#which comes directly from a quote of his: ‘the world is beautiful to still have people like you here ^^’

[deecotan]

🌱 Deeco's ZoSan Fic Rec List 🐥

Hello hello! This is going to be a slight rework for my zosan fic rec list, because I wanted to re-organize it and add some new fics while I'm at it, so this is going to be longer than the first. Feel free to check it out!

Latest update: November 2023

Because I started making this list long before August 2023, I won't add any fics that specifically take place in live-action setting because I haven't read much of them yet. I might consider updating this list to add fics with live-action setting in the future.

—GEN/T FICS

Sketches of Life (and Love) by Fledgling (Teen, 2.9k)

An exploration of a headcanon where Sanji likes to draw in his free time. This fic always leaves me with a warm feeling every time I read it because how endearingly sweet it is. It’s basically a domestic fluff story about both ZoSan and the Strawhats crew in general.

green with envy blues by adietxt (Gen, 1.5k)

A cute fic about Zoro being jealous. Jealous!Zoro has been one of those tropes that make me screech like a feral animal every time I come across it and this fic does exactly that. It’s pretty short and simple but it captures the characters very well. It’s set during pre-timeskip which makes it even better to me because pre-TS Zoro possesses that boyish quality that post-TS Zoro doesn’t necessarily have anymore.  OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: Fuck, Marry, Kill (or, how Usopp becomes the best matchmaker of the sea without really trying) (Teen, 4.8k) — Usopp introduces the Strawhats to a game that ends up causing Sanji to overthink things - a lot of things.

Old Men Blues by postmoderne (Gen, 2k)

Quoting directly from the fic’s summary, “Sanji and Zoro: two ancient fucks (in love).” because this is exactly that, a story about old men ZoSan. Old Zoro and old Sanji are both still as stubborn as ever and it’s endearing. OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: Something Golden (Teen, 1.6k) — Canon reimagining where Zoro met Sanji at the Baratie pre-series.

Meet me under the orange tree by candelina (Gen, 3.9k)

A canon divergence AU where Zoro and Sanji met as kids, as Zeff opened up Baratie in Zoro’s hometown. It’s an adorable and heartwarming story of little Zoro and little Sanji’s friendship. There’s also a part two which is also worth reading. OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: The whole world will know (2.3k) — Old men ZoSan fic, this one involves Zoro deliberately showing himself to the Marines for god knows what. It’s sweet, it’s beautiful, and it shows that Zoro is as reckless and idiotic as he is a loving, devoted husband.

Zoro’s Boyfriend, Who Lives In Canada by donutsandcoffee (Gen, 2.6k)

Modern AU, where Zoro’s friends try to stop him from believing that his imaginary, totally made-up boyfriend actually exists. Of course Zoro’s boyfriend doesn’t actually exist, because with the way Zoro describes him he’s way too perfect to exist and how can anyone so perfect actually exist? A hilarious story of misunderstandings.  OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: Prison Blues (Teen, 2.8k) and it’s a long way forward (Teen, 5k) — serve as both a ZoSan story and a great Sanji character study. 

The Three of Swords by 8ball (Teen, 30k, multi-chapters & completed)

A medieval AU with knight Zoro and prince Sanji, a concept that starts to really grow on me after I begin to read this fic. In this story, Zoro is a cursed knight appointed to serve Sanji, a kind-hearted prince whom Zoro eventually pines over. It’s a beautiful take of prince and knight AU; devoted knight Zoro is something that I didn’t know I need. It also has a sequel.  OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: The Ocean's Child series — a canon-divergence mermaid!Sanji AU

(I Want) Someone to Love Me by three_days_late (Teen, 7.9k)

Sanji is about to turn 17, so he hopes that he can get his first kiss before that. A cute high school AU that involves everyone wanting to kiss Sanji (honestly, who doesn’t) but only one person gets to actually do it.  OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: Blood Red (Teen, 400 words) — this might be a little biased because this fic is inspired by my comic, but it’s also a perfectly good reason why I must add it here; this fic is able to capture the spirit of the comic perfectly. If you want to read a short exposition of Zoro showing his darker, yet protective side, then this fic is worth the read. Warning for blood & hints of violence. The Christmas Swap (Teen, 37k, multi-chapters & completed) — a modern AU in which Sanji and Reiju switch partners during Christmas so they can attend their family gathering without having to come out as queer. It’s a wonderful story about family, relationships, and the struggles of maintaining those things as a queer person. The Only Way Out (Is Through) (Teen, 4.8k) — a beautiful Prince Sanji and Knight Zoro story, where circumstances forced them to separate & unable to be together. It also has a side Nami/Vivi. I Have Loved You for 1000 Years (I'll Love You for 1000 More) (Teen, 8.9k) — Another Prince Sanji & Knight Zoro AU involving time travel & the sacrifices you go through for the ones you love.

Curly Angel by APTX & translated to English by NMTD (Teen, 9.4k, two chapters & completed)

In this alternative canon universe, everyone has a guardian angel, and Zoro’s just happened to be Sanji. Hilarity ensues.

Let me be your Inspiration by TheWanderers (Teen, 19.8k)

College AU where Sanji is an artist/painter - another fic that explores Sanji as someone with an artistic streak, but also so much more. It’s a beautiful story that starts out with Zoro having to model for Sanji’s painting but ends up falling in love with him. I love the way the author adapts the characters’ canon backstory into this universe.

Retrogade by Hazel_Athena (Teen, 21.9k, two-chapters & completed)

Sanji got badly injured after a fight, and ends up losing a big chunk of memories - it doesn’t bother him too much until he notices how weird Zoro starts to act around him. A really good temporary amnesia fic with some really delicious pining!Zoro material. OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: Medieval ZoSan series — a medieval arranged marriage AU. Renegade Queen (Teen, 76k, multi-chapters & completed) — a canon divergent AU where Sora lives and takes all her children with her - it's more of a Vinsmoke family story with ZoSan on the side.

Nothing Happened (Gen, 16k, multi-chapters & completed)

An angsty survival story where the Strawhats get stranded in a middle of the seas with no means to escape and rapidly declining food stock. This fic does a really good job at keeping you in suspense, and the way it handles Zoro and Sanji's relationship destroyed me emotionally. OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: Each A Love Song (Gen, 8.6k) — Sanji is frustrated because Zoro’s surprisingly popular with women when he doesn’t even like them back. A story of a confused Sanji trying to find love and being the World’s Most Oblivious Man. Three Blades (Gen, 5k) — a Western AU where Sanji is a saloon owner and Zoro is a bounty hunter.

The Melody of Missing You by BleuReivers (Teen, 11k)

Zoro is forced to confront his feelings in the aftermath of Sanji's departure during the Whole Cake Island arc. I love the way this story examines Zoro's softer, more vulnerable side in a painfully beautiful way, and the whole fic has this hazy, dream-like vibe that really fits with the plot.

Sick Day by Styx_in_the_mud (Teen, 1.3k)

Zoro gets sick, and Sanji takes care of him. A short sick!fic with a simple premise but very cute nonetheless.

—MATURE/EXPLICIT FICS

Deep by CharlieNozaki (Mature, 171k, multi-chapters & completed)

This is There Are Many Benefits to Being A Marine Biologist: The Fic. Okay jokes aside, this is a modern fantasy AU fic where merpeople exist and it mainly tells about marine biologist Sanji and merman Zoro. It has an interesting premise and deals with some heavy subjects in later chapters, hence the Mature tag. It has a sequel, though it's currently ongoing. OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: The Game — a Modern AU with slight fantasy-ish element, where Zoro and Sanji are young orphans who find a mysterious game that might be able to change their lives.

Delphinium by toastie_bread (Mature, 39k, multi-chapters & completed)

Set in modern AU, stylist Sanji meets with police detective Zoro after his beauty salon got robbed; a cute rom-com story. There's also a side LawLu.

Steady, As She Goes by auspizien (Explicit, 155k, multi-chapters & completed)

I’ve always loved auspizien’s fics and this is the one fic that made me fall in love with their writing. This is a modern AU story where Zoro is an ex-agent with PTSD who meets and befriends Sanji, a paramedic. It’s a multi-chapter fic filled with humor, angst, pining, action, and good ol’ slow-burn.  OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: The Android Acquaintance (Explicit, 10k) — dystopian cyberpunk AU with android Sanji and bounty hunter Zoro. This fic partly inspires me to make the Blade Runner 2049 ZoSan art!

The Tribulations of Temptation by SweetyGreeny (Explicit, 18.5k)

Zoro accidentally sees Ace and Sanji doing… the do, and then spends days after that feeling shocked, confused, angry, and disappointed.  A delicious story of pining and jealous Zoro. There’s a slight AceSan in the beginning but the endgame is still ZoSan.   OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: A Siren’s Sinking Song (Teen, 12k) — a canon-divergent AU where Sanji is a siren who one day meets a peculiar swordsman from a wandering ship; this story is beautiful and I love the idea of siren!Sanji, but please note the major character death TW.  The Burden of Blondes (Explicit, 11k) — Sanji finds out that Zoro has a thing for blondes, and for some reason he feels uneasy. A fun story with some good smut, and inspired me to make an art loosely based on it.

Thy Fearful Symmetry by Harubo (Explicit, 14.3k)

A modern AU where Sanji is a tourist visiting a tiger reserve during a family vacation and Zoro is a detective investigating a poaching ring. All of Harubo’s fics are godsend but I particularly love this one because the setting reads like a perfect rom-com drama movie about a stressed, overworked chef meeting a handsome detective. There’s also a nice tidbit where the Vinsmoke siblings are trying to get along with each other.

Done Dirt Cheap by Balderdashfromafool (Explicit, 99.7k, multi-chapters & completed)

A Western ZoSan AU, where Zoro is an outlaw and Sanji is a small town chef. This one is fun and lovely, and as someone who doesn’t read a lot of Western-themed stories, I love the way the author describes the Western setting in this fic. 

The Fox's Heart by Shadowcatxx (Explicit, 32k, multi-chapters & completed)

Historical/mythological AU where fox spirit Sanji falls in love with human samurai Zoro. A pretty heavy story about forbidden romance but ends with a happy ending. The fic deals with some period-typical issues like homophobia, misogyny, sexism, and transphobia, as well as some depictions of violence and (slight) animal abuse, so please be aware of that.

Mine by burnwaywardbird (Explicit, 4k)

A pure PWP fic of Zoro “punishing” Sanji for flirting with strangers. Super kinky and involves slight dom/sub undertones. Also, while this is mostly pure PWP, this fic is technically part of a series and while can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend to read the other parts as well (especially the ones preceding this fic).

pretty sanji series (Pretty & Surprise) by kickingsanji (12.6k in total)

A series of fics exploring Sanji's femininity and Zoro discovering that he has a thing for Sanji being pretty & wearing pretty things. As a Pretty Sanji truther, I love these fics to bits, not only because it handles Sanji dealing with his insecurities when it comes to his gender expression in a gentle, respectful way, but also because the smut is very good.

All Will be Well by thecrownofclowns (Explicit, 17k)

An incredibly sad but sweet zombie apocalypse AU about Sanji trying to survive the zombie outbreak all by himself, before eventually meeting Zoro. One of my favorite hurt/comfort fics.

—OMEGAVERSE (ALPHA/BETA/OMEGA) FICS

Onigiri by himaaneko (Teen, 2.3k)

Very cute domestic family fic of Zoro, Sanji, and their son. For those who prefers a softer omegaverse with family/love-children fluff on the side, this fic is for you.

Bite Me by Shadowcatxxx (Mature, 15k, two-chapters & completed)

Sanji got attacked while he was alone on the ship, causing him to go into heat. Zoro tries to help, but not without consequences. An exposition on how Zoro and Sanji handle their dynamics, and their feelings towards each other. Please mind the tags with this one.

fever by adietxt (Explicit, 6.4k, multi-chapters & completed)

I'm pretty sure that this is the first omegaverse ZoSan story that I have ever read, and one of the best ones I've ever read for a good reason. It involves Sanji, who suddenly got into his heat, and Zoro, the first one to discover Sanji in heat and learns for the first time he's an omega. I won't spoil anything, but I can say that the ending is great, the porn is delicious, and Zoro being possessive is exquisite.

Steps of Calidity by auspizien (Explicit, 42k, multi-chapters & completed)

I'm gonna preface this by saying that the smut here is ungodly good and very, very hot - and to be perfectly honest, one of the main reasons why I like this fic so much. But the plot is just as good and has an interesting take of how omegaverse dynamics might work in a modern world. Don't forget to mind the tags as well.

Sweet by ElAlmaDelMar (Explicit, 1.8k)

Sanji starts lactating during his pregnancy; Zoro finds it very hot. This one is just straight up kinky. It's a sequel to another story but can be read as a standalone.

[ludinusdaleth]

A List of C3 Foreshadowing in Critical Role

when c3 was airing, a primary criticism was that its plot points about the gods, vasselheim, a second calamity, and similar ideas seemed to come out of nowhere, but when i watched the past campaigns, i felt i recalled quite a few examples of the opposite. i decided to start this compilation upon my rewatch to help aid the meta and highlight foreshadowing i definitely noticed. a few notes before i start:

-as my intention is to prove these themes were present pre c3, this will include quotes from any canon game pre c3. this means c1, c2, & exu prime; i will also include calamity as it is technically a precursor to what c3 covers and aired before the apogee solstice.

-matt said he did not explicitly consider the emotional toll of the gods' actions during the calamity until c2. so any god-related lore example i pull from c1 was likely not directly intended as a questioning of the entire pantheon's morals. however, as many things that happen in c1 were scrutinized by some fans pre-c3, and are pulled directly into c3 and addressed, i will add them. it is more than likely matt did intend hints to a second calamity, however, as matt has discussed in interviews since c1 that he wanted a big crossover and major final threat.

-i will not be including all crises of faith or character opinions on the gods unless they directly feed into c3's themes, as those are personal to the pcs and dont contribute to the argument except to clarify folk have differing beliefs. i also wont include all foreshadowing ever made because it's not all relevant to my point.

-you dont have to interpret these exactly as i do and you dont have to feel the same way about c3 as i do. this is just a post proving that elements of c3 always existed before when common meta arguments explicitly state otherwise.

-lets just get the big one out of the way, with the raven queen & vax. you can interpret their relationship any way you wish; it is clear that vax holds incredible respect for her by the end and has accepted his duty under her. in a way there is love there, a queen and her knight. i personally do not think their deals are all that unfair. but people have debated their relationship forever, and it is worth noting in campaign 3 episode 121 "a new age begins", that the raven queen outright says she "held [vax] as my own greedily for too long". so lets read them within the context of how the raven queen ultimately views their dynamic. in campaign 1 episode 45, "those who walk away...", after vax makes his deal, his symbol to sarenrae is "very heavily tarnished, and the metal itself seems to have cracked in three places"; the rq had no need to sunder his faith in another prime diety but did so anyway. she always refers to him possesively as hers - for example in in campaign 1, episode 90, "voice of the tempest", she tells vax: "you are still mine", a small comment but it adds to her own thesis. in campaign 1, episode 103, "the fate touched", she says, "perhaps you will keep me company [...] my beautiful thing". she is deeply possessive, in ways that buck the notion of impartial godhood (when folk insisted no god had humanity in old discourse) and it seems far more overreaching than a deal at times. that didnt come out of nowhere.

