly being overwhelmed with the numbers one by one the marines started to fall. 

“Aisha you lot need to get out of here now!” Kent said as he cut off the arms of a desert soldier.

“I won’t leave you I can take care of myself!” Aisha shouted.

“I know you can...But I’m not asking... Rex get them out of here now!” Kent ordered.

He looked to Rex as a group of marines carried the wounded while the adventurers were slowly being overwhelmed some were thrown off the wall. 

As soon as his men and Aisha’s adventurers were clear from the city wall he took a deep breath and interlocked the twin-excaliburst and pulled out the original Excaliburst. With both blades in hand he charged at groups of soldiers he threw the twin blades like a boomerang glaive it spun rapidly in a single direction cleaving most of soldier’s into pieces.

With a reach of his hand the blades returned to his side and stabbed a soldier in the stomach with the twin blades. His mask covered his face as he continued to fight atop the wall alone. as the only way to get to the citizens at the time was through the single stairwell that he guarded. 

Meanwhile at the south gate Clayton and several other marines braced the gate as best as they could. 

“Why, the fuck do they have a battering ram? and why the fuck has this gate not been upgraded to a Zenomite steel gate!” Clayton shouted.

“Our resources were diverted to the other gates so they have minimal guards while this is the only section that hasn’t receive upgrades!” Marky stated. 

As the gate was being smashed open Arra ran towards the team with her sisters to tend to the wounded.

"Rex let us handle the wounded... Where is Kent?” Arra asked.

“He stayed behind Ma’am he’s up top keeping these dusty bastards from going down... since this is the only way to get down from where they at.” Clayton said.

“Will he be okay alone?” Arra asked.

“With all due respect my lady... HE wasn’t called the Demon king of Hell’s gate for nothing and now's not exactly a great time to ask 20 questions.” Clayton said as he accidentally bit his lip.

“Right... Please leave the wounded to me Captain and mister sergeant!” Arra said as she carried a wounded marine on her shoulder.

Rex and Genji brought in several massive wooden logs and used it to barricade the gate. As the city was being pelted with boulders and arrows setting most of the houses a blaze. 

The priestesses did their best for the wounded as more and more soldiers descended from the wall by rope or ladder. The marines killed as many as they could before they were overwhelmed by the rushing sell swords. 

Clayton ran to the priestesses as Rex ordered him and with his fists alone he drove holes into the bodies of the soldiers with only his punches. 

“Foxy priestess lady! We need to get all the wounded that can move out of here the gates are about to get breached.” Clayton reported.

With only a few minutes left before the gates are breached Kent atop the wall did his best to buy time for the troops below the wall to get to the second line. The more he cut down the more are replaced just as he looked to the field of battle the Knights of the Iron wolves were barely holding on as they were slowly surrounded and some were skewered by spear and blade through the gaps in their armor.

“FALL BACK!!!” Kent shouted to the knights.

The Iron Wolves heard their master and cleaved their way to their wounded brothers for they shall never leave their brothers to fall in the field of battle alone. 

As the siege pushed on the southern gate fell before the might of the soldiers magic and their catapults bared down on the walls creating a gap for more of them to get through..

The young knight jumped off the wall and cleaved the boulders that were about to hit the retreating adventurers. 

“Kent, we are retreating to the city square... Meet us there!” Rex shouted.

“I’ll buy you time!” Kent shouted as he pulled out his pistol.

Kent shot as many of the soldiers as he could buying only a few minutes for the Marines to carry the wounded. Arrows flew past the breach and from the skies the knights did what they could to cut down the arrows before they had landed but some landed killing the retreating adventurers, marines and priestesses alike.

“NO!!!” Kent shouted.

He looked to the Soldiers and with blade and fury by his side he charged at the soldiers. The knights carried the fallen priestesses to the second rally point rage over took him as he no longer seek to wound but now to kill. 

One by one the soldiers began to fall they had killed many friends of him and the priestesses that he holds close to his heart are true.

The Marines were left barely able to fight their magazines empty, their blades broken and armor nearly none existent because of magic infused weaponry proved difficult for the marines to deal with on their own. 

Two spear man managed to pierce his shoulder and and leg while another soldier stabbed him in the back. 

“WHY YOU!” Kent shouted.

Kent sliced the spears off him and shot the two spear men as he grabbed the soldier that stabbed him, fed a grenade into his mouth as he threw him into the group of rushing enemies killing nearly a dozen soldiers. 

As he tried to run back to his men when his legs no longer responding to his mind. Something was coated in their blades preventing the black blood of the destroyers to repair the wound buried into his spine.

Odin managed to see Kent as he carried him over his shoulder to the second rally point.

With only 21 marines and 3 knights remaining their situation seemed dire as Odion and his knight brothers were already badly injured while the others were trapped in the front lines barely holding their own.

“Sir we can hold them here while the rest of the civilians and the wounded get to the harbor.” Odin said as he patched his arm up.

“No Captain, Leave this to me... I can still fight.” Kent stated.

“General you are in no condition to fight anymore your lower half is lost... We shall hold here Lord Anthony until reinforcements come... This is the role of we old folk!” Odin suggested.

“No one is going to leave anyone... That is it I am bring this battle to an end NOW!” Aisha shouted.

“No sis... if you cast more of your magic it will kill you!” Arra pleaded.

With hope nearly running out for them as soldiers of the desert surrounded them it seemed all hope was lost when a strange mist began to surround the battle field.

Foot steps could be heard within the mist one of them had drawn their blade that growled and grumbled for blood and battle.

The leader of the group were followed by a group of 8 to 21 followed by a massive number of lupus canis like creatures with blood shot eyes, Hides as black as the starless skies, with claws and teeth and mandible sharper than any sword that can shred through steel. 

The leader of this pact drawn his sword high to the skies above and aimed it at the soldiers with one powerful roar. The lupus creatures roared, growled and snarled and charged at their enemies without a second thought. 

One by one the soldiers were torn apart, dismembered or eaten by the creatures the death and screams of the soldiers begging to surrender were shown no mercy or respite. 

“NO MERCY FOR THE ENEMIES OF THE MOTHER!” The hooded swordsman shouted.

“Who or what are the ever living fuck are they?” Clayton asked.

“I don’t know... but stay on guard everyone... It looks like this is not over yet...” Kent replied.

Morning was upon them as the mist that covered the city lifted with the swing of the sword of the master of the beasts. The hooded beings lined up in a circle around the survivors with their blades in hand and their hoards of creatures behind them.

“What are they doing?” Rex asked.

“I don’t like it not one bit Captain... Boss what’s the game plan?” Clayton asked.

“Tend to the wounded... ARGH my back...” Kent ordered.

“But... We are literally surrounded and we don’t know what these bastards are anyway?” Clayton stated.

“These creatures are not stupid sergeant... if they would have killed us then they would have done so several hours ago... We have too many wounded to pose a threat to these things...” Odin said.

“I can sense a strange yet calming feeling from these creatures Kent... I cannot explain it but... They pose no threat to us...” Arra stated while she patched the wound on his shoulder.

The hooded men looked to the street heading to the southern gate as they lined up by two as they holstered their blades and kneeled before a queen like figure. 

“Holy... shit...” Clayton cursed.

“Wow that is one beauty...” Genji added.

A queen like figure who bore the body of a girl not out of her teen years with long jet black hair, pinkish fair skin, and brown eyes. She wore a garb similar to what Aisha wore a gown with flower and thorn embroidered at the edge with a somewhat revealing top and a grey corset with a metal guard on her shoulder, fore arms, she also wore silver shin guards and steel clawed boots.

This girl also wore a seven thorn crown with each pair colored in black, red and violet while the last thorn on the fore head was blue.

She looked upon the survivors with warm yet frightening eyes not even the knights could dare to approach her. 

“I am, Kyvash Worldender, I am the queen of the High Glaives and these here are my royal guard the sword masters... We are here to aide you...” Kyvash said. 

“I am Kent Redridge current lord of Sea city... I am sorry if we cannot give you a proper welcome Lady Kyvash but... We are currently pre-occupied at the moment...” Kent said.

“Yes, I can see that..." Kyvash replied with a smile.

“Pardon my intrusion Great Mother but War master Astaroth has sent his report... The Nobleman of the Northern mountains had been dealt with along with his army...” The Swordmaster reported.

“Very good, Rylon I shall speak with my son shortly... Have every available swordmaster and fang wraith guard the breach of this city and ensure the safety of the people of this city... and clean up the dead it will stain the air of our home... And master Anthony... I shall speak with you soon...” Kyvash said.

As she left in a hurry the Swordmasters had partaken in their duty as their mother ordered. No soldier was allowed within sea city as the Fang wraiths patrolled the grass lands and murdered any soldier who served the nobles who threatened the citizens of Sea city.

Later that day gunships arrived with reinforcements to secure the city and provided Aide to the wounded. Though the city and her people were saved over 8 of the 21 Priestesses fell in battle while the others were wounded to the point.

The young knight grieved for the loss of the priestesses as he grew fond of them and held them close to his heart as if they were his sisters. As tradition stated The fallen sisters were to be buried within the forest of the Wolf-Father. 

Their bodies were cleaned and surrounded with flowers from the Gardens of hope to honor their fallen sisters. The Grand priest offers a personal prayer to the Father of the wolf priestesses offering thanks to their life and in hopes that their sisters souls will be re-united with their father in the plains of solace. 

The burial rights were held privately as Lady Arra held the morning prayer for her fallen sisters and the last prayer on the 7th day before they are taken to the forest where the Father shall send their souls and bodies to the realm so they may find peace among their kin.

Days passed as Sea city was secured as more and more of the Sword master’s remained vigilant with their duty. The marines were terrified of these monsters as they barely ate and required little sleep and were loyal yet strict with their duty to their queen and her orders were beyond question to them.

As the city was finally safe and the royal guards had taken upon themselves to protect Sea city from any more harm. Reports flooded from all across Ren’veil that the high glaives had attacked 8 noble territories who banded together to take the greatest city ever constructed. 

Each of the nobles army were utterly decimated by the Fang wraiths and massive 4 legged creatures with a pair of massive sickle like blades for arms with a dragon’s body and head shaped like a knight’s head.

