#and that is shown through even the smallest dynamics

[starrylayle]

marauders v.s. slytherin skittles (ft. the valkyries + snape)

With the rise of the 'slytherin skittles' in the fandom (even tho half of them are in ravenclaw but whatevs) -- I've been trying to figure out why I don't like it, despite enjoying the dynamics presented. And I think I've finally figured out why.

It all goes back to the Sirius / Regulus dynamic. I feel like their relationship is depicted as angsty and such but I love it when they are estranged. Yes, they're brothers and they go to the same school, but they are worlds apart. And i like when their friend groups and dynamics reflect that. Regulus, who's stayed with his family and supports their causes (yes I know he gets redeemed eventually but boy used to worship voldy) -- has access to the high pure-blood society and its perks. But one thing he does not have, is the friendship his brother shares with his mates. Reg tells himself that he doesn't care, that he doesn't envy his brother and his friends, but it is one of the things being in this pureblood fascism cult can't offer -- true friendship. That's why, despite my issues with 'choices' by messermoon, I really like how they depicted the dynamic between Regulus and his friends -- like yes Reg had friends but not in the same way Sirius had. And it adds a layer to the loneliness Reg feels, which i feel is a core part of his character. He's surrounded by people that on the outside my appear as friends, but really he's just very lonely.

On another note, i hc both brothers as gay, and love the differences in how they would be presented. Sirius, after finally getting over his internalised homophobia, is free to love and make out with whomever he wants. While Reg, aware of this part of himself hates it, and denies himself this luxury, only getting off (with barty, mayhaps, who is in a similar position) every now and then. Maybe he also has a burning desire for James (if ur into jegulus) but he doesn't ever do anything abt it, coz he feels like he can't.

As for Dorcas Meadows, I picture her in the year above the marauders (so two years above Reg) and not really having any friends at all. Not because she can't make any, but because she simply doesn't want to (my characterisation of her is heavily inspired by rollercoasterwords' version of her in 'the hand that feeds'. She ofc grows close to marlene when they start dating but never really gets close to marlene's other friends. She may or may not have a begrudging relationship with Pandora tho (but only because she provides her weed ofc!!) .

In a way, I kind of like when the houses represent certain themes, like gryffindor v.s. slytherin, freedom v.s tradition, friends v.s. 'co-workers'. Yes i know the fandom likes to depict the houses as more of a personality based system -- which i'm sure that's why jkr intended -- but really i think the houses represent more of values and beliefs. (Which is also why i think the houses should have been destroyed, united or changed at the end of HP DH coz the status quo as it is, is not healthy, but i digress).

Oh and as for the valkyries -- have nothing against their friendship. Lily deserves to have her own set of friends besides James and snape. just think they wouldn't give themselves a name like the marauders did coz they think its cringe, but I can see it coming up and them immediately shutting it down out of embarrassment.

i think this an analysis of snape and his relationship with lily compared to the other slytherins would be interesting as well, and how the interactions and dynamics differ. And canonically, snape and regulus would make more sense than reg and dorcas so if anything snape should be a part of these 'slytherin skittles' lmaoo.

[nottswitch]

꒰ you give cult leader!theo a blowjob during a sermon ꒱

cw: 18+ mdni, cult dynamics (duh), power imbalance, religious terminology, public blowjob, mentions of gagging, praise

a/n: hello, hi. here i am, with probably my favourite and the most challenging to write au. hoping that y’all will match my freak with this one.

⋆˚꩜｡

the whole main area of the temple is taut with anticipation as soon as teacher theodore walks onto his podium. he sits down onto his black leather chair, raising his hand to silence everyone, although it’s already pretty quiet – but now even the smallest of whispers die down. his calm gaze slowly drifts over the room, making every single one of your fellow believers shiver, and you’re no exception. you watch with awe as the man scans the room, and eventually, his fascinating blue eyes land on you.

"you, my dear," he drawls, his voice enveloping you like the warmest blanket and simultaneously igniting a fire inside your body that not a single soul can put out except for him. "come here."

excitement nearly bubbles over in your stomach as you stand up from the floor, trying to keep your legs from trembling – you have to show him that his choice tonight is worth it, that you’re worth the grace he’s shown you. as you approach him, you can feel the stares of others burning into your back, but you don’t mind them, you barely even notice – your entire being is filled with theodore, him, him, him.

your reverent eyes never leave his face as you kneel between his spread legs and kiss the back of his hand, your hands obediently resting on your thighs as you wait for your cue. you can’t help clutching the fabric of your white robe just a little as you feel the heat starting to spread in your stomach – but it’s all about him right now, and it always is.

theodore looks down at you, his gaze lingering on your awestruck face, and nods. giving your best to staying collected, you nod in return and lift your hands up to unbuckle the belt of his trousers. theodore watches you for a moment longer, and then his attention shifts to the room filled with the rest of the disciples. his soothing voice begins to waft through the air like silk and honey combined, and you try not to get completely lost in it. you have to focus. you have a task.

as quietly as you can, you pull the zipper down, then his trousers and briefs. his cock is already half-hard, which makes you simultaneously salivate, and your chest fill with pride – usually, the other girls and guys have to work a bit to get him to this state. you don’t know if it’s your luck, but you wouldn’t dream of questioning it; it’s your first time being picked for the pleasure purpose, and you’re determined to make a good impression in hopes of becoming a new favourite.

you lean in, your breath ghosting over theodore’s skin, and notice his cock twitch at the sensation. even the smallest movement makes you preen, but you try not to get lost to your selfishness. your hand comes up to grab him at the base, and you feel him harden more, his cock now standing straight in your hold. he’s so big – you’ve been dying to get a taste ever since you first saw it, but have been patiently waiting for your turn until now.

your tongue sticks out to lick a wet stripe up to the tip, where your lips wrap around it. you give an almost tentative swirl, knowing that you can’t rush – the sermon can last up to an hour, and you have to draw it out until the very end. you don’t want to disappoint the teacher. you starts sucking in the tip, and your mind fills with the overwhelming sense of adoration – you still can’t believe that you’re the one given the honor of pleasing theodore tonight.

you fail to register the words he’s saying, which makes your cheeks heat up with shame – just because you’ve been chosen doesn’t excuse you from taking in the preachings. yet you can’t help yourself – his cock fits too good in your mouth, like it was made to slide right in and out. as you take him deeper, the tip hot and pulsating against the roof of your mouth, a wave of tingles washes over your belly. your hand itches to drop down between your legs, but you’re fully aware it’s not allowed. if you’re good and lucky enough, teacher theodore will give you release after the sermon is over. until then, he’s the center of your world.

as the minutes pass, your jaw starts to hurt a little from being stretched to its absolute limit around theodore’s thickness. your head slowly bobs up and down, the slick sounds of your saliva coating his cock quiet enough not to disturb the sermon, yet you’re sure the entire temple can hear them. this knowledge makes you proud of yourself yet again – they know, they should know that you’re the one making theodore feel good at this moment. you know you shouldn’t feel possessive of your teacher, yet you allow yourself the weakness, even if only deep inside your soul.

when theodore’s hand lands on the top of your head, you know it’s a sign. the sermon is close to an end, which means you have to speed up. a bit too excited, you take him in fully, making the tip of his cock suddenly hit the back of your throat. you gag, immediately knowing that you shouldn’t have – your eyes flicker up, meeting theodore’s ocean blue ones, and his eyebrow is raised. you’re unsure if it’s a sign of disapproval or amusement, for his expression is usually hard to read. you can’t apologize – you’re filled with him to the brim, but when his attention shifts back to the crowd behind you, you take it as a sign to continue.

you taste the saltiness of precum soon enough, and you can only hope that the timing is right. theodore’s hand tightens a bit in your hair, signifying the fact that he’s close – and he doesn’t stop you, meaning you’re doing a good job. your pace picks up, saliva dripping out of the corners of your mouth as his length disappears into the tightness of your mouth over and over again. you gag again, yet at this point it doesn’t really matter – theodore’s cock starts throbbing, and the warmth of his seed coats the walls of your throat. his voice never falters above you, but you can feel the way his fingers dig into your scalp, and it’s the most pleasant sting you have ever felt on your body.

as you lick him through the orgasm, throughly cleaning him up, theodore closes the sermon, dismissing everyone with a wave of his hand. you don’t dare to pull away until he tugs at your hair, his other hand softly caressing your chin, lifting up your face. you look up, your eyes filled with endless devotion. theodore takes in the sight of your swollen lips, your jaw which hangs slack due to being open for so long, your glassy eyes that are nearly tearing up, and his gaze softens.

"you did well, darling. very well," he murmurs, and your heart grows a few sizes too big for your chest. you did well. his praise is all you could ask for yet could never dream of.

"meet me in my room in ten minutes. you deserve a reward, my dear."

if you weren’t on your knees already, they would surely buckle. you nod, accepting his invitation for what it is; you know the others will notice you heading to his house on the grounds later, and it fills you with a sense of accomplishment. it’s rare to earn yourself an honor of getting a reward from the teacher, and it certainly feels like a win. maybe, just maybe you could become a new favourite, after all.

au. more.

[lavshaze]

Act of defiance

✧ contains ⤐ smut, once again <3 oral but not in the way you think. d/s dynamics, silco being a professional brat tamer, another vision that came to me in a dream, silco sex dreams are ruining my life but also making it way better. w.c ~ 1.2k

Ao3 version

“Look at me.”

Usually, you’d obey. 

Orders from Silco weren’t uncommon, especially when you’re in the bedroom, lying under him in all your naked glory. Usually, this wouldn’t require a second thought— he’d say something and you would listen, and that had granted you five months of mind-blowing, life-changing sex. 

But not tonight. No, you'd give him absolutely nothing tonight. 

Stubbornly, you turn your head to the side, biting down on your lips as you pretend like this isn't happening right now. 

