#you lack information on the reasons or means for this occurrence ->

[leefi]

TFTBN Read-through | Part 3: Chapters 22-34

Part 1: 1-14 | Part 2: 14-22 | Part 3: 22-34 | Part 4: 34-64 | Part 5: 64-80 | Part 6: 81-90 | Part 7: 90-100 | Part 8: 100-127 (caught up here)

I was flipping through the pages, looking for interesting parts, when a sheet of parchment suddenly came loose from another section much deeper into the book. Unlike the rest, the material looked new, probably only replicated in the last year or two.

Curious, I lifted it up, and folded it open. To my surprise, the text was dark red, and said--

YOUR LIFE IS IN DANGER

DO NOT TRUST ANY WITHIN THE INNER CIRCLE

FIND THE ARCHIVE ON THE TOP FLOOR OF THE MAIN BUILDING

REMEMBER YOUR OATH ⬇️ SHES GONNA GET MURDEREDDDDDDD WOOHOOOOOOO SWEEP SWEEP SWEEP SWEEP SWEEP

actually I wonder if Theodoros chan’s gonna get murdered actually. Son of a high-ranking member, asked Su to go to his room last night in front of everyone, was walking around alone with Su and Bardiya and milf mentor. Su would be the prime suspect with only Ran to vouch for her.

He was a young man, though not resembling of the others in our class. He had ear length, light brown hair, a light-bronze complexion, and quite delicate-looking features... Yet they somehow didn't come across as immature. In fact, he was surprisingly good looking, to the point that there was something reminiscent of a statue in his appearance. ⬇️ LUKA???????? Oh my god this guy acts exactly like Luka too Su said he was looking at her funny...does he recognize her, but she doesn't recognize him? I know a luka when i SEE ONE. THAT BOY KNOWS WHAT'S GOING ON. HE IS A LOOPER LIKE SU!!!

or maybe he's just silly idk!!! hehe

but why does he seem to remember/recognize her and she doesn't? does it have something to do with her request in the first chapter??? did she REQUEST TO FORGET??? how could u leave ur looping bestie like that wtf su that's so mean did he leave the note for her? he wasn't at the dinner!! maybe he slipped it into the book and knew she would read it then! hmmm but the note could have also been placed there long before they met and that wouldn't really explain the timestamp on when it was written...what was it 1-2 years ago? i guess not. omgggg iim so excited to see more of him i hope he doesnt die in five minutes ill be so sad forever

Falafel, pita bread with various stuffings, steak and egg porridge, cheese salad; high quality Ysaran food, all well prepared by Yantho, SWANA CUISINE SWEEPING THE NATION I still remember the shakshuka and lahmebajeen from ran and su’s lunch

I feel like kam has a crush on su and has no idea how to contextualize it beyond an academic rivalry — su is hopelessly in love with ran and completely unaware of the fact that she is — ran holds a dislike for su for some reason, but still cares for her. her feelings seem extremely complicated.

The ransu(? no names given but assuming) childhood scene on the beach omg…that was cute oh noooo 😭 ok they did get my ass with that one.

hmm idk if that was ransu because the other girl's personality was very different from ran's. but also this could have been long enough ago that ran's personality has drastically changed since then

Big brother is very good at his role! Sekhmet said. Unfortunately, he is also extremely stupid. He can only really think about the things he has been told to do. I have seen him try to think about other things, and it is slow and bad and embarrassing for everyone. ⬇️ Kindest younger sibling interaction

Ok here’s my death prediction list 1. Utsu (botched - she’s meant to be killed but someone dies in her place) 2. milf mentor 3. Theo 4. Another inner circle member/staff (probably a combination with 1+2) Regrettably I think kam is going to live forever

I’ve disagreed with kam on literally everything so far but especially this aversion she has towards solving a problem she won’t get to benefit from (“let us be the last”). She’s so…childish? It’s a very childish point of view.

this adherence to gender a lot of characters hold really surprises me...i figure this far out in the future everyone would be a lot more fluid!!! what's with this obsession with antiquity (@ the characters/setting not lurina)

What I also don’t understand is why humanity didn’t just clone from the original 10k then continue having children biologically (or like test tubeically. ykwim). Are 10k humans enough to avoid a genetic bottleneck? whats the minimum viable population size for humans I’m not a biologist

Ok according to one article the number is 98. That is too low. who said that. lets kill him Another says 14,000 ok if you average those two guys out you get 7k 🙄 they’re fine. assuming good genetic diversity from the source group you probably wouldn’t even need to monitor for inbreeding. Why are they doing this complicated shit and causing mental prolapse.

THAT BRINGS ME BACK TO THE POINT ABOUT THE CLONES TOOOOO CLEARLY THEY HAVE THE TECH TO MAKE VIABLE CLONES WITH A CLOSED & SAFE SOURCE SUPPLY WHY ARE YOU WORKING AGAINST BIOLOGY…UR EFFORTS WOULD BE BETTER SPENT DEVELOPING A WAY TO TRANSFER HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS FROM ONE BODY TO ANOTHER RATHER THAN MAINTAIN AN AGING BODY!!!!

Hmmm. Actually I wonder if Su’s grandpa had a similar idea. Considering the weird identity thing she has going on. Nothing to explicitly suggest this yet i think? just somethign to keep in mind considering he was voted off the polycule

I also wonder if that was related to the conversation regarding the Phoenix and the Dragon. maybe transfer of consciousness leads to loss of memory? But that wouldn’t make sense if the tech was perfect, everything would move over, leaving the old body a blank slate…what would that do to a brain, psychologically, seeing one’s former body in a dead state? also what would it do to an empty brain to suddenly be inhabited by foreign electrical synapses harboring thousands of memories preferences likes/dislikes etc. would it fight back/resist?

Im thinking back to those scratches on the wall in the kitchen. Obviously super freaky shit like 10 chapters ago but we had no context to it (we still don’t) so it was like whoops! There’s that. lol. Couple things: - did someone bake the missing chef into 🤔 a roast? - those tally marks may have been the missing chef’s and she was trapped in that room for years (thousands of marks, I think they said. Denoting days, maybe?) and then she died - But that doesn’t explain the distinct lack of skeleton in the room. Or in the roast - who would have it out for the chef - why - Hmmmm - You guys ever read that short story in high school english about the lady with the rack of lamb and the officers

Anyways that chef is definitely deads. In the kitchen? Probably not. In their tummies? Noooo (<- secretly hoping yes). Floating in the abandoned plane ocean? Yassss

Lurina is AMAZING at dropping really disturbing nuggets in the middle of a passage then distracting the characters/keeping things going. I just wish I was more engaged with the pacing :(

Good heavens," Kam exclaimed. "Are these guns?" They were, and in no small number. I could see at least fifteen rifles and ten pistols, and they weren't antiques. They looked like refractor weapons, the bronze still carrying the vivid sheen of recent production ⬇️ If this story turns into a COD lobby in the next 5 minutes im reading it forever

WTF DEAD CHEF SWEEP

Ok I have to put a bookmark on where I am in the story so far. Chapter 33! I will continue to read through it slowly but am done with the reactions for now :) bye byeeeeee

[to-the-stars8]

Learning to Love Slowly

Jason Todd x Reader All Chapters AO3

77- The Look and Mr. Wayne

It was astounding how much you and Jason could tell each other from a single look. Whether it be an eye roll, a smirk, or even a wink, there would be an understanding of the circumstances from one of you. Bruce had first noticed it when Barbara and Dick had gotten into a fight. You had shot Jason a look from across the room, and he had returned it with an eye roll. 

From that moment forward, he couldn’t stop noticing it. 

It took him a while to decode the meanings of your expressions, and what exactly stirred up such a silent, riveting conversation. In a way, it let Bruce know Jason better. He began to notice how Jason could tell you he was annoyed just by how he sighed and rolled his eyes. You expressed your silent disapproval of Jason by silently raising your eyebrows and thinning your lips. It didn’t matter where the two of you were, if you wanted to say something to each other a look would be shared. 

Bruce thought about pointing it out but found himself unwilling to share such sweet information. It was like he was a part of the conversation, though neither of you realized it. He could quietly chuckle along with you and Jason at the absurdity of Tim and Damian’s reasoning for arguing and judging Dick for his choices in his love life. It felt like he was part of an inside joke.

Then, Bruce saw you and Jason gave him the look. 

Jason was gearing up as you talked about dinner plans with your family so normal-like that it must have been a regular occurrence. Bruce had hardly been paying attention as he restocked the medical cabinets, more focused on the amount of gauze he would need than Jason meeting that one family you couldn’t stand. 

“Oh, there you are, honey,” Selina’s sing-song voice echoed through the cave. 

Momentarily, you and Jason looked over before resuming your conversation like she hadn’t just walked in. Bruce wasn’t too surprised by your lack of greeting. Most of the time the two of you were so caught up in each other that it was hard to notice anyone else in the world. 