The cities where the nobles held were attacked by smaller two legged serpent like monsters with bloodied carapace with two jaws one inner jaw that can crush a person skull with minimal effort while the lower jaw that spreads apart much like a snakes. 

These creatures had triple scythe like ribs grown forming their arms while their bodies fire a volley of spike like protutions from their shoulders acting as their ranged weapon.

Knights and marines who saw these creatures in action were grouped only in 5 or 7 once they infiltrate a city their targets and anything that stands in their way  will be dead. 

In sea city many of these creatures had begun moving into the city as ordered by their queen to provide additional security for the city. 

In sea city noble house where Kent was still recovering from surgery their his closest leaders held a council of what to do next.

“Lord Anthony these creatures are dangerous... even more so than the enemies that we have come to face so far! We cannot trust these beasts... they may be helping us now but what ulterior motives do they have is beyond me.” Legion lord Fenrir protested.

“Yeah, boss these things are way too powerful we can’t let them do what they want even the civis are getting terrified... We can’t keep this up forever.” Clayton added.

“Clayton, Lord Fenrir please I must protest some of the populace may see them as monsters but they saved many of us and even if they pose a great threat the priestesses confirmed their intentions to help is true.” Rex stated.

“Enough I will not have any arguements about this any further I will speak with kyvash later on and see what her intensions lie and what ulterior motives she may posses... I want all knights and marines to remain on high alert... Once i speak with her I can see what she has planned for our city... or even to Ren’veil.” Kent ordered.

Though he was still  wounded and crippled his spin was repaired by the two destroyers, the black queen and the ancient custodian with a secondary exo-spine implanted above the original spine to aide him to walk and increase the efficiency of his blood flow and processing power and increased strength flow throughout his body.

The heroes of Ren’veil Aisha and Lady Arra with the young knight they made their way to the house built by the High glaives for their queen. It was located at the city’s edge near the coast line of the crescent sea here a humble home laid to built upon a small hill where it greets the morning sun. 

“So this is where she has requested to live... It’s not bad... For one she knows how our people designs our home and it feels all too familiar.” Aisha said.

“Indeed but look at the crest on the gate on her home... The crest is surrounded with thorns, with three dragon heads each devouring the ring in the center where the jewel is shaped like a wolf.... Hmm does it not sound familiar to you my dear knight?” Arra stated.

“Yes my lady... This crest or sigil bares a striking resemblance to the symbol of the Dragon-wolf kingdom... Strange but we must find our answers here.” Kent said as he knocked upon the gate.

 They were greeted by two of the Sword masters who opened the gate for them as they like many few are called the High blade masters the personal aide to their queen. 

Though silent they commanded armies of the fang and claw and beast they know not the meaning of failure, death or defeat. Only loyalty, honor and love for their kin and to their queen drives them this is what drives them and none shall be found wanting.

The three were taken to the back of the house where a small shrine was built where she waited guarded by her Blade masters none who think to kill her shall survive the fury of these masters.

One of the masters approached her and whispered upon her ear their queen looked upon the three with a smile and welcomed them with open arms. She stood from her chair with her cane by side ever slowly and softly her aura was strong the life around her rejoiced and danced around her.

“Master Anthony, Grand Priestess, and High Mage... I welcome you to my home... Please have a seat.” Kyvash smiled.

Like a child she welcomed a parent to her home as her children brought tea and biscuits to eat. The three settled down and ate the offerings while Kyvash only had chamomile tea.

A moment of peace had come to the three when Kyvash put her cup down and looked upon the young knight.

“I Understand that many of your men and the people of the Vai’len and of the Dragon-wolf are concerned of my children whether we are friend or foe?” Kyvash asked.

“How did you!” Kent said.

“I know many things in many lifetimes young master... I had lived long enough and seen many friends and family fall to betrayal and deception... I shall answer your questions with honesty and no lie shall pass my lips...” Kyvash said.

“Then answer me this... Are you’re children Friend or foe?” Kent asked.

“We are friends of the Dragon-wolf and the Vai’len, I guess you can say that I am a byproduct of the union between the two species... The love of three people gave birth to me so long ago... And my children share both the blood of Knight and that of Vai’len.” Kyvash said.

“How can that happen when we only arrived about 2 to 3 years ago?” Kent said.

“That is a question that I shall not answer for now... If you I should lie to you... You can have my head...” Kyvash replied.

The Blade Masters were shocked and about to draw their blades when their queen raised her hand stopping the masters from defending their queen.

The young knight never bothered to draw his blades his judgement told him this queen was telling nothing but truth. the queen giggled and smiled for the first time in many eons to finally have a small conversation with those she considers as equals. 

Aisha suddenly stopped when she saw a small pendant of glimmering starlight surrounded by colored gemstones that shined like the colors of the rainbow.

She immediately realized that this is the pendant of Silver Stars a sacred heirloom of her family. 

“Then I have a question... Why do you have the pendant of the Silver Starlight with you!” Aisha stated as she pointed to the pendant Kyvash wore.

The pendant of the Silver stars is an heirloom to the mages of Ren’veil for it is one of the 5 heirlooms of their goddess Ishtar of the great earth. This pendant was passed down to the original Ayekawa family’s grand mage to another and only one exists but now their is another.

“Aisha, mind your manners!” Arra said.

“Not this time sis... The pendant of Silver Starlight is an Heirloom of my Family and it is currently with my mother... Only one in existence and none other...” Aisha stated angrily.

“Aisha please calm yourself... Their maybe a possible explanation to this.” Kent said as he tried to calm her down.

“No I shall not calm down... How did you come to possess something that my mother holds now!” Aisha shouted.

“It is fine I shall answer this... I was a traveler far from your time... In a world where the Dragon-wolf and Ren’veil was no more... Fell to the hands of the empire... I vowed vengeance for the dead and for my family... I am the last of the Dra-wvel I am Kyvash  World Ender...” Kyvash said as she started to cough heavily. 

The caretakers immediately rushed to their queen’s side and tended to her every need the three were asked to wait in a private room while their queen was carried to her private chamber.

Aisha could not calm down knowing that a traveler had come to their world as her mother warned her about a traveler who possesses knowledge of both present and future events. They are not to be trusted for their knowledge alone is so dangerous that it could change the future and Aisha does not want a traveler to impose on the past it could have a dangerous result in the outcome for the future.

“Aisha you were rude to our savior just now... I wish for you to apologize to her.” Arra said with an angered look.

“What... No... SHE IS A TRAVELER, If she discloses information to us it will have a dangerous consequence... I wont allow her to disclose any information the temptation is too much for anyone to withstand.” Aisha said furiously.

Kent meditated heavily to clear his thoughts and to find some clarity that burdens him. After a brief moment he opened his eyes and asked Aisha to calm down all that he wishes was peace and nothing more. 

“Aisha, I had enough of fighting... If it is okay with you and Lady Arra I shall speak with Kyvash when we are allowed to do so...” Kent said with clarity in his voice.

“Very well, I believe you will make the right choice.” Arra said.

“Okay, But I... Really want to know how Kyvash possessed the pendant?” Aisha mumbled.

Kent snickered as Aisha still tried to act cool despite being upset while she puffed her cheeks and pouted at her sister for not agreeing with her. 

After several minutes one of care takers of Kyvash went into the room asking for only the young knight to enter their queen’s room while Aisha and Arra were to be escorted back to Hope. 

“Then we will see you tomorrow Kent, Until then may the Father guide you.” Arra prayed.

“May Faith guide you safely to your home.” Kent replied.

The caretaker guided the young knight to Kyvash’s master bedroom where she was tended by 4 doctors of her kingdom and guarded by 4 High Blade masters in each corner of the room.

Before he was allowed to enter the room no weapon was allowed inside their queens room. He gave all weapons to the blade masters and ensured nothing remained after another inspection the young knight was cleared to enter Kyvash’s room.

Upon entering their queens room Kyvash was resting upon a soft bed in her night gown with the window open letting the fresh breeze of the sea to enter her room.

The young knight walked up next to her bed and sat next to her as she slowly opened her eyes though she was half asleep he could hear a feint whisper from her lips as she was slowly waking up. 

Without any hesitation she reached out to the young knight and held his hand.

“You remind me of my father so long ago...”Kyvash said delicately.

“I am sorry my lady... But Lady Aisha is worried that you may bring ruin to both the Dragon-wolf and the Vai’len... Are you going to do so?” Kent asked.

“No... I vowed to my family that if I ever come back to this time... I will make things right... This 2nd chance wont slip again...” Kyvash replied.

“Then tell me the truth... Why did you send your Sword masters to sea city even before the ambush of the slavers and why do you have 2 of your so called war masters constantly observing Aisha and Arra and myself included from a far... Who are you truly?” Kent asked.

“I only ask one thing from you... that you never tell this to any other soul beyond this room... Promise me...”Kyvash Begged as if her life depended on it.

“Very well I vow in the name of Faith and the Three gods that your secret shall not pass my lips.” Kent pledged with honor.

“Thank you... ” Kyvash whispered.

The young knight leaned next to the resting queen and whispered to him gently like the blessed wind. As he heard her words his eyes opened shocked to what he had realized the queen of the glaives knew deep down the young knight may not accept the answer he sought from her.

Kent was in disbelief as he slowly walked to the door and before he left with one more look to her. He saw no lie in her eyes all that he saw was longing to be with those she had lost.

“I promise you that this secret will not pass my lips... No living soul shall ever know of this truth... I will return... and end your sadness... This I swear.” Kent said as he left the room.

Kyvash reached out to the young knight as tears shed from her eyes like a river flowing from the mountain into the seas she cried. Longing to be freed from the shackles of isolation, death and madness brought about by the years of loneliness. Despite her children by her side the piece of heart that still remained as a human. 

As he left the High glaive estate heading back to hope by gunship before the bay doors closed he asked to leave it open as he needed some air. The cold September wind was upon the land his thoughts were clouded the black queen worried greatly for her son.

The next morning Kent cleared his mind and most of his schedule as Winter told him to take the day to himself. He inspected the landscape where the Knights and marines had begun rebuilding the damages to the city during the siege and many merchants and traders from Hope to the Capital had come to barter. 

