#Flat Pear Plain

[missmoonysweetluna]

what are the skellies' ideal body types? like what do they find the most attractive in a partner?

Just a disclaimer for this post! The skeletons are into all shapes and sizes, but these are just headcanons on what I think their favorites would be!

It's a bit suggestive, so it's also going under a cut.

Sans is into women with larger proportions. Stretch marks? Fine with him. Big stomach? More like extra pillow. Shape doesn't really matter to him, but he likes larger women for sure. As for face shape, he thinks that squishy cheeks are adorable. They're fun to mess with.

Papyrus' favorite shape is a strawberry shape! That would be broad shoulders, large chest, and smaller hips. He thinks it's nice to be held. Extra plus if she's muscular! With face details, he thinks that moles (although he refuses to call them anything but "beauty marks") are the highest sign of status and beauty! They're just so unique!

Blue is into hourglass figures, plain and simple. They're curvy. When it comes to faces, he likes round faces with big eyes. They just look so cute to him!

Stretch likes big thighs; that's the only part of the body that he actually pays much thought to on its own. If you ask him, he'll probably say that freckles are cutest to him (and who could blame him, honestly).

Red thinks that hourglass figures are great. There's just so much of the good stuff! He also likes big, pouty lips (and sinking his teeth into them).

Edge likes "flat" women with long, angular faces. He thinks they're dainty and beautiful, no matter what size they are.

Grimm, like Sans, is also a bit of a "chubby chaser". He views fat as a sign of beauty and being well-fed. If there's more to her stomach, that's even better--he's just glad she knows how to take care of herself. Just like his counterpart, he thinks that cheeks are the best part of the face.

Spooky is into pear shapes! Big thighs, wide hips. Like Red, he thinks that lips are beautiful and fun to bite.

[melmac78]

@katblu42 wrote: “I know practically nothing about Texas, other than it is big, and in the South of the USA. It seems to be portrayed as having fairly warm weather . . . but as large as it is, does it have regions of varying weather patterns? And in a similar vein, are there various areas of diverse vegetation/fauna?”

••••••

In short, yes. I live in West Texas and mom in Southeast (about 500 or so miles apart), and we can have essentially two seasons. It can rain there and be bone dry here, and sometimes in the winter she asks me the temp so she can prepare the next day.

And it’s no exaggeration some parts of the state you can experience at least 3 seasons in the same day. I’m personally lucky in that I seem to have adapted to this particularly go here, which it’s frequent 2 seasons a day right now, but I get funny looks being in short sleeves in cooler weather because of it.

•••••••

Vegetation/fauna is definitely diverse. If I travel from home to Mom’s, in that 8 hour drive I go from:

• a flat area where most trees that aren’t mesquite were planted by settlers (you can tell where a house is/was based on clusters of trees), that grows cotton and feed if they aren’t an oil town

• area with mesas and wind turbines after leaving the Caprock, another ironically heavier oil area. The turbines are increasing to the point I joke they’re “Don Quixote’s nightmare.

• areas with thicker areas of trees that are shorter, oddly at times more prickly pear cactus, and bigger cities,

(This varies if I take the longer route - uncommon but I will in December to run a different St. Jude race - through Boerne/San Antonio where you go through the mesas and rolling plains again in the middle of the state, and unfortunately experience 40 mins. of cell phone dead zone. It’s bad to the point it’s LEGAL to go 80 mph to get through it)

• heavily wooded area and gentle hills.

And then if we go to Galveston or Corpus Christi there’s some marshy areas and then the coast.

The marshiest area is around La Porte I think, which is where the battle of San Jacinto was and the Texas fighters used this to an advantage.

••••••

Wildlife varies. I see more wild turkey and pheasant here than east coast. I’ve seen a few roadrunners but they seem more prevalent in the Palo Duro Canyon.

Prairie dogs are far more common in west Texas. Amarillo’s minor league team’s mascot is Sodpoodles (a nickname) and Lubbock has one park dedicated to the black tail prairie dogs.

Anyone watching them I’d say don’t walk close: their town system underground makes it dangerous to walk lest you fall through a hole.

I definitely see more deer near moms along with raccoons. Skunks more often here: in the summer I must walk the cemetery in full daylight, not dusk as they seem to like living there more. (Just clarifying for folks: where I am the cemetery is the safest place to walk due to bad traffic and has a very high visibility).

Snakes are definitely a big issue all around. For the poisonous ones, West Texas more rattlers and coral while East copperheads and water moccasins (though up here we’ll see some copperheads).

Coast we see a lot of sea turtles nest there, particularly Kemp Ridley. There’s a lot of hatching ceremonies in the year where the state protects the turtles until they waddle into the Gulf to give them a fighting chance to survive.

I’m sure there’s even more than this, but it’s more of I’ve experienced here

Thanks for the ask.

[therosiesims]

links to everything from my CAS favorites video!

link to watch the video on YouTube: watch here

defaults/overrides

ellcrze "Walk'n" CAS background: download

MTS Stand Still in CAS mod: download

kumikya toffee default skinblend: download

escaping potplant No EA Eyelashes mod: download

simandy Yume Eyes V2: download

SimBree Wedding Ring override: download

pyxis EA Teeth Begone! override: download

akalukery softe default underwear replacements: download

presets

simandy pear body preset: download

peachyfaerie control body presets: download

evoxyr visions eye presets: download

tattoos

chewybutterfly spring baby tattoos: download

vegantrait misfit tattoos: download

chewybutterfly maribella tattoos: download

skin details

andersimblr blossom skinblend: download

heihu face overlay collection: download

Kijiko 3D eyelashes: download

squeamishsims booboo blush: download

pyxis about face facekit: download

eyebrows

twisted cat eyebrow set no. 2: download

peachyfaerie freyja eyebrow set: download

hair

simstrouble Rhoda hair: download

simstrouble Elaine hair: download

simstrouble Beatrice hair: download

dogsill Byrdie bun: download

dogsill Venus bun: download

miiko Maja hair: download

arenetta Jade hair: download

makeup

twistedcat stalker eyeshadow: download

crypticsims nightmare eyeshadow: download

crypticsims goddess eyeshadow & blazed eyeliner: download

twistedcat prism lipstick: download

breezytrait petals makeup pack (eyeliner & lipgloss): download

tops

sentate November 2022 collection: download

eunosims punk set denim: download

joliebean dreamlover shirt: download

adrienpastel daphne cardigan: download

busra-tr clothes set-110 knit sweater: download

bottoms

pixelunivairse cherie pants: download

elliesimple straight jeans: download

simcelebrity00 mini set #1 jeans: download

ceeproductions cuffed straight leg denim: download

full outfits

qicc February 2022 collection: download

arethabee jessie and jessica dresses: download

trillyke merry & happy dress set: download

softerhaze plain jane underwear: download

plbsims tally dress: download

beo creations wedding dress 07: download

shoes

arethabee celine heels: download

jius crocs clog 01: download

jius chain loafer mules 01: download

jius low top sneaker 05: download

jius flat sandals 01: download

MadameRiaSims4 canvas tennis shoes: download

accessories

plumbobscythe ankle socks: download

tamosims bateman glasses: download

tamosims buddy holly glasses: download

tamosims simlish clubmaster version 2.0: download

simkoos byul septum piercing: download

qicc astral earrings: download

arethabee kayla necklace: download

arethabee ashley earrings & ashley necklace: download

arethabee aine & lita earrings: download

oydis nuit jewelry set: download

cc by: @oydis, @arethabee, @qicc, @simkoos, @tamo-sim, @pixelpaw, @madameriasims4, @jius-sims, @plbsims, @softerhaze, @trillyke, @simcelebrity00, @pixelunivairse, @busra-tr, @adrienpastel-blog, @joliebean, @eunosims, @sentate, @breezytrait, @twisted-cat, @crypticsim, @arenetta, @dogsill, @simstrouble, @miikocc, @pyxiidis, @squea/@squeamishsims, @heihu, @andersimblr, @chewybutterfly, @vegantrait, @evoxyr, @simandy, @ellcrze, @kumikya, @escapingpotplant, @simbree3, @akalukery, @thepeachyfaerie, @ceeproductions

[violetequus8]

thanks for the tag, @teejaystumbles! I'm alive believe it or not :)

Rules: Tag 10 (or less) people you want to get to know better

relationship status: as those in my server know, I am for the first time in my life Not Single. The Girlfriend is why I haven't been writing as much, LOL. (I'm very happy)

favourite colour: green! with purple coming in close second! But always, always, green my beloved

song stuck in my head: Right now it's DEAN's "come over," and Shocking Blue's "Venus."

three favourite foods: I am a sucker for mac n' cheese, and cheese, and olives. Yeah.

last song I listened to: "Back in Town" by Tuxedo

dream trip: I will admit, I've been enthralled by the Mongolian Plains for years and years. I'd love to go out into them, on horseback, and just be out in the middle of nowhere with all that empty space, in the six feet of space between heaven and earth and something like that... Admittedly, I am from the Appalachian regions. I should probably visit Ohio or another flat, empty state before romanticizing Mongolia.

last thing(s) i googled: "native pennsylvania cactus" There is, in fact, a cactus species native to PA. It's Optunia humifusa, the Eastern prickly pear cactus. It has edible fruit, and looks like this:

tagging: @tj-dragonblade, @fractalspaces, @blueberrymffn, and anyone else who wants to join!

