#"God of Grace and God of Glory"

[minnesotafollower]

“The Benediction of Life Together” at Westminster Presbyterian Church 

On September 10, 2023, Rev. Tim Hart-Andersen. Senior Pastor at Minneapolis Westminster Presbyterian Church, delivered the sermon, “The Benediction of Life Together,” which was the first of his last seven sermons before his retirement at the end of October. Scripture Psalm 1: 1-3: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the…

[christianotome]

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1, 14)

[ae-cha08]

God, it’s astounding, breathtaking, overwhelming, to think about Your grace in our lives. 💕

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

We all know people, even unbelievers, who seem to be natural servants. They are always serving others one way or another. But God does not get the glory; they do. It is their reputation that is enhanced. But when we, natural servants or not, serve in dependence upon the grace of God with the strength He supplies, God is glorified.

Jerry Bridges

[kalahs-beautiful-realm]

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

[lettersfromgod]

📖 Source: https://www.thevolumesoftruth.com/Words_To_Live_By:_Part_One#The_Selfless_Servant

▶️ Video/Playlist: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq-WkRUyw4k&list=PLE8FlkxQPQkMinJ_T3GF3VuXpPKyIQyYK&index=32

[livechristcentered]

Romans 8 Practical Application

Life Through the SpiritTherefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned…

[mesillusionssousecstasy]

House of the Dragon 2x08: Quotes

"- I could not produce such a coin, even if I wanted to. (Ser Tyland) - Again, you plead poverty. It is hollow stuff from the mouth of a Lannister. Whose very stables and sculleries are carved into a mountain of gold." (Myrish captain) "- Essos is as rich as it is vast. It seems you need us more than we need you." (Myrish captain)

"- You will drive up the price of basic goods. (Ser Tyland) - It is better than starving, surely." (Myrish captain)

"- He deserves no less. (Aegon) - Be that as it may, he has gone in fury to Sharp Point... and laid waste to the whole of the town. (Larys) - Fucking mad cunt." (Aegon)

"- So, what was the fucking point in all this then? (Aegon) - The gods are cruel, Your Grace, but I hope you can see the urgency. (Larys) - No, no. I am the king. Why must I run? (Aegon) - Because the prince regent is going to kill you. You were in danger before, and now, he is thwarted and he is angry. There is no telling what he will do, but we have an opportunity while he is away... (Larys) - An opportunity to push him out." (Aegon)

"- My cock is destroyed, did they tell you that? Yeah. It burst into flames like a sausage on the split." (Aegon)

"- Deamfyre, hatched when the Conqueror was king." (Rhaenyra)

"- Aemond thought himself invincible. He has now discovered he is not. He'll be angry, desperate. He will not stop at burning Sharp Point, and he will not be denied." (Corlys)

"- My ship is no longer the Sea Snake. She was a testament to my own glory. I've given her a new name. The Queen Who Never Was." (Corlys)

"- I would speak honestly with you. (Ser Alfred Broome) - I'd expect nothing less. (Daemon) - I was faithful to the king, your brother. I pledged my banners to Rhaenyra, his heir. I will never serve the usurpers or the whelps of Oldtown, but there are battles to be fought... (Ser Alfred Broome) - voice (whispers): Traitor. - ... and in times like this... Did you hear something? (Ser Alfred Broome) - This place will have you barking at the moon. (Daemon) - While you have mustered an army, Rhaenyra has faltered... turning aside from our judgment, and taking a course, I myself, deem reckless. Rhaenyra will chart her own course, for good or ill. But you are a leader of men. If you declare yourself, your lords will follow you. (Ser Alfred Broome) - I never took you for a turncloak... Ser Alfred. (Daemon) - Rhaenyra's intentions are good. But what we need, in this moment... is a king." (Ser Alfred Broome)

"- Why does everybody hate us? (Helaena) - They're unhappy... and unhappy people look for someone to hate. (Alicent) - We didn't order the blockade. (Helaena) - No, but we are the crown, so they expect us to break it. Drink this. (Alicent) - I was happier before I was queen. (Helaena) - What would you think about leaving this place? (Alicent) - Where would I go?" (Helaena)

"- Made commoners into dragonlords! (Aemond) - Ow, ow! (Helaena) - Aemond! Aemond! (Alicent) - It is a sin and must be punished! (Aemond) - May I remind you your sister is still the queen? (Alicent) - Ow! (Helaena) - As you were once! And you see now what is the consequence of your weakness! We are in peril today more than yesterday! (Aemond) - Was it peril that moved you to burn the town of Sharp Point? Peril or basest fury at your own humiliation? You wish to rule the Seven Kingdoms, but you rain ruin and death upon its smallfolk when you've been insulted because it makes you feel strong and now you seek to corrupt your sister, of all our line, the gentlest and most deserving of your protection. (Alicent) - And who will protect her if she cannot protect herself? (Aemond) - And who will she be if her mind is broken?! (Alicent) - 'Tis no longer our rule that is threatened, our very lives. Would you not have us prevail? (Aemond) - Not like this." (Alicent)

"- Do you think nothing of your oath... Lord Commander? Steward's son from Dorne fucking the queen of the Seven Kingdoms. (Gwayne Hightower) - Do not think I have no shame in me, ser. Desire for women has brought me grief after grief. (Ser Criston) - Then resist it. (Ser Gwayne) - Oh, would that it were so simple. (Ser Criston) - Your brothers in the Kingsguard find a way. (Ser Gwayne) - (...) Or perhaps all men are corrupt... and true honor is a mist that melts in the morning. (Ser Criston) - That is a bleak philosophy. (Ser Gwayne) - The dragons dance, and men are like dust under their feet. And all our fine thoughts, all our... endeavors are as nothing. We march now toward our annihilation. To die will be a kind of relief. Don't you think?" (Ser Criston)

"- I have not and I would not." (Ser Tyland)

"- It does not befit a prince to pout. Do you believe that you are the first noble heir who was not sired by his noble father? Such is the way of the world, Jace, and in resenting it, you only diminish yourself. (Baela) - Easy enough to say. I've heard the whispers the whole of my life. (Jace) - Then prove to them that you are worthy." (Baela)