He made his way back to the High Glaive manner where the massive beasts reported by the marines were guarding the manner while the serpent like creatures stood beside them waiting for their next orders. 

The guards glanced at the young knight with a snarl and growl they simply let him pass and looked into the distant hill full life as if it was their first time seeing such beauty.

“My Glaive torsk and the Prowl hunters are young yet experienced in combat... forgive my children for this is the first... in many eons have they seen their home full of life.” A familiar voice said.

Kent looked back to see Kyvash walking alongside two of her sword masters in tow. As she approached him the Glaive Torsks and the Prowl Hunters bowed before their queen and moved a measurable distance away from her.

He could only gave at the queen of the High Glaives as she wore a white dress decorated with flowers and vines stretched across the skirt  while she wore one elbow length glove on the left arm while her right only bore a silver bracelet belonging to the Dragon-wolf.

She simply had tied her hair with a bow and a small lotus hairpin and a scarf wrapped on her arms. 

“What brings you to visit the home of my children and I?” Kyvash said.

“I was merely passing through... I could not forget what you said yesterday... And I do not know where to begin to be honest. “Kent replied.

“Then, may this humble queen request from you... To take this humbled one to visit the village where she was born?” Kyvash asked with a bow.

“Very well, I only am concerned about your... children as most of the Vai’len back in the village are concerned about them...” Kent stated.

“You need not worry... My children know friend and foe they will never attack anyone unless provoked, a grave injustice was made or ordered by me and my war masters...” Kyvash explained. 

“Then I shall take your word for it.” Kent replied.

“Thank you... Shall we get going then.” Kyvash asked smiling gently to the young knight.

“Very well, shall we take a gunship to where this village is?” Kent asked as he pulled out his intercom. 

“No need may I ask we take a carriage there? it is not far..." Kyvash said.

Kent acted as the Queen’s escort for the day when they walked back to Sea city the high glaives guarding the southern gate reacted to their queen and bowed. The marines realized that the girl next to the young knight was no ordinary girl despite the knights of the Strike fleet kept quiet about the existence of the High Glaive Queen.

The Sword masters who guard the southern gate kept to their duty while the Fang wraiths marched on and patrolled the main road leading to the southern coast.

When they reached the wagon station Rex and Clayton approached the knight as they too were heading back to New Hope.

“General, I’m surprised your here today since Lady Winter asked you to take a rest.” Rex saluted.

“I am resting today Rex, Im acting as Lady Kyvash’s escort... Since dangers are still present she personally requested me to be her escort at least for today.” Kent replied.

“Then you two have fun... By the way boss man Lady Aisha is looking for you earlier and wanted to speak with you regarding about a Request or something to the Jorl’trax forest... She wants to speak with you as soon as you return boss man.” Clayton reported.

“I’ll do that as soon as possible... my Lady if that would be fine?” Kent asked.

“That is okay... once you drop me off at the village of Hope I can simply take a walk around the village on my own until you are done with your business... Even if I am alone none touch me...” Kyvash said. 

“Ill take some of that action Scary lady.” Clayton replied. 

Rex and Clayton along with 5 other marines boarded the gunships heading back to the Strike Base while the two took the carriage leading to New hope. 

As they got on the carriage the Queen looked out the window of the carriage to see the grasslands of Ren’veil flourish like never before. Though the road was bumpy and the sound of galloping horses and the bumping road against the wooden wheel made some discomfort to the young knight.

But for Kyvash it was a nostalgic annoyance as they passed the stone bridge of Jorka. Kyvash smiled and saw the large Oaken tree near the lake of clarity still bare flowers during the early autumn season.

“It reminds me of a time before the Fall.. Mother would take me to the port city and we would look upon the gallery of clothes, and many trinkets their... And I would only buy books and... My siblings would go off on their own to Faith knows where...” Kyvash mumbled.

“Tell me Kyvash, why did you choose to travel back to his time?” Kent asked.

“I... Can only travel to a certain point once I travel with my children It locks us to this time...  I can only reveal to you so much information that i see fit for a time nothing more or less... But I will tell you that I have 2 mothers... One who gave birth to me... and the other who shared with me her blood and spirit... You will understand it soon enough...” Kyvash confessed.

“To be honest with you... I really am confused about Time travel... Is beyond me... But I can tell you are not lying and you are longing for what you lost.” Kent said with astonishment.

“I wish not to burden you with more information than what i told you already... I wish to know... how can you openly trust me so... When we just barely met.” Kyvash said.

“The eyes are the windows of the soul when one knows how to look... one can decipher the true intent of those whom we speak... When I saw your eyes I can tell you did not lie... If you were to lie I shall tell right away.” Kent answered with honesty in his heart.

The queen giggled and smiled conversing with the young knight like a parent to a child if one can say. As they passed by the flower gardens Kyvash looked as the children played on the gardens without a care in the world.

Despite her queen figure she was just a child deep down and only wanted to live a normal life. Upon arriving in New Hope Village the sword Vanguard of the High Glaives welcomed their Mother with open arms.

"Welcome My queen, to the Village of new Hope.” The Sword master bowed.

“Thank you Jonah for a warm welcome... Now I must be off to see the village where I grew up on... Please also tell Tyrannox and the others to meet with me here at hope by the end of this week I wish for them to meet an important person.” Kyvash ordered. 

“Your will be done My Queen Mother.” Jonah saluted. 

She turned to the young knight and asked him where was the temple of the Wolf Father as it bore a great significance to her. Making east from the western gate the two passed through the South east market district that sold many items of restoration, rejuvenation and much more. 

Many young and old adventurers come and go to the guild but the young and aspiring adventurers to the Wolf Father temple to receive his blessing or from the three gods before they depart on their journey for greatness.

Kyvash looked around the entrance of the temple and saw many young adventurers training to hold their weapon and to give them a chance in the world today.

She smiled and remembered a time where even her Father and Mothers who trained her in many forms of the blade, arcane, and spiritual arts.

Kyvash approached the training adventurers when one of the priestesses stopped her from interrupting the exercise.

“This Humble one begs for your forgiveness but you are not allowed here as these young ones are training at the moment... You might be put at risk if you are to approach.” The priestess said cautiously. 

“Ah forgive me... I was merely reminiscing of a time long pass...” Kyvash said as she walked away.

Kent noticed a sense of longing asking what was the matter when she told him that long ago she became an adventurer like her mother yet her father forbade her from taking any dangerous quests. 

She was only allowed to partake in the simple and merry quests such as gathering herbs, helping the village and the like. Though the queen understood her Father’s intentions her mothers allowed her to take on a request to bring in a dangerous criminal to justice.

With Blade in hand and the quest form on the other it took days for her to find the criminal who hid in the southern slums of the village. though she found the criminal she was caught and nearly lost her life that day just before the criminal had his way with her. 

“Father saved my life that day and brought the criminal in for me... I understand then why Father did not want me to take on such dangerous tasks I saw the fear in my Family’s eyes and Mother and 2nd Mother was wrong to send me to such a task so... I never bothered to take on any more dangerous tasks again Because I was afraid of taking a life... and when to spare one...” Kyvash said as they walked into the temple.

“Then what happened?” Kent asked.

“I continued my adventuring career for a while and honed my skills with the blade and arcane arts... Over the next 5 years everything seemed to be okay until they came...”Kyvash said as her anger started to build.

“They came... In number with fire and bullet they descended upon Ren’veil... The Knights of New Hope and the Dragon-wolf proved a match for them when they used a powerful bio-weapon that rendered both the Dragon-wolf’s army and the Knights of New Hope in effective... Their they culled many knights and marines... They never slowed or showed signs of mercy... Mother tried her best to banish them from the Frontier... But she was killed right before our eyes... 2nd Mother and Father rebelled and all of Ren’veil fought back... soon Only a dozen remained... 2nd Mother sacrificed herself to allow us to escape... I remember what she said My child even if I am gone I will always be with you in heart and spirit... Know the love of our family shall never die so long as we believe their is hope for a tomorrow that will come... Now go and live for the Father and the spirit of our people ride with you.” Kyvash explained as her anger turned to sadness.

Tears started to flow down from her eyes remembering how her 2nd Mother died buying time for those who are left to escape as fear gripped her heart. The young knight provided what comfort he could the High glaives all over ren’veil could feel their Mother’s sadness specially her children who bare the same anger and resentment for those who claimed the life of Ren’veil.

Kyvash held her heart as her pain grew too much and fell unconcious the young knight carried her inside the temple calling out for help.

Inside the temple the Priestesses provided as much aide as they could and a room for her to rest.

“I provided some basic medicine for her Kent, but it is strange... I can sense a fragment of her spirit and a power so pure... It feels so familiar as if she is...” Arra explained.

“My Lady, you should not say it... If you believe it is true then don’t say anything to anyone... I made a promise to Protect her please Arra I beg you keep this with you and no one else must know.” Kent pleaded.

“I will if she is then... I will do what I can to console and provide comfort... I could sense her spirit Kent... She had been through many dark places and had endured much pain... As a Priestess I cannot over look her condition... I will aide you in helping her my dear.” Arra winked.

She went back in the room to check on the queen to see her condition was improving Arra sat next to her and gently stroked her cheek and replaced the cloth keeping her fever down. 

Some time later in the Temple of the Wolf Father Kyvash slowly woke up with a heavy heart and hands colder than ice.

Kyvash tried to get up but her body was still to weak to move when Arra entered the room everything slowed down.

“My, my you should not try to strain your tired body...”Arra said as she laid Kyvash down.

“Mother...” Kyvash cried.

With clouded vision she unwillingly embraced the young priestess like a child she did not let her go and simply cried out. 

Surprised she did not know what else to do but to comfort her and console her pain as best as she could. 

“Priestess Mother... Mother... I’m sorry if I couldn’t save you, Mother and Father I could not save... I beg for your forgiveness... Mother... I return to you all this time to make things right... This time I will save you all... I promise!” Kyvash cried.

“hush... My child I’ll be right here...”Arra said as she gently patted her head.

She was later given some medicine brought by the High Glaive caretakers out of worry the young knight asked Lily to come and do a complete medical check on the Queen.

