#youth training programme

[coopsday]

Local communities learn about the cooperative model in Lao People's Democratic Republic.

The ILO organized training workshops for district officers, vocational teachers and students and cooperative members in Attapeu province, Lao PDR utilizing its Think.COOP and Start.COOP packages.

Three workshops using ILO’s training tools, Think.COOP and Start.COOP, were held in Attapeu Province on 29 February and 1 March 2024, by the ILO in collaboration with COOP Okinawa, Japan International Labour Foundation (JILAF) and Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU).

Around 75 participants from the Attapeu Department of Industry and Commerce, vocational training educators and students, and members of Lao’s rice whiskey producing cooperative Lao-Lao took part in the workshop. Representatives from JICA Laos and Okinawa also joined as observers. The training sessions used select modules of Think.COOP and Start.COOP tools to help participants learn about the benefits of collective action, principles of cooperatives and rights and responsibilities of cooperative members.

Ms. Heejin Ahn, Technical Officer in ILO Bangkok stated in her presentation that ILO is the only specialized agency of the United Nations with an explicit mandate on cooperatives. Ms. Ahn gave an overview of ILO’s support for cooperative policy development, where over 100 countries have used the Promotion of Cooperatives Recommendation, 2002 (No. 193) to develop and revise cooperative policies and laws. Ms. Ahn also provided an overview of the Our.COOP tools, including Think.Coop, and Start.Coop, developed for people interested in setting up, launching, or joining a cooperative.

Mr. Ishihara from COOP Okinawa quoted the origins of the cooperative idea in Lao PDR as “If you share it, there will be more; if you compete for it, it will never be enough”. An official of the Attapeu Department of Industry and Commerce noted that “This training helped me put into words what I have been practicing all along. Now I can share this knowledge with others.”

Participants visited the cooperative’s production facility of the Lao-Lao (Lao’s rice whiskey) in Xai Village, Attapeu Province. The ILO will continue raising awareness and strengthen cooperative development by conducting trainings using Our.COOP tool with COOP Okinawa, JILAF and LFTU.

The training was conducted jointly by two projects; ILO’s Building Youth Capacity and Network in Asia-Pacific project, which aims to empower 50,000 youth and vulnerable people using sustainable, scalable and impactful training tools in countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Lao PDR; and COOP Okinawa’s Project which aims to support the establishment of cooperatives in Attapeu Province. Both projects are funded by the Government of Japan.

[k12academics]

Our approach

Children are the focal point of everything we do. CHILDHOPE-ZAMBIA is a child development organization in Zambia. We work with children, their families, women, youths, communities, organizations and the government of Zambia to bring about positive development and reduce poverty among the children. CHILDHOPE-ZAMBIA provides opportunities for these groups to participate at different levels based on their strengths and life experiences. Families and community representatives also participate as advisers and/or decision makers. CHILDHOPE-ZAMBIA believes that when children, adults and communities work together it is most likely that programmes will be booming and there will be sustainability. Listening to what children say about their rights, needs and concerns is key to our approach. CHILDHOPE-ZAMBIA encourages and helps children to take an active role in finding solutions to their problems and realizing their full potential towards their development.

Accountability Our organization is committed to making lasting improvements to the lives of children living in poverty in Zambia. CHILDHOPE-ZAMBIA recognizes its duty to be as effective and efficient as possible and to be accountable to all its stakeholders. Our core areas of activity include:

Education (Early childhood and Primary)

Girl child empowerment

Health and HIV/AIDS

Income generating activities

Nutrition

Provision of clean water and sanitation.

Inclusive education

Child sponsorship

Child, youth and women empowerment

Sexual and reproductive health

Our values Our mission We create the conditions in our work, activities and in our organization for personal empowerment, especially of children and the most marginalized. CHILDHOPE-ZAMBIA will always act in the best interests of the child and respect child and human rights. We are ethical, honest, transparent, and place a high value on integrity. CHILDHOPE-ZAMBIA acknowledges that it cannot solve problems of poverty alone but only through team work and mutual partnerships and we are accountable to all of our stakeholders in our communication, finances, performance measures, and results and strive for effectiveness, sustainability, and efficiency in everything we do

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - June 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $Kaybarr1735! And if you tip me and give me a way to contact you, at the end of the month I'll send you a link to all of the articles I found but didn't use each week!

1. Victory for Same-Sex Marriage in Thailand

“Thailand’s Senate voted 130-4 today to pass a same-sex marriage bill that the lower house had approved by an overwhelming majority in March. This makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia, and the second in Asia, to recognize same-sex relationships. […] The Thai Marriage Equality Act […] will come into force 120 days after publication in the Royal Gazette. It will stand as an example of LGBT rights progress across the Asia-Pacific region and the world.”

2. One of world’s rarest cats no longer endangered

“[The Iberian lynx’s] population grew from 62 mature individuals in 2001 to 648 in 2022. While young and mature lynx combined now have an estimated population of more than 2,000, the IUCN reports. The increase is largely thanks to conservation efforts that have focused on increasing the abundance of its main food source - the also endangered wild rabbit, known as European rabbit. Programmes to free hundreds of captive lynxes and restoring scrublands and forests have also played an important role in ensuring the lynx is no longer endangered.”

3. Planning parenthood for incarcerated men

“[M]any incarcerated young men missed [sex-ed] classroom lessons due to truancy or incarceration. Their lack of knowledge about sexual health puts them at a lifelong disadvantage. De La Cruz [a health educator] will guide [incarcerated youths] in lessons about anatomy and pregnancy, birth control and sexually transmitted infections. He also explores healthy relationships and the pitfalls of toxic masculinity. […] Workshops cover healthy relationships, gender and sexuality, and sex trafficking.”

4. Peru puts endemic fog oasis under protection

“Lomas are unique ecosystems relying on marine fog that host rare and endemic plants and animal species. […] The Peruvian government has formally granted conservation status to the 6,449-hectare (16,000-acre) desert oasis site[….] The site, the first of its kind to become protected after more than 15 years of scientific and advocacy efforts, will help scientists understand climatic and marine cycles in the area[, … and] will be protected for future research and exploration for at least three decades.”

5. Religious groups are protecting Pride events — upending the LGBTQ+ vs. faith narrative

“In some cases, de-escalation teams stand as a physical barrier between protesters and event attendees. In other instances, they try to talk with protesters. The goal is generally to keep everyone safe. Leigh was learning that sometimes this didn’t mean acting as security, but doing actual outreach. That might mean making time and space to listen to hate speech. It might mean offering food or water. […] After undergoing Zoom trainings this spring, the members of some 120 faith organizations will fan out across more than 50 Pride events in 16 states to de-escalate the actions of extremist anti-LGBTQ+ hate groups.”

6. 25 years of research shows how to restore damaged rainforest

“For the first time, results from 25 years of work to rehabilitate fire-damaged and heavily logged rainforest are now being presented. The study fills a knowledge gap about the long-term effects of restoration and may become an important guide for future efforts to restore damaged ecosystems.”

7. Audubon and Grassroots Carbon Announce First-of-its-Kind Partnership to Reward Landowners for Improving Habitats for Birds while Building Healthy Soils

“Participating landowners can profit from additional soil carbon storage created through their regenerative land management practices. These practices restore grasslands, improve bird habits, build soil health and drive nature-based soil organic carbon drawdown through the healthy soils of farms and ranches. […] Additionally, regenerative land management practices improve habitats for birds. […] This partnership exemplifies how sustainable practices can drive positive environmental change while providing tangible economic benefits for landowners.”

8. Circular food systems found to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, require much less agricultural land

“Redesigning the European food system will reduce agricultural land by 44% while dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 70%. This reduction is possible with the current consumption of animal protein. “Moreover, animals are recyclers in the system. They can recycle nutrients from human-inedible parts of the organic waste and by-products in the food system and convert them to valuable animal products," Simon says.”

9. Could Treating Injured Raptors Help Lift a Population? Researchers found the work of rehabbers can have long-lasting benefits

“[“Wildlife professionals”] tend to have a dismissive attitude toward addressing individual animal welfare,” [… but f]or most raptor species, they found, birds released after rehabilitation were about as likely to survive as wild birds. Those released birds can have even broader impacts on the population. Back in the wild, the birds mate and breed, raising hatchlings that grow up to mate and breed, too. When the researchers modeled the effects, they found most species would see at least some population-level benefits from returning raptors to the wild.”

10. Indigenous people in the Amazon are helping to build bridges & save primates

“Working together, the Reconecta Project and the Waimiri-Atroari Indigenous people build bridges that connect the forest canopy over the BR-174 road[….] In the first 10 months of monitoring, eight different species were documented — not only monkeys such as the golden-handed tamarin and the common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus), but also kinkajous (Potos flavus), mouse opossums (Marmosops sp.), and opossums (Didelphis sp.).”

Bonus: A rare maneless zebra was born in the UK

June 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[woso-dreamzzz]

Sleep

Katrina Gorry x Teen!Reader

Summary: You fall asleep

"Hi everyone," Katrina whispers to the camera," I just thought I would show you all what I'm dealing with."

It's almost pitch black on the screen as she moves her phone to capture the area. She's in a hotel room, that much is obvious. It's one of those hotel rooms that's got a double bed and a single.

She aims the camera at the single bed, where Clara is sound asleep, pressed up against her pillows.

Then, she draws the camera back to the double bed. It shakes for a moment before it focuses on you. You're curled up against Katrina's side, light puffs of breath tickling at her neck.

Her hand strokes down your bed hair as you fidget around for a second before you settle.

"Got the wifey to bed," She says to the camera," And the kiddo."

You fidget again, eyes fluttering open and closed before you're completely relaxed.

When she arrived at Vittsjö, she hadn't quite expected you. Obviously, there was Clare and then later on Charli but then a fourth Australian on the team wasn't what she expected. She expected it even less when she found out from her new teammates that you were the rising star from the youth programme.

