#zephyrus core

[ohforficsake]

Talk Refined

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Summary: Orpheus and Eurydice. A Blacksmith and a Warrior. A Lawyer and the Lady He Meets at a Bar. Two souls fated to find each other across lifetimes. Here are just a few of those stories.

Pairing: Ezra x f!Reader. Reader is able-bodied and takes many forms. Described as having hair that can be pinned back in one instance, generally open description in others.

This is my submission for @wannab-urs Hozier Drabble Challenge! My character was Ezra, and my prompt was "Talk" off of Wasteland, Baby!. This was such a fun challenge, thank you so much for organizing it, Gin!

Word Count: ~5.8K (I blew past drabble, I'm so sorry)

Rating: Explicit 18+ / brief fingering / brief handjob / unprotected piv / language / main character death / Minors DNI

A/N: This was so incredibly fun to write and I actually had a huge smile on my face when I finished it that I'm pretty sure is still there. I'm incredibly happy with how this turned out. I've never written for Ezra before, so this was a really interesting exercise in finding the voice of a character that I found quite challenging to get to the heart of. Ezra folks, I really hope I did your boy justice.

Notes on literary references and the source of Orpheus' speech (not written by me) included at the end.

I'm also kind of just launching this super hot off the press, so please forgive any typos you may find and definitely message me about them once you're done reading.

Massive thank you to @beskarandblasters for the beautiful cover art for this story! 💚 Go hit Kel up if you're looking for a lovely header for your work!

Dividers by @cafekitsune!

Part I: The Darkness of the Night

He’s called Orpheus in this lifetime. Blessed with his mother’s tongue. 

No way of knowing he forever will be.  

A twist of phrase. A glint in the eye. 

A white patch at his hairline is the only mark of his father. As if licked there by the rays of Apollo’s creation.

And he is his mother’s boy, plucking at lyre strings and humming low, branches bending to his ambit as he harmonizes with the rush of Zephyrus’ wings through tall grasses.

But you are a rich distraction indeed.

A distraction perhaps of the West Wind’s own making, for the god has always been a soft touch. 

The breeze toys with your chiton as you drift in and out of dreams. 

Molding gossamer to your form.

A promise of something just for him.

Orpheus reaches to run his knuckles down your arm, awaiting your stirring before he takes fingers over your shoulder, up to cup your cheek.

You turn to press against the warmth of his hand. The pad of his thumb softly skimming your bottom lip.

It sends sparks racing across your skin.

He hums a laugh and fits closer to you, warmer now than the midday sun. You slant your eyes up at him, greeted with a smile before he bends to press a long kiss to your mouth.

His lyre is discarded in the grass now, wildflowers poking up through its strings.

The hand on your cheek moves to pull at his red linen handkerchief around your neck. Tied there in the morn to guard the late-hour transgressions of his lips from judgmental stares. 

Again revealed to him now.

He tucks the cloth into his zoster before his fingers dip under the gauze of your robes, cupping one breast before his lips replace fabric.

“The dryads, my darling,” you whisper a warning into the heated hollow of his mouth.

“Fret not, my love,” he chides with a whisper.

And you whimper a wanton, insincere protest as his hand adjusts to move lower still, nimble fingers inching your hemline up until your thighs are bared to him.

“Surely such creatures would sympathize. Look favorably on newlywed dalliance.”

“For they understand pleasures such as these,” he murmurs as his fingers slip over your core.

"The nymphs haven’t our flesh," you gasp against his curls as he bends to nip at the lush of your breast.

"They have our desires."

"The nymphs know fertile things in ways we never shall, my darling Eurydice," ghosts hot against your skin. 

"And surely they know what comes of something flush with want."

The press of his length against you causes your hips to tilt into his hand as your languid knees fall open.

"To deny that nature is to deny the nymphs themselves, little dove."

He tips his face to brush petal-soft lips against your frantic pulse as he shifts over you.

"For you see, they don’t care."

And the breach of him causes your back to arch, nails digging into the corded muscle of his arms.

You bend enough for your eyes to land on the grove of oak trees.

Unsure if begging forgiveness. 

Or reveling in their jealousy.

But there are other eyes on you this day. Watching the deft way your husband wrings pleasure from your form. 

The way he rolls you over on a bed of meadowsweet to press deeper still.

Holding your body to his as he pulls music from your throat.

Other eyes, indiscreet in their desire and relentless in their pursuit.

Other eyes that lead to your journey across the Styx.

Lead to Orpheus’ torment.

They say there are ways to speak with the dead.

But words will not pacify the poet when the possibility exists to feel you beneath him again.

A body that writhes under his own. Skin soft against the way his burns.

The way you welcome the thick weight of him.

All of him.

Into the warm clutch of your wet cunt.

And Orpheus, driven by his desire and blessed with his mother’s gift, marches boldly into the depths of grief.

“You powers divine of the subterranean kingdom, where all of mortal creation must one day sink to our doom, if you will give me permission to tell you the truth unvarnished by shifty pretenses…”

“I’d hoped to be able to bear my loss and confess that I tried.”

And the dance of his fingers over gut string pricks the ears of the damned as he gives verse to his flesh’s torment.

“In the name of these confines of fear, in the name of this vast abyss and your realm of infinite silence, I, Orpheus, implore you, unravel the web of my dear Eurydice’s early passing.”

A prayer for relief.

“This is the place that we all are bound for, our final dwelling, and yours is the longest reign that the human race must endure.”

Through vulpine teeth.

“Eurydice too, when her due of years has been ripely completed, shall own your sway. Till then, I beg you to let me enjoy her.”

And it moves the hound to cease its lashing. 

Moves the one eternally punished to rest upon his stone. 

Moves the dead of Winter to cave to the tender brush of Spring’s hand.

And you are called forth by a voice between what should be your ears. 

And Orpheus begins to move.

Daring to hope for your sweet clutch again as your footsteps grow louder against stone.

As you take the form he knows, more corporeal with every footfall.

The tenderness in your ankle made manifest with flesh.

And his cock throbs with the thought of you.

His wife.

His muse.

But there’s a pause in the lilting cadence of your step.

Where you’ve stopped to grab for the fallen handkerchief that slipped from his belt.

And the panic flooding his breast moves him against all hope.

And he turns.

And you reach for him.

Before disappearing for the final time.

With forgiveness swimming in your eyes.

Part II: Pilgrim, Stranger, Wanderer

He’s called Doran in this lifetime.

A name you learn upon ducking into the blacksmith’s workshop with another man’s name on your lips. 

“Callum!” You call, greeted instead by a shock of white hair where blonde should be.

Round brown eyes where you expected green.

“Apologies,” you offer, “I am looking for the smith.”

“Callum was called away to his family in the north country.”

His answering voice like honey just starting to crystalize. 

“I’m called Doran,” he bends his head in customary greeting.

And you note the broad spread of his hand against his chest.

“I apprenticed under Callum, in what feels like a lifetime ago now, I admit.” He offers a small smirk. “He asked that I mind the forge in his absence.”

And you give him your name but not your full belief in this story.

“May I help you with something, dove?”  

You straighten against the rake of his eyes. “My horse requires particular shoes. She is of a larger breed and nothing standard will suit.”

And you turn your back to him leading the way outside.

Doran whistles low at the sight of your mare, a sturdy Friesian glossed blue in the morning sun.

“She is a stunning creature,” he purrs, gently taking his fingers over her strong neck.

Pausing to thumb the iris stamped into the leather of her bridle.

“She’s no delicate thing,” you watch as he circles the horse. “Her grandsire was a draft who pulled the High King’s carriage.”

He fits one massive hoof between his knees, gently brushing away the feathers at her ankle before she starts fighting his touch. 

He adjusts her gently, inspecting her irons before she protests in earnest.

“It’s apparent,” he says, quickly dropping the horse’s foot and jumping aside before she stamps and shakes her head, “that her blood runs hot.”

“She does not favor the touch of men,” you answer, soothing a hand over her hindquarters. “I should have forewarned you.”

“A fair lady is entitled to her opinions when she is that beautiful,” Doran gives her a wide berth.

And takes his eyes over you instead. 

“You are the nobleman’s daughter.” He squints against the sun. “The warrior?” 