“Look at me.” 

Silco doesn't like when his words fall on deaf ears, you know it gets on his nerves because he's a little control freak. And up until tonight, you'd been so obedient, so eager to tend to his every desire, you'd have given him the moon if he asked, and you'd have continued to be as such if he didn't fucking piss you off. 

You scoff, keeping your gaze firmly planted on his bedside table. You read the titles of the books on display over and over, memorizing the colors and spines and which ones are a little crooked and which ones are finished, aged by the passage of time and the repeated strokes of slightly damp fingers. 

You could feel Silco seething on top of you. 

Hot breath warming the side of your face, you see his lips contort into a sneer from your peripheral vision. You're tempted to look at him, stare directly into his mismatched eyes and tell him to fuck off.

But before you can think to do anything, he pushes himself into you, one rough thrust that has you contorting every muscle in your body to ignore the white hot pleasure it sends through your entire being. You squeeze around him and sharply inhale, but you keep your head planted to the side. You weren't going to let him win this, you weren't going to give in. 

He groans, possibly at the way you feel around him, but also because your little show of defiance is probably causing him a great headache. Another exhausting day of running Zaun and he doesn't even get to enjoy having you all to himself, all because you're dead set on being stubborn. His bare chest heaves against yours, skin on skin, but you're determined to be as far away from him as possible. 

He moves slowly, pulling out all the way and easing himself back in, at a much softer pace than the first thrust, almost like he's apologizing. Too bad he sucks at actual apologies, you'd have crumbled by now if he had shown the smallest signs of actual remorse. But that's just who Silco is, stubborn till the end. 

Unfortunately for him, so were you. 

He sets a regular pace, entering you over and over again in a slow languid motion, nose burying into your neck trying to redirect your gaze so you'd look at him. When you don't budge, he draws back sharply, and you can tell he's all out of patience now. Silco is one of those people blessed— cursed— with patience that lasts for a total of five seconds. 

Especially tonight, especially after the long day he’s had. Didn’t you know that enforcing his power upon the other, increasingly annoying, chem-barons had put him on edge? Didn’t you know that he had thought of you all day, missing the way your face contorts when he’s inside you? Had you no idea that he is on the verge of falling apart if he doesn’t receive a healthy dose of your affection soon? 

Maybe you knew, maybe you just didn’t care. 

The thought angers him.

“I said,” long fingers grasp the side of your face, digging into your skin, “look at me.” 

He turns your head so you're facing him now, sharp glare boring into his dark eyes. He glares back, good eyebrow furrowing, and something else flickers in his eye besides anger— something warm and delicious and dangerously enticing. 

“You little defiant brat.” 

He spits it out like an insult. You observe his lips curl around every syllable of the word; brat, brat, brat, brat. 

“Always so obedient, always so eager to listen to me, to do what I ask of you. Who knew that under that little angel act you were such a devilish whore?”

Whore, whore, whore.  

He brings his thumb to your lips, tracing the outline of the bruised exterior— the aggressive kisses he had planted on them beforehand— before he slowly pushes the digit into your warm, wet mouth. Your lips reflexively curl around the appendage, hollowing your cheeks as your tongue runs over it. The taste sends a pulse of pleasure through your body, particularly affecting the part where you’re connected. You suck on his finger and tighten your thighs around his waist. He uses his other arm to elevate one of your legs and wrap it around his waist, reaching an entirely new angle that has you squirming around his finger.  

A little show of power never hurt anyone. Or maybe it did, you didn't really care about that right now. 

But as he's watching you take him in, eyelids drooping as you look up at him, vulnerable under his control, you decide you're not going to let him enjoy this for much longer. You bring your teeth down around his finger and bite, hard. 

You expect him to withdraw, to sneer at you and degrade you some more then draw back so he can stand tall and fuck the shit out of you. But he doesn't; instead, he plants his finger deeper in your mouth, pressing on your tongue as you gag around it. Your eyes water slightly and you're in disbelief at how utterly turned on you are.  

“You think I can't handle a little bit of biting here and there? Darling, I thought you'd know better.” 

You gaze into his eyes, feeling much less defiant now, instead looking to satisfy that aching need in your lower belly. You're one second away from pulling his finger out of your mouth and begging when he draws back. 

In the blink of an eye, you lose his finger in your mouth and his cock inside you. Feeling hopelessly empty and blindsided, you open your mouth to protest, but you don't get the chance to. Instead, you're lifted by your hips and flipped around like a potato sack being thrown around. You flop down on your stomach helplessly, probing yourself up on your arms so you can turn to look at him.

“Silco.” 

What's meant as a demand comes out as a whine and your face warms up in embarrassment. It's hard to mask the want in your body when you're this frustrated. 

His rough hands palm the curve of your ass as a sharp smile curls on his lips. “Ah, so you can talk after all, just not to answer to my orders, hm?” 

“Sil, please, I'm sorry-” 

He places his cock between your cheeks, “you know how I utterly despise unfinished work, dove. I’m going to need you to stick with your plan till the very end.” 

The menacing look in his eyes makes a shiver run down your spine as he leans forward to whisper the next few words. 

“Let’s see how many orgasms that attitude will be rewarding you with tonight.” 

[beevean]

Continuing my quest on finding good Charlastor content and I keep having Thoughts :)

because most of said content was, understandably, made between the pilot and the beginning of the actual show. And it's not only noticeable by the insistence of having Charlie and Alastor bond through dancing (since in the pilot that's the scene where the two seem to be having genuinely fun with each other), but also because the "creepiest" works (for lack of a better term) do indeed paint Alastor as Charlie's puppeteer, as the one who will push her to the dark side and unlock her demonic potential.

Part of this is still canon. There's all the heavy handed manipulations in ep. 5 where he presents himself as a better father figure than Lucifer and as the only one Charlie should love and trust; and also... well, the everything in the scene in ep. 7 where he finally manages to strike a deal with her lmao.

(you sure are unusually touchy with her :^) )

And this damning line:

Yes, Alastor desperately wants to have a hold on Charlie's mind if not heart. Even after he admitted in the pilot that he doesn't believe in her cause, he wants her to see him as a trusty mentor. And while the pilot is outdated in certain aspects, I can almost see traces of this... possessiveness? in the way he kept pushing Vaggie away: he clearly doesn't like anyone threatening his authority, and in that moment, Vaggie and her mistrust were an obstacle in his objective to ingratiate himself with the Princess of Hell.

I also noticed that Alastor is willing to make deals that don't require owning a soul: he cares about being the one in control even if he doesn't gain anything material. He struck a little "deal" with Vaggie just to do things his way, and he struck a more serious (but still not soul-binding) deal with Charlie so that she could owe him one favor. Alastor very much cares about having the upper hand in any situation, even the smallest one.

But then ep. 8 came along. And we get the confirmation that Alastor is bound by a deal. He hates it. It "clips his wings". He clearly blames this deal for limiting his freedom and causing him to nearly die for the sake of his "friends".

Alastor may be more of a puppet than Charlie is, at the moment.

And if the theory that this deal is what is forcing Alastor to protect the hotel... Charlie may be the one holding the strings, without even knowing it. While Charlie is not the one who directly owns Alastor's soul, she might have power over him.

It doesn't help that Alastor, as much of a self-serving liar he is, really seems to like Charlie...

(He doesn't need to offer her his precious mic that seems to be the source of most of his power. She already owes him a favor, and was shown comfortable enough to talk to him about her personal issues. This is Alastor showing his trust in Charlie.)

(again, he doesn't need to say this to Rosie, who clearly thinks the world of him)

(yes, this is about the entire hotel. But my point still stands that it's more earnest than anything we usually see from him)

So now we have a puppet in the hands of an unknowing, kind puppeteer that he actually be mildly fond of... and he wants out of every constraint possible because he wants to pull the strings, damn it all! And he will do anything to gain mental leverage on the one he's been forced to serve!

And I think this is what makes the dynamic even more interesting than a straightforward "manipulator/victim" :)

[cielwritings]

What if Ciel, r!Ciel, Sebastian, Alois, Claude, Soma, Agni (and whoever else you wanna add) worked somehwere like ouran hshc? Like how would they be w each other and with a reader/customers n all that? 🥰

! Ouran HSHC AU !

OURAN HSHC MENTION WTF IS A SEASON TWO RAHHHHH

..also, imagine soma and agni being related

This took forever to think about.

Ciel as Haruhi, R!Ciel as Tamaki, Sebastian as Kyoya, Claude as Mori, Alois as Honey, Soma and Agni as the twins. Soma as Hikaru, Agni as Kaoru (it made most sense but my fujo brain wanted agni to be the seme...)

Despite Soma and Agni being the brocons, they aren't the most popular duo. That's Ciel and R!Ciel. A teasing older twin, and a shy younger twin.

Alois is more-so a mix of Shiro and Honey. He isn't the innocent type Honey is, but goes for the dynamic of Honey. For girls that wish for a cute boy to dote on. He has a naughtier, playboy personality like Shiro.. as shown at the end of that episode he's in.

This club is known for being quite.. taboo. Only the girls that were known for being naughty or improper went there, or the girls too shy to admit it. Sometimes, even boys or GNC people as well! Everyone gets treated the same though.

You'd be welcomed with a kiss to the hand from Sebastian, leading you to a table for you to sit at. Ciel will be the one to ask who you'd wish to schedule.

If you pick Ciel, he'll be quite sweet to you. He'll be kind, brushing his hand through your hair sweetly. He'll offer you his favorite candies, telling you that he doesn't share with just anyone. You're special! If you want, he'll let you have a taste of his favorite lollipop. Then, he'd like the exact same spot you did for an 'indirect kiss'.

