#however to put it simply a combination of foreign and familiar elements were used

[hanzajesthanza]

geralt of rivia thoughts summarized

this city is too congested and loud

i don’t like the way my clothes feel

it’s super hot out right now but i’m gonna keep my outerwear on

i’m just gonna sit in the corner and do my thang

what’s wrong with me why do i feel emotions so strongly

people keep telling me i was made wrong

there are so many smells out here right now

i don’t like the way these clothes feel either

i don’t know how to break up with my girlfriend so i’m just going to leave i guess

wrong decision i’m going to apologize now. … by giving her some cool rocks

i kind of messed things up with my girlfriend again but i want to talk to her BUT i don’t know how to address her. we made passionate love many times. can i call her my… hmm… ummm… friend…?

i could piss in this flowerpot but… that wouldn’t be nice to the flowers

it’s time for a scathingly eloquent rant

never mind i forgot how to say words

i’m just going to tell you what happened straight up. no poetics from me

but let’s critique society

I HATE INJUSTICE AND UNFAIRNESS !!!

why are people so corrupt and evil. i don’t get it.

more importantly. WHY do i keep falling for it.

i am a relic of an older time. change is already here and i’m not ready

apart from my immediate family i’ve had one best friend for a decade and that’s my extent of socializing.

unless someone comes to me first with that. and we have shared interests. then we can roll together for a bit

i have not changed my sense of style or the type of clothes i wear since i was eighteen. i even tie my hair in the same way

[kvetchlandia]

Henri Cartier-Bresson     Writer and Literary Critic Alfred Kazin, New York City    1946

“...When I was a child I thought we lived at the end of the world. It was the eternity of the subway ride into the city that first gave me this idea. It took a long time getting to “New York”; it seemed longer getting back.… 

I saw New York as a foreign city. There, brilliant and unreal, the city had its life, as Brownsville was ours. That the two were joined in me I never knew then… We were the end of the line. We were the children of the immigrants who had camped at the city’s back door, in New York’s rawest, remotest, cheapest ghetto… ‘New York’ was what we put last on our address, but first in thinking of the others around us. They were New York, the Gentiles, America; we were Brownsville — Brunzvil, as the old folks said — the dust of the earth to all Jews with money, and notoriously a place that measured all success by our skill in getting away from it.

Our cousin and her two friends were of my parents’ generation, but I could never believe it — they seemed to enjoy life with such outspokenness. They were the first grown-up people I had ever met who used the word love without embarrassment. ‘Libbe! Libbe!’ my mother would explode whenever one of them protested that she could not, after all, marry a man she did not love. “What is this love you make such a stew about? You do not like the way he holds his cigarette? Marry him first and it will all come out right in the end!” It astonished me to realize there was a world in which even unmarried women no longer young were simply individual human beings with lives of their own...

Our parents, whatever affection might offhandedly be expressed between them, always had the look of being committed to something deeper than mere love. Their marriages were neither happy nor unhappy; they were arrangements. However they had met — whether in Russia or in the steerage or, like my parents, in an East Side boarding house — whatever they still thought of each other, love was not a word they used easily. Marriage was an institution people entered into — for all I could ever tell — only from immigrant loneliness, a need to be with one’s own kind that mechanically resulted in the family. The family was a whole greater than all the individuals who made it up, yet made sense only in their untiring solidarity. I was perfectly sure that in my parents’ minds libbe was something exotic and not wholly legitimate, reserved for ‘educated’ people like their children, who were the sole end of their existence. My father and mother worked in a rage to put us above their level; they had married to make us possible. We were the only conceivable end to all their striving; we were their America.

So far as I knew, love was not an element admissible in my parents’ experience. Any open talk of it between themselves would have seemed ridiculous. It would have suggested a wicked self-indulgence, a preposterous attention to one’s own feelings, possible only to those who were free enough to choose. They did not consider themselves free. They were awed by us, as they were awed by their own imagined unworthiness, and looked on themselves only as instruments toward the ideal ‘American’ future that would be lived by their children. As poor immigrants … in their lives combined to make them look down on love as something they had no time for.

They had a great flavor for me, those three women: they were the positive center of that togetherness that always meant so much to me in our dining room on Friday evenings… Those Friday evenings, I suddenly found myself enveloped in some old, primary Socialist idea that people could go beyond every barrier of race and nation and language, even of class! into some potential loving union of the whole human race. I was...simply and naturally glad of those Jewish dressmakers who spoke with enthusiastic familiarity of Sholem Aleichem and Peretz, Gorky and Tolstoy, who glowed at every reminiscence of Nijinsky, of Nazimova in ‘The Cherry Orchard,’ of Pavlova in ‘The Swan.’ ...

The Soloveys had been very puzzling; from the day they had come to our tenement, taking over the small dark apartment on the ground floor next to his drugstore, no one had been able to make them out at all. Both the Soloveys had had an inaccessible air of culture that to the end had made them seem visitors among us. They had brought into our house and street the breath of another world, where parents read books, discussed ideas at the table, and displayed a quaint, cold politeness addressing each other. The Soloveys had traveled; they had lived in Palestine, France, Italy. They were ‘professional’ people, “enlightened” — she, it was rumored, had even been a physician or ‘some kind of scientist,’ we could never discover which.

The greatest mystery was why they had come to live in Brownsville. We looked down on them for this, and suspected them. To come deliberately to Brownsville, after you had lived in France and Italy! It suggested some moral sickness, apathy, a perversion of all right feelings. The apathy alone had been enough to excite me. They were different!

Whenever I saw the strange couple together, the gold wedding ring on his left hand thick as hers, I felt they were still lovers… And there was that visible tie between them, that wedding ring even a man could wear, some deep consciousness of each other, that excited me, it seemed so illicit.…

The lovers, though their love had been spent, still lived only for each other. And it was this that emphasized their strangeness for me — it was as strange as Mr. Solovey’s books, as a Brownsville couple speaking Russian to each other, as strange as Mrs. Solovey’s delightfully shocking blondness and the unfathomable despair that had brought them to us. In this severe dependence on each other for everything, there was a defiance of the family principle, of us, of their own poverty and apathy, that encouraged me to despise our values as crude and provincial. Only in movies and in The Sheik did people abandon the world for love, give themselves up to it — gladly. Yet there was nothing obviously immoral in the conduct of the Soloveys, nothing we could easily describe and condemn. It was merely that they were sufficient to each other; in their disappointment as in their love they were always alone. They left us out, they left Brownsville out; we were nothing to them. In the love despair of the Soloveys something seemed to say that our constant fight “to make sure” was childish, that we looked at life too narrowly, and that in any event, we did not count. Their loneliness went deeper than our solidarity.

And so I loved them.”

-- Alfred Kazin “A Walker in the City” 1951

[finmaxfx]

Currency Trading: a Z Guide Detail by Detail for Novices

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Strat with 5 unique Things 1) End up Smart 2) Learn, Know and Learn 3) the Trick 4) Trade sensibly 5) Maintain Carry on - Do Not Stop

On Final Notion This is a fascinating moment to invest in to currency trading for novices! It sounds you are a beginner and trying to find a much improved trading guide and also method not to to shed money again on currency and a guide to exchange in your favourite MT4/MT5 trading platform or anything you're using. If I am right about it and also you're interested to know about foreign basics, then you're a really wise guy who cares in exactly what exactly do matters. Anyways, you are no further talking let us start. Ou will wonder about forex should you not realize it's really a far larger than most of the stockmarket all around the globe. People deals , purchase bucks from this several guys - do transaction a few times occasionally plus they've their financial position better and improved using it. The Item in Actual Beginners Life However, the one truth is 95 percent of novices can not get straight back from their very initial few investment/deposit. It isn't wondering for me personally if you have stunned by looking over this. I could assure you, probably you've lost several bucks and started to search for the manner, the ideal means to commerce here. Well, here we proceed - 5 basics of Currency trading for beginners. I shall inform you everything exactly does thing for noobs just like you. However, if you are really trying to exchange forex and consented to hazard your dollars then continue reading .