Arra took the opportunity to head to the inner sanctum of the Temple to ask guidance to the three guidance. 

Lily reported to the young knight that the queen’s heart is weaker or weakened over the years of combat and the veins around her heart had grown weaker and weaker. It was surprising for the medic for the girl to have lived longer than she should and her body had more cracks on it than any other Zerrohnian she had ever met.

“Kent I recommend you bring her to the base’s hospital that way I can treat her body if this continues... She might die.” Lily suggested.

“I will consult her first... Since she is the Queen of the High Glaives this will not be an easy decision... But thank you for coming Lily it really is appreciated.” Kent replied.

“Right, I had to skip work back at sea city but this is well worth it... But Kent, I’m serious don’t move her unless she is properly rested and I will be expecting follow up check ups.” Lily said as she left the room.

As time passed the young priestess prayed to the Wolf Father to find clarity to what needs to be done. Deep within the halls of the Temple Arra prayed and awaited for a sign from one of the three gods.

Great Father, in this time of dusk I ask for your guidance for a soul lost in time this humble servant daughter asks thee for thy grace... I beg of thee for a sign of what must be done...

Moments passed as the temple itself was enveloped with The Father whispered softly as if the god himself embraced his daughter and guided her to what she need be done.

Let your heart decide to what is true or not my child of Ishtar and lunar... Let your heart be your guide now and forever more I shall stand with you. 

Upon returning to the room Kyvash was already awake and their stood Kent guarding her. 

“Arra, Had you found your answer?” Kent asked.

“Indeed I have... Kent, I must have a private word with the lady... While you are needed at your base... word had come from one of your men of a grave tiding... I believe you need to attend to the matter as soon as possible.” Arra said. 

“Very well my Lady, Lady Kyvash will it be fine If I leave you with my good friend?” Kent asked.

“Yes, I am well enough to return to my manner thank you for today Knight of Ren’veil... Thank you for entertaining my request.” Kyvash said with a bow.

“Then My lady I shall leave you to it.” Kent said to Arra before he left the temple.

With the young knight gone the priestess and the queen were left alone Kyvash looked out the open view of the room and saw many things about ther life before the Fall.

“Mother would always take me to the Temple to hone my skills with the blade and the feathered pen... In this Very room I would always stay late and study the culture of the Priestess and the Ancient world before the unification of the 13 kingdoms... Here you taught me how to believe in those who are shadowed with fear and doubt... Here I stay... What say you... Are you here to send me back to a realm where fire and darkness burn brighter than the heart of the sun... or will you hear my humble story My Mother?” Kyvash asked. 

Arra prepared a cup of tea for her and the queen and offered it with the same love and care for all who respects life and balance upon creation.

She sat down next to her and offered her a drink Arra did not intend to sway her to return or force her to return to a place where only hatred breeds hatred. The queen told her of what had come to pass in her realm now that Fire and Darkness rule over all with the men of Blue Iron who caused the Fall of her people and the rise of the darkened ones.

Arra closed her eyes and placed her cup down next to the desk and sighed as she held her hands firmly gathering her thoughts. 

“I am concerned for you my de... I mean... My child if you permit me to cll you such... I am concerned to why you had to go through such risk of travelling back to our time... I am concerned that you may have set in motion forces we cannot yet see... In truth I am afraid of you in every way...”Arra confessed.

“I see... Forgive me for bringing trouble your way...” Kyvash said as she tried to get off the bed.

“You did not let me Finish... Yes, I am afraid of you in every way... But I am not afraid of what will come for I feel that you will never allow your home and her people to fall twice...”Arra stated.

“You are right... I have seen many people die because of the Arrogance of others and the betrayal of those whom should be trusted... I saw my family fall one by one... Even the mightiest champions would fall to the men of blue iron... Never again shall it come to pass... Mother... I ask you to trust me... And trust in my children for we have come not to bring ruin but to bring hope.” Kyvash said.

“Your love for your family is strong my dear... I pray that you shall bring hope to where it is needed... Now that peace is plenty I ask no... I beg you as a person... Not as a priestess to aide our people for the details that are to come.”Arra begged.

The priestess went down on her knees and begged the queen of High Glaives for aide as the fear of tomorrow became darker and darker. Kyvash kneeled before the priestess begging her to stand as she did not come to be kneeled to for she had come to prevent the Fire from consuming all. 

Dawn begins to rise upon the world of Ren’veil hope began to shine upon this world. Their was hope to see the light of day the scales begin to shift as the weight of the future hangs in the balance of the many.

[ricandhaiz]

The Rose of Castile, Part 1 (Reunion)

It was the seventh of December of the year of our Lord 1072 when King Alfonso VI and his royal court, consisting of his sister, the Infanta Urraca, as well a number of prelates, nobles, and their attendants and knights, neared the city of Burgos in the Kingdom of Castile. After years of fratricidal strife between royal brothers García, Sancho and Alfonso, the kingdoms of Leon and Castile was once again united under one ruler. The assassination of Alfonso’s older brother, King Sancho II of Castile, in the city of Zamora, as well as his younger brother’s, King García I of Galicia’s, crumbling support amongst his nobles in Galicia presented Alfonso with the opportunity to consolidate power and crush all dissent over the lands once held by his father, King Fernando I. Thus, Alfonso made the decision to travel from Leon to Burgos with his most trusted advisors for the specific purpose of signing charters marking the formal reconciliation of Castile with its new king.

After days of travel in bitingly cold weather, Don Raul González, a Leonese knight from the House of Banu Goméz, was eager to reach Castile’s capital city. He longed for nothing more than to sit in front of a warm hearth and eat a hot meal. He was tired of war and the near constant campaigning that had taken him away from his family’s estates in Leon for months on end. But now that Alfonso VI was the uncontested ruler of Castile and Leon, he had increasingly felt the compulsion to choose a bride and settle down.

As a member of one of the great noble families of the realm, the only real constraint he had with respect to whom he could marry was that the maiden or widow had to be someone of equal social stature. Although there were more than a few women to choose from, he could not seem to find a woman that suited his needs. Even his growing attachment to the widow Rosa, a woman with whom he had been developing a romantic relationship in recent months, could move him to propose to her.  Though the reason for his predicament would not have been obvious to most, those who knew him well were not at all surprised by this turn of events. For, if truth be told, his heart had long ago been captured by a beautiful Castilian girl named Doña Inés Cortés whose beauty and spirit had long ago eclipsed all others in both his mind and heart.

As the city came into view, Raul’s younger brother, Armando, who was riding abreast of him, said, “Do you think the city has changed much since the last time we were here? It holds many fond memories for you, does it not?”

Raul nodded and looked away. Undeterred by his brother’s apparent reticence to continue that line of conversation, Armando asked, “Will you be calling on Don Corto Fernandez and his family once we arrive?”

While Armando waited for a response, Raul and Armando’s primo (cousin), Count Pedro Ansúrez, who was riding just ahead of them, glanced back and said, “I should like to join you if you do. The situation with the nobility in Castile is still quite delicate, especially given the circumstances surrounding Sancho’s demise. Securing the support of his former mayordomo (steward) would greatly assist the king’s effort to ensure the loyalty of the nobles who supported his brother.”

“If I do decide to pay Don Corto a visit, you will certainly be more than welcome to accompany me there,” Raul replied.

Just then, another primo, Don Pedro Múñoz, who was riding next to the Count, joined in on the conversation. “There were rumors that Don Corto’s son, Sergio, was next in line to be Sancho’s alférez (royal military commander).”

“I heard that too,” Raul replied. “He would have been an excellent choice given his skill on the battlefield.”

Grim-faced, the Count replied, “I saw first-hand his exploits in battle alongside Don Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar (El Cid). It is not an experience that I would wish to relive anytime soon.”

“But now that Sancho has passed on, surely the Castilians will have little choice but to acquiesce and align themselves with the king,” Armando pointed out.

The Count replied, “Fortunately, Bishop Jimeno of Oca-Burgos and counts Gonzalo Salvadórez and Muño González of Lara have already pledged their support to the king. He is hopeful that Don Rodrigo and the knights who follow him can be persuaded to show their fealty to him as well.”

“And if they do not, what then?”

“Then they will suffer the consequences,” the Count replied matter-of-factly and then asked, “So what are you most looking forward to upon our arrival in Burgos?”

“Getting out of this blasted cold,” Armando exclaimed without hesitation. “Taking a hot bath and eating a warm meal in front of a roaring fireplace will be my first order of business.”

“And you?’ the Count asked, turning to Raul.

Before Raul could answer, Armando interjected, “Isn’t it obvious? He comes to win the heart of none other than the rose of Castile.”

“Ah, I see,” the Count replied with a snicker. “You have some history with the daughter of Don Corto, do you not?”  Raul nodded. The Count added, “I have heard that she has spurned the attentions of many well-healed noblemen from Galicia to Catalan.”

“Aye primo, that would not surprise me,” Raul replied with a wistful smile. “Doña Inés was a very headstrong and independent-minded child.”

The Count said, “Even so, she is clearly of marriageable age. Don Corto would be well advised to forge as advantageous an alliance as he can between his daughter and a peer of the realm at the earliest possible opportunity if he wishes to continue to advance his family’s influence and interests.”

“Then there is no time to waste,” Armando said to Raul. “You must plead your cause with her at the earliest possible opportunity.”

“I will do no such thing,” Raul replied. “Did you not hear our primo? Doña Inés already has half the kingdom clamoring for her hand without me adding to her woes.”

“If not her, then who?” Don Pedro asked.

Armando again answered for Raul.  “He has been calling on Don Antonio of Palencia’s widow, Doña Rosa.”

“I knew her husband. What is she like?”

Armando said, “She is small…and rather haggard looking, don’t you think?” Raul frowned but said nothing. Armando then asked, “How old did you say she was?”

Eyes narrowing, Raul replied, “One and twenty.”

“Is she really?” Armando asked, feigning shock. “I would have sworn that she was no younger than one and thirty. And that smile,” he added, wincing. “It does so remind me of Fiero…She was a good horse.”

The Count and Don Pedro laughed heartily while Raul glowered in silence.