If you pick R!Ciel, he's much more flirty. He'll always have a hand on you unless you explicitly say no. On your arm, holding your hand, in your hair, on your knee. He'll rest his head on your shoulder, taking in your scent. Whether it be your natural one or some perfume or cologne you put on, he doesn't care. He loves your smell, and will let you know that fact.

If you pick Sebastian, he'll act, unsurprisingly, like a butler for you. But a more daring one. He'll hold your tea cup as you drink, he'll wipe your mouth sensually, he'll feed you. He makes sure everything you have in your mouth is perfect, and the smallest complaint you have will leave him apologizing and treating you 10x better. His compliments are very unique, and always leave you flushed beyond belief.

Picking Alois will leave you almost as flustered as Sebastian. Perhaps it's the taboo, but the way he'd curl up in your lap and ask for pets is adorable. He treats you, of course, but his cute little face is irresistible. Twirling his soft hair while Claude watched in the distance, making sure everything was going okay. Alois called you his big sibling, or one of his parents. He loves seeing how flustered you get.

Picking Claude is practically a two for one deal. Alois is almost always at his side, clinging onto him, looking at you with a pout of jealousy. Claude is a much more professional butler role, his advances being more subtle. But you expect it, so every movement he makes always leaves you flustered. Whether it be the slightest graze of his hand on yours, or perhaps he breathed a little too hard on you. He knew how to tease, and he did it well.

Soma and Agni, however, are a 2 for 1. Without Agni, Soma is nothing. Without Soma, Agni is nothing. So you kind of have to get both... which Ciel and R!Ciel decided to price down to be the same cost as everyone else. They're more seductive, almost worshiping you, in a way. Soma will hug you from behind, Agni praising you, on his knees for you, stroking your legs. One time, the two bickered about who would do the worship. Agni begged to be the one, as the prince shouldn't be on such dirty floors.

Of course, it ended up in brocon fanservice.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you like that, my prince.." Agni whispers, wiping a tear from Soma's eye. Crocodile, of course.

The other's merely watched in curiosity, confusion, or interest.

[putschki1969]

2025/04/14 Blog post by Wakana 『Wakana Spring Live 2025〜Little Dance〜』ありがとうございました！！＼＼\\٩( 'ω' )و //／／〜ヒューリックホール東京ともののけ姫〜

❗This is Fan Club EXCLUSIVE content❗ ❗PERSONAL USE ONLY❗ ❗Do NOT SHARE on other sites❗ ❗Join her FAN CLUB! Check out my detailed TUTORIAL ❗

Thank You 『Wakana Spring Live 2025〜Little Dance〜』！！＼＼\\٩( 'ω' )و //／／〜Hulic Hall Tokyo and Princess Mononoke〜

Here's a picture taken just after the end of my concert "Wakana Spring Live 2025 ~Little Dance~" from the other day! 🎤♪

Lots of minor happenings😂 There were many times when I felt quite nervous, but…everyone in the audience was so kind, understanding and warm so I am truly grateful for that😭✨The sense of unity throughout the entire venue was incredible, I was truly moved😭✨Once again, thank you so much to everyone‼ ︎😿✨

The name "Little Dance" that I chose as title for the concert contains the meaning of small joys and little moments of happiness, everything you feel when spring arrives. There are gentle and warm moments in the smallest things, the happiness I feel when I experience these moments is like sunlight filtering through the trees in spring. At times like that, my heart is dancing a little😊I think that if we can always find such moments for ourselves, they will bring us great joy. I want to always cherish the spirit of "Little Dance" and never forget that feeling☺️Hulic Hall Tokyo was a wonderful venue😊

It was originally a movie theater (formerly TOHO Cinemas Nichigeki)🎥In 2018, it closed after a 85-year history and was repuposed as Hulic Hall Tokyo. I found out later that the last film shown was "Princess Mononoke"😂😂I had no idea about that!! I wish I had known about it before the concert. But I feel a strange connection now and I am super happy that I sang "Princess Mononoke" as part of my setlist. 😊

All right, now let's introduce my dresses. First up is the dress for the main performance ����💕The big flower print on the white fabric is very cute 😍🌸I also like the hairstyle ♡ It's a little sparkly, and I had two ponytail-like braids for a change ✌️

During the encore, I wore this orange dress! This one is so fluffy and cute ♡ Look at my big smile!☺️☺️🌟

Here's a series of photos of us forming our regular circle before the show started 📸 (We did it twice because the tempo was off just like last year *laughs*)

↓An excellent photo where everyone is putting their whole body into it and expressing their emotions (Grand Prize 🏅) Here we look like we are already finished even though the show hasn't even started yet 😂Some beautifully dynamic photos 😂

It was a very nice venue 😊Thank you everyone!! !!! !!!

Some time later...My wish… came true…!! !!! !!! Sushizanmai‼️＼＼\٩( 'ω' )و //／／🍣🍣🍣🍣💕

Toro Taku and a 3-piece seared set (fatty tuna, salmon, and flounder)🍣It was the best…😭♡I had the best time…😭♡ I did a big dance, not a little one🎶🕺💃🕺💃🎶

So, that's it for today! Until next time~☆( '▽')/

＊＊＊Wakana＊＊＊

『Wakana Spring Live 2025 ～Little Dance～』 Live Photos

Source

[booreadsbooks]

A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2); V.E Schwab Review

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Where a Darker Shade of Magic is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure through worlds, ending in a life-altering confrontation with power itself, A Gathering of Shadows is more focused on the consequences of these monumental events, and the lasting impacts the previous story had on its characters. It also works as a setup to show even greater consequences, likely to be seen in the next book.

This kind of story has its pros and cons, of course. On the plus side, we get a deeper insight into each character, how they respond to their traumas and face consequences for what they've done. There was a lot of emotional turmoil and development, which I really adore, as I am a character-focused reader. On the downside, it meant the plot felt like it dragged a bit in places, especially near the middle, to the point it felt like it was biding it's time before diving into the meat of the plot.

I kind of see this kind of thing as "second book syndrome." In a trilogy, the second book can easily fall into the trap of being a sort of intermission between two far more impactful and exciting stories, which can make it pale in comparison. Overall, though, beside a bit of frustration that things slowed in the middle, I found myself really engaged in individual character arcs, and the strength of the first and last third of the book far outweighs the weaknesses in the middle.

The relationship and fresh dynamic between Kell and Rhy was by far my favorite part of this book, and I feel that is worth the read all on its own. Lila has some really strong growth in power, though I'm eager to see something deeper happen with her character. We see the smallest glimpses of personal development, but she seems to constantly turn away from it rather than embrace it.

For more in-depth and specific thoughts, see below the cut!

Kell really goes through it here. Every doubt of his value and place among the royal family are confirmed here, as its shown time and time again the king and queen value him only for his power and his utility in protecting Rhy. Rhy, of course, still loves him like a brother, but is battling destructive and intense survivor's guilt. Rhy's guilt and trauma collides time and time again against Kell's love and duty, forming a deliciously painful dance as they try to protect one another while denying any resentment or tension that might linger.

The king and queen really tie their own noose, so to speak, by the way they treat him. They are desperate to hold him close, but with every mistrustful word and aggressive action against him, they only push him further away. Yes, they needed to do something to ensure Kell didn't repeat his previous mistakes, but they wayyyy overdid it and ensured their own destruction. Something about that was just soooooo good to read. I adored the slowly forming cracks and breaks in the royal family, it was delightful to see things slowly decompose and fall apart.

Per Kell...

"His fingers drifted to the tokens around his neck, as he struggled to suppress the urge to leave. Run. But he couldn't, because wahtever the king believed, Kell was loyal, to his crown, to his family. To Rhy."

If they had just trusted him a little more, or at least didn't treat him with actual hostility, a lot could have been avoided. Also, I am so desperate to know more about Kell's origins, his parents. Based on the queen's reactions... I need to know. Based on how far the King is willing to go to ensure a sign of strength... what happened there. Someone please tell me :(

Lila is... I don't know. I love her pirate arc, I love seeing her combine what she knows with everything she has to learn. I even love her self-destructive tendencies popping up, a clear depiction of her offensive rather than defensive tendencies. But at a point, I found myself a bit disappointed. The book baits us, over and over, that she seeks out danger, that it will one day catch up with her and she'll have to face grave and dire consequences but she just... never does. Time and time again, she does incredibly stupid and risky things, and time and time again she gets out of facing any sort of repercussions by discovering she's just even more powerful than she'd previously realized. Over and over. It was honestly frustrating. I need Lila to face consequences, I need her to actually rely on others, or realize that she cannot just do whatever she wants and expect to be able to save herself at the last moment. Yes, she's cool and badass, but she's also completely untrained and makes awful decisions and for me, I feel like it stunts any potential development that she literally never has to face her bad choices head on, and realize that yes, she can fail, and yes, she did make a bad choice.

Kell sums it up best, in my mind:

"Why are you defending her?... Why am I the only one in this fucking world to be held accountable for my actions?"

(I felt so vindicated in that moment.)

Holland is soooo fun in this book. The dichotomy between finally being in power, finally feeling like he is getting what he wants with his own will, while seeing that he's once again a slave, while ALSO turning into the despotic rulers that he despised...

"Calculations," answered the king, almost to himself. "I was mistaken. I thought the collar was too strong, but it is not. The people were just too weak."

There's something so fucking good about someone becoming exactly what they wanted so desperately to avoid. A slave and a tyrant, all rolled into one. I am really really eager to see where Holland's story goes next, and excited to see if he plays a part in destroying this great evil that has overcome him.

Speaking of that evil...

"I am in everyone's head,... I am in everything. I am as old as creation itself. I am life and death and power. I am inevitable."

It goes so hard. Perfect "big bad" in this world. I really want to see how they manage to subdue it, and I'm excited for the great struggle it will end up being.