"My parents are both Australian," You had told her when she asked," They're here for work. We moved when I was nine." You had then confessed that you rarely saw your parents due to the long hours they worked and throwing you in football had been cheaper than getting a babysitter for you.

It was at that moment that she knew she'd keep you close. You were barely sixteen, full of energy and a desire to prove yourself so Katrina set herself up as the person to reign you in a little bit.

It was hard at first, all you wanted to do was resist and resist and resist until you nearly snapped your ankle at training and, with your parents on a business trip, you got stuck at Katrina's place.

Suddenly, you had a structure in your life and a routine and (most surprisingly to Katrina) a bedtime. It sucked for the first few days with Katrina watching your every move and scolding you when you tried to wiggle away and leave without telling her.

But, somehow, you managed to settle in with and never ended up leaving even when Clara moved in and suddenly you were competing for Katrina's affection with her.

Somewhere along the way, you ended up between them both every day at practice. You were always within arms reach of them both during training and when you inevitably got called up to the Matildas for the World Cup, Katrina felt more proud of you than she ever had before.

You groan loudly as your eyes adjust to the light of Katrina's phone screen. You lift your head.

"Mini," You say," 'S too early to get up." You moved around slightly until you were fully face-planted in her neck. You did that a lot now, always curling into her in some way or another like a clingy little baby.

She just smiles fondly at you, still recording on her camera.

"I don't want to get up," You mutter, refusing to come out from your hiding place as Katrina cards her fingers through your hair, gently working out the knots there.

"You don't have to get up," She assures you," Go back to sleep."

You're still groggy and already half-asleep but you just make sure to check that it's okay. "Not time to get up?"

"Not time to get up," Katrina confirms, easily manoeuvring you like you're a puppet so you can be in a more comfortable position.

It's hardly the first time that you've shared a bed with her (or fallen asleep on her at all as you do that frequently on the coach) and it's easy to get you into a position that will have you sleep through the night.

You don't fight against her at all. You just allow yourself to be moved around and you yawn as you lay more fully against her body, your hand coming up to rest at the collar of her pyjama shirt.

"Night, Mini," You say even though you're almost completely back to sleep again.

Katrina looks at you, shaking her head fondly before turning back to the camera with a smile. She gives it a thumbs up. "The kiddo's back to sleep."

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ WILLIAM'S YEAR IN REVIEW : 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 ✧• ─

𝟑 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Prince of Wales released a statement ahead of his trip to South Africa for the fourth annual Earthshot Awards. He departed from Heathrow Airport for South Africa. It was announced that Earthshot Awards had led to the creation of 650 jobs in Cape Town & contributed to their creative industries.

𝟒 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William arrived at Cape Town International Airport and was received by the British High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa (Antony Philipson). Afterwards, he joined Young Environmentalists participating in the inaugural Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme. He then visited the Atlas Foundation at Ocean View Secondary School.

𝟓 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William met Rangers and Mayine e-Africa volunteers at Table Mountain National Park. He shot a Q&A video with Robert Irwin at Signal Hill. Later, he was received by the President of the Republic of South Africa (Cyril Ramaphosa) at his residence. The UK & Soth Africa delegation held a Bilateral Meeting. Afterwards, he attended Conservation Roundtable Meeting at Portside Tower. William attended the Earthshot+ Summit. Finally, William attended the United for Wildlife Global Summit, and announced the "Ranger Welfare and Standards Initiative" to provide rangers access to in-service & medical evacuation insurance cover, and training and leadership development opportunities.

𝟔 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Prince of Wales held a Meeting with Finalists of the 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards at Kirstenbosch Gardens. He held a Meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan. Afterwards, he attended a Founding Partners' Lunch at Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. William then attended a final rehearsal and gave an Interview to the BBC. In the evening, William attended the Earthshot Prize Awards at the Earthshot Prize Dome. Finally, he attended an Earthshot Prize Thank You Reception.

𝟕 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William visited the National Sea Rescue Institute in Cape Town. Afterwards, he visited Abalobi - a 2023 Earthshot Prize finalist and took part in a traditional fish braai lunch. He met will wishers during a walkabout. Subsequently he attended a Seaweed Innovation Showcase at the Portside Tower. Finally, William departed Cape Town International Airport for the United Kingdom.

𝟖 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : He arrived at Heathrow Airport in London from South Africa. William gave an Interview to the press on the conclusion of his trip to Cape Town. Kensington Palace marked Lady Louise's Birthday.

𝟗 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. Kensington Palace released a 2024 Earthshot Prize short film documenting William's visit to Cape Town.

𝟏𝟎 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Prince and Princess attended the Remembrance Day Service of Remembrance and laid a wreath at the Cenotaph. Afterwards, he took the salute at the March Past of Ex-Servicemen and Civilian Organisations on Horse Guards Parade. A new portion of William's Interview in South Africa was released.

𝟏𝟐 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William held an Investiture.

𝟏𝟑 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William held a Reception at Windsor Castle.

𝟏𝟒 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William was received by the Lord-Lieutenant of Belfast (Dame Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle) at Simon Community. He visited The Foyer. Afterwards, he met representatives of the Northern Ireland Creative Industries and young people learning screen industry skills at Ulster University where he was received by Deputy Lieutenant of Belfast (Mr. Shane Quinn). Kensington Palace marked The King's Birthday.

𝟏𝟗 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Prince of Wales attended the Diplomatic Corps Reception.

𝟐𝟎 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William visited Cyfannol Women's Aid in Newport. Later, he was received by the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent (Robert Aitken) at the Nelson Trust. Subsequently, the Homewards Newport Coalition published the "Newport Women’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment" Report. The Prince of Wales became Co-Patron of the 'Jewel of Arabia Expedition' along with Crown Prince HH Theyazin bin Haitham of Oman.

𝟐𝟐 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Prince of Wales was received by Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London (Stuart Shilson) at the launch of Jewel of Arabia Expedition at the Royal Geographical Society. He was joined by the Crown Prince of Oman. William appeared in a video message to mark the 5th Anniversary of National Emergencies Trust.

𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William visited the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards at Salisbury Plain in his role as Colonel-in-Chief.

𝟐𝟕 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : He attended the Tusk Conservation Awards at the Savoy.

𝟐𝟖 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William and Catherine released a personal statement offering their condolences on the passing of Liz Hatton.

[cognitivejustice]

Hundreds of people, and a handful of grassroots cooperatives, collectives and networks, are trying to figure out how to build an alternative to capitalist industrial agriculture, and not a moment too soon. 

25% of children in London face hunger during the school holidays. A total of 3.2 million adults in the UK reported not eating for a whole day because they couldn’t afford or access food. 70% of our wildlife has been obliterated in the last 50 years, 64% of our insects in the last 20. Crops contain 40% fewer nutrients than they did 100 years ago. 99% of London’s food comes from outside the city, while almost one third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, one fifth being from transporting it alone.

Where do you even start when the industrial model has wrecked so much? As the Zapatistas say, there are many yeses and one no. Twenty years ago, a group of young growers persuaded Waltham Forest Council to lease them 12 acres on the edge of the city, to start a cooperative farm. Today, OrganicLea distributes hundreds of veg boxes each week at tiered solidarity prices and has trained hundreds of new growers. This is a flagship `Yes’, but there are others. Several food cooperatives redistribute surplus food and buy produce in bulk to cut costs. At least three community cafes sell high-quality food at variable rates people can afford, providing vital refuges in a gentrifying, hostile city. And dozens of community gardens practice regenerative ways of caring for the land, reclaiming small pockets of the city and tending the otherwise eroded agency of its inhabitants. 

From the food forest started in an abandoned church garden by XR activists, to the healing herb gardens cultivated by the Community Apothecary (a collective offering affordable herbal medicine) to Time To Grow! (TTG) a project helping people grow food for the community in unused private gardens, there’s an endless appetite here for experimenting with localised alternatives to capitalist agriculture. And in these times of worsening climate unravelling, of desperate isolation, of profound (however artificial) resource scarcity, growing food with each other feels like a wise move. 

The youth-led collective Climate Vanguard explains how growing food in the community can be part of building a transformative mass movement by thinking of them as “climate survival programmes”. Just as the Black Panther Party’s breakfast programs were key to building popular power, growing can be a way to ameliorate the worse effects of climate breakdown and build the power we need to transform the economic system causing it. 

[horsemeatluvr23]

skizz !!!! my partner pointed out that he lowkey looks like adrianne lenker in this drawing and i can't unsee it ..... also gonna be away the next 3 days (i'm doing a residential training programme to become a volunteer at a charity for trans youth !!) so i won't be online much and will schedule the next few drawings, i'll b back on monday :3

[formulatrash]

there's loads of cute quotes from Akio Toyoda about the Haas partnership. Toyoda was the guy who took Toyota out of F1 back in 2009 - a decision that, as president of the world's largest car company, he still says "wasn't wrong." But emotionally, it stayed with him.

"Although I'm not a professional racing driver, I'm surrounded by numerous professional racers who don't mind driving with me." Toyoda literally drives race and rally cars and sort of had to be pinned back a few years ago and told to calm down but still does it whenever he can. "Recently among them are both drivers who grew up with Honda and racing drivers who have long been with Toyota.

"There's something I sense when talking to professional racing drivers. It's that everyone wants to drive the world's fastest cars. I think that's the way drivers are.

"That said, I'm the person who quit F1. So I think that drivers were never able to frankly talk about it in front of me. It was like there was always this inhibiting atmosphere in our pit.

"In January this year, I said in front of everyone that I had finally gotten back to being an ordinary older guy who loves cars.

"I think that, somewhere deep in his heart, that ordinary older car-loving guy Akio Toyoda had always regretted having blocked―by pulling out of F1―Japanese youths' path toward driving the world's fastest cars."

He then talked about how this is specifically a programme to help Japanese drivers into F1, as well as a mutually beneficial technical partnership. Toyota has recently been sponsoring drivers on the F1 ladder - Ritomo Miyata, the first openly autistic Super Formula champion, has their backing in his F2 campaign.