-in campaign 1, episode 13, "escape from the underdark", kima says that vasselheim locks away forces and forces people to forget them: "The least they could do was to seal both [Orcus] horns across the world from each other and forget that it even existed. Which worked well until recently. [...] If it couldn't be destroyed, at the very least we could convene and decide a safer place to possibly reseal it and forget. There are magical ways of forcing those of us who know how to forget." this is consistent with c3, where vasselheim at the gods behest hides knowledge of predathos/ethedok/vordo for the entire age, bringing in judicators on foreign soil to ensure that knowledge is kept hidden. the fact that kima, headstrong & independent, easily accepts this fact given her upbringing, shows how normalized it is in vasselheims society. and, in both the horn of orcus & predathos's case, it's clear sealing away and forgetting doesnt solve shit.

-vasselheim is presented as highly conservative off the bat. in campaign 1, episode 16, "to vasselheim", they get defensive and haughty at the notion vox machina having arcane magic, and they are not allowed to use it within its walls. while we obviously dont acknowledge tiberius now, when tiberius casts a spell to look gold scaled, yonn admonishes him saying "I would be mindful to not do such things so openly in the future". yonn is outwardly racist to tiberius for being red scaled since yonn is a follower of bahamut, the metallic dragon god: "I'm going to take it you don't see very many dragonborn in these parts?" "No, and frankly you're making me a bit nervous."

-in campaign 1, episode 38, "echoes of the past", gilmore states of vecna: "you have enough individuals that believe you're a god, that willpower is strong enough to keep you enduring."

-in campaign 1 episode 41, allura says, "If Vasselheim still stands, I-- knowing its history, that is one of the most fortified cities, the most fortified city in our civilization. It's endured two great wars, and has been the starting point of each cycle." the fourth age does indeed begin in vasselheim.

-vasselheim refuses to aid tal'dorei or wildemount against the chroma conclave. in campaign 1 episode 43, "return to vasselheim", vord says, among a shitton of other quotes about protecting vasselheim, that "should Vasselheim fall, I dare say all is lost" and that "It is only here that those who are the most devout could truly have the hearts and minds to guide us" while it is fine to want to support your own city, it is noted how angry vord gets when the dwendallian empire will not aid vasselheim and how they need aid from others to defend from the titan. this arrogance that only they should survive and know best leads to them invading marquet in c3.

-also in campaign 1, episode 43, "return to vasselheim", going back to that vord interaction:

vord: "It is only here that those who are the most devout could truly have the hearts and minds to guide us, Bahamut forbid, into a Fourth Age."

keyleth: "So, if this is the Third Age, does that mean the Fourth is upon us?"

vord: "i hope not."

multiple gods in the final arc share a fear of another calamity and outright say so to the bells. more on them later.

-in campaign 1 episode 54, "in the belly of the beast", keyleth says something that perfectly encapsulates what theme cr ends up embodying: "You know, as druids, I was raised to have an interesting perspective on the gods. We are taught that nature is the one true powerful force. I have yet to see a god control the sunrise and the sunset, so therefore it's hard for me to sometimes have the same faith in these gods. Personally, I believe that just because you're immortal doesn't make you infallible. These gods can be great ambassadors of their virtues and what they represent, or they can be horrible disgraces to their domains. And just because some self-proclaimed person or deity decides that they want control? Doesn't mean that they have to have control over me. Now, this does not mean that I do not respect the gods and the power that they wield, but, I mean, for the love of Sarenrae, we have seen Pike do many a powerful thing. So, therefore, I do not respect the gods any more than I respect the living people who are standing beside me at this moment. [...] Maybe this [deal with the Raven Queen] can be a fine partnership. A fine endeavor to do with her, and then once we save the world and we retire and some other young prodigies come forward to save the world again, then we can thank her for her services and move on. I don't think you will always need her. And, keep in mind, the one true thing that gives these gods their power are their worshipers. So I guess I'll let you choose what you want to be." keyleth is proven entirely right here with astounding victory; even her comment about pike is proven entirely right when she can still heal when sarenrae is gone.

-this is a bit of a stretch, and open to interpretation, but in campaign 1 episode 18, "the trial of the take", it is mentioned that "Through the blessing and touch of Melora in this district they are able to treat the land as magically fertile territory to grow." in campaign 1 episode 57 "duskmeadow" this is reinforced with "There's almost like a lush forest that curls around the outside of it that doesn't match the rest of the indigenous trees you've seen in this area of Othanzia", and of the raven queen's domain: "the downside is that the power of these glyphs that prevent undeath also prevent any actual vegetation from existing in this area as well. So all the ground that you've come across: no grass, no natural vegetation. It's just dirt and ash and dust." with the theme in c3 of the gods being a colonizing force, these things show me that the gods will twist natural order - melora is putting non indigenous plants in a new area, and the matron doesnt allow anything to grow when death is a cycle, nothing to even decompose. i may be reaching for sure, but well before c3 i noticed this and it fundamentally bothered me, and ive seen others note it too.

-in campaign 1 episode 57 "duskmeadow", the raven queen says: Without death, life has no meaning. "Finality drives change, innovation, greatness. It is the end that I bring that drives all of your gracious creations of this land to make the world better than we did, than those before me did."

-from campaign 1, episode 103, "the fate touched": "gods, as they currently exist, their worship is what sustains their importance and viability in the various planes."

-in campaign 1, episode 104, "elysium", sarenrae says, "Understand, in order for any of us to directly interfere to seal a god like we did once long ago, we would have to tear down the Divine Gate and that would release an entirely new armageddon upon your world."

-in campaign 1, episode 104, "elysium", sarenrae says of her followers, "we learn from each other."

-in campaign 1, episode 104, "elysium", sarenrae says, "but for everything great that we may have created, you continue to create far better. Our existence brings threat. We've brought two calamities before. We try and avoid a third. Whether we diminish in time or just maintain this balance, it's you, and your children, and your children's children, that hold the keys to the future of your lives, your people, your culture, and us."

-this one is more up to interpretation but i think of it often. in campaign 1 episode 105, elysium, vex sees pelor behind the sun: "you can see the faint features, the soft cheeks, the hairless head, and the bright warm eyes of he who brings the dawn". to me, this felt like a poetic proof that the gods were people behind their divinity.

-pretty much the entire vecna arc reiterates again and again, via the gods themselves at times, that mortals do not inherently need the gods anymore but the gods need them. quoteth ioun, in campaign 1 episode 106, "the endless atheneum": "We, the creators, did breathe the beauty into this world, we planted the seeds that would blossom into this incredible weave of Exandria. However, what is the purpose of the parent but to teach what they can, then set the children free? [...] We now stay to inspire, to guide, to guard the Gate, to keep the hate of ignorance we spawned in our hubris from burning away everything. The rest is up to you. We need you, perhaps, but you do not need us."

-in dalens closet, vax who has spent time in the raven queen's realm says "i am imperfect. as are the gods."

-now we're in campaign 2 territory, and references ive noted start later on. this example could be unrelated, but i note it: in campaign 2, episode 45, "the stowaway", they find a pre calamity mural of the cosmos: "one, there's no Divine Gate shown [...] You get the sense this was designed before the Divine Gate was ever created. Number two, there is an additional shape. Smaller than the rest. A tiny, ruby-like circle that floats in the Astral Sea, that is not tethered to anything, and seems to not really fit within your understanding of the cosmos." predathos, that you?

-in campaign 2, episode 60, "a turtle by any other name", kord says with such anguish, "we've all done terrible things." definitely caught my ear, that he knows wrong was done.

-throughout all the campaigns, characters wonder at breaking cycles. there are literally too many examples of this to count, but id particularly note any conversation where the m9 talk with the bright queen. for this angle, ill cite beau in campaign 2, episode 63, "intervention", explicitly saying "we can help you break the cycle" to leylas, and leylas saying it is impossible, to her eyes, to break. they can all see it even if they cant really see it. it is a function of their universe.

-in campaign 2, episodes 74, "manifold morals" & 76 "refjorged", beau & caleb meet a researcher called demid sunlash who is obsessed with ruidis. "Ruidus itself, some are believed to have been either a pre-creation, back when the elements themselves were consuming all of Exandria, but others believe may have not originally existed, may have been a creation by the Betrayer Gods and was some sort of long-running mysterious plot that was cut short during the end of the Calamity and when they were banished away. That's what I'm certainly curious about." he says there are "too many prying eyes and ears" when beau & caleb ask for information in public.

-in campaign 2, episode 89, "lingering wounds", matt says, "Mind you, based on the scrolls that had to be hustled out of Vasselheim by Obann and members of the Angel of Irons cult, you have information to at least make you think that that information is very, very, very intentionally near impossible to find." to me this is good setup for vasselheim completely concealing the two dead gods, and far more.

-let's talk about jester & artagan, what i think is c2's main thesis that fits into c3. jester's mere belief in artagan causes him to gain more power. i will not be including every single snippet, as this is brought up multiple times, but here are the strongest examples: in campaign 2, episode 94, "with great power..." artagan explicitly says "With each new faith, I could find myself, I could feel myself becoming what you believed." it becomes established more & more through the narrative that jester may be equal to/have more power than artagan; in campaign 2, episode 96, "family shatters", beau wonders this aloud, saying "i think she might be, like, more of a god than this fuckhead is"; in campaign 2, episode 107, "devoutness and dicks", artagan tells jester "whatever strength I've been giving you, it's just been more of a boost"; artagan tells jester "i trust in your power, you've proven it time and time again" in campaign 2, episode 114, "an open window"; in campaign 2 episode 124, "a walk to warmer welcomes", artagan says "you're the magic ones, silly mortals"; and in the finale, artagan outright says, "You don't need me. You never did. [...] You've proven that, how strong you are. I better give you a push here and there, lend you some of my power, but all the rest is you."

-aeor's mere existence is a massive setup to what happens in c3, and i think most of its moral arguments exist in that campaign. but we visit it and note all of it in c2. it is known that "[aeor] had wished to construct weapons or a weapon, that would be capable of perhaps even killing a god. And for a brief moment in time, both Prime and Betrayer turned an eye towards this city and brought it to ruin" (from campaign 2, episode 108, "frigid propositions"). when beau researches in campaign 2 episode 110, "dinner with the devil", she finds records that aeor "was driven by the belief that mortality-- the gift of magic to the mortal was a gift as well as a challenge by the gods to eventually show that the creations can become the creator," and says "that belief varied throughout the populace there, but those in power firmly felt that there was... there was a drive to, whether it be to save Exandria from the destruction of the coming Calamity by eliminating the Pantheon entirely, or for personally selfish reasons. There's no specific record." it's gray territory why aeorians wanted to do this, and if they did all want to, even early on. this is further hinted at in campaign 2, episode 122, "nothing ventured, nothing gained", where the writer of the somnovem journal is "pontificating about their politics, and whether they were indeed a unified people as some archivists suggest". "it suffered tumult within", confirms halas, who studied it, in campaign 2, episode 125, "the neverending day".

-there are soooo many hints to ludinus. in campaign 2 episode 48, "homeward bound", the m9 find that the cerberus assembly is studying dunamancy and how to control it, and a set of notes near the research says "I surmise [the kryn] have been learning to bend and break the threads of destiny for hundreds of years. Be this truth, I cannot imagine the Raven Queen looks down upon them favorably either, though the thought brings a laugh to my lips", which could be ludinus's notes. in campaign 2, episode 84, "titles and tattoos", oremid lets slip that "whatever Ludinus is attempting to ascertain with this beacon, is important". yussa expresses caution about ludinus's intelligence and allura is scared of him a few episodes later in campaign 2, episode 87, "punishment and politics"; in campaign 2 epiaode 109 "frigid propositions" , vess says not to trust ludinus. campaign 2 episode 115, "fetching friends & frosty secrets", dagen disagrees with him being called good people. ludinus nonstop sneers at the kryn's "religious drivel" in campaign 2, episode 88, "unwanted reunions". in the aeor arc the m9 find an aeorian ruin that ludinus & his annex is overseeing excavation of; in campaign 2, episode 119, "malice and mystery below", caduceus is told "what catches you odd and makes you feel the shiver down your spine as you climb through this tree, is the way that it's twisting, the coloration of the leaves and the branches: Very reminiscent of the Savalirwood, specifically the corrupted portions of it"; this connects ludinus to molaesmyr's corruption, he's exploring its cause.

-leylines & planes shifting are mentioned a few times vaguely in the story. i think a good implication of what they will do in c3 is in campaign one, episode 112, "dark dealings", where artagan says about him being trapped in the feywild, "Things rearrange every eon or so, and the ley lines that guide the paths shift, and I haven't been able to get back since." when the m9 finds ryn's notes in campaign 2, episode 129, "between a ball and a hot place", she suggests a lot is happening around that: "The theories on a pattern of change begin to peek through in some of the notes. A slow shift in the structure between the planes, and a possible sudden shift in the cosmic tapestry down the road. And you can see a lot of these notes, there's a combination of worry and excitement gleaned from them. This person is just pontificating about possible cosmic events down the road that could be catastrophic or very exciting and unique, remaking of the cosmos. [...] Possible change that could spell disaster or balance? Who knows? For instance, an example theory of the magnetic poles suddenly flipping earth. [...] I continue to find an aberration in my data pertaining to Exandria. A cyclical, months long, slow surge in low-level magical interference that then recedes just as slowly. Something that tangles my readings and upsets my analysis. It is too faint to identify the arcane nature at source, but I worry if this pertains to the shifting between the veils. Could be something very interesting. Something very frightening. Very wonderful. More tests are required."

-in campaign 2, episode 135, "the genesis ward", caleb finds aeorian papers that describe that "there are some books that detail elements of the study of creation, specifically creation of the Pantheon. Speaking of growing proof, from their perspective, that mortal minds and imagination gave form to the gods, not the other way around. There is elements of research regarding that and debate and papers fighting for both perspectives throughout that one particular book."

-the somnovem are definitely batshit, but they retain some sense of the past; in campaign 2 episode 138, "where there is a will..." they say that mortals face "the trials and toil of running the divine maze, under the alien minds of false gods".

-much like jester, zerxus also does not gain divine power from the pantheon. in calamity episode 1, "excelsior", it is said he "is a wielder of divine magic with no devotion to any deity to speak of. He has mastered the ability to call upon the divine simply as a champion of the people of Avalir."

-in calamity episode 1, "excelsior", purvan says, "She was one of us [mortals]. She does remember from whence she came. It is not their world any longer. Why would she not welcome us behind her?"

-in calamity episode 2, "bitterness and dread", brennan ponders, "if [the gods] have wars, if they squabble and bicker with each other, how inhuman can they be?"

-the hall of oracles in avalir is described in calamity episode 2, "bitterness and dread', as having "a connection to the divine without the use of gods"

-in calamity episode 3, "blood and shadow", loquatius says a theme of c3: "History is not true, all right? History is whatever people decide to put out into the public."

-you may dismiss zerxus as crazy, but in calamity episode 4, "fire and ruin", he hits the nail on the head saying that "[the gods] came and you shaped. you took, and you shaped, and you changed, but you didn't create a thing". and that "you are a child and you are lost. how do you not see that?"