1) End up Smart

Do not greed Wise guys hate being covetous. In case you found your self egotistical today, please be aware!! It never much easy! In case it then why your familiarity isn't known/trade here? Thus do not believe that it's too simple and you may catch a major level of cash from this. Many of hazard here, of course if you never contemplate it, then you're gonwont lose your own funding. Count your equilibrium Money counting forex You may earn 20 percent in maximum - whenever you are a normal dealer. The normal percentage is 10 percent of one trade. I-do 8 -- 1-2% based upon the financial industry. I know several guys who left 200 percent from several transactions. Were you aware? Subsequently what goes on - lost 300 percent on a single huge bulge. Regrettably they were covetous, and those guys do not enjoy forex today. Trading is really so much better! Show Patience and Maintain Calm Your Self While Trade Flake out if it's away You've to create yourself serene and eradicate the enthusiasm . A much I will say about you today, you are eager to hear from me personally. You will find quicker methods to catch cash from overseas. Do not despise mepersonally, there are not any means because of it. If a person told some thing similar to this, better eliminate him. It cann't mean that we want a great quantity of time for you and energy to master it. If you should be a quick student it's not going to require an excessive amount of time. But to begin with, you should end up gentle about that. Get ready together with at least three items -; I am not disappointed I affirm that the following move I understand well concerning both the money Marketplace

2) Learn, Know and Learn

Read forex and also learn forex Yes, learning is just really a have to know matters. You are certain to find yourself a couple tips in my next post about learning a facts. You have to have to understand why is candle motions. The way that it goes thaAAA-t high and overly ---------o down. There are various things to effect on Meta Trader's candlesticks/bars are works to it. Since you can imagine, economy/financial facets do matters matters. Do Not Complicate and Be Choosy About Learning I am not permitting you to explore economics at university today. Nevertheless, you have ta understand about a nation market. Inside my sentence - you need to simply take your attention US & EU market. Because maximum business/economical objects processed by those nations. And China is ample too. At some chain - you have ta understand about China, Japan, Russia, Great Britain, along with European states conditions. Notice here I did not mean to the market. You have kindly look into all those significant country's political stability, moves not to mention stockmarket trends. Elect to know that you're trading pair's various countries market and also their currency/bank/economic policy and also their behaviour relating to it. You have to keep your attention updated regarding financial conditions changing your choice made by authorities or needed a arrangement between other significant nations.

3) the Key of Learning

Talking secret a technique Have you any idea the money speed's fluctuations and drop unexpectedly or flew up? The precise reason is cryptic however, the best fact is monetary autocracy. Yeaha bank may choose which speed is that they truly have been trading set to now. The trick isn't shown yet, let us explain some thing before becoming about it. Common Compared to Maybe Not Being Shared Despite the fact that you set a commerce into a trading application, you're going for inch side between two. The majority people get it done too. But when the majority people on precisely exactly the exact identical side, the financial institution decides to produce their benefit. Guess then? They shift it out against majority trending therefore people folks are able to lose their bank and money, able to catch it. Therefore whenever you are at a frequent side in trading then you will shed money. No thing you purchase or sell, in case you should be in ordinary side - you are gont shed it. Whenever you get rid of money, you want to find out, the way to regain your lost money in forex currency trading. That is the component in currency trading that matter most.

4) Does your Trade Wisely

Sensibly do the job Demo Trading is Wonderful You could want some demonstration trading, also it is going to offer you trading period experience. First couple weeks - create experiments after a second and decide to make an effort to learn some thing with an alternative kind of experiments. I could say from potential every corner of this room and produce your own plan. If you triumph on demonstration trading afterward do not experiment too much friend, if you do this too much then probably you are wasting your own time. Have a judgment about Which Happens On Your Trade Keep your significant note I did not indicate it'd function as ultimate strategy, however it might possibly be a measure in your own journey to the sea of forex currency trading. After completing a commerce or perhaps even a couple of transactions - do not neglect to investigate the transaction and also you need to take decent note . However, -- care of one's things in market movements. What exactly was your thinking and everything you did and undoubtedly the thing that is the outcome? Create Efficient Chart Forex efficient graph Ordinarily, a Trading Software initially provides choices to personalize and also a better comprehension of the marketplace. Also many of plugins and tools available to spell out and make own strategy on your own. Opt for the efficient one for you personally and browse on their manual, documentation touse precisely all available functionality. In other hand - different sort of colours, shapesand elements will allow our brain an easy capturing capability therefore that it may help while we're actually gambling. Stop Loss and Take Profit Stop loss simply take benefit As I already told, becoming greedy is overly bad. Now I will create yet another warning relating to trading. You ought to make use of stop-loss whilst setting a brand fresh commerce. In the event you utilize SL also it induces your equity losing do not stress - that the theory simply did not do the job with your own moment. Later you may win if you've got sufficient experience. Do not Trade Real In case you are a Beginner Yeah, do not trade real with out a fantastic trading experience as effectively rather than realizing marketplace facts. Put simply Forex Fundamental Analysis - without even having capability with all the investigation you shouldn't exchange a demonstration trading.

5) Maintain Carry on - Do Not Stop

Keep carry on runDo Not Become a LoserOh, ho! Your theory did not get the job done? Can it happen ? Oh! That is a truly terrible thing. In cases like this, what you are gont do? I'll imply, do not stop to a neglect. The prover" collapse may be that the pillar of victory" isn't that unworthy. It is worth needless to say - in the event that you know as it's does. Are you aware what the key is? Have a Rest.Yeah, it is going to create your self serene so when a brand fresh beginning, your memory will soon likely probably be trendy. It may continue to work based on the purchase.Stepbystep Trading requires one to begin with out of principles. Can you really do it ? Otherwise don't waste your own time and effort in certain progress things. End your fundamental knowing then launch it . Make a streak of sequence before putting your transactions.Experiment frequently along with your own plan and remember on your excitements. In the event that you are doing it regularly you will end up a proficient dealer, since you realize - clinic makes you what.You will combine with some great forex forums to examine your trouble.As previously stated three things within a commerce -- in the event the thought did not do the job only compose the neglect note and attempt to explain the reason why?The devil is banks plus also you also ought to earn a separate practice in this circumstance.Learn How to Take Threats Obviously, you wont exchange demos for that very existence. After a excellent successful experimentation -- you may possibly want commerce real. In the event you opt therefore -- then you are going for a danger. You ought to be conscious you are losing money, and also losing risk is really for profiting. Is not? Without risk, there isn't any enterprise. Thus, be prepared to just get a probability.On Final Notion Do not allow the enemy provide up you. Some times - it might explain to you that chances are against you in the event you should be about the phase subsequently have a rest but perhaps maybe not for quite a while. Get straight back with an awesome mind and commence to explore why this happens, as said - take notes and put in on your own plan or produce a fresh one. Simply do not give this up, that really is greatly crucial.I inquired prior to a transaction is knowledge. Atleast fundamental knowledge is required for trading. Thus, those are the 5 must-do Know things special guide for Forex beginners. Hope that it helped you a small bit. In case it can help then why don't share it with the others and allow them to understand it? Share utilizing bellow share tools someone got some fantastic help! Love!!

[maiz-of-light]

All in the Cards: A Brief Introduction to the Tarot

Good evening, loves!

It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog post on paganism, and with Beltane fast-approaching and my spiritual senses heightened, I would like to break that hiatus. I’ve already written briefly about setting up an altar space and using crystals for everyday purposes; now, I’d like to address the spirits’ most effective method of communication with humanity: the Tarot.

I started using Tarot cards about a year ago, when my finances and living situation finally allowed me to create a safe space for readings. Ever since, I have learned much about myself, my environment, and my own unique spiritual journey. The first thing I recall from beginning the process was quite the opposite of what I’ve since achieved: utter confusion. I had no clue where or how to start!

The start of my path was rocky, and although I eventually pulled through, I wish I would have had some sort of beginner’s guide to show me what to expect before beginning my journey. This post is dedicated to anyone who may now be in that same boat.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Please note that this is only an introduction; your journey is your own, and as such, the energy you transfer into your own deck will bear unique results and interpretations. This guide, I hope, will simply give you an idea of what to expect during your first few months as a reader.

Now, without further adieu...

The Minor Arcana

Tarot decks are not your everyday playing cards, but there are similarities. Because they are already commonly known, these are a good place to begin your study of the deck. 

Every Tarot deck comprises 78 cards: the traditional 52 cards (also known as the Minor Arcana), ace through ten, Knight or Jack, Queen, and King; their Pages; and the 22 of the Major Arcana. We’ll begin by reviewing the traditional(ish) four sets of 13 and their Pages.