“We’re still going to dinner tonight, hm?” Selina asked, propping herself up on the exam table. Bruce hummed a yes as he continued to count the gauzes. “Maybe we could try that new place and take the Porsche. Oh, these look new.” 

Selina reached into the utility belt around Bruce’s waist and plucked out a pair of cuffs. She unabashedly asked if she had broken the other ones, which, without context, sounded incredibly bad. Bruce could hardly manage a full answer. Selina seemed oblivious and Bruce glanced across the room at the two of you. 

Your eyebrows were raised and a slight smirk graced your face, silently telling your boyfriend, “Please tell me you heard that, too, so we can properly assess this.”

Jason responded by rolling his eyes and pretending to gag. “I did, and I hated it,” His look practically said. 

Nodding, you looked away as you tried to hold back a smile, making Jason whisper something in your ear. You tried not to laugh, but your boyfriend didn’t care enough not to.

The deep, loud sound caught Selina’s attention, and she asked, “Whatcha laughing at?” 

Jason refused to answer, and you couldn’t think of the words to explain. 

Bruce quickly changed the subject by shaking his head and Selina shot a look back. Luckily, they didn’t need any words, either.

[b1eeding-sun-rambles]

I think that Nagito Komaeda from Danganronpa 2 has STPD (Schizotypal Personality Disorder)

I'm currently rewatching a playthrough of the game to refresh my memory so if I don't include big thing that refutes or corroborates my head canon that's probably why. Also this list is based on both the diagnostic criteria as well as my own personal experiences I know that a lot of his behavior in game can be explained by his frontal Temporal dementia but I just want to reframe his behavior though the lense of STPD as this is a comfort head canon of mine.

Some background information before I go into my list of reasons: schozotypal personality disorder or STPD is a cluster A personality disorder. Cluster A is known as the odd and eccentric cluster and also includes PPD (paranoid personality disorder) and SPD (schizoid personality disorder). As of the most recent DSM the DSM-5 STPD is considered to be part of the schizophrenia spectrum. I also want to make it abundantly clear that I don't think that people who deal with psychosis are all inherently bad people or that everyone with STPD would act in the same way that Nagito does. People with STPD are not a monolith one person's experience is going to be different than someone else's. Also this is just a head canon I'm not trying to claim that the creators made Nagito with the intention of making a character that exhibits symptoms of STPD.

Okay, moving on to comparing symptoms that I believe he exhibits.

1. "Patients with schizotypal personality disorder do not have close friends or confidants, except for 1st-degree relatives. They are very uncomfortable relating to people. They interact with people if they have to but prefer not to because they feel like they are different and do not belong. However, they may say their lack of relationships makes them unhappy. They are very anxious in social situations, especially unfamiliar ones. Spending more time in a situation does not ease their anxiety."

I think this pretty easily relates to Nagito. He doesn't make close friends with anyone on the island (though to be fair they weren't in the best environment for that) and he seemingly has never had any friends even before the game. He has a very difficult time connecting with his classmates in large part due to his insistence on putting them up on pedestals and also just overall off-putting behavior. He doesn't show any anxiety about the situation that they've been put in at the beginning of the game however. In contrast to Hajime's paranoia, Nagito feels relatively laid-back.

2. These patients often incorrectly interpret ordinary occurrences as having special meaning for them (ideas of reference). They may be superstitious or think they have special paranormal powers that enable them to sense events before they happen or to read other people's minds. They may think that they have magical control over others, thinking that they cause other people to do ordinary things (eg, feeding the dog), or that performing magical rituals can prevent harm (eg, washing their hands 3 times can prevent illness).

Okay so this is purely me self projecting and there's not much, if any, evedence in game for Nagito possession magical thinking (and I'm going to atribute that to the fact that we aren't privy to his thought process) but hear me out. His luck cycle is the result of his magical thinking. Firstly, it's entirely possible that he saw a pattern in the good and bad things that were happening to him and attributed it to a fictitious cycle of good luck and bad luck. Now, I hear you saying "what about chapter 5?" and to that I say, I don't know. This is Danganronpa, and I'm seriously overanalyzeing a character who was never meant to be thought this seriously about. I'm going to say that his luck is almost certainly real but the cycle of good luck and bad luck might not be. I mean we see his good luck almost constantly affecting him but we essentially never see his bad luck. In Danganronpa 2.5 we see a world essentially catered to Nagito's internal thought process and there his bad luck is affecting him significantly more than it ever did in the game itself. Also him orchestrating multiple murders in order to see hope shine could be seen as him thinking that his actions can controll or affect things out of his control. Again I think this is my most flimsy argument.

3. Speech may be odd. It may be excessively abstract or concrete or contain odd phrases or use phrases or words in odd ways. Patients with schizotypal personality disorder often dress oddly or in an unkempt way (eg, wearing ill-fitting or dirty clothes) and have odd mannerisms. They may ignore ordinary social conventions (eg, not make eye contact), and because they do not understand usual social cues, they may interact with others inappropriately or stiffly.

So most people with STPD are charicterised as either having a flat affect or an inappropriate affect. I think that an inappropriate affect describes a lot of Nagito's interactions exceptionally well. I feel like I don't need to give examples of this because it's pretty much the entire game lol. As far as dressing oddly, I feel like every Danganronpa character can be described as dressing oddly and Nagito actually dresses pretty normally in comparison. Again I don't really feel like I need examples of Nagito's odd behavior. He's frequently head cannoned as autistic for a reason.

Okay on to the actual diagnostic criteria:

To be diagnosed you have to exhibit:

1. A persistent pattern of intense discomfort with and decreased capacity for close relationships

2. Cognitive or perceptual distortions and eccentricities of behavior

I already explained why I think he exhibits both of these but he also has to exhibit five or more of the following for a diagnosis:

1. Ideas of reference (notions that everyday occurrences have special meaning or significance personally intended for or directed to themselves) but not delusions of reference (which are similar but held with greater conviction)

2. Odd beliefs or magical thinking (eg, believing in clairvoyance, telepathy, or a sixth sense; being preoccupied with paranormal phenomena)

3. Unusual perceptional experiences (eg, hearing a voice whispering their name)

4. Odd thought and speech (eg, that is vague, metaphorical, excessively elaborate, or stereotyped)

5. Suspicions or paranoid thoughts

6. Incongruous or limited affect

7. Odd, eccentric, or peculiar behavior and/or appearance

8.Lack of close friends or confidants, except for 1st-degree relatives

9. Excessive social anxiety that does not lessen with familiarity and is related mainly to paranoid fears

Nagito definitely exhibits numbers 4, 6, 7, and 8. It's hard to say for some of the others because he isn't the pov character but I would argue he likely also experience 1, and 2 with 3, 5 and 9 being less likely. due to his behaviors (but he could easily be masking paranoia) or the fact that there is zero evidence to suggest he is experiencing these things.

This whole thing is by no means me attempting to tell you that you need to adopt the idea that Nagito has STPD but I've been wanting to talk about this for like four years because it's a head canon that means a lot to me. I also want to bring more awareness to non cluster B personality disorders like STPD :)

[pygmi-says-hi]

writing tips - fictional religion

I'm gonna be honest, writing a religion is probably one of the hardest things you could do as a fiction writer. Religion is such a prevalent topic and so multifaceted. It's fascinating, but hard as hell.

This probably needs to be two parts because of how much information is out there (I'll link some sites below!).

What purpose does it serve?

Why are you creating the religion? Is the main conflict about theological differences? Is it just atmospheric?

Depending on your answer to those questions, it'll change the level of depth required for the development.

If it's a minor addition, don't worry too much about researching all the ins and outs. If it's the main conflict and/or occupation (priest, cleric, etc) of your character and book, you need to put in the effort.

Pantheons

Probably the most common in fantasy, pantheon religions are polytheistic, meaning 'multiple deities.' Pantheons are also commonly misrepresented.

For a pantheon to work, it needs to have balance. Gods are usually associated with common natural, physical, and emotional occurrences. And there are two sides to every coin. If there is a god of death, there must also be a god of life. Every reaction has an equal and opposite reaction.

Underdeveloped pantheons have uber-specific deities, like the god of fireballs (stay with me) but no god/dess of harvest? Huh.

Pantheons are not excuses to add a religious element to a character's powers. Realistically, a civilization would have no reason to worship a Fireball god. It doesn't help or support their society.

Religion serves its people. If it doesn't have a benefit to them, why is it there?

Societies often structure their methods of worship around the way they structure the civilization. Think of it like a relationship (bear with me).

If you like making pottery, you're going to give the person you care about little pieces of pottery to show your appreciation. You're not gonna randomly start making side tables and give them an ottoman. If you live long distance, you'll arrange your dates so it's an equal commute towards the both of you, not fifty miles away from anywhere convenient.

The methods of worship need to make sense.

Can I use religion to give my character powers?

Sometimes.

Religion as a basis for character powers or development is interesting, but you need to do some creative thinking for it to read well.