-in calamity episode 4, "fire and ruin", evandrin says "Laerryn's vision was, from whence do the gods come? By what token do they award themselves that title, and what realms beyond could we explore"

-in calamity, we see that vespin chloras is not the wholly evil person we are taught he is throughout cr beforehand. it's a good tally in the idea that history was not taught without bias.

-in calamity episode 4, "fire and ruin", evandrin says, "I do not know whence the gods came from, but I know that you found it in your heart. I promise you, Zerxus, I will find that place. I will find the secret of how these worlds were made, and I will come and find you and bring you home." there is more acknowledgement the gods are alien, and evandrin will find their home.

-in exandria unlimited, episode 1, "the nameless ones", there's a ship called the blightstar with ruidian imagery, which contains the crown that will one day doom opal. i wouldnt say this is narrative foreshadowing entirely the way the others are but it was too important not to share

-throughout exu prime, there is heavy emphasis on the theme of power being just power, for us to decide what we wish to do with it, the theme that ends up entirely defining c3's finale. in exu episode 3, "a glorious return", gilmore says, "Now, the Spider Queen herself is dark, is evil, but the vestige is simply power and it is whatever you make it into. Power simply is." in episode 6, "the gift among the green", thrascuur tells the crown keepers "you have to decide what you will do. What you will become. And the last I will say is this: power is neither good, nor evil. it simply is." in the final exu episode, with a high history check, orym realizes (via dm narration): "It's just power, and even though this vestige was marked by the Spider Queen, it is wielded by a friend, and she can decide what she will make of it."

-in exandria unlimited episode 6, "the gift among the green", thrascuur tells the crown keepers, "The world constantly changes, and that's not the gods. That's the men that walk upon the earth, and you are those people that will change the fate of the world."

-in exandria unlimited episode 6, "the gift among the green", thrascuur tells the crown keepers, of magic: "it is undifferentiated. It is not divine. It is not something wrought by man. It is not nature. It is whatever it needs to be. It is simply power. The decision, the deciding makes it a thing." And they reach down and pick up one of the little oil lamps. "The power of this candle is nothing against the thought that I have to put it out. So what is a thought against something that turns and burns in the world? All of this place, all of Exandria, holds potential, holds energy, grabs it, takes it, makes it and gives it. But it is the decision of you reaching into a place, full and ripe, of you reaching into a place, full and ripe, and deciding to bring something into being. That is the power that some call of the gods, that some called the arcane. It is power and it is beautiful, and for you to know that, to have seen it up close."

[lesbiancolumbo]

Okay I'm really glad you said it bc I just watched the premiere and did not care for it but could not for the life of me pinpoint exactly why. There's a lot of aspects to the show I enjoy but as a collective whole it's always left me cold and it bugs the crap out of me trying to parse out why it's not landing for me. (But to your point, sometimes things just aren't for us, I guess!)

okay, you asked for it.

i think for me, it's that the first season offers a promise of something that it seems to have no interest, actually, in delivering on. back when it was still a first season independently made show that no one had any idea if people would give a shit about, it seemed (to ME at least) to be about this band of people in the wake of profound loss and the trauma that came from that loss coming together and building something beautiful together, becoming a family. and then the show blew up, got a bunch of money and attention and prestige, and season two turned into "cool look at all the things we can do! see! we're filming in copenhagen for no reason! we have an episode with like seven extremely famous people in it! we're showing off all these famous restaurants! take us seriously!" while severely sidelining characters that i fell in love with in season one, and for what? we spend so little time with these characters actually building the beautiful thing we left the last season hoping for. instead we get these one-off episodes with characters, which are... fine, i guess? fun. but it feels like showing off a blank check versus actually BUILDING on what season one sets up.

honestly, i'm really disappointed that the show's narrative keeps trying to push this restaurant into highbrow fine dining spaces, when for me the most magical parts of season one was when they were just fucking cooking food for people -- NORMAL PEOPLE -- and the people were loving it. the bear wants to critique the world of fine dining, but it's way too fucking in love with fine dining to actually do this in any meaningful way, because it's still fucking aping those aesthetics and putting chefs like daniel boulud in the show just to say it can. hey look, it's eleven madison park! hey look, this is the french laundry! hey look, this is noma! like. i fucking GET IT, chris.

what bothered me most about the premiere was the moment joel's fine dining chef says to carmy "you know that from now on, this will be my dish right?" in an antagonizing moment -- this is ripped off DIRECTLY from an episode of chef's table (it's ironic that the bear is ripping off this show now considering the menu did just that a few years back and i dinged them for that too lol) where grant achatz explains that his sous chefs test their creativity while working under him, he encourages them and trusts them and coaxes their talent out of them, and it's ironic because at the end of the day.... it becomes one of HIS signature dishes, and he would always ask them this for permission before going ahead. the bear doesn't understand that this question isn't meant to be an antagonizing thing that underlies the exploitation of fine dining spaces. these things run rampant there, yes, but when grant said that quote, it was a sign of how much he trusts and works hard for his team, and they give him the same in return. that the bear bastardizes this moment really pissed me the fuck off -- this show wants to romanticize and simultaneously critique fine dining, but this moment and so many others like it leave me wondering if it even actually understands fine dining at all, actually.

[nellygwyn]

girl ignore this ask if it's invasive or anything but i was enjoying gleaning details about your reconnection with The Boy and would love more tidbits if you care to share. it's very nice thing to be romancing and romanced and i do love to hear of it.

It's not invasive!

There's a line from Sally Rooney's 'Normal People' that I keep turning over and over in my head with regards to George (for that is his name! As many know!): 'I'm not a religious person, Marianne, but I do sometimes think God made you for me.' Insert Jane Eyre quote about invisible strings here too, with a tiny dash of Persuasion by Austen. I have known this boy for 11 years. I feel it isn't silly to say I have had a connection, in varying degrees, with this boy for the same amount of time. To be given a second chance at a relationship feels like, genuinely, a miracle. What's even crazier is that, even though we were together the first time around 7 years ago, the connection was still there, for me at least, like...yes, I am re-acquainting myself with him and he with me, but I just feel like I'm revisiting a favourite book I've not read for a little while.

He's so sweet to me, makes me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world even though I am not (and he must know I'm not tbh sjdisadj). He takes my little hands in his occasionally and kisses them gently, and he puts up with all my little foibles, like the fact I have to be holding his hand at all times and swing it back and forth occasionally. We are relatively long-distance (I say relatively because he's only about 2 hours away from me on the train which, to someone who travels by train all the time, is really inconsequential) so I don't get to see him as often as I would like but we do see each other as often as we can, and I enjoy every little second with him! We are so similar (not EXACTLY the same, but that doesn't matter, I wouldn't want to be the mirror image of my partner) and it makes him v easy to adore. I think he's beautiful, inside and out. He's so smart, he's handsome, he's kind, he's polite, well-dressed, I could listen to him talk about his interests (even when they don't always directly correspond with mine) for hours, he's ambitious, he has promise and potential, and I can see him wowing the country one day, like as a politician (a good, decent one) or something. He wows me very regularly so!!!

I don't wanna like, martyr myself, but I've had a genuinely difficult two years. Don't really wanna go over it all again, but it just feels like I've been surrounded by abuse and disease and death for way too long. Obviously I was pretty ill myself, I did talk about it a bit on here when it was really getting me down. Had a particular chronic reproductive health issue which has only recently been resolved, and it changed my body, it meant that I actually physically could not be intimate, I went from being a sensual person to being a bit touch-repulsed actually (but not bc I found it repulsive, but I genuinely thought I might contaminate or repulse someone else), I didn't even feel like a woman, I felt like a diseased and defective creature...I wanna say it's been difficult to pull myself out of that place but.....it kind of hasn't, because George makes it v easy? I mean, I'm still getting used to the way my body has changed and I genuinely hate myself 99% of the time...HOWEVER....George is gentle, he's attentive, he's genuinely attracted to me (delusional LOL) but he also cares about me as I am, as me, as Olivia. That makes every gesture with him, affectionate, intimate, romantic, sexy, cute, WHATEVER, come so naturally to me. I don't feel ashamed of myself. And.....as much as it pains me to say because I don't think I'm a good person most of the time....I think I deserve to not feel ashamed.

[mathurineduvallois]

Here’s the worldbuilding for my OCs. It’s long and unfinished but I wanna post it

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Magic System

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them” is the defining quote of the three magic systems. Those who possess magic of any kind are most commonly referred to as Sorcerers.

“Some are born great” some gain magic due to genetics. Magic passed down this way tends to be show in early childhood, and it’s characteristics and properties usually remain the same or very similar across holders. An example of this kind of magic would be a family who is capable of sensing and hunting down supernatural beings, each family member doing so using a method slightly different from the others (i.e. a mother who develops migraines near phantoms, and her son who can feel the presence of vampires). This type of magic can be given up with the help a skilled magician, however, the process tends to be extremely tedious, costly, and in some cases can have negative side effects such as pain and weakness in extremities. These sorcerers are referred to as Sorcerers of Blood.

“Some achieve greatness” some gain magic by skill. Due to the nature of achieving this kind of magic, it is most commonly possessed by adults. However, it is not impossible for children or teenagers to possess this magic if they show enough dedication to one skill. This magic always works in a way which is most effectively used while practicing one’s skill, however, it stems directly from the user, and by no means from any took they use. An example of this would be a flutist with magic in his breath, and he uses it most effectively by playing music on his flute. This magic is easy to remove with the help of a skilled magician. These sorcerers are referred to as Sorcerers of Prowess.

“Some have greatness thrust upon them” some magic is developed directly from experiences of the sorcerer. It is most commonly from negative experiences, and is thought by some to be a response to trauma because of this. This magic can be gained at any age, and tends to vary wildly in presentation. An example of this could be a doctor who has a healing ability due to a near life-threatening illness earlier in their life. This type of magic cannot be removed, as it is normally tied directly to one organ. These sorcerers are referred to as Sorcerers of Anamnesis.

When magic is removed from a sorcerer, it needs a place to go. It is most common to place magic into an object, which then can be used by anyone who wishes to try it out. Objects that are used as vessels by sorcerers are called “Artifacts”. If someone is a Sorcerer of Blood, and has chosen to place it in an Artifact, their children are still likely to inherit magic as well.

Regions

Trônevide - Land of liberty. A land where the wind is always blowing, and the people should be free, but yet they are ruled by a tyrant. As tension grows, there is a rebellion festering, lead by a dame. Although deceased, her message lives on. (One can equate this land to France.)

Tantsevat - A land far north, and very cold. Known around the continent for their in-depth research and appliance of powers belonging to sorcerers. The Tantsevat Academy of Ballet is famous around the world for producing wonderful dancers, as well as teaching it’s students admirable dedication, and how to use ballet should the day come they gain their own magic. Of every school on the continent’s surface, this one churns out by far the most sorcerers at a whopping 40% of alumni being Sorcerers of Anamnesis. (One can equate this land to Russia.)

Venquista - A land full of wealth, and known for it’s conquerers. (One can equate this land to a mix of pre- and post-colonial Mexico.)

Bellezza - A land of beauty. Many famous artisans were born in this region, and it is often considered the fashion capital of this continent. Theatrical performances originating from this region are often household names in many places, and the nature is famously beautiful. (One can equate this land to Italy.)

Duosciea - Famously called the Capital of Science, Duosciea is very famous for it’s advances in the sciences, however, due to this, magic is often looked over and not well understood. There is often political and economic disputes in this region due to many different scientific organizations seeking funding from the Crown. Two good examples of this are the Buttress for the Invulnerability of Organic Nonhuman Ingenious Creations (B.I.O.N.I.C.) and the Organization for the Robotic Guarding and Aegis of the National Industrious Crown (O.R.G.A.N.I.C.). Though many other organizations try to appease the Queen of Duosciea, these two are particularly well-known due to the controversies surrounding alleged unethical experiments conducted by both groups. (One can equate this land to Great Britain.)

Opures - A land most famous for its lively port cities. Much trading takes place here and as such it has immense wealth, relying heavily on commerce. However, there are many underground issues caused by foreign interferences. (One can equate this land to China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan)

Tharmide - A land just across a large river from Duosciea. Tharmide has a very rich history, and is known for it’s atmospheric architecture. Unfortunately, the river which tells the Tharmide-Duosciea border can be incredibly dangerous, especially in less-than-ideal weather conditions. It is common for young children to get lost and fall into the river, many of whom do not end up returning. (One can equate this land to Scotland.)

Manifestations

When enough people believe in one thing, a god-like being can form from this belief, referred to as a manifestation. The following are confirmed cases of manifestations.

- Manifestation of death (thought to be named Itzocoatl)

- Manifestation of time (thought to be named Aevum

- Manifestation of chaos (thought to be named Aridam)

- Manifestation of order (thought to be named Aarav)

- Manifestation of art (name not yet known)

- Manifestation of fertility (thought to be named Ava)

- Manifestations of the day and night sky, and of the moon and sun (names yet to be known)

- Manifestation of pestilence (thought to be named Malaise)

Manifestations are often accompanied by spirits which act as their servants. Spirits like this are typically born from animals or plants. Here is a list of the names of some of these spirits.

- Flora (tumbleweed) and Fauna (frog), servants of Ava

- Dog and snake spirits, servants of Itzocoatl

- Nicholas (donkey) servant of the Manifestation of Art

- Enza (bird), spirit of medicine and insubordinate servant to Malaise

Magical Conditions Separate from Sorcery

Vampirism - While uncommon, there are many reports of sightings of humanoid creatures with enlarged canines, red eyes, sharp ears, and abnormal physical capabilities despite sickly appearances. It is believed that vampirism is passed on by infected saliva making contact with the blood. Victims tend to become extremely ill before losing their pulse and consciousness for one night, regaining their consciousness in the morning. Vampires have heightened senses, minor shapeshifting abilities, and increased speed and durability. They tend to be weak to sunlight, garlic flowers, and religious memorabilia. Occasionally, one’s magical abilities can also repel vampires.

Spirits - Ghosts and other entities are a common belief across the continent. Typically, it is believed that those who die and are not properly buried according to their own will or customs do not pass on properly. Many describe this as though a loose thread on clothing has been caught on the door to the beyond. The most common answer to why this is is that many burials are designed to catch the attention of Itzocoatl, and that the spirit will go unnoticed and be stuck on Earth until he finds them. Other spirits are believed to accompany the manifestations, often behaving either as companions or servants.

Witches - It is important to clarify that witches are humans, unlike the other listed entities. What makes witches different from sorcerers is that, interestingly, witches gain magic from studying the magic itself, rather than honing their skills in separate fields like an average Sorcerer of Prowess. It is not fully understood how this works, or how people begin on a path wherein one is unable to actually use or try to use the skill, but some manage to become Sorcerers of Prowess by unknown methods, and are called (both by themselves and derogatorily) witches.

Rakshasas and Asuras - Rather uncommon creatures which mostly appear during the events of destruction caused by the manifestations of chaos and order. They are typically violent and have tendencies to eat humans, though it’s not much of a concern due to their sparse visits to the physical realm. They possess supernatural magic (including maya, or illusion/shapeshifting). They are rather monstrous with large claws and fangs, and much like vampires, enjoy drinking blood. However, not all are necessarily malevolent.