Although it was becoming patently obvious that Raul was near his boiling point, Armando chose to continue with his verbal onslaught. “Well then, if you are intent on pursuing Doña Rosa, maybe I should call on Doña Inés myself…”

This time, Raul responded swiftly. He unsheathed his sword and placed the blade’s edge underneath Armando’s chin and hissed, “Enough.”

“Put that away,” the Count ordered Raul while Don Pedro took Armando aside.

Once Don Pedro and Armando were out of earshot of the Count and Raul, Don Pedro took the opportunity to admonish his young primo. “What, may I ask, was the point of that? From all that I know, hasn’t Raul always treated you with kindness and consideration.” Armando nodded, looking chastened and solemn. Don Pedro then asked, “Why then, do you insist on tormenting him so?”

“You misconstrue my purpose. I care for my brother a great deal. So much so, in fact, that I cannot in good conscience stand by and watch him make what I know in my heart would be a grave error on his part.”

“And what would that be?”

“Settling for one woman while letting the woman he truly loves slip through his fingers.”

Don Pedro replied, “Armando, you know as well as I that the noble class rarely bases the decision to marry on so fleeting a feeling. We’re a practical lot.”

“That may be true, but even you must admit that there have been exceptions to this rule. My parents, for example, were known to have cared very deeply for one another. And as for Raul, he has been in love with Doña Inés for as long as I can remember. Is it so wrong for me to want more for my brother than an arranged marriage?”

“Love is a delicate matter. It cannot be forced, but if Raul’s feelings for her are as strong as you believe them to be, he will not be able to simply brush them aside in her presence and do nothing.”

“But Pedro, what if…”

Don Pedro raised his hand, stopping Armando mid-sentence. “As your older and infinitely wiser primo, I advise you to listen well to what I am about to say to you. Stop trying to meddle in Raul’s affairs and let destiny take its course. If it is God’s will for Raul marry Inés, it will happen regardless of what you say or do.”

Armando opened his mouth to reply, but then thought better of it, and opted instead to nod and say no more.

 As soon as the royal court came upon the Arlanzón River, which was located on the outskirts of Burgos, Raul took his horse for a canter along the river’s edge while the rest of his travel companions continued on into the city. As he spurred Bandido, his chestnut-colored mare forward, he felt his mind begin to drift away from the present moment toward thoughts of Inés.

Raul’s eyes had just settled upon a row of trees with snow-covered branches when he heard the sound of horses’ hooves galloping toward him. As a precaution, he moved off the path he had been taking and hid behind a large tree trunk. It wasn’t long before two riders raced by him. Believing that he recognized the larger of the two, he called out to the man by name. His voice cut through the air like a siren, causing the riders to halt and turn toward him.  Slowly, he moved out into the open. As they, in turn, approached, the larger rider motioned to the other one, whose face was hidden by a cap and cloak, to stay well behind him before he turned to Raul and said, “And who, may I ask, are you?”

“Sergio, my friend, do you not recognize me? I was but a boy when last we met. You pulled me out of this very river many summers ago after I had fallen in and nearly drowned. You took me to your home and provided me with shelter and food until my mother came to retrieve me. In all the years hence, I have not forgotten the kindness that you and your family showed me or the bond of friendship we forged from that day hence.”

“My God, Raul, is it really you?” Sergio exclaimed as his guarded expression melted away. “You look almost nothing like the sopping wet boy I remember fishing out of the river. Tell me, to what do I owe this unexpected visit?”

“I am here on the king’s business,” Raul replied as Sergio motioned for the other rider to come closer. “He has come to make peace with the nobles and ask for their fealty.”

Sergio countenance darkened as he turned to one side and spat. “That is quite magnanimous of him, don’t you agree Inés?”

Had Raul heard Sergio correctly? Was this other rider, in fact, Sergio’s hermana (sister) Inés? He could hardly believe his eyes as he watched Inés remove her cap, allowing her long, brown tresses to cascade down her back and shoulders. Being the war-hardened warrior that he was, it amazed him how quickly her presence had left him feeling disarmed and vulnerable. And, in his estimation, even the boyish clothes she wore in no way dimmed her beauty or lessened the powerful attraction he felt toward her.

“It is good to see you again,” Inés said, blushing slightly in the face of Raul’s penetrating stare.

“And I, you,” Raul replied slowly. “Although I must confess that I am a bit perplexed to see you outdoors on such a cold and dreary day such as this.”

“I begged Sergio to come out for a ride with me. I’ve been cooped up indoors and was in desperate need of fresh air. It is not in my nature to be so confined.” As Raul listened to Inés speak, it warmed his heart to know that neither time nor the strictures of society had in any way altered the spirited and unconventional girl he had met and fallen in love with in his youth.

Just then, Raul caught sight of Sergio’s eyes darting from Raul to Inés with knowing amusement. Thankfully, Inés’ brother made no reference to what he had observed and instead said, “My father received an invitation from the king to attend a reception at the castle tomorrow evening. I have heard that nearly every magnate and prelate in the kingdom will be in attendance.”

“Yes, it is to be preceded by a mass at Santa Gadea Church to commemorate the king’s ascension to the throne of Castile. Will your family be there as well?”

Sergio nodded, grim-faced. “You know as well as I that any occasion involving the king is an event that can only be ignored at one’s peril.”

Although it was obvious to Raul that Sergio’s feelings toward the king were ambivalent at best, Raul nonetheless asked him, “Is it true that Don Rodrigo intends to ask the king to swear publicly on holy relics that he had nothing to do with Sancho’s death?”

Sergio’s pursed his lips and, at first, said nothing, while the grip on his horse’s reigns noticeably tightened.  Finally, he replied, “I cannot speak for the Cid. All I can say with any amount of certainty is that he will do what he thinks is best for the kingdom and the men he commands.”

Likely sensing the heightened tension in the air, Inés chimed in and asked Raul, “Will you be attending the reception alone?”

“Yes, my lady,” Raul replied, smiling. “And whom, may I ask, will have the pleasure of being your escort?”

“No one,” Sergio replied with a snort. “My padre (father), Don Corto, madrastra (stepmother), Doña Teresa, and abuela (grandmother), Doña Isabel, will be accompanying her there.”

Raul’s grin broadened further at the news. “I am surprised to hear that. I would have thought that a beautiful young lady like you would have had at least a dozen suitors clamoring for the opportunity to be seen with you on their arm.”

Inés’ blushed deepened while Sergio rolled his eyes and said, “Doña Teresa would like nothing better than to see her married off to a rico hombre (magnate). As of this moment, she is intent on pairing Inés off with Don Alonso Muñoz, the oldest son of Count Muño Gonzalez of Lara.”

The news hit Raul like a dagger to the heart. Still, for propriety’s sake, he hid his distress from view with a suitably stolid expression. “Are you amenable to such a union?”

“I hardly know him,” Inés replied, “but my madrastra speaks of his family in the most glowing terms, and she expects that their influence and holdings are likely grow even more now that Alfonso is king.”

As the import of Inés’ words sank in, Raul considered the possibility countering what Don Alonso would likely offer Inés’ family in exchange for her hand in marriage. Although he too was the son of a count, it was his older primo, Pedro Ansúrez, who had inherited the family’s most prized patrimonial lands and titles upon Raul’s father’s death in 1057. Given his present circumstances, he quickly concluded that he had neither the wealth nor the status to compete with the likes of Don Alonso. And so, it was with a heavy heart that he asked, “What is your opinion of him?”

“He seems likeable enough,” Inés replied, “and I suppose that I could grow to care for him in time should our families decide that it is in the best interests of everyone concerned for us to be married.” Raul furrowed his brow while she, in turn, eyed him with speculation. “Why do you ask? Are you aware of some impediment or flaw in his character?”

“No, not at all,” Raul replied with noticeable haste. “I have only ever wished for your happiness. If your heart is set on marrying him, I would be the last man to stand in your way.”

At that point, Sergio chimed in and said, “The hour is late, and I am sure that Raul is quite tired and in need of rest. There will be plenty of time on the morrow to speak of all that he has seen and done since we saw him last. Don’t you agree?”

“Yes, of course,” Raul replied even though he was loathe to be parted from her. “Until tomorrow.”

Raul shook Sergio’s hand and then turned to Inés, who offered him her hand. He gladly took it and placed a gentle kiss on her fingertips before bidding them both farewell.

[cleopatrarps]

Unmasked: Life lessons with actor Antonio Banderas

NEW YORK (Reuters) – (The writer is a Reuters contributor. The opinions expressed are his own.)

Spain’s actor Antonio Banderas poses during a photocall to promote his latest television series “Genius: Picasso” in Madrid, Spain, March 21, 2018. REUTERS/Sergio Perez

In Hollywood, fame can be fleeting and a career with staying power is even more unusual.

Antonio Banderas has managed to fashion the latter, developing from a young heartthrob to, well, an older heartthrob. He first made his mark in the 1980s in Spanish films, especially Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar’s “Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down,” and was a megastar by 1998’s “The Mask of Zorro.” He is still rolling out several new projects per year.

For the latest in the Reuters series, “Life Lessons,” Banderas, 57, called in from the Hungarian set of National Geographic’s latest “Genius” anthology series, where he plays Pablo Picasso.

Q: Did your parents put you to work early when you were growing up in southern Spain?

A: They detected soon enough that I was in love with theater. I started going with them at age 10 to plays in Malaga. When I decided to jump into acting at age 15, they stopped loving it, and started hating it. They tried to stop me, but by then they couldn’t stop it.

Q: Was money tight in those early acting years?

A: Money didn’t even exist for me at that time. One year I lived in nine different places, and landlords kept throwing me out when they realized I didn’t have any money! I remember walking down the street and looking between the sidewalk and the cars, in the hope that somebody dropped some coins. I did that every single day for months at a time. That’s how desperate I was.

Q: After that lean period, was it strange to become extremely successful?

A: It only happened little by little. When you are doing theater you never really become famous, because it’s so local, and the number of people who see you is very limited. But then Pedro Almodovar came along.

I made a rule for myself: not to believe anything that was happening to me. That kept me sane. After all, in show business, people come and go all the time. You are only as good as the last thing you’ve done. But when I started to go to places I had never been, like Russia or Japan, and was getting recognized on the street, that is when I understood the worldwide dimension of cinema.