"Both Mr. Komatsu and I have come to share the same desire to be a "father" who allows his children to chase their dreams. Mr. Komatsu, I owe you my thanks.

"The Super Formula drivers over there now, both the Toyota and the Honda drivers, all grew up as kids driving karts. I believe there are many children all over the country who, admiring them, also drive karts.

"I think that, together with Mr. Komatsu and his team, we need to increase the number of such children.

"But before that, I would like to see the day when a Super Formula driver grips the steering wheels of the world's fastest cars."

Toyota's racing division name GAZOO comes from an early car sales website Toyota built, from the Japanese word for 'image' because it had jpgs, then came to mean garage full of cars, then got filtered into the idea of racing developing road cars. That's been the concept of Toyoda's car development, to build and break on the race track first before putting technology on the road, using race car driver feedback.

Tomoya Takahashi, who's the head of Toyota GAZOO confirmed that the partnership will include a driver development programme. "Specifically, TGR training drivers will participate in MoneyGram Haas F1 Team test drives to gain experience in driving in F1.

"Through this partnership, we believe it would be fantastic if we could develop drivers who can secure regular seats in F1 in the future."

[aimeedaisies]

The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in May 2024

01/05 On behalf of The King, held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace. 🎖️

As President of the City and Guilds of London Institute, attended The Princess Royal Training Awards Alumni Skills Summit at Guildhall. 🏆

With Sir Tim As Patron of the Whitley Fund for Nature, attended the Annual Whitley Awards Ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society. 🦋

02/05 With Sir Tim Named a Great Western Railway Intercity Express Train ‘HRH The Princess Royal’ at Paddington Railway Station. 🚉

Unofficial With Sir Tim Attended day two of the Royal Windsor Horse Show. 🐎

03/05 With Sir Tim Departed the UK from Stansted Airport for Canada and arrived at Vancouver International Airport

HRH, as Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy (Pacific Fleet), with Sir Tim, carried out engagements in Vancouver;

Attended the Commissioning Ceremony for HMCS MAX BERNAYS at North Vancouver Burrard Drydock, before attending a Reception onboard. ⛴️ 🇨🇦

Attended a Dinner onboard HMCS MAX BERNAYS at sea. 🍽️

04/05 HRH, as Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy (Pacific Fleet), with Sir Tim, carried out engagements in Victoria;

Toured HMCS Max Bernays at sea. 🌊

Visited Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre at the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. 👪🪖

As President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, visited God’s Acre Cemetery and laid a wreath at the Memorial. 🌹

Visited the Maritime Museum of British Columbia Archive. 📜⚓️

Her Royal Highness afterwards visited Fed Urban Agriculture Society Urban Farm, 395 Harbour Road. 🌾

Attended a Reception given by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia (the Hon Janet Austin) at Government House. 🥂

Attended a Dinner given by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia at Government House. 🍽️

05/05 HRH, as Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy (Pacific Fleet), with Sir Tim, carried out engagements in Victoria;

Visited Government House Gardens. 🪴⛲️

Attended the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial Parade at the Parliament Building and laid a wreath at the Cenotaph before taking the salute at the march past of Canadian Armed Forces Veterans, Serving Personnel and Cadets. 🫡

Attended a Royal Victoria Yacht Club Youth Dinghy Regatta. 🛥️

As Patron of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association, visited Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association. 🐎

Departed Vancouver International Airport for the United Kingdom. 🇨🇦✈️🇬🇧

06/05 Arrived at Heathrow Airport from Canada 🇨🇦✈️🇬🇧

08/05 Hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace alongside The King and Queen, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. 🍃☀️🪴

As Patron of the Woolf Institute, attended a Reception, followed by a Dinner, to launch the Randeree End of Life Programme. 🥂🍽️

09/05 As Patron of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, visited the Headquarters at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth. ⚓️

As Patron of the Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust, attended the Annual Presentation and Reception at the National Museum of the Royal Navy. 🏛️

As Patron of the Association of Wrens, opened the new Headquarters Building at Lanyard House, HM Naval Base. 🫡

With Sir Tim As Patron of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, visited the HMS Victory Conservation Project at HM Naval Base ⚓️

With Sir Tim As Patron of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, attended the HMS Victory Conservation Project Dinner onboard HMS Victory at HM Naval Base. ⚓️🍽️

10/05 As Patron of Catch22, visited Greater Manchester Victims’ Services at Greater Manchester Police Headquarters. 👮

Visited the East Manchester Community Boat Project at Portland Basin Museum Marina in Ashton-Under-Lyne to mark its 30th Anniversary. 🛥️🎂

11/05 unofficial With Sir Tim Went to Badminton Horse Trials to cheer on Zara Tindall in her Cross Country stage of the three day event. 🏇🏼

13/05 Visited Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool to mark its 90th Anniversary. 🏊‍♀️🍾🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

As Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps and Marine Society and Sea Cadets, opened Stonehaven and District New Headquarters. ⚓️🫡 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

14/05 With Sir Tim As Patron of the United Kingdom Sailing Academy held a Founders’ Club Luncheon at St James’s Palace. ⛵️

As Chancellor of the University of London, attended the King’s Centre for Military Health Research Conference. 👩‍⚕️

With Sir Tim As Patron of the Wellington Trust, attended a Dinner onboard HMS WELLINGTON (mto mark the Ship’s Ninetieth Anniversary. ⚓️🥂

15/05 As Court Member of the Fishmongers’ Company, visited Glenarm Organic Salmon Fish Farm, off Glenarm Harbour in Ballymena. 🍣🚤

As Court Member of the Fishmongers’ Company, attended a Luncheon at Glenarm Castle. 🐟🍽️🏰

16/05 As Royal Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, visited Bembridge Station, followed by a Reception at Brading Haven Yacht Club in Ryde, Isle of Wight. 🔍🌊

As President, Royal Yachting Association, opened the Sea View Yacht Club's Training Centre in Seaview, Isle of Wight. 🛥️

17/05 With Sir Tim Hosted the annual Not Forgotten Association garden party at Buckingham Palace. 🫖🍰☀️

20/05 unofficial Departed from RAF Brize Norton for Norway and landed at Oslo Gardermoen Airport. 🇬🇧✈️🇳🇴

21/05 As Patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, visited the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum in Vemork, Norway. 🔨⚙️🇳🇴

As Patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, received a briefing on the sinking of DF Hydro at Mael Station in Telemark, Norway. 🏭🇳🇴

Attended a Reception given by His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway at the Residence in Oslo. 🥂🇳🇴🇬🇧

22/05 As President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, visited Vestre Gravlund Cemetery and laid a wreath on the memorial. 🪦

As Patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, visited the Linge Club and attended a Reception at Akershus Fortress, Oslo. 🇳🇴🇬🇧

As Patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, visited the Norwegian Shipowners’ Mutual War Risks Insurance Association. 🪖🇳🇴

As Patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, with The Crown Prince of Norway, visited the Norwegian Resistance Museum, Akershus Fortress. 🏰 🇳🇴

unofficial Departed from Oslo Gardermoen Airport and landed at RAF Brize Norton . 🇬🇧✈️🇳🇴

23/05 As Patron of the Hornet Services Sailing Club, visited the club for their 60th anniversary. ⛵️🎂

Opened the Army Sailing Association Offshore Centre in Gosport. ⛵️

With Sir Tim & Duke of Kent Held a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's 200th anniversary. 🛟☕️

With Sir Tim Visited the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. 🌸🌺🌼💐

24/05 Opened the Admiral Lord Cochrane Room at the Royal United Services Institute in Whitehall, London. 🔐

Sometime in May unofficial Sir Tim, as Chair of Trustees, attended the Science Museum Groups annual dinner

Total official engagements for Anne in May: 53

2024 total so far: 224

Total official engagements accompanied by Tim in May: 23

2024 total so far: 55

FYI - due to certain royal family members being off ill/in recovery I won't be posting everyone's engagement counts out of respect, I am continuing to count them and release the totals at the end of the year.

[theroyalweekly]

Proud to work with the Manchester Peace Together Alliance to improve opportunities and outcomes for young people. The three year commitment between The Royal Foundation and @MayorofGM brings the private sector on board for the first time, helping reduce youth violence and providing the Alliance’s first dedicated employment, skills and training programme for young people at risk of violence. -- The Prince and Princess of Wales

[airandangels]

Fascinating article here - I don’t know why Stuff links never embed with their headline, but anyway, the current government of Aotearoa New Zealand ran on a promise to put young offenders into military style boot camps. The voters, seemingly, loved it. The NZ Defence Force was appalled. They do not want to run these camps. They do not, in fact, know how to make troubled youths into good citizens. They have a voluntary limited service programme and even working with troubled young people who chose to be there damaged the staff’s mental health to the point of suicidal ideation! They’re not social workers or therapists, they’re not trained to deal with the sort of problems these kids have, because surprise, they’re not just bad kids, they have trauma and mental disorders driving their bad behaviour. The easy, simplistic, vindictive solution to youth crime of forcing them to behave with military discipline is bunkum and it’s our military saying so.

[ramspatula]

Arrowheads | Nya Smith x fem! reader

I believe that there are things out there that want to hurt me. Will hurt me. That’s a thought I can’t get to ever leave my head. But she calms them. Only her.

Next part, Masterlist

I had never been to Ninjago city. Cole said it was too unsafe. I was a musician. Well a songwriter. A ghostwriter to be specific. I get paid to not leave my room and write lyrics for some big artist or little artist to take credit for. I wanted to be a singer. I wanted to perform but stages weren’t a place for me to be. The world scared me. People scared me. It requires so much effort to live in the world. Especially as a girl. I needed to look perfect, act perfect, be perfect. And I wasn’t. I had too many flaws to count. My wardrobe doesn’t have a new outfit for everyday. I own more pyjamas than clothes. I talk better in rhyming words on paper than I do to people.