[saranyafashionfusion]

The Straight Kurti: Your Guide to Effortless Style

The straight kurti, a timeless staple in Indian ethnic wear, offers a perfect blend of comfort and versatility.  Its simple silhouette transcends trends, making it a favourite for all occasions. But don't be fooled by its basic structure - the straight kurti holds immense potential for creating diverse and stylish looks.

This blog is your one-stop guide to unlocking the endless possibilities of styling a straight kurti. We will explore different ways to dress it up or down, accessorise it for various occasions, and flatter various body types.

Finding Your Perfect Kurti

The first step is choosing the right kurti for you. Here are some key factors to consider:

Length: Straight kurtis come in a variety of lengths, from short and hip-hugging to knee-length and flowing maxi styles. Consider your personal preference and the occasion. Shorter kurtis work well for casual outings, while longer ones lend an elegant touch to formal events.

Fabric: The fabric plays a crucial role in comfort and style. Cotton is a popular choice for its breathability, while silk or georgette add a touch of luxury. Consider the season and occasion when selecting the fabric.

Prints and Embellishments: Straight kurtis come in a vast array of prints and embellishments. Solid colours offer a classic look, while vibrant prints or intricate embroidery can add a touch of personality. For a formal occasion, opt for subtle embellishments or minimal prints.

Styling Your Straight Kurti

Now that you have your perfect kurti, let's explore how to style it:

For Work: Opt for a clean-cut kurti in a solid colour or a muted print. Pair it with formal trousers or palazzos for a polished look. A statement necklace or a scarf can add a touch of personality without compromising professionalism. Blazers or cardigans can be layered on for cooler weather.

Casual Chic: Embrace vibrant prints, floral motifs, or playful patterns for a casual yet stylish look. Jeans, jeggings, or comfortable leggings make perfect pairings. Experiment with belts to cinch your waist and define your silhouette. Accessorise with boho-inspired jewellery, funky earrings, or a trendy scarf to complete the look.

Festive Fun: Go all out with dazzling colours, rich fabrics like silk or brocade, and intricate embellishments for festive occasions. Leggings or churidar pajamas in complementary colours complete the traditional festive attire. Pair it with statement jewellery like jhumkas, chunky bangles, and a maang tikka for a touch of glamour.

Fusion Flair: Don't be afraid to experiment! Break away from traditional pairings by teaming your straight kurti with a denim skirt, a flowy maxi skirt, or even a pair of shorts. This fusion style offers a modern twist on the classic silhouette.

Accessorize Like a Pro

The right accessories can elevate your straight kurti look to new heights. Here are some tips:

Jewellery: Statement earrings, chunky necklaces, or delicate bangles can add personality and complement your kurti's style. For a formal look, opt for pearls or semi-precious stones. For festive occasions, go bold with kundan or temple jewellery.

Footwear: Kholis, juttis, or flats are perfect for a traditional look. For a more modern vibe, experiment with heels, wedges, or even sneakers (depending on the kurti's style and occasion).

Bags: Clutches, slings, or totes can be chosen based on the occasion and your outfit's formality. Opt for a statement bag to add a pop of colour or a patterned bag to complement a plain kurti.

Scarves: A classic silk scarf can be tied around your neck, head, or even your bag for a touch of elegance.

Flatter Your Figure

Pear-Shaped: Balance your proportions by choosing A-line or flared kurtas at the bottom. Opt for vertical prints or embellishments to create an illusion of height.

Apple-Shaped: Empire waist kurtis with a cinched waistline will flatter your figure. V-necks or scoop necks will elongate your neck. Opt for flowy fabrics that drape softly over your body.

Hourglass-Shaped: You can rock any style! Experiment with different lengths fits, and embellishments to find your favorites.

[bestbridallehenga]

How to Choose a Bridal Lehenga for Your Body Shape

If we were to receive a dime every time we hear a bride express her desire for an 18-kali full flared lehenga, we would have amassed a fortune by now! While it seems that a lehenga with an enormous flare, larger than the mandap itself, is every Indian bride's dream, there are a few factors to consider when selecting a lehenga that suits your specific body type. To begin with, if you are unsure about your body type,

There is an online calculator available that can determine your body shape. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common body shapes, including Hourglass, Apple, Pear, Rectangle, and Round Shaped. So, let's dive in!

Hourglass Shape

If you have an Hourglass or an X shaped body, then congratulations are in order! You have a figure that can rock pretty much anything. When it comes to lehengas, opt for an A-line style in a fluid fabric like Velvet, Georgette, or Chiffon. These fabrics will complement your shape beautifully without appearing stiff.

Lehenga Skirt To enhance your waist, pair your A-line lehenga with a short choli blouse. This will show off your waist and make you look like a million bucks!

Lehenga Dupatta When it comes to draping a lehenga dupatta, you have the freedom to choose any style. Just make sure that your waist is visible and the dupatta doesn't cover it up.

If you're looking for some lehenga options specifically tailored for your hourglass figure, here are a few suggestions.

Rectangle Shape

If you possess a rectangular body shape, also known as an H shape, it is likely that you have a slender and athletic frame without many curves. In order to enhance your figure, your lehenga should be designed to create the illusion of curves. Lehenga Skirt Opt for a wide and full skirt made from a stiff fabric to add volume at the bottom. Raw Silk would be an ideal choice for you, followed by net. To achieve a more flared look, consider adding can-can to the lehenga.

Lehenga Blouse Pair your flared lehenga with a low and plunging blouse to create the appearance of curves.

Dupatta Drape Since you may have broad shoulders, it is important to choose a dupatta that is not stiff, as it can further increase their width. Instead, opt for a flowy and soft dupatta to add a touch of softness to your overall look. Here are some lehenga options that will complement your body shape!

Pear Shaped body or Bottom Heavy

To flatter your pear-shaped or bottom-heavy body, it is important to focus on balancing out your proportions. When it comes to your lehenga skirt, opt for horizontal details that will create a sense of balance between your narrow top and curvy hips. Avoid fish-tailed or snug- fitting skirts, and instead choose something plain and flowy. Be cautious not to go for excessive flare, as it may make your body appear disproportionate.

Lehenga Skirt For your lehenga blouse, make it the highlight of your ensemble. Consider a blouse with some padding and a deep neckline, as this will help balance out your bottom half. Cape lehengas, high-neck, off-shoulder, or sleeveless blouses are all great options for you.  

Lehenga Dupatta When it comes to the lehenga dupatta, a cape style is ideal. Just ensure that the dupatta doesn't flare at the bottom, as it may add unnecessary weight to your look.

Here are some lehenga options that will complement your body shape!

Apple Shaped or Top Heavy

If the majority of your weight is concentrated at the upper part of your body, it is likely that you have an apple shape, V shape, or inverted triangle body type. Regardless of which category you fall into, layering can be your best ally!

Lehenga Skirt When it comes to choosing a lehenga skirt, opt for jacket lehengas as they are currently in trend. To flatter your figure, select soft and sheer fabrics that can be layered over one another. Additionally, make sure to choose a wide neckline to create a balanced look. Avoid fabrics like brocade or tissue, as they may give a flat appearance to your lower body. Instead, go for flowy materials that add movement.

Lehenga Blouse For the lehenga blouse, it is important to avoid closed-up necklines as they can make your upper body appear wider. Opt for wide and open necklines to create a more flattering silhouette. Steer clear of off-shoulder, deep necks, and sleeveless blouses, as they can give the illusion of a heavier top.

Lehenga Dupatta When it comes to the lehenga dupatta, avoid wrapping it around your neck or bust, as this can make you look heavier. Instead, consider draping it around your elbows for a more flattering look.

To help you in your search for the perfect lehenga, here are some options that will suit your body type!