Suppose you want your character to have fireball powers (we'll just stick with the analogy). Rather than having them worship a fireball god to receive these powers, maybe there is a god of fire. They worship the god of fire dutifully, and in turn the deity bends fire to the cleric's will. Then the cleric can choose to make fireballs.

Why do I need to be so careful about religion? It's fiction, right?

Yes, of course it is! And honestly, as long as the rules your religion subscribes to are consistent and make sense regarding the rules of your fantasy world, anything goes. Problems only arise when the religion is underdeveloped and lacks the explanation needed for the audience to appreciate it.

Major tip before you start writing a religion (specifically religious wars). If you are creating a religion based off of a real ethnicity (West African, Japanese, Indian, Latino, Jewish, Scandinavian, etc) PLEASE GOD HOLY MOTHER OF EVERYTHING do your research. What could seem like an innocuous representation could contain a harmful stereotype. "but silas, why do I have to do all that? won't people understand it's just fiction?"

no.

You are deciding to undertake a very precise responsibility of creating mythology based on a real cultural group. that means you need to be respectful. You're using their background, be nice with it.

xox i love you guys!

sites:

Writing Fantasy Religion

Pantheon Religions

[ninapi]

▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄

┊┊┊✧ ⁺ ⁺╚══ Mist Pillar ╝

Premise: Soulmates come at unexpected times and places. Muichiro goes on his final mission, one that he would get to remember to his very last breath. A short lived love blooms with the worse possible timing.

Word count: 3286

Warning: Spoilers of the original manga timeline.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Chaos was the only accurate definition for the current situation.

The pillar training sessions were about to begin, they were all very much occupied revising their own itinerary, they didn’t count with much time and needed to show results as fast as possible.

A reckoning mission came around, the demons were gone and even if Oyakata-sama was sure it was due to Nezuko, he still wanted to be absolutely sure they weren’t a threat currently before hogging all the corps in the states for training.

Muichiro, who had already been given the green light for his training schedule was selected for this quick mission.

He was to walk around the nearby villages, get information, live among the people for a few days and make sure there were no occurrences that would require further investigation.

The first few days came without incidents. The villages were quiet, no rumors going around. Everyone continued living their lives without even noticing the lack of danger in the air. It was quite refreshing for Muichiro to think of a life that continued like this. Would it be possible for them to defeat evil? Would this become everyone’s reality at some point?

It was endearing.

He never thought of getting a normal life back. He lived for Oyakata-sama and his purpose, he lived to help the world become a better place. Recently he’s been delving with his own emotions and trying to understand other’s feelings. Remembering his past had also helped him see the beauty of life, the beauty of connecting with others. It was nothing but a dream but he hoped maybe one day he would get to experience what others do, a simple normal life, enjoy the pleasures of nature and grow up to be a better man.

The last village was now in sight when he decided to take a short break while in the woods, he got some snacks on the way out of the previous village for this very same reason. His mission was coming to an end and the battle of a lifetime was approaching sooner than expected, he needed to reflect in his future actions to prevail.

Ginko, his loyal crow, as usual kept him company on her time off. He thoroughly enjoyed her company, she was his first friend, even before Tanjiro came to his life.

He loved caressing her feathers, they were so soft, it had a calming effect on him, exactly what he needed for the current task.

Even if she talks a lot, Ginko knows when her master needs silence, she enjoyed his company regardless of the lack of conversation.

Muichiro was deep in a meditative state when his senses caught something behind him in the tree line. “Reveal yourself!” his hand was hovering over the hilt of his sword, ready to attack if needed.

But the one behind the trees wasn’t a demon, nor a threat, but a girl seemingly around his age who seemed to be picking mushrooms and was startled by his hostility.

“I mean no harm, I work for the inn downtown, came looking for mushrooms for supper.” the girl came closer, showing Muichiro her basket full of mother’s nature goodness.

His hand retreated, resting over one of his legs, Ginko nuzzling his hand as a result.

Your eyes were on her the entire time fascinated by the familiarity of the bird with the boy, it was a rare sight, crows aren’t usually this friendly.

“Excuse me young master, is that your bird? I’ve never seen one getting this close to a human before.”

“She’s Ginko, you can say she’s my bird.” the normally hostile bird wasn’t reacting in a negative way, making Muichiro question her, this was more than unusual.

“She’s beautiful. May I touch her? I’ve always wanted to caress a crow. They’re wonderful creatures, sadly I’ve never been this close to one before.” he wasn’t sure why were you this excited about seeing a bird up close, but truth was, it didn’t matter to him if you did or not.

“If she lets you.”

Ginko was over the moon, people just don’t tell her often enough how beautiful she is. Seeing this human girl fuss about her was boosting her ego to the roof. She fluffed her feathers out, batting her eyelashes at you as to give you permission to proceed.

Bowing your head to her as sign of respect, you reached over to caress her feathers gently, almost adoringly.

Muichiro was entranced by the whole interaction, it was almost ethereal looking, made him wonder if you were some sort of wood sprite posing as human, he does tend to be popular among the creatures of the forest after all. Your eyes glowed with the reflection of the sun, your skin flushed with excitement, a smile so bright it could leave a man blind, breathtaking, even for someone like him.

“You have a wonderful bird, young master. Thank you for your kindness, I’ve enjoyed my afternoon thanks to you. Do come to our Inn if you need a place to stay!” and just like that, you were gone.

Ginko’s never been this quiet before, it was starting to scare him a little bit. “Muichiro, she felt like you. Isn’t that weird?”

“What do you mean she felt like me? Like the way she was playing with your feathers?” tilting his head to the side he was doing his best to comprehend his feathered friend.

“No, like the energy coming out of her. It was bright, just like yours.” he hummed in thought, rerunning the scene in his head, there was nothing particularly similar between the two of you, Ginko was probably just getting old, how long do birds even live?

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The sun was about to set and finding lodging became a priority. He’s been walking around the village all the afternoon and wished nothing more than a bath and a warm meal. That’s when he remembered the girl from the mountain, he’s pretty sure she said something about an inn downtown, just what he needed.

It was fairly easy to find as it was the only lodging facility in town, it was large and full of people. This was the largest village in the list, and it had a very different ambiance than the rest he visited on previous days.

He was able to secure a room but headed straight for the dining hall, he needed to eat something first.

His eyes kept roaming around all the faces present in the hall. Majority were old men already drunk, even when the evening was just starting. The workers were all girls, and they were all wearing the same uniform as the girl he met earlier, making it even harder to recognize her in the crowd.

He didn’t even know why he was looking for you, he was able to find the inn without problems, is not like he needed your help for anything.

“Here’s the udon you ordered, sir. Please be careful, it’s very hot.” he has the hardest time remembering things, faces included, but that voice, somehow it rang a bell in his head right away.

“Mushroom girl.”

This caught your attention, looking up at the guest before you. “Oh! The friendly owner of the beautiful crow!”

Friendly? You though he was friendly? Was it because he let you touch his bird? He wasn’t sure but it felt like a compliment, and he couldn’t help but give you a little smile. It’s been happening often, and he doesn’t know how to control this new skill of his.

“My name is (Y/N), don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything, I will be around!” you returned his smile but yours was brighter, bigger, shiny even. It caught his eye once again, and he didn’t know why, kind of reminded him of Tanjiro’s, gentle, full of appreciation.

The noodles were great, he was full, and his stomach was content. But for an unknown reason he called you over when you passed by and ordered a second round.

This time you brought him some extra side dishes that he didn’t order. Leaning closer you whispered, “These are on the house, but don’t tell anybody.” you winked at him playfully before running to answer another customer’s call.

His smile remained like a stamp on his face while he ate the delicious treats. It was starting to hurt his face muscles, being stiff due to the lack of use, eating while smiling felt definitely odd.

“Can I have some more water, please?” he’s been waiting twenty minutes to ask for a refill, there were over six different girls tending the customers, yet he waited until you were in proximity to make the request.

Happily, you refilled his cup and offered him some tea, which he agreed on. It was a long night. He never expected to stay in the dinner hall for three hours, all he wanted was something quick to eat and pass out for the night.

Ginko was waiting for him on his bedroom window, stressed by how long it took for him to arrive. “I thought you were dead, Muichiro.”

“Sorry, I got distracted.” he plopped face down on his futon, contemplating life. He was acting weird, could it be the presence of a demon? Maybe he should stay for a couple more days to investigate further.

“Are you not going to take a bath?” he just grunted a reply before dozing off. It’s been a long day. Unwillingly, he kept on asking for more stuff to eat and his stomach ached with fullness, all he needed was sleep.

Funny enough, once he managed to cross the border to the dream realm, a beautiful soft smile made its way out and remained on his face for the entirety of his restful sleep.

Dreams of giant mushrooms with cute faces and quiet lovely cottages in the forest invading his dreams.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

After interrogating villagers all morning, Muichiro ended up in the same mountain he was at the day before, annoying Ginko to her limits. “Why are we here again? We checked this area yesterday.”