"- I wish to have children by you. (Lohar) - You, you, you want me to... (Ser Tyland) - Indeed. I want you to fuck my wives. (Lohar) - How many wives do you have?" (Ser Tyland)

"- There will be time enough to see which one of us is a coward." (Addam of Hull)

"- When you came here, you were a closed fist. You wished to bend the world to your will. But you've discovered, I think, that... this world will not be governed. There are omens here for those who seek them. You do not scoff? (Alys) - I'm no longer inclined to. (Daemon) - I'm pleased to hear it. Do you wish, then, to learn what is given to you? All your life, you have sought to command your own fate. But today you are ready. (Alys) - It's all a story... and you are but one part in it. You know your part. You know what you must do." (Helaena)

"- Come with me... to Harrenhal? We will lay waste to Daemon and his army. Let our enemy see that we will answer outrage with outrage. (Aemond) - And if I refuse? Will you burn me as you did Aegon? (Helaena) - That is a lie. (Aemond) - I saw it. You burned him and you let him fall. (Helaena) - What you say is treason. (Aemond) - Aegon will be king again. He's yet to see victory. He sits on a wooden throne. And you... you'll be dead. You were swallowed up in the God's Eye, and you were never seen again. (Helaena) - I could have you killed. (Aemond) - It wouldn't change anything." (Helaena)

"- You cannot lead if you do not inspire. (Alyn) - You have been given a position to which all who serve here aspire." (Corlys)

"- Be strong. You know you are just. You must not let the Realm fail to those who care for power more than peace. You must prevail. (Mysaria) - And who pays the price?" (Rhaenyra)

[shivering-isles-cryptid]

The Theocratic Papers

Bit of background before you read these, these are 4 essays written by me in character for what I believed should have been a third option in the Skyrim Civil war. Also, warning, this was proofread but no spelling or grammatical errors were brought to my attention so I’m not sure if there are any or not, and it’s very long. Very.

Also here it is @nerevar-quote-and-star and @stormbeyondreality the complete thing, even though Mal has already read it all.

You can also find this on Ao3:

My fellow citizens of Skyrim. Our land has been plagued by a brutal war that has deprecated not just our home, but families. That’s why me and my comrades are proposing a third option. We shed our imperialized form and return to the glory days of the Old Nordic pantheon. The glory days of Kyne and Shor, Tsun and Stuhn, of Jhunal and the Testing Gods.

Now, i understand that this will be a difficult choice for many. The Imperials have had a grip on Skyrim for centuries, and we do not expect for it to change over night. But we do believe we can get there eventually, with the grace of Jhunal. In this document, we shall list the many reasons why we believe neither sides of this war are truly good options, and why we think you should join with us in returning to the true glory days of Skyrim.

Point 1: the Sins of a Stormcloak

The first issue we wish to bring to light is the sins and crimes committed by the Jarl of Windhelm. This list is by no means small, and many of them were well hidden by him and those using him.

First, the Markarth Incident. The Reachfolk took back the city, which was stolen from them in the first place, and treated all of the Nord residents fairly, allowing them to live their lives as if nothing changed. The Empire wasn’t going to do anything about it, as they were already spent from the Great War, and trying to keep the Aldmeri Dominion at bay. They had bigger enemies to worry about than some Skyrim natives fighting over land. But Jarl Hrolfdir decided he wanted his castle back, so he contacted Ulfric and told him he would allow Talos worship in his city. So Ulfric gathered a militia and ransacked Markarth, slaughtering women and children’s n’s every single Reachman in the city.

Stuhn teaches us the value in keeping prisoners of war. But Ulfric slaughtered all of them. Man, woman, child, none were spared by his harsh hand. This one example shows the cruelty in Ulfrics heart, as he took the kindhearted Reachman who merely fought for their homes and never harmed a single Nord that didn’t attack them first, and he massacred them all. That is what truly happened. It was not a Markarth Incident. It was a Markarth Massacre.

I have personally interviewed a Nord resident of Markarth who was present for this event, and his story will further support our argument.

“I was there when the Forsworn took the city. It was not a blood full battle, with the Legion having left us for the Imperial City. They dethroned Jarl Hrolfdir, instead of executing him. They lived in the city, occupying empty homes instead of removing us from ours. I remember them all, reuniting with family and friends, making new friends and starting new families. I watched children grow up, seeing elders die, and couples wed. 2 years they lived alongside us, families mixing and growing. Then he came. Ulfric, wielding powers long forgotten. He invaded the city, alongside a militia of farmers and mercenaries. And the dethroned Hrolfdir. Ulfric gathered every Reachman in the city to the city square, executing each and everyone of them. Man, woman, child, elder, it didn’t matter to him. They were all killed, save for Madanach and the few who escaped. He even killed Callacha, my sweet Callacha.”

At this moment, the man broke into tears at the memory. This quote acts as a first person account of the true event of the Markarth Massacre. Ulfric is no hero, he is a battle thirsty, power hungry man who doesn’t deserve any kind of power, much less the power of the Voice. And once our informant finished mourning his lost love, he continued to explain to us that despite the victory, Ulfric refused to cede the city to Hrolfdir until he decreed that Talos worship be allowed in the city. When the Thalmor agents came and demanded Ulfrics arrest, many of the cities residents demanded Hrolfdir agree.

Ulfric killed their friends, their families, and almost took control of their city, and then faced no punishment until another invading force came and demanded it. Ulfrics actions not only caused the deaths of hundreds of people and the ruin of countless lives, but he directly caused the Thalmor to occupy Skyrim, which they hadn’t paid any mind to nor did they enforce the White-Gold Concordant.

Second, Ulfric murdered the High King of Skyrim. This is a topic under heavy debate across Skyrim. The Stormcloaks argue that it was an honor-duel, a tradition that dates back to the first kings of Skyrim. That is something I can not argue with, as a challenge was made and accepted. But that does not mean Ulfrics victory followed the rules of the duel. Ulfric used a power not seen by any but the Greybeards for hundreds of years. His use of the Thu’um to kill Skyrims High King is an affront to Kyne and a bastardization of her gift to her people.