“I am.”

“Now,” he pulls a rag from his pocket and rubs at his hands, “I know well the dangers of feminine beauty but a warrioress is altogether new to me. You are not riding into battle soon, I pray?”

“One in my position exists in a constant state of preparation. But there is no rumble of battle on the horizon.” 

His smirk dimples one cheek now.

“I shall have the shoes for your láir within the week. And I shall pray you need not fly away before then, little dove.”

“May I make half the payment now for your services? This was the custom with the old smith.”

“The only payment for my services I can insist upon is merely the chance to sit in your presence a moment longer. Would a fair lady allow a humble blacksmith that much?”

And you see straight through him. Through to the tools on the wall. 

But the broad set of his shoulders under ash-smudged linen. The way he moves, lithe and light on his feet as he dances between his stock of iron bars and his cache of hammers. The bright wideness of his eyes that betray sincerity or something of its kin.

A humble one no. But this one, perhaps.

You drop a pouch of coins onto his anvil. “Where?”

“Meet me here. In the morrow?”

And you tell him “maybe” in the moment as you climb into your saddle.

But you arrive on foot the next morning. 

_____

You meet him three mornings in the week it takes him to forge your mare’s irons. 

On the first day he tells you of his travels through Spain and France. Of scrambling up the masts of the ship that brought him to your shore. 

On the third, he recites The Bard’s work with such nuance that you’re not entirely sure he isn’t the man himself.  

On the fifth day he leads you out to the ruins of an old monastery, up a winding staircase until you’re forced to stand so close on the crumbling parapet that you can feel the heat of him at your back.

Your head spins from something other than the height.

On the seventh day he places four horseshoes, lovingly wrapped in burlap and bound with hemp cord, into the hand he has cradled in his own. 

Warm and worn.

“Can I see you again?” He murmurs, barely a foot between you.

“Is that wise?”

“I have been mistaken for many things, little dove.” He brushes two knuckles over your cheekbone. “Nary a man has included wise among them.”

And you scoff but press into his touch all the same. 

“Forgive me my boldness,” he takes his fingers under your chin, “but I must pose the question.”

“Your mare does not favor the touch of men.”

“But,” he purrs, “do you?”

And your lips form the word “goodnight” but you don’t dare move.

Your eyes flash with a want that does not go neglected. 

“Must you take your leave?” He thumbs your bottom lip.

“I must.”

“But what of my payment,” he hums.

“As I recall you beseeched me pay with my time,” you tilt your head, reveling in the brush of warm breath against your skin, “I dare say I’ve tendered more than my share.”

“And yet I am in debt every time you take your presence from me,” he smirks. “There is something of you, little dove, that I fear has a hold on—”

You steal the words from his lips with your own.

And the unabashed delight dancing over his features when you part makes you kiss him again.

You fling your arm to rest the irons on the first surface you can find, desperate to wind your hands in his hair as his fit to your waist.

He urges your mouth open with the soft slip of his tongue. Humming when you let him inside.

“Little bird,” he pants when he tears his lips from you, forehead thumping hard against yours. “I confess if you stay past this moment I shall not be able to exercise any measure of restraint.”

“Is restraint what you desire?” You angle heavy-lidded eyes up at him. 

“Not in the slightest,” he swallows hard, fist still gripping at your hair. “But you are a gentle lady with a good name, and I—”

“I want you, Doran,” you murmur. “This.”

And his head falls back on his shoulders with a tight, pained hiss.

“I confess I have given in to the fantasy of hearing that fall from this lush mouth many nights since first we met.”

And he expects heat to rise to your cheeks at his admission. But the hand that cradles your neck finds no such warmth.

“Do you know how it works?” He hums low, running his palm down your sleeve to lace thick fingers with yours. “Pleasure?” He brings your knuckles to his lips, eyes glinting in hearthlight. 

And there is sincerity evident in his gaze.

For you are a gentle lady with a good name. 

“Mmm, have you felt this?” He takes your hand, gliding it over the rough wool of his trousers.

To the hard line of his length underneath them. 

Your breath skips.

You are no stranger to amusement of the flesh. But never before have you felt so—much. 

“Feel me, birdie,” he hums, rolling his forehead against yours, “what you do to me. I fear there isn’t any blood left for the rest of me.” He kisses you again. “Only for you. This. Just for you.”

“Your bed, Doran,” you murmur against his mouth.

The hand over yours encircles your wrist and he leads you through to his chambers.

He pulls you tight to his body again, mouths locked as his hands roam your form, unable to settle upon what features his fingers must traverse first. 

You push the braces from his shoulders and he helps you with the buttons of his shirt, your hands skating up the smooth expanse of tanned skin before tugging at your own shirttails.

Your lips find his neck as he unbuttons his trousers. You’ve already stepped out of yours.

“So eager, birdie,” he wraps you in his arms, and your skin burns with his touch. “Surely you’ve seen it with beasts, yes?” He salts your neck with kisses. “It’s quick with them, you see. It doesn’t have to be. Doesn’t have to—”

A moan cuts off his babbling from where you’ve taken him in hand. 

“Although I may yet need to beg your forgiveness,” his hips buck into your hand, “my stamina may yet waiver, upon this first time.”

His tongue slips into your mouth again and finally he finds himself enough to back you up until your thighs meet his bed. 

“It’s been so long. So long, birdie, since I have held a woman.” He leans you back with his body as your hands fly to his hair. “Longer still since I have held one as soft. Supple and pliant as you.” His lips map your collarbone, nose skimming the valley of your breasts as he takes one in hand.

“Never before is a long time indeed.”

He sucks at tender, pebbled skin, drawing an arch in your spine as he shifts to settle between your legs.

“I give you my word that I will indeed take my time with you but I offer a preemptive apology in the instance that I fail upon this first time.” His fingers slip down to toy with your folds, groaning against your ribs at the wetness that he finds there. “Perhaps we are no different than animals indeed.” 

You hear only half of his babbling. 

The static of anticipation under your skin crackles in your ears as your hips tip into his hand. His thumb slides over your clit and you cry out. 

“You see, sometimes a man just needs to bury himself deep.”

He slings your legs over his hips and sits up on his knees, stroking his length with your borrowed wetness as your hands find his thighs.

There’s a dark edge to his voice now. Heavy-lidded eyes locked on the core of you.

“This need. It’s far stronger than I ever will be.”

“Now, Doran, I need—”

He doesn’t make you wait.

And he keeps his word in the moments it matters. Slowly rocking his hips to stretch you open on his cock before your body begs him deeper.

Large palms settle around your waist as he builds in pace, alternating slow with fast. Tenderness with force that drives the bedframe to knock against the wall. When his thumb winds circles against your clit you cry into the night as pleasure rips through you. Greedy lips crash against yours as his weight blankets your reeling form. Fevered moans in his chest thrum through you as he savors the way your walls pulse around him. 

He buries his face against your neck and you feel the bite of his teeth as he snarls, drawing closer and closer to the edge.

He cants his hips just so at the last minute, pulling himself from your heat a moment before his seed streams hot over your thigh.

You soothe a hand over the nape of his neck as his hips spasm with the last of it, wide hand cradling your jaw and tipping your face to his.

Kisses softer now. 

Grateful.

“You are a rare bird indeed,” he murmurs against your ear, lips ghosting over your neck. 

He finds himself enough to rise from bed and kneel on the floor, searching for his handkerchief amongst the tangle of his clothes. 

Yours peeks from the pocket of your trousers, red against brown wool, and you lazily twirl a corner of it around your finger and draw it out.

Doran catches it from your hand, gently cleaning your thigh of his spend before pressing a kiss there. 

“I shall return this to you clean,” he holds it up briefly before craning to press a kiss to your lips. “Don’t trouble a hair on your head with moving, birdie,” he bids you before disappearing to the kitchen.

You trouble the hair on your head all the same as you pull the jostled pins from it, tousling it out of the style your nurse had so meticulously placed it in this morning. 

Doran returns with two glasses and a bottle of whiskey. He fills them as you prop yourself up on your side and he settles on the floor. One arm slung up on the mattress.

Adoration in his eyes as he tips his glass against yours.