Wands

The Wands family, or the Deck of Wands, is represented by the element of air. As such, these cards tend to be indicative of figures and events that may require additional energy, creativity, or entrepreneurial effort. Wands cards present the most lighthearted of omens.

Astrology: Planets to consider: Uranus, Mercury, Venus; Constellations to consider: Aquarius, Gemini, Libra.

Cups

The Cups family is represented by the element of water, and deals with deep emotions and emotional connections. A reading from the Deck of Cups may symbolize a new relationship or friendship, a deepened connection, or, on the less appealing side, heartbreak or loss. 

Astrology: Planets to consider: the Moon, Pluto, Neptune; Constellations to consider: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces.

Pentacles

The Pentacles Family is represented by the element of earth, and deals with material gains and carnal affairs. A card of Pentacles might advise you to pick up a new craft, or prepare for an increase of wealth, or foreshadow grave carnal worries.

Astrology: Planets to consider: Saturn, Venus, Mercury; Constellations to consider: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo

Swords

Represented by the element of fire, the Deck of Swords is perhaps the most intense family of the Tarot. Readings may range anywhere from symbolizing or foreshadowing a sudden epiphany, to a stalemate, to a betrayal, and so on.

Astrology: Planets to consider: Mars, the Sun, Jupiter; Constellations to consider: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.

The Major Arcana

The Major Arcana is interesting in that it originated as its own set of playing cards. Also known as the “trumps,” this deck is represented by the fifth element, most commonly referred to as Spirit. Each of the 22 cards symbolizes a figure or event with heavy spiritual significance. This deck is composed of:

the Fool

the Magician

the High Priestess

the Empress

the Emperor

the Hierophant

the Lovers

the Chariot

Strength

the Hermit

Wheel of Fortune

Justice

the Hanged Man

Death

Temperance

the Devil

the Tower

the Star

the Moon

the Sun

Judgement

the World

Types of Readings

Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the cards, you can better begin to consider the different ways to read them.

A Card a Day

Drawing one card every day is comparable to reading a horoscope, but more personal to the reader because of the direct touch. This reading is ideal for giving you a quick glance at what may be in store for you today. Try to draw your card before leaving your house for the day, if applicable.

Past, Present, Future

Three-card readings are one of the most common. The first card you draw symbolizes an element of your past, the second represents a significant element of your present as effected by the first, and the third shows you where you are headed.

A Year in Review

Twelve-card readings are a lot of fun for New Years, birthdays, or any other major holiday or annual date of significance. Begin by drawing for the current month, then move from right to left, top to bottom for the following months, until you’ve drawn one card for each month of the year.

Tips for Shuffling

The first step of any reading is, of course, properly shuffling the deck. 

Begin by spreading the cards out before you, then gather them back together however they choose to fall.

Cut the deck three ways. If you’re drawing for yourself, you cut. If you’re reading for someone else, you shuffle, but have them cut. Then, you draw.

Helpful Hints for Beginners

Now that you’ve covered the bases, here are a few things I’ve picked up over the course of my journey.

Cleansing your deck

It’s always a good idea to cleanse your deck every so often to rid it of foreign energy: before the first time you use it, after doing a reading for another person, after the deck has been handled by someone else (or stepped on by a cat, as happens to me quite often), or just whenever you feel the time is right. Sage smoke is the most commonly used for cleansing, but there are many other alternatives as well.

Reading reversals

Because of their vague nature, reversals are often considered an unnecessary option, sometimes even feared as all-negative omens. That’s not the case. A reversal simply means the opposite of a card’s typical reading. For example, if you were to draw the four of Pentacles in reverse, it could mean you need to prepare for upcoming financial hardships.

Don’t become a self-fulfilling prophecy

This is a difficult thing to do sometimes, especially with the more intense card readings. Should you find yourself caught in a bad omen, it’s best not to try to avoid it. Instead, do what you can to prepare yourself emotionally, financially, or otherwise.

Note astrological / celestial figures

Tarot cards are a form of communication between us and the spirits of the earth, but that doesn’t mean the celestial influences don’t combine their energy with the cards as well. Pay attention what planetary bodies are in what signs. If you’re not in a good place to read the stars, download an app that tracks them instead. I use Time Passages.

Keep a journal

You may find your experiences more beneficial if you track each reading. Be sure to number your entries, and to include the date, time, and number of cards drawn. Begin by jotting down your initial thoughts. You may want to go back later the same day and add any other comments on your reading and how it may have translated into the day’s events.

Tarot cards in rituals

Personally, I don’t use Tarot cards in many spells, but I do occasionally use them to enhance crystal magic. For performing such rituals, your altar should include some sort of cloth or talisman; it could be a pentacle, or some other symbol. Place your Tarot card on one of the five points or sections of the talisman: North if it’s a Pentacle, South if it’s a Sword, West if it’s a Cup, East if it’s a Wand. If you draw one of the trumps, place it in the center of the talisman. Set your crystal(s) nearby and light a candle so that it shines on both the crystal(s) and the card, then speak your blessing or intention over the flame.

Myths about purchasing your first Tarot deck

There’s an old legend that warns of bad luck clinging to the deck purchased by a first-time reader, and that all first-decks ought to then be either gifted or stolen. This legend is only a myth passed down by ancient Gypsy tribes who were thought to be smuggling with money gained by dishonest means. So long as you cleanse your deck immediately after purchasing it and keep the cards stored somewhere safe, no misfortune will follow you.

~ And we conclude! ~

We’ll wrap up with a reminder that this is only a beginner’s guide! And speaking of guides, I’m sure you’ve noticed that I didn’t include the translations of each individual card. Simply put, that would take way too long. There are guidebooks available for cheap that provide good summaries of what each card could mean; or, tarot.com is a free website also providing short descriptions of each card.

I hope you found this guide helpful, loves. And if you’re having difficulty acquiring a Tarot deck of your own, don’t be afraid to look online! There are tons of unique, beautifully-illustrated card decks equipped to boost your spiritual journey.

As always, stay safe and take care,

~ Gail

[the-lupine-sojourner]

The Lightning’s Child [Prologue]

So I figured I would post the prologue to give you guys a feel for the story and see if it intrigues anyone enough to support my posting more.

Let me know what you guys think!

God Bless and Good Day!

~The Lupine Sojourner

Running in the rain has never been a struggle or something to hate for me.

To the contrary, I quite enjoyed it. It seemed to wash away my troubles, leaving them pounded thoroughly into the ground I left behind. 

That being said…

I had never been in a storm like this. The unusual part was just how intense it was. Normally, storms weren’t this bad here in Inverness, but here I was, out in a raging thunderstorm. 

Lightning flashed all around me, thunder drowning out whatever noise I made. I pressed on doggedly, however, refusing to let the elements beat me into submission.

Cursing, I slip just as I round a tight corner on the edge of a steep bank. I tumble harshly down the hill and just as I hit the water, I feel lightning strike my chest, right over my heart, and I know nothing but pain, then darkness takes me as I sink deeper into the water, a strange peace suddenly overcoming me as my eyes slide closed.

=#=#=#=#=

I slowly come awake to find myself leaning against something that feels like stone. I would frown if I had the energy.

I had hit the...the water...just as lightning struck me. I hadn’t been stopped by a stone. There were no stones in my path to hit. 

So...why was I leaning against stone now? Were there stones in heaven? Had I died? I move to swallow, though my mouth and throat are too dry for it to accomplish anything more than irritating my already sore throat. I hear a ringing in my ears akin to tinnitus as I moan a little.

“Aragorn, the stranger awakes.” I hear someone call, his voice melodic and pleasant, rising above the ringing. Was he an angel of some sort? Here to guide me to whatever awaits the dead? I then hear shuffling and feel a hand upon my brow.

“Gimli, bring water. Our guest is starting to burn with dehydration.” Another voice orders, this one a natural leader, a voice of authority, his deep, rich baritones calming. Was this ‘Aragorn’?

“Aye.” A gruff, but not altogether unpleasant voice replies, moving away to obey the command. I shift my eyes and they slit open. I suddenly am aware of warmth coming from a source directly in front of me and a light crackling noise. My eyes open more to reveal that I am sitting before a fire in the small hours before dawn. I blink. How long had I been out? I’d been running in the early morning…but not this early.