I wasn’t always like this. I wasn’t scared. I’m not now. But too many ghosts walk around outside for me to be comfortable. Not literally. That was years ago. And in stixx. And that was the last time I saw my brother. Granted, he was older. But after mom died and Dad drank himself into sobbing onto his music sheets, I thought we were closer. I understand he raised me. Not a job for a grieving 14 year old boy. Not a job for any teenager to be raising a horribly paranoid 8 year old. I was almost 9. Nether less, Children shouldn’t be raising children. I never got over that paranoia. It grew. It grows inside me even now. After the second round of snakes. Not the serpentine. The one who had fire powers. I covered my apartment windows in newspaper and bought 3 locks for my door. I called Cole in tears for over 4 hours. He didn’t pick up once. After all that, I got a message 4 days later, asking me if everything was okay. We called for 10 minutes before he had to go. He sounded tired and exhausted the whole time. Maybe I was too much. I had grown use to the thought he might resent me. That he wasted the rest of his youth raising me and comforting me through everything before Dad sent me to a programme in Jamankai for young music protégés after he had mailed in my notebook of lyrics and video recording of me playing various instruments and singing. All lessons he made me take. I was 11, almost 12. Cole was 18 and never came home after I left. The programme led to me getting in to a songwriting degree at 16. And last year I graduated. On the day of that snake attack. The fire one. Cole promised to be at my graduation just outside ninjago city. He lived there. He was the only reason I went. He promised to come on the stage with me if I needed him to. He didn’t turn up. Answered none of my calls. Until 4 days later with his infamous everything okay message. Later I got an ‘I’m sorry’. So a year later, I decided I’m tired. I would go to ninjago city. Talk to him myself. That’s what I was doing right now. I decided writing songs about reuniting and rebuilding relationships was not the therapeutic release I needed. It was to see my brother, now 28, as an adult, 21. I deserved to know why he treated me this way, I deserved to not be caged in my room. To see the world I feared so much. Even if the thought of the train ceiling collapsing in on me was the only thought I had right now. Luckily, the train wasn’t too busy but barely anyone lived in Jamankai these days. I might even see a ninja in ninjago. Or a dragon. I hope at least. As long as I am far away from wherever they are headed. I had his address, and I would be there, tonight! Maybe this afternoon if I sped walk.

I hate myself. This was an awful idea. He can hate me. I don’t care. I see a dragon and a ninja. And robots trying to kill me. Why did I do this? They may be on TV but that was close? Right? Ninjago city isn’t that big.

“Don’t look too worried darling, that was yesterday’s highlights. And about 50 minutes away from here.”

“Oh.” I said and walked away. I am utterly embarrassed. Why did I leave my room? Was he trying to be funny?

“Miss do you need a ride anywhere?” I looked back at him and continued walking. “No! It’s not like that! I’m Chen! I own a cab company- here’s my card-! There’s my company car-! I was just trying to do my job! I’m gay!”

“Oh, me too king.” I said and he nodded, with a smile.

“Actually?”

“Unfortunately.”

“Okay, well, front or back?” He asked and I looked at him weirdly before I realised he was talking about the car and not a weird way of asking me if I was a top or bottom.

“Front. I don’t like the back.” I said and he went to take my bag and I didn’t let him. The ratty bunny teddy I had since I was 2 was in clear view if I moved my jacket off the top and I couldn’t handle anyone seeing it. He nodded and just opened the passenger door for me.

“Where are you going?” Chen asked and I paused before telling him.

“Here.” I said and showed the address in my notes, he frowned before nodding.

“That’ll only cost a 20.” He said with a smile but I didn’t share it. Any money out was money I wouldn’t see again for a month. And I hadn’t paid my water yet.

We sat in silence whilst he played a long playlist of purely Azealia banks. I recognised some songs. And some lyrics. Although I’m sure I hadn’t wrote for her.

“Not much of a talker?” He said and I looked up at him.

“This is the first time I’ve left the house in 3 months.” I said and he nodded, surprisingly understanding.

“My mom had agoraphobia. I get it. I’m proud of you for even getting out at all. She hasn’t left the house in 4 years. The great devourer swallowed her coworkers in front of her and then when the time twins happened she got jumped by all those mini snakes and almost strangled to death so… I should not be telling you this!” I stared at him wide eyed.

“I think I might have agoraphobia…” I said and he nodded.

“Well… uhm. Just stay away from the main part of the city. It’s still pretty levelled from the sons of Garmadon but it’s every new villains favourite part. I’m taking you well out to the outskirts so… actually I’m surprised you even got a train into the city. It’s basically just forests and one blocked off area where a boarding school used to be but crumbled after the stone warriors.” Chen said and I nodded.

“So nothing that can kill me?” I said and he nodded.

“Nothing ever happens there. People don’t even call it part of ninjago city with how barren it is.” My nerves slowly calmed. Emphasis on slowly.

We parked in an empty car park with 3 beat, old cars and one truck that lucked equally beat. We both got out and Chen looked around calmly. Like he hadn’t been here in ages. I immediately called Cole. 1 ring. 2 rings. 3 rings. 4 rings. 5 rings. Voicemail. I sighed. Chen looked at me worriedly. Why would Cole give me a fake address? I sighed before debating to myself. I scrolled down. Well I didn’t have to. I only had 5 contacts. And two were my landlord and the building maintenance man. I tapped on the ‘Pearl (Cole’s girlfriend)’ contact. Were they even still together? I rung anyway. 1 ring, 2 rings, 3 wings…

“Hello?” She didn’t sound too happy.

“Uhm- hi… I’m uh-“ how the hell did I speak.

“Who is this?” She asked and I stuttered before getting my words out.

“I’m Y/n Brookstone. I’m Cole’s sister, he said he lives here but, I’m staring at an empty parking lot-“

“-Wait- Cole’s sister?!” She asked and I nodded.

“Yes, Y/n Brookstone, is this Pearl?” I asked and she took a moment before responding.

“Yes. What- sorry I didn’t catch your name, what was that?” She asked and I repeated myself again.

“Y/n Brookstone.” I said and I heard her sigh.

“That’s not Cole’s sister’s name.” She said and I froze. Yes it was?

“No, that’s my name- I have ID! I can prove it-!” I immediately defended.

“I don’t know what sick prank call this is- I get that his family are upset we didn’t invite them to the our wedding but this is- this is weird.” Pearl said and I froze.

“Cole’s married?” I asked and she sounded even more annoyed.

“Yes! To me! And if you were his sister you’d know my actual name and not just ‘Pearl’- anyone can know that!” She exclaimed and my insides tensed up. I didn’t want to argue with my brother’s apparent wife!

“That’s what he called you- he gave me your number! I have 5 contacts- I’ve tried calling him but he’s not answering-! Please! Is he there?!” I pleaded and she ignored me.

“5 contacts? That just gives burner phone! I don’t know you are- Cole’s sister’s name isn’t Y/n. And I’m not giving it to you! I’m going to block you.” She said and I let out an actual sob.

“No, please! I will send you my location! I am his sister! I don’t know what he said my name was but I wouldn’t have this address if it wasn’t me! He’s really big on privacy and security- you’d know that- but- please just let me talk to him. Is he there?!” I begged and I heard her scoff.

“No. I’m coming outside, and if you’re in that fucking parking lot-“ there was some commotion on the other line, “no it’s just some girl with a fake name, claiming to be Cole’s sister! She’s literally in the parking lot-!”

“End the call then.” It was another girl’s voice. She sounded very unbothered.

“No, please-! I’ve tried calling Cole- I wouldn’t bother you if I didn’t have to.” I said and she ignored me again.

“I’ll tell him you called.” She said.

“Just come outside- I can prove it-“ the line went dead. I stared at my phone in shock. Pearl already hated me and I hadn’t even met her yet. She made Cole so happy. And the one thing that makes him happy, hates me.

“Hey… do you have anywhere to stay?” Chen asked and I turned around quickly, I didn’t know he was still here. “I didn’t want to leave until I knew you were safe.” He said and I sobbed. He quickly hugged me and I held onto him. I had just met him and he was already comforting me.

“No…” i practically whispered.

“Are… are you- what happened? If you don’t mind me asking.” He asked and I had to look up to try and stop the tears.

“She hates me.” I said and he frowned.

“Who hates you?” He asked.

“My brother’s wife! And she makes him so happy- and I-“ he cut me off and separated from the hug.

“Well she sounds like an asshole then. C’mon, it’s starting to rain.” Chen said and we got back in the car.

Volume: ■■■■■□□□

The monastery was unusually quiet. With the monks doing outdoors training, Wu’s barking orders couldn’t be heard. The monastery was, for once, all girls. And it was quiet. Misako was sat turning pages of her ancient scripture, Peach was nursing a headache that came from teaching over excited 6 year olds how to stay still for an hour, Cherry was busying herself trying to perfect her own nails. She had to give up getting her nails done after going into ninja-witness protections. Snowdrops was lingering somewhere in her own world of systems. Pixal was sentinel, probably with Snow in their world of digital beings. Pearl was stress-cooking, she had been thinking of the phone call since it had happened. And how she had been so rude and how the girl was so distressed.

“Try meditating, watching you stress like this is not helping my head.” Peach said, mug of some kind of tea pressed to her head.

“I’m sorry…” Pearl said but only stilled for a moment before pacing again. The curry she was making didn’t even get to bubble before it was being stirred again.

It went back to how it was, Peach had took to laying on the counter in this time. She still found it hard to sleep without Lloyd. Her dragon crooned lowly outside and she looked to the window where the eye of the dragon was visible. She smiled and the dragon raised its head again. Peace was nice. Quiet was nice. It was what everyone needed. But it never lasts long. Not in this home. To be a ninja was to be quieter than silence herself but to be a part of this family, was to be on the same volume level as a foghorn:

The bangs and clatter of ninjas coming home was undoubtedly recognisable. It was the same everytime. Groaning, complaining, whining, that all came from the men as they made their way to the living area. Pixal sprung to life again. Making Cherry jump and curse as she smudged her nails. Peach whined as she turned on her side. Pearl sighed as the familiar arms wrapped around her. She could almost ignore the grime and oder that came from the ninja when they had been on a three-week stake out. A kiss was placed on her temple and she smiled before the smell became too much and she pushed the large man off her.