“You didn’t tell me this was not your first time. Although I do find it rather a pleasant surprise,” he rubs a hand over the curve of your waist with lust-hazed eyes.

“I could scarcely utter a word amidst your chatter,” you tease with a grin as you take another sip of your whiskey.

His smile dimples his cheek. 

“Are you—”

For once he hesitates to speak.

“Are you promised to anyone?”

You catch his hand and bring it to your lips, pressing a kiss to his palm before he thumbs your cheekbone.

“None but myself. And my duty.”

He hums in acknowledgment. 

You finger the white patch at his hairline, twirling a clinging curl. 

“Angered a horse as a child and she made it known with her hooves,” he offers. “Frightened the color from that spot, I’m afraid.”

“There’s character in it. I’m quite fond.”

He turns in and rests his chin on the bed, hand back to trailing over your curves. 

“Dove?”

And you frown at the nickname.

“I am nothing so delicate, Doran.”

“A shrike then, perhaps,” he smirks, knuckles ghosting over your stomach. 

And something about it makes your heart preen.

“Has a man ever,” his fingers dip lower over your abdomen, “put his mouth on you?” 

It sends a fresh jolt of pleasure racing up your spine. You turn onto your back without thought, basking in his touch as fingers trail over your mound.

“Right here?” The pads of his middle and ring fingers wind softly against your clit.

“No,” you gasp.

“Then may I have the pleasure of being the first?”

And he is the first in a way that has you wishing for him to be the last. 

The only.

_____

Your handmaid was sympathetic to your cause, having been driven from her own house for true love. They share a small cottage on your father’s land now.

Your mother, though she did not know the intricacies of your continued dalliances with the blacksmith, knew the shift in your demeanor was a man’s doing. And she always was a soft touch for love.

Your father.

Was your mother’s concern. 

And so your nurse covers your footsteps with a tickle in her throat that needs clearing.

Ushers you back into your chambers before morning light with a knowing smile.

“I always thought you would make a pass for the stable hand,” she confesses one day as she pours heated water over your hair. “The blacksmith is a surprise.”

“An unpleasant one?”

“Not in the slightest. He’s handsome.”

You can tell there is more to the sentiment. 

“Yes, and?” You ask with a raised brow.

“Rakish.”

“Perhaps rakish is what I need,” as you rub water from your eyes. 

“No lady with sense needs rakish, my darling girl,” she chides as she rubs soap at your scalp. “But a lady with sense should indulge in it from time to time.” 

This draws a smile across your lips.

“He treats you well?”

“He treats me to pleasure the likes of which I have never known. If I offer this kingdom the breath in my breast every time I leave its gates, the least I may be permitted is the choice of a lover.” 

And so she fixes you bitter tea every morning that you return from your rakish man.

_____

The pair of you take to late night meetings at the old groundskeeper’s shack on your parents’ land. 

Where the splashing of the brook over rocks and the churn of the water wheel stifle the way he makes you cry out in pleasure.

And for one so verbose, he does excel at discretion. Raking ashes from the forge through the patch of white in his hair. Bending shadows around himself as he slips from town and into the forest at the edge of the estate. 

The pair of you carry on for months. Until summer sun yields to the darkening blanket of fall. 

A welcome change that lengthens your stolen hours.

“I’d wager that we were lovers in lives past,” he muses one night, lips pressing kisses against a scar on your shoulder. “You know me, little bird. The very depths of me.”

“Perhaps,” you roll over in a luxuriant stretch, “you are easy to know.”

“The Townsfolk would perhaps beg to differ, my darling.” He rests his hand on your cheek as you curl into him.

“Must you go in the morrow?” He asks softly.

“I’m afraid I must. For it is my duty. To ensure the safety—”

“—of the kingdom,” you both finish.

“In that case, I have made you a gift.” He reaches over your form down to the pocket of his cloak, and produces a small canvas pouch.

He sits up with you, pulling your back to his chest, arms around your middle as he watches you. 

A small silver disk threaded on a chain falls into your palm. An iris stamped into the pendant.

“Doran, it’s beautiful. You made this?”

“It is perhaps more crude than a silversmith’s work,” he helps you fasten it around your neck, “but I wanted you to have something to remember my touch in the absence of it.”

You turn towards him such that he can see you in the firelight. Ash on your jaw from where you held him to your neck, perched atop his hips while he ground deep. 

Silver pendant hanging just above the valley of your breasts. 

“Beautiful,” he smiles, pressing a kiss against your lips, thumbing at the smudge on your chin. “I have always thought there to be something undeniably sensual in the furl of iris petals,” he rumbles, “how fitting for them to be your favorite.”

“Your imagination is swift, Doran.”

“You have not beheld what I have, dearheart,” he pulls you down against the bed linens once more.

Holding you against his heart. 

And he is quiet for a long while, fingers running softly over your stomach, nose buried in your hair.

“What of my safety?” He asks. 

A plea to keep you here. 

“What shall I do?”

“I have no doubt you will find another iris that unfurls for you in the meanwhile,” you hum. Eyes slipping closed. 

“There is only one, my love. I shall wait for your return.”

_____

A grand crowd lines the streets as you and the men of your battalion ride towards the village gates the next morning. Full of cheers and blessings.

And you offer the customary wave and nod.

But your heart hammers against chainmail. 

Eyes darting through the crowd.

Willing a shock of white to appear. 

And as you near the gates he greets you.

Warm brown eyes and a grin of pride. He rushes to push through the crowd as you approach on your mare, eyes never leaving each other. 

You slip one foot from your stirrup and he jams one of his into it and stands, briefly.

Long enough to cup the base of your skull and lay a parting kiss against your lips.

You hurriedly pull your red handkerchief from behind your breastplate, pressing it into his palm as he drops away.

Crushing the cloth to his heart as you slip through the gates. 

And it will yield the ire of your father and the warm, joyous tears of your mother.

But they matter not.

For you do not return home under your own power. 

You return home under a shroud. 

Your nurse slips into the night, treading your path with your necklace in hand.

“She was found with her hand over her heart. And this underneath it.”

And the blacksmith. 

Wrought with grief.

Is never seen again.

Part III: The Helper. The Protector.

He’s called Ezra in this lifetime. 

Brought to this bar by a group of associates keen on celebrating his win in federal court this afternoon. 

And he knows it’s an excuse to drink on the firm’s dime.

He was an associate once too. 

But they helped draft the brief that saved their client $44 million. A few drinks is a small thanks. 

Ezra sticks to the corners, entertaining chatter only when approached. Kindly redirecting the advances of a first year who’s too young to realize flirting with a partner is career suicide.

He’s content tonight to sip his bourbon and observe.

“Okay, but I told you that Bismark case was horseshit and the judge was going to see that!” One associate who is two drinks too deep roars.

“That was so fucking risky, I still can’t believe you put so much weight on that,” another chides.

“Fucking WORKED though!” And the first man spreads his arms wide.

Knocking you into the sip of red wine you were about to take from your seat at the bar. 

“Jesus, fuckin’—” you start before taking a deep breath and glancing down at the patch of deep burgundy beginning to spread on your white blouse. 

Fuck.

“Boys, boys, this lovely lady didn’t consent to hearing your opinions on bullshit 4th Circuit rulings, okay?” Ezra appears, stretching an arm between you and the men. “Let’s be a little more careful, take it to a booth, yeah?”

“Miss, I apologize on their behalf,” he starts and you take another centering breath because you really are not here for some hotshot lawyer’s apologies. This is your spot, and they’re fucking with your Thursday night nightcap.

But the brown eyes you’re met with are wide and sincere.

And something at the very core of you thrums momentarily with something you can’t name. 

“Please, allow me to replace your wine and cover your tab for the night.” He’s already calling the barman over before you can assure him that’s really not necessary because they’ve fucked up your night already and you just want to go home. 

“Could you please arrange a fresh glass of wine for this lovely lady, place her tab on the card I gave you, and may I have a shot glass of white wine. I need the white wine as quickly as you can, please. Thanks very much.”

And you’re still staring at those brown eyes.

Bristling and dumbstruck at the same time. 

“Ezra,” he holds out a hand in belated introduction, and you offer a firm shake and your name in exchange.