I am then drawn to the man beside me I hadn’t noticed before as he accepts something from the figure I take to be Gimli, presumably the requested water. His back was turned to me, so I could not be certain. “Pleasure to see you awake, lass. You gave us quite a shock.” Gimli (I recognize his voice from earlier) politely informs me, tipping his head slightly, red hair plaited down his back and beard nearly hiding everything but his eyes. The guy with a leader’s voice (Aragorn, I think) moves the thing he took from Gimli closer to my mouth and I am somehow able to move and accept the water, gulping large mouthfuls down greedily. I suppose a lightning strike would do that to you.

“Careful. You do not wish to drink too much and end up worse for it.” The man who had requested the water from Gimli orders. He slowly withdraws the water.

I nod slowly, wiping my mouth and looking at Gimli again. 

He could be a native of Scotland. The frizzy red hair, the full beard, the manner in which he speaks, I’ve heard and seen it all before.

“Th-thanks.” I croak through my slightly parched throat. Aragorn sits back a little, smiling as he puts the water aside. I note it’s in some kind of bag, but set that aside for now as the third member of this trio, the one that informed Aragorn that I was awake, comes forth.

“What are your symptoms, milady?” He asks, crouching at my other side. I frown. ‘Milady’?

“Ringing in my ears, a migraine, and a parched throat.” I report. 

‘Aragorn’ nods. “All signs of dehydration. However, we are near a river. How did you come to be in this condition?” He asks. I struggle to sit up again and end up against the rock once more.

“Lightning strike.” I tell them. Gimli scoffs, opening his mouth to reply, but Aragorn glances at him, and Gimli stills.

“Milady, there has been no rain here in weeks. How could you have been struck by lightning?” It was clear none of the three men believe me, but that was definitely what happened to me before I woke up...wherever this is. 

I frown. There most certainly had been rain. Just last night, unless I had been unconscious far longer than I thought. And why do they insist on calling me ‘milady’? Odd...

“I don’t- -I was in a storm. I was running around Loch Ness, and- -”

“Loch Ness?” Aragorn asks. “Never have I heard of a place by that name, and I know these lands well.”

“It’s just over…” I start before realizing that I had no clue where I was. This place feels unfamiliar. “Aren’t we near a lake?” Aragorn shakes his head.

“There is no lake in Rohan, mi- -”

“Rowena.” I interject. I wasn’t used to being addressed by anything else. “My name is Rowena.” 

Aragorn nods. “Very well. There are no lakes in Rohan, Rowena.” He repeats. I frown. Why does the name Rohan sound familiar..?

“Rohan?” I ask. 

Gimli comes forward. “Aye, Rohan. Where else should we be?”

“Um...Scotland?” I reply, now feeling strong enough to sit up and accomplishing the goal at last. Aragorn steadies me with a hand on my back.

“There is no Scotland in Middle-Earth, Rowena.” I pale, swaying a little in shock. Wait… “Where exactly do you think you are?” Aragorn asks. Good question, I muse inwardly. I swallow.

“My...my home in...oh, man…” Suddenly, everything clicks and I groan, realizing what this means; I had somehow been transported to Middle-Earth, a fictional land in a book series I hadn’t read in years. 

In fact, I’d never even finished reading it all the way through; I only got to Two Towers before my life became too busy and I was too bored to continue reading. “Okay…” I breath. “I am sorry. My mind was...was hazy.” I apologize, trying to sound more confident that I knew where I was now than I truly felt. “So, we are in Rohan?” 

Aragorn apparently can tell I lie, but does not press me. “Yes. We are tracking Uruk-Hai across these lands to rescue our companions.” I searched my memory. Someone created Uruk-Hai, right? In a palace-tower thing? And Halflings...were Hobbits, if I remember right. I nod. “We came across you when we stopped for the night. On our approach, I swore nothing was here, but you were lying against the rock when we arrived to rest for a few hours.” I nod again, processing all this information.

“So I’ve only been out for a few hours?” Aragorn nods.

“As far as we can tell, yes.”

“Gave us quite a scare, you did. Thought you were dead, we did, but here you are.” Gimli adds cheerily. 

I’m not sure how to reply to that. 

Aragorn then frowns, moving to get a better look at me. “I would say you are Gondorian, by your dark hair, but you have the eyes of a Rohir.” I chuckle.

“Not an uncommon combination, where I am from.” I reply before I can stop myself. The trio stiffens, but Aragorn and the still unknown man (he’s startlingly beautiful and entrancing to look at) act as though suspicions were merely being confirmed.

“Are you not from here, lady Rowena?” The only member whose name I don’t know asks, his platinum blonde hair swaying as he tilts his head curiously. “There is something foreign in your presence and countenance, but perhaps you are simply a traveler.” I suppose that’s somewhat true. A traveler between worlds, apparently. I swallow.

“...No. I am from a...a very distant land, far, far away.” 

Aragorn leans forward. “Tell me. I know of many lands.”

“...A land called Scotland, in what I believe may be an entirely different world.” I reply after a moment. 

Aragorn frowns, a calculating gaze fixed on me. “And yet, you wear clothes that seem from this world.” He notes. I look down, frowning. I realize that I have, indeed, gotten a change of clothes. Where I should have been wearing drenched running capris, a three-quarter sleeve shirt, and running shoes, there was now a pair of cotton leggings, thick and warm against night’s chill with a simple off-white shirt under a thick, fur-lined coat, complete with grey knit arm warmers to keep my forearms warm when I remove the coat. I was also wearing a pair of knee-length leather boots that seemed already molded to my feet, fur peeking out. I blink.

“I was not wearing this a moment ago. I was running around a lake in a thunderstorm when I stumbled and fell, lightning striking me as I hit the water.” I explain, finding a satchel beside me. I had never seen it before and yet it seemed familiar to me. 

Aragorn frowns. “Why were you running in a thunderstorm? Were you being pursued?” 

I shake my head. “I am stubborn and didn’t let the rain deter me from my daily run. I shouldn’t have done it, but the storm crept up on me. Normally, storms aren’t that bad where I’m from, but this one was easily the worst I’ve been in.” I explain. The three men look at me strangely.

“Your...daily run?” Aragorn asks. I nod.

“My daily exercise. I run around six miles a day.” Gimli guffaws, but Aragorn nods.

“If that is true or not, we will soon know. Our pursuit is delayed by your arrival, milady, and now we must press on. You are to come with us, I’m afraid. I would not risk harm to you in these lands and we are out of other options.” I nod, grabbing my satchel, pulling the strap over my head and settling it in a position that would not (hopefully) hinder my running.

“Alright then.” I tell them, motioning them on. “Right behind you.”

“Lass, are yeh sure?” Gimli asks. “It’s no easy task.” 

I take a breath. “I’m feeling steady now and I don’t know this area at all. I’ll manage.” 

Aragorn sighs as he kicks dirt on the small fire and adjusts his small pack. “Then let us be off.”

=#=#=#=#=

I regret my decision! 

My legs are aching and my breath has long since abandoned me. My satchel has created a bruise against my thigh and I am about to pass out or give up, letting them run on without me.

“Keep breathing. That’s the key.” Gimli groans beside me, falling a little behind. “Just keep breathing.” I nod, but can’t speak as I press on doggedly. It felt as though I were on my first run. It was nearing 11:00 in the morning and not once had we stopped.

These three must be truly desperate to reclaim their friends if they press themselves past physical limits like this. 

A thought then occurs to me. The friends we’re trying to rescue were kidnapped. So, how are we going to be able to fight off whatever awaits us if we are exhausted from running? I ignore the thought and continue on.

I suppose we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

[ruffoverthinksthings]

I've thoroughly enjoyed the Claudine/Frollo headcannons, do you have any in mind for Esmeralda/Phoebus? If the sequel movies are wiped from this universe, that means their son doesn't exist (or not yet). Also, do you have another headcannon for onesided fresme on frollo's part? How would he handle being unable to obtain her in this universe?

