#&&. ONWARD‚ with a resilient will for the future. (ic.)

[gobboguy]

Chapter 11: Home at Last

As Gelbeg gazed down at the still form of Ionia, her pallid complexion and trembling form stirred something deep within him. Despite the atrocities she had committed against his people, he couldn't shake the feeling that her survival was somehow crucial to their shared destiny. With a heavy heart and a sense of duty weighing on his shoulders, Gelbeg resolved to carry her to safety, no matter the personal cost.

Carefully lifting Ionia's limp body, Gelbeg fashioned a makeshift papoose from his cloak and gently secured her within it, ensuring she was shielded from the biting cold. With each step, he felt the weight of her frail form pressing against his back, a reminder of the burden he had willingly taken upon himself. Though doubts gnawed at the edges of his mind, Gelbeg remained steadfast in his determination to see her through to Cairn Doom, where perhaps the healers of his people could offer some semblance of aid.

As he trudged through the unforgiving landscape, the howling winds of the blizzard seemed to echo his internal turmoil. Why should he risk his own life for someone who had brought nothing but suffering to his kin? Yet, even as the doubts swirled within him, Gelbeg could not deny the inexplicable pull he felt toward Ionia's survival. It was as if some unseen force guided his steps, urging him onward despite the daunting odds stacked against them.

With each passing moment, Gelbeg's resolve grew stronger, fueled by a sense of duty and an unwavering belief in the importance of their shared journey. Through wind and snow, he pressed forward, his determination unyielding as he carried Ionia toward the hope of salvation that lay ahead.

As Gelbeg trudged through the treacherous terrain of the Acury mountains, the biting cold of the blustering winds whipped at his cloak, sending flurries of snow swirling around him. The jagged peaks loomed overhead, their rocky faces obscured by thick layers of frost and ice. Each step he took felt like a struggle against the relentless fury of the elements, and doubts gnawed at the edges of his mind as he wondered if he was even on the right path.

But then, as he crested a snow-covered hill, Gelbeg's weary eyes beheld a sight that filled him with both relief and awe. Before him, nestled within the craggy embrace of the mountains, stood the mountain fortress of Cairn Doom. Massive stone walls rose from the sheer cliffs, forming a formidable barrier against the elements. The gateway, carved into the side of the mountain, was a testament to the strength and resilience of the Orcish people.

As Gelbeg drew closer, he could see intricate carvings adorning the walls, depicting scenes of Orcish devotion to their god, MOG. Gone were the ornate Naga imagery that once adorned the fortress; in their place were symbols of Orcish strength and determination. The air was alive with the sound of Orcs going about their daily tasks, the clang of metal against stone mingling with the howling of the wind.

With a shout of triumph, Gelbeg hurried forward, his heart filled with hope at the sight of his kin. Here, amidst the towering peaks of Acury, lay the sanctuary he had sought for Ionia. And though the journey had been long and perilous, Gelbeg knew that he had finally found the answers he sought, and perhaps, a glimmer of hope for the future of his people.

[jinruinokibo]

     “ THE gala, huh ... ? ” It’s been awhile since he’s attended any Chaldea event it but then again, there was the matter of who he could potentially ask. Well, he would be just as satisfied with watching from the sidelines too. After all, it was always nice to see his servants enjoy themselves ( he certainly would be lying to himself if he said he didn’t have a few candidates in mind ). “ I wonder what I should wear ...” 

[endsavior-moved]

      ❛ MM ... I wonder what’s a good stress relief. ❜  

[endsavior-a]

@rascallie replied to your post: "You dare declare war on my pure innocent sister...

if you want me to warm u back up tho—

     ❛ T - THAT’D be appreciated ... ❜  

[sasorikigai]

Friend headcanon??

Headcanon A-Z || @extraordinarygrrls || accepting

F - Friend - What kind of friend are they? How do they judge potential friends? Where do they draw the line between platonic and romantic relationships? How far would they go for a friend? How do they handle conflict in relationships?

Regardless of verses, Hanzo/Scorpion is who I’d like to call a ‘versatile supporter.’  He is a gentle, pragmatic, and empathetic individual who will go to great lengths for his friends should circumstances call for it. Deeply sincere and observant, Hanzo can pick up on aspects of other people’s motivations that they may be blind to themselves fairly quickly. At the beginning of friendships, he may seem extremely difficult and perhaps even arcane and impervious to get to know, but the more someone proves their loyalty the more Hanzo/Scorpion will open up. Over time, he will reveal his deeply-held values, emotions, and passions. 

When it comes to his friendship, he is extremely patient and flexible, and he doesn’t like to impose his lifestyle or beliefs on everyone else, lest he may be unapologetically honest and direct in his deliverance of what and how he thinks on such matter. In fact, if someone is being pushy towards one of his friends, he will quickly come to their defense. He hates bullying or people who try to overpower or patronize others. Kind, thoughtful, and realistic, he wants to support his friends in not only practical ways, but even more so, in emotional ways.

Potential friends must have their fair share of optimism and resilience, and also have the capacity to handle stress of befriending him better than the others. Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion isn’t the most gregarious, pleasant or easygoing individual; simply because he has dealt with a lot of physical/mental trauma and suffers greatly still. That other must challenge his life which would help him heal and move forward and onward with his past and present traumatic situation and help him face challenges that will come as more trials and tribulations in the future. Most importantly, having the shared moral compass is crucially important, and also this goes hand-in-hand with a sense of spirituality and deeply-rooted assured confidence and solidity which he also deeply respects in reverence. 

Hanzo Hasashi’s love tends to shift, morph, and transform - sometimes slowly, like ice melting, or rapidly, like a flash of lightning. When he loves someone platonically, there may be little fear of conflict. Fighting can feel lower stakes. Maybe the fight lasts a day - maybe even much longer than that - but he can almost always find his way back to each other because he loves each other, and he spent that time apart growing. When he loves someone romantically, compromise is crucial to his relationship. It matters that he makes the other person happy. Even in conflict, the best conflict lead to open and honest communication. 

There may be a significant difference in how he words things as well; when he loves someone platonically, he feels more inclined to give it to them straight, as extremely honesty will spare their emotions and perhaps embarrassment. When Hanzo loves someone romantically, he will take their feelings more into consideration. He won’t ever sugarcoat things or lie to his partner, but he will really put a conscious effort to think about the best way to deliver that message, or he might tailor his message to their emotional needs or pattern. 

And most importantly; any of his platonic bond is sturdy, unwavering, and unconditional. Hanzo’s romantic relationship tends to be sensitive, emotional, and tender. Romance can be nuanced and special, passionate or pragmatic. Hanzo Hasashi is willing to ride the ups and downs of life with his romantic partner, and that's what makes the love so satisfying and cherished. “Unconditional” love for Hanzo means that, despite difficulties, he is sufficiently devoted to one another and are committed to working this out as a team. 