Q: What did you do with the money that was coming in?

A: I bought a little house for my parents in Malaga. But my father was so sweet. He didn’t really accept it as theirs. So he would write down everything he spent, like fixing a water tap, or buying a rubber band for five cents. He was trying to justify all his expenses. I said ‘Papa, it’s your home. You don’t have to do this!’ But that is how much respect he had for money. Why? Because he was raised without any.

Q: Beyond acting, you have a winery in Spain. What have you taken from that experience?

A: I have around eight acres in the north, where we produce 8,000 bottles a year from grapes like syrah, tempranillo and grenache. It’s not a real business, though. It’s something I do to cover the expenses, and mainly give the wine to my friends.

Where I really learned about business was in perfumes. I have worked with the company Puig for over 20 years, and we sell in something like 93 countries. I learned you can be very ethical and creative. Now I am designing watches, and glasses, and even studying fashion. It keeps me young.

Q: How do you maximize your philanthropic impact?

A: I have a foundation called Lagrimas y Favores. It does a lot of work in my hometown of Malaga, where the big tradition is Easter Week celebrations. So along with my brotherhood – the same kids I used to play in the streets with, decades ago – we fund things like scholarships for kids, and palliative care for terminal cancer patients, and a supermarket for families in need.

Q: What lessons do you pass along to your kids?

A: I have one biological child, and two stepkids I helped raise. I just try to respect them and help them to become independent people, with a capacity to think for themselves and stand up for what they believe in.

Editing by Beth Pinsker and Jeffrey Benkoe

The post Unmasked: Life lessons with actor Antonio Banderas appeared first on World The News.

from World The News https://ift.tt/2INRDpK via News of World

[party-hard-or-die]

Unmasked: Life lessons with actor Antonio Banderas

NEW YORK (Reuters) – (The writer is a Reuters contributor. The opinions expressed are his own.)

Spain’s actor Antonio Banderas poses during a photocall to promote his latest television series “Genius: Picasso” in Madrid, Spain, March 21, 2018. REUTERS/Sergio Perez

In Hollywood, fame can be fleeting and a career with staying power is even more unusual.

Antonio Banderas has managed to fashion the latter, developing from a young heartthrob to, well, an older heartthrob. He first made his mark in the 1980s in Spanish films, especially Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar’s “Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down,” and was a megastar by 1998’s “The Mask of Zorro.” He is still rolling out several new projects per year.

For the latest in the Reuters series, “Life Lessons,” Banderas, 57, called in from the Hungarian set of National Geographic’s latest “Genius” anthology series, where he plays Pablo Picasso.

Q: Did your parents put you to work early when you were growing up in southern Spain?

A: They detected soon enough that I was in love with theater. I started going with them at age 10 to plays in Malaga. When I decided to jump into acting at age 15, they stopped loving it, and started hating it. They tried to stop me, but by then they couldn’t stop it.

Q: Was money tight in those early acting years?

A: Money didn’t even exist for me at that time. One year I lived in nine different places, and landlords kept throwing me out when they realized I didn’t have any money! I remember walking down the street and looking between the sidewalk and the cars, in the hope that somebody dropped some coins. I did that every single day for months at a time. That’s how desperate I was.

Q: After that lean period, was it strange to become extremely successful?

A: It only happened little by little. When you are doing theater you never really become famous, because it’s so local, and the number of people who see you is very limited. But then Pedro Almodovar came along.

I made a rule for myself: not to believe anything that was happening to me. That kept me sane. After all, in show business, people come and go all the time. You are only as good as the last thing you’ve done. But when I started to go to places I had never been, like Russia or Japan, and was getting recognized on the street, that is when I understood the worldwide dimension of cinema.

Q: What did you do with the money that was coming in?

A: I bought a little house for my parents in Malaga. But my father was so sweet. He didn’t really accept it as theirs. So he would write down everything he spent, like fixing a water tap, or buying a rubber band for five cents. He was trying to justify all his expenses. I said ‘Papa, it’s your home. You don’t have to do this!’ But that is how much respect he had for money. Why? Because he was raised without any.

Q: Beyond acting, you have a winery in Spain. What have you taken from that experience?

A: I have around eight acres in the north, where we produce 8,000 bottles a year from grapes like syrah, tempranillo and grenache. It’s not a real business, though. It’s something I do to cover the expenses, and mainly give the wine to my friends.

Where I really learned about business was in perfumes. I have worked with the company Puig for over 20 years, and we sell in something like 93 countries. I learned you can be very ethical and creative. Now I am designing watches, and glasses, and even studying fashion. It keeps me young.

Q: How do you maximize your philanthropic impact?

A: I have a foundation called Lagrimas y Favores. It does a lot of work in my hometown of Malaga, where the big tradition is Easter Week celebrations. So along with my brotherhood – the same kids I used to play in the streets with, decades ago – we fund things like scholarships for kids, and palliative care for terminal cancer patients, and a supermarket for families in need.

Q: What lessons do you pass along to your kids?

A: I have one biological child, and two stepkids I helped raise. I just try to respect them and help them to become independent people, with a capacity to think for themselves and stand up for what they believe in.

Editing by Beth Pinsker and Jeffrey Benkoe

The post Unmasked: Life lessons with actor Antonio Banderas appeared first on World The News.

from World The News https://ift.tt/2INRDpK via Breaking News

[graciedroweuk]

Resumão! Tudo o que rolou ‘Radio Music Awards 2018’

Rolou na noite deste domingo (11), em Inglewood, na Califórnia, a quinta edição perform “iHeartRadio Music Awards”, premiação que consagra os artistas que mais se destacaram nas rádios norte-americanas. Direto perform “The Forum”, a musa Hailey Baldwin e o craque DJ Khaled comandaram that a cerimônia, marcada por boas performances, merecidas homenagens, lançamento de videoclipe e muitas estatuetas, claro.

A premiação foi bem equilibrada, digamos… Ed Sheeran; Cardi B; BTS e Luis Fonsi se destacaram levando cada um, dois troféus. O ruivinho foi eleito, o “Artista Masculino do Ano” e faturou também “Melhor Música” por “Form of You”. A rapper saiu vitoriosa em “Artista Revelação” e “Artista Revelação de Hip Hop”, enquanto os meninos perform BTS em “Melhor Boyband” e “Melhor Fanbase”. Luis Fonsi, por sua vez, terminou a noite com duas estatuetas: “Melhor Artista Latino” e “Melhor Música Latina”, por “Despacito”.

E pela primeira vez, uma brasileira saiu vitoriosa da premiação. Anitta venceu, com o voto hot, and a disputa na categoria “Estrela das Redes Sociais”. Infelizmente, a fofa não conseguiu marcar presença no bapho, por questões de schedule, mas deixou um vídeo de agradecimento.

Além dessas, outras três estatuetas pra lá de especiais foram entregues durante a cerimônia. O talentoso Chance the Rapper recebeu das mãos de ninguém menos que Pharrell Williams, o “Innovator Award” por seu vanguardismo na indústria. Já nosso cristalzinho cubano Camila Cabello se tornou a primeira a ganhar o “Fangirls Book”, que “reconhecerá mulheres que expandiram fronteiras com sua música e sua mensagem além de inspirar seus fãs ao redor do globo”.   Por fim, os caras perform “Bon Jovi” foram homenageados banda o “Icon Book” por toda a contribuição da banda ao mundo da música nesses 35 anos de carreira.

Outro ponto alto da noite ficou por conta Taylor Swift! A loira escolheu a premiação para fazer a estreia de seu novo videoclipe, o quarto da era “Reputation”. Oficializada como single, a ótima “Delicate” ganhou um tratamento visual dirigido pelo parceiro de longa information, Joseph Khan. No more vídeo, extremamente coreografado (eba!) , a loira se torna invisível de uma hora pra outra e passa a fazer coisas que normalmente não pode fazer por aí… A gente adorou; assista:

Né ?!, A fofa na coreo E se Taylor, por conta de sua turnê, não pôde dar uma passadinha no palco do bapho artistas subiram até lá e entoaram seus grandes sucessos. Camila Cabello, por exemplo, fez uma nova e ótima performance de “Havana”; Cardi B apresentou um medley de “Bartier Cardi”; “Motorsport” e “No Limit”, essa com o G-Eazy e o Bon Jovi mandou ver em “It Is My Name” e “You Give Love a Bad Name”. Também tivemos performances de “Wait”, do Maroon 5 ; “The Long”m do Charlie Puth Portable de “Perfect” perform Ed Sheeran. Assista às principais e confira na sequência a lista completa de vencedores:

Cardi B Portable G-Eazy — Bartier Cardi”; “Motorsport” e “No Limit”

Camila Cabello — “Havana”

Eminem e Kehlani — Nowhere Fast

Bon Jovi — “It’s My Life” Portable “You Give Love a Bad Name”

Confira a lista de premiados:

Música do Ano “Despacito” — Luis Fonsi Portable Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber “Form Of You” — Ed Sheeran — VENCEU “Something Just Like That” — The Chainsmokers e Coldplay “That’s What I Like” — Bruno Mars “Wild Thoughts” — DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna e Bryson Tiller

Artista Feminina perform Ano Alessia Cara​ Halsey P!nk Rihanna Taylor Swift — VENCEU

Artista Masculino perform Ano Bruno Mars Charlie Puth Ed Sheeran — VENCEU Shawn Mendes The Weeknd

Artista Revelação Cardi B — VENCEU Niall Horan Luke Combs Christian Nodal Judah & the Lion Ozuna Khalid

Melhor Grupo/Duo perform Ano Imagine Dragons Maroon 5 — VENCEU Migos Portugal. The Man The Chainsmokers

Melhor Colaboração: “Despacito” — Luis Fonsi Portable Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber “Do Notna Know” — Maroon 5 accomplishment. Kendrick Lamar “Something Just Like That” — The Chainsmokers Portable Coldplay — VENCEU “Stay” — Zedd e Alessia Cara “Wild Thoughts” — DJ Khaled campaign. Rihanna e Bryson Tiller