“I just wanted to take a break. I like it here, it's quiet.” The village was indeed loud, she couldn’t throw a snarky comment back, it was true, it was a lovely place.

It reminded him of his home, the mountain was similar to this, the same wildflowers grew among the grass. It brought memories of a better time, a time his mother, father and brother were still with him.

His mother used to show him how to thread flowers together and he would make beautiful crowns for her all the time as gifts when he was a little boy, it was a treasured memory for Muichiro.

Without noticing, his hands started making a crown on their own while he was swimming in his own memories not minding the real world.

You were on mushroom duty once more, so you quickly noticed the boy sitting in the middle of the flower field. It was a beautiful sight, he looked almost like a doll, effortlessly pretty. Then you heard wings flapping around, your happiness couldn’t be contained. “GINKO!” running towards the middle of the field, you were now facing Muichiro and his feathered friend.

He didn’t think he’d get to see you there, or so he tells himself, but he secretly knows he did it on purpose. The reason was still unknown to him though, it gave him the need to look for an excuse for his peace of mind.

“You come here every day?”

“Well not really, we take turns but the girl in charge of Thursday is sick.” you were trying to bring Ginko over to your lap instead, the bird complying with joy.

“Ginko really likes you, that’s odd. She usually just likes me.” this made you smile fondly at the bird; she was really sweet you wished they would stay in the village for a long time.

“Maybe we have something in common that makes her comfortable with me. Maybe is the hair? Or hmmm…not sure, maybe we went through something similar and give out the same type of vibe?” Ginko did say you felt like him, it intrigued him.

“Did you have a twin brother that was murdered by a beast?” he said this with a straight face, as fresh as a lettuce, causing you to bulge your eyes out in distress.

“What? No. Please tell me that didn’t happen to you-“ the bird nestled herself against your stomach, seeking comfort.

“It did, I thought that might be it. What about your parents? Did they die tragically?” the situation was escalating fast, sadness was creeping its way to your chest faster than a wildfire.

“I don’t know much about my parents. I was told they sold me off to the inn keeper, but I don’t remember much of my past, don’t really know why either.” this made Muichiro’s eyes bulge in turn, that was it, that’s why you felt like him.

“I had amnesia before too, it got better now though. If it helps, mine got cured after being trapped in a water prison to the brink of death, maybe you should try that.” your eyes watered at his words, he’s been through so much, this poor guy.

“Thanks, though I don’t think I want to remember the people that chose money over their own daughter.” you smiled at him, but this time your smile was different, it didn’t feel warm, it didn’t feel welcoming, it made an upset feeling bubble in his chest.

“Here, this is for you.” he handed you the flower crown he was mindlessly building. True, he wasn’t even aware of the fact that he was making one, but he was in a way thinking of you while making it. It was yours without a doubt.

“For me? Really?” the sad smile morphed into a magnificent bright happy one as you set it over your head. “How does it look? Does it suit me?” Muichiro just nodded, returning the smile. Much better, that was smile the he remembers.

“Can I have your name? I would like to remember it...” your cheeks were changing colors like a rainbow after a rain shower, your lashes seemingly growing longer as shyness overtakes you.

“Tokito Muichiro.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Muichiro has been staying in the same village for a week now, Ginko couldn’t be seen anywhere, and he knew what that meant. He was probably going to have to go back this very same day.

It’s not like he has anything to do there, there were clearly no demons around, it was a peaceful village, everyone knew each other, like a big family. Nothing like the place he was born in.

But there was something inside of him that tied him to the place, like if he really didn’t want to leave, it was inexplicable to him. He didn’t want to leave the inn, he was starting to blend in and the life of others became his every day. Meeting each other as many times as posible throughout the day became a priority for the both of you, even if it was unspoken it felt almost like a promise.

A promise he didn’t want to break, but he knew he couldn’t keep.

When Ginko arrived with Oyakata-sama’s orders to go back for pillar training, his chest felt heavy. He knew this was coming, is not like he could just move into a random village and get a life there, at least not yet. He had a purpose, responsibilities, people counted on him. He had to go back.

Making his way out of the village he heard something far away from him, he couldn’t hear it clearly, but it sounded like his name.

Looking up, he saw you running down the mountain as fast as you could, not stopping until you crashed against his chest. Panting heavily, your face was stained with tears, the heaviness in Muichiro’s chest grew ten times deeper in just a second.

“You’re leaving, aren’t you?” you looked sad, broken even.

“I have to go back to work. I overstayed.”

Fresh tears were adorning your face now, both of your hands bawling on his chest.

“You aren’t wearing the crown anymore.” you’ve been wearing it nonstop since he gave it to you, his attention span was short, the lack of flowers distracted him.

“I don’t want it to get ruined, I intend to keep it forever, so I am drying the flowers in my room.”

The heaviness in his chest turned to warmth, your words made him smile, he never thought someone would take such care of something made by him, it felt nice.

“Will I…ever…see you again?“ you were mumbling in between hiccups, trying your best to stop your tears.

“Can’t say for sure.” it wasn’t like he didn’t want to see you again, he just knew what was coming, it was unlikely at least for a long time.

You nodded in understanding, letting go of his uniform. “If you ever come back here, please stop by the inn. I would like to make a crown for you one day.” one of your hands reached over to his face, gently running your thumb along his cheek as if trying to memorize every single detail of him to perfection, a soft smile gracing your lips.

A crazy idea popped up in his head, “Do you want to come with me? I’m sure there’s something you could do where I live, maybe in the butterfly state, they’re all girls there. We could maybe do some crowns there and have some tea from time to time, I can even introduce you to my best friend, Tanjiro, I’m sure you two would get along. And you could help me take care of Ginko.”

For some reason he couldn’t stop talking, Ginko was definitely a bad influence, how do you even stop talking once you start?

But the look on your face was not what he was expecting, he was sure you would say yes, who would say no to meeting Tanjiro.

“Nothing would make me happier…but I can’t. I was sold to the inn keeper, remember? I can’t leave this place until I finish paying my worth.”

This was unexpected, he didn’t have any money, he wonders if maybe Oyakata-sama could buy your freedom. He’s the most respectable man he knows, he’s rich too, totally possible.

“I will get back for you, I promise.”

Your hand fell from his face, nodding weakly at his words. Somehow deep down in your heart you knew that wouldn’t happen.

“I will wait for you here then, for as long as it takes.”

Muichiro nodded in your direction before heading back home. He had a plan; he would talk with Oyakata-sama as soon as he arrives back at the state and everything would be fixed in no time.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

But things didn’t go according to plan. Oyakata-sama wasn’t feeling good, he couldn’t even grant audiences with his pillars any longer, his life span was coming to an end and couldn’t be bothered by others, he was told to wait and no longer after the battle that brought an end to his life came.

With his last breath he thinks of your smile when he gave you the flower crown, he thinks of the warmth of your hand against his face, thinks about how he was not able to keep his promise.

“I hope we meet again in another life….maybe then we can make flower crowns together.”

His last thoughts were plagued of you just before being received by his family in the afterlife. He did a good job, he helped defeating the strongest moon. This would help the others defeat Muzan, protect humanity.

This would keep you safe.

▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄

Masterlist

[aprocessionofthoughts]

Search

ectoberweek24 day 7- ectology tw- none summary- Sam and Tucker keep searching for more information

masterlist ao3 part 7 of AHINWTG

Sam dragged Tucker to the library. She was exhausted. She had hardly been sleeping. It seemed that every night was another nightmare, but she couldn’t remember what they were about when she woke up. She couldn’t count how many times she had thrown the planchet out the window, burned it to ash, buried it, tossed it in the pond at the park, or otherwise tried to destroy it. But each morning, it was back on her desk.

She still hadn’t been able to make herself open the file they’d stolen from the school.

She dragged Tucker to the library’s basement where they kept all the old records no one really cared about, but the library still kept for some reason. At least, it was helpful to them now.

“Sam, what are we doing here?” Tucker asked. “On a Saturday. We’re supposed to be relaxing, playing video games and eating junk food.”

“You mean doing homework, which you’re going to procrastinate anyway. So stop complaining and start looking through the newspapers and other files for any mention of the Fentons.

Tucker grumbled, but started going through boxes filled with what looked like random papers.

An hour went by and still they had found nothing.

“Saaaammm!” Tucker said, collapsing dramatically on the floor where he had been sitting going through a file box. “This is boooring.”

Sam said nothing. Her movements were just as quick and focused as they had been when they had first started searching. She needed to figure things out, she needed to know what was going on, otherwise she’d go mad with the lack of sleep.

“Keep looking. I’ll buy you Nasty Burger for lunch.” she said, already grimacing at having to spend money on meat.

Tucker perked up and kept searching.

Another hour went by, and Tucker had started to fidget. He was going through files much slower than Sam. He was about to complain or ask for a break or anything really to break up the monotony when Sam stood up suddenly.