As a friend, Hanzo Hasashi’s loyalty runs in his veins, along with his integrity and honesty. He will never deceive, lie, or leave anyone’s side, unless he has justifiable reasons to leave them. He will do whatever it takes, and even face cruel suffering and death for an authentic friend. 

When having an actual argument, Hanzo believes that the object is to express himself, be heard, and to learn what needs are not being met so that both of them can resolve their conflict in a way where both of them feel heard and understood. He considers communication a pivotal aspect of a relationship; doesn’t matter what kind, whether it is physical, vocal, something even beyond the mind and soul’s connection. 

[seunqs]

[ a long get to know me tag ]

tagged by: losers @woosohn @yeonjuins

what day is your birthday?

27th june! it’ll be on a monday next year

what’s your favourite colour?

blue! a rather specific shade of light sky blue but i also like dark blue! might be misleading because everyone would think beige/black since that’s the aesthetic i like + almost everything i own is black...

what’s your lucky number?

i don’t have one i think but i tend to say 7 if i’m asked?

do you have any pets?

sadly no >:( will get one in the future idc idc

how tall are you?

158cm tiny i wna be abit taller

how many pairs of shoes do you own?

off my head i think 3 pairs...? just 2 black and 1 white that i rotate depending on the outfit i’m wearing

favorite song?

asdjekw i don’t think i have one specific one but recently i’ve been listening to maniac by nct doyoung & haechan!

other honourable mentions: a book of love by ha hyunsang, wide eyed blind by saint raymond, irreplaceable by nct dream, lmly by jackson wang. that’s all i have off my head

favorite movie?

surprisingly i’m not big on movies... but i’ll always answer parent trap when someone asks! why do i sound like i always have prepared answers in my head for various questions... okay that’s bc i do.

what would be your ideal partner?

@june look away i already know you’re gna say this sounds a lot like someone..

shy... is the main characteristics lmao idky it’s not even like i’m outgoing but i tend to find myself liking shy-er boys over the outgoing ones! aaa those with very obvious leadership qualities and quietly cares and looks out for those around them :’) tsundere! i think shy may appear cold sometimes but i’m rly :’) when the shy ones become very affectionate in private or when you get to know them better :’) or shy with strangers but very goofy and silly with their closer social circle heh those that are more cat-like than dog-like, only approaches you when they’re comfy. okay also shy but willing to speak up when necessary! doesn’t let themselves get bullied for being quiet and also pls speak up for me i hate ordering food pls do it for me HAHAHHA also if they’re passionate about something they like/are good at! good listeners too heh doesn’t need to always have the best advice, just if they would sit with me silently and listen to me and give me a hug afterwards :’’’’’) i think i’m on the touchier side too so if they don’t dislike that it’ll be nice! OH someone who’s good at cooking too bc i hate cooking and the kitchen in general.. i’ll do the dishes though HAHAHAH ok that is all there is a certain idol in my head that is the embodiment of my ideal type and i hate him >:(

do you want children?

no... not so much bc i don’t find them cute or i can’t handle them but i think it’s a commitment that scares me! bringing up the child well with the right character and values ajksdbwkje i don’t know if i’m up to that HAHAHAH

have you gotten in trouble with the law?

nope @woosohn @yeonjuins pls be proud of my direct no why are the two of you......... 

bath or shower?

shower! i don’t know if i’ve actually taken a bath before... probably when i was younger HAHAH i think i’ll get bored in the bath and i much rather be relaxing in bed than in the tub

what color socks are you wearing?

barefoot at the moment! the socks i own are mostly solid colour socks / simple cartoon or animal patterns but all ankle socks that can’t be seen with my shoes

favorite type of music?

i listen to pop, r&b and indie! that’s about all and favourite depends on the mood!

how many pillows do you sleep with?

just 1! and a bolster too

what position do you sleep in?

either on my back with hand over my head lmao or turned to either sides while hugging my bolster and face buried into the bolster

what you don’t like when you’re sleeping?

when it’s too hot! canNOT sleep if the weather is too hot. also if i get woken up rudely, by screaming or someone smacking me awake LMAO just tell me nicely to get up and i’ll be out of bed in 10mins pls give me awhile my brain is turning on HAHAHA

what do you have for breakfast?

recently i haven’t woken up early enough for bfast or my family is just about to go out to buy lunch by the time i’m up hahaha but on the days that i’m alive for bfast, iced coffee and any pastry sitting in the fridge! my family is big on pastries like croissants and cakes like banana and carrot cakes! so one of those but the iced coffee is a constant in my first meal of the day

have you ever tried archery?

nope and idt i’ll be good at it tbh....

favorite fruit?

strawberries, apples, peaches! there are some seasonal favs where i rly like them for a period of time and then suddenly not anymore but these 3 are the constants

favorite swear word?

hahahaha i dont think i have a favourite one..... but i say tf a lot and mf for kpop boys who make me more flustered than they should

do you have any scars?

i don’t think so! i have a few stretch marks around my waist and tummy tho 

are you a good liar?

yes... HAHAH i used to get scolded so much for lying as a kid lmfao

what’s your personality type?

isfj-t has probably only dipped to isfp-t once but if not constant isfj!

what’s your favorite type of girl?

HAHAHAH uh.... okay with all kinds i think? except people in general who try too hard

innie or outie?

innie. was this question necessary tho AHHAHAHA

left or right-handed?

right-handed

favorite food?

ramen! but i like lots of food lmfao tiramisu, pork belly, lots of noodles, also lots of rice, beef, cakes, ice cream, i think i’m more salty > sweet!

favorite foreign food?

japanese ramen, korean cuisine!, lasagne

are you clean or messy?

clean

most used phrase?

i think alot of keyboard smashes, lmao, wtf, HAHAHAHHAHA, sigh, i’m tired LOL

how long does it take for you to get ready?

depends! fastest i think i can get out of the house 20mins after i’ve woken up. longest probably an hour where outfit is taking a while and accessories needs to be chosen

do you talk to yourself?

in my head yes.

do you sing to yourself?

not often but i sing out loud for the family to hear LOL in my head very often a song is playing up there

are you a good singer?

nop. i don’t think i’m a BAD singer but wouldn’t classify as good either HAHHAHA

biggest fear?

wow so many things but i think biggest is complete darkness, i need to see and know what is going on around me. i sleep with a night light on heh 

are you a gossip?

with closer friends yes def HAHAH my school culture tends to have lots of tea that my friends and i don’t like to get too involved in but we do talk about the gossips that goes around hahaha have also been in the center of gossip way too often

do you like long or short hair?

long! can’t imagine myself with short hair.. used to have reallllyyy long hair that goes beyond my waist and cried when i cut it to slightly below shoulder length. that’s the shortest i’ll ever go

favourite school subject?

wow nothing i don’t like school lmfao but humanities and language are way more bearable than math and sciences

extrovert or introvert?

introverted

what makes you nervous?

unpredictable situations, being alone in public (contradictory because in private i would strongly prefer to be alone but i don’t enjoy being alone in public i feel judged HAHAHA), also currently waiting on a reply for something and that’s been keeping me anxious the past 2 days :’)

who was your first real crush?

when i was 13/14, tablemate in school that was kinda shy and had very limited social circle but talked to me endlessly in class lmfao he apparently liked me too but we never dated and went to different schools at 16 y/o. we’re still kinda in touch though! we talked quite a fair bit last month just catching up but he’s more of an acquaintance now

how many piercings do you have?