The Thu’um May once have been used by Nords the way swords are used today, but that day has long since past. Once upon a time, magicks were used by the Norse under the watchful tutelage of Jhunal, but that day was long ago, and has been replaced with a fear and hatred for the ancient arts. Would the Stormcloaks defend Ulfric the Murderer with as much fervor and fury if he had used a spell instead of a Shout? Would they still declare him king if he had used the gift of Jhunal instead of the gift of Kyne?

No, they wouldn’t have. And I ask you, dear reader, what is truly the difference between the two arts? What is the difference between flames from you hand and flames from your mouth? Moving back the High King Torygg. We hold members in our ranks who work in the Solitude Court, and their accounts of Torygg show that he agreed with Ulfric. He believed that Skyrim should be an independent nation, and that the Imperial Empire had grown weak.

But Ulfric challenged him anyway. And yes, I will admit that Ulfric couldn’t possibly have known of Toryggs beliefs, but if he had just given him a chance. If he had pleaded his case first, instead of jumping on the chance to challenge the young man. This challenge held no glory, no honor to be won. Torygg was young, with little martial training, and Ulfric was a war veteran wielding an ancient power from the Gods themselves.

All who die in worthy ways go to Shor, on the wings of Kyne and her daughters, but because of Ulfric, Torygg will be going to him young, dishonored, and without the wisdom of age.

Thirdly, Ulfric caused the return of the dragons, however unintentional it may have been. We all know of the Dragonborn. The hero who bears the soul of a dragon and the body of a mortal. We grew up on the stories of their return, on the stories of Alduins destruction of the world. And we all know the prophecy.

When misrule takes its place at the eight corners of the world.

When the Brass Tower walks and Time is reshaped

When the thrice-blessed fail and the Red-Tower trembles

When the Dragonborn Ruler loses his throne, and the White Tower falls

When the Snow Tower lies sundered, kingless, bleeding

The World-Eater wakes, and the Wheel turns upon the Last Dragonborn

Those last two lines are the ones I’d like to bring a focus to. “When the Snow Tower lies sundered, kingless, bleeding. The World-Eater wakes, and the Wheel turns upon the Last Dragonborn.” Our scholars have spent wells analyzing this prophecy, and they have come to the conclusion that the Snow Tower refers to Skyrim herself, a bit obvious once you look at it, and once we learned that, it was obvious what the other words meant.

With the death of High King Torygg, Ulfric set the final part of this prophecy into place. By killing the High King, he left Skyrim “sundered, kingless, bleeding.” He opened the path way for Alduin to return, setting in motion the end of the world. While he also set in motion the return of the Dragonborn, if the Dovahkiin had failed, all of Nirn would have fallen under his control.

Ulfrics lust for power and hunger for glory has placed not just him, not just Skyrim, but all of Tamriel in danger! He had endangered everyone in his quest for glory with no concern of the consequences. While he may not have known he would cause Alduins return, even the political backlash from the Empire, Thalmor, and Skyrim itself weren’t considered by Ulfric the Murderer.

All of these reason, and more we may not know yet, are why Ulfric is not fit to rule Skyrim, or even Windhelm. He has shown a blatant disregard for the lives of the Nords, and even though he claims to hold the values of a traditional Nord, he only follows the ones that support him and his lies. He calls for an ancient duel, then uses magic to win, he calls for religious freedom so he can worship an Imperial god. He lies and cheats when it suits him while preaching about honor and Nordic pride. But do not take my criticisms of Ulfric for support of the Empire, for that has issues of its own.

Point 2. Imperial Issues

The issues with the Legion are easier to list, as they have been happening for centuries, unlike Ulfrics all being within the past 20-30 years. Many of our issues are not with the legion itself, but with the Empire, much like Ulfric we have members who are war veterans, who fought in the Great War, who even joined the Civil War when the Empire called for them, but were dismissed due to injuries and saw how little the Empire truly cares about Skyrim.

The first thing we should discuss is the Great War. This war weighed heavy on many people in Skyrim, and all of Tamriel, with the deaths of loved ones and almost themselves. This war with the Aldmeri Dominion is not an issue itself. The Dominion is a blight and that is plain for us all to see. Their head god is the killer of Shor, and they talk as if they’re inherently better than the Nords.

Our issue is not with the war. Our issue is with its conclusion. During the siege of the Imperial City, Emperor Titus Mede II sacrificed an entire Legion so he could escape. He then called all of the troops from Hammerfell and Skyrim back, leaving the provinces defenseless while he marched on the now Dominion controlled Imperial City. Jhunal and Stuhn teach us the importance of strategic planning, but this follows the precedent of the Empire abandoning Skyrim. Much like during the Oblivion Crisis, when our lands were ravaged by the forces of Mehrunes Dagon, and yet the Legion couldn’t spare a single legion to help. Yes, they had they’re own issues to deal with, but they couldn’t even send a militia?

Now, back to the Great War, more specifically the treaty that ended it. The White-Gold Concordant was a treaty signed by Emperor Titus Mede II 4E 175, after he had taken the Imperial City back. And it was completed unnecessary. The Empire had won, they had the City back, they had driven the Dominion from Hammerfell, it was only a matter of time before they regained their strength and took the rest of Cyrodiil back.

And they still signed it. They outlawed the worship of the God of the Empire. They gave Hammerfell to the Dominion, without even discussing it with them. They disbanded the Blades, the honor guard of the Empire. This is such an obvious show that the Empire doesn’t care for its citizens, or it’s traditions. They sold an entire country to the Dominion, what’s to stop them from doing it again? They outlawed the worship of the man who founded their empire, why wouldn’t they outlaw our gods? They disbanded the Blades, the personal guard of the Dragonborn, if they would throw out they’re own traditions without a second thought, imagine what they would do to ours?

Secondly, Titus Mede the First was not a liberator of the Empire, but a conqueror and the Mede Dynasty holds no legitimacy to their rule. After the assassination of Chancellor Ocato, a Nibenese witch-warrior was crowned emperor. While he was not liked by the people, he was favored by the Elder Council, who’s duty it is to choose the Emperor. They had made their choice, and as citizens of the Empire it was our duty to respect it.

But Titus Mede did not. He marched on the Imperial City, crowning himself Emperor. He conquered an Empire, not founded. He dethroned the Emperor and went against the Elder Council. This once again shows such a blatant disregard for tradition that we can’t help but fear what they’ll ignore next.