[rosenbraut]

Hey Marie!

How are you? Are you enjoying Tumblr more?

So I have started revolutionary girl utena (the way i known it could have changed the trajectory of my entire life if i had seen it at eight) and I am in love with the concepts, the themes, the architectures, everything.

Do you have similar books/movies to recommend? Any other media?

Hi!! 🌹🍓

I’m trying! :)

And I’m so, so happy you enjoyed Utena!!! Ever since I first came into contact with the phenomenon that is revolutionary girl Utena, I’ve been trying to find something that evokes a similar emotion. So far, I haven’t found anything that combines elements in a similar way — as you mentioned, there are so many aspects of it, themes, art, music, architecture. I feel like maybe we’ll have to accept that it is a completely unique piece of fiction. However, we can still read!

What I think might be a fun endeavour is to make a list of the references they make and compile a reading list out of that. Astronomy, psychoanalysis, myths, art history, there’s a LOT to dig into and I feel like enriching our own inner lives will prolong our enjoyment of Utena and deepen our enjoyment of the other material it’s referencing (if that makes sense). In the meantime, while I compile that list, here are some other things:

fairy tales (eastern European and German especially) for their interwoven morals and thoughts on death and agency. Reread sleeping beauty and savour every word (bones wrapped in rose vines), dig into Tsarevich Ivan, the Firebird and the Gray Wolf and think about fate and rebirth.

Demian by Herman Hesse. It seems that not many people know that the show (not the film or manga) directly quote Hesse every single episode — or both go back to the same source, I’m not sure which. Either way: Demian comes close in many aspects. Not telling you which ones <3 (I read it without knowing anything about it because I saw that quote and I think it was the best possible way to come into contact with that book, so I’ll let you enjoy it the same way)

The Marriage of Cadmus and Harmony by Roberto Calasso analyses and compares Greek myths, weaves them together and summarises them in ways you might not have thought about before.

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy for thoughts on trauma and beauty, history and sibling relationships.

Nabokov in general for various thoughts on language, isolation, beauty. Invitation to a Beheading for that doomed isolation. Ada or Ardor if you were intrigued by the highly mannerist incest (it’s more carnal in Nabokov, but still extremely gorgeous and soaked with that same old blood elitism and high profile intellectualism)

Apart from that, I feel like SKU is a child of its time. If you look at other manga from the time just before the new millennium, there are a lot of reoccurring themes. Sailor Moon, X (which I never finished, so this is just a first impression), etc all feature themes like the end of the world, other universes, secret societies and glittering architecture in dark voids. I’m always on the lookout for more manga from around that time because the strange future nostalgia is so fascinating to me.

[nonsensicalramblings79]

L'albatros and parallels in OFMD

1.4k word meta

If you haven’t read my other posts about why I’m talking about albatrosses in the first place, as well as the literary significance of referencing them, read those and come back! All of this will make the most sense if you read all of the parts I’ve written – I’ve split them up for ease of reading, because holy shit this is long.

This particular post is what I will deem as less likely to be supported by canon than the one talking about The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, but I still want to get this out because regardless of whether it’s intentional or not, L’albatros sums up a lot of what I feel Ed is thinking regarding his life and his place in the world.

For future reference, I’m writing this on 10/8/2023, so I’m only working with season 1 and the first three episodes of season 2. More than likely, extra information concerning my theories will come up when new episodes are released – I’ll see about reworking these posts then if necessary.

TWs: suicidal ideation, depression, isolation, canon-typical mental health problems

MAJOR OFMD SPOILERS THROUGH S2E03

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Just like in my post about The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, I’ll clarify that yes, this is anachronistic – this poem wasn’t published until 1859. I also don’t care: Oluwande is wearing crocs, Stede’s “corpse” is crushed by a piano whose maker won’t exist until 1863, Blackbeard’s got his whole leather-daddy getup, Zheng Yi Sao won’t be born until 1775 – OFMD plays fast and loose with historical accuracy, and I am never going to dismiss an OFMD theory because the ~timeline~ doesn’t match up.

L'albatros is a poem written by French poet Charles Baudelaire that describes the plight of the albatross – a mighty king of the sea and sky, with massive wings that dwarf other seabirds (no, for real, these things are gargantuan – its wingspan is wider than most humans are tall) – who is well suited to its environment, but only its own environment.

The poem is originally in French, and while there is an English adaptation of it, when I quote from the poem, I’ll be drawing from the original text and translating it. I think that method best captures the original intent of the word choices.

So, the poem starts out by describing a common pastime of sailors – catching albatrosses that fly alongside their ships, bringing them down onto the deck and keeping them from flying away (how exactly they do this is not made clear in the poem). The poem describes the downed birds as pitiful, clumsy, and ashamed/shameful (French: honteux). Their great big wings trail beside them as they try to walk, dragging like oars. Here are the first 2 quatrains, if you want to try to read them or translate them.

Souvent, pour s’amuser, les hommes d’équipage

Prennent des albatros, vastes oiseaux de mer,

Qui suivent, indolent compagnons de voyage

Le navire glissant sur les gouffres amers.

À peine les ont-ils déposés sur les planches,

Que ces rois de l’azure, maladroit et honteux,

Laissent piteusement leurs grandes ailes blanches

Comme des avirons traîner à côté d’eux.

The third quatrain essentially describes, from the perspective of an onlooker, how utterly stupid this bird looks. He is gauche – a word you might recognize from its English usage – which is translated as “awkward,” but I would argue that in the case of describing humans, this word also can be translated as “socially inept.” That’s important, I’ll come back to it later. The bird is veule – a word that translates directly as “weak” or “spineless.” He, who was so beautiful just a short time ago, is now comical and ugly.

Ce voyageur ailé, comme il est gauche et veule !

Lui, naguère si beau, qu’il est comique est laid !

Continuing the third stanza, the sailors poke and prod at the albatross, making fun of how he has been crippled by having landed on the deck of the ship.

L’un agace son bec avec un brûle-gueule,

L’autre mime, en boitant, l’infirme qui volait.

The fourth and final quatrain makes a link between the author of the poem and this albatross that he observed. To me, the wording here is really what drives home the connection between Ed and the poet/the albatross, so I’m going to translate each line.

               Le Poète est semblable au Prince des nuées

               The Poet is similar to/like the Prince of the Clouds

               Qui hante la tempête et se rit de l’archer

               Who haunts the tempest and laughs at the archer/bowman

               Exilé sur le sol, au milieu des huées

               Exiled on the earth/soil/ground, in the midst of jeers/booing

               Ses ailes de géants l’empêchent de marcher.

               His giant wings keep him from walking.

Quick clarification - I’ll admit that there’s a huge assumption that I’m making in that the writers of OFMD decided to reference this specific poem in this extremely tangential way, despite the albatross here representing something entirely different than its normal meaning in literature. For the sake of argument, I’m going to assume for the rest of this post that they did do that, and that this poem exists in-universe over 100 years before it was written in real life. Ok? Ok! :D

So at this point, if you’re familiar with Our Flag Means Death, you may have guessed that the connection I’ve drawn is between the narrator of this poem (the Poet) and Ed. In my mind, at some point in his life, Ed has read this poem, and he has also heard that little factoid about albatrosses spending their entire lives away from shore (and read my first post if you need clarification on that!). And over the course of his life, and especially the past several months, he’s come to associate himself with the views he’s cultivated of the albatross – never meant to leave the sea, never meant to be a part of life on shore (“polite society”), and he would look stupid and silly if he tried. This is a view he’s held since childhood �� as we see with his conversation with his mother in S1E06 –

…

We’re just not those kinds of people.

…

And it’s a view that Stede had started to put a dent into during their time together. Where Ed says he’s not a good person, Stede vehemently defends his good character. Where Calico Jack says pirates don’t have friends, Stede tells him that he’s his friend. That Ed wears fine things well, that he’s quite sophisticated. All things that Ed has never allowed himself to believe could possibly be true – until he met Stede, he never even considered that he could “land” – and for a few precious weeks, Ed believes him.

And then Stede leaves. After Ed has laid himself bare, more vulnerable than he has ever let himself be in his life, after Ed has exposed who he really is – the only person who has ever wholly accepted him leaves. And Ed is left floundering, like the mighty prince of the sky trying to walk on the deck of a ship. That fourth quatrain brings a lot of scenes from the show to mind – here are some examples.

The Prince of the Clouds, who haunts the tempest.

The one who is exiled on the Earth.

In the midst of jeers. (recall the use of the word “gauche”? I believe that in this case, the “socially inept” definition applies even better than the simple translation of “awkward”)

His giant wings keep him from walking.

The way this poem describes the plight of the albatross is nigh on exactly how Ed is supposedly seeing himself post-breakup. He just was never meant to have the kind of life that he wants; he’s extremely good at one thing, and one thing only – violence. He will never have any other life.

This is why I think Ed has read this poem – because he references the albatross as a “bird that never lands,” and in the poem, this bird just so happens to also be seen as stupid, ugly, and gauche when it is put into any situation other than what it excels at. And regardless of whether this is actually intended to be a canonical reference or even if it was completely unintentional on the part of the writers, this poem holds a special place in my heart because of how well I believe it captures Ed’s emotional situation.

So, thanks for making it this far – I’d love to hear some feedback if any of you have anything to add! As always, my inbox is open, feel free to DM if you want to do any reciprocal info/opinion-dumping about the beloved Pirate Show!!

[dmitrigirl]

THE DMITRI / ANDREY OVERLAP. YOUR MIND... if you have things to say on the matter i would love to hear!

oh hell yeah. andrei and dmitri are the sensualists of both stories. violent, rough, but so very goodhearted.

well here are some quotes said by/about both.

stamatin: An architect by trade, but a Renaissance man by nature; an impetuous and amoral adventurer. Based on Benvenuto Cellini. A believer in neither God nor the devil, he likes taking everything life has to offer. Capable of murder. A tender guardian and protector to his twin brother, Peter. - his character description.

dmitri: "I'm a Karamazov... when I fall into the abyss, I go straight into it, head down and heels up, and I'm even pleased that I'm falling in such a humiliating position, and for me I find it beautiful. And so in that very shame I suddenly begin a hymn. Let me be cursed, let me be base and vile, but let me also kiss the hem of that garment in which my God is clothed; let me be following the devil at the same time, but still I am also your son, Lord, and I love you, and I feel a joy without which the world cannot stand and be."

stamatin: My path was called "Larger Than Life" . There isn't a single boundary I haven't broken. I've done everything I've ever wanted to. Confession of a Passionate Heart who????

dmitri: “That’s all foolery, too! Drink, and don’t be fanciful. I love life. I’ve loved life too much, shamefully much. Enough! Let’s drink to life, dear boy, I propose the toast. Why am I pleased with myself? I’m a scoundrel, but I’m satisfied with myself. And yet I’m tortured by the thought that I’m a scoundrel, but satisfied with myself. I bless the creation. I’m ready to bless God and His creation directly, but ... I must kill one noxious insect for fear it should crawl and spoil life for others.... Let us drink to life, dear brother. What can be more precious than life? Nothing! To life, and to one queen of queens!”

brothers

Andrey / Peter, Dmitri / Alyosha:

Architect Andrey Stamatin is dead for as long as his brother is. / "An angel in heaven I’ve told already; but I want to tell an angel on earth. You are an angel on earth. You will hear and judge and forgive. And that’s what I need, that some one above me should forgive. Listen! If two people break away from everything on earth and fly off into the unknown, or at least one of them, and before flying off or going to ruin he comes to some one else and says, ‘Do this for me’—some favor never asked before that could only be asked on one’s deathbed—would that other refuse, if he were a friend or a brother?” / How's my brother? Any news from him? / “No, madam, it’s the first time I’ve heard of it.” Mitya was a little surprised. The image of Alyosha rose to his mind."

Andrey / Dmitri as a protector. brothers are introverted and mellow

personality

they both love those earthly pleasures

sensualists

physical sensation focused: fighting, drinking, sex, etc

but deep down.... kind and empathetic

deep fear and insecurity

can come across as brusque and rough

love bars and taverns (joking but literally come on)

bisexual what

literally so ESTP / ESFP its almost painful

devoted and dedicated, however that manifests

often seen as so masculine they are feminine and not the "perfect man"

[thebandcampdiaries]

Jay J. Ra presents: One Day at a Time.

Jay J. Ra is back with a brand-new single titled One Day at a Time. This is a beautiful, nostalgic ballad that clocks in at about 6 minutes and 23 seconds. The first few seconds of the song have a beautiful piano introduction. After 16 seconds, we are graced with the stunning and always dreamlike sound of bar chimes, a percussion instrument that is known for its ability to bring a magical and nostalgic sound to pretty much any piece of music. This is the reason why it is such a staple in terms of soul, R&B, and even '80s pop music. The bar chimes are a perfect segue for the vocals to come in. Jay J. Ra has a powerful and soothing vocal range, which highlights his soft-spoken and beautiful ability to sing with emotion and feeling, while also showcasing technical ability and major skills when it comes to providing soulfulness and power with his vocals, even in the settings of slow and contemplative songs such as One Day at a Time.

Immediately, the lyrics stand out for the artist's incredibly personal touch, with stunning lines such as, I am a broken man. The song is a reminder that even though we feel down, sad, and low in our lives, there’s always hope, there’s always room for improvement, and we can get better one day at a time, especially if we are lucky enough to have the support of people who love us and care for us. Relying on your relationships, be it a family, a partner, or friends, can be an amazing way to pick yourself up and rediscover the positive sides of living a positive life. Even though some of the challenges in life are reminiscent of moving mountains, to quote the song directly, it’s not impossible, and with the right support and with the right mindset, happiness and fulfillment can be achieved. The message of this song is one of hope, resilience, and togetherness, and it’s a beautiful thing to behold, especially at a time like this, where the world is at a standstill, at an all-time level of tension.

The production of One Day at a Time is smooth and elegant, creating a deeply immersive listening experience. The mix is impeccably balanced, allowing each element to shine without overpowering the song’s emotional core. The rich, warm piano tones and atmospheric synth strings blend seamlessly with Jay J. Ra’s expressive vocals, while the subtle use of bar chimes adds a dreamy, nostalgic touch. Every detail, from the delicate reverb to the crisp clarity of the recording, reflects a professional, high-quality approach.

The dynamics are masterfully handled, ensuring the song feels intimate yet expansive, enhancing its timeless and sophisticated appeal. The song travels on smoothly with the help of a bare-bones arrangement that favors piano and vocals, bringing a very soothing, nostalgic, and sweet sound that feels very humble and immediate, bringing so much intimacy to the audience. At about 1 minute and 15 seconds in, the arrangement gets a little bit busier, the bar chimes come back in, and so does a beautiful synth string section, which adds even more melody and ambiance to the production of this song. The strings are particularly amazing, especially when contrasting with the vocals. They match the emotion of the singing perfectly, and sometimes they almost feel like a call-and-response with the singer, giving the song a lot of life and excitement while still maintaining a very understated, elegant, and mellow mood throughout.