2! just one normal lobe piercing on either ears, don’t think i’ll get anymore

how fast can you run?

back in school i used to be one of the fastest girls in my class LMFAO i could clock 12.5 minutes for a 2.4km run. stamina came from dancing since i had to run laps before dance class 2 times a week. but that is long in the past and now i get tired from climbing more than 4 flights of stairs pls spare me

what color is your hair?

naturally black but dyed brown! my hair has grown quite abit since i dyed it though now its black at the top and brown from above my ears onwards

what color are your eyes?

a very dark brown lmfao almost black

what makes you angry?

irresponsible people. just pushing responsibility to others or avoiding their responsibilities. don’t need you to do a good job with your responsibilities, just don’t make your issues my issues. and if its a shared responsibility like group projects, then do your part to contribute and don’t expect others to cover you

selfish people, in many ways. just being self-centred, not caring about how others feel, doing things for personal gain at the expense of others

speaking in a passive-aggressive/sarcastic manner. i say this even though i’m afraid of confrontation but i much rather someone outright tells me they’re unhappy about something or wants to get a point across. i hate when they talk about it sarcastically or tries to sugar-coat their words to make themselves look less aggressive about their words. tell me straight as it is, if you’re already gonna talk about something bad don’t piss me off with your attitude at the same time

do you like your own name?

rae is nice! has a very nice ring to it and looks pretty!

do you want a boy or a girl as a child?

i don’t.. want one.. but both have their good and bad i can’t decide.. i want a puppy

what are your strengths?

is this an interview question i have had a few interviews over the past weeks i am well-prepared for this HAHAHA

i think i’m pretty resilient! i bounce back from bad times pretty quickly or i psycho myself to see the situation positively. but it is ofc coupled with a lot of complaining to the people around me first

although i hate unpredictable situations and having to quickly adapt to new settings, i think i adapt pretty quickly too. flexible? easy-going? idk what’s the right way to call it but yeah something along those lines. good at it but i still enjoy my stability and calm don’t want to have to quickly adapt to new situations.

what are your weaknesses?

very emotional HAHAH used to be much worse but i often let my emotions rule my head. i think i’ve improved A LOT though i used to be so bad but i think i’m now able to make rational decisions even if im bawling LMFAO

this sounds like a compliment but i’ve been told this too often as well. i tend to be way too nice to people who don’t deserve it. even if the person doesn’t deserve it or they’ve pushed all my buttons in the wrong way possible, i would still try to be as nice and polite as i can. really helps with me working in the f&b industry lmfao.

what’s the colour of your bedspread?

dark blue / grey! 

colour(s) of your room?

white & wood (throughout my house actually + green from the plants in the living room) @yeonjuins says i live in a muji showroom

[ffxivpathoflight]

Ryuzan Kyouko, the Oathkeeper (PLD)

“I am faithful to my principles. Lying to myself wouldn’t do. It is this conviction that makes me rise again and again, until I grow past my shortcomings.”

Third scion of the Kyouko clan, one of the most renowned samurai families in Hingashi, Ryuzan would soon prove the exception to the rule. Too short and too clumsy, ever since he was a child and began to be taught the way of the samurai, he could not even wield the blade properly. His mother, Narame of the Yamatai, a clan of geomancers, tried to teach him magic, but it turned out he neither had the gift. Despite the shame he felt he was to his family’s honor, Ryuzan tried to compensate by learning and taking to heart the creed and morals of the samurai, at least. But he got a glimpse of what his path would lead when he was fifteen summers old, and bandits raided the village under the Kyouko clan’s protection. His siblings joined the battle, katana in hand, and Ryuzan had no choice but to do the same. It went as good as one might expect, with the bandit’s blade snapping Ryuzan’s out of his hand and he stumbled backwards and fell to the ground; as his foe raised his katana to end him, Ryuzan grabbed a round wooden plate and out of instinct he shielded himself with it. His resilience caught the bandit off-guard, and it gave his older sister Setsuna enough time to get to them and put the bandit to the blade.

This incident made Ryuzan think that perhaps his talents lay elsewhere, but his was a family of samurai, and it was not until three years later when the Kyouko clan attended a feast in the city of Kugane, the only place open to ijin —foreigners— in all of Hingashi. Distinguished people of all corners of the world joined the night, and Ryuzan met a bodyguard of an Eorzean merchant, a man who wielded sword and shield in battle. He learned that this discipline of arms was taught in the West, and recalling the bandit attack, Ryuzan was convinced that offensive was not his calling, but protection. However, he would have to argue with his father, Shikage Kyouko, for four years before he allowed Ryuzan to leave on one condition: upon his return, he would have to prove his mastery of this Western technique equal to the samurai skills of the Kyouko clan, and if he could not, he would have to cast off his family name to not bring them dishonor. Eager to prove himself worthy, Ryuzan boarded a ship that would bring him to Eorzea, and he traveled to Ul’dah to join the Gladiators’ Guild and learn the ways of the sword and shield.

Soon it became clear that the discipline was meant for him. Ryuzan was certainly not the fastest or nimblest of fighters, and he was clumsy as ever, but he was a veritable bulwark against any kind of attack thrown at him. This and his steadfast convictions about honor and protection caught the attention of the Sultansworn, who were seeking to train free paladins, knights sworn to fight and defend the weak. Ryuzan’s ideals aligned with those of the paladin’s creed, and so he swiftly became an extraordinary pupil. Two years after he arrived to Eorzea, he was deemed a full-fledged paladin, and Ryuzan began traveling the land as an adventurer. During his travels, a Light Crystal of Ice appeared to him after a particularly fierce battle in which his sword and shield both broke, and with its power from that moment onwards he learned to summon a sword and shield made of ice at his beck and call.

After a year of traveling Eorzea and helping those in need, Ryuzan heard that the Eorzean Alliance was getting ready for war against the Garlean Empire for Ala Mhigo’s liberation, and that the Scions of the Seventh Dawn were seeking adventurers gifted with the Echo to form a special unit directly under the Warrior of Light’s command. Ryuzan, as many had at this point, had heard of the Warrior of Light, and ever since he was a child and dreamed of a starshower he had the Echo, the main reason his mother thought he was apt for magic back then. He answered the call and traveled to Rhalgr’s Reach to meet his new comrades-in-arms. It turned out the Warrior of Light, X’wyhn Lehn —who at the time still went by the name Faith Sol’une— was not exactly the heroic spirit he had imagined, instead being rather surly and cynical. Ryuzan questioned her aptitude for the role more than once, though he came to accept her authority and decisions as he traveled with her. Besides, despite a misunderstanding and a certain incident that made his relationship with one of his companions, the Miqo’te samurai Samra Shir’valah, rather rocky at the start, they came to respect one another, and eventually this developed in an odd sort of romance after Ala Mhigo’s liberation. Now part of the Guardians of Light, Ryuzan’s adventures with them had only just begun.