“Sorry, a shot glass of white wine?” You quip as the bartender places it in front of Ezra.

He slips a red pocket square from his jacket and dips a corner into the shot glass.

“Apologies, may I?”

And inexplicably you turn in towards him on your bar stool as he dabs at the stain on your shirt. 

Just over your heart. 

“White wine will keep the stain from setting,” he proffers.

You crane your neck to the side, trying to settle your focus on cut glass bottles and not the stranger tending to the fine layer of cotton just above your left breast. 

He’s gentle though. Respectful in a way you perhaps didn’t anticipate. 

He smells of hinoki wood and worn leather.

“Right as rain,” he announces and takes half a step back before offering you the handkerchief. “If you want to hold that there to blot some of the excess.”

“Um, yeah, thank you. Thanks,” you hold the cloth over your heart as the bartender returns with your fresh glass of wine. 

Ezra settles on the barstool next to you.

“How…did you know that?” 

“About the wine?” He swallows a sip of bourbon. “Must’ve read it at some point and it just stuck.”

“Seems you’re a good man to have around in a crisis then,” you smile and tip your glass in his direction. He gently touches the side of his against it, before tapping the heavy base against the bar and taking another sip. 

Everything he does is briefly fascinating. 

“I apologize again for these kids,” he reaches into the inside pocket of his jacket, producing a business card which he slides over to you face-down. “You should be all good with that,” he gestures at the handkerchief, “but I insist on you sending me the dry cleaning bill. If I’ve recalled incorrectly and it does stain, I will procure a replacement for you, you have my word.”

“That’s really not necessary,” you start and yet find yourself unable to stop, “and I’m not even sure it’s possible this is vintage—”

“Alexander McQueen, I know.”

You turn all the way towards him on your barstool now. 

And his eyes glitter with your fascination as he runs his hand through the patch of white at his hairline.

“What are you reading,” he tips his head to the side as if to glimpse the cover of your book but he doesn’t break your gaze. Cheek dimpled with a half smile. 

“Ovid. Metamorphoses.”

“For fun?” There’s a hint of surprise in his voice but it’s far from belittling. 

“It’s…” you start before a smile splits your face, “yeah. For fun.”

And he echoes your grin.

“I re-read it for fun last year. I think the passage about Orpheus’ death is my favorite.”

“Fascinating,” you swallow a sip of your tempranillo. “Why that one?” 

“Well, I believe it’s a commentary on both the unbridled rage of passion and a testament to the obstinate nature of true love.”

“Obstinate?” You incline your head incredulously. “That’s quite a choice.”

“And yet it holds true, does it not? Orpheus, arguably one of the most talented figures in Greek mythology,” and he’s gesturing broadly now, “able to enchant the very souls of feral beasts and move trees to bend their limbs just to be nearer his music.”

He jabs his finger into the bartop between you, “he moved Hades, both the realm and the deity himself, let’s not forget, correct?”

And you nod, amusement playing across your features. 

“The earth and the underworld fell at his feet. And he shunned it all out of love for Eurydice.”

“And so what moral value do you place on obstinacy?” You ask.

“Obstinacy in love is the only way to experience it. To feel it so completely that you forsake everything else. Defy the world. For love. Fidelity to the wife that you betrayed by turning back.” Brown eyes are wide with his conviction.

He adds, “even Shakespeare said let it be virtuous to be obstinate.”

“Okay, in a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT context!” Your turn to erupt now, with arms thrown in the air where you’re met by his wide smile. “You cannot cherry pick that out of Coriolanus choosing to abandon his family out of sheer stubbornness, and frankly, contempt for his own people, to extol the virtues of love! Let it be virtuous to FORSAKE that love, is the whole point of that line.”

And this is the moment.

That Ezra falls in love.

And you’re not far behind.

Time slips from this point on. Patrons file in and out. More wine and whiskey is poured. Associates drunkenly clap him on the back as they make their way home, but none of it registers.

The world spins around the pair of you.

Until finally the bartender insists that he close his tab. 

And you both step out onto a city street wet with the aftermath of a brief summer downpour. 

“Thank you,” Ezra starts, “for the absolute pleasure of your company.”

He holds a tentative hand out, which you shake with a heartfelt “likewise.”

“Oh, your handkerchief,” you pull it from your pocket and hold it out to him. 

“Keep it.” He smiles. 

And you both spin on your heels. Proceeding in opposite directions.

But the warp and weft of the red cotton square that you keep rubbing between your fingers forces you to stop in your tracks. 

You turn around.

And look back. 

Meeting Ezra’s gaze from where he hasn’t moved a step.

He thumbs the corner of his lips, brown eyes locked on yours.

And you both move. 

Urgent steps pulled by Fates’ string.

Colliding as you throw your arms around his neck and he locks you against him with biceps around your ribs.

Lips crashing together with the relief of a thousand lifetimes. 

Lifetimes that you’ve known each other.

Lifetimes that you’ve lost each other. 

And this lifetime. Having found each other again.

Taglist of folks who may be interested, as always, please do let me know if you'd prefer not to be tagged, or if you'd like to be added!

@morallyinept @iamskyereads @tinytinymenace @for-a-longlongtime @legendary-pink-dot

@oliveksmoked @nerdieforpedro @julesonrecord

Subpart headings are the meaning of Ezra's name in that section.

Orpheus' monologue included herein in italics is quoted from David Raeburn's 2004 translation of Ovid's Metamorphoses, published by Penguin Classics. The text of this translation just felt so Ezra that I had to include it in that form. If you'd like to hear it read by Hozier himself, head on over to his instagram circa summer 2020's Poetry Fridays for this and some other wonderful work.

This story references the version of Eurydice's death as precipitated by Aristaeus.

Láir means mare in Irish Gaelic.

"Let it be virtuous to be obstinate" is quoted from Coriolanus by William Shakespeare.

[mask131]

Other Odysseys: Mission Odyssey

This one is sort-of a follow-up to the "Ulysse 31" cartoon. You'll see what I mean...

Do you know Totally Spies, or Martin Mystery, or Team Galaxy? Those quite specific cartoons coming from a specific set of studios and a quite specific era, with their very distinctive style? Well, there was a fourth cartoon part of this set, so to speak... one adapting the Odyssey. A Franco-German cartoon first aired in 2002. In France we just call it "L'odyssée", The Odyssey, but in English the titled got changed to "Mission Odyssey" (probably to be more appealing to kids?).

This cartoon is another production of the company Marathon Média of the early 2000s pushing forward what has been called the "franime" - a French animation style trying to imitate Japanese anime, or rather marrying some manga visual elements with a more European animation tradition. Where Totally Spies was dealing with the "spy" genre, Martin Mystery with the "horror for kids" and Team Galaxy with "sci-fi space-travel", "Mission Odyssey" actually is meant to tackle a more "traditional" fantasy. And... that's kind of the main problem of this cartoon.

Because when you look at this cartoon... You will see how it clearly was meant to be a D&D-like fantasy show X)

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy this cartoon and I have positive stuff to say about it... But let's get the bad things out of the way. And the first bad thing is that, if you are looking for a faithful adaptation of Greek mythology, turn away because its handling of the Greek myths is very very loose.

The core story is still the same as the Odyssey: Odysseus tries to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, but is pursued by the wrath of Poseidon, and must wander from island to island, monster to monster, encounter after encounter, with the final episode seeing him defeat the suitors harassing Penelope (the show is 26 episodes of 24 minutes). And don't get me wrong: unlike "Ulysses 31" which invented out of blue entire episodes completely unrelated to Greek mythology whatsoever, Mission Odyssey ALWAYS takes its elements from Greek mythology, always. But A) In order to provide some padding and extend the story, Odysseus encounters a LOT of monsters and characters NOT part of the Odyssey - Pegasus, the Minotaur, the Amazons, the Gorgons, centaurs, harpies , Lycaon and the Golden Fleece are all at the program. B) The show has an habit of... reimagining the monster and entities of Greek mythology in WILD and bizarre ways.