While the verses are eloquent and emotional, the chorus takes it up a notch, and it’s incredibly touching and heartfelt, highlighting Jay J. Ra’s ability to connect with the audience with his lyrics and his soulful, dynamic, and beautiful voice. His singing is very versatile as he is able to cover a very extensive range, from almost whisper-like delicate phrasings to beautiful higher-pitched melodies and a deep, sultry tone—anything goes. People who enjoy performers such as Stevie Wonder, James Ingram, Michael Bolton, John Legend, or Usher should most definitely check out Jay J. Ra, and especially this song, because it’s a stunning piece of personal and emotional music that will easily connect with people of all walks of life. We have all been through difficult times, and this song is like a beacon of sunshine after a long, dark night.

[saharadesertlady]

Here’s looking at you, kid

I’m a very impulsive person by nature. I don’t think things to death, or at all for that matter. I am a 35 year old single woman with ADHD who has no dependents and no tethers, so naturally when my aunt sent me an instagram post about a Morocco tour I booked it immediately. I’m still waiting for the day that my impulsivity gets me into trouble but honestly, in hindsight, I don’t know why everybody in the world doesn’t just impulsively book a trip to Morocco. So hopefully this blog will inspire some impulsivity in you.

I landed pretty late at night in Casablanca and was met with the first Morocco cliche that I read about: Forex consultants will get you to put your Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) on a travel card which you can tap and use at ATMS. You will quickly find that outside of major city centres the ATMs do not work, the cards come with a fee and also the consultant gets commission for every card they sell. Don’t fall for it. Take hard cash. Moroccan cliche 2: Taxi operators hounding you at the airport. I was met by one such young man straight out of the gates. When I agreed he pointed me to a chair and told me to wait. He then proceeded to hound every other person coming out of arrivals in an effort to fill up his taxi. It was 10pm at night and after 45 minutes of waiting I left and decided to book a Careem (Arab Uber).

Cue Morocco cliche 3: Careem app quotes MAD350 for the trip but when I got to the hotel he told me that after 11pm the charges double so I now have to pay a very angry Arab man MAD500. Advice online is to heckle but as a solo female traveller late at night I gave in. Don’t say I didn’t warn you though.

I was warned not to wander around Casablanca late at night by myself so I didn’t venture out much. To be honest Casablanca was rather unremarkable so I didn’t feel like I was missing out on much, so I went to bed happy in the knowledge that the next day would bring my tour of the King Hassan II mosque. It’s 210m tall minaret, lush gardens, expansive courtyards and magnificent mosaic walls are breathtaking. It can fit 25,000 people inside the mosque and an additional 80,000 people in the gardens and courtyards. The mosque hugs the Atlantic coastline and has glass floors in some places so worshippers can stand and prostrate directly above the ocean.

I’ve always had an issue with elaborate mosques. They can be very distracting, with so much for the eyes and ears to absorb that your mind tends to wander away from prayer, and additionally elaborate monuments cost a great sum. This one apparently costed around $750m, funded by the King directly as well as public funding. But great men of history have been building monuments to themselves and other great men since time immemorial and they’ve almost always been built on the financial and physical backs of the common people.

But this is the thing with African, Arabian and many East Asian cultures. Love for their monarchies is still an engrained thing. Pictures of previous kings can be found in government buildings, but also cafes, convenience stores and even in peoples homes. They speak of their leaders with an almost fearful reverence, as if the men themselves might jump out of the pictures and arrest them for treason right then and there.

However, as someone who has travelled to the Muslim Holy lands of Makkah, Medina and 🍉 and prayed at some of the holiest sites in the world I wasn’t entirely sold on the intricately carved granite walls from the Atlas Mountains, the engraved marble from Agadir or the hand blown and painted glass windows from Murano, Venice. But I’ll tip my hat to the beautiful mosaic murals which are a nod to Moroccan culture.

Tours for non-Muslims are only available with the use of guides. Women must cover legs and arms. Tour entry was about MAD11.

[tiaraahotel1]

Neem Karoli Baba Ashram Kainchi Dham Complete Guide 2024

Introduction

If you want to find solace, If you crave peace, if your mind is puzzled and if you feel the darkness around you and no one is around you to show you the way, There is still one place where you can find the blessing you need to fight with your demons, That place isNeem Karoli Baba Ashram Nainital. This place has some powers that can not be understood but only felt. Maharaj Ji also known as Neem Karoli Baba had the miraculous powers of Lord Hanuman. 

His devotees believe that he was the incarnation of Lord Hanuman. He healed N numbers of people and fulfilled the desires of people who came to his door, even after he left the world his blessings are still at the Kainchi Dham ashram, He may have left his physical form but for his devotees, Maharaj Ji still comes to rescue them from the pain and problems. Neem Karoli Baba Ashram was built in the mid-’20s, Maharaj ji is considered the most powerful saint of the century, People around the world visit the ashram whenever they are confused, helpless, painful and seek peace.

Stay in Kaichi Dham Ashram

If you want to stay in the ashram, you can email the ashram staff. if you are lucky you can get theKainchi Dham Ashram room booking only if you try for this in advance, You are allowed to stay only 3 days in the Ashram, you can find the kitchen in the Ashram, meditation hall, basic accommodation and join the First aarti in the morning and other holy activities of the Ashram.

Location and Accessibility:

The Dham is about 17 KM away from the Nainital, which is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Neem Karoli Baba Ashram is well linked with the road. So you can reach here by bus or from the taxi or your vehicle. 

One can reach here by Train also. The nearest railway station to Kainchi Dham is Kathgodam, which is around 43 KM from the Ashram. You can get a Taxi or bus from outside the station directly to the Ashram. The basic bus fare from Kathgodam to Neem Karoli Dham is 100 to 140 approx. 

The nearest Airport is Pantanagar Airport which will take you around two hours to reach Ashram from there.

Distance from Dehradun to Neem Karoli is approximately 300KM which can take up to 6-7 hours depending on the traffic and weather conditions. Distance from Delhi to Neem Karoli Baba Nainital is approximately 340 KM, one can reach the ashram from Delhi by Train bus or personal vehicle.

When to visit Ashram?

You can visit any time of the year to Neem Karoli Dham,the best time to visit Kainchi Dham is from February to March as the ashram experiences pleasant weather at this time and the ashram is open from 5 am to 7 pm. The ashram provides basic accommodations to devotees.

Where to stay?

When you are on your spiritual journey you do not want to compromise your comfort. There are plenty of hotels in Kainchi Dham, you can visit anyone and you can have your stay, but the question remains the same will your stay be comfortable? Will it be spiritual as it ought to be?

Please be assured we have got you covered, though there is also the option ofhomestay in Kainchi Dham, you can certainly find the place but what if we tell you that we know exactly the place you are looking for?

We recommend Tiaraa Hotels and Resorts, this place offers you the best amenities, Tiaraa Hotels and Resorts have a different kind of plans for the room so that you can pick one you like, categorising rooms shows the comfort you can get as you do not have to be puzzled for selecting the room and the plan.

Tiaraa Hotels and Resorts is the best 5-star luxury resort in Bhimtal, you can have a scenic view of the mountains and the lush greenery around you, you get the indoor swimming pool with poolside facilities, you get the gym and the spa, here you have a rooftop cafe to make your stay more beautiful, you can see the best dining area with multiple cuisines.

Conclusion

To win the world you live in you need to win whatever is in you. This quote fits the definition ofNeem Karoli Baba Ashram Nainital, You can start your spiritual journey here and find peace in yourself with the blessings of Maharaj Ji. Here you witness the miracles you have never seen or imagined before.

Tiaraa Hotels and Resorts is a Bhimtal luxury resort, It has all the things to complete your all possible needs to start your spiritual journey. You can see the best blend of Nature and modern architecture here.

[dailyaudiobible]

9/5/2023 DAB Transcript

Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Psalm 49:1-20, Proverbs 22:20-21

Today is the fifth day of September, welcome to the Daily Audio Bible. I am Brian and it is wonderful to be here together today, as we gather, yet again and take another step forward. And our step forward today leads us to the conclusion of another one of our books together. And so, we’ve been reading through the book of Ecclesiastes, which we will conclude today and then step into new territory tomorrow. But first, let's conclude the book of Ecclesiastes, today chapters 10, 11, and 12.

Commentary:

Okay, so, we concluded the book of Ecclesiastes today, a book that can seem quite cynical and pessimistic. So, it becomes helpful for us to understand that Solomon is looking back over his life and a subtractive sort of way, what we would theologically call an apathetic sort of way. So, in terms of meaning and purpose, he can look at his life and look at all that he is done and say that didn’t prove meaningful, that didn't prove meaningful, that didn't prove meaningful. He’s looking at his whole life and realizing most of it has been chasing the wind. For all of his pursuits and all of the pleasures that he experienced he found in the end mostly it was useless activity. And this wasn't somebody who didn't try. He applied all of his energy to pursue beauty and wisdom and understanding. He searched all over the world for the answers to the unanswerable questions and then in the end, as U2 says in the Joshua Tree, “I still haven’t found what I'm looking for. That song from Bono is taken directly out of the book of Ecclesiastes, because this is where the teacher arrived. And so, he’s taking this sobering look at the end of his life, and subtracting away from his life and experience, everything that he found, ultimately, to be meaningless, coming to the conclusion that without a fundamental respect and awareness of the sovereign God, nothing can possibly make sense. This is wisdom being offered from a person who has done everything. Everything that he could think of doing, he did. These are the conclusions of that person and what does he finally conclude, oh I quote, “that's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion, fear God and obey his commands for this is everyone's duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.” So, the conclusion of the teacher in the book of Ecclesiastes is essentially what the Bible concludes. Right, give your heart in surrender and awe and reverence to God. Offer yourself in faithful worship, be loyal to the relationship. Honor God and do what He says to do. This is what everybody is supposed to do. It’s the only way we find meaning. And so, may we sit with these conclusions coming out of the Bible, because this is coming from a person who would know. Right, a person who has been able to experience things that we won't and this is where this person landed. If you want a meaningful life, fear God and obey Him. And how can we even know if…if we are? We just have to watch ourselves, we know by now that we can say a lot of things but what we really believe is how we actually live. So, we have to watch how we actually live because that's telling us the true story of what we believe. So, we have to learn to ask ourselves, can I worship God in this? Can I find God in this thing that I'm trying to do? If…if I subtract all of the things that I want out of this, can I find God in it. These are fair things for us. They’re…they’re worthy things for us to be consider, considering about the way we live our lives, because if Ecclesiastes is coming to this conclusion, and the Bible is coming to this conclusion, then we’re not going to find meaning another way. And as we’re considering that, and as we prepare to move away from this territory, let's, let's be grateful. We’ve spent some time in the underbelly of life. The Bible has given us the gift of being able to talk about things. It's talking about things. We go through the book of Job, and we are in the midst of suffering and begin to think about our own lives. We go through the book of Ecclesiastes and considering purpose and meaning and what actually has value. The Bible has brought us here because we need to consider these things.

Prayer:

So, Holy Spirit, we invite You into that, all of this territory that we've been in, in recently. Our suffering, our unanswerable questions, our doubt, our purpose and sense of meaning and rootedness, and where we get our value, and that we can spend a whole life chasing the wind and not ever find it, when it can only be found in You. Come, Holy Spirit, lead us into all truth. We ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Prayer and Encouragements:

Good afternoon fellow DABers. This is God’s Chosen from Georgia and I’m responding to Rebecca’s mother’s call. Rebecca is 14 years old. I heard your cry for desperation for your daughter this morning. Moving out of a mental facility into a non-mental facility. You described your daughter as wounded, as molested. She feels unworthy. She’s autistic. She’s suffered bullying at school. And we’re joining you this day to fast and to pray for your beloved daughter Rebecca. Father, we come before You on behalf of Rebecca to pray for Your love and ask for Your forgiveness. Lord, I pray that You would comfort this mom in her desperation. I pray that You would give her peace over her daughter Rebecca. I pray in the name of Jesus that you give her comfort. I pray, just like Anna cried out to You, she cried when she had nowhere else to turn to. And her cry became a pathway to divine intervention. And so, Heavenly Father, I pray that through this mother’s cry, through her tears today, the heavens would open for favor for Rebecca, that she would be able to get all the help that she needs. That Rebecca would feel worthy. That Rebecca would get help. That Rebecca would get divine intervention. That everything this child needs, Your hands would provide. In the name of Jesus. Father, I pray for peace of mind for this mother. I pray, in the name of Jesus, that You comfort and keep her.

Hello, Daily Audio Bible family. This is Mark, the Baby Doctor from Dayton, Ohio. I heard a couple prayer requests today that were heavy on my heart, so I wanted to call in as soon as possible. I heard a sister in Christ, call in about her daughter Rebecca who’s 14, who is currently institutionalized with mental health issues and attempted suicide. And her heart was just breaking for her daughter. And I just want to pray for her right now, that she would be delivered from that spirit of fear, that spirit of suicide, that her mind would be restored. And I want to tell you that Jesus loves her cause Matthew 19:14 says but Jesus said, let the children come to me and do not hinder them. To such belongs to kingdom of heaven. I will continue to pray for Rebecca. And then Devin, you called in and you’re struggling with a bout of shingles and now some low back issues and in a lot of pain. As we are reading Job, as you pointed out. So, I want to pray that there’s complete healing of those shingles and restoration to you with your strength. And the Lord would begin to remold and open up the passages in your back that might be compromising any nerves and relieve the pain. In Jesus name. Psalm 30 verses 1 and 2 says, I will extol you oh Lord, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. Oh Lord, my God, I cried to You for help, and You have healed me. So, hold on to that verse, Devin. Thank you, Daily Audio Bible family.

Good morning DAB family, this is Saved by Grace in California. I just want to lift up my sister who just called regarding her son who was, the seed has been planted in Christ in him and now he is decided he wants, he no longer believes. I just want to lift her up and encourage her that to stand on that Proverb where God says that train a child up in the way he should go and when he should, when he gets old, he will not depart from it. And we just, as parents we stand on that promise and God is not a man that he should lie. So, we just stand, and I stand in agreement with you. Father God, in the name of Jesus, I lift up my sister, I lift up her son to you. I plead the blood of Jesus over them. I pray, Father God, for a discernment over her, words of wisdom that the Holy Spirit would guide her voice and her message to her son and every going on around him, that the power of Christ and the love and the peace and the patience of Christ only, would come out when she is around him. I pray, Father God, that you would bring back to his remembrance everything and anything, Father God, that is of You, that he has related to…to, he’s seen the power in the past in his life. In his life and others’ life, bring that back to his remembrance. And I pray, Father God, for surrender of his heart, mind, soul, will and emotions, unto You, Jesus. Help him see his need for You. Open his eyes to the lies and the defeat, the deceit that the enemy is trying to portray over him. God, I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Today, is September 2nd and I heard the woman who called about her 18-year-old son who has turned away from the Lord. Sister, I hear you. Your story sounds like my own because my 17-year-old has turned away from God too. Your story sounds almost exactly like mine. And I know how broken hearted you feel, because I feel the same. And I know what it’s like to feel like a failure as a mom because I feel the same. But I hope that I can encourage you with the words of God from Mark chapter 9 verses 28 thru 29. When the Apostles asked Jesus why they could not cast out the evil spirit from the boy. We mom have questions like the Apostles when our child’s faith does not develop like we planned. But Jesus answered the Apostles by saying this kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer. Let me encourage you that Jesus wants us to continue in prayer for them always. So, I pray that Jesus will restore our son’s faith. Because only He can. And I pray for the day that we will rejoice for our child’s salvation. God bless you, my sister.