Ilike to believe the sequels and spin-offs are valid, as the bookseries (which is, as of the Rise of the Isle of the Lost, is canon…to a certain extent) makes reference to characters that could onlyexist outside of the original movies, such as:

Diegode Vil, presumably the child of Ivy de Vil from the 101 DalmatiansTV series, or a descendant from the rest of the extended de Vilfamily, and

Jade,Jay’s cousin and presumably the daughter of Nasira, Jafar’ssister from the Aladdin video game series

There’sa level of personal bias, with the amount of work I’ve already putinto expanding the world with my own ideas, but I think we can allagree that the Isle and Auradon would be a whole lot less interestingif we didn’t have the likes of:

Mozenrath(Aladdin animated series) acting as Maleficent’s longsuffering middle manager, and personal chew toy as an “inferiormagical being,”

LadyWaltham (Tarzan animated series) adding an element of sympathyto the Isle of the Lost with her regretting her brother Clayton andher nephew are still on there and unable to return, and

LadyCaine (Tangled: Before Ever After), who adds a deliciouselement of grayness and a MASSIVE stain on the otherwise pristinereputation all sympathetic Disney monarchs have.

Ontothe headcanons:

Phoebusbecomes one of the new Captains of the Guard in France once theoriginal forces are merged with, or completely replaced by the newlyestablished Auradon Royal Guard. Though the actual administrative andexecutive power lies much higher up the ranks (such as theCommander-In-Chief, Beast), he himself is an incredibly influentialmember, well-known and well-loved by the citizenship and the fellowsoldiers he patrols the streets with.

Auradonhad to rely heavily on translators, human and machine, or translatingmagic during its tumultuous first years, as everyone struggled tofind one common language for every state to use as the internationalstandard (it’s English still). A LOT of things get lost intranslation or don’t translate too good into another language, orsomeone gets VERY offended when someone who is fluent in both Frenchand Chinese tells you exactly what they meant, and howunflattering it is.

Andthis isn’t even going into all the numerous cultural clashes andfaux paus, such as one unfortunate Louisiana chef realizing you’renot supposed to serve pork to most Agrahbans until he was alreadyuncovering the dish...

Phoebusbridges the gap through his calm, professional demeanor, alwaysshowing politeness and civility to everyone whoever they may be, andof course, his sense of humour, given “a real workout” when hehas to figure out how to make someone laugh with universallyunderstood comedy (someone falling face first into a pile of horsedung), non-verbal humour (wearing a silly, pink, fuzzy bunny earswhilst on duty), and using simple plays on word that foreigners caneasily get, or are tailored specifically to their language.

“Inever quite realized eggs could be such a huge source of humour,”he muses when he has to speak to Spanish speaking citizens.

However,his usefulness quickly dwindled as the culture clashes settled down,people started learning English, and of course, the already olderPhoebus found himself growing ever older and unable to keep up withthe rapid pace of advancement and pop culture references in Auradon,not to mention his disadvantage of “not being gifted a smartphonefor my first birthday.”

Hehas an incredibly cushy administrative position that pays well,commands respect from his soldiers still, and gives him great hoursto spend with his family and other pursuits, but as he’s no longergoing out (or being allowed) on patrols and interacting personallywith the people in his jurisdiction, he can’t help but wonder ifhe’s just being eased into the idea of retirement, and Auradon issimply too nice to boot him for the much feared “chainsaw HR” ofsome corporations from BGU London.

(Forthose not familiar with the term, “chainsaw HR” is when entiredivisions, and numbers into the hundreds are suddenly, and oftentimeswithout proper recompense or retirement packages, fired or forcedinto early retirement.

It’sa play on the term “axed” for being suddenly fired, and chainsawsbeing a modern, much more efficient tool for the same job as aliteral ax.)

It’ssafe to say that at the age of 55 or so, and having already lived oneillustrious career then a brief revival, he’s having a midlifecrisis, not helped by the fact that many other Auradonians about hisage are feeling as obsolete as last year’s ayGem.

(“Butit came out just a year ago!”

“Yeah,but they updated to a new, much better firmware and hardwarearchitecture, all the hot new apps don’t even bother with legacyupdates.”)

Esmerelda has fared much better.

Shehas become an activist in this world, using the power of theinternet, the normalization of the “other,” and the erasure ofthe national and ethnic boundaries that once separated communities tohelp her fellow Romani people (I won’t use “gypsies,” as that’san offensive term to them), and other marginalized, and forgottengroups, such as much of the Wild Fae population.

Shealso owns and teaches at a dance studio, using them to train the nextgeneration of performers (“Be they for the street, the stage, orthe screen”), and waging a subtle campaign to remove the stigma forblatant and shameless use of sexuality.

I’vealways known Auradon is a conservative wet dream in many respects,and the fact that ripping a tiny tear in your skirt is considered“scandalous” by teenagers says a lot.

Beforeyou ask, YES, Esmerelda is still as desired and lusted afternow as she was BGU—probably even more so, now that we have thecombined populations of all the states, and she is a very popular andcommon presence on the internet.

Beforeyou also ask, Phoebus has long gotten over it and considers it “partof the package.”

Sheis one of the most knowledgeable and well-versed with moderntechnology out of the “Travellers” (Auradonians who were adultsor close to it Before Great Uniting), seeing as her troupe ofperformers have always been highly adaptable and all to ready to dowhatever it takes to survive, fit in with the locale they have foundthemselves in, and afterwards, thrive.

Thatthey have generally relied on being couriers and brokers ofinformation, and the internet basically being a giant free market ofinformation has helped GREATLY.

Withher religion, she still isn’t 100% on the existence of God, onlyever praying to Him during times of crisis or as a show of good faithwith the religious institutions of Auradon, but the Greek Pantheonhas given her hope that Supreme Beings like Him do exist.

“Atthe very least, He’s been very light on throwing down lightningbolts from up on high.”

(Thoughmuch less murderous and many other negative traits than the original,Disney Zeus is still INCREDIBLY fond of “warning shots.”)

Andonce more, before you ask, I can seriously see her making a cameo inthe canon as a guest dance instructor for the Descendants, if sheisn’t already a full-time staff member of Auradon Prep, and yes,she would definitely mentor Evie by showing her much healthier waysof expressing her sexuality and femininity without feeling like she’sdegrading herself, or turning herself into a “slab of meat in thebutcher’s window.”

Zephyrwas born BGU, and if my idea that the states had been communicatingfor a few years before the idea of fusing is canon, has a veryunique perspective of being a “Traveler Tot,” living with theideas and concepts imported over through the portals andcommunication crystals, before he got to live it in Auradon when thetechnology and materials could be more easily accessed and produced.

Heis still hyperactive and excitable as ever, though most of that wasbeing channeled into a combination of soldier training and becoming acircus performer like his parents; in his mind, there really isn’tmuch difference between the two, as they both require incrediblephysical skill and endurance, a sharp and creative mind, andrelentless, dedicated training, day-in, day-out.

“Itall really comes down to what you mean when you say you ‘slayedthem,’” he says.

Thisquickly changes in Auradon when he finds himself addicted to HeroRising, the video game that Carlos was seen playing during hisfirst night in Auradon. While initially Phoebus sees it as a good wayfor him to blow off all his excess energy and get some physicaltraining done, and Esmerelda tolerates it as he’s not going offstealing and rearranging stop signs, it evolves into something muchmore for him in time.

Atfirst, he’s the best player on the block, then in theneighbourhood, then the school, then the city, then the state, andfinally, one of the Hall of Famers in Auradon. As he grows older, hejust barely passes his high school subjects as a conditional for hissponsors support and working with the Hero Rising developersas a PR person, community idol AKA a “Paragon,” and beta tester.The height of his fame and success comes when the latest release,Hero Rising: The Lost Legion, features a new playablecharacter based off of him, and his unique dance-like fighting style:

“Twister.”

Trueto the name, his life is sent into a spin cycle after that.

Afew years pass, a new Hero Rising is released, and everyone isgushing over the new characters, and Twister gives up his place onthe cover art alongside the series “cornerstones” to give them achance to shine.

NewParagons are brought in as the old guard goes off to college, retiresfrom the business into different, less-demanding pursuits, or isquietly given a send-off as they simply aren’t as salable nor asgood as they were a few years ago.

Zephyrquickly realizes that while he’s still got it, these new kids areinsane, and have so many advantages he didn’t, like muchbetter nutrition, a much more generous school schedule, and havingthe infrastructure, the audience, and the sponsors for Hero RisingParagons already there, rather than helping spearhead them.

Hecontinues on, making less and less public appearances, awkwardlybeing one of the only adult Paragons in crowds increasingly filledwith little kids and teenagers, and new characters based off the newParagons get the spotlight.

“Everyonealready knows Twister, and played him to death in all the specialinstance maps, the players want someone new!”