End thoughts, Alucard is so fun and I want to see more of what happened between him and Rhy. The tournament was the tension and action I came to expect from the first book, and very exciting to see all the great strides Kell has taken in his power and ability. I wish we got to see more from the battles, though. I know too much detail can make a fight scene feel drawn out, but at points it seemed like we glazed over stuff that could have been really cool to read. Specifically Kell versus Kisimyr, as I thought there would be more based on how much she was mentioned in the beginning.

Overall, in my opinion not as strong as the first book, potentially based on my own expectations. There were even moments I was struggling between a 3 and 4 star rating, but in the end the strong characters and unable-to-put-the-book-down-tension near the end pushed it into the "4" range for me.

[morathicain]

Okay, so ep 10 of Be My Favourite has left me ... frustrated? Talked a lot to my friend @ommited-miscellaneously about the way Kawi’s character seems to have switched and how uncomfortable the dynamic between them was and how weird some decisions were (like the mom, like ?????????). Is he ace coded? After some consideration, I doubt it. I rather like the theory (of @shouldiusemyname ) of him being an observer who isn’t used to be an active participant but also going in blind.

But regardless if it’s one of the two or the good old “one of them needs to be pushy and the other needs to play coy to the point of seeming repulsed”, it was done badly in my opinion. Like, a lot of people seem to think them sleeping together in the end was romantic and a sign of Kawi realising he actually likes to do all of that with Pisaeng, but it made me highly uncomfortable. Pisaeng had been trying to get any sign of affection from his boyfriend this last episode and Kawi has reacted repulsed to the smallest touches. Could it have been the nerves? Sure, but it’s still not a cool move, dude. Did his avoidance of actually telling Pisaeng what had been bothering him and instead saying he “ENJOYED” himself this day despite clearly been aggressive and rejective the whole day sit wrong with me? Definitely. Like, sorry, but this treats Pisaeng as if he’s dumb and can’t see when someone actually has a bad time? There was a chance for communication and it wasn’t used at all. Instead, they instantly jump to the sex!!

Which was the next ... uncomfortable thing. Like, they haven’t had a sober kiss yet. And Kawi clearly doesn’t feel ready. Why the fuck, do they need to jump to sex instantly, without proper communication, when they haven’t even had a sober kiss? Why couldn’t they have a talk so Pisaeng understands and they then can proceed to like ... watch a movie and cuddle, hold hands and share a first tentative kiss? This felt so rushed and I’d only accept it if it’s going to explode into their faces next episode.

Also, I was getting BohnDuen flashbacks. Of course, Kawi isn’t as bad as Duen, but the way he treats Pisaeng’s simple wish to spend time with his boyfriend and thinks Pisaeng wants to jump him all the time, wasn’t sitting right with me. Most of the episode he was an outright asshole to him while Pisaeng was so desperately pushy. Yes, the nerves but DAMN, that’s what the offer for communication at the end has been for! Like, I can accept a lot of reasons for him being overwhelmed but it still stands that Kawi didn’t use the chance to communicate his struggles and he should have grown enough as a person till now to use that. And if he doesn’t, on purpose, then this show suddenly gets deeper and less wholesome and light than it was during the past episodes. And to me, it rather felt like a checkmark.

Somehow, this kiss felt also less natural and comfortable as the two drunk kisses they have shared before. Yes, the nerves, but I’d argue that the circumstances made it feel different. In those two kisses before we’ve seen Kawi communicate a clear need and wish to be close to Pisaeng and initiate the kisses (hell, him being unable not to play with Pisaeng’s hair in the first one was adorable AF and exactly the vibe I would have wished for their first time - let me see that he enjoys it!) and nothing of that need or his crush on Pisaeng has been shown in this episode?

We know that Pisaeng has been going to the future, too, we just don’t know since when and how often and what he’s learned. But if they need to constantly travel through time and their relationship STILL raises my hackles like that ... maybe they shouldn’t be together at all? Really, this episode it sometimes felt as if Kawi isn’t really interested in a romantic relationship with Pisaeng at all or that he never thought beyond “getting together for the greater good”. It leaves me baffled after all those episodes before which were well done and a lot of fun and I wonder if something changed/if the problems were here all along/if the writers actually have a magic trick up their sleeves that will make it all make sense and be good????

So yeah, my thoughts on this are complicated and I’ve spend a good portion of last night trying to put my finger on why both of their behaviour felt so wrong to me (yes, Pisaeng’s, too - it felt almost mindlessly pushy???). In the end we have to wait and see ^^°

As an extra, things that would have made it better in MY opinion: 

more time between Pisaeng confessing and Kawi realising his own feelings, maybe with Pisaeng actually exploring his sexuality more and having boyfriends (he’d know better what he wants and Kawi could maybe observe what a relationship with Pisaeng might look like and also what he wants from his relationship with Pisaeng?)

them having an actual talk about what they want and need and their fears

them NOT jumping to sex instantly but also NOT avoiding any other form of intimacy (and IF Kawi has intimacy issues then PLEASE talk about that!)

have Kawi initiate cute moments in between too, let us see his need to be close to Pisaeng and be supportive (and not only have him promise it in a call with Pisaeng’s horrible mom - no I won’t forgive her being homophobic and distant 99% of the show just to have a last second switch) despite being a bit overwhelmed and nervous

Have Pisaeng NOT pretend as if he’s had a horrible fight with his mom to come and be with Kawi, this was stupid and not in character all along, wtf guys?

Have them break up and I mean this seriously - I was so uncomfortable during this episode and the fact that they didn’t properly talk made me think that if this goes on (or would go on irl because the show might just behave as if everything is fine next episode) they are doomed. If they don’t find a way to properly communicate their needs and limits, they’ll get stuck in the worst relationship, thinking this is the only way to make sure the world is happy? Thanks, I hate it.

Anyway, I wrote a quick breakup scene here and will now wait and see what next week brings. It might be the build up for the angst in episode 11 as always but I currently have a hard time believing that they’ll handle the topic properly and well enough for me to want them still together in the end (pls prove me wrong pls prove me wrong pls prove me wrong) and that would be a damn shame because the show has been fun and cute so far. But we’ll see ...

So far thank you @ everyone who read till now. No hate please, this is MY opinion and you can have another. I’d rather be convinced that my view is too unjust but I’ll only accept friendly discussions. Rude comments will be blocked. Thank you! <3

[pinkprimrose05]

Yugo for the ask meme?

Banana boy! The idiot! The silly himself! Took me too damn long to get to this, but better late than never, I think. Here you go!

Favorite thing about them: If I had to put it in one word, that'd be tenacity. As Yuugo himself put it, he doesn't even know what giving up means, no matter what sort of adversity he faces. This persistence is honestly admirable for someone who grew up in an environment that relentlessly pushed him down at each and every turn, and it's a quality I strongly respect.

Shoutout to his baby vibes, though. Yuugo is precious and must be protected at all costs (even if I know he can damn well protect himself).

Least favorite thing about them: Yuugo's single-minded approach to things is usually endearing, but sometimes it can be rather frustrating. One such example is choosing to duel Yuuri as payback for kidnapping Rin... instead of -you know- going back to find Rin himself? I struggle to even justify that by way of magical fuckery, because as far as was shown, Yuugo was very much himself when he made that decision.

*sigh*

Favorite line: Would it be cheating the question if I say too many to count? Because it's true. This boy says the dumbest things sometimes, but he also has his sweet moments and I love every single one of those. That said, Clear Wing's summon chant deserves an honorary mention. I think it's very neat.

brOTP: Imma throw a curveball and say Yuuya. I was always intrigued by the idea of possible interactions between the two, and the interactions we got in Yuugo's Duel Links event did not disappoint at all!

I just think they're very neat together. They're both adorkable idiots who can't seem to hold the braincell right, and the small differences between them only make the dynamic more interesting. They're also a lot more perceptive than they might let on, and I think that'd lend itself well to interactions where one of the two is feeling down. I'd love to see more of these sillies together, honestly. Please let them tag together sometime.

OTP: I kid you not when I say my primary reason for shipping him with Rin is because of the ship name pun (Ringo is literally just apple in Japanese), BUT! I've come to appreciate it a lot more overtime, because it's actually pretty interesting for a cliché ship dynamic if you squint hard enough. There's a lot of ways to interpret their relationship, and a fair amount of room for emotional growth on both sides too. I think it's nice, but alas, we never really got much of it onscreen.

(That's what fanwork is for, though!)

nOTP: I don't know chief, I just don't see what's there to ship in his and Yuzu's friendship. I guess it does offer the interesting concept where they're both trying to cope with the loss of their loved one through the other, but that just.... sort of rubs me the wrong way. I see them as great friends, but nothing past that at all.

Random headcanon: I think we can all agree that Yuugo's entire demeanor just screams ADHD. Strong hyperfixation on one interest? Check. A tendency to ramble at the smallest prompt? Check. A general inability to just hold still? Check. A crippling case of constant airheadedness? Check!

He and Yuuri invented ADHD/Autism solidarity in the ARC-Verse.

Unpopular opinion: Not sure if this really classifies, but I actually really like how they handled the "Fusion" joke in the EN dub. Seeing them try and pull a new wordplay every time is mildly amusing at worst and downright hilarious at best, and my personal favorite is the one where he says his name and the Obelisk Force reply with "Yugo? You go where?"

Song i associate with them: Seeing as I've been pretty much living under a rock when it comes to actual popular songs and not obscure lyricless tracks, I'm afraid to say my limited song collection has nothing that quite fits. However, his Duel Links theme is a certified banger and I'm so glad they went with such an amazing, completely original track for the boi, because it actually goes so hard wtf-

Favorite picture of them:

Look at this silly boy. This goofy lil kiddo. Precious sunshine child. I wanna squish him in the sweetest hug ever and never let go. Yuugo deserves all the good things and I love him so so much.