“I found something.” she said, walking over a desk in the basement corner and shoving some dusty files to the floor. Tucker winced but leaned over to see the article that Sam was pointing to.

It was just a small article talking about an accident that had happened in the park. It stated that the Fentons claimed they had been testing one of their inventions which had apparently decided to explode. The article treated this like a common occurrence going on to note that no one had been hurt this time.

They returned to their search with more vigor, finding three more articles. One had to do with the Fentons wanting to construct some strange addition to their house, but that the housing committee had stopped them. Another was an article about how their daughter, Jazz, had won an academic award. 

The third paper looked like someone had spilled ink on it. They could only make out part of the article which said something about the youngest Fenton making a discovery about a gorilla that was being temporarily kept at the zoo a few towns over. The picture and his name were blotted out with ink.

They searched for a bit longer but found nothing more.

As they sat eating at Nasty Burger Sam’s expression stayed puzzled.

“What’s wrong?” Tucker asked.

“I couldn’t find any mention about the Fenton parents deaths, or anything else about them. I checked all the obituaries. But I couldn't find any mention of them. And there was also a whole year’s worth of newspapers missing.”

“You’re looking too much into it Sam. The library probably just lost the box, and the newspaper might have forgotten to publish the obituaries.”

“Maybe.” Sam muttered. But she didn’t look convinced. Something was strange, and she would just have to keep looking.

[stilltrails]

Title: The Specters (original ao3 link) Summary:

He remembers her saying—was it in this very room?—‘Be good to me.’ He thinks, if I see her again, perhaps this time I will.   In an alternate universe where Anne Boleyn never loses her head, she and Thomas Cromwell rework their relationship. (A series of mostly unrelated shorts in which they learn to survive together. Sometimes he saves her, sometimes, she saves him. Other times, they save themselves.)

She is pacing across the room as if the fire is already beneath her feet. She wrings her hands together, throws them in front of her and pulls on the ornate fabric of her sleeves. Her eyes have already misted with tears, and her expression is one of pure dread. 

He has told her that the king means to kill her and would expect nothing less from her. Her house of cards has finally fallen. Her hard work ending with her kneeling on the block, or tied to a pyre. 

Though he finds solace in the fact that she is comfortable enough to fall apart in front of him.

It has not been so for some time. He supposes he has offered the first olive branch in their strained relationship, and Anne has latched onto it like a famished soldier on the cusps of desertion. They have kept secrets from the other for so long, working in the shadows against the other. Racing to knock the other off of the pedestal the king had raised them to

He stands in silence, allowing her to absorb the information he’s provided her. Already, it’s too much. The king wants her downfall to be swift, and by his admission of what the Henry has told him, Anne will either fight or flee. She will not survive if she chooses the former. 

“If you decide to fight, you cannot win. He will have me put false charges on you and you will be executed.” He cautions the Queen as the air of ambition rises about her. He does not mean to smother the fight she has left, though he thinks she may take it that way, “I have already gathered evidence against you.” 

“I imagine you had your fun with that,” she snorts, pausing her pacing just to scowl at him. She resumes, her new dog running beneath her skirts. 

“If I had my fun with it, I would not be standing here warning you of your impending downfall. I do so at the risk of my own life,” His retort lacks the harshness that her accusations did, though he is callous and to the point. Should this go more sideways than it already has, he will be killed alongside Anne. For that reason he has not told anyone what he had planned to do. Not even Rafe, who will have most certainly let him know how foolish he was being. 

The decision had been made on a whim. And seldom did he make such rash decisions without properly weighing the consequences. He recalls arriving in his study early that morning. Pouring over the written statements provided to him regarding the Queen’s infidelity. The act of holding a life in his hand should have been more monumentous than it was. But today it was tedious. Henry had made it so. And how else could he live with himself for what he prepared to do to an innocent woman if the act was anything more than tedious? 

It was not five minutes after he settled that he’d heard it. 

Two voices, muffled as if they were speaking just outside of his door. The voices near identical to he and the Queen. “Be good to me–” he managed to make out. The woman–the Queen–was pleading. Had he seen her, she would have been crying. 

“If I see you again, perhaps this time I will.” He was at his feet at the sound of his own voice, throwing the door open immediately.  What he would see, he was unsure of. But it certainly was not an empty hallway. There was a chill in the air, the subtle scene of perfume as if a woman had been lingering outside. 

But he was alone, with only his reflection on the mirror down the hall. 

Presently he remembers the occurrence. He does not give much credit to tales of ghosts and faeries. But he believes in God, and believes there is no need for a priest to officiate His messages. 

Anne has taken the seat. He takes the one opposite of her. Tentatively, he reaches over the table. He holds his breath as she locks eyes with him, and releases it as she extends her hands to his.  

“What will I do, Thomas?” Her tears spill over now.

“I have contacts in Germany. People who you can trust. They will care for you,” he assures her, squeezing her hands, “we can have you out of the country within the next month. I will arrange it all.” 

“My family?” Her eyes sparkle, her voice hitches, “Elizabeth?” The consequences of his impromptu decision stack on him one after the other. He has no particular love for the other Boleyns. Especially the men. “You are her mother, should you wish for her to go with you, I will orchestrate it. But as for your family, they will need to denounce you.” He thinks of the accusers who will no longer be vindicated now that he has thrown their bargaining tool away. But he hasn’t, not really. He will save Anne and keep the charges on the others. He will save Anne, but the Boleyns are still his enemies. 

Be good to me, it is  below a whisper, but loud enough for him to hear. 

“You do not need to decide now, but I will need an answer soon. I will delay the king for as long as I can.” Thomas stands. Anne reaches for his hand as he pulls it away. He hesitates, and lets her savor his touch. He savors hers as well. At a point they were friends. This phantom distance between them did not exist. 

He would like it to be so again. 

He bows to her, deciding what steps to take next. He will not involve his children. He will send Rafe on some fool's errand. Richard will be easy enough to lead on. And Gregory is…well Gregory. 

He thinks back  to the phantom argument outside of his door. He hopes he has satisfied the specters. 

[darkx-the-dragon-kn1ght]

Chapter 36- Part 15

Anyways! Onwards we go, to Spinel Town!

This is not the exit! That lady wasn't the fool, it was me all along! But at least there seem to be some cool stuff here, lots of items-

Items that are mocking my continued lack of Telluric Seeds…

But at least now I know where to get a Leafeon, if I ever wanted one.

Good, good…but the most important thing is right there! Another Field Read-Out! But what Field could this be about…? The “blooming” one from Tanzan Cove?

Oh, that's even better! Finally, I get to learn what this Field is about, I've only encountered it a dozen times by now! And I guess this means that last Trainer really was intended to set the forest ablaze with Eruption- but alas, the rain said no to foreshadowing.

But honestly, given how many times I've fought on Burning Field in the past, I've already seen a good chunk of this information? 

Gets created on certain Fields with spread Fire moves (but also Fire and Grass Pledge), can be put out with rain or Water Sport…strengthens Fire moves, weakens Grass and Ice moves…the fire damages certain Pokémon when they enter the field except Fire-types and certain Abilities (like Fire-based Stealth Rocks)...activates Blaze, Flare Boost, and Flash Fire automatically? That's a new one. And there's a small handful of moves that get a secondary Fire-typing for some reason. And Will-O-Wisp becomes fully accurate, good for it!

Okay, but this still isn't the way to Spinel Town, so let's head back out. I think I need to go back around instead?

There we go! That's gotta be the exit! Onwards we go, to Spinel Town! Like- actually, this time!

Wow, they weren't kidding, this place really is just nestled right into the mountain.

Oooh boy, the teleportation stuff has spread to the town, it's like a virus! Do the statues offer anything special?

That…doesn't give me many hints, in fact it makes me more confused.

No? I spent all that time navigating the wacky woods to get here, you can't tell me or Xera what to do!

Well, at least these weird occurrences are being acknowledged by more people. But I'm just gonna go to the Pokémon Center first and foremost, we can do more looking around later.

Whoa, this is a much different interior design compared to the city- it reminds me of the more traditional games, all bright and welcoming.

Frankly, the quakes are more of an annoyance at this point, but the teleportation is definitely the weirder thing.

Hmm…strange quakes and sudden, unnatural teleportation issues…I'm gaining an idea of sorts, but I wanna see if anyone else has anything else to add.

Previous

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[karygurl]

prevarication (ffxiv)

Thancred x WoL, Emet-Selch x WoL. Takes place in Shadowbringers, timeline is vague but probably sometime after returning to the Crystarium from Rak'tika Greatwood. Two intelligent men dance around what they truly want, and find they have at least one thing in common. Became inspired by this gpose and just had to do it to 'em.

Thancred bit down on the groan that threatened to escape from his lips. He could think of few people, in the First or the Source, that he wanted to see less of than the one approaching him.