Artista Revelação de Pop Camila Cabello Julia Michaels Liam Payne Logic Niall Horan — VENCEU

Música de Rock Alternativo perform Ano “Believer” — Imagine Dragons “Feel It” — Portugal. The Man — VENCEU “Thunder” — Envision Dragons “Walk On Water” — Nine Seconds To Mars “Wish I Knew You” — The Revivalists

Melhor Artista de Rock Alternativo Cage The Elephant Imagine Dragons — VENCEU Judah & The Lion Kings Of Leon Portugal. The Man

Artista Revelação de Rock/Rock Alternativo Greta Van Fleet Judah & The Lion — VENCEU K.Flay Rag’n’Bone Man The Revivalists

Música de Rock perform Ano “Go To War” — Nothing Longer “Assist” — Papa Roach “Run” — Foo Fighters — — VENCEU “Rx (Medicate)”” — Theory of a Deadman “Song #3” — Stone Sour

Melhor Artista de Rock Foo Fighters Highly Suspect Metallica — VENCEU Papa Roach Royal Blood

Música Country perform Ano “Body Like A Back Road” — Sam Hunt — VENCEU “Dirt On My Boots” — Jon Pardi “Hurricane” — Luke Combs “Small Town Boy” — Dustin Lynch “Unforgettable” — Thomas Rhett

Melhor Artista Country Blake Shelton Jason Aldean Luke Bryan Sam Hunt Thomas Rhett — VENCEU

Artista Revelação de Country Brett Young Jon Pardi Kane Brown Lauren Alaina Luke Combs — VENCEU

Música Dance perform Ano “It Ain’t Me” — Kygo Portable Selena Gomez “No Promises” — Cheat Codes accomplishment. Demi Lovato “Rockabye” — sterile Bandit e Anne-Marie feat. Sean Paul “Something Just Like That” — The Chainsmokers Portable Coldplay “Stay” — Zedd e Alessia Cara — VENCEU

Melhor Artista Dance Calvin Harris Cheat Codes Kygo The Chainsmokers — VENCEU Zedd

Música de Hip-Hop perform Ano “Poor and Boujee” — Migos feat. Lil Uzi Vert “Bodak Yellow” — Cardi B “HUMBLE.” — Kendrick Lamar “Rockstar” — Post Malone “Wild Thoughts” — DJ Khaled accomplishment. Rihanna e Bryson Tiller — VENCEU

Melhor Artista de Hip-Hop DJ Khaled Drake Future Kendrick Lamar — VENCEU Migos

Artista Revelação de Hip-Hop 21 Savage Cardi B — VENCEU GoldLink Lil Uzi Vert Playboi Carti

Música R&B perform Ano “B.E.D.” — Jacquees “Location” — Khalid “Love Galore” — SZA feat. Travis Scott “Redbone” — Childish Gambino “That’s What I enjoy” — Bruno Mars — VENCEU

Melhor Artista de R&B Bruno Mars — VENCEU Childish Gambino​ Khalid Rihanna The Weeknd

Artista Revelação de R&B 6LACK Kehlani Kevin Ross​ Khalid — VENCEU SZA

Música Latina perform Ano “Despacito” — Luis Fonsi Portable Daddy Yankee — VENCEU “El Amante” — Nicky Jam “Hey DJ” — CNCO “Mi Gente” — J Balvin feat. Willy William “Súbeme La Radio” — Enrique Iglesias

Melhor Artista Latino CNCO J Balvin Luis Fonsi — VENCEU Nicky Jam Shakira

Artista Revelação de Música Latina Abraham Mateo Bad Bunny Danny Ocean Karol G Ozuna — VENCEU

Música Regional Mexicana perform Ano “Adios Amor” — Deadly Nodal “Ella Es Mi Mujer” — Banda Carnaval “Las Ultras” — Calibre 50 “Regresa Hermosa” — Gerardo Ortiz “Siempre Te Voy A Querer” — Calibre 50

Artista Regional Mexicano perform Ano Banda Carnaval Banda Los Recoditos Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizarraga Calibre 50 Gerardo Ortiz

Artista Revelação de Regional Mexicano Christian Nodal — VENCEU Edwin Luna y La Trakalosa de Monterrey El Fantasma Ulices Chaidez y Sus Plebes

Produtor perform Ano Andrew “Pop” Wansel along with Warren “Oak” Felder Andrew Watt — VENCEU Benny Blanco Justin Tranter Steve Mac

Melhor Letra — voto favorite “Bodak Yellow” — Cardi B “Despacito” — Luis Fonsi Portable Daddy Yankee “There’s Nothing Holding Me” — Shawn Mendes “Look What You Made Me Do” — Taylor Swift “Perfect” — Ed Sheeran “Slow Hands” — Niall Horan — VENCEU

Melhor Cover — voto popular ” We Got” — Shawn Mendes “Poor Liar” — HAIM “Issues” — Niall Horan “Lost” — Khalid “Say You won’t Let Go” — Camila Cabello Portable Machine Gun Kelly “The Chain” — Harry Styles — VENCEU “Touch” — Ed Sheeran “The Tribute Song” — Thirty Seconds To Mars

Melhor Fã-Base — voto favorite Arianators — Ariana Grande Beliebers — Justin Bieber BTS Army — BTS — VENCEU Camilizers — Camila Cabello EXO-L — EXO Harmonizers — Fifth Harmony Lovatics — Demi Lovato Mendes Army — Shawn Mendes Mixers — Small Mix Selenators — Selena Gomez Smilers — Miley Cyrus Swifties — Taylor Swift

Melhor Clipe — voto favorite “Poor Liar” — Selena Gomez “Bodak Yellow” — Cardi B “Despacito” — Luis Fonsi e Daddy Yankee “I am The Only One” — DJ Khaled “Look What You Made Me Do” — Taylor Swift “Malibu” — Miley Cyrus “New Rules” — Dua Lipa “Shape Of You” — Ed Sheeran “Sign Of The Times” — Harry Styles — VENCEU ” Sorry Not Sorry” — Demi Lovato “Swish Swish” — Katy Perry “That’s What I Like” — Bruno Mars “There’s Nothing Holding Me” — Shawn Mendes

Estrela das Redes Sociais — voto popular Andrew Huang Anitta — VENCEU Christian Collins Conor Maynard dodie Gabbie Hanna JoJo Siwa Mariah Belgrod Max & Harvey RoomieOfficial

Melhor Animal de Estimação de Artista (categoria nova) — voto popular Batman — Demi Lovato Bear Rexha — Bebe Rexha Nugget — Katy Perry Olivia — Taylor Swift Pig Pig — Miley Cyrus Toulouse — Ariana Grande — VENCEU

Melhor Boy Band (categoria nova) — voto popular AJR BTS — VENCEU CNCO In Real Life PRETTYMUCH The Vamps Why We Are

Melhor Artista Solo — voto popular Camila Cabello Harry Styles Liam Payne Louis Tomlinson — VENCEU Niall Horan

Melhor Remix (categoria nova) — voto popular “Bon Appétit” — Katy Perry, Migos e 3LAU “Despacito” — Luis Fonsi e Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber “do re mi” ” — blackbear feat. Gucci Mane “Friends” — Justin Bieber Portable BloodPop com Julia Michaels “Havana” — Camila Cabello e Daddy Yankee “Homemade Dynamite” — Lorde, Khalid, Post Malone e SZA “May I Have This Dance” — Francis & The Lights feat. Chance The Rapper “Mi Gente” — J Balvin Portable Willy William feat. Beyoncé “Reggaetón Lento” — CNCO e Small Mix — VENCEU

por Pedro Hosken, 12 de Março de 2018

POSTS RELACIONADOS

from network 4 http://www.brownandbrownrecording.com/resumao-tudo-o-que-rolou-radio-music-awards-2018/

[sabrinahidalgo1-blog]

The Really good, The Poor As well as The Shocking From Yearly Functionality Reviews.