“Smells good.” Cole said and she frowned.

“You don’t.” Pearl said which was backed up by Peach who made a noise of agreement.

“I’m talking about the food, you too.” He said and she smiled.

“It’s not done yet.” She said and smacked his hand that was reaching for the ladle. He laughed and put his hands up. Jay and Nya were next to come in. The recently separated fiancés were better than ever. Both relishing in not having to suffer their deteriorating relationship anymore and Nya’s confession. She wasn’t into men. Not anymore at least. She was ashamed it took her this long to realise that men were not it for her at all. Jay didn’t hold it against her. He took it better than anyone could. He loved Nya but even he could admit that their love for each other had changed. They were friends and they cared for each other. But not in the way they once had. It was refreshing to see both of them so free and happy even after a 3-week stake out.

“Who wants patrol tonight?” Cole asked to which the ninjas in the room groaned. “No one takes it, Lloyd will decide.” He added to which another groan followed.

“I’ll take it. I wasn’t really involved in that last fight.” Nya said to which they both thanked her.

“Did I just hear I don’t have to do patrol?” Kai asked, Zane in tow. Snowdrops physical form appeared to hug Zane in a way that no one was sure was possible with her form. Somehow physical but not?

“I don’t care as long as I’m not moving tonight.” Peach said.

“Well, you’re in luck! Lloyd stayed behind to check everything was still running smoothly! Won’t be back till tomorrow!” Cole said and Peach sighed.

“Perfect.” She said, unamused.

“Anything happen whilst we were gone?” Jay asked.

“Pearl’s been getting prank calls.” Peach said to which Pearl stiffened.

“What?” Cole laughed. Cherry swerved a kiss from Kai in his grimy state to which Kai reacted in outrage.

“You haven’t seen me in three weeks-“

“It was one, and some girl claiming to be your sister- she was outside and all. Used a fake name too-“ Pearl ranted and Cole froze.

“What-?” He said and Pearl nodded.

“I know-! But her name wasn’t Papita! It was some Y- thing, I can’t remember exactly-“ She said and Cole grabbed her, gently, by the shoulder.

“When was this?!” He questioned, alarm in his eyes.

“A couple hours ago- Cole!” He rushed out the room and the monastery. Pearl turned in shock.

“What just happened?!” Jay asked and Peach sighed.

“I think Pearl may have just left Cole’s sister out in the rain in a city she doesn’t live in.” Peach said, still unmoving.

“What?! Why would you do that?!” Jay asked.

“I didn’t know-! It wasn’t the name I was told-! Her name wasn’t Papita!” Pearl tried to defend herself.

“Oh my god- Papita is a nickname!” Jay said to which Pearl became speechless. “Her actual name is- uhm… Kai?!” Jay asked and Kai sighed.

“I met her a few years ago, it’s Y/n.” Kai said and Pearl’s hand found its way to her mouth, fast.

“Who’s Y/n?” Cherry asked.

“Cole’s sister.” Kai told her and she nodded.

“Where could she have gone?!” Pearl asked and turned immediately to Snowdrop and Zane.

“Her in-phone tracker says that she is in ninjago city.” Zane said and Pearl nodded, trying to process everything. How could she leave her sister-in-law out in the cold? What a great first impression.

“We have to find her!” Pearl said to which Peach finally sat up.

“This is bad.” Peach said and slid off the counter. “Let me know what happens.” She said, walking off and turning to the side to let Cole rush past on her out.

“My phone! Where’s my phone?!” Cole questioned.

“Bedside table!” Pearl said and followed him.

“I’m so sorry-! I didn’t know-“ Pearl apologised, frantically. Cole cursed at the dead phone and immediately put it on charge.

“She’s out there, all alone, in a city she doesn’t know-! This is all my fault! I should have been here.” Cole said, more to himself.

“You were on a mission-!” Pearl tried to justify but Cole ignored her.

“We were planning on coming home early- if I just hadn’t agreed to check out the east side-!” He cursed himself as he waited for the phone to have enough charge to turn back on.

“It’s my fault- I should’ve gone out there! I should’ve heard her out-!” Pearl said and Cole turned to her.

“Why didn’t you?” He asked.

“I don’t know- I just- with everything I thought it was what to do! I didn’t want to risk anything!” She said and Cole shook his head.

“How do you not know your sister-in-law’s name!” Cole asked and Pearl stumbled for an answer.

“You always call her Papita, I thought it was her name! I haven’t heard your call her anything else.” Pearl said and Cole sighed.

“It’s a nickname! It means little potato!” Cole said and Pearl shook her head.

“I’m sorry, I thought I was doing what’s right. Clearly, I wasn’t.” Pearl said and Cole sighed again. The phone lit up and he immediately unlocked it and scrolled to his contacts. Hitting one specific contact.

Volume: ■■■■■□□□

Chen took me to some diner. It was near here and we were the only two there. He had ordered us some water and had been speaking with the man behind the bar for a very long time. I couldn’t believe what had happened. Giving me a fake address? His wife yelling at me? He’s clearly been hiding a lot from me. I wondered if Dad knew. Pearl said that his family knew but I didn’t? I was part of that family. I might have to call Dad.

I tried not to jump when the drinks got sat down in front of me. Chen smiles and I had only just noticed the man had followed.

“This is my boyfriend, Reece!” Chen said and I smiled.

“I’m Y/n.” I said and the man smiled.

“Nice to meet you.” He said, politely. I nodded.

“Anyway, we were just wondering if you had any plans tonight, anywhere to go?” Chen asked and I shook my head.

“I don’t have a ticket back to Jamankai for another couple days.” I said and they nodded.

“Want to stay at ours? Until then, hotels around here are quite expensive.” Reece asked and I looked at both of them before nodding.

“Please…” I said and they smiled.

“Our apartment is above the diner so, you can put your stuff up there if you want?” Chen asked and I took a moment to consider how dangerous this is. They were strangers. Gay. But still strangers. They could kill me. We’ve been here for 20 minutes and no one has come in the diner since we sat down.

“Okay…” I said and Reece smiled before leading me to a door around the side of the kitchen which just led to a case of stairs. Reece unlocked the door and let me go through first.

“It’s not much but we don’t have much.” Reece said and I nodded. “The guest bedroom is this way!” He said, cheerily. He held the door open again for me and I looked around the room. There was a bed and a discarded vinyl player with some vinyls.

“There’s so many…” I said, not touching them, scared to get fingerprints on them.

“Oh yeah, Chen had a phase of being really into Jazz. Can you tell he was a theatre kid? Anyway-! We keep them in here because we don’t really use it anymore.” Reece explained and I nodded before the Vinyl next to the player caught my attention.

‘Lou Brookstone’s classics’

I smiled. I hadn’t seen any of my Dad’s albums in a long time. I used to love them. When Cole left and I came home for a few years, my Dad and I bonded over music and his stories of his band and his few classical hits. That life had since been forgotten and now he was a vocalist trainer and a piano teacher. I’d never seen my Dad look so proud and happy as I did when I told him what I had chosen to do my degree in. Those years were still rough. Especially without Cole. Dad had finally started sobering more and had joined Alcoholics Anonymous. I went with him sometimes. He said I reminded him of my mother. One night he slipped and got drunk again, he called me Lilly. That was my mother’s name. I was gone the next day. I went to stay in the college dorms. I should call him. He wasn’t a bad father. At least, he never had bad intent and he tries now. He sends me random musician’s biographies with notes and tags all over it for me to read and maybe gain inspiration.

“I’m going to call my Dad.” I said and Reece nodded.

“Was he a big fan of Jazz too?” He asked and I smiled.

“He’s Lou Brookstone.” I said and he gasped before nodding and walking away.

1 ring- line connected.

“Hello mon chou, it’s lovely to hear from you. Is everything alright?” His words were sincere.

“Hey… I’m in ninjago city.” I said and he made a noise of concern.

“Oh, that’s rather spontaneous.” He said and I nodded, even though I knew he couldn’t see it.

“I know… I came to see Cole.” I said.

“Ah, I see. How is he? I haven’t heard from him since he told me he married that girlfriend of his. Pearl. Very fierce woman, have you met her?” Dad asked and I paused for a moment. “Mon chou?”

“Uhm, not officially. He wasn’t home and I only spoke to Pearl over the phone… I’m at a friend’s house.” I said and he made a teasing noise.

“A girl friend’s house?” He asked and I felt my cheeks heat up.

“No… they’re guys. And gay.” I added quickly before he freaked.

“Okay… is everything alright? You don’t usually call me like this.” Dad pointed out and I sighed.

“I didn’t know Cole was married… and Pearl didn’t know who I was.” I said and he went silent.

“Your brother didn’t tell you? He- he said you and Pearl were going to meet a long time ago. At your graduation?” He pointed out and I tried not to cry.

“Cole didn’t come to my graduation. Neither did Pearl… you had food poisoning from that salmon place.” I said and he sighed.

“I’m sure your brother didn’t leave you for no reason… his job requires him to be on call at all times, you know that.” Dad told me and I shook my head.

“I don’t even know what Cole does other than security.” I said and he sighed.

“I see… well, I’m sure your brother will contact you soon. He’s not one to leave you worrying.” Dad said and I nodded.

“Okay, love you.” I said and I heard Dad chuckle.

“I love you too, mon chou.” The phone line disconnected and I sighed. I stared out the window for a while until a blue, massive dragon flew past it and made me scream. On the back of it, sat the water ninja. 4 more dragons followed and I couldn’t help the way my breathing sped up. I thought the ninja would be more in the main part of the city? I pulled out my headphones quickly and shut the door that had no lock. I wedged my bag between the door and the wardrobe so no one would be able to get in. I put my headphones in quickly before laying back down.