[jcmarchi]

Building Trust Into AI Is the New Baseline

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/building-trust-into-ai-is-the-new-baseline/

Building Trust Into AI Is the New Baseline

AI is expanding rapidly, and like any technology maturing quickly, it requires well-defined boundaries – clear, intentional, and built not just to restrict, but to protect and empower. This holds especially true as AI is nearly embedded in every aspect of our personal and professional lives.

As leaders in AI, we stand at a pivotal moment. On one hand, we have models that learn and adapt faster than any technology before. On the other hand, a rising responsibility to ensure they operate with safety, integrity, and deep human alignment. This isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation of truly trustworthy AI.

Trust matters most today 

The past few years have seen remarkable advances in language models, multimodal reasoning, and agentic AI. But with each step forward, the stakes get higher. AI is shaping business decisions, and we’ve seen that even the smallest missteps have great consequences.

Take AI in the courtroom, for example. We’ve all heard stories of lawyers relying on AI-generated arguments, only to find the models fabricated cases, sometimes resulting in disciplinary action or worse, a loss of license. In fact, legal models have been shown to hallucinate in at least one out of every six benchmark queries. Even more concerning are instances like the tragic case involving Character.AI, who since updated their safety features, where a chatbot was linked to a teen’s suicide. These examples highlight the real-world risks of unchecked AI and the critical responsibility we carry as tech leaders, not just to build smarter tools, but to build responsibly, with humanity at the core.

The Character.AI case is a sobering reminder of why trust must be built into the foundation of conversational AI, where models don’t just reply but engage, interpret, and adapt in real time. In voice-driven or high-stakes interactions, even a single hallucinated answer or off-key response can erode trust or cause real harm. Guardrails – our technical, procedural, and ethical safeguards -aren’t optional; they’re essential for moving fast while protecting what matters most: human safety, ethical integrity, and enduring trust.

The evolution of safe, aligned AI

Guardrails aren’t new. In traditional software, we’ve always had validation rules, role-based access, and compliance checks. But AI introduces a new level of unpredictability: emergent behaviors, unintended outputs, and opaque reasoning.

Modern AI safety is now multi-dimensional. Some core concepts include:

Behavioral alignment through techniques like Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) and Constitutional AI, when you give the model a set of guiding “principles” — sort of like a mini-ethics code

Governance frameworks that integrate policy, ethics, and review cycles

Real-time tooling to dynamically detect, filter, or correct responses

The anatomy of AI guardrails

McKinsey defines guardrails as systems designed to monitor, evaluate, and correct AI-generated content to ensure safety, accuracy, and ethical alignment. These guardrails rely on a mix of rule-based and AI-driven components, such as checkers, correctors, and coordinating agents, to detect issues like bias, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), or harmful content and automatically refine outputs before delivery.

Let’s break it down:

​​Before a prompt even reaches the model, input guardrails evaluate intent, safety, and access permissions. This includes filtering and sanitizing prompts to reject anything unsafe or nonsensical, enforcing access control for sensitive APIs or enterprise data, and detecting whether the user’s intent matches an approved use case.

Once the model produces a response, output guardrails step in to assess and refine it. They filter out toxic language, hate speech, or misinformation, suppress or rewrite unsafe replies in real time, and use bias mitigation or fact-checking tools to reduce hallucinations and ground responses in factual context.

Behavioral guardrails govern how models behave over time, particularly in multi-step or context-sensitive interactions. These include limiting memory to prevent prompt manipulation, constraining token flow to avoid injection attacks, and defining boundaries for what the model is not allowed to do.

These technical systems for guardrails work best when embedded across multiple layers of the AI stack.

A modular approach ensures that safeguards are redundant and resilient, catching failures at different points and reducing the risk of single points of failure. At the model level, techniques like RLHF and Constitutional AI help shape core behavior, embedding safety directly into how the model thinks and responds. The middleware layer wraps around the model to intercept inputs and outputs in real time, filtering toxic language, scanning for sensitive data, and re-routing when necessary. At the workflow level, guardrails coordinate logic and access across multi-step processes or integrated systems, ensuring the AI respects permissions, follows business rules, and behaves predictably in complex environments.

At a broader level, systemic and governance guardrails provide oversight throughout the AI lifecycle. Audit logs ensure transparency and traceability, human-in-the-loop processes bring in expert review, and access controls determine who can modify or invoke the model. Some organizations also implement ethics boards to guide responsible AI development with cross-functional input.

Conversational AI: where guardrails really get tested

Conversational AI brings a distinct set of challenges: real-time interactions, unpredictable user input, and a high bar for maintaining both usefulness and safety. In these settings, guardrails aren’t just content filters — they help shape tone, enforce boundaries, and determine when to escalate or deflect sensitive topics. That might mean rerouting medical questions to licensed professionals, detecting and de-escalating abusive language, or maintaining compliance by ensuring scripts stay within regulatory lines.

In frontline environments like customer service or field operations, there’s even less room for error. A single hallucinated answer or off-key response can erode trust or lead to real consequences. For example, a major airline faced a lawsuit after its AI chatbot gave a customer incorrect information about bereavement discounts. The court ultimately held the company accountable for the chatbot’s response. No one wins in these situations. That’s why it’s on us, as technology providers, to take full responsibility for the AI we put into the hands of our customers.

Building guardrails is everyone’s job

Guardrails should be treated not only as a technical feat but also as a mindset that needs to be embedded across every phase of the development cycle. While automation can flag obvious issues, judgment, empathy, and context still require human oversight. In high-stakes or ambiguous situations, people are essential to making AI safe, not just as a fallback, but as a core part of the system.

To truly operationalize guardrails, they need to be woven into the software development lifecycle, not tacked on at the end. That means embedding responsibility across every phase and every role. Product managers define what the AI should and shouldn’t do. Designers set user expectations and create graceful recovery paths. Engineers build in fallbacks, monitoring, and moderation hooks. QA teams test edge cases and simulate misuse. Legal and compliance translate policies into logic. Support teams serve as the human safety net. And managers must prioritize trust and safety from the top down, making space on the roadmap and rewarding thoughtful, responsible development. Even the best models will miss subtle cues, and that’s where well-trained teams and clear escalation paths become the final layer of defense, keeping AI grounded in human values.

Measuring trust: How to know guardrails are working

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. If trust is the goal, we need clear definitions of what success looks like, beyond uptime or latency. Key metrics for evaluating guardrails include safety precision (how often harmful outputs are successfully blocked vs. false positives), intervention rates (how frequently humans step in), and recovery performance (how well the system apologizes, redirects, or de-escalates after a failure). Signals like user sentiment, drop-off rates, and repeated confusion can offer insight into whether users actually feel safe and understood. And importantly, adaptability, how quickly the system incorporates feedback, is a strong indicator of long-term reliability.

Guardrails shouldn’t be static. They should evolve based on real-world usage, edge cases, and system blind spots. Continuous evaluation helps reveal where safeguards are working, where they’re too rigid or lenient, and how the model responds when tested. Without visibility into how guardrails perform over time, we risk treating them as checkboxes instead of the dynamic systems they need to be.

That said, even the best-designed guardrails face inherent tradeoffs. Overblocking can frustrate users; underblocking can cause harm. Tuning the balance between safety and usefulness is a constant challenge. Guardrails themselves can introduce new vulnerabilities — from prompt injection to encoded bias. They must be explainable, fair, and adjustable, or they risk becoming just another layer of opacity.

Looking ahead

As AI becomes more conversational, integrated into workflows, and capable of handling tasks independently, its responses need to be reliable and responsible. In fields like legal, aviation, entertainment, customer service, and frontline operations, even a single AI-generated response can influence a decision or trigger an action. Guardrails help ensure that these interactions are safe and aligned with real-world expectations. The goal isn’t just to build smarter tools, it’s to build tools people can trust. And in conversational AI, trust isn’t a bonus. It’s the baseline.

[fmp2oisobelfieldsend]

FEMALE CHARACTERS & THE "PERFECT VICTIM"

When introducing a former love interest that was victimised by the first created character, I immediately knew tropes in media that I wanted to avoid. Firstly, her concept entirely revolving around her dynamic with him as female characters sometimes are; often enough for there to be a well-known test to determine whether a female character in a show or movie is being used as just an accessory to a male one. Her intelligence being inferior to his or otherwise being "pretty and dumb" to be an easy target is also incredibly unappealing when done wrong, and is often difficult to get right at all. That kind of character is both overdone and unfitting to her initial concept in being a vampire hunter. Besides, I find it more interesting when two characters set against one another can actually match each other's ferocity.

Going against the inhuman and winning takes significant traits to be able to pull off. I quickly defined her as a sharp-witted if melancholy character with her initial draft being the depressive counterpart to his manic behaviour. There is no overpowering a vampire with pure strength so it was manipulation that she would have to rely on to kill the other character - a traditionally feminine characteristic, but not necessarily for negative reasons as a vast amount of spouse violence and murder shows the woman to be more subtle and cold in attempts of murder with unobvious methods such as poison or accidents. Men in comparison have been fits of anger many a time; blunt force and impulse.

I made her into a druid with a lineage granting immunity to vampiric transformation which would as a result give her inherited advantages of both knowledge and physicality. She would know what would kill a vampire as well as what plants or underhanded methods may weaken one and she would have the small advantage of being unable to be turned. I don't want her to be reliant on manipulation because there comes a point where that would stop working on strangers, so ambushes are the next best step. She does possess silver weaponry, I've just yet to draw it.

Victims in media are very, very often shown as entirely that. They are scrubbed clean of flaws because they are the target of another and proceed to make the morally correct decision in response to the experiences they've been through to really force the audience to take their side and understand that, wow, the perpetrator is a bad person because they did this to a good person!