The Call to the First reflection of the Source, about to be flooded by Light, made the Guardians of Light, the Guardians of Darkness —come from the future to prevent the horrible events that led to the world’s devastation— and the newly-arrived Order of Wayward Echoes come together and join the efforts to save the shard. Ryuzan and all the others traveled to the First aboard the Order’s interdimensional airship, The Ouroboros, since the Warrior of Light had been the only one properly summoned through the Rift. Ryuzan’s belief in the holy Light began to waver when he beheld the horrors the Light had wrought upon this world, especially the sin eaters. Meeting the Ascian Paragon, Emet-Selch, and learning of Hydaelyn and Zodiark’s true nature would further shake the foundations of his conviction, but it was not until he heard the tragic tale of the Ancients and how their memory had been erased from history by the winners that Ryuzan realized that right and wrong are but constructs of each side. When the Warrior of Light failed to contain the Lightwardens’ Light and Emet-Selch turned on them, Ryuzan joined the battle. The reenaction of the Final Days of Amaurot, bearing witness to the Ancients’ demise, and understanding the crushing guilt of not being able to help those Emet-Selch swore to protect, compelled Ryuzan to make an oath to the grieving Paragon’s last request: the Ancients’ memory and story would be known and their legacy honored as it should have ever been.

[jinruinokibo]

gallowking​.

He’s standing there in a long cape and a pumpkin bucket in his hands filled to the brim with dark chocolate candies (since he insisted if candy was going to be eaten, dark chocolate was the healthiest alternative).

“…Abigail insisted.” Yeah, he can’t say no to Abigail.

     RITSUKA was honestly trying to figure out what Sanson was exactly going for this Halloween and raised a hand to his chin in thought. 

     “ Hrm ... I feel like you’re always wearing some kind of cape during Halloween. Are you ... a vampire this time ? Or some kind of pumpkin candy lord ? ” More importantly, that was a lot of dark chocolate, huh.

[jinruinokibo]

@ardenssolis​ replied:

ozy vc: It is HE who is friends with me, not ME who is friends with him. Get it right, Ritsuka.

     “ SO you do acknowledge you two are friends then. Although, I don’t really see the difference ... By that logic, you’re still technically his friend. ” Yeah, he wasn’t sure why he was being so oddly specific about this. Was he just shy ?

[endsavior-moved]

      ❛ ... IF any of you need me, I’ll be outside. Getting a breath of fresh air. In the blizzard. So uh, yeah. ❜

[endsavior-a]

     ❛ WAIT, if I’m like stabbed or something then do I ask for Kool-Aid treatment ? ❜

[jinruinokibo]

nishkach‌.

@jinruinokibo​ replied : kiss x10 and marry! :D

“I appreciate the kisses but are you saying you want to divorce me just to marry me again?”

     ❛ THAT’S exactly what I’m saying and do you have a problem with it ? ❜    

[benevolentgodloki]

What Element are you?

You are Lightning! (Fire/Air) (LMAO ARE YOU SURE, QUIZ??? Isn’t that my brother’s department?)

Explanation of Loki’s results under the cut because he has two!

Tagged by: @the-renegade-child-of-time

Tagging: Anyone who wants to do this!