He’d been assisting with the patrols at Fort Jobb in Lakeland, helping in his own way while the more learned members of their crew worked with Moren in the Cabinet of Curiosity to locate some clues. He’d been afforded a brief respite, leaning against one of the structures in the shade and enjoying the still calm of the lavender forest and lack of blanketing light overhead, when a skulking shadow crept into the corners of his vision.

Emet-Selch. Headed Thancred’s way, for some reason. 

"What's this? Has the band of merry misfits driven off their stalwart protector?"

And the Ascian opened straight away with sarcastic disdain. Lovely. 

"Don't you have anything better to do? Like work on those plans that have you slavishly sacrificing a world to your god?" All things considered, it was likely better to have him skulking about in plain sight rather than off working on some scheme, but that didn't mean that Thancred had to enjoy his company.

"Well, you lot haven't managed to derail my plans yet, and until such an occurrence, I have precious little to occupy myself. Surely you’ll forgive me for seeking out some alternative means to pass the time."

Thancred wasn't sure he bought that explanation. As Emet-Selch settled back against the wall beside him with a weary exhale, he tried to consider what the Ascian’s angle might be. For the moment the Scions were still formulating their next objective, so perhaps he was curious? Though were that the case, surely he wouldn't have singled out Thancred as someone with information on their plan that could be gleaned, especially isolated from the others as he currently was. 

Perhaps Thancred could prise information from him? Doubtful. This so-called Paragon has orchestrated the rise and fall of great civilizations with meticulous planning; it was unlikely Thancred would be able to extract anything that he didn't wish revealed. Still, in the off chance that the Ascian wished to brag, surely there was little harm in casting a line, if he could manage to bring the subject around to something he needed information on? 

"I cannot fathom what prompted you to seek my company out."

A dignified huff. “You think yourself that far beneath my notice? You wouldn’t be far from the truth, though it seems you’re the oldest acquaintance of a certain someone in your little group, and that had caught my attention.”

Of course it was Cassandra. Who else could it possibly be? Thancred hadn’t missed the rare, brief smiles that the Ascian had cast in her direction, the difference in the man’s suddenly illuminated countenance striking, before he once again succumbed to whatever melancholy weighed him down.

Thancred’s gaze slid to the slouched man at his side, choosing his words carefully to both probe and insult. "And what do you see when you look at her, she who recoils at your very presence?"

"Someone with naught the memories to recognize who stands before her."

The grave weight in his words gave Thancred pause. He knew about Cassandra's amnesia? That seemed the obvious explanation, however that could possibly be, though something in his hollow tone lent more gravitas to the words than he'd expected. Was there more to it? What could the Founding Emperor of Garlemald, an Ascian, possibly be to the Warrior of Light? 

“You’ve met Cassandra before?”

“If that is your question, then yes. Yes, I’ve had the pleasure of brief familiarity with her.”

Thancred immediately caught the implication of his initial response. How else could he have worded his question that would have changed his answer? 

“And yet she doesn’t remember you.” Thancred didn’t miss the way a dark shadow seemed to pass over the Ascian’s eyes at that. Perhaps he didn’t know about her amnesia? Or did he in fact have something to do with it? “And when did you last see her in your previous acquaintance?”

“In the days before the Second Eorzean Uprising.”

Thancred knew from his infiltration of the empire that the Garleans had their own calendar, their own names for skirmishes and battles. The Second Eorzean Uprising was their name for the Battle of Carteneau.

Though Thancred schooled his reaction, Emet-Selch’s lips spread into a wry smirk as he watched the realization dawn, hooded eyes staring intently. 

Thancred didn’t rise to the bait; he was too busy thinking through the ramifications. He knew from intel he’d collected while in the Circle of Knowing that Emperor Solus had been reported to be in the Garlean capital for much of the time preceding Carteneau. He hadn’t toured the empire for some time due to his health, and he’d wanted to subtly distance himself from Nael van Darnus’s Eorzean campaign and its wretched Meteor Project. If the Ascian wasn’t lying (and that was anyone’s guess), then Cassandra had presumably been in the Garlean empire’s capital in the days preceding the battle. Somehow. Was she Garlean? A conscript? The latter seemed more likely considering her affinity to that Bozjan lullaby that had haunted him these past years on the First. However, conscripts were trained and deployed far from the capital itself and rarely if ever allowed into the palace, let alone anywhere near the emperor. And how could she have managed to vanish from the heart of the Garlean empire, from under the nose of the Emperor himself, and turn up inside a Gelmorran ruin in the Black Shroud four years later with her memories lost to her?

But Emet-Selch was still watching him. Looking for a reaction. Looking for information, he realized. He didn’t know her whole story, either, and Thancred wasn’t about to start handing out information without making him work for it. “Tell me how you knew her.”

The Ascian’s grin was near vicious in its self-satisfaction. They’d arrived at the heart of the matter; this was why he’d deigned to appear, why he’d sought Thancred out specifically. “Quid pro quo, spymaster.” 

Thancred crossed his arms. “And what could an almighty Ascian possibly want from a lowly man such as I?” Tell me what you want. Her secrets are neither mine to divulge nor yours to withhold. 

“Simply information. Assuming you even have any, which I’m beginning to doubt. Do you truly know so little of the woman you love?”

Blatant provocation. Thancred held Emet-Selch’s pointed golden stare, neither reacting nor backing down. Denying it would be pointless; just as he’d recognized Emet-Selch’s adulation, so had the Ascian spotted his own longing for her. 

Between he and Cassandra was much that had yet to be spoken, and he wasn’t certain that it ever would be. But if he was to have his emotions dragged through the mud by an Ascian, then by the gods, he’d bring the bastard into the muck with him. 

Emet-Selch’s mocking smirk had yet to wane. “Given up already? Content to simply pine for a woman so far beyond you?” 

Still Thancred’s gaze didn’t waver. "Does seeing your affections mirrored in another truly spark such jealousy? How surprisingly uncivilized. And here I thought you Ascians were possessed of superior virtue and beyond such ignoble salacity, but I see I was mistaken."

That piqued the Ascian’s annoyance, lips curling into a sneer. "You think I'm lusting after her? How base. She is no object to be used… a truth that most of your pathetic people cannot seem to grasp."

“It might surprise you to know that on this one thing, I agree with you.” 

Moments passed in silence, then. The tension was palpable, not companionable, but at least in one singular way, they seemed to understand one another. 

Emet-Selch closed his eyes, breaking their long-held stare. Thancred was honestly expecting more of an interrogation, but it seemed the Ascian was finished as he pushed away from the wall with a heavy sigh. “I suppose you’ve offered enough amusement for the moment. Enjoy your exhausting and pointless heroic work.”

That infuriating, flippant wave was the last thing Thancred saw before the Ascian was swallowed by a darkened portal and vanished, leaving him with far more questions than answers… and a headache he wasn’t particularly thrilled with, either. 

[naturalremedies-chlear]

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[amit-ahuja]

Finding the Best Pest Control Services Near You

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Why Professional Pest Control Matters

Professional pest control services are crucial for several reasons. First, they provide comprehensive solutions that address both the symptoms and root causes of infestations. This means that a qualified technician will not only eliminate visible pests but also implement strategies to prevent future invasions.

Second, experts have the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle a wide range of pests. From rodents to insects, a professional can identify the specific pest problem and apply targeted treatments to eradicate them effectively.

Finally, professional pest control services prioritize safety. They use regulated chemicals and methodologies that minimize risks to your family, pets, and the environment. DIY methods often lack these safeguards, potentially leading to harmful consequences.

How to Identify Trusted Pest Control Dealers

Finding reliable pest control dealers requires some research. Here are key factors to consider when choosing a service:

Check Credentials and Certifications

A reputable pest control company will have the necessary licenses and certifications. These credentials indicate that the company adheres to industry standards and regulations. Be sure to ask for proof of certification and check with local regulatory agencies to verify their legitimacy.

Read Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Customer feedback is invaluable when assessing the quality of a pest control service. Look for reviews on various platforms, such as Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Pay attention to both positive and negative comments to get a balanced perspective on the company's performance.

Inquire About Experience and Expertise

Experience matters in pest control. Companies that have been in business for several years are likely to have encountered and successfully resolved a wide array of pest issues. Additionally, inquire about the team's expertise in handling the specific pests you're dealing with.

What to Expect from a Pest Control Service

Understanding what a professional pest control service entails can help you make an informed decision. Here's a breakdown of the typical steps involved:

Initial Inspection

A thorough inspection is the first step in any pest control plan. The technician will assess your property to identify the type of pests present, the extent of the infestation, and potential entry points. This information is crucial for developing an effective treatment strategy.

Customized Treatment Plan

Based on the inspection findings, the pest control dealer will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan may include a combination of chemical treatments, traps, and exclusion techniques to address the current infestation and prevent future occurrences.

Regular Follow-Ups

Effective pest control often requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Reputable companies will schedule follow-up visits to ensure the treatment's success and make any necessary adjustments. These visits are essential for keeping your home pest-free in the long term.