Humans are not so simple and I find this writing to be frustrating. Victims are just as prone to being a bad person or having obvious negative traits as any other, sometimes even moreso due to their experiences.

I've been careful to avoid falling into this trap myself.

Grey morals, will not actively harm innocents but will turn a blind eye if it gets her closer to her revenge. She is obsessed with retribution and him getting what he deserves.

Unwilling to forgive. With an iron will, she does not care that what happened to her was potentially an accident. He betrayed her trust and that's that.

Taking advantage of weaknesses and lying to grow closer to her goal. It's her obsession.

Ran away from her family practically the moment she recovered, leaving them unknowing of her fate.

Puts little effort in socially engaging with others unless she has something to gain from it.

As just a handful of examples.

Her design does not blatantly reflect her flawed character which is also intentional. She's supposed to look just as gentle as she was prior, excluding the smallest of details hiding what happened. The blueish tints on her face and the ends of her fingers show how close she came to being transformed into a vampire (who have greyish or blue skin tones) if not for her genetic immunity. One side of her face is mostly covered by a sweep of her hair, hiding the mauling it received from his hands. She also has small cross charms pinned on her sleeves now.

[httpsoftbunni]

Celestial Orbital Frequencies, Sound, and the Human Biome

The universe is in a constant state of motion, and everything in it, from the stars to the smallest particles, is in vibration. This principle of vibration affects not just celestial bodies, but also all living things—human beings included. Every part of the human body, including the brain, heart, and even the microbiome, is influenced by the natural rhythms and frequencies of the cosmos.

The idea that the cosmos operates through frequencies isn’t new. Ancient philosophers like Pythagoras and Kepler saw the relationships between the celestial bodies and the natural world as being intrinsically connected through harmonic principles. They believed the heavens were not just physical entities, but had an unseen vibrational quality that resonated in the world around us.

Recent scientific findings support these ancient views by showing how vibrations—whether from sound, light, or electromagnetic fields—can profoundly affect the human body. Research has demonstrated how the body’s cells and systems respond to specific frequencies, influencing everything from our mood to our physical health.

At the most fundamental level, the human body functions like an intricate system of frequencies. The human biome—comprising trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms—has its own rhythms, as does the larger human body system. These rhythms are tightly linked to the frequencies emitted by our environment, including the sounds of nature, the music we listen to, and even the vibrations from celestial bodies.

For example, the planets of our solar system generate their own frequencies, and these can be understood through the “music of the spheres,” a concept that dates back to Pythagoras. The planetary frequencies can be translated into sound waves, with each celestial body vibrating at a unique frequency. These frequencies, while not directly audible to the human ear, may influence us in subtler, often unrecognized ways.

Research into sound healing and cymatics—the study of visible patterns created by sound waves—has shown that different frequencies can alter the state of matter, including the tissues of the body. Hans Jenny’s experiments with sound revealed how vibrations can create patterns in substances like sand and water. Similarly, the frequencies that exist in our environment—whether from the Earth, the planets, or the frequencies we encounter in daily life—can influence our body’s energy, biological processes, and even the balance of our microbiome.

The human microbiome, which plays a crucial role in our overall health, has been found to respond to certain frequencies. In one study, exposure to specific frequencies helped restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, highlighting how sound vibrations can have a direct effect on our internal environment. The microbiome is a complex, dynamic system that interacts with both the body and the external environment, and its health is impacted by various factors, including sound, light, and even electromagnetic fields. Just as certain frequencies in the natural world can promote growth and harmony in biological systems, they can similarly enhance the balance of the human biome.

The relationship between the human biome and celestial frequencies can also be explored through the concept of resonance. When a frequency from the cosmos resonates with the natural frequencies of the body, it creates harmony and alignment. For example, certain frequencies from the Sun, which has a frequency of 126.22 Hz, resonate with the body’s natural rhythms, potentially influencing emotional health and vitality. Similarly, the frequency of Venus (213.04 Hz) may correspond to our own inner rhythms associated with love, relationships, and creativity.

Using sound and vibration, researchers and practitioners have started to explore how these frequencies can be applied in therapeutic settings. Frequency-based therapies, like sound baths, have shown potential in helping reduce stress, enhance immune function, and promote emotional balance. They work by harnessing specific vibrational patterns to encourage healing within the body. These therapies align with the idea that our bodies, like the planets, function through rhythms and frequencies that can be tuned for better health and well-being.

As our understanding of sound, vibration, and the human biome continues to evolve, we may find even more ways to use celestial frequencies to improve our mental, emotional, and physical health. The ancient wisdom of the “music of the spheres” is being revisited through modern science, revealing how deeply interconnected we are with the cosmos. Just as the stars emit frequencies that influence the space around them, we, too, are affected by these subtle energies—ultimately offering new pathways for healing and balance in the human body.

The human body is not just a physical entity—it’s a dynamic system that resonates and vibrates with frequencies. These frequencies, both internal and external, have profound impacts on our organs and systems. Celestial bodies, from the planets to the stars, emit frequencies that, although imperceptible to the naked eye, can influence our biology in subtle and significant ways. By understanding the relationship between these frequencies and the human body, we gain insight into how cosmic vibrations can affect specific organs and systems.

The Heart (Venus Frequency - 213.04 Hz)

The heart, a central organ to life itself, functions through rhythmic vibrations, both in its physical heartbeat and its electromagnetic field. The frequency of Venus (213.04 Hz) has been associated with the heart's vibrational resonance. This celestial frequency can influence emotional states, as Venus is connected to love, beauty, and harmony. Impact on the Heart: The Venus frequency promotes feelings of compassion, empathy, and balance in the heart. It can help regulate the heart’s rhythm, support emotional healing, and reduce anxiety. In sound therapy, frequencies around 213 Hz are often used to enhance emotional release and foster deep emotional connections, allowing the heart to open and become more receptive to love and healing. Biome Connection: The gut-brain connection is a well-established phenomenon, with the heart and the gut sharing a deep relationship in emotional health. By influencing the heart through these frequencies, the Venus vibration indirectly affects the microbiome, enhancing gut health and helping to create a balanced emotional and physiological state.

The Brain (Sun Frequency - 126.22 Hz)

The brain is an organ that operates with electrical impulses, producing neural oscillations or brainwaves that control everything from thought to consciousness. The Sun emits a frequency of approximately 126.22 Hz, which has been linked to the brain’s activity. Impact on the Brain: The frequency of the Sun can help to stabilize brain function, enhancing clarity of thought and improving cognitive processes. Research has shown that frequencies around this range can aid in reducing stress, improving focus, and supporting mental clarity. This solar frequency may also promote the brain’s ability to regulate emotions, reducing feelings of depression or anxiety. Biome Connection: The brain's health is intricately connected to the state of the microbiome, particularly in terms of mood regulation. When brain function is optimized, the body’s immune system and gut microbiota tend to become more balanced. The solar frequency aids in regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, which play a role in maintaining a healthy gut-brain axis.

The Liver (Jupiter Frequency - 183.58 Hz)

The liver is responsible for detoxification, metabolic processes, and filtering toxins from the blood. Jupiter’s frequency, which resonates at 183.58 Hz, is believed to correspond with the body’s detoxification systems, particularly the liver. Impact on the Liver: The vibration of Jupiter supports the liver’s ability to cleanse and detoxify the body. The energy of Jupiter is expansive and regenerative, promoting the optimal function of the liver and enhancing its ability to process and eliminate toxins. Frequencies like 183.58 Hz are often used in sound healing to stimulate liver regeneration, helping the body clear out accumulated waste and improve energy flow. Biome Connection: The liver’s detoxification process is critical for maintaining a healthy microbiome. A well-functioning liver helps reduce the toxic burden on the digestive system, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and maintaining the balance of the gut flora. When the liver is functioning optimally, the body is better able to maintain a healthy gut environment, which is crucial for immune system regulation.

The Lungs (Mars Frequency - 144.72 Hz)

The lungs are responsible for the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide, maintaining a balance in the body’s oxygen levels. Mars, with its frequency of 144.72 Hz, has a powerful influence on the respiratory system. Impact on the Lungs: The frequency of Mars stimulates the respiratory system, promoting better lung function and enhancing oxygen flow throughout the body. This frequency is often linked to vitality and strength, helping to clear blockages in the lungs and promoting better breathing. Frequencies around 144 Hz are thought to help expand the lungs and improve air intake, increasing overall stamina and energy. Biome Connection: Proper lung function is essential for the overall health of the microbiome, as oxygen is vital to the survival of beneficial bacteria. The better the lungs can oxygenate the body, the more effectively the body can nourish its microbial ecosystem. Mars' frequency not only promotes vitality but also supports the immune system, helping to regulate inflammation and strengthen the body’s defenses against pathogens.

The Stomach and Digestive System (Saturn Frequency - 147.85 Hz)

The stomach and digestive system are responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and maintaining the balance of digestive acids and enzymes. Saturn’s frequency, which resonates at 147.85 Hz, is thought to be closely linked to the digestive system’s functionality. Impact on the Stomach and Digestion: The frequency of Saturn is associated with grounding, structure, and stability. This makes it beneficial for improving digestion and enhancing the absorption of nutrients. Frequencies around 147 Hz can help to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, supporting more efficient breakdown of food and reducing issues like indigestion, bloating, or constipation. Biome Connection: A balanced digestive system is crucial for the health of the microbiome. When the stomach and intestines are functioning properly, they create a favorable environment for beneficial bacteria to thrive. Saturn’s frequency supports the stability and balance of the gut flora, ensuring that the digestive system can properly process food and eliminate waste without disrupting the microbiome.