Volume: ■■■■■□□□

My phone buzzing made me open my eyes and freeze. I slowly raised my phone to look at the contact. Cole. I debated answering it. I really did. But then I remembered why I had came here in the first place.

“Hello?” I said and I heard a sigh of relief.

“Hey, it’s me. I’m- I was at work! I didn’t have my phone on me- are you okay?!” He asked and I paused.

“Yes.” I said, simply.

“Okay that’s good, where are you?! Ninjago city really isn’t the safest place, Papita.” Cole said and I took a deep breath in. Clearly.

“I’m at a friend’s.” I said and he went silent.

“Friend, what friend?” Cole asked and I paused.

“Chen and Reece.” I said and he didn’t sound happy.

“I’ve never heard of them- you’ve never told me anything about them.” Cole said and I looked out the window.

“I met them today.” I said and he made a noise of distress.

“Today?! And you’re staying there?!” He asked and I hummed in agreement. “Y/n, this is… that’s not safe. I’ll pick you up, see if we can find a hotel or I can see if I can clean up a room here- just-“

“I’m okay here. They’re nice.” I said and he started to sound annoyed.

“It doesn’t matter if they’re nice, you don’t know them!” He exclaimed and I laid back down. “They could be hiding anything from you!”

“Why didn’t you tell me you got married?” I asked and he went silent. “I’m not a kid anymore, Cole. You don’t have to protect me anymore. You don’t have to hide anything from me.” I said and he sighed.

“It’s not like that… I honestly forgot. It wasn’t like a ceremony or anything, we exchanged rings, we haven’t signed any papers yet! Just in traditional terms, we are married.” He said and I sighed.

“This is the first time I’ve left the house in 3 months.” I admitted and I heard his breath hitch.

“You don’t call, you don’t message and if I get a reply sometimes it’s not for months.” I said and he sounded even more stressed.

“It’s my job-! Sometimes I’m gone for months! I don’t mean to-! I’d love to see you again! See you more even!” He said and I looked to the street outside. That noodle stand looked really good.

“I haven’t seen you for 4 years. You’re like a ghost, Cole.” I said and Cole sighed.

“Can I please come and pick you up?” He asked but I ignored him.

“Why would you give me a fake address?” I asked.

“It wasn’t fake-! You have to go into the forest-!”

“Why didn’t Pearl know my actual name? Why don’t I know hers?” I questioned.

“I don’t know- I thought you both knew! I was wrong, okay! I want you both to meet. I want to see you. I want to know you’re safe. Let me pick you up.” He pleaded.

“I’ll message you my address tomorrow. If you’re not there, I’m going home and not my house! I’m moving back in with Dad.” I said and I heard the way Cole took a sharp breath in.

“Okay, fair enough. Send me it tonight and I’ll be there by 9am latest.” He said and I nodded.

“Fine…” it went awkwardly silent.

“Love you, Flump.”

“Bye.” I hated that nickname. I hung up the phone and rubbed my temples. I could smell that noodle stand. I’m getting it. With the last of my confidence, I will get it.

The noodle stand was actually further than it looked. And I chose a horrible time to go. It was getting dark, really dark, and the line was going down very slowly. Finally it was my turn.

“You’ll have to wait 10 minute, the next batch of noodles isn’t ready yet.” I nodded and sat on a bench. Directly under a street lamp. It was really dark now. And slowly getting colder. I looked up to see the man still stirring noodles and sighed. I looked up again to see him making a container for me and I shot up and watched as he put the sauce on top.

“4.65” He told me and I nodded.

“I’ll have what she’s having, it smells really good Pablo. I bet you can rival Chen’s noodles now.” That was a woman. I handed him the money and stepped to the side for her to move in. He put her noodles together quicker than I’d seen him server anyone. It wasn’t until I looked up did I notice that the woman was actually a ninja. She reached into one of the pouches on her gi.

“No! No! You know you don’t pay.” Pablo said and she shook her head.

“C’mon, I’ve been away for 3 weeks and I’m missing out on Pink’s curry which it really good. Let me pay.” She said and the guy shook his head.

“No. Payment comes in saving all our lives and the city.” He said and I didn’t want to interrupt them to tell them I had no chopsticks. So I decided to turn away and walk back home. Except I was more or less walking to the bench again. I wasn’t expecting her to sit next to me a couple moments later. I looked up in shock. This was a real life ninja. I met her eyes before she handed me a pair of chopsticks. I smiled in thanks.

“So what’s a pretty girl like you doing wandering the streets at night like this? Fella done you wrong? Or just hunger?” She asked, enthusiastically and I took a moment to respond. Perplexed that one- a woman was talking to me, two- a ninja was talking to me.

“Hunger… Fellas aren’t really my thing.” I said and she nodded.

“Me either. Well, not anymore.” She said and held her noddles up to cheers mine and I did it, awkwardly, but we did it. She chuckled. Before pulling her mask up and over mouth, I looked away quickly. She laughed. “Don’t worry, you won’t know who I am just from my mouth.”

“Okay… feels weird.” I said and she smiled. “Did you really call me pretty?” I asked, not sure what she had said as I was more in shock.

“Yes, or no- did it weird you out?” She asked and I smiled, shaking my head.

“No, it was nice.” I said the water ninja smiled.

“Then yes. And I’m serious.” She whispered the last part and I smiled harder.

“You’ve got pretty lips…” I said, hoping it didn’t sound weird or suggestive.

“Really? You from around here?” Fuck. It did sound suggestive.

“I’ve never been to ninjago before, I saw your dragon earlier… it was cool. Really scary- but cool.” I said and she smiled.

“Her name is Tidal. I can introduce you two if you want?” She asked and I shook my head.

“No, I don’t think I can handle meeting a dragon right now. Sorry” I said and she chuckled.

“No hard feelings. Dragons are intimidating, especially Peach’s dragon. Her dragon is massive! And powerful. Took down half an army of onis on her own with him.” She said and I nodded.

“I forgot about the Onis.” I said and the water ninja nodded.

“That was a tough fight.” She admitted. “Were you affected by them?” She asked and I shook my head.

“No, I live in Jamankai but I do have 3 locks on my door.” I said and she nodded.

“Not a bad idea.” She told me and I looked up at her. “I’m not going to lie to you, you should head home. Tonight’s quiet but this city is so unpredictable and I don’t think I’d be able to console myself if I heard that your pretty face got hurt.” She said and I flushed, warmth spread across my face and I just hoped she couldn’t tell how flustered I was as she pulled the bottom of her mask back down.

“I’m nearly done.” I said and she frowned.

“Wow, I should call you nibbles. You almost ate that quicker than me.” She joked and I smiled.

“I don’t think nibbles suits me then.” I said she tilted her head in thought.

“No, but dustbin isn’t as cute.” She said and I laughed, actually laughed.

“Okay, what can I call you then?” There was something so easy about talking to someone in a mask.

“Anything but squirt. My brother still calls me that and he’s almost 30.” She told me and I laughed.

“My brother calls me little potato and little cabbage.” I said and she laughed.

“What?!” She asked, amused.

“I refused to eat cabbage when I was younger so he started calling me that to spite me.” I said and she laughed again.

“My brother- fire- just calls every kid that. He still calls Green it.” She told me and I nodded.

“I’m done.” I announced and put my box in the bin.

“Hey, can I walk you home? It’d just make me feel more comfortable knowing you got home safe.” She said and I nodded.

“I’m staying right there!” I told her to which she frowned.

“The diner?” She asked.

“My friends own it, they live above it.” I said and she nodded.

We mainly walked in comfortable silence until we stopped outside the diner. The walk seemed longer, like we were both trying to stretch the moment.

“I guess I’ll see you around then, Nibbles.” The water ninja said to me and I smiled.

“See you later, squirter.” I said and she laughed.

“Squirter?!” She asked, dumbfounded.

“Because of the whole water thing…” I tried to explain before it hit me what is sounded like. “Oh no- not like that…” I tried to defend myself but she waved me off. “I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay. Just took me by surprise. Anyway, thank you for turning a boring patrol into a good night. I’ll be thinking of you and your cute face tonight.” She said and I smiled.

“Not that I could see your face, but you have a pretty mouth and eyes.” I said and she met my eyes. She looked smug. She winked and my face fell. This was real.

“Thank you, no one has ever said that before.” She said before disappearing into the dark alleys. Was that flirting? Did we flirt? Were we in love now? Why do I have the urge to ask her what we are?

“Did you just pull the water ninja?!” I heard a voice yell and I looked up to the see Reece and Chen, leaning out the window.

“Oh my god…” I said and rushed inside.

Volume: ■■■■■□□□

It wasn’t unusual for Nya not to talk to anyone after patrol. It wasn’t unusual for most the ninja to be catching up on sleep at this time. However, it wasn’t usual for her to bump into Jay around the monastery. He was sat on the counter, bowl of cheerios in his hands. The box itself had a cartoon ninja on. She smiled as she went in pouring a bowl for herself.

“Long patrol?” He asked and she shook her head.

“No, quiet actually. Almost boring.” She said and he laughed.

“Almost?” Jay asked, hinting something in his voice.

“Do you think it’s too soon? I mean… we were together for so long. Do you think it’s too early to even think about moving on?” Nya asked and Jay shook his head.

“No, I think it’s good.” He admitted, to her surprise. “I loved you, I really did Nya and not to say that I don’t still love you but it’s different. When we were good, we were great but… you were never as into me as I was to you, and now we know why. I don’t hold it against you. You shouldn’t hold it against yourself. You shouldn’t hold it against me.” He told her and she sighed.

“I don’t know why I feel so guilty, I was never taught what I am is wrong.” Nya told him and he nodded.

“Buts it’s not what you expect, think of for yourself. You’ve never looked at me the way you look at a girl and thats okay. We can still love each other without having a romantic aspect of our relationship. We’re family here, let’s just be family.” Jay said and Nya smiled.

“You’d be alright if started seeing someone?” Nya asked and Jay smiled.