The Minotaur? He is actually the king of his island and much more human than planned. The Gorgons? They are now two witch-sisters instead of a trio of monsters. Charybdis and Scylla? They are cursed lovers who must be set free from the spell that trap them. The sirens? They're your typical fish-mermaid kingdom. The harpies? They are now an entire kingdom and matriarchy of bird-women, instead of random evil spirits. The Titans? Oh they're just horned-bluish humanoids living in a Norse-inspired frozen land, but very much regular mortal folks. Zephyrus? The human son of Aeolus who ran away from his father's celestial palace to live with other mortals. Etc, etc etc... This show has some of the most unfaithful and misinformative and just plain weird takes on Greek mythology I have seen in kids' cartoons.

The very crew of Odysseus' ship was entirely reinvented. Of course, it is to limit the number of protagonist and make it easier for kids to follow, but outside Odysseus, all of his companions are original characters to the show, and that's where I talked about the D&D vibe: these characters feel like a D&D party the more your think about it. Putting this under this perspective, it starts of make sense why some of the reimaginations are so strange and so unlike Greek mythology: it seems the show's project had some sort of past as a more "fantasy" show before settling for Greek mythology.

Anyway, enough of the bad stuff! What about the good? Why do I enjoy this cartoon and still advise people to go check it out despite its unfaithfulness?

Because - on the one side, it is VERY imaginative and creative in its reimagination. Sure it is not at all like the legends to have Charybdis and Scylla be doomed lover cursed into monstrous shapes to never be together... But you can't deny it still feels like something out of Ovid's Metamorphosis. Yes it is bizarre to have the Minotaur be the king who built the labyrinth instead of the monster trapped in it, but you see how they play with the legend around. And there's a lot of VERY striking visuals and concepts (like the Moirai spinning their web like creepy old-spider-ladies, or Lycaon trapped at the bottom of a well and sweet-talking people nto letting him out). And it does lead to some crazy scenarios that I quite enjoy: there's an episode about the group GOING DOWN INTO TARTARUS TO FREE POSEIDON OUT OF KRONOS CLUTCHES! How wild is that?

But here's the actual "good" point: while it is takes the "creative freedom" to the max in certain areas, when it decides to stick to the Greek myths, it sticks to it in a wonderful way. It's little details here and there, but they are very much appreciated. For example: the entire story of the Odyssey is here framed as actually some sort of contest or bet between Poseidon and Athena, who are the two main gods dealing with the story, and while the cartoon doesn't linger on the concept of the Trojan War (it's for kids after all), they do replace Odysseus' torment in the line of the Athena-Poseidon competitions, with Odysseus as Athena's champion opposed by Poseidon's own minions, monsters and servants.

There is an episode where the crew of Odysseus gets to the Underworld, and here Hades is not the bad guy, which is VERY interesting for an early 2000s cartoon: he is depicted, like in the myths, as a neutral though frightening entity who honestly will be a pleasant host to visitors as long as they don't stay, and follow his rules, but will become an absolute merciless terror if anyone break his law or tries to commit a crime in his domain. In fact, they do juxtapose him with Poseidon precisely to show how unlike Poseidon who is the bad guy here, Hades is much more benevolent than his brother.

Another little detail I particularly enjoy: Penelope and Telemachus are not forgotten, and every episode begins with a scene about them. Most beautifully: each episode's main theme, monster or MacGuffin is foreshadowed by the motif of Penelope's tapestry. Each day a new tapestry, echoing the adventures her husband will have to face...

But my favorite of this cartoon is, of course, Poseidon.

I like to say that if you want a complete idea of Poseidon in Greek mythology, through modern kid fiction, you need to look at both the Percy Jackson books and this cartoon. The Percy Jackson books did a great job at showing the good and benevolent side of Poseidon, but they lacked his evil and dangerous side - which is what this cartoon is all about.

It might just be me, as I am a big Poseidon fan, but Poseidon is here an excellent traditional villain. Of course, it is all the codes we know today - he is this over-arching villain who works only through minions, underlings and indirect attacks (because, as per the rule of the gods' games in this show, deities cannot directly attack or influence or protect the humans and have to work through side-ways), he always comes up with a new evil plot each episode, and at the end of it he goes all "I'll catch you next time!". But it works with the character and material, and its a delightful classic move.

You clearly see here Poseidon as the father and ruler of the monsters and dangers of the sea, and I adore his design which is literaly a mix of Disney's Hades and Ursula with some elements from Bai Tza from the Jackie Chan Adventures. He is this blue-skinned, blond, octopus-man whose size constantly shifts and changes from a tiny thing to a giant because he keeps manifesting himself through various bodies of water and so can appear as much out of the ocean as within a cup of water you try to drink. He is clearly shown as cruel and petty, vengeful and destructive, cunning and filled with dark magic... In fact he is even seen trying to cheat repeatedly throughout the series, only for Athena to step in and be like "Nah, not on my watch".

However there's a bonus point: we have a nuanced Poseidon here. The very episode with the Cyclop is quite interesting, as it actually explores Poseidon's relationship with his son Polyphemus - Polyphemus who is here actually more of a dumb idiot and honestly a bit goofy at times (he is still a man-eating giant, but at least he is polite and timid about it), and while Poseidon is short-tempered and get VERY annoyed by his son's idiocy... He doesn't actually lash out at him, he tries to cajole him, and he even conforts him at the end by promising him to create a new eye (in this version, kid-friendly, Polyphemus' eye is a glass-device). Which is a great contrast with how Poseidon threatens and terrifies his other underlings. In fact, many times in the show we see people who are genuinely pleased and happy to see Poseidon, see him as a benevolent and friendly guy and are more than willing to help him - only to realize too late what he asks from them is actually nefarious. It is made VERY clear that, if it wasn't for Odysseus, we could get to see more of Poseidon's good side, but since he is Poseidon's unwilling enemy, all turns against him.

Even more so: this cartoon had the genius idea of analyzing how Poseidon becoming the main villain and the persecutor of Odysseus in this story ends up ruining him. Because as the episodes pile up and Poseidon is more and more foiled by Odysseus, we see him get increasingly frustrated and mad and vengeful, becoming obsessed with this guy. He keeps telling those who think of him as a benevolent god and nice patron to go kill this guy who turns out to be just an innocent traveller or a nice person (oh yeah, Odysseus in this version is your ur-good guy, no blame whatsoever, he is just Superman without the powers, you know), and as a result he loses all the support he had gathered. It is very interesting how it works by the gods: because a few times Poseidon will use the trust and respect other gods put in him to try to turn them against Odysseus, or trick them into attacking him. It happened with Hades, and with Aeolus, and with Hephaistos, and each time, Poseidon's treachery was revealed, leading him to be banished from their realm and earning their enemity. The result is that... As the show progresses we realize how Poseidon's obsession with Odysseus, destructive grudge and desire to cheat to finally beat Athena lead him to become a hated and humiliated god among mortals and immortals, and I think it is a quite a nice twist.

They do enjoy analyzing the ambiguity and ambivalence of Poseidon - for example the Pegasus episode has Odysseus meet Bellerophon, and the hunt for the Chimera is actually put aside in favor of Odysseus trying to give therapy to poor Bellerophon who is in a sort of passive-abusive relationship with his father. In a similar way, the Cronos episode is all about how Odysseus and crew have to rescue Poseidon because, even though he is their enemy, hates them and will see them dead, he is a needed part of the world and removing him literaly kills the sea (all the sea-waters turn into a strange sand-colored crystal), for ultimately he is the sea, violent and stormy, and cunning and filled with monsters, and never making it easy on sailors.

Though my favorite part is definitively how by the end, once Odysseus gets his happy ending, we cut back to Athena and Poseidon concluding their bet... Only for Poseidon to try to convince Athena to take another bet and begin another "game", begging her like some sort of friend with dares like "Okay but what about him not returnign to the sea, not leaving Ithaca? Don't you want to bet on that, on him not resisting the call of the adventure? Please, Athena, let's just have another game. Let's just bet on anything, pleeeaasse". And... it leaves you with this very strange and still kind of happy note that ultimately Poseidon is indeed, not really a bad guy, but just a short-tempered gambling addict doubled with a very sore loser X)

[ponderingmoonlight]

If Sanemi were a Greek god,which one do you think he would be?