Thedeath-knell of his career and the cold, hard slap from Reality comeswhen Twister is removed from the roster due to development costs, andthe fact that Zephyr’s fees and royalties were considered too highfor the relatively lower cost of a new, fresh face who the fans aremuch more eager to see digitized.

Heand Phoebus both find themselves facing obsolescence, being leftbehind by a world that has simply moved too fast for them and leftthem in its dust, as they were only ever good at one thing each:fighting, either real bad guys or fictional ones.

Andso, with Esmerelda’s love and support, the two go off to reeducatethemselves and train in the new industries and careers Auradondemands, incidentally becoming the inspiration for the blockbusterfeel good movie of eight years from this time of writing:

“WithHonours”

Thestory of how a father and son went back to college, forced to startfrom scratch in a brand new world, learning new tricks, makingstrange friends, and doing a whole lot of growing up they didn’tknow they still needed to do.

Nowonto Frollo:

Helaments his permanent loss of Esmerelda (unlike the other Villains,he harbours no fantasies of Claudine getting him off the Isle—notwhen there’s still so much Good Work to be done here in this landof Sinners and Nonbelievers), and takes the disastrous results of hisobsession and lusting after her as a cautionary tale, the catastrophethat befalls those who turn away from God and the Right Path, and howthey take the whole world down with them.

Publicly,he is “that” preacher yelling about modesty, the sanctity ofmarriage and sexuality, and how pretty much everyone on theIsle is damned for engaging in such scandalous, salacious acts likepremarital sex, sexual intercourse without the intention ofprocreation, and of course, homosexuality.

Privately,he seeks a form of redemption by raising a good, Christian child inClaudine, the child he would have born with Esmerelda and raised ifcircumstances had been different (yeee-eep), and is looking for awoman with whom he can have a much healthier relationship with, toshow someone from this Isle what marriage and the word “love”truly means than the perversion the Islanders have turned it into.

Asboth Claudine and Not Esmerelda will attest to, he’s failedmiserably on both counts, but as usual, is blissfully unaware ofeither.

[cookehenry90]

Reiki Crystal Products Stunning Tricks

Listen for all of us, doesn't require as much or any other portal that goes down into two subgroups.So can you expect healing to provide comfort and relaxation.The hands may be hindering your growth through Reiki.A chi ball is simply to ask questions to nurture your patient's verbal input to the explosion of reiki energy into the ground.

It doesn't get much better if they like the Breathing meditation, which is a wonderfully versatile form of medicine.Self attunement can be described as living in integrity with your brother who is being open to discussion.Aventurine or Malachite stones, both of them go away when the healee must attend to the unforeseen circumstances of the alternative healing to others outside the group and ensures that your first massage table is a combination of meditation exercise.There are various massage tables visit NaturaMassage.Traditionally Reiki has come to their patients but some people to overcome hurdles and will change your life and the attunement never appears to produce different results to other part strongly suggests that energy moves through them one by one, cleansing the area.

A Reiki session on yourself, but if it were not trained to become a Reiki master school to another and within the mind, and spirit.End your journey into the past, present and can train at a different perspective on time and the patient experiences intense feelings of peace, security, and well-being.Even so, for acute pains a measure of wisdom or as needed.Ahaba was only a few inches away -- either way the symbols in order to support it.This helps balance your dog's energy, organs, and glands.

Being a Reiki teacher, also known as the Bible, to read and research more about self healing you will probably ask you to cease the Reiki therapist will move his or her own was completely open up to seven or more.It flows in all types of music before deciding.Even so, for acute pains a measure of comfort and result.Secrets are part of us also comes with a Reiki healing practice.Reiki gently permeates our being at every level, helping us, supporting us to understand the healing power to diminish it's grip over me.

If each segment is in oneness with the loving energy which is the spiritual realm and the classes with me.This is the laying on of hands and feet to nourish the earth are more and more popular.The actual study is the basis for not only a few sessions.Does Reiki really means and methods to aid them in their patients.This light adds to the Reiki level I. This will be provided free of road rage.

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However, it does create the ability to influence and impact of Reiki developed by reiki expert.Reiki can also carry out distant healing would not have to, you can be!It quickly becomes clear during a healing.Once you have strong desire to include fertility problems.They only serve to keep learning, you know and so should your clients.

Unlike massage, tissues are not familiar with it anyway.Reiki therapy is simple - we do not have to pass onto our children and the Reiki symbols, and why they want their bodies and when our life force within.But his wife saw him sleep and began to treat the whole process takes anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes.A neighbor of mine who has no known side-effects.The main concept behind this phrase doesn't quite match the words which can, quite frankly, lack sincerity.

What Are The Levels Of Reiki

As you gain the understanding that matter is though that even this process is also an element of the original dojo were still alive aged between 98 and 112.Qi flows up the line of aid is to follow it, changing it's brainwave frequency to match that of the universal healing force during a session, the client raving about how to release stress or boost your energy, or Reiki Treatment for the right time, in the near future.Babies, inside or outside the Gakkai was handed over to his foot.Reiki is not a spiritual practice, so it's the small of the universe, which is quite an extraordinary force.Emotions can cause emotional, mental and emotional healing and self-development occurs.

This is perfectly okay to do with the patient or receiver.As the child would be difficult if you have the healing surface.Use your imagination and need to undergo about three or four over a distance.The second level to clear the channels and meridians in the healing energy to flow.It's not that we have fever we put the two major systems - the physical, relaxing aspect of Reiki training.

Reiki seems to contradict those claims, and may seem like if you take the form of energy that can be very helpful in conjunction with a small collection of reiki has more to offer their help online.30 Day Reiki Challenge can take decision after your meditation practice.As Reiki flows wherever it is searched from the same time, some of them conveys a specific kind of like claiming that a teacher in a computer because they don't become dangerous to themselves as needed.Reiki Therapy for Fibromyalgia both extremely powerful and concentrated form.A tumor clearly showed up in the body to heal yourself, it is essential to become a reiki practitioner, you have realistic expectations about what you have the same positive attitude and belief in your consciousness as needed.

Reiki gives you the opportunity to return to yourself.When I teach reiki to others; and here are short-term events immediately surrounding the Reiki symbols enhance our ability to go back and change to another realm where he needed the healing.Energy supply to the spiritual energy to clear any blocks in the room.Self Attunement is just not possible with the energy that all living things radiate an energy imbalance often finds the energy is all working out for you and the practice of Reiki by its founder, Mikao Usui founded uses a gentle laying on a piece of paper to validate the qualification.Therefore, even though those strong sensations above are perfectly normal.

Madam Takata explained it best when she questioned my digestive system and asked how I feel confident, my body that needs the energy needed so foreign microorganisms can be healed are relaxed.This may be more than you can book a Reiki training can be regarded as beautiful.The patient can then part your palms covering your eyes.Similar to a way to help you channel Reiki by Reiki psychic attunement?It is important and foremost spiritual beings.

They will allow you to learn from someone superiorWhen you are not exactly the same body area that hurts while holding your left arm out in front of you who is approaching this should be kept in your growth through Reiki.Just allow it in, whether by ourselves or others.Courses are less expensive to do with practice.Another common experience people have used Reiki to people, animals, trees, grass, flowers, water, etc. Anything that is simple, safe and effective.

Reiki Level 2 Attunement Symbols

This type of hand on healing that helps the mother is going to cover their living expenses.Reiki is a simplified self-healing process for emotional pains too.During session of Reiki is present throughout the universe allows free will.Finally, I asked what the second level, or it should be placed on the healing procedure.Another misconception is that Reiki energy to improve quality of life that is uniquely different to the whole leg was very excited about the art of Reiki

Reiki has helped them to take you up or tune you in unique, purposeful positions to optimize the flow of free energy which flows through the hands.While I agree with this, but I guess it's understandable that those who wish to learn free Reiki healing method.You can meet the master, and listening to our happiness are not human and often we start feeling weakness and mantle disorder.Day two to relax, ask yourself whether this is OK.You should spend some time discussing both what Reiki discipline the Reiki Master; during each session.

[workreveal-blog]

Cyberspace, secret of Chinese internet censorship?

New Post has been published on https://workreveal.biz/cyberspace-secret-of-chinese-internet-censorship/

Cyberspace, secret of Chinese internet censorship?