And our current Emperor, Titus Mede II has made our current empire a shadow of itself. Valenwood and Elsweyr have been ceded to the Thalmor, Morrowind has yet to recover from Red Mountain and hasn’t been a part of the Empire since 4E 48, Hammerfell was sold to the Dominion before ceding from the Empire itself, and Black Marsh was lost long ago. The current state of the Empire only includes 3 countries, and they struggle to hold onto even those.

Titus Mede II signed the Concordant which started the Civil War, and he makes no moves to end it, sending one general without an army, with no weapons, no money, and no supplies. He is unfit to rule, as he had proven time and time again. And that’s not even touching on the illegitimacy of his claim to the throne.

Titus Mede I stole his crown, conquering the Empire. Titus Mede II dragged the Empire to the ground. And neither are truly worthy of their titles. The Empire was started by the Slave-Queen Alessia with the help of Kyne and Mara. The Second Empire was started by Reman Cyrodiil, the next in the line of Dragonborn Emperors. The Third Empire was started by Tiber Septim, Dragon of the North. Our current empire was conquered by Titus Mede, a Nibenese noble with an ego.

One of these things are not like the others, with Titus Mede being the first non-Dragonborn emperor to start a new dynasty. Why, in this time of war and dragons, would the Last Dragonborn not be born in the line of Emperors, if they were truly meant to rule? Why would Akatosh not bless the ruling family with his blood if he truly approved of their reign. Because they hold no legitimate claim to the throne. Instead, he gave the power to Skyrim, with the blessing of Shor and Kyne, in order to stop Alduin the Word Eater and set the world to a new age.

The Last Dragonborn holds a stronger claim to the Empire than any of the Mede’s could hope for. And yet they make no grab for power, because they know they don’t have to. They have their kingdom here, in Skyrim. The land of the Nords and home of the Sons and Daughters of Kyne.

Now, while we call for a return to the Old Ways of Skyrim, we understand that many may have forgotten their roots, and will need a reminder. So in the next passage we shall educate you all on the true path of the Nords.

Point 3: Traditions and Customs

A return to tradition can not happen if we do not know our traditions and history. Us Nords are an ancient culture, and our ways date back to the founding of Skyrim. We have many things to cover, so this may be the longest part of the Papers. First, the gods of the Old Ways.

Kyne

The Kiss at the End. Goddess of the Storm. Widow of Shor and patron of warriors. The Mother of Men. She, her daughters, and Parthunaax taught the Nords the Thu’um or “Storm Voice”. Her tears over Shors death were the first rain in Nirn. She is associated with hawks.

Mara

Goddess of Love. Handmaiden of Kyne. Concubine of Shor. Goddess of fertility and agriculture. She is often depicted as a she-wolf.

Dibella

Goddess of Beauty. Worshipped across Skyrim, each of her cults being dedicated to different parts of her sphere. Some are devoted to women, others art, and others the more sensual sides of her. Dibella is often times associated with moths.

Stuhn

God of Ransom. Brother of Tsun, Shield-thane to Shor. Warrior-god who fought against the Aldmeri gods. He taught Men how to and the importance of taking prisoners of war, and is represented by the whale.

Jhunal

The Rune God. God of knowledge and hermetic orders. His worship and teachings have been shunned by modern day Skyrim. He is often times depicted as an owl or has an owl with him.

Shor

God of the Underworld. Shor sided with Men after the creation of the world. Elven gods conspired against him and brought along his defeat, dooming him to the afterlife, Sovengarde. He is the Chief of the Gods. Not explicitly worshipped, for he is a dead god. Shor is depicted as a fox in most cases. And it is commonly believed that Shor would come down to Earth in mortal vessels known as Shezzarines to the Imperials and Ysmir to us.

Orkey

Also called Old Knocker, he is the god of mortality. Nords once held lives as long as the elves, until Orkey tricked us into a bargain that shortened our life spans to 6 years, until Shor removed the curse. Orkey, like the other testing gods, is depicted as a snake.

Alduin

The World Eater. He is fated to destroy the world, eating it in order to make place for the next. He is both a creator and a harbinger of the apocalypse. Many of modern day Skyrim has become very well acquainted with Alduin, due to his return and defeat at the hands of the Dragonborn. Alduin is, obviously, depicted as a dragon.

The Testing Gods

Herma Mora (the Woodland Man) tests the Nords through wit. He is an ancient demon of knowledge, who spent much of Ysgramors life targeting him. He is also called Hermaeus Mora

Mauloch (God of Orcs) tests the Nords through warfare. Mauloch spent much time torturing the heirs of King Harald. He is also called Malacath.

Tsun

The Dead God of trials against adversity. He died defending Shor in battle and now guards the whalebone bridge leading to Shors Hall. He is the brother of Stuhn. Despite being one of the dead gods, when Tsun is honored he is often depicted as a bear.

Now that we have covered the Gods themselves, it’s time to talk about the traditions. One thing that is very important in both the old ways and modern ways is music and stories.

The skalds of old held places of high esteem in our society. The oral traditions and stories they passed down hold the history of our people, and the songs they spun acted as the light in the darkest of days. And with Dibella being the patron of the arts, it is no wonder that the skalds hold her favor.

Another part of our traditions are the ice wraith hunts. In the dead of winter, young men would go to the tallest peaks for weeks hunting the wraiths in order to earn their citizenship. This acted as not just a test of their battle prowess, but as a way to prove their faith in Kyne, for those who’s faith is strong are rewarded with an immunity to the cold.

One very special tradition is the naming ceremony. Where a priest of Jhunal and a priestess of Mara would use omens and prophecy to choose a name for a child during a special ceremony before they’re ninth birthday.

One tradition that is not so happy is the practice of wergild, an act of retribution in Stuhns name. Where if one life is taken, another must be given, or an amount of high value items will be taken as payment, if it is agreed upon.

To bring this back to a lighter note, there are 4 holidays celebrated in the ancient traditions. The first is the Feast of Dibella, where a silver, moth shaped mirror is displayed for the goddess so that she might be drawn in by her beauty and bless the city. Another holiday is Feast of the Dead, where on the 13th of Suns Dawn, a feast takes place in honor of the Five Hundread Companions of Ysgramor. One very special holiday is Konunleikar, which is a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the High Kings coronation, which we sadly did not get to celebrate for High King Torygg as we had not even made it to the one year anniversary of his rule.