[deecotan]

Do you have a list of favorite zosan fics? Sorry if someone's asked this before x.x

Hooo boy, this is going to be challenging because there's simply a lot of fics that I like and it's kind of all over the place depending on my mood, but I'm going to make a general list of some of my favorites and a short summary of why I like them.

This is going to be a little long so I'm going to put them under read more!

Sketches of Life (and Love) by Fledgling — An exploration of a headcanon where Sanji likes to draw in his free time. This fic always leaves me with a warm feeling every time I read it because how endearingly sweet it is. It's basically a domestic fluff story about both ZoSan and the Strawhats crew in general.

green with envy blues by adietxt — A cute fic about Zoro being jealous. Jealous!Zoro has been one of those tropes that make me screech like a feral animal every time I come across it and this fic does exactly that. It's pretty short and simple but it captures the characters very well. It's set during pre-timeskip which makes it even better to me because pre-TS Zoro possesses that boyish quality that post-TS Zoro doesn’t necessarily have anymore. 

Old Men Blues by postmoderne — Quoting directly from the fic's summary, “Sanji and Zoro: two ancient fucks (in love).” because this is exactly that, a story about old men ZoSan. Old Zoro and old Sanji are both still as stubborn as ever and it's endearing.

Meet me under the orange tree by candelina — A canon divergence AU where Zoro and Sanji met as kids, as Zeff opened up Baratie in Zoro's hometown. It's an adorable and heartwarming story of little Zoro and little Sanji's friendship. There's also a part two which is also worth reading.

Other fics from candelina: The whole world will know, another fic about old men ZoSan, this one involves Zoro deliberately showing himself to the Marines for god knows what. It's sweet, it's beautiful, and it shows that Zoro is as reckless and idiotic as he is a loving, devoted husband.

Zoro's Boyfriend, Who Lives In Canada by donutsandcoffee — Modern AU, where Zoro's friends try to stop him from believing that his imaginary, totally made-up boyfriend actually exists. Of course Zoro's boyfriend doesn't actually exist, because with the way Zoro describes him he's way too perfect to exist and how can anyone so perfect actually exist? A hilarious story of misunderstandings. 

Other fics from donutsandcoffee: My other favorite stories would be Prison Blues and it’s a long way forward, which serve as both a ZoSan story and a great Sanji character study. 

The Three of Swords by 8ball — A medieval AU with knight Zoro and prince Sanji, a concept that starts to really grow on me after I begin to read this fic. In this story, Zoro is a cursed knight appointed to serve Sanji, a deeply kind-hearted prince whom Zoro eventually pines over. It's a beautiful take of prince and knight AU; devoted knight Zoro is something that I didn't know I need. It also has a sequel. 

Steady, As She Goes by auspizien — I've always loved auspizien's fics and this is the one fic that made me fall in love with their writing. This is a modern AU story where Zoro is an ex-agent with PTSD who meets and befriends Sanji, a paramedic. It's a multi-chapter fic filled with humor, angst, pining, action, and good ol’ slow-burn. 

The Tribulations of Tempation by SweetyGreeny — Zoro accidentally sees Ace and Sanji doing... the do, and then spends days after that feeling shocked, confused, angry, and disappointed.  A simply delicious story of pining and jealous Zoro. There's a slight AceSan in the beginning but the endgame is still ZoSan.  

Other fics from SweetyGreeny: A Siren's Sinking Song, a canon-divergent AU where Sanji is a siren who one day meets a peculiar swordsman from a wandering ship; this story is beautiful and I love the idea of siren!Sanji, but please note the major character death TW. The Burden of Blondes, Sanji finds out that Zoro has a thing for blondes, and for some reason he feels uneasy. A fun story with some good smut. 

(I Want) Someone to Love Me by three_days_late — Sanji is about to turn 17, so he hopes that he can get his first kiss before that. A cute high school AU that involves everyone wanting to kiss Sanji (honestly, who doesn't) but only one person gets to actually do it. 

Other fics from three_days_late: Blood Red - this might be a little biased because this fic is inspired by my comic, but that's also a perfectly good reason why I must add it here; this fic is able to capture the spirit of the comic perfectly. If you want to read a short exposition of Zoro showing his protective side, then this fic is worth the read. The Christmas Swap, a modern AU in which Sanji and Reiju switch partners during Christmas so they can attend their family gathering without having to come out as queer. It’s a wonderful story about family, relationships, and what it feels like to be closeted. The Only Way Out (Is Through), a beautiful Prince Sanji and Knight Zoro story, where circumstances forced them to be unable to be together - and it also has a side Nami/Vivi. 

Curly Angel by APTX (translated to English by NMTD) — In this alternative canon universe, everyone has a guardian angel, and Zoro's just happened to be Sanji. Hilarity ensues. I have to admit that I absolutely love all of APTX's ZoSan fics, but since most of them are in Chinese, if you're like me and doesn't mind reading some really botchy translations of said fics, then you can try using Google Translate to read them.

Let me be your Inspiration by TheWanderers — College AU where Sanji is an artist/painter - another fic that explores Sanji as someone with an artistic streak, but also so much more. It's a beautiful story that starts out with Zoro having to model for Sanji's painting but ends up falling in love with him. I love the way the author adapts the characters' canon backstory into this universe.

Thy Fearful Symmetry by Harubo — A modern AU where Sanji is a tourist visiting a tiger reserve during a family vacation and Zoro is a detective investigating a poaching ring. All of Harubo's fics are godsend but I particularly love this one because the setting reads like a perfect rom-com drama movie about a stressed, overworked chef meeting a handsome detective. There's also a nice tidbit where the Vinsmoke siblings are trying to get along with each other.

Retrogade by Hazel_Athena — Sanji got badly injured after a fight, and ends up losing a big chunk of memories - he doesn't find it too bothersome until he notices how weird Zoro starts to act around him. It's a really good temporary amnesia fic with some really delicious pining!Zoro material.

Done Dirt Cheap by Balderdashfromafool — Basically a Western ZoSan AU, where Zoro is an outlaw and Sanji is a small town chef. This one is fun and lovely, and as someone who doesn’t read a lot of Western-themed stories, I love the way the author describes the Western setting in this fic. 

Each A Love Song by Shadowcatxxx — Sanji is frustrated because Zoro's surprisingly popular with women when he doesn't even like them back. A story of a confused Sanji trying to find love and being the World’s Most Oblivious Man. 

And that's all for now! It got way longer than I initially thought....there are some fics that I exclude, mostly the more explicit, PWP-type of fics, as well as Omegaverse fics, because my taste on them tend to be more specific and self-indulgent as ever. I might need to make a separate post for that, and also like feel free to ask me about them anytime. 

I really hope I've done these fics justice with my summaries. I can't overstate how talented these authors are, so please shower them with love, kudos, comments, attention, etc etc if you have time.

[outsideratheart]

When in New York (Kelley O’ Hara x reader)

Part 2

You had just finished post game media following your game against New York Liberty. You weren’t a huge fan of doing media but it made it easier considering Seattle had won. 

You leave the conference room with Stewie who you had been doing the interview with.

“You seeing your family tonight” You shake your head.

“What about you?” She nods hers.

She bumps her shoulder into yours “Two New Yorkers beat New York in New York. Sounds like something to celebrate to me” She says and maybe she had a point.

You both walk into the locker room, some players have already left and some were still packing up.

“Y/N? Megan texted saying that her and a couple other teammates are at your parents restaurant and asked if we wanted to meet up with them” Sue asks.

Very few people knew about the family restaurant, you wanted to keep it a secret so that it could stay authentic. Your family was Italian and the restaurant was like a little piece of Italy in New York. The only people that knew where your Storm teammates and Megan, the honorary team mom.

You look at sue and she is giving you the look. After signing for the team she had taken you under her wing meaning that the two of you had got quite close.

“Ok, ok. No need to give me that look” You says.

After a quick shower and a change of clothes you leave the area, luckily for you the restaurant is only a few blocks away so you and Sue opted to walk saying that I would be your cool down / recovery.

“You said teammates” you says putting air-quotes around the word teammates “who’s there?” You ask.

“Alex and Kelley” she says which instantly bring a smile to your face.

“I thought that would cheer you up”

“Shut up”

You had a crush on Kelley, both Sue and Megan knew it. You met her last year when to US were playing in Seattle and Megan had invited you to a game. There was something about the defender that you really liked. You wasn’t if it was the fact that on the pitch she is a beast and off she is teddy but always had fun when you were with her.

You both enter the restaurant being greeted by your mom as soon as you come through the door.

“Mrs L/N nice to see you again” Sue says.

“Sue I have told you before, you can call me Maria” You mom says as she hugs you and sue makes her way to your friends.

“buon gioco dolce ragazza” (good game sweet girl) she tells you.

“grazie mamma” you reply kissing her cheek.

Meanwhile sue heads towards to table of soccer players.

She waves at everyone getting a mixture of hi’s and hello’s 

“Hi babe” She says kissing her girlfriend on the cheek. 

“Hi” Megan replies. “Where Y/N?” She asks noticing that you wasn’t behind sue.

“She’s in here somewhere” Sue says. She knew that you would probably been saying hi to your dad in the kitchen but she couldn’t tell them that.

“See Kel, you have a few more moments to get your crush in check” Alex jokes with her friend.

“Shut up!” Kelley replies.

“Hi guys” you say as to approach the table.

You notice Kelley staring at you so you take the opportunity to tease her.

“Like what you see?” You say making the defender blush.

“Have you ordered food yet?” You ask.

“No we were waiting for you. We know we are having though” Alex tells you as she hands you a menu.

“Thanks but I don’t need it” You say handing the menu to Sue who shakes her head letting you know she doesn’t need it either.

“You already know what you’re having?” Kelley asks.

“Not exactly” Sue says which confuses the others.

Looking around the restaurant you catch the attention of one of the waiters.

You let him know you are ready to order. 

Each of the women tell him what they want and then it is your’s and sue’s turn.

You look at sue and she nods her head.

“dì a gianni che avremo quello che consiglia” (tell gianni we will have what he recommends) Sue says 

“Certo” The waiter says.

You look at Sue and smile in approval.

“You getting very good, maybe time for a trip” You say.

“You speak Italian?” Kelley asks Sue.

“Y/N does and she has been teaching me for the past couple of years”

“Who is Gianni?” Alex asks.

“He is the chef here” You explain.

You start talking about the storm game when you mom bring across a bottle of limoncello hand you the bottle and 5 shot glasses.

“Grazie” You say

You pour everyone a glass and hand them out. 

“You get table service here?” Kelley asks.

“No, I asked for it when I came in” You reply.

You raise you class and everyone copies.

“Here to us. We change the game and provide hope for the next generation of female athletes” You say and everyone takes a sip except Kelley who shots it.

“You sip it Kel. If not you’ll be on the floor an hour” Megan says.

“You would know” you tease causing you and the forward to laugh.

“I will pour you another but this here” you say pointing to the bottle “is the real stuff, not something you find in a liquor store. It comes straight from a vineyard in Italy where this restaurant makes it’s wine” 

“You know a lot about this restaurant, the chef’s name and now where it makes it’d alcohol” Alex questions.

“What can I say, I have been coming here since I was a baby” you explain.

“that’s one way to put it” sue says under her breath, no quiet enough though as you send her a glare.

You look at Kelley as she takes a sip.

“Tastes better doesn’t it” She nods her head.

Your food arrives and you all say how nice it looks and smells. 

“Oh.my.god” Kelley says between mouthfuls.

“I agree, this is incredible. Megan how did you find this place? Alex asks.

“Y/N” Megan replies and Alex nods remembering that you said you came here when I was younger.

Conversation is small and simple as you all focus on your food.

You thank the waiter telling him the the food was delicious as he clears the table.

“Y/N can I ask you a question” Kelley asks.

“Only if I can ask you one?” 

“Why Italian and are you fluent” She asks

“I’m Italian so I had to learn in order to talk to family in Sicily”

“Prove it. Tell me something in Italian?” 

“quando ci siamo conosciuti pensavo fossi la persona più bella del mondo”

“Sounds very romantic” Alex says.

“What does it mean?” Kelley asks.

“it means ‘when we met I thought you were the most beautiful person in the world’” You tell her making sure to look her in the eyes when you say it.

Kelley is at a loss for words, what is she suppose to say to that. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable” You say slowly regretting what you said, not that you didn’t mean because you did.

“I’ll go get us some more drinks” you says excusing yourself from the table.

“Kelley” Alex says trying to get her friends attention.

“Does she say that kind of thing to everyone?” Kelley asks sue.

She shakes her head “She isn’t that type of person Kelley”

“You should tell her how you feel” Megan suggests.

Kelley shakes her head “what if she doesn’t feel the same way”

“You honestly think that after hearing what she just said” Alex says not believing her friends blindness.

You walk back to the table with two bottles of red wine.

“Dessert wine anyone?” You say trying to avoid the awkwardness. “trust me, this will be the best you tasted”

“It’s what they make in Italy right?” Alex says, you nod pouring her a glass.

Out of all the woman at the table to knew that Alex was the one that drank wine. You wait eagerly to see If she likes it. 

“Nice right”

Alex nods her head.

You all sip on your wine talking about everything and anything, for a moment you forget that you are all major athletes and it just feels like a group of friends catching up.

Once you are done Alex gets the attention of the waiter for the bill but he tells them that it has been settled.

She looks around the table confused but notices that Megan and Sue and looking directly at you.

“Y/N” 

“What? We don’t do this very often. Let me treat my friends”

“Thank you” Alex and Kelley say at the same time.

You are just about to leave when your mom comes to the table.

“Did you all enjoy your meal?” She asks. 

“It was incredible, I cannot wait to come back” Kelley says.

“I agree, I will definitely come back whenever we are in New York” Alex says.

“I’ll see you two soon ok” she says putting an arm around Sue and Megan. She had met them numerous times when she came to Seattle but her comment stumped the other two.

“Of course, next time your in Seattle you have to show me how to make your lasagne, I always eat the ones you make Y/N” Megan looks at you when you realises what she said.

It looks like your secret was about to get two new keepers.

“Alex, Kelley” your mom says now directed her attention to the other two soccer players “Any friends of my daughters are always welcome here”

“Wait, your daughter?” Kelley says looking at you confused.

“Meet my mom Maria” you say.

“This makes more sense. It is why you know so much about this restaurant” Alex says.

You nod your head.

You all make sure your way our of the restaurant. You had learned that Megan, Alex and Kelley were all staying in the same hotel as you and sue so you walked back together. Sue, Megan and Alex walk ahead leaving you and Kelley alone.

“I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable earlier, it’s just that whenever I am near you I feel this connection and thought maybe you felt it too. I wouldn’t have said what I said if I didn't” you say

“I wasn’t uncomfortable, you caught me of guard. Nobody has every said something like that to me, definitely not in Italian” Kelley explains.