Fire is the element of will-power, courage, and vision. Air is the element of freedom, independence, and curiosity. Therefore, Lightning combines the best of Fire’s courage and dynamism with Air’s freedom and flexibility. This is a passionate crusader for freedom, justice, and independence – and often quite the daredevil. Lightning’s overwhelming energy means that it can easily prove to be a dynamic leader in politics, business, science, the arts, or entertainment. Anywhere that quick thinking, adaptability, and fiery determination are in demand, you will find Lightning there to enthusiastically take center stage. Lightning is quite the talker – whether it’s telling a story, telling a joke, giving a speech, acting in a play, or getting into a spirited debate, Lightning always has something to say. Lightning tends to be especially bewildering in debates due to its ability to be both very forceful and jump from subject to subject like the zig-zagging bolt of electricity for which it’s named. If you debate a person whose element is Lightning, be prepared to defend against countless arguments at once. This dynamism extends to Lightning’s personal life as well. There’s never a dull moment for any of Lightning’s friends – there’s always an adventure to go on, a problem to fix, a far-off destination to explore, or a tragedy that needs justice. As might be expected, Lightning is very much a daredevil – no height is too high, no speed too fast, and no thrill too risky. It’s common to see it in extreme sports, martial arts, or exploring the great outdoors. Lightning’s quick reflexes, keen senses, and can-do attitude often mean it is quite athletic. It is passionate in everything it does and can be either a fierce and unpredictable enemy or a passionately devoted friend. Since this Mixed Element combines the two warm elements (Fire and Air), Lightning will tend to be very hot. Here, “hotness” refers to being highly active – i.e. being extroverted, brave, socially-skilled, excitable, and adventurous. Lightning can be made by Fire and Air in many ways. ESTP is essentially Air with the added courage and will-power of Fire. ENTP is essentially Fire, but is flexible, talkative, and unpredictable like Air. ENFP is technically a mix of Air and Water, though with enough courage, will-power and vision, an ENFP can end up here. On rare occasions, ENFJs may end up here. MBTI: Lightning tends to be highly extroverted, highly intuitive/abstract, and possessing a paradoxical combination of orderly and chaotic tendencies. Functions: Extroverted Intuition, Introverted Thinking, Extroverted Feeling, and introverted intuition Enneagram Types: 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8 Platonic Solid: Pyramid (Tetrahedron) and Diamond (Octahedron) Aristotelian Environment: Hot (either Wet or Dry) Temperament: Choleric-Sanguine or Sanguine-Choleric Cardinal Virtue: Courage (Fortitudo) and Justice (Iustitia) Yin-Yang: Yang Opposite Element: Ice – while Lightning (Fire/Air) is brave, willful, lively, free-spirited, dramatic, and visionary, Ice (Water/Earth) is wise, calculating, self-controlled, dignified, calm, and innovative. Core Strengths: Lightning is adventurous, communicative, socially skilled, independent, cheerful, flexible, adaptable, curious, adventurous, generous, forgiving, optimistic, energetic, creative, brave, bold, ambitious, strong-willed, energetic, charismatic, honest, loyal, just, honorable, dedicated, idealistic, independent, creative, and passionate. Possible Weaknesses: When immature, Lightning might be unrealistic, lost in fantasy, arrogant, angry, harsh, have judgmental tendencies, be hasty, impulsive, restless, bossy, rebellious, excessively competitive, frivolous, impatient, impulsive, hedonistic, fickle, and lecherous. Fire Summary: Fire is the element of will-power, courage, and vision. Fire is an active, focused, goal-oriented element. It is courageous, bold, strong-willed, passionate, ambitious, and fiercely dedicated. Fire insists on always moving onward and upward, always boldly going somewhere. It needs a goal, a direction, a dream to pursue. When given a noble goal, nothing is more majestic than Fire as it breaks through all obstacles, transcends all boundaries, and forges ahead through all hardships to make dreams into reality. Fire has a strong sense of justice, honor, and integrity. Fire is the spark of inspiration, flashes of deep insight, and bold visions for the future. It is creativity, plans, goals, intuition, patterns, archetypes, and the sense of a cosmic driving purpose. Fire is passion, so apathy is a foreign concept to it. Fire has strong opinions and beliefs about pretty much everything. This passion carries over into all areas of life, whether it is work, school, hobbies or personal relations. There is no more fiercely dedicated friend, lover, or enemy than Fire. Fire can be the warm-hearted fireplace to give warmth to the weary, the torch to give light and direction in darkness, the Sun that brings life and light to the world, the Promethean Fire that inspires invention and science, the forge that drives industry onward, or the raging fire that annihilates every enemy in its path. It has such tremendous mental and emotional energy that other elements often feel overwhelmed. However, just like physical fire without fuel turns to ash, so Fiery people sink into deep, restless depression when they lose their drive and have no dream and no goal to pursue. Also, Fire’s single-minded zeal can at times turn into arrogance and a tendency to belittle and devalue anything or anyone that stands in the way of Fire’s Goal. Immature Fire can also have issues with anger, harshness, being judgmental, bossiness, hasty decisions, and being excessively competitive. Air Summary: Air is the element of freedom, independence, and curiosity. As such, it’s the most difficult of all the elements to define since there is so much variety in it. It is the most flexible, adaptable, and unpredictable of all the elements. Airy people are known for their quickness and freedom in thought, feeling, will, and movement. Just like physical air quickly moves around any obstacle in its path rather than resisting, so Air confronts its problems indirectly. When troubles come, Air is known for avoiding harmful situations, diffusing tensions, deflecting antagonism, using humor, wit, and occasionally using tricks or manipulation. Regardless, Air is known as the most out-of-the-box thinker of all the elements. It always sees things from a different perspective and is adept at approaching and solving problems from an unusual point of view. Air can be light and playful as a spring breeze, clear and confident as the noon-day sky, as swift and daring as the jet stream, as kind as the warm summer rain, or as fierce and destructive as a hurricane. Air is, of course, the element that carries voices, music, and communication in general, so it is known for communication skills and a love of the arts. It is the element that most frequently mingles with the others, such as lightning (Air/Fire), sandstorms (Air/Earth), or rain and hail storms (Air/Water). So Air is the most sociable, the most outgoing, the most cosmopolitan, and the best at people skills in general. Air is highly skilled at compartmentalizing: treating things it doesn’t like or doesn’t care about as if they weren’t real. This can make Air aloof and detached from reality at times. Paradoxically, Air is either the most socially skilled and popular of all the elements or else an eccentric and non-conformist. This reflects their kindness and sociability, but also their strong independent streak. Air is also known for its cheerful attitude, social skills, sense of fair play, confidence, fierce sense of justice, resilience, spontaneity, curiosity, sense of humor, and enthusiasm for everything life has to offer. It’s greatest strength and weakness is its lightness and changeability. It can adapt to anything, and foresee and avoid problems before they arrive; but immature Air can also be impatient, restless, impulsive, fickle, easily bored, frivolous, flippant, unreliable, or lecherous.

[libramoon2]

twilight (in progress)