“What if I’m already seeing someone? Would you be okay?” He asked and she laughed.

“Really?” Jay shrugged.

“I might be.” He said and she smiled.

“What’s her name?” Nya asked and Jay shook his head.

“No! No I’m not doing this! Because once you know, Kai knows and then Cherry knows and if Cherry knows, everyone knows!” Jay exclaimed and Nya nodded.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry, I won’t ask again.” She said and Jay smiled.

“I think these cheerios are expired.”

“Yeah, me too.”

Volume: ■■■■■□□□

“Okay I have to pick Y/n up in like 20 minutes, Papita, in case you don’t know her actual name.” Cole announced to the team and Pearl rolled her eyes. “When she gets here, we’ve gotta act normal.” He announced and everyone protested.

“She doesn’t know you’re a ninja?!” Peach’s voice came out on top.

“No, and I don’t plan on telling her today.” Cole said.

“Not telling someone you love you’re a ninja? That always ends well.” Cherry commented to which Kai frowned.

“Even if we all act normal, how’d you suppose we hide the prophecies engraved in the walls? The frames of all of us in our gi? The senseis? The monks? The weapons? My dragon?!” Peach asked to which the dragon himself growled from outside.

“Lloyd was right about not keeping a dragon that can’t disappear by the way.” Kai said.

“Apologise, he saved your life.” Peach said.

“I’m not apologising to a dragon!” Kai argued.

“Apologise!” Peach demanded.

“No!” Kai protested.

“Apologise or I’m not talking to you.” Peach said and Kai shrugged.

“Don’t then!” Peach crossed her arms and faced away. “You’re not serious.” He said but she ignored him.

“I’ll be back in half an hour.” Cole said and kissed Pearl’s cheek before leaving.

Volume: ■■■■■□□□

“Thank you for letting me stay.” I said, turning go to both men as a battered truck, the one from the car park, parked itself outside.

“Anytime.” Chen said with a smile.

“Let us know if you need anything.” Reece said and I nodded before heading outside. I hadn’t seen him in years. Would he be mad? Upset? Annoyed that I even came here? I didn’t tell him, is that a problem?

Cole rushed out the truck and before I could even get a word out he pulled me into a tight hug, I returned it awkwardly before he looked me up and down.

“Have you grown or is it just me?” He asked to which I shrugged.

“I don’t think so.” He took my bag and smiled. I didn’t return it and just got in the car with him.

“I’ve uh- Pearl told me everything- Dad also rang me. She’s really sorry and he’s- he sounds good.” Cole said and I nodded.

“Are you?” I asked, he nodded.

“I was going to ask you that, are you serious about moving back in with Dad?” Cole asked and I shrugged.

“I can’t live alone anymore.” I admitted. “It’s getting worse.” I told him and he sighed.

“I’m sorry I can’t be closer.” He said and I nodded. But were you?

“Why… why can’t you?” I had to think about whether I wanted to know the answer.

“It’s… complicated. If that word even sums it up. My job is unconventional and- I’ll explain everything! -but it’s just hard to find the time to come back.” He said and I nodded.

“What is your job?” I asked as we stopped at a traffic light. He turned to look at me.

“To protect those who can’t protect themselves.” He told me and I paused. What the hell did that mean?

“What?” I asked and he laughed. “Are you a police officer?” I asked.

“No!” He laughed. “I’ll explain everything when we’re inside. The others have made it extremely clear that they won’t cover for me.” Cole said and I frowned.

“Cover what?” I asked.

“You’ll see.” He pulled into the abandoned parking lot where I had been the day before. When we got out he gestured for me to follow him into the forest.

A monastery. There was a monastery inside the forest. There were bald people outside doing chores. Monks. This place was massive. I followed Cole inside as the monks called him ‘master Cole’. It was an upgrade from McCole. Which was his nickname during his teenage years due to the fact he ordered McDonald’s almost everyday. He opened the door for me and let me walk beside him as we went down the long hallway. There were paintings on the wall and ceiling, massive paintings and it took seeing the painting of a gold figure fighting a black dragon with smoke coming off it to realise that they were paintings of the ninja and famous battles. They were murals not paintings. I looked down, not wanting to admit what might be happening here. We stopped at an archway. I looked up to see a small kitchen and then to the side and the bottom of the room was a massive living area with couches, a TV, a gaming console and many people. There was a couple on the couch, a brunette with very well styled hair and a very pretty girl whose own hair looked like it is being taken better care of than a newborn baby. There was another boy and girl on the couch although they were sat well apart with the ginger playing with a controller whilst the other girl, hair tied up high on her head as her bangs fell in front of her face, framing it perfectly. She wore a loose vest, showing off her sculpted arms and scattered tattoos. Mainly in the ancient language. That was hot. Reluctantly, I looked away from her to the two girls in the kitchen. One was eating a bowl of cereal whilst the other pulled out a tray of cookies from the other. The first girl had few scars lingering her bare arms and what looked to be a burn on her forearm and a scar on her exposed neck that looked like a bite mark. She might be a ninja. Somehow, her face remained untouched. The other girl slammed the tray down, making me jump and focus on her again. She was more dressed up than the others, well I think the girl with very nice hair was actually wearing a juicy tracksuit but she made it look like loungewear rather than an expensive tracksuit.

“How do you not burn them?!” The cookie girl complained.

“It’s only burnt on the corners.” The scarred girl said.

“You’d know all about being burnt.” The cookie girl insulted, the scarred girl hit her on the head lightly with her spoon. “Did you just get milk in my hair?!”

“I raised a dragon, what’s your excuse?” Scarred girl clapped back and Cole cleared his throat. Gaining everyone’s attention. Did she just say she raised a dragon?!

“This is Y/n, or Papita, as you may know her as.” I noticed how Cookie girl’s eyes hardened at Cole. The room went silent.

“Hi.” I said, awkwardly.

“Hey.” Scar girl said. Putting her bowl down and coming near me. “Nice to meet you.” She said.

“You too, what’s your name?” I asked. Was this Pearl? What would she do if she knew I called her scar girl in my head?!

“Everyone calls me Peach, nice to meet you Papita.” She said and I nodded.

“Y/n’s fine.” I said and she smiled.

“That’s Cherry, thats Pearl ,who you may know, and Snowdrops is around somewhere. She’s always around. You’ll catch on soon enough.” Peach winked but I didn’t catch on. Not yet at least. Was that not their actual names?

“So what’s your actual name?” I asked and she smiled, I heard Cole stifle his laugh.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” She said and walked away. The man with very good hair spoke up and I turned to them. Cherry was the one with really good hair. I knew good hair guy. I had met him before.

“Kai, if you don’t remember. Blabber mouth here is Jay and that’s Nya, my sister. Zane is around somewhere and Pixal is out right now. Lloyd should be home soon.” Kai filled me in and I nodded.

“Hi.” I said again, trying to avoid Nya’s eyes. She was staring hard at me. I turned to face Cole again who smiled.

“As you can tell, we all live together and work together. Lloyd’s the leader, Peach is his wife-“ I looked to Peach and watched as she disappeared in a pink, purple and peach haze that I had only seen on the news before and with the peach ninja. She appeared on the counter again, no bowl in hand this time. “-she’s special.” Cole said and glared, my own mouth hung in shock.

“Don’t be mad because I showed my party trick.” She said and Pearl smiled in amusement. It started to click. It shouldn’t have took a blonde man practically shoving past us clad in green to be my final push to realise everything. He stunk and had dried blood and mud on him and in his hair, the green clothing had been torn in places. He had a dual katana holster strapped to his back with actual katanas sheathed in. The walls looked like they were coming closer. He needed that many weapons for a reason? Was there a threat?

He apologised as he slid past, not noticing my impending panic. He dapped up Cole and leaned in to kiss Peach who didn’t look pleased after. She actually frowned in disgust.

“I’ve missed you too.” He said at her face.

“When was the last time you brushed your teeth?” She asked.

“I don’t want to talk about it- who’s this?!” He asked, pointing to me. Oh my god. This isn’t happening.

“Lloyd, meet Papita, my sister.” Cole said and Lloyd nodded.

“Nice to meet you, sorry I’m all dirty and everything. 3 week stake out.” Lloyd said like I was supposed to know what that meant. “Being a ninja is a lot less cleaner than you’d think.” He tried to joke but I’m pretty sure I had the thousand yard stare right now. Suddenly the green costume with katanas made sense. It wasn’t a costume. It was gi. A green gi.

“I can smell you from over here.” Cherry commented.

“You’re the green ninja?” I asked, well more stated.

“Who would’ve thought? Lloyd Garmadon.” Peach said and Lloyd rolled his eyes.

“You’re all ninja?!” I exclaimed. I looked back at Cole in alarm who looked away from me. Then I looked back at the others and Cherry looked at them all before breaking the silence.

“I’m not! But they all are.” She confirmed, she then hit Kai’s chest.

“Fire.” Kai raised his hand like it was an ice breaker game.

“Lightning.” Jay raised his hand next.

“I don’t need to say, do I?” Lloyd said, eating some multicoloured cereal with his bare hands out the box.

“Peach.” Peach and shrugged. Like it was obvious. I looked back to Cole.

“Earth.” He admitted, my eyes watered. What the hell was going on. Everyone looked towards Pearl.

“Pink. Who else would I be?” Pearl asked.

“Y/n, are you okay?” Cole asked. I felt ill. And my heart was racing. What the fuck was happening?

“Nya! You haven’t-“ Kai’s words distorted in my head as another person walked into the room. Well, what I thought was a person.

“Can someone please check my internal hatch, I believe there is something stuck in there I cannot see.” A tall, metal man said as he walked in the room and proceeded to open his stomach open like it was nothing. Only to reveal a bunch of wires and a few boxes that wires were coming in and out of. Safe to say, I passed out.

I am never leaving my house again.