[gemstonebeadsuppliers]

Emerald Gemstone Beads - Flat Pear Plain

Natural Emerald Gemstone Beads possess the property of transparent and are available in green Color with Smooth Polish, flat pear plain shape.

Quality : AAA         Length : 20 cm./8Inch.          Gemstone Origin: Brazil

[secattention]

Corona Virus and the Freemason Number 33

shhhh.......this is just an exercise, to get back at you non-beLIEvers of Scientism = Religion

[asweetprologue]

Food of the Continent

Alright kids this is a little different from my normal stuff and entirely self indulgent! I recently worked on a fic that involved mention of quite a bit of food, and me being myself, I put a decent amount of research into it. I decided to compile that for those who, like me, get to a scene where the boys are eating and find themselves at a loss. What would a medieval witcher and bard eat on an average day? I’ve based my findings on medieval Poland, which isn’t, obviously, the Continent. If you want to add potatoes to your fantasy world, go ahead! The Witcher 3 certainly did. But if you’re looking for accuracy, please see an extensive list of medieval appropriate foods below the cut! 

Medieval Polish Cuisine

Meat

Pork

Beef

Poultry

Fish

Royalty/Nobility only: Venison

Most common: Pork, Beef

Breads

Rye bread - Used mostly commonly for trenchers

Common white bread - Often used for harvest feasts

Rusks or binavice - A hard tack-like bread used for soldiers' rations

Manchet breads - Essentially wheat rolls

Boiled breads (bagels, ring pretzels) -  Also called circuli or bracellus if you don’t want to say that Geralt is eating a bagel, but he could have! They were a very common street food.

Rogale or crescent rolls

Most common: Trenchers, white wheat rolls

Vegetables  

Field peas

Cabbage

Onions

Fava beans (used for animal fodder, peasant food, and flour)

Mushrooms

Leeks

Beats

Kale

Lentil (lower class food, often stewed)

Parsnips

Cucumbers (treated as a fruit, a type of melon)

Skirrets

Rutabagas

Turnips

Radishes

Lettuce

Alexanders

Carrots (VERY rarely)

Most common: Peas, cabbage, onion; parsnips and skirrets in the winter

Notes: Pickling and dry storage were extraordinarily important for surviving the winter months. Peas could be saved dry and reconstituted by soaking them in water, and cabbage was turned into sauerkraut. Also note the lack of potatoes! Anytime you think of potatoes in a meal, substitute them for turnips.

Fruits and Nuts

Apples

Pears

Plums

Cherries

Hazelnuts

Strawberries

Blueberries

Raspberries, sloes, cranberries, and rowans (all used to make juice or in fermented beverages)

Raisins

Almonds (expensive)

Figs (expensive)

Most common: Apples, pears

Notes: Serves always after the main meal, fresh or cooked. Apples were often dried and eaten year round, or made into a butter and jarred. While not part of the Polish diet, I posit that more exotic fruits like oranges (used for cooking, not eating), peaches, lemons, and dates could probably be brought north from Nilfgaard, but they would be more rare and expensive the further north you went!

Herbs

Parsley (helps kill the onion smell)

Dill

Garlic

Mustard

Fennel

Most common: Parsley and dill

Oil

Lard

Butter

Poppy and hemp oil

Notes: Butter and lard were extremely important. Medieval people burned a lot of calories, so fats were a critical part of their diet. Almost every meal would have been smothered in some kind of animal fat, unless it was a Friday.

Drinks

Honey water/milk

Hydromel (similar to mead, less alcohol)

Mead

Ale

Wine

Desserts

Placki, flat cakes

Tortae, high quality desserts made only with high grade bolted flour. Could have been a type of strudel with rich cheese based filling. Also could refer to small, flat cakes. Also could have been similar to cheesecake.

Marzipan (expensive)

Notes: In a contradictory fashion, when you read sweetmeats, that means desserts. It usually refers to a highly sugary confection, such as candied fruits or nuts. Sweetbread on the other had, does refer to meat, and is made from offal. I know. 

Common Dishes Gruel of mixed grains - Side dish, served with meat and a wheat bread Courtier's Pottage - One pot dinner made with millet, peas, bacon, onion, vinegar and parsley. Would have been quite thick due to the millet. Extremely common. Parsnip, Leek, and Alexander Stew - Common in early spring, typical one pot meal for a noble family. Served with cheese dumplings. Pears stewed with Cucumbers and Figs Chicken baked with Prunes - Common in noble establishments. Either cooked in a covered pot, or wrapped in dough to form a kind of giant turnover on festive occasions. Ham stewed with Cucumbers - A rich dish made with butter, onion, beer, and cucumber, raisins, and cranberries. Sour cream was added to the stew to thicken it. Lentils and Skirrets with Bacon - Stew Beer Soup - A classic stew made with leeks, cabbage, flour, beer, eggs, and cheese Fish Aspic - A kind of savory gelatin, usually used as an ornamental component of a larger banquet display Game stewed with Sauerkraut - Bigos, served at royal banquets. Peasants probably had their own versions using pork or beef instead of venison. Crepes - Probably served not as a dessert but during dinner, with beer soup and cheese or fish aspic. Krepel - Flat cake of layered cheese and bread, fried and served with strawberries or fruit Praskury - Wafers Apple flat cake - Essentially like an apple pizza Honey cakes - Kind of flat cake saturated with honey.

If your characters are eating Breakfast, they're probably eating millet porridge, eggs, or bacon. If they are eating Lunch, they are probably eating trencher bread with lard or cheese or soaked in beer, or stew. If they are eating Dinner, they are probably eating some kind of meat, usually pork or beef, with vegetables like cabbage, peas, onions or parsnips, either in some kind of one pot stew or plain. Desserts are almost always sweetened with honey, and include fried breads and wafers.

Roadside meals would probably consist of fresh meat from hunts (mostly poultry and rabbit), either roasted or put in a stew; rusks, eaten plain or soaked in water or ale; wild berries or apples; reconstituted peas; sauerkraut; and root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, radishes and onions that would save well over several days. Wild parsnips could probably be found easily in the Northern Realms.

I hope this was helpful to someone! This is meant to help you generate ideas, not to be used as a strict guide for what to include in your fics. This is fantasy, so you can absolutely do whatever you want, and besides that it will always be hard for us to be accurate about what exactly went on in the medieval kitchen. However I hope this helps give you an idea about what the average tavern might be serving, and you can worry a little less about what to include in those pesky meal scenes. 

Source: Food and Drink of Medieval Poland by Maria Dembinska, English translation by William Woys Weaver

[imeverywoman420]

women on r/smallboobproblems or whatever are truly so delusional when they blame their romantic failures on their boobs. It's literally mental illness at this point. Literally every single man except weird mommy gf fetishists actively want a small boob gf. Very small boobs + skinny body are like THE preference right now. Big boobs can only coexist with extremely thick butts which need a whole procedure to get done and even if you've achieved this body type you will only be sought out by more fetishists or undesirable birdbrain crustys. Normal mid to high value (sorry for the fds language but you what i mean) men will ALWAYS prefer women with boyish body types. It's proven that very rich and successful men will not even look in your direction of you're not very skinny. Self loathing small boob women are suffering from some stage 5 delusion

I agreeeee with most of this but like.

I think lower and middle class men prefer “slim thick” like. Small b cup tiny waist and a fat ass. Rich men either go bbl plastic surgery baddie or Plain Jane Waif.

Overall it is weird how like. The “classic feminine” traits arent really desired physically anymore. Like an hourglass figure has been replaced by like. Bbls and waifs. and pear shapes. Boobs are out. Styled hair is out flat hair is in. Striking features are out, smoothface is in.

Obviously as a woke feminist bae i know all beauty stajdards are bad or whatever but its just. Weird.

The new ideal look for women is just so ugly and plain

[kooktrash]

oh oh, can i request a REALLY soft jk drabble? i saw this somewhere else and i haven't stopped thinking about. college au where he has a bad day, and he comes gone to see you on your bed, working on your laptop. and he shimmies into your arms. and just plays with your tits??? while you work. and it's just makes him feel so much better??? and you just play with his hair while typing and working away. you can include smut if you're comfy with that but it's just, so soft and so jungkook. none of that fuckboii bs. soft koo best koo.

of courseeee. also Jungkook def prefers boobs over butt. Idk he just seems like the type y’know.

- Jungkook has had it with the day. Since the morning when he missed his alarm and got on the wrong bus route, he knew he was going to have a bad day. And maybe it was manifestation, but Goddamn did the Universe listen. From missing his first exam, to spilling his coffee on the white tee you bought him, he was fuming. It didn’t help that the guys were just teasing him all day over his unfortunate events which only fumed his hatred for the day.