One lost tradition is the use of the Thu’um. Like Ulfric and the Greybeards, the ancient Nords were capable of using the Thu’um and shouts since we were created by Kyne. The Ancient Tongues were a staple of Nordic civilization and honored as parts of the society. They were instrumental in wartime and sieges, while also acting as voices for the gods. But that changed when Jurgen Windcaller banned the use of Thu’um outside of times of “true need”.

Windcaller never specified what true need meant, and so the Greybeards, his disciples, sit in their home of High Hrothgar doing nothing as the world falls around them. Tiber Septim did establish the Imperial College of the Voice in hopes to return the practice to Skyrim, but it never amounted to anything.

The funerary rights used by ancient Nords are still in practice in many places today, such as Windhelm, Markarth, Winterhold, Riften, and Falkreath. While Falkreath doesn’t bury their dead in a tomb, the rites used are those done by ancient Mords, albeit with an Imperial twist that honors Arkay instead of Shor. Winterholds burial practices are more similar to Solstheim’s burials as they entomb the body’s in ice using magic only known by the College of Winterhold. Another funeral rite that was practiced by the ancient birds was ancestor veneration, with offerings of gold, wine, apples, snowberries, and weapons being left for them to take to the afterlife. This is a practice still held by many Norse to this day.

Now, we have covered as many of the old traditions as we can, it is time for us to move on to the true point of these essays. How the old ways and help us move into the future.

Point 4: The Future with the Past

We know how we sound, we must return to the past in order to move into the future. But listen to me my brothers and sisters. The Nords have lived under Imperial control since the first empire. Since Alessia, they have tried to convert us to their gods. They have tried to make us forget our culture in favor of there’s, and for centuries they had failed.

We can return to that strength again, if we return to the old ways. The ways of Kyne and Shor, Jhunal and Stuhn, Mara and Orkey. The gods gave us strength, and ever since we abandoned them, we have gotten weaker. Now do not get us wrong, we understand that this can not happen immediately. It will take time for the Nords to return to our old ways, so here is what we suggest.

First, we dethrone Ulfric as Jarl of Windhelm, replacing him with an actual True Nord of Skyrim. Then, we convene the moot to vote in a high king or queen who is dedicated to the old ways. Then, we reinstate the temples to the old gods in each city. Converting the temple of Kynareth in Whiterun to a temple of Kyne, the Temple of Talos in Windhelm to a temple of Shor, we shall open a temple of Stuhn in Morthal, and Winterhold shall be known as the City of Jhunal.

The High King or Queen shall also act as avatars of either Shor or Kyne on earth, being placed as the heads of not just the country, but also the religious practices.

The traditions named previously shall come back to Skyrim, with the naming ceremony and ice wraith hunt being the first to come back. We know that many in Skyrim do not hold the martial prowess for the ice wraith hunt, so we do not expect the first one to take place for 9 years after we take command, as to rightfully train Skyrims people in warfare, to at least take on a wraith.

Skyrims Halls of the Dead shall also be converted into temples of Shor and Tsun, and be open will laces of worship and veneration to not just the gods, but ancestors as well. Outside of each major city, there shall be a spot of nature and trees sacred to Kyne. Hunting is permitted here, as long as you can prove yourself to the goddess and her servants.

Efforts will be made to excavate Labyrinthian, and return it to the great city it once was. We shall also set up a museum to teach about Nordic heroes and history such as the Dragon Cult and the Nordic-Falmer War. With help from the College of Winterhold, we hope to excavate as many Nordic ruins we can, either converting them into cities, burial mounds, or at least setting the dead to rest.

And as for the Thalmor and Empire, they will be given a chance to leave Skyrim or join us, but if they wish for neither then we will make them leave. We hope to avoid war, as enough blood had been spilled during the Great War and Civil War, but if we are left with no other option, then we will fight and we will win for the glory of Skyrim and her children.

Now, one thing that neither side of the Civil War has yet to address is the Dragons. We will not be as blind. With the defeat of Alduin, the dragon threat has been reduced but not eliminated. So we shall create a group dedicated to wiping out the rest of the dragon threat. Under the patronage of Kyne, our Einherjar will eradicate the dragon threat from Skyrim.

This is not everything we wish to do, but it is as much as we can say at this point in the war. We hope this essay has convinced you to side with us against both the False Empire and the Traitorous Stormcloaks. If so, come to the Skyrim Historical Society in Whiterun and present them a copy of these papers and they shall know what to do next.

Published by the Skyrim Historical Society, Whiterun Wind District.

[shirolian]

I can't stop thinking about the concept of reincarnation thanks to a certain god -> looking at you, Hue Spoilers ahead btw, you have been warned (✿◠‿◠)

The story established, that Hue loved/loves Clotho. From what I picked up during my reading of all Hue's stories and mainly "If you were a Goddess", Clotho was not really different from present day MC in character.

When Hue gave up his eye to save her soul, we know, that the very same soul survived and was reincarnated to MC. It's still the same soul, there is no alternation, no buts or ifs, just the Soul ™️ Yet the story tried to portray this as if MC was completely different person and like, I get from where the writers are coming from. MC definitely has her own life experiences that her previous life didn't - she has her own family, education, job, interests. But in her core, Clotho and MC are the same to me. They are both very kind, playfull and selfless personalities. Their mannerism is same too. There is no confirmation but I assume they look same or very similiar in looks too because MC just seen herself when she looked in the water mirror in the "Mussings on Love" story.

In this story, "Mussings on Love" she was transported into the past, where she occupied her previous body of Clotho and it was only due to her own jealousy. She pondered if Hue loves her or the goddess more. But like, how can this even be a question? It's still her. Goddess was her, MC is her, she even has some memories from the past life and they are her own. How can you be jelaous of yourself? In the end MC understood it when she compared past Hue and present Hue - it was still him, she loved both of them the same because both of them carry the same, one Soul ™️

I'm writing all of this because it seriously pissed me off when MC had this bout of jelaousy like Hue's dead girlfriend was some stranger person unrelated to her and she compared the happiness of his past with his happiness in present. Writers also tried very hard to put some questionable lines to Hue's mouth when he said that he loves MC and that he made peace with the goddess death which MC interpreted as:

"Goddess is this different person and I'm me."