[camillasgirl]

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will undertake a State Visit to Kenya

The visit will take place from Tuesday 31st October to Friday 3rd November 2023, and will celebrate the warm relationship between the two countries and the strong and dynamic partnership they continue to forge.

The visit is at the invitation of President Ruto and comes as Kenya prepares to celebrate 60 years of independence. His Majesty’s first visit to a Commonwealth nation as King is therefore to the country in which Queen Elizabeth II’s reign began, having acceded to the throne in Kenya in February 1952.

The King and Queen will visit Nairobi City County, Mombasa County and surrounding areas. Their Majesties’ programme will reflect the ways in which Kenya and the United Kingdom are working together, notably to boost mutual prosperity, tackle climate change, promote youth opportunity and employment, advance sustainable development and create a more stable and secure region.

During the visit, Their Majesties will meet President Ruto and the First Lady as well as and other members of the Kenyan Government, UN staff, CEOs, faith leaders, young people, future leaders and Kenyan Marines training with UK Royal Marines. The King will also attend an event to celebrate the life and work of the Nobel Laureate the late Professor Wangari Maathai, together with Wangari’s daughter, Wanjira Mathai.

The King and Queen’s programme will celebrate the close links between the British and Kenyan people in areas such as the creative arts, technology, enterprise, education and innovation. The visit will also acknowledge the more painful aspects of the UK and Kenya’s shared history, including the Emergency (1952-1960). His Majesty will take time during the visit to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered in this period by the people of Kenya. Together, Their Majesties will tour a new museum dedicated to Kenya’s history and will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Uhuru Gardens, as well as visiting the site of the declaration of Kenya’s independence in 1963.

The King and Queen’s programme also will include:

Their Majesties will be greeted in Nairobi with a ceremonial welcome at State House and will each attend bilateral meetings – The King with The President and The Queen with the First Lady, before The President hosts a State Banquet at State House.

His Majesty will visit the United Nations Office at Nairobi, to learn more about the work of UN Habitat and the UN Environment Programme. UNON is the only UN Headquarters in the Commonwealth.

His Majesty will attend a technology showcase, meeting Kenyan entrepreneurs who are driving forward innovation in the country’s tech sector. Kenya has the third largest start up eco-system in Africa.

His Majesty will host a reception focussed on Kenya’s young people and future leaders across development, trade, media, the creative arts and environmental conservation.

Their Majesties will visit a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery, joining British and Kenyan military personnel in an act of Remembrance, before hearing about the Commission’s recent work to ensure all those who supported Britain’s efforts in both World Wars are commemorated.

The King and Queen will visit Nairobi National Park to witness the vital conservation work being undertaken by the Kenya Wildlife Service, which is integral to Kenya’s thriving tourism industry.

Her Majesty, Patron of the equine welfare charity Brooke, will hear how the charity is working with the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals to rescue donkeys at risk and promote their welfare.

The King, as Captain General of the Royal Marines, and The Queen, will visit Mtongwe Naval Base in Mombasa. There, Their Majesties will witness Kenyan Marines, trained by the Royal Marines, demonstrating a covert beach landing, showing defence collaboration in action.

The Queen will meet survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, learning how they are supported and sharing her own insights from working in this area.

The King will meet faith leaders from Mombasa’s diverse community, hearing how they are working together to promote harmony amongst the city’s population.

[sitp-recs]

15 fics with different takes on Harry

Nobody asked but here’s another self-indulgent reclist to celebrate Harry’s HBD week! I wonder how many people are open to seeing their fave under a new light? Some readers can be very picky when it comes to characterization, myself included; it can be scary but I also believe that new approaches can be exciting and thought-provoking, and help us understand the multiple layers underneath their personality, as well as imagine how different things could have been had they lived under different circumstances. I am all for having my perspectives challenged so I thought it would be cool to share some of the fics that made me go 🤯🫢 with their bold and captivating take on Harry. These include dark unhinged Harry, down & out Harry, pitiful Harry, himbo Harry and some other tropes that I’ve found particularly creative and refreshing. Each fic is unique in their own way so come pick your flavour of fanon Harry and enjoy!

The Language of Power by Lokifan (E, 2k)

Harry loves talking in Parseltongue to Draco during sex: his response is just delicious.

Magpie by @corvuscrowned (E, 4k)

Potter doesn't steal because he needs anything, Draco quickly learns. He doesn't do it because it makes him feel anything. It isn't about power, and it isn't about control. Potter just does it because he can.

The Antique Bed Frame by @lazywonderlvnd (E, 5.4k)

Draco “needs his bed fixed.” Harry offers to help.

Better Left Dead by calrissian18 (T, 6.6k)

A love story and a half.

World's Edge by RurouniHime (E, 15k)

In the harshest environment on earth, Harry finds that escaping is harder than simply running.

Violent Delights by primaveracerezos (E, 20k)

Draco Malfoy's life should be going very well. He's engaged to a wonderful man and in line for the Head Auror job. He's been made lead investigator on a serial murder case, trying to figure out who is killing off the scum of the wizarding world, one by one.

A Year in Training by Omi_Ohmy (M, 25k)

Harry is finally living his dream and training as an Auror, but nothing seems to be going right: he’s just so angry all the time. And Draco Malfoy’s presence on the programme really isn’t helping with that, either.

Fearful Trill by @vukovich (E, 29k)

Harry should have come out and met someone when he was younger. He should have seen a doctor about the pain in his hip while youth was still on his side. Now, he's made his peace with dying young, but maybe not with dying alone.

He Who Must Not Be Normal by lettered (E, 41k)

Potter has fame and fortune and posh clothes and all he wants is a simple life. Draco has a flat and a cat and a steady job and all he wants is a complicated life. Which makes you think this story has something exciting like body-swapping, but it doesn’t.

REVOLVEVLOVER by firethesound, zeitgeistic (E, 46k)

The work Harry does is justifiable. It’s justice. He works for his country, and his country is a republic—the magical side, anyway. It’s not laudable work, it’s not work he’s proud of, but it’s necessary work. Harry has always taken the necessary jobs that no one else has the stomach for.

Chocolate and Pastry by agentmoppet, anemonen (E, 50k)

When Pansy bets Draco that there is no chance he and Harry could carry out a genuine romantic relationship, he and Harry form a plan. But as their fake relationship progresses, Draco sees a side of Harry he never expected.

Harry Potter Gives a Shit by talithan (E, 58k)

“Where are you headed?” “No place special,” Draco fumbled, and flushed further. But then: “I can change that,” said Harry Potter.

Absolution by sunnyeclipses (E, 63k)

At the mercy of his failing marriage, Harry only meant to use the potion once — to get Draco to listen. It’s not his fault that it works so well and that Draco’s just so easy to control.

Balance, Imperfect by @bixgirl1 (E, 91k)

When Harry sustains an injury in the line of work, he no longer knows how to navigate the life he loved, and finds help and solace from the most unexpected source.

A Sword Laid Aside by @korlaena (E, 128k)

When Draco’s cover is blown during a deep undercover operation and the Ministry is compromised, Ron takes Draco to the only safe place he can think of—Potter. Hiding out with a taciturn Harry Potter, who has been missing from the Wizarding World for almost two decades after a shocking fall from grace, is nothing like Draco thought it would be.

[world-of-wales]

THE PRINCE DIARIES ♚

16 NOVEMBER 2023 || MANCHESTER VISIT (1/2) - HIDEAWAY YOUTH PROJECT, MOSS SIDE

The Prince of Wales carried out engagements in Moss Side in Manchester.

For his first engagement of the day, he visited the Hideaway Youth Project which is a lead partner of the Manchester Peace Together Alliance, to learn more about the work of the Alliance to reduce violence amongst young people.

William's visit marked the launch of a new initiative, galvanised by The Royal Foundation and the Mayor of Greater Manchester aimed at helping expand the work of the Alliance through the creation of new opportunities for those at risk of youth violence.

During his visit, he heard from those affected by youth violence about the devastating impact the issue has on local communities before speaking with youth workers and young people supported the Hideaway and other Alliance partners.

William also joined in a conversation with Alliance partners and representatives from the business community who have been convened by The Royal Foundation, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Manchester City Council to create the Alliance's first dedicated youth employment, skills and training programme. He heard more about the long-term impact that the new program will have on local young people through the provision of new opportunities, helping to build aspirations and support those at risk of violence to reach their true potential.

[chirpos-pencil]

It's important to the Survivors that their deceased friends' legacies are not overshadowed by their own during the Tragedy, so they 'bring' them along in the fight against despair.

How so?

When they gather together the surviving fans of Sayaka's idol group, singers, and musicians to continue singing and making music, Sayaka and Leon are fighting alongside with them. These new groups of singers and musicians could combat the deathly music spread by Ibuki, spreading happiness and hope instead.

When they gather together the surviving members of The Crazy Diamonds and other youth groups to rebel valiantly against Ultimate Despair, Mondo and Diaya are fighting alongside with them. These youth groups will attack Monokuma robots in hordes, infiltrate hideouts of Ultimate Despairs and hunt for food, aid, weapon, and other useful supplies.

When they gather together aspiring programmers and hacktivists to hack into broadcasts and networks used by Ultimate Despair to spread despair, Chihiro is fighting alongside with them. Not to mention the entire thing with the Neo World Program and Alter Ego, of course!

When they encourage the ordinary people to take matters into their own hands, instead of leaving it all up to the geniuses, Kiyotaka is fighting alongside with them.

When they gather together artists to colour the despaired world with artwork, entertaining and inspiring people, Hifumi is fighting alongside with them. A huge phenomena of comics and Princess Piggles blooms!

When they preach the importance of adaptability and survival, placing curfews and other protective measures, Celestia is fighting alongside with them.

When they gather together the surviving few of the Ogami Dojo to help train ordinary people and strengthen them physically and mentally, Sakura is fighting alongside with them. The people will then stand on their own in case of a surprise attack by a Monokuma robot or an Ultimate Despair.

Even if they're long gone, the deceased's legacies would last forever.

(Additions are welcome :D)