All he wanted was to get home and see your pretty face—which he didn’t get to do this morning might he add. Who in the hell told you, you could leave in the morning without giving him his morning kiss filled with stinky morning breath just how he liked it. Then! Oh my god! And then! Some stupid bird thought it was a great idea to shit on his backpack. He hates birds now. And nothing was going to change his mind.

“Baby!” He shouted, throwing his backpack on the floor angrily, shimmying out of his coat and shoes. He stood at the doorway as you typed away on your laptop.

“Hey,” you said simply, barely noticing the pout on his face as he crawled into bed, scooting in next to you hand immediately wrapping around your waist, “Pay attention to me.”

“Give me two seconds okay? I completely forgot about this Psych essay I have to turn in and it’s due at midnight,” you told him. He nodded his head, snuggling into you, face in your shoulder as he stared at the screen watching you type complete bullshit—you were good at that—just to reach word count. He was so mad about the day had been he didn’t notice how completely drained he felt until his eyes wanted to shut. He slid his hand up from your waist, lightly touching your chest.

You smiled warmly looking down at him as he fought sleep. You tried your best to hurry up and finish your assignment. Without warning he moved his hand again to slip under your shirt, smiling in content at the feel of your bare chest. His finger brushed against your left nipple, pad of his thumb running against it feeling it harden. It felt soothing to you so you let him continue, lips brushing against your neck.

“How was your day?” You asked him, noticing the way his breathing evened out with every touch he gave you. “Awful, worst most boring and bad and horrendous day in my entire life, I ruined my shirt,” he huffed with a pout.

You raised your arm to his hair, giving him more room to work as he pinched your bud lightly drawing out a small sigh from you. You played with the waves of his hair, “You have so many plain white shirts, it’s okay.”

“But this is one you bought me at the mall. Remember? When we first met,” he frowned looking up at you with bad and sad round eyes. You remembered it actually. You’d been out with a couple friends when you ran into him. You knocked his smoothie into him, and after a little bit of arguing you just bought him a shirt to shut him up. But no he didn’t stop there, taking the shirt from your hands and telling you that you owed him a date now. Little shit. He said it with a big smile too.

You typed with one hand listening to the way he sighed heavily waiting for you to finish. You clicked submit, shoving the laptop off your lap and onto the floor, turning to Jungkook, “Come to momma.”

“Shut up,” he whined nuzzling face forward into your chest pulling your v-neck down from the top so he finally press his lips to your stiff bud. You laughed as he knocked you into the pillows, peppering light kisses between your breasts.

“Little horndog,” you teased him as he whined into you, sucking harshly on your right boob. His free hand massaged your left mound shifting in between your open legs. “Do you ever shut up?” He asked huffing in annoyance as he massaged your chest with both hands.

“I’m waiting for you to shut me up,” you smiled. He groaned, pressing forward until his lips touched yours hungrily. He kissed messily, “I wouldn’t have had such a bad day if you gave me my morning kiss.”

“It’s not my fault you were still sleeping,” you said out of breath as he traveled his love down your jaw to your neck. Your hands in his hair lightly pulled on his hair. He sat up, yanking his shirt off and grabbing yours roughly.

“My shirt!” You groaned hearing the stretch of the threads pop and he smirked, “If my shirt’s ruined so is yours. We’re in this together.”

“Suck my dick,” you muttered making him giggle, “I’ll do you one better.” His eyes locked with yours as he moved down to your chest again, sucking harshly as you arched your back into the touch. You moved your hand to his chest, quickly finding his own nipples and playing with them too. He groaned happily hands flying to your shorts as he quickly tugged them off along with your underwear. He stood up, tugging at his belt, pulling it down before throwing it somewhere. He threw himself down again, moving back between your legs.

“No,” you pushed at his head as he made a beeline pears your core, “My baby has had a bad day, let me make him feel good.” He smiled giddily as he laid down flat, watching as you crawled between his spread legs. You smiled at him, moving down and tongue lightly brushing against the slit on his mushroom tip. His breathing heaved, arm thrown behind his head as he watched closely. You locked a stripe up his length teasingly slow, watch as his dick began to harden more and more looking red. He bucked his hips up, waiting for you to touch him more making you smile.

You planted a kiss on his tip, sucking lightly as precum poured into your mouth. He whined, hand finding purchase in your hair, “But do something baby.” You pulled your hand up, letting your spit drip down, grasping him lightly. He let out a strained moan as you trailed the wet hand up until it collected some of the precum using it to make the glide smoother. You could the sweat begin to build on his chest as it moved roughly with each gasping breath he took. You smiled, sliding your open mouth onto it, your tongue poking the large vein under his shaft.

“Ngh,” he pushed his head into the pillows in bliss, hips bucking up to meet your open mouth and help your hands work up his length. “Just like that baby,” he moaned as you began to suck on him more, cheeks hollowing making him wince at the constriction. A smile came to his face in ecstasy as one of your hands snaked further down, palming his balls lightly making him twitch, “Fuck that’s so good. I could cum just like that.”

“That’s the point baby,” you giggled making him shake his head. “Don’t wanna, wanna cum with you on top, big tits in my face.”

“Do you want me to stop then?” You asked holding his dick up and planting small kisses. He nodded, “Yeah before I cum.” You agreed, pulling down your panties, Jungkook’s eyes watching your slick stick to them. He smiled watching you climb onto his lap, sitting just above his groin. You slid your wetness against him, “God you always get me so fucking horny, and all you did was play with my tits.”

“Yeah,” he sighed, eyes locked with the way his foreskin shifted with each move of your hips, “So fucking wet.”

“Do you want me to put it in?” You asked hair falling to one side. He nodded his mouth open slightly feeling himself brush against your clit. You let out a small moan, hand on his chest to hold yourself up while you lined him up. His hands went to your waist helping you move onto him. With a deep breath, you began to slide yourself down feeling him stretch you a bit.

“Always so damn tight baby, how?” He moaned gritting his teeth, “We fuck like rabbits.”

“I know bunny,” you whined sitting down fully, waiting a minute before you move, Kook’s hips already bucking up. His hands ran to your boobs, holding them in his hands as he squeezed, giving you the motivation to get to moving.

His thrusts met up with your hips, hands massaging you and pinching your nipples making your head fall back with a moan. “Turn around baby,” he moaned. You nodded, not getting off his dick as you tried flipping yourself around. He gripped your arms pulling you back until your back his chest and he moved his legs to thrust up. His hands flew to your tits, grabbing them roughly as he kissed your neck.

“You always make me feel so damn good baby,” you moaned as his heavy breathing and groans was all you could hear.

“That’s good baby, but I don’t think I can hold off longer. I’ve been built up all damn day.”

“Then cum, and then lick it out of me,” you whined making him groan, hitting deeper parts inside you. He nodded, moving his hands to hold your legs open as he worked himself into you.

“I love you so much,” he groaned, pushing in deep letting your walls clench around him until finally, “Y/n!” He shouted dick twitching inside you as you swiveled your hips dragging long moans out of him as he filled you.

You moaned along with him as his hands trembled, moving you off him hungrily not wasting any time to dive between your legs, “You always taste good with my cum inside you.”

He looked into your eyes, hands flying to your boobs as he took a deep breath of your core. “So sweet,” he moaned licking at the cum dripping down, “Always so good for me too.”

“Yeah yeah, just make me cum,” you moaned bucking your hips making him smirk.

::.

OKAY BUT UM does anyone write smut like “WTF ARE YOU EVEN DOING” and then are just like “well anyways.” Or just me. HOPE YOU LIKED IT. I KNOW IT WAS SHORT BUT would pent up Jungkook even last long?????

[thejazzvoid]

TMA Entity Genshin Impact Alignments Still Pending, But Here Is How Every Currently Playable Character (and Paimon and La Signora)’s (English) Voice Looks, Feels, Smells, And Tastes, Because Magnused Archives Is Hard, But Synesthesia Is Just Kind Of A Thing That I Have.

Aether: Closest to hex code #967510, feels like the way a silicone spatula does on the bottom of a saucepan just as well-stirred milk is about to start boiling in earnest, smells like new sawdust, tastes like the bagel chips in commercial Chex Mix.

Albedo: Closest to #e5d5a6, feels like how I’d imagine being bodily dragged smoothly but at a fair pace across a floor made of whatever’s in those green chalkboards would feel, smells like sandalwood and black pepper, tastes like black tea with half-and-half and sugar steeped for 5 minutes in water that’s not quite hot enough.