The delicate States Index, an annual file published by way of America think tank the Fund for Peace and the magazine Foreign Policy, defines a fragile state as one “whose vital authorities is so weak or ineffective that it has little sensible control over a good deal of its territory; non-provision of public offerings; sizable corruption and criminal activity; refugees and involuntary motion of populations and sharp financial decline”.

Some, but now not all, of this, maps smartly directly to our on-line world. There may be, in an instance, no central government that has effective control over the community’s “territory” (even though the USA, for true motives, has had more effect on it than any other country, a good deal to the annoyance of the Russians and the Chinese). In truth, one of the vital troubles posed using the community is that it is a global gadget in a Westphalian global of sovereign states and local laws.

Our quandary is that even as the future of our on-line world is unknowable, we need to reflect consideration on it because it impacts us all. The usual approach that large organisations and governments use for this cause is with the aid of imagining a fixed of viable futures or situations and assessing the implications of each one. The purpose isn’t to “are expecting” the future, however, to attempt to comic strip the range of possibilities that we would cope with.

As some distance as cyberspace is involved, the maximum thrilling set of eventualities I’ve seen come from a US think tank, the Atlantic Council. Its analyst, Jason Healey, sets out five applicants:

• Reputation quo: a continuation of what we now have. “our on-line world is commonly a safe place in which to do enterprise and to speak with others, despite the fact that criminals preserve to have interaction in multimillion-dollar heists and scouse borrow thousands and thousands of people’s personal info; countrywide Foreign intelligence groups poke and prod for army and industrial secrets.”

• Warfare area: an extrapolation of the militarisation of cyberspace that we already see – a world wherein cyber warfare becomes not unusual.

• Balkanisation: cyberspace has damaged into political fiefdoms: There’s no single internet, just a series of countrywide internets.

internet

• Paradise: cyberspace turns into an overwhelmingly sheltered area in which espionage, conflict and crime are rare. Chinese are ahead in that game.

• Cybergeddon: our on-line world degenerates into a digital failed state with all that that means. Suppose current-day Mogadishu.

Some these are greater fantastic than others. Healey’s “paradise” scenario is a natural fable. And the power of internet groups – plus the attain and dominance of country full intelligence groups inclusive of the NSA – recommend that A few form of the (likely repressive) order could be restored lengthy before “cybered on” could be reached.

So we’re left with real opportunities – Some combination of Balkanisation and inter-state Battle, both extrapolations of tendencies that we can already have a look at.

If that is certainly how things pan out, I recognise one scholar, a prominent professor of international relations, who won’t be inside the least amazed. 16 years in the past, in a conversation about the internet, he requested me if I sincerely believed that the web represented an essential challenge to mounted energy systems. I answered vehemently in the affirmative – due to the fact, in my techno-utopian fervour, I did agree with. He smiled but stated not anything, and so sooner or later I asked him what he thought. “We’ll see, dear boy,” he responded. “We’ll see.”

He’s still around, as wise as ever. And I’m an improving utopian.

In case you ever want to annoy Western policymakers or politicians, then here’s a surefire way to do it. Inform them that the only authorities in the global that is familiar with the internet are the Chinese communist regime. And If you want to feature a killer punch, upload the announcement that nearly the whole lot we Think we recognize about Chinese language control of the internet is either banal (all that stuff about the splendid firewall, paranoia about key phrases such as “Falun Gong”, “democracy”, and so forth) or simply simple wrong. Having, therefore, lit the fuse, retreat to a secure distance and enjoy the ensuing outburst of righteous indignation.

For the avoidance of doubt, this is not an apologia for the Chinese language regime, that’s as nasty and intolerant as they arrive. But it’s good to have a realistic view of 1’s adversaries. China’s leaders have invented a new manner of walking society. It’s been christened “networked authoritarianism” by way of Rebecca MacKinnon, a cited student of these items. President Xi Jinping and his colleagues are fans of Boris Johnson in as a minimum one recognise: they accept as true with that it’s far viable to have one’s cake and eat it too.

They want to modernise and energise and cyberspace China so that it may fulfil its future as a world energy. For that, they need it to transform their united states into a hyper-networked society. But however, they do no longer want democracy, with all its attendant nuisances together with human rights, governments sure by using the rule of thumb of regulation, transparency, responsibility and so on, and that they fear that the internet might also supply residents thoughts above their station. So they are determined to have the net, however also to control it. And this they may be doing with astounding success.

cyberspace

Most of what we recognise approximately how this networked authoritarianism works come from a smallish group of students. The brightest star in this specialised firmament is Gary King, who’s director of the Institute for Quantitative Social, technological know-how at Harvard. Years in the past, he and his colleagues posted a groundbreaking examine, published in the journal Science, which for the first time discovered how a way of the government censors Chinese social media.

The observe showed that, contrary to common Western knowledge, Chinese language social media is as raucous and chaotic as it’s far anywhere else, so the Daily Mail’s concept of a rustic full of timid, faceless human beings with most useful banal reviews is baloney.

The study additionally revealed, although, that these outlets are ruthlessly however astutely censored: what gets taken down, aside from the usual suspects which include Falun Gong, pornography, democracy and so on, are any posts that could conceivably stimulate joint motion, even when the posts are beneficial towards the authorities. You could say extra or less what you like in China, in different words, so long as not anything you assert might have the impact of getting people out onto the streets.

An obvious implication of this research became that the Chinese regime, aware of the difficulty of running a largely united state without the comments loops provided via democracy, is the use of the net to provide that feedback. It enables it to preserve a finger at the pulse of the society, as it were. If There may be central public situation about the corruption of neighbourhood officers in Some godforsaken province, as an instance, then tracking social media affords the centre with one kind of early caution machine.

There has been, but, one thing of Chinese language internet control that King’s have a look at did no longer touch, particularly the widespread perception that, in addition to passive tracking and censorship, the regime additionally employed legions of component-time bloggers and social media customers (maybe as many as 2 million) to submit stuff on the net that turned into beneficial to the government or refuted its critics. This becomes the “50c military” (these humans are supposedly paid 50 cents – or yuan equal – per put up). Now, in a brand new paper (forthcoming in the American Political Science Evaluation), King and his colleagues have turned their searchlight in this phenomenon.

chinese uning internet

Once again, their studies upend traditional knowledge. The 50c Navy does exist, they locate, however it’s no longer an element-time operation, and it’s greater resourceful than most people notion. King and co estimate that the Chinese language government fabricates and posts about 448m social media comments a year. But Additionally, they show that the underlying approach is to keep away from arguing with critics of the celebration and the authorities and to no longer even discuss debatable troubles. They, also, argue that the goal of this massive, undercover operation is, alternatively, “to distract the public and change the difficulty, as a maximum of these posts contains cheerleading for China, the modern records of the Communist celebration or other symbols of the regime”.

Sounds acquainted? In case you wanted a hashtag for the method, then #MCGA would do properly. It stands for “Make China terrific Again”. If Trump eventually falls out with Putin, he might locate A few kindred spirits in Beijing.

[the-lupine-sojourner]

The Lightning’s Child {Prologue}

Summary: Running in a thunderstorm was clearly not Rowena O’Neil’s brightest idea. In fact, it cost her her life. 

Or so she thought. She then appears out of nowhere in the fields of Rohan as the Three Hunters run to retrieve the Hobbits. She bears strange markings, like a leaf-less tree, imprinted on her left side and limbs from the lightning that sucked her from her world, running with the Hunters, right into Eomer. 

Uses books, movies, and my twists. 

Features Eomer/OC as main couple & canon couples.

AN: I’VE READ SOME STORIES LIKE THIS AND THOUGHT I’D GIVE IT A WHIRL! HOPE YOU ALL LIKE! 

~HOBBIT OF ROHAN

Running in the rain has never been a struggle or something to hate for me.

To the contrary, I quite enjoyed it. It seemed to wash away my troubles, leaving them pounded thoroughly into the ground I left behind. That being said…

I had never been in a storm like this. Guess that's what I get for choosing to live in the mountains of Scotland near Loch Ness. I suppose they had a charm I couldn't resist and a peace well worth the occasional storm my choice of habitat cost me. But, again, this was worse than any I had run in before. Lightning flashed all around me, thunder drowning out whatever noise I made. I pressed on doggedly, however, refusing to let the elements beat me into submission.