~twilight of the goddess, call to song to aery dancing, lady fair your fiery trance rewinds our souls; enjoy these offerings of fancy: all art is yours ~ Degree of my natal Hekate -- a liminal year for the dweller on the threshold. The search is for clarity, expanding borders, introducing elasticity as integral character. To see, to feel, to merge and undulate through; to discover, uncover, swim in the glory of original grace, ecstatic beauty. To see, to feel, to breathe in all exquisite luxury of prescience; to hold, transmit as cellular energy. To paint upon translucent canvas subliminal etchings, private symbols generously revealed. Sagacity gifted, re-gifted, planted in potent fertility of visions, of cantations. The tinsel of starlight; the subtle scent of conflagrated pain; the feather touch of eternity. I fall into velvet voice, enchanting form. Move with the rhythm; caressed within word and worlds' mysteries. Resolutions and revelations. Look into the molten glass, sparking visions Clean star twinkles ask not, glorying in terpsichore, no written lines obscure wide sky, open beyond horizon mistily expanding into rolling sea. Drink to the season, to oblivion, to ecstasies bequeathed in excess emotion, rolling, amniotic, amnesia of expectation. Breathe -- vestigial gills awaken. This is the first measure of the first movement, a pirouette, a dervishly delightfilled whirl. Cast upon this rocky estuary, dance inner wise third eye calling dawn into destiny. The new day dawning, dawn's cloudy brew. Cumulative immersion with pollution, anthropic chemical solution under which we were formed. It will encounter clouds and hailstorms, turbulence and destruction. The curse took no notice of time or circumstance. I existed in a liminal state of vague dream images, static discharge of random sensory neurons. I did not expect; I did not wait; I was not aware of being. Caught in conundrum ‘tween twilight and dawn Formerly someone, lost without form Back to that question you asked being born and the answer that started when? At the crossroads, past midnight, just before dawn, the power of peeping dawn high in colors of awe. Songs that entwine backbrains, insist we all dance one foot, one mind, one goal or another. Face off, blinded, emit sonic rays as walls so steep, so hard, so badly soiled. In quiet dark before twilight, before time, vagrants paint with bloodied fingers, examine interstice and flow. Slowly, as viscous waste, then quicker pick up of pace, then light takes hold, caresses gentle as a kiss of friend intent. Will you let it in? Will you let your vision bend, extend, begin? Beginnings never warn of battle flame or drunken dares. They only promise vague adventure, valiant possibilities. wild in the sun, in the shadow, against the highway moving I to I in the twilight anticipate memories to come. There is a viscosity to twilight Cut from the core fruit of neural womb, gestating decades sluggish, subject to cravings, livid dreams Within the secrets of the seed, occluded aspects of beginnings, unfolding petal by petal sacred in the morning dew enticing fragrant fields as if myths foretell our lives twilights of harmonic symphonies when Sun touches green horizons. Twilight, trace forecolours of dawn, silence deepens, counterstroke to what is to come. as twilight melts into familiar constellations, migrating like flying life, early harvest still feeds celebration. Liminal Spaces Twilight, the wee hours, the dark of the moon liminal spaces, places where magic reigns, crossroads, crises, cusps. There is static on the radio. A song my voice was singing taking flight to surround me, the sound of music, a comforter of down to ease my soul. I've been trying to define a taste, a sense of bittersweet and salt. I've been trying to find a trace a footprint in the desert, a sound, a scent, a memory. I've been trying to find a trace of me, a piece to fit the puzzle, my contribution to the grand design. Seeking in the shadows, the space between myth and matter, those places words cannot define. On those insubstantial plains of myst and awe, the stuff of dreams, threshold of wonder, creation begins. A brief eternity before dawn, supplicating the night sky for solace, this soft moment before, an unmarked road to ride along home. That liminal space Between my body and the airwaves Creates a dance. Rather like a spell, you know. Those dawning tendrils sneaking through my windowshade. But it's much too early to be rising. So I'll dally in enchanted romance without recalling I've no one to wake to beyond the dawn. Simple acceptance The dancer with the dance enter pre-dawn mystery quiet interval, incanting music. Undulating reverie glistening in firefly light tell a rollicking tale, we demand of the piper we have paid all the long seasons of darkness it is time to reap an early harvest of dreams dancing to dawn Every dawn could be inspiration, bounteous gifts free of obligation, uplift of energy gleefully received. Symphonies, drums at dawn Inspiration and instruction carried forth through song and stage vibrant murals painting onward age to age Taking up the challenge of the tale that twists, turns, meanders providing kaleidoscopic opportunity ever to begin again wrenched gut throbs, eyes blurred to the howl Twilight crowd a'clamor for loud resilient community; tranced instant glamour distant from day's insanity entrains yearn for humanity Learn flexible grace staggering tribal stadia; fade lines between day and night as you play Grooving through the twilight Twirling through the fade Relax into madness, dark magic masquerade After images, ash sparks in the twilight, take flight, swirl within echoed breeze Readiness, relative to the free winds of chaos Here, in a world of fog and fury, blurred in twilight vengeance. Crows, ravens, portents of black flight circle above, a crown of shrieks, feathers cascade, rain like pestilence. No blame in blindness. "I could not see through feathered fog; could not save you." Signpost in the fog. Thick dry-ice blue billow emits formulations. Liminal, portals rise back, diminish time, disarrange context. Sear of light, brutal panic. Quiet. High-pitched sonic memories Eternity of now burns through bone, marrow -- flimsy narrow gate Liminality is waiting That liminal dimension between the pain and the screen selection of feeling, immersion away from meaning: what you don't mean Twilight passages when possible expands. Pre-dawn messages, first-draft images subconscious doodles before thought can capture plan. Empty enormity celestial map demands. Continuum of spectral light draws sight against backdrop of shadow’s span. Midsummer twilight, fairytales brought back from sleep. Sprinting across that abyss, goblin mouths, hungry ghosts. Dusk’s purple sky imagines snow, shoveling, streets aglow in festive lights, flights of fun. By liminal command, young aggressors channel to sport, fantasy battle, adventurous work. Next level survival demands we assess, re-learn. last of dying light first return liminal twilight -- dusk, dawn Oblique bands dapple into twilight Far away forests call Peace floats softly in trailing starshine mystically inviting. Dusk whirls of wilding sands. Gentle twilight, before the night, before all the freeze of laughter, bubbling partying, high hats and hands, desperate to ignite, to touch ice to ice and become. free of temporality, ephemeral, rare and precious and of the fleeting moment, exquisite beauty without further responsibility. Yet again, "be here now" ever changing landscape; ever changing dance of me to you. I am leaning into the whole illusion theory. Too many coincidences/synchronicities, object lessons, deja vus. There's too much that makes too much sense in a totally fantastic way. I feel like I'm slipping down the rabbit hole, through the mirror, into the Twilight Zone. Welcome to the Twilight Zone Welcome to the twilight zone for twilight presages the night the beautiful, magickal night where anything can happen any dream can be revealed. I ride a marvelous nightmare over evanescent swamplands, mysterious passageways into undiscovered treasure hoards. There is so much, mirroring its way into the future, recombining images, sounds, visions, eery macabre skeletal touch. Endlessly morphing images, whirling through me, each fleetingly touching its sweet taste onto my tongue, eternally cherished in a magnificent instant. There is no future in the night, no past, no present, only dreams and surreal landscapes, seascapes, skyscapes. There is an anticipatory quality that moves and dances, ever out of reach, never coalescing into form. This is the essence of magick. This is the promise, the curse, the incantation, the lion's roar. This is the homeland of vampires, lycanthropes, sorcerors from beyond. This is the holy see, the mist shrouded mountainpeak, the smokey lake, the boundaryless mystery. Welcome to the twilight zone, the band of pale purple light that draws us home. Darkening into heavier compression Molten heat compressing Density increasing toward event horizon. Twilight on the apocalyptic battlefield. Inside the box are we dying or transforming? another rainy day allowing dawn to hide behind weeping clouds Sunday into Monday, weekly transition Giving in to who we are despite our dreams Look! Listen! The sounds, the smells, the awaited adventures Anticipation . . . Or merely another day? Do you long for love in the dark, dusky evening? Do you count the countless stars, knowing a miracle is on its way? Has the chill of eternity captured your imagination? Light coalescing into sound into waves into sea? What is the demand of sky of sea of fire dripping through the twilight? Reflections half moonlight, half mind. Someday soon the piper calls a merry tune you're too afraid to answer; you are no dancer Still afraid at dawn chirping birds upset you Those who have not met you no longer matter Mad as a hatter you open your soul to the night and find though blind in your flight better ventures than fright now bid you to believe your fate It may not be too late too close to the dawn I hear the nightbirds pleading for just one more song Like you, I've learned everything I know from late night movies lyrics on pre-dawn radio. I look behind to shining grace realize my place out, far from grim, grey dawn upon dawn listening for enchanting pipes of Pan to follow past the painted sky Longshoremen, in early dawning stinking of dead fish seagulls' wet crying Desolate, the sea entwined with sky casting about into another day. Dream Street Bright colored lights, Boisterous music, Gaily chatting people drawn in by wares. Carnival beauty painted so prancy whirling romance casts off daily cares. At the dark end of the street quietly peaceful drawn in to the pre-dawn air. birdsong, voices conflating the sum of experience let loose into this foggy dawn colours, still subtle arranging catch liquid dissolve in undulating air tell a story Coloured atmosphere, diffracted light The many metaphors of dawn Layered clouds, clarify ecstasy perfect inspiration dissolves the lock twixt everyday and magic. Times, forms, enemies change. The game goes on. Bright golden Sun absorbs mist a glorious dawn. The smell of lonesome prairie after the train's rushed through. On this side of the bars, life is slow awaiting judgment. A brave touch twixt worlds Can change minds into consciousness with such subtlety "Of course, we knew it all along." on the threshold before the eclipse before the dawn before we are given our missions, sent forward in time we must be ready must rise to the challenge without map or guidebook to prepare we endure the patience to exercise control over every capillary, every synapse, of our being it's not the believing, but the seeing a better world needs a new kind of ware be a ware for peace, for life, for consciousness before the wake quest Deep in our ancient lives Far from our daily chores Hidden within our minds With no bright line to follow Could I be true? Breathing, a mist so fine sprayed from brave ocean floors Seen in dreamlike design shades dark and blue Dawn's pink-purple hue breaks through over time while I wander in dreaming What could be true? Torn by my primal cry how would you answer? Words of Peace speak beyond structured language sharing profoundly in joy graceful dancing to music of each dawn morningbirds Welcoming the light creamy purples into day so swift the change (when it