Amber: Closest to #0f2bff, feels like the surface of new Thinking Putty (the kind without bits in it), smells like black coffee, tastes like the aftertaste of some kinds of strong ginger ale, almost reminiscent of cherry tomatoes.

Barbara: Closest to #fff48b, feels like a cold, rather heavy metal ball resting on the upturned fingers of one’s left hand resting on a thoroughly sanded but unvarnished wooden table, smells like sour cream, tastes like one of those containers of plain Greek yogurt with blueberry compote at the bottom before you’ve mixed the blueberries into the rest of the yogurt.

Beidou: #8b51ab, feels like pressing down on both sides of your lower jawbone with my thumbs almost until it starts to hurt, smells like old but still unrusted metal, tastes like thyme and lavender.

Bennett: Closest to #ba825e, feels like pine knot smoke in the back of your throat, smells like rust and carrots, tastes like a soy sauce-flavored Top Ramen seasoning packet dissolved in potato soup.

Chongyun: Closest to #8bd2c9, feels like being pushed gently forwards with a flat hand between your shoulderblades, smells like brined straw mushrooms, tastes like cardboard.

Diluc: Closest to #7e5900, feels like the crook of a long-handle umbrella rested against the beginnings of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, and the apple of your cheek, smells like canned iced tea, tastes like stick cinnamon.

Diona: Closest to #dbb5e5, feels like being smacked across the nose with a length of bubble tape, smells like sweetened condensed milk and honeysuckle, tastes like black cherry ice cream.

Eula: #9586c3, feels like a length of exceptionally fine chainmaille being draped around the entirety of your neck, from the top of your spine downwards, smells like raspberry lemonade, tastes like lightly chilled vanilla coffee creamer.

Fischl: Closest to #ff78f3, feels like the split second after sticking a wooden coffee stirrer down your throat as far as it will go before your body realizes just how much the coffee stirrer should not be where it is, smells like Bath & Body Works’ A Thousand Wishes body mist, tastes like canned pears.

Ganyu: Closest to #b8a4ba, feels like a cotton-gloved hand being placed over the center of your face, not particularly lightly but not pressing down either, smells like turmeric and privet flowers, tastes like rose tea.

Hu Tao: #a1c6e7, feels like a wing feather swiped in a shallow V across the back of your neck, smells like mango and almost-evaporated acetone, tastes like raspberry Yakult.

Jean: Closest to #45e12d, feels like a pitcher of room-temperature water being poured onto your collarbone, smells like pear jellybeans and clover, tastes like Mini Wheats.

Kaeya: Closest to #1a8981, feels like pulling a slightly oversized shirt on with just a little too much force, smells like cinnamon orange black tea, tastes like a formerly blue raspberry popsicle stick.

Keqing: Closest to #c3a6d4, feels like dragging your feet in rubber boots through the fastest part of a stream, smells like echinacea and chalk, tastes like pink homemade wedding mints.

Klee: Closest to #dbb46a, feels like a paint-soaked cotton ball thrown at the side of your face, smells like silt loam early morning in mid-May, tastes like Cheerios.

La Signora: Closest to #5b767c, feels like a wooden spoon dragged across the backs of your fingernails, smells like scratched river rock, tastes like cold chlorinated water.

Lisa: #dfdfdf, feels like a silk scarf tied around you at your upper arms just tightly enough to make moving freely difficult, smells like warm silver, tastes like raspberries.

Lumine: Closest to hex code #aed6cf, feels like when you first apply particularly slippery hand sanitizer, smells like light blue Gatorade, tastes like cashews.

Mona: #c5e391, feels like a sprig of catchweed brushed over the most calloused part of your hands, smells like cherries, tastes like orange honey.

Ningguang: Closest to #7a063b, feels like rolled-up tinfoil between your teeth, smells like dust, tastes like nutmeg.

Noelle: Closest to #dbb27f, feels like a cordial but decisive handshake, the sentiments behind which would have been better suited to a high-five, smells like strawberries, tastes like sunflower seed butter.

Paimon: Closest to hex code #fbcce8, feels like a particularly plush fleece blanket tossed against the left half of your face, smells like strawberry ice cream, tastes like an almost-ripe peach.

Qiqi: #ffffff, feels like the way mile-a-minute leaves prick the backs of your hands, smells like rye flour, tastes like ice and coconut water.

Razor: Closest to hex code #747857, feels like a dishrag, meant more for scrubbing than for comfort, to the forehead, smells like ballpoint pen ink and spicebush leaves, tastes like toasted pumpernickel bread crust.

Rosaria: Closest to #a99aae, feels like putting on a fluffy coat whose sleeves don’t quite cover your hands, smells like cardamom, tastes like chamomile tea.

Sucrose: Closest to hex code #ddeca6, feels like washing your hands, smells like plain buttercream frosting, tastes like avocado.

Tartaglia: #7197d8, feels like the wood grain on a well-aged but well-maintained support column in a hotel lobby, smells like eggshells, tastes like mashed barley and cold iron.

Venti: Closest to #f40a5d, feels like the way your clothes cling to you after the first proper downpour in living memory, smells like violets and Play-Dough, tastes like cherry Kool Aid.

Xiangling: #ecc008, feels like the inside of a corrugated cardboard coffee cup sleeve, smells like honey mustard, tastes like orangeade.

Xiao: Closest to hex code #a9a591, feels like the paper backing to a sheet of sandpaper, smells like mint and ozone, tastes like paper towels.

Xingqiu: #00a9db, feels like a feather shaft splintering between your teeth, smells like Vicks Vapo-Rub and watercolor paints, tastes like glass and nettles.

Xinyan: Closest to #ce5503, feels like riding a bike over a stretch of rounded uneven stones at such a pace that you’re not unsteady, but not quite fast enough to achieve any sort of airtime, smells like tomatoes, tastes like seasoned dry block ramen.

Yanfei: Closest to #eec4a8, feels like someone braiding your hair, gently but faster than one would expect, smells like lemon, tastes like thin cotton yarn.

Zhongli: Closest to hex code #576954, feels like having a large glass ball rolled across the back of your hands through a fleece blanket, smells like new potting soil, honey, and thyme, tastes like Earl Grey tea with milk and sugar, steeped for an appropriately long time and somehow kept at the right temperature for the entirety thereof.

[whetstonefires]

an exercise in worldbuilding

It is always simplest to start from a point and move outward, and so we begin in the Tower of Sight, where our twelve-year-old hero will first find himself summoned into this world.

The Tower is four hundred feet high, gently tapered, with a circumference of two hundred feet at its base, and the top three of its forty floors are filled with brass telescopes of every size, pointing in every possible direction, including several that do not exist within the normal three dimensions of space.

To the West these many spyglasses overlook a wide plain, all the way to the horizon, golden at this time of year and frequented mainly by roving herds of grazing beasts, both wild and tame. In the half-league nearest the Tower, tall grasses give way to the narrow strips of tilled fields, where the grain stands tall, almost ready for the harvest. If any harvest will come.

Near the other side of the Tower of Sight, a stone’s throw from the eastern point of the outer wall, runs a great river, green when the sun does not strike it directly, except in the spring when its tributaries flood and it turns to churned brown. There was a bridge here once, though it is long fallen but for the stubs of its pilings on each end, and nowadays all crossings are by ferry.

A small town clusters on both banks, even so. The roofs are of red tile, the stucco of the houses painted in shades of blue. It stands empty, but has not had time to fall into disrepair.

More farmland, speckled with villages in the same style of tile and paint, with wells in the center where they are not built on lesser watercourses, stretches away to the east, but if you look through one of the telescopes turned that way you will see it give way to blue mountains. (If you look through an enchanted telescope you may see trees without needles fail halfway up the nearest of the great peaks, and even these fail before the top, though there is a span of nearly barren stone past that line, before the snow begins.)

The range of mountains curves, and you can see them with the naked eye toward the south, on a fine clear day. To the North they fall away into a gentler, older range, which cannot be seen by ordinary human sight from this place, but which wrinkle the land between the plain and the sea into rolling green hills. 

The green band of the great river cuts a sharp path through these after coiling its way lazily north over the flatlands, and spreads into an abbreviated delta full of sandbars which is generally considered a nuisance to navigate, though navigated it normally very much is.

There is a city there, the nearest one to the Tower; its outer limits have spilled up onto the hills, and its tallest spires can be made out with mechanical aid, but only one telescope in the place can cut through earth and stone to make out any of the doings of the city proper, and calibrating it to focus at a particular distance and not dismiss all solid matter is a tiresome nuisance, and only rarely worth the trouble.