Tips for Maintaining a Pest-Free Home

While professional pest control services are essential, there are several steps homeowners can take to minimize the risk of infestations:

Keep Your Home Clean and Tidy

Pests are attracted to food and shelter. By maintaining a clean and organized home, you can reduce the likelihood of attracting unwanted guests. Regularly clean your kitchen, dispose of garbage promptly, and store food in airtight containers.

Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for potential entry points, such as cracks, gaps, and holes in walls, windows, and doors. Seal these openings with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent pests from gaining access to your home.

Remove Standing Water

Many pests, including mosquitoes and rodents, are attracted to standing water. Ensure that your home is free of water sources by fixing leaky pipes, emptying water-filled containers, and maintaining proper drainage around your property.

Trim Vegetation

Overgrown vegetation can provide hiding spots and pathways for pests to enter your home. Regularly trim bushes, trees, and shrubs to keep them away from your house's exterior walls and windows.

Conclusion

Finding trusted pest control dealers is essential for maintaining a pest-free home. By choosing a reputable service provider, you can ensure effective and safe pest management. Remember to check credentials, read reviews, and inquire about experience when selecting a pest control service.

[12k4-h]

Understanding Why Your Wikipedia Page Was Deleted

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you eagerly searched for your name or your company's name on Wikipedia, only to discover that the page you were hoping to see has vanished into thin air? If so, you're not alone. Many individuals and organizations face the perplexing issue of their Wikipedia pages being deleted without a clear explanation.

Wikipedia, the world's largest online encyclopedia, is known for its strict guidelines and community-driven content management. While Wikipedia pages can be immensely beneficial for individuals and businesses alike, they are subject to scrutiny and deletion if they fail to meet Wikipedia's rigorous standards.

Reasons a Wikipedia deletes a page

So, why was your Wikipedia page deleted? There could be several reasons behind this unfortunate occurrence:

1. Notability

Wikipedia requires that subjects meet a certain level of notability to warrant a dedicated page. This means that individuals or organizations must have received significant coverage in reliable, independent sources to merit inclusion. If your page lacked credible sources establishing your notability, it may have been deemed non-notable and subsequently deleted.

2. Conflict of Interest

Wikipedia strongly discourages individuals and organizations from editing pages about themselves or their interests. If it's suspected that a page has been created or edited with a biased perspective, it may be flagged for deletion. This often happens when individuals or businesses attempt to promote themselves or their products/services on Wikipedia.

3. Copyright Violations

Wikipedia strictly adheres to copyright laws and policies. If the content on your page was found to be plagiarized or in violation of copyright, it would likely be deleted to avoid legal issues.

4. Lack of Reliable Sources

Wikipedia places great emphasis on using reliable, verifiable sources to support claims made in articles. If your page lacked proper citations or relied heavily on questionable sources, it could be subject to deletion for not meeting Wikipedia's sourcing standards.

5. Promotional Content

 Wikipedia is not a platform for self-promotion or advertising. Pages that read like promotional material rather than neutral, informative content are often flagged and eventually deleted.

Steps to take if your Wikipedia page has been deleted

If your Wikipedia page has been deleted, all hope is not lost. It's essential to understand the reasons behind the deletion and take appropriate action to address the issues. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Review Wikipedia Guidelines

Familiarize yourself with Wikipedia's content guidelines and policies to understand where your page may have fallen short.

2. Improve Sourcing

If the deletion was due to a lack of reliable sources, work on gathering credible references and citations to establish notability.

3. Neutralize Content

Ensure that the content on your page is written from a neutral point of view, avoiding promotional language or biased perspectives.

4. Seek Help

Consider contacting experienced Wikipedia editors or a Wikipedia page creation agency for assistance. These professionals can help navigate the complexities of Wikipedia and guide you through the process of creating a page that meets the site's standards. In conclusion, having your Wikipedia page deleted can be disheartening, but it's essential to approach the situation with a proactive mindset. By understanding the reasons behind the deletion and taking appropriate steps to address any issues, you can increase the likelihood of successfully creating and maintaining a Wikipedia page that stands the test of time.

[why-cash-app-payment-pending]

Understanding Why Cash App Payment is Pending?

In the digital age, where instant transactions have become the norm, encountering a pending payment on Cash App can be frustrating and perplexing. You've sent money to a friend and paid for goods or services, but you're met with a pending status instead of a smooth transaction. Why does this happen? What causes Cash App payments to be stuck in limbo? In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into why Cash App payment is pending and explore practical solutions to resolve this issue swiftly.

Understanding Cash App Payment Pending:

Cash App, a popular peer-to-peer payment service, allows users to transfer money with just a few taps on their smartphones. However, despite its seamless interface, users occasionally encounter the dreaded "pending" status when sending or receiving funds. But what exactly does it mean when a Cash App payment is pending?

When a payment is pending on the Cash App, the transaction is yet to be completed or processed. This delay can occur due to various factors, ranging from technical glitches to security measures. While pending payments typically resolve within a short period, understanding the underlying causes can help expedite the process and prevent future occurrences.

Reasons for Cash App Payment Pending:

Network Congestion: During peak hours or when the network is congested, Cash App transactions may experience delays, resulting in pending payments.

Insufficient Funds: If your Cash App balance or linked bank account lacks sufficient funds to cover the transaction, the payment may be placed on hold until the necessary funds are available.

Security Checks: Cash App employs robust security measures to protect users from fraud and unauthorized transactions. Payments may be flagged for additional verification, leading to a pending status.

Technical Issues: Cash App is susceptible to technical glitches and system maintenance like any digital platform. These issues can disrupt the payment processing flow and cause payments to remain pending.

Recipient's Verification: If the payment recipient is new to Cash App or hasn't completed the verification process, their payments may be subject to review, resulting in a pending status.

Solutions to Resolve Pending Cash App Payments:

Check Network Connectivity: Ensure you have a stable internet connection to avoid disruptions during the transaction process. Switching to a different network or resetting your device's connection may help resolve pending payments.

Verify Account Balance: Review your Cash App balance and linked bank account to confirm sufficient funds are available for the transaction. Adding funds or transferring money from your bank account can expedite payment.

Complete Verification: If prompted, complete any required verification steps to confirm your identity and ensure compliance with Cash App's security protocols. This may involve providing additional information or verifying your linked bank account.

Contact Customer Support: If you see that Cash App payment pending for an extended period or you encounter any unusual issues, don't hesitate to contact Cash App's customer support team for assistance. They can provide personalised guidance and resolve any underlying problems affecting your account.

FAQs:

Q: How long does a Cash App payment stay pending?

A: The Cash App pending payments are typically resolved within 24 to 48 hours. However, certain factors like network congestion or security checks may prolong the processing time.

Q: Can I cancel a pending Cash App payment?

A: If a payment is pending on the Cash App, you can attempt to cancel it by navigating to your transaction history and selecting the pending payment. However, cancellations are only possible if the payment has not been completed or processed.

Q: Will I be charged if my Cash App payment is pending?

A: You will not be charged for a pending Cash App payment. The transaction amount is temporarily placed on hold until the payment is processed or canceled.

Conclusion:

Encountering a pending payment on Cash App can be inconvenient, but it's essential to remain calm and understand the underlying reasons behind it. By following the solutions outlined in this guide and staying informed about common issues, you can confidently navigate the world of digital payments. Remember, Cash App is committed to providing users with a secure and seamless payment experience, and promptly addressing pending payments is critical to ensuring a hassle-free transaction process.

[childcarecorner]

Understanding and Managing Teenagers' Emotions

Teenagers are disappointed and frustrated again, whether their best friend cancels plans to spend more time with the latest shiny product or someone spreads false information about them online.

They might feel pressure to perform better than everyone else to protect "their future," and this strain makes them anxious to the point where they're losing sleep and gaining weight.

How can parents make them get better when everyone around them in adolescence seems to be experiencing the thrill and possibilities of teen life except for them? There must be a method to manage this emotional roller coaster. Yet how?

Guidelines for Recognizing and Managing Teens' Emotions

Keep calm

Avoid talking to your teen when you're upset, worn out, or irritable whenever you can. If you and your teen get into a heated fight, maintaining your composition can help settle things down. It can be challenging to remain calm when a teenager yells at you or bangs on doors. It's true.

Keep in mind that your objective is to help your child deal with their current emotions and, over time, develop into an emotionally stable adult, not to win an argument. That doesn't mean you have to grin and nod when called names. But refrain from adding to the commotion by yelling at yourself.

Instead, explain to your youngster that solving the issue at hand will be more straightforward if you can respect one another even when you disagree.

Understanding the Teenagers

The teenage brain is less developed than the adult brain, even though teenagers can appear to be adults physically. Until the mid-20s, the area of the brain that controls emotions, reason, and decision-making continues to develop.