The "me" is however, same. In the past, in the present, it's still you, MC. Hue wouldn't love you if you weren't his soulmate, emphasis on soul. To wrap this up (I'm seriously slightly embrassed how lengthy this got) I'd like to cite my favorite quote from TGCF that I find very fitting to this situation:

“The one standing in infinite glory is you; the one fallen from grace is also you. What matters is ‘you’ and not the state of you.”

[greater-than-the-sword]

Highlights from Ferguson's Chapters on Christian Assurance

Because I know some of y'all struggle with this and I've got not one but TWO separate people requesting this in the last couple of days.

The first thing that Ferguson does (although I don't want to spend too much time on it) which I already posted about somewhat, is to clearly disambiguate assurance from faith itself. As it was mentioned, "faith is the direct act, assurance is the reflex act", or as it is stated elsewhere,

It seems that you do not want a ground for your believing, but for your believing that you have believed. (Thomas Boston)

Ferguson then moves on to the next point, which is that a true believer is absolutely entitled to have the assurance of salvation. That is, while a believer may or may not actually experience such a feeling, they have every right to.

[believers] may in this life be certainly assured that they are in a state of grace, and may rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Westminster Confession of Faith)

Of course, the question of getting assurance of salvation cannot be separated from the question of whether one's salvation is actually genuine, because one is only entitled to the assurance of the existence of something that is actually there.

My notes: It's at this point one has to remember the beautiful simplicity of the gospel.

Ferguson spends some time dealing with the so-called "practical syllogism" of assurance; that is, the biblical statements about how one can know that one is a believer through their obedience to the commands of Christ.

But he does note:

...the practical syllogism does not work without respect to faith. Nor should it be criticized as though it were intended to be an alternative way of experiencing assurance apart from faith.

My notes: This means that similarly to how there is not an alternative "works path" of getting salvation, there is not an alternative "works path" of getting assurance of salvation.

Rather by quoting Calvin he points out that this kind of assurance can be had in the sense of noticing what God has done in your life:

Therefore, when we rule out reliance upon works, we mean only this: that the Christian mind may not be turned back to the merit of works as to a help toward salvation but should rely wholly on the free promise of righteousness. But we do not forbid him from undergirding and strengthening his faith by signs of the divine benevolence toward him...; the grace of good works shows that the Spirit of adoption has been given to us. -John Calvin (emphasis mine)

Therefore

Inconsistent Christian living leads to lack of assurance. At least, it leads to a lack of true assurance (although, alas, not necessarily to a lack of self-assurance) -Sinclair B. Ferguson

My notes: he interestingly here refers to false assurance as self-assurance, that is, coming from the self rather than from the Spirit.

If assurance came from one's self alone, it wouldn't be enough, because the Bible says to let every matter be settled by two witnesses. But who is there to observe the human heart? It's not surprising that we often feel that our own feelings alone are not enough. Fortunately,

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. (Romans 8:16)

But sometimes our own feelings and conscience actively work against us. But in that case,

If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (1st John 3:20)

But there are other possible reasons for feeling lack of assurance as well. Even the Devil himself would very much like to sabotage the assurance of the believer, as noted in chapter 11,

Satan knows he cannot ultimately destroy those whom Christ saves. He is therefore determined to destroy our enjoyment of our new relationship to the Lord. (Ferguson)(emphasis original)

Lastly, as a gift from the Lord, the assurance of salvation is not to be avoided because it doesn't lead to licentiousness or to pride, but to obedience and humility, which Ferguson mentions on the last page.

I'm sure there is more to post in these great chapters, but these are the highlights, and I hope it is helpful.

[orthodoxadventure]

Praying the Bible in the Liturgy

Orthodox Christians are not merely to read the Bible; we are also to pray the Bible. This takes place most clearly and completely in the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom on a Sunday to Sunday basis. Yes, there are two readings from the New Testament during the Liturgy -- an Epistle reading from one of the Letters of the apostles, Paul, Peter, James and John or other apostolic writings; and a Gospel reading from one of the four evangelists -- but we pray the Lord's prayer and also sing verses from the Book of Psalms. In the priest's blessing, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all," we hear St. Paul's final farewell to the Church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 13:13); and in the choir's singing of "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Sabaoth, Heaven and Earth are full of Your glory," we hear the song of the angelic cherubim first heard by the Old Testament prophet Isaiah in the Temple in Jerusalem (Isaiah 6:1-5). The prayers of the Liturgy are full of biblical imagery and shot through with hundreds of Biblical quotes. In fact, the late French Orthodox theologian, Paul Evdokimov (1902-1970), once calculated that there are 98 quotations from the Old Testament and 114 quotations from the New Testament woven into the prayers of the Liturgy. The language of the Liturgy is the language of the Bible! To come to Liturgy attentively is to learn to pray the Bible!

But more than this: the priesthood, the vestments, the altar, the tabernacle, the oil lamps, the incense, and so much else of the Church's structures for worship are taken from the Old Testament Scriptures, particularly Exodus, Leviticus and the Book of Psalms, and are seen as the Christological fulfillment of the worship of the people of ancient Israel in both the synagogue and the Temple as described in the New Testament's Letter to the Hebrews. Every aspect of the Old Testament Passover/Exodus has been fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Christ and this is what we celebrate at each Divine Liturgy!

[Source of text: The Divine Liturgy of our Father among the Saints John Chrysostom (with Commentary and Notes)]

[verpaso]

A season 6 pirates scene idea I don’t want to put on my writing/art blog

[Ezra stands before a door on a ship. His hands are tied behind his back, and on each side of him there is a soldier. The soldier on the left has his hand clamped hard around Ezra’s upper arm. Ezra’s face is hardened and glaring.]

ATKINSON: Let him in.

[The soldier to the right opens the door, and Ezra is forced inside, though he snarls at the soldier as he’s forced to take a seat as well.