Household Companies: Along with the increase in two task homes, time to embark on housekeeping and also yard job ends up being quick. Quick and medium-stay parking are extremely identical in concept; basically, your car is parked in a parking lot that lies within the limits of the flight terminal's property (or 'on-airport'). Exactly what we do understand is actually that Apple surely has the resources to construct an electrical cars and truck. That's why we have actually produced a total listing (as of this writing) of all the self driving cars under progression. The best opportunity of the year for me to offer a cars and truck neighbors completion of summertime when yearly rates are higher; as well as buy 2 months later on, when the market is flooded along with brand-new autos as well as used cars and truck rates are at their yearly reduced. For instance, a single 25-year-old male chauffeur will merely pay out about 4 per-cent extra for automotive insurance compared to his female version. If you cherished this post and you would like to receive more info pertaining to simply click the up coming website page kindly go to our own webpage. Google.com has actually gathered considerable amounts of publicity for loosing its driverless cars in Silicon Lowland as well as Austin - last month, cops quit among its own peapod-shaped vehicles for owning too slowly. You will definitely discover this under Plan Documents as well as Course Files X86 - RockStar Games and My Papers -> Rockstar Gamings - > Grand Fraud Automotive 5. You will likewise have to erase that under the Local file which will definitely be concealed. Her advocates obtained a neighbour's Mercedes level car and parked that on her common area. Sound with it is terrific also (I am actually just about completely earless, thus this is necessary), and also, that possesses REAL GPS (additionally vital to me for Sailsafe support check out software program and also backup Navigating software application). Consider it: if a cars and truck could steer itself, hrs from our time every day would certainly be freed up for travelers anywhere. In this particular example where two selections exist as the only choices, but the author overlooks a variety of selections in between such as creating cleaner modern technology, cars and truck sharing devices for urgents and also requirements, or even far better community planning to dissuade regular driving. Apart from that whatever else is actually opinion, though the presence of a Vinewood check in the trailer does recommend we'll be actually finding aspect of GTA: San Andreas once more in this brand-new variation. Self-parking pertains to a type of car park where you position your cars and truck on your own, as well as keep your cars and truck keys. Apple reportedly came close to McLaren along with a sight in the direction of a complete requisition" of, or the strategic assets in, the car company, mentioning three people brief on the discussions". If your car experiences primary nicks as well as you have that in to an auto body garage, most likely you could possibly find yourself spending a good deal from funds. The Hyundai i20 used to become some of those cars and trucks that you purchased just due to the fact that it economicaled, yet the most recent version is among the quietest, roomiest and also very most relaxed tiny cars you may acquire, as well as the Coupé even appears fairly cool. Receiving transported out into the court of popular opinion with virtually no warning is actually certainly not one thing anybody intends to receive interacted with," pointed out Kristin Dziczek, supervisor of the sector, labor and also economics team at the Michigan-based Center for Automotive Investigation (VEHICLE). What sets A Great Snowman other than its own a lot of puzzle-game contemporaries on Android is actually a really quality nature. The car handles twisty roads effectively, with very little body roll while the struts smoothly absorb bumps in the street, causing a relaxed and smooth experience. That indicates an extremely general auto - in the case of that initial sub- ₤ 6k offering, you do not also receive a radio as criterion. As for what I failed to like: The 3 principal teen protagonists definitely failed to cultivate a lot of this publication and spent portion of it untasked and also unfocused. Diet regimen is actually an additional vital part from good health and you can easily protect your cardiovascular system along with your diet plan. While I wasn't directly recommended to get unnecessary fixings, the manager's failing to encourage me from the risks on a long excursion after an examination from my outdated auto led me to obtain unneeded repairs to take the travel, which caused my cars and truck's failure. People buy cars and trucks to steer them - if you take away the love of being at the steering wheel after that you might at the same time make use of Uber. Like all car business, Ferrari is actually under the gun to reduce discharges, yet while hybrids belong from its future, that will not emulate Porsche as well as decrease the completely power option, baseding upon Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne. The JL Sound MBT-RX is a $50 Bluetooth recipient you can conveniently hardwire into a cars and truck if your car already possesses a manufacturing facility amp. The vehicles could not be actually extra other yet they discussed the same target: going a lot faster in comparison to the various other individuals. Alternatively, anybody getting an utilized high-end or performance car ought to strongly think about the CPO variation from an automobile over an as-is pre-owned automobile. The Google.com cars and truck hit the brakes immediately on observing the various other car crossing the traffic signal, observed by the human responsible for the wheel doing the exact same, however it wasn't sufficient to stop the accident. Your loan provider very most likely has the electrical power to have the car back if you fail on your car funding with late or absent settlements. Car guys must regularly battle finance individuals for the very most obvious remodelings. For example, the previous production Lexus car had blind spots right up against the vehicle where the sensors could not see, one thing that needs to be eliminated in any car open up to the general public. This is actually presently constructing a fleet of 100 electrically powered two-seater driverless cars and trucks to examine around its own California grounds as well as past. That grabs the childlike merriment of playing with plaything automobiles and incorporates this with the adrenaline from throwing on your own around in a very expensive piece from metallic. One other appealing sign: no cars and truck is obtaining anywhere near the interest of the one today.

[okimargarvez]

TEMPTING

Original title: Tempting.

Prompt: Penelope tries to follow the diet but Luke doesn’t help.

Warning: mention of Italian and Puerto Rican dishes.

Genre: funny, romantic.

Characters: Penelope Garcia, Luke Alvez.

Pairing: Garvez.

Note: part 82 in Garvez canon Life.

Legend: 💏😘.

Song mentioned: none.

GARVEZ STORIES

TEMPTING

 He feels the gaze of his girlfriend on him, but decides not to give her attention and to wait until she explodes on her own. He doesn't have to wait that long, actually. -Shouldn't you always support me?- she asks with disappointed and resentful tone. She still doesn't get any reaction and her nervous grows. -Are you my boyfriend or not?- she asks, knowing that he will be obligated to reply to this.

Luke limits himself, however, to a fleeting glance, certainly not something he does usually. -Of course I am, and I am supporting you.- he continues to do what he is doing, then he gets up, going towards the oven; he opens it and seems satisfied with what he sees.

-Bullshits.- Penelope insists, observing his every move. -You know that for me this diet is important.- the man still gives her his back. So, she doesn't find a better solution to get his attention than to give him a very light nudge. -Luke, are you listening to me?- when he finally turns to her, he notices that the woman has folded arms.

-Yes, I listened to you.- he only limits himself to reply, walking beyond her without even touching her, grabbing and wearing oven gloves, embroidered, of course, with two heads of sparkling pink unicorns.

-So why the hell did you cook the Papas Rellenas?- he notices the certainty with which she guesses all the accents of the dish that his abuela had made her discover, of course, a day that she had told her about the Puerto Rican origins of the Alvez family. -You know I love it, but I have to pass it up, at least in this period.- Penelope's eyes struggle to break away from what is basically nothing other than potato and eggplant croquettes, seasoned with avocado sauce. Amalia hadn’t had any problems when she discovered that her nephew's girlfriend was a vegetarian and that Luke had become it too. In her day meat was certainly not a constant and it was not even so necessary, she had added, increasing the blonde's love for her.

In the present, Luke smiles with a pinch of wicked irony. -Oh, I didn't remember it. Even this?- he opens the refrigerator door to show her two Coconut flans resting in their caramel bed. When he turns again, Penelope's eyes are two flames of fire. -I didn't understand.- he shrugs. -Not bad, I'll just eat it myself.- he serves himself a good portion and moves his hands in front of the steaming plate, pushing the aroma towards her. -Can you smell it?- he continues.

Penelope first looks at her empty and shiny plate, then the one before her boyfriend. -You're a bastard of epic proportions.- she murmurs quietly enough to sound like a growl, but loud enough that Luke can hear it. Luke lifts his eyelids, pretending to be surprised.

-Why? You're the one on a diet.- he points out, starting to eat.

She tries to kick him from below the table. -A stupid diet, that's what you meant, right?- he doesn't answer. -It is easy to talk when you have a nice six-pack.- she adds in a less angry and sadder tone, which has the power to dissolve the mask of coldness of man.

He stands up, kneels at her height and takes her face in his hands. -Penelope. Hey, love, look at me.- she obeys. -You're perfect as you are.- he says in the most convinced, serious and sincere tone he knows. -Not only for me.- he adds. -It's an incontrovertible truth.- he almost snatches a laugh from her.

She sighs, looking away. -I know, but... I would still like...- she gestures without being able to find the right words. -...to get better.- she finally concludes.

-Can you improve perfection?- he asks her, with the precise aim of making her smile.

-Luke, stop it.- she replies weakly. -No one is perfect... not even you.- she points her index finger at his chest. -In addition, perfection is boring.- she says.

-Ouch, that hurts me.- but Penelope doesn't bit. -So are you really sure?- he asks.

-Yes, despite what you think, I'll make it.- she says firmly.

 A few days later

As much as he likes his work, his favorite cases are those that don't force them to move away from Quantico. He keeps the door open for her and watches her go by. -What you think if we go out to dinner tonight?- he asks, reaching her for the usual greeting to Roxy and Sergio.

-And where?- she answers with another question, getting to his feet.

-I was thinking of that place Rossi told us about.- he says, wrapping his arms around her waist. He feels the woman's body tense instantly.

-Italian food?- she exclaims, as if he were talking about poison. -Pasta, lasagna, risotto, eggs...- she lists, -You are trying to sabotage me.- she concludes, turning to face him.

-Me?- he raises his arms like an innocent person wrongly accused. -No, look, the Mediterranean diet is considered among the healthiest in the world.- he points out in Reid style.

-Mmm.- she curls the lips. -And the desserts? I won't be able to eat anything.- she speaks to herself.

-It's a pity, because there is a wide choice: Neapolitan babà, Sicilian cannoli, castagnaccio, baci di dama, tiramisu, cantuccini, Neapolitan pastiera, strudel... do they have very particular names, don't you think?- she frees herself from his grip and pushes him away.

-That's enough! You will not ruin everything! I wouldn’t even drink a coffee, with you.- she adds, resolute.

But he doesn't seem offended. -Perfect, it will mean that I will have to settle for Cynthia.- he says.

Penelope looks at him intently. -You wouldn't do that.- she challenges him, but she falters.

-Do you want to bet?- he replies in the same tone, wearing another jacket.

-Ok, go ahead.- she replies. -I don't care.- she tries to convince herself. -I'm not so jealous.- maybe repeating it aloud will make it real. Luke doesn't answer her. -And do you go out like that?- she asks.

He turns to admire himself better. -Why, don't I look good?- but that's not what she means.

She just gets sad. -No, you're... perfect. Goodnight.- she turns around. -Have fun, say hello to Cyn.- she says, but then she can't do it. -Right you, who are Catholic, you should under-stand the meaning of a small sacrifice.- she adds.

-Yes, to humiliate and feel guilty needlessly.- Luke replies. -You can also call it overthinking.- he approaches. -I'm not a fan of this practice, as well as indulgences and relics.- they look at each other in silence.

-If you grandmother could hear you!- she reaches out to push him away but she get caught.

-So, do you go out with me?- he asks her with a persuasive tone, continuing to hug her.

-And Cynthia?- Luke shrugs. As if they both didn't know he hadn't even called her yet. Penelope chuckles. -You're bad. The Mediterranean diet is really so...- he silences her with a kiss.

-Yes, search on google if you don’t trust me.- he answers a few minutes later. -And if I were wrong, I will give up baseball games...- he hesitates -let's say for a year.- he exhales for the effort.

-This really looks like a small sacrifice!-

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: here the dishes I mention in this ff. I chosen Puerto Rican for Adam’ origins and Italian for my nationality. I don’t know which of these is know in United States and other parts of the words (I mean, the Italian cousine, especially the desserts). The funny part? I never had a good relationship with food, but I’m not a fan of diet (if you don’t consider the fact I’m vegetarian as a diet, for me is more than this). I haven’t try all of these desserts (and not even the Puerto Rican dishes), but I think they are all good at least to see. You eat before with eyes, don’t you?

-Puerto Rican dishes:

Papas Rellenas.

Coconut Flans.

-Italian dishes:

Neapolitan babà.

Sicilian cannoli.

Castagnaccio.

Baci di dama.

Tiramisu.

Tuscan cantuccini.

Neapolitan pastiera.

Trenitino strudel.

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