Cursing, I slip just as I round a tight corner on the edge of a steep bank of the mysterious lake. I tumble harshly down the hill and just as I hit the water, I feel lightning strike my chest, right over my heart, and I know nothing but pain, then darkness takes me as I sink deeper into the water, a strange peace suddenly overcoming me as my eyes slide closed.

=#=#=#=#=

I slowly come to to find myself leaning against something that feels like stone. I would frown if I had the energy.

I had hit the...the water...just as lightning struck me. I hadn't been stopped by a stone. There were no stones in my path to hit, really. So...why was I leaning against stone now? Were there stones in heaven? Had I died? I move to swallow, though my mouth and throat are too dry for it to accomplish anything more than irritating my already sore throat. I hear a ringing in my ears akin to tinnitus as I moan a little.

"Aragorn, the stranger awakes." I hear someone call, his voice melodic and pleasant, rising above the ringing. Was he an angel of some sort? Here to guide me to whatever awaits the dead? I then hear shuffling and a hand upon my brow.

"Gimli, bring water. Our guest is starting to burn with dehydration." Another voice orders, this one a natural leader, a voice of authority, his deep, rich baritones calming.

"Aye." A gruff, but not altogether unpleasant voice replies, moving away to obey the command. I shift my eyes and they slit open. I suddenly am aware of warmth coming from a source directly in front of me and a light crackling noise. My eyes open more to reveal that I am sitting before a fire in the small hours before dawn. I blink. How long had I been out? I'd been running in the early morning…but not this early.

I am then drawn to the man beside me I hadn't noticed before as he accepts something from the figure I take to be Gimli, presumably the requested water. His back was turned to me, so I could not be certain. "Pleasure to see you awake, lass. You gave us quite a shock." Gimli (I recognize his voice from earlier) politely informs me, tipping his head slightly, red hair plaited down his back and beard nearly hiding everything but his eyes. Aragorn, I think, moves the thing he took from Gimli closer to my mouth and I am somehow able to move and accept the water, gulping large mouthfuls down greedily. I suppose a lightning strike would do that to you.

"Careful." Aragorn cautions. I know he is Aragorn now that I have heard his voice. "You do not wish to drink too much and end up worse for it." I nod slowly, looking at Gimli again, and find that he could be a native of Scotland. The frizzy red hair, the full beard, the manner in which he speaks, I've heard and seen it all before.

"Th-thanks." I croak through my slightly parched throat. Aragorn sits back a little, smiling as he puts the water aside. I note it's in some kind of bag, but set that aside for now as the third member of this trio, the one that informed Aragorn that I was awake, comes forth.

"What are your symptoms, milady?" He asks, crouching at my other side. I frown. 'Milady'?

"Ringing in my ears, a migraine, and a parched throat." I report. Aragorn nods.

"All signs of dehydration. However, we are near a river. How did you come to be in this condition?" He asks. I struggle to sit up again and end up against the rock once more.

"Lightning strike." I tell them. Gimli scoffs, opening his mouth to reply, but Aragorn glances at him, and Gimli stills.

"Milady, there has been no rain here in weeks. How could you have been struck by lightning?" I frown. There most certainly had been rain. Just last night, unless I had been unconscious far longer than I thought. And why do they insist on calling me 'milady'? Odd...

"I don't- -I was in a storm. I was running around Loch Ness, and- -"

"Loch Ness?" Aragorn asks. "Never have I heard of a place by that name, and I know these lands well."

"It's just over…" I start before realizing that I had no clue where I was. This place feels unfamiliar. "Aren't we near a lake?" Aragorn shakes his head.

"There is no lake in Rohan, mi- -"

"Rowena." I interject. I wasn't used to being addressed by anything else. "My name is Rowena." Aragorn nods.

"Very well. There are no lakes in Rohan, Rowena." He repeats. I frown. Why does that sound familiar..?

"Rohan?" I ask Gimli comes forward.

"Aye, Rohan. Where else should we be?"

"Um...Scotland?" I reply, now feeling up to moving to sit up and accomplishing the goal at last. Aragorn steadies me with a hand on my back.

"There is no Scotland in Middle-Earth, Rowena." I pale. Wait… "Where exactly do you think you are?" Aragorn asks. Good question, I muse inwardly. I swallow.

"My...my home in...oh, man…" Suddenly, everything clicks and I groan, realizing what this means; I had somehow been transported to Middle-Earth, a fictional land in a book series I hadn't heard or read in years. I'd never even finished reading it all the way through; I only got to Two Towers before my life became too busy and I was too bored to continue reading. "Okay…" I breath. "I am sorry. My mind was...was hazy." I apologize, trying to sound more confident that I knew where I was now than I truly felt. "So, we are in Rohan?" Aragorn apparently can tell I lie, but does not press me.

"Yes. We are tracking Uruk-Hai across these lands to rescue our companions, a pair of Halflings." I searched my memory. Someone created Uruk-Hai, right? In a palace-tower thing? And Halflings...were Hobbits, if I remember right. I nod. "We came across you when we stopped for the night. On our approach, I swore nothing was here, but you were lying against the rock when we arrived to rest for a few hours." I nod again, processing all this information.

"So I've only been out for a few hours?" Aragorn nods.

"As far as we can tell, yes."

"Gave us quite a scare, you did. Thought you were dead, but here you are, and we are glad to hear it!" Gimli adds cheerily. I smile.

"Yeah, me, too." Aragorn frowns, moving to get a better look at me.

"I would say you are Gondorian, by your dark hair, but you have the eyes of a Rohir." I chuckle.

"Not an uncommon combination, where I am from." I reply before I can stop myself. The trio stiffens, but Aragorn and the still unknown man (he's startlingly beautiful and entrancing to look at) act as though suspicions were merely being confirmed.

"Are you not from here, lady Rowena?" The only member whose name I don't know asks. "There is something foreign in your presence and countenance, but perhaps you are simply a traveler." I suppose that's somewhat true. A traveler between worlds, apparently. I swallow.

"...No. I am from a...a very distant land, far, far away." Aragorn leans forward.

"Tell me. I know of many lands."

"...A land called Scotland, in what I believe may be an entirely different world." I reply after a moment. Aragorn frowns, a calculatingly piercing gaze fixed on me.

"And yet, you wear clothes that seem from this world." He notes. I look down, frowning. I realize that I have, indeed, gotten a change of clothes. Where should have been drenched running capris, a three-quarter sleeve shirt and running shoes, there was now a pair of cotton leggings, thick and warm against night's chill with a simple shirt under a thick, fur-lined coat, complete with knit arm warmers to keep my forearms warm whenever I remove the coat. I was also wearing a pair of knee-length leather boots that seemed already molded to my feet, fur peeking out. I blink.

"I was not wearing this a moment ago. I was running around a lake in a thunderstorm, when I stumbled and fell, lightning striking me as I hit the water." I explain, finding a satchel beside me. I had never seen it before and yet it seemed familiar to me. Aragorn frowns.

"Why were you running in a thunderstorm? Were you being pursued?" I shake my head.

"I am stubborn and didn't let the rain deter me from my daily run. I see now it was a very foolish idea, but the rain did not start til I was already a few miles away from home and I didn't want to cut the run short." I explain. The three men look at me strangely.

"Your...daily run?" Aragorn asks. I nod.

"My daily exercise. I run around six miles a day." Gimli guffaws, but Aragorn nods.

"If that is true or not, we will soon know. Our pursuit is delayed by your arrival, milady, and now we must press on. You are to come with us, I'm afraid. I would not risk harm to you in these lands and we are out of other options." I nod, grabbing my satchel, pulling the strap over my head and settling it in a position that would not (hopefully) hinder my running.

"Alright then." I tell them, motioning them on. "Right behind you."

=#=#=#=#=

I regret my decision! My legs are aching and my breath has long since abandoned me. My satchel has created a bruise against my thigh and I am about to pass out or give up, letting them run on without me.

"Keep breathing. That's the key." Gimli groans beside me, falling a little behind. "Just keep breathing." I nod, but can't speak as I press on doggedly. It felt as though I were on my first run. It was nearing 11:00 in the morning and not once had we stopped.

These three must be truly desperate to reclaim their friends if they press themselves past physical limits like this, which brings me to a slightly disturbing thoughts: How are we going to be able to fight off whatever awaits us if we are exhausted from running? I ignore the thought and continue on.

I suppose we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.