Hehe I just returned from Greece and now I'm a pro in greek mythology I'm a noob

So the answer most people would give to this would be Ares, the god of war. Sanemi is known for his fierce, aggressive personality, his strength, and his combat skills - basically just like Ares. Both are driven by strong emotions and are totally badass when it comes to fighting.

BUT I feel like this isn't enough to describe Sanemi. Another greek god that represents both his hard and somehow soft side would be Zephyrus, the god of the west wind (also the connection to wind hehehe). He's known for the mild wind of the west that promises life. However, in some myths, we also get to see his fierce and passionate side. That mix of a harsh outside and deep emotional core makes him a good fit.

I'd say a mix of Zephyrus and Ares would be my way go go 🤍

[areyoudreaminof]

King Under Your Control-An Azris Playlist

It's the final entry to the ACOTAR Playlist Project? Can you believe?!

I wanted to finish with a bang. Azris, the crackship to end them all. I'm also of the opinion that Azris has some of the best writers in this fandom, and this playlist is for them. This tracklist was inspired by all of the art and fics I've been blown away by. @iftheshoef1tz, @ofduskanddreams, @secret-third-thing, and @krem-does-stuff specifically. But there are too many to name.

LISTEN HERE and take a look at the tracklist behind the cut!

King-Years & Years

I was a king under your control And, oh, oh, oh I wanna feel like you've let me go, so let me go Don't you remember how I used to like Being on the line? I dreamed you dreamed of me calling out my name Is it worth the price?

Zephyrus-Bloc Party

And all you said in your quietest voice Was "I needed you as much as they do" And all you said in your quietest voice Was "I needed you as much as they do" How fast must we run before we can just take off in flight? How far must we run before they do not recognise us? So let's take this from the start, you'll be me and I'll be you

Casanova-Allie X & VERITE

I'm here lying on the bed of your tongue My heart listens to the sound of your war drum Steady tiptoeing to your neck of the woods I feel danger on your lips but it tastes good

Sex and Violence-Scissor Sisters

Everytime I spend myself it never runs too low Woah, woah, woah I can't escape my need for

Sex and violence Never let you see them hand in hand One is with the other The softest touches deeper than the ocean Give it to me faster, feel it, feel it

NEW MAGIC WAND-Tyler the Creator

Ayo, take one look in the mirror, implications so clear I live life with no fear, except for the idea That one day you won't be here I will not fetch the ball Eyes are green, I eat my vegetables

Ties-Years & Years

And you're a dancer, well, I'm a spy It's so beautiful to see you lie Are you having fun? Then give it up, you don't need that stress You're still hungry for another test Are you having fun?

Under the Sheets-Ellie Goulding

We're under the sheets and you're killin' me In our house made of paper, your words all over me We're under the sheets and you're killin' me Like all the boys before

Bad Habit-Foals

'Cause if I go Where the flowers grow Into the deep below Oh, would you forget me now? And if I could Make the days okay Wash the stains away Oh, would you forget me now?

Pink + White

That's the way every day goes Every time we've no control If the sky is pink and white If the ground is black and yellow It's the same way you showed me Nod my head, don't close my eyes Halfway on a slow move It's the same way you showed me If you could fly, then you'd feel south Up north's getting cold soon The way it is, we're on land Still, I'm someone to hold true Keep you cool when it's still alive Won't let you down when it's all ruin

Sweet Dreams-Angel Olsen

Every time I take a breath Something once living inside me has left Yes, it's alive but it's just passed through It's just left me and it's just left you On your own

Only He Can Heal Me-Bloc Party

When the trappings of the body Lead me to that hopeless place And I feel my spirit crumble Under strain and under guilt Lay me down in rivers cleansing Where the tall grass grows and grows And let me wait until My saviour comes home

In My Room-Frank Ocean

Got this lust for life in me, yeah Horny for the game, uh First they kiss, then they bite soft, uh Then that bitch wanna play it off, huh Fuck it, I'm pretty still in a pit of snakes While serpents shake some brand new scales I need a new face, I'm tired of these weirdos

Wolf Like Me-TV on the Radio

Dream me, oh, dreamer, down to the floor Open my hands and let them weave onto yours Feel me, completer, down to my core Open my heart and let it bleed onto yours Feeding on fever, down on all fours Show you what all the howling is for

Genghis Khan-Miike Snow

I know there's no form And no labels to put on To this thing we keep And dip into when we need And I don't have the right To ask where you go at night But the waves hit my head To think someone's in your bed

Magnets-Disclosure

Dancing past the point of no return Let go, we can free ourselves of all we've learned I love this secret language that we're speakin' Say it to me, let's embrace the point of no return

I’m Done with the World (& It’s Done with Me)-Foals

The fox is dead in the garden The hedges are on fire in the country lanes And all I want to do is get out of the rain An autumn day, an autumn day My daughter's asleep in the garden The leaves are on fire in the country lanes And all I want to do is get out of the rain On an autumn day, on an autumn day I’m done with the world and it’s done with me All I wanna do is get up and leave Sun falls into the garden I’m on my knees

TAGLIST: @iftheshoef1tz @ofduskanddreams @krem-does-stuff @secret-third-thing @queercontrarian @born-to-riot @yanny-77 @acourtofladydeath @witch-and-her-witcher @fieldofdaisiies @chunkypossum @thelovelymadone @velidewrites @octobers-veryown @asnowfern

[apostaterevolutionary]

What are you computer specs? Mine is not the newest or the most powerful, I haven't started playing DAV yet but I'm not it'll run properly

So my computer is pretty old too (I think I bought it in 2019? Maybe even 2018?) and it's a laptop, so it's geriatric by computer standards lmao. But it was very good at the time I bought it, so it's hard to say what the case may be for you. I do think it's very likely that any remotely capable computer can run this if mine can, but I don't want to give guarantees and be wrong of course. Either way, I've listed my specs below. I have an ASUS Zephyrus M GM501

OS: still on windows 10 Processor: Intel Core i7-8750 (note that the can I run it website told me this processor wouldn't be able to pull it off, but it has basically the exact same performance as the i5-8400 listed in the minimum requirements so I figured I'd give it as try and it works fine 17 hours in) Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070

The game even runs on medium graphics instead of low and the only somewhat issue I've had is occasionally the sound will get a bit distorted (unclear if this is actually an old computer issue, a regular bug, or has something to do with me using an external sound input/output manager device - it's not frequent enough to be a huge issue). It does recommend an SSD, which I have, so while it says it supports HDD too, I can't speak to any differences there

The only thing I found that was actually kind of annoying is on the very first boot, it has to compile shaders and for some people, this only takes a few minutes. For others, including me, this can be in the range of 30-60+ minutes. After it does this, it won't do it again, at least presuming nothing changes, and every subsequent launch will only take a few minutes while it verifies the shaders instead. So it's just the first time that sucks and while I don't know for sure if the time is correlated to older pcs or not, I wouldn't be surprised if it is. So be prepared for that

Also, if you're not sure, steam will give you only a 2 hour test run before you can't get a refund anymore (kind of an issue if you're affected by the above point), but if you buy it from EA, I heard they have a significantly more forgiving refund policy? So you could get it, see if it'll run, and then get a refund if it won't. If you have a free way to access it, such as via a steam family share or something else, you could also try that to see if it'll run before buying (I did this with jedi survivor a few months ago lmao)

[spotsupstuff]

Did the other continents also have bootleg iterators like what happened with Abet Zephyrus? Or did they eventually get the design from the original ittie designer guys? Did any of them see the idea with Itties and make something different but with the same concept?