The very brave and sure of foot can keep their eyes on the surrounding country all the way down the Tower, until their sight is cut off a few stories above the ground by the six shining white sides of the outer walls, because the most direct (if not the quickest) route between the ground and the great sky-searching telescope on the roof is a great spiral stair wrapping around the outside.

These stairs, like the outer wall and the tower itself, seem to be of marble, although a great enchantment must have been worked when the tower was raised for this to be so, because it is far stronger than any other marble to be found anywhere, and unlike marble statues erected in city squares has never suffered wear from the weather.

The wall and stair are of pure white, like the marble quarried in the much-contested eastern foothills of the Evrin Dulle, but the Tower of Sight itself is built of blocks veined with every color, pale blues and purples, reds and greens and golden-duns all mottling toward white and grey and black, as though its builders determinedly sourced their materials from every source of marble on five continents.

It is furthermore banded in three places with rings of solid color twenty feet high—first, nearest the ground, the warm pale red found in some of the ruins on the isles of Thassalen that is quarried nowhere anymore, and which no one knows where it came from to begin with, then the delicate even green still found in small quantities in the most seaward copper mines of the Farlon Barrens, and finally, nearest the top, the prized pure black found only in the village of Xemahan, some way inland from the Trident Coast.

The Tower is a beautiful and timeless construct of art, but our hero when he sees it from a distance for the first time will find the effect of so much color, triply striped and encased within a white spiral, slightly frenzied, and make a remark no one present understands about a Doctor named Seuss. His guide, the dousing tracker Amnaphi, will assume this person to be a famous astronomer from his homeland.

Within the even hexagon of its outer wall, the Tower encloses a great parkland, enough that if it was all put under cultivation it could easily feed as many people as could live in the Tower itself. And indeed, there are records that show the Tower of Sight was once incorporated as a town in just this way, before the Ten Years’ Winter.

For seven generations now the Tower has been held by the Watchers of the Stars, an order of wizards originally from the Duthwaithe, and they have kept it more as a retreat of contemplation than a working estate. 

The only gate, in the southern wall, leads the visitor up a broad avenue paved in glittering granite, lined with stately beech trees, and just beyond these to either side an expanse of grass is rarely allowed to grow tall, as a small herd of goats is unleashed upon it once a week. At all other times, under normal circumstances, it is a pleasant lawn, where in the warm months what students have come as learners to the Tower may be found attempting to attend to their star-charts and metallurgy texts.

Thirty minutes’ easy stroll brings the visitor to a small artificial lake that lies at the foot of the Tower; it is stocked with several varieties of edible fish, which are caught by line as a recreational activity, and regularly served at supper. The wizard Chanult Foi, who was magister of the Tower for twenty years until last month, devoted a three hour block of time to ‘meditation’ every week, which took the form of fly-fishing from the nearest curve of the Tower steps.

To either side of the lake, and the Tower itself, are gardens: to the east, vegetables and herbs are grown, often with more artistry than prudence. The students generally have charge of this garden, apart from the more esoteric herbs which are tended to by a specialist, and competitions of aesthetic routinely spring up, resulting in elegant spirals of onions and gorgeously ornate trellises for the benefit of beans.

To the west grow the flowers, many of them with magical uses but some grown purely for their beauty. Kings have been known to try to sway the Watchers to their side with the gift of a particularly fine or rare live rose bush.

The northern third of the Tower’s park contains neatly regimented orchards, apples, pears, plums, and a few rows of carefully tended peaches and apricots, all clipped flat against low brick walls angled south and slightly west. 

The brick absorbs the sun all day, and radiates its warmth back; fruit grown along fruit walls ripens faster and later into the season, and the peaches and apricots have survived every ordinary winter as a result, though normally they cannot tolerate this climate.

(For many years the proposition of sheltering some or all of the fruit walls behind glass, to increase their effectiveness, has been debated at the semi-annual colloquiums of the Watchers of the Stars; thus far it has always been rejected despite being rather more wizardly than simple fruit walls, which are not uncommon at these latitudes nowadays, because the space constraints of the current arrangement mean that the proposed design would require cutting down some of the existing trees and demolishing at least a few walls, and wizards, while enthusiastic about innovation in the abstract, hate change.)

The inside of the north wall itself is covered in grape vines. They were harvested three weeks ago, and pressed, but the wine-making process was interrupted after that point and the juice has all been drunk raw. There is currently considerable debate over whether the security risk presented by having a climbable side of the inner wall is serious enough to waste the potential food value of the vines’ future fruit by cutting them down.

The Tower grounds are filled with refugees.

The first to arrive were housed inside, battered survivors of the battle that killed Chanult Foi, bearing word of disaster. There was not enough space left after that for the river-straddling town of Meryn to all relocate to the Tower, so those who did not fit indoors set up camp around the rim of the lake—half clustered near the great doors and half in the partial shade of the last pair of beeches. 

This division corresponds imperfectly to the usual split of the town by the course of the Meroda.

More have come since. From the villages nearby, and a few further away, although the further from the river they live the less willing farmers are to leave the grain standing in the fields even if the news has reached them. A wave of people fleeing ahead of the advance of the Moon People along the northern coast, joined and followed by people from the city who had the will and means to withdraw, but could not get passage on a seagoing vessel west, and so turned their hopes southward to this fortress of wizardry. 

The lawns are now too trampled by human feet to have any extra substance for the goats, and the annual flowers have been crushed and the carefully tended bushes cut back in the flower garden to make more space.

So far the vegetable garden has not been uprooted, though it has been subjected to unsanctioned raids; one student has regretted aloud valuing beauty over efficiency at planting time, in the spring, when all seemed well. Makeshift pallets line the spaces between every fruit wall—the injured are being laid out here, now that the Tower is full, to get the benefit at night of the warmth meant to mature fruit.

Even the granite avenue is inhabited, now, although a corridor has been kept open to allow for what comings and goings remain necessary in the expectation of a siege.

The fishermen of Meryn, with additional labor sourced mainly from the nearby villages but also by delta and harbor-folk who liked their chances on the river better than taking their small vessels across the wide sea, go out every day to catch and smoke fish, and there are hopes that the advance of the Moon People will hold off long enough to let the year’s grain harvest be taken in.

With luck, care, and wizardry, everyone here should be able to survive the winter, if all the grain within sight of the walls can only be reaped and threshed and stored away.

(Space will be found for any herdsmen who, seeing the enemy advance, drive their beasts in to be slaughtered for the common pot; hope is being hung on this as well, although undoubtedly most of the plainsmen will rely on their own nomadic lifestyle to keep them out of the way and outside the focus of the Moon People, and will not come near settled habitation any time soon.)

This morning, the student standing north-sentry in the Tower of Sight saw a great column of smoke go up from the city of Tolphis, at the mouth of the Meroda. Magister Heron Yl Fanult, Chanult Foi’s successor, spent an hour carefully tuning the spyglass that can look through solid matter to confirm what they all knew: the Moon People had reached Tolphis, and sacked it in a day.

Half of them are making ready to turn south along the Meroda.

Fear is metal in everybody’s mouths. The ancient walls of the Tower will hold—should hold—they have always held before—the Tower of Sight has never fallen but by treachery or deceit, the enchantments laid in the ancient days are too strong…but the Moon People are the successors of the ancient magics, and just because they could not break the walls the last time they came, according to legend, does not mean they have not worked out a method now.

Everyone who has a weapon and the knowledge of how to use it keeps it close, as a comfort. Labors over the sharpness of the edge in the evenings, sometimes, when there is nothing else to do but sleep, and sleep will not come. People who have only the weapon and not the knowledge scramble to obtain the latter, and people who have the knowledge and not the weapon scramble to barter or improvise one.

Young wizards sit in their bunks, six each to rooms that were previously individual, and hold lighting cupped dancing in their palms. Practicing.

Outside, the blue hats and scarves of the townspeople and villagers mill about the edges of the lake, like floating petals caught in a swirling eddy. The people who retreated upriver from Tolphis can be found sitting still, today, because they are weeping. 

Those who fled along the northern coast ahead of the storm are a mixed lot, more grim than panicking because they are the ones who retreated this far alive, scattered across the park in smaller groups—some with their heads decorously covered, though not always in the blues that are customary along the upper Meroda, others with naked crowns of braids, or cleanshaven in the nautical style of Hedro, where fur hats are worn for warmth rather than courtesy, and long hair is considered a risk because if it gets wet it cannot be easily removed, and this can cause a fatal chill.

The hale survivors of the First Battle of the Second Descent sit waiting in their leathers, jack-chains and helmets laughably inadequate armor against the coming danger, and yet the best hope now just as they were on Carun Tol once the wizard fell; their wounded lie still, except for a few who have been taken with fever and thrash at the foot of an apricot tree, or a pear tree growing heavy with yellow fruit.