“I find that hard to believe, I mean look at you, you are beautiful” You say.

Kelley blushes again which you find adorable “ You were right before. I feel the connection too but I never did anything about it because we live so far away from each other”

“Can’t we just let ourself be happy even it it’s only a short period of time. We focus so much on the bigger picture that we don’t see what is right in front of us” You tell her.

“What do you have in mind?” She asks and you smile, you had wanted to do this for a quite a while.

“When do you leave New York?”

“Not until the day after tomorrow” 

“Perfect! Have breakfast with me?”

“I would love to” she replies.

Kelley stops walking “for the record, I find you very beautiful too”

You smile holding you hand out and she takes it.

You walk back to the hotel hand in hand, not talking just making the most of each others company whilst you can.

[twicecorner]

Jeju Island

Twice Jihyo x Male Reader

2487 words ; smut nsfw

A/N: this is my first piece so sorry if its kinda bad lol, but enjoy! also would love some feedback on it!

You sat and watched in awe while Twice finished their shoot for their latest comeback, Alcohol-Free. They were dancing outside at this resort on Jeju island with the sun setting in the background. As the sun set soon turned to night, the nice hot weather soon changed to a chilly sea-breeze night. The girls were dancing in dresses and short sleeve tops so you and the rest of the staff brought out blankets, padded jackets and hand warmers for them. Soon they finished and wrapped up. “Party time!!” Jeongyeon yelled with her fists in the air. “Woohoo wrap party at the beach everyone!” yelled Chaeyoung from behind.

The girls went to change and the staff quickly began cleaning up. While you were busy taking apart one of the tall light trees, you couldn’t help but catch a glimpse of Jihyo walking back into the building, watching as her hips swung from side-to-side with every step. She looked back right as you were about to look away and ended up getting caught with those big sharp eyes of her. As you quickly looked away you thought you could see a little smirk appear on her face as she continued her way back in. You didn’t think anything of the smirk as you were heading to the beach with some other staff, but you couldn’t get that look in her eyes out of your head. Maybe she was just laughing at you because she caught you staring, or maybe she was mad? You shook it off and just wanted to let go and celebrate after a long week of shooting.

At the beach you were met with what was somewhat reminiscent of the Dance The Night Away set, there were a couple of tables and chairs set up, a table full of snacks, and an open bar that was not very “Alcohol-Free.” You head straight for the bar to get your hands on any type of drink to start the night. Music was playing and everyone was having a good time, the director made a small speech and Jihyo had a few words to say thanking everyone for their hard work. The girls were unlike many idols, they chatted, danced, ate and drank with their staff members, as if they’d been friends for years (which many of them were). You were somewhat new to the team and one of the youngest members, but you fit in well and were pretty likeable among most everyone on the team.

Later into the night you’d had a few drinks, made a fool of yourself on the dance floor after Momo drunkenly challenged you to a dance-off, and chatted with almost everyone there. At some point in the night you noticed Jihyo walking off along the beach. You grabbed a bottle of soju from the bar and jogged off to catch up to her. “Hey..!” you sheepishly said a few feet behind her, she kind of jumped out of surprise but soon relaxed when she realized it was you. “Hi y/n!” she said with a smile on her face. You both were now a ways away from the party. “I thought you might want some company walking out here” you said holding up the bottle. She laughed and said, “Actually, I’d love some company, I love this - walking along the beach at night, listening to the waves.” she stopped and looked off into the vast ocean that was lit up by the bright moon above.

“Wow, I don’t remember the last time I saw this many stars” you say, taking a swig of soju. You hand the bottle to Jihyo and watch as she elegantly takes a drink, you analyze almost every part of her involved in the action. From her arm bringing the bottle to her lips, her eyes slightly closing, and her neck and throat as she swallows the smooth liquor. “Wow” you accidentally say out loud. She looks over at you and smirks the same one as earlier. She’s wearing this white dress with a red flower in her hair, she looks absolutely stunning even in just the moonlight. You look up at the stars again, “A beautiful night with an even more beautiful girl, even the moon and stars think so,” you look back at her, “or else they wouldn’t be shining this bright for me to see you so well.” She giggles and playfully hits you on the shoulder, “Shut up, that’s just the soju talking.” “Maybe, maybe not” you say, taking a step closer to her. “You know, y/n, I always catch you staring at me, but for some reason you never catch me staring at you.” Jihyo says slyly while pointing her finger and poking your chest. “Now that’s the soju talking,” you reply sarcastically. “What I mean to say is that you make it too obvious, no one can know we’re together” she says. You sigh in response, “I know ‘it’s against the rules’” you say making air quotes and rolling your eyes, “but don’t like half of the members know?” “That doesn’t matter, I just don’t want the entire team and country and world knowing, at least not yet… for your sake anyways.” she looks down at her feet shyly and grabs the bottle from your hand again and takes another drink, a long one for that matter. You take the bottle back which is now about ⅓ of the way done and finish the rest. 

You look around to make sure no one’s around and say, “Jihyo you must be pretty worked up after this long week of shooting, it would be such a waste to come all this way to the island and not be able to get a moment of relaxing.” You take a step closer, put your hands on her waist, and pull her into you. She looks up at you, her eyes once filled with tipsy-ness and stress, now filled with love and lust. You lean in and kiss her while she wraps her arm around your neck and weaves her hands through your hair. The kiss soon becomes passionate as you run your tongue along her bottom lip begging for permission. She gladly allows and soon your tongues are battling, you take your hand and tilt her head to the side allowing you access to her neck, you move your mouth kissing along her jaw up to her ear and nibbling on her earlobe causing her to let out a gasp. You move your way kissing down her neck and quickly finding her sweet spot which earns you a moan directly into your ear. Much like her singing, Jihyo’s moans were almost melodic, smoothly entering your ear and casting a spell on you. Her hands begin to yank at the bottom of your shirt, you pull away from her to take it off and lay it flat on the sand, you suddenly pick her up, taking her by surprise and kiss her deeply. “Don’t worry no one will see us or hear us all the way out here, especially in the dark” you whisper into her ear then kissing it. She grabs a handful of your hair and crashes your lips back together as you lay her down onto your shirt on the sand. On top of her you dive back into her neck and kiss your way down her chest, licking and gently sucking every now and then. She moans as you grasp her breast with your hand needing it while the other hand holds you up. You slip off the straps of her dress to reveal her gorgeous tits, only taking a moment to admire them in the moonlight. Jihyo looks up at you, “Don’t just look at them, baby.” she says, raising an eyebrow. With that you dig in, taking her left nipple into your mouth and sucking gently while you knead and play with the other. “Ohh fuckk y/n, just like that” she moans while her fingernails dig into your shoulders. Once you’ve completely covered one nipple in spit, you switch, now massaging the left and sucking on the right.

You sit back up, “I want this to be about you, this is for you to enjoy and relax after all your hard work Jihyo” you tell her moving down her body. Next you pull up the bottom part of her dress to reveal her white lace panties, you could see a wet spot right in the center. You smile to yourself and pull them off of her. Jihyo looks down at you and smirks while she opens her legs for you to see her glistening pussy in the moonlight. You let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding and dig in. You start by kissing your way down her inner thigh before reaching your desired destination. Her legs shudder in anticipation as you near her warmth and place a gentle kiss on it. You slowly lick up and down her slit earning a low moan from her and she grabs and tries to push your head into her wanting more. You quicken your pace, licking and sucking up all of her juices. Jihyo begins grinding her hips into your face and you find her clit and suck hard on it. You suck and circle your tongue around her swollen nub causing her to buck her hips as she digs her nails into your scalp. With how wet she is, you easily slip two fingers into her, “oh yessss y/n, that feels so good” she moans. You curl your fingers up and easily find her spot as you continue to lap up her wetness. As you continue to hit her spot she breathing hitches and you take the opportunity to take her clit back between your lips. “Y/n I- I’m gonna cum soon” She says breathily. You take a moment, still fingering her, to move back up right next to her ear and say in a low voice, “Cum for me, cum all over my mouth and fingers.” You quickly move back down to your position and start licking and sucking, as if on cue, you feel her pussy begin to pulsate around your fingers and juices start flowing out of her, “yes! Y/NNNN! I’m cumming!” she practically yells as she orgasms, her thighs clamp around your head almost suffocating you in her center. You slowly move your fingers in and out of her as she comes down and continue to lick and clean her up. Once she comes down she pulls you up for a deep kiss and knowing how much she loves it, you let her taste herself on your tongue. You both moan into eachothers mouths as she recovers from her high.

“Your turn baby,” she whispers into your ear as she flips the two of you, so now you’re on your back with her straddling you. She takes a moment to fully discard herself of her dress and to pull down your pants and underwear. She looks up at you while she takes your member out of its painfully restraining jail. Jihyo strokes your cock slowly a few times before licking up its entire length and swirling her tongue around the tip, gathering up all the precum on the center of her tongue. “I’ve missed this” she says after tasting and swallowing your precum. “Mmm fuck Jihyo” you moan letting your entire body relax and melt into the sand as she engulfs your cock into her warm mouth. She bobs her head up and down a few more times as she massages your balls, your hands find their way into her hair guiding her and meeting her mouth with your hips. Suddenly she takes you out of her mouth with a pop, you look down at her and she’s repositioning herself on top of you. You move your hands to her hips while she takes your cock and strokes it through her slit a few times before lining it up with her hole. Jihyo drops down onto your dick with ease and you both moan as your hips meet, you stay like that for a second, enjoying the feeling of the first entry, your entire cock surrounded by her wet, tight warmth. Jihyo starts slowly bouncing up and down, riding you with her hands holding her up on your thighs. You reach up and start massaging her tits, “fuck babe that feels good” she moans. After a few minutes she leans forward now so her hands are on your chest, you grip her hips and start thrusting into her. Your cock slips easily in and out of her slick hole, you start thrusting harder and faster and she gasps and moans into your ear. “You’re so tight baby, you feel so fucking good on my cock” you moan. “Harder y/n I’m gonna cum again soon” Jihyo moans.You take her arms and hold them behind her back and raise your hips to get a better angle, you thrust faster and harder into her and she throws her head back in pleasure. “Fuck I’m gonna cum soon too” you tell her. “Inside baby, I want to keep your cum inside me so I can feel you all night when we go back to the party, I want your cum inside me so bad y/n” Jihyo says into your ear. You let go of her arms which find their way around your neck into your hair and you grab her ass. “Oh fuck! Right there! I’m cumming y/n!” Jihyo moans as she pulls your hair and bites into your shoulder to suppress her scream, her pussy pulsates violently around your cock and you can’t hold on any longer. A few more thrusts later and your vision becomes white, you moan her name as you fill her to the brim with your cum, painting her insides as her pussy continues to pulsate and milk you of your seed. Once you practically regain consciousness, you pull out of her and Jihyo manages to keep most of your load inside of her, what leaks out she catches with her hand and tastes, “Mmm yummy” she says sucking on her fingers. “Next time I want to taste the full load” she says smirking. “At least now we can say we’ve both relaxed from this trip.” you say pulling your pants back up. “We definitely need to come back here when I’m off” Jihyo responds putting her dress back on. She finds her discarded panties and puts them into your pocket before kissing you on the cheek and whispering, “For if you miss me later and want to return them. Thanks for helping me relax baby.” You put your shirt back on and kiss her, “I love you Jihyo.” “I love you too, Y/n” she says, taking your hand and walking back towards the party.

[juhakx]

The Cruel Prince- Kim Sunwoo

Genre: Fantasy, Fae!Sunwoo, Angst

Word Count: 4098

a/n you do not have to have read the series mentioned to understand the plot.

setting and ib: the folk in the air series

bolded quote taken directly from The Cruel Prince by Holly Black—sunwoo is a direct reflection of cardan. he says things that are extremely similar to him. all credit for similarities goes to Holly Black.

You were only seven when you were brought into Elfhame. 

Meaning you were only seven when your present-day father murdered your real parents, two mortals. Your mother, a woman who made a grave mistake years ago and had a child with him, gone right in front of your eyes. 

Chae hated Elfhame. It was ironic in a way. The one who was part faerie hated the world you were in and wanted nothing more than to go back to the human world while you wanted everything and more in it. She complained constantly, saying that there wasn’t any reason for you to fit in–that you should just drop your life and go back to the mortal world. However, that wasn’t your world anymore, no matter how badly you once wanted it.

You wanted to be in Elfhame. As a mortal, it has been nothing but easy to prove yourself. All your life you’ve been hearing it all–your existence is only temporary, you don’t deserve to be here, you are nothing. 

Even with your father’s influence, it was never enough. And it will definitely never be enough for Kim Sunwoo, the youngest prince of Elfhame. 

If there was one person who wanted to make your limited life as difficult as possible, it was Sunwoo. You were sure he was going to be at the ball tonight, as was everyone with power in Elfhame, and as the advisor’s “daughter,” that included you. 

Sunwoo was infuriating. 

More than anything, he was confusing. One day, he’ll agonize you– remind you that you’re mortal by compelling you to do stupid things that would purposefully get you in trouble or letting his friends torment you. Friends who held vendettas against you that somehow justified their hatred. You were sure that he sent them to you to make your life harder, but then he would-

“Jihoon,” Sunwoo muttered, coming up to you and Jihoon. “Stay away from her.” 

“Touch her again. I dare you.”

“Here,” He presses a handkerchief to your stomach. “Go, quickly.” You stood still, confused. “Go, I command you to go.”

You weren’t sure which Sunwoo he was going to be today, and you hated that. 

The only thing you can hope is that once, just for once, Sunwoo would ignore you. That he wouldn’t send his little minions to torment you and let you enjoy your time tonight. Today, you were determined to have fun. After all, Juyeon would be there tonight.

-

The dress was beautiful. If there was one perk to being part of the advisor’s family, it was that only the finest clothes touched your skin. 

It was a rarity that you got to wear them though because most of your time was spent training. You were set on becoming a knight for the royal family and with the right amount of training, your father was willing to grant it to you. What he didn’t need to know were the special lessons you got behind his back from a kind faerie you met. Sangyeon sympathized with mortals that were in Elfhame because his mother was one. He had been in the world years before you were born, but he was still one of the kindest people you knew here. 

You smoothed out the lines in the pink dress that adorned your shoulders. White petals worked their way up the dress, stopping just before the lace corset started. Your hair was braided up into a crown wrapping around your head, a few loose strands falling out. Lastly, black kohl-lined your eyes, and a shimmery pink covered your lids. It was hard to wear makeup when you sweated it all off by the end of the day, so you were feeling particularly special today.

“You look beautiful,” Chae says once she enters the room. You can’t help but feel envious once she enters. You felt beautiful before she came in, but she was everything you wanted to be and more. 

A maroon dress flowed down her body. Her hair tucked behind her ears, the pointed ears being just one of the things that made it obvious that the two of you were different. Her makeup was light, the gold flecks in her eyes looking especially bright. She had someone to impress anyway, so it deemed fit that tonight be exceptional for her. 

“You as well. Changmin going to be there tonight?”

You knew he was, but you wanted to make her squirm. A blush littered her face as soon as you said his name. 