happens) from predawn mysteries. Trees sway gracefully. Morning birds are singing. Primeval emotions awake in my dreams before I remember to whom my day is promised. Old King's Cold/Grail King And the old King dies. Sends out his mortal ghost to dance on Olympian plains. I am the mighty he; ruled wisely while I was allowed; sold my soul to please the crowd; withered on the vine divine. There is no more of me. Drink from the golden Grail, Oh New Found King. You are triumphant. A bright dawn upon the kingdom offers sparkling hope, new dreams aborning. Don't despair old peasant folk, though you think despair all you can cling to. The Fisher King has returned from his desert adventures. He brings the tides to slake the thirst of this arid land. I beg you yet again to take a stand. Take harness, plow your pastures. Believe that the seed will take hold. Listen to the heralds shouting lines in the sand. They know a flood is coming after many a hard rain -- but don't despair! It is a flood of fertility, a harbinger promising carpets of grain and lush vegetation. All this is promised if you do your part. The old King, so long dying of his festering wounds, has poisoned you with ill-fated rule. Cast out the poison from your hearts. Tend your fields with a will and a song. Never forget you are free. Never forget that responsibility. May I say, I am awed by the way your presence echoes, keeps time and space at bay as if you create each new dawning day A new day dawns cloudy and forbidding. We are entering San Francisco in the morning fog, early, early, the world still dreaming. Or maybe it was Cambridge, Mass., lost in the fog, unsure of time or space. Sometimes there is singing: something about a "Yellow Submarine" or "Strawberry Fields" or sometimes haunting melodies without words. But it's all about the words, even those implied by the music. Wine can help. By the gods, wine is sometimes all that can help (tho sometimes even wine betrays me). The stinking debris of mornings after the night before, or just morning by the coast with the stink of rotting fish, the cries of gulls or sirens, the emptiness without tears, the cold of morning -- I remember that too. That no more mornings could touch me, that I could hide contented in the night dreaming flying dreams so none could touch me. Fragments. Taking life in fragments. Folding each shiny fragment into tender velvet pockets sequined to reflect the light, let them be all right, feel cared for. Let the nights protect us from the days. Like a wandering hermit with a self-igniting lantern . . . . Coming to the Light My mind playing tricks on my eyes That golden glow bringing me into worlds of pumpkin coaches, Valkyrie in flight, neverlands that never were, yet so much more real than what passes for day to day. Sadness is beauty brought down by ugliness, truth succumbing to convenient lies. Joy is opening all the senses into the spectrum of beauty. No moderation, no limitation, no convenient structural captivity. Let the stars be shining beacons calling us home. Let the wind be a magical cloak, the rain an exultation. Let the cold, dark night be a treasured, inspiring friend. Let the night take me forward Into everfulfilling fantasies The never empty cup, the magic wand/magic word, sprinkled with faery dust, toasted with the fine bubbles of celluloid champagne. Let us, the night and I, sneak off into exotic adventure. Let us learn the secrets of the Moon and Stars, ancient runes and alchemical wonders. Let us play upon the backs of dragons, learning to fly, learning to breathe fire, learning to explore the mountainpeaks and caverns of our chthonic fears and spin them into gold. The new day dawning it will encounter clouds and hailstorms, turbulence and destruction. It will be a day of startling showers and unsettled wind, of unreasoned pain and empty solace. It will be a day to try our souls. But it will be a day of infinite possibilities. Let my good friend, the night, join me in play to help prepare me for the day. Let the earth and fire and rain and wind infuse my spirit that we all be fellow friends in the new ventures coming with the light. Early morning dawn awakening to a season of wild abandon a golden moment of sensation In a flash -- alive to an open season Alive to a new awakening Alive The future descends from the fear-embroidered skies the vision is of holocaust -- when everybody dies A new day is dawning, but is it sun or storm? We have a chance to make our mark but is it right or wrong? They dream of liquid floating in suspension and do not understand. We are the product of their dreams. We suck you of your life fluids, moving mouths on every part of your body. Vampires of experience, we will not let you go till we have sucked you dry. Like a vampire's victim, you will crave the life, the experience of others, will suck them dry to gain eternity. We suck you and lick you clean, fondlingly. We again enter you through every opening, cleaning you through. You have been exhausted. We complete our ritual cleansing as you lie immobile, beyond response. We symbolically cut off your genitals, cut out your heart. We now own your soul. It has been a good night. Dawn has long since risen; they will wake soon. Soon they begin again, another day of their busy aimless lives: rise, work, unwind, sleep, and, oh yes, consume those predigested market-attractive packaged products of the mass media, the mass brainwash, the mass society. Silent, the singers are searching for voice They know in their souls it's a matter of choice They need to find reason, a cause, to rejoyce, A newly turned path to felicity. A new day is dawning, but where is the sun? Our freedom and faith are defined by the gun. The symbol of power overrules everyone 'Til we create our own electricity. But under cover of darkness a banner's being stitched Of patchwork-bright colors and radiance To someday soon be unfurled in the breeze As we march to freedom's song. Dreams drifting by The neon letters "LOVE" lit up in the air A poem in pictures and sound. Rather like a dream, you know Those dawning tendrils Sneaking through my windowshade But it's much too early to be waking So I'll dream on of morning romance Without remembering That I've no one to wake to beyond the dawn. Reaching to the stars, Tarry in eternity: This is all. If life were simple, childish agonies dispelled with dawn's bright kiss, we would laugh cross-purposes, cross-talk easily sorted out in counsel. Cast into sorted cells with little thought to empower; we could harness the Sun, Moon, birth of stars, simply allow minds to grow. Growing Out of Liminality Thirteen Wizards Shall Guide You, rotating in 7s, to be chosen from a wizard test administered at regular intervals to any who wish to apply. Each wizard shall serve at his/her pleasure -- until they decide to move on. Any wizard may return by retesting and getting the highest score amongst those currently in line at the time of a vacancy, like any other candidate. The test to be devised by a wise pre-council to ascertain qualities of wisdom, compassion, responsibility, integrity and clarity of communication. The test may be reviewed and revised at any time that the full council agrees to do so, based on evidence of better result to be gained. The wizards do not make the laws. Laws are made by direct democracy, after a sufficient period of debate when an overwhelming majority of consensus seems likely. Wizards do have veto power. Wizards do not control the economy. That is the province of the market. The wizards do oversee the use and conservation of common resources. They do oversee a social infrastructure that assures everyone a comfortable, secure livelihood. They do oversee disputes to assure that everyone is treated fairly in the course of commerce, and in the course of community life. They are not paid an outright salary. They are given comfortable living conditions that their minds may be free of personal want. True shamans aren't ready for this world, dreamcatching from all hallowed and harrowed. Wrapped in a cloud of moonbeams -- query and call; capture fleet answer and call -- Eerie, yet wondrously apprehended in glory of original grace, ecstatic beauty, to remember we only borrow tomorrows on our return to eternity. ...a liminal epoch for the dweller on the threshold. Internal search for perspicacity, expanding borders, authentic elasticity as integral character. Letting go Earthly gravity. Crafty synaptic flow. To see, to feel, to merge and undulate through; to discover, uncover, burst renewed. Uplifting notes, affecting themes, track social rhythm, mark liminal time. Lyric, simple sweeps of tone and cue, never meant to trip up but evoke true meaning. In unknown dark, shadow hosts deep thought to lark and lounge. Dawning form seeps toward reward, to speak out what’s been found. promotes liminal wisdom promotes calm acceptance of non-rational realities, promotes reintegration of self as programmer promotes self-reprogramming in alignment with self-progression to a place of bliss and dharmic awareness in which every piece fits, magically finds its place in expanding space eternally unwinding. Being, not being, letting it be. Day upon night swept by twilight. Vague images coalesce, remain an instant, slowly disintegrate. Ghosts in smoky distance reset dimension, eternal reconfiguration. Twilight of Goddess Revelation What twisted so maliciously your mind? Your God -- Created that greedy leaders may more easily prevail? Is it guilty shame, seeded by consistent training insisting that you fail? Lost to balance, whole possibilities, unable to be free or sane. Eternal life is yours, we scream, while you destroy our birthright in service to conjuror's dream of denial. but it's just for a while, while we learn what we were from the start, each creature alive to the beat of a self-reasoned heart II. Born other than imperial, torn into what we are told is real without power to protect ourselves from venal brothers of the order spreading hatred like any venereal disease. We no longer need to meet you cowering on our knees. Karma's a hot potent bitch unschooled in mercy. Witches reclaiming noble heritage, reframed herstories will prevail. Though born, forced to service, in our master's jail, lost and lonely midst the masses, masked to fit expected forms. but it's just for a while, while we learn what we were from the start, each creature alive to the beat of a self-reasoned heart III. Listen, little one, watching every moment for our chance, we will break free to adventurers' romance; dance away the chill of foreign hills enrapt in leaves and grass. Hiding in primeval castles, tightly aligned to a bright inner sphere, holding to hope of life to hold dear. Learning to fly, ride to some unknown side, escape from the herd hate stone, can't be as hard as learning to stand alone. but it's just for a while, while we learn what we were from the start each creature alive to the beat of a self-reasoned heart So she drifted through the night, content, serene, laughing at silly little private jokes, singing wisps of songs as they floated by, making up fantasy landscapes and stories from the shadow shapes as she passed through. As dawn approached, shapes became more distinct against the color infusing sky. She understood that her journey was over, as the memories returned in one last burst of clarity. Leaves twinkle falling. Stars arise in twilight. Their song soft, insistent siren call. Lost to primeval moorings. Washed by eternal storm to awake transformed. Twilight at the Dark of the Moon Moving inward. Spiraling into deepest silence. Feel me here, oh my most darling. Here is the free-est flow, river of bliss. Bounty of years of grey resistance, incrementally awakened to swirling shades -- mystic purples, mad magentas, sky-eyed blues. There is ancient music, crescendos to peals. Layered millennial ears, creatures of seas to trees murmur through. Ripples of soundwaves, broker wisdom not yet condensed into words. Romances spun of clay and sand, woven into fashion’s fabrics. Hearty voices join, create regaled mythology. Star-shaped world story reverberates with chill and heat. Nascent strive for enriched clarity that must open ever more widely, a luminous spiral up, out, in, around. Come, brave as you imagine. In that brief eternal interval all of energy coalesces. Imagine the day that dawns when you are no longer dreaming.