A wizard specializing in physic, the same one who has had charge of the powerful herbs these four years, bends over a man who has been deprived of half his left leg. The golden threads in her green kirtle that mark her focus and her rank flash in the sun as it begins to sink, and sweat stands out on her brow. Threads have escaped from the braids pinned across the top of her skull: she has not had the chance to take them down for two days. 

At the very top of the Tower of Sight, Magister Yl Fanult steps away from the telescope-that-looks-through-hills with a soft sigh. He makes his way around the circumference of the tower room to set his face into the viewplate of the great lens array of the roof, trained as it long has been upon the face of the moon. No change there.

He leans forward to peer through the narrow glass that has been turned on its articulated base to face the middle of the room, and relaxes very slightly. At least there has been no catastrophic alteration there, either.

He steps over the ring of silver set into the floor of the chamber. Lowers himself to one creaking knee and blows into the upraised spout of the ring of glass tubing inside of that, then hurriedly caps it, stands with care, and steps over that as well. He snaps his fingers for a spark that falls into the deep circular groove full of distilled spirits, and steps through that as well. He is not burned.

He bends another time and pours out the small copper pail of water he fetched himself from the well in the basement of the Tower, filling the final circle.

Steps over that, and pauses just long enough to breathe in.

At his feet lie a glittering piece of gold ore, a moonstone, and a carefully sanded round of pumice. Heron Yl Fanult lets the breath out again, and stoops.

He cannot take much time. He has only until the ring of fire dies.

[bestbridallehenga]

How to Choose a Bridal Lehenga for Your Body Shape

If we were to receive a dime every time we hear a bride express her desire for an 18-kali full flared lehenga, we would have amassed a fortune by now! While it seems that a lehenga with an enormous flare, larger than the mandap itself, is every Indian bride's dream, there are a few factors to consider when selecting a lehenga that suits your specific body type. To begin with, if you are unsure about your body type,

There is an online calculator available that can determine your body shape. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common body shapes, including Hourglass, Apple, Pear, Rectangle, and Round Shaped. So, let's dive in!

Hourglass Shape

If you have an Hourglass or an X shaped body, then congratulations are in order! You have a figure that can rock pretty much anything. When it comes to lehengas, opt for an A-line style in a fluid fabric like Velvet, Georgette, or Chiffon. These fabrics will complement your shape beautifully without appearing stiff.

Lehenga Skirt To enhance your waist, pair your A-line lehenga with a short choli blouse. This will show off your waist and make you look like a million bucks!

Lehenga Dupatta When it comes to draping a lehenga dupatta, you have the freedom to choose any style. Just make sure that your waist is visible and the dupatta doesn't cover it up.

If you're looking for some lehenga options specifically tailored for your hourglass figure, here are a few suggestions.

Rectangle Shape

If you possess a rectangular body shape, also known as an H shape, it is likely that you have a slender and athletic frame without many curves. In order to enhance your figure, your lehenga should be designed to create the illusion of curves. Lehenga Skirt Opt for a wide and full skirt made from a stiff fabric to add volume at the bottom. Raw Silk would be an ideal choice for you, followed by net. To achieve a more flared look, consider adding can-can to the lehenga.

Lehenga Blouse Pair your flared lehenga with a low and plunging blouse to create the appearance of curves.

Dupatta Drape Since you may have broad shoulders, it is important to choose a dupatta that is not stiff, as it can further increase their width. Instead, opt for a flowy and soft dupatta to add a touch of softness to your overall look. Here are some lehenga options that will complement your body shape!

Pear Shaped body or Bottom Heavy

To flatter your pear-shaped or bottom-heavy body, it is important to focus on balancing out your proportions. When it comes to your lehenga skirt, opt for horizontal details that will create a sense of balance between your narrow top and curvy hips. Avoid fish-tailed or snug- fitting skirts, and instead choose something plain and flowy. Be cautious not to go for excessive flare, as it may make your body appear disproportionate.

Lehenga Skirt For your lehenga blouse, make it the highlight of your ensemble. Consider a blouse with some padding and a deep neckline, as this will help balance out your bottom half. Cape lehengas, high-neck, off-shoulder, or sleeveless blouses are all great options for you.  

Lehenga Dupatta When it comes to the lehenga dupatta, a cape style is ideal. Just ensure that the dupatta doesn't flare at the bottom, as it may add unnecessary weight to your look.

Here are some lehenga options that will complement your body shape!

Apple Shaped or Top Heavy

If the majority of your weight is concentrated at the upper part of your body, it is likely that you have an apple shape, V shape, or inverted triangle body type. Regardless of which category you fall into, layering can be your best ally!

Lehenga Skirt When it comes to choosing a lehenga skirt, opt for jacket lehengas as they are currently in trend. To flatter your figure, select soft and sheer fabrics that can be layered over one another. Additionally, make sure to choose a wide neckline to create a balanced look. Avoid fabrics like brocade or tissue, as they may give a flat appearance to your lower body. Instead, go for flowy materials that add movement.

Lehenga Blouse For the lehenga blouse, it is important to avoid closed-up necklines as they can make your upper body appear wider. Opt for wide and open necklines to create a more flattering silhouette. Steer clear of off-shoulder, deep necks, and sleeveless blouses, as they can give the illusion of a heavier top.

Lehenga Dupatta When it comes to the lehenga dupatta, avoid wrapping it around your neck or bust, as this can make you look heavier. Instead, consider draping it around your elbows for a more flattering look.

To help you in your search for the perfect lehenga, here are some options that will suit your body type!

[doomedandstoned]

Colin MacGregor: A Portrait

The cover artist for Doomed & Stoned in Scotland shares his craft and journey.

Last month, Doomed & Stoned revealed its latest survey of the heavy underground by zeroing in on the Scotland rock and metal underground, with our usual anchor to doom metal and stoner rock, but showcasing several genre blenders to boot.

We assembled an enthusiastic team of musicians, artists, and local media types to help us vet each of the submissions so we had the most authentic picture of the Scottish scene's character, as well as a listening experience of the utmost excellence.

Doomed & Stoned in Scotland by Doomed & Stoned

We're thankful to each of the bands who participated, and especially grateful for the enthusiastic participation of Colin MacGregor, whose striking dark, rich colors on canvas of an ancient druid captured the spirit of the project so succinctly, and inspired many a casual peruser to give the 40-band compilation a good and thorough hearing.

Following is a virtual gallery of his work, with commentary by Mr. MacGregor himself, from Colin MacGregor Maker Art.   (Editor)

SELF PORTRAIT IN RED (2009)

9x6” acrylic on board

This is pretty much how it all began.

I was living in a flat in the centre of Edinburgh with next to no furniture, no television, no internet connection (no landline!) or working radio, I had to think of a way to keep myself occupied in the evening when I wasn’t working. This is when I found a box of 20 small acrylic paint tubes I’d bought years before and never really used, along with about 5 paintbrushes of dubious quality.

Using a photo from my rather poor mobile phone at the time, I set about creating this painting on a piece of board that I had.

The colour comes basically through how I see people I meet, depending on circumstances. This is how most of my early paintings were executed.

THOMAS BLACKLOCK “THE BLIND POET” (2013)

20x16” acrylic on canvas

This one was painted for the then bar manager of a long-gone Edinburgh pub called The Blind Poet, and the portrait is of Thomas Blacklock, of the aforementioned moniker, who lived in Pear Tree House for most of his life and was an influence on both Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns, despite losing his sight as a child through smallpox.

The painting itself I don’t have much recollection of as I’d had extensive knee surgery at the time and was on quite a number of strong painkillers, but safe to say this painting led me to my first paid commission, where I produced two more paintings for Pear Tree House, one of which is still on display in their basement bar.

This one and the largest of the three, of Andrew Usher II, are currently in storage, I believe, in the south side of Edinburgh.

MAGGIE (2014)

12x9” acrylic on canvas

This was painted for my friend who was moving from Edinburgh to Bremen. She wanted something to put in her new home and also something to mark our friendship so I painted this in about 3 days.

It’s also quite rare in my canon as it actually has a bit of background in it, usually my backgrounds are just solid black.

This colour was actually quite difficult to get right, and it was applied in very thin layers and built up gradually, which is why I think it has quite a diffused, soft image overall.

ARANCHA (2017)

12x9” acrylic on canvas

This one is of my girlfriend and is based on a photo I took of her whilst walking through a park in Amsterdam. The photo itself was quite blurry as I took it on the fly whilst walking, but her face ended up on the whole in focus so I thought I could get something out of it.