HMMMM -pulls up the map- let's say yes to the first question so Zephyr isn't all that special about it- sounds like it would've happened at least a few times, right

let's say that This group has done it (still the same continent but yanno), the ones with Butterflies in it. this group turned the faulty Iterator off n eventually rebuilt it

then one of these just cuz i find it funny that one of the Australian groups would've done dumb shit like that

what if they did it fucking Twice and ONCE they actually somehow managed to make that thing work well TOO. the most bizarre fucking thing ever cuz why not. it's australia

but yes, eventually the proper designs were sold to all continents. they then erected the Root Signals which then hold Two names- one name for the Iterator cahoot (like The Children of Eo) and a name for the Ancients/The Colonies (Aeolus Council of Iterator Colonies)

hmmm.... probably nobody went in the way "i was inspired by the idea of Iterators and made my own different thing" but there have definitely been variations and such that could've spawned in an almost adjacent way! they got their hands on the original plans and started changing things up until the product would be something different to the eyes but at the core it's still An Iterator

this dead group to the East of Butterflies' colony might've been the special kind since even durin the Ancient times it would've been largely made of water

the biggest group (or at least with the biggest reach), the one of The Creeping Ocean, was bound to be full of oddities as well!

but mostly people would stick to the official plans of the Generations, especially when it comes to the structures. those things are stupid giant and take a lot of minds to come together to create them in a basically foolproof manner

[pseudowandered]

zephyrus/sassy core heehehe

(i know the handles are messed up. this rig is HARD to work with it took like half an hour to just do this one pose)

[twilightcitadel]

Tales of Gwyn the Dark Fantasy Picture Book

I'm a passionate reader of fantasy novels and their rich lore, so I'm constantly searching for new worlds to discover, stories to discover, and people to connect with inside engrossing books. Welcome to the magical world of my dark fantasy picture book, Tales of Gwyn. There's 100 pages containing artistic dark fantasy wonders, all of which vividly depict the complex realm that is Gwyn. Every element, from the eye-catching cover to the painstakingly created graphics, has been lovingly brought to life to envelop you in a mysterious, magical, and sinisterly intriguing universe.

Come along with me as we explore the core of Gwyn, a realm moulded by the hands of six gods: Eldorin, Maelgor, Cyfandor, Zephyrus, Seraphina, and Gwiraelin. Their heavenly influence permeates the entire cosmos, illuminating and shadowing both its inhabitants and its surroundings.

[justana0kguy]

2023 MAY 30 Tuesday

TUE DO 1'23 #1 ~ Life Breathing Styles

If it isn't obvious, this is inspired from the Breathing Styles of the Kimetsu no Yaiba manga/anime series, but applied to real life actions and scenarios (without the actual fighting, or nichirin swords, as I don't have any nor the skills to wield one without cutting myself)

In terms of Life Management System specifics, this will be integrated as a Life Action (S.O.P.) as "BRAVO" Standard Actions with the latest (Alpha, Beta, and Delta) versions as follows:

DELTA Versions (implementation & improvement)

WIND Breathing ~ Regular (I) / Total Concentration (II) Breathing

[0-I] Silent Air of Anemoi Regular breathing in and out (through nose & without sound)

[0-II] Storm Eye of Venti Regular deep breathing in and out (through mouth & with sound)

[1-I] Gentle Breeze of Zephyrus Deep breath in (through nose) Hold breath and be still for a bit Slow and steady breath out (through nose)

[1-II] Stalwart Gust of Favonius Deep breath in (through mouth) Hold breath and be still for a bit Slow and steady breath out (through mouth)

[2-I] Soaring Updraft of Eurus Slow deep breath in (through nose, with expanding chest) - visualization: soaring up through an updraft (i.e. Genshin Impact) Hold breath for a short bit (thinking of what to do) - visualization: suspended at the top of the updraft Slow and steady breath out (through nose) - visualization: gliding down from the updraft (i.e. wind gliding)

[2-II] Surging Storm of Vulturnus Slow and deep breath in (through mouth, with expanding chest) Hold breath for a short bit (extra focus on what to do) Slow and steady breath out (through mouth)

[3-I] Piercing Gale of Boreas Slow and deep breath in (through nose, closing eyes) Hold breath (and emptying mind) Slow and 'whistle-like' blowing (through mouth, opening eyes)

[3-II] Indomitable Tempest of Aquilo Slow and deep breath in (through mouth, closing eyes) Hold breath (and focusing on a single thought) Slow and 'blast' blowing (through mouth, opening eyes)

[4-I] Swift Whirlwind of Notus Quick breath in (through mouth with lungs) Sharp (silent to low volume) breath out (through mouth)

[4-II] Turbulent Tornado of Auster Quick breath in (through mouth with core) Sharp (& LOUD to SHOUTING) breath out (through mouth)

WATER Breathing ~ Motions of Life, where: Sync - Multiversal Mental Motions Strat - Omniversal Temporal Motions

[Sync 0] Still Water Zero-State - visualization: Giyu Tomioka's 'Dead Calm'

[Sync 1] Undulating Horizon no thoughts, just looking (at the sea afar) - visualization: far horizon in a calm sea

[Sync 2] Shifting Tides contemplating on overall circumstances - visualization: incoming & outgoing waves in seashore

[Sync 2a] Lifting High Tide contemplating on good/positive things in life

[Sync 2b] Bowing Low Tide contemplating on bad/unfortunate things in life

[Sync 3] Perpetual Waves contemplating on current circumstances

[Sync 4] Enduring Waterfall concentration/focus on staying strong mentally

[Strat 0] Crawling Bayou no timeframe for actions

[Strat 1] Trickling Creek taking time to do proper actions

[Strat 2] Flowing Stream wasting no time to do proper actions

[Strat 3] Running River double time to do proper actions

[Strat 4] Raging Rapids double time & may skip proper actions

[Strat 5] Flash Flood rushing due to individual urgent/emergency situations

[Strat 6] Channeling Strait mass rushing due to multiple urgent/emergency situations

[Strat 7] Rogue Swell mass rushing due to singular/incidental global event

[Strat 8] Towering Tsunami mass rushing due to multiple/ongoing global event

[Strat 9] Final Cycle rushing to / halting at the end

STONE Breathing ~ Controlled Actions / Weights Exercises

Still Rock Zero-State & awareness of body

Rolling Stone body control when doing regular activities

Hollow Dust body control to minimize noise/disturbance

Precious Gem body control to ensure only gentle pressure is applied

Firm Boulder body control when holding or bracing onto things

BETA Versions (testing & development)

FIRE Breathing ~ Cardio Exercises

MIST Breathing ~ Kind Works with others

ALPHA Versions (conceptualization & programming)

THUNDER Breathing ~ Quick Movements?

SUN Breathing ~ Leadership? Respect/Fame?

MOON Breathing ~ Friendship? Affection/Adoration?

LIGHT Breathing ~ Good Works with others? (i.e. Virtues?)

SHADOW Breathing ~ Bad Works with others? (i.e. Vices?)

P.S. I'm not a Hashira, still in training, just so you know.

~ A0K

[laptopeveryone]

Top Brand Laptops in Jacksonville: Buy Your Perfect Device Today

Finding the right laptop in Jacksonville doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who needs a reliable device for personal use, buying a laptop from a top brand ensures performance, quality, and longevity. At Laptop Everyone, we bring you a wide range of laptops from leading brands like HP, Dell, Lenovo, Apple, and more, tailored to meet your needs and budget.

Why Choose a Laptop from a Top Brand?

Investing in a top-brand laptop provides several advantages that make it a smart choice:

1. Reliable Performance

Top brands use advanced processors, high-quality components, and optimized systems to ensure smooth and efficient performance.

2. Cutting-Edge Technology

Brands like HP, Dell, and Lenovo lead the market in innovation, offering the latest in hardware and software.

3. Durability and Longevity

Premium materials and rigorous testing ensure these laptops can handle daily wear and tear.

4. Exceptional Customer Support

Top brands back their products with excellent warranties and customer service, providing peace of mind.

5. Wide Range of Options

From budget-friendly models to high-end ultrabooks, top brands offer laptops for every user.

Top Brand Laptops Available in Jacksonville

Here’s a look at some of the best laptops from leading brands available at Laptop Everyone:

1. HP Pavilion 15

Best For: Everyday use and productivity.

Features:

Intel Core i5 processor.

8GB RAM and 256GB SSD.

15.6-inch Full HD display.

Why It’s Great: Combines affordability with robust performance, ideal for students and professionals.

2. Dell XPS 13

Best For: Professionals and multitaskers.

Features:

Intel Core i7 processor.

16GB RAM and 512GB SSD.

13.4-inch InfinityEdge 4K touchscreen.

Why It’s Great: Ultra-portable and powerful, perfect for on-the-go productivity.