“He is, but you already knew that. If we’re stating the obvious then I can’t wait to see you with Juyeon tonight.” 

She guides you out the door, locking her arm with yours as you made your way to the carriage. 

“What is going on with the two of you anyway?” She asks, rolling her eyes at the guard who attempted to help her into the carriage. 

“I don’t really know,” You say, being sincere. “I just remember him being by Sunwoo’s side one day and then speaking to me the next.” 

Juyeon had never been one to pick on you as Sunwoo’s friends did. You never thought much of it until he smiled at you after you had pushed at Jihoon’s shoulders to get away from him. You weren’t sure what he did to make you angry, but you’re sure the shove was necessary. If Sunwoo made your life more difficult, Jihoon made your life a living hell.

“Why are you smiling at me like that?” You scoffed, watching his smile grow even wider once you noticed him. 

“I find you interesting,” He admits. “Can I walk you home? You know, just to be safe.”

“Just be careful. You know how these faeries are. Now come sister, we have a ball to attend,” Chae says, snapping you out of your thoughts. “I wonder what havoc I can cause today to piss him off.”

Him meaning your father, of course. 

As soon as you enter the manor in which the ball was held, you inadvertently look for familiar faces. 

Jihoon stood with Nayoung and Bomin, all part of Sunwoo’s clique. The two missing from the group were Juyeon, and Sunwoo himself. 

Soon enough, you lost Chae when Changmin asked her to dance. The two of you brought in some attention, as you did everywhere you went–The human and the attempted escapee fae. 

You can’t help but search for Juyeon, who affirmed he would be here tonight and would dance with you. 

“Looking for someone?” You twirl at the voice, immediately recognizing it. 

“Jihoon,” You reply in a dull monotone. 

He smirked as if the interaction was amusing to him, but the scowl remains on your face. 

“Care to dance?” He asks, holding out his hand. You peered down at his hand, your eyebrows furrowed. He was up to something and you weren’t sure whether the answer would be found if you danced with him or if you refused. 

You begin to shake your head, deciding you would rather face whatever he was planning in your refusal rather than acceptance. Not before long, you feel your hand being tugged, forcefully placed into the hand of Jihoon. 

“What a shame,” He frowns, immediately stepping into dance with you. “You don’t want to dance with me and Juyeon doesn’t want to dance with you. Better me than no one, right?”

Your eyes travel to where he’s looking and you’re met with the sight of Juyeon dancing with Nayoung, him whispering something into her ear causing her to laugh. He must notice a pair of eyes watching him because he turns to look at you, his smile not faltering. 

You should have known.

“I would say I’m sorry, but fae can’t lie,” You hear Jihoon say, causing you to finally tear your eyes away from the dancing pair. 

You’re thankful because the dance calls for a switch of partners. You didn’t want Jihoon to notice the embarrassed flush on your face and you’re afraid the lump in your throat wouldn’t hold up. Once Jihoon bids you a rather insincere farewell, you plan to move to the side, to the bathroom, anywhere you can go and be alone, but instead you feel another hand slip into yours.

“You look nice,” You feel him whisper against your ear. 

Sunwoo.

“Smell nice too,” He leans closer in, his nose trailing against your shoulder. Your heart begins to hammer against your chest as if it was trying to escape. “Why were you dancing with Jihoon?”

You can tell from the slur in his voice that something was different. If that didn’t give it away, the confused stare you get from Juyeon does, something finally catching his attention that wasn’t Nayoung. 

He was drunk.

There had been stories about an intoxicated Sunwoo. He was loud, forgetful, and most importantly, careless. You would blame his words upon the amount he had drunk, but even inebriated, faeries can’t lie. That was one thing you had that they didn’t, and now, it would come in handy pretending like Sunwoo’s words weren’t affecting you.

“Is that any of your business?” You ask causing him to finally remove his face from a place that was too close to your neck for your liking. He moves to look at you. 

“I guess it’s not,” He smiles, mirth in his eyes. “But I could just command you to answer, couldn’t I?” He lifts an eyebrow, and you pretend like it doesn’t cause your heart to beat any faster. You also pretend that you can’t feel the searing touch of his right hand on your waist. 

“As you do anytime you can’t get your way,” You scoff. “Happens quite often, doesn’t it? You would think you would have a little more power being a prince.”

If Sunwoo wasn’t under the influence, you would imagine him taking his hands off of you, startled by what you said to him. However, he didn’t move even though he knew his friends were watching him, so he must not find any shame in your words.

“Fair,” He nods his head, still looking into your eyes. It makes you almost uncomfortable, but you find yourself unable to turn away. “I have a proposition for you then.”

They say to never make propositions with faeries. They take their promises seriously and oftentimes humans found themselves entrapped in vows for the rest of their life. The look behind Sunwoo’s eyes made you nervous, like something he was going to say was equivalent to the stories you had heard.

You nod your head, “What is it?”

“You answer three questions of mine for three questions of yours. You answer truthfully. I won’t compel you. And as you already know, I can’t lie,” He looks sincere, and you curse yourself for not looking away yet. 

“But how will you know I’m not lying?” You ask, your eyes widening slightly when he twirls you around so that you’re suddenly facing a different direction. You remove your gaze from him to look behind his shoulder and you realize that you had an audience. Sunwoo’s friend group was looking directly at the two of you. Juyeon glowered in your direction, causing you to quickly look away from him and back at Sunwoo.

“I guess I’ll just have to take your word,” He shrugs, moving his face a little closer to yours. You feel something begin to swirl in your stomach–like butterflies had just been let out of a cage. 

“Ok,” You agree. You were a good liar. You had been pretending the entire time Sunwoo had been in front of you, so this should be easy. 

“You first,” He nods in your direction, moving the hand that was on your waist to thumb at the back of your dress. Your cheeks flush when his hand reaches an area of skin that was bare. Though he was drunk, his actions and words seemed put together, like he knew what he was doing. 

Your first question was something that had been lingering on your mind since before Sunwoo came in, so it’s what you ask first. 

“Did you know about Juyeon?” 

“Yes,” He replies almost immediately, his smile disappearing along with his answer. He doesn’t elaborate, causing you to frown. 

“You-” You sputter, “You have got to give me more than that.”

He turns you again so this time it’s him looking at his friends, and assumedly Juyeon as well.

“You should have asked a better question,” He dismisses. “My turn.”

He gets ready to ask his question but once he notices the frown that still littered your face, he sighs.

“Everyone knew, but he didn’t have to tell us. He has always had a thing for Nayoung. When he started speaking to you all of a sudden, it was to get her attention and she fell for it,” Sunwoo explains. His eyes flicker to someone behind you, and you can only presume it was Juyeon. 

“My turn,” He abruptly says, turning his attention back to you. “Why were you dancing with Jihoon?”

You feel a smirk begin to form on your face. “Because I wanted to,” You shrug. 

When your sentence ends there, Sunwoo scoffs, but a small smile also appears on your face.

“You have got to give me more than that,” He repeats back to you.

“And you should have asked a better question.”

 You hate that you’re enjoying the banter that drunk Sunwoo has to offer. You hate that you’re enjoying Sunwoo’s presence in any way, shape, or form. But you’re good at pretending, so you pretend that you don’t.

“He asked me to dance. I didn’t know what he was playing at until he took my hand even though I refused. That’s when he showed me Juyeon dancing with Nayoung,” You explain, deciding to tell the truth. There was no point in lying anyway, not over something so trivial. 

Sunwoo’s jaw hardens, but his eyes remain on you this time. 

“Why do you hate humans?” You ask, diverting his mind from whatever he was thinking. 

“I don’t hate humans,” He frowns, his eyebrows furrowing. He must realize what you’re insinuating because his grip on your back falters, moving away before going back in its previous position.

“So it’s just me?”

“That’s two questions,” He tries to joke. However, he becomes serious within seconds. 

It’s overwhelming–looking into Sunwoo’s eyes as you watch him try to form his next sentence. You would blame it on him being nervous if you hadn’t noticed the slight stumble in his step that was there from what he must have drunk earlier. 

“You,” He begins, tightening the grip of his left hand so it was holding yours just a little tighter. “You have made me angry, that’s true.”

You wait for him to continue, but he pauses for a second again, tearing his eyes away from you with a faraway look in his eyes. Then he begins.

“You make me angry because you are not your father’s child yet he loves you as if you were when mine can’t bother to do the same. You make me angry because you are human yet you are brave and you draw people in,” He pauses, looking back into your eyes. This time they were fiercer than before. Rather than causing your heart to beat faster, it nearly stops. He continues, “You make me angry because people pay attention to you, they want to pay attention to you. But-”

He draws you in closer, and you watch his eyes flicker from your eyes to your lips. He leans just a little bit closer. You’re sure you would have missed it if all your attention wasn’t on the boy in front of you. 

“But I hate you,” He starts, “I hate you because I think of you. Often. It’s disgusting and I can’t stop.”

Your hand slips from his grip and he does nothing to catch it. When you back away, that’s when he notices the effect of his words on you. They were suffocating. You weren’t sure of the answer you were expecting, but it wasn’t a sudden confession.

He attempts to grab your hand again before you can move any further, but the song calls for another change in partners. It was uncommon to stay with the same person, especially when you weren’t together–and even then, you watched Juyeon appear in the corner of your eye.

“Mind if I take his place?” Juyeon asks, coming in between you and Sunwoo. Even just looking at him made you feel pathetic, and knowing Sunwoo was watching made a shudder run through you. 

You shake your head, immediately feeling a sinking feeling in your stomach. Juyeon didn’t deserve a dance with you, let alone time for him to interrogate you on what was going on between you and Sunwoo. It wouldn’t have been necessary, because even you didn’t know what was going on. 

“Oh come on,” Juyeon begins before Sunwoo interrupts him.

“She answered your question,” Sunwoo slips in the space between you and Juyeon, turning his attention back to you. “As for me, I believe you owe me another,” He says, taking your hand once again.

It’s almost comical how Sunwoo pretends like he didn’t just turn your world against its axis. The two of you fall back into place easily, to a point where it made you sick to your stomach. It shouldn’t have been easy with Sunwoo, but it was. 

You want to see Juyeon’s reaction, but you can’t pay attention to much other than how Sunwoo’s mouth was against your ear again, just as it was when he first begin dancing with you. 

“Do you think of me too? Often?” He murmured, his lips grazing your ear. 

“Never,” You lie. 

He breathlessly laughs, the warm air hitting your skin making goosebumps arise. It was too much yet not enough all at once.

“I thought you promised not to lie,” He drops the hand that was holding yours, moving both his hands so they were on your waist. His grip was tight like he was afraid you would run away. 

You move your hands so they wrap around his neck. You take a deep breath, which in turn only makes things worse. All you could see, smell, and think about was Sunwoo

“Yes,” You whisper. “Often.”

Closing your eyes at the admittance, you breathe in again, this time wanting his scent to invade your senses. 

Sunwoo’s teeth graze the outer shell of your ear. You fear that Sunwoo can sense your anticipation. Can hear your heart beating so loudly. Can feel the way your hands shake as they are wrapped around his neck.

Mostly, you fear that he’s still drunk and doesn’t realize that his words and actions would still be there tomorrow. In your memory. Seared.

“Are you still drunk?” You ask, using up your last question. 

He nips at your ear before moving away, leaving you thankful yet disappointed that he was further away from you.

“I haven’t been drunk for a while,” His hand comes up to brush a loose strand of hair out of your face. “I think I’m intoxicated by something else now. But you already knew that, didn’t you?”

Before you can say anything else and deny his words, someone comes up from behind Sunwoo whispering into his ear, hushed. You recognized him as one of the guards of Elfhame, his uniform making him stick out. 

“I’m busy,” Sunwoo mutters, turning to face him. His hands leave your waist and the lack of them on your body makes you feel empty. 

Before you can blink, Sunwoo is urged out of the party. He can only glance at you once more before he turns away, rushing out. 

You can’t be sure if he would lie to himself and pretend all of this never happened.

-

Sleep came surprisingly easy to you.

For once, you slept soundlessly and as a light sleeper, that was quite the feat.

But then the nightmare began. You were in your bed. Someone was smothering your mouth, making sure you can’t scream, but you pretend to be asleep. When you feel them press up against you, you take your chance. Usually, these dreams ended with little to no success, but you attempted for your life anyway. 

You shove your elbow where you suspect the intruder to be and your eyes snap open when you hear a distinct groan.

"Ow," Sunwoo mutters, clutching his side.

"What are you," You yell, but then quieten down when you realize what time it is. "What are you doing here?"

Sunwoo's eyes widen as if he wasn't prepared for you to ask such a question. He was still crouched beside your bed, holding his stomach.

"Will you-" You stammer, moving out from under the covers to pull him up to your bed.  

When he situates himself onto your bed, you regain your composure before asking again.

“What are you doing here?”

Sunwoo looks around, pondering. “I don’t know. I just-.” He pauses, searching your face for something. “I still have a question left.”

Your jaw slightly drops, looking at the boy in front of you. He was truly unbelievable. 

“You snuck out of the castle and nearly killed me to ask me a question?” 

It should not have been endearing, but it was. He grabs your hand, just like he had done earlier. It had been easier understanding the world of faeries than whatever Sunwoo was playing at right now. And it’s Sunwoo, so he must be playing at something. Or so you try to convince yourself.

“What are you doing here Sunwoo?” You repeat.

“I kept my distance well. I hid my hatred so well that you believed it to be something else entirely. But I have told you my secret–I can’t stop thinking about you,” He whispers, something twinkling in his eyes. “And now that you’ve come so close, I fear you must always be there. I fear-” He stops himself to shift closer to you. His face was mere centimeters away from yours now. He wasn’t being discrete in his actions, staring down at your lips as he brings his hand up to trace your bottom lip.

“I fear that you must always be in my arms.”

Sunwoo closes the gap between your lips before you can think about the meaning behind his words. You know you should fight yourself, but you give in, in ways that were expected of anyone who had gotten to feel Sunwoo’s lips on theirs. 

He kissed delicately, his lips were soft and tasted of cherries for reasons that were beyond you, but you didn’t care. When he begins to move away as if realizing the consequences of his actions, you surge forward, placing your lips back on his. 

This time, he doesn’t hold back. His hands go straight to your waist as one of yours goes to cup his face while the other rests against his stomach. You understand why Sunwoo enjoyed being intoxicated, but you’re sure nothing could beat this feeling. There was nothing more intoxicating than Sunwoo as he kissed you. 

He sucks on your bottom lip, stopping to bite it before moving down to the side of your neck. A gasp leaves your lips as he sucks there as well, his plump lips detaching from your body when he finds himself satisfied with the mark he has left on your body. 

“You are too much,” Sunwoo breathes out after a moment of silence, his breathing shallow as he attempts to catch his breath. “You invade every aspect of my life.”

You try so hard to pretend, but even you can’t lie at this moment so you divert his attention in a way you know will keep you from embarrassing yourself.

“You have one more question,” You whisper. “Use it wisely.”

Sunwoo locks eyes with you again, a shared understanding between the two of you. You still felt yourself drowning under his gaze, but at least you know that you are not the only one.

“Let me kiss you once more.”

And you let yourself pretend that he asked you a question so you can feel his lips on yours once again.