There is a second version of this painting which is done in very pale pink and white paint, which was a bit of an experiment, but I kind of liked the challenge of doing something different

DAVID BOWIE (2016)

12x9” acrylic on canvas

This was painted within two weeks of the announcement of his death. I’d painted a few musicians before this one but they were all plain black and white, whereas this one actually had colour in the eyes, something a bit different to my usual stuff.

It was also the first painting I’d done by painting the canvas black first and drawing the basic shape on in chalk, something I’ve only done again once, and that was the recent Druid painting.

FRANK ZAPPA (2019)

12x9” acrylic on canvas

As mentioned above, this was actually started in 2016 and sat in various states of… started-ness, for around 3 years.

The painting actually spent most of its life as a scribbly mess of marker pen and gun-metal grey paint, and was almost scrapped entirely until I reassessed it in October 2019 and decided to attempt to salvage it, which I’m glad I did really as it’s been used on my business cards and as the “face” of the exhibition it was included in!

LEMMY (2019)

12x9” acrylic on canvas

I actually started this one, along with Frank Zappa, back in 2016 but the pair of them languished in various states of unfinishedness for a long, long time due to a variety of circumstances.

I eventually got them both back out of storage and managed to find the focus to finish them both in time for a week-long exhibition in Bannerman’s Bar, Edinburgh, which also featured Wraith, Cronos, Ozzy Osbourne, Chris Cornell, Nick Cave, David Bowie, Mark E. Smith, the aforementioned Frank Zappa and a rendition of the Xenomorph from the Alien movie franchise. This exhibition coincided with a Bismuth gig which had been organised by Bailey Junior, who was instrumental in dragging me out my block and getting these completed.

CRONOS (2019)

15x11” acrylic on canvas

Bailey Junior approached me with the idea of producing a poster for an upcoming gig he’d organised with a heavy doom band from England called Bismuth, expecting a fairly quick Photoshop effort.

I hadn’t painted in a while maybe a year or two, having suffered a drop in confidence and not being able to find the time or motivation, but I’d long wanted to create a poster which was almost entirely in paint, rather than digital text over the top, so this proved to be the spark needed to push myself into painting again.

Loosely based on the Ancient Greek myth of Cronos and partially based on “Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan'' by Ilya Repin (1885) it took two or three evenings to complete. The text for the poster was hand painted on separate canvases and then put together using Photoshop to give the impression it was a completely painted poster. The only thing not painted was the Scapegoat.tv logo which was added later, just before the gig took place.

OZZY OSBOURNE (2019)

12x9” acrylic on canvas

This one was really, really quick. Probably about 2 ½ hours from start to finish, maybe 3 at a push. Painted roughly about 7 days before I was due to open my first exhibition at Bannerman’s Bar, it was a last-minute decision, but turned out really great.

The acrylics were almost used like watercolors here, being as there were large light areas and deep, deep blacks.

I’m especially proud of the mouth area, it really has an almost 3D effect, something I rarely managed to get right.

WRAITH (2019)

16x12” acrylic on canvas

This was the second collaboration with Bailly and Scapegoat.tv after the Bismuth gig. This was designed for Japanese band Friendship but sadly due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 the gig was eventually cancelled.

The painting itself was based on a number of different sources for reference for cloth, lighting and the hand gesture. I’m not actually that much of a fan of painting hands to be perfectly honest.

The painting itself is currently still in Bannerman’s Bar. We were planning to hold another exhibition for all the paintings in the Bismuth gig exhibition again, but the day after putting them all up Lockdown began and the pub had to close, so I’ve not seen any of the exhibition paintings in person in about a year now.

Hopefully things will change soon.

MIKEY LAWLESS (2020)

12x9” acrylic on canvas

This one was painted in the first week of January 2020 for Mikey’s mother after Mikey himself sadly passed away from cancer just days after the new year began.

I think it took me roughly about 11-12 hours from start to finish and ended up being the only painting I completed that year, despite the coronavirus lockdown and other things happening.

DRUID (2021)

16x16” acrylic on canvas

And so it brings us to this one, again it took a nudge from Bailey to get me kick-started enough to unbox the paints again, and it took a bit of time to get started.

I’m not going to lie, after over a year of being nowhere near a paintbrush and canvas I was nervous and unsure if I could even do it, but once the canvas was primed and the blue paint started drawing out the shapes it started to come together.

It took about 4-5 days, give or take, spaced over a number of evenings, to complete and use references from a number of different sources.

The blue colour was chosen as a representation of Scotland in general, trying to capture the colour of the Saltire, but also evoke moonlight.

Follow Colin MacGregor

Get Colin MacGregor's Art

[wheresanne]

What It’s Like Living in Naju, South Korea

Moving to Naju to teach English with EPIK was one of the most unexpected adventures I could have ever experienced.

Before moving to Naju, Jeollanam-do province, however, I couldn’t find much information online about what it’s like living or working in Naju. Admittedly, I was a bit worried about transitioning from working in NYC to living in “rural Korea,” so I kept my expectations low.

After spending two years living and exploring the small city known for its delicious pears, I can promise you that I know a few things about Naju. If you find yourself visiting or living in Naju, I can also promise you that it isn’t as “rural” as you might think!

And here are some pros and cons you can expect living in Naju.

I have written some blog posts, shared tens of photos #AnneLovesNaju on Instagram, and recorded many videos of my travel experiences in Naju on YouTube. In summary, here are some things you should know about living in Naju, Jeollanam-do, South Korea.

What is Naju known for?

Among Koreans, Naju is best known for its delicious Asian pear “Naju bae” (나주배), the Naju Gomtang beef-bone soup (나주곰탕), flat plains along the Yeongsan River (영산강), and the new Naju Bitgaram Innocity (빛가람동) featuring KEPCO and 15 other big Korean corporation buildings relocated in 2014 from Seoul.

According to Wikipedia, Naju is also known as the “little Seoul” since it has the local Yeongsan River stretching throughout the tiny historic city.

First, I will share with you some of the cons of living in Naju which you should know and consider.

Cons of Living in Naju, South Korea:

There’s a very small expat community.

If you’re planning to move to South Korea and about to start teaching in Naju, you should know that Naju doesn’t have a huge expat community. It can be lonely at times. On the weekends, you may realize that most English teachers leave Naju and take the local bus or train to Mokpo or Gwangju for shopping, a bigger social life, etc. I heard Koreans used to go home to their families in Seoul on the weekends and only work on the weekdays in Naju Innocity.

Between the EPIK/JLP Programs, TaLK Program, local universities, restaurant workers, factory or farm foreigner workers, I would guess that there are about 100 to 200 foreigners living in Naju. You just have to find them!

Join both the Naju (나주) and the Gwangju (광주) Facebook Groups to find out any local events, communities, resources, etc. Both of these groups are good for meeting people, discovering what’s happening, or selling/buying items in the Naju area and Gwangju city.

Locals speak less English and see less foreigners compared to Seoul.

Since there aren’t many foreigners living or exploring Naju, the local Koreans will likely stare or give you attention and might even attempt to ask you what you’re doing in Naju!

Pros of Naju:

Naju is located on the Honam Line.

The local Naju Train Station (나주역) connects all the way up to Seoul if you want to visit Seoul within two hours. 

Naju has a new Innocity.

Public transportation is good and makes it easy to travel to other cities.

The cost of living in Naju is affordable.

Naju has flat plains, perfect for cycling or easy hiking.

Behind the local Naju High School and Dongshin University, the Geumseongsan Mountain (금성산) is the tallest mountain in Naju, where you can also see views of the local historic “Old Naju City” with views of the new Bitgaram “Naju Innocity” on the other side of the river.

There are two local airports with budget flight options.

In neighboring city Muan (무안) and local airport in Gwangju, which both connect to other airports throughout Korea and internationally to other Asian countries.

Air pollution isn’t a big issue in Naju as Seoul.

The air pollution down in Jeollanam-do province is still an issue, but not as high or concerning as it is in Seoul. In the recent years, thousands of families have relocated from Seoul to Naju Innocity for the promise of cleaner air.

Naju has one of the largest K-drama filming site in Jeollanam-do.

Naju is not Seoul

Naju is definitely not the big energy of Korea’s capital city. While many expats hope and dream of living and working in Seoul, living in Naju gives a chance to see other parts of authentic Korean culture.

After all said, living outside of Seoul in Naju, Jeollanam-do was a secret blessing in disguise.

Watch my video sharing what it’s like living in Naju on YouTube:

Still interested in life in Naju? Then read my post “Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Naju“