He sits across from Atkinson at a desk, unaware of who he is. Atkinson is stiff and silent, just staring, maybe analyzing. The room is a captain’s quarters, very neat, though the walls host several guns and blades. A large map hangs on the back wall, various pins stuck into it. The desk is littered with papers and navigation equipment.

Ezra’s eye catches on a small crystal skull, being used as a paperweight. He inhales in recognition.]

EZRA: You’ve been to Dead Man’s Cove.

ATKINSON: Yes, rather. [He picks up the skull, and ponders it.] A long time ago, now.

EZRA: [Sneers.] Now you’ve grown old. Is that your game? Reliving your glory days?

[Atkinson sets the skull down between them, facing Ezra, with a harsh slam.]

ATKINSON: I believe it was Dead Man’s Cove, where I came across one Captain Ortiz, and gave him a rather nasty gash on the cheek. Tell me, Ezra, did that leave a scar?

[Ezra hisses in shock and anger. But he pauses, and frowns in thought, and as he realizes the significance of what Atkinson has said, his eye widens.]

EZRA: That scar—that day—that scar came from— [And his face drops into a deep, ragged rage.] You’re the Pirate Slayer. You’re Atkinson.

ATKINSON: That’s General, to you.

[Ezra starts to pull wildly against his restraints, standing and knocking the chair back. The soldiers approach, and he screams out as they hold him.]

EZRA: You have no idea what you’re in for, you snake! When—WHEN I get out of here, you’re DEAD! No—No, you’re going to wish you were dead, once I’ve started with you—you—

ATKINSON: [He walks around the desk and approaches.] Are you quite done?

[Ezra gears up to spit in his face, but Atkinson grabs his jaw and jerks his head to the side with his good eye.]

ATKINSON: You do not frighten me. I have killed pirates far more formidable than you. If I am a snake, as you claim, then you are the vermin I am meant to eradicate. Now. You have something I want.

EZRA: You already have the Eye.

ATKINSON: What kind of pirate are you, traveling with a British soldier? It must be against your Code. [Clicks his tongue and shakes his head.] Well, the poor boy will be glad to know that an Act of Grace is waiting for him upon his return home.

EZRA: Simon? [He grins.] Simon isn’t coming back to you, you idiot. That’s your own fault!

ATKINSON: Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

EZRA: Don’t quote scripture at me, you fool. Who are you to take on the role of God?

ATKINSON: I am His humble servant.

EZRA: HA! Humble.

[Atkinson lands a rough punch in Ezra’s gut, and Ezra’s knees buckle despite himself. Long hair falls in front of his face. Again, he pulls against the soldiers’ grip and growls in Atkinson’s face.]

EZRA: You’ve disowned Simon, and he’s disowned your family name. Your lineage will die with you, old and alone on your hollow estate, and I will piss on your grave, and—

ATKINSON: I’ve had quite enough of this. Get him out! [Shooing motion.]

EZRA: [Has begun to be dragged back to the door, heels dragging.] —your faithful son will be known not as an Atkinson but as a pirate, and a genius, and the only fond memories he will look back on are those of his mother—

[A pale hand grabs a crystal skull. Ezra stops and gapes as Atkinson hurls the skull towards him, just too high to miss his head. The skull thumps against the wall and cracks, and Atkinson is seething, pale face tinted red, blonde hair falling out of place, blue eyes swirling with rage. The skull breaks when it hits the ground.

Ezra is silent for a moment, and the soldiers look almost frightened. Then, Atkinson composes himself and waves them off. Ezra grins, wildly, and starts to laugh, as he’s dragged back out of the room.]

[saras-devotionals]

Quiet Time 3/18

What am I feeling today?

Just so tired and a little stressed out. I have an exam today but I feel pretty decent about it, been praying over it and we’ll see what happens. Also, I’m just desperate to get back into the groove of things, get back to my routine.

Bible Plan: Spiritual Wilderness

Back in the days when I was in school, every time the teacher gave us a test, there was silence. Before the test, the teacher would teach but during the test the teacher was silent. The teacher’s silence didn’t mean that the teacher was absent - I was taking a test. I was tempted to raise my hand and ask about a question that was on the test, but I knew the teacher wouldn’t give me any answers. Why? Because I was the one taking the test. When we are not being tested, we can ask any question and get an answer, but during the test, there is silence from the teacher.

Spiritual dryness usually is accompanied by this sort of silence from God. When God is silent in your life, that might mean you’re taking a test.

God’s silence is not God’s absence. It means that we are being tested. One of the things we had to do in school whenever we took a test was to remember what the teacher had taught us before the test. Remembering is the same principle at work in a spiritual wilderness. So often during our dry times, we tend to remember the things we should forget and forget the things we should remember.

Like students, we have to remember what God has said and done to get us through this test. In our minds we must build memorials to His miracles; but instead, some of us build monuments to our mistakes. That’s why we are flunking our test in the wilderness.

Great faith in dry times is really found in having a good memory of God’s past faithfulness and God’s promises. David overcame Goliath by remembering God’s faithfulness when he encountered the bear and the lion. Jesus overcame the devil in the wilderness by quoting the Scriptures that He remembered.

I really love this analogy, I feel that it perfectly applies and it also feels on point with the exam I’m about to take! But also, I know there are times when I can go back and thing and focus on my mistakes and what I did wrong that could’ve led me to a specific moment but why should I? One we’re told not to dwell on the past but also it’ll just hurt me more. Instead, it’s great to think about how God has been faithful to us and all the ways He has provided in the past and keep the faith that as we go through this spiritual desert, He’ll be there on the other side with open arms!

1 Chronicles 16:8-12 NIV

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,”

We should always look to Him with praise in our eyes and on our tongues. I mean, He’s just absolutely incredible! Why shouldn’t we praise Him? And further, this continues in saying to remember all the miracles He has done. I think it’s always important to remember that God doesn’t owe us anything. Nothing at all. He’s in no way required to bless us. But He does anyways. Even just being alive shows His grace and mercy for us and I think that’s a beautiful thing!

2 Chronicles 32:31 NIV

“But when envoys were sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask him about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart.”

I don’t really know the context for this because I haven’t taken much time to study out the Old Testament, but here we can see an example of how God tests us. Here’s the thing, God of course already knows what’s in our hearts because He knows everything. The reason He tests us is so that we may know what’s in our hearts because I think a lot of people are unaware of what their true nature actually is.