3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

Best For: Business users and executives.

Features:

Intel Core i7 processor.

16GB RAM and 1TB SSD.

14-inch WQHD display with anti-glare.

Why It’s Great: A durable and sleek laptop with industry-leading security features.

4. Apple MacBook Air (M2)

Best For: Creative professionals and Apple enthusiasts.

Features:

Apple M2 chip.

8GB RAM and 256GB SSD.

13.6-inch Retina display.

Why It’s Great: A lightweight powerhouse with an unmatched user experience.

5. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14

Best For: Gamers and power users.

Features:

AMD Ryzen 9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3060 graphics.

16GB RAM and 1TB SSD.

14-inch QHD display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Why It’s Great: Combines top-tier gaming performance with portability.

Why Shop at Laptop Everyone?

At Laptop Everyone, we understand the importance of finding the right laptop to match your needs. Here’s why Jacksonville residents trust us:

Extensive Selection: We stock a wide range of laptops from leading brands, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Competitive Pricing: Enjoy unbeatable deals on high-quality laptops.

Expert Advice: Our team helps you make informed decisions based on your requirements.

Fast Delivery: Get your laptop delivered quickly to your doorstep in Jacksonville.

Secure Shopping: Shop with confidence on our user-friendly website.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Laptop

1. Define Your Purpose

Are you looking for a laptop for gaming, work, studies, or casual browsing? Knowing your primary purpose helps narrow down your choices.

2. Focus on Specifications

Pay attention to the processor, RAM, storage, and graphics capabilities to ensure the laptop meets your performance needs.

3. Portability vs. Power

If you’re always on the go, choose lightweight and compact models. For intensive tasks, prioritize performance over portability.

4. Consider Battery Life

Opt for laptops with long battery life if you frequently work away from power outlets.

5. Set a Budget

Top brands offer laptops at various price points, so determine how much you’re willing to spend.

Upgrade Your Tech Today

Finding the perfect laptop from a top brand in Jacksonville is now easier than ever with Laptop Everyone. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a gamer, we have the ideal laptop for your needs.

Visit laptopeveryone.com to explore our collection of top-brand laptops and take advantage of exclusive deals. Don’t miss the chance to upgrade your tech with a device that combines quality, performance, and value.

[altinbilgiler]

RTX 5090’li Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16 tanıtıldı!

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG), CES 2025’te 2025 Zephyrus G serisi taşınabilir oyun odaklı dizüstü modellerini tanıttı. En yeni NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU’ları ve güçlü AMD Ryzen yahut Intel Core işlemcilerle gelen yeni laptoplar bunlara ek olarak ince ve hafif dizaynlarıyla hem oyun hem de günlük kullanımlarda üst seviye bir tecrübe vadediyor. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16 neler sunuyor? Zephyrus G14…

[gianhovn]

Lựa chọn giữa Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 và Acer Triton với RTX 3060: Chọn laptop nào?

🔥 Chào mừng quý khách đến với chuyên trang Hỏi & Đáp của LaptopAZ! Hôm nay chúng ta sẽ cùng tìm hiểu về hai chiếc laptop đình đám trên thị trường hiện nay, đó là Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 với chip Ryzen 7 – 6800HS và Acer Triton với chip Core i7. Cả hai đều được trang bị card đồ họa mạnh mẽ RTX 3060, vậy nên quý khách sẽ phải đứng trước quyết định khó khăn là chọn laptop nào phù hợp nhất. 🤔 Với mục…

[compsupport]

ASUS Notebook ROG Zephyrus G16 (GU605MZ-QR114X)

Highlight des Tages Prozessortyp: Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 185H Speicherkapazität Total: 1000 GB Verbauter Arbeitsspeicher: 32 GB Betriebssystem: Windows 11 Pro Grafikkarte Modell: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Bildschirmdiagonale: 16 " https://shop.compsupport.ch/de/products/1985548 https://compsupport.ch/2024/12/29/asus-notebook-rog-zephyrus-g16-gu605mz-qr114x-2/?fsp_sid=2035 #ASUSNotebookROGZephyrusG16GU605MZQR114X #Compsupport #ComputingundSoftware #Notebook #PCNotebooksundTablets

[digitalbytes]

Here are some of the best choices for 2023:

Alienware x17 R2 Price: Starting around $2,500 Key Specs: Intel Core i9-12900HK, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, 17.3-inch FHD or 4K display options. Pros: Excellent performance, premium design, and stunning displays. Cons: Heavier and bulkier, reducing portability.

Razer Blade 15 (2023) Price: $2,300 - $2,800 Key Specs: Intel Core i7-13700H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070/4080, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, 15.6-inch QHD or 4K OLED display. Pros: Sleek and portable, fantastic display quality, and strong gaming performance. Cons: Can get quite hot under heavy loads.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Price: $2,000 - $2,500 Key Specs: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, 14-inch QHD+ display. Pros: Compact and portable, excellent battery life, and solid gaming performance. Cons: Smaller screen compared to larger gaming laptops.

MSI GE76 Raider Price: $2,400 - $3,000 Key Specs: Intel Core i9-13900HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080/4090, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, 17.3-inch 144Hz display. Pros: Huge performance, large screen, and powerful GPU options. Cons: Bulky and less portable.

HP Omen 17 (2023) Price: $2,000 - $2,800 Key Specs: Intel Core i7-13700HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070/4080, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, 17.3-inch QHD or 4K display. Pros: Great value for performance, sleek design. Cons: Can get loud under heavy usage.

Lenovo Legion 7i Price: $2,500 - $3,000 Key Specs: Intel Core i9-13900HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080/4090, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, 16-inch WQXGA display. Pros: Excellent for gaming and productivity, solid build, and a great keyboard. Cons: Slightly bulky with limited battery life.

Which gaming laptop is the best for me?

Your choice depends on your needs:

For portability: The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 offers great performance without being too bulky.

For large screens: The Alienware x17 R2 or MSI GE76 Raider provide immersive gaming experiences with bigger displays.

For sleek design: The Razer Blade 15 is perfect for those who want both style and performance.

For overall value: The HP Omen 17 and Lenovo Legion 7i provide a solid balance of power and value.

To learn more about each laptop and to see detailed specs and pricing, check out this link.

[7ooo-ru]

Голосование за лучший флагманский ноутбук 2024 года: выбирают читатели Hi-Tech Mail

На сайте Hi-Tech Mail стартовало голосование в рамках ежегодной премии «Лучший гаджет 2024». Читатели голосуют за лучшие устройства среди более чем 200 номинантов.

Редакция Hi-Tech Mail отобрала 8 отличившихся флагманских ноутбуков, среди которых пользователи выбирают главную модель. Проголосовать можно на специальной странице.

1. Huawei MateBook X Pro Ultra (2024)

Флагманский ноутбук Huawei в 2024 году: ультралегкий корпус 980 грамм, сенсорный OLED-экран с диагональю 14,2 дюйма, частотой 120 Гц и яркостью 1000 нит, пара портов Thunderbolt 4, аудиосистема HUAWEI SOUND с 6 динамиками и 4 микрофонами, поддержка быстрой зарядки 90 Вт и премиальный дизайн. Обзор от редакции Hi-Tech Mail.

2. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024)

Первый OLED-ноутбук в серии ROG. Дисплей отвечает стандарту VESA HDR True Black 500, поэтому отлично подходит для воспроизведения HDR-контента. Частота обновления экрана составляет 240 Гц. Ноутбук оснащен процессором AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 и видеокартой NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 для ноутбуков с термопакетом до 105 Вт.

3. MSI CreatorPro X18 HX A14V

Одна из самых мощных мобильных рабочих станций, когда-либо созданных MSI. Предназначена для создателей контента, программистов, архитекторов и других профессионалов. Оснащается топовым процессором Intel Core i9-14980HX, видеокартой NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5000 Ada с 16ГБ GDDR6 и емким аккумулятором на 99,9 Вт*ч.

Подробнее https://7ooo.ru/group/2024/12/06/831-golosovanie-za-luchshiy-flagmanskiy-noutbuk-2024-goda-vybirayut-chitateli-hi-tech-mail-grss-362280942.html