The Kidneys (Neptune Frequency - 211.44 Hz)

The kidneys are essential for filtering the blood and regulating the body’s fluid balance. The frequency of Neptune, 211.44 Hz, is believed to align with the body’s detoxifying organs, particularly the kidneys. Impact on the Kidneys: The Neptune frequency is thought to promote fluid balance, detoxification, and the cleansing of the kidneys. It supports the kidneys in filtering waste from the bloodstream and regulating the body’s fluid levels. The calming and expansive nature of Neptune’s frequency also promotes relaxation and reduces stress, helping to prevent kidney strain from emotional or physical stressors. Biome Connection: The kidneys play a significant role in maintaining homeostasis in the body, and their optimal functioning ensures that the environment for the microbiome remains stable. When the kidneys are operating efficiently, they help regulate the body’s hydration, which in turn supports the gut microbiota. Proper hydration encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria and maintains the integrity of the gut lining.

The Skin (Mercury Frequency - 141.27 Hz)

The skin is the body’s largest organ and acts as a barrier, protecting the internal systems from environmental threats. Mercury, with its frequency of 141.27 Hz, is thought to support skin health and regeneration. Impact on the Skin: The frequency of Mercury is linked to communication, both within the body and externally. When applied to the skin, this frequency can enhance the regeneration and repair of skin cells, promoting youthful, radiant skin. It can also help balance the skin’s microbiome, supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria on the skin’s surface and preventing conditions like acne or eczema. Biome Connection: The skin microbiome is essential for maintaining a protective barrier against pathogens and supporting immune function. Mercury’s frequency supports the health of the skin’s microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms that contribute to the skin’s overall health. When the skin is healthy and well-balanced, it can help support the balance of the gut microbiome, as the body’s defense mechanisms are more robust.

By understanding the impact of these celestial frequencies on specific organs and systems, we can begin to see how the vibrational energies of the universe play an active role in shaping the balance of the human biome. The connection between these cosmic frequencies and the body’s organs is a reminder of the deep interconnection between all living systems—earthly and celestial alike. These frequencies, though imperceptible in the traditional sense, are constantly influencing our biological rhythms, supporting the health and harmony of our bodies on both a physical and energetic level.

[heritage-instrument-insurance]

Why is the Saxophone the Best Instrument to Learn?

The saxophone is all about sensuous curves and a soulful voice. With its aura, it has been enchanting musicians and audiences for more than two centuries. Most importantly, it is more than just a pretty face. This woodwind instrument offers a unique blend of versatility, expressiveness, and accessibility, making it an ideal choice for aspiring and seasoned musicians. From the smooth and sultry tones of jazz to the bare energy of rock and roll, the string seamlessly weaves its way through a diverse musical landscape.

Technicalities involved

The unique appeal of the gear lies in its innate poetry. Unlike many instruments with rigid structures, the woodwind's mouthpiece and reed system make way for a remarkable degree of shades and subtlety. A gentle breath can produce a whisper-soft sound, whereas when you breathe into it forcefully, the gust of air can unleash a powerful, gut-wrenching whine. This level of dynamic control empowers musicians to convey a wide range of emotions - from joy and energy to despair and grief. Its voice is inherently human. It is capable of mimicking the modulations of human speech and capturing the full spectrum of human emotion.

Versatility

Furthermore, the saxophone is utterly versatile. It can seamlessly move from one musical genre to another. Its transitions from the classical concert foyer to the jazz club, the bustling street corner, and the electrifying rock scene are undeniably crazy. It has a rich timbre that blends with various ensembles, from small jazz combos and chamber groups to full symphony orchestras and even marching bands. More range, more opportunities knocking your way!

Accessibility

Learning the saxophone can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. The instrument's relatively compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to transport and handle. So, both young and old musicians can handle it with ease. While mastering the gear requires dedication and practice, the rewards are immense. The sense of accomplishment that comes with learning to play even a simple melody is unparalleled, and the journey of musical growth is both exhilarating and inspiring.

Beyond technique and presence

Apart from the technical aspects, learning to play the woodwinds offers numerous personal and social benefits. These include the following -

Stress Relief: Playing music, including the saxophone, has been shown to have numerous stress-relieving benefits. It can help to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and promote relaxation.

Cognitive Benefits: Learning to play the woodwind engages various cognitive functions. It includes memory, coordination, and problem-solving skills. It can also help you improve listening skills and enhance creativity.

Social Connection: Playing a musical instrument can be a highly social activity. Joining a band, orchestra, or other musical ensemble provides opportunities to connect with other musicians and build lasting friendships.

Self-Expression: The gear provides a powerful means of self-expression. It allows you to communicate your emotions, tell stories, and share your unique perspective with the world.

Responsibility: When you own a gear, you go the extra mile to protect it. It includes buying a good case for it, cleaning and servicing it, and ensuring it is covered under a comprehensive saxophone insurance plan. This way, you learn to be responsible and disciplined.

How to choose the right saxophone?

There are several different types of saxophones available in the market. The most widely used types include:

Soprano Saxophone: The smallest and highest-pitched one. It is loved for its bright and agile sound.

Alto Saxophone: The most popular and versatile woodwind. It has a warm and expressive tone.

Tenor Saxophone: A larger and lower-pitched gear. It is known for its rich and soulful sound.

Baritone Saxophone: The largest and lowest-pitched saxophone. It presents a deep and resonant tone.

The best saxophone for you almost always depends on your preferences, physical stature, and musical goals. However, no matter which type of woodwind suits your needs, get protected by a dedicated saxophone insurance policy.

[gladiatorstrength]

Achieve Your Goals: Personal Fitness Trainer in San Diego

In the sun-drenched city of San Diego, where the allure of the Pacific Ocean and the lush natural landscapes inspire an unparalleled active lifestyle, personal fitness trainer in san diego have emerged as the trusted guides helping individuals unlock their true potential. As the demand for personalized fitness solutions continues to rise, the community of top-tier personal trainers in San Diego has risen to the challenge, offering innovative programs, cutting-edge techniques, and unparalleled expertise to transform the health and well-being of their clients.

San Diego's vibrant fitness culture is fueled by a diverse population that values physical activity, from the avid outdoor enthusiasts exploring the city's renowned hiking trails to the wellness-minded residents seeking to optimize their overall health. This dynamic environment has attracted a wealth of talented personal trainers, each bringing a unique approach and specialized knowledge to the table.

Personalized Fitness Journey

At the heart of the most successful personal training programs in San Diego lies a steadfast commitment to personalization. Recognizing that no two individuals are alike, these trainers have honed the art of tailoring their methods to cater to the unique needs, goals, and preferences of each client.

The initial consultation process is a crucial step in the journey, as trainers delve deep into understanding the client's current fitness level, medical history, lifestyle factors, and personal aspirations. This comprehensive assessment allows them to develop a customized plan that addresses the specific challenges and barriers the individual may face on the path to their desired transformation.

"We understand that every person who walks through our doors has a different story, and our job is to listen, analyze, and create a program that will help them achieve sustainable, long-lasting results," explains a renowned personal trainer in San Diego.

From personalized nutrition plans that account for dietary restrictions and food preferences to bespoke workout routines that seamlessly integrate into the client's schedule and physical limitations, these trainers leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of optimal performance and well-being.

Cutting-Edge Training Techniques

As the fitness industry continues to evolve, San Diego's top personal trainers have embraced the latest advancements in exercise science, harnessing cutting-edge techniques to help their clients reach new heights of physical prowess.

One of the standout approaches gaining widespread popularity is the integration of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into the training regimens. By alternating periods of intense exercise with brief recovery phases, HIIT has been shown to effectively burn calories, boost metabolism, and improve cardiovascular fitness in a fraction of the time of traditional steady-state workouts.

"HIIT training is a game-changer for our clients," says a certified personal trainer. "Not only does it deliver impressive results in a shorter amount of time, but it also keeps the body guessing, preventing plateaus and ensuring continuous progress."

Alongside HIIT, personal trainers in San Diego are also incorporating the latest advancements in functional training, strength-building, and mobility enhancement to create well-rounded programs that address the holistic needs of their clients.

Accountability and Motivation

The journey towards fitness transformation is rarely a straight path, and personal trainers in San Diego have recognized the crucial role of accountability and motivation in driving sustainable success.

By fostering a supportive and encouraging environment, these trainers empower their clients to push past their comfort zones, overcome mental barriers, and celebrate even the smallest of victories. Regular check-ins, progress tracking, and personalized feedback ensure that clients remain focused, motivated, and accountable throughout their fitness journey.

"It's not just about the physical aspect of training; it's about the mental and emotional journey as well," explains a San Diego-based personal training expert. "We see ourselves as partners, coaches, and cheerleaders, guiding our clients every step of the way and helping them develop the resilience and self-belief needed to achieve their goals."

Through group training sessions, community-driven events, and personalized coaching, these personal trainers foster a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, empowering their clients to lean on one another for support and inspiration.

Holistic Approach to Wellness

While the primary focus of these personal training programs is on physical transformation, the most successful trainers in San Diego have recognized the importance of addressing the holistic well-being of their clients.

By integrating mindfulness techniques, stress management strategies, and nutrition education into their programs, these trainers help their clients develop a healthy relationship with their bodies, their minds, and their overall lifestyle.

"It's not just about the numbers on the scale or the weight lifted; it's about how our clients feel, both physically and mentally," says a San Diego-based wellness coach. "We empower them to cultivate a sense of inner strength, confidence, and overall well-being that extends far beyond the confines of the gym."

From guided meditation sessions to personalized nutrition counseling, these comprehensive programs cater to the diverse needs of their clients, ensuring that the fitness journey is not only physically transformative but also emotionally and mentally rewarding.

Embracing the San Diego Lifestyle

San Diego's vibrant culture and abundance of outdoor activities provide the perfect backdrop for these transformative personal training programs. Trainers encourage their clients to embrace the city's active lifestyle and integrate their newfound fitness habits into their daily routines.