[queenlucythevaliant]

thanks! I guess my main question is; how can I be secure in my faith?

I was raised in the faith and I wish I could believe firmly with all my heart, but university (I study biomed) and the world's view of religion make it so hard. I've seen others say that genesis is allegory, which brings into question the historicity of the Bible and Jesus, and I don't know how that can reconcile with faith

Ooh! This is my favorite question :)

So I too was raised in the faith and I too study biology (microbiology in my case, with an emphasis on microbial ecology and evolution). I am firmly convinced that one should hold both Scriptural and scientific truth in high regard; when undertaken with a spirit of curiosity and humility, science and faith pose no threat to one another. In fact, I think understanding one bolsters an understanding of the other.

I'd start with this: I don't believe that Genesis is an allegory, nor do any of the theistic evolution proponents I've read and spoken to. Rather, Genesis uses figurative language to communicate creation and the fall from the perspective of a God who transcends time. Figurative language is innate in Scripture, and I think it's erroneous to take the most literalistic possible meaning for every line of the creation account. For what other part of Scripture do we do this?

I think we need to take it seriously; everything in Scripture is true. But I think when the creation account says, "And God separated the light from the darkness. He called the light Day and the darkness Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day," that's more similar to "I have been crucified with Christ" than "In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord." From a heavenly perspective, that's what happened, but just as I haven't literally had nails driven into my hands in order to be saved, I don't think it's reasonable to assume that God divided Day from Night in the space of one 24-hour day. It's a spiritual account, not a scientific account. That doesn't make the words of Scripture any less true.

But! I also think that when Christians discuss evolution, we tend to get far, far too hung up on Genesis and we end up missing some of the deeper implications of the conversation. Evolutionary biology pushes us to think about our embodiment and how deeply interconnected we are with the rest of creation. Likewise, a theistic framework narrows the odds when we talk about the organic origin of life, protein sequence space, etc. If a sovereign God was behind every movement of every atom, then we can see grace where an atheistic scientist sees only coincidence.

Don't ignore your scientific and historical questions, my friend. Ask them all. Chase them to the ends of the earth. All truth is God's truth, and behind each answer I believe you will find the glory of God.

Some reading to get you started:

Finding Darwin's God, Kenneth R. Miller

The Selfless Gene: Living with God and Darwin, Charles Foster

Ask the Beasts: Darwin and the God of Love, Elizabeth Johnson

The Age of Wonder, Richard Holmes

(Note: I don't agree with every word in all these books, but I find them all generally good and useful)

Just in general, I really recommend reading up on all those great Christians who were also scientists and great scientists who were also Christians. Don't take my word for it, take theirs! Read the books I recommended. Read Isaac Newton, Johannes Kepler, Louis Pastuer! Augustine and C.S. Lewis! Stop centering the conversation on Darwin (who was a Christian, but who was just one guy). For goodness sake, don't listen to Richard Dawkins and Ken Ham. Throughout history, greater thinkers than you or me have reconciled faith and science. Thus, there's hope for us too :)

I'll leave you with this quote from Augustine's exhortation to humility from "The Literal Meaning of Genesis":

"In matters that are so obscure and far beyond our vision, we find in Holy Scripture passages which can be interpreted in very different ways without prejudice to the faith we have received. In such cases, we should not rush in headlong and so firmly take our stand that, if further progress in the search of truth justly undermines this position, we too fall with it. That would be to battle not for the teaching of Holy Scripture but for our own, wishing its teaching to conform to ours, whereas we ought to wish ours to conform to that of Sacred Scripture."

All truth is God's truth.

[dujour13]

👑 - the very first time they met in the Defender's Heart

📜 - his Act III quest

And of course, 😈 - specifically, what did Siavash think of him when he walked down those steps and saw him for the first time?

OMG thank you, these are so good 💕I kind of naturally gravitated to inner monologue instead of quote?

👑 – Galfrey the very first time they met in the Defender's Heart

Well! It’s been a long time since I clapped along with a song. I should go incognito more often. Oh my, he’s up on the table now. Whatever next! He certainly is charming, I’ll give him that.

And I suppose charming is something. I trust You see more, Inheritor, to have graced him with Your favor.

If only I’d been there at the Gray Garrison to witness Your glory—not—to wield it myself of course, I mean. You have chosen, in Your wisdom. He will make a fine figurehead for the Fifth Crusade. He certainly has a flair for speech-making and spirited songs; we shall see how he fares with deployment and logistics. Surely You have chosen someone of more substance to lead us to victory over the hordes of the Abyss than he perhaps seems at first glance.

I’ll task Irahai to investigate his past. Best to be sure we don’t have too much Andoren rabble-rousing.

And such rabble. Tieflings, some sort of—mongrel? As if they truly existed. Oh dear, even my wayward young cousin.

Holy Inheritor, look at them all. The adoration. The joy.

Inheritor, is this what I… lack?

📜 - Regill's Act III quest

Wait. Did he just—did he just organize an elaborate prank to test me? Regill you absolute scamp.

It would almost be funny if he hadn’t mercilessly put that poor lad at the gate down like a rabid dog and sacrificed a hostage without blinking an eye.

…Which he’d do to me too, if I hadn’t seen through Kiranda’s games. And to think I almost listened to Aivu and helped myself to the snacks. Gods those pastries looked good.

Or would, if I didn’t feel sick to my stomach right now.

“Food for thought” indeed, Paralictor.

What happened to you, I wonder? There was a gnome with a beating heart once.

And of course, 😈 Woljif - specifically, what did Siavash think of him when he walked down those steps and saw him for the first time?

A tiefling and a petty thief, just like people have been warning me about as if they were vermin and not people since the moment I set foot in Mendev, and this one locked up when it’s not like we don’t have more pressing things to worry about at the moment. Between the inquisitors and the paladins it’s a wonder they haven’t got an uprising on their hands on top of the demon attacks.

Hey dreamboat.

Whoa, haha, that sure bypassed the brain and went straight to the—

Snap out of it. He’s just angling to get out of here.

Not that you can blame him.

Oh Great Dreamer those eyes.