Your teen's thoughts and behaviors may alter due to ongoing brain growth and hormonal changes during these years. There is no lack of intelligence during the teenage years due to these hormonal changes.

Teenagers may struggle with handling disagreements, making wise decisions, and controlling their emotions because their self-management abilities are still growing.

Respect Their Divergent Points of View

You can picture how you would feel if your partner told you during a heated dispute that your worries were "not that big of a deal." Teenagers also don't want their feelings to be downplayed. They frequently experience anxiety at this stage of their lives over life after high school, or they may experience self-consciousness due to their changing bodies and emotions.

This may cause even minor issues to seem overwhelming to them. It also helps to be aware that your kid can genuinely believe that a tiny occurrence is the end of the world, even if you don't necessarily think it is.

Be there

While your attempts to engage your kid in discussion will only sometimes be successful, making yourself available is crucial. Ask your teen to reciprocate by maintaining eye contact as you speak and listen to them.

Even if it means you must dine quietly, consider making it a rule that no electronics are allowed at mealtimes. Find areas of agreement and talk about shared interests. It is more likely that your teen will turn to you during the challenging times if you are accessible during the good times.

Conclusion

Middle and high school years can be challenging for parents, but by implementing some of these best practices into your interactions, you can make this time less stressful.

Your teen will be better prepared for success in school and life if you assist them in developing social and emotional skills for their general well-being. These include learning coping mechanisms, controlling emotions through being grateful, and changing one's perspective to focus on what one can handle.

[ayejayque]

The Grounds for Politics in the Workplace

Politics happen when workers try to gain something which is outside their control by ruining their coworker’s name and character. It has been observed that workers who take part in office politics pay less devotion to their work. People play politics at the office when they misuse their influence simply to come to attention and gain the consideration of their bosses as well as the administration. Nothing creative comes out of politics. It leads to disapproval and disapproval at the office. Politics rises pressure and also spoils the connection among people. The reasons for workplace politics are as follows: - Individuals willing to come to attention without much effort hinge on politics There are certain people who go to the office just for fun and do not have confidence in working hard. Such people have no other choice than to hinge on foul politics. They try their utmost to create an adverse image of their co-workers just to come in the good books of the administration. - Personal associations Personal associations amongst workers can occasionally also lead to politics. This happens when people go all out to care for their friends, relatives, or neighbors at the office. One should never combine commercial with private life. Your team associate might be your best buddy, but at work, he needs to be treated just like everyone else. No special favors should be given to him. - Blame competitions Make sure that you control your tongue at the workplace. Speak appropriately and never find faults in others. Listen to what the other individual has to say. Everybody’s view is significant. Always own your responsibilities. - Lack of confidence It is important to trust your co-workers. Your corresponding worker might reveal something to you, but that really does not mean disclosing all his secrets to your manager. If you can’t assist anyone, you have no right to harm anyone either. One should remember that ultimately, it is faith and humanoid associations which aid in the extended run. Your coworker can even be your best buddy. If one is budding, his pains will never go unobserved. Success has no shortcut. - Manipulations Manipulating info to hoodwink bosses leads to politics at the office. One should pass information in the way it is intended. - Gossips Politics also happen when workers indulge in pointless talks. Leg pulling, disapproval, backstabbing, and hate leads to politics. An envious worker would never want his coworkers to outperform him. Workplace politics and organizational undercurrents Politics is unavoidable wherever there are clusters of people opposing each other for the same set of threatened resources. In this background, it is certainly the case that organizations have their own cut of workplace politics due to the occurrence of power hubs and interest sets each with contending and contradictory plans. Businesses are forced by resources such as how much cash to assign for each plan.  And to which division as well as how many individuals to allot for these facets means that a firm element of dogmatic competing for these resources establishes itself. The key to business success is in how well the bosses accomplish the rival and contradictory plans and how well they “take all groups along” in their decision-making. Indeed, there are frequent instances of corporates where meeting room fights are the standard rather than the exemption. This is because of the existence of many clusters each with its own plan. This is why some foremost business leaders often find that the ground on which they stand is sliding unexpectedly and short of announcement and in other cases, they can sense that somewhat is happening and hence, prepare consequently. The other facet of organizational politics establishes itself when there is a power void in times when CEOs (Chief Executive Officers) have to be chosen, the political competing “comes out exposed” wherein each ambitious senior management figure puts his or her own case as to why they should be selected the CEO. Considering the fact that the Board of Directors has the final say, it is also the case that each candidate links with the many board members separately or in clusters to push their case frontward. As stated earlier, the real test for business leaders is to guarantee that such boardroom fights and intra-organizational politics do not damage the benefits of the organization. The most well-known business leaders in history have become successful and renowned because of their skill to poise the rival and contradictory plans of competing groups and confirm that they do not damage the organizational welfare beyond a certain point. This is why many corporates have boards that are planned and constitute members who can grip such battles without hurting the organization. The most successful corporates are those who can assume a consensual rather than quarrelsome method to office politics in which they safeguard that each group is taken along for the sake of the organization. It must be noted that there are politics at all levels of the organization. This means that boars need not get involved everywhere. Indeed, the past of the corporate ecosphere is full of instances where middle managers become authoritative in their own right because of their know-how and knowledge. They become power centers and also regulate who gets promoted and why and who gets the share of the capital in disagreement with other clusters. Another aspect of organizational politics is that power centers tend to form and combine along local, cultural, and language lines. Throughout the blog, I have recommended that administrative leaders should accomplish politics without damaging the business. However, the fact that cultural and area divisions can totally harm the businesses means that elder leadership figures are occasionally associates of such clusters. This can damage the administrative goods far beyond any other political manipulation and hence, the disagreement here is that the development of such clusters must be dispirited right from the top of the hierarchy in case they get to ugly conditions and totally redundant battles. It is human to indulge in some sort of politics. In conclusion, deterrence is better than cure and hence, such examples must be nipped in the bud before they transform into circumstances that can result in harm to business.   Read the full article

[divinumv3ntus]

1111

No. 1111 is the prominent sign of manifestation and enlightenment. It is the universal synchronicity of confirmation and support of The Divine. It’s meaning holds a general consistency but may also embody a personal meaning typically congruous with its universal significance. The number can be associated with divine intervention and possessing a high vibrational signature.

The meaning of 1, or 11 has several meanings. Firstly number 11 is a master number (the master numbers are 11, 22, & 33). It is an intuitive number emblematic of self-mastery and awareness. When this number is repeated, such as the case of 1111/11:11 it is amplified. In addition, it represents new beginnings, and support from The Divine.

The repetitive sightings of 1111 can be the occurrence of two very broad circumstances. It can be spiritual, and/or in relation to neuroscience. In the neurological sense, it is possible to inadvertently develop selective focus, or to train oneself to see the numbers. I view the former as one explanation to the physical transpiration (of the several) and the latter as a bad habit. As we live a spiritually-rich existence, there is no doubt that science is a severely lacking explanation for the spiritual, and perhaps it was ever meant to be. It’s more accurately the explanation of the mundane. Even the physical is spiritual, but it’s not the science itself that likes to disprove and undermine the spiritual; it’s the people/society, and to a degree science is people and it is also an explanation. In terms of spirituality, 1111 is synchronicity and a message from your gods and/or the universe. It is a good omen. Everything happens for a reason. For someone new to their spiritual path, the number may be an indication of spiritual awakening (which may be accompanied by side effects). To those who have been on their path for some time, it more than likely suggests something different.

In essence, it is the external reflection of one’s internal reality (thoughts). It is the exact reflection of thoughts, and thoughts are reflecting the reality. Because of this, it deals with manifestation. In a way, it’s like a shooting star; when the opportunity presents itself, set an intention, make a wish or even a resolution. Additionally, it is the ultimate number in channeling and may potentially facilitate the receipt of spiritual downloads.

It is also an opportunity of self-discovery. If you’re seeing this number and you’re not sure why, the next time you see 1111 note what it is you’re looking at and simply be with it; focus, meditate, even momentarily and find out what you can uncover. A good practice or habit to develop is to remember what it was you were thinking about right before you saw the number. It may give you insight as to the why’s, who(‘s), and what.

Furthermore, it is the ultimate confirmation number and a universal resounding “yes.” In other words, it tells you you’re on the path you’re meant to be on and taking the necessary steps in order to accomplish and fulfill your desired/intended spiritual design.

I highly encourage you to seek more information on this number if you feel the necessity. The links below provide a good amount of information and further elucidate what I have paraphrased and simplified here. Evidently, I didn’t include all of the information nor did I get all the information from these sources. A lot of what is written here is of general awareness and I have implemented what feels right to me. https://tealswan.com/resources/articles/1111-what-does-it-mean-r304/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1QczUKNPfo

Darkest blessings,

⛧DivinumVentus

This post genuinely houses and emits the high frequency of 1111. If you’re seeing this, it may not be by chance, and it’s time for you to stop writing it off as coincidence.

[If this post doesn’t resonate with you, disregard it.]