From exploring the scenic hiking trails of Balboa Park to participating in community-driven fitness events, the programs seamlessly blend the fitness journey with the unique offerings of San Diego. This synergy not only enhances the overall experience but also fosters a sense of belonging and a deeper connection to the local community.

"The best part about our personal training programs is that they allow our clients to truly immerse themselves in the San Diego lifestyle," says a program coordinator. "Whether it's trying a new water sport or joining a local running group, we encourage our participants to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer, ultimately setting them up for long-term success."

Conclusion

As the sun sets on the picturesque shores of San Diego, the city's personal training community continues to lead the charge in redefining the fitness landscape. By blending personalized programs, cutting-edge techniques, and a holistic approach to wellness, these transformative trainers are empowering individuals to maximize their physical and mental potential, embracing the active, vibrant lifestyle that San Diego has to offer.

Whether you're a long-time resident or a newcomer to the city, the personal training solutions available in San Diego provide a unique opportunity to achieve your health and wellness goals while immersing yourself in the rich culture and natural beauty of this remarkable coastal destination. So, lace up your sneakers, embrace the San Diego spirit, and embark on a journey towards a healthier, happier you.

[takami-takami]

We're going to Natsuo essay today! Woohoo!

On Natsuo's trauma and PTSD, his role in the family, and the tragic tale of a traumatized son left to protect themself as the abuser seeks amends and the world accepts them. When the family forgives Endeavor, they leave Natsuo behind.

Everyone overlooks the line "left us to hear mom's screams, Shoto's cries." In the anime, his hand starts to clench and his voice trails back to a tone as if he is actively reliving what happened. Natsuo experiences flashbacks. Like. PTSD flashbacks. This is shown multiple times in the series.

The way he screams and spits, "it's sickening", in the anime he calls Enji "disgusting", the emotion that pours out there is entirely protective, of his family and himself. The disconnect between people acting like it's okay and the percieved danger Natsuo sees in front of him causes him to experience some pretty intense emotions.

"Don't you get that!?" It's almost a plea. Does no one else see what Natsuo sees? Why don't they see it? Why can't Enji understand Natsuo's boundaries that he both willingly gives up (to support his family who wants to make amends and allow their abuser back into their life) and is unwillingly is taken from him (when Enji comes around and causes him to relive his memories).

Side note: keep in mind how desperately Enji craves the support of his family. He lights up when Shoto pays him the smallest compliment. Interesting. Reminds one of a certain Touya, huh?

Now these panels are full of details that give insight into Natsuo.

Look at his face when Fuyumi changes the subject, squeezing his leg. Again, he has to bury his feelings for the sake of others, to keep the peace, their little newfound fairytale of a family redemption that Natsuo forces himself to partake in.

He looks absolutely miserable when he leaves. And yet he still says thank you, still says sorry that he couldn't be enough. Natsuo does not fit in to the newfound family dynamic. So he leaves.

Notice how he does not care much for doing this in front of guests? He hates hiding things. He doesn't want to participate in that charade.

This is in the anime. Izuku says, "I think deep down, you're ready to move forward with your dad. If you don't forgive him, that's up to you, no one can force you to accept him. The thing is... You're a really caring person."

And it pans over to Natsuo standing outside the hallway, listening in. Like this.

Shame. Guilt. Self-hatred.

Hearing those words affects him severely.

Why can't he be like Fuyumi? Why can't he be like his mom? Why can't he be like Shoto?

Why can't he move forward, why is he stuck in the past, why does Endeavor still haunt him, why can't he forgive—

Why can't he be a caring person?

Why can't he be a good person?

Why can't he let go like everyone else? Like normal people do? Like good people do?

Of course he can't. He's a protector.

Only Natsuo can't let go.

The odd one out, left behind to deal with the turmoil of his constant triggers alone, his grief for Touya.

Natsuo hates himself.

"Cuz I'm not as caring as Shoto," he says.

Natsuo is genuinely terrified to be touched by Endeavor. Even unconscious, he murmurs "hot..." when Endeavor holds him, and immediately yells and shoves him off once he wakes up, and begins to cry and tremble as Endeavor talks.

Finally, finally, Natsuo gets acknowledgement for the extremely painful turmoil he puts himself through for his family's sake, and it hits him like a truck. Endeavor himself sums it up well.

Natsuo is incredibly selfless.

It's very important to consider that after this, he says to Endeavor:

"Why should I have to be the one to change when everything is your fault!?"

And he's entirely, completely correct here.

And yet he still forces himself to change, to put up an act when he absolutely despises acts and despises the hush-hush, the "we don't talk about that" (he's a lot like Hawks in this way). He has no personal problem speaking about things in front of guests, or passerbys like the person staring at them from their car in the above panel, front and center.

Natsuo feels extremely alone. At this point, he doesn't even care who sees his pain as long as it's someone.

[hatosaur]

ep. 8 thoughts here we go. tw for sexual assault obv.

so i liked the episode, but not really as much as the others. compared to the others, i’m closer to lukewarm. the episode felt a bit rushed in the second half, because the first half spent an adequate amount of time setting up david.

i’m gonna talk about david first to get him outta the way.

i liked most of the details they added for him:

the christian thing -- as i was watching, i thought it was a good way to subtly imply the pedo thing without being overt about it. we also never got to see how much power david had in the game, so those beginning moments of the ep where his unequivocable leadership over the group is shown were really good at silently highlighting that. i’ve also seen it pointed out this being the “traditional” and “correct” way to maintain society and yet immediately turning to eating their own kind because of their one leader, versus jackson being communist and thriving because everyone holds the exact same amount of power, is really, really funny.

the subtle emphasis on traditional gender roles -- i don’t really recall him having this in the game but that moment where he insists he’s that one girl’s father because of his role in the town is a really scary prelude to what role he thinks ellie should take up alongside him.

the teacher thing -- much like the christian thing, but something that doesn’t quite hit till later. creeps me out just thinkin about it.

the detail that i didn’t like, which i feel crumples up all this good subtextual writing and throws in it the bin is david’s attempt to rape ellie. in my post about ep. 7, i was HOPING that they wouldn’t be more explicit about david’s...intentions than they already had been; and they did exactly that, but in the smallest way. in the penultimate moment, in the burning diner, david admits he likes “the part where they fight” the most and reaches for his belt. like...i get it. you want it to be clear-clear that he’s a pedophile, that had ellie gotten to the machete a bit later in the game, maybe he would’ve made that intention clear as well, but why go that far narratively? you already have the building blocks for the audience assuming he’s a creep, you even strengthened it in the subtext, so why make him attempt to sexually assault her, in a burning building i might add????

the only saving grace was bella’s acting chops and, of course, when she kills the mf.

i’m not a fan of craig mazin’s reasoning for his changes nor his understanding of the characters, especially in the bts for this ep. his point about david being right about ellie having a “violent heart” is gross, because no, she doesn’t?? she doesn’t have a violent heart anymore than joel does, or maria, or tommy, because they all live in the post-apocalypse. she’s a literal kid trying to survive and maintain the good that she has, why describe her in such a weird way? when she’s quite literally the embodiment of good and hope in the series??? i know more than you, craig. >:///

a change that i did like was the separation between what happened in the burning building and joel finding ellie. because yes, i agree, the whole point of ellie’s section was for her to come out victorious through her own making. that moment where they find each other again, with all the fucked up additions, did feel all the more relieving, i’ll give it that.

that other change where it’s not joel pulling her close, but ellie going in for a much-needed hug, was really good. to me, it works with the build-up of ellie’s reliance on his protection. “if you die, i’m fuckin’ dead out here” & “i can’t fucking do this without you” were building up to this point where she can (non-verbally) say that she needs him.

in the game, it’s more so “she’s finally safe, thank god she’s safe,” which is still good, clearly because it’s one of the best scenes in the game and because we’re in joel’s shoes, but i like that the show’s depiction of them plays into the dynamic of ellie loving joel’s protection and him just being there for her. shit, i like seeing how much ellie loves joel in the show!!! her cuddling up with joel REALLY felt to me like for a moment, she could pretend for a second that he’s more than some guy transporting her across the country, but like maybe a dad? something like a dad? something precious that she wants in her life for a long time??

the game being from joel’s perspective, we don’t get as much on ellie’s feelings, how she comes to love joel, and i really dig that the show is giving us that. like hey, i know she’s a kid and of course, that means she’ll latch on to him faster but maybe it’s a bit more complex than that, who knows.

HEY, SPEAKING OF JOEL: poor guy’s parts of the ep were way too short :( not just in an “i wanna see joel do more sick shit because this is a gameplay section” kinda way, but also in a “hey, you’re rushing the episode” kinda way. i wanted more of him tearing the place apart in search of ellie. the game had it that way to match the chaotic energies that both parties were going through just to get back with each other! but joel’s portions of the ep were lacking and it seemed like the episode needed that boost. in trying to remember what joel was doing in the episode, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t really his torture scene but him ambling about in the snow. not a great thing. give the man more to do, please. i now see what people mean when they say the action has been neutered a bit.

anyway, back to ellie again lol. 

bella was AMAZING in this. they’re so good at acting and acting like ellie that it’s like??? where they born to play ellie???? she killed all the feral moments, the vulnerable moments, the moments where ellie fucks up. the “ellie is the little girl that broke your fucking finger” moment was PHENOMENAL. 

last episode next week. it’s 44 min apparently?? i’m not liking how that looks. if it were up to me, it’d be a two-parter. a bigass slow burn. one episode dedicated to ellie and joel only, expands their growing relationship after winter, lets them be soft, has the giraffe moment, makes things seem okay, then at the end they get found by the fireflies. second starts with the anna flashback and really digs into what’s about to happen, rounding off the theme of getting into the scientific side of the cordyceps in a neat way, then kicks off the end segment of the game.

here’s hoping they nail it.