#thoughts: afua

[australet789]

TLK: A similar kind of sadness

Vitani wasn't someone who liked romance that much. She was trained to be a warrior, a killer, so having a mate was something that never crossed her mind until she and her Outsiders pridemates joined the Pridelands. Meeting Malka and chosing him as her partner changed her life completly and allowed her to relish in her own desires, something her mother has forbidden for her to even think about.

And then Malka died.

She knew the risks of falling for an older lion. But Vitani always thought she was going to be the one out of the two to complete their journey in The Circle of Life first, considering the potential enemies The Pridelands could have — the scars on her chest showed that very well. The spirits seem to have other plans though. They probably believed she has enjoyed her life with Malka enough, that she has taken him for too long (he outlived Simba, for blazes sake). It shouldn't have been a surprise when the old lion passed on his sleep.

The emptiness still strucked Vitani. Hard. And since she was no longer the leader of The Lion Guard and her son Manukato was independent enough, Malka's absence took a toll on her, something that could only compare to when Nuka died. But even then she still had a goal (her mother's crazy dreams) and then a purpose (being The Fiercest). Now she only had her memories and her empty den, a den she rarely left.

So Vitani surprised everyone —even herself— when she got out to a diplomatic meeting.

An old ally, they have told her. A Princess, from Nala's mother old pride, that used to be the potential bethroted of the deceased first son of Simba, Kopa. Vitani had known the Prince, albeit not as well as her cousin Afua, so curiosity got the best of her, since that was a part of her life she didnt remember well. Her memories were fuzzy, of laughter and complicity. Of a family she used to have until Zira's madness took that away from her —another thing Zira would took away from Vitani.

She was not expecting to see a reflection of her own in the Princess eyes' when she meet her. A stoicism she knew very well, that was hiding the pain and grief of someone that had lost something important.

For a moment, the emptiness didn't feel as consuming.

Maybe she could try to talk to Princess Timira when she had the chance.

-----------

I mentioned Vitani is bisexual in my canon, so I wanted to give her a girlfriend in the future! And yes, I wanted to be a bit ironic with it being Timira (apparently an old idea of her being Kopa's future mate). And since it's Bisexuality Visibility month, it was the perfect moment to introduce her character. And yes, she is also a Marozi! Or well, part Marozi.

[acute-crashout-jeyuso]

Sacrifices/BTR Book 2: a Jhea fanfic.

Chapter 3: Vegas, Vegas, Vegas..

April 18th, 2025. 7:56 AM. WWE Private Jet for Head Writers and Family.

The hum of the jet engines filled the cabin as Jey and Rhea sat side by side, cocooned in the excitement of the day ahead. Jeyce and Jaciyah, his youngest son, sat across from them, absorbed in their phones, blissfully unaware of the whirlwind of emotions swirling around their parents. Despite Jeyce’s recent suspension, Jey still brought him along; family was everything to Jey.

Rhea picked at the assortment of finger foods offered by the attendants, her mind racing with thoughts of the ceremony to come. She was still wrapping her head around the whirlwind that had brought her here—the unexpected joy of being honored at the Hall of Fame, the upcoming induction, and the looming surprise Jey had hinted at.

Jey glanced over at her, unable to suppress the grin spreading across his face. He was bursting with excitement, practically vibrating in his seat as he envisioned how everything would unfold.

The ceremony was set to start at five o’clock, and Jey had meticulously planned every detail. He had arranged for a limo to whisk them away afterward, but the real surprise was yet to come—Rhea had no idea that today wasn’t just about her induction. Jey had concocted a secret of his own, one that he hoped would leave her speechless.

As the jet soared through the clouds, Jey leaned in closer to Rhea, a conspiratorial whisper escaping his lips. “You have no idea how much I’ve been looking forward to this,” he said, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. “You’re going to love it.”

Rhea turned to him, her brow furrowed in curiosity. “What do you mean? Just dinner, right?”

“Dinner,” he echoed, his voice playful, “and a little something extra.”

Rhea narrowed her eyes, suspicious yet intrigued. “Jey, what are you up to?”

“Just trust me,” he said, his grin widening. “I promise you’re going to love it.”

Jaciyah looked up from his phone, his youthful exuberance shining through. “What’s going on? Are you guys planning something?”

Jey chuckled, ruffling his son’s hair. “Just a little surprise for your mom. Can’t ruin it before it even starts.”

The jet continued its smooth ascent, and Rhea leaned back in her seat, a mix of excitement and anxiety swirling within her. She couldn’t shake the feeling that today would be life-changing in ways she couldn’t yet comprehend.

Jey reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers, grounding her amidst the uncertainty. “No matter what happens, I’m here with you. We’re in this together.”

Rhea smiled, squeezing his hand back, finding comfort in his presence. “I know. I just can’t help but feel a little nervous.”

“Good nerves,” he reassured her, his voice steady. “You’ve earned this, Rhea. You deserve to be celebrated, and I can’t wait for everyone to see you shine.”

As the jet cruised through the skies, Rhea glanced out the window, envisioning the future that awaited them. Today would be a new chapter, filled with love, celebration, and perhaps a few unexpected turns. And no matter what surprises Jey had in store, she felt ready to embrace them all, hand in hand with the man she loved.

—

4:20 PM.

Jey watched as his children embraced their grandfather Solofa, the warmth of family enveloping him like a comforting cloak. Talisua, Jey’s mother, stepped forward, her face radiant with pride and love. “E afua mai mauga manuia o nuú…” she intoned, her voice melodic as she passed a sei—a traditional floral headpiece—into Jey’s hands. The words meant, “From the mountains flow the blessings to the village,” and he felt their significance as he carefully pinned the sei into Rhea’s hair, wanting to adorn her with the love of their family.

As Solofa wrapped Jey in a bear hug, he said, “Tautua nei mo se taeao manuia…” which meant “to serve now for a better tomorrow.” The words resonated deeply with Jey as his father placed a customized blue ula fala around his neck, a symbol of their heritage and the love that bound their family.

Suddenly, Jey’s phone buzzed in his pocket. It was a text from Trinity: Rhea is blindfolded and in the limo now. A rush of adrenaline surged through him. “I’ve got to go,” he said, glancing back at his family, who wore expressions of anticipation.

Jaciyah quickly rushed to hug his father. “I can’t wait for Rhea to be my official stepmom,” he exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement. Jey smiled, his heart swelling with joy as he absorbed the moment.

“I can’t wait either, son.” Jey replied, ruffling Jaciyah’s hair before making his way out of the hotel room. He took the elevator down, his pulse quickening as he exited the lobby of Caesars Palace.

As he stepped outside, he spotted the sleek black limo waiting for him. Climbing in, he noticed everyone inside was silent, the air thick with anticipation. He scooted towards Rhea, who sat with her blindfold on, a stunning white ruched long-sleeved mesh dress hugging her figure.

“Hey, babe,” Jey said softly, reaching for her hand. Rhea instinctively grasped it, her warmth flooding through him.

“I am not letting Trinity blindfold me again.. shit is scary.” she said, a hint of playfulness in her voice.

Jey laughed, the sound light and genuine. “It will be worth it, I promise.”

“Don’t tell me you rented the whole joint out,” she teased, her voice light but filled with curiosity.

“Maybe,” Jey replied, unable to keep the grin off his face.

“Since when do you wear aftershave?” Rhea questioned, her tone shifting to playful scrutiny.

Jey glanced around the limo, catching Finn’s eye. Finn mouthed an apology, and Jey shrugged, “I figured I’d try something new.”

“No offense, babe, but you smell like Finn, and I don’t want an Irishman; I want my Samoan,” she quipped, causing everyone in the limo to cover their mouths so they would not laugh.

As they pulled up to the Bliss Wedding Chapel, Jey’s heart raced with excitement. He carefully opened the door, helping Rhea out first, her blindfold still in place. Trinity peeked out to watch as Jey guided Rhea toward the chapel entrance, her excitement evident. Once inside, Trinity looked at everyone and said, “Let’s do this!” They all exited the limo and used the service entrance to enter the chapel, which was decked in blue and silver flowers and arrangements.