[jinruinokibo]

@tenkoseiensei || response to ask.

      AWAWAWA ... ? AWAWAWAWA ... ?! 

     Ritsuka truly couldn’t believe his ears in this moment. Though part of him didn’t necessarily doubt that his servant would be willing to accompany him to the Gala, there was always this anxiety-ridden side to him that fretted over the worst possibilities imaginable. Unable to contain his absolute embarrassment anymore, he buried his hands in his face, overcome with the unbearable shame towards the fact that he acted like a complete idiot over something so simple ... ! He found himself jolting out of his thoughts the moment the Assassin’s arm came to casually sling itself over his shoulder and he even went as far as to ruffle his head like he was some kind of kid ... !

     “ T - that’s -- ... still ! I know we can spend time together any day but asking you out as a date is a completely different thing ... ! But if you’re really fine with it then ... ” He bashfully peeked between the cracks of his fingers and mumbled, “ ... I’ll be in your care, Yan Qing. ” Honestly, he was still in disbelief that this was even happening but even he couldn’t very well deny the elation from both the relief and the excitement that made Ritsuka want to scream out the window. 

      “ Oh ... r - right -- ” He slowly lowered his hands and anxiously flitted his gaze to the side. He wasn’t sure if he could look at Yan Qing in the face without his heart absolutely bursting. “ Since it’s a party, we’d probably wear something more formal -- urk ... ! Don’t remind me of such an embarrassing get-up ... ! I didn’t have any choice in the matter ... ! ” That was probably the only time he cursed everyone in the room for making him wear an unnecessarily provocative attire ( the fact that Yan Qing even remembered it made him want to die inside ).

      More importantly, he wasn’t at all expecting to be graced with such ... such gentlemanly behaviour from Yan Qing himself ( gently taking Ritsuka’s hand into his own and planting a tender kiss on there ... ! ). Not to mention the bashful but yet endearing look that gazed at his master with such fondness -- how was Ritsuka possibly going to survive this if his servant looked at him like this ?! “ Y - you ... um, I mean ... ! Of course ... ! I’ve never been more sure in my life ... ! You’re the only person who I would ever possibly dream of asking ! ” Wait, that strangely sounded like a confession of love. Did it ? He sure hoped not because this was the least romantic place for this kind of thing !

[jinruinokibo]

@oldestking​ replied:

HAH! ridiculous! you should not listen to him, he has a tendency to spout nonsense-

      “ WELL, I should at least hear him out even if he isn’t being honest with his feelings. Besides, the fact that you’re even speaking for him says a lot and I think that’s neat. ”