Once inside, Jey felt the energy shift, a hushed anticipation enveloping them. Rhea turned her head, sensing the atmosphere, her pregnancy nose taking in all the scents. “What’s going on? It’s too quiet for a fancy dinner,” she said, impatience creeping into her voice.

“Sorry, the people aren’t coming out to check us in,” Jey replied, trying to keep his voice steady despite the thrill coursing through him.

Rhea huffed playfully. “I’m getting impatient and hungry as fuck.”

Jey wiped a thin line of sweat from his brow, feeling the weight of anticipation in the air. He opened the chapel doors and walked Rhea inside. His eyes saw every one and he couldn't help but feel even more sweaty. Everyone’s eyes were on him, silently urging him to take the plunge.

Taking a deep breath, Jey dropped to one knee, looking up at Rhea with all the love he could muster. “It’s okay to take off the blindfold,” he said, his voice steady despite the flurry of emotions swirling within him.

Rhea hesitated, her breath caught in her throat. As she pulled down the blindfold, her gaze shifted, and her heart nearly stopped. Jey was on one knee, surrounded by the faces of those who had embraced her as family. She turned her head and saw everyone she loved: Jon and Trinity, Damian and Kayden, Dom and Liv, Finn, JD and Carlito, Joe and Galina, Joseph and Almia, and even Cody with his wife, Brandi. The realization washed over her like a wave.

“Oh my god,” she repeated, her mouth agape in shock.

Jey smiled, his heart swelling as he took her hand in his. “Will you do me the honor of being my wife?” he asked, his voice earnest.

Rhea’s eyes widened further, her shock morphing into exhilaration. “Fuck yes!” she exclaimed, pulling him up and capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. The world around them faded as they lost themselves in the moment.

“Uh, we haven’t gotten to that part yet!” Jon interjected, a teasing grin on his face, breaking the spell.

Rhea and Jey pulled back, laughter spilling from them as they rejoined reality. Jey gently reached for the sei, pinning it into Rhea’s hair with care, a symbol of their love and commitment.

“Ready?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with joy.

“More than ever,” Rhea replied, her voice filled with warmth.

As Jey walked her down the aisle, their fingers interlaced, she felt the love and support radiating from their family. The girls stood by Rhea’s side, each of them glowing with happiness, while the boys flanked Jey, all grinning from ear to ear.

Jon cleared his throat, commanding the attention of the room. “We are gathered here today because someone decided to plan a wedding in three days!” His statement erupted laughter, the sound echoing off the chapel walls.

“Hey, don’t blame me! It was all Jey’s idea!” Rhea chimed in, her laughter infectious.

“True, true!” Jey admitted, his smile wide as he looked at Rhea. “But you’re the one who said yes!”

Jon chuckled, shaking his head in mock disbelief. “Alright, let’s get this show on the road before they change their minds!” He gestured toward the assembled family, the atmosphere brimming with love and laughter, a perfect reflection of the bond they all shared.

As Rhea and Jey stood before Jon, their hearts aligned in a rhythm of pure happiness, they knew this was just the beginning of a beautiful journey together, surrounded by those who mattered most. The love and laughter they shared today would echo in their hearts forever.

“We already know why we here today guys, let’s get this over with..” Jon said as he shared a grin. Jey looked at Jon. “Uce’.. the dang book..” Jey said in reference to the book the chapel gave Jon.

“Sorry… might have had a drink with Cody before we got in the limo.” Jon admitted.

“HE CAME ON TO THE BUS JEY! THERE WAS NO STOPPING HIM!” Cody yelled from the back.

Jey rubbed his temples, his wedding day already into becoming a memorable one.

“Okay okay.. I’ll get back to this..” Jon said as he opened the book. He tried to adjust his eyes and said “Liv! Give me your glasses.. can’t read this shit..”

“Uce’!” Jey yelled impatiently, which caused the room to laugh.

“Okay okay… On this joyous occasion, two souls find solace in one another's embrace. As they express their undying devotion through exchanging vows of mutual respect and understanding, these lovers commit to a journey that celebrates the specialness of individuality while never failing to remain intertwined with love for each other throughout life's many adventure.. Joshua it is time..”

Jey took a deep breath, his heart racing as he gazed into Rhea’s eyes. “Rhea,” he began, his voice steady yet filled with emotion, “from the moment I met you, I knew you were someone special. You have shown me what true love feels like, a love that is unwavering and real. You have been my partner, my confidante, and my best friend. I promise to always support you, to stand by your side in every challenge we face, and to cherish every moment we share. You are the love of my life, and I can’t wait to spend forever with you.”

Tears brimmed in Rhea’s eyes as she listened to Jey’s heartfelt vows. When it was her turn, she took a step closer, feeling the warmth radiating from him. “Jey, my love,” she began, her voice trembling with emotion, “you have brought light into my life in ways I never thought possible. Through the ups and downs, you’ve been my strength, and I’m so grateful for every moment we’ve shared. I promise to be your rock, to lift you when you’re down, and to love you fiercely for all the days of our lives. Together, we can face anything, and I’m so excited for our future.”

As their words hung in the air, Jon smiled, his heart swelling with pride for the couple before him. “Now, Jey, I need you to look at Joseph for your ring,” he instructed, and Jey turned his gaze toward his brother.

Joseph stepped forward, a proud smile on his face as he presented the stunning ring to Jey. The ring glimmered in the soft light of the chapel, a perfect symbol of their love. Jey took the ring, his hands trembling slightly as he slipped it onto Rhea’s finger, sealing his promise with that simple yet profound gesture.

“Rhea,” Jon said gently, “look at Trinity for your ring.”

Trinity stepped forward, her beautiful blue dress accentuating her 31-week pregnant belly, radiating joy and love. She carefully handed Rhea Jey’s ring, a twinkle in her eye as she watched the couple. Rhea accepted the ring, her heart racing with excitement as she took a moment to admire the way it glimmered in her palm.

With careful precision, Rhea slipped the ring onto Jey’s finger, their fingers brushing together as she did. The ring fit perfectly, just like their love—meant to be.

Jon beamed at the couple, filled with pride and emotion. “Now that you have exchanged your rings, it is time to solidify this union. By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Jey pulled Rhea close, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss that ignited the chapel with cheers and applause. It was a kiss filled with promise and love, a sweet testament to their journey together.

As they broke apart, Rhea’s heart swelled with happiness, and Jey looked down at her with pure adoration. They turned to face their family, hands still intertwined, ready to embrace this new chapter of their lives together.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Fatu!” Jon announced with excitement, and the room erupted into applause and cheers. The love and support of their family enveloped them, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that would forever be etched in their hearts.

In that moment, Jey and Rhea stood hand in hand, ready to face whatever the future held, bound by a love that was unbreakable and true.

Dominik’s voice echoed through the chapel, jolting everyone back to reality. “I know you said keep an eye on time, but it is 5:30!” he shouted, glancing at his watch with an exaggerated sigh. Urgency erupted as everyone quickly gathered their things, making their way toward the waiting limo. There was a Hall of Fame ceremony to get to, and despite the wedding excitement, they knew they couldn’t keep the WWE Universe waiting much longer.

Everyone piled into the limo once more, filling the seats with laughter and chatter as Damian reached over to the minibar. With a mischievous grin, he grabbed a bottle of tequila, pouring shots for everyone except the pregnant ladies—Rhea and Trinity, who both playfully rolled their eyes at him.

“To Jey and Rhea!” Damian shouted, holding his glass high as everyone joined in, echoing the sentiment before clinking glasses and downing their shots. Joe, unable to resist the moment, grinned widely, holding his glass out. “Another, please!” he called out, laughing as Damian handed him the bottle with a knowing smile.

The limousine finally pulled up at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where a swarm of WWE staff awaited their arrival.

Jey, Damian, and Rhea stepped out first, making their way through the bustling backstage area. Rhea felt the nervous excitement bubbling in her chest as she clutched Jey’s hand. She took a deep breath, glancing around at the stage setup, the gleaming lights, and the buzz of anticipation. It was almost surreal to be here, knowing she was the final inductee for the night.

As the ceremony began, Rhea sipped her water, grounding herself as she watched the others take their seats. Jey squeezed her hand gently. “Just breathe, babe,” he whispered, his steady voice calming her nerves. She nodded, taking a deep breath, feeling a surge of confidence return.

After each inductee had went, an assistant peeked around the corner, giving a slight nod. “It’s time.”

Jey turned to Rhea, giving her one last, encouraging smile as he led her to the entrance. Damian walked beside them, his usual calm demeanor masking his own excitement. They stopped just at the curtain, with Damian and Jey stepping forward to make their entrance. Jey turned to Rhea, quickly leaning to kiss her, his lips lingering for a moment longer than usual. It was a silent promise—a reassurance.

As Damian’s music filled the arena, the crowd’s cheers erupted, echoing through the backstage as he and Jey stepped out onto the stage.

The announcer’s voice boomed over the speakers. “Ladies and Gentlemen, to announce the final inductee for the Class of 2025, the Archer of Infamy, Damian Priest, and Main Event, Jey Uso!”

The audience roared in excitement, fans holding up signs, chanting their names as Damian and Jey stepped up to the podium. Damian waited for the crowd to settle, a sly grin on his face as he began speaking.

“Tonight is not just any Hall of Fame ceremony,” he began, his voice filled with pride. “Tonight, we are here to honor someone who has not only left an indelible mark on this industry but has also inspired everyone here. She’s relentless, fierce, and has a heart that shines brighter than all these lights combined.”

Jey took over, his voice filled with warmth and love. “This woman… she’s been through it all. She’s shown strength in every match, in every moment, and in every challenge she’s faced. I’m not just proud to call her my partner in life; I’m honored to stand here as she’s recognized for everything she’s given to all of you, to WWE, and to me as a wife.”

The crowd cheered wildly, and Rhea, waiting just behind the curtain, felt a rush of emotion as she listened to Jey’s words.

Damian continued, his voice carrying over the noise. “So, without further ado, please welcome to the Hall of Fame, a legend in her own right, a woman who redefines what it means to be a champion—Demi Fatu, better known to all of you as Rhea Ripley!”

The curtain parted, and Rhea stepped out to the deafening cheers of the crowd, her entrance music blaring loudly. She paused, overwhelmed by the sea of faces, the flashes of cameras, and the warmth of the applause. She could feel the weight of every moment, every battle, every victory she had fought for in this business.

Jey and Damian stepped back, making way for her as she reached the podium. She glanced over at Jey, her eyes shining with tears as she took his hand for a moment, grounding herself before turning to the crowd.

Rhea took a deep breath, steadying herself as she looked out at the crowd, every face watching her with admiration. She smiled, grounding herself in the moment before she began, her voice carrying a newfound strength and warmth.

“Being here tonight… it’s surreal. But being a professional wrestler, especially for the WWE, has been so much more than championships, wins, and losses,” she said, her tone soft but powerful. “To truly be a WWE Superstar is to live and breathe this business, to sacrifice moments, to fight through pain, and to stand tall in the face of doubt and hardship.”

Her voice grew more intense as she continued. “Every time I step into that ring, I’m not just wrestling for myself. I’m wrestling for the young girl who felt alone, who wanted to find strength in herself. I’m wrestling for every fan who’s faced struggles and found solace in watching us give everything we have in that squared circle. WWE has been more than just my job. It’s my passion. It’s my heart. And it’s my family.”

She took a shaky breath, looking at Jey, then back at the audience. “You all have given me a home, a purpose, and a love I never thought possible. And I will never, ever stop fighting for all of you. Thank you… for believing in me.”

As her words settled over the crowd, a wave of applause rose, filling the arena. The entire audience leaped to their feet, giving Rhea a powerful standing ovation. She turned toward Jey, her eyes brimming with emotion, and kissed him deeply, sealing the moment with love and gratitude. Jey held her close, their shared strength radiating through the embrace.

Suddenly, from beneath the stage, a figure emerged. Jon, moving quickly and with urgency, came into view, startling everyone onstage. Jey, Rhea, and Damian exchanged confused glances, their laughter fading as they took in Jon’s expression.

“Babies!” Jon called out, breathless, his excitement barely contained. “Trinity! It’s happening!”

Jey and Rhea’s eyes widened, realization dawning. They didn’t wait another second, quickly climbing down from the stage to reach him. Damian stepped up to the mic, his voice booming through the arena as he tried to keep the crowd informed.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re sorry for the interruption, but Rhea and Jey are about to become godparents!” he announced, grinning as the crowd erupted with cheers and applause at the unexpected news.

Jey and Rhea pushed through the crowd, finally spotting Trinity. She was seated, visibly uncomfortable but determined, a soft glow surrounding her as she held onto her belly, her breaths controlled but heavy.

“Oh my god, Trinity!” Rhea gasped, reaching her side as Jey steadied her with one hand, his own expression a mix of shock and excitement. They quickly helped Trinity up from her seat, supporting her with gentle touches and whispered reassurances.

Hunter appeared, moving through the crowd with a team of security and WWE staff, concern etched across his face. “Come on, let’s get you out the back way,” he said, his tone firm yet caring. He signaled for the team to clear a path, ensuring they could avoid the front entrance where fans were already gathering.

With Jon, Jey, and Rhea at Trinity’s side, they navigated through the maze of hallways backstage, Hunter leading the way. Every step was a reminder of the family they had built, bound together not just by blood but by love and loyalty. And as they reached the waiting ambulance, Jey’s hand found Rhea’s, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

In that moment, everything felt complete. This wasn’t just another night in WWE. It was a night they would remember forever—a celebration of family, friendship, and love that would carry them through every challenge and triumph yet to come.

—

Flashback January 9th, 2025 11:13 AM

Trinity placed the s’mores dip into the oven, the warmth of melted chocolate and marshmallows filling the kitchen as she listened to Rhea vent. Rhea’s expression was a mix of frustration and sadness, her hands clasped tightly around her coffee mug.

“I mean, am I asking for too much?” Rhea asked, her voice barely a whisper as she looked up at Trinity with pleading eyes. “I just… I want him to be open with me, to actually talk about the things he’s feeling. But every time I push, it’s like he just shuts down.”

Trinity gave her a sympathetic smile, wiping her hands on a dish towel before moving closer to Rhea. She leaned against the counter, arms crossed, and nodded thoughtfully.

“No, girl, you’re not asking for too much,” Trinity reassured her. “Look, Jey’s been through a lot. But so have you. Wanting him to open up and go to therapy isn’t unreasonable. You’re trying to build something real, something solid, and that takes honesty from both sides.”

Rhea sighed, swirling her coffee absently as she considered Trinity’s words. “I don’t want to keep feeling like I’m the only one putting my heart on the line, you know?”

Trinity nodded knowingly, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Trust me, I get it. Jon used to be the same way, always so guarded. He’d act like nothing ever bothered him, and if I even brought up the idea of therapy… whew, that man would go running.” She chuckled, rolling her eyes fondly at the memory.

Rhea’s eyes softened as she looked at Trinity, finding comfort in the shared experience. “So how did you get through to him?”

Trinity shrugged, a bit of nostalgia in her gaze. “Honestly, it took a lot of patience. And more than anything, I had to accept that he’d open up in his own time. I couldn’t force him. But once he realized that I wasn’t going anywhere, that I was here for the good and the bad, he started to trust me with his feelings.” She paused, giving Rhea a meaningful look. “Sometimes it just takes time for them to feel safe enough to let that guard down.”

Rhea nodded slowly, absorbing Trinity’s words. “I get it… but sometimes I feel like he doesn’t trust me with that part of himself. Like, if he doesn’t let me in, how am I supposed to know what he’s really going through?”

Trinity reached out, giving Rhea’s arm a comforting squeeze. “You’re doing everything right, Rhea. Just keep being there for him, and let him know that it’s okay to let go of that tough exterior. He loves you—I’ve seen it. He just might not know how to show it the way you need right now.”

Rhea’s expression softened, her eyes glistening with emotion. “Thanks, Trin. I just needed to hear that I’m not crazy for wanting more.”

Trinity laughed, pulling Rhea into a warm hug. “Girl, you’re far from crazy. You’re just in love with a stubborn Samoan. And trust me, it takes a strong woman to love a man like that.”

Rhea chuckled, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. “Guess we’re both strong then.”

“Exactly,” Trinity grinned, releasing her from the hug. She glanced at the oven timer, smiling as it went off. “And speaking of strong, you’re about to have to be strong enough to handle this s’mores dip, because it’s about to be too good for words!”

As Trinity placed the s’mores dip gently on the dining table, Trinity asked her about the infamous pregnancy nose.

Rhea laughed, nearly dropping her spoonful of s’mores dip. “Oh God, the pregnancy nose! I’ve heard about that,” she said, shaking her head. “The swelling, the aches, the hormones… it's a lot.”

Trinity chuckled, leaning back in her chair with a sigh. “Girl, it’s no joke. Some days, I’m all about it—just ready to be all over Jon. And then other days, I swear I could sleep for a whole week if I was left alone.” She rubbed her belly affectionately, a mix of exhaustion and love in her eyes. “These twins are running me ragged.”

Rhea smirked, glancing at Trinity’s belly. “Jey loves the fact that I’m willing still jump his bones every day.” She rolled her eyes playfully. “But the swollen feet? The constant cravings? Not so much ready for that.”

Trinity grinned, dipping her spoon back into the chocolatey marshmallow goodness. “Trust me, Jon has been more than willing to… help out, let’s say, with that part. But the damn pregnancy nose? I am praying it skips me. I don’t want to look in the mirror and see a different face staring back at me.”

Rhea laughed again, her eyes sparkling with humor. “Jey would never let me live that down. He’d be calling me Button Nose more often than I'd like."

Trinity snorted, covering her mouth with her hand to keep from spilling her dip. “You’re bad!” She gave Rhea a playful nudge. “But hey, at least we have each other to vent to. The guys wouldn’t understand.”

Rhea nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for her friend. “Yeah… it’s good to have someone to talk to about this stuff. It’s not all glamorous, no matter what people think.” She paused, looking down thoughtfully. “But even with the scares and the worries… I think I’m ready. At least, I hope I am.”

Trinity gave her an encouraging smile. “You are, Rhea. And when the time comes, you’ll have a whole family behind you. Especially me.”

Rhea’s eyes softened, and she smiled back. “Thanks, Trin. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

They shared a warm look before diving back into the s’mores dip.

—

Later that night…

Rhea, dressed in a black babydoll lingerie dress, felt a warm flutter in her chest as she settled next to Jey on the bed, the familiar scent of his cologne wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast a soft glow, highlighting the playful glint in his eyes as he regarded her.

“Seriously, though,” Jey said, a teasing grin spreading across his face. “You’re looking fine tonight. What’s the occasion? Trying to distract me from my game?” He gestured towards the paused screen of Tetris, his playful tone lightening the atmosphere.

Rhea chuckled, brushing her fingers along his arm. “Maybe a little,” she replied, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. “But more than that, I wanted to remind you that we’re in this together. Whatever happens, we’re a team.”

Jey shifted closer, his expression turning serious. “I meant it when I said I wanted to be strong for us both, Rhea. I know things have been tough lately, but we can handle this. Together.” His gaze locked onto hers, filled with unwavering conviction.

Rhea felt her heart swell at his words. She appreciated his strength, but she wanted him to know it was okay to lean on her too. “I know you want to protect me, but you don’t have to do it alone. I want us to face everything together, even the hard stuff.”

“Trust me, I get that,” he replied, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “But there are times I can’t help but feel like I need to shield you from everything, especially after… everything that’s happened.”

“I get that too,” she said softly, the weight of their past lingering in the air between them. “But we can’t let fear run our lives. We have to embrace whatever comes next.” She leaned in, kissing him again, deeper this time, pouring her emotions into that brief connection.

When they pulled back, Jey’s smile was genuine, filled with love and appreciation. “You always know how to get me, don’t you? I swear, you’re magic.”

Rhea laughed, feeling the tension of the day melt away. “Only when I need to be. Now, are you going to play or what?” She gestured playfully toward the controller.

“Alright, alright. But you’re in trouble now,” he warned, picking up the controller again. “I’m going to crush you in this game.”

“Not if I can help it,” Rhea challenged, leaning back against the headboard, ready for the playful competition to unfold. They settled into an easy rhythm, laughter and friendly banter filling the room as they played, the worries of the world fading away, if only for a little while.

In those moments, the love they shared felt stronger than any obstacle they faced, and Rhea couldn’t help but believe that together, they could conquer anything.

As Jey and Rhea laughed together, completely engrossed in their game, the shadowy figure remained hidden behind the thick bushes outside their window. The faint light from the room illuminated their faces, capturing moments of laughter and joy that only deepened the figure’s seething rage.

The intruder’s eyes were cold, almost lifeless, as they watched Jey lean into Rhea, his arm wrapped around her protectively. Every smile, every glance, every touch between the couple fueled the figure’s resentment. The happiness radiating from inside that room was like a slap to the face—a reminder of everything they’d lost or had stolen from them.

Silent and unmoving, the figure’s grip tightened around something concealed in the folds of their jacket. The sound of Jey and Rhea’s laughter drifted out into the quiet night air, heightening the figure’s resolve. Their breath hitched as they fought to suppress the bitterness clawing its way up their throat.

In that moment, the figure made a silent vow: they wouldn’t let Jey and Rhea’s happiness last much longer. Soon enough, the couple would know what it felt like to have everything they cherished stripped away—piece by piece.

With one last piercing glare at the scene inside, the figure slipped back into the shadows, disappearing into the darkness. The night held its secrets well, and for now, Jey and Rhea remained blissfully unaware of the storm brewing just outside their window.

[enchanted-moura]

We honor you, Het-Hru, for you embody absolute beauty, sensuousness, and grace, like that which came through Makeda, Queen of Sheba of the Nile Valley; like the beauty that Sarah Vaughan sang; like the beauty that moves through Judith Jamison when she dances and brings our souls with her to “wade in the water.” “The nature of creation is that it is always progressing toward beauty. Allah is beautiful, and Allah loves beauty,” says the Qu’ran. “The nature of the body is to beautify itself; the nature of the mind is to have beautiful thoughts; the longing of the heart is for beautiful feeling.”

The Sacred Woman is the most radiant and beautiful woman. She is the female manifestation of the Most High, and the Most High within her brings unmeasurable beauty. Everyone who looks upon this Sacred Woman is captivated by her divine beauty. It’s yours to admire and enjoy, just like the natural beauty of rose petals and dew drops. Wherever a Sacred Woman journeys, she leaves the essence of beauty behind her - Queen Afua

[thefeminineessence]

You have to plan and cultivate good health. You have to commit to good health. You have to live good health because it comes from the inside out. It comes from what you bring to your life: positive, empowering thoughts, prayers and affirmations, uplifting company, and high-quality, life-giving foods.

Queen Afua

[hack20016]

TLK Semi-Canon Character Challenge

Wanted to practice my drawing on the lion king so I’ve decided to do this challenge!

Uru - Born as the fourth princess of a neighboring kingdom, she wasn’t beautiful like her older sister or strong like her two older brothers but she was intelligent and charismatic to her family. She’s an excellent huntress and works as the ambassador for her pride to other kingdoms as well. She would later go to the Pridelands to reach an agreement for Mohatu’s eldest son to be betrothed to her older sister, but instead he chosen Uru as his future Queen! She would later become Queen concert and mother of Askari II (Scar) and adoptive mother to Mufasa, and acts as a peacekeeper among other animals.

Ahadi - Stern and responsible king of the pridelands, and comes to his father, Mohatu for wisdom and advice. While his brother leads the guard, Ahadi is a busy lion who tries to keep his subjects happy and listening to their problems. But his pride worry due to the fact that he hasn’t picked a Queen yet. So when a neighboring pride came to the pridelands to offer a Betrothal, Ahadi fell for Uru. Sure, her sister is beautiful, but Uru was beautiful in his eyes.

Mheetu - Son of Askari II (Scar) and Sarafina, he’s rather a nervous cub during Scar’s reign and hated the thought of violence. He cared for his family and the pride and would often risk himself by giving his food to the others. He was glad that Simba returned as the true heir to the pride and Mheetu would fight alongside the pride to fight back.

Kopa - Youngest Triplets of Kiara and Kion, he was happy and cheerful cub and loved playing with his siblings and spending time with his best friend Afua but is somewhat naive and obvious around his surroundings.

Afua - Prideful and thrill seeking cub, son of Chumvi and Tama, he likes to go on adventures with Kopa and play games with him. But was upset when Kion didn’t choose him to be part of the lion guard.

KovuXKiara’s Eldest - Don’t have a name for her, but I do know that she’s a relaxing and calm girl. But she didn’t expect herself to be brave when she saved cubs from a rogue lion.

[hoodooboo]

has anyone read “sacred woman” by queen afua? i’m really trying to deepen my spiritual practice and need some guidance. unfortunately, there’s not really any hoodoo practitioners near me and this seem like the closest i’ll get to an “initiation”. it seems like it was written just for cis women, but i thought i could chew the meat and spit out the bones.

[astro-royale]

Affirmation:

The Sun Is Hidden in Your Face

- from Sacred woman by Queen Afua

My deeds, experiences, pain, peace, successes, and emotions are all recorded on my face. I now light the way through my life with a radi-ant, glowing face, pure in thought and pure in deed. My face expresses a life of good deeds and blessings, now and forever.

[afuaart]

Pillow Thots

Pillow thoughts, in the quiet of the night,

I've upset the man I love, it doesn't feel right.

My heart is heavy, and I can't breathe,

A storm of regret, like a suffocating sheathe.

I wish I could rewind the hands of time,

Erase my words that caused this uphill climb.

In the stillness, I yearn for his forgiving grace,

To mend the rift, find our love's rightful place.

But in this moment, all I hold is grief,

A wounded heart, seeking sweet relief.

Pillow thoughts, I pray for a new start,

To heal the wounds and soothe this aching heart.

~Afua

[suzannahnatters]

I will co-sign all of this, and also add:

I haven't yet seen Abigail's Eurydice; last Friday the role was taken by Afua Adjei, understudy and chorus member. She was DYNAMITE. Massive voice, incredible expressiveness, second broadest Aussie accent in the cast (after Hermes) - loved her.

Noah was fantastic. I've been listening through the West End recording this arvo and London!Orpheus is doing a great job, but seems far more comfortable in the low range than the high. Noah otoh? Magnificent at both ends of the range.

Tamburini's Hades is a really different take on the character than Patrick Page's - you get a much more classically-trained operatic bass performance which is really fun to hear in a jazzy musical and sets him apart from the rest of the cast in a way that kind of suits his role as the antagonist. But he's also far more emotionally expressive and vulnerable than Page's Hades, who is forbidding and gruff.

Elenoa Rokobaro ate everything and YES Persephone's alcoholism hit much harder in this production. I thought it would be impossible to surpass Amber Gray's take on the character but...Elenoa is wilder, drunker, and more heartbreaking.

Christine Anu was terrific and the way she growls the word "graveyard" in Way Down Hadestown lives in my head rent free.

my thoughts on the australian hadestown cast!

n.b. these are MY thoughts on how i felt and percieved the australian cast's takes on characters that i've seen many versions of. personally, i felt this show presented similtaneously very fresh and very accurate versions of these beautiful characters <3 in this post, i focused more on the differences rather than the similarities to previous performances.

noah mullins' orpheus is very awkward but in such a sweet way. he's clearly autistic-coded - he fully jumped when he turned around during 'road to hell' to 'see' the audience (+ his wave is so sweetly shy rather than over-earnest) and at one point during 'wait for me (reprise)' he started stimming out of stress & overstimulation. he has less of the socially-inept earnestness than maybe reeve carney's oprheus had (more of a socially-inept awkwardness), but it came out properly in 'come home with me' towards eurydice - it seems like he's terrified of socialising with everyone except her. noah is incredibly lanky, and so their orpheus very much has the vibe of his legs and arms being so long that he never quite learned how to use them properly, which suits his orpheus perfectly. their 'is it true' is powerful not because of an extreme emotional performance (see donal finn's) but because he seemed comfortable and in control for the first time. his neurodivergency also feels a lot more pronounced during 'doubt comes in' - the loss of confidence and increased anxiety feels very natural for his orpheus, as devestating as it is. his awkwardness being said, he is very physically comfortable with eurydice - they and abigail were so adorable during 'way down hadestown', the two of them feel like teenagers who have just gotten into their first relationship. i've heard noah talk about how much they wanted to work with abi, and i'm so glad they got that chance!

abigail adriano's eurydice is a tough little thing. abigail is quite small in stature, especially next to noah, and so she seems to be twice as thick-skinned and aggressive during the opening couple of songs to make up for it. at the beginning she is flighty and quick with the way she runs away from the fates, hades & even orpheus at the beginning of their relationship, super determined to protect herself, but she's got a real baby face which makes you just ache for her and the pain she's clearly already experienced. it also means that when eurydice gets more comfortable during the summer (during 'way down' and 'all i've ever known'), this sweetness just blooms out of her. her and noah have incredible chemistry, and she just turns into a little schoolgirl with a first crush during 'way down'. her 'wait for me (reprise)' is INCREDIBLE, such a powerful voice out of this small girl, and her 'flowers' is SO emotional. also just before the turn, she is like swinging along the set, as if she has so much trust in orpheus and is so excited to leave hadestown and spend the rest of her life with him, which just makes the turn 100x more painful.

christine anu is just the perfect choice for an australian hermes. she has a brilliant Aboriginal aunty vibe about her (we love seeing First Nations people in australian theatre!) - especially as some of the more spoken lines, she really leans into the aussie vowels (e.g. 'we're gonna sing it again' and 'don't come on too strong'). she's got an incredible voice & stage presence, and even though the way she holds herself onstage felt at times as if she perhaps has less musical theatre experience and more experience performing as a singer in her own right (i haven't looked at her resume), that seems to work pefectly for the narrator character, who straddles the fourth wall the entire show. it really has the vibe of her telling all of us a story around the campfire, and she really milked the beginning of 'road to hell (reprise)' for all it's worth. this hermes seems to LOVE telling this story, as painful it is - she's joyful & hopeful in her telling, it's much less of a tortured narrator and much more of a 'this is an important story to tell and it's a story of HOPE despite tragedy' type of vibe. her and elenoa's persephone are girl besties, and she has a real aunty type of love & care (like the aunty who you're not related to, but has always been there) for all the workers + orphy & eury (as noah & abi call them). she honestly feels like the oldest and most mature presence on the stage - older than hades & persephone (read on for my thoughts on a slightly younger-feeling seph & hades), and so able to tell this story from a more mature & knowledgeable position.

elenoa rokobaro's persephone is so much fun. she plays persephone a lot drunker (during 'our lady' and the other underworld scenes) than i'd seen before, which made her alcoholism a lot more obvious and powerful, especially the 'i've had enough' line in 'how long'. she feels a lot younger than amber gray's persephone, which i think makes her story a lot more powerful - almost like a younger sister to christine's hermes at times, and similarly, i felt more of a big sister vibe to eurydice rather than the aunty vibe which i get from amber gray's persephone. i think her overt drunkeness represents her take on the character well - she's a lot looser with her movements, less of the awkward jerkiness of amber's persephone and more of a free, all-encompassing movement (in my opinion). i loved it - her 'our lady' is so much fun, but also a lot more confronting (due to how clear her alcohol-induced numbness is covering up a pain). her and adrian seem almost playful during 'epic III - they danced', which i think contributed to the fun, younger vibe.

adrian tamburini's hades has a similarly younger vibe to him - almost sleazy but not quite (and by younger, i mean compared to patrick page, not to the rest of the characters - him and persephone are still clearly older than orpheus & eurydice). he gave real business ceo vibes at times. this hades really struck me with that insecurity leading to immaturity that every hades textually has, but the immaturity of his behaviour really comes out in adrian's choices. he seems really petty in the way he treats the workers & persephone while he's upset about her being away from him. also, his 'hey little songbird' is much more melodic than patrick page's, which is super powerful when you're used to the low growl, and is very alluring in a different way - a much more similar allure to orpheus'. his 'why we build the wall' and 'chant (reprise)' were SO powerful, though, a real power and anger present in that low voice. they were also slightly more explicit about the subtle sexual connotations of 'he closed the door behind' in 'why we build the wall' and 'the girl means nothing to me' in 'how long' which just made you the right amount of uneasy. i think overall, the younger vibe that adrian and elenoa both have leads to a real pettiness in their anger at each other and a real playfulness in their reunion (e.g. when he grows the flower in 'epic III'). they don't so much have that 'ancient' vibe that patrick & amber had, but i think it upholds the insecurity & immaturity in their actions rather than undermines it (which it absolutely could have if done wrong). i feel like instead of it saying 'here's this ancient couple who are failing at communicating and caring for each other in the way they should, an ancient couple who are still insecure and immature', they are an incredibly powerful couple who are still figuring out how to love each other, despite the length of their relationship and their ultimate power over the workers & the seasons.

conclusion: GO SEE THIS CAST. like i said at the top, these performances felt both new, as well as true to the text and to the original concepts for these characters. they didn't make a single choice that i felt undermined the characters or any other interpretation of them, and they all perfectly enhanced the themes & narrative of the story. by comparing this cast to the original broadway or to the west end casts, i feel like i just understand the chraracters and the text even more then i already did, bringing out new nuances or new ways of representing the same experiences within the same story. i'm going to see it again in april, so if i see these guys again (i would also love to see any of the swing's takes on the roles) then i might add to the post <3

professional photos of this cast: 1 | 2 b-roll: 1

[scardecourcier]

Notes from ODI's event 'Gaza: Politics of Narrative' this evening.

(Obviously these are in note form and in no way comprehensive, but I thought some of you who weren't able to attend might be interested. Any mistakes, misattributions, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my own.)

Panelists: Afua Hirsch, Udi Raz, Yasmeen Daher, Mohamed Hassan.

Chair: Kathryn Nwajiaku-Dahou.

In order for a country to remain colonised, it needs more than just a military presence; it also requires the colonised subjects to buy in to the idea that they are inferior. -- AH

Feeling of Palestinians that they "must" die; that their lives are not seen as worthwhile (cf. "If I must die, then you must live" poem by Refaat Alareer). Palestinians seen as disposable; dispossessed. -- YD

In Germany, Palestinianness has been criminalised in order to protect Jews; but that is not what it is really about. The vast majority of Jews do not live in Israel, and the concept of Jewishness has to become disentangled from the state of Israel in people's minds and public narratives. -- UR

Difficult to even know if we should talk about 'narratives,' because it's not like this is one version of truth vs. another. But it is helpful to reflect on how different narratives come into being. -- KND

Hierarchy of empathy: Israelis are 'children,' Palestinians are 'people under 18,' etc. -- AH

Historically in journalism there are rules around not showing the most graphic depictions of e.g. dead children, people grieving those who have just died, etc. But think about how many bodies of Ukrainian children you have seen, versus how many bodies of Palestinian children you have seen.

The Palestinians have had to show their most vulnerable moments over and over again, until the narrative began to shift. Those in power require the direct humanisation of colonised or oppressed people over and over again in order to begin to care. -- MH

The status of traditional media as trusted / trustworthy is under threat. This is generally how we have presented legal evidence of e.g. war crimes in the past. What is happening now with the (lack of) media narrative around Palestine will have huge implications in times to come.

However, it is easy to be overly optimistic about social media. It is still being censored; for example, Meta has been censoring and shadowbanning Instagram accounts that call for a ceasefire.

Generational differences: younger people who don't rely solely on mainstream media tend to think more critically, apply their own values, and humanise Palestinians.

This situation will rapidly accelerate the drift away from traditional media towards social media and personal narratives. -- AH

*** SOME QUESTIONS FROM THE Q&A ***

- Narratives of saviourism; is humanitarian aid actually a solution to the problem? Or do we require something more structural on a societal level?

- How do we get around the shadowbanning on social media and the targeted ads from places that have the money / power (e.g. if you googled 'ICJ' throughout most of today, the top link was not the International Court of Justice but an Israeli ad).

- How do we call on employers to not adopt the non-legally-binding and incorrect definition of 'antisemitism' that is currently implying that anyone who is anti-Zionist is an antisemite?

- What do we say to people who are afraid of speaking out for fear of backlash?

- Is there any accountability for the onesidedness of the so-called 'reputable' media?

- Is Palestine decolonising our brains?

*** RESPONSES FROM THE PANEL ***

Judaism needs to be decolonised from Zionism. -- UR

We now have an opportunity to understand the narrative from a political, rather than humanitarian, standpoint. -- YD

We owe very little of what we know about Gaza to mainstream media; this is a damning indictment of current media. There are no consequences for silence, which puts all the onus on individual journalists to speak up, which has potential risks for them. Why are most journalists not covering the deaths of their Palestinian colleagues? -- MH

Media accountability; often, suppressed narratives within media are a sign of a failing democracy. The UK opposition has not been holding the government accountable. This is not how our political system is supposed to work.

Having such a huge focus on humanitarian angles flattens / ignores the historic and colonial context. The agenda has been to cover this in a way that obscures the colonial history, because that would require an existential reckoning which people are unwilling to engage with. -- AH

Again, this is in no way comprehensive but I thought it might be of interest to anyone who couldn't go along. It was a brilliant event and apparently there will be more, and a recording will be available to watch, so keep an eye on ODI for more info.

[sjjnyc]

Root healing in the desert

It really is true . . . the medicine will find you.

A couple of months after I arrived in Gilbert, Arizona I started getting regular pelvic physical therapy. Meanwhile, there was this beautiful plant across the street in the neighbor's front yard, and I later learned it was an Ocotillo plant. I fell in love immediately. Sadly, the shrub was removed, and I felt a strange loss. The following year I would notice another Ocotillo plant down the block and around the corner. It was as I remembered; glorious.

At some point I visited an apothecary in Tempe and left with some medicinal goodies, and one happened to be an Ocotillo tincture. When I looked the plant up on my phone in the shop, low and behold I learned that Ocotillo supports moving stagnant energy in the pelvis. I laughed because it really is true, the medicine will find you. Time and time again, I am reminded of the information we can gather about our health from noticing what plants, herbs and foods we are attracted to and find in the kitchen and pantry.

Ocotillo tincture by Rainbow Bliss Botanicals in Tempe, Arizona

Here are some resources to learn more about the medicine of Ocotillo:

Ocotillo Medicine: The Mover and Shaker

Ocotillo  -- Kiva Rosethorn

Ocotillo - wonder botanica 

Ocotillo Elixir by La Abeja Herbs

Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens): Ecstatically Grounded and Passionately Responsive- A Desert Ally for Stagnancy, Flow and Connection with Life Force

Tending to my reproductive/pelvic health is a part of my ongoing water work

I was always interested in reproductive health; I can't pin-point the exact time I started diving more into it, but I think my journey started in my early 20s when I learned about the work of Queen Afua. I can't remember! Then I found myself reading websites and books about menstruation and birth (particularly birth imprints), and later on I took two workshops focused on pelvic health and pleasure respectively. I even thought about being a doula and took a post-partum doula training in Harlem, but being a doula wasn't for me at that time because I was still working through mother wounds.

I took a break from my studies, and then returned a couple of years ago, finding people to learn from through social media who focus on reproductive and pelvic health, the nervous system and somatics, birth, herbalism for the female reproductive system, menstruation awareness and literacy, sensuality, pleasure and family constellations work. I documented this in 2020 on my other IG account @rootsandrainbowbodies.

At some point when I first returned to these interests, I came across the work of Marissa Correia and learned so much from her; it was truly a special time. Among several beautiful gifts, I took her ENCOMPASS course during the winter of 2019 when I lived directly by the Hudson River in Troy, New York. It was really magical; I wish I could go back to those moments of joining class at night with the cool air, snow falling and the winter river running close by.

Marissa calls the pelvis the root, and ever since then, I've been referring to my pelvis as a root. She was the first person I learned from about how the nervous system is foundational to our menstrual cycles, how I can understand my cycle through seasons, and not override my need for rest in a go-go-go world. As I've continued doing my pelvic exercises at home after my physical therapy, I've been making connections between what I experience during my exercises and what I learned and experienced during her classes. You can learn more about her work and Womb School, of which she is a co-founder, alongside Kris González and Dr. Jeevan Singh.

Never in a million years did I think another layer of my root consciousness and healing would take place in the desert, and that a desert plant like that of mystical Ocotillo would support me. Two plants have clearly pointed out where in my pelvic bowl needs attention and healing: Cannabis and Ocotillo; they both have "said" the same thing in my body. Between going to my physical therapy appointments (I'm so grateful I had health insurance and a doctor who was patient and encouraging), doing at home exercises ( I try to stay consistent), working with Ocotillo and learning from various practioners and wayshowers like Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, Kimberly Ann Johnson and Lizzy Jeff (among others!), I feel like I am making a lot of progress.

[iinexhaustible]

“FORGIVE ME, GONCHAROV.”

GONCHAROV (1973) Dir. Martin Scorsese. // Sacred Women - Queen Afua. // I Wish I Wrote The Way I Thought - Benedict Smith. // Commitment - Rupi Kaur.

[jetblackknight]

⚔ ────▪ ❛ 𝙳𝙹𝙰𝙷𝙸𝙼𝙰. 𝙵𝚁𝙾𝙼 𝙱𝙰𝚁𝙱𝙰𝙳𝙾𝚂 . ❜ ⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻ He repeated the name and location as if he were supposed to remember it forever ; of course he would remember their name, but at least he had a place for the intriguing and strange accent he was hearing all the same. He would have suspected some sort of American southern area, but Barbados was, in fact, south of America. Right ? Geography had been so long ago, and he had barely paid attention then. The distraction did help to calm him some, though not by much. He still eyed the Djahima with wary eyes fraught with residual terror. They were a force to be reckoned with, and he had been foolish enough to come and reckon.

                          Still, Djahima was affording him a pleasantry he didn't feel he deserved ; and the more he gazed upon them, their human visage, which was remarkable in its own right, he found that they weren't so scary after all. Incredibly muscular under their robe, incredibly angular in their face and expressions, incredibly rich in their skin, and incredibly . . . incredible in their hair. He decided then, even if it was partially incorrect, that Djahima had to be some sort of immortal, perhaps even a deity. Not one that he would worship ( and he would never worship anything ever again, as it were, a lie he would tell himself in the later years when it was anything but true, especially when it came to Djahima ), but one that, at some point in the past, he could see swaths of humans kneeling before. It was the hair and the face ; golden-spun braids paired with deep skin touched with both copper and moonstone. Yes. This person was worshiped, at some point. That didn't bode well . . . but he would take his chances, Vergil decided then.                          ❛ All I . . . need to know. Unless, I—I want to get into a bassa-bassa with you. ❜ He butchered the pronunciation, as he did not have an accent like them, but the thought was there in the careful way he said the phrase, spoken with genuine curiosity and admiration on what it was. He was no stranger to cultures other than his own ( or really, his father's stupid cult was more like it ), but he had not come across this. It seemed Sparda did not go anywhere further south than Texas, and even then, not so much. Most of Europe . . . he scowled.                          ❛ In—Incredible powers, yes. To—To control nature itself. Like . . . Freya. No . . . that's insulting. Like . . . ❜ He thought back on his history. All of those books, all of those libraries. So much knowledge. Who was it ? ❛ Asase Afua ? Geb ? Artemis ? ❜                           He furrowed his brow, unsatisfied with the comparisons entirely. But he had spoken them without thinking ; ah, well. A bassa-bassa again it was, he presumed. He'd take it, willingly. He sipped at his tea again, though this time his hands did not quite shake. ❛ In truth, I . . . There aren't supposed to-to be humans here. The wilderness surrounding Fortuna isn't��isn't safe yet. Devils and . . . the like. I thought—I thought this was a-a camp, some reckless human had made, but then the devils, and . . . the quiet, it. It felt like an ambush. My reaction wasn't warranted. I . . . I apologize. ❜

ꜱʜᴇʟʟꜱʜᴏᴄᴋᴇᴅ.

Term made no sense when they first heard it a hundred years ago (or something like that). Only after reading the paper and seeing the sorry state of the soldiers returning from the WWI did they understand. At any rate, it had been another worthy addition to their age-defying dictionary that, now as they thought about it, they've misplaced somewhere. The perks of being a disorganized immortal.

Still, at least troops back then didn't have to look an atmospheric aberration snaking through the dark veil of nimbus clouds. But where they were simply men, the biological father of Nero and source of the young man's supernatural might was not of the same stock. But seeing as their theatrical sky-high performance put him on edge, Djahima figured that perhaps he was out of his depth. That could change, in time.

They sunned themself between steady sips, enjoying the warmth of the the sun's rays that were valiant enough to break through the barracks of canopies. At irregular intervals, light would reach their braids and catch on their tightly-wound hair, illuminating it so much like golden thread running through strings of beads. They paid no mind to the half-demon's sheepish behavior and only spoke when he managed to choke the words out.

"Oh? You got none. Hm." They tilted their chin up towards the treeline, feigning puzzlement. "Comin' to somebody house in the middle of the woods just to act dottish...that ain't right." And then, another inquiry: who were they? They pointed at him like a teacher might half-heartedly rebuke their pupil for being cheeky. "I the one who should be askin' questions, not you. But," they threw their hands up with low effort. "In-true, I don't much feel like gettin' into a bassa-bassa, so I not goin' fight you on this. I am called Djahima. I am from Barbados."

They didn't much care to make themself easier to understand for the intruder, so the shaman made no effort to reel in their accent nor the use of slang words. If he continued to remain out of good faith, perhaps that would change.

Although, when he broached the subject of their formidable prowess with the natural world, they couldn't help but grin. "It's bewitchin', ain't it? Maybe I can do anything that ol' Jehovah can do. 'Least from what old rag say." They said, speaking on the Bible. "I can control anything natural around us, in theory. I can even turn my body into the raw elements. That's all you gotta know."

[australet789]

Just when I thought I was all alone You came and showed me I'm not on my own I'm not that different, you've made me see I've finally found someone like me

A bit of Kopa's and Afua's relationship. They found each other in their loneliness and realized they were the most important being in each other's lives. 

Kopa was more direct with his feelings than Afua.

Sadly, you know how these all ends for the two

[mimiatmidnight]

So, twelve hours post, here is my first round of thoughts:

I will never recover from all the baby clips. NEVER. RECOVER.

Doria is the classiest, most dignified person in history. That poor woman deserves a medal for what she endured so strongly.

The producers did such a fantastic job of weaving the love-storytelling in with the historical discussions and the present-day narrative. And MAN what a love story. I really thought I had a good sense of them before, but I feel so different now. I see them and their love in a new light. Which, hey, isn't that the exact point of this whole thing? So, mission accomplished. I am completely warmed and enchanted.

I especially feel I understand so much more about who they were before each other. I love how dedicated the producers were to establishing Meghan's pre-Harry personhood and just how much she lost to be with him. And I was so unspeakably moved by Harry's recounting of his relationship to the people of Lesotho and Botswana. How they took him in when he had no place he felt at home. How it fundamentally shifted his development into the man he would be become. Genuinely one of the most beautiful stories in the whole production.

Meghan is better than me because if I had to meet my future in-laws and there in my kitchen was Kate Middleton looking at me the way Kate Middleton looks at people, I would be on the next plane back to America. EXPEDITIOUSLY.

Also um can we take a sec to laugh at how Cambridge stans (esp those in the rota) are taking personal offense to Harry's cheeky but astute observation about his male relatives marrying for convenience rather than love? SO funny. I think he was very obviously talking about his parents, but hey if you wanna be like "This is so clearly about William and Kate" like . . . Ok mama, if the tiara fucking fits!!!!

Meghan is better at communicating the warm, gooey, happy parts of the story, and Harry is FAR better at communicating the serious, difficult, upsetting parts of the story -- the "shocking revelations," if you will. Meg is seemingly still struggling with this incredibly frustrating naivete surrounding their situation, and it does not come across the screen well to me. But that is a discussion for others to have, so that's all I'll say on that.

The Black historians and political commentators they brought on were absolutely critical to nailing that side of the story. Afua Hirsch was my very favorite.

I've already gotten at least one anon asking about my perspective on the addressing of Harry's SS costume. I appreciate the interest, but no. I am the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor. My family and I have been discussing how to internalize and process Harry specifically, as well as people like him, for years now. And it's not something I'm willing to do over the internet with strangers. Sorry, but I hope you can understand.

Mandana's scene was so funny. She was like "Royal expert? You literally just made that up right now 🤨" LMAO

Ashleigh's appearance knocked me BACK omg. I'm so touched to see how they connected all those years ago, and I hope they have found a way to reconnect, away from all that sabotage.

As I posted just before, the way they are juuuuust planting the seeds for the Jason storyline to come . . . literal fucking chills.

I love that they know which photos of them are iconic. When the umbrella shot showed up I was like "Yeah they know that was history right there" 😌

Oh and showing them Meghan's old This or That interview, the producers are SO real for that kjgfhfdgfjgh

Please believe me when I tell you that I am not usually one to be all "Ohhhhh Diana ohhhhh she's looking down on them ohhhh this or that." Lol. But the clip of Archie reaching his little hand to her photo on the wall, and not to her face, which babies are neurologically wired to focus on, but to her hands. Yeah a bitch might just have teared up or whatever 🥲

I thought the whole thing was really well produced. So far, it's not the nuclear war all those panicking lil media experts were predicting. But my sense is that Volume I was very much an introduction to lay the groundwork for whatever we're about to go through in Volume II. And I cannot wait. For the time being, I am so over the moon to be granted this truly moving glimpse into what a beautiful life Harry and Meghan have built for themselves.

[fancysasquatch]

Another 5 episodes, another update.

I'm still translating the end credits messages as I go, but they're all just jokes and/or references to the episode, so I'm not going to go back to find them again to retranslate them for this post. But even if the content of the messages isn't interesting, the form is.

Starting with episode 14 they unexpectedly switched the messages from being a reverse alphabet "atbash" cipher to a number code. It's just a simple "count to this number of the alphabet" substitution, but it's strange to me that they didn't announce the change ahead of time like they did when they started using the atbash cipher.

That number code got me thinking about the number code on the dollar bill, since I'd tried a similar approach, so I tried taking another crack at that. That code, broken up in sets of two, is 02 39 54 86 04, which just translates to bmbhd. Then I thought to use the ceaser and atbash ciphers on the numbers before translating them to letters. Moving each digit three places backwards makes it 79 06 21 53 71, which translates to afuas, and swapping the placement of numbers gives either 97 60 45 13 95 (shsmq) or 19 82 67 35 17 (sdoiq) depending on whether you use 0123456789 or 1234567890. Again, that's nothing. I'm starting to think that's just a random string of code. Also I'm just now realizing that it does work as a phone number, but the area code is for Southampton England, and it's currently a quarter past midnight in Southampton, so I'm not going to call the number.

If you direct your attention back up to the screencap above, you might also notice that the design on Stan's hat has changed. Before it was more of a crescent moon shape, which I'd been referring to as a lobster claw because it reminded me of Lobster Johnson from Hellboy (btw, off topic but I recently saw somebody call Hellboy "American Beserk" which honestly tracks). But starting in episode 14, when they change ciphers, the design changed to be more Pacman-like. This new design resembles a fish eating something, which could represent taking the bait. I'm unclear on the implications of that change right now, but I also noticed that they change the design in the intro but not on the wheel of symbols around Bill Cipher at the end.

I also first noticed this rock in the gift shop during episode eleven, and then several more times since then. Unlike the carvings Dipper examines in the intro, these seem to mostly be actual Elder Futhark runes. The symbol on top is mannaz (M), the one on the left in the middle row is thurs/thorn (th), the one on the bottom left is othala/odal (O), and the one on the bottom right is laguz/laukas (L). The one that looks like a backwards N isn't a rune, but it could be a backwards hagalaz (H) or a very off kilter wonky-looking sowilo (S). I tried messing around with the various ciphers the show's used, both before and after transliterating the runes into English, but got nothing. I'm considering this more decoration until further evidence arises.

My last observation for this update is what "Stan" is supposed to be short for. In Summerween we see that the vanity license plate on the front of Stan's car says "StnlyMbl" which presumably translates to Stanley-mobile. That would make sense if his name was Stanley, but I've noticed that several times Lil Gideon has called him Stanford, and I can't find any specific instances but I feel like other characters have called him that before. If it is just something Gideon calls him then it could be a joke or a dig at Stan by incorrectly elongating his name.

But if other people do call him Stanford, then that might play into the "This Stan is a clone that has replaced the real Stan" theory I've been developing, where the real Stan's name is Stanley and after this Stan replaced him and stole his car he changed his name to Stanford. Or possibly the other way around, where Stanley the clone got vanity license plates for the car when he replaced Stanford the human. Those are both pretty weak theories for now though, so I'm still leaning towards his name just being Stanley and Gideon is just messing with him.

I've decided to watch Gravity Falls, and I want to see if I can figure out the various mysteries without looking up any answers. I'm going to catalog my efforts to do that here on tumblr.

Going into this I've only seen two episodes back in like 2013 (the pilot and one where there's a pig) but I'm not totally in the dark about the show because there's a few things I've gleaned from cultural osmosis on tumblr. Namely, the bad guy is a pyramid man named Bill Cypher and also Grunkle Stan either has a twin or a clone, I'm unclear which.

I'm currently two episodes in and I've already discovered and cracked one secret code, and am keeping my eye on a couple other things. During the credits of episode one I noticed a string of garbage text, pictured below

Knowing this show's reputations I figured this might be a coded message, probably either a substitution or transposition cipher (since this was a code meant for children and those are "Baby's first cryptography" material). I put it in an anagram finder and got back 48 results that all contained the word "fjord" but none seemed like an actual message, so it probably wasn't a transposition cipher.

If it was a substitution cypher then there were three options that seemed the most likely to me. It was either a shifted alphabet (each letter in the message is shifted a certain amount up or down the alphabet, so A becomes B becomes C, or A becomes C and B becomes D, et cetera), a reverse alphabet (every letter is mirrored back to front, so ABC becomes ZYX) or a keyed alphabet (where every letter's replacement is randomly determined by a secret key).

If it was a keyed alphabet then I was out of luck for now, I would have to wait until either they reveal the key or I collected enough messages to brute force it. I tried a reverse alphabet first but it was still garbage text. So it was down to being one of 25 different shifted alphabet keys (unless it was multiple codes, like a reverse alphabet and a transposition, but I'd finish dealing with single codes first).

I could have tried each of the 25 possible shifts first, but that's a lot of work, so instead I focused on the two letter word. One of those two letters has to be a vowel, and there's only six vowels so that means 12 possible options. Only two of the options were real words. Shifting back two letters turned "wr" into "up" but the rest of the message was nonsense. Shifting it back three letters turned "wr" into "to," and applying that to the whole message made it read "Welcome to Gravity Falls."

With that code cracked, I moved on to episode 2. I hadn't paid much attention to the intro during the first episode but this time I paid closer attention, and noticed a few things (and then went back and confirmed they were the same in the first episode's intro).

In Dipper's title card there's some symbols on the wall that look like runes, but the only real rune is the third symbol. The others don't seem to appear in any actual runic or pseudo-runic alphabets I can find online. I'm going to be writing this off as purely decorative for now, but I'll keep an eye out in case these keep popping up as a symbolic alphabet, like the alien alphabet from Futurama.

At the very end of the intro this pops up for a split second. That guy in the middle is Bill Cypher, I already know he turns up later. I recognize several of the symbols surrounding him as being from the show. The shooting star is on Mabel's sweater, the handprint is on the cover of the book, the tree is on Dipper's hat, the lobster claw is on Grunkle Stan's hat, and the question mark is on Soos' shirt.

To the right there's a string of text which, when translated using the same alphabet shift code from above, reads "Stan is not what he seems." It also has the Konami code, which I'm just taking as an easter egg.

On the left there's a few possible number codes. In red it looks like something in binary but it's doesn't actually mean anything in binary. But if you convert it to morse code it could be either "sror" or "oksk." Using the same -3 shift, "sror" becomes "polo," which means nothing for now. Reverse alphabet shifting does nothing, I used an online tool to test every other alphabet shift but nothing came up. I don't even know where to begin working on the other two possible number codes.

The credits for the second episode had another hidden message. Using the -3 shift, it becomes "Next